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Pictured to the left: Main Street in Cooperstown. Cover Photo Credit: Alexandra Buschmann
GIVING YOU A CONFIDENT SMILE!
What Sets Us Apart
Dr. Caruso, Dr. Micaroni, Dr. Hamlin and our team want everyone who visits our offices to feel relaxed from the moment they step through our door. People choose our practice because we are friendly, compassionate, straightforward, and honest.
We use the latest technology that make treatment more comfortable, and will work with you to find a care plan that meets your goals and expectations.
And, because we know emergencies don’t always happen during office hours, we provide emergency services, and special hours throughout the day to accommodate any patient having an orthodontic issue. Our doctors are on call 24/7 for any emergencies or questions that may arise during our patients’ treatment. Call now for a complimentary consultation.
Meet the Team:
Dr. Paul Caruso, D.D.S. Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
Dr. Cynthia Micaroni, D.D.S.
Dr. John Hamlin, D.D.S.
Editor’s Letter
There’s something about August in the Mohawk Valley—it holds onto summer with both hands. The long, golden evenings. The hum of fairs and festivals. The irresistible smell of food trucks and fresh-cut grass. It’s the season’s last big exhale before the air turns crisp.
This month’s MVL Road Trip issue is a love letter to late-summer adventures. From the sparkling lakes of Old Forge to the charming streets of Cooperstown, we’re highlighting some of our favorite destinations—plus the events, markets, live music, and can’t-miss local moments that make each town worth the drive. Whether you’re planning one last family getaway, a scenic solo escape, or just a Saturday afternoon road cruise, we hope this issue inspires you to get out and explore.
Here’s to soaking up every last drop of summer, discovering new places, and celebrating everything this region has to offer.
And because no road trip is complete without something delicious in the passenger seat, I had to include a few of my favorite sandwich stops across the Valley. (Let me know if I missed yours!)
Be sure to mark your calendar for some of the region’s most beloved summer traditions, including NYS Woodsmen’s Days in Boonville and the Herkimer County Fair—both local favorites that celebrate our community’s roots, talents, and spirit.
We’re also proud to feature the incredible work happening at The Arc of Oneida and Lewis Counties, where Progress Industries is making a powerful impact— building opportunities, skills, and confidence for people with disabilities while strengthening our local workforce. It’s an inspiring example of what happens when mission and community come together.
Carrie Byrne Putelo Editor-in-Chief & Owner
As we soak up these final weeks of summer, I’m already looking ahead to some meaningful fall issues: In October, our Top Doctors edition will spotlight some of the region’s most trusted medical professionals. In November, we’ll celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving with our Giving Issue—highlighting gratitude, generosity, and the people and organizations making a difference locally. And in December, our Holiday Gift Guide will showcase local makers and businesses that help make the season bright.
Also, MV Gives returns this September, and now’s the perfect time to start thinking about the causes and missions that mean the most to you. Whether it’s a nonprofit that shaped your childhood or one doing important work today, your support truly matters.
And finally, I’m gearing up for another season of unforgettable performances from Broadway Utica There’s nothing like live theater to bring us together— and this year’s lineup looks incredible.
Here’s to soaking up every last drop of summer, discovering new places, and celebrating everything this region has to offer.
See you on the road, Carrie
IN THIS ISSUE
37
Cover Story
The Great MVL Road Trip
This August, fuel up and head out. From lake days to festivals and firelight, we’ve mapped nine unforgettable Mohawk Valley escapes—each with scenic stops, smalltown charm, and summer magic in every mile.
Jenn Keida Owner/CEO
Buzz worthy
Happenings in the Mohawk Valley in August
Utica Stampede Rodeo & Expo
Join the excitement on Friday and Saturday, August 1 and 2 at 7 PM at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica as professional cowboys and cowgirls take over with bulls, broncs, and high-energy rodeo action. adkbankcenter.com/rodeo
CanalFest Weekend in Rome
Bring the whole family to Bellamy Harbor Park in Rome on Saturday, August 2 from 12 to 6 PM for CanalFest—a festive, free celebration along the Erie Canal featuring fishing, live music, crafts, food vendors, and inflatables. festivalnet.com/27069/Rome-New-York/ Festivals/Rome-Canalfest
Adirondack Railroad Beer & Wine Train Series
Hop aboard in Utica on August 8 and 22 at 6:30 PM for an evening ride filled with scenic views, live music, and tastings of regional beer and wine. This popular 21+ event sells out quickly—don’t wait to book your ticket! adirondackrr.com/utica/beer-wine-train
Celestial Bodies at Munson
Experience the striking sculptures of Karen LaMonte in Celestial Bodies, on view at Munson from August 1 through August 30. This internationally acclaimed exhibition explores themes of identity, beauty, and the cosmos through breathtaking glass and bronze figures. munson.art/karen-lamonte
Trenton Fish & Game Club Autism Awareness Trail Run
Lace up for a cause on Sunday, August 3 at 9 AM in Holland Patent for a scenic 5-mile trail run hosted by the Trenton Fish & Game Club in support of autism awareness. runsignup.com/Race/NY/HollandPatent/ trentonfishandgameclubautismawarenessrun
Pirates Day at Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo
On Saturday, August 9, families are invited to dress like pirates and enjoy games, scavenger hunts, and animal encounters at Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo. Admission includes all activities. fortrickey.com/events
Brewfest
Raise a glass at the Utica Zoo on Saturday, August 2 from 6 to 9 PM during Brewfest, the zoo’s biggest fundraiser featuring craft beer, live music, and food trucks—all happening right in Utica. uticazoo.org/brew
Levit AMP Music Series
Enjoy free outdoor concerts at Kopernik Park in downtown Utica on Monday nights and select Fridays—August 4, 11, 15, 18, 25 & 29 at 5:30 PM. Bring a chair or blanket and take in an incredible lineup of live music under the summer sky. greateruticachamber.org
GreenUtica Garden Tour
Take the GreenUtica Garden Tour on Saturday, August 16 from 10 AM to 3 PM. The tour is a free, self-guided walking/driving tour of home gardens in the City of Utica neighborhoods. Tour attendees can pick up maps at 1641Genesee St. & can drive/walk to tour stops from there. greenutica.org/events/greenutica-gardentour-2025
Photo: Mike Christoferson, @MLCreations Photography
15-17
Woodsmen’s Field Days & 10K Race & 5K Walk
Head to Boonville from Friday to Sunday, August 15–17 for a celebration of rural life, heavy equipment, and logging sports. The 10K race and 5K walk take place on Friday, August 15 at 6 PM. woodsmensfielddays.com
Sylvan Beach Boat Show
Get ready for family fun at Village Park in Sylvan Beach on Friday and Saturday, August 23 and 24, 10 AM to 7 PM on Friday and 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday. Browse vendor booths, admire boats on display, enjoy crafts, food, and lakeside activities at this popular community event along the Erie Canal. sylvanbeachny.com/events
AUG 31
RPMfest @ 7 Hamlets Brewing
Join the community on Sunday, August 31 from 12 to 8 PM at 7 Hamlets Brewing in Westmoreland. This all-day event honors Ryan P. Murphy and supports the Westmoreland PTO with live music, food, and fundraising fun.
Flotsam!
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind floating circus performance on August 22, 23, & 24th at 6:30 PM at Sylvan Beach, Rome & Frankfort along the Erie Canal. Expect live music, puppetry, acrobatics, and unforgettable visuals. rivercircus.com/schedule.html
Rome Art & Community Center Jazz Concert
Enjoy smooth jazz on the patio at the Rome Art & Community Center on Sunday, August 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Collage Jazz will perform favorites from the Great American Songbook, pop classics, and smooth jazz icons like George Benson and Spyro Gyra. romeart.org
For local events and more, visit oneidacountytourism.com
Facebook Instagram
Sarah’s Spotlight: Event of the Month
Clinton Arts & Music Festival
There’s something magical about Clinton in the summer—and Saturday, August 23 from 10 AM to 8 PM is the perfect time to experience it. This is my Buzzworthy pick of the month: the Village Green transforms into a hub of live music, local art, food trucks, and small-town charm. And personally, this year’s event means even more— it falls on my daughter’s first birthday. clintonnychamber.org
SARAH FOSTER CALERO is President, Oneida County Tourism & Contributing Editor, Mohawk Valley Living
Photo: by Paul Kahl
In the Know
Swan Pools Celebrates 70 Years of Family, Hard Work, and Backyard Dreams
This year marks a major milestone for Swan Pools: 70 years of building, servicing, and transforming backyards across the Mohawk Valley. Founded in 1955 in Ilion, the family-owned business has grown into a trusted regional name, now spanning two locations— Ilion and Washington Mills—and four generations of dedication. From in-ground installations and liner replacements to full-service maintenance, water testing, and weekly pool care, Swan Pools has evolved with its customers—many of whom are now third- and fourth-generation clients. Their work doesn’t stop at installation. They open pools, close them, clean them, test water, and replace liners—often for the same families season after season.
“We’ve built pools for the grandparents, the parents, and now the kids and grandkids,” says Dana, the third-generation owner who has spent the past 25 years helping shape the company’s reputation for quality and care. “It’s generational in every sense. We’re not just selling pools—we’re part of family stories.”
The Swan team includes Dana’s mother, Fran; her son, Colin; two nieces, Taylor and Lea; family friend, Josh; and their trusted crew— “the guys”—without whom the work simply couldn’t get done. Each brings heart and hard-earned experience to the business. Colin, now representing the fourth generation, has been out on job sites since he was a kid. And when the Ilion store needed a new sign, it was Colin who stepped up to recreate the original diver artwork by hand —bringing the legacy full circle with a design that honors the past while looking ahead.
“I’m honored. It’s hard work,” Dana says. “But we’ve become a symbol in this community. On my personal time, people stop me just to say thank you.” She paused for a moment, her voice steady but full of meaning. You could tell this wasn’t just business—it was deeply personal. “And it means everything… we’re training the next generation to carry this forward.” Seventy years in, it’s clear: Swan Pools isn’t just a store—it’s a legacy.
Visit Swan Pools & Spas
Through changing markets, tough weather, and COVID-era challenges, the family has remained focused on the one thing that matters most: the people they serve.
August 18th marks National Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day, a moment to honor the selfless individuals who answer the call without expectation of reward. Across the Mohawk Valley, these everyday heroes train, respond, and protect—balancing their service with full-time jobs, families, and personal commitments.
Pictured: Michael McGovern of the Frankfort Fire Department battling the Charlestown Mall fire in 2020.
To all the volunteer firefighters in the Mohawk Valley: we see you, we appreciate you, and we salute you.
Ilion: 132 E Main St, Ilion (315) 895-4321
Washington Mills: 3989 Oneida St #9706 · (315) 982-9760
Both locations open at 10 AM
The Women’s Fund: 28 Years of Empowering Women and Girls
For over 28 years, The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties has been a volunteer-led force for good— supporting women and girls through crisis, education, and empowerment programs that create lasting change.
As the Fund grew and became known as a local source of hope and help, the late Richard Hanna—area businessman and former congressman—approached the board with a proposal: to create a fund that could provide immediate relief to individual women facing crisis. With his support, Annie’s Fund was established in 2004. The first gift was simple but life-changing: just enough for a woman to renew her nursing license and continue providing for her family. Since then, the fund has helped countless women overcome barriers and regain stability.
The Fund also invests in the future through programs like Women Investing in Women, which provides grants to local women-owned businesses to help them grow and give back.
Powered by volunteers and donors, The Women’s Fund is built on one core belief: when women support women, everyone moves forward. Applications to apply for a $5,000 Women Investing In Women Grant are available starting Friday, August 1, 2025. Grants made available to women- owned businesses in Herkimer and Oneida Counties. Apply on the website at womensfundhoc.org
Above: Dana, her mother Fran, son Colin, two nieces, Taylor and Lea, family friend, Josh below the sign Colin created - a tribute to the past, drawn with heart, and steeped in family legacy.
In the Know
200 Years Along the Erie Canal
The Waterway That Changed Everything
Before highways and railroads, there was the Erie Canal—a 363‐mile marvel that transformed New York into America’s economic lifeline. Completed in 1825, it linked the Great Lakes to the Atlantic, carrying commerce and culture through the Mohawk Valley. Two centuries later, the canal’s story still flows through our towns—and this summer brought celebration after celebration.
History + August Flashback:
Originally nicknamed “Clinton’s Ditch” by skeptics, the canal proved its worth almost instantly—cutting freight costs by around 90% and birthing vibrant canal towns like Herkimer, Little Falls, and Rome. Now it’s the summer trail you bike, the lock you visit, the heritage you feel.
This month, the Erie Canal’s 200th birthday takes center stage across the Mohawk Valley:
Canal Celebrations: Rome, Aug 5–7, Little Falls, Aug 6–10, Herkimer, Aug 6–10, Sylvan Beach, Aug 8–10
Herkimer Home Canal Days Events Aug 6–10
Floating arts with Flotsam River Circus in Sylvan Beach, Aug 22, Rome, Aug 23 and Frankfort Marina, Aug 24… and dozens of walking tours, museum events, and canal-side concerts throughout the region.
Looking Ahead – Seneca Chief Comes Home This October:
The bicentennial doesn’t end with August. In October, the full-scale replica of the Seneca Chief—the very boat Governor DeWitt Clinton rode in 1825—will be docked locally with community events:
Oct 8 | Rome Bellamy Harbor Park, 139 E Whitesboro St, Rome, NY 13440 — Locktoberfest kicks off with live music, food trucks and the boat welcome party.
Oct 11 | Little Falls Canal Place (Sterzinar Park), 410 Canal Place, Little Falls, NY 13365 — The Seneca Chief docks at 11:30 am, followed by live music, food vendors, plein‐air painting and a kid’s contest through 6 pm.
From the August celebrations to the fall voyage, the Erie Canal’s bicentennial is more than history—it’s a season of connection. Whether you’re waving at the Seneca Chief or drifting along a towpath, the canal’s story continues—and there’s so much more to come.
HARVARD-TRAINED PAIN SURGEON BRINGS ADVANCED CARE TO THE MOHAWK VALLEY
By Carrie Byrne Putelo
This August, CNY Brain & Spine proudly welcomes Dr. Edgar Remotti, a Harvardtrained interventional pain management specialist, to its expanding regional practice. Dr. Remotti brings a new era of minimally invasive, patient-first pain care to the Mohawk Valley, combining world-class training with the latest advancements in non-opioid treatment and neuromodulation.
Fellowship-trained at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Dr. Remotti is known for delivering highly personalized treatment plans using cutting-edge technologies such as spinal cord stimulation,
regenerative medicine, stem cell technology, radiofrequency ablation, and kyphoplasty. His approach is modern, multidisciplinary, and deeply compassionate— helping patients reclaim function, mobility, and quality of life without overreliance on medication.
“I’m honored to join CNY Brain & Spine and bring Harvard’s pain management model to the Mohawk Valley,” said Dr. Remotti. “I’m especially excited to work with Dr. Q and his nationally recognized robotic and minimally invasive spine program. Together, we are building a future-focused care model— where patients can access world-class spine and pain
solutions close to home.”
Dr. Remotti will serve patients throughout the Mohawk Valley expanding access to specialized care in both clinic and surgical settings. His addition strengthens CNY Brain & Spine’s position as a regional leader in pain medicine and neurospine innovation.
With a firm belief that “pain management is never one-size-fits-all,” Dr. Remotti works closely with each patient to create a customized care path that reflects their lifestyle, goals, and long-term health.
“No one should have to live in pain,” he adds. “My job is to help people get back to the
“My job is to help people get back to the life they want— whether that’s walking without discomfort, playing with their kids, or just getting a good night’s sleep.”
- Dr. Edgar Remotti
life they want—whether that’s walking without discomfort, playing with their kids, or just getting a good night’s sleep”.
Dr. Remotti’s arrival represents more than a new physician—it’s a pivotal investment in elevating the standard of care across the Mohawk Valley. Together with Dr. Q and the CNY Brain & Spine team, he is committed to transforming the way we approach spine, nerve, and musculoskeletal pain: smarter, safer, and with a deeper commitment to outcomes that truly matter.
The CNY Brain and Spine team is
Mohawk Valley.
SEPTEMBER 5 | 7:30 PM
SEPTEMBER 6 | 2 PM
THE STANLEY THEATRE
PURPOSE AT WORK
By Carrie Byrne Putelo
Some of the most impactful work in the Mohawk Valley happens quietly—inside redemption centers, commercial kitchens, and packaging facilities where people are building lives with purpose and pride. At The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, CEO Karen Korotzer and her team lead four dynamic programs—Nickelback Redemption Center, Progress Industries, Chef’s Express, and CollegeWorks forming a powerful pipeline of opportunity.
At Nickelback Redemption Center in Waterville, bottles and cans turn into paychecks and purpose. The center offers fast, friendly service while employing individuals with developmental disabilities, and supports the community through bottle drive fundraisers for local schools, teams, and nonprofits.
Progress Industries, with locations across Oneida and Lewis counties, has been a trusted manufacturing and packaging partner for over 50 years. Their long-standing partnership with F.X. Matt
Brewing Company is a model for inclusive employment, where people of all abilities work side-by-side and take pride in delivering quality, on-time results.
Chef’s Express gives individuals the opportunity to explore culinary training and food service careers while preparing and packaging real meals. Participants gain confidence and hands-on experience in a professional kitchen— learning skills they can take anywhere, whether it’s catering, hospitality, or simply cooking for their families.
CollegeWorks, based on the MVCC campus, offers students with developmental disabilities a full college experience— from academics and clubs to campus life and dormstyle housing. The program
Robert, a 2017 CollegeWorks graduate, has spent the past six years working at Progress Industries. When I asked him what he loves most about the job, he smiled and said, “I love it. It keeps me busy and focused.”
builds independence, confidence, and career readiness through real-world curriculum, community involvement, and internships that prepare students for what’s next. Sometimes, the programs come full circle.
All I can say to Robert is this: I’ll stay busy and focused on sharing the incredible mission of The Arc—so programs like Nickelback, Progress Industries, Chef’s Express, and CollegeWorks can continue to thrive, and people like Robert can keep doing what they love.
Be Social
One iconic race.
From local fundraisers to fun nights out, we’re highlighting the people who are out and about in the Mohawk Valley—showing up, pitching in, and making things happen. See what everyone’s been up to and where the action is.
Thousands of unforgettable stories.
On Sunday, July 13, the streets of Utica pulsed with energy as more than 15,000 runners and wheelchair athletes plus spectators from all over the region came together for the 48th annual Boilermaker Road Race. The day was hot and humid—temperatures climbed to nearly 90 degrees—but that didn’t stop the Mohawk Valley from showing up in full force.
The 15K and 5K races drew elite international talent and local runners alike, with John Korir and Veronica Loleo taking first in the 15K and Brandon Moran and Juliet Hull leading the 5K field. In the wheelchair division, Miguel Jimenez Vergara and Hoda Elshorbagy crossed the finish line in top spots, pushing through the challenging course with determination and grace.
Along the route, Utica neighbors handed out popsicles, cheers, and water, volunteers staffed every corner, and first responders stood ready as heat-related illnesses reminded all just how intense the day truly was. Still, the finish line at the F.X. Matt Brewery transformed into a massive celebration of endurance, spirit, and community pride.
From world-class athletes to first-time finishers, the 2025 Boilermaker was more than a race—it was a testament to what makes this region special.
This is the Mohawk Valley at its very best.
Masonic Medical Research Institute
Presented by The Fountainhead Group and MMRI Board of Directors
Monday, August 25, 2025 Yahnundasis Golf Club 6:00 p.m.
Join MMRI for a lively Pig Roast Party in memory of our dear friend and supporter, Sal Raspante, no golf clubs required! Whether you played the course or simply want to enjoy great food, live music, raffles, and community, grab your ticket and help us celebrate Sal’s legacy while supporting heart disease research.
The MMRI Golf Classic will be a "Par-Tee" day full of golf, community, and giving.
6:00 p.m. Cocktail hour
7:00 p.m. Pig Roast party, live music, celebration, and tons of food!
$1,200 Per Foursome
Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available!
$100 Per Person “Pig Roast Party” Ticket
To register online, scan the QR code or visit mmri.edu/golf.
Out & About in the Mohawk Valley
From bocce courts to business mixers, summer social life is in full swing across the Mohawk Valley. The World Series of Bocce brought the crowds to Rome, where teams, fans, and families turned out for one of the region’s favorite traditions—complete with fierce competition, familiar faces, and plenty of cheering from the sidelines.
Elsewhere, locals gathered for charity golf, networking nights, and summer tournaments— from Camp Gorham to Utica University. Whether dressed for the green or in team colors, Mohawk Valley residents showed up, showed out, and reminded us why there’s nothing better than summer in our corner of New York.
1: The World Series of Bocce kicked off yesterday at the Toccolana Club in Rome.
2: MVL’s Megan Polce with Mia Mirabelli, Brooke Frawley, Eva Rutkowski competing in the World Series of Bocce in Rome.
4: Young professionals gather for Greater Utica Chamber Business After Hours at the Utica Zoo.
5: Hitting the links at the Nicholas D. Laino Annual Golf Tournament
6: New Hartford girls take the win at the Utica University Tournament! 3 1
Share your Mohawk Valley moments with us!
Please send photos to press@mohawkvalleyliving.com 2 4
5 6
MV Entertainment
AUGUST ENTERTAINMENT
CALENDAR
August brings the heat—and the hits. From big-name concerts and open-air festivals to theater under the stars and canal-side performances, the region is alive with sound and story this month. Whether you’re chasing the rush of live music, planning a family night at the fair, or looking to escape into a Broadway show, this is the season to fill your calendar and fuel your summer spirit. Here’s what’s playing, rocking, and lighting up stages across the Mohawk Valley.
UTICA
Stampede Rodeo & Expo (1)
Dates: Fri–Sat, August 1–2, 7:00 pm
Venue: Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium (“The Aud”), Utica, NY Rodeo events include bull riding, barrel racing, and more. (adkbankcenter.com)
ROME
Capitolfest Film Festival (2)
Dates: August 8–10
Venue: Capitol Theatre, Rome
Multiple classic film screenings daily
COOPERSTOWN
Glimmerglass Festival (3)
Becoming:The Evolution of Storytellers
Date: August 14, 4:30 pm
HERKIMER
Downtown Chowdown
Dates: Mondays in August (Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25), 4–8 pm
Location: Myers Park, Herkimer Food trucks & live local music
DON’T MISS: Utica Comets (5)
The countdown is on—Utica Comets hockey returns October 10th. Secure your season tickets today and be part of the action from game one!
Call 315-790-9070, email info@uticacomets.com
STANLEY THEATRE - BROADWAY UTICA
5 Photo: Kyle Martino/Utica Comets
THE MUSIC SCENE
VERONA
Turning Stone Resort Casino
• The Black Crowes (1) – Friday, August 1st @ Event Center
• Chicago (2) – Saturday, August 9th @ Events Center
• David Lee Roth (3) – Friday, August 15th @ Event Center
• Dirty Honey (4) – Saturday, August 16th @ Showroom
COOPERSTOWN
Glimmerglass Festival
Odyssey (family-friendly recital) (5)
August 3rd–8th
UTICA
AMP Levitt Music Series
Every Monday night in August, plus two Fridays, 15th and 29th
Location: Kopernik Park
FRANKFORT
Herkimer County Fair
August 13th–16th, live music every night!
LITTLE FALLS
Patio Nights @ Rock Valley Brewing Co.
Every Saturday in August, 7 pm
Location: 56 W Mill St., Little Falls
ROME
Capitol Theatre
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (6) Wednesday, August 21st, 8 pm
OLD FORGE
Lakefront Concert Series
Live music every Sunday night in August, 7-9 pm
Location: Old Forge Lakefront
DON’T MISS:
Yarn at Unity Hall (7)
Barneveld’s beloved Unity Hall hosts Yarn on Wednesday, August 20th at 7:30 pm. Known for their Grammy-nominated blend of Americana, alt-country, and gritty storytelling, this Brooklyn-born band brings high-energy charm and road-honed talent to one of the region’s most intimate venues.
Tickets: $25–$30 at unityhall.com
LAVENDER AND CUT FLOWER FARM
Looking for a joyful summer escape? Come visit us at Spring Creek Lavender. Whether you're craving a peaceful walk through the flowers, a fun-filled family outing, or just need some good oldfashioned goat snuggles—we’ve got you covered.
U-Cut Flowers throughout August
Meet our friendly farm animals
Explore our butterfly house
Shop our store for lavender products, alpaca clothing, and more
Special events like goat yoga, wreath making, and floral nights
Sandwich Stops
WORTH THE DRIVE
By Carrie Byrne Putelo
Whether you’re chasing crispy ciabatta, a stacked sub or smoky barbecue on a soft roll, the Mohawk Valley delivers. This roundup of local sandwich favorites spans roadside gems, family-run delis, and cozy cafés—each one offering a signature handheld that’s fresh, flavorful, and totally worth the trip. From Rome to Cooperstown and everywhere in between, these are the stops locals swear by and visitors crave again and again. Come hungry.
Known for hearty Italian American. Try their new Crispy Caprese Chicken Sandwich: panko-encrusted fried chicken layered with marinated tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, arugula, and finished with pesto mayo and a balsamic drizzle. Each bite strikes the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, with bright, garden-fresh flavors and a bold, savory finish that makes this sandwich an instant standout.
Black Stallion Restaurant
Photos by Rich Eaton
Crust Kitchen & Bar
86 Hangar Rd, Suite 101, Rome, NY 13440 • (315) 356 - 8000
Known for playful, personality-rich ciabatta sandwiches with bold flavors. Try their signature handhelds like my favorite – Chris’ Slow Roast — house-roasted prime rib on toasted ciabatta with olive oil, salt & cracked pepper or fan favorite, The Negotiator — fried chicken cutlet, provolone, roasted peppers, smoked bacon, basil, mayo, spicy Calabrian-chili spread & honey drizzle. Each sandwich is crafted with fresh ingredients and a dash of local flair.
It’s become a local icon for jelly buns, tomato pie, donuts, rolls—and, of course, its signature Utica halfmoon cookies. But come lunchtime, it’s all about the sandwiches. Fresh-baked rolls meet top-tier fillings. Try their turkey and cheese piled on a fresh bakery roll with crisp toppings. Add a scoop of housemade mac or potato salad and you’ve got a regional staple done right.
The Caboose
151 Route 28, Inlet, NY 13360 • (315) 219 - 0857
A seasonal favorite in the heart of the Adirondacks, the Caboose serves up fresh, satisfying bites with laid-back lakeside charm. Try their portobello mushroom panini—grilled balsamic-marinated mushroom caps, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella on warm ciabatta. Earthy, melty, and full of flavor, it’s a standout vegetarian option that even meat lovers crave.
Fast, fresh, and customizable. Try The Pepe — Ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato & mayo and customize by adding tons of toppings. Or for my summer favorite - try the Unwich where they swap the bread for romaine to boost crispness.
Serving Central New York since 1915, Mazzaferro’s is a must-try in Rome— known for quality meats and a deli you can’t beat. You’ll find all the classic cold cuts you love, like a mixed Italian, plus hot subs like Philly Steak, Meatball, or Sausage & Peppers—all made fresh and full of flavor. Hefty, savory, and built for big appetites.
Slice Pizzeria
2007 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13502 • (315) 507-3197
A bold twist on the classic pizzeria, Slice brings serious flavor and crave-worthy comfort with every order. Their standout? The vodka parm—crispy chicken cutlet made with house-seasoned breadcrumbs, topped with creamy vodka sauce and fresh mozzarella, then toasted to perfection in the brick oven on a signature seasoned tunnel roll. It’s rich, melty, and totally addictive. One bite and you’ll see why locals keep coming back.
Mello’s Subs
242 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13502 • (315) 735 -3137
You haven’t had a sub until you’ve had a Mello’s sub. Known for their no-frills, made-right deli classics, Mello’s delivers consistency, quality, and serious flavor. My go-to is the half-turkey, half-roast-beef — piled high with extra lettuce, salt & pepper, on soft, slightly chewy Italian bread that’s always fresh. The meats are cold and perfectly portioned, the veggies crisp, and the whole thing tastes just like a great sub should.
Aqua Vino
8655 Clinton St, New Hartford, NY 13413 • (315) 732- 0116
Best known for upscale Italian dishes, Aqua Vino also delivers one of the boldest sandwiches in the region: Geno’s Steak Sandwich. Pan-roasted filet mignon, sautéed peppers, and melted provolone, all layered onto toasted garlic bread— it’s rich, satisfying, and anything but ordinary. Try their other twists on the classics, like the Bologna with Long Hots or the BLT Avocado Smash. This is comfort food, reimagined with a chef’s touch.
Stagecoach Coffee
A regional BBQ gem and longtime local favorite, Voss delivers comfort classics with smoky, satisfying flavor. Try their Pork BBQ—fresh-sliced pork roast and house-made BBQ sauce with the perfect kick, served on a soft roll. Trust me: order an extra side of BBQ sauce for good measure. Also worth the stop: their Ham BBQ and classic steak sandwich. Pair any of it with their always-perfect crinkle-cut fries, and you’ve got a drive-up meal that hits every time.
Pumpernickel’s Deli
120 Genesee St, New Hartford Shopping Center, New Hartford, NY 13413 • (315) 735 - 8121
My favorite thing about Pumpernickel’s? The house-made turkey—it hits the spot every time and gives you that Thanksgiving-leftovers feeling all year long. Last time I was there, I ordered it on pumpernickel (how could I not?)—fresh, thick-cut bread, stacked turkey, crisp lettuce, and that classic side of chips and a pickle. But if you’re in the mood for something warm and melty, try it grilled on focaccia with Swiss, spinach, and dill dip—pressed to perfection on the panini grill. It’s the kind of sandwich that feels indulgent but comforting.
Cafe-style paninis with seasonal flair. Try their Press Special — house-cured meats, fresh cheeses, and veggies on a warm, pressed panini. Cozy vibes, fresh ingredients.
homemade Italian-American cuisine, The Black Stallion in Vernon offers favorites like Chicken Riggies, Italian Greens, arancini, steaks, fresh seafood, and homemade desserts. Seasonal menus feature locally sourced ingredients, generous portions, and attentive service. Catering is also available for any size event.
5656 State Route 5, Vernon, New York (315) 829-2203
Wed–Thu 3–9pm; Fri–Sat 3–10pm; Sun 12–7pm Your Drink, Your Way! Your Drink, Your Way!
Restaurant Guide
Bangin’ Shrimp is a fan favorite for a reason— crispy gulf shrimp tossed in a spicy chili cream sauce that hits all the right notes. Bold, zesty, and totally crave-worthy.
Family owned and
& corn. Many specials also offer gluten-free options. Check out Facebook and Instagram for weekly and drink specials.
NY- 8, Cold Brook, NY; (315) 826-5050; Open Wed–Sat 12–9pm; Sun 12–8pm; Mon–Tue closed.
The Great MVL Road Trip
By Carrie Byrne Putelo
This August, fuel up the car, queue up your favorite road-trip playlist, and hit the open road—because summer in the Mohawk Valley is made for exploration. We’ve mapped nine unforgettable weekend escapes— from riverside villages to lakeside retreats. Each stop delivers its own vibe: festivals, food, scenic views, and hidden gems—matched with itinerary ideas and just the right ride for every mood. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, antiques, or firewood-scented campfires, here’s your guide to summer memories that stick.
If You Go:
August Events
• “Twelfth Night: Grand Tour” concert, Aug 4 at Christ Episcopal Church - 46 River Street, Cooperstown
• Pick Blueberries, Raspberries & Early Apples at Middlefield Orchard, 2274 State Hwy 166, Cooperstown
• Lakefront Concert Series, Tuesdays in August at Lakefront Park, 6:30 PM (Aug 5, 12, 19, 26) - 24 Lake St, Cooperstown
• Caroga Arts Ensemble concert, Aug 13 - Fenimore Farm, 5775 NY-80, Cooperstown
• Glimmerglass Festival continues through Aug 17 - 7300 NY-80, Cooperstown
Attractions
• Fenimore Farm & Country Village for living-history exhibits5775 NY-80, Cooperstown
• Daily interactive experiences at the Hall of Fame’s “Discover Cooperstown” program 25 Main St, Cooperstown
Must-See Nature
• Paddle or swim at Three Mile Point on Otsego Lake - 6266 State Highway 80, Cooperstown
• Hike Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park nearby - 133 Davis Rd, Schenevus
• Nicoletta’s Italian Café – 96 Main St, Cooperstown; (607) 547-7499
• Brewery Ommegang –656 County Hwy 33, Cooperstown; (607) 544-1800
Weekend Add-On
Stay at The Otesaga and catch the 50th-anniversary Glimmerglass Festival before its Aug 17 close.
Brewery Ommegang
Cooperstown
A timeless summer escape, Cooperstown blends Americana charm with culture, history, and outdoor beauty. Stroll Main Street, tour the National Baseball Hall of Fame, paddleboard on Otsego Lake, or catch a performance at the Glimmerglass Festival. Whether it’s art at the Fenimore, a brewery visit, or a boat ride on the Glimmerglass Queen, this lakeside village has something for every kind of day-tripper.
AUGUST
HIGHLIGHT: Belgium Comes to Cooperstown at Brewery Ommegang (Aug 22–24) –Enjoy 100+ Belgian-style brews, gourmet food, and live music in a relaxed, rustic setting. 656 County Highway 33, Cooperstown
Editor’s Pick
Spend an afternoon at the Fenimore Art Museum followed by dinner and a walk along Otsego Lake—it’s the perfect blend of culture and nature that defines a Cooperstown summer. And, on the way down stop by Butternut Barn Primitives on 1185 Allen Lake Rd in Richfield Springs for some of the best antiques and primitives in the Mohawk Valley!
Glimmerglass Festival
National Baseball Hall of Fame
Otsego County
AUGUST HIGHLIGHT:
Experience Nature ROCKS Weekend at Herkimer Diamond Mines Resort, Aug 15–17! Enjoy diamond mining, gemstone sluicing, a rock scavenger hunt, geode and fossil making, nature-inspired art, live music, & karaoke under the stars. A weekend of outdoor adventure & creativity for all ages!
Herkimer County
Herkimer
Think STEM meets sparkle: the Herkimer Diamond Mines let you dig for real Herkimer Diamonds and spark curiosity in equal measure. Explore STEM exhibits, take in the natural beauty of the KOA resort, and enjoy a weekend full of hands-on edutainment— where education and entertainment combine.
If You Go:
August Events
• Herkimer County Fair, Aug 12-17 at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds135 Cemetery St, Frankfort
• Historic Four Corners Ghost Hunt - Limited tickets, Aug 15 & 16, returning Oct 25400 & 406 N Main St, Herkimer
• Themed weekends at the KOA Resort through Aug 31st - 4626 NY-28, Herkimer
Attractions
• Herkimer Diamond Mine on-site museum and gift shop
• Daily family-friendly mining demos
Must-See Nature
• KOA Resort grounds with hammocks, trails, and forested pavilions
• Salvatore’s Pizzeria and Restaurant – 650 1/2 W German St, Herkimer; (315) 866-2600
Weekend Add-On
Stay overnight at the Herkimer KOA Resort (treehouse, cabin, tent, or RV options) and take a tube ride down Splash Alley. Add a scenic boat ride on the Erie Canal from Gems Along the Mohawk at 800 Mohawk Street, Herkimer.
Editor’s Pick:
Don’t skip the sluicing station at Herkimer Diamond Mines—it’s a hit with kids, and I personally can’t resist the thrill of unearthing a perfect quartz crystal. If you have extra time, head to the Artisan Station to create your own jewelry! And, stop by Mohawk Valley Community Market at 142 North Main Street for antiques.
Nature ROCKS Weekend
Herkimer KOA
If You Go:
August Events
• Canal Celebration at Old Bank Building Museum, Aug 5–10319 South Ann Street, Little Falls
• Rev-D at Canal Days, Aug 8, 7–10 PM at Rock Valley Brewing Co - 56 W Mill St, Little Falls
• Tyrone Johnson-Neuland “Petals, Politics, and Parables” Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts through Aug 10 at Renaissance Pub550 East Main Street, Little Falls
Attractions
• Moss Island State Park - Little Falls
• Main Street and Canal Place antique shopping
Must-See Nature
• Kayak or swim the Mohawk River
• Relax in riverfront parks and take the historical walking tour
• Ruggiero’s Trattoria – 546 E Main St, Little Falls; (315) 823-1414
• Renaissance Pub (featuring John Paul Gardner beginning August 19th) –550 E Main St, Little Falls; (315) 556-1006
Weekend Add-On
Book a riverside Airbnb or a farm-stay like “The Stead” tiny home on an alpaca farm which you can find on vrbo.com. Take an Erie Canal boat cruise.
Editor’s Pick:
Hike Moss Island early in the day—sunlight cuts through the gorge beautifully and you’ll often have it all to yourself then head to town to shop at Paca Gardens for the best hiking socks around.
Little Falls 3
Little Falls has a rugged, artsy charisma—where dramatic rock ledges meet indie galleries and canal history. Spend your day exploring antique shops, hiking Moss Island’s rock formations, and enjoying Canal Celebration festivities.
Herkimer County
AUGUST HIGHLIGHT:
2025 marks the Bicentennial of the Erie Canal—Little Falls Canal Celebration (Aug 6–10) offers parades, tours, live music, fireworks, and more to honor two centuries of canal heritage.
The Stead
Moss Island State Park
Editor’s Pick:
Wake up early and take a trek to Pixley Falls on a hot August date - cool down with a breathtaking view then head to Woodsmen’s Field Days and indulge in fried dough and fresh squeezed lemonade. Don’t forget— Woodgate Pines Golf Club is just up the road at 2965 Hayes Rd West in Boonville if you feel like hitting the links. It’s a beautiful, tree-lined course that’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon round before dinner or as a weekend outing.
Boonville
Boonville is the kind of place that hugs you with pine-scented trails and smalltown warmth. Forest trails, fairgrounds, and woodcraft culture define this Adirondack gateway town.
If You Go:
August Events
• NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days, Aug 15–17 at BoonvilleOneida County Fairgrounds
Attractions
• Hike or bike the scenic Black River Trail
• Boonville Black River Canal Museum - 502 Water St, Boonville
Must-See Nature
• Pixley Falls State Park –Waterfalls, hiking11430 NY-46, Boonville
• Moose River – Tube or kayak for relaxing fun
Where to Eat
• Boondocks Restaurant & Bar – 3950 State Route 12, Lyons Falls; (315) 348-4040
Stay at the recently renovated Lodge at Headwaters at 13524 NY-12. Enjoy easy access to nearby trails, lakes, and mountains—perfect for hiking, kayaking, or just unwinding in the heart of the Tug Hill Plateau.
AUGUST
HIGHLIGHT:
NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days, Aug 15–17 –Lumberjack competitions, chainsaw carving, woodcraft demos, and family fun. 118 Main St #120, Boonville
Pixley Falls
NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days. Credit: Lucinda Rowlands
If You Go:
August Events
• EcoArts Festival, Aug 2, 10–2 at View Arts Center; 3273 NY-28, Old Forge
• 16th Annual Plein Air Paint Out, Aug 14-16 at View Arts Center, 3273 NY-28, Old Forge
• Saranac Thursdays: Live music every Thursday at OUTER SPACE Old Forge at 3022 NY-28
Attractions
• Adirondack Scenic Railroad - Train and the railway bikes running all through August - 2568 NY-28, Thendara
• Enchanted Forest Water Safari3183 NY-28, Old Forge
• McCauley Mountain chairlift rides - also check out trails for hiking and mountain biking - 300 McCauley Rd, Old Forge
• Mini-golf, arcade downtown or check out a show at the Strand Theatre on a rainy day
Must-See Nature
• Hike Bald Mountain Fire Tower
• Relax on the Fulton Chain of Lakes
Where to Eat
• Toka Bocca – 3067 NY-28, Old Forge; (315) 369-0770
• Slickers Adirondack Tavern –3132 NY-28, Old Forge; (315) 369-3002
• Front Door Diner – 3092 NY-28, Old Forge; (315) 369-2212
Weekend Add-On
Stay at Old Forge Camping Resort or Water’s Edge Inn. Plan Water Safari, McCauley chairlift, and sunrise at Bald Mountain.
OldForge
Old Forge is Adirondack joy in full tilt—lakes, hikes, water parks, and downtown buzz. Paddle the Fulton Chain of Lakes, ride the McCauley chairlift, or splash through Water Safari.
AUGUST
HIGHLIGHT: Labor Day Weekend Celebration, Aug 29–Sept 1 – Fireworks, live music, car raffles, Duck Derby, and final Water Safari days.
Herkimer County
Editor’s Pick
On the way up, stop by Bonnie’s Country Store at 11821 Woodhull Rd in Forestport for a bit of nostalgia and penny candy! Once in Old Forge, head to The View Arts Center to take in the Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolor and then catch up with a friend for a boat ride from Old Forge Pond to 4th lake! End the trip with fresh fudge from the Candy Cottage on Main Street.
View of Fourth Lake
Old Forge Family Camp
McCauley Mountain chairlift ride
Photo by Kurt Gardner
If You Go:
August Events
• Weekly Village Park Concerts: Aug 6, 13, 20, 27
• Canal Fest & Craft Fair, Aug 8–10, Sylvan Beach
• Flotsam River Circus: Aug 22 at Sylvan Beach 6:30PM, other stops include Rome, Aug 23, 6:30PM at Bellamy Harbor and Frankfort, Aug 24, 6:30PM at Frankfort Marina
• Boat Show Vendor & Craft Show, Aug 23–24, Village Park Sat. 10-7PM, Sun 9-5PM
Rent a weekly cottage at The Cove 750 Pioneer Ave, Sylvan Beach for full lake access. Stay for the Flotsam River Circus, Aug 22, 6:30PM Dockwall & Sunset Park, Sylvan Beach and don’t miss the Boat Show & Blues Picnic, Aug 23–24
Editor’s Pick:
Enjoy a Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini on the deck at The Lake House and then catch the fireworks from the boardwalk with a “Coneheads” ice cream cone in hand—it’s pure summer magic.
SylvanBeach
Sylvan Beach is summer’s sweetest time capsule— vacation mode dialed to nostalgic boardwalk charm. Sandy beaches, retro rides, lakefront concerts, and fireworks make it the perfect weekend getaway.
AUGUST HIGHLIGHT:
Canal Fest Weekend, Aug 8–10, family fun events with fireworks over the lake on Aug 9
The Lake House
Above: The Cove Left: Coneheads Ice Cream
Oneida County
Even more thingstodo!
Gloversville (Fulton County)
August Events:
• Gloversville Railfest, Trail Station Park
– Saturday, Aug 9, 10AM–8PM
• Gloversville Farmers Market, 2-8 Elm Street – Saturday, Aug 16, 8:30AM–12:30PM and then every Saturday til Oct 11th
Attraction: Micropolis Cooperative Gallery (inside Mohawk Harvest Food Co-op) – great finds from local artists
Must-See Nature: Peck Lake – serene paddling & loon-spotting
Where to Eat: Off The Rails Tavern –7 West St, Gloversville; (518) 752-4110
Best Ice Cream: Meco’s Perfect Scoop – 129 County Rd 101, Gloversville; (518) 725-6326
Editor’s
Pick:
Spend the day at Railfest, enjoy a burger at Off The Rails, then unwind with a sunset waffle cone—Meco’s homemade cones are worth the drive.
Once leather capital of the world, Gloversville now thrives on arts, music, and small-town charm—perfect for a creative escape. 8 7 9
Fonda (Montgomery County)
Fonda’s small-town charm and racing roots make it an unexpected summer thrill—from dirt-track action to sunflower fields, it’s a one-tank weekend packed with energy.
August Events:
• Fonda Speedway – M2 Metals RUSH Late Models – Aug 2 (Hot laps 6 PM, Racing 7 PM)
• Fonda Fair: Traditional carnival rides, live entertainment, and agricultural showcases, Aug 27-Sept 1
Editor’s Pick: Begin with artisanal browsing at Beekman 1802, enjoy a scoop at Dairyland, then unwind in Chalybeate Park’s serene setting—a postcard-perfect summer day.
Fairs, Festivals and Farmers Markets
FAIRS
Schoharie County Sunshine Fair
August 5–10, 2025
Cobleskill Fairgrounds, Cobleskill, NY
Features exhibits, rides, 4-H, entertainment & agriculture displays.
Herkimer County Fair
August 12–17, 2025
Herkimer Co. Fairgrounds, Frankfort, NY Livestock shows, motocross, tractor & trike pulls (Aug 16), midway, fireworks, and food vendors.
NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days
August 15–17, 2025
Boonville-Oneida County Fairgrounds, Boonville, NY
Competitive lumberjack sports, forestry exhibits, chainsaw carving, and family activities.
New York State Fairgrounds
August 20-September 1, 2025
581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse, NY
Delicious food, Exhibits, and Entertainment
Fonda Fair
August 27 – September 1, 2025
Fonda Fairgrounds, Fonda, NY
Among the region’s oldest ag fairs— tractor pulls, livestock shows, rides, and live music.
Mary, Mother of Our Savior
Parish Bazaar (Utica)
August 28–30, 2025
2 Barton Ave, Utica, NY 13502
Annual parish bazaar: raffles (Grand Prize $10,000), Trinkets & Treasures sale, basket raffles, and food booths
FESTIVALS & CELEBRATIONS
Metal at the Marina
August 2, 2025
Frankfort Marina Park, Frankfort, NY
All-ages heavy metal fest (noon–10 PM), free admission.
Rome CanalFest
August 5–7, 2025
Bellamy Harbor Park, Rome, NY
Live music, food trucks, kids’ zone & crafts along the Canal.
Little Falls Canal Celebration (38th Annual)
Aug 6 – Aug 10, 2025
Throughout Little Falls, NY (parade at Ward Square/Eastern Park)
Erie Canal-themed parades, tours, music, fireworks & family fun.
Sylvan Beach Canal Fest
August 8–10, 2025
Sylvan Beach, NY
Waterfront vendors, live entertainment & fireworks (Aug 9).
Madison-Bouckville Antique Week
August 10–16, 2025
Historic Route 20 in Madison and Bouckville, NY
With thousands of antiques on a two-mile stretch of historic Route 20, Madison-Bouckville Antique Week boasts over 2,000 dealers and vendors throughout 12 show fields. madisonbouckville.com
Clinton Art & Music Festival
August 23, 2025
Village Green, Clinton, NY
Live music, artisan vendors, local food, vibrant downtown scene.
Summer Boat Show & Blues Picnic
August 23–24, 2025
Sylvan Beach Village Park Classic boats on display with live blues music & local food.
FARMERS MARKETS
Community Harvest Farmers Market in Boonville takes place on Fridays from 2 to 7PM at the Dodge Pratt Northam Community Center, 106 Schuyler Street.
The Clinton Farmers Market is held on Thursdays from 10AM to 4PM on the Village Green, 39–53 W Park Row, Clinton.
Clinton Arts & Music Festival
Fonda Fair
On
Fairs, Festivals and Farmers Markets, cont.
The Cooperstown Farmers Market runs Tuesdays from 12 to 4PM (May through September) and Saturdays yearround from 9AM to 2PM, (January to April from 10AM to 2PM)—at 101 Main Street (Pioneer Alley), Cooperstown.
The Dolgeville Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9AM to 1PM at Plowe Park, 56 S Main Street, Dolgeville.
The Chestnut Street Farmers Market is held on Wednesdays from 2 to 6PM at 502 W Chestnut Street, Rome.
The Morris Farmers Market takes place on Thursdays from 3 to 5:30PM at Guy Rathbun Park behind the firehouse, 117 Main Street, Morris.
The New Hartford Farmers Market runs Wednesdays (August 6, 13, 20, 27) from 2:30 to 6:30PM at the Village Green at Genesee Street and Oxford Road.
The Old Forge Farmers Market is held Fridays from 1 to 5PM in the parking lot of the Hiltebrant Recreation Center, 201 North Street, Old Forge.
The Oneonta Public Market (Dietz Street) operates Saturdays from 9AM to 12PM during the summer at Huntington Memorial Park, and indoors at Foothills Performing Arts Center, 24 Market Street, during the winter.
The Richfield Springs Farmers Market takes place Saturdays from 9AM to 1PM in Spring Park, 27–35 E Main Street (US-20), Richfield Springs.
Candella’s Family Farm: Growing More Than Food
For over 120 years, Candella’s Family Farm has been feeding the Mohawk Valley—now proudly entering its fourth generation. But this farm is cultivating more than just produce. It’s growing perspective.
Ask anyone at Candella’s, and they’ll tell you: food doesn’t come from the frozen aisle. It comes from long days in the fields, dirt under your nails, and the kind of hard work that teaches life lessons no classroom ever could. That’s why the farm invites families to bring their children to pick strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries during the harvest seasons. The Candella family believes that kids raised on farms grow into some of the best employees around.
During the pandemic, Candella’s launched its Harvest Box—a fresh take on the traditional CSA, brought to life by the farm’s next generation. Gabby and Sara Papale, along with a team of local teens working on the farm, turned this idea into a lifeline for the community. It wasn’t just about delivering fresh food—it was a hands-on crash course in entrepreneurship. Many of those young workers even used the experience as the foundation for their college essays.
Candella’s is living proof that when you support local farms, you’re investing in more than food. You’re investing in families, futures, and the next generation of leaders.
The Oneida County Public Market is held year-round at Union Station in Utica, 321 Main Street, every Saturday from 9AM to 1PM.
Cooperstown Farmers Market
MV Road Trip
MV Road Trip
S Drive of the Month
ummer is here, and this month is dedicated to a lot
of my family’s favorite local spots we frequent during the summer months, including a favorite of ours heading up to the Adirondacks for a weekend at the lake!
Our first stop at the beginning of the week is a day of fishing! My husband’s day off is Tuesday, and we like to do something all together, so you’ll probably see us at one of these spots. Chittning Pond in Waterville is so relaxing, and as a bonus, you can stop at Roc Star Ice Cream on your way to or from. The Town of Paris Park is another favorite, and they have public restrooms. (I feel like anyone with kids would appreciate this info.) A stop at the Ice Cream Factory for peanut butter chip ice cream is my requirement for getting feasted on by mosquitos.
Next up is the New Hartford Farmer’s Market on Wednesday. The Farmer’s Market is held weekly on Wednesdays in the Village Green from 2:30-6:30pm. There’s a dedicated kid’s tent with free activities that differ each week, live entertainment and great food trucks, so there’s one day a week in the summe I don't have to worry about dinner!
Later on in the week, I’ll head to Gold Rush Adventure Golf with our son. It’s become “our spot” ever since I surprised him one day after school and picked him up to take him here. Located in Westmoreland, it’s next to 7 Hamlets Brewing if you make this a date night, or right down the road from Hot off The Brick Pizza, where my son and I typically go afterwards. We top it off with a stop to Bonomo’s for…you guessed it, an ice cream! Gold Rush is one of the few seasonal places that really takes advantage of the full 3 seasons, opening in May and closing after Halloween.
Rainy day? No problem! If you are brave enough to enter Consumer Square right now with all the construction, you can make your own bath bombs in store at Buff City Soap! My daughter and I recently made a 5-pack one rainy day and she loved it. Aprons and gloves are provided, you get to pick scents, color, and most importantly: glitter.
Now it’s time to head north for the weekend! I could write a whole book on things to do in the Adirondacks; my family started out renting, then got our own place “up North,” so I have spent most of my life exploring the ADK’s. I’ll stick to sharing one of my favorites as we travel north: the Li’l Red Caboose in Poland on the West Canada Creek Campgrounds. My brother and I stopped here once when we were teenagers for hot dogs and hamburgers, and I still love it to this day. They now have ice cream and homemade pizzas, in an actual, old Adirondack rail caboose on real tracks!
Whether you’re staying local this summer, traveling far, or to an Adirondack lake town, I hope you can support any of these great area businesses and locations. Maybe my family and I will see you at one of them! Happy summer, everyone!
I was recently reading the comments on a random post from an Adirondack account on social media, and was taken aback seeing how many people around the country (and world) had commented that the Adirondacks were on their bucket list to travel to. It hit me, how we may take for granted our location here in CNY, and how lucky we are to be at the foothills of such a beautiful (and giant) park!
Town of Paris Park
New Hartford Farmer’s Market
Tonight We Ride: The Legacy of Sal Raspante
By Carrie Byrne Putelo
During the early days of the COVID pandemic, my son reached out to Jimmy John’s to ask about a discount for a hospital fundraiser. Sal gave the meals for free. As I began working on this tribute, I quickly learned this kind of generosity wasn’t unusual—it was just Sal. Again and again, people described a man who showed up for others—not for recognition, but because helping was simply who he was. This is a celebration of that legacy.
A Heart Like No Other
To describe Sal to someone who never met him? “The funniest guy in town,” his wife, Enessa, shared. “You couldn’t want a better friend.”
Sal’s heart belonged to his family. He was a devoted husband to Enessa, his partner in life and laughter for 19 years. A proud stepfather to Nikki and Mike, and a loving dad to Bella, the light of his life. Their late-night ice cream runs weren’t just about dessert—they were moments of connection. “He gave so much of his heart,” Enessa said. “Maybe that’s why it gave out—he gave it away to all of us.”
Bella Raspante—“Beanzie,” as he called her—was Sal’s world. “To be his daughter is to be the most prided, supported, loved, and spoiled,” Bella said. “Even in chaos, I could count on
my dad.” Whether it was blasting music on the way to school, spontaneous runs to Dick’s or the gas station, or texting her each morning just to check in, Sal made everyday moments special. “Everyone says I was his pride and joy— but little did he know, he was mine.”
There was never a dull moment when she rode in his truck—his second great love after sneakers. “He treated the roads like racetracks,” Bella said. “His need for speed was one I’ll never forget.” Still, she always felt safe, cared for, and seen.
Even now, she finds comfort knowing his spirit lives on. “There’s not just one word to describe my dad. He was passionate, unforgettable, genuine, and loud—in the best way. And while I don’t know what tomorrow brings, I know this much: Tonight, we ride.”
Sal with his daughter, Bella
“If someone needed something, Sal stepped up. Rich or poor, friend or stranger—he showed up.”
As a lasting tribute, his niece and nephew, Emily and Dominic Corelli, named their daughter Meadow Salvatrice Corelli—born just four months after his passing. The name, revealed at the baby shower, brought the family to tears. Salvatrice was chosen in his honor—a testament to the love he inspired.
“If Sal loved you, there was nothing he wouldn’t do,” said his sister, Jackie. That love showed up in action. He’d pull strangers from snowbanks or plow someone’s driveway without asking. “He loved that truck almost as much as he loved us,” Enessa laughed. “It was his pride and joy—he had to get a new one every two years.”
Sal wasn’t just generous—he was electric.
He lit up every room with jokes, music, and dancing. “He was the life of the party,” Jackie said. “You’d hear, ‘Tonight we ride!’—and it was on.”
Fueled by Generosity
Sal’s generosity extended far beyond family. His work with Felix Labella to feed the homeless showed how quietly and consistently he gave.
Three and a half years ago, Felix Labella began feeding the homeless in Oneida Square with a small group of volunteers. He reached out to local restaurants for help—and one of the first to respond was Sal Raspante. “Sal called me right away and said, ‘Whatever you need, I’m in,’”Felix recalled. From then on,
Sal showed up without fail—sending sandwiches, chips, drinks, and even cases of soda when he saw the team in action. “He didn’t do it for attention,” Felix said. “He gave from the heart.”
After Sal’s passing, his wife Enessa directed memorial donations to continue the effort. Felix now honors him with a banner that reads: “This dinner for the homeless is in memory of Sal Raspante, who always had compassion for those living on the streets.” Every first Wednesday of the month, that meal is served in his name.
“If someone needed something, Sal stepped up,” said his mother, Caroline. “Rich or poor, friend or stranger—he showed up.”
At left: Sal with his wife, Enessa Below: Sal with his mother, Caroline
Annual Turkey Bowl Felix LaBella & Sal’s brother & best friend, Ciro Raspante & friends
What drove him? “It’s just who he was,” Jackie said. “We grew up with very little. He never forgot what that felt like.” Rob Blackshear worked with Sal Raspante for seven years—and credits him with transforming his life. “When I met Sal, I was working two jobs, 70 hours a week,” Rob said. “He promised to get me out of that grind, and I promised to commit to him. We both kept our word.” At the time, Rob was living in a municipal housing complex. Sal stepped in—helping him purchase his childhood home, a house once owned by Rob’s parents. It was a promise Rob had made to his mother decades earlier, and Sal made it happen just weeks after her passing in November 2023. “He got me back into my family home,” Rob said. “That’s who Sal was.” Sal passed away four weeks later. “He was more than my boss—he was my mentor, my friend. I’m still here, and I’m going to take care of this place—for him.” Sal never looked for credit. “He didn’t call to say, ‘Hey, I did this,’” Jackie said. “I’d hear it from someone else. That was just Sal.”
His Legacy Lives On
Sal’s signature phrase—Tonight We Ride— was more than a motto. It was a way of life: live fully, bring people together, and enjoy the ride. His annual Turkey Bowl at Thanksgiving was a beloved tradition, always full of laughter and friendly competition.
He never missed a Boilermaker. In later years, he ran it with Bella, who now carries the torch. Each spring, friends and family walk in his honor during the National Heart Run & Walk as Sal’s Night Riders—his spirit still moving, coast to coast.
His mother says what she hopes people remember most is simple: “His heart. His smile. My son. I just don’t want him forgotten.” “I was so proud he was my brother,” Jackie added. “Every time someone shares a story, I think, ‘That’s my brother.’”
Sal has been recognized by the Rescue Mission of Utica, County Executive Anthony Picente, Senator Joe Griffo, Sheriff Robert Maciol, Mayor Michael Galime, and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville also shared: “Sal was such a wonderful person. My wife and I loved seeing him at events because we knew we’d laugh, feel welcomed, and leave smiling. Just days before he passed, he was delivering sandwiches to our office. His kindness stayed with all of us. I’ll miss him deeply.” More recently, Dr. Nicholas Qandah of CNY Brain and Spine sponsored a campaign in Sal’s honor to raise funds for MMRI.
Sal Raspante was one of a kind—full of life, full of love, and always ready to lift others up. He gave generously, laughed loudly, and lived boldly. And though he’s no longer here to walk into the room and shout Tonight we ride!, his legacy lives on in every driveway he plowed, every person he helped, and every heart he made lighter.
This summer, when family and friends gather at the MMRI Golf Classic, they’ll honor him the best way they know how: by showing up, laughing hard, loving big, and living in the moment. Because even though the party feels quieter without him, Sal’s story will keep being told—and his spirit will ride on in every one of us.
Tonight We Ride.
MMRI Golf Classic
“Tonight We Ride” for Sal Raspante. Join us for an unforgettable evening honoring Sal. Enjoy a pig roast, open bar, and live music by Last Left—set against the backdrop of Yahnundasis Golf Club. Celebrate his legacy while supporting heart disease research that helps save lives. Space is limited, and this event may sell out.
To get involved:
• Attend the pig roast party
• Support MMRI’s heart research
Visit mmri.edu/golf or scan the QR code.
Sal with his sister, Jackie
Jackie and John Romano aka Sal’s favorite brother-in-law
A Few of Her Favorite Things
By Carrie Byrne Putelo
As The Sound of Music prepares to make its grand return to Utica this September, Broadway Utica is already setting the stage for magic. In celebration of the national tour kickoff and the beloved role of Maria, we’re thrilled to welcome Jill-Christine Wiley—best known for her portrayal of Maria—to the Mohawk Valley.
Q: For those who may not be familiar with the story, how would you describe The Sound of Music in your own words?
“I think it’s truly a timeless piece of musical theater from when it first originated on Broadway when how Rodgers and Hammerstein intended it to its interpretations throughout the years whether that’s been on a regional stage, a touring venue, Broadway revivals, televised TV opportunities that they bring. I think it’s just a show that not only is an aspect of history and a political aspect, but it really sings home to family, fighting for what’s right, what do you stand for, and finding your way in this world and how sometimes we think we’re headed down one path and then life leads you towards another and making the most of it. It has beautiful timeless messages that are for everyone—whether they’re the
As excitement builds for the upcoming tour, we couldn’t help but hum along to a familiar tune—so we asked one of our own to share her favorite things. Mohawk Valley Living contributing editor Joanne Donaruma Wade—a proud Broadway Utica season subscriber and lover of all things stylish— offers her own take on Maria’s timeless melody.
young or the young at heart—it’s really captivating.”
Q: How does the stage version differ from the film?
“There are additional songs that are in the original production that were cut from the movie—songs in different orders. For instance, ‘My Favorite Things’ is sung between Maria and the Mother Abbess very early on in the show. We see a side of the Mother Abbess that was not really portrayed in the movie. We see the bond between these two women, incredible harmonies, updated orchestrations by the music supervisor Andy Einhorn, and direction by Jack O’Brien that really creates a human experience. They’ve gone back to the original Broadway production and have breathed a sense of new life into it and created something unique to all its own.”
Joanne’s Favorite Things
• Eating at Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse
• Always wearing a dress, lipstick, and spike heels
• Walking her beautiful puppy Luna
• Sitting in the sun by her pool
• Serving on nonprofit boards that inspire her
• Listening to the ocean while in Florida
• Entertaining her 10 siblings at home
• Enjoying a “girls” night out
• Being a mom to her adult children
• Donating to worthy causes
• Reading Danielle Steel novels
• Going to Broadway Theatre League shows at The Stanley
This fall, as the hills (and theaters) come alive with the sound of music, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating timeless performances, community pride, and the joy of our own favorite things.
Q: Do you have a favorite scene?
“’My Favorite Things’ with the Mother Abbess—that really gets the tingle-inthe-toes feeling for me based on a lot of the musical harmonies. Maria has a really poignant line of ‘I now know how to spend my love,’ and I think that is an incredible message in the show.”
Q: What do you love about live performance?
“I’ve always said that there is no better master class in acting than watching a child light up on stage. It really teaches you to live in the moment and meet them where they are.”
Jill-Christine Wiley
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By Dr. Juleen Qandah
Tick Bites, Rashes, and Lyme:
What’s an Emergency —and What’s Not?
Here in the Mohawk Valley, summer means sunshine, hiking, lake days—and ticks. As an ER doc, I see a flood of patients every summer worried about tick bites, rashes, and Lyme disease. So let’s set the record straight on when to worry, when to watch, and when to relax.
Found a Tick on You?
Don’t Panic.
If the tick is still attached, remove it gently using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure— no twisting, burning, or smothering needed. Clean the bite area and your hands with soap or rubbing alcohol. That’s it.
No need to come to the ER just because a tick bit you. Most tick bites don’t transmit Lyme. The CDC recommends watching for symptoms if the tick was attached for 36+ hours or was engorged (swollen with blood).
Looking for a plant-based mosquito and tick repellent?
Try Buzz Away Extreme® Spray, available at Peter’s Cornucopia, 38 New Hartford Shopping Center New Hartford 315.724.4998
What About That Rash?
If you notice a red ring or “bullseye” rash (erythema migrans) within 3–30 days of a tick bite—especially if it’s larger than 2 inches—it may be an early sign of Lyme disease. That’s when you
should see your primary care provider for antibiotics.
Other types of rashes, like itchy welts or bruising, are usually allergic reactions or irritation—not Lyme—and don’t require emergency care.
When It Is an Emergency
Head to the ER if you or a loved one develops:
• Facial droop
• Severe headache with neck stiffness
• High fever or confusion
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
These could indicate rare but serious complications like Lyme carditis or meningitis—or another tick-borne illness like anaplasmosis or babesiosis.
Final Word
Ticks are annoying, yes—but most bites are harmless if caught early. Stay protected with bug spray, tick checks, and common sense. And if you’re ever unsure, we’re here for you.
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ished that they’ve been found out. They usually respond with a sharp “smack” warning call and a quick retreat into dense cover. Like their Catbird cousins, the Thrasher’s task is to fatten up on fruit and accumulate the energy reserves necessary to undertake their upcoming migration.
One of the last times in the season I will see our resident Baltimore Orioles will be at the cherry banquet. Of course, the adult male Baltimore has vivid orange and black plumage and is among the most recognizable songbirds in the East. Female and immature Orioles possess duller orange plumage but are nearly as distinctive. Orioles use their narrow dark bills like tweezers to select the ripest cherries, and like true acrobats, they may hang upside down to access the hardest-to-reach fruit. Their dedication to feeding is due largely to their accelerated migration schedule. As it happens, most orioles depart our region before the end of August; very few remain here into September.
One of the most unexpected patrons of the cherries is the Northern Flicker. This rather oddly plumaged woodpecker species with its striped back and polka-dotted front, is normally considered a strict insectivore – their typical diet consists of mostly ants and beetles. However, in August, when ripe fruit becomes plentiful, flickers may be seen foraging in the Black Cherry trees among the more expected cherry patrons.
A young Baltimore Oriole fattens up on cherries in preparation for migration
A secretive Brown Thrasher can sometimes
The Gray Catbird is always willing to join the cherry feast
FITNESS ON THE FLY
Summer doesn’t slow down—and neither should you
By Lisa Briggs
August is full of getaways, busy weekends, and days when routines are the first thing to fly out the window. But staying active doesn’t have to mean sticking to a strict schedule. In this issue, we’re breaking down how to stay fit on the go—with quick workouts, smart recovery, and a fit bag that keeps you moving anywhere life takes you.
No equipment? No problem!
10-Minute Anywhere Workouts
No equipment? No problem. These bodyweight-only workouts can be done in a hotel room, on a deck, or at a rest stop.
• Countdown Circuit: 10 squats, 9 pushups, 8 lunges (each leg)... down to 1
Stretch It Out
Whether you’re stuck in the car or hopping off a plane, here’s a quick stretch series to refresh your body and reset your posture:
• Neck rolls and shoulder rolls
• Seated figure-four stretch
• Standing quad stretch
• Forward fold with clasped hands
• Cat-cow or spinal twists if you have space
What’s in Your Fit Bag?
Essentials for staying active while traveling or just juggling summer chaos. Pack these to stay ready—wherever you land:
• Resistance bands or light weights
• Water bottle
• Jump rope
• Athletic shoes
• Compact towel or yoga mat
• Wireless earbuds
• Sleep mask for recovery on the go
LISA BRIGGS is the owner of Fit Body Boot Camp in Whitesboro and Clinton & Contributing Editor, Mohawk Valley Living
Late Summer Salad
Late Summer Salad
By Nat Levin
By Nat Levin
s mont I nt n to s r
s mont I nt n to s r
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r p or p l tt ut m
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k t n w s too ot to tt mpt n t n
t t p n s on ol utt r
t t p n s on ol utt r
n I t ou t I woul tr to p r t m
n I t ou t I woul tr to p r t m
p o l r r p I st ll v n t
p o l r r p I st ll v n t
n l t ut r on un rw lm n
n l t ut r on un rw lm n
t st I oul n t st n to turn t ov n on n or pot nt ll w st mor p r t p s on n mp r t r sult
t st I oul n t st n to turn t ov n on n or pot nt ll w st mor p r t p s on n mp r t r sult
I n up sl n t r st o t p s
I n up sl n t r st o t p s
n t t or pr s m vor t l t summ r s l
n t t or pr s m vor t l t summ r s l
ǜs n t st n r nts ou n n sl qu l mounts p s tom to s n mo r ll
Arr n t sl s n lt rn t n l rs on pl tt r t n tu k or s tt r s l
l v s on top
ǜs n t st n r nts ou n n sl qu l mounts p s tom to s n mo r ll Arr n t sl s n lt rn t n l rs on pl tt r t n tu k or s tt r s l l v s on top
I lso l k to p kl on ons n p kl l s I v t m
I lso l k to p kl on ons n p kl l s I v t m
sk to t r qu l p rts oo ol v o l n ls m v n r w t ls m s oo too t n r l ov r t top
sk to t r qu l p rts oo ol v o l n ls m v n r w t ls m s oo too t n r l ov r t top
erve with crostini or focaccia, and enjoy in the shade!
erve with crostini or focaccia, and enjoy in the shade!
Local Foods Mohawk Valley is an online local food collective offering the Mohawk Valley the best local food year-round via a virtual store. Customers shop online from over fifteen local vendors Wednesday–Sunday and pick up on Tuesday at the St. Mary’s Preschool in Clinton between 5:00–6:30pm. www.localfoodsmohawkvalley.com
Local Foods Mohawk Valley is an online local food collective offering the Mohawk Valley the best local food year-round via a virtual store. Customers shop online from over fifteen local vendors Wednesday–Sunday and pick up on Tuesday at the St. Mary’s Preschool in Clinton between 5:00–6:30pm. www.localfoodsmohawkvalley.com
NAT LEVIN
Local Foods Mohawk Valley
BLACQUE ACRES
Farming the Future in Utica
By Carrie Byrne Putelo
In a sleek shipping container tucked away on James Street, something extraordinary is growing—without soil, without tractors, and without any of the traditional farm tools we’re used to seeing. Under LED lights, leafy greens sprout in clean rows, nourished by nutrient-rich water and monitored by an app. Welcome to Blacque Acres, Utica’s first hydroponic container farm— and the city’s boldest step yet toward food equity.
Founded by James Paul, Blacque Acres is more than just a high-tech grow house. It’s a nonprofit with a mission: deliver fresh, locally grown produce year-round to neighborhoods that have long lacked access. “We’ve found a way to grow healthy food right here,” Paul says. “Bypass the contaminated soil many communities face, and grow something that’s truly fresh—from seed to harvest.”
Inside the container, Paul walks me through the process, showing off the carefully crafted grow plugs and channels—designed to keep the roots clean and healthy. “It’s better for the plants themselves,” he explains, pointing out how they’re optimizing the look and feel of the lettuce even if it's being donated. We don’t want the produce to deter people from accepting it. It should look good, feel right in your hands, and still taste amazing.”
Right now, there’s no formal distribution site for the produce that’s ready—but that’s about to change. James is working with Mosaic Health, just two blocks away, to launch a “prescription produce” program. The vision?
“We want it to feel like a clinic, a hub,” Paul explains. “You come in, get your produce, and walk out with more than just food. You get tools for your health.”
A distribution center near Mosaic where clients—many of whom are navigating chronic health issues—can pick up fresh greens alongside free wellness services like blood pressure checks and CPR training. “At some point we'd like to offer some form of dental health awareness or services. We want it to feel like a clinic, a hub,” Paul explains. “You come in, get your produce, and walk out with more than just food. You get tools for your health.”
There are plans to expand beyond James Street too. James envisions a series of micro-farms—each within walking distance of the others—serving the Cornhill neighborhood and surrounding areas. “We’d love to build right at the developing impact center on West Street,” he says. “Put the farms where the people are.”
For now, they’re donating much of the harvest to the local community, friends, and neighbors—testing varieties, perfecting texture and taste, and gathering feedback. “We gave some to the team at The Wild,” Paul says. “Even if a head of lettuce doesn’t look perfect, it’s still perfectly good for our animal friends.”
Long-term, Paul sees the distribution model as something closer to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) subscription, with set pickup days— perhaps Fridays—and additional on-site healthcare access. “You might pick up your produce and get your blood pressure checked by a doctor. We’re building something holistic.”
What inspired Paul to start all this? Surprisingly, it began with an idea to build a shipping container home. “Once I started Googling, the algorithm kept feeding me these container farms,” he says. “I had never seen one before. But it just clicked. This could reach the same families, that rely on community gardens, yearround. No off-season. No gap in access.”
People here often end up at corner stores, and we all know what they’re getting— processed food, junk. “With this? It’s fresh. It’s walkable. It’s right here,” he says.
“With this? It’s fresh. It’s walkable. It’s right here,”
And Paul isn’t just thinking about what to grow—but who he’s growing it for. “We live in a diverse community, and we’re starting to ask people: what do you actually eat? What produce matters to your family? If we can’t grow it, maybe we can start the seeds and get you going with plant baskets at home.”
He’s also building connections to local schools. The farm sits across the street from an elementary school, and James wants kids involved every step of the way. “They can come plant the seeds. A few weeks later, they can come back and transplant. Five weeks after that, they can harvest it. And they get to put their name on it. This is mine. I grew this.”
Blacque Acres will once again participate in MV Gives this fall—now with a farm, a following, and a fully realized mission to share with a broader audience. “People need to see that this is doable. That it’s real. That it’s theirs.”
You can find Blacque Acres at 137 James Street in Utica. Learn more at blacqueacres.org and consider donating at the QR code below.
The container farm on James Street in Utica.
Founder, James Paul
Breen, a type of mini romaine growing at Blacque Acres.
MV Arts
AUGUST ART HAPPENINGS
Munson
Museum of Art
Event: Lunch & Learn
When: Fridays, Aug. 1 to 29, at noon | Free
This educational program complements the exhibition Celestial Bodies: Sculpture by Karen LaMonte, which is on view at Munson until Dec. 31, 2025. The nocturnes of Chopin inspired the stunning draped female figures in cast-glass and metal in LaMonte’s Nocturne series, and she often has music of the Romantic period playing in her studio while she works. Through this program, Munson showcases local pianists while providing a comfortable and casual environment for the community to feast on the arts during their lunch hour.
Aug. 1: Stephen Wu
Aug. 8: Sar-Shalom Strong
Aug. 15: Vincent Li
Aug. 22: Anita Humer and Rebecca Wu
Aug. 29: Jovita Bernard and Edin Hadzimujic
310 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13502 (315) 797-0000 | www.munson.art
The Other Side
Event: Jazz & Art – Chelsea Arts Live performance
When: Thursday, August 15, 7:00–8:30 pm
Features a live jazz set combined with art viewing in a community-arts setting.
2011 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501 (315) 735-4825 | theothersideutica.org
Fenimore Art Museum
Event: Art by the Lake
When: Saturday, August 9, 10 am–5 pm
Outdoor juried fine-art festival, highlighting regional painters, photographers, and sculptors—plus live demos and awards. 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326 (607) 547-1400 | fenimoreartmuseum.org
View Arts Center
Exhibit: Mary Murphy: View from our Waters
On View: July 26–September 21, 2025
Showcasing Mary Murphy’s vibrant paintings inspired by the breathtaking waters of the Adirondacks.
Exhibit: 44th Annual Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolor
On View: August 2–September 27, 2025
A prestigious national juried show celebrating watercolorists from across the country.
Gallery Hours: See View Arts Center website for details.
3273 NY-28, Old Forge, NY 13420 (315) 369-6411 | www.viewarts.org
Pictured from left-down: Jazz & Art - Chelsea Arts Live Performance; Fenimore Art Museum - Art by the Lake; Mary Murphy: View from our Waters
Above: Sar-Shalom Strong, taken during the Members Preview for Celestial Bodies: Sculpture by Karen LaMonte on June 26 at Munson. Photo credit: Matt Ossowski
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of Surprises for
August celebrates our Anniversary month! This will be our last August to celebrate the Art & Music Festival. We look forward to this every year. Come celebrate with us as we finish up with our 25% Summer Sale, sweet treats & giveaways the weekend of the Art & Music Fest.
The United Way of Mohawk Valley Building Beds, Building Community
On Thursday, August 14 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., volunteers from across the region will come together for a cause that’s as hands-on as it is heartfelt: building beds for kids who don’t have one to call their own. The United Way of the Mohawk Valley’s Day of Action in partnership with the Utica Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is part of a powerful effort to ensure that “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”
This event is one of many that make up United Way of the Mohawk Valley’s expanded Days of Action model. Instead of hosting one annual day of service, the organization now organizes targeted events throughout the year—addressing real-time needs identified through its Community Needs Assessment survey and coordinated by its Community Engagement Committee.
Already in 2025, their impact has been wide-reaching:
• In January, they distributed 200 personal care bags filled with winter essentials and hygiene kits to unhoused families.
• After the June 22 storm, United Way coordinated volunteers and distributed food and water to 473 families through The Country Pantry. They also partnered with Team Rubicon for major cleanup efforts and coordinated meals from local restaurants and businesses, including Clinton Tractor who supplied water.
supplied water.
• Their 211 MidYork contact center played a critical role during the crisis, connecting residents in Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida counties with urgent services, and Ride United offered free transportation for affected families.
• Their 211 MidYork contact center played a critical role during the crisis, connecting residents in Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida counties with urgent services, and Ride United offered free transportation for affected families.
• Other efforts have included: participation in Rome and Utica Juneteenth events, a Boilermaker cheer section for Clifford Fuel Co., volunteer crews at the Saranac Summer Concert Series, and upcoming partnerships like October’s White Cane Day with the Utica Council of the Blind, a large-scale hygiene drive to assist thousands of local residents in need and a Thanksgiving Day meal delivery in November.
• Other efforts have included: participation in Rome and Utica Juneteenth events, a Boilermaker cheer section for Clifford Fuel Co., volunteer crews at the Saranac Summer Concert Series, and upcoming partnerships like October’s White Cane Day with the Utica Council of the Blind, a large-scale hygiene drive to assist thousands of local residents in need and a Thanksgiving Day meal delivery in November.
And this is only part of the story. Whether it’s responding to disaster, honoring community leaders, cleaning up neighborhoods, or delivering meals, United Way and its partners are constantly in motion, guided by compassion and fueled by volunteers. To get involved in the bed build Day of Action with United Way, contact Tara Capponi, Director of Development & Communications, at tarac@unitedwaymv.org. Because every kid deserves a bed. And every town needs neighbors like these.
And this is only part of the story. Whether it’s responding to disaster, honoring community leaders, cleaning up neighborhoods, or delivering meals, United Way and its partners are constantly in motion, guided by compassion and fueled by volunteers. To get involved in the bed build Day of Action with United Way, contact Tara Capponi, Director of Development & Communications, at tarac@unitedwaymv.org. Because every kid deserves a bed. And every town needs neighbors like these.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Partners with Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Partners with Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating
One of the proud supporters of the Utica Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating. The Standard team not only volunteers at bed builds and deliveries, but actively champions SHP’s mission all year long.
One of the proud supporters of the Utica Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating. The Standard team not only volunteers at bed builds and deliveries, but actively champions SHP’s mission all year long.
In January, Standard made a powerful commitment to sponsor every monthly community bed build throughout the year — helping ensure no child in our community has to sleep on the floor.
In January, Standard made a powerful commitment to sponsor every monthly community bed build throughout the year — helping ensure no child in our community has to sleep on the floor.
That commitment goes beyond funding. In June, Standard employees and their families came together to deliver more than 47 beds in a single night — a testament to the heart and hands behind the mission.
That commitment goes beyond funding. In June, Standard employees and their families came together to deliver more than 47 beds in a single night — a testament to the heart and hands behind the mission.
“Standard is so proud to partner with an organization like SHP to make sure our community members are as comfortable as possible,” said Erin Bushinger, VP of Marketing at Standard and a board member of United Way. “And now with United Way dedicating a Day of Action to build beds, it’s inspiring to see even more local organizations stepping up to support this need in our community.”
“Standard is so proud to partner with an organization like SHP to make sure our community members are as comfortable as possible,” said Erin Bushinger, VP of Marketing at Standard and a board member of United Way. “And now with United Way dedicating a Day of Action to build beds, it’s inspiring to see even more local organizations stepping up to support this need in our community.”
w owners of beds!
Pictured above: Erin Bushinger with family and friends & below President & CEO, Standard, Jenn Keida with proud new owners of beds!
