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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
Dear Readers,
December is the month when the Mohawk Valley truly sparkles, with lights in every town square, shop windows dressed for the season, and that unmistakable feeling that something special is in the air. This issue has been one of my favorites to put together because it’s our way of celebrating the heart of our community: the small businesses, restaurants, makers, and neighbors who give so much of themselves to make the holidays magical. Our Holiday Gift Guide is filled with local treasures, thoughtful gifts you can find right here at home. When you shop local, you’re not just buying a present; you’re supporting a dream, a family, and a community that continues to thrive because of people like you.
A special thank you goes out to every sponsor, business owner, and partner featured in this issue. Your dedication to our region and your belief in what Mohawk Valley Living represents are what make this Holiday Gift Guide possible. Every page reflects the spirit of collaboration and generosity that defines this season and this community. And to the incredible team that brings Mohawk Valley Living magazine and Mohawk Valley Living TV to life each month, my deepest thanks. Your creativity, energy, and heart make everything we do shine a little brighter. I couldn’t do it without you all.
In that same spirit of generosity, our MV
Gives: 12 Days of Giving shares meaningful ways you can give back this season. We’ve highlighted twelve local charities and organizations doing incredible work across the Mohawk Valley, from helping families in need to supporting animals, the arts, and neighbors facing hardship. Each one offers a way to make a difference, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. This time of year reminds us how much the Mohawk Valley gives, and how powerful it can be when we all give a little in return.
This month’s MV Eats takes us to brunch, one of my favorite ways to slow down and savor the season. There’s something special about gathering around a table late morning, sharing good food, stories, and laughter before the day rushes on. For me, that feeling carries right into Christmas morning, when our family starts the day with coffee and gifts under the tree, followed by a table filled with pancakes, eggs, fruit, and warm cinnamon buns. Those small moments, the laughter, the warmth, the familiar scent of something baking, are what I look forward to most every year.
As you read through this issue, I hope it reminds you to slow down, savor the season, and celebrate the people who make the Mohawk Valley feel like home. Whether you’re lighting candles for Ha-
Carrie Byrne Putelo Editor-in-Chief & Owner
nukkah, gathering for Christmas dinner, or welcoming the new year with friends, may your holidays be filled with peace, warmth, and joy.
With heartfelt gratitude and the happiest of holiday wishes,
Carrie
P.S. From all of us at Mohawk Valley Living, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and cheers to every celebration that fills this season with light.
Spritz Cookies
These have been a holiday favorite in my kitchen for years - simple, buttery, and the kind of cookie that instantly brings back memories of baking with family. I make them every Christmas, using a cookie press and finishing each one with a drizzle of chocolate and a sprinkle of something festive.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups flour
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla. Add the flour and salt a little at a time until the dough comes together and feels soft but not sticky. Spoon the dough into a cookie press fitted with your favorite design and press directly onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for about 7-8 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden. Let them cool completely before decorating.
I like to dip or drizzle the cookies with melted Baker’s dark, milk, and white chocolatealternating for a mix of colors - and add a light dusting of sprinkles while the chocolate is still warm. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy or share (if you can part with them).
Buzz worthy
Happenings in the Mohawk Valley in December
NOV 14
-THRUDEC 21
Polar Express Train Ride, Utica Through December 21, the Adirondack Railroad invites passengers to board the magical Polar Express at Utica’s Union Station, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies aboard the ride, and meet Santa as the first gift of Christmas — a silver bell. adirondackrr.com/utica/polar-express
Knitting 102 in the Round at Creative Reuse, Utica- FREE
Learn to knit in the round and create your own cozy hat at Creative Reuse located at 734 Columbia Street, Utica, on Wednesday, December 3 at 6 PM. Perfect for beginners or those looking to refine their skills. Register in advance at uticacreativereuse.org/events.
NOV 25
-THRUDEC 31
NOV 29 -THRUJAN 10
Turning
Stone’s Gingerbread Village, Verona - FREE
The holidays aren’t complete without a visit to the Turning Stone Gingerbread Village. Measuring more than 75 ft. in length and featuring nine colorful structures, the display uses 1,000 lbs. of royal icing, 400 lbs. of gingerbread and 700 lbs. of candy! Open daily, free to the public, and family-friendly. turningstone.com/holidays
Not so Tiny Nutcracker Display, Utica Visit the Oneida County History Center, located at 1608 Genesee Street, Utica, to see an impressive display of nutcrackers from around the world on view November 29 through January 10. Each piece tells part of the story behind this beloved holiday tradition.
oneidacountyhistory.org/nutcrackers-2025
6
The Nutcracker at The Stanley Theatre, Utica
Experience the magic of the season as Mohawk Valley Performing Arts Center presents The Nutcracker at The Stanley Theatre on Friday, December 5 at 7 PM, Saturday, December 6 at 7 PM, and Sunday, December 7 at 2 PM. A beloved holiday tradition for all ages. thestanley.org/events
14
5-7 DEC 7
Utica City FC Home Opener, Utica
Utica City FC kicks off its season at the Adirondack Bank Center on Sunday, December 7 at 3 PM. Wear your blue and white and join the crowd as the team takes the field for an action-packed home opener filled with energy and excitement. uticacityfc.com
Coffee & Cookies with Santa at Calabria Coffee, New Hartford
Join Calabria Coffee, 52 Genesee Street, New Hartford, for Coffee & Cookies with Santa on Sunday, December 14 from 1PM-3 PM. Bring the family to enjoy sweet treats, warm drinks, and festive fun while visiting with Santa in this cozy New Hartford café.
Utica Zoo’s Winter Zoobilee, Utica Celebrate the holidays at the Utica Zoo on Saturday, December 6 from 10 AM to 3 PM. Enjoy festive animal enrichments, winter treats, crafts, and visits with Santa. Bring the whole family for a wild and cheerful holiday outing. uticazoo.org
16
A Tuba Christmas returns to the Capitol stage on Tuesday, December 16 at 7 PM. Enjoy an evening of festive holiday music performed on the tuba by talented members of our community at the Rome Capitol Theatre. This event is free and open to the public. DEC 3
A Tuba Christmas, Rome - FREE
Sarah’s Spotlight: Event of the Month
Lavender & Lights at Spring Creek Lavender, Remsen
(8879 Trenton Falls Prospect Rd.)
One of the many reasons I love Oneida County? Four seasons and so many outdoor activities throughout the winter! This year, I’m SO excited for Spring Creek Lavender’s first ever Lavender & Lights. There’s something magical about festive lights, animals,
Blown Glass Ornament Workshop at Kirkland Art Center, Clinton
Create beautiful glass ornaments during this hands-on workshop at the Kirkland Art Center on Saturday, December 20 at 10 AM. Staff will demonstrate the glass-blowing process and guide you as you make your own ornaments. Ages 13 and older. kacny.org/classes
DEC 31
Bank of Utica New Year’s Eve Celebration, Utica - FREE Welcome 2026 at the Bank of Utica New Year’s Eve Celebration on Genesee Street Wednesday, December 31 from 6:30 PM to midnight. Enjoy live music, street entertainment, kids’ activities, roaming performers, and a midnight countdown and fireworks. Event is free to attend!
DEC 5-7, 12-14, 18-23
and a cozy night out. Wander a luminary path, stroll through a glowing lavender field & visit the animals. Then, head to the fire for cocoa & s’mores.
This is the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the holiday season with
DEC 20&21
your loved ones. Tickets should be purchased in advance!
SARAH FOSTER CALERO is President, Oneida County Tourism & Contributing Editor, Mohawk Valley Living
Half Moon Orchestra: Holiday Concert, Utica
The local Half Moon Orchestra returns to Munson for its third annual holiday concert on Saturday, December 20 at 7 PM and Sunday, December 21 at 2 PM. Tickets are $15 general, $10 for members, $5 for ages 6–12, and free for ages 5 and under. munson.art/special-events
DEC 31
Exit 33 NYE activities, Turning Stone, Verona
Head to Exit 33 at Turning Stone to ring in the New Year in style! Enjoy a night of high-energy music, dazzling decor, and an unforgettable celebration. This is one massive party in multiple venues with live DJs and entertainment, champagne toasts, drink specials, and more. turningstone.com
Utica Comets RED OUT Night, Utica
The Utica Comets take on Toronto in a RED OUT game on Saturday, December 27 at 6 PM. The whole barn glows in Comet red—one team, one color, one massive wave of energy that’ll rattle the boards and the Marlies. Photo by Maxwell LeBuis. uticacomets.com
Photo: Spring Creek Lavender’s Facebook page.
In the Know
A December Tradition That Gives Back:
The New York Sash Teddy Bear Toss
By Carrie Byrne Putelo
There are traditions that mark the season, and then there are the ones that shape you. For my family, the Teddy Bear Toss has always been the latter. When we first moved to the Mohawk Valley eight years ago, my kids were invited by their friends Connor and Ava Hayes, classmates they’d just met at Notre Dame in Utica, to help collect teddy bears off the ice after the first goal. It became an instant tradition, one they looked forward to every December.
Year after year, they bundled up, walked into the arena buzzing with holiday energy, and waited for that first goal. And the moment it happened, when the crowd erupted and the bears came raining down, it wasn’t just exciting. It was meaningful. I don’t think my kids realized it at the time, but participating in the
Making Winter Memories in Oneida County
Content and images provided by Oneida County Tourism
Winter in Oneida County is filled with ways to make memories together. Spend the day snowshoeing at the Utica Zoo, catching a Utica Comets or UCFC game at the Adirondack Bank Center, or hitting the slopes at Woods Valley. Then,
Teddy Bear Toss gave them their earliest true sense of what community service feels like. The joy of giving. The responsibility of showing up. The importance of being part of something bigger than yourself. These are values that I believe were strengthened not only by the Hayes family and New York Sash, but also by the sense of community and service instilled in them at Notre Dame right here in Utica, an environment that encouraged kindness, generosity, and being present for others. In so many ways, all of those influences came together on the ice, creating a tradition that has stayed with them ever since.
unwind with a coffee or cocoa at a local café, relax and recharge at Turning Stone Resort Casino, or explore Munson before ending the evening with a show at The Stanley. Round out the day on the Heart of NY Craft Beverage Trail, where local breweries and wineries offer the perfect toast to the season. Whether it’s a family outing, date night, or weekend adventure, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the magic of winter here.
The 21st Annual New York Sash Teddy Bear Toss
Saturday, December 6 • Utica University Pioneers Men’s Hockey vs. Oswego State Doors: 6pm | Puck Drop: 7pm
Fans are encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal to the Adirondack Bank Center. The tradition is simple and unforgettable: once Utica scores their first goal, thousands of teddy bears are thrown onto the ice at once. The sight of it, an arena full of flying bears, is one of the most joyful scenes of the season.
Every stuffed animal is collected by the New York Sash team and donated to local children for the holidays. In other words, the magic that fills the arena doesn’t stay there, it goes right back into the community.
Because Utica has been known to score quickly, early entry is encouraged. If you can’t make it to the game, New York Sash is also accepting donations at their showroom in Whitesboro.
A single stuffed animal may seem small, but when thousands of people give together, the impact is enormous. That’s the heart of the Teddy Bear Toss and why it remains one of my favorite holiday traditions in the Mohawk Valley.
In the Know
“Thank you to all our loyal and wonderful customers for making Dawn Marie’s Treasures what it is. I will miss all of you and wish only the best to our customers and friends.”
— Dawn & Alan, Dawn Marie’s Treasures
Preventive Care: The Key to Healthy Aging
By Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
As we age, staying healthy takes more than just treating illness—it requires prevention. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is emphasizing the importance of preventive care and annual wellness visits as a proven way to support healthy aging.
Grounded in guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, preventive care includes routine physicals, screenings, and immunizations based on age and risk factors. These visits help detect potential problems early—before they become serious. “Preventive screenings help people in their 60s and 70s live healthier lives,” says Nicholas Massa, MD, CPC, VP of medical affairs at
A Clinton Farewell: Dawn Marie’s Treasures Prepares for Its Final Season
For nearly two decades, Dawn Marie’s Treasures has been part of the fabric of Clinton, a place where shoppers stopped in for a gift, a keepsake, or simply a warm conversation with Dawn and Alan. What began in 2008 on West Park Row eventually found its longtime home at 13 College Street, and along the way the shop became one of those Clinton institutions that felt timeless.
Dawn says it best: “Alan and I have been in Clinton since 2008, starting at W Park Row and retiring from 13 College St. We have loved every minute and have many wonderful memories from our shop in Clinton.” Clinton was where she raised her boys, where customers became friends, and where every December seemed to glow just a little brighter. “I’ve always found it to be a Norman Rockwellish kind of town, especially at Christmas time,” she notes. Anyone who has ever walked
Nicholas Massa, MD,
CPC, VP of medical affairs at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “Yet only about 59% of members 65 and older complete annual visits—key to these screenings. We know tests can feel intimidating and life gets
the village green during the holidays knows exactly what she means.
Now Dawn and Alan are preparing for their next chapter. “It’s time to move south and spend time with our kids and grandkids and enjoy retirement,” she says. She had hoped to have her long-planned book about the shop finished by this year but running a beloved store makes time move quickly. “Hopefully next year,” she adds.
To close out this final season, Dawn Marie’s Treasures will hold multiple January sales as a thank you and a farewell. Her gratitude to the community is steady and sincere. “Thank you to all our loyal and wonderful customers for making Dawn Marie’s Treasures what it is. I will miss all of you and wish only the best to our customers and friends.”
A heartfelt goodbye from a shop that helped shape the magic of Clinton, especially at Christmastime.
busy, but taking this step truly improves quality of life.”
Why It Matters
Many chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline, are more manageable when identified early. Preventive visits keep individuals current with vital screenings—blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer—as well as immunizations like flu, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines. For older adults, these check-ins also include mental health, cognitive, and fall-risk assessments, plus vision, hearing, and dental care.
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)
The AWV is a yearly conversation with your primary care provider (PCP) focused on prevention—not a physical
exam. Together, you’ll review your medical and family history, discuss screenings and vaccines, assess your fall and cognitive health, and plan for future care, including advance directives. Bring an updated medication list to ensure safety and to explore cost-saving options like the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program. Best of all, the AWV is fully covered by Medicare—no cost to you. Preventive care isn’t just a recommendation; it’s an investment in longevity and quality of life. Talk with your PCP about what screenings or vaccines you may be due for, and take the time to schedule your annual visit.
For more information and a full checklist of recommended preventive exams, visit medicare.excellusbcbs.com.
HONORING
A LEGACY:
Seventy-Five Years of Yorkville Memorials
By Carrie Byrne Putelo
As Yorkville Memorials marks seventy-five years of serving the Mohawk Valley, third-generation owner Gina Trzepacz Timpano reflects on the legacy her family built. This legacy continues to make the company one of the region’s most trusted names in memorial craftsmanship. The story begins long before she ever sat at her grandfather’s desk sketching ideas for carved stone.
The roots of the business trace back to 1942, when her grandfather, John Trzepacz, learned the monument trade at James A. Cordiner Monument Works in New York Mills. He spent years mastering the craft of lettering and carving, and when Mr. Cordiner passed in 1959, John was already well on the path to creating something of his own. He founded Yorkville Memorials on September 26, 1949, operating first on Campbell Avenue in Yorkville on a lot beside his in-laws’ home, where the office was located inside the house. The first truck of granite arrived in October of that year. It was Barre, Vermont granite, and the business still purchases from the same region today.
In 1950, he bought his first truck, a Studebaker, to make trips to Vermont himself. Four years later, in 1954, he purchased the land on Champlin Avenue where the business still operates. He constructed a
building with a sandblast booth, an overhead crane and hoist, and an indoor showroom. With help from his brothers, every stone was moved from Campbell Avenue to the new site. As the business grew, a second truck was added in 1964 to handle the steady travel for granite and supplies.
It was inside that Champlin Avenue building that Gina’s own memories were formed. Some of her favorites come from childhood. She remembers being at the “shop” with her grandfather, sitting at his desk and watching him work with families. After they left, she would doodle her ideas for how stones could be carved. She also remembers the early days in the cemetery when she and her brother were the “runners” for the wooden rollers placed under the stones to guide them into place. Today, a stone-setting machine does the heavy lifting, but those early lessons stayed with her.
Many memories come from accompanying her father as well. “My brother, John, and I used to go to the cemeteries with my dad to help with the removal of the dirt for the foundations they were working on, or picking up the boards from the crating the monuments are shipped in.”
After her grandfather passed, Gina’s
father, Eugene, and her uncle Stanley carried the business forward. When Griffiss Air Force Base closed and her father was transferred, her uncle remained the daily force behind the shop. Gina built her own career working for the Utica City School District, but after becoming ill in 1992 and later recovering, her path shifted. In 2005 she joined her uncle, learning every part of the monument business, and by 2007 she was working beside him full-time. Her uncle became her strongest mentor. “If there is a question regarding cleaning or repair, he has 60 plus years of knowledge, knowledge you could never learn in a classroom or a book.”
She also carries forward the values instilled by her grandfather. “The best advice comes from my grandfather’s teachings to me: give a quality product at a fair price and help people during a difficult time in their life.” She continues to guide families through monument planning and encourages pre-need purchases, a practice her grandfather emphasized decades ago. Honoring the reputation built by her grandfather, father, and uncle is something she deeply treasures. Families who knew her grandfather still return, trusting the name and the care behind it. “I pride myself on the product I sell, the details and quality of the craftsmanship, and the care and compassion shown to my customers.”
These qualities of craftsmanship, integrity, and multigenerational expertise are exactly why Yorkville Memorials is recognized as one of MV’s Best.
Seventy-five years after that first shipment of Barre granite arrived on Campbell Avenue, the business remains rooted in the values that built its reputation. Gina carries that legacy forward with the same devotion that shaped her childhood and the generations before her. It is a reminder that excellence endures when it is built on care, quality, and trust.
Gina’s grandfather, John Trzepacz (pictured above), founded Yorkville Memorials in 1949.
Gina Trzepacz Timpano, owner of Yorkville Memorials
Above, Gina’s father, uncle and God mother take a ride in one of the original Yorkville Memorials trucks.
Be Social
Out & About in the Mohawk Valley
Veterans Day Celebrations Across the Mohawk Valley
1. MVCC’s Veterans Day ceremony included remarks from Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and MVCC Trustee Dr. Frank Dubeck Jr., a flag-raising led by the Notre Dame ROTC, and a moving POW/MIA Table tribute to honor and remember prisoners of war and service members who are missing in action.
2. The Oneida Indian Nation welcomed more than 450 veterans to its 24th annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony and Breakfast at Turning Stone, honoring Marine Corps veteran Nichola Aregano-Diaz and PGA HOPE instructor Ryan McGinnis. The Nation also donated to Feed Our Vets.
3. In Cooperstown, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum marked the day with a tribute to veterans, photographed by Milo Stewart Jr. Universal Bookkeeper Marks 10 Years
4. Universal Bookkeeper celebrated a decade in business with a ribboncutting on October 30. The New Hartford firm, founded by Justin and Beth Miller, is known for its people-first accounting support for local businesses and nonprofits.
Holiday Preview with Steve Lennon & Co. Jewelers
10. Theresa and Steve Lennon hosted a pre-holiday gathering at Tailor and the Cook, showcasing beautiful jewelry and inspiring seasonal wish lists.
Photos 5-8: Rome Sentinel Media Company
MV Entertainment
DECEMBER ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR
Oneida County Public Market - Holiday Season (1)
When: Saturdays through December 20, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Union Station, 321 Main Street, Utica
The Nutcracker (2)
When: December 5 & 6, 7:00 PM and December 7, 2:00 PM
Where: The Stanley Theatre, 261 Genesee Street, Utica
Comets Hockey (3)
When: December 5, 7:00 PM
December 10, 7:00 PM
December 12, 7:00 PM
December 13, 6:00 PM
December 19, 7:00 PM
December 27, 6:00 PM
Where: Adirondack Bank Center 400 Oriskany St W, Utica
American Indian Holiday Craft Fair (4)
When: Saturday, December 6, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: The Event Center, Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona
Hyde Hall’s Victorian Candlelight Christmas Tour (5)
When: December 12-13, starting at 4:00 PM
Where: Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown www.hydehall.org/events2025
Brass Transit Christmas: The Music of Chicago & Holiday Favorites (7)
When: December 20, 8:00 PM
Where: The Showroom, Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona
1 5 7 6 4 8 3 2
COMING SOON!
Chayce Beckham (8)
When: January 24, 8:00 PM
Where: The Showroom, Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona
Utica Comets November Update
Utica Comets November Update
By Joe Benson, Director of Broadcastin and Media Relations, Utica Comets
By Joe Benson, Director of Broadcastin and Media Relations, Utica Comets
The Comets could not have started out the new month on a better foot, defeating the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on November 1st by a score of 3-1 to snap a seven-game losing streak to start the season. The Comets handed the Penguins just their second loss of the season, a team that had come into the game with an 8-1 record.
The Comets could not have started out the new month on a better foot, defeating the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on November 1st by a score of 3-1 to snap a seven-game losing streak to start the season. The Comets handed the Penguins just their second loss of the season, a team that had come into the game with an 8-1 record.
The game featured a late first period goal from Angus Crookshank who, as of this writing, leads the team with four goals on the year. Mike Hardman tallied early in the second for his team-leading second power play goal of the season to give the Comets a 2-0 lead. The Penguins made it 2-1 late in the second period, but former Penguin Jonathan Gruden scored an empty-net goal late in the third to seal the deal for the Comets. Nico Daws had a solid game in net, stopping 25 of the 26 shots he faced.
The game featured a late first period goal from Angus Crookshank who, as of this writing, leads the team with four goals on the year. Mike Hardman tallied early in the second for his team-leading second power play goal of the season to give the Comets a 2-0 lead. The Penguins made it 2-1 late in the second period, but former Penguin Jonathan Gruden scored an empty-net goal late in the third to seal the deal for the Comets. Nico Daws had a solid game in net, stopping 25 of the 26 shots he faced.
The following Friday, the Comets hosted the Belleville Senators on Muzzys and Mullets Night, dedicated to raising cancer awareness. The Comets were one of 23 teams across the AHL to host a game during the 27th annual Hockey Fights Cancer Month and continued their winning ways with a 3-0 win over the Senators. Matyas Melovsky opened the scoring with a power play goal late in the first period for his second career goal. Defenseman Calen Addison made it 2-0 in the second period with his first goal as a Comet. Angus Crookshank, the all-time leading scorer in Senators’ franchise history, added an insurance marker later on in the period, scoring against his former team to make it 3-0. Nico Daws picked up his fifth career shutout, tying the Comets’ franchise record.
The following Friday, the Comets hosted the Belleville Senators on Muzzys and Mullets Night, dedicated to raising cancer awareness. The Comets were one of 23 teams across the AHL to host a game during the 27th annual Hockey Fights Cancer Month and continued their winning ways with a 3-0 win over the Senators. Matyas Melovsky opened the scoring with a power play goal late in the first period for his second career goal. Defenseman Calen Addison made it 2-0 in the second period with his first goal as a Comet. Angus Crookshank, the all-time leading scorer in Senators’ franchise history, added an insurance marker later on in the period, scoring against his former team to make it 3-0. Nico Daws picked up his fifth career shutout, tying the Comets’ franchise record.
After a 4-0 loss in Wilkes Barre on November 8th, Utica returned home to host the Syracuse Crunch on Veterans Day, the sixth consecutive Veterans Day Game for the Comets and their seventh
After a 4-0 loss in Wilkes Barre on November 8th, Utica returned home to host the Syracuse Crunch on Veterans Day, the sixth consecutive Veterans Day Game for the Comets and their seventh
in franchise history. The game was preceded by a ceremony in the World Championship Village to honor Veterans and the area’s Citizen Service Members. Despite a 6-2 loss to the Crunch, it was a special day for the community, marking the continuation of a Comets tradition and the celebration of those who have made great sacrifices for our country. Comets’ rookies Lenni Hameenaho and Ethan Edwards scored their first career goals in the game.
in franchise history. The game was preceded by a ceremony in the World Championship Village to honor Veterans and the area’s Citizen Service Members. Despite a 6-2 loss to the Crunch, it was a special day for the community, marking the continuation of a Comets tradition and the celebration of those who have made great sacrifices for our country. Comets’ rookies Lenni Hameenaho and Ethan Edwards scored their first career goals in the game.
COMING UP
COMING UP
Utica faces some tough tests on the horizon with matchups against the Providence Bruins, Rochester Americans, and Syracuse Crunch.
Utica faces some tough tests on the horizon with matchups against the Providence Bruins, Rochester Americans, and Syracuse Crunch.
The Comets' upcoming schedule is jam-packed with home games and fun theme nights, such as the Red Out game on December 27th against Toronto.
The Comets' upcoming schedule is jam-packed with home games and fun theme nights, such as the Red Out game on December 27th against Toronto.
DECEMBER GAMES:
DECEMBER GAMES:
Fri, Dec 5 – 7:00 PM vs. Bridgeport Islanders — Comets Christmas Market begins
Fri, Dec 5 – 7:00 PM vs. Bridgeport Islanders — Comets Christmas Market begins
Wed, Dec 10 – 7:00 PM vs. Syracuse Crunch
Wed, Dec 10 – 7:00 PM vs. Syracuse Crunch
Fri, Dec 12 – 7:00 PM vs. Hartford Wolf Pack
Fri, Dec 12 – 7:00 PM vs. Hartford Wolf Pack
Sat, Dec 13 – 6:00 PM vs. Springfield Thunderbirds
Fri, Dec 19 – 7:00 PM vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins — Final Christmas Market home game
Sat, Dec 13 – 6:00 PM vs. Springfield Thunderbirds Fri, Dec 19 – 7:00 PM vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins — Final Christmas Market home game
Sat, Dec 27 – 6:00 PM vs. Toronto Marlies — RED OUT
Sat, Dec 27 – 6:00 PM vs. Toronto Marlies — RED OUT
Don't miss out on all that the Adirondack Bank Center has to offer! For tickets, fans can visit uticacomets.com/tickets or call 315-970-9070.
Don't miss out on all that the Adirondack Bank Center has to offer! For tickets, fans can visit uticacomets.com/tickets or call 315-970-9070.
Custom Woodcraft
Family owned and operated, Pumpernickel’s Deli in New Hartford offers a cozy dining experience where everything is made in-house by owner and chef Philip J. Amodio. The menu features comforting favorites like Pot Roast, Hot Covered Turkey Sandwich, and Mushroom Stew, plus freshly roasted meats, stacked sandwiches, and hearty soups—all prepared from scratch. And don’t forget to save room for dessert: Phil’s homemade pies—Apple, Blueberry, Chocolate Cream, Coconut Cream, and Chocolate Peanut Butter—are all to die for.
Quality Cabinetry & Furniture Crafted exclusively for you
2509 Perry Shumaker Road Munnsville (315) 843-4234
New Hartford Shopping Center, Center Court,120 Genesee Street ; (315) 735-8121; Mon–Wed 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Thurs–Fri 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Closed Sunday
“Where Good Friends Meet”
TAILOR AND THE COOK
Destinations in the Mohawk Valley
By Brianna Miner
There are many times throughout the year where we find ourselves incredibly busy, wrapped up in specific seasons or events. Yet nothing feels quite like the hustle and bustle of December. Between the seasonal traditions of decorating our homes, planning – and cooking – the perfect feasts, and shopping for every ingredient or the perfect present, this month can often pass by in a blur, and we might not even realize it until we hear the countdown welcoming in the new year. This time of year is one many of us wish to savor, and what better way than to slow down and treat yourself to a delicious brunch? Forget about your busy schedules and plans for a little while as you treat your senses to some of the best brunch spots the Mohawk Valley has to offer.
Whether you are looking for a healthy side of mimosas, a reason to dress a bit fancy, or a quick bite – that still wows your taste buds and reminds you to savor the moment – these 10 brunch destinations are not to be missed!
This beautiful historic property in the heart of Rome offers a full-service restaurant and pub, complete with weekly live music and monthly Sunday brunches. Reserve your table for the December 28th brunch, which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and treat yourself to the seasonal brunch menu at Beeches Manor. Past brunches included delectable offerings ranging from champagne chicken and shepherd’s pie to pumpkin pancakes and western omelets. Be sure to check out the dessert table and cocktail menu for even more festive flavors!
Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tailor and the Cook delivers a farm-to-table brunch experience with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Their seasonal menu ensures guests will enjoy new and exciting takes on classic brunch favorites while feeling comfy and cozy in a warm, inviting atmosphere. If you’re craving breakfast smash burgers, omelets, and chocolate chip bread pudding and want to try some handcrafted brunch cocktails to go with them (two-hour bottomless mimosas, anyone?), then make sure you give this downtown Utica staple a try!
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1909
60 Lake Street, Cooperstown • (607) 547-9931 • otesaga.com/dine/1909
Located at the Otesaga Hotel, 1909 promises to delight guests with both fantastic flavors and historical ambiance. Enjoy lakeside views when you dine at their A La Carte Brunch, which is offered every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The menu ranges from lighter plates such as avocado toast and overnight oats to sharable options such as seafood on ice, cinnamon monkey bread, or khachapuri. Wash down these delicious dishes with your choice of brunch beverages, signature mocktails, or an assortment of seasonal cocktails, a variety of wines, and local craft beers.
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AQUA VINO RESTAURANT AND BAR
8655 Clinton Street, New Hartford • (315) 732-0116 • aquavinorestaurant.com
This Italian restaurant has been satisfying customers since 2007, and their weekly brunch will not disappoint. Offered every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., their brunch menu is split into sweet, savory, and Aqua Vino classics, thus offering something for every brunch-goer, no matter their preferred flavor profile. Indulge in a brunch punch, bottomless aperol spritz, or pint-size bloody mary to go with your cannoli pancakes, smoke salmon hash, or turkey cranberry melt, and be sure to savor the season through these delicious flavors.
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WILDFLOWERS
5218 Patrick Road, Verona • (800) 771-7711 turningstone.com/dining/wildflowers
Located within The Lodge at Turning Stone Resort Casino, Wildflowers is an award-winning fine dining experience. Their menu features locally sourced ingredients crafted into dishes that celebrate flavor and innovation, all within an upscale atmosphere. Brunch is served from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and offers dishes such as steak and eggs, bananas foster stuffed french toast, and croque madame. Cocktails include mimosa flights, bellinis, and a morning bloom – a combination of champagne, pear nectar, and pomegranate juice. Be sure to dress in your best business casual or cocktail attire for this dining experience, and let the chefs at Wildflowers remind you to savor every bite.
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BABE’S AT HARBOR POINT
80 North Genesee Street, Utica • (315) 735-0777 • babesutica.com
A Utica tradition for over 30 years, Babe’s at Harbor Point not only serves delicious burgers, sandwiches, and brick oven pizzas, but they also offer Babe’s Boozy Brunch. Available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this brunch experience offers a mix of American comfort food with a twist. With a menu of unique items such as Fruity Pebbles™ french toast, sticky bun pancakes, or bangin’ shrimp benedict, there is certainly something for everyone. Plus, their brunch cocktail menu puts the “booze” in Boozy Brunch, with options such as endless mimosas and peach bellinis, bloody mary and mimosa flights, and house wines.
If you’re looking for the comfort of a classic diner this December, then this place is for you. The delicious home-cooked meals at Sheri’s Eastside Diner will satisfy both your taste buds and your holiday spirit. Their all-day breakfast includes the classics of omelets, pancakes and waffles, french toast, and breakfast sandwiches, but with some unique flavor options. Try ordering the cheeseburger or reuben omelets, some banana bread french toast, or The Davenport breakfast sandwich, which is a breaded chicken breast, eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, jalapenos and sausage gravy all piled onto a hard roll.
VILLA VERONA VINEYARD AND BISTRO
4914 State Route 365, Oneida (315) 363-3305 • villaveronavineyard.com
Villa Verona Vineyard and Bistro is perfectly situated halfway between Utica and Syracuse, making this brunch spot a great destination on your way to all of the December happenings. Their bistro offers a beautiful atmosphere where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy their house-made dishes, which are crafted with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their Sunday brunch is available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features delicacies such as breakfast poutine, brunch burgers, and egg frittata or belgium waffle breakfast sandwiches. They also offer mimosa and wine flights to complete your vineyard experience!
Christmas Trees, Handmade Wreaths, Kissing Balls, Centerpieces, and Poinsettias.
Mon-Fri: 9:00am-5:00pm Sat-Sun: 9:00am-4:00pm
SIMPLY PRIMITIVE
Celebrate the season with our full collection of Christ as treasures
Celebrate the season with our Christmas treasures.
8808 NYS Route 12 Barneveld
315.896.5110
Wed-Sat 10-4 and Sun 10-2
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SATURDAY SPREADS
264 East Main Street, Frankfort (315) 444-8151 • saturdayspreads.com
The tasty drinks and quick bites at this coffee shop and café will surely remind you to treasure the little moments this December. Family-owned and operated by a mother and daughter, Saturday Spreads is serving up delicious flavors with their seasonal drink menu, graband-go sandwich and salad options, and selection of open-faced bagels. Looking for something to enjoy brunch at home? Consider ordering their brunch boards, which not only look incredible but taste amazing, too!
KNEAD TO EAT BAKERY AND CAFÉ
53 Franklin Square, Utica • (315) 864-8742 facebook.com/Kneadbakeryandcafe/
Knead to Eat is defined by the warmth of fresh-baked food and the inviting energy of a neighborhood café. It’s a place where espresso, pastries, and from-scratch breakfasts set the tone for a relaxed, flavorful start to the day. Their weekend brunch menu features house-made burritos, loaded omelets, and signature pancakes, including a pancake board with 14 mini pancakes and all the fixings – all crafted with care and served in a bright, cozy space in downtown Utica. Arrive early, especially during the busy holiday season, to secure your spot at this local favorite.
Other Places To Get Your Brunch On
If you’re looking for even more places to grab brunch in the Mohawk Valley this December, we suggest checking out the following locations:
• Canal Side Inn, 395 Canal Place, Little Falls
• Castlewood Café, 1307 Champlin Avenue, Utica
• Delta Lake Inn, 8524 Fish Hatchery Road, Rome
• The Java Shop by Cucina Berto, 402 Mohawk Street, Herkimer
• Charlie’s Place, 8170 Seneca Turnpike, Clinton
• Craylee’s Diner, 237 Bleecker Street, Utica
• Top of the Morning Café, 414 Trenton Road, Utica
• Doubleday Café, 93 Main Street, Cooperstown
Family owned and operated, Ohio Tavern offers a cozy, consistent dining experience where everything is cooked in-house by the husband-and-wife team. The 40-seat dining room delivers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that draws in both locals and visitors, especially hunters and snowmobilers. The menu spotlights creative specials alongside customer favorites like Friday Fish Fry, Riggies, Reubens and Hot Covered Roast Beef Sandwiches. Peppermint Mocha Cheesecakes and fun holiday cocktails are featured throughout December. Don’t forget about the Tavern for last minute gifts, such as homemade pickles, gift cards, apparel & Ohio Tavern ornaments. The Tavern will be closed for Christmas December 24-26. 2755 NY‑8, Cold Brook, NY; (315) 826 5050; Open Wed–Sat 12–9pm; Sun 12–8pm; Mon–Tue closed.
Known for its warm atmosphere and 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.
Thoughtful finds, local treasures, and little joys for the season
The holidays in the Mohawk Valley arrive with their own kind of magic. Snow settles on village streets, shop windows glow at dusk, and there is a familiar rhythm of neighbors supporting neighbors. It is a season built on tradition and togetherness, but also on the simple joy of finding something special for the people we love. Year after year, our region’s small businesses prove that meaningful gifts do not require a long drive or a package shipped from far away. They are right here, crafted, curated, and shared by the people who call this community home.
This Holiday Gift Guide is a celebration of that spirit. Inside, you will find an inspiring collection of local shops, artisans, wellness studios, restaurants, and makers, each offering something unique to give, experience, or enjoy. From cozy coffee moments and handcrafted décor to wellness experiences, jewelry, treats, and unforgettable stocking stuffers, the businesses featured here represent the heart of the
Mohawk Valley’s holiday season. They are the places we gather, the places we rely on, and the places that make our towns feel warm and full of character.
Shopping local is more than a tradition. It is a way to keep our community strong. Every gift from a neighborhood business helps support a dream, sustain a livelihood, and keep our regional economy thriving. It ensures the places we love continue to grow, create, and innovate long after the tree is taken down and the season has passed.
As you turn the pages of this guide, let it inspire you to explore a little deeper, visit somewhere new, and reconnect with the local favorites that make the Mohawk Valley feel like home. There is joy in discovering the perfect gift, and even more joy in knowing that your choice strengthens the community that surrounds us all.
2025 Holiday GIFT GUIDE
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Worthy
Worthy offers you an exclusive and premium resale shopping experience. This thoughtfully curated pre-owned boutique features apparel, accessories, home décor, and seasonal pieces that feel personal, stylish, and one of a kind. Every item is selected with intention, giving you a beautiful way to gift sustainably while still offering something elevated and memorable.
Share strength, confidence, and community with a gift from Fit Body Boot Camp in Clinton or Whitesboro, led by MVL Editor and owner Lisa Briggs. Their supportive, high-energy workouts help members stay motivated and reach their goals, making a membership or gift package a meaningful choice for anyone ready to invest in themselves. Give the gift of feeling good, staying active, and starting the new year strong.
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4 Steve Lennon & Co. Jewelers
Give the gift of elegance this holiday season at Steve Lennon & Co. Jewelers, where 14 kt yellow-gold and diamond bangles (starting at approximately $1,500 and up) make truly memorable gifts. From sleek wires to lavish pavé designs, the selection is bold, timeless, and deeply personal. The shop also offers beautiful jewelry at every price point, making it easy to find the perfect piece for anyone on your list. Give a gift that shines, celebrates, and lasts a lifetime.
23 Genesee Street, New Hartford • (315) 927-8000 • slennonjewelers.com
Share the gift of a cozy moment at Calabria Coffee in the Village of New Hartford, where specialty coffee, espresso drinks, and Caruso’s treats set the scene for connection and relaxation. This season, their shelves are stocked with $19.95 mugs, freshroasted coffee bags, and all-new holiday merch. You can also choose digital or classic gift cards—perfect for giving someone the luxury of an unrushed coffee break or a lingering visit with friends.
52 Genesee Street, New Hartford • (315) 624-0130 • calabriacoffee.com
Explore Almost Local, a thoughtfully curated shop filled with artisan goods, handmade gifts, home accents, and locally inspired pieces that make giving feel personal and heartfelt. Whether you are shopping for a friend, a host, or yourself, every item reflects creativity and charm. A warm, modern boutique where finding the perfect gift feels easy and meaningful. 18 W Park Row, Clinton • (315) 466-9059 • almostlocalshop.com
6 Munson
Give the gift of inspiration this holiday season with a Munson membership, offering unlimited access to art, exclusive events, special discounts, and unforgettable experiences all year long. Starting at $50.
Share team spirit with official Comets merchandise, featuring jerseys, apparel, accessories, and gifts for fans of all ages. Whether you are shopping for a lifelong fan or someone new to the excitement, Comets gear brings hometown pride to the holidays. Shop in store or online and wrap up something unforgettable. Adirondack Bank Center Team Store, 400 Oriskany Street West, Utica • (315) 790-9070 • uticacomets.com
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Alison’s Jewelry & Repair
Give the gift of elegance and timeless craftsmanship at Alison’s Jewelry & Repair. From fine jewelry to custom pieces and expert repair services, the boutique offers something unforgettable for everyone on your list.
Step back in time at The Depot Antique Gallery in Bouckville. Every piece here tells a story, from rustic primitives and mid-century modern finds to antique and vintage décor and collectibles that make unforgettable gifts. Explore, reminisce, and give the gift of yesterday. Open seven days a week. 6768 US Route 20, Bouckville • (315) 893-7676 • thedepotantiquegallery.com
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Bodywise Pure Pilates
Give the gift of movement at Bodywise Pure Pilates, owned and led by Valerie Ezzo, a classically trained Pilates instructor dedicated to helping clients build strength, improve posture, and find balance. Whether someone is new to Pilates or looking to deepen their practice, Valerie’s studio offers calm, focus, and real results. A thoughtful gift for anyone who values wellness, strength, and self care. 2615 Genesee Street, Utica • (315) 757-1411 • bodywisepurepilates.com
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Duke Nail & Spa
Brighten someone’s season with a visit to Duke Nail & Spa, known for its clean, peaceful setting and detailed nail care. From classic manicures and spa pedicures to specialty treatments, every service feels polished and pampering. A gift card gives someone a moment of beauty, confidence, and relaxation.
60A Kellogg Road, New Hartford • (315) 733-1700
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Tony’s Pizzeria & Deli
Give the gift of good taste at Tony’s Pizzeria & Deli, where the best pizza, hearty subs, and local warmth combine to make every meal a treat. Gift cards make it easy to share flavor, comfort, and a go-to spot for family and friends.
4462 Commercial Drive, New Hartford • (315) 736-4549 • tonyspizzeriaanddeli.com
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North Star Orchards
North Star Orchards, where custom-made gift baskets are the perfect gift! Signature Gift Basket includes a combination of NYS cheese, crackers, summer sausage, local jam, sweet and savory snacks, fresh fruit. Baskets are make to order based on price. Grab and go available. 4741 NY 233 Westmoreland • (315) 853-1024 • Northstarorchards.com
14 Aqua Vino / Babe’s / Tailor & The Cook / 72 Tavern & Grill / Comets (Five-in-One Gift Card)
Give a taste of the Mohawk Valley with one gift card that works at five beloved destinations. Enjoy Aqua Vino, Babe’s, Tailor and the Cook, and 72 Tavern & Grill, plus the option to shop Comets tickets or official merchandise. One card offering five standout experiences rooted in the heart of the region. Utica Comets Office, 400 Oriskany Street West, Utica • (315) 790-9070 • uticacomets.com
15 Brimstone Bakery
Celebrate the season with Brimstone Bakery, where pastries, handmade treats, jams and their traditional Great British Fruit Cake - made with nine fruits, three nuts, plenty of dark rum and aged for a month before being finished with a thin layer of marzipan - make holiday gifting deliciously easy. Perfect for gifting — or send a gift card so they can pick their own fresh-baked treats.
Discover the craftsmanship of Ironwood Furniture, known for its solid wood, Amish-built pieces designed to last for generations. From handcrafted dining sets to unique accent furniture, every item brings warmth, quality, and character into a home. A beautiful place to shop shop or gift furniture with heart and heritage.
7686 State Route 5, Clinton • (315) 853-7300 • ironwoodfurniturestore.com
Hedgie & Rose by Anna Chan
Ungrounding by Marre Moores
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Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse
‘Tis the season to gift a Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse gift certificate. It’s the best deal in town! Buy $20, Get $5 Free. Available in store or purchase online at DelmonicosItalianSteakhouse.com. Offer valid through December 24th.
147 N Genesee Street, Utica • (315) 732-2300 • delmonicositaliansteakhouse.com
18 Peter’s Cornucopia
Give the gift of wellness at Peter’s Cornucopia, a local favorite for natural foods, supplements, organic groceries, and thoughtful lifestyle products. Along with handcrafted treats and trusted nutrition essentials, the store creates beautiful custom gift baskets, fresh nut and fruit cut trays, and specialty chocolate assortments that make holiday gifting easy and meaningful. Stop in, explore, and wrap up something that supports the well-being of someone you care about. 38 New Hartford Shopping Center, New Hartford • (315) 724-4998 • peterscornucopia.com
19 Lava Spa
Give the gift of relaxation at Lava Spa, where massage, facials, body treatments, and curated wellness services help guests unwind and restore. Their calm atmosphere and thoughtful approach make every visit a peaceful escape. The spa offers Flotation Therapy and a luxurious Japanese Head Spa treatment, a soothing scalp and hair ritual designed to melt stress and promote total rejuvenation. A Lava Spa gift card is the perfect way to share rest, renewal, and self care.
Discover the charm of Simply Primitive, a warm and welcoming shop filled with handcrafted goods, rustic décor, candles, florals, and seasonal pieces that make a home feel cozy and loved. Every item adds comfort and character, making it a perfect stop for thoughtful holiday gifting. Find something timeless, inviting, and full of heart.
8088 State Route 12, Barneveld • (315) 896-5110 • simply-primitive-llc.square.site
21 Tin Bin Alley
Explore Tin Bin Alley in Cooperstown, where handmade chocolates, Jellycat plush friends, the world’s softest socks, Polish pottery, and other unique finds make for thoughtful and joyful gifts. Every corner offers something charming. A delightful stop for sweets, whimsy, and something to make you smile.
114 Main Street, Cooperstown • (607) 547-5565 • tinbinalley.com
Within these pages is a celebration of the talent, warmth, and ingenuity that thrive across the Mohawk Valley. Each featured business offers something special to discover, reminding us that meaningful gifts begin with the places and people around us. Shop local, explore widely, and let your holiday giving strengthen the community we love.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
6:30 PM – 12:00 AM WITH
FEATURING
entertainment, games, and food/drink specials at participating local businesses!
Holiday Happenings
THE MAGIC OF DECEMBER
By Elizabeth Lemire
As we navigate momentous change — from AI advancements to robots once found only in our favorite cartoons - Mohawk Valley Living invites you to embrace nostalgia this season. Take a break from the mayhem to rediscover the simplicity of yesteryear. We hope to give you opportunities to watch the wonder on children’s faces as they take in the season, explore age-old traditions, spend time with family and friends, and seek out special gifts for everyone on your list - whether handmade by you or thoughtfully chosen from a local Mohawk Valley business.
Happy holidays to you and yours, and may these “Holiday Happenings” inspire moments of meaningful connection.
CHRISTMAS IN LITTLE FALLS
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN, LITTLE FALLS, NY
DECEMBER 12–13, 2025
Little Falls scratches our nostalgic itch in its very being. This charming historic setting on the Erie Canal corridor knows how to celebrate. Enjoy their “Soup Fest,” “Reindeer Run,” horse-drawn wagon rides, and a glorious “Celebration of Lights” in Canal Place. Their tree-lighting ceremony gives us our own Rockefeller Center moment right here in the Mohawk Valley. For a more detailed schedule of events, go to thedailypost.digital.
Photo Credit: Dave Warner
GLIMMER NIGHTS
FENIMORE FARM & COUNTRY VILLAGE, COOPERSTOWN DECEMBER 1–28 | 5:30–9:00 PM
Bundle up and experience Fenimore Farm aglow! Stroll along the illuminated pathways of “Glimmer Nights,” a self-guided walking tour that transforms the museum’s Country Village into a dazzling winter wonderland. Advance tickets recommended at: fenimorefarm.org/glimmernights.
Each weekend features a special theme:
Dec 6–7: Dickens Nights
Enjoy live performances from A Christmas Carol, costumed characters, and caroling throughout the village.
Dec 11–14: Wassail Nights
Sip complimentary warm wassail or cider from Fly Creek Cider Mill, explore the lights, ride the carousel, and browse the Holiday Market for artisan gifts.
Dec 20: Solstice Night
A night for adults, featuring crafts, wreath-making, a bonfire, and cozy seasonal drinks.
Dec 27–28: Winter Wonderland Closing
Family-friendly fun with snowman building, meet-and-greets with “ice queens,” and tractor rides.
NOT SO TINY NUTCRACKER
ONEIDA COUNTY HISTORY CENTER, 1608 GENESEE STREET, UTICA
DECEMBER 1–JANUARY 10 | TUESDAY–SATURDAY: 10 AM–4 PM
See an impressive display of nutcrackers from around the world! Immerse yourself in a whimsical world where every intricately crafted nutcracker tells a unique story. This year’s collection welcomes a series of historical nutcrackers, including Baron von Steuben (Drillmaster of the Continental Army), Lucy Carlile Watson (Utica suffragist), Jesse Williams (inventor of the first U.S. cheese factory), F. X. Matt I (founder of the West End Brewing Company), and Chauncey E. Goodrich (a horticulturist who had broad agricultural impact by developing potato varieties that helped mitigate potato diseases).
GINGERBREAD VILLAGE
TURNING STONE CASINO, VERONA
DECEMBER 1-JANUARY 1
Gingerbread houses are a cherished tradition for many families. For those who prefer to admire them rather than bake and make their own, Turning Stone’s display will delight all generations with its elaborate villages and mind-blowing detail. These sweet creations have been named among the country’s top gingerbread displays year after year. Find them near the main entrance of the resort by The Commons shopping boutiques.
LAVENDER & LIGHTS
SPRING CREEK LAVENDER, 8879 TRENTON FALLS PROSPECT RD., REMSEN
DECEMBER 5–7
DECEMBER 12–14
DECEMBER 18–23
Discover the beauty of the season in a slower, simpler way. Lavender & Lights offers a moment to breathe and be together. Stroll through thousands of twinkling lights, inhale the scent of lavender and pine in the crisp evening air, snuggle with the farm’s friendly goats, and linger by the fire with hot chocolate and a freshly roasted s’more. Details at springcreeklavenderny.com.
THE POLAR EXPRESS
UNION STATION, 321 MAIN STREET, UTICA
DECEMBER 4–7, 11–14, AND 18–21
Step into holiday magic aboard the Adirondack Railroad on “The Polar Express.” This cozy 2-hour journey includes pajama-friendly attire, hot chocolate, cookies, and a festive stop at the “North Pole,” where Santa himself boards, and presents each family with the first gift of Christmas: the iconic silver bell. Book early—tickets go fast! adirondackrr.com
DECEMBER 5–7, 12–14, 19–21
Don’t miss historic Sharon Springs this holiday season, where charming shops abound with holiday treasures. From partridges to golden rings, every corner of the village holds a little holiday magic. The “Twelve Days of Christmas” invites everyone to shop, eat, drink, and be merry. Participating retailers will offer a “spend $30, receive $5” promotion, which, in the words of local retailer Eileen Harcourt, owner of EH Rural Provisions, “captures the true essence of holiday sharing—meeting new and old friends and giving back.”
ZOOBILEE
UTICA ZOO, UTICA
DECEMBER 6 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Step into a holiday jubilee at the Utica Zoo, where twinkling lights, live music, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus create a warm, old-fashioned celebration. Cozy up by campfires for roasted marshmallows, sip cocoa, and discover how the zoo’s animals adapt to winter. Watch out—the Grinch may sneak in for a mischievous visit! Photo ops await for you to choose naughty or nice.
WASSAILING WEEKENDS
FLY CREEK CIDER MILL TASTING ROOM, 288 GOOSE ST., FLY CREEK
DECEMBER 6–7, 13–14, 20–21 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
The earliest reports of wassail, a traditional cider-based holiday drink, date back to the 1300s. Carolers would carry bowls of hot wassail from house to house during the holidays, wishing friends good health and luck in the coming year. Bill Michaels, the Mill owner, was inspired to revive these traditions during a hectic holiday season. Learn to make your own wassail; check someone off your gift list by packaging the ingredients with special spices from Fly Creek Cider Mill to ensure your wassail is the toast of your party or a perfect holiday gift.
CHRISTMAS IN ESPERANCE
123 CHURCH STREET, ESPERANCE
DECEMBER 6 | 10:00 AM
Experience the warmth of an old-fashioned Christmas inside an 1800s one-room schoolhouse at the Esperance Historical Museum. Stroll through beautifully decorated Christmas trees, shop for handcrafted gifts, and enjoy homemade “Chocolate Jumbles” — a regional cookie, filled with spice and tradition dating back to 1916. Hear Christmas carols on the piano at the Esperance Presbyterian Church. If you have children in tow, the North Pole mailbox will be receiving letters, with each child receiving a special reply from Santa.
SANTA CLAUS EXPRESS
COOPERSTOWN & CHARLOTTE VALLEY RAILROAD, MILFORD
DECEMBER 6–7, 13–14, 20–21 | 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM
Bursting with colorful lights and festive garland, the train is a holiday spectacle even before it departs the station. Santa and Mrs. Claus will entertain kids of all ages on board with holiday music and seasonal refreshments. Watch Santa work his magic by bringing a small gift labeled with your child’s name to the “Reindeer Shack” behind the Depot on the day of your ride.
Duration: Approx. 2½ hours. Advance tickets available at lrhs.com/santa-claus-express.
Brimstone sins are worth it. New York City & San Franciscobased chef, Anthony Leberto, will be sharing his creativity this season with free cookie decorating. Complimentary hot chocolate is available to sip slowly and savor as you enjoy the festive atmosphere and escape the holiday hustle. Also happening is Brimstone Brunch on Saturdays in December, with the final one on Christmas Eve.
Step into the warmth of the season at Montezuma Winery and try your hand at the art of glassblowing. You’ll shape and color your glass just as craftspeople did generations ago. Your registration includes a festive holiday cocktail featuring Montezuma’s signature wine and an heirloom ornament. Tickets are available at: montezumawinery.com/events.
VICTORIAN CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS TOURS
HYDE HALL, GLIMMERGLASS STATE PARK, COOPERSTOWN
DECEMBER 12 | 5:00 PM, 8:30 PM
DECEMBER 13 | 5:00 PM, 8:30 PM
Hyde Hall, a magnificent mansion built between 1817 and 1834 for a wealthy Englishman named George Clarke, invites you to transcend time and experience the season as it was celebrated 200 years ago. Immerse yourself in festive cheer as you discover historical holiday customs and explore Hyde Hall adorned with lush greenery and flickering candlelight. Take in the home’s stunning view of Otsego Lake, a feature virtually unchanged since the early 19th century.
MUNSON’S HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
FOUNTAIN ELMS, UTICA
DECEMBER 11 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Step back in time and celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal with a festive journey back to the elegance of the canal’s heyday. The “Victorian Yuletide: Fancy Goods” exhibit showcases opulent furnishings and holiday décor that once adorned homes during the canal boom.
Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides through the wintry grounds, then warm up with cookies and hot chocolate at the Terrace Café. In the Root Court, craft your own ornament from recycled materials, decorate cookies with your own custom kit, tap your toes to live music, and browse unique gifts at the Art Market and Museum Shop.
The “Victorian Yuletide: Fancy Goods” exhibit will be on display through January 4.
MUNSON HOLIDAY ART MARKET
MUNSON, UTICA
DECEMBER 11 | 12:00–7:00 PM
DECEMBER 12 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Find one-of-a-kind gifts, meet local creators, and experience Munson’s vibrant arts community. Browse original artwork and handcrafted goods by Pratt Munson students, Munson faculty and staff, and community art students.
CHRISTMAS IN SCHOHARIE
OLD STONE FORT, 145 FORT ROAD, SCHOHARIE
DECEMBER 13 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Historians will share 18th-century holiday traditions; children and their families can explore how these relate to our own. Throughout the day, enjoy carolers filling the air with classic holiday tunes, participate in a “Jumble/Jumbo Cookie Contest” (visit theoldstonefort.org for details), and warm up at a special hot chocolate bar. Browse unique, historically themed gifts at the museum store, where you’ll find Dutch and German Christmas decorations, traditional wooden toys, regional history books, and natural stone jewelry.
SANTA’S MAGICAL VISIT & TREE LIGHTING
THE ROOT FARM, SAUQUOIT
DECEMBER 13 | 3:30–5:30 PM
These four sheep feel like they belong in a verse of The Twelve Days of Christmas— sorry, calling birds! If you haven’t experienced The Root Farm, ’tis the season! Enjoy live animals, Santa’s Magical Visit™, ornament decorating, Christmas carolers, locally-made gifts, a Christmas tree lighting and many untold surprises—don’t miss! Tickets are available at: montezumawinery.com/events.
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
HISTORIC ST. JOHN’S MIDNIGHT MASS, 240 BLEEKER STREET, UTICA
DECEMBER 24 | 10:30 PM
Standing ovations aren’t typically associated with church — but the voices, organ, and instrumental accompaniment in the choir loft at Historic St. John’s certainly earn them. If singing and solemnity are what you’re after, the Midnight Mass is worth the visit. Pat Marthage, a recently retired district attorney, has a voice so beautiful that people crane their necks to catch a glimpse of the person behind it. All are welcome to enjoy the sounds of the season.
BANK OF UTICA NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
222 GENESEE STREET, UTICA
DECEMBER 31 | 6:30 PM – 12:15 AM
Skip the Times Square crowd and celebrate locally as the iconic Bank of Utica tower counts down to midnight, followed by a spectacular fireworks display to ring in 2026. Enjoy live music from The Shawn Smith Band, J-Easy, and Soul Injection; street performers; a bonfire warm-up; the UPD/UFD Chili Cook-Off; and drinks from Saranac and Utica Coffee. Local restaurants and food trucks will serve throughout the evening.
At Home
A GIFT THAT LASTS
Jill M. Hayes Owner and CEO New York Sash
Investing in the Comfort of Home
By Jill M. Hayes
Every year as the holidays roll around, we all face the same question: What do you give someone who already has everything they need?
The older we get, the harder it becomes to find something that feels truly meaningful. Gifts come and go. The sweater fades, the gadget breaks, the novelty wears off. But home is the gift that keeps on giving, every single day.
What Our Homes Give Back
Here in Central New York, we all know what’s coming. The long stretch of winter. The lake-effect snow piling up faster than we can shovel it. The drafts that sneak under the door no matter how many times we adjust the weatherstripping.
It’s a season that tests your home as much as it tests your patience.
That’s why this time of year is perfect for reflecting on what our homes really give us: warmth, comfort, and security. And when those things start to slip, there’s no better time to invest in bringing them back. A new set of windows that actually close tight. A door that doesn’t rattle in the wind. A bathroom that feels safe, modern, and inviting.
At New York Sash, we’ve built our company around the idea that improving your home isn’t about luxury or vanity. It’s about living better, every single day.
Built for Life in the Mohawk Valley
For more than 35 years, New York Sash has helped families across the Mohawk Valley make their homes warmer, safer, and more efficient.
We know this climate because we live it. We drive through the same snowdrifts,
deal with the same frozen locks, and feel the same relief when the heat finally kicks in. That’s why we believe the most meaningful home improvements aren’t flashy; they’re practical, lasting, and personal.
And right now, with our Buy 2 Windows Get 1 Free Sale, it’s a great time to make that investment before winter settles in for good. It’s not about chasing deals; it’s about making your home stronger and more comfortable for the people you love most with windows that will last a lifetime.
The Emotional Return on Investment
When you think about it, home improvements are emotional investments. They’re not things you use once or tuck away in a drawer. They’re daily reminders of care for your family, your comfort, and your future.
The Best Gifts Aren’t Wrapped
While everyone else is focused on the latest trend, think about giving a gift that stands the test of time – the gift of home improvements.
Because the truth is, the best gifts aren’t wrapped. They’re built.
And if you’re ready to start “shopping” for the kind of gift that keeps on giving, stop into the New York Sash Idea & Design Center in Whitesboro. Explore real projects, talk with our team, and see how we can help you create a home that feels warmer, safer, and more beautiful this season and beyond.
At New York Sash, we’re proud to help our neighbors across Central New York build warmth, comfort, and peace of mind that last far beyond the holiday season.
THE APARTMENT CONNECTION
Celebrating the Traditions
That Make the Season Shine
By Joanne Donaruma Wade
The holidays have always held a special place in my heart, and over the years I’ve found that it’s the simple rituals that make this season feel so meaningful. I’m sharing a few fun ways to celebrate, the small traditions that bring warmth, connection, and a sense of home. And because the Mohawk Valley is full of incredible stories, I asked members of our community to tell me about the traditions they look forward to each year. Their memories and moments are truly what make this season special.
Christmas
Traditions in the Mohawk Valley
Juleen Qandah
Every Christmas Eve, my five younger siblings and I would bundle into our grandparents’ home, where dinner and dessert were served with love. Together we watched The Sound of Music, always leaving at the wedding scene with hearts full and spirits lifted. Those nights carried us home in a glow of anticipation, ready to wake to Santa’s magic the next morning.
Marie Selvarajah
As my family gathers to decorate the Christmas tree, we sip hot chocolate, eat cookies, hang ornaments that hold years of memories, and play our favorite Christmas music in the background. On Christmas Eve, we dress up and go to Mass together. When we return home, it’s time for one of our favorite moments — exchanging our Secret Santa gifts. Then comes Christmas Day — the heart of it all. The whole family gathers, sharing a Christmas lunch with Sri Lankan rice and curries as Santa makes his grand entrance.
Joanne Fanelli Babiarz
Some of my fondest childhood memories are from Christmas Eve,
1 Decorate the Tree: Turn on some music, pour cocoa, and make it a family tradition.
2 Bake Cookies: Fill the house with the scent of fresh-baked holiday favorites.
3 Write to Santa: Have the kids write their letters to Santa and leave cookies and carrots out on Christmas Eve.
when our Italian traditions filled the house with warmth, laughter, and incredible smells from the kitchen. I can still picture the console record player spinning The Singing Nuns’ “Dominique” as my mom worked tirelessly preparing the Feast of the Seven Fishes. After the feast came the array of Italian cookies my mom had baked the week before, each one a tradition in itself. Later, we’d bundle up and walk through the baseball field in North Utica to Christmas Eve Mass. When we got home, the night ended with one small thrill - we could open one gift before bed.
Alyce Short
Growing up, we annually celebrated the infamous “Leone Family” Christmas party. With over 200 of us, we rented out a venue, had our very own Santa Claus who brought gifts for the children, sung Christmas carols, and reminisced on our Italian heritage. Due to COVID, we had temporarily discontinued… however as of 2024, the Leone Christmas Party is back with great success. It’s a very special tradition that holds a special place in my heart and I’m thrilled to share it with my daughter and the newest generation of cousins for years to come.
JoAnn and Jennifer Musch
Our Christmas traditions start with
4 See the Lights: Take an evening drive to enjoy festive displays across the Valley.
5 Build a Gingerbread House: Create something sweet together.
6 Sing Christmas Carols: Share the joy of the season through song.
7 Exchange Gifts: Find something meaningful for those you love.
a special Christmas Eve mass. The church is beautiful, and seeing our extended family and friends all together makes it extra special. After mass, we celebrate with the feast of the seven fishes. The best part of Christmas Eve is when our close family gathers around the tree and opens presents. The night is spent with those closest to us as we carry on old traditions while making new memories.
Maria Maier
Growing up, our family tradition was decorating the Christmas tree together and finding a bag of clementines and candies under it every year. Now, my family and four children, blend eastern and western cultures and celebrate Christmas twice, following both Catholic and Orthodox calendars. In December, we make reindeer magic food, and the children rush outside to sprinkle oats and glitter in the backyard, so Santa’s sleigh won’t miss our house. In early January, for Orthodox Christmas, we enjoy a special family dinner and attend a late-night church service that lasts until 1 or 2 a.m.
Dawn Gentile
Every Christmas Eve, the scent of cake baking fills our home, a sweet reminder of the celebration to come. It’s not just any cake, but
8
Attend Christmas Eve Mass: Spend time in reflection, community, and celebration before the festivities begin.
9 Watch Christmas Movies: Get cozy with timeless classics.
10 Be with Loved Ones: The best gift of all is time together.
a birthday cake for Jesus, lovingly prepared to honor the true spirit of the season. On Christmas morning, my husband, our three children (now 17, 20, and 24) and I gather to sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus, a tradition centered in faith and joy. Years ago, my husband and I began another tradition: placing a small Christmas tree in each child’s room carefully choosing an ornament that symbolized something special about their year. These small rituals, baking a cake, singing a song, and hanging an ornament, weave our story together year after year.
Tonia Abruzzo Hill
Some of our Christmas traditions include going to mass together on Christmas Eve, going out to dinner and then coming home to get into our matching Christmas pajamas. Christmas morning, we cuddle up to watch the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade.
Donna Mutolo
Our Thanksgiving Giving tradition is now with 3 close friends which now have become family not only among us adults but with our children. We celebrate our annual Friendsgiving on the Saturday after Thanksgiving around 5:00 pm at The Mutolo’s. We order food from The Willow’s which is delicious, and we don’t do any thanksgiving
food we figure we just did that. It’s been so memorable every year and everyone especially the young adults look forward to it. Lots of homemade desserts.
Bunny Gottuso
Our Christmas Eve was always a grand event. With my mom’s family of 9 brothers and sisters, and the many cousins to follow, the gifts were piled so high, we couldn’t wait to unwrap them. Our Christmas dinner consisted of the 7 fishes as the Italian tradition carried on. It was always mass confusion but always the best time ever to share with our family.
Denise Flihan
Christmas Eve has always held a special place in my heart. It was my grandmother’s holiday, the one she made perfect every year. The house filled with the smell of cookies baking and her famous cheesecake and pusties cooling on the counter. My job was to set the table just right, wanting everything to be as beautiful as she made it. Now I follow the same traditions with my children, baking for days from her handwritten recipes, and setting that perfect table together. The smells, the family, and the feeling of togetherness bring her back, keeping her love alive in our hearts each Christmas Eve.
Top 10 Holiday Traditions
MV Harvest
Cranberry Cr s Bars Cranberry Crisp Bars
There’s something to be said for a dessert that pleases thrice - once for the ease of making it, next for the way it makes your kitchen smell, and finally, of course, for how it tastes. These cranberry crisp bars check all those boxes. The idea for the multipurpose crust and crisp topping is borrowed from a Ruth Cousineau recipe via Smitten Kitchen, a clever trick I tucked away for future use and am happy to employ here.
These bars come together quickly and are a bright, festive addition to your holiday dessert arsenal. Both the crust and the filling are relatively forgiving. Feel free to swap in different nuts if you don’t like pecans or already have a surfeit of almonds. And for the filling, which is quite tart, you can increase the sugar if you’d like, sub ground ginger for fresh, or add a splash of Cointreau if you have it lying around. One non-negotiable, though: a scoop of vanilla ice cream is practically mandatory with this dish!
For the crust and crisp topping:
1.25 cups / 150 grams all-purpose flour
1 cup / 95 grams rolled oats
⅓ cup light or dark brown sugar / 71 grams
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Scrape the dough out into a medium bowl and set aside. To do this without a food processor, start with butter in smaller cubes and use your fingers to work it into the flour until it forms very small crumbs. Then stir in the milk with a wooden spoon.
12 ounces cranberries, fresh or frozen (don’t thaw if frozen)
⅓ cup / 71 grams granulated white sugar
A 1” x 3” piece of ginger, about the size of a chunky thumb, peeled and microplaned or very finely minced
Juice and zest of one large (preferably organic) naval orange, yielding about ¼ cup juice and 1 tablespoon zest
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
1 tablespoon cornstarch
To make the crust and topping, combine flour, oats, sugar, salt, and vanilla in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times to combine, then add half of the butter, pulse a few times, then add the rest. Pulse 25 to 30 times, until the butter is worked into the flour in small pieces. Pour in the milk and pulse 5 to 10 more times, until the dough holds together in clumps and begins to stand up on its own against the walls of the food processor. If it’s not clumping, add more milk by the tablespoon until it holds together.
In the bowl of the food processor - no need to wipe it out - pulse the pecans until they form bits about the size of a tic-tac. Alternately, use a hammer to pound the pecans into the desired size.
Grease an 8x8 baking dish, then shake about three-quarters of the dough into the dish. Use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to pat the crust down evenly. It should be about ¾ of an inch thick. Add the pecan bits to the dough remaining in the bowl and set aside. Put the baking dish in the fridge while you make the filling, and preheat the oven to 375.
To make the filling, combine the cranberries, sugar, ginger, orange juice and zest, and cardamom in a medium sauce pan. Cook over medium heat for ten to fifteen minutes, until most of the cranberries have burst and their juices begin to condense. Turn off the heat and stir in the cornstarch. Let cool for five minutes; the mixture will thicken considerably. It’s okay if there are small lumps of cornstarch visible in the filling - they will disappear once baked.
Spread the cranberry mixture on top of the chilled crust, then cover the cranberries with the pecan crisp mix. You can pinch the crumble into larger crumbs if you’d like to have some filling showing through, or sprinkle so it uniformly covers the cranberries.
Bake at 375 for 40 to 50 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the cranberry mixture is bubbling. Let cool for at least an hour before serving. I find that the texture is actually best after sitting for a day. It can definitely be made in advance and stored tightly covered on the counter in a cool kitchen. Makes about 12 squares.
Pasture
Spirits Ilion
Other
However,
By Lisa Briggs
The 12 Days of Fitmas Challenge
This December, skip the waiting and give yourself the gift of movement. The 12 Days of Fitmas Challenge is about showing up for a few minutes each day - no pressure, no perfection, just progress. Start anytime, repeat as needed, and celebrate each small win with a little holiday cheer.
12 Squats of Strength
Start with 12 body-weight squats — slow, controlled, and focused on form.
9-Second Planks x 4
Hold a 9-second plank, rest, repeat four times. Add time if you’re feeling strong.
6 Glute Bridges
Lift and squeeze — six controlled bridges to strengthen your hips and back.
3 Core Moves
30 seconds each of mountain climbers, bicycles, and flutter kicks.
5 Minutes of Mindful Movement
Walk, stretch, or flow — five calm minutes to reset and breathe.
11 Push-Ups for Power
Modified or full, aim for 11 solid push-ups to fire up your core and upper body.
10 Lunges of Balance
Ten lunges per leg — keep your posture tall and your core steady.
8 Jumping Jacks x 3 Rounds
A quick cardio burst — three sets of eight to get your heart rate up.
7 Chair Dips
Find a sturdy surface for triceps dips — seven slow reps to tone and tighten.
4 Wall Sits (30 Seconds Each)
Four rounds of 30-second wall sits — your legs will thank you later.
2 Minute Cardio Finisher
Jump rope, march, or dance — anything that gets your heart pumping.
1 Full-Body Stretch
Take ten minutes to stretch, reflect, and feel gratitude for how far you’ve come.
As we wrap up another year, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude. May this holiday season bring you joy, relaxation, and lots of memorable moments with loved ones. We hope that you enjoy some well-deserved rest and that you stay active. Here’s to finishing the year strong and entering 2026 even stronger!
Warmest Wishes, Fit Body Boot Camp
LISA BRIGGS is the owner of Fit Body Boot Camp in Whitesboro and Clinton & Contributing Editor, Mohawk Valley Living
Winter on the Farm
Across the Mohawk Valley, the rhythm of farming does not stop when the snow starts to fall. December may bring shorter days and frozen ground, but for those of us who farm, it is a month of quiet productivity when the behind-the-scenes work that keeps local agriculture going truly begins. By
The Work Beneath the Surface
While the fields rest, we turn our attention to everything that will support the next growing season. Tractors are serviced, barns repaired, and seed orders finalized. The root cellar fills with potatoes, squash, and carrots, the crops that carry families and restaurants through the coldest months.
Winter also brings time to reflect and reconnect. Many local farms host holiday markets, work with restaurants, or take part in farm-to-table dinners that highlight the valley’s year-round bounty. It is a slower and steadier kind of work, grounded in planning, patience, and pride.
Resilience and Renewal
December in the Mohawk Valley shows the resilience of the people who work this land. Beneath the snow lies soil full of potential, tended by farmers who know that agriculture is a constant conversation with the ground beneath our feet.
At our place, winter shifts the rhythm but
never slows it down. There are mornings when the gates are frozen shut and nights when the wind cuts through every layer you have on, but the work is still waiting. Anyone who farms in this valley knows that December is not a break. It is maintenance, planning, and keeping everything, from equipment to animals to people, moving in the right direction.
Each morning, even when temperatures drop into the teens, I tend to my animals, including many newborn calves, and check the structures that keep our equipment safe and secure through winter. I have always called winter the thinking season, a time when ideas grow just as steadily as the chores.
December is also when many farmers take a hard look at year-end numbers and sit down with their bankers. We need to know whether it makes more sense to move some crop before the end of December, whether it is hay, corn, beans, or whatever we have, or hold off until after January 1. Selling now might help balance the books for the year. Waiting may keep us out of the red heading into 2026. The goal is a plan that keeps us
Ben Simons
steady and gives us some breathing room going forward.
A Season of Support
As the new year approaches, I ask our Mohawk Valley community to continue supporting your local agricultural businesses, including the Christmas tree farms that are in their busiest stretch of the year. From Buttenschon’s in Marcy to Olney’s in Westernville and Massoud’s in Sauquoit, these farms are bustling every weekend with families choosing freshcut trees and wreaths. The region also includes VanHatten Christmas Tree Farm in Alder Creek, Henderberg’s Christmas Tree Farm in Rome, and Kringle Christmas Tree Farm in Westernville. This is when these growers do most of their business, and their work helps set the tone for holiday celebrations across the valley. So as you plan your holiday traditions, make it a point to visit and support your local tree farm right here in the Mohawk Valley.
On behalf of our agricultural community, we wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season.
Pictured above:
Grandson Anderson and Farmer Ben carpet farming.
MV Health
By Dr. Juleen Qandah
The Flu:
America’s Old Foe and Why It Still Outsmarts Us
Every winter it returns — not mysterious but still underestimated: influenza. We call it “the flu,” yet it’s far more cunning than a bad cold. This microscopic shapeshifter has rewritten history and continues to test modern medicine.
As December ushers in National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec 1–7), it’s worth asking: how did a 100-nanometer virus become one of humanity’s most persistent rivals?
A Virus with a Passport
The 1918 “Spanish Flu” infected a third of the world’s population, killing 50 million — more Americans than both world wars combined. Influenza never disappears; it mutates, constantly altering its genetic disguise. Each year, scientists update the vaccine based on global surveillance from over 100 countries, tracking new strains before they strike.
Flu by the Numbers:
What the CDC Sees Every Year
In the 2022–23 U.S. flu season, the CDC estimated:
• 31 million symptomatic cases
• 14 million medical visits
• 360,000 hospitalizations
• 21,000 deaths
Those numbers fluctuate each year, sometimes climbing as high as 41 million illnesses and more than 50,000 deaths in severe seasons. Even so, the pattern is clear — influenza remains one of the most significant and consistent public health threats in the United States.
And here’s what people often miss: even when you get the flu after vaccination, it is almost always milder, with shorter duration, fewer complications, and a much lower risk of hospitalization.
Who Suffers Most
People with COPD, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy face far higher danger. In seniors 65+, influenza triggers up to 70% of hospitalizations. It’s not just fever — it’s heart attacks, pneumonia, and respiratory failure.
The Vaccine Revolution
• 1940s: first civilian vaccine
• 1976: Fort Dix outbreak sparks nationwide immunization
• 2009: H1N1 pandemic redefines global cooperation
• Today: Scientists track influenza through 140 national laboratories in more than 100 countries to predict strains before the next season hits.
Your local flu shot is the result of a global detective network constantly scanning for viral shape-shifting.
Did You Know?
• A single sneeze expels 100 000 viral particles up to six feet.
• The flu virus can survive 48 hours on hard surfaces.
• The aches you feel? Your immune system’s cytokines calling the troops to battle.
Why the Flu Shot Still Matters
Every year skeptics say, “The flu shot doesn’t always work.” That is true, but the question isn’t perfection; it is protection. In seasons where the vaccine match is strong, it prevents up to 60 percent of in-
fections. In lower-match years, it still cuts severe disease and hospitalization risk by 30 to 50 percent.
Think of it like wearing a seatbelt. It doesn’t prevent the crash, but it often saves your life.
Your Winter Game Plan
• Get vaccinated now. Antibody levels peak about two weeks after the shot.
• Wash hands often and avoid touching your face.
• Sleep and hydrate. Immune cells work best when well-rested and well-oxygenated.
• If you get sick, stay home. You are contagious a day before symptoms and up to a week after.
• See a doctor early if you have asthma, COPD, heart disease, or diabetes. Antivirals are most effective within 48 hours.
Final Thoughts:
The Flu as Our Mirror
Influenza is a reminder that health is collective, not individual. The vaccine protects you and the strangers you’ll never meet: the infant too young to vaccinate, the cancer patient on chemotherapy, the neighbor with COPD.
It is one of the few times where a simple act of self-care doubles as community care. So this December, when you roll up your sleeve for your flu shot, remember you are not just fighting a virus. You are honoring over a century of science, sacrifice, and global collaboration. And that is something worth celebrating.
MV Arts
By Megan Wright
DECEMBER ART HAPPENINGS
Betty Murtagh: Paintings and Serigraphs
When: December 5-27
Where: The Other Side, 2011 Genesee St., Utica Opening reception – Friday, December 5 from 5-7 PM
Tiger Portrait Needle Felting Workshop
When: December 6, 2025, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Fenimore Art Museum, 5798 NY-80, Cooperstown fenimoreartmuseum.org/calendar-a-4
Whimsy
When: December 12, 2025 - March 7, 2026
Where: View Arts Center, 3273 NY-28, Old Forge
Curious Constructions
When: December 12, 2025 - March 7, 2026 Where: View Arts Center, 3273 NY-28, Old Forge
Wild Whimsy
When: December 12, 2025 - March 7, 2026
Where: View Arts Center, 3273 NY-28, Old Forge
Artist Talk
When: Saturday, December 27 at 1:00 PM Regular Gallery hours – Thursdays & Saturdays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Where: The Other Side, 2011 Genesee St, Utica The exhibit is open and free to the public. Donations are greatly appreciated. For additional information contact Rainer Wehner at 315-395-5235 or rainermariawehner@web.de.
Needle Felting Workshop at Fenimore Art Museum
December at Munson 310 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13502
Art Story with the Utica Public Library
When: Thursday, December 4, at 10:30 AM
Holiday Art Market
When: Thursday, December 11, 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM and Friday, December 12, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Holiday Open House at Fountain Elms
When: Thursday, December 11, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Holiday Workshop: Cookie Decorating
When: Thursday, December 11, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Lunch & Listen: Edin Hadzimujic
When: Friday, December 19, from Noon - 1:00 PM
Art Alive!
Family Day: Super Scientific Circus
When: Tuesday, December 30, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
(Performance at 11:00 AM, Workshop at 1:00 PM)
Whimsy at View Arts Center
Betty Murtagh Paintings and Serigraphs at The Other Side
Curious Constructions at View Arts Center
Wild Whimsy at View Arts Center
11
Celebrate the Holidays at MUNSON
Join the holiday magic at Munson with Victorian Yuletide: Fancy Goods—a joyful two-month celebration where history meets the holidays!
Victorian
Yuletide:
Fancy Goods
On view Nov. 11 through Jan. 4
Free admission
Explore the beautifully decorated rooms of Fountain Elms and discover how the Erie Canal shaped shopping and gift-giving in the Mohawk Valley.
Munson Holiday Open House
Thursday, Dec. 11 | 5 to 7 p.m.
• Horse-drawn Wagon Rides
• Holiday Cookies and Hot Chocolate
• Munson Art Market (noon to 7 p.m.)
Free and open to the public
Victorian Yuletide sponsor: Gail Kulaga
By Carrie Byrne Putelo
Giving Back 12 Days of Giving
Simple Ways to Make a Difference This Season
Purrs & Whiskers, Inc.
A volunteer-run rescue dedicated to saving cats and kittens throughout the Mohawk Valley. The organization provides foster care, veterinary services, and trap-neuter-return programs for feral colonies, helping hundreds of cats find safe, loving homes each year. The two cats pictured are my own - Noodle (Calico) and Ace (Orange) both adopted from Purrs & Whiskers - a reminder that every donation, volunteer hour, or adoption makes a difference you can see and feel at home.
Phone: 315-404-2694
Website: purrsandwhiskerscny.org
View Arts Center
The premier arts destination of the Adirondacks, View in Old Forge offers year-round exhibitions, performances, and workshops in visual and performing arts. The center enriches the community through education, events, and opportunities for artists of all ages.
Phone: 315-369-6411
Website: viewarts.org
This December, we invite readers to celebrate the true spirit of the season by giving back to the places and people who make the Mohawk Valley home. From helping families and supporting the arts to caring for animals and preserving local history, here are twelve ways to share kindness this holiday season.
Herkimer County Office for the Aging
Serving adults aged 60 and older, the Office for the Aging connects residents with vital programs including home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation, caregiver support, and in-home assistance to help seniors maintain independence and quality of life.
Phone: 315-867-1121
Website: herkimercountyny.gov
Masonic Care Community
One of the region’s most respected senior living campuses, the Masonic Care Community provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living, and memory care in a compassionate environment that honors veterans and families alike.
Phone: 315-798-4800
Website: masonichomeny.org
Herkimer County Humane Society
Provides shelter, adoption, and advocacy for homeless and neglected animals in Mohawk. The society rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes dogs and cats throughout the Mohawk Valley, supported by volunteers, donations, and community events.
Phone: 315-866-3255
Website: herkimerhumanesociety.org
Rome Capitol Theatre
A restored 1920s movie palace that anchors downtown Rome’s arts scene. The Capitol hosts classic films, concerts, stage performances, and special events while preserving the elegance and history of a true community landmark.
Phone: 315-337-6277
Website: romecapitol.com
Sleep in Heavenly Peace (NY Utica Chapter)
Ensures every child in the Mohawk Valley has a bed to sleep in. Volunteers build and deliver bunk beds to families in need, while local sponsors and donors help provide mattresses, bedding, and supplies for each delivery.
Phone: 844-432-2337
Website: shpbeds.org/chapter/ny-utica
Players of Utica
Among the oldest community theaters in the United States, Players of Utica has been entertaining audiences since 1913. The nonprofit produces stage plays, musicals, and special events, offering opportunities for local actors, directors, and volunteers to shine.
Phone: 315-724-7624
Website: playersofutica.org
Cooperstown Food Pantry
A nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing hunger and supporting families in need throughout Otsego County. The pantry provides nutritious food, emergency assistance, and community outreach programs that strengthen local well-being year-round.
Phone: 607-547-8902
Website: cooperstownfoodpantry.org
Unity Hall
A beautifully restored 19th-century landmark that serves as a community arts and performance venue. Unity Hall in Barneveld brings people together through concerts, theater, film, and cultural programs that celebrate local creativity and history.
Phone: 315-520-8231
Website: unityhall.com
Mohawk Valley Latino Association, Inc.
Advocates for education, cultural understanding, and economic opportunity for Latino residents across the Mohawk Valley. MVLA provides outreach programs, youth mentorship, health initiatives, and cultural festivals that build unity and celebrate diversity.
Phone: 315-864-8419
Website: mvlautica.org
Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts (Little Falls)
Celebrates the region’s creative spirit through rotating exhibits, art classes, and performances in its Main Street gallery and performance space. MVCA fosters artistic growth and community engagement across the Mohawk Valley.
Phone: 315-823-0808
Website: mohawkvalleyarts.org
(BX2830,BX2816, BX2822A, B2781B,B2782B, LX2963, LX2970, LX2980, L4469, L4479, L2194A, L2195A, L4474, L4485); Front Blades (BX2812A, BX2826, B2765A, B2775, LX2960, LX2963, LX2972, L4466, L4476, L2172B, L4486, L2814A), QA Loader Blades (B2672, B2673), Front Rotary Sweeper (BX2814A, B2779, LX2950, L4467, L4477), Rear Mounted Snow Blowers (B2789, BLMX3164, LMX3174, M2684) and Curtis Cab (BX4070A, BX4090A, BX4070). Offers expire 12/31/25. Terms subject to change. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and
BX2822A, B2781B,B2782B, LX2963, LX2970, LX2980, L4469, L4479, L2194A, L2195A, L4474, L4485); Front Blades (BX2812A, BX2826, B2765A, B2775, LX2960, LX2963, LX2972, L4466, L4476, L2172B, L4486, L2814A), QA Loader Blades (B2672, B2673), Front Rotary Sweeper (BX2814A, B2779, LX2950, L4467, L4477), Rear Mounted Snow Blowers (B2789, BLMX3164, LMX3174, M2684) and Curtis Cab (BX4070A, BX4090A, BX4070). Offers expire 12/31/25. Terms subject to change. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your Dealer or KubotaUSA.com.
