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YOUR GUIDE TO HOLIDAY SHOPPING AND CRAFT FAIRS

M O H A W K VA L L E Y

LIVING NOVEMBER 2026

People. Places. Stories.

L E G ACY

D E D I CAT I O N

S E RV I C E

G E N E R O S I TY

CO N N E C T I O N

THE GIVING ISSUE

EMPOWERMENT

O P P O RT U N I TY B E LO N G I N G

PLUS THE RETURN OF THE MVL FOOD TOUR!

CO M M I T M E N T

COMPLIMENTARY

14TH 14TH ANNUAL ANNUAL

THANKSGIVING

FOOD DRIVE Help Help Us Us Fill Fill Local Local Pantries. Pantries.

November 3-23, 2026 Donate Donate at at all all 8 8 Dealership Dealership Locations. Locations.

Benefiting Benefiting

The Hope House of The Hope House of Utica Utica

Frankfort-Ilion Food Pantry Frankfort-Ilion Food Pantry at Catholic Charities at Catholic Charities of Herkimer County of Herkimer County

A LITTLE GOES A LITTLE GOES A LITTLE GOES

A LONG WAY. A LONG WAY. WAY.

DONATE TODAY. HELP LOCAL FAMILIES TOMORROW. DONATETODAY. TODAY.HELP HELPLOCAL LOCALFAMILIES FAMILIESTOMORROW. TOMORROW. DONATE TODAY. HELP LOCAL FAMILIES TOMORROW. DONATE

MOST NEEDED ITEMS MOST NEEDED NEEDED ITEMS ITEMS MOST CANNED CANNED CANNED CANNED MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT

HEARTY HEARTY HEARTY HEARTY SOUPS SOUPS SOUPS SOUPS

CEREAL CEREAL CEREAL CEREAL

CANNED CANNED FRUITS CANNED CANNED CANNED FRUITS CANNED CANNED FRUITS CANNED FRUITS PASTAS VEGETABLES PASTAS PASTAS &&& &VEGETABLES VEGETABLES PASTAS VEGETABLES

DROPOFF OFFDONATIONS DONATIONSNOVEMBER NOVEMBER - 23 DROP OFF DONATIONS NOVEMBER DROP OFF 333-3-23 DROP DONATIONS NOVEMBER -23 23 ATANY ANYOF OFOUR OUR88 DEALERSHIPLOCATIONS. LOCATIONS. AT ANY OF OUR 88DEALERSHIP DEALERSHIP LOCATIONS. AT ANY AT OF OUR DEALERSHIP LOCATIONS. TOGETHERWE WECAN CAN TOGETHER WE CAN TOGETHER TOGETHER WE CAN MAKEAA ADIFFERENCE. DIFFERENCE. MAKE MAKE DIFFERENCE.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

MOHAWK VALLEY

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NOVEMBER 2026 ISSUE 156 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & OWNER CARRIE BYRNE PUTELO CREATIVE DIRECTOR COLLEEN INGERTO DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS LAURYN SCARAFILE DIRECTOR OF BRAND MARKETING & INTEGRATED MEDIA KAYLA ANDERSON MEDICAL & HEALTH EDITOR DR. JULEEN QANDAH FOOD EDITOR ROANN DESTITO STYLE EDITOR AT LARGE JOANNE DONARUMA WADE FITNESS EDITOR LISA BRIGGS RESTAURANT EDITOR ROANN DESTITO DESIGNER SARAH BURNS CONTRIBUTING EDITORS JENNIFER BAILEY SARAH FOSTER CALERO KAILA CHAMPOUX LIBBY LEMIRE NAT LEVIN BEN SIMONS TOM STARR AMANDA STEWART MARKETING & CONTENT ASSOCIATE MEGAN WRIGHT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY JESSICA ROTKIEWICZ, JMR VISUALS JMRVISUALS.COM CONTACT US: advertising@mohawkvalleyliving.com press@mohawkvalleyliving.com 315-272-7437

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Editor’s Letter Dear Readers, This time of year always makes me think about how thankful I am for the people in my life. Recently, we celebrated the wedding of Lauryn, who is part of our Mohawk Valley Living team, and her husband, Joey. I've known Lauryn and her family for ten years, so being there to share in such a special day meant a lot to me. I'm so thankful for our little Mohawk Valley Living team and the friendships we've made along the way. And if you notice a new last name for Lauryn on our masthead this month, now you know why!

I'm so thankful for our little Mohawk Valley Living team and the friendships we've made along the way.

Thanksgiving has always been a special holiday for me. It was my dad's favorite, and this year marks ten years since we lost him. That's still hard for me to believe. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. I'm so grateful for all the holidays we shared, the memories we made and the traditions that are still part of our family. I think as you get older, you realize just how quickly time goes by. There are weddings to celebrate, new memories to make and people we wish were still sitting around the table. More than anything, Thanksgiving reminds me to appreciate the people who are part of my life right now. It's also a time to think about the people who make a difference in the lives of others. Throughout the Mohawk Valley, there are people who give so much of themselves to others, often without expecting recognition in return. They volunteer, raise money, help their neighbors and support causes that matter to them. We could never tell all of their stories in one issue, but we wanted to introduce you to a few of them. Their stories reminded me how much good happens every day simply because someone sees a need and decides to help. Thanksgiving also made this month’s Food Tour an easy choice. RoAnn and I both love turkey and all the fixings, so we set out to find some of our favorite Thanksgiving flavors around the Mohawk Valley. Needless to say, we enjoyed this one. November also brings the beginning of holiday shopping, and I hope you’ll think local as you start making your lists. Small Business Saturday is coming, craft fairs are filling the calendar and shops throughout the Mohawk Valley are getting ready for the holidays. Behind those businesses are people who have taken a

4 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

Carrie Byrne Putelo Editor-in-Chief & Owner chance on an idea, built something of their own and continue to invest in the communities we call home. Before automatically clicking “add to cart,” take a look around. You may be surprised by just how much you can find right here. As I put this issue together, I kept thinking about how much of Mohawk Valley Living has always come back to people. Over the last year & a half, we’ve had the privilege of meeting so many of them. People who build businesses, carry on family traditions, create something new, volunteer their time and find their own ways to make this a better place to live. Maybe that’s what Thanksgiving means a little more to me now than it did ten years ago. Be thankful for the people you love while they’re here. Make the phone call. Stay a little longer around the table. Take the picture, even if everyone complains about it. Ten years later, I’m very glad for all the pictures, stories and Thanksgivings I had with my dad. And I’m especially thankful for the people I get to share them with now. Happy Thanksgiving,

Carrie

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MOHAWK VALLEY

LIVING

IN THIS ISSUE 42

Letter From The Editor

UP FRONT 08

November Musts

In the Know

MV Spotlight

MV Roots

Be Social

Entertainment

LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS

MV Style

MV Beauty

MV Fit

MV Harvest

At Home

MV Health

FEATURES

MV Grown

MV Arts

MV Thrift

MV Eats

Thanksgiving Food Tour

The Giving Issue

Small Business Saturday Shopping Guide

66 6 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

Buzzworthy

See what’s happening this month

Craft Fair Season Is Here

CAPTURED 94

A Look Back

Giving Back

Buzz worthy

Happenings in the Mohawk Valley in November

NOV

Adults Only Happiest Hour

Taste of CNY

A Taste of History Historic Tea Party

Date: November 6 Location: Utica Children’s Museum Leave the kids at home and enjoy a night out at the Utica Children’s Museum! Explore the exhibits, sample local beer and wine, and enjoy light bites, raffles and a cash bar. For ages 21 and older. All ticket proceeds support the museum.

NOV

Date: November 7 Location: North Star Orchards Shop local farmers, food producers and artisans at North Star Orchards. Enjoy free samples, food trucks and live music by The Ingersoll’s while meeting the people behind the products. Find a few new favorites and locally made holiday gifts. Free admission.

NOV

Date: November 7 Location: New Hartford Presbyterian Church Taste the teas of the Boston Tea Party at an afternoon tea hosted by the New Hartford Historical Society. Enjoy light refreshments and sweets, chat with fellow history enthusiasts and learn about local history at New Hartford Presbyterian Church. Reservations available through Eventbrite.

NOV

7&10

11&25

13-15, 20-22

Glass Blown Ornaments & Cookie Decorating (TWO events!)

Utica Comets Special Game Nights

Holiday House ‘26

NOV

The Sound of America - 250 Years

Meet Snow White & Spiderman

An Evening with Charles Dickens

Date: November 7 & 10 Location: Kirkland Art Center & Franca’s Wine Room Get creative for the holidays! Make blown glass ornaments with professional glass artists at the Arts Center in Kirkland, or decorate Thanksgiving cookies at Franca’s Wine Room in Rome with step-by-step instruction, a charcuterie box and a cash bar. Advance registration required for both.

Date: November 13 Location: Oneida County History Center Join Monk Rowe & The Five Families Ensemble for a free concert presented by the Oneida County History Center. Celebrate America’s 250th with songs and stories spanning the Revolutionary era through today, exploring the nation’s struggles, triumphs and musical traditions. 8 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

Date: November 11 & 25 Location: NBT Bank Arena at the Utica Aud Catch two nights of Comets hockey! Honor those who served at the 11/11 Veterans Day game vs. Belleville, featuring patriotic tributes & an America 250 jersey. Then gather friends and family for a Thanksgiving Eve tradition as the Comets face Hartford on 11/25.

Date: November 14 Location: Utica Zoo A magical evening awaits at the Utica Zoo's Cub Cotillion! Little ones can meet Snow White and Spider-Man, pose for photos with their favorite characters, and dance and sing along to music from a live DJ during this special family-friendly event.

Date: November 13-15, 20-22 Location: The Carpenter House, Rome Shop more than 40 local vendors in the beautifully decorated Carpenter House as Holiday House celebrates Christmas Around the World. Find holiday gifts and support local businesses over two weekends, November 14–15 and 21–22. Admission is $5, with tickets available at the door.

Date: November 15 Location: Unity Hall Kick off the holiday season at Unity Hall with Mr. Charles Dickens Comes to Utica, Dennis Dewey’s documentary about Dickens’ unexpected 1868 visit. Actor Tim Coombs will also perform live excerpts from A Christmas Carol.

Buzzworthy

Sarah’s Spotlight: Event of the Month

Shoppers’ Stroll & Parade Date: November 27 & 28 Location: Village of Clinton This event always feels like the unofficial start of the holiday season. I love the Shoppers’ Stroll for so many reasons! The Village of Clinton feels magical, I get some holiday shopping done (locally), there are horse-drawn wagon rides & Santa for the kids, carolers, hot cocoa & festive activities. And you can’t miss the tree lighting and parade! SARAH FOSTER CALERO is President, All In Oneida County & Contributing Editor, Mohawk Valley Living

NOV

Public House Pop-Up

The New York Bee Gees

Model Railroad Show

NOV

21-21 Date: November 21 & 22 Location: Five Points Public House Start your holiday shopping with about 25 vendors offering locally made and handcrafted gifts at Five Points Public House. Bring the family for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting and holiday fun. The pub and restaurant will be open for food and drinks. Free admission.

Annual Art Expo | Local Art Shopping Event Date: November 27 Location: 4 Elements Studio Shop small and support local artists this Black Friday at 4 Elements Studio's Annual Art Expo! Browse original artwork from nearly 30 artists, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and more. Plus, enjoy music, refreshments, and a hands-on family art activity.

Date: November 21 Location: The Stanley Theatre Get ready for a night of disco nostalgia with the NY Bee Gees Tribute Show! Sing along to iconic hits like “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever,” plus favorites spanning the Bee Gees’ legendary career, brought to life with powerful vocals and high-energy performances.

Date: November 21 Location: Remsen Performing & Visual Arts Center All aboard for the Remsen Arts Center's 10th Annual Model Railroad Show! Explore operating model train displays of all sizes, browse trains & accessories for sale, and discover railroad collectibles at this family-friendly event. Free admission; donations benefit the Remsen Arts Center.

For local events and more, visit

allinoneidacounty.com Facebook

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Winter on the Carry Exploration

Date: November 28 Location: Ft. Stanwix National Monument Step back into the 18th century at Fort Stanwix's Winter on the Carry! Explore rooms decorated for the holidays, enjoy family activities, and return after dark for a magical candlelit experience with cozy fires and a holiday sing-along. Free admission. MohawkValleyLiving.com | 9

Things to Do

NOVEMBER Musts

SIMPLE JOYS. LOCAL PLACES. UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES. By Lauryn Scarafile TAKE A THANKSGIVING TROT

LEARN THE HISTORY CLOSE TO HOME

Before settling in for turkey, stuffing and maybe a second helping of everything, lace up your sneakers for the Little Falls Turkey Trot! This Thanksgiving morning 5K winds through Moreland Park and downtown Little Falls, with proceeds benefiting the Little Falls Food Pantry. The race is limited to 160 runners and typically sells out, so don't wait until Thanksgiving morning to decide you're feeling ambitious. No dayof registration!

November is Native American Heritage Month, a perfect time to explore the history and culture of the Haudenosaunee people. Visit the Iroquois Museum in Howes Cave, where this year's exhibitions explore Haudenosaunee experiences during the American Revolution and the lasting impact of Native boarding schools. Don't wait too long! The museum closes for the winter after November 29.

Little Falls Turkey Trot Thursday, November 26 Little Falls $28 Adults | $5 Children Under 16

Iroquois Museum

324 Caverns Road in Howes Cave Thursday–Saturday, 10am–4pm | Sunday, 12–4pm Closed Thanksgiving Day iroquoismuseum.org

Glimmer Nights

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

November 21–December 27 | Thursday–Sunday, 4:30pm Fenimore Farm & Country Village 5798 State Highway 80 in Cooperstown Adults $15 | Teens $10 | Juniors $5 | Ages 6 & Under Free fenimorefarm.org

Ready or not, the holidays are starting to sparkle! Glimmer Nights transforms Fenimore Farm & Country Village into a glowing winter wonderland, with thousands of colorful lights winding through the historic village. Explore illuminated tunnels, admire 30 Community Christmas Trees, take a free spin on the Empire State Carousel and keep an eye out for a 12-foot snowman!

SHOP SMALL, LOVE LOCAL!

A FEW OF MY LOCAL FAVORITES:

Some of my favorite places to shop aren't big-name stores, they're the little shops, boutiques and familyowned businesses right here in our communities! With Small Business Saturday coming up, I thought I'd share a few personal favorites from around the Mohawk Valley. Whether you're Christmas shopping or just browsing, show some love to the people behind our local businesses. You might even find a new favorite of your own!

Small Business Saturday Saturday, November 28

HONOR THOSE WHO SERVED This Veterans Day, head to Cooperstown to honor those who have served our country. The community's annual observance includes a march down Main Street to the World War I Memorial for a ceremony and salute. While in town, visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame to discover the stories of baseball legends who also served in the military.

Cooperstown Veterans Day Parade Wednesday, November 11 | 11:00am Main Street in Cooperstown Free to Attend

10 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

KICK OFF THE HOLIDAYS, COUNTRY STYLE! Welcome the holiday season with a little farm-fresh fun! The second annual Farm to Table Winter Festival brings local farms and makers, hot chocolate, food trucks and holiday activities to the Fonda Fairgrounds. Decorate ornaments, visit Santa, enjoy storytime with Mrs. Claus and stick around for a lighted tractor parade to wrap up the festivities!

Farm to Table Winter Festival

Saturday, November 28 | 2:00–5:00pm Fonda Fairgrounds, 21 Bridge Street in Fonda $5 Per Car

TUNE IN TO A 100-YEAR THANKSGIVING TRADITION Before the turkey goes in the oven and family starts arriving, tune in to a Thanksgiving morning favorite! The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, a century after employees first marched through New York City in 1924. Pour the coffee, stay in your pajamas and enjoy the balloons, bands and floats making their way through Manhattan. Some traditions are worth keeping!

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Thursday, November 26 | 8:30am–12:00pm NBC & Peacock

Photo by Nancy L. Ford Photography

A little hint for the holidays. Visit us in-store to create your holiday wish list and receive a complimentary

STEVE LENNON & CO. BRANDED GIFT* now through November 30th, 2026

23 GENESEE STREET | VILLAGE OF NEW HARTFORD, NY 13413 | (315) 927-8000 *Complete an in-store wish list by November 30, 2026. Limit one gift per person, while supplies last. No purchase necessary. Branded merchandise may vary. Gift card pictured is not included.

In the Know

Early Early Detection Detection and and Advanced Advanced Technology Technology Offer Offer New New Early and Advanced Offer New Hope in Against Lung Cancer HopeDetection in the the Fight Fight Against LungTechnology Cancer Hope in the Fight Against Lung Cancer November is Lung Cancer Awareness November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month – a time to bring attention to the Month – a time to bring attention to the November is Lung Cancer Awareness prevention and treatment of lung cancer. prevention and treatment of lung cancer. Monthcancer – a time to bringone attention the Lung remains of the tomost Lung cancer remains one of the most preventionand andserious treatment of lungaffecting cancer. common cancers common and serious cancers affecting Lung and cancer remains one detection of the most men women, but early can men and women, but early detection can commona and serious cancers affecting make significant difference. For make a significant difference. For men and women, but early can individuals at high risk, detection regular lung individuals at high risk, regular lung make screening a significant difference. For cancer can identify the disease cancer screening can identify the disease individuals at most high risk, regular lung in its earliest, treatable stages – in its earliest, most treatable stages – cancerbefore screening can identify often symptoms appear.the disease often before symptoms appear. in its earliest, most treatable stages – At Mohawk Health System (MVHS), often beforeValley symptoms appear. At Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS), advanced screening and innovative advanced screening and innovative At Mohawk Valley Health System diagnostic technology are (MVHS), helping diagnostic technology are helping advancedaccess screening and innovative patients comprehensive lung care. patients access comprehensive lung care. diagnostic technology are helping A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) patients comprehensive scan is access a quick, noninvasive lung test care. that scan is a quick, noninvasive test that A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) uses a small amount of radiation to uses a small amount of radiation to scan isdetailed a quick, noninvasive test that create images of the lungs. create detailed images of the lungs. uses a small amount of radiation to Annual screening is lungs. generally create images of the Annualdetailed screening is generally recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 Annual screening is generally who currently smoke or formerly smoked who currently smoke or formerly smoked recommended fora 20 adults ages 50 to 80 and have at least pack-year smoking and have at least a 20 pack-year smoking who currently smokesmoking or formerly history. This means onesmoked pack a history. This means smoking one pack a and for have leastor a 20 smoking day 20atyears twopack-year packs a day for 10 day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 history. years. This means smoking one pack a years. day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 The scan takes only a few minutes and years. The scan takes only a few minutes and requires no special preparation. If an requires no special preparation. If an The scan takes only a few minutes and abnormality is found, additional imaging abnormality is found, additional imaging requires no special preparation. If an abnormality is found, additional imaging

or a biopsy may be recommended to or a biopsy may be recommended to determine whether cancer is present. determine whether cancer is present. or a biopsy may be to MVHS is advancing thisrecommended process with the MVHS is advancing this process with the determine whether cancer is present. ION robotic-assisted lung biopsy system, ION robotic-assisted lung biopsy system, MVHS available is advancing this process with the now through its Thoracic now available through its Thoracic ION robotic-assisted biopsy system, Surgery Program. lung This innovative Surgery Program. This innovative now available Thoracic technology helps through physiciansitsreach small technology helps physicians reach small Surgery Program. This innovative lung nodules that can be difficult to lung nodules that can be difficult to technology physicians reach small access usinghelps traditional techniques. access using traditional techniques. lung nodules that can be difficult to Using detailed, CT-based, GPS-like map accessa traditional techniques. Using ausing detailed, CT-based, GPS-like map of the lungs, the ION system guides a of the lungs, the ION system guides a Usingflexible a detailed, CT-based, map thin, scope throughGPS-like the airways thin, flexible scope through the airways of the lungs, thenodule. ION system guides a to targeted Physicians can to the targeted nodule. Physicians can thin, collect flexibletissue scopesamples throughforthe airways then laboratory then collect tissue samples for laboratory to the targeted analysis withoutnodule. makingPhysicians incisions can or analysis without making incisions or then collect tissue samples for laboratory puncturing the lung. Multiple nodules puncturing the lung. Multiple nodules analysis or may be without reached making during incisions the same may be reached during the same puncturing and the if lung. Multiple nodules procedure, cancer is identified, procedure, and if cancer is identified, may be testing reachedto during thewhether same additional determine additional testing to determine whether procedure, and if be cancer is identified, it has spread may performed at that it has spread may be performed at that additional testing to determine whether time. time. it has spread may be performed at that The technology offers another important time. The technology offers another important tool for evaluating suspicious findings tool for evaluating suspicious findings The technology offers another and helping patients move important toward a and helping patients move toward a tool for evaluating suspicious findings diagnosis and appropriate treatment. diagnosis and appropriate treatment. and helping patients move toward a When lungand cancer is foundtreatment. early, surgery diagnosis appropriate When lung cancer is found early, surgery may be an option, and minimally invasive may be an option, and minimally invasive When lung cancer iscan found early, surgery surgical techniques help reduce pain surgical techniques can help reduce pain maysupport be an option, and minimally invasive and recovery. and support recovery. surgical techniques can help reduce pain and support recovery.

Prevention remains essential. Avoiding Prevention remains essential. Avoiding tobacco, quitting smoking, limiting tobacco, quitting smoking, limiting Prevention toremains essential. Avoiding exposure secondhand smoke and exposure to secondhand smoke and tobacco,homes quitting smoking, testing for radon can helplimiting reduce testing homes for radon can help reduce exposure secondhand smoke and lung cancertorisk. lung cancer risk. testing homes for radon can help reduce If you haverisk. a history of smoking, talk lung cancer If you have a history of smoking, talk with your healthcare provider about with your healthcare provider about If you have a history of smoking, is right for you.talk To whether screening whether screening is right for you. To with more your about healthcare provider about learn the MVHS Lung Cancer learn more about the MVHS Lung Cancer rightschedule for you. an To whether screening Screening Programis or Screening Program or schedule an learn more about the MVHS Lung Cancer appointment, call 315-624-4099. appointment, call 315-624-4099. Screening Program or schedule an appointment, call 315-624-4099.

What What Retirement Retirement Planning Planning Has Has Taught Taught Me Me About About Gratitude Gratitude What Retirement Planning Has Taught Me About Gratitude By Shannon Cool, CPFA® By Shannon Cool, CPFA®

Working retirement planning has By Shannonin Cool, CPFA® Working in retirement planning has given me a unique perspective on what given me a unique perspective on what Working most in retirement planning has matters in life. Through my work matters most in life. Through my work given meemployees a unique perspective on what helping better understand helping employees better understand matters most inbenefits life. Through my about work their retirement and think their retirement benefits and think about helping employees better understand the future, I’ve learned that what people the future, I’ve learned that what people theirforward retirement benefits and think about look to most in retirement often look forward to most in retirement often the future, I’ve what people has very little tolearned do with that money. has very little to do with money. look forward to most in retirement often Of financial security matters. It hascourse, very little to do with money. Of course, financial security matters. It provides peace of mind and the freedom provides peace of mind and the freedom Of pursue course, the financial security matters. It to retirement we’ve always to pursue the retirement we’ve always provides peace mindpeople and the freedom imagined. But of what are really imagined. But what people are really to pursue the retirement always working toward is rarely justwe’ve a number in working toward is rarely just a number in imagined. ButIt’swhat people an account. more time are withreally the an account. It’s more time with the workingthey toward is the rarely just a number in people love, freedom to travel, people they love, the freedom to travel, an account. more time with the the ability toIt’s enjoy a favorite hobby, the ability to enjoy a favorite hobby, people they the freedom or to simply travel, volunteer in love, the community, volunteer in the community, or simply the ability to appreciate enjoy a favorite hobby, slow down and life’s everyday slow down and appreciate life’s everyday volunteer in the community, or simply moments. moments. slow down and appreciate life’s everyday Planning for retirement means looking moments. Planning for retirement means looking ahead and preparing for the future we ahead and preparing for the future we Planning but for it’s retirement means looking envision, just as important to envision, but it’s just as important to ahead and preparing for the future we envision, but it’s just as important to

12 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

enjoy the journey along the way. I often enjoy the journey along the way. I often hear people reflect on how quickly the hear people reflect on how quickly the enjoy the along the way.me I often years havejourney passed, reminding that years have passed, reminding me that hear people reflect on how quickly while planning for tomorrow matters,the so while planning for tomorrow matters, so years appreciating have passed, the reminding me have that does time we does appreciating the time we have while planning for tomorrow matters, so today. today. does appreciating the time we have As we enter the season of gratitude, I’m today. As we enter the season of gratitude, I’m reminded that the things we treasure reminded that the things we treasure As we aren’t enter the season I’m most things at of all.gratitude, They’re our most aren’t things at all. They’re our reminded that the we treasure relationships, ourthingshealth, our relationships, our health, our most aren’t and things all.weThey’re our experiences, the at time share with experiences, and the time we share with relationships, health, the people we love.our We spend so muchour of the people we love. We spend so much of experiences, and the time we share with our lives preparing for tomorrow, but our lives preparing for tomorrow, but the people we of love. spend so much of perhaps one theWe greatest lessons is perhaps one of the greatest lessons is our livestopreparing tomorrow, but learning appreciatefor today while we’re learning to appreciate today while we’re perhaps living it. one of the greatest lessons is living it. learning to appreciate today while we’re Shannon CPFA® works in retirement living it. Cool, Shannon Cool, CPFA® works in retirement planning, helping employees better planning, helping employees better Shannon Cool, CPFA® works in retirement understand their benefits and prepare understand their benefits and prepare planning, helping for the future. She isemployees passionate better about for the future. She is passionate about understand their benefits andeducation prepare making retirement making retirement education for the future. She is passionate about approachable and meaningful. approachable and meaningful. making retirement education approachable and meaningful.

Strategic Financial Services, Inc. is an SECStrategic Financial Services, Inc. is an SECregistered investment adviser. Registration registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a particular skill or Strategic Financial Services, level Inc. isof SECdoes not imply a particular level ofan skill or training. material is for general registered This investment adviser. Registration training. This material is for general educational purposes only level and does does not imply a particular skillnot or educational purposes only and of does not constitute individualized investment training. This material is for advice. general constitute individualized investment advice. educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized investment advice.

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Thank You You for Making Making Miracles Thank Miracles Happen Year After After Year! Year! Happen Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) at Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) is Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) at Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) is grateful to our wonderful community, sponsors, media partners, ticket outlets and grateful to our wonderful community, sponsors, media partners, ticket outlets and YOU for helping to make miracles happen for children and families in our community. YOU for helping to make miracles happen for children and families in our community. Since 1996, more than $10.68 million has been raised to help improve healthcare Since 1996, more than $10.68 million has been raised to help improve healthcare for children in the Mohawk Valley through programs, services and specialized for children in the Mohawk Valley through programs, services and specialized equipment for our littlest patients. We could not do what we do without your equipment littlest We could notstories do what docommitment without your support. We for are our grateful forpatients. your generosity, your andwe your to support. We are gratefulcreating for youra generosity, your stories and your commitment to brighter future for all kids! creating a brighter future for all kids!

In the Know

A Personal Touch

AAPersonal PersonalTouch Touch

Olea Esthetics celebrates a new chapter in New York Mills.

By Carrie Byrne Putelo Olea OleaEsthetics Estheticscelebrates celebratesaanew newchapter chapterin inNew New York York Mills. Mills.

By ByCarrie CarrieByrne Putelo Putelo When I met Christina Paul, I could tell “Olea Esthetics was created toByrne offer a approach to toskincare, right away much she loves what shetell When Whenhow I Imet met Christina Christina Paul, Paul, I Icould could tell personalized “Olea “OleaEsthetics Esthetics was wascreated created tooffer offera a every treatment thoughtfully does. right She opened Olea Esthetics in March right away awayhow how much much she sheloves loves what whatshe she where personalized personalized approach approachis to to skincare, skincare, toevery the individual,” says Christina. and does. recently celebrated its ribbon does.She Sheopened opened Olea OleaEsthetics Esthetics ininMarch March tailored where where every treatment treatment is is thoughtfully thoughtfully a private, one-on-one experience cutting. I wanted to see more, soits Iitsmade and and recently recently celebrated celebrated ribbon ribbon “It’s tailored tailored totothe theindividual,” individual,”says says Christina. Christina. cutting. cutting.I Iwanted wanted see seemore, more, I Imade made that “It’s “It’s a a private, private, one-on-one one-on-one experience brings together advancedexperience skincare an appointment for mytoto daughter tososo have an anappointment appointment for for my daughter daughter totoin have have techniques, that thatbrings bringstogether togetheradvanced advanced skincare skincare intentional touch, and a custom facial and got tomy see Christina a acustom customfacial facialand andgot gottotosee seeChristina Christinainin genuine techniques, techniques, intentional touch, touch, and and care, intentional helping clients feel action. action. action. genuine genuine care,skin helping helping clients clients their feel feel confident in care, their while making Olea is located in a Cape Cod home on confident confident in in their their skin skin while while making making their their at Olea feel like a true retreat.” Olea OleaisisStreet located locatedin ininaNew aCape Cape Cod Codhome homeon on time time timeatatOlea Oleafeel feellike likea atrue trueretreat.” retreat.” Henderson York Mills. Henderson Henderson Street Street inin New New York York Mills. Mills. Inside, the Parisian-inspired studio is Each facial begins with a skin analysis or Inside, Inside, the the Parisian-inspired Parisian-inspired studio studio isis Each Eachfacial facialbegins beginswith witha askin skinanalysis analysisoror such such a pretty,pretty, relaxing space, withwith consultation. Skin can change with the such a a pretty, relaxing relaxing space, space, with consultation. consultation.Skin Skincan canchange changewith withthe the private, one-on-one appointments that seasons, stress and everyday life, so private, private, one-on-one one-on-one appointments appointments that that seasons, seasons, stress stress and and everyday everyday life, life, so so give clients time time with Christina to talk takes that into give giveclients clients timewith with Christina Christina tototalk talk Christina Christina Christina takes takes that that into intoaccount account accountwhen when when aboutabout their skin theythey need. choosing products and treatments. abouttheir theirand skin skinwhat and andwhat what theyneed. need. choosing choosing products products and and treatments. treatments.It’s It’s It’saaa chance toto talk about concerns chance chance totalk talk about about concerns concernsand and andfigure figure figure outout what will work best for your skin. out what what will will work work best best for for your your skin. skin.

aNew New York YorkState State Statelicensed licensed licensed Christina Christina Christina is isaisaNew York esthetician, esthetician,and and andher her herfacials facials facials go go go well well esthetician, well beyond beyond a acleanse cleanse and and amask. mask.Depending Depending Depending beyond a cleanse and aamask. onyour your yourskin’s skin’s skin’s needs, needs, needs, she she she may may onon may incorporate incorporate dermaplaning, dermaplaning, incorporate dermaplaning, microdermabrasion microdermabrasion or oror aa a custom custom custom microdermabrasion chemical chemical peel, peel, along along with with LED LED light light chemical peel, along with LED light therapy therapy oror high-frequency high-frequency treatments treatments therapy or high-frequency treatments and and a a sculpting sculpting facial facial massage. massage. From From and a sculpting facial massage. From exfoliation exfoliation totothe the finishing finishing products, products, she she exfoliation to the finishing products, selects selectseach each step step specifically specifically for foryou. you. she selects each step specifically for you.

My Mydaughter daughterloved loved her her facial, facial, and and I Iwas was My daughter loved her facial, and I was glad gladI Ihad hadthe the chance tototo spend spend a alittle glad had thechance chance spend alittle little more moretime timewith with Christina and and see see the thethe more time withChristina Christina and see care careshe sheputs puts into her work. work. To ToTo learn learn care she putsinto intoher her work. learn more more about about Olea Olea or or make make anan more about Olea or makean appointment, appointment,visit visitolea-esthetics.com. olea-esthetics.com.

appointment, visit olea-esthetics.com.

Olea OleaEsthetics Esthetics Olea EstheticsSt.,New 64 64Henderson HendersonSt., NewYork YorkMills Mills 64 Henderson St., New York Mills olea-esthetics.com olea-esthetics.com

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AANew New Chapter Chapter at A New Chapter atat Latus LatusMill Mill Latus Mill Run Runofofthe theMill MillLiquors Liquorsopens opens

Runits of the Mill itsdoors doors ininLiquors Clayville Clayvilleopens its doors insomething Clayvillespecial There’s There’ssomething specialabout aboutseeing seeing an anold oldbuilding buildingfind findnew newlife, life,especially especially

There’s something special about seeing when when its its history history remains remains part part ofof the the an oldstory. building find new life, especially story. when its history remains part of the Clayville, Steve Steve Lowe Lowe and and Tanner Tanner story.InIn Clayville, Stewart Stewart have have brought brought Run Run ofof the the Mill Mill

something somethingconvenient convenientfor forthe thepeople peoplewho who

live livehere hereand andthose thosewho whotravel travelthrough through In Clayville, Lowe and Latus Tanner Liquors Liquors Steve toto the the historic historic Latus Mill, Mill, something convenient for the people who the the area area every every day,” day,” says says Steve. Steve. “At “At the the Stewart have brought Run of the opening Mill celebrating celebrating the the store’s store’s grand grand opening heretime, and we those who through same same time, we had had an antravel opportunity opportunity toto Liquors toan historic Latuscutting Mill, inin live with with anthe October October 99 ribbon ribbon cutting bring new newbusiness business into into the theLatus Latus Mill areaa aevery day,” says Steve. “At Mill the partnership partnership with with the the Greater Greater Utica Utica thebring celebrating the store’s grand opening and andtime, continue continue breathing life lifeback backinto intoto aa same we breathing had an opportunity Chamber ofofCommerce. Commerce. with Chamber an October 9 ribbon cutting in building building that that has has been beenthe part part ofof this this bring a new business into Latus Mill partnership with the Greater Utica The The idea idea behind behind the the business business was was and community community fora along longtime. time. We Wewanted wanted continue for breathing life back into a Chamber of Commerce.create straightforward: straightforward: create a a convenient, convenient, building the thestore store totofeel feel like like ititbelonged belonged soso that has been part here, ofhere, this accessible wine wineand andspirits spirits shop shopfor forlocal local community maintaining maintaining the character ofofthe thebuilding building The accessible idea behind the business was forthe a character long time. We wanted residents residentsand andthe thecommuters commuterswho whotravel travel was was important important toto us us throughout throughout the the straightforward: create a convenient, the store to feel like it belonged here, so through through the the area area each each day. day. Finding Finding a a renovation.” renovation.” accessible wine and spirits shop for local maintaining the character of the building home homeininthe themill millgave gavethe theowners ownersan an residents and the commuters who travel important tothe usspace. throughout the That That care careshaped shaped the space. Renovations Renovations opportunity opportunitytotobring bringnew newactivity activitytotoa a was worked worked around around the the mill’s mill’s existing existing rustic rustic through the area each day. Finding a renovation.” building building with with longstanding longstanding ties ties toto the the character, character, incorporating incorporating farmhousefarmhousehomecommunity. in the mill gave the owners an community. That care shaped the space. inspired inspired touches touches while whileRenovations preserving preserving opportunity to bring new activity to a worked around mill’s existing rustic “For “For us, us,this this was wasreally reallyabout about creating elements elements ofofits itsthe past. past. The Theresult result isisa astore store building with longstanding tiescreating to the character, incorporating farmhousecommunity. 14 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026 inspired touches while preserving elements of its past. The result is a store “For us, this was really about creating

with witha asetting settingthat thatisisvery verymuch muchpart partofof its itsappeal. appeal.

with a setting that is very much part of

Inside, Inside, customers customers will will find find a a broad broad its appeal.ofof wines selection selection wines and and spirits spirits inin an an approachable, approachable, easy-to-shop easy-to-shop environment environment Inside, customers will find a broad

selection of wines For ForSteve Steveand andTanner, Tanner,and it’s it’saspirits achance chancein totoan approachable, easy-to-shop environment serve servethe thecommunity community while whilecontributing contributing totothe thenext nextchapter chapterofofa ahistoric historicproperty, property, For Steve andgives Tanner, it’s a another chance one onethat thatnow now gives neighbors neighbors another to serve community while contributing reason reasonthe totostop stop in. in.Run Runofof the theMill Mill Liquors Liquors to the chapter of aNYS historic property, can can be benext found found atat1960 1960 NYS Route Route 88inin one that now gives neighbors another Clayville. Clayville. reason to stop in. Run of the Mill Liquors can be found at 1960 NYS Route 8 in Clayville.

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One OneLess LessThing Thing to toWorry WorryAbout About Home HomeSweet SweetHome HomeCleaning Cleaning&& Gardening Gardeninghelps helpscancer cancerpatients patients find findcomfort comfortininaaclean cleanhome. home. By ByLauryn LaurynScarafile Scarafile

W W

hen hensomeone someonereceives receivesa a cancer cancerdiagnosis, diagnosis,everyday everyday responsibilities responsibilitiesdon’t don’tstop. stop. Bathrooms Bathroomsstill stillneed needcleaning, cleaning,floors floors need needattention, attention,and andhousehold householdchores chores can canquickly quicklybecome becomeoverwhelming overwhelming alongside alongsideappointments, appointments,treatment treatmentand and recovery. recovery. Home HomeSweet SweetHome HomeCleaning Cleaning& &Gardening Gardening helps helpsease easethat thatburden burdenthrough throughitsits Cleaningfor fora aReason, Reason, partnership partnershipwith withCleaning donating donatingprofessional professionalhouse housecleaning cleaning services servicestotocancer cancerpatients patientsand andtheir their families. families. For Forowner ownerHeather HeatherLoveland LovelandButton, Button,the the reason reasonfor forgetting gettinginvolved involvedwas waspersonal. personal.

My Mymom momisisaabreast breastcancer cancer survivor, survivor,and andshe sheinspired inspiredusus totooffer offerthis thisservice, service, ” ”says says Button. Button.“Our “Ourpartnership partnershipwith with Cleaning Cleaningfor foraaReason Reasonisis dedicated dedicatedtotoher. her.

⼀⼀HEATHER HEATHER LOVELAND LOVELAND BUTTON BUTTON Her Hermother, mother,Sherri SherriLoveland, Loveland,helped helped inspire inspirea acommitment commitmenttotomaking makinglife lifea a little littleeasier easierfor forother otherfamilies familiesfacing facing cancer. cancer.Through Throughthe thepartnership, partnership,Button Button and andher herteam teamuse usethe theskills skillsand andresources resources they theyalready alreadyhave havetotooffer offerpractical practical support. support. “We “Wecan’t can’ttake takeaway awaywhat whatsomeone someoneisis going goingthrough, through,but butwe wecan cantake takecleaning cleaning off offtheir theirshoulders shouldersand andgive givethem themone one less lessthing thingtotoworry worryabout,” about,”she shesays. says. SUPPORT SUPPORT CLOSE CLOSE TOTO HOME HOME

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Cleaning Cleaning for for aa Reason Reason serves serves people people with with any any type type ofof cancer, cancer, including including those those undergoing undergoing treatment, treatment, recovering recovering from from cancer cancer surgery surgery oror receiving receiving hospice hospice care. care. The The organization organization reviews reviews applications applications and and matches matches eligible eligible patients patients with with participating participating cleaning cleaning companies companies based based onon local local availability. availability.

16 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

Once Oncematched, matched,patients patientsreceive receivetwo twofree free general generalhouse housecleanings, cleanings,one oneper permonth month for fortwo twomonths. months.Home HomeSweet SweetHome Home donates donatesitsitstime timeand andprofessional professional services servicesatatnonocost costtotothe thepatient. patient.The The visits visitscover covergeneral generalhouse housecleaning cleaning rather ratherthan thandeep deepcleaning. cleaning.

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“Home “Homeshould shouldbebeaaplace place where whereyou youcan canrest, rest, ” ”says says Button. Button.“If“Ifwe wecan canhelp help someone someonespend spendless lessenergy energyon on housework houseworkand andmore moretime time resting restingororbeing beingwith withtheir their family, family,that thatisismeaningful meaningful work. work. ””

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Patients Patientscan canapply apply

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A Alink linktotothe theprogram programisisalso alsoavailable available atatcnyhomesweethome.com. cnyhomesweethome.com.

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Family Familymembers, members,friends friendsand and healthcare healthcareprofessionals professionalscan canhelp helpbyby sharing sharingthe theprogram programororassisting assistingwith with ananapplication. application.Button Buttonhopes hopesthis this story storyreaches reachessomeone someonewho whodidn’t didn’t know knowthat thathelp helpwas wasavailable, available,whether whether neighbor for forthemselves, themselves,a aparent, parent,a aneighbor orora afriend. friend.

AAPersonal PersonalConnection Connection InIn2022, 2022,Home HomeSweet SweetHome Homewas was recognized recognizedasasa aTop Top100 100Cleaning CleaningPartner Partner for formost mostpatients patientsserved. served. For ForButton, Button,the therecognition recognitionrepresented represented both boththe theteam’s team’swork workand andthe thefamily family experience experiencethat thatinspired inspiredit.it.She Sheasked askedtoto have haveititdisplayed displayedininthe theoffice officealongside alongsidea a photograph photographofofherself herselfand andher hermother. mother. The Thecompany companyhas hasalso alsosupported supported throughitsitsHops Hops Cleaning Cleaningfor fora aReason Reasonthrough for forHope Hopefundraiser, fundraiser,bringing bringinglocal local businesses, businesses,vendors, vendors,donors donorsand and community communitymembers memberstogether togethertoto contribute contributetotothe thecause. cause. For ForButton, Button,the thevalue valueofofthe theprogram program comes comesback backtotooffering offeringuseful usefulhelp helpatata a difficult difficulttime. time.Friends Friendsand andneighbors neighbors often oftenwant wanttotosupport supportsomeone someonefacing facing cancer cancerbut butaren’t aren’tsure surewhere wheretotobegin. begin. Helping Helpingsomeone someonelearn learnabout aboutthe theservice service isisone oneway waytotomake makea adifference. difference.

“I“Ihope hopethis thisstory storyhelps helpssomeone someone realize realizethey theycan canask askfor forsupport, support, ”” she shesays. says.“You “Youdon’t don’thave havetotocarry carry everyday everydayresponsibility responsibilityononyour your own ownwhile whilegoing goingthrough through treatment. treatment. ””

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Years Years Yearsof of of Years 60 60 60 Singing Singing SingingTogether Together Together Together Singing Y Y Y ears ears ears of of of Y ears

Oneida Oneida Oneida Area Area Area Civic Civic Civic Chorale Chorale Chorale celebrates celebrates celebrates its itsits Oneida Area Civic Chorale celebrates its history history history and and and the the the voices voices voices carrying carrying carrying it it forward. forward. it forward. history and the voices carrying it forward. By Carrie Carrie By Carrie Byrne Byrne Byrne Putelo, Putelo, Putelo, aconversation conversation a conversation with with with Mark Mark Mark Bunce Bunce Bunce ByBy Carrie Byrne Putelo, aaconversation with Mark Bunce that thatthat bring bring bring singers singers singers together together together annually. annually. annually. II I orornearly nearly or nearly six sixdecades, six decades, decades, the thethe three three three works works works accompanied accompanied accompanied by bypiano piano by piano four fourfour that bring singers together annually. I or nearly six decades, the three works accompanied by piano four believe believe believe some some some ofofthe the ofchorale’s the chorale’s chorale’s strength strength strength Oneida Oneida Oneida Area Area Area Civic Civic Civic Chorale Chorale Chorale has hashas hands. hands. hands. Three Three Three past pastpast pianists, pianists, pianists, including including including one oneone believe some of the chorale’s strength Oneida Area Civic Chorale has hands. Three past pianists, including one comes comes from from from its itsleadership. leadership. its leadership. InInnearly nearly In nearly six six six who brought brought brought people people people together together together through through through comes whowho played played played for forthe for thevery the very very first firstfirst chorale chorale chorale comes from its leadership. Inthree nearly six brought people through who played for the very first chorale decades, decades, decades, there there there have have have been been been three three directors directors directors a ashared shared a shared love lovelove oftogether ofsinging. singing. of singing. concert concert concert asasa ahigh ashigh a high school school school senior, senior, senior, will willeach will each each decades, there have been three directors a shared love of singing. concert as highwith school senior, will each and andfour and fourfour major major major accompanists, accompanists, accompanists, which which which isis is perform perform perform a aselection selection aaselection with with our our current our current current and four major accompanists, which is As Asthe the Asgroup the group group celebrates celebrates celebrates its its60th 60th its 60th season, season, season, remarkable. perform a selection with our current remarkable. remarkable. The The board The board board isisa awell-oiled iswell-oiled a well-oiled accompanist. accompanist. accompanist. Past PastPast singers singers singers will will be will be invited invited be invited Aswe the group celebrates its 60th season, director director director Mark Mark Mark Bunce Bunce Bunce toto tell tell tous tell us us machine, weasked we asked asked remarkable. The board aiswell-oiled accompanist. Past singersChorus.” willChorus.” be invited machine, machine, and and support and support support isisis evident evident evident ininour our in our to to join join to us join us for for us the for the “Hallelujah the “Hallelujah “Hallelujah Chorus.” director Mark Bunce to tell us wehow asked howhow ititall all itstarted, started, all started, what what what keeps keeps keeps its its its machine, and support isaudience evident in our join us forCaroline theSmith, “Hallelujah Chorus.” patron patron patron program program program and andaudience and audience InInto March, March, In March, Caroline Caroline Smith, Smith, a arecent recent a recent how itmembers all started, what keeps its how members members coming coming coming back back back and andhow and how they’re they’re they’re attendance. patron program and audience InEastman March, Caroline agraduate, recent attendance. attendance. Eastman Eastman School School School ofofMusic Music ofSmith, Music graduate, graduate, will willwill members coming back and how they’re marking marking marking this thismilestone. this milestone. milestone. attendance. Eastman School of Music graduate, will be be our our beguest our guest guest soloist soloist soloist for for John for John John Rutter’s Rutter’s Rutter’s marking this milestone. Taking Taking Taking audiences audiences audiences on ona aon journey journey a journey be“Feel our guest soloist for John Rutter’s “Feel “Feel the theSpirit.” the Spirit.” Spirit.” How How How ititall all it began all began began Taking audiences on athemed journey We Weare We areknown are known known for forthemed for themed concerts. concerts. concerts. Once Once Once “Feel the Spirit.” How it all began The TheOneida The Oneida Oneida Area Area Area Civic Civic Civic Chorale Chorale Chorale was waswas are known for themed concerts. Once aWe atheme theme a theme isisselected, selected, is selected, I choose I choose I choose a avariety variety a variety ofof of AtAtour our AtJune our June June concert, concert, concert, we wewill we willrecognize will recognize recognize established established established inin1967 1967 in 1967 under under under the thedirection the direction direction ofof of music The Oneida Area Civic Chorale was music and and and program program an order order an order that that that takes takes takes amusic theme isprogram selected, Ian choose a variety of singers singers from from the the first the firstfirst concert concert who who are areare Atsingers ourfrom June concert, weconcert willwho recognize Daryl Daryl Daryl Wonderly. Wonderly. Wonderly. AAgroup group A group of ofinterested interested of interested established in 1967 under the direction of the theaudience the audience audience on ona aon journey. journey. aan journey. Our Our Our takes still still singing still singing singing with with with us. us. We us. Wehave We have have also alsowho also are music and program order that singers from the first concert citizens citizens citizens approached approached approached Wonderly, Wonderly, a avocal vocal a vocal performances performances performances include include classical, classical, classical, sacred, sacred, commissioned Daryl Wonderly. A group ofWonderly, interested commissioned commissioned Mark Mark Mark Hayes Hayes Hayes to tocompose compose toalso compose aa a the audience on a include journey. Oursacred, still singing with us. We have instructor instructor instructor atatOneida Oneida at Oneida High High High School, School, School, about about about pops, pops, pops, traditional traditional traditional and andfolk and folk music, folk music, music, often often often citizens approached Wonderly, a vocal setting setting setting ofofPsalm Psalm of Psalm 150 150 for 150 forchoir for choir choir and and string and string stringa performances include classical, sacred, commissioned Mark Hayes to compose developing developing developing acivic civic a civic chorale chorale chorale that thatthat would would would give givegive accompanied accompanied accompanied by byprofessional professional by professional artists artists artists and andand orchestra orchestra orchestra ininmemory memory in memory ofof our our ofchoir founder, our founder, founder, instructor ataOneida High School, about pops, traditional and folk music, often setting of Psalm 150 for and string adults adults adults an anopportunity an opportunity totoexpress express to express vocal vocal vocal soloists. soloists. soloists. Daryl Daryl Daryl Wonderly. Wonderly. Wonderly. Its Itsworld world Its world premiere premiere will willwill developing aopportunity civic chorale that would give accompanied by professional artists and orchestra in memory of ourpremiere founder, themselves themselves themselves musically musically musically and and bring and bring bring a avariety variety a variety vocal soloists. be be presented presented be presented atatthat that atIts that concert. concert. concert. adults an opportunity to express Daryl Wonderly. world premiere will Our Ourholiday Our holiday holiday concert concert concert isisalways always is always the thefirst the firstfirst ofofchoral choral of choral music music music totothe the to public. the public. public. themselves musically and bring a variety be presented at that concert. weekend weekend weekend ininDecember December in December anddraws and draws draws our our our About About About half halfthe half thechorale the chorale chorale will willalso will alsoalso travel travel travel toto to Our holiday concert isand always the first ofThe choral music to the public.totaled Thefirst The first first year, year, year, membership membership membership totaled totaled 25. 25.No 25. No No largest largest largest audience. audience. People People People love love love holiday holiday holiday England England England this this summer this summer summer to to perform perform to perform music music music weekend inaudience. December and draws our About half the chorale will also travel to public public public concert concert concert was wasgiven, was given, given, but butabut arecording recording a recording music, music, music, and and these and these these concerts concerts concerts put put everyone put everyone everyone from from from this this season. this season. season. The first year, membership totaled 25. No largest audience. People love holiday England this summer to perform music ofofthe the ofgroup the group group singing singing singing Christmas Christmas Christmas music music music in in the the in mood the mood mood of of the the of season. the season. season. Members Members Members also also also public concert was given, but a recording music, and these concerts put everyone from this season. The The next next next chapter chapter chapter was wasplayed was played played over over over a alocal local a local radio radio radio station station station on on on sing singsing atatthe the atannual the annual annual Oneida Oneida Oneida Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Thanksgiving The of the group singing Christmas music inService the mood of the season. Members also Christmas Christmas Christmas Day. Day.Day. Within Within Within four fourfour years, years, years, the thethe Service Service and andgo and gocaroling caroling go caroling the theMonday the Monday Monday I would I The would I would like liketo like tosee see tothe see thechorale the chorale chorale continue continue continue toto to next chapter was played over amore local radio station on sing at the annual Oneida Thanksgiving chorale chorale chorale grew grew grew toto more to more than than than 100 100 members, 100 members, members, following following following our our holiday our holiday holiday concert. concert. concert. grow, grow, grow, present present present a awider wider a wider variety variety variety ofofmusic music of music Christmas Day. Within four years, the Service and go caroling the Monday I would like to see the chorale continue presenting presenting presenting two twoconcerts two concerts concerts annually. annually. annually. and and reach and reach reach larger larger larger audiences audiences audiences here here here and andand to th th chorale grew to more than 100 members, following our holiday concert. grow, present aWe wider variety of music Celebrating Celebrating Celebrating our our our 60 60th60 season season season across across across the the globe. the globe. globe. We are We arealways are always always looking looking looking Kimberly Kimberly Kimberly Nethaway Nethaway Nethaway directed directed directed the thechorale the chorale chorale presenting two concerts annually. and reach larger audiences here and We Weare We areplanning are planning planning something something something foreach for each each for for new for new new members members members and and the and thenext the next next thfor from from from 1995 1995 1995 toto2020, 2020, to 2020, when when when I became I became I became Celebrating our 60program season across the globe. We aresinging always looking concert. concert. concert. Our Ourholiday Our holiday holiday program program will willfeature will feature feature generation generation generation toto join join to our join our singing our singing family. family. family. Kimberly Nethaway the chorale director. director. director. Today, Today, Today, we wedirected average we average average 100 100singers 100 singers singers We are planning something for each for new members and the next from 1995 to 2020, when I became and and present and present present three three three concerts concerts concerts a ayear. year. a year. concert. Our holiday program will feature generation to join our singing family. director. Today, we average 100 singers The The The people people people behind behind behind the the the music music music and present three concerts a year. Our Ourchorale Our chorale chorale isisa anon-auditioned isnon-auditioned a non-auditioned group group group The people behind the music that that that includes includes includes music music music educators, educators, educators, church church church choir choir choir singers, singers, singers, barbershop barbershop singers singers singers and andand Our chorale is abarbershop non-auditioned group people people people who whowho simply simply simply love lovelove totosing. sing. to sing. Members Members Members that includes music educators, church come come come from from from Oneida, Oneida, Oneida, Verona, Verona, Verona, Canastota, Canastota, Canastota, choir singers, barbershop singers and Rome, Rome, Rome, Clinton, Clinton, Clinton, Mohawk, Mohawk, Mohawk, Millers Millers Mills, Mills, Mills, people who simply love toMillers sing. Members Utica Utica Utica and andOneida, beyond. and beyond. beyond. There There There isisaCanastota, asense issense a sense ofof of come from Verona, community community community and and long-lasting and long-lasting long-lasting friendships friendships friendships Rome, Clinton, Mohawk, Millers Mills, Utica and beyond. There is a sense of community and long-lasting friendships

FFF

HEAR HEAR HEAR THEM THEM THEM SING SING SING

December December December 6,6,2026: 2026: 6, 2026: Sing Sing Sing We WeNow We Now Now ofofChristmas, Christmas, of Christmas, Oneida Oneida Oneida High High High School School School March March March 7,7,2027: 2027: 7, 2027: Feel Feel Feel the theSpirit, the Spirit, Spirit, St. St.Agatha’s St. Agatha’s Agatha’s Church Church Church June June June 6,6,2027: 2027: 6, 2027: Celebrate Celebrate Celebrate ininSong, Song, in Song, Oneida Oneida Oneida High High High School School School December 6, 2026: All Sing Weconcerts Nowbegin of begin Christmas, Oneida High School Allconcerts All concerts begin atat44at p.m. p.m. 4 p.m. March 7, 2027: Feel the Spirit, St. Agatha’s Church 2027: Celebrate inthrough Song, Oneida High School Tickets: Tickets: Tickets: $12 $12in $12 inadvance; advance; in advance; $15 $15June at $15 atthe the at6,door. the door. door. Available Available Available through through chorale chorale chorale members members members ororEventbrite. Eventbrite. or Eventbrite. For Forconcert For concert concert and andand All concerts begin at 4 oneidachorale.org. p.m. membership membership membership information, information, information, visit visit visit oneidachorale.org. oneidachorale.org.

HEAR THEM SING

Tickets: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Available through chorale members or Eventbrite. For concert and 18 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026 membership information, visit oneidachorale.org.

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MV Spotlight

Built Built Builton onFamily. Family. Committed Committed Committedto to Community. Community. Community. By ByLauryn Scarafile By LaurynScarafile Scarafile For For the the Heiland Heiland family, family, keeping keepingtrucks truckson on For the Heiland family, keeping the the road road and and giving giving back back totothe the the the road and giving back to community community have have gone gone hand handin ininhand hand handfor for community have gone hand generations. generations. Since Since 1955, 1955, Utica UticaMack Mack Mackhas has generations. Since 1955, Utica grown grown alongside alongside the the Mohawk MohawkValley, Valley, Valley, grown alongside the Mohawk building building afamily family business business rooted rootedin ininhard hard hard building aafamily business rooted work, work, personal personal relationships relationshipsand and andaaa work, personal relationships commitment commitment toto the the place place its itsowners owners ownersand and and commitment to the place its employees employees call call home. home. employees call home. Edward Edward Heiland, Heiland, Sr. Sr. founded foundedUtica Utica Utica Edward C.C.C. Heiland, Sr. founded Mack, Mack, Inc. Inc. After After his his passing, passing,his his hiswife, wife, wife, Mack, Inc. After his passing, Helen, Helen, and and their their sons, sons, Edward, Edward, Jr. Jr. and and Helen, and their sons, Edward, Jr. and Paul, Paul, took took over. over. Together, Together, they theydeveloped developed developed Paul, took over. Together, they the thebusiness businessinto intoone oneofofCentral CentralNew New the business into one of Central New York’s York’sleading leadingheavy-duty heavy-dutytruck truck York’s leading heavy-duty truck dealerships. dealerships.The Thefamily familyalso alsoexpanded expanded dealerships. The family also expanded into intotruck truckleasing, leasing, founding founding HEP HEPLeasing Leasing into truck inin1956. 1956. leasing, founding HEP Leasing in 1956. Over Overthe theyears, years,each eachgeneration generationbrought brought Over the years, each generation brought something something new. new. Hino Hino medium-duty medium-duty something new. Hino medium-duty trucks trucksjoined joined the the lineup lineup inin1987. 1987.AAyear year trucks joined the lineup in 1987. A year later, later,the thebrothers brothers sold soldUtica Utica Mack Mack and and later, the brothers sold Utica Mack and HEP HEPLeasing Leasing tototheir their sons, sons, Edward Edward HEP Leasing to their sons, EdwardInIn1995, Heiland, Heiland, IIIIIIand and Thomas Thomas Heiland. Heiland. 1995, Heiland, III and Thomasto Heiland. In 1995, the thebusiness business expanded expanded toinclude include Marcy Marcy the businessand expanded to include Marcy Hydraulics Hydraulics andEquipment, Equipment, aafull-service full-service Hydraulics and Equipment, a full-service hydraulic hydraulicand andequipment equipmentdepartment. department. InIn hydraulic and equipment department. 2013, 2013,Thomas Thomas became becamePresident President and and In 2013, Thomas became President Edward Edward Heiland, Heiland, IVIVbecame became Vice Viceand Edward Heiland, IV became Vice President, President, with withEdward, Edward, IIIIIIcontinuing continuinginin sales. sales.Today, Today, the the 3rd 3rdand and 4th 4th generation generation President, with Edward, III continuing in family family business business remains remains ands-on, ands-on, with with sales. Today, the 3rd and 4th generation owners owners involved involved inindaily dailyands-on, operations. operations. family business remains with owners involved in daily operations.

That Thatpersonal personalinvolvement involvementextends That personal involvement extends thebusiness. business.Utica UticaMack beyond beyondthe the business. Utica Mack beyond supports supportsorganizations organizationshelping helpingveterans, veterans, supports organizations helping veterans, families familiesand andneighbors neighborsthroughout throughoutthe the families and neighbors throughout Mohawk MohawkValley, Valley,including includingFeed FeedOur OurVets, Vets, Mohawk Valley, including Feed Our Vets, rescue rescuemissions missionsin inRome Romeand andUtica, Utica,Toys Toys rescue missions in Rome and Utica, Toys for forTots Totsand andthe theVeterans VeteransOutreach Outreach for Tots and the Veterans Outreach Program. Program. Program. Its Itscommunity communityefforts effortsalso alsoinclude include Its community efforts also include sponsoring sponsoringsummer summermovie movienights nightsinin sponsoring summer movie nights in Rome, Rome,participating participatingin inthe theTouch TouchAA Truck Rome, participating in the Touch ATruck Truck Series Series and and donating donating to to local local schools, schools, fire Series and donating to local schools,fire fire departments departmentsand andsmaller smallerorganizations. organizations. departments and smaller organizations. Whether Whetherhelping helpingaafamily familyenjoy enjoyan an Whether helping a family enjoy angroup evening eveningtogether togetherororsupporting supportingaagroup evening together or supporting meeting meetingan aneveryday everyday need, need,these thesea group meeting an everyday need, these contributions contributions reflect reflectthe thefamily’s family’s contributions reflect the family’s appreciation appreciationfor for the thecommunity community that thathas has appreciation for the community that has supported supportedits itsbusiness. business. supported its business. For ForUtica UticaMack, Mack,giving givingback backmeans means For Utica Mack, back meanspeople supporting supporting both bothgiving the theorganizations organizations people supporting both the organizations people rely relyon onand andthe theshared shared experiences experiencesthat that rely on and the shared experiences that bring bring neighbors neighbors together. together. bring neighbors together. That Thatcommitment commitmentalso alsoreaches reachesstudents students That commitment also students preparing preparing for forcareers careers ininreaches the theskilled skilled preparing forMack careers in theaaskilled trades. trades.Utica Utica Mack donated donated 2020 2020Mack Mack trades. Utica Mack donated a 2020giving Mack Anthem Anthem truck truck totoSUNY SUNY Morrisville, Morrisville, giving Anthem tototo SUNY Morrisville, giving students studentstruck access access the thekind kindofofequipment equipment students access to the kind of equipment they theymay mayone oneday day service service professionally. professionally. they may one day service professionally. For Foraspiring aspiringtruck trucktechnicians, technicians,learning learning on onreal realequipment equipment helpsconnect connect For aspiring truck helps technicians, learning on real equipment helps connect

classroom classroom lessons lessons with with the the work work ahead. ahead. classroom lessons with the work ahead. The The donation donation supports supports that that experience experience The donation supports that experience while while investing investing ininin the the people people who who will will while investing the people who will help help keep keep the the industry industry moving. moving. help keep the industry moving. Trucks, Trucks,parts partsand andservice serviceare arethe the Trucks, parts and service are the foundation foundationofofUtica UticaMack’s Mack’sbusiness, business,but but foundation of Utica Mack’s business, but its itsstory storyisisalso alsoabout aboutthe thepeople peoplebehind behind its story is also about the people behind it:it:generations generationsofoffamily familymembers, members, it: generations of family employees, employees, customers customers and andmembers, partners. partners. employees, customers and partners. From Fromsupporting supportingveterans veteransand andlocal local From supporting veterans and local schools schools totohelping helpingfuture futuretechnicians technicians schools toskills, helping technicians build build their their skills, the thefuture Heiland Heiland family family build their skills, the Heiland family continues continues aatradition tradition that that reaches reaches continues adealership. tradition that reaches beyond beyond the thedealership. beyond the dealership. More Morethan thanseven sevendecades decadesafter afterits its More than seven decades after its founding, founding, Utica Utica Mack Mack remains remains part part ofofthe the founding, Uticaworking Mack remains part its ofitsthe Mohawk Mohawk Valley’s Valley’s working life, life,helping helping Mohawk Valley’s working life, helping its customers customers stay stayon onthe theroad roadand andits its customersmove stay the road and its community community moveon forward. forward. community move forward.

Looking LookingOut Out Outfor for forOur OurCommunity Community Looking Our Community Looking Lookingout outfor forothers otherstakes takesmany manyforms. forms. Sometimes, Sometimes, ititmeans meansnoticing noticing when when Looking out for others takes many forms. something somethingisn’t right, right, being beingaareassuring reassuring Sometimes, itisn’t means noticing when presence presenceor orknowing knowing whototo callwhen when something isn’t right, who being acall reassuring help helpisisneeded. needed. For Forsecurity security presence or knowing who to call when professionals, professionals, that responsibility responsibilityisispart part For security help is needed. that ofofthe thedaily dailywork. work. professionals, that responsibility is part ofItIt the daily work. isisalso alsoatat the theheart heartofofLB LBSecurity Security&& Investigations, Investigations,Inc. Inc.Founded Foundedinin1979 1979by by ItNicholas is also atD.D. the heartthe of LB Security & Nicholas LaBella, LaBella, the family-owned family-owned Investigations, Inc. Founded in 1979 by company companynow nowincludes includes aathird third Nicholas D. LaBella, the family-owned generation generation ofoffamily family members. members. Through Through company includes ahas third 4747years, years,now its itsphilosophy philosophy hasremained remained generation of familyhigh-quality, members. Through consistent: consistent: provide provide high-quality, 47dedicated years, itsand philosophy has remained dedicated andpersonal personal service service totoevery every consistent: provide high-quality, client. client. dedicated and personal service to every Behind Behindthat thatcommitment commitmentare areofficers officers client. whose whosework workinvolves involvesgetting gettingtotoknow knowthe the Behind are officers places placesthat they theycommitment protect protectand andthe the people people who who whose work involves getting to know pend pendtime timethere. there.Familiarity Familiarity with with aa the places theystaff, protect and the exits people who building’s building’s staff,entrances, entrances, exitsand and pend timeValley there. Familiarity with a 2026 20 | Mohawk Living Magazine NOVEMBER building’s staff, entrances, exits and

emergency emergencyprocedures procedurescan canhelp helpthem them recognize recognizeaaconcern concernand and respond respond when emergency procedures can help when them something something goes wrong. wrong. recognize agoes concern and respond when something goes wrong. guard LB LBSecurity’s Security’s uniformed uniformed guardpersonnel personnel are are trained trained to to observe, observe, assess, assess, LB Security’s uniformed guard personnel communicate communicate andrespond. respond. They Theymay maybe be are trained toand observe, assess, the the first first to to notice notice a a threat, threat, make make a a call call communicate and respond. They may be for forhelp helpororprovide provideinitial initialassistance. assistance. the first to notice a threat, make a call When Whenemergency emergencyresponders respondersarrive, arrive, for help or provide initial assistance. their their knowledge knowledge ofofthe theproperty property can canhelp help When emergency responders arrive, guide guidethem themtotothe thepeople peopleand andplaces places that that their knowledge need needattention. attention. of the property can help guide them to the people and places that need Much Muchattention. ofofthat thatwork workhappens happensquietly, quietly,asas part partofofan anordinary ordinaryday. day.Yet Yetbeing being Much of that work happens quietly, as attentive, attentive, prepared prepared and andready ready totohelp help isis part of an ordinary day. Yetfor being an animportant important way wayofof caring caring foraa attentive, prepared and ready to help is community. community. Over Overthe the years, years, LB LBSecurity Security an important way of caring for aguard has has expanded expandedbeyond beyond uniformed uniformed guard community. Over the years, LBpatrols, Security services servicestotooffer offer mobile mobile roving roving patrols, has expanded beyond uniformed guard background background checks, checks, private private services to offer mobile roving patrols, investigations investigations drug drug tests, tests, and andin-service in-service background checks, private investigations drug tests, and in-service

workshops. workshops.As Asthe thebusiness businesshas hasevolved, evolved, its itscommitment commitmenttotoemployees, employees,clients clients workshops. As thehas business has evolved, and and the thecommunity community hasremained remained its commitment to employees, clients central central totoits itswork. work. and the community has remained central tocelebrating its work. the InIn an anissue issue celebrating thepeople peoplewho who look lookout outfor forothers, others,ititisisfitting fittingtoto In an issue celebrating the people who recognize recognize those those whose whosedaily daily look out for others, it is fitting to responsibility responsibility isishelping helping keep keep our our recognize safe. those community community safe. whose daily responsibility is helping keep our The The company’s company’s longtime longtimemotto mottosays saysitit community safe. simply: simply:“Our “Ourbusiness businessisisminding mindingyour your The company’s longtime motto says it business.” business.” simply: “Our business is minding your business.”

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MV Spotlight

The The The Power Power Power of ofof Showing Showing Showing Up Up Up

By ByLauryn Lauryn By Lauryn Scarafile Scarafile Scarafile

For ForDuWayne For DuWayne DuWayne Engram, Engram, Engram, mentorship mentorship mentorship isisabout about is about more more more than than than offering offering offering advice. advice. advice. It's It'sabout It's about about helping helping helping young young young people people people feel feelheard, feel heard, heard, supported supported supported and andand confident confident confident ininwhat what in what their their their futures futures futures can canhold. can hold. hold. DuWayne DuWayne DuWayne Engram Engram Engram knows knows knows firsthand firsthand firsthand how howhow much much much ofofaadifference ofdifference a difference one oneperson one person person can cancan make make make ininaayoung inyoung a young person's person's person's life. life.life.

bullying, bullying, bullying, loneliness, loneliness, loneliness, identity identity identity and andand the thethe pressures pressures pressures they they they face. face. face.

want want want totobe be toheard," heard," be heard," Engram Engram Engram says. says. says. "They "They "They "They "They can canbe can bevalidated." validated." be validated." After After After his hisfirst his firstfirst attempt attempt attempt atatcollege college at college didn't didn't didn't go go go "They as asplanned, planned, as planned, Engram Engram Engram entered entered entered the thethe Engram Engram believes believes believes one oneof one ofthe the ofgreatest the greatest greatest workforce, workforce, workforce, uncertain uncertain uncertain ofofwhat what of what would would would come come come Engram challenges challenges facing facing facing young young young people people people today today today isis is next. next. next. AAmentor mentor A mentor from from from his hishigh his high high school school school years years years challenges isolation. isolation. Without Without Without trusted trusted trusted adults adults adults or orpeers peers or peers helped helped helped connect connect connect him himhim with with with an anorganization organization an organization isolation. turn to turn to, to,even even to, even temporary temporary temporary struggles struggles struggles can cancan that thatthat supported supported supported his hisreturn his return return totoschool. school. to school. With With With tototurn feel feeloverwhelming. feel overwhelming. overwhelming. Sometimes, Sometimes, Sometimes, simply simply simply encouragement encouragement encouragement and andand guidance, guidance, guidance, he hewent went he went hearing hearing hearing another another another young young young person person person share share share aa a on ontoto on earn earn to earn his hisassociate, his associate, associate, bachelor's bachelor's bachelor's and andand similar similar similar experience experience experience can canmake can make make all allthe the all the master's master's master's degrees. degrees. degrees. difference. difference. difference. Today, Today, Today, Engram Engram Engram isispaying paying is paying that thatthat support support support "Just "Just "Just hearing hearing hearing from from from other other other boys boys boys isishelpful," helpful," is helpful," forward. forward. forward. As AsaaAs Program Program a Program Specialist Specialist Specialist with with with he hesays. says. he says. Mohawk Mohawk Mohawk Valley Valley Valley Community Community Community College's College's College's GEAR GEAR GEAR UP UPprogram, program, UP program, he hehelps helps he helps local local local His Hisapproach His approach approach also alsoalso goes goes goes beyond beyond beyond students students students prepare prepare prepare for forlife for lifeafter life after after high high high conversation. conversation. conversation. From From From introducing introducing introducing students students students school school school through through through academic academic academic support, support, support, career career career totoart art toand art andand nature nature nature totoconnecting connecting to connecting them them them exploration, exploration, exploration, financial financial financial literacy literacy literacy and andand with with with guest guest guest speakers speakers speakers and andand new newnew personal personal personal development. development. development. experiences, experiences, experiences, Engram Engram Engram encourages encourages encourages young young young people people people totoexplore explore to explore possibilities possibilities possibilities they they they may maymay His Hiscommitment His commitment commitment totoyoung young to young people people people never never have have have considered. considered. considered. extends extends extends beyond beyond beyond the theclassroom. the classroom. classroom. Through Through Through never programs programs programs focused focused focused on onviolence violence on violence "We "We"We give givegive them them them fresh, fresh, fresh, new newnew activities activities activities that thatthat prevention, prevention, prevention, healthy healthy healthy relationships relationships relationships and andand they've they've they've never never never done done done before," before," before," he hesays. says. he says. mentorship, mentorship, mentorship, including including including AMEND AMEND AMEND Together, Together, Together, Engram Engram Engram isisequally equally is equally passionate passionate passionate about about about the thethe Engram Engram Engram has hashelped has helped helped create create create spaces spaces spaces where where where future future future ofofthe the ofMohawk the Mohawk Mohawk Valley. Valley. Valley. Having Having Having boys boys boys and andand young young young men men men can canopenly can openly openly discuss discuss discuss witnessed witnessed witnessed Utica's Utica's Utica's changing changing changing landscape, landscape, landscape,

growing growing growing diversity diversity diversity and andand renewed renewed renewed opportunities, opportunities, opportunities, he hewants wants he wants young young young people people people toto to recognize recognize recognize the thepossibilities the possibilities possibilities available available available within within within their their their own ownown communities. communities. communities. For ForEngram, For Engram, Engram, mentorship mentorship mentorship isn't isn'tisn't about about about having having having all allthe the allanswers. the answers. answers. It's It'sabout It's about about being being being present, present, present, building building building trust trust trust and andand helping helping helping someone someone someone recognize recognize recognize their their their potential. potential. potential. can canbounce can bounce bounce back back back from from from failure failure failure ififyou you if you "You "You "You have have have support," support," support," he hesays. says. he says. "Even "Even "Even ififpeople people if people fail, fail,fail, you youkeep you keep keep those those those connections." connections." connections." Through Through Through his hisdedication his dedication dedication totothe the tonext the next next generation, generation, generation, Engram Engram Engram reminds reminds reminds us usthat that us that community community community heroes heroes heroes aren't aren't aren't always always always defined defined defined by bygrand grand by grand gestures. gestures. gestures. Sometimes, Sometimes, Sometimes, the thethe greatest greatest greatest impact impact impact comes comes comes from from from simply simply simply showing showing showing up. up. up.

Brave Brave Brave Enough Enough Enough to toto Be Be Be Yourself Yourself Yourself By ByCarrie Carrie By Carrie Byrne Byrne Byrne Putelo Putelo Putelo For ForKevin For Kevin Kevin Levatino, Levatino, Levatino, helping helping helping children children children feel feelfeel Working Working Working with with with children children children with with with diverse diverse diverse needs, needs, supporting supporting supporting staff staff staff and andand building building building valued valued valued and andand accepted accepted accepted isisaameaningful ismeaningful a meaningful part partpart needs, relationships relationships relationships within within within the thecommunity the community community are areare ofofhis his ofwork his work work ininspecial special in special education. education. education. Now, Now, Now, that thatthat message message message through through through his his his all allparts parts all parts ofofthat that of that work work work he heloves. loves. he loves. His HisHis he’s he’she’s sharing sharing sharing newly newly newly published published published children’s children’s children’s book, book, book, The TheThe experiences experiences experiences ininspecial special in special education education education also alsoalso World’s World’s World’s Worst Worst Worst Line LineLine Leader. Leader. Leader. helped helped helped shape shape shape the themessage the message message he hewants wants he wants toto to share share share as asan an asauthor: author: an author: every every every child child child deserves deserves deserves Education Education Education runs runs runs ininthe the infamily. the family. family. His Hisfather, His father, father, totofeel feel to accepted feel accepted accepted and andand proud proud proud ofofwhat what of what Dr. Dr.Keith Dr. Keith Keith Levatino, Levatino, Levatino, isissuperintendent superintendent is superintendent ofof of makes makes makes them them them unique. unique. unique. the theLittle the Little Little Falls Falls Falls City CityCity School School School District, District, District, and andand both both both Kevin Kevin Kevin and andand his hisbrother, his brother, brother, Kyle, Kyle, Kyle, serve serve serve as as as “I“Ihope hope “I hope the thebook the book book encourages encourages encourages readers readers readers toto to Coordinators Coordinators Coordinators ofofSpecial Special of Special Education Education Education atat at be becourageous, courageous, be courageous, embrace embrace embrace self-acceptance, self-acceptance, self-acceptance, Oneida-Herkimer-Madison Oneida-Herkimer-Madison Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES. BOCES. BOCES. His HisHis and andand feel feelconfident feel confident confident and andand brave brave brave about about about who whowho mother, mother, mother, Joan, Joan, Joan, recently recently recently retired retired retired from from from they they they are, are,are, even even even when when when they they they feel feeldifferent feel different different teaching teaching teaching ininthe the inNew the NewNew Hartford Hartford Hartford Central Central Central from from from those those those around around around them,” them,” them,” Kevin Kevin Kevin says. says. says. School School School District, District, District, and andand his hisstepmother, his stepmother, stepmother, It’s It’saIt’s amessage message a message with with with aaplace place a place both both both ininthe the in the Leigh Leigh Leigh Ann, Ann, Ann, isisaalongtime islongtime a longtime teacher teacher teacher ininthe the in the right, At right, Kevin Kevin Kevin classroom classroom classroom and andand atathome. home. at home. Kevin Kevin Kevin hopes hopes hopes the thetheAtAtright, Rome Rome Rome City CityCity School School School District. District. District. Levatino Levatino and andand book book book gives gives gives families families families and andand educators educators educators aaway way a wayLevatino his hiswife. wife. his wife. Kevin’s Kevin’s Kevin’s own ownown career career career began began began atatjust just at just 19, 19,when when 19, when totobegin begin to begin conversations conversations conversations about about about he hebecame became he became aateaching teaching a teaching assistant assistant assistant ininspecial special in special individuality, individuality, individuality, confidence confidence confidence and andand inclusion. inclusion. inclusion. education. education. education. After After After three three three years years years ininthat that in that role, role, role, Reading Reading Reading together together together can canbe can bean an beopportunity opportunity an opportunity he hespent spent he spent four fourfour years years years as asaaas head head a head teacher teacher teacher tototalk talk to talk about about about appreciating appreciating appreciating our ourour For Forthis For thisthis Mohawk Mohawk Mohawk Valley Valley Valley educator, educator, educator, the thethe before before before moving moving moving into intointo his hiscurrent his current current position. position. position. differences differences differences and andand extending extending extending that thatthat same same same hope hope hope isisthat that is that the theencouragement the encouragement encouragement he he he At At27, 27, Athe’s he’s 27, he’s grateful grateful grateful for forthe for theopportunities the opportunities opportunities acceptance acceptance acceptance totoothers. others. to others. brings brings brings totohis his towork his work work can canreach can reach reach more more more he’s he’she’s had hadhad totohelp help to help children children children and andand support support support the thethe And AndAnd while while while he hewrote wrote he wrote aachildren’s children’s a children’s book, book, book, children children children through through through the thepages the pages pages ofofhis his ofbook. his book. book. people people people working working working alongside alongside alongside him. him. him. Kevin Kevin Kevin believes believes believes its itsmessage message its message reaches reaches reaches “It “Itisis “It aareminder isreminder a reminder totoeveryone everyone to everyone that thatthat being being being “I“Ifeel feel “I incredibly feel incredibly incredibly blessed blessed blessed and andand grateful grateful grateful toto to beyond beyond beyond young young young readers. readers. readers. Feeling Feeling Feeling ourselves ourselves ourselves isisour our is greatest our greatest greatest superpower,” superpower,” superpower,” he he he have have have these these these opportunities opportunities opportunities atatsuch such at such aayoung young a young comfortable comfortable comfortable with with with who whowho we weare we areis are is is something something something adults adults adults can canappreciate, can appreciate, appreciate, too. too.too. says. says. says. age,” age,” age,” he hesays. says. he says. 22 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

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MV ROOTS:

REAR ADMIRAL MARK A. SCHAFER Mark A. Schafer is a United States Navy Rear Admiral and career special operations officer, currently serving as the Commanding General, Special Operations Joint Task Force‑South under U.S. Southern Command. Beyond the impressive titles and contributions to our safety, he is a person grounded in family, community, team, and humility. You may manage to read through Mark’s interview without a lump in your throat—I couldn’t— but I promise you’ll find words of wisdom and a feeling of pride that this human being calls the Mohawk Valley home.

How long did you live in the Mohawk Valley? It wasn’t until college that I lived anywhere else. The Mohawk Valley is where I was born and raised and will always be home.

What are things that you loved about growing up here? I never thought life in the Mohawk Valley could get any better—I had such a blast with my friends! We loved every season: heading to the lakes for boating and waterskiing, and driving up to Old Forge for winter skiing. With wide-open spaces and no traffic, I could hop on my bike, meet up with friends, and explore in a safe place. I’ve lived in big cities and rural spots across the country and the world, but I always look back and cherish how connected I felt in the Mohawk Valley. Whether it was deep friendships with neighbors or visiting local shops where I knew the families, those bonds were special.

Looking back, was there something from your youth that pointed you toward your path? My family, especially my grandfather, inspired me to consider the Naval Academy. He graduated in 1935 and served 37 years, including three wars. My dad also served for five years. What pushed me to apply to the Naval Academy was meeting an Annapolis senior* during my freshman year of high 24 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

school. I found him so grounded and inspiring—someone I hoped to become. He didn’t paint a perfect picture; he just spoke kindly about life at the Academy and his hopes for the Navy. *That Annapolis senior was current Mohawk Valley resident Paul Rayhill.

What first drew you to the SEALs? I went straight from high school to Annapolis and figured I’d be a fighter pilot, along with everyone else who saw themselves in the original Top Gun. I learned about the SEALs during my plebe year and was immediately drawn in. I began reading about SEALs in Vietnam and made that my main objective— competing for one of the few openings at graduation. Aiming for the SEALs kept me focused on grades and military performance, helping me secure one of 16 billets in a graduating class of roughly 950 students. What attracted me to the SEALs was my interest in diving, along with the prospect of joining a tight, elite team. Diving, parachuting, and patrolling around the world felt like the ultimate Navy adventure.

Was there a coach, teacher, mentor who motivated you? One SCUBA screening included a swim test, and because I wasn’t the strongest swimmer, I knew I had to improve. I contacted my high school track coach, Tom Wells, who also taught swimming, and he used part of Thanksgiving break to refine my strokes. I passed without trouble, which started my path toward becoming a SEAL. Coach Wells was a major influence, and I remain grateful for his help in teaching an old runner to swim better.

What was the key to getting through SEAL training? What sustained me was my family’s backing and guidance from my father and the people he introduced me to. My dad often said, “Finish what you start,” so

“

I’ve lived in big cities and rural spots across the country and the world, but I always look back and cherish how connected I felt in the Mohawk Valley. Whether it was deep friendships with neighbors or visiting local shops where I knew the families, those bonds were special.

”

quitting wasn’t an option. Jim LaFountain of the All American Fitness Center was another extraordinary coach and mentor. He tested my resilience with demanding— sometimes crazy—workouts. I loved it! I was an above-average athlete at best, but those coaches helped me develop the mental toughness required for SEAL training. During BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL), quitting never entered my thoughts. I was “all in” and that outlook made a difference. I advise prospective SEALs to consider their purpose and commit fully before beginning. If curiosity alone drives you, the path will be hard and doubt may weaken your confidence.

How many SEAL missions have you led? Since September 11, 2001, I’ve had many chances to lead, but I haven’t kept a tally. The mission that stays with me most was rescuing an American held by hostile forces. Seeing his gratitude made me incredibly proud of the team, and it meant a lot that the military honored our sailors with valorous awards—they earned it! Sometimes I led; other times I supported, and I’m humbled to work with such amazing professionals. SEALs, SWCCs, and everyone in special operations— intelligence, aviators, comms, logistics—all come together to deliver success, especially when bringing an American home.

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Mohawk Valley. We are grateful to our community and local providers for your trust and support.

Over 40 Years of Experience

Thank you for voting us 2026 Best Physical Therapy Clinic in the Mohawk Valley.

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We’ve been here for generations, and we’ll be here for many more. EST. 1927

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MV Roots

By Libby Lemire

When you’re deployed, does a piece of home stick with you? Yes—where I’m from. One of my favorite moments was in the Middle East, visiting an embassy. As we wrapped up our meetings, a senior defense official and I realized we’d competed against each other in track. It was great to see a familiar face halfway around the world and swap stories about racing each other in Central New York.

You’ve led teams in intense situations—how do you stay calm? Many of us in the military believe that when things get hard, we don’t rise to the challenge, we fall back on our training. That’s why we spend so much time preparing for the hardest scenarios, so nothing catches us off guard. From the very start, BUD/S is designed to be tougher than anything we’d face in combat. That preparation has served me well, and I’ve rarely had to improvise.

How do you make decisions when the information is incomplete and the stakes are enormous?

“

A mistake doesn’t define you—what matters most is how you bounce back. It’s about learning, tweaking your path, and returning stronger. We welcome people who are brave enough to try, even if they trip up. The secret is getting up fast, brushing yourself off, and diving back in.

I lean on my preparation, my teammates, and the lessons we’ve drilled together—it shapes everything I do. When you become a senior leader, the easy choices are already handled, so you’re usually left with the tough ones. That’s simply part of leadership: bringing clarity to situations that feel messy. A great foundation for those choices is asking, “Are we doing the right thing?” During my first command, I worked with a savvy master chief. Whenever things got complicated, he’d say, “Let’s just do the right thing.” We agreed that difficult decisions should be explainable, so we relied on three checks: Is it right? Can I look at myself in the mirror? And could I explain it to our leaders and feel good about it?

What’s one leadership lesson you wish everyone knew? A mistake doesn’t define you—what matters most is how you bounce back. It’s about learning, tweaking your path, and returning stronger. We welcome people who are brave enough to try, even if they trip up. The secret is getting up fast, brushing yourself off, and diving back in. That’s what Special Operations has shown us again and again—having the guts to try and the grit to keep going.

26 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

”

For those less familiar with the military, can you explain what you do now?

When you think back to growing up here, what values stayed with you?

My SEAL career has grown. I started at the hands-on level in a platoon with fellow SEALs. Over the years, I took on more responsibility and spent less time doing the basics—like shooting, moving, communicating, diving, and parachuting. Now, at higher command levels, I joke that my “weapons” used to be rifles and pistols, and my “infiltration” was diving gear; today, I drive or fly to meetings, and my tools are phone calls, emails, and memos. Even so, it’s rewarding and challenging, and I feel lucky to keep serving in the Navy.

First is the value of hard work, whether handling a major task or a supporting role. Giving your best through honest effort is a great way to approach anything in life. I learned all that growing up in Central New York.

My last assignment was leading Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), the special operations component for the U.S. Southern Command. We worked across Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, building partnerships and sharing training with special operations forces throughout the region. Now, I’m the Deputy Commander at Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), helping ensure our teams are resourced, equipped, and effectively employed around the world.

Second is to give people a chance. I remember my fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Yozzo, who gave me opportunities I might not have fully earned, but she saw potential in me. She challenged me and got me into programs that put me on a better path. When you can, give someone a chance to grow.

What do you hope your legacy will be? I hope my legacy reflects that I loved my family and cared for them well. I’m proud to have served in the Navy, but even more proud to have supported my sailors so they could do their best to protect our national security. My biggest goal is to share what I’ve learned over 30 years and pass the best of it to the next generation of leaders. I want to help our teammates navigate whatever stormy seas lie ahead.

Grateful for the Trust of Our Community

This November, we thank our patients, families, and referring providers for making Central New York Brain & Spine Neurosurgery your go-to clinic for your healthcare needs. It is our privilege to serve Central New York with compassionate, expert care.

World-Class Physicians State-of-the-Art Facilities Expert Results

315-792-7629 • cnybrainandspine.com Serving patients throughout Central New York and beyond

Be Social A TOAST TO MVL’S TOP DOCS & WOMEN IN BUSINESS An evening of great company, conversation, and celebration! Mohawk Valley Living gathered at Crust in Utica to recognize the exceptional physicians and women in business featured in our October issue and celebrate their contributions to our community. A special thank you to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for presenting our Top Doctors feature, to Beacon Bank for sponsoring the event, and to all of our honorees who took time out of their busy schedules to join us. We loved having the opportunity to connect, celebrate, and recognize the people making a difference throughout the Mohawk Valley!

28 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

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MV Entertainment

NOVEMBER ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR By Megan Wright

Night Fever (1) When: November 7 at 8:00pm Where: The Showroom, Turning Stone

Taste of CNY When: November 7 from 10:00am - 2:00pm Where: North Star Orchards Chicago (2) When: November 10 at 8:00pm Where: The Capital Theatre Samantha Fish (3) When: November 14 at 8:00pm Where: The Showroom, Turning Stone

Meet Snow White & Spiderman at Utica Zoo (4) When: November 14 at 5:00pm Where: Utica Zoo An Evening with Charles Dickens! (5) When: November 15 at 4:00pm Where: Unity Hall Pete the Cat (6) When: November 17 at 10:30am Where: The Stanley Theatre Jeff Dunham (7) When: November 20 at 7:00pm Where: The Stanley Theatre The New York Bee Gees When: November 21 at 7:00pm Where: The Stanley Theatre

Munson Concert Series: The Brother Brothers (8) When: November 21 at 7:30pm Where: Munson, Sinnott Family Bank of Utica Auditorium Fenimore Glimmer Nights (9) When: November 21-27 Thursday–Sunday, 4:30pm Where: Fenimore Farm Holiday Market Nights When: November 27-28 at 4:30pm Where: Fenimore Farms Irving Berlin’s White Christmas When: November 27 & 28 at 7:30pm & November 29 at 2:00pm Where: Ilion Little Theatre COMING SOON Lavender & Lights (10) When: December 4-23 Where: Spring Creek Lavender, Remsen

30 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

10 9

Lavender&Lights at Spring Creek Lavender

A Family-Friendly Walk Through the Lights Slow down and enjoy time with the family celebrating the holidays.

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Select Days in December advanced purchase tickets required Tickets & Details at

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MV Entertainment 1

THE MUSIC SCENE

By Tom Starr

Half Past Dead (1) When: November 7 at 7:30pm Where: Kirkland Arts Center, 9 1/2 E Park Row, Clinton The Cadleys (2) When: November 7 at 7:30pm Where: Park Coffee House, 7835 Church St., Holland Patent

Samantha Fish (3) When: November 14 at 8:00pm Where: Turning Stone Showroom, 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona Downbeat Percussion: The Buffalo Bills Drumline (4) When: November 19 at 11:00am Where: Earlville Opera House, 18 E Main St., Earlville Cupboard Full of Blues: Uncle Charlie & The Meatballs with special guests: Nate Gross, George Deveny, Dave Liddy & Jacob Toher (5) When: November 20 at 7:00pm Where: Arts at the Palace, 19 Utica St., Hamilton

The Brother Brothers (6) When: November 21 at 7:30pm Where: Munson, 310 Genesee St., Utica The NY Bee Gees When: November 21 at 7:00pm Where: Stanley Theatre, 259 Genesee St., Utica COMING SOON Thunderstruck - AC/DC tribute (7) When: December 4 at 8:00pm Where: Turning Stone Showroom, 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona

WORTH THE TRIP Jim Messina (8) When: November 15 at 8:00pm Where: Homer Center for the Arts, 72 S Main St., Homer Bela Fleck (9) When: December 6 at 7:00pm Where: State Theater, 107 W State St., Ithaca

DON'T MISS THIS! Yonder Mountain String Band’s Nick Piccininni with Joe Davoli (10) When: December 18 at 7:00pm Where: Unity Hall, 101 Vanderkemp Ave., Barneveld In 2020, Yonder Mountain String Band invited Central NY acoustic virtuoso, Nick Piccininni, to fill-in on fiddle and mandolin for a couple of concerts. His playing was so impressive those nights that he was soon recruited to be a full time member. His role in YMSB now includes vocals and songwriting with group members. The tour schedule for YMSB spans continents and includes prestigious venues and festivals, keeping Nick on the road much of every year. Fortunately, Nick still loves the opportunity to play close-to-home, for his long-time fans between tour appearances. Unity Hall welcomes him and his good musical friend Joe Davoli on Friday, December 18th at 7pm. Details & tickets at unityhall.com/events 32 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

A Little Holiday Magic on Main Street

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MV Eats

Thanksgiving Food Tour By Carrie Byrne Putelo

RoAnn and I were especially excited for this food tour. We both love turkey and all the fixings, but Thanksgiving also seemed like the perfect time to reflect on how grateful I am for the friendship that has grown out of all these adventures together. What started as a fun little adventure a year and a half ago over a shared love of ice cream has grown into such a special friendship. Somewhere along the way, it became about so much more than our next stop. It became the conversations, the laughs and knowing I have someone I can count on. I’m so grateful that something so simple brought us together. And I’m grateful that we get to travel around the Mohawk Valley, share these experiences and bring all of you along with us. So this month, we set out on a tour that felt especially fitting. We were looking for turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce and, of course, dessert. And we couldn’t forget the turkey sandwiches. After all, who doesn’t love a good turkey club? But mostly, we were happy to be doing it together, thankful for the friendship, the adventures and the opportunity to share them with you.

Clinton

Charlie’s Place , 8170 Seneca Turnpike, Clinton Our Thanksgiving Food Tour started at Charlie’s Place in Clinton, where the Monday special feels very much like Thanksgiving dinner came early. The plate arrives with both white and dark meat turkey, stuffing, mashed red potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and plenty of gravy. The turkey is roasted in-house, and getting both white and dark meat immediately won us over. It was tender, flavorful and exactly what you hope for when you order a traditional turkey dinner. RoAnn and I are both big stuffing fans. She immediately said Charlie’s reminded her of her own stuffing, and for me, it brought back my grandmother’s recipe. My Granny’s is a little different, with sausage and a touch of sweetness from applesauce that helps bind it all together, but the familiar sage and soft bread stuffing took me right back there. That’s part of what I love about Thanksgiving food. One bite can remind you of your own family table.

Even the green beans deserve a mention. They’re cooked until tender and buttery, just the way we like them. This is Charlie’s Monday special, and apparently we’re not the only ones who think it’s a good idea. We heard it can sell out by lunchtime, so getting there early is probably wise. And then came dessert. We ordered the apple fritter à la mode, which turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the day. A warm glazed apple fritter is topped with apple pie filling and ice cream, giving you that wonderful combination of warm, crispy, sweet and cold in every bite. If I had to choose between apple pie and a sundae, I’d pick the sundae every time. But this was the best of both worlds, and we kept going back for one more bite long after we were full. A pretty sweet start to our Thanksgiving Food Tour.

34 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

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MV Eats

whitesboro

Boulevard Diner , 24 Roosevelt Drive, Whitesboro At Boulevard Diner, we stayed firmly committed to our Thanksgiving theme and ordered another turkey dinner. We did consider the open-faced turkey sandwich, and had to keep ourselves from getting distracted by the open-faced roast beef sandwich, too. There’s plenty to tempt us on Boulevard Diner’s menu, but we were here for Thanksgiving, so another turkey dinner it was. This one starts with your choice of soup or salad, and we went with the chicken and rice soup. It arrived packed with chicken, rice and vegetables, the kind of warm bowl of soup that feels especially right this time of year. Then came the main event. Boulevard’s house-roasted turkey is thinly sliced and served with a very generous helping of mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables and gravy. This is an all-white-meat turkey dinner, and they certainly don’t skimp on it. The turkey covers a good portion of the

UTICA

Crust Kitchen & Bar , 330 Main Street, Utica (Additional location in Rome)

Not every Thanksgiving-inspired meal needs to come with mashed potatoes and gravy. Sometimes turkey belongs between two slices of really good bread. Crust is already a familiar stop for RoAnn and me. Her son Chris owns the restaurant, and it’s become one of our favorite places to grab lunch when we get together. So, of course, it had to make our Thanksgiving tour. We took our turkey in sandwich form with the Screw the Chase, a piled-high sandwich that starts with one very important detail: Crust roasts its meats in-house. Freshly roasted turkey breast is layered with bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, caramelized onion spread and guacamole on sourdough bread. It has some of the familiar makings of a turkey club, which we both love, but the avocado, guacamole and caramelized onion spread take it in a completely different direction. And there is plenty of turkey. Freshly roasted and sliced, it remains the star of the sandwich rather than getting lost under all those top-

36 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

pings. The bacon adds some salt and crunch, while the avocado and guacamole make everything rich and creamy. If you’re already thinking ahead to Thanksgiving leftovers, consider this a little inspiration. Every sandwich comes with Crust’s homemade potato chips and a homemade dill pickle. The pickle, covered in fresh dill, has become one of those little things we always look forward to when we stop at Crust. And those homemade chips never last long either. Of course, we couldn’t leave without something sweet. We finished with a gluten-free carrot cake cupcake, a fitting fall dessert and a sweet ending to a stop that gave us a different take on our Thanksgiving theme. After two traditional turkey dinners, a really good turkey sandwich was exactly where this tour needed to go next.

plate, with plenty of mashed potatoes underneath and alongside it. The stuffing here has a different personality than our first stop. It’s a little crispier and more savory, with carrots and plenty of seasoning, including that familiar sage flavor that immediately says Thanksgiving. The mashed potatoes are creamy and comforting, and the gravy brings everything together. This is the kind of substantial turkey dinner that leaves little chance of anyone walking away hungry. When it came time for dessert, though, we couldn’t make up our minds. Pumpkin or apple? There was only one reasonable solution: order both. The pumpkin pie, topped with a little whipped cream, had all those warm spices we associate with Thanksgiving, while the apple pie gave us another taste of fall. By this point, we were definitely getting into the spirit of the holiday.

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MV Eats

herkimer

Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner , 100 West Albany Street, Herkimer At Crazy Otto’s in Herkimer, we went with one of my favorite ways to eat turkey: an open-faced sandwich with gravy and mashed potatoes. There’s something about that combination that makes me think of the day after Thanksgiving, when you get to enjoy everything all over again. This was a very generous plate. Slices of turkey were piled over white bread and covered in brown gravy, with mashed potatoes and a mix of peas, corn, carrots and green beans alongside it. The bread underneath catches all that gravy, which, to me, is part of what makes an open-faced turkey sandwich so good. By this point in the tour, RoAnn and I were getting pretty familiar with the different ways a turkey dinner can arrive. The slices here fell somewhere between the thinly sliced turkey at Boulevard and the thicker pieces at Charlie’s. They worked well for a sandwich you eat with a knife and fork, getting a little turkey, bread and gravy in each bite. The mashed potatoes were tasty, and we kept going back for a little more with the gravy. It’s a simple combination, but when you’re in the mood for

Thanksgiving food, it’s hard to beat. The service deserves a mention, too. Everyone was friendly, our food came out quickly, and everything was piping hot. A big turkey sandwich and good company made for a pretty great lunch.

new hartford

Debbie’s Cafe , 3963 Oneida Street, New Hartford We said we weren’t hungry when we arrived at Debbie’s. Then we started eating. The first thing that caught our attention was the gravy. That lighter brown turkey gravy looked and tasted like Thanksgiving, and spooned over freshly roasted turkey and soft white bread, it was exactly what we had been hoping to find on this tour. And then there were the homemade mashed potatoes. You could still taste the potato, with a little texture instead of everything being whipped completely smooth. They reminded me of the kind you make at home, especially with that turkey gravy over the top. RoAnn and I kept talking about how good everything was, then going back for another bite. The turkey was delicious, the bread soaked up the gravy, and diced carrots rounded out the plate. This was a meal I would happily come back and order again. For two people who had just announced they weren’t hungry, we were doing a pretty good job of eating. Somehow, we also found room for dessert. We ordered chocolate cream pie and blueberry pie, both with whipped cream. The chocolate cream pie arrived with a generous mound of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup, while the blueberry pie gave us a fruit-filled finish with a delicious homemade crust. It felt fitting to end our Thanksgiving Food Tour this way: sharing pie, sneaking in another bite and enjoying a little more time together. We had set out looking for turkey and all the fixings, and along the way, we found plenty of reasons to be thankful.

38 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

MV Eats

A Little Help with Thanksgiving Local favorites to help fill your holiday table. My Thanksgiving list always starts with Hapanowicz for the turkey, Gingerbread Bake Shop for snowflake rolls and Boulevard Diner for pies. With Farmer Ben highlighting the farmers behind our meal, I wanted to give our local bakers, butchers and restaurant kitchens a place at the table, too.

START WITH THE TURKEY Hapanowicz Bros. Meat Market, New York Mills: This is where I pick up my fresh

Plainville turkey. You’ll also find turkey breasts and pork sausage for homemade stuffing, or you can let Leonard Hapanowicz make the stuffing for you. Be sure to order ahead. 19 Clinton Street; 315-736-8288.

ROLLS, PIES & OTHER HOLIDAY FAVORITES From the rolls passed around at dinner to the pies served with coffee afterward, everyone has a Thanksgiving favorite. Our local bakeries, stores and cider mills have plenty to bring to the table, whether you’re rounding out your own menu or heading to someone else’s home. Pick up a loaf of pumpkin bread for the next morning, too. You’ll be glad you did.

Gingerbread Bake Shop, New Hartford: Fill the breadbasket with snowflake or French butter rolls, then choose from a selection of fruit and cream pies for dessert. 315-737-5460.

Daylight Donuts, New Hartford: Pick-

ing up doughnuts for breakfast? Plan ahead for Thanksgiving dinner, too, with an order of snowflake rolls. Preorder or call ahead. 315-724-7103.

Pumpernickel’s, New Hartford Shopping Center: Add a locally baked pie to your

holiday table. Call for Thanksgiving selections and ordering details. 315-735-8121.

Holland Farms, Yorkville: Snowflake rolls

are a holiday favorite, alongside fruit and cream pies to finish the meal. 315-736-6044.

Clinton Cider Mill, Clinton: Round out

your Thanksgiving menu with a fruit pie and other seasonal favorites. Feeling like a taste of Thanksgiving? Check out their handmade turkey pot pies

40 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

which bring the taste of Thanksgiving any day of the weel. Order online or call ahead to arrange your holiday pickup. 315-853-5756.

North Star Orchards, Westmoreland: Nine-inch pies include apple crumb, pumpkin, pecan, cherry, strawberry rhubarb, blueberry and mince, while sweet breads come in banana nut, zucchini, pumpkin and apple. There’s plenty for the rest of dinner, too: fall squash, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, garlic, locally grown onions, beets and parsnips. Baking your own pie? Pick up apples or pie pumpkins while you’re there. 315-853-1024.

Ferlo’s Original Bakery, Rome: Dinner rolls, apple and pumpkin pies, and banana and pumpkin breads cover everything from the Thanksgiving table to breakfast the next day. Place your order in advance. The bakery is open Thanksgiving Eve and closed Thanksgiving Day. 315-339-8874 Bonnie’s Country Store, Forestport: Pie choices range from apple, Dutch apple, pecan, raspberry and blueberry to banana, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter and pumpkin. Preorder about a week ahead for the best selection. Looking for the whole meal? Bonnie’s also offers a Thanksgiving dinner by preorder, with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, squash and pie. 315-392-7072.

The Cakery Café, Dolgeville: There’s a pie for just about every preference, including apple, pumpkin, cherry berry, strawberry rhubarb, banana cream, chocolate, coconut, lemon meringue and peanut butter. Place holiday preorders through Facebook or the café’s website. 315-429-9591. Fly Creek Cider Mill, Fly Creek: Choose

from apple, caramel apple, pumpkin, strawberry rhubarb, blueberry and pecan pies, and leave time to browse for a few extras. Apple butter, Honeycrisp applesauce, apple salsa, pickled products and Otsego County maple syrup make welcome additions to a holiday gathering. Bring along apple cider or a bottle of apple, apple cranberry or apple blackcurrant wine. Order pies ahead. 607-547-9692.

Rosito’s Bakery, Amsterdam: Made-toorder pies include pumpkin, apple, blueberry, cherry, peach, berry and pecan, plus a sugar-free apple option. Cream pie lovers can choose from chocolate, banana, coconut and Boston cream, with lemon meringue also available. For something a little different, try a Polish babka in flavors such as cinnamon, raisin, almond, cheese, chocolate, raspberry or cherry and cheese. Preorders are recommended. 518-842-2616. Schoharie Valley Farms, Schoharie: Traditional pumpkin and apple pies share the dessert lineup with Dutch apple, apple raspberry, blueberry, cherry and strawberry. Beyond pie, look for pumpkin spice cupcakes, carrot cake, apple cider doughnuts and the farm’s signature carrot cookies. Specialty bars, including apple caramel cheesecake, offer another option for a dessert platter made for sampling. 518-295-7139.

LET SOMEONE ELSE MAKE DINNER Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company.

The Horned Dorset Inn, Leonardsville: Bring home a Thanksgiving dinner featuring roasted turkey breast and slow-roasted leg with Madeira and black truffle gravy, cranberry orange relish, sausage and apple stuffing, leek crushed potatoes and a generous selection of vegetables. Everything comes fully cooked and chilled with reheating instructions. Appetizers and desserts are available separately. Order by November 19, or before they sell out, and call for pickup details. 315-855-7898. My advice? Make your calls early, write down your pickup times and leave room in the car for the pies. Every part of dinner you pick up locally gives another Mohawk Valley business a place in your celebration. Happy Thanksgiving to all! Holiday selections, ordering deadlines and pickup arrangements vary. Contact each business directly.

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On the Cover

THE GIVING ISSUE Eleven neighbors strengthening the Mohawk Valley When I moved to the Mohawk Valley from New Jersey, I already had family roots here. But making it my home gave me a much deeper appreciation for this community and the generosity of its people. I was struck by how willing people were to give their time, make an introduction, support a cause or help someone through a difficult situation. That willingness to get involved made an impression on me then, and it still does. Since taking over Mohawk Valley Living, I’ve had the opportunity to see more of that generosity firsthand. Through the magazine and our television show, I meet people whose commitment 42 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

to this area extends well beyond their jobs or businesses. A conversation about what they do often becomes a conversation about who they help, what they care about and why. Getting to know those stories has been one of the most meaningful parts of this experience for me. For The Giving Issue, I wanted to share some of those people with you. The eleven people featured on these pages represent different generations, backgrounds and ways of giving. Some have spent decades supporting local organizations. Others are raising families, building careers or just beginning college. I wanted this group to reflect the many ways people

By Carrie Byrne Putelo

make giving part of their lives. Many of you know RoAnn Destito from her years in the New York State Assembly and her lifetime of public service. Her commitment to helping others began with the example her parents set and continues today, even in retirement. She’s also added a fun role to her schedule as our MVL Food Editor, joining me to explore the food, flavors and culinary traditions of the Mohawk Valley. Carly Steet Mathias also shares how giving began at home, with lessons from her parents and grandparents that she is now passing along to her children through volunteering and the Steet Ponte Season of Giving.

For Kari Puleo, getting involved helped her find her place here after moving from Washington, D.C., with her young son. Today, she helps others build those connections. Doneilous King grew up in Cornhill, and those experiences are part of why he wants to show others what is possible through education, basketball and opportunities to connect. Ron and Sheila Cuccaro have spent decades contributing their time and resources to this community, with deeply personal reasons behind their support of health care and other basic needs. Harrison and Michele Hummel bring different strengths to their community work and support one another’s efforts. Giving back

even brought them together: they met while serving on a fundraising committee. Sonia Martinez’s work through the Mohawk Valley Latino Association gives families somewhere to turn, while Tiffanie Davis draws on her own experiences to help young people and families see possibilities beyond their current circumstances. And Christopher Brittingham, now a college freshman, has already devoted thousands of hours to service. His story reminds us how early that commitment can begin. I asked each of them how giving became part of their lives, who inspired them and what moments reminded them their efforts mattered. I also wanted to know what they

had received in return and what they were grateful for this Thanksgiving. Their answers helped me get to know them beyond the roles and organizations many of us associate with their names. They talk about family, faith, challenges, friendships and the people who believed in them. They describe seeing a need and finding a way to help. There are so many people deserving of recognition throughout the Mohawk Valley, and this issue celebrates a few of them. I hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as I have, and that their stories give you something to think about, someone to appreciate or a reason to get involved. MohawkValleyLiving.com | 43

On the Cover

Ron & Sheila Cuccaro Giving Back to the Place They Call Home Ron and Sheila Cuccaro have built a life together in Utica, raising two daughters, working and finding ways to help the community they love. Sheila moved here from Albany at age four and met Ron when she was 19. In 2027, they will celebrate 60 years of marriage. Aside from a few years in Plattsburgh and Rochester, Utica has been her home. “Wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.” Ron graduated from Utica University and built his national disaster preparedness and recovery business here, while Sheila, a SUNY Poly graduate, worked as business manager for a surgical medical practice. Their family includes four grandchildren, their daughters and son-in-law. They also remember a much-loved son-in-law they lost nine years ago. Giving back has been part of their life together. “His caring spirit has led me to my volunteering,” Sheila says of Ron. In the early years, when money was tight, they gave their time and did the work. Their children’s schools and activities offered opportunities to volunteer, and Sheila and a friend started a Montessori nursery school when none was available. They held school bazaars to raise the money to get it started. The school is still operating today. Their service began with the Jaycees and Junior League, followed by the ARC, Utica Public Library, The Stanley, Utica University, The Community Foundation, Mohawk Valley EDGE, American Heart Association, Munson and The Center for Family Life and Recovery. Ron’s time as Chair of the Community Foundation was especially influential. It opened their eyes to unmet local needs and encouraged them to focus on people struggling to afford basic necessities. That commitment is personal. Ron’s parents were Italian immigrants who raised five children in Utica while facing obstacles of their own. “As a first generation American I am very grateful for the values and the work ethic instilled by my family, which allowed me to succeed in my personal and professional life,” Ron says. He and Sheila are grateful to the community that helped make that possible and want other families to have access to support. Their efforts have included food assistance, homelessness, flood relief, COVID

“

The greatest reward you can receive is knowing you changed the life of another human in some way.

”

44 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

GENEROSITY response, refugee assistance and access to medical care. They have also endowed a fund for their parish’s social outreach program. Both value diversity, equity and inclusion, and say concerns about federal funding reductions have strengthened their resolve to advocate for vulnerable residents. For Sheila, the American Heart Association has a particularly personal connection. Heart disease has touched her family, and their first grandchild, Isabel, was born with an undiagnosed heart condition that required open-heart surgery during her first week of life. “Without it she would not have survived.” That experience led to Team Isabel and their involvement with the American Heart Association. Today, they fund blood pressure monitors at locations around the county so people can be checked and directed to medical care when needed. Learning that their health screening program identified previously unknown serious conditions, allowing people to receive immediate, lifesaving care, has reinforced the importance of that support. So have conversations with patients of the MVHS Ostomy Clinic, which they helped establish. “To hear how the clinic made a huge difference in their daily lives was so rewarding,” Sheila says. “There is no greater gift than knowing that you helped someone.” Ron shares that feeling. “I find charitable and volunteer work to be very rewarding. Helping others to overcome challenges to living better lives, brings with it a great sense of satisfaction and of pride.” Sheila also gives her time teaching refugee women to sew. Language differences haven’t kept them from enjoying one another’s

company. “Many don’t speak English, but we use hand gestures and laughter to communicate.” Those hours together have brought her joy and strengthened her belief in what people share, regardless of where they come from. “They are new to the US, but they are us.” Through the American Heart Association, Munson, MVHS and other organizations, Sheila has found friendships, learned from others and had experiences she will always carry with her. Both she and Ron see charity as an important part of their faith and feel they receive more than they give. For anyone considering volunteering, they recommend finding an organization connected to something they care about, whether that’s children, health or the arts. “Start small and find a cause where you feel there is a need and you can bring your talents,” Sheila says. Ron adds, “I hope that others can experience this same positive reward by volunteering their time and or financial support to local organizations who work tirelessly to make our community better by improving the lives of so many who need our assistance.” This Thanksgiving, Ron and Sheila are grateful for the life they’ve built in the Mohawk Valley and for the dedicated staff, loyal clients and associates who helped their business succeed, giving them the resources to help others. Sheila is especially thankful for her husband’s life, their children and grandchildren, and the friends and people who have made her smile. After decades of giving their time and support, she still describes the reward in personal terms: “The greatest reward you can receive is knowing you changed the life of another human in some way.”

On the Cover

Doneilous King Educator, Event Curator & Consultant

Showing Others What’s Possible Doneilous King is a lifelong Mohawk Valley resident who is happy to call this community home. As an educator, event curator and consultant, he has found ways to contribute through board service, sports enrichment, educational programs and community organizing. His connection to that work began with the people who raised him and the experiences he had growing up in Utica’s Cornhill neighborhood. His grandmother, Ella Mae King, and his mother, Dorthea King-Simpson, showed him early on what it meant to get involved. They served in their church and community center and fought for social justice. “My grandmother Ella Mae King, and my mother Dorthea KingSimpson planted seeds while I was young.” Their example introduced him to the ways people could contribute to their community, something he now does through his own work. For Doneilous, helping young people living in poverty is especially personal. “I am deeply connected to young people living in poverty, because I am a product of poverty.” Growing up in Cornhill, he and his friends did not have many connections to people with financial resources or people they had seen achieve their dreams. That limited what they imagined might be possible in their own lives. “We had minimal connections to people with affluence or to those that ever achieved their dreams.” Basketball has been one of the ways Doneilous has gotten involved. Over the years, he has run King of Kings Pro Am Basketball Leagues, Doneilous King Basketball Academy and Utica City Rocks AAU. Along with his work in education and community organizing, those programs have given him different ways to contribute through an interest he can share with others. His involvement has also extended to music and events, including Brown Sugar: The Ultimate R&B Experience. Connecting people is at the center of Network & Chill, an initiative designed to bring together professionals, entrepreneurs, influencers and people working to make a difference in the Mohawk Valley. Doneilous describes its purpose simply: “Network & Chill puts people in a room together, that normally aren't in a room together.” The idea is to help people

OPPORTUNITY meet beyond their usual circles, giving them an opportunity to get to know others who live and work in the same region. That focus on connections takes on particular meaning alongside his own experience growing up. Doneilous knows what it was like to have limited access to people whose lives could offer a different picture of the future. Today, creating opportunities for people to meet is one way he contributes to the community he calls home. Whether through basketball, an event or a professional gathering, his work brings people together around something they share. Those experiences also help explain why showing young people what is possible matters so much to him. Through education, sports and community involvement, Doneilous has opportunities to reach others and share a different perspective on their future. He knows what it feels like to grow up without those connections,

“

I advise them to think about what brings them joy, or what social problem would they solve if money wasn't an issue.” From there, he recommends finding others who are already involved. “Start with that one thing and find people working to solve that problem.

”

46 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

and being able to offer encouragement and an example brings meaning to his work. “Being involved in the community brings joy to my life, as it provides me an opportunity to show others what is possible.” That sense of joy is also where he suggests others begin when they want to help. Rather than trying to take on every need, Doneilous encourages people to consider what matters most to them. “I advise them to think about what brings them joy, or what social problem would they solve if money wasn't an issue.” From there, he recommends finding others who are already involved. “Start with that one thing and find people working to solve that problem.” It gives someone a place to begin, with people who care about the same issue and are already working toward a solution. This Thanksgiving, Doneilous is grateful for a sound mind, a healthy body and a loving family. He also appreciates being able to build his life in the community he has always called home while contributing to the lives of others. “Lastly, I am extremely blessed to live in an area where I can make a good living while enhancing the quality of life for my network and beyond.”

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On the Cover

Honorable RoAnn M. Destito A Lifetime of Service, and More to Give RoAnn Destito was born and raised in Utica and moved to Rome when she married her husband, Chris. A lifelong Mohawk Valley resident, she has spent much of her life serving the people who call this area home. Her career took her from higher education to the New York State Assembly and then to statewide leadership, but the reasons she became involved have always been personal. “Being involved has always been satisfying to me.” That example began at home. Her mother was a public health nurse, first for the county and then for New York State, and her father was a Utica firefighter. Both taught her the importance of giving back. She found that same commitment in Chris, who, like her father, was civic-minded and a good cook. Over the years, the support she received from the community gave her another reason to continue helping others. After attending Le Moyne College, RoAnn returned home to work at what is now SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Volunteering with the YWCA introduced her to advocacy around sexual assault and domestic violence, and she served as President of its Board of Directors. That experience sparked an interest in the legislative process, leading to legislative staff work and eventually elected office. She represented the Utica-Rome area in the State Assembly from 1993 to 2011. In 2011, she was nominated by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo and unanimously approved by the Senate as the first woman Commissioner of the New York State Office of General Services. Retirement has given RoAnn different ways to continue that work. “I like to say I have been repurposed and now volunteer my time to nonprofit organizations some here in the MV and one state wide organization.” As College Council Chair at SUNY Polytechnic, she values its role in providing affordable education for local students and attracting students who may become part of the region’s workforce. As a Community Foundation trustee, she encourages philanthropy and investment in the Mohawk Valley. She also serves on the Nascentia Health Board of Directors, supporting its development of an over-50 neighborhood at Beeches Manor that will offer older adults a way to downsize while remaining in the community. As

“

SERVICE President of the NYS Retired Public Employees Association, she advocates for affordability so people living on fixed incomes can remain in New York. Health care and education are especially close to RoAnn’s heart. “I lost my mom, dad and husband to cancer and we need research and good quality health care services in all our communities.” She supports Hospice, research at MMRI and pancreatic cancer research, a cause made personal by how quickly the disease took Chris nearly 17 years ago. Access to local specialists matters to her, too. When she needed a neurosurgeon, she was able to find one at MVHS. She wants families to have access to specialists and well-staffed emergency departments, and recognizes how much both health care and education matter when people consider making a home here. For RoAnn, the most meaningful results are the people who receive the care or assistance they need. That was also the focus of her legislative office. “The heart of my legislative office was constituent service and I continue to help people even today that I am retired.” Her advice to anyone wondering how to begin follows that same straightforward approach:

”

Find your passion and get involved in helping or making it better.

48 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

“Find your passion and get involved in helping or making it better.” There is also more time for family and a little fun. Readers know RoAnn from our Mohawk Valley Living food tours, where she joins me to explore the food and cultural traditions found throughout the region. She refers to herself as our Food Editor, and our outings have included the always-popular ice cream tour. I’ve loved having her alongside me as we visit local restaurants and share what we find with you. Above all, she treasures being available for her family. “And most important to me now is being with my family and able to help and support all their activities especially my son, daughter in law and granddaughter.” She is proud of her son and his business partner’s success and thankful for the community’s support of their two food locations. Even with that success, she adds, “A mom worries about their children for a lifetime.” This Thanksgiving, RoAnn is grateful for the life and career she has built here. “I have been very fortunate to have had a great career spent serving my community as well as the state of NY. I am grateful to have had those opportunities.” After years of helping others through some of their most important moments, what she values most is simple: “I am grateful for my family and our good health because without that nothing else matters.”

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On the Cover

Christopher Brittingham Taking Service Into His Next Chapter Christopher Brittingham is in his first year at Susquehanna University, but giving back has been part of his life for years. A 2026 graduate of Notre Dame High School, he logged more than 2,000 service hours during his time in NJROTC, leading his unit in community service. Now, as a political science major on a pre-law path, he’s finding ways to get involved on campus while carrying those experiences with him. “The Mohawk Valley is more than just where I live—it’s my home and the foundation of my family’s life.” Christopher grew up watching family members and mentors give their time to others. Their example helped him understand that being part of a community meant taking responsibility for it, too. “Growing up, I learned that community isn't just a place where you reside—it’s something you actively build.” Those early lessons shaped how he approached leadership in high school and continue to influence the choices he’s making as a college freshman. His commitment to service earned recognition from County Executive Anthony Picente, who honored Christopher with an official day on March 21. He also received the Students Inside Albany award, which gave him the opportunity to shadow New York State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon at the State Capitol. Along with his work through NJROTC, that experience is part of the background he brings to his studies and his interest in a career helping families. At Susquehanna, Christopher serves as a Student Ambassador and supports Best Buddies, an organization that creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also helps plan community service initiatives through Susquehanna University Student Activities and is a member of the university’s Pre-law Society. College has given him a new community to contribute to, and he’s making service part of his life there from the start. Supporting young people and helping families build stability are especially important

“

When we invest in our youth and strengthen families, the entire community thrives.

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50 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

DEDICATION to Christopher. He plans to pursue a career in family law, connecting his interest in the legal profession with the needs he cares about. He wants young people to have dependable role models, access to resources and opportunities to succeed. “When we invest in our youth and strengthen families, the entire community thrives.” The moments that stay with him are often about seeing a young person begin to feel more confident because someone has taken an interest in them. He describes the importance of “watching their confidence grow when they realize someone truly believes in them and supports their journey.” That encouragement is something he values both in the example set by his own mentors and in what he hopes to offer others. Being involved has also helped Christopher get to know people across the Mohawk Valley whom he might not otherwise have met. Those connections have given him perspective, purpose and a greater appreciation for the place where he grew up. “Above all, it continually reminds me of the strength, resilience, and potential present right here in our area.” As he

begins working toward his future, those experiences remain part of what motivates him. For anyone looking for a way to help, Christopher offers straightforward advice. “My advice is simple: Start small and start where your passion lies.” That could mean mentoring a young person, helping at a food pantry or joining a neighborhood cleanup. “You don't need a huge budget or a massive time commitment to make an impact.” His encouragement is to find something that matters to you and take that first step. There are different ways to contribute, and choosing something you care about gives you a place to begin. He believes there is value in continuing to show up, even when the contribution seems modest. “Small, consistent efforts create lasting change.” This Thanksgiving, Christopher is especially grateful for good health and the love and support of his family and friends. In a year that has taken him from high school graduation to his first semester of college, he’s carrying their example into a new chapter. “Watching my family and mentors dedicate their time and energy to helping others taught me that true leadership is rooted in service.”

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On the Cover

Kari F. Puleo, IOM Executive Director, Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce

Finding Her Place. Helping Others Find Theirs. When Kari Puleo moved to the Mohawk Valley from Washington, D.C., more than 20 years ago with her young son, Ryan, she had family nearby but was still trying to find her own place. Getting involved helped her meet people and begin building a life here. “Volunteering and getting involved helped turn a place I lived into a place I belonged.” Today, it’s where she’s raised her son, made lasting friendships and, since 2021, led the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce. Her career has included organizing programs at the Smithsonian and supporting local education at Notre Dame Schools. Throughout each role, she’s enjoyed getting to know people, connecting them with opportunities and helping their ideas take shape. Outside of work, Kari enjoys time with family, getting outdoors, reading and doing something creative. The close relationships and places to explore are part of what she loves about living here, along with the chance to contribute to the community she calls home. That interest in helping started long before she arrived in the Mohawk Valley. Through 4-H, working as a summer counselor at Camp Overlook and participating in Key Club in high school, Kari learned to recognize what she could offer. At camp, Jim and Linda Tuggey showed her what it meant to lead with care, while Jim Reagan encouraged her and her fellow Key Club members to look beyond themselves. The 4-H motto, “To Make the Best Better,” still guides her. “I still think about it as an invitation to build on what’s good and leave things a little better than I found them.” For Kari, saying yes to volunteering with Catalyst Young Professionals was an especially important step. One evening led to friendships, opportunities to help create events and a place for other young professionals, and eventually her role at the Chamber. Now, she helps others make those same connections, offering advice as they navigate work, encouraging nonprofit board service and volunteering, and helping them build friendships. “I know what it feels like to need a sense of belonging, and how much it matters when you find it.” Her involvement also includes serving as Vice

“

CONNECTION President of Utica Dollars for Scholars, supporting scholarships for local students. She serves on the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission and Workforce Investment Board, and as Co-Chair of the New York Forward Utica Uptown District. Those roles give her opportunities to support education, businesses, neighborhoods, regional history and careers. A U.S. Chamber of Commerce fellowship has brought additional ideas and relationships home, while Chamber initiatives such as the National Civics Bee connect students, educators, employers and community organizations. Some of her most meaningful reminders of why this work matters come from women who have attended Experience LeadHERship, which she launched through the Chamber with Morgan Mielnicki two years ago. They’ve shared stories about friendships and professional connections, ideas for their businesses, and how an invitation to speak helped them recognize the value of their own voices. “The gratitude is appreciated, but hearing what women have done with those opportunities is what matters most.” Those conversations continue well beyond the event and give Kari

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Start with something you care about, and give yourself permission to start small.

52 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

a chance to see what grew from it. She values the quieter opportunities to help, too: listening when someone is having a difficult time, introducing a business owner to the right resource or encouraging someone to take a next step. Being involved has given her purpose and pride in where Greater Utica is headed, and she wants others to see the possibilities here. For anyone wondering where to begin, her advice is straightforward. “Start with something you care about, and give yourself permission to start small.” She suggests exploring nonprofits through Mohawk Valley Gives or reaching out to her at kpuleo@greateruticachamber.org for help finding a connection. This Thanksgiving, Kari is especially grateful for the family who supports her busy schedule and big ideas, sometimes pitching in to build a parade float or work an event. She’s also thankful for the people who helped her feel at home here and hopes readers see a place for themselves in her story. “You don’t need a particular title, a large donation, or an abundance of free time to make a difference. You have something to offer, and there’s an organization or a neighbor who could use it.” For Kari, it comes back to the people who showed up for her when she was finding her way. “I’m grateful for everyone who has done that for me, and I hope to keep passing it on.”

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On the Cover

Carly Steet Mathias

Marketing & Communications Manager & Co-Owner of Steet Ponte Auto Group

Giving Back Starts at Home Carly Steet Mathias was born and raised in the Mohawk Valley. She moved away for school, but coming back was an easy choice. She wanted to be near her family, and when she met her husband, who is also from the area, she knew she wanted to raise their children here. “Being in a smaller town, I love seeing familiar faces at a coffee shop or restaurant, or running into someone who remembers my grandparents and hearing their stories.” Now, she gets to share some of her own childhood with her kids. “I appreciate that our kids get to attend the same schools my husband and I did, and that we get to show them our favorite places from when we were growing up!” There are other things she hopes to pass along, too. Her parents and grandparents taught her to help where she could. Over the years, that has meant volunteering, organizing donation drives and being there when someone needs a hand. While attending graduate school at Pace University, Carly and her friends organized a clothing drive after Hurricane Sandy. They made repeated trips to churches and organizations downstate, bringing clothing and essential items to families who had lost everything. Here in the Mohawk Valley, she and her brother started a Thanksgiving Food Drive that grew into the Steet Ponte Season of Giving. The collections include backpacks and school supplies in September, Coats for Kids in October, food in November and holiday gifts in December. One year, they arrived to deliver their Thanksgiving donations and found a pantry that was nearly empty. “I distinctly remember seeing a single bag of microwavable popcorn on a shelf and a few cans of soup. By the time we finished unloading all of our vehicles, we had filled the pantry.” Meeting the staff and volunteers at different pantries each year gives Carly a chance to see the work behind those donations. After the holiday gift drive, she shares thank-you cards

“

You don't always have to do something grand to help someone; sometimes, it's just about recognizing a need and doing what you can to make someone's day a little easier.

”

54 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

LEGACY from children and families with the Auto Group so everyone can see what their help meant. Those visits and messages remind her of the people receiving the donations and help keep everyone involved in the drives connected to the work they’re doing.

schools whenever she can. “From preschool to elementary school, if there is an opportunity for me to be there, you'll see me!” She loves the chance to see her children during the school day and help with activities they and their classmates enjoy.

Children’s Miracle Network has been part of her life since childhood. Carly was born prematurely at 29 weeks, before CMN came to the area, and her parents later became involved. “As a parent now, I can't imagine how terrifying that must have been for my parents, and I can see why they became so close to CMN.” She grew up answering phones and updating donation totals at WKTV telethons, then volunteered and interned with CMN and the former Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare Foundation.

For anyone unsure where to begin, she suggests looking close to home. A school, library, workplace or place of worship may need an extra set of hands. “You don't always have to do something grand to help someone; sometimes, it's just about recognizing a need and doing what you can to make someone's day a little easier.”

Her husband, a lieutenant and volunteer firefighter in New Hartford, shares that commitment to helping. The two met during a false alarm fire call. Now, they’re raising their children to understand that they have a part to play, too. Carly also volunteers at her kids’

This Thanksgiving, Carly is thankful for family, friends, health and time together, including those Friday nights when she surprises the kids with dinner in the family room and a movie. And she hopes that, as they grow, they’ll remember the example being set for them. “If they grow up recognizing a need and wanting to help, whether that's in a big way or a small one, then I think we've done something right.”

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On the Cover

C. Sonia Martinez

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Mohawk Valley Latino Association

Helping Families Move Forward C. Sonia Martinez wants families in the Mohawk Valley to know they have somewhere to turn. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Latino Association, she helps families find support, connects young people with opportunities and works to make sure Latino residents feel welcomed, valued and included. “I believe that when we help people move forward, our entire community grows stronger.” That belief helped inspire the creation of MVLA. Sonia wanted a place where Latino families and others could get help, where their culture could be celebrated and where young people could see possibilities for their future. She has always believed that when you see a need in your community, you should try to do something about it. “Over time, this work became more than a commitment; it became a personal mission.” Today, that means helping families access resources, navigate difficult situations and take steps toward a more stable life. Earlier this year, that help reached a single mother who had fallen behind on a mortgage payment. Through a partnership with another program, MVLA helped her make the payment and get back on track. Since then, she has returned to church and is working toward paying that help forward. For Sonia, it’s one of many reminders of what timely support can mean to a family. “We may not always know how much our help means to someone, but sometimes simply being there can make all the difference.” Some of that help comes through organized programs and partnerships. Other times, it starts with a conversation, a phone call or connecting someone with the right person. Sonia values those everyday opportunities to help just as much as the larger efforts. Listening to someone who is struggling or helping a family find support can be an important first step toward getting through a difficult time. Seeing a family get the help they need, or a young person begin to believe in their abilities, reminds her why the work matters. Children and families are especially close to Sonia’s heart, and she is particularly proud of

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BELONGING MVLA’s youth programs. “I want every young person to believe in themselves and understand that their background should never limit their dreams.” Watching young people learn, grow and become leaders reinforces her commitment to investing in them. Helping families build stability and giving children hope for their future are among the most meaningful parts of her work. Being involved has also brought lasting relationships and a deeper sense of purpose into Sonia’s own life. She has met people whose strength, kindness and determination inspire her, and she appreciates the shared effort behind what MVLA accomplishes. “I have also learned that we cannot do everything alone; we need one another.” She sees that in the staff, volunteers, donors and partners who support the organization, as well as in the families who place their trust in its work. For anyone who wants to give back but isn’t sure where to begin, Sonia suggests thinking about what they can offer. “Sometimes, giving your time, listening to someone, mentoring a young person, or helping a neighbor is enough to change someone's day.” She encourages people to connect with organizations such as MVLA and find a way to get involved. To her, every contribution matters, and respecting

one another and celebrating differences are part of building a community where everyone has an opportunity to succeed. Sonia is proud of what MVLA continues to build, but she knows there is more to do. “My hope is that we continue working together so every family feels supported and every child knows they have a place and a future here.” She wants people to understand that supporting Latino families is an investment in the entire Mohawk Valley. Her personal message is simple: “We may come from different backgrounds, but we all want the same things for our families—a chance to succeed, a better future for our children, and a community where we belong. When we help one another, we make that future possible.” This Thanksgiving, Sonia is grateful for the staff, volunteers, donors and partners who stand beside MVLA, the families who trust them and the young people who give them reasons to keep going. Those relationships are among the greatest rewards of her work, and she appreciates everyone who contributes their time, resources and care. Most of all, she’s thankful for the opportunity to serve. “This work reminds me that the greatest gift is not only what we receive, but what we can do for others.”

We may come from different backgrounds, but we all want the same things for our families—a chance to succeed, a better future for our children, and a community where we belong. When we help one another, we make that future possible.

56 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

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November 21 through December 27 THURSDAYS-SUNDAYS, EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS

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On the Cover

Harrison Hummel IV & Michele Hummel Harrison: Chief Operating Officer, Hummel’s Office Plus; Michele: Executive Director, NEXT

A Shared Commitment, a Life Together Harrison and Michele Hummel are lifelong Mohawk Valley residents who raised their family and built their careers here. Harrison is Chief Operating Officer of Hummel’s Office Plus, a fourth-generation, family-owned office supply company, and Michele leads NEXT, a nonprofit she founded to support nonprofits, municipalities and community development. Giving back has been part of both their lives since childhood. It’s also how they found each other. They met while serving on the Fund Development Committee for the House of the Good Shepherd. “We've always believed that when you invest your time in your community, you get so much more back than you ever expected,” Michele says. “And we're living proof. After all, we found each other!” Harrison learned about giving from his father, Chip. “Everyone has the ability to give of themselves in some way. It does not matter what they give, how they give, or how often they give. If everyone could find a cause important to them, and find a way to contribute, we could make a tremendous difference in the lives of a lot of people in the Mohawk Valley. My father, Chip, has always believed that and has instilled that belief in me and my brothers and sisters. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to do my part.” Michele remembers the excitement surrounding Farm Aid and her first CROP Walk in grade school. “I still remember how good it felt to know that something I was doing, even as a child, could help someone else. That feeling never really left me.” Those early experiences still influence how they give back. Harrison serves on the boards of Arc Herkimer and the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, as well as the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council. His service with Arc Herkimer spans 24 years. “I feel very fortunate to a part of the Arc Herkimer Board.

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You don't have to change the world, but you can certainly make a difference in your little corner of it.

58 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

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COMMITMENT For over 20 years, I have had the privilege of working with caring, committed staff, the pleasure of working with dedicated, mission-oriented board members, and the blessing of watching the people this agency supports fulfill their potential in a different way each and every day.” Michele has served on numerous boards and is a longtime member of the Mohawk Valley Rotary Club. She established NEXT after seeing, while leading the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce, how much nonprofits and municipalities needed resources and expertise to move community projects forward. Harrison enjoys helping organizations make decisions through board service, while Michele takes a hands-on approach. “When I see a need or something that could be done, I want to figure out how to make it happen and bring the right people together to get it done.” That might mean bringing nonprofits together to share ideas or helping raise money to open a public pool. They support one another’s commitments and hope to pass that example along to the next generation. At the Arc Herkimer Black Tie Event, they heard about Teddy, a young man who wanted a job, a paycheck and the feeling that he was contributing. Arc Herkimer provided training and support, including help arranging trans-

portation. He now has a job he takes pride in, but what stayed with them was his wish to feel like a working man. On the drive home, they looked at one another and said, “This is why we do what we do.” Michele explains, “It's easy to get caught up in the meetings, the budgets, the challenges, and everything that goes into running organizations. But stories like Teddy’s remind us that behind all of that work is a real person whose life has changed. And that makes every bit of it worthwhile.” For anyone considering volunteering, they suggest exploring organizations until something feels like a good fit, then making sure they can give it the time it deserves. “Organizations need people who are willing to show up, follow through, and contribute.” Their advice is to take an active role and share their time, talents and ideas. “You don't have to change the world, but you can certainly make a difference in your little corner of it.” This Thanksgiving, they are especially grateful for family. They welcomed their third grandson, Nicholas, in October, and all three grandsons bring them tremendous joy. Everyone is happy and healthy, and they treasure their time together. “We have so much to be grateful for, but nothing compares to the love of family and the time we get to spend together.”

On the Cover

Tiffanie Davis Chief Operating Officer, Helping Young People Excel (HYPE) Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Empire Homes & Commercial | The Renaissance Team

Helping Families Build a Future Tiffanie Davis grew up in Utica, raised her family here and is helping other families build their lives here, too. A wife, mother of five and grandmother of 15, she knows the challenges families can face and what can happen when someone believes in them. Through HYPE, real estate and local board service, she wants more people to see possibilities for themselves and have the support to pursue them. Tiffanie became a mother at 15, an experience that gave her an understanding of how uncertain the future can feel. Faith, determination and perseverance helped her through the challenges, along with people who recognized her potential. Those experiences continue to influence her family life, work and community involvement. “I believe making a difference requires more than good intentions. It requires commitment, consistency, and a willingness to do the work, even when it's difficult.” As Chief Operating Officer of HYPE, Tiffanie helps connect employees with young people throughout the Mohawk Valley who can benefit from their experience, guidance and support. She also serves on the boards of the Utica Industrial Development Agency and People First, the Municipal Housing Authority of the City of Utica. Those roles allow her to contribute to economic development, job creation, safe and affordable housing, and stronger neighborhoods. In real estate, she enjoys helping people understand homeownership, especially those who may not believe it is possible for them. For Tiffanie, those interests are closely connected. A safe home, a way to earn a living and support for young people all help families build a future. “For me, community development is about more than buildings, businesses, or economic statistics. It's about people.” She wants neighborhoods where families feel secure, businesses can succeed and children can imagine opportunities beyond what they know today. “I want to be part of creating those opportunities, not just talking about the need for them.”

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EMPOWERMENT One experience that has stayed with her is seeing People First celebrate its graduating high school seniors. Each year, the organization provides financial gifts, school supplies and other resources as students prepare for what comes next. They share pride in their homes, the care their parents provide and the stability they have known growing up. Some explain that not having to worry about where they would live allowed them to focus on school and consider college or military service. Those conversations remind her how much a stable home can influence a young person’s future. “It's about creating stability for families, preserving dignity, and giving young people the foundation they need to dream, plan, and pursue their futures.” Her involvement has brought relationships, opportunities to grow and a greater appreciation for the people of the Mohawk Valley. Meeting people from different backgrounds has broadened her perspective and challenged her to become a better listener, leader and advocate. “Perhaps most importantly, it has reminded me that none of us accomplish anything entirely on our own. We all benefit when we create opportunities for others to succeed.”

For anyone who wants to help, Tiffanie suggests starting with the people and places they already know. A neighborhood, workplace, church or circle of friends may offer a chance to share information, provide encouragement or connect someone with a resource. Volunteering, mentoring, attending a community meeting and supporting a small business are other ways to get involved. Whatever someone chooses, she encourages consistency. “I believe one of the greatest things we can give another person is our time. You may never know how much your willingness to show up can impact someone's life.” This Thanksgiving, Tiffanie is grateful for God’s grace, her health, her husband, Franklin, their children and grandchildren, and everyone who has encouraged her along the way. She hopes her work helps others recognize their potential. “If there is one thing I hope people take away from my story, it is that your circumstances do not have to determine your future.” Faith, personal responsibility, perseverance and community guide her. “I believe that people can change, families can grow stronger, and neighborhoods can thrive when we are willing to invest in one another.”

I believe making a difference requires more than good intentions. It requires commitment, consistency, and a willingness to do the work, even when it's difficult. 60 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

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What stayed with me after reading these stories was how much giving has brought into each person’s own life. They talked about friendships, finding a sense of belonging and hearing from someone whose life was better because they had helped. You can understand why they keep making time for it, alongside their families, careers and everything else they have going on. Someone once asked me why our Giving Back column is on the last page of the magazine when it’s such an important part of our community. To me, it’s the perfect place to bring each issue together, because that spirit of giving is woven throughout the pages that come before it. We might be talking with a business owner and learn about a collection they’re organizing, or meet someone whose family has supported a local organization for generations. We see people sharing their talents, volunteering their time and finding ways to help. By the time you reach Giving Back, you’ve already met people who give in all kinds of ways. That last page brings us back to something they share: a love for this community and a willingness to do something for it. This issue gave us more room to share that part of their lives. I appreciated how openly they talked about their experiences, including

FIND YOUR WAY TO GIVE Inspired by someone in these pages? Let their story be a starting point. These are just a few of the organizations and community efforts our featured neighbors are involved with, along with ways to learn more, lend a hand or make a contribution.

Carly Steet Mathias | Steet Ponte Season of Giving Donate nonperishable food during the Thanksgiving Food Drive, November 3–23, 2026. The Holiday Giving Tree follows November 25–December 15: choose a showroom tag and return the requested gift unwrapped with the tag attached.

Christopher Brittingham | Notre Dame NJROTC Support the program where Christopher got his start in giving back, logging more than 2,000 community service hours. Notre Dame’s NJROTC helps students develop leadership skills and a commitment to serving others. Visit its website to donate or learn more.

Doneilous King | Network & Chill Getting involved can begin with meeting someone new. Network & Chill brings people together beyond their usual circles. Follow its Utica Facebook page for upcoming gatherings and opportunities to connect.

Harrison & Michele Hummel | Arc Herkimer & NEXT Support Arc Herkimer’s work empowering people with disabilities through a donation or accepted items for its Goods Store. NEXT welcomes inquiries about volunteering and contributions to its work supporting nonprofits and community projects.

difficult times that helped shape what they care about today. And I loved the personal details: meeting a future spouse while volunteering, passing a family tradition along to children or finding friendships simply by saying yes to getting involved. Those are the things that help us get to know someone beyond their name or title. These eleven people are part of a much larger story. There are so many others throughout the Mohawk Valley doing meaningful work every day, and my team and I look forward to sharing more of them with you. If you know someone who is doing something wonderful for others, please reach out. It could be a neighbor, a coworker, a friend or someone whose kindness made a difference in your own life. We’d love to hear about them. This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful to the people featured here, to everyone who gives back in their own way, and to our readers, advertisers and contributors who make Mohawk Valley Living possible. I’m thankful for my team and the care they bring to each issue, and for the opportunity we have to celebrate this incredible community we all call home. Wishing you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for being part of Mohawk Valley Living.

Kari Puleo | Utica Dollars for Scholars Help local students pursue their education by contributing to scholarship funds. This volunteer-driven organization welcomes inquiries from people interested in supporting its work.

RoAnn Destito | Masonic Medical Research Institute Support medical research taking place right here in Utica. MMRI accepts one-time and recurring gifts to help its scientists advance their work.

Ron & Sheila Cuccaro | American Heart Association Support heart health through donations, fundraising or volunteering. Visit the New York page to connect with the Mohawk Valley/Utica team and learn about local involvement.

C. Sonia Martinez | Mohawk Valley Latino Association Help support youth programs and services for Latino families throughout the Mohawk Valley. Donate online or contact MVLA to ask how your time and talents could help. 315-864-8419

Tiffanie Davis | Helping Young People Excel (HYPE) HYPE helps young people build confidence, life skills and positive relationships through structured mentorship. Donations of gently used clothing and shoes are welcome. Contact Tiffanie to arrange a donation or learn about other ways to get involved. 315-922-8651

LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO HELP? Explore participating nonprofits through Mohawk Valley Gives at givemv.org, then connect directly with an organization whose work matters to you. You don’t have to take on everything. Find something you care about, ask what’s needed and start there. MohawkValleyLiving.com | 61

Shop Local

SMALL BUSINESS

SATURDAY This Small Business Saturday, we're celebrating the locally owned shops, makers and businesses that make the Mohawk Valley so special. From unique gifts and handmade goods to locally made products and one-of-a-kind finds, our region is full of incredible places to shop, explore and support.

1 3

Steve Lennon & Co. Jewelers This holiday season, discover the timeless beauty of gold and diamonds at Steve Lennon & Co. Jewelers. From stunning 14K yellow-gold bangles and breathtaking diamond rings to effortlessly elegant pieces for everyday wear, our collection celebrates exceptional craftsmanship, personal style, and the joy of giving. Whether you’re marking a special milestone or simply reminding someone how much they mean to you, you’ll find something extraordinary for every occasion and every budget. Give something beautiful. Give something meaningful. Give a gift to treasure for a lifetime. 23 Genesee Street, New Hartford • (315) 927-8000 • slennonjewelers.com

2 Ben & Judy’s Sugarhouse 4

62 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

Sweeten someone’s holiday with a gift from Ben & Judy’s Sugarhouse. Festively wrapped gift baskets combine pure New York maple syrup, pancake mix, granulated maple sugar and maple candies for a delicious start to a winter morning. For the food lover on your list, try bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup, a special addition to a breakfast spread or favorite recipe. Visit during Christmas Open House weekends to browse gift baskets and all things maple. Open every weekend until Christmas, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. 770 Beaver Creek Road, West Edmeston • (315) 899-5864

3 Luxx Glo Beauty Bar

Put a little self-care on your holiday wish list with Luxx Glo Beauty Bar in Utica. Led by Amanda Stewart, FNP-BC, the practice offers medical-grade skincare, chemical peels, Sylfirm X radiofrequency microneedling, and injectables including Botox and dermal fillers. Services also include hair rejuvenation and personalized treatments for concerns such as uneven skin tone, texture and redness. Whether you’re refreshing your routine or exploring a treatment you’ve been curious about, a consultation can help you find the right fit. For someone who loves skincare, ask the team about products to bring a little Luxx home. 2604 Genesee Street, Utica • (315) 316-0014 • luxxglobeautybar.com

4 Paca Gardens

Give a little warmth this holiday season with alpaca sweaters, hats, mittens, scarves, slippers, blankets and more from Paca Gardens in Little Falls. Shop Black Friday, November 27, and Small Business Saturday, November 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Every purchase brings a chance to win a $100 or $50 store gift certificate or alpaca socks. Enjoy complimentary hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee and White Rose donut holes while you browse new winter styles. Layaway is available, too. Mark your calendar for Christmas at Paca Gardens on December 12, featuring more free drawings and holiday shopping. 27 West Main Street, Little Falls • (315) 823-1100 • pacagardens.com

5 Laura Lewin Photography

Some of the most meaningful gifts are the moments we get to keep. This holiday season, make time for photographs that capture your family, celebrate a milestone or bring you and someone special together. Based in Sherrill, Laura Lewin Photography offers professional studio and on-location sessions for families, couples, seniors and athletes. Holiday bookings are open, making this a good time to plan portraits for your cards, frame a favorite for grandparents or update the family photo you’ve been meaning to take. It’s a personal gift that will still matter long after the holidays. 600 Sherrill Road, Sherrill • lauralewinphotography.zenfoliosite.com • Instagram: @lauralewinphotography

6 Brimstone Bakery

For the person who always saves room for something sweet, Brimstone Bakery offers plenty of reasons to shop small. Artisan breads, pastries and handmade treats make delicious additions to holiday tables, while gift boxes take the guesswork out of finding something for friends, family and hosts. Don’t overlook the fruitcake, a seasonal specialty worth making room for on your list. Whether you’re bringing dessert to a gathering, thanking someone special or stocking up for visiting family, a gift from this Sharon Springs bakery brings the pleasure of something thoughtfully made to the celebration. 922 Chestnut Street, Sharon Springs • (518) 284-6093 • brimstonebake.com

7 The Olde Wicker Mill

Check off your holiday list at The Olde Wicker Mill, where women’s clothing from Z Supply, Habitat and Charlie B sits alongside jewelry from Kendra Scott, Pandora and enewton. Find children’s favorites from Jellycat, Fat Brain and Schylling, plus Vera Bradley and Bogg bags for someone always on the go. Seasonal traditions include bayberry candles, the Peppermint Pig and the 2026 Swarovski ornament. Shop Small Business Saturday and Sunday for $10 off every $45 spent, and take advantage of free layaway to get a head start on your holiday giving. New Hartford Shopping Center, New Hartford • (315) 724-5291 North Utica Shopping Center, 50 Auert Avenue, Suite 4, Utica • (315) 507-2013 • oldewickermill.com

8 Fenimore Farm & Fenimore Art Museum

Find unique and handmade gifts when you shop at Fenimore Farm and Fenimore Art Museum this holiday season. The Fenimore Art Museum store (open during museum hours) has items to delight any art lover in your life. The Fenimore Farm Store and Todd's General Store (open during museum hours and special events) contain cozy, vintage-inspired pieces and items made in the historic village. Museum members get a special holiday discount of 20% on their orders in all museum stores between November 27 and December 31. For a special shopping experience on November 27-28, Fenimore Farm will host Holiday Market Nights at Glimmer Nights. Twenty local makers and vendors will be in the museum's Louis C. Jones Center. The market opens at 3:00 p.m., and Glimmer Nights begins at 4:30 p.m. Fenimore Farm: 5775 State Highway 80, Cooperstown • (607) 547-1450 • fenimorefarm.org Fenimore Art Museum: 5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown • (607) 547-1400 • fenimoreartmuseum.org

9 Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard

Share a taste of Fly Creek this holiday season with fresh cider, extra-sharp New York cheddar, butter-cream fudge, specialty foods, shirts and other apparel. Gift cards let everyone choose their own favorites. Make your visit extra festive during Wassailing Weekends, November 14– December 20, when you can discover the tradition of wassail making, explore recipes and spices, and enjoy special wassail drinks in the Tasting Room. Pick up everything you need to make your own at home, or stop in before an evening at Glimmer Nights in nearby Cooperstown. Open daily through December 20, with online shopping year-round. 288 Goose Street, Fly Creek • (607) 547-9692 • flycreekcidermill.com MohawkValleyLiving.com | 63

Shop Local

10 Olea Esthetics #

A gift for you

$ To From Date Expires

Give the gift of glowing skin this holiday season with Olea Esthetics! For a limited time, purchase a $100 e-gift card and receive $10 off your purchase. Treat someone special to a relaxing, results-driven facial experience or give yourself a little self-care to look forward to. Enter code OLEAHOLIDAY at checkout to enjoy this exclusive offer. Gift cards are available for purchase in the studio or online at oleaesthetics.com. Holiday promotion available for a limited time throughout November and December. 64 Henderson Street, New York Mills • (315) 749-6235 • olea-esthetics.com

Membership & 13 Munson Museum Shop Give a year of inspiration with a Munson membership. Individual memberships are $50 annually and include exhibition admission, special-event invitations and member discounts. For gifts to wrap, browse the Museum Shop, where holiday member perks include an extra 10% off non-consignment items and 20% off select holiday ornaments. Visit November 27–29 for buy-one-get-one offers on select holiday boxed cards, plus a free Munson logo tote with a $100 purchase before tax, while supplies last. Whether you choose an experience or something artful for home, your gift also supports a local cultural favorite. 310 Genesee Street, Utica • (315) 797-0000 • munson.art

11 North Star Orchards 11

Give a taste of New York this holiday season with a gift basket from North Star Orchards. The Signature Gift Basket brings together New York State cheese, crackers, summer sausage, local jam, sweet and savory snacks, and fresh fruit for a gift made to be shared. It’s a delicious way to thank a host, surprise a neighbor or send something to the family who has everything. Baskets are made to order to suit your budget, with grab-and-go options for last-minute invitations. These are gifts that invite everyone to open something good and enjoy it together. 4741 State Route 233, Westmoreland • (315) 853-1024 • northstarorchards.com

12 Worthy 12

Discover luxury resale in the Mohawk Valley at Worthy, where thoughtfully selected pre-owned apparel, accessories, home décor and seasonal finds make holiday shopping feel personal. Luxury pieces are always authenticated, so you can shop with confidence while choosing something stylish and distinctive. Find a special gift for someone who appreciates beautiful things, or a piece to make your own holiday wardrobe feel new again. Call to make an appointment at the Oneida boutique, and keep an eye out for Worthy pop-ups throughout the season in New Hartford for even more opportunities to shop. 767 Lenox Avenue, Suite 2, Oneida • (315) 367-5003 • worthyboutiqueoneida.com

64 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

14 Calabria Coffee

Share the gift of a cozy moment at Calabria Coffee in the Village of New Hartford. Specialty coffee, espresso drinks and local treats make it a welcoming stop during a busy shopping day, while mugs, fresh-roasted coffee bags, holiday merchandise and candles offer plenty to bring home for the coffee lover on your list. Pair a few favorites for a personal gift, or choose a digital or traditional gift card. It’s a simple way to give someone an unrushed coffee break, a catch-up with friends or a favorite drink to look forward to. 52 Genesee Street, New Hartford • (315) 624-0130 • calabriacoffee.com

15 Sharon Springs Holiday Village Stroll

Make a day of holiday shopping in Sharon Springs during the Chamber of Commerce’s 12 Days of Christmas Village Stroll. Explore local shops, discover gifts with personality and enjoy time with friends in a village that invites you to slow down and stay awhile. Held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 20, the celebration puts sharing, connecting and giving back at the heart of the season. Mark your calendar for December 12, when Pop-Up Saturday brings additional shops alongside local retailers. Bring your list, bring a friend and make shopping small part of your holiday tradition. Participating shops throughout Sharon Springs • sharonspringschamber.org

16 Peter’s Cornucopia

Give a little goodness this holiday season with gifts from Peter’s Cornucopia, a local favorite for natural foods, supplements and organic groceries. Custom gift baskets, nut and fresh-cut fruit trays, and specialty chocolate assortments offer thoughtful choices for hosts, friends and family. Browse handcrafted treats, nutrition essentials and lifestyle products for someone who puts wellness first, or pick up something delicious to share at a holiday gathering. From a small thank-you to a basket filled with favorites, Peter’s makes it easy to give something personal, practical and chosen with care. 38 New Hartford Shopping Center, New Hartford • (315) 724-4998 • peterscornucopia.com

Vintage Junebug Photography Put a familiar smile at the center of your holiday giving with Vintage Junebug Photography. Photographer Kaila Champoux brings a warm, nostalgic style and a relaxed, fun-loving approach to capturing the people you love. Holiday sessions are planned for Saturday, November 7, at Sherrillbrook Park in New Hartford, with pricing starting at $99 and limited spots available. Use your photographs for holiday cards, a framed gift for grandparents or a family keepsake of your own. Visit the website to explore Kaila’s work, or call or text to reserve your session. Call/text: (315) 601-9662 • vintagejunebugphotos.com

18 Tin Bin Alley

Shop local at Tin Bin Alley, the “sweetest store in Cooperstown,” where finding the right gift comes with personal attention and a friendly welcome. Browse handmade chocolates, Jellycat plush friends, the World’s Softest Socks, Polish pottery and other fun finds for everyone on your list. Pick up a sweet thank-you for a host, tuck something cozy into a stocking or choose a special piece for someone who loves their home. Open seven days a week, with free gift wrapping available, Tin Bin Alley makes it easy to leave with something personal, thoughtful and ready to give. 114 Main Street, Cooperstown • (607) 547-5565 • tinbinalley.com

19 White Begonia

Grab a friend and kick off your holiday shopping at White Begonia’s Holiday Happy Hour on Thursday, November 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy refreshments, raffles and 25% off one regular-priced item, plus a Body Oil Bar by Krista Fountain of Freyja-Luxe. It’s a festive reason to visit this Sherrill boutique, where women’s

clothing, jewelry, accessories, candles and home décor offer plenty of gift inspiration. Browse sweet finds for infants and toddlers, choose something for your favorite host or treat yourself to a new holiday look. Make an evening of shopping small and finding something special. 622 Sherrill Road, Sherrill • (315) 363-3003 • whitebegonia.com

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Give someone a little time for themselves this holiday season with a gift card to Renovatio Aesthetics & Wellness in Utica. Beyond Botox and fillers, the center offers medical-grade skincare, chemical peels, microneedling, Hollywood facials and laser hair removal. A gift card lets someone choose the products or services that interest them, with guidance from the team to find the right fit. It’s a thoughtful option for the skincare lover on your list or someone who rarely makes themselves a priority. Pick one up for someone special, or put a little selfcare on your own holiday wish list. 2021 Genesee Street, Utica • (315) 444-3883 • rawbeautycny.com

21 Victorian Rose Vintage Antiques

For the person who loves a gift with a little history, explore Victorian Rose Vintage Antiques in Bouckville. This multi-dealer shop brings together vintage jewelry, artwork, glassware, home décor including antique & Vintage lamps, and collectibles, with plenty to catch the eye of a seasoned collector or a curious browser. Look for Department 56 pieces for a holiday village, sports memorabilia for a favorite fan, or locally made gifts and seasonal décor. With an ever-changing selection, part of the fun is finding something you didn’t know you were looking for. Take your time and discover a gift that feels picked just for them. 3371 Maple Avenue, Bouckville • (315) 893-1786 • victorianrosevintage.com

MohawkValleyLiving.com | 65

Craft Fairs

Craft Fair Season Is Here. Exploring Craft Fairs in the Mohawk Valley By Kaila Champoux

Just as pumpkins make their appearance on porches, leaves crunch underfoot, and the scent of sweet cinnamon begins to dance in the air, the Mohawk Valley welcomes a beloved fall tradition: craft fair season. Starting in early Fall, communities across the region come together to showcase local talent, share in the excitement of the season, and help make shopping a little more meaningful than clicking “add to cart” at your run-of-the-mill big-box retailer. The true magic of craft fair season is the spirit behind it. Each show is an opportunity to meet local makers, support their small businesses, and contribute to community organizations that are working to make a difference. It’s a reflection of the Mohawk Valley’s generous spirit, and a reminder that the holidays are less about what we get and more about what we give along the way. Whether you’re hunting for a creative handcrafted gift, a little treat for yourself, aiming to shop local, or simply looking for something fun to do with the family, craft fair season is the best time to get out and explore the area we all call home.

66 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

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This show has been a tradition for over 35 years and accommodates up to 75 vendors, offering shoppers a wide variety of handmade items. Featherly Clay Creations will have polymer clay earrings and permanent jewelry, L’Bri Pure & Natural features aloe-based skincare products, Trina & Katie Ceramics has DIY ceramic kits and clay ornaments, and Woodworking by Vito Sparace showcases handcrafted cutting boards and snack trays.

Beyond the shopping, visitors can enjoy food vendors like Choco-Berry, featuring scrumptious chocolate covered strawberry cups and Copper City Coffee. Basket raffles, a 50/50 drawing, and a roulette-style game featuring fantastic prizes donated by the crafters are also among some of the favorite things to do at this show.

Westmoreland High School, 5176 Route 233 November 7, 2026 Date: Time: 9 a.m.– 3 p.m. Admission: $1 or a non-perishable food item Vendors: Follow Westmoreland PTO on Facebook for next year’s application. If you think craft fairs are only for a certain crowd, Jessica DeArmond, one of the organizers of the Westmoreland PTO Craft Fair, would like to change your mind. “There’s something for everyone here: women, men,

Those with a sweet tooth should indulge in Memory Laine Sweets for baked goods, including a must-try salted caramel cookie bar. Crafted Cutie brings fun snow globe tumblers, and there’s other unique items available like bath bombs with a

Ilion-Frankfort VFW Craft Fair Location:

Ilion-Frankfort VFW, 4274 Acme Road, Frankfort Date: Saturday, November 8th Time: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Admission: Free Vendors: To sign up for next year, contact the VFW at 315-895-7775 Now in its second year, the Ilion-Frankfort VFW Craft Fair brings together more than 30 community makers while raising money to support local veterans. Attendees will find hundreds of handmade goods, some made by veterans themselves, including festive door hangings from All Occasion Wreaths, painted wood signs and slates from Randazzo Creates, handmade jewelry and suncatchers from Black River Beading, as well as customized cups, personalized items, and decadent chocolatecovered treats.

68 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

Admission is just $1. Visitors who are able and willing to contribute can also bring a nonperishable food item to support the local food pantry. If you have people on your list who are notoriously difficult to shop for, this is the place to find something exclusive that they’re sure to love.

There will be plenty to eat, including hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage patties, onion rings, and French fries, so bring your appetite. Proceeds from food sales, booth rentals, the Chinese auction, and 50/50 drawing directly benefit the VFW with projects that improve accessibility to the building for people with disabilities. The fair may be smaller than some of the area's larger craft shows, but that’s part of its charm. Organizers say the event gives vendors and shoppers a chance to get to know one another and build a little community of their own. For anyone attending for the first time, there’s an important message from the Auxiliary President, Chairperson, and organizer of the show, Beth Congilaro, “The VFW is here to help: whether your having a rough day or need assistance related to veterans’ services, we want you to know that support is available.” The VFW even maintains a collection of medical equipment including hospital beds, walkers and canes that community members can borrow or keep as needed. Come and shop to support our veterans!

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Craft Fairs Clark Mills American Legion Craft Show Location: Clark Mills American Legion Post 26, 7683 Main Street Date: Saturday, November 14th Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: Free, Toy donations accepted Vendors: To sign up for next year, contact Lisa Cappelli at 315-271-6187 or lmcstanwix@gmail.com Find the right gift for everyone in the family at the Clark Mills American Legion Craft Show, established in 2019. The show is easy to navigate, is held across two floors, and features more than 25 vendors selling one-of-a-kind items. The show features The Sapphire Fox who custom makes tumblers, t-shirts, and coasters, Mr. Checkout who specializes in natural supplements, and 100% soy candles by Making Scents by Mable. When you visit, say hello to Annie and Betty who create gorgeous quilted purses and don’t miss out on the special apple pie jam and mouthwatering pickles for sale at My Sister’s Jam. For Lisa Cappelli, who runs the show and knows each of the vendors on a first-name basis, one of the best parts is getting to meet her neighbors and see their amazing work. “I am always impressed with their creativity and uniqueness,” she said. Besides friendly vendors, cool products, and community comradery, food and beverages are also available, including hot dogs, fried dough, chicken and

dumplings, chili, macaroni salad and a good old fashioned root beer float - plenty of comfort food to keep you fueled while you shop. There’s also a large raffle basket auction. Each vendor donates something from their booth, and those items are combined into baskets for shoppers to win. The proceeds from raffle tickets, booth rentals, and food help to fund Halloween and Christmas parties hosted at the Legion for children in the local area as well as two scholarships, one of which benefits a young person entering the medical field. There is no admission cost for the show, but visitors are encouraged to donate toys, used as prizes for community events. The toys may be for any age. Donations are accepted on the day of the craft show and throughout the entire month of November.

Entry to the show is competitive with the application process beginning in late spring. The show committee combs through hundreds of vendor applications each year, seeking out those who offer unique, quality items. They work hard to ensure there aren’t too many people selling similar products. Handmade and homemade goods are imperative to the show. Shoppers look forward to new and returning vendors each year. Vendors this year include Tim Carey Photography, featuring prints that bring local places to life in a way you haven’t seen before, BEC Woodworks with their artisanal cutting boards perfect for the chef of the house, The Groovy Shroom featuring retro fun and whimsical items, Pink Moon Apothecary offering crystal inspired fragrances, Acorn Whimsy offering prints and greeting cards of tiny acorn figures in creative and often humorous scenes, The Ruff Road Pet Accessories, Tauris Belts & Custom Leathers, Soni’s Suds Soaps, and Joe’s Jerky, just to name a few.

Sauquoit Valley Fine Arts & Crafts Show Location: Sauquoit Valley Middle School, 2640 Sulphur Springs Rd., Sauquoit Date: Saturday, November 21st and Sunday, November 22nd Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: $5; children 12 and under are free Vendors: To sign up for next year, email svcraftshow@gmail.com The Sauquoit Valley Fine Arts & Crafts Show, celebrating it’s 46th year, has become a longstanding holiday tradition for many local families like Cara Rainer, president of the PTO, whose family has attended the show for decades. The show feature nearly 100 local artisans and makers, while also serving as the largest fundraiser of the year for the Sauquoit PTO, so you can feel good about where your dollars are going. Proceeds from booth rentals, admission, and the bake sale directly support arts and educational programs for Sauquoit Valley students from elementary through high school. This helps fund field trips, classroom supplies, and $500 scholarships awarded to two seniors who have volunteered throughout their time in the school district. This show is large in size and even larger in heart. It’s all about showcasing the amazing work of local individuals and seeing the magic that happens when a tightknit community comes together. Enter inside and be greeted by cheery, holiday music and friendly volunteers that keep things running smoothly. “We wouldn’t be who we are without the volunteers,” Cara said. 70 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

With so many booths to visit, you’re likely to work up an appetite. Allow yourself to be lead by your nose to the pie room, with the delicious smells wafting through the hallways. If you truly shop until you drop, sit for a while and enjoy a hot meal in the Crystal Café. Due to limited parking at the middle school, free bussing is available from the Town of Paris Park to the front doors of the show, making it easy for visitors to get to the event and transport their finds back to their vehicles. “We want everyone to have an amazing experience because this is who we are… this is Sauquoit Valley,” Kim Sacco, Organizer of the Show, said. Be a part of something special and start a holiday tradition of your own at the Sauquoit Valley Fine Arts & Crafts Show.

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Craft Fairs

Notre Dame NJROTC Annual Holiday Shopping Event Location:

Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School, 2 Notre Dame Lane, Utica Date: Saturday, December 12th Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Admission: Free Vendors: To sign up for next year, contact kayla.aponte8@yahoo.com When her son joined the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) program at Notre Dame, Marie Wlock saw an opportunity to create an event that could support a program close to her family’s heart.

Public House Pop-Up Location:

Irish Cultural Center, 624 Columbia St., Utica Date: Saturday, November 21st and Sunday, November 22nd Time: Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission: Free Donations: Accepting non-perishable items on site Vendors: To sign up for next year, visit publichousepopup.com or email publichousepopup@gmail.com Set inside the picturesque Irish Cultural Center in Utica, the Public House Pop-Up is a free event that brings together local makers, families, and over 2,000 holiday shoppers throughout the weekend. The event began in 2022 as a way to bring the community into the cultural center and support local businesses. The pop-up features 25 local makers that sell a bit of everything, from home goods and specialty foods to handmade and repurposed items. As Lindsey Costello, the organizer puts it, “Craft fairs are for everyone.” Among the vendors and products featured are: scrumptious maple goods from Tibbitts Maple, Hometown apparel from Uticrews, savory sauces from Mona Felitto Sauce Co., warming tea from Edie’s Dry Chai, recycled crayons in fun shapes from Kensie’s Melt Shop, cozy scents from Court Street Candles, and Ox & Oak Leather bringing leather goods, bags, belts and knife holders, There is even a kids’ entrepreneur booth for young people interested in selling their own creations. The Public House Pop-Up offers much more than just shopping. For the children, it is an experience. Kids can write letters to the North Pole, participate in a 72 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

Photos: Vintage Junebug Photography

scavenger hunt with prizes, get their faces painted and spend time at a low-stimulation station featuring old-time Christmas cartoons. The Notre Dame elementary school choir will also sing carols during the show, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there for free photos. Last year, 300 photos were taken with Santa during the event. The most rewarding part for the people behind the event is seeing the community come together, so in the midst of the rush of the show, one of Lindsey’s favorite things to do is slow down for a moment and take it all in: the sounds of children giggling, people laughing and talking. After all, that’s really what the holidays are all about. When you’re done shopping, the attached restaurant, Five Points Public House, offers a place to sit down and enjoy Irish fare or a drink at the authentic historical bar that was completely disassembled in Ireland and reassembled in Utica. Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for Mother Marianne’s West Side Food Kitchen to help support neighbors in need. Basket raffles will also be available, with proceeds donated to the Harp Museum and Cultural Center, which are open the same day for visitors.

Now in its ninth year, Marie’s original idea of the Annual Holiday Shopping Event at Notre Dame High School has grown into so much more. The show brings together up to 100 crafters, with booth fees benefitting the NJROTC program. The cadets themselves play an important role in making the event happen by promoting it and volunteering throughout the day. This gives them the opportunity to develop transferrable life skills they can use long after they graduate, from communication and organization to working with members of the community. Organizers put considerable thought into the lineup of vendors, ensuring there is a good mix of high-quality products and affordable items so shoppers with varying budgets can find something they love. The event spans three different areas throughout the high school, creating plenty of space to browse. Among many of the vendors to look forward to are Permanent Jewelry by Lisa, Wendy’s Corn Bags to soothe any ache, Jerry’s Homemade Jams & Jellies, and direct-sales vendors featuring brands such as Tupperware and Scentsy. There’s even a special treat for animal lovers: Purrs and Whiskers will be bringing kittens to the event who are available for adoption. With such a wide variety of products, Marie’s advice for first-time shoppers is simple: “Come ready to find gifts for everyone on your list.” Shopping can work up an appetite, and the event has historically offered plenty of food and drinks to keep visitors fueled. Past menus have included pulled pork, salads, pizza, mac and cheese, walking tacos served in a Doritos bag, donuts and delectable Crepes by Lia. All food and beverage sales benefit the NJROTC program as well. “Shop local and support your local businesses,” Marie said. “Having local vendors and crafters helps to show the community what’s out there that you might not otherwise know about.”

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Craft Fairs

Public House Pop-Up, Utica

Craft Fair Season Is Calling

Photo credit: Vintage Junebug Photography

Grab a pumpkin spice latte, your friends, list, and appetite, and head out to the craft fairs. If you haven’t already, you may want to carve out a little room in your car for everything you’re going to bring home. Take a look at our calendar below and check out all of the shows to see all of the variety the Mohawk Valley has to offer!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOVEMBER 7

NOVEMBER 14

Herkimer County Arts & Crafts Fair

Fall Craft & Vendor Fair

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Herkimer College 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer Admission: $5

Westmoreland PTO Craft Fair 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Westmoreland High School 5176 Route 233 Admission: $1 or non-perishable food donation

NOVEMBER 8 Ilion-Frankfort VFW Craft Fair

10 a.m.–3 p.m. Ilion-Frankfort VFW 4274 Acme Rd., Frankfort Admission: Free

Hosted by Maria Christian’s School of Dance 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Utica Recreation Center 220 Memorial Parkway, Utica Admission: Free

Madison Optimist Craft Fair

10 a.m.–2 p.m. Madison Central School 7303 State Route 20, Madison Admission: $2

Craft Fair at Clark Mills American Legion

11 a.m.–4 p.m. Clark Mills American Legion Post 26 7683 Main Street, Clark Mills Admission: Free

Notre Dame NJROTC Annual Holiday Shopping Event

Holiday Craft Fair

11 a.m.–4 p.m. Rome Polish Home 415 S. George Street, Rome Admission: TBD

NOVEMBER 21ST First Annual Holiday Market Craft Fair

Presented by the Sisters Creative Exchange 11 a.m.–4 p.m. American-Ukrainian Veterans & Men’s Club 208 Canal Street, Rome Admission: TBD

NOVEMBER 21 & 22 Sauquoit Valley Fine Arts & Crafts Show

10 a.m.–4 p.m. (both days) Sauquoit Valley Middle School 2640 Sulphur Springs Road, Sauquoit Admission: $5; children 12 and under free 74 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

Public House Pop-Up

11 a.m.–5 p.m. (Saturday) 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sunday) Irish Cultural Center 624 Columbia Street, Utica Admission: Free

DECEMBER 5 Ilion’s Old-Fashioned Holiday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ilion Municipal Building 49 Morgan Street, Ilion Admission: TBD

DECEMBER 12 Notre Dame NJROTC Annual Holiday Shopping Event

10 a.m.–3 p.m. Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School 2 Notre Dame Lane, Utica Admission: Free

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The Finishing Touch: Wear What Has a Story By Jen Bailey

With holiday gatherings filling the calendar, you may already be wondering what to wear. Before you shop for something new, remember that the best piece in your outfit isn’t always the newest in your closet. Sometimes it's the one with a story and a memory: a grandmother's brooch, a scarf from a trip, a handmade necklace, or simply a color that makes you happy every time you wear it.

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Start With Something Special:

(Pro tip: jewel tones are made for the holidays.)

Pin a vintage brooch to a blazer, coat, or sweater. Tie a printed scarf around your neck, your bag, or your ponytail. Carry that sentimental handbag with your holiday party dress instead of saving it for a "special occasion." This season is the occasion!

Let that piece lead and keep everything else simple, so one color, pattern, or texture can be the moment.

Let Color and Pattern Do the Work: Maybe your piece isn't sentimental at all. Maybe you simply fell for the color: a jewel-toned handbag, a patterned silk scarf, bold shoes, or a coat in a shade you wouldn't normally choose to wear.

The Worthy Take:

Mix the Old With the New:

As owner of the Mohawk Valley's trusted designer resale boutique, I'm always looking for beautiful one-ofa-kind finds that make getting dressed more fun.

This is where resale fashion gets fun. Pair a vintage jacket with modern denim, or handmade jewelry with a tailored blazer. A fresh look doesn't

Fashion changes. Bodies change. Lives change. But a piece that makes you feel beautiful can stay with you through everything.

76 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

Before the invitations pile up and you decide you have nothing to wear, look again. Find the piece you almost forgot, the one you inherited or couldn't resist. Put it on.

It may be exactly what your holiday outfit was missing. If your closet comes up short, visit us at Worthy. Your next favorite unique piece is waiting.

A Herkimer Diamond Story Worth Wearing: Herkimer Diamonds have been forming beneath our feet for 500 million years, and Julie Downer, owner and craftsman of Rise and Mine in Sherrill, brings them into the light. After more than 30 years of digging, Julie still pulls every stone from the earth herself, then cleans each one and sets it by hand in 925 sterling silver. No two Herkimers are alike; each has its own flicker and beautiful flaws. I love that this story begins in our own local backyard, and it's a story worth wearing this holiday season.

Rise and Mine | 618 Sherrill Rd, Sherrill Photos: Laura Lewin Photography

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MV Beauty

Could Your Genes Help Explain How You Respond to Medication? A Conversation with Amanda Stewart, FNP-BC By Carrie Byrne Putelo

We usually think about personalized care in terms of our health history, symptoms and the medications we’re taking. But there may be another piece of information worth considering: our Genetics. For this month’s MV Beauty, I talked with Amanda

Stewart, FNP-BC, of Amanda Stewart Family Health Nurse Practitioner PLLC about pharmacogenomic testing, what it can tell us, and how she is incorporating it into her practice. Carrie: Let’s start with the basics.

What exactly is pharmacogenomic testing? Amanda: Pharmacogenomic, or PGx, testing looks at gene-drug interactions that may influence how your body responds to certain medications. It isn’t meant to give us all the answers. It gives us another layer of information that we can consider along with your medical history, current medications and individual health needs. Carrie: What might make someone consider this type of testing? Amanda: It may be worth exploring for someone who has gone through a lot of medication trial and error, experienced difficult side effects, takes multiple or complex medications, or feels that certain medications simply haven’t been effective. It may also be helpful when there are concerns about medication interactions or someone is looking for a more personalized approach to their healthcare. Carrie: So, this isn’t a test that simply tells someone which medication they should take? Amanda: No. That’s an important distinction. The results need to be looked at in the context of the whole person. The goal isn’t to replace your primary care provider or specialists. It’s to give your healthcare team additional information to consider when making medication decisions. Carrie: What does the process look like through Precision Health Blueprint™?

78 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

Amanda: We begin with a comprehensive intake that looks at medical history, medications, supplements, family history, symptoms and health goals. From there, OneOme RightMed® testing is used to evaluate relevant gene-drug interactions. I review those results in the context of the patient’s actual health and medications, rather than looking at the genetic information in isolation. The patient then receives an individualized blueprint that can help guide future conversations about medications and healthcare. When appropriate, that can also include coordination with their established primary care provider, specialists and clinical pharmacy resources. Carrie: What do you hope patients take away from having this information? Amanda: My hope is that it gives patients and their healthcare providers another useful piece of the puzzle. Healthcare is very personal, and the more relevant information we have, the better conversations we can have about a person’s care. I love having the chance to sit down with local providers like Amanda and learn more about the work they’re doing. What I appreciated most was her focus on the person behind the prescription: taking the time to listen, ask questions and understand how all the pieces fit together. For more information: visit AmandaStewartFNP.com

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MV Fit By Lisa Briggs

Age Is a Number, Not a Limit November always makes us think a little more about what we’re thankful for. We think about our families, our friends, our health, and all the good things in our lives. This year, I’ve also been thinking about something else I’m thankful for. I’m thankful to be 50. I’m thankful for what my body can do, for the strength I’ve built, and for the fact that I can still set goals, challenge myself, try new things, and keep becoming a healthier and more confident version of ME. Age doesn’t define your ability. I really believe that. I refuse to tell myself what I can’t do because I’m 50. I don’t want to put limits on myself because of a number, and I don’t want other people doing that to themselves either. Age is a number, not a limit. You are never too old to get stronger. You are never too old to try something new. You are never too old to set a goal for yourself. And you are definitely never too old to decide that you want to feel healthier, stronger, and more confident. Sometimes we get so focused on the things we can’t do, or the things that might be harder than they used to be, that we forget to be thankful for everything we CAN do. Maybe you can’t do something today that you could do 20 years ago. So what? What can you do today? And what could you do tomorrow if you started believing in yourself a little more? That’s where I want the focus to be. I’m not trying to be 25 again. I’m 50, and I’m proud of it. I want to be strong at 50. I want to feel good at 50. I want to keep challenging myself at 50. And when I’m 60, 70, and beyond, I still want to be setting goals and seeing what I’m capable of. That is something to be thankful for. I’m thankful every day that I get to move my body. I’m thankful that I can work toward becoming stronger. I’m thankful for the confidence that comes from doing something I didn’t think I could do. And I’m thankful for all of the people I get to watch discover that same strength in themselves. One of my favorite things is seeing someone come in thinking, I don’t know if I can do this. Maybe they haven’t worked out in years. Maybe they’ve never worked out at all. Maybe they think they’re too old, too 80 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

out of shape, or that everyone else is going to be stronger than they are. Then they start. Little by little, they get stronger. They do something they couldn’t do before. They reach a goal. They start feeling more confident. And pretty soon, the conversation changes from I don’t think I can to Look what I just did!

Be thankful for every goal you’ve reached and every goal you still have ahead of you. And please don’t use your age as a reason not to start.

That’s what strength is about to me. It’s not about being the youngest person in the room. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up for yourself and allowing yourself to believe that you are still capable of amazing things.

Just allow yourself to believe that STRONG has no age limit, and amazing things will happen!

So this Thanksgiving, along with all of the people and things you’re grateful for, take a minute to be thankful for YOU. Be thankful for your body and everything it allows you to do. Be thankful for every step forward.

Whether you’re 40, 50, 60, 70, or beyond, you can still get stronger. You can still try something new. You can still set a goal. You can still surprise yourself. I know I plan to.

LISA BRIGGS is the owner of Fit Body Boot Camp in Whitesboro and Clinton & Contributing Editor, Mohawk Valley Living

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MV Harvest

Apple Pie with Fresh Ginger and Cardamom There are certain kitchen orthodoxies that are hard to shake. For me, one of those was a steadfast devotion to making pie crust by hand. I thought that anything other than hand-cutting fat into the dry ingredients until you achieved pea-size pieces of butter would result in tough, leathery crust. While cooking for Thanksgiving last year, I couldn’t face cleaning the counter for what felt like the tenth time that day, so I broke with tradition and made my crust in the food processor. I pulsed the butter until it crumbled into tiny pieces and also added sour cream on a whim, to use up the last bit of a container. It was the best crust I’d ever made. I’m a convert now, and maybe you will be too. The apples encased in this excellent crust are treated boldly, spiced with dark brown sugar, fresh ginger, and – crucially – black cardamom (unfortunately, as far as I know, you can’t purchase it locally; buy online from Kalustyan’s). Black cardamom’s smoky, resinous flavor is unique and surprising in pie, and worth the trouble of ordering online. The flavor is rounded out with floral green cardamom and By NAT LEVIN a bit of cinnamon. Local Foods Mohawk Valley

Ingredients: For the crust: 2 cups flour (240 grams) 1 tsp kosher salt 1 tbsp granulated sugar (12 grams) 2 sticks of unsalted butter (226 grams), cut into approximately ½ inch slices and frozen for at least an hour ¼ cup sour cream (56 grams) A liquid measuring cup full of ice water For the filling: 3 pounds apples, a mix of baking varieties ½ cup dark brown sugar (106 grams) 4 tablespoons very finely chopped or grated ginger ½ teaspoon black cardamom 1 teaspoon green cardamom 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 teaspoons vanilla extract A sprinkle of salt 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca starch

To make the crust: Combine dry ingredients in a food processor and pulse 3 times to combine. Add the frozen butter pieces and pulse 3-4 times, until the butter has broken down into nickel-size pieces. Add the sour cream and pulse another 3-4 times. Then, drizzle in a small amount of ice water very slowly while pulsing the blade, until the dough looks sandy and clumpy. Test by pinching the dough together and seeing if it sticks. It should hold its shape when pinched. Typically it requires about 3 to 4 tablespoons to get to this state, but possibly more depending on your kitchen’s humidity and the water content of your butter. Divide dough in half and wrap tightly in saran wrap. Refrigerate for at least an hour or up to two days in advance of baking. To make the filling: Preheat the oven to 400. Peel the apples. Slice half of them on a mandoline, or very thinly if you don’t have one, and slice the other half in thicker slices, ¼ to ½ inch wide. Put the slices in a very large bowl and toss with the fresh ginger, sugar, vanilla, spices, and salt. Melt two tablespoons of butter in a wide,

shallow-sided pan, big enough to accommodate the apples without too much crowding (a large braiser or cast iron should work). Sauté the apples in the butter over medium heat, until the juices begin to bubble and thicken, about ten minutes. Stir in the cornstarch. Let the filling cool while you roll the crust.

To assemble: Remove dough from the fridge. On a well-floured counter, roll the crust until it’s wide enough to drape over the sides of a 9” pie dish. It should be between ¼ and 1/8 mm thick. Pat the dough into the pan and crimp the edges, trimming excess dough from the overhang. Pop the pan back into the fridge while you roll out the top sheet of pastry. Spoon the filling into the chilled pan, then cover with the second sheet. Use a fork or your fingers to create a seal between the bottom and the top dough. Brush the top of the pie with water, sprinkle with a spoonful of granulated sugar, and cut four vents into the top of the crust. Place on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 60 – 75 minutes. The crust should be a beautiful golden brown when done. If you remember, try to rotate the pie halfway through.

Local Foods Mohawk Valley is an online local food collective offering the Mohawk Valley the best local food year-round via a virtual store. Customers shop online from over fifteen local vendors Wednesday–Sunday and pick up on Tuesday at the St. Mary’s Preschool in Clinton between 5:00–6:30pm. www.localfoodsmohawkvalley.com 82 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

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At Home

By Lauryn Scarafile

Made for Gathering, Built for Generations From holiday gatherings to everyday moments, local furniture stores offer handcrafted pieces made to be part of the family for years to come. With the holidays just around the corner, I'm especially looking forward to this season as my husband and I celebrate our first Thanksgiving and Christmas as newlyweds. There's something exciting about carrying on the traditions we grew up with while beginning to make a few of our own. And if there's one thing I know about the holidays, it's that so much of the best time spent together happens around the kitchen table. Whether it's Thanksgiving dinner with everyone squeezed in for one more helping, a late-night game of Hawaiian Rummy over a glass of wine, or simply catching up with family and friends we haven't seen in a while, the table always seems to be where everyone ends up. I think that's part of what makes the furniture in our homes so special. We don't necessarily think twice about the table we sit around or the chairs we pull up, but over time, those pieces become part of our family traditions. And as my husband and I start making holiday memories of our own, I've found myself appreciating furniture that's made to last, not just through the next holiday season, but for years to come. Fortunately, here in the Mohawk Valley, we have local furniture stores that share that same appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and tradition.

JEFF'S AMISH FURNITURE

Jeff's Amish Furniture Ironwood Furniture

Timeless Pieces, Lasting Traditions When I think about furniture that's made to last, a solid wood dining table is one of the first things that comes to mind. At Ironwood Furniture in Clinton, the Sier-

Handcrafted with Care, Built to Last son family offers just that, with thoughtfully crafted pieces designed to be enjoyed for generations. Ironwood carries a selection of American-made furniture, including Amish-crafted collections made from solid hardwood. From dining sets and kitchen islands to bedroom furnishings, their selection offers a mix of styles, whether you're drawn to rustic farmhouse charm, something more traditional, or a modern look.

IRONWOOD FURNITURE 84 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

What I especially appreciate is the idea of choosing furniture that can grow with a family. A dining table purchased today might someday be the same one where grandchildren gather for Thanksgiving dinner. And there's something pretty special about that.

There's also something to be said for knowing how a piece of furniture is made, especially when so much of what we buy today is mass-produced. At Jeff's Amish Furniture, Jeff Sarafin shares an appreciation for traditional Amish woodworking, offering pieces handcrafted by skilled artisans using solid hardwoods. From carefully fitted joints to hand-applied finishes, each piece reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail that have been passed down through generations. Their selection includes dining tables, bedroom sets, custom cabinetry, and office furniture, with options to choose different wood species and finishes. Whether you're furnishing an entire room or looking for one particular piece, that flexibility allows you to find something that feels right for your home. I love the idea that furniture can be both practical and personal, especially when you have a say in the details that make it your own. As we head into the holidays, I'm looking forward to all the meals, conversations, and card games still ahead of us. I'm sure our home will change plenty over the years, but I hope the traditions we create around our table are the ones that stick. Because at the end of the day, it's not really about the furniture itself, but the people we gather around it.

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MV Health

Green Mucus Is Not a Prescription Every cold season in the Mohawk Valley, I hear some version of: “I’ve been sick for three

days. Can’t I just get an antibiotic?”

I understand the wish. You feel awful, the kids are home sick, work is piling up, and you want something that makes this end. But antibiotics are powerful medicines with a very specific job: they treat certain infections caused by bacteria. They do not treat viruses— the cause of most colds, flu, and many coughs. Here’s a fact that surprises people: more

gut. One bacteria that can take advantage of that disruption is C. diff, which can cause severe diarrhea and colon inflammation. CDC estimates it causes nearly half a million infections in the United States each year. There’s another common misunderstanding about antibiotic resistance: your body

doesn’t become resistant—the bacteria do. When antibiotics are used unnecessarily,

By Dr. Juleen Qandah

ter, or you’re worried about a child, an older adult, or someone with a serious health condition, seek medical advice. Some viral illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, may have antiviral treatments for people who qualify; those are different from antibiotics. During U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, November 18–24, ask a better question than “Can I have an antibiotic?” Try: “What do

resistant bacteria can survive and spread. That makes some infections harder to treat for everyone.

you think is causing this, what can help me feel better, and what changes should make me come back?”

lifesaving for certain bacterial infections, including strep throat, urinary tract infections, and some cases of pneumonia. Even some bacterial ear and sinus infections may improve without them, so a clinician may recommend watchful waiting. That is an active plan: give the body time, manage symptoms, and know when to follow up—not ignore the problem.

otic. Sometimes it’s time, fluids, and a clear plan. Knowing the difference helps protect your health—and keeps these important medicines working when we truly need them.

than 200 different viruses can cause the common cold. And when your clear So when are antibiotics useful? They can be Sometimes the best prescription is an antibi-

mucus turns yellow or green, that color alone does not mean bacteria have taken over. It can happen during an ordinary cold as your immune system responds. Green mucus is not a tiny bacterial flag.

Antibiotics are the wrong tool for a viral cold. They won’t make it go away faster, prevent someone else from catching it, or stop a cold from turning into a bacterial infection. Taking one “just in case” adds risk without treating the virus. And antibiotics are not harmless. They can cause nausea, diarrhea, rashes, yeast infections, and, rarely, severe allergic reactions. They can also disrupt helpful bacteria in the 86 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

For a cold, the best treatment is usually supportive care: rest, fluids, and age-appropriate relief for symptoms. A cough or congestion can linger even after the virus is on its way out. If symptoms are severe, breathing becomes difficult, you’re getting worse instead of bet-

Before you ask for an antibiotics, ask: • What do you think is causing this? • What can help me feel better now? • What changes mean I should call or

come back?

MV Grown

Who Grows Your Thanksgiving? What I see when I sit down every year for my Thanksgiving meal is unity So many things are created by so many people having a hand in it. Whether it’s the stuffing, cranberries, vegetables or the turkey, someone has had a hand in making it all come together. And I truly believe so many people have lost sight of that. The other thing I see when I look at Thanksgiving dinner as a farmer is how fortunate we here in the Mohawk Valley are to be able to produce such a beautiful and bountiful variety of crops and foods that we so enjoy. Most people do not realize what it takes to raise and grow healthy, locally grown food and vegetables. There are so many Thanksgiving staples that can be sourced locally, including: Potatoes: Simmons Farm in Vernon. Apples for an apple pie: Fly Creek Cider Mill in Fly Creek or Clinton Cider Mill in Clinton. Squash and assorted vegetables: Candella’s Farm & Greenhouses in Marcy, Savicki’s Farm Store in Clinton and North Star Orchards in Westmoreland. Sugar pumpkins for pumpkin pie: The Crooked Stem in Clinton and Schlaepfer Farms in Cassville. Just to name a few! 88 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

My wife, Robin, and I are from New Hampshire, in New England. If you research the first Thanksgiving, you will find that wild game was served, and seafood may have been part of the meal as well. That being said, we do always have some seafood on Thanksgiving, such as lobster and steamed clams. Stuffing is always on our family’s table. Two varieties, of course: stuffing from the turkey’s cavity and stuffing baked in the oven. We have family members with an aversion to one or the other. My daughter-in-law makes a large batch and makes sure there’s enough for both. We’ve also had Cran-Orange Relish with Pineapple on our Thanksgiving table for as long as my wife and I can remember. We both grew up with our grandparents making it for the holidays. We don’t put the pineapple in anymore, but when I was growing up, my grandmother never left it out! It has to be on the table; otherwise, it just doesn’t feel like a real Thanksgiving to me. This year, I am most thankful for a pretty great year, not only for the crops but for our health. Cliché, I know. I am also especially thankful that I gained a new daughter-in-law. My son Christopher and Megan Goldstein got married

By Farmer Ben Simons

on Saturday, September 26, on Paris Hill and then had their reception in my pole barn. I had always considered her to be my daughterin-law, but now that it’s official, it means more to me. I am so pleased with how well everything went, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing! If you want fresh and local produce, there may still be some farmers markets going on in the area. The Oneida County Public Market happens every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Union Train Station. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Cran-Orange Relish with Pineapple • 1 cup crushed pineapple • 4 cups cranberries • 2 cups sugar • 2 whole oranges, peels

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MV Arts

By Megan Wright

5 8

9 3

NOVEMBER ART HAPPENINGS Janet Munro: A Life in Paint (1)

Fall Dance Concert

When: Throughout November, continuing through December 31 Where: Fenimore Art Museum

When: November 6 & 7 at 7:30pm Where: Hamilton Performing Arts Series, Wellin Hall

Tranquility and Turbulence (2)

Art Alive! Family Day with Pushcart Players: A More Perfect Union (3)

When: Throughout November, continuing through December 31 Where: Fenimore Art Museum

The Devil is in the Detail: Drawings, Prints & Collages by Steven Specht When: November 6–28; Thursdays & Saturdays from 12:00pm–2:00pm Where: The Other Side Gallery, 2011 Genesee St., Utica Opening Reception: November 6 from 5:00pm–7:00pm, Artist Talk: November 28 at 1:00pm

90 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

When: November 11 from 10:00am–2:00pm Where: Munson, Sinnott Family – Bank of Utica Auditorium

Victorian Groove-tide Opens (6) When: November 13 Where: Munson

Gesualdo Six

When: November 13 at 7:30pm Where: Hamilton Performing Arts Series, Wellin Hall

Holiday Felting Workshop (7)

When: November 17 from 1:00pm–4:00pm Where: Munson

Ladies Night Out: Wine Cork Board (4)

Friday Night Spin and Sip (8)

When: November 11 at 5:30pm Where: View Arts Center

When: November 20 at 6:00pm Where: View Arts Center

She Kills Monsters (5)

Chamber Music Society of Utica Presents: Parker Quartet (9)

When: November 12–14 at 7:30pm & November 15 at 2:00pm Where: Utica University Theatre Department, Strebel Auditorium

When: November 22 Where: Sinnott Family–Bank of Utica Auditorium at Munson, 310 Genesee Street, Utica

NOV. 21 7:30 p.m.

“Fingerpicked arpeggios, a splash of funky electric keyboard, and some close harmonies that suggest Simon & Garfunkel over Willie Nelson.” — Rolling Stone Country

TICKETS $38 General Public | $32 Members | $16 Students munson.art/thebrotherbrothers or call 315-797-0000 Funding for Munson Concerts is provided by Preferred Mutual Insurance Company and PJ Green, Inc.

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MV Thrift By Kaila Champoux

The Consignment Chick There’s something especially satisfying about finding the perfect pre-owned piece, the kind that feels current, fits just right, and somehow seems like it was waiting for you to come by and scoop it up. At The Consignment Chick, that feeling is part of the experience. Sophisticated, down-to-earth and just a little edgy, the boutique offers a little bit of everything at a fraction of the original price. Owner Jessica Bowers has created a space where women can take their time and enjoy browsing the racks. Whether they’re searching for an everyday staple, something a little unexpected, or a designer piece at a fraction of the original price, they’re sure to find it here. “We get high-end, amazing clothing, and I love the quality,” says employee Meg McNichol.

much more than clothes. “The biggest part of my business is the wonderful people that I meet,” Jessica says. Many consignors have been with her for years, and those relationships, along with the staff she now considers family, have become one of the most meaningful parts of running the shop. Consignment is by appointment, with a 60/40 split on items priced under $50, and everything available in the store is also listed online. A good consignor, Jessica says, is someone who understands that the right item sometimes just needs the right shopper to walk through the door. Unique to the Consignment Chick is their online marketplace. Every item available in store is also listed on their website for sale.

When items don’t sell, they still have The Consignment Chick carries a chance at another life. With women’s clothing for shoppers owner’s permission, Jessica of all ages, with sizes ranging donates them to organizafrom XXS to 3X. The shop has tions like Sauquoit Valley style for everyone, from Friends and Neighbors, timeless wardrobe stables — Open Now — giving those items purto current trends, like the pose beyond the store. Right across the street! return of Y2K fashion. Giving back is important 7506 NY-5, “There’s no age limit to to Jessica. She remembers fashion,” Jessica says, “we’ve Clinton, NY 13323 the support she received got something for everyone from people throughout the aged 15-105.” Mohawk Valley when she was raising her family, and she sees donatEverything is organized by color, size ing through the Consignment Chick as one and style, making it easy to browse while way to return some of that kindness. still leaving plenty of room for those little surprises that make shopping secondThat also adds another layer to something hand fun. secondhand shoppers already know: buying pre-owned clothing just feels good. It The boutique also carries shoes, purses, keeps quality pieces in circulation, gives jewelry and seasonal household items, shoppers access to brands and styles they along with a “mini Ulta” section that has might not otherwise buy, and offers a more unopened beauty products, fragrances, sustainable alternative to constantly purand other finds. chasing new. The welcoming, treasure-hunt atmosphere For anyone who still hasn’t given secondis rooted in Jessica’s own experience with hand shopping a try, Jessica thinks they’re secondhand shopping. Before opening The missing out, and after spending some time Consignment Chick in 2018, she frequented among the carefully chosen treasures at thrift stores and garage sales as a practiConsignment Chick, it’s easy to undercal way to make things work for her and stand why. It’s a little shop with a lot of her family while still finding outfits that heart, built around good finds, good people made her feel and look great. That experiand the simple pleasure of finding someence eventually grew into a business, and thing that’s perfect for you. over the years, the shop has become about

Fun Fact: Jessica started the business with friends connected to The Village Basement.

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Tuesday through Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 92 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

In-season or next-season clothing and household items of all sizes and styles!

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A Look Back

A LOOK BACK:

Oneida County Tourism By Libby Lemire

More than 40 years ago, there was a man on a mission to make our area a destination: “If the area does well, we all do well.” As Oneida County Tourism launches its “All In” campaign, it seems like a good time to look back at the visionary who recognized that we needed to be marketed as a region—”People will come to a region, we can sell a region.” He also knew we needed a dedicated organization to lead the charge. A firm believer in working together, Christopher P. Destito convinced hoteliers, restau-

rateurs, local business owners, and government leaders that regional tourism was a good idea. “My Dad was the type of person who made friends with anybody he met, anywhere he was,” his son recalls. “He was a champion of the area and exceptionally good at building relationships.” Destito traveled to Albany to pitch his plan to state legislators and secure funding. In addition to meeting his future wife, RoAnn, he ultimately convinced Assemblyman Richard Ruggierio and other Capitol movers and shakers that promoting the area made economic sense. Thanks to Chris Destito’s collaborative work, the Oneida County Convention & Visitors Bureau was founded in 1984. He fought hard to establish an office, and to place it where travelers couldn't miss it—just off the New York State Thruway at Exit 31. As the owner of a motor coach company, Chris had an extensive customer base, and strong ties to motor coach and state

tour associations—he attended trade shows, learned about tourism, and looked for ways to promote his business and Oneida County. His goal was to get bus tours traveling through Oneida County to stop—stay for a meal and perhaps spend the night. His efforts were successful, and Oneida County reaped the benefits. How would Chris feel about where the organization is today? “I think he'd be very happy with the way things have turned out,” his son says. “Our region of 200,000 people generated $2.1 billion in visitor spending in 2025—60 percent of all Central New York’s tourism dollars. That’s impressive.” As Sarah Foster Calero, President of Oneida County Tourism, unveiled their rebrand to community leaders recently, she said, “Chris understood the importance of bringing businesses, government, and community leaders together around a shared belief in this destination—that spirit of collaboration continues to shape our work more than 40 years later.” It’s a fitting nod to the founding father.

Pictured at left: RoAnn and Christopher P. Destito

The evolution of All In Oneida County

1984 94 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

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Giving Back

Abraham House There are some places in our community we may not know much about until the day we need them. Abraham House is one of those places. For nearly 30 years, Abraham House has cared for people at the end of life, while giving their families something just as important: the chance to be family again. A daughter can be a daughter instead of a caregiver. A husband can sit beside his wife and hold her hand without worrying about how he is going to care for her through the night. Families can bring in a favorite meal, sit together and talk, watch TV, laugh, cry and just be together. When my dad went on hospice, I learned how much compassion matters during those final days, not only for the person being cared for, but for the family surrounding them. You are trying to help and make the right decisions, while also simply wanting to be a daughter, a son, a husband or a wife. Maybe that is why this part of Abraham House’s mission stayed with me. Giving families the chance to put some of the worry of caregiving aside and simply be together means so much.

Giving families the chance to put some of the worry of caregiving aside and simply be together means so much. 96 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine NOVEMBER 2026

By Carrie Byrne Putelo

That sense of home has been part of Abraham House from the beginning. It started in 1998 when Dr. A.L. Shaheen donated his two-bedroom home with the belief that everyone deserved comfort and dignity at the end of life, surrounded by the people they love. Today, Abraham House has homes in Utica and Rome and cares for more than 150 guests each year, at no cost to families. Reading through the stories families have shared, it’s the little things that stay with you. Joseph Basi came to the Rome home in July 2020 after spending about ten weeks in the hospital during COVID. Because of restrictions, he had been separated from the people he loved. At Abraham House, they could finally be together again, spending time on the front porch, gathering in the living room and sitting at his bedside, remembering stories from more than 60 years together. One of those moments came when Joe’s granddaughter sat beside his bed with her guitar and played “Here Comes the Sun.” His family wasn’t sure how aware he was of what was happening, but when the song ended his wife whispered, “Wasn’t that beautiful?” Joe raised his hands and softly applauded. It was such a simple moment, a granddaughter playing a song for her grandfather with the people who loved him gathered nearby, but I can understand why it has stayed with his family. Then there is the story of Carmen Russo Jr., known affectionately by his family as “Mr. Mayor.” Carmen was outgoing and optimistic, the kind of person who could strike up a conversation with anyone. A Korean War veteran, auto mechanic and machinist, he was also the person people called when something needed fixing. His family remembers that whether it was made of metal, wood or plastic, Carmen would patiently figure it out. In 2015, Carmen was diagnosed with glioblastoma. He came to Abraham House that July and spent his final two months there. His family remembers the respect, dignity and loving care he

received, and the relationship that grew between “Mr. Mayor” and the people caring for him. For someone who spent a lifetime helping and fixing things for others, there is something especially touching about knowing that, at the end of his life, there were people there to care for him. Ginny Rowland’s family remembers something different. When Ginny came to Abraham House in Rome in 2022, she was nervous about leaving home and unsure of what to expect. Before long, she had renamed Abraham House “The Ritz.” She welcomed friends and family, enjoyed her favorite dinners cooked right there in the kitchen and got to cuddle with Callie, the family dog. I love these stories because together they say so much about what Abraham House is. Yes, it is a place for end-of-life care, but it is still a home. People are still themselves and families are still families. There can still be a favorite meal, a football game, an old story, a beloved pet nearby or a song played by a granddaughter. There is still room for someone everyone calls “Mr. Mayor” to be exactly that. All of this care is provided at no cost to families, made possible by the generosity of people throughout our area who have supported Abraham House for nearly three decades. Now the organization is looking toward the future with Vision 2035, a commitment to 10 homes in 10 years so more families throughout our region can have this kind of care. It all began with one donated house and a belief that people deserved comfort, dignity and the people they love beside them at the end of life. Since then, so many families have been given something we all understand is precious when someone we love is nearing the end: time together. And maybe that is what giving back looks like here. Helping make sure another family gets that time, too. To learn more about Abraham House and the many ways you can support its work, visit

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