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SPECIAL FEATURE: PUMPKIN FARMS & APPLE ORCHARDS

M O H A W K VA L L E Y

LIVING OCTOBER 2026

The People. The Places. The Stories.

TOP DOCTORS 2026

Presented by: FAVORITE FALL EATS

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Winter Jackets

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WHO YOU WILL HELP

Bring donations to any of our 8 Steet Ponte Auto Group Dealerships during normal business hours.

Donations benefit students in Utica, Rome, Herkimer, CVA, Frankfort, Johnstown, and Fonda Elementary schools.

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MOHAWK VALLEY

LIVING

OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE 155 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & OWNER CARRIE BYRNE PUTELO CREATIVE DIRECTOR COLLEEN INGERTO DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS LAURYN JOHNS DIRECTOR OF BRAND MARKETING & INTEGRATED MEDIA KAYLA ANDERSON MEDICAL & HEALTH EDITOR DR. JULEEN QANDAH STYLE EDITOR AT LARGE JOANNE DONARUMA WADE FITNESS EDITOR LISA BRIGGS DESIGNER SARAH BURNS CONTRIBUTING EDITORS JENNIFER BAILEY SARAH FOSTER CALERO KAILA CHAMPOUX LIBBY LEMIRE NAT LEVIN BEN SIMONS TOM STARR 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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CONGRATS TO OUR TOP DOCTORS AND THE TOP TEAM THAT SUPPORTS THEM

Dr. Nicholas Qandah

Dr. Juleen Qandah

Dr. Satish Krishnamurthy

Alex Carangelo, PA-C

Kevin Gehr, PA

Reid D. Beattie, PA

Jackie Ireland, PA-C

John Syrotynski, DC

THE EXPERTISE YOU WOULD TRAVEL FOR. WITHOUT THE TRAVEL. SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

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New Hartford 83 Genesee Street

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Additional locations in: Lowville • Canton • Hamilton • Amsterdam • Cazenovia

Editor’s Letter Dear Readers, When I first moved to the Mohawk Valley, one of the most stressful parts of starting over was something I hadn’t really thought much about beforehand: finding new doctors. Not just a primary care physician for myself and my husband, but pediatricians and specialists for my children, doctors for my mom, and all of the people you come to rely on when you’re caring for a family. For me, that also meant finding a board-certified dermatologist I could trust, especially given my own history with skin cancer. Over time, those names become more than names on a list. They become the people you trust with the health of the people you love most. That is part of why our Top Doctors 2026 issue means so much to me. And this year, it feels even more personal. Last October, just as we were getting ready to go to press, my son, Luke, received his acceptance to medical school. It was one of those moments I will never forget. Now, a year later, I’m writing this with him two months into medical school, doing so well and fully immersed in the path he worked so hard to begin. I couldn’t be more proud. Watching Luke begin his own journey in medicine has given me an even deeper appreciation for the dedication, discipline and compassion it takes to care for others. I have always had tremendous respect for the physicians and healthcare professionals who care for our families, but seeing the work from this new perspective has made this year’s issue especially meaningful. Top Doctors 2026 is presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, and I’m especially grateful for their partnership. Their support of Mohawk Valley Living helps us share the stories of the physicians and healthcare professionals serving our region, but their commitment goes well beyond these pages. We value their continued investment in the health and well-being of Mohawk Valley residents and are thankful to have them as a partner in this important issue. I also want to thank my dear friend and our Health Editor, Dr. Juleen Qandah. Dr. Qandah has brought so much knowledge, insight and care to our health coverage, and I’m incredibly thankful for all she gives to these pages. Her perspective has helped shape the way we tell these stories, and having someone I trust so deeply beside me in this work has meant a great deal. More than anything, I’m grateful for her friendship. There is so much more in this issue that is close to my heart, including Women in Business, favorite fall eats, and the pumpkin farms and apple orchards that are such a wonderful part of autumn here. Our Women in Business feature is especially important to me. As a woman and a business owner, I know what it takes to build something you believe in, keep going through the uncertain moments, and wear more hats than you ever expected. Over the

Carrie Byrne Putelo Editor-in-Chief & Owner years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many women across our region who are doing exactly that. Some are carrying on family businesses. Some are creating something entirely their own. Others are leading organizations, opening doors and helping shape what comes next for the Mohawk Valley. Their stories are all different, but the drive behind them is something I deeply admire. And because it’s October, we couldn’t leave out the tastes and traditions of fall. Inside, you’ll find some of our favorite seasonal eats, along with pumpkin farms and apple orchards that are perfect for a crisp October day. These are the places we return to year after year, sometimes with the same people and sometimes with a new generation in tow. From the doctors caring for our families, to the women building businesses and leading the way, to the farms, orchards and gathering places that give fall in the Mohawk Valley its character, this issue is filled with the people and places that remind us why this region is so special. I hope you enjoy every page, and that it gives you a few more reasons to get out and enjoy the Mohawk Valley this fall. With gratitude,

Carrie

From the doctors caring for our families, to the women building businesses and leading the way, to the farms, orchards and gathering places that give fall in the Mohawk Valley its character, this issue is filled with the people and places that remind us why this region is so special. 4 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

MOHAWK VALLEY

LIVING

IN THIS ISSUE 04

Letter From The Editor

UP FRONT 08

Buzzworthy

See what’s happening this month

October Musts

MV Spotlight

Be Social

MV Roots

MV’s Best

MV Entertainment

LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS

100 MV Style 102 MV Fit 104 MV Harvest

48 FEATURES 48

6 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

MV Eats

Fall Favorites

The Mohawk Valley’s 2026 Top Doctors

Pumpkin Farms and Apple Orchards

106 At Home 108 MV Health 110 MV Grown 112 MV Arts

CAPTURED 114

A Look Back

116 Giving Back

Buzz worthy

Happenings in the Mohawk Valley in October

2-3

THRU

OCT

Saranac Oktoberfest

The Fall Gateway Trains

Little Falls Cheese Festival

OCT

The Awesome Boonville Pumpkin Fest

Sesame Street Live

The Black Keys: PEACHES ‘N KREAM

OCT

Chili Cook Off

Sitrin Riggie Run & Walk

Bikes & Hikes Series

OCT

Saranac's Oktoberfest wraps up with one final weekend of Bavarian fun! Head to the 1888 Biergarten for German-inspired food and beer, stein-hoisting and yodeling competitions, yard games, and plenty of Oktoberfest spirit. Free and family-friendly. Location: Saranac Biergarten

3-4 Fall takes over Boonville during this two-day festival filled with pumpkin painting and decorating, hayrides, a petting zoo, kids' activities, contests, local craft vendors, seasonal food, and plenty of small-town autumn fun. Location: Awesome Country Farmhouse

Come hungry for the Sunset Grill's Chili Cook-Off, where local restaurants and home cooks compete for the People's Choice title. Sample plenty of chili while enjoying live music and raffles, all benefiting Santa's Elves and local families during the holiday season. Location: Sunset Grill, Sylvan Beach 8 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

All aboard for a quintessential Adirondack fall adventure! Ride from Utica to Thendara aboard the Fall Gateway Train, winding through brilliant autumn forests and past rivers and mountain scenery on one of the region's most picturesque rail journeys. Location: Union Station, Utica

Elmo and friends bring the magic of Sesame Street to the Rome Capitol Theatre! Kids can sing, dance, stretch, and play along to favorite songs during this lively, interactive show designed especially for ages 1–7 and their families. Location: Rome Capitol Theatre

Run, walk, or take the Riggie Challenge at Sitrin's annual fundraiser supporting local veterans! Racers can fuel up with chicken riggies mid-5K, then sample local restaurants' takes on Utica's signature dish at the post-race Riggiefest. Location: SUNY Poly

Discover more than 120 cheeses alongside New York-made artisan foods, craft beverages, and live music at the Little Falls Cheese Festival. Among the 65+ vendors, you'll find several Oneida County cheese and beverage producers serving up local favorites. Location: Little Falls

Grammy Award-winning rock duo The Black Keys bring their Peaches ’n Kream Tour to Turning Stone Resort Casino for a night of blues-infused rock, signature guitar riffs, and hits spanning their acclaimed career. Location: Turning Stone Resort Casino

Take in peak fall colors from two wheels on a scenic ride along the Erie Canal Trail. Pedal beneath autumn foliage, enjoy the crisp fall air, and discover stories from the canal's history along the way with Fort Stanwix National Monument. Location: Fort Stanwix National Monument

Buzzworthy

Sarah’s Spotlight: Event of the Month

Celebrate Oneida County’s Harvest Season Oneida County

Make the most of harvest season with a trip through Oneida County's farms and countryside. Pick your own apples & pumpkins, get lost in a corn maze, sip freshpressed cider, and stock up on locally grown produce, baked goods, and other seasonal favorites. Our county is abundant with family farms, farm stands & more. Follow the Rooted in Oneida County agritourism trail to plan your fall activities while supporting local growers & producers! SARAH FOSTER CALERO is President, Oneida County Tourism & Contributing Editor, Mohawk Valley Living

OCT

Utica Record Riot

Uticon Comic Book Show - 21st Anniversary

3rd Annual Fall Bazaar

Dig through the crates at Utica Record Riot, featuring 40+ tables packed with vinyl & CDs spanning punk, funk, metal, indie rock & more. Shop dealers from across Upstate NY and beyond for rare finds, old favorites, and bargainbin treasures. Admission is $5. Location: Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company

Calling all comic book and pop culture fans! Uticon returns for its 21st year with comic creators, artists, collectibles, vendors, and fun for all ages—all while supporting the American Cancer Society. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for teens and students, and free for kids 12 and under. Location: Mohawk Valley Community College

Support 50 Forward while shopping local at its Annual Fall Bazaar, featuring craft vendors, a basket raffle, food trucks, and family-friendly fun. It's a festive way to welcome the season while supporting an organization serving older adults in our community. Location: 220 Memorial Parkway, Utica

For local events and more, visit

oneidacountytourism.com

OCT

The Price is Right Live

Munson After Dark Halloween

“Come on down!” The Price Is Right Live brings the iconic game show to the stage with fanfavorite games like Plinko, Cliffhangers, The Big Wheel, and the Showcase. Audience members have the chance to become contestants and win amazing prizes! Location: The Stanley Theatre

Halloween takes over Munson After Dark with a night of music, dancing, costumes, cocktails, and eerie fun in the Root Court. Dress to impress—or terrify—for a chance to win prizes at this favorite annual tradition. $20 general public, $15 members, $10 students. Location: Munson

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MohawkValleyLiving.com | 9

OCTOBER Musts

Things to Do

SIMPLE JOYS. LOCAL PLACES.

UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES. By Lauryn Johns

Here are six musts you won’t want to miss! MUST... CHASE THE FALL COLORS

HINCKLEY RESERVOIR Peaceful waterside views surrounded by fall color.

OLD FORGE  ROUTE 28 Adirondack views and classic fall scenery.

October puts on quite a show in the Mohawk Valley! Peak color doesn’t arrive everywhere at once, so follow the changing leaves throughout the month and make the journey part of the fun. Grab a coffee, cue up your favorite playlist and take the scenic route. After all, leaf peeping season only comes once per year!

EARLY OCTOBER First colors appear in the northern areas. MID OCTOBER Peak color moves into the central valley.

UTICA  ROUTE 12 NORTH Scenic backroads, rolling hills, and quaint towns.

LATE OCTOBER Brilliant color finishes in the southern valleys.

COOPERSTOWN  OTSEGO LAKE Lakeside beauty and perfect fall getaways.

MUST… PICK THE PERFECT PUMPKIN

SCHOHARIE VALLEY Historic villages and breathtaking valley views.

MUST… GET A LITTLE SPOOKY

No October is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch! Grab a cart and wander the fields at Cullen Pumpkin Farm in search of the perfect one, then make a day of it with their free corn maze, plenty of fall photo ops and weekend wagon rides. Little ones can even hop aboard the Pumpkin Express for an extra dose of fall fun.

Cullen Pumpkin Farm

Open Daily, 10:00am - 6:00pm 587 Cullen Road in Richfield Springs Free Admission cullenpumpkinfarm.com

Step inside one of the region’s most famously haunted historic homes during Hyde & Shriek! Take a candlelit journey through the shadowy halls of Hyde Hall, where ghost stories and apparitions have lingered for more than two centuries. With chilling new tales and hauntings awaiting this year, are you brave enough to enter?

Hyde & Shriek! Candlelit Ghost Tours Fridays & Saturdays, October 9-31 267 Glimmerglass State Park Road in Cooperstown hydehall.org

MUST… SIP SOMETHING SEASONAL Nothing tastes quite like fall in Upstate New York like a crisp apple cider! Head to Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard to sip their own hard ciders and apple wines, grab a flight in the Tasting Room and find a new fall favorite. Then, take it outside and soak up an October afternoon along the Millpond Boardwalk.

Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard Farm Winery & Tasting Room 288 Goose Street in Fly Creek flycreekcidermill.com

10 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

MUST… GET MARRIED!

MUST… FALL INTO SOME FUN Celebrate the season at Gloversville’s 14th Annual Fall Fest! Trail Station Park comes alive with pumpkin painting, games, bounce houses, music, food and dozens of local vendors. Stick around for trick-or-treating and the costume contest to round out an afternoon packed with family-friendly fall fun.

14th Annual Gloversville Fall Fest Saturday, October 10th, 11:00am - 4:00pm Trail Station Park in Gloversville

Okay, this one might be a little specific! After six years together, two pups, a new-to-us home, countless adventures and now months of planning, list-making, dress fittings and approximately one million tiny decisions… it’s finally time to marry my best friend! And really, what better month to start our next chapter than our absolute favorite one?

“The success of the Mohawk Valley begins with its businesses. By listening, learning, and understanding what is important to local business owners, I am better equipped to advocate for their needs and connect them with valuable resources. Supporting local businesses is not just my job, it is an investment in the growth and strength of our community.”

Alicia Brockway VP, Sr. Business Banking Officer

Building tomorrow together. At Beacon Bank, we’re focused on building your tomorrow, here in the Mohawk Valley. Whether you’re starting a business, navigating a new chapter or planning ahead, our experts can guide you every step of the way. Visit us online or at your nearest branch.

BeaconBank.com 9/26

Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

MV SPOTLIGHT

When Pain Becomes Personal

After struggling with a painful foot condition himself, New York Mills chiropractor James Kolwaite discovered a therapy he would eventually bring to his own patients.

Imagine a technology that can actually help or even reverse a chronic condition. Such a thing has never existed until now.” JAMES KOLWAITE

When James Kolwaite of Adirondack Chiropractic in New York Mills first told me about the new StemWave technology he is using in his office, it wasn't the science behind it that caught my attention. It was the fact that James had first experienced the treatment as a patient himself. A few years ago, James developed severe foot problems that made walking difficult forced him to stop running and eventually made even But after trying the treatment himself and experiencing what he describes as significant improvement, he began looking more closely at the technology and the research behind it. “I didn’t add StemWave therapy simply because it was the newest technology available,” James says. “A few years ago, I developed severe foot problems that made walking difficult and forced me to stop running. Even standing for extended periods became challenging. After trying StemWave therapy myself and experiencing significant improvement, I knew I had to bring the technology to my patients.” So, what exactly is StemWave? Despite its name, StemWave has nothing to do with stem-cell therapy or injections. It is a form of shock wave therapy that delivers acoustic pressure waves through a handheld device to mechanically stimulate tissue. The science behind that process is called mechanotransduction, which is the way cells sense mechanical stimulation and translate it into biological responses. Research into shock wave therapy has explored its effects on pain, inflammation, circulation and processes involved in tissue repair and regeneration, while also noting that some of those echanisms are still being studied. 12 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

What I found interesting is that the science is fairly complex, but the treatment itself is not. James uses a handheld applicator over the area being treated, and a typical session in his office takes about five to eight minutes. Some sensitive areas can be mildly uncomfortable, he says, but there is no surgery and no downtime. Patients can return to their normal routine afterward, although he generally recommends avoiding strenuous activity for the rest of the day. Another option for stubborn pain Many of the patients James sees have been dealing with the same problem for months or even years. Some have tried physical therapy, injections, chiropractic care or other conservative approaches. Others have simply adapted their lives around the pain, giving up activities they once enjoyed or beginning to wonder what options are left. James says he has been particularly encouraged by what he has seen with foot, knee and shoulder complaints. There is also a growing body of research behind the broader field of extracorporeal shock wave therapy, particularly for certain musculoskeletal conditions. One study involving 384 patients with plantar fasciitis and several types of tendinopathy reported significant improvements in pain, function and quality of life following shock wave treatment. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving tennis elbow also found greater pain reduction with extracorporeal shock wave therapy compared with therapeutic ultrasound, although the researchers noted limitations in the available studies. For James, the research matters, but

his belief in StemWave is also personal. He knows what it is like to deal with persistent pain, to wonder whether something will help and, perhaps most importantly, to be skeptical himself. “It’s a game-changer,” he says. “I am passionate about educating prospective patients about StemWave because I lived it.” That may be the part of his story that interested me most. James didn't bring StemWave into his office simply because it was a new piece of technology. He came to it as a patient first, and his own experience is what led him to learn more and ultimately offer it to his patients. After reading through the research and learning more about the technology myself, I found myself wondering the same thing many readers probably will: Could it help me, too? I decided I wanted to find out, so I made an appointment with James for my neck.

“It’s a game-changer. I am passionate about educating prospective patients about StemWave because, I lived it.”

OCTOBER

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MV SPOTLIGHT

The Connection Between Financial Wellness and Physical Wellness When it comes to wellness, physical health generally comes to mind first. But financial wellness plays an important role too. Financial stress affects mental and physical health. At First Source Federal Credit Union, we’re proud to offer tools and resources that support both your financial and physical well-being. Our Checking Rewards Account offers a truly unique health benefit with access to 24/7 telehealth services, supporting both physical and mental health needs. Connect with U.S.-based, board-certified, licensed doctors by phone or video with zero copays. First Source also offers a Health Improvement Loan, a lower-interest loan

14 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

that can help cover health-related expenses, fitness equipment, medical procedures, or other wellness needs. This provides a more affordable way to focus on improving quality of life or to help with medical debt. Don’t forget about free financial checkups, helping to review your finances, identifying opportunities and creating a plan for achieving financial goals with confidence. Education is another key component of financial wellness which First Source provides to our community for free. Our Enrich educational platform offers a personalized financial wellness journey combining interactive tools, educational resources, and one-on-one coaching. Whether you're building a budget,

reducing debt, or planning for the future, this will offer guidance tailored to your needs. Our Banzai platform helps students ages 8-18 develop real-world money management skills. Through ageappropriate online modules, navigate financial scenarios, make decisions, and learn from the outcomes in a fun, engaging way. At First Source, we believe wellness is about more than dollars and cents. By providing healthcare access, affordable lending options, financial guidance, and educational resources, we're helping members build healthier, more confident futures, both physically and financially.

THE ORIGINAL TONY®-WINNING SENSATION RETURNS They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story – a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. The show features all their hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What a Night,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Beggin’” and “Working My Way Back to You.” Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony Award® winning, original Broadway sensation, JERSEY BOYS. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true.

FOR TICKETS VISIT BROADWAYUTICA.ORG/JERSEY-BOYS

OCT. 14-15, 2026 | 7:30PM

THE STANLEY THEATRE

MV SPOTLIGHT

Building a Shared Future

for Healthcare in the Mohawk Valley By Carrie Byrne Putelo

Drs. Juleen & Nicholas Qandah Academy Visionaries & Founding Sponsors

The Mohawk Valley Healthcare Leadership Academy is bringing healthcare professionals from across the region together to the region together to strengthen leadership, build relationships and help shape the future of healthcare in the Mohawk Valley.

the region as a whole.

Hosted by SUNY Polytechnic Institute in partnership with Dave Casullo & Daneli Partners, the Academy was made possible through the vision and support of founding sponsors Dr. Nicholas Qandah and Dr. Juleen Qandah.

Sessions address emotional intelligence, communication and individual strengths alongside operational excellence, quality improvement, population health, regional innovation, digital health, specialty care access and physician leadership.

The Qandah’s share: “The strongest regions are built when great institutions stop working in parallel and begin building a shared future. We believe the Mohawk Valley is ready for that kind of collaboration. The Healthcare Leadership Academy is about creating a generation of leaders who can think beyond individual organizations, connect healthcare with research and innovation, and help shape a stronger regional identity. We see this as an investment not only in leadership, but in what the Mohawk Valley can become.”

Just as important is what happens between the sessions. Bringing leaders from different institutions to the same table creates opportunities to exchange ideas, better understand shared challenges and build relationships that might not otherwise happen.

The program is built around a simple but powerful idea: stronger connections among healthcare, higher education, research and innovation can strengthen

Participants explore leadership through four interconnected perspectives: the individual leader, the healthcare system, the broader community and the future of healthcare.

President of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Winston “Wole” Soboyejo, shares "SUNY Polytechnic Institute is proud to partner with the Mohawk Valley Healthcare Leadership Academy in developing the next generation of physicians and healthcare leaders. The Academy's mission closely aligns with SUNY Poly's commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and educational excellence

Winston “Wole” Soboyejo President of SUNY Poly

Dave Casullo Co-Founder & CEO, Daneli Partners

that strengthen our communities and improve quality of life. Through this partnership, we are helping to prepare talented future healthcare professionals who will make meaningful contributions to the region and beyond." That matters in the Mohawk Valley, where respected healthcare institutions, researchers, educators, specialists and innovators are already doing important work. The opportunity is to connect more of that expertise. The Academy’s larger vision is to help create a regional ecosystem where medicine, research, technology, education and leadership reinforce one another. Over time, those connections could lead to new collaborations, workforce development, funding opportunities and greater access to innovation and specialty care. It is an ambitious vision, but one rooted in something familiar to the Mohawk Valley: people and institutions choosing to invest in one another and in the place they call home. With its inaugural cohort underway, the Mohawk Valley Healthcare Leadership Academy is building relationships today that could help shape healthcare in our region for years to come.

MEET THE INAUGURAL CLASS

Mohawk Valley Healthcare Leadership Academy Heather Currie

Patricia Roach

Dr. Albert Shkane, DO

Megan Pazdur

Ryan Rabideau

Dr. Matt Nystoriak

Lisha Vasudev

Brian Dodge

Practice Manager, Department of Medicine, Bassett Health Network

Senior Director, Medical Group Mohawk Valley Health System

Coordinator, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Medicine, SUNY Poly Associate Professor,Masonic Medical Research Institute

16 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Director of AI Innovation CNY Brain and Spine Neurosurgery

Director of Radiology Rome Health Director of Pharmacy Oneida Health

NAUDIE SINGLES IN YOUR AREA

CALL NOW!

315-790-9070

MV SPOTLIGHT

YWCA Mohawk Valley Providing safety, support and hope for more than 140 years By Carrie Byrne Putelo

Dianne Stancato,CEO, YWCA & Dietra Harvey, Board President, YWCA

For more than 140 years, YWCA Mohawk Valley has been there for women and families in our region. Founded in 1885, the organization has changed quite a bit over the years. For nearly 100 years, generations of area women knew the YWCA through its Cornelia Street location in Utica. It was a place for recreation, classes, girls’ groups and gathering, and it was also home to some of the area’s first rape crisis services.

provided more than 54,000 domestic and sexual violence services in Oneida and Herkimer counties.

Today, from its home at 7 Rutger Park, YWCA Mohawk Valley’s work is focused on domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. It is difficult work, and the need continues to grow.

Other services include short-term oneon-one therapy, survivor support groups, information and referrals, sexual assault services on college campuses and prevention education in area schools.

For someone experiencing violence, reaching out for help can be the beginning of a long road. YWCA advocates are there from that first call, helping with crisis intervention and safety planning, accompanying survivors to court, medical appointments and law enforcement proceedings, and helping them navigate systems that can feel overwhelming, especially while trying to heal and rebuild a life.

Children and families are also an important part of the work. YWCA Mohawk Valley operates the Herkimer County Child Advocacy Center and supports the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center.

In 2025, YWCA Mohawk Valley answered more than 4,000 crisis calls and texts and

YWCA Board of Directors

The organization also operates two emergency domestic violence shelters in Oneida County. Last year, 63 people found safety through those shelters, and another 163 people were served through rapid re-housing programs that help individuals and families move toward stable housing.

Prevention is another piece of the mission. Along with education and outreach, YWCA offers programs that address abusive behavior. In 2025, 119 men participated in Crossroads, its 26week offender program. All survivor services are free and confidential.

YWCA on Rutger Street in Utica

For someone who needs a safe place, someone to call or simply someone who understands what comes next, help is available. 24-Hour Confidential Crisis Hotlines (Call or text for domestic and sexual violence.) Oneida County: 315-797-7740 Herkimer County: 315-866-4120 Call for child abuse and sexual violence. A private, encrypted online chat with an advocate is also available at ywcamv.org/chat. 18 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Each October, YWCA Mohawk Valley observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month, joining organizations across the country in raising awareness, supporting survivors and remembering those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Among the month’s signature events are Take Back the Night gatherings, which include a march, survivor speak-out and candlelight vigil. They are powerful evenings that give survivors a place to be heard and give the rest of us an opportunity to listen and better understand how domestic violence affects people in our own communities. There are ways to support YWCA throughout the year, too. Attend one of its fundraisers, nominate someone for the annual Salute to Outstanding Women, help a survivor and their family during the holidays through Adopt a Family, purchase an item from the organization’s wish list or help spread the word about available services. YWCA Mohawk Valley has served this area since 1885, and while its role has changed with the times, its presence here remains important.

YWCA SALUTE Reunion

YWCA Mohawk Valley 7 Rutger Park, Utica, NY 315-732-2159 ywcamv.org

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

When you bank local, you Bank with Utica. bankofutica.com

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MV SPOTLIGHT

The Women of Strategic:

By Katy Heintz

Leading with Purpose

When people think about a financial advisors, they often picture numbers, investments, and financial plans. What they do not always see are the people behind them. Today, the women of Strategic help lead and support an independent wealth management firm that serves individuals, families, businesses, retirement plan participants, and nonprofit organizations throughout Central New York, with more than $3.1 billion in assets under management as of September 2026. Women represent more than 30% of Strategic’s ownership team and hold leadership roles throughout the organization, helping shape the firm’s success and future. One of the things that makes Strategic special is that there are many paths to success. The women of the firm come from different backgrounds, have different experiences, and bring unique strengths to the table. Some built careers in financial planning and wealth management. Others found their passion in operations, marketing, client service, and retirement plans. But what truly connects them is a shared belief in Strategic's purpose: helping people live a great life. That purpose is bigger than financial planning. It is about helping people gain clarity and confidence so they can navigate life's challenges, pursue meaningful goals, and focus more of their time and energy on what matters most to them. Whether working directly with clients, supporting retirement plan participants, helping business owners, or creating memorable experiences behind the scenes, every woman at Strategic contributes to that mission in her own way. That spirit has been part of Strategic's story from the very beginning. Among those who helped shape the firm in its formative years is Judy Vicks Sweet, CFA, whose leadership played a significant role in building both the company and the culture

that defines it today. Her commitment to community involvement, generosity, and helping others has left a lasting mark on Strategic and continues to influence the way the firm serves clients, teammates, and the communities where we live and work. In fact, one of Strategic's core values is simply: Serve. For the women of Strategic, that value extends far beyond the office. It means showing up for clients during important moments in their lives. It means mentoring colleagues, supporting local organizations, volunteering for causes they care about, and investing their time and talents to make the Mohawk Valley a better place to live and work. Every day, the team has the opportunity to walk alongside individuals, families, business owners, and nonprofit leaders as they navigate important decisions and. Sometimes that means helping a family prepare for retirement. Sometimes it means supporting a business owner through transition to the next generation or helping a nonprofit deliver on its mission. While the work often involves financial strategies and long-term planning, the impact is deeply personal. That same sense of purpose carries into the community. The women of Strategic can be found serving on nonprofit boards, mentoring young professionals, supporting schools and charitable organizations, volunteering their time, and helping strengthen the region they call home. Community involvement is not something that happens separately from work. It is a natural extension of the firm's mission to help people live great lives. The women of Strategic may have different backgrounds, talents, and responsibilities, but they share a common purpose: helping people live great lives. It is a purpose reflected in their work, their leadership, and their commitment to serving others throughout the Mohawk Valley.

THE WOMEN OF STRATEGIC: Alee Rose, CDMP Marketing Specialist Alexys Jacobs, CFP® Associate Advisor Crystal Seymore Client Service Specialist Emma Uvanni, AFFP® Associate Advisor Francesca Asher, CFP® Lead Advisor, Partner Holly Cafalone Operations Manager, Partner Judy Vicks Sweet, CFA Senior Advisor, Partner, Co-Founder Katy Heintz Chief Growth Officer, Partner Laura Powers, ChFC® Senior Advisor, Partner Lori Mitchell Senior Client Service Specialist Melissa Fernalld, CFP® Senior Advisor, Partner Patricia Donals Operations Project Manager Paula Rizzo Senior Client Service Specialist Sarah Owens Associate Advisor

This article was provided and paid for by Strategic Financial Services, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. It is intended for general informational and promotional purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment, legal, or tax advice. Registration with the SEC does not imply a particular level of skill or training. Assets referenced in the article are as of September, 2026. 20 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

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22 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

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MV Roots

By Libby Lemire

MV ROOTS:

STEVE RAYHILL’S ODYSSEY When I first conceived of MV Roots, featuring people born and bred in the Mohawk Valley doing great things away from home, Steve Rayhill came to mind. He is a superstar surgeon, specializing in liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation. Steve speaks fast. It’s hard to keep up, but you want to because he tells great stories. When I hear about his life—the adventures, challenges, successes, twists, and turns—the Odyssey comes to mind. Although Steve’s epic career warrants twelve thousand lines, MVL has room for highlights.

BOOK 1 Steve attended Middlebury College. He considered pre-med, but three C’s and a D his first semester derailed that plan. He liked physics— always had—so he decided he’d pursue that. During his sophomore summer, his parents, seven siblings, grandfather, and their Lab were in their big green station wagon after a day at the beach. “There's no room anywhere, but there are two young, super-fit hitchhikers on the side of the road, and my dad, being my dad, picks them up.” Listening from the backseat, Steve thought their lifeguarding tales sounded cool. He returned to Middlebury, took life-saving courses, and applied to every lifeguarding job on the Northeast National Seashore. The following Memorial Day weekend, Steve headed to Nauset Beach, to try to pass their lifeguard test—a series of challenges that had him thinking he’d probably end up a busboy. “I was pretty sure my lungs collapsed after my first swim.” But he survived the initial 48-degree surf and six-foot waves and sailed through first aid and the interview, advancing to navigating shorebreaks. With no prior surfboard experience, Steve ran out with a 12-foot rescue board just as a peak set of waves was coming in. “The first wave picked me up and threw me twelve feet onto the beach, and then I got sucked back down.” He made sev24 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

His face and foot both bleeding, mortified by his defeat, the head guard came over and said, “You want to try again?” He did and ended up with twenty saves and twenty assists a summer—Steve loved saving lives. eral attempts but was ultimately rescued by lifeguards. His face and foot both bleeding, mortified by his defeat, the head guard came over and said, “You want to try again?” He did and ended up with twenty saves and twenty assists a summer—Steve loved saving lives.

BOOK 2 Steve graduated from Middlebury, a physics major, with a C+ average or thereabouts. At the time, his ambition was more lifeguarding, ski-bumming, and traveling around Europe. He had money saved, and he just needed a self-sustaining wage. He lifeguarded more, wrote computer programs, and at one point joined his brother Rich in Alaska to work on a fishing boat, where to this day he’s astonished he didn't die. Money in hand, Steve was headed west to ski when his 48-year old mom got really sick. He recounts a medical-textbook-level description of his mom’s heart problems, still seemingly frustrated by his inability to fix what he could easily fix today. After three operations and a “Say goodbye to your mom. I don’t think I can save her,” their mother lived miraculously for another decade—an experience that has stayed with him throughout his career. “Dr. Fitz Parker changed the Rayhill family. He kept my mom alive for ten more years. That was a tough situation, and it made me work harder. I was more intense. I spent more time in the hospital because of that.”

BOOK 3 At this point, Steve tackles, “What am I going to do with my life?” His plan: “I'll do pre-med; if I like it I'll consider medicine. Or I'll do film school, and if I like that, I’ll make movies.”

He first visited Cornell because he was born when his dad was at Cornell. They told him: “You don't have all the courses; you can't even apply. Why don't you go to Columbia? They have a pre-med program.” Steve’s path zigzagged—he returned to the Cape for another tour of lifeguarding, which nudged him toward pre‑med. Eventually he applied to Columbia, started his pre-med courses and worked like a maniac to compensate for his undergraduate C’s. He found the courses really interesting, earned “ridiculous” grades, and ended up getting into Columbia.

BOOK 4 Columbia was heavy-duty studying, but he loved med school and he loved Columbia’s ethic: “We're the best in the world”—and their standards always stayed with him. He earned Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) at Columbia, the prestigious Pharmacology Award, and earned the American College of Cardiology research grant for two years—a big deal. He did research for the world's expert in electrophysiology and ventricular arrhythmias. His mom was there for all of that. His plan was to be a heart surgeon—the heart has a lot of physics, electronics, and pumping which was cool to him, and of course, his mom’s sickness influenced him. Steve was asked to stay for his residency by the head cardiac surgeon at Columbia. But, he was sick of Washington Heights— it had the highest murder rate in the city. Columbia was excellent for hearts, but Stanford was too, and he had two siblings out there.

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MV Roots BOOK 5 Steve headed cross-country in his grandfather’s old rusted-out Buick, fondly referred to as the “green machine.” By the time he hit Palo Alto, the odometer had broken, he had a metal plate covering a hole underneath his feet, and the local cops were following him. He drove it until twenty-foot flames were coming out of the front somewhere on Route 101— “I didn't want to stop driving it because it was a family car.” He spent five years of residency at Stanford, with two years in their research lab—ten years later, they were still talking about what he did in the lab. He was the only resident ever to win the Chief Resident of the Year award. “I worked really hard to try to be as good a surgeon as I could because I knew what it was like to have somebody save your mom's life.” Steve’s standards for himself were to take on more than double the number of cases that all his Stanford colleagues did: the average was 500 cases, a few handled 800, and Steve was responsible for 1,700 cases. Donald Dafoe, brother of movie star Willem Dafoe, came to Stanford to start an abdominal transplantation program, and everybody loved him, including Steve. A few different people told Steve he should think about transplant—“It’s your destiny,” one Star Wars reference he remembered, and another: “It’s the future.” Dafoe called Wisconsin to recommend Steve and Wisconsin called him and asked him to come out and do their fellowship. He didn’t want to move to Madison, Wisconsin and thought he might be ruining his life, but it was the best place for transplant training and there was no way he could turn it down.

BOOK 6 He went to Wisconsin, and he loved it. “I felt like I played for the Yankees when I was there. One day I went to work, making the sign of the cross on myself, thinking, ‘I'm the luckiest guy on earth. I get to come and work with these people—from the orderlies sweeping the floors to the world-famous attendings.’” As much as he never wanted to leave Wisconsin, transplant is super-technical surgery and he knew he had to operate, especially right out of training. To stay in Madison meant spending half the year in a lab doing non-operative work. But 170 miles from Madison was a surgical genius interested in liver transplants: Dr. Wu.

BOOK 7 “I would do every case with Wu. I did all my own liver transplants, and then I would do Wu’s liver transplants as his assistant.” They had the best results in the history of liver transplant. The pair also hold the world record for the youngest recipient: a 5-lb, 18-day-old baby who they operated on in December 26 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

“

Every time I left the house, my Dad would say, ‘Do the right thing’—so that's the way I live my life—that's my motto. And I do that in medicine to a T.

”

2000—the kid is now 26. The duo had a busy transplant program—they were on call for a year and a half straight. “I learned a lot from Wu. He enhanced my abilities in liver, and I enhanced his in other things—I spend a lot of time talking to my patients, and sometimes I get in trouble for it, but I try to relieve them.”

BOOK 8 There is a theme when listening to Steve’s achievements and the words that come to mind are “best in class.” His CV (medical résumé) is sixty-two pages long. Top programs recruited him, premier publications published his work, and his titles often included head, leader, or chief. Steve’s a world-renowned surgeon, and a gifted one. Throughout his career, donors are sacred, and the patients are his priority. “Having lived through those weeks when my mom was dying—hanging on every word of the surgeon and living for every update—I knew what it felt like. It made me feel an intense amount of responsibility to my patients.”

BOOK 9 Whether or not Odysseus is a hero has been debated for centuries—but there is no debating whether or not Steve Rayhill is a hero—his reputation is built on real-life feats, not mythical ones. He has saved innumerable lives, and has the bedside manner that prompted a former patient to drive 2,000 miles to see him. Steve personifies integrity and comes from a long line of it; “Every time I left the house, my Dad would say, ‘Do the right thing’—so that's the way I live my life—that's my motto. And I do that in medicine to a T.” Like Odysseus, Steve’s journey has taken him far from home—but a move back to the Mohawk Valley has always been a consideration. When Steve retires the surgical knife, we may see him come back. That part of his odyssey is to be continued.

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MV's Best

MV’S BEST: Building Business. Building Community.

I’ve taken a few different paths in my own career, from years in corporate America in New York City, to becoming self-employed, to now running Mohawk Valley Living and having the privilege of sharing the stories of people throughout this region. Maybe that’s why I’m always so interested in how people get where they are. There is no one path to success, and the women featured in this edition of MV’s Best are a perfect example. Their journeys have taken them through different industries, challenges and stages of life. Some have spent decades

Alicia M. Brockway Sr. Business Banking Officer, Beacon Bank For more than 36 years, Alicia M. Brockway has built a career in banking helping local businesses turn their goals into reality. At Beacon Bank, Alicia works closely with business owners across the Mohawk Valley, particularly women-owned businesses, manufacturers and specialty trades. What she loves most is helping local businesses and being a trusted resource they can count on as they grow. “Every business has a unique story, and I enjoy being a trusted resource they can count on for guidance, financial solutions, and support as they grow.” Looking back on her career, Alicia is most proud of the relationships she has built and the positive impact she has had on the businesses and communities she serves. For Alicia, there is nothing more rewarding than watching a client achieve a milestone, expand their business, create jobs or pursue a dream they once thought was out of reach.

28 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

By Carrie Byrne Putelo

building their careers. Others have changed direction or found their calling through experiences they never expected. Over the following pages, you’ll meet women from throughout the Mohawk Valley and learn a little more about what they do, what they’re proud of and why giving back matters to them. And, because there’s always more to someone than their title, we asked each of them to share a few fun facts, too. Each journey is different, and that’s what makes these stories worth sharing.

She is also proud to have spent her career helping develop strong teams and supporting the next generation of business leaders. Giving back has always been important to Alicia. She currently serves as Board Chair of ARC Herkimer and sits on the Herkimer College Foundation Board, along with supporting several other local organizations. “The Mohawk Valley has given so much to me throughout my life and career, and I believe strong businesses and strong communities go hand in hand. Helping our region thrive isn't just part of my job, it's something I'm truly passionate about.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: Waitress at Pioneer Restaurant in Newport, NY

while attending Herkimer County Community College. My workday must-have: A positive attitude and a smile on my face. Best piece of advice I've received: Never, never, never give up! One local place I love: Brass Tack in Frankfort, NY, a family-owned restaurant that reminds me of the TV show Cheers where everyone knows your name. Something people may not know about me: I used to own and ride a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and am a certified scuba diver who had the opportunity to dive at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

OCTOBER IS

Domestic Violence Awareness Month ! tand s r a d n e us to take a s rs l a C r u ark Yo , you can join pport survivome.

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If you or someone you know needs help, it’s time to call us: 24-Hour Confidential Crisis Hotlines Domestic & Sexual Violence: Oneida County: 315.797.7740 (call or text) Child Abuse & Sexual Violence: Herkimer County: 315.866.4120 (call only) Reach an advocate through our private and encrypted chat server: ywcamv.org/chat

Scan here for more information on October events, and get all the links you need!

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Find

MV's Best

Dr. Keena Brittingham Owner, Aspen Dental For Dr. Keena Brittingham, caring for others has been part of more than one chapter of her professional life. Before beginning her dental career, she was a nurse. Today, after operating her practice for 18 years, her work includes everything from routine restorative treatments to advanced procedures, along with the day-to-day responsibility of leading a team and running a practice. While she has accomplished much professionally, when asked what she is most proud of, Keena points to her two sons. Both are pursuing their education in Pennsylvania, studying legal and pre-law fields while taking on leadership roles on their respective campuses. Her commitment to others also extends well beyond her practice. Keena serves as Basileus (President) of the Nu Psi Omega graduate chapter of Al-

Jasmin Arias State Farm Insurance Agent and Agency Owner After more than a decade in banking and leadership, Jasmin made the decision to pursue work that felt more closely connected to her purpose. The loss of a close family member gave her firsthand experience with how overwhelming it can be when a family is faced with the unexpected. That experience helped shape the work she does today, helping individuals, families and business owners protect what they have built and prepare for the future. Being bilingual has also become an important part of her work, allowing her to have these conversations with Spanish-speaking individuals and families in the language in which they feel most comfortable.

Katy Heintz Chief Growth Officer and Partner, Strategic Financial Services As Chief Growth Officer and Partner at Strategic Financial Services, Katy Heintz brings together marketing, business development, client experience and community partnerships, all in support of the firm’s purpose of helping people live a great life. At the heart of her work is connecting good people with good people. Katy is most proud of the relationships she has built and the opportunities those connections create, whether she is helping someone find the right financial guidance, supporting the growth of her team or developing partnerships throughout the community. For Katy, that work is especially meaningful because the Mohawk Valley is home. It is where she has built her career and where she and her husband are raising their two young sons. 30 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

pha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she leads regional service initiatives, mentors members and supports civic and educational programs. She also remains active with the local NAACP Oneida County Branch. “Giving back is essential because health, equity, and empowerment are deeply interconnected. Whether improving a patient's smile in the office or leading community initiatives outside of it, the goal remains the same: uplifting and supporting the community where we live and work.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: McDonald’s, age 14. My workday must-have: A perfectly organized

schedule, my clinical team firing on all cylinders, and a good cup of tea to start the morning right. Best piece of advice I’ve received: “Lead with purpose and excellence. When you lift up others, the rest naturally falls into place.” One local place I love: I’m a homebody. I usually go straight home after work. Something people may not know about me:

Prior to my dental career I was a nurse.

A first-generation Latina, Jasmin understands personally the importance of connecting people with resources, mentors and opportunities. She serves on the boards of Thea Bowman House, the Center for Family Life and Recovery and the Utica Rotary Club, and serves as Community Outreach Chair for the Mohawk Valley Women’s Business Network. “Community involvement is important to me because it allows me to give back and help others reach their full potential.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: Working in the file room at New York Eye and Ear

Hospital through the Summer Youth Employment Program. My workday must-have: A positive attitude with a giant cup of coffee. Best piece of advice I’ve received: Always be kind, because you never know what someone else may be going through. One local place I love: I love Stride Coffee Roasters. Great people, great coffee and great vibes. Something people may not know about me: I have a love for antique and classic cars, especially old Cadillacs. There’s something about their timeless design and character that I find inspiring.

“I love that growth creates a ripple effect. As we grow, we’re able to invest more deeply in our people, our clients, and the organizations and causes that make the Mohawk Valley such a special place to work, live, and raise a family.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: Scanning books at the Kirkland Town Library with my mom. My workday must-have: Coffee and a handwritten checklist.

One fuels the day, and the other keeps it on track. Best piece of advice I’ve received: My mom always told me, “Be kind and be fun, and you’ll always have friends.” One local place I love: North Star Orchards, especially during pumpkin cookie season! Something people may not know about me: When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me chasing after my two boys, Charlie, 5, and Sam, 3. We recently bought an old Adirondack camp, and our family’s newest adventure is filling it with lots of memories. Strategic Financial Services is a sponsor of Mohawk Valley Living. Katy Heintz’s inclusion in this feature reflects Mohawk Valley Living’s independent editorial selection.

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SISTERS IN BUSINESS

Tiffanie Davis and Nicole Wells share more than a family connection. The sisters are also part of The Renaissance Team at Empire Homes & Commercial, where both have found purpose in helping people, particularly first-time buyers, see homeownership as something within reach. Their paths to real estate have been very different, and each brings her own experience and perspective to the work.

Tiffanie Davis Chief Operating Officer, HYPE | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Empire Homes & Commercial — The Renaissance Team Tiffanie Davis’ career has never followed just one lane, but the common thread has always been people. As Chief Operating Officer of Helping Young People Excel (HYPE), she helps lead an organization supporting young people and families through behavioral health services. She is also a licensed real estate professional with Empire Homes & Commercial and part of The Renaissance Team with her sister, Nicole, where she enjoys helping first-time buyers work through the fears and misconceptions that can make homeownership feel out of reach. Tiffanie became a mother at 15, an experience that brought challenges but also gave her a sense of purpose early in life. Her journey has been grounded in faith, family, determination and perseverance. She has built a career that has allowed her to lead organizations, work in real estate, serve her community and create opportunities for others.

Nicole Wells Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Empire Homes & Commercial — The Renaissance Team For five years, Nicole Wells has worked with Empire Homes & Commercial and The Renaissance Team alongside her sister, Tiffanie Davis, primarily helping first-time homebuyers. She enjoys helping people understand the process, especially those who may not know where to begin or whether homeownership is possible for them. Before real estate, Nicole built a nearly 20-year career in hospitality as a bartender. That experience taught her how to listen, communicate with all kinds of people, anticipate needs, solve problems and make people feel comfortable. Buying a home can feel overwhelming, particularly the first time, and Nicole wants her clients to feel they have someone beside them to answer questions, explain the process and advocate for them along the way.

32 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

Utica is home, where she grew up, raised her family and built her career. Over the years, she has also served on boards, committees and community initiatives. “I want my children, grandchildren, and the young people I encounter to know that where you start is part of your story, but it does not have to determine where you finish.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: At 11 years old, I worked in the cafeteria

at Kemble School. No lie! My first check was about $17, and my friend and I would head straight to the clearance section at Ormond’s in Riverside Mall. My workday must-have: Grounding moments. Whether it’s prayer, sitting in nature, journaling, or reading, I need quiet time alone to reset and reconnect with myself. Best piece of advice I’ve received: Never waste someone’s time or money. One local place I love: My backyard. Franklin and I worked hard to create an outdoor space where our family and friends can gather, laugh, eat and simply enjoy being together. Something people may not know about me:

I am a huge Melissa McCarthy fan!

What makes her most proud is helping make someone’s dream of homeownership a reality, from the early questions and uncertainty to the moment they receive the keys to a home of their own. Nicole also serves on local boards and committees and volunteers at community events. “For me, community involvement is about showing up.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: McDonald’s drive-thru. I guess hospitality

and working with people started early! My workday must-have: A good cup of coffee and my planner. I need both to get the day started. Best piece of advice I’ve received: “Everything isn’t for everyone.” It reminds me that not every opportunity, opinion, or path has to be mine, and that’s okay. One local place I love: Munson. I love having a place in our community where art, creativity and culture are accessible right here at home. Something people may not know about me: I’m a lifelong watcher of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! Give me a good game show and I’m happy.

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Stephanie Lowe Financial Advisor & Partner, Cooley & Lowe Wealth Management Stephanie Lowe compares financial planning to a purse you have been carrying through life. A retirement account from a first job, a home, education savings and insurance decisions all find their way inside. Eventually, it helps to take everything out and look at how the pieces fit together. As a Financial Advisor and Partner at Cooley & Lowe Wealth Management, Stephanie helps clients do just that. Her work involves understanding what they have, what still serves a purpose and what may be missing, then helping them organize it around where life is taking them next. After 18 years working with people, the relationships she has built

MaKenna N. Cooley Financial Advisor & Managing Director, Northwestern Mutual, New Hartford For MaKenna Cooley, helping people succeed takes two forms: guiding clients through life’s financial decisions and leading the Northwestern Mutual office in New Hartford. Whether she is helping a family work toward a goal or mentoring an advisor building a business, the most rewarding part is watching people push themselves and seeing that effort pay off. MaKenna started her practice as a college senior with about $1,000 and a laptop, earned her CFP® certification at 25 and became a Managing Director at 28. But what she is most proud of is her perseverance. Building a practice also meant learning how to lead a team and run a business, often while questioning whether she would make it.

Sherry DePerno President & CEO, Advanced Tool, Inc. Sherry DePerno’s first job at Advanced Tool ended with her parents firing her. Today, she leads the company as President & CEO, building a global business in an industry traditionally led by men. Advanced Tool manufactures custom industrial end mills, specialized cutting tools used in aerospace, automotive, medical and other industries. Working alongside her husband and business partner, Rob, Sherry helps customers solve machining challenges with tools designed around their specific materials, equipment and production goals. She is proud of building a company that competes with some of the industry’s largest names by listening closely and solving difficult problems. Outside of work, she founded ALS of Utica, an all-volunteer non34 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

remain her greatest source of pride. That connection extends to local business owners and their employees, where she sees an opportunity for her work to have a broader impact. She also founded and runs CNY Birdies Fore Babies, Inc., a local charity that brings her closer to the community she serves. “When you spend 18 years working with people, you don’t just tie yourself to their future, but also to their past. It’s a privilege.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: Babysitting, probably far too young by today’s standards! My workday must-have: Coffee and seeing people. Best piece of advice I’ve received: How you

do one thing is how you do everything. One local place I love: So many lovely places, but for food there’s a clear frontrunner: The Willows. Something people may not know about me: I love to cook. If I wasn’t in finance, I’d be in a kitchen.

Her community involvement is equally personal. As Chair of the Mohawk Valley Go Red for Women Luncheon, MaKenna supports the American Heart Association’s work to advance heart-health education. Her inspiration is her mother, Wendy, a cardiac nurse whom she grew up watching answer calls at all hours, through holidays and snowstorms, to help other families. “I am involved because I want to help get heart-health education in front of as many people as possible.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: Cleaning houses when I was 14! My workday must-have: My AI notetaker, but also my yellow pad. Best piece of advice I’ve received: Clear is kind. One local place I love: Roma’s in Washington Mills. Something people may not know about me: My family

owns a beef and pumpkin farm in Delaware County.

profit that has served individuals and families affected by ALS in Oneida and Herkimer counties for more than 20 years. “Working with these families keeps me grounded and reminds me how much I have to be grateful for.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: Working for my parents at Advanced Tool,

but they fired me because I was a terrible employee. My workday must-have: A good workout and time with God before I leave the house. Best piece of advice I’ve received: Make sure you’re chasing the dream you were created for. Otherwise, you’re just on a hamster wheel going nowhere fast. One local place I love: Walking at Root Glen or Proctor Park. And since I’ve already broken the rules, Georgio’s Village Cafe. Something people may not know about me: A life-altering encounter with the Lord changed me as a person, wife, mother and boss, and led me to write my book, Tell Them Anyway.

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Heather Loveland-Button Founder & CEO, Home Sweet Home Cleaning & Gardening As founder and CEO of Home Sweet Home Cleaning & Gardening, Heather Loveland-Button has built a woman- and mother-owned company serving families throughout Central New York. Home Sweet Home does more than clean homes. Its goal is to give people back their time while building a team centered on genuinely caring for clients and employees. Heather is especially proud that the business has grown from one that depended entirely on her into an independent company that now supports 38 local families. Building the systems, leadership and culture that allow others to grow meaningful

Francesca E. Romano Director of Sales & Business Operations, The Fountainhead Group, Inc. For Francesca E. Romano, The Fountainhead Group has been part of her life since childhood. She grew up spending weekends at the New York Mills company with her dad and helping with office jobs by junior high. After beginning her career in Chicago and gaining experience across several industries, Francesca eventually returned home. Today, she manages several of Fountainhead’s largest national retail accounts, including Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Tractor Supply and Runnings. What surprises people most, she says, is how far products made in New York Mills reach. Spot a DEWALT or Ortho sprayer in a Lawn & Garden aisle across the country, and there’s a good chance it came from Fountainhead. Francesca is proud to build on what generations before her created

Gina Trzepacz Timpano Third-Generation Owner, Yorkville Memorials LLC As the third-generation owner of Yorkville Memorials, Gina Trzepacz Timpano carries forward a family business established in 1949 by her grandfather, John Trzepacz. For Gina, the work is about much more than selling monuments. It is about helping families preserve memories and create lasting tributes to the people they love. Every family who walks through the door has a different story. Some come during one of the most difficult times in their lives, while others choose to preplan so their wishes are known. Gina considers it a privilege to guide them through that process. The moments she is most proud of are often the quiet ones, especially when a family sees a completed memorial for the first time. Sometimes they cry. Sometimes they smile and share another story. And sometimes they simply say, “That's them.” Those moments remind her why the work matters. 36 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

careers has become one of the most rewarding parts of entrepreneurship for her. Through Cleaning for a Reason, Home Sweet Home provides free home cleanings to local individuals undergoing cancer treatment, helping ease one small burden during a difficult time. “As a mother and business owner, it’s important to me that Home Sweet Home makes life a little lighter—one family at a time.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: Washing dishes at Charlie’s Diner My workday must-have: Being organized and structured Best piece of advice I’ve received: “What

got you here won’t get you there.” One local place I love: Alteris! Something people may not know about me: I have

a Horticulture Degree from Cornell University.

while bringing her own perspective to the family business. She also values being part of the Mohawk Valley, from supporting area businesses and organizations to running her first Boilermaker. “I love being part of what makes this area special. Now, getting to experience it all through my daughter’s eyes makes it even more meaningful.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: The Fountainhead Group, unless a lemonade stand

counts! I started helping in the accounting department in junior high. My workday must-have: AirPods, Spotify and the Nespresso machine on my desk. Then it’s off to the “PowerPoint factory.” Best piece of advice I’ve received: My dad taught me that a last name doesn’t earn you respect, your work does. My mom taught me never to put limits on what I can do or who I can be. Together, they taught me to work hard, never make myself smaller and never put a ceiling on what I believe I’m capable of. One local place I love: Crust Kitchen & Bar. Something people may not know: My Monk obsession once convinced me to switch my major to Criminal Justice to become a private detective. Short lived, but the DVD collection lives on.

Gina also serves as President of the Mohawk Valley Business Women's Network, is a member of Rotary, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Family Life and Recovery. “I've learned that community doesn't just happen. People create it by showing up, getting involved, sharing their talents, and supporting one another. I want to be one of those people who shows up.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: My first job was in my family's monument

business. Like many children who grow up in a family business, you start helping long before you realize you're learning how to run one. My first “real” job was at Voss’s BBQ. My workday must-have: Coffee, a good list, and probably several conversations that weren’t on that list! Best piece of advice I’ve received: Take care of people, take pride in what you put your name on, and don't rush something that's meant to last forever. One local place I love: The Bella Vista Restaurant…a hidden gem on Rt. 167! Even though my favorite place is the Adirondacks, all 6.1 million acres!!! Something people may not know about me: That I ran a half marathon in Savannah, Georgia and can’t wait to do it again!

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Elisha Gilroy Vice President of Executive Search & Direct Placement, M3 Placement & Partnership For Elisha Gilroy, recruiting is about much more than filling an open position. As Vice President of Executive Search & Direct Placement at M3 Placement & Partnership, she oversees a team that helps organizations identify and attract talent while taking the time to understand the culture, goals and leadership needs behind each search. At the center of that work are relationships. Elisha is especially proud of building her career through integrity, authenticity and trust, an approach that has resulted in lasting professional partnerships and friendships. She brings that same commitment to her involvement with The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, where she serves on the Board, co-chairs the Events Committee and serves on the Women Investing in Women Committee.

Jennifer Keida Owner & CEO, Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating As owner and CEO of Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating, Jennifer Keida leads a company that has served the Mohawk Valley since 1928, helping homeowners and businesses make their buildings more comfortable, efficient and affordable to operate. For Jennifer, how that work is done matters just as much as the work itself. She believes the home-service industry should be built on trust, which is why Standard’s service technicians do not earn commissions or bonuses for selling equipment or repairs. Their role is to diagnose the problem, make repairs when possible and give customers the information they need to make the decision that is right for them. “I believe doing the right thing is a business strategy.” That philosophy also shapes the way Jennifer leads the company. She is proud

Carli Hutchings Finance & Operations Controller, Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating As Finance & Operations Controller at Standard Heating, Cooling & Insulating, Carli Hutchings works across many areas of the business, from finance and operations to customer experience and the processes that help the company and its team work more effectively. For Carli, one of the things she enjoys most about her role is the variety. Her work moves between the numbers behind the business and the dayto-day details that keep it running smoothly, giving her a broad perspective on how good communication, thoughtful systems and teamwork shape the experience of employees and customers. She is especially proud of graduating from Leadership Mohawk Valley this past June. The experience helped her grow as a leader, step outside 38 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

As a mother of two daughters, that involvement has another layer of meaning. “As a mom of two daughters, it’s important to me that they see the value of supporting others, giving back, and helping strengthen our community.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: My first job after college was Enterprise Rent A Car,

and my first job in high school was cashier at P&C Foods. My workday must-have: Coffee and a mid-day reset, whether that's a quick walk, music, or a few quiet minutes to recharge. Best piece of advice I’ve received: Be yourself. Authenticity builds stronger relationships than trying to be who you think others want you to be. One local place I love: Too many! Creekside Inn, Willow’s, Ocean Blue, Mazzaferro’s. Something people may not know about me: Outside of work, I love spending my weekends watching my two daughters do what they love, whether that's soccer, cheer, or dance.

of continuing Standard’s long history while building a business where employees can develop their skills and create lasting careers. Having grown up and raised her children here, Jennifer feels a strong responsibility to the region Standard has called home for generations. For her, that means supporting area organizations, connecting homeowners with resources and creating good jobs where people can build a future. “I believe a successful local business should make its community better because it’s here.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: Babysitting at 12 for $1 an hour. My first “on-the-books”

job was serving ice cream at the Red Door Dairy Store in West Winfield. My workday must-have: An inspirational quote to my team and a cup of coffee that usually gets cold before I drink it. Best piece of advice I’ve received: “Be where you are.” One local place I love: AquaVino. Great food and even better people. Something people may not know about me: My undergraduate degree is in Fine Arts. Thirty years later, I earned my MBA from Boston University.

her comfort zone, build relationships with other professionals and learn even more about the place she calls home. Carli also serves on her local zoning board and on the board of her daughters’ daycare. As a mother of two girls, that involvement carries added meaning. She wants them to see that being part of a community means taking an interest, lending your time and helping make things better. “I think it’s important to give your time, not just your opinions, and be part of helping your community grow and improve.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: The Ice Cream Factory in Chadwicks. My workday must-have: Seltzer water and an Excel spreadsheet. Best piece of advice I’ve received: It’s

never wrong to do the right thing. One local place I love: 7 Hamlets Brewing Company. Something people may not know about me: I’m a mom of two girls, which is probably my most important job.

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Dr. Amanda Montagna Owner/Chiropractor, Mountain Chiropractic At Mountain Chiropractic, Dr. Amanda Montagna has had the opportunity to help thousands of people feel better, move better and improve their quality of life. As chiropractic care continues to grow as a conservative approach to health and wellness, she also sees an opportunity to help more people understand what it can offer. That sense of purpose has remained at the center of the practice as it has grown. Amanda is especially proud of how far Mountain Chiropractic has come and the resilience it took to get there. Building a business has brought challenges, but through each stage, she says the focus has remained the same: genuinely caring about people. For her, that steady commitment has helped shape not only the way the practice has grown, but also the trust it has built with patients over the years.

Michele Hummel Executive Director, NEXT As co-founder and Executive Director of NEXT, Michele Hummel works at the intersection of nonprofit capacity building and community development. The nonprofit helps organizations strengthen their operations while partnering with municipalities and community leaders on projects involving funding, housing and revitalization. Michele is especially proud of building a career that has evolved alongside the needs she has seen throughout the region. NEXT grew from those needs, and watching it become an organization that communities trust to take on complicated challenges has been especially rewarding. For Michele, that work is ultimately about seeing potential in places and helping people turn that potential into progress. Sometimes that means helping an organization become stronger behind the scenes. Other times, it means working alongside municipalities and community leaders as they tackle larger questions around housing, funding and revitalization. She sees that kind of change firsthand in Ilion’s Central Plaza, a place she remembers bustling with shoppers when she was a child and

That connection to others extends beyond the office. Each year, Mountain Chiropractic marks its anniversary by setting a new fundraising goal for a charity selected by its patients, making giving back part of the practice itself. For Amanda, that commitment is deeply personal. “Community service is deeply personal to me. During one of the most difficult periods of my life, giving back gave me purpose—and I’ve carried that with me ever since.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: Busser at Valley View My workday must-have: Dunkin Donuts Best piece of advice I’ve received: Only you can decide the

trajectory of your life. One local place I love: Delmonico's Something people may not know about me: I am a

Bosnian immigrant.

where NEXT is now located. There is still work to be done, but watching the Plaza begin to grow again as a gathering place and business district has made the work particularly meaningful. “To me, it represents what can happen when people see potential in a place and decide together that it is worth investing in. I’m incredibly proud that NEXT gets to be part of its next chapter.”

5 FUN FACTS My first job: Great American – I bagged groceries to earn money for

school clothes. My workday must-have: Lots of water, two computer screens, and a

full-size keyboard. This Gen Xer travels with a full-sized keyboard. Judge me all you want but watch how fast I type. Best piece of advice I’ve received: Learn everything you can about your line of work and never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t be willing to do yourself. One local place I love: Ilion’s Central Plaza. As a child, I remember it bustling with shoppers, with tables outside where people gathered to eat and visit. Today, we see children playing, people walking through and businesses investing in their spaces. There is still a long way to go, but the Plaza is no longer forgotten. I’m incredibly proud that NEXT gets to be part of its next chapter. Something people may not know about me: Our third grandson will arrive soon and his name is Nicholas!

One of the things I love most about what we do at Mohawk Valley Living is discovering new people and learning the story behind what they do. Again and again, I’m reminded that the real impact of someone’s work often goes far beyond a title or a business. It shows up in the clients they help, the families they support, the people they encourage, the teams they build and the ways they give back. That was something that stood out to me as I read through these stories. Each of these women has taken a different path, but so much of what they do comes back to people and the difference they are making in the lives of others. Those are the stories I love discovering, and the ones we are always grateful to share. 40 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

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MV Entertainment

Oh, What a Night! Jersey Boys brings the unforgettable story and music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

Jersey Boys brings the unforgettable story and music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to to The The Stanley Stanley Theatre Theatre By Carrie Byrne Putelo By By Carrie Carrie Byrne Byrne Putelo Putelo Some songs need only aa few notes before you Some Some songs songs need need only only a few few notes notes before before you you know know exactly exactly what’s what’s coming. coming. know exactly what’s coming.

ambition, loyalty, disagreements and the price ambition, ambition, loyalty, loyalty, disagreements disagreements and and the the price price that that can can come come with with success. success. that can come with success.

“Sherry.” “Sherry.” “Big “Big Girls Girls Don’t Don’t Cry.” Cry.” “Walk “Walk Like Like aaa “Sherry.” “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” “Walk Like Man.” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Man.” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Man.” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

Told Told through through the the perspectives perspectives of of the the four four Told through the perspectives of the four members of the group, the show reveals how members of the group, the show members of the group, the show reveals reveals how how differently each man remembers their rise to differently differently each each man man remembers remembers their their rise rise to to fame. And then, of course, there’s the music. fame. fame. And And then, then, of of course, course, there’s there’s the the music. music. The production is packed with songs that The The production production is is packed packed with with songs songs that that became part of the soundtrack of aa generation, became part of the soundtrack became part of the soundtrack of of a generation, generation, including “Sherry,” “Beggin’,” “Working including “Sherry,” “Sherry,” “Beggin’,” “Beggin’,” “Working “Working My My including My Way Back to You,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and Way Back to You,” “Big Girls Don’t Way Back to You,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” Cry” and and “December, “December, 1963 1963 (Oh, (Oh, What What aaa Night). Night). “December, 1963 (Oh, What Night).

This October, those songs and the remarkable This This October, October, those those songs songs and and the the remarkable remarkable story behind them will fill The Stanley Theatre story story behind behind them them will will fill fill The The Stanley Stanley Theatre Theatre when Jersey Boys comes to Utica for two when Jersey Boys comes to Utica for two when Jersey Boys comes to Utica for two performances, October 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., performances, performances, October October 14 14 and and 15 15 at at 7:30 7:30 p.m., p.m., presented presented by by Broadway Broadway Utica Utica as as part part of of its its presented by Broadway Utica as part of its 2026-2027 season. 2026-2027 2026-2027 season. season. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Tony Celebrating Celebrating its its 20th 20th anniversary, anniversary, the the Tony Tony Award-winning Award-winning musical musical tells tells the the story story of of Award-winning musical tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, four young Frankie Frankie Valli Valli and and The The Four Four Seasons, Seasons, four four young young men from New Jersey whose unmistakable men men from from New New Jersey Jersey whose whose unmistakable unmistakable sound carried them from working-class sound sound carried carried them them from from working-class working-class beginnings to international fame and, beginnings beginnings to to international international fame fame and, and, eventually, the Rock and eventually, the the Rock Rock and and Roll Roll Hall Hall of of Fame. Fame. eventually, Roll Hall of Fame. But But Jersey Jersey Boys Boys is is more more than than aaa collection collection of of But Jersey Boys is more than collection of familiar songs. familiar songs. familiar songs. The musical takes audiences behind the The The musical musical takes takes audiences audiences behind behind the the polished polished harmonies harmonies and and matching matching suits suits to to tell tell aaa polished harmonies and matching suits to tell much more complicated story of friendship, much more complicated story of friendship, much more complicated story of friendship,

42 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

Even Even for for those those who who didn’t didn’t grow grow up up listening listening to to Even for those who didn’t grow up listening to The Four Seasons on the radio, it’s hard not to The Four Seasons on the radio, it’s hard The Four Seasons on the radio, it’s hard not not to to recognize the songs that have continued to find recognize recognize the the songs songs that that have have continued continued to to find find new audiences decade after decade. new audiences decade after decade. new audiences decade after decade. Since opening on Broadway in 2005, Jersey Since Since opening opening on on Broadway Broadway in in 2005, 2005, Jersey Jersey Boys has become one of musical theater’s Boys has become one of musical Boys has become one of musical theater’s theater’s enduring favorites. enduring favorites. favorites. enduring It It won won four four Tony Tony Awards Awards in in 2006, 2006, including including It won four Tony Awards in 2006, including Best Musical, and its success has extended well Best Musical, and its success Best Musical, and its success has has extended extended well well beyond beyond Broadway, Broadway, with with productions productions and and beyond Broadway, with productions and audiences around the world. audiences audiences around around the the world. world.

Its return to Utica also brings another Its Its return return to to Utica Utica also also brings brings another another opportunity opportunity to to experience experience Broadway Broadway in in one one of of opportunity to experience Broadway in one of the Mohawk Valley’s most treasured spaces. the Mohawk Valley’s most treasured spaces. the Mohawk Valley’s most treasured spaces. The Stanley opened in 1928 as aa grand movie The The Stanley Stanley opened opened in in 1928 1928 as as a grand grand movie movie palace and remains aa beautiful setting for live palace and remains beautiful setting for palace and remains a beautiful setting for live live theater nearly aa century later. theater nearly century later. theater nearly a century later. There’s something special about walking There’s There’s something something special special about about walking walking beneath beneath The The Stanley Stanley marquee, marquee, finding finding your your seat seat beneath The Stanley marquee, finding your seat and watching the curtain rise without ever and watching the curtain rise without ever and watching the curtain rise without ever leaving leaving the the Mohawk Mohawk Valley. Valley. leaving the Mohawk Valley. For For two two nights nights this this October, October, the the story story of of four four For two nights this October, the story of four Jersey boys, an extraordinary voice and a string Jersey boys, an extraordinary voice and Jersey boys, an extraordinary voice and aa string string of songs America never forgot will take the of of songs songs America America never never forgot forgot will will take take the the stage in downtown Utica. stage stage in in downtown downtown Utica. Utica. And chances are, you’ll know more than aa few And chances are, you’ll And chances are, you’ll know know more more than than a few few words. words. words.

JERSEY BOYS JERSEY October 14BOYS & 15, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

October 14 15, at 7:30 October 14 & &Theatre, 15, 2026 2026 atGenesee 7:30 p.m. p.m.Street, Utica The Stanley 259 The Stanley Theatre, 259 Genesee Street, The Stanley Theatre, 259 Genesee Street, Utica Utica Tickets are are on on sale sale now. now. Tickets Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit BroadwayUtica.org. For more more information, information, visit visit BroadwayUtica.org. BroadwayUtica.org. For

Photo: Photo: Jeremy Jeremy Daniel Daniel Photo: Jeremy Daniel

Art Odyssey relocated and reimagined

Community Engagement Fund

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Museum Shop relocated and expanded

Art Inspires. Community Connects. Through the Munson For All campaign, we’re creating a more welcoming, accessible museum with new spaces, enhanced experiences, and expanded community access.

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MV Entertainment

OCTOBER ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR By Brooke Frawley

Little Falls Cheese Festival (1) When: October 3rd @10:00am–5:00pm Where: Main Street, Little Falls

Utica Comets Home Opener (2) When: October 10th @6:00pm Where: Adirondack Bank Center, Utica Jersey Boys (3) When: October 14th–15th @7:30pm Where: The Stanley Theatre, Utica World Series of Poker Circuit (4) When: October 15th–26th Where: Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona Melvin Seals & JGB (5) When: October 16th @8:00pm Where: The Stanley Theatre, Utica

6 5

Utica Comets vs. Laval Rocket When: October 17th @6:00pm Where: Adirondack Bank Center, Utica 22nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Gala When: October 17th @6:00pm Where: Beeches Manor The Phil Collins Story (6) When: October 20th Where: The Stanley Theatre, Utica

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (7) When: October 23rd @8:00pm Where: The Stanley Theatre, Utica Halloween Harvest Festival When: October 24th @10:00am–4:00pm Where: NY Energy Zone, 35 Utica Zoo Way, Utica Jordan Davis (8) When: October 24th @8:00pm Where: The Event Center at Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona The Vampire Circus (9) When: October 29th @7:30pm Where: The Stanley Theatre, Utica

44 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

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MV Entertainment

THE MUSIC SCENE

By Tom Starr

Rebecca Miner Trio (1) When: October 4 2:00pm Where: Brimfield Winery, 8300 Brimfield St., Clinton

The Black Keys (2) When: October 10, 8:00pm Where: Turning Stone Events Center, 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona

DON'T MISS The Dust Devil Band & Terry Johnson (3) When: October 11, 6:00pm Where: Unity Hall, 101 Vanderkemp Ave., Barneveld The DDB & Terry Johnson; a double bill that’ll make for a night of rollicking, high flying musical magic not to be missed! Melvin Seals & JGB (4) When: October 16, 8pm Where: Stanley Theatre, 259 Genesee St., Utica The Nields When: October 17, 7:00pm Where: Kirkland Arts Center, 9/1/2 East Park Row., Clinton

The Weight Band (5) When: October 17, 8:00pm Where: Earlville Opera House, 18 E. Main St., Earlville Appetite for Voltage AC/DC Guns N’ Roses tribute When: October 17, 7:00pm Where: Stanley Theatre, 259 Genesee St., Utica The Phil Collins Story When: October 20, 700pm Where: Turning Stone Event Center, 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona

Brass Transit - Chicago tribute (6) When: October 23, 8:00pm Where: Turning Stone Showroom, 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona Jordan Davis (7) When: October 24 Where: Turning Stone Event Center, 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona

WORTH THE DRIVE Karla Bonoff (8) When: October 10, 8:00pm Where: Homer Center for the Arts, 72 S. Main St., Homer

COMING SOON Blueprints When: November 1, 4:00pm Where: Remsen Arts Center, 9627 Main St. Remsen The Cadleys (9) When: November 7 Where: Park Coffee House, Church St., Holland Patent 46 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

MV Eats

The Pork Chop at Black Stallion

Favorite Fall Eats

By Kayla Anderson

When I joined Mohawk Valley Living, I started thinking a little more about the places, people and experiences that make this region what it is.

just isn’t happening that night.

I was born in Northern California and moved to the Mohawk Valley when I was young. But as I grew up, spent time exploring the area with family and friends, attended college locally and eventually began my career here, I started seeing the region through a completely different lens.

Through plenty of takeout orders, dinners with friends, recommendations and a little trial and error, I’ve discovered dishes throughout the region that I find myself recommending again and again. From longtime local favorites to restaurants serving flavors and cuisines from around the world, our area has no shortage of good food if you know where to look.

There’s a lot that makes the Mohawk Valley special. It’s the history, the different cultures, the familiar faces and the sense of community you find from one town to the next. And, of course, there’s the food.

For this month’s MV Eats, I asked each restaurant which dishes they consider signatures and what their customers order most. Some may already be familiar, while others might give you an excuse to try somewhere new.

Now at 26 and living on my own, I’ve entered what my generation calls “adulting.” And if there’s one thing living on your own will teach you, it’s where to find a good meal when cooking

With cooler days settling in, it felt like the right time to share some of the dishes I’ll be craving this season.

48 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

Either way, I hope you’re hungry.

Black Stallion 5656 NY-5, Vernon At Black Stallion, the Pork Chop has become one of those dishes customers order again and again. The chop is topped with an orange sesame sauce, then finished with scallions, shiitake mushrooms and sesame seeds for a combination that’s savory, slightly sweet and full of flavor. Between the sauce, mushrooms and sesame, it has a little more going on than a traditional pork chop, which may be part of what keeps people coming back to it. Another signature is the Arancini, a standout appetizer and longtime favorite. Crisp on the outside and rich and flavorful inside, it’s the perfect way to start the meal and one of the dishes longtime customers have come to know well. Together, the two give you a good place to start if it’s your first visit, or two familiar favorites to return to if you’re already a regular.

MV Eats

Boulevard Diner 24 Roosevelt Drive, Whitesboro The French Toast at Boulevard Diner starts with something that makes all the difference: challah bread baked right in-house. It was a detail I didn’t know until speaking with the owner, and it makes this breakfast favorite feel a little more special. The challah isn’t the only bread made in-house. Boulevard also bakes its own Italian, marble rye and wheat breads. Thick slices of freshly baked challah give the French toast a soft, rich center with just the right amount of golden crispness on the outside. Pair it with sausage or bacon, and you have the perfect mix of sweet and savory. With fall settling in, Boulevard is also bringing back its pumpkin bread French toast for the season, offering a seasonal twist on a diner classic. For those who prefer a heartier, savory breakfast, the Loaded Giambrotte is exactly what the name promises: loaded. Medium Italian sausage, sweet peppers, onions, greens, home fries and jalapeños are scrambled together with locally sourced eggs and finished with melted mozzarella cheese.

M ō tus 234 Genesee Street, Utica Mōtus is one of those places where the experience feels just as thoughtful as the food. The intimate fine-dining restaurant works just as well for a quiet dinner as it does for a celebration or special occasion. What I enjoy most about the menu is the way they bring together ingredients and flavor profiles you might not immediately think to pair, but somehow they just work. The Mushroom Toast is a perfect example. It starts with house-made brioche topped with roasted locally foraged and cultivated mushrooms, including chicken of the woods, hen of the woods and three varieties of oyster mushrooms sourced from Fruit of the Fungi in Lebanon, New York. The mushrooms are finished with a juniper glace, then topped with a sunny farm egg, salsa verde and fresh pea shoots from Fresh Herbs of Fabius. Rich and earthy with bright, fresh flavors layered throughout, it’s the kind of dish that makes you appreciate a combination you may never have thought to order on your own. It’s also a thoughtful showcase of Central New York ingredients and the creativity Mōtus brings to the table.

50 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

133 Mill St., Rome, New York 315-337-8070

New Hartford

Tues-Fri: 10:30-5, Sat: 10:30-1:30

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SPOOKY GOOD FOOD!

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Farm Raised Pork PLUS Free Range EggsMORE (ChickenSPOOKY & Duck) SEASONAL FAVORITES: COUNT OF ZOGBY’S OKTOBERFEST VAMPIRE Frozen Chicken MONTE CRISTO ZOMBIE BURGER BURGER BAT WINGS SANDWICH Old-fashioned Donuts NY-8 IN OHIO Other Local Products 2755 - 315-826-5050 16 College St., Clinton • 765-6463 9629 Main St., RemsenFOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

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IlionSpring has

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MV Eats

Ohio Tavern 2755 NY-8, Cold Brook At Ohio Tavern, the Seafood Riggies put their own spin on one of Central New York’s most recognizable dishes. The marinara used in the vodka riggie sauce is made from scratch, bringing a touch of sweetness that balances the heat from the cherry peppers and the savory flavors throughout the dish. One of the best parts is that your plate doesn’t have to come exactly one way. Want a little less heat? They can tone it down. Not a mushroom person? Leave them out. Every order is made fresh, so you can make this local classic your own. And really, when fall weather starts settling into the Mohawk Valley, there aren’t many things more comforting than a big plate of riggies.

Roso’s Café & Catering 185 Genesee Street 2nd floor, Utica At Roso’s, a few customer favorites stand out, especially if you’re craving something hearty. The Cuban is a go-to, layered with bold flavor and served with your choice of Russian dressing or chipotle aioli. For a little extra kick, the chipotle aioli is the way to go. I also like that the choice of sauce lets you change it up depending on what you’re in the mood for. Another popular pick is the Breaded Chicken Cutlet Caesar Salad Sandwich, a special that combines two classics in one bite. A crispy breaded chicken cutlet is topped with Caesar salad for a sandwich that’s crunchy, savory and packed with flavor. It’s essentially a Caesar salad and chicken cutlet all in one, and it’s easy to see why customers keep coming back for it. Roso’s also offers weekly specials, giving regulars something different to try and another reason to keep checking back. Between those changing selections and longtime favorites like the Cuban, there’s always something worth ordering. 52 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

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315-797-7709 Aspect & Waypoint

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Family-owned restaurant, for over 40 8088 years, serving Rt. 12, Barneveld traditional Lebanese Outside dishes such as chicken kabobs & hummus. Find the Seating & Breakfast, Lunch,

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Grab-and-Go perfect gift for Homemade Polish Foods Deliveries, Mom!Available! Take Out & Catering! ...or let her Variety of Kielbasa • Cold Cuts Snap the QR code to see our Check out our weekly specials on hours and menu on our shop with a Pierogi • Golabki facebook and at www.rososcafe.com Facebook page. gift certificate! Open: Monday-Friday: 8-2

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Mother’s Day,

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MV Eats

Charlie’s Place 8170 Seneca Turnpike, Clinton At Charlie’s Place, Mondays mean one thing: Turkey Dinner. The weekly special features turkey roasted in-house with scratch-made mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy, and regulars know not to wait too long to order. The homemade dinner has become such a favorite that customers start calling as early as 8 a.m. to reserve theirs, and some Mondays it’s sold out by noon. With comforting, made-from-scratch flavors and the kind of meal that feels like it came straight from a family kitchen, it’s easy to understand why it has become a weekly tradition. It’s also a pretty good way to enjoy a complete turkey dinner without spending the day making one yourself. Charlie’s Place keeps things fresh with rotating daily specials throughout the week, along with popular weekend breakfast creations, giving regulars plenty of reasons to come back beyond Monday’s turkey dinner.

Trackside Restaurant & Catering 9827 River Road, Marcy At Trackside Restaurant & Catering, the Treasure Salad proves that ordering a salad doesn’t have to mean playing it safe. Lettuce and tomatoes are layered with mandarin oranges, grapes, strawberries, coconut, candied walnuts and mozzarella, then finished with Trackside’s homemade champagne dressing. There’s a little bit of everything in each bite: fresh fruit, a sweet crunch from the walnuts and just enough richness from the cheese and dressing. It’s colorful, refreshing and definitely not your average side salad. If you’re looking for something a little more comforting, the Chicken Marsala is another favorite. Tender chicken is served in a rich Marsala wine sauce for a classic Italian-inspired dish that’s simple, satisfying and hard to go wrong with. Maybe it’s my Northern California roots, but I always appreciate a dish that involves a little wine.

The more I explore the Mohawk Valley, the more I realize how much there still is to discover, and food has become one of my favorite ways to do that. Every restaurant has its own story, its regulars and that one dish people insist you have to try. 54 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

These are just a few that made my list this time around. Whether you’re looking for something comforting on a cool fall night, a new weekend breakfast spot or simply an excuse not to cook, I hope this gives you somewhere new to try.

And if there’s a dish somewhere in the Mohawk Valley that I need to know about, I’m always taking recommendations. After all, someone has to do the research.

FreshHaddock HaddockGiambotta Giambotta Fresh 9663River RiverRd., Rd.,Marcy Marcy 9663

MushroomStew Stew Mushroom Chicken & Biscuits Chicken & Biscuits MeatloafGoulash Goulash&&More! More! Meatloaf

315-797-7709 315-797-7709

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Snap the QR code see our Snap the QR code toto see our hours and menu on our hours and menu on our Facebook page. Facebook page.

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MOHAWK VALLEY

LIVING

TOP DOCS +

The People We Turn To

On the Cover

Presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Mohawk Valley Living’s Second Annual Top Doctors By Carrie Byrne Putelo

When we moved to the Mohawk Valley, finding doctors for my family was one of the first things I needed to figure out. I asked friends, neighbors and just about anyone willing to share a recommendation. Who do you see? Do they listen? Would you recommend them for someone you love? Those conversations stayed with me when we introduced Top Doctors last year. A recommendation from someone you trust can make an unfamiliar decision feel a little easier, especially when it involves your health. This year, the response to our reader poll was incredible. Readers from across the Mohawk Valley took the time to recognize the physicians and providers they turn to for care. Thank you

for helping us celebrate the people who make a difference in your lives.

other physicians and advanced practice providers recognized throughout these pages.

The physicians on these pages represent many different specialties and settings. Some care for families over many years. Others meet patients at a difficult or unexpected moment, when a diagnosis, injury or surgery changes what they need. Their work is different, but the relationship between doctor and patient matters in every one of those situations.

These honors reflect our readers’ choices and experiences. They also give us an opportunity to introduce you to the people behind the names, learn more about their work and recognize what they contribute to the Mohawk Valley.

Our eight cover physicians were selected based on reader vote totals, while also representing a range of specialties. From pediatrics and primary care to cancer treatment and surgery, they reflect the care available here in the Mohawk Valley. You’ll meet them alongside many

A special thank-you to our presenting sponsor, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, for supporting Top Doctors for a second year and helping us recognize the physicians and providers who care for the Mohawk Valley. And to this year’s honorees, congratulations. Your patients took the time to put your names forward. That is something worth celebrating. MohawkValleyLiving.com | 57

On the Cover

MOHAWK VALLEY

Meet Our Cover Physicians

LIVING

TOP DOCS +

From everyday checkups to complex surgery, these eight physicians care for the Mohawk Valley at different moments in life. Meet the people behind this year’s Top Docs cover.

Dr. Michelle Baker

Anesthesiology, Rome Health Dr. Michelle Baker manages anesthesia and monitors patients throughout surgical procedures at Rome Health, bringing precision and steady judgment to vulnerable moments in their lives. Anesthesiology requires attention to the body’s response during a procedure, with care that adapts as a patient’s needs change in the operating room. Her commitment to others is shared at home: she and her husband, a firefighter, have dedicated their lives to serving others. Both work in roles where preparation, vigilance and a reassuring presence matter when people need them most.

Dr. Atul Butala

Hematology/Oncology, MVHS Hematology/Oncology Group Dr. Atul Butala’s reputation begins with his caring bedside manner and the compassion he brings to patients facing serious diagnoses. Board certified in hematology and medical oncology, he treats cancer and blood disorders at the Faxton Campus in Utica. A serious illness can reshape daily routines and family life, making that sense of trust and familiarity an important part of the treatment experience. His combination of specialized expertise and personal connection offers a reassuring presence, helping patients receive care near home and the people who support them.

Dr. Karishma Circelli Family Medicine, Mohawk Valley Health System

Dr. Karishma Circelli provides primary care for patients of all ages at MVHS’s East Utica Medical Office. She also serves as medical director of Primary Care for MVHS, connecting her work with individual patients to leadership across the health system. She graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed Family Medicine residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. She has been practicing in Utica since 2016. She is passionate about preventative care, mental health, and supporting patients and families throughout the lifespan.

58 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

Dr. Nicholas Qandah Neurosurgery, Founder of CNY Brain & Spine

Dr. Nicholas Qandah is a board-certified neurosurgeon and nationally recognized expert in minimally invasive & robotic spine surgery. Educated at the University of Michigan & Midwestern University, he trained at Virginia Tech Carilion Clinic and the University of Washington, later serving as Chair of Neurosurgery and senior MVHS leadership. An international lecturer and inventor with multiple patents, he is an AOBS board examiner and former Chair, LECOM professor, and leader in medical education and Technology advancements in healthcare. Through his family foundation, he supports medical education and a medical school scholarship for his community. He credits his wife, Dr. Juleen Qandah, and their four children as the foundation of his success.

Dr. Taryn Rio

Pediatrics, Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Dr. Taryn Rio cares for children and adolescents at Slocum-Dickson Medical Group’s Business Park Campus. As part of the pediatric team, she supports families through routine checkups, childhood illnesses and questions about growth and development. Pediatric visits give families a place to discuss concerns as they arise, from a child’s everyday well-being to questions about what comes next. Her work spans the milestones and uncertainties of growing up, bringing together attention to each child’s health and support for families navigating changing needs from childhood into adolescence.

Dr. Richelle Takemoto Orthopedic Surgery, Community Memorial

Dr. Richelle Takemoto is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in orthopedic trauma. As director of Robotic Technology at Community Memorial, her work includes robotic-assisted joint replacement, fracture care and treatment for injuries affecting everyday movement. An athlete herself, she appreciates the importance of staying active. She listens to patients’ goals, helping them work toward greater mobility, independence and the activities they enjoy. For patients, those goals may be as simple as walking comfortably, returning to work or participating more fully in daily life.

E XC E P T I O N A L C A R E . A H E A LT H I E R TO M O R R O W.

The Mohawk Valley’s Best in Healthcare. Together at the Glen. Discover What’s New.

E X P E R T C A R E . C LO S E TO H O M E . A L L AT M O H AW K G L E N

Cardiology

Hematology/ Oncology

CNY Cardiology

MVHS

Comprehensive Imaging Suite

Gastroenterology

Ajay Goel, MD

Dialysis

Physical Therapy

U.S. Renal Care

Family Medicine

Jennifer Lavesa-Cesana, MD

Radiology

MVPT

Dermatology

Laboratory Services

Mohawk Valley Dermatology

labcorp

Neuro-Musculoskeletal Program

Urgent Care

Neurosurgery • Pain Management • Orthopedics • Sport Medicine

COMING SOON

91 PERIMETER ROAD • ROME, NEW YORK

Expert Care. Close to Home. All at the Mohawk Glen.

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Meet Our Cover Physicians (continued) Dr. Keneth Hall

Dr. Daniel Welchons

Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Care | Escape Medical PC Feeling comfortable in your own skin can change how you face the world. At Escape Medical PC, that belief shapes Dr. Keneth Hall’s approach to cosmetic surgery and aesthetic care. As founder and medical director, he leads a team offering liposuction, tummy tucks and breast augmentation, alongside nonsurgical options including body contouring, injectables, laser treatments and medical wellness services. Each personalized treatment plan begins with a conversation about the patient’s goals, bringing individual priorities and thoughtful guidance together. His focus: helping patients look their best and feel more confident. Dr. Hall also practices general and bariatric surgery at Rome Health.

Caring for Our Patients – Together! Congratulations to all of the Top Docs in our region! Our communities are incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse and talented medical community, with an exceptional depth of knowledge, expertise and commitment right here in the Mohawk Valley. As Chief Nursing Officer at MVHS, I want to extend a special thank you to our physicians for the collaboration and partnership you share with our nurses and the entire care team. When physicians and nurses work together, bringing our complementary disciplines, skills and perspectives to the bedside, our patients and their families benefit. This

Julie Hall, RN, MSN, NEA-BC MVHS CHIEF NURSING OFFICER

collaboration is essential to delivering comprehensive, coordinated, safe and high-quality care – and ultimately to achieving better outcomes for the patients and communities we serve. At the heart of everything

Urology, Associated Medical Professionals of New York Born and raised in the Mohawk Valley, Dr. Daniel Welchons returned home to care for the community that shaped him. The board-certified, Harvard-trained urologist treats conditions including urologic cancers, enlarged prostate, voiding dysfunction and sexual dysfunction. These conditions often prompt deeply personal questions, making clear explanations an important part of helping patients understand the choices ahead of them. He emphasizes explaining patients’ options and the reasons behind his recommendations, bringing clear communication to sensitive conversations and putting his training to work for the region he calls home.

we do is a shared purpose: putting our patients first and delivering the best care possible. That commitment requires us to continually learn, challenge each other and embrace best practices to serve our communities. The extraordinary pace at which healthcare is evolving pushes us to transform how we deliver care and the relationship between physician and nurse is one where trust and mutual respect foster that shared purpose. New treatments and clinical practices, advancing technology, innovative models of care and the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence are transforming how we all practice. These changes bring opportunities and they make collaboration more important than ever. Working together makes us

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all better clinicians. Together, we are learning, adapting and growing – ensuring that innovation remains grounded in what matters most: our patients. Our entire organization is proud of the extraordinary medical community in the Mohawk Valley and is deeply grateful for your commitment. Thank you for the difference you make every day. We value your partnership, appreciate your dedication and look forward to continuing to work alongside you to strengthen healthcare services and improve the health and well-being of the people throughout our region. Together, we care. Together, we innovate. Together, we make a difference.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE TOP DOCS IN THE MOHAWK VALLEY Thank you for your commitment to our patients and our community. We appreciate you!

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CNY BRAIN & SPINE NEUROSURGERY

The Team Behind Your Comeback.

Advanced care. Surgical expertise. One team from diagnosis through recovery. A comeback may mean walking comfortably, returning to work, keeping up with grandchildren or finding a clear path after a difficult diagnosis. At CNY Brain & Spine, those goals help shape the plan. Led by Dr. Nicholas Qandah, a board-certified neurosurgeon with fellowship training in complex spine surgery at University of Washington-Harborview, our team brings diagnostic imaging, nonsurgical care, advanced spine surgery, brain and vascular neurosurgery, pain treatment and follow-up together. The goal is not to offer the most procedures. It is to understand the diagnosis, explain the options and choose the least disruptive treatment that appropriately addresses the problem.

Experience. Precision. Judgment. | Care for the brain and spine. ACCESS & COMMUNITY

BRAIN SURGERY & VASCULAR CARE

Thank you, Mohawk Valley.

World-class brain surgery. Advanced vascular care.

Thank you to the Mohawk Valley and beyond for trusting us with your care. Across more than five regional locations, our administrative and clinical teams coordinate appointments, diagnostic testing, authorizations and follow-up. We listen to patients and referring clinicians, explain the next steps and help connect services that can otherwise feel difficult to navigate. From the first call through recovery, our commitment is responsive access, clear communication and care closer to home.

CNY Brain & Spine provides world-class open and minimally invasive surgical care for brain tumors, hemorrhages, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and other vascular lesions. Advanced imaging, image-guided cranial navigation and multidisciplinary Neuro-Oncology Tumor Board review support precise, individualized treatment. Our neurosurgical team selects the safest, least disruptive approach for each patient and coordinates every step, from diagnosis and surgical planning through recovery and follow-up.

SURGICAL JUDGMENT

DISC REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

Advanced training behind every decision.

Preserving motion when anatomy allows.

Brain and spine surgery demand exceptional training, precision and judgment. Dr. Qandah and Dr. Krishnamurthy are boardcertified neurosurgeons, supported by a highly trained team experienced in complex cranial and spinal care. Every consultation considers the full range of options - from observation and nonsurgical care to minimally invasive procedures and complex surgery. Technology can assist a surgeon. It cannot replace the judgment to know when, how and whether to operate.

For appropriately selected patients, cervical or lumbar artificial disc replacement may offer an alternative to fusion while preserving motion at the treated level. Candidacy depends on symptoms, imaging, alignment, facet-joint health, bone quality and prior treatment. The expertise is not simply knowing how to implant a disc; it is knowing when motion should be preserved, when stabilization is necessary and when surgery is not the right choice.

ROBOTIC & ENDOSCOPIC SPINE CARE

Advanced techniques. Years of training behind them. Dr. Qandah's endoscopic experience began during fellowship training at University of WashingtonHarborview, a program recognized for early U.S. leadership in full-endoscopic spine surgery. He has incorporated endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques into his spine practice since fellowship. Today, CNY combines that experience with Globus ExcelsiusGPS robotic guidance and advanced navigation. Endoscopy, robotics and microsurgery are different tools for different problems. The surgeon determines whether a minimally invasive approach, reconstruction, disc replacement or nonsurgical treatment best fits the patient. The goal is not the smallest incision; it is the right operation through the least disruptive appropriate approach. 62 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

YOUR REGION’S EXPERTS IN

SPINE & ORTHOPEDIC CARE BOARD-CERTIFIED SURGEONS

Globus ExcelsiusGPS•

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery • Endoscopic Spine Surgery Advanced Orthopedic Surgery & Procedures Advanced technology. Surgical expertise. Care built around you. Considering surgery? Know your surgeon. Know your options.

cnybrainandspine.com 315-792-7629

cnyorthopedics.com 315-960-3940

Schedule a consultation or second opinion.

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CNY BRAIN & SPINE NEUROSURGERY

Clarity. Options. A team that stays with you. 3T MRI, EOS, 7D & NERVE TESTING

Diagnosis before treatment. Dr. Syrotynski and our diagnostic team use 3T MRI, standing EOS imaging, EMG and nerve-conduction studies to capture detailed structural and functional data. Our machine-vision systems correlate those testing results with each patient's symptoms and examination, helping accurately target the source of the problem and guide care. 7D machine-vision registration also supports surgical navigation. Ask about same-day or same-week MRI appointments, subject to availability and authorization.

Imaging is information. Expertise turns it into a plan. MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROCEDURES & REGENERATIVE CARE

NEUROMODULATION & STIMULATION

More options. One reason for each.

Another path toward function.

Every treatment begins with a diagnosis and a defined purpose. For selected patients, image-guided injections, mild®, endoscopic decompression, interspinous-interlaminar fixation and kyphoplasty may address specific causes of pain, stenosis, fracture or instability without defaulting to larger surgery. Regenerative options such as PRP and BMAC are evaluated separately and with realistic expectations; evidence and regulatory status vary by indication. These treatments are not interchangeable and are not guaranteed to regrow tissue. The question is not whether CNY can offer a procedure. It is whether that procedure makes sense for the patient's anatomy, health, goals and evidence. When it does not, the plan changes.

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) modify pain signaling for selected patients with persistent nerve-related or musculoskeletal pain, including some who are not candidates for conventional spine surgery. Evaluation considers prior treatment, functional goals, device-related risks and follow-up needs. Depending on the system, care may involve a temporary treatment or trial, implantation, programming and ongoing review. Relief varies; the goal is meaningful function, not a promise.

More options matter only when they are matched to the right diagnosis.

ONE COORDINATED PATHWAY

The treatment should fit the diagnosis. Diagnostics • nonsurgical care • intervention • surgery • follow-up

QUESTIONS TO BRING TO YOUR CONSULTATION

What is my diagnosis? • Who will perform my procedure? • What training and experience does that clinician have? • Is a less invasive option appropriate? • What are my nonsurgical alternatives? • How are complications managed? • What happens if treatment does not help? 64 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

The advantage of comprehensive brain, spine and pain care is not having more procedures. It is having the expertise to decide which procedure, if any, a patient actually needs. CNY connects diagnostics, interventional treatment and boardcertified neurosurgical care in one coordinated pathway. When nonsurgical care is appropriate, we pursue it. When a minimally invasive option can address the problem, we consider it. When complex surgery is necessary, patients have access to fellowship-trained neurosurgical expertise. The treatment should fit the diagnosis - never the other way around.

CNY Brain & Spine Neurosurgery New Hartford: 83 Genesee Street Rome: 91 Perimeter Road CNYBrainAndSpine.com | 315-792-7629

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MOHAWK VALLEY

LIVING

CARDIOLOGY

DERMATOLOGY

ANESTHESIA

Dr. Michael Sassower Central New York Cardiology

Dr. Michelle Baker Rome Health

Dr. Ramzi Nassif Mohawk Valley Cardiology, PC

Dr. Mohammad-Ali Yazdani Abyaneh Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Dermatology

Dr. David Rebuck Hamilton Community Memorial Hospital

Dr. Daniel Berg Central New York Cardiology

Dr. Narender Sarabu Wynn Hospital

Dr. Avneet Singh Hamilton Community Memorial Hospital

Dr. Sunil Mota Wynn Hospital

Dr. Michael Kelberman Central New York Cardiology

BARIATRIC SURGERY

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

Dr. Keneth Hall Rome Health

Dr. Kyril Choumarov MVHS Cardiothoracic Surgery Group

Dr. Nandita Rao MVHS Bariatric Group

Dr. Mark Crye MVHS Cardiothoracic Surgery Group

Dr. Margaret Dowd Bassett Healthcare Network Dr. Marwan Al-Haddad Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Dermatology

EMERGENCY MEDICINE / ER Dr. Juleen Qandah Wynn Hospital / Rome Health Dr. Andrew Bushnell Rome Health Dr. Kevin Hoyt Wynn Hospital Dr. Gary Zimmer Wynn Hospital

Dr. Keneth Hall, MD, FACS, FAACS, FASMBS COSMETIC, GENERAL SURGERY & BARIATRIC SURGERY Rome Health | Escape Medical PC

Recognized in Mohawk Valley Living’s 2026 Top Doctors reader poll, Dr. Keneth Hall serves patients through his work in general and bariatric surgery at Rome Health and the full scope of cosmetic surgical services he provides at Escape Medical PC. A board-certified surgeon, he brings his expertise to both hospital care and a private practice that combines surgical, medical, aesthetic and wellness services under one roof. At Rome Health, Dr. Hall cares for patients with a range of general surgical needs, as well as those pursuing bariatric surgery for weight loss. His work at Escape, he frequently includes liposuction, tummy tucks and breast augmentation to name a few. With locations in Rome, New Hartford and Manhattan, Escape offers services that extend beyond cosmetic surgery to include medical

“

weight loss, body contouring, laser treatments, injectables, RF micro needling, PRP and stem cell therapy. Facials and massages round out the offerings, bringing a variety of medical, aesthetic and wellness services together. Escape also serves as a resource for qualified medical providers, offering professional clinical space and the infrastructure needed to perform procedures without the expense and responsibility of maintaining a separate facility. This model supports both patient care and other practitioners serving the region. Across his roles at Rome Health and Escape, Dr. Hall contributes to the range of surgical care available locally. His Top Doctors recognition adds the voice of Mohawk Valley Living readers to that work, honoring him among the physicians they chose to recognize this year.

For me, surgery has always been about more than performing a procedure. It is about earning a patient’s trust and using the skills I’ve been given to improve their health, confidence and quality of life.

”

Did you know stronger partnerships between Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and local providers make it easier for physicians to deliver high-quality care and for patients to access the services they need? 66 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

TOP DOCS + ENDOCRINOLOGY

Dr. Dayal Raja Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Dr. Domenic Aiello MVHS Diabetes & Endocrinology Clinic Dr. Nay Linn Aung Diabetologist, MVHS Diabetes & Endocrinology Clinic

ENT Dr. Fayez Chahfe The Chahfe Center Dr. Elizabeth Redd Bassett Healthcare Network Dr. Krieger Oneida Health

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SLOCUM-DICKSON MEDICAL GROUP

Growing with the Community More local care, a focus on patients and opportunities for the next generation. Finding a primary care doctor. Getting an appointment with a specialist. Keeping up with the tests and follow-up visits that come with managing a health condition. These are everyday concerns for families across the Mohawk Valley, and having those services close to home makes a difference.

physician, an endocrinologist and a podiatrist are expected by year’s end. Those additions will help address the need for more primary care physicians and expand specialty services, including care for diabetes, thyroid disorders and metabolic conditions.

At Slocum-Dickson Medical Group, those needs are helping shape what comes next. From adding physicians to making lab visits more convenient, the group continues to invest in services that reflect the community it serves.

For local families, it means more options without having to leave the Mohawk Valley.

More Care, Closer to Home Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery has returned to Slocum-Dickson with Dr. Victor Martinez Zavala at the Business Park Campus. His services include breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, facelifts and mommy makeovers, as well as breast reconstruction and reconstruction following Mohs surgery. For patients considering these procedures, having a local option can mean less travel and easier access to Dr. Victor Martinez follow-up care. Zavala

Dr. Stanislav Arkadyev

Dr. Stanislav Arkadyev provides primary care with a focus on geriatrics, an important addition for a region with an aging population. It also gives older adults and the families helping coordinate their care another resource close to home.

Other specialties include allergy care with Dr. Vrinda Kumar and orthopedics with Dr. Rolanda Willacy, Dr. Vrinda Kumar whose focus is adult hip and knee reconstruction. Dr. Michael Redner joined Family Practice earlier this year, and another family practice

68 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

Business Park Campus, Utica Burrstone Campus, New Hartford

Listening to Patients Sometimes, improving the patient experience starts with something as straightforward as scheduling a lab visit. After hearing patient feedback, Slocum-Dickson expanded its laboratory appointment options to help reduce wait times and make it easier to plan a visit. Beginning October 1, prioritized appointments will be available at both campuses Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patients can schedule through MyChart or by calling 315.798.1575. Walk-ins will remain available at the lower-level lab on the Burrstone Campus Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to noon. The lab has also added the fully automated VITROS XT7600 system, allowing the group to expand its specialized testing capabilities and process tests more efficiently as demand grows.

Making Connections Beyond the Office Slocum-Dickson’s involvement in community health goes beyond patient appointments. The group participates in the American Heart Association’s Heart Radiothon to promote heart health and sponsors the Boilermaker Walk, encouraging people to get moving and make healthy habits part of their routine. It also works with local schools to give students a closer look at careers in health care. High school career days, BOCES shadowing programs and job fairs offer opportunities to ask questions,

meet professionals and see what the work involves. Through relationships with institutions including SUNY Poly and SUNY Upstate, Slocum-Dickson supports clinical learning for medical students, nurse practitioner and physician assistant students, and physicians completing residency rotations. These experiences introduce students to local practices and the people they could one day work alongside. For some, that connection leads to a job after graduation or licensure. For the community, it can mean another health care professional choosing to build a career and a life here. That’s an important part of SlocumDickson’s continued growth: meeting patients’ needs now, while helping bring more people into the local health care workforce for the years ahead.

Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Burrstone Campus Business Park Campus 1729 Burrstone Road 117 Business Park Drive New Hartford, NY 13413 Utica, NY 13502 315-798-1500 315-798-1500 Website: sdmg.com

EXPERIENCED CARE. TRUSTED BY THE COMMUNITY

Dr. Marwan Al-Haddad Dermatology

Dr. Jameel Arastu Neurology

Dr. Nathaniel Gould Pain Management, PMR

Dr. Alexander Harris Ophthalmology

Dr. Ralph Lott Optometry

Shannon Lee FNP-C Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

Dr. Dayal Raja Endocrinology

Dr. Taryn Rio Pediatrics

Dr. Apurva Shah Internal Medicine

Dr. Manzurul Sikder Hematology & Medical Oncology

Dr. Kenneth Visalli, Jr. Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

Dr. Mohammad-Ali Yazdani Abyaneh Dermatology

SDMG.COM

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2026 TOP DOCS GASTROENTEROLOGY

GENERAL SURGERY

Dr. Natalie Pavelock Digestive Disease Medicine at MVHS

Dr. Christopher Max MVHS Surgical Group

Dr. Andrea Johnson MVHS

Dr. Ajay Goel The Gastroenterology Clinic, Mohawk Glen Medical Park and Health Center

Dr. Keneth Hall Rome Health Surgical Specialists

Dr. Michael Parslow Rome Health Primary Care

Dr. Aamer Mirza Rome Health

Dr. Jonathan Stahl MVHS Surgical Group

Dr. Daniel M. Ratnarajah Oneida Health

Dr. Bradley Sklar Digestive Disease Medicine at MVHS

Dr. Vivienne Taylor Rome Health Primary Care

Dr. Amulya Penmetsa Bassett Healthcare Network

Dr. Luis Oceguera Bassett Healthcare Network

Dr. Affaf Munir MVHS Medical Group

Dr. Charles Casale Bassett Healthcare Network

FAMILY PRACTICE / INTERNAL MEDICINE Dr. Karishma Circelli MVHS Dr. Kenneth Visalli Jr. Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Dr. Apurva Shah Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Dr. Michael Attilio Rome Health Primary Care Dr. Arul Kannan Practice of Arul Kannan, MD Dr. Naji El Khoury Practice of Naji El Khoury, MD

Dr. Jennifer Lavesa-Cesana Mohawk Glen Medical Park and Health Center

Caring for the Community He Calls Home DR. JONATHAN HENDERSON Utica Pediatrics

For Dr. Jonathan Henderson, caring for local children and families also means serving the community where he grew up. A Whitesboro native and boardcertified pediatrician, he has practiced at Utica Pediatrics since 2010 and is among Mohawk Valley Living’s 2026 Top Doctors. His commitment to the community extends beyond the office. Dr. Henderson has served on the boards of Kelberman and the American Heart Association for more than 10 years and was recently elected to a fourth term on the Whitesboro Central School District Board of Education. Those roles reflect his continued involvement in the lives of local children and families. As he celebrates this recognition, Dr. Henderson wants to recognize the people who share in the practice’s work every day: his partners, Dr. Dawn Bard and Dr. Karen Griffith; nurse practitioners Shannon Kesselring, Rayanne Schoonover, Lindsay McGarry and Caitlyn Durfee; and the entire staff. He credits their dedication and exceptional care as an essential part of serving the community.

Utica Pediatrics provides medical care from birth through age 18, as well as for young adults ages 19–22. The practice is proud to

Did you know that members can contact a nurse by phone anytime – 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Call 877-222-1240 to speak to one of our specially trained registered nurses. 70 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

celebrate Dr. Henderson’s recognition and grateful to the families who continue to place their trust in its team.

Caring for the community. Celebrating one of our own. Utica Pediatrics proudly congratulates

2026 TOP DOCTOR Jonathan Henderson MD, FAAP

Our Top Doctor. Your Trusted Pediatrician. Congratulations to Dr. Jonathan Henderson on his 2026 Top Doctors recognition! Caring for local children and families at Utica Pediatrics since 2010, Dr. Henderson shares this honor with his dedicated partners, nurse practitioners and staff. Thank you to the families who continue to put their trust in our care.

Congratulations, Dr. Henderson, from your Utica Pediatrics family!

Utica Pediatrics

86 Genesee Street, Suite 1 New Hartford, NY 13413 315-732-7909 | uticapediatrics.com

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ASSOCIATED MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS OF NEW YORK

TOP DOCS +

Four Physicians. A Shared Commitment to Care. Meet four of the Mohawk Valley’s 2026 Top Doctors in urology.

All four physicians recognized in the urology category of Mohawk Valley Living’s 2026 Top Doctors reader poll practice at Associated Medical Professionals of New York (AMP): Dr. Brent Carlyle, Dr. Bashar Omarbasha, Dr. Jeffrey Sekula and Dr. Daniel Welchons. Their work addresses concerns that can be difficult to talk about and challenging to live with, from bladder control and sexual health to recurring kidney stones and a cancer diagnosis. Each brings different experience to the practice, giving patients access to a broad range of medical and surgical care.

Brent E. Carlyle, MD

Before his career in medicine, Dr. Brent Carlyle served as an Intelligence Officer and Army Ranger in the 75th Ranger Regiment. A West Point graduate, he completed four overseas tours in Iraq and Afghanistan before earning his medical degree at the University at Buffalo and completing his general surgery and urology training at The Ohio State University.

BOARD CERTIFIED UROLOGIST

Today, Dr. Carlyle treats a wide range of urologic condi-

Bashar Omarbasha, MD

Caring for patients, studying new treatBOARD CERTIFIED UROLOGIST ments and teaching future physicians have all been part of Dr. Bashar Omarbasha’s career. In practice since 1990, he brings fellowship training in urologic oncology to his work, along with special interests in male sexual dysfunction and male and female incontinence. After his urology residency at Boston University Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital, he spent three years at

Jeffrey J. Sekula, MD

Dr. Jeffrey Sekula’s practice includes conditions that can affect both a patient’s health and everyday comfort, from kidney stones and benign prostate disease to genitourinary cancers. His training includes metabolic stone evaluation, which investigates factors that may contribute to kidney stone formation.

BOARD CERTIFIED UROLOGIST

Board certified in urology, he is trained in robotic, laparoscopic, endoscopic and traditional open surgical techniques. Outside his practice, Dr. Carlyle and his wife, Lauren, are the parents of five children.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center focused on urological cancers. His research has included clinical trials investigating new treatments for prostate and bladder cancer, as well as studies involving low testosterone and sexual health. Dr. Omarbasha also works with residents and medical students as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Urology at SUNY Upstate Medical Center. He has authored publications and book chapters and earned designation as a UroLift® Center of Excellence. cluding penile implants, urinary slings and urinary sphincters. These procedures are among the options he offers for sexual dysfunction and urinary control problems.

He also has a particular interest in prosthetic urology, in-

Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Sekula earned his medical degree at UMDNJ–New Jersey Medical School and completed his urology residency at Duke University Medical Center. Board certified in urology, he has also participated in clinical studies and contributed to publications including Journal of Urology and Prostate.

Daniel R. Welchons, MD

also studied treatments for enlarged prostate and earned designation as a UroLift® Center of Excellence in 2020.

BOARD CERTIFIED UROLOGIST portant part of his work.

For Dr. Daniel Welchons, helping patients understand their care is an im-

“I believe patients make the best decisions when they truly understand their options. I make it a priority to explain not just what I recommend, but why — so patients feel informed and confident every step of the way.” His practice includes laparoscopic, robotic and prosthetic surgery, with interests in urologic cancers, enlarged prostate, voiding dysfunction and sexual dysfunction. He has

“

tions, with a particular interest in surgery for kidney cancer. His experience includes robotic procedures to remove part or all of a kidney, minimally invasive repair of pelvic organ prolapse and treatments for urinary incontinence.

Having four of our urologists honored in this year's reader poll speaks to something bigger than individual recognition — it reflects a culture at Associated Medical Professionals of NY where collaboration and patient-centered care come first. We're incredibly proud of our urology team and grateful to the Mohawk Valley community for their trust.

”

— Maria Grice, COO of AMP of NY 72 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

Board certified in urology, Dr. Welchons received a full-tuition academic scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine after graduating with highest honors from Geneseo State University. He completed his surgical internship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and his residency through the Harvard Program in Urology. During training, he was involved in teaching Harvard medical students and served as an instructor in robotic surgery for the New England Urology Training Course.

Associated Medical Professionals of New York 2 Ellinwood Drive, New Hartford, NY 13413 315-724-1012 Additional offices throughout Central New York can be found at AMPOFNY.COM

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2026 TOP DOCS HEMATOLOGY / ONCOLOGY

NEPHROLOGY

Dr. Manzurul Sikder Slocum-Dickson Medical Group

Dr. Charles Eldredge Mohawk Valley Nephrology Associates

Dr. Atul Butala MVHS Hematology/Oncology Group Dr. Ayana Allard-Picou Bassett Healthcare Network

Dr. Emile Wassel Kidney and Hypertension Consultants

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Dr. William LeCates Wynn Hospital

Dr. Waleed Albert MVHS / Wynn Hospital Dr. Charles Hyman, MD Bassett Healthcare Network

Dr. Ahmad Mian Mohawk Valley Nephrology Associates

NEUROSURGERY & NEUROLOGY

OBSTETRICS / GYNECOLOGY

Dr. Nicholas Qandah CNY Brain & Spine Neurosurgery Dr. Satish Krishnamurthy CNY Brain & Spine Neurosurgery Dr. Ossama Khazaal MVHS Dr. Jameel Arastu Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Dr. Ramesh Cherukuri Bassett Healthcare Network

Dr. Scott Beattie Hamilton Community Memorial Hospital Dr. Prabhat Ahluwalia CNY Advanced Gynecology PC Dr. Lora Papandrea MVHS Women's Health Services Dr. C. Nicole Pineau Rome Health Dr. Ankur Desai Mohawk Valley Women’s Health Associates / Rome Health Dr. Krislyn Flint Oneida Menopause & GYN Center

Specialized Foregut Care, Close to Home Rome Health welcomes its newest general surgeons, Dr. Leo Amodu, MPH, DABS, and Dr. Sayali Kulkarni, who bring advanced training in foregut procedures to the Rome community. Together, they provide specialized evaluation and surgical care for conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach and upper digestive system.

What Is the Foregut? The foregut includes the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine. Conditions affecting these areas can cause persistent heartburn, acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, abdominal discomfort and other symptoms that can impact everyday life.

Advanced Surgical Treatment When surgery is appropriate, they offer minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures, creating personalized treatment plans based on each patient's needs.

Advanced Technology at the Kaplan Center The new Kaplan Center for Surgical Services expands Rome Health's surgical capabilities with two state-of-the-art da Vinci robotic surgical systems. The technology allows surgeons to perform many procedures through small incisions while providing enhanced visualization,

precision and control—giving patients access to advanced minimally invasive care close to home.

When Should You See a Specialist? If heartburn or acid reflux is persistent, medications aren't providing enough relief, or you're experiencing difficulty

Did you know as a local health plan, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield works alongside community providers to address regional health care challenges and build a stronger, more patient-centered health care system for the people it serves? 74 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

swallowing, recurring discomfort or other ongoing digestive symptoms, it may be time for a consultation. Dr. Amodu and Dr. Kulkarni can evaluate your symptoms, explain your options and determine whether surgery or another treatment approach may be right for you. To make an appointment call 315.338.7040.

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2026 TOP DOCS OPHTHALMOLOGY

ORTHOPEDICS

PAIN MANAGEMENT

PEDIATRICS

PODIATRY

Dr. Steven Williams Mohawk Valley Retina

Dr. M. Asad Khalid CNY Orthopedics Dr. Andrew Wickline Genesee Orthopedics & Plastic Surgery Associates

Dr. Taryn Rio Slocum-Dickson Medical Group

Dr. Kimberly Hurley MVHS

Dr. Patrick Costello Costello Eye Physicians & Surgeons

Dr. Nathaniel Gould Slocum-Dickson Medical Group

Dr. Alexander Harris Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Eye Care

Dr. Richelle Takemoto Hamilton Community Memorial Hospital

Dr. Michelle Johnston Lewis County General Hospital

Dr. Jonathan Henderson Utica Pediatrics Dr. Margaret Cooper Rome Health Pediatrics

Dr. Joseph Gale MVHS

Dr. Mitchell Rubinovich Rome Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Dr. Kamal Banga Hamilton Community Memorial Hospital

Dr. Lorna Grant CNY Eye Physicians & Surgeons

Ahmad Shafi Mian, MD NEPHROLOGY Mohawk Valley Nephrology Associates

For 19 years, Dr. Ahmad Shafi Mian has cared for patients with kidney disease in the Mohawk Valley. Throughout that time, his approach has remained simple: “For me, Patient Care comes first, everything else follows.” After graduating from Ross University School of Medicine, Dr. Mian completed his internal medicine residency and nephrology fellowship at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He then joined Drs. Eldredge and Tisch at Mohawk Valley Nephrology Associates, where he has built his career caring for patients in our community. Along with his work at the practice, Dr. Mian has taken an active role in local dialysis care. He has served as medical director of the MVHS Dialysis Program since 2010 and now also serves as medical director of the US Renal Dialysis Program in the Mohawk Valley region. His involvement in dialysis care has been a

“

Dr. Nameer Haider OMNI Pain and Precision

For me, Patient Care comes first, everything else follows.

”

significant part of his work here, spanning more than 15 years. Dr. Mian also serves as vice president of the medical staff at Wynn Hospital. Together, his practice and leadership responsibilities have kept him closely involved in the care available to patients throughout the region. When describing his approach to that work, Dr. Mian points to a favorite quote from Dr. Francis Peabody: “The secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.” It’s a belief that reflects his own words about putting patients first, and one that continues to guide his work after nearly two decades in the Mohawk Valley.

Mohawk Valley Nephrology Associates 125 Business Park Drive, Suite 150 Utica, NY 13502 315-735-3541

Did you know Excellus BlueCross BlueShield partners closely with local doctors, hospitals, and care teams to create a more connected health care experience, helping members spend less time navigating the system and more time focusing on their health? 76 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

Dr. Marc Ritter Sauquoit Valley Pediatrics

Dr. Greg Rorick Rorick Podiatry Dr. Mark Hobaica Hobaica Podiatry Dr. Joseph Mungari Foot Doctors of Utica Dr. Ayanda Dube Rome Health Podiatry

U.S. RENAL CARE WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE

Our Top Doctor in the Mohawk Valley Region Ahmad S. Mian, MD Medical Director of Nephrology

“For me, patient care comes first, everything else follows.” — Dr. Mian, on his approach to patient care

U.S. Renal Care partners with nephrologists to care for more than 37,000 people living with kidney disease across 32 states, offering in-center and home dialysis options that support each patient’s unique lifestyle and care needs.

usrenalcare.com

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Helping You Stay in the Game

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Helping people of all ages move comfortably and keep doing what they love. When joint pain or an injury starts changing how you live, even simple routines can become difficult. Walking the dog, climbing stairs or spending time with grandchildren may take more effort than they once did. At CNY Orthopedics, Dr. M. Asad Khalid helps patients explore their options for easing pain, improving movement and getting back to the things they enjoy. A board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Khalid serves as team physician for the Utica Comets, SUNY Morrisville, Syracuse FC and local high schools, including Oneida and Camden. His practice also welcomes people whose goals have little to do with competition and everything to do with enjoying daily life.

Experience Beyond the Playing Field Dr. Khalid grew up playing basketball and baseball in Houston and continues to play basketball today. His medical training included an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and a sports medicine fellowship at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. During his fellowship, he was involved in the care of athletes with the New Orleans Saints, New Orleans Pelicans and University of New Orleans. At CNY Orthopedics, his philosophy is to treat patients as he would his own family and to give athletes at every level the same attention he brings to professional sports. Understanding what each person hopes to do again helps guide that care, whether it is returning to a team, gardening or keeping up with grandchildren.

A Shared Vision for Regional Care Dr. Khalid’s decision to join the team at CNY Brain & Spine brought together

“

complementary expertise and a shared commitment to personalized patient care. Together, they have developed a subspecialty neuromusculoskeletal program serving greater Central New York, uniting orthopedics, sports medicine, neurosurgery, spine care and pain management in a coordinated approach centered on each patient.

Relieving Pain, Restoring Movement Pain can gradually change a person’s routine. A walk becomes shorter. Stairs become more difficult. A favorite activity gets put aside. Addressing those concerns is an important part of orthopedic care, including for older adults who want to maintain their mobility. Dr. Khalid emphasizes exploring nonsurgical treatments whenever possible. Depending on the condition, options at CNY Orthopedics include physical therapy, medication, bracing and injections. The practice treats a range of concerns, including arthritis, rotator cuff tears, knee injuries and other joint and tendon problems. CNY Orthopedics also offers plateletrich plasma, or PRP, injections as part of the growing field of regenerative medicine. Using concentrated platelets and growth factors from a patient’s own blood, PRP is designed to support the body’s healing response. It adds to the practice’s range of nonsurgical treatments, giving appropriate patients another option for addressing certain joint and tendon conditions. When surgery is appropriate, the practice’s services include arthroscopy, ligament and tendon repair, cartilage restoration and joint replacement. Having both surgical and nonsurgical options allows patients to discuss different approaches to their care.

Joining the team at CNY Brain & Spine has given us the opportunity to build something meaningful for our region,” says Dr. Khalid. “Our synergistic approach brings different areas of expertise together around one common goal: understanding the whole patient. By combining our strengths, we can develop a personalized care plan that reflects each person’s needs, priorities and goals, whether that means returning to sports, getting back to work or enjoying everyday life.

”

78 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

Dr. M. Asad Khalid ORTHOPEDIC AND SPORTS MEDICINE SURGEON CNY Orthopedics

An Experienced Team, Close to Home That collaborative philosophy extends throughout Dr. Khalid’s orthopedic team, which brings together expertise in orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, athletic training and nursing. Working alongside him are Dr. Ken Ortega, Dr. Gorav Simlote, Tara Baier, PA-C, ATC, Jessica Khalid, FNP, and Tim Gilliam, PA-C. With orthopedic offices in New Hartford, Oneida and Rome, patients can access this expertise close to home, supported by the broader CNY Brain & Spine team. The practice’s message, “Get Back to What Moves You,” means something different to each person who comes through the door. It may be another season on the field or a round of golf with friends. It may be shopping independently or enjoying a walk with family. Each is a reason to seek care, and each deserves attention.

CNY Orthopedics New Hartford | Oneida | Rome 315-960-3940 cnyorthopedics.com

Get Back to

What Moves You. ORTHOPEDIC CARE FOR A MORE ACTIVE LIFE

M. Asad Khalid, MD BOARD-CERTIFIED, FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED ORTHOPEDIC & SPORTS MEDICINE SURGEON

Compassionate, evidence-based care to help you move better, feel better, and get back to the activities you love.

SPECIALIZING IN

Knee • Hip • Shoulder • Elbow • Sports Injuries ACL RECONSTRUCTION | MENISCUS REPAIR | CARTILAGE RESTORATION | JOINT REPLACEMENT

Team Physician for

Central New York Athletes PROUD TO SUPPORT THE UTICA COMETS AND SUNY MORRISVILLE ATHLETES

SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE NEW HARTFORD | ONEIDA | ROME

cnyorthopedics.com

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2026 TOP DOCS PSYCHIATRY

PULMONOLOGY

Dr. Kamrul Kaun MVHS

Dr. Mohammed Seedat Rome Health Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine

Dr. James Gilfert MVHS

Dr. Tatyana Antonevich A Health Medicine

Dr. Marcellus Cephas Rome Health

Dr. Sushma Kaul MVHS Pulmonary Medicine & Critical Care Dr. Eze Amaechi MVHS Pulmonary Medicine & Critical Care

RADIOLOGY / INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY Dr. Kenneth Murphy Radiology Associates of New Hartford Dr. Jeffrey Kwasniewski Radiology Associates of New Hartford Dr. John Picano Radiology Associates of New Hartford

SLEEP MEDICINE Dr. Tatyana Antonevich A Health Medicine Dr. Mohammed Seedat Rome Health Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine Dr. Anwar Wassel Sleep Disorders Lab of Central New York

Bassett Healthcare Network Bassett Healthcare Network is combining advanced medical expertise, compassionate care, and innovation to meet the evolving needs of the rural communities across the Mohawk Valley and Central New York. Today, they are still guided by the belief the health system was founded on more than 100 years ago – that people living in rural communities deserve access to high-quality healthcare. Bassett Medical Center is proud to be a Magnet designated hospital, the highest national

honor for nursing quality and patient care. Bassett serves an eight-county region across 5,600 square miles and is comprised of five hospitals – A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta, Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, and Little Falls Hospital; more than two dozen community-based clinics; over 20 schoolbased health centers; two long-term care centers; an assisted living facility; a home health agency; and many more

Did you know Excellus BlueCross BlueShield collaborates with providers to share data, tools, and resources that support better care coordination, helping improve health outcomes and reduce preventable complications and hospitalizations? 80 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

community services. Along with inpatient and emergency care, Bassett provides wide-ranging advanced health care across a number of specialties including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer care, vascular care, women’s health, plastic and reconstructive surgery, psychiatry, pediatrics, dermatology, gastroenterology, robotic surgery, and more. Many Bassett Healthcare Network practitioners are recognized in this year’s Mohawk Valley Living Top Doctors edition.

U T L A A R T I G O N N O S to our C Bassett Healthcare Network practitioners

Joseph Ayers, MD

Charles Casale, MD

Ramesh Cherukuri, MD

Margaret Dowd, MD

Charles Hyman, MD

Luis Oceguera, MD

Jordynn Odin, FNP-BC

Amulya Penmetsa, MD

Elizabeth Redd, MD

Vascular Surgery

Dermatology

Advanced Practice Providers

Gastroenterology

Infectious Disease

Gastroenterology

Neurosurgery & Neurology

General Surgery

Otolaryngology (ENT)

for being selected as best in the region by the readers of Mohawk Valley Living! Bassett takes pride in the excellent care delivered every day by the more than 500 practitioners serving our eight-county region.

Bassett.org

1-800-BASSETT

On the Cover

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2026 TOP DOCS SPORTS MEDICINE

UROLOGY

Dr. M. Asad Khalid CNY Orthopedics

Dr. Daniel Welchons AMP of New York

Dr. Bashar Omarbasha AMP of New York

Dr. Richelle Takemoto Hamilton Community Memorial Hospital

Dr. Jeffrey Sekula AMP of New York

Dr. Brent Carlyle AMP of New York

VASCULAR SURGERY Dr. Asad Khan St. Joseph’s / Trinity Health, Mohawk Glen Medical Park and Health Center Dr. Mario Carrillo MVHS Vascular Surgery Group

Dr. Christopher Max MVHS Surgical Group Dr. Joseph Ayers Bassett Healthcare Network

Expertise For Every Heart Comprehensive Care at Central New York Cardiology Heart care can begin with a concern, a diagnosis or the need for ongoing support. At Central New York Cardiology, patients have access to specialists whose expertise spans a wide range of heart and vascular conditions, all within the region they call home. Serving Central New York since 1981, the practice brings together specialists in clinical and diagnostic cardiology, interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. Services include noninvasive testing, nuclear cardiology,

structural heart care and vascular care, supporting patients from diagnosis through treatment. That breadth of expertise gives patients access to care for complex cardiovascular needs without losing the convenience of a local practice. With offices in Utica, Rome, Oneida, Herkimer and Lowville, Central New York Cardiology continues a commitment that has guided its work for more than four decades: bringing experienced cardiac care closer to the communities it serves.

Did you know that members and non-members can go to the Resource Center of the Mohawk Valley in New Hartford to ask health insurance questions face to face? 82 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

“The Heartbeat of Cardiology in Central New York” We are proud to celebrate the excellence of our physicians recognized as Top Doctors in our community.

CNY Cardiology is a team of board-certified cardiologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and cardiovascular technicians dedicated to providing topquality cardiac care. Services include consultations, catheterization, angioplasty, TAVR, Watchman, advanced testing, electrophysiology, pacemaker implantation, and defibrillator placement. Prioritize your heart health— schedule an appointment at one of our offices today! Utica: 601 State Street Suite 200, Utica, NY 13502 T: (315) 733-7598 Rome: 91 Perimeter Road West Suite 180, Rome, NY 13441 T: (315) 339-6420 Oneida: 578 Seneca St, Oneida, NY 13421 T: (315) 361-4024 Herkimer: 201 East State Street, Herkimer, NY 13350 T: (315) 574-0026 Lowville: 7785 N. State Street, Suite 30, Lowville, NY 13367 T: (315) 376-5399

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Strengthening Provider Partnerships in the Utica Region

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A Q&A with Dr. Nicholas Massa, vice president, chief medical officer, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield A strong local health care system depends on strong local partnerships. As health care becomes increasingly complex, closer collaboration between providers, hospitals, and health plans can help improve care coordination and create a better experience for patients and clinicians alike. For communities across the Mohawk Valley, including Utica, Rome, and surrounding Oneida and Herkimer counties, these partnerships can also help address local health care challenges and strengthen access to high-quality care close to home. As a physician and medical director for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Dr. Nicholas Massa has seen firsthand the difference this kind of care integration can make. Q: Why are stronger provider partnerships important for the Utica region? Patients often tell us that navigating the health care system can feel complicated and disconnected, especially when care involves multiple providers or settings. Stronger partnerships help bring physicians, hospitals, care teams, and health plans

Bringing Exceptional Care Closer to Home At Community Memorial, we believe exceptional healthcare begins with exceptional people—and this year’s Top Doctors recognition is a wonderful reflection of the physicians and providers who make a difference for patients throughout our region. We are proud to have several members of the Community Memorial team recognized 84 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

together around a shared goal: delivering high-quality, coordinated care. In the Utica region, we are fortunate to have dedicated providers and health care organizations serving our communities. By working closely together, we can better connect patients to services and support care that is more seamless and easier to navigate. Q: How can these partnerships help physicians and care teams? Time spent on administrative tasks remains a significant challenge for many providers. Through better information exchange, we can reduce these burdens and simplify certain aspects of care delivery. When providers have greater visibility into a patient's health care journey, they can spend less time on paperwork and more time caring for patients. Q: What does success look like? Success means things like less patient frustration with navigating the healthcare system and fewer preventable

among Mohawk Valley Living’s 2026 Top Doctors. These honors represent more than individual accomplishments. They reflect our commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care close to home. That commitment continues as Community Memorial expands its reach throughout the region. We are growing our primary care presence in New Hartford, creating additional opportunities for individuals and families to establish relationships with trusted providers and access care closer to where they live and work.

Dr. Nicholas Massa VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

hospitalizations. It means providers and health plans working together to meet the unique needs of people throughout the Mohawk Valley. For Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, success also means continuing to invest in the communities we serve. We have a long history in the Mohawk Valley, and we remain committed to helping create a healthier future for Utica and the surrounding region.

From primary care to specialty services, advanced imaging, emergency care, rehabilitation and more, Community Memorial is investing in the people, technology and facilities needed to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our communities. We are grateful to our providers, employees and patients who make this progress possible. As we grow, our mission remains the same: to provide exceptional care, close to home, for the communities we are honored to serve.

Community Community Memorial Memorial

AT ATCOMMUNITY COMMUNITYMEMORIAL, MEMORIAL, WE’RE WE’RECOMMITTED COMMITTEDTO TOBETTER. BETTER. Better Better Access Access• Better • BetterServices Services Better Better Wait Wait Times Times• Better • BetterExperience Experience

Dr. Beattie Dr. Beattie Women's Women's Health Health

Dr. Rebuck Dr. Rebuck Anesthesia Anesthesia

Dr. Takemoto Dr. Takemoto Orthopedics Orthopedics

Dr. Singh Dr. Singh Cardiology Cardiology

Dr. Banga Dr. Banga Orthopedics Orthopedics

Dr. Qandah Dr. Qandah Neurosurgery/Spine Neurosurgery/Spine CNY CNY BrainBrain & Spine & Spine

Patients Patientspicked pickedthe thebest. best.We Wecouldn’t couldn’t agree agreemore; more;congratulations congratulationstotoour our Top TopDoctors Doctorsininthe theUtica Uticaregion! region!

communitymemorial.org communitymemorial.org

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Dr. Nameer Haider: Bringing the Future of Medicine to Central New York For Dr. Nameer R. Haider, exceptional medical care begins with a simple principle: patients should not have to travel far to access the latest advances in pain management, spine care, regenerative medicine and medical technology. Triple board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine and Interventional Pain, Dr. Haider has devoted his career to helping patients regain function, independence and quality of life. At OMNI Pain & Precision Medicine and OMNI Surgery Center, he leads a multidisciplinary team focused on identifying the source of each patient’s condition and developing an individualized treatment plan—from noninvasive therapies to sophisticated minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Haider’s clinical reach also extends beyond Central New York. He holds surgical privileges at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and practices in the greater Washington, D.C.–Maryland– Virginia region through the Cell Bionics Institute, his DMV-area clinic focused on advanced interventional, regenerative and precision medicine. “We are continually asking how we can relieve pain, restore movement and help the body function more effectively while minimizing tissue disruption and recovery time,” Dr. Haider says. “Innovation is meaningful only when it improves the patient’s experience and outcome.”

A New Era of Minimally Invasive Spine Care OMNI offers advanced alternatives for appropriately selected patients who might otherwise face extensive surgery or prolonged reliance on medication. Among these options is endoscopic spine surgery, which uses a small camera and specialized instruments to address certain sources of spinal pain and nerve compression through a very small incision. Compared with traditional open surgery, an endoscopic approach may result in less disruption of surrounding tissue, reduced postoperative discomfort and a faster recovery for appropriately selected patients. Dr. Haider also performs the MILD® procedure for patients with certain forms 86 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

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of lumbar spinal stenosis. This minimally invasive treatment removes small portions of tissue contributing to narrowing around the spinal nerves, without implants or traditional open surgery. For selected patients with spinal instability, OMNI offers the Minuteman® procedure, a minimally invasive interspinousinterlaminar fusion, or arthrodesis. It is designed to provide stabilization through a smaller surgical approach than conventional open fusion. Peripheral nerve stimulation, or PNS, represents another important advancement. By delivering targeted electrical stimulation near specific nerves, PNS may help qualifying patients with chronic neuropathic or musculoskeletal pain while reducing reliance on systemic medications. These and other procedures are performed at OMNI Surgery Center, a dedicated ambulatory surgical facility in Utica with four operating rooms designed for advanced outpatient interventional pain, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and minimally invasive spine care.

Regenerative and Restorative Medicine OMNI is also developing a comprehensive regenerative medicine program centered on the body’s natural healing and cellularsignaling mechanisms. Available services include platelet-rich plasma, commonly known as PRP, and bone marrow aspirate

Dr. Namir Haider PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION, AND INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT OMNI Pain & Precision Medicine and OMNI Surgery Center

concentrate, or BMAC. One emerging application is image-guided intraosseous BMAC transplant. During this procedure, concentrated bone-marrowderived cells and signaling components are delivered into targeted areas of bone in selected patients with painful degenerative joint or bone-marrow abnormalities. The objective is to address aspects of the underlying biological environment rather than simply suppressing symptoms. OMNI’s precision-medicine programs also explore the potential roles of peptides and extracellular-vesicle or exosome-based products. Because many regenerative products and their proposed clinical applications remain investigational or are not FDA-approved for treating specific diseases, these therapies require careful patient selection, informed consent and compliance with applicable federal and state requirements. Additional restorative technologies available through OMNI include RedVive® and Weber laser photobiomodulation. Photobiomodulation uses selected wavelengths of light to influence cellular processes and may be incorporated into individualized wellness, recovery and pain-management protocols when clinically appropriate.

Congratulations to our Top Doctor Dr. Nameer R. Haider

MD, FAAPM&R, AQPM, DABPM

n s tr t t www p n om

1508 1508 Genesee Ge e ee Street, S ee , Utica U ica (315) (315) 798-8737 798-8737 www.killpain.com .kill ai .c

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Expanding Beyond Pain Care OMNI’s vision extends beyond the spine and musculoskeletal system. The practice offers transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, a noninvasive technology that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate selected regions of the brain. TMS can provide an important option for qualifying patients with certain neurological or behavioral health conditions, including FDA-cleared indications such as treatment-resistant major depression. OMNI’s diagnostic capabilities are also advancing with the addition of a new AI-enhanced open MRI system. Its open design can provide a more comfortable experience for patients who experience claustrophobia, have difficulty tolerating a traditional enclosed scanner or require greater flexibility in positioning. AI-assisted imaging technology can support image reconstruction, workflow efficiency and diagnostic evaluation while preserving the radiologist’s essential clinical role. By integrating advanced imaging, clinical assessment and treatment within a coordinated setting, OMNI seeks to shorten the journey from diagnosis to an individualized care plan.

An International Faculty Comes to Central New York Dr. Haider’s commitment to advancing

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TOP DOCS + medicine also includes physician education, scientific exchange and professional collaboration. OMNI’s recent medical conference brought together an internationally renowned faculty of distinguished physicians, researchers and healthcare innovators. Faculty members shared their expertise and examined developments in minimally invasive spine surgery, interventional pain management, neuromodulation, regenerative medicine, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. The conference positioned Central New York as a destination for advanced medical education and provided an important forum for reviewing evolving clinical evidence, exchanging ideas and building collaborations among leaders from multiple specialties. The event reflected Dr. Haider’s belief that the future of medicine will be shaped not by any single procedure, but by the thoughtful integration of biological therapies, advanced medical devices, precision imaging, artificial intelligence and data-driven care. “Our responsibility is to evaluate innovation critically and introduce it responsibly,” Dr. Haider says. “Patients deserve access to advanced options, but they also deserve honesty about the evidence, risks, benefits and alternatives.”

Through OMNI Pain & Precision Medicine, OMNI Surgery Center and the Cell Bionics Institute, Dr. Haider continues to expand access to advanced care in Central New York and the Washington metropolitan region. His work combines decades of clinical experience with a determined pursuit of safer, less invasive and more personalized ways to help patients move forward.

NAMEER R. HAIDER MD, FAAPM&R, AQPM, DABPM Board Certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Board Certified Interventional Pain Management OMNI PAIN & PRECISION MEDICINE Utica Office 1508 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502 Phone: (315) 798-8737 Fax: (315) 797-6346 Omni Surgery Center 498 French Road, Utica, NY, 13502 Phone: (315) 798-8737 Fax: (315) 797-6346 www.killpain.com

“

Our responsibility is to evaluate innovation critically and introduce it responsibly. Patients deserve access to advanced options, but they also deserve honesty about the evidence, risks, benefits and alternatives.

88 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

”

KILLPAIN LLC / CELL BIONICS INSTITUTE Washington DC Office 3509 M Street NW Washington DC 20007 Phone: (703) 894-2224 Fax: (703) 997-2566 www.cellbionics.com Virginia Office 45929 Maries Avenue Suite 100 Phone:(703) 894-2224 Fax: (703) 997-2566 www.spine.pro

Congratulations and

Thank You

to Our Region’s Top Doctors

Saving and Sustaining Lives

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Recognizing Our Advanced Practice Providers

Throughout the Mohawk Valley, these advanced practice providers work in primary care offices, specialty practices and hospitals, alongside physicians and other members of the health care team.

For many of us, a nurse practitioner or physician assistant is someone we see regularly and have come to know and trust. They care for us when we’re sick, follow our progress, answer our questions and help us understand our options along the way.

Our readers nominated this year’s honorees because they wanted the people who have cared for them to be recognized, too. We’re pleased to include them in Top Doctors and celebrate the important role they play in the health and well-being of our region.

Advanced Practice Providers

Reid Beattie, PA CNY Brain & Spine Neurosurgery

Jordan Smithers, CRNA Wynn Hospital

Nicole Marchesani, NP Generations Family Health NP’s

Jonathan Mirabal, CRNA Wynn Hospital

Michal Hovak, NP Blooming Pediatrics

Tracey Downs, FNP Generations Family Health NP’s

Jackie Ireland, PA CNY Brain & Spine Neurosurgery

Coral Montana, NP Blooming Pediatrics

Cathryn Barns, NP, Dermatology Mohawk Glen Medical Park and Health Center

Kaitlin Butler, CRNA Wynn Hospital

Optometry

Amanda Stewart, FNP Amanda Stewart Family Health Nurse Practitioner PLLC Jordynn Odin, FNP-BC Bassett Healthcare Network Alex Carangelo, PA CNY Brain & Spine Neurosurgery Kevin Gehr, PA CNY Brain & Spine Neurosurgery Laura Buschmann, PA MVHS Bariatric Group

“

Kristin Gallagher, NP/FNP Generations Family Health NP’s Marilyn Lebiednik, NP Rome Health

Shannon Lee, FNP-C Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Ashley LaMonica, NP Arthritis Specialists Marianne Turner, FNP-BC Rome Health

Dr. Matthew Wadas Wadas Eye Group Dr. Ralph Lott Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Dr. Sam Bono New Hartford Eye Associates

Throughout the Mohawk Valley, advanced practice providers are an essential part of how excellent medicine reaches our community. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, CRNAs and other APPs bring deep clinical knowledge, skilled hands and a meaningful connection with patients and families. They do far more than extend a physician’s reach; they strengthen every part of the patient experience, from diagnosis and treatment to education, reassurance and follow-up. Healthcare is at its best when talented professionals bring different expertise to the same purpose. To the APPs serving our hospitals, practices and communities across the Mohawk Valley: thank you for making our medical teams stronger and our patients better cared for.

”

– Dr. Juleen Qandah, Board-Certified Emergency Physician and MVL Health Editor

With Thanks To Those Who Care For Us One of my favorite parts of putting together our Top Doctors issue is getting to know more about the people behind the names we hear every day. A physician someone recommends becomes a person whose story I now know, whose path brought them here, and whose approach to medicine I understand a little better. I hope these pages have given you that same sense of connection. At some point, we all need someone to turn to with a health concern. Sometimes it’s a question at a routine visit. Other times, it’s something unexpected that changes the course of our lives. In those moments, it matters to know who is here, what they do and where we can turn for help.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a physician or provider who has made a difference in your life or the life of someone you love. And thank you to the practices and health care organizations that helped us tell their stories. We’re also grateful to our presenting sponsor, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, for supporting Top Doctors for a second year and helping us recognize the people who devote their work to the health and well-being of the Mohawk Valley. To this year’s honorees, congratulations. Your patients took the time to tell us what you have meant to them, and I think that says more than any award ever could. It’s a privilege for us to share some of that appreciation in these pages. Thank you for being here for our families, our neighbors and all of us who call the Mohawk Valley home.

Did you know that members can manage their health plan from their smartphone? The Excellus BCBS mobile app offers convenient access to features specific to each plan. 90 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

Every partnership. Every connection. Everybody benefits®. We believe in showing up for the organizations, providers, and people that shape our community. And as a part of this community, we’re committed to making care more accessible – where and when it matters most. Thank you for your partnership in creating meaningful connections that support healthier lives. When we come together, everybody benefits.

Members have 24/7 access to:

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Find a Doctor tool

Fall Harvest

Windy Hill Orchard West

APPLE ORCHARDS & PUMPKIN FARMS Our guide to a favorite season in the Mohawk Valley Fall has always been my favorite time of year, but growing up on a third-generation produce farm in the Mohawk Valley, I suppose I never really stood a chance. Some of my earliest memories are in the pumpkin fields with my dad, mom, brother and cousins. From the time I was 4, I was out there with them, muddy and helping pick, long before I understood how much work went into growing what eventually ended up on someone else’s porch. The farm changed over the years, and eventually my dad moved on from pumpkins to green beans, corn, wheat and other rotational crops. But farming was always there. I grew up in the fields, driving equipment and learning early what those long days looked like alongside people who make their living from the land. It gave me an appreciation for farms and farmers that has never really left me. It also made me a bit of a green bean snob, but I think I’ve earned that one. I moved away from the Mohawk Valley first for college and later to pursue my career, but somehow, I ended up coming home both times. There are many things that kept drawing me back, but the familiar rhythm of fall has always been one of them: cooler 92 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

mornings, changing leaves, the smell of soil and the steady work of harvest. So much of what I love about this region is wrapped up in those memories, from days spent in my dad’s fields to the seasonal stops and family traditions that, no matter how far away I went, always felt like home. And I’ve already gotten a head start on those traditions this year. So far, I’ve been to North Star Orchards, Fly Creek Cider Mill, Cullen Pumpkin Farm, and Casler Flower Farm with plenty more fall season stops still on my list to check off. Across the Mohawk Valley and surrounding countryside, orchards and family farms have been growing food and welcoming visitors for decades, and in some cases, centuries. Some are working farms first, with a simple stand at the end of the driveway. Others have grown into full fall destinations with wagon rides, corn mazes, farm markets and activities for the kids. Many have been here for generations. What they share are the families behind them, tending the land, growing the food and carrying on traditions that have become part of fall for the rest of us, too. Last year, Carrie and RoAnn hit the road for a cider

By Lauryn Johns

and donut tour, visiting some of the Mohawk Valley’s favorite fall stops along the way. This year, we wanted to take it a little further and put together a guide to even more of the orchards, pumpkin farms, cider mills and local growers that make this season so special. Maybe it is because of the way I grew up, but when I visit these places now, I find myself thinking about the generations on both sides of the farm stand. There are the families who have spent years, sometimes generations, growing what we come to pick and buy. And then there are the families who return year after year, building traditions of their own. I think about that for my own future, too. Someday, I hope to share these places with my own children: choosing a pumpkin, eating a warm cider donut, walking through an orchard and coming home with muddy shoes and a car full of fall. So pick the apples, find the perfect pumpkin, grab the cider and, of course, don’t skip the donut. Take the kids through the corn maze, stop at the farm stand and make a day of it. There is always another back road to follow, another farm to discover and another reason to enjoy fall in the Mohawk Valley.

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Fall Harvest

APPLE COUNTRY Orchards, cider and the taste of fall

Around here, apple season isn’t something you simply mark on a calendar. You know when it arrives because cars start turning down country roads with empty bags in the back seat, cider donuts begin disappearing almost as quickly as they are made, and families head out in search of their favorite orchard. Every stop has its own personality, and that is part of what makes apple season so much fun.

Bellinger’s Orchard

685 Argersinger Road, Fultonville • (518) 922-8558

The family story at Bellinger’s Orchard in Fultonville stretches back more than 200 years. The Bellingers’ farming roots in the area began in 1804, and generations later, the orchard is still very much a family affair. There is plenty to do in the fall, from apples and pumpkins to cider donuts and seasonal activities, but part of the charm is simply being there when the orchard is busy and the season is in full swing. You see families who have clearly made it part of their yearly routine, and it is easy to understand why.

Rogers Family Orchards

260 County Hwy 131, Johnstown • (518) 762-8736

Apple growing is a family tradition now in its third generation at Rogers Family Orchards in Johnstown. Families return for apples, cider and cider donuts, but also for the comfort of going back to a place they know. There is something especially nice about seeing children in the orchard and knowing that some of the adults with them probably came there when they were young, too. Windy Hill Orchard West

Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard

North Star Orchards

There is enough at Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard to keep you there for a while. The historic mill has been a destination since 1856, and today visitors can watch cider being pressed, wander the grounds and browse a market filled with Mill-made specialties and regional foods. Fresh-pressed cider and fudge are always favorites, and you can stop for lunch before heading upstairs to sample hard ciders and wines in the tasting room. There is a lot tucked into one visit, but it still has the feel of an old-fashioned cider mill, and we tend to leave with more than we planned on, which is, of course, part of the fun!

The farm market is a big part of the experience at North Star Orchards in Westmoreland, with fresh produce, baked goods, cider, flowers and plenty of seasonal favorites all in one place. The orchard has grown over the years, but it still feels connected to the family behind it and to the people who return each season. There is always something new to find depending on the time of year, whether you are stopping for apples, picking up cider and donuts, browsing the greenhouse or filling a bag with produce from the market. It is the kind of place where you can make a quick stop or stay a little longer, and for many families, visiting North Star has simply become part of the fall routine.

288 Goose Street, Fly Creek • (607) 547-9692

Sand Flats Orchard

371 Martin Road, Fonda • (518) 853-4999

4741 NY-233, Westmoreland • (315) 853-1024

Sand Flats Orchard in Fonda is one of those easy fall stops that seems to offer a little bit of everything. Apples, cider, donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar straight out of the fryer and pumpkins give you plenty of reasons to pull in. Once you do, it is easy to slow down and stay awhile. It has the kind of relaxed feel that makes a quick orchard run turn into part of the afternoon.

Lakeview Orchard

133 County Hwy 123, Mayfield • (518) 613-4070

Windy Hill Orchard West

577 East Street, Cassville • (315) 822-0046

Visitors to Windy Hill Orchard West in Cassville can head into the orchard to pick their own apples before stopping at the farm market for fresh-made cider donuts and cider pressed right on the premises using the orchard’s own homegrown apples. Inside, you’ll also find plenty of fall extras, from homemade fudge and jams to mums, local honey, maple syrup and New York cheese. Add in live music events throughout the season, and it is an easy place to settle into a fall afternoon. 94 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

For something smaller and a little more tucked away, Lakeview Orchard in Mayfield offers pickyour-own apples along with seasonal vegetables, cider, baked goods and farm market favorites. It is an easy place to stop when you are out exploring, and one of those spots where you can take your time, pick what is in season and come home with a little more than you planned.

Clinton Cider Mill

28 Elm Street, Clinton • (315) 853-5756

And then there is Clinton Cider Mill. It is not an orchard, but for us, it belongs in any conversation about apple season. You smell the warm cinnamon and fresh donuts as soon as you walk in, and between the cold cider and those cider donuts coming out warm, there really is not much more you need. After a day of orchard hopping and driving the back roads, it is a pretty perfect way to end the day.

North Star Orchards

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Fall Harvest

PUMPKIN COUNTRY Fields, farm stands and fall traditions

If apple season gets us thinking about fall, pumpkin season makes it official. By mid-September, fields across the region begin turning orange, roadside stands fill with pumpkins and weekends start revolving around hayrides, corn mazes and the annual search for just the right one. For me, pumpkins carry an extra layer of meaning. Long before I was writing about local farms, I was a little girl following my dad through the fields. From the age of 4, I was muddy, bundled up and helping him pick. I may not have understood all the work that went into growing those pumpkins at the time, but I knew the fields mattered and that there was something special about bringing people food grown right here at home.

Cullen Pumpkin Farm 587 Cullen Rd., Richfield Springs • (315) 867-3878

At Cullen Pumpkin Farm in Richfield Springs, fall is a family tradition more than 70 years in the making. The Shypski family farm began in 1953 as a dairy operation

Will’s Cackleberry Castle Pumpkin Farm

before eventually transitioning to sweet corn, hay and, by the mid-1980s, pumpkins. Today, John Shypski and Ellen Coogan operate the farm alongside John’s brothers, Tom and Richard, continuing the dream their father started. Each year, the family hand-plants an incredible 20,000 to 30,000 pumpkin seeds and spends months preparing the farm for fall. But perhaps the most meaningful part comes when the gates open and generations return. Children who once visited Cullen are now bringing their own kids to pick pumpkins, ride the wagons and make memories, carrying a family tradition at the farm from one generation to the next.

Casler Flower Farm 895 Babcock Hill Rd., West Winfield • (315) 822-5135

Cullen Pumpkin Farm

Of course, not every fall stop has to come with a corn maze or a full afternoon of activities. Across the Mohawk Valley, smaller farms, greenhouses and roadside stands offer their own version of the season, whether that means pumpkins stacked by the roadside, rows of colorful mums or everything you need to dress up the front porch for fall.

Tassleberry Farm

4879 Stop 7 Road, Westmoreland • (315) 794-9208 / (315) 941-8192

Fall comes straight from the fields at Tassleberry Farm in Westmoreland. The third-generation family farm has transitioned from dairy farming to cash crops and today manages nearly 350 acres, growing everything from strawberries and peas to sweet corn, pumpkins, fall squash, soybeans and wheat. Sweet corn can continue into October, with pumpkins and plenty of fall décor available as harvest season gets underway. The farm And those are only a few. Throughout the region, pumpkins and fall flowers begin appearing at farm markets, greenhouses and roadside stands you may have driven past a hundred times without stopping. Some are destinations you plan an afternoon around. Others are the places you spot from the road, turn around for and leave with a pumpkin in the trunk and a mum squeezed onto the back seat. Part of the fun 96 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

In last month’s issue we deep-dove into the story of Casler Flower Farm in West Winfield. Tracey Casler began growing cut flowers in 2001, selling them from a roadside stand and at farmers markets before the business grew into the farm it is today. Fall brings

homegrown pumpkins, mums, cornstalks and seasonal décor, giving visitors plenty of reasons to make the trip as the leaves begin to change. What began as a small roadside flower stand has become a place where families return throughout the seasons, including for pumpkins and all those familiar touches that make it feel like fall.

Will’s Cackleberry Castle Pumpkin Farm 1175 Hillsboro Rd., Camden • (315) 245-0104

Generations of the Will family have worked the land at Will’s Cackleberry Castle Pumpkin Farm in Camden, and over time the farm has become a fall tradition for families throughout the area. What began with chickens, produce and a pumpkin patch eventually grew to include hayrides, a corn maze and plenty for kids to explore. Today, Misty and Chris continue that tradition with help from their family and crew, welcoming visitors back each season for the kind of simple fall outing that often becomes part of a family’s own yearly routine.

stand operates on the honor system, making it the kind of simple roadside stop where you can pull in, pick up something grown locally and be on your way.

Michael’s Greenhouse and Florist 2774 Oneida St., Sauquoit • (315) 737-8181

Michael’s Greenhouse and Florist in Sauquoit is one of those places where the changing season shows up in what is growing. Owner Michael Riccardi purchased the former Strawberry Geranium in 2012 and has been growing flowers and plants there ever since, starting seeds as early as February and tending them through the season. Come fall, the greenhouse fills with seasonal favorites, including mums, pumpkins, cornstalks and hay bales, along with fresh apple cider donuts and other baked goods. It is an easy local stop for bringing a little bit of fall home, whether you are decorating the porch or just stopping in for something sweet.

Michael’s Greenhouse and Florist

is finding those smaller places and bringing home something grown just down the road.

the rest of us arrive looking for the perfect pumpkin or something colorful for the front porch.

Behind all of it is a growing season most of us never see. Pumpkin seeds were planted months before anyone was thinking about Halloween. Flowers were started when winter was still outside the greenhouse. Fields and greenhouses were tended through summer heat and rain, all leading up to these few short weeks when

That is one of the things we love most about visiting these local growers in the fall. You may come home with pumpkins, mums or something fresh from the farm stand, but you also get a closer look at the people, work and traditions behind the season.

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Follow the back roads and see where fall takes you One of our favorite ways to explore farm country is without much of a plan. Head toward Fultonville or Fonda for apple picking, wander through Johnstown and the surrounding countryside, or follow Route 20 toward Richfield Springs. Make your way through Clinton, Cassville, Camden, Fly Creek or Schoharie, and if you see a farm stand sign along the way, stop. Some of our favorite finds over the years have happened exactly that way. For me, these drives are about more than finding a place to pick apples or buy pumpkins. I have left this area and returned twice, and every time I come back, the familiar farm roads, fields and seasonal stops remind me why this place has always felt like home. Beyond the orchards and pumpkin farms featured here, family farms, greenhouses and markets throughout the region are selling apples, pumpkins, squash, sweet corn, maple products, honey, baked goods, meats, cheeses, flowers, mums and all sorts of seasonal favorites. Some have been here for generations, while others are relatively new. Some have large farm markets and a full schedule of activities, while others have little more than a roadside stand and an honor box. Together, they’re part of the landscape of this region and part of what makes fall here feel like fall.

OUR FALL CHECKLIST Pick apples straight from the tree, find a pumpkin that’s far too large and carry it anyway, eat a cider donut while it’s still warm and get lost in a corn maze. Buy 98 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

mums from a farm stand, take the wagon ride, bring home cider and let the kids choose the weirdest gourd they can find. Most of all, stop somewhere you’ve driven past a hundred times but never visited. While you’re there, talk to the farmers. Ask how the season has been, what’s growing or which apple they like best. You might find out which pumpkin makes the best pie or discover something at the farm stand you’ve never tried before. Chances are, you’ll head home knowing a little more about the people and places that make up this region. And if you happen to find fresh green beans, take my advice: try them. I may be a little particular about mine after growing up around my dad’s fields, but that is part of the fun of knowing where your food comes from. The best farm stand finds are often the ones that bring back a memory. Fall moves quickly in the Mohawk Valley. The apples get picked, the pumpkin fields empty and, before long, those same farm roads will be covered in snow. For a few weeks, though, we get to enjoy all of it. So load up the car, bring the kids or grandkids, call a friend and head out into farm country. Take the long way, stop for cider and come home with too many apples and at least one pumpkin you probably didn’t need. Maybe, like me, you will find yourself returning to the same places year after year. Maybe you will discover a new favorite to add to the list. And maybe, someday, you will bring your own children along and pass these traditions on to them.

Sand Flats Orchard

Those are the fall days we remember, and the ones we hope to share. Editor’s note: Farm hours, activities, crop availability and opening dates can change throughout the season. Check with individual farms before heading out.

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The Perfect Blazer:

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LET’S TALK BLAZERS

As the owner of Worthy, the trusted luxury resale boutique here in the Mohawk Valley, I spend a lot of time thinking about the pieces that can change an entire outfit without sending you on a full wardrobe overhaul. This fall, it really comes down to three letters: A-B-C.

It can feel intimidating standing in front of a rack of them. It shouldn’t. Here’s how I break it down for my guests:

A is for Accessories. They’re the whole point! A great bag, a statement belt, a bold shoe, a piece of jewelry you can’t stop touching. These are the fastest way to bring in color and personality without buying a single new piece of clothing.

Then there’s the oversized blazer, which is where things loosen up. Thrown over a plain tee, jeans, and sneakers or loafers, it gives you that effortless “I just grabbed this” look that’s actually pretty hard to fake.

B is for Blazers. Powerful, polished, and endlessly versatile, the blazer is the hardest working piece in your closet. It sharpens up your favorite jeans, adds structure to a soft dress, and instantly elevates the simplest outfit. C is for Coats. Fall is a layering season, and your coat is the final touch. Tailored wool, cozy statement jackets, whatever you choose, it’s the first thing people see.

Find your silhouette The classic tailored blazer never goes out of style. Clean lines, a bit of structure, a fit that skims rather than squeezes.

Want something with more shape? A double breasted or belted blazer gives you a defined waistline and a little drama. Focus on fit, not the size tag Start with the shoulders. They should sit cleanly, without pulling or collapsing, and you should be able to move your arms and layer underneath comfortably. Pro tip: don’t get hung up on the number on the tag. How it fits and how it makes you feel matters more!

Layer it like you mean it Throw it over a white tee and jeans for everyday polish. Layer it over a silk cami and trousers for a night out. One of my favorite combinations? A blazer over a dress. It adds structure to something soft and instantly feels like a whole new outfit.

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mirror. That’s the whole game: confidence, not just coverage. So here’s your fall formula, one more time: A is for Accessories that add personality and pull a look together. B is for Blazers, the one piece that can transform your entire wardrobe. C is for Coats, the finishing touch that keeps you warm while making a statement. Three simple pieces. Endless possibilities. Trust Worthy to help you find the ones that make your wardrobe feel brand new!

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MV Fit By Lisa Briggs

The Season is

Changing. Your Habits Don't Have To.

Staying consistent this fall may simply mean being willing to adjust. October in the Mohawk Valley always seems to bring a noticeable shift. The mornings are cooler, the days get shorter and schedules start to feel different than they did during the summer. Evening walks may be harder to fit in, school and sports are back in full swing, and before we know it, the holidays will be here. When life changes, our fitness routines often need to change with it. That does not mean giving up on the goals we have been working toward. In fact, one of the most important parts of building a lasting fitness routine is learning how to adjust without stopping altogether. Consistency does not mean doing the exact same workout, at the exact same time, all year long. Sometimes it means finding a different way to keep moving when your schedule, your energy or the weather changes.

MAKE FALL WORK FOR YOU Fall can actually be a great time to be active, especially here in the Mohawk Valley. Cooler temperatures can make walking, hiking and spending time outside more comfortable, and we usually get plenty of beautiful fall days worth taking advantage of. You might go for a longer walk, add a few hills, spend time on a local trail or simply get outside with your family. The goal does not have to be complicated. Moving more and enjoying the season can go hand in hand. Of course, not every day will cooperate. When the weather turns or daylight becomes limited, the answer does not have to be stopping. An outdoor walk can move indoors, a longer workout can become a shorter strength session, and a routine that no longer fits in the evening may work better earlier in the day. That kind of flexibility is often what keeps a routine going. That sense of movement and community is especially meaningful this October. Fit Body Boot Camp is proud to be the fitness sponsor for the Making Strides Walk on October 25 at MVCC, and a 102 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

strong supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a great reminder that being active is not always about a workout. Sometimes it is about showing up, walking alongside others and supporting a cause that touches so many families in our community.

YOU DON’T NEED HOURS This is also the time of year when calendars start filling up quickly, and one of the first things people tend to push aside is exercise. It is easy to think that if you do not have a full hour, the workout is not worth doing. But it is. A focused 30-minute workout can be meaningful, especially when it is something you can maintain consistently. At Fit Body Boot Camp, that is something we emphasize because fitness has to fit into real life. Most people are balancing work, family, appointments, activities and a long list of other responsibilities. Some days you may have more time and energy than others, and that is normal. What matters is continuing to make space for movement in a way that is realistic for your life.

The goal does not have to be dramatic to matter. In many cases, the most effective goal is the one you can actually follow through on week after week. Each time you keep that commitment to yourself, you build confidence and momentum, and both can be especially helpful as we head into November and December when schedules often become even busier. There is no need to frame October around losing weight before the holidays or making a major transformation. A better goal may be to stay active, build strength, protect your energy and create a routine that helps you feel good going into the rest of the year. Your routine may look different now than it did in July or August, and that is okay. Fitness should be able to change with your life rather than becoming one more thing that feels impossible to maintain. So as the weather cools and the leaves change across the Mohawk Valley, use this month as an opportunity to find a routine that fits the season you are in. The season may be changing, but your goals can keep moving forward with you.

PICK ONE GOAL FOR OCTOBER October can also be a good time to choose one simple goal and focus on it for the month. Maybe you want to complete three workouts each week, walk more often, improve your strength or simply get back into the habit of moving regularly.

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

Maximalist Fall Salad I think salad should either be extremely plain, just greens and vinaigrette, or full of all the accoutrement you can think of. This is definitely the latter. In my ongoing quest to actually like winter squash, I roasted it with Baharat, a warm and flavorful Lebanese spice blend, and then wondered what else I could add that would combat what I perceive as the fruit’s excessive sweetness. Radicchio’s vibrant color and robust bitterness made it the perfect candidate, and it’s good for you to boot – bitter greens stimulate stomach enzymes that can improve digestion, and radicchio in particular is rich in beneficial antioxidants. If you are not a fan of maximalist salads, you could leave it at just roasted squash and radicchio, but the fruit, pickles, cheese, nuts, and crispy alliums take it from something rather mundane to a dinner-party-worthy showpiece.

By NAT LEVIN Local Foods Mohawk Valley

Ingredients: The salad: 1 two-pound butternut squash 1 teaspoon Baharat (sub favorite spice mix i.e. garam masala) 1 small radicchio, shredded (bitter greens haters, sub kale or romaine) 1 small shallot, thinly sliced ½ cup sliced pepperoncini 4 pitted dates, thinly sliced

½ cup sliced almonds, toasted (sub walnuts) 1 cup shaved parmesan or crumbled feta 2 apples or pears, sliced into wedges right before serving ½ cup fried shallots The croutons: 2 cups torn bread 2 garlic cloves, minced For the vinaigrette: ¼ cup sherry vinegar ¼ cup water 1 teaspoon honey 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/3 cup olive oil

Pre-heat the oven to 400 and move a rack into the top third of the oven. Cut the squash into one inch wedges, then peel, cut in half, and remove seeds where needed. Put onto parchment lined baking sheet, drizzle with a big glug of olive oil (two tablespoons if you feel like measuring), and sprinkle one teaspoon Baharat and a big pinch of salt over the squash. Roast at 400 for 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and starting to brown at the edges. While the squash is roasting, prepare the croutons. Put a generous amount of olive oil into a cast iron pan, enough to coat the bottom, and add the torn bread in an even layer, then the garlic, stirring to combine. Put the pan in the oven along with the squash, on the top rack if there’s room, and check occasionally to make sure the bread isn’t burning. Depending on your oven and the

texture of the bread, the squash and the croutons should finish cooking at the same time. Keep the croutons in longer if needed. After the croutons are in the oven, slice the shallot thinly and put in a small bowl. Cover with ¼ cup sherry vinegar, ¼ cup water, and 1 teaspoon of runny honey. Let the shallot marinate while the bread and squash are cooking. Right before you’re ready to serve, fish the shallot out of the sherry vinegar bath and transfer to the bottom of a large salad bowl. To make the vinaigrette, add two teaspoons of Dijon mustard and 1/3 cup of olive oil to the shallot-infused sherry vinegar and whisk to emulsify. Add the rest of the salad ingredients to the bowl, then toss with the vinaigrette. Serves 6-8 as a side.

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 104 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

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At Home

REFRESH FROM THE GROUND UP From cozy area rugs to durable floors made for Central New York living, fall is the perfect time to take a closer look at what’s underfoot. When my fiancé and I bought our first home last November, we jumped into homeownership at perhaps the most Central New York time possible. The leaves were nearly gone, colder weather was settling in and snow wasn’t far behind. Almost a year later, as we head into our first full fall in the house, I’ve found myself looking at our home a little differently. There’s something about this time of year that makes you want to settle in. The windows close, the blankets come out and suddenly the rooms you breezed through all summer are where you’ll be spending much more of your time. And while there are plenty of ways to make a home feel ready for fall, one of the biggest changes you can make starts right under your feet. So, as part of this month’s MVL At Home feature, I turned to Mark Enjem of Enjem’s Flooring America in Utica for some advice on making our homes feel warmer and more inviting while choosing flooring that can actually handle life in Central New York.

But here in Central New York, looks are only part of the equation.

FLOORING THAT FITS REAL LIFE

Starting now gives homeowners time to explore their options, find a floor that works for both their home and lifestyle, and allow enough time for installation before guests arrive.

If there’s one thing our first year of homeownership has already taught me, it’s that your house has to work for the way you actually live in it.

And while choosing the right flooring matters, Mark says choosing who installs it is just as important.

Mark takes a similar approach to flooring.

When I asked him about the flooring mistake he wishes homeowners would avoid, he actually gave me two: don’t buy low-quality flooring, and don’t trust just anyone to install it.

“Choose a floor that fits your lifestyle,” he says. That advice becomes particularly important as fall arrives. Wet leaves and mud will soon be followed by snow, slush and road salt, all of which inevitably find their way through the front door. Before choosing a floor, Mark recommends considering how much maintenance you realistically want to take on. Durable, waterproof flooring can be especially practical for busy households and high-traffic areas where worrying about every footprint or spill simply isn’t realistic. At Enjem’s, Room to Explore Woodgrain options offer realistic wood-inspired features while being budget-friendly and durable enough to stand up to some of everyday life’s tougher situations.

A LITTLE CHANGE CAN GO A LONG WAY

BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS, START NOW

According to Mark, refreshing a room doesn’t necessarily mean replacing the flooring you already have.

There is also the inevitable fall realization that the holidays aren’t nearly as far away as they seem.

If you have hardwood or another hard-surface floor you love, an area rug can make a surprisingly big difference in not only how the room looks, but also how it feels and even sounds.

If new flooring is on your list before Thanksgiving or holiday company arrives, Mark’s advice is straightforward: the earlier, the better.

The key is choosing the right size. Mark recommends a rug that creates a warm, inviting focal point while still allowing the beauty of the flooring underneath to show. It’s a relatively simple change, but especially as temperatures begin to drop, it can make a room feel considerably cozier. For spaces that need a bigger update, replacing old, worn-out carpeting with fresh carpet, hardwood, laminate or luxury vinyl can completely change the look and feel of a room.

By Lauryn Johns

Flooring is an investment, and installation plays a major role in how that investment looks and performs over time. Flooring purchased through Enjem’s Flooring America is backed by an extensive warranty that also covers labor, giving homeowners protection beyond the product itself.

A FALL PROJECT WITH SOMETHING EXTRA There are a couple of additional opportunities for homeowners considering a flooring project this season. Carpet purchases that include Enjem’s Tunnel to Towers cushion allow customers to give back in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11. Qualified buyers can also take advantage of 12 months of interest-free financing on new flooring purchases of $1,500 or more. As we approach a year in our own home, I’m realizing that making a house your own doesn’t happen all at once. Sometimes it’s a major project, and sometimes it’s simply finding one change that makes the room where you spend every evening feel a little warmer. Whether that means replacing flooring before the holidays, choosing something better suited to muddy paws and snowy boots, or simply adding an area rug to a room you already love, fall seems like a pretty good time to start from the ground up.

Enjem’s Flooring America 2010 Oriskany Street West, Utica

106 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

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MV Health

WHAT MAKES A “TOP DOCTOR”? Why Trust, Communication and Clinical Judgment Matter Every community has doctors people talk about. Their names come up at school events, workplaces and kitchen tables: “Call her—she listens.” “He found what everyone else missed.” “They treated my mother like she mattered.” In the Mohawk Valley, where physicians may care for several generations of one family and reputations are built one encounter at a time, those stories carry weight. That is what makes this month’s Top Doctors feature meaningful. Public voting captures something medicine sometimes struggles to quantify: trust. It cannot measure every diagnosis, outcome or technical skill, but it reveals which doctors patients remember, recommend and return to when something is wrong.

What Excellent Care Looks Like Clinical competence is the foundation, but it is not the whole structure. A top doctor listens long enough to understand not only the symptom, but the concern underneath it. Chest pain may mean fear of a heart attack; a headache may carry the memory 108 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

By Dr. Juleen Qandah

of a relative’s brain tumor. Good physicians recognize that treating the fear is part of treating the patient.

returns important results and helps the patient navigate the next step. Excellence is rarely a solo performance.

Top doctors also explain. They translate medicine without talking down to people, discuss choices honestly and make sure the patient knows what happens next. The best plan is useless if the patient leaves confused, cannot afford the medication or has no realistic way to complete the follow-up.

Is This The Right Doctor For Me?

They also have humility. Medicine changes constantly, and no doctor knows everything. Real confidence includes the ability to pause, reconsider, ask a colleague, refer to a specialist or say, “I do not know yet—but I will help find the answer.” Patients should not mistake certainty for competence.

Local Care Is Connected Care In our area, accessibility and follow-through matter enormously. Care may stretch from Utica and New Hartford to Rome, Cooperstown, Herkimer and sometimes Syracuse. A great physician understands the local healthcare system, communicates with the rest of the team,

Can I be honest without feeling dismissed? Do I understand my diagnosis and options? Does the office communicate a clear plan? Does this doctor recognize uncertainty and know when to seek help? No physician will be perfect or endlessly available, but the answers should generally be yes. The doctor receiving the most votes will not necessarily be the right doctor for every patient. Personality, specialty, availability and individual needs all matter. But this month’s honorees represent something worth celebrating: physicians who have earned the confidence of the community they serve. Great medicine is remembered not only for what was done, but for how clearly, carefully and humanely patients were guided through it.

Congratulations to the physicians chosen by our community.

MV Grown

The Harvest Isn’t Over By the time October rolls around in the Mohawk Valley, it might look like the farming season is starting to wind down. The mornings are colder, the days are getting shorter, and a lot of the fields that were green all summer have changed pretty quickly.

By Farmer Ben

But on the farm, there is still plenty to do. October is one of those months where you are trying to finish one season while already getting ready for the next one. There are still crops to harvest, fields to work, equipment to keep moving, and plenty of jobs that need to get done before winter settles in. For vegetable growers, there can still be quite a bit coming out of the ground. Potatoes, carrots, beets, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, winter squash, pumpkins, and other cool-weather crops can keep farmers busy well into fall. Some vegetables actually handle the cooler temperatures pretty well, which means the first chilly nights do not necessarily mean the end of the harvest. Around the Mohawk Valley, October also means corn harvest for a lot of farms. Depending on the operation, corn may be chopped for silage or harvested for grain. Soybeans are being combined too, and farmers are watching the weather closely because once you get into fall, good harvesting days can become harder to come by. You might get a stretch of beautiful, dry October weather and make a lot of progress. Then rain comes through and everything stops. That is farming. You learn pretty quickly that the calendar does not always decide when the work gets done. The crop and the weather usually have more to say about it. While all of that harvesting is going on, farmers are also thinking about the soil they will need next spring. Fall is an important time for getting fields ready for another growing season. That can mean planting cover crops, spreading manure, working ground, or taking care of other fieldwork before everything freezes up. 110 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

Cover crops might not be something most people notice when they drive past a field, but they can do an important job. Instead of leaving soil bare through the winter, farmers can plant crops that help protect the ground and hold soil in place. What looks like a quiet green field in November may actually be part of the plan for next year’s crop. That is one thing about farming that people do not always see. You are almost never working for just today. When you are planting in the spring, you are thinking about harvest. When you are making hay in July, you are thinking about feeding animals in January. And when you are working fields in October, you are already thinking about what needs to happen next spring. There is still plenty happening at farm stands this time of year too. Pumpkins and winter squash are out, along with apples, potatoes, onions, cabbage, carrots, and other fall produce. It is a different kind of abundance than August, but it is still one of the best times of year to eat what is grown around here. And of course, livestock chores do not change just because the growing season is coming to an end. Cows still need to be milked, animals

need to be fed, and barns need to be cleaned. At the same time, farmers are making sure there is enough feed stored away and getting barns, water systems, equipment, and everything else ready for colder weather. There is always one more thing you would like to get done before winter. October can feel like a race sometimes. You know the cold weather is coming, you know the daylight is disappearing a little earlier every night, and you know eventually the ground is going to freeze. So when the weather cooperates, you keep going. That is why you may still see tractors and equipment out in the fields long after most people think harvest season is over. The fields may look quieter than they did a couple of months ago, but there is still a lot happening out there. October is about finishing what you can, protecting what you have, and getting ready for whatever the next season brings. Around here, the work does not really end when harvest does. It just changes. Before long, the fields will be covered in snow. But for now, there is still work to do.

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MV Arts

By Carrie Byrne Putelo

8 5

9 6

OCTOBER ART HAPPENINGS Hamilton College Performing Arts (1) When: Through October Where: Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Rd., Clinton Hamilton College Performing Arts presents a full month of live music in October, beginning with Homecoming Jazz at the Fillius Events Barn on Friday, Oct. 2 at 9:00pm. Seraph Brass takes the stage Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7:30pm, followed by the Jazz Festival Concert on Friday, Oct. 23 at 7:30pm.

The Other Side Gallery: If You Have Ghosts: Paintings/ Mixed Media by Seth Sypko (2)

When: Oct. 2–31 Where: The Other Side Gallery, 2011 Genesee St., Utica Seth Sypko brings paintings and mixed media to The Other Side Gallery throughout October. An opening reception will be held Friday, Oct. 2 from 5:00–7:00pm, with an Artist’s Talk on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 1:00pm. Gallery hours are Thursdays and Saturdays from noon–2:00pm.

Munson: The Met: Live in HD: Così fan tutte When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 1:00pm Where: Sinnott Family-Bank of Utica Auditorium, Munson

The Metropolitan Opera comes to the big screen at Munson with Così fan tutte, part of The Met: Live in HD series bringing world-class opera performances to audiences right here in Utica.

Fenimore Farm: Tractor Fest (3)

When: Oct. 10–11, 10:00am–5:00pm Where: Fenimore Farm, Cooperstown A favorite fall tradition returns to Fenimore Farm with two days celebrating tractors and New York’s agricultural heritage. It’s a colorful October weekend and a perfect excuse for an autumn drive to Cooperstown.

Wellin Museum of Art: Storytelling: Photographers Making Meaning | Works from the Wellin Museum’s Collection (4)

When: On view through June 12, 2027 Where: Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College, Clinton Photography can capture a single moment, but it can also tell a much larger story. Storytelling explores how photographers build narrative through images, series and text, featuring works by Eve Arnold, Rhona Bitner, Danny Lyon, Mike Mandel, Wright Morris, Bill Owens, Gordon Parks, Milton Rogovin, Keisha Scarville, Lorna Simpson, and Garry Winogrand.

112 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

Pratt Munson Gallery: Patrick Brennan, Linda Sormin & Stephanie McMahon (5)

When: Opening reception Friday, Oct. 16, 3:00–5:00pm Where: Pratt Munson Gallery October brings a new exhibition to Pratt Munson Gallery featuring the work of Patrick Brennan, Linda Sormin and Stephanie McMahon. The exhibition opens with a Friday afternoon reception on Oct. 16.

Fenimore Farm: Things That Go Bump in the Night Tours (6)

When: Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24 & 30; multiple tours nightly Where: Fenimore Farm, Cooperstown As darkness settles over the historic village, lantern-lit tours bring ghost stories, folklore and local legends to life. Things That Go Bump in the Night offers an atmospheric way to experience Fenimore Farm during the Halloween season.

Munson: The Met: Live in HD: Macbeth

When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 1:00pm Where: Sinnott Family-Bank of Utica Auditorium, Munson The Met: Live in HD continues with Macbeth, bringing another Metropolitan Opera production to Munson’s auditorium

and giving area audiences a front-row experience without leaving Utica.

Fenimore Art Museum: Art in the Dark Tours (7)

When: Oct. 21, 22, 28 & 29; tours at 6:30pm and 7:30pm Where: Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown See the museum in an entirely different light during Fenimore’s Art in the Dark. Visitors explore the galleries by lantern and ultraviolet light, creating an unusual after-hours encounter with the museum and its collections.

Munson: Keyboard Conversations®: The Romantic Music of Brahms (8) When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2:00pm Where: Sinnott Family-Bank of Utica Auditorium, Munson Part concert and part conversation, Keyboard Conversations® combines live piano performance with insight into the music and composer. October’s program turns to the rich Romantic music of Brahms.

Munson After Dark: Halloween (9)

When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 9:00pm–midnight Where: Root Court, Munson Munson stays up late for Halloween as Munson After Dark transforms Root Court for an evening celebration. It’s a spirited close to a month filled with art, music and special events across the region.

Wellin image credit: Keisha Scarville. (American, b. 1975) working with the archive of Luther C. Williams, Jr. Esq. (American, 1947 - 2025). Detail from Look/Back/Here, 2026. Vinyl and fabric prints. Dimensions variable. Courtesy of the artist.

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A Look Back

The Comets By Libby Lemire Their lineage stretches back nearly 100 years. Throughout that time, the Comets have carried different names, played in different leagues, and called different arenas home. As the 2026-2027 Comets season begins, enjoy a look back at the team five decades ago through the eyes of three Clinton Comets who still hold the record for winning three consecutive EHL Championships. The Comets remain a point of pride for the Mohawk Valley—as well they should. Both the resilience and determination of this franchise, as well as its MSG-inspired arena, are a huge win for us. Pierre Prevost Today, Pierre Prevost has a slightly different perspective on his days as a Clinton Comet. During his career, he thought nothing of the roughness of the

The Clinton Arena, 1960s Home of the legendary Comets.

sport, but now, as he approaches 80, he describes it as a tough era to play. “No helmets. There were 13 skaters and one goalie. You played an average of 40 minutes a game, four times a week, traveling on a diesel-fueled bus with no bathroom. There were lots of stick fights, spearing, brawls, bench-clearing—there were rules, but no suspensions. When there were injuries or fights, you played down a man.” It was considered great entertainment for the packed stands. Spectators sat in individual chairs, which were sometimes thrown on the ice by overzealous fans. Only wooden boards surrounded the perimeter of the rink—there was no glass shield to prevent chair-throwing or protect a spectator from stray pucks. Pierre also recalls people smoking inside the arena: “A cloud of smoke hung over the ice, and it was kind of difficult to play through that.” Originally from Cornwall, Ontario, Pierre loved landing in Clinton. He embraced the community he became a part of and never left. “I stayed in this area because I love this area. It's beautiful here, and I love the winters.” Dave Armstrong When Dave thinks back to his Comets days, he reminisces about the camaraderie: “Everyone got along really well, and we had great players—that's why we won three championships. To this day, we still get together locally, and we stay in touch with the out-of-town guys.”

114 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

After Dave retired from hockey, he bought and ran the B&F Milk Center in Whitesboro. A local boy on a bike used to come in to chat with “Mr. Armstrong,” a

legendary hockey player that the boy revered. Dave remembers him as a driven kid who knew what he wanted. Dave told a young Rob Esche, “It's a tough sport to get into, but if you work hard and pay attention, good things will happen.” Given what Rob Esche has contributed to our area, one piece of advice that Dave shared felt particularly poignant: “Robert, just remember where you came from—and I think that stuck with him.” It certainly seems so. Borden Smith Borden looks back on his eight years as a Clinton Comet as an exciting, intense time—playing to a sold-out arena every Saturday night. He recalls returning from New Haven after a rough playoff game, where a few players had to go to the hospital. When the team arrived back in Clinton at 6:30 a.m., a line of fans stretched all the way from the Clinton Arena to the Clinton Post Office, waiting to buy tickets for the final playoff game. “I don’t know if people realize the quality of hockey and the caliber of the players that were here at that time,” Smith said. Borden Smith also had the unique experience of being great and recognizing greatness. After retiring from professional hockey, he became the head coach of the Whitesboro High School hockey team. He remembers having only 20 roster spots with 60 kids trying out. That year, an eighth grader outshined all the others, with both his ability and his work ethic. Borden knew right away he was going places. That eighth grader’s name was Rob Esche.

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HOURS AND BY APPOINTMENT:

Thursdays 10:00am – 4:00pm 2nd Saturday of Every Month 10:00am – 4:00pm Every Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas

D O O R

& H A R D WA R E Farmers Market on Village Green

Dog Sitting & Daycare

(315) 525-3330

10:00am – 4:00pm

4361 Acme Road, Ilion

See our website for changes in hours due to exigent circumstances

We Sell & Service

FOR EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY.

• Home Environment • Clean & Safe • Friendly Residential & Commercial Big dogs • Spacious buildingstonesshoppe.square.site Family owned and operated for over 50 years! • Daily FB videos welcome too! 8 SouthBroad Park RowSt., Clinton, NY 13323 facebook.com/buildingstonesshoppe 505 Utica Facebook: Barneys Angels Dog Sitters Open M-F 8-4:30 • (315) 735-5577 • www.jmdoor.net

Garage and Entry Doors

USE THE WILLIAMS STREET ENTRANCE

Nursery Open by Appointment Only

Quality. Experience. SIC GARDENS Inspiration. Come Swing a Few• Walks atand the View! and Pine Patio Installation • Hardwood flooring

Sample a variety of NYS wines

scape Services & Nursery • Kiln Dried Hardwoods and Softwoodsin our rustic century old hayloft!

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12-7 ars!

or.net

(315) 723-7682 • Walls and Water Gardens

Offering wine tastings, wine by the glass, wine slushies, Phone: local NYS607-286-9201 cheeses & chocolates www.wightmanspecialtywoods.com

•8300 Mouldings • WallSt.,Coverings • Siding Brimfield Farm Winery Brimfield • Mulch Delivery orClinton Pick-Up

brimfieldviewdrivingrange.com • Lawn Mowing

Now Buying Hardwood Logs

OPEN DAILY 9-Dusk Call: 315-735-2206 Follow us on facebook Wightman Specialty Woods

Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm

8300 Brimfield Clinton Sat: 8:00amSt.- 12:00pm

(315) 853-8175 • Open 7 days a week 12-7 146 County Mid-April thruHighway October 35a

Portlandville, NY 13834 www.brimfieldfarmwinery.com

IRONWOOD Furniture

Jelly Cupboards, Bookcases, Hutches, Tables, Baker’s Racks, Benches, Coffee/End Tables, Hoosiers & much more!

AMISH MADE

10% OFF

STORE WIDE!

*10% off-cash/check - 5% off-credit card

7686 Route 5, Clinton (315) 853-7300

Shop Our In-Store Inventory!

Open Mon -Sat: 10am-5pm www.ironwoodfurniturestore.com

Barney’s Angels

Dog Sitting & Daycare

(315) 525-3330 4361 Acme Road, Ilion

• Home Environment • Clean & Safe • Friendly Big dogs • Spacious • Daily FB videos welcome too! Facebook: Barneys Angels Dog Sitters

11821 Woodhull Rd, Forestport (315) 392‑7072

Hours: Thu, Sun & Mon: 10am–6pm, Fri & Sat: 8am–8pm, Tue & Wed: Closed

Giving Back

A Record-Breaking Day for Our Region This year’s Mohawk Valley Gives brought our community together in an incredible display of generosity and support for the nonprofits that make the Mohawk Valley a stronger, healthier and more vibrant place to live. From animal welfare and healthcare to education, the arts, human services and community programs, the day highlighted the extraordinary work happening across our region. To everyone who donated, shared, volunteered or cheered our nonprofits on, thank you. This celebration is for the hundreds of organizations that inspire us every day!

116 | Mohawk Valley Living Magazine OCTOBER 2026

CANASTOTA CANASTOTA 4154 Route 4154 Route 31 31 (315) 697-2214 (315) 697-2214

WATERVILLE WATERVILLE Route 962962 Route 12 12 (315) 841-4181 (315) 841-4181

LOWVILLE LOWVILLE

8207 Route 8207 Route 26 26 (315) 376-0300 (315) 376-0300

WhitesFarmSupply.com WhitesFarmSupply.com

* © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2026. $0 Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 36 months on purchases of new Kubota BX23s equipment dealers’ * © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2026. $0 Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 36 months on purchases of new Kubota BX23s equipment dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Example: 36 monthly in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Example: 36 monthly payments of $27.78 per $1,000 financed. Customer instant rebate of $4,500 on Kubota BX23s available with cash or standard rate financing, payments of $27.78 per $1,000 financed. Customer instant rebate of $4,500 on Kubota BX23s available with cash or standard rate financing, including $0 Down, 5.99% A.P.R. financing for up to 84 months. Customer Instant Rebate is not available with 0% A.P.R. or other promotional including $0 Down, 5.99% A.P.R. financing for up to 84 months. Customer Instant Rebate is not available with 0% A.P.R. or other promotional financing. Offers expire 09/30/26. Terms subject to change. For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety, incentive offer and product information financing. Offers expire 09/30/26. Terms subject to change. For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety, incentive offer and product information consult your Dealer or KubotaUSA.com. consult your Dealer or KubotaUSA.com.

Photo by Tom Studios Wedding Photography