Mohawk Valley Living February 2014 Issue

lost amish mincemeat pie recipe inside!

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MOHAWK VALLEY LIVING

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EXPLORING THE ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE OF OUR VALLEY

FEBRUARY 2014

Remington Museum Winter Trails Guide Farming: Matters of Life and Death The Rick Short Band Utica Artist

Whitesboro History

Presidential visits to the mohawk valley

On the Cover:

(Circa 1920s) Three generations of the Howard family in the Remington stock-finishing department. Earl Howard, 7 years service; Fred Howard, 27 years; Russell W. Howard, 47 years in continuous service.

Remington Arms Company was founded in 1816 by Eliphalet Remington in Ilion, NY. It is the oldest continuously operating manufacturer in North America.

MOHAWK VALLEY LIVING MAGAZINE February 2014 PUBLISHER Vincent R. Whitney EDITOR Sharry L. Whitney DESIGNER Lance David Whitney ASSISTANT EDITOR Shelley Delosh CONTRIBUTORS Peggy Spencer Behrendt, Brian Howard, Suzie Jones, John Keller, Frank Page, Susan Perkins, Matt Perry, Sarah Price, Cynthia Quackenbush, Gary VanRiper CONTACT US (315) 853-7133 30 Kellogg Street Clinton, NY 13323 www.MohawkValleyLiving.com mohawkvalleypublishing@gmail.com Mohawk Valley Living is a monthly magazine & television show exploring the area’s arts, culture, and heritage.

Copyright © 2014. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of Mohawk Valley Publishing.

Printed at Vicks in Yorkville, NY.

Thank You

contents

by Sharry L. Whitney

It’s hard to believe this is only our fifth issue. Maybe it just seems longer because my husband, Lance, has been talking to me about the idea for years - taking all the information we’ve gathered over the years doing the TV show and putting it all in print. I just didn’t believe there would be that much interest.

Well, I was wrong. We have been overwhelmed by the response. People stop us, call us, email and write us to tell us about their personal relationships to the stories in - what they refer to as - our “book.” We are humbled by the content our amazing writers are producing and how their stories are touching our readers.

When we feel overwhelmed with the work of putting the magazine together, the knowledge that we’re making these stories available to our community keeps us going.

Believe it or not, my writing is just now interrupted again by a phone call from a woman calling to make sure she hasn’t missed any issues. “Yes,” I assure her, “there have only been four so far, I’m working on the fifth as we speak.”

She wants to make sure she has the “whole set.”

So, I was wrong, and I’m glad. And thank you for letting me know. Your encouragement keeps us striving to make each issue better and a worthy “book” for your collection.

Next Issue:

March 1st Available at our sponsors and your closest Stewart’s Shop. Visit our website for a complete list of pick-up locations.

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Whitesboro Historical Society Weller Library Made Here Matt Perry Matters of Life & Death Winter Trails Guide Notes from the Road Presidents’ Day in the MV Think Spring Artist: Victor Lenuzza Our First Year: 1974 Ilion Little Theatre 1912: Little Falls Textile Strike Oneida Co. Historical Society Remington Arms Museum Kellish Hill Farm Gallery Guide Rick Short Band MV Comics MV Flash Lit: Evening Ghost

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A visit To The

whitesboro Historical society The Legend of Whitesboro’s Founder Whitesboro was named for Hugh White, believed to be the first white inhabitant in New York west of the German Settlements along the Mohawk. He moved to the area from Connecticut in 1784 with his five sons and settled along the Sauquoit Creek among the Oneida. Legend has it that White gained respect of the Oneida people when, during an assembly at his home, he was challenged by a chief to participate in the wrestling matches being held. A wrestler as a youth, 51-yearold White, accepted the challenge and managed to throw the chief, impressing his Oneida guests.

Meet Me at McCarthy’s Many people in Whitesboro have fond memories of a restaurant that once stood on the corner of Whitesboro Street and Oriskany Boulevard. It was opened in 1939 by Bill and Alice Donovan McCarthy who met as children in a one-room schoolhouse in Florence, NY. Many locals remember the side porch where people would meet for a cold beer and good music.

McCarthy’s Restaurant was famous for their Limburger cheese sandwiches and their St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage. Bill was remembered for his dry sense of humor and the Irish twinkle in his eye and Alice for her homemade recipes such as salmon loaf, creamed codfish, and rice pudding.

Jim McCarthy (pictured left) took over the family restaurant after his father, Bill, died in 1960.

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Hart’s Hill Inn Hart’s Hill Inn began as the southern plantation manor style home of a Utica businessman of Hart & Crouse Company, a builder of boilers. Originally built around the end of the Civil War, the home burned to the ground in 1904 and was immediately rebuilt. It remained a home until 1946 when it became “The Plantation” Restaurant. In 1947, they advertised a real “shore dinner” (seafood) served in the real plantation style on Fridays for $3. The restaurant was famous for its American-German cuisine and entertainment (singers below). You could dine on the back porch that also (as seen in an early postcard, upper right) wrapped around the sides and front. If you decided to stay the night, guest rooms were upstairs and, as the back of the postcard indicated, Frank and Emma Schnabl (pictured far right) would see to it personally that your stay was a pleasant one.

In 1962, the building was purchased by Matt Lichorowicz and renovated – preserving the charm of an old American homestead. Today Hart’s Hill Inn hosts many functions, wedding, and parties now overseen

by Scott and Barbara Lichorowicz.

Recognize this card from an old Whitesboro bakery?

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Whitesboro Historical Society

Hours by appointment only.

Call Village Historian Judy Mallozzi at (315) 736-1613 10 Moseley St., Whitesboro, NY

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The weller library, mohawk

by Cynthia Quackenbush

One cold winter morning, I saw a library post on Facebook, “Cold? Check out a book. You’ll still be cold, but you’ll have a book.” I thought, “Brilliant!” I had to be in Mohawk that morning, so after I had transacted my business, I made my way to Weller Li“It still looks like a gracious, brary.

Weller is perhaps the most beautielegant home, ful of the local lionly with a lot of braries. It was the Weller family home books.” before it became the library. It still looks like a gracious, elegant home, only with a lot of books.

I went straight to the Reardon Reading Room. It looks like the family dining room, with a large table in the center and a few smaller ones surrounding it. I sat at one by a window looking out on Weller Park. The floor is hardwood with alternating dark and light boards. The ceiling is a work of art.

I’ve seen old ceilings with patterns of vines or flowers standing out in relief, but here the vines and flowers are painted different colors. I only wished there had been a fire in the marble fireplace, but I suppose that would have been asking too much.

Of course I also prowled around looking for some books. There are two rooms of adult books and an airy children’s room.

The children’s room has two window seats, plus a comfy chair for the adult at Story Time. A lovely doll-house is on display. I thought it was scary that a giant mouse was standing and looking out the front window, but you’ll have these things with doll-houses.

The room with the history books has an even better floor than the reading room.

The hardwood is set in geometric patterns.

Many of the shelves in all three rooms are beautifully carved wood that look as if they may have been in use when the Weller Family still occupied the house.

One unique feature of Weller is that they still have a physical card catalogue. The li-

The children’s reading room is open and inviting.

The quiet reading room has beautiful natural lighting.

This chandelier fixture compliments the library’s ornate architecture.

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The view of Weller Library from Main Street, Mohawk.

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brarian told me they no longer keep it updated, as it would be just too much work.

However, many older patrons are happy to see it and still make use of it. I can see the advantages of computers for these things, but, boy, I used to rock that card catalogue!

I had a nice chat with the librarian about card catalogs, e-books, and Weller Library.

She thought they might put some more comfy chairs in the reading room, to make it more cozy and inviting. That would be nice, but I like to sit at a table and write. She said she would also like to have all the shelving fit in with the Old World atmosphere.

A library is a wonderful place to go on a cold morning. When I left Weller, I was still cold, but I had three books.

Weller Library, 41 W. Main St., Mohawk. For more information visit their website at: www.midyorklib.org/mohawk or call (315) 866-2983.

Winter hours: Mon-Wed 2-7pm, Thurs 10am-12pm & 2-7pm, Sat 10am-2pm

NASA Mars Rover Curiosity has parts made in Frankfort.

Made Here Cooperstown

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The Scoop on Mars In 2006, NASA contracted CTM Corp. in Frankfort to make a scoop for the Phoenix Mars Lander. The scoop was developed to take soil samples of the red planet for testing. Recently, CTM produced 70 parts for Curiosity, the latest rover to roam Mars.

CTM is always looking for skilled machinists, call (315) 894-4377. www.ctm-corp.com

Clayville

Clayville on Ice Dragons are Coming!

Brewery Ommegang is currently developing a third beer in a line of themed brews for HBO’s hit series, Game of Thrones. Fire and Blood Red Ale, inspired

by House Targaryen, will be released this spring and follows the successful Iron Throne Blonde Ale and Take the Black Stout, both released last year.

656 Co. Hwy. 33, Cooperstown, NY (607) 544-1800. www.ommegang.com

In 1969, Gary Evans purchased the Copeland Block Ice Company in Utica and moved it to Clayville, NY. Today they produce large slabs of ice primarily used for shipping produce. It is one of the very few block ice companies left in the United States.

Copeland Block Ice Company (315) 839-5405

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Apothecary Health Consultations Herb Walks Classes Lisa Ferguson Crow, Herbalist 315-845-1562 2739 Newport Rd., Poland, NY www.hawthornehillherbs.com

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Enjoy casual dining overlooking Clinton’s “Central Park” Valentine’s Day reservations welcome.

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Alder Creek: 11254 State Rte. 12 Alder Creek, NY 13301 (315) 831-3690

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A February Walk in the Footsteps of Alexander Wilson Story & Photos by Matt Perry

Covering miles of terrain on foot is one of the things that field naturalists often have to do. This is true throughout the year, and winter is no exception.

Of course, trudging through deep snow, slush and/or mud is probably no one’s idea of fun, naturalists included. However, the winter landscape usually holds enough mystery to justify quite a bit of discomfort.

One of the best attributes of the winter wilderness is the solitude it affords. Indeed, most days there are few other people crazy enough or motivated enough to be out there making noise. This means that one can almost always count on being alone. To be able to observe nature without distraction is something that I personally appreciate above all things. Winter can also be a great time of year for naturalists to get to places that are inaccessible during the

summer – usually on account of dense brambles. By mid-winter the snow would have sufficiently battered down some of the countless Multiflora Rose bushes and Blackberry Brambles that riddle our wild landscapes. For sure they are nature’s answer to barbed wire.

Sometimes during a particularly long wintertime walk, my thoughts will turn to the Scottish-born Alexander Wilson, often considered the Father of North American Ornithology. Wilson was a weaver, poet, and political reformer who immigrated to the US in 1794 at the age of 28. He might be considered an unlikely scientist, but much of the science done during that age was carried out by people that received little or no formal training.

It was Wilson’s acquaintance with prominent Pennsylvanian naturalist William Bartram that changed his life and compelled him to begin an intensive study of the natural world.

In the fall of 1804, Wilson made the decision to turn his considerable talents to the study of American bird life and to begin assembling descriptions and illustrations of all native bird species. This project was still taking shape in his Wilson sent his illustration of the mind when he set out on a jourCanada Jay to President Thomas Jefferson, who replied with a letter of admiration.

Alexander Wilson July 6, 1766 – August 23, 1813 ney that would take him across the state walking from Philadelphia to Niagara Falls and back in two months. This was a daunting journey of over 1,200 miles through what was at that time immense tracts of virgin forest.

The trip is exhaustively described in an epic poem that Wilson penned called “The Foresters,” which was published a few years later. The poem consists of more than 2,000 lines and is not written in the most accessible style for modern audiences, but it is worth struggling through for anyone that craves insight into the nature of that lost American wilderness.

The part of Wilson’s journey that most intrigues me was his return trip, which took him through the Mohawk Valley.

Wilson’s illustration of a “Great Shrike,” known today as the Northern Shrike. He found and cataloged the bird near Utica in 1804.

www.uticarocks.com 9

Traveling on foot on the most primitive roads through snow and mud, Wilson was able to cover sometimes up to 34 miles in a single day. That seems like it would be an almost unimaginable feat in modern times, let alone in 1804.

However, it’s clear that Wilson had more than the average person’s share of energy and tenacity. His enthusiasm however, was not shared by the two young men that accompanied him on that final leg of the trip. They had a difficult time matching his brisk pace. In fact, Wilson would occasionally sing as he marched in an effort to drown out their frequent complaints.

In the vicinity of Utica, Wilson shot an unfamiliar bird; this would be among the first of many specimens that he would undertake to paint and describe in his planned volumes The Birds of the United States. He stopped his trek just long enough to study the species that shared a superficial resemblance to the familiar Mockingbird. In his book he would call this bird the “Great Shrike” (we now refer to it as the Northern Shrike). That species is only an occasional winter visitor to the region, a fact which, to his credit, Wilson was ultimately able to determine for himself. The Shrikes are birds that presented the early naturalists with a challenge to categorize since they possess traits of both raptors and songbirds. Simply put, they have the size, proportions, and the perching feet of songbirds, but like hawks and owls, they have stout and powerful hooked bills, which are adept at tearing

Ornithologist Alexander Wilson’s 1,200 mile trek across New York State in 1804, would be a daunting journey even today.

In Wilson’s time (1800) New York State still contained a fair amount of wilderness.

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A group of White-Tailed Deer standing at attention, surprised to find someone out on such a cold day.

into meat. The shrikes commonly prey on mice, small birds, and large insects.

A gruesome fact is that sometimes this predatory songbird will impale its prey on thorns in order to save them for later.

Just north of Little Falls, Wilson procured a group of jays that had been feeding near the roadside. These were later dubbed “Canada Jays” and, like the “Great Shrike,” they too were previously undescribed by American naturalists.

Wilson would later produce very accurate illustrations of these birds, copies of which he sent off to Thomas Jefferson, who was serving as President of the United States at that time. It’s hard to believe that any US President would have the time or inclination to care about bird illustrations, but Jefferson (an enthusiastic bird watcher in his own right) took it upon himself to write back to Wilson. In

his letter, he expressed his admiration for the naturalist’s skill and his appreciation of Wilson’s goal of cataloging all of the young nation’s bird life.

By the time Wilson reached Schenectady, his clothes were in rags and his boots were largely destroyed – all casualties of the road. He was compelled to use some of his meager funds to buy all new apparel. Perhaps in part to safeguard his new suit, he even went as far as to purchase a place on a wagon headed for Albany. Probably no one has ever deserved

a ride more than that man. The walking part of that journey had finally come to an end, but Wilson would spend the rest of his short life taking similar walking tours through States and territories – all in his relentless quest for birds. As I continue my own walk through the snow – having at this point covered just over 2 miles, I’m humbled by the fact that Alexander Wilson could have likely made it that far on one foot! I can just imagine him striding far ahead of me, singing at the top of his voice to drown out my own complaints.

Matt Perry is Conservation Director and resident naturalist at Spring Farm CARES in Clinton. He manages a 260 acre nature preserve which is open for tours by appointment. Matt is also regional editor of “The Kingbird”, which is a quarterly publication put out by the New York State Ornithological Association. Matt writes a weekly blog about the nature preserve, which can be found at: talesfromthewilds.blogspot.com

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On the farm with Suzie:

MATTERs OF LIFE & DEATH

by Suzie Jones

There has been a rash of books published lately about farming. It seems there is tremendous interest in farm stories, especially if you’ve just left your high-paying city job and bought a small farm in the country.

While I’ve enjoyed a few of these memoirs, I’m also always a little dismayed at the way the authors gloss over the messier side of farming – namely, death, loss, and hardship.

The story then rings hollow for me and doesn’t even begin to touch on

what I consider to be at the very core of farming: a profound understanding of loss and a deep appreciation for what really matters in life.

It’s not like there aren’t true, difficult stories to be told. My husband’s grandfather – a rancher in Minnesota – lost the tops of his ears to skin cancer because all the man ever wore for protection was a seed cap.

When my husband split his finger in our wood splitter, our neighbor Vera (with a wink and a grin) very helpfully pointed out Rate of fatal occupational injuries, by industry sector, 2012* that he’d “never forget how to use that wood splitter again.”

I accidentally poisoned our donkey by feeding him what turned out to be Japanese yews.

When our neighbor Steve was struck in the face

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by the kicker on his hay baler, he ran to the house and asked his sister-inlaw to “quick patch him up.” He figured his face could be dealt with later – they had to finish baling before the rain came. And when we asked our neighbor Bob if we could use his jack to shore up our collapsing garage, he asked if we needed the snowmobile helmet, too? After we gave him a quizzical look, he told us the story of being knocked out cold when the jack had kicked out and whacked him in the head. Waking up in a pool of blood, he decided he’d never use the jack again without a snowmobile helmet on. We really couldn’t argue with him.

Truth is – farming is messy. As a farmer, you develop an intimate relationship with loss. Where you have life, you also have death; it is impossible to experience one without the other. We try to keep losses to a minimum, but often Mother Nature has other plans. Within the confines of this harsh simplicity, the

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farmer tries to find “Where you a healthy balance. have life, you Unnecessary losses are to be avoided, also have and we embrace the life side of the equation. death.” Any attempt to describe it otherwise is to gloss over the reality; anyone trying to convince you differently is trying to sell you

something.

Furthermore, farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the agriculture sector averages over 21 fatalities per 100,000 jobs per year.

Historically, farming ranks as the 5th most dangerSPRING WILL BE HERE ous job in America, more deadly than firefighting, BEFORE YOU KNOW IT! police work, and electrical power-line installers. The vast majority of the fatalities are vehicular in nature.

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Our Mohawk Valley farming community lost Stop by today or visit www.newholland.com/na for one of its own shortly before Christmas. A neighbor complete details. Offer ends March 31, 2014. on the other side of our hill was using his tractor to It’s Pre-Season Savings and that means it’s time clear out of a shed when he was crushed to death. for 0% FINANCING* or choose CASH BACK The tractor had lurched forward, bucket pinning the on select New Holland tractors and hay & forage farmer. The neighbors that passed by and saw the equipment. Early buyers getClinton the best savings on Tractor & Impl Co tractor parked in that odd spot could not have imagMeadow Street Rt 12b equipment built New Holland SMART. Buy NOW Clinton, NY 13323 ined what had happened.

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Suzie Jones and her husband, Peter, own Jones Family Farm in Herkimer. Together, with their children, they produce specialty goat cheeses and gelato. Find them at local farmers’ markets and at: www.anotherjonesfamilyfarm.com

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our guide to

winter trails

by Sharry L. Whitney

The month of February is my favorite winter month. The days are longer and sunnier and January has (hopefully) given us a nice base of snow.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are easy and inexpensive ways to get outdoors to enjoy our scenic Mohawk Valley region in wintertime.

Even if there’s not enough snow in the valley, most of us live a half hour to an hour from the Tug Hill Plateau – a winter wonderland famous for snow (an average of 250-300 inches a year!)

Don’t let below freezing temperatures deter you.

Even zero-degree (calm) days can be comfortable experiences if you dress appropriately – layers are the key! Typically: a tight-fitting base layer, covered by a warm zip-up fleece, a breathable windbreaker outer shell, a hat or headband, good gloves or mittens, and you’re good to go!

The trail opportunities in our area are seemingly endless, with many state parks, college campuses, and golf courses offering trails for winter use.

The following are just some of the many trails open to cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. And if you don’t own skis or snowshoes, many places provide inexpensive rentals.

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Utica/Rome Val Bialas Recreation Center & Valley View-South Woods

Cross-country skiing, groomed, rentals Length: over 7 miles of cross-country ski trails You can rent skis at the Val Bialas Recreation Center and even buy a one-way chairlift ticket up the hill. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Utica and the Mohawk Valley as you ski down miles of trails through the South Woods and Valley View Golf Course. After a day of skiing, you can head back to the chalet for hot food and cocoa.

220 Memorial Parkway, Utica, NY (315) 266-0453 www.utica.skibigval.com

Did you know the Val Bialas Recreation Center was named for Valentine Bialas, a three-time Olympian from Utica, NY? Born January 10, 1903, Bialas was an American speed skater who competed in the 1924, 1928, and 1932 Winter Olympics. He was inducted into the Speed Skating Hall of Fame on May 11, 1963.

Snowshoe at the Utica Zoo!

Snowshoeing, groomed Length: about a half mile Bring your own or rent snowshoes and enjoy the groomed trails and scenery.

Rentals are $2.50/hour and does not include admission to zoo (winter admission fee is reduced) One Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY (315) 738-0472 www.uticazoo.org

Delta Lake State Park

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing Length: approximately 3 miles made up of varying loops 8797 State Route 46, Rome, NY (315) 337-4670 www.nysparks.com/parks/66/details.aspx

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The Valley

Kuyahoora Valley

Canal Trail

West Canada Valley Nature Trail

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing Length: from Casler St. to Lock 17, 1 mile; from Lock 17 to Herkimer Homestead, 2 miles

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing Length: 2.15 Miles

The trail follows the Barge Canal, passes by Lock 17 and continues to the Herkimer Homestead.

Parking: -Under the Wind Bridge off 169 near Thruway Exit 29A -Intersection of Route 169 and Finks Basin -Casler St. (off Route 169 near crossing of Mohawk River/Barge Canal) -Herkimer Homestead parking area off Route 169

Herkimer County Community College Nature Trail

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing Length: 0.9 mile trail with additional cross-country ski trails Ski through majestic pines and several black walnut plantations with clearly marked trails. Along the way are several benches and shelters.

Parking: near trailhead located behind soccer field and past the tennis courts on the HCCC Campus

The trailhead is located down a path from the tennis courts.

Parking: behind the school near the tennis courts West Canada Valley Central School 5447 State Route 28, Newport, NY

Poland Central School Nature Trail

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing Length: about 1/2 mile each trail One trail follows a stream near the woods between the school and soccer field park and the other is a woodland trail on the opposite side of the park.

Poland Central School 74 Cold Brook St, Poland, NY

100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer, NY (315) 866-0300 www.herkimer.edu/explore/our-campus/nature-center

Dolgeville-Salisbury Greenway Trail

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing Length: 1.6 miles A generally level rail-bed trail from Cavalli Street to Ransom Street.

Parking: along Spencer Street in the village of Dolgeville

Photo: G. VanRiper

Keegans Trail to Ledge Mountain Overlook

Snowshoeing Length: .75 miles from road to ledge Easy trail from Route 8 parking area. Follow yellow trail markers. Use caution as there is a steep drop-off at the scenic overlook at the end of the trail.

Parking: on Route 8, 15.8 miles north of Poland, small parking area on left shoulder of the road

Russell Park Trail, Ilion

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing Length: varies Trail leads through the woods and along and down into ravines.

Parking: areas within the park Location: off of Frederick Street and Parks Street in the village of Ilion

GPS: 43.377700, -74.918350 Trailhead is located 0.3 miles up trail from parking area.

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North Country BREIA - Black River Environmental Improvement Association Cross-country skiing, groomed, rentals Length: over 30 miles

Just a half hour north of Utica is one of the largest free groomed cross-country ski systems in the East.

There are three trail locations in diverse landscapes, each offering a distinctive outdoor experience with warming huts scattered throughout.

Egypt Road Trails in Alder Creek. Parking: located near 9675 Egypt Road (GPS 43.423089, -75.246050) and 9333 Egypt Road (GPS 43.411330, -75.266951) Skyfields on Jackson Hill off Route 46. Parking: just over 2 miles south of Route 46 on Potato Hill Rd., Boonville (43.441909,-75.346734) Black River Canal Trail system. Trailhead: at the Boonville Search & Rescue located at the far right side of the Tops Plaza on Route 12 in Boonville. Warming hut is open weekends with ski rentals for a donation.

Detailed maps and more at: Black River Environmental Improvement Assn.

11903 Potato Hill Rd., Boonville, NY (315) 942-2299 www.breiax-countryski.org

Old Forge and Inlet offer seemingly endless skiing and snowshoeing opportunities: McCauley Mountain Trail

Cross-country skiing, groomed, fee Length: approximately 10 miles plus additional trails

Much more than downhill! The McCauley Mountain Trail System has well-marked, groomed cross country trails ranging from easy to challenging that connect to the Old Forge village through the Maple Ridge trails.

300 Mccauley Mt. Road, Old Forge, NY (315) 369-3225 www.mccauleyny.com

Fern Park Ski Center

Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, groomed, rentals Length: 10 miles plus additional The Town of Inlet grooms the trails at Fern Park Ski Center, Limekiln Lake State Campground, and Inlet Golf Course. Free, warming hut, and restrooms. Lighted night skiing until 10pm.

Loomis Road, Inlet (GPS 43.748312, -74.796994) Call or visit the Inlet Visitors Center for maps and info about the many ski rental and trails available: (315) 357-5501 www.inletny.com

Osceola Tug Hill XC Ski

Cross-country skiing, groomed, fee Length: nearly 25 miles Boasting the highest snowfall east of the Rockies! Rental equipment available.

1486 Osceola Rd, Camden, NY (315) 599-7377 www.uxcski.com

Trenton Greenbelt Trails Cross-country skiing Length: approximately 2.5 miles

Located on approximately 200 acres of relatively undeveloped land that is a combination of public and private lands. Landowners involved in the Greenbelt project are not compensated for letting the public use the ski and hiking trails which cross their land. It is important that their generosity be respected, and that the land be protected.

7820 Wood Rd Barneveld, NY (GPS 43.246797,-75.21011) Most trails are of average difficulty, but there are some steep areas.

(315) 779-8240 www.visittughill.com/maps/mapP.htm You can download a more detailed map on our website: www.mohawkvalleyliving.com

Photo: G. VanRiper

West of the Valley Verona Beach State Park

Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, groomed Length: 7 miles+ “Woods and Wetland” nature trail is a mostly flat, easy snowshoe and ski trails loop 6541 Lakeshore Road South Verona Beach, NY (315) 762-4463 www.nysparks.com/parks/102/details.aspx

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South of Utica Glimmerglass State Park Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing Length: a half dozen loop trails ranging in length from 0.5 to 2 miles, including a trail that loops around historic Hyde Hall.

1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY (607) 547-8662 www.nysparks.com/parks/28

Gilbert Lake State Park

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing Length: over 12 miles A lake and three ponds lie in wooded, hilly terrain in the foothills of the Catskills.

18 CCC Road, Laurens, NY (607) 432-2114 www.nysparks.com/parks/19/details.aspx

Rogers Environmental Education Center Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, rentals Length: 6 miles Trails traverse woodlands, meadows, wetlands, plantations, and farm fields.

Rogers Center Winter Adventures February 17– 21, 2014 9am-4pm

Kirkland Glen at Hamilton College Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing Length: two main loops about a mile each Parking: from College Hill Road take Green Apple Way to parking areas behind student resident halls 198 College Hill Rd, Clinton, NY www.hamilton.edu

Kids ages 8-12 Snowshoe the trails, conduct winter experiments, explore the depths of the snow and learn about the natural world!

Daily: Members $25/ Non-members $30 Weekly: Members $110/ Non-members $130 Registration Deadline February 9 (Late registration Feb. 10-16 addt’l $5 fee) Call 2721 State Highway 80, Sherburne, NY (607) 674-4733 www.friendsofrogers.org

Brookfield State Forest

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing Length: 130 miles of trails spread over 13,000 acres A popular horseback riding trail system.

1700 Moscow Road, Brookfield, NY www.dec.ny.gov/lands/8243.html

Visit our website for more links to local resources for trails and adventures: Photo: G. VanRiper

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Notes from

The Road Camden

Turning the Stamp World Upside Down Generations of stamp collectors around the country have been receiving their stamps “on approval” in the mail from Mystic Stamp Company in Camden. The company has been promoting stamp collecting since 1923.

Owner, Donald Sundman made the international headlines in 2005 when he traded his rare Franklin Z Grill (a stamp he bought for an unprecedented $935,000 in 1998) for the unique Inverted Jenny plate block (at right) worth about $3 million.

You can take a tour of Mystic Stamp Company. It is open Mon-Fri 8-4:30. Call to schedule a tour (315) 245-2690 9700 Mill St, Camden, NY www.mysticstamp.com While in Camden, take a drive, walk, or bike around beautiful Forest Park (or ski - this could surely be added to our Winter Trail Guide!) The 117 acre park is known for its miles of paved roads surrounded by small brooks, canopy of trees, ferns, and wildflowers.

Ripley Drive, Camden, NY For a detailed map visit: www.camdenbudgetstorage.com/Forest Park

www.mysticstamp.com

Sherburne

Gilligan’s in Winter If you like homemade ice cream even when it’s icy outside, then Gilligan’s is the place for you!

Open year round, this drive-thru ice cream and burger place is unassuming, but don’t assume the food will be. On one of our stops we ordered the pulled pork sandwich with a “side of beans” as advertised on the plastic-lettered sign out front.

“Beans” was quite an understatement! We told them they had to come up with a better name to describe this homemade delight. Even “pulled pork” seemed inadequate, as it was perhaps the best we’d ever tasted!

Famous for their homemade ice cream, they have developed many custom flavors, like Raider Passion to honor nearby Colgate University’s sports team. It’s a delectable combination of cake batter ice cream, Oreos, and red velvet cake!

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East Utica

Sweet Utica Treat Before we visited East Utica we had never heard of a lobster claw pastry!

How could we have lived without this irresistible delight?! This specialty is synonymous with the Utica area because it arrived with the Italians who settled here at the turn of the last century. The “lobster claw” was a New York spin on the traditional shell-shaped filled pastry called sfogliatelle, using the original crust but in a “tail” shape with a sweeter French cream instead of ricotta filling.

Caruso’s Pastry Shop 707 Bleecker St, Utica 735-9712

19

Historical Herkimer County:

Presidents’ day

by Susan R. Perkins

Washington’s Tour Did you know that George Washington and Abraham Lincoln made brief visits to Herkimer County?

General Washington traveled through the Mohawk Valley starting from Newburgh on July 18, 1783 and returning on August 5, 1783.

Washington is rumored to have eaten at a table under a tree at the Shoemaker Tavern in Mohawk during his stop there in 1783. Shoemaker Tavern was built in 1768 by Rudolph Shoemaker (husband of Gertrude Herkimer, sister of Nicholas). It later became the Valley Tavern which was burned down in 1973.

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Presidents’ Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February before Lincoln’s and after Washington’s Birthday.

The origin of President’s Day date back to the 1880s, when the birthday of George Washington was first celebrated as a federal holiday. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill. The bill was debated, proposing that Washington’s Birthday be renamed President’s Day to honor the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln. It was never an official federal holiday.

This was rejected and in 1971 the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill went in to effect.

This map shows Washington’s itinerary for his visit to the Mohawk Valley in 1783.

Washington’s journey westward to Fort Stanwix took him through parts of present day Herkimer County. He took the Otsquago Trail through present day Starkville and Van Hornesville to Cherry Valley. He then passed through Upper Mohawk Castle (today’s Indian Castle), visited General Herkimer’s Home. He was then scheduled to spend the night of July 24 at Johan Jost Herkimer’s house at Fort Herkimer, and then cross over the Mohawk River to visit Fort Dayton (there is no record of this event). On his way eastward he supposedly dined in front of Shoemaker Tavern in Mohawk. The tavern had been a Tory meeting place during the American Revolution. Washington’s journey eastward had him scheduled to stop at Fort Herkimer on July 27, 1783.

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Lincoln’s MV Visit

Abraham Lincoln’s train made a stop in Little Falls while traveling from Springfield, Illinois on his way to the Capitol to assume the Presidency. The train arrived 10 minutes past noon. Traveling with him were his wife, Mary Lincoln, their three sons, William (Willie), Thomas (Tad) and Robert Todd, and many friends.

Excerpt from the Herkimer Democrat Wednesday, February 20, 1861: “At Little Falls, a great crowd had collected, and as the train drew near, the bells rang a welcome, cannons were fired, and a brass band struck up enlivening music. Mr. Lincoln came to the platform of the car, and was introduced to the multitude by Mr. Richmond, President of the village.”

Lincoln then spoke to the crowds: “Ladies and Gentlemen: I appear before you merely for the purpose of greeting you, saying a few words and bidding you farewell. I have no speech to make, and no sufficient time to make one if I had; nor have I the strength to repeat a speech, at all the places at which I stop, even if all the other circumstances were favorable. I have come to see you and allow you to see me (Applause) and in this so far [as] regards the Ladies, I have the best of the bargain on my side. I don’t make that acknowledgment to the gentlemen, (Increased laughter) and now I believe I have really made my speech and am ready to bid you farewell when the cars move on.”

1860 Lincoln Campaign Button

The Old Nashville – the engine that pulled Lincoln’s funeral train through the Mohawk Valley.

Sadly, the next time Lincoln visited Herkimer County was during his funeral cortège. The funeral train passed through Little Falls and Herkimer retracing the same president-elect route carrying his body back home to Illinois.

From the Herkimer Democrat Wednesday May 3, 1865:

“The great event of the past week was the passage of the remains of our late President through the State on their way to their last resting place in Illinois. By 7:40 P.M., just at twilight was yielding to darkness, the Pilot Engine made its appearance preceding the funeral train 10 minutes.

It just haled and quietly moved on in its solemn errand.[...] The Mohawk Valley Band, with a large delegation from Mohawk, had already arrived, and were stationed on the balcony of the Hotel of Maine & Sanders, while their Firemen from the same place were, under the directions of Col. Suiter and Laflin, drawn up in line just north of the Rail Road in front of the Hotel, so as to form three sides of a hollow square, torch lights being carried by them and other citizens.”

Thirty-six young ladies, representing the state were dressed in white with heavy black sashes. Worn on their heads were crowns of flowers and they carried small American flags draped with crepe.

Sue Perkins is the Executive Director of the Herkimer County Historical Society and historian for the town of Manheim.

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21

Think Spring. really!

Story and Photos by Gary VanRiper

One of the oft-repeated family jokes around our house concerns the year my wife bought me a kayak – even though I cannot swim. Family members also find amusing my passion for wilderness hiking even though, after 33 years living in our village, I am still unfamiliar with the names and exact locations of many of the streets here. I admit it, I’m not the best one in town to ask for directions.

Despite that, after nearly a decade of pounding the wilderness trails throughout the Adirondack Park and Catskills, I have yet to get lost.

I attribute that mainly to proper planning.

It continues to amaze me how unprepared so many hikers are that I meet on the trails. Inadequate footwear, little to no water, and no maps. These are only a few among the most common things I see that threaten to turn a wonderful day in the woods into a miserable, or even dangerous one.

Spring is right around the corner.

Really, it is. Stop looking out the window. It’s less than 50 days! So now is a great time to begin making plans for more fair-weather hiking.

The West-Central Region of the Adirondacks is close to the Mohawk

Black Bear Mountain trail marker Valley and the book, Best Easy is as updated as possible. This is not Day Hikes: Adirondacks (Globe only for safety, but many children Pequot Press, 3/1/11) by writer/ love looking at maps, and it can be photographer/outdoorswoman Lisa fun to show those budding hikers Densmore is a great introduction with you where they have been and for novices to the region and the where they are going. sport. It includes a short backcountry The best trail maps of the checklist of essentials to bring on region I’ve found are from National your hikes and features two modest Geographic. These topographical and popular adventures in the West- maps are also waterproof and Central Region (Bald (Rondaxe) tear resistant. There are five in Mountain and Black Bear Mountain). the Adirondack series. (see www.

Timothy Starmer’s Five Star Trails natgeomaps.com) in the Adirondacks (Menasha Ridge The Adirondack Mountain Club Press, 8/10/10) contains seven day- is always a great source of information hikes in the same area.

The more ambitious can check out Densmore’s Hiking the Adirondacks: A Guide to 42 of the Best Hiking Adventures in New York’s Adirondacks.

All of the hikes in both of her books are described in some detail and feature accompanying trail maps.

Speaking of maps, those provided in the various guidebooks are certainly helpful, but I like to carry a more detailed topographical map with me as well. And one that White-tailed Deer on the Moss Lake trail

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for safely exploring and enjoying the great outdoors. There are a number of Adirondack Mountain Club chapters throughout the state including the Iroquois Chapter based in Utica, NY and the Onondaga Chapter in Syracuse, NY. You can find links to both and more recommended guidebooks at the universal site, www.adk.org.

Now, if I could only find a good topographical map of our village, perhaps I could be more useful to my neighbors and passing motorists asking directions.

Best Easy Day Hikes – Adirondacks

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Gary VanRiper is an author and photographer. He has written 13 children’s books with his son, Justin. Find out more at:

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The Fulton Chain of Lakes from the Bald Mountain trail

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Victor Lenuzza talks with guests at the January opening of his art exhibit at The Other Side in Utica.

Local Arts:

victor lenuzza

On a cold evening in January, a crowd of people pressed into The Other Side gallery on Genesee Street in Utica for an art opening for Utica-born artist Victor Lenuzza. The large picture window was aglow with guests, the light spilling out into the darkness, illuminating the sidewalk and passersby, some peeking in (and popping in).

Much of Victor Lenuzza’s artwork plays on this juxtaposition of light and dark, at once highlighting and embracing his forms. His figures often seem to be enveloped by light or emerging from it. Using oils and acrylics, he creates impressionistic depictions of what he has termed ‘Life as Stage.’

“Overall, my main focus is on the essence of color and light, whether it be natural or ‘limelight,” he says. Through his extensive travels he has observed and studied dancers, musicians, actors, and models as well as people in everyday life. He says he finds the elements of human existence “an endless source of inspiration.”

The January exhibit was well attended and encouraging.

Although he admits that it’s a pleasure to sell his work, have many people see it and react to it.

“Much of the time,” he says, “it’s being here [in the studio] alone, keeping yourself inspired, working

Victor’s work focuses on his subject’s ‘Life as Stage,’ capturing light and dark.

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The colors and textures of a 9th century monastery in Armenia echo through Vartan Poghosian’s art.

through it and overcoming fear.”

He spends most of his time in his downtown Utica studio overlooking the city.

Every inch of wall space is covered with paintings, drawings, and collages in various stages of completion. One giant painting is a never-ending work in process, a go-to piece for when he hits an artistic roadblock or challenge that needs to be worked out.

He has travelled throughout the United States and Europe and has exhibited in New York City, Kansas City, Boston, Rochester, Italy, and Switzerland, but he always finds his way home. “I’m comfortable here,” he says of his studio and of his city, “I can focus here.”

Victor Lenuzza studied at MunsonWilliams-Proctor Arts Institute in Utica, NY and is an alumnus of Syracuse University.

He also spent two summers at the Illustration Academy in Kansas City, MO with some of the top illustrators in the country (E.g.

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Our First Year: 1974

Shawangunk nature preserve, cold brook

by Peggy Spencer Behrendt

In 1974, Tim and Peggy Spencer Behrendt set off on an adventure. They began a new life in the woods of Cold Brook, NY, without modern conveniences like electricity or indoor plumbing. Their goal was to experience a worthwhile existence while minimizing harm to the environment. These are excerpts from Peggy’s journal chronicling their first year.

Tim and Peggy’s “neighbor” enjoying a wild apple.

Mon: 9:30 - 8:00, Tue - Fri: 9:30 - 5:00 Sat: 10:00 - 4:00 26

Part 5 A little furry face with large orange teeth is peering at me through the window by the couch.

“So, what do you think of this human burrow?” I ask, after my initial surprise. We weren’t expecting a visitor so late at night.

Our guest does not answer but turns and scurries back down the snow we’ve banked around the cottage, and into the shadows of our forest.

We have a pile of lumber left-over from our house construction. We value these oddly shaped scraps (from scraps) because we’ve learned how to connect them to make bigger, useful pieces. Whenever we need to make something, we go to this private lumber yard and say, (part in jest, part in earnest) “Oh, dear Lumber Company, please give me what I need for this project.” And with creativity and imagination, we usually find something that will suffice.

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holes appearing in the plywood and the edges are no longer square. “Was it this way when we put it here?” we wonder.

The next morning we follow our visitor’s tracks in the snow and they lead to the Lumber Company.

“So! It is you, Prickly Porky who is eating our precious plywood and turning it into Swiss cheese.”

We extract some fencing out of the snow and wrap it around the plywood.

When we tell folks about this, some of the old timers laugh and mention that porcupines also love tires and brake linings.

“Peg, I think we’re going to have to fence in our truck when we bring it back in the spring.” Tim says. And we do this for many years despite the oft teasing of human visitors who say; “Are you afraid your truck will escape?” Eventually we replace the fencing with salt blocks which give the porcupines what they really want.

Each morning when I fill the bird feeder I notice the chickadees coming closer and closer in their eagerness. I try holding out seeds in my hand before filling the feeder. Eventually, one musters up great courage, hops over,

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and quickly plucks a seed from it.

Some hold off, perhaps waiting to say; “I told you so!” if the bold ones come to a disastrous end in my hand.

Shyer ones fly in, flutter briefly an inch from my fingers, then swoop off quickly with a cry like; “Yikes! I can’t believe I almost touched that giant! What a bird brain!”

Some land with a solid “plunk” then take their time lifting and discarding unsatisfactory seeds until choosing the plumpest. Others are more refined, landing lightly, delicately, choosing and departing quickly.

My cat disappeared a few weeks after we moved here. She was not wise to forest life and the many dangers to a small feline. Now, the chickadees are our new pets.

Today, Tim is away at work and the chickadees and I are home alone. I hear a chugging sound, or is it snorting?

It’s getting louder. Worried, I decide to investigate, and, just in case…bring a

phone calls for us at their dairy farm hatchet.

I slowly, quietly, head down our over eight miles away and bring us path, listening. Suddenly, with a surge messages. We also keep our bee hives of fearful adrenaline, I realize it is there and call it; The Land of Milk and an animal, panting, coming rapidly Honey. around the curve and closing in on me! We have endless snow now, alter Ah! I discover that my imaginary nating with bitter cold dipping to 20, foe is only my dear friend Dorothy 30 and 40 degrees below zero. One who is a little out of breath because she blizzardy day Tim walks out to our has been running. mailbox on Pardeeville Road. Like We stand, face to face in the forest, John Muir climbing a tree to expericatching our breath. She is holding a ence a wind storm, he decides to sit in very large kitchen knife and I have my a snow bank with a view of the Shahatchet. We burst out laughing, both wangunk Valley to savor the masterful relieved at the sight of our intensity of the fierce storm. A 4 “foe.” wheel drive truck starts to “Hi Peg! I came “We stand, face pass by but stops where to give you a phone Tim’s tracks leave the to face...catching message. This is a road. A man gets out and nice way to greet follows them until he our breath. She is me!” sees Tim sitting silentholding a kitchen Since we have no ly, covered with snow, knife and I have phone, Dorothy and totally merged into the Dick are kind enough bleached, arctic landscape my hatchet.” to accept emergency except for his alert, pale

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Noam Pikelny and Friends

February 21, 2014, 7:30 pm

An evening of original and classical bluegrass music with banjo, guitar, fiddle, bass, and mandolin.

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blue eyes. He yells out; “Holy s---, there’s a man!” runs back into the truck and drives off.

Three days a week we go to work 30 miles away. It is a long day doing ministry and teaching music in Utica, then Rome, 15 miles farther where Tim is a guidance counselor for teens at the YMCA. We come home after dark, exhausted, and shovel out a place for the truck at the end of our seasonal road.

We hike home the last half mile through deep snow with backpacks heavy laden with groceries and supplies. Our flashlight is always dim.

“I can’t see!” I complain as I stumble in fresh, deep snow behind Tim, “You’re hogging the light!”

“I’ve got to see where I’m going!” he gripes back.

My legs punch through a deep drift and I am buried up to my waist.

So we crawl part of the way, with arms and backpacks full, across the deep drifts created by the frigid winds blowing snow across last summer’s blueberry meadow. It finally gets easier under the forest canopy.

Near home now, we hope we won’t step off the edges of our narrow bridge and end up sprawling into more unfathomable depths of frigid fluff.

Everything in the house is freezing except for the food in the root cellar, so we decide to just go to bed, wrapping legs and arms around each other for heat, wearing one or two wool caps to compliment hooded shirts, flannel sheets and layers of blankets.

We are awakened by a lone howl.

We open the window by the bed and listen intently. It is soon followed by another, and another. Soon there are many howls at once and excited yapping and barking. It crescendos feverishly in a catharsis of mass hysteria then suddenly stops. All is silent once again.

“It sounds like wild dogs, Peg.” “Yes, it sounds like they’ve killed something.”

They are deeply primordial sounds and leave us with awe and an intense sense of connection to the eternal strug28

gle and flow of life and death.

In the morning, above stately pillars of evergreens mantled in shawls of filigree clouds of snow, the sky blushes pink and magenta light.

We start the fire, and after shoveling out, bringing in wood, and preparing meals, we hang-out in the cozy, warm loft most of the time; writing, reminiscing, planning, cuddling, kissing, or reading by the light of candle stubs left over Peggy and Tim’s Valentines Day wedding from our church altars.

The next night Tim is kissing me. But we hear that we hear a new and eerie sound in the forest. It is loud, high eerie sound again. pitched, descending into a lengthy qua- “It’s much closer this time,” I whisper, “and it’s not as dark. Maybe we ver.

“Tim, what is that?” I ask, re- can find out what it is!”

We quietly go out and listen. pressing a quaver in my own voice.

“Over here! In the old hemlock, I “I have no idea.”

We peer out the front door but don’t think!”

We see two dark, roundish shapes hear it again.

We celebrate our first anniversa- high among the tiny limbs, 40’ above ry February 14th. Not ready for a le- us, moving slowly, deliberately togal commitment last year in 1974, we gether from branch to branch. They were married conditionally in the kind are porcupines, and they have chosen of ceremony Tim does for same-sex this tree for a rendezvous. They are couples. (Our legal marriage would calling to each other with tender yearnoccur later.) Our fellow minister, Rev. ing. We watch, fascinated to think that Robertson, was over 400 miles away they can do this so high off the ground. in Washington, DC, at the time and Then, suddenly, I feel embarrassed to America was in the middle of a gas be watching this private tryst and to shortage so we couldn’t get to him. be eavesdropping on the love song of Even gas stations that were open had these porcupines. long lines of cars waiting. Instead, we We return home, and climb into phoned him with our friends Gary & our own, safe little loft to sing our own Cathy as witnesses. Tim asked me to love songs. be his Valentine. I promised to love and hate him. We had pizza and beer at the The Shawangunk Nature Old Bank Tavern afterward and spent Preserve is a deep ecology, our honeymoon night on old straw pew forever wild, 501©(3), learncushions in front of the fireplace at the ing and cultural center. Tim and Peggy still live there and parsonage. can be contacted through their Now we can celebrate in our own website. home in the woods. www.shawangunknaturepreserve.com

The Ilion Little TheatrE

by Cynthia Quackenbush

Ilion Little Theatre is a real gem of the Mohawk Valley. Located in The Stables on Remington Avenue, behind Remington Arms, it offers good theatre to audiences and a great deal of fun to members.

The Stables used to belong to the Remington family, so the structure is of historical as well as architectural interest. The theatre itself is intimate, seating less than 100 people.

The actors do not have to be miked, and every seat com-

mands a pretty good view of the stage.

Ilion Little Theatre Club has been around since 1924. Its history is palpable and not just in the atmosphere. The walls are covered with posters of previous productions. I love to just look around. “Oh, they did that play? What year was that?” As directors are usually listed on the posters, one can also see familiar names.

The group currently does four productions a year with the season running from September to June or July. Individual ticket prices are $12 for adults, $8 students. Season tickets are also available, for three or four shows. However, one can also join the group as an active member for $25 per year, which includes admission to the plays.

As it was told to me, active members are required to do at least one thing for one show

during the year. It can be box office, sets, costumes, backstage, acting, almost anything. I’ve been a member since 2009, and I have found that the burden is in not finding one thing to do but in realizing I can’t do everything I would like to do.

The group holds monthly dinner meetings on the third Thursday of the month at The Stables. Everyone brings a dish to pass and his/her own place setting. Nobody coordinates who brings what (although Norm always brings brownies). I’ve always gotten a good meal at these meetings, but I’ve heard that sometimes they have eight salads or all desserts (sounds good to me).

The season usually features a variety of shows. The 2013-14 Season opened with the comedy “Bless Me, Father,” in November, which played to full houses and a lot of laughs. They followed that with the thriller “Wait Until Dark” in January. Two comedies, “Don’t Talk to the Actors,” and “Funny Money,” will round out the season.

Next show: “Don’t Talk To the Actors” March 14, 15, 21, 22 at 8pm and March 16 and 23 at 2pm.

13 Remington Ave, Ilion, NY (315) 894-3203 www.ilionlittletheatre.org and you can like them on Facebook

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29

Explore Canal Place, Little Falls!

MVCA Celebrates “Third Thursdays” in Little Falls!

Open Mic Night at The Gallery Coffeehouse Thurs., February 20

6:30 – 9pm (first act starts @ 7pm) 401 Canal Place Little Falls 315.823.0808 mohawkvalleyarts.org

Raven’s Watch Antiques

We specialize in antiques: vintage aprons and linens, old furniture, ironstone, vintage clothing and more, and we make our own herbal products, too!

Tue - Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 410 Canal Place, Little Falls, New York 13365 (315) 823-0718

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Little Falls Antique Center

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The 1912 Little Falls Textile Strike

Part 2 by Jeffrey Gressler

1912, NOVEMBER - ESCALATION AND AFL ATTEMPTS AT SETTLEMENT

On November 7 city officials and north side residents held a counter-demonstration at the Hippodrome Theater and issued a strong sentiment of support for the actions of local law enforcement and city officials. At the same time, the “property rights v. human dignity” theme emerged in the media.

Mayor Frank Shall stated that mill workers had been exploited by “outside sources, fakirs, fanatics, and those who profit from industrial disturbances.” It was clear that the strikers had few allies on the more prosperous north side.

In early November, Big Bill Haywood arrived in Little Falls to help direct strike activities. The Little Falls Defense League was formed and socialist speakers fanned out across the northeast to help raise money to replace lost wages.

On November 15 the Little Falls Common Council approved the hiring of 38 additional special police. Some theorize that city officials did not want

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city policemen to be directly involved in violent exchanges with other city residents.

Later in the month, AFL officials arrived in Little Falls and quickly established the United Textile Workers local # 206 to represent Little Falls mill workers. The IWW and the AFL competed for local membership and tried to best position themselves to reap the benefits of media coverage. On November 29, the AFL announced that they had reached a settlement between mill owners and striking workers that much resembled the actual settlement reached in early January. Striking workers refused the attempted settlement, they had suffered much and wanted greater concessions.

December was to bring bitterly cold weather, official NYS intervention and much additional drama to the streets of Little Falls.

DECEMBER - CHILDREN MOVED AND STATE MEDIATION

In early December the pro-mill owners newspaper Journal and Courier

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confidently proclaimed that “the mills are gaining steadily and there is no longer any doubt who are the masters of the situation.” Overlooked was the fact that hundreds of mill workers were still on strike, marching and picketing daily with IWW red banners. One of the more creative picket signs read “less booze for owners, more bread for workers.”

The IWW urged striking families to accept the earlier offers of Schenectady socialists and send their children there for the holidays. On December 17, eighteen Little Falls children departed from the local railroad station for Schenectady, gaining striking workers great sympathy in the press.

With little hope of a strike settlement, the NYS Department of Labor interceded on December 24 by ordering the Board of Mediation and Arbitration to go to Little Falls and conduct public hearings. December 27, 28 and 30 produced dozens of witnesses at state hearings, yielding conflicting versions of why the strike began and why settlement had not yet been reached. Workers testified that horrible living and working

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conditions were the main causes and that the pay cut had pushed many families beyond the breaking point. Mill owners maintained that Little Falls factory wages did not result in financial hardship.

Mediation Board members pushed hard for a settlement. Mill owners were arm-twisted into advancing terms of settlement for the three-month long strike. The eventual strike settlement called for three things: First, there was to be no discrimination against those mill workers who had been on strike. Second, the two companies were to reinstate all employees as soon as possible. Third, all men and women were to receive 60 hours of pay for 54 hours of work.

On January 3, 1913 a mass meeting of striking workers was held with Matilda Rabinowitz serving as chairperson.

After fiery speechmaking by union officials, the striking workers voted unanimously to accept the settlement offer and agreed to return to work beginning on January 6. The bitter eighty-seven day strike was over. In its aftermath bad faith remained and a city sought to bury the memories.

IMPACT AND AFTERMATH

The 1912 Textile Strike was a major historical event for Little Falls and a small piece of the fabric that was early 20th century American industrial labor relations. Most attempts by city officials to mend the wounds and solve the socio-economic problems laid bare by the three-month strike were cosmetic.

Mayor Shall spoke of “sending them to school” as a solution which did little to address the need for better affordable housing for a growing city and better opportunities for the struggling poor and recent immigrant arrivals.

State investigators who visited Little Falls after the strike concluded that the final strike settlement did little to improve the lives of factory workers in the city and that “the one outstanding and unavoidable conclusion of this report is that there is need of a thorough general investigation of wages and cost of living among the textile workers of the Mohawk Valley.”

In the words of one writer, Lit-

tle Falls “[They] paid remained in blood, broken “a city of close physibones and lost cal proximity wages...” but great social distance.”

Socio-economic and class divisions remained as strong after the strike as before. Only time and intermarriage would help to bridge these divisions.

The 1912 Textile Strike left few good memories for Little Falls residents.

The WWI-induced Red Scare (19171921) brought ill-repute onto socialism and few who had marched under IWW banners wanted to be reminded. By 1920 the Phoenix Knitting Mills had left Little Falls, its factory buildings later became Allegro Shoe Company. The Gilbert Knitting Mill operated until the 1960’s.

The Canal Place waterfront commercial and arts district now occupies the space where this industrial age human drama played out a century ago.

Following the 1912 Strike, Dusty

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Long continued on his long and distinguished career as Little Falls police chief. Matilda Rabinowitz and Big Bill Haywood went on to other sites of labor unrest while advancing the interests of the working class. Haywood eventually fled to Russia around 1918. Rabinowitz helped to found the great United Auto Workers Union in Detroit. Helen Schloss later became prominent in the women’s suffrage movement. George Lunn went onto a long political career, including stints in the U.S. Congress and as Lieutenant Governor of NYS. The 1912 Little Falls Textile Strike had been but single chapters in their storied careers.

In the final analysis, the 1912 Little Falls Textile Strike was a short chapter in the much larger text that chronicles America’s early 20th century titanic struggle between owners and workers.

Our factory working ancestors paid, in blood, broken bones and lost wages, the price that helped to advance their own rights and dignity. They also contributed a small part to much larger labor victories under FDR’s 1930’s New Deal.

In 1935 both the National Labor

Relations Act giving labor unions the right of collective bargaining and the Fair Labor Standards Act legislating a minimum wage were enacted by a Democratic Congress and President. A livable wage and the right to speak to management with one voice were precisely what those courageous strikers had picketed and held out for in the bitter cold.

One final but all important footnote to the 1912 Little Falls Textile Strike is that it was begun and in a large part carried out by women in an age when men dominated industry and politics.

“First wave” feminism would soon yield women’s suffrage through the 1920 19th Amendment. These courageous Little Falls women left their small but indelible mark on American history.

Although our grandparents sought to forget the 1912 Textile Strike, at its 100th anniversary we must remember because the same issues are still alive today. In the age of globalization and the outsourcing of American jobs, the working class is still falling victim to the whims of industry; lawmakers still favor the interests of the haves over those of

the have nots.

Our ancestors - their 1912 efforts and sacrifices have long been forgotten, but their resurrected images in old Textile Strike-era photographs still haunt us as we seek to tell their stories a hundred years later.

Towards Our Bicentennial 1811 - 2011

Bicentennial Writing Series A Collection of Articles Composed and Contributed by Little Falls Residents Past and Present

Little Falls Historical Society Little Falls, New York

This article is also available in the recent history book, “Towards Our Bicentennial 1811-2011, Bicentennial Writing Series,” a new book containing highly personalized stories about wars, athletic teams, and youthful neighborhood experiences.

The book is available at the Little Falls Historical Society Museum or ordered by phone at: (315) 8239217, 823-0620, or 823-2799.

Hot shows for a cool season!

Alfred Hitchcock’s THE

BIRDS (1963)

Fri., February 7, 7:00 pm Sat., Feb. 8, 2:30 & 7:00 pm One of Hitchcock’s best lms , presented in 35mm. Starring Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, Jessica Tandy and Suzanne Plesheee.

Adults $6, Capitol Friends $5, Children (12 & Under) $2.

CARTOON MADNESS 11

Mon.-Fri., February 17-21, 3:00 pm, Sat., February 22, 3:00 & 7:00 pm 12 of the funniest color cartoons ever seen!

Sponsored by Vescio’s Franklin Hotel.

Adults $3.50, Children (12 & Under) $2.50.

DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944) Fri., February 28, 7:00 pm Sat. March 1, 2:30 & 7:0 pm

An insurance rep lets himself be talked into a murder/insurance fraud scheme that arouses an insurance investigator's suspicions. Starring Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck and Edward G. Robinson.

Adults $6, Capitol Friends $5, Children (12 & Under) $2.

Friday is FREE for friends!

Call the box office:

(315)

337-6453

Buy Online:

www.romecapitol.com

34

Beginner Apprenticeship Herbal Medicine for Self, Home and Family An introduction to the world of Traditional Western Herbalism and the medicinal plants of the Mohawk Valley.

Six monthly meetings beginning in April 2014

Topics:

Plant identification Bioregionalism & living with the seasons Herb growing Wildcrafting Herbal energetics

Making herbal products & preparations Edible wild foods Home remedies for common ailments Ethics and conservation

Intermediate Apprenticeship-Level 1Â

For self and community-creating healing and resilience Gain a deeper understanding of Traditional Western Herbalism and the initial steps of creating your own herbal practice.

Covers the more subtle skills of medicine-making and the dynamics of herbal medicine and how it is woven into human health. Six 2-day weekend meetings beginning in April 2014

For more info and to register go to: www.hawthornehillherbs.com or call Lisa @ 315-845-1562

Did you Know? from the Oneida County Historical Society

by Jeana Ganskop, Director of Collections and Outreach

Utica’s Busy Corner

Then & Then

How time flies! Compare these views looking down Lafayette Street – one from the early 1900s and one about mid-century. While the ‘Busy Corner’ is bustling in both shots, by the 1950s the trolleys were gone and horse-drawn carriages were only memories. Another thing – do you see the Hotel Utica in the background, on the right? It grew! The upper four floors were added in 1926, 14 years after this downtown landmark first opened its doors.

Union Station Centennial

Utica’s railroad depot before Union Station was built in 1914.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the citizens of Utica were served by the New York Central Railroad in a depot adjacent to the old Bagg’s Hotel. With the growth of the area it was felt that Utica’s train station – the first site greeting thousands of travelers every year – should reflect the grandeur and power inherent to the region. And thus was born Union Station, which celebrates its centennial this year.

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Making Light of Candles

Remembering Washington’s Tour On July 22, 1790, George Washington and New York Governor George Clinton both signed this document selling 234 acres of land in White’s Town to Oneida County Pioneer Jedidiah Sanger. The document, with President Washington’s signature, can be found in the Oneida County Historical Society Archives.

While George Washington toured upstate New York as early as 1783, he was an absentee landowner. Two of his fellow patriots – Major Gen. William Floyd and Major Gen. Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben – came here to stay! Floyd, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Baron von Steuben, drillmaster for Washington’s Continental Army, are buried here and are the namesakes of two of Oneida County’s townships.

Mrs. Emily T. Gray (sister-in-law to Harvard Botanist Dr. Asa Gray) used the candle snuffer (pictured above) in her home in Sauquoit in the mid1800s. The candle snuffer both extinguished the flame and trimmed the wick – a helpful tool in a time when candles were a primary source of light. Living in a rural area, it’s likely Mrs. Gray made her own candles.

Want to try candle-making? Get an old crock pot, some craft store wax (or pieces of candles you don’t want), and craft store wick.

Warm the wax in the crock pot until it is thoroughly melted. Cut the wick the size you want your candle to be (but no longer than the depth of the wax in the crock pot). Using a slow, steady motion, dip the wick in the wax and pull it out immediately. Wait a moment to let it dry and then dip again. Repeat. Wax should build up on the wick, slowly growing your candle. If your first candle is the size of a birthday cake candle and you’re ready to quit, just think of Mrs. Gray and all the early Oneida County settlers who had to make their own candles to provide light in their farmhouses – and be thankful for your electric lights!

Oneida County Historical Society 1608 Genesee Street, Utica

Open Mon.-Fri. 10-4, (315) 735-3642 www.oneidacountyhistory.org

GOODSELL MUSEUM Local Adirondack History

2993 State 28 Old 2993Route State Route 28Forge, NY 13420

315-369-3838 Old Forge, NY 13420 www.WebbHistory.org 315-369-3838

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The Everyday Adventures of Mohawk Valley Girl:

A visit to the remington arms museum I love almost any kind of museum, and especially a free one. There is a small but interesting museum in Ilion, NY, attached to Remington Arms.

Remington Arms is a fixture in the Mohawk Valley. It all started in 1816 when Eliphalet Remington built his first rifle. Visitors to the museum can learn about the history of Remington Arms and see examples of firearms the company has manufactured through the ages. I’ve visited the museum a few times and I have yet to read all the history and

explanations posted next to the displays. Each visit I learn something new.

Walking by a display of handguns recently, I remembered my first visit to the museum. I had met my sister there with her two children.

“Cami took something,” Tom told me in an under-voice. I waited for him to point out a “Free Take One” display. Instead, he showed me where a handgun was “missing” from a display case.

I think Cami was six at the time.

She hotly denied the theft, although

I did notice that the gun is still missing.

I also noticed a sewing machine and typewriter exhibit. I seem to remember encountering a Remington typewriter many years ago. There is a lovely, ornate model on display at the Herkimer County Historical Society in Herkimer, NY. Paintings, posters, and memorabilia from Remington’s early days are also on display. A taxidermy bear greets visitors as they walk through the reception area. There are other taxidermy exhibits in the museum

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itself, including one of a hunting dog in action.

Attached to the museum is the Remington Country Store, which offers a variety of items.

I bought all my nieces and nephews Remington t-shirts last Christmas. I especially like the note cards featuring prints of artwork by local folk artist Jim Parker.

It is a small museum but filled with interesting items and information. It is well worth a visit, and don’t forget to stop by the Country Store.

Remington Arms Museum Open: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Store closes at 4:30pm.

14 Hoefler Ave, Ilion, NY For more information call (315) 895-3200 or (800) 243-9700, or visit: www.remington.com

Cynthia M. Quackenbush, a.k.a. “Mohawk Valley Girl,” writes a daily blog about her everyday adventures in the Mohawk Valley.

Follow her frugal fun at: mohawkvalleygirl.wordpress.com

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The Music never stops:

Kellish Hill Farm A chat with Kathy Kellish

By John Keller

YEE-HAW!! That’s the sound that resonates throughout Kellish Hill Farm in Manlius when good music and good people gather there. Although Kellish Hill Farm is slightly outside Mohawk Valley proper, the performers come from the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, New York City, and beyond.

Much like Saratoga’s Cafe Lena, this venue brings folk, country, rock and bluegrass together under one roof. It’s a musician’s paradise.

This magical, musical place is the brainchild of Kathy Kellish and Rick Harding, whose love for music helped them decide to turn part of the farm into a music venue. The patrons, as well as the musicians, provide an appreciative, nurturing community that welcomes all. The barn/stage is decorated like an American Pickers dream. Kitschy, rustic, Americana, and homey, the venue is run mainly by donations and love. Patrons sit on stools with tables, folding chairs & rockers, listening to the offerings of open mic performers, featured bands, and sometimes, poets. In the winter months, Kellish Hill hosts “Lodge Concerts” in her home.

I talked to Kathy Kellish about how this started and what’s next.

How long have you owned Kellish Hill Farm?

I was raised here. My parents bought the farm back in 1948, and left it to me.

When did you decide to turn part of the farm into a music venue?

My parents were always playing or singing around the house as I was growing up. The idea came to me when I kept hearing music in my head when there was no music playing! When we were rebuilding the barns across the road, I realized there was always music growing up here and knew the need was strong for its return.

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Where did you get the idea to do so?

So many things bring us down in this world, but music offers a respite for all. I feel it’s a calling for me to offer our place to musicians from our area and beyond. About ten years ago we decided to provide a place for them to come and feel comfortable, to express themselves, and feel appreciated. We don’t have to get high on liquor, but get high on the music and the brotherhood that you feel towards others with the music. Everyone needs sanctuary of the mind and we offer it here to all. We are the place where the music lives!

Is it still a working farm, as well?

Yes, we grow our own hay and raise horses and Irish Dexter cattle, a Heritage breed miniature cow.

What types of performances are here?

Besides the Open Mics on Thursdays and the weekend Lodge Concerts, we also sponsor traditional dances, including folk, square, contra and old time English Country. Dance is tied into the old time music and another way of expressing our love of the past. Music and dance go together hand in hand.

There are also Sunday jams, which include folk and rock, as well as country, gospel, and bluegrass, that are always well attended.

I understand that the venue runs by donations and that the community and patrons play a great part to keep it running smoothly. How did this come about?

I want our place, which is alcohol free, to be affordable to folks who don’t have money so they can have a place to come. We are sanctuary for all who enter, to find relief through music. I am a Pompey Lions Club member and giving back to the community is important, to have a place for closet pickers or folks that ever wanted to play an instrument to feel com-

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fortable to come and be a part of it. We do charge for some events so the musicians, as well as the farm, get something for their time and expenses, too.

The phrasing “where the music lives” was given us by a musician and it has stuck.

Are you, yourself, a musician?

I am a musician. I play autoharp and sing and I have written songs, as well.

You’ve had performers from Utica to Chittenango through the Syracuse area, as well as national acts play your place. How do you get the word out to attract such a wide range of talent?

I do not have a publicity budget. So much of what we do is spread by word of mouth and the local media also promote our events knowing it’s a good thing.

We have been in the top 4 for best live acoustic venue in the People’s choice awards for the CNY region for the past few years and I was a presenter last year at the Sammy Awards as well. A lot of people are “getting” us and this is a great thing.

What’s your vision?

I want our place to continue beyond us, to be a working farm and to carry on the music as well. I don’t know how this will be done, but it will be here for future generations’ enjoyment as well.

Kellish Hill Farm is located at 3192 Pompey Center Road Manlius, NY. Check the website www.kellishhillfarm.com or find them, and Kathy, on Facebook.

Local musician, John Keller, is the owner of Off Center Records in downtown Utica, NY.

OPEN

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february

GAllery Guide Ogden Pleissner, Watercolors and Oil paintings from the Arkell Collection February 15-June 1, 2014

Arkell Museum

Ogden Minton Pleissner (1905–1983) was an American painter specializing in landscapes and war art related to his service in World War II.

2 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie, NY (518) 673-2314 www.arkellmuseum.org

Wilds of New York, Watercolor Paintings

by Vige Barrie Through March 15, 2014

The Artful Lodger Gallery 7 East Park Row, Clinton, NY (315) 853-3672 www.artfullodger.net

Women Illustrators in the Golden Age of Illustration 1880-1920

Collector’s reception: Saturday, February 1, 5-7pm Through February 21, 2014 The collection of Jay Williams featuring some of the most recognized women illustrators of 1880-1920.

Edith Langley Barrett Fine Art Gallery Library Concourse, Utica College 1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY (315) 792-5289 www.utica.edu/gallery

The Fenimore Quilt Club Show February 8-23, 2014

One of the largest and longest running quilt shows in the region.

Approximately 100 quilts and quilted items from antique to modern.

Cooperstown Art Association

22 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY (607) 547-9777 www.cooperstownart.com

Self Portraits: of Taku Saito February 1-March 15, 2014

A series of self-portraits by New York-based artist, Taku Saito.

The paintings are all completed in the same composition, size and lighting. Only the brush-strokes are different.

Earlville Opera House

18 East Main St., Earlville, NY (315) 691-3550 www.earlvilleoperahouse.com

Variations on a Theme: Quilt Series Plates Ceramics by David MacDonald Opening reception: Wednesday, February 5, 2014, 4:30-6:30pm February 2-27, 2014 The ceramic work of Syracuse University Professor Emeritus, David MacDonald.

Gannett Gallery first floor of Kunsela Hall, SUNYIT 100 Seymour Rd Utica NY (315) 792-7819 www.sunyit.edu/gannett_gallery

Chadwicks M C Marketplace

A primitive mix of new and old purposeful clutter, handmades including wreaths, dolls, ornies, grubby prims, cabinets, framed prints, bird houses, finds, signs, seasonal wares & one of a kinds!

& Vintage Treasures Antiques, Furniture, Shabby Chic, Collectables & Much More!

Chadwicks Marketplace 542-3949 Vintage Treasures 269-1274

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6170 Valley Mills St., Munnsville (315) 495-2470 Tue - Sat: 10-5, Sun: 11-4

For Now: Tony Thompson

Opening reception: Saturday, February 8, 2104 3-6pm

Hamilton Center Arts

19 Lebanon Street, Hamilton (315) 368-4453 www.hamiltoncenterforthearts.com

The Social Portrait: Work by Six Photographers

The Many Sides of Utica: PrattMWP Art Exhibit

Opening reception: February 1, 1-3pm February 1 - 24, 2014 Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Print Making, Photography, Video

The Other Side

2011 Genesee St. Utica, NY www.theothersideutica.org Next Month: March 1st, Steve Perrone Opening Reception

Artist reception: Sunday, February 16, 2014 with refreshments by Just Peggy.

February 6 - March 29, 2014

Rome City Schools student exhibit

We HeART the KAC Celebration, Silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, drinks and live music Saturday February 8, 6-9pm

Rome Art and Community Center

Kirkland Art Center

9 1/2 East Park Row, Clinton, NY (315) 853-8871 www.kacny.org

Art Into the New Year

Opening reception, February 5th, 2014 3:30-5pm February 5- 25, 2014, in the Panasci Memorial Gallery 308 W Bloomfield St, Rome, NY (315) 336-1040 www.romeart.org

Straight from the Heart by artist Christine Elizabeth Gallery Night: February 7th, 2014, Noon-9pm. Live music 3-9pm A new venue of upcycled retro furniture and paintings.

Signature 81

9273 Kellogg Road, New Hartford, NY (315) 269-7799 www.signature81.com

Through February 26, 2014

A special exhibition featuring the art of the teachers related to the MVCA and their students.

Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts

33 Watercolors by Drayton Jones Through March 9, 2014

Drayton Jones paints the environs of Central New York and beyond in light, expressive gestures and washes of color.

401 Canal Place, Little Falls, NY (315) 823-0808 www.mohawkvalleyarts.org

American Royalty: The Kennedys, Fashion & Celebrity, Photographs by Mark Shaw February 8-May 4, 2014

Timeless images of the Kennedys along with many other celebrity icons, including Pablo Picasso, Grace Kelly, Yves St. Laurent, and Audrey Hepburn.

Next Month: Saturday, March 1: Lecture at 4pm and reception 5-7pm

Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute 310 Genesee Street, Utica, NY (315) 797-0000 www.mwpai.org

View

3273 State Route 28, Old Forge, NY (315) 369-6411 viewarts.org

Refocusing the Lens: Pranlal Patel’s Photographs of Women at Work in Ahmedabad Opening reception: Saturday, February 1, 4pm Through April 6, 2014

This exhibition features photographs taken by well-known Indian photographer Pranlal Patel, depicting women at work in the homes, neighborhoods, and markets of Ahmedabad, India in 1937

Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College

198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY 859-4396 www.hamilton.edu/wellin

Having an art opening? Let us know. Email: mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com

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LocomoTion Hobby

Trains & More!

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Gallery Night:

“Straight from the Heart”

artist Christine Elizabeth Feb 7th 12noon to 9pm Live music 3pm-9pm

Kielbasa & Hot Peppers Tiny’s Fish Fry The Best Grilled Reuben & Tiny’s Famous Burgers

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Open Mon-Fri at 11am, Sat at 3pm Happy Hour 4-7pm 1014 State Street, Utica, NY 732-9497 43

Amish Mincemeat Pie Recipe for pies or canning

recipes:

Amish Mincemeat Pie Recipe The Mohawk Valley has become home to hundreds of Amish families.

The first Amish settlement in the Valley was the Byler Amish in 1986 in Fort Plain. Since then, there has been a flood of Amish ranging from more progressive Old Orders to conservative Swartzentruber Amish, lured to the region by the availability of inexpensive farmland.

Along with our new neighbors come their preserves, breads, and baked goods now found at local shops and farmers’ markets. Local artist Jim Parker has a year round market in Ilion featuring Amish products. One of his favorites is mincemeat pie, a popular old-fashioned dish, but less know to modern cooks.

He shared an old Amish out-of-print recipe with us. He knows an Amish woman, Annie, whose daughter is trying to preserve Amish recipes and has gathered her family’s and neighbors’ recipes and put them in a cookbook. The book is available online at: www.myamishstore.com and is also sometimes available at JR’s Discount Groceries at 56 Willett St, Fort Plain, NY

2 lbs cooked (but not overly browned) ground or coarsely chopped meat (any kind) 8 cups sliced apples 6-8 cups apple cider 4 cups sour cherries 5 cups sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1/4 tsp allspice juice of 2 oranges (optional) 2 cups raisins salt to taste Use your favorite pie crust recipe Enough filling for 2 pies or 4 dozen cupcake pot pies Mix all ingredients Simmer for 15 minutes or desired consistency.

Stir frequently to prevent scorching, adding cider if it gets too thick.

For canning: pour into sterilized jars immediately, seal, and process in boiling water For pie: best if cooled, tightly covered and refrigerated for a week before use so flavors can meld.

Pour mixture into prepared pie crust, cover with top crust, baked in preheated 350 degree oven for 40 minutes to an hour, or until golden brown.

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GENESEE JOE’S LIVE & LOCAL:

The Rick short band The Rick Short Band is a relatively new group that formed in 2012. It is made up of musicians who all have impressive track records: Rick Short, guitar and vocals; Tracy Bowens, vocals; Eddie Reilly, drums and vocals; Rick DeJohn, bass; Doug Boehlert, guitar and vocals.

The Rick Short Band has a very unique take on its music. They just released the CD, “Forget the Future,” which is stylistically reminiscent of the great albums of the 70’s straight ahead rock and funk bands.

Rick says the album is “100% original rock,” and adds, “I write all our songs (music and lyrics). The band records live – no gimmicks. My style is to bring a well-developed song to my band and ask them to feel it.” After that he says he encourages everyone to add their “personal mojo” to it. He says that even though he has the pleasure of constantly rehearsing and performing with his band mates, he is still impressed with their performances on this collection.

“They blew me away! I think we

all surprised ourselves a bit.”

The band recorded the CD live in SubCat Studios, in Syracuse. They set up, plugged in, and performed each song three times. They then selected the best performances and went with it. 12 songs in one day. “From the beginning it was the goal to capture reality and to avoid doctoring it up,” he says.

“There was some post-production, to optimize relative volumes, add backing vocals, etc. But that’s it. This CD is authentic.”

The CD lets fans really hear the “live” element, including all sorts of “ear candy,” he says. “At the end of Gonna’ Quit You, you can hear Tracy whisper, ‘This song makes me ANGRY!’” It was left in. Listeners can sense that authenticity. They opted for an honest set of recordings that they can perform live at the “drop of a hat.”

Ricks personal influences are classic rock and some local guys like Paul Angerosa, Brian Marcantonio, Bob Acquaviva, and Chris Tso of The NY Flyers. He gives special credit to his wife ,Wendy, for keeping him – and his vision for music – “real” .

You can get the CD at Off Center Records in Utica and more info at: www.rickshort.com and on Facebook.

Listen to Genesee Joe live on 92.7FM, The DRIVE. www.927thedrive.net

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MV Comics

111 Park Ave., Herkimer

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With Rome artist & “Bob the Squirrel” creator, Frank Page!

flash fiction:

Evening Ghost

by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek

The car ride from the city to my grandmother’s farm always became a journey filled with movie songs, our voices rising high without unity, mine the loudest and the worst, drowning out the sounds of my parents.

I pressed my face against the cold window, bouncing in my seat as we drew nearer to the farm, where the ditches fell away into fields. The trees, ancient masterpieces, sloped over the road, the leaves like floating emeralds against the crystalline sky, a sheet of rich blue velvet. The air pulsated with the radiance of nature, a blanket of mystery and old-fashioned charm.

The car barely stopped before I bounded out and ran across the lawn.

I didn’t stop until I leapt up the stairs to my uncle’s home, a trailer situated on the farm.

I pounded on the red door and it took forever before it opened. My aunt bellowed, “Sean, Patrick! Jordan’s here.”

Their round faces were sunburned, yet smiling, as they filed from their house to follow me into a world they lived every day. We rode bicycles along tractor paths, before abandoning them in back fields so we could race each other through corn stalks, heedless of sharp leaves cutting our bare arms and faces. Weeds tripped our ankles. Hats fell off and weren’t recovered. Ladybugs clung to our clothes, red and black beads decorating faded blue jeans and loud T-shirts.

We fed wild barn cats and played with kittens not old enough yet to be terrified of us. The mothers watched, eyes glowing from shadowy crevices.

My cousins and I climbed around hay bales in the barn’s loft. We made up ridiculous skits that I taped with my dad’s camcorder. We flew kites, climbed trees, and fought each other with water guns, soaking our clothes to look like drenched rats.

We ran through the woods and splashed in streams. Sometimes we played basketball or tennis, but hide-and-seek was the most fun, with so many corners in the farm’s many outbuildings, the perfect places to hide in forever. The jagged gaps of broken windows led into a dark world beyond.

Those games of hide-and-seek were especially fun in the evenings and at night, when the sun sank, the farm cast in shadows. That evening when I was thirteen, the rising moon did nothing to calm the summer heat. Cousin Sean’s callused bare feet pounded off the dusty gravel into the consuming darkness, his breathing labored from asthma. His brother, Patrick, slipped across the Earth as though his duct-taped sneakers had wings. I crouched beneath the tree, wind making the hanging swing sway on its thick ropes.

I’d only counted to twenty-seven, not fifty, before Sean’s scream sliced through the air. My heartbeat thudded. Had he impaled himself on an old

Hours by appointment

Thanks to the Utica Writer’s Club for selecting this month’s MV Flash Lit. The club meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at the Kirkland Town Library at 6pm.

pole? I darted across the lawn toward the garage. Patrick scurried from the airplane hangar, but he tripped over a baseball bat and sprawled in the grass.

“Sean,” I yelled.

Sean sprinted out of the garage to crash into me and we both fell, missing thwacking our heads on the rusty water pump.

His arms clenched around my waist as he panted into my shirt. I shoved him off, gagging at the saliva he’d left on my shoulder. “Ew, you’re gross.

What’s the matter?”

Patrick reached us as Sean gasped, “There’s a ghost in there. I saw a ghost.”

“Don’t be stupid. Ghosts aren’t real.” Patrick hauled Sean to his feet, and when his little brother stood there unmoving, he brushed leaves off his back.

“I saw it,” Sean blubbered.

Patrick and I fell silent. The cows in the barn mooed, the sounds low and haunting. Electric lights spilled out of the windows in my grandmother’s brown house, the voices within soft and muffled. A cat yowled, and up in the mountains, a wolf howled. Sean grabbed my arm and his broken fingernails bit through my skin making me wince.

The oldest of us - my years being thirteen to their ten and seven - made me, by silent command, the investigator. They shoved me toward the weathered garage where everything inside the open doorway became pitch-black. We’d always taken pride in not needing flashlights to find each other, but I wanted one a whole lot more than I wanted a little boy on each of my hands.

The air smelled like gasoline, cat urine, and decaying hay. I shook Sean off to paw along the wall for the light switch. My fingers brushed through spider webs and dust, across nails I hoped weren’t rusty.

“It’s in the roof. It’s up there,” Sean said.

I found the light switch, illuminating the interior. Sean screamed right in my ear.

“There it is!” He pointed at the rafters where a small, fuzzy face peered down at us. The raccoon crawled along the rafter into the edge of the roof, back into the safety of its realm, its own little world.

We backed from the garage, but we didn’t play again that night. We sat on our grandmother’s front stoop listening to wolves howling and watching the stars that glistened in the night sky over the farm, and we never told anyone about the animal living in the garage that had scared Sean witless.

Jordan maintains a website, JordanElizabethMierek.com, and is represented bythe Belcastro Agency. She enjoys writing short stories as creative exercises, and she finds great joy in being able to share them with the world.

Buying, Selling, Renting and Repairing The

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315-363-6314

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