Mohawk Valley Living #85 December 2020

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THE SEASON OF

CELEBRATION EXPLORING THE ARTS, HISTORY AND CULTURE OF OUR REGION

85

DECEMBER 2020

Holiday Gift Baskets, Christmas Trees (Pre-Cut and U-Cut!), Wreaths, Cookie Trays, & Stocking Stuffers!

North Star Orchards Farm Market & Bakery

Open daily 8-6 Rte. 233, Westmoreland 315-853-1024

www.northstarorchards.com Follow us on social media for seasonal updates

†Relive the Tradition¢

Victorian Yuletide

On view through January 3 Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

310 Genesee Street, Utica, New York I 315-797-0000 I mwpai.org

Looking Forward to Looking Back

Next Issue:

January 1st

by Sharry L. Whitney

Available exclusively from our sponsors.

contents 6 9 14 20 24 26 30 32 33 34 36 38 42 49 52 58 59 61 62

Oneida County History Center ADK Journal Local Gifts Guide Restaurant Guide Local Photography Antiques Guide December in Nature MV Astronomy Club MV Crossword Valley Girl Herkimer County Historical Soc. On The Farm with Suzie Matt Perry’s Nature MV Gardens & Recipes Tales from Shawangunk, Part 73 Genesee Joe 92.7TheDrive Advertiser Directory News & Notes Contest Answers

It’s hard to believe that this time last year, we were planning for the holidays—a happy (and sometimes stressful) time of year—that culminated with family gatherings. It was something we took for granted. This year things will be different. We won’t be seeing family from outside the area, and not even those close-by, most likely. I keep telling myself, “It’s just one year.” Hopefully—according to the exciting reports about vaccines in the news—that will be true. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

It’s been a tough year, but with the support of our generous and resilient advertisers, we’ve made it through. There will still be many rough months ahead for our area’s small businesses, so please continue to support them as best you can. Please check out our “Home for the Holidays” shopping guide, and remember those businesses that may not be on your typical gift-buying lists, like contractors or service providers. They would probably be happy to provide a gift certificate for services too!

Recently, my friends and I have been talking about examples of “paying it forward.” They’ve shared stories of having their order paid for in a drive-thru by the car ahead of them and doing the same for someone else. They’ve paid for dinner when they see a military service member at a restaurant. We talked about times when we’ve lent a hand to a family ahead of us in a grocery store line who falls a bit short. These are the things we should strive to do, when able, to make the next few months more tolerable and to remind ourselves and others about the strength of community.

When we look back this time next year, hopefully, we will be with friends and family, vowing never to take time with them for granted again. I’m optimistic that that will extend to our neighbors and community as well. •

MOHAWK VALLEY LIVING MAGAZINE December 2020

PUBLISHERS Lance and Sharry Whitney EDITOR Sharry Whitney DESIGN & LAYOUT Lance David Whitney ASSISTANT EDITOR Shelley Malenowski ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Susan Collea CONTRIBUTORS Peggy Spencer Behrendt, Carol Higgins, Suzie Jones, John Keller, Melinda Karastury, Rebecca McLain, Susan Perkins, Matt Perry, Cynthia Quackenbush, Denise Szarek, Gary VanRiper CONTACT US (315) 853-7133 30 Kellogg Street Clinton, NY 13323 www.MohawkValleyLiving.com mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com Mohawk Valley Living is a monthly magazine and television show that explore the area’s arts, culture, and heritage.

Copyright © 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of Mohawk Valley Living, Inc. Printed at Vicks in Yorkville, NY.

watch mvl every sunday!

7:30am and 11pm on wfxv 11:30am on WUTR 20

Riggie is roaming around and hiding in the advertising areas of the magazine. Next to him you’ll find a letter. Find all the Riggies and rearrange the letters to answer this riddle. Enter by the 15th of the month to be entered in a $100 shopping spree at 1 or between 2 of our advertisers!

(Excluding media and banks) One entry per household per month. Mail to: Riggie’s Riddle, 30 Kellogg St., Clinton, NY 13323 or email: mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com NOTE: Please enter Riggie’s Riddle and crossword puzzle in separate emails.

These keep you toasty when it’s 10 below though undercover they usually stay.

“Born” in Utica many years ago, They’re back in vogue with young people today!

Hint: 2 words, 10 letters

See the answer and winner to last month’s riddle on page 62!

Mohawk Valley Living is brought to you by

Steet-Ponte autogroup

Country Style Holiday Greetings from Grassy Cow Dairy Surprise someone with a unique locally made holiday gift!

Order cheese platters for your party (local pick-up) • Order cheese gift bags and boxes (local pick-up) Gift Certificates Available!

On-Site Farm Store • Fresh Cheese Curd • Aged Cheese varieties • Grassy Cow Creamline Milk (White and Chocolate) Eggs and Butter • Fudge • Farm Raised Ground Beef • Farm Raised Pork- Order now for Jan 2021 processing (half/whole) Maple Syrup, Honey, Elderberry Syrup • Goats Milk Soap • Craft Items

9628 Prospect Road, Remsen 315-831-3276 www.grassycowdairy.com

Keep up to date with our holiday specials and events on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for weekly Emails to learn what’s going on around the farm!

the Oneida County History center This illustration of child placing an American flag atop a Christmas tree appeared in the Utica Saturday Globe in 1882, it was altered from the original 1876 United Kingdom image, “Hoisting the Union Jack,” by Alfred Hunt

Utica’s first christmas tree

by Rebecca McLain

Executive Director, Oneida County History Center The modern Christmas tree originated in Germany in the late 1500s. It was not unusual for evergreens, both inside and outside the house, to be decorated with roses, apples, nuts, straw, pastries, or colored paper. This tradition spread throughout Protestant homes in Germany in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, and was brought to the Americas by immigrant families. Somewhat debatable, one of the earliest trees is thought to have been displayed in North Carolina in the 1700s. This holiday tradition was not introduced to New York State until almost a century later. The Christmas tree arrived in Utica twenty-five years before Christmas became a federal holiday in the United States in 1870.

Rev. Andrew Wetzel, founder of the first Lutheran church in Utica (Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church), is credited with introducing the Christmas tree to central New York in 1845. He first put up a tree at a mission in Verona, NY, which he helped

Raulli’s Iron Works

Custom hand-made iron railings, fences & gates.

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

Berry Hill Book Shop

Closed in January

Over 75,000 used books!

2349 Rte 12-B, Deansboro, NY 315-821-6188 Open Tues-Sat 10-5 dls@berryhillbookshop.com 6

The Boston Store Christmas tree, Utica, 1941

U

PULASKI MEAT MARKET

Homemade Polish Foods Variety of Kielbasa • Cold Cuts Pierogi • Golabki

1201 Lenox Ave., Utica • (315) 732-8007

www.polishfoodutica.com • Mon-Fri:9-5, Sat: 9-4:30, Sun Closed

The handyman’s choice since 1948

Lumber • Doors • Windows • Mason’s Supplies Roofing • Insulation • Treated Lumber

(315) 896-2631 Vanderkemp Ave., Barneveld

Mon-Fri: 7:30am-5pm, Sat: 7:30am-Noon

establish, and next brought the tree to his Utica congregation on Huntington and Columbia Streets. This tree was displayed near the altar and was topped with a star. Decorations consisted of strings of peanuts, popcorn, cranberries, ivy, apples, and even pretzels and pastries.

Candles were also lit on the tree, adding a new element to the festive decor. It is said that many other organizations and churches adopted the tradition of a decorated, lighted tree the following year.

This holiday tradition spread throughout the region and the nation in the late 1800s and early 1900s and was found in private homes, businesses, and organizations. This 1906 image from the Saturday Globe shows the Christmas tree of the No. 7 Fire Company and was the focal point of their holiday celebration that involved the exchange of gifts in an “attractive and beautiful” event.

The entrance to the City of Utica decorated for the holidays

re your ECHO dealer a e W !

Great Christmas Gifts!

Call 315-853-5581

Stiefvater Distributors, Inc.

225 Clinton Rd., Rt. 12B, New Hartford, NY Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 8am-12pm www.sdoutdoorpower.com

We service most major brands & carry current & many hard-to-find parts!

Let us be a part of your holiday tradition!

Trays of assorted mini-pastries or cookies for gift-giving to clients, customers and friends.

Caruso’s Pastry Shoppe 707 Bleecker Street, Utica, New York 315-735-9712 Mon 7-5, Wed-Fri 7-5, Sat 7-3, Sun 7-Noon

See dealer or toro.com (toro.ca for Canadian residents) for warranty details. Product availability, pricing & special promotions are subject to dealer options.

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Decorated trees in public spaces became more popular in the 1920s and 1930s. President Calvin Coolidge started the annual tradition of lighting a national tree in 1923, and the first tree in Rockefeller Center appeared in 1931. Over the years, trees became much larger and synonymous, at least to some, with holiday shopping.

This year marks the 175th anniversary of Utica’s first Christmas tree.

Remember these historic roots as you stroll through the towns and villages of Oneida County this holiday season. •

Fire Engine No 7 Christmas tree, Saturday Globe, December 29, 1906

Oneida County History Center

Early 1900s Christmas postcard from the OCHC collection

1608 Genesee Street, Utica (315) 735-3642

Open Tues.-Fri. 10-4, Sat 10-2 www.oneidacountyhistory.org

INC.

Bicycle Parts & Snowshoes Repairs on All Makes & Models of Bikes!

Celebrating 45 Years!

411 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY 315-866-5571 8

Don’t Forget Our Val-U Pak Specials!

Rev. Andrew Wetzel is credited with introducing the Christmas tree to CNY

Mohawk Village Market

Gift Certificates

10% off any amount!

Order Now For The Holidays!

Beef Rib Roasts Bone-In or Boneless Morrell E-Z Cut Hams Bone-In Pork Roasts Bone-In, Boneless or Crown Fresh Turkeys • Meat Platters

Your old-fashioned, full service butcher!

Butcher Block Meats (no pre-packaged meats) Specialty cuts - Storemade Patties & Salads Complete Grocery Line

Serving you Monday-Saturday!

24 West Main Street, Mohawk • (315) 866-3344

adirondack journal

Welcoming Visitors During the Long Season of ICE olation Story and Photos by Gary VanRiper

This male Evening Grosbeak is sitting on a fence post situated on a hand-crafted stand and placed near a feeding station. Look closely and you will see remnants of sunflower seeds on the top of the post.

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It is nearly 70 degrees in mid-November when writing this, but a wintry blast a week ago reminded all of us again where we live and what’s coming!

Lockdowns and fear of socialization have already taken a tremendous toll on the emotional well-being of so many.

About to enter the season of ICEolation, there is something you might prepare for now to bring some life and color to an otherwise barren landscape and some cheer to the dreariest of gray days.

Feed the birds! They’re right outside your window and have your camera/phone and field guide close at hand.

A consistently stocked2 simple feeder on a stable stand is all you need. If you can place it where there is some cover, that will give the birds sought-after protection and extra places to land. An open water source available during frigid weather is another strong attraction. No cover? If you have a spent Christmas tree at the end of December, consider placing it in the snow near the feeder.

Because I have always enjoyed photographing the birds that visit, I prefer using a platform feeder to which I can attach branches from both coniferous and deciduous trees.

The friendly Black-capped Chickadee is almost a guarantee at winter feeders. Be patient and you may be able to get them to eat right out of your hand.

T

Are you prepared for winter?

Generac whole house generators will keep you up and running during blustery weather. Call to schedule a free site inspection and estimate.

See us for the best prices & service in CNY!

Visit our large showroom in Deansboro Gas inserts • Fireplaces (wood, coal, pellet, or gas) Stoves (wood, coal, pellet, or gas) • Furnaces (wood, coal, pellet, or gas) Hot water tanks • Water softeners • Space heaters Fire pits & patio furniture All our products are installed and serviced by certified in-house technicians.

BUELL FUELS Hearth & Home

2676 Route 12B, Deansboro • (315) 841-3000 w w w.buel lf uel.com

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If I have the luxury of shooting from a window with a clean background, nothing competes for attention with the bird.

On those branches, the visitors appear in a natural, rather than a man-made, setting.

One year I also nailed a few fence posts to homemade stands and placed them near the feeder as well. Sprinkling a few sunflower seeds on top of the posts brought the birds right in and gave an impression of the wild creatures out on the fenced borders of a snow-swept countryside.

It is also possible to bring species such as the friendly Black-capped Chickadee to eat out of your hand. Be patient and some birds may use you as a stopover when traveling back and forth from cover to the feeder. I’ve experienced them dancing on the top of my hat before.

With cell phones these days, it should be possible to get some interesting selfies!

From reports I have seen already, it looks like this may be an irruptive year for Evening Grosbeaks. In certain years, shortages of food in the species’ more northern territory drives them further

The suspicious Blue Jay photographed with a telephoto lens through several panes of glass from the warmth and comfort of an inside room.

Located in Munnsville, Custom Woodcraft has been handcrafting wood furniture and designing beautiful cabinetry since 1979.

You’re not just buying cabinets, you’re investing in a tradition.

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Szarek’s Succulent Shack

The shack is stocked with Oliver’s Organic Eggs, Kriemhild butter, Jones Family Farm cheeses and gelato, Shaw’s Maple products, Heartsease Hill honey, Kelly’s Jellies, as well as other specialty products.

Fresh seasonal veggies and scones available on Saturdays.

7443 E. South St., Clinton 315.853.5901 • Open Daily 9-4

Alyssa Sadallah, Executive Pastry Chef

Custom Woodcraft Quality Cabinetry & Furniture Crafted exclusively for you 2509 Perry Shumaker Road Munnsville (315) 843-4234

1-800-843-3202

Custom Cakes, Cookies & Gourmet Pastries

Taking holiday orders now!

Seasonal Cupcakes & Cookies, Truffles, & More!

12 Erie St., Yorkville (315) 864-8124 • Tues-Fri: 9-4, *Sat: Open for order pickups only wickedsweets@hotmail.com • Find us on Facebook: Wicked Sweets by Alyssa

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Attach natural perches to your feeder for birds to land on. This Dark-eyed Junco is waiting for a turn at the platform feeder just below.

southward. If they do come, you are going to go through multiple bags of sunflower seeds.

Feed the birds, and you will enjoy hours of ‘live entertainment’ just outside your window with no need for physical distancing, even if you bundle up to join them outside. All the primary colors are there in perpetual motion the yellow of the Evening Grosbeak, red of the Northern Cardinal, and Blue of the Blue Jay. Other species are dressed in olive, slate, white, buff, browns with some sporting a primary accent ... all taking turns to join the stage and keep you company. •

Gary VanRiper is an author, photographer, and pastor at the Camden Wesleyan Church. He has written 19 children’s books with his son, Justin.

Learn more at: www.adirondackkids.com

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The Adirondack Boot Perfect for the mountains, the city, or anywhere in between.

NEW HARTFORD SHOPPING CENTER 315.797.0025

k a ra z s h o e s . n e t

Home for the Holidays Gift Guide Antiques

Antiques make thoughtful and unique gifts. Think creatively, visit our Antiques Guide to find local antique shops near you! See page

Vintage kitchen glassware is all the rage with Millennials, like these colorful mixing bowls, Canal House Antiques

Art, Local & Original

Support local artists, buy one-of-a-kind artwork and crafts. Many artisans also make custom pieces too!

Artisans’ Corner, Clinton Cooperstown Farmers Market

CBD Products

Full Moon Reflections, Camden

For those who benefit from cannabidiol

Fusion Art Gallery,

RAW ADK, Barneveld Utica Hemp, New Hartford &Utica

Rome

Heartsome Handicrafts, New Hartford

Clothing and Shoes

Birch bark crescent moon earrings

by Cory Newman, Fusion Art Gallery

Heartwood Gift Barn, Sherburne

Shoppes at Johnny Appleseed, Cazenovia

Share your sense of style!

Karaz Shoes, New Hartford Krizia Martin, Clinton Paca Gardens, Little Falls The Sneaker Store, New Hartford

Bikes, Skis, & Snowboards

Who wouldn’t love some cozy Classic Zip Minis by Ugg at Karaz Shoes

For the adventurer on your list?

Dick’s Wheels, Herkimer

Books

Share your love of reading!

Adirondack Kids Books- At local book shops, adirondackkids.com Used Books

Berry Hill Books, Deansboro Independent bookstore

Comics and Collectibles

Treehouse Reading Room, New York Mills

Add some POW! BAM! ZAP! to the holidays!

Books for all ages at Treehouse Reading Room

Janice Wnuk

Garden Mentor

Get the Craft Fair experience you’ve been missing!

Specializing in Hypertufa Art

Ravenswood Comics, New Hartford

Unique ore! t S y r t n u Coimitive Items, ChrisPtrmoadsuDctescor, Pr

State & Local NYSilk Wreaths, s Fresh & es, Kissing Ball Tre Fresh Cut

Birdbaths, Candleholders, Planters, Gourd Birdhouses

Available at:

Artisans’ Corner of Clinton The Shoppes at Johnny Appleseed in Erieville The Emporium in Herkimer 315-737-9470 • Facebook.com/HyperJanice • email: HyperJanice@yahoo.com 14

Casler

Flower Farm Gift Shop Open Daily 9-7, closed Tuesdays

895 Babcock Hill Rd., West Winfield (315) 822-5135

Give the gift of Comfort & Joy!

Many happy reclines!

Route 5 , Sherrill 363-3131

large selection of recliners in stock

www.froassfurniture.com Mon-Wed: 9-5:30 Thurs & Fri: 9-8:30; Sat: 9-5

G N I W O T 24 HOUR

N O T N I L C SION I L L CO 315.853.5665 Shop kriziamartin.com for curbside pickup or home delivery!

clothing and giftware for men, women, children and infants

PO Box 292, McBride Ave. Clinton, NY Fax: 315.853.4751

Complimentary gift wrapping!

20 West Park Row, Clinton, NY 315.853.3650 www.kriziamartin.com Open: Mon-Sat 10-6, and Sundays after Thanksgiving 15

Furniture

New homeowners on your list?

Custom Woodcraft, Munnsville

Ironwood Furniture, Clinton

Jeff’s Amish Furniture, Richfield Springs

John Froass & Son, Inc., Entertainment Center, Sherrill

Ironwood Furniture

Gift Baskets

Jewelry

North Star Orchards, Westmoreland Olde Kountry Market, Vernon Peter’s Cornucopia, New Hartford Pulaski Meat Market, Utica Richfield Springs Comm. Market Twin Orchards, New Hartford

Buy a premade gift basket filled with local items or assemble your own.

New Hartford

Lighting Fixtures

Brighten someone’s winter!

Grassy Cow Dairy, Remsen Jewett’s Cheese, Earlville Jones Family Farm, Herkimer Stoltzfus Family Dairy, Vernon Center

Bosonne’s Sausage, Utica Cooperstown Naturals Deansboro Superette Little Italy Imports, Meelan’s Meat Market,

Ilion Wine & Spirits, Ilion Prospect Falls Winery Trenton Sta. Liquor & Wine, Barneveld

Add a bottle of wine!

Clinton

Mohawk Village Market, Gift basket, Peter’s Cornucopia

Please call for hours

sosweetcandycafe.com

Christmas Trees!

Displayed indoors or cut-your-own!

Fresh Wreaths Customed Designed by Order!

Visit our Christmas Gift Shop

Are there musicians on your list?

Big Apple Music, New Hartford The music lover will love a guitar or a ukulele, like this Kala KA-CEME Acoustic-Electric Ukulele at Big Apple Music

wine, like this Summit Red, Prospect Falls Winery

Books mak great gifts!e

Fine Jewelry & Jewelry Repair Gift Items too!

531 Varick St., Utica • 315-765-6463

Music/Instruments

• children’s bookstore • reading tutoring • arts & literacy enrichment • literacy enrichment • help on virtual learning days

Curbsi pick-up & prde iv shopping ate available!

We have the sweetest stocking stuffers!

Mills Electrical Supply, Rome

Ben & Judy’s Sugarhouse, West Edmeston Shaw’s Maple, Clinton Tibbit’s Maple, New Hartford Add some

Utica

Shop Small!

Great Holiday Gift Items!

315 733-7676 Tues-Fri: 10:30-5, Sat: 10:30-1:30

433 Coventry Ave., Utica

Mon & Fri 10-2, Tues-Thurs & Sat 10-4

(315) 765-6262 • 587 Main St., New York Mills

...because handcrafted is treasure.

Great Gift Ideas 10% off Storewide!

48 New Hartford Shopping Center

New Hartford • (315) 507-3020 See our craft class schedule on Facebook!

Naturewood Knoll

Tree Farm

Open from November 27th - December 23rd

Open for trees and green items.

A special visitor will be here Saturday, December 5th

(315) 737-5011 • 9716 Roberts Rd., Sauquoit

2408 St. Rt. 169, Little Falls (315) 823-1133 • Wed- Sun 10-6

Open daily: Mon-Fri: 9-7, Sat & Sun: 9-6

Heartsome Handicrafts

Merry Christmas!

Massoud’s TREE FARM

Sterling silver necklace, Alison’s Jewelry

Alison’s Jewelry, Utica Goldmine Jewelers,

Add Some Cheese!

Add some local maple syrup!

Mohawk

Add some sparkle for someone special!

The gift shop will not be open this year.

from 12:00-3:00 for outdoor/social distanced photos!

Horn’s Family Farm Pasture Raised Beef Farm Raised Pork Range Free Eggs

(Chicken & Duck)

Frozen Chicken Other Local Products

9629 Main St., Remsen (315) 941-7539

Tues-Fri: Noon-6, Sat: 10-3

Sewing & Knitting Supplies

Personalized Gifts Make it personal!

Restaurant Gift Certificate

Speedy Awards and Engraving,

Make someone’s day and help out a local restaurant too with a gift certificate!

See our Restaurant Guide page 20

New Hartford

Speedy Awards can engrave and personalize most anything.

Sweet Treats

Supplies for crafty people and kits to create something yourself!

Love & Stitches, Whitesboro Tiger Lily Quilt Co, Utica Make a Christmas placemat with this kit from Tiger Lily Quilt Co.

Sweeten the holidays!

Whistle Post Creations

Handcrafted signs in Bouckville

Primitives/Home Decor

So Sweet Candy Cafe, Utica Wicked Sweets by Alyssa, Yorkville Gingerbread man, So Sweet Candy Cafe and wicked good cupcakes, Wicked Sweets

Add primitive charm to someone’s home!

Between Us Sisters at The Eclectic Chic, Oneida and Rome

Butternut Barn, Richfield Springs

Tools/Hardware

Casler Flower Farm,

Give a hand to the handy people!

West Winfield

Lincoln Davies, Sauquoit Morgan’s Hardware, Waterville Turner Lumber, Barneveld

Main St. Gift Shoppe, Newport

Primitive snowman, Between Us Sisters

N

Shop Local!

We deliver worldwide!

Village Florals

Holiday Special!

30-50% Off Selected Items

Fresh- Arrangements, Poinsettias, Wreaths, Garlands & Swags Silk- Arrangements, Decorated Trees, Wreaths, Garlands, & Swags Plus New Fashion Accessories, Bath, Body & Home Decor!

Cozy wovens

Skinny & Company products available

Holiday Hours: Nov 30-Dec 23: Mon-Fri: 9-5:30 Sat: 9-3, Closed Sun

Upscale upcycled handbags & slippers

27 Genesee St., New Hartford 315.797.7700 www.villageflorals.net

• Kissing Balls • Fresh Centerpieces • Wreaths -decorated • Gift Certificates & plain

• Maple Syrup & Honey • Garland

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees!

Balsam Fir Fraser

Candella’s

farm and GREENHOUSES 9256 River Road, Marcy (315) 736-8782 OPEN DAILY, including sunday

Original local art & pottery

$5 Fashionable handmade masks for adults & kids to benefit local charity

Paintings, Photography, Drawings, Jewelry, Candles Fleece, Felted & Woven Garments, Knitwear, Wood Carving, Pottery, Baskets, Tinware, Lighting, Stained Glass, & much more!

Open 7 days a week at 1 College St, Clinton (315) 853-1453 Facebook: Artisans’ Corner of Clinton NY 17

Window Treatments

Take someone “window shopping’ for new drapes or valances to brighten their winter!

The Added Touch Drapery Shop, New Hartford

New Car, Tractor, or Power Equipment

Wood Stove

Wood, coal, pellet, or gas

With record low interest rates, this might be the year to go big!

Buell Fuel Hearth & Home, Deansboro

Clinton Tractor, Clinton Hobby Hill Farm Sales, Rome SD Power, Clinton Steet-Ponte Auto Group, Herkimer &

Vermont Castings gas stove, Buell Fuel Hearth & Home

Yorkville

White’s Farm Supply,

Waterville, Lowville, Canastota

The sporty Chevy Trax at Steet-Ponte Auto Group

Toro Power Max at SD Outdoor Power

Grant’s First Christmas 2020

Personalized Gifts are TWICE as nice engrave Frames Ornaments Weitems purchased Wood Gifts elsewhere Desk Items Cross Pens Beer/Coffee Mugs

315-738-0808 ~ speedyawards.com

Christmas Bling!

LIQUORS & WINES

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Come in and fill out a wish list!

Check TheGoldMineJewelers.com for Our Special Holiday Hours

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4662 Commercial Drive, New Hartford • 315-736-0662

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 12pm-6pm

HALF & FULL CASE DISCOUNTS 8231 State Route 12, Barneveld (315) 896-4444

the mvl restaurant guide

cassville n Ope or y a f frid er!

Dinn

Friday Fish Fry 11:30am-8pm

Restaurant gift certificates make great stocking stuffers!

1/2 lb.

Juicy Angus Burgers!

CLINTON

Where good friends Meet to Eat! Enjoy breakfast or a quick lunch!

8170 Seneca Tpke., Clinton (315) 732-3631 Mon-Fri 7am-2pm, Sat & Sun 7am-1pm

1717 Route 8, Cassville • (315) 839-5000

Open Mon-Thur 6am-2pm, Fri 6am-8pm, Sat 6am-1pm, Sun 7am-Noon, Breakfast served til Noon

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#

Primo Pizza at the Kettle

In December Buy a $50 gift cert. get coupon for FREE large cheese pizza!

315-381-3231

The Most Unique Upside Down Pizza You Ever Tasted!

y Place Holid! a rs Orde ato Pie

Rolls & Tom hrs. (need 24 notice)

Weekday Specials Tues- 20” X-Large Cheese Pizza . . . $11.95 Wed- Small Cheese Pizza & 20 Wings . . $17.99 Thurs- 2 Large Cheese Pizzas . . . $18.99 (plus tax / toppings extra)

Every Day Specials

Specialty Rolls

S a u s a g e . . . . . . . . $11.95 S p i n a c h . . . . . . . . $11.95 A n t i p a s t o . . . . . . $13.75 Sausage & Greens . . . $14.50 S t r o m b o l i . . . . . . $11.95

Large Cheese & 20 wings . . . . $24.95 Large Cheese & 30 wings . . . . $33.95 (plus tax. celery, blue cheese, toppings extra)

Holiday Hours!

Christmas Eve until 4pm New Year’s Eve until 8pm New Year’s Day 1-7pm

Tues-Thurs: 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 1pm-8pm

7756 Route 5, Clinton Located next door to Spaghetti Kettle • Enjoyprimopizza.com 20

MVL Ad_Layout 1 7/8/15 3:05 PM Page 1

cold brook

lEE Center Book your Holiday party today!

(315) 533-7229

Dine In & Take Out 2755 13324 826-5050 2755 State State Rt Rt.8,8,Cold ColdBrook, Brook,NY NY• (315)•826-5050

Mon. 4 -Open 9pm • Thurs, Tues. Closed Wed. - Sun.Sun 12 Noon Fri &•Sat 12-9, 12-8- 9pm Great Food • Great Spirits • Great Times Not taking

LifeOffering is Good atFare The& Ohio Tavern!Reservations Pub Daily Specials!

little falls

Open Daily 7am-3pm

Quality Food • Fresh Ingredients Relaxing Atmosphere • Offering Daily Specials!

5345 Lee Center-Taberg Rd., Lee Center

New Hours! Thurs 3-9, Fri 12-9, Sat 3-9, Sun 3-8, Closed Mon-Wed • www.gonecoastalrestaurant.com

New Hartford

Marcy

823-3290

9663 River Rd., Marcy

Breakfast, Lunch, Homemade Soups & Sandwiches and our delicious Desserts Including our Famous Cream Puffs!

Canal Place, Little Falls Next to Showcase Antiques

Order your Christmas Cookie Trays now!

Take Out & Delivery!

315-797-7709

Fresh Haddock Giambotta Mushroom Stew Chicken & Biscuits Meatloaf Goulash & More!

Phoenician R E S TAU R A N T Please wear mask until you are seated.

Call ahead for parties of 5-10.

We are excited and hope to see everyone soon!

Specials and our full menu available for takeout and curbside pickup.

Mon-Thu 6am-1:30pm, Fri 6am-7pm Sat 6am-1pm, Sun 7am-1pm

Mon-Sat 11:30am - 8pm 623 French Road New Hartford (315) 733-2709

New Hartford

Homemade comfort foods Full menu available til 2am!

23 beers on tap, specializing in NY State craft beers!

Call us today for your Holiday Party Catering!

Also booking Holiday Office Happy Hours!

10 Clinton Rd., New Hartford • (315) 732-9733 Mon-Sat: 10am-2am, Sun: 12pm-2am www.killabrewsaloon.com

Rome

“We are your home town pizzeria!”

past 5 years!

Voted #1 pizza for

(315) 736-4549 • Open 7 days a week • 4462 Commercial Dr., New Hartford www.tonyspizzeriaanddeli.com

Salisbury

Dine In & Take Out Gift Certificates!

Stay Healthy & Safe!

Thank You For Your Support!

Inside Dining Available Reservations Appreciated Due to Limited Seating!

(315) 33PIZZA

615 Erie Blvd. W., Rome

Open: Thurs: 4-8pm, Fri: 4-9pm, Sat: 12-9pm, Sun: 12-8pm, Mon: 4-8pm, Closed Tues & Wed

DiCastro’s BRICK OVEN

The Country Store with More!

Snacks, Beer, Pizza, Wings, Subs, Gas, Diesel, Non-Ethanol Gas, Gifts and much, much more!

S 2114 Rte 29, Salisbury 315-429-3224 Open 7 Days a Week 21

Rome

Utica

Taking orders for Desserts & Holiday Cookie Trays!

Offering Grab-n-Go meals, Salads, & Deli items!

Christmas Eve: 3-8 Christmas Day: Closed New Year’s Eve :3-9 New Year’s Day: Closed

Gif� Certificate� Availabl�!

8524 Fish Hatchery Road | Rome, NY 13440 315-533-7710 | www.DeltaLakeInn.com

1256 Albany St., Utica • 315-790-5200 Wed-Sun: 7am-2pm

Chili Dogs Hamburgers, BBQ Shakes & More!

Fish Frys on Wed, Thurs & Fri! Eat in or Take out

1401 Oriskany St. West, Utica (315) 724-0136 • Mon-Sat: 11am-8pm

Outside

Breakfast, Lunch, Seating & Grab-and-Go Deliveries, Available!

Take Out & Catering!

Check out our weekly specials on facebook and at www.rososcafe.com

Open: Monday-Friday: 8-2 185 Genesee St 2nd Floor, Utica

315 735-7676

Utica

-Open For Order Pickups Only*No Walk-Ins Please* Monday T hr ough Fr iday -9:00 AM To 1:00 PM*Other Pickup Times Available ,If Necessary* Please Place Christmas Orders By December 16th!!

Merry Christmas; Order Our Handmade Italian Christmas Specialties: Assorted Cookies, Struffoli, Pitta 'nchiusa And More; Including Gluten Free Cookie Options!! Browse Online, And Call To Order And Schedule A Pickup Date And Time!!

-www.sammyandanniefoods.com22

Utica

Sheri’s

EASTSIDE DINER Breakfast • Lunch Homemade & Fresh Daily!

Breakfast & Lunch Catering Available

Breakfast Sandwiches Deli-Style Wraps/Sandwiches Salads, Soups & more!

Homemade Baked Goods & Multi-Color Bagels - a kid’s favorite!

Friday Fish Fry • Breakfast Served All Day

2199 Bleecker St., Utica (315) 790-5250 Open 7 Days a Week, 7am-2pm

Free Delivery(min. $25) • Family Owned & Operated!

219 N. Genesee St., Utica (315) 790-5353 • Open 7 Days a Week

Contemporary American • Indoor Dining Open • Reservations Only

900 Culver Ave., Utica • 315-765-0271 • Open Wed-Sat 4:30-8pm

We can’t wait to see you again!

All staff wearing masks, please wear yours until seated. Visit www.willowsofutica.com

whitesboro

Yorkville

Now Open!

Regular Hours

KARAM’S Middle Eastern

Thursday at 69 Steakhouse is All-U-Can-Eat Chicken Riggies night!

You’ll never know until you try!

Bakery & Restaurant

Serving Lunch & Dinner Lunches Served Friday, Saturday & Sunday Happy Hour Daily 4-7, $2.50 Drafts & $2.75 Well Mixers Tuesday: $2.99 All-U-Can-Eat Spaghetti Wednesday: $7.99 Pasta Specials, 10 Boneless Wings $6.00 Thursday: $15.99 All-U-Can-Eat Chicken Riggies Take Out Sunday: .60¢ Wings at bar

Call us for your Holiday catering needs!

Available!

409 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro • (315) 736-7869 Catering & Banquet Facilities Available • www.69steakhouse.com

Traditional Lebanese fare for breakfast & lunch!

Middle Eastern Specials and Groceries Pita and Flat Bread • Spinach & Meat Pies • Baklawa

Tues - Fri: 9am -5pm, Sat: 9am - 3pm

(315) 736-1728 137 Campbell Ave, Yorkville www.karamsbakery.com

23

localphotography photography club local The Village of Ilion from Armory Hill. © Robert Ostrander

A view of Little Falls in autumn. © Robert Ostrander

4624

local photography

Candlelight Evening at the Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown © Lynn Scarfuto 1870s Sanford Mansion, currently functions as the Amsterdam City Hall. © Jenny Galough

The Oriskany Monument - Dedicated August 6, 1844 to mark the site of The Battle of Oriskany August 6th 1777 © CLiff Oram

Mohawk Valley Through the Lens Check out their popular Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MVTTL

Curbside service for purchases and long arm quilting service available. Call us with your wishes; we’ll figure it out.

Thank you for your extra effort during this trying time! We wish you a happy and safe holiday season!

Located at the Shoppes at the Finish Line Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm, Closed Sun & Mon

Be s e Wealfless. mas r a k!

IRONWOOD Furniture

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

AMISH MADE

F F O 10% E-

STORDE! 7686 Route 5, Clinton (315) 853-7300 WI

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

mv living

antique shopping guide Get in thew holiday spirit, Shop for antiques in the valley!

Antiques make thoughtful gifts for the special people on your list!

Little Falls

Herkimer

Fort Plain

Renewed & Rescued

SHOWCASE

ER

TO HERKIM

Antiques of CNY Little Falls

Mohawk

Antique Center

MOHAWK ANTIQUES MALL

Antiques & Art

Westmoreland Formerly of Barneveld

Now Open!

5475 State Rt 233, Westmoreland Artsy1Antiques@GMail.com

Open Wed- Fri 10-6, Sat & Sun 10-4

26

7000 Sq. ft Multi Dealer Store!

Furniture: Victorian to Mid-Century Lots of Art! Architectural Salvage Primitives Records, Books, & Collectibles

Brighten up someone’s man cave this Christmas with fun finds at Antiqes & Art Westmoreland

Celebrating 22 years in business!

Attic Addicts The Queen’s Closet

Pristine, Practical, and Priced Right!

Specializing in estate sales, large and small.

Clothing, Jewelry Household Items Furniture

Offering Seasonal Goods & Antiques

Open Mon-Fri: 11am-4pm Closed Sat & Sun New consignment by appointment only

We Kindly Ask That You Wear Masks & Practice Distancing Shop Access Will Be Limited

Consignment at its Finest!

Conducted with respect and dignity.

We take the pressure out of estate liquidation, moving, or downsizing.

Call for a consultation:

(315) 736-9160

22 Oriskany Blvd., Yorkville (315) 736-9160 Facebook: The Queens Closet & Attic Addicts

BlackCat

A little bit country, a little bit primitive!

807 Broad St., Utica

Your destination for furniture, hand stenciled signs, vintage clothing, warm glow candles, silk arrangements & more!

(315) 941-0925 • Wed-Fri 10-5, Sat & Sun 10-4, Closed Mon & Tues

Multi Dealer Antique Shop

Primitives • Furniture • Artwork Smalls • Antique Accessories Open Tues-Fri: 9-4, Sat: 9-2, Closed Sun & Mon

Richfield Springs, NY Open Most Every Day: 10-5

Broad St. Flea Market

ANTIQUES & GIFTS

14 East Main St. Earlville (315) 691-5721

An Early Style Christmas Begins Dec. 5th

Wed-Sat: 10-4, Sun: 11-3 • (315) 264-1755

4803 Rt. 31, Vernon

Indoor & Open Year Round!

Large selection of vendors & even larger variety of items!

Christ New products from handmade soy candles, lucky bamboo, CBD m & Holidaas products to incense,craft items, furniture & household items!

Items! y Like Large selection of games($5), DVDs($1), & CDs(.50¢) Us! Inventory always changing-Stop in often! Vendor applications always accepted.

See our FB page for upcoming classes!

Canal House Hazel Mae’s Antiques Located in the Shoppes Multi-Dealer Shop

Specializing in antique furniture, glassware, jewelry, books, linens and so much more.

at Johnny Appleseeds 3402 Old State Rd, Erieville Rug Hooking • Punch Needle Wool • Supplies • Classes

6737 Route 20, Bouckville (315) 893-7737 Thurs-Mon 10-4, closed Tues & Wed

Dawn Marie’s Treasures Vintage & New Gifts

Holiday Open House 13 College St., Clinton December 4-6 Giveaways, Treats (315) 796-9099 • Open every day: 10-6 & more!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Clinton & at Johnny Appleseed!

Open in Clinton daily: 10-6 & at Johnny Appleseeds Wed-Sun: 10-5 We have unique and unusual items that make it worth the trip!

Happy Shopping! Gift cards also available!

Follow us on Facebook!

Offering all types of Auction and Appraisal Services (973) 984-6900 • 20 Beach Street, Bloomfield, New Jersey 07003 www.nyeandcompany.com

Merry Christmas!

Foothills

Mercantile

Antiques,Vintage, Furniture, Gifts & More!

Over 35 Vendors!

Christmas Sales

Open 7 Days: 10:30-5:30 • 8124 Route 12, Barneveld • (315) 896-2681

27

Family Finds

& Consignment Shop Furniture • Tools • Toys Antiques • Jewelry • Primitives Pictures & More!

4807 Lee Valley Rd, Taberg Open Wed, Fri, Sat 10-4 • (315) 709-7537 www.familyfindsandconsign.com

MADISON INN ANTIQUES

The Gallery Antiques at Pinebrick

Looking for treasures?

A multi-dealer shop specializing in advertising, petroliana, lamps, glass, furniture & quality smalls.

Look for our 1960s Texaco sign!

FURNITURE • TOOLS • BOOKS • COLLECTIBLES GLASS • PRIMITIVE Space available! Call: 315 335-1689

7417 State Route 20, Madison

(315) 893-7752

315-893-7639 Open Thursday-Sunday 10-5

Little Little Falls Falls

Main Street Gift Shoppe

Antique Center More than 50 vendors on 2 floors!

Shop for the Holidays Now!

Antiques • Art • Crafts Open 6 days a week, 10-5, Closed Tues Handicapped-accessible • 315-823-4309

Layaway & Gift Certificates Available!

Thruway Exit 29A, 25 West Mill St., Little Falls www.littlefallsantiquecenter.com

O

Like us on Facebook!

Prim Trees, Santas, Snowmen, Prim Furniture, Lighting, Curtains, Olde Century Colors Paint, Celebrating Braided Rugs, and so much more!

25

years!

Newport’s Best Kept Secret for Primitive Gifts!

Open Sunday Dec. 6th 10am-4pm

7431 Main St Rt. 28 Newport, NY OPEN: Wed-Sat 11:30am til 6pm

.

(315) 845-8835 www.mainstreetristorante.com

Merry Christmas!

Over 160 Vendor booths and display cases!

We are loaded with lots of unique treasures.

Come in and find the perfect gift!

100 E. Main St., Mohawk (Thruway Exit 30)

(315) 219-5044 www.mohawkantiquesmall.com

MOHAWK ANTIQUES MALL

We’re Worth the Trip…

All kinds of Unique Vendors under one roof. Artisans, Crafters, Antiques to Retro including Food Items.

Vendors Wanted!

142 North Main Street, Herkimer • 315-628-1506 or 315-219-9195 Open Tues-Fri:10-5, Sat & Sun: 10-2 www.MohawkValleyCommunityMarket.com

28

A Division of Herkimermall, LLC

The Online Exchange, LLC We Can Help You Buy, Sell, & Trade Globally!

Now an FFL dealer!

6338 St. Rt. 167, Dolgeville

(315) 429-5111

Registered user of ebay

Mon, Wed-Sat: 10-5, Sun: 11:30-4:30 Closed Tuesdays

Renewed & Rescued Quality Consignments & More

Consigners wanted!

Household Items & Decor Refinished Furniture, Jewelry, Local Artisan Products 142 N. Main Street, Herkimer

(315) 628-1506 • Tues - Fri 10-5, Sat & Sun 10-2

ESTATE & HOUSE SALES APPRAISALS ALWAYS BUYING

Antique & Unique!

Holiday Open House 2020

Thurs-Sunday between Thanksgiving & Christmas We are following Covid guidelines. Masks required. To allow for social distancing we are extending our Open House sale. Mention this ad for the 50% off discount or download the coupon from: www.thepottingshedantiques.com

Vintage, Gold, & Sterling Silver Jewelry, Coins, Glass, China, Furniture, Americana, Advertising, Art, Lighting, and more!

Bring Friends & Family Make Holiday Memories!

Keep your Holiday Tradition!

THE POTTING SHED ANTIQUES Mention this ad for

50% OFF EVERYTHING!* 11/27 thru 12/24

*except coins and gold jewelry

315-736-5214 Don & Nancy Hartman, 52 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro (Next to Kinney’s)

Bake some fresh Christmas cookies to put in these classic cookie jars at Victorian Rose!

Victorian Rose Vintage Antiques & Collectibles Open Daily 10-4 315-893-1786 • 3371 Maple Ave., Bouckville www.victorianrosevintage.com

Classic trains and tractors for the 9 or 99-year-old “kid” on your shopping list!

Buy • Sell • Trade

Purchase any Antique Ornament from our 10’ tree & you could win a $25 gift card! Nov. 27-Dec. 24 5,000 square foot Multi-Dealer Store Best Variety Vintage Christmas

103 Showcases & 26 Display Booths

Showcase Antiques of CNY

375 Canal Place, Little Falls (315) 823-1177 Next door to Ann Street Deli Open Daily 10-5 • Handicap Accessible www.showcaseantiquesofcny.com

See The Man 54 N. Main St., Sherburne (607) 316-8463 • Open Wed-Sat 10-5

Painted and Repurposed Vintage & Antique Furniture

6831 Indian Opening Rd., Bouckville

Open Sat & Sun 10-4 (315) 893-7162

Masks available $1

Weeden’ s Mini Mall

Loaded with Antiques, Vintage, Collectibles, & many kinds of Unique Items! Over 40 Years in Business!

Face Masks and Social Distancing Required

8056 Route 13, Blossvale (Located 4 miles North of Sylvan Beach) (315) 245-0458 • Open 10-5 every day

Whistle Post Antiques

Specializing in Lionel Trains We Buy & Sell!

(315) 838-0144

Handcrafted signs & decor Custom orders available (315) 893-7604

6845 St. Rt. 20 Bouckville Hours: Sat & Sun: 10-4 29

MV NATURE

NATURE in december story and photos by Matt Perry

Sometimes my mother would decorate our Christmas tree with a diverse flock of glass bird ornaments, and I think I appreciated it more than anyone else in the family. Some of the bird ornaments looked like they represented actual species, but the vast majority did not. They were merely generic bird shapes painted in vivid colors. I recall that a few resembled peacocks and one looked like an exotic kind of kingfisher. Regardless of ornithological accuracy, they were nice to see and they certainly looked more convincing nestled in the branches of a spruce than an ornament shaped like Santa or a reindeer. Our cats found the birds intriguing as well and more than once brought down the entire tree while trying to take one away.

Of course, my hope during December is to have the outdoor trees festooned with real birds, and the more species the better. Most winter specialty species are not reliable visitors to the Mohawk Valley and it’s not unusual for several years to go by between their visits. One quintessential winter visitor to the region’s feeding stations is the Evening Grosbeak. In the 1970s through the early 1990s, the Evening Grosbeak would be seen nearly every winter. They would gather at feeders and snarf down sunflower seeds at a prodigious rate. These large black, yellow, and white finches were true winter luminaries and almost everyone looked forward to their arrival. They became rarities in the region by the mid 1990s, but some of us that live in higher elevations can still count on them showing up en masse about every 3 to

Flock of Common Redpolls feeding on Gray Birch seeds

5 years. Their visits south are prompted by a lack of food in their normal home range in the northwestern forests. The bright trilled calls of Evening Grosbeak flocks are often heard before the birds are seen.

This year I began hearing them fly over in late October, and that tells me at least some of us will have them in our yards in December. There are early indications that the winter of 2020-21 will be a big year for them.

The movements of Pine Grosbeaks are also hard to predict. Their visits to the Mohawk Valley are even rarer than those of the Evening Grosbeaks. A full decade can go by between their visits. The male Pine Grosbeak has mostly russet plumage on the head, breast, and back. The rest of its body plumage is gray. All sexes and ages have darker wings and show bold white wing bars. The adult female is much grayer overall but has a russet or yellow-green head. Colors are also variable in juveniles. When in our region the Pine Grosbeak is not usually associated with pine trees but is more typically encountered in deciduous seed or fruit-bearing trees. They adore crabapples, thornapples (from hawthorns), and are particularly fond of seeds from ash trees. They only rarely show up at bird feeders, which means even when they are in our neighborhoods, we may not know it. As usual, I am most often alerted to their presence by hearing their calls. In the breeding season, when they are in their home range in

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Northern Canada, they produce a bright warbled song which sounds to me like the mixture of the Purple Finch’s song and that of the Eastern Bluebird. When here, they give simple call notes, usually consisting of two or three short, trilled notes.

Like all the other finch species that come through Central New York, they are highly social birds and associate with each other in tight flocks. We are well overdue for a visit from this lovely species and given that the local supply of their favorite foods is plentiful, perhaps this is the year. Be sure to look and listen for them in the appropriate habitat.

There are a host of other winter specialties to look for in December. Most of them are species of finch and include the Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll, White-winged Crossbill, Red Crossbill, Purple Finch, and Pine Siskin. Of those species, the Common Redpoll, Purple Finch, and Pine Siskin are sure bets for this winter, and you can watch for them at your bird feeders. The Bohemian Waxwing is not a finch species, but it shares their nomadic lifestyle. They come into the region in force perhaps once a decade. Their plumage is like that of the common Cedar Waxwing but is more ornate and colorful. Like the finches, they travel in flocks, which sometimes number in the hundreds. They are partial to berry crops and other fruits. They may descend on a grove of laden berry bushes and strip them clean in an hour. Bohe-

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30

mians are voracious feeders that tend to gorge themselves and then move on. They do not frequent bird feeders and so when they are in the area you may not know it.

That is unless you regularly monitor appropriate fruit-rich habitat. The call of the Bohemian Waxing is an insistent and distinct flat trill, something like the ring of a toneless alarm clock. As is the case with the Pine Grosbeak, we are well overdue for a visit from these marvelous nomads and, based on the amount of fruit-laden bushes we have in the area, this could be the year that marks their return.

With plumage somewhat resembling that of a Mockingbird, the Northern Shrike

is not your average brand of songbird. It is a predatory species that makes its living primarily by consuming other songbirds. During the summer, the shrike is found in forests in the far northern part of the continent. In late fall and winter, in years when prey is hard to come by in the north, the shrike may travel south to the northern half of the US and sometimes to the Mohawk Valley. The species’ carnivorous tendencies and the fact that they sometimes impale their prey on thorns has earned them the nickname of “Butcherbird”. We haven’t seen one at our Nature Sanctuary in seven or eight years, but I am hopeful one will spend at least part of this winter with us. If you’re fortunate enough to hear the shrike vocalize, you would hear a combination of shrieks, whistles, and trills, but most of the time they remain mute when away from their breeding grounds. I can sometimes discern their presence by the mobbing behavior of jays. Blue Jays dislike shrikes, and when they locate one, they may dive at it mercilessly in an attempt to drive it away. It is the same treatment they give to small hawks and owls. It has been nearly a decade since a Northern Shrike graced the nature sanctuary with its presence and so maybe we will have one stop by in December. We shall see.

Many other bird species utilize our region’s habitats and enrich our lives in December. All of them are much more than ornaments in colorful feathered packages.

They are important actors in the environment and fascinating animals that possess distinct habits and behaviors. Understanding them helps us to better understand ourselves and how we act in the environment. In the best of worlds, our appreciation of them will incentivize us to make our shared habitat more beneficial to them, not just in winter, but throughout the year. •

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Common Redpoll

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Mohawk valley astronomical society

SPECIAL DELIVERY by carol higgins

As the gift-giving season gets in full swing this month, we have lots of unique shopping options here in the Mohawk Valley. But what if you placed an order and had to wait six years for it to be delivered, and you weren’t sure what would be inside the package? That’s exactly the situation for a patient team of scientists in Japan. They are waiting for a special delivery scheduled to arrive on December 6, coming from far out in the solar system and delivered by a spacecraft. Meet Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft and its precious cargo – surface material from an asteroid!

Hayabusa2 is a Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) mission. It launched December 2, 2014, on a journey to an asteroid named 162173 Ryugu, one of over a million members of a region between Mars and Jupiter called the asteroid belt. Carrying a suite of remote sensing scientific instruments and cameras, the mission goals are ambitious. In addition to surveying and imaging the asteroid, analyzing its composition, spin rate, and gravity, the primary goal is to collect samples of the surface and return them to Earth!

When the spacecraft arrived at Ryugu in June 2018, it found an odd-shaped world that is described as a “spinning top.” At just over a half-mile across, the surface is a combination of small particles, pebbles, rocks, and boulders. Asteroids are small objects that orbit the Sun, leftover material from the time when our solar system was forming. There are three classes of asteroids. The C-type is

carbon-rich and contains clay, minerals, and silicates. They account Hayabusa2 and asteroid Ryugu for about 75 percent of known asImage credit: JAXA/Akihiro Ikeshita teroids. S-type asteroids are “stony” and contain silicates, while M-types end well for dinosaurs around 65 million are metallic and comprised mainly of years ago! But asteroids also tell a story nickel-iron. Ryugu is a C-type asteroid. about the composition, formation, and evo After months of evaluating the surface, lution of our early solar system. Scientists Huyabusa2 took its first samples in FebruImage NASA,Ryugu ESA, W. Keel, Galaxywill Zoo Team believe theCredit: pristine samples proary 2019 and the second in July 2019.Hanny’s The Voorwerp. vide that geologic look back in time. capture operations were no small feat and But Hayabusa2 isn’t the only spacecraft required some tricky maneuvers to carefully that will return asteroid samples. NASA’s steer the spacecraft. When its sample-arm OSIRIS-REx spacecraft arrived at asteroid touched the surface, a projectile fired to Bennu in December 2018. In late October expose material below the surface, causing 2020, it touched the surface and collected debris to float into a collection tube then into sample materials, then placed them in a rea “catcher” which was eventually stowed in turn capsule. The spacecraft will soon bea return capsule. Hayabusa2 started its trip gin its journey back to Earth to drop off the back to Earth in November 2019. capsule for a September 24, 2023 landing in Since then, JAXA’s mission controllers Utah. monitoring the spacecraft have occasionally Studying sample materials from othadjusted course to ensure it will be on the er celestial objects is a planetary scientist’s correct trajectory when it reaches Earth and dream come true. What will we learn from releases the return capsule on December 6. these two exciting special deliveries?

The capsule is about 16-inches across, with Wishing you clear skies and good health! • a protective heat shield and a parachute to slow its descent during landing. An anxious JAXA team will be waiting in the Woomera Join MVAS from 7pm to 10pm on Prohibited Area in South Australia to recover the capsule and take its priceless payload December 12 for stargazing at to Japan for analysis.

Barton-Brown Observatory Many asteroids have an orbit that takes 206 White St., Waterville them close to our planet, and tracking them is important for developing planetary deSee the MVAS Facebook page for details. fense strategies. As we know, things didn’t

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mv crossword

december Crossword

All answers found in the pages of this magazine!

Solution will appear in next month’s issue

Across 1. ___ Christmas!

3. This Utica Reverend is credited with introducing the Christmas tree to Central NY. See Oneida Co. History 5. The unusual abbreviation for: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. See MV Astronomy 7. This __ that?

9. Maple syrup from local producers like ____, makes a great gift! See page 46 10. Choo-choo! Welcome new advertiser, Whistle ____ Antiques. See Antiques Guide 12. Gary’s solution to coping with long periods of ICEolation (3 words). See ADK Journal 14. Congratulations to our “pocketsize” historian, Herkimer Co. Historian, Sue ____, on her retirement.

We have enjoyed our visits with you over the years!

16. March magic turns this sweet!

17. Midday, in other words.

18. The season’s potato. See MV Gardens Down 1. The brook at Shawangunk Nature Preserve.

2. The ox and ___ kept time, Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum 3. The type of bird Matt assisted in rehabilitating.

4. Oh ___ Town of Bethlehem 6. A kiss and a hug, abbreviation 8. The creature “not stirring” in Suzie’s “Night Before Christmas.”

11. Say Cheese! This sponsor will ship their cheese anywhere you please (2 words). See page 5 13. What’s inside a jack-in-the-box?

14. This grosbeak is a rare visitor to the Mohawk Valley. See December in Nature 15. We Three ___ of Orient are.

MVL Crossword Puzzler:

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The Everyday Adventures of Mohawk Valley Girl

The

Emporium in Herkimer

You’ll find familiar vendors at The Emporium in Herkimer

There is a new shopping destination in Herkimer that just may have something for everyone. The Emporium houses numerous vendors in an attractive, handily located space.

I first noticed The Emporium when my friend, Kim Darling, and I were driving down Mohawk Street, intent on other adventures.

“We MUST check it out!” I said. It was some days later, and without Kim, that I finally did.

As I walked in the door, I saw my friend Cindy Shepherd, owner of Adogable Apparel.

“Ooh, you have a space here?” I asked. She normally sells online and at craft fairs.

She now has a permanent retail space at The Emporium! Alas, I do not currently have a dog. As soon as I settle a few things in my life (never mind my petty problems), I will adopt a pooch and purchase him or her a lovely coat.

I walked all around The Emporium, seeing all kinds of items I would love for myself or to give as Christmas presents. Painted glasses, woodcrafts, lots and lots of jewelry, even clothes, and toys! I could get handmade soaps or maple syrup from Sweet Pickens. McWood and Creation had

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some beautiful signs and decorations. I did not make note of all the vendors’ names, but there is a lot of wonderful stuff!

Besides Adogable Apparel, I noticed other familiar names. I know The Mustard Seed from many vendor fairs in Little Falls. Love their spice blends and lotions!

Prima Donna’s Boutique, previously of Little Falls, is now at the Emporium and (I later found out) Newport Marketplace. I happily browsed her clothes, jewelry, and décor.

The lady at the counter told me there were currently 25 vendors. I don’t doubt there will be more! That is the great thing about this sort of retailer: There is almost always something different every time you stop in! •

There are 25 vendors at The Emporium in Herkimer, including Sweet Pickings

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Herkimer county historical society

The Story Behind The Glass Plate Negatives By sue perkins

Unidentified women standing with John H. Nelson House in the background

Bryan and Tina Bryan Cirelli discovered a set of glass plate negatives in the attic of Bryan’s father, Peter Cirelli, at 412 Mohawk Street in Herkimer. It was owned by a photographer many years ago named Ben Garlock and it may be surmised that these are photographs taken by him. Tina wanted to know if there was someone who could reproduce the glass plate negatives and we knew just who to go to - our friend Darryl Grubner.

Darryl came in with the pictures and they are just fascinating, even though there are no names or identification on them. Jim Greiner happened to stop in at that time and immediately he spotted a feature in the pictures that helped start the search to where in Herkimer the photos were taken. The Ten Commandments buildings on the south side of the village: where was that now? Out came the 1906 atlas and there they were, on E. Smith Street. Another feature spotted in the picture of the gentleman standing with the bicycle - the bridge over the Hydraulic Canal. This helped us place the buildings on the left side of the pictures to possibly 217-221 E. Smith Street. Jim immediately visited the spot and came back and said “Yes”, the homes are still there - looking a little different, but some similarities can still be seen.

The next step was to figure out who lived at 221 E. Smith Street.

It was back to the 1906 atlas. There was the name of J. H. Nelson on both 221 and 228 with a barn out back of 228. J.H. Nelson turned out to be John H. Nelson. I next went to Herkimer Directories which verified that John H. Nelson lived at 221 E. Smith Street. John was a contractor and builder. He bought the Tower House on the corner of North Main and Albany Street. It was a wooden structure. He built the brick Nelson Block around the Tower House. There was a dev-

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John H. Nelson residence E. Smith Street Herkimer, NY

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Gravestone of Christian Shoemaker at Fort Herkimer Church Cemetery astating fire in 1915 that destroyed the Nelson Block. John rebuilt the Nelson Block. In 1916, he was living at The Hemstreet until the Nelson Block was completed. He eventually moves into the Nelson Block Apt. 6. Today Collis Hardware is in the Nelson Block.

The next step was to go on Ancestry.com and look in our records at the Society. I found John H. Nelson (1843-1925) was born in Boonville, NY. He was the son of Paul (1800-1890) and Emeline Kent Nelson (1810-1890).

John married Josephine Hull daughter of Lyman Hull, Esq. April 3, 1867, according to the Herkimer Democrat of April 17, 1867. I believe Hull is a typo and should be Hall. I couldn’t find anything further on Josephine Hull/Hall Nelson.

John is always listed as a widower in the census 1875-1925 despite his Will stating his wife Dora Nelson was last known to be living at No. 556 West 180th Street in New York City in 1919. The mystery remains what happened to Josephine and Dora Nelson.

John had two daughters, the eldest was Flora Nelson 1868-1889).

She married George E. Lindsay December 9, 1885, in Frankfort, New York. They had one son Charles Robert Lindsay (1886-1946).

Charles Robert is buried in the Middleville Cemetery in Middleville, New York. Flora is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in the Lucius Shoemaker Plot. 1920 is the last I can find on George E. Lindsay.

One of the photographs was of the Christian and Gertrude Charity Shoemaker monument at Fort Herkimer Church. Eureka! I found the connection to Shoemaker. John Nelson’s daughter, Annis Nelson Shoemaker (1871-1900) married Lucius Shoemaker who was born in 1870 at German Flatts and died January 8, 1946, at Flint, Michigan. They are both buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer.

Annis Nelson and Lucius Shoemaker had 2 sons: Floyd Nelson Shoemaker (1890-1932) and LeRoy Nelson Shoemaker (18921978) who died in Saginaw, MI, both are buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer.

Lucius’ parents were Alonzo Shoemaker 1832-1871 and Mary Crim Shoemaker 1833-1903. Lucius Grandparents were Christian Shoemaker (1779-1887) and Gertrude Charity Snell Shoemaker (1809-1890).

John H. Nelson died in 1925 leaving his estate to his grandsons Charles Robert Lindsay, and Floyd and LeRoy Nelson.

One of the photographs turned out to be of the Nelson House. There is a sign in the upper right-hand corner that says, Dr. H. W. Pratt.

Veterinarian. Dr. Herbert Pratt moved his office there in 1897.

As for who the people are in the photographs, we don’t know.

They could be Nelsons, Shoemakers, or Lindsays.

This my last article for Mohawk Valley Living. I am retiring on December 31, 2020. I have enjoyed doing the research for the articles over the years. Please continue to support the Herkimer County Historical Society for future generations. •

Sue Perkins is the Executive Director of the Herkimer County Historical Society

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On the farm with Suzie

‘Twas the night before Christmas on the farm

by Suzie & Pete Jones

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Hello from the farm and Happy December! This year has not been easy and so much yet lies ahead of all of us. On our farm, and on farms all around the Mohawk Valley, we will continue to grow food to feed our communities. For if a global pandemic has taught me anything, it is that we truly need one another. So, to celebrate what will undoubtedly be a very strange holiday season, my husband and I wrote the following ode to the famous poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. We hope you enjoy it and that we all find a better year in 2021!

‘Twas the night before Christmas, out here on the farm Not a single goat was stirring; all quiet in the barn.

The sheep were all snuggled and munching their hay, Remembering the warmth of a bright summer day.

The chickens were roosted, feathers fluffed to keep warm, Tucked tight in their coop, safe from wild winter storms.

While Peter and I in the cheese plant, with matching hairnet Had just poured milk into the vat for an overnight set.

When out in the barnyard, there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my cheese duties to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, I flew like a sprite, Tore open the barn doors and turned on the light.

The moon on the round bale all surrounded by sheep, Gave an odor fermented—an aroma quite sweet.

When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature kid goat with HUGE floppy ears!

With sparkling dark eyes and a dainty pink nose, I knew in a moment we must name her Rose!

More adorable than puppies, newborn or other, And she sniffled, and rooted, and called to her Mother: “Oh Maaa! Oh, Maaa! *Snort*, Ma, maaa!”

“Oh, Maa, oh Maaa, Maaaa maaaaa!”

To the top of the salt lick, o’er the water trough too The young lambs ran in circles, for they hadn’t a clue.

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Little Rose makes an appearance in Suzie and Pete’s Christmas poem

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When they wake with a start, filling the air with their cry.

So uprose the sheep, and the sleepy goats too Startling all the animals to their feet, for the chaos to ensue!

And whoa, in a twinkle, I heard underfoot The thunderous sound, of many a tiny hoof.

As I gathered my wits and was turning around, Down the barn ran the entire herd with abound!

They were covered all in fur from their heads to their hooves Leaping and bouncing, the most astounding moves!

I stepped out the way, not wanting to slow them down And I tripped and tumbled, falling to the ground.

Their eyes—how they twinkled! Their tails—how waggy!

The mothers’ udders swollen with milk and baggy!

They tossed their heads, as the tumult continued to grow, And the little beards on their chins were as white as the snow.

The group gathered together, some stomped their little feet Approaching me slowly, encircling me like a wreath.

Little Rose stepped forward, dainty but with full belly

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That shook when she jumped, like a bowl full of jelly.

She was chubby and plump, a right jolly young goat; And I laughed when I saw her, a great sound from my throat.

A wink of her eye, and a twist of her head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

She spoke not a word but went straight to her work And butted all the yearlings; then turned with a jerk.

And tilting her head, and tossing her nose, And giving a nod, up the haymow she rose!

She sprang to her mother, to her friends gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard her bleat, ere they scampered out of sight— “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” •

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 online at www.anotherjonesfamilyfarm.com

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Mohawk Valley nature

One Warbler’s Journey to Recovery story & photos by matt perry 42

The Blackpoll’s wings are examined

The birds that have intrigued me most over the years and were largely responsible for my entry into the naturalist field have been the neo-tropical songbirds; those species which breed in North America’s northern forests and spend their winters in the tropical climes of Central and South America. Of these beautiful, feathered creatures, it has been the warblers that I spent the most time seeking out and learning about their behavior. In the 1990s, I made a considerable effort in making audio recordings of warbler song variations. In five years, I tracked and made recordings of close to thirty warbler species that breed in and/or migrate through Central and Northern New York State. The conservation status of these warblers has altered much during the last two decades and the breeding ranges of many have retracted substantially. One would be hard-pressed to find some of these species even in the most appropriate habitat our region has to offer. The plight of the neo-tropicals stems from a changing climate, habitat destruction, and increasing collisions with man-made structures during their migration flights.

Among the species I eagerly await in the spring is the Blackpoll Warbler. The adult male of the species, when in breeding plumage, somewhat resembles a Black-capped Chickadee. He has a black cap and a matching chin patch. He has a light underside, but unlike the chickadee, he shows dark streaking on his flanks. Also, unlike the Chickadee, the Blackpoll’s back is olive-colored and shows dark, dashlike streaks. He has white spots on his tail which are visible when he flits around on tree branches. In the fall, when he molts into more drab plumage, his orange legs and feet help to distinguish him from similarly clad species. The Blackpoll Warbler is a denizen of the boreal forest.

They breed in conifers at the tops of mountains in the Adirondacks and Canada. I have visited Blackpoll nesting grounds a few times but never

The immature Blackpoll kept one eye closed

I

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actually found a nest; I only heard males singing on their territories amid the stunted Red Spruce and Balsam Fir trees that populate alpine regions. Back at our nature sanctuary in Clinton, I used to eagerly await the Blackpoll’s arrival from the south during spring migration. As far as warblers go, they are late spring arrivals, showing up in the latter half of May and, more typically, during the month’s final week. The last stragglers come through our region during the first week of June.

Formerly in spring, migrant Blackpoll Warblers favored the nature sanctuary’s American Elm trees. Back then I was able to find as many as a dozen in one morning as they fed together on insect larvae in the lofty branches of the elms. As the Blackpolls flitted and foraged amongst the trees’ newly emerging foliage, they sang their immensely high-pitched songs. The song of the Blackpoll sounds something like, “ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti”. I liken the sound to that which might be produced by a miniature set of sleighbells. In more recent years, spring migrant Blackpolls have been difficult to find. The grove of elms where they once congregated was decimated by Dutch Elm disease and the supply of Blackpolls (as well as many other warbler species) returning from the south has greatly diminished. I am now lucky to encounter a half-dozen of them in an entire spring season.

Watching the behavior of Blackpolls or any warblers has always been fascinating to me. Breeding behavior, foraging behavior, and their interactions with other species are all worthy of study and there are always opportunities to learn something new. About a decade ago, a Blackpoll Warbler was brought to a rehabilitator I know in the Downstate Region. The partially stunned and flightless bird had been picked up from the ground next to a tall building in an urban center. The person who found it was holding the bird in her hand when my friend, Natasha, came to pick it up. Natasha was a songbird rehabilitator but, at that point in time, had never worked with warblers and sent me a photo of it for identification. “What was it doing in the city? Aren’t Blackpolls forest-living birds?” Natasha inquired later. It was late September, and from late August

Adult Blackpoll Warbler

The Blackpoll is named “Satterfield”

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through early October, Blackpoll Warblers, along with all other warbler species, are engaged in fall migration. Warblers are nocturnal migrants. Their flights bring them over mountains, lakes, and cities alike. Every year, many of these migrants (not just warblers) are killed or injured by impacting against towers, buildings, and other high structures that occur along their flight paths. Annual impact fatalities among neotropical migrants are said to number in the millions and represent a leading cause of their mortality. The one that Natasha received was one of the lucky ones. It wasn’t killed outright and now it had a chance to recover.

It was obvious the bird was lethargic. When rescued, it put up no resistance to being picked up and carried in someone’s hand. It was clear the bird couldn’t fly, and it kept closing its right eye. Most probably the warbler had struck a building, which resulted in head trauma and a broken or sprained wing. After about an hour of confinement at Natasha’s house, the warbler exhibited a noticeable wing droop, which is consistent with a sprained or broken wing. When the injuries and the behavior of the patient were described to me, I doubted the bird would survive the night. However, when offered food in its enclosure (a glass-sided turtle tank), the warbler rallied. It hunted down a dozen or so crickets set on the floor of the tank and readily ate them. That was certainly a good sign. A few hours later, the Blackpoll took a dozen mealworms. These he plucked directly out of Natasha’s hand. As the evening wore on, he became more boisterous in the tank.

He was hopping around on the wooden perches and excitedly seeking a way out.

However, he still was not even trying to fly. Although his left wing extended out when he jumped, his right wing always stayed closed and tight against his body.

At dusk, the warbler became even more animated and jumped up against the southeastern side of the glass tank. Was he trying to migrate? Blackpolls, along with many other neotropical songbirds, usually begin migrating just after dusk.

Was this warbler jumping in the direction his brain told him to fly?

When the Blackpoll finally decided to go to sleep, he simply grasped his perch, turned his head onto his shoulder, and tucked his beak into his plum-

Satterfield visits the Parakeet, Ziggy, in her cage

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age. The next morning, the warbler (now dubbed Satterfield after the building he allegedly rammed into) was more energetic.

He exhibited more typical warbler-type foraging behavior, albeit he was doing most of it from the floor of a glass tank and on branches propped between the walls.

Natasha hand fed him mealworms which he snatched one by one from between her fingers. More than half of the worms he took were unceremoniously flung into his water dish. What was initially taken for an accident, we later believed was intentional.

He was using the water to dispatch his prey (and possibly to hydrate them). He would let a mealworm stay in the water for about a minute before retrieving it and swallowing it whole. About as often, he would give his victim a few vigorous shakes to immobilize them before eating.

On September 28th, two days after his rescue, Satterfield’s eye was back to normal, but his right wing remained unused. It was also determined his wing was sprained and not broken, which meant we might expect a full recovery. His foraging behavior in the tank was getting increasingly fast and warbler-like, but he still wasn’t flying.

The next day when he was out of his tank, he fell off his perch. He half-fluttered four feet to the floor without attempting to open his bad wing. Natasha lowered a branch to the floor. He jumped up onto it and was returned to his tank where he proceeded to hunt down a new batch of crickets. Satterfield was now vocalizing. He gave light “chip” begging calls when Natasha offered him mealworms. He had an excellent appetite, which doubtlessly reflected his instinctual need to fatten up before resuming his migration. This time of year, long-distance migrants become obsessed with increasing their bodies’ fat reserves to power their southward journeys.

The migration window was quickly closing for Satterfield. Most Blackpoll Warblers migrate through New York State

in September. Only a very few stragglers will Ziggy the Parakeet pass through after that.

Would Satterfield recover in time to join his compatriots? Or would he need to be held over until late May when he would join the ranks of those bound for breeding grounds in the northern mountains? Only time would tell. The last day of September was a big day for Satterfield.

Natasha began doing physical therapy with him. She gently opened his wings and massaged his flight muscles. She then had him jump between branches she held Natasha’s Parakeet, Ziggy. At the time, I in her hands. He happily complied and hopped from one to the thought this a controversial step. Why alother again and again. While rotating the low a native songbird to interact with a dobranches, Natasha gradually increased the mestic species and one that originated from distance between them. Satterfield wasn’t another continent (Australia)? I wondered flying but he was showing good coordina- how this could possibly help him. Even tion and balance. It was amazing how far though Natasha had no experience with he could jump. It made me re-evaluate pre- warblers, she instinctively knew how imcisely how warblers get around on branch- portant it was to continue to challenge Sates in the forest canopy – how much jump- terfield; to keep him interested in life and ing they do in relation to how much flying. working towards his recovery. She thought Hearing about and seeing for myself Ziggy could help him by providing him an how a Blackpoll Warbler reacted to captiv- incentive to interact and allow him to grow ity was a revelation to me. He proved to his skillset. He made the first move towards be extremely adaptable – far more than I Ziggy and she reacted by flying to Natasha would have expected from a small insec- and landing on her arm. She mock-preened tivore species. After all, he belonged to Natasha’s arm for a moment before trotting the warbler clan, which is not a family of up onto her shoulder. Satterfield watched species famous for living harmoniously in from his perch the entire time. A little later, domestic situations. As part of Satterfield’s the Blackpoll was returned to his tank to recovery process, Natasha moved him out partake of his lunch of mealworms. When of his tank and into an aviary room rigged he was finished eating, he jumped up onto with tree branches. Here he would have the rim of the tank and from there hopped much more space to exercise. He would onto Natasha’s arm. He then ran up to her also be able to interact (if he chose to) with shoulder just like Ziggy had done earlier.

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Was he emulating the Parakeet’s behavior?

By October 1st, Satterfield had become tired of his tank and didn’t appreciate being confined there. He now had free-range of the aviary room for much of the day and only returned to the tank at feeding time and at night. The rest of the day it was he and Ziggy making use of the network of tree branches in their shared space. Suddenly, seeing him in this context, flitting about in high branches, his movements seemed far more warbler-like. His preferred resting perch was at the very top of the branch structure, right up against the ceiling. It seemed he enjoyed being higher than Ziggy – in elevation if not in status.

He wasn’t afraid of Ziggy. In the wild, particularly during migration, warblers join together in mixed-species foraging flocks. It is normal to see them traveling through branches together with woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and titmice. Rubbing shoulders with a diverse range of species fosters interspecies cooperation and communication.

Satterfield was not out of his comfort zone and, for that matter, neither was Ziggy.

An afternoon of jumping from branch to branch would tire Satterfield out and by evening his right wing would begin to droop. Importantly, he had been using both wings during some of his longer hopflights. The next day, Satterfield discovered Ziggy’s cage and while she was busy in the branches of the aviary, he explored her favorite perches and even looked into her little mirror. Why a bird that loathed his own tank would want to hang around in another bird’s cage is anyone’s guess. Ziggy’s response to the invasion of her space was to hang upside-down over the cage and call disapprovingly. Satterfield’s dish of mealworms was now being placed on the cover of his tank and when it was replenished, he would come down from the branches and retrieve them one at a time. He would carry one back into the branch-

Ziggy & Satterfield

bats of the first order.

While flitting among the branches in the aviary he would momentarily hang upside-down.

This is something Ziggy didn’t need to teach him but is firmly in the bag of tricks of all warblers. Yes, he was steadily improving, but would he be fit enough to resume migration?

Being able to fly for ten minutes is good, but would he be able to fly thousands of miles over land and ocean?

Probably not. In terms of Blackpoll migration, the window was rapidly closing. Precious few warblers linger in New York State beyond early October. That deadline had already arrived. If he missed his migration window he would need to remain in the aviary until late May and that would mean Giorgio joins Ziggy being in captivity for nearly 8 months, which is a significant period in a songbird’s lifespan es and, after shaking it vigorously, would (about 5 years). Regardless, waiting was swallow it whole. He began to anticipate the only option for the convalescing bird. his feeding time. When he saw Natasha Over the next several days Satterfield come into the room, he became visibly ex- began seriously protesting having to go cited. He would come closer to his dish and back into his tank. When nightfall came, give light begging calls. he flew around the aviary in full escape On October 4th, we saw some major mode. Natasha pursued him with a net, progress with Satterfield. He was starting but it often took a dozen tries to nab him. to really fly, and not only between branches The bird was hardly terrorized by this acbut all the way around the aviary. He still tivity and seemed to view it as more of a drooped his right wing after exerting it, game, and one that Ziggy also took part in. but the droop was not as pronounced as it She started refusing to be put in her cage had been. Importantly, after each flight, he for the night. The two birds would dash was recovering faster. He also began balk- around the room. During these ridiculous ing at going back into his tank. Gone were chases, Satterfield began exhibiting more the days in which he would intentionally advanced flight skills. He showed how he perch on Natasha’s arm and let her put him could instantaneously change direction to bed. He was getting increasingly inde- 180 degrees in mid-flight. He also showed pendent and didn’t want to get too close to that he could hover. One day he hovered people. However, Parakeets were still OK, over his food dish and slowly lowered and he continued interacting with Ziggy. himself down, not unlike a hummingbird.

The next day (October 5th) the warbler Those advanced flying abilities coupled took a few more steps towards recovery. He with his ever-increasing stamina provided was energetically hop-flying and sprint-fly- the best indication yet that his right wing ing for extended periods. Up to ten min- had healed. utes! His stamina was clearly improving, Finally, on the afternoon of October and he was showing little sign of fatigue. 11th, unprompted, the Blackpoll flew He was also becoming more acrobatic. around the perimeter of the aviary a dozWarblers are, by definition, arboreal acro- en times. He was indeed ready for release.

The weather had become mild on October 13th and the forecast promised a few more mild days as we entered the middle of the month. Natasha borrowed Ziggy’s cage, put Satterfield into it, and brought him into the backyard. He was left outside in the closed cage for about an hour so he could get used to the sights and sounds of the wooded yard. Finally, the cage door was opened. The Blackpoll hesitated for only a moment before flying out to freedom. His flight took him upwards fifty feet into the crown of a Sassafras tree. Natasha lost sight of him shortly after that and he was not seen again. Ziggy’s cage, with a dish of mealworms inside, remained on the deck. The food would be available for him if he needed it. As it happened, he didn’t.

Presumably, he was back to feeding on foliage-eating insect larvae in the tree canopy and did not need handouts. His main objective would be to increase his body’s fat reserves as fast as possible and head south or southeast to the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. He then needed to fly to Central or South America. It was an ambitious goal and he seemed to be up for the challenge.

Would we ever see Satterfield again?

Probably not. And if we did, he would be in adult plumage and look nothing like the little warbler that flitted around the aviary and made friends with a Parakeet. Natasha said that she and her family missed him. They missed his little form darting over their heads and his knack of perching in the most unlikely places. They missed his adaptability and his intrepid nature.

He was more than eager to take each new step which led to his recovery. Most of all they would miss his unlikely friendship with Ziggy. For Ziggy’s part, she became noticeably despondent with the loss of her companion. She stopped going up into the tree branches in the aviary above her cage.

Soon she was not willing to come out of her cage at all. After a week went by with no change in the Parakeet’s demeanor, she was brought to a local Parakeet Rescue and allowed to pick out her own companion. That she did and now lives happily with a blue male that is completely devoted to her. •

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’s short nature videos can be viewed on the web.

Look for Spring Farm CARES Nature Sanctuary on Facebook.

mohawk valley Gardens & recipes

sweet potatoes in the MV

by Denise A. Szarek

Sweet potatoes are being grown successfully here in the Mohawk Valley. And if you frequent any of our local farmers markets in the area, they are getting easier to find. They’re delicious, packed with nutrients, attract attention at farmers’ markets, and can be stored up to a year or even longer.

Sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas) are from the morning glory family.

They are not related to the Irish potato, which is in the nightshade (Solanaceae) family. While potatoes are tubers (swollen underground stems), sweet potatoes are roots.

GROWING A sweet potato crop requires 90-150 days of frost-free weather. They are tropical plants that are sensitive to the cold and grow best if they are planted after the soil temperature has reached 65 degrees F before planting.

They are best planted from June 9 to June 22 and harvest dates from September 27 to October 10.

They prefer well-drained loam that is not too fertile and has a pH of 6.5 to 6.8. Over-fertilization causes vigorous leaf growth and long skinny roots.

In heavy clay soils, roots may be small and misshapen and will be hard to dig.

Sweet potatoes are started from “slips” (rooted stems). Growers can purchase slips from The Maine Potato Lady, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. When purchasing slips make sure your ship date is after June 1 for our area.

MULCH & ROW COVERS Sweet potatoes do well planted under black plastic mulch. The slips are planted into holes cut in the plastic which should be pinned close against the soil. Warming the soil prior to planting is also beneficial to getting your slips off to a good start. This can be achieved by laying clear plastic over the entire bed to help warm the soil.

PESTS Deer will nibble sweet potato foliage to the ground! They won’t kill the plant but will reduce yield significantly. Since deer have plenty of other food sources in midsummer, a lightweight, two-strand electric fence should deter them.

Voles love sweet potatoes, let me say that again, voles love sweet potatoes! Some farmers have had an entire harvest decimated.

Scurf is a soil-borne fungus that covers the skin of the root with rough black patches but does not harm the root. Wireworms (click beetle larvae) can be a problem following sod. Japanese beetles and tortoise beetles eat the foliage but don’t seem to be serious pests.

HARVESTING & STORING Sweet potatoes should be dug as late as possible in the fall but before a hard freeze; they will tolerate a light frost. Harvest before the soil temperature is below 60 degrees F. Mowing and removing vines before digging may provide easier access to the roots.

Harvested sweet potatoes should be cured with adequate ventilation at 80 to 90 degrees F. and at 85 – 90% relative humidity for 5 to 10 days to heal wounds on their skin, starting on harvest day. During this time, the sweet potato will grow a second skin, which is an incredibly effective seal.

After curing, you can leave a sweet potato on the counter for several months without noticeable moisture loss. Without curing, the sweet potato will only last a month or two in storage. Curing also initiates flavor development.

A newly dug sweet potato is virtually tasteless – it’s definitely not a treat! A sweet potato doesn’t reach its flavor potential until it has been cured and then stored a few months.

Providing proper curing conditions for 5 days may require some planning in advance. Think creatively about available spaces – a large closet with a 100 watt light bulb, a bathroom with an independent thermostat, or even a spare bedroom with a small electric heater. Keep your curing space at 80-90 % humidity for best results.

Sweet potatoes are alive and they breathe. Never store them in a sealed plastic bag – the gases from their respiration will build up and the potatoes will eventually die. Paper bags or boxes are good for storage or throw plastic tarps over your crates of sweet potatoes. And store them at about 60 degrees F., you don’t need to cover your sweet potatoes at all unless rodents could access them.

Do not toss or drop sweet potatoes into storage containers. When you dig them, they’ll be firm and appear indestructible – they’re not! A drop that is sufficient to crack an egg is sufficient to produce a tiny bruise on a sweet

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potato. After a few months in storage, that tiny bruise can turn into a large, rotten spot, which often ruins the entire potato.

Sweet potatoes are tropical plants and the storage roots start to “shiver” at 50 degrees.

Your refrigerator is probably set to a few degrees above freezing, which is a good temperature for carrots, apples, and juices, but not so good for tomatoes, bananas, and especially sweet potatoes.

At the cool temperature of your fridge, in less than a day, the once-living, breathing, healthy sweet potato will turn into a corpse. It will remain a good-looking corpse for a few days, but will then develop pockmarks and a hard core.

The official name for this cause of death is “chilling injury.”

VARIETIES Flavor depends much more on curing, storage, and method of cooking than on the variety you grow.

‘Beauregard,’ the main commercial, is a good producer, has good flavor, stores well, has compact vines, and its tubers tend to grow close to the stem. This would be my suggestion for a beginning sweet potato gardener.

Now let’s get cooking! As a kid, candied sweet potatoes were always on the Thanksgiving and Christmas table, and they were always my favorite! •

MVL RECIPES

Candied Sweet Potatoes

By Anne Tucker 5-6 medium sweet potatoes ½ tsp salt ½ c unsalted butter (we suggest Kriemhild Dairy Meadow Butter) 3 T water 1 C packed dark brown sugar ¼ C pure maple syrup (We suggest Shaw’s Maple Syrup) ¾ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground nutmeg ½ tsp ground ginger (We suggest Szarek Farms baby ginger) 2 tsp pure vanilla extract Garnish: sprinkle of course salt (we suggest Syracuse Salt) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F Peel and slice sweet potatoes into ½ inch thick slices. Place in a greased 9 x 3 inch or other 3-quart baking dish. Sprinkle salt on top and toss to coat.

Make the Sauce: Combine butter, water, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir and bring to a gentle boil. Boil for 2 minutes without stirring. Remove sauce from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour sauce over potatoes and toss well to coat. Bake for an hour, stopping and stirring every 20 minutes. After the first 20 minutes, I cover the baking dish with foil so the potatoes bake evenly.

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with salt and fresh rosemary, then cool uncovered for 10 minutes before serving. The sauce is thin right out of the oven but thickens as it cools. Enjoy!

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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. These are excerpts and reflections from Peggy’s journal chronicling their adventures and also her childhood memories growing up in Westmoreland.

“Thumpity, thumpity…” It sounds like animals are scampering across our roof.

Occasionally there’s a “roar” and a house shaking “thud”. The pretty snow that turned the forest into an elegance of black and white, striped, lace filigree is melting in the warm caress of this late morning sunlight. Despite the lovely, pale blue sky above, icy cold rain comes down from the trees, peppered with huge clumps of snow falling off heavy-laden evergreens and bits of ice from hardwood branches. We put our hoods up when we go out to do chores, so it won’t go down our necks.

The ebony and amber waters of Misty Brook are also affected, twinkling with stars and galaxies of bright sunlight bouncing off all the ripples caused by this “snow rain.” We hear sweeps of crystalline tinkles from snow dust, and “plop” from snowballs as they hit the waters. The upper story of the whole forest is ablaze with prisms of white light shining through all the semi-melted snowdrops. This in-

convenient beauty is typical of life: yin/yang, up and down, pro and con.

Humanity is going through a rough time this year. It’s hard not to have a personal reaction of social rejection when people distance themselves from you, and vice versa. Sometimes I feel like I must be radioactive.

I felt this way when I got poison ivy on my face many years ago. I looked (and felt) horrible with itchy red blotches and oozing blisters fringed with orange calamine lotion. People I saw couldn’t hide their revulsion. A face mask at that time might have helped.

Tim & I keep associating the face masks with bandits from the old Western movies we grew up with, and it’s hard to get used to the idea that the people behind the masks are the good guys, the heroes.

We are fortunate that we only need to use them when we go out, unlike

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Tim was a star athlete

Russia Union Church and schoolhouse in Poland, NY

many workers who must wear them all day long. On the up-side; I rather like how warm they make my face outside on cold winter days. The down-side of that is, I can’t see much because my glasses are fogged up from my breath.

We take some inspiration from others who’ve gone through tough times. Winston Churchill said during the Blitz in WWII; “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” And Helen Keller who achieved so much despite being blind and deaf; “Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.” I’m confident that we’ll get through this.

Daily tasks and hobbies can be pleasant distractions from the struggles and tragedies of life. I have always been good at finding distractions, even if they are worse than what I’m avoiding. When I was young, if my mother wanted me to paint shutters, I’d likely rather move rocks for the new patio.

Now I have self-imposed tasks to which I react the same way. (I have become my mother!) I expect myself to spend about 15 minutes a day doing sit-ups, leg-lifts, push-ups, etc., which I absolutely hate doing! But, I know that being strong is essential for good health and safety.

My husband invariably cheers me on; “Wonderful, Peg! Good for you!” (Hey! I married a star athlete!) It feels great to get it over with, so I can feel relieved and proud of myself for the rest of the day. I can fit it all in during the time it takes for the oatmeal to cook. But it’s very easy to find more “important” things to do first, like clean the rug before I exercise on it, look at the weather report, check

the mail, balance the checkbook, take the ashes out of the woodstove, take the captured mice down the road, wash the floor under the cat dish, fill the bird feeder, empty the chamber pot, get water from the creek, start the fire, bring in dry firewood, call a friend, call a sister … you see how it is! By then, I am too tired and hungry to exercise. But after breakfast, I’m too full and have to let it digest before I can exercise.

Maybe Tim has the right idea. He waits until the last possible minute of the day, just before crawling into bed. He sometimes asks me; “Did I already do my pushups?” And I have the option of saying yes or no depending on if I want him to come to bed breathing heavily.

A great way to distract myself from worldly concerns is to bundle up in warm clothes and get outside for a while. Admiring snow showers like this morning, or the subtle shades of our native trees and plants as they enter the deep sleep of winter and thinking about how to describe them to you puts me into a nice consciousness.

Nature has a subtle loveliness and rhythm that is little affected by human difficulties and draws you into it.

Such scenes of winter beauty have often helped alleviate the stress of long trips

to our various churches in the early hours of Sunday mornings.

It’s easy to think it’s a pretty simple matter for a minister to dress up and give a Tim and Peg performing at presentation, and church for the musician to play a few tunes.

But here’s how it really is: We’d wake up in the chill of night at 5am, stoke the fire, make and eat breakfast, dress for church (but bundle up for the cold), pack up and lug our instruments (harp, guitar, viola, keyboard, amplifier, stands) out to the cold car, then begin a journey of an hour or two through icy, snowy, slushy roads, sometimes with harsh winds creating white-outs that are scary to drive through. But often the scenery, the grand vistas that we don’t get in the forest, make up for the difficulties. North to Watertown, there are wide open rangTim with his Christmas car es of farmlands and meadows fringed and cowboy outfit with snow traced trees of sunrise pink.

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East to Little Falls or Salisbury Center we savor the broad vistas of the Adirondack Foothills and valleys of the West Canada Creek and Mohawk River giving us a sense of the wonder of our planet. Or, south to Cortland, we are awed by the dramatic inclines of hills & valleys that were carved out by glaciers eons ago, like mini-mountain ranges sprinkled with pastoral farm fields.

Tim has little signs on a trail

We arrive at church, breathe a quick moment of relief that we and our car made it, then unload our gear from the car, and hope the church isn’t still locked. There are usually narrow, steep stairways to squeeze through, then unpack, tune-up, (hard to do if it’s still cold in the sanctuary), and try to get in a warm-up practice before Tim goes off to lead a pre-service forum. I would love to participate in the interesting discussions they have, but this is my favorite time; I’m alone in the sanctuary with my instruments and their nice piano or organ and can totally focus on organizing all that I intend to play, calming and comforting myself with making beautiful sounds.

In performance, some songs go better than others, and I have to quickly practice forgiveness of myself

or my music partner (Tim), when it’s not “just right.” The easy part for me is when Tim takes over with his presentation and I can relax and listen. He likes the concept of “presenting” a gift of thought instead of the more authoritarian concept of sermonizing, and it must be well researched, informative, inspiring, and sometimes entertaining I used to make subtle hand motions to indicate to Tim that his tie was crooked, or his collar turned up, but it caused him too much distraction from his presentation.

I love to hear about all the different major world religions and their holy days (holidays) which Tim is very knowledgeable about, having studied them for many decades after being introduced to them in Seminary. It was also a great discovery to me when I first met him and realized that there were other great philosophies and religions in the world besides Christianity, in which I was raised, and Judaism. One of his favorite texts is “The Bible of The World” edited by Robert O. Ballou which contains scriptures from Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Judeo-Christianity, and Islam. Tim says; “I’m too insecure to adhere to only one religion. They are like different colors of squares in a great quilt of comfort. I

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“Special holiday foods are unique to each religious celebration,” he tells us one December. “During Diwali (the Hindu Festival of Lights), rice cakes are traditional. During the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, potato pancakes or latkes are cooked in oil to symbolize the burning of the oil that lasted eight days instead of one. Biscuits or cookies with sweet spices symbolize the frankincense brought by the Magi to the Christ Child at Christmas, and ancient Tibetians offered dough as sacrifice to their deities.”

“The tradition of “toasting “comes from the Anglo-Saxon wassail bowl.

“Wassail” means; “Be Healthy!” and celebrants used to pass the Wassail Bowl filled with steaming spirits, nutmeats, and pieces of toasted bread with the wish for good health. We continue this “toasting” idea, but without the toast.”

Tim continues: “In the 1600s, Protestant Anglo-American’s regarded Christmas as a Popish import, unappealing and to be shunned. In fact, the Massachusetts Bay Colony passed a law against celebrating it in 1659, punishing: ‘anybody who is found observing it by abstinence from

labor, feasting, or other ways.’ This was repealed 25 years later, but anti-Christmas feelings continued, and Judge Samuel Sewald was happy to report in his diary in 1685 that he didn’t see anyone celebrating this holiday.”

“Until the Civil War, it was hardly observed in America and retailers barely noticed the occasion. The New York Tribune in 1841 did not contain a single example of Christmas advertising, but after the Civil War, that all changed. By December 1870, it was merchandizing’s biggest month of the year as it is now.”

Christmas was greatly celebrated in our childhoods and a great excuse for crafts projects. One year, my mom made Santa candles for all her friends, whipping wax for his beard with an eggbeater, scenting the kitchen with paraffin for many days.

Cookie decorating was fun, and homemade cards were popular and posted on a card tree. In later years, she collected nutcrackers.

I have a dear friend from another country who recalls that during her childhood in the 1970–80s, they had to close their curtains, lock their doors, and celebrate Christmas secretly or face dire conse-

quences. We are so fortunate in our democracy to be able to celebrate, or not celebrate religious holidays: “…it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” (Winston Churchill) As this all too brief, sunny winter day draws to a close and the air chills once again, cloudy mists rise from the downy quilt of snow on the forest floor. The mists are pleated with opalescent rays of diaphanous light wafting gently through the trees from the sun glowing softly in a pearlyblue heaven. We experience a sense of otherworldliness; except that this is Our World. This is Our Holy Place, and every day is a Holy Day. •

The Shawangunk Nature Preserve is a deep ecology, forever wild, 501©(3), learning and cultural center. Tim and Peggy still live there and can be contacted through their website.

www.shawangunknaturepreserve.com

27 West Main St., Little Falls, NY 13365 Ph. 315-823-1100 Mon - Fri: 10am-5pm / Sat: 10am-4pm Mastercard/Visa/Discover/Am Express

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Merry Christmas or as we’re saying around here these days Feliz Navidad! Everyone at 92.7 FM The Drive is proud to welcome our new sister station, 98.3 FM 1420 AM. El Zorro! Radio Latino!! The first and only Latino radio station in CNY! The new format bring the tropics to your radio! El Zorro is the only full power/full time radio station catering to the Latino community with a Tropical format. Finally there is a great opportunity to reach this unserved audience. El Zorro is for the 18-49 year-old second and third generation Latino. We play artists such as Shakira, Aventura, Daddy Yankee, Marc Anthony, Don Omar, Juan Luis Guerra, Pitbull, Juanes, Jorge Celedon and many more. In addition to the great music and programming we also plan to serve, in the near future, as the local information hub for news, entertainment, cultural and community events for the Hispanic community. Here’s what station owner Mindy Barstein has to say: “Everyone at 92.7FM THE DRIVE and 98.3FM/1420AM EL ZORRO are very proud of our local broadcasting experience and community involvement. Having put EL ZORRO on the air allows us to reach a totally unique, crossover and significant market. EL ZORRO Radio Latino has made history in The Mohawk Valley by embracing different cultures. Personally, I feel it is a responsi-

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bility to use the power of radio to entertain, inform and make a difference locally. Look for many new features and improvements as we grow. We also want to extend a thank you to Tony Colon, who has been an inspiration and huge help in getting this station up and running as well as a fine liaison to the Latino community.

Listen to El Zorro at 98.3 FM, 1420 AM and online at FaceBook.com/ WRNSthefox and with the tune in radio app.

On The Other side of the Dial 92.7FM The Drive is still rocking CNY! With the best Classic rock and some quality new gems from bands like, The Allman Betts Band, Joe Bonamassa,Tedeschi Trucks band, Greta Van Fleet and more! We want to thank the many listeners who have embraced us and really understand that we “Dare to Be Different” and are going back to the plan that made radio great in the first place. With programmers who know the music and more importantly, the area and its people. There’s no need for corporate cookie cutter programming here. Thanks again for giving us the biggest and best audience!

Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy New Year, Feliz año nuevo. •

Advertiser Directory please support Our sponsors, they make this magazine possible Antiques Antiques & Art Westmoreland . . . . . . . . . 26 Attic Addicts, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Black Cat Antiques, Earlville . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Broad St. Flea Market, Utica . . . . . . . . . 27 The Bull Farm Antiques, Vernon . . . . . . 27 Butternut Barn, Richfield Springs . . . . . . . 27 Canal House Antiques, Bouckville . . . . . . . 27 Dawn Marie’s Treasures, Clinton . . . . . . . 27 Foothills Mercantile, Barneveld . . . . . . . 27 Gallery Antiques, Bouckville . . . . . . . . . 28 Little Falls Antique Center, Little Falls . . . 28 Madison Inn Antiques, Madison . . . . . . 28 Mohawk Antiques Mall, Mohawk . . . . . . . 28 Mohawk Valley Community Market, Herkimer . . . 28 The Online Exchange, Dolgeville . . . . . . . . . 28 The Potting Shed Antiques, Whitesboro . . . 29 See the Man Antiques & Collectibles, Sherburne . . 29 Showcase Antiques, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . 29 Valandrea’s Venture, Bouckville . . . . . . . . 29 Victorian Rose, Bouckville . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Weeden’s Mini Mall, Camden . . . . . . . . 29 Whistle Post Antiques, Bouckville . . . . . 29 & 53 Antique Auctioneers Nye & Company Auctioneers . . . . . . . . . . 27 Art Galleries/Museums Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Bike Shops Dick’s Wheel Shop, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . . 8 Books Berry Hill Book Shop, Deansboro . . . . . . . 6 Treehouse Reading Room, New York Mills . . . . 16 Cabinets and Kitchens Custom Woodcraft, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . 11 Knotty By Nature, Bridgewater . . . . . . . . . 31 Candy Shops So Sweet Candy Cafe, Utica . . . . . . . . 16 Catering Club Monarch, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 RoSo’s Cafe & Catering, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Willie’s The Original Bagel Cafe, Utica . . . . . . 23 CBD Products RAW ADK, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Utica Hemp, New Hartford, Utica . . . . . . . . 51 Cheese Grassy Cow Dairy, Remsen . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Jewett’s Cheese, Earlville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Jones Family Farm, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . 44 Stoltzfus Family Dairy, Vernon Center . . . . . 15

Artists Janice Wnuk, Garden Mentor . . . . . . . . . . 14

Christmas Trees Massoud’s Tree Farm, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . 16 Naturewood Knoll Tree Farm, Little Falls . . . . 16

Art and Custom Framing Artisans’ Corner, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Heartwood Gift Barn, Sherburne . . . . . . . . . . 40

Clothing Krizia Martin, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Paca Gardens, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 The Queen’s Closet, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . 27

Auto Dealerships Steet-Ponte Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Consignment Family Finds & Consignment Shop, Taberg . . . . . . 28 The Online Exchange, Dolgeville . . . . . . . . . 28 The Queen’s Closet, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Renewed & Rescued, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . . 28

Automotive Repair Clinton Collision, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Precision Unlimited, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Awards & Engraving Speedy Awards, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . 18 Bakeries and Pastry Shops Caruso’s Pastry Shop, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Karam’s Middle East Bakery, Yorkville . . . . . 23 Ramon’s Bakery, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Star Bakery, Whitesboro and Utica . . . . . . . 44 Wicked Sweets, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Banks and Financial Institutions Bank of Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Contractors Ed Smith Contractor and Handyman . . . . 50 Convenience Shops Stewart’s Shops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Delis and Meats Bosonne’s Sausage, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Little Italy Imports, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Meelan’s Meat Market, Clinton . . . . . . . . . 52 Mohawk Village Market, Mohawk . . . . . . . . . . 8 Olde Kountry Market, Vernon . . . . . . . . . . 45 Pulaski Meat Market, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Riverside Diner, Marcy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Diners Charlie’s Place, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Sheri’s Diner, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Wendy’s Diner, Cassville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Dog Sitting Barney’s Angels, Frankfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Estate Sales Attic Addicts, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 The Potting Shed Antiques, Whitesboro . . . . . . 29 Events Fountain Elms Victorian Yuletide, Utica . . . . 3 Farm Equipment Clinton Tractor, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Hobby Hill Farm Sales, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 40 White’s Farm Supply, Waterville/Canastota . . . . . . 64 Farm Markets Cooperstown Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . 49 Horn’s Family Farm, Remsen . . . . . . . . . . 16 North Star Orchards, Westmoreland . . . . . . . . 2 Financial Services Van Meter & Van Meter, Little Falls . . . . . . . 35 Flooring Mike’s Floor Store, Whitesboro . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Florists Village Florals, New Hartford. . . . . . . . . . . 17 Funeral Services Prince-Boyd & Hyatt, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Furniture Ironwood Furniture, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Jeff ’s Amish Furniture, Richfield Springs . . . . . . . . 50 John Froass & Son, Inc., Sherrill . . . . . . . . 15 Furniture Makers Custom Woodcraft, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Garden Center and Greenhouses Candella’s Farm & Greenhouses, Marcy . . . . . . . . 17 Casler Flower Farm, West Winfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 North Star Orchards, Westmoreland . . . . . . . . 2 Szarek’s Succulent Shack, Clinton . . . . . . . . . 11 River Road Greenhouses, Marcy . . . . . . . . . 43 General Contractors Ed Smith Contractor and Handyman . . . . . . . . . 50 Gift Shops/Shopping Artisans’ Corner, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Between Us Sisters, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . 30 Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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Heartsome Handicrafts, New Hartford . . . . . . . 16 Main Street Gift Shoppe, Newport . . . . . . . 28 Krizia Martin, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Grocery Stores, Co-ops, and Convenience Stores The Country Store, Salisbury . . . . . . . . . . 21 Deansboro Superette, Deansboro . . . . . . . . . 36 Little Italy Imports, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Mohawk Village Market, Mohawk . . . . . . . . . . 8 Olde Kountry Market, Vernon . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Richfield Springs Community Food Cooperative . . . . . 47 Handyman/Repairs Ed Smith Contractor and Handyman . . . . . . . . . 50 Hardware/Lumber/Farm & Home Lincoln Davies, Sauquoit . . . . . .

Morgan’s Hardware, Waterville . .

Turner Lumber, Barneveld . . . .

Wightman Specialty Woods . . . . .

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Phoenician R E S TAU R A N T Please wear mask until you are seated.

Call ahead for parties of 5-10.

We are excited and hope to see everyone soon!

Specials and our full menu available for takeout and curbside pickup.

Mon-Sat 11:30am - 8pm 623 French Road New Hartford (315) 733-2709

Banquets

Serving Rome & Utica Since 1946

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TALKRADIO 1450

Weddings

Hearth Shops and Fuel Buell Fuel Hearth & Home, Deansboro . . . . . . . . . . 10 Insurance Farm Family Insurance, Boonville . . . . .

Gates-Cole Insurance, New Hartford . . . .

HBE Group, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Turnbull Insurance, New Hartford . . . . . .

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Interior Design/Custom Window Treatments The Added Touch Drapery, New Hartford . . . . . . 44 Ironwork Raulli’s Iron Works, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Jewelry Alison’s Jewelry & Repair, Utica . . . . . . . . . 16 Goldmine Jewelers, New Hartford . . . . . . . . 18 Lawn Mowers, Leaf, and Snow Blowers SD Power, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Lighting Mills Electrical Supply, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 32 Liquor Stores and Wine Ilion Wine & Spirits, Ilion . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Prospect Falls Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Trenton Station Liquor & Wine, Barneveld . . . . 18 Maple Syrup Ben & Judy’s Sugarhouse, West Edmeston . . . . 30 Shaw’s Maple Products, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . 49 Tibbits Maple, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . 46 Meats (See Delis) Media 92.7 The Drive WXUR, Utica . . .

FOX33/WUTR . . . . . . . . . . . .

WKAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Weekly Adirondack . . . . . . . . .

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8524 Fish Hatchery Rd, Rome, NY 13440 315-533-7710 www.deltalakeinn.com

Monuments & Memorials Yorkville Memorials, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Musical Instrument Sales, Rentals, Lessons Big Apple Music, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . 31 Natural Food Stores Cooperstown Naturals, Cooperstown . . . . . . . . 47 Peter’s Cornucopia, New Hartford . . . . . . . . 54 Non-Profits and Social Service The House of the Good Shepherd, Utica . . . . . . . . 10 Optometrists Towpath Vision Care, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . 46 Paint and Painting Supplies Urbanik’s Paint & Wallpaper Co., Utica . . . . . . . 31 Physical Therapy Inertia PT, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Pizzerias DiCastro’s Brick Oven, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 21 Primo Pizzeria, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Tony’s Pizza, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . 21

sponsor news White’s Farm Supply Welcomes Scott Primer White’s Farm Supply, Inc. is excited to welcome Scott Primer.

Scott grew up in Earlville and currently resides there. Scott and his family sold milking and material handling equipment for nearly 50 years in Earlville. He is looking forward to serving our current and new customers. Scott can be reached at 315771-1437 for all your Commercial equipment needs.

Portable Toilets and Bathrooms Mohawk Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Primitives Between Us Sisters at Eclectic Mercantile, Oneida & Rome . . 30 Butternut Barn, Richfield Springs . . . . . . . . . . 27 Main Street Gift Shoppe, Newport . . . . . . . . 28 Produce, Local Ben & Judy’s Sugarhouse, West Edmeston . . . . . . . 30 Grassy Cow Dairy, Remsen . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Jewett’s Cheese, Earlville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Jones Family Farm, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . 44 Shaw’s Maple Products, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . 49 Stoltzfus Family Dairy, Vernon Center . . . . . . . 15 Tibbits Maple, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . 46 Twin Orchards, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . 55 Quilt and Yarn Shops/Services Love & Stitches, Whitesboro . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Tiger Lily Quilt Co, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Record Stores Off Center Records, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Restaurants and Cafés Ann St. Deli, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Club Monarch, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Country Store, Salisbury . . . . . . . . . .

Delta Lake Inn, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . .

DiCastro’s Brick Oven, Rome . . . . . . . . .

Gone Coastal, Lee Center . . . . . . . . . . .

Karam’s Middle East Bakery, Yorkville . . . .

Killabrew, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Main Street Ristorante, Newport . . . . . . . .

Nola’s Restaurant, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ohio Tavern, Cold Brook . . . . . . . . . . .

21 51 21 22 21 21 23 21 28 20 21

ING W O T R 24 HOU

N O T CLIN SION I L L CO 315.853.5665 PO Box 292, McBride Ave. Clinton, NY Fax: 315.853.4751

Patio Drive-In, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . .

Phoenician Restaurant, New Hartford . . . . .

RoSo’s Cafe & Catering, Utica . . . . . . . . .

Route 69 Steakhouse, Whitesboro . . . . . . .

Sammy & Annie Foods, Utica . . . . . . . . . .

Tailor and Cook, Utica . . . . . . . . . . .

Wendy’s Diner, Cassville . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Willie’s The Original Bagel Cafe, Utica . . . . .

The Willows, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Shoes Karaz Shoes, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Sneaker Store, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Signs, Handcrafted Artisans’ Corner, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Whistle Post Creations, Bouckville . . . . . . . . 29 & 53 Snowmobiles/ATVs Hobby Hill Farm, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Tile and Masonry Yoder Tile & Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Towing Services Clinton Collision, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Tree Services and Tree Farms Rick Turk Tree Service, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 56

Photo: Carol Llewellyn, New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation

Answer to last month’s Riddle about an iroquois heirloom making a comeback is:

white corn

The Iroquois White Corn Project is working to restore the farming, consumption, and distribution of traditional Iroquois White Corn

Winners: Janine and Pat Pelano of Rome

Weddings and Banquets Club Monarch, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Wineries Prospect Falls Winery, Prospect . . . . . . . . . 50 Yarn and Knitting Supplies Love & Stitches, Whitesboro . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Yogurt Stoltzfus Family Dairy, Vernon Center . . . . . . . 15

last month’s crossword solution

NYS INSPECTIONS • OIL CHANGES • TUNE UPS • COLLISION WORK • AC

Complete Collision and Mechanical Repair Since 1987 Answer to last month’s puzzle about this harbinger of winter: Frost Moon Winner: Peg Kroll of Richfield Springs

7509 Route 5 • Clinton, New York 13323 • Phone 315-853-8804 62

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