December 2011

E E R F he wind

as t

RETURN of the NATIVE A fourth generation Dunham returns with a growing family and an expanding hotel.

By Gayle Morrow & Michael Capuzzo

Wag Like the Dickens in Wellsboro Small Dolled up in Gillett Living on a Prayer at Mount Saviour Monastery

DECEMBER 2011

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Guthrie Primary Care Same day appointments and expanded hours You can’t plan an unexpected illness. But the same day appointments Guthrie’s primary care offers makes it a little easier.

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All locations accepting new patients.

To schedule an appointment at the location nearest you visit www.guthrie.org

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LOCATIONS: New York • Apalachin • Bath • Big Flats • Corning Centerway • Corning Steuben • Erwin • Ithaca • Pine City • Vestal • Watkins Glen • Waverly

Pennsylvania • Canton • Dushore • Mansfield • Sayre • Towanda • Tunkhannock • Troy • Wellsboro • Wyalusing

Volume 6 Issue 10

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The Last Great Place

By Jerry Curreri At last, a place of simple pleasure here in Arcadia.

By Gayle Morrow & Michael Capuzzo Say goodbye to the old Penn Wells Lodge and hello to the Dunhams who are home to stay.

Heads Up: shop local for the holidays.

Sarah Wagaman

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Chatter & Letters to the Editor

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The Lunker

By Fred Metarko A boatman’s to-do list makes a splash in Shore Duty & Hard Water.

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Nancy McCaughey

By Roberta Curreri Living in freedom Peace by Piece.

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Living on a Prayer

By Angela Cannon-Crothers Reflections at Mount Saviour Monastery.

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Yogamama

By Kathleen Thompson A New Year, a new read, and a new you—just in the Nick of Time.

Wag Like the Dickens

By Florence Millahn A Dogs’ Tale unleashes the story of fun, frolic, and family tradition at Wellsboro’s annual “Dickens of a Christmas” festival.

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Arms & The Man

Return of the Native

Small Dolled Up

By Martha Horton Good things come in small packages. Shop Around the Corner discovers how A Touch of the Past creates miniatures with huge delight.

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The Better World

Cover image by Sarah Wagaman Cover art by Tucker Worthington

Tina Tolins

By John & Lynne Diamond-Nigh To the Manners Borne raises expectations on architecture and building character.

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30 Helping Hands

By Roberta Curreri Cancer survivors highlight the 2012 Relay for Life Calendar and remind us that Every Day Counts.

38 The Light Stuff

Publisher Michael Capuzzo

By C. R. Wagner Delivering The Light Stuff—when giving makes believing possible.

42 Goodies for Goodness Sakes

By Cornelius O’Donnell Christmas memories from great cooks stir up the holiday spirit.

48 Finger Lakes Wine Review

Editor-in-Chief Teresa Banik Capuzzo Associate Publisher George Bochetto, Esq. Dawn Bilder Managing Editor Roberta Curreri BusinessManager Jerry Curreri Copy Editor Pete Boal

By Holly Howell Brie and chablis—absolutely delicious, and a stunning pair—add Pure Bliss to your holiday celebrations.

49 Mother Earth

By Gayle Morrow Rain can leave a gal Be Cider Self.

50 My Favorite Things

By Teresa Banik Capuzzo Golden Glory: Making pierogies for a merry Christmas Eve.

52 Homes for the Holidays

Cover Artist Tucker Worthington P r o d u c t i o n M a n a g e r / G r ap h i c D e s i g n e r Amanda Doan Butler Contributing Writers Sarah Bull, Angela Cannon-Crothers, Jennifer Cline, Matt Connor, Barbara Coyle, Kevin Cummings, Georgiana DeCarlo, John & Lynne Diamond-Nigh, Patricia Brown Davis, Lori Duffy Foster, Audrey Fox, Donald Gilliland, Steve Hainsworth, Martha Horton, Holly Howell, David Ira Kagan, Adam Mahonske, Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Cindy Davis Meixel, Suzanne Meredith, Fred Metarko, Karen Meyers, Dave Milano, Gayle Morrow, Tom Murphy, Mary Myers, Jim Obleski, Cornelius O’Donnell, Thomas Putnam, Gary Ranck, Kathleen Thompson, Joyce M. Tice, Linda Williams, Carol Youngs C o n t r i b u t i n g P h o t o g r ap h e r s Mia Lisa Anderson, Bill Crowell, Bruce Dart, Anne Davenport-Leete, Ann Kamzelski, Ken Meyer, Tina Tolins, Sarah Wagaman Sales Representatives Earle Aumick, Christopher Banik, Alicia Cotter, Brian Earle, Sadie Mack, Richard Widmeier

By Dawn Bilder Wellsboro residences open doors for 3rd annual festive tour.

66 Back of the Mountain

Subscriptions Claire Lafferty Beagle Cosmo

In the Blink of an eye.

Assistant

to the beagle

Yogi Our Lady Queen of Peace, Mount Saviour Monastery.

Mountain Home is published monthly by Beagle Media LLC, 39 Water St., Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, 16901.

Copyright 2010 Beagle Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Angela CAnnon-Crothers

To advertise or subscribe e-mail info@mountainhomemag.com. To provide story ideas e-mail editor@mountainhomemag.com. Reach us by phone at 570-724-3838. Each month copies of Mountain Home are available for free at hundreds of locations in Tioga, Potter, Bradford, Lycoming, Union, and Clinton counties in Pennsylvania; Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler, Yates, Seneca, Tioga, and Ontario counties in New York. Visit us at www.mountainhomemag.com.

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Home Territory Welcome to Mountain Home We’re grateful that you’ve already welcomed us onto your porch and into the living room. Thanks to you, Mountain Home, the Twin Tiers lifestyle magazine, has 100,000 readers from the Finger Lakes to the Susquehanna River. Locally owned and based at creek-side offices in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania—population 3,245—we tell local stories by gifted local writers, artists, and photographers (see our awards on the next page). You can get a subscription, but most folks pick us up, “Free as the Wind,” at one of 275 distribution points, represented on this original map by artist Tucker Worthington. Please support our advertisers and distributors—we’ll soon publish a complete list by town of the businesses, from Wegman’s to wineries to the corner store, where you’ll find Mountain Home. Call us at 570-724-3838 to chat, tell a story, or advertise. Meanwhile, happy reading!

Teresa & Mike Capuzzo, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

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It’s A Love Affair, That’s Why You read us, and you write us. Mountain Home has won an unprecedented 33 statewide Keystone Press Awards for journalism excellence in writing, photography, and design in just five years, and special recognition for attracting the most new readers (100,000) in the state. From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association says nobody does it better than our writers and readers.

F i r s t P l ac e ,

best

N i c h e P u b l i ca t i o n i n t h e s t a t e M o u n t a i n H o m e S t a f f , 2011

of

Pennsylvania,

F i r s t P l ac e , S p o r t s S t o r y , M a t t C o n n o r , 2011 S e c o n d P l ac e , F e a t u r e B e a t R e p o r t i n g , D a w n B i l d e r , 2011 S e c o n d P l ac e , P a g e D e s i g n , A m a n d a D o a n -B u t l e r , 2011 S e c o n d P l ac e , F e a t u r e P h o t o , A n n K a m z e l sk i , 2011 S e c o n d P l ac e , P h o t o S t o r y , A n n K a m z e l sk i , 2011 H o n o r a b l e M e n t i o n , B u s i n e s s /C o n s u m e r S t o r y , M a t t C o n n o r , 2011 H o n o r a b l e M e n t i o n , F e a t u r e P h o t o , C i n d y D a v i s M e i x e l , 2011 H o n o r a b l e M e n t i o n , F r o n t P a g e D e s i g n , T u ck e r W o r t h i n g t o n , 2011 F i r s t P l ac e , S p o r t s S t o r y , M a t t

connor,

2010

F i r s t P l ac e , B u s i n e s s o r C o n s u m e r S t o r y , Jeffrey Allen Federowicz, 2 0 1 0 F i r s t P l ac e , P h o t o S t o r y , A n n K a m z e l sk i , 2 0 1 0 F i r s t P l ac e , S p o r t s O u t d o o r C o l u m n , F r e d M e t a r k o , 2010 F i r s t P l ac e , F r o n t P a g e D e s i g n , T u ck e r W o r t h i n g t o n , 2 0 1 0 S e c o n d P l ac e , F e a t u r e S t o r y , M a t t C o n n o r , 2 0 1 0 Honorable Mention, Sports Story, A n g e l a C a n n o n -C r o t h e r s , 2 0 1 0 F i r s t P l ac e , F e a t u r e S t o r y , J o y c e M. T i c e , 2 0 0 9 S e c o n d P l ac e , B u s i n e s s S t o r y , B a r b a r a C o y l e ,

2009

S e c o n d P l ac e , S p o r t s / O u t d o o r C o l u m n , R o y K a i n , 2 0 0 9 S e c o n d P l ac e , P h o t o S t o r y , A n n K a m z e l sk i , 2 0 0 9 S e c o n d P l ac e , S p o r t s S t o r y , F r e d M e t a r k o , 2 0 0 9 S p e c i a l C i t a t i o n , b e s t p u b l i ca t i o n i n t h e Pennsylvania at growing readership (100,000 Mountain Home Staff, 2 0 0 8

state of new readers)

F i r s t P l ac e , P e r s o n a l i t y P r o f i l e , M i ch a e l C a p u z z o , 2 0 0 8 F i r s t P l ac e , S p o r t s / O u t d o o r C o l u m n , F r e d M e t a r k o , 2 0 0 8 S e c o n d P l ac e , S p o r t s / O u t d o o r C o l u m n , L i z B e r k o w i t z , 2 0 0 8 S e c o n d P l ac e , F e a t u r e S t o r y , M i ch a e l C a p u z z o , 2 0 0 8 Honorable Mention, Business or Consumer Story, Cindy Davis Meixel, 2 0 0 8 H o n o r a b l e M e n t i o n , F e a t u r e P h o t o , Cindy Davis Meixel, 2 0 0 8 F i r s t P l ac e , D i s t i n g u i s h e d W r i t i n g , M i ch a e l C a p u z z o , 2 0 0 7 F i r s t P l ac e , P e r s o n a l i t y P r o f i l e , M i ch a e l C a p u z z o , 2 0 0 7 F i r s t P l ac e , S p o r t s / O u t d o o r C o l u m n , D a v i d C a s e l l a , 2 0 0 7 S e c o n d P l ac e , S p o r t s / O u t d o o r C o l u m n , R o y K a i n , 2 0 0 7 Honorable Mention, Feature Beat Reporting, Teresa Banik Capuzzo, 2 0 0 7

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The Last Great Place

Arcadia

By Jerry Curreri

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rowing up in New Jersey in a small town was terrific, but it pains me to say that without really being aware of it the housing explosion along the Route 78 corridor was going to transform my small community in ten short years—from 20,000 residents to 200,000. Now some people applauded this growth but maybe forgot that sometimes we can call uncontrolled growth cancer—in this case a cancer that would destroy our single-plex theater, a family business—replacing it with the multiplex owned by a huge corporation. Sure it was filled with all the bells and whistles, multiple screens, multiple candy and popcorn kiosks, and of course movies galore. All these gains, but at what loss?

A simple story, this one.

Now here in Wellsboro we have a much smaller version of the multiplex. Really a family-owned single theater—the Arcadia— redesigned to allow for four screens including two small intimate theater spaces that most certainly were the balcony of the original theater. Arcadia, meaning a place of simple pleasure. This is the domain of Mike Wood, assistant manager and projectionist for the movie house. Always a familiar face at the movies, Mike reminds us of what a last great place is.

Our story, a story for all seasons: One evening, two out-of-town guests came into the Arcadia hoping to watch a movie, Dolphin Tale, but it was showing in one of the larger theaters with non-reclining seats that would be too much for this fellow’s injured back. The couple approached Mike asking if he the film could be shown in the smaller theatre with the reclining chairs. His answer, “No,” as those had other movies already set up for the second showing. But before the couple could look to leave, Mike added quickly, “Come with me,” and he headed them over to the hotel next door.

I’m sure people on the street wondered why they saw Mike carrying a comfortable chair from the lobby of the Penn Wells into the theater, but I was not surprised to hear about it. This particular chair, by the way, Mike had invited the gentleman to look around the lobby and select for himself. In this last great place we make accommodations not mandated by law but by common sense, common decency, and a notion of common good. Let’s never lose that.

Stop in to see our selection today!

905 570-724-1 m A P , ro o o b treet, Wells nhamswellsboro.c u 45 Main S .d www 7

C hatter entlemen, how often does this happen to you? It’s the last minute—and heaven knows there are too few of those around the holidays anyway—and you’re looking for some special little stocking stuffer to wrap up your holiday gift-giving. You don’t have to look far to find that special something close to home. Here are a few Mountain Home suggestions for the distaff half: bump it…

A.J. Fratarcangelo, of the eponymous AJ’s in Corning, was using a volumizing product for all his salon work, only to have the product discontinued. Out of a sense of complete annoyance, he decided to come up with his own product so he would never have to face that frustration again. A six-month back and forth and testing process with a Los Angeles beauty industry product development company had one main goal: the product would add volume but disappear on the hair, without any tackiness or stiffness. The result was bump it . . ., of which A.J. says, “It’s like a miracle, like there is nothing in your hair at all.” A Wellsboro customer with a house in Florida called from the Sunshine State to order three bottles—so she wouldn’t run out. Not one to leave well enough alone, A.J. started work on a molding mud, Doo it… (the only product capitalized, because it is named after A.J.’s Jack Russell, Miss Doo), which hit the shelves at Thanksgiving along with curl it…, sham.poo, condition it…, and smooth it…, a leave-in conditioner and straightening balm. All products are available at the store, or by mail order; AJ’s Hair, Makeup; 24 W. Market St., Corning, NY; (607) 936-8541; (888) 901-HAIR; www.ajshairmakeup.com.

Elina Organics There are skin care products and then there are skin care products. The ones sold by Eye Look Good, the new skin care studio east of Wellsboro, are organic and bioenergized, and oh-so-nourishing for a silky epidermis.

Besides customized facials, owner Margaret Landis does gorgeous lash extensions with Xtreme Lashes®, and is certified in Bellanina® 8

Tina Tolins

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Heads Up for Christmas Shoppers

Above: A.J. Fratarcangelo outside his shop. Below: A Pure Hart Soap.

Facelift Massage techniques. Call (570) 723-0957 for information on products, gift certificates, or appointments, or visit www. elg.skincaretherapy.net.

Pure Hart Soap Heidi Owens Hart has been making soaps for more than a decade, originally driven to the craft by her baby daughter’s dry skin.

Her cold process soaps use essential oils and fragrances and natural botanicals and—a key ingredient—fresh goat mike provided every morning by her own herd. Heidi also makes a luxurious line of lotions, salves, body butters, and bath salts. Gift baskets are available, or you can mix and match your own skin products. You can find her at the Wellsboro

Senior Center for the Dickens Festival in Wellsboro on the first Friday and Saturday in December, or at her shop eight miles west of Wellsboro at 7411 Route 6, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. (570) 7243962, www.purehartsoap.com.

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return of the

Native Say goodbye to the old Penn Wells Lodge & hello to the Dunhams who are home to stay

By Gayle Morrow & Michael Capuzzo 10

T

Sarah Wagaman

he gas industry has brought big money to small-town Wellsboro, along with colorful Texas, Louisiana, and Florida Panhandle twangs, sky-high rents, down-home Gulf shrimp, salt BBQ, and SEC football. But the southerners are picking up northern Pennsylvania The Dunham family with architect’s rendering outside the lodge. hill traditions, too, such as the fact that “The Big D” in these parts doesn’t mean Dallas. It means Dunham, the dominant hotel and department store family of Wellsboro, the quietly industrious clan that’s carried Tioga County through lumber, coal, tourism, oil, and gas runs since Teddy Roosevelt sat in the White House and “Grandpa D” first rode his horse-and-buggy down Main Street.

Now the fourth generation of Dunhams is expanding the Penn Wells Lodge from a quaint, 1950s motel for Eisenhower-era automobile tourists visiting the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon to a larger, sleek, Marriotstyle hotel for more luxurious travelers, and energy executives winging in for business meetings. With a four-story addition, forty new rooms and suites, an expanded lobby with a fireplace, complimentary breakfast area, business center, sundries shop, the swimming pool, a new fitness center and locker rooms, there’ll be plenty of room for traditional Wellsboro tourists, too, says Shawn Bryant, who, with his wife Ellen Dunham Bryan, runs the Wellsboro Hotel Company, which owns the lodge.

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Sarah Wagaman Ken Meyer Sarah Wagaman

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The Dunhams have been ably serving the county and making money in a quiet, old-fashioned Yankee way for more than a century. But when Sean and Ellen, both Washington, D.C. lawyers who met at Duke University Law School, returned to Wellsboro two years ago with their brood of three children to take over the lodge, the 1920s Penn Wells Hotel, the Arcadia Theater, and the Café 1905 in the family-owned Dunham’s Department Store run by Ellen’s father John, mother Nancy, and sister Ann Rawson Dunham, the clan evoked another Texas-sized D word: Dynasty.

The return of the native has been a wonderful journey for Shawn and Ellen, who loved Washington but endured some tough times, including the 9/11 attacks and the D.C. sniper. They married in 2001, had a reception at the Penn Wells Hotel they now manage. Returning to idyllic small-town Wellsboro in the prime of life—he’s forty, she’s fortyone—represents a reunion with family and friends, a wholesome place to raise Madeline, 8, Jack, 5, and Kate, 2, as well as a challenging new career neither envisioned to be as exciting as riding, and leading, an economic boom.

“John had always planned a lodge expansion, but we had no idea it’d happen so soon,” Shawn said.

History has a way of collaborating with the Dunhams in exciting times.

It was in March 1905, just two weeks after T.R. was inaugurated, that Roy J. and Fannie Treat Dunham rode into town and bought a half-interest in a grocery store owned by Roy’s uncle, W.A. Hammond. By the time World War I hit, they’d bought out Hammond and expanded to sell farm supplies, crockery, lamps, and tobacco, added a feed store that sold live poultry, fresh eggs, and local farm products, including hay shipped by train to the New York Police Department for the NYPD’s horses, and Tioga County maple syrup for the Algonguin Hotel.

Despite the Great Depression, Roy added a hardware store in 1929 (now Dunham’s Do-It Center), then in 1932 he and son Frank built the three-story

Dunham Department Store, the town’s retail anchor to this day. Frank’s sons John and Jim have run the department store through the decades, with brother Bob running the Dunham’s furniture store.

John and Nancy’s daughter Ann Dunham Rawson was the first of the fourth generation to take the reins of the family business for the future, helping her parents run the department store.

Then Ellen came home with Shawn to take over the Wellsboro Hotel Company, which John and Jim, who retired in 2000, had wearied of managing along with everything else.

Ellen and Shawn are the hotel’s largest shareholders, and acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with community and family heritage. While the Dunham’s Department Store has long been the heart of commercial Wellsboro, the landmark Penn Wells Hotel was the town’s the handshake to the world. Standing on the same corner where taverns, inns, or hotels had stood since 1816, the present brick hotel was built in 1869, nearly destroyed in a fire in 1906 as the Coles House, and rebuilt, expanded, and reopened as 1926 was the Penn Wells Hotel. The beloved landmark was renovated, kept alive and is still owned by more than 100 shareholding Wellsboro families.

As they invest “pretty much everything we have” in expanding the lodge and running the old hotel and associated properties, Ellen says, “We hate to disappoint people. We want people to feel good about their experience, so it’s that that sometimes keeps us going.”

Says Shawn: “Our company touches on so many people,” he says. “When I wake up in the morning to think that we might not serve them in the way they’d like to be served…We don’t want to take any steps backward. Our challenge when we reach out to sell these rooms is to help people know Wellsboro is still as great as it ever was.”

A couple years ago, thanks to the massive influx of gas workers, the Dunhams were able to keep the landmark Penn Wells Hotel open through the winter for the first time in

Top: Shawn and Ellen in the footprint of the new building. Middle: Shawn, Ellen, and Madeline in period costume at the Dunham’s centennial. Bottom: Daughter Kate in a hardhat.

years, along with the Penn Wells Lodge, which always stayed open. Shawn and Ellen were encouraged by the fact that both the hotel’s seventy-three rooms and lodge’s fifty-five rooms were about half-full throughout the winter. That gave them the cash, and the confidence in the future growth spurred by the gas industry, tourism, and beyond, to launch the ambitious plans to update the lodge.

The 1958 property was renovated in 1984 and had since fallen behind the times, Shawn said.

The couple spent nearly two years designing what may well be Wellsboro’s new landmark hotel, working with Greenfield Architects in Lancaster.

The lobby will expand dramatically, cannibalizing a few existing rooms, and be anchored by a roaring fireplace. “The lobby is more than just a place to grab a room key,” Ellen said. “It is a place to socialize.” The four-story addition facing the Post Office will feature thirtytwo, two-room suites, each with a king bed or two queens in a bedroom with a door separating it from the suite room, a

Architect’s rendering of the new courtyard.

Our challenge when we reach out to sell these rooms is to help people know Wellsboro is still as great as it ever was.

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parlor with a small kitchen, dining table, sofa, chair, and TV. Four of the suites will have fireplaces. The suite rate will be about $160 a night, compared to the current top lodge rate of $120.

Shawn wanted a first-class business hotel like the Marriots he stayed in while traveling as a civil litigator under tremendous business pressure, often driving out of his way to avoid unpredictable small rural motels. Ellen thinks of the families that want to gather in cozy suites, sharing meals, reading around a fireplace. “It’s the little things like that that are maybe costing us (business) at the outset,” she said, that might encourage more people to come and “take advantage of winter.”

Expanding the tourist season to winter is a high priority for the couple.

The hotel addition’s mansard rood, iron fencing, and landscape lighting were designed to fit with Wellsboro’s historic Victorian downtown. The general contractor, Granger Construction Company from Syracuse, New York, started tearing up the parking lots and

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creating clouds of dust this fall, with plans to complete the job in time for the Laurel Festival in July 2012, when tends of thousands of visitors pour into town.

Although the gas industry appears here to stay for a long time, Shawn says, the new Penn Wells Lodge is built for the new century, not just a boom time, Shawn said.

“The presence of the gas industry and the prospect that they might have an impact on business gave us the cushion to have a bit more risk,” he said. “There are other businesses in town with opportunities to capitalize on the gas industry. We have good community banks, a medical center, retail. There is also a kind of industrial history. I think this (the Lodge expansion) will offer a great place for the people representing those things. We’re building because Wellsboro already has so much going for it.”

Two years later, Ellen is still basking in the powerful feelings of the native returned to her birth and wedding place, now with a huge chance to continue the family habit of making history. “It’s

Shawn and Ellen at the new construction site.

amazing how people find us (Wellsboro) and how far they come to be here. It is rewarding to find people who love it here, who love the Hotel, and good to feel that people appreciate it all.”

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O U t d o O rs The Lunker

Shore Duty & Hard Water

By Fred Metarko

T

he wicked winter weather is upon us. Bass fishing has come to an end for most, except for those who hunt for huge smallmouths that hang out in the depths of the cold and windy rough lakes. Some fishermen lay down the rods, pick up the guns and head to the woods and fields. Others wait for hard water, drill holes, set up the shanty and watch for the flag to pop up., Fishing is just not in the catching, there is work to do. Now is the time to remove all the rods, baits, and equipment from the boat and its compartments. A thorough washing of boat and trailer is next, getting in all the cracks and crevices where road dirt and lake scum have gathered. Vacuum the compartments and the carpet to remove any dirt and water. Then a good wax job is in order to protect and revitalize the finish and to deter rust.

Winterizing is the next important step for the boat’s idle months ahead.

The batteries should be filled, and the terminals should be cleaned and connected to a trickle charger.

Livewells, livewell pump, bildge pump, and all connecting lines need to be free of water. Wheel bearings need to be checked for play and regreased. Power steering fluid should be checked and topped off if required.

Inspect the trolling motor plug, prop and pin, removing any line or weeds collected around the shaft. Check tires for pressure and wear; don’t forget the spare.

To be able to chase around the lake to find your prey the outboard engine requires service. Remove and inspect the

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This is the time of the year when a conveniently placed list could result in a gift certificate or a nicely wrapped package from your favorite bass fishing store. prop. Have any major damage repaired.

Clean and grease the shaft and spline prior to reassembly. The gas tank should be full with a stabilizer added or left empty.

Disconnect the gas line, let it drain, and replace the fuel filter. Grease all fittings and oil required areas. Remove spark plugs; check and replace if required. Use fogging oil to lubricate the cylinder walls and pistons. Change the gear oil in the lower unit. Check all hoses, gaskets, and fittings. A review of your manual may give additional service information.

During the months ahead, while watching the professional fishermen on television, it’s time to go through the gear removed from the boat. Clean and lubricate reels and replace line.

Check rods and line guides—clean and repair. Sharpen hooks on crankbaits,

spinnerbaits, and jigs. Organize soft baits and miscellaneous items.

After the boat is put to bed and all the gear is organized you will be able to generate a long want list for next season.

The latest new soft baits, maybe hooks and weights for that dropshot rig or the new rod and reel. This is the time of the year when a conveniently placed list could result in a gift certificate or a nicely wrapped package from your favorite bass fishing store.

Come soft water, I’ll see you on the lakes.

The Lunker is a member of the Tioga County Bass Anglers (www.tiogacountybassanglers. com). Contact him at lunker@ mountainhomemag.com.

Outdoors

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Outdoors

Arms & the Man

Peace By Piece

By Roberta Curreri

Let us hope our weapons are never needed—but do not forget what the common people of this Nation knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: “An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny.” ~Edward Abbey, 1979

T

he infamous Black Rifle—the AR-15—is the semi-automatic civilian version of the current military rifle, the M-4. Extremists consider owners of these guns paranoid: I call them

prepared.

Eugene Stoner invented the AR-10 made by his company, ArmaLite. The “AR” designation does not mean “automatic rifle” but comes from the ArmaLite name. In the late 1950’s the army, seeking a lighter weight rifle than its current issue M-14 in .308 caliber, had Armalite submit a .223 for testing. The military ultimately designated this rifle, then the AR-15, as the M-16, and it became the issue battle rifle in Vietnam, fielded by almost all in-country units by 1969. Over the years a variety of changes have transformed that M-16 into the now issued M-4, a shorter carbine version with a flat top receiver that can carry the most modern high-tech night vision scopes, combat halographic scopes, and flashlights.

The AR-15, there is a spot for these in my gun safe, not in a case—but in case. Only free people have the means to defend themselves, their property, and their loved ones.

That freedom is what the Black Rifle represents to me.

The M-4 now strikes out in some of the darkest places on Earth. Its muzzle flash lights the way for freedom.

In this Season of Peace, let us not forget those words so poignantly spoken by Winston Churchill as the darkness of Nazism crept across Western Europe: “We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.”

And to all a good night.

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Outdoors

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L i fe Living On a Prayer

Reflections at Mount Saviour Monastery Story and Photos By Angela Cannon-Crothers

I

magine a daily life interwoven with reminders seven times a day, and once at night, about your connection to God and the importance of spiritual pursuit. Fill those sweet moments with the divine Gregorian chants of the Psalms to help you find peace and lift you up. Then add to those chords that round through your day a balance of work, study, prayer, and community. Place the location on a dreamy pastoral sheep farm high on a hill and you have the frame for the life of a St. Benedictine monk at Mount Saviour Monastery.

I don’t think I’m alone in confessing that I have had periods in my life where I thought: if only I could go to a convent or monastery for awhile, I could find the strength and peace to carry on. Mount Saviour is such a place with an open door for visitors seeking a reflective and spiritual break from the outside world. Mount Saviour includes St. Gertrude’s Guest House for women and couples and the monastery for male guests.

Its chapel, St. Joseph’s, serves local Catholics who come for daily Mass and the Eucharist.

But Mount Saviour is a place for people of all faiths to experience calm, to hear the chants that many claim as healing in themselves, and to learn how monastic life might apply to their own search for meaning.

Prior James, who’s been a monk for more than sixty-four years, has been at Mount Saviour since shortly after its inception in the early 1950s. We meet in a simple room with just a heavy wooden table, two chairs, an ornate wooden-framed mirror, and a window. He smiles widely with long lines of crow’s-feet around his eyes when he tells me he’s “head honcho” as Mount Saviour is too small to have an Abbot.

“We are a farm instead of an educational institution, so we’ve always promoted 20

hospitality as part of the program here,” Prior James says. Besides the handful of monks who steward the farm’s sheep and fiber, honey bees, and orchard, they have many affiliates, or oblates, who are associated with daily prayer services and celebrations.

During busy times, such as sheep shearing, many hands from many distances come to help make light work of the big task. Mount Saviour is a busy place but most of the work of running a farm, a gift store, a retreat center, and St. Joseph’s Chapel (which offers eight services daily) is conducted by only a handful of monks.

St. Joseph’s Chapel is located top and center of the property, which Prior James tells me is something of a tradition amongst Benedictine monks. Inside, the chapel is bright and airy with a raised ceiling over the center service area and four seating areas going round it. I am reminded of the four directions, of the circling of daily life, and of

the seasons. Downstairs is quiet, dim, and peaceful. The Blessed Sacrament Triptych of the Crucifiction, a mural believed to hail from the Avignon school in Southern France during the fourteenth century, parallels a statue of Our Lady Queen of Peace and the Holy Child. The gentle statue stands surrounded by the flicker of candles used in prayers and offerings. The sculpture is from a similar time period as the mural and has been determined to be from the ancient Sculpture School of Paris.

The space feels sacred, mystical, and comforting in Mary’s presence. The windows are covered with a simple stained glass design whose individual panels echo the story of both The Life of the Monk and The Mystery of Time. I am taken by the meanings imbued in the symbols: one sign to represent obedience and labor, another for spiritual ascent through See Living on page 26

I S w

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I’m a SuSquehanna woman.

“I’ve got two brand-new knees, and I’m standing tall.

I grew up on our family fruit farm,

Wentzlers.’ I’m sure all the heavy lifting contributed to my knee problems. From the moment I met Dr. Craig Stabler, I felt everything would be okay. He explained the new technology that would minimize discomfort and speed up my recovery. It’s been two years, and I have absolutely no pain. If you come by Wentzlers’ you just might see me dancing in the orchard.”

– Karen Woolever, Montoursville

Coming soon! Our new patient tower with dedicated orthopedic floor and complete rehabilitation center.

To get a referral, call 877-883-4791. SusquehannaHealth.org/Ortho 21

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22

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Sleep lab technician OffiCe Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital Sleep lab e du C a t i O n Robert packer School of Respiratory therapy and atlanta School of Sleep Medicine

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: Daytime sleepiness and loud, irregular snoring or gasping are the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Other symptoms include nightmares, unexplained morning headaches, restless sleep, nocturnal teeth grinding, excessive sweating, sleep paralysis, confusion/brief memory loss, weight gain, and falling asleep involuntarily. If you have been experiencing these symptoms in addition to feeling poorly rested, your doctor might order a sleep study.

Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital’s sleep lab diagnoses and treats obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and other sleep disorders. The most common type of sleep disorder is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This disorder causes breathing to repeatedly stop-and-start while you sleep and can become a serious condition if untreated.

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fellowshiP orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy, Daemen College

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: The simple answer is yes, in our health care system a patient may go to any physical therapy clinic they chose. However, the patient’s choice in physical therapy clinics may have limitations depending on their insurance carrier, insurance benefits, and their willingness to pay for the services provided should their insurance not cover some or all costs involved.

Most people who receive physical therapy services have insurance in which physical therapy is a covered service. In this case, the insurance company has the ability to affect the patient’s decision on choosing providers by offering two different benefit levels. Usually the choice is between seeing an “in-network” provider where the patient’s costs will typically be less or seeing an “out of network” provider that will cost the individual more money. Some less common types of insurance plans will provide no benefits if a patient chooses an out of network provider. This is more typical with private insurance companies.

Two other types of insurance that will often be utilized for physical therapy services are health care related to motor vehicle accidents covered by automobile insurance and work related accidents covered by workman’s compensation insurance. These insurance rules on choosing providers are governed by state law. In Pennsylvania, patients with automotive insurance as the payer can go to any licensed physical therapist they choose. Patients in Pennsylvania with worker’s compensation insurance as the payer have a different set of rules. If their employer has a medical panel, they must see a panel provider (or a non-panel provider only if referred by a panel provider) for the first 90 days after the injury. After 90 days from the injury, they may choose their provider.

Insurance is only one factor a patient must consider when choosing a physical therapist. After discussion with their referring physician, research on physical therapy websites, and conversations with potential physical therapists, patients decide on a physical therapist whose areas of expertise includes the condition that needs treatment.

Physical therapy intervention can be delivered in many forms, and physical therapists who continue ongoing professional education and training can offer a higher level of variability in treatment options. Beyond the therapist’s speciality, patients also consider the facility itself, its proximity of location, its hours of operation, and its ability to schedule a prompt appointment. Because people tend to have hectic schedules, clinic hours of operation are usually very important to the patient. Typically physical therapy is on a schedule of 2-3 visits per week for at least a month.

In a perfect world, patients would be able to just choose a provider that meets all of their needs without the limitations of insurance coverage. A patient’s toughest decision is in choosing to pay more to see an out of network provider. The best option for a person seeking physical therapy is to do a little research. Our health care system is changing, and the need for patients to be better consumers is growing.

Good consumers research on quality and cost, and find a balance that is the best available option for them.

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Flu shots are recommended for anyone six months old or older and especially for elderly people or people with asthma and other chronic health problems. Besides helping people to avoid contracting the flu, flu shots minimize the amount of people who can spread it as well.

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if you are experiencing cold symptoms, take over-the-counter cough or cold medications or medications for fever. if it’s possible to stay home from work or school, that is the best way to restrict the spread of illness.

25

Life

Living continued from page 20

reading sacred texts, and another for sacrifice.

Other panels depict the rise and fall of each day filled with “mystical meaning” and even the seasons of the year that “are nourished by the silent worship of Creation.”

The traditions of monastic life following St. Benedict’s Rule feel basic and sincere.

The rule of Stability encourages deeper connections to community and to the land —an idea that promotes stewardship and sustainability. By taking the oath on Living Simply one becomes more open to peace and spirituality—and simplicity isn’t just stuff, but how you use your time as well.

Living by such a rule changes everything from the amount of resources you use and your consumerism, to over-scheduling your life. I used to have a bumper sticker that said, “Live Simply that others may Simply Live.”

How might Living Simply benefit each one of us and the planet too?

Rev. Dr. Jane Tomaine (in her writing on Living Simply, in the Notes from a Monastery series) details St. Benedict’s Rule on the framework of simplicity as: Moderation,

26

Balance and Flexibility, Attending to the Present Moment, Generosity of Spirit, and Time with God. “Stuff,” she says, “clutters our minds and our hearts…” In a culture becoming increasingly saturated with mental mobility (cell phones, text messages, internet, media, etc) imagine how just focusing on the doctrine of Being Present and in the Moment might change your day, your relationships, or even your life.

Despite the hospitality and community focus and work (this is a farm and retreat center, too, after all) there is an undercurrent of respite and a deep-seated pull to sit, to reflect, to pray, to meditate. It is comforting to be surrounded by such faith, to be in a place that Prior James says leaves visitors “spiritually refreshed.” I watch the sun set over the hilltop; beams of light cascade through the tall pines reaching like long fingers toward the chapel. I listen to the last tonal melodies of Gregorian chants filling my heart and clearing my mind.

On the drive home I keep seeing the wide smile of Prior James in my mind and ponder something too simple to be so perplexing — why was there a mirror in the little meeting

room? Surely the monks are not vain! Then it hits me, the mirror was not there to reflect anyone’s image, but rather to augment and reflect the light from the window, inside.

Mount Saviour and the monks, I see, amplify that Light for us all.

Angela Cannon-Crothers is a freelance writer and outdoor educator living in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

Life

Yoga Mama Says

Nick of Time

By Kathleen Thompson

The other day one of my yoga students handed me this book, Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy—Until You’re 80 and Beyond.

He opened it to the back and had me read this (from the Appendix):

Scott Walker, 570-295-1083

Harry’s Rules 1. Exercise six days a week for the rest of your life.

2. Do serious aerobic exercise four days a week for the rest of your life.

3. Do serious strength training, with weights, two days a week for the rest of your life.

4. Spend less than you make.

5. Quit eating crap!

6. Care.

7. Connect and commit.

I want everyone I know to read this. It is written by a journalist and a doctor. The journalist is seventy, and the doctor is in his forties. They alternate chapters, and they are both great—and hilarious—writers, with the doctor (Harry) giving the science of why exercise is essential and the journalist (Chris) doing the program and reporting on the results. I want to say that they are the “Click and Clack” of longevity, but that wouldn’t be accurate. But they are funny and the writing is casual and irreverent and totally convincing. And motivating.

Now that the days are getting colder and darker, the temptation to hibernate and take comfort in mashed potatoes and meatloaf, and watch football and sip a little sumpin’ in the evening is getting pretty darn irresistible.

That’s why this book has fallen into my hands at the perfect time. This book, coupled with my amped-up yoga practice, is going to make me Younger Next Year.

And not a year too soon, either.

Kathleen Thompson is the owner of Main Street Yoga in Mansfield, PA.

27

Life

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28

The Better World

To the Manners Borne

By John & Lynne Diamond-Nigh

L

et’s talk for a minute or two about space.

We’re in Ottawa— voluminous blue skies, rimmed with the calico frill of the Gatineau Hills.

This morning we’re attending Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, less out of devotion to Our Lady (we’re not Catholics) than to the sublime space of Her cathedral.

The style is called Flamboyant Gothic—the ceiling floats like a long cobalt umbrella on columns of faux green malachite. The apse, that curved chamber behind the altar, is so thick with carved and gilded and painted doodads it inspires thoughts of a cake decorator gone crazy, knitting every embellishment she has ever used all on one cake. It’s a thrilling space, a flamboyant, enchanting, vast and vaulting cavern of kaleidoscopic color and intricacy. It has me shaking, just a bit. Add to that the music, the royal theater of the Mass itself, and we’re in heaven—or a good facsimile of it.

We cross the street as noon bells chime above us. Anyone who thinks a modern building of glass and concrete can’t equal or transcend the greatest buildings of the past—well, come with us. More plain, but even more thrilling than the basilica are the stupendous naves of the National Gallery of Canada. The designer was Moshe Safdie, a protégé of the brilliant Pennsylvanian Louis Kahn. You marvel, you really do; to dream up such diaphanous temples of space is as godlike as anything man will ever do.

While John trudges around the city on his own errands, I am spending my days at the National Archives of Canada, making my way through Alps of papers.

My research is on the premier Canadian novelist Robertson Davies. Most of what I’m looking at just now are his letters, striking for their intelligence, humor, candor, but also their courtesy. Every schoolchild in Canada who ever wrote a fan letter to Davies got a personal response.

Every request, and there were thousands, got a personal, amicable reply, and as often as possible, an assent. The man inspired a worldwide galaxy of goodwill and admiration around him.

My point—that courtesy also constructs space. It expands it, enhances it, infuses it, as Davies often did, with malachite shades of mirth and flamboyance.

It’s no coincidence that our students who have gone furthest, flowered most brightly, are young men and women distinguished by gratitude and thoughtful good manners.

Courtesy opens vistas. It also opens the human heart. When John traveled as a kid, simple politeness made him a guest in a multitude of strangers’ homes.

Architecture, like no other art, is the ascension and expansion of the human spirit. Our houses should be no less. Nor our manners.

John writes about art and design. Lynne’s Web site, aciviltongue.com, is dedicated to civility studies.

Life

29

Life

Helping Hands

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t’s that time of year again, the holidays, the time when we get around to thinking about buying new toys and making new resolutions. Of course, to start a new year, we need a new calendar. Every calendar reminds us of the simplest dictum, to live one day at a time, but the 2012 Relay for Life calendar especially delivers that message through its medium. The twelve participants highlighted through the months of the 2012 Relay for Life Calendar are survivors. Each has battled with some form of cancer and is surviving! These twelve warriors share their sentiments or words of inspiration within the calendar pages.

2012 Relay for Life Calendars are $8 each and will be available for purchase at Dr. Kreger’s Veterinary Clinic, Kennedy’s Home Center, The Wellsboro House, or by calling Rhoda Mann (570) 439-2662. All proceeds will be donated to the Relay for Life Foundation.

SARAH WAGAMAN

570-724-3547

Every Day Counts

Katie Berkowitz “I was diagnosed with leukemia when I was 23 years old and went through 2 1/2 years of chemotherapy. In an odd way, I think this was a blessing. I learned at 23, what many people don’t realize until they are well into the 60s or beyond. Cancer taught me what was truly important and has helped me to prioritize my life in an entirely different way. Life never got back to ‘normal’ for me, but I made a new normal that is just as good.

Different, yes…but still just as good.”

Katie is one of twelve participants highlighted in the 2012 Relay for Life Calendar.

30

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Dwaine Gipe

Ann Kamselski

A rts & L e i sure

A Dogs’ Tale

Wag Like The

Dickens

By Florence Millahn

I

Right: Shenzi and Moby are first time attendees at Wellsboro’s Dickens of a Christmas.

Florence millahn

walked with trepidation towards the Dickens Festival. I could see the large crowd ahead gathered on Main Street in the heart of Wellsboro. During the long trek from New Jersey, my husband and I debated whether or not to take our two dogs to the festival.

I was afraid the excitement would overwhelm them, but my husband insisted that they needed to be socialized. He won the debate, but I only conceded because it would take another hour to bring them to our farmhouse outside of Wellsboro. It was already noon.

Our dogs were recent orphans, tossed out on the streets of Virginia, landing themselves in kill shelters. Fortunately, they were both rescued by another shelter which transported them to New Jersey, enabling us to adopt them. We first adopted Shenzi, a brindle terrier mix, who bonded with us immediately, but had little trust for others. Moby, a Catahoula Leopard Dog, whose coat looks as if it had been targeted by paint balls of every conceivable color, is much more outgoing. We forged ahead into the crowd, and I watched carefully to see how they would react.

33

Ken Meyer 34

I was amazed to see how much attention our dogs garnered. We had only taken a few steps when we were approached by people asking, “What kind of dogs are they?” People were surprised that they were shelter dogs and conveyed their gratitude to us for adopting them. We answered the question, “A Catahoula what?” dozens of times. One gentleman remarked that the terrier mix looked like a hyena. I agreed as my son had named Shenzi after the female hyena pack leader in The Lion King. We conversed all afternoon with new acquaintances about dogs, about life, about living in the Endless Mountains.

We learned peoples’ stories; they learned ours.

The dogs were remarkably well-behaved with the exception of Moby barking incredulously at the team of horses. He and I were appropriately scolded by a neatly clad Victorian lady. I wondered what the dogs were thinking…people dressed in unusual garb, costumed goats, choruses singing heartily?

Whatever they thought, by the end of the day, it appeared they sensed the spirit of the season and it was okay with them.

I had been to the festival several times before and each time, it snowed. Though there is nothing unusual about snow here in December, it is unusual for me to stop and notice it. The snow was neither blizzard-like nor cumulative, but rather what I would call an “ambience” snow. Perhaps it’s a sign of the purity of the season. As I strolled past the craft tables, I appreciated the creativity, the talent, and the local hands that made these items. As I stopped to purchase a locally crafted birdhouse, the vendor disclosed that he did not offer any guarantees on the “snow effect” of the product.

Used to no guarantees, I didn’t realize his humor until half way down the block. It felt good to laugh. As we were leaving the festival, a Dickens’ character approached us to take a photo with our dogs. We agreed as we basked in the limelight that our celebrity dogs created.

On the ride to the farmhouse, I wondered why I had worried so much about bringing the dogs to the festival. I realized that worry had become part of my modern lifestyle…always over thinking, always creating worse case scenarios. Arriving at the farmhouse in the country, I felt a sense of calmness.

The dogs, now fully exhausted, sprawled out on the living room floor. I relished this quiet time.

In keeping with the events of the day, I decided to read Charles Dickens and came across a short story entitled, “What Christmas Is As We Grow Older.”

I was curious to know the answer.

In the quiet of my country home, Dickens spoke to me. I realized that I was missing the forgotten Christmas traditions of my childhood and was mourning the loss of those family members who made them possible. My grown-up Christmas celebrations were products of a to-do list as I multitasked gift wrapping, last minute shopping, budget

Ann Kamselski

35

WolfRam jobst

Sarah WAgaman

Sam & Nancy McCaughey

I will always remember my past, but I will now be hopeful for what the future brings. I will remember my old traditions fondly, then strive to create new ones. accompany us with Riley, their newly adopted American Bulldog/Dalmation mix.

I have hope that this journey is the beginning of a beautiful new tradition.

Florance Millahn is a business professional based in New Jersey and an occasional writer for Mountain Home.

sam Mccaughey

Ken Meyer

Mia Lisa Anderson Sarah Wagaman

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adjusting, and throwing together a holiday meal that I never took the time to savor. As I grew older, my Christmas burnout grew stronger. I sometimes wished this beautiful season away.

In his story, Dickens counseled that we should never forget the traditions and loved ones that have gone away, but we should be hopeful of those yet to come. As if on cue, Shenzi awoke and put her head on my lap. As she looked at me with her soulful brown eyes, I reminisced about the day I adopted her. I was heartbroken with the passing of my 125-pound beloved dog, Mickey, just the day before. I couldn’t bear the house empty without that large and loving presence.

With such profound sadness, came hope in a dog called Shenzi. I didn’t know it was possible to feel that bond again.

I will always remember my past, but I will now be hopeful for what the future brings.

I will remember my old traditions fondly, then strive to create new ones. I will always remember my father and my grandparents, but I will look forward to the new people who come into my life…I will ”intertwine every garland and wreath of my life.” Christmas is a time of hope, joy, love, and charity. Perhaps the reason why I enjoy the Dickens Festival so much is because it brings me back to the magic of Christmas past where I can nurture that young girl with wonder in her eyes. This year I am looking forward to returning to the Dickens Festival with my husband and our dogs. My son and his girlfriend are planning to

Sarah Wagaman

Ken Meyer

37

Sarah Wagaman

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The Light Stuff

By C. R. Wagner

s all of us know, it’s tough trying to go in different directions and do at least three different things at the same time. I was having one of those days. There were car repairs to take care of, Christmas shopping to do, and the transporting of children to lessons in between. The last thing I needed was just a little thing to go wrong and, of course, it did.

After finishing my Christmas shopping, thinking that I was all set and the house was decorated, I discovered that one string of Christmas lights on the tree was not working. I found two burned-out bulbs.

So, off to Wal-Mart my son and I went while my daughter was at dance class in Mansfield. All of the Christmas decorations and accessories had been well picked over by this time, and the store was very crowded with shoppers.

There weren’t enough clerks to help a customer find anything. As I picked through display after display of lights and replacement bulbs in vain, a very nice elderly gentleman approached me and asked if he could help. I explained that I needed two little bulbs, but I couldn’t find them in the conglomeration of boxes and bulbs. I showed him the burned-out one from my tree, and he helped me look. He couldn’t find any either. He asked if I had more shopping to do. I told him no and that I had to pick up my daughter at her dance class at the church. His reply shocked me. “I have bulbs like this at home. I’ll meet you at the church with them.” Before I could protest that it would be too much trouble, he was gone.

Sure enough, when I arrived at the

church to pick up my daughter, he was there with a whole box of bulbs! He picked out what I needed and showed me how to insert the bulb into the plastic base. When I offered to pay him, he shook his head. I thanked him and asked for his name and address, thinking I could send him a Christmas

Sarah Wagaman

Ho...Ho...Low!

I do believe there is a Santa, even if only in our hearts. card or bring him some Christmas cookies because he had been so kind.

He refused, winked at me, and left.

I smiled as I watched him walk down the sidewalk toward the street. On the way home my children and I decided he didn’t offer an address because he didn’t have one. He was Santa Claus. So, I want to thank you, Santa, for making my day just a little bit easier. Not everything was perfect, but my Christmas tree looked beautiful with all of its lights. And no matter who that kind gentleman was, I do believe there is a Santa, even if only in our hearts.

First-time Mountain Home contributor C.R. Wagner is a member of the Grand Canyon Photo Club.

STAY

IN THE SPIRIT

Have friends and family home for the holidays? Enjoy their visit by having them stay with us! Call us today for our special rates and packages available this holiday season.

CORNING-GAFFER DISTRICT • Radisson Hotel Corning 125 Denison Parkway East, Corning, NY • 607-962-5000 www.radisson.com/corningny • 800-333-3333 39

28th Annual

Dickens

Ann Kamselski

of a Christmas

40

Event sponsored by Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce 114 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901 (570) 724-1926 l www.wellsboropa.com

Schedule of Events This schedule is tentative & subject to change. A finalized schedule & map for locations of events, parking, ATM’s, and restroom facilities will be available online at www.wellsboropa.com and at local restaurants, motels, and shops the day of the event and will also be listed in the local newspaper.

Friday, December 2

9am–5pm - Professional Dickens Portraiture, Indigo Wireless 3pm – 8pm - Indoor Craft Show, United Methodist Church 4:30pm–7:30pm - Dickens of a Dinner, Trinity Lutheran Church 4-7pm - House Tours, starting at Tioga County Historical Society, Main Street 7pm – 9pm - ESTA Craft Show & Sale, Gmeiner Art Center 7:30pm - Hamilton Gibson Choirs: Dickens of a Concert, St. Peter’s Catholic Church

Saturday, December 3

8am–10am - Breakfast w/ Father Christmas, Trinity Lutheran Church 9am - Santa Express Train Excursion Wellsboro Junction 9am–3pm - Indoor Craft Show, Wellsboro Senior Center 9am–4pm - Model Train Show, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 9am–4pm - Street Vendors open, Street Musicians, Dickens Players 9am–4:30pm - Indoor Craft Show, Firemen’s Annex Photos w/ miniature horses 9am–5pm - Professional Dickens Portraiture, Indigo Wireless 9am–4pm - Live Music & Indoor Craft Show, United Methodist Church 10am - HG Productions, “A Christmas Carol,” Arcadia Theater 10am–2pm - Pony Rides, Wellsboro Riding Club, Penn Wells Lodge vacant lot 10am–2:30pm - Horse-drawn Wagon Rides, Main Street 10am–2:45pm - Tours, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 10am–4pm - VESTA’s Holiday Art Show & Sale, Gmeiner Art Center 10am–4pm - Open House, Tioga County Historical Society 10:30am - HG Productions, “A Christmas Carol,” Warehouse Theatre 10:30am - Wellsboro High School

Brought to you by

Dickens Choir, Arcadia Theater 11am - Santa Express Train Excursion Wellsboro Junction 11am–2pm - Open House (w / refreshments), Green Free Library 11am–2pm - Open House (w/ refreshments), Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home 12:00pm - Luncheon, First Presbyterian Church 12:30pm - Dickens Players - Gmeiner Art Center 1pm - Pipe Organ Sing-a-Long First Presbyterian Church 1pm - HG Productions, “A Christmas Carol,” Arcadia Theater 1pm - Santa Express Train Excursion Wellsboro Junction 1:30pm - HG Productions, “A Christmas Carol,” Warehouse Theatre 2pm–4pm - Victorian Tea, the Laurels 3pm - HG Productions, “A Christmas Carol,” Arcadia Theatre 3pm - Santa Express Train Excursion Wellsboro Junction 3pm - Wellsboro Men’s Chorus, Arcadia Theatre 3:20pm - Wellsboro Women’s Chorus Arcadia Theater 3:30pm - HG Productions, “A Christmas Carol,” Warehouse Theater 3:40pm - Combined Chorus Sing-a-long, Arcadia Theater 4pm - Choral Evensong Service, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 5pm - Candlelight Walk for Peace Packer Park to the Green 5pm - Santa Express Train Excursion Wellsboro Junction 5:30pm - Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Green 7pm - Santa Express Train Excursion Wellsboro Junction

Sunday, December 4

1, 3, 5 & 7pm - Santa Express Train Excursion Wellsboro Junction 2:30pm - HG Productions, “A Christmas Carol,” Warehouse Theater

And much, much more…impromptu performances, concerts, poetry, and skits will take place as the Christmas spirit moves throughout the community.

Won’t you make Dickens of A Christmas your celebration? Plan now to join us…you’ll have a Dickens of a Good Time!!

Indigo

41

F oo d

&

Dr i nk

Goodies For Goodness Sakes Christmas Memories From Some Great Cooks

By Cornelius O’Donnell

W

hen I sat down to write this piece on recollections of Christmases past, I had no idea that I had a deprived childhood. It was only when I unearthed a copy of Christmas Memories with Recipes (Farrar, Strauss, Giroux, 1988) that a sense of missing something crept in. I found, in this compilation of holiday essays by twenty-five of the leading food writers of that day, that the grand finale of many Christmas dinners was a flaming plum pudding.

Not in Our House This is where the “deprivation” comes in.

My father was in the fire insurance business, and he kept a wary eye whenever mom so much as lit candles—even those safely ensconced behind glass hurricane shades.

Flaming desserts were never on the radar at our house.

As the oldest kid I was often in on the discussion on what to feature as a Christmas main course—turkey or roast beef. I think the roast won out more often than not because all of us clamored for the crunchy bits of Yorkshire pudding that bordered the roast and the sides of the pan during the last part of the cooking.

Other memories crowd in: After the presents were opened, Dad would wade through the piles of torn gift wrap and head for the kitchen to make his special breakfast dish. It was eggs mixed with bits of ham, green pepper, tiny squares of jarred pimento (so Christmassy), and onion. He pronounced this a “West-ren” omelet (a little Bronx accent crept in there. Heck, to this day I still ask for “cough-fee.”) Java brings up memories of when I was old enough to be given a cup of strong Bokar—mom favored the darkest 42

A&P roast—heavily laced with real cream and sugar, and into which I dunked toasted and butter-smeared Arnold Brick Oven bread.

But we weren’t into puddings, or even Christmas cookies. My mom was a fantastic pie maker, so our desserts were pumpkinchiffon pie and her towering apple pie. Plum Pudding? Who knew?

Memories? I can still hear my father’s muttered “bah-humbug” (and worse) late into Christmas Eve, as he assembled the twostory metal doll house, setting tab A into slot B. And I recall Mom wiping the condensation from the kitchen windows. There wasn’t time for “stollen” moments (get it?), she had pies to prepare.

Maybe because we didn’t have extraspecial “once-a-year” holiday treats (we ate well all year long), I read with great interest what these twenty-four food professionals remembered. The writers came from very different backgrounds, but the common thread in these memoirs was the importance of “tradition.” Take this paragraph from the introduction: “Christmas is surely the most memory-laden of all the holiday celebrations.

Recollected experiences become a vital part of our celebrations. It may be removing a cherished ornament from a protective tissuepaper nest.” And, I might add, perhaps preparing a special holiday dish. Here are some highlights submitted by cooks you might remember. And some of my own memories they kindled.

From Nuts to Nutley, N.J. Julia Child’s great sense of humor comes through in her anecdote about making a Buche de Noel (you may know it as “Yulelog-cake”) for her televised cooking show.

She was attempting to squeeze a chocolate

bark-like frosting out of a pastry bag, and it kept slipping off the rolled-up cake base.

Abandoning the bag, and while the cameras kept rolling, she switched to a spatula while assuring viewers that “all would be perfectly log-like in the end.” “And it actually was…” she added.

If you don’t know Edna Lewis, I suggest that you look around for her marvelous books. She grew up in Freetown, Virginia, and remembers getting an orange—a real treat back then—in the toe of her stocking and smelling the aroma as the fire was rekindled early Christmas morning. I smiled when I read this as we always got an orange in our stockings along with a hunk of plasticwrapped coal. Dad’s traditional joke. The stockings were removed before we dared set the logs on fire. By the way, a fire extinguisher stood in a nearby corner!

As befits the author of Martha Stewart’s Cookies (2009), a young Martha wrote about making Christmas cookies with her mother See Memories on page 44

Food & Drink

43

Food & Drink Memories continued from page 42

and sisters in their Nutley, New Jersey, kitchen.

On one occasion they ran out of sugar glitter.

In an example of family “high jinks” (as Martha called it), one of her brothers, Frank, substituted metallic glitter, resulting in the swift disposal of many, many decorated stars, moons, trees, and tiny birds. Martha served up many cookie recipes in these pages, and I’m pretty certain they’ll be found in her book.

One of the most unusual ideas for Christmas feasting was the side dishes served with the main course at food writer Jennifer Lang’s house: “day-glo” green spiced pears, red-pickled crabapples—so far so good—and home-pickled sauerkraut, served with giblet gravy. Well, giblet gravy was a staple in our house anytime turkey was on the menu, but if I had suggested putting it on sauerkraut, I would have been taken to a psychiatrist.

Leave it to Marion Cunningham, that splendid latter-day Fannie Farmer, to come up with a simple recipe that people just love at holiday time—or anytime. Mix 2 cups walnut halves with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, Place in a single layer in a foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake in a 300F oven for 1 hour. Remove from

44

the oven and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar. Toss with a fork. Cool, and then slide the nuts onto paper towels to absorb any remaining oil. Place in a serving dish.

Marion cautions: “Beware of nibbling too many of these before dinner. They are addictive.”

As famed chef and TV personality Jacques Pepin says about preparing a holiday meal: “This cooking of love has more to do with taste than presentation and it is not a time for experimentation and new dishes, but rather a time of recollection.” So I guess I’ll pass on the sauerkraut, but I will take Jacques’ Gallic advice on what to drink at the fête: Champagne.

More Memorable Meals Carol Flinders, who helped write the Laurel’s Kitchen cookbooks, has a family tradition that clicked with me. She stuffs soft prunes with peanut butter sweetened with a little brown sugar. In our house we stuffed dates with peanut butter and rolled these in finely granulated sugar. It was a mainstay of my mother’s relish tray along with celery brushes and cranberry sauce with—I might add—the marks of the Ocean Spray can intact.

I liked this quote from Lee Bailey, author of many wonderful “life-style” books: “I realized some time ago how evocative of happy times and good memories specific odors and tastes can be, which in part led me to set about trying to recreate the flavors from those cherished Christmases I remember best.” Does this ring a bell with you?

Bryan Miller, once the restaurant critic for the New York Times, wrote about his memory of a dessert served at Christmas, a Charlotte Russe of apples, lady fingers, and a raspberry sauce: “It was so good I nearly scraped the decorative pattern off the china.” I’ve had similar memories.

Ed Giobbi, an artist and author of Italian cookbooks, carried on his family’s Christmas Eve tradition of “Seven Fish, Seven Ways.”

Ed explains: “Tradition is a form of constancy and it seems to me that constancy of a pleasurable experience is something everyone quietly hungers for, and needs.” Like Ed, at least once during the Christmas craziness I’ve sat and listened to a record of Dylan Thomas reading his story A Child’s Christmas in Wales.

It’s magic, funny, and touching.

See Memories on page 46

Food & Drink

Restaurants Enjoy the region’s comprehensive restaurant listings. From our Finger Lakes wineries to Williamsport’s good eats to the fertile Pennsylvania heartland in between, we’re famous for our regional specialties and love to eat. For listing information please email Dawn Bilder at dawnb@mountainhomemag.com or call (570) 724-3838. Also look for restaurant listings at www.mountainhomemag.com. Bon appetit!

Pennsylvania Bradford County Canton KELLEY’S CREEK SIDE RESTAURANT Kelley’s offers $4 breakfast and $6 lunch specials every day, and they are open for dinner WedSun. They specialize in home-style cooking like their prime rib and serve homemade desserts like chocolate peanut butter pie and muffins.

(570) 673-4545, 1026 Springbrook Dr, www. urbanspoon.com

Lycoming County Trout Run BITTNER’S GENERAL STORE Hot and cold 18” subs, specialties are Italian and cheese steak. Pizzas, homemade salads, pastas, and hot foods. Fresh meats, cold cuts, and our own lean ground hamburger. Camping supplies and propane. (570) 998-8500, located at the junction of Rt. 14 and Rt. 15 in Trout Run, PA, bittnersinc@aol.com.

FRY BROS. TURKEY RANCH Original turkey dinners & complete menu. Established business since 1886. Restaurant and convenience store.

At the top of Steam Valley Mountain, elevation 1,704 ft. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Gifts and souvenirs. 27 Rt. 184 Hwy, (570) 998-9400.

STEAM VALLEY RESTAURANT Steam Valley offers good home cooking and daily specials.

It’s open 7 days of the week. Gas, diesel, and convenience store coming soon! (570) 9982559, 169 Rt. 14 Hwy, P.O. Box 157, Junction Route 14 & 15.

Williamsport WEGMAN’S Wegman’s Market Café features freshly-made foods ranging from quick grabs like pizza, subs, and Asian classics to comfortfood favorites, salads, and sandwiches. Come try our family-friendly foods at budget-friendly prices. 201 William St, (570) 320-8778, wegmans.com.

The first upscale steak and seafood restaurant in Corning, New York’s Gafford District

• A fine selection of wines • All our steaks are prime and choice cuts • Offers lobster tails and crab legs, along with Italian favorites 2-6 East Market Street, Corning, NY 14830 607.937.9277• www.tonyrssteakandseafood.com

570-724-3311 Open 7 Days a Week 17 Pearl St., Wellsboro, PA 16901 Full Service On Site Catering Available

Largest Black Angus Burgers in town!

To advertise in the food section call

Full Salad Bar 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

All Homemade Desserts

570-724-3838

Open at 5 a.m., we serve Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner all day until 9 p.m.!

45

Food & Drink

Memories continued from page 44

The Last Words on Holiday Cooking Author and publisher Irena Chalmers summed up the subject best of all: “It is the rituals that count more than anything. It is the predictability that we cherish—the fact that we have our own particular traditional way of doing things.” So I’d better make sure I have dates and peanut butter on hand.

Happy holiday cooking, one and all.

Glensheen Wassail

Yorkholo Brewing Co. The northern tier’s premier brewpub that serves artisan ales brewed on premise & paired with a variety of dishes made up of local ingredients. ~ Check us out on Facebook for daily specials ~ www.yorkholobrewing.com Saturday after 5pm 50% off wings 570-662-0241 19 N. Main St. Mansfield, PA 16933

Tue, Wed, & Thur 11am - 11pm, Fri & Sat: 11am - 12am, Closed Sun & Mon.

Beatrice Ojakangas, who grew up in Northern Minnesota, has written extensively about Scandinavian food, although the following recipe comes from the Congdon family who had a big house called Glensheen on Lake Superior and gave an extravagant holiday tea each year. I like this—the entire family can enjoy this non-alcoholic drink.

This makes 20 servings, 6-ounces each.

2 cups sugar 2 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger (check the baking section of your market) 4 whole allspice berries 12 whole cloves 2 cups fresh orange juice 2 cups fresh lemon juice 2 quarts apple cider Thin orange slices for garnish In a large non-reactive pot combine the sugar with 4 cups of water, the ginger, allspice, and cloves. Heat to simmering, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow to stand until ready to serve. Just before serving add the orange and lemon juices and the apple cider. Reheat to serving temperature. Remove the cloves and allspice with a slotted spoon. Garnish with a few thin slices of orange with the rind on.

Ladle hot wassail into heat-resistant punch cups or small mugs.

Chef, teacher, and author Cornelius O’Donnell lives in Elmira, New York.

46

Food & Drink

Restaurants, cont.

Tioga County Blossburg MOMMA’S Momma’s offers a full menu and specializes in homestyle cooking. They have daily specials and the area’s best baby back ribs on Saturdays. Steak Night is on Thursdays.

They also cater to rigs. (570) 638-0270, 102 Granger St.

Liberty BLOCKHOUSE CAFÉ Blockhouse Café is open for breakfast and lunch and on Friday nights, serving homemade and home-style meals, including desserts. It’s a unique café with good food, great company, and a place where you always get your money’s worth. (570) 3242041, 31 Willow St. THE LANDING STRIP FAMILY RESTAURANT The Landing Strip offers home cooked foods, daily specials, homemade desserts, a clean, friendly atmosphere, on or off premises catering, and has a banquet or large party area. Easy on/off Route 15.. (570) 324-2436, Routes 15 & 414 junction.

Mansfield EDDIE’S RESTAURANT Eddie’s offers home-style cooking with homemade daily specials. Their specialties include hot roast beef sandwiches and chicken & biscuits, both served with real mashed potatoes. They have homemade pies and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (570) 662-2972, 2103 S. Main St. LAMBS CREEK FOOD & SPIRITS Lambs Creek offers sophisticated, down-home cooking seven days a week. Every Tuesday there’s an Italian Night speciaI. Beautiful terrace overlooks gorgeous mountains. (570) 662-3222, 200 Gateway Dr, Mansfield, PA 16933, www. lambscreek.com PAPA V’S PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT Papa V’s offers a wide variety of hand tossed New York Style thin-crust pizza, a multitude of hot and cold sandwiches, fresh ½ pound Angus burgers, and delicious homemade Italian dishes for lunch and dinner. 12 N. Main St, (570) 6622651, www.papavpizzeria.com.

WREN’S NEST Wren’s Nest has live music every Wed. night from 6-9. Specialties include crab cakes, steaks, and pastas. They make homemade desserts including lemon meringue ice cream pie and crème brule (sampler). (570) 662-1093, 102 West Wellsboro St, www.wrensnestpa.com.

YORKHOLO BREWING CO. Offers a selection of dishes made up of local ingredients paired with Yorkholo’s own fresh brewed beer, including “Pine Creek” Raspberry Wheat, “Summer Love” Summer Ale, “Mountaineer” I.P.A, “Bungy” Blonde Ale, and 2 rotating selections. (570) 662-0241, 19 N Main St, www.yorkholobrewing.com.

Mansfield Fast Food MCDONALDS (570) 662-7077, 120 N Main St. WENDY’S (570) 662-7511, 1580 S Main St.

KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN (570) 662-2558, 1320 S Main St. TACO BELL (570) 662-2558, 1320 S Main St. ARBY’S (570) 662-7626, 1672 S Main St.

Morris BABB’S CREEK INN & PUB Babb’s Creek Inn & Pub specializes in Seafood and Prime Rib, which is available every night, except Tuesdays when the restaurant is closed. Reservations are appreciated for parties of 8 or more. Located at the intersection of Rtes. 287 & 414, (570) 3536881, www.babbscreekinnandpub.com.

Wellsboro CAFÉ 1905 Classic coffee house located in Dunham’s Department Store. Proudly serving Starbucks® coffee, espresso, Frappuccino®, Tazo® tea plus delicious freshly baked pastries, homemade soups, artisan sandwiches and ice cream. Free wi-fi. (570) 724-1905, Inside Dunham’s Department Store, 45 Main St. DUMPLING HOUSE CHINESE RESTAURANT Dumpling House specializes in Hunan, Cantonese, and Szechuan Cuisine. It’s family owned and operated and located on beautiful Main Street in Wellsboro. You may dine in or carry out. (570) 724-4220, 31 Main St. DUNKIN’ DONUTS America Runs on Dunkin’.

7 days a week, 24 hours a day. (570) 724-4556, 7 Main St. THE FROG HUT The Frog Hut serves favorites like Texas hots, fried chicken, and Philly cheese steaks. They offer homemade soups and salads, and for dessert, try their soft serve ice cream, Italian ice, sundaes, and other ice cream treats.

(570) 724-4450, 132 Tioga St. HARLAND’S FAMILY STYLE RESTAURANT Open seven days a week at 5 a.m., serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day until 9 p.m., including the largest Black Angus burgers in town, full salad bar, and all homemade desserts.

House-batter-dipped haddock fish fry every Friday. Full service on-site catering available.

(570) 724-3311, 17 Pearl St. MARY WELLS ROOM AND PENN WELLS LOUNGE Located in historic Penn Wells Hotel, full service restaurant and lounge feature an extensive menu of fine steaks, seafood, pasta, gourmet sandwiches, fresh burgers, desserts. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. (570) 724-2111, 62 Main St, www.pennwells.com.

THE NATIVE BAGEL The Native Bagel offers bagels made fresh daily, gourmet coffee, deli sandwiches, soups and salads, and homemade desserts. Bagels are mixed, kneaded, rolled, boiled, and baked onsite. All soups, breads, and baked items are “made from scratch.” 1 Central Ave, (570) 724-0900, www.nativebagel.com.

PAG-O-MAR Pag-O-Mar offers subs, salads, and deli sandwiches at the head of the Wellsboro Junction Rail Trail, across from the Tioga Central tour train station. They also offer soft custard and Hershey’s hard ice cream. And there’s a farmer’s market in season. (570) 724-3333, 222 Butler Rd. (just past junction of Rts. 6 & 287).

To advertise in the food section call 570-724-3838 47

Food & Drink

Finger Lakes Wine Review

Pure Bliss

By Holly Howell

Unforgettable wines in an unforgettable setting Taste truly memorable wines in our welcoming tasting room overlooking spectacular Seneca Lake.

Customized wine labels for gift giving available in hundreds of styles - http://to.ly/bgB0 call for more info and pricing Deck the Halls Wine Trail Event Nov. 18-20 and Dec. 2-4 5055 Route 414, Burdett, NY 800-331-7323

atwatervineyards.com

48

atwater winery

I

am constantly amazed at the wide variety of cheeses that are being produced in the Finger Lakes region.

Once known as cheddar territory, New York is no longer a one-cheese town.

The cheddars are superb, for sure, but it’s all of the other styles that are grabbing the culinary spotlight. Goudas, chevres (goat cheeses), blues, and washed-rinds abound. And I am delighted to announce that I have finally found a regional brie that could easily hold up to some of the best in France!

Brie is a bloomy-rind cheese that is meant to be eaten young, while it is soft and flavorful. Most European Brie cheeses are unpasteurized (also called raw milk), showcasing the pure natural flavors of the milk. In the United States, it is illegal to make unpasteurized cheeses unless they are aged at least sixty days. So most of our Brie cheeses are pasteurized, meaning the milk is heated before it becomes cheese. Unfortunately, some of the best flavor in the cheese is sacrificed during this process, leaving us with mild, somewhat bland versions.

So, I was surprised and thrilled when I found a Finger Lakes Brie cheese label that read “Raw Cow’s Milk,” and then “Aged at least 60 days.” I could hardly contain my excitement, and I purchased a small wheel of Kenton’s Bianco on the spot.

Kenton’s Cheese Company in Trumansberg is a newcomer to the cheese scene, but it has come out of the gate running. The cheese is exquisite. The rustic appearance alone had my mouth watering, and the raw milk flavor just exploded on the palate with each bite.

Kenton’s Bianco is a firmer style Brie, with robust, nutty, earthy flavors that are everything an artisanal farmstead cheese should be. Cheesemaker Kenton Burr sources his milk from his family’s sixth-generation dairy farm. This is the real stuff, folks!

Right down the road from Kenton’s

Absolutely delicious, and a stunning pair for your holiday celebrations! is one of my favorite Cayuga Lake wineries, Sheldrake Point (www.sheldrakepoint.com).

To pair with the cheese, I chose a wine that had also been made in its purest form. Sheldrake Point Waterfall Chardonnay is similar to French Chablis, meaning it is unoaked and showcases the pure natural fruit of the chardonnay grape.

The notes of apple, pear, and citrus are clean and refreshing. And alongside the cheese, the wine became richer, and the cheese became creamier.

Absolutely delicious, and a stunning pair for your holiday celebrations!

Holly is a Certified Specialist of Wine (by the Society of Wine Educators) and a Certified Sommelier (by the Master Court of Sommeliers in England); email her at wineanddine @mountainhomemag.com.

Food & Drink

Restaurants, cont.

Mother Earth

SUBWAY “Eat Fresh.” (570) 724-1424, 63 Main St, www.acornmarkets.com.

Be Cider Self

TERRY’S HOAGIES Terry’s Hoagies makes the best hoagies in town. They specialize in both hot and cold hoagies, and bake their bread and potato, macaroni, and pasta salads fresh daily. Hoagie trays and meat & cheese platters available. (570) 724-7532, 7 Charleston St, www.terryshoagies.com.

TIOGA CENTRAL RAILROAD All aboard Tioga Central Railroad! Take a scenic ride while enjoying dinner on Saturday night or Sunday brunch. Wine and beer available. See website for menu selection. (570) 724-0990, 11 Muck Rd, www.tiogacentral.com.

TONY’S ITALIAN CUISINE Come to Tony’s for homemade cooking and family recipes, fresh dough and homemade bread made daily, pasta dishes, and special pizzas like steak pizza, Sicilian pizza, and their 3-cheese pizza. It’s family-owned and run, and they offer lunch and dinner specials. (570) 724-2090, 3 Main St. WELLSBORO DINER Wellsboro Diner, a famous Wellsboro landmark, serves sumptuous home cooked meals, fresh baked pies, cookies and cakes, and the very best prime rib on Saturday nights. They offer more than ample portions to all hungry guests. (570) 724-3992, 19 Main St, Wellsboro, PA 16901 WEST END MARKET CAFÉ “Globally inspired, locally sourced.” A place of nourishment and respite, celebrating local food & creativity.

We feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible & Fair Trade coffee products.

Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. To 3 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. To 3 p.m. (570) 605-0123, 152 Main St, www.westendmarketcafe.wordpress.com.

Wellsboro Fast Food MCDONALDS (570) 724-2151, 9 Charleston St.

Westfield ACORN #10 FEATURING SUBWAY “Eat Fresh.” (814) 367-2610, 465 E Main St, www. acornmarkets.com.

To advertise in the food section call 570-724-3838

By Gayle Morrow

J

ournalists sometimes get an idea of how they would like an article to evolve, and then choose and interview subjects with that end in mind. Journalists then sometimes get a big surprise when the interviewees do not corroborate that idea. Oops!

When I decided to write about apples, I was in the midst of pressing several fifty-pound feed bags full of wild apples into cider. Every wild tree in the countryside was loaded this year, even the scruffiest, deadest-looking ones that you would have sworn could not have possibly produced a single piece of fruit. I taste tested many; some were better than others but there was not a bad one in the bunch. Apple abundance, I thought, emptying the bag of apple mush from the press. A great idea for a column. I needed some professional input, however, so I called Allyn Landon of Landon Orchards over by Canton. Tell me about the fabulous apple harvest, I requested.

Turns out for commercial growers it wasn’t so great. Better than last year, for sure, but not a banner harvest.

Allyn said a good season translates to 15,000 bushels of apples from his thirty-five acres of trees. In 2010 he got forty bushels. That’s four zero, thanks to a spring freeze while the trees were blooming. This year, the yield is looking like 10,000 to 12,000 bushels.

The wet spring made it difficult for bees to do their pollination work and for humans to do the fungicide application that prevents apple scab.

“Spring is when all fungi arise,” Allyn said, and “you can’t control that when it rains every day.” Venturia inaequalis was especially bad statewide in conventionally managed orchards, according to a Penn State Cooperative Extension bulletin, and there is concern that it is becoming resistant to

courtesy Landon Orchards

THE STEAK HOUSE The Steak House has been serving the finest steaks and seafood since 1957. Whether you want a black angus hamburger or a cold water lobster tail, there’s something for the whole family in a true Wellsboro atmosphere. 29 Main St, (570) 7249092, www.thesteakhouse.com.

the fungicides currently in use. Then in July there was “no rain whatsoever, but there was hail,” Allyn continued.

Not helpful. If you’re making a living in apples or other produce—the buying public wants perfect specimens. The “pick-your-own” route is popular, but not so much when it’s raining. Canton’s Pennsylvania Apple ‘n Cheese Festival was a “washout” this year, literally, and “it’s hard to make that up,” he said.

There’s always next season, however.

All growers have a weather wish list; Allyn Landon would like a dry spring, then one inch of rain weekly thereafter for the rest of the year. And, he, too, likes the liquid apples.

“The brightest point for me is the ability to make cider,” he mused. “It’s a very popular product. When you make cider out of apples, it doesn’t matter what they look like.”

Gayle Morrow, former editor of The Wellsboro Gazette, cooks locally, and organically, at the West End Market Café.

49

Food & Drink

My Favorite Things

Golden Glory

By Teresa Banik Capuzzo

O

Featuring

our Christmas Chocolates And our famous

“Peppermint Bark” Come take a tour & Enjoy refreshments Come see us at 11724, Route 6 Just east of Wellsboro

(570) 724-9334 or (800) 371-1082

ne of the greatest joys of growing up in a Polish family is viglia, the vigil dinner on Christmas Eve that begins with the first star of the evening. And, in the opinion of many happy eaters, the stars of that dinner, which is traditionally a meatless meal in a Catholic family, are pierogies, the Polish version of the every-country-has-one dumpling.

Cheese, potato, sauerkraut, and cabbage are the most common fillings. And they are always served swimming in butter and sautéed onions.

If you’re lucky enough to know Blossburg’s Ann Marie (Wasowicz) Davis, you are twice-blessed on Christmas Eve, as Ann Marie cooks for family and friends, and pierogies are her specialty of long standing. “I’m sixty, and I’ve been making them since I was a kid,” says Ann Marie, “And then, as an adult, when my mom couldn’t make them anymore, I’d come home every year and make them for her for Christmas Eve.” Ann Marie offers this recipe for a Merry Christmas:

Ann Marie Davis’s Cabbage Pierogies 3 cups flour 1/16 oz. sour cream 2 eggs Mix into a very soft dough. Roll and cut into circles.

Fill with the filling of your choice (below is the recipe for Ann Marie’s cabbage filling). Crimp the edges tightly, so the filling doesn’t leak out. Boil about five minutes. Drain and serve in butter with sautéed onion.

Cabbage Filling: Shred a head of cabbage. In a frying pan, sauté chopped onion in butter, then add chopped cabbage and cook until tender. Add Season salt and pepper to taste.

I’m sixty, and I’ve been making them since I was a kid.

50

Food & Drink

Restaurants, cont.

Potter County Galeton ACORN #25 FEATURING SUBWAY “Eat Fresh.”

(814) 435-6626, 3 West St, www.acornmarkets.com.

TUTORS RESTAURANT Tutors Restaurant offers delicious home-cooked meals 7 days a week. Breakfast on Sat and Sun. Tues˜Italian.

Wed˜Seafood. Thur˜Wings. Fri˜Fish Fry. Sun˜Brunch Buffet. (814) 435-3550, 75 Germania St.

Germaina GERMANIA HOTEL The best burgers around.

Wings, pizza, steaks, and seafood. Thursday Rib Night. Friday Broiled or Fried Haddock.

Salad bar Thurs, Fri, Sat. Serving food 7 days a week, 12pm to12am. Legal beverages, rooms available, find us on Facebook “Germaniahotel Germania.” (814) 435-8851, Rt. 44 (Seven Miles South of Galeton).

Gold GOLD GENERAL STORE Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pizza and subs.

Baked goods. Grocery items. (814) 848-9773, 2760 State Rt. 49W.

New York Steuben County Addison ACORN #11 FEATURING SUBWAY “Eat Fresh.” (607) 359-2603, 121 Front St, www. acornmarkets.com.

Bath RICO’S PIZZA Rico’s Pizza offers NY Style hand-tossed pizzas with a variety of toppings.

The full menu includes appetizers, salads, subs, calzones, stromboli’s, and pizza by the slice. Dessert, beer, and wine are also available. (607) 622-6033, 371 W Morris St, www.ricospizza.com.

Corning THE GAFFER GRILLE AND TAP ROOM The Gaffer Grille and Tap Room offers fine dining, atmosphere, food, drinks, and friends! We serve lunches, dinners, meetings, or small parties up to 30 individuals. Visit us on Historic Market Street in Corning’s Gaffer District.

(607) 329-9950, 58 W Market Street, www. gaffergrilleandtaproom.com.

HOLMES PLATE RESTAURANT Holmes Plate offers Rustic Semi-Al Fresco casual dining, specializing in the area’s largest selection of craft & micro-brewery beers. We prepare every dish fresh to order with the highest quality ingredients. (607) 377-5500, 54 West Market St, www.holmesplate.com.

RADISSON HOTEL CORNING Grill 1-2-5 serves creative regional specialties: small

plates, grilled sandwiches, and tender filet mignon. The Steuben Bar offers appetizers, light meals, your favorite beverages, and is known for the best martini in the city! 125 Denison Parkway East, (607) 962-5000, www.radisson.com/corningny.

THALI OF INDIA Thali of India is the only Indian restaurant in the area. They serve exotic cuisine. They have a lunch buffet 7 days a week, and a dinner buffet on Monday nights. They also offer a very large menu and prepare special breads. (607) 962-1900, 28 East Market St, www.thaliofindia.com TONY R’S Tony R’s is the first upscale steak and seafood restaurant in Corning, New York’s Gaffer District. They serve the finest cuisine in the area and also offer a tremendous selection of the finest wines that you will not want to miss. (607) 937-9277, 2-6 East Market Street, www.tonyrssteakandseafood.com.

RICO’S PIZZA Rico’s Pizza offers NY Style hand-tossed pizzas with a variety of toppings.

The full menu includes appetizers, salads, subs, calzones, stromboli’s, and pizza by the slice. Dessert, beer, and wine are also available. (607) 962-2300, 92 W Market Street, www.ricospizza.com.

Wayland ACORN #16 FEATURING SUBWAY “Eat Fresh.” (585) 728-3840, 2341 Rt. 63, www. acornmarkets.com.

S

urrounding the sapphire waters of Seneca Lake, our 32 member wineries invite you to visit our diverse tasting rooms throughout the year, sampling and learning about our award-winning wines.

Our diverse appellation supports not only the growth of hardy native grapes and premium hybrids, but also more delicate varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, just to name a few. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is truly a tasteful experience…

January 13-15, 2012:

Chemung County

PASTA & WINE WEEKEND

Horseheads

February 10-12, 2012:

RICO’S PIZZA Rico’s Pizza offers NY Style hand-tossed pizzas with a variety of toppings.

The full menu includes appetizers, salads, subs, calzones, stromboli’s, and pizza by the slice.

Dessert, beer, and wine are also available.

(607) 796-2200, 2162 Grand Central Ave, www.ricospizza.com.

CHOCOLATE & WINE WEEKEND

Finger Lakes Hammondsport MALONEY’S PUB Maloney’s Pub offers live music year round. Come show your talent or view other local talent at their open mics on Thursdays, or lounge around and play pool at their pool table. They also have pub merchandise available. (607) 569-2264, 57 Pulteney St, www.maloneyspub.com.

Watkins Glen CAPTAIN BILL’S Discover the beauty of Seneca Lake. Dine afloat aboard the Seneca Legacy or on the waterfront at Seneca Harbor Station. Saturday night dinner cruises sail from 6-9 p.m. Open 7 days. (607) 535-4541, 1 N Franklin St, www.senecaharborstation.com.

To advertise in the food section call 570-724-3838

Get the free mobile app at http://gettag.mobi

http:/ / gettag.mobi

877-536-2717 51

Home & G ard en

A Christmas house: Lou and Susan Prevost’s front door.

Homes for the Holidays

Wellsboro residences open doors for third annual festive tour

O

“

By Dawn Bilder

nce again several home owners have opened their gems for us to enjoy,” says Dorotha Harding, who has been the key to unlocking some of Wellsboro’s loveliest doors with her Annual Holiday House Tours, which benefit the Endless Mountain Music Festival. Dorotha, who owns Tioga Office Products in Wellsboro, founded the Holiday House Tour in 2009 because of her love of Wellsboro homes. Four houses will be featured this year, including the Prevost and Grigg homes on West Avenue, the Hallock home on Main Street, and the Bird house on Pearl Street. Learn about the homes’ histories and walk through them. There’s even a refreshment stop at the Greer’s house on Main Street. The tour will be held on Friday, December 2nd from 4 to 7 p.m. All guests must come to the Tioga County Historical Museum where they will be given maps and admittance bands, and tours will begin from there. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the tour. For more information, call Tioga Office Products at (570) 724-4060 or The Fifth Season at (570) 724-6910.

52

53

Real estate

Secluded Log Home or Camp! Completely remodeled log home in move-in condition just looking for the person who wants to fish and hunt! 3 lakes and trout streams nearby. Kitchen w/stainless appliances, huge living room & rec room w/wood stove, and 2 covered decks. 50% OGM’s transfer to new owner.

REF#10382 . . .$379,900

Lake View Home! This 2 story, 3 bedroom, 1.75 bath home is a gem!! Hardwood floors, pocket doors and oak woodwork. Watch the famous Galeton fireworks over the lake or sit on your screened back porch. There is a stone patio and a two story over-sized garage with parking on the top floor.

REF#10406 . . .$109,923

Cute Starter Home! Cute starter home or rental in the town of Coudersport at a great price. The home features 3 or 4 bedrooms, 1 bath, laundry hook ups, back deck and paved driveway to a 2 car garage. It is a convenient location to downtown.

REF#10408 . . .$69,000

Lovely In Town Home! Very nice, move-in ready 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on a corner lot. There are two decks to relax on & unwind, a well-taken-care-of, 1.5-story garage with a workshop and lots of storage upstairs! The furnace is two years old. Washer & dryer are included.

REF#10410 . . .$129,900

Classic frame farmhouse with a stocked pond, a creek and wooded hunting land. Make some repairs to the barn and bring the livestock. Deer, bear and turkey abound. Could be subdivided.

REF#10416 . . .$309,000

Private Ranch Style Home! Home on a paved road & close to Rt.15 yet private. Stretch out on the mostly open, 7 Plenty of interior space and a fantastic oversized, multi-level deck overlooking your stream. Multiple heat sources, 3-4 bedrooms, rec/fam room, & laundry room w/half bath.

REF#10420 . . .$219,900

Cozy Camp! This camp has a well,septic and full bath!

VERY motivated Seller offering excellent pricing on this mostly wooded 1.75 acre lot with a 2 bedroom cozy camp with all NEW WINDOWS. Includes washer & dryer! 1000’s of acres of state land nearby for hunting or recreation.

REF#10421 . . .$69,900

Perfect Dream Home Location! WHAT A VIEW for your new dream home on this gorgeous 10.19 acre lot! The view will not disappoint! Less than 5 minutes from Troy.

Already perc tested. Buy the adjoining 16.45 acres (MLS# 121655), which is also for sale, and have a 27-acre estate!

REF#10423 . . .$71,330

Nice woo sand 15; MTH

Potte lot w Situa snow road grou MTH

Loo - 1.1 nort from are MTH

54

y 3 two tory The ded.

Real estate

www.pennoakrealty.com

65 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901 l (570) 724-8000 PA Certified WBE We proudly support and contribute to “Goodies For Our Troops”

Ordinary People Providing Extraordinary Service!

Nice hemlock plank cabin on 9.7 mostly wooded acres, with spring water and perc for sand mound. Short trip to SR 414 or Route 15; OGM’s owned and negotiable.

MTH 121590 $92,000

Nice open, rolling 7.4 acre tract in a great area with a nice view, road frontage on black top, close to State Land and accessible to snowmobiling and 4-wheeling in the Denton Hill area.

MTH 121654 $42,000

Historic Wellsboro home with original woodwork, 5 BRs, 6 baths, spacious living area on the 1st floor, manicured court yard plus off street paved parking area and traditional front porch. Bonus areas in the full basement are heated and finished for storage, office or studio.

MTH 121625 $569,900

Spacious farmhouse in Richmond Township carefully remodeled and featuring all new windows, new kitchen and bathroom in ‘09, large remodeled laundry room and entry area; den could be 1st floor BR. Attached 2 car garage, rear deck, landscaped yard, concrete driveway and mini-barn.

MTH 121631 $185,000

your The roy.

LS# ate!

Potter County 20.22 acre wooded recreational lot where you can walk to State Land.

Situated in the desirable Fox Hill 4-wheel and snowmobile area on a dead end township road, there has been a perc for standard inground septic.

MTH 121171 $69,500

Looking for an in-town lot? Here’s a rare find - 1.19 wooded acres, secluded, bordering the northern boundary of Woodland Park. Access from Bacon Street. Public water and sewer are available to site.

MTH 120061 $32,000

Midway between Wellsboro and Mansfield on US Rte 6, property has commercial potential w/various permitted uses - residential, agricultural, animal boarding, arenas or kennels. Large farmhouse on 11 acres is ideal for home office; moderate sized barn (stables) w/concrete floor, electric and water; accessory outbuildings. Rte 6 open acreage w/long road frontage plus access to So Bullock Rd - development possibilities. Fully operational natural gas hot water BB system, plus optional outdoor wood boiler.

MTH 121546 $599,900

Great camp - possible full time residence on 20 acres provides seclusion and privacy, yet with access to Route 44 just 4/10 mile away. This 2 BR home sits south of the golf club and close to State Land, is very well built with a beautiful stone fireplace and walk out lower level.

MTH 121031 $169,000

4 bedroom home on large level lot in Wellsboro, close to all town conveniences.

Has been tenant occupied for over 10 years, will require notice to show - excellent investment opportunity.

MTH 121276 $119,900

8+ acres in boro of Blossburg with 3 main buildings connected by 8+ walkways w/ attached gymnasium, maintenance garage and other outbuildings. 51,758 sqft of above grade of main building complex. Currently vacant - most recently used as residential youth treatment facility and health care system administrative offices. Currently tax-exempt and would so if restrictive covenants continue in force. Use outside of restrictive covenants, property would be subject to property taxes.

MTH 121166 $1,315,000

28 acres w/small cabin and 1,735’ frontage on First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek bordering State Forest. Can also be purchased w/First Fork Lodge, well known B&B, fly fishing/ sporting goods shop and restaurant for a total of $468,000 (see MLS 120485), or just enjoy your own private haven on the creek.

MTH 121330 $169,000

55

Call the office at 570-723-8484 114 Tioga Street (Rt. 6 across from Pizza Hut) Wellsboro, Pa. 16901

www.mountainvalleyrealtyllc.com

60 a 25 ea open famil wood prese the s fenci

Come hunt, fish, play, live ...

56

GRAND ESTATE ON 102 ACRES! This spectacular 7500 sqft classic is a timeless treasure! Rich architecture, exquisite details and luxurious ammenities, this 4+ bdrm estate offers uncompromising quality and style. 102+ acres with negotiable OGM’s. Also a 4000 sqft building, w/a 2bdrm, apt/inlaw suite on prop. $2,950,000 #121184

Efficient Classy Contemporary Home - Efficient classy small contemporary home on 1.06 ac ideal for starter home or buyer looking to scale down home size. 2-3 bdrm unique home provides cozy interior. Short drive to Rt. 15 near Blossburg exit. Seeking offer. $119,000. #121520

Great opportunity!! HOME AND BUSINESS - Commercial property with 11 storage units, laundromat and residence that you could live in or lease for additional income. There are 2 billboards on property providing additional income. There is plenty of property for additional units or possible yard to lease to gas companies. $339,900 #121425

Commercial Property on Route 6 - Outstanding opportunity for many uses. Had been retail but offers large space for Office, Restaurant, Lounge/Bar, Museum, etc. Ideal and substantial bldg. space and parking lot for Gas Industry use. Long Rt. 6 frontage and exposure in heart of Pine Creek Valley! Tioga County, Pa. $395,000 #121648

4-5 B Char hous laund rm, o famil with Pa. #

UNCOMPARABLE HOME-EXQUISITE DETAIL - Incomparable style in the countryside outside of Liberty, Pa. Unique amenities, suana, pool, spa, rare hardwood finishes throughout, 3 ac just over the Lycoming County Line offering E-Z drive to Rt. 15/I-99 to Williamsport, Mansfield, Wellsboro & beyond. Make offer! $410,000. #121168

Single Family Ranch Home with Large Back Yard - 3 bedroom ranch home offers very large backyard for the pets or the family. Attractive large kitchen/dining area and family room in basement for entertaining. Offers handicap ramp which can be removed if necessary. $142,000 #121578

Larger Family Home - Outstanding opportunity if you are seeking a larger home for you family.

5 bdrms, 3 full baths, spacious kitchen/dining room and large cozy family room in lower lever with gas fireplace. Also offers an attached 2 car garage and paved driveway. All this on 1.07 in lovely neighborhood.$239,000.#121577

IDEAL COUNTRY SETTING CLOSE TO WELLSBORO - Seeking large family! This spacious home with formal fireplace and open floor plan offers 4-6 bedrooms and 3 baths.

Portion of home used as apartment. Substantial outbldgs. for farmette or self employed. OGM’s transfer to buyer. 15.19 +/- acs just 3 miles to Wellsboro, Pa.$355,000. #120342

CAM was force roof, room wate

Beautiful Custom Contemporary Cedar Home - Contemporary cedar home-7+ ac.

Large covered back porch overlooks lovely landscaping. Inside, the home is warm and welcoming. Cozy home 5 bdrms, 2 story fireplace, large windows, and Amish blt barn/workshop with electric and heat. EZ to Coudersport,Pa. and Olean or Wellsville NY. $349,000. #121523

Successful Tavern/Lounge/Bar with HOME and Campground - Successful opportunity! Excellent financials, turn-key operation with substantial regular customers. Bring your expertise and foresight. Full service kitchen with current equipment. Offers home to occupy or lease and small campground. EZ to Rt.15 OFF Ramp, NY or Mansfield! $679,000. #121497

2 Story Custom Built Log Home - A lovely log home in Wellsboro on 15+ plus. Home offers stunning views from the large deck Ideal for your family with 4 bdrms, 2.5 baths, unique floor plan,spacious walkout basement featuring radiant floor heat and a patio beyond. Boasts a 3-car-detached garage.

Tioga County #121455 $499,900

Tioga County CAPE COD-5 acres - Hobby farmette or just a great extremely private setting. Ideal location for family home or getaway location. Home offers 3-4 bdrms, very large kit/dining rm, wraparound deck with long views, full walkout basement, very nice barn and large garage/workshop both with electric. $252,000 #121443

AWE 3.79 & C two-s peac a mo detai

Unique Contemporary Rustic Home 4.52 ac- Tioga County - Contemporary spacious home overlooking beautiful country and mountains beyond from lg wraparound deck. Very spacious home,3-4 bdrms, cathedral ceilings in large kitchen/ dining rm, ideal for entertaining. Raised walkout basement offers more living space and add’l views of the valley.#121440 $229,000

20 ac Hobby Farm-360 degree views - Finish the interior of this lovely home to your taste.

20 ac ideal and set up for beef, horse, alpacas, etc. Living quarters currently in raised basement while you finish this unique home.

Layout offers family room, lg spacious kitchendin.,liv.rooms, 4-5 bdrms. 30x40 barn and more. $289,000 #121423

Beautiful 2 Story home outside Wellsboro!

Excellent floor plan, large kitchen area is open to the family room, lots of closet space, and offers attached 2 car garage. Quaint porch to admire the beautiful landscaping and enjoy the large open backyard from the deck. OGM’s transfer to buyer. $225,000. #121354

6.02 acre lot with 100% OGM’s unleased! 6.02 acre building lot with 100% OGM’s unleased!

Gorgeous bldg. lot already has well, holding tank for septic, electric and driveway is in.

Private wooded setting and overlook your ponds. Walk to State Game Lands and Hills Creek Lake. May offer seller’s assist to a qualified buyer. $114,900 #121336

GRE MOV bath Blos door mak $87,

ADDRESS:2270

SR49,

Westfield,

60 acres and a CLASSIC HOME - The 17 x 25 eat-in kitchen has lots of cabinet space and opens out to the back deck, great space for family gatherings and entertaining. Beautiful woodwork and hardwood flrs. have been preserved in the home. Two large bdrms on the second floor share a full bath. Plenty of fencing. $275,000 #121318

Very Private Retreat or Permanent Home! This log home features a 2 sided wood burnung stone fireplace cherry steps to the second floor loft which also has 2 bedrooms and bath.

The first floor has a 25’x30’ opened ceiling great room with a wood stove. Slate floors throughout the first floor, except mstr. suite. $449,000. #121313

Spacious Country Home! This three bedroom home sits on 6 acres conveniently located between Wellsboro and Mansfield. The back yard features blackberry and blueberry bushes as well as grapevines; two acres are wooded.

The kitchen was remodeled in 2005 and features cherry cabinets and newer appliances. $175,000. #121166

Diamond in the Rough! Solid two story home offers land on both sides of road. Walk to all town amenities from this 4 bdrm, 2 bath home. Cosmetic repairs and foresight needed.

Seeking offer! $36,900.

nding retail urant, antial dustry re in y, Pa.

4-5 BDRM HOME-15 AC-100% OGMS convey Charming and attractive older remodeled farm house offers spacious country kitchen, lg laundry/utility room w/pantry,formal din rm, liv rm, office, and 4 plus bdrms ideal for growing family. All this on 15 ac conveying 100% OGM’s with lease in place. An easy drive to Wellsboro, Pa. #120930 $249,000.

Ranch home on 10 wooded acres! 3 bedroom Ranch home on 10 acres with 100% OGM’s conveying in Delmar Twp! Property sits in a very private wooded setting with a 3bd, 2ba cozy home along with a 3 car garage (being completed), and is in a gas unit. Make offer! $244,500. #120905

Ranch home on 53 acres! New 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is waiting for you! With a private pond and plenty of wildlife, it is nestled into the woods for absolute seclusion but is conveniently located just outside of Mansfield.

This home is a must see! $549,900 #120854

Ranch home, 4.4 ac, beautiful views, and pond! Ranch home with cherry stained maple cabinets, granite counter tops, ceramic tiled floor and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, 13’ cathedral ceiling in great room,central air and much more. Seller is a licensed real estate agent. $359,500 #120843

E TO This open baths. antial OGM’s les to

CAMP/HOME ON PINE CREEK! This camp was totally remodeled 2004, including new forced hot air furnace, central air, new metal roof, electrical system. Large windows in living room to sit and view the beautiful Pine Creek, water fowl,and wildlife.$210,000 #120823

2 HOMES ON A 53 ACRES! 53+ ac conveys 100% OGMs! 2 homes, 2 barns, 3 ac pond, peaceful tranquility, and privacy! Newer home features 4 bdrms, 3 full baths, sun porch, and is like brand new! Priced to sell. Property has just been completely unitized for potential royalties! $519,000 #120682

22.54 ac-WOW the VIEWS...between Troy and Mansfield over the meadows & beyond!

Meticulously maintained Lindel cedar log multilevel home. Raised basement for add’l living space. Elegant & rustic w/open flr plan. A/C, Harmon coal stove, lg.new garage, new well & spring, 22.54 ac open & wooded land. Corner property with long frontage. $385,000 #119956

30.25 AC NEWER HOME CLOSE TO WELLSBORO - Lg stocked pond, 2-car garage, 2-story barn & 30.25 beautiful ac. Custom features! Breakfast nook w/built-in seating, formal dining room, & fireplace in living room. Backup generator, whole-house fan, coal or propane heat. Ideal family property-private country setting near Wellsboro.$399,000 #119992

Hobby rivate me or , very h long barn ectric.

AWESOME VACATION GETAWAY HOME ON 3.79 AC - close to Kettle Creek State Park & Creek. This newly constructed, log-sided two-story cabin is waiting for you! Enjoy the peaceful tranquility from the deck, nestled on a mountainside in the woods. Call today for details. $184,900. MLS#120482

100% OMGs- YOUR PRIVATE CASTLE ON 65 AC Indescribable detail in this custom home w/unique post & beam design,open floorplan, cathedral ceilings,lg windows & double glass doors throughout.Access the lg deck from 4 rooms. Custom amenities including lavish master bathroom.65+/- acs offer future timber potential & 100% OGM rights. $749,000.

PRIVATE SETTING OVER PINE CREEKDistinctive Pine Creek cottage w/multi-level decks leading right to the creek. Lg screened porch for entertaining & dining. This home is one of a kind! Not just a camp, this is a special, secluded setting on the Creek! Bring the Kayak, canoe, fishing rod, snowmobile and 4 wheeler. $289,000 #119806

SUBSTANTIAL OPPORTUNITY...124 ac100% OGMs - 124 gently rolling acres very close to Borough of Wellsboro. Property offers 2 homes, a pond, a stream, phenomenal views and sits in a quality country setting. 100% Oil, Gas & Mineral Rights will convey to the buyer.

This is the heart of the Marcellus Shale Gas Exploration! $1,500,000 #120176

6.02 ased! olding is in. your Hills to a

tfield,

GREAT AFFORDABLE OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE RIGHT INTO...Affordable 4 bdrm, 2 bath home between Wellsboro, Mansfield and Blossburg.200 amp electric, new windows, doors and completely remodeled. Would make a great home for first time homebuyers! $87,000 #119594

WHAT A GREAT LITTLE LOG HOME. WALK TO PINE CREEK! 2 bdrm, 2 level living w/ decks all around. Vacation rental or full-time living. 2-3 bdrm, 2 bath, laundry, 3/4 bath, den or master bdrm space with lg. stone fireplace.

Rustic cathedral open flr plan for kit, din rm, liv rm. Walk to Pine Creek. Located Rt.6, Rexford.

Make offer.$99,000 #119504

FULL TIME or SEASONAL HOME, 1.75 AC and a great detached oversized 2 car garage.

Offers new roof and kitchen, 3 bdrm. home has hardwood floors throughout! Comfortable, cozy, efficient in a beautiful country setting, EZ drive to Coudersport in Potter County. $125,000.

Motivated seller says make offer! #119270

ALSO COMMERCIAL LAND and BUILDINGS FOR SALE and LEASE 57

Real estate

88 acres with negotiable OGM’s. Beautiful remodeled 5 BR farmhouse w/large stone fireplace in the Great Room, 1st floor BR and bath w/laundry, beautifully landscaped grounds, 6 picture perfect out buildings and borders State Forest. Excellent horse property or commercial possibilities; some timber value.

DLMMTH 119077 $449,000

Secluded country retreat on 20+ acres bordering thousands of acres of timber company land - OGM’s are owned, not leased, negotiable. Ideal for horses or other livestock, wildlife all over and perfect for snowmobiling or 4-wheeling; in-place garden shed and workshop.

DLMMTH 120981 $239,000

Great starter home, seasonal camp or full time residence.

Nicely remodeled with newer kitchen and bath, and frontage on Oswayo Creek for great fishing. 4-wheel or snowmobile from this property!

DLMMTH 120988 $69,900

Many nice upgrades in this high quality 3 BR home on 3.5 acres - full poured concrete basement w/walkout from lower level, garden tub w/Jacuzzi, 6” walls, tremendous views, walk to State Forest and great snowmobile and 4-wheel area. 2 usable out-buildings in need of some repair.

DLMMTH 121262 $139,900

B L W w fl m y

G P P ro o h

L b s S s O

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#100 OVERLOOKING COUDERSPORT THIS CONTEMPORARY HOME – features 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, paved drive, central air, fireplace, hardwood floors and a great setting on 2.8 private, wooded acres. Detached garage and office. NEW PRICE $195,000.00

#81 OWN A COMMANDING VIEW OF THE AREA – from this 119 acres adjoining State Forest. A unique parcel in Southern Potter County. NEW PRICE $264,000.00

#13 UNIQUE POLY-STEEL ONE-STORY HOME ON 176 PRIVATE ACRES WITH POND – The homes interior is unfinished so the new owner can finish to personal taste. Amenities include: floor to ceiling riverstone fireplace, Pella windows with pull down screens, two car attached garage, radiant heat, 36 x 75 pole barn and FREE GAS AND TIMBER VALUE!! $595,000.00

#34 LOOKING FOR A HUNTING CABIN/RETREAT IN POTTER COUNTY – this 2 ½ bath, 1.5 story cabin sleeps many friends and family. Bordered

by State Forest on 2 out of 3 sides, drilled well and private septic, Cypress siding. Newer Honda generator with remote start, approximately 2.3 private/wooded acres. NEW PRICE $82,500.00

Se re w re th El

Real estate

Beautiful totally remodeled 3 bedroom home!

Located within walking distance of downtown Wellsboro. Kitchen features hickory cabinets with a center island & new appliances. New floor coverings, freshly painted with crown moldings. Roof has been replaced in recent years. Just $189,000 M-1

Fantastic Views! This 3 bedroom 2 bath cape cod style home situated on nearly 45 acres offers many amenities including hardwood floors, fireplace, maple kitchen cabinets, central air, finished basement, & attached 2 car garage.

Paved drive, above ground pool, and lovely landscaping. Call to take a look today! Only $335,000 M-2

Great Main St, Wellsboro location! Historic, one of a kind 1871 William Harris Home. Property offers oversized 1 car garage, beautiful professionally landscaped yard, patio, & cozy front porch. Inside this 3 BR, 1¾ bath house you’ll find hardwood floors, granite countertops, several gas fireplace, & more. Only $299,900 M-3

Great Country Setting! This two-story home situated on 0.88 offers over 4400 sq ft of spacious living. Oversized kitchen features cherry cabinets. Home has 4 bedrooms & 3 Baths. COME TAKE A LOOK!! Just $225,000 M-4

GREAT HUNTING & RECREATIONAL PROPERTY!!! 100+/- ACRES – WARD TWP Property is profiled and perc’d, has logging roads & gated access. Build your dream cabin on this wooded lot. This is the property you have been looking for! Only $309,900 M-5

100% OGMS CONVEY!!! Enjoy the outdoors on this 10 acre parcel which includes a 1296 sq ft mobile home. Great place for your camp or new home. Property offers a mix of open and woods with a stream. ONLY $99,900 M-6

Great Building Lot! 5.6+/- acres located a short distance from Rtes 6 & 349. Close to Beechwood Lake, state forest, & state game lands. A short drive to Pine Creek. If you like to hunt & fish this is the place for you!! Just $39,900 M-7

GREAT HUNTING & RECREATIONAL PROPERTY!!! 50+/- ACRES – WARD TWP Property has logging roads and gated access.

Build your dream cabin on this wooded lot. This is the property you have been looking for! CALL TODAY! Asking $164,900 M-8

Liberty Twp –11.03+/-Acres – Great location to build your new camp or cabin. Approved septic site. Electric service has been completed.

Short distance to Mansfield, Williamsport and surrounding areas. Additional lots available.

ONLY $58,500 M-9

GREAT LOCATION FOR YOUR HOME OR CAMP!!!

23.82+/- ACRES – WARD TWP Property is profiled and perc’d, has logging roads & gated access. Build your dream cabin on this wooded lot. This is the property you have been looking for! ONLY $74,900 M-10

30+ ACRES – MIDDLEBURY Country home site minutes from Wellsboro & the lakes, paved road, & perc-approved, good hunting with stream. ONLY 69,900 M-11

Great Building Lot! Minutes from historic downtown Wellsboro and the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Build your dream home here.

Property offers 1.66+/- acres with access to public sewer. Only $44,900 M-12

Secluded location for your new home or seasonal retreat! Fabulous views, open & wooded, great wildlife habitat. Mansfield area schools, minimal restrictions apply. Perc & survey complete on this nearly 38 acre parcel. Short commute to Elmira/Corning NY. Just $99,800 M-13

Great Location! Build your dream home or cabin on this mostly wooded 44+ acres parcel. Plenty of space to ride your ATV and hunt. Just a short drive to state forest land. Property has been perc’d. Just $119,900 M-14

GREAT RECREATIONAL PROPERTY!!!

7.43+/- ACRES – WARD TWP Property is profiled and perc’d, has logging roads, & gated access. Build your dream cabin on this wooded lot. This is the property you have been looking for! Just $29,900 M-15

60+ Acres. Wooded. This property is percapproved, with electric & phone available on lot. Come build your dream home, cabin, or weekend getaway!! Convenient to Mansfield & Corning. Privacy & good hunting! ONLY $149,900 M-16

Each OfficE indEpEndEntly OwnEd & OpEratEd, ScOtt BaStian - BrOkEr

Alice Wack 570-529-2635

Gwen Heyler 570-854-8528

Joan Miller 570-439-4313

Ron Gilbert 607-483-2241

Wynnette Richardson 570-439-1841

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Real estate

New cape cod on 2+ acres. Open floor plan with large rooms. Large 2 car garage and full basement. First floor master bedroom with master bath and extra large walk-in closet. Just minutes from downtown. Ogm’s are included with property. MLS # 121584 $329,000

Coudersport – Wild Fire Estates 2 Cameron County – 6 acres with acre lot. Standard perc, utilities, close stream and state forest frontage. Perc, Electric, level building area. $59,000. to town. $19,900.

Potter County – 4 acres with Pine Coudersport School District – 3 acres Creek frontage near Galeton, standard in Sweden Twp, standard perc, utilities, near state forest, view. $21,500. perc, utilities, $59,900.

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Real estate

with Perc, 00.

cres ies,

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M arket P lace Shop Around the Corner

Small Dolled Up

By Martha Horton

Photos by Tina Tolins

B

ack in 1971, when their daughter, Heather, yearned for a dollhouse, Ron and Shirley Cornwell combined their talents and made one for her. The dollhouse was a great success and led to more dollhouses and furnishings, which in turn led to miniatures of many kinds and finally to A Touch of the Past, a thriving business based in the couple’s country home in Gillett, Pennsylvania, just over the state line from Wellsburg, New York.

Shirley and Ron grew up in Elmira, only two blocks from each other, but they went to different grade schools and never met until they were both students at Elmira Free Academy. There they began dating, and one thing led to another—they have now been married for forty-nine years.

The Cornwells’ earlier careers segued easily into their current business enterprise, which encompasses dolls, dollhouses, and miniatures. Shirley was a bridal consultant and also made and repaired dolls; Ron worked as a designer and draftsman for several Elmira manufacturing firms. Now Ron does the construction and electrification of the houses and dollhouse furnishings while Shirley does the decorating and makes specialty items like tiny crocheted tablecloths, braided rugs, and knitted afghans.

“I retired to do what I wanted to do,” says Shirley. She has been knitting since she was five years old, and now knits even when riding in the car. Miniature afghans, displayed on quilt racks made

by Ron, are her specialty. The Cornwells recently attended a wholesale trade show in Las Vegas where they received orders for thirty-seven of the afghans. Shirley has

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published a book, Micro Afghans, which includes twenty-five designs she developed by scaling down full-size patterns.

The Cornwells vividly remember the first buying trip they made to a wholesale show: “We were overwhelmed! Almost anything you can find big you can find small,” says Shirley. Among the small things (on a scale of 1” to 1’, 1/2” to 1’, or even 1/4” to 1’) you can find at A Touch of the Past are a miniature refrigerator, “lighted and loaded,” Halloween pumpkins and tiny tombstones, Christmas dinnerware sets, and flickering candle-flame bulbs for dollhouse chandeliers. Shirley says they will “make, buy or embellish” anything a client requests—their most unusual request was for a miniature pink flamingo.

See Dolled on page 64

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Dolled continued from page 62

Old hands now, Ron and Shirley enjoy traveling to four shows each year, renewing acquaintances with other folks in the business: “It’s like a whole new family,” Shirley says. Their favorite trip is to the show in Las Vegas—Ron Jr., eldest of their three sons, lives there. Ron created and maintains his parents’ Web site: www.atopdoll.com.

They reward him by taking him three of his favorite Pudgie’s sheet pizzas, frozen, wrapped and concealed in their luggage.

You can visit the Web site to get an idea of the astounding array of dolls and houses, kits and materials, tools and accessories, and, of course, miniatures available through A Touch of the Past. But there’s no substitute for a personal visit (call first for an appointment). The shop occupies one room (and overflows to the living room and porch) of a charming old frame home nestled among woods and gardens. The space is small, but the inventory is extensive—you could browse for hours. There are beautiful dolls of every description, dollhouses in styles ranging from Tudor to contemporary, and the miniature marvels themselves.

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Perhaps most intriguing of all are fifty themed box rooms of furniture and accessories, complete to the minutest detail: children’s room, formal dining room, Christmas room, music room, den and game room, Victorian kitchen and modern kitchen, and dozens more. You almost wish you could shrink and live in them for awhile.

Shop: A Touch of the Past Where: 17517 Berwick Turnpike, Gillett, PA Phone: (570) 596-3563 Web site: www.atopdoll.com

Journalist and novelist Martha Horton is an occasional contributor to Mountain Home and lives in Elmira, New York.

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B ack of the M ounta i n

In The Blink of an Eye

Seventy-three years after the statue’s dedication on Wellsboro’s Green, Wynken, Blynken, and Nod sail on in their wooden shoe into another Christmas season, captured by Wellsboro photographer Mia Lisa Anderson.

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