June 2013

E E R F he wind

as t

The

Family Villa Laurel Festival: The Return of the Queen Billtown Does First Friday Champion Trees, Our Living Landmarks

At Villa Bellangelo, a California family takes root in Finger Lakes wine country

By Alison Fromme

JUNE 2013

When Dr. Guthrie came here from mayo clinic, he brouGht With him more than just a meDical baG.

He also brought a belief, that patients deserve a team of specialists working together, focused on one thing, the patient.

It’s the way we’ve practiced medicine since Dr. Guthrie arrived more than 100 years ago.

Carrying medicine forward.

listen to our patient stories at carryingmedicineforward.org.

Volume 8 Issue 6

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The Family Villa

It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing

By Alison Fromme At Villa Bellangelo, a California family takes root in Finger Lakes wine country.

By Patricia Davis Pat reminisces about the joy of flying.

20

Living Landmarks

By Roger Kingsley You may live near a champion and not even know it—a champion tree, that is.

10 The Return of the Queen

26

By Rebecca Hazen Susan Lee, 1963’s Laurel Festival queen, returns to Wellsboro’s Laurel Festival parade fifty years later—full of memories.

Baits or Balls

By Fred Metarko Fishing or golfing? The Lunker compares angling to a good walk spoiled.

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The Venerated Voice of the Laurel Festival

40 A Delicious Drizzle

By Rebecca Hazen John Antonio’s beloved voice rides the local airwaves into the heart of Tioga County.

By Cornelius O’Donnell Corning’s Crystal City Olive Oil pours forth a unique blend of oils and vinegars from around the globe.

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A First For Everyone

By Cindy Meixel It’s First Friday in Billtown, and all the world’s a stage.

56 3

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Happy Trails To You

By Michael Fitzgerald The twelve-mile Catharine Valley Trail in New York carves a historic route from Watkins Glen to Pine Valley, New York, a playground for birders, anglers, hikers, bikers, and tourists alike.

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Editors & Publishers Teresa Banik Capuzzo Michael Capuzzo Associate Publishers George Bochetto, Esq. Dawn Bilder Derek Witucki Managing Editor Rebecca Hazen

Rhine Wine Connection

By Holly Howell How come Finger Lakes wine country is beating some of Northern Europe’s most renowned wine regions at their own game? Climate, creativity, and eleven moderating bodies of water.

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Chamberlain Acres

By Martha Horton Charlie Todd and Glenn Miller have restored Charlie’s historic family homestead in Southport, New York, and added Chamberlain Acres, a nursery for all seasons.

D e s i g n & P h o t o g r ap h y E d i t o r Elizabeth Young Cover Artist Tucker Worthington Advertising Director Meghan Elizabeth Lee Contributing Writers Angela Cannon-Crothers, Patricia Brown Davis, Jen Reed-Evans, Alison Fromme, Holly Howell, Roger Kingsley, Adam Mahonske, Cindy Davis Meixel, Fred Metarko, Dave Milano, Gayle Morrow, Tom Murphy, Cornelius O’Donnell, Roger Neumann, Gregg Rinkus, Linda Roller, Kathleen Thompson, Joyce M. Tice, Brad Wilson 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, Ann Kamzelski, Ken Meyer, Tina Tolins, Sarah Wagaman, Curt Weinhold S e n i o r S a l e s R ep r e s e n t a t i v e Brian Earle S a l e s R ep r e s e n t a t i v e s Lynette Lehman Linda Roller Melissa VanSkiver Jae Zugarek G r ap h i c D e s i g n Jennifer Heinser Advertising & Marketing Intern Sarah Thompson

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Still in the Saddle at Willard’s

By Morgan Meyers Founded in 1897 in Williamsport, Willard’s Saddlery still provides the best in leather goods, from jackets and boots to wallets and handbags.

Wellsboro High School, 225 Nichols St. Wellsboro

Family, Individual, and Senior Citizen Plans Available.

Drop-In Fee $5/night.

m State of the Art Equipment m Towel Service m Fitness Center Attendants m Friendly Atmosphere

570-724-3547

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w w w. m o u n ta i n h o m e m ag . co m

Mon-Fri: Sat: 5:30-7:30 a.m.

7:00-11:00 a.m.

3:30-7:30 p.m. www.wellsborosd.org (click on the Fitness Center tab)

B ea g l e

and

Assistant Cosmo & Yogi

to

B ea g l e

Mountain Home is published monthly by Beagle Media, LLC, 25 Main St., 2nd Floor, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, 16901.

Copyright © 2010 Beagle Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

To advertise or subscribe e-mail info@mountainhomemag.com.

E-mail story ideas to editorial@mountainhomemag.com. Call us 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. Get Mountain Home at home.

For a one-year subscription to Mountain Home (12 issues), send $24.95, payable to Beagle Media LLC, 25 Main St., 2nd Floor, Wellsboro, PA 16901.

June

Lovely Laurel Blooming with Excitement

What better way to celebrate the beautiful Pennsylvania State Flower, the Mountain Laurel, than by enjoying a week full of wonderful family events in charming Wellsboro. The Festival originated in 1938 and has been a loved tradition in the PA Grand Canyon area. This seventy-second year is sure to be the best yet! Kick off the week with Family Day on The Green and check out the Children’s Health Fair or go on a train ride at Tioga Central Railroad. On Sunday you can show off your furry friends at the delightful pet parade. Indulge your eyes and your belly at the Arts and Crafts Fair and the International Street of Foods. There is also live entertainment provided by the Laurel Concert Series and the traditional coronation of the Laurel Queen. If you feel like getting a little exercise, join in one of the bicycle or foot races.

There is literally something for everyone! The fantastic week packed full of fun for the whole family is held the week of June 8 through 16. (Wellsboro Chamber of Commerce, Wellsboro, PA; (570) 724-1926; info@wellsboropa.com).

Say Cheese!

Notable Potables

Get out and enjoy a beautiful summer Saturday while you sample amazing wines and cheese. The whole family will have a ball at the Canton Wine and Cheese Festival held at the Manley-Bohlayer Farm.

Sample amazing cheese and

Robert Blair

Doings ’round the Mountain

By Jen Reed-Evans wine while you enjoy great live entertainment provided

by Acoustic Pawnshop and Midnight Sun. Be sure to check out the interesting blacksmith demonstrations and walk through a charming one-room schoolhouse. Browse through the vendors and purchase delicious food and nice local wares. Make it a family tradition on Saturday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wine tasting tickets include a wine glass and tasting for $15 with proper ID. You will not be authorized to purchase wine without the wine tasting wrist band. Non-tasters, designated drivers and under twenty-one is just $5. (Manley-Bohlayer Farm, 141 East Canton Cross Rd., Canton, PA; (570) 3642600; cantonwineandcheese@ yahoo.com).

Snake, Rattle, and Roll Round ‘Em Up!

Listen…Hear that rattling sound? Nope, it’s not a happy baby shaking his toy—it’s rattlesnakes! The first Roundup was held in 1956 and more than 400 of the poisonous snakes were caught and sold to leather craftsmen and zoos. Since that time, their numbers have dwindled drastically and now the Roundup focuses more on the protection of this endangered species. Adults and children can compete in a catch and release program. But don’t worry; if catching the venomous creatures isn’t up your alley, there is still plenty to do. Cheer on your favorite team at the softball tournament. Fill up on delicious chicken BBQ and many great

food vendors. Shop at the giant flea market where you’re sure to find something for everyone.

There’s also live entertainment, 50/50 bingo, fireworks, and so much more! Make sure to check out the rattlesnakes and see who will bring in the biggest. This blast of a weekend is on Saturday – Sunday, June 8 to 9. (Morris Fire Company, Morris, PA; (570) 353-2031; info@morrisfire.org).

Walk in the Woods Local Environmental Issues

This summer, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is offering a wonderful opportunity for visitors to join a free guided tour of the State Forest land in Tioga County.

Highlighted environmental topics that will be discussed are acid mine damage, stream improvement, invasive plant control, recreational facilities, sustainable forest management, and wildlife habitat enhancement. DCNR will provide free transportation as well as water and lunch during this insightful trip. Enjoy the beauty of Tioga State Forest land as you learn about local environmental issues. This notto-be-missed outdoors adventure is on Saturday, June 29, at 9 a.m.

Please R.S.V.P. by June 24. This event will be held rain or shine, so be sure to dress appropriately and wear appropriate footwear.

(Tioga State Forest Office, One Nessmuk Ln., Wellsboro, PA.) Parking is available below the forestry office building behind the helicopter pad; (570) 7242868).

MUSIC 8 Branson on the Road – America’s Favorite Roadshow is coming to the Community Arts Center! With over twenty years of experience, Branson on the Road delivers hilarious comedy alongside of folk and traditional bluegrass, rockability, and gospel music in glitzy rhinestone costumes.

Featured performer, Debbie Horton, is the only woman ever to have played lead guitar for Johnny Cash. Combine that talent with a fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and upright slap bass and the award-winning show will keep you bopping and smiling in your seat.

This all-ages show is on Saturday, June 8, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25/$20 and all proceeds benefit the Lycoming County United Way. (Community Arts Center, 220 West Fourth St., Williamsport, PA; (570) 326-2424; http://caclive.com).

25 Roger Hodgson – Roger Hodgson – “The Legendary Voice of Supertramp & Band” lights up the stage at the Community Arts Center! Hodgson is recognized as one of the gifted composers, songwriters, and lyricists of our time and recently received two awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. This Breakfast in America tour performance highlights Hodgson’s hits as well as new songs and songs from his solo album. Enjoy favorites like Give a Little Bit, The Logical Song, and Dreamer on Tuesday, June 25, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $75/$60/$45. (Community Arts Center, 220 West Fourth St., Williamsport, PA; (570) 326-2424; http://caclive.com).

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Doings ‘Round the Mountain

The Last Great Place

Wonderful Sights That Be

By Michael Capuzzo

“W

Liz Young

e came to Wellsboro because of your magazine. We love it!”

Julienne Cosgrave, a nurse at the Gannett Health Center at Cornell University in Ithaca, picked up a copy of Mountain Home in the hospital lobby. Over lunch she read about bald eagles returning to Tioga County, Pennsylvania.

“Wow, the Endless Mountains! I never heard of it. It sounds beautiful,” she said to her husband Tony, a Cornell librarian.

“Let’s go there.”

Presto, they planned a week’s vacation: a night in New York City (to watch the Yankees beat the Orioles, 3-0), two nights in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and three nights in Tioga County at a “cozy cabin” near Marsh Creek.

They biked the Rail Trail along Pine Creek, marveling at the beauty of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. They hiked the trails at Colton Point. They browsed Wellsboro’s charming Main Street shops, and sampled the restaurants. In the center of the town green they took pictures at the Wynken, Blynken, and Nod statue—honoring Eugene Field’s nineteenth-century lullaby of three children sailing and fishing in the stars. It brought back memories.

Julienne, forty-nine, sang her boys Anthony and James (now twenty-five and twenty-seven) to sleep with the Dutch lullaby. She loved Buffy SaintMarie’s version on her 1976 album, Sweet America. So Julienne sang:

Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes, And Nod is a little head, And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies Is a wee one’s trundle-bed; So shut your eyes while mother sings Of wonderful sights that be, And you shall see the beautiful things As you rock in the misty sea.

On their way to dinner at Timeless Destination, Julienne and Tony walked down Main Street to visit us at Mountain Home, to thank us for the stories that led them here.

“It’s an amazing area,” Julienne said. “We’ll be back!”

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Doings, cont.

GALLERIES/MUSEUMS 2-30 Gmeiner’s Annual Painting Exhibit – Join the Gmeiner Arts & Cultural Center for their Annual Painting Exhibit this month.

Browse the amazing works by local artists.

Maybe you’ll fall in love with one and buy it, so you can treasure it for years to come. The opening reception will be held on Sunday, June 2, from 2-4 p.m. Admission is always free and Gmeiner is open daily from 2-5 p.m.

(Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center, 134 Main St., Wellsboro, PA; (570) 724-1917; http:// gmeinerartscenter.com).

8 Bead It! Family Program – Explore the world of beads at the Corning Museum of Glass!

This family activity (for ages 8+ with an adult) starts with a guided tour of the special exhibit Life on a String: 35 Centuries of the Glass Bead.

After learning about the fascinating history of beads in different cultures, watch a glass beadmaking demonstration and use beads to create a piece of art or jewelry. Explore beads galore on Saturday, June 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. Cost is $10 per person and reservations are required.

(The Corning Museum of Glass, One Museum Way, Corning, NY; (607) 438-5112; www. cmog.org; zinkms@cmog.org).

6/14-7/19 Recent Work by Martin Poole – West End Gallery showcases the masterpieces of Martin Poole this June and July. The recent works by Poole on exhibit include gorgeous oil paintings of portraits, landscapes, and more. Poole’s use of color, light, and realistic expressions and moods are sure to delight the senses. A reception will be held on Friday, June 14, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Gallery Talk will be held on Saturday, June 15, from 1to 2 p.m.

As always, all events are free and open to the public. Regular hours are Mon.-Fri. from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (West End Gallery, 12 West Market St., Corning NY; (607) 936-2011; www. westendgallery.net).

15 Meet Artists Holly & Fred Lawrenson – Enjoy the unique opportunity of meeting two local artists as you check out their amazing work! Holly Lawrenson’s gorgeous photo of the Grand Canyon in Autumn was one of the winners in Pop’s Culture Shoppe’s annual puzzle contest and she will be available to speak to and have notecards for sale. Fred Lawrenson is an author and illustrator of award-winning children’s books and will sign his books and have additional artwork for sale. Meet the artists on Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Pop’s Culture Shoppe, 2 East Ave., Wellsboro, PA; (570) 723-4263).

16-30 Blair House Collection – A Blair House Collection: Expressions of My Style is the newest photography exhibit at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, by Robert J. Blair. Expressions

Doings ‘Round the Mountain

of My Style is a collection of photographs that were taken by Blair during his fortyfive years as a photographer. Blair enjoys photographing local subjects, such as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, and festivals.

A reception for Blair’s work will be held on Sunday, June 16, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts on 104 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA. Expressions of My Style will be on exhibit through June 30.

26 Music, Margaritas, & Sunsets on the Terrace – The Rockwell Museum of Western Art hosts this three-part series and kicks it off with the music of Virgil Cain.

Cain is extremely popular with regional audiences and his music is influenced by Billy Joel, Coldplay, Paul Simon, Dave Matthews, and John Mayer. Enjoy the music, the view, and a drink on Wednesday, June 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Members are free/Not-yet-members $10/Students with ID $5. Space is limited and reservations are required by 5 p.m. the day before. (The Rockwell Museum of Western Art, 111 Cedar St., Corning, NY; (607) 937-5386; www.rockwellmuseum.org).

THE THEATRE 7 Open Stage – Hop up on stage—or just choose to watch—at the Community Theatre League’s exciting new program.

“Open Stage” is kind of like an “Open-Mic Night” where performers can display their comedy, music, improv, and poetry. The audience can enjoy a relaxed evening to come and go as they please. There will be music in-between acts, refreshments, and a variety of performances. Want to show off your skills? Contact CTL for information on how you can be part of the act. Have a great night on Friday, June 7, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. . (The Community Theatre League, 100 West Third St., Williamsport, PA; (570) 327-1777; http:// ctlnet.org).

11 Rock of Ages – If you haven’t seen this rockin’ show yet, don’t miss your opportunity! Travel back to 1987 and watch as a small-town girl meets a big-city rocker in LA’s famous rock club. Prepare to be blown away as they fall in love to the greatest songs of the 80’s. Rock of Ages features a mix of 28 favorites by bands like Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Poison, White Snake, and more! Rock out on Tuesday, June 11, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $59.50/$49.50/$29.50. (207 Clemens Center Parkway, Elmira, NY; (607) 7348191; www.clemenscenter.com).

14-15, 20-22, 23, 27, 30 Annie – Energetic, red curls light up the stage! Annie, one of the world’s best-loved musicals, is sure to soon be yours. Watch as the loveable orphan determines to find her parents in

1930s New York City and eventually finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks and a scruffy dog named Sandy.

Shout “Leapin’ Lizards!” as you head over to one of the shows on June 14 to 15, 20 to 22 at 7:30 p.m., June 23 at 2 p.m., June 27 to 29 at 7:30 p.m., and June 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15/$8/Season/Flex. (The Community Theatre League, 100 West Third St., Williamsport, PA; (570) 3271777; http://ctlnet.org).

COMMUNITY EVENTS 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 Story Time – Beat the heat and encourage reading to your children this summer. The Jersey Shore Library offers story time every Thursday at 10 a.m. for two-year-olds and up and every Monday at 10 a.m. for children from birth and up. Get a library card and let your child’s imagination run wild! (Jersey Shore Library, 110 Oliver St., Williamsport, PA; (570) 3989891; http://www.jerseyshorepubliclibrary. org/activities.html).

8 Strides for Spinal Cord Injury Research – Make strides for a great cause as you walk or run your way to the finish line. In this fifth annual event, participants can enjoy the 5K/10K Run/Walk and feel great knowing that all money raised will be donated to the Reeve Irvine Research Center in hopes of finding a cure for paralysis after spinal cord injury. Participants receive t-shirts and goodie bags and are entered in chances to win amazing prizes. Strap on those running shoes on Saturday, June 8, at 9 a.m. with preregistration starting at 8 a.m. Cost is $16 before June 1 and $20 after June 1. (Indian Park, Montoursville, PA; for more information or registration information contact Jay Harner at (570) 601-4882; JayHarn3@gmail.com).

10 YMCA Bronx Zoo Trip – Visit the fantastic Bronx Zoo while supporting your local YMCA! The Tioga County branch of the YMCA is offering the zoo trip to raise funds for the organization. Tickets include bus transportation, beverages, and snacks on the bus, and tickets to the zoo. There will be stops for breakfast and dinner on the way to and from the Bronx Zoo as well as the chance to play bingo on the bus.

Watch the kids go wild for their favorite animals on Monday, June 10, from 5 a.m. – 11 p.m. Cost is $82 for ages 16-65 and $80 for ages 3-12 and 65 and older.

(Contact Bryce Weaver at (570) 662-2999; programs@tiogacountyymca.org).

22 Armed Forces 5K Run/Walk – Honor our troops and raise money for the Tioga County Honor Guard by taking part in the third Annual Armed Forces 5K Fun Run/ Walk. This run is held at Lake Nessmuk Park in Wellsboro and the 3.1 mile cross-country trail provides participants

with beautiful scenery. Salute the troops on Saturday, June 22, at 9 a.m. (for more information contact race director Darlene Harris at (570) 549-2295; stay@ cardinalinnbnb.com).

24 Golf for Life – The Relay for Life Golf Tournament, hosted by the American Cancer Society and The Keystone Kops Relay for Life Team, is on Monday, June 24 at the Tyoga County Club in Wellsboro, PA. The Cost is $85 per player, and proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. The cost includes course prices, greens fees, cart, snacks, light fare for lunch and dinner, and more! Registration is from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. with the tournament starting at 10 a.m. For questions please call Ann and Angie Serva at (570) 723-3212 or e-mail serva@ptd. net. For information about sponsorships for the event, please call Brenda Coder at (570) 724-1887 or e-mail bcoder2011@ yahoo.com.

30 Military & Veterans Appreciation Event – Military personnel and their families are invited to attend this fabulous, free event.

There will be free entry to Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen, special guests, door prizes, picnic foods, children’s activities like tie dying , face painting, and more.

Enjoy the race on Sunday, June 30, from 8 a.m. to the end of the race. Military/ veterans must provide military/veteran ID, DD214, American Legion/VFW card or other suitable ID. Each military or veteran guest can bring one adult guest and children 19 and under are free. (Watkins Glen International, Gate 3, Watkins Glen, NY).

FESTIVALS 22-23 Liberty Blockhouse Festival – Celebrating its thirty-seventh year of fun, the Liberty Blockhouse Festival is guaranteed fun for the whole family! Don’t miss your chance to join the 5k run or to cheer on the little darlings at the Liberty Little Miss pageant. There are carnival rides and games, a delicious chicken BBQ, parade, fireworks, and so much more. Join the fun on Saturday and Sunday, June 22 to 23. (Liberty, PA; (570) 324-2917).

WINERIES/BREWERIES 15 Explore the Vineyard: Shoot Thinning – Explore the unique process of shoot thinning with Phil Davis at Damiani Wine Cellars. Guests meet in the tasting room to begin their informative morning. When you’re done, purchase some fantastic wine to bring home. Learn about growing grapes on Saturday, June 15, at 9 a.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online. (Damiani Wine Cellars, 4704 Ft. 414, Burdett, NY; www. damianiwineshop.com/events/vineyardseries-june-15th.htm).

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Doings ‘Round the Mountain

Doings, cont.

22-23 Cobblestone Farm Winery Cherry Festival – Enjoy everything cherry at the Cobblestone Farm and Winery’s ninth Annual Cherry Festival. Pick sweet and sour cherries, try awesome food and wine, and pick up some goodies from the talented local vendors. Children can enjoy a petting zoo, carnival games, and a hayride. Music by The Works on Saturday and Agonal Rhythm on Sunday will put everyone in a swinging mood. Cheer for cherries on Saturday and Sunday, June 22 to 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. rain or shine. Admission is free. (Cobblestone Farm Winery & Vineyard, 5102 State Rt. 89, Romulus, NY; 315 549-8797; www. cobblestonefarmwinery.com).

23 It’s All About Country – Join Glenora Wine Cellars for a wine and food festival, Country style! There will be awesome live entertainment by Flint Creek and plenty of talented local vendors. Enjoy Chef Orlando’s Smoke Fest of chicken BBQ, ribs, pork, and all the country fixings.

Scoot on over on Sunday, June 23, from 12 to 6 p.m. Cost is $10 per person and kids 12 and under are free. (Glenora Wine Cellars, 5435 State Rt. 14, Dundee, NY; (800) 243-5513; www.glenora.com).

OUTDOORS/SPORTS 8 Kid’s Fishing Derby – Plop those fishing

hats on the kiddos and bring them out to the Fourteenth Annual Kid’s Fishing Derby at Cowanesque Lake. Children of all ages are encouraged to join in the fun. Fish all day, enjoy prizes, games, and snacks. Pick your secret bait and come out on Saturday, June 8, starting at 9 a.m. (for more information contact Ron VanZile at (570) 827-2950).

9 & 30 Hillside Archery 3-D Shoot – Put Robin Hood to shame as you hit targets with ease! Everyone is invited to participate in this family fun day on the 3-D archery course. The shoots are held at the fish hatchery in Blossburg, PA. Smack the bull’s-eye on Sundays, June 9 and 30, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Hillside Rod & Gun Club, Blossburg, PA; (570) 6623882; hillsideclub@chilitech.net).

22 Family Fishing Day Tournament – Create memories and fish stories at the 31st annual family tournament held at Hills Creek State Park. Enjoy a beautiful summer day outdoors while trying for that monster fish. Weigh-ins are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. with awards at 8 p.m. Contact the park for complete rules and times.

Have a whale of a time on Saturday, June 22, starting at 10 a.m. (Hills Creek State Park, Wellsboro, PA; (570) 724-4246; hillscreekp@state.pa.us).

FARMERS MARKETS 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Williamsport Growers

Market – Williamsport’s Summer Market provides an abundance of locally grown and locally made products. Only Pennsylvania grown or produced items are sold. Enjoy leisure strolls through the rows of vendors every Saturday through the last weekend in November from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Williamsport Growers Market, 249 Little League Blvd., Williamsport, PA).

7, 14, 21, 28 Mansfield Growers Market – It’s that time of year again— time to shop at the Growers Market!

There are a variety of fruits, vegetables, baked goods and bagels, herbs and plants, and more. Join local growers and vendors every Friday through September from 3 to 6 p.m. (Mansfield Growers Market, St. James Episcopal Church, E. Wellsboro St., Mansfield, PA).

7, 14, 21, 28 Watkins Glen Farmers Market – This quaint farmers market has a little bit of everything. Shoppers can enjoy a variety of pastured meats, fresh produce, cut flowers, soaps, honey, breads and cookies, jams and jellies, eggs, and crafts. The market is hosted in Lafayette Park every Friday through October from 3 to 7 p.m. (Watkins Glen Farmers Market, Lafayette Park, 200 Block of 5th St., Watkins Glen, NY).

Email listings@mountainhomemag. com to notify us of your events.

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9

Courtesy of Chris Missick

The

Chris, Laure, Matt, Elizabeth, and Greg Missick.

Family Villa

At Villa Bellangelo, a California family takes root in Finger Lakes wine country

Elizabeth Young

By Alison Fromme

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Villa Bellangelo was established in 1866 and is the oldest vineyard in Yates County.

G

reg and Elizabeth Missick met more than thirty-five years ago in southern California while Elizabeth was on vacation visiting her sister there.

“I fell in love right away. When I first saw her, I said ‘I’m gonna marry you,’” Greg recalls, laughing. “Nobody believed me. And it took a lot of talking—a lot—to convince her. There were a lot of opportunities not to get together. But it was meant to be.”

Elizabeth fell for the allure of California—and Greg—eventually.

They built a life together. Early on, Greg started a construction business, and Elizabeth kept the books from the living room of their apartment.

The business grew into a successful enterprise, creating large-scale multifamily developments in Los Angeles and beyond. The couple started a family, raising two often-mischievous boys.

But Elizabeth had grown up in Rochester, New York, and part of her heart was always back home. She missed the seasons, and the rest of her family. “I love California. It’s been good to my family,” she says. “But I always wanted to go back home.”

As her boys grew up and left for their own jobs, and as Greg neared retirement, Elizabeth lobbied for a move eastward. She wanted time to relax. But Greg, always on the go, knew he could never truly retire. What could possibly bring the family eastward?

Elizabeth Young

See Family Villa on page 12

Chris helps customers in the tasting room of Villa Bellangelo.

11

Elizabeth Young

Elizabeth Young

(Left) Matt, one of Greg and Elizabeth’s sons, shows off his tattoo to commemorate moving to the Finger Lakes.

(Right) Chris, a Cross-country cyclist from Philadephia, samples Villa Belangelo’s wines guided by Laure and Dan, who works in the tasting room.

Family Villa continued from page 11

On occasion when the couple traveled back to Rochester to visit Elizabeth’s family, they’d drive along Lake Ontario admiring the big old homes on the shore. “They’re the kind of homes that are passed down through families,” Elizabeth says. “They’re almost never for sale.”

So when one actually did come up for sale about five years ago, Elizabeth was the first to inquire about the home, the first to view it, and the first to put down an offer. Sold. Now, she could get her upstate New York fix, visit family, and feel at home.

Elizabeth never expected that in 2011, it would be there, in the piano room of the vacation home, that she would find the way to bring her whole family back east, together. Rochester’s newspaper, the Democrat and Chronicle, printed an announcement that Villa Bellangelo, a winery on Seneca Lake, was for sale. “I thought, ‘Wow, this is cool.’ Had I always thought that we would own a winery? No,” she says.

Greg remembers getting the phone call from his wife. “Elizabeth said, ‘Let’s buy it.’ And I thought, the wine, the countryside…I would enjoy that.”

Matt, their younger son, got the phone call while traveling in Las Vegas.

Their older son, Chris, remembers getting a text message about the 12

possibility.

Chris’s wife, Laure, says, “Everyone remembered the winery. It was a sign.”

The entire family had visited the winery back in 2009. That’s when Chris and Laure hosted their wedding reception at the Lake Ontario vacation home and the whole clan had gone wine tasting. Their last stop was Villa Bellangelo, on the recommendation of their limo driver. Someone snapped a photo of the family sitting in a booth at the window, enjoying the view. “Can you imagine having something like this?” Chris asked his dad. Something had sparked Chris’s imagination.

Like Greg and Elizabeth’s early relationship, the family winer y adventure seemed like it was meant to be, despite lots of obstacles. Greg’s construction business was going strong.

The family didn’t know much about the wine industry. The winery itself needed upgrades.

Matt, the younger of the two sons, was rooted in southern California. He had a steady job as a court stenographer.

His best friends lived nearby. He visited his parents at their house almost daily. “I thought I’d live there forever,” he says.

Chris also was building a life for himself in California, along with his wife, Laure. He had completed his undergraduate studies at Sacramento

State, and served in Kuwait as an Army reservist. He had attended Whittier Law School to study corporate bankruptcy law. In his spare time, he learned his way around the wines of Napa and Sonoma Valleys. At the house he shared with Matt, he even planted grape vines in the backyard, set up carboys in the garage, and began making his own wine (even though Matt continued to prefer beer).

It was law school that had led him to his wife. Chris recalls sitting in a contracts class when a stodgy professor declared that much of the students’ careers in law would be full of drudgery and misery. But, said the professor, they had a chance to do something amazing before going down that path.

They could study law in France for the summer.

In Toulouse, a city in the south of France, Chris frequented an Irish pub.

“An added benefit was that Toulouse was surrounded by some of the best wine regions in the world, like Bordeaux,” he says. About a week before the program ended, mutual friends introduced him to Laure. She and her friends, who were studying languages, liked to go to the pub in part to practice their English.

“It was love at first sight,” says Chris.

Laure says it was a classic “boy meets girl” love story. But could they make the relationship work long distance? By Christmas of that year, she had already

traveled to California for a visit. The next summer, Chris took a gamble. Instead of finding a summer job that could lead to a fulltime career after graduation, he returned to study at the same program and reconnect with Laure.

Three years later, in June 2009, Chris and Laure married in an Orange County courthouse. “It was the first and only immigration case I’ve done,” says Chris.

Living in the United States was lonely at first for Laure.

While waiting for the immigration issues to be settled, she couldn’t work, which meant she wasn’t meeting coworkers, clients, or friends. She watched a lot of CNN and Fox News. “In a sense, the transition was seamless at first, from one western culture to another,” she says, in her nearly perfect English. But then deeper differences surfaced, “like an aftershock.” Health insurance payments. Student loans.

And, of course, the wine culture.

Months after Chris and Laure’s courthouse wedding, the family celebrated with a reception at the Missicks’ Lake Ontario vacation home. The post-wedding wine tasting— that eventually led them to Villa Bellangelo—was something entirely foreign to Laure, her mother, and her sister. Wine tasting as an activity is not part of the French wine culture.

“The idea of drinking a glass of wine by the fireplace is unheard of in France,” Laure says. “You drink wine with meals.” When she first tasted fruit-forward California wines, she thought they lacked structure and she wondered how they would stand up to food. “But they don’t have to because people aren’t drinking them with food. I’m not an expat looking for French-style wines, and I don’t look at American wine culture with my nose in the air. I think the differences are fascinating.”

On their wine tour, the family had a great time and enjoyed the landscape. Laure discovered raspberry wines.

Chris, who had enjoyed California wine for years, had never experienced the Finger Lakes wine region beyond the New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua.

Greg says, “I’m not a wine connoisseur like Chris.

I’m not searching for the ultimate fine wine—I like good wine.” Sitting in the booths at Villa Bellangelo, no one in the Missick clan had an inkling of the future that awaited them in that very spot.

After celebrating, Chris and Laure returned to their lives in California, and Laure started working, first as a bilingual customer service representative, then later as a bookkeeper for a wine importer. The memory of the wine tour faded, and the lives of all the family members hummed along.

Until the listing appeared in the paper. Villa Bellangelo for sale. $499,000. Ten acres on Seneca Lake. Two tasting rooms. A wine cellar and production area.

Elizabeth visited the winery again, driving down the long approach from Route 14, on Poplar Road in Dundee,

See Family Villa on page 14

13

Elizabeth Young

At Villa Bellangelo’s shop, bottles of their finest wines are available for purchase.

Family Villa continued from page 13

following the oversized wine bottle signs pointing the way past five small rows of overgrown vines. The vines, though neglected, hinted at the land’s storied history. Almost 150 years ago, Dr. Byron Spence planted the vines on the land during a boom in the region’s grape growing. Domestic grape production in the Finger Lakes had begun just thirty years earlier, and land prices were rising with the increasing fruit production. But then a glut caused grape prices to fall, and the vines on this parcel fell into disuse for generations. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Squaw Point Winery opened on the property, known for its “barrel people” marketing campaign—wine barrels made to look like stick figure people scattered along Route 14. Then, in 2002, Mike Litterio bought the winery and introduced the Italian theme to reflect his own heritage. But he discovered that he couldn’t keep his full-time job, operate the winery, and spend time with his family. He decided to sell.

When Elizabeth visited that second time, she was greeted by the ten acres of land sloping toward the lake, and that wonderful view. The winery was off the 14

beaten path, but offered great wines, and it was especially well known for its semi-sparkling Moscato wine made from Valvin Muscat grapes. The family leaped into action. Calls were made.

Plans discussed. They made an offer on the winery in July 2011.

The next few months were full of uncertainty. Greg originally thought he’d shut the operation down for two years while the family had a chance to transition. He still didn’t know exactly who would work what jobs, what remodeling would be done, or how to run a winery. His sons were interested in participating on some level, but they expected the lead-up to prime time would be slow. “I never tried to force my sons to work with me in construction,” says Greg, so he wasn’t sure what roles they would want.

The big picture questions paled compared to the reality of the coming grape harvest. Aside from the handful of historic vines on the property, no grapes grew on the Villa Bellangelo property. Since 2002, Mike Litterio had developed relationships with growers— like Marty Gibson at the twenty-acre Gibson Winery and Jeff Morris, owner

of the 120-acre Glenora Farms—to produce signature wines, from his Bordeaux style wine made with Merlot and Cabernet Franc to his affordable line of bagged “Scooter wines.”

But what would happen to the 2011 grapes usually bought by the winery?

No money had been put down to secure the harvest for Villa Bellangelo. If the 2011 grapes at Gibson Winery and Glenora Farms were sold to different buyers, then Greg would have to shut down the winery, as he had planned.

But was Greg really willing to lose those grapes and the entire 2011 season? And was he willing to risk potentially losing the ongoing relationships with growers that Litterio established?

Nope.

And so Greg bought several tons of grapes, even though he didn’t yet own a winery, or know how to process them. From Laure’s perspective, it all happened in the blink of an eye.

“I’m a glass half full kind of guy,” Greg says. “If things didn’t work out, I figured I could resell them or something. We joked that we’d have a huge fruit salad at Thanksgiving.”

The grapes did indeed transform

into wine. The Missick family hired local winemaker Ian Barry, who had proven his skills at several wineries in the area. He coordinated with Glenora Wine Cellars to crush the grapes and create the first batch of wine. And, Ian took charge of the wine-in-progress from the previous winemaker.

By November, the Missicks not only owned the grapes, they also owned Villa Bellangelo.

If there was ever a moment of panic, it was after the sale. “There was just so much to do,” says Elizabeth.

“But so many things came together that made it seem like this was meant to be,” Greg explains.

In the fall, Matt and his parents traveled back to the winery to assess what needed to be done. On the return flight, Matt remembers his dad saying he wasn’t sure how this would all work out.

Matt recognized that he could help, so he immediately offered to move to the Finger Lakes and oversee the construction. “I felt like I was taking a huge weight off my dad’s shoulders,” Matt says. Just weeks later, at the start of 2012, he had called a realtor in Geneva and left his steady stenographer job, his best friend in southern California, and life as he knew it.

“It was lonely at first,” says Matt, who missed his friends and lifestyle back home in California. But on his daily commute to and from the winery in Dundee, he stopped at wineries to explore the local flavors and connect with the community. He marveled at the laid-back lifestyle here compared with L.A., where people spend so much energy on “keeping up,” having the right clothes and the right cars. “I was amazed at how friendly everyone is here.

Everyone was willing to help out if I had questions or needed help.”

“For Matt to step up like that— that was amazing,” says Greg, who calls himself the “brick and mortar guy.” Greg kept himself immersed in his California engineering firm, while Villa Bellangelo See Family Villa on page 16

15

Family Villa continued from page 15

transformed into something grander than it had ever been.

The doors closed for several months while the place was gutted and re-imagined. Matt became “the boots on the ground.”

Under Matt’s oversight, the winery shed its rustic Italian trattoria style and emerged as a handsome tasting room and store. The beauty of the place today masks the massive changes that had to occur behind the scenes before any of the cosmetic improvements could take shape. A water well was drilled. A water filtration system installed.

Public water source regulations met. A septic system set up. Power brought down from the electric lines on Route 14. Neighbors wondered what the heck was going on, says Matt, who understands that the property used to be quiet and now out-of-towners were making major changes. But although he’s a transplant, Matt is committed. To mark his one-year anniversary in the Finger Lakes, he got an FLX tattoo to celebrate.

Today, the winery has a new aesthetic, thanks to Elizabeth. Rich red walls, dark wood floors, and white columns now welcome visitors, who inevitably make their way straight to the windows overlooking Seneca Lake.

Two scooters—the namesake of the casual Scooter brand wine—decorate the porch and tasting room.

A history wall includes memorabilia from the past, including a very serious portrait of Dr. Spence, and an antique grape press. An American flag from Chris’s service in Iraq hangs proudly. A flat screen TV provides information about different wines.

Wine is offered for sale, of course, plus wine charms, stoppers, decorations, and A Sense of Place: A Discovery of Finger Lakes Wine History & Villa Bellangelo, a book that Chris wrote to honor the heritage of his family’s new undertaking.

Matt, who will be in charge of events, is also creating a banquet room for weddings, wine seminars, or corporate events, where flat screen TVs might display slideshows or educational videos. Just outside, a gravel pad will soon become a patio with a fire pit. And the hillside in front of the winery is now terraced with three levels: for a vineyard, a large party tent, and a stage area.

Chris was excited and nervous about the transition from law practice to winery General Manager. He had a successful career at a small firm, and he felt close to his colleagues, almost like family.

“How could I leave them?” Chris wondered. “In the back of my mind, it was something I wanted to do,” says Chris. He’d always enjoyed gardening, growing everything from tobacco to tomatoes, and making wine. “And everything picked up its own momentum.”

Laure was conflicted about moving at first—she was just finding her footing in California, and she’d been offered 16

an interesting job opportunity in international trade, the field she had trained for. But the Finger Lakes reminded her of home, unlike the California desert. “In the end, quality of life made it an easy decision,” she says.

By the fall of 2012, the Missicks already had one season under their belts. The family had pulled together. Even Elizabeth’s nieces were called in to help occasionally. For the Seneca Lake Wine Trail “Deck the Halls” event, Elizabeth, her sister-in-law, and her nieces spent hours in the kitchen making 4,000 decorated chocolate candies and another 4,000 angel ornaments.

Today, beneath the busy tasting room, twenty-two huge jacketed metal tanks—from Vance metal fabricators in Geneva—each hold between 500 and 1,100 gallons of wine in progress. Cold Germanic wines, warmer French styles, and cold-stabilized finished products tower in the chilly cellar.

Attached to each tank is a handwritten index card, labeling it with type of wine, year, and other details.

A bottling machine, crusher destemmer, and neutral oak barrels are also tucked away in the cellar. Hiding in the back is a huge mounted sailfish, caught in Costa Rica by Greg—but he jokes that it’s from Seneca Lake.

When all is said and done, 5,600 cases are produced yearly, totaling 20,000 gallons, not counting the “custom crush” for those wanting to make their own personal wines.

“Those two boys—I’m just so proud of them,” says Greg.

Each family member found a role: Laure runs the office and procures supplies, Chris handles general management, Matt operates the facilities, Elizabeth offers input on the store, and Greg is rooted in construction.

In December 2012, the family bought an additional twenty acres, bringing their property up to Route 14. They’ll transform the property at the road into a casual tasting room to showcase their Scooter wines, sold in both bags and bottles, while maintaining the property near the lake as a more refined tasting experience. “It’s like this land wants to get back together,” says Greg, referring to the original parcel from the 1800s.

For now, though, Greg and Elizabeth are still in California, waiting for their house to sell and making plans to transition from Greg’s business. “In construction, it’s a constant pressure pot. It’s tough to just quit one day,” says Greg Greg was the one who originally talked Elizabeth into marrying and staying out west. But after more than thirty years of marriage, Elizabeth has finally found a way to bring her family back to her home turf. And as for the family working so closely together? Elizabeth says, “I think we’re so blessed that we all get along and love each other.”

It was meant to be.

Award-winning science writer Alison Fromme is a freelancer whose writing has been featured in Mountain Home since 2011.

17

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Heart of the Mountain

It Don’t Mean a Thing If You Ain’t Got That Swing

By Pat Davis

“How do you like to go up in a swing, up in the air so blue? Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing ever a child can do!”

—Robert Louis Stevenson

A

s a child I went from one swing to another...from the one in my backyard, to the tire swing at my aunt and uncle’s cottage on Pine Creek, and on to the tree swing at my grandparents’ at Lorenton.

I loved the feeling of grabbing the ropes in my hands, and leaning way back and looking up into the sky. The lift of my feet off the ground was a wonderful disconnection with the reality of walking solidly on the earth. I swung “into the moment”—an invitation to sail to the land of imagination. In a swing, all lands seemed possible.

Floating back and forth and going higher and higher brought those worlds closer and closer. Cares and worries disappeared and freedom was an idea realized. There wasn’t a time I was aware that I was too young to swing. Years later, the surprise to me would be I was never too old to enjoy swinging.

I remember spending hours up on Woodland Avenue on another aunt’s front porch glider. While it didn’t go up in the air, it did glide back and forth and was a delight for a kid who didn’t have one at home. I ate my lunch on it, cut out paper dolls, read books, cuddled with the dog, and took afternoon naps on it. I thought, “Perhaps adults want to keep their feet on the ground.”

Dad had returned from the war with his sailor hammock, a heavy white canvas one that had to be strung between two trees at our place on Pine Creek or two poles that held up a second story porch at our home. I did the same on Dad’s hammock as on my

aunt’s glider.

My sister and I were very competitive and used to “fight” over being there first. Sometimes we’d try to roll the other one out. If I were the winner I’d wrap the sides of the hammock around me, while my sister would violently twirl me in a 360-degree circle, trying to toss me out of the hammock.

The height of relaxation was to be left alone long enough to take a nap in it. It didn’t happen very often, but it was true luxury to even approach the thought of it. I liked seeing Dad’s name printed on it, along with other military information. I’m Pat’s granddaughter Allison enjoys that flying sensation. not sure how, why, or when and let my mind take flight. And now the hammock disappeared, but it must closer to the age of an “elderly aunt,” have been between winter and spring, I’ve also got a glider on my front porch; and most likely a decision made by my when my grandchildren visit, I note mother. them swinging away on both. Like me Forty years later I graduated to they’ve enjoyed food, books, writing, parasailing while vacationing on a and carrying on conversations with Mexican beach. I watched others take others while enjoying the constant back flight into the air with their hands on the ropes of a giant parachute and forth rhythm of relaxed moments.

Up in the air and over the wall, and float higher into the sky. After Till I can see so wide, watching for a while, I knew I had to River and trees and cattle and all join the unfettered ranks of those who Over the countryside, dreamed of imaginative flight. I was not Till I look down on the garden green, disappointed and felt like a kid with a Down on the roof so brown, new toy.

Up in the air I go flying again, Life goes on, but I never lost my Up in the air and down! love of putting up my feet and losing —Robert Louis Stevenson contact with the earth. It still seems an invitation to dream of worlds Patricia Brown Davis is a professional beyond. When I moved into my present musician and memoirist seeking stories about the Wellsboro glass factory. Contact residence, one of the first things I did her at patd@mountainhomemag.com. was to hang a swing on my back porch.

I still put up my feet, enjoy a beverage, 19

OU t d o Or s The Sentinel of the Orchard - The mighty oak of Farmers Valley

Living Landmarks

Story and photos by Roger Kingsley

O

ne fine spring day several years ago, I was shooting some landscape photography at Bohlayer’s Orchards in Farmers Valley near Troy. I had walked to the top of the steep hill above the orchard to get some shots of the apple trees in their blossoming glory when I noticed a lone tree near a fenceline separating two hayfields. The tree’s massive trunk and tremendous limb span lured me in for a closer look.

The tree turned out to be a species known as white oak. I stood in awe

20

as its broad rounded dome and giant limbs loomed over me. I couldn’t help but wonder how the tree was able to obtain such a great age, especially being in this open field. Oaks are noted for their extreme strength and resistance to strong storms that would otherwise destroy some trees, but factors such as insects, disease, location, lightning, and the ax could have easily spelled death to this lonesome giant.

Relating its sheer size to someone would be difficult without measurements, so with my arms

outstretched, I bear-hugged the trunk, marked the spot, then moved around the tree one and a half more times to complete the circle. With that handmade measurement, I estimated the circumference at fifteen feet.

Starting at the drip line, and walking west to east, I stepped off an amazing thirty-one paces, which would equate to a ninety-three-foot limb span. Wow! The height? Well, it was about as tall as our silos.

Several days after my encounter with the oak, I contacted Robert

Outdoors

Hansen, the county forester at the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in Towanda. I’d heard about a big tree program conducted by the Bradford County Forest Landowners Association, and asked Bob if we could get together sometime to get precise measurements needed to nominate the tree.

On a cold, crisp day in April, with permission obtained from the landowners, I led Bob to the mighty oak.

Big trees like this one are recorded by using a point system—a formula comprised of the circumference, height, and average crown spread.

Bob’s first measurement of the oak was taken with a diameter tape—a tape measure calibrated in units of 3.14 (pi) inches. The measurement is taken at what is known as circumference at breast height (CBH) which is a point on the trunk 4-½ feet above the ground. It came to 161 inches or 51.3 inches in diameter.

One point is given for each inch of circumference. Height is measured from the groundline to the highest point on the tree. In this case, Bob uses a clinometer—an instrument that measures slope based on trigonometry.

Bob stands at a precise distance from the trunk, and with the $100 device held at eye level, determines the height at 58 feet. One point is given for each one foot of height.

Two measurements recorded in feet are taken of the crown spread or limb span: one at the widest and one at the narrowest points. Those measurements were 96.2 feet and 102.2 feet respectively, for an average of 99.2 feet. One-fourth of a point is given for each one foot of average crown spread.

We now had the equation to calculate the total points: (161) + (58) + (¼ x 99.2) = 244 points.

So how did 244 stand up against other white oaks already entered in the program? Well, at the time, the

largest in the county had a score of 291, but the state champion—growing in Fayette County—measured up an incredible 378 points.

“State Champion?” you ask, “What does that mean?”

Well, over fifty years ago, the Pennsylvania Forestry Association— chartered in 1886—launched its Champion Tree Program to seek out and document the largest trees growing in the Keystone State. The call to search for such specimens was first made public in 1940 when a concerned Tennessee forester named Joseph Sterns announced his rally in a forestry publication, “Lets find and save the biggest trees,” he wrote.

Stern’s message involved locating and measuring the largest trees of each species in America, a program that American Forests—founded in 1875—has maintained as the National Registry of Big Trees. Since then, conservationists in all fifty states and See LANDMARKS on page 22

21

Outdoors

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the District of Columbia have accepted and promoted this worthwhile quest.

You can easily take part in the Pennsylvania Champion Tree Program. If you know where a giant tree—by your definition—has taken root, size it up using the point system formula, then check it against its own species in Tree Listings at pabigtrees.com. If you’ve found a whopper, a nomination form at the

Outdoors

See LANDMARKS on page 24

same site enables you to submit your entry for champion status. Along with your entry, include a quality photo of the tree with someone or something next to it to illustrate a sense of perspective. Who knows, maybe your nomination will eventually dethrone another.

If you’ve suddenly got the urge to track down some of these living landmarks, and would possibly consider becoming a Big Tree Tender to help oversee the big trees in your county, contact Scott Wade, the Pennsylvania Big Tree

Coordinator at wades@comcast.net. Duties of the Big Tree Tender would simply involve updating and photographing the trees every three to five years.

For those who would like a handheld list of the state’s most noteworthy trees, order the most recent copy of Big Trees of Pennsylvania. It’s a beautiful, glossy, forty-four-page booklet with a listing of over 1,200 trees comprised of hundreds of species, with snapshots of some grand beauties.

See LANDMARKS on page 24

23

Outdoors

The years of a tree’s life are recorded in the rings of its wood.

LANDMARKS continued from page 23

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A hunter, photographer, and writer, Roger Kingsley’s articles and photos have appeared in Deer & Deer Hunting and Pennsylvania Game News, among others.

Outdoors

How Old is That Tree?

I

By Roger Kingsley

t’s a common question that we’d all love to have the answer to. For the time being most of us can only speculate. Botanists tell us that two centuries are required to bring a species like white oak to maturity.

And according to Ronald Lanner, in his book Autumn Leaves, white oak trees 600 years of age were not uncommon when greeted by early colonists.

Age has never been a requirement for the Big Tree Program. Simply put, falling a tree and counting the rings to satisfy our curiosity would be asinine to say the least.

One way of estimating tree age is to multiply the diameter by the specific factor assigned to each species variety. For example, the Farmers Valley white oak was 51.3 inches in diameter. Since white oak tees are assigned a factor of 5, then 51.3 X 5 = approximately 257 years old.

A much more accurate, but very risky, method of determining the age of a tree is with the use of an increment borer. This hollow, carbide steel tool, approximately 3/16 of an inch diameter, augers into the depths of the trunk to extract a section of wood, whereby the experienced user cannot only count the rings in the removed sample, but determine growth rate per inch.

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Outdoors

BAITS or BALLS The Lunker

I

’ve heard golfers say, “After my bad showing on the course today, I might as well sell my golf stuff and take up fishing, it’s got to be better than this.” The opposite has been said when an angler goes all day without a bite. Casting lures and hitting little balls have a lot in common. Let’s take a look at chasing those green fish or a little white ball.

To b e c o n s i d e r e d s e r i o u s competitors fishermen and golfers join a club and enter tournaments. They travel from place to place for competition.

The golfer uses a motorized golf cart that carries a huge bag full of a mix of golf cubs; each club has a special use like putting or driving the ball. The fisherman rides on a boat equipped with a locker full of rod and reel outfits, each with a special lure for a different presentation to entice fish from the shallows or the depths.

Practice is required to become proficient at angling or golf. The golfer must choose the right club for the distance to the hole, the lie of the ball, and current conditions. He must

endlessly practice his stroke and master his swing. The angler must choose the right rod outfitted with the proper reel, line, and lure. He endlessly practices accuracy of cast and lure presentation, which differs for each lure and situation.

Even after much practice and improved proficiency, the athlete may become frustrated and desperate.

Both sports have tournaments through the season to advance their standing to the top position at year’s end. Golf has a tee time while fishing has a set start time. The golfers follow the group ahead of them to play the next hole, while the next group is on the green behind them. They take on refreshments and nourishment at the ninth or eighteenth hole. Fishermen run to their favorite first spot, then they randomly follow others as they move from hole to hole. They have drinks and snacks through the tournament and break out a sandwich for lunch.

Weather is no obstacle for either of these competitors: they both are out there rain or shine and seek shelter only when lightning threatens. The clubs and

Story By Fred Metarko

rods can act as lightening rods and prove to be disastrous for the nut who would defy Mother Nature.

Fishermen try for the most weight and the lunker fish, while the golfer seeks the lowest score and a hole-inone. They can tell great stories about why they sliced the ball, missed the fish, landed in the rough, or broke off a lure on a stump.

So, there are a lot of similarities between fishing and playing golf. If the switch were made, would one soon question if they made a change for the better? Would they be in a better frame of mind after a day of competition in their new venture? My daughter Lisa says it this way, “When I golf, I can just hit the ball again, and hopefully I can just hit it better the next time.

When I fish, I feel like, where are the damn fish!?”

Both groups support and promote young members in pursuing their respective sport. The Tioga County Bass Anglers appreciate Laurel Health Pro-Am’s support of their annual Kid’s Fishing Derby.

Fred Metarko, The Lunker, is a member of the Tioga County Bass Anglers (www.tiogacountybassanglers.com). He has won a steady stream of writing awards for his tales of fishing and the great outdoors.

26

Outdoors

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27

L i f e The Venerated Voice — OF — The Laurel Festival

Liz Young

By Rebecca Hazen

I

t streams across the radio waves at 10 a.m. on the dot, every Tuesday through Friday, when you turn on WNBT 1490 AM and 104.5 FM; the voice of John Antonio greeting his town: “Coming to you live this morning from Dunham’s in Café 1905 in beautiful, beautiful downtown Wellsboro.”

John’s show, Coffee Break with John, has been on air for over twenty-six years, and even though John just celebrated his ninety-second birthday at the end of May, he’s not planning on stopping any time soon.

John Antonio should be known as “community man.” Throughout most of his life, he has always had a presence in Mansfield, and Wellsboro.

He and his wife Effie married on June 28, 1947, and had a successful life 28

together, owning several businesses until Effie’s passing in 1981.

“We started what is now Benedict’s Bus Service in 1950, and had that through 1972,” John said. “We had a fleet of fourteen school buses at one point.”

John also hosted a radio show with his wife, long before Coffee Break with John was even envisioned, broadcasting from former local country music station WGCR every Tuesday.

“Some shows were done from home, and some shows where done from the theatre,” John said, noting that he and Effie also owned Mansfield’s Twain Theatre for twenty-two years.

Let’s Get Together, a kid’s show, was broadcast from the Twain.

“We would give away records and play games, such as who could whistle first with crackers in their mouth,” John

said. “Effie was a mother to all of the kids who came to the theatre.”

He pulled out a picture of Effie from his shirt pocket, a beautiful woman with curly hair. “I always keep her close,” John said, and described how they first met, while they were still just young kids.

“I had an old Ford Coupe that was acting up. I took it to her family’s garage in Nelson Township. She couldn’t have been more than fifteen at the time. She was pumping kerosene oil for a farmer.”

Once the car was fixed, John had run out of excuses to see her. So, like every young man in love, he came up with a plan.

“I would buy a jug of kerosene oil every week from her. It was seventeen cents a gallon. I would drive a mile away, and dump it into the ground, because, well, I didn’t need the oil,”

Life

John said with a chuckle.

In 1942, when John was twenty years old, he was called into the Air Force, and served with the B-24 and B-29 squadrons for four years. But he didn’t forget about the one he left behind. Nor did she forget him, and they exchanged letters the entire time he was away.

“My letters were mushy,” John said. “Hers were not.

I came to find out why, because her mother was reading the letters.”

When Effie passed away after thirty-six years of marriage, John felt that it was too risky to own the businesses without a partner, so he sold the theatre, as well as a restaurant they had owned together in Mansfield.

After twenty-five years of living in Mansfield, he moved to Wellsboro.

In the mid-1980s John felt a calling to start a local Christian radio station. In 1984, he formed a board of directors for WLIH 107.1 FM, which went on the air March 15, 1987.

After long hours running the station, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., John realized that he wasn’t getting any younger.

“One night after we went off-air, I was outside checking the transmitter,” John said. “It was down, and I was just about to touch it when I saw a spark come out of it. I could have gotten electrocuted.”

John resigned from the board and from the station at the end of 1987. Shortly after, WNBT called John and asked if he would do his own show. He was skeptical at first.

“I was all alone without Effie. We would always broadcast shows together before,” he said. But he agreed to do a trial run of shows on WNBT for six months.

“The first few weeks were tough because she wasn’t there, but I got used to it,” John said.

On Coffee Break with John, John starts the show by telling listeners the temperature, the movies playing at the Arcadia Theatre, and then, if he has a guest, he will talk to them for a few minutes.

“Wednesday guests are booked through the end of this year,” John said. “Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays are open for guests. When I don’t get a guest, I read community events.”

In the beginning stages of the show, he used to broadcast from WNBT’s studio.

“I had guests come in, but they would see the lights and the meters, and would get nervous,” John said. “So I asked Dunham’s if I could come here, and for the last twenty-six years the two back corner tables have been mine.”

His guests range widely, from Pennsylvania State Representative Matt Baker, to members of the Tioga County Human Services but the one guest that has always See The Voice on page 30

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Life

Each year during the Laurel Festival, John Antonio interviews the reigning queen before she crowns the new queen for that year.

The Voice continued from page 29

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been a constant is the reigning Laurel Festival queen.

The Friday before the new queen is announced, John always interviews the reigning queen on his radio show.

Listeners, who have grown used to John’s voice on the radio, have also come to recognize John helping out during the Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival every June in Wellsboro.

“I used to be the master of ceremonies for the Junior Laurel Queens for seven years,” John said. “It was sponsored by the 4-H Club. One year I had 137 kids up to six-yearsold. They don’t do that anymore.”

He has also announced the queen candidates at the courthouse in the past, and he is currently the broadcaster and the announcer during the Laurel Festival parade.

“My daughter Linda has been helping me announce the queens during the parade,” John said. “They come by on the float, and for me, well, they are pretty girls and that is it. My daughter can say that they are wearing chiffon gowns. I don’t even know what chiffon is.”

About the Laurel Festival, John said, “There is always a lot of action. The Chamber of Commerce works hard all year long for the one week, and I really enjoy what I’m doing to help.”

From being President of the Elkland Lions Club, to President of the Site Council of the Wellsboro Senior Center, John said, “I’ve always been a worker. I’ve always enjoyed everything I do.”

When asked if he plans on retiring from his work on the radio or with the Laurel Festival, he said point blank, and with a smile, “I’ll stop when I die. Until then, it makes me get up in the morning.”

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B i ll t o w n

Rachel Wolyniec shows Lori Burke, of Williamsport, how to backstrap weave.

A First for Everyone Story and photos by Cindy Davis Meixel

A

ll of Billtown’s a stage on the first Friday of each month when the streets and sidewalks of the downtown district transform into an impromptu theater for performers and an open-air gallery for artists showcasing a range of talents.

Pr e m i e r i n g i n M a y 2 0 0 1 , Williamsport’s First Friday initially took to the “stage” like an amateur actor, on

wobbly legs, but has since evolved into a seasoned professional basking in the spotlight, most notably during warmer weather months. The dynamic tradition now attracts over fifty artists of varying ages, skills, and mediums eager to share their creativity.

One notable feature of the city’s First Friday is an obvious energy of encouragement and appreciation—

from the organizers down to the spectators.

“First Friday is an amazing opportunity for artists of all kinds and all ages,” enthuses Beth Moser, creator of Beth Moser Designs, a collection of wearable hand-woven bead art.

“Whether you’re a professional artist, an amateur, or in between, it’s an excellent way to showcase your work.”

See A First on page 35

33

BILLTOWN

34

BILLTOWN A First continued from page 33

An artist whose creations have been featured in prominent beadwork magazines like Bead & Button as well as Beadwork’s 2012 Collectors Edition, Moser is attracted to the non-juried art show approach that First Friday offers.

“There’s an ease, a freedom about First Friday that you can feel when you’re here,” Moser remarks. “There are no limitations. Anybody can showcase their work. Often, artists are afraid to show their work, but First Friday offers an excellent stepping stone for people to show their work for the first time. It’s such a beautiful platform.”

Last month, across the street from Moser’s display was a table set up by thirteen-year-old Danielle Wesneski, selling homemade “bead creations” made with perler beads for twenty-five cents to eleven dollars.

Accompanied by her mother, Wesneski began coming to the event last year because she was establishing quite a collection of her creations and was in need of dispersing them.

“I started to get so many of them, I decided to sell them,” the youngster says, adding, “I like to sell things—I have since I was in kindergarten, selling candy bars for school.”

At the tables next to Wesneski, Beth Frear, a local author of a fantasy adventure trilogy titled Thin Greyy Line marketed her books centering on an elf pirate, and Liz Peterson, a stay-at-home mother of three wee ones, enjoyed a little time away from home, making “extra money for bills” selling her quirky, repurposed art including wind chimes made from kitchen accessories and earrings See A First on page 36

The Dunn family of Montoursville enjoys some music on Pine Street.

35

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Danielle Wesneski, age thirteen, is among the youngsters learning the business of art by participating in First Friday.

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fashioned from beer bottle caps.

City Councilwoman Bonnie Katz, one of the organizers of First Friday, says, “What First Friday has done is its opened up the possibilities of art to so many people—from the ones who are here selling and sharing their talents to the ones who are here to take it all in.

“There’s an eclectic range of art and a wide age range as well,” Katz continues. “You’ve got little Danielle, who has been participating for over a year—and she makes money! She sells her product. She’s learning how to run a business. The artists learn from each other; they watch how other people sell their art. What we’re doing, essentially, is not just promoting art, but promoting small businesses because every artist’s table out there is like a little incubator business.”

Katz owns Le Chocolat, a candy store, along with her husband, Bernie, president of the Williamsport Business Association. (The couple was featured on Mountain Home’s February 2013

cover story). Their business is the hub of First Friday where artists sign up to participate and offer a small donation fee if they can.

Last month, on the street in front of Le Chocolat, musicians from the Williamsport Area High School Band entertained a large crowd, while another throng gathered two blocks away, under the Community Arts Center marquee, listening to performers from the Adult Blues Workshop of the Uptown Music Collective, a local non-profit music school for all ages. Between the two performances, a twenty-something busker belted out folk tunes while strumming his guitar and collecting spare change in his open guitar case.

All of the activity is a sharp contrast to the early years of First Friday.

“I think the first year, we had one dance troupe and one small musical group and maybe three vendors. Still, we were all excited,” Katz recalls.

“Sometimes it was like throwing a big See A First on page 38

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A First continued from page 38

party and nobody shows up, but we stayed with it because we could see the vision of it. It definitely took a while to develop. In the last five years, it’s really boomed.”

Now the event calls for the blocking off of streets for performances and the borrowing of chairs from the city of Williamsport for concert seating.

Because of the success of First Friday, organizers added a monthly First Saturday event last August.

“The difference between First Friday and First Saturday is that First Friday is strictly art. Only artists can show their wares,” Katz explains. “On First Saturday, organizations can sell non-art items.

Not to say that we still don’t have artists, but it’s a different crowd.”

For many, First Saturday has become an “add on” to the Williamsport Growers Market, also held in the downtown district.

Due to a waiting list to get into the market, some sellers now use First Saturday as an opportunity to vend their merchandise. First Saturday also attracts non-profit organizations selling items from popcorn to prize chances.

All of the activity helps to attract potential clientele into the city where the merchants don’t mind sharing their “stage” with others because of the mutual benefits of attention and profit—with the added boost of applause.

(Above) Beth Moser selling her jewelry items during Williamsport’s First Friday. Her home business is called Beth Moser Designs.

(Below) Beth Frear, a budding Williamsport author, sells the first two books in her fantasy trilogy. Next to her is her son, Jamin.

38

Cindy Davis Meixel resides near Williamsport and is a regular spectator of First Friday fun.

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Ar t s & L e i s u r e The Return of the Queen

Provided by Susanne Lee

By Rebecca Hazen

Susanne Lee at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon near Wellsboro, 1963.

O

n Saturday evening, during the seventy-second annual Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival, after a fabulous parade through Main Street on June 15, Wellsboro’s High School Auditorium will fill with thirty-one beautiful girls wearing gowns of every color of the rainbow.

The 2012 Laurel Queen, Corrin Binford from Troy, Pennsylvania, will wait to crown the new 2013 queen. And in the stands, watching from above, will

be Susanne Lee, the queen from 1963, remembering her own moment fifty years ago when she was crowned (while wearing a dress of blue).

Susanne, who represented Sullivan Highland High School in Sonestown, Sullivan County, and who was raised in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania, is coming back to Wellsboro to celebrate the Laurel Festival. She lives in Maryland now, and she reminisced about her life growing up in small-town Pennsylvania.

“I think it was the first time ever my high school had been represented.

I have no idea who nominated me! I had been the May Queen. We did not have prom kings and queens back then,” Susanne said. “But we had a May Court.

So I think that was the reason why I was selected to go.”

Susanne credits Eagles Mere as a wonderful place to be raised. She was the oldest of five siblings, one of whom is Dr. Scott Lee of Wellsboro, and See The Queen on page 41

40

Arts & Leisure The Queen continued from page 40

“It is an amazing place in the mountains. It is the town that time forgot, with old Victorian cottages, kind of like Wellsboro,” Susanne said. “It closes down in the winter, but in the summer, when I was growing up, they still had resort hotels that would open. So in the summer things really bloomed.”

“It meant then that I had jobs in the summer. I was an usher at the play house. I was a waitress at the hotels.

It expanded my horizons to more than just Sonestown.”

There were only twenty-six students in Susanne’s graduating class, so, she noted, “Everyone was involved in everything. There were no girl sports back then. The only thing we could try out for was cheerleading so yes, I was a cheerleader,” Susanne said.

“There were a lot of outdoors activities. We played outdoors a lot. There were three girls in the town of Eagles Mere at the time, so we just did all of the guy stuff. We skied. We skied to school at least once a year, just to say that we could do it.”

Susanne remembered what the Laurel Festival was like in 1963, and noted that it was not as big a festival back then. “I do remember that I stayed with a family for the weekend. I remember being interviewed for the radio station,” Susanne said. “I assume that we were being watched throughout the weekend during the events, but there weren’t even many events as I recall. I was crowned

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Susanne Lee, representing Sonestown, Pennsylvania, was crowned the 1963 Laurel Festival Queen fifty years ago.

41

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Susanne, starting a new tradition, is returning to Wellsboro and the Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival for her fiftieth anniversary as queen.

The Queen continued from page 41

on the Green, but now I hear that they do it inside. I guess the weather just played havoc too many times,” Susanne joked.

Similar to today’s pageant, the candidates in 1963 were taken on a tour to different places in Pennsylvania.

“My father was in the state legislature at the time. I got to go to Harrisburg where they had a presentation on the State Laurel Festival and I got to speak,” Susanne said. “That was a highlight. I don’t think any queen had done that before me.

I did come back the next year to help crown the new queen, but there weren’t any events in between like there are now.”

After high school, and being crowned the Laurel Queen, Susanne set her sights on her education.

“It was an interesting time for women because it was a time when everything was opening up to us,” Susan recalled.

She attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, majoring in political science. “I spent my junior year abroad in Bologna, Italy. I came back and went to the University of Pittsburgh to get a degree in International Affairs. Then I got a Fulbright scholarship to do my thesis in Milan, Italy,” she said.

“I came to Washington D.C. and my first job was working for the poverty programs. I was interested in women’s issues, See The Queen on page 46

During her reigning year, Susanne had the opportunity to speak in Harrisburg about the Laurel Festival. On the left, is W. Stuart Helm, the Speaker of the House, next to Susanne’s father, Kenneth Lee, who was the House Majority Leader.

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Susanne grew up in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania, and enjoyed spending her time outdoors at Eagles Mere Lake. (Inset) Susanne (middle) poses with her daughter Lauren and her mother Marjorie. Susanne notes that her mother was so proud of Susanne being crowned Laurel Queen, and she talks about it often.

The Queen continued from page 45

especially in family planning,” Susanne said. “I was involved when President Nixon was trying to close down the poverty programs.”

Then she set her sights on law school, attending George Washington University Law School in Washington D.C., and went to work in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services handling Medicaid litigations.

“My real love though, she said, “which sort of comes from growing up around here, is environmental issues.

“I transferred over to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. I ended up as an assistant general counsel there and worked there for seventeen years.”

About five years ago, Susanne saw a job description that she just couldn’t 46

ignore.

“I ended up being the environmental lawyer for the government of Palau, a little island in the western Pacific. I worked there for two years. It was like a dream come true. I spent two years diving the coral reefs and also protecting them,” Susanne said.

She came back to Washington D.C. in 2010 and now she is back working part-time as a Technical Adviser to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

She has two grown children, Graham, who is a criminal defense attorney in the San Francisco Bay area, and Lauren, who was a Peace Corp volunteer in Nicaragua, is currently getting her masters in public health from Columbia University in New York.

“It’s a good life, it just keeps

rolling,” Susanne said. “We didn’t have big goals because we had these kinds of backgrounds, and incredible moms who were still traditional. It was a time when we could use the opportunities.”

“I think that being a part of the Laurel Festival and becoming queen did give me confidence. My mother was so proud of me. We joke that it was the highlight of her raising me. She is so excited that I am coming back,” Susanne said of her mom, who now lives in Williamsport.

Susanne is looking forward to coming back to Wellsboro, to see how the Laurel Festival has changed.

“I have always loved Wellsboro. I love the natural beauty. It is always fine to come back. There is no tradition yet of the queens to come back so I have See The Queen on page 49

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Arts & Leisure The Queen continued from page 46

Susanne in 1963 (above) and Susanne recently on The Green in Wellsboro, where she was crowned fifty years ago.

Elizabeth Young

Provided by Susanne Lee

no idea what to expect,” Susanne said.

“I am so excited to see what happens because Wellsboro does such a fabulous job with its promotion of the event.”

She is looking forward to seeing the crafts festival, and also to seeing her relatives lined up on the parade route as she rides down with the queen candidates once more.

When asked what advice she would give to the new 2013 queen, she said, most appropriately, “Just use it as a great stepping-stone for lots of other things that you can do in your life.”

49

F i n g e r

l a k e s

Photo courtesy of Caryl Sutterby

Happy Trails to You Specifically, the Catharine Valley Trail, which meanders from Watkins Glen to Pine Valley

By Michael J. Fitzgerald

T

he Catharine Valley Trail winds from the shores of Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen to just north of the Village of Horseheads, a roughly twelve-mile pedestrian path and bikeway offering recreation, glimpses of history, and day trip excursions that pull in as many as 20,000 people annually. It winds from Watkins through Montour Falls, Millport, and Pine Valley.

The trail retraces the paths originally taken by the Seneca Indians, the earliest residents of the Catharine Valley.

Later, Revolutionary War soldiers used the trail, along with pioneer settlers. Eventually it became a major transportation corridor leading to the modernization and development evident today.

In parts the paved trail reflects its

50

Native American roots; in others there’s clear evidence of a railroad, canal, turnpike, and trolley line, all now gone.

The trail sees most visitors during spring, summer, and fall, though cross-country skiers and snowshoe aficionados use it in winter, enjoying near-complete silence, says Caryl Sutterby, coordinator of the Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail.

This trail’s story begins with the late Ed Hoffman, an Elmira, New York, attorney who passed away in 1999. Hoffman—credited as being the modern founder of the Catharine Valley Trail—wanted people to be able to enjoy the natural beauty and learn about its rich culture. He coordinated the purchase of land along the trail that crisscrosses townships as it follows

meandering Catharine Creek.

The trail’s namesake—Catharine Montour—was the great-granddaughter of a French military officer and his Huron Indian wife. Catharine married a Seneca Indian chief and later ruled the village called Shequaga until Revolutionary War forces destroyed it.

She fled along with most of the people of the village.

Sh e q u a g a Fa l l s i s n ow t h e centerpiece tourist attraction in modern Montour Falls.

The destruction of Catharine’s village was part of a military sweep

by General John Sullivan of the Continental Army. He wiped out more than forty Finger Lakes Indian settlements believed to be helping the See Happy Trails on page 51

Happy Trails continued from page 50

British in the War of Independence.

Catharine later returned. A memorial to her is on the trail in the Village of Montour Falls Park, close to the cabin where she died in 1804.

The trail today is a partnership between counties and more than two dozen businesses, groups, and governments.

All the land was eventually donated to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation in the late 1990s when the work began to make it a usable park.

“It’s now a New York State Park,” Sutterby says. “But the state gets lots of help to keep it what it is.”

The essence of what-it-is differs from person to person.

For Amanda Smith-Socaris, owner of Seneca Physical Therapy in Watkins Glen, the trail is her daily exercise route for running, walking, and sometimes bicycling.

“It’s a great place, wild in spots, quiet,” she says. “And from a physical therapist’s perspective, well, the nice flat surface is easy on people’s knees, too.”

In the past few years, the number of bicyclists has jumped sharply. They range from spandex-clad semiprofessionals to riders slowly pedaling between trailheads, often with young children towed in trailers behind.

The bicyclists share the path with sometimes-serious hikers who start at Watkins Glen and end up at Mark Twain State Park—or vice versa.

Near the north end of the trail between Watkins and Montour, the 1,000-plus-acre Queen Catharine Marsh draws many hundreds of birdwatchers annually trying to spot birds from dozens of species and also watching the migration of geese and ducks through the area. The marsh has a spur trail off the main walkway for birders

W elcome

to

B ath

Photo courtesy of Caryl Sutterby

See Happy Trails on page 51

Catharine Valley Trail was named after Catharine Montour, born in 1710, who married a Seneca Indian Chief and ruled the Shequaga Village, which was on the southern tip of Seneca Lake. She is buried in the village of Montour Falls Park.

51

W elcome

to

H ammondsport

Happy Trails continued from page 51

who want to get a closer look by going along the swamp.

Catharine Creek, which borders much of the Catharine Valley Trail, also draws loads of anglers annually.

The Friends organize an annual spring cleanup and help keep the trail going by publishing a newsletter, maintaining a Web site, sponsoring events, and training trail stewards.

The group’s unofficial headquarters is the Montour Coffee House and Wine Bar, owned by the Friends’ president, artist Maggie Martin.

For people wanting to learn trail history, the best way might be to attend a talk by Gary Emerson, a high school history teacher and author. One Saturday a month, Emerson offers a history walk starting at the Montour Falls Library and ending several miles along the trail.

The Catharine Valley Trail envisioned by Ed Hoffman may have its last leg—a 1.5-mile stretch near Horseheads—under construction later this year.

“Next summer,” Caryl Sutterby says, her fingers tightly crossed, “Next summer the Catharine Valley Trail should be finished.”

And between now and then, another 20,000 people will probably have already enjoyed it.

Michael J. Fitzgerald is a journalist living in Watkins Glen, New York.

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Finger Lakes Wine Review

Finger Lakes

Rhine Wine Connection

By Holly Howell

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

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World versions of their worshipped European cousins.

We have something else in common. It is the proximity of natural bodies of water that help to regulate the spikes in temperature. You’ll notice that the best vineyards here are close to a lake. The lake helps to hold the winter cold into the spring, preventing the vines from breaking their buds too early. The lake also helps to hold the summer heat into the fall, to help prevent the vineyards from experiencing early frost. The lake is a vineyard’s best friend, and we have eleven of them to keep the vines quite happy!

In Europe, you will notice that many of the cool climate vineyards align the major rivers. The Rhine River, in particular, winds its way from the Swiss Alps through France and Germany before emptying out into the North Sea in Amsterdam. Along the way, you’ll find a plentitude of vines that are garnishing every bit of reflected sunshine off the river to fully ripen.

The rivers are their protectors and their nourishment. The wine regions even take their name from the rivers—the Rhine, the Nahe, the Mosel, etc.

And the grapes! These are the foundation of the stunning wines we See Rhine Wine on page 55

June 1-2 Seneca Lake Wine Festival held at Clute Park, Watkins Glen June 15 Case Club Party July 26-28 Grapehound Tour® Greyhound adoption awareness

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he Finger Lakes of New York State is a cool climate winegrowing region. Years ago, that might have spelled trouble for budding winemakers who were looking for a place to settle. But today, it is attracting some of the most heralded producers in the industry.

Cool climate means that the grapes have a shorter growing season. There are also more elements to battle, like freezing weather, which can kill the more fragile vines, and winter storms, which can damage parts of your vineyard. So why are people flocking to make wine here?

It is because cool climate can make some of the most bracing and lively wines on the planet. Despite the growing challenges, the grapes are able to retain an inherent acidity that helps to balance the sweetness and the alcohol, thus resulting in wines that are crisp and food friendly.

This is nothing new. They have known it for centuries in Europe. The northernmost regions of winemaking are the coolest, and include Germany, Austria, and parts of France (like Alsace and Champagne). It is there where many of our beloved Finger Lakes grapes originated. And thanks to our similar climate, they have successfully been transplanted here to make New

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53

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54

Finger Lakes Rhine Wine continued from page 53

know as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Muscat for the whites. There are even reds that flourish in these conditions, like Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Lemberger (also known as Blaufränkisch). Few of these grapes would rather trade their present turf for warmer destinations like the Mediterranean or Napa Valley. They like it just where they are.

The Finger Lakes is getting some great recognition, thanks to these wines. The region has received more accolades, ninety-point scores, and awards in the last year than ever before. Every week, the New York Wine and Grape Foundation announces, “More Gold!” It is overwhelming.

We have had feature articles in the New York Times and Wine Spectator magazine. Our wines have been winners at top competitions around the world. Evan Dawson’s book, Summer in a Glass: The Coming of Age of Winemaking in the Finger Lakes, won International Wine Book of the Year at the Louis Roederer Wine Writing Awards in 2012. Our own local Finger Lakes International Wine Competition attracts wine judges from fourteen countries. Tierce Riesling wine was served at the Presidential Inauguration Luncheon in January.

On top of all of that, there’s the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, which is the first big one of the year. It is also the largest in the nation with over 5,500 wine entries.

Each year, they have a series of “Best of Class” awards. For example, a winner is chosen for each white wine varietal (best Chardonnay, best Sauvignon Blanc, best Pinot Gris, etc.), and then out of all of the winners in all of those categories, one wine is picked to be the Best White Wine of the entire competition. In three out of the past four years, that honor has gone to a Finger Lakes producer.

Our time has arrived. As more people are recognizing the prowess of cool climate wines, other states, such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Vermont are also being noticed.

These wines are winning top awards as well, and joining the ranks of world-class status. So celebrate our wines this summer, and stay “cool” by sipping local!

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).

If you are interested in learning more about the wines of the Finger Lakes alongside their European counterparts, Holly will be hosting a wine cruise along the enchanting Rhine River on AMAWaterways this coming November 15th through the 22nd, 2013. The trip starts in Basel, Switzerland and weaves its way through Alsace, France and into the great German Rhein villages. Please e-mail Holly for further information Hollyh@rochester.rr.com

55

Food

&

Drink

Wendy Oppenheim, the owner of Crystal City Olive Oil, opened up her shop in part because she felt that it was difficult to find good quality olive oil in the area.

A Delicious Drizzle

By Cornelius O'Donnell

Photos by Elizabeth Young

F

or many years I’ve wandered the aisles of gourmet stores and passed bottle after bottle of Italian, French, Greek, and domestic olive oils—never inexpensive by the way—and wondered how they tasted. I hesitated to plunk down my sheckles on an unknown product. Sure you can tell a lot about the oil by its color, but I’ve been fooled by this method. I love a sprightly, fruity oil in my salad (would that be the light, yellow-green stuff?), and somewhat more “olive” flavor in the oil I use for cooking or, say, pasta sauces: perhaps the deeper-green green? I never really found my ideal—until now.

Olive Oil and Moi When I was a little kid the only olive oil I knew spelled her name Olive Oyl, and she was crazy about Popeye the Sailor

56

Man who, in turn, was crazy about spinach. My favorite and easiest way to cook spinach is just to toss it very briefly with olive oil and pine nuts in a skillet with maybe the addition of a teeny sprinkling of fresh nutmeg. I bet Olive Oyl would love it, as it wouldn’t alter her rail-thin figure. But I digress…

I can’t remember exactly what oil we used at home back in those post-WWII days. Until I started taking cooking classes in the 1960s, the words “extra virgin” simply described a female saint whose name appeared over the door of a church. And I wasn’t alone. Then cheerleader Rachael Ray came along rather emphatically championing EVOO (rhymes with “heave ho”).

Let’s get back to the subject of tasting. As I recall, on a few of those visits to the fancy markets there might have

been three bottles of oil open (maximum) and cubes of bread for tasting. Now, right at 2 West Market Street in Corning, you can taste about forty different oils and balsamic vinegars (roughly twenty of each). That’s all because Wendy and Bob Oppenheim have opened an immaculate new shop there. I talked to Wendy and her idea is to educate the cook, to find out what oil floats your lettuce leaf or lasagna noodle. “Buy what you like” is Wendy’s theme here.

And the olive oils she stocks are produced during the optimum olive oil season in the various regions and countries represented in the shop.

Now through late summer, the shop is carrying oils from the Northern Hemisphere, grown in places like Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and California. Toward the fall, they will start carrying oils produced throughout the Southern Hemisphere in places

like Chili, Australia, and Tunisia.

Interesting, Informative— and Fun I love to meet people who are enthused about their work, and Wendy is full of great ideas on how to marry the flavors in the shop. I loved her idea for a dressing that she calls “Creamsicle.” (I immediately thought of my favorite summer treats and in my twelve-yearold mind only Creamsicles beat Fudgsicles.) I listened up: Mix Cara Cara Vanilla Balsamic with any EVOO and there you have a divine dressing for mixed greens.

Mix Wendy’s Lemon Olive Oil with the Tangerine Balsamic and then drizzle this over baby or regular spinach leaves, toss in some lightly toasted pecans, crumbled Feta cheese, and real bacon bits. That ought to make any summer party memorable.

Here’s another mixture See Drizzle on page 59

(Below) Crystal City Olive Oil stocks about twenty olive oils and twenty balsamic vinegars, and buyers are allowed to taste test before purchasing. (Above) Truffle oils are used to introduce the taste of truffles in a dish. They are in fact not made with actual truffles, but are a synthetic product that combines an aroma found in truffles with an olive oil base.

See On a Shingle on page 57

57

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.

Bon appetit!

West’s Restaurant & Lounge Breakfast 7am-11am Tuesday- Sunday Lunch special Tuesday-Sunday 11-4p Dinner special 7 days a week starting at 4pm Full Salad Bar

Pennsylvania

Lycoming County

Waterville

}HAPPY ACRES

RESTAURANT & BAR

Every Monday is Bacon Night. Every Tuesday is Taco Night. Our menu offers seasonal specialties, and we have the best beer selection on the creek.

Book your next event or special gathering at the Acres.

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Friday dinner special: Homemade Fish Fry and Mac& Cheese

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2850 S. Main Street Mansseld, PA 16933 570-654-5341

Yorkholo Brewing Co. Artisan ales paired with dishes made up of local ingredients

}

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.

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

}

Wellsboro

HOUSE C H I N E S E RESTAURANT

58

}MARY WELLS ROOM AND

}THE

}DUMPLING

DONUTS

America Runs on Dunkin’.

7 days a week, 24 hours a day. (570) 724-4556, 7 Main St.

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

}DUNKIN’

Tioga County Mansfield

}EDDIE’S RESTAURANT

“like” us on facebook to receive up to date food specials, beer releases & live music 19 N. Main St. Mansfield, PA 570-662-0241

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) 7244220, 31 Main St.

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).

Food&&DRINK Drink FOOD

Stuffed olives and rubs (right) make a great addition to a meal that can be made with using ingredients from Crystal City Olive Oil. Drizzle continued from page 57

that you can conjure up at home. Wendy is most enthusiastic about mixing Basil Oil and Strawberry Balsamic and then drizzling this over sliced fresh and local strawberries. Wait! Local strawberries will be here soon. What a refreshing dish, perhaps topped with a little Crème Fraiche or low-fat sour cream. Wow! And so easy. This one kicks ordinary dipping oils out of the dining room: try Tuscan Herb Oil matched with Mission Fig Balsamic. I’m mentally dipping cubes of bread in this and salivating.

No Relation By the way, on a visit last year to Pinehurst, I visited a similar shop in the village. “Crystal City” is not part of any chain. Wendy uses a well-respected wholesaler in California and spent some time out there in training. (She was a health professional before “retirement.”)

The oils and vinegars in the shop come from many places in the world and are clearly labeled to show their origins.

Perhaps you’ll fall in love with a Lemon or Persian Lime or Blood Orange oil in the fruitscented area. Then there’s Tuscan Herb Oil or Basil Oil or the Crystal City Chipotle Infused Oil. Don’t be concerned if you don’t know “chipotle” from “chip-pan-le”—as Wendy or her staff will explain it all for you. I was also thrilled to see

Potential buyers can taste test by pouring olive oil out of the many spouts into a little plastic cup.

See Drizzle on page 60

59

Food & Drink

The balsamic vinegars come in a wide variety, from pomegranate to coconut.

Drizzle continued from page 59

Walnut Oil available, as it makes a fantastic dressing for many dishes— turkey or chicken salads are especially good—and it can be hard to find.

Light and Oil Don’t Mix The olive oils are housed in wellidentified stainless steel containers.

These containers, called Fusti, look like little beer kegs. “Light destroys oil,” says Wendy. You pick the ones you want to try and decant a bit in a paper cup. When you purchase an oil, it will be decanted into a bottle and clearly marked. And “different” oils make a dandy present for the cooks you know.

The store will ship, by the way.

While I was being bedazzled by the array of products, I picked up some of the recipes on hand. Since I was scheduled to take an hors d’oeuvre to a friend's feed, I made the unusual hummus recipe. It’s unusual because it doesn’t contain any sesame paste. It did call for quite a slug of Dark Toasted Sesame Oil. I cut back on the latter because, in my book, a little goes a very long way. The folks liked it, and I liked the fact that it went together in minutes. Ask for your copy at the store.

An Opportunity for a Small Group In addition to tasting on your own, a minimum of six folks can 60

enjoy an “Evening with Olive Oil” at the store, complete with food samples and recipe cards: all this for a nominal fee. In addition, you get 10% off your purchase that evening. If you have a gourmet club or a book club—or just a bunch of food-interested friends— wouldn’t this make a great event?

And I bet that different folks will pick different oils and vinegars—so it’s fun as well as enlightening.

Balsamic Vinegars Oops, I don’t mean to slight the vinegars. There were twenty-two on the day I was there, and with so many interesting ones to choose from you’ll find it is really fun being creative using different flavors when you pickle or marinate or just toss a salad.

Often commercial balsamics are not aged naturally. Manufacturers throw in some sugar and goodness knows what to create that sweetness we like in the true balsamic vinegars.

But buyers need not beware at Crystal City. Wendy has the good stuff.

Balsamics have a long shelf life as well. After all, with vinegars as with people, the older they get the better they become. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

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

FOOD & DRINK

}TIOGA

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) 7240990, 11 Muck Rd, www. tiogacentral.com.

}WELLSBORO

goods daily, premium hot and cold sandwiches. Enjoy breakfast all day. Located on historic Rt. 6 at the light, Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-4pm. 4 W. Main Street (Rt 6), Galeton, PA (814)- 435-2444

CENTRAL

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

New York

Steuben County 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) 962-4649, 58 W Market Street, www. gaffergrilleandtaproom. com.

}WEST

END MARKET CAFE "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. (570) 6050370, 152 Main St. www. westendmarketcafe. wordpress.com

}RADISSON

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.

Potter County Galeton

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H o m e & G a rd e n

Chamberlain Acres Story and photos by Martha Horton

Charlie Todd (left) and Glenn Miller, the proprietors of Chamberlain Acres in Southport, New York.

D

riving along Broadway in the town of Southport, New York, you would surely notice the beautifully landscaped 1895 Victorian farmhouse, painted soft gold with burgundy and cream accenting the architectural features. But you probably wouldn’t notice that behind the house is an extensive perennial nursery, Chamberlain Acres, worth a stop just to browse and enjoy the lovely woodland setting. Some visitors have referred to the nursery as “the secret garden.”

The house is the Chamberlain family homestead, built by one-time tobacco farmer Charles N. Chamberlain and his son Charles F. Chamberlain, grandfather of the current resident,

Charles H. “Charlie” Todd. The farm once occupied a large section of South Broadway, and surrounding streets still have family names: Chamberlain Street; Stacia Drive, named for Charlie’s aunt; and Pauline Drive, named for his grandmother.

Charlie grew up in the home and worked in the family’s ice cream parlor and grocery store across the street while attending Southside High School. After completing his education, Charlie left the area for a successful career with a title company, but he returned in 2003 to help his mother renovate the old home.

New exterior paint was the first improvement. The house was previously painted a solid mustard shade. The

new color scheme is repeated in the interior, with burgundy swags over sheer panels at the windows of the two parlors and burgundy walls in the dining room. Butterscotch carpeting unifies the spaces. Period furniture and family pieces “from the attic” are complemented with vintage art and artifacts, including heirloom china pieces.

Charlie preserved many original features of the interior: oak and chestnut woodwork, an open chestnut staircase, stained glass windows, a decorative fireplace—and forty-one doors! “This is the house of doors,” says Charlie. “We kids loved playing hide-and-seek here See chamberlain on page 64

63

Home & Garden

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MARTIN’S LANDSCAPE SERVICE &

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Rt. 289 Middlebury Center, PA www.martinsgardencenter.com Chamberlain continued from page 63

because all the rooms are connected.

“This house is still the family homestead,” he adds, “And this is where everyone congregates for holidays and celebrations.”

Glenn Miller, Charlie’s partner, added expert landscaping around the home and created an attractive patio area. Glenn began gardening at his grandmother’s knee in Nichols, New York, and never stopped practicing horticulture. So when Charlie and Glenn began brainstorming about how to utilize the three and a half acres of pasture remaining from the original farm, the idea of the nursery naturally evolved. Chamberlain Acres officially opened in 2007.

With thousands of potted perennials (their specialty), shrubs, trees, display gardens, and two greenhouses (a third is under way), the enterprise has grown steadily— this despite a setback last summer when a tornado lasting ten minutes sheared off forty-eight mature trees on the property while Glenn and Charlie watched helplessly from the pool, where they were taking a quick dip at the time.

The storm came up so suddenly that branches started flying around them before they could climb out of the pool.

“The majority of our plants are ‘finished’ and overwintered outside so that they can be planted as early as soil can be worked. You don’t have to wait for the ‘frost free’ date,” says Glenn. “And if you can’t find what you want here, we’ll try to get it for you.”

The nursery also features bedding annuals and hanging baskets in the spring, mums and pumpkins in the fall.

Glenn notes: “Fall is a great time to plant. The root growth the plants develop will give them a good head start in the spring.”

In the winter, the nursery has a nice selection of poinsettias and wreaths for the holidays.

The Chamberlain Acres Web site is a good resource for customers, with information on items ranging from care of clematis to deer problems to tips for wintering plants (www.chamberlainacres.com).

64

Home & Garden

Watch for upcoming trips on the Web site. Extremely popular with friends and customers are the annual bus trips to the Philadelphia Flower Show which Chamberlain Acres sponsors. Charlie and Glenn also have guided bus tours to Longwood Gardens and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.

With the goal of providing the best possible customer service, Chamberlain Acres is also providing workshops for its clientele. This March, the team offered a class on how to plant your own hanging basket, with participants leaving their botanical works-of-art to mature in the greenhouse before claiming them in May. Chamberlain Acres doesn’t attempt to compete with the big box stores. “We aim to be a nursery that can sell you plants for all seasons, all the time,” says Glenn. “We have a knowledgeable staff to assist and advise on all aspects of gardening.”

We’re the Key to Your Country Lifestyle Whether you own a large farm operation, plant a few acres or just want a dream house in the country, we want to do business with you.

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

Some of Chamberlain Acres’ perennials and spring bedding plants are arrayed in the woodland setting.

A whimsical birdhouse in a display garden is painted with the same colors as the house.

65

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$249,000

Looking for a little piece of paradise? 156 acre 8 with many out buildings and long views of the countryside. Home features 3 bdrm, 2 baths, great living area for a family or a retreat.

Exterior has a large barn, wood shed, garage with an apartment that needs to be completed, stream, pond and lots of land to raise animals or just to enjoy.

Deerfield MH-123878 $949,900

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

1850’s Farmhouse on 22.7 acres. The work is started. New roof, vinyl windows, electric, electrical box, hot water on demand heater, water pump, kitchen & bath all in the last few years. Upstairs has electrical and insulation done, just needs finishing work completed. Most of the land is across the road and is mixture of open & wooded. Large pond great for fishing. Centrally located between Mansfield, Blossburg & Wellsboro.

Covington

MH-123749

$235,000

No one around! Seclusion on end of private road on wooded 24.65 acres in Potter County. Cute Cape Cod. 3 bedroom, 1 ½ bath, fireplace, plus sunroom to enjoy wildlife.

Pike

MH-122844

$201,900

www.npennrealestate.com

Real estate

Real estate

www.npennrealestate.com

FIRST

18 North Main St, Mansfield, PA 16933 • 570-662-2200

We Do Rentals!

www.twintiersrealty.com

Where Creativity Meets exCellenCe in real estate

23 East Avenue, Wellsboro, PA www.flynnco.com — (570) 326-2600 Kathy Doty – (570) 404-1900 Suzeahn Hunt – (607) 857-9749

Wanna Rent? Walk to town! Brand new 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath town homes in Wellsboro.

Three units to choose from.

Each $1,550/month plus utilities. M123389

Magnificent 3,065 sqft 4 BR residence on over 3.6 acres in a desirable location within 3 miles from Wellsboro and easy access to major commuting routes. Features unique varieties of exotic natural stone, 5” Brazilian cherry floors, 5’ wide staircase and hallways, 8” crown molding. Master suite features bath w/floor to ceiling travertine, radiant heat floors, Kohler jetted soaking tub. Spacious working/entertaining kitchen with up to date style and amenities.

Front porch relaxation leads to beautiful views. $349,500

PRICE REDUCED! Wanna Rent? Fully furnished 3 BR, 1.5 BA farmhouse. Ideal location near Route 15.

Now Just $1,500/month.

M123061

Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

Licensed in NY and PA Kim Buchanan Ronald Gilbert (607) 857-6125 (607) 483-2241 215 West Church St. Elmira, NY 14901

For the Best in the Business Call 607-733-2700

This very special place, tucked back in a 10-acre wooded setting, is a welcome retreat. Timber frame and stone construction anchor this home to its surroundings. From custom tile work to built-in cabinetry this home offers unique features in every room! Gardens, deck, covered porch; so much to see! $215,000

NY/PA The best of both States!

This 4000+ sq. ft. home with 102 acres in NY and 56 acres in PA. This home has a beautiful view from every window and way too many extras to list. Must see this one of a kind home with 158 acres of land.

Erin, NY Farm with house, 3 large barns, pond and 88 acres with 50% OGM to convey with no current lease. This was a working beef farm with mix of pasture/ hay fields and woods. Beautiful hilltop views on a peaceful dead end road.

1545 Kilgore Rd - Gillett, PA Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath log home on 3.17 acres with 100% OGM rights.

Horse barn, shed, generator, pond, and tree house are just some of the extras.

215 W. Main St - Knoxville, PA Victorian home w/ 4 BR, 3 BA and hot tub room w/ skylight, spacious rooms, ornate oak woodwork, large foyer, oak staircase, fireplace in living room, 2nd staircase from kitchen, large rear deck, front wrap around porch, walk up attic, 2-car garage, large backyard.

15 Prospect Ridge Road Horseheads, NY One of a kind 16rm, 5BR, 5 BA Estatetype home with two car garage. 5 acres of land, 750 SF apartment above one of the garages. To many features and quality conveniences to mention. 7 fireplaces, walk out lower level to a large enclosed porch.

204 Buck Hill Road - Jackson Twp. 2 bedroom cottage or year round home located on a small private lake. This sits on 2.35 acres of secluded land. Direct access to the lake. This is in move in condition.

Kim Buchanan 607-857-6125

Kim Buchanan, (607) 857-6125

Clay Ambrose, (607) 738-8999

$649,000

$318,000

798,900

Kim Buchanan, (607) 857-6125

Ronald Gilbert, (607) 483-2241

Ron Gilbert, (607) 483-2241

This lovely 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is ready to move into. Featuring fresh paint, some new carpet, family room with wood insert, basement den and a detached 2 car garage. The yard is level and the home is an easy walk to Wellsboro, PA amenities. The front porch adds to additional entertaining. Please call today for a tour! $176,000 MLS #123730

$510,000

$166,900

$115,000

CHARMING 3 BR CAPE COD ON 1.38 ACRES in a maturely developed neighborhood, close to town and 5 minutes from Charles Cole Hospital. Open kitchen w/island, large master BR, full & dry basement, nice landscaping, concrete drive and oversized, attached 2 car garage.

MTHDLM 123671 $149,900

HISTORIC TURN-OF-THE-CENTURY FARMHOUSE on 40 acres with excellent access on a township road. Beautiful view, pond, horse barn, some fencing and round pen, very close to State Land. Snowmobile/4-wheel/hunt and horses - has it all!

MTHDLM 122441 $239,000

IMMACULATE, UPGRADED 3 BR RANCH in the Boro of Coudersport on 2.5 acres with Mill Creek frontage - a rare find! New ceramic tile counters in the kitchen and baths, large (finished inside) party garage with 1/2 bath & kitchen area, offering seclusion with access.

MTHDLM 122165 $114,900

12 BR VICTORIAN HOME IS BEAUTIFUL & HISTORIC - original 1883 Costello Family mansion, currently well-known B&B. Commercial kitchen, original woodwork throughout and a charming setting, nestled in a grove of huge maple trees close to First Fork of the Sinnemahoning Creek MTHDLM 121986 $259,900

Real estate

www.npennrealestate.com

107 Main Street Wellsboro, Pa. 16922

www.pennoakrealty.com

(570) 724-8000 65 Main Street Wellsboro, PA

570-723-1600 www.wellsboroparealestate.com

Canada Run Rd., Wellsboro Very private and secluded property less than 10 miles from town. Open design with tounge & groove ceilings and walls throughout. Nice deck around 3 sides of home, with covered front porch. Call today!

REF#10344 $169,900

Charming 4 BR house with many desirable features: 1st floor BR and bath, in-town, close to schools, park, hospital, library, theater. Carefully maintained, thoughtfully remodeled offering comfort and convenience. Four Seasons glass

sunroom off the kitchen adds to the sunny exposures, while the 2 zone hot water BB and insulation offer economical heating.

For those with a motor home, there is a hook-up to the sewer system. This home has been smoke-free for 47 years, has a nice back yard and a paved driveway.

MTHLSM 123773 $194,500

FIRST

Scott Bastion, Broker 18 North Main St, Mansfield, PA 16933 • 570-662-2200 mansfieldremax@yahoo.com • www.twintiersrealty.com

Serving Tioga, Bradford, & Potter Counties, and Surrounding Areas LAND

LAND

WARD TWP

CHARLESTON TWP

50.78 Acres - $159,840 221.47 Acres - $679,410

176.96 Acres - $545,880 200.78 Acres - $617,340

10.16 Acres - $49,900

2.36 Acres - $34,000

CHATHAM TWP

35+ Acres with OGMS! Home is located at the end of dead end road. Plenty of hunting grounds with 3 hunting stands already in place. The home with all the comforts awaits.

Also has the cabin that was originally the living quarters. Public sewer available.

Only $259,900 M123897

Wynnette Richardson 570-439-1841

Kim Case

570-404-0794

We have over 250 listings!

WELLS TWP

12.80 Acres - $59,900 ATHENS TWP

44.43 Acres - $139,900

Chris Gilbert 570-404-1268

PINE TWP

Stunning Home on 12+/- acres! 2 story brick home has an eloquent living room, library, large kitchen, breakfast nook w/French doors leading to deck, 4 BR upstairs, 2.5 BA, & downstairs BR with its own living room, full bath, & private entrance. Barn with hydrant. $299,900 M123728

Gwen Heyler 570-854-8528

Joan Miller

570-439-4313

COVINGTON TWP

21.62 Acres - $94,900 LIBERTY TWP

51.04 Acres - $127,600

Cat Ostrom-Rush 570-447-8861

Dick Pino

570-404-0852

www.twintiersrealty.com Check Them All Out Online!

Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

Real estate North

www.npennrealestate.com C eNtral PeNNsylvaNia’s ChoiCe For: COMMERCIAL, HOMES, ACREAGE, FARMS, CABINS, & RENTALS

477 Tioga Street, West Rt. 6 (One mile west of the Wellsboro Diner) Wellsboro, Pa. 16901

Call the office at 570-723-8484 www.mountainvalleyrealtyllc.com “ProFessioNals workiNg hard For yoU”

LOG CASTLE ON THE HILL-24.68 ACRES – Incredible views! EZ drive to Wellsboro. Very spacious log home offers 3 levels of living, hardwood flrs, stylish lg kitchen, 4 bdrms, 4 bathrooms. Game rm and theatre/lounge rm with must see bar leads to patio. Lg decks, porch, 2 story oversize garage.

State of the art amenities. $599,000 #123971

OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE STYLE HOME-24 AC – OGM’s! Sitting majestically overlooking the valley.

4 bdrm home offers exquisite spacious open interior with list of tastefully designed amenities. Must see wooded property offers a very spacious basement that could easily become an apartment. EZ to NY, Mansfield, & Rt.15/I-99. $429,000 #123654

PRIVATE LOGHOME RETREAT 32 ACRES – Attractive log home features a 2 sided stone fireplace with wood insert. Cherry steps to the second floor loft which offers 2 bdrms & bathroom. Spacious great rm offers cathedral ceilings & slate floors. Home boasts beautiful master suite. All this on 32 private acs! EZ to Wellsboro. $419,000. #121313

22.54 AC WITH WOWING VIEWS BETWEEN TROY AND MANSFIELD – Meticulously maintained Lindel cedar log multi-level 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.

At $375,000 Seller will convey 100% gas rights. $345,000 #123839

YOUR OWN 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.Stylish kitchen. Custom amenities including lavish master bathroom. 65 acs offer future timber potential $699,000. #123432

SUBSTANTIAL OPPORTUNITY, 124 AC, 100% 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! $1,350,000 #123516

MAGNIFICENT POST & BEAM HOME- OVER 10 AC! – Extraordinary Cedar home with private 10.78 ac. Post & Beam master-craftsmanship. Spacious kitchen boasts Cherry flrs and cabinetry. Master suite leads to deck, waterfall, and pond. 3 car 2 sty attached garage, lg sunroom, pavilion, 2 sty barn.

Receiving Royalties-100% OGMs convey. $549,000 #123902

AFFORDABLE LOG HOME ON ACREAGE! – Outstanding potential for your homestead! This setting is very private and ideal as farmette. Hefty log home overlooking the valley! Cozy, rustic interior, sunroom, wraparound porch and deck.

Property has subdivision pending from larger parcel. Available at $289,000 with only 10 acres. $380,000 #123894

ATTRACTIVE WELLSBORO HOME! – Stately exterior and very attractive lot with this Wellsboro home! Enjoy the open floor plan, patio, or gorgeous back yard. This home features 3 bdrms, 2 car garage, low traffic street accessible ramp, and full basement for potential extra living space. Make your appt. right away! $173,000 #123877

AFFORDABLE COTTAGE - WALK TO STATE GAME LANDS! – Affordable cottage tucked away on Baldwin Run in a wooded setting. Walk to State Game Lands from this two bedroom home! Property features awesome view and a stream. Ideal retreat, short drive to Wellsboro! $65,000 #123787

EXTRAORDINARY LARGE BROOKSIDE HOME! – Remarkable and extraordinary executive style home with attractive double town lot setting totaling .60 acre. 3 flr elevator, geo thermal heat/ AC, spacious and stylish interior and flr plan, and attached oversize 3 car garage. Stroll to Main St. from this gorgeous Brookside home. $449,000 #123748

RANCH HOME-13 ACRES-SECLUDED SETTING! – Gorgeous Ranch Home in a secluded 13+ acre Pine forest! This awesome home features 3 bdrms, custom high end kitchen w/stainless steel appliances, 3 car attached garage, fireplace, low cost Geo Thermal heating system, 2.5 baths, and privacy! EZ drive to Mansfield & Wellsboro! $332,000 #123713

75 AC SURROUNDED BY STATE FOREST – Words can not describe this outstanding parcel where the Stars and Heaven itself touches the ground! Deep in snowmobile country and completely surrounded

by State Forest, this is a truly a remarkable piece of Real Estate. Call for pertinent details. 24 hr. notice required. $750,000 #123667

PEACEFUL MOUNTAIN SETTING NEAR PINE CREEK. – Wonderful woodsy setting on 2.03 acres for this attractive 3 bdrm ranch home with 2 bathrooms, open floor plan, cathedral ceilings, beautiful fireplace & deck with views. Walk to Pine Creek & State Game lands from this rustic contemporary home. Bring the snowmobiles & fishing poles! $259,000 #123612

CLASSY COMTEMPORARY CEDAR HOME! – Quite a substantial attractive home offering open floor plan with cathedral ceiling, loft, stone fireplace, 5 bdrms, 3 baths, and sits on 7.59 ac. Home also offers attached 2 1/2 car garage and also a barn/ workshop with woodstove and electric. $339,000 #123597

REMARKABLE SECLUDED WELLSBORO RANCH HOME – Stunning 4 bdrm Wellsboro ranch home. Secluded setting on 8.73 acres. Multiple heat sources, open flr plan,sunroom,finished basement, mother in law suite,A/C, stream, wine cellar and underground storage units. Fronts Rt. 287 and Meade St. only 3 blocks to the hospital, shopping etc. $499,000.#123408

ATTRACTIVE HOME WITH GRAND CURB APPEAL – Delightful mix of modern updates and the charm of a past era throughout this exceptional home. Newer kitchen and appliances with sunroom dining, formal dining room, lg living room with fireplace, elegant parlor with beautiful staircase, lg bedrooms, and hardwood flooring. $179,000 #123242

STUNNING LOG HOME-PRIVATE 39.94 ACRES – Newer 3 bdrm log home offers spacious loft, 2 baths.

Lower level with walkout provides a sophisticated master suite with bathroom which leads to private porch and hot tub. Cathedral ceilings in kitchen and living room. Attached lg 2 car garage and lg 3 car detached garage/workshop. $450,000 #122992

COZY & SECLUDED LOG CABIN -10+ ACRES – This cabin sits in private setting in the woods and would be ideal for a hunting camp or family retreat! Home was built in 2007 and has a finished basement for extra living space. Won’t last long.

Short drive to Route 15 and Williamsport or Mansfield, Pa. $164,900 #123512

LOG CABIN ON 33 ACRES WITH 100% OGMS – VACATION, HUNT, SNOWMOBILE! Here’s your dream property with 33+ acres, unleased 100% OGMs! Log cabin offers secluded setting in the PINE CREEK VALLEY with long views, ROW to State Forest, great solitude for relaxation. Short drive to PA Grand Canyon and Wellsboro. Call for pertinent details! $299,000 #122922

M a rk e t P l a c e

Still in the Saddle at Willard’s

By Morgan Myers

I

magine Williamsport in the late 1800s, back when oil lamps outnumbered light bulbs and people traveled by horse-drawn carriages.

That’s when Willard’s Saddlery, known then as the “Williamsport Saddlery Co.” first opened its doors to business. More than a century later, the retailer is still in operation. “When Willard’s started in 1897, it catered to a community that relied on horses for transportation.

We sold a lot of bridles, harnesses, and saddles,” says Ron Quigley, who owns and operates Willard’s Saddlery with his wife, Sue. But by 1940, automobiles had replaced horses, and Willard’s Saddlery stopped selling equestrian goods.

“We evolved our product line with the times,” Ron says. “Now we focus on first-quality leather goods instead of saddles.” From wallets and boots to briefcases and jackets, leather is Willard’s best-selling product.

“We feature a line of ladies’ handbags and men’s leather belts made right here in Williamsport by Tory Leather,” Sue says. Willard’s offers as many American-made products as

Willard’s Saddlery 825 Westminster Drive Williamsport, PA 17701 570.322.4255 www.willardssaddlery.com

possible, especially from companies that have withstood the test of time.

“We carry Carhartt and Pendelton, both American brands that have been around since 1889. We have apparel by Filson, a Seattle-based outdoor clothing company that started in 1897,” Ron adds.

The 9,000-square foot operation sells a lot more than just leather.

Willard’s stocks blankets, clocks, jewelry boxes, and even iPhone accessories. Due to recent demand, they also started carrying flame-resistant clothing.

“When a customer comes in and can’t find something, we try to get it for them,” Ron says.

No r d o e s Wi l l a rd’s c h a r g e for specialty orders, gift wrap, or personalization. “It’s about keeping the customers happy and doing extra things like that,” Sue says.

So when a customer wanted a personalized clock with a brass plate engraved with the message, “The gift of time,” it was done. “We also burn or inlay leather with gold or silver. We can do names and messages. We personalize a lot of products for retirement celebrations and anniversaries, all free

Morgan Myers

Willard’s back in the day. (Right) Ron and Sue Quigley have owned it for forty-five years.

of charge,” Ron says.

The Quigleys say they owe Willard’s longevity to the quality of their products and their emphasis on customer service.

“We don’t try to compete with the discounters,” Ron says. “We do an upscale operation.”

“Our customers are our friends,” Sue says. “When they come in we ask about their children and grandchildren.

We keep toys behind the counter for the kids to play with.”

Although the Quigleys aren’t related to the original owners, Willard’s Saddlery has stayed in the same family since Sue’s father bought the business in 1968. Sue and Ron took over the business shortly thereafter.“We’ve been running it for over forty-five years,” says Ron. “Our daughters grew up in the business and now they bring in their children. We set up their Pack ’n Play and I get to see my four grandchildren almost every day,” Sue says. “I love it.”

After graduating from Lycoming College, the Quigleys’ two daughters decided to stay in the area to help with See Still in the Saddle on page 72

71

Marketplace Still in the Saddle continued from page 71

�on�� �e� �o�r dream� go �o�d . . . �e�ig� ��e �ife����e �o���e been dreaming of.

230 Market Street Lewisburg, PA 17837 570.524.2300

www.ralad.com

We offer residential home design based on your specifications.

Contact us for a FREE consultation & discover how we can make your dream home a reality.

Prime Wellsboro Properties Land and Commercial

Historic Church on 2.5 Acres

This large church is one of Wellsboro’s most historic buildings, the second-oldest in Tioga County, and mentioned in the National Register. Short walk to downtown, 5,000 square feet if made to two floors, plus 2.5 acres zoned for many uses including grand house, public uses, and a townhouse development with 33 bedrooms. Drawing by Land Services Group completed. The last big investment opportunity involving downtown Wellsboro lots and land.

Scott Walker, 570-295-1083 72

Residential

Highland Street Treasure

Spacious rancher overlooking beautiful downtown Wellsboro, one block walk to town, 4 BR, 2.5 bath, fireplace, solid maple floors, spacious kitchen with new appliances, attached garage, and a full, large basement. 1.71 acres, fenced yard, perfect for a family, children and animals.

Call (570) 439-1190 For more info or to schedule a tour

Willard’s Saddlery.“ We’re absolutely thrilled our daughters took an interest in the family business. They’re a big help, especially with the buying,” Sue says.

Willard’s Saddlery offers two floors of a variety of designer merchandise. The Vera Bradley line recently has exploded in popularity, although Willard’s has been carrying the designer for over twenty years. “The wives shop for Vera Bradley purses downstairs while their husbands shop for hunting and fishing gear upstairs,” Sue says.

About 75 percent of their business comes from locals and people in surrounding areas like Danville and State College. Little League season brings a repeat influx of additional customers.

“Retail isn’t as easy as people think,” Sue says, laughing. “But it can be a lot of fun, too.” The most hectic time for Willard’s is the Christmas season, when the store does the most business. “That’s by far our busiest time of the year, and we do a lot of advertising,” Ron says. “We only close for Christmas day because the day after Christmas is just as busy as the day before.”

Despite the challenges of retail, it’s easy to see that the Quigleys love what they do for a living. In Williamsport, where big box stores and retail chains are plentiful, homegrown Willard’s Saddlery is a unique asset.

“We really try to give back to the community. Every year we raise money and donate to charitable causes like research for children’s illnesses,” Sue says.

“Buying something from the Internet doesn’t support the community.

Small businesses like ours support the community,” Ron adds “Williamsport is just a nice area with lots of wildlife,” Sue says. “I saw a deer on the way to work this morning. The town is small enough that you really get to know people.”

When asked to describe his favorite part about Williamsport, Ron answers simply: “It’s home.”

Morgan Myers, a new contributor to Mountain Home, also writes for the Williamsport Sun Gazette and the River Valley Living magazine.

Mountain Home

Professional Services

Service Directory Beneath The Veil, The Realm of Faery Awaits

Mind…Body…Spirit An Enchanting Gift Shoppe Est. 2000 6 East Avenue Wellsboro, PA (570) 724-1155 www.enchanted-hollow.com

A rare gem.

A vanishing species.

A real bookstore!

Otto’s Since 1841

“a booklover’s paradise”

Open:

107 West 4th Street

Mon-Fri. Williamsport, PA 9-8 570-326-5764 or Sat 9-6 toll-free 888-762-4526 Sun 1-4 ottobook@comcast.net

Shopping

Lodging

www.ottobookstore.com (with 3 ½ million books and E-books)

Games Imagination Fun

Metal Earth models make great gifts for Dad and Grad!

Check out our facebook page for events.

www.popscultureshoppe.com 2 East Avenue Wellsboro, PA 16901

570-723-4263

73

B a c k o f t h e M o u n ta i n

Barn-Bound Bo

By Dave Milano

B

o loves to poke around the barn, especially in the first warm days of spring when the mouse-hunting is at its best. On this day the hunting must have been particularly good—Bo was so engrossed in the chase that he neglected to follow us outside after chore time. Normally he would have howled us back, but instead opted for a patient interlude, happy enough to have some fresh air and keep a lone eye on the passing world.

74

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