November 2012

E E R F he wind

as t

Will The King Survive?

The majestic white tail, and the noble hunter, search for a new world.

by Gregg Rinkus

Big Game from a Wheelchair Hot Holiday Gifts!

Warm winter, the Old Way

NOVEMBER 2012

Hang Dang, DO Breast Surgical Oncology

Guthrie Cancer Center Welcomes Dr. Hang Dang as a Breast Surgeon Dr. Hang Dang is fellowship-trained in the latest techniques for breast surgery to preserve the breast’s natural look when possible.

She joins Guthrie offering women more choices for breast cancer treatment, including: • Ultrasound and stereotactic breast biopsy • Nipple-sparing and skin-sparing mastectomies • Breast cancer surgery with reconstruction

Guthrie Breast Surgery Team: Richard Damian, MD Hang Dang, DO Anthony Gillott, MD John Olmstead, MD Matthew Reppert, MD

Dr. Dang brings compassion and expertise to treating your breast cancer. She and the Guthrie cancer specialists will develop a team approach to determine the best treatment plan for you.

If recently diagnosed with breast cancer, have breast pain or would like a second opinion, consider Dr. Dang, by calling

570-887-2265.

www.guthrie.org

Volume 7 Issue 11

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Looking Back: All the News That’s Fit to Tell

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Will the King Survive?

By Gregg Rinkus The majestic whitetail, and the noble hunter, search for a new world.

By Joyce M. Tice

Long before the Internet, a town’s wireless communication hub was the general store.

22

Reading Nature: Small is Beautiful

By Tom Murphy

A children’s book about insects inspires our columnist to find the wonder in little things.

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18

The Hunt of a Lifetime

By Rebecca Hazen All heart, Gene Morgan did not let his wheelchair stop him from bagging an elk in Colorado.

A Warm Winter, The Old Way

By Jo Charles

They live on top of shale gas, but these Pennsylvania folks still heat with wood.

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Service, Dignity, and Honor

By Rebecca Hazen

Bound by law and honor, our vets have attended 191 veterans’ burials.

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They Might Be Giants

By Carol Myers Cacchione

A backyard surprise recalls the legendary Cardiff Giant of 19th Century upstate New York.

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Salt & Prepper

By Jo Charles Rural wisdom teaches us to prepare for life’s rainy days, if not doomsday.

47

Holiday Wine & Food Pairings

By Holly Howell

From our wine writer’s parents’ cooking school come truffled popcorn, poinsettia cocktail, and other holiday delights.

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49

Watched Pots, Part II

By Cornelius O’Donnell

The Galloping Gourmet, Martha Stewart, and Maria Batali romp through TV chef history.

55

Mother Earth: Woolly Bear Wisdom

By Gayle Morrow

Catepillars look back, not ahead, to a gentle winter.

Editors & Publishers Teresa Banik Capuzzo Michael Capuzzo Associate Publishers George Bochetto, Esq. Dawn Bilder Managing Editor Derek Witucki D e s i g n & P h o t o g r ap h y Elizabeth Young, Editor

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Staff Writer Rebecca Hazen

Lather, Rinse, Repeat

By Rebecca Hazen

Heidi Hart started making pure soap for her family, and ended up with her own business.

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Back of the Mountain

By Anne Sutley Miller

Snap a Salute

Hauber’s Jewelry Diamonds & Quality Jewelry Bulova & Seiko Watches and Clocks Fenton, Charms, Trophies and Engraving

We buy scrap gold

We’re on Facebook!

Cover Artist Tucker Worthington Contributing Writers Sarah Bull, Angela Cannon-Crothers, Jennifer Cline, Barbara Coyle, Kevin Cummings, Patricia Brown Davis, Georgiana DeCarlo, Clint Decker, John & Lynne Diamond-Nigh, Lori Duffy Foster, Jen Reed-Evans, Audrey Fox, Alison Fromme, Donald Gilliland, Steve Hainsworth, Martha Horton, Holly Howell, David Ira Kagan, Roger Kingsley, Adam Mahonske, Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Cindy Davis Meixel, Suzanne Meredith, Fred Metarko, Karen Meyers, Dave Milano, Gayle Morrow, Tom Murphy, Mary Myers, Jim Obleski, Cornelius O’Donnell, Roger Neumann, Becca Ostrom, Thomas Putnam, Gary Ranck, Gregg Rinkus, Linda Roller, Kathleen Thompson, Joyce M. Tice, Linda Williams, 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, Anne Davenport-Leete, Ann Kamzelski, Ken Meyer, Barb Rathbun, 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 Jae Zugarek Jesse Lee Jones S pe c i a l T h a n k s t o O u r I n t e r n Eric Parks B ea g l e Cosmo Assistant B ea g l e

t o t h e b ea g l e

Yogi Training Rue

in

115 North Main Street, Coudersport, PA 16915 (814) 274-9825

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

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)

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

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

Photo by Elizabeth Young

Doings ’round the Mountain

November

Hark Hear the Bells Ringing in the Holidays with Music Through the Ages

Whether it’s Carol of the Bells, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Feliz Navidad, or Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, everyone has a favorite holiday song.

There’s something magical about the joyous songs heard once a year. Enjoy your beautifully sung holiday music this year at Mansfield University’s Annual Holiday Choral Concert. The exciting theme for this year’s event is Holiday Music Down Through the Ages. The music that the men’s, women’s and mixed choirs will perform was composed as far back as the sixth century through 2012. How exciting to hear your cherished holiday favorites as well as some new songs you may add to your holiday play list! The show goes out with a bang as the finale, “Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas,” sung by the combined choirs, incorporates familiar musical styles throughout music history and includes a smash ending. Start off this holiday season with a song in your heart. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children, and free for MU students with ID. Bring the entire family on a musical trip through time on Friday – Sunday, Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 at 7: p.m. (Steadman Theatre, Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA; 570-6624714; sgregori@mansfield.edu).

Bah Humbug

By Jen Reed-Evans Even Ebenezer Scrooge Would Change His Mind

Wellsboro’s charming streets are transformed to a time fit for Charles Dickens. Decorations twinkle, carolers harmonize, and the smell of warm food swirls through the crisp air. Women stroll in gorgeous, floor-length dresses with warm stoles; men in fancy suits may tip their tall hats to you; you may even spot a little match girl. The time-period characters are just one of the many treasures of the 29th annual Dickens of a Christmas celebration.

This magical event is packed to the brim with wonderful holiday activities.

Take time to shop in the local stores or at the numerous vendors, enjoy live musical and theatrical performances, indulge in decadent food, enjoy the tree-lighting ceremony, or spend some quality time with Santa. If you come all three days of this fantastic celebration, you could not possibly do and see everything. This is truly a family tradition to start this year! A complete list of all of the wonderful events can be found online—check them out so you don’t miss a thing.

Dickens of a Christmas is Friday – Saturday, Nov. 30 – Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 has several Hamilton Gibson productions of “A Christmas Carol” still available to see. (Sponsored by Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, 114 Main St., Wellsboro, PA; 570-724-1926; www. wellsboropa.com).

All the World’s a Stage Enjoying the Theatre – Regardless of Age

The lights dim, the crowd hushes, and the show-starting curtain gives way to a whole new world. The Clemens Center’s School-Time Series takes that same magic and gears it toward school-aged children—allowing them to develop a passion for the arts. This month offers some truly spectacular performances that children (and adults) are sure to be talking about for a long time. ImaginOcean follows sea creatures Dorsel, Tank, and Bubbles in a fun undersea adventure. The innovative glow-in-the-dark musical showcases a score of swing, R&B, and big band music and teaches children Pre-K – third grade about science, cooperation and teamwork and communication.

This splash of a show is on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Another show is Bunnicula, the tale of a suspicious new pet rabbit. Lock up the veggies, because strange things happen at the Monroe household and Chester the cat and Harold the dog are pointing their paws at the new bunny. This performance based on the books of James and Deborah Howe teach children in grades 2–6 about communication and language arts, music, and relationships and family.

This “hare”-raising show is on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Tickets for each show are $4. (Clemens Center, 207 Clemens Center Parkway, Elmira, NY; 607-733-5639; www. clemenscenter.com/schooltime/).

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? I See a Captivated Audience Looking At Me

“Read it one more time!” And even if your eyes were sleepier than your tucked-in tot, you gave in. Most children and parents could probably recite at least one of Eric Carle’s stories by heart. Slip into your coziest pajamas and enjoy free cookies and milk in the Community Arts Center’s Lounge for a pre-show pajama party. When you’ve sipped your last drop of milk snuggle into your seat and enjoy as the triple-bill highlights three of Eric Carle’s most beloved tales. Listen to the evocative music, and watch in awe at the stunning visual effects and innovative puppetry as characters from The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Papa Will You Get The Moon For Me, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? come to life. This hour-long performance entertains, educates and delights. Children will be amazed as their treasured story-time characters pop off the pages of their books and become real. Tickets are on sale now and are $5 for student and balcony seating, $15 for loge and orchestra seating, and $20 for front orchestra and sterling. Don’t miss this fun, family treat on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m.

(Community Arts Center, 220 West Fourth St., Williamsport, PA; 570326-2424; www.caclive.com/index. php/family/ericcarle).

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MUSIC 15-16 Jagged Little Pill: Two

Decades of Women in Rock –

Women rock! The Uptown Music Collective presents Jagged Little Pill, a performance that celebrates the role of women in rock music from the 1990’s through the hard rock and female-dominated pop music of today. Enjoy presentations of the songs of iconic arts like Alanis Morrisette, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Gwen Stafani, and Ani DiFranco. The show is guaranteed to be a good time and will pay a well-deserved tribute to the fantastic female voices that have defined rock music for two decades. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Rock out on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 15 and 16, at 7:30 p.m.

(Community Arts Center, 220 West Fourth St., Williamsport, PA; 570326-2424; www.caclive.com/index. php/music/uptown).

17 Metropolitan Klezmer – Gearup for an exhilarating musical performance by one of the finest American klezmer bands! Corning Civic Music Association presents Metropolitan Klezmer, an awardwinning group of New York musicians who magically blend the best of the classical and world music scenes. Sway and tap your feet to the Yiddish swing and tango, Latin jazz, zydeco, reggae, and baroque, complete with a staggering array of instruments and multi-lingual vocals.

Metropolitan Klezmer’s music from their four award-winning CDs has been heard on HBO documentaries and Public Radio International.

Tickets are $40 or purchase a membership today. Don’t miss this show at the Corning Museum of Glass on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. (Corning Civic Music, P.O. Box

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1402, Corning, NY; 800-531-3679; www.corningcivicmusic.org).

30 Dickens of a Concert – Get ready for the holidays with a concert full of Christmas cheer. All four of Hamilton Gibson’s Choirs celebrate the holiday season and kick-off the Dickens of a Christmas weekend with a full concert. Enjoy as the harmonious voices rejoice within the beautiful walls of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in charming Wellsboro.

Tickets are just $8 for adults and $4 for children and students. (Hamilton Gibson Productions, 29 Water St., Wellsboro, PA; 570-724-2079; www. hamiltongibson.org).

GALLERIES/MUSEUMS 1-30 Liz Parrish Solo Exhibition – Dive into the mind of Liz Parrish and find the strange beauty in abandoned places, strange pets, and dream-like interpretations of friends and family. Her work is primarily done on wood and the simple, yet charming figures are interestingly eerie, raw, and beautiful in a modern folksy style. Parrish’s exhibition can be viewed now through Dec. 22 at the Converge Gallery. Their hours are Wednesday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

(Converge Gallery, 140 West Fourth St., Williamsport, PA; 570-4475778; www.convergegallery.com).

1-30 SOAG’s Members Show – The State of the Art Gallery (SOAG) is a non-profit organization that seeks to enhance cultural experiences to the community by brining contemporary art exhibits to the area. This month through Dec. 2, SOAG’s members will have their own unique pieces of art on display. Their work can be seen Wednesday – Friday from noon – 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from

noon – 5 p.m. Come in and enjoy the show! (State of the Art Gallery, 120 W. State St., Ithaca, NY; 607-2771626; www.soag.org).

4 El Dia de Los Muertos Celebration – Visit the Rockwell Museum of Western Art and celebrate El Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). El Dia de Los Muertos is a festival of “welcome” for the souls of the dead and the celebration is prepared and enjoyed to honor those that have passed. This ancient celebration can be traced back to the Aztec civilizations in Mexico. This free event offers observing the creation of a traditional alter (ofrenda) by folk artists. Enjoy this cultural experience on Sunday, Nov. 4, from 1 – 3 p.m.

(Rockwell Museum of Western Art, 111 Cedar St., Corning, NY; 607937-5386; www.rockwellmuseum. org/El-Dia-de-Los-Muertos.html).

27 Lunchtime Lecture: Andrew Erdos – The Corning Museum of Glass offers Artist-in-Residence programs at The Studio to encourage emerging artists working in glass.

Lecturer Andrew Erdos’ work is funny, sarcastic, and has a hint of social commentary. He enjoys seeing the complexity that lies within relationships and forming that into art. All of the Lunchtime Lectures are free. Join Erdos on Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 12 – 1 p.m. (The Corning Museum of Glass, One Museum Way, Corning, NY; 607-937-5371; www.cmog.org/event/lunchtimelecture-andrew-erdos).

THE THEATRE 7 Imperial Acrobats of China

presents Chi of Shaolin: The Tale of the Dragon – Yan Yan Zhao and

Guy Caron of Cirque de Soleil’s Ka and Dralion team up for a riveting

tale of a thief who is left for dead, rescued by Shaolin monks, and transforms on his quest for healing.

The amazing show is full spellbinding acrobatics, traditional and modern dance choreographies, and fantastic displays of the legendary Gung Fu and Wushu Martial Arts skills of the Shaolin Monks. Tickets are $5 for students and balcony seats, $25 for loge and orchestra seats, and $35 for front orchestra and sterling.

This incredible for-all-ages show is on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m.

(Community Arts Center, 220 West Fourth St., Williamsport, PA; 570326-2424; www.caclive.com/index. php/family/imperialacrobatsofchina).

9 Ron White – Get ready for laughs when the cigar smoking, scotch drinking Ron “Tater Salad” White takes the stage at the Clemens Center. His credits include Grammy nominations, a Gold Record, three of the top rated specials in Comedy Central history, a New York Times Best Seller book, and over 10 million CD and DVDs sold. White’s standup show, the Moral Compass Tour tickets are $49.75 and $59.75. Be prepared for a night of chuckles on Friday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. (Clemens Center, 207 Clemens Center Parkway, Elmira, NY; 607-733-5639; www.clemenscenter.com/calendar/ ronwhite.aspx).

9-11, 15-17 The 39 Steps – What would happen if Alfred Hitchcock, Monty Python and Buster Keaton all got tangled together? You would have a zany spoof of a comedy, mystery, adventure story of course! Hamilton -Gibson’s The 39 Steps at the Deane Center is sure to be a crowd-pleasing show. Prices are $15 for adults, $6 for children, free for all students and $10 for all other seats on Saturday, Nov. 10, and pay-what-you-can on Sunday,

Doings, cont.

Nov. 11. All shows are at 7:30 p.m. except the Sunday, Nov. 11, showing at 2:30 p.m. (The Deane Center, 104 Water St., Wellsboro, PA; 570-7246220; http://deanecenter.com).

10 John Lithgow Stories By Heart – The Tony and Emmy Award winning actor, John Lithgow offers a touching and humorous reflection on storytelling in his one-man theatrical memoir, Stories By Heart. Lithgow traces his roots as an actor and storyteller and tells the tales of family members, friends, and outrageous characters including a parrot. His second tale is a contrasting, dark and comic look at Midwestern American implacability.

Tickets are $35, $47.50, and $60. This performance is on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m. (Community Arts Center, 220 West Fourth St., Williamsport, PA; www.caclive.com/index.php/ theater/johnlithgow).

COMMUNITY EVENTS 4 Eastern PA Toy Run – Rev up your bike, jeep or car for that matter and be part of the Eastern PA Toy Run! The 124.7 mile run is a great way to participate in a parade, get out on the open road and donate toys for great causes. Toys go to the Toys for Tots of Berks and Lebanon County and the Children’s Home of Reading. If you can’t make the ride, toy donations and monetary donations used to purchase more toys are always welcomed. The ride will stage at Classic Harley-Davidson on Route 183 in Bern Township on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 8 a.m. (610-451-5476; http://easternpatoyrun.com).

9-11 Goodies For Our Troops – Everyone loves the holidays—sharing good food and holiday cheer with friends and family. Our American servicemen and women love it too, but many of them are deployed, far away from friends and family. Make their holidays a little bit brighter by dropping off donations and care packages to be sent overseas. Letters, cards, pictures, toiletries, snacks, books, games, movies and more would put a smile on someone’s face this holiday season. Our servicemen and women lay their lives on the line so we can safely enjoy our holidays.

Shouldn’t we help them enjoy theirs?

Drop off thoughtful Christmas and New Years care packages from 1-6 p.m. on Nov. 9-11. (87 Main St. (Main and Crafton) Lower Level, Wellsboro, PA; 570-662-5601; Goodies@ptd.net).

10 Nessmak Rod & Gun Club’s Chicken BBQ – Warm and tasty barbecue can be found Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Agway parking lot in Wellsboro. Support the Nessmak Rod and Gun Club. $6 for half a chicken. Tickets are available early at Balsam Real Estate Co. in Wellsboro. (570-723-7200).

11 Platinum Bridal Expo – Going to the chapel? And you’re going to get married? Then don’t miss out on this opportunity! The Special Event Network’s Finger Lakes Platinum Bridal Expo at the Elmira Country Club will be your one-stop wedding planning destination. See the latest trends, concepts, ideas, products and services to fit every budget. There will

be bridal fashion shows, live music, photo booth photos, tastings, limos, displays and door prizes. There is free admission, free bridal magazines and more! Go online and register for additional drawings before you attend the show on Sunday, Nov. 11 from 12 – 3:30 p.m. (Elmira Country Club, 1538 West Water St., Elmira, NY; www.senbridalshows.com).

17 Cheese Trail Holiday Open House – Do you need a little (or a lot) of cheese to go with that wine?

Cruise down the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail and stock-up on all the sharp, mild, creamy, crumbly, herb or spicy cheeses you can think of. Be sure to pack your cooler for your dairy delights and take lots of pictures too as holiday decorations will be up at the more than 14 participating member farms. The cheese extravaganza is Saturday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (http//flcheesetrail.com).

FAIRS/FESTIVALS 24 Holly Days – Kick off the holidays with Horseheads’ 28th annual Holly Days sponsored by the Chemung Sunrise Rotary! Enjoy the many food, crafts and other vendors.

There is a fantastic parade and Santa himself will make a special appearance! Cheer on the free, local entertainment, such as Heather Bennett’s Dancin’ to the Rhythm’s award winning dancers. Come out to the fun-filled Holly Day festival on Saturday, Nov. 24, from noon – 5 p.m. in Historic Hanover Square.

(Hanover Square, Horseheads, NY; www.chemungsunriserotary.org/ hollydaysnew.html).

24 Craft Fair – Come browse all the wares at the Williamsport Area High School Craft Fair. This event is put on by the WAHS Baseball Booster Club. There will be over 100 local and regional artists and crafters.

What a perfect opportunity to get some holiday shopping done or just pick some things up for yourself! Get ready to shop on Saturday, Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Williamsport Area High School, 2990 West Fourth St., Williamsport, PA; 570-3238411; albnet7865@yahoo.com).

WINERIES 10-11, 17-18 Keuka Holidays

on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail – Make this holiday season a

memorable one by spending the weekend on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Each winery offers samples of their finest wines complemented by small plates of hearty winter foods.

Ticket holders will also receive a handmade grapevine wreath at their starting winery and collect and ornament at each winery they visit.

The wineries will all be decorated for the season and the gift shops stocked with unique and locally crafted items perfect for gift-giving. Weekend tickets are $37 per person or $57 per couple, $5 for designated drivers.

This event sells out every year! Join the fun Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 -11 or Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17 -18. (800-440-4898; www. keukawinetrail.com).

16-18 Deck the Halls Weekend on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail – The 7

Doings, cont. warmth of the holidays overflows at Seneca Lake during the 19th annual Holiday Shopping Spree. In addition to sampling delicious wine, take home a souvenir wineglass, a grapevine wreath, specialized ornaments from each winery and holiday recipe cards.

As a bonus, participants will receive a Shopper’s Discount Card that can be used at each winery during the event and they will be eligible to win a one of the grand prizes such as a stay at a gorgeous, local bed and breakfast, a wine trail season pass for 2013, and more! Tickets in advance are $35 per person and $50 per couple, $5 off for designated drivers and $5 more if purchased at the door. Don’t miss out on Friday – Sunday, Nov. 16 -18, (www.senecalakewine.com).

16-18, 30-Dec. 2 Holiday

Shopping Spree on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail – There are double

the chances to enjoy a weekend of fun and festivities while sampling holiday wines and foods. The wineries are decked for the seasons and full of holiday cheer. Start at your assigned winery and collect recipe cards and keepsake ornaments to decorate your grapevine wreath. The cost is $48 per person and $70 per couple. The weekends of fun and relaxation are Friday through Sunday, Nov. 16 – 18, and Friday through Sunday, Nov. 30 – Dec. 2. (http://cayugawinetrail. com/events/1/19th-annual-holidayshopping-spree-Nov.-16-18).

OUTDOORS/SPORTS 1-30 Swimming at the Y – It might be getting cold outside, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t go swimming!

Williamsport’s YMCA offers a wide range of swimming activities every day in their multiple pools. Whether you would like to do laps in the exercise pool, take aqua boot camp or aqua zumba, or simply relax with the family during family swim, the Y has it all. They have affordable monthly and annual rates available so you can take advantage of their great pools and many other fitness and family opportunities as well.

For more on Aquatics, call 570-3237134 ext. 25. (River Valley Regional YMCA, Williamsport Branch, 320 Elmira St., Williamsport, PA; www. williamsportymca.org).

3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 Ice Skating – Don’t let the Jackals be the only ones to tear up the rink! Lace up your skates and head out on the ice at First Arena’s rink. What a fun way to spend an afternoon. If you’re really feeling adventurous, check out their schedule for drop-in hockey or broomball. Public Skate is $5 for adults and $4 for youths under 17 and seniors 65+. Have a blast every Saturday and Sunday from 2 – 4 p.m.

(First Arena, 155 North Main St., Elmira, NY; 607-734-7825; www. firstarena.com).

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

The Granger Homestead Presents

November 9, 10, & 11 Fri. 1-7 Sat. 10-6 Sun. 10-4 Enjoy the Charm of a Quiant European Village in the Heart of Historic Canandaigua

A one-of-a-kind shopping and holiday experience featuring: Over 110 Juried Artisans Food, Wine & Beer, German Specialties Under Large, Heated Tents Live Music and Family Entertainment Photos with Santa and Christkindl Angel Elf School - Lantern Parade 5pm Saturday

Admission: $6 - Under 12 Free Festival of Trees - Fabulous holiday exhibit of over 100 unique community creations displayed throughout the Granger Mansion.

Many items available through Silent Auction - NOV 9 - DEC 8

GRANGER HOMESTEAD & CARRIAGE MUSEUM 295 North Main Street ~ Canandaigua, NY 14424 585-394-1472 www.canandaiguachristkindlmarket.com

The Wellsboro branch staff shows their team spirit!

Employees from all 26 offices of Citizens & Northern Bank are celebrating C&N’s first place ranking in “Bank Director Magazine’s” 2012 Bank Performance Scorecard. C&N ranked Number One in the nation, placing first out of 195 financial institutions in the $1 billion to $5 billion category. We’re honored and proud to receive this recognition and thank all of our customers and friends who have placed their trust in us.

Toll-free: 1-877-838-2517 Member FDIC

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HOME TERRITORY

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In the Twin Tiers, Everyone Reads Mountain Home

hanks to you, Mountain Home, the Twin Tiers monthly regional magazine, has 100,000 readers from the Finger Lakes to the Susquehanna River. Locally owned and based in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania— population 3,245—we tell local stories by gifted local writers, artists, and photographers. You can get a subscription, but most folks pick us up, “Free as the Wind,” at one of almost 300 distribution points found below and represented on this

map by artist Tucker Worthington.

Please support our advertisers and distributors, listed by town from Wegman’s to wineries to the corner store, where you’ll find Mountain Home. Call us at 570-7243838 to chat, tell a story, or advertise.

Meanwhile, happy reading!

Teresa & Mike Capuzzo, Publishers 25 Main Street Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

All 288 Places Mountain Home is “Free as the Wind” Pennsylvania Tioga County Wellsboro Native Bagel Gmeiner Art Center Green Free Library West End Market Café Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hosp.

Laurels Personal Care Home Park Hill Manor Goodies For Our Troops Tioga Office Products State Liquor Store Balsam Real Estate Settlement Penn Oak Realty United Country Real Estate Stained Glass Reflections Shabby Rue Dumpling House Dunham’s Department Store Steak House Canyon Motel Tops Market Weis Market Pudgies Pizza Acorn Market, Rt. 6 Dunkin’ Donuts Tony’s Italian Cuisine Kennedy Home Center McDonald’s Terry’s Hoagies The Frog Hut Mountain Valley Realty Horse Shoe Inn George’s Restaurant Steve’s Beverage Route 6 Lanes Sherwood Motel Penn Wells Hotel Penn Wells Lodge Citizens & Northern Bank Pag-Omar Farms Market Chamber of Commerce Mansfield McDonald’s Ten West Espresso Papa V’s Pizzeria Marge’s Corner on Country Night & Day Coffee Café The Wren’s Nest Brookside Homes Microtel Inn & Suites Lamb’s Creek Food & Spirits Comfort Inn Mansfield University Gregory’s Restaurant Pump N Pantry U.S. Post Office Agway Gramma’s Kitchen Eddie’s Restaurant Cummings Jewelers Stony Fork Stony Fork Campground/Store Blossburg U.S. Post Office Bloss Holiday Market Acorn Market Liberty – Wm. P. Connolly Real Estate Liberty Exxon

Landing Strip Family Restaurant Sammy’s Market Morris Babb’s Creek Inn & Pub Pierce’s General Store Middlebury Center Donna’s Corner Market Owletts Farm Market Tioga Twin Lakes Restaurant Tioga Post Office Acorn Market Pa. Welcome Center Lawrenceville Preston’s Market Rotsell’s Snack Shack Elkland Pizza Barn & Video P & Js Restaurant Acorn Market Vargeson’s Shurfine Foodmart Osceola – Osceola Big M Knoxville U.S. Post Office Gold Mnt. Ice Cream & Deli Westfield Acorn Market Schoonover’s Restaurant Big M Market Ackley & Son Sporting Goods Home Comfort Restaurant Sabinsville Kim’s Old Country Store Patterson Farms Maple Prods.

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Will The King

Survive?

The majestic white tail, and the noble hunter, search for a new world.

By Gregg Rinkus

10

I

Photo by Tom Dorsey

n almost any place in our country, if you want to strike up a conversation with someone, the best icebreaker might be to talk about the weather. In Tioga County, Pennsylvania, an equally effective lead-in might be to ask a question or make a comment about deer or deer hunting. Chances are you’ll be fully engaged in lively conversation in no time.

In Pennsylvania, the first Monday following Thanksgiving is widely known as the “opening day of buck season.” On November 26 this year, legions of Pennsylvanians—nearly three-quarters of a million strong—will take to the woods to hunt deer, continuing a way of life that has endured for generations. The lore of deer hunting is steeped in tradition and hope, and opening day is among the most anticipated events of the year.

In many small towns spread across Pennsylvania’s northern tier, deer hunting has almost evolved into a religion. For generations, deer season practically defined a community’s pulse. Typical greetings of “Hi” or “How you doing?” were replaced by, “Get your buck?” At least that’s the way it used to be. Is it still like that today? Or, as with so many other things in life, have the glory days of deer hunting come and gone?

The topic of Pennsylvania deer hunting can be compared to an elephant in size and complexity, and most of us know that the only way to eat a proverbial elephant is by taking one bite at a time. This bite will focus on the status of white-tail deer hunting in Tioga County.

See The King on page 11

11

The King continued from page 11

A good place to start is with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and its 120-page deer management plan (DMP), Management and Biology of White-Tailed Deer in Pennsylvania 20092018. Authored by Dr. Christopher S. Rosenbery and associates, the seminal document is available on the Internet for public consumption. The DMP should be required reading for anyone—hunter and non-hunter alike—with even the least amount of interest in white-tailed deer.

The Executive Summary begins: “The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is recognized as Pennsylvania’s state animal. Balancing

white-tailed deer impacts is the fundamental issue affecting a majority of Pennsylvania’s deer management decisions. The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s purpose is to manage deer to the best of its ability for deer and those people who seek them, unintentionally interact with them, or experience damage from them.”

The report clearly states that the specific goals of the DMP include: (1) manage deer for a healthy and sustainable deer herd; (2) manage deerhuman conflicts at levels considered safe and acceptable to Pennsylvanians; (3) manage deer impacts for healthy and sustainable forest habitat; (4) manage deer to provide recreational opportunities; and (5) improve the public’s knowledge and understanding of deer and the deer management program.

While legally mandated to manage wildlife, including deer, for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians, there is no organization more maligned than the PGC over how this is accomplished. In fact, they acknowledge this vulnerability in the DMP: “Deer management

objectives are defined by measures of deer health, forest habitat health, and deer-human conflicts. The change from defining deer management objectives by deer densities to specific measures for each goal has ensured the controversy that has accompanied deer management endeavors in this state and countless others for decades remains. Responsible deer management cannot be a popularity contest. As Pennsylvania’s history demonstrates, deer management was, is, and will continue to be an issue where complete agreement by all stakeholders is unlikely.” As most Pennsylvania sportsmen would attest, perhaps no truer words have been written.

At times, the disagreement, and downright conflict, about how the PGC goes about managing white-tail deer has almost resembled a war. In fact, outdoor writer Bob Frye published a 305-page book entitled Deer Wars: Science, Tradition, and the Battle over Managing Whitetails in Pennsylvania.

Some of the issues he explores include deer population estimates, deer harvest statistics, antlerless license

Photo by Bryan Zegar

Photo by Tom Dorsey Photo by Tom Dorsey 12

Photo by Elizabeth Young

Adam Hamilton and Clayton McLean of Ackley and Son Sporting Goods’ Archery section.

allocations, the effects of bear and coyote predation on fawns, liberalization of deer seasons, legalization of crossbows and in-line muzzleloaders, concurrent buck and antlerless deer hunting, early muzzleloader season, Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), wildlife management units (WMUs), natural gas exploration on State Game Lands, Sunday hunting, and crop damage. And these are only the tip of the iceberg.

So, how does all of this translate to deer hunting in Tioga County? It d e p e n d s w h o y o u a s k . In m y discussions with dozens of hunters, I heard everything from, “The Game Commission has totally ruined deer hunting in Tioga County,” to, “Deer hunting has never been better.” Talk about a range! Interestingly, many of the folks with whom I spoke asked that their names not be printed. That, in itself, speaks volumes about the continued passion and mystique that surrounds deer hunting and deer management.

Westfield, Pennsylvania, is nestled in the northwest corner of Tioga

County. Ackley and Son Sporting Goods, a small town store with a large reputation, is located here. Clayton McLean and Adam Hamilton work in the archery department at Ackley’s.

Both are serious hunters. They talk about deer and deer hunting with customers every single workday.

Their view—which they believe reflects the consensus of their customer base—is that, generally speaking, the county’s deer herd is down but the quality of deer, particularly antler size, is up. Both contend that the PGC’s antler restrictions program, which began in 2002, has achieved its primary goal: to increase the number of adult bucks (2.5 years of age or older) in the population.

They characterize general hunting license sales as stable. Both believe that legalization of crossbows for deer hunting has changed the dynamics of the state’s 300,000-plus archery hunting fraternity. For various reasons, more young hunters, female hunters, and senior hunters are opting for crossbows rather than conventional bows.

Like many dyed-in-the-wool

archers, at first they were skeptical about crossbows. What they’ve seen, however, is that general legalization of crossbows has become an increasingly effective tool not only to recruit new hunters, but also to sustain the population of existing ones. According to McLean, “Women are getting into archery big time, with both compounds and crossbows.”

Hamilton added that deer hunting is becoming more of a family affair because of the increased participation of moms and girlfriends.

They talked about the state’s burgeoning bear population (estimated at fifteen to twenty thousand), for they believe that bears have a larger predatory effect on the fawn population than even coyotes. Also, they’re entirely in favor of expanding Sunday hunting opportunities as are the majority of their customers.

In McLean’s estimation, “Deer hunting is alive and well in Tioga County; although in many ways, it’s different than in the past.” Both sang praises of the agency’s youth mentoring program, suggesting that it’s the best See The King on page 14

13

Becky Painter of Painter’s Meat Processing.

Painter’s prepares deer for packaging and consumption.

Photo by Elizabeth Young

Photo by Elizabeth Young

Alan Strouse of Strouse’s Taxidermy.

The King continued from page 13

thing the PGC has done in a long time.

Many of these sentiments were echoed by Jim Young, owner-operator of Coopers Sporting Goods in Mansfield, and several of his customers. When I asked him if he could draw any conclusions about the health of deer hunting based on license sales in his store, he remarked, “Every year more licenses are being sold online, so that might not be a valid indicator any more.”

Like Ackley’s, he too has experienced a sales increase in youth mentor licenses.

14

“What many people don’t realize,” Young pointed out, “is that a youth mentor license is only $2.70 for both residents and non-residents.” Wryly, a customer chimed in, “Finally, that’s one thing the Game Commission got right.”

Another difference he sees now compared to the “good old days,” is the amount of time deer hunters spend in the woods. “Old timers packed a lunch and a thermos, walked into the woods when it was dark, and came out when it was dark.” Today, he contends, many hunters are out of the woods by noon or earlier, deer or no deer. “The level of commitment just isn’t the same,” an older customer lamented, “particularly with the ‘younger generation.’”

Beyond hunting, concerns expressed about our youth’s disinterest in the outdoors were a frequent refrain. The phenomenon of an entire generation disconnecting from the natural world came to international attention with the 2005 publication of Richard Louv’s book, “Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.”

Many outdoor related initiatives for

boys and girls—such as youth mentoring opportunities focused on hunting, or the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP)—have evolved due in some part to Louv’s far-reaching work.

Hunters not local to the area need places to stay during deer season. During the 2010 and 2011 seasons, rumors ran rampant that gas workers had taken up most of the available rooms, leaving few for hunters. “Not true,” claimed Cassie Atkinson of Mansfield’s Comfort Inn. “Most serious hunters book rooms a year in advance. Besides,” she added, “despite the high occupancy rate during those two deer seasons, we would never have canceled a hunter’s long-standing reservation.” Notwithstanding, she has noticed a slight decrease in the number of hunters coming to town.

Much the same message was heard from Emily Berguson of the Canyon Motel near Ansonia, and Ellen Bryant of the Penn Wells Hotel and Lodge in downtown Wellsboro. Emily said that they’re basically full during deer season and most of their hunters are repeat customers. Ellen noted a slight

downturn in deer hunter occupancy but, like the other two, said that most hunters reserve rooms far enough in advance that room availability is generally not an issue.

In terms of more permanent arrangements, including hunting camps and cabins, Vicky Costanzo of Mountain Valley Realty provided a wealth of insight. “While there are many variables involved,” she said, “if I had to give a solid answer, I would say that the sales of camps/cabins for the primary purpose of deer hunting are down from seven to ten years ago.

Typically, the folks that are selling their camps are up in age, their siblings or grown children have lost interest, they have little time to travel here, or they’ve stopped hunting altogether.”

If a Tioga County deer hunter is lucky, or skilled, or both, chances are they’ll add some prime venison to the family larder. For those who don’t cut and wrap their own deer, an option is to take it to a commercial butcher shop, such as Painter’s Meat Processing in Elkland.

Becky Painter is the secondgeneration owner-operator of the forty-six-year-old family business.

The 500-600 deer they cut up each year represents nearly 20 percent of their overall meat processing volume.

And the numbers are on the upswing.

Archery season deer are on the rise with about 150 brought into the shop last year. In the past few years, successful mentored youths and crossbow hunters have helped to boost business. This year, they’ll plan to suspend beef, pork, and lamb processing from November 12 through December 3 to focus on New York and Pennsylvania deer.

Another barometer by which the health of deer hunting in Tioga County can be measured is found in local taxidermy shops. Alan Strouse of Lawrenceville has been in the business for thirty years. Typically, the deer he receives are better-than-average bucks.

“I’m seeing a lot bigger deer today than I did twenty or thirty years ago,” he said

with certainty. “Bucks in the 130s and 140s (measured antler size) used to be rare; now they’re not uncommon. I’ve even seen some 160-class trophies, which were virtually unheard of in the past.

Generally, bucks that live three and a half to four and a half years or longer have a solid chance of becoming trophy deer.

Big bucks are what my customers want.”

While a number of hunters groused about the amount of posted land, Tioga County continues to have an abundance of public land. Four State Game Lands (SGLs) and two state parks open to hunting total nearly 25,000 acres. Add roughly 160,000 acres of Tioga and Tiadaghton State Forest lands in the county, and public ground here far exceeds what’s available in most other counties.

As expected, statistics bear out what most of us have been hearing: overall, the ranks of hunters continue to erode. In 2000, general hunting license sales in Pennsylvania numbered about 1,039,000. In 2011, that number dropped to 933,000. Not all of these were necessarily deer hunters. As for the number of outsiders coming to Tioga County to hunt, the seemingly greater demands on time today, along with the fact that more populated regions have seen a surge in deer numbers, have prompted many “down-staters” to hunt closer to home. How many can only be speculated.

In terms of deer harvest and population, here’s what Dr. Rosenberry, author of the aforementioned DMP report, provided me: “For Tioga County from 1982 to 2004, between three and five antlered deer and three to nine anterless deer were harvested per square mile of land area. In recent years, those numbers dropped to two antlered and four antlerless deer harvested per square mile of land. For the portion of Tioga County in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 2G, we have observed increasing population trends in recent years. In other parts of Tioga County (WMU 3A and WMU 3B), we see stable deer population trends.” Of course, since many deer hunters I met were openly skeptical of statistical

information released by the PGC, this information is open to interpretation.

John Mase of Morris is a Tioga County native and a life-long deer hunter. He thinks about deer and deer hunting in much the same way that he goes about performing his job as a professional surveyor: logically and systematically. He suggested that the laws of natural selection dictate that deer must change their habits to survive.

“A case in point is that of old bucks that few people ever see because they’ve become mostly nocturnal.”

Consequently, to be a consistently successful deer hunter, a person must study and clearly understand the habitat and the changing habits of deer. “This takes an investment of time that many hunters are not able, or are not willing, to expend,” Mase concluded.

So, what conclusion can be drawn from this discussion? Is Tioga County deer hunting what it used to be? The answer is paradoxical: it is and it isn’t. All evidence supports what Clayton McLean declared: “Deer hunting is alive and well in Tioga County; although in many ways, it’s different than in the past.”

Deer hunting is constantly evolving, sometimes faster than many people are willing to accept. As suggested by Mase, change is inevitable, and hunters, much like deer, must adapt. If deer hunting is to remain socially, culturally, economically, and scientifically relevant, we must be more willing to embrace change, except for one: the declining number of young hunters.

To maintain our deer-hunting heritage—in Tioga County, in Pennsylvania, in the United States— every effort must be made to grow the next generation of hunters. Without increased involvement by our youth in deer hunting, the question, “Is Tioga County deer hunting what it used to be?” will become irrelevant.

Nature writer Gregg Rinkus hails from Franklin, PA and is Regional Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Manager for Penn E&R in Wellsboro.

15

Looking Back

All the News That’s Fit to Tell

By Joyce M. Tice

B

efore Facebook, before the Internet or e-mail, even before telephones, there was the country store.

Of course we think of the country store as the place to buy whatever it was you needed, and that is true.

But, also, it was the hub of information. You left your own news there with the patrons or clerk and picked up the news that others had left. People might even stop by just to hear the news, some of which might be better called gossip, even when they did not need to buy anything.

The country store was very often also the post office. Even if a person only drove into the village once a week for the mail, he or she would get the neighborhood news by sitting down for a friendly chat. It kept people connected who might otherwise be isolated working on their own farms. It was part of their social life.

Of course the stores’ primary purpose was to provide the goods that farm families could not make themselves. Thread, boots, nails, hairpins, fabric, flour, canned goods, whiskey, tobacco, tools, and on and on.

Packaging as we know it did not exist until the middle of the twentieth cen-

tury. The cracker barrel or the pickle crock were open for anyone to reach in for a sample. I’m sure they hoped anyone aiming for the spittoon missed any open food containers.

Ledgers were kept in hardbound volumes with accounts for each customer.

Many of these were never thrown away and remain in various archives and attics as a permanent record of who lived in a neighborhood at any time and what they bought or sold. A lot of “trade” was just that. A farm family might bring in eggs, cheese, butter, or produce and have that credited to their account in the store ledger. Eggs could be traded for a winter coat.

In one ledger of Sullivan Township in 1842, we find a record of a family coming in for a coffin. That provided historians a century and a half later the only record of a person’s death.

Whether operating around the wood stove in the winter, or in rocking chairs on the front porch in warm weather, the country store was the information highway of an earlier era.

Joyce M. Tice is the creator of the Tri-Counties Genealogy and History Web site and the new History Center in Mansfield.

17

O U t d o Or s

The Hunt of a Lifetime

Gene Morgan poses with Cheryl Snyder, owner of Silver Spur Outfitters in Colorado, and the mule deer that he bagged on his hunting trip last October.

“I

have always said that if I get it in my mind that I am going to do something, I will find a way to do it. I might not be able to walk, but I will find a way to do what I want to do. I have done quite a lot in my life. There is only one thing that I don’t do and that is walk.”

These are the words of Gene Morgan, a fifty-two-year-old hunter, describing his hunting trip to Colorado in October last year.

“It was so exciting. My heart was pumping pretty fast. When the elk was down, the one guide went out and checked it first. Then we went out together, wheelchair and all, down through into a ditch and up over the bank, across a field, and I got to get my hands on it and that was something,” Gene said.

Gene, who has lived in Tioga County his whole life, has also been a hunter all his life, which started when he was a young tot following his dad around in the woods When he was 18

bound to a wheelchair at sixteen years old, that did not stop his love of the sport.

“I was in an automobile accident in 1977, and I have been in a wheelchair ever since. I broke my back, and I am a paraplegic now,” Gene said matter-offactly.

About the recovery process, Gene said, “It was different, but I had a lot of good friends and my parents were awful good to me. I got through it and I learned. I think one of the things that helped a lot was that trade school I went to; it was a handicapped school.”

Gene finished his senior year at Mansfield High School, went to the trade school in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and learned how to fix “lawn mowers and chain saws and that kind of stuff.”

Gene has his own business, Morgan’s Small Engine Repair on Route 6 outside of Mansfield, which has been in operation for the last thirty-five years.

“Going to that handicap school really helped me. You get to looking around there and you think you’ve got it bad, but there’s a lot of people who, you know, don’t have their use of their hands, and a lot of other things.

I thought, ‘I am a lot better off.’ My opinion is that you can do what you want to do in life if you try.”

What Gene wants to do in life is hunt, and no one is about to tell him otherwise.

“I live to hunt. When hunting season comes, I am out of here as much as I can manage it. It is something I enjoy to do. I always take my vacation during deer season,” Gene said.

Aside from one hunting trip a long time ago in Maine, Gene focuses on hunting locally in Pennsylvania for deer, and he even got a black bear once.

“It took me about thirty years to get a black bear in Pennsylvania, so after that I set my sights on the elk.

The elk animal always enthused me,” Gene said.

Photos Courtesy of Gene Morgan

By Rebecca Hazen

Outdoors

Gene’s decision to take a hunting trip out west was also in remembrance of his friend Ronnie who used to go hunting with him, and passed away of cancer.

“He was a lot younger than I was. I got to thinking; you don’t know when your numbers are up. If it is something you want to do, then you better go do it,” Gene said.

He started to do research on where to go hunting, and he settled on Silver Spur Outfitters based in Rifle, Colorado.

“They said, ‘No problem, we’ve had handicapped people out here before.’ They have a niece that is in a wheelchair, too, and they have her out hunting all of the time,” Gene said.

“It is important to us to be accommodating to all hunters, no matter their age, physical ability, or gender because we want to preserve our American hunting heritage,” said Cheryl Snyder, owner of Silver Spur Outfitters. “We believe it is important for everyone who wants to hunt to be able to hunt, so we strive to help everyone we can,” Gene asked friends to go with him, but unfortunately no one was able to make the trip.

“I just said, ‘Nope, I’m going anyway.’ I just had it in my head that you only live once. I work here five and a half days a week and I figured it was time that I do something for myself,” Gene said.

One year after the trip, Gene still sings praises about Silver Spur Outfitters, and seemed to recall the memories as if they were as fresh as yesterday.

“The hunting trip was great; everything was great.

They treated me like a king out there. They had a cook at the camp, and she wanted to feed you every time you looked at her,” Gene said, with a far away look on his face, as if he was seeing the scene.

“The guides that they hooked me up with out there, we just hit it off, and talked and talked. They showed me a lot. The owners of the Outfitter said that you can see 150 elk a day and 150 mule deer a day, and I thought ‘Boy that’s awful hard to believe.’ But when I got out there, the first day we saw that and more. I was very pleased,” Gene said.

“It’s not a guarantee, and that is why they call it hunting,” Gene continued. “The owner was raised in that area, and the guides have been there long enough, so they know where the elk come out and they put you right in those spots. I cannot say anything bad about them.”

Then it came time to ask the question that many folks want to know. How does Gene go hunting in a wheelchair? Is it any different?

The answer Gene gave was not surprising, given his determination and perseverance.

“I can hunt out of a vehicle with a permit. That’s about the only thing different. Out there with my elk, they sent me in a blind”—a cover device for hunters, designed to

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Gene used a .300 short mag Winchester to bag his elk in Colorado.

Outdoors

Gene Morgan continued from page 21

reduce the chance of detection—“and I got my elk that way. When I got a mule deer two days later, we were driving around in a truck and I shot the deer right out of the truck window,” Gene said.

Speaking of the kindness of the Silver Spur Outfitter owners, Gene said, “The night that I shot my elk, Cheryl, who owns the ranch with her husband Trent, she had to come in a different vehicle. One of the guides told me that she had to stay by the truck for a while to compose herself.”

Cheryl was crying because Gene had gotten his elk.

“The next day, I told her, ‘Now no crying,’ and she just got a huge smile on her face,” Gene said.

Next year, Silver Spur Outfitters will welcome Gene once again, this time with two friends along for the experience.

“I would recommend it for everybody. I think they will enjoy it, I certainly did last year,” Gene said.

“Hunting with Gene Morgan was a very memorable experience,” Cheryl said. “Gene has such a sweet and persevering spirit, and he is just fun to be around. Our guide Bill Johnson just couldn’t believe how big of a heart and the great attitude that Gene has, and we were so happy that Gene could harvest both an elk and a mule deer! Gene is one of a kind, he is a survivor, and we are very proud to know him. We are excited to see Gene again next year.”

Back at his shop in Mansfield, a head mount of the approximately 800-pound elk, as well as the mule deer, a black bear, and a bobcat loom overhead near the entrance, perhaps as a reminder to Gene that he has never given up on what he enjoys doing.

“If I’ve got the money, I’m going to go on as many hunts as I can for the rest of my life. I don’t have a wife or kids, and I lost my mom in February, so it’s pretty tough.

I figure I am going to do what I want to do now. That is the way I look at it. Just go and do it. Someone will help you. There is always someone around,” Gene said.

Now that he’s completed an elk hunt in Colorado, where is Gene setting his sights next?

“Maybe Utah or even Texas for white tailed deer,” Gene said. “Just have to see what happens down the road.”

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Outdoors

Reading Nature

Small is Beautiful

By Tom Murphy

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f you have ever watched a pretoddler pause in a crawl to focus on a tiny object on the floor—a dot of paper from a three-hole punch, a miniscule segment of thread— and then reach out with the newly discovered pincher movement of thumb and forefinger, you know that small children can be fascinated with small things. Cultivating that interest as they grow can pay off in many ways, especially in the natural world.

One late summer morning working outside, I discovered a small, olive-drab praying mantis, the motion of whose stick-like limbs on a bush made it stand out from the sticks around it. Our three-year-old grandson was coming that afternoon, and I figured this was something he might like to see. I dug out the insect cage that many years ago his mother’s older brother had made for her as a temporary holding place for insects. I put a branch in the cage and then the mantis. After they arrived, I pointed out the cage and our grandson and his father released the mantis, father and son hunched over the insect, watching carefully as it climbed in its almost mechanical way. Later, he happily told anyone who would listen about the mantis.

Learning to take our time and look carefully enables any of us to discover the variety and complexity of what is small and can be overlooked.

This idea was called to mind when I picked up Step Gently Out by Helen Frost and Rick Leider, a very young children’s book about insects. On the first page of the book, the large photo shows a praying mantis, the back half of its body blending into a cluster of daisy stems and flowers, and its delicate, half-unfolded pinchers reaching out in the air moving toward the words, “Step gently out.” The photographs fill the pages to the edge—a bee with bags

of pollen at its sides speeds across a blurred yellow background, a spider web “splashed with morning dew” spreads across two pages, the spider hidden among its handiwork for little pointy fingers to seek out. At the back of the book, the insects in the photos are identified with brief explanations.

We do see only what we look for, and the richer and more wonderful the world children look for, the richer and more wonderful their world will be.

Books help do that for children in so many ways as they feel the rumbling voice of the reader in their backs.

The Internet offers access to much information, but it is often volatile, unstable, flashy, and noisy. Some time should be devoted to careful consideration to prepare children for those experiences with nature that are slow and quiet and small, and sometimes quite miraculous, like a small brownish praying mantis.

Besides, reading this book to a very young child turns the adult reader into a child again, able to marvel at the intricacy of the insect that seems to pop off of the page.

Tom Murphy teaches nature writing at Mansfield University. You can contact him at readingnature@ mountainhomemag.com.

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Sh a l e

C ou n try

A Warm Winter, The Old Way

By Jo Charles

E

njoying a glass of wine at the bar of a local restaurant one evening, my husband and I overheard a woman giving her opinion on heating with wood and cutting firewood. The crux of her argument seemed to be that it isn’t any cheaper to have a woodstove and heat with wood compared to conventional central heating systems. Furthermore, she continued, it is a waste of time, money, and energy to cut your own firewood. She made her claims based on the need to purchase chainsaws and gasoline and some of the other ancillary equipment.

We heat with wood and while we did not get involved in the conversation, I would have loved to tell the woman about the many benefits of heating with wood and cutting your own firewood.

We don’t heat with wood because it 24

is cheaper—in fact it may be more expensive when you add it all up. We heat with wood because we like it better.

From a heat perspective, I love the constant, quiet source of heat that our woodstove provides. Our stove is located in our living room and is an attractive soapstone stove. It heats our entire house. We have oil heat for backup and on the rare occasion that the furnace runs, I find the noise annoying. It isn’t really all that loud, it’s more that the woodstove is virtually silent.

Cutting the firewood – well that is a process that my husband and I actually enjoy. In addition to providing exercise, it gets us outdoors and into the woods.

We also use it as an opportunity to carefully select the trees and types of wood we want to cut. There are always trees that need to be thinned out or re-

moved due to storm damage, age, even diseases like the one affecting the beech stands.

We carefully select locations to make farm roads to give us better access to our property. These little farm roads are used for more than just access for the tractor and wagon when gathering firewood. They come in handy during hunting season. Our grandchildren, nieces and nephews use them when exploring the woods so they don’t get lost, and we have used them for a variety of activities when we hold our family rendezvous each summer.

We often joke that you can’t burn a piece of firewood unless you have handled it half a dozen times. There’s cutting the tree down and sawing it into lengths, loading it in the wagon, unloading and stacking it for a year of seasoning to get the moisture content

Shale Country

down, splitting it and then restacking it for another year of seasoning before carrying it to the house for eventual burning in the woodstove. Half a dozen times may be an understatement now that I think about it! It is quite likely more!

As to the types of wood for burning in a woodstove, choose hardwoods like beech or maple. They burn hotter and don’t generate as much creosote buildup in your chimney like softer woods such as aspen and pine. I enjoyed reading Seeing the Bark for the Trees by Tom Murphy in the September 2012 issue of Mountain Home discussing the identification of trees by their bark when the leaves are either off the trees or too high up to be easily identified. I find it rewarding to be able to identify trees by both their leaves and their bark.

During one summer visit when two of our nephews were here for several weeks we worked together to split and stack firewood. They loved the aromas given off by the different varieties of wood. Black or cherry birch has a won-

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Shale Country Traditional Energy continued from page 33

derful wintergreen aroma when the sap is running. Our nephews pointed out that ash can often smell like Kraft Parmesan cheese!

Finding evidence of those who owned our property years ago is like uncovering treasure. Trees that have grown around barbed wire nailed to them in the early 1900s to fence in cows, old shallow dug wells lined with flat rocks used to collect water for the cows to drink, places far back in from any old dwellings that don’t qualify as farm dumps where we found old jugs, decaying buckets, and even a wine bottle from the Empire State Wine Company. All of these things we would never have found if we were not gathering firewood. I love imagining what the property must have been like back in those days. How hard it must have been to make a living off our land knowing the poor and rocky quality of the soil and the fickleness of Mother

26

Nature when it comes to early frosts, late spring snowstorms, and all of the other challenges associated with trying to grow crops in our area.

You don’t have to cut your own firewood to enjoy the benefits of heating with wood. Many ambitious individuals sell cords of split firewood and some will even deliver and stack it for you—for a price, of course. Another option is to purchase a load of pole logs to cut and split your self.

When those nasty winter storms knock out the power, we remain nice and warm by the heat of the woodstove. While some may think heating with wood and gathering firewood is a waste of time, money and energy, in my opinion the benefits are far greater!

Jo Charles is the pen name of a Tioga County resident who enjoys cooking, canning, baking, and loves spending time with her husband and family.

Photo by Rebecca Hazen

Li f e

Members of the Tioga County Honor Guard present the colors during a Veteran’s Day service in Mansfield, Pennsylvania.

Service, Dignity, and Honor

O

n a Wednesday morning in October, the back room at Me-Ma’s Country Kitchen restaurant in Tioga, Pennsylvania, is filled with hearty chatter and loud laughter. A second glance reveals the camaraderie to be the Tioga County Honor Guard, at their monthly breakfast outing with their wives and families.

If you live in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, you’ve probably seen the Honor Guard around. They are present at Veterans and Memorial Day events around the county, as well as other memorial services and parades.

By Rebecca Hazen

They have participated in wreath laying ceremonies in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and they also provide educational programs and support for the awareness of veterans.

But perhaps their most somber activity—the one they do the most—is the one not too many people know about.

The current twenty-one-member Tioga County Honor Guard’s motto is “Service, Dignity, and Honor,” and they believe it is important that all veterans receive that honor, even in death. It is here that the Honor Guard performs their most important duty.

“In the year 2000, Congress passed a law saying that at least two veterans needed to be present at military funerals, but there just wasn’t anyone to do it. Back then, people were coming from as far down as Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, and Bath, New York, to provide the service,” member Eddie Calhoun, a Korean War Navy veteran, said, while eating his breakfast of eggs and toast.

“Actually, I was sitting right out there at the bar about five years ago,” President Bob Leyfert, a Vietnam Navy veteran said, as he pointed to the front room of the restaurant, “And I was sitting 27

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The members of the Tioga County Honor Guard pose for a photo. In the front row kneeling, from left to right: Herb Frank, LeRoy Newcomb, Bob Brodrick, and Catherine Lingle. Middle row: Scott Austin, John Coleman, Larry Fischer, Larry McFall, Robert Leyfert, and Lawrence Brown. Back row: George West, Arnold Brion, Ray Hall, Cal Cobb, Elmer Huels, Edwin Calhoun, and Gene Haley.

with another current member, and we were talking about how there was no honor guard around here whatsoever.

“If the funeral director needed to have a military funeral,” Bob continued,” it would take the directors too long to try and contact everyone to try to find anyone who would provide the services.”

Ever since the Tioga County Honor Guard put the word out that their services were available for military funerals, the members have been present at 191 burials.

The Tioga County Honor Guard is certainly not limited to burial services in Tioga County, though.

“We can go anywhere. We are certified to do any funeral for any military branch, anywhere. Period.

We’ve done funerals in New York, too.

If a funeral director calls us with the need, we will do it,” Bob said.

So, if it seems as if the Tioga County Honor Guard is extremely busy, yes, that is exactly right.

“They may only give us twentyfour hours notice before a funeral,” Bob said.

“We make sacrifices. Almost all of us have had to put families behind. If momma’s got a birthday, her birthday can be put on the back burner,” Eddie said.

“We’ve had funerals back-to-

back, within an hour or two,” Eddie continued, “We’re like the postmen.

We’re out there in any kind of weather.”

The process of the military burial goes like this: The Tioga County Honor Guard waits at the cemetery while the service is held. Once the coffin is in position over the grave, the minister speaks. After the minister is finished, it is the Honor Guard’s turn.

“We have our own chaplain in case there isn’t one. The chaplain and the buglers are the only members in the Honor Guard that don’t have to have a military background,” said Vietnam Navy veteran Commander Larry Brown.

The Honor Guard does a threevolley rifle salute and then a bugler plays Taps. Two of the men fold the flag and present it to the family.

“Our part lasts about ten minutes or fifteen at most,” Eddie said.

The Honor Guard member who presents the folded flag to a family member says, “Sir or Ma’am, this flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation as an expression of appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”

“When I hand the family the cartridges from the rifle salute, I say, ‘On behalf of the Tioga County Honor Guard and veterans everywhere, I’d See Honor Guard on page 33

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Roughly 26 million Americans have diabetes and about 7 million of them aren’t aware of their condition. Add to that the 79 million people who are pre-diabetic and you end up with a significant chunk of the United States population.

Diabetes is on the rise, dramatically so, due to a couple of factors. One is that diabetes becomes more common as we age. The percentage of our population over 65 years old is increasing, and this is a prime age for the development of the disease. Other factors are based in lifestyle and Americans, as a whole, are not the best at eating right and exercising. Obesity is another risk factor and that condition is approaching epidemic proportions in America.

One of the reasons so many people have diabetes and don’t know it is the lack of symptoms one experiences. A blood test is needed to confirm the presence of diabetes, but if the level of sugar in the blood gets high enough, a person will have blurred vision, fatigue, increased urination and unexplained weight loss. If left untreated, diabetes can result in eye and kidney damage and severe foot problems.

The best treatment plan for diabetes can be developed by a comprehensive endocrine center. Guthrie’s Diabetes Center brings a multi-layered approach to the condition, using a combination of medication, nutrition counseling and exercise support to give every patient with diabetes every possible advantage. As a certified Diabetes Center by the American Diabetes Association, Guthrie provides you a team of certified health care professionals to help you deal with your specific diabetes. With locations in Wellsboro and Sayre in Pennsylvania and Big Flats, Painted Post and Vestal in New York, Guthrie’s team will build a customized program to manage or even reverse the illness.

With the right medical guidance, diabetes can be managed successfully and we can work with you to live long, productive lives. If you suspect you may be diabetic, make an appointment with a diabetes-certified health care provider as soon as possible and start mapping out your treatment plan.

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With a direct referral from your family physician, you can make just one visit to the center and be seen by your gastroenterologist on the same day as your scheduled screening. Before your procedure, we call to explain the simplified and shorter cleansing preparation.

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31

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Medical Professional Opportunities

Members of the Tioga County Honor Guard perform services at a military funeral.

Honor Guard continued from page 28

like to present you with these three cartridges. They represent loyalty, honor, and courage,’” Larry explained.

When asked why the military funeral is carried out in that manner, Larry responded, “It is just tradition. There are people that go as far to say that there are words for every fold of the flag, but the thirteen folds are significant for the thirteen colonies. The rifle salute is just the way of honoring the veteran. The salute has been going on for at least 100 years.”

“Most of the burials are for people our ages, the ones who were in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. There was one that we did for a young boy. Now you have a young wife and young kids, too. Then it becomes more emotional.

I mean all of them are emotional, though,” Bob said.

“We buried two local boys, too, and they were younger.

Young guys get to you a little bit. They all touch you though. Everyone gets the same service whether they got the Congressional Medal of Honor or if they died in boot camp,” Eddie said.

In order to make sure that the Honor Guard is present at every needed funeral, they are always looking for new members.

“Anyone that has served honorably we would like to pick up as a member. Doesn’t matter how young or old, just as long as they can stand up. We’ll take care of them,” Eddie said.

There are no dues; the only requirement is a dedication to serve. The unit conducts several fund-raisers, the largest an annual 5K run, in order to generate funds to purchase uniforms and supplies and gasoline for travel.

The Honor Guard meets once a month in Knoxville at the Post 6753 VFW. “They provided us with base operations. They gave us a home. We’re very appreciative,” Eddie said.

When asked why they joined the Tioga County Honor Guard in the first place, the answers came easily.

“It’s for the family. It’s just our tribute for what they did. If they served in the service, then we should recognize them,” Bob said.

“I know it will mean a lot to my family when I’m gone,” Eddie said. “Veterans have got to take care of the veterans.”

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Art s & Lei s ure Hot Gift Ideas For her, for him—for everyone on your shopping list

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ARTS & LEISURE

Special Holiday Advertising Section

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Provided by Carol Cacchione

T

he surveyor made the discovery. Adam and Laurel Bartnik were selling their house in the picturesque village of Freeville, New York, just outside Ithaca, and the property lines had to be determined.

Around the back of the house, deep in burdock and ragweed from an overgrown garden, the surveyor stumbled upon what looked like a petrified body.

“Are you taking the statue of the man with you?” he asked the Bartniks. “Because if not, I’d like to have it. It reminds me of the Cardiff Giant.”

Statue of a man? Cardiff Giant?

Adam and Laurel were stumped. They had to see for themselves. There on the edge of their property lay the crumbling concrete statue, flat on its back, legs crossed at the ankles, left arm demurely draped over its hip, face expressionless. They had lived in the house for three years and never knew it was there. That section of the yard had been weed-covered when they bought the place. Had the previous owners even known about it? Perhaps the man had been there many years. Laurel took pictures of the eerie find with her cell phone, and Googled “Cardiff Giant.”

Turns out it was not Cardiff, Wales, Great Britain, as she had first thought. Rather, Cardiff, New York, a tiny hamlet just south of Syracuse in Onondaga County, a mere

thirty miles from Freeville. There in 1869 the Cardiff Giant was unearthed—an elaborate hoax perpetrated by George Hull, an ardent atheist.

Hull got his dander up when a revival preacher tried to convince him giants once lived on Earth because a passage in Genesis 6:4 stated so (“There were giants in the earth in those days…”). In response, Hull purchased a 3,000-pound block of gypsum quarried in Iowa and transported it by train to Chicago where he had it carved into a ten-foot-tall replica of a man, using his own face as the likeness. He weathered it with various acids and stains, beat it with a mallet embedded with needles to make the stone look like it had once had the pores of living flesh, and shipped it by rail to his cousin William Newell’s farmyard in Cardiff, New York, where

it was strategically buried. He waited a year for the dirt to settle and people to forget seeing any strange goings-on.

At last it was time for the big reveal. On October 16, 1869, two men hired by Newell to dig a well dug up the petrified man instead. Within days, word got out about the giant and people came in droves to see it.

Hull promised Newell one-fourth of the take. Newell erected a tent and charged eager viewers twenty-five cents a look, doubling the price two days later. People kept coming. Scientists and scholars declared it a fake, while some fundamentalist Christians fervently proclaimed its authenticity.

Hull spent $2,600 concocting his hoax and had the satisfaction of duping unsuspecting religious believers. Perhaps concerned about being See Giants on page 46

43

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Finger Lakes

The Cardiff Giant being exhumed in 1869.

Giants continued from page 43

found out and the money drying up, he sold his interest in the statue to a five-man syndicate for $23,000, an almost ten-fold increase on investment. The statue was moved to Syracuse, New York, for exhibition.

People continued paying to see it.

Legendary showman P. T. Barnum knew hokum when he saw it, and also knew when someone was cashing in and it wasn’t him. He offered to buy the Cardiff Giant for $50,000. When the syndicate refused, he had an exact plaster replica made and started taking it on the road. His was the real one, he ballyhooed, and the other was the fake. The syndicate sued Barnum for calling their giant a fake. It took the ultimate confession of George Hull to reporters to stop the finger pointing.

Both giants were revealed as fakes, and the lawsuit was thrown out in 1870.

Interest waned over the years. By 1901, when the original Cardiff Giant was exhibited at the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo, it attracted little attention. For a time it served as a monumental coffee table and conversation piece in a home in Iowa.

It was eventually purchased in 1947 by the Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown, New York, where it currently resides. The Barnum Cardiff Giant is on display in Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum in Farmington 46

Hills, Michigan, just outside Detroit.

The Cardiff Giant inspired other humbugs over the years. One in particular caught the Bartniks’ attention. Purportedly, a petrified man was made for the Taughannock House Hotel on the shore of Cayuga Lake in 1877 and buried where it would be discovered during excavation for a new wing. A worker confessed to burying it and the hoax was revealed. Freeville is just a stone’s throw from Cayuga Lake. Could the Freeville Giant and the Taughannock Giant be one and the same?

The Freeville Giant may not measure up. He is only five feet six inches tall and sixteen inches across the chest, clearly not imposing proportions. Concrete is crumbling at his neck, knees, and ankles.

Wire innards are partially exposed.

“Most likely this was someone’s art class project from Ithaca College or Cornell University,” Adam Bartnik admits. “Still, it took us by surprise.”

And that was certainly the effect of the original Cardiff Giant. Now if the Bartniks were not selling the house, they could put up a tent and charge admission for a peek at the petrified man.

There’s a sucker born every minute.

Wellsboro writer Carol Myers Cacchione is the daughter of Mountain Home contributor Mary Myers.

Finger Lakes Wine Review

Holiday Wine & Food Pairings

M

By Holly Howell

y parents run a cooking school called “The Seasonal Kitchen,” and we’ve been doing food and wine pairing classes for over twelve years now. Some of our most memorable classes have been during the holidays. Since it is right around the corner, here are some of our favorite party combinations that you might enjoy throughout the season, too!

Truffled Popcorn. This has become a signature fixture in the Seasonal Kitchen. People actually make a point of stopping by just to snack on it, even if it’s the wrong night for the party. The recipe is a cinch.

Pop some corn. Drizzle with a little melted Truffle Butter (available in gourmet food shops). You have now elevated a commonplace snack into a sophisticated hors-d’oeuvre that will make your guests insanely happy. We love to serve it with a Finger Lakes sparkling wine, like Chateau Frank, Glenora, Swedish Hill, or Casa Larga. Or serve with a festive sparkling drink (see Poinsetta Cocktail recipe).

Poinsettia Cocktail 4 ounces sparkling wine 1 ounce triple sec 1 splash cranberry juice Lemon or Lime twist In a champagne flute, pour triple sec.

Add champagne and top with splash of cranberry.

Garnish with a twist.

Stilton with Cranberries. This is a seasonal English cheese that you’ll find in local grocery stores

from Thanksgiving right through to Valentines Day. The cranberry thing makes it perfect for an elegant Christmas cheese plate. It has a base made out of cheddar, but melts like Frosty the Snowman when it hits your palate. There is no better wine to match than a fruity Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc which tastes a bit like cranberry itself. Excellent versions can be found from Hosmer, Ravines, Red Newt, and Lamoreaux Landing.

Artichoke Dip. Whether you make it or buy it, the A-Dip is a must for every holiday occasion. But artichokes are the “enfant terrible” (grinch) of food and wine pairing. They tend to throw off the flavors in wine due to a chemical called cynarin. Fortunately, there is a white wine that can easily handle the task, and will turn that artichoke from naughty to nice.

Sauvignon Blanc has just the right acidity and a “green” herbal quality that blends beautifully with artichoke dishes. Look for great ones from Damiani, Billsboro, Zugibe, and Hector Wine Company. Just keep a chilled bottle on the table, right next to the dip.

Rosemary Mushrooms. These are the first thing to disappear from our holiday cocktail buffets. Delicious, and easy to make, this mushroom dish pairs perfectly with Pinot Noir, an earthy red wine that is now growing quite well in the cooler climate of the Finger Lakes.

Look for Ravines, Heart and Hands, Heron Hill, and Sheldrake Point.

Rosemary Mushrooms Serves 4-6 2 lbs stemmed mushrooms caps 2 sticks butter, melted 2 tsp finely chopped onion 1 garlic clove, shopped 3/4 tsp Worcestershire Sauce 1/2 tsp rosemary salt and pepper to taste Place mushrooms in a baking dish.

Combine melted butter, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, roseSee Holiday Pairings on page 48

Finger Lakes

S

urrounding the sapphire waters of Seneca Lake, our 32 wineries invite you to experience a destination rich in history, beauty, and the production of world-class wines. Located in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes Region, our climate supports not only the growth of hardy native grapes and premium hybrids, but also more delicate varieties, such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.

Along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, you will truly find a wine to suit every taste.

June 8-10, 2012:

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NOVEMBER DECK THE HALLS WEEKEND November 30-December 2, 2012:

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877-536-2717 47

Holiday Pairings continued from page 47

mary, salt and pepper. Pour over mushrooms.

Bake, uncovered, in a 325 degree oven about 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stuffed Peppadews. The fastest finger food you’ll ever make. A peppadew is a unique red pepper that is packaged in a sweet and spicy marinade. They have become easy to find in grocery stores here, and their hollow shape makes them ideal for stuffing. Fill the peppadew with a small ciliegini mozzarella ball and top with a basil leaf. Serve with a Finger Lakes Red Lemberger wine (that has a little spice to it as well), and you have the ultimate taste treat. The colors completely coordinate with the season (not to mention, the Italian flag). Buon Natale. Try the Lemberger wines from Keuka Spring, Rooster Hill, Knapp, and Goosewatch.

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels. These make a great snack for holiday football games. To complete the roster, we bring a Finger Lakes Riesling to the table. Whether you prefer the drier styles or the sweeter styles, the ripe fruit flavors and citrus notes of Riesling are a shoe-in with salmon. Every single winery in the Finger Lakes is making a wonderful one!

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Makes 32 4 flour tortillas (10-12� diameter) 1/2 lb. cream cheese softened 1/2 lb. sliced smoked salmon, cut up 3 scallions, minced 1 Tbsp fresh lemon zest 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped 1 tsp paprika 2 Tbsp capers Spread tortillas with cream cheese. Scatter with salmon, scallions, zest, dill, paprika and capers. Roll up tightly and wrap in saran or plastic wrap for 3 to 12 hours.

Slice and serve garnished with fresh dill.

Pumpkin Pie. Thank goodness for a season that gives us a reason to celebrate pumpkin. And thank goodness for a pie that gives us a reason to celebrate our stunning Finger Lakes Ice Wines. We like to top our pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of candied ginger, and serve up a Vidal Blanc Ice Wine. Casa Larga, Hunt Country, Standing Stone, and Wagner make great ones. The sweetness of both pie and wine actually balance each other, resulting in a harmonious blend of fruit and spice. It is simply the most divine way to end a festive meal. Put another log on the fire, and enjoy the holidays!

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

48

Foo d

&

Dri n k

Watched Pots,Part II

America’s Love Affair with TV Cooking Shows

Graham Kerr of the 19691971 cooking show, The Galloping Gourmet. He was known for his lighthearted demeanor, his copious use of cream and butter, and his love of pairing food with wine.

L

et me set the scene: we’re in a contemporary kitchen with an eating bar. Kindergarten-aged playmates are seated on the stools or standing, following every move of their pint-sized chef-host poised in front of an array of food stuffs liberated from the family refrigerator, along with some bowls, pans, and tools foraged from their appropriate cabinets and drawers.

“Now we shred the cheese like this,” goes the aspiring TV star, wielding a hunk of Velveeta and a box grater, “and sprinkle it on the ‘pisgetti’ and bam, we chuck it in the oven.” The kid is really

into Emeril and Jamie Oliver.

Wild applause follows and the host bows and begins to distribute American cheese “singles” to the now ravenous audience in lieu of the complicated dish that was described, but not fully produced—sharp knives and oven or stovetop cooking being expressly forbidden.

This pantomime is inspired by one of the most successful electronic babysitters imaginable—the TV cooking show. Busy parents just turn on TV-FM, the Cooking Channel, America’s Test Kitchen, Cook’s Country,

Photo courtesy of Kerr Corp

By Cornelius O’Donnell

or the myriad programming in the gastronomic ghetto and—voila! Quiet time achieved.

The more theatrical-oriented kids can then play back their culinary-show memories for the gang. Grandparents, godparents, aunts and uncles—all seem particularly charmed by the performance. It used to be that visitors were exposed to rehashed piano lessons or dance-class moves or art projects.

Now it is more and more like “fillin-the-blank’s” Cook-A-Rama show regardless of the little darling’s gender.

See Watched Pots II on page 50

49

FOOD & DRINK Watched Pots II continued from page 49

Warning: Names Will be Dropped When we left off (in September’s Mountain Home), I had just gotten started on the history of televised cooking shows. For most students of the subject, the defining moment of this type of program was the advent of Julia Child in 1963. I still enjoy reruns of this wonder-woman’s show in all of its guises: the French Chef led to Cooking with Julia (a move into other, not necessarily French, cuisines), then More Cooking with Julia (both with beautifully illustrated books, photographed during the taping of the shows).

Changing gears, a later series had Julia as hostess in a Santa Barbara house, ushering you into Dinner with Julia. Then came Julia with the great chefs, Julia with great bakers—and my favorite—Julia cooking with Jacques Pepin.

A bit later, Jacques would have his own programs—Everyday Cooking (a favorite of mine) and Essential Pepin.

I’m in awe of this guy since we are the same age, but, man, is he peppier than I! I treasure his many books.

The Galloping Gourmet I love the line: “Julia made gourmet cooking feasible, Kerr made it fun.”

Graham Kerr first galloped across our TV screens in 1969 wielding a glass of wine and jumping over a chair without spilling a drop. This Aussie chap knew his stuff, but brought something more—entertainment—into the mix.

He also was probably the first TV chef to perform before a live audience.

Several cookery books followed, but Kerr took a hiatus during much of the '80s only to reappear on the small screen with programs that featured healthful recipes. He called his method of cooking “Minemax” and this theme was mined in the early '90s. He had a great, timely idea.

There were other male cooks around. Who can forget Justin Wilson’s 50

Cajun cooking program (1970-1980) or Martin Yan’s show that began in 1973 and is still going? I remember him looking intently into his wok and calling it “Stare Fry.” Chef Tell had a ninety-second spot, but with his accent and the fact he had to rush through a recipe or tip made him all but unintelligible—at least to me—and he went and opened a restaurant in Philadelphia.

Couples cooking was another '70s theme with the start of the Romagnoli’s series in 1974. One entry in this category I didn’t see but read about was Cooking with the Bontempi’s, in which she cooked and he played the accordion.

And you ask why it wasn’t more famous?

One person who was in the kitchen with Dinah was a TV cameraman, as Ms. Shore did the cooking on most of her shows. And I have the cookbook— make that had—the cookbook to prove it. (It’s now in the Finger Lakes Wine and Culinary Center’s library in Canandaigua.)

Cooking on TV was to hit its stride during the '90s, although style-guru Martha Stewart’s “you can-and-shoulddo-it show” began in 1986, largely because her book, Entertaining, simply flew off the shelves. One wag called her “Mildred Pierce in Armani,” but her (and her staff’s) ideas are first rate.

PBS had the most elegant talent in the kitchen, Julia and Jacques Pepin among them, and later winsome Sara Moulton, the executive chef at Gourmet magazine. I love her recipes.

However, slowly but surely the cult of the celebrity chef was raising its starched-white toques head. There was the ’85 series Great Chefs of (fill in the blanks). But watch out.

A TV Channel Devoted to Food?

Are You kidding?

It was 1993 and I was flattered to be invited (thanks to my Corning, Inc. connection) to the groundbreaking of the new Television Food Network studios and test kitchens. The guests

were each given bright yellow hardhats complete with the TVFN logo, even though this was inside a New York City office building and we would preview the continuing metamorphosis.

I must say the network recruited some interesting talent, especially the guy from New Orleans who pounded the work surface and shouted. True, the show was mostly instructive, but, like Graham Kerr before him, it was entertainment with a capital “E.” Before long he had a rabid studio audience hanging on his every bam—er—word.

Make that his buzzwords. Then there came the Leno-style touches such as the band with the kooky leader. To be selected to come to his counter and taste was the nearest thing to heaven for the lucky few.

Starting with his initial book (and every TV-FN chef I know starts off with a book, fully produced before the first installment airs so it can be promoted at the end of the program). Emeril has more volumes to his credit than I can count. They cover the cooking moment du jour—gluten-free is the latest and he had one for the kiddies who probably love to watch his antics. I wouldn’t be surprised if, in the face of the interest in Mexican food, he doesn’t come out with a book and series titled Kick It up a Nacho. And if he does, I am suing.

Another character called the “Frugal Gourmet” appeared on the scene to lecture us about cooking, jade fish banging against his apron-covered chest. It wasn’t exactly a revival meeting but his delivery had all the aspects of a sermon, as befits the ex-clergyman. He first appeared in 1977 on a local Tacoma television station. Then—stardom!— and a raft of cookbooks. But the less said about him the better. (And I could say a great deal.)

TV Cooking Now There are several old faces still whisking on one channel or another.

Mario Batali makes good Italian, ditto Mary Ann Esposito and Lidia See Watched Pots II on page 57

Food & Drink

Lakeview Lodge “The best kept secret in Cowanesque Valley�

The Lodge has:

Twelve modern motel rooms, each with private bath, a television and a phone. full-service restaurant with indoor seating for 165 in two separate dining rooms, a special function room with seating for an additional 100, a bar/lounge for up to 34 and a large outside deck that wraps around the south-facing wing of the lodge.

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51

Food & Drink Visit our website for info, rates, and photos at:

Restaurants

www.happyacresresort.net

Happy Acres Restaurant & Lounge Open daily

Pennsylvania Bradford County Canton

Saturdays & Sundays Breakfast Buffet 8-noon

Upcoming Entertainment 11/17 Fire In The Well 11/24 Scott Turner

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!

Book your next special event at the Acres!

3332 Little Pine Creek Road, Waterville • (570) 753-8585

Burnin' Barrel 6 west of Bar Hwy wellsboro in 18 Beers on Draft - Largest Variety in the Area New Menus Daily Lunch Specials Happy Hour - Tuesday thru Friday - 4-6 pm Taco Tuesday, Wing Night Wednesday Thirsty Thursday Call for Live Music Schedule

}

Doc's Irish Inn offers everything from burgers and wings to seafood and fine steaks cut to order. All breads, desserts, and entrees are made from scratch.

Please call for hotel availability.

(570) 673-8033, 127 Troy Street, Canton, PA http://www. docsirishinn.com.

KELLEY’S CREEK RESTAURANT

ansonia

570.724.1333 Open: Mon-thur 11 to 11 Fri-Sat 11 to 12 Sun 12 to 10

CREEK FOOD & SPIRITS

Lambs Creek offers sophisticated, down-home cooking seven days a week.

Every Tuesday there’s an Italian Night speciaI. Beautiful terrace overlooks gorgeous mountains. (570) 662-3222, 200 Gateway Dr, Mansfield, PA 16933, www.lambscreek.com

}DOC'S IRISH INN

Have a fall cocktail & check out our new menu!

Bring in this ad for 10% off any food item!

St.

}LAMBS

}YORKHOLO BREWING CO.

Offers a selection of dishes made up of local ingredients paired with Yorkholo’s own fresh brewed beer, including “Bungy” Blonde Ale, “Pine Creek” Raspberry Wit, “Mountaineer” Pale Ale, “Summer of Love” Summer Ale, “Grand Canyon” Vanilla Porter & “Coal Miner’s” Black I.P.A. are the beers we have on tap and 2 rotating selections.

(570) 662-0241, 19 N Main St, www.yorkholobrewing.com.

SIDE

Kelley’s offers $4 breakfast and $6 lunch specials every day, and they are open for dinner Wed-Sun. They specialize in home-style cooking like their prime rib and serve homemade desserts like chocolate peanut butter pie and muffins.

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

Lycoming County Jersey Shore

Babb’s Creek Inn & Pub specializes in Seafood and Prime Rib, which is available every night, except Tuesdays when the restaurant is closed. Reservations are appreciated for parties of 8 or more. Located at the intersection of Rtes. 287 & 414, (570) 353-6881, www. babbscreekinnandpub.com.

}CLEM'S RIBS & BBQ

Stop by and check out Clem's wood-fired ribs, chicken and pork bbq. All prepared on our open fire pit and served fast 'n fresh. Hearty $5.00 lunch specials featured from 11am 2pm.Open Wed. - Sun., 11am - 7pm.Clem's - A Central PA Take-out Tradition For Over 20 Years! Located in the middle of the 4-lane at 9737 S. Route 220 Hwy., Jersey Shore, PA clemsribsandbbq.com

1905 Classic coffee house located in Dunham’s Department Store. Proudly serving Starbucks® coffee, espresso, Frappuccino®, Tazo® tea plus delicious freshly baked pastries, homemade soups, artisan sandwiches and ice cream.

Free wi-fi. (570) 724-1905, Inside Dunham’s Department Store, 45 Main St.

}

HAPPY ACRES RESTAURANT & BAR

Tioga County Mansfield

}EDDIE’S RESTAURANT

Eddie’s offers home-style cooking with homemade daily specials. Their specialties include hot roast beef sandwiches and chicken & biscuits, both served with real mashed potatoes. They have homemade pies and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

(570) 662-2972, 2103 S. Main

52

Wellsboro

}CAFÉ

Waterville 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.

Located at 3332 Little Pine Creek Road, Waterville, PA (570) 753-8585, www. happyacresresort.com.

Morris

}BABB’S CREEK INN & PUB

}DUMPLING HOUSE

CHINESE RESTAURANT

}

Dumpling House specializes in Hunan, Cantonese, and Szechuan Cuisine. It’s family owned and operated and located on beautiful Main Street in Wellsboro. You may dine in or carry out. (570) 724-4220, 31 Main St. DUNKIN’ DONUTS America Runs on Dunkin’. 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

(570) 724-4556, 7 Main St.

}MARY WELLS ROOM AND PENN WELLS LOUNGE

Located in historic Penn Wells Hotel, full service restaurant and lounge feature an extensive menu of fine steaks, seafood, pasta,

d . . r . a o b A l Al d i a l o y s H y p p Ha

THE SANTA EXPRESS

EXPERIENCE THIS HOLIDAY TRADITION

TIOGA CE NTRA L

RA I LROA D Phone: (570)724-0990 Web: TiogaCentral.com

53

FOOD & DRINK

gourmet sandwiches, fresh burgers, desserts. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. (570) 724-2111, 62 Main St, www.pennwells.com.

THE NATIVE BAGEL The Native Bagel offers bagels made fresh daily, gourmet coffee, deli sandwiches, soups and salads, and homemade desserts.

Bagels are mixed, kneaded, rolled, boiled, and baked onsite. All soups, breads, and baked items are “made from scratch.” 1 Central Ave, (570) 724-0900, www.nativebagel.com.

PAG-O-MAR Pag-O-Mar offers subs, salads, and deli sandwiches at the head of the Wellsboro Junction Rail Trail, across from the Tioga Central tour train station. They also offer soft custard and Hershey’s hard ice cream.

And there’s a farmer’s market in season.

(570) 724-3333, 222 Butler Rd. (just past junction of Rts. 6 & 287).

}

}

}SUBWAY

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

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

TIOGA CENTRAL RAILROAD All aboard Tioga Central Railroad! Take a scenic ride while enjoying dinner on Saturday night or Sunday brunch.

Wine and beer available. See website for menu selection. (570) 724-0990, 11 Muck Rd, www.tiogacentral.com.

WELLSBORO DINER Wellsboro Diner, a famous Wellsboro landmark, serves sumptuous home cooked meals, fresh baked pies, cookies and cakes, and the very best prime rib on Saturday nights. They offer more than ample portions to all hungry guests.

(570) 724-3992, 19 Main St,

Wellsboro, PA 16901

}

Spices, Fresh Ground Peanut Buuer, Snacks, Candies, Gluten Free Items, Organics Items, Coffees, All of Your Baking Needs and So Much More!

7686 Route 6, Troy PA Phone: 570-297-1015

Open: Mon.- Frid. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sat. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Find us on facebook

}

} Monday-Friday: 9AM - 8PM Saturday: 9AM - 7PM

7 Charleston RD Wellsboro, PA www.terryshoagies.com Fax: 570-723-8732

}WEST END MARKET CAFÉ

54

“Globally inspired, locally sourced.” A place of nourishment and respite, celebrating local food & creativity. We feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible & Fair Trade coffee products. Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. To 3 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. To 3 p.m. (570) 605-0370, 152 Main St, www.

westendmarketcafe.wordpress.com.

Westfield

“Eat Fresh.” (814) 367-2610, 465 E Main St, www.acornmarkets.com.

}ACORN #10 FEATURING SUBWAY

Potter County Galeton

}ACORN #25 FEATURING SUBWAY

“Eat Fresh.” (814) 435-6626, 3 West St, www.acornmarkets.com.

}BRICKHOUSE CAFE & DELI

Features homemade soups, salads and baked goods daily, premium hot and cold sandwiches. Enjoy breakfast all day.

Located on historic Rt. 6 at the light, Monday-Friday 9am7pm, Saturday 9am-4pm. 4 W. Main Street (Rt 6), Galeton, PA (814)- 435-2444

New York

Steuben County Addison

}ACORN #11 FEATURING SUBWAY

“Eat Fresh.” (607) 359-2603, 121 Front St, www.acornmarkets.com.

Bath

}RICO'S PIZZA

Rico's Pizza offers NY Style hand tossed pizzas with a variety of toppings.

The full menu includes apppetizers,

salads, subs, calzones, stomboli's,

and pizza by the slice. Dessert, beer, and wine are also available.

(607) 622-6033, 371 W Morris St, www.ricospizza.com

Corning

AND TAP ROOM

}THE GAFFER GRILLE

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.

}RADISSON HOTEL CORNING

Grill 1-2-5 serves creative regional

specialties: small plates, grilled

sandwiches, and tender filet mignon.

The Steuben Bar offers appetizers, light

meals, your favorite beverages, and is

Food & Drink

Mother Earth

Woolly Bear Wisdom

By Gayle Morrow

W

hat fun to be a weather forecaster! The name says it all—your job is to predict, to prophesy, to make your best guess based on clouds and winds and barometric pressures and, nowadays, on computer models. People appreciate it when your divinations are occasionally spot-on, but their expectations of your continual correctness are really rather low; you are, after all, just a forecaster, and just a human one at that.

You’re not a woolly bear.

The furry, familiar, copperybrownish and black-striped woolly bear is the caterpillar version of the Isabella Tiger Moth. They can be found all over North America, even as far north as the Arctic. In addition to being quite cute, they are well known for their weather forecasting abilities. Their rise to fame began in the late 1940s, when a Dr. C.H. Curran, curator of insects at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, took a trip with his wife and some friends to Bear Mountain State Park. They made the journey, ostensibly, so the doctor could look at woolly bear caterpillars, collect them, and attempt to prove true scientifically the folksy maxim regarding a correlation between stripe width and the upcoming winter. Dr. Curran et. al. called themselves The Original Society of the Friends of the Woolly Bear and studied the little buggers for another eight or so years.

The doctor’s findings seemed to support the existing notion—the more brown (middle segments), the milder the upcoming winter—but he realized his data samples were small. As

other entomologists have since pointed out, though, the size of the stripes does tell us something about winter, but it’s the previous season. The middle band narrows (or do the black bands get bigger?) as the caterpillar experiences favorable conditions and subsequently grows.

Woolly bears hatch from an egg in the fall, then spend the winter as a caterpillar. When it gets cold, the heart stops, the gut and blood freeze.

The insects produce cryoprotectant, a substance that protects its living tissues while things are frigid. They thaw in the spring and, depending on the food supply and other environmental conditions, subsequently pupate, mate, and die. In the Arctic, where there’s not so much to eat and not much time to eat it in, the caterpillars have been known to go through the freeze- and thaw-cycle fourteen times.

Pennsylvania is home to two woolly bear festivals—one in Lewisburg and one in Oil City. Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio also celebrate the woolly bear.

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

55

Food & Drink

known for the best martini in the city!

125 Denison Parkway East, (607) 9625000, www.radisson.com/corningny.

}SORGE'S RESTAURANT

Sorge's is located on historic Market

Street, at the same location since 1951.

They feature homemade pastas as well

as a complete selection of steaks,

seafood, and traditional Italian dishes.

Open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 9

p.m. (607) 937-5422, 68 West Market

Street, www.sorges.com.

}RICO'S PIZZA

Rico's Pizza offers NY Style hand tossed pizzas with a variety of toppings.

The full menu includes apppetizers,

salads, subs, calzones, stomboli's,

and pizza by the slice. Dessert, beer, and wine are also available.

(607) 962-2300, 92 West Market St, www.ricospizza.com

Wayland

“Eat Fresh.” (585) 728-3840, 2341 Rt. 63, www.acornmarkets.com.

}ACORN #16 FEATURING SUBWAY

Chemung County Horseheads

}RICO'S PIZZA

Rico's Pizza offers NY Style hand tossed pizzas with a variety of toppings.

The full menu includes apppetizers,

salads, subs, calzones, stomboli's,

and pizza by the slice. Dessert, beer, and wine are also available.

(607) 796-2200, 2162 Grand Central

Ave, www.ricospizza.com

Yorkholo Brewing

Co. & Restaurant Artisan ales paired with dishes made up of local ingredients 19 N. Main St. Mansfield, PA 570-662-0241

Finger Lakes Hammondsport

}MALONEY’S PUB

Maloney’s Pub offers live music year

round. Come show your talent or view

other local talent at their open mics

on Thursdays, or lounge around and

play pool at their pool table. They also

have pub merchandise available.

(607) 569-2264, 57 Pulteney St, www.maloneyspub.com.

Watkins Glen

}CAPTAIN BILL’S

Discover the beauty of Seneca Lake.

Dine afloat aboard the Seneca Legacy or

on the waterfront at Seneca Harbor

Station. Saturday night dinner cruises

sail from 6-9 p.m. Open 7 days.

(607) 535-4541, 1 N Franklin St, www.senecaharborstation.com.

}JERLANDO'S RISTORANTE

56

& PIZZA CO.

Enjoy lunch or dinner on the Patio!

Large selection of American and Italian dishes; savor the flavor of our famous Garlic Knots & we make the “Best Pizza in Town”.Bon Appettito!

400 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891, 607-535-4254 Open 7 days a week 10AM -9PM, jerlandospizza.com

Food & Drink Watched Pots II continued from page 50

Bastianich. Italian seems to be a real favorite. Apropos of that, relative newcomer Giada De Laurentiis cooks, though it’s hard to believe she eats much of that food or that she’s had time to test the recipes in her six (yikes) books—so far. Smile Giada, no harm intended.

“Barefoot” Ina Garten does eat those yummy dishes she prepares for Jeffrey and her Hampton friends. I like her style.

I’ve learned to like watching the acrobatic cooking of Jamie Oliver who bangs things into the oven, and mentally savoring the dishes by New Orleans-based Chef John Besh, as well as Tyler Florence. Bobby Flay cooks with attitude and skill, Steve Raichlin with coals. They have their fans.

Shows about timely, quick, fast, and easy, etc. will always be popular. Take Rachel Ray’s thirty-minute wonders.

(How does she do it? I can’t.) Pepin’s series, Fast Food My Way, is a personal favorite. Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade may make food fanatics shudder, but she is popular. Paula Deen is in a category all by herself, y’all. She makes the health-obsessed cringe. Lately she’s dumped the lard-laden stuff working with her son. It’s nouvelle Paula. Ellie Krieger is Paula’s opposite, just bursting with tips on low-fat, low-calorie fare and has at least six cookbooks—so far—to her credit.

Wake up to Reality Have you noticed I haven’t mentioned Iron Chef, Chopped, or the cake and cupcake stuff, or any of the other reality shows? I guess I just don’t want to face reality in the kitchen. I’ve been watching so many cooking shows to prepare for this article that there’s a backlog of stuff in my kitchen sink.

Instead of watching pots, I’d better get busy washing pots.

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

57

Home & Garden

Out of the mold, into the wide-open‌

Magnificent home sites

Four to thirteen acres Build-to-suit option Have your dream home SundanceRidgeLiving.com 570-724-5575

Inspired by Nature 58

Home & G a r d e n Salt & Prepper

By Jo Charles

H

ave you watched any of the episodes of Doomsday Preppers on the National Geographic Channel? How about the Discovery Channel’s Doomsday Bunkers? While I truly hope that none of the events for which the featured preppers prepare (try saying that several times really fast!), I do find the shows and concepts interesting. They feature individuals and families that are planning survival strategies for a variety of catastrophic events, be they natural or manmade, that will cause disruption for extended periods of time. Some prepare for major disruptions to the power grid, some for nuclear war, some for pandemics, others for earthquakes or major hurricanes.

I don’t see prepping as simply a response to catastrophes. I see prepping as more of a common sense way of life—but then I come from a long line of what are now referred to as preppers. Being prepared is just part of who I am. Most folks that live in rural areas tend to be that way.

If you think about it, in a few short decades, society has become spoiled with the 24/7 availability of food and supplies. But look at what happens when a snowstorm is forecast or the power is out for See Prepper on page 61

59

Home & Garden

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Let Bright Ideas by Martinec install new windows in your home helping your family enjoy warm winter days and lowering your energy bills. Call to meet with our window expert today!

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60

Home & Garden

Prepper continued from page 59

an extended period of time—panic overtakes common sense and everyone rushes to the store for “essentials.”

With ubiquitous availability, it didn’t take long for people to become complacent and to stop preparing. It’s amazing and somewhat comical to a prepper—but it is also concerning.

I grew up in a tiny crossroads town in western Pennsylvania. Nearly everyone had a big garden and an orchard with apple, cherry, and pear trees. Canning what we didn’t eat fresh was a way of life. And if your crop wasn’t enough to feed the family over the long winter months, there were neighbors that had extra to share. We did not have Acorn or Dandy Marts on every corner; stores were not open twenty-four hours a day. In fact, they were closed on Sundays—imagine that! The closest

grocery store was nearly an hour away and with six kids and only one car that my dad used for work, my mother had to be very adept at planning her grocery shopping.

Our freezer was the one-squarefoot type in the old refrigerators that developed those thick chunks of ice.

We looked forward to when Mom defrosted the refrigerator—we loved running over the chunks of ice in our bare feet. Big freezers were a luxury that few had. We had more than enough homecanned goods to last us at least one year neatly stored in our basement.

Going hungry was never a fear because they planned and prepared from one growing season to the next. We had powdered milk and canned milk in the pantry for when the milkman couldn’t get through. We had containers of

flour and sugar and all other necessary staples.

Choosing to live in a rural area and to travel in remote regions of the United States, my husband and I have always tried to be prepared for a variety of situations to insure survival and to minimize discomfort or inconvenience. I would rather be prepared and not need the items than not have them readily available. But the Doomsday Preppers take their preparations much further and for much greater lengths of time than we have ever considered.

It should make us think and it should make those who do not do much prepping think about how they would survive for any great length of time.

How well did you manage after the terrible Memorial Day storm of 2011? We were without power for four See Prepper on page 62

61

Home & Garden Home Plucked continued from page 61

Prepper continued from page 61

days. Many folks lost the contents of their refrigerators and freezers, but we did not. We had saved and made the investment in a generator with sufficient capacity to run our well pump and critical circuits in our home. With few full-time residents on our road, common sense tells us that we are not on the top of the list for power restoration during such catastrophic situations. We should all learn from these events and be better prepared for the next time it happens—because it will happen again.

I hope everyone is becoming a “prepper” and, if you are not, think about some plausible scenarios and how you would react and manage.

What are your options, what is reasonable to prepare for and what is not?

Besides non-perishable food supplies, don’t forget about basic necessities such as water, toilet paper, items for personal hygiene as well as laundry and dish soaps, and medications. It’s a lot

to think about, but planning for and being prepared for whatever potential challenges may be placed before you will greatly minimize your anxiety and will certainly enhance your ability to “weather the storm.”

Jo Charles is the pen name of a Tioga County resident who spent thirty years

working in the telecommunications industry. She enjoys traveling with her husband, planning family functions, cooking, canning, baking, and collecting recipes.

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

Spectacular Views!

Stunning 3 BR, 1¾ BA completely renovated log home! Hardwood floors, wrap around covered porch, custom cherry kitchen, granite counter tops, propane stone fireplace, & more. Fully finished basement. 85 acres offering 6 perc approved lots. Conveniently located between Elmira & Mansfield! Just $595,000 M123129

LAND with OGMS

CASADE TWP

66.25 Acres - $625,000

RE DU CE D

WELLSBORO BORO

3.12 Acres - $99,900 1.50 Acres - $49,900 1.60 Acres - $54,900 CERES TWP

40 Acre Country Estate with OGMS! Contemporary 4-5 BR, 3 BA country home.

Property features 2 barns, above-ground swimming pool, enclosed outdoor hot tub, stocked pond, tennis court, & large walkout deck with privacy. Now Just $499,000 or $350,000 w/out OGMS M122390

LAND

WELLSBORO BORO

52.63 Acres - $249,900

LAND Jackson Twp 12.52 Acres - $39,900 16.57 Acres - $49,900 29.64 Acres - $84,800 31.36 Acres - $99,900 42.16 Acres - $119,700 48.48 Acres - $144,800 61.00 Acres - $179,700 94.52 Acres - $159,900 126.43 Acres - $254,800

PR IC E

LAND Ward Twp 23.72 Acres - $74,900 47.54 Acres - $142,620 50.00 Acres - $164,900 74.50 Acres - $231,000 95.19 Acres - $293,070 147.65 Acres - $450,450 170.69 Acres - $519,570 197.65 Acres - $607,950 224.50 Acres - $688,500

1.00 Acre - $19,900 1.50 Acres - $32,900 1.66 Acres - $35,900 Spacious Living Inside & Out! Large 4,440+ sq ft, 4 BR, 2 BA home on 97+ ac.

Kitchen is a cook’s dream with Corian countertops & cherry cabinets. Great room with tongue & groove pine. 2 room master suite. 2nd floor walk out deck & large 1st floor deck. Additional acreage available. Only $199,900 M123134

TIOGA BORO

1.40 Acres - $24,900

Cute Farmette!

13.55 acres with 3 BR, 2 BA home, oversized 2 car garage, & 2 sheds. Home features eat-in kitchen with cherry cabinets, large stainless steel sink, & island, living room with stone fireplace, & sun room. Basement with 2 offices.

Only $199,900 M122539

Country Setting, Close to Town!

Cute, Immaculate 2 BR, 1¾ BA home in move in condition situated on 4.96 acres. Kitchen is a cook’s delight. Large decks, paved driveway, large yard with stream.

Just $159,900 M123022

LAND Liberty Twp 4.55 Acres - $39,000 4.71 Acres - $39,900 5.97 Acres - $39,900 7.49 Acres - $54,900 8.04 Acres - $45,900 10.25 Acres - $41,000 12.30 Acres - $45,900 15.80 Acres - $59,900 34.53 Acres - $89,900

0.16 Acres - $19,900 LIBERTY TWP

LAND

LAWRENCE TWP

3.55 Acres - $34,900

LAND

LAND

OSCEOLA TWP

PINE TWP

15.99 Acres - $39,900 80.97 Acres - $239,900

2.36 Acres - $34,000 16.30 Acres - $87,000

ATHENS TWP

DELMAR TWP & WELLSBORO BORO

44.43 Acres - $139,900 30.13 Acres - $69,900 SULLIVAN TWP

85.71 Acres - $212,500

Quiet Country Setting!

Come sit on your front porch while you relax & watch deer run through your front yard & squirrels rustling thru the leaves at this comfortable 3-4 BR home. Easy access to I99. Conveniently located to State lands. Just $139,500 M123030

9.29 Acres - $155,900 6.783 Acres - $114,900 CLYMER TWP

7.17 Acres - $29,900

Ward Township Hideaway!

48+ Ac. Bordering State Forest. 4,420 sq ft shell nestled in the woods. Property has timber value & wetlands. Perc approved! Electric service on site.

Now Just $189,000 M121823

LAND

COMMERCIAL LAND

9.90 Acres - $89,900 117.51 Acres - $359,900

10.52 Acres - $360,000 20.00 Acres - $1,200,000

CHARLESTON TWP

CHARLESTON TWP

CHATHAM TWP

10.16 Acres - $55,000 Get Your Start Here!

Great starter home with large in town lot. 3-4 BR, large living space, 2 car garage and a separate work shop.

Just $78,900 M123126

PR IC E

Vintage Feel, Well Maintained Home!

Oak hardwood floors throughout covered by carpet on the 1st floor, 3 sets of French doors, wood burning brick fireplace, sunroom suitable for year-round use, large foyer, upstairs sitting area, & rear patio overlooking the back yard.

Just $154,900 M123065

2.50 Acres - $45,900 2.60 Acres - $45,900 5.11 Acres - $85,900 7.92 Acres - $89,900 11.80 Acres - $49,900 19.72 Acres - $129,900

RE DU CE D

DELMAR TWP

FARMINGTON TWP

20.74 Acres - $39,900 DEERFIELD TWP

33.60 Acres - $79,900

Great Opportunity!

Historic building situated on 2.41 acres.

Prime residential development site located in quiet residential location near downtown Wellsboro. Water & sewer available. Seller will deliver preliminary site plan approvals for 9 condominium/townhouse units.

Just $450,000 M123005

Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

MANSFIELD BORO

2.42 Acres - $650,000 ATHENS TWP

10.00 Acres - $599,900 LAWRENCE TWP

113.72 Acres - $2,250,000

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Real estate Convenient Downtown Location 78 Main St., Wellsboro, PA 570-724-5921 FAX 570-724-8077

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Amazing home completely remodeled from top to bottom! Wrap around porch greets you, skylights, ceramic tile & hardwood floors, stone fireplace in family room, 4 roomy bdrms & 2 full baths. All on nice lot with garage/workshop.

Looking for the perfect Home or GetAway! Kitchen/dining/living room is all open with vaulted ceilings,. Enjoy an indoor swimming pool all year, 2 car detached garage with a large shop, pole barn, a small spring fed pond all setting on 4.93 Acres.

Beautiful level lot on the end of Mill St. Woods along one side, corn field behind.

You will feel like you are in the country!

A fantastic location to build your new home. Public water & sewer hoof-up fees $100.00 each. Building restrictions as per Lawrenceville Boro codes.

Business opportunity for a small Investment. Over 6000 sq feet for retail or offices, 2nd & 3rd floors could be renovated for apartments. Corner lot, plenty of parking.

Charleston

Westfield

Lawrenceville

Knoxville

MH-122726

$184,900

Secluded Paradise! Camp or seasonal retreat, great condition, 2 bdrms, 1 bath, Septic, well and utilities. New vinyl windows, rubber floor, large deck plus addition for extra room! All on 3.84 acres.

Potter

MH-122617

$64,900

MH-122677

$199,900

Victoria elegance & distinction turn of the century home. Beautiful woodwork with unique scroll work and working pocket doors.

Careful renovation. Updated kitchen, baths and laundry area. Restored hardwood floors, plus a garage and enclosed back porch, open patio on 1.24+/- Acres in Mansfield.

Mansfield MH-122612 $289,900

MH-122668

Cabins to Castles on Seneca Office: (607) 535-2586 Fax: (607) 535-7526

Beaver Dams, NY. 43 Acre Horse Farm in Upstate NY! 6 Stall Barn and additional 28X28 Barn.

Fenced Pasture. Detached Garage.

3 Bedroom Home with Hardwood Floors, Dining Rm with Fireplace, Remodeled Kitchen and Bathroom. Many updates! $210,000

Urbana, NY. 7.42 Acre Secluded Getaway!

Just 4mi outside of Hammondsport, tucked in the woods, is this 2 Bedroom cabin built in 1999. Wood Stove in main living area. Relax on the front deck overlooking the large bass pond.

1/2mi to Finger Lakes forest. $75,900

Burdett, NY. 73 Acres Surrounded by the National Forest!

Mostly wooded with appx 6 cleared acres with breathtaking views. A-Frame cabin with bath, kitchen, and loft sleeping area.

Prime recreation property or to build your dream home!

Hector, NY. Premier Building Site on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail!

3 Mostly wooded acres with some clearings, that is slightly sloped to provide your new home with spectacular Seneca Lake Views.

131’ of road frontage, No Zoning, and Mineral Rights Will Convey.

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MH-122688

$59,900

Commercial Opportunity! Rt 287 North of Wellsboro. 3.09 acres with direct access to 287. Currently gravel pit, income possibilities could be explored.

Commute South easily from this Cape Cod home. Huge 40 X 60 garage for work or play. 4.27 level acres. 3 bdrms, 1 ½ baths, wood floors, 1st floor bdrm and laundry.

Middlebury

Pine

MH-122445

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

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Watkins Glen, NY 14891

$24,900

$49,900

MH-122790

$175,000

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Call the office at 570-723-8484 Real estate 477 Tioga Street, Rt. 6 West One mile west of the Wellsboro Diner Wellsboro, Pa. 16901

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NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA’S CHOICE FOR: COMMERCIAL, HOMES, ACREAGE, FARMS, CABINS, & RENTALS “Professionals working hard for YOU”

VICTORIAN 4 BEDROOM HOME - WELLSBORO – This home is one of the oldest homes in the town of Wellsboro with gorgeous hardwood floors, fireplace, attached garage, stream, great floor plan, historic charm and all of your updated modern conveniences! Own your piece of history for just $184,900 #122986

OUTSTANDING POTENTIAL FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD ON) 10 ACRES! – This setting is very private and ideal as farmette. Hefty log home overlooking the valley and mountains! Cozy, rustic interior, sunroom, wraparound porch and deck.

Short drive to Wellsville, NY, located between Mills and Genesee. Property has subdivision pending from larger parcel. $289,000 #122913

VACATION OR RETIRE HERE! – Sits on over 7 acres with no visible neighbors! Ranch home offers 3 bdrms with a must see lovely interior offering large bright windows revealing the great view! Very large sunroom for year-round enjoyment! Many new and attractive amenities! $209,990 #122903

BEAUTIFUL 2 STORY HOME IN WELLSBORO – The best kept secret in Wellsboro! Gorgeous 3 bdrm home in downtown Wellsboro with a 1 car attached garage. This home has hardwood floors, a nice floor plan, new appliances, fenced in private yard, patio and much more. $159,500 #122884

179 ACRES WITH 3 BEDROOM HOME AND 100% OGM’S – Here’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase a 179+ acre farm with 100% OGM’s! Property also has a completely renovated 3 story home along with a restored barn as well. Property is currently leased and 100% OGM’s convey to buyer. EZ drive to Williamsport/ Wellsboro. $1,350,000 MLS 122872

REMARKABLE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY CLOSE TO NY BORDER – Incredible restaurant, lounge with motel lodging sitting in the center of 30 acres. Breathtaking views of Cowanesque Lake and the countryside. Close to Rt. 15/I-99, NY State, Corning, NY and EZ to Mansfield, Wellsboro, or Williamsport, Pa. Excellent books!Lodging available year round. $1.2m #122820

5 BAY COMMERCIAL BUILDING – Route 6 frontage, Wellsboro area property would be ideal for your automotive business, the gas industry, etc! This state of the art 5 bay garage/ business completely remodeled and meticulously maintained! Room to possibly have apt. within back of bldg. New paved parking lot. Owner financing available. Make offer! $425,000 #122725

EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS -SECLUDED SETTING2.87 AC – This Potter County attractive comfortable home offers a long list of wonderful amenities including attached 3 car garage, central vac, central air, concrete driveway, lg. composite deck, maintenance free exterior, etc.

2-3 bdrms. 1.5 baths. EZ to Wellsville, NY or Coudersport,Pa.$219,000 #122599

CHARMING UPDATED FARMHOUSE-83.75 AC – The charisma and patina of a grand era are evident throughout this grand lady on 83.75 acres yet offers modern beautiful amenities certain to allure! Farm, hunt, fish, play, live! So much to see and appreciate! All on almost 84 acres this special home awaits you and your family! $439,000 #122595

SPACIOUS RAISED RANCH-91 AC – Substantially lg property & ample space to raise livestock.3294 sq ft. attractive home offers 3 bdrms, 2 baths, open floor plan & more. Property offers high tensile fencing,2 wells,2 septics,barn,shed & will convey gas rights with current lease expiring 2/2013.

Timber potential! $850,000 #122361

OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE STYLE HOME-24 AC – 100% OGM’s! Majestically overlooking the valley! 4 bdrm home offers exquisite spacious open interior with list of tastefully designed amenities. Property also offers a full raised finished basement for family entertainment area with 2nd kitchen.EZ to NY, Mansfield, & Rt.15/I-99 $440,000 #122338

SUBSTANTIAL COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITYOWNER OCCUPY – Historic Comm location at Rt. 6 & Rt. 449, Potter County-Opportunity to owner occupy on property on 2.8 ac with a multitude of commercial endeavors including Gift Shop, Gs Industry use, etc. 2 levels of store/office and living space with 2 car garage. Pertinent details available. $598,000 #122098

100% OMGS- YOUR PRIVATE CASTLE ON 65 AC – Indescribable detail in this custom home w/unique post & beam design,open floorplan, cathedral ceilings,lg windows & double glass doors throughout.Access the lg deck from 4 rooms. Custom amenities including lavish master bathroom.65+/- acs offer future timber potential & 100% OGM rights. $739,000. #119832

22.54 AC-WOW THE VIEWS...BETWEEN TROY AND MANSFIELD – Over the meadows & beyond! 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. Corner property with long frontage. $360,000 #119956

PRIVATE LOGHOME RETREAT – 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.$435,000.#121313

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, $477,000 #122992

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$1

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Real estate

50 ,8

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$1 00 $6

25 ,5 $1

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Chicken coop was $775

,0 $3

,3

,1 $1

10’ x 12’ Cape Cod was $2000

10’ x 12’ Mini Barn was $1650

25

10’ x 14’ Mini Barn was $1750

8028 Rt. 414 Liberty, PA 16930

8 x 8 Villa with Vinyl Siding was $2100

8’ x 10’ A frame was $1500

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$2 75 ,5 12’ x 20’ Deluxe Cape Cod was $4500

10’ x 20’ Cape Cod was $2750

8’ x 12’ Deluxe potting shed was $ 2700

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8’ octagon gazebo with belle roof was $3700

$4

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10 x 12 Mini Barn was $1650

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Close out pricing on all in-stock storage sheds!

www.blackcreekent.com 10’ x 16’ Cape Cod was $2250

8’ x 8’ Mini Barn was $1250

Don’t see what you’re looking for here?

Place an order from now through Thanksgiving and get a FREE ramp and loft in your shed.

10’ x 16’ A Frame was $2500

10’ x 16’ Deluxe Classic was $3370

Hurry in to take advantage of these deals, because when they’re gone, they are gone!

Phone 570-324-6503

BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED 4 BR seasonal or full time residence w/(3) 1st floor BR’s, newer kitchen and 2 baths, cathedral ceiling - completely remodeled in 2006. Front, rear decks to enjoy wildlife, miles of 4-wheel and snowmobile trails available, access to hunting land.

MTHDLM 121864 $129,000

TOP OF DENTON HILL (short walk to Susquehanna State Forest), secluded 3 BR home/camp on over 10 wooded acres w/newer laminate and ceramic tile floors, carpeting, fronts on 2 roads approved for snowmobiling and 4-wheelers, 3 stall horse barn recently refurbished w/new metal roof.

MTHDLM 122087 $149,900

20 ACRES WITH GREAT CAMP, POSSIBLE FULL TIME RESIDENCE provides seclusion and privacy, yet with access to Route 44 just 4/10 mile away. 2 BR home sits south of golf club and close to State Land, is very well built w/beautiful stone fireplace and walk out lower level.

MTHDLM 121031 $159,500

28 ACRES W/SMALL CABIN and 1,735’ frontage on First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek, borders State Forest. Can be purchased with First Fork Lodge, well known B&B, fly fishing/sporting goods shop and restaurant - (see MTHDLM 120485), or just enjoy your own private haven on the creek.

MTHDLM 121330 $169,000

www.npennrealestate.com

Real estate WWW.PENNOAKREALTY.COM

65 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901 l (570) 724-8000

PA Certified WBE

SIMPLE, MODEST 3 BR RANCH w/quality interior details – formal dining room, kitchen w/breakfast nook, cozy living room w/wood fireplace and large family room addition w/ back yard views. Partly finished basement living space, Country setting on paved road a mere 2 miles from downtown Wellsboro.

MTHDLM 122017 $234,900

STURDY 4 BR HOME on west end of Main Street, Wellsboro, along the gas lit boulevard of the Historic District. Large, deep lot with garage, 1st and 2nd story porches on back of home, with a traditional front porch from the sidewalk. Large rooms and hardwood floors throughout.

MTH 123058 $249,000

RARE FIND! 28 acres w/small cabin and 1,735’ frontage on First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek, borders State Forest.

Can be purchased with First Fork Lodge, well known B&B, fly fishing/sporting goods shop and restaurant (see MTH 120485), or just enjoy your own private haven on the creek.

MTH 121330 $169,000

BORDERS STATE FOREST AT THE TOP OF DENTON HILL - snowmobile and 4-wheel right from your front door! This neat as a pin camp/home on 3+ acres is secluded, yet only minutes from Route 6. Most furnishings included.

MTH 123072 $139,000

SCAN TO VIEW OUR LISTINGS

NICE, CLEAN DOUBLEWIDE on a rented lot with attached garage. Located on a quiet street at the edge of town there is a level lawn, macadam drive. Lot rent with water and sewer is about $200/month.

MTH 123023 $27,900

ENJOY ALL THE IN-TOWN CONVENIENCES from this nicely updated ranch. Features a new kitchen, heating system and beautiful hardwood floors. Easy walk to the playground or university.

MTH 123027 $149,000

THIS NEWLY PAINTED 3 BR RANCH with new flooring is situated on 1.21 acres just outside the boro limits. The house sits on a full basement, which could easily be finished for additional living space, and has an attached 2 car garage. Pleasant field views from the covered back deck.

MTH 123084 $150,000

TURNKEY, READY TO LIVE IN. Neat and updated camp or small residence along Pine Creek. Updates include new laminate flooring, new roof. All furnishings and kitchenware included with property. Easy access to Pine Creek for fishing, etc.

MTH 123140 $89,900

Commercial Sales & Leasing

FIRST

Chris Gilbert - Realtor chris.gilbert@remax.net direct: 570-404-1268 office: 570-662-2200 18 North Main St., Mansfield, PA

Find your dream home at www.mountainvalley-chris.com Chris Costanzo-VanDergrift REALTOR 114 Tioga ST., WellSboro, Pa direct: 570-419-7185 moutainvalleyrealtyllc.com chrisrealtorpa@yahoo.com

Amazing views and privacy at this home and 24 acres with 100% OGM’s! This home has an open floor plan, gorgeous hickory kitchen with Corian, second floor balcony, exposed beams, 5 bedrooms, and a full finished basement for additional living space. This is your dream home.

MUST SEE!

MLS 122338

Very successful Bar/Lounge/Tavern available just over the NY border! This business has excellent financials, fully operative kitchen, DJ booth, 5 RV hookups, nice home and regular customers! This could be your turn key operation!

AMAZING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY! MLS 121497

PRICE REDUCED! High Visibility!

Great commercial location on Route 6 near the Route 15 exit with modern office building on large lot! Building offers 3 private offices with spacious waiting/ display room. Only $499,900 or Lease For $2,500/month M122351

Great Location! High Visibility!

Property offers garage space with 2 overhead doors, office, waiting area, and 2 half baths, with plenty of paved parking & 600+ sq ft office building with ample parking. Easy access located along Route 6 between Route 15 & Sheetz.

Just $379,000 M123119

For Lease!

Be the first to occupy this new professional or business office space.

Unfinished. You finish to suit your needs.

High visibility near busy intersection.

Additional smaller finished space also available, call for details.

Just $3,200/month M122982

Great Location!

Level, graveled, commercial lot on Route 6 at the edge of town with 2 bedroom home zoned commercial. Ideal location for office & yard! Could use for lodging as well.

Just $3,300/month M122149

EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

www.npennrealestate.com

All-Sys All-Sys SlickSlick #: #: Real estate MA3.625x2.25_CutDownonBills_013113 MA3.625x2.25_CutDownonBills_013113

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True Blue Name Satellite Systems Retailer’s Retailer’s Name 699 Karr Valley Rd, Almond, NY (607) 276-2817 000-000-0000 000-000-0000 truebluesat.getdish.com

Restrictions Restrictions apply. Call apply. for Call Details. for Details.

107 Main Street Wellsboro, Pa. 16922

570-723-1600

40 acres in Ward Township, Tioga County. The land has frontage along a township road and is only a short walk to State Forest land. Electricity is available and the property has been perc approved for construction. The land is gently rolling and offers many potential building sites for a house or cabin. $139,000. Reduced to $115,000

www.wellsboroparealestate.com

Patt Rd., Wellsboro This incredible property is nestled in the mountains with lovely views and an abundant of wildlife. This 21+ acre property is equipped for horses with a barn and fenced pastures. OGM’s are negotiable.

With a custom kitchen, hardwood floors, brick fireplace, and much, much more; what’s not to like?

REF#10567

Cameron County, PA ­We are offering 3 parcels with state forest frontage AND frontage along Cowley Run near the Sizerville State Park. 4 acres - $49,900, 6 acres - $59,000, and 7 acres - $59,900. Owner financing available to qualified buyers.

$359,500

Wm. P. Connolly Real Estate Co. www.connollyrealestate.com 570-324-3000

Unique home in Liberty Township Built in 2008, this 2 story, 3 bdrm, 2½ bath home situated on 12 wooded acres has handcrafted woodwork thru/ out, cathedral ceilings, and Adirondack siding. Inside there is oak and ceramic flooring. Kitchen has hickory cabinets and a breakfast bar. Great amenities: Large covered wrap-around deck w/ handcrafted railings, full basement, 20’x30’ 2-story garage, and a small barn. Oil/ HOME #1218 gas rights currently leased and included.

$259,900

www.npennrealestate.com

Real estate

Open

M a r k et P l a ce Shop Around the Corner

Lather, Rinse, Repeat Heidi Hart’s Pure Hart Soaps Story and Photos by Rebecca Hazen

C

edarwood, Citrus Splash, and Desert Flower. Java Spice, Lime Rosemary, and Mint Madness.

Smell squeaky clean with these scents and more from Heidi Hart’s Pure Hart Soap shop eight miles west of Wellsboro.

It’s hard to miss the little red shop on the side of Route 6. There’s a sign out front, but you won’t need it to tell you where you are. The minute you walk inside—your nose will know.

All of the soaps are handmade with fresh goats milk from her own goats on Heidi’s farm, called the Wild Mountain Thyme Farm. But the number of products does not stop with just soap.

Heidi also makes soy candles, goat milk lotion, and body butter to name a few.

“I was in a crafty mood about fifteen years ago. I read an article in a magazine about a woman who started making her own soap. I thought it would be very cool to do,” Heidi said.

Heidi started out making soap for her family and her infant daughter,

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who, at the time, struggled with dry skin and rashes.

“There are different types of fatty acids that are in different fats and oils that you use for soaps. Goat milk is full of them. You are adding one more step of moisturizing. It is really good for the skin,” Heidi explained.

Heidi had hoped to keep soap making simply as a hobby, and maybe give some bars out for Christmas gifts, but then a co-worker wanted to buy some because it was helping her skin.

“After that, I started doing a few craft shows and selling to friends. I started out with making oatmealand lavender-scented soaps, and now obviously it has expanded,” Heidi said.

She now makes up to fifty scents, though not all at the same time.

Some scents are introduced seasonally, such as Sweet Cranberry in the fall. She also made a spice cider soap, which was specially made for the October Apple and Cheese Festival in Canton, Pennsylvania.

Pure Hart Soap 7411 Route 6 Wellsboro, PA 16901 570-724-3962 www.purehartsoap.com

“A lot of what I have in stock is based on customer’s requests,” Heidi said.

When Heidi was asked what her favorite scent was, she replied, “That’s the worst question ever! It depends on my mood.”

After some thought, she listed her five favorite scents: Good Morning Grapefruit, Green Man, Exotic, Citrus Splash, and Mint Madness.

“I personally like clean and crisp scents,” Heidi said.

Soap making is not necessarily a complex process, it does not require a chemistry set, as some people might believe, though it does take time, careful planning—and more time.

When Heidi makes her soaps, she starts out by melting a mixture of oils in a pot. Heidi makes sure to keep the goat milk cold while the oil is melting, otherwise it could curdle. Heidi adds lye to the milk, and when the oil is at the right temperature, the oil gets added to the lye and milk mixture.

MARKETPLACE

The mixture begins to blend, and the chemical process changes the oil and lye into soap. When the mixture begins to thicken up, Heidi then adds the scent. At this point, the mixture goes into a mold and sets for twenty-four hours. After the twenty-four hours is up, the block is cut into individual bars.

Once the soap is poured, it takes about four to six weeks to cure.

“I tell people that it is similar to baking a cake, but your cake takes months to bake. It is a simple recipe. I have a great computer program that I can plug my recipe into, and it tells me how it affects the end bar, so I can tell if I am going to get a hard or moisturizing bar, and how the lather is going to be,” Heidi said.

In order to make the different scents, Heidi uses fragrance and essential oils.

“When I first started, I only used the essential oils, but the cost and variety changes. There are a lot of scents that people want that you can only get in fragrance oils. The suppliers that I use have over 1,000 scents. It’s just an amazing assortment,” Heidi said.

Heidi hopes to start a soap of the month gift club for Christmas. People who join will get two bars a month, with a guaranteed new scent each month.

“The December one will be called Noel, which is a nice pine Christmas scent. January will be Champagne. I may do a chocolate scent for February,” Heidi said.

The goat milk soap, goat milk lotion, soy candles—all homemade

by Heidi—and other items are also featured together in wrapped gift baskets.

“I started with the soap, and it all kind of stemmed from that. It is all what I personally like for myself: buying lotions and bath salts and such. I always used to buy those types of gift baskets for presents. Then I figured, if I make the candles, or the lotions, I could make my own baskets,” Heidi said.

Heidi continued, “Everything has kind of come as an accessory to the soap.

Scott Walker, 570-295-1083

See Lather, Rinse, Repeat on page 72

71

Mountain Home

Service Directory

Shopping

Marketplace

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

Hunters, this soap’s for you (right) as part of Heidi’s masculine—though not just for men—soaps. Heidi Hart has been making soap for fifteen years, and decided to turn her hobby into a business, Pure Hart Soap.

Games ï Imagination ï Fun

Lather, Rinse, Repeat continued from page 71

“The soy candles are the most recent things that I have started doing.

I used to work in a candle shop, and it was one of my favorite things—to come home and to smell like the candles. I also love burning candles.”

Aside from the milking goats that help Heidi make her products, if you hurry, you will find the last batches of yarn from her angora goats, which Heidi is in the process of selling, so the product will not last.

“We are looking into getting a pen up here that we can keep some of the diary goats in during the day.

People have asked to see the goats before. If people can see the goats, it brings it to a personal level. This is something that is made here,” Heidi said.

Other accessories can be purchased at Heidi’s shop, such as body puffs, pumice stones, and soap decks.

For the male shopper, never fear, there is something for you, too, at Pure Hart Soap. Heidi carries an arrangement of “masculine scents” including Hunter, which smells like a clean version of dirt.

“My husband actually came home with a deer, his first one in 72

Pop's Playroom Now Open!

Check out our facebook and website for events.

ten years, after using that soap. So I like to tell people, ‘It really works,’” Heidi said.

At Pure Hart Soap, the shopper will also find colorful aprons in a wide range of fabrics, as well as quilted table runners.

“My mother Edna makes the aprons and table runners. She is a quilter. I used to be, but I just don’t have the time now. She has been a seamstress for many years. It’s a functional item that she made fun, and she gave them personality,” Heidi said.

Heidi noted that most of her business happens at the seasonal growers market in town, but she is open year round at her shop from Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. You can also look for her at the senior center during the Dickens of a Christmas holiday event on December 1st in Wellsboro.

“We really enjoy making some handcrafting available to others. I turned my obsession into something that can pay for itself. There is something for everyone,” Heidi said.

popscultureshoppe.com

2 East Avenue Wellsboro, PA 16901

570-723-4263

Evolution Arms 5 South Main Street, Tioga, PA 16946 Mon-Sat 10AM - 7PM

Gun & Ammo Sales Class III Weapons Dealer Weapon Accessories Suppressors, Builds Tannerite,Targets Firearms, Ammunition Phone 570-418-8042 Fax 570-418-8043 evolutionarms@yahoo.com

Lodging Sporting Goods

Professional Services

5610 St Rt 414 Hector, NY 14841

SPORTING GOODS

For all your sporting good needs!

Reloading supplies, guns, shells, clothes, and much, much more!

See Special Weekend Hours for Deer Season!

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9am-6pm Fri. 9am-8pm Sat. 9am-5pm

570-662-3429

15 W. Wellsboro St. Mansfield, PA

JOHN’S SPORTING GOODS Guns bought, sold, and traded!

Visa, Mastercard & Discover 90 day Layaway & Gift Certificates 814-435-3544 johnmzeigler@verizon.net 27 Whispering Pines Ln. Galeton, PA 73

B a c k o f the M ou n ta i n

Snap a Salute Photo by Anne Sutley Miller

In honor of Veteran’s Day, Mountain Home choose this photograph of the flag pole at Pennyslvania College of Technology in Williamsport by Anne Sutley Miller, 16, of the Miller Store in Blackwell, Pennsylvania.

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I’M A SUSQUEHANNA CANCER SURVIVOR. “I was blessed to be treated at an amazing comprehensive cancer center, right here in Williamsport. I knew I was in good hands the moment I walked into the Susquehanna Health Cancer Center, with its bright, airy and modern facilities. They treated my breast cancer with the latest technology and therapies. Throughout it all, I was impressed by the skills and compassion of the doctors, nurses, nutritionists and social workers who treat you – body, mind and soul. They provided comfort and guidance for me and my family every step of the way. Now that my cancer is cured, I’m exercising regularly and have already dropped 30 pounds. I’m healthy, strong and feel like a new person – and I appreciate every magical moment of life.” – Sue Danneker, Linden To learn more about our Cancer Center and Sue’s story of survival, visit SusquehannaHealth.org/Cancer