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On Saturday, July 3 at 6 p.m. Natalia Paruz will perform with the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport. Paruz is an ambassador of the 300-year-old art form of making music with a carpenter’s handsaw.

The concert will include classical favorites, the American premier of a composition by Scott Munson, pop and folk music, and patriotic music of George M. Cohan.

Having performed at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden and Lincoln Center as a musical saw soloist, she is also the founder/director of the annual New York City Musical Saw Festival, now in its eighth year, a judge in international musical-saw competitions and a writer of the Saw Players News.

Visit www.fingerlakes-music.org for more information.

Experience History in Your Backyard

A new and exciting opportunity sponsored by the History Coalition of Cayuga County (HC3) is being offered from July 11 to 18. Fifteen museums and historical societies in Cayuga County have joined together to offer special programs and additional hours.

Inspiring family histories; unique inventions; and the ways each generation grew, made choices and faced challenges have been collected and are on display. They tell the story of how the county helped to shape America. A special passport is being offered to visitors who visit at least five locations during the week. The passport will be entered in a drawing for a door prize donated by the museums and local businesses. 

The following museums are participating:
• Cayuga Museum of History & Art, Auburn
• Cayuga-Owasco Lakes Historical Society, Moravia;
• CIViC Heritage – Cato GRAND OPENING
• Brick Church Schoolhouse, Cato
• Frontenac Historical Society and Museum, Union Springs
• Howland Stone Store Museum, Sherwood
• Lock 52 Historical Society, Port Byron
• Montezuma Historical Society/Mentz Church, Montezuma
• Old Brutus Historical Society, Weedsport
• Rural Life Museum/Genoa Historical Association, King Ferry
• Seward House Museum, Auburn
• Sterling Historical Society, Sterling
• Town of Ira History Room, Cato
• Victory Village Museum, Victory
• Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural Museum, Auburn
• Willard Chapel, Auburn. 
For more information call 315-776-4656.

"Promises, Promises," the Musical Comedy, Opens July 7 at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn

Based on the 1960 Academy Award-winning film The Apartment with a book by Neil Simon and music and lyrics by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, "Promises, Promises" is sure to charm.

This delightful musical comedy tells the story of an ambitious bachelor, Chuck Baxter, an employee of Consolidated Life Insurance Company. In an effort to advance his career, he lends executives the key to his apartment for their extramarital affairs. Things get complicated when Fran Kubelik, the object of Chuck’s affection, becomes the mistress of one of the executives.

Audiences will recognize Merry-Go-Round veteran Danny Gardner, just off his engagement as tap dancing best man George in The Drowsy Chaperone, starring as the eager bachelor along with newcomer Stacie Bono as Fran. Scott Willis returns to the playhouse as personnel manager J.D. Sheldrake, and Joyce Nolen will play Marge MacDougal. Fan favorite Geno Carr will appear as top executive Mr. Dobitch and familiar faces fill out the rest of the enormous ensemble.

Directing this prodigious cast is Paul David Bryant, returning for his fifth show at the Merry-Go-Round, and Mark Goodman returns as musical director for his 16th season. Lori Leshner is choreographer after her success with The Drowsy Chaperone.

Audiences will instantly recognize the music from this Grammy Award winning musical including “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “Promises, Promises” which made a popular by singer Dionne Warwick. This show promises to transport audiences back into the swinging sixties.

For tickets and information on the upcoming season, contact the Merry-Go-Round Box Office at 315-255-1785 or toll free at 800-457-8897 or visit the Playhouse online at www.merry-go-round.com.

Bridges For Brain Injury Presents a One-of-a-kind Summer Camp

Bridges For Brain Injury is pleased to offer a unique summer day camp experience from Monday, August 9 through Friday, August 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The “Animal Exploration Kids Kamp” will be offering interactive wildlife presentations, as well as activities and programs with visiting professionals in the fields of art, education, zoology, and wildlife in a natural setting at Sonnenberg Gardens.

There will be animal career exploration activities and a special visit from zoologist and television celebrity Jarod Miller. The animal ambassadors that will be part of this great endeavor will include the many native and exotic wildlife from the USDA-licensed Wildlife Defenders program from Bridges For Brain Injury a nonprofit organization helping survivors of brain injuries rebuild their lives. Program members are involved in the planning and coordination process of the camp and will be working with campers on group activities.  

Campers will participate in five stations involving art, language, conservation, career exploration, and animal encounters. An art council will provide the art curriculum and teacher for the art stations while the Wood Library will assist with providing reading and language activities. 

The camp is being offered to 8 to 12-year-olds residing in the Rochester and Finger Lakes Regions. Cost will be $80 per child for one week if registered by July 1. After July 1, the fee will be $100. A limited number of scholarships are available at a first come, first serve basis, provided by the Women’s Club of Pittsford.

Visit www.bridgesforbraininjury.org for more information.

Ithaca’s Kitchen Theatre Reaches $1.2 Million Campaign Goal

Strengthening its growing presence on the regional arts scene, the Kitchen Theatre Company (KTC) has reached its $1.2 million fundraising goal for the Campaign for a Bold New Space.

The capital campaign was launched in early 2009 with a goal of raising $950,000 for the purchase and total renovation of the building at 417 West State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street in Ithaca. That goal was increased to $1.2 million in October 2009, when campaign organizers realized the high level of support from the community, including a bequest from the estate of Judith Holliday and a gift by the children of Percy Browning in honor of her life-time of philanthropic efforts and her birthday.

“This campaign highlights the generosity of our community and its regard for the unique role that the Kitchen plays in the cultural life of the Finger Lakes region,” says KTC Managing Director, Stephen Nunley. Artistic Director Rachel Lampert adds, “The new theater is a culmination of the wonderful partnerships the KTC has had with local and visiting artists, our devoted patrons and members of the community at large. With our Bold New Space we are able to improve the Kitchen’s production capabilities for the long term while keeping the intimate feel of the theater itself.”

The new theater will seat more people than KTC’s current home in the Clinton House; the capacity will increase from 73 to 99 seats. Other improvements included a high-efficiency heating and cooling system, increased stage space, a 16-foot ceiling height, multiple entrances, full accessibility and larger restrooms. The new lobby will house an art gallery space and refreshment area.

In all, more than 250 individuals and families, foundations, and area businesses supported the new theater, which will be home to the Kitchen Theatre Company as it begins its 20th Anniversary Season this September. Government sources, including the Tompkins County Room Tax Occupancy Fund, also generated support for the Kitchen’s new home.

“We are thrilled to reach this tremendous milestone for the Kitchen Theatre. Thanks to the generosity of so many Kitchen Theatre supporters, more people in our community will be able to enjoy the engaging, thought-provoking and entertaining productions that the KTC has become known for. We are so fortunate to have high quality and diverse theatre offerings delivered by such a talented organization. Thanks to all who have helped to make this project possible,” says Campaign Co-Chair Greg Hartz.

Campaign Co-chair Percy Browning agrees, adding, “Building a permanent home for the Kitchen is truly a noteworthy accomplishment. The Kitchen Theatre Company is enormously grateful for the hundreds of donations that contributed to the completion of our campaign.”

First Annual Owascoman Triathlon Set for July 3

Auburn Memorial Hospital (AMH) is pleased to announce the first annual Owascoman Sprint Triathlon, held July 3, 2010, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Emerson Park on Owasco Lake.

Eager to encourage personal fitness and healthy lifestyle, AMH found a perfect partner in their neighbor to the east, the organizers of the very successful Skaneateles Labor Day Race Weekend. The Skaneateles Labor Day Race Weekend Committee, now celebrating its “6th Year of Exceptional Racing” is excited to be organizing the Owascoman Sprint Triathlon. The event organizers saw a great venue in Emerson Park, wanted to increase their geographic range and bring the sport back to Auburn.

The Owascoman Sprint Triathlon is comprised of three disciplines – swimming, cycling and running, and is for individual competitors. The first leg of the Owascoman will be a one-half-mile out-and-back swim in Owasco Lake from Deauville Island. The swimmers will swim on a rectangular course, return to Deauville Island and then head out on the bike route.

Competitors then cycle for 14 miles on a route through the Town of Fleming into the Town of Scipio. Bikers then return to Auburn on Route 34, turning onto Metcalf Avenue to Lake Avenue and then returning to the traffic circle and into Deauville Island at Emerson Park. Participants will then put on their running shoes and complete a two-loop run flat course that is entirely within Emerson Park. The length of the run course is 3.1 miles.

Many volunteers are needed, with no experience required, including kayakers who assist with the swim portion of the event. Volunteers are encouraged to get involved by sending an email to Info@SkanRaces.com or calling 315-685-3353.

Auburn Memorial Hospital invites you to join the fun of the Owascoman Sprint Triathlon as a racer, sponsor, or volunteer. Please visit www.SkanRaces.com and click on the tab for the Owascoman Sprint Triathlon.

Wayne County Historical Society Holds Super Summer Sweepstakes All Over the County

The Wayne County Historical Society is embarking on an exciting new fundraiser, the Super Summer Sweepstakes. Tickets for the sweepstakes cost $10 apiece and are for sale all over the county at different days and locations. Each ticket provides a chance to win up to $500. Only 2250 tickets were printed.

The Wayne County Historical Society operates The Museum of Wayne County History located at 21 Butternut Street, Lyons, just a short walk up from Erie Canal Lock #27. The mission of the 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization is to preserve and present the history of Wayne County and the surrounding area. It’s supported by 500-plus members and business sponsors. First prize is $500; second prize is $250 five prizes are $50 each. Tickets are on sale in the following places:  
• June 26, Macedon Wal-Mart – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• July 9-10, Lyons Peppermint Days at the Wayne County Historical Society Booth in the park and at the Museum of Wayne County History.
 • July 15, Newark Wal-Mart – 3:30 to 7 p.m.
 • July 16-17, Lyons – Wayne County Historical Society garage sale at the corner of Route 14 and Canal Street
 • August 9-14, Wayne County Fair – Wayne County Historical Society booth.
The drawing will be at the Wayne County Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 14, at 11 a.m.
For more information about this fundraiser, call the museum at 315-946-4943 or look at the website, www.waynehistory.org. The Museum of Wayne County History is located at 21 Butternut St., Lyons.

May 27
Chair-ish Keuka Lake Gala Auction Features New Products

Yates ARC, a not-for-profit agency committed to providing services to persons with developmental disabilities, will hold it annual fundraising auction July 11 at Keuka College. This year, the Adirondack painted-chair auction will feature 20 chairs and a child’s chair, plus five tables and five cabinets. Refreshments and a wine tasting will also be offered.

Join Master of Ceremonies Evan Dawson from Channel 13 WHAM along with auctioneer Otis Davis in the Norton Chapel Lawn. For more information, contact Penny Hamilton at 315-536-7447, x 225.

May 27
Pottery Studio Can Come to You

On Saturday mornings, the new Glaze and Glass at 1742 Long Pond Road in Rochester hosts dozens of smiling children gleefully choosing the pottery pieces they will paint after the studio’s regular story time. “We are very excited to have finally opened and so far, we have enjoyed an overwhelming response from the community,” says Carrie Greno, co-owner. The studio offers classes, open studio time and parties, and innovative ideas including “pottery on wheels” and “pottery in a box” where the studio comes to you.

May 27
What You’ll Find in Hammondsport’s Alleys

This year, the narrow forgotten alley behind the buildings on Shethar Street in Hammondsport will be transformed into a marketplace featuring artisans exhibiting and creating their work before the eyes of passersby. Arts in the Alley, a privately funded project, is part of a growing movement focused on enhancing the cultural and heritage-based experience. “We want to see Hammondsport become walk-able, and alleys are the ultimate pedestrian environment. They can be retrieved for a host of good uses,” said Project Manager Brett Steves.

In addition to creating a larger arts and culture destination for an already strong tourism contingent, there is a bend toward attracting and keeping small businesses that cater to neighborhood needs within walking distance.

You can follow the Hammondsport Arts in the Alley project on www.HammondsportArts.com. For more information, call Brett Steeves at 607-569-3442.

May 27
Multiple Mark Twain Anniversaries Celebrated in Elmira
 
Special events will honor American author Mark Twain’s enduring legacy on the 175th and 100th anniversaries of his birth and death respectively. It is also the 125th anniversary of the release of his renowned novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

The “Mark Twain in Elmira” exhibit at Chemung County Historical Museum opened April 15 and will be on display through August. Christmas will truly come in July for Twain fans when the Christmas House releases its 2010 Mark Twain ornaments and Tribute to Twain tree. For nature lovers, the Tanglewood Nature Center will feature a Mark Twain Trail, a 3.1 mile trail complete with Twain quotes about nature along the way. Scenic glider, helicopter, and trolley rides will also be available for those who wish to view the land Twain called “a foretaste of heaven.” To view a full calendar of events and learn more about the region, visit www.FingerLakes.org or www.MarkTwainCountry.com. 

Twain spent summers in Elmira for over 20 years. Cynthia Raj, manager of tourism promotion for Chemung County, explained, “Elmira was where Twain came to live his private life and escape from the demands of being a highly visible public figure.”

May 27
Boy Scouts Build Wooden Skiff for Annual Boat Show and Regatta

A member of Wine Country Classic Boats Inc. donated a kit boat to Boy Scout Troop 18 of Hammondsport. Wine Country members Ed Wightman and Fred Mayer were the instructors. Scout leader Tony Smolos recruited boys interested in earning merit badges in woodworking and painting. Many parts had to be epoxied together to make the skiff long enough. The longer parts then had to be sanded and assembled. Once completed the boat will be painted and enjoyed.

The skiff will then be raffled at the July 17-18 Antique Boat Show in Hammondsport as a Scout fundraiser. The Annual Boat Show and Regatta is hosted by Wine Country Classic Boats Inc., a chapter of the Antique and Classic Boating Society. A parade of boats at 3 p.m. is always a highlight of the show. For more information about the show contact Terry Holland at 315-548-9061 or at holland1@rochester.rr.com.

May 27
Celebrate Memorial Day in its Birthplace – Waterloo

The 11th annual Celebrate Commemorate community-wide celebration of Memorial Day spans Memorial Day Weekend 2010. This fun-filled weekend has something for the whole family: car shows, parades, kayaking, boat tours, pony rides, Civil War re-enactors, fireworks, horse and wagon rides, living history, train tours, a biker rally, traditional speeches and ceremonies.

Festivities kick off in Waterloo on Friday evening with the Henry C. Wells Award Reception at the Waterloo Library honoring Louis LeBrun. Following the reception, General Logan’s Order #11 & Illumination Ceremony at the American Civil War Memorial by Oak Island signifies the start of this four-day event.

On Saturday, May 29, Living History Day will begin at 9 a.m. on Oak Island, also where the day ends with a fireworks display. In between, there is a volley of activities and events including the Celebrate Parade at 11 a.m., patriotic and pop concerts, military displays, car shows, canal tours, train tours, walking tours, horse and wagon tours, water activities, miniature horse and wagon rides, arts and crafts, children’s entertainment with clowns, musicians and more. Add to that lots of food.

On Sunday, May 30, the Celebrate 5K run kicks off at 8:30 a.m. There is an antique car show and a woodie car show at 11 a.m. on Main Street, and a Jazz concert at 3:05 p.m. at Oak Island.

Sunday is the official Memorial Day, and there will be many traditional ceremonies starting with military services at 8:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, a VFW March and services at Maple Grove Cemetery, a traditional Memorial Day parade at 6 p.m. followed by military services in Lafayette Park.
 
Memorial Day started in Waterloo as a conversation between Henry C. Welles and some friends at a social event honoring Civil War Veterans. He felt people should also remember and honor the sacrifices of the war’s fallen heroes. The full story can be found at the National Memorial Day Museum on Main Street in Waterloo, where there are also many historical military and period displays. The museum will be open to visitors during Celebrate Commemorate, as will the Terwilliger Museum, an annex to the Waterloo Library & Historical Society on East Williams Street, that chronicles the history and development of Waterloo.
 
The weekend winds down on Monday with a Motorcycle Rally at the VFW starting at 8 a.m. and the ride at 10 a.m.
 
For more information, contact Doris Wolf at Wolfdoris2@gmail.com or call 315-539-8302. A complete calendar of events is available at waterloony.com, fingerlakescentral.com or at Seneca County on Facebook.

May 27
Prestigious AAA Awards Go To Area Lodging Destinations

The 1975 Acorn Inn in Canandaigua, Geneva on the Lake in Geneva and the Morgan Samuels Inn in Canandaigua have each received the AAA Four Diamond Award for 2010. 

With a Five Diamond rating system, AAA inspectors evaluate more than 60,000 AAA approved North American and Caribbean lodgings, campgrounds, restaurants and attractions annually. The inspectors conduct unannounced evaluations and scrutinize areas such as service, cleanliness and ambiance, amenities and quality. Of those evaluated, only 2,016 establishments won this distinguished Four Diamond Award this year.
 
Places that received the AAA Four Diamond Award are:
• Aurora Inn-Aurora
• The Erie Grill-Pittsford
• The Mansion on Delaware Avenue-Buffalo
• The Mirbeau Inn & Spa, Skaneateles
• Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel-Salamanca
• Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel-Niagara Falls
• Turning Stone Resort/Casino Properties-Verona

May 27
Livingston County Unveils New Visitors Guide

The Livingston County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Office has unveiled its premier marketing tool: the new 2010 Visitors Guide. The new guide is bursting with photographs and detailed information on outdoor recreation, dining, accommodations and shopping in Livingston County. Special attractions including Letchworth State Park and the New Deal Gallery are also highlighted.

In addition, the Chamber trademarked its tagline, “Have A Field Day,” which it has been using on all of its marketing materials since 2007.

“This year we’ve created more than a guide,” said Tourism Director Lisa Burns. “We’ve created a work of art. The guide invites visitors to experience authentic American cultural and natural wonders not found in mainstream and overpopulated tourism destinations.”

The vibrant cover of the guide – a colorful collage highlighting notable attractions in the county – was designed by Kat Nichols Graphic Design in Lakeville. 

The 2010 Livingston County Visitors Guide is available now. Hard copies can be found in many outlets statewide and also at the Livingston Chamber of Commerce. To request a copy, visit www.fingerlakeswest.com or call 585-243-2222.

May 27
Say "Cheese” in the Finger Lakes

Travel writer Rober Domingues of nydailynews.com recently wrote about the Finger Lakes cheese trail, the perfect complement to the region’s wine trails. Here’s what he had to say.

“The New York State region famous for fine wine has become a cheesy place to visit. People who appreciate good vino – and a wonderfully scenic place to do it in – know to head to the idyllic Finger Lakes area upstate, where five wine trails with more than 100 wineries offer tours and tastings year-round.”

Click here to read the complete article.

May 27
AAFTA Championship to be Held in Bloomfield

Crosman Corporation, long known for innovation and quality in the shooting sports, will sponsor the American Airgun Field Target Association (AAFTA) Northeast Regional Field Target Championship July 9 and 10 at the company’s field target range in Bloomfield

“Our goal is to host a competition that offers shooting enthusiasts unfamiliar with the sport of airgun field target competition the chance to learn by actually participating in the sport,” said Mark DeBoard, Crosman shooting services manager. “We’re convinced they’ll have just as much fun as the serious competitors. If you’ve been thinking about competitive shooting and want to learn more, register and join us. Experts and world class shooters will be available to help guide you.”

The sanctioned championship will follow AAFTA rules allowing two shooting rounds of 40 shots each, totaling 80 shots. The shooting lanes each have two targets per lane and two shots are allowed per target. Shots will be timed at five minutes per lane.

For further information visit www.crosman.com.

May 27
Groton Photo Book Reaps Awards

A large-format book featuring a selection of photographs taken by Verne Morton from 1896 through 1945 was honored with a Gold Medal and a Finalist Honorable Mention Award by two prestigious national organizations.

Great Possibilities:150 Verne Morton Photographs includes photos of Groton and its surrounding area. Verne Morton, born in 1868, was a lifelong Groton resident. His archive of more than 12,000 images is held by The History Center in Tompkins County.

Dryden Mutual Insurance Company in Dryden, celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding this year, was the book’s sponsor.

Ronald E. Ostman, Emeritus Professor of Communication, Cornell University and resident of Groton, authored the 298-page book. Harry Littell, photo instructor at Tompkins Cortland Community College, Dryden, and resident of Ithaca, digitized Morton’s glass-plate negatives and designed the book.

Great Possibilities received an Ippy Gold Medal as an outstanding book of the year in the Independent Publisher Book Awards competition for the U.S. Northeast Best Regional Nonfiction category. It was also named a finalist and winner in The Eric Hoffer Book Award’s Art category and is reviewed in The U.S. Review of Books. The award honors the late Eric Hoffer, a great American philosopher best known for his book The True Believer (1951).

“Great Possibilities is the best corporate history book I’ve ever seen,” said Jim Barnes, Independent Publisher Awards director and managing editor of Independent Publisher Online. “Ostman and Littell have turned what is often a dry exercise into a book full of heart and soul. Morton’s photography is spectacular and is used to full effect, painting a fascinating portrait of turn-of-the-century American life.”

Six Mile Creek Press, Ithaca, was the publisher.

Great Possibilities is available at The History Center in Tompkins County, 401 East State Street, Ithaca, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, or the book can be ordered at www.thehistorycenter.net/news/great_possibilities.html. For more information, phone 607-273-8284.

Copies also are sold at the Groton Historical Society, 168 Main Street, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays or by appointment. Contact by phone at 607-898-5787. Groton celebrates its 150 anniversary this year.

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