Whenever I get feedback from readers, it’s generally positive. And the one item that most people mention is that they love the photos and imagery of the magazine. While I agree with that observation, the photos wouldn’t have quite the impact without a good story to accompany them.
The diversity of the Finger Lakes Region lends itself to some interesting subject matter in each issue of the magazine. The magazine was created with the intent of publishing eclectic articles, and that part of the mission is maintained. I know it’s impossible to be everything to everyone, but I think we do a pretty good job of presenting fresh and interesting pieces for our readers.
This issue, we present two extraordinary photographers – Stu Gallagher and Dan Nolan (pages 38 and 64). Although they have two distinct styles and choice of subject matter, their images are beautiful and awe-inspiring. I can imagine if a person read through this issue for the first time, and was not familiar at all with the Finger Lakes, they would see these photos and think that this region is a little bit of heaven on earth. I’m personally blown away by the beauty and magnitude of the landscape.
Another feature in this issue highlights two men and their interesting hobby – racing their vintage cars on weekends. This article will indeed resonate for those of you who love fast cars, racing and the uniqueness of the track at Watkins Glen International (page 46).
Did you know that significant events from two different wars affected parts of the region? During World War II, in 1943, a US bomber accidentally crashed on Italy Hill, just southeast of Canandaigua Lake (page 78). Also, shots were fired on the shores of Lake Ontario, in Pultneyville and Sodus Point, during the War of 1812 (page 81). These may be trivial to the historians who specialize in studying these wars, but they add significant aspects to the diversity of the area.
Most people in the area know by now that the fruit harvest in New York State will be spotty at best because of a late spring freeze. Apple farming as a profession can be fickle because of unknowns like the weather, but that doesn’t mean that orchards will stop offering their great products and family events. Next year will be here before you know it, and maybe there will be a higher-than-average fruit harvest. Turn to page 52 to learn more about locally grown
delicious apples.
I can’t wait for the cooler weather and bright colors of autumn to arrive. This is one of my favorite times of the year, and I look forward to experiencing as many different events and viewing as many different landscapes as the Finger Lakes Region has to offer.
by Mark Stash
