Fall, Friends & Phantoms

Spooks and activities abound in Genesee County this time of year. Fall offers all kinds of fun for friends and families. My sisters and I like to visit the many farmer’s markets in search of apple cider, pumpkins and mums.

Children can enjoy the enthralling skits & costumed characters they’ll find at Holiday Hollow’s English Village(585-762-8160) or the chilling rides and haunted mansion at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort’s “Frightfest” (585-599-4641.)

I’m tugged in so many different directions that October flies by. Do I visit Rolling Hills Asylum for a haunted tour? (714-757-6565) Of course, if St. James holds that showing of the 1925 version of “The Phantom of the Opera,” complete with the organ musical score on Oct. 30th - I have to go. (585-343-6802) And, I’m positive I’ll find a quilt I just “love” at the Stitches in Time Quilt Show, held at the VA Medical Facility from the 15th thru the 17th.

However, this month I’ve spent a lot of time planning for our “Wine Walk.” Yes, I’m going to learn more about wines. Are you a wine connoisseur? Do you know whether your Merlot should be served chilled or at room temperature? Just what kind of wines do we produce in New York State?

Lots of questions; and you just may find the answers at the first annual “Taste of Fall Wine Walk” in Batavia. Bring a group, wear your walking shoes and join in the fun on Saturday, October 2nd, from 5 – 9pm. The cost is just $15 per person, and you’ll receive your very own wine glass, 15 wine “tastings,” a program, promotions sheet, goody bag and entry for the fabulous raffle items at the end of the tour. Area businesses have donated everything from jewelry to a wine case, complete with any item you’d need to wow your friends with your wine expertise.

Sponsored by the Business Improvement District and The Genesee Chamber of Commerce, the walk gives you an opportunity to admire Batavia’s wonderful decorations, discover new businesses, reconnect with friends, get a little exercise, learn about wine, and then sample the culinary arts of our many restaurants.

Only 400 tickets have been printed, so don’t miss out. You must be 21 years of age, and please, no partaking of the fruit of the vine on the street. To purchase your tickets go to: The Genesee Chamber of Commerce, 3 D Wine, Adam Miller Toy & Bike, Michael Anthony Salon, Next Level Fitness, The Daily Grind, Valle Jewelers or contact 585-343-7440 ext. 32 / 585-344-0900.

I hope to see you at the Chamber on October 2nd!

Cheers.

Dawn

Rapiers and Duck Tape

Fencing inspires thoughts of a “hero - or heroine” in swashbuckling attire, besting the bad guy. Maybe it’s that image, or the elegance and mental challenges fencing demands, but when a course was offered at Nazareth College I lunged (pun intended) at the opportunity. During my studies, I was surprised to discover there are Olympic level fencers that have come from the Western NY area. Rochester has several fencing clubs, and now we’re going to have our own.

En Garde: Batavia opens on July 1, 2010 at the Artisan Center on Harvester Avenue in Batavia, NY. Colin Dentino, a Batavia resident, is the owner/lead instructor for the school. He started training at the age of four under the watchful eye of Sir John Halasz, from the esteemed Hungarian fencing program. According to Dentino, “Fencing is referred to as ‘physical chess.’ It’s not always the case that the stronger, faster fencer wins.” (I can attest to that.)

We are fortunate that Colin wants to share his passion. People of various fitness levels can participate, so it’s a great family activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. If you want to get involved, contact Colin Dentino at

585-409-3993, visit www.engardebatavia.com, or e-mail engardebatavia@me.com.

Another Genesee resident who is gaining notoriety is Sarah Scott. Sarah decided she wanted to do something different for the prom this year, so she and her date arrived at the event in a duck tape dress and tux, which they then entered in a National Contest. Out of all the entries Duck Brand chose them as one of the ten finalists. Now, now - before you judge, I want you to take a look at what it took over two months for Sarah to create:

www.stuckatprom.com

If you get the chance, vote for her every day, and support her effort to win a $3,000 scholarship. Let’s show the nation we believe in having “fun” in Genesee County.

Until I cross swords with you again.

Dawn

Darien Lake Goes to the Lions – Or rather – Sea Lions

I went to Darien Lake Theme Park's press day. You could feel the electricity in the air as news media milled about with notepads, microphones and cameras. And when the announcement came, Darien Lake didn’t have a single announcement - they had several.  Here are some of their changes:

Darien Lake has some new “furry” friends.  Sea Lions have come to stay, and perform daily at the Sea Lion Splash shows.  These entertaining animals will keep you captivated with their gymnastic prowess, and ability to sing – yes, sing.  While they aren’t performing, visit them in a natural habitat created just for them.

SPLASH TOWN at Darien Lake! - Darien Lake’s Five Acre Water Park Expansion 

Whether you’re whirling around and around on one of the three new slides, paddling down the Lazy River on an inner tube, or taking the kids to a wave pool that’s just their size, you’ll have to agree they did things right when Darien expanded its water park. Never fear, you can still scale the pirate ship, feel the challenge of a powerful wave, or hurl through the twirling vortex of the Tornado, but the added attractions enhance the cool excitement of summer, as you splash away your cares.  Splash Town at Darien even has its own entrance, so you can spend the entire day sliding and bobbing, or get a combo ticket for thrills on land and water.  

Darien’s Cabins?  Yes, Darien Lake Theme Park now has cabins lining the lake that can sleep up to eight people.  The kids will love the loft and large flat-screen TV, while the parents appreciate a little time in front of the fireplace, or relaxing on the front porch. 

Lodge on the Lake Hotel’s new Forts-o-Fun.  The key here is privacy, for children and parents.  Keep the kids within earshot, but give them their own space. Children will enjoy playing games on the TV and hanging out in their bunk beds.  It’s their very own “Fort,” but it’s built into the main room so parents are only steps away.

I left there feeling excited about the Darien Lake Packages we offer at the Chamber of Commerce.  I know that the additions are going to make for extra special memories this year.  If you are interested in one of our packages, contact me at 1-800-622-2686 ext. 32.  (Mon-Fri 8am-4pm). For full rates and reservations, go to www.GetawayPackages.net  Our Lodge on the Lake packages start at $340.00 and include:

 Four to six people

 Three days of theme park fun (tickets at the door are $39.99 per person, per day)

 Two night’s accommodations

 Meal vouchers

 Parking

I hope to pass you paddling down that Lazy River.

Dawn

And the Gold goes to....

Yancey’s Fancy! In the 2010 World Championship Cheese Contest in Madison, Wisconsin, Yancey’s Fancy earned the “Best of Class” gold medal for its pasteurized process Jalapeno Peppadew Cheddar. So all you spice lovers out there, rejoice!

If you’ve never been to Kutter’s Cheese in Corfu, where Yancey’s Fancy is manufactured, you’re due for a visit. (Unless of course, you don’t like cheese – which comes close to being sacrilegious in my book.) Their store is amazing.

I always come away with a bag stuffed with a great variety of cheese. In fact, I spent $70 in one trip, and my husband questioned my sanity. But cheese keeps, and he had to admit the price and selection were entertaining. I even bought a small piece of 12 year old cheddar. We’re saving it for a “special” occasion.

When you visit the store, you can have them cut cheese off a block, invest in a bag of cheese curds, pick up a bottle of Hunt Country Wine (they are a satellite winery), buy some frozen scone dough, pick up a bag of apples in season or poke through their huge variety of flavored cheeses. (I highly recommend the smoked Gouda and Bacon Cheese, it placed 4th in the contest, along with their Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cheese. Mmmmm.)

If you’d like a tour, give them a call in August. They generally have one day in September where they give “behind the scene” tours. As they’ve been in business for over 60 years, they have a lot of stories to tell about cheese making and what they do to promote capitalism. For those of you who don’t know, Mr. Kutter has made several trips to Russia, to help a ‘capitalist” cheese industry get started. His tales about Kutter’s history, and his trips to Russia are fascinating.

If you go to www.cheesefacts.org you can find all kinds of “cheesy” tidbits. I thought the following might come in handy:

Serving and Storage Tips

• Keep like cheeses together, wrapped in waxed paper (change the wrapper each time you use the cheese). Place cheeses in a loose-fitting food-bag so they won’t lose moisture, while maintaining air circulation.

• Totally wrap blue cheeses, as mold spores spread readily, not only to other cheeses but to nearby food items.

• Chilled cheeses should be taken out of the refrigerator and consumed at room temperature.

• Cheeses contain living organisms that must not be cut off from air, yet it’s important not to allow cheese to dry out. Hard cheese can last up to 8 weeks, soft cheese only a few weeks.

• Do not store cheese with other strong-smelling foods. As a cheese breathes, it will absorb other aromas and may spoil.

• Wrap soft cheeses loosely. Use waxed or greaseproof paper rather than cling film.

• In a perfect world, you’d store your cut cheese at around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit and 80% humidity. Best option in the fridge is to keep it in a vegetable drawer to help protect it from the dehydrating air flow.

• If your aged cheese picks up mold while in the refrigerator, simply trim it off, but if mold occurs on softer cheeses, they are well past their prime.




- Dawn Ireland-Monsees

Sugar Highs

There’s nothing better than pancakes with REAL maple syrup.  Now that I think of it, maple syrup would probably make Cod Liver Oil palatable.  Sugar Maples are a true gift - shade in the summer, vibrant red leaves in the fall and sweet sap in the spring.

If you’ve never experienced this treat, or seen how it’s produced, I’d recommend a trip to one of the maple farms we have in Genesee County.  This is Maple Sunday Weekend and our farms will have maple products, demonstrations and tours.  You can visit:

Indian Acres Maple Farm, 2005 Broadway Road, Darien, NY, 585-547-3557 (they generally make maple cotton candy)

or

Randall’s Maple Products, 10307 Smithley Rd., Alexander, NY, 585-547-3596

For a full listing of maple farms in the area visit: www.mapleweekend.com

Or, if you want to make your own syrup, click here.

Just don’t do what some urban, maple syrup hobbyists did in central Massachusetts.  They thought they found the perfect solution to a lack of sugar maples in their neighborhood.  They started tapping trees in a nearby cemetery, which the authorities frowned on, calling the practice “tacky.” Which, of course it was, in so many ways.

Maple syrup is not everyone’s “sugar of choice,” but I suspect most of you ladies out there would agree that chocolate, in all its forms, is comfort food. (Here’s a tidbit for you, did you know that in the 1700s, hot chocolate was a thick mixture of water and cocoa – WITH NO SUGAR ADDED? Yuck.)

One of the best places I can think of to get my chocolate fix is Oliver’s Candies.  Right now, everyone at Oliver’s is in full-blown, chocolate-bunny, mode.  Easter Basket’s just wouldn’t be the same without the bunny - whether it’s solid or hollow, sitting up right, or on all fours.  My parents used to hide the baskets on Sunday morning, help us find them, then make us get all dressed up and go to church. Now, what child do you know of that wants to leave behind a full basket of candy?  That should have been my first inkling that life just isn’t fair.

Oliver’s not only provides basket bunnies and a huge assortment of jelly beans, cream eggs, etc. They always have a 4 foot hollow bunny for you to drool over. (for $475, you can carry it home)  I wonder how long it would take for me to eat a bunny that size? Any guesses?

HINT: For those of you who would like a real baby bunny, visit Herbly Wonderful in Batavia - and the neat thing - they'll board your adorable pet during the winter. The boarded rabbits help to heat their greenhouses. Talk about going green! They also have colored eggs that the chicken lay in blue, green, tan brown, ect. Instant Easter Eggs.

By the way, the answer to the frog question from my last blogg is five. Deciding is NOT doing.

- Dawn

Sure and Begorrah!

Meaning: “would you look at that” or “give attention to that”

I love St. Patrick’s Day! Those of you who know me understand why. Let’s see, I’m fair complexioned, have red hair, my maiden name is “Ireland” and I’m learning to play the harp. I guess you’d call me “stereotypical.”

I’m happy with my Irish roots. Though the country of Ireland is beautiful, there are many beautiful landscapes in the world. What sets Ireland apart is its people. Their history is one tragedy after another, but they’ve always survived with a story to tell, or a song to sing. (Okay, a pint of Guinness might also ease the pain) But, I think their real strength is their ability to channel those emotions into creative outlets, and in doing so they make the world a better place.

Each year I search out the Irish activities in our area. This year I have a couple of recommendations:

• March 19th the Genesee Chorale will bring our area a special treat, “An Irish Celebration.” Aside from the wonderful Chorale (they really are an undiscovered “gem” in our area); you’ll be entertained by the Sampler Trio, Jim Kimball & The Geneseo String Band, and the McMahon School of Dance. The show goes up at the Batavia Middle School on Ross Street at 7pm. I’m looking forward to this Irish extravaganza! It should be one of the few times my red hair won’t stand out in a crowd.

• You can join the high spirited celebration at O’Lacy’s Pub, or Delevan’s on the 17th. Of course, everyone is Irish at that point.

However, if you want to experience that “sense” of Ireland, you’ll visit O’Lacy’s on March 21st, from 3-5pm. Acoustic minstrels will be roving from table to table, entertaining with stories, songs and foolery. Order a Guinness, and make sure to ask for the shamrock on top. They recently came in third in a contest sponsored by Ireland-based Diageo Co., the makers of Guinness. In fact, the contest brought to light that O’Lacy’s “pours” the best Guinness in the Eastern United States!

Speaking of Guinness, believe it or not, it can be used for more than drinking. Yes, you can make Guinness cheese spread, brownies, cup cakes, chili and more. Here’s a link to some intriguing recipes:

http://bit.ly/bGw56n

An Irish Riddle: Five frogs are sitting on a log. Four decide to jump off. How many are left? (see my next blogg for the answer)

Slaỉnte,

Dawn

Past Elegance? I Hope Not!

I love the craftsmanship and beauty of vintage items.  I’m a graduate of Nazareth College, and I remember going through the costume area at the Arts Center, wistfully studying the clothing that had been donated by wealthy patrons at the turn of the century.  We don’t see that kind of attention to detail today: covered buttons, tucks, smocking, velvets, handmade lace, exquisite hats (sigh).  Now mind you, most of the items were a size 2. (And people wondered why corseted women needed “fainting” couches.)

I’ve decided that I’m going to get my fix for that “bygone era” this year by attending the Holland Land Office Museum’s Antique Show.  They have so many “one-of-a-kind” items, from 46 different vendors.  There will be furniture, collectables, jewelry, books and more.  As long as people cherish the beauty of things created for another era, I’m hoping we’ll retain some of the “graciousness” of that time.

The Antique Show is going to be held at Batavia Downs on March 12^th from 5-9pm & March 13^th from 10am – 4pm.  The cost is $4, but watch the Penny Savers for the dollar off coupon. And as an added incentive, Batavia Downs Casino will have food and gaming specials for attendees. I hope to see you there!