Vol. 2 . . . JULY 2012 . . . No.

7
EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT . . . THE CHATTER TURNS 1!
Who knew this little rag would last a year! There are so many people to thank but, as you know, first we need to have a quick review of June happenings. The biggest event was The Art Collective. 14 artists were set-up on the lawn of the American Hotel. There was an interesting collection of everything from pottery, paintings, photography, pen & ink, image compounds as well Austintacious Chocolates. At Village Hall Gallery held its annual Used Art Sale as well as hosting the two exhibitions, Anomalous and Portraits at an Exhibition. And a fabulous price break on Mary Beach collages. Kudos to everyone involved, particularly Heidi who masterminded this grand soiree as well as Doug and Garth who graciously loaned the lawn space gratis to support the arts in Sharon Springs. And, thank you to the artists who participated in this first annual event. The Jeff Katz Sextet and Allison Stewart hit the right note with some smooth jazz. Sue Fink was kind enough to volunteer at the gallery so that I could get on the bus. The tour bus that is. Nancy Pfau and Mitchell Owens (you must know them by now . . . right? ) led a very enjoyable and informative tour of the village, Adelphi Paper Hangings, Chartwell Studios and Thistle Hill Weavers. It was great fun to be a tourist for an hour and I couldn't help but think if I were visitor on this tour, I would be quite impressed with the crafts(wo)men of this area. A fun moment was when Doug was given a drawing of the Masonic Hall that an artist drew during the day. Doug exclaimed, Imagine, this was a blank piece of paper at the beginning of the day!

HAPPY 4

th

of JULY !

On July 2nd 1776 The Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. Two days later the Declaration of Independence was adopted. It has been celebrated since then as Independence Day but didn't become a federal holiday until 1941.

HER-STORIANS CORNER JULY 2012

It seems appropriate as we celebrate the first year of Chatter-dom, to feature the magnificent VILLAGE HALL GALLERY, domain of our editor-in-chief, Leila Durkin! This charming gallery/shop with its guest loft apartment has added immeasurably to the ambiance of todays Village of Sharon Springs. No matter the weather, you will always find a welcome here. Plus, the building itself has a rather unique history! Built circa 1850, this lovely Italianate structure was located originally several blocks north near the intersection of Pavilion and Main Streets where it present location. During the 20
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operated as a Mercantile Shop. In 1894, the Village purchased the building and moved it to its Century many shared the space: the basement was the Village jail until 1915; the community used the upstairs for meetings, dances, and dinners; the Sharon Springs

Free Library [the very first library in the county] moved into the downstairs back room in 1910; and the Fire Department housed its trucks in the front of the building until 1964. After the fire trucks moved to new quarters, the Library expanded its space and the Village offices took over the rest. Jumping forward to 2008, the Village Offices and the Library had moved to the renovated bowling alley just at the top of the Main Street Hill; so Leila and Philip Durkin saw an opportunity and purchased the former village hall. The Durkins have taken this tired edifice and transformed it into a jewel. As Leila is fond of saying, We like to think of our building as a lady who had never had time to get dressed up until recently now she has her make-up on, she is all dressed up and loves to be seen. If you have not yet visited the new art space, you are in for a treat the Durkins removed a dropped ceiling to reveal beautiful period wainscoting, added new French Doors to the front to replicate the feel of the Fire House doors, and have opted for a large upstairs loft room, airy and light-filled, for overnight guest accommodations. It is rumored that a benevolent spirit may be lurking, some say the floor squeaks near a floral painting, when no one is walking! Who knows! Sam Goodyear recently wrote about his visit in The Freemans Journal: I was on my way to the portraits from three previous installations and they speak volumes about people in our own midst, at came away feeling I knew all of them.

exhibition at the Village Hall Gallery. And a most revelatory visit it was. Leila Durkin has assembled work, at rest, at worship. Though, as it happened, I did know one or two of the subjects personally, I The Village Hall Gallery is on the New York States Register of Historic Places, the National Register, and in 2011 was given an Otsego 2000 award for Historic Preservation. Nancy Pfau, Sharon Town Historian

Summer is here and the weather forecast for local Fourth of July celebrations predicts a partly cloudy day with a high around 80o F. Perfect! After all of the parades are over, back yards will be filled with the heavenly scents of hot dogs, burgers and BBQ ribs on the grill, and picnic tables will be laden with deviled eggs, baked beans, macaroni and potato salads, pies and cakes and homemade ice

SUMMER DELICIOUSNESS FROM OUR LOCAL NUTRITION - NESS

cream. No doubt, Brooks BBQ will be making the local rounds as well. But dont forget that summer also brings us a mouthwatering array of fresh fruits and veggies at our local farmers markets that can add some variety and balance to the heaviness of the aforementioned foods on the table.

Add some fresh, cool colors from dark green lettuces, watercress, beet greens, kale, with green onions and garlic scapes, and sweet, snow and sugar-snap peas along with a few of your favorite nuts or seeds for a healthful and simple salad. cantaloupe and other melons as a topping on shortbread. Put chunky pieces of green, red, yellow and orange bell peppers on the grill along with thick slices of onion, zucchini and tomato. And dont forget the counter-intuitive cooling action of red hot peppers and spicy lettuces such as arugula, radishes, and spearmint, peppermint, paprika and black pepper. Here is my favorite summer recipe for cold tomato soup (Gazpacho), which can lightly add balance to the picnic table bounty. It can be quickly and easily prepared in a food processor, but I often enjoy taking the time to chop each ingredient by hand in a wooden chopping bowl. Use all organic ingredients for the best flavors.
Combine these ingredients in a wooden bowl (or processor) and chop. 2-3 large ripe tomatoes (peel, remove seeds and membranes), or to 1 can of diced tomatoes 1 med clove garlic 2 large sweet red peppers (seeded) to 1 C fresh herbs (chives, basil, dill, parsley, tarragon and others of your choice) Add: C cold-pressed olive oil 3 tablespoons of lemon juice 3-4 C of water or preferably R.W.Knudsens Very Veggie juice or V-8 juice Prepare and add to the above: 1 sweet Spanish onion, chopped 2 eight to ten-inch cucumbers (peeled, seeded and chopped) 1 tsp salt (or to taste) tsp paprika (or to taste) Chill the soup for at least 4 hours before serving overnight is best. Garnish with parsley or chives, and serve over an ice cube in each bowl. YUM! Makes 8-10 cups

Use blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, or cold

Rombauer & M.R. Becker). Use your imagination to make this recipe yours and to complete the nutrient palate of your picnic table. Linda H. Keller, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Nutrition Educator, Counselor and Consultant

I am sure that this recipe is a revised version from an early copy of the Joy of Cooking cookbook (I.S.

Join us for a 4 of July picnic to benefit our friend and neighbor, Kim, as she receives treatment for breast cancer. 25.00 tickets/cash bar. To purchase a ticket or to send a donation: PO Box 121, Sharon
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A SPECIAL EVENT AT THE AMERICAN HOTEL JULY 4TH

Springs, NY 13459 518 284-2105 or info@americanhotelny.com Thank you!

ADELPHI PAPER HANGINGS

AND OTHER BUSINESS NEWS AND HAPPENINGS

Well, were just plugging away. A new, custom pattern was installed this week at the soon to be

opened Cantina de Salsa restaurant in Cherry Valley; this is another experiment in designing a pattern for a specific space. Were still looking for other, local venues to work with. Hey, its free wallpaper the only cost is for installation. Thank you to Heidi Meka for including Adelphi Paper Hangings in the recent tour of studios. BEEKMAN 1802 We are launching our first Beekman 1802 ice cream. It's a blend of goat milk and cow cream. We We will be selling 6 oz single serving cups and pints. On Saturday nights, we are going to keep the Mercantile open until 9:00 so that people can join us on the porch for socializing throughout the summer. BLACK CAT Cat is now open 7 days a week 8-3, and 8-6 Thurs-Sat Fabulous Opera Picnics for Glimmerglass at http://blackcat-ny.com/glimmerglass_opera.htm MY SISTER'S PLACE CAFE Will host a book signing on Sunday, July 8th from 2-5. Author Jack Singer's new novel, Justice at Below Forty is a fast paced Alaskan adventure. He will be on hand to discuss his time spent in Alaska and to sign books. Refreshments will be served and all are welcomed. SHARON SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET are only serving Orchid Vanilla this summer with plans to develop more flavors by next summer.

is a true measure of our community that we can start a little venture like this and see it grow. Congratulations to Morgan Klemm who was the winner for the June bag of goodies- make sure you fill out a raffle ticket each and every time you come to the market; the more times you come down, the more chances to win. Winners are drawn once a month and receive a bag of goods donated by the vendors. We also want to make sure everyone knows that we have gotten funding from the Governor's Fresh Connects program to support those in need in our community via a SNAP match program. Use your SNAP (food stamps) card at the market, and get an extra 50% in tokens to use on any approved food items! See you Saturdays from 9a-2p at the Roseboro.

We want to thank all of the wonderful folks who have been stopping by every week to support us! It

SPRING HOUSE SPA

Spring House Spa is ready for the summer! We are expanding our hours for the Opera Season. We will now be open Wednesday thru Sunday 10-6 and Mondays by appointment 10-2 through Labor palm sun hats with spf 50, natural aromatherapy DEET-free insect repellent and Dr's Remedy Nail Polish (formaldehyde-free) that is enriched with tea tree oil that is anti-fungal and non-toxic. No more yellow nails! Let us help you have a healthy and colorful summer Editor's note their online appointment system is wonderfully easy to use ! Day! In addition to our natural skin care products for face and body, we have gorgeous eco-friendly

STUDIO NORTH

It's not too late to join us this summer at Studio North - A Centre for Dance. We have weekly classes for adults and kids as well as week long camps for kids. Visit us at www.studionorthny.com for a list of available classes. We have something for everyone! Hope to see you this summer! GAIL P. LUNA AND 204 BISTRO . . . present, Songs From a Glass Half Full A musical revue about the different perspectives of the moments in our lives. Lyrics by Sharon Springs' very own Drew Taylor and music by Robert Cioffi will be tested on July 27th and 26th at Bank in anticipation of its Manhattan premiere. performance will help to benefit the renovation/restoration of Chalybeate Park. Drew Taylor will direct the project. He's not only a veteran Broadway performer with many shows to his credit, such as The Secret Garden, Annie, GiGi, Sweet Smell of Success and The Radio City Music Hall, but also an The

accomplished playwright and lyricist. Robert Cioffi, an accomplished composer and musician, has written wonderful scores for such projects as off-Broadway's production of Dorian, the musical about Dorian Gray and the Grumpy Giants. Drew and Robert have previously collaborated on the musical,

One Way Ticket to Hell, produced regionally and in LA where it garnered 5 Ovation nominations including outstanding world premiere of a new musical. Here's how the producers bill the project: With a wonderful and clever score, Songs From a Glass Half Full asks the question is your glass half empty or is your glass half full? In a collaboration that has thrived for over 20 years, Drew and Robert have been able to deliver a piece of work that is clever and powerful; the show is about 4 strangers who meet and examine their lives through romantic, awkward and sometimes humorous moments. Ultimately they ask each other, themselves and you, is your glass half full and by glass we mean life . . . of course. Tickets are 20.00 and may be purchased by calling 518 284-2540 or at 204 Main Street, Sharon Springs. Performances are at 8:00 pm on Friday July 27th & Saturday, July 28th at Bank 204 Main St.

HELP WANTED

Looking for someone to help with weed wacking and mowing in the town of Sharon Springs. Please direct all serious inquiries to 607.282.0585. THE SHARON SPRINGS POSTMASTER, BOB, HAS HIS RETIREMENT STAMPED

Bob has served 34 years for the Postal Service. At least 23 of them have been at the Sharon Springs Post Office. The kids will especially miss him as it has been often said that instead of Mom or Dad "Bob" was their first word. He always has little stickers for the kids and many of the little ones demand to know where he is when he has the day off. He enjoys traveling with his wife Dori in their tow along camper and plans to do much more traveling in the future. He and Dori have 6 grandchildren that they will enjoy spoiling in the years to come. I know he will miss seeing the faces of the customers everyday but he plans on staying in the area after he retires. We will be having a small reception for him throughout the day on July 31st so please be sure to stop by the Post Office to say goodbye before he goes. ~Thank you, Maria! I appreciate Bob's indulgence with my request for pretty stamps when I buy them. He looks through the drawer and patiently pulls out a couple of selections (I haven't seen actual eye rolling but wonder what he might be thinking about this request.) THANK YOU, BOB AND CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WELL DESERVED RETIREMENT!

Smith's swimming pool in Sharon Springs was located on Main Street behind the Mansion House. This large cement pool, near springboard, and water ponies in 1926. The pool was closed Thank you, Sandy Manko! shortly after WWII. The Chalybeate Spring Temple, advertised diving towers,

Two septuagenarians from Treadwell will be opening 50 year retrospectives of their work at the Stagecoach Run Art Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 7 and 8. Joseph Kurhajec and Jane Carr have had eerily parallel art careers though they met only twenty-one years ago when they discovered that they were neighbors only two doors away from each other. Both are 73 this year and have been working at art since they were young. Both just celebrated a 55 year reunion from their respective High Schools. From there Kurhajec graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1961 and Carr finished her BFA at the Philadelphia School of Art that same year. Although both were trained in sculpture, printmaking, painting and ceramics, it was sculpture that captured their hearts for many years. Kurhajec worked in stone, clay and welded steel and brass, wrapping his pieces with rope, chains and fur. Carr carved stone and large pieces of wood, and did many acetylene welded sculpture. Kurhajecs work can be called Outsider Art, while Carrs is more organic and traditional. Both artists have taught, lectured, and traveled to remote artist residencies. Carr has a permanent residence in Treadwell, with a summer and winter studio. Kurhajec comes to his studio in Treadwell when he is not working at his studios in Paris and Merida, Mexico. Both artists work daily at their craft. Carr is unable to wield her 20 pound lignum vitae mallet for any length of time, so she concentrates on painting egg tempera and watercolor landscapes and printmaking. Kurhajec still carves stone and makes ceramic sculpture that he pierces with nails, bones and horn. He also pulls prints, and paints. The two friends meet to discuss art during the summer and keep in close touch during the year. They were the founders of the Stagecoach Run Art Festival seventeen years ago. Kurhajecs retrospective is held in his Museum of Fine Art, and Carrs retrospective will be at her studio two doors up County Route 14 in Treadwell. Their Festival signs are #1 and #2. Both shows will continue throughout the summer. For information call 607 829 5812 or 829 3531

Installations are underway for the Cherry Valley Artworks Summer Sculpture Trail 2012. Sculptors from all over the state are bringing original work to be exhibited along Main Street in Cherry Valley from July 7th through October 7th. Thanks to the Cherry Valley Monument Company many of the extremely heavy works were moved into place with ease. Artworks received a grant from the NY State Council on the Arts to support the event and many of the sculptures are being sponsored by local organizations, individuals and businesses. Maps to the trail Art Professor and Sculptor from Canajoharie. will be available at businesses throughout Cherry Valley. The project was curated by Chris Duncan, There will be an opening reception at the CV Museum on July 14th at 7:00 PM. All are invited. AMERICAN HOTEL Every night for dinner at 5:00. Sunday brunch 8-2. Sunday afternoon meals 11:30 -4. Reservations always recommended. 518 284-2105 BEEKMAN 1802 Everyday 10-6, Saturdays during the summer until 9 284-6039 BLACK CAT CAFE - Everyday 8-3. Thursday Saturday 8-6 284-2575 COBBLER AND CO. - Everyday 10-6 284-2067 McGILLCUDDY'S NATURAL SOAP Everyday 10-4 284-2228 MY SISTERS' PLACE CAFE Friday Sunday 8-3 284-3421 (on Beechwood Rd) SPRING HOUSE SPA Weds. - Sun. 10-6, Mondays 10-2. 284-2400 THE FINISHING TOUCH Most days 11-3 284-2884 204 MAIN BISTRO Thursday Sunday 11:30 2:30, dinner 5:00 9:00 284-2540 VILLAGE HALL GALLERY Thursday Monday 10-4, Tues. & Weds. by chance or appt. 284=2402 The premiere edition of The Sharon Springs Chatter rolled off the presses, so to speak, in July of 2011. you were being outrageous. But kismet, being the prime director of my life, took charge again. A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW, WHY AND WHEN WE STARTED CHATTERING SUMMER BUSINESS HOURS

TO THE WEST OF US . . .

If you had asked me 2 weeks before if I had planned to publish a local paper I would have thought It all began with an email from Josh. He is the originator of the great by-line, Sharon Springs Chatters Like a Chipmunk in a Freezer. Literally, a half hour after reading this I thought, Hmmm, I think I will start a local paper - and did. The idea was to share news, stories, recipes, gardening tips, events - really anything goes as long as it isnt negative or hurtful - there is room for everyone to participate and, thankfully, many have and touches on that . . . maybe, a little, sometimes? It is meant to chatty and that it is. do contribute each month. It is not, nor meant to be, a profound literary journal - although surely It is available in hard copy (free, but donations are appreciated) at locations throughout the village as well as online www.beekman1802.com & http://thesharonspringschatter.files.wordpress.com.

.MANY, MANY, THANK YOU'S TO THOSE WHO PUT THE CHAT IN THE CHATTER
IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER . . . ~ Nancy Pfau - town historian with Her-storian corner. She has submitted an article every month of ~ Linda Keller - came on board 3 months ago to discuss nutrition in a friendly, easy, sort-of way. ~ Mitch Owens - wonderful news about Marrakesh - a trip to the White House and a memorable ~ Cheryl Rosen - Healthy living article - all about aromatherapy ~ Bruce Button - a tribute to Stephanie ~Marilyn Stein - fun remembrances of growing up in SS ~Sandy Manko - Town Supervisor - a nicely written article about their infamous collection of SS ~Rose Marie Trapani - mouthwatering recipes that I hope you have made - but, yes, so much easier ~Matthew Zwissler - butler tips on cleaning one's Victorian garb - who didn't benefit from that?! ~ John Townsend - a lovely article about his business, The Anonymous Bookbinder ~Dan Wood - a Dr. was in the house (B&B actually) - an article about one woman helping out ~Jenn Delpit - inside story about Adelphi Paper Hangings ~Heidi Meka - a story about the American Hotel Legends and Lores dinner. ~Gail Luna - a look backstage from a pro to have her deliver samples. :) memorabilia Haiku on Valentine's Day insights and info about Sharon Springs.

~Julie Herzog - an informative article about the wonders they are working at Elderberry Herb Farms ~ Brent and Josh - last names not required, I assume - a marvelous Haiku, ideas, suggestions and Beekman news! ~Maria Vought - news from the Victorian Celebration, the Karaoke night after the Garden Party . . . and upcoming news . . .

Last of all, but not least - Mary Ann Nellis for proofing all copies before they are sent off. Previous proofers deserve love, too - David DeVito, Florence Anderson and Phil Durkin. ADD YOUR THANKS HERE:

Chatter -liciously's Lovers

It takes a whole village to turn out a little newspaper. Good thing so many of us like to talk around here. Thanks to everyone for making The Chatter something worth chattering about. ~Brent

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ! - TONY AND THE CATS

When you started chattering I thought the chatter would be schattering but there has been a smattering of chattering most of it flattering. ~anonymous
I love the Chatter more than anything in the world ~ O. Levant just before a breakdown

Cherry Valley Artworks thoroughly enjoys reading about our great neighbors and all they do in Sharon Springs. We appreciate the ongoing opportunity to share with you what's happening further on up the road so please keep the Chatter going. I don't care what is written about me in the Chatter so long as it isn't true. -- D. Parker
"Thanks so much to the many contributors that have helped The Chatter come alive, and a special thanks to Leila Durkin for bringing it all together every month! I have enjoyed the Her-storian articles by Nancy Pfau, the different write-ups on the etc. I local businesses in town, and other tidbits of news, recipes look forward to many more!" ~ Julie Herzog

I never know what I think about something until I read what I've written on it in the Chatter. -- W. Faulkner Whimsical, informative, and most endearing. The Chatter is always good for a giggle or an ah-hah moment. A must read !!!!!!!!!! ~Maureen Lodes, Cobbler and Company

I like to talk on TV about those things that aren't worth writing about in the Chatter. ~ T. Capote Every issue is a tissue of delight, each writer shines more brightly than another, yet none ignites my dendrites like its mother: Yes! I'm a Lady Chatter-Leila lover! ~ Alice Smith Duncan

SHUCKS, THERE IS MORE . . . Le Chatter es tres magnifique . . . . Simone Chatter Love- I would like to thank Leila for making The Chatter happen in the first place. Without her patience and encouragement to all of us to contribute and not giving up, I give you a great big thumbs up! ~ Cheryl, Spring House Spa
The Chatter has a lot of heavenly ideas that make no earthly damn sense. ~ John S.

I think a lot about The Chatter, therefore I am . . . . Descartes

The Chat ter gets bet ter with every drink I take. . . . Mr. Bot toms Up

We love the Chatter! Its informative, yet its fun and frisky nature makes it impossible not to read cover to cover as soon as it walks in the door. It provides a fantastic opportunity to update the community on the goings on and gives our visitors something to take home that perfectly embodies our community...we like to have fun! Thank you Leila for giving us one year of Ch-Ch-Chatter! Thank you, Heidi & American Hoteliers for your frisky Chatter Loverly note!
AND ON THAT FUN NOTE AGAIN MANY THANKS TO READERS, ADVISORS, AND ANYONE WHO Send your stories, curiosities and musings to villagehallgallery@gmail.com HAS HAD ANY PART IN THIS ROMP.

no part of this publication can be copied or reprinted without consent from the publisher

OPEN THURSDAY MONDAY 10-4 OR LATER. TUES. & WEDS. WHEN THE FLAG IS OUT