Herkimer County is the only place on the planet where the world-famous Herkimer Diamonds — a beautifully faceted, double-terminated quartz product of nature — can be found. These Herkimer Diamonds are said to be some 500 million years old, and nearly as tough as real diamonds. Both professionals and the public come from all over the world to dig for their own at the Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort. But last October, a devastating fire destroyed the resort’s retail, registration and museum buildings. The mines and the campground were undamaged by the fire, as was the Miners’ Table Restaurant — one where owner and staffers can truly claim a mine-to-table commitment to…
Author: Mike Jaquays
Retirement couldn’t stop doctors Maggie and Lenny Argentine of Oneida from continuing to reach out to share their own healthy living practices, hoping they might inspire and educate others to move toward those same goals. There is a lot more to living healthier than simply going on a diet, Lenny stressed. “We avoid the word ‘diet’ because diets don’t work,” he said. “Our approach is significantly different.” Maggie is from Lockport, and studied at the Buffalo General Hospital School of Nursing, the State University of New York Institute of Technology, and Syracuse University. She has a Ph.D in higher postsecondary…
Madison County historian Matthew Urtz felt for a message from the past as he reached into a just-opened copper box that had sat unbothered for more than 100 years in a wall at the county courthouse. On Jan. 7, 1909, that time capsule was sealed inside the wall for a future generation to unearth. That day came on April 16, thanks to construction work currently in progress at the building. As renovations continue to bring the courthouse into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, the work was set to soon begin with tearing down the wall housing the time…
It was a boxing match that Syracuse native Nick Barone could not turn down. In 1950, Ezz Charles had only a few months earlier won the belt of the heavyweight champion of the world. It was time for Charles to defend that title, and Barone was picked as a likely opponent who might give him a good run in the ring, although not enough of a challenge to dethrone him. Barone, who had fought as a light heavyweight before that, knew he wasn’t expected to win. But he couldn’t say no: It was the heavyweight championship at stake, and there…
All eyes were on Patrick VanWagenen of Kingston, N.Y., as he took the honored approach as the first bowler — of some 40,000 from all over the world to follow him — to kick off the U.S. Bowling Congress 2018 Open Championships Tournament. Chosen by a random lot that March 24 evening at downtown Syracuse’s Pirro Convention Center, Van- Wagenen was crowned “Joe Bowler” during this year’s opening ceremony. Wearing his crown and cape and holding his scepter, VanWagenen was escorted to his throne in front of the specially installed 48 alleys created for the four-month tournament. He was given the prestigious duty of rolling the first ball on lane 28.…
Snowmobiling is all about sharing a friendship with fellow riders having similar outdoorsy interests, seeing nature’s snowy beauty, and feeling the freedom of leaving behind the rigors of daily life. For the maximum enjoyment of riding the trails, membership in a local snowmobile club delivers both an organized gathering of fellow riders and money-saving benefits. Plus club members are out there grooming and clearing the trails to make them safer for all riders. “It’s really advantageous to join a club,” said Tim Taylor, New York State Snowmobile Association district director for Onondaga County and vice president of the Onondaga County…
A lifetime of blindness has never kept Sukosh Fearon from becoming one of the most well-loved musicians in Central New York, or walking the streets of Oneida to and from his job at the local bank, or even hitchhiking on his own all the way across the state. Now his friends and fans are expecting his recent cancer diagnosis won’t hold him back much, either. The singer-keyboardist will be honored with “A Day of Music With Sukosh Fearon,” which takes place Sunday, Dec. 17, 1 to 5 p.m., at the Rusty Rail Party House, 3231 Seneca Turnpike, Canastota. Fearon himself is…
The sweet taste and aroma of gingerbread has become as much a part of the holiday season as a tree, decorations, and gift giving. And after 32 years, the annual Gingerbread Gallery at the Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd. E., in downtown Syracuse has become a true holiday destination for area families, giving all ages a place to enjoy quality time together surrounded by the gingerbread treats of the season. “Thousands of families from all around Central New York come visit the Gingerbread Gallery as part of their holiday celebrations,” explained museum executive director Natalie Stetson. “We love being…
When 14-year breast cancer survivor Patti McGee was looking for a way to rebuild her upper body strength after a partial mastectomy, plus lose the weight she gained after chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she sought out the help of personal trainer Lisa Coleman in 2013. Coleman encouraged McGee to combine mind, body and spirit along with healthy nutritional practices to reach her goals. McGee, a longtime supporter of others going through their own cancer procedures, wants to now share that experience with others in need. Coleman herself has had her own health challenges. She was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and…
Will’s Cackleberry Castle Farm provides un-scary Halloween diversions.
Fall Harvest Celebration features a corn maze, wagon rides and more.
Beth Yazell’s Bloom Yoga & Wellness caters to all experience levels.
Madison-Bouckville community rallies to retain its treasured Antique Week.
Hamilton Film Fest offers CNY a global glimpse at otherwise-unseen films.
Cosplayers to roam the Salt City Comic-Con.