The Written Word > The View from Here
Concurrent with a move to rural upstate New York after more than 40 years of night life in the Big Apple, writer Thom O'Connor chronicles his arrival and progress in a new life. His column, The View From Here, appeared in the Times Journal, Cobleskill, NY for close to three years.
ON COMING TO COBLESKILL
My journey to Cobleskill started at 2 a.m. on a Saturday morning in September 2003. Unable to sleep, I headed to the corner diner, knowing that it would be alive with the 24-7 nightlife that spilled over into the daylight of every Chelsea morning. There, I spotted a dog-eared copy of a popular digest. I paged my way to the real estate section. Only four listings; none in places I knew. The prices and acreage were right, however. In a few hours, I was talking with a realtor before heading up the Thruway to a place called Cobleskill.
When I arrived, two of the houses already had sold. I looked at the other two. Then a dozen more. Too much money. Too little land. Too isolated. No septic. No well. No sale. The realtor asked if I could stretch my budget by a few thousand bills. Within minutes, we were parked by a small house on a man-made lake. The price was tenfold a few thousands more. I hurriedly calculated. The view was breathtaking. It was serene. I could write here. Maybe. Before getting out of the realtor's car I said, "I'll take it!"
Since Sept. 11, I had been thinking about moving from New York City - despite having lived there since the late 60s. Standing then by that tranquil lake, which had all the fascination of any ocean, short-circuited any indecision. By Thanksgiving, I was unpacking in a place where I knew no one -- and nothing. Eerie. And exhilarating.
Shocks and surprises followed. Despite an Internet search that indicated that the job-scene in Albany was "happening," it was a graveyard from my perspective. I learned that the SUNY system pays too little to adjunct professors. I learned that most of the people I met, worked at two -- and even three -- jobs to make ends almost meet. I learned that there was no end to Schoharie snow and that even the high-speed embrace of I-88 could become a treacherous death-grip in a momentary whiteout. I learned uneasily how spring plays standoff with the Valley.
But I also experienced the kindness and cheerleading of many people as I tried to integrate into a new life in a new town. I bought a wreath on Main Street. The woman who sold it to me told me to return in an hour. She took it home and decorated it over lunch as a holiday/welcome gift. She said I'd like it here. She is one of the reasons why.
I joined the Schoharie Chamber of Commerce and found that there is more to do here than could be accomplished in a lifetime. One stress-filled day, I discovered the kindness of the ER at Cobleskill Hospital, then the incredible care at Albany Medical Center. A woman in the Admitting Office gave me directions home that were so detailed, I suspected her of having been to my house. In fact, she lived within a mile. She told me about "possible" jobs.
I fell under the spell of the very creative Jamie Denman at All About Frames in Richmondville. She quickly spread the word about the new guy in town who needed connections. A chance meeting with another Richmondville resident, Tom Bowes, pulled me into a more broadly cast network of informal friends ready to help. I reveled in the daily hospitality of the Carrot Barn. Its owner Richard Ball cautioned me that people don't move to Schoharie for the money. It's all about the quality of life here, he said. I learned quickly what he meant.
I also experienced the charm and old-time prices of the local movie theatre, the rewards of real customer service at Selkirk's, the abundant wonders of the Old Stone Fort Museum, the luxury of at-home haircuts by Nickie Willwerth, the tranquility created by "Daylily Queen" Nancie Bidwell at Swallow Hill Farm in Summit, the come-as-you-are welcome of the Pizza Shack, the daily hospitality of Shirley Hall-Garner's Stony Creek Restaurant, the grace-and-taste of The Dairy Deli - and always, the dazzling, hypnotic vistas that encouraged me always to drive with a camera.
As I absorb the new-found riches of this - for me - new land, I still wonder why people are not kinder to others trying to merge onto Main Street; why so many beautiful buildings in downtown Cobleskill are in disrepair and empty; why I can't get Road Runner or DSL. And, why; oh why, do people make left hand turns from the right lane as if they were driving an 18-wheeler through town?
There's time enough to wonder. I'm here for the long haul. I'm ready to ask questions and to find answers through conversations, remarkable or otherwise, with the people who call Schoharie home. I'm also prepared to dig in and get involved as the area grapples with the growing pains that are sure to become more persistent as "new people" like me realize that one can't build a life on vistas alone.
JANET JACKSON
Janet Jackson doesn't sing, and says she never did. Regardless of what made her reject the lights, noise, and crowded streets of booming Big Apple life more than four years ago, the fact is that she is here today, a resident of our town and County - and we're the richer for it. It was the remaining whispers of a fading addiction that brought me to Janet's door.
From years of working in visual display and merchandise showrooms, I learned how easily things can be repurposed; how an abandoned book or shelf could become a highlight in a showroom or department-store display. Often and happily, I joined others like me on loading docks outside Macy's or Sak's or the JP Stevens as night crew hurriedly tossed props from a deconstructed window display into waiting dumpsters. They were not allowed to give away anything but would watch in knowing amusement as one or two of us would jump into the dumpster and hand out the stuff to others waiting to check it out. It was fun, laborious, and risky -- but full of rewards -- like exploring the pre-season dumps on Fire Island or post-season yard-sales of Palm Springs that yielded treasures, some of which I have today.
It was no accident then that a sign at 489 West Main Street in Cobleskill called out to me as I drove by each day on the way to work. The address is that of Catholic Charities of Schoharie County - and its Thrift Shop in the carriage house to the rear. The Thrift Shop opened in December of 2005. It provides donated furniture and household items at bargain process. Income from the sale of items is parlayed into financing community-focused services. It was there that I met Ms. Jackson amid the bric-a-brac and recycled wooden bowls.
Janet, it turned out, managed the shop. But more important, she loved doing it and it showed. I watched her work the rooms as if she were showing customers around Bloomingdale's or Scholet. She answered questions, listened to what people said they were looking for, suggested options. "There are so many good buys here," I heard her tell a group of students from nearby SUNY Cobleskill, "Take your time. I'm sure you'll find something to meet your needs."
Janet told me that the elderly and students are among the most frequent visitors to the shop - and then, with a smile, people like me! She helped me find some used containers at close to $1 in which to arrange some flowers for an upcoming event at the Arboretum. We also found three neat containers shaped as a pear, apple, and pineapple that now sit in our gif show and hold two-sizes of paper clips and rubber bands. With regularity, shoppers look and ask about them.
Janet works for Tom Mayer, executive director, of Catholic Charities of Schoharie County. Tom relates the array of services the organization provides to the public -- from a 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, safe planning (what is that?), counseling, and advocacy -- including legal advocacy, support group, transportation, referral, outreach, and community education. The organization's residential services feature a 9-bed Safe Dwelling.
Janet says that her relationship with the organization began when she arrived in the area alone and went there to see how she could help as a way of getting involved in our community. The Thrift Store fit her like a glove. "It gave me the opportunity meet many wonderful people in the area, to find friends among the staff and supporters of the organizations, and to help people - recycle, and find needed items that fall within their budget, and to help people to see value in things that may have lost their luster and value for previous owners.
Janet says that close to a hundred browsers visit the shop each week. "We have a lot of people from downstate looking for items to tide them over during a move, and snowbirds who pick up items between here and Florida and donate them to us - or pick up something they may have left as they come here for the season." Some are thrifty because of need she says; others just believe that it makes sense to use recycled items and use the money elsewhere.
Beyond the Thrift Shop, Janet says, Catholic Charities offers a Food Pantry that provides enough food for residents who are temporarily without resources to sustain them for four days. They also sponsor a program called Extra Helpings, a monthly food buying club, open to all.
To those e who don't know the Catholic Charities Thrift Shop, Janet says, "Don't be a stranger. And of course, you don't have to be Catholic. We're here to help people." And it is clear that Janet is there to do just that. 519-234-3581; services@catholiccharitiesofschoharhieco.org; Domestic Violence Hotline (234-2231; collect calls accepted).
In this season of abundance, SUNY Cobleskill is preparing to share some abundance of its own at an affordable Harvest Dinner on Friday, Oct. 12, from 4:30 - 7 PM, in Champlin Hall. $15/person. Kathleen Harris Northeast Livestock Processing Service Company will be the featured speaker. The savory menu includes the harvest of area farmers: Steamship Roast Pork, Chicken & Biscuits, Shepherd's Pie, Roasted Veggies, Butternut Squash, Mashed Potatoes, Ginger Carrot Bisque, Vegetable Quiche, Cheese Display - and Oh My!
Experience our county at its best. Partake and share it often - and again and again and again.
HOUSEBOUND FOR THANKSGIVING
Housebound for Thanksgiving, I am anxious to get out and cover some uncharted territory for this column. Even though Times Journal columnist Patty Fagin had beat me to the punch, I head toward The Pioneer, a new eatery blessed with a Halloween opening in historic Esperance. Proprietors Matt and Cheryl Brucker take obvious pride in their new space in the former Elm Hotel on Main Street, next-door to the popular Quit Bug. The restaurant is standing-room-only when I arrive with a group for the Landis Arboretum, each of us anxious to eat and to have a place to recommend to the increasing number of visitors to Landis each month.
The Bruckers are 20-year residents of nearby Charleston. "Matt always wanted to run a restaurant," says Cheryl. Matt affirms his wife's statement with a quick smile thrown from the organized hubbub of the kitchen. Each of us knows someone else there and soon we are part of the casual cross-current of conversation. Most are congratulating re-elected Esperance Town Supervisor Earl Van Wormer and catching up on events with his always-amiable wife Charmayne. Soon we are sitting beside them - a table of five - and in short order we are munching with pleasure.
Serving a wide array of breakfast and lunch offerings on Mondays Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays (7 AM - 2 PM), Pioneers extends its hours on Fridays and Saturdays (7 to 7) to include value-priced dinners starting as low as $7.99. The Pioneers is down-right friendly and available for private parties. Although there is no bar (at present), Cheryl and Matt offer fresh soup and desserts du jour, take-out, delicious coffee, and great gathering place whether one lives around the corner or is just passing through. Pioneers, 163-1 Main Street. Esperance. 518-875-6699.
Within a Schoharie minute, I'm crossing the bridge into Middleburgh. Esperance caterer Dottie Gallo-Vojar (Sweet Tooth Caterers) extracted a promise that I would visit recently opened Sweet Temptations, on that town's Main Street. While waiting for the light to change I catch a hurried glimpse at the stately homes along River Street to my left and imagine living there - without the heating bills. In minutes, I'm talking with proprietor Heather Vilegi, whose husband Richard owns the handsome Middleburg Hardware next door. As we speak, I make a mental note to tell you about the multi-sized apothecary jars filled with everything from assorted candies such as chocolate covered blueberries and cranberries to amaretto/tiramisu and champagne cordials, and rich selections nuts and raisons. All, of course, beautifully showcased. Sweet Temptations offers espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, smoothies, teas, whole bean coffees, gift baskets, home-made pastries, and made-to-order pies (although Heather pleads for a break from pie-making following a hectic Thanksgiving season).
Leaving the shop, I walk along the main thoroughfare. I recall how before I migrated to the area I would leave NYC at 4 a.m. to be at M&J Restaurant for breakfast to ask people questions about the region. M&J has since moved to the other side of the street next to PJ's Ice Cream & Burrito Shop. I drop into Mrs. K's Kitchen, admire the new library building, see that the Middleburgh Gym has new digs, note that Kelly's Grill - the only place I could find a satisfying sandwich one late night - is still in swing, that St. Mark's Church was prettier than ever, that Pasta and Grille has joined Hubie's as a local eatery, that the windows of The Conglomerate and The Everything are as interesting as always, that Wayman's Antiques seems to have a new lease on life - and above all, that Middleburgh's Main beat is bustling with foot traffic and shoppers. When I asked about what I perceived as positive change, several people pointed me to an upscale but folksy retail outlet on the block called Home Fires Home Accessories Marketplace (308 Main), which shares space with Magee Realty. There I speak with enthusiastic realty agent Kristin Turon, a licensed Magee Realty salesperson and a resident of Greenville, who loves working in the Middleburgh office. She leads me into a discussion of Middleburgh's Community Partners Program.
Like a quick breeze, Debbie Magee enters the shop. We meet. "I would love to talk," she tells me, "but I have an appointment for lunch. Before I run, I can tell you that when I was younger I could not wait to get away from here. Just as strongly, I wanted to come back. When I returned to the area about four years ago, I saw instantly that it needed care and focus. I worked to create the Community Partners Program. The results already are apparent. More and more people are coming here - to live and to bring their business or establish one in our town. We're proud of our combined efforts as neighbors, friends, and business people." As they should be.
As you're shopping local this season, be sure to re-visit Middleburgh and Esperance. You'll be happy you did. A lot is happening everyday and some of it is, quite frankly, picture perfect.
IN PRAISE OF THREE SCHOHARIE COUNTY SEAMSTRESSES
A stitch in time saves nine, we're told. And the "ties that bind" are bound to hold.
But what's the power of repeated, thread strands
to revive past splendors of this historic land?
Three Schoharie women have the secret, well, in hand.
In Richmondville, for example, 17-year resident Pam Pratt has known the power and pleasure offered and given by a needle and thread since childhood when her mother created most of her clothes for school. In time, Pam was designing and sewing her own outfits, adding complexity and nuance - along with embroidery -- to her skillset. In tandem with her growing enjoyment at sewing, she nurtured a love of history. Those two interests came to a nexus when she and her husband bought a house in Richmondville. "We wanted our house to reflect this deeply historic area," she said. "To achieve that, I needed quilts. On our budget, that meant learning how to make them." She did.
Pam's now highly regarded expertise at quilting was amply demonstrated in the offering she created for the Richmondville Days raffle this year, The Four Seasons of Richmondville. It enabled her to use a favorite technique, appliqué: "It's like painting," she says, "but with fabrics - and it offers great leeway in adding elements to tell a story."
Pam's skill will again be in evidence at the Old Stone Fort History Fair on Columbus Day Weekend. She and Schoharie's Naomi Wikane will co-chair the planned exhibit of rare quilts. The exhibit will feature a special raffle on Sunday, October 10, focused on a hand-tied, heirloom quilt (from the Town of Wright), donated by Naomi Wikane from the Zimmer family collection and Pam's hand-crafted wall hanging, featuring an appliquéd red and green "Rose Wreath" design inspired by a quilt currently in the Old Stone Fort collection. Raffle tickets are limited and $20 each (295-7192). Don't delay. Don't regret!
Master craftspeople and skilled artisans will gather by the score at the event. Karen Tenney will leave her family and farm in Seward to demonstrate just how an accomplished weaver gains repute. Karen's reputation, of course, extends far beyond the perimeters of the county. Aside from a highly visible presence at major events such as Crafts at Rhinebeck last weekend, she's been featured twice in the past 24 months in Handwoven magazine: in Fall 2003 for the creation of organic bath towels from scratch, and in the Spring issue this year in a feature on scarf-making and embellishments.
Karen's presence at the Old Stone Fort History Fair will be in concert with many of her fellow members of The Golden Fleece Spinners and Weavers Guild. They bring together those interested in spinning, weaving and other fiber arts to share knowledge, experiences, and the excitement of working with textiles.
Guild members, some in period costume, will demonstrate the preparation and spinning of wool, dyeing the handspun wool with natural dyes, and weaving on several types of looms.
Lichens, cutch, black walnuts, onion skins, marigolds, indigo, cochineal, madder and logwood are among the natural plants used to dye wool in large simmering pots over an open fire. At the Old Stone Fort Fair, dye pots will be cochineal (red) on Saturday and indigo (blue) on Sunday. These real-time demos by Karen and Guild members are sure to be fascinating and informative.
Those interested in joining the Guild can get information at the Fair, or call former Guild president Flora Kenyon of Schoharie (295-7055). The Guild meets on the first Sunday of each month from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association (SCHA) Theater, Depot Lane, in Schoharie.
From rural Middleburgh, Laura Spickerman also plans to be at the Fair - in her official capacity of Office Manager at the Old Stone Fort. She will be wearing, no doubt, colonial clothing rendered by her own hands. Laura, in fact, is widely regarded and sought-after for her detailed and accurate reproductions of historical clothing.
From the humble beginnings of her first apron sewn as a member of a 4H program years ago, Laura looked for a challenge beyond the frills of party dresses and wedding gowns. She found it when she met a re-enactor at a nearby historical site. He related the difficulty in finding Period-accurate clothing that could withstand the day-to-day wear required by those who re-enact events at historical sites across the country. Goodwife Spickerman was born.
Through extensive research and careful study of existing patterns and historical documents, Laura embarked on a peripheral career to establish a reputation as a reliable source for authentic, period clothing. Today, she is hailed among the major creators of such clothing in the area. The biggest challenge -- aside from finding the appropriate patterns and the right materials for a specific period -- she says, is adapting historical clothing to today's healthier bodies -- while respecting the original silhouette. And to differentiate her "clothing" from "costumes" made for intermittent use, she assures that her re-enactors have the structural support and durability needed to focus on re-telling history, without worry that their attire might not hold up to the battle at hand!.
Goodwife Spickerman, Pam Pratt, and Karen Tenney join dozens of craftsmen and artisans who await the pleasure of your company at the Old Stone Fort History Fair and Quilt Exhibit. For details, see the History Fair ad in today's Times-Journal, of course!