Heller Recital: Two Strings, Four Hands and Eyeglasses Obligato

Many of you know Julia Heller as one of our friendly and knowledgeable reference librarians, but did you know she’s also (among other talents) an accomplished cellist? It’s true.

Julia has been making music since she was a tyke of four or five years old. The impetus to do so runs strong on both sides of her family. Julia’s mother, Patty Heller, is a professional violist who performs with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra. Her late father, Duane Heller, was a multi-faceted musician, pianist, composer and more.

 With a little encouragement from her mother, making music became a lifelong pleasure for Julia. “We don’t practice,” she said. “We just like to play.”  And to our delight, the two of them proved that to an enthusiastic audience in the Whitesboro library yesterday afternoon.

Patty and Julia - Photo credit: CJ Alexander

Their quickly arranged recital included both classical and folk selections (listed below), interspersed with amusing family anecdotes and interesting tidbits about the “basically magical quality” of stringed instruments. As part of a tribute to the late Mr. Heller, mother and daughter commissioned a viola and cello ( shown in the photo to your right) both fashioned from the wood of the same tree. It was with these beautiful and personally meaningful instruments that they entertained us.  

Referring to last weekend’s local flooding, Julia noted that one of their selections reminded her of the “reaffirmation of life and community and awareness” as people came together to help one another clean up the considerable mess. Patty gave a shout out to the owners of the recently flooded Big Apple Music, who graciously loaned her a violin to use during her stay here.

If you weren’t aware of the event and would have liked to attend, we have included links to videos of two of their pieces. Enjoy them as often as you like, and feel free to leave your compliments in the comment section below.

            Julia and Patty: Thank you. May you forever play together in harmony.

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PROGRAM:

Ludwig van Beethoven, "Duet mit zwei obligatten Augengläsern" (Duet with two eyeglasses obligato)

Molly Mason, "Call of the West"

Otis Tomas, "One More Step"

Johann Sebastian Bach, "Prelude" from the G Major suite (VIDEO) - (music begins 3       minutes in.)

traditional, "Far Away"

traditional, "The Falls of Rogie" set 

Scotland Bonnie, "Farewell"  (VIDEO)

traditional "Mairi's Wedding" set

Otto Siegl, "Duo Sonate for viola and violoncello"

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, "Sonata in C Major"  (See moments from the video, below!)

Utica's Tramontane Café - A Convivial Poetry Place & More

Photo credit: Garrett Ingraham

If you happen to be driving northbound along the arterial and notice a colorful façade tucked away to your right, it's the eclectic, welcoming Tramontane Café. Hang a quick right and then another, and you’re there.

Located just off the Court Street exit at 1105 Lincoln Ave, this restaurant/coffee shop is well worth discovering. In addition to a menu featuring vegetarian/vegan cuisine, “The Tram” hosts a variety of entertainments, including the Utica Poets Society Open Mic Night every Thursday evening at 7:30.

 Where else in the Utica area can you enjoy a delicious meal or beverage while listening to the latest poems read aloud by local aspiring, talented and yes - even well-established - poets of all ages?

 Your editor attended for the first time on April 13^th and was instantly taken with the ambience and comaraderie. Patrons ranging in age from college student to retiree mingled and got themselves signed up to read their poems to those eager to listen and applaud their efforts. And while the Tram can sometimes be a venue for spirited conversation, the presence of a microphone broadcasts the poets’ voices all the way through the room.

 The evening’s emcee  Kelley Citrin read some of her own poetry in between introducing the other poets in random order. One of our Whitesboro Writers Group members, Virginia native Terry Rainey, read two heartfelt poems inspired by his daughter’s recent wedding. A close friend of the WWG family and long-time favorite at the Tram, Monica Reid entertained us in her trademark dramatic style with a series of poems on a variety of topics.

 It’s not just poetry, though. Writer/attorney/golf expert Jay Flemma of Forest Hills wowed us with his recent article about Sergio Garcia's long-overdue win at the 2017 MastersTournament.

 

Monica Reid

When asked about her Tram experience, Monica Reid said: “It’s about folks expressing themselves. We get some fantastic unicorns, sometimes, and I always feel like I know someone better once I've heard their words. It's rare for folks to get a safe place to put their feelings into a healthy format, and we always clap. We on occasion get people who use poetry to combat their struggles. It can be a great place for healing...kind of magical, you know?

     “We do frequently get excellent published & prize winning poets who use the Tram as a means to get their message voiced. The caliber and variety that come at any given night can be quite amazing.” 

 (Monica added that the founder of the Utica Poets Society is Greg Ingraham and one of the frequent hosts is poet Mike Cecconi. I hope to meet them both during the next visit.)

Terry Rainey

Terry said: “The Tram is a great place to celebrate with people who love words, both spoken and written. I love its informal, intimate atmosphere. The variety of poets and wordsmiths is remarkable and talented.   And provocative!

     The sharing of words and the support for all presenters is energizing.  Reading there is at first intimidating but then encouraging. I always gain insights about my poems, hearing them aloud myself with an appreciative audience listening along. Special kudos to Mike Cecconi, Monica, and the other emcees. Oh, and the chocolate milk shakes nourish my poetic soul.”

  

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 For more information about the Tram, check them out on Twitter and Facebook and on the web. Better yet, check them out in person, any day of the week. Odds are you'll want to come back again and again, maybe even to read your own poems to the appreciative crowd.

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The Tramontane Cafe - (315) 732-8257
1105 Lincoln Ave, Utica, NY
is open daily:
Monday 9AM-5 PM
Tuesday and Wednesday 9 AM - 10 PM
Thursday 9 AM - 10 PM - Utica Poets Society Open Mic Night @ 7:30
Friday 9 AM-11 PM
Saturday 12 noon- 11 PM
Sunday 5PM- 11 PM -  Open Mic Night, for both spoken and sung word. 

Have you been to the Tram? Let us know about your experience in the comment section below. 

Introducing Mahlon Palmer, Local Author

While Miriam and I were waiting for the rest of the Monday Night Writers to show up for the December session, we decided to have a look around the indoor Farmers Market. It's held in the library's community room every first and third Monday from November through April. In one corner of the room stood a gentleman surrounded by a display featuring his book, entitled Destiny, published in April 2016.

We struck up a conversation with the amiable Mr. Palmer, who was eager to share some information with us about his self-publishing experience. His book underwent rigorous vetting from Authorhouse Publishers before they decided to handle the process for him.

Mr. Palmer was emphatic about heeding and adhering to the legal requirements for the contents of his book, including the photos and even the cover art depicted here. Permissions had to be requested and submitted in writing before they were authorized for inclusion - I assume from an abundance of caution. No writer wants legal hassles to interfere with the success of his or her book - we can certainly relate to that!

We didn't get to hear the rest of the story because our meeting was about to begin, but I thought I'd post the information on our blog and anyone who is interested in doing some self-publishing (with the aid of a publishing company such as Authorhouse) is welcome to investigate on their own.

According to the brochure we scooped up before we left, Destiny is geared to young people who are looking for a way to succeed in life, despite daunting odds. The book is available in hard and soft cover, as well as in e-book format from Barnes and Noble and Amazon. You can find out more here:
Destiny, by Mahlon Palmer

Even better, drop by the Farmers Market next month and chat with Mr. Palmer yourself...and tell him Whitesboro Writers sent you.

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Note: I don't know whether showing a photo of the cover is a breach of contract - since it shows up on the web for sale, and I have given credit to the artist, author and publisher, and we're not being paid to promote this - I hope it's ok! As an extra layer of protection, I've modified the cover so it's not exact. --CJ

William A. Mills, Artist – Then and Now *

Working on Utica poster, 1981
Photo credit, John Mills

In 1980-81, an aspiring local artist by the name of William Arthur Mills worked diligently to create a poster depicting the City of Utica, N.Y. 

The project, commissioned by the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica, challenged the young man to somehow squeeze every major and unique city feature into a 26 by 34 inch image, including borders.

He succeeded - brilliantly.

Clipping from Utica O.D., 1982

Odds are that at some point you've seen one of these iconic prints gracing offices and homes around town.  (You can view a color photo of it below.)

Though the face of Utica has changed substantially since the poster debuted in 1982, most of the historic buildings that the artist incorporated into the poster - including our own beautiful Dunham Public Library - are still there.

What befell the artist between then and now is a story worth a book of its own. Will lived in many places from Maine to New Mexico. He eventually settled in Brooklyn, where for the past 30-odd years he and his partner Scott Molampy have been doing business as Geppetto Studios.  They’ve gained considerable renown as fabricators of costumes, props and puppets for television, movies, and businesses. You can view their list of famous clients and accomplishments at their website:
 http://www.geppettostudios.com/Geppetto/Home.html 

In addition to running a successful company, Will Mills is an extraordinary and prolific artist, with hundreds of paintings and sketches in his repertoire. His technical ability is surpassed only by his highly imaginative and abstract subject matter, applying himself with equal devotion to the farcical and the divine. Have a peek at his website: 

http://www.williamamills.com/Paintings_Index_Catalog/The_Gift.html

Will Mills in his Brooklyn studio, 2015

Will and his two siblings grew up in Whitesboro and were educated in local schools. Like many area residents who once left the area in search of better opportunities, or better climates, Will has recently come home to roost for a spell. When we walked around the village doing errands together recently, he remarked, “Everyone is so friendly. People smile, they’re helpful, and they actually make eye contact!” Well, that’s an advantage of living in a small town. 

We hope he'll stay. *  Note: Will passed away in February 2021. A very great loss. 

UTICA POSTER - 1982 

Whitesboro's Barber Shop Duet

The next time you need a great haircut, consider making an appointment - or simply walk on in – to A SHARPER IMAGE Barber Shop. It’s conveniently located on Main Street in Whitesboro, next door to Joe’s Pizza and across from the American Legion.

Top left: Vinny Cotrupe,  Bottom Left: Barbers in action, Center: Shop Entrance, Right: Anthony Ionta

If you’re anywhere from 2 to 92, owner and master barber Anthony Ionta and his talented young apprentice Vincent Cotrupe will be happy to demonstrate their motto: “Saving the world one haircut at a time.” I was duly impressed, watching them apply their considerable skill with both the tools of their trade and with the people who dropped in.

Anthony, who has been barbering for fourteen years, patiently explained the various services they offer. “Hair styles are age-related,” he said. “The younger customers go for cuts like fades, skin-fades and blow-outs. Mature adults favor gentlemen’s cuts and flat-tops.”  I asked if anyone asks for mullets and both of the men chuckled. “No mullets, but some customers still ask for Mohawks and Faux-hawks,” added Vinny. “There’s been a return to retro styling lately. Many men like to have their hair longer on top, as in pompadours.” (Say, isn’t that what Elvis had?)

When I asked them to tell me something amusing that has happened in the shop, both piped up with “Willy. He’s a frequent visitor who brings joy inside. He’s quite a character. His hair is always cut - but not by us!”

Anthony reported that both little boys and grown men have fallen asleep in the barber chairs. What a treat it must be to enjoy a service that’s hard to get anywhere else in this area: a hot towel shave, which can benefit those with a shaved head as well as the face. The process takes a full 30 minutes - long enough for a refreshing nap.

The two barbers are community minded people. They give free haircuts to individuals in both UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) and ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens).

While Vinny concentrated on meticulously finishing up a skin-fade cut for regular Cody Stewart (pictured at right both “before” and “after”), I asked Anthony to speak his mind. “I love this job,” he said. “We both do. It’s not like work. I can’t wait to get here every day. We’re the only barber shop left in Whitesboro. We hope to expand into larger quarters in the future.”  I hope they do, too. Judging by the wide grins on the customers who were leaving, I’d bet they’ll all be back again and again.

Why not stop by and get an expert cut, or purchase a gift certificate for someone you’d like to treat to a new look? A Sharper Image is located at 115 Main Street in Whitesboro, NY.  Phone 315-219-0771. They’re open from 10 AM - 6 PM Tuesday- Friday, and 10AM – 4PM on Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Congratulations to Jeremy Mortis

Starting this month, Jeremy Mortis will take command of the Utica Writers Club for an initial one-year term of service.  This is a long-standing, local, non-profit organization - it was formed in 1939 - to foster the literary aspirations and interests of its members. Many of the members, including Jeremy, are published authors.  Jeremy's goal is to help more of the club's members get their novels, stories and poems into print.

The club's writers group gatherings are held in Clinton, at the historic Kirkland Town Library, every last Wednesday of the month unless otherwise stated. Meetings are open to all local writers of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. In addition, the group sponsors writing contests and hosts various lectures by well-known authors, the next of which will be Terrence Hawkins. If you're interested in attending this lecture, it will be held on September 12 at 11 AM at the Kirkland Library. For more information, click here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/666693836794703/

Jeremy often attends and writes stories for our own Monday Night Writers Group here in Whitesboro. Many of us have enjoyed reading the chapters centered around his character (Jason Frost) from our co-authored  novella Underweb Chronicles.  http://plottersink.blogspot.com/p/underweb-chronicles-table-of-contents.html

The other newly elected officers of the Utica Group are: Vice President: Jordan Mierek, Secretary: Monica Reid Keba, Treasurer: Cynthia Mierek, Webmaster: Keith Pomeroy, and Historian: Hilda Pomeroy. You can visit their website at this link:  http://uticawritersclub.org/html

If you're interested in learning more about the Utica Writers Club, or have questions for Jeremy, you can reach him by email at: bookseeker2121@yahoo.com  or visit his Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeremy-Mortis/1575876842694731?fref=ts

Once again, congratulations to Jeremy. We look forward to a productive and amiable association between our writing clubs!

There's 'Treasure' to Be Found in Whitesboro, NY

We at Whitesboro Writers Group are pleased to warmly welcome Danielle and Daina, co-owners of Treasures Lost & Found, a consignment and resale shop, to our friendly little village. They re-opened for business on  August 3 after relocating from their previous store in the Big Apple Plaza on Seneca Turnpike.

The new shop is easy to find. Simply drive down Oriskany Blvd. until you spot the inviting array of colorfully painted chairs perched at the curb - it's in the small plaza between LBJ's and Kowalsky Flowers.  Danielle and Daina have placed a few of their finds outside the front door, but once inside, you'll be greeted by a melange of antiques, vintage and nearly-new articles for sale at very reasonable prices. Due to space limitations, they don't accept clothing, books or toys on consignment.

Daina (L) and Danielle (R)

The two women became friends while working at Home Depot, and fifteen years later they decided to take the plunge from being box store employees to self-employed purveyors of used goods. Their diverse tastes in objets d'art serves their enterprise well: Danielle specializes in antiques, while Daina is a garage sale enthusiast. They offer items found at auctions, estate sales, and whatever is brought in by consignors (the proceeds are split  50/50).  If you're looking for furniture, art, jewelry, linens, glassware, china, and collectibles, you might well find the perfect traditional - or quirky- item while meandering through their well-stocked 850 square foot space.  Be sure to look up, down and inside the furniture - the place is full of nooks and crannies to explore.

A sample of the many treasures you'll find in the shop! 

In addition to selling on the premises, the owners also list many items on EBay, Craigslist, and Etsy under the same name as the store.  Danielle and Daina will pack and ship the merchandise purchased, and buyers pay the freight costs.

Let's help Danielle and Daina to prosper by doing what they love to do in our cozy little community.

Store hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 AM- 6 PM; Saturdays * 10 AM- 4 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

* Note: The store will be closed on the next two Saturdays, as they will be participating in community Vendor-Craft Sales on those days. Drop by and visit them between 9 AM-4PM on August 29 in New York Mills ( at the corner of Henderson and Commercial Drive behind the new Nice'n'Easy), and on September 5  from 9 AM-4 PM at the Oneida County 40 & 8's Veterans 3rd Annual Indoor/Outdoor Garage Sale at 5163 Judd Road.

You can reach Danielle at (315) 941-0965 and Daina at (315) 272-7700, and follow them on Facebook @ Treasures Lost & Found. Happy shopping!

More goodies!

Dunham Public Library Trustee co-authors new book

Scott Smith is not a member of our writing groups, but he is a long-serving trustee of our host library, so we are pleased to promote his work with all of our readers. - cja

The following appears on the library's website: Interplay of Cultural Narratives in Martinique: French, African, and Indian Journeys Toward a Pluralistic Society (May 2015, Caribbean Studies Press, Cat #CSP3704, 282 pp, with b & w illustrations, softcover ISBN 978-1-62632-370-4) Trustee R. Scott Smith has co-authored a book with his wife, Dr. Mahadevi Ramakrishnan, which explores the history of immigration and development of cultural identities on the island of Martinique from 1635 to the present with particular attention to the major cultural groups: African, French and Indian as well as the role of the indigenous Caribs in cultural hybridization. This interdisciplinary study of intertwined adaptive strategies to emigration and resettlement provides insight into the complicated tapestry of contemporary Martinican identity, including Martinique's chosen status as an Overseas Department of France. To help students navigate nearly four hundred years of complex history, the authors provide a glossary and questions for reflection. http://www.caribbeanstudiespress.com/catalog.php

Whitesboro - the Mother of Towns

If you  pick up the April 2015 issue of Greater Utica Magazine (I got a free copy at the library)  you will find on its cover a reference to an article which this post is named for.

Who knew? Whitesboro is known as the "mother of towns."

Look familiar?

The article revealed an interesting fact, namely that when Whitestown was first formed in 1788, it spanned west to Lake Erie, south into Pennsylvania, and north to the Canadian border.  That's a lot of real estate. Again, who knew?

Another claim to fame: the ingenius roll top desk was invented and manufactured by the Quigley Furniture Company here in our own back yard.

This information comes from a newly published book that two local women, Judy Harp Mallozzi and Dana Nimey Olney, collaborated on.  It's entitled Images of America: Whitesboro, which details the history of our small village.  Their book is available for purchase at Barnes & Noble in New Hartford, Colonial Pharmacy and the Potting Shed in Whitesboro, and at the Oneida County Historical Society in Utica.

The authors will be present for a book signing at our library on on Tuesday, April 7 from 7 until 8 PM. Barnes and Noble will follow suit on  April 11 from 2 to 4 PM  in Consumer Square.

What a wonderful addition this book would make to your personal library. Why not set aside an hour to meet and thank the authors for their efforts, and for helping to build community spirit. This is yet another reason to be proud to live in the "mother of towns".

Note: We at Whitesboro Writers Group present this information as a free public service as part of our ongoing effort to  promote local writers.