Exploring history and nature off the beaten path…

We recently discovered a remarkable trail system in Oswego County. Rich in history and natural beauty, Great Bear Springs is made up of over 300 acres along the east side of the Oswego River; owned in part by the City of Fulton and the Town of Volney.

According to Native American legend, a young brave (some say the father of Hiawatha) was attacked at the springs by a large bear. In honor of his victory over the animal, the brave named the springs “Mishemokwa”, meaning great bear.

From Great Bear Road, we began our hike on Alec’s Trail. Along the way, we found an abandoned (filled) well and pump house from a time when the springs of Great Bear provided water for commercial sale. Continuing on our path, we followed the former tow path toward the historic Hinsmanville Lock that was once part of the Oswego River Canal.

After stopping at the lock, we backtracked to Root Hill Trail (not for the faint of heart, by the by). At the summit, we turned onto the “Ifster” Trail where we learned to identify the red pine tree. What a delicious smell! Our path then took us through the quarry where we finished our journey along Upper Quarry Road.

Here are some of the sights and trails of Great Bear Springs…

There are six miles of diverse trails in the Great Bear Springs Recreation Area. Some are level and easy, while others provide a bit of a challenge; some are out in the open sunshine and some provide shelter from the heat of summer. You’ll find your way by following the trail markers (color-coded circles) on the trees along the trail. You can obtain a trail map at the entrance of Great Bear Springs or online at http://www.friendsofgreatbear.org/.

The trail system is open year-round for non-motorized activities such as hiking, mountain-biking and cross-country skiing. You can find Great Bear Springs on County Route 57 between Fulton and Phoenix, New York. The entrance is a bit obscure, so look sharp… it is well worth your discovery!

Friends of Great Bear was formed by residents of Oswego County interested in the conservation and protection of the Great Bear Recreation Area. With help from the local community, they have built bridges, marked trails and developed and posted a trail map of this unique area.

For more information about Oswego County Green, visit
http://web.mac.com/oswegocountygreen.

Cheers,
Kelly

Come play with theatre…

Ever fans of community theatre, we took in the Oswego Players’ production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Originally written by the Brothers Grimm, the story was adapted for stage by Jessie Braham White.

Under the direction of Jennifer Snow, the production tells the classic tale of an optimistic princess and the love and support of her friends – seven little men with odd little names. In this story, the dwarfs are known as Blick, Flick, Glick, Snick, Plick, Whick and Quee.

As our favourite fairy tale characters are brought to life, they are as delightful and entertaining as we remember them from the storybook; and the telling of the story is enhanced by the visually stunning sets and costumes.

The images below appear courtesy of Tobie McIntosh, photographer for the Oswego Players.

If you missed this performance, be sure to catch their next production, Agatha Christie’s “Ten Little Indians”. The show will be presented on July 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. and on July 20 at 2 p.m. at the Frances Marion Brown Theater, located in the Civic Arts Center Building at Fort Ontario Park on East Fourth Street in Oswego, N.Y.

Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $7 for students. For more information, tickets or to make reservations, call the Oswego Players at 315-343-5138.

The Oswego Players was founded in 1938 by Frances Marion Brown, making it one of the oldest continuously running theatre programs in the country. A testament to true community theatre, the Players attract cast and crew members from throughout Oswego County.

As Ms. Brown once stated, “(Our mission) is to bring good theatre by local casts to Oswego and its environs, and have fun doing it!”

Cheers,
Kelly

Shades of grey...

We have also enjoyed the intricate simplicity of graphite…

William Davies: In Celebration of Marilyn Monroe
Davies’ graphite renderings of Marilyn Monroe are larger-than-life; inviting the audience to draw a parallel between the art and the subject’s legendary character. The medium seems to suit the icon and pays homage to her time. One has only to absorb the painstaking detail of each piece to realize the artist’s dedication to this collection.

This exhibition was sponsored by the Salmon River Fine Arts Center on Lake Street in Pulaski. The center welcomes both novice and experienced artists and offers the opportunity for the public to experience a variety of art forms first-hand. For more information on classes or gallery hours, call 315-298-7007.

Cheers,
Kelly

Color your world...

The art world in Oswego County is awash in color! Over the past few weeks, we’ve enjoyed several art exhibition openings…

Michele Southgate: Bits ‘n’ Pieces
Southgate’s solo exhibition is a visual celebration. Each piece jumps off the canvas and into the imagination of the audience; capturing their attention and welcoming speculation. One cannot help but to explore this curious new world introduced to us by the artist through her watercolors and photo montages.

Nick D’Innocenzo, Paul Garland, Sewall Oertling, Thom Seawell: Four Degrees of Separation
An interesting quad, these artists provide an eclectic variety of work; something to suit everyone’s taste. The audience ponders over D’Innocenzo’s archival digital paintings and photo montages; Garland’s mixed media; Oertling’s watercolors and graphite drawings and Seawell’s screen prints. One becomes an attentive listener as each artist tells the story of his own reality.


These exhibitions are sponsored by the Art Association of Oswego and shown in the Oswego Civic Arts Center on East Fourth Street in Oswego. Gallery hours are from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.

The Art Association of Oswego also sponsors arts education in the community. For more information or to get involved, call 315-343-5675 or visit http://www.oswegoarts.org/.

Cheers,
Kelly

Come dancing...

Ladies and gentlemen, swing is back!

Last month, we joined our friends for USOswego at the Oswego Elk’s Club. Just wrapping up its second season, this monthly event is sponsored by the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) and features The Do Good Swing Band. These two groups first came together in September 2006 to re-create the USO Canteens of the World War II era.

The Do Good Swing Band is a 17-piece ensemble that includes bandleader Don Goodness on lead trumpet along with many celebrated musicians from throughout Central New York. Playing time-honored music and wearing traditional tuxedoes, this ‘Big Band’ evokes a sense of nostalgia; taking you back to the glamour of the 1930s and 40s.

They cover the “greats” from Glen Miller to Frank Sinatra. You’ll hear many old standards, including the jumping jive of ‘In the Mood’ and the traditional lover’s anthem, ‘Moonlight Serenade’. Also in the mix was my personal favorite, Henry Mancini’s ‘Moon River’. (A note for the younger crowd: if you are unfamiliar with the names and titles, you need only hear a few beats to recognize many of these great tunes.)

USOswego is the quintessential “night-out-on-the-town”; complete with dinner, drinks and dancing. Dinner is optional and includes your choice of baked fish, roast beef and chicken parmigiana. A cash bar is available and offers a ‘Swing Dance’ special. For those who have yet to master the familiar dance steps, Howard Willis and Karen Scrafford (soon-to-be Willis) provide free dance lessons during the first hour. (A note for the singletons: you don’t need to bring your own dance partner to join in the fun!)

An ageless event, USOswego invites multiple generations to come together and visit the by-gone days of big band music and swing dancing. Come join us and revel in the fun and romance of the era!

If you’re looking for a great way to socialize, enjoy a good meal and take a few turns on the dance floor, come to USOswego at the Oswego Elk’s Club on the corner of West Fifth and Bridge Streets in Oswego. This event is held on the third Thursday of the month from September through June. Open from 6 to 9 p.m., it includes a free dance lesson from 5 to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 or $12 if you choose to have dinner. For details, meal choices or to make a reservation for dinner, call RSVP at 315-312-2317.

Cheers,

Kelly

On another note...

Since last we met, there has been a flurry of activity in Oswego County!

We went to the Oswego Music Hall on Lake Street in Oswego and enjoyed the easy grooves of The Sim Redmond Band.

Overlooking Lake Ontario, the Music Hall offers a spectacular view of the setting sun. It has a great “coffee house” atmosphere and the volunteer staff is warm and welcoming. Candles and fresh flowers adorned the tables and homemade refreshments were available.

Attracting a diverse audience, The Sim Redmond Band played a smooth blend of folk rock, reggae and world music. The sound was entirely charming and organic. We were enchanted by their sweet vocal harmonies and the rhythmic beat of their drum jams.

The friendly and intimate mood of the Music Hall, coupled with the non-traditional sounds of the artists made for an enjoyable evening. It had the distinct feeling of being on a mini-break, despite the fact that we had never left home.

If you were not able to join us, the Oswego Music Hall is located in the Ontario Center for the Performing Arts (known locally as the McCrobie Building) on Lake Street in Oswego, New York. For more than 30 years, this all-volunteer organization has hosted an incredible line-up of artists in a wide variety of musical genres. Performances are scheduled every other Saturday night from September to June and reservations are suggested. For a list of upcoming shows or to make reservations, call 315-342-1733.

Cheers,
Kelly

On the sunset trail...

Welcome back!

Last week, we had the opportunity to visit Selkirk Shores State Park and hike along the bluff trail. The path is an easy hike and leads directly to the lake. Along the way, we spotted a group of fireplaces from camping days-gone-by and learned to identify the shag bark hickory tree. We tried – perhaps in vain – to capture that perfect shot of a fishing boat set against a backdrop of color as the sun began to set. The vistas were altogether beautiful and you can see some of our pictures here…

If you missed our adventure, you can find Selkirk Shores State Park just off New York State Route 3 between Pulaski and Mexico, New York. With 148 campsites, 26 cabins, 6 miles of hiking trails and a sandy beach, the park offers camping, hiking, swimming, fishing and boating. Whether you come for the day or an extended stay, you’re sure to enjoy your visit!

Cheers,
Kelly