Christmas Shopping and Holiday Fun

Another year, another joyous Christmas season. Mexico, NY, will again be the center of activity on December 3, 4 & 5. Friday is movie night. Saturday is busy with shopping, Friends of Bob Cratchitt, horse drawn wagon rides, parade, tree lighting and visits with Santa. Bring your pets along and have their picture take with Santa! Sunday, the Mexico Historical Society will present their Christmas Concert at the Wilcox Memorial and there will be a live Nativity on Academy St. For complete details and schedule of events go to Christmas in Mexico on Facebook or www.mexicony.net and click on the link on the Home Page.

Run, Bambi, Run!!! Hunting season opens Saturday. Woodland walks are on hold until it's over. I grew up in a fishing, hunting, trapping family but I stay out of the woods now during hunting season. There seem to be too many wild shots fired around here! Posted signs mean very little to some.

Love this time of year. Sweaters, cozy slippers, delicious aromas from the kitchen and the crisp autumn air make a great combination.

Glad I'm not flying anywhere soon. Because of a knee replacement I usually sent off the alarms and have to be check out. If that's what's needed to keep us safe, so be it. Not sure about the new techniques. From what I've seem of them, the body scan seems impersonal enough. Wonder about the amount of radiation. Anyone out there know more about it???

Water District #2 has been approved for a grant and 0% loan. The Town Board is scheduling a Public Hearing. I'm looking forward to hearing the details and looking over the proposed district map. This is an important project for so many families with inadequate water and will increase the value of their property and could reduce their homeowners insurance premiums.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Now that most of the leaves are down the fun begins. Raking and mulching is taking up a lot of my time. However,I can always find time to tramp through the woods and watch the squirrels scurry around stocking up for winter. Our owl still hoots at night and we have a pack of coyotes howling in our near woods.

The Mexico Historical Society has received the go-ahead from the State and are able to start the preservation of the Starr Clark Tin Shop on Main Street. Stage one of the restoration has begun and will include roof repair, foundation repair and restoring the exterior to its original design. You might want to check the Historical Society's web site for more information.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 3rd to join the Mexico Historical Society at the Bake Shop Eatery for a fund raising event. You will be greeted by the officers and board of directors of the Historical Society throughout the evening.
Starting at 4 PM and ending at 9 PM the Bake Shop Eatery will offer a barbecued pulled pork dinner with two sides for $6.99. The Historical Society will earn a portion of the evening dinner proceeds from all menu purchases. The Bake Shop is located at 3281 Main Street in the village of Mexico. Menu items can be
preordered by calling Denise Stewart, proprietor, at 963-1111 during normal business hours.

The train depot on Scenic Ave. will again have a new life. This historic landmark will become the home of the Oswego County Credit Union. Renovations have started and they are working with the Historical Society to preserve as much of the original building as possible. They are hoping to open before the snow flies.

According to Sandra Scott, www.examiner.com, it is never too early to get into the holiday spirit. Head to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone in Mexico, New York where local artisans will be showcasing their crafts and talents on Sunday,November 14th. The event runs from 12pm to 4pm. This is an exceptional opportunity to
jump start your holiday shopping and party planning. For more information on this event go to www.examiner.com.

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday!

Sunset

Did you see the sunset last Sunday? White fluffy clouds over dark threatening clouds over bright blue sky over a white capped lake. Then, as the sun began to set the sky morphed into a fiery blaze tinting the dark clouds with pink. Well, words or pictures can't do it justice. It was just spectacular.

With our summer vacation going out in a blaze of glory, it's time to start thinking about what's ahead. And there are a lot of things to do and think about. I really must get outside and start putting the garden to bed for the winter. The annuals are beginning to look tired and it's almost the season for pumpkins, mums and corn stalks. Have you noticed the change in the tree leaves? And the air feels different. The windows in our home need a good washing, not to mention the painting left to the last minute. However, all work and no play can make me a little cranky. I really enjoy this time of year and the woods do call to me. The crunch of the leaves under foot, squirrels scurrying up the trees. The fields are ripe with wild grasses and flowers for fall bouquets, and those acorns and pine cones look nice in the house during the winter.

Mexico Point Park is still open for picnics, woodland walks, or just enjoying the view of Lake Ontario. The park has one more scheduled event. On September 12, at 2 p.m., Nancy Kaiser will present Fall Wild Edibles, featuring what nature's fall buffet has to offer . This is a free event with donations appreciated.

The Mexico Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Bob Cratchitt are already organizing Christmas in Mexico with Morgan Kerr taking over the chair for this event.

Another upcoming event is the Mexico Public Library's 20th Annual Cider Run and Walk on Saturday, September 25th. Fun Run starts at 9:00, 5K Run/Walk starts at 9:30. You can register for this event online at EZRaceReg. You should look at their web site, www.mexicopubliclibrary.org.

To keep up with what happening around town you can check in on our web site, www.mexicony.net. We try to keep it current, and appreciate your letting us know of any event in the area that should be listed.

After thinking about all that need to be done around the house, I guess I better get at it! Wash windows or walk in the woods? Hummmmmmmm.

Summer Time

So far this has been a summer like in the "olden days". Well, maybe not quite, since I'm setting here in my air conditioned house in front of my computer. Back then on days like this I'd be on the beach at Mexico Point slathering on baby oil and listening to my transistor radio.

Remember when going to an Ice Cream Social was one of the highlights of the summer? Well, The Friends of Mexico Point Park are giving us the opportunity to experience this all over again. August 1, from 2-5 p.m. you can meet people you haven't seen in a while, eat a Mexican Sundae, listen to some great music, possibly win the Stone Skipping Contest and sample some Wild Edibles! What a way to spend a Sunday afternoon with the family.


You don't want to miss Omen Sade and Mary Spearen performances at the Wilcox Hall on Aug. 6 & 7 at 7 p.m. Mary will perform her original music, "The Fox and the Hound" accompanied by guitar. Omen will perform a one-man show titled "Arlecchino's Odyssey, the carnivalesque journey of one man to find himself amid the trials, tribulations and tricks of the world. For more information you may call Diane Chepko-Sade at 963-8596.

I want to give the Youth Advocate group and huge Thank You. They are going to be doing some major trail work at Mexico Point Park. Our Self Interpretive Nature Trail has taken a beating the past couple of year and is in need of a lot of work. In a couple of week this trail will be ready for some relaxing woodland walks.

Guess I'll slather on some sun block, put on my sun hat and venture out to the garden.

See you at the park.

Summer

Where does the time go! It's mid-July already. This summer is flying by and still so many things to do and see. The concert and fireworks at Mexico Point Park were spectacular again this year. The fireworks seem to get better and better. Thank you, Town of Mexico and Mexico Point Park and Young Explosives.

Next up for the park is the Ice Cream Social and all things Mexico. When the Celebrate the Arts event was cancelled due to rain, some of the fun stuff was moved to the Ice Cream Social. The Stone Skippin Contest, music by Moscow Nights, Wild Edibles with Nancy Kaiser, and a petting zoo and Bounce 'N Round for the kids have been added to this event.

Then on August 10, 11 and 12, Friends of Mexico Point Park will present their annual fund raiser, Mid Summer's Eve. This event includes a "Uniquely Priscilla " menu, served by beautiful maidens and handsom men servants. Guest are treated to delightful vocal and harp music along with the ever entertaining Oman Sade and company. Reservations are required due to limited space in Casey's Cottage. Tickets are only $25 per person, $15 for children 12 and under, and are available by calling Lady B at 963-7657. This is the most fun event you will have this summer!

Main Street and beyond offers great selections for your shopping pleasure and the Mexico Public Library has a line-up of free programs for children and adults. Mexico's diverse history can be explored at the Museum on S. Jefferson Street, a state of the art Skate Board Park is located on Watson Ave., with miniture golf and "Water World" open to the public at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park on County Rte.16.

Go to www.mexicony.net and explore the Community Links to these and many other interesting sites in and around Mexico, NY.

I could go on but have to take advantage of natures bounty and freeze the blueberries and black raspberries I purchased at the Farmer's Market last night.

Community Events

Wow! There is a lot going on around town this Spring.
First, Laura Vannah, Bright Star Productionz, has pulled together a fantastic "Touch the Earth Festival" for May 29 & 30, 12 - 5 p.m., at Mexico Point Park. Corn Bred, winners of the 2007 NAMMYTM for Best Blues Jazz Recording, return to perform at the Third Native Circle Touch the Earth Festival. Their unique blend of rhythm and blues, rock and traditional American Indian music will have you up and dancing, or at the very least tapping your toes! The People of the Standing Stone Dancers, an Iroquois Social Dance Troupe from the Oneida Nation, and Gypsy Red, John and Cherie Sardella. Returning are the Thunder Hawk Singers, Laura "Bright Star" Vannah and Donald Blackfox, Sacred Winds, David Searching Owl and Janet Quiet Dove, The Storytellers, Kenneth Quiet Hawk and Deborah New Moon Rising, and Vannah's "Totem Spirits" workshop. The Children's Activity Tent will include educational activities such as painting "spirit rocks", learning traditional Native American Beadwork, and making bracelets. Get your picture taken in authentic Native dress while being educated on the significance of the traditional clothing. Richard and Leslie LaCrosse,return this year with their displayed of a Native American pre-contact campsite complete with wigwam and Native garb of that era; and Nancy Kaiser will again present her multi-media Wild Spring Edibles demonstration. The Salmon River International Sport and Fishing Museum will have interactive demonstrations on fly-fishing and a walk-in display of fishing memorabilia. Kickin Chickin will provide refreshments, while Native Artists vend their Arts & Crafts.
Second, The Greater Mexico Chamber of Commerce are planning the 3rd Annual Music Festival to be held on June 12, for 10 to 5 p.m. There will be a great line-up of musical groups, a Craft Fair, food vendors, and the wild Duck Race! Check the Chamber web site, www.mexicony.net, often for more details.
Third, The Historical Society, Brenda, Jim, and Ali, have been diving in head first at the Mexico Museum. They have been reorganizing the Museum and have re-created the law office, which was the buildings original purpose.
Fourth, The Mexico Library have a terrific schedule of events for this Summer. Check their web site at, www.mexicopubliclibrary.org, for complete schedule and details.
Have to run now. Going to Mexico Point Park, Casey's Cottage, to finish cleaning and setting up the new display case with artifacts from the Mexico Point Club and Casey's Cottage memorbelia.
Let me know of any community events that should be mentioned. Alway glad to hear from you!

Just some thoughts.

How about our swimmers and divers! MACS Boys Swimming and Diving Team won its third straight Section 3 Class B championship. Go Tigers!

Spring is surely here. The snow drops are in bloom with crocus and daffodils peeking their head out of the snow banks. Red wing blackbirds are back and a blue bird was spotted checking out the housing situation. There is still snow in the woods but it is going fast.

The Mexico Public Library is hosting the 21st Annual Friends of the Library Wine Tasting Event on March 26th at Arena's Eis House from 6 - 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and are available by calling 963-3012 or stop at the Library.

Thinking of spring reminds me that April 17th is clean-up day at Mexico Point Park and Casey's Cottage. Volunteers are needed to rake leaves and help open Casey's Cottage. Bring your gloves and rakes and join us at the park at 9 a.m. for coffee and donuts. We will work until 12 Noon and finish up with lunch for all the volunteers. This makes for a great family outing with young and old working together to make the park beautiful.

Looks like April will be a busy month. The Greater Mexico Chamber of Commerce will hold their Annual Meeting on the 5th, at 7:00 p.m. in the newly renovated Community Center in Washington Hall (old Masonic Temple) on Main Street. Election of officer will be held and on-going projects disucssed. Sounds like a busy year for the Chamber.

The Historical Society of will hold its first meeting of the 2010 on April 8th at 7 p.m. at the Wilcox Memorial. Barry Haynes will present a program on Antiques. The Starr Clark Tin Shop Underground Railroad Museum is progressing. Construction on the foundation, roof and outside walls should begin soon.

Nancy Kaiser and I were talking about doing a "Spring Leek and Mushroom Dinner" at Casey's Cottage in May. Anyone who has attend one of her "Wild Edibles" programs at Mexico Point Park will attest to the delicous food she creates from Natures Pantry.

Laura Vannah is creating a weekend you won't want to miss. Keep May 29 & 30 availbile for the Native Circle, Touch the Earth Festival. More details of this event will be coming soon.

I have to get out and enjoy this weather. I appreciate your comments.