Exaggerate! 1st Place in Writing

We are proud to present the Poem that won 1st place in the writing portion "Exaggerate!" our current exhibition of Art & Tall Tales that will run until June 6.

WHEN THE SNOW NEVER STOPPED
by Rodney Aldrich
Illustrations by his grandson Ronan




I leaned on my shovel
the driveway only half done.
Flake after flake,
their spiked points
clawing the air,
divided the space
into vertical columns
of emptiness.
I imagined the surreal landscape
growing higher in the next hours
with muffled outlines
replacing objects.
Sometimes the snowflakes
were icy pinpoints.
Sometimes hairy disks
speeding straight down.
Sometimes huge amalgamated blobs.
Enough white fluff accumulated
to become a local phenomenon.
The hometown forecaster smiled at a
still shot of great walls of white
along our road.
Three days later,
we had to cut shelves
at shoulder height
to throw the bottom snow upon.
March came and went.
We switched to tunnels
and parked half a mile away.
The snow was heavy
and my back ached
from the hourly struggles.
The TV glow became handy in the den


with the outdoor light blocked by drifts.
The forecaster’s brow was furrowed
but her gestures were still grand.
By late April,
we were unprecedented in the lower 48.
I was interviewed
by CNN.
With the warm air sweeping in
occasionally,
we got our deep canyons back
when the tunnel tops collapsing.
But the snow kept falling.
By May the local forecaster
was shaking her head
with a nervous smile
through the entire report.
The flakes were tiny dots by day



and grainy cousins of sleet by night,
but the snow kept falling.
By late May,
the retreating melt revealed
our house was the obvious epicenter.
In June the researchers and tourists
started to arrive.
One side of the front yard had
meteorology equipment.
The other had
families building snowmen,
making angels,
and staging snow fights
for the ever-present video cams.
On the summer solstice,
we were declared
a commercial flight hazard,
but the little planes

and choppers loved to zoom
into and above
the permanent gray cloud.
By July,
the local forecaster
had a permanent marker asterisk over
our house
upon her map.
The local county fair
came and loaded a dump-truck
to make weird “real” sno-cones
for the masses on the midway.
So here I sit in August,
in the motel
where it seems we live now,
watching the scientists on NPR
spouting big words
about jet-stream and global warming
that boil down to
they don’t know.
I peel my sticky thighs
off the cheap vinyl chair
and go over to the door
with all its metal security appointments.
Going outside to the narrow patio
to gaze across the valley
at the gray cloud,
at the white spot below
and wonder
when will it ever stop?
November?

Comments from Taste of Home Cooking School Attendees

The following comments were sent to Michael Burna Taste of Home Culinary Specialist after Taste of Home Cooking School on Saturday May 15th

5/16/2010 7:06:40 PM by ggoff
Just returned from a show with Michael in Old Forge, New York. It was delightful! I brought my nearly non-cooking husband with me and he won a cookbook! He was so excited, now I'm just hoping he uses it! I learned a lot and had an enjoyable afternoon! Thank you!

5/16/2010 6:38:44 PM by lindee0210
I went to my first Taste Of Home Cooking School in Old Forge, NY on May 15 with four of my friends -- I thouroughly enjoyed every aspect of the show and picked up some cooking tips that I am sure I will use.
Chef Barna did an excellent presentation and the time went by quickly. One of the few things I would like to see done diffently is better (more comfortable) seats as those metal seats were uncomfortable. Thank you for the show


5/16/2010 3:11:33 PM by tuttlemalone
I attended my 1st school yesterday in Old Forge,NY wit h my best friend and my 12 year old daughter who also loves to cook.Chef Michael has great ideas and witty humour.It was fun,entertaining and something I hope returns to Old Forge annually.I have prescribed to TOH/SAD for years.Now I am looking forward to my subscription to Cooking Healthy.Dr.SATM

5/16/2010 1:43:09 PM by cjsmileys
5/16/10
I went to my first cooking show in Old Forge, NY with my daughter and a friend yesterday. It was a most enjoyable event. So many prizes to win and the meals were given away with cookware and decorative servicing dishes as well. Chef Barna made the event very entertaining and informative as well. I ran right to my local grocery store after the trip and shopped for ingredients for 3 of the dishes that were showcased. We will be having them today! I never knew about the cooking shows but would not hesitate to go again. Hope they come to Lowville. Someone should have told Chef Barna that the showcased ingredients came from Kraft which is a local manufacturing plant not too far away from Old Forge in Lowville, NY! The only suggestions I would make would be to change the seats that are presented for this show. The metal chairs with no cushions are hard on the back. Maybe hold the event in an auditorium with the cushioned seats. I don't think more food should be available like some of the commenters above as I would not have enjoyed the event as much if I had just eaten a meal. The snack foods were just enough to get you wanting to run home and make the yummy meals displayed. Hope Chef Barna visits Lowville, NY in the future! Thanks for the great day!


5/16/2010 1:34:49 PM by donmarmhy
I was one of Michaels helpers in Old Forge, I had a great time and learned lots, Thanks Mike, see you next year
Donna one of Mikes angels
Re: Michael Barna
5/16/2010 12:07:51 PM by adkmama
Went to Old Forge yesterday to my first Taste of Home Cooking Show with 4 friends from Long Lake, NY. It was worth the beautiful drive to attend such a fun and lively event! Chef Barna shared great tips I can't wait to use! One of our friends won the Spicy Penne with Sausage dish...I have had penne dishes before but this one added oomph and punched up taste to what is ususally a nice but rather bland homey dish...mmmmm! Loved the doorprizes, added excitement!
My recommendation: Begin the event later, such as 2:00 PM , as one hour is plenty of time to browse the vendors and people would have had time to eat before hand, as the lovely chicken skewers and popcorn didn't fill us up. Adding a choice of more food items to purchase, such as yogurt, salads, fruitcups,fruit, veggies and dip, and sandwiches would have been nice to assuage our hunger pangs! Other than those 2 suggestions, the show was a great success and I look forward to next year's show at Old Forge. A lot of hard work and planning went on to produce the show in Old Forge, kudos to Chef Barna and Taste of Home, Webb School and Old Forge Art Center, thank you! Betsy


5/16/2010 9:28:04 AM by dlf6320
5/16/2010 I went to my first cooking show in Old Forge NY with my sister and had a ball. Michael was funny, informative and energetic. We learned a handful of new tricks and since we didn't win any of the meals made we stopped at the grocery store and picked up the items needed to make the Chicken with artichokes and angel hair and it was awsome! Thank you Michael and hope you come back to the Old Mill and visit us again. Diane Fowler-Victor NY

5/16/2010 8:38:09 AM by flower_lover
i went to my first taste of home cooking school at old forge. it was great and I hope it becomes an annual thing. I learned a few things and formed an even stronger bond with a new friend. April Williams

5/16/2010 8:15:14 AM by paulawells
I loved your Cooking School in Old Forge! I thought you brought a lot of energy and it was fun to watch! I can't wait to start making the recipes you shared! My mom and I hope that this becomes an annual event! Thank you!


5/16/2010 7:51:54 AM by dinner at the table
Michael,
Thank you for bringing the show to Old Forge. I commend your quest to bring the family back to the table! I have been cooking for my family for 20 years and we do eat dinner together at the table every night.
Here's hoping the Taste of Home Cooking School with Michael Barna becomes an annual event in Old Forge!
Safe Travels!


5/16/2010 7:48:11 AM by dinner at the table
Michael, Thank you so much for bringing the show to Old Forge. I have been cooking for my family for 25 years and we do have dinner at the table every night. I commend you as you have made this your quest! I'm hoping the Taste of Home Cooking School will return as an annual event in Old Forge!


5/16/2010 6:04:20 AM by dagwood417
Michael, What a great show you put on yesterday in Old Forge. I learned many things. Just need to know what to substitute for alcohol in dishes since I'm in recovery and don't want to slip!!!! Thank you for coming, and I hope we see you here again next year with more wonderful recipes.


5/15/2010 11:00:47 PM by JGOOSHAW
Michael- We traveled almost 3 hours to see your show. It was very enjoyable. Hope you come back next year. Thanks.


5/15/2010 7:56:13 PM by bjgaylord
Michael, Fun afternoon...hope you come back again next year..can't wait to try the recipes.


5/15/2010 7:46:17 PM by donmarmhy
Michael, it was such a pleasure working with you this afternoon, I did learn a lot. Thank you for coming to Old Forge


5/15/2010 7:22:41 PM by Sarah Jen
Thanks, Michael, for a great afternoon in Old Forge, NY! I came away with many good tips today.

Great Catch

Fish are coming in all over the Arts Center!

Lake Ceramics has delivered fish to us that will be on display during the "Exaggerate!" exhibition from May 9 - June 6.
They create these beautifully crafted fish like the one you see below by creating molds from fish that they catch themselves, as well as fish caught by others. The combination of their master craftsmanship in casting and glazing these fish produces a breathtaking variety that are even more beautiful than the fish that they come from.



We have also been receiving fish for "Decked Out Trout and Bass With Class" . Fifty blank fish have been transformed by local artists into unique works of art. These fish will be on display during "Exaggerate!" and throughout our village in the summer until the Plein Air Paint Out on Sunday, September 5, where they will be auctioned along with the paintings. The one below is by Abenaki Indian Artist Andree Dennis Newton.



Even the Kinderwood pre-school seems to be fish-minded. This past week they created fish of their own.

Take a Culinary Journey with Taste of Home

Get ready. It’s coming soon. It’s new and fresh. It will tantalize your senses with a smorgasbord of mouthwatering sights and fresh picked flavors. What you ask? The Taste of Home Cooking School, the #1 culinary demonstration in the country, sponsored by the Arts Center/Old Forge and presented live at the Town of Webb School Auditorium in Old Forge, NY on May 15, 2010. Doors open at noon, show time at 3 pm.

General Admission Tickets are $15 and available first come-first serve. Visit 20 vendors! Lots of door prizes!! Fun for all!! Lunch and snacks available for purchase from Town of Webb School Key Club and Northwoods Women's Club.


In today’s downsized economy, consumers are turning to home cooking in large numbers. Food provides a “feel good” atmosphere. When coupled with family participation, meal preparation becomes a fun activity. Taste of Home Cooking School has a springtime garden of recipes that will bring family and friends together for rewarding mealtime gatherings. Check out the Taste of Home website www.TasteofHome.com.

Our culinary team knows consumers are looking for simpler, greener, and cleaner recipes. Simpler meaning using only a few ingredients. Greener denoting local and sustainable, using fresh seasonal produce. Cleaner being more natural and providing health benefits. The Taste of Home Cooking School Brand Name Cookbook, published specifically for the Cooking Schools, will include these current trends as well as timeless favorites. This $5.99 value will be presented to every guest who attends the show.

Come join our springtime food adventure. You may not be able to travel as far or often these days, but we’ll help you experience new and exotic tastes. Imagine yourself at a French bistro. You culminate your dining experience with a fruit clafouti. Clafouti, pronounced kla-foo-tee is a country-French dessert made by topping a layer of fresh fruit with batter. It is served hot and sometimes topped with cream. Culinary Specialist, Michael Barna will be creating a mushroom variation of this unique dish that pairs well with a salad to become a light, satisfying springtime meal. Expand your cooking techiques as you watch Michael prepare a monter au beurre and learn how it differs from a beurre blanc sauce. The program will showcase ten delightful recipes, new food products, kitchen shortcuts, and plating techniques. Sprinkled in between recipes will be opportunities for lucky winners to receive special door prizes.

Cooks Who Care
Cooks Who Care is a pro-social effort created by Taste of Home to celebrate acts of caring by home cooks and communities across the country. Introduced as a magazine feature in 2007, Cooks who care unites compassionate, real people across the country who give back through food, and share their stories of kindness in print and online at www.tasteofhome.com.

Join Cooks Who Care, by bringing a non-perishable food item to the show for donation to our local food pantry. Your name will be entered into a special drawing to be held during the show.


It’s an afternoon you don’t want to miss! See you soon!
It’s an evening you don’t want to miss! Tickets are $15 General Admission.
Purchase In Person:
Arts Center/Old Forge
Select Kinney Drugs: Old Forge, Boonville, Lowville, Whitesboro, Tupper Lake, and Watertown-1729 State Street

Purchase By mail:
Send a self-addressed stamped envelope with payment to
Arts Center/Old Forge
PO Box 1144
3260 State Route 28
Old Forge, NY 13420
Attn: Taste of Home

Purchase Online at https://app.etapestry.com/cart/ArtsGuidofOldForge/default/index.php

For additional information please contact the Arts Center/Old Forge at 315-369-6411 or e-mail info@artscenteroldforge.org.
See you soon!

Exaggerate! Theme Exhibtion Call for Art and Writing Entries

The greatest exhibition of art and tall tales ever seen by mortal man is coming to Old Forge! The Arts Center/Old Forge is looking for visual art and short written works (poetry and tall tales) created with the theme “Exaggerate!” for display from May 9 – June 6. With entries from throughout the Northeast and beyond the result should be an out of proportion, overblown, not entirely accurate exhibition of fine art and written works. This is a chance for artists and writers to express feelings rather than facts, and to transport viewers beyond the bounds of reason.

The exhibit is open to all living artists and writers ages 16 and over. Humongous ribbons, and monetary prizes will be awarded. First, second, and third prizes in both visual art and writing will be chosen as well as the “We Know Best Award” determined by the votes of the viewing public.

The Juror of Visual Art for this is Katherine Kuharic, a painter, and the first Kevin Kennedy Professor of Art at Hamilton College. The Juror of Written Works will be Joseph Bruchac, renowned author, and founder and co-director of the Greenfield Review Press.

For a prospectus with entry forms, and complete submission guidelines, or a printable copy of the totally awesome commemorative exhibition poster visit http://www.artscenteroldforge.org/pages/exhibitions.cfm?newsitem_id=23&action=view or call the Arts Center/Old Forge at 315-369-6411 to have one mailed to you.

Welcome Bill Simpson

The Board of the Arts Guild of Old Forge, Inc., is pleased to announce that Bill Simpson has joined its Board of Directors effective December 2009. Bill is a human resources professional with over 35 years experience, the last 16 spent at Nixon Peabody LLP, one of the largest law firms in the US as well as 26 years with Eastman Kodak. He is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology. Bill's accomplishments as a human resource professional were many and they include his leadership role in helping develop the strategic plan that resulted in Nixon Peabody LLP being recognized in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as one of "Fortune's 100 Best Companies in America" for whom to work. In 2007, Bill was also honored in receiving the "Human Resource Executive of the Year" award from the Society of Human Resource Management.

Over the last several months, Bill has volunteered his expertise in HR with the Arts Center/Old Forge, serving on our Selection Committee to hire a new Executive Director, helping to develop a position description, recruitment strategy and interview process. “We are delighted to welcome someone with Bill’s experience and business acumen to our board” said Board President John Munyan.

Bill retired in April 2009. He and his wife Kathy are now year-round residents of Old Forge.

THE LEGEND OF OLD FORGE I

Once upon a time there lived in a deep forest, a wicked witch named Meggi-bo. She rose each day at dawn and built a roaring fire beneath her magic cauldron. After eating lightly of snakes and puppy dog-tails she began her daily chores of brewing evil potions and enchanting, while sometimes unwary wood-folk chanced to pass her way.
One day as she was practicing her most frightening faces and simmering an extra large pot of black flies and ragweed, a small group of elves from a neighboring forest came frolicking near the clearing where she was working. It was such a shock to hear laughter and song after so many hundreds years of being a hermitess that she stopped in wonder to listen to their game.
Alas, in so doing, the cauldron boiled too long! Instead of the expected elixir of black flies and super-pollen, a glorious sunset burst from the cauldron beautiful and flaming into the sky. Egad! This will never do. Her reputation could be ruined. Whoever heard of beauty issuing from the hand of a wicked, wicked witch?
She threw herself on the ground and g-nashed her yellow teeth; she leapt into the air and quivered in frenzy. She demanded the elves leave with haste or she would cast a terrible spell. But the elves laughed at her terror for why should good fear evil? To infuriate her further, they each blew a magic snowflake into the air to clear the gloom and fogs, which hovered around such evil intent. One snowflake became the pure mountain air, another the bluest of skies, third, the softest greens in the hills, fourth, the sparkling lakes, and lastly, the Four Seasons: beauty in variety.
Meggi-bo feared the jig was up. She had one last trick and put her cards on the table. She proposed a duel between good and evil. However, who of the manly elves would risk integrity in a fight with a lady, even a wicked, wicked witch? Should it be a physical
duel, he would be considered a ‘cad’; should it be a verbal duel, he would become a dead ‘duck’.

Chapter II

As always, ‘good’ has unforeseen forces at its side. At that moment of dilemma for the manly elves, a beautiful spirit appeared…an Adirondack Indian maiden: The
Spirit of the Adirondacks. Her speech was like music and she sang in her clear soprano: “I have come to forever free the Adirondacks of Meggi-bo and her evil schemes. I shall duel with Meggi-bo: good magic over evil.” There was a tense moment. The elves stood by waxing their skiis. And Meggi-bo continued to brew.
Meggi-bo brewed her strongest brew. ‘Good’ chose a sprinkling of drops from the Fulton Chain Lakes- the Adirondacks Fountain of Youth .The pure potion of the good spirit was too great a match for evil. At the touch of the water, the old witch jumped into her own cauldron and began to boil away!
But wait…the elves pulled her out! to receive an even more horrible punishment.
“MEGGI-BO! YOU ARE CONDEMMED TO RIDE A ROPE TOW FOR TWO THOUSAND YEARS!”
And as Meggi-bo began the first ascent she was heard to cry out in mortification and disgust: “Aw Fudge!” You guessed it. We’ve called our town ‘Old Forge’ ever since.
By: Mirnie Kashiwa 2/10/1956