Editor’s Letter – December
Dear Readers, December is the month when the Mohawk Valley truly sparkles, with lights in every town square, shop windows dressed for the season, and that unmistakable feeling that something special is in the air. This issue has been one of my favorites to put together because it’s our way of celebrating the heart of […]
A Day to Remember: A Small Community with a Big Heart Raises Millions for its Local Nonprofits
What happens when a small but mighty community unites for one day with the goal of giving back? You get a record-breaking, heartwarming event that leaves a lasting impact on everyone involved. On September 19, the spirit of generosity soared as the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and UpMobility Foundation hosted the fourth […]
Drive of the Month
Squash Lasagna
Vaping vs. Smoking: What You’re Not Being Told
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and every year I see patients walk through the ER doors convinced that vaping is the “safe” alternative to cigarettes. The truth? It’s not that simple. A Shocking Reality Depending on the device and strength, a single vape pod can deliver as much nicotine as an entire pack of […]
Fall on the Farm
As the fields turn golden and the air cools, farmers across the Mohawk Valley begin to shift gears. Fall marks both an ending and a beginning — a time to gather the rewards of a long season and prepare the land for rest. For local farmer and advocate Ben Simons, it’s also a moment to […]
Revived in the Stands: A Mohawk Valley Lifesaver and the Power of CPR
It was supposed to be an unforgettable Sunday for a different reason. Candice and her father, Brian, were surrounded by the roar of Bills Mafia, the energy electric as fans filled Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. The crowd was on its feet when, in an instant, everything changed. “I remember the feeling of my dad’s […]
From Survival to Purpose: How One Local Miracle Sparked a Mission to Save Lives
It began as an ordinary Sunday morning. Ann and her husband were getting ready for a three-day Christian concert festival but decided first to attend St. Mary’s Church in New York Mills. Moments after the service began, everything changed. “The last thing I remember was telling my husband that I did not feel well,” Ann […]
Gratitude in Motion
By Lisa Briggs The weeks leading up to the holidays can feel like a sprint, with packed schedules, long to-do lists, and the constant pull of everything (and everyone) needing our time. But when life speeds up, our health and wellness shouldn’t fall to the sidelines. In fact, this is exactly when mindful movement and […]
The Mohawk Valley Pie Trail
11 Slices to Savor the Flavors of the Season The chill in the air and the changing leaves can only mean one thing: the holiday season is upon us. And what better way to celebrate than with the sweet, delicious goodness of pie. From local bakeries and homestyle diners to farm-fresh markets and stands, the […]