Embrace Summer

SUMMER 2012

EMBRACE around the lakeslifebon appetiteChef Jean Louis, gourmet ravioli artist

mastery & artistrythe East Hill Boat Shop

love at first flightmeet Greg Livadas, hot air balloon pilot

embraceartistry4

A unique treasure tucked away in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, East Hill Farm is the 350-acre farm where the guild lives and works, off ering a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards, and a landscape providing natural materials of wood, vines, and clay. Nearby ponds, fi elds and lakes off er inspiration for the artists. The on-site East Hill Gallery showcases the special pieces including woodenware, porcelain pottery, stoneware, weaving, greeting cards, furniture, music and even handcrafted wooden boats.The East Hill Boat Shop is a well-known part of the community, where Sterling Klinck has been restoring, repairing and rebuilding wooden rowing, sailing, and paddling crafts for more than 20 years. Originally a cabinet and furniture maker, Klinck loves boats and sailing, and hates to see old boats in need of repair tossed aside for newer, modern versions. Klinck furthered his interest in wooden boats after a less than comfortable ride in an aluminum canoe. He began by restoring wood canoes in the barn at East Hill, then in the late 1990s made boat craftsmanship his full-time job. The East Hill Boat Shop became a workshop solely devoted to custom building and restoration. “Boat restoration work demands that you use a lot of hand tools rather than machinery,” says Klinck. “We use machinery when it’s practical to get the rough pieces formed, and then there is a larger concentration of hours using hand tools. And that’s what I love to do.”Klinck has been with the Rochester Folk Art Guild since the late 1960s and helped design and build some of the buildings on the farm. He is known for keeping the traditional ways of working with wood alive, with attention to the smallest details. “I have always loved doing things with my hands, even when I was a kid. I have been fi xing or making things for as long as I can

remember,” says Klinck. “It is very satisfying to return a canoe to its original condition. It is diffi cult work, but there is such a satisfaction that fi nally this thing that was in pieces is now restored.”In addition to restoring old boats, Klinck has also designed and built a new boat, the Catspaw Dinghy, which can be rowed or sailed, and used for fi shing, sailing or swimming. This specialty vessel, built by hand and with great care, seats up to four people, for family or solo outings. “Every single part of the Catspaw is handmade, all from scratch. He builds about one or two a year,” says Paul Schliff er, Guild member since 1972, resident, farmworker, musician, and business offi ce manager.Anyone can bring boats to Sterling to restore and repair, or if interested, can place an order for a Catspaw Dinghy. “You would be surprised at the condition of these things. He meticulously restores woodwork, adds new canvas and paint, it’s new or better than new when he’s done,” says Schliff er. “People are delighted. His prices are reasonable too. You can get a restoration for about half the price of a new canoe.”Even without a boat to repair, seeing Sterling Klinck’s special craft is worth a visit to East Hill Farm. Now open for the season, it is easy to connect to the Guild through the East Hill Gallery on site. Tours are available, and there are public events each year: an annual Fall Open House, semi-annual shows in Rochester, a summer concert, and a craft weekend. The Craft Weekend draws on Guild members areas of expertise outside of their specifi c craft and this year will include a range of workshops including poetry, music, photography, and woodblock printing. “We want people to know about the interesting and unusual off erings of the Guild,” says Schliff er. “We’re easy to fi nd, right off the main road. More and more discover us all the time.”

Over 50 years ago, a group of artisans came together and formed the

Rochester Folk Art Guild, a community of creative and intellectual people who use their

natural talents and natural environment to create and share quality, fi nely-craft ed wares.

Mastery anD artistryat rochester folk art guild’s east hill boat shop and galleryBy DeBorah Blackwell | Messenger Post MeDia

Rochester Folk Art Guild • East Hill Farm •1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex • 585-554-3539 • www.rfag.org

Music through the Generations Friday, June 29, 7:30pmWe combine the young and the old— playing diff erent styles of music, both classical and country. Admission $15.3rd Annual Craft Weekend Workshops Friday & Saturday, June 22 & 23, 8:00am-5:00 pm, Sunday, June 24, 8:00am-3:00pmBeginners and students of all levels will explore art and craft from a fresh perspective. Workshops on music, pottery, weaving, photography, poetry, drawing, woodworking and woodblock printing. Each workshop class includes fi ve three-hour sessions. The cost of the weekend is $275, student price is $150. Meals available for small fee. Overnight lodging is also available at the Folk Art Guild at the cost of $50/night. Campers are also welcome at the price of $10/night. For more information please call 585-944-3153 or email [email protected] East Hill Gallery is open May 25-October 16. Fridays, Sundays and Mondays (1:00-5:00pm) and Saturdays (11:00am-5:00pm). To visit other than during regular hours, please call for an appointment, and if possible, a special showing can be arranged.For information on boat restoration or East Hill Boat Shop apprenticeships, visit www.easthillboatshop.com or call 585-554-4003.

embrace the grape 7

Meet Nancy Irelan, the winemaker, who obtained a Ph.D in Vine Genetics from U.C. Davis and rose to Vice President of Enology and Viticulture Technology at Gallo in Modesto, California, and Mike Schnelle, viticulturist, who meticulously tends to the vineyard after leaving a career in the fi nancial side of heavy equipment and construction rental. The couple, who met while attending college in Denver, Colorado, lived for eight years in California before heading east. They have been fulfi lling their dream of owning and operating a winery in the Finger Lakes since 2004, when they purchased and cleared 34 acres of second-growth woods on the northwestern shore of Seneca Lake to establish Red Tail Ridge Winery. They share all of the responsibilities including vineyard development, wine growing, making and marketing. Irelan says that her husband is a great partner in trying new approaches and thinking outside the box, and is also an exacting viticulturist. “It’s a retirement project for me”, says Irelan. “Yet, I’ve never worked so hard in my life.” The couple is on a mission to produce high-quality, sustainable wines that are true to the uniqueness of the Finger Lakes region, and Irelan can be found regularly walking the vineyard to taste the fruit and assess the ripeness. “Timing is key”, says Irelan. “If you look at where we are, the Finger Lakes is still a very young, developing region. Here, we really have a chance to be part of creating and revealing its history and character. We can play a part in how the region matures. We see the potential for great wines, here-wines that are diff erentiated from every other wine region in the world.”When visiting Red Tail Ridge, named after the two nesting pair of hawks who live in the woods surrounding the vineyard, one fi rst notices immaculate vineyards complete with a view of the lake. Rows are neatly planted and labeled with the

typical Finger Lakes’ vines, but a closer look reveals they also hold experimental plantings of other lesser known, cool-climate varieties. The Red Tail Ridge state-of-the-art wine making facility was completed in 2009, and in 2011 became the fi rst winery in the Finger Lakes to be awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (L.E.E.D) Gold Certifi cation from the U.S. Green Building Council. “As small business owners, we are constantly balancing our fi scal reality with our environmental ideals,” says Irelan. “In this case, our investment in green building design has yielded multiple benefi ts. Not only are we putting our best foot forward environmentally, we are also saving over 50 percent in our energy consumption using geothermal power.” In addition to infusing ecological sensibilities into the vineyard and production of wines, Schnelle and Irelan pledge support to the local community. Red Tail Ridge Winery’s riesling-chardonnay blend, Good Karma, donates a percentage of profi t to Foodlink, with the goal of raising $10,000 for the not-for-profi t food bank, a goal that they are nearly half-way to accomplishing. “We support Foodlink because healthy food is a fundamental need,” says Irelan. “As farmers, we really understand the importance of access to healthy, nutritious food. Their emphasis isn’t only on the access to good food, they’re about outreach and education. They teach young people and families how to prepare food and make healthier choices. They help families right here in our own backyards.”The owners welcome visitors to enjoy the scenic drive through the area to taste the wines at their tasting room, which is set on top of the ridge within the vineyards. The vines and the quiet atmosphere provide a perfect venue for wine tasting.

Drawn to the cool climate region of the Finger Lakes in a quest to explore terroir while craft ing high-quality, expressive wines, husband and wife team Mike Schnelle and Nancy Irelan relocated from California to put down roots in the heart of local wine country.

red tail ridge winery is eco-savvytastefully green

Red Tail Ridge Winery • 846 State Route 14, Penn Yan • 315-536-4580 • www.redtailridgewinery.com

By aMy cheatle | Manager oF Digital anD new MeDia, reD tail riDge winery

embrace life around the lakes • june 2012 • page 8

embrace culinary treasures 9

Jean Louis Pasta Shop • 230 South Main Street • Canandaigua • 585.393.0903

bon appetit:pasta or art?

Jean Louis Faber, Parisian, chef, handmade ravioli artist, and owner of Naples Pasta Company, recently opened his second shop in Canandaigua with co-owner Constance Rosen. Originally from Paris and a world-renowned culinary master, Faber creates beautiful works of art with impeccable flavor from scratch, and offers them for sale in both of his stores.More like a showroom than a store, those yearning for stunningly visual and equally delicious and unique fresh ravioli can choose from over 25 gourmet flavors including smoked gouda and artichoke, lobster and shiitake, feta calamari, Gorgonzola walnut and apple, or of course traditional cheese. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free ravioli will be offered soon.

When one thinks of fresh, homemade pasta, the mind wanders to Italy, known for its simply decadent pasta dishes. But in Canandaigua, it’s France that has brought forth ravioli beyond compare at Jean Louis Pasta Shop, a new gourmet boutique on South Main Street.

By DeBorah Blackwell | Messenger Post MeDia

For over 20 years Faber has traveled the world developing expert culinary styles, but focuses on fresh and dried pasta, ravioli, and his own line of oils. “He’s a very talented chef who has developed these very special fillings that are all handmade and not processed,” says Rosen. “He makes beautiful pasta with incomparable taste.”Part of the secret to perfect pasta is how it is prepared, and Faber takes great pride in showing others how to ensure the best flavor and texture. Previously a chef at the Brown Hound in South Bristol, Faber enjoys doing demonstrations, private parties, special and custom orders. Some say he will even teach customers a bit of French if they ask.Faber can be found in his Naples store where he creates his masterpieces. He operates both a wholesale and retail business there, and keeps his Canandaigua shop well-stocked. For the freshest European flavor that is artwork on your plate, visit Jean Louis Faber’s newest creation, Jean Louis Pasta Shop, a Finger Lakes treasure.

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embrace dream machines 11

the cool cars of summer

Farnsworth Auto Group • 2350 and 2555 Rochester Road, Canandaigua • 7200 Pittsford Victor Road, Victor • 585-394-2360 • www.farnsworthgroup.com

Cars have been in the Farnsworth family for generations. In fact, it’s a family name that for 95 years has proven its standard of excellence to customers, to the community, and its pride in American-made automobiles. Chevrolets, Cadillacs, Buicks and GMCs, Farnsworth sets the standard in offering performance cars for work, for play and for life. “Fun, fast and exciting performance cars are part of our family’s DNA and makes the car business exciting for us,” says Randy Farnsworth, owner, Randall Farnsworth Auto Group. Celebrating their 60th anniversary of selling America’s first sports performance dream car the Corvette, Farnsworth knows cool cars. They have offered GM performance vehicles throughout multiple generations of car buyers. “Our heritage aligns with the history of not only the launch of exciting fun to drive sports cars but actually the car business in the United States,” Farnsworth says.There are many types of car buyers, according to Farnsworth, but there are only a few who may fit a category of “niche” buyers for high performance luxury vehicles.He adds that while you can’t really stereotype who will buy a performance car, dealers do see trends in car-buyer personalities. Farnsworth describes his car-savvy take on niche buyers: The passion and pastime buyer enjoys making a hobby out of the “latest and greatest” performance cars that are also a good value. They balance value and cost for the performance they want, and it often becomes their everyday car. The “I’m getting the vehicle I have always dreamed about” buyer loves the luxury car and probably can afford it. This may or may not be their everyday ride, but this buyer waited and is ready for personal satisfaction.

Finally, there are true performance buyers who would only consider buying the top of the line because it performs so well, and want to drive the best built performance car in America. There are many different features that will help a car perform adequately for the needs of the buyer, so when it comes to luxury, there is something for everyone. Farnsworth highlights this year’s high-end, fun vehicles...The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, whips up excitement against the likes of the Benz E63 AMG, BMW M5 and Audi S6, with a price tag that’s closer to the smaller C63, M3 and S4. For now, it’s the leader of that pack, and a great example for GM’s luxury and performance brand, too.The 2012 Camaro ZL1 is the highest-performing production Camaro of all time. It is literally like nothing you’ve ever driven before. This is the car every engineer dreams about building, every racer dreams about driving around the track, and every owner dreams about—a sports car that looks mean, but feels comfortable enough for daily driving. The 2012 Buick Regal GS is a lot of fun to drive. Operation of the mandatory six-speed manual (a six-speed auto arrives next year) somehow feels very German. It manages a 6.3-second 0-60 time, a good deal faster than its proposed competitors, the Infiniti G25 (7.6 seconds), Acura TSX (7.0 seconds), and Lexus IS250 (7.1 seconds).The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette goes from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, a top speed of 190 mph on the test track and 505 horsepower. Speed, performance, and cutting edge styling is what most racing enthusiasts think of when they think of the Chevrolet Corvette—a car that represents the true American sports car.

By DeBorah Blackwell | Messenger Post MeDia A Car Family’s HistoryThe Randall Farnsworth Auto Group believes in a “customer for life” philosophy. During its 95-year history, the Farnsworth family has expanded and grown because of their commitment to developing life-long relationships, their emphasis on continuous improvement in retail operations, and because of their people. In 1917 Roy A. Farnsworth became a Chevrolet dealer with a service garage behind his house at 8 Palmyra Street in Shortsville. His wife Ella May enthusiastically sold the vehicles around the dining room table. In 1947 Son Roy (Bud) J. Farnsworth joined the business after serving as a pilot in the Army Air Corp, flying B-24 Bombers and completing 35 missions over Europe in World War II. 1973: Martha Farnsworth Buttaccio joins her dad in the family business.1976: Roy (Randy) Randall Farnsworth left General Electric to also enter into the family business.1977: Sommers Motors is acquired and the dealership opens at Farnsworth Chevrolet.1983: Oldsmobile Cadillac GMC dealership is acquired and opens as Randall Oldsmobile Cadillac GMC. Margaret Moses Farnsworth joins the family team.1993: Strickland Buick-Pontiac is acquired and GM franchises are realigned in Canandaigua.2003: Muchard Chevrolet in Victor becomes part of Farnsworth. The Farnsworth family has always been dedicated to Chevrolet and General Motors Products. When Roy J. Farnsworth married Dorothy A. Rohr whose dad was Chief Engineer at Delco Products in Rochester, there was no question the next generation would be committed to selling and servicing GM vehicles.

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embrace a legend 15

“Motorcycle people can be anybody. A student. Your teacher. Your attorney. Your doctor. A construction worker. Your grandmother,” says Alan Malyj, general manager, Geneva Harley-Davidson. “The whole point is there is no specific person.”Malyj has been a motorcycle person as long as he can remember, and knows a lot about his business, which he runs alongside his uncle, owner John Malyj. This summer the team at Geneva Harley-Davidson loves the Street Glide, which offers something for everyone who wants to ride a bike. “It’s based on a touring bike, with all the bells and whistles, but the Street is a sporty version of that,” says Malyj. “It appeals to a broad range of people, from people in their 20s and beyond.” It’s not just the cool colors, like tequila sunrise and orange and big blue pearl that draw riders to this model, according to Malyj, it has the best of everything—sporty as well as comfortable, easy to handle, and a superior value. “It’s as comfortable as a full-fledged touring bike, but it handles and is much sportier looking and the ride is sportier,” he says. For Harley buyers it’s always about the bike, but also the feel of the ride—the wind, the air, and the open road. “In the car you are in a controlled environment. But on a motorcycle you are outside and breathe the fresh air,” Malyj says. “When you travel with them you smell everything, the lake, the leaves, the farm, the flowers, smell is all part of the experience.” Malyj explains that one of the things people love about riding Harleys in the Finger Lakes region is the beauty of the area. He says not only is it fun, but it is very calming on a bad day, or any day. “You can be having the worst day in the world, we live in a beautiful area to ride and it just calms you down,” he says. “To

this day, I take the bike out for about an hour just for the sheer relaxation.”But even better, in keeping with the mission of Harley-Davidson, the Geneva Harley crew feels they change lives for their customers. “People are stressed today, they meet people who already have bikes, they come in, they decide to buy a bike, and people can’t believe what it does for them,” Malyj says. “This is therapy for them. I actually have customers who are psychiatrists who listen to people’s problems all day long and they have said people need to buy these bikes, but it will put them out of business.” One thing that keeps Harley-Davidson rolling is their pledge to customers. Brand loyalty and trust is what helps Harley keep customers for a lifetime with quality and craftsmanship. But there’s more. Malyj says buying a Harley is buying into a family, both at the the dealer, and in the world. “Here and in most Harley dealerships you become friends with everyone,” he says. “But go anywhere, when you park the bike people will come talk to you. There is an instant connection. It’s the coolest thing.” Geneva Harley-Davidson keeps with the family tradition and serves lunch every Saturday there for as Malyj describes, “just to get everybody together, to hang out, and to have fun.” They also have events throughout the year including a chili cook off in the winter, a new model demonstration in the fall, and a welcome to summer event including demo rides, food, and more.Whatever the reasons—fresh air, brand quality, or family tradition and values, take a ride on the Street Glide, and leave your troubles behind. As Mark Sorda, 54, an avid Harley rider from Canandaigua says, “I get out of my head, onto my bike, and my whole world changes in a minute. Wanna ride?”

Geneva Harley-Davidson • 1103 Rt. 5 & 20 • Geneva • 315-789-7976 • www.genevahd.com • www.harley-davidson.com

the hottest bike of summerIt’s freedom, it’s power, it’s passion, and it’s cool. It’s a Harley-Davidson, motorcycles that have fueled the need for personal identity and pure satisfaction since 1903. This summer, hit the road with the Harley-Davidson Street Glide, a sporty and comfortable ride for whoever you want to be.


MESSENGER POST MEDIAa division of gatehouse media inc. 73 buffalo street, canandaigua, ny 14424 585-394-0770 www.MPNnow.com content by deborah blackwell [[email protected]]


embrace nature’s bounty 17

Nestled amidst the serene beauty and rural charm of the Finger Lakes region, rolling hills, nearby vineyards, and Canandaigua Lake, Fiddler’s Greens Farm is busy helping create and sustain the natural vitality of the community. The 60-acre historic farm owned by Gary Herrmann and Kit Fallon is part of a growing group of working farms devoted to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Fiddler’s Greens, along with other CSA farms across the region, strongly believes in the health, environmental, and economic benefits of locally-grown food, and sharing that with its members.A CSA farm offers seasonal shares of the farm’s crops for sale, allowing consumers to become members and then receive a portion of the products produced. “Members pay at the beginning of the season for 20 weeks of vegetable shares, and their payments help the farmers with their initial costs of the growing season and in the establishment of the farm budget for the year,” says Kit Fallon, owner. CSA is part of a growing trend towards eating natural, whole, seasonal foods. Many farms choose to grow their crops organically, which is the absence of using pesticides and chemical fertilizers in fruits and vegetables or antibiotics and hormones in meat and dairy. CSA also offers the opportunity to have the best food available directly from the farm, eliminating the middleman. “There are many draws for Community Supported Agriculture, especially that it allows communities to directly support local farms with the convenience and opportunity of getting the freshest, local food available,” says Lea Kone, assistant director, Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY). There are currently 180 CSA farms across New York according to Kone. Traditionally a CSA offers fruit and vegetables, but Kone says many have expanded into meat, eggs, flowers and different specialties, even bakery items. Farms will let

consumers know what they specifically try to provide and consumers can then choose their farm according to their own needs.

Farm markets or stands also offer similar choices in fresh products and healthy food, but CSA takes it a step

further by creating a partnership between the farmer and consumer.

“It’s a deep commitment between people, it’s much more than buying produce from a farm,” says Elizabeth Henderson,

co-author of Sharing the Harvest, A Citizens Guide to Community Supported

Agriculture. Henderson initiated the first CSA project in

the Rochester area in 1989. “It’s the alternative to industrial agriculture.

Farmers feel they are growing food for their friends, which is different than selling to grocery stores or restaurants.”

At Fiddler’s Greens, members are able to participate, offering both physical and organizational help to the farm, which helps the farm to work at an optimal level. “Each member devotes six hours per season helping in some way on the farm. Everybody has valuable offerings,” Fallon says. “It’s really wonderful, members get to know each other and we all feel a real connection.” This summer Fiddler’s Greens will also host public workshops including canning and food preservation as well as fiddle classes and music events. Farm tours are available by appointment. “We also have a long-term goal of becoming an educational resource for sustainable living practices as a demonstration site for solar, wind and geothermal power resources,” says Fallon. Kone explains there is a tremendous variety among farms. Whether it is a whole season’s worth of food or learning about how a farm works, she says it is a Continued on Page 18...

Fiddler’s Greens Farm • 3106 Taft Road, Bloomfield • 315-521-9630

community supported agricultureoffers harvests with bushels of benefits


Continued from Page 17...worthwhile investment for consumers and farmers. “By the end of the season members may have had 75 to 100 different fruits, vegetables, herbs and more in their shares, and farmers have been fully supported throughout the growing season.” Farm shares are regularly delivered to a designated pick-up point throughout the season. Fiddler’s Greens offers pick up at their farm on Saturdays, at the Geneva Farmer’s Market on Thursdays, or if there are six households from any certain area they will deliver right to the homes.

The cost to belong to a CSA farm varies depending on the number of shares purchased. A half share is usually for two people and can range from $250 to $300. A whole or family share for approximately four people, can cost between $500 and $600. While this may seem like a large initial outlay, according to Kone the whole-season cost may actually be less than purchasing food weekly in a supermarket. She emphasizes that the amount of food received is plentiful, and most farmers recommend preserving some through canning, drying and freezing. Because members invest prior to the growing season, occasionally weather, insects, or unexpected issues crop up. But if something is

not available as planned, members will receive alternatives. Kone says farmers will go to whatever length they need to to provide products to their members. Farmers and members work together in a trusting relationship for success, which makes choosing a more natural way of living very easy.For more information, contact Fiddler’s Greens at [email protected], visit www.facebook.com/pages/Fiddlers-Greens-LLC/193894117315502 or www.localharvest.org. A listing by county of CSA farms can by found at www.nofany.org or by calling the NOFA-NY office at 585-271-1979.


embrace adventure 19

high hopes balloon

When Greg Livadas took his first ride in a hot air balloon at the age of 16, he knew flying was his destiny, even after the bumpy landing in a field in the South Wedge of Rochester. He stepped out of the balloon that afternoon on July 4, 1978 flying high, and hasn’t really come down since. “It was love at first flight,” says Livadas, who operates High Hopes Balloon Company. “I loved flying so much after that first flight that I had my balloon pilot’s license before I had my driver’s license.”Livadas, who lives in Penfield, earned his commercial ballooning certificate from the FAA in 1982 and has flown more than 1,000 flights including over the Horseshoe Falls from Canada to the U.S., near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and even in the Swiss Alps. He enjoys flying wherever he can since flying hot air balloons is weather-dependent. “The flying season in the Rochester area is mid-May through mid-October,” he says. “I have flown in every month, but not everyone wants to fly in the winter.” According to Livadas, the first couple of hours after sunrise or the last couple of hours before sunset are the best times to fly, when the sun is low on the horizon and the wind is the calmest. As the sun rises it heats the ground and creates wind, and as the sun sets the wind begins to die down. Even a breeze of seven or eight miles per hour may be too much he explains. “If there is too much wind you can’t inflate the balloon,” he says. “The conditions must be very calm. When the leaves aren’t blowing, we fly.” But ironically it is the wind that determines where the balloon will fly. Hot-air balloons go up and down easily, but cannot be steered right or left, which makes a specific destination tricky. “You have to go the way the wind blows, so you never know exactly where you are going to land until you come down,” says Livadas. But not knowing where you are going is part of the adventure. Livadas says he has a general idea of where the balloon will fly, but doesn’t know exactly where he will descend, and looks around as he flies for safe, accessible areas conducive to landing, such as hayfields, or the front yard of a house. “Safety is our number one concern when landing,” he says. “We don’t land near power lines, we don’t want to do any damage, scare cows or horses, we are mindful of crops, and are respectful of landowners.”It’s also important to be able to deflate the balloon, fold it up and get the balloon and basket to the truck. Hot-air balloons are deceptive and when flying, seem smaller than they are—approximately eight stories high, 80 feet tall, and the basket weighs 400lbs. “People are amazed at how big they are but they fold up into like a 250-lb. beanbag chair,” he says.So how does Livadas decide where to land? A chase vehicle with friends or volunteers follows his balloon by eyesight along the ground. When Livadas is ready to land he radios the chase vehicle and asks the chase crew to knock on the door of the landowner asking if it’s ok for the balloon to

never lets you downBy DEBoRaH BLaCkwELL|MESSEnGER PoSt MEDia

land on their property. 99 out of 100 times Livadas says people are excited for him to land in their yard. When he lands he gives the landowner a bottle of sparkling juice or champagne and the riders and crew and landowners enjoy cheese, crackers, fruit and of course Finger Lakes wine. “Oftentimes neighbors come over to see the balloon, it brings people together,” he says. “We meet a lot of interesting people.” The most interesting place he has landed? A nudist camp. Other interesting landing spots? Cemeteries. The side of Interstate 390. The parking lot of a Dairy Queen. It all depends on which way the wind blows. “One time I took off in Pennsylvania and landed in Maryland,” Livadas says. “Every flight is different, but normally you fly about five miles.”Sometimes the wind changes, and Livadas has found himself over water, in which case he must try to navigate towards shore to safely land. He recalls a trip where he ended up over Canandaigua Lake and threw a rope to a boat below which pulled the balloon safely to shore.Livadas says he avoids the Rochester Airport, Lake Ontario and the City of Rochester, trying to fly in the countryside around the Canandaigua and Geneseo area. He says of all the places he has flown, the Finger Lakes are one the prettiest places to fly.“One thing you can always see if it’s a nice clear morning are the drumlins—a geographic formation of small hills made by the glacial formations. They are very rare in the world, they are very impressive. We can also see the Rochester skyline,” Livadas says. “If we fly high enough we can see many of the Finger Lakes at one time, Lake Ontario, the steam from the nuclear plant in Oswego and the canal. In an airplane you don’t know where you are, but in a balloon on a clear day you have a 360-degree view.”Although he is afraid of heights, Livadas tries to fly between 500 and 1,000 feet to enjoy the view and says you don’t get the feeling you are moving. Balloons are powered by propane fuel, the same as a barbecue grill. But the burner on a balloon is 12 million BTUs, much more powerful than a Continued on Page 20...

embrace life around the lakes • june 2012 • page 20Continued from Page 19...house furnace which is 50,000 BTUs, according to Livadas. Once the propane fills the balloon with hot air and it reaches its cruising altitude, it sustains itself on short bursts of hot air to keep flying with the wind. But even with that kind of fuel power, except when the burner is on, Livadas says the ride is very quiet and very stable. “Since you are moving with the wind there is no feeling of movement. You can balance a tissue on the basket and it won’t move because we are moving with the wind,” he says. “If you close your eyes you feel like you are standing in your kitchen.”

His larger balloon will accommodate up to four passengers and is popular for private flights for two and engagement flights. He is always looking for crew and needs people to volunteer to help set up, inflation, chasing, catching the basket on landing, and deflation. He says kids love to help squeeze the air out of the balloon. When he has room in the balloon the crew can take a ride. If weather is an issue, flights are rescheduled.Livadas has devoted most of his life to flying, and, as a commercial balloonist, is able to instruct. A balloon pilot license is obtained by accumulating flight time, passing a written test, and passing a flight test from an examiner. A hot-air balloon is a federally registered aircraft and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.Livadas has received the President’s Award from the Balloon Federation of America, is a contributing writer for Ballooning magazine and the now-defunct Balloon Life, where he wrote a series, “State of Ballooning,” and interviewed balloonists in all 50 states and described what it’s like to fly in that state. He also was a crew member for the 2005 Gordon Bennett Balloon Race, a prestigious international distance race. His team finished second, flying non-stop from Albuquerque, NM to near Timmons, Ontario.“There aren’t many balloons around here, only five or six active balloonists in this area,” Livadas says. “It is a lot work, but it’s worth it. We look at life a little differently than other people do.”For more information about ballooning visit the Balloon Federation of America at www.bfa.net. For information on rates, events, and festivals, visit www.highhopesballoon.com. EventsJuly 27-29, Balloons Over Niagara We’re helping Niagara County Community College celebrate their 50th anniversary with 50 hot-air balloons. Just a few miles from Niagara Falls in Sanborn, NY. niagaracc.suny.edu/balloons.August 31-September 3, NY State Festival of Balloons This will be the 31st year balloons have flown in Dansville for Labor Day weekend, and I’m proud to say I’ve been flying in all of them! Usually 60 balloons decorate the scenic Genesee River valley during six scheduled flights. Also a large array of arts and crafts. www.nysfob.com.September 21-23, 40th Annual Adirondack Balloon Festival The largest event we attend, and they’re hoping for 100 balloons to mark the occasion in Glens Falls. And there’s never an admission charge to the public! This is also an event that often draws more spectators in the mornings than in the evenings, but either way, tens of thousands will be joining us. Contact us early if you’d like a reservation for a ride. We may stay for a flight Sunday PM if the weather looks good and if we have riders booked in advance. So let us know! Some of our regular friends count on a ride each year! (We like our irregular friends too!) www.adirondackballoonfest.org.

Luxurious outdoor living spaces from outdoor kitchens to comfortable lounging areas offer quality time, entertaining, and a “vacation,” to be enjoyed right outside your back door. Many of this year’s trends in decorating make comfort fall right into place.Comfort, style and fashion Gone are the days of the plastic lawn chair leaving imprints on your arms and legs! Backyard furniture has gone stylish as well as comfortable. There are countless options today that include lounges, outdoor sofas, chairs and other furniture pieces that will transform your outdoor living space into one that will rival your interior rooms. Built-in benches, seats, and ledges offer additional seating as well as architecture. There are many decorating options to compliment the comfort-chic furniture that add warmth and style to any outdoor lounge area. Believe it or not, a plush outdoor rug under the furniture on the deck will instantly make the space feel warmer and full of added comfort. Include candles, pillows, plants and flowers for color and charm—you may find it hard to go inside! Many of these outdoor accessories and furniture pieces have fabric that is able to endure extreme weather elements and resist fading in direct sunlight. Choosing bright colors such as turquoise, greens, yellows and oranges will remain bright and vibrant all throughout the season. Earthy tones match the natural landscape and make blending easy. Outdoor kitchens are hotWhether you’re creating an outdoor kitchen space or re-creating your grilling area, there are many things that can get your outdoor kitchen cooking, from simple basics to revolutionary design. Cooking outdoors and dining al fresco begins with the grill. From mobile styles to built-in units, barbecue grills offer many features that tailor to your cooking needs. Do you prefer gas, charcoal, wood, electric, or how about a smoker or fryer on the side? And if it’s fire that you crave, a barbecue pit for cooking or a fire pit with hearth-seating is fun and functional. A full fireplace keeps your space in full swing into the colder months. Outdoor living areas can feature counter space, ovens, refrigerators and sinks made for the outside. If you decide to include these special amenities in your space, it won’t be long before your backyard oasis quickly becomes the highlight of your home. Outside flooringUsing natural materials outside makes sense, and there are plenty of options for your outdoor room. Brick and stones create solid footing, as do the newly popular wood tiles. Softer materials

As the family “staycation” becomes more popular, ways to make life at home relaxing and inviting beckon homeowners.

Instead of spending money on a destination escape, home is the spot where a few extra dollars can be spent to

create a beautiful outdoor oasis that can be enjoyed every day.

outdoor rooms bring the inside out

embrace the great outdoors 21

like mulch or pebbles, or even seashells make interesting outside floors. Straight lines are fine, but how about a room with multiple levels? A dual-level deck or a triple tier seating area will provide ample room for a large family party. AmbianceLighting the outdoors can create the feel of your space, determine ambiance, spotlight an area, or offer functionality. Accent lighting can go anywhere—around the perimeter, or throughout the room, hanging above or flush with the ground. In addition to lighting, water features such as fountains, birdbaths, pools and ponds add elegance and style. A recent survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects showed a growing interest in outdoor technology, such as stereo systems, television, and Internet access. Also, low-maintenance landscaping and sustainability, such as water-efficient irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting, is getting more popular. Plan ahead Creating an outside living space takes research, planning, and know-how. Just like remodeling inside your home, outdoor rooms require the proper materials, installations and safety. Professional guidance will make the finished product all that it can be, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your staycation.

Sensenig’s Landscape Supply • 1516 Routes 5 & 20, Geneva • 315-789-0095 • www.sensenigs.com

By tiM hay | sensenig’s lanDscaPe sUPPly

embracegood eats22

Who says dessert isn’t healthy? Not the regulars at Cheesy Eddies, where whole and real food makes sinful desserts more than just a fantasy. A Rochester tradition for years, Cheesy Eddies is tucked away in the South Wedge whipping up tasty, top of the line products using the fresh and natural ingredients. “Everything is from scratch and we buy the ingredients in their raw form,” says Colleen Baker, owner. “The fundamental base of all of our products are all natural, high quality ingredients without compromise. It’s not health food but it’s healthier than most sweets.”That quality is apparent in their products that not only off er decadent fl avor, but look like exquisite works of art. “We do everything by hand,” says Baker. “It’s done in almost an artisan or handcrafted way.” Co-owner and husband John Baker is quick to add, “It’s a labor of love for us and we have a passion for what we are doing.”A family tradition for over 35 years, the couple purchased the small family business in 2003 and kept more than its original name. The husband and wife duo that originally ran Cheesy Eddie’s stayed on to help the Bakers continue the legacy. Part of what enticed them to pass their business on to the Bakers was their value and integrity, as well as a strong commitment to high standards, fresh and natural ingredients and exceptional service. Whether placing a special order at the counter or enjoying a sweet treat in the cafe or sitting at a sidewalk bistro table with a cup of coff ee or tea, the warm and inviting atmosphere off ered by the Bakers and their staff will entice customers to not only partake in the goods, but spread the word about the establishment.“We have more than doubled the business since we bought it, and it’s growing faster than it ever has,” says John. “It’s word of mouth. We are starting to be more and more visible in the community.”John’s philosophy is to get the “amazingly delicious all-natural” products into people’s hands and mouths, and actively participates in fundraisers. “We greatly value our community and I would much rather give our product away

to people who need assistance,” he says. The local footprint, fresh, whole and real food all from scratch, and a deep commitment to service and value, these are the ingredients of this destination bakery. Summer Sweets...Raspberry, Strawberry and Blueberry Swirl Cakes are stand alone fabulous, or extra special served with fresh fruit and a drizzle of all-natural fruit sauce.Cherry Delight, part of the Over-the-Top line, is to die for! Sauteed cherries are made into an amazing sauce and served over the top of Original Vanilla Cake. The combination of tart cherry and vanilla cheesecake are a truly dynamic duo.Out of the Garden…Carrot Cake has freshly peeled and ground carrots that make up 1/3 of the weight of this unique cake. There are no other fruits or nuts in this delicious, amazingly moist cake covered with Cheesy Eddie’s famous cream cheese frosting! Summer cheesecakes like...“Sassy” Key Lime is served with a slice of kiwi and lemon and is dynamite with a drizzle of raspberry puree. Choose from other tropical fruit fl avors like Mango, Pineapple, Mandarin Orange, and don’t forget the Coconut Cream.Great for picnics...Jillian’s Delights are two freshly baked oatmeal cookies sandwiched with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting! Awesome cold or room temperature! Along with cookies, several fl avors of cakes are individually sliced and packaged, along with brownies and cupcakes. Excellent grab-n-go for that spontaneous picnic or lunch bag. Also enjoy traditional classic and specialty cheesecakes, two and four pound samplers, Very Chocolate Cake, tarts, dessert trays, breakfast pastries including breads, muffi ns, danishes, cupcakes, an Over-the-Top line of decadent extravagance and even desserts on the lighter side. Remember life’s celebrations...with wedding cakes, bridal and baby shower cakes or pastries, graduation desserts, birthdays, holidays or any special event.

Cheesy Eddies • John & Colleen Baker • 602 South Avenue • Rochester • 585.473.1300 • www.cheesyeddies.com

treats are real...indulgencecheesy eddiesBy DeBorah Blackwell | Messenger Post MeDia

enjoy a mixed plate of great adventures in shopping... summer shopping!

Fashion-savvy shoppingSophisticated with an upscale style, Rosie’s Boutique is a premium consignment shop in beautiful Pittsford Village. Brand name clothing and accessories for women, including Burberry, Alice and Olivia, Zara, JCrew and Kate Spade. Make this a must-do for fashion-savvy shopping. New consignments arriving daily. 50 State Street, Northfield Commons, Pittsford.

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From dock to dinner with elegance and flair... the Mephisto Violette SandalFor over 35 years, Mephisto has set the standard for shoes with all day comfort and Euro-style. The Mephisto Violett is elegant, feminine and extremely well made. This beautiful leather sandal features a floral detail, and has a leather-lined and shock absorbing outsole. Feet First Shoes and Pedorthics, 1900 Clinton Avenue South, Rochester.

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Shawl pins for cool summer eveningsA shawl pin puts the finishing touch on a hand knitted or crocheted shawl or wrap. Unique designs made from domestic, exotic woods that are naturally colored to blend with anything. The Pheasant Notch helps hold these pins secure in any fiber. Yarn Boutique, 1855 Monroe Avenue, Rochester.

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Sunny Designs Sedona Collection TableThe Sedona Collection from Sunny Designs fits perfectly into a casual wine-country setting with its worn oak finish and inlaid slate details. Pull six double-back chairs up to the 60-inch round table including a built-in Lazy Susan. Available in a darker Santa Fe finish. This popular collection will blend well with other pieces. Becker’s Furniture, 1461 Buffalo Road, Rochester.

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A boating enthusiast’s supreme marina!Smith Boys know boats and offer the finest names in boating, and are a master dealer of Sea Ray. They can do it all, or they will find someone who can. New and used boats, brokering service, parts, accessories, storage, repairs and restorations. The only marina that rents boats overnight! Six locations from Buffalo to Lake George, check them out! Smith Boys Marina, www.smithboys.com.

Special signature brews on tap— local flavor and funVisit Custom BrewCrafters. This unique microbrewery that has helped transform the Finger Lakes region into a beer-lovers mecca. The brewery creates signature craft-brews, custom-designed for local restaurants and taverns, becoming an “off site brewpub” for these establishments. Along with custom beers, they offer their popular Canandaigua Lake Ale and Caged Alpha Monkey IPA, part of the CB line of craft beer. Located in the charming village of Honeoye Falls, they have become a destination for beer enthusiasts, and offer a little something for everyone. There is a tasting room to sample some of the special brews, including root beer, and a giant retail room and gift shop. 300 Village Square Blvd., Honeoye Falls 585.624.4386, www.custombrewcrafters.com.

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