Mid-Lakes Navigation sightseeing cruises on Skaneateles Lake will be featured in an upcoming segment by YNN’s The Getaway Guy.

The segment airs Sept. 9 at 6:24 a.m., 9:24 a.m., 12:24 p.m., 3:24 p.m., 6:24 p.m. and 9:24 p.m. on Time Warner Cable stations throughout New York state. In addition, it will be available at http://rochester.ynn.com/content/the_getaway_guy/.

“It was like a blast from the past being aboard the Judge Ben Wiles,” says Mike O’Brian, aka The Getaway Guy, who visited Skaneateles Aug. 25 to take the cruise. “A historical jewel cruising one of the Finger Lakes’ most beautiful lakes. A close-to-home getaway for everyone!”

Mid-Lakes Navigation sightseeing cruises run through Oct. 2, departing at 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and at 2 and 3 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 685-8500 or visit http://www.midlakesnav.com.

The Getaway Guy’s visit was arranged in cooperation with Group M Communications, a PR consultancy in Skaneateles.

You are Invited to Skaneateles Artisans First Friday Art Night, September 3rd from 6 to 9 PM.

Please join us for our monthly celebration as we feature exciting new works by two of our members: Sue Hosey – Fiber Artist and Susan Poppenger – Floral Arrangement with Fresh and Dried flowers. Enjoy festive music provided by DJ Silence. Refreshments will be served.

Skaneteles Artisans is located at 11 Fennell St, Skaneateles, NY. The gallery offers off-street parking and accepts major credit cards. Exhibit Runs through September 30, 2010. For more information visit www.skaneatelesartisans.com or 685-8580.

Contact person: Teresa Vitale
315-689-5037
email:  tvitale1@twcny.rr.com

Sue Hosey – Fiber Artist
Creating unique baskets, gourds and art pieces brings together many passions of my life – the need to create; the joy of working with my hands; love and respect for nature, nurtured by my father; and my curiosity about tools and fascination with making things. I collect compulsively: stones, shells, leaves, feathers, and all forms of natural materials.

In 1999 I signed up for a class and made my first basket. That class reawakened my passions and started my journey. Since then, I’ve taken hundreds of classes with local, national and international artists to improve my skills, experiment with a wide variety of techniques, and explore different types of baskets. I travel with clippers, saw and gloves so I don’t miss any opportunity to gather “treasures from the earth!”  I love using the beauty and bounty of nature to explore my creativity and create my art.

I grew up and raised my family in Skaneateles. I have a BS degree in Human Ecology from the University of Maryland, a Masters in Consumer Studies from Syracuse University and a NYS Teaching Certificate. After forty years in education and the food industry, my husband and I now split our time with family in Skaneateles, Florida, Kentucky and Vermont.

Susan Poppenger – Floral Arrangement with Fresh and Dried Flowers
Susan Popenger is the farmer and florist for Pods & Poppies, a family owned flower and herb farm located in the hills south of Skaneateles.

Entering her 9th year in business, the farm has grown from a half acre and sales at two farmer’s markets to over three acres and sales at markets, local country stores, weddings, parties, and a weekly delivery service. They conduct workshops with garden clubs, the BOCES Adult Education program, and at the farm. Their floral designs have been on exhibit at local art shows, including the Everson’s Fine Art and Flower show and Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery’s Clothesline Festival, as well as the AAUW’s Women in Art shows. They also participate in the Skaneateles Art’s Council events and most recently have been honored with membership in the Skaneateles Artisan’s gallery.

Susan is a Master Gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension and is a strong advocate for farming with sustainable practices, which the farm has followed since its inception.

Susan’s floral arrangements are enhanced by the wide variety of flowers, herbs, trees, and shrubs they are able to grow in our region. The farm has over 200 varieties available and they try new varieties every season, giving their arrangements a fresh and unique look. The colors, scents, and textures provide endless inspiration for Susan to express her art with flowers.

Imagine That…, the fine arts and fine craft gallery at 38 E. Genesee St. in Skaneateles, will feature new figurative artwork by Joyce Bond Backus throughout September.

The show opens Sept. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m., as part of the village’s First Friday Art Night. The longtime Skaneateles-area artist—known for her nature, figurative and whimsical paintings—will be in attendance and available to discuss her work. Refreshments and musical entertainment will be provided.

“My recent figure-drawing series combines the tradition of life observation drawing and experimental digital techniques,” says Backus. “I combine multiple hand-drawn images with my digital imagery, handmade paper, hand-written letters and found artifacts. These pieces reflect urban settings, architectural and natural environments.

“Each image created from my life figure drawings becomes a unique work in a series of related themes,” she explains. “My digital techniques have become drawing tools as much as my paintbrush or charcoal stick. I work to create an emotional connection to the art image. I enjoy the psychological element that happens between artist, life model and drawing surface.”

Backus’ jewelry designs are also shown at Imagine That…

Backus works from her home studio in Marietta, where she says she is inspired by “our beautiful area landscapes and my English gardens.”

She earned master’s degrees in illustration and environmental design at Syracuse University and teaches fashion design at SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Her art can be viewed at www.joycebackus.com.

Imagine That… is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call the gallery at 685-6264.

By Gena Eve Viggiani.

“How many times have we looked into a mirror and said to ourselves, I love you? We are all waiting for someone else to tell us, but it is within us, it doesn’t come from outside of ourselves,” said Dr. Rob Kiltz during an interview on Sunday.

Love. That is the gift and the message of Dr. Rob’s new community website, MindBodySmile.com. To say that this website is inspirational is truly an understatement, it is so much more.

When asked to give me one word as to why he created the website, Dr. Rob responded, “The word is Love and the reason is because I was afraid to express my thoughts and feelings. It was in that fear I recognized that I really had to open up to express love.”

Mind Body Smile offers a cornucopia of delicious morsels for individuals seeking inspiration, expression, and the like minded. It is a place to learn from and grow, a site dedicated to living in the moment, releasing fear and letting in love.

Dr. Kiltz says with conviction, “We spend most of our lives watching other people be creative. We need to read, write, create, get out there and meet strangers who might be interesting and not be afraid because something bad might happen, or our efforts won’t be accepted because they are different from the norm. Nothing truly amazing ever happens unless you take risks.”

There are many contributors to this amazing, evolving website, people who have moved past their fear and are willing to take risks by being present in the moment and sharing their opinions, stories and experience. If you are like me and are consistently striving and practicing to live a happier, healthier, loving life then this website is for you.

“I always say there are three types of people: The Watchers, The Makers and The Wonderers. Those that watch it happen, those that make it happen and those that wonder what happened,” said Dr. Rob.

Dr. Kiltz is definitely a “maker,” he has made things happen through sheer determination and daily practice of what he believes. Anyone who visits or participates in this website is making it happen, changing the way we view ourselves, our lives and the world.

Mind Body Smile contains daily 12-minute meditations by Dr. Rob, a video series called On My Mind, stories and experiences by site authors, a suggested reading list and a blog where anyone can comment or submit their stories.

Dr. Rob shared a recent memory with me, so that I could better understand his mission.

“There are these signs that have been put up all around town that say Shame on Dr. Rob, but I don’t take offense, I see it as a gift and a reminder not to take it personally, and to love whoever is doing it.”

He told me, “Love, forgive, no judgment, these are the most powerful things in the universe.”

There is power in positive thinking, and on Sunday, September 26, 2010, Dr. Rob and MBS will be hosting a day retreat, at Stella Maris Retreat Center from 10am to 4pm. The day will be devoted to sharing love, and converting fear into love. We all need to practice self love, and release fear, and this retreat has been designed to help you learn how. Email events@robertkiltz.com for information about the retreat.

Dr. Rob’s final heartfelt thoughts on Sunday were, “I’ve found something that I think is valuable, it’s learning to love, this is what I talk about and want to share.”

A powerful message from a man on a mission of love.

Website:

http://mindbodysmile.com/

Connect with Dr. Rob Kiltz:

http://robertkiltz.com/
http://cnyfertility.com/
http://cnyhealingarts.com/
http://www.facebook.com/DrRobKiltz

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Read other Up Close & Personal Stories from this Series.

By: Editor

Listen to this amazing new song by local, singer/songwriter Dusty Pas’cal. Learn more about Dusty at his People Page on Skaneateles Talk.

Forget to Take a Vacation? Couldn’t Get Away?
Try an Erie Canal or Skaneateles Lake Cruise

Fall may be fast approaching, but there’s still time to enjoy the water.

Mid-Lakes Navigation has a variety of late-summer and early fall cruises to suit every taste and budget.

“This time of year is one of the most beautiful out on the water,” says Sarah Wiles, a co-owner of Mid-Lakes Navigation. “The mood is different. The pace is slower. The golden days and crisp nights—and the time to be adventurous and explore—make for an unforgettable experience.”

Among the upcoming cruises offered by Mid-Lakes Navigation are:

• Syracuse to Buffalo, Sept. 1-3, Sept. 16-18 and Oct. 1-3. Buffalo to Syracuse, Sept. 4-6 and Sept. 19-21. Follows the route of Clinton’s Ditch through farmlands and villages, aboard the Emita II. $659 per person (double occupancy) includes meals, overnight accommodations, return transportation and tax.

• Glen Haven Excursion, Sept. 5. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. aboard the Judge Ben Wiles, departing from the Skaneateles dock and continuing to the south end of Skaneateles Lake. $50 adults/$38 children includes continental breakfast and lunch buffet.

• Syracuse to Amsterdam, Sept. 10-11. Amsterdam to Syracuse, Sept. 12-13. Follows Oneida Lake and the Mohawk River, aboard the Emita II. $394 per person (double occupancy) includes meals, overnight accommodations, return transportation and tax.

• Full Moon Cruise on Skaneateles Lake, Sept. 23. 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. aboard the Judge Ben Wiles, with “moon music” and romance in the air. $12 per person.

• Syracuse to Seneca Falls, Sept. 24. All-day cruise on the Emita II, featuring a visit to the Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry and/or the National Women’s Rights Hall of Fame. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., departing from Dutchman’s Landing. $95 per person includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch and return transportation.

• Seneca Falls to Oswego, Sept. 25-26. Two-day cruise aboard the Emita II, traveling along the Cayuga-Seneca, Erie and Oswego canals. $394 per person (double occupancy) includes meals, overnight accommodations, return transportation and tax.

• Oswego to Syracuse, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All-day cruise on the Emita II, featuring a visit to the H. Lee White Maritime Museum, on Lake Ontario. $95 per person includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch and return transportation.

• Buffalo to Rochester, Oct. 4-5. Two-day cruise aboard the Emita II. $394 per person (double occupancy) includes meals, overnight accommodations, return transportation and tax.

Sightseeing, dinner, take-out and brunch cruises continue on Skaneateles Lake through Oct. 2. Beginning Sept. 1, sightseeing cruises will leave at 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and at 2 and 3 p.m. Sundays; Dinosaur Bar-B-Que dinner cruises, at 5 p.m. Tuesdays; dinner cruises, at 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; and brunch cruises, at noon Sundays.

U.S. Mailboat cruises, which run 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday, end Sept. 7.

Reservations are suggested for most cruises. For more information, call 315-685-8500 or go to http://www.midlakesnav.com.

An exhibition of new figurative artwork by Joyce Bond Backus will run throughout September at Imagine that…, the fine arts and fine craft gallery at 38 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles.

Exhibition opening will be on the village’s First Friday Art Night, September 3rd from 6-9pm. The long time Skaneateles area artist known for nature, figure and whimsical paintings will be in attendance to discuss her work.

Refreshments and musical entertainment will be provided.

“This recent figure drawing series combines the tradition of life observation drawing and experimental digital techniques. I combine multiple hand drawn images with my digital imagery, handmade paper hand written letters and found artifacts. These figure drawing pieces reflect urban settings, architectural and natural environments.”

“Each image created from my life figure drawings become a unique work in a series of related themes. My digital techniques have become drawing tools as much as my paint brush or charcoal stick. I work to create an emotional connection to the art image. I enjoy the psychological element that happens between artist, life model and drawing surface. I also continue to work in a variety of traditional media, nature and whimsical themes; including my jewelry design work that is shown at Imagine That Gallery.”

“I work at my home studio in Marietta, NY where I find inspiration in area vistas and my English gardens. I teach drawing in the Fashion Department at Syracuse University, where I earned an MFA in Illustration and an MS in Environmental Design.”

“You may also view my art at www.joycebackus.com.”

By: Syracuse.com

Excerpt:

How pumped is first-year Skaneateles High School football coach Tim Green? Green, who ran his first official practice with the Lakers on Monday, already has Nov. 28 circled on his calendar. The former Liverpool High School, Syracuse University and Atlanta Falcons standout, was invited to an event with the Falcons on that weekend. “I told them I can’t do it,” Green said. “My wife (Illyssa) asked ‘Why not?’ “The Class B state finals are in the Carrier Dome, Nov. 26, at 6 p.m.,” Green said. “If I’m not thinking we can be there, then I shouldn’t be out here.

Full article

Come Join us for a beautiful evening on the Judge Ben cruising along Skaneateles Lake and enjoying a cocktail and some delicious food with friends and family.

All proceeds to benefit the Skaneateles Ski Hill, a portion of your ticket is tax-deductible. The Skaneateles Ski Club is now a 501(c)(3) organization and has set up a future plan to expand snow making and to make improvements to this wonderful hill. But, we can’t do it without your help. Please join us for this wonderful event.

September 11th 5-8PM, boarding begins at 4:45pm
Adults Only
Dinner/Cocktails included
Live entertainment….details to follow
$75/person

Please contact Lori Panasci at 685-4013 or Brad Wirth at 685-2700 for more information.

By: CNY Fertility Center

Lisa Stack, Support Coordinator for Cny Fertility Center, owned and operated by Skaneateles resident, Dr. Rob Kiltz, shares highlights from the Book of the Month, Louise Hay’s, “Heal Your Body.” The book is available here: http://www.cnyhealingarts.com/store/#ecwid:mode=product&product=1265719

By: CNY Fertility Center

Lisa Stack, Support Coordinator for CNY Fertility Center, owned and operated by Skaneateles resident, Dr. Robert Kiltz, shares words of support in her weekly support video(s). For a full list of support videos see: http://www.youtube.com/user/CNYFertility.

Soon children, teens and young adults will be returning to school. The backpack is the most common means for carrying books, lunches and other school-related objects.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission there are estimated to be 20,000 visits to emergency rooms, doctors’ offices and clinics as a result of backpack-related injuries. The injuries from backpacks range from neck, back and shoulder strains to contusions and even fractures – from falls.

Back pain in children, teens and young adults is not uncommon, as it once was believed to be. If a child complains of neck, back or shoulder pain without a history of trauma, parents should consider that it might be because his or her backpack – or perhaps something more serious.

The American Chiropractic Association recommends that a backpack should not weigh more than 10 percent of a child’s body weight. For example, 10 pounds maximum for a 100-pound child. This figure might vary, however, based on the child’s body strength and fitness level.

The most common signs that a backpack is too heavy include:

# Frequent change in posture while carrying the backpack.

# Excessive forward leaning to walk.

# Struggling to put on the backpack.

# Pain in any area while wearing the backpack.

# Tingling or numbness especially in the arms or hands.

# Red marks on the skin from the straps.

Five Steps to Preventing Backpack-Related Injuries
With regular chiropractic checkups and a few simple preventive measures, you can keep your child injury free. The Following are five winning tips from experts at the Backpack Safety America program.

1) Ensure that your child’s backpack is sturdy and appropriately sized. Some manufacturers offer special child-sized versions for children ages five to ten. These packs weigh less than a pound and have shorter back lengths and widths to prevent slippage.

2) Consider more than looks when choosing a backpack. An ill-fitting pack can cause back pain, muscle strain or nerve impingement. To help distribute the load, look for packs with padded shoulder straps and waist straps.

3) Ensure that the weight of your child’s pack does not exceed 10% of his or her body weight.

4) Avoid overloading by prioritizing the items your child carries and elimination unnecessary contents.

5) Teach your youngster to pack his or her backpack by evenly distributing the contents throughout the pack.

6) Insist that your child never carry a backpack on one shoulder. Both shoulder straps – as well as the waist strap – should be used at all times.

Dr. Neil Vance, Chiropractic Physician at Dr. Vance’s Family Chiropractic, is offering free back to school check ups for kids of all ages until Monday, September 27.

Call 315.685.2070 to make an appointment!  We are located just 1 mile from Skaneateles Village.

Dr. Vance’s Family Chiropractic
1398 Coach Road
Skaneateles, NY 13152
315-685-2070
E-mail: info@vancechirocenter.com
Website: www.VanceChiroCenter.com

Creekside Books and Coffee is pleased to feature Dr. Louis Profeta, author of The Patient in Room Nine Says He’s God on August 26th, at 6:00PM. This collection of essays about how the author has found God in the ER, contains wise advice on parenting, dealing with life’s ups and downs, forgiveness, humility and tolerance.

Reviews for the book include:

“the essays make you laugh, cry and marvel as you embark on Dr. Profeta’s ‘spiritual joyride through emergency rooms’”

“This book is a great gift for anyone you love and respect.”

Dr. Louis M. Profeta is a practicing Emergency Physician residing in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is a medical educator and frequent guest on radio and television. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards for contributions to public safety including the Red Cross Certificate of Recognition for his medial assistance at a department store bombing. Dr. Profeta has authored numerous papers, lectures and abstracts on Emergency Medicine and is a popular and noted blogger on Sermo, the largest physician networking site in North America.

“I will always remember The Patient in Room Nine for its sensitivity, wit and originality. Dr. Profeta has constructed an outstanding work here that maintains an instructive vision and calming spirit. “ ~ Writer’s Digest

Creekside Books & Coffee
35 Fennell St, Skaneateles, New York 13152
(315) 685-0379
www.creeksidecoffeehouse.com

By Gena Eve Viggiani.

He does not wear a colorful cape, or a mask to disguise his true identity and there are no symbols sewn onto his clothing. Mickey Kringer doesn’t need “All that jazz”, because to most locals he is a true superhero, dedicated to preserving the performing arts in Skaneateles.

Mickey is the Drama and Musical Director at Skaneateles High School, a job that he takes as seriously as he performs passionately. He said “I enjoy watching the kids grow and develop over 4 years, you see them mature into to their talents and gain self-esteem.”

Learning to develop self-esteem seems to be an important part of Mickey’s unique way of teaching. He injects it into his students, constantly reminding them to reach for the stars.

Mickey’s love of the performing arts really only began during his junior year in High school. He said he had a marvelous teacher, that dedicated her summers to the students through a program where they performed at a local dinner theater.

Though he recalls with a hearty chuckle, “I remember tap dancing in elementary school, not really sure what it was for, but i just remember tap dancing!”

Mickey is also the founder of Skaneateles Summer Theater or SST. The group began it’s adventure in 1998, formed by parents and students as well as various other talented members of the community, all for the love of the performing arts. The mission of the group was to raise the quality of life in the community by providing top quality, affordable musical theater performances for all ages. SST is completely self-funded through ticket sales and supportive patrons.

Annually, Skaneateles Summer Theater performs “An Evening of Broadway Romance” at the Springside Inn, in Auburn, NY. All proceeds go towards StageKidz summer theater camp sponsored by SST. StageKidz, for 6th through 9th graders is taught by local theater and music professionals and includes lessons in music, drama, dance and basic stagecraft. The kids produce and put on a full-scale performance at the end of their training.

Sponsored by the Town of Skaneateles Recreation Department, and SSA there is also a musical theater workshop for High School students, called FORTE. Two weeks of intensive study, students are committed to improving their level of performance and audition skills.

Mickey and his wife gathered the community together, but the true inspiration He says, “Came from the kids in the High School program and with nothing to do in the summer the interest was there.”

If this is not extraordinary enough, he is also the Musical Director at St. Mary’s of the Lake, at 81 Jordan Street in Skaneateles, NY. Mickey said “This is not just another outlet for my love of music, I am fulfilling my personal commitment to the church”

When asked if he is living his dream life, Mickey answered “Pretty close, I have always wanted to support the performing arts in my community.”

I think Mickey Kringer has done more than just “support” performing arts, he has put his heart and soul into preserving a special experience for us all.

As Mickey religiously tells his students, “Live up to your full potential no matter what you do, your abilities are endless.”

An important message we should all remember, delivered by a real life Superhero.

Websites:

http://www.skaneatelessummertheater.org/

http://www.skanschools.org/HighSchool.cfm?subpage=41340

St. Mary’s of the Lake, 81 Jordan street, Skaneateles, NY

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Read other Up Close & Personal Stories from this Series.

Marauders Promise Mayhem Aboard Mid-Lakes Navigation Cruises

Step aboard, mateys!

Cruise-goers are encouraged to dress the part. Or, they can take advantage of the pirate garb and loot for sale. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

There may even be a takeover or two.

Openings are available on the following cruises:

• Lunch Cruise – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the Erie Canal (leaves from Dutchman’s Landing, 7490 Hillside Road, Baldwinsville). Tickets are $19 adults/$14 children for the pirate lunch; $28 adults/$23 children for the regular lunch menu. Reservations required.

• Capt’n Hat’s Mighty Sights (sightseeing cruises) – 2 and 3 p.m. (leave from the Skaneateles dock).  $12 adults; $8 children.

• Pirate Dinner Cruise – 6-9 p.m. (leaves from the Skaneateles dock). $47 per person. Reservations required.

For more information, call Mid-Lakes Navigation at 685-8500.