News stories tagged with "christmas"

(01/02/12) Some post-holiday notes from Cornell Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy today. From a new Christmas cactus that's dropped its blossoms, or a 12-foot tree that's dropping its needles, Ivy shared tips with Martha Foley this morning.

(12/30/11) Gov. Andrew Cuomo was back in the Tri-Lakes this week, vacationing in Lake Placid with his daughters and his girlfriend, Food Network star Sandra Lee.

Cuomo was seen buying groceries at the Price Chopper supermarket in Lake Placid on Monday and he and Lee were seen shopping in Saranac Lake Tuesday. The family also skied at Whiteface Mountain Ski Center this week, as confirmed by Jon Lundin, spokesman for the state Olympic Regional Development Authority, which runs the center. Chris Morris reports. more

(12/27/11) Temperatures today in much of the North Country are expected to top forty degrees, with a chance of rain in some areas. If you hate shoveling snow or paying a big bill for your heating oil, this winter's mild weather is probably great news.

But for thousands of people who rely on snow for winter tourism, this year's lingering, autumn-like conditions have been painful. From Glens Falls to Malone, ski areas have been forced to delay their openings, or are operating with limited trails. Brian Mann has our story.

(12/23/11) For more than 45 years, an Ogdensburg man has donned his Santa suit and played a Christmas role that has brought much joy to himself and others. Duane Adams first played Santa when he was a soldier stationed near Saigon during the Vietnam War. Every season since, Adams has visited schools, hospitals, nursing homes and parades dressed as the jolly old elf. His Santa work begins in November and, like the real deal, he's busiest right before Christmas. He's always the guest of honor at Ogdensburg's annual Santa Claus parade. For Adams, most of the pleasure comes from giving back -- he donates all his Santa earnings to local charities.

Todd Moe paid him a visit during a day off, and found the beard, belly and generosity are all genuine.

(12/21/11) Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, TAUNY, organized a couple of caroling parties again this month in Canton. Songs celebrating midwinter, the solstice and Christmas have been sung for centuries. Caroling, or groups of singers moving from house to house during the Holidays, probably began in England, France and Germany in the 15th century. But, what motivates people to bundle-up and sing outdoors in December today? Todd Moe talks with Traditional Arts in Upstate New York staff folklorist Hannah Harvester, who has studied the history and evolution of caroling.

(12/20/11) Like most of America, the North Country is lit up with Christmas decorations at this time of year. While it brings joy to many people, it can make others feel like outsiders. Julie Grant reports about an effort by the synagogue in Potsdam to make the season more inclusive - by adding menorahs to holiday displays. more

(12/20/11) Between Jupiter in the east and Venus rising in the west, there's lots to see at night. And as the Solstice approaches, there's plenty of nighttime hours at both ends of the day. Aileen O'Donoghue teaches astronomy at St. Lawrence University. She stopped in to give Martha Foley the highlights of the night sky in late December.

(12/19/11) Whether you cut your own or buy from the local fire department, there are things to look for to find the perfect Christmas tree. And there are a couple of must-do's do keep it as fresh as possible. (Water soon, and often.) Cornell Cooperative extension horticulturist Amy Ivy shares tips with Martha Foley.

(12/15/11) Social Band, a mixed chorus of 22 singers based in Burlington, will celebrate all things winter -- from outer cold to inner warmth - with two concerts this weekend in Vermont.

Some of the music will come from the group's first winter album, which came out a couple of years ago. The music ranges from traditional and medieval carols to works by modern Vermont composers.

Social Band will perform Saturday, 7:30 pm at Burlington's First Baptist Church and Sunday 4:00 pm at the Charlotte Congregational Church. Todd Moe spoke with director Amity Baker about Deep Midwinter.

(12/13/11) This is the only time of year you can wet your whistle with Watertown's favorite seasonal cocktail--the Tom & Jerry at the Crystal Restaurant on historic Public Square.

David Sommerstein had his first Tom & Jerry a year ago at the Crystal, and turned the experience into this Heard Up North.