Episode 12: Community: At the Heart of Everything!

One of Corning’s strengths might just be its character. We’re talking personality. We’re talking the way folks feel when they’re here and often long after they return home. Not just visitors from afar, but even those from just down the road. The historic architecture, public art, history and culture of glass, all work together to create an indelible sense of character that defines the place and the people. And that character is often highlighted, supported, and in some ways enhanced through unique annual events that blend the very best of old time traditions with contemporary experiences. This week’s podcast has us visiting with Nate and Marshall from Corning’s Gaffer District, a local destination marketing organization that is, at its very core, all about community and character. 

Episode 11: The Days of Incandescence

Each year in October, there is a one-of-a-kind event that takes place in Corning New York. The Days of Incandescence takes us back the the late 1800s when a mysterious little boy blew the first glass bulb for Mr. Thomas Edison which helped bring light into our world! It’s a nod to the mystery and history, right here in Corning. And on today’s episode, we talk with Meghan O’Toole, who’s creativity and collection of actors really help create an atmosphere that puts you back in time.

Episode 10: Now That’s A Lot of Bull!

It boggles the mind to think that Bison (commonly called Buffalo, shout-out to NY’s football team to the north), which once numbered in the tens of millions, nearly went extinct in the early 1900s. On today’s podcast, we chat with Chris Comstock who owns Mud Creek Bison Ranch, a little spot out in Savona, where these massive creatures roam. We discuss self-guided driving tours, the bistro, raising livestock, preservation efforts, and whether or not the idea of bison yoga will ever catch on. 

Episode 9: Turning the Expected on End!

This week finds us on a quiet country road in Prattsburgh where an unexpected dream is coming true. We’re talking about Black Sheep Distillery, a relatively new endeavor by Dean and Kim Massaro that embraces the idea of being different. We chat about the call of Keuka Lake, serendipity and the kindness of strangers, as well as the awesome vibe and cocktails being created at this veteran-owned farm distillery proving that being the Black Sheep can actually be a very good thing.

Episode 8: So Much to Savor!

We’re out in Arkport for this week’s podcast at Savor Vineyard and Wines. Bill and Suzanne Piatt discuss the transition from being home winemakers sharing vintages with their closest friends to creating a rural oasis where guests are encouraged to slow down, take their time, sip award-winning wines, and spend an afternoon listening to live music or laughing at the routines of standup comedians from far and wide. A place where everyone feels like a friend.

Episode 7: Making Connections Through Art!

This week Amy Ruza from The Rockwell Museum along with muralist, artist and teacher Alice Mizrachi from Queens, NY stop by the What the FLX studio to discuss art. Not just world-renowned exhibits found at traditional institutions like museums, but public art which often offers a more direct and intimate connection between the artist and the community. And, in the case of The Rockwell’s Alley Art Project, public art is also a unique chance for local students to engage with their community, with other artists, and with themselves in ways they would never otherwise know.

The 2024 Alley Art Project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, The Triangle Fund, and the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. Read More.

Episode 6: The Shape of Hospitality!

A visit to Black Sheep Inn provides us a glimpse into the playful, witty, passionate nature of owners Simon and Miranda who left England and found their way to Keuka Lake and Hammondsport to pursue a shared dream of hospitality as bed and breakfast owners. During our visit, we discuss (amid a bit of laughter) the unique octagonal architecture of the historic B&B, the delicious vegan foods Miranda creates for their guests, and Simon’s passion for making music.

Episode 5: Kidding! Not Kidding!

Sometimes the life you planned and the life you’re ultimately drawn to are quite different. Today we chat with Allison Lavine-Ziegenhagen, one half of the dynamic duo behind ZiegenVine Homestead, a couple who already had successful careers and no interest in “going all in” on farm life until they did. The results have brought them a lot of hard work and an abundance of joy. We’ll learn about farm stays, the adorable goats (and kids) who take part in goat yoga, other happenings on the homestead, and maybe even someone’s fear of goat eyes.

Episode 4: Raising the Bar

Today’s podcast finds us in the concert pavilion at Point of the Bluff Vineyards where we get to know Sydney and Katrina who are part of a team of people passionate about community working for a collection of hospitality businesses around Keuka Lake that strive, often collaboratively, to create experiences for others that reveal “the magic” that is the Finger Lakes.

Episode 3: A Second Life

This episode includes a chat with Boat Captain, Glider Pilot, and Restoration Shop Volunteer Rob Whitcomb at the Finger Lakes Boating Museum where we discuss Rob’s diverse background as well as the role of restoration shops which provide a sort of second life to volunteers and to the many objects found on display in history museums. Among other things, we’ll discuss the thousands of hours spent restoring an historic mail boat, The Pat II, which now offers historic tours folks on Keuka Lake.

Episode 2: Reflections on Glass

Today’s podcast is a chat with local glass artist Chris Giordano who, after spending several years working at The Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG), has ventured into creating his own glassmaking studio. You might still see Chris leading a workshop at the museum, but most of his time at the furnace these days is spent shaping beautiful pieces for sale which you can find in the museum shops at CMoG or on his website.

Episode 1 Bonus: Wine Tasting

Craig tries out some of the wines available over at Keuka Lake Vineyards and decides which one is his personal favorite!

Episode 1: Behind the Vines

Our first episode is a casual chat with Margot Federkiel, Head Winemaker for Keuka Lake Vineyards. We’ll discuss Margot’s journey to winemaking and to the region, KLV’s work with hybrid grapes and their exceptional wines. Craig might even do a tasting (spoiler alert, he totally does). With a special guest appearance by Hawk, the winery’s mascot dog who provides authentic sound effects to put you right there at this small farm winery.