Mohawk Valley Living

This week we head Uptown to South Utica. This is like Utica's "Soho" -where you'll find people of all walks of life sharing ideas, music and coffee. In a world full of computers, cell phones, and email, it's nice to see people having "face time."

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Or write:
Kellogg St. Productions
30 Kellogg Street
Clinton, NY 13323
or call 315-853-7133

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Chris Sebastian was practically raised by the patrons of his diner. Born and raised in East Utica, he remembers visiting the popular diner as a child. At age 19, he was convinced to take over the business and over 30 years later he still greets many of the same patrons each morning -many waiting for him to open at 5am!
The diner is open Monday-Saturday 5am-1pm
1401 Bleecker St.,Utica, NY

At the turn of the last century and especially after WWII, the American population was spilling out of the city and into the suburbs. Utica was no different and South Utica became a booming area of growth. Even if you didn't live in South Utica, you would be there on a Friday night standing in line for the the Uptown Grill's fish fry or in line for a film at the Uptown Theatre. This was the gathering place for the community, where people were seen being seen and discussing news and politics. Today there is a resurgence in this desire to share thoughts and ideas, music and coffee.

On Holland Ave. on the south side of the Parkway, you can still see the tracks of the West Shore & Buffalo Railroad that ran through South Utica

Black Fly Challenge is a 40-mile mountain bike race that starts in Indian Lake and ends in Inlet. Inlet is known as the mountain biking capitol of the Adirondacks because of its extensive trail systems through beautiful wilderness.

Friday June 12th
Pre-Race Registration Day
9am - 9pm
Pedals & Petals, Rt 28, Inlet
Saturday June 13th
RACE DAY
8am: Shuttle Leaves Inlet for Indian Lake
8-10am: Registration, in Indian Lake
10:30am: Race Begins
Sunday June 14th
Trail Exploration Day!
10am: Advanced Group & Family Fun Rides
meet at Arrowhead Park

In 1927, the Uptown Theatre opened in South Utica with seating for 1,500 people. Kallet Theatre Corp., who built, and own the theatre, also incorporates an orchestra pit, and a motorized stand for the small pipe organ to be used for silent films. The Uptown Theatre was the first "full-time" movie house in Utica. It was also capable of hosting live acts and shows.

The West Shore Railroad ran through the heart of South Utica and the tracks can still be seen near the parkway where it has been turned into a sidewalk. The West Shore Railroad was a railroad from Weehawken, New Jersey across the Hudson River from New York City north along the west shore of the river to Albany and then west to Buffalo. It was organized as a competitor to the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad.

Live at the Uptown -Illusionist Leon Etienne
June 20, 2009 - 7pm

A brand new, critically-acclaimed illusion production. This world-class performance, appropriately titled "The Art of Magic," uses grand illusion and award-winning sleight of hand. Breathtaking, astonishing and captivating!
Website: www.LeonEtienne.com
Ticket Price $12 general, $7 children under 12
Call the Uptown Theatre for tickets! 738-0377

Utica to Uptown and began making webbing. This year the company celebrated 100 years in business and has evolved into the production of engineered webbings and straps for fire fighting, fall protection, military and original equipment manufacturers.

Henry Sturges helped found Utica Suspender Co. in 1909 on Columbia Street in Utica. The company made suspenders and straps. It moved from downtown

Monica Acee's favorite subjects are people and horses. Her work has been seen throughout the country and in magazines like America Artist. You can learn more about her and see her gallery at: www.monicaacee.com

Uptown Automotive
Uptown Automotive is the Biggest Little New and Used Car Showroom in Central New York. Located in the Uptown Plaza in South Utica, this is a hobby show for car nuts. 732-2227
Model Night Every other Wed 7-9pm (next meeting 6/24/09)
Summer hours: Mon-Thurs 4-8pm, Friday 4-6pm, Sat 10am-2pm

Boyd Bissell founder of Heidelberg Baking Company, has created a restaurant in South Utica that transports you to South Europe. The Balkan is only a year old but the old-world atmosphere and excellent food has made it a popular hotspot.

CNY Roller Derby
Sat., June 20
Watch the Utica Clubbers take
on the Albany All-Stars
Doors open at 6pm
JFK Arena, Rome
www.myspace.com/cnyrollerderbyleague

Utica Monday Nite
Heritage Celebration
Monday, June 15 6:30-9pm
Celebrate Utica's Afro-American Heritage at Chancellor Park. Enjoy ethnic music, food and dance. www.uticamondaynite.com

This popular coffee cafe and the not-for-profit gathering space next door are places where the community can have some "face time" and share ideas, music, and coffee. Cafe Domenico 798-8077