Jan 02, 2013 — For most of us, Jan. 1 marks the end of the holiday season, whether that's a sad goodbye or a relief.

But for some Christians, including many of the Amish people in the North Country, Jan. 6 is another day of celebration: Epiphany, or "Old Christmas."

Karen Johnson-Weiner is a professor of linguistic Anthropology at SUNY Potsdam. She's been working with the North County's Amish for years.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Dec 31, 2012 — Jazz at the Ten Spot host Guy Berard and Radio Bob Sauter take us over the calendrical cliff with five full hours of favorites and requests.  Go to full article

Ogdensburg, NY, Dec 24, 2012 — Getting your kids' pictures taken with Santa Claus has been a longtime holiday ritual for many. In recent years another group has begun vying for Santa's attention--pets--and a picture of an awkward dog or an annoyed looking cat in Father Christmas' lap has become a fairly common site on the mantle.

In Ogdensburg on the day after Thanksgiving last year, Amvets Auxiliary post 19 invited people to come out to Tractor Supply with their pets to meet Santa. The event was a benefit for St. Jude Children's research hospital. Nora Flaherty's dog gets nervous in crowds, so she stayed home--but Nora did bring her recorder for this Heard Up North:  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Dec 11, 2012 — Long time friends and musical collaborators Barb Heller and Danny Gotham have a new CD for the holidays. Todd Moe caught up with the duo for the story behind All through the Night, and Barb and Danny shared some of their favorite holiday music for two guitars.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Dec 10, 2012 — The Canton Goldenaires have been singing four-part harmonies for fifty years now. They're a chorus, not a quartet, but their sound is very much what you'd expect from a barbershop group--although they don't wear the striped blazers and boater hats.

You might think a barbershop group, with its old-timey singing style, would attract a distinctly older demographic. But the Goldenaires' singers range in age from 28 to 78.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Dec 03, 2012 — Firs, pines, cedars and spruces: all choices for the evergreens we bring in our homes during the winter holidays. Cooperative Extension horticulturist AmY Ivy sorts through the details of each with Martha Foley. And there's a warning, too: no gathering greens on private property without permission.  Go to full article

Heuvelton, NY, Nov 30, 2012 — Traditional Arts in Upstate New York opens its 10th annual Gingerbread Contest and Exhibit Saturday in Canton. The Pierce family of Heuvelton will have an entry, just like every other year the contest has been around.

Julie Grant met recently with Carolyn Pierce and a handful of her seven children, who range in age from seven to 20. Reggie, the oldest, is now in college. He was 10 the first year they entered. That year they attempted a gingerbread replica of their church in Heuvelton.

In the years that have followed, they've made the Remington Tavern, the Quiltmaker's gift castle, and their own barn. They've even won the TAUNY contest a few times.

Mother Carolyn Pierce says it was Aunt Eloise, also known as Faye White, who first encouraged them to get into gingerbread making.  Go to full article

Dec 23, 2011 — A lot of people don't want to get caught up in the consumerism of the holidays. But often family and friends expect to get gifts from loved ones. Julie Grant spent time with one family where gift-giving is a real struggle.  Go to full article

Ogdensburg, NY, Dec 23, 2011 — 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.  Go to full article

Potsdam, , Dec 20, 2011 — 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.  Go to full article