Join us at the Colgate Bookstore on Wednesday, June 27th at 6pm for a reading and presentation of “A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary Jemison” by Joanne Shenandoah and Rebekah Presson Mosby. The presentation will include music by Joanne Shenandoah, followed by a question and answer session with light refreshments.

“A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary Jemison” is the compelling story of a colonial girl who was captured by Shawnees in 1755 at the outset of the French and Indian War. Mary Jemison, aged 12 at the time, was adopted by two Seneca women and spent the rest of her long life (she lived to be 90) with the Iroquois. She married two Native men and had eight children with them. When she was 80 her story was taken down by James E. Seaver, a minister and amateur historian.

Jemison’s life was filled with adventure and tribulation. When captured, her parents and siblings were killed, a tragedy that haunted her all her life; nevertheless, she came to love her Seneca family. Years later, when offered chances to return to her former home, she chose to stay with her Native family. She lived during the French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars and had hair-raising stories to tell about war, as well as charming and even funny stories about peace time. She lived to see horrific war time brutality and to see three of her sons murdered, two of them by a brother; to be swindled by land speculators, a man posing as a long-lost white relation, and eventually to become a wealthy woman possessing thousands of acres of land in western New York State.

Jemison was named “Digewamis” by her Seneca family but was known as “The White Woman” by all. Hers is one of the great stories in American history.

Joanne Shenandoah, Wolf Clan Oneida, is a Grammy award-winning and internationally known composer and performer whose ancestor, Chief Shenandoah, would likely have known Mary Jemison. Joanne is a member of the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy). Shenandoah’s passionate reading conveys the power of Mary Jemison’s story. “Some of the scenes were hard to read,” says Shenandoah, “At the same time I learned a great deal about an era in our history which was both troubling and challenging”.

The book is on 3 CDs and produced and directed by Rebekah Presson Mosby, who provides an introduction. DougGeorge-Kanentiio (Mohawk) is technical advisor and James Wunderlich at Orbital Sound the audio producer.

“A Narrative of the Life of Mrs. Mary Jemison” is available both on CD and as an audio download.

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Join us at the Colgate Bookstore on Wednesday, May 23rd at 6:30pm for a book signing and presentation by Chuck D’Imperio, an award-winning radio broadcaster and newspaper columnist. Enjoy his lively stories of the region, its people, events and folk tales. Refreshments will be provided.

“Graves of Upstate New York” presents a fascinating look at the lives and deaths of 100 legendary Americans who are laid to rest in Upstate New York. D’Imperio takes readers on a journey across the state, visiting an array of famous New York grave sites, from Mark Twain, Harriet Tubman, and James Fenimore Cooper to Helen Hayes, Lucille Ball, four US presidents, a Kentucky Derby–winning horse, and the most famous one-legged tap dancer in the world. D’Imperio tells the story of each individual, along with photographs and detailed information about the cemetery. From West Point to Lake Placid to Buffalo and all points north, south, east, and west, Graves of Upstate New York offers a cultural tour across the great expanse of Upstate New York in search of its famous residents and their lasting legacies.

“Chuck D’Imperio is an Upstate New York treasure who proves time and again his encyclopedic knowledge of Upstate and all its charms. . . . From ‘Queen of Comedy’ Lucille Ball’s heart-engraved headstone in Jamestown to abolitionist John Brown’s glass-enclosed marker in North Elba to industrialist/philanthropist Andrew Carnegie’s Scottish stone monument in Sleepy Hollow and points in between, this fascinating travel guide will inspire the reader to hit the road and tour these intriguing historic sites and their communities. Highly recommended!” ~ Lori Chien chief librarian, Jervis Public Library

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Join us at the Colgate Bookstore on Saturday, April 14th at 1:30pm for a book signing and presentation by local author and veterinarian Frank Martorana. The cruelty of dog fighting, veganism vs. a meat inclusive diet, the credibility of veterinarians who enjoy hunting, and even the very notion of pet ownership, are hot button topics Frank Martorana weaves into his new novel, Taking on Lucinda. And it all happens while the reader enjoys a wild ride, as protagonist veterinarian, Kent Stephenson, battles to protect the people and animals in his town from a cult that thrives on all that animal lovers despise.

Dr. Martorana says, “My primary goal was to write a page-turner, with all the requisite arson, murder, and mayhem, but I also wanted it to shed a good light on our profession. By the time I looked up, I had a three-book series, The Kent Stephenson Thrillers.” (Books number two and three are complete and currently in production.)

“Martorana produces a compelling story starring an engaging hero…descriptions are strong. Both sides of the animal rights controversy are well-presented. A vet with investigative chops and his loyal coonhound make an appealing duo in this original story.” — Kirkus Reviews

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Join us at the Colgate Bookstore for a book signing with Chef Jet on Wednesday, February 28th, from 4:30pm – 5:30pm, sponsored by the Colgate Dining Services! Copies of his latest cookbook, 101 Asian Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die will be available for purchase.

Our sponsor Chartwells will also have samplings from his cookbook available.

From the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Normandie Avenue in the heart of Los Angeles to the Las Vegas Strip; from backyard cooking classes to battling legends on “Iron Chef America” — Jet Tila has carved a singular niche as a culinary storyteller.

Thanks to his diverse background and education, Tila is as comfortable as chef and consultant as he is teacher and student in the art of food. His numerous accomplishments in the culinary world continue to grow. In 2013 alone, Tila has partnered with the Compass Group, the world’s largest food-service company, to launch Modern Asian Kitchen, a new fast-casual Pan-Asian concept with locations nationwide. He is also set to separately open Kuma Snow Cream, a shaved-ice concept launching in Las Vegas this spring, all while continuing to build on his extensive national TV and radio appearances as a guest judge on “Chopped,” as well as hosting his own radio show on KLAA in Los Angeles.

Tila grew up in his family’s restaurant kitchens and markets in Los Angeles, home to the world’s largest Thai population outside of Thailand. As a boy, he spent time learning the ancient traditions of Asian cuisine from his Cantonese grandmother and working in the famed Bangkok Market, which opened in 1972, and Royal Thai restaurant, which opened in 1978. “I call it birth luck,” he says. “I was born into the ‘first family’ of Thai food in Los Angeles. My parents came here separately in 1966 and went on to open the first restaurants and grocery stores in this country and I was the kid doing homework in the back corner of the restaurant.”
Not initially sure if he would pursue a career in the kitchen, in his 20s, Tila says he “got it together” and decided to build a foundation for his passion and completed his culinary education at Le Cordon Bleu, establishing a framework of classical French technique to match his extensive knowledge of Asian cooking. He also completed an intensive study program at the California Sushi Academy. “My food is predominantly Thai and Chinese because it was the food I was exposed to growing up,” he notes. “And my cooking overall represents the neighborhood I grew up in LA: between Thai Town, Chinatown, Koreatown, and Little Tokyo.”

Combining kitchen experience with the bold new world of food media was a natural move for Tila, whose backyard cooking classes attracted the attention of the Los Angeles Times. He has successfully transitioned from subject to producer by writing for the Times and contributing to many other publications and multimedia platforms, including National Public Radio, the Food Network, and his appearances on the “CBS Early Show,” “No Reservations,” “Best Thing I Ever Ate,” and battling legendary Chef Masaharu Morimoto on “Iron Chef America,” among many more. A highly sought-after consultant, Tila opened the cafe at Google headquarters in Silicon Valley and also currently maintains a wildly popular Asian food line through Schwan’s Home Service.

He keeps close to his roots by conducting “Melting Pot Food Tours” of Thai Town in Los Angeles, offering participants a curated tour of his favorite aspects of the neighborhood. In 2009, Tila debuted the acclaimed Wazuzu, a brilliant take on Pan-Asian dining, at Steve Wynn’s Encore casino and resort on the Las Vegas Strip, which he was tapped to open in a record 98 days. More recently, he launched Bistronomics, an acclaimed series of pop-up restaurant experiences in Los Angeles.

Tila has also set three world records: for creating the world’s largest stir fry (4,010 lbs.); the world’s largest seafood stew (6,656 lbs.); and the largest California roll (422 ft.).

Tila’s current and future projects promise to bring him and his culinary skills to more prominence. He is currently working with the Compass Group to open Modern Asian Kitchen, a fast-casual Pan-Asian concept with locations nationwide, and is branching out on his own to open Kuma Snowcream, a shaved-ice concept launching in Las Vegas in spring 2013—the product of which he says is “like fresh, powdered snow, but that is creamy and tastes like ice cream.” “At this point, I am interested in creating concepts, not just one-offs,” he says. “I am and always will be a chef, but I am also always interested in new ways to combine cooking, business, and communication, since I enjoy all of them as much as I enjoy teaching people about where I come from through my food.”

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Whether you are a long-time fan of Dr. Seuss stories, or have yet to be introduced to his classic book, “The Lorax”, all are invited to ‘Seuss Saturday’ in Hamilton, NY on Saturday, March 3rd. Join us as we celebrate Seuss stories old and new.

There will be a variety of activities for all ages at different times & locations throughout the village. Come to just one, or come to them all! Admission to the day’s programs and activities is free.

Gear up for Seuss Saturday! February 9th – March 2nd

“Where is The Lorax?” — The Lorax will be visiting different local businesses as he gets ready to celebrate Seuss Saturday. Stop by the Hamilton Public Library each week to look for clues about where he’s been and write down your best guess. If you guess correctly, your name will be entered into a Friday drawing to win a Dr. Seuss book from the Colgate Bookstore! We have four books to give away and you can participate once every week to try to track that elusive Lorax as he makes his way around town!

March 3rd – Seuss Saturday Schedule of Events

10:30 a.m. — Hamilton Public Library [13 Broad Street]
The village of Hamilton Mayor, RuthAnn Loveless, will kick off the celebrations by making a public declaration establishing Seuss Saturday 2018! A special story time will follow the proclamation to celebrate Seuss and share his story of “The Lorax”.

11:30 a.m. – Hamilton Movie Theater [7 Lebanon Street]
Enjoy a free showing of the 2012 comedy “The Lorax” based on the Seuss classic, sponsored by Dr. Devan R. Berry, DDS. Don’t forget to order some Hop on Pop popcorn! Plus, celebrate Rogers Environmental Education Center’s 50th anniversary with special birthday treats! Friends from Rogers will present a brief talk on the importance of being kind to trees.

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Colgate Bookstore [3 Utica Street, 3rd Floor Events Room]
Stop by between 2-3pm to meet the Lorax and make special seed plantings, sponsored by the Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center. All Dr. Seuss books and toys will be 30% off!

3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Arts at the Palace [19 Utica Street, The Underground]
Enjoy a live-action storytelling of “The Lorax” in the Underground. Local children will act out the story as it is told aloud. Take photos in a Seussical photo booth, design kindness rocks, and enjoy the show!

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On Saturday, December 16th at 10:30am, meet Mouse at the Colgate Bookstore! Story time will be followed by cookies and crafts. This event is free and open to children of all ages.

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Calling all booklovers!

Come to our annual reception on Tuesday, November 28th from 6pm – 7pm to receive free books, and enter to win more! Enjoy locally made refreshments and receive expert personal assistance while shopping for the holidays.

Here’s how it works: Our friends in publishing have donated great books, which we combine into bundles. For every book you purchase at the reception, you’ll receive one raffle ticket. Browse through the bundles to find the perfect collection. Then, place your raffle ticket on the bundle of your choice, and see if you are the winner! All drawings for book bundles will be held at 7:00pm. You need not be present to win.

Want even more free books? Come browse our huge collection of free advance reading copies – including books that haven’t even been published yet!

This event is open to book club members and the general public. Book club members will receive double stamps for every book purchased that night.

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Join us at Flour and Salt Bakery on Tuesday, October 3rd at 6:30pm for a book reading by Colgate author Greg Ames! Copies of his books will be available for purchase.

Vivid, witty and surprising, Greg Ames’s stories will move you in unexpected ways.” —Claire Messud, author of The Burning Girl

“Funeral Platter is a wonderful, witty collection of very funny and unusual short stories. Its singular characters, truly inventive premises, and manic, propulsive prose make for breakneck reading. Yet, without you knowing how it happened, these stories become genuinely insightful about our darkest secret: our loneliness.” —Dana Spiotta, author of The Innocents and Others

From the author of the award-winning novel Buffalo Lockjaw comes a powerful collection of darkly humorous short stories. A young girl uses a burnt log for her ventriloquist act; Franz Kafka and an unnamed narrator cruise a dive bar for women; a grieving couple stage and execute their own funeral; a son brings hot chowder to his caged parents. This stunning collection—packed with moments of violence and tenderness—explores the humor and unease of modern life. Since he first began publishing his fiction, Greg Ames has been praised for his willingness to take risks and the strength and freshness of his voice. Assembled here for the first time, this collection brings together the best work from a brilliant American writer, a playful and innovative artist. In these twenty original short stories, Greg Ames earns his place as one of the best writers of his generation.

In the tradition of Etgar Keret, Greg Ames’ prose style ties together the absurd hilarity and deep anguish of contemporary life. These wildly inventive stories will appeal to readers who thirst for a unique, deeply humane voice.

Greg Ames is the author of Buffalo Lockjaw, a novel that won a NAIBA Book of the Year Award. His work has appeared in numerous journals, magazines, and anthologies, including Best American Nonrequired Reading, Southern Review, McSweeney’s, North American Review, Catapult, and The Sun. He splits his time between Brooklyn and Hamilton, New York, where he is an associate professor at Colgate University.

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Join us in Hamilton, NY as we celebrate our second annual village-wide Halloween Party on October 31st! Enjoy some spooktacular fun with costume competitions, crafts, trick-or-treating, and a movie! Safe fun for the whole family. Check out the full schedule of events below.

From 3pm – 4pm, head over to the Colgate Bookstore for a “Lego Batman” Halloween Party! There will be pizza, crafts, and goodie bags.

Then, join the Costume Parade down Lebanon Street from 4pm – 4:30pm. Local shops will hand out treats as the children parade through town. Lebanon Street will be closed for traffic from 3:30pm – 4:30pm for safety.

Starting at 4:30pm, the Hamilton Movie Theater will play the 2017 film, “The Lego Batman Movie” (rated PG) for FREE, thanks to the Colgate Bookstore, who sponsored the movie.

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Join us for a book signing on October 28th at 10am with Nancy Fuller, host of a” Farmhouse Rules”, a cooking show on Food Network. Copies of her bestselling cookbook will be available for signing and purchase after her talk and food sampling.

Born on a 500-acre dairy farm in upstate New York, Nancy Fuller’s childhood instilled in her a love and respect for food, farmers, and the land where it is grown. After completing her education and in the throes of raising her farm family, Nancy purchased a local 1950s motel, added a restaurant, which eventually led to a successful 25-year career as a caterer. She honed her cooking style and received her training by feeding a family of eight, three times a day, seven days a week. In 2006 Nancy invested in her husband David’s company Ginsberg’s Foods, the largest independent food distribution company in the Hudson Valley. As co-owner and Executive Vice President of Ginsberg’s Foods, Nancy’s greatest influence has been to emphasize the importance in expanding the availability and quality of fresh, in season, products from the local farmers within the community. Nancy hosts an in-kitchen show on Food Network, Farmhouse Rules.

Finishing its seventh season, Farmhouse Rules has inspired millions of viewers with her personal mission to put the family back at the dinner table. Nancy’s natural charisma on camera has quickly established her as a staple on Food Network’s weekend line-up. Filmed on location at her 18th –century farmhouse, the show also provides Nancy another vehicle to advocate for the region’s hard-working farmers continuing to promote the farm to table movement, which she has long supported.

The recipes, food, friends and family on her show embody her philosophy of feeding others with simple delicious meals from the heart. Nancy serves as a judge for Food Network’s hit series Holiday Baking Championship, Spring Baking Championship, Clash of the Grandmas, Guilty Pleasures and most recently, Dessert Games. The shows have garnered over two million viewers and have been renewed for additional seasons. Nancy has also made appearances on Home & Family (Hallmark Channel), Today Show, Rachael Ray Show, The Chew, The Kitchen, In the Kitchen with David (QVC), and Wendy Williams. Nancy’s debut cookbook, published in October 2015, was featured multiple times in People Magazine, made the USA Today Best Seller List, and the Wall Street Journal’s Best Seller List. True to Nancy’s style her cookbook, titled Farmhouse Rules, highlights the area she loves and calls home. Nancy crafted recipes that are near and dear, influenced by personal stories, and feature her easy, “chop chop in the pot,” entertaining style.

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