Remembering Anne

Anne Schumacher Vaphiadas passed away 3 years ago today.  I made this video several months later as friends and family gathered at Casino Island on the St. Lawrence River to dedicate a plaque and a tree in Anne's memory.  The Alexandria Central School choir sang one of her favorite songs Some Where Over The Rainbow...... Please take a moment to remember Anne.



Memorial from Jim Cummings on Vimeo.

Beware The Ides Of March

Winter Lingers

I was not going to post this because I thought [foolishly] that March was going to be like a lamb.  Apparently we are in for some more wintry weather.  We may as well enjoy a closer look at the beauty of winter.... Frost on my garage door windows



Perception Of Winter from Jim Cummings on Vimeo.

Chance Encounter With A Snowy Owl

Town Of Alexandria:

To get a great picture, the mantra is always be prepared and have a camera ready.  Today it paid off for Robin Garlock Moran.  She has been waiting patiently to get pictures of this elusive bird.  These stunning pictures were taken on the Bailey Settlement Road.....

Catherine Walts American Folk Musician

Alexandria Bay:

At the time these video's were made, Catherine was 87 years old.  She would not tell me how long she had been playing the spoons but she did tell me that the spoons she was using were over 31 years old.  These spoons had the scars and dents of many years of rhythmic  thumping  on her thighs and the heel of her hand.

I know of several Alex Bay natives that were tutored in their youth by Catherine in the art of playing the spoons.  If you  have never seen anyone play the spoons, Catherine was the Grand Master. Catherine passed away at the age of 89 on 3.4.14.

Spoon playing has historical roots in various cultures: Greek, British, Russian and American Folk Music....





Grand Master Playing the Spoons from Jim Cummings on Vimeo.