A Public and Family Business: Lain's Cider Mill - Canisteo, NY

As promised, here's an informative, but informal Lain's Cider Mill Tour:

1.  Import the Apples.  As I mentioned in the other post, they don't own an orchard themselves, which is kinda interesting considering they have one of the best cider mills I've ever been to.  Although if you're going to do something well, focusing your efforts is a great way to do a great job.  Anyways, they make it work.  Something I was impressed by is that they bring in all their apples from local providers.  This just makes sense because the raw product is going to be healthy, have higher yield and it definitely keeps transportation (and operation) costs down for everyone involved. Additionally, they bring in a wide variety of apples.  In the picture, you can see there are about 12 large crates of apples and each one was a different variety - some of which I never heard of sold in grocery stores.  So chances are, if you can think of a type of apple, they had it.  Also, you're free to try out any apple for free, right from the crate.  Don't like it, or don't finish it? Throw it in the white bucket there in the background: the cows aren't as picky or wasteful as you.

2.  Clean those Apples! When it's time to make cider, they dump all the apples onto a conveyor belt (that they built themselves) and it goes into the cleaner.  The man explaining the process to me said this is once of the places where they are distinct in their operation.  At the end of the ride, apples are dumped into a washer and spinning brush cleaner.  The cleaning process is obvious, but the brushes are especially designed to pull all the excess of the apples.  The bristles of the brush tears away and removes the stems, leaves and any other impurities.  The picture here is the bottom of the washer-brusher and contains all the junk that usually ends up in your cider.  No stems, sticks or leaves in my cider thank you very much!

3. Under Pressure.  Back when the mill started in the 1940s, apples were sent to the manual press where the operator used a number of large bolts to press down on the fruit.  They still own their manual press and it is on display.  I couldn't take a picture of it because the sun was setting and it was too dark.  Today, they used an automatic (hydraulic) press, which takes considerably less effort and less time.  The picture doesn't give it justice, but that red bar is actually a large metal plate and it presses the apples into the wooden base.  Overtime, the sweet apple juice comes out of the slot and into a strainer, sending the juice to be mixed with the other ingredient while leaving the solid apple film left at the top.  I didn't ask what they did with the film, but they put it in a machine, presumably where all the other firms are kept.  Unique to this mill compared to the other ones I've been to, you can come here and bring your own apples and they will press them for you.  And even though it's not a free service, it's cheaper than buying from any grocery store for the amount you get.  This is of special interest to me for two reasons.  #1: You could try out different ciders from the different apples provided by the mill over the course of several years.  I can only imagine all the different flavors apple cider can have.  #2: You can also throw other fruits into the press as well to get even more different tasting ciders.  If you know the McClains, they own both an apple and pear tree.  Just for kicks, they were going to visit here this week and throw some pears into their cider mix.

4.  Mix it Up! The juice is then moved from the press into the mixing basin where all the other ingredients needed for accelerating the fermenting process are added.  It would be important to note here that when you buy from the mill directly, they don't put any preservatives into the cider.  Why?  Although preservatives do make the cider last longer, it also corrupts that delicious flavor.  Having put so much effort into keeping the product fresh and clean, why take away all that hard work by adding chemicals?  And besides, they know and you know that cider isn't going to last more than a week in your fridge anyways - even if you do buy a gallon.  Also, this probably saves them a little money too.

5. Still not Impressed?  They do sell more than just apples and cider at the mill.  In fact, we ended up buying two dozen donuts as well.  Of course they make the donuts themselves on site.  They only come in two flavors though: plain and cinnamon.  Now, I'm not a huge fan of plain donuts, but even those were extraordinarily delicious.  They're in the back near the manual press I was telling you about.  And speaking of that old manual press, that is where they sell their hard cider kits.  Personally, I'm not much into any product that has or could make alcohol, but when we visit next year (and there will be a visit), I might purchase a kit.  Not only does it include everything you need to make it, but it comes in a variety of flavors: apple, pear, blueberries, apricots... basically any fruity flavor you can think of.  So if you're over 21, maybe that might peak your interest.

That's all I got.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.  I strongly recommend you just take the trip yourself.  Too late for this season?  Don't worry, there is always next year.

Apple Weekend in Alfred

It seems like forever since Andrea and I spent a weekend in Alfred and the course of events have gone well (barring the AU/A-State graduation trip with Kellie).  But this weekend was different in a marvelous way.

When we arrived in good ol' Alfred, it was lunchtime, so we headed down to see "new and improved" 'Jet with Adam and Anna.  Conversation was a little bit of catching up and, somehow, talking about the first (and maybe only) vacation I took with Andrea's family during the first year we were dating.  The vacation was a pretty dramatic experience for me, but now in hindsight, it's all waves of laughter.  The food there was just as good as I remembered, but I was a bit disappointed in the atmosphere.  Maybe because it was Parent's weekend at the University, but maybe because it isn't as cozy at it used to be, but was a little strange not eating at the traditional location.  I'll get over it.  Bacon Meter still gives it 4/5.

After lunch we went geocaching; but even with boy scout (Adam) we were still unable to find the cache hidden around Kanakadea Creek.  At this point, I had lost the point-and-shoot camera (at the 'Jet), so no pictures of the adventure.  Sorry!

Per Kellie's suggestion, the four of us headed to Lain's Cider Mill before dinner.  Getting there proved to be just as much as a struggle as looking for our cache, but 45-minutes and a phone call later we arrived to the sweet smell of apples and a homegrown apple milling operation.

Also, this:

It may not look like much on the outside, but there's a good reason why Lain's Cider Mill has been in local business since the 1940s.  I'll detail the operation in a blog immediately following this one, but with the exception of picking the apples (because there's no orchard within the immediate proximity), they are the true definition of friendly, high-quality, and family owned business.  The people were very friendly, polite and informative - all things you have come to expect if you happened to have known Jamie Lain in your Alfred years.  On site when we visited: 12 huge crates of apples of all different sorts, apple pies, apple cider, plain and cinnamon donuts, and a make-you-own hard cider kits in apple, blueberry, blackberry, peach, apricot and other flavors, complete with the classic glass jugs.  So if you're ever in the area, this is a must see attraction.

The rest of the day was pretty much dinner and a movie (The Great Escape [1963]).  Oh, and the Penguins won their third pre-season game.

Sunday was a visit to InverVarsity Chapel in the morning, the recovery of the point-and-shoot camera, and a whole day of making apple delicacies such as apple pies, apple dumplings, apple rings, applesauce, and caramel apples with chocolate.  Where did all the apples come from?  The McClain's apple tree.  Although the food was delicious, what made the day was the fellowship.  It was nice being able to catchup and chat with Marissa and Nadine after not having the opportunity very much of either of them the last few semesters.

The trip back was enjoyable because I knew it was a weekend well spent.  And the house wasn't destroyed by Penelo.  Best weekend in a while.

7 Quick Takes

-ONE-

After working at BCC for four weeks now, everything seems to be running smoothly and successfully.  I'm finally working at a job I enjoy and I think most of the students are picking up well on the material.  Never did I think I would be teaching at a college and I certainly didn't think I would have this much fun doing it.  My only regret is that I don't have more classes - maybe next semester.

-TWO-

My mom came down from Vermont last night on another "all-of-a-sudden-but-for-no-reason" visit.  Pleasantly, it looks like Jeff (my mom's boyfriend) is getting a promotion and possibly moving someplace closer to Binghamton.  Both Mom and Jeff seem delighted by the news.  I wouldn't mind if she lived a bit closer either, because I think she would enjoy being involved in the many activities that our church does.  My prayers are in God's hands.

-THREE-

Saturday's End of Summer and ice cream party seemed to have gone well.  Although it was not the usual bunch of people we have during these parties, it was refreshing and enjoyable to see some new faces and different interactions.  Tomorrow, Andrea and I are going to another party with many of the same people invited (and this time going)!  Should be great.

-FOUR-

OH! And I can't believe I didn't remember until now, but our team - with all members attending, for once - finally won trivia on Monday night.  Although I didn't really help too much, it was fun after so many weeks of going to be on the winning side.  Notable highlights: I knew who the 2006 Sexiest Male (George Clooney), and the 90s boxer with the nickname "The Real Deal" (Holyfield).  We return this Monday night to defend our (possible fluke) victory.

-FIVE-

I start teaching my Sunday School class in two days and I don't know what my first lesson is or what the overall objectives are going to be.  Last Sunday I received a model of the Second Biblical temple that was supposed to serve as a guide for many, many weeks of Old Testament explorations in Christian symbolism.  However, upon reading about Solomon's Temple in the Bible, I came to the conclusion that the Second Biblical temple was the one started by Ezra and Nehemiah, then extended on by Herod, which is why it's most commonly known has "Herod's Temple."   So now I'm up the creek.  At least I have a really sweet Biblical timeline wrapping around the classroom, maybe I'll do something with that.

-SIX-

I was reading an article this morning about how NYSEG (or REG RG&E, if you're from Rochester), will be increasing rate hikes.  Listen, I know its a recession and we already have one of the highest utility bills in the country.  Walk a bit in their shoes.  This is the first rate hike in 17 years; if you're working for a company for 17 years, how'd you feel about it?  This is overdue, and besides, "death and taxes."  If you're really upset about it, turn down the heat a few degrees, turn off the AC, take shorter showers, etc.  Maybe now it'll be a good time to start looking into some personal, alternative energy sources instead of buying that very unnecessary big screen TV.

-SEVEN-

Because I hate doing it during the final months, I have already started my Christmas shopping and putting together my Christmas list.  In every year since college, I have been told that I am a difficult person to shop for.  Well, I'm making up for it this year; my personal want list has already started.  No whining this year!  

Check out Jen's site too!

Cheap Change #3

So in a long overdue blog, I want to announce my official (and foreseeable) retirement from JCPenney's.

I started working there back in October 2008, thinking it was going like most of my other jobs: work hard for about a year, then quit because I had a better job lined up.  Well, as you can obviously tell, this wasn't going to fall into the "like most of my other jobs" category.  From October 2008 through August 2009, I worked there until I started my student teaching.  Because of the "great promise" that math teachers will "surely be hired immediately after student teaching" plan did work the way I was told, I stuck around until BCC hired me three weeks ago.

By far and large, this was the most difficult annoying job I ever had: it paid minimum wage, it dulled the mind, and it was in retail.  On the best days - which were few and far between - you felt you accomplished something and the mangers treated you like a human being.   Most days were filled with monotony - without encouraging or rewarding creativity - and you were treated like you never knew what you were doing.  Perhaps this feeling was exhausted in full because I had a mechanical engineering degree when I started and then obtained a Masters in Teaching as I was there, while many of my co-workers and supervisors held no degrees at all.

I won't say though that the job was all bad though.  Throughout the two years I worked there, I met a few cool people (my co-workers) who were open to having real conversations and dialog about the tough stuff in (each other's) life.  Although, admittedly, it sometimes happened during company time instead of break time, but you had to do something to pass the time.  I learned what it's like to have (another) crap job so now I can better respect the worker who has nothing but that dead-end job.  And I always found value in spending time and talking with struggling students, unemployed teachers, single-mothers, and grandparents that really run JCPenney's store 0130.

Why titled Cheap Change?  For some reason, lazy employees loved leaving spare change and empty returnable bottles among their other possessions that needed to be thrown away.  So at the request of the management I enlisted myself in the "clean-up efforts" and collected  $3.05 in pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters, and another $0.80 in 5-cent returnable bottles.  It's a dirty job, but someone not named Mike Rowe has to do it.

Also, when we headed up to the Great New York State Fair, we found a $20 bill on the ground with no one around in sight to claim it.  For those that don't know, Andrea and I adopt a boy in Burkina Faso through Compassion named Adama, and he will be receiving a generous birthday gift this year. If you don't sponsor a child through Compassion, we strongly recommend that you do so.  It's only $38 - a buck and some pennies a day - and it provides the child with nutritious foods, healthcare and basic education.  And if that is too much of a cost or commitment, also check out the many different events they do throughout the year; the biggest one - Operation Christmas Child - is coming up.

Cheap Change #3: $23.85
Cheap Change Total: $54.06

Gotta Hurry, Friday is almost over!

-- ONE --

Apart from not having an e-mail address for a week and half and a key that doesn't unlock my office, teaching at BCC has been a great experience so far.  I don't think the students (will) think the same once I get done grading their quizzes today, but I'm very thankful and happy about the opportunity to work there.

-- TWO --

My car (the Saturn) has been smelling like melting chemicals over the past few weeks.  Turns out that was my cabin air filter doing just that.  I had the time this week to take my monthly Midus trip and got everything taken care of.  Now it smells like minty, melting chemicals. Mmmmm, so good!

-- THREE --

Didn't go to church last Sunday and I'm regretting that I didn't for beyond the obvious reasons of going.  Our pastor cut his Achilles tendon clean in half the previous Saturday and missed his sermon while hyped up on pain medications.  Worse yet, he still hasn't had surgery and won't be until Wednesday.  Pray for his safe recovery and the family's sanity.

-- FOUR --

Got a letter from Harpursville about the new substitute procedures.  No, I won't bore you with that.  I just want to mention that NYS public schools start 5 days from today and I'm excited to be subbing there again.  Although I probably won't enjoy it more than teaching at BCC.  Currently, it looks like I'm only registered to sub at Harpursville and Broome-Tioga BOCES.  I'm not counting Union-Endicott until they actually call me someday: 2 months and counting.  I heard about subs needed at Chenango Forks.  Maybe I'll take my business there.

-- FIVE --

Tomorrow is my last day of work at JCPenney's. I'm thrilled beyond words.  There will be a separate entry about that later next week though.  No spoilers here.

-- SIX --

There has been a spirit of refreshment and renewal going around in my area of the neighborhood lately.  This week the loud neighbors next door were evicted, Andrea and I cleaned and rearranged our apartment, the downstairs neighbors cleaned and rearranged their apartment, and the landlord hired a guy who owns about 5 different chainsaws to cut down all the misbehaving trees that near or (in some cases) in our apartment, but also taking extra care to trim and maintenance all the beautiful and nicely-behaved trees.  When I came home to the sight, I envied him for owning so many chainsaws.  sigh.

-- SEVEN --

I took my only summer student out for ice cream today to celebrate her passing the Algebra 2 and Trig regents.  We went to Pat Mitchel's in Endicott (not Binghamton), and it was the best ice cream I've had while living in the Southern Tier -- hands down.  We also had some great conversation as well.  As thankful as she was for my tutoring service, I am just as thankful (if not more so) to be given the chance to teach and watch her succeed.  It gave me a confidence boost in my early teaching career and paying for a lick of ice cream in the dog days of summer was more than worth it.

The end of summer is upon us.  Before you know it, we'll be in the middle of our eight months of winter.

Check out Jen's stuff too at Conversation Diary.

Peace!