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On today’s Episode:
Authors Along the Mohawk: Deirdre Sinnott
Sharry talks with local author Deirdre Sinnott following a packed reading and book signing at the Kirkland Art Center in Clinton. Sinnott discusses her new historical novel, The Loyalist’s Wife, set along the Mohawk River during the American Revolution and centered on a woman whose support for independence puts her at odds with her Loyalist husband.
She also shares the inspiration behind her first novel, The Third Mrs. Galway, which grew from her research into Utica’s surprisingly active role in the Underground Railroad. Sinnott talks about uncovering overlooked local history, the importance of bringing women’s experiences into historical fiction, and how her own life experiences have influenced the characters she creates.
Deirdre will be talking about the real history behind the book as well as selling and signing books. Tramontane Cafe, Utica, Sunday, August 9th, 2pm, 2026
To learn more or purchase her books visit: www.deirdresinnott.com
Maggie’s Garden: Bee Balm
It’s deep summer, and Maggie Reilley’s native gardens in New York Mills are buzzing with bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. Sharry visits Maggie to explore one of the garden’s pollinator favorites: bee balm.
Maggie introduces several native varieties, from the familiar bright-red scarlet bee balm to lavender wild bergamot and the unusual spotted bee balm. She explains which growing conditions each prefers, why a little mildew usually isn’t cause for concern, and how these plants provide valuable food and habitat for native pollinators. We also learn why Maggie leaves the hollow stems standing through winter to give native bees a place to shelter.
Upcoming Garden Tours! Garden Tour in Clinton Saturday, August 22nd, 2026, 10am-12pm
Public Welcome Registration Required, Free Event, Home/Private Garden Tour
MV Soundscape: Green Frog
Naturalist Matt Perry takes us to a beaver pond on a warm August morning, where the wetlands are alive with dragonflies, painted turtles and the distinctive call of the green frog — a sound often compared to the pluck of a loose banjo string.
We learn how male green frogs establish territories along the shoreline, how their tadpoles may spend a year or two developing in the water, and why beaver ponds provide such valuable habitat. It’s a late-summer visit to one of the Mohawk Valley’s vibrant wetlands and a closer look at one of the familiar voices of August.
Sunset Tour, Wednesday, August 12th, 7:15-8:30pm, 2026 Registration Required, Click Here!
