TRR photo by Sandy Long

Boilo: A coal country cocktail

By SANDY LONG

NORTHEASTERN PA—Intensely fragrant steam rises from the simmering pot. Fruits, spices and honey swirl in a kaleidoscope of colors and holiday scents of cinnamon, cloves and caraway. Boilo-making has begun.

The traditional Yuletide drink of the anthracite coal region in Northeast and East Central Pennsylvania, Boilo has simmered on coal stoves for many years as generations of miners perfected recipes to sip and share with family and friends during the holiday season.

Coal region lore has it that Boilo helps to fend off seasonal ailments such as colds and flus. The syrupy drink is heated and sipped slowly, encouraging lingering conversations and thoughtful ruminations. As the drink is consumed, its heady fragrance wakes the senses and warms the body.

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Liberty Bell Drop ushers in bicentennial

LIBERTY, NY—A tradition since 1995, Liberty’s annual Bell Drop ceremony on December 31st will be extra special this year, as it marks the official kick-off to the Town of Liberty’s Bicentennial Year, 2007. It will be the first of many events to celebrate the town’s 200 year history.

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Eldred Central School gets into the holiday spirit

ELDRED, NY—Holiday spirit reverberated through the halls of Eldred Jr/Sr High School this past week as students decorated the hallways, toys were collected for Toys for Tots, and bands and choruses performed in the Winter Concert.

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Other stories in this issue:

• All aboard the Polar Express
• Premium Scotch tasting
• Start the year with a bit of inspired nonsense