This is my first winter with bees here in the Hudson valley and a place just opened nearby who were (are) very helpful.
http://www.hudsonvalleybeesupply.com/Some of the advice I've received thus far is to only "dry feed" in winter. First, I put a spacer bar between the frames and the inner cover, then, placed a piece of paper directly on top of the frames and poured sugar on top of the paper. Then, placed the inner cover and cover back on. I haven't checked them since.
But, they said if the bees are in the upper level, they may be getting low on stores, so I guess better safe than sorry. Mine were all over the tops of the frames, so I gave them a pile of sugar to munch on.
I don't know where in NY you are, but if your close to Kingston area you should check the place out.
Rich