Mohawk Valley Express Volume 3 Number 1 January 2023

FREE Daniel Enea

3rd Generation Funeral Director

VOLUME 3: NUMBER 1

JANUARY 2023

Snow much fun!

By Carol Vogel

Frank Boepple knows his way around the Salisbury Ridgerunners Club. The former President has held every office and even cooks for events.

Snowmobiling has been in his blood for a while too. He even met his wife snowmobiling! He loves to see the members coming together – whether it’s working to maintain the club’s over 140 miles of trails, helping the community, or having dinner and drinks with

friends at the club for members.

Friday night Fish Frys.

“The mission of the Salisbury Ridgerunners Salisbury Ridgerunners is the largest club in Club, Inc. is to provide a NYS and is well known safe family environment for its membership, and advance the land holdings, and general welfare and recreational events. The safety of snowmobilers, club was founded in hikers, cross-country 1971 by a small group of skiers, and all winter snowmobile enthusiasts enthusiasts. This shall in the garage of Sonny be accomplished through and Betty Moore in education, maintenance, Salisbury. It was formed addressing landowner with 41 charter members concerns promptly, and and recently celebrated compliance with all local, its 50th anniversary in state, and federal laws.

2021 with over 1,700 Everyone is invited to

The Snowball Effect

By Katie Drake

The common perception seems to be that change

is like a light switch.

Someone or something flips that switch on, and then that one “big thing”

Salisbury Ridgerunners Where Old Friends Meet. Photo by Janadene Stallman, used with permission.

join the club so they may enjoy the many benefits.”

As part of the New York State Snowmobile

happens that defines the before and the after.

the shift in the majority of people speaking positively about their I see change more like town or city. a snowball. It starts with a bunch of small things. Or the person who Snowflake size things bought a house in what that gain traction as they was considered a runget rolling and, together, down neighborhood and amount to big things. fixed it up. Then helped their neighbors organize For me, it has been an effort to clean up and exciting to see what I improve their section of like to call “The Snowball town.

Effect” revitalization of many Upstate New York Small things, like cities like Little Falls. supporting small businesses and shopping It’s small things, like locally.

Association (NYSSA), the club’s website states, “…NYS has over 10,000 miles of marked and Please See SNOW Page 3

Volunteers who do everything from picking up garbage on the highway to helping out at one of our city’s nonprofits.

Small things like that one person who had an idea then formed or joined a committee to start or build that something.

The expansion of major businesses and the start of new ones.

These small things add Please See EFFECT Page 2

W W W . M Y L I T T L E F A L L S . C O M

BILL MACRI

ASSOCIATE BROKER C: 315.360.1920 O: 315.866.2209 bill.joemacrirealty@gmail.com joemacrirealty.com

235 S. Main St. Herkimer, NY 13350

M O H A W K Page 2

EFFECT From Page 1 up to bigger things, such as the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant that was awarded to Little Falls in 2022 and is certainly a game changer.

V A L L E Y

JANUARY 2023

E X P R E S S

the financial institutions, and the favorite local spots like Ed & Buds, Our little city is far Main Street, do you see That Little Place on from perfect, but then all the cool architecture Main, Il Café, Ruggerio’s, beauty is in the eye of and great places to shop, or Ed’s Pizza? Or the the beholder. What do like Chickweed, White new businesses like you see when you look Rose Bakery, Paca Rock City Center, Nicki Marie’s, or Main Street around?

Gardens, and Loft 32.

Mercantile? Do you When you walk down Do you notice the spa, notice the resilient pillars, like Best Buy Appliances, Rick the Barber, Pohlig’s, and Designs by Shelly, to name a few? Do you see the positive changes in Canal Place with Rock Valley Brewing Company, all the businesses within Rock City Development, Ann Street Deli, Mustard Seed, Little Falls Diamonds, and the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts?

sad,” or “Little Falls will never be what it used to be?”

All over our city, local people are stepping up to invest in our community and in people, creating jobs, collaboration, and experiences. Do you see it?

You can’t drive down the middle of the road. Pick a lane.

Or are you one of the people who are overheard saying things like, “All the storefronts are empty, and it looks

Pohlig’s

HOME FURNISHINGS ESTABLISHED 1888

Paint & Paint Sundries Flooring & Ceramic Tiles Window Shades & Treatments Mattresses Wallpaper & Borders

634-636 E. Main Street P.O. Box 93 Little Falls, NY 13365

P. (315) 823-2640 F. (315) 823-2641

Robert Pohlig OWNER

As we close out 2022, it’s a good time to reflect.

We all have moments of negative behavior. Ask yourself, are you mostly a snowball builder or someone who sits back and complains about the work others do? Do you build people up or tear them down?

Are you one of the people actively working to make things in our community better? Putting yourself out there, starting something new, investing money, serving on a committee, volunteering your time, etc.

If you trend toward the lane of negative behavior, what exactly are you accomplishing? It can’t make you feel good or breed happiness. Are you overcompensating for something? Why are you weighing in after the fact when you didn’t contribute anything? It’s kind of like complaining about the president when you didn’t even vote. Do you even have all the facts? Likely not. This behavior isn’t healthy, helpful, or good.

It’s never too late to put your blinker on and change lanes. You are never too young or too old to build a snowball.

Let’s teach our children how to give back to a community that’s given so much to us. It’s a new year, and you can make it a positive one. Let’s do ourselves and our community right.

Please See EFFECT Page 8

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

E X P R E S S

JANUARY 2023

Page 3

SNOW From Page 1 groomed trails available.

Riding a snowmobile can take you to places you might never see otherwise, and with today’s modern sleds and equipment, you can enjoy the experience in safety and comfort.

member, you have use of the clubhouse and bar, parking for trailers and access to all club trails and use of the property including the three race tracks.”

Club members look forward to the summer There are snowmobiling clam bakes and BBQs. opportunities for Their $100 Party and everyone — from first- Poker Run are extremely time snowmobilers to popular events. expert riders. It is also a wonderful way for people The clubhouse has a with physical disabilities commercial kitchen to experience the snow serving meals that will and to climb a mountain warm you up after a day ridge or two!” of snowmobiling. They even have arcade games, “We have 207 darts, and a kid’s corner landowners who allow with games and activities. us to have trails through “I’ve snowmobiled all their property,” Frank over the eastern United explains. “And without States and Canada, the landowners letting and I have never seen us use their property, we a club with a clubhouse wouldn’t be here. We owe like ours,” says Don. “We it all to the landowners.” are incredibly unique, Salisbury Ridgerunners and we’re really proud of are the caretakers of 140 that!” miles of trail that span north to south from Ohio The club offers safety to Little Falls and east and education courses to west from Stratford to as well, such as a Middleville. pistol permit course, a snowmobile safety course Club Membership for beginners of all ages, and the NYS Snowmobile The club has “Entry Trail Grooming seminar.

Days,” where you can Frank explains that the sign up to be a member club has been offering the at the clubhouse. Club Grooming Seminar for 25 memberships are $30/ years. Open to the public, year for individuals and this year’s seminar is set $40/year for families. for January 7th, 2023.

Frank has taught over Club President Don 3500 people to groom Denapole explains snowmobile trails. “We’re membership has its not grooming the trails for advantages, “As a speed, we’re grooming

the trails for safety. To make a more enjoyable ride.” It takes many hours to groom all the miles of trails, so having many club members who know how to groom is timesaving and helpful.

Membership dues and fundraising help the club with yearly expenses for signage on trails, fuel usage, upkeep of machinery, and much more for trail upkeep.

They own four track groomers and four snowmobile groomers which are expensive to maintain and update but necessary in keeping trails in good condition and safe for riders. The club also has a pull tab machine which helps raise money for the club, and a percentage is donated to local firehouses, schools, hospitals, and charities.

“We’re contributing to the community all the time,” comments Frank.

Events The race tracks are something to see and a big draw both in winter and summer. Motorsports Park has three race tracks, and Ridgerunners is one of the few clubs in NYS to have a racing area. Their tracks are for winter snowmobile races like the Salisbury Ridgerunners 500 and summer races like snowmobile grass drag, Please See SNOW Page 7

Frank Boepple shows off the history of the Salisbury Ridgerunners collage on the wall of the clubhouse. Photo by Carol Vogel.

The club is fun for all ages! Photo by Janadene Stallman, used with permission.

Grooming the trails! Photo by Matt Reinemann, used with permission.

If you are looking for something and can’t find it anywhere ask us!

We can order it!

18 North Ann Street Little Falls | 315-823-0320

Big City Options...Small Town Charm!

Call and Inquire-We Deliver!

Ask About Our COUPON

10%

New Bourbon Rewards Points Club.

Build up points and use them to purchase specialty bourbons we have in stock like

OFF

Buffalo Trace, Blanton’s, Weller and More!

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE

Exclusions apply.

FREEExpires TO1/31/22.

JOIN!

Page 4

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

JANUARY 2023

E X P R E S S

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - JANUARY January 23, 2023 - Little Falls Elks Creative writing for teens January 3, 2023 5-6 pm.

January 6, 2023 - Friday Common Council January 3, 2023 - January 12, 2023 - Teen night dinner.

January 24, 2023 - Movie Meeting - Bills 6:30 pm, Blizzard fundraiser starts. art night 6-7 pm. night for adults 5:30 pm. January 10, 2023 - Lodge Regular Session 7:00 pm Come turn our library in the Common Council into a winter wonderland. January 13, 2023 meeting.

Chambers in City Hall.

Laurie’s Make & Take Playdate 10 am. Sharon’s January 25, 2023 - Flash bracelet class 3-4:45 pm. Fiction 6 pm.

3:30 - 5:30 pm.

January 13, 2023 - Friday January 10, 2023 night dinner.

Recreation Committee January 4, 2023 - Toddler January 14, 2023 - January 26, 2023 - Book Meeting - 6 pm in the Craft (ages 0-5) 10 am. Knitting & Crochet 11 am. club 6 pm - The Silent January 20, 2023 - Friday Leatherstocking spinners Patient.

Mayor’s conference room Flash Fiction - 6 pm. night dinner.

1-3pm. at City Hall.

January 27, 2023 January 5, 2023 - Family January 24, 2023 - Lodge January 16, 2023 Playdate 10 am.

January 11, 2023 - Police Movie Night - 5:30 meeting.

Closed for MLK Jr. Day. and Fire Board Meeting - League of Super Pets.

January 28, 2023 Bills 9:30 am and Regular January 26, 2023 January 18, 2023 Knitting & Crochet 11 am.

Session 10:00 am in the January 6, 2023 Monthly drawing.

Toddler craft (ages 0-5) Mayor’s Conference Playdate 10 am.

10 am. Flash Fiction 6pm. January 30, 2023 room in City Hall.

Creative writing for teens January 27, 2023 - Friday January 7, 2023 - Knitting night dinner.

January 19, 2023 - 5-6 pm.

January 23, 2023 - Board & Crochet - 11 am.

Cookbook club 6 pm. of Public Works Meeting January 31, 2023 - Adult Dolgeville Bills 6:30 pm and Regular January 9, 2023 January 20, 2023 - Card Class 4-5:30 pm.

Session 7:00 pm in the Railroad Group Playdate 10 am.

Blizzard fundraiser ends. January 5, 2023 Mayor’s Conference Forward Last chance to turn Dolgeville room in City Hall.

January 10, 2023 January 21, 2023 - our library into a winter Meeting 6:30 pm at the Closed for staff training.

George Ward Memorial Knitting & Crochet 11 am. wonderland.

Kids craft 1 pm.

Library.

City of Little Falls

Little Falls Public Library

January 11, 2023 - Flash Fiction - 6 pm.

Celebrate Ireland’s St. Brigid’s feast day Celebrate Ireland’s St. Brigid’s feast day by learning to weave the cross named in her honor at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley - Museum, 623 Columbia St, Utica, NY, Wednesday, Jan 25, 2023, 6:30 PM. Materials from Ireland and instructions included.

The $10 fee includes materials and instructions for you to weave a cross to take home with you.

Children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult. Please indicate in the Eventbrite comments how many children will be attending with you so we have enough materials for everyone.

rushes. Typically it has four arms tied at the ends and a woven square in the middle.

Brigid’s crosses are associated with Brigid of Kildare, one of the patron saints of Ireland. The crosses are traditionally made in Ireland on St Brigid’s feast day, 1 February, which was formerly celebrated as a pagan festival (Imbolc) marking the beginning of spring. Many rituals are associated with the making of the crosses.

Traditionally they were set over doorways and windows to protect the home from any kind of harm.

In Christianity, St Brigid Brigid’s cross, or Brigit’s and her cross are linked cross, is a small cross together by a story about usually woven from her weaving this form of

cross at the deathbed of either her father or a pagan lord, who, upon hearing what the cross meant, asked to be baptized. One version goes as follows: A pagan chieftain from the neighbourhood of Kildare was dying. Christians in his household sent for Brigid to talk to him about Christ. When she arrived, the chieftain was raving.

As it was impossible to instruct this delirious man, hopes for his conversion seemed doubtful. Brigid sat down at his bedside and began consoling him. As was customary, the dirt floor was strewn with rushes both for warmth and cleanliness.

Brigid stooped down and started to weave them Please See BRIGID Page 8

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

JANUARY 2023

E X P R E S S Page 5

Creative Outpost schedules 2-day Documentary Storytelling event The folks from Floating Home Films will be giving a community presentation on February 3, 2022, from 7 pm until 8 pm at Rock City Centre in Little Falls, followed by a twoday free workshop on Documentary Storytelling from 9 am until 5 pm on Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th.

This event is part of The Creative Outpost’s Content Creation Workshop Series, which started in the summer of 2022. The intent is to give people skills to help them compete in the Little Falls Smart Phone Film Festival, tentatively scheduled for October 2023.

In the community presentation, Alex and Ander will inform the audience about the power of telling a good story and how this media is

used today in traditional filmmaking, social media, and marketing. They’ll show examples of their work with Floating Home Films to drive home the point.

Ander Kazmerski stated, “I’m sure many are aware of YouTube and Social Media influencers.

Our goal is to educate attendees that these paths are new content creation paths for anyone seeking to tell good stories. It’s a viable path - and they should support their children by helping them explore local stories and help them tell their own stories if they choose to.”

For the two-day workshop, they will teach attendees the power of telling a good story and how this media is used today in traditional filmmaking, social media, and marketing.

Visit Philadelphia: Food Scene - Gritty & Real, a documentary by Floating Home Films.

teams, and small businesses to create authentic content that connects with audiences.

They dig for genuine messaging in every project and provide three levels of service.

Those three levels create content that can be used across multiple channels, remixed, and repurposed over time.

The team will utilize The company is located discussions, show in the Philadelphia and example footage, and Rochester areas, but then bring those skills they travel all over to “The goal is to fight the into practice by lighting gather those stories. notion of “becoming a and filming an interview. Space is limited to 50 YouTuber” as frivolous by people for the community expanding the concept Floating Home Films presentation and 15 of making content and partners with marketing for the workshop. Both tying it to real, grounded agencies, nonprofit are free. Registration is business principles.” marketing, advancement required, so please visit “We’re going to provide a well-rounded introduction to documentary filmmaking. We’ll discuss what makes a good story, different ways to approach storytelling, and cover the basic steps of preproduction, production, and post-production,” stated Kazmerski.

Local author spends snowy afternoon signing books to sit down and do it.” Farrington will retire Local Author Jamie S. at the end of this year, so Farrington spent the he’ll have plenty of time. afternoon on Sunday at Rock Valley Brewing His cousin is an author, Company signing copies and they sat down one of his new book called day to talk about it, and ‘A Different Life - An he told him to “just start Adirondack Justice Story.’ writing and see where it goes.”

Farrington is a Herkimer native who has lived with Farrington’s first book is his wife in Little Falls for out now, and it took him the last 25 years. He’s almost two years to write. been a police officer and At one point, he started Deputy U.S. Marshall for reading what he’d written 35 years. and ended up hating it.

by Dave Warner

https://creativeoutpost. org/course-list/ to sign up now.

About The Creative Outpost, Inc. The Creative Outpost is a non-profit 501c3 organization in Little Falls focused on creative content, film, and media education. It is dedicated to teaching the art and craft of filmmaking and media development. It also focuses on establishing the Mohawk Valley as an international destination for media leadership and production. More information can be found at creativeoutpost.org

book and started over again. It took me a little under a year to finish Book 1. I liked it, and the story sort of wrote itself. It surprised me,” he stated.

The evening he finished the book, he sat down to write, looked at the screen, went into the bedroom, and told his wife, “You’re not going to believe this, but I just finished the book. I had no idea I was that close to the end.”

Farrington said that when he writes, he sits down, does about 2,000 words, and then edits that work.

Any more than that, and it doesn’t work for him.

“Once I’m retired, I can dedicate more time to He said that all of a this and get Book 2 out He said, “I’ve always “I figured if I hated the sudden, everything just before winter ends.” wanted to write, but book, everyone else tied together.

I never had time just would, so I scrapped that Book 2 will have the same

main characters, but it won’t tie into the storyline from Book 1. Book 3 will circle back and tie up any loose ends.

“I’ve got three other ideas in my head to continue this series. My plan is to have this as a multi-book series, and this main Please See AUTHOR Page 6

Page 6

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

JANUARY 2023

E X P R E S S AUTHOR From Page 5 character will be around as long as I have stories in my head,” he said.

guys have not stopped just because I’m getting ready to retire.”

Farrington said that He said that his wife is others write about the very supportive but that Marshalls, but he doesn’t if she sees him sitting want to do that. around watching TV, “My character, for she’ll ask him why he’s political reasons, quits not downstairs writing. the Marshalls and has his own adventures, not tied to being part of the Marshalls. I didn’t want to do that because there are already a dozen retired Marshalls out there doing just that.”

“That helps a lot. My cousin gets on me once-in-awhile as well.

I sometimes fall into the same trap as other authors. I love reading, Photo & Story by Matthew “Dad, what’s your favorite “Hey, Dad. What’s your and if I have to choose Knoblauch favorite color?” color?!” between sitting down He wanted a character and writing or reading My 5-year-old son “Yellow,” I said somewhat that was as realistic as the novel I just bought, I I yelled back. has begun a habit possible. “If I was writing hesitantly.

“Yellow!” of confronting me about someone, it would will read the novel I just with questions I can’t have to be constrained by bought,” he stated.

“What’s your favorite “What’s your favorite seem to answer. They the rules and regulations. animal?” are relatively simple animal?”

My character isn’t So, he’s trying to limit questions, depending on constrained by that, he the number of books that This time it was different.

I yelled again. who you ask, but ask just does what he thinks he buys to read. “I don’t “A Ruffed Grouse,” I said. me, and I’ll have a bit of “A trout!” is correct.” want to have any excuse trouble. not to write.”

Days later, as I walked One day, several weeks Farrington said that he One night, I was sitting through the house, I later, I decided I had loves writing. “You’d think “I think the scariest thing at the kitchen table and heard that voice reaching enough as he started with just three weeks left about publishing is that heard a voice yell from for me from another with his color question on the job, I’d have tons ritual. room. the living room. of time to write, but we’re once that book is out Please See QUESTIONS Page so busy at work. The bad there, people tend to 10 have a glimpse into your head,” he said.

Providing High-Quality

Confronting me with questions

Flooring Options Showroom Full Of Samples from All the Best Brands

Chic.

Modern.

Upscale salon.

SAVE 25% OFF!!

Little Falls Carpet 556 E Main St. • Little Falls 315-823-3200

Specializing in colors, blondes, extensions, lashes, brows and waxing.

522 East Main Street Little Falls, NY 13365 315-508-5043

Farrington is completely self-published. If you’re interested in purchasing the book, it’s available on Amazon as a paperback and in Kindle format.

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

JANUARY 2023

E X P R E S S Page 7

SNOW From Page 3 ATV, UTV, and Truck races. Their clay track draws racers from all over the country in the summer, and those who visit say it’s the best clay track in the US.

drainage, club members donate their time, tools, and talents to help with the upkeep of the trails.

The club has invested in heavy equipment that allows them to maintain safe trails for Races are open to the all. The Greenway Trail in public with an admission Dolgeville was built and fee and are fun for the is maintained through whole family. The club the hard work of the has a 5-year plan to Ridgerunners, which is enlarge and increase used for outdoor activities racing even more in the throughout the year by future as it has proven to the community. be so popular.

The club continues to All Season Use evolve and add great features to its offerings.

The club offers more than One of the larger projects just winter activities. The they are taking on will be Salisbury Ridgerunners adding a campground, keep the trails in good RV sites, and cabins for condition all year round rent. Planning with the for uses such as hiking, DEC and Department biking, and horseback of Health has already riding. Mending and begun. building bridges, clearing debris, and fixing Frank’s enthusiasm for

the club is infectious.

“Everybody’s missing a good time if they don’t show up here! Because it’s something special – esprit de corps (the common spirit existing in the members of a group and inspiring enthusiasm, Showcasing the talents of club members, the beautiful maple devotion, and strong back bar was built by Dean Doxtader. Photo by Carol Vogel. regard for the honor of the group) is something you can’t buy.” You have the opportunity to meet new people, learn new things and enjoy the beautiful scenery our area has to offer in a unique way.

Race Track #1. Photo by Janadene Stallman, used with permission Frank reminds everyone for the upcoming season, salisburyridgerunners. during their winter hours “Thank the landowners com. Stop by the club’s and they will be happy to and stay on the marked FB page to like and sign you up! trails!” follow the winter events Author’s note: A special thank The S a l i s b u r y happening, like snow you to Sarah Reinemann, Ridgerunners website races and the annual the club’s social media coordinator, for her help in includes club hours, poker run. obtaining photo permissions trail maps, an event and to the club members who calendar, a kitchen Interested in joining? graciously allowed me to use menu, and more: www. Stop into the clubhouse their photos of fun at the club!

M O H A W K

Page 8

V A L L E Y

JANUARY 2023

E X P R E S S

SENIOR MEALS FOR JANUARY To reserve a meal, call the Herkimer County Office for the Aging at least one business day in advance, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 315-867-1204 or 315-867-1634. If you will not be home for meals, call 315867-1204 at least a day in advance. All sites are handicapped accessible.

Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan

03 - Fish on a bun, spinach, coleslaw, Mandarin oranges.

04 - Meatloaf, rice pilaf, peas, pudding.

05 - Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, cookie.

06 - Omelet, hash browns, sausage, muffin, fruit cup.

09 - Pizza burger, O’Brien potatoes, warm three-bean salad, fruit cocktail.

10 - Chicken and wild rice casserole, beets, cauliflower, pudding.

11 - Macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes and zucchini, grean beans, ice cream.

12 - Roast turkey with gravy, stuffing, corn, peaches.

13 - Ziti with three oz meatballs, tossed salad, Italian blend vegetables, garlic roll, cookie.

16 - Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 17 - Pulled pork on a bun, baked beans, red cabbage, pears.

18 - Lemon chicken, mashed potatoes, country blend vegetables, brownie.

19 - Goulash, corn, Brussels sprouts, fruited gelatin.

20 - Baked fish, au gratin potatoes, spinach, chef’s choice pie.

23 - Beef stew with vegetables, beets, biscuit, pineapple.

24 - Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, Sonoma blend vegetables, pudding.

25 - Turkey divan with broccoli sauce, egg noodles, broccoli, cinnamon cake.

26 - Cream of mushroom soup, chicken salad sandwich, fruit cocktail.

27 - Roast pork with gravy, sweet potatoes, lima beans, sherbet.

30 - Spanish rice, wax beans, squash, tropical fruit.

31 - Tuna noodle casserole, peas, warm three-bean salad, orange.

All meals are served with 8 ounces of milk, a slice of bread, and margarine.

Desserts have no concentrated sweets. The suggested donation is $3. Mail donations to Herkimer County OFA, 109 Mary St., Suite 2501, Herkimer, NY 13350. Envelopes are available from drivers.

BRIGID From Page 4 into a cross, fastening the points together. The sick man asked what she was doing. She began to explain the cross, and as she talked, his delirium quieted,

and he questioned her with growing interest.

Through her weaving, he converted and was baptized at the point of death. Since then, the cross of rushes has

existed in Ireland.

At this event, you will learn a little bit about the life of St. Brigid as well as how to weave one of these simple yet beautiful

Insurance... We Can Help DOLGEVILLE • HERKIMER

We invite you to come and visit our NEWLY UPDATED Herkimer office at 410 Folts Street & Rt 28, Herkimer, NY. www.hbegroup.com 315-429-3181 315-866-3140

EFFECT From Page 2 You could start by correcting negative thoughts (and we all get those). Look for the beauty, the good, and the positive. When you see someone doing something good, publicly praise them and consider giving them constructive feedback in private at an appropriate time.

Do bring ideas and solutions. You know what it’s called when you only pose complaints and no solutions, right?

Take note of your timing when giving feedback.

During or immediately after a vote, a festival, a submission, or an event isn’t the best practice.

Typically, anyone who was involved is already aware of what went wrong, so give them some time to digest, rest up, and get back into the swing of things.

The best practice is to bring concerns in person and be sure to thank them for their time and crosses for your home.

This will be a child-friendly event, so please feel free to bring along a child or grandchild, and we will provide appropriate materials for their use as

commitment BEFORE logging complaints and opinions. Be ready - if you frame up your concerns kindly, people will want to hear your ideas! You could be making your own snowflakes in no time.

If you are a snowball builder - and you know who you are - those of you who work hard doing big and small things for the benefit of others and not yourself. Thank you for all you do! Keep up the good work. And for goodness sake, don’t listen to the sand castle kickers. The Great Reggie Jackson once said, “They don’t boo nobody’s.”

Continue to inspire, encourage and include others in your work and bring new ideas to help further the positive change of the Snowball Effect in 2023. well. Please let us know if you intend to bring a child or two along so that we have enough materials.

Please register through Eventbrite for tickets.

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

JANUARY 2023

E X P R E S S Page 9

The “Horning” Nuisance It is about time the “horning” nuisance at weddings was suppressed.

It might, we believe, be more properly called an outrage on public decency. It is setting a vicious example to every lad in the village, and summary measures should be taken by the police to stop it.

A chivalrous respect for the bride’s feelings ought to be a sufficient appeal to any boy, who is not a rowdy by instinct, to refrain from conduct which would seem to be only possible in the slums of a great city where the

criminal classes are supposed to be propagated.

At the last three or four weddings which have occurred in this village, in the evening, the bride and groom have been “horned” by a crowd of boys numbering a hundred or more, whose ages range from 10 to 18 years. It would have been better for the younger of these lads if they had been spanked and put to bed before the time set for the wedding ceremony. The only outcry would have been raised by the spanked kids as they felt the vigorous application of the parental discipline, evidently much needed.

The “horning” custom seems to have originated in a desire to blackmail the unlucky bridegroom, for we are told the “horning” always ceases when he appears with a box of cigars as a peace offering. The Times has often called attention to the “hoodlumism,” which at times has been prevalent in the village, with good effect, for the police force has then taken active measures for the suppression of the young rowdies, who have gone so far, in some instances, as to assault strangers and insult ladies; but of all forms of “hoodlumism” we know of none that is

By Dave Warner

Just before a winter storm rolled in, Soapy D’s Car Wash at 347 West Main Street in Little Falls had its grand opening, offering free washes for everyone who stopped by between 10 am and

The Evening Times, October 24, 1888

more deserving of public condemnation than the disturbance of a wedding festivity by a crowd of unruly boys. It is a revival of a barbarous practice

which became extinct years ago. As there is no excuse for its revival, and as it is an incentive to other rowdyism, the police should stop it.

3 pm.

other owner).

Donna Whitney, one of the new car wash owners, said they purchased the property in the summer and have spent the last several months renovating it from top to bottom (Don Foor is the

“We have one in Ilion as well, but rebuilt this one from the ground up. The roof is new, all of the equipment in the room is fences, and machines to new, everything.” vacuum out your vehicle.

They’ve got new blacktop, “We added triple foam

wax and soap and an air dryer. Little Falls needed a car wash,” she said.

Soapy D’s Car Wash has grand opening

~Stocking Luxurious Alpaca Products to keep you WARM~

Stocking: Sweaters, Hats, Gloves, Mittens, Fur Hats, Capes, Slippers, Over 50 Styles of Socks, Scarves, Blankets & more.

Kids PERUVIAN Sweaters Handmade - 100% Acrylic Only $34.95

~NEW~ Men’s Alpaca “Long Johns” in Stock!!

Baby Alpaca Fur Pillows

Alpaca is up to 5X Warmer than Wool, Softer than Cashmere and Smoother than Silk. Alpaca breathes better than any other Natural Fiber, and is “Naturally” Water & Odor Resistant.

PLUS, Alpaca is Hypo-Allergenic & Highly Anti-Microbial.

If you can’t make it to our HUGE store, call and we can ship.

27 West Main St., Little Falls, NY 13365

Ph. 315-823-1100 Mon - Fri: 10am-5pm / Sat: 10am-4pm

M O H A W K

Page 10

QUESTIONS From Page 6 “Why do you keep asking me these questions?” I started being loud with the dishes as I put them away.

“I just want to know.” He would say.

“You already know.”

“Well, what’s your favorite color then?”

“I don’t know. It’s blue.”

“What about your favorite animal?”

I threw my hand in the air as I turned towards him.

“I don’t know! I have no idea!”

He was silent after that, unaffected though, and I continued putting the dishes away.

I thought throughout the next several days over the matter. These were simple questions for a while, but I couldn’t help but wonder why I was so annoyed over them. I didn’t know the answers to my son’s questions, and I couldn’t help but think that I should. It was

as if someone had asked me what my favorite pet was or which child I liked the most. There can’t, nor should be, a definite answer.

Have an upcoming home improvement or repair planned? Not sure where to go? Or who to call? Stop on in to one of our stores! We offer contractor referrals and full installation on all our building products! No matter how big or small the job! We are here to help! www.georgelumber.com M-F 8-4 • Sat 8-12 • Sun CLOSED

(315) 429-9962

JANUARY 2023

E X P R E S S that ride the ripples and currents and flutter softly among such streams, too.

the dogwoods make like wind chimes from a coat of silvery ice.

I enjoy the Muskrat in his home along the I find a likeness in the riverbanks, and I like to yellow dandelions of a watch it scurry between spring field and tamaracks large cuts of stone like a I pondered with a friend— burning yellow along an maze. old forester and a dash of October swamp. bitters, in the moonlight I like the curiosity and hours of my office, I love the orange on the uncertainty big game looking for conclusive bellies of my beloved animals bring me, like answers to my child’s Adirondack Brook Trout. the Moose, Black Bear, honest questions, and And the greens, every Caribou, and Elk. here is what I discovered. shade of it, that dominate all the forests and I like the thought of a I like red when it streaks woodlands I frequent so mysterious Panther through the sky at dusk much. Or the crimson roaming gallant and or the red of an apple and gold in the leaves fearless somewhere in a hanging in an autumn of an autumn season, to deep forest or perched tree. name just a few. like a statue on an outcrop of rock.

I like the warm pink glow I pour my final drink of cast in my backyard in the night under midnight I like to watch the tuffs on the morning as the sun clouds. Another dash or the Titmouse blow softly creeps over the hills. two of bitters as the dog in gusts of wind among slips into another dream my feeders, and I like the I like the electric blue that beneath my feet, and my squirrels that raise havoc hides behind black clouds thoughts continue. in my yard. in a summer storm, and I surely like black, too.

I like white-tailed deer They gorge themselves when they let me spy on the suet that hangs I like it peppered with secretly on them as they for the Woodpeckers and stars and moonlight, and pick from the hazel bush. Juncos, but I like to watch I can lay on my back in them turn from the Lilacs tall grass and watch the I like the rainbow trout and poke at it anyways. world spin. that hold in the pockets and pools of the creek I like the Pileated I like when the goldenrods just outside my front door. Woodpecker that comes are frosted silver and to make music on the white in November, and I like the dainty mayflies big Norway Maple in

Three Generations, Two Locations, One Mission To Be Your Local Home Improvement Shop!

40 McKinley Ave., Dolgeville

V A L L E Y

Follow us on facebook for updates, specials, and events!

525 E Mill St., Little Falls

(315) 823-1709

my yard. I know these seldom visits aren’t good for our tree; however, he owns it just as much as I do.

And I have an affair with Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock. I care for them deeply, so much that I pay money into conservation in their name.

The night crept on, and my weary eyes got heavy. I sat silently, half asleep, smirking in a state of contentment. I looked down at the last swig of bourbon in my glass and raised it to my lips. The dog raised his head without moving his body from the carpet and looked at me, silently asking if we were ready for a real bed yet.

I stared one last time out of the window and into the moonlit sky, now breaking with clouds.

The same moonlight that shines through my son’s window just up the stairs in our house, lighting his room as he dreams peacefully in a snug beddreams filled with the secrecy of knowing the innocent teachings he has bestowed upon his old man.

M O H A W K

Rose sworn in as State Supreme Court Justice

By Dave Warner

I would think of politicians in parades, and they’d throw out some candy.

When I was watching a parade, I wanted to throw it back at them.”

Judge Mark Rose was sworn in by his father, Judge Ed Rose, as State Supreme Court Justice in a Thursday morning ceremony in Herkimer. The district So he said they had to he now represents has six counties and approximately 1.15 million people.

In remarks after his swearing in, Rose stated, “This has been quite a trip. I have to thank my parents, and I have to thank them two-fold. One, for being great parents, as Christopher has alluded to, and secondly, for being great co-workers with me. I’ve worked the last several years with my parents, and it has been absolutely fantastic.”

He went on to say that at this moment in time, he felt that there was a higher calling, and it was part of the reason he ran for Supreme Court. Also, he said, “We haven’t had a Supreme Court Judge in Herkimer County for some time.

This is a branch of our government that we have not had representation in.”

Rose said that a lawyer had told him that one of the first things he needed to do was get his portrait up on the wall, so he unveiled the ‘official’ one of him in his Captain America suit. “This will be hanging up with the others,” he joked.

He said there was a little background to go with the portrait. “We had to go in parades, and I hated the parades. It was dreadful.

V A L L E Y

JANUARY 2023

E X P R E S S

Page 11

make the parades fun.

“We’ve got to have some fun with this and engage the people. It’s a very, very serious position, but we have got to have the voters out there. So, I would at times dress up as Captain America, and the kids loved it, and I especially loved it.”

Please See ROSE Page 12

Photo by Dave Warner - Judge Mark Rose is sworn in by his father, the Honorable Judge Ed Rose while his wife looks on.

M O H A W K

Page 12

Brinski sworn in as new City Judge

“He kind of put a bug in my ear about it, and Sara M. Brinski was he said, ‘you can do sworn in Sunday as the this.’ I’ve been out of law new Little Falls City Court school for ten years, but Judge while her mother, you think of a judge as Denise, and her nieces being much farther down and nephew stood by. the line,” Brinski stated.

The Honorable Mark R. Rose had just vacated She had spent a lot of the position, being sworn time observing Rose in in as the new State court, started thinking Supreme Court Justice about it, and decided, last Thursday morning, “Yeah, I can do this.” read the oath for the ceremony. His father, “We had the ceremony the Honorable Edward on Sunday, and my J. Rose, was also in whole family was there, attendance. and it was really nice,” she said.

Brinski grew up in Herkimer, went to Sienna Mark Mahevic, Brinski’s College, then went to boyfriend, did the ‘hear law school at Syracuse, ye hear ye’ entrance to and graduated in 2013. call her in. “It was nice She worked in Utica for a because he used a gavel few years and then went that was my fathers, who to legal aid, working in passed away in June. He their domestic violence had a gavel from when program before coming he was the Master of to Little Falls in 2019. the Masons Lodge in Amsterdam. We found it “I’ve been working here, in his house when we side by side with Mark cleaned after he passed Rose, for more than two away.” years,” she said.

She grabbed it, thinking She had never thought that she might display it of becoming a judge, but in the house, but now when she saw that he had she’s going to use it in won the Supreme Court court. position, she thought it might be interesting.

Brinski has to go to a judge’s school this week

V A L L E Y

JANUARY 2023

E X P R E S S

By Dave Warner

Photo by Deborah J. Ackerman - Sara M. Brinski is sworn in as the Little Falls City Court Judge by the Honorable Judge Mark R. Rose while her family looks on.

and next, and she’ll start when she gets back.

“I’m excited to start. It’s an area of law where I haven’t practiced a lot, so

it’s interesting to try new things. Mark had said that trying things that are uncomfortable for you are things that make life interesting,” she stated.

Photo submitted The Honorable Sarah M. Brinski’s gavel, which used to belong to her father.

ROSE From Page 11

Photo by Deborah J. Ackerman - The Honorable Sarah M. Brinski with the Honorable Mark R. Rose after the swearing-in ceremony.

All kinds Of Unique Vendors under one roof!

Artisans, Crafters, Antiques to Retro including Food Items.

Vendors Wanted

Also home of

315-628-1506

www.renewedandrescued.com

142 North Main St., Herkimer • 315-219-9195 Open Tues-Fri: 10-4:30, Sat: 10-4, Closed Sun & Mon www.mohawkvalleycommunitymarket.com

Brinski said that she already knows the court staff, and they are amazing. “I’m excited just to try something new and have a little variety.”

Rose said that one of the fellow candidates went up to his mother and told her she had to stop him from doing it because the little kids, who loved the outfit, didn’t vote. “But yeah, their moms do,” he said.

In conclusion, Rose stated, “I just have to thank my wife so much.

She was a trooper, my kids were great, and everyone here was great.

Thank you very much.

God Bless America, and God Bless Herkimer County and each and every one of you.”

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

JANUARY 2023

E X P R E S S Page 13

Page 14

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

JANUARY 2023

E X P R E S S

Central New York Ice Hockey Outlook For January 2023 Central New York can certainly call itself a hockey hotbed, as the region is home to two American Hockey League teams, three Division I college hockey teams, and six Division III teams. Depending on how you define “Central New York,” you could include even more teams, but for the purposes of this article, we’ll stick with the teams listed below. Here’s a look at the upcoming schedules for Central New York’s teams for the month of January.

American Hockey League

Photo by Dave Warner - Utica Pioneers goaltender Angela Hawthorne blocks a shot.

Head Coach: Don Vaughan.

Division III College Hockey

Record: 14-9-4-1, 33 points - 3rd place in the North Division.

January Schedule: January 6th at RPI, #2 Utica Pioneers (Men) January 7th at Union, January 20th vs Princeton, January 21st vs Quinnipiac, Record: 8-2-1 overall, 6-0-0 UCHC. January 27th at Harvard, January 28th at Dartmouth, Head Coach: Gary Heenan.

Head Coach: Kevin Dineen.

Website: www.colgateathletics.com.

January Schedule: January 3rd at Toronto, January 6th vs Hartford, January 7th at Springfield, January 8th at Providence, January 11th vs Cleveland, January 13th at Providence, January 14th at Bridgeport, January 16th at Syracuse, January 20th vs Syracuse, January 21st at Syracuse, January 24th vs WilkesBarre/Scranton, January 25th vs Charlotte, January 27th at Syracuse, January 28th vs Providence.

#6 Colgate Raiders (Women)

Utica Comets

Official Website: www.uticacomets.com.

Syracuse Crunch Record: 13-11-2-2, 30 points - 4th place in the North Division.

Head Coach: Ben Groulx.

January Schedule: January 6th vs Belleville, January 7th vs Rochester, January 8th at Hershey, January 13th vs Laval, January 14th at Lehigh Valley, January 16th vs Utica, January 18th at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, January 20th at Utica, January 21st vs Utica, January 27th vs Utica, January 28th at Hartford, January 29th at Providence.

Website: www.syracusecrunch.com.

Division I College Hockey Colgate Raiders (Men) Record: 9-9-2 overall, 6-2-0 ECAC.

Record: 15-2-1 overall, 6-1-0 ECAC. Head Coach: Greg Fargo.

January Schedule: January 6th vs RPI, January 7th vs Union, January 10th at Syracuse, January 13th vs Quinnipiac, January 14th vs Princeton, January 20th vs Cornell, January 21st at Cornell, January 27th vs Dartmouth, January 28th vs Harvard, January 31st vs St. Lawrence.

January Schedule: January 6th at Manhattanville, January 7th at Manhattanville, January 13th vs Neumann, January 14th vs Neumann, January 20th at Lebanon Valley, January 21st at Lebanon Valley, January 27th vs Nazareth, January 28th at Nazareth. #14 Utica Pioneers (Women) Record: 8-1-1 overall, 7-0-1 UCHC Head Coach: Dave Clausen.

Record: 7-13-1 overall, 4-2-0 CHA.

January Schedule: January 6th at Worcester State, January 10th vs Oswego, January 13th at Chatham, January 14th at Chatham, January 20th vs Manhattanville, January 21st vs Manhattanville, January 24th vs Hamilton College,January 27th at Neumann, January 28th at Neumann.

Head Coach: Britni Smith.

Website: www.uticapioneers.com.

January Schedule: January 10th vs Colgate, January 17th vs Cornell, January 20th at Lindenwood, January 21st at Lindenwood, January 24th at RIT, January 25th vs RIT, January 28th at Mercyhurst, January 29th at Mercyhurst.

Hamilton College Continentals (Men)

Website: www.colgateathletics.com.

Syracuse Orange (Women)

Website: www.cuse.com.

Record: 5-5-0 overall, 3-2-0 NESCAC. Head Coach: Rob Haberbusch.

January Schedule: January 6th at Colby, January 7th at Bowdoin, January Please See HOCKEY Page 15

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

E X P R E S S

JANUARY 2023

Page 15

HOCKEY From Page 14 13th at Connecticut College, January 14th at Tufts, January 20th vs Amherst, January 21st at Geneseo, January 27th at Trinity, January 28th at Wesleyan.

Website: www.athletics.hamilton.edu. #13 Hamilton College Continentals (Women) Record: 7-2-0 overall, 3-1-0 NESCAC. Head Coach: Emily McNamara.

January Schedule: January 6th vs Colby, January 7th vs Colby, January 10th vs Nazareth, January 13th vs Williams, January 14th vs Williams, January 21st at Cortland, January 24th at Utica, January 27th vs Wesleyan, January 28th vs Wesleyan.

Website: www.athletics.hamilton.edu.

Morrisville Mustangs (Men) Record: 5-6-0 overall, 3-5-0 SUNYAC. Head Coach: Kevin Krogol.

January Schedule: January 6th vs Post University, January 7th vs Stonehill College, January 10th vs Albertus Magnus, January 11th vs Arcadia, January 18th at SUNY Brockport, January 20th at Geneseo, January 24th at Fredonia, January 28th at Buffalo State.

Website: www.morrisvillemustangs.com.

Morrisville Mustangs (Women) Record: 3-9-1 overall, 0-6-0 NEWHL. Head Coach Melissa Lomanto.

January Schedule: January 2nd vs Alvernia, January

Photo by Scott Kinville - Game action between the Hamilton College and Morrisville women’s hockey teams.

6th vs Cortland, January 7th at Cortland, January 13th vs Buffalo State, January 14th vs Canton,

January 20th vs Potsdam, Buffalo State.

January 21st at Oswego, w w w.

January 27th at Buffalo W e b s i t e : morrisvillemustangs.com.

State, January 28th at

M O H A W K

Page 16

V A L L E Y

JANUARY 2023

E X P R E S S

Have Holiday Returns?

We get it, online shopping doesn’t always work out. We’re here to help with all your online purchase returns this holiday season.

The UPS Store Little Falls (315) 508-4726 store7193@theupsstore.com 410 Canal Place, Little Falls, NY 13365 While you’re visiting the UPS Store, stop by the Cafe at Stone Mill for a pick-me-up!

Vegan & Gluten Free Options Monday - Saturday

10am-6pm

Sunday

11am-4pm

Order Now: thecafeatstonemill.com Call 315-823-0208 Visit 410 Canal Place

Looking for great food for your event?

The Café at Stone Mill is at your service.

Contact us today to create your perfect event!