MVCA to welcome student artists

The Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts in Little Falls will be home to more than 75 art pieces created by student artists ranging in age from kindergarten to seniors, and their teachers, from 12 schools that make up seven districts in Herkimer County.

The show is free and open to the public, with a reception celebrating artists on Wednesday, February 15th, from 5-6:30 pm (Snow date on Friday, February 17th). This is an excellent opportunity to visit the Arts Center and support the young artists from your communities.

During March, we celebrate Youth Art Month. It is a time to recognize student artwork and the importance of arts education in our community. This exhibit is an excellent example of the power of the arts. The National Youth Art Month theme for 2023 is Your Art, Your Voice. Come see the voice of the Herkimer County youth!

Coordinator of this exhibit, Herkimer Jr. Sr. High School Art Teacher Heather McCutcheon, stated, “The common theme of this exhibit is reflection. Students learn from their teachers, and we learn from them. All of our works are a reflection of each other!”

This event gives young artists an opportunity to share their voices, show their work outside of the school environment, collaborate with others, and inspire artists of all ages.

Students of all ages have the opportunity to show and sell their artwork during the exhibit. We encourage visitors and students to explore the artwork together. It promises to deliver an exciting range of work to explore.

The show runs from February 15th until March 14th. Gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday from 12 pm-4 pm.

Schools Participating: Little Falls Elementary, Middle & High School (Little Falls CSD)Art Teachers: Wendy Rockwell, Kara Milianta, Adrienne Watson

Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School (Herkimer CSD) –Art Teachers: Leah Zorn & Heather McCutcheon

Central Valley Academy

(Central Valley CSD) – Art

Teacher: Leslie Kubica

Frankfort-Schuyler

Elementary School (Frankfort-Schuyler CSD)

- Art Teacher: Cynthia Brownell

Richfield Springs

Elementary & High School (Richfield Springs CSD)

– Art Teachers: Karen

Sportello & Dan Marrone

Dolgeville Middle & High

School (Dolgeville CSD)

– Art Teachers: Floretta Prestigiacomo & Lisa Rohacek

Mount Markham

Elementary, Middle and High School (Mount Markham CSD) – Art Teachers: Amy McClave, Alexis Day & Meghan Pagano

A special thanks to Linda and Alan Vincent for providing underwriting for this exhibition.

NOBLE From Page 2

Director is unique as it has typically been a maledominated field. Only about 40% of employed Funeral Directors are currently female, but that’s changing. “It’s more acceptable than ever to be a female Funeral Director,” Noelle adds.

According to an article in the Economist from December 2022, over 70% of students who are currently enrolled in a Funeral Director program are female.

Reaching Her Goal

Her goal was always to buy the funeral home in Dolgeville, but since another home had already purchased it prior to her getting her license, Noelle had to pivot and figure out how to make her dream come true.

On a walk one day with her children, she came across the old Feed Store and Agway on Wolf Street. She made arrangements with the property’s realtor to take a look, and she was surprised at the amount of space the building offered. “This is perfect!” she thought. After some negotiating, Noelle purchased the building. She began renovation and, with the help of her family, opened the MillerPlonka Funeral Home in November of 2008. She had reached her goal and has been supporting the community she loves ever since.

Personalized Tributes

Funeral Directors have a very important role in our society, arranging and conducting funerals, but it’s much more than that. They meet with families to plan details, prepare and care for the deceased with respect and dignity, coordinate with cemeteries, clergy, and churches, arrange transportation, direct services and offer support to the family, among many other functions.

“People sometimes don’t understand what our job is, the value of our job.” Through extensive training, licensing, and experience, Noelle and her staff help families say their final goodbyes to their loved ones in the best possible way.

“I want the families to come in and spend time with their loved one. We want to give people the opportunity to say goodbye.”

Word of mouth has created the successful business she runs today. If you ask anyone in the area about Noelle Miller, words like compassionate, professional, organized, and consistent are what you will hear. Her family is there to take care of your family in your time of need, and she goes above and beyond every time. “I always want to make sure we do our best and that every single family is treated the same. A personalized funeral is what we really pride ourselves on.”

With a large facility, Noelle has the advantage of space for big families. The large double doors at the back of the expansive hall allow them to bring larger things in, like snowmobiles, as a tribute.

“I love when people do funerals the way that they want. We’ve had some cool funerals, with goldwing Honda motorcycles, four-wheelers, canoes, picnic tables inside here, fireman tributes, and fancy cars outside.”

Allowing her clients to create a thoughtful and personalized experience is important. “Most people don’t see things like that at a funeral, but it’s their space and their time.”

Families

“I was lucky I have a big family,” she laughs. Noelle is a twin and has five brothers. Her parents, Marcia and Nick, through their unwavering and constant support, took care of her two small children and helped wherever it was needed. It’s been all hands on deck. Her brother Loring (Bear) “practically built this entire place for me! My other brothers put in the air conditioning and pitched in as well. It was a family effort,” Noelle remembers.

Noelle is so thankful for her family and their continued championing of her endeavors. “My Dad is 90 years old, and he’s still taking care of the kids, doing errands for me, and helping out!” With the contributions and aid of her family, she was able to reach her goal to create a funeral home run with care and respect for her community. She is also the owner of

Roberts Funeral home in Dolgeville, which was her original dream.

Her 16-year-old daughter Madison has helped since she was 12 and has learned many aspects of the family business. “My Mom and my whole family have taught me how to be well-rounded and respectful.” A junior this year, Madison also babysits, works at local restaurants, and is active in Girl Scouts. She is interested in possibly following in her mother’s footsteps, and working in the family business has helped her get a good perspective on what the job entails and how demanding it is.

“It’s really nice because it’s family and friends working together. I’ve learned a lot from a lot of people, especially my Mom,” Madison says.

Noelle’s husband, Rob Gridley, is an integral part of the business. “I don’t know if I could run this place without him!” Rob is always ready to help with whatever needs to be done. He performs all of the maintenance and snow removal and assists the Funeral Director with various tasks. Noelle’s son Ethan helps mow the lawns and pitches in with other jobs as needed. “It’s nice when everybody gets involved and helps out,” Madison comments.

As with any business, surrounding yourself with like-minded and caring people who you can count on is important. Noelle can’t say enough about her staff. Patricia Camardello assists with services, and Heather Rauch is her Licenses Manager, both instrumental in the success of the homes.

Jeremiah Nash is her main funeral director. “Jere is a huge asset to the funeral home. He is an expert embalmer, and he’s the behind-thescenes guy who does the work of two people.”

Being a Funeral Director is hard on your personal life, as you’re needed at unpredictable times. Calls come in at all hours, and if during family time, Noelle explains to her children, “Sometimes people need us more than what we have going on at the time.” It’s that sense of compassion and understanding that has shaped her business.

Noelle takes a great deal of pride in her job. To her, every family becomes a friend. “Building relationships with people in the community” is something she cherishes.

“They see you as a friend who did one thing for them that no one else in the entire world did for them.” The 12-year-old girl who was concerned about the care of those who passed away is now comforting families and ensuring their loved ones receive the very best. A noble goal and life’s work realized.

Senior Meals For February

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.

Feb 01 - Lasagna, Italian blend vegetables, garlic roll, cookie.

Feb 02 - Cheesy ham and rice casserole, broccoli, coleslaw, fruit cocktail.

Feb 03 - Shaved roast beef on a roll, O’Brien potatoes, California blend vegetables, chef’s choice dessert.

Feb 06 - Chili, corn, green beans, pears.

Feb 07 - Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, cookie.

Feb 08 - Pork chops, stuffing, Brussels sprouts, frosted birthday cake.

Feb 09 - Cream of broccoli soup, egg salad sandwich, Kaiser roll, pudding.

Feb 10 - Shepherd’s pie, with mashed potatoes and corn, broccoli, lemon pudding.

Feb 13 - Spaghetti and sausage, Italian blend vegetables, peaches.

Feb 14 - Sallisbury steak, rice, green beans, Valentine cookie.

Feb 15 - BBQ chicken, baked beans, broccoli, pudding.

Feb 16 - Pot roast, roaasted potatoes, dill carrots, brownie.

Feb 17 - Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, peas and carrots, pineapple.

Feb 20 - Closed for Presidents’ Day

Feb 21 - Herb baked chicken, au gratin potatoes, cauliflower, Mandarin oranges.

Feb 22 - Ash Wednesday, Macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes and zucchini, green beans, ice cream.

Feb 23 - Turkey dinner with gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, gelatin.

Feb 24 - Fish on a bun, confetti rice, spinach, cookie.

Feb 27 - Pulled pork on a bun, baked beans, mixed vegetables, pears.

Feb 28 - Fiesta chicken, mashed potatoes, squash, pudding parfait.

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.

Little Falls Earns First Prize from Heritage Foundation

(Special to The Evening Times February 21, 1953)

NEW YORK - Little Falls, N.Y. today was awarded a national first prize in the National Non-Partisan Register and Vote Competition sponsored by the American Heritage Foundation for “the most intensive and most effective non-partisan register and vote effort by a city with a population between 9,000 and 10,000.

Thomas D’Arcy Brophey, president of the Foundation said, in announcing the award “We extend our congratulations to the people of Little Falls. They won this award only because so many of them worked tirelessly together in helping to bring out a record vote last November – the largest demonstration of active citizenship in our history.”

The community-wide drive to register and get out the vote in Little Falls was led by Attorney Edwin L. Marion, Jr., as chairman of the citizens’ committee whose tireless endeavor resulted in Little Falls being able to report that 99.47 % of those eligible to vote in the community cast their ballots in the Presidential election. Of 5,325 people eligible, a total of 5,297 voted.

The 1952 “Register and Vote” competition was announced during the National Non-Partisan Register and Vote campaign, sponsored by the Foundation, in which more than 26,000,000 people, representing in part the membership of more than 50 national organizations, took part. States, counties, cities, and organizations were invited to submit entries in the competition with the understanding that awards would be made on the basis of “originality, performance and results as a major participant in the Register and Vote campaign.”

“More than 15,000 entries were received,” said C.M. Vandeburg, executive director of the Foundation, and he went on: “The Foundation will present each award winner with a rare reproduction in full color of Arthur Szyk’s famous illuminated paintings of the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and other great historical documents.

These artistic masterpieces were especially lithographed for the award winners by the Lithographers National Association.”

Mr. Vandeburg went on to say that Utah was declared first prize winner as the state in which the greatest percentage of adults went to the polls79.6%. North Dakota was a close second, having turned out 79.3% of its adults.

Rhode Island won first prize for conducting “the most intensive and most effective state-wide registration drive.” And Maryland and Texas tied for first place for showing the greatest increase in the 1952 vote over that of 1948. Each increased the vote by 17.7 per cent.

CHEESE From Page 4

the milk from his own farm with that of his son’s farm. From that small partnership grew the cheese factory industry. He built the first cheese factory in the United States at “Highland Mills” adjacent to the current fish hatchery. Soon dozens of area dairy farmers were delivering their milk to him to make cheese. The first year he produced 100,000 pounds of cheese and was an immediate success. Quickly his ideas spread to other sections of the country and the world.

As news spread of Williams’ success, dairymen from across the country flocked to Rome to learn about the new process. Williams and his wife answered as many questions as they could to spread the gospel of cooperative cheese making. Within 15 years, there were 500 such factories in New York alone. In 1864, Williams’ success led to the formation of the New York State Cheesemaker’s Association, which soon thereafter became the American Dairy Association.

On the 100th anniversary of Jesse’s cheese factory, John H. Kraft, president of Kraft Foods, proclaimed that “pioneers like Jesse Williams… [fathered] the ideas and tools that have made America great.” This man, Kraft said, “exemplified the spirit which has made the dairy industry the largest agricultural industry in America.”

Jesse Williams died in 1864 at age 67. At that time Oneida County was making over eight million pounds of cheese per year. Williams never patented his cheesemaking inventions but gave them to the agricultural world. The program is free and open to everyone.

EVENT:

Cheesemaking in Oneida County

WHEN: Wednesday February 8, 2023 7 PM

WHERE:

Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley - Museum, 623 Columbia St, Utica, NY

DESCRIPTION:

Come learn how Rome, NY native Jesse Williams’ vision would forever change the way cheese was produced in the United States.

HOW DO I ATTEND:

This is a free event but please register through Eventbrite-510782332707

Excitement is in the air as the regular season for Central New York college hockey programs wind down and the postseason tournaments are on the horizon. Several of the teams in are in a prime position to place well not only in their conference tournaments, but also have the potential to make an impact on the national scene as well. With nine college teams total (three Division I and six Division III) hockey fans of the Mohawk Valley and Central New York will very likely see an exciting end to the 202223 season unfold through the end of February.

On the professional side, the region’s two American Hockey League teams are also on the rise. Both the Utica Comets and Syracuse Crunch are putting themselves in great positions for potential playoff appearances in the spring, as the Comets are in second place in the North Division and the Crunch are right behind them in fourth. The teams have played six of their fourteen regular season meetings as of this writing, with the Crunch winning four of those matchups and the Comets skating away with the other two victories.

Here’s a look of each of the college and AHL teams in Central New York, including their upcoming February schedules. All statistics and records are as of January 28th, 2023.

American Hockey League

Utica Comets

Record: 22-13-5-1, 50 points - 2nd place in the North Division.

Head Coach: Kevin Dineen.

The Comets went 6-4-1 for the month of January. They had a four game winning streak from January 6th through January 13th, and have established themselves as a legitimate playoff contender.

February Schedule: Feb.1 vs Syracuse, Feb. 3 at Hartford, Feb. 4 vs Providence, Feb. 10 vs Hershey, Feb 11. at Laval, Feb. 15 at Toronto, Feb. 18 vs Syracuse, Feb. 20 at Toronto, Feb. 22 at Cleveland, Feb. 24 at Cleveland.

Website: https:// uticacomets.com

Syracuse Crunch

Record: 18-14-3-3, 42 points - 4th place in the North Division.

Head Coach: Ben Groulx.

After a slow start to January, the Crunch won five games in a row and finished 5-3-1-1 for the month. Alex Barré-Boulet became the all time points leader for the franchise during the January 20th game against Utica.

February Schedule: Feb. 1 at Utica, Feb.3 vs Charlotte, Feb. 4 vs Charlotte, Feb. 10 at Laval, Feb. 11 vs Rochester, Feb. 15 at Belleville, Feb. 18 at Utica, Feb. 19 at Rochester, Feb. 24 vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Feb. 25 vs Hartford, Feb. 26 at Toronto.

Website: https:// syracusecrunch.com

Division I College Hockey

Colgate Raiders (Men)

Records: 12-11-2 (overall), 9-4-0 (ECAC).

Head Coach: Don Vaughan.

The Raiders had a three game winning streak during the month of January. This included what has to be considered the upset of the yeara 3-2 victory over the then number one team in the the country the Quinnipiac Bobcats. In their next game, they nearly pulled off another upset but lost 5-4 in overtime to the tenth ranked Harvard Crimson.

February Schedule: Feb.3 vs Union, Feb. 4 vs RPI, Feb. 10 at Cornell, Feb. 11 vs Cornell, Feb. 17 vs St. Lawrence, Feb. 18 vs Clarkson, Feb. 24 at Yale, Feb. 25 at Brown.

Website: https:// colgateathletics.com (both men’s and women’s teams)

#5 Colgate Raiders (Women)

Records: 21-4-1 (overall), 11-3-0 (ECAC).

Head Coach: Greg Fargo. The Raiders went 6-2-0 for the month of January. On January 13th they played the second ranked

Quinnipiac Bobcats in a game that featured to local players: New Hartford native Sydney Bard of the side of the Raiders and Mia Lopata of Clinton for the Bobcats. Although the home team Raiders lost the game 2-1 in overtime, it was a thriller that could certainly be considered a game of the year candidate in the ECAC.

February Schedule: Feb.

3 at St Lawrence, Feb. 4 at Clarkson, Feb. 10 vs Yale, Feb. 11 vs Brown, Feb. 17 at Union, Feb. 18 vs RP!, Feb. 24 ECAC Tournament Quarterfinal.

Syracuse Orange (Women)

Records: 9-17-1 (overall), 6-4-0 (CHA)

Head Coach: Britni Smith.

Several players for the Orange earned individual honors during the month of January. Team captain Lauren Bellefontaine scored her 100th career point and goaltender Arielle DeSmet recorded her 2,000th career save. Mae Batherson was named the CHA Defenseman of the Week and Sarah Thompson was nominated for the Hockey Humanitarian Award.

February Schedule: Feb.

3 vs Penn State, Feb. 4 vs Penn State, Feb. 10 vs Mercyhurst, Feb. 11 vs Mercyhurst, Feb. 18 vs Stonehill. Feb. 24 CHA Tournament Quarterfinal.

Division III College

Hockey #1 Utica Pioneers (Men)

Records: 15-2-1 (overall), 13-0-0 (UCHC).

Head Coach Gary Heenan.

The Utica Pioneers Men’s Hockey Team achieved one of the highest points in program history when they were named the number one team in the country in the USCHO Division III Men’s hockey poll. They rocketed to the number one spot on the strength of an eight game winning streak that is still intact. During the month of January, they outscored their opponents by a 47-9 margin with one game remaining in the month as of this writing.

February Schedule: Feb. 3 vs King’s, Feb. 4 vs King’s, Feb. 10 at Alvernia, Feb. 11 at Alvernia, Feb. 18 at Arcadia, Feb. 19 at Arcadia. Feb. 22 UCHC Tournament Quarterfinal, Feb. 25 UCHC Semifinal.

Website: https:// uticapioneers.com (both Men’s and Women’s teams).

#13 Utica Pioneers (Women)

Records: 15-1-2 (overall), 12-0-1 (UCHC).

Head Coach: Dave Clausen.

The Pioneers are in the midst of a seventeen game undefeated streak, including a 7-0-1 mark in the month of January. They came back to earn a 2-2 tie against the #7 Hamilton College Continentals on January 24th at the Nexus Center. The Pioneers outscored their opponents in January by a combined total of 37 to 6.

February Schedule: Feb. 3 vs Lebanon Valley, Feb. 4 vs Lebanon Valley, Feb. 11 at Wilkes, Feb. 12 at Wilkes, Feb. 17 at #12 Nazareth, Feb. 18 at #12 Nazareth, Feb. 22 UCHC Tournament Quarterfinal, Feb. 25 UCHC Tournament Semifinal.

#7 Hamilton College Continentals (Women)

Records: 13-3-1 (overall), 7-3-1 (NESCAC)

Head Coach: Emily McNamara.

The Hamilton College Pioneers have been on a roll. During the month of January, they won three games against ranked teams and tied a fourth against the thirteenth ranked Utica Pioneers (a game in which they registered fifty-four shots on goal). The Continentals wins against ranked teams has helped to establish them as a serious threat to move into the top five of the USCHO poll.

February Schedule: Feb. 3 at Bowdoin, Feb. 4 at Bowdoin, Feb. 10 at Connecticut College, Feb. 11 at Connecticut College, Feb. 17 vs #6 Middlebury, Feb. 18 vs #6 Middlebury.

Website: https://athletics. hamilton.edu (both Men’s and Women’s Teams)

Hamilton College Continentals (Men)

Records: 8-8-1 (overall), 6-4-1 (NESCAC)

Head Coach: Rob Haberbusch.

The Continentals are currently in fifth place in the NESCAC and just one point behind fourth place Colby. They had a three game winning streak in January and went 3-3-1 for the month.

February Schedule: Feb. 3 vs Colby, Feb. 4 vs Bowdoin, Feb. 10 vs Connecticut College, Feb. 11 vs Tufts, Feb. 17 at Middlebury, Feb. 18 at Williams.

Morrisville Mustangs (Men)

Records: 6-12-0 (overall), 3-8-0 (SUNYAC).

Head Coach: Kevin Krogol.

The Mustangs have opened up their special edition Center State Stampede jersey auction which benefits Center State Youth Hockey. For more information about the jersey auction visit https:// morrisvillemustangs. com and to bid on a jersey email vegluca@ morrisville.edu.

February Schedule:

Feb. 2 at Worcester St, Feb. 3 vs Canton, Feb. 8 vs Oswego, Feb. 11 at Cortland, Feb. 15 vs Plattsburgh St, Feb. 18 at Potsdam.

Website: https:// morrisvillemustangs. com (both Men’s and

Women’s).

Morrisville Mustangs (Women)

Record: 6-13-1 (overall), 3-10-0 (NEWHL)

Head Coach: Melissa Lomanto.

The Mustangs went

4-3-1 during the month of January. This included a three game winning streak, all of which were against NEWHL opponents.

February Schedule: Feb. 3 at Potsdam, Feb. 4 vs Canton, Feb. 17 vs Potsdam, Feb. 18 at Canton.