Mohawk Valley Express Volume 3 Number 5 May 2023

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VOLUME 3: NUMBER 5

MAY 2023

Redefined Alchemy Home finds spot on Main Street

sentimentality for so many things that I find on I’m Bianka Rico. I’m a my jaunts, whether it is creative, free spirit, an old copper container wood handles animal lover, treasure with hunter, extraordinaire, used to store wood, a and nature lover. I’m beautiful piece of glass, a mom to a wonderful or a wonderful piece of young man that daily furniture that has been reminds me of what is discarded and needs someone, that being me, important in life. to breathe new life to it.

By Bianca Rico

Photo by Dave Warner - Bianka Rico works on a piece of furniture at her new store located at 616 E Main St in Little Falls. The Grand Opening is planned for Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 11 am until 3 pm. More information can be found at www.redefinedalchemyhome.com.

Powerhouse Rock Festival ready to ‘blow your hair back’ on May 20th be Rev-D from the Saratoga area, with local Phil Scarrano as the

By Dave Warner drummer, and Walrus from the Syracuse area, The Powerhouse Rock whose drummer, Jeff Festival is scheduled for May 20th down at Canal Mosher, also hails from Place in Little Falls, with Little Falls. Headliner, the food vendors ready at Dark Sarcasm is from the noon and music running Albany area, and they from 2:00 pm until 11:00 are a Pink Floyd Tribute Band. pm.

Music Engages the Soul

Featured

bands

will

Dark

Sarcasm

is

eight-piece band, and they focus on providing an authentic Pink Floyd experience, playing songs from a variety of albums, such as The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, The Wall, and more.

Paint is therapy for me, There are so many and over the last few wonderfully made years, I had a longing pieces of days old that to get back to doing things I love. I have a Please See HOME Page 3

Photo by Dave Warner - The Powerhouse is located along the Mohawk River on the right, with Rock Valley Brewing Company (the red building) on the left.

Mark Regan came up with the idea for the concerts at my house, festival, and he said, and I thought it was time an “Periodically, I have rock to have another one. Why

not at the Powerhouse and share it with the Please See ROCK Page 7

W W W . M O H A W K V A L L E Y E X P R E S 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

V A L L E Y MAY 2023

E X P R E S S

through, you will More than 330 banners up on poles until we used them all.” driven have seen the village They expect to hang decked out with over 300 100+ banners!” in St Johnsville, Dolgeville is next approximately banners within the next Rider Erno in October of last year when she made a The Village of St Johnsville post on Facebook talking is close to completing about the program. the installation of over 330 Hometown Heroes “I only expected to get banners on poles. The maybe 50 to fill Main idea came from Julie St, and the response

By Dave Warner

Photo by Dave Warner - Main St in St Johnsville is addorned with Hometown Heroes banners on the poles.

Septic Tank Pumping, Septic leach field installation, Septic inspections, Clog removal & More USA1SEPTIC@HOTMAIL.COM 22 N MAIN ST BROADALBIN NY 12025

has been amazing,” she stated.

couple of weeks and will have them all up for the beautiful Memorial Day Erno continued, “I have Parade and Ceremony driven thru numerous that the American Legion villages and towns where members work hard to these Military Banners put together each year are displayed and thought for the community. what an honor it must be for these communities Judy Sinner said, “Simply to have these banners amazing! I have always displaying their been proud to be from hometown servicemen St.Johnsville, but the and women, so I reached hanging of these beautiful out to the program banners makes me feel administrator, and with a like I ‘won the jackpot,’ group effort the details all because my parents were all worked out.” chose to settle here back in the 30s. Thank you to She provided details all who have truly put St. in the post about how Johnsville on the map!” community members could participate and Beth Kramer stated, “The where they could fill out only thought that came the forms to do so. She to my mind was God did intended for the banners bless StJ with amazing to be displayed between heroes.”

Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The campaign has spurred other communities to take Months later, the action, and in a recent campaign has been an Facebook post, Mary enormous success, with Puznowski, Mayor of the remaining banners all the Village of Dolgeville, ready to be installed. stated, “A group has been formed to organize the Erno stated, “We were Dolgeville Military Banner so close to using almost Program to salute our every single utility pole local Veterans, current in the Village (and or former. You may approximately one mile have seen them in other to the East and West communities. Recently St of the Village) that we Johnsville has honored decided to keep going its Vets, and if you’ve

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The banners in Dolgeville will be displayed yearround, and the cost will be $225. A picture of your veteran is front and center with their name, military branch, and years served. Wartime soldiers will have what war they served during. A picture in a military uniform is needed.

Application forms are available for pick up at: Big M Village of Dolgveille Offices Town of Manheim Office Dawn’s Dawgs For more information, you may contact:

Sam Licari, 315-8673931, Slicari@twcny. rr.com Carmen Licari, 518-7276024, Cal44@mail.com Julie Rider-Erno, 518225-3872, ernojulie@ gmail.com.

The company that is responsible for creating the banners is now meeting with interested individuals in Fort Plain, so yet another Mohawk Valley community may be honoring their Veterans in this fashion soon.

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y MAY 2023

E X P R E S S Page 3

HOME From Page 1 can be repurposed into something beautiful.

You can’t compare the modern technology of today’s newly made furniture with how things were done in the days of old. They just do not make things the way they used to.

Furniture today is mostly pressed board with veneers, made shabbily and not for the long haul.

I love pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation.

The creative process soothes my soul, allows me to take a breath, focus on the task at hand, and shuts out the noise from a normally chaotic life.

During the past three years, I spent time and energy redoing a beautiful old building, the former Asteroga House on Burwell Street in Little Falls, into an Airbnb boutique hotel. I loved the creative process that unfolded during a time that affected our lives and put us all to the test. That was the birth of Redefined Alchemy LLC….REDEFINED: to define again or differently ALCHEMY: a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination.

Not only was the building undergoing a transformation so was I after losing a career I’d had for just about 40

years.

Redefined Alchemy LLC and Redefined Alchemy Home was born from a desire to create more than just wonderful spaces for people to stay. I want to create furniture and more. To take discarded or rejected items and use quality materials, imagination, and simple techniques to re-imagine them as items that can be treasured in a unique home setting. Like yours.

Because I find such joy in creating, I want to share this with anyone who wants to learn.

I believe everyone is creative at their core, and I want to encourage you to look with new eyes at what’s around you and imagine ways to change and beautify your surroundings because it’s fun. Because it’s empowering. Because it’s good for the soul and the planet to RE-USE and RE-imagine and, of course, to Redefine. To know the value of good stuff and breathe life into what’s old and dusty.

To create from simple materials. To create from your very own hands.

USA and is a womanowned and run company.

Its focus is on creating something beneficial to the environment and making the earth a better place.

Wise Owl Paint is made from scratch. Many furniture paints are made using box-store latex paint with minerals added. This poses health risks regarding inhaling crystalline silicates but also affects performance.

Paint made from scratch has the minerals and chalk added in the beginning and is “part of the grind,” so they are fully incorporated into the paint. This greatly increases the paint’s lifespan and ensures the minerals won’t settle at the bottom of the can, affecting adhesion. You will also experience a much smoother selfleveling finish because of this.

Wise Owl Paint stays very connected to both customers and retailers alike. Karen Chouinard, the owner, is an Environmental Scientist, and it’s important to her that she truly “walk the talk” when innovating the I use Wise Owl Chalk safest products that will paint on my treasures and not negatively impact our feature it in Redefined environment.

Alchemy Home. The reason I chose Wise Owl Wise Owl Paint remains Paint is to Redefine my grassroots and plans found treasures…. Wise to stay that way to help Owl Paint is made in the ensure hands-on quality

control & safety.

and Wise Owl One Hour Enamel paint is Quality is of the utmost very low VOC. Volatile importance to the creators organic compounds of Wise Owl paint and are off-gassed into our products. They choose environment and your quality over profit, which home; compromising your is why I chose to carry health or the environment their line and use it on is not something we the furniture pieces that I would ever consider.

Redefine.

Wise Owl Paint is Wise Owl Chalk Synthesis is zero VOC, Please See HOME Page 6

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Page 4

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y MAY 2023

E X P R E S S

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - MAY City of Little Falls May 2, 2023 Common Council Meeting - Auditing of the bills: 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting: 7:00 p.m.

May 3, 2023 Police and Fire Board Meeting - Bills 9:30 am and Regular Session 10:00 am in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

May 4, 2023 Tourism Committee Meeting 8:30 am in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

May 4, 2023 Harbor Commission Meeting 9:00 am in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

May 9, 2023

Recreation Committee Little Falls Public Meeting 6:00 pm in the Library Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

May 5, 2023 Playdate 10am. Sharon’s May 17, 2023 bracelet class 3-4:45 pm.

Golf Commission Meeting - 8:00 am at the May 6, 2023 Little Falls Municipal Golf Munson summer exhibit Course. presentation 1 pm.

Knitting & Crochet 11 am.

May 20, 2023 Holy Family Parish May 8, 2023 Garage Sale Event. Teen creative writing 5 - 6 Multiple family donations, pm.

637 East John St behind academy apartments, 9-6 May 9, 2023 Laurie’s make & take May 21, 2023 3:30-5:30 pm.

Holy Family Parish Garage Sale Event 10-1. May 10, 2023 May 22, 2023 Board of Public Works Meeting - Bills 6:30 pm and Regular Session 7:00 pm in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

May 15, 2023 Teen creative writing 5-6 pm.

May 22, 2023 Teen creative writing 5-6 pm. Book Club “The Alice Network’ 5:30 pm.

SPRING USED BOOK SALE AT LITTLE FALLS PUBLIC LIBRARY

WHAT DO WE HAVE:

Kids books YA Adult Fiction & NonFiction DVDs

May 30, 2023 Dream workshop 5:45 pm.

May 17, 2023 Toddler time 10 & 11:15 am. Flash fiction 5:30 May 31, 2023 Toddler time 10 & 11:15 pm. am. Flash fiction 5:30 pm.

May 19, 2023 Playdate 10 am.

Little Falls Elks May 20, 2023 Knitting & crochet 11 am. May 5, 2023 Book talk on ‘Hot Topic’ Normal Dinner with Cinco 12:30 pm. Kids craft 1 de Mayo specials - 5PM start time pm.

Toddler time 10 & 11:15 am. Flash fiction 5:30 pm.

May 24, 2023 Toddler time 10 & 11:15 May 11, 2023 am.

20s & 30s club. Game night 5:30-7 pm.

May 26, 2023 Playdate 10 am.

May 12, 2023 Playdate 10 am.

May 27, 2023 Knitting & crochet 11 am.

May 13, 2023 Lunch at the Library Knitting & crochet 11 am. Mexican food 1 pm.

Death cafe 1 pm.

May 29, 2023

Come shop new and used books during this week long sale!

Closed for Memorial Day

-

MAY 15TH 20TH

Schedule: Monday: 10am-7pm Tuesday: 10am-7pm Wednesday:10am-7pm Thursday: 10am-7pm Friday:10am-5pm Saturday: 10am-3pm Bring your own bags and fill for $5 Thurs.-Sat. Little Falls Public Library 10 Waverly Place Little Falls, NY

May 12, 2023 Last Dinner for the season - 5PM start time.

May 13, 2023 Paint n Sip 7 pm. All paint supplies and 2 drinks included. $45. Proceeds to benefit Little Falls Cub Scouts.

May 20, 2023 The Powerhouse Rock Festival. Doors open at Noon, FREE to the public. Bring a canned good for donation.

Dolgeville May 4, 2023 Dolgeville Forward regular meeting Thursday 6:30 PM, George Ward Memorial Library.

May 4, 2023 National day of prayer service 7 pm in front of Dolgeville Village Hall, 41 N Main St. Sponsored by Dolgeville Ministerium.

Bring lawn chairs if you wish.

May 20, 2023 Dolgeville Farmers’ Market - Saturday, 9 AM - 1 PM, Plowe Park May 20, 2023 Please See EVENTS Page 5

M O H A W K EVENTS From Page 4

Village-Wide Clean Up and Beautification Weekend - Saturday, May 20th and Sunday, May 21st (Check the Dolgeville Facebook Page for specific dates/ times for volunteer opportunities.)

May 27, 2023 Dolgeville Farmers’ Market - Saturday, 9 AM - 1 PM, Plowe Park May 29, 2023 Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony - Monday, 9:30 AM - Parade Begins on Main Street, Ceremony in Veterans’ Park on Elm Street following the parade.

V A L L E Y MAY 2023

E X P R E S S Page 5

The Travels of Saint Brendan the Navigator Join us at The H.A.R.P. Museum at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley on Thursday May 11 7:00 PM and with presenter Michael Hoke learn about the life and adventures, real, mystical and mythical, of Ireland’s Saint Brendan the Navigator.

Ask most Americans who discovered North America first and you likely hear it was either Christopher Columbus or Leif Erikson.

Ask an Irishman and you will probably hear it was an abbott from Ireland named Brendan predating Columbus by a millennium. While it has been documented

that Brendan sailed to the Hebrides and Faroe Islands north of Scotland, it is his reputed adventures west in the North Atlantic towards Iceland, Greenland, and perhaps Newfoundland that continue to be debated to this day.

Sailing in a boat made of

This year’s exciting program theme is “Nostalgia” and will feature classical music, upbeat music, selections from Broadway musicals Show Boat, Momma Mia, and Brigadoon, use of the original organ hand pump by award winning organist Helen Maksymicz, and much more.

Area musicians are Rev. Mark Fowler, Helen Maksymicz, Martha Regelmann, Irena Garin, Connie Chamberlain, Sidney Chase, Vicente Nunrez, Norma Bowley, Parker Shults, Orion Pratt, and Paul and Jeannette Kling. Refreshments and free will donation.

Please See BRENDAN Page 6

Show your Violet Spirit Guide and Schedule of Events

Saturday (cont.)

Stone Arabia May 5, 2023 Music will ring from the old rafters at Trinity Lutheran Church, a historic church built in 1792 in Stone Arabia.

The church located on Rt 10N in Palatine Bridge will host an Organ Variety Concert on Friday, May 5th at 7 pm.

wattle and oiled leather, Brendan and fourteen monks encounter sights and beasts never before witnessed while searching for the “Blessed Isles” or the “Promised Land of the Saints”. The notes regarding his exploits would be later used by Christopher Columbus on his voyages west in

6-7:30pm

Kat & Tyler at Plowe Park Gazebo

7:30-10pm

Violet Festival’s Got Talent Contest

10pm

Fireworks Display from Summerhouse Hill

Sunday, June 11th, 2023 7-8am

Registration/Packet Pick Up “Run for Violets” 5K Run/Walk and 1K Kids Fun Run, Across from Firehouse

7-11am

Pancake Breakfast at Dolgeville Firehouse

8:30am

Run for Violets 5K Run/Walk USAT+F Certification NY13048JG starts across from firehouse. Some streets will be temporarily closed for the safety of the participants and motorists. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

9:30am

1K Kids Fun Run - free of charge, across from firehouse

Friday, June 9th, 2023

Saturday (cont.)

9am

Village Wide Garage Sales

9am

Village wide Garage Sales

10-11am

Ecumenical Service at Plowe Park Gazebo

6-8pm

Dolgeville Manheim Historical Society Open

9am-5pm

Dolgeville Manheim Historical Society Open

10am-4pm

Featured Artist and Flower Show at The Graystone

6:30pm

Violet Festival Opening Ceremonies Welcome at Joe Condello Gazebo in Plowe Park - Presentation of Lyndon Lyon community Award to Big M Crowing of the Violet Festival Queen, Anna “Aunt Annie” Musella, House Decorating Contest Winners Announced

10am

Violet Festival Parade Crystal or Don 315-527-9585

10am-5pm

Craft Show - Flea Market

10am-5pm

Featured Artist, Ann Contino and Flower Show at the Graystone

12-2pm

Dolgeville Cemetary Walking Tour

10am-5pm

Craft Show - Flea Market

12-3pm

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides

12-2pm

Critical Path at Plowe Park Stage

12-4pm

12-done

Boy Scouts Chicken BBQ at Auskerada Place Basement

Dolgeville Manheim Historical Society Open

1-3pm

12-4pm

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides

The Penneystreet Players at Plowe Park Gazebo

12-4pm

Free Kids Tie Dye T-shirts in front of Military Monument. Limited shirts available, can also bring your own.

1-4pm

DCS Student Art Show K-12 plus BOCES Pre-K & Dolgeville Pre-K at The Graystone

3-5pm

Northern Outlaws at Plowe Park Stage

7pm

Violet Festival Princess & little Mister Pageant, Ages 5-8, 9-12, 13-17, information - Taylor

7-11pm

Whiskey Creek at Rustic Ties - no cover charge

7:30-9pm

Dolgeville Community Band Concert -Plowe Park Gazebo

Saturday, June 10th, 2023 6-9am

Vendors SetupMarilyn 315-429-9884

7-10

Pancake Breakfast at Dolgeville Firehouse

1-4pm

DCS Student Art Show K-12 plus BOCES Pre-K & Dolgeville Pre-K at The Graystone

2-4pm

As/IS at Plowe Park Gazebo

4pm

Brookfield Tractor Pullers at the Daley’s on Moore Rd, Free Admission, bring lawn chair

4-6pm

Fas4ward at Plowe Park Gazebo

11-11:30am Poetry Contest at Plowe Park Stage- Joan Lein

Ongoing Events Saturday & Sunday

Craft Show- Flea Market Horticulture and Food Vendors on Main Street Garden Flower Show at The Graystone Featured Artist Show at The Graystone DCS Pre-K-12 Student Art Show at The Graystone Themed Basket Tickets sold at Violet Festival Info Booth - Drawing Sunday about 4pm Bounce Houses on Softball Field Village Wide Garage Sales Raffle Ticket Sale for Tyoe’s Chainsawing Carving

Page 6

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y MAY 2023

E X P R E S S

HOME From Page 3 committed to protecting the environment & reducing its carbon footprint and takes serious & deliberate action to reduce waste through manufacturing & shipping, but also sponsors projects to benefit wildlife & the environment. Integrity is a huge part of their mission, guiding every part of their business from start to finish.

stamps, & molds created

by Redesign by Prima, also a woman-owned business, and of course the full line of Wise Owl along with a selection of quality paint brushes and the most fabulous furniture salve that can be used on almost anything, including your skin. I will expand offerings as we grow together but rest assured, only the very best tools & materials will make the grade.

woman-owned business that has an extensive line of DIY products to Redefine whatever treasure you might have in mind to do yourself.

I hope to bring something special to you and to engage others to get involved with creating for themselves. Classes are in the range of goals I want to get involved with.

Decoupage, as well as layering paints, creating I have a website that textures on furniture or presents my curated I also carry Mint by even smalls like boring market wherein I offer for Michelle decoupage plant pots or old vases sale ALL of the amazing papers, which is in that need a new life, decor transfers, stencils, Australia, yet another making them look like SENIOR MEALS FOR MAY 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.

May 01 - Salisbury steak with muhroom gravy, rice pilaf, garlic spinach, vanilla ice cream.

May 02 - Cream of broccoli soup, turkey sandwich, three-bean salad, brownie.

May 03 - Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, squash, Mandarin oranges.

May 04 - Ham and scalloped potatoes, peas and carrots, pears.

May 05 - Breaded fish on a bun, macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, cupcake with frosting.

May 08 - Chicken marsala, rotini in sauce, Italian green beans, peaches.

May 09 - Sweet sausage on a roll, baked beans, red cabbage, sherbet.

May 10 - Frittata, sausage patty, hash browns, muffin, fruit cup.

May 11 - Roast turkey with gravy, stuffing, Brussels sprouts, pudding.

May 12 - Spaghetti and meatballs, Italian blend vegetables, Italian bread, apple brown Betty.

May 15 - Oriental beef stir fry with vegetables, rice, watermelon.

May 16 - Tuna salad cold plate, macaroni salad, cold beef salad, oatmeal raisin cookie.

May 17 - Roast pork with gravy, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, gelatin.

May 18 - Chef’s choice chicken, baked potato, green beans, pie.

May 19 - Philly cheeseburger, German potato salad, warm three-bean salad, tropical fruit.

May 22 - BBQ chicken, baked beans, mixed vegetables, peanut butter cookie.

May 23 - Layered hamburger cabbage, casserole, corn, waxed beans, strawberry ice cream.

May 24 - Baked fish in dill sauce, confetti rice, spinach, cinnamon applesauce.

May 25 - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, baked squash, frosted birthday cake.

May 26 - Cream of spinach soup, chicken patty on a bun, pudding with topping.

May 29 - Closed for Memorial Day May 30 - Lasagna, tossed salad, garlic bread, Italian blend vegetables, carnival cookie.

May 31 - Yankee pot roast, oven roasted potatoes, dill carrots, fruit cocktail.

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.

ancient stone, finishing kitchen cabinets, or applying some beautiful transfers on top of a specially finished piece, are some of the ideas I would like to teach.

more beautiful with our hands.

The store is located at 616 E Main St in Little Falls and will be open Thursday through Saturday from 11 I will also be available for am until 3 pm and by custom work if someone appointment. You can find doesn’t want to do the out more by visiting www. work themselves, but redefinedalchemyhome. if they have a piece of com or emailing furniture that they are r e d e f i n e d a l c h e m y @ tired of and want to gmail.com. transform into something they will love, I will do A soft opening is planned that. for Friday, May 12, 2023, and the grand opening With a bit of imagination, will be the next day, we can make the world Saturday, May 13, 2023.

BRENDAN From Page 5 the Atlantic. Brendan’s Feast Day is May 16 and he is the patron saint of sailors and travelers.

You can attend this presentation at the H.A.R.P. Museum located on the second floor of the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, 623 Columbia St, Utica. All

are welcome to attend this program and the museum is wheelchair accessible.

There is no charge for this event but we do ask that you register with Eventbrite.

The link can be found on our events calendar at https://www.iccmv.org/ events-calendar/.

Little Falls Patriots Day Past and Present The Little Falls Historical Society will partner with the Yellow Church Cemetery Association to host a Patriots Day observance at their historic site beginning at 11:00 AM on Saturday May 20. The rain date is Sunday May 21 at the same time. The event is free and open to the public.

This program will feature a number of short addresses on various local history topics and the laying of a Daughters of the American Revolution wreath. The playing of TAPS will conclude the approximately hour-long

event. This will be the eleventh local Patriots Day observance.

As many as fifty Revolutionary War veterans are buried in Yellow Church Cemetery, many having fought at the pivotal August 6, 1777 Battle of Oriskany which was crucial to the eventual defeat of British forces at the Battle of Saratoga later that fall.

Local Patriots Day At the urging of the Historical Society, the City of Little Falls established Please See PATRIOTS Page 8

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y MAY 2023

E X P R E S S Page 7

ROCK From Page 1 City?”

appear.

He approached Mike George with Rock Valley Brewing Company and asked him to get involved, closing the street and making it an all-day festival with craft beer made in Little Falls.

Mike George stated that the reason for the festival was to get the word out about Little Falls and not only the upcoming project at the Powerhouse but also his business and all of the restaurants that are participating.

“Let’s invite people locally and around the globe to come here and experience this free event,” he stated.

They also decided to make it a fundraiser for the food pantry, requesting non-perishable items to be donated. “We then decided to have local vendors be within the footprint.”

Seven food vendors are involved, and some other craft vendors will also

times. They always draw great crowds,” George stated.

George also mentioned that Dark Sarcasm has a little treat for everyone at the end of the concert.

Prep work is ongoing in the area, expanding the parking and leveling “We just want to bring the space between the people to the area and let Antique Center, where a them see what Little Falls berm has been removed, has to offer. We have to grading around the people that come from Powerhouse.

They’re all over for the Garlic also doing some work in and Cheese Festivals, preparation for future site and we wanted to build development. on that and keep people coming here.”

Regan is setting up an outdoor stage on the He said, “It’s just a little property, but nothing reprieve from the day- will happen inside the to-day grind. Both bands Powerhouse. “All the that are playing here are headliner stuff is outside. fantastic, and they’ve We’ll have tents set up played here a number of to deal with the weather,

The Powerhouse Global Transformation LLC , Rock Valley Brewing Co., and the Little Falls Youth and Family Center present the

THE POWERHOUSE ROCK FESTIVAL SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023 DOORS OPEN 12:00 PM FROM 2:00 PM-11:00 PM BANDS LIVE

Photo by Orlando Guitian

Photo by Frank Forte

Featuring CNY bands

REV-D

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

WALRUS

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM & Pink Floyd Tribute band

DARK SARCASM 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

FREE TO THE PUBLIC! Multiple local food vendors and craft beer!

Bring your lawn chairs, and a canned or nonperishable food item donation for the LF Food Pantry The Powerhouse, 95 West Mill Street, Little Falls, NY USA 13365

and we’re requesting that everyone bring their lawn chairs.”

The stage will back up to the Mohawk River

and be turned at about a 45-degree angle so the sound will go towards Elizabeth St. “We don’t Please See ROCK Page 14

M O H A W K

Page 8

V A L L E Y MAY 2023

E X P R E S S

PATRIOTS From Page 6 a local Patriots Day in 2010 to be observed each year on the third Saturday in May. Then Mayor Robert Peters issued a proclamation recognizing this annual observance.

Seeking to expand this observance to other communities and organizations, the Historical Society has in past years co-hosted annual Patriots Day events at: General Nicholas Herkimer Home, Fort Herkimer Church, Snell’s Bush Church, the former Masonic Temple in Little Falls, the Reformed Church at Historic Four Corners in Herkimer, Paines Hollow Baptist Church, Historic Trinity in Fairfield, Emanuel Episcopal Church in Little Falls, and, last year, at Norway Rural Cemetery.

The first local Patriots Day event was held at Yellow Church Cemetery in 2010. Full circle in 2023.

Background Patriots Day began in 1894 as a New England regional observance, and, in 1934, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts established the third Monday in April as a state holiday commemorating the April 19, 1775 beginning of the Revolutionary War when American Minute Men and British troops skirmished at Lexington and Concord. The epic Battle of Bunker Hill followed on June 17, 1775.

Boston can attest to the patriotic emotions that are raised. The viewing of the somber bagpipeled procession as it snakes its way through the streets of Boston on route to pay proper tribute at the graves of Revolutionary War heroes with rifle salutes is indeed a moving experience.

Patriots Day also includes reenactments at key Boston Revolutionary War landmark sites along its historic red line. The running of the Boston Marathon and the Red Sox home opener add to the celebratory mood.

critical contributions to the outcome of the American Revolution.

Local Revolutionary War Patriots may have lacked the formal education and national stage that produced the oratorical eloquence of New England’s Samuel Adams and James Otis, or Pennsylvania’s Thomas Paine or Virginia’s Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, but, heroes and Patriots they were, our heroes and Patriots.

Certainly, we can safely liken the courage of the Palatine Committee of Safety in drafting its May 21, 1775 Declaration of Independence-like document at Snell’s Tavern in Stone Arabia to the July 4, 1776 decision by our national Founding Fathers in issuing our more famous Declaration of Independence. These were our local founding fathers, and they acted more than a year earlier than our national Founding Fathers!

or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” The same fate would have awaited the Palatine Committee of Safety signers if America had not succeeded in gaining independence from England. They were all traitors alike in the eyes of English authorities. July 4th is one of America’s most treasured holidays.

Additional parallels between local and national Revolutionary War era events and people can also be drawn upon for greater regional recognition.

Once the British military evacuated Boston in March,1776, and Local Patriots and soon after began the the American Revooccupation of New York lution City, the physical threat to New England colonists We here in the Mohawk generally lessened.

Valley have equally The physical safety of Anyone who has attended compelling reasons to Mohawk Valley residents was threatened for a far Patriots Day activities in recognize our ancestors’ greater length of time than other regions of Colonial America, except perhaps for New York After signing his name City itself. to the Declaration of IS YOUR LAWN MOWER OR OUTDOOR POWER Independence, Benjamin The Walter Butler and EQUIPMENT ALL READY TO GO? Franklin stated: “We Joseph Brant led Tory and must all hang together, Indian raids in our area WE ARE SERVICING & REPAIRING ALL

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PATRIOTS From Page 8 went on almost as long as the Revolutionary War itself. Perhaps the most notorious of these actions were the Andrustown Massacre on July 18, 1778, the September 17, 1778 German Flatts Raid, the November 11, 1778 Cherry Valley Massacre, and the Remensnyder’s Bush Raid on April 3, 1780.

Death and destruction were a constant presence in Patriot life.

Our ancestors lived on the western frontier of the Revolutionary War. The threat to local safety really did not lessen until the October 30, 1781 death of Walter Butler on the banks of the West Canada Creek. Some historians refer to this encounter as the last battle of the Revolutionary War. The June 1782 Tory and Indian raid that destroyed the Little Falls gristmill occurred some eight months after Lieutenant General George Cornwallis surrendered

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M O H A W K

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ASAP Auto now open on West Main St in Little Falls

By Dave Warner

A new business at 561 West Main St is open to take care of all your automotive needs.

Andrew and Sam Perkins are the owners, and the brothers are both mechanics.

Andrew stated, “I’ve been a mechanic for eight years and Sam for five. We both went to Morrisville for automotive repair. I worked for Salisbury Motor Car for three, and so did he. I then went to Todd Cable/ First Light Construction

and worked on all their trucks and equipment.”

Andrew also brought his brother there but got the bug to start his own business about a year ago. “We always wanted to run our own garage and talked about it. We picked out the name when we were really young. It’s Andrew Sam Alex Perkins (ASAP), and it fit,” he said.

He said that they both then ended up in the automotive field and that they both love selling cars as well. “We’ve done this since we were fifteen

- buying trucks.”

and

selling

Trucks are really both of the brother’s things, but they handle cars as well.

“We do it all.”

“The weight on my shoulders is a little heavier because I’m married and have two really young kids. He’s single with a girlfriend,” but we both work really hard.

They found the location because it was up for taxes, and their dad bought it with the intent

Photo by Dave Warner - ASAP Auto is now open at 561 West Main St in Little Falls. For more information call 315-508-5089.

to flip it.

“After a year and a half, we got to talking and decided that we’d keep it and open a garage,” Andrew stated.

They have also gotten approval for a dealership, so they’ll be selling used vehicles.

In addition, they’ve added a tow truck and are waiting for it to be The company can handle configured.

When anything from tires, finished, they’ll have a brakes, suspension work, 24x7 towing service. electrical diagnostics, alignment, or air Andrew said they’re also conditioning work. “We’ll a Rough Country dealer, do any engine work other which is truck and Jeep than rebuilds. We won’t lift accessory kits. “It’s do that, but we’ll do a running boards, tunnel swap out. We also don’t covers, fender flares. rebuild transmissions. We’re also a Wheels Pro We’re staying away from Dealer, which also allows rebuilding,” Andrew said. us to offer more lift kits.

We have after-market tire “We’re not scared of setups and pretty much anything. We’re doing anything after-market for detailing now. That cars and trucks.” seems to be a really big hit. It’s not something If you want more that we had expected to information, you can find take off, but we’ve been them on Facebook or call pretty slammed with it.”

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Photo by Dave Warner - Andrew (left) and Sam Perkins look under the hood of a vehicle.

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V A L L E Y MAY 2023

E X P R E S S Page 11

annual recognition to fathers. Their names heritage. This writing Valley Patriot felt safe these frontier Patriots at were not Washington, is suggesting more Jefferson, or Adams, of a focused effort on from Tory reprisal. The a local historic site? but appreciation and the annual celebration “Sunshine Patriot” It does not require a great celebration are certainly of a New England-like that Thomas Paine Patriots Day. condemned in his “The leap of imagination to in order. compare Adam Helmer’s American Crisis,” read to George Washington’s heroic 1778 run to warn Our area already does Perhaps the Herkimer beleaguered and the residents of German a great job of promoting County legislature should deserting troops at Valley Flatts of the approach of much of our local more formally recognize a Forge, would seem an 450 Tories and Indians history. Each autumn local Patriots Day? Local appropriate reference. with Paul Revere’s more Fort Herkimer holds its communities and schools have greater There were few “Sunshine famous midnight ride living history weekend could the General reason for celebration Patriots” remaining in the warning the residents of and Lexington and Concord Nicholas Herkimer state and appreciation for Mohawk Valley during of the approach of British historic site continues the crucial role that this time. Incredible forces. Helmer saved to be one of the finest our ancestors played courage was exhibited dozens of Mohawk Valley Revolutionary War sites in the outcome of the by the individuals and residents from brutal in the state. Additionally, Revolutionary War. families who took refuge deaths. the Herkimer County Boston in particular, and at Fort Herkimer, Fort Historical Society does a New England in general, Dayton, and Fort Klock As we visit historic fine job with its ongoing does a wonderful job of as the war dragged on. cemeteries at Fort efforts in celebrating our promoting their regional Herkimer, General Revolutionary War era significance in our nation’s Our ancestors were Herkimer Home, Yellow brutalized and killed for Church Road, Norway a longer period of time Rural Cemetery and than any other Americans elsewhere, the emotional during the Revolution. grasp of history is Perhaps we need to powerful.

We need better recognize and to realize that as we We are dedicated to promoting celebrate this courage stand before the graves quality of life for all individuals and these contributions. of Nicholas Herkimer How better to educate and Jacob Klock and ourselves about our before the family plots collective heritage and of Bellingers, Petries, pass this appreciation and Snells that we are along to our children reaching for the legacies than by paying respectful of our local founding PATRIOTS From Page 9

founding. Saratoga also effectively promotes the critical Battle of Saratoga as part of its vacation destination appeal. Is it now time for us to rival these ranks by taking greater local pride in our own Revolutionary War legacy? Happy Patriots Day! Please join us at Yellow Church Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Saturday May 20.

The Case for a Local Patriots Day Observance was written by Little Falls Historical Society member Jeffrey Gressler and published on May 10, 2010. This article is an update of that earlier article.

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Small Businesses—the Heart and Soul of Today’s Rural Communities 99.8 percent of New York Businesses are Small Businesses

By Deborah Kaufman

Many would have you think that the demise of small businesses in rural communities is inevitable, considering the tremendous pressure that e-commerce giants Amazon and Walmart place on ‘Mom and Pop’ retailers. At the same time, there is no doubt that there has been a shift in retail buying habits in recent years,

especially when you add the pandemic, supply chain challenges, and a looming recession. But is that the whole story?

increase in applications.

2020 experienced the highest total number of applications by far, double the growth rate in any other year. The largest increases were in the non-store retail sector (accounting for 1 out of every 3 new businesses) and the personal services section. The findings cite the continuation of a gig economy with small businesses also selling their goods and services online.

While the pandemic sent shockwaves through the economy and shifted retail buying habits for household essentials, it also created an unexpected and surprising surge in small business startups.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020 was a record year for new business Small businesses play formation, with a 20% a vital role in driving local economies as well as the New York State economy. In fact, a 2022 study by the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy shows that 99.8 percent of New York businesses are small. That’s 2.3 million businesses that are not likely to go away anytime soon. They also employ 4.1 million employees, 48% of the

Photo by Dave Warner - Main Street in Little Falls New York.

State’s employees.

Women comprised 48.5 percent of workers in these small businesses and owned 39.8%. Racial minorities were also a large portion of small business ownership, with 26.3 percent owned by this demographic.

So, why should we care?

Imagine the number of small businesses you interact with each week, including internet-based companies, contractors, plumbers, electricians, hardware stores, lumber companies, co-working spaces, healthcare, real estate, the meat market or bakery, the movie theater,

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lodging, hair salons and barber shops, boutiques, law firms, accountants, IT specialists, repair/ refinishing shops, the bowling alley, liquor stores, gas stations, auto repairs, the car wash, restaurants, and bars. Now imagine your community without them.

Small business entrepreneurs offer communities economic sustainability and are not necessarily driven by passing national trends.

They bring growth, provide employment opportunities to local residents, and innovation to rural communities.

They also generate revenue that converts local taxes into community improvements such as schools, parks, public transit, and healthcare.

The Better Business Bureau’s national statistics show that when you spend $100 at a local business, roughly $68 stays within the local economy, compared to a non-local business where $43 of that $100 dollars stays in the community.

Most small businesses also participate in volunteer work, charitable donations, community festivals, local sports teams, and benefits. In fact, their data shows 52% of small businesses support charitable Please See BUSINESS Page 13

M O H A W K

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BUSINESS From Page 12 contributions, and 90% donate to local causes.

The vibrancy of any small town can be measured by the economic health of their small businesses.

These community assets generate long-term economic development that meets authentic community needs. By supplying jobs to their communities, these entrepreneurs promote economic self-sufficiency to help reduce poverty, according to the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, which supports entrepreneurial efforts in low and moderateincome areas.

Local small businesses

also provide character and individuality to a community. They are a community’s unique brand. Walking along a thriving business district can create a sense of value and identity for visitors. It’s an impression of vitality and wealth, producing a positive image of the overall community.

Building a Robust Small Business Ecosystem Rural small businesses face several challenges when it comes to launching their startups, one of which is driving traffic to their door with low population density compared to

large communities.

This often requires creating a destination marketing strategy to draw customers from surrounding communities.

Page 13

In a small business ecosystem, these entities would cooperate to deliver goods and services to a target market, generating greater value for their community and visitors.

For small towns, this cooperative relationship among businesses can be a competitive advantage for drawing people to their downtowns and providing opportunities for visitors and residents to spend more time in their business/entertainment districts.

In an ecosystem model, local organizations interact with each other to create and exchange sustainable value. The collaborative nature of an ecosystem is that different entities come together to accomplish something beyond the While the restaurant and scope and capacity of entertainment industry is any individual entity. just one example, one could easily imagine Take, for example, a connecting lodging to small community with a this ecosystem as well. variety of restaurants and Creating an ecosystem entertainment venues. of businesses can

also be created in other industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, arts and culture, recreational activities, etc.

Other advantages to creating an industry ecosystem are: attracting similarly skilled labor that is enhanced by workforce training opportunities and shared access to capital, technology, marketing, suppliers, and accounting resources.

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BUSINESS From Page 13 no question that these companies faced hurdles throughout their journey to success, but like most of our grandparents and great-grandparents who started businesses, they found the journey well worth it.

If you’ve been thinking of launching your dream business, the timing may be right to capitalize on the recent national surge of startup interest. And your community is likely to thank you. The impact that entrepreneurs have on their communities in terms of job creation, innovation, and productivity growth helps to revitalize rural

communities.

The USDA’s Economic Research Service found evidence that having a higher share of employment at small businesses with 2 to 99 employees was positively associated with local income, employment growth, and poverty reduction.

V A L L E Y MAY 2023

E X P R E S S

barriers to entering the market in your field of interest?

You’ll also want to research the mechanics of opening a business. At first, this may seem a bit overwhelming, but there are numerous websites, blogs, and videos to get you started.

For general information Nothing is more thrilling about launching a small than coming up with business, here are a few a business idea and sites with articles and seeing it through amid all resources that may be the unknowns. Suppose helpful to you: www.inc. your inner entrepreneur com, www.score.com, has been quietly nagging www.allbusiness.com, at you. Why not explore www.entrepreneur.com, the concept by talking to www.epiclaunch.com, business owners about www.crunchbase.com, the opportunities and and www.sba.org

Herkimer College to hold tuition rate steady Herkimer College announced that in-state tuition and fee rates for the 2023-24 academic year will remain the same. Tuition for fulltime, in-state students is $2,558 per semester, and part-time, in-state tuition is $189 per credit hour.

This is the second year that rates have remained flat.

number eight out of the 22 community colleges scored.

Other affordability initiatives offered by Herkimer College include BookMarket™. In collaboration with Barnes & Noble College, this course-material delivery program lowers the cost of materials. It ensures students have access Herkimer College also to all their required made the list of the Best textbooks on or before Community Colleges in the first day of class.

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ROCK From Page 7 want it reverberating off the ramp wall or the Powerhouse, that’s why we’ve angled it,” Regan stated.

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a fundraiser for a Little Falls Central School District scholarship. “All the funds from the Elks cooking chicken will go to that scholarship fund.”

Regan said, “We already have people coming in The concert also has from three continents, a youth, Veterans, and seven countries, and military family component, twelve states that we with American Legion know of.” and Herkimer VFW participation.

George reminded people to bring an item for the “May 20th is Armed Forces Day, so that’s food pantry. “We’re trying to raise some money and appropriate,” he said. get some donations to The Elks Lodge will have help those less fortunate their BBQ chicken as than us.”

M O H A W K

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Herkimer Home State Historic Site previews upcoming events

By Dave Warner

In April, the Herkimer Home State Historic Site kicked off its 2023 season with a ‘Sugaring Off’ event in Little Falls. The Home hosted the festivities as visitors learned about the traditional sugaring skills around General Nicholas Herkimer’s colonial manor in the scenic Mohawk Valley.

If you’ve never been there, construction of his residence on the colonial frontier was completed around 1764. General Herkimer’s place in history was assured in 1777 when he assembled 800 militiamen, supported by 60 allied Oneida warriors, and marched to defend Ft. Stanwix against a British siege.

Considered a significant turning point in the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Oriskany fought on August 6, 1777, has been described as one of the war’s bloodiest battles.

Although wounded in the leg, Herkimer kept command during the fierce combat.

After the battle, he was carried home, where he died ten days later from complications following the amputation of his leg.

Michael Roets, the site manager, said, “We’re getting ready to open up Memorial Day weekend.

We’ve been working this winter on a bunch of new living history initiatives.

We should have a working blacksmith here throughout the summer, mostly on weekends.”

He also said that they’re

going to do some farming demonstrations. “We’re going to be opening some gardens and improving the formal garden in front of the house with some 18th-century appropriate flowers.”

so if you are interested, call (315) 823-0398.

Roets said that Heinrichs is well-versed in getting people involved in living history events.

“He works with them to get appropriate clothing Roets thinks the most and footwear, and he significant change will also has the ability to be the living history train people on how to demonstrations. “It used do 18th-century crafts. to be one of the mainstays We’re really looking to of the Herkimer Home, get more volunteers to and we’re trying to get work with him,” he stated. back to that.”

The Home is also gearing One of their new up for the Raid Along the employees, Edward Mohawk event as they Heinrichs, who had did in 2021. “That event worked at Fort Ontario for will be the first weekend years, will lead the events. in September. It will be “He’s been working on 100+ soldiers camped on the fortifications around the site along with their the house, and he’s also camp followers doing working on creating that their demonstrations blacksmith shop and and some of their battle demonstrations,” Roets scenarios.” stated.

“That’s the big thing They are also looking for that we’re doing, volunteers who would like to work with Heinrichs, Please See HISTORIC Page 16 HAMILTON COUNTY PERSONNEL/CIVIL SERVICE IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR: Substance Abuse Prevention Educator The Hamilton County Community Services has two (2) anticipated openings for Substance Abuse Prevention Educators in Indian Lake. Starting salary is $43,316 - $46,319. These are full-time positions with an excellent benefits package.

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Women’s Exhibit at Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts May 6 - June 17 TORRENT OF FLOR

HISTORIC From Page 15 but we’ll also do a commemoration event of General Herkimer’s death, which we do every year. The DAR chapters come out, and numerous local chapters support that. Just honoring and remembering General Herkimer and all the other

militia that fought at the Battle of Oriskany with him. We typically do that the weekend following August 6th,” he said.

For more information, visit https://parks.ny.gov/ historic-sites/14/details. aspx.

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dimensional creations.

These works are full of

By Donna Veeder emotion. They are each artist’s own personal Eight young women interpretation of the title. artists of the Mohawk Color and the lift it gives Valley Region have spun to us abounds! for us their beautiful and unusual artwork stories Moving through the group in glorious colors as they alphabetically, we touch visualize this title. We are on some of the works. used to spring torrents Katrina Cheney’s tall around here, both in winds rectangular depictions of and waters, experiencing nature use both painted everything from soft, and attached wild plants warm breezes to wild she has collected from snowy gales to roaring her surroundings to bring surprise floods. Using a feeling of new growth colors and emotions, to our attention. They warm and cool, as our are both abstraction Northern springs seem to and reality combined. deliver us, these young Gabrielle Huther presents women will share their large, free, bright, and recent creations. Their joyous abstracts called group exhibition, Torrent Desert Rose that lift of Flor, opens at The our spirits. Their light Mohawk Valley Center for seems to radiate from the Arts, on May 6, 2023, within. Michele Johnsen from 12:00 to 4:00 PM takes us on a totally at 401-403 So Ann St., different path. She turns Little Falls, NY, 13365. her lifelong pursuit of Katrina Cheney, Gabrielle collecting driftwood into Huther, Michele Johnsen, colorful, sassy, strutting Carly Proulx, Lisa creatures: birds covered Rohacek, Kayla Spivey, in beads, grasses, and Alexandra Tamburro, and feathers. She weaves in Melody Valdivia have many textures and colors all been creating art for of other found materials. some years now. You Carly Proulx paints our might have seen their Mohawk River in a wild work in various other spring flood, flashing by exhibitions. However, us below her window. Yet this exhibition is the first she also gives us darker, to present their work as brooding figures whose a specially invited group. thoughts we cannot quite We will see animals, fathom. Lisa Rohacek flowers, roaring waters, displays a beautiful figures, photographs, golden-yellow trout lily interiors, landscapes beneath spectacular, and some exciting three- roiling sunset skies of

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grays, rose, and soft blues. Her giant nest gives a close-up of baby birds guarded by their mother’s watchful eye. Kayla Spivey presents sleek, modern, floral ceramic serving dishes delicately painted for the feasting of our eyes as well as the feasting of our bellies.

Alexandra Tamburro’s large photographs bend sunflowers toward us or away from us. Her pink Spanish creeper vines wind themselves around static machines, beautifying the neighborhood. Melody Valdivia’s woman with bright red hair leans forward to dry her hair in the warming sun’s rays. Two horses greet one another in warming colors, nose to nose in their newfound freedom from the dark winter barn.

This unusual exhibition of the works of nearby women artists is one you’ll surely want to see and enjoy. It is a Spring Tonic.

The exhibition will have its Opening Reception at Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts 401-403 So. Ann St. in Little Falls, NY, on Saturday, May 6, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This event is free and open to the public. One other event will occur at The MVCA during the tenure of this exhibition.

On Saturday May 20, there will be a special free Wine Tasting Event featuring Women-owned wineries. (Wine served to adults only.) Artists will be present for a meet and greet. Regular gallery hours are ThursSat, 12:00 to 4:00, or by appointment. Call: 315823-0808. The exhibition ends on June 17.

M O H A W K

A Memorial Day Reminder

By Ray Lenarcic

Battling sub-zero temperatures and an enemy outnumbering them 20 plus to one, they managed to survive the Battle of Chosin Reservoir despite taking some 15,000 casualties. At the Imjin River and Kapyong, they blunted an offensive by 700,000 Chinese. They distinguished themselves at battles whose names have become iconicHeartbreak Ridge-Old Baldy-Porkchop Hill.

They are the Marines and Army infantrymen whose incredible valor in the face of often overwhelming odds prevented a Communist takeover of South Korea.

The price paid with American blood for the preservation of the small democratic state was substantial; 36,940 deaths; 92,134 wounded; 3,737 MIAs. The enemy losses numbered an estimated half million troops. While many local communities suffered losses, one, in particular, was hard hit.

My hometown Little Falls.

Our city of less than c.

9,000 lost five men: Clifton Avery, Walter Bobak, William Grogan, Thomas Ochar, and Milan Mosny.

★

The latter’s death was particularly poignant to my friends and me because his brother, Danny, was a classmate. The six Mosny brothers were an institution in the community not only for their prowess on the basketball court but for their values, citizenship, and scholarship. While I didn’t know Milan personally, along with everyone else growing up in the late ’40s and ’50s, I knew of him. Milan Mosny might have been the finest role model ever to graduate from the “purple and white.”

At the end of an exemplary high school career replete with numerous accomplishments (athletic and extracurricular), Milan gave his valedictory address and headed to West Point to join the Class of ’49. There, his record was no less stellar; high scorer of the A-Squad hoopsters, letterman in baseball and cross country, upper-third in his class, Modern Language prize winner in French, etc. He went on to earn his wings as an F86D fighter pilot, honing his skills to the extent that, in the words of his commanding officer, “Mo was one of the most promising officers I

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have known. His Academy background and his flying ability were great assets, but secondary to the man he was.”

According to those in the know, the sky was the limit as far as his future was concerned. Ironically, it was in the sky that the life of this exceptional young man was ended.

On January 6, 1955, in Japan, during a night intercept training exercise, Milan and his co-pilot were killed in a mid-air collision with another jet.

It seems that memories of the Captain and four other men previously mentioned faded with the passing years until they were known only by a handful of residents.

This phenomenon is commonplace. It’s not that people don’t care about those who were lost during our many wars; it’s that they haven’t been reminded not to forget. On May 12th, the people of Little Falls were reminded thanks to several high school students who conducted a food drive while wearing t-shirts with the names Avery, Bobak, Grogan, Ochar, and Mosny prominently displayed. They collected nearly 1500 items of food

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and $168 for the local pantry. Along with their peers from Mohawk and Frankfort who conducted similar drives (honored Marine Cpl. David Mills and SSgt. John LaPolla, respectively-both, KIA in Vietnam), the students introduced another dimension regarding how Memorial Day can be observed. We can honor our heroes by doing something in their memories to improve the quality of life of their hometowns.

Earlier, I wrote that Milan Mosny would make a great role model. I mean, what parents wouldn’t want their children to possess his

attributes; integrity-strong work ethic-responsibiltyrespectfulnesscompassion-humilitypatriotic. That said, might I suggest that any of us looking for role models need look no further than our own communities; their names are etched in stone on the memorials, which remain lasting testimonies to their indomitable spirit, their unimpeachable character, and their willingness to give their all for their country.

God bless and keep them always.

If you would like to see your story in the Mohawk Valley Express - email it to news@ mohawkvalleyexpress.com

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M O H A W K

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Diamond Dawgs ready to kick off 2023 season

By Dave Warner

The Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs are ready to kick off their 2023 season, on June 1st, versus Utica, which means opening night is less than one month away.

Travis Heiser, owner of the team, said that once the season is done, he’s already getting ready for the next one in the middle of August. “We start signing guys for the upcoming season, so there’s really no ‘off’ days at all.”

and Heiser says he’ll be returning in 2023. “Troy is coming back, and this is his third summer with us. He had a good year last year. He’s definitely the number one prospect in the league, and we’re excited to have him back.”

Heiser said, however, “How long he’s actually with us, we don’t know.

He could be going back to the Cape after a couple of starts with us, or he could stay for the entire summer or get drafted by Major League Baseball in this year’s draft. Being local, it’s nice to have him He said that they first back.” try to lock in players interested in coming “He’s throwing 96 mph back. “Some players tell now. I saw him pitch a us before they leave that couple of weeks ago, and they’d like to come back, the scouts are all over so we try to get those him. I think we’ll have kids signed up.” him for two to three starts at least, but if he gets Everything moves faster drafted like Jimmy Joyce, once fall starts because it would be nice to get players are playing fall that call with him wearing ball. “By October or a Dawgs uniform,” he November, we are done said. with the majority of our roster.”

Heiser said there are many other tasks to One of the hot names in accomplish in the offthe Valley is Troy Butler, season, including lining

up the advertisers and sponsors for the team, host families, and afterhome game meals. “It’s a full-time job if you’re going to do it right. A lot of people think we just roll out the ball in June.”

ends.”

we have enough highlevel players that can be There is still housing consistent day in and needed for two more day out and keep us in players, and after-game games,” he said. meals are another hotbutton item for Heiser. “I Heiser said that several think we have four out of the players are hitting of the twenty-five games well right now at college, “We really try to lock up taken care of, and that’s several with multiple all our advertisers and a big undertaking to get home runs. “I think we’re sponsors in the fall for the them fed.” going to be quick as well. upcoming season. We’re We’ve got guys who can really fortunate to have He said that the players steal bases, and we’ll most of our sponsors appreciate something have a pressure offense. back again from the other than hotdogs We’re going to be able to previous season. The or hamburgers when bunt.” reality is, without them, playing at home. “When the Diamond Dawgs we have a home game, He said they’re a little soft would not exist,” he we try and feed them in the outfield but have stated. with something that has some two-way players a little more nutritional that can also play outfield He also said that he value than what they eat because they’re that really appreciates the on the road.” athletic. “We’re excited team’s support from the to see what we have, community.

After the games, they eat and again, it’s not always at the picnic tables at the about the numbers, “We have players coming field. but putting the team from all over the country, together and having that and some like to stay Heiser said the coaching chemistry.” in the apartments, but staff is set and the same again there are those as last year. “Coach Heiser said that the individuals who like the Lubby has been with me Eastern Division they’re host families.” since 2014. He’s been in in is the toughest every role and is now our competition, with Utica Heiser also works on what head coach. John Ferino, sliding over into it. kind of entertainment the local guy from Fort will be provided during Plain, is coming back, “It’s always a battle, and it the games, including and then we have Tyler goes through Amsterdam. fireworks nights and Roper coming back for Unfortunately, we only giveaways. “It just never his second season.” play them two times. It’s a rivalry game, and from “It’s nice to have those a scheduling standpoint, three back. I think the I don’t understand why biggest thing for us in we don’t play them more. any organization is It’s just the way it worked consistency, and I out.” think having consistent coaches and staff is what “Our players and our fans sets us apart from a lot of like that rivalry, and it’s other summer collegiate no different than when teams,” stated Heiser. we play Utica. There’s a respect issue between On paper, he said the all of us, but when the team looks good. “I think time comes, we all want we have some guys that to beat each other,” he are really going to be able said. to swing it. Defensively, I think we are going to Heiser said they expect be good. The concern is always pitching. Do Please See DAWGS Page 19

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DAWGS From Page 18

Photo by Dave Warner - Some of the younger fans pose with a Diamond Dawg player during a July 16, 2022 game.

to be competitive and end up in the playoffs.

“We’re also here to help these players grow, not only on the field but off the field. We always say we’re in the man-making business. Whether we win a championship or not, we want to send our guys back to their schools as not only better baseball players but better people.”

to giving a lot of tickets out in the community to drive more people to the games. “We’ve got some family reunions that we’re doing this year, and we will be announcing a fireworks show that I think is probably going to be the best show that we’ve ever had.”

Heiser also noted that the Thirsty Thursdays would be back. “It’s become a He said that when it comes place to hang out with to the fan experience, friends and socialize. It they have a lot more kind of breaks up the groups booked and week.” that they’re going back

Another addition will be live multi-camera streaming of the games

by The Creative Outpost, Inc., intern program. If you can’t make the game, you’ll be able to watch it at https:// mvdiamonddawgs.com/ livestream/ He ended, “There’s definitely more to come.”

For those who want to know, the baseball camp will be July 12-14, 2023. If you are interested, email travis@ mvdiamonddawgs.com

Photo submitted - Little Falls Alerts ball players pose for a photo during the 2022 tournament.

Little Falls Alerts in need of players The Little Falls Alerts, a vintage base ball team, is looking for players to continue building on the success of the past two years. In both 2021 and 2022, the Alerts played vintage base ball games against teams from outside the area. Little Falls native Andy Krutz has been the organizing force behind the Alerts, a number of his former Little Falls Mountie teammates play for the team.

There are two games

scheduled so far for 2023. The Alerts will play the Delhi Pole Cats in Meredith, NY on Saturday, June 10th, and in Little Falls during Canal Days Celebration on Saturday, August 12th. Skill level is of no concern, enthusiasm is the only prerequisite.

Both males and females are encouraged to play.

If you are interested in playing for the Alerts, please contact Andrew Krutz at 315-867-9078 or krutzy787@yahoo.com.

Photo by Dave Warner - All three coaches from the 2022 season are returning for the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs. From L-R, Tyler Roper, John Ferino, and head coach Steve Luby.

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