Mohawk Valley Express Volume 2 Number 2 February 2022

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FEBRUARY 2022

“Honey… we bought a farm!”

Meeting Mary Ellen McGillan Story and Photos by Katie Drake

Several months ago, I was walking into work at the Stone Mill one morning and noticed a woman I’d never seen before crossing the street. She was carrying a really cute black and white striped bag and was rocking some great royal blue shoes.

So, of course, I yelled over, “Hey! Just have to tell you I love your bag!” She stopped and smiled and said, “Why, thank you!” I thought, what a pleasant woman, so I wished her a nice

day, and took a few steps before it occurred to me that she might be the new Executive Director of Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts. When she said yes, I crossed the street to meet her. (I also told her what a big fan I am of MVCA and then dumped the thought on her, that I think art isn’t just for rich white people and our accessibility could be broader.) It was the first of many great conversations.

Photo by Katie Drake - Mary Ellen McGillan takes a moment to sit in her home office.

Meet the marvelous Mary Ellen McGillan. If you spend just five minutes talking with her, you’ll find she’s authentic,

smart as a whip, and laughs easily. And she’s bound to ask you more questions about you than talk about herself. She’s

a voracious reader, a self-declared ‘Broadway nerd’, and a heck of a nice person.

Please See HONEY Page 3

Copper Moose opens under new ownership

Giacobbe said that he feels like of all the villages The Copper Moose is and towns in Herkimer back open and the new County, that this is the owner, Curt Giacobbe, place that actually has has held true to the some vision, and “That statement he made back in August of 2021 where they’re trying to create, he said that he wanted to me, a little Manhatten.” to buy another restaurant in Little Falls, other than He says that with all the people that are Italian Feast. trying to drive economic

by Dave Warner

The Copper Moose is back open under new ownership on Main Street in Little Falls, offering some new items on their menu.

Last week, on the coldest day of 2022 to date, I drove up the hill toward the golf course. It was

development at the City and County level, everyone has been helpful. “I’ve just gotten a lot of support. I was born here and I’ve always liked Little Falls. I think it’s beautiful and I think the people are great.”

Giacobbe said that he has Please See MOOSE Page 2

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it was absolutely unique sold some restaurants and that it really had that in Florida and he is City feel - Manhatten feel reinvesting the money and I just said wow.” in Little Falls. “Without sounding silly, I think we He wants to raise the bar have more of an upscale a little bit and offer Kobe person that’s coming to burgers, and high-end this area. I don’t know if steaks that you would everyone will agree, but find at Peter Luger’s Steak House in Brooklyn. that’s my thought.”

“We’re going to have “I think there is a 15-20 beers on tap from tremendous opportunity different microbreweries to make money, which is as well.” the key, but it has been a lot of fun. It’s not just Right now the restaurant about the money, but is working with a limited I’m having a really good menu, no liquor license, time. If I’m going to bet and specials that are my future and put my announced each day. By dollars somewhere, Little the middle of February, Falls is the place,” he Giacobbe says that they’ll have the full menu stated. in place, and he expects Giacobbe said that he had that the liquor license will eaten at Copper Moose take about four weeks. in the past and “I thought MOOSE From Page 1

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Giacobbe says that it’s a cash-only establishment and that it will stay that way so they can pass the savings on to customers.

“If it’s a party, obviously we can accept cards. I’m trying to keep the prices as competitive as we can, and we don’t really want to pass that fee on. We’re going to have an ATM placed in the restaurant as well.”

Photo by Dave Warner - The inside of Copper Moose.

He says that one of the things that makes Copper Moose ‘cool’ is its size and the atmosphere. “At Peter Luger’s it’s cash only and busy and people get turned away. I think that’s part of the allure of it,” stated Giacobbe.

“I like the concept of Copper Moose and I can actually see an

Photo by Dave Warner - The craft beer menu and taps at the Copper Moose.

opportunity to put it in additional locations in this area,” he stated.

Giacobbe says they have a great chef and his sons are involved as well.

“We’re going to take it and improve on it. It’s really going to be ramped up from where it is.”

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FEBRUARY 2022 HONEY From Page 1

one of those days where the snow squeaks when you walk on it. And when it’s -12 and sunny, the reflection off the snow seems brighter than the actual sun.

A self-described “city mouse” Mary Ellen has lived here part-time since 2011 and full-time since late 2020. She says she’s grown to love Little Falls and the 1824 BellingerZimmerman historic farm and homestead she and her husband Tom Overman have been restoring for the past seven years.

As I turned off the main road and drove up the long drive to their home, I watched the smoke curling up from their chimneys.

It took me back and I pictured myself rolling on up in a fancy horse and buggy in the 1800s. The house is spectacular. It’s been tastefully renovated to show off its history while maintaining a cozy feel. And it’s full of really cool art, especially Mary Ellen’s office, which is just so very her.

How did you come to Little Falls?

“11 years ago, my husband Tom was visiting the area for a family funeral.

His mother’s family goes back to the 1850s in Herkimer County from the Fairfield, Middleville, Newport, and Poland areas. Tom had some time on his

hands and got the idea that he wanted to go look at some property to buy.

He called Van Billings and found this place.

I was in Oregon and he called and said, ‘Honey, (long pause)… we bought a farm.’” When I asked her what her initial reaction was, she laughed and said, “Um… I don’t think you should write that down. I think my reaction was WTH?!”

Every trip Mary Ellen made with Tom to visit Central New York was always during summer.

They have been here full time since Dec of 2020 because of COVID. This is her second winter here.

“What are the positives of winter… well… It’s only four months long! My favorite part is the view of the Mohawk Valley out this window, in front of my woodstove.” At that point, it occurred to me it was pretty hot in that room. As I glanced across the room at the thermostat with the sun streaming in and the wood stove roaring, I noted the temperature was a balmy 79 degrees.

It was then I decided to tell her, “It does feel a bit like California in here.”

What drew MVCA?

her

to

Mary Ellen wasn’t retired. When she left San Francisco because of COVID and came back here full time, she really took her time. It was

December, it was 2020, we were all in lockdown.

“There was like 15 feet of snow out there and I just took my time thinking about what I want to do next. I loved my career and have been blessed.”

In the spring of 2021, one of Tom’s cousins sent her an email about the position at MVCA. She did some research.

“What was attractive to me is that I wanted to do something where I could be a contributing member of the community and also have a legacy. I really wanted to have an opportunity to have an impact. I have always believed that education, arts, and culture are economic drivers. You can feel the buzz is different in LF than it was even 10 years ago when I first came here.

There is excitement and opportunity. I saw MVCA as an opportunity for me to have an impact.”

Page 3

Photo by Katie Drake - The historic Bellinger-Zimmerman farm and homestead which Mary Ellen McGillan and her husband Tom Overman have been restoring for the last seven years.

Photo by Katie Drake - Mary Ellen McGillan and her husband Tom Overman stand in the hallway of their restored BellingerZimmerman historic farmhouse.

What’s her background?

Hanging behind her on the wall is an old black and white picture. Taken in 1910 in Omaha, Nebraska, it’s a photo of her grandmother planting a tree. The tree was part of a fundraiser by a local Priest for an orphanage he had started. That would be Father Flannigan’s Boys Town. A beautiful reminder of Mary Ellen’s philanthropic roots.

Photo by Katie Drake - Mary Ellen McGillan’s office.

“I didn’t go to school to be Please See HONEY Page 7

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS - FEBRUARY

City of Little Falls Common Council Meeting - February 01, 2022 - Bills 6:30 pm, Regular Session 7:00 pm in the Common Council Chambers in City Hall.

Recreation Committee Meeting - February 08, 2022 - 6:00 pm in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

Tourism Committee Meeting - February 10, 2022 - 8:30 am in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

Police and Fire Board Meeting - February 14, 2022 - Bills 6:30 pm and Regular Session 7:00 pm in the Mayor’s

Conference room in City February 12, 2022 Hall.

Piano Concert & Live Painting Demo - 1 pm Urban Renewal Agency Meeting - February 16, All Month - Art Exhibit: 2022 - 8:00 am in the Allen Kazmerski Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

Mondays / Lego Robotics – 3:30 pm Board of Public Works Meeting - February 28, Mondays / Creative 2022 - Bills 6:30 pm Writing for Kids and Regular Session (In-Person) – 5 pm 7:00 pm in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Thursdays / TASC Prep Hall.

Class – 9 am

Little Falls Elks February 13, 2022 - Super Bowl Party Starting at 5 pm.

Reduced drink prices and some light food.

February 18, 2022 - Elks Fish Fry - Starting at 5 pm. Takeout only. Bar will be open.

children and adults.

This event will be held in the Holy Family Parish gym on March 4 from 9 am until noon and March 5th from 10 am until 1 pm. Please feel free to tell your family and friends. Any questions, please don’t hesitate to call 315-8233410 or email Debbie at hfplffaithformation@ ntcnet.com

February 24, 2022 $1,000 drawing. $10 a ticket and open to the Emmanuel Episcopal public.

Church Thursdays / Creative Little Falls Public Writing for Kids (Zoom) Holy Family Parish February 17, 2022 Library – 5 pm The Holy Family Parish - Roast Pork Dinner February 1, 2022 - Make Saturdays / Kids’ Crafts Youth will be holding $12.00 - to go only. & Take – 3:30 pm - 10:30 am a “Clothing Closet”. 4-7 pm or until sold out. deliveries to Donated items will be Free February 9, 2022 - Lego Saturdays / Crochet available FREE to the Herkimer & Little Falls.

Club – 3:30 pm Class - 11 am greater community Call 315-741-4672 to of Little Falls for both reserve a dinner.

Bi-annual Democratic caucus held The Bi-annual Democratic Caucus was held Wednesday night at Village Hall for the Village of Dolgeville.

At the Caucus, Dave (Kornel) Martyniuk was nominated to run as a trustee in the Village’s March 15th election for a 4-year term.

The group also Caucus. endorsed the Republican candidate for mayor, Current voter registration Mary Puznowski, who is lists will be shared with running unopposed. the group that attended At the meeting, Bob before the March voting.

Maxwell was elected Democratic Chairman.

The next Democratic Newcomer, Jennifer Williams, was chosen to Caucus will commence be the Secretary of the in January of 2024.

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

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All kinds of people flow through Little Falls area of the state, so I reached out and received At any given time, you permission from the can find all kinds of Army Corp of Engineers people either visiting or to paddle a Federal passing through Little waterway, up the Snake Falls. That was the case River into Idaho which last fall when we ran into was free and clear,” he Neal Moore, who was stated. staying for a couple of days on his trip across He also received America via canoe. permission from the

By Dave Warner

Nez Perce Tribe to pass He started in Astoria through their lands once Oregon at the mouth of he got to Idaho. “For a the Columbia River and is long time, I was one step traveling to the Statue of ahead all the way through Liberty. “I’m following the Idaho to Montana. The seasons via the Gulf of counties there had zero Mexico, then through the cases or maybe just one Great Lakes and Lake coming through,” Moore Erie. Now I’m making said. my way across the Erie Canal,” he stated.

However, Covid caught up to him in Bismarck They shut down North Dakota, where the navigation on the Canal hospitals were full. “As it on October 13, 2021, and turns out, the best place Moore was able to paddle to be was out of doors, half of the canal before out in the wild, solo, that happened. He’s had to portage the other half, camping on islands and although there are parts slowly making my way where he has been able across the country, in the wilderness.” to paddle.

He was on a 170-mile portage from Syracuse to Albany when he stopped in Little Falls with his sixteen-foot red Old Town Penobscot canoe.

He started his trip on February 9, 2020. “Covid dropped about a month to a month and a half into the trip and where I started divided Oregon and Washington, which were two red-hot states at the time for infections.”

Both of the states were locked down in tandem.

“I cleared Oregon 30 minutes before they locked down, but Washington gave a 48-hour notice. I found myself in the tri-cities

Moore was born and raised in Los Angeles, but he had been an ex-patriot for the past 30 years, based between Africa and East Asia.

The big epiphany for him was “What if the greatest adventure of my life was in my own home country, in my own backyard.”

Photo by Dave Warner - Neal Moore stands along the Mohawk River while spending a few days in Little Falls on his 22 River Expedition.

people has been much different. Instead of just pulling up somewhere and walking into a town, and finding the story of The beauty of the journey the location where he is that it is unique, he was, he just documented stated. “The traditional the people that he came open canoe was the first into contact with all along mode of transportation in the way. “They are from Moore said that he this land, these rivers and all walks of life, and with was looking to earn the waterways were the first different ethnicities, and rarified view of being thoroughfares, and the different backgrounds. able to paddle around first cities were built along It’s been heartwarming Ellis Island and see the these waterways. It is the and just incredible,” he Statue of Liberty from perfect blend of wildness said. all sides. “The thinking and community. It has Moore said his idea is is, the stories about the just been spectacular.” to document the trip and people I meet along the way are sort of threads. On this journey, Moore these experiences, and When you connect it all has been constrained by then to write a book. He’s together. These rivers, Covid, so his contact with Please See PEOPLE Page 6 “The idea of unfurling a map and choosing a point A and a point B to string the waterways together, to explore not just how the rivers connect, but how we connect, was unbelievably exciting,” said Moore.

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M O H A W K

Arc Herkimer Receives Grant This past December, Arc Herkimer received a grant in the amount of $81,848 from The M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund for a new Distribution Center Candidate Training Program (DCCTP) within the agency’s Herkimer Industries division.

“We cannot thank M&T Bank/Partners Trust enough for making this idea come to fruition to build relationships between Herkimer Industries, local distribution centers, and members of our community,” says Mike Lamb Vice President – Industrial Operations, Arc Herkimer.

The M&T Bank/Partner’s Trust Bank Charitable Fund

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Bureau. They said they wanted to reach out on considers projects that have also been taking plenty behalf of an explorer potential for making a long- of photographs along lasting impact. Funds were the way to illustrate the that was recently hosted by the Visit Cape team. granted to pay salaries for experience.

They said Neal Moore nine candidates to attend had been dubbed a DCCTP for the first 12 He spent several days in modern-day Huckleberry months. The program will Little Falls, even working Finn by CNN.” run in three rotations for the first year, with three at Rock Valley Brewing (formerly George said that he candidates each spending Company Brewing), went ahead and met with 16 weeks in training Ironrock helping Mike George mix Moore when he was in positions. Candidates will rotate between Herkimer some suds. “It feels very the area and brought him Industries sites with much like a town that has to the brewery to show locations in Herkimer, Little a rhyme and a reason. him what he was doing.

Falls, and Ilion.

I’ve had breakfast each “I told him we had some morning at That Little really good bands playing Each site will offer on-the- Place on Main,” Moore that weekend, so he got job training in picking, stated. to experience that and packing, shipping, fork the rest is history.” truck certification, scaling, Mike George stated that wrapping, and warehouse operations. Candidates he got a strange email, Moore said was really will work alongside other that his wife said looked pleased to have visited Herkimer Industries like a scam. “It was from Little Falls. “This whole professionals for peer-to- the Cape Girardeau stretch along the Erie peer mentoring.

Convention and Visitors Canal with its history and PEOPLE From Page 6

just the knowledge that I’ve been fighting this whole year from the Gulf of Mexico, slowly, slowly, making my way up against record flooding, has been very rewarding.”

He said that from Rome, it is all downhill. “I call my journey the 22 River Expedition. There are 22 rivers and waterways and the Mohawk is the 21st, and then the Hudson is the 22nd. It’s also 22 states and New York is the 22nd, and the trip is 22 months long,” Moore said.

The final total of miles Moore covered is 7,500.

You can find more information about the trip at https://22rivers.com/ If you would like to see your story in the Mohawk Valley Express - email it to news@ mylittlefalls.com

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a fundraiser. Philanthropy is a joyful act. I enjoy helping people who have more than they need support people who have less than they need.

Most of my career has been in higher education fundraising. I thought I would get my PhD and teach at a university. I was a sociology and political science major.

The irony is after college I was a VISTA (now AmeriCorps) volunteer for 2 years, as a community organizer in South Carolina, then I went to graduate school in Tennessee and decided that that wasn’t for me.

It’s funny that I ended up in Higher Ed as an administrator.

I enjoy fundraising because it’s about relationship building. I’m naturally inquisitive, so I enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories. One of the best parts about the work at MVCA is that I have had the chance to meet so many interesting people. People that I had

no idea lived and worked in the region.”

Plans for MVCA? “I spent the first few months listening to people in the community. People have been gracious with introductions to people they thought I ought to take the time to get to know. I listened a lot. I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built in my time here.

What’s great about Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts is the artists, teachers, volunteers, the board members, the donors, the people who support the center, and the fact that it’s in Little Falls. The Art Teachers in Herkimer County are just tremendous!

The peoplethat’s what makes any community.

The business community has been very welcoming and sees the Arts Center as an important asset that has been underutilized.

People want to see the Arts Center thrive and expand and be successful.”

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Mary Ellen thinks MVCA can be a partner in helping drive the economic revitalization of our communities in the Mohawk Valley, a resource that can enhance the quality of life here and help to attract families and new people. She said, “I want the MVCA to be actively engaged in raising the tide for everyone. My goal is to have the center grow and expand. The non-profit sector has been my passion all my life and I want MVCA to continue to thrive and be a sustainable organization.”

There is a need to expand their membership. It’s also the 40th Anniversary of MVCA this year. Mary Ellen and the Art Center Board of Directors will be developing a new strategic plan.

“There are three areas that I see for our path to growth. First, provide more programming for younger people, exposing them to the arts and making art accessible

Pohlig’s

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to them at a younger age by coordinating with our schools, and also to partner with places like the local libraries and the K-12 schools.”

“The second is to address the desire for the MVCA to be more visible and active in other parts of the Mohawk Valley. We will offer programming and events in addition to the 401 Gallery. Many people would very much like to see us bring the MVCA’s programs to their communities and use their spaces. I also plan to bring in new artists and have a bigger variety of programs to offer like music, performing arts, visual arts, ceramics, in addition to the fine arts.”

“The other key area for me is to build a sustainable organization that will be here for another 40 years. My strength is that I am an experienced Notfor-Profit administrator. I know how to develop and run an organization. We have a business side to our organization that is an important element to

the Arts Center and I will continue to help it thrive.”

Final Thoughts “I remember a bumper sticker from when my kids were in grade school: Art Saves Lives. And I just remember thinking, really, does it? But then I think about my own kids’ experiences and it did change their lives.”

“When our son Jeremiah was a freshman in high school, he was assigned a group project where they had to make a film about Greek Mythology and it changed his life.

He went to school for that and now owns his own film company, Turren Films, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Combined, his music videos and movies have over 100 million views on YouTube.”

“Our son James took a pottery class in high school. While he doesn’t have a career in the arts, he has a whole artistic side with ceramics,

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Boulder Caused Death - Crashed Through House in Little Falls From the Little Fall Historical Society Archives - The Littlle Falls Eveing Times, 1911

Huge Piece of Rock Fell From Height of 326 Feet and Wrecked Home of John Youssie – Frank Van Wie Killed While He Slept Little Falls, April 28 – A strange accident, fatal in its consequences, visited this city near midnight Monday. Like a meteor from the sky a huge boulder dropped down upon the house of John Youssie and in its flight through the building caught the sleeping form of Frank Van Wie and carried him and his bed to the cellar below, where his body was crushed in a frightful manner. The rock was loosened from the high palisade on the south side of Little Falls.

It gained in momentum in the fall of 326 feet and had tremendous force when it struck the building, which is located in German Street [Flint Avenue] at the foot of the rocks, which since long has made Little Falls famous. The top of this picturesque formation is called the rollway. From

German Street to its top is a perpendicular rise of nearly 400 feet.

The rocks are jagged at the base and covered with trees and shrubs at the top, towering majestically above the houses at its foot. Many visitors on viewing the strange formation have expressed the thought: “What if some of those stones should fall on those houses?” To those in Little Falls, strange to say, that thought never gave concern.

They have seen them every day and no harm had ever come from them.

Boys sometimes would loosen small rocks while trying to climb the face of the formation but the rocks would strike harmlessly on the roofs of the buildings below.

THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS John Youssie, his wife and his son-in-law, Frank Van Wie, had slept under those rocks for 29 years. They retired Monday evening with an assurance of security, gained by long residence in the locality. Frank Van Wie had a bedroom in the rear on the east side of the house. It was

into this bedroom that the huge rock struck first when it came crashing down. Mr. Van Wie, evidently sleeping in the middle of the bed, was struck squarely on the body and carried down in a diagonal direction to the cellar. There the stone was stopped. A hole several feet square was knocked in the cellar wall.

Mrs. Youssie and her granddaughter, Miss Lena Mae Van Wie, were sleeping in the room directly underneath that of Mr. Van Wie. The diagonal flight of the stone caused it to just miss these two. Mrs. Youssie’s bed was covered with timber from the destruction of the upper floor. The awful tearing noise aroused her and the young girl.

It was sometime before both were able to liberate themselves and seek a place of safety. Mr. Youssie was sleeping on the second floor and he thought that the house had been dynamited.

He sought his wife and grandchild. They made a hurried look for Mr. Van Wie, but could not find him. “They have blown him out of the

house,” said Mr. Youssie had become loosened at the top.

A small to his frightened wife. shrub had evidently held it back for some THOUGHT IT WAS time and possibly the THE BLACK HAND frost of Monday night Then down the street had loosened it some started the aged man in more. A little vibration search of help. He met of the earth had finally Capt. Levi Grose and sent it down the incline Officer C. F. Grose. All on its way to death excited, Mr. Youssie said and destruction. Two to them: “Blackhanders firemen, Amos Clark have dynamited my and Albert Baker, went home. The woman and down the precipice and the child are safe but measured the distance, we can’t find Frank. tracing the stone. It had Come help us quick.” struck the rocks just The officers went to the twice and made a final building and there saw, bound of 86 feet into the from the reflections of house. The first hole a street electric light, through the building is a hole in the front of about ten feet in diameter the building. They later and that same sized found the huge stone and hole was made on its at once knew that it had entire smashing journey tumbled from the high through the building, rollway in the rear of the practically wrecking it. structure. The officers, from the description of CROWDS AT THE where the missing man SCENE slept, divined that Van Wie was instantly killed The news of the accident and his body was under traveled rapidly and the rock.

They sent soon great crowds from for Coroner Smith and the city and surrounding later the firemen were places were viewing summoned to roll the the place. During the stone over. Chief Cooney first day friends of the and his men used crow- family and the children bars and soon secured left fatherless conceived the mangled remains an idea of charging of the unfortunate man. admittance to the place.

The stone had crushed Many paid the fee which every bone in the body. will go to the family.

Coroner Smith at daylight John Youssie lost an arm went to the top of the some years ago in an rollway to investigate. accident in the tannery.

He found that the huge His daughter, Mrs. Van stone, six feet square, See BOULDER on Page 9

M O H A W K BOULDER From Page 8

Wie, was burned to death in the house four years ago. She was lighting the stove with oil when an explosion set her dress on fire and she died in great agony.

Mrs. Youssie has since then acted as mother to the daughter. Another son, Frank, is now in the west.

Frank Van Wie, the victim of the strange accident, was a member of the Maccabees and had an insurance of $1,000, which will go to his two orphaned children. He was a spinner in a local mill.

After the accident Chief Cooney and a party of firemen went to the hill and they found other stones that had been loosened on the hill.

These were secured

to trees by wires to prevent a repetition of the horrible accident.

The city authorities must take immediate action to make the place safe.

The barge canal blasting

and the

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the

rumbling

heavy

trains

of

on

the West Shore have

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DiamondDawgs announce 2022 home schedule

produced a situation that The Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs are proud will be looked after at to announce their 2022 once.

Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League “home” schedule.

opportunity to experience a Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs home game at Veteran’s ‪Memorial Park‬ this 2022 season.

The Dawgs home opener will be ‪Thursday, June 2nd at 6:30 pm‬ vs the Canadian-based Capital City Reds.

Don’t miss your

Schedule updates and much more will be announced via social media, as well as on www.MyDiamondDawgs. com.

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Bare Arms Gun Shop expands into manufacturing

by Dave Warner

Bare Arms Gun Shop in Little Falls has opened a new branch called Bare Arms Defense LLC, and they have become the newest firearms manufacturer in the Mohawk Valley.

The company officially began its manufacturing on January 1, 2022, introducing the BAD15 as their first product.

Their high-end firearms are all made with the highest quality parts, all made in the USA.

Potter, who worked for Initially, it looked like Remington, the idea their first orders would be seemed too complicated. ready in six-eight weeks, but then Covid hit and the “It’s a lot of work to try time frame stretched to a and find out where to full year for parts. even buy things. Nobody talks to you unless you Bare Arms Defense has have a license and the AR-15’s specially you don’t want to get a made for them with their license until you know name, the City where this information. So, it’s it’s manufactured, and kind of a catch twenty- a serial number. “The same company might two,” stated Horender. make a lower for Smith & Potter did a lot of the leg Wesson or Colt or any of work to find suppliers and them, but they also make identify the paperwork them for us,” Horender that was needed in order stated.

to get the manufacturing Loren Horender said side of the business “About nine years ago I up and running, and decided that I wanted to Horender applied for the start some kind of retail license a year and a half shop. I never had a lot of ago. “I got it immediately,” guns because I couldn’t he said. “But that’s just afford them, so I decided the beginning. Then you have to find a place to open a gun shop.” that’s going to make your Horender said that he lowers. There are only a had thought about the few manufacturers in the manufacturing side of country that make an AR things for years, but until lower.” he connected with Harold HAPPY !!

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He said that they’ve spent the last year sourcing and buying parts in a tough market to put their first models together.

“Everything is made in the USA. There’s a lot of people that can put these things together themselves, but they don’t necessarily work that well,” said Horender.

Photo submitted - Harold Potter (left) and Loren Horender stand in front of a gun rack at Bare Arms Defense, LLC.

Photo submitted - One of Bare Arms Defense’s BAD-15 rifles.

least have enough parts to build 150, “Whether that buy is in a week or a month, whatever the supply and demand dictates.”

He said that one of the keys to the business is Potter said that it was being able to look ahead “Hard dealing with a and gauge what parts company that knew you they’ll need and when, weren’t going to order and then with the supply 100,000 units. We’re not chain issues, making sure that big. It was just hard that they come in when getting people to even they are needed from the talk with you or deal different manufacturers. with you for such small When discussing the quantities.” weapon, Horender says Horender said that they “It shoots really well. hope to have 100-150 There’s very little recoil. guns on hand, or at We’ve pinned down the

right combination of parts from the right people that just created a nice shooting gun.”

He says that the weapon is designed for intermediate to experienced gun owners.

Potter said, “They’re not priced for beginners, but for the experienced sportsman. They start at around $1,059 and go up to $1,600 for custom built versions.”

They think that initially, there will be demand for a lot of custom versions of the weapon. “A small company building a gun can be so much better than a large manufacturer doing it. The large company is building thousands and if they can put a less expensive part in there, it adds up and they’re going to do it.

For us, if the part is better and costs twenty cents more, it doesn’t matter that much,” Horender Please See ARMS Page 11

M O H A W K

Head coach returning to the Dawgs in 2022 The Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL) have announced that two-time PGCBL Championship Coach Steve Luby is returning for his second season as head coach.

Luby, who has been with the DiamondDawgs organization for seven seasons, led the DiamondDawgs to a 23-19 finish in the PGCBL’s Central Division in 2021. Before being announced as head coach in 2021, Coach Luby previously served as both an Associate and Assistant Head Coach for the DiamondDawgs.

Overall he has compiled a record of 140-92 in his time with the DiamondDawgs.

“I’m so excited to be back for another season with the Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs, as I absolutely love it here”, said Luby. “The people and the fans in Little Falls and the Mohawk Valley are wonderful and passionate and their support of our players and program is the best in the league.

We have an owner in Travis Heiser who does anything and everything possible to make the DiamondDawgs one of the best organizations in the country. I have been blessed to work alongside a great coaching staff and with one of the best coaches, I’ve ever been around in Coach John Fureno. Coach Fureno does such an outstanding job with our players, and I am grateful to have a

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Page 11 ARMS From Page 10

stated.

“We’re putting the better parts in because we know we’re going to get a quality product out of it,” he said.

Photo by Dave Warner - The Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs have announced that two-time PGCBL Championship Coach Steve Luby will be returning for the 2022 season serving as Head Coach.

man like him coaching with me. I am looking forward to getting back on the field and helping our players make strides to improve their game and compete for another championship. I can’t wait for June to roll around.”

You can find more information about the company at www. barearmscny.com/ or on Facebook.

Luby resides in Ontario, Oregon.

The DiamondDawgs will kick off their quest for another PGCBL title on June 2, 2022.

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Join Our Team • Apply Online

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Page 12

M O H A W K

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If you have a news story you’d like to see in the

Email it to: news@mylittlefalls.com

HONEY From Page 7

woodcarving, that kind of thing. Arts are an important element in the community. And I, of course, love performing arts. I am a Broadway nerd. My sisters often accuse me of stalking LinManuel Miranda online.”

As you can see, she’s got big plans. And I believe she’s going to do it. Mary Ellen McGillan believes in MVCA and our community of Little Falls.

When asked about her favorite thing about Little Falls, she replied, “The people. I really enjoy getting to know people, it’s a very welcoming community and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

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 315-867-1204 at least a day in advance.

All sites are handicapped accessible.

Little Falls Community Co-Op

Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb

Bulk foods, spices, supplements, and hard to find items at discounted costs. Beauty products, housewares, gardening equipment, seeds, gifts, local products, books and more!

Mon: Closed Tue: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Wed: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Thu: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM Fri: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Sat: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM Sun: Closed

589 Albany Street Little Falls, NY 13365

315-823-0686

Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb

01 02 03 04 07 08 09

- Pulled pork on a bun, baked beans, dill carrots, fruit cocktail.

- Chicken stew with vegetables, biscuit, sherbet.

- Turkey divan with broccoli sauce, noodles, broccoli, cream pie.

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

- Tangy meatloaf, baked potato, mixed vegetables, Mandarin oranges.

- Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, Pacific blend vegetables, cookie.

- Chicken and wild rice casserole, beets, warm three bean salad, pineapple.

10 - Macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes and zucchini, green beans, brownie.

11 - Beef patty with peppers and onions, hamburger bun, O’Brien potatoes, spinach, yogurt.

14 - Pork chops, sweet potato casserole, cauliflower, Valentine cookie.

15 - Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, red cabbage, ice cream.

16 - Lasagna, Italian blend vegetables, garlic roll, banana.

17 - Cheddar baked fish, confetti rice, Brussel sprouts, frosted birthday cake.

18 - Roast turkey with gravy, stuffing, corn, pudding.

21 - Closed for Presidents’ Day 22 - Chili, cornbread, cauliflower, pears.

23 - Ham with plum sauce, scalloped potatoes, peas and carrots, chef’s choice dessert.

24 - Hamburger cabbage casserole, corn, green beans, gelatin.

25 - Parmesan crusted chicken, au gratin potatoes, Sonoma blend vegetables, cookie.

28 - Chicken cacciatore over rotini, Italian blend vegetables, tropical fruit.

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.

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M O H A W K

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STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

Crossword Puzzle Hints

THEME: VALENTINE’S DAY ACROSS 1. Fantasy sports data 6. Accounting acronym 9. Stark daughter on “Game of Thrones” 13. Branch of economics 14. All talk, no action type of service 15. Relating to symmetry, in geometry 16. Base-8 numeral system 17. “____ the land of the free...”

18. Lots and lots 19. *Actor Ryan of “Blue Valentine” 21. *Desdemona’s suspicious husband 23. Big fuss 24. Nose-in-the-air type 25. Uber alternative 28. One on a pedestal 30. Moderately wide 35. Eye layer 37. Twelfth month of Jewish year 39. Cheese-covered chip 40. Popped relief?

41. *”Love, ____” movie 43. Splints site 44. Muhammad’s teachings 46. Orchestra instrument 47. Past of heave 48. Avoids work, in

British slang 50. Give off 52. Dose of sunshine 53. Back seat 55. Hair-raising product 57. *____ valentine, an opposite of love note 61. English author perhaps best known for “The Canterbury Tales” 65. Like Mary-Kate and Ashley 66. Pooh’s “wise” friend 68. Bring to an end 69. Potassium nitrate 70. Farm sound 71. Arm bones 72. Back talk 73. Uniting conjunction 74. Imposter DOWN

1. Smoke plus fog 2. Comes in hard or soft shell 3. Parts of a play 4. ____-____-la 5. Plural of solidus 6. Heidi’s shoe 7. *Sweetie follower 8. Cook’s cover 9. Wheel holder 10. Cambodian money 11. Two-masted vessel 12. “The Sun ____ Rises” 15. Trash can for fireplace (2 words) 20. Source of lymphocytes, pl.

22. Pull along 24. Dormant state

25. *Famous archer 26. Dispatch boat 27. “____ and whistles” 29. Hodgepodge 31. Mr. and Mrs. Incredible’s son 32. Blood of the gods, Greek mythology 33. Seven days postmortem 34. *Hive-related endearment 36. Unfortunately, exclamation 38. Rumpelstiltskin machine 42. Stallion’s cry 45. Business combination 49. Old Man’s turf, according to Hemingway 51. Darjeeling server 54. Smell, usually pleasant 56. Calms 57. Ford Transit and such 58. Pelvic parts 59. Lice eggs 60. Augments 61. Oaf 62. Scoop holder 63. Biblical twin 64. Donna or Lou 67. Got a blue ribbon

Answers on Page 12

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For more puzzles & SUDOKU visit: mylittlefalls.com/puzzzles/

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