Mohawk Valley Express Volume 2 Number 4 April 2022

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VOLUME 2: NUMBER 4

APRIL 2022

Brick by Brick: A Small Company Doing Big Things in Dolgeville

By Carol Vogel

While there are many family businesses in the area, Bergeron Companies in Dolgeville, NY is one you may not have heard of. Their business?

Designing and creating adaptive equipment for children with special needs.

Tim Bergeron is the Chairman and Founder of Bergeron Companies and the creative visionary that started it all. With the help of his son Jamie Bergeron (the President and CEO) and daughter Katie Bergeron Peglow (the COO) they are

continuing to build his legacy, brick by brick.

The story begins in 1969.

After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design and writing his thesis on creating tools for occupational therapists to use in the field with their clients, Tim Bergeron and his wife Peggy moved to Dolgeville, NY. Initially, he was employed with Rawlings and developed their first Aluminum Baseball Bat. Returning to his roots, Tim started his own company, Tumble Forms, in 1973, which made specialized

Photo by Carol Vogel - The shipping & receiving deparment entrance at 15 2nd St in Dolgeville.

therapy equipment for children with special needs.

A few years later, Tim and Peggy would welcome their 4th child Carrie, who was born with

Down syndrome. Carrie inspired him to design and create even more products for the special needs market, which at the time was severely lacking in therapeutic and adaptive options.

Please See BRICK Page 2

Little Falls Students get wins in Robotics

by Dave Warner

Photo by Dave Warner - Julie Reagan helps some of the students with a problem.

In 1998, online stores were a relatively new idea. Amazon had only been selling books for a few years at this time.

Tim saw an opportunity

This year, the Little Falls Library hosted two FLL Robotics teams that competed in the Potsdam/ Utica remote regional championship. Rockin’ Robotics placed 1st in the innovation project and 4th in their robot missions.

News Channel 2 placed 7th in robot missions.

Mark Reagan said that Ralph Renzulli called him up last July and said he had heard that he was the guru on robotics. “I said huh, it’s actually my wife.

Please See ROBOTICS Page 3

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M O H A W K

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April 2022

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BRICK From Page 1 and began selling online.

“He sees things before most people do” quips Jamie. Katie agrees and responds with how her father, “saw a need for people to be able to purchase the equipment they couldn’t get through insurance, and what better products to start with than the products he created.”

Seeing his initial progress with Tumbleforms.com, he created Adaptivemall. com® in 2000 which sold other manufacturers’ adaptive products.

By 2005 the two sites were joined under the name Adaptivemall. com creating an online marketplace for special needs products.

With the success of Adaptivemall.com, Tim realized this was a great way to generate capital on his own. “A big reason for my dad starting the website, was he saw a need for people but he also saw a way he could create some money so he could build another manufacturing business on his own. He didn’t want to be dependent on venture capitalists or some other owner that would come in and make decisions. He wanted the autonomy to make the decisions he thought were best for his company” Katie explains.

By 2001, Tim had created a new, advanced, latex-

free cushion material through a unique – and proprietary – manufacturing process.

The Soft-Touch® cushion technology he created offered more comfort and durability, for extended periods of use – an important feature of special needs products.

A new brand, Special Tomato®, was born. The name for the brand was inspired by his daughter Carrie and a story she had written for school, “The Special Tomato of My Family”. You can read Carrie’s Special Tomato Story here (https:// www.adaptivemall.com/ storbehbran.html )

world.

Needing space to manufacture Tim’s new cushion material, they purchased the historic Felt Shoe Company Building on South 2nd Street in Dolgeville.

Producing with a small crew of 5, Special Tomato was growing and becoming a premier brand in the special needs market.

Tim, Jamie, and Katie continued to expand the company, with their products in high demand.

“We just went through the process, and rubbed every penny together that we had to make the next step – I describe it as we built it brick by brick. We didn’t have somebody bring in a prefab home and put it in place for us we built it brick by brick over the course of 20 years to make it what it is today” says Jamie of adapting and adjusting to the organic growth of the business.

The seating and positioning systems being created by Tim and his team were bringing this type of equipment into the 21st century, creating therapeutic equipment that was useful and aesthetically designed to fit in at home or at school.

Today Special Tomato is an internationally recognized brand helping children all over the

As Bergeron Companies continued to grow, a third brand name, Keekaroo®, was launched in 2007.

Keekaroo introduced the Baby Gear industry to the comfortable and durable cushion technology previously reserved for the special needs market.

Keekaroo has won several awards for product design in the Baby Gear industry and their Peanut® Changer, a sleek diaper changing pad, is one of the most sought-after products on baby registries and with social media influencers.

Fast forward to the present day, Bergeron Companies is a thriving business that encompasses 3 Brands and employs approximately 72 workers. The factory

Tomatoes are special at Bergeron Companies. Photo of Customer Service Office décor by Carol Vogel.

on Faville Ave is where Tim’s famous seating and positioning products are manufactured in Dolgeville.

his father has created.

“Locally it’s the jobs and tax base we’ve developed and the commerce that comes from that. Local businesses make the rest Warehousing, Shipping, of the local economy run. and Customer Service are We as an employer are housed there as well while providing stability for the Marketing, Engineering, local economy overall and staff Physical and which is a good thing. The Occupational Therapists broader accomplishment work remotely from other is the establishment areas of New York State, of the manufacturing Massachusetts, and technology and what Maryland. we have been able to deliver to the children “We’re a growing and the people that use company. We are invested the products that we in the community and we manufacture.” are invested in helping families of all kinds” says Bergeron Companies Katie. “I think we provide takes pride in its core a working environment value of helping people. where it’s challenging Jamie added, “Our for people but it’s also customer service is built rewarding for them as upon the idea that if you’re well based on the types not happy we are going of products we make and do whatever it takes to the lives we affect.“ make you happy.” This is evident through the Elaborating on the multitude of thank you achievements of cards, photos, and letters the company, Jamie from customers that are mentions the local impact proudly displayed in the and the big picture: Customer Service Office. helping others through the technology that Please See BRICK on Page 3

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V A L L E Y

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April 2022

Page 3

ROBOTICS From Page One So Ralph asked us to start this program and we went to find an instructor.

We were lucky enough to find Alexandria Burger, who had not only done this as a student, she was a judge and a coach and we hired her to come in.”

“As it turned out, we ended up getting enough kids for two teams, so we brought in my wife Julie and Shelley Villata. We had an open house in August, and the kids have been here every Monday since,” he stated.

Renzulli challenged Reagan to raise $1,000, and in the end, the instructors and the kids raised over $11,000.

“We had a lot of community involvement and support. One of the takeaways is one or more of our sponsors handed out tickets for people who really needed a meal. We went through organizations like churches to find out who was most in need. I saw a gentleman in the street and asked him if he’d like a meal, and wasn’t so much the meal, but the fact that we asked,” Reagan said.

When it came to sponsors, “They came from 9 different states, 3 different countries, 3 different continents, and they’re all focusing on Little Falls. What is going on here, why do you have a robotics program? We don’t have one in New

Zealand or Saudi Arabia, so we’re under the microscope worldwide.”

Reagan said the program is important because it brings the kids together to learn leadership, some technology, and it inspires them to keep going and that they can make a difference outside the normal academic world.

“It just blossomed beyond belief.”

The instructor for the course, Alexandria Burger, said she got started when she was about their age herself. “I went to a SUNY Robotics summer camp for girls.

I did a mini-competition with these robots and then I got into FFL, which is the challenge they are doing. I then went on to FTC, which is the First Tech Challenge, where you build everything out of metal and fabricated parts instead of Legos.”

“I did that for four years and then got scholarships.

I then became a referee and a judge, and saw an opportunity to become a coach,” she said.

She said being involved in these types of courses gave her leadership skills, which allowed her to be pretty successful in college.

Burger is a senior at SUNY Poly mechanical engineering.

Mama bear Julie Reagan said, “I ran this kind of program twenty years ago in Saudi Arabia. I met with Library Board here and explained what the program was about.

I explained that there were three different components involved with it and from there, we decided that we would look for somebody to help run the program.”

“We started out with twenty-one kids originally, so for the twelve kids that are still in it - that’s true grit and perseverance on their part,” she stated.

She said that everybody loves playing with the robots, but nobody loves the research, which is onethird of the program. They had to learn teamwork, Please See ROBOTICS Page 8

Photo by Dave Warner - Students - start your robots!

Photo by Dave Warner - Mark Regan presents to the crowd on the last day of this year’s program.

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M O H A W K

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V A L L E Y April 2022

E X P R E S S

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - APRIL City of Little Falls

Hall.

All month Story Walk

Bracelet Making Class

April 5, 2022 - Common Council Meeting - Bills 6:30 pm, Public Hearing 6:50 on Local Law #2 Reducing Board of Assessment and Regular Session 7:00 pm in the Common Council Chambers in City Hall.

April 28 - Golf Commission Meeting 8:00 am at the Municipal Golf Course.

Every Monday 5pm Creative Writing for Kids

April 9,2022 - 12pm Beavers, Wetlands and Wildlife Presentation

April 11, 2022 - Police and Fire Board Meeting Bills 6:30 pm and Regular Session 7:00 pm in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

April 18, 2022 - Board of Public Works Meeting Bills 6:30 pm and Regular Session 7:00 pm in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

April 20, 2022 - Urban Renewal Agency Meeting - 8:00 am in the Mayor’s Conference room in City

April 1-22, 2022 Community Egg Hunt sponsored by the Little Falls Public Library. Pick up a form at the library or print your own from the Library Facebook Page.

Wander around town and look for the 10 “hidden” eggs in the windows of the businesses. Once you have found all 10 and recordered where you found them, turn your form into the library for a chance to win a prize like free pizza, movie passes, and much more. Drawing will take place on April 22 at 2 pm.

Little Falls Public Library

Every Wednesday 10am Toddler Time Every Wednesday 11am Toddler Time Every Thursday 9am TASC Prep Class Every Thursday 5pm Zoom Creative Writing for Kids Every Friday 10am Playdate for Ages 0-5 Every Saturday 10:30am Kids Crafts Every Saturday 11am Crochet Every Saturday 12pm Knitting April 1,2022 - 3pm

April 16, 2022 - 12:30pm Art Reception April 20, 2022 - 10-2 NYS Health Insurance Assisters Little Falls Elks April 1, 2022 - Fish Fry and more, starting at 5. Take outs and reservations 315-8232371.

April 15, 2022 - Fish Fry and more, starting at 5. Take outs and reservations 315-8232371.

April 22, 2022 - We are having comedy night at 7:30. Pre-paid tickets are

$20 per person, $35 per couple. $25 per person, $40 per couple at the door. Reserved tables $20 for 8 people, $10 for 4 people.

April 28, 2022. Only $10 a ticket! Elk of Year, Jim Robatham, Saturday, May 7th.

Dolgeville April 3, 2022 The Dolgeville – Manheim Public Library will be hosting a Sunday Salon featuring author Brenda Barton. She will be discussing her book A Place to Remember, Salisbury New York which she wrote and complied with her daughter Brittany. The Sunday Salon will be held at the library on April 3 at 2:00 and is open to the public.

BRICK From Page 2 Katie is at a loss for words when she is met with such an outpouring of appreciation. “Seeing that people love the products and that they make a difference in so many people’s lives - it makes you step back and say that’s pretty darn awesome that we’ve been able to create a viable, sustainable company that continues to grow.

And we have plans to grow it even more.”

If you would like to learn more about Bergeron Companies and their three brands: Adaptivemall.com®: “We Understand” A robust eCommerce site boasting over 10,000 products to assist families in finding the best equipment to support their children at their highest functioning

A wall in the Customer Service Office is filled with photos and notes from happy customers. Photo by Carol Vogel

level. Includes Adaptive equipment and therapy toys for children and adults with special needs. www.adaptivemall.com Special Tomato®: “Clinically sound, innovative design and exceptional value.” Safe, versatile, and durable pediatric seating and positioning systems that stand up to daily use in homes, clinics, schools, and hospitals. Soft, Supportive Solutions for Your Child with

special needs. www. specialtomato.com Keekaroo®: “Style + Function + Affordability” Offering a specially curated, upscale line of products for the modern family including Height Right™ Adjustable Wooden High Chairs, Peanut® Changer Diaper Changing Pad and Café Booster™ seat that fits in any décor and lasts a lifetime. www.keekaroo. com

M O H A W K

“Who Made Dat?”

by Katie Drake

that Canal Place is where we get ice cream, the Yep, I’m the mom of a place to see the water, 2-year-old. Like most and the “Ann Steet Deli.” children his age, our A few weeks ago, he Nolan has the unique noticed that another little ability to make me feel boy was crying and went so incredibly proud to and patted him on the be his mom one second, back and said, “It okay, and the next moment is it okay.” testing every last ounce of my patience in my So sweet right? Yet only minutes or sometimes entire being. just moments later he bawling/whining/ Watching those bright is because eyes and little mind learn screaming in real-time is truly an he doesn’t want the amazing thing. It gives red crayon, he wanted me a new perspective a green one and I was and often leaves me in supposed to magically awe. Awe… or a tossup know that. Other times with wanting to bang my he will scream “No like dat shirt” as we are ready head against the wall. to put his coat on and Sometimes he will stop walk out the door, and dead in his tracks and almost always on a day say “Bird, Mamma” and when we are running late point to a bird sitting to get out the door in the atop a faraway tree, I morning. Or refusing to wouldn’t have noticed. get dressed after his bathOn walks, we will be even though we do this walking down our street every night. Instead of and he remembers who putting his robe, slippers, lives in the different and diaper on, he insists houses, “Tony live dere!” on tearing around the “Dave live dere.” “Nikki’s house as fast as he can, house.” “Kitty Kitty house” naked… and not yet potty that is the one that often trained, which always has cute kitties hanging ends disastrously. Thank out in the windows or God for laughter. It’s the thing that always helps patrolling the sidewalks. me get through the tough This kid knows the days. difference between the “Lieberry” (his favorite We’re now in the stage question-asking. place) and “Sitty Hall” of or “Rock Sitty Center”, Fortunately for us, Nolan which he often asks us has not yet started asking His favorite to drive by so he can “Why?” see them working as we question to ask (and he head home. He knows asks it A LOT) is “Who

V A L L E Y

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Made That?” It’s a simple enough question... Or is it?

Dinner? That’s an easy one - “Daddy made it.” Donut?

“White Rose made it.” Sippy cup? “Uhh…. Walmart made it, with a question mark.”

Tablet? “Oh man… I’m not so sure… we bought it from Amazon.” Knee Hockey Stick? “Geeze… um… maybe the Utica Comets made it since their logo is on the side?”

Photo by Katie Drake - Playing play dough and Nolan wanted to know “who made dese glasses?

The toaster, the tv, the broom, dishes, toys, furniture, you name it, he wants to know who made it. His questions about who made it go on and on, and on and on, and on and on.

This constant questioning from Nolan has caused me to think about where things in our household come from, and who made them. Honestly, I’ve never really never thought about it before.

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M O H A W K

V A L L E Y April 2022

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Syracuse Figurative Artist, John Fitzsimmons, Highlighted with Solo Exhibit international cultural exchange program. His John Fitzsimmons’ work was also recognized “Current Circumstances” a few years ago by the exhibit at the Mohawk State of New York with Valley Center for the Arts a “Best in Show” at (MVCA) is a new body of the Made in New York work for the artist that he exhibition in Auburn. has been exploring over the past few years.

The artist’s new direction happened several years Fitzsimmons is native to ago when he was in his Central New York and studio at the Delavan a graduate of the Art Building in Syracuse.

Academy of Cincinnati. Fitzsimmons explained Throughout the last that he’s always moved 50 years, his work around a lot when it came has been highlighted to the types of paintings regionally, nationally, he would pursue, mainly and even internationally because he had the in Bangladesh as part ability to do so. “It’s easy of the Art in Embassies to jump around but you

by Deborah A. Kaufman

get to a point when you lose your momentum.

When it was new you had beginner’s luck and the fascination with new… and it’s fun, but after you’ve done it for a while that momentum wears off. So then it’s easy to start something else new, right? So, I’ve always done that, kind of jumped around.

Then several years ago I’m looking at my work around the studio, at all of this accumulated work…pulled everything out…and made the decision that I needed to concentrate.”

He decided he would only do figurative work. “Now, that you pick a direction, it becomes more difficult because you’ve done the easy stuff. Anybody can ski, you go to the top of the hill and you ski down to the bottom of the hill. But to become a good skier, a good writer, or a good musician… that’s difficult. So that’s what I started doing. I concentrated on one direction.”

When asked, why figurative? He laughingly responded, “That’s really what I like doing!”

Fitzsimmons’ focus on figurative work definitely paid off with large-scale paintings that are, without a doubt, impressive.

Their hyper-realistic qualities, vibrant colors, and masterful use of shadows and highlights are breathtaking at first glance. But as you get closer, you really begin to experience the narrative and the larger feeling of emotion in his new work.

Please See ARTIST Page 8

M O H A W K

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DAT From Page 5 Kim from Fall Hill Bead and Gem made those.

That spice from the spice rack? We bought that at the Little Falls CoOp. Nolan’s mittens?

Those are from Alpaca Gardens. That candle?

From Chickweed. The tea I’m drinking? The Mustard Seed made that. That painting? The Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts. My shirt?

Loft 32. Whatever it is he is asking “Who made dat?” I am always most proud when I can tell him it came from Little Falls.

How much of the stuff in our household is locally made? How much is made in the USA? According to Statista, “In 2020, the value of imports of goods and services into the United States was 2.81 trillion U.S. dollars.” So a LOT. Knowing that doesn’t make me feel great. In fact, it made me feel a little crappy about much of our family’s stuff.

After doing some research, basically, to make myself feel better about this, there are a ton of brands that most or all of their products are made in America.

Weber Grills, Airstream Trailers, Gibson Guitars, and Wilson Footballs.

American Plastic Toys, KitchenAid Mixers, Green Toys, and Fiesta TableWare. Crayola Crayons. Stetson Hats.

New Balance Shoes with label Made in the USA, Burt’s Bees Products.

Louisville Sluggers.

Benjamin Moore Paint.

Post-It Notes. Pyrex Glassware.

L.L. Bean’s made in the USA stuff, Lodge Cast Iron Cookware, Igloo coolers, Smith & Wesson Guns, Wiffle Balls, and it brings me great peace to know Slinkys are made in the USA too. Viking Appliances.

Vermont Teddy Bears. Steinway Pianos, and Hallmark Greeting Cards. Merle Norman makeup. Anchor Glassware.

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That is often true. But my question to you is, how much did you spend on gas to drive to the other box store to buy Photo by Katie Drake - Nolan and Chris Boepple eating breakfast that thing you could have made by Michelle at Ann Hanson Street Deli bought here locally?

If you want to channel They likely know your your inner ‘Nolan,’ go name and will be happy I found an interesting ahead and take a hard to see you. They live article about this look around your house here and work here and published by a website at all your stuff and ask raise their children here. called CHEAPISM.com yourself, “Who Made And they work damn hard that mentioned some Dat?” to make and carry quality interesting stats.

“In products that we don’t 2019 a survey by a data For a moment, consider have to travel far to get. and analytics company, the impact your purchase Thomas found that could have on the local If you have to pay a 62% of respondents economy of Little Falls couple of dollars more so said they preferred to when you buy local what? buy American-made and support a local products.” In a more business owner. These Support local business, I recent, smaller survey hardworking folks are part can tell you sure feels a they said that number of our community. They hell of a lot better to know has grown. “More than are our neighbors and you made a difference, one-fifth of respondents sometimes our friends. even if it’s a small one. said they’d be willing to pay up to 10% more.

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M O H A W K

V A L L E Y April 2022

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Boy Scouts in Camp From the Little Falls Evening Times, Inghams Mills, July 9, 1915

The beautiful lake created by the East Creek electric power dam at this place was the scene of an animated gathering of Boy Scouts over the Fourth of July. The scouts came from Dolgeville, Little Falls, Mohawk, Ilion and Frankfort. E.D. Shaw, the secretary of the Little Falls Y.M.C.A., was the special scout master in charge and the camps were pitched on the Devoe property on theeast side of the lake.

ARTIST From Page 6

According to Mary Ellen McGillan, Executive Director/Board Member at MVCA, “We’re thrilled with the exhibit and the turn out for our opening reception. This is the first professional show we’ve had since the gallery renovation.”

exhibit will run through the end of May with the gallery open Thursdays through Saturdays from 12 pm to 4 pm. “The exhibit will also be open by appointment. People can call or contact us through our website, and we’ll be happy to open it for them,” concluded The John Fitzsimmons’ McGillan.

“Current Circumstances”

Just 102 boys were in the camp and the first contingent arrived Friday

night. All of the boys made the hike from Little Falls or Dolgeville. Scout masters accompanied them and the rules were strict as to conduct. All had a great time and were sorry when the time for breaking camp came Monday. Just one accident was reported.

Fred Moore, a member of troop No. 2, of Ilion, in diving into the lake struck a sharp rock and cut a big gash in his head. Dr. Waterbury, of Dolgeville, was called and took 15 stitches to close the wound. During the severe rain storm that swept the

grounds on two occasions the tents remained up and the boys rather enjoyed the roughing experience.

Ilion carried off the prize for the best general score.

Dolgeville excelled in baseball. Ribbons were given the boys who won the various events. The swimming races were close and exciting. There was a display of fireworks Sunday night. It is believed that the power dam will be selected each year as a camp for the scouts, as admirable facilities are at hand for the event.

ROBOTICS From Page 3 and how to think outside the box. “When it comes down to sitting down and really trying to figure out what is a problem related to the topic, which was cargo this year, and what kind of innovative solution can you apply to that project - that’s really hard for kids,” stated Reagan.

All of the kids had to come up with a problem that existed in cargo, and their first field trip was to the post office. “They learned how packages move and what problems they had, and took a tour of the backroom and all the

trucks coming in and out.”

Mr. Edwards, the dad of one of the kids, works at the Target Distribution Center and he came in and talked to the children about their issues. “They use gigantic cranes and equipment to move things around, and he showed us a video of it,” said Reagan.

In the end, one team decided to use drones to deliver packages. The other came upon a video that showed how the shipping containers were all backed up at ports.

“The kids decided to use the containers for Homes for the Homeless.

They realized in talking to contractors and tiny

homes companies that having a central location with a kitchen, a shower, and bath facilities made the individual units less expensive. That team actually won the innovation award for first prize in the project.”

Reagan said, “I think these kinds of programs get kids thinking. It gets them working together and it gets them thinking outside the box. We have information coming at us all day, every day from every source. It’s really easy to regurgitate information. It’s really hard to think about how to present that information in a new way to change the world. That’s really what they had to do.”

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Southside Walking Tour VIII Growing Up on the Southside 1957 – 1970 Brought back by popular demand for the EIGHTH Year - Revised Program!

on growing up on the Southside from 1957 to 1970, with a theme that was NOT “Leave It to This new walking tour Beaver” or “Ozzie and will START and END at Harriet” or “My Three the Rotary Park Terminal Sons”, but instead a Building on Southern very different and special Ave. This Tour will focus experience. The history only on the area of the is about the places, Southside, south of the the people, and the Mohawk River, and Barge memories. You will find Canal. If you took this some of the stories very tour in the past, and you entertaining! could not finish beyond Casler Street or finished Anyone with an interest sooner, come hear the in the Southside during stories you missed! the 1960s, or those from the Northside who never Southside Death understood Southside March T-shirts are people, or those not from available for $20 on the Little Falls who married day of the walk or before. Little Falls Southsiders, Proceeds support the LF or their adult children.

Historical Society.

Some “adult?” content or described behaviors The “Tour” will focus may not be suitable for

children.

If you are a photographer, you will find great opportunities for photos in a variety of natural vistas, vegetation, etc.

WHEN: Saturday, August 13, 2022 10:30AM - 12:30 PM

Photo by Dave Warner - Gary Staffo leads the pack during last year’s Southside Walking Tour.

and climbing up and down open stair gratings at heights. In addition, The time is flexible and is the outdoor temperatures based upon the pace and may be hot. Some stamina of the attendees. areas require moderate There will be time for to vigorous physical activity. For your comfort questions and answers. and safety, bring drinking Meet at the Rotary Park water, sunglasses, a hat, Terminal Building on and suntan lotion. Please Southern Ave by 10:30 wear comfortable and am. We will start on time. stable walking shoes.

Parking is available.

Other personal protective Special Needs: The walk measures such as masks includes unpaved dirt are optional based on paths, uneven surfaces, your personal comfort.

Please do not bring your pets as we may encounter other “pets” that are not under owner command or on a leash.

To sign up: Gary Thomas Staffo Phone: 703-336-7241 mail: 6226gardenroad@ gmail.com Gary is Southside “born and bred” and he shares and preserves the rich memories of life on the Southside.

M O H A W K

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Stefanik Announces 2022 NY-21 Congressional Art Competition

V A L L E Y April 2022

E X P R E S S

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today announced the 2022 Congressional Art Competition is open to receive submissions from high school students in New York’s 21st District.

creativity. I am proud to work to empower young people to showcase their personalities through their artistic expression, and I look forward to showcasing the winner’s artwork in the United States Capitol to show “Each year, I look forward the creativity of New to receiving dozens of York’s 21st District.” incredible pieces of art showcasing the talent of The winning selection students in my district will be displayed for one for the Congressional year in the U.S. Capitol Art Competition,” alongside artwork from said Congresswoman students from across the ly/3DqjxCf), must be submitted to one of Congresswoman Stefanik’s district Stefanik.

“This nation. office locations no later than Wednesday, April 27th, 2022. A list of rules and the competition is an amazing opportunity Art submissions, along submission form can be found here (https://bit.ly/3LqXyxM). for students to display with a Congressional their artistic prowess and release form (https://bit.

Price Chopper/Market 32 announces fundraising program for Ukraine

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Price Chopper/Market 32 has launched a World Central Kitchen fundraising program for Ukraine.

Throughout the next five weeks, the supermarket chain will raise money to support World Central Kitchen’s food relief efforts in Ukraine to serve hot,

nourishing meals around the clock in cities across Ukraine and at border crossings with Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Moldova.

in their transactions to the nearest dollar in support of World Central Kitchen’s efforts. Price Chopper/Market 32 will match all donations up to $25,000.

Cashiers in its 130 stores will ask customers “As millions of Ukrainians if they would like to flee their homes and round up the change country to escape the devastation, they face a daunting, uncharted journey.

Many are traveling for days without food.

In response, Please See UKRAINE Page 13

ServingBreakfast andLunch Tues,Wed 7am-2pm,Thurs, Fri 7am-7pm, Sat, Sun 7am-2pm (Closed Mon)

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

Like us on Facebook

83 Main St. Dodgeville 315-429-5248

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

April 2022

Voters Still Voiceless, Unite NY Calls on Candidates to Embrace Reforms

E X P R E S S

To date, only four candidates in the race for Governor have embraced reforms such as open In a Crowded Field least eight candidates, people. primaries. Republican for Governor, Four only four have thus far Harry Wilson embraced a Candidates Have Voiced embraced key reform Unite NY Founder host of reforms, including Positions to Empower policies that independent Martin Babinec said, ballot access, rankedVoters polling has confirmed “For more than a year choice voting, initiative, to have strong public our organization has and referendum when he Albany, NY – With the support such as open been leading the call for unveiled his turn around race for Governor of primaries; ranked-choice reforms that will help shift New York plan in March. the State of New York voting; term limits; vote power from the major now moving into the from home initiatives; party bosses back into Libertarian Larry Sharpe primary season, Unite independent redistricting; the hands of the voter. We voiced his support for NY is calling for issues of initiative and referendum; will be securing a ballot open primaries and ballot systemic reform to take as well as reducing ballot line for the November access on March 1. center stage. Currently, access requirements so election with a candidate four candidates have more candidates can run on the Unite line who has And Republican Andrew spoken out, but Unite on minor party lines. publicly voiced support for Giuliani supported open NY is calling on every reform measures that will primaries in an interview New York gubernatorial Unite NY is committed to help restore trust in our with NY 1 in early March. this weekend, candidate to embrace securing a ballot line for democracy. We’re calling Just reforms voters are the 2022 election and the on every candidate, from Republican Rob Astorino clamoring for to help candidate for Governor every party, to not only used social media to note fix the state’s broken who secures that line embrace these reforms that it just makes sense political system and start must speak out on policies but articulate them so for the GOP to open their putting power back in the such as these which will voters know where they primary process if they hands of the people. inject more democracy stand and what is their want to win. in our government and plan for making these Unite NY is disheartened hold elected officials needed reforms a reality.” Unite NY is working hard, that in a race with at accountable to the through programs like

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its Voter Empowerment Index to track and quantify the deep support New York voters are showing for reform. It is time for every candidate to step up to the plate and embrace a reform agenda.

About Unite NY Unite NY is a new political home in New York State for Republicans, Democrats, conservatives, liberals, and independents to come together to seek common-sense solutions. Focused on a non-partisan approach to fixing real problems in our government, democracy, and economy, Unite NY supports candidates who understand working together is the only way we can succeed. Learn more at www.UniteNY. org.

M O H A W K

Page 12

V A L L E Y April 2022

E X P R E S S

PGCBL Expands to Feature Draft Eligible Seniors In a unanimous decision by the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL) Board of Directors, the 16 member teams will now have the ability to sign graduating college seniors that do not have remaining college eligibility. The PGCBL will provide a platform for the most talented, graduating collegiate seniors, to improve their Major League Baseball (MLB) draft status by offering additional opportunities to be seen by scouts and compete against the highest level of competition.

their remaining college eligibility will be considered for roster inclusion. This provision will address any eligibility anomalies that were created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

17th-19th and feature 20 rounds of picks. Until a Covid-19 modified draft in 2020, the MLB draft had historically featured 40 rounds. With the draft now scheduled later in the year and featuring fewer rounds, the PGCBL felt it As always, the PGCBL was important to provide will continue to strive to additional opportunities serve as a showcase to those exhausting their league for current top collegiate eligibility. draft-eligible prospects leading up to each “We’re excited to summer’s MLB draft, as announce the inclusion of well as future top tier all players who have just prospects not currently exhausted their college eligible to be drafted. eligibility,” said PGCBL President & General The MLB draft has Counsel, Robert Julian. historically taken place in “We hope to provide as early June but was held in many opportunities as Additionally, any other mid-July for the first time possible to those players current collegiate player in 2021. The 2022 draft looking to increase that will be exhausting will take place from July their draft prospectus.

With the reduction in draft rounds and the CHICKWEED BOUTIQUE later draft date, we felt this was an important opportunity to provide for 642 E MAIN ST LITTLE FALLS NY affected players.”

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The PGCBL will begin league-wide play for the 2022 season on Friday, June 3rd.

The Dawgs are Hungry!

Looking for a unique way to enhance the experience of the ballplayers of the 2022 Diamond Dawgs?

How about sponsoring one of the post game player meals?

The post game meals, whether homemade, purchased or donated by one of the local eating establishments, are a hit with our players after each of the Diamond Dawg home games at Veterans Memorial Park.

it to the ballpark sometime around the 8th inning.

The second method is for a family or business to sponsor a meal for the team. The Diamond Dawgs game day staff will then make or confirm arrangements with a local dining establishment and will pick up the meal that evening and bring it to the ballpark.

There are three ways to sponsor a meal.

Finally, a local dining establishment can donate a meal. The Dawgs staff will gladly pick up the meal and bring to Veterans Memorial Park.

First, is for a local family to either purchase or prepare a home cooked meal and deliver

For planning purposes, figure on feeding approximately 45 individuals.

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

April 2022

E X P R E S S Page 13

UKRAINE From Page 10

World Central Kitchen is providing hot, nourishing meals to those seeking refuge in major points of entry across Eastern Europe. As a company whose higher purpose has always been to help people feed and care for themselves and their families, we want to help Chef Jose Andres and his team get food to these people,” said Mona Golub, Price Chopper/

Market 32 vice president of public relations and consumer services.

World Central Kitchen is a non-profit organization that is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises, while working to build resilient food systems with locally-led solutions.

It has served more than

To Advertise in the Email or Call Brian Krohn

brian.krohn@mcclarymedia.com 518-441-7008

60 million fresh meals to people impacted by natural disasters and other crises around the world since it was founded in 2010.

Founder and Chief Feeding Officer Chef José Andrés has a mission to fulfill the words of John Steinbeck: “Wherever there’s a fight so that hungry people may eat… we’ll be there.”

SENIOR MEALS FOR APRIL 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.

Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr

01 04 05 06

-

Vegetable lasagna, tossed salad, garlic roll, cookie.

Beef patty, seasoned noodles, country blend vegetables, fruit cocktail.

Ham with scalloped potatoes, peas, ice cream.

Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, Mandarin oranges.

07 - Beef stew with potatoes and carrots, banana cake.

08 - Fish will dill sauce, rice, spinach, pudding.

11 - BBQ chicken sandwich, warm three-bean salad, broccoli, pineapple.

12 - Hamburger cabbage casserole, wax beans, carrots, chef’s choice pie.

13 - Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, California blend vegetables, pudding.

14 - Frittata, hash browns, muffin, sausage patty, sherbet.

15 - Macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes and zucchini, green beans, cookie.

18 - Spanish rice, corn, cauliflower, pears.

19 - Lemon chicken au gratin potatoes, red cabbage, frosted birthday cake.

20 - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, Pacific blend vegetables, yogurt whip.

21 - Turkey with gravy, stuffing, spinach, orange.

22 - Chicken and wild rice casserole, beets, squash, pudding.

25 - Fiesta chicken, baked potato, broccoli, peaches.

26 - Pasta and meatballs, wax beans, garlic roll, lemon cake with glaze.

27 - Turkey divan with broccoli sauce, egg noodles, Brussels sprouts, cookie.

28 - Chile, cornbread, cauliflower, ice cream.

29 - Roast port with gravy, mashed sweet potatoes, corn, gelatin.

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.

Page 14

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y April 2022

E X P R E S S

M O H A W K

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

V A L L E Y

Crossword Puzzle Hints

35. Dress with a flare 37. Choler 38. On a store tag THEME: GARDEN39. Central points ING 40.

Paul Reubens’ Herman 42. Mother lode stuff ACROSS 43. African bloodsucking pests 1. Betting probability 5. Once headed by J. 45. Salty dogs 47. Current tense of #30 Edgar Hoover Across 8. Formally surrender 48. Retches 12. Gravy holder 13. Nile dweller, for short 50. Bovine cries 52. *Like an aggressive 14. More certain weed 15. Tiny bit 55. Frustration, in a comic 16. a.k.a. Bruce Banner 17. One who plies one’s book 56. *Holds a plant stem trade 18. *”Days to ____,” on a to a support 57. Type of hot sandwich seed packet 59. One born to Japanese 20. Big-ticket ____ immigrants 21. Apartments, e.g.

22. *Plumerias are often 60. Urban legends, e.g. used in this Hawaiian 61. Check out 62. Shakespeare’s “at greeting another time” 23. Scrooge’s visitors 63. “The ____ Who 26. Digging into 30. What Carl Lewis did Loved Me” 64. *Flower’s location 31. Bestow after a garden?

34. Month before Nisan

HAMILTON COUNTY PERSONNEL/CIVIL SERVICE IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR: Clinical Social Worker (Mental Health and Substance Abuse) MHSA There is an immediate opening for a Clinical Social Worker available at the Department of Community Services in Indian Lake. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. This is a full-time position with an excellent benefits package.

This is a professional position involving the provision of mental health and substance abuse services to individuals served by the county’s mental health and substance abuse program at its clinic locations in Indian Lake, Lake Pleasant and within school settings throughout the county.

Candidate chosen for the position will be given a provisional appointment, must take a civil service examination, and be in the top three scores to retain position.

Minimum Qualifications: A.) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Master’s Degree in Social Work; B.) Possession of license as a “licensed master social worker” issued by the New York State Department of Education at time of application.

NOTE: The minimum qualifications for this position are mandated under Article 154 of New York State Education Law. Special Requirement: Must posses a valid New York State driver’s license at time of employment and demonstrate their ability to meet the transportation needs of the job.

Proof of minimum qualifications are required at the time of application.

For more information or an application, please contact: Hamilton County Personnel PO Box 174, Court House Lake Pleasant, NY 12108 (518) 548-6375 APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL POSITION FILLED

E X P R E S S

April 2022

DOWN 1. Kimono closer 2. Banish to Hades 3. Crunched numbers 4. Facebook’s update feature 5. *Seed plant’s harvest 6. *Goes to seed 7. Rotten and stinky 8. *Plant variety 9. Famous canal 10. Hold as a conviction 11. Make a blunder 13. Church service oil 14. Salesman’s speech, e.g.

19. Loosen laces 22. Tennis do-over 23. *Splice, to a gardener 24. Nimbi on ikons 25. In the cooler (2 words) 26. Former Saint Brees 27. “Pulling my leg,” e.g.

28. Mother-of-pearl 29. *Kind of thumb 32. Pizzeria output, pl.

33. “____ you kidding?”

36. *N in N-P-K 38. Sneaked glances 40. Slammer 41. “The Shawshank Redemption” theme 44. Served raw 46. Isaac of science fiction 48. This Dogg can rap 49. What Elton John tickles, sing.

50. Street in Anytown, USA 51. Guesstimate phrase (two words) 52. Bodily disorders 53. Lope de ____, Spanish playwright 54. Building extensions 55. Nurses’ org.

58. ____ time in golf Answers on Page 13

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For more puzzles & SUDOKU visit: mylittlefalls.com/puzzzles/ If you would like to see your story in the Mohawk Valley Express - email it to news@mylittlefalls.com

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M O H A W K

V A L L E Y APRIL 2022

E X P R E S S