Little Falls Library has new Executive Director
By Dave WarnerThe Little Falls Public Library has hired Julia Yardley as its new Executive Director.
Yardley is an Ilion native who graduated from Central Valley Academy in 2019.
“I’ve been in Little Falls ever since I could drive. I came down here every day to go to Ol’ Sals. I’d write poetry, read a book, and present poetry when they had the open mic nights down there,” she said.
She said that she loved antique shopping here, and when asked what drew her here all the time, she said, “The location itself. It was like calming when I came here. Ilion is nice, but it doesn’t have that look and feel. There
is a feel here.”
Yardley says she always felt like she would end up here, and her parents were like, ‘OK, you can do whatever.’
“Nobody usually stays in this area, but I said I’m going to do it.”
Growing up, she always wanted to be in the military, and that’s what she ended up doing. “I enlisted when I was 17 through my parents in the Army National Guard. I wanted to be an intel analyst, but they said, no, we don’t have that position open. You’re going to be a geospatial engineer.”
She went into mapmaking.
“I’m a mapmaker in the Army—42nd Infantry. I’ll be getting out in 2025.
That’s the end of my sixyear contract period.”
Yardley has loved her time in the military, but the actual job, not so much. “I’m doing a lot of other things, but I’m not making maps. I’d rather be doing that.”
She started working at the Ilion Library in 2017 when she was 16. It was also about the same time that she started coming to
Native Son - Comes back - to Give Back
By Dave WarnerMike McCarthy has done a lot in his life, but now he’s ready to give back by creating a company called Native Son Consulting, which aims to provide no-cost business growth and strategy consulting for owners of Little Falls businesses.
He said, “I was born here in 1957. My parents were from the area. My mom graduated from St Mary’s. We moved around a bit, but I moved back here in 61.”
McCarthy said that it’s
not until you leave and see other places and get older that you start to appreciate more and more about how and where you came from, and how it has made you who you are.
“I’ve always been interested in coming back
Little Falls. “I really liked working at the Library. I started as a summer youth worker - helping kids with the summer reading program. Then, they hired me at the Village for the Library as a Page.”
Yardley was playing field hockey and softball for school at the time, and they wanted to bump her hours up. “I ended up with some time in my
here to live, but my career path wasn’t going to take me here,” he said.
His first job out of college was in sales and advertising at an agency.
The second job was becoming president of an agency when the existing president stepped down.
“I kind of envisioned that I’d be president of the company one day, but it wasn’t anything I was thinking about a lot. I was still pretty young.”
Leading the agency at such a young age caused him to really think about what he wanted to do with his life. He ended up taking a career survey that told him he was just where he should be. “But I wasn’t enjoying it, and so upon further reflection, I realized I needed to make a career change.”
So, he went to grad school, got his PhD and became a professor. “I really wanted to come
schedule, and they put me on the desk, and I stayed with it.”
In 2019, she went to Fort Leonard Wood, a U.S. Army training installation in the Missouri Ozarks, for nine months and then came back. “I said, can I have my job back? I’m back now.”
The thing she loved
2
Please See LIBRARY
back to this part of the country, but there’s not really a big university. Between Syracuse and Albany, there are some colleges, but that didn’t work out, so I got a job in Ohio, and that’s where I went.”
He continued to return to the area to visit family, trying to be here two to three times a year.
“As I was approaching retirement, I realized I’d have a lot more time on my hands, and we could spend more time up here, so we started looking for a place,” he said.”
McCarthy said they weren’t looking for anything too crazy and found the right place in 2020 and bought it.
“I knew that once my dad passed, I probably wouldn’t make it up here very often unless I bought something.”
“My wife likes it here, so Please See NATIVE Page 3
VOLUME 4: NUMBER 5 MAY 2024 FREE WWW.MYLITTLEFALLS.COM 7507 STATEROUTE 5, (cornerofBidlemanRoad) LITTLE FA LL SN Y13365 315-508-5131 www.mohawkvalleyf unerals.com Largest facility in area with most off street parking Daniel J. Enea 3rd Generation Funeral Director 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
Photo by Dave Warner - Mike McCarthy has started a company called Native Son Consulting, which aims to help Little Falls businesses succeed.
Photo by Dave Warner - Julia Yardley has been hired as the new Executive Director of the Little Falls Public Library.
Page
most was interacting with patrons. “It’s not just questions about books or reference questionsit’s helping them with life events. You’re getting to see all this play out and you’re able to help them in various different ways. You get to interact with the community and meet a lot of people.”
She said that she was on a cruise in March, and her grandmother texted her about the job in Little Falls. “She asked if I had thought about applying there, and I told her I didn’t know about it, but when I get better Wifi or get off the ship, I’ll look into it.”
Yardley was worried that they would require a Master’s Degree because she’s currently working towards finishing hers. “I sent in all my information and my resume and cover letter. I had the knowledge and experience, but didn’t yet have the degree, which I’ll have within the next year.”
She got the interview and
said, “I ended up here.”
“I was left in really good hands. Cheyenne told me this is what I left you with - do what you will and reach out to me at any time. She was very good with outreach, so that’s one of the things that I wanted to do. I had no idea what that entailed, though, so my initial thing was just getting myself out there to let everyone know who I am,” she said.
She wants everyone to come down and meet her to get to know who she is. “I just want to get my foot in the door and see what opportunities there are for outreach. That was the biggest thing: Assisting the public in whatever ways that I can.”
Yardley says that she loves history and wants to create programs around that as well. “I was talking to Ralph Renzulli about the Cheese Festival, and I thought maybe I could do something about the history of cheese in this area.”
“Everywhere you look here, there is history,” she said.
“I really want to get teens involved in the Library. I’m going to be meeting with the teen advisory board to figure out what is of interest to teens in the local area and how can we get them to come in and do an event and just enjoy it and develop a regular group that comes in for those events.”
She said the children’s programs that already exist are phenomenal. “That’s just the kind of stuff I want to do.”
“We’ve also talked about ‘character parties.’ There’s a lot of little kids shows and books where we could do a theme party with board games or something like that with snacks.”
On a personal note? “I’m into poetry, and I’m big into the gym, so I powerlift. I’ve done a couple of powerlifting competitions.”
Discussion on 19th Century Irish Poet Patrick Condon
Join us at The H.A.R.P. Museum at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. for a discussion on Utica’s 19th Century Irish PoetPatrick Condon.
In 1825, Pádraig Cúndún or Patrick Condon and his young family left their home in County Cork for a better life in America. They settled in Deerfield, NY.
Little is known of Condon’s early education other than he never learned English but could read and write in the Irish language. Classified by scholars as a folk or farmer poet, his writings in the Irish language, Gaeilge, cast a unique perspective on the early 19th century Irish immigrant experience.
What was his life like
in Ireland and why did he come to America? What was his life like in America and why are his writings so important?
We will shed some light on these questions as well as present some examples of his writings. We may even have a surprise guest or two to help us out.
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. The program is free to attend, please register at this link, https://bit.ly/43UZadv or visit our events calendar at https://www.iccmv.org/ my-calendar/ or leave a message at 315-7334228 ext.6.
Alpine accepting donations
Alpine Rehabilitation & Nursing Center is accepting donations until June 21, 2024 of stuffed animals, infant, or doll clothing for their Build a Buddy Workshop. Gently used items are welcome as well. Drop off anytime at the front desk at 755 E. Monroe St. Little Falls, NY 13365 or contact us with any questions (315) 823-1001.
MOHAWK VALLEY EXPRESS Page 2 MAY 2024 If you would like to see your story in the Mohawk Valley Express - email it to news@mylittlefalls.com Friday, June 7th, 2024 9am Village Wide Garage Sales 6:30pm Violet Festival Opening Ceremonies Welcome at Joe Condello Gazebo in Plowe Park - Presentation of Lyndon Lyon community Award to Brenda Barton, Crowning of the Violet Festival King, Arthur “Art” Mayhew House Decorating Contest Winners Announced 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 9am-4pm Dolgeville Manheim Historical Society Open 10am Violet Festival Parade Crystal or Don 315-527-9585 10am-5pm Featured Artist, Don Richards and Flower Show at *Masonic Temple 10am-5pm Through the Years Exhibit *Masonic Temple 10am-5pm Craft Show - Flea Market 12-2pm Minivans at Plowe Park Stage 12-done Boy Scouts Chicken BBQ at Auskerada Place Lower Level 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 *Auskerada Place Basement 2-4pm Fritz’s Polka and at Plowe Park Gazebo 4-6pm Clean Street Plowe Park Stage 5pm Brookfield Tractor Pullers at the Daley’s on Moore Rd, Free Saturday, June 8th, 2024 6-9am Vendors SetupMarilyn 315-429-9884 7-10 Pancake Breakfast at Dolgeville Firehouse 9am Village wide Garage Sales Saturday (cont.) 6-8pm Phil Arcuri at Plowe Park Stage 8-10pm Pine Ridge Mountain Band at Plowe Park Stage 10pm Fireworks Display from Summerhouse Hill Saturday (cont.) 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. *New Route 9:30am 1K Kids Fun Run - Free of Charge, Across From Firehouse 10-11am Ecumenical Service at Plowe Park Gazebo 10am-12pm Utica Zoomobile Main Street 10am-2pm Children’s Museum Van Main Street 10am-3pm Featured Artist, Flower Show and Through the Years Exhibit at *Masonic Temple 10am-3pm Craft Show - Flea Market 11-11:30am Poetry Contest at Plowe Park Stage - Joan Lein 11:30am-1pm Greens & Beans at Plowe Park Gazebo 1-3pm Dolgeville Cemetery Walking Tour 1-3pm DCS Student Art Show K-12 plus BOCES Pre-K & Dolgeville Pre-K at *Auskerada Place Basement Sunday, June 9th, 2024 Craft Show- Flea Market, Horticulture and Food Vendors on Main Street Garden Flower Show at The Masonic Temple Featured Artist Show at The Masonic Temple DCS Pre-K-12 Student Art Show at Auskerada Place Lower Level Raffle Ticket Sale for Tyoe’s Chainsawing Carving Themed Basket Tickets sold at Violet Festival Info Booth - Drawing Sunday about 3pm Bounce Houses on Softball Field Village Wide Garage Sales Ongoing Events Saturday & Sunday ★WANTED★ TOM GEHRIG evergreenlawnandtree@gmail.com ★ ★ ★ ★ BUYING STONEWARE CALL/TEXT 315-736-2306
LIBRARY From Page
1
Pictured: Jenna Smith, Medical Records Director and Annette Blum, Activities Director.
that’s our tie back to Little Falls.”
He said that many of the things he learned in Little Falls growing up helped make him successful, “Not just from my folks, but from the community.”
“I saw that a lot of what I liked about myself was because of here,” he stated, “So I asked, how can I help?”
McCarthy said that he thinks he knows some things that would be of value to people but that they probably couldn’t pay him for it. “If a big old company wanted to hire me to consult, I’d make them pay me. But, the shop owners and people in town that are trying to start a business, or maybe they have a side hustle they’re trying to get to grow - this I can help with.”
“I can help people think through problems and come up with ways to do things and be innovative. I know about marketing and all that kind of stuff, but I will say that the thing I can offer more than anything else is helping them think through the problems without telling them what to do.”
He said that a lot of companies have a problem making decisions about how to move forward. “I don’t have to know a lot about what you do, but I can help you think through other ways of thinking about it and maybe open up some ideas from you, not me, where you can say, ‘Maybe I can do this, not that.’”
McCarthy said he wants to see the City and its citizens do well and approach the issues they are facing from a different perspective. “When you’re inside something, sometimes you can’t see outside of it.”
What he knows can scale from a one-person operation to a large corporation, he said.
McCarthy said that he’s spoken to a couple of businesses since he’s been back. In one instance, the business owner had three or four ideas, and McCarthy helped him walk through all of them until he focused
on just one that held the most promise.
“None of the ideas were bad, but maybe there’s something here you should stop doing,” he said. “You only have so much time in the day. Maybe instead of doing A, B, and C, pick B and do B well and see if that gets you where you want to go,” he stated.
His help might even involve thinking through selling your business. “I help people see multiple ways they can achieve their objectives.”
“It’s really interesting to me. It helps people out a lot, and sometimes, I see results right away. In a place like Little Falls, particularly where there is so much tradition in how you do things, being able to go in and help people see new opportunities by reframing their situation and offering another perspective should be helpful.”
He said there is no charge, and there’ll never be a charge, and he’d be happy to sit with you for ten minutes or an hour, “However long it takes. If you live and/or work in Little Falls and have a business, or you’d like to start a business, whatever it is, give me a call.”
If you want to connect with McCarthy, call or text 513-290-3880 or email nativesonconsulting75@ gmail.com.
Farming the way nature intended
Have you ever thought about how you can positively impact our world? We believe it starts with the food we eat and how we cultivate it. Through agriculture, we have the power to either strengthen or weaken our communities, preserve or deplete our land, and secure a better future for the next generations or rob it from them. The decision is ours to make, and at Bowterra Farm, we have chosen to create a prosperous tomorrow.
Our journey began in 2021 with the goal of creating a self-sustaining orchard. We soon realized that building the soil with animal fertilizer and mushroom compost was critical to achieving
our objective. Thus, we started raising animals and growing mushrooms. Within a year, we saw a significant increase in our soil fertility and land resiliency. In two years, we added 30,000 lbs. of mushroom compost and raised over 2,000 animals, which greatly improved our soil and led to healthier plants. Today, we are an operational farm that grows mushrooms and raises chickens, ducks, pigs, rabbits, and lambs, with plans to expand.
Bowterra Farm’s operation is a prime example of how an ecosystem can be interconnected. By supporting our farm, you’re not just purchasing
a pint of mushrooms or a chicken, but you’re also contributing to the creation of an ecosystem that will be crucial for our future. We work towards enhancing the habitat for wildlife, improving soil quality, and supporting the local community. We hope that our efforts will serve as a model for farms to come.
Stop by and visit us. All are welcome! 253 Calbet Road, Fort Plain, NY, 13339.
Herkimer County Local Foods Map now available
The 2024 Herkimer County Local Foods Map is now available from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County in East Herkimer. Maps will be distributed throughout Herkimer County at various outlets including farmers’ markets this summer. To view an online version of this map, please visit http:// bit.ly/CCEHerkCoLocalFoodsMap
There are sixty-seven producers on the map along with seven Herkimer County Farmers’ Markets. Support for updating and printing the map was provided by a grant from Herkimer County Mental Health through the Farm Family Assistance Project.
The benefits of “eating local” are many including fresher foods that taste great and are often more nutritious than foods that have traveled many miles and days to get to your table. Also, when you buy directly from local farmers, your dollars stay within your community and strengthen the local economy. This helps preserve farming as a livelihood and rural landscapes as farmland.
For more information or to pick up a map, please call Cornell Cooperative Extension at (315) 8667920 or email herkimer@ cornell.edu.
MOHAWK VALLEY EXPRESS Page 3 MAY 2024 18 North Ann Street Little Falls |315-823-0320 If you are looking for something and can’t find it anywhere ask us! We can order it! Big City Options...Small Town Charm! Call and Inquire-WeDeliver! 10% OFF COUPON YO UR EN TI RE PUR CHAS E Expires 1/31/22. Exclusions apply Ask About Our New Bourbon Rewards Points Club. Build up points and use them to purchase specialty bourbons we have in stock like Buffalo Trace, Blanton’s, Weller and More! FREE TO JOIN! Green View Restaurant at the Canajoharie Golf Course Opentothe Public Winterhours beginning Dec 1 Fri4pm-8pm, Saturday, Sunday, Monday12-8pm Homemade items featuring NYSand localproduc ts Sandwiches,Burgers,Steak,Seafood,Salads,Appetizers THURSDAY • ALL YOUCAN EATDINNER Only $13.75 l4pm-8pmlNow every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month STAY TUNED AND CHECK FACEBOOK FOR OTHER EVENTS,HOLIDAY FEATURES, AND BANDS!! EventPlanning Available! Call 518-673-3635 https://www.facebook.com/theCanajoharieGolfCourse Bring this insertinfor a $l 0Gift Certificate available foruse the next time youtry us out! December 14 and 28 January 11 and 25 February 8and 22 March 14 and 28 April 11 and 25 Snowmobilers can followthe trail to the clubhouse or check for open hours by calling!
NATIVE From Page 1
City of Little Falls
May 3, 2024
Planning Board Meeting - Training session 9:00 am in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.
May 6, 2024
Recreation/HarborRegular session 6:00 pm in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.
May 7, 2024
Common Council Meeting - Auditing of the bills: 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm in City Hall.
May 8, 2024
Golf Commission Meeting - Regular Meeting: 8:00 am at the Municipal Golf Course.
May 10, 2024
Spring Filing - Alpine Families and Friends2-4 pm. Dress to impress! We are having gowns and tuxes being donated of the occasion thanks to Little Falls High School. DJ Deb - Food - Drinks - Dancing - FUN. Alpine Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, 755 E Monroe St.
May 13, 2024
Police and Fire Board Meeting - Bills 8:30 am and Regular Session 9:00 am in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.
May 14, 2024
Public Hearing 6 pmLocal Law 3 - Providing for the use of and reimbursement for Legal Engineering and Consulting Services. Public Hearing 6:30 pm - Local Law 4 - Setting water and Sewing rates. Special Common Council Meeting - 7 pm, Common
Council Chambers.
May 15, 2024
Urban Renewal Board Meeting - Regular Session 8:15 am in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.
May 17, 2024
Little Falls LumberSecond Annual BBQ Party - 4-7 pm, 73 Southern Ave. Tickets are $15 each, and dinner options are chicken or pork. We will also be doing a TV raffle; tickets are $5. All proceeds go to Operation North Pole. There will be music, games, and face painting – so bring your families. Tickets are available at all three locations, or message us on Facebook. If you can’t make it, please consider purchasing a TV raffle ticket.
May 18, 2024
Rock Valley Music Festival - 56 West Mill St 12-11 pm. This festival features live local music, food vendors, and NYS craft beer! Gates open, and music starts at noon and goes all the way to 11:00 p.m. This year’s music lineup features Max Scialdone, The Valley Rockers, Seattle Sons, and Tom Nitti & Ashley Bryant. There is a $5 cover at the gate; children 12 and under are free. Please bring a can or non-perishable donation for the Little Falls Food Pantry. For more details check out Rock Valley Brewing Co on Facebook or email us at Rockvalleybrewingco@ gmail.com.
May 19, 2024
‘Join or Die’ film event 3-5 pm. Join your Little Falls
friends and neighbors for a local screening of the exciting new documentary Join or Die. Whether you’re already an active member of a local club, organization, or non-profit or someone who doesn’t consider themselves a “joiner,” this engaging film will offer compelling evidence for why our voluntary associations are vital to our local community and the country. Light refreshments will be served in the lobby after the film, where attendees can discuss what they’ve heard. Only 100 tickets are available. This event is brought to you by Main Street First, in association with Next, Little Falls Rotary, Little Falls Elks #42, Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, and Rock City Runners. Contact Rob Richard for detailsrjr318@yahoo.com
May 20, 2024
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 22, 2024
The 2024 Women of Distinction Breakfast 8-10 am, Little Falls Elks Lodge. Since its inception, the WCA has honored 66 deserving women who have made a difference in our community. This event is a wonderful way to express our gratitude to women who have given so generously of their time and talents to make Little Falls a better and stronger community.
June 1, 2024
Annual Holy Family Parish Festival - 1-9 pm
- Eastern Park - Join us for an exciting, fun-filled family festival at Ward Square/Eastern Park, E. Main Street, Little Falls, NY, rain or shine. (In the event of rain, music will be moved to the Parish Gym.) The festival will feature The Holy Family Food Tent, Food Trucks, Craft Vendors, Children’s Activities (Bounce House), Music, Raffles, & Tours of our beautiful historic church and stained glass windows. We also provide free shuttle services w/ wheelchair accessibility (lot t/b/d) and are having a Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest. The winner will receive $25 and bragging rights. In addition, we are having a Holy Family Parish 5k Walk/Run starting at Noon. We have three great bands: Caribbean Drum Sound, Helen’s Dixieland Band, a dancing duo, the Celtic Craic Irish step dancers (competition dancers that have completed all over the world), and our headliner band (they won the Capital District Best Dance Band in 2023) is the Harmony Rocks Band playing all the dance favorites from the 60’s-90’s.
Little Falls Elks
May 18, 2024 Chicken BBQ at the Rock Valley Music Festival, 56 West Mill St, starting at noon.
Dolgeville
The Dolgeville Farmers Market will be held every Saturday, staring May 18th, until the end of October. The Market is from 9 AM - 1 PM at
Plowe Park at the corner of South Main Street and Cramer Lane.
Salisbury
The Salisbury Historical Society’s summer display this year will be of our local military veterans, past and present. We are looking for input about those who’ve served in the military, or are serving now. If anyone has any information on a family member or your own service, we would love to hear from you. We hope to collect photos, dates of service, experiences, military artifacts or memorabilia that we can put on display for the summer. You can contact Bob or Mary at 315-4298694, leave a reply under this post on our Facebook page or send an email to salisburynyhs@gmail. com.
Stone Arabia
May 17, 2024 7 pm - Oran Variety Concert - Trinity Church, Stone Arabia Rt 10N, Palatine Bridge. Music will ring from the old rafters at Trinity Lutheran Church, a historic pioneer 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 17 at 7 pm. This year’s exciting program theme is “Magic of Youth” and will feature classical music, upbeat music (Beatles and more), selections from Broadway musicals (My Fair Lady, The Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music and more) a comedy surprise, tuba music, and use of the original organ hand
Please See CALENDAR Page 9
MOHAWK VALLEY EXPRESS Page
MAY 2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS - MAY Little Falls Public Library Calendar 25 1 4 14 15 17 7 8 10 21 24 31 28 S A T U R D A Y T U E S D A Y 12 19 26 M A Y 2 0 2 4 2 3 13 16 18 5 6 9 20 22 29 23 30 27 S U N D A Y M O N D A Y T H U R S D A Y F R I D A Y W E D N E S D A Y 11 Bright Beginnings 10 & 11 15am Flash Fiction 6p K itti g/C h t 11am Rai road Group 5 30pm Bright Beginnings 10 & 11 15am Flash Fiction 6pm Playdate Plus 10:15am Knitting/Crochet 11am Teen Creative Writing 5:15pm Bright Beginnings 10 & 11:15am Flash Fiction 6p Playdate Plus 10:15am K itti g/C ochet 11am Spinners 1pm Teen Creative Writing 5:15pm Book Club 5:30pm Bright Beginnings 10 & 11:15am Flash Fiction 6pm Playdate Plus 10 15 Bracelet Class 3pm Knitting/Crochet 11am Dream Workshop 5:30pm Make & Take 3pm Bright Beginnings 10 & 11 15 Flash Fiction 6pm Playdate Plus 10:15am Toddlers Kids Teens Adults Any changes in schedule will be on our social media! Little Falls Public Library @lflibrary Mon-Thu 10-7 Fri 10-5 Sat 10-3 Closed for Memor al Day Op Mi 12 30p GED Class 10am GED Class 10am GED Class 10am GED Class 10am GED Class 10am Bright Beginnings 10:30am
4
Creative Outpost opens new podcast studio and office location
The Creative Outpost, Inc., a 501c3 organization in Little Falls focused on creative content, film, and media education, has opened its offices at 25 West Mill St, in the Antique Center building in Canal Place.
The new facility combines several of the things that the organization was doing around the City into one location.
Executive Director Dave Warner stated, “We had office space in one location, had our podcast studio in another, had our gift shop in the Stone Mill building, and then when we did any training, had to figure out where to conduct that as well.”
The new spot allows everything to happen in one location, making things simpler and more convenient for everyone. It will also allow the company to expand its activities and will draw ‘walk-in’ traffic for some of the podcast conversations Warner wants to have.
“Right now, we’re producing five different podcasts, but we expect that to ramp up dramatically. We’ve also
brought our streaming radio station back online and created a website called Studio 25 to support the new initiative. This puts all of the media that we produce in one location,” he said.
Studio 25 currently produces Tiffany Talk, Hello Herkimer County, the CNY Hockey Report, Small Town Life, and The Inside View podcasts.
Warner remarked, “As the Country Music radio station develops, it will offer news, weather sports, and talk radiostyle shows.”
The broadcast/podcast studio has state-of-theart audio and video recording equipment, two different ‘sets’ for podcasting, a ‘green room,’ as one visitor called it, a conference area for training, and another set area for video interviews.
Warner said, “I’ve been working there for a few days now and have already done the first podcast. It’s just a fantastic space with an incredible view and really feels like the right spot to get a lot accomplished.”
“Since we’ve been designated an Empire State Trail Town, one of the ideas that I’ve come up with is having a Trailway Tales podcast. When I looked back at some of the stories I’ve written over the last few years, I saw that many of them had focused on some really interesting people we’ve had come through on the Trail.”
“With everything we’re trying to do now under this program, to bring more people into the City, I just felt like this would be an additional way to help with that draw,” he stated.
If you have ever thought of having your own podcast, or you’d like to be a guest on his show, this is the perfect time to contact Warner to make it happen.
The hours of operation are M-F, 8-11 am, and 1-5 pm, unless Warner is out covering something.
For more information, visit studio25.media or call 315-867-9039.
To learn more about The Creative Outpost, you can visit its website at creativeoutpost.org.
MOHAWK VALLEY EXPRESS Page 5 MAY 2024 FiveSaints International andDomestic AwardWinningSpirits NowAvailable in NewYork On-Line! Raised in Little Falls and Born in Philly these spirits are available onlineat www.FiveSaintsDistilling.com at greatly reduced shippingrates. Visit the websiteclick on “Shop Now” and then click on “Shop National”. Enjoy1orenjoy10or morebottles the shipping ’s the same... just$20.Goahead! Enjoy quality time with Friends, Familyand FiveSaints! All TheBest, D o w n l o a d C i t y o f L i t t l e F a l l s SCAN TO DOWNLOAD Powered by GOGov A c c e s s I n f o r m a t i o n S u b m i t S e r v i c e R e q u e s t s R e p o r t I s s u e s A n d m o r e
The Studio 25 main podcast set at 25 West Mill Street in Little Falls.
The new office entrance at the east end of the Antique Center in Canal Place.
Photo by Dave Warner - Tiffany Rutkowski does a show with Rachel Culver on a remote monitor in the new studio.
The ‘casual’ area in Studio 25 is where you can sit, get a free cup of coffee and tell your story.
Little Falls has been designated an Empire State Trail Town, and Warner intends to bring cyclists into the new studio to tell their story.
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 - Roast pork with gravy, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, strawberry ice cream.
May 02 - Broccoli cheddar soup, turkey sandwich, carrots, pudding parfait.
May 03 - Cheesy egg bake, sausage patty, hash browns, muffin, fruit cup.
May 06 - Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, broccoli, fruited gelatin.
May 07 - Ziti and meatballs, green beans, garlic knot, poke cake with topping.
May 08 - Roast turkey with gravy, stuffing, corn, brownie.
May 09 - Macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes and zucchini, green beans, oatmeal cookie.
May 10 - Cheeseburger deluxe, corn salad, spinach, chocolate ice cream.
May 13 - Ham and scalloped potatoes, peas and carrots, pudding with topping.
May 14 - Sausage and peppers on a sub roll, O’Brien potatoes, beets, pineapple.
May 15 - Coconut pineapple curry on chicken breast, seasoned noodles, mixed vegetables, sherbet.
May 16 - Pulled pork on a bun, baked beans, Brussels sprouts, fresh fruit.
May 17 - Spanish rice, beets, corn, peanut butter cookie.
May 20 - Chicken salad cold plate, potato salad, marinated broccoli salad, chef’s choice dessert.
May 21 - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, dill carrots, vanilla ice cream.
May 22 - Chili, corn bread, wax beans, pears.
May 23 - Cheesy ham and rice casserole, beets, green geans, apple brown Betty.
May 24 - Chicken cacciatore over rotini, Italian blend vegetables, frosted cupcake.
May 27 - Happy Memorial Day!
May 28 - BBQ chicken sandwich, baked beans, broccoli, tropical fruit.
May 29 - Turkey dinner with gravy, stuffing, squash, carnival cookie.
May 30 - Lasagna, Italian blend vegetables, garlic bread, frosted birthday cake.
May 31 - Egg salad cold plate, carrot raisin salad, three-bean salad, Mandarin oranges.
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.
Rock Valley Music Festival set for May 18th
By Dave WarnerMike George is at it again at the Rock Valley Brewing Company. This time with the Rock Valley Music Festival, which will be held May 18, 2024, from noon until 11 pm.
The brewery has become quite the center for not just beer but also music and special events like the annual chili cookoff, Hawaiian-themed runs, book signings, and Riggie Wars.
“I worked for my family’s lumber business for a number of years, and during that time, I had a hobby of home-brewing wine. It was a BIG hobby. When I get into things, I usually get into a bigger scale. I had actually looked at starting a winery here, and we had some things that didn’t line up, so I put that idea on the back burner for a couple of years.”
He next looked into cultivating hops after finding a wild variation growing on some land he bought. “I tried brewing a batch of beer with the hops, and that’s where it started. Here we are today.”
George felt that one of Little Falls’ advantages was that we had a lot of water, and he had always wanted to start a business centered around that.
“I always wanted to start something of my own here that utilized that resource, and who doesn’t like beer?”
“I thought, what a great thing to bring to the area?”
His friend, Chris Connoly, owned the old building on West Mill Street. They went in there one day to pull some equipment out,
and Mike said, “I looked up in the big area and said, Chris, you’ve got to sell me this building.”
“We worked out a deal, and eventually, I purchased the building from him, and I started working there,” George said.
Of course, he couldn’t escape lumber because that building used to be a lumber yard. “How ironic. I can’t get out of the lumber yard no matter how hard I try.”
He worked there nights and weekends, along with family and friends, to get the place open.
“After three and a half years of work on the building, we were able to open the doors. I think it was three weeks later, Covid hit, and we were throttled back right from the start.”
George sees every setback as an opportunity to learn, so they found ways to streamline their actions. “The community stood by us 110%, and I can’t thank everyone here enough for that. They really gave me a chance and helped me get through it.”
At the time, there was a moratorium on music, but they were able to bring in some live music and musicians, and the public really loved it. “I have a little bit of a musical background. I played in a band for a number of years - nothing professionaljust a garage band. It was fun - we had a blast with it when we did it.”
Bringing music to the brewery during Covid turned out to be a positive thing, not only for George Please See FESTIVAL Page 9
MOHAWK VALLEY EXPRESS Page 6 MAY 2024
SPRING IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! WE ARE SERVICING &REPAIRING ALL MAKES &MODELS OF OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT.WESERVE ONEIDA, HERKIMER, FULTON, MONTGOMERY, AND OTHER SURROUNDING AREAS. WE ALSO OFFER PICKUP AND DELIVERY SERVICES TO SAVE YOU THE HASSLE OF TRAILERING IT TO US. IS YOUR LAWN MOWER OR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT ALL READY TO GO? 315-823-1982 697 Snells Bush Rd Little Falls, NY 13365 CALL 315-823-1982 TO SCHEDULE TODAY! All kindsOfUnique Vendorsunder one roof! Artisans,Crafters,Antiquesto RetroincludingFoodItems. Open Tues-Fri: 10-4:30, Sat: 10-4, Closed Sun &Mon www.mohawkvalleycommunitymarket.com Also home of 315-628-1506 www.renewedandrescued.com Vendors Wanted 142 North Main St., Herkimer •315-219-9195
at 56 West Mill Street in Little Falls will be hosting the Rock Valley Music Festival on May 18, 2024 from noon until 11 pm.
Rock Valley Brewing Company
Some Tales and Tunes are being served up in Dolgville
By Dave WarnerEvery Friday at the Dolgeville-Manheim Public Library, there is a program called Tales and Tunes. Michael Stone and his wife are part of it, and he said, “We start out playing with the kids, then do a snack, and then my wife reads a couplethree books, and then we do a few songs.”
“The kids enjoy it, and the moms get a chance to meet each other and network. It works out well for everyone,” he
said. “We’re prepping kids for pre-school and kindergarten. It’s just for fun, and it’s free.”
The program at the library follows the school year calendar. When they are on vacation, the program is on vacation.
Stone’s wife, Suzanne, stated, “We started this a year after Covid hit because we had a lot of kids that weren’t able to get out and socialize.
It’s every Friday that Dolgeville School is in session from 11 am - 12.”
“Mike plays the guitar, we songs some songs, and then everyone goes home,” she said. “Every week is a different theme.”
She said, “The Librarians are great. They get the books for us or anything else we can use; they let us have it. Toys and art supplies, you name it.”
Sarah WilliamsHerringshaw and Connected Community Schools are also involved in the program. “She gives us snacks and sets up visits by Firemen, Police, and others.”
Joanne Zilkowski with the Ready for Kindergarten program comes and helps as well. “She has a lot of information for them about pre-school, signing the kids up, and where you can sign up to get help if you need it.”
Stone said, “The program’s been really good.”
MOHAWK VALLEY EXPRESS Page 7 MAY 2024 ON THE FARM TIRE SERVICE 518-673-5399 thetireshop.biz OPEN MON.-SAT. 8-6 155 Erie Blvd., Canajoharie, NY Financing Available Multi Line New Tire Dealer Tire Repair Lawn and Garden Tires ATV & UTV Tires Semi-Tractor & Trailer Computer Wheel Balancing, Tire Service & Recapping Goodyear National Accounts & State Contract Pricing Off The Road, Backhoe & Loader Tires Log Skidder Tires Agricultural Tires Tire Chains Rubber Tracks Ag Bags, Bale, & Net Wrap Oil Changes Custom Wheels Auto Accessories Century Pickup Caps Interstate Batteries COMMERCIAL &RESIDENTIAL VIBBARD ENTERPRISE PAVING &CONSTRUCTION •Driveways •Parking Lots •Repairs •Hauling •Stone •Snowplowing and Removal FREE ESTIMATES •FULLYINSURED 25+ YEA RS EXP ERIEN CE Cory Vibbard· 315-868-4878 Ron’s Tree Removal 315 866-3889 Mohawk, NY FREE ESTIMATES • FULLY INSURED Senior Citizen Discounts Chipping • Trimming • Stumping • Cleanup Storm Damage • Land Clearing KD HOMES WATERVILLE 315•841•8700 379 Stafford Ave Waterville NY kdhomesny.com INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE!!! We ha ve 3 ranches, a ca pe and a colonial on site, all for sale. We are offering deep discounts $10 to 25K off a new modular home. Call for details. Buy now! We will hold till spring!!! Alpine Families and Friends! Please join us for Alpine Rehabilitation and Nursing Center’s: When: Friday May 10th Where: Alpine’s Dining Room Time: 2pm – 4pm What to wear: Dress to impress! We are having gowns and tuxes being donated for the occasion thanks to Little Falls High School for the residents DJ Deb - Food – Drinks – Dancing – FUN Spring Fling! If you would like to see your story in the Mohawk Valley Express - email us at news@mylittlefalls.com
Photos by Dave Warner - Mike Stone warming up on the guitar before playing for the kids.
The history of the Little Falls Fire Department - social activities and notable characters of the 1800s
The history of the Little Falls Fire Department spans over 200 years. This chapter looks at the social activities and notable characters of the volunteer department in the 1800s.
By Scott KinvilleMany social activities were associated with the fire department during the volunteers’ time.
In Little Falls, as with many towns and cities across the United States at this time, the annual firemen’s balls were the social highlights of the year. Little Falls was especially fortunate, as every fire company in the village held its gala.
The tradition began in 1827 when the fire department was reorganized under the new village charter – the party that followed to celebrate was the biggest Little Falls had seen to that date! The tradition of the annual firemen parties (or balls, as they called then) continued through the end of the 1800s and would later be picked up by the Call
Firemen.
The annual galas served as great fundraisers for the volunteer companies of the Little Falls Fire Department, but they were not the only social activity the department participated in. The volunteers also held picnics, trips, and other types of fundraisers as well. For example, in 1878, the Cascade Fire Company took 32 train carloads of people to Saratoga Springs and made $1,400 (which was a lot of money in those days). In the 1880s, the Protection Engine Company needed a new hose carriage but also needed the funds to buy it. Thinking “outside the box”, they sold stock in the hose carriage!
Notable Characters of the 1800s
In the 1800s, it was socially and politically important to be a part of the fire department. Nine men who served in the volunteer department would go on to become the Village President (the equivalent of the Mayor
of the city today). Those nine were: H.P Alexander, Robert Stewart, Richard N. Casler, Nelson Rust, Zenas Priest, James Feeter, Mount M. Abel, Issac B. Richmond, and Joshua J. Gilbert.
Zenas Priest is one of only two men in Little Falls history to lead both the fire department and the local government. Edward Kingsbury was briefly the acting chief of the department in 1896 and would go on to become mayor of the city from 1901 to 1903. Priest was captain of the LFFD in 1834 and would serve as the village president in 1853.
Priest rose to prominence as the inventor of the “soda cracker”, a popular snack at the time. in 1860, he was given the title “General” by the Herkimer County Militia. The general was a well-respected man, so much so that when the Cascade Engine Company received its new steam engine on September 20th, 1871, they named it the “Z.C. Preist.”
military. Wells Sponable, who served as chief of the LFFD in 1860 and 1861, is one of those veterans who particularly stands out. Sponable came to Little Falls at the age of 18 to learn the mason trade, and by the time he was 31, he was chief of the fire department.
Most people serve in the military first and then enter the fire service, but Sponabel did it in reverse order. By 1861, the Civil War had broken out and the federal government was requesting volunteers for the Union Army. Chief Sponable was an extremely popular man and was able to recruit Company B of the 34th Regiment. For his efforts in the recruitment of Company B, Sponable was named captain of the company.
Of course, joining the Please See HISTORY Page 11
MOHAWK VALLEY EXPRESS Page 8 MAY 2024 Installation •Sales •Ser vice Commercial •Agriculture •Residential Elmer Fisher 746 State Hwy.163 315.219.2171 Fort Plain, NY 13339 210 Erie Blvd., Canajoharie, NY •518-673-3214 • COMPLETE AUTO SERVICE CENTER •ASE Certified Technicians •Auto Detailing •Minor &Major Auto Repairs on all makes &models •NYS Inspection Facility R3290062 •Heavy Duty Commercial Vehicle Repairs •Air Conditioning Service •Collision Repair Facility •Authorized AAA Repair Center •Authorized Auto Insurance DRP •Computerized 4Wheel Alignment 24 HOUR TOWING & ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE Days 518-673-3214 Nights 518-673-5625 www.mwroosevelt.com SERVICE CENTER HOURS: Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM
“WE PAINT IT ALL” EXTERIOR –INTERIOR Quality Work/Reasonable Rates Over 20 Years Experience Licensed &Insured FREE ESTIMATES 315-868-7243
JIM’S PAINTING
Many Little Falls firefighters have served in the United States
Photo submitted - A ticket to the first annual ball of the Protection Engine Company No. 2 from the collection of the Herkimer County Historical Society.
A certificate of stock in the hose carriage of the Protection Fire Company No. 2 from the collection of the Little Falls Historical Society.
The basketball team of the Chemical Engine Company in 1897.
but for the community. “I had a lot of people tell me that it made them forget about what was going on in the world. It was a nice reprieve from the mask mandates and worrying about being sick.”
The brewery now has music every Saturday. During the winter, solo acoustic acts typically perform in the smaller brewery space until they can open the large area.
“We try to hire local acts. I’m a local Little Falls guy, so I try to take care of the guys who have helped me.”
George opened up the large area of the brewery in March. “There’s no greater feeling than standing in the back on a Saturday night, with the big sliding doors open and seeing a room of people just enjoying the music that’s in there and singing along with it. Every once in a while, the bands will allow me to come up on stage and belt out a song or two.”
Last year, George was involved in the Powerhouse Rock Festival and got the bug for doing that kind of event on a yearly basis. He said that it morphed from an event that Mark
CALENDAR
From Page 4
pump. Area musicians are Helen Maksymicz, Dr. Eric Stroud, Martha Regelmann, Pastor Mark Fowler, Susan Crua, Irena Garin, Connie Chamberlain, Vincente Nunez, Orion Pratt. The artists range in age from the “teen years to the golden years”. Refreshments provided. Donations always appreciated. For more information, contact Kathy at 518-673-5443.
Regan said would have about fifty people to more than 3,000 people with six food vendors and three bands. “It was absolutely amazing—it was so much fun.”
He said that the lead-up to it was very stressful, but it got into his blood. “We had so many people asking us if we were going to do it again next year—only a fool would say no.”
This year’s festival has been branded the Rock Valley Music Festival, and four bands will play. Max Scialdone, The Valley Rockers, the Syracuse-based grunge band called the Seattle Sons, and Tom Nitti & Ashley Bryant from “The Voice.”
“We’ll be starting at noon, and we have six food vendors again, just like last year - local food vendors,” George stated.
Tom Nitti & Ashley Bryant have both played at Rock Valley Brewing Company in the past. “Tom has played our place a number of times and done very well. Both of them are extremely talented, and they may be bringing in some friends with them, too,” he mentioned.
“We’ll see what happens. Tom’s back story is the American dream.”
You can listen to the full podcast interview with Mike George on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Just search for My Little Falls.
MOHAWK VALLEY EXPRESS Page 9 MAY 2024 Contact me for all your real estate needs! INTEGRIT Y • VALUE • SERVICE Briggs Street Plaza, Johnstown (518)762-8200 Fax: (518) 762-1400 3 Canal Street Fort Plain (518)993-2387 Fax: (518) 993-2302 (800) 836-2885 | shultsagency.com CALL US FOR A QUOTE ON ALL OF YOUR INSUR ANCE NEEDS! shultsagenc y.com Pohlig’s HOME FURNISHINGS ESTABLISHED 1888 Paint & Paint Sundries Flooring & Ceramic Tiles Window Shades & Treatments 634-636 E. Main Street P.O. Box 93 Little Falls, NY 13365 P. (315) 823-2640 F. (315) 823-2641 Robert Pohlig OWNER OPEN HOUSE Friday, May 17 8 AM - 6 PM Saturday, May 18 9 AM - 6 PM OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT TRUCK BODIES LOGGING SUPPLIES & FIREWOOD Come View Our Beautiful New Showroom! 697 Snells Bush Rd. Little Falls, NY 13365 315-823-1982 We Are Slam Packed With Fresh Inventory & Have Over 100 New Lawn Mowers To Choose From! 25% Off On Select Units Compact Tractor Rebates Up To $1000 Off Select Models Husqvarna Fleet For A Day: Everyone Qualifies For 15% Off All Handheld Equipment Commercial Truck Body Rebates Up To $1,000 Off Truck Plow & Spreader Rebates Up To $250 Off Raffles With Proceeds Donated To The Herkimer Humane Society New Mowers & Tractors Charles D. Stahl Sales & Service - Little Falls OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT TRUCK BODIES LOGGING SUPPLIES & FIREWOOD Charles D. Stahl Sales & Service - Little Falls OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT TRUCK BODIES LOGGING SUPPLIES & FIREWOOD Charles D. Stahl Sales & Service Phone: (315) 823-1982 697 Snells Bush Rd | Little Falls, OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT TRUCK LOGGING SUPPLIES & FIREWOOD Charles D. Stahl Sales & Service Phone: (315) 823-1982 697 Snells Bush Rd | Little Falls, OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT TRUCK BODIES LOGGING SUPPLIES & FIREWOOD Charles D. Stahl Sales & Service - Little Falls Phone: (315) 823-1982 697 Snells Bush Rd | Little Falls, NY 13365 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT TRUCK BODIES LOGGING SUPPLIES & FIREWOOD Charles D. Stahl Sales & Service - Little Falls Phone: (315) 823-1982 697 Snells Bush Rd | Little Falls, NY 13365 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT TRUCK BODIES LOGGING SUPPLIES & FIREWOOD Charles D. Stahl Sales & Service - Little Falls Phone: (315) 823-1982 697 Snells Bush Rd | Little Falls, NY 13365 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT TRUCK BODIES LOGGING SUPPLIES & FIREWOOD OUTDOOR SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT LOGGING SUPPLIES Charles D. Stahl Sales & Service - Little Falls Phone: (315) 823-1982 697 Snells Bush Rd | Little Falls, NY 13365 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT TRUCK BODIES LOGGING SUPPLIES & FIREWOOD Charles D. Stahl Sales & Service - Little Falls Phone: (315) 823-1982 697 Snells Bush Rd | Little Falls, NY 13365 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT TRUCK BODIES LOGGING SUPPLIES & FIREWOOD Charles D. Stahl Sales & Service - Little Falls Phone: (315) 823-1982 697 Snells Bush Rd | Little Falls, NY 13365 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT TRUCK BODIES LOGGING SUPPLIES & FIREWOOD Charles D. Stahl Sales & Service - Little Phone: (315) 823-1982 697 Snells Bush Rd | Little Falls, NY 13365 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT TRUCK BODIES LOGGING SUPPLIES & FIREWOOD Charles D. Stahl Sales & Service Phone: (315) 823-1982 697 Snells Bush Rd | Little Falls, OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT SNOW & ICE EQUIPMENT TRUCK BODIES LOGGING SUPPLIES & FIREWOOD
T-Mobile and the Herkimer County Office for the Aging have partnered to offer FREE technology classes to older adults. These classes will provide general information and overview of cellular telephone and tablet usage. Individual support will also be available the during class. Location: T-Mobile Store 220 East State Street, Herkimer, NY Tuesday May 21, 2024 at 9am-10:30am To participate in this program: * You do not have to be a T-Mobile customer Bring your own device The technicians would like you to be able to utilize your own equipment Class is FREE for participants. Limited spots available: Sign up now! Call Kelly at the Office for the Aging -315-867-1371 Herkimer County Office for the Aging
FESTIVAL From Page 6
Little Falls Elks honor Katrina Doxtader Talbot
as Elk of the Year
By Dave WarnerOn Saturday evening, family, friends, and fellow Little Falls Elks Lodge #42 members came together to honor Katrina Doxtader Talbot, the 2024 Elk of the Year.
The celebration kicked off with cocktails at 5, followed by a program and dinner at 6. Brian Marhaver was the Master of Ceremonies.
After dinner, Marhaver acknowledged past Elks of the Year. The audience offered thoughts, roasts, and toasts, and Mayor Deborah Kaufman issued a proclamation, making April 27, 2024, her day.
The Proclamation stated:
“WHEREAS, the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks supports the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity and aims to serve the people and community through its many programs; and
WHEREAS, the Little Falls Elk’s Lodge #42 has initiated an “Elk of the Year” award to recognize the outstanding volunteer service and dedication to the community from within its membership; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Katrina L. Talbot since her induction in 2014, has been a very active member of the Little Falls Elks. However, her years of service to the Lodge started far prior to her official membership.
Bassett Healthcare Network’s Valley Health Services in Herkimer Celebrates Five Newly-Certified Nursing Assistants
Valley Health Services (VHS) in Herkimer continues to find success in its nurse aid training program that helps its resident assistants become certified nursing assistants (CNAs). On April 11, VHS celebrated their five most recent graduates from the program.
“At Valley Health, we are all extremely proud of these five new CNAs,” said Bryan Ehlinger, VHS administrator who oversees the program.
“It shows a remarkable commitment to their studies and dedication
LITTLE FALLS
Little Falls Garden Apar tment, LLC
759 EMonroe Street Little Falls NY 13365
•Senior Citizen 62 yearsold and over
/Per manentlydisabled 18 yearsold and over
•Gover nment Subsidies Project Based Income
-Tenants pays 30% of totalincome
•1Bedroom apt -Living room -Kitchen. All appliances included. -Tub showercombo -Emergencypull chords over bed -inbathroom.
-2story elevator. -1pet allowed(dog or cat under 40lbs).
Showing Tuesday, Thursdayand Friday from 10am-2pm Only.
WHEREAS, Katrina has served as a member of the House Committee, Lecturing Knight Officer, and acted as bar manager and volunteer bartender on many occasions, in addition to volunteering regularly for Canal Days activities. She has enjoyed chairing numerous Lodge events and activities, including Ladies Night, Cheese Fest porch party, corn hole tournaments, New Year’s Eve parties, Thanksgiving Eve parties, and Christmas holiday parties.
WHEREAS, Katrina is a very proud member of the Little Falls community and is always willing to volunteer. In addition to her Elks service, Katrina has been a board member of the
Salisbury Ridgerunners Snowmobile Club, event coordinator at Oppenheim Trailblazers Snowmobile Club, organizer of the Monday Night Co-Ed Golf League, and chair of the annual Bartenders Race during Christmas in Little Falls.
THEREFORE, LET IT BE KNOWN, that I Deborah Kaufman, Mayor of the City of Little Falls, on behalf of its citizens congratulate Katrina L. Talbot on receiving the
“Elk of the Year” award; and making April 27, 2024 her day.
LET IT FURTHER BE KNOWN that we thank Katrina for her continued efforts to contribute to the betterment of the City, as an outstanding member of the Little Falls Elks Lodge.”
Talbot is the first woman to be chosen as Elk of the Year and the first fatherdaughter combination to do so as well.
to our residents. We are happy to come alongside them and help advance their careers.”
The 120-hour course is
taught by Peggy Cool, RN, through The Center for Corporate and Community Education at Mohawk Valley Community College. It
teaches basic nursing skills, preparing students to care for residents and qualifying them to sit for the CNA exam.
VHS will be offering more Nurse Assistant Training Programs in the near future. It is seeking those interested in beginning a career in healthcare. For more information, please contact the Human Resources department at 315-866-3330, extension 2254.
MOHAWK VALLEY EXPRESS Page 10 MAY 2024 SAVE THIS AD! Joe Macri Home Improvement 35 Years Experience • WE DO • Chimneys & Roofs - Rebuilt or Repaired Roofing, Siding, Masonr y, Carpentry, Porches, Seamless Gutters, Blown-In Insulation in Attic and Walls, Basement Waterproofing, Emergency Roof Repairs Heating, Plumbing, Electrical 315-336-4176 josepheasyout@aol.com 518-281-6455 •Shingles•Metal Roof •Standing Seam •Free Estimates •Fully Insured 191 Hessville Rd., Fort Plain, NY 13339 186 Baxter Road, Cherr yValley,NY13320 Justin Mattice 518-673-2925 HEATING ·PLUMBING ·COOLING Mattice Mechanical, LLC provides awide variety of high quality,professional heating &cooling,plumbing & remodeling ser vices in Palatine Bridge &the surrounding areas. We arefamily owned &operated for 3generations. Licensed Master Plumber ·Fully Licensed &Insured Free Estimates ·Residential &Commercial 6054 State Hwy,Palatine Bridge, NY VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Photo by Dave Warner - Katrina Doxtader Talbot was acknowledged as the 2024 Elk of the Year for Little Falls Lodge #42.
Photo submitted - Three of the five new CNAs at VHS. From Left To Right: Lisa Kupris, Rose Melo, Victoria Jones. Not pictured: Kailee Jasewicz and one other grad.
Make Mom’s Day with a Craveable Brunch
(Family Features) There’s perhaps no better occasion to show off your kitchen skills than Mother’s Day, a perfect opportunity to turn the tables on mom and let her relax while you handle cooking duties. A homemade breakfast – or better yet, letting her sleep in for brunch – is a sure way to win her over and show how much you care.
Show your delicate side by working up a batch of Apple Ricotta Crepes, which require a soft touch to cook the light, silky batter to golden perfection. This rendition of the beloved thin pancakes calls for a ricotta spread and applecinnamon topping for a delightful pairing of savory and sweet.
If a full Mother’s Day celebration is on the menu, something a bit heartier may be required. A frittata provides the best of both worlds, as it’s a filling meal that’s also easy to make – just let the oven do the work. This Apple, Tomato and Goat Cheese Frittata is no exception as it calls for a handful of everyday ingredients you can whisk together in a cinch. While it’s in the oven (about 30 minutes, give or take) you can put the finishing touches on your lastminute decorations and handwritten cards.
Special occasions with those you love can be uplifted with the aroma and flavor Envy Apples that offer an invitation to savor small moments around the table. Available at Whole Foods and other major grocery stores, the craveable texture and crunch of this leading apple variety provides balanced sweetness as the ultimate apple experience for Mother’s Day gatherings. Along with their delicious flavor, the flesh remains whiter longer, even after cutting, slicing, dicing or cubing, so that homemade meals look as good as they taste.
Visit EnvyApple.com to find more Mother’s Day brunch inspiration.
Apple Ricotta Crepes
Yield: 12 crepes (2-3 crepes per serving)
Crepes:
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla butter, for cooking
Apple Topping: butter
2 tablespoons brown
sugar Envy Apples, sliced or cubed
1/2 teaspoon
cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
salt, to taste maple syrup
Ricotta Filling:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 lemon, zest and juice only 2-3 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
To make crepes: In bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt. Add milk, eggs and vanilla then, using whisk, combine thoroughly. Mixture should be silky smooth. Refrigerate.
To make apple topping: In pan over medium heat, heat butter and brown sugar until bubbly and golden.
Add apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, to taste; cook over medium-low heat until apples are soft. Turn off heat and finish with maple syrup.
To make ricotta filling: Combine ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice and sugar, mix well and set aside.
In nonstick pan over medium-low heat, melt small amount of butter.
Add one ladle crepe batter, cook until bubbles form, flip and cook until golden. Repeat with remaining batter. Stack crepes to keep warm and soft.
Spread ricotta mixture thinly onto crepes and fold into quarters. Top with apple mixture and serve.
Apple, Tomato and Goat Cheese Frittata
6 eggs 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 2 teaspoons kosher salt
20 turns fresh cracked pepper 1/4 cup whole milk
1 Envy Apple, small diced 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled 2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives
Preheat oven to 350 F.
In large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, hot pepper sauce, salt, pepper and milk until well combined.
Stir in apples, tomatoes, goat cheese and chives until well combined.
Using 1/3 measuring cup, spoon frittata mixture into oven-safe large skillet or 9-by-9-inch pan.
Bake 25-30 minutes, or until eggs are set.
Let cool slightly then serve.
HISTORY From Page 8
Union Army meant leaving Little Falls and going to war. By July of 1861, Sponable was no longer chief, but instead, he was in Washington D.C. awaiting battle. He got that battle on May 31, 1862, at the Battle of Seven Pines in Fair Oaks, Virginia. Captain Sponable was wounded but continued to serve in the Army. He would also see action at the Battle of Antietam, and before he was honorably discharged, he had been promoted to the rank of Major.
After the war, Sponable became a supervisor in the New York Central Railroad and moved to New York City, where he would remain until he died in 1911. Although he had moved away, the former fire chief continued to give to Little Falls. He donated the land where the Masonic Temple was built and still
stands today.
Look around just about any fire engine across the country, or for that matter, the world, and you will find some form of a fog nozzle (usually combined with a straight bore nozzle to form a combination nozzle). The fog nozzle emits water in a fog pattern of various widths that is used in firefighting and can also provide a protective water barrier for the firefighter. This nozzle was invented in 1863 by Little Falls native Dr. John Oyston.
For the first 75 years of its existence, Dr. Oyston’s fog nozzle was largely ignored. In the 1930s, however, the Elkhart Brass Company began producing a fog nozzle called the “mystery nozzle.” In 1950, Lloyd Layman, who ran the Wartime Firefighting School at Fort McHenry published a report on
indirect firefighting tactics using a fog nozzle. The popularity of the nozzle took off from there, and because of Layman’s report, it would commonly be called a “navy” fog nozzle.
The navy fog nozzle at the Little Falls Fire Department. This nozzle is based on the design of Little Falls native Dr. John Oyston’s original fog nozzle.
UP NEXT: It’s the end of the volunteer era of the Little Falls Fire Department as tensions between the volunteer companies and the now City of Little Falls come to a head.
MOHAWK VALLEY EXPRESS Page 11 MAY 2024 ROCK VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL FOOD TRUCKS, LIVE MUSIC, CRAFT BEER $5 COVER, GATES OPEN AND MUSIC STARTS AT 12:00 NOON SATURDAY, MAY 18TH, 2024 ROCK VALLEY BREWING CO. 56 WEST MILL ST, LITTLE FALLS, NY PERFORMANCES BY: ROCK VALLEY BREWING CO. PRESENTS THE MAX SCIALDONE, THE VALLEY ROCKERS, SEATTLE SONS, TOM NITTI & ASHLEY BRYANT FROM “THE VOICE” 2 0 2 4 M o h a w k V a l l e y D i a m o n d D a w g s S c h e d u l e WWW MVDIAMONDDAWGS COM JUNE SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 30 31 3 4 6 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 HOME 1 5 7 AWAY 24 25 26 27 28 29 A L B A N Y a T H L E T C S u t c a b L U E S O X u t C a b L U E S O X w A T E R T O W N r A P D S a L B A N Y D u t c h m e n a M S T E R D A M M O H A W K S o F F d A Y s A U G E R T E S S T A L L O N S A L B A N Y a T H L E T C S w A T E R T O W N r A P D S w A T E R T O W N r A P D S o F F d A Y o n e o n t a o U T L A W S a L B A N Y D u t c h m e n w A T E R T O W N r A P D S A m s t e r d a m M O H A W K S B O O N V L L E L U M B E R A C K S w A T E R T O W N r A P D S o F F d A Y B O O N V L L E L U M B E R J A C K S a L B A N Y D u t c h m e n u t C a b L U E S O X u t C a b L U E S O X o n e o n t a o U T L A W S o F F d A Y B O O N V L L E L U M B E R J A C K S o n e o n t a o U T L A W S o F F d A Y u t C a b L U E S O X u t C a b L U E S O X B O O N V L L E L U M B E R J A C K S 30 a M S T E R D A M M O H A W K S T CKET PRICES ADULTS $6 STUDENTS $5 SENIOR CITIZENS $4 HOME GAME TIMES MONDAY-SATURDAY 6:35 S UNDAY 5:05
New paintings featured in Library exhibit
New York artist Suzanna Daou comes from a long line of talented and successful artists. She has painted for over seven decades. Suzanna lived in Lebanon in the Middle East for many years, and these oil on
canvas paintings were painted there during the 1980s and 90s. The bright colors evoke the light of the Mediterranean sun.
She now lives in St. Peterburg, Florida, but at one time resided in
Sharon Springs.
The paintings will be featured in the Little Falls Library Community Room through June 29th. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the library.
Component school boards approve Herkimer BOCES 2024-25 administrative budget
The Herkimer-FultonHamilton-Otsego BOCES component school boards voted on Wednesday, April 17, to approve the $4,374,908 Herkimer BOCES administrative budget for the 2024-25 school year.
Component district school boards took a vote on whether to approve the BOCES administrative budget and then cast an overall vote as a board. The budget passed unanimously among the 10 Herkimer BOCES component school boards – from Central Valley, Dolgeville, FrankfortSchuyler, Herkimer, Little Falls, Mount Markham, Owen D. Young, Poland, Richfield Springs, and
West Canada Valley.
BOCES component district school boards only vote on the administrative component of the BOCES budget.
The component school boards also unanimously voted to re-elect three incumbent Herkimer BOCES Board of Education members. The following board members were re-elected to threeyear terms from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027: Thomas Shypski, representing Richfield Springs; William Miller, representing Little Falls; and Kathleen Sarafin, representing FrankfortSchuyler.
Graduations, weddings, or birthdays coming up? Create a custom banner or yard sign for your next special occasion. Stop by today to talk to one of our printing experts. We can help you with the design too!
MOHAWK VALLEY EXPRESS Page 12 MAY 2024 Celebrate Your Loved Ones with a Sign or Banner!
The
508-4726 store7193@theupsstore.com 410 Canal Place, Little Falls, NY 13365 Discover the delectable offerings of Canal Side Inn Tuesday – Saturday: 5pm – 9pm 395 Canal Place, Little Falls, New York 13365 Call us at (315) 823-1170 to make your reservation today!
the
to view our latest menus
visit canalsideinn.com
UPS Store Little Falls (315)
Scan
QR code
or
New York artist Suzanna Daou has her paintings on display at the Little Falls Library.