Mohawk Valley Express Volume 4 Number 8 August 2024
By Dave Warner
It’s that time of year again, and the 37th Little Falls Canal Celebration is about to get underway, starting August 7th and running through August 11th, 2024. According to the organizers, the schedule includes some returning favorites and new events.
Cathy Christman said, “A lot of people have asked about the rides, but unfortunately, a lot of companies that have done them in the past are either going bankrupt or closing up shop because of the cost of insurance and everything else. It’s just too much for them.”
She said they won’t be able to have the carnival rides, but they will bring back some other events and put some new things in for kids. “Our goal is to make them free so
that more families can participate, and it won’t break the bank. Everyone can just come out and have some fun.”
Christman said that local business participation is one of the most significant changes for this year. “A new thing we’re having in the park is the beer tent by Lock 17 on Saturday. That will kick off our inaugural pub crawl. Years ago, we used to close off part of Main Street, and that hasn’t happened in many years.
“The people in town can patronize the local bars, clubs, and restaurants. We’ll see how many end up at Rock Valley at 10 o’clock that night,” she remarked.
Two local women will lead kayaking along the Canal during the picnic in Rotary Park on Wednesday and
before the fireworks.
“There won’t be any formal racing, but you can bring your kayak, canoe, or rent one at the harbor. There will also be live music with the Valley Rockers,” she stated.
Inflatables will also be at the harbor for the children. “They can be amused while eating and waiting for the fireworks.”
Christman said they’ll also
Pair of Little Falls Firefighters Complete SWFT Rescue Class
By Scott Kinville
Aaron Wilson and Brandon Thomas of the Little Falls Fire Department recently completed the New York State Swiftwater/ Flood Rescue Technician (SWFT) training program.
The class was held for 32 hours over four days in June at the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany.
The facility where the class is held is quite impressive. It is described on the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services website (https:// dhses.ny.gov) as follows:
Opened in 2018, Swift Water and Flood Training is a state-of-the-art complex that provides a unique training
environment for swift water and flood rescue training and emergency boat operations. The complex, run by officials from the Office of Fire and Prevention Control, incorporates a city block that can flood, a swift water channel, a vehicle in water rescue prop, a three-acre pond, and a high-angle rope rescue tower.
The Little Falls Fire Department has both the Barge Canal and Mohawk River within its jurisdiction, along with several smaller bodies of water. The department has waterproof rescue suits, PFDs (personal floatation devices), ropes, and an RDC watercraft (also known as “the banana boat”) at its disposal for water
rescue operations. With Wilson and Thomas completing the class, the department now has five SWFT technicians who can lead the way.
For Wilson and Thomas, the SWFT class was a lot of work, but it was an enjoyable experience.
“What I liked the most is the fact that we have such a great resource right here in our backyard, not just Little Falls but the Mohawk Valley,” Wilson said. “We were able to train in real-life class 3 water rapids in a controlled environment. We covered multiple scenarios and different rescue techniques to not only better serve our community but also protect ourselves at the same time. We had the
be selling raffle tickets for prizes donated by local businesses: “A kayak, a necklace from Little Falls Diamond Company, gift certificates, a patio set, and an Adirondack chair. We’ve got some cool things.”
On Thursday, there is Cruise Inn by Mike, the adult fishing derby, and a charity poker tournament at the Elks.
“On Friday, we have the parade, and there are some old things and participants who haven’t been in the parade for a while. The Mohawk Homestead is going to be marching with the reenactors. We’ll have a DJ playing and announcing in front of M&T Bank, and the Shriners are back,” Christman said. “The
opportunity to train with other fire departments from all over the state and even the NYCPD Emergency Response Team.”
Thomas added “I enjoyed the challenge of the SWFT water course and working with departments across NYS. The facilities in Oriskany are amazing, I learned a lot about how dangerous the flow of water can be no matter how slow or fast it is moving. They taught us different techniques to get from point A to B or to be able to get a victim out
of difficult, fast-moving waters. They also showed us ways to get out of dangerous situations that could arise while in the water. I definitely have a different perspective on water after taking this course.”
He also agreed with Wilson about how important the SWFT training is for the community.
“With having the (Barge) Canal and Mohawk River, this course is very beneficial to be able to help the community at a higher level.”
Photo by Dave Warner - Kids race out into the street to pick up candy during the 2023 Canal Celebration Parade in Little Falls.
Please See CANAL Page 3
Zipp Hardware Paint Donation Helps Dolgeville Central School
A fresh coat of paint brightens any room and this summer Dolgeville School will refresh it’s learning environment with 20 gallons of donated paint.
Dolgeville School was selected as the winner of a paint grant through Zipp Hardware’s partnership with True Value Foundation’s Painting a Brighter Future program.
A True Value Foundation
paint grant helps improve learning environments and can have an impact on youth attitudes and performance.
Over 2,600 schools and youth-development focused organizations across the country have been awarded paint since the programs start in 2009, covering over 27 million square feet of learning space.
Partnering with True
Value Foundation, Zipp Hardware nominated Dolgeville School for a 20 gallon paint grant to help with refreshing youth learning spaces.
“This grant not only saves the school some money, and with this grant we are able to give back to our community and help our youth concentrate better on their studies to succeed in life,” said Scott and Rick owners of Zipp Hardware.
New park in Mohawk is dedicated in memory of former business owner
By Donna Thompson
The village of Mohawk has a new park, complete with benches and a set of playground equipment.
And village officials hope this is just the beginning of the development of the former Valley Electric site at the corner of West
Main and Catherine streets that was recently dedicated as the “Harold Ray Jr. Memorial Park.”
Harold Ray Jr., who died in 2017 at the age of 88, grew up in Mohawk and graduated from Mohawk High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force for two years, then
worked with his father at Mohawk Hardware for a number of years. In the mid-1950s, he started Valley Electric, which he operated for more than 50 years, serving both residential and commercial customers. He served as mayor of Mohawk for two terms
Please See Park Page 3
German Flatts holds Living History Weekend
The event is on Saturday Aug 17 from 10:00 - 5:00, with a battle at 4:00 and Sunday Aug 18 from 10:00 - 1:00, with a UNIQUE battle at noon that MUST be seen.
The church service will be on Sunday at 10:00.
There will be reenactors from Civil War Era Union and Confederates, WWII, Rev War and the famous
16th Century Pilgrims with their flint light muskets.
Also, cannon demos, musket demos, and the Civil War Surgeon.
This year, we have the Second Hand Sutler.
There will be food for sale during the event on both days. This is a free family event, fun & educational.
Herkimer County Historical Society
Announces Exciting Line-Up of August Events
The Herkimer County Historical Society is excited to announce a diverse array of events this August. We invite community members and visitors to join us in celebrating and exploring the rich history and culture of Herkimer County.
Event Schedule:
Watercolor Painting Class with Vicki Ferrusi
Date: August 5, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Herkimer County Historical Society Museum
Details: Join Vicki Ferrusi for a creative evening of watercolor painting. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot early! The cost is $25 per person, and all supplies are included.
The Raging Erie Book Talk
Date: August 21, 2024 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Herkimer County Historical Society Library
Details: Join us for an insightful talk by Mark S. Ferrara, author of “The Raging Erie.” Ferrara will share stories of the ordinary people who lived, worked, and died along the canal’s banks, emphasizing the forgotten role of the poor and working class. A book signing will follow the talk, and the book will be available for purchase in our Gift Shop.
Genealogy Workshop
Date: August 28, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Herkimer County Historical Society Library
Details: Have you always wanted to start a family tree but aren’t sure where or how to start? Have you started your tree but are now stuck? Come sit with our researchers! The workshop is free (donations always accepted); just bring your sign-in information and questions.
Historic Corners Tour
Please See HISTORICAL Page 9
Zipp Hardware wins True Value Foundation’s Painting a Brighter Future grant
Mayor is going to be the Grand Marshal as well.”
The three-on-three basketball tournament will follow the parade in the M&T block.
“Saturday, the Freedom Run is back, but we’ve changed it up a bit. It used to be a two-mile run and then a 10K, which came across the bridge. Due to safety reasons, we’ve changed that so we’re not crossing over the intersections like we had. Now, it’s going to be one 5K, and Rob Richard has redesigned the course,” she said.
The kid’s run is back, sponsored by Sheriff Farber. “We’ve moved the endpoint so that they finish in Eastern Park. That way, it will draw people into the park where the vendors are set up for the rest of the day.”
She said they have many new vendors in the seventy who have signed up, inflatable slides, a rock climbing wall, an obstacle course, the Zoo Mobile, several food vendors, and music. “The
in the 1960s and was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, and the Kiwanis.
“The park is surrounded by a fence and additional lighting to maintain safety for everyone,” said Mayor Jim Baron. “The park will continue to expand with additional benches, tables, swing sets, and expansion of the junglegym equipment in the coming years.”
He said the idea for the new park “was hatched at a board meeting in late 2022 or early 2023.” It is the first of its kind to be owned by the village.
There is an opportunity for people to contribute to the new park, according to the mayor. He encouraged anyone who would like to donate a bench, table, planting or anything else to the site in memory of family or friends to contact the village office at 315866-4312 to make those
Happy Hags are going to make an appearance, and there’s going to be music Friday night after the parade from 7-9 and then Saturday and Sunday.”
Christman said that Insight Dairy is also sponsoring old-fashioned games. “We’re going to have a kiddie pool filled with corn and then mini hay bales so they can toss them. Burlap sacks for sack races and chalk so they can draw. It’s free fun for families to bring their kids so they don’t have to worry about spending money.”
The chalk drawings will tie into the art display on Main Street. “This way, the kids can make their own art.”
There will also be a kid’s craft corner with rocks to paint to add to Roscoe the snake at the library or yoga prints to color.
Christman continued, “The Fire Department is going to have a smokehouse in front of the fire station, so kids can stop in and get their own little hats and
badges.”
Chicks Along the Canal will be in Sterzinar Park, where live music will be played throughout the event.
There will be tractor pulls in Monroe Street Park. “There are also two different corn hole tournaments going on: one at the Elks and then the American Legion,” she stated.
“On Sunday, we have the car show in Burke Park, and the vendors will still be in Eastern Park. The Elks is having a craft fair on Sunday as well. The sheriff’s department will be in Eastern Park on Sunday from 10 to 3 doing Operation Safe Child,” Christman stated.
“At noon for an hour, I’m really excited about FoamFest. This company is going to bring in some foam cannons and fill a spot in Eastern Park with foam for kids to run through and play with inflatable beach balls,” she said.
To find out more, visit their Facebook Page.
Photo by Donna Thompson - Local youngsters will be able to enjoy playground equipment at the newly dedicated Harold Ray Jr. Memorial Park at the corner of Catherine and West Main Street in Mohawk. Completion of the site was still underway when this photo was taken.
PARK From Page 2
City of Little Falls
August 3, 2024
Little Falls Football Boosters Golf Tournament 9 am - 3:30 pm, Little Falls Municipal Golf Course.
August 5, 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.
August 6, 2024
Common Council
Meeting - Auditing of the bills: 6:30 pm Regular Meeting: 7:00 pm in City Hall.
August 7-11, 2024
Canal Celebration - City of Little Falls (see events summary on page 11)
August 8, 2024
Cruise Inn by Mike - 5-8 pm - Rotary Park - If you head down to the marina for the show, you can expect to be able to get something to eat, listen to music, look at the cars, and talk to the owners. There will be 50/50 drawings and some prizes as well, including some special events that they’ll hold during the year.
August 14, 2024
Golf Commission Meeting - Regular Meeting: 8:00 am at the Municipal Golf Course.
August 14, 2024
Concert in Eastern Park 6-8 pm. Dolgeville Community Band.
August 15, 2024
Cruise Inn by Mike - 5-8 pm - Rotary Park - If you head down to the marina for the show, you
can expect to be able to get something to eat, listen to music, look at the cars, and talk to the owners. There will be 50/50 drawings and some prizes as well, including some special events that they’ll hold during the year.
August 17-18, 2024
Members/Guests Golf Tournament. 8 am 3:30 pm, Little Falls Municipal Golf Course.
August 19, 2024
Recreation/Harbor Meeting - Regular session 6:00 pm in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.
August 19, 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.
August 21, 2024
Concert in Eastern Park 6-8 pm. BarRoom Neon Project.
August 22, 2024
Cruise Inn by Mike - 5-8 pm - Rotary Park - If you head down to the marina for the show, you can expect to be able to get something to eat, listen to music, look at the cars, and talk to the owners. There will be 50/50 drawings and some prizes as well, including some special events that they’ll hold during the year.
August 29, 2024
Cruise Inn by Mike - 5-8 pm - Rotary Park - If you head down to the marina for the show, you can expect to be able to get something to eat, listen to music, look at
the cars, and talk to the owners. There will be 50/50 drawings and some prizes as well, including some special events that they’ll hold during the year.
Little Falls Elks
August 8, 2024
Charity Poker Tournament - 6 pm.
August 9, 2024
K-Dogs BBQ 6 pm, Rev-D Music 7 - 11pm.
August 10, 2024
Cornhole Tournament & The Corner Office Food Truck 5 pm, Valley Rockers 7 - 11 pm.
August 11, 2024
Craft Fair 10 am - 3 pm. Chicken & Ribs BBQ 11:30 am until sold out.
Dolgeville
August 3, 2024
Dolgeville Community Band - off-site concert
at the New Hartford Community Band Festival at the New Hartford Village Green.
August 3, 2024
Farmer’s Market 9 a.m.1 p.m. at Plowe Park.
August 10, 2024
Farmer’s Market 9 a.m.1 p.m. at Plowe Park.
August 17, 2024
Farmer’s Market 9 a.m.1 p.m. at Plowe Park.
August 24, 2024
Farmer’s Market 9 a.m.1 p.m. at Plowe Park.
August 31, 2024
Farmer’s Market 9 a.m.1 p.m. at Plowe Park.
Salisbury
August 22, 2024
Rabies Clinic, Salisbury Fire Department, 5:30 - 7 pm.
Herkimer
Arc herkimer Farmer’s Market - The pop-up market will be open every Wednesday from May 15 through October 16 at the Gail W. Brown Center, located at 411 Folts Street in Herkimer. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities supported by Arc Herkimer will oversee the market, which will be open to the public from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm each Wednesday.
German Flatts
August 17-18, 2024 German Flatts Living History, 555 St Rte 5s, Mohawk, NY 13407 Second Hand Soldier Sutler - Dan Buckley. Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Civil War battle at 4 pm. Sunday 10 am till 1 pm, Battle at noon. Civil War Confederate & Union Soldiers, Cannons, WWI, WWII, Revolutionary War reenactors, and more.
Dixielanders in full swing at historic site
Helen’s Dixielanders is a group of local musicians from the Mohawk Valley that perform in a variety of musical styles ranging from polka, show tunes and even opera, to Dixieland.
Dixieland is a style of improvisational jazz that was created in New Orleans’ musicians in the early 1900’s. The 2024 mid-summer season will
be in full swing at the Old Palatine Church just East of St. Johnsville on Sunday, July 28th, at 4:00 p.m. The event is open to the public.
Members of Helen’s Dixielanders are Helen Maksymicz, keyboard, Charles Coville, trumpet, Lenore Signorelli, clarinet and also saxophone, Linda Dudgeon, tenor saxophone, Allen
Huntley, trombone, Ron Frohne, tuba, and Dave Talaba, percussion. Each summer the Palatine Society opens the doors of the Old Palatine Church to visitors on Memorial Day; it remains open into September. Not only is the New York historic site a venue for special music, but it is available to churches and historic groups for special events.
Lunch & Learn - Stories of Amazing Irish Women
books, and saved thousands of children’s lives. They were all Irish women and their stories will delight and inspire you.
Join us at The H.A.R.P. Museum at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 11:00 am for Stories of Amazing Irish Women. After the program you can enjoy a delicious lunch in the beautiful Five Points Pub designed and built by Dublin craftsmen.
They stood up to monarchs, built a flying machine, wrote science
If you like exciting stories of heroism, daring, and innovation, you’ll enjoy “Stories of Amazing Irish Women.” It’s a program presented by Sue Romero at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley on August 14 at 11:00 am.
Sue is a freelance writer, substitute teacher, and musician with Craobh Dugan-O’Looney.
A $20 registration fee will cover the program and lunch; meal tax and gratuity are included. A menu will be sent along with your registration. Please register at this link, https://bit.ly/4cRe1ZQ or leave a message at 315733-4228 Ext 6.
Little Falls Public Library Calendar
Famous & Infamous Irish of Troy New York
Join us at The H.A.R.P. Museum at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 7:00 pm to learn a bit about three colorful Irish who spent some time in Troy NY .
James Connolly is known far and wide for his part in the Easter Uprising, and his cruel death whose backlash ended the executions. But what about the years he spent in Troy, New York?
And who was John Morrissey – besides the man who founded Saratoga Race Course? He has several additional “claims to fame”.
And Margaret Fahey, a/k/a Mame Fay, Troy’s famous madam. It’s said
PARK From Page 3
Baron and members of the village board thanked Pam Metott and Penny Ray, Harold Ray’s daughters, “for their compassionate involvement and sincere kindness during the course of the project.”
The mayor added, “Without their willingness and understanding, none of this would have been possible.”
They also thanked the Herkimer County Legislature for their assistance, as well as the Mohawk Municipal Commission and the Mohawk Street Department for all of their work in getting the work completed and the park and playground open for visitors to enjoy.
After Valley Electric closed its doors, the building was vacant for a number of years.
Baron said the site was
that everyone in Troy has a Mame Fay story.
ICC Program Team member Patty Foley will share some of her research into the lives of all three of these people in what promises to be both entertaining and educational.
You can attend this presentation at the H.A.R.P. Museum located on the second floor of the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, 623 Columbia St, Utica. All are welcome to attend this program and the museum is wheelchair accessible. There is no charge for this event, however donations are most appreciated. Please register at 315-733-4338 ext. 6.
deeded over to the village through a joint effort by Ray’s family and Herkimer County, and he completed the purchase of the land with the county last year. The tear-down of the building and site remediation occurred during the summer of 2023.
SENIOR MEALS FOR AUGUST
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.
Aug 01 - Fish on a bun, rice, spinach, cookie.
Aug 02 - Egg bake, sausage patty, hash browns, muffin, fruit cup.
Aug 05 - Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, Sonoma blend vegetables, pudding parfait.
Aug 06 - Beef stroganoff over egg noodles, red cabbage, frosted birthday cake.
Aug 07 - Ham with plum sauce, scalloped potatoes, peas and carrots, pineapple.
Aug 27 - Tuna casserole, beets, green beans, watermelon.
Aug 28 - Turkey with gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, peaches.
Aug 29 - Ham and cheese pasta salad, coleslaw, applesauce, pudding.
Aug 30 - Ziti with meatballs, tossed salad, garlic bread, blonde brownie.
For more information or to obtain an application please contact NY Connects/Office for the Aging at 867-1371 arrangements.
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.
Herkimer County Office for the Aging
Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
What is the Medicare Saving Program? The MSP is funded by the State Medicaid program. It is also known as the Medicare Buy-In program that helps pay for costs if you are financially limited. The Medicare Savings Program will pay your Part B premium for you each month. This premium is taken out of your Social Security Check on a monthly basis. In certain situations if your income is low enough it will pay for co-payments for Medicare covered services.
To qualify as an individual your income needs to be under $2,355 per month and for a couple your income needs to be under $3,189. If your income is above these levels you may still qualify. If you pay a Supplemental Insurance Premium not including your Medicare premium you can deduct that amount from your income and check the income guidelines.
The village of Mohawk recently dedicated the new Harold Ray Jr. Memorial Park on West Main Street in the village. From left are Mohawk Mayor Jim Baron, with Harold Ray’s daughters, Penny Ray and Pam Metott.
Photo provided by Mayor Jim
Public Encouraged to Report Turkey Sightings During Month of August
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar is encouraging New Yorkers to participate in the State’s annual survey for wild turkeys this summer.
“DEC’s Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey is a great opportunity for people to participate in wildlife science,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “Anyone with internet access can participate, simply by reporting their observations while exploring the outdoors.”
Oscar Stivala Jazz Quartet to perform at the Renaissance Pub
Born in Bellville, Cordoba, Argentina in 1936, Oscar Stivala is a retired surgeon who now dedicates his time to playing jazz and painting art in Upstate New York. He lives with his wife in Little Falls.
Ray Charles and Oscar Peterson provided the template for Marc Steinberg becoming a performing musician, and Barry Harris and others helped him hone his jazz skills. A freelance New York City performer, he studied music at Columbia University and CCNY Davis Center Performing Arts under John Lewis and earned a Masters in Jazz Performance from New Jersey City University.
Annual measures of poult production (number of young-of-the-year birds) are important data that help biologists manage wild turkey populations.
Citizen or community science opportunities like the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey cultivate a collaborative partnership between the public and DEC while providing data that can be used to help manage wildlife species, including turkeys. Summary data from the survey is posted on the Fall Turkey Harvest and Productivity Dashboard on DEC’s website.
Throughout August, participants can record observed dates, locations, sex, and ages of wild turkeys by using an online form as they enjoy the State’s beautiful summer landscapes. The form can be filled out on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The survey form and instructions are available on DEC’s website. DEC has conducted the annual Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey with the help of the public since 1996. Many factors, including weather and habitat changes, can impact turkey reproduction and populations. By collecting observations of turkeys in August, DEC estimates how productive the turkey population is each year and compare reproductive success between years.
Joe Karwacki studied Music Education and Performance at Ithaca College, and is a Retired Music Teacher for the Utica City School District. He is principal bassist with the Utica Symphony Orchestra and the Clinton Symphony Orchestra and, as bassist with the Groove Machine Band and Soul Injection Band, performs throughout Central New York.
Time, We B3, and What’s Cookin’.
While growing up in Little Falls, De Wayne Perry was steeped in the music of the late sixties and early seventies. He was infected with the “jazz bug” while attending Utica College and has performed in Seattle, Los Angeles, and the Denver/ Boulder area. He now resides with his wife in Ithaca, NY, and performs throughout the Finger Lakes Region with the jazz groups Standard
Also having grown up in Little Falls, Mike Polenski is a self-employed musician performing throughout the New York Metropolitan Area. He is a retired teacher for New York City Public Schools, and studied literature at Utica College and Brooklyn College. He now lives in Brooklyn and, with De Wayne Perry, is a member of the Little Falls High School Class of ’69.
Join the Oscar Stivala Quartet with Mike Polenski at the Renaissance Pub (500 East Main St., Little Falls, NY) from 7:30 – 10:30 on Friday, August 9th for an evening of classic jazz standards and selections from The Great American Songbook.
Celtic Quilting Workshop
Please join us at the H.A.R.P. Museum in the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley on Wednesday, Aug 7 5 PM for our second session of Celtic knotwork stitchery and quilting.
Celtic quilting is a form of applique, in which a Celtic knotwork design is transferred to prequilted fabric, then thin bias strips are invisibly sewn (appliqued) onto the design, keeping to the traditional over-and-under color pattern.
This workshop will outline the basics and provide instructions to make a quilt square, tote bag or throw pillow. You will come away with the information needed to purchase materials for your own custom project. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination!
The workshop will be held from 5:00 to 6:30 pm on the first Wednesday of the month, August 7th, and Please See CELTIC Page 9
Photo credit: Kevin Watz
Annual Snell-Zimmerman-Timmerman Reunion Set for August
By Carol Vogel
The annual SnellZimmerman-Timmerman family fundraiser and reunion will be held on August 24th and 25th at Snells Bush Church located on Snells Bush Road in Little Falls. All are welcome to attend the weekend events and support their mission to preserve this important piece of history in our community.
Two Days of Reunion Events
On Saturday, August 24th, a tent sale will take place during the day from 10 am-5 pm, with an ice cream social to follow at 6 pm. The fundraiser helps provide for the restoration and upkeep of the Snells Bush Church and surrounding grounds. Tours of the church and cemetery are also available during the day to learn about the local historical importance of these landmarks.
Sunday, August 25th, will mark the SnellZimmerman-Timmerman family reunion. The day will include a flag raising ceremony and a dedication to those who have served our country in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, World War 1 and beyond. At 11am a church service will be held followed by a short briefing on the group’s activities and preservation efforts. A catered luncheon will follow.
From the President of the reunion board, Bill Timmerman “Come meet your cousins and view the memorabilia that we have at Snells Bush- we have many books, letters from family members, genealogy from family members, maps, photos,
reunion church service reports, newspaper clippings of local events and activities at Snell’s Bush and so forth. This is your family history.”
Not only will you be supporting the efforts of the Reunion board in their upkeep of local historical locations, but you will be treated to beautiful vistas from the Snells Bush Church vantage point on the hill. They day will be a great outing for anyone looking to learn some local history.
Fascinating Local History
As early settlers of the Mohawk Valley, the genealogy runs deep. Many people in the area may be descendants of the Snell-Zimmerman line in some way and might not know it. The group has detailed genealogical information available, and you can check if you are a relative. Visit their website at http://www.sztgenealogy.org/ if you are interested in finding out more.
The Reunion group has many books, maps, photos and genealogy available to the public. There are also many books available for purchase which give detailed and interesting views into early settler life in our area and
genealogical research.
The yearly newsletter from the Reunion included some interesting facts and insights into the family history:
-Little Freddie (Snell) hid in a bake oven at his family home during the Indian raid of Snell’s Bush on April 30, 1780, and survived.
-Jacob I Timmerman (1800-1880) was an abolitionist and maintained a station on the Underground Railroad on his farm.
-Henry Zimmerman (1770-1830) received a letter from his brother’s travels from the valley heading west. “We were on the canal one week, four days in Buffalo, and one week on the lakes to reach Chicago.”
For more historical context of the family, you may be interested in reading the article about the SnellZimmerman Land Patent featured in My Little Falls in August of 2023. It’s a fascinating story about the document, which was written in 1734, and how land was acquired in the area by these families. The article will give you a glimpse into these first European settlers of the Mohawk Valley: https://mylittlefalls.com/ dolgeville-manheimhistorical-society-
original bylaws (1942):
Preserving the Past
The Snell-ZimmermanTimmerman Reunion, Inc., is a Membership Corporation under the Laws of the State of New York, incorporated on October 5, 1943. Their mission is to care for the historic Snell’s Bush Cemetery and lower Snell’s Bush Manheim Rural Cemetery, as well as the preservation of the historic Snell’s Bush Church.
Membership was established by the
“First, all descendants of the Snell, Zimmerman, Timmerman ancestors, by virtue of their ancestry, are corporate members. Secondly, all descendants of ancestors who at any time were affiliated with the Snell’s Bush church or are buried in either of the two cemeteries, manifesting practical interest in the above objectives, shall be associate members. Thirdly, other persons who by gift or deed demonstrate a vital interest in promoting the
Please See REUNION Page 8
Snells Bush Church, Photo by Carol Vogel
Reunion Ice Cream Social and Tent Sale 2023, courtesy of SZT Reunion Facebook. receives-special-loan/
Cooling station for unhoused people opens in Ilion
By Donna Thompson
The Loaves and Fishes Warming Center offered people without housing a place to spend their nights this past winter.
But just as shelter during cold weather is vital, so is having a place cool to get a break from summer’s heat and humidity. A new cooling station in Ilion, also operated by Loaves and Fishes, offers just that.
The cooling station opened Monday, July 22, at 55 Central Plaza in Ilion. The entrance is from the West Street side door only; just look for the sign on the door.
According to Christine Lawrence, who manages Loaves and Fishes, the plan is to have the station open from noon to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Coffee, water, and a bag lunch will be provided. If a seven-daya-week schedule cannot be maintained, it would be cut back to Thursday through Monday since food programs are not available on the weekends.
The center has an intake area, where visitors will be required to sign the guest rules each time they come and will be assigned a locker to store their personal belongings, she said.
A common area will provide space for people to eat, chat, play games,
do crafts or puzzles or just relax. A staff member will provide access to the restroom as needed.
The idea for a cooling station came up after the warming center at the Salvation Army in Herkimer closed for the season at the end of April.
Lawrence discussed it with the Loaves and Fishes staff and they were open to the plan.
“Just as we don’t want to lose someone to minus 10-degree temperatures, we don’t want to lose someone when the temperature is over 100 degrees,” she said.
It has taken time to locate a space for the project and obtain the necessary approvals.
“People ask, ‘Why not have it at the Salvation Army?’” said Lawrence. “But they have their own programs during the day.”
The warming center was open from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. and did not interfere with other programming.
The space in Central Plaza, which formerly housed doctor’s offices, is perfect, said Lawrence. Mayor John Stephens, Police Chief Laurie DeVaul and Fire Chief Andrew Monahan toured the facility and gave their approval prior to its opening. Some local churches and organizations will be providing bag lunches and one church has
donated “blessing boxes” full of hygiene items, snacks and other items. Each visitor will be given a box.
Lawrence met with staff members the Friday before the center opened to review procedures designed to keep everyone safe and make it a safe and comfortable space for all who visit. Guest rules require that all those present be respectful of one another. Anyone who does not comply will be asked to leave, although a staff member may want to talk to them first in an effort to calm them and remind them that this is a safe space where they can relax.
The use of a metal detector was demonstrated, and the possibility that a staff member could need to use naloxone to respond to a person experiencing an opioid overdose was discussed.
Lawrence encouraged staff members to engage with guests while keeping in mind that some people may be dealing with addictions and/or mental health issues. She said staff can encourage visitors to take ownership of the space by asking them to assist with cleaning chores such as sweeping, vacuuming, wiping down door handles and taking out garbage.
If a guest needs something not available at the cooling station,
such as shoes, clothes or hygiene items, Lawrence told the staff to let her know. “If you don’t have it here, I will get it.”
She added that she wants guests to ask for what they need. “We need them to trust us; we need them to believe in us.”
In addition to meeting people’s immediate needs for food and a place to get away from the heat, the cooling station will provide information about resources, such as where free food is available, where to get help finding housing, overcoming an addiction, obtaining insurance, or finding a job.
People will have to get to the Ilion site on their own, said Lawrence, adding that it is not uncommon for people who might use that facility to walk from Herkimer to Ilion. She would like to be able to have cooling stations in Herkimer and Little Falls as well as in Ilion since these are where most of the people in the county who are struggling with homelessness can be found. But space is not easy to come by.
Ultimately, the center needs a building or space
REUNION From Page 7
above objectives shall be associate members.”
According to their 2024 newsletter, the Reunion states they have three weddings scheduled at the church this year. Work to be done for the church includes installing a handicap-accessible ramp, getting bids for interior painting, mowing and general upkeep of the cemeteries, and
of its own where people can go anytime, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, she said.
But Loaves and Fishes, with the help of Herkimer and Oneida counties, local agencies, churches, non-profit organizations and interested individuals, has made a start in tackling people’s needs. The warming center served 140 individuals with a place to sleep and food during the past winter season and helped six individuals find housing and provided them with furniture and household items.
Most of the furniture was donated, Lawrence said. “Someone would call and say, ‘Christine, can you use such and such,” and I’d say, ‘Yes, I can.’”
The items were often good quality items that were just what was needed to help someone furnish an apartment.
“God is good,” said Lawrence.
For more information on Loaves and Fishes or to volunteer to help, visit the website at https:// loavesandfisheswc. wixsite.com/Herkimer or the organization’s Facebook page.
updating their distribution lists for mail and email.
Donations to preserve the historical Snells Bush Church and the corresponding cemeteries are welcome and needed. More information can be found on the Reunion’s Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/ snellsbushchurch/
Christine Lawrence stands beside the lockers at the new Loaves and Fishes Cooling Station at 55 Central Plaza, Ilion. Visitors will store items in the locker while spending time at the site. The cooling station will be open from noon to 5 p.m. and will provide guests with a bag lunch as well as a place to get out of the heat.
Photo by Donna Thompson
Canalway Photo Contest –
Call for Entries
Deadline for Submission: August 30, 2024
WATERFORD - The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is calling for entries for its annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest. Amateur and professional photographers are invited to submit up to three images that capture the canals’ beauty, vibrancy, and character. Winning photos will be featured in the 2025 Bicentennial Erie Canalway Calendar.
Entries must be postmarked by August 30, 2024.
Images may be submitted in four contest categories: On the Water, Along the Trail, Canal Celebrations & Communities, and
From Page 6
future dates as needed. Feel free to come back with your project to show off or to ask a question –and bring a friend!
Classic Canal. Judges will select the first, second, and third-place winning images in each category, as well as 12 honorable mentions.
Submitted images must be horizontal and taken within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, which spans 524 miles across upstate New York. It encompasses the Erie, CayugaSeneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals, their historic alignments, and more than 230 canal communities.
Download the official contest rules and an entry form at https:// eriecanalway.org/getinvolved/photo-contest
About the Erie Canalway National
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. This program is free, please call 315-733-4228
HISTORY From Page 2
Date: August 15, 2024
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: Meet in front of the Reformed Church
Details: Join us for a guided tour of Herkimer’s historic corners. Tour size is limited, so please call or email to reserve your space.
Contact Information:
For more details on any of these events, please contact the Herkimer County Historical Society at: Phone: 315-866-6413
Heritage Corridor
Nearly 200 years after its construction, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor preserves New York’s extraordinary canal heritage, promotes the Corridor as a worldclass tourism destination, and fosters vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York. http:// www.eriecanalway.org/
Ext 6 to register.
Email: herkimerhistory@ yahoo.com Website:
herkimercountyhistory.
org
Join us this August as we explore, celebrate, and preserve the rich history of Herkimer County. We look forward to seeing you at our events!
About Herkimer County Historical Society: The Herkimer County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Herkimer County. Through our museum, library, and various educational programs, we strive to engage the community and visitors with the fascinating stories of our past.
Image by Dan Judd, courtesy of Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Erie
CELTIC
Where I Wander - Milkweed and Much More
Story by Joan Herrmann
Whereiwander... today in the meadow, in addition to the Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) plants, there is about a half acre of another plant, which is now also host to a multitude of insects. It is known as Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and is a native plant. Our neighbor has numerous common milkweed plants, and he also has another species which is known as Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnate). It too is a native plant, but likes its “feet wet” and grows close to a water source such as a pond, swamp, riverside, lakeside, and even near vernal pools such as ditches that fill with rain or melting snow.
the nectar. The horns surround a center column that has a slit. Enclosed in the slit is the “waxy packet” (Pollinarium). As the insect drinks the nectar, its leg or other body part will slip into the slit in the slippery column, and when the insect pulls the body part out of the slit, they free the pollinarium, taking it with them to the next milkweed plant. If all conditions are met, it will have dried and fit into the next slit with the slippery column of the next milkweed plant, and it will fertilize that plant.
Many of you can easily recognize common milkweed in the autumn when its pods are mature and have produced its silken tuft, which contains the plant’s seeds. The common milkweed attracts numerous pollinators with its exceedingly fragrant and abundant nectar. This unique plant’s flower is called an umbel, and each umbel contains at least twenty to as many as one hundred and thirty blooms, each containing large amounts of nectar. But the milkweed plant needs to receive pollen from an umbel of different common milkweed plant in order to produce a seed (cross pollination). Each individual flower of the umbel also has another unique adaption, which truly makes it extraordinary from most other flowers. Other plants distribute their pollen with their microscopic grain attaching to nectaring insect’s bodies. Common milkweed transfers its pollen in a pair of “waxy packets” that attach to the insect’s legs, proboscises (mouthpart used to draw in nectar; butterflies and moths), or bristly body hairs of visiting insects. The individual flower of each umbel is arranged in a five-star pattern. A modified anther forms “hoods” enclosing five “horns” which hold
Unfortunately, many smaller insects that feed on the nectar are too small to be able to remove the pollinarium and will become trapped. In their struggle to become free, they may die from exhaustion, starvation, or become victims of predators. Occasionally, you might see a moth or honey bee hanging from a milkweed plant that has become a victim. Common milkweed becomes even more fragrant at night and, as a result, attracts numerous species of moths that may pollinate as much as twenty-five percent of all milkweed plants. Successful pollination will sometimes produce two pods, but more often, only one. A fully developed pod, when dry, will split to reveal the white silky tuft with seeds attached. It is fun for both children and adults to blow or throw the seeds into the air and watch them fly. The scientific name for the pod is “follicle” and as many a three hundred seeds may be found in a spiral arrangement within the follicle.
The insect many of us enjoy seeing among the milkweed plants is the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus). As I mentioned in a past column, milkweed is the host plant for the monarch butterfly, and it is the plant on which she will lay her egg. She will approach the milkweed plant and smell it with her feet. The lower part of her leg, which is called the tarsus, has smell receptors. She will
only lay one egg per plant. The egg is minuscule and may be best seen using a magnifying glass. The egg is generally attached to the underside of a leaf, is conical in shape, and has ridges. If our weather is warm, the egg will generally hatch within four to six days. The newly hatched larva (caterpillar) will eat the egg case first and then begin to eat the milkweed leaf. It will then become an “eating machine,” eating and growing continually for two to three weeks. As it eats and grows, it sheds its skin, like children outgrowing their clothes. This will occur at least five times, and each new molt is called an “instar.” After the fifth instar the larva will have gone from minute to about two inches in length. It is yellow with black and white stripes and has two sets of tentacles in front and two smaller ones in the back. The next phase of its life is when it sheds its larval skin, and the pupa (chrysalis) stage is revealed. The pupa shrinks and hardens into a “pale green capsule,” which is ringed with a golden color and several golden specks. The adult butterfly will emerge from the chrysalis within five to fifteen days, depending on weather conditions. The day it will emerge the chrysalis will change color. It becomes transparent, and you can actually see the black abdomen and orange and black wings. The adult will chew through the chrysalis and hang on until its wings unfurl. It will pump hemolymph (insect blood) from its abdomen into its wings. This usually takes twenty minutes or more. It is like watching a miracle occur right before your eyes. The milkweed plant contains all of the nutrients that the larva and now butterfly need, and a bonus is that it also contains a toxic alkaloid known as cardiac glycoside. The cardiac glycoside stays in the body of larva and also within the newly pupated butterfly. The butterfly’s orange and black coloring lets predators know that is it toxic. The similarly colored Viceroy butterfly is not toxic but, their coloring fools many predators to believe it is. You may find many other insects on common milkweed plants, too. Almost every one of these insects will be eating a different part of the plant. Some insects will eat the roots, while others eat the seed pod or seeds.
There are even numerous spiders, beetles, flies and even amphibians that may be found in a milkweed patch. Maybe I will see you there where you wander too.
Photos by Joan Herrmann
Make It Mohawk Valley team building roadmap
The Make It Mohawk Valley team is building a roadmap to bring clean energy manufacturing to the Mohawk Valley. Our region has so much potential, and we are looking to you for input!
The impact of clean energy technology manufacturing could be transformative to this region and could put us at the forefront of the clean energy sector.
The Mohawk Valley could become an innovation
hub with a renaissance of development within the clean energy sector.
We want you to tell us what you think!
Follow the link below to fill out the survey:
https://forms.office.com/r/ qe3KFwiU95
We want all of our communities to be included in the conversation as we look towards the future of our region.
Please reach out to MVEDD for additional information on the Make It Mohawk Valley project.
Our team includes Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc., Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, Fulton County CRG, Herkimer County IDA, Mohawk Valley EDGE, and Advanced Institute for Manufacturing.
37TH LITTLE FALLS CANAL CELEBRATION
AUGUST 7TH -11TH 2024
Rotary Park
4pm-7pm: Pulled Pork BBQ
5pm-9pm: Free Kids Activities Kayak Paddle
5:30pm-7pm: Face Painting Zoo Mobile
6pm-8pm: The Valley Rockers 9pm- Fireworks
10am-7pm:
5pm-8pm: Cruise in by Mike 4pm-8pm: Adult Fishing Derby
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9TH
Downtown/City wide Main Street Rotary Park
Eastern Park
2pm-9pm: Vendors & Food 7pm-9pm: The Tony Semo Band Zoo Mobile after the Parade 6pm: Parade 7pm-9pm: 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7TH THURSDAY, AUGUST 8TH SATURDAY, AUGUST 10TH SUNDAY, AUGUST 11TH
8:45am: Kids’ Race
9am: 5K Race
10am-5pm: Vendors & Food Trucks
Face Painting
Free Old Fashion Games
free Kids Art Corner
Free inflatable Slide & obstacle course
11am-1pm: Critical path
11am-5pm: Beer Tent
12pm-2pm: Zoo Mobile
2pm-4pm: Bar Room Neon Project
3:30pm: Happy Haggs
Sterzinar Park
10am-5pm: Chicks Along the Canal 11am-1PM: Lauren Mettler
2pm-5pm: Carson Murphy w/ megan hartman & ari marucci
10am-4pm: MVCA Art Fair
10am-4pm Historical Society Tours
10am: Tie Dying @ Rose Petal Florist (2nd st)
10am-3pm: Church & School Tours
10am-1pm: LF Library annual book sale
10am: Brookfield Garden Tractors pull (Monroe Street Field)
10:30AM-1:30PM: Southside Walking Tour X
1pm: American Legion Cornhole Tournament
Chicken BBQ
5pm: Elks Cornhole Tournament
3pm-11pm: Inaugural Pub Crawl
7pm-11:00pm: Holiday city blues Band & Zane
Styles & grunge @ Rock Valley Brewing Co
8PM: Live music @ The Renaissance
Burke Park
4pm-9pm: DJ @ American Legion 10am-7pm: LF Library annual book sale 5pm: Charity poker tournament eastern Park 9am: Car Show Downtown/City Wide
10am-4pm: Historical Society Tours 10am-5pm:
10am-5pm: Vendors & Food Trucks
Free Kids Games & Face Painting
Free inflatable Slide & obstacle course
10am-3pm: Operation Safe Child
12pm-1pm: FoamFest
12pm-3pm: Mobile Museum
10am-12pm: Monkey and the Crow Bar
1pm-3pm: Helen’s Dixielanders
10am-3pm: Elks Craft Fair
11:30am:
Nearby
BarRoom Neon Project to Present Second Concert of Library Series
The BarRoom Neon Project, comprised of Joe Famulare, Christine Famulare, and Rory O’Bryan, as well as musicians from other local and regional bands, will perform the second (rescheduled) concert in the Little Falls Public Library’s Community Concert Series.
The concert will be held on Wednesday, August 21st at 6 p.m. in Eastern Park. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be rescheduled for a later, hopefully sunnier, date.
In addition to original works, the Barroom Neon Project’s repertoire is influenced by a wide range of artists, including Arlo Guthrie, Big Mama Thornton, Marshall Tucker
Band, Metallica, and Motorhead, and reflects a talent for making popular and obscure covers of their own while retaining the song’s integrity.
The concert series includes a diverse array of performers and performance styles. It opened the first week with a cabaret-style performance of songs from the movies featuring the vocal talents of Eddie Rose, who brought “Kenergy” to the crowd, Kat Pierce, Via Hanifan, and Dylan Harrer.
All concerts are free of charge and open to the public and made possible through the CNY Arts Regrant program thanks to a New York Senate Initiative supported by
the NYS Legislature, the Office of the Governor, and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the library at (315) 8231542.
Recently, the ‘Put a Mic in it!’ podcast dropped its third episode, featuring the BarRoom Neon Project.
In the episode, Scott Kinville interviews the group and they play a couple of songs.
You can learn more about the group by visiting their website at barroomneonproject. com or on Facebook @ barroommusic.
Rock Valley Eats (RVE), the latest addition to the vibrant food scene in Little Falls, is excited to announce the launch of its new food truck starting August 2, 2024 ! The new truck is serving up delicious, locally-sourced meals.
RVE’s grand opening will be August 3, 2024 at the Rock Valley Brewing concert and will be a featured attraction at Canal Days!
ROCK VALLEY EATS
Photo by Dave Warner - The BarRoom Neon Project practices before their Halloween show in 2021.
The BarRoom Neon Project recently did a podcast at Studio 25, on 25 West Mill Street in Little Falls. You can listen to the show, or watch the video by searching for the Studio 25 Podcast Network on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify. At the end, the group plays two original pieces.
