Mohawk Valley Express Volume 3 Number 8 August 2023

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VOLUME 3: NUMBER 8

AUGUST 2023

Canal Celebration returns August 7-13

to offer, its importance what we had, look at the geographically in the storefronts, and realize The City of Little Falls State, and its relation to that we had a lot to offer.” invites you to attend the Erie Canal.

Canal Celebration. The The group also felt that festival is in its 36th To n y D e L u c a , focusing on the Canal year and celebrates the chairperson for the was unique, so the community, heritage, and event, stated, “They name Canal Celebration spirit that makes Little wanted a vehicle to bring seemed to fit.

Falls a unique place in people into Little Falls to the Mohawk Valley. It will benefit the businesses. “The group created a run from August 7, 2023, The business association committee that worked through August 13, 2023. was teetering, and they on different aspects, didn’t have a strong local including themes, The beginning idea for presence at that time, but programs, and dates. the festival started with the people that remained They settled on an August local business leaders in the group thought that date. It started as ‘maybe who wanted to showcase a celebration would bring let’s do a weekend,’ but Little Falls, what it had people into town, see as ideas surfaced, it grew

By Dave Warner

Photo by Dave Warner - Parade participants head down Main Street in Little Falls during the 2022 Canal Celebration Parade, with City Hall providing the perfect backdrop.

into a ‘let’s set aside a whole week,” he said.

they

didn’t

interfere

DeLuca said they scanned the calendar to ensure

second week of August.

with other events in the

area and settled on the Please See CANAL Page 3

Artist, Jill Rae ~ Bringing Color To Our Communities & Making Us Smile

By Denise Gregorka

Photo by Denise Gregorka

she was about twelve years old when her family moved to Little Falls, where they ran a dairy farm for several years.

Jill Rae Vennera of ‘Jill Rae Signs’ & ‘Easels on the Gogh’ has been serving the community with her artistic talents for As a child, Jill loved to over 40 years and is still draw. She stated, “My having fun doing it! mother tells me that I was born with a crayon in my The Young Artist hand.” Her grandfather was an artist who did Jill Rae was born and woodworking, sculpture, lived in Connecticut until drawing & painting. He

taught Jill many things, including the old English style of lettering when she was only eight. She learned it, developed a passion for it, and still loves to use it.

Of course, she loved art class in high school, claiming “Little Falls had a great art department.”

Please See ARTIST Page 2

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

M O H A W K

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ARTIST From Page 1 At school, she got involved in making yearbook covers and different art projects but also picked up jobs in the community doing various artwork, signs, & lettering for local businesses and fundraisers.

Jill Rae Signs It was only natural that she would launch her business, Jill Rae Signs, after graduation. She stated, “In the 1980s, there was a need in the Mohawk Valley for a sign maker.” She was also the only woman in the business for a very long time.

She went to HCCC for Travel & Tourism for a time, thinking it might be something she would like to do, but

soon realized she was happiest continuing her sign business.

In 1986, Jill Rae got her first computer cutter.

There was no screen to help her program the computer. It had a small half-inch LED display in which she had to feed in all of the commands.

It would only cut out very basic lettering. That machine enabled her to make fast letters, and those three zeros could now be exact. However, even with the new machine, since it only did lettering, she still had to hand paint any graphics that were needed to complete a sign. So there was a time in which it was a combination of computer and hand painting.

Looking back, Jill recalls, “Everything was handpainted back then: signs, window lettering, truck lettering, etc. There were no computers. It was very time-consuming, and you had to wait for the paint to dry. Also, when hand painting, if you had a number that had three zeros, every single zero had to look exactly the same next to each other.

There was also lead in the paint back then, which made it cover in one stroke. But, because of toxicity, they took the lead out of the paint, and that changed everything.

But it’s good that I didn’t Her next cutting machine have to breathe toxic had a computer screen, but it still lacked the chemicals.” capabilities of making

Herkimer County Office for the Aging has Farmers Market Coupons available. These coupons are now available at the Office for the Aging as we have completed our community distribution. If someone is over the age of 60 years and under the income guidelines they can receive the $25 Farmer’s Market Coupon Booklet.

The coupons can be used on locally grown (NY and adjacent states) fruits and vegetables. No jams, jellies, honey, baked goods, etc.

Individuals should look for farmers that display the sign stating they accept farmers market coupons.

Individuals must be present to sign for their coupons. If they are unable to make it to come into the office, they can complete a proxy form and send someone in their place. POAs can also pick up coupons for individuals but must provide the POA paperwork. Once the coupons are picked up they can send a proxy to the farmers market to use them without any documentation.

Lost or stolen coupons CANNOT be replaced.

If anyone has any questions about the coupons they can call 315-867-1124.

Wrapping & lettering vehicles is still Jill’s favorite kind of work.

graphics.

She updated her machines as time went on and was grateful for any new options they offered. For the last twenty-five years, her computers have done so much more. Jill stated, “ Now, with today’s computer, everything is fully printed. I can take a photograph and fully print that and blow it up to any size I want. Having said that, it is still work.” Jill was the first person in the Mohawk Valley who was doing computerized work. She said, “It was interesting to watch the

old-time painters try to transition into computers, and conversely, the younger guys who were into computers would get some tips from the oldtimers on hand painting.

It was an interesting time.”

Having been a painter from the beginning, Jill Rae feels that she has an edge in design and also has a greater understanding of how a sign is made from start to finish. “Signs are a combination of artwork and science because when advertising, it has Please See ARTIST Page 6

Some of Jill’s students from her Easels on the Gogh classes.

THE PERFECT GIFT VS. New York Yankees

Sat. Aug 19 at Yankee Stadium

Boston Red Sox

A $25 deposit (total price $195) will reserve a place on the bus to NYC and a stadium seat.

Bus leaves 6:00am from Dolgeville High School Additional pickups at Little Falls, St. Johnsville and Canajoharie Thruway exit.

Game starts @1.05 pm Sam Licari (315) 867-3931 Carmen Licari (518)-727-6024 Tony Susi (518) 332-1556 sponsored by the Dolgeville Rotary Club and St. Johnsville American Legion

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CANAL From Page 1 “It looked like August was a good month, and they stuck with it, so here we are.”

He said that it was a growing festival each year, which had a few bumps in the road. “It was driven by volunteerism.

There wasn’t any paid staff to organize this thing.”

As more and more volunteers got involved, more ideas evolved.

“Either the person with the idea did it, or they rounded up some friends to help. So all these little pockets of program people started working on craft festivals, parades, and entertainment.

At its height, we had an organization with a chairman, a finance person, and others. We had to raise the money for everything we did,” stated DeLuca.

They sold t-shirts, ads in the program book, and other things to make sure there were enough funds to pull off the event.

“All the different committees had a chair, from program to entertainment to brochure, and it grew and grew. There was a lot of activity because there were a lot of volunteers,” he said.

and less, the volunteers faded away. As a result, some of the programs fell by the wayside.

36th Annual Little Falls Canal Celebration Fireworks Spectacular “Thunder on the River” at Rotary Park (marina) “So now we’re at a features live music by point where extraneous Moss Back Mule, food things like the pandemic trucks, Rotary’s duck impacted it. We were dash fundraiser, bounce probably at the smallest houses, and more. group ever handling the event when it hit.”

Thursday, August 10: DeLuca said that the pandemic worsened the situation. “We tried to keep things going the best we could with the guidelines that we had, but after that pandemic pause, we’ve seen a situation where people are not re-engaging. Not just the general public coming to the festival, but also volunteers hesitating to reengage.”

He continued, “That’s where we are today.

We’re trying to rekindle the interest and bring it back to its past year’s grandeur, and we hope this year is even better than last year.”

Here are some of the daily featured events: Wednesday, August 9:

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Industries. The various fish species caught will be displayed for all to see in an observation tank and later released.

in front of M&T Bank, featuring a 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament, kid’s games, a DJ, and food.

The Elks host live music with the “Pine Ridge Mountain Band” and their annual party on the deck.

Rock Valley Brewing Co. has live music with Friday, August 11: “Rev-D” featuring local Eastern Park Craft musician Phil Scarano.

Fair & Farmers Market “Big Kids” Adult Fishing from 2-10 pm on East Saturday, August 12: Derby and Mike’s Cruise Main Street. Local and In car show at Rotary regional crafters with The day starts with the Park (marina). their favorite wares. Food 33rd Annual John Serow and entertainment & live Memorial Youth Fishing The “Big Kids” Adult music.

Derby at Lock 17 with a Fishing Derby is an 7 am registration. Canal annual Little Falls Canal The Grande Parade goes Place will be alive with Celebration event down Main and Albany Chicks Along the Canal that showcases the Streets and starts at 6 in Sterzinar Park, and numerous species of fish pm, rain or shine. there’s an Iron Man that inhabit the waters classic powerlifting of the Mohawk River/Erie Following the parade, competition at the Youth Canal between Locks 17 Kids on Main will be Please See CANAL Page 5 and 18. Cash prizes are awarded for the heaviest of each species caught.

The derby is a catch & release format that promotes wildlife conservation of the local waterway. Door prizes are awarded to participants following the tournament, financed by the continuous generous support of Feldmeier

Cruise In by Mike features local favorite cars, trucks, and anything with wheels and goes from 5-8 pm.

Photo by Dave Warner - The Sunday car show in Burke Park is always a hit.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS - AUGUST City of Little Falls August 1, 2023 Common Council Meeting - Auditing of the bills: 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting: 7:00 p.m.

August 3, 2023 Cruise In by Mike - 5 - 8 pm, Little Falls Marina Rotary Park.

August 14, 2023 Police and Fire Board Meeting - Bills 8:30 am and Regular Session 9:00 am in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

pork dinner, Little Falls Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 588 Albany St. 4 - 7 pm.

Free admission, Age 21 & over only. Food & beverages for sale on the lawn under the tent. Full bar open.

Farmer’s Market, themed basket raffle, business & restaurant specials, chicken BBQ (noon until sold out), blueberry ice creat social (3 pm until August 13, 2023 sold out), music in the Canal Days at LF Elks park and more.

Lodge! Famous Chicken & Ribs BBQ on the lawn, August 12, 2023 noon until sold out. Visit 8:30 am - 1st Annual the Classic Car Show in Dolgeville Violet Festival Burke Park across the Golf Tournament, Little street and then stop at Falls Municipal Golf the lodge for a bite to Course, 896 E Monroe St. eat! Public invited, all $100 nonmembers, $65 ages welcome. Dining members. Registration available outside under includes: golf with cart, tent or inside with A\C. breakfast, lunch, dinner, Full bar open inside. longest drive, closest to the pin, prizes, 50/50, August 22, 2023 silent auction and more.

Lodge meeting 7pm. All To register call 315-868members are encouraged 4130. to attend.

Salisbury August 31, 2023 $1,000 monthly raffle Salisbury Historical drawing at 9pm at LF Society Open Every Lodge. Only 200 tickets Sunday 1pm-3pm will be sold, @$10 each.

Age 21 & over only.

Sprite Club Poker Run August 5, 2023: Dolgeville BBQ Dinner to follow *Guests must sign in August 5, 2023 under a member.

Blueberries, Blues & BBQ Festival - Plowe August Truck and ATV Park Area 9 am - 4 pm. Sand Drags - 2 Day

August 24, 2023 Cruise In by Mike - 5 - 8 pm, Little Falls Marina Rotary Park.

August 16, 2023 Golf Commission Meeting - 8:00 am at the August 31, 2023 Little Falls Municipal Golf Cruise In by Mike - 5 - 8 Course. pm, Little Falls Marina August 4, 2023 Rotary Park - Fireworks Herkimer 9 Foundation August 17, 2023 finale.

Golf Tournament - MV Cruise In by Mike - 5 - 8 Golf and Event Center 8 pm, Little Falls Marina - Little Falls Elks am.

Rotary Park.

August 8, 2023 August 8, 2023 August 21, 2023 Lodge meeting 7pm. All Zoning Board of Appeals Board of Public Works members are encouraged 6:30 pm in the Mayor’s Meeting - Bills 6:30 pm to attend.

Conference room in City and Regular Session Hall.

7:00 pm in the Mayor’s August 11, 2023 Conference room in City Canal Days at LF Elks August 10, 2023 Hall.

Lodge! Live music on the Cruise In by Mike - 5 - 8 porch 7-11pm, featuring pm, Little Falls Marina - August 24, 2023 “Pine Ridge Mountain Rotary Park.

BBQ chicken and pulled Band”. Free admission, Age 21 & over only. Food & beverages for sale on the lawn under the tent.

Full bar open.

August 12, 2023 Canal Days at LF Elks Lodge! Live music on the porch 7-11pm, featuring “The Posers” from Ilion.

LITTLE FALLS PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMMING FOR AUGUST 2023 MON Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and at our website www.lflibrary.org to stay up to date on all of our programs or give us a call at (315)-823-1542!

7

TUE

WED 2 Toddler Time 10 &

1

11:15am

Little Librarian Club (ages 7+) 10-12

Lego Club 2:30 Connected Community Schools 1-3

Flash Fiction 5:30pm

8

9

Flash Fiction in Front Parlor 5:30pm

THU 3

Young Readers Club 10:30am Utica Zoo 1pm

FRI 4

End of Summer Reading Celebration 1-3pm

SAT 5

Little Librarian Club 10-12

10

11

Teen Advisory Board 4:15pm

12 Special open hours 10am-3pm for our book sale

-----------Canal Days Book Sale in our Community Room---------

14

15

Bluey Party for families 4:30pm

16

Readers 17Young 18 Club 10:30am

Toddler Time 10am & Teen Art Night: 11:15am Bad Art Theme Flash Fiction 5:30pm 5:30pm

Brews for Books 4pm-9pm at Rock Valley Brewing Co.

19

-----------Adult En Plein Air Art Workshop 9am-12pm---------

22

21

23

Beach Painting Toddler Time 10am & party for ages 511:15am 10 at 10:30am Flash Fiction 5:30pm

29

28 Book Club 5:30pm

30

Dream Workshop Toddler Time 10am & 5:45pm 11:15am Flash Fiction 5:30pm

24 Young Readers Club 10:30am

31

Young Readers Club 10:30am

25 Laurie's Make & Take 12:30-2:30 Sharon's Bracelet class 3-4:45pm

26

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Calendar of Events (Cont) - August Event at: The Salisbury Ridgerunners Where Old Friends Meet Trucks race on August 19th ATVs race on August 20th August 24, 2023 Rabies clinic 5:30 - 7 pm, Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department 2549 NY-29, Salisbury Center.

Frankfort August 5, 2023 - 10 am - 2 pm Frankfort Hill community day corner of Rigby and Albany ads.

Chicken BBQ 11 am until sold out, bake sale, basket raffle, historic school tours, craft fair/ garage sale, contact Nancy Hamlin 315-8942221.

Stone Arabia

August 6, 2023 - 4 pm - Organist Helen Maksymicz at the Old Palatine Church located on Route 5 between Nelliston and St. Johnsville.

Herkimer August 5, 2023 Herkimer Elks Lodge #1439 presents a classic car show to benefit cerebral palsy. Noon - 4 pm. Registration begins at 9 am and ends at noon.

Myers Park, Herkimer.

Herkimer Police Department child safety seat unit, Fort Herkimer Amateur Radio Club, Bahama Mama’s Ice Cream, DJ - Sal Stokes, 50/50 raffle.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, hot sausage & peppers, Professionally judged by: Obsessed Car Detailers.

Photo by Dave Warner - The 3 on 3 basketball tournament that was held on Main Street in Little Falls right after the evening parade in 2022.

recording artist “J. B. Aaron.” & Family Center. The craft Sunday, August 13: fair continues in Eastern Burke (Western) Park Park, and Veterans features the 36th Memorial Park hosts annual Little Falls Canal Vintage Baseball. The Dr. Celebration Car Show Tony Piana Annual Rotary while the Elks host their Club Golf Tournament famous chicken BBQ is at the Mohawk Valley at noon. The craft fair Golf & Event Center, continues in Eastern and the Little Falls Park, and there will be live Farmers Market is in music at the American the M&T parking lot. Legion Post 31 with the The Elks host live music “Pine Ridge Mountain with “The Posers” and Band.” their annual party. Rock Valley Brewing Co. has The Little Falls Youth & live music with national Family Center and the CANAL From Page 3

City of Little Falls lend a hand every step of the way to ensure the festival has the resources it needs to provide a fun and safe festival.

This project was made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and administered by CNY Arts.

Page 6 ARTIST From Page 2

to look nice, be legible, and capture someone’s attention.” She says it is important not to overcomplicate a sign which makes it hard to read and is then useless.

Jill Rae remarked, “It has been a great business which has kept me busy around the clock so many times. My kids have worked there, my ex-husband was my partner, and it was a family-type business. It is still going strong. I have

M O H A W K had some of my clients for decades.”

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for you.”

to you or go wherever an event was taking place.”

She did sculpture, offers event painting & pottery with She many other interesting parties, private parties, fundraising, colleges, Easels on the Gogh is classes as well. team building, kids a full-service mobile painting studio offering She says she mostly parties, adult parties, painting parties did it for fun, but then and more with the motto throughout the Mohawk her business side got “Where friends become and artists Valley and beyond. her thinking ...”Hmmm, I artists, become friends.” could do a ‘Paint & Sip’ Around eight years ago, because we don’t have Jill decided to go back any of them here.” They The business has really to school for Art Therapy were mostly franchises, taken off, and loads of classes. She stated, “I and they were just starting people have participated had a blast...it was so fun! to pop up. “I created my in ‘Paint & Sip.’ Jills I got straight A’s because own, and because it was states, “We started to life’s experiences do that a mobile, I would come have kid’s parties, and I was so happy to see that.

SENIOR MEALS FOR AUGUST It’s something cultural, and kids love to paint!”

To reserve a meal, call the Herkimer County Office for the Aging at least one Easels on the Gogh

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 - Goulash, tossed salad, warm roll, green beans, oatmeal cookie.

Aug 02 - Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, spinach, peaches.

Aug 03 - Omelet, hash browns, muffin, sausage patty, fruit cup.

Aug 04 - Ham and cheese cold plate, macaroni salad, marinated broccoli salad, Kaisere roll, chocolate ice cream.

Aug 07 - Seafood salad cold plate, coleslaw, pasta salad, croissant, pineapple.

Aug 08 - Macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes and zucchini, green beans, brownie.

Aug 09 - Beef tips, rice, Japanese blend vegetables, cupcake.

Aug 10 - Roast turkey with gravey, stuffing, corn, sugar cookie.

Aug 11 - Lemon chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, melon.

Aug 14 - Salisbury steak with peppers and onions, mashed potatoes, carrots, pears.

Aug 15 - Chicken marsala, noodles, broccoli, chef’s choice pie.

Aug 16 - Egg salad cold plate, pasta salad, corn salad, Kaiser roll, vinilla ice cream.

Aug 17 - Cheeseburger deluxe, O’Brien potatoes, wax beans, frosted birthday cake.

Aug 18 - Lasagna, tossed salad, garlic bread, Italian blend vegetables, peanut butter cookie.

Aug 21 - Baked fish with dill sauce, au gratin potatoes, red cabbage, chocolate chip cookie.

Aug 22 - Turkey cold plate, cottage cheese, macaroni salad, Kaiser roll, brownie.

Aug 23 - Chicken breast with gravy, rice, Brussels sprouts, fresh fruit.

Aug 24 - Ham, scalloped potatoes, peas and carrots, tropical fruit.

Aug 25 - Pork roast, sweet potatoes, spinach, gelatin with topping.

Aug 28 - Three cheese ziti with meatballs, garlic roll, tossed salad, cookie.

Aug 29 - Wild rice and chicken casserole, beets, zucchini, pudding parfait.

Aug 30 - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, country blend vegetables, berries in a cloud.

Aug 31 - Tuna salad cold plate, potato salad, carrot raisin salad, Kaiser roll, sherbet.

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.

If all of that work isn’t enough, Jill serves on the Little Falls Cheese Festival Committee, using her networking skills and connections to bring in sponsors, along with providing signage for the festival each year. She also has a booth during the Cheese Festival and sells out of her famous, homemade, spreadable Irish Beer Cheese. She sells out so fast every year that her devoted customers go to her booth first thing to ensure they don’t miss out. She states, “I only make cheese for that event because I am so busy with my other two businesses. We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful cheese makers in upstate New York.”

She says, “Painting is so rewarding. Some people are intimidated at first until I break it down for them with basic steps.

By the time they’re done, they are so thrilled, and I Over the years, Jill Rae love that feeling!”. has been a part of many local civic organizations.

Jill noted, “I do a lot with She concluded, “It is the elderly & nursing important to be involved homes, which is great for in the community & their motor skills. It’s really social clubs like Rotary, beneficial to them, more Chamber of Commerce, mentally than anything, United Way, etc. You that they can do this, and have to give back to the they are proud of it. The community.” With all of art hangs in their room, Jill’s businesses, she and it brightens their life loves interacting with up.” people. “I talk a lot, and I am friendly. I enjoy Jill loves her sign & people. I really do. Life painting businesses and is fun, and it keeps you hopes to do both as long young.” as she can.

For more info call 315Cheese Festival 868-6002.

Some of Jill Rae’s Irish Beer Cheese.

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Snells Bush Church plans annual reunion The Snells Bush Church, located between Little Falls and Dolgeville on Dockey Road in the Town of Manheim, is planning an annual reunion.

This church is also known as St. Paul’s Dutch Reformed Church.

It sits on the land given in 1734 to Anna Margaretha Zimmerman by the Mohawk sachem, King Hendrick. The land had to be reapplied for in 1755 from the King of England. (This sheepskin patent is part of the SZT Reunion collections.)

There has been a church here since 1757, with this Church rebuilt and enlarged in 1850.

Snells Bush Church is on the New York State

Registry of Historic Places and the National Registry of Historic Places. The Snell-ZimmermanTimmerman Reunion, Inc maintains it. They hold a reunion annually. They sell genealogy books on the history of the related family members – which helps maintain the grounds and church.

an ice cream social. All proceeds will go to the benefit of the church.

The following Sunday, August 27, the Snells Bush Church bell will ring again to call people to worship. At 10 am, we will have a flag raising and memorial wreath laying at the historic The 84th annual Reunion cemetery where several is planned this year to Revolutionary War, War be held August 26 and of 1812, WWI, and Civil 27. Snell-Zimmerman- War veterans are buried.

Timmerman Reunion Inc. The worship service will was formed 85 years ago. begin at 11 am. Once There will be fundraising again, the old pump events on the 26th with organ will be played for a “Tent Sale” from 10 am until 4 pm. Small the reunion hymn “Faith items and collectibles of Our Fathers.” After the (some antiques) will be service, a short business sold outside the church meeting will be held, and under the tents. Starting a catered lunch will be at 6 pm, there will be provided.

Photo submitted - The Snells Bush Church, located between Little Falls and Dolgeville on Dockey Road is planning an annual reunion.

Southside Improvement Group plans day-long yard sale The Southside Improvement Group in Little Falls is sponsoring a day-long yard sale at 8 Flint Avenue on August 12th, celebrating our special stretch of the beautiful Erie Canal!

The sale opens at 9:00 a m and ends at 4 pm.

Come browse among the stuff we’ll have on sale at really neat prices. You never know what you might find to take home with you.

Plenty of parking & room to poke around for that special something!

See you at the

Cheese

Festival!

NEW YORK STATE’S PREMIER GATHERING OF CHEESEMAKERS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 • 10AM-5PM • LITTLE FALLS, NY LITTLEFALLSCHEESEFESTIVAL.COM

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Dolgeville-Manheim Historical Society Receives Special Loan document weaves a story of historical significance Housed in a protective and understanding. glass frame, a deed While it is a complex written on animal hide and fascinating story that is an important local spans many years, this historical land document. short overview will give The Snell-Zimmerman you a glimpse into the Land Patent is now on first European settlers of display at the Dolgeville- the Mohawk Valley.

Manheim Historical Society Museum. Written Settling the Moin 1734 and involving hawk Valley settlers from Germany, local Indigenous The Snell-Zimmerman people, and the English Land Patent is a lesson government, this in land acquisition and

By Carol Vogel

the importance of historic preservation. Beginning in 1710, many settlers from Germany (known as the Palatines) came to America due to wars and famine. The Palatines played an important part in the history of our area, the state, and our country.

In late 1712, the British Government left them to fend for themselves, but with the help of the Indigenous Mohawk Indians who they had befriended, they settled around the Hudson

River, and eventually, a group headed north to Schoharie. Upon finding out that they did not own the land they were settled on, they were told to rent or leave. Migrating north, a settler named Johan Jacob Zimmerman II and others settled in the Mohawk Valley. By 1720, they were given permission by the British

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Crown to purchase land from the Mohawk Nation.

Anna and the Land Deed In 1734, Johann Jacob Zimmerman II’s wife, Anna Margarehta, was gifted a land deed from the Mohawk Nation as she was a friend of the local Clans. In the deed, Anna Margarehta is referenced as “…our beloved friend Anna Marragrieta…”

You may find it interesting that a woman was given land at that time, but the Mohawk are a Please See LOAN Page 9

M O H A W K LOAN From Page 8

matriarchal society.

Women were held in high regard and made many important decisions, such as overseeing land transactions. Land was owned by the leading woman of the matrilineage, providing tribal control - not as her own personal property.

As a matriarchal society, Mohawk Clan Mothers named of all those in the Clan and chose the male candidate for Chief.

The Clan must approve her choice, but she can remove the chief if he fails in his duties.

The Mohawk Clan leaders signed the document.

Mohawk society consists of three matrilineal Clans named after animals: Bear, Wolf, and Turtle. These Clan symbols appear on the deed; however, they are upside down, symbolizing the land was given as a gift and the Mohawk will never ask for the land to be returned to them.

The Long Road to a Land Patent Land grants and patents were detailed and difficult processes in those days.

A book entitled “The Eighteenth Century of the Zimmerman Family of the Mohawk Valley”

by David Kendall Martin reads: “At this time, it was required that anyone who wished a land grant first had to be licensed to purchase the land in the name of the British sovereign from the Indian owners. Once this had been done, he could then petition to purchase the land in his own name form his colonial government which petition- if grantedallowed him to buy the land from the Indians and have his purchase confirmed by a patent from the colony of New York. The complicated procedure had many steps and each step no doubt had its fees…”

V A L L E Y

AUGUST 2023

Many years later, in 1752, Anna Margaretha’s son Jacob III was told

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the deed was invalid as the English government did not accept a land patent written in Dutch, the main language used in the area. Jacob III and John Jost Snell decided to combine efforts and, in 1755, had the patent translated to English and applied to King George to purchase the land in the original deed as well as additional parcels. Finally, in 1755, consisting of 3600 acres and located from the north of the Mohawk River to the west of the East Canada Creek across from General Nicholas

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Herkimer’s home, the land was theirs.

History Lost… and Found Again During these tumultuous years of the American Revolution, the land patent was hidden for safekeeping in a hollowed tree as homes were being burned during raids and fighting.

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had papers mentioning the land patent, but no one knew where the original document was.

Located in Wisconsin in the 1930s, hanging on a wall in the home of a descendant, it was lost yet again. Finally in 1983, while cleaning out his father’s attic in Canada, Orin Snell found the original patent.

area. Since the patent was in poor shape, they had it sent to the Cooperstown Historical Society for restoration.

The document was then kept on loan at the Little Falls Historical Society.

Each year at the Annual Snell-ZimmermanTimmerman Reunion, the patent would be on display for members to view. Recently the board has loaned it to the Dolgeville-Manheim Historical Society Museum, where it is now proudly displayed.

Orin contacted members of the SnellZimmerman-Timmerman Reunion board, a local genealogical and family About the Snell-Zimreunion group that merman-Timmerpreserves the history of man Descendants these early settlers of our

V A L L E Y

AUGUST 2023

According to their website, 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.

We are dedicated to promoting quality of life for all individuals

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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 above objectives shall be associate members.”

in some way and might not know it. The group has detailed genealogical information available, so you can see if you are a relative. You may visit their website at http:// www.szt-genealogy.org/ if you are interested in finding out more.

The Snell-ZimmermanTimmerman Reunion board keeps the history of the families alive and hosts a reunion each August, which is open to Membership was the public and held at the established by the As early settlers of the original bylaws (1942): Mohawk Valley, the Snells Bush Church. This “First, all descendants of genealogy runs deep. year’s reunion luncheon the Snell, Zimmerman, Many people in the area will take place on Sunday, Timmerman ancestors, may be descendants of August 27th. An Ice by virtue of their the Snell-Zimmerman line Please See LOAN Page 11

THE GRAND ADULT DAY HEALTHCARE

MONDAY-FRIDAY

E X P R E S S

9 9 S I X T H AV E N U E , I L I O N , N Y 1 3 3 5 7 | 3 1 5 . 8 9 5 . 4 0 5 0 T H E G R A N D H E A LT H C A R E . C O M / M O H A W K VA L L E Y

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

AUGUST 2023

Donations to preserve the historical Snells Bush Church and the corresponding cemeteries are welcome and needed.

More information can be found on their Facebook page.

Dolgeville Manheim Historical Society If you want to see the land patent in person, the Dolgeville-Manheim Historical Society is located at Main Street in

Page 11

*****Public Notice***** ONLINE REAL ESTATE AUCTION

LOAN From Page 10 Cream Social is planned for the evening before, on Saturday, August 26th.

All are welcome to attend and support the efforts of the reunion board in this beautiful historic location.

E X P R E S S

By Order of Montgomery County, NY

80 +/-Tax Foreclosed Properties Sell to the Highest Bidders

The Snell-Zimmerman Land Patent- Deed written on sheep skin, displayed at the Dolgeville Manheim Historical Society.

the former Firehouse. The Museum has a variety of exhibits featuring local history, such as the Daniel Green Shoe Company and Alfred Dolge. They also have installations that cover the Dolgeville schools, as well as a display of Adirondack skis and toboggans, and much more. For information on hours and how to contact them can be found on their Facebook page.

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M O H A W K

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V A L L E Y

AUGUST 2023

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Locally Grown: “More Bang for your Buck”

By Allysa Rader

Farmer’s Market season is officially in full swing.

Weekly markets held across the Mohawk Valley bring together local farmers offering their products for sale.

Tables are lined with colorful vegetables and fruits, produce that is in season and fresh. This is also the time of year that roadside stands are open along country roads, offering the opportunity for those driving by to stop at their convenience and purchase fresh food from a local grower.

Cameron Burke, Nutrition Program Leader and Local Foods Advocate with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County explains that eating local is not only healthier for you, it contributes to the health of our local economy and the environment.

“You get more bang for

your buck buying local,” There is also an environmental impact says Cameron. from our current food Most produce available system. at large grocery stores traveled a great distance “Food travels an average before reaching the of 1800 miles before it shelves, making it gets to your plate. Food vitamin depleted and transportation increases lower in nutritional value emissions. And, the compared to fresher massive infrastructural overhead that comes foods. with large agricultural Cameron explained, intensive farming, like “Vitamin C content is what you see out west, is the most important ecologically devastating.” nutrient depleted. From explained Cameron. the moment a fruit is cleaved from the vine, it Further, our local farmers starts losing Vitamin C. know which plant species There are many diseases are acclimated to this associated with a deficit area and, therefore, of vitamin C. This vitamin naturally more resistant is critical for tissue to our local pests and health, fighting disease, climate, reducing the and it is a critical nutrient need for agricultural in combating the effects intervention. of lead poisoning, which causes neurological and Eating locally-grown food organ damage. Lead also benefits our local Supporting poisoning is a pervasive economy. issue in Herkimer County, our farms keeps food just as it is in other post- dollars local, creates agricultural jobs, and industrial communities.” helps our farming families thrive. If local farms are

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prospering, Mohawk communities, to Valley farmland is kept rejuvenate local food open and productive. economies and all the culture and community Another consideration is that comes along with the cultural relevance of that,” Cameron said with supporting local farms. optimism.

The Mohawk Valley is home to farms that are Cornell Cooperative growing crops handed Extension (CCE) of down for generations, Herkimer County assists including Heirloom with the local food supply varieties.

Supporting by supporting local these farms helps to farmers and farmer’s maintain the farming markets and connecting tradition of the Mohawk the community with Valley and preserves our access to local food, unique heritage. including education on how to buy and prepare Societally we are trying fresh produce. to rebuild a system that was here 75-100 years Cameron detailed the ago but went away due work CCE is doing in our to the centralization of community to influence our economy. The local the local food movement: economic ecosystem “We educate health has gone away with the providers to better serve giants. farmers as the farming “It is possible, through community has unique the resiliency of our risk factors influencing health outcomes. We provide workshops that 3 Canal Street build skills within the Fort Plain (518)993-2387 farming community, such Fax: (518) 993-2302 as marketing workshops during the off-season.

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V A L L E Y

AUGUST 2023

E X P R E S S

A Foreigner’s Good Opinion of Little Falls Herkimer County News Little Falls N.Y. Feb 23, 1883

We have received a copy of the Pontypool Free Press, a Welch paper, which contains a chatty letter from a correspondent, who, while he finds occasion to grumble at the impertinence and inattention he was sometimes subjected to in the course of his travels in the United States, takes particular care to except Little Falls from such a charge.

Here, he says, he met with only the kindest treatment and was almost overwhelmed by the hospitality and civility of the of the acquaintances he formed during the brief stay in our village.

By the Postmaster and everyone else with whom he came in contact he was treated with so

much consideration and courtesy that he was greatly surprised at the flattering attention paid to him, an entire stranger.

It is no news to us to hear that politeness is one of the chief attractions of Little Falls society, but when foreigners allude to it as something especially to be noticed in their observations on American manners, it is a gratifying proof that the good opinion we have of ourselves is shared by other people.

cannot close this recital of my meanderings that day without recording my heartfelt gratitude for many unsolicited kindnesses which I received from strangers in Little Falls.

Of the town itself I have but little to say. It is sufficiently hilly to vary the walking, and is chiefly built on the side of a hill with the New York Central Railroad and river in the valley beneath.

It has a population of The writer, after referring 8,000, seven commercial seventy-five to the trouble which hotels, some of our citizens had taken to make his visit agreeable, says:

Page 13

saloons (public houses), also a knitting mill, paper mills, woolen factories, starch factory, grain elevator, mills for the manufacture of cotton goods, foundry and boiler works, agricultural implements and saw mills.

all were cheerful and contented, -- not a single complaint reached my ears as to the state of trade or the badness of the times, as in England.”

At this town is held also the largest cheese market in the United States. As an agricultural centre it is an important place and promises to increase in business.

I found the tradespeople sociable, and they entered into conversation more freely than elsewhere; none of them seemed to be in the least afflicted with care on the contrary,

“I was impressed with the unostentatious manner in which I was treated, and news@mohawkvalleyexpress.com

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M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

AUGUST 2023

E X P R E S S

out only to a Sunday brunch before they are fully opening their indoor dining space, which has been remodeled.

“I think he ran into Eddie Becker, the owner, and he said they were looking to sell it.”

reasons for the pace was that she didn’t want to overwhelm herself or John. “We’re not restauranteurs by any She said that they laid stretch of the imagination.

Lori Almaviva and her out a plan about what There’s always a bigger husband, John, now own they wanted and how picture, even if you’re the place, and she said they would open and anxious to make back it was all his idea. “He feels that they’re moving some of the money we’ve was born in Italy, and he pretty fast. Last Sunday spent on the remodel.” spent the first couple of they had their first brunch Photo by Dave Warner - Lori Almaviva learns to work the register. years of his life there. and a chance to practice She said the brunch will give them an opportunity At some point, he went indoor dining. to get their feet wet with into a pizzeria here in the U.S. and said, ‘I want to “That will be a really indoor dining and help do this someday,’ so here good litmus test for us for train the staff. “We just

By Dave Warner indoor dining. It runs from hired three people to help location at 40 West Main we are.”

10 am - 1:30 pm. Part of with the cooking, so now Street in Little Falls.

GiGi’s Italian Feast is Lori is a nurse, and the holdup was getting I can back off to manage a family-owned Italian They have been serving John works full-time our liquor license, and we the restaurant and take care of the orders.”

Restaurant that has been specialty pizza along with as well, and the idea just got our temporary.” open for a few weeks other Italian favorites and to purchase the Italian in the old Italian Feast are moving from take- Feast happened quickly. Lori said that one of the For renovations, they’ve painted the inside and changed the bar area’s look. They’ve also got pictures up on the walls of their trips to Italy. “The renovation portion was important to me. I wanted something a little more modern, newer, and spruced up,” she stated.

“There’s not much we didn’t touch.”

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Lori said people have enjoyed the takeout service but are dying for the dining-in experience.

“We’re so appreciative of the support that we’ve gotten from the community so far. We’re getting tons of repeat customers, and we’re doing quite well.”

They are going to have Please See FEAST Page 15

M O H A W K

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AUGUST 2023

E X P R E S S Page 15

FEAST From Page 14

BANG From Page 12

a full bar when they’re open, which is a change as well. “We’ll have beer, wine, and liquor. Sunday, we’ll have mimosa flights.

It’s not a new concept by any stretch, but it’s new for this place. We’ve put a lot of heart and soul into building this,” she said.

“I’m very happy with the people to come in, see it, Markets through the way things came out, and enjoy it,” she said. Farmers Market Nutrition Program. We provide and I hope we get lots of “It’s been exciting.” support to Farmer’s Markets as needed. And we also teach about gardening so more families can enjoy the benefits of food security in their back yard!”

For more information on eating local in Herkimer County, visit cultivateherkimer.org.

According to the website,

They will also have a bar menu.

John stated, “This was a dream of mine from years ago...I was probably 16 or 17 when I thought of it.”

He said that he really didn’t know what to expect.

“I think I oversimplified things in my mind. When we were getting into this, there was a lot more to it than what meets the eye. So certainly, it’s a learning experience for myself and my wife and kids.”

“It’s not as simple as plug and play. I’m hoping that we establish ourselves as a place where people can come with the family, enjoy themselves, and have a good meal. If my kids someday want to take it on, by all means, it’s here for them.

Hopefully, they’ll do that,” he stated.

So far, she said, “It’s been trial and error, and we’ve made mistakes along the way, but I feel like the staff is incredible right now. Our two children are here, and they work all the time, so that’s fantastic. That’s a lot of why we did this - for them.”

Lori said she really wants her children to love the business and take pride in it as she and John do.

Cultivate Herkimer is a guide to local farms, agricultural businesses, and eating well in the Mohawk Valley. Here you can also find a spotlight on local farms and farmer’s markets, a farm resource directory, and a cultivator blog. The section titled “Why Eat Local” sums up the benefits of choosing locally grown produce from our area farmers: Tradition, Nutrition, Taste, and Economics.

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M O H A W K

Page 16

Mohawk Valley favorite Butler gets drafted for MLB

V A L L E Y

AUGUST 2023

E X P R E S S

He threw the first pitch out, signed autographs Fort Plain native, Mohawk for fans, and then said Valley Diamond Dawg farewell to teammates favorite, and Herkimer before heading out.

College standout pitcher Troy Butler has been Butler spoke about his drafted in the 20th round youth and getting started by the Colorado Rockies and how he graduated Major League Baseball with only 45-50 kids in organization. his high school class.

“Fort Plain’s a small town Photo by Dave Warner - Troy Butler fires a pitch home during one of the Mohawk Valley Diamond July 21st was Butler’s but a big baseball town. Dawg games this year. last night with the Dawgs It was nice growing up, He said that he’s been a home run. It was my started pitching in eighth as he had to jump on a especially with Craig in baseball since he was second home run in my grade. He really started plane Saturday morning Phillips. It was awesome three years old. “I just fell entire career. It was the getting into it in the last to fly out and report in. having him as a coach.” in love with it. I always hardest ball I’ve ever hit, few years. said that I played other and it was a big moment sports to stay in shape for my family and me,” he As for Little Falls and the last three years with the for baseball. I’d play stated.

Diamond Dawgs, he said, soccer and basketball “I love it here. This is like just to stay in shape.”

“I know I’m a pitcher, but my home. I love school that moment definitely ball, don’t get me wrong, “When I was in sixth stands out for me.” but nothing beats coming grade, and we were here. I know it’s close, playing Frankfort, I hit Butler said that he and some kids want to get away from their families, but I just love being here with Travis (Heiser - team owner), Coach Luby, and Chipping • Trimming • Stumping • Cleanup Storm Damage • Land Clearing Fereno. They’re like my second family.”

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Butler said that in the last year and a half, he knew he’d made a name for himself by throwing hard. “I kind of expected to be drafted, but not as late as I did. But I wasn’t even home. I was in a swimming hole in Canajoharie, just hanging out with my girlfriend, and I got a Facetime call from my adviser, and he said, ‘You just got drafted.’

He showed him the contract over the phone, and Butler said, “Wow, that’s just unbelievable.

It’s a big deal. He told me the Rockies should be calling soon, and about Please See BUTLER Page 17

M O H A W K

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AUGUST 2023

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BUTLER From Page 16 a minute after I hung up, they did.”

Heiser stated, “Troy came out of high school as a highly touted player and was going to go to Divison I Binghamton.

We liked what we saw, and he had a really good experience his first year here when he was young.”

“He returned his second year and did a really good job and ended up being named the top prospect in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League for the summer of 2022. I think that really catapulted him and put him on the radar with Major League Baseball scouts,” he stated.

Butler’s pitch speed was up to 95-96 mph in 2022, and Hesier said it was a credit to not only him but the coaching staff.

“I think Coaches Luby, Ferino, and Roper had a lot to do with him figuring things out. He was a thrower, not a pitcher, and I think the staff really worked hard on teaching him the skills he needed to have to go to the next level.”

he wanted us to give it to him straight. He said, ‘Give it to me straight,’ and we kind of lit him up.”

Butler took what the staff said and went to work on improving those things. “He came back out and really finished 2022 strong. He went on to Herkimer and had a really good fall,” Heiser stated.

He’s the first local kid that has been drafted from the Diamond Dawgs, and Heiser thinks that makes it special. “I think it’s important to have local youth see that. No matter where you’re from, a small town in Upstate New York or LA. It doesn’t really matter. If you work hard enough, the scouts are going to find you.”

“I think Troy believed in what we do here and he had the opportunity to go other places, but he chose to stay here. We’re really happy for Troy and his family and wish him the best of luck as he moves on to the next stage of his life,” Heiser said.

Butler finished by saying, “This is the first year I’m Hesier said baseball is missing the playoffs with a game of failure, and the Diamond Dawgs. I he thinks Butler learned think this team has a lot how to deal with that of special players, and here. “He came into our we can make a good run. office this one time after I wish I could be here, but a bad outing, and Luby I’ll be cheering them on point blank asked him if from afar.”

Photo by Dave Warner - Troy Butler had the chance to throw out the ceremonial first pitch the night before he got on a plane to report to the Colorado Rockies.

Page 18

M O H A W K

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36th Annual Canal Celebration Events Pullout August 7, 2023 - August 13, 2023 Monday August 7, 2023 Little Falls Historical Society Museum Tours 319 South Ann St - Museum open for tours. Visit littlefallshistoricalsociety. org Annual Golumpki Sale & Rummage Sale 92 W Main St -Rummage Sale starts at 8 am every day -Food - noon until sold out Tuesday August 8, 2023 Annual Golumpki Sale & Rummage Sale 92 W Main St -Rummage Sale starts at 8 am every day -Food - noon until sold out Pooches on Parade Rotary Park -6 pm - Bring your pooch to Rotary Park and join our Pooch Parade.

Prizes, music, and fun. All funds to benefit Pause 4 All Paws. Sponsored by Chris & Dave Van Meter.

Church Street Cemetery gravesite tour -6:30 pm - The Little Falls Historical Society will conduct a walking tour of a number of important gravesites in the Church Street Cemetery. The African American burial ground cemetery section will be featured.

Wednesday August 9, 2023 Annual Golumpki Sale &

Rummage Sale 92 W Main St -Rummage Sale starts at 8 am every day -Food - noon until sold out Little Falls Public Library Book Sale Waverly Place 10 am - 7 pm -Used book sale - find fiction & non-fiction, young adult and kids books, plus DVDs for a great price. All funds go directly to the library.

Little Falls Historical Society Museum Tours 319 South Ann St - Museum open for tours. Visit littlefallshistoricalsociety. org 36th Annual LF Canal Celebration Fireworks Spectacular “Thunder on the River” Rotary Park - Southern Avenue Rain Date Saturday August 12, 2023 6 pm until dark -Live music, food, duck races, activities and fireworks over the river at dar. Moss Back Mule Band will perform live.

Little Falls Rotary Duck Race Rotary Park - Southern Avenue 7 pm - 8 pm Thursday August 10, 2023 Annual Golumpki Sale & Rummage Sale 92 W Main St -Rummage Sale starts at 8 am every day

-Food - noon until sold out Little Falls Public Library Book Sale Waverly Place 10 am - 7 pm -Used book sale - find fiction & non-fiction, young adult and kids books, plus DVDs for a great price. All funds go directly to the library.

Herkimer Home State Historic Site 200 State Rt 169 10 am - 5 pm -Tours of the Herkimer Home State Historic site built around 1764

by General Nicholas Herkimer, a Colonial frontier leader who died there from wounds suffered in the Battle of Oriskany in 1777.

Western Inland Lock Canal Guard Gate signage dedication Elizabeth Street in front of Hansen Island Bridge 11 am -Co-sponsored by the Little Falls Historical Society and Little Falls Rotary Club.

“Big Kids” Adult Fishing Derby Rotary Park - Canal Harbor 74 Southern Avenue Registration 3-4 pm Fish 4-8 pm - The “Big Kids” Adult Fishing Derby is an annual Little Falls Canal Celebration event that showcases the numerous species of fish that inhabit the waters of the Mohawk River/Erie Canal between Locks 17 and 18. Cash

prizes are awarded for the heaviest of each species caught. The derby is a catch & release format that promotes wildlife conservation of the local waterway. Door prizes are awarded to participants following the tournament that are financed by the continuous generous support of Feldmeier Industries. The various species of fish caught will be on display for all to seen in an observation tank, and later released.

Cruise In by Mike Rotary Park - Southern Avenue 5-8 pm -Cruise In featuring local favorite cars, trucks, and anything with wheels Little Falls American Legion Post 31 100 W Main Street -7-10 pm - Karaoke Friday August 11, 2023 Annual Golumpki Sale & Rummage Sale 92 W Main St -Rummage Sale starts at 8 am every day -Food - noon until sold out Little Falls Public Library Book Sale Waverly Place 10 am-5 pm -Used book sale - find fiction & non-fiction, young adult and kids books, plus DVDs for a great price. All funds go directly to the library.

Herkimer Home State Historic Site

200 State Rt 169 10 am - 5 pm - Tours of the Herkimer Home State Historic site built around 1764

by General Nicholas Herkimer, a Colonial frontier leader who died there from wounds suffered in the Battle of Oriskany in 1777.

Little Falls Historical Society Museum Tours 319 South Ann St - Museum open for tours. Visit littlefallshistoricalsociety. org Eastern Park Craft Fair & Farmers Market Eastern Park - Wards Square - Main St 2-10 -Local and regional crafters with their favorite wares. Food and entertainment & live music.

Holy Family Parish Ice Cream Social Corner of John & E Main St 5 - 7 pm 36th Annual Little Falls Canal Celebration Grande Parade Main & Albany Streets 6 pm Rain or Shine -Variety of local and regional participants music & trucks Canal Celebration 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Main Street across from M&T Bank 7 pm after the parade -3 v 3 basketball tournament ages 12 & under, 13-16, 16-18 w

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36th Annual Canal Celebration Events Pullout August 7, 2023 - August 13, 2023 prizes. Must pre register.

Rock Valley Brewing Company Live Music 56 W Mill Street 7 - 10:30 pm -Live Music at the Brewery. “Rev-D” featuring local musician Phil Scarano.

Little Falls Elks Lodge #42 2 West Gansevoort Street 7-11 pm -Live music on the porch featuring “Pine Ridge Mountain Band” - rain or shine. Age 21 & over only. Food & beverages for sale on the lawn under the tent. Full bar inside.

Saturday August 12, 2023 33rd Annual John Serow Memorial Youth Fishing Derby Lock 17 Rt 169 under the Wind Bridge 7 am Registration Fishing 8 - 11 am -Fishing derby for children 1-15 year with trophies and prizes.

Annual Golumpki Sale & Rummage Sale 92 W Main St -Rummage Sale starts at 8 am every day -Food - noon until sold out Little Falls Historical Society Museum Tours 319 South Ann St - Museum open for tours. Visit littlefallshistoricalsociety. org Dr. Tony Piana Annual

Rotary Golf Tournament Mohawk Valley Golf and Events Center 8 am registration - 9 am start -Four person scramble includes cart, coffee, donuts, lunch, beverage, goodie bags, mulligans, skins and prizes.

Little Falls Farmers Market M&T parking lot 8 am until noon -Fresh local produce, baked goods, flowers Holy Family Parish 9 am - 4 pm -Holy Family Parish will be open for the community during the day for visitors. A tour is scheduled at 1:00p.m.

Visitors are welcome to stay for a while to pray, and to attend Mass at 5 p.m.

Iron Man classic power lifting competition 15 Jackson Street 9 am -Bench and dead lift competition. Men, women, team weight classes (13 and up).

9th Annual Pause 4 All Paws - Adopt a Pawlooza Eastern Park 9 am - 3 pm - Adoptables, dog parade, p4ap merchandise, children’s bingo, basket raffle Herkimer Home State Historic Site 200 State Rt 169 10 am - 5 pm - Tours of the Herkimer Home State Historic

site built around 1764

by General Nicholas Herkimer, a Colonial frontier leader who died there from wounds suffered in the Battle of Oriskany in 1777.

Little Falls Public Library Book Sale Waverly Place 10 am - 3 pm.

-Used book sale - find fiction & non-fiction, young adult and kids books, plus DVDs for a great price. All funds go directly to the library.

Eastern Park Craft Fair & Farmers Market Eastern Park - Wards Square - Main St 10-5 -Local and regional crafters with their favorite wares. Food and entertainment & live music.

Chicks Along the Canal Canal Place - Sterzinar Park 10 am - 5 pm -Showcasing local and regional talented women entrepreneurs. Live entertainment and food choices all day.

Southside Walking Tour Rotary Park 10:30 am -This program will focus only on the Southside south of the Mohawk River/Barge Canal. If you could not finish beyond Casler Street previously, come hear what stories you missed as well as new ones.

Vintage Base Ball Veterans Memorial Park

Noon -Come watch some vintage base ball from the 19th century as the Little Falls Alerts play the Delhi Polecats.

-Local and regional crafters with their favorite wares. Food and entertainment & live music.

Rock Valley Brewing Company Live Music 56 W Mill Street 7 - 10:30 pm -Live Music at the Brewery. National recording artist “J. B. Aaron.”

Herkimer Home State Historic Site 200 State Rt 169 10 am - 5 pm - Tours of the Herkimer Home State Historic site built around 1764

by General Nicholas Herkimer, a Colonial frontier leader who died there from wounds suffered in the Battle of Oriskany in 1777.

Little Falls Elks Lodge #42 2 West Gansevoort Street 7-11 pm -Live music on the porch featuring “The Posers” from Ilion - rain or shine.

Age 21 & over only. Food & beverages for sale on the lawn under the tent.

Full bar inside.

Sunday August 13, 2023 Annual Golumpki Sale & Rummage Sale 92 W Main St -Rummage Sale starts at 8 am every day -Food - noon until sold out 36th Annual Little Falls Canal Celebration Car Show Burke Park - Gansevoort Street 9-4 pm -Trophies for each class, chairman’s trophy, people’s choice trophy, DJ & Food.

Eastern Park Craft Fair & Farmers Market Eastern Park - Wards Square - Main St 10-4

Little Falls Elks Lodge #42 2 West Gansevoort Street -Famous chicken & ribs BBQ on the lawn, noon until sold out. Rain or Shine. Visit the Classic Car Show in Burke Park across the street and then stop at the edge for a bite to eat. Public invited, all ages welcome. Dining available outside under the tent or inside with A/C. Full bar open inside.

Little Falls American Legion Post 31 100 W Main Street -1-5 pm - Rope Smokin Roy the Hair Farmer and his Orphans of the Storm Band -6-10 pm - Pine Mountain Band

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Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley plans two events in August An Gorta Mor - The Great Hunger Join us at The H.A.R.P. Museum at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley on Wednesday August 9 at 7:00 PM for a talk about The Great Hunger.

The years between 1845 and 1852 altered the course of history for Ireland and the world.

In Ireland, this period is known as An Gorta Mor, The Great Hunger.

During this time, roughly 1 million people died and another million fled Ireland.

Mark Sisti will discuss the myths and truths about this time in Ireland, and how it affected the people, the country, and

the world. Come and learn about this tragic period in Ireland, and how its effects still resonate today.

Our presenter, Mark Sisti, is a local musician, teacher, lecturer, and Irish historian.

accessible and open to all. Please register for free on Eventbrite by visiting our events

calendar

at

https://

www.iccmv.org/eventscalendar/.

women and their stories will delight and inspire you.

If you like exciting stories of heroism, daring, and innovation, you’ll enjoy “Stories of Amazing Irish Women.” It’s a program presented by Stories of Amazing Sue Romero at the Irish Irish Women Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley on August Join us at The H.A.R.P. 23 at 7:00pm.

Museum at the Irish Cultural Center of the Sue is a freelance writer, Mohawk Valley on substitute teacher, and Wednesday August 23 at musician with Craobh 7:00 PM for Stories of Dugan-O’Looney.

Amazing Irish Women.

The event will be held at They stood up to the Irish Cultural Center monarchs, built a flying of the Mohawk Valley, machine, wrote science 623 Columbia St, Utica, books, and saved NY. The Irish Cultural thousands of children’s Center and the H.A.R.P. lives. They were all Irish Museum are wheelchair

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