Mohawk Valley Express Volume 3 Number 8 August 2023

Canal Celebration returns August 7-13

By Dave Warner

The City of Little Falls invites you to attend Canal Celebration. The festival is in its 36th year and celebrates the community, heritage, and spirit that makes Little Falls a unique place in the Mohawk Valley. It will run from August 7, 2023, through August 13, 2023.

The beginning idea for the festival started with local business leaders who wanted to showcase Little Falls, what it had

to offer, its importance geographically in the State, and its relation to the Erie Canal.

Tony DeLuca, chairperson for the event, stated, “They wanted a vehicle to bring people into Little Falls to benefit the businesses. The business association was teetering, and they didn’t have a strong local presence at that time, but the people that remained in the group thought that a celebration would bring people into town, see

what we had, look at the storefronts, and realize that we had a lot to offer.”

The group also felt that focusing on the Canal was unique, so the name Canal Celebration seemed to fit.

“The group created a committee that worked on different aspects, including themes, programs, and dates. They settled on an August date. It started as ‘maybe let’s do a weekend,’ but as ideas surfaced, it grew

a whole week,” he said.

DeLuca said they scanned the calendar to ensure

they didn’t interfere with other events in the area and settled on the second week of August.

Please See CANAL Page 3

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

By Denise Gregorka

Jill Rae Vennera of ‘Jill Rae Signs’ & ‘Easels on the Gogh’ has been serving the community with her artistic talents for over 40 years and is still having fun doing it!

The Young Artist

Jill Rae was born and lived in Connecticut until

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

As a child, Jill loved to draw. She stated, “My mother tells me that I was born with a crayon in my hand.” Her grandfather was an artist who did woodworking, sculpture, 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

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

Photo by Denise Gregorka

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.

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 have to breathe toxic chemicals.”

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.

Her next cutting machine had a computer screen, but it still lacked the capabilities of making

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

HerkimerCountyOfficefortheAginghasFarmersMarketCoupons available.ThesecouponsarenowavailableattheOfficeforthe Agingaswehavecompletedourcommunitydistribution.Ifsomeone isovertheageof60yearsandundertheincomeguidelinesthey canreceivethe$25Farmer ’s MarketCouponBooklet.

Thecouponscanbeusedonlocallygrown(NYandadjacentstates) fruitsandvegetables.Nojams,jellies,honey,bakedgoods,etc. Individualsshouldlookforfarmersthatdisplaythe signstatingthey acceptfarmersmarketcoupons.

Individualsmustbepresenttosignfortheircoupons.Iftheyare unabletomakeittocomeintotheoffice,theycancomplete aproxy formandsendsomeoneintheirplace.POAscanalsopickup couponsforindividualsbutmustprovidethePOApaperwork.Once thecouponsarepickeduptheycansend aproxytothefarmers markettousethemwithoutanydocumentation.

LostorstolencouponsCANNOTbereplaced.

Ifanyonehasanyquestionsaboutthecoupons theycancall 315-867-1124.

VS.

NewYorkYankees BostonRed Sox Sat. Aug19 at

A$25 deposit(totalprice $195) will reserveaplace on thebus to NYCand astadium seat.

Busleaves6:00am from DolgevilleHighSchool

Additional pickupsatLittleFalls, St.Johnsville andCanajoharie Thruwayexit.

Game starts @1.05pm

CarmenL icari(518)-727-6024

Tony Susi (518) 332-1556

THE PERFEC TGIFT

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

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

ARTIST

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.

Over the years, though, as the volunteers were asked to do more with less

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

“So now we’re at a point where extraneous things like the pandemic impacted it. We were probably at the smallest group ever handling the event when it hit.”

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:

36th Annual Little Falls Canal Celebration Fireworks Spectacular

“Thunder on the River” at Rotary Park (marina) features live music by Moss Back Mule, food trucks, Rotary’s duck dash fundraiser, bounce houses, and more.

Thursday, August 10: “Big Kids” Adult Fishing Derby and Mike’s Cruise In car show at Rotary Park (marina).

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, financed by the continuous generous support of Feldmeier

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

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

Friday, August 11:

Eastern Park Craft Fair & Farmers Market from 2-10 pm on East Main Street. Local and regional crafters with their favorite wares. Food and entertainment & live music.

The Grande Parade goes down Main and Albany Streets and starts at 6 pm, rain or shine.

Following the parade, Kids on Main will be

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 “Rev-D” featuring local musician Phil Scarano.

Saturday, August 12:

The day starts with the 33rd Annual John Serow Memorial Youth Fishing Derby at Lock 17 with a 7 am registration. Canal Place will be alive with Chicks Along the Canal in Sterzinar Park, and there’s an Iron Man classic powerlifting competition at the Youth

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

Please See CANAL Page 5

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 MarinaRotary Park.

August 4, 2023

Herkimer 9 Foundation Golf Tournament - MV Golf and Event Center 8 am.

August 8, 2023

Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

August 10, 2023

Cruise In by Mike - 5 - 8 pm, Little Falls MarinaRotary 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.

August 16, 2023

Golf Commission Meeting - 8:00 am at the Little Falls Municipal Golf Course.

August 17, 2023

Cruise In by Mike - 5 - 8 pm, Little Falls MarinaRotary Park.

August 21, 2023

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 24, 2023

BBQ chicken and pulled

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

August 24, 2023

Cruise In by Mike - 5 - 8 pm, Little Falls MarinaRotary Park.

August 31, 2023

Cruise In by Mike - 5 - 8 pm, Little Falls MarinaRotary Park - Fireworks finale.

Little Falls Elks

August 8, 2023

Lodge meeting 7pm. All members are encouraged to attend.

August 11, 2023

Canal Days at LF Elks

Lodge! Live music on the porch 7-11pm, featuring “Pine Ridge Mountain 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.

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

August 13, 2023

Canal Days at LF Elks

Lodge! Famous Chicken & Ribs BBQ on the lawn, noon until sold out. Visit the Classic Car Show in Burke Park across the street and then stop at the lodge for a bite to eat! Public invited, all ages welcome. Dining available outside under tent or inside with A\C. Full bar open inside.

August 22, 2023

Lodge meeting 7pm. All members are encouraged to attend.

August 31, 2023

$1,000 monthly raffle drawing at 9pm at LF Lodge. Only 200 tickets will be sold, @$10 each. Age 21 & over only.

Dolgeville

August 5, 2023

Blueberries, Blues & BBQ Festival - Plowe Park Area 9 am - 4 pm.

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

August 12, 2023

8:30 am - 1st Annual Dolgeville Violet Festival Golf Tournament, Little Falls Municipal Golf Course, 896 E Monroe St. $100 nonmembers, $65 members. Registration includes: golf with cart, breakfast, lunch, dinner, longest drive, closest to the pin, prizes, 50/50, silent auction and more. To register call 315-8684130.

Salisbury

Salisbury Historical Society Open Every Sunday 1pm-3pm

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

August Truck and ATV Sand Drags - 2 Day

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.

& Family Center. The craft fair continues in Eastern Park, and Veterans Memorial Park hosts Vintage Baseball. The Dr. Tony Piana Annual Rotary Club Golf Tournament is at the Mohawk Valley Golf & Event Center, and the Little Falls Farmers Market is in the M&T parking lot. The Elks host live music with “The Posers” and their annual party. Rock Valley Brewing Co. has live music with national

recording artist “J. B. Aaron.”

Sunday, August 13: Burke (Western) Park features the 36th annual Little Falls Canal Celebration Car Show while the Elks host their famous chicken BBQ at noon. The craft fair continues in Eastern Park, and there will be live music at the American Legion Post 31 with the “Pine Ridge Mountain Band.”

The Little Falls Youth & Family Center and the

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.

CANAL From Page 3

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.

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

had some of my clients for decades.”

Easels on the Gogh

Easels on the Gogh is a full-service mobile painting studio offering painting parties throughout the Mohawk Valley and beyond.

Around eight years ago, Jill decided to go back to school for Art Therapy classes. She stated, “I had a blast...it was so fun!

I got straight A’s because life’s experiences do that

for you.”

She did sculpture, painting & pottery with many other interesting classes as well.

She says she mostly did it for fun, but then her business side got her thinking ...”Hmmm, I could do a ‘Paint & Sip’ because we don’t have any of them here.” They were mostly franchises, and they were just starting to pop up. “I created my own, and because it was a mobile, I would come

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 - 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.

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

She offers event parties, private parties, fundraising, colleges, team building, kids parties, adult parties, and more with the motto “Where friends become artists, and artists become friends.”

The business has really taken off, and loads of people have participated in ‘Paint & Sip.’ Jills states, “We started to have kid’s parties, and I was so happy to see that. It’s something cultural, and kids love to paint!”

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 love that feeling!”.

Jill noted, “I do a lot with the elderly & nursing homes, which is great for their motor skills. It’s really beneficial to them, more mentally than anything, that they can do this, and they are proud of it. The art hangs in their room, and it brightens their life up.”

Jill loves her sign & painting businesses and hopes to do both as long as she can.

Cheese Festival

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.”

Over the years, Jill Rae has been a part of many local civic organizations. She concluded, “It is important to be involved in the community & social clubs like Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, etc. You have to give back to the community.” With all of Jill’s businesses, she loves interacting with people. “I talk a lot, and I am friendly. I enjoy people. I really do. Life is fun, and it keeps you young.”

For more info call 315868-6002.

Some of Jill Rae’s Irish Beer Cheese.

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.

The 84th annual Reunion is planned this year to be held August 26 and 27. Snell-ZimmermanTimmerman Reunion Inc. was formed 85 years ago. There will be fundraising events on the 26th with a “Tent Sale” from 10 am until 4 pm. Small items and collectibles (some antiques) will be sold outside the church under the tents. Starting at 6 pm, there will be

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 cemetery where several Revolutionary War, War of 1812, WWI, and Civil War veterans are buried. The worship service will begin at 11 am. Once again, the old pump organ will be played for the reunion hymn “Faith of Our Fathers.” After the service, a short business meeting will be held, and a catered lunch will be provided.

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!

Cheese heese Festival! estival!

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

Dolgeville-Manheim Historical Society Receives Special Loan

By Carol Vogel

Housed in a protective glass frame, a deed written on animal hide is an important local historical land document. The Snell-Zimmerman Land Patent is now on display at the DolgevilleManheim Historical Society Museum. Written in 1734 and involving settlers from Germany, local Indigenous people, and the English government, this

document weaves a story of historical significance and understanding. While it is a complex and fascinating story that spans many years, this short overview will give you a glimpse into the first European settlers of the Mohawk Valley.

Settling the Mohawk Valley

The Snell-Zimmerman Land Patent is a lesson in land acquisition and

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

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

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

reads:

Kendall Martin

“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…”

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

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

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. Over years of moving and being handed down through generations, the patent was lost many times. Local families

Please See LOAN Page 10

Dolgeville - Manheim Historical Society Museum

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.

Orin contacted members of the SnellZimmerman-Timmerman Reunion board, a local genealogical and family reunion group that preserves the history of these early settlers of our

THE GRAND ADULT DAY

We

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.

About the Snell-Zimmerman-Timmerman Descendants

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.

Membership was established by the original bylaws (1942): “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 above objectives shall be associate members.”

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, 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 the public and held at the Snells Bush Church. This year’s reunion luncheon will take place on Sunday, August 27th. An Ice

Please See LOAN Page 11

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

AMENITIES SERVICES

INSURANCES ACCEPTED: MEDICAID, MANAGED MEDICAID, VA, PRIVATE PAY, VOUCHERS

MONDAY-FRIDAY

MOHAWK VALLEY

LOAN From Page 9

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.

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

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.

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

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,” says Cameron.

Most produce available at large grocery stores traveled a great distance before reaching the shelves, making it vitamin depleted and lower in nutritional value compared to fresher foods.

Cameron explained, “Vitamin C content is the most important nutrient depleted. From the moment a fruit is cleaved from the vine, it starts losing Vitamin C. There are many diseases associated with a deficit of vitamin C. This vitamin is critical for tissue health, fighting disease, and it is a critical nutrient in combating the effects of lead poisoning, which causes neurological and organ damage. Lead poisoning is a pervasive issue in Herkimer County, just as it is in other postindustrial communities.”

There is also an environmental impact from our current food system.

“Food travels an average of 1800 miles before it gets to your plate. Food transportation increases emissions. And, the massive infrastructural overhead that comes with large agricultural intensive farming, like what you see out west, is ecologically devastating.” explained Cameron.

Further, our local farmers know which plant species are acclimated to this area and, therefore, naturally more resistant to our local pests and climate, reducing the need for agricultural intervention.

Eating locally-grown food also benefits our local economy. Supporting our farms keeps food dollars local, creates agricultural jobs, and helps our farming families thrive. If local farms are

prospering, Mohawk Valley farmland is kept open and productive.

Another consideration is the cultural relevance of supporting local farms. The Mohawk Valley is home to farms that are growing crops handed down for generations, including Heirloom varieties. Supporting these farms helps to maintain the farming tradition of the Mohawk Valley and preserves our unique heritage.

Societally we are trying to rebuild a system that was here 75-100 years ago but went away due to the centralization of our economy. The local economic ecosystem has gone away with the giants.

“It is possible, through the resiliency of our

communities, to rejuvenate local food economies and all the culture and community that comes along with that,” Cameron said with optimism.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Herkimer County assists with the local food supply by supporting local farmers and farmer’s markets and connecting the community with access to local food, including education on how to buy and prepare fresh produce.

Cameron detailed the work CCE is doing in our community to influence the local food movement: “We educate health providers to better serve farmers as the farming community has unique risk factors influencing health outcomes. We provide workshops that build skills within the farming community, such as marketing workshops during the off-season. Our Field Crop, Dairy, and Livestock Ag Team is out in the field helping farmers thrive. We provide education at Farmer’s Please See BANG Page 15

A Foreigner’s Good Opinion of Little Falls

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.

The writer, after referring to the trouble which some of our citizens had taken to make his visit agreeable, says:

“I was impressed with the unostentatious manner in which I was treated, and

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 8,000, seven commercial hotels, seventy-five

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.

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,

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.”

GiGi’s Italian Feast expanding their offerings

By Dave Warner

GiGi’s Italian Feast is a family-owned Italian Restaurant that has been open for a few weeks in the old Italian Feast

location at 40 West Main Street in Little Falls.

They have been serving specialty pizza along with other Italian favorites and are moving from take-

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

Lori Almaviva and her husband, John, now own the place, and she said it was all his idea. “He was born in Italy, and he spent the first couple of years of his life there. At some point, he went into a pizzeria here in the U.S. and said, ‘I want to do this someday,’ so here we are.”

Lori is a nurse, and John works full-time as well, and the idea to purchase the Italian Feast happened quickly.

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

She said that they laid out a plan about what they wanted and how they would open and feels that they’re moving pretty fast. Last Sunday they had their first brunch and a chance to practice indoor dining.

“That will be a really good litmus test for us for indoor dining. It runs from 10 am - 1:30 pm. Part of the holdup was getting our liquor license, and we just got our temporary.”

Lori said that one of the

reasons for the pace was that she didn’t want to overwhelm herself or John. “We’re not restauranteurs by any stretch of the imagination. There’s always a bigger picture, even if you’re anxious to make back some of the money we’ve spent on the remodel.”

She said the brunch will give them an opportunity to get their feet wet with indoor dining and help train the staff. “We just hired three people to help with the cooking, so now I can back off to manage the restaurant and take care of the orders.”

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.”

The servers that Lori has hired are all professionals with experience. “They’ve done this before and work extremely well together.”

She expects to be able to watch how the brunch goes and apply the lessons learned to the entire staff before fully opening.

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

Photo by Dave Warner - Lori Almaviva learns to work the register.

FEAST From Page 14

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.

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.

“I’m very happy with the way things came out, and I hope we get lots of

people to come in, see it, and enjoy it,” she said. “It’s been exciting.”

BANG From Page 12

Markets through the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. We provide 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,

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.

Fresh vegetables from a local farmer’s market.

Mohawk Valley favorite Butler gets drafted for MLB

By Dave Warner

Fort Plain native, Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawg favorite, and Herkimer College standout pitcher Troy Butler has been drafted in the 20th round by the Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball organization.

July 21st was Butler’s last night with the Dawgs as he had to jump on a plane Saturday morning to fly out and report in.

He threw the first pitch out, signed autographs for fans, and then said farewell to teammates before heading out.

Butler spoke about his youth and getting started and how he graduated with only 45-50 kids in his high school class.

“Fort Plain’s a small town but a big baseball town. It was nice growing up, especially with Craig Phillips. It was awesome having him as a coach.”

He said that he’s been in baseball since he was three years old. “I just fell in love with it. I always said that I played other sports to stay in shape for baseball. I’d play soccer and basketball just to stay in shape.”

“When I was in sixth grade, and we were playing Frankfort, I hit

a home run. It was my second home run in my entire career. It was the hardest ball I’ve ever hit, and it was a big moment for my family and me,” he stated.

“I know I’m a pitcher, but that moment definitely stands out for me.”

Butler said that he

started pitching in eighth grade. He really started getting into it in the last few years.

As for Little Falls and the last three years with the Diamond Dawgs, he said, “I love it here. This is like my home. I love school ball, don’t get me wrong, but nothing beats coming here. I know it’s close, and some kids want to get away from their families, but I just love being here with Travis (Heiser - team owner), Coach Luby, and Fereno. They’re like my second family.”

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

Photo by Dave Warner - Troy Butler fires a pitch home during one of the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawg games this year.

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.”

Hesier said baseball is a game of failure, and he thinks Butler learned how to deal with that here. “He came into our office this one time after a bad outing, and Luby point blank asked him if

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 missing the playoffs with the Diamond Dawgs. I think this team has a lot of special players, and we can make a good run. I wish I could be here, but I’ll be cheering them on 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.

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 participantsmusic & 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

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 RegistrationFishing 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.

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.”

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

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

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 -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

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.

Stories of Amazing Irish Women

Join us at The H.A.R.P. Museum at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley on Wednesday August 23 at 7:00 PM for Stories of Amazing Irish Women.

They stood up to monarchs, built a flying machine, wrote science books, and saved thousands of children’s lives. They were all Irish

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 Sue Romero at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley on August 23 at 7:00pm.

Sue is a freelance writer, substitute teacher, and musician with Craobh Dugan-O’Looney.

The event will be held at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, 623 Columbia St, Utica, NY. The Irish Cultural Center and the H.A.R.P. Museum are wheelchair

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

calendar at https:// www.iccmv.org/eventscalendar/.