Mohawk Valley Express Volume 3 Number 10 October 2023

8th Annual Cheese Festival October 7th!

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VOLUME 3: NUMBER 10

OCTOBER 2023

Festival pro tips for the 2023 Little Falls Cheese Festival LITTLE FALLS, NY – The eighth annual Little Falls Cheese Festival is just around the corner – Saturday, October 7th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To help you prepare for the event, here are some tips from cheese festival pros: *Check out the website, littlefallscheesefestival. com, before you go. Not

only will that give you an opportunity to scout out vendors and make a wish list, but you’ll also be able to see the times and locations of music acts and free performances of “Where’s the Cheese?” by the Little Falls Theater. *Wear comfortable walking shoes. The Little Falls Cheese Festival Please See CHEESE Page 5

Photo by Dave Warner - A crowd of over 10,000 people visited the 2022 Little Falls Cheese Festival.

This year, there are additiional vendors, shuttles, and bathrooms available.

Little Falls Resident, Deena Bak, Reflects on Her 2023 “Burning Man” Experience

By Denise Gregorka

Photo submitted - Deena and Larry wearing plastic bags.

By now, most people have become familiar with the Burning Man Festival because of the recent wild weather, which has recently held up thousands of people in the Nevada desert.

Deena Bak of Little Falls was there and recounted her experience from this

year’s Burning Man.

estimated 73,000 people attended this year. This What is Burning experimental arts festival Man builds a city of 70,000+ people in the middle of Burning Man 2023 was Nevada’s desert once a a week-long gathering in year. The event is guided the Black Rock Desert by ten stated principles: in Pershing County, radical inclusion, gifting, Nevada.

The 35th decommodification, Burning Man event took radical self-reliance, place from August 27th to September 4th. An Please See BURNING Page 2

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BURNING From Page 1 radical self-expression, communal effort, civic responsibility, leaving no trace, participation, and immediacy.

This season, the attendees were challenged by close to an inch of rain. The rain created a sticky mud that caused organizers to announce a stay-in-place order. While emergency vehicles were still able to move, bathrooms were unable to be serviced, ice was rationed, and many people’s belongings were damaged.

I asked Deena what attracted her to Burning Man. She stated, “I heard about the event about ten years ago, and I’ve always been drawn to artistic experiences for the free-spirited. It sounded like the ultimate adventure to me. I think I was attracted by all of the big art installations and especially the costumes.

I am a Leo, and I love playing dress-up. I love the idea that you can be whoever you want to be at Burning Man with no questions asked.

It is an environment of

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They arrived at Burning Man very early in the morning on Monday, August 28th, and were happy to have timed it to not have to wait in a large line like many of the entrants did The Gift There is no commercial buying or selling, and the crowd is encouraged to barter or give away items in order to preserve the spirit of gifting. The community seeks to create social environments that are unmediated by commercial s p o n s o r s h i p s ,

transactions, or advertising. Burning Man encourages radical selfreliance, allowing the individual to discover, exercise, and rely on their inner resources. Deena and Larry knew just what they could share with people. They are the owners of Diamond Mountain Mining here in Little Falls and mine Herkimer Diamonds from their land. They also have live gem shows showcasing gems from all over the world. Deena stated, “Everybody brings the fun. Everything is put on by the people, for the people. It’s incredibly participatory. They say there are no observers at Burning Man. There’s no such thing as a passive observer.” Deena and Larry were part of a theme

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camp which was named “Solar Powered Snow Cones.” She stated, “We served snow cones to everybody on the playa every afternoon.”

She added, “Our personal gift to the playa was a Crystal Cart. I love crystals, and we have no shortage of them, so we basically made a little lemonade stand that would tuck into my friend’s wagon. We had a banner on top that said “But of Quartz” because puns are very popular in the world of Burning Man. I thought the crystals would last us for days, but they were gone in an hour and a half. A crowd of people gathered around. It was honestly one of my favorite parts of the Burn. You know the saying that ‘when you give, the giver receives a gift.’ It was a joy seeing the recipient’s faces light up. It made many people happy, and it brought me a lot of joy. I had so much fun interacting with everybody. That cart was so much fun.”

Entertainment There was non-stop music, color, and enjoyment coming from all around the camps.

The DJ, Diplo, who was on the news as one of the people who walked out of Burning Man with Chris Rock, was camped close to her in the “Looner’s Camp.”

On Friday morning, Deena woke up to an opal sky. A crowd near-by was watching a hot-air balloon and listening to music. She looked around to find the DJ and then saw that it was Diplo in the balloon basket. He had his whole sound system set up Please See BURNING Page 3

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BURNING From Page 1 in the balloon. Deena watched him perform. He came down and greeted everyone.

The Rain Deena and Larry planned to watch the Man burn on Saturday night and then go home on Sunday morning.

She stated, “The rain started Friday night, and we stayed sequestered in our RV and tried to sleep through most of it. We couldn’t go anywhere.

We didn’t have any negative emotions. It was more like acceptance and surrender. I was a little anxious that I would miss the Man Burn. At first, I didn’t realize how long the delay would be, and then it stretched on. I was thinking, ‘This is going to affect our RV return, my pet’s care at home, and my business.’” They accepted that they had to stay put and could hear that the party kept going.

They could hear music going late into the morning hours during the rain.

you would literally sink.

Your tires would sink right in. We were stuck in place. You could walk, but your boots would pick up all the mud. It was super sticky and would build up 4” thick on the bottom of your boots.

One of the funny things was watching people develop their footwear as the rain went on. I tried to tape plastic bags around my calves. We saw two people walking by, and I said, ‘They look like pros.’

They told us, ‘The key is: sock, bag, shoe sock.’

The sock on the outside gave them traction in the mud. People used every combination you could think of. It was just hilarious watching people slide around.

The footwear was quite entertaining.”

I was curious if they observed any uneasiness with the people around them. Deena stated, “I can’t speak to the totality of the experience. I am sure many people had a bad time if they weren’t prepared, if their tent flooded, or if they ran out of food and weren’t planning to stay

two extra days. Many of us were very wellstocked and provisionally prepared. The general attitude that I saw was just community and care. I watched a camp take down one of their structures, and they did it ‘fireman brigade style.

The whole camp lined up, probably seventy-five people, and they took the pieces of the dome apart and transported them across the mud with everyone standing in a line. Teamwork. Other people in our camp got together and made sure that anybody with a tent that may be wet had an RV to go to and that everybody had enough water. I didn’t see a ton of anxiety, at least where I was. Everyone was taking care of one another and in good spirits.”

Photo submitted - Deena, with her crystal cart.

The Exodus Leaving Burning Man was its own experience.

Deena recalled, “We started exodus early on Monday and finally got to the line around noon. You don’t just leave Burning Please See BURNING Page 7

As far as getting around, that was the problem.

Deena said, “In Burning Man, you have to ride a bike. It is incredibly vast, and it is a super big city!

Without a bike, you can’t really do too much. The bikes couldn’t get through the mud. It was so sticky

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS - OCTOBER and over 120 varieties of cheese to sample, the October 3, 2023 2022 festival drew an Traffic Committee 6:15 estimated 10,000 visitors pm in the Mayor’s to the community from Conference room in City all over the Northeast.

Hall.

For details, visit www. littlefallscheesefestival.

October 3, 2023 com.

Common Council Meeting - Auditing of the October 10, 2023 bills: 6:30 p.m. Regular Recreation Commission Meeting: 7:00 p.m. City 6:00 pm in the Mayor’s Hall.

Conference room in City Hall.

October 7, 2023 Little Falls Cheese October 11, 2023 Festival, downtown, 10 Urban Renewal Agency am - 5 pm. The Little - 8:15 am - Mayor’s Falls Cheese Festival Conference room in City has become known Hall. as New York State’s premier gathering October 15, 2023 of cheesemakers, H a g g o w w e e n reminiscent of its early Spectacular 2:00 pm history as the nation’s - 5:30 pm - Paradise cheese market capital. Gardens, Gatherings & With 80 booths, 22 New Gifts, 475 Dice Rd. A York cheesemakers, family-friendly event, free City of Little Falls

admission. Come see Llama and Alpacas, food trucks/vendors, music, games & prizes, and the Happy Haggs Dance Troupe of CNY! October 16, 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.

the area. It’s an evening of visiting with friends, taking the family out, and looking at the Halloween decorations, and a Citywide night of community spirit. It runs from 5-7 pm.

Little Falls Elks

October 7, 2023 Porch Party - Join us for an outdoor lawn/porch party featuring fall views, food, drinks and fun. Kick October 18, 2023 off the party with free Golf Commission wine tastings from 3 pm Meeting - 8:00 am at the on. Corn hole tournament Little Falls Municipal Golf starts at 3:30 pm. $10/ Course. person, pick your own partners. 100% payback.

October 23, 2023 Board of Public Works October 13, 2023 Meeting - Bills 6:30 pm Fall Forest Paint and Sip. and Regular Session 6:30 pm - 9 pm. $35 per 7:00 pm in the Mayor’s prepaid 11x14 canvas.

Conference room in City Sign up ahead of time.

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October 20, 2023 October 31, 2023 Join us for a night of Halloween in Little Falls laughter featuring 3 is a fun, family-friendly comedians on Friday, at event that draws children 7:30 at the Little Falls and adults from all over Elks club. Tickets are $20

per person and $35 a couple pre-paid. Tickets are $25 per person and $40 a couple at the door.

Come and have some fun and support the Lodge!

Frankfort October 21, 2023 The Helping Animals Live Organization (H.A.L.O.) is having its 10th Annual Holiday Craft & Gift Show from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Ilion/Frankfort VFW. Admission is free.

There will be food, a bake sale, and raffles. All proceeds will benefit the organization.

Ilion October 12-13, 2023 10 am - 5 pm - Rummage sale St Augustin Church, 78 Second St, Ilion.

October 14, 2023 10 am - noon - Bag Day Two bags for $3.00.

M O H A W K CHEESE From Page 1 stretches across five blocks of Main Street, and you’ll want to cruise the entire length of the festival to make sure you don’t miss anything. *Bring a cooler bag to keep your purchases fresh – it can get warm in October. *Plan to leave your dog at home. The festival organizers love dogs, but the event is on pavement and likely to be crowded, making for a stressful outing for our four-legged friends. Service dogs only, please. *Take advantage of the free shuttle service to and from downtown Little Falls. No cruising around looking for parking, no stress, no worries – and we’ve added busses

this year, so less waiting. Signs will steer visitors to free parking at either Veteran’s Field (274 Burwell Street) or Industrial Park (25 Industrial Park), with shuttle buses running continuously from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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court” in the M&T Bank parking lot offers a full variety of refreshments and includes live music and plenty of shaded seating.

dairy tools, colonial clothing, depictions of dairy production during that time, and (weather permitting) periodic demonstrations *Above all else, have fun! using 18th-century The Little Falls Cheese reproductions of butter churns, cheese presses, and other tools. The booth will also feature *Pick up the free Festival children’s activities, such Program Booklet when as mason jar butteryou arrive. Not only making. will this have a helpful map in the centerfold, *Arrive at 10 a.m. when but the booklet contains the festival opens. It’s the information about Little best way to ensure your Falls’ involvement in favorite vendors haven’t cheese history. run out of anything, and you’ll likely beat the *Speaking of cheese crowds. history, be sure to check out the Herkimer Home *Don’t forget to take a booth at the M&T Bank mid-day break! Not pocket park (501 E. Main only will all of the local Street). New for this year’s restaurants, pubs, and festival, the Herkimer cafes be open, but our Home booth will feature popular “food truck food

Festival is New York State’s premier gathering of cheesemakers, with an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people in attendance last year.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or by visiting littlefallscheesefestival. com.

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Irish Ghosts, Banshees, & Fairies Join us at The H.A.R.P. Museum at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley on Wednesday October 25 at 7:00 PM and learn about the origins of Halloween from the Irish Samhain tradition.

In old Ireland, Halloween was known as Samhain — the time of year when the barrier between ours and the spirit world was thinnest. Many of our bestknown scary legends and

Halloween symbols: Jack O’ the Lantern, witches on brooms, costumes, and trick-or-treating trace their origins to Ireland.

Our seanchaí agus ceoltoirí (storytellers and musicians) will be Susan Romero, Bill Fahy, Mike Carroll and Mike Hoke of Craobh Dugan-O’Looney.

Join us on Wednesday, October 30, at 7:00pm for spooky stories and real fairy tales from Irish folklore.

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 visit our events calendar at iccmv. org/my-calendar/ for the Eventbrite link to register for this free event or leave a message at the ICC 315-733-4228 Extension 6.

SENIOR MEALS FOR OCTOBER 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.

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Oct 02 - Tuna casserole, peas, beets, frosted birthday cake.

Oct 03 - Beef stew, biscuit, tossed salad, peanut butter cookie.

Oct 04 - Meatloaf, rice pilaf, Brussels sprouts, apple.

Oct 05 - Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, broccoli, chocolate ice cream.

Oct 06 - Frittata, sausage patty, muffin, hash browns, fruit cup.

Oct 09 - Closed for Columbus Day. Oct 10 - Macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes and zucchini, green beans, brownie.

Oct 11 - Chicken stir fry with vegetables, rice, sherbet.

Oct 12 - Chili con carne with shredded cheese, corn bread, tossed salad, sugar cookie.

Oct 13 - Philly cheeseburger, creamed potatoes, dill carrots, apple crisp.

Oct 16 - Cream of broccoli soup, egg salad sandwich, chocolate chip cookie.

Oct 17 - Roast turkey dinner, stuffing, mixed vegetables, Mandarin oranges.

Oct 18 - Oktoberfest! Sauerbraten, German potato salad, red cabbage, black forest cake.

Oct 19 - Chicken cacciatore, rotini in sauce, Italian green beans, fruit cocktail.

Oct 20 - Ham and scalloped potatoes, peas and carrots, vanilla ice cream.

Oct 23 - Pot roast, boiled potatoes, carrots, frosted cupcake.

Oct 24 - Chicken and rice casserole, beets, green beans, pudding.

Oct 25 - Roast pork with gravy, sweet potatoes, country blend vegetables, peaches.

Oct 26 - Cream of potato soup, turkey sandwich, coleslaw, brownie.

Oct 27 - Baked fish with lemon butter sauce, rice, spinach, oatmeal raisin cookie.

Oct 30 - Lasagna, tossed salad, garlic roll, brownie.

Oct 31 - Hamburger cabbage casserole, cauliflower, carrots, chef’s choice pie.

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.

M O H A W K BURNING From Page 3

Man. They call it ‘exodus’ for a reason. There were about nine lanes of traffic that had to be funneled to a two-lane paved road.

The party continued in line. People were dancing on their RVs. It probably took us about nine and a half hours to get to the line. As we were leaving, we were just getting to the place where we could see where the paved road was starting, and we could see ‘the Man Burn’ off in the distance.”

Deena was a little disappointed that they had to leave and didn’t get to see the Man burn close-up.

I asked if she felt like she was cheated out of a “normal” Burning man experience. She stated, “ What is a normal Burning Man? I think a

lot of the veterans were saying that this was their favorite burn ever because the mud forced people to go back to the ten principles. It wasn’t just a party where you could show up, have a good time and leave. It really forces you to check on your neighbor, be selfreliant, problem-solve, surrender to what is, and realize that you are not in control. A lot of people said that this was the best Burning Man they ever had. I have nothing to compare it to. I feel that I have to go back. I would anyway because I had such a great time, but I have to see the Man burn. I could see myself going every five years.

Reflection

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“When people talk about Burning Man, there’s a lot of resistance to calling it a festival. It’s more of a social experiment. It’s a temporary community. It’s an art piece. It’s a city. It’s ephemeral. It’s a culture.

It’s an alternate way of doing life. What if we took care of one another?

What if there was no money? What if we cared about the environment?

What if we had a gifting economy? What if you could be yourself with no judgment? What would that world look like? It was a beautiful place to be. It was akin to visiting another country, or even like visiting another planet.”

Lasting Impressions

Deena feels that the Deena stated that she Burning Man experience felt like she was in has made her a better another dimension. person. She summed

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up her feelings: “Life is short, and it is what you make of it. Don’t wait for life to happen. Go out and do it. The principle of immediacy is something I took away from Burning Man. Don’t wait for later.

When is later? You might not get later. Do it now. If you have an idea, don’t wait for someone else to make it happen; No one is coming to do it.

You should do it. For me, I believe Burning Man is the greatest party on earth because you can do what you want. Whatever makes you passionate about life...people bring it there. It’s 80,000 passionate and engaged individuals bringing what they love to one place

for a temporary amount of time, and that was so magical. It reminded me that wherever you are in the world, you are responsible for creating that magic. We are here to help one another, and we are here to make each other’s experiences better. The whole thing was exhausting and exhilarating, and there was a lot of beautiful learning.”

I so enjoyed hearing Deena’s account of her experiences at Burning Man and the philosophy that she shared.

May we all adopt a more caring heart for one another and apply it daily.

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Haunted Ghost Tour set at 1834 Jail

The Friends of Historic Herkimer County will host a Haunted Jail Tour Oct. 28 at the 1834 Jail. Tickets are $20 each and the price includes a nighttime tour of the jail and a chance to learn of the findings of a recent investigation by a paranormal group.

Photo by Donna Thompson

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“I looked it up. There’ll be a full moon that night,” The 1834 Jail, located on said Friends President the village of Herkimer’s Jim Greiner.

Historic Four Corners, is haunted, according to He said that the Herkimer paranormal investigators County Historical Society who were in the building will also be sponsoring recently. a nighttime paranormal investigation of the They’ll be sharing their 1834 Jail the previous findings when the Friends Saturday, Oct. 21. Ticket of Historic Herkimer options for that event County offer an 1834 Jail include a nighttime tour Haunted Ghost Tour on of the jail or a lecture and Saturday, Oct. 28, with investigation of both the groups of up to 15 people society’s Suiter mansion starting the tour every 15 and the 1834 Jail. minutes between 7 and Information is available 11 p.m. Tickets are $20 at herkimercountyhistory. and can be reserved by org. calling 315-867-5036 or emailing friends1834@ The Haunted Ghost Tour aol.com. is just one of the ways the Friends of Historic “During our spirit box Estes Herkimer County are method session, one of working to raise funds to my spirit manipulation maintain and restore the objects lit up as we asked old jail, which is on the the spirits questions, National Historic Register. and they responded,” That designation can Bernadette Rice, who help obtain funding, said leads the Within The Veil Greiner, “but it doesn’t Paranormal team, said in save it from the wrecking an email, adding, “There ball.” And the organization were a few spirits who is working to restore and preferred to communicate preserve the jail for years through the ball and to come. several through us and the spirit box.”

The group is currently selling raffle tickets for a “People have reported painting by George (The seeing shadowy Waterman) Lewis, and a apparitions and hearing Daily Raffle Fundraiser is strange noises through coming up in December. the halls,” according to The ongoing engraved a post on the Friends brick program has group’s Facebook page. been popular as people continue to purchase Last year’s Haunted Jail bricks in memory of or tour drew 116 visitors in recognition of loved eager to explore the ones, organizations, historic jail during the high school classes, nighttime hours, said businesses, and more.

Katie Nichols, treasurer of the Friends of Historic But restoration of the Herkimer County, and building will take more she expects this event, than can be raised scheduled close to through these events.

Halloween, will also draw a crowd.

The group is seeking a Consolidated Funding Even the moon is Grant from New York cooperating.

State to fund the second phase of the restoration

By Donna Thompson

project - restoring the building’s exterior. The focus will be on the Church Street side of the building, which is in especially rough shape.

“We’re asking for more than $300,000,” said Nichols. If the application is successful, the group would have to raise matching funds toward the project, she added, “We’d have to raise $90,000.”

The Friends group has a contract with C.T. Male to write the grant.

The first phase of the restoration project focused on the building’s interior and those who attended last year’s haunted jail tours were among the first to see the completed work, which included shoring up walls in the basement and cleaning out and whitewashing the cell area.

Nichols said the group was pleased with the work of Ganem Construction of Latham on the project.

If the exterior of the building is not restored, however, the interior work could be compromised, she added.

Grant awards are due to be announced at the end of the year.

The 1834 Jail is best remembered for housing Chester Gillette in 1905 following his arrest for the murder of Grace Brown and, in 1885, as the site where Roxalana Druse, known as the last woman hanged in New York State, was held after being arrested for the murder of her husband, William Druse.

Please See JAIL Page 10

M O H A W K

‘Moose’ hangs it up after 50 years

“Stuff started getting a little more stressful in my I don’t have to give his mind. We were closed, name because if you’ve and then the re-opening been in Little Falls any had the social distancing time during the last 50 and everything that the years, you’ve probably governor was throwing at stopped in at Ed & the bars like you couldn’t Bud’s on Main Street get a beer unless you and spoken with Moose. ordered food.”

This weekend, though, the ride ended as Robert “They closed me in Kurzbach went ahead March, and I reopened with his final toast and an in the middle of June, so exit to retirement. at no time did National Grid or Spectrum bills “Ed & Bud were my father stop. Taxes were due in and uncle that started it. May from the City, so that It wasn’t here, but they was when it sort of got bought a tavern where stressful. Up to that point, the West End Liquor I couldn’t have asked for store was.” He said they a better way to make a bought it in 57 or 58 and living,” said Kurzbach. stayed there until urban renewal came along, He said that when he was and they came up to first working in the bar, a the current location and woman and her boyfriend bought it. were in the bar, and the girl went into the lady’s “It’s been here since room and didn’t come out.

1972 when they opened “She died when she went here,” he said. in the bathroom. That’s when I was 18, and I’d Since then, it’s been just started working here. seven days a week thing. That was hard to handle.”

“I started working for Ed & Bud in 1973, and now, Luckily, he said the 50 years later, I’m going woman’s brother was to hand it over to the there and took care of it. next guy. It will be a little bit before it reopens, but Moose said another hopefully, it will reopen memory was one where as a bar and grill,” stated he went to play cards Kurzbach. on his birthday instead of working in the bar. “I “It’s just been a staple of fell down and messed Little Falls for a long time. up my elbow and was I get a lot from people going to come down and about ‘what are we going drink. I got home, got to do?’ I don’t know what a phone call, and they I’m going to do, so it’s said, ‘Moose, I just got sort of like a bittersweet arrested in a sting.’ So on thing for me because it my birthday, I break my really hasn’t been a job,” elbow and get a $3,000 he said. fine for serving a minor.”

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E X P R E S S Page 9

By Dave Warner

However, since the He said the bartender pandemic, things have got off the charge of been much tougher. endangering the welfare

Photo by Dave Warner - Robert ‘Moose’ Kurzbach pauses while serving customers at Ed & Bud’s on Main Street in Little Falls.

of a child charge, but “I Moose said that there still had a civil penalty of are so many other $3,000, so I’ve worked memories. “We used to every birthday since then.” do a Christmas Party every year, which was

always a smash.”

“The

biggest

thing

people have been asking Please See MOOSE Page 11

M O H A W K

Page 10

A Visiting Spy - Belle Boyd 1882 HERKIMER COUNTY NEWS NEWSPAPER | SEPTEMBER 1, 1882 | BELLE BOYD: IN TROUBLE AGAIN: Mrs. F.M. Hammond, nee Belle Boyd, who some years ago resided in this village, has again come to grief. In 1864 the adventurous Belle married an officer of the U.S. Navy in England.

Shortly after, a daughter was born, and growing up to womanhood her hand was sought in marriage by a young man named Collier. Things went along smoothly until recently, when the redoubtable Belle thought it was time

for them to get married and was requested to do so by the old lady, but young Collier refused at present, whereupon Mrs. H. whipped out a revolver and attempted to shoot the recalcitrant lover. Not liking such sport, he wrenched the weapon from her and left the house, followed Please See SPY Page 12

Photo submitted - Beattie House: 654 East Main Street, Little Falls, N.Y. | On the porch is Belle Boyd Hammond, her husband Col. John Swaiston Hammond and their children | The Hammonds lived here from the fall of 1872 until spring of 1873, with the hotel being owned by Miss Francine “Fannie” Hawn. | First bank in Herkimer County, the “Herkimer County Bank” temporarily conducted banking business here in late 1832, while waiting for the Old Stone Bank to be built | Circa 1872

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JAIL From Page 8 The gallows used in Jack Sherman’s play, “Roxy,” which debuted in 2015 at the Ilion Little Theatre, is an eye-catching item on display on the main floor of the jail.

When told of the need for a gallows for the play, Greiner said, his first reaction was, “You don’t just pick one of those up somewhere.” But when the woodworking class at Herkimer BOCES was approached about the possibility of building one based on a newspaper picture, “They went nuts over it” and produced a replica, he said.

The fascination with the Gillette case continues, said Greiner, and what has become known as the “Gillette cell” in a corner of the jail’s second floor is a highlight of any tour of the jail. Gillette was actually assigned a double cell and used the second as a walk-in closet, according to an article Greiner wrote.

fled to Italy after being accused of the 1926 occupied while awaiting murder of Leroy Sweet the results of their trials, in Frankfort and was he said. One man didn’t extradited four years wait for a trial. later; Anthony DiPiazza, who was arrested in John Henry House, 67, Frankfort for killing a man of Columbia Center, who after a card game; and was arrested in 1924 for his grandson, Benedict the murder of his fifth DiPiazza, who was wife, Harriett Schmoll arrested in 1964 after he House, hanged himself shot and killed Noreen in that cell as the district Jones in the Frankfort attorney was preparing Police Station. to take the case to a grand jury, according to The 1834 Jail was Greiner. Two of House’s used from 1834 until earlier marriages it was closed in 1978. ended in divorce. One The Friends of Historic wife died in childbirth, and another by suicide Herkimer County, formed under questionable in 2004, leased the building from Herkimer circumstances.

County and has been Other notable cell working since then to occupants included Jean restore it.

Gianini, of Poland, a teen who expressed no For more information on remorse about killing his the Friends and efforts to teacher and was found restore the jail, visit their not guilty by reason of page on Facebook by “criminal imbecility;” searching for Friends of Michael Camerano, who Historic Herkimer County.

There are other stories associated with the jail as well and others besides Chester Gillette, who were charged with murder and held in the same cell Gillette

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Jim Greiner, president of the Friends of Historic Herkimer County, stands on the gallows used several years ago for the play “Roxy” about the trial of Roxalana Druse for the murder of her husband.

Photo by Donna Thompson

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

OCTOBER 2023

E X P R E S S Page 11

MOOSE From Page 9 me about is the holiday drink called the Tom and Jerry, and it’s super popular. The Reindeer Run has ended here for the last several years, and they’d do the trophy presentation. After that, it was like the official kickoff of the holiday season.

We’d sell hundreds of them,” he stated.

He said that not until last year had one of those been broken. “All that time, we never broke or dropped one.”

When asked about retirement, he said he would spend a little time getting the place ready for the next guy. “I’ve lived upstairs for 40 years, so I’ve acquired a lot of stuff.

He’s given me some time to stay here, and in that time, I’ll be doing that.”

“I’ve been watching where the homeless people have been hanging out, so I’ve got an idea where I’ll end up,” he said.

When told about a camp by the water, he said, “I’ve always wanted a place by the water, so that might be a thing. I’ll buy a fishing license this year, so I have something to eat.”

Photo by Dave Warner - Moose serves his last customers

Moose said, “It’s a story told, but I’m kind of Frankfort, he said, “I’m humble. It’s a good thing going to have to borrow since it doesn’t have a truck.” ‘police blotter’ on it.”

Moose is a part of Little Falls history that will be sorely missed...

If you would like to

see your story in the

Mohawk Valley Express - email it to news@ mohawkvalleyexpress.com

He also wanted to know how many papers we were going to put this in so he could go out and pick them all up. When told it would run from Nelliston Fort Plain to

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Page 12

SPY From Page 10 by the now irate women, who fired several shots after him, none of them taking effect, however.

1884 HERKIMER COUNTY NEWS NEWSPAPER | OCTOBER 24, 1884 | BELLE BOYD: CONFEDERATE SPY LIVED IN LITTLE FALLS: Mrs. J.W. Hammond, better known as the famous Belle Boyd, who lived in this village during the winter of 1873, and now a resident of Texas, has quarreled with her husband on account of being too intimate with other men. Both are suing for a divorce, Mrs. Hammond claiming that her husband’s charges against her are false, and that he is guilty of marital infidelity and brutality.

Hammond says he will never again live with her, so Belle will once more be left on the stream.

1889 BELLE BOYD: IN TROUBLE: Belle Boyd, who gained great notoriety as a rebel spy during the late war, has been detected in passing a forged check in Philadelphia. She was arrested, but through the intercession of friends was subsequently released. There are a

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OCTOBER 2023

E X P R E S S

of camp and army life.

Her narrative is unique, number of other serious a large house and make novel and of intense charges against her, all this place her home, interest. Her appeal for of which are of a criminal caused quite a boom in the cementing of the character. The obtaining rents among those who of goods under false had desirable places bond of fellowship and pretenses seems to to let. Belle, however, goodwill between the be her favorite plan of was only playing a North and the South was operation, and she has sharp confidence game, timely and should bear succeeded in swindling and after contracting a good fruit. Her whole a number of Philadelphia number of debts, which story was artistically and merchants in that way. are still unsettled, she eloquently told and a Any incidents relating to went to Utica, where she number of our substantial her career will be read also flourished for a time, citizens were so favorably with interest by many of but was soon involved in impressed that they will our citizens, as she was financial troubles. Since make arrangements for a resident of this village then, we have lost trace of her early reappearance about ten years ago, her until this Philadelphia among us. and made herself very episode.

1890 THE SATURDAY conspicuous while she | BELLE lived here, she was known 1890 THE LITTLE FALLS GLOBE BOYD : H OTEL as Mrs. Hammond, and TIMES NEWSPAPER no one suspected that | BELLE BOYD: LAST CONFRONTATION she was the notorious NIGHT - JANUARY 25th: FEBRUARY 1st: Belle Boyd. Subsequent developments in Utica, Cronkhite Opera House Belle Boyd, the Rebel Spy, where she removed should have been filled has been filling numerous from this place, first to overflowing last night. dates, delivering lectures entertainment in Herkimer County and divulged the truth as to The her real personality. Col. given by the famous Central New York. Belle Hammond, her husband, Belle Boyd, under the and her husband, Nat R. was an Englishman and auspices of Post Galpin, High, had been boarding a commercial traveler. was a surprise, a most at the Girvan House Snyder It appears that she still pleasing surprise. Belle (present-day lives with him in the Boyd is a woman of Apartments) in Little Falls. relationship and is now superb physique and Saturday morning, this presence, noted hostelry was the employed by a Boston charming firm. Belle, during her dressed in a riding-habit scene of a sensation, in short residence here, of Confederate Spy as which Mr. and Mrs. High created quite a sensation. she stepped before the and Hotel Clerk Jackson She was a stylish woman, spotlights last night, figures as the principal and her acquaintance she showed no traces parties. The reporters of was eagerly cultivated. of having been one of the daily papers of the She represented that the active participants country metropolis were she had large means, in the force strife of hungry for this kind of and the report which she the Rebellion. Madam sensation. caused to be circulated Boyd has the faculty that she intended to rent of being able to tell a From the editor of the good story well, and for Saturday Globe: nearly two hours she swayed the audience Will you permit me space with her eloquent and to correct through your vivid descriptive story widely circulated columns

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the sensational articles which have appeared in different papers regarding the difficulty between my husband, Nat R. High, and Jackson, the clerk at the Girvan House in Little Falls. We had arranged with Mr. Devendorf, the proprietor, to make this hotel our headquarters while making and filing dates in the Mohawk Valley and surrounding country (as I had old friends and dear ones in Little Falls). It was fully understood we were to come and go and pay at first $1.50 per day and afterwards $1. Per day. Mr. Devendorf had received money on this board account and was out of town on a hunting expedition. On Saturday morning, Jackson, the clerk, came to our room, No. 4 (we had occupied No.16 and No.2 and were then in No.4) and asked to see me. My husband said, “my wife is not up yet.” A gentleman would have gone away, but he stood there and insisted on seeing me.

I said,” who is it?” He replied, “Jackson.” I said, “I can’t see him until I get up and dress.” As Mr. High turned to speak to me, Jackson walked in the room uninvited and presented the bill. I saw at once that it was incorrect and said, “Your bill is not correct. When I get up and I get dressed I will see you and go over the itemized statement and you can correct the errors and it will be paid.” He was insulting in manner and language and said there were no strings tied to me, that I could come and go as quickly as I liked. My husband ordered him out of the room, but he refused to go, and Mr. High ejected him and went out into Please See SPY Page 13

M O H A W K SPY From Page 12 the hall, closing the door after him. In the tussle which followed, Jackson tried to throw him down the office stairs and the barkeeper rushed upstairs and tried to help Jackson. It was when I went into the hall (I had thrown a bedspread and blanket over my gown) and cried “Cowards, two to one! If you throw him down those stairs, I’ll shoot the one who does it.” Then the affair ended.

The barkeeper was manly enough to come and apologize for his part in the transaction. There was an overcharge of $16.40. Mr. High had his overcoat torn, but no physical damage was done.

Yours, etc.

Belle Boyd-HammondHigh The Rebel Spy

Nat R. High Manager for Belle Boyd Mr. High and his wife, Belle Boyd, are at present stopping at the Girvan House and will remain there until Mr. Devendorf’s return when the hope to settle matters amicably to all concerned.

1930 HERKIMER COUNTY NEWS NEWSPAPER | LITTLE FALLS ONCE HOME OF FAMOUS CONFEDERATE SPY JUNE 16, 1930: The obituary in The Herkimer County News of June 15, 1900, reads: “Belle Boyd, the noted spy of Confederate fame, died suddenly of heart disease at Kilbourne, Wisconsin, Monday night, June 11, 1900.

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OCTOBER 2023

E X P R E S S

at the Girvan House, at which pistols are said to She was 57 years of age. have been drawn but no During the winter of 18723 she lived in the house harm was done. When of Miss Fannie Hawn, she first appeared here on the corner of Main as Mrs. Hammond, she and William Streets. She was a bright, attractive was at that time married woman and a brilliant to Colonel Hammond, conversationalist, but agent for a well-known on her last appearance New York wholesale she was a wreck of her tea and coffee house. former self. She claimed While here she carefully concealed her identity, and no one knew that the famous Confederate spy was living in town. From Little Falls she went to Utica and remained there for some time. While there they got into some financial trouble and then it was discovered who she was. She came back here some 10 or 12 years ago and gave a lecture on her experiences during the war. “Before leaving she and her so-called husband got into some altercation with the clerk

Page 13

relationships with several of the first families of western Virginia. The story of her escapades and adventures during the war have frequently been published in the papers and periodicals of the country and many of them read like romances than fact.” …

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M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

OCTOBER 2023

E X P R E S S

Paradise Gardens, Gatherings & Gifts hosts a Haggoween Spectacular

By Dave Warner

Paradise Gardens, Gatherings & Gifts, at 475 Dise Road in Little Falls, is hosting the Happy Haggs Dance Trouple of Central New York for a Haggoween Spectacular on October 15th from 2:00 - 5:30 pm.

They’ll also have llamas, alpacas, food trucks, vendors, music, games & prizes. The event is free, and the first 50 children who attend will receive a free movie pass to Valley Cinema.

Photo by Dave Warner - Paradise Gardens, Gatherings & Gifts is located at 475 Dise Road in Llittle Falls, just north of the golf course.

Helen and Bob Kimbro are hosting the event, and Bob stated, “There are about 25 women in the group of Happy Haggs, and they dress up like witches in costumes, and they go around and support all kinds of organizations in the area.”

Kimbro says that the

group approached them about having an event up there, and they said yes.

“They told us a little bit about what they wanted to do and wanted to rent the space, but we said that we wanted to contribute to the community, so we’re letting them use the facilities at no cost.”

He said this is not just a local group but also international. “Apparently, it began in Germany. The event is mainly focused on children, and dancing is going to be at the end.

They’re going to have prizes as well.”

Kimbro said that they’re also going to be giving tours of the Llama and Alpaca barn for the children to see. “They’ve also invited some dance groups from neighboring areas to attend. I think they have three or four other troupes.”

“The other day, they were practicing on their version of the Ghost Busters song, so it should be something that kids will recognize,” he said.

If you’d like to find out more, you can call 315364-1234 or visit their website at paradiseggg. com

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E X P R E S S Page 15

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M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

OCTOBER 2023

E X P R E S S

Potential projects highlighted as Herkimer seeks DRI/NY Forward awards

By Donna Thompson

The village of Herkimer has submited an application for New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative/ NY Forward program, and Mayor Dana Sherry is optimistic about the village’s chances.

(DRI) provides a $10 million award to one community in each of the state’s 10 Regional Economic Development Council regions.

A consulting team is provided to each winning community to guide in developing a strategic investment plan with multiple complementary projects. NY Forward allows up to three awards in each region, with winning communities receiving $4.5 million or $2.25 million for projects focused on building renovation and redevelopment rather than new construction.

corridor, she said.

Posters and displays at the public meeting drew attention to several potential projects that would help revitalize Herkimer’s business district.

Sally Raia shared her plans for the 1889 Palmer “It’s our time,” she House at 269 North Main said during a public St. In addition to having information event her real estate office Wednesday evening, in one of the storefront Sept. 13, at the Herkimer spaces in the large VFW. “We’ve checked structure, she hopes to all the boxes, and we’re develop a 4,000-squaregoing for it. Herkimer foot venue that could Next, the Herkimer 9, the host events in the IDA (Herkimer County evening and an Internet Industrial Development cafe during the day. She Agency), volunteers envisions having a high- we’re all working Applications are due end consignment shop Sept. 29, and Sherry together.” offering clothing and expects the awards will an artisan bread and She invited those be announced by the end sandwich shop in two of attending the informal of the year. the storefront spaces. As event to check out the for the upstairs levels, she displays, ask questions, Earlier this year, the plans to have affordable and use a survey form village was awarded housing on one floor, to provide feedback and more than $173,000 to space for visitors on the complete a Brownfield next, and an art studio on suggestions.

Opportunity Area Plan the top floor.

The Downtown for a 32-acre area along Revitalization Initiative its North Main Street “There’s good natural lighting there,” she said.

Andrew McKay, part owner of the Herkimer Originals and HMQ 1890 LLC, discusses the potential for repurposing the former H.M. Quackenbush factory and several other vacant buildings in the village of Herkimer. Photo by Donna Thompson

The Palmer House 1889 has a long history on Herkimer’s North Main Street. New President and CEO Sally Raia is hoping to make it a center for business, entertainment, housing and even an art studio. Photo by Donna Thompson

American Red Cross has agreed to collaborate by installing alarms throughout the building, and Raia offered the Red Cross space there in the event of an emergency.

Robert Cirillo and Preston Raia said the businesses Moore want to turn the and housing will be pet- building on the east side friendly and smoke-free. of North Main Street that once housed the So far, she said, she has Salvation Army Citadel done some painting on into Cittadella’s Salvation, the exterior and made an upscale rotisserie/ minor repairs.

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with a capacity for 150 patrons. Their plans show canopies added to the building to provide shelter for outdoor seating, and they hope to show movies on the outside wall.

“We want it to be a highquality destination that will draw people to the valley,” said Cirillo. He added that they also plan to work with local nonprofit groups in an effort to improve the community.

The name they’ve chosen reflects both the building’s history and their goal.

The Salvation Army had its local headquarters Please See HERKIMER Page 17

M O H A W K HERKIMER From Page 16

starting in 1923, said Cirillo, moving to its current location on North Prospect Street in 1986.

A citadel is a stronghold, said Moore, and a savior is one who saves from loss. “This is about the salvation of Main Street,” he said.

Scott Tranter of Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner, located at the corner of North Main and West Albany streets, has a multi-faceted plan that includes making the diner handicapped accessible, adding a new kitchen, and eventually expanding into the building next door. He has first rights of refusal on the building, which currently houses a law office, he said, and he hopes to link the diner to that building and have roof access for outside dining. He envisions creating a grotto and offering beer and wine.

The amount of assistance businesses could receive

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OCTOBER 2023

E X P R E S S

Herkimer as the birthplace of basketball, Lambert Will as the game’s inventor, and the Mohawk Valley as the game’s principal influence on the game was posted at the event. The state Senate Representatives of the has yet to act on the bill, Herkimer 9 were on said Brion Carroll of the hand to discuss plans for Herkimer 9 Foundation. the H.M Quackenbush factory building and the The Herkimer 9 owns North Main Street area, the H.M. Quackenbush as well as the Herkimer building, which has Originals basketball been named to the New team and efforts to have York State and National Herkimer native Lambert Historic Registers, and Will recognized as the among the plans for inventor of the game of that structure include basketball. a business incubation center, a STEAM Will has been nominated (Science, Technology, to the Naismith Memorial Engineering, Arts, and Basketball Hall of Math) Center and a Fame in Springfield, museum to educate M a s s a c h u s e t t s , visitors about Lambert according to Scott Will and the village’s role Flansburg, president and in the history of basketball founder of the Herkimer and the accomplishments 9. Votes are cast by of inventor H.M. members of a secret Quackenbush. The molds society, he said, counted and some machinery by the group’s president for manufacturing and the ballots are then nutcrackers are still in burned. the building, according to A copy of the bill passed Flansburg. by the New York State Assembly recognizing He noted that the

Page 17

from the state if the village’s application is successful remains to be seen said Tranter, but he added, “If we can pull this off as a community, it benefits us all.”

Plans for Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner include expanding into the building next door and adding rooftop seating for outdoor dining.

Photo by Donna Thompson

organization has taken down one of the buildings on the property and planted grass in place of the parking lot that fronted on Main Street.

Andrew McKay, partowner of the Herkimer 9 and HMQ 1890 LLC stressed the need to highlight the village’s history and discussed the potential for repurposing several vacant buildings in the community, including the Episcopal Church on North Main Street, the Baptist Church building at the corner of North Washington and Green

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streets and the L.W. Bills Elementary School on North Washington Street.

Flansburg offered Herkimer 9 Foundation raffle tickets with a guitar autographed by Alice Cooper as first prize - Cooper, a friend of Flansburg’s, came up with the Herkimer Originals name and sketched the team’s logo - and a copy of the book Nais-Myth: Basketball’s Stolen Legacy by George and Darril Fosty with Brion Carroll signed by the authors and Alice Cooper as second prize.

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Page 18

Hockey is back in Central New York

By Scott Kinville cnyhockeyreport.com

All across Central New York, the nights are getting cooler and the days are getting shorter. Soon, lawnmowers will be put in storage to be replaced by leafblowers and rakes – and then shovels and snowblowers. For some, this is far from a reason to despair. In fact, it is a reason to rejoice because it means one thing.

Here’s a look at the teams that will start their new seasons in October.

American Hockey League The Syracuse Crunch Home rink: The Upstate Medical University Arena (Syracuse, NY).

The puck drops on a new season for the American Hockey League (AHL) and most of Central New York’s college hockey programs. Fans will have

October schedule: Oct. 13 at Utica, Oct. 14 vs.

Bridgeport, Oct. 20 at Cleveland, October 21 at Cleveland, Oct. 27 vs.

Utica, October 28 vs.

AHL

North

Head Coach: Bouchard.

Joel

2022-23 overall record: 35-26-7-4, 81 points.

The Crunch finished in second place in their division.

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This coming season will continue the region’s affection for the sport.

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Laval.

to wait until November for the Hamilton College Continentals Men’s and Women’s Hockey seasons to start, as well as high school hockey.

Division: Division.

V A L L E Y

Head Coach: Greg Fargo.

2022-23 overall record: 32-6-2. Colgate finished Note: The Syracuse the season ranked fifth in Crunch are celebrating the national polls. their thirtieth anniversary season. For more details 2023-24 preseason on the celebration, visit national ranking: fourth. the website above.

October schedule: Oct. 6 The Utica Comets + 7 vs. #10 Penn St., Oct. 13 + 14 vs. Mercyhurst, Home rink: The Oct. 27 at RPI, Oct. 28 at Adirondack Bank Center Union.

(Utica, NY).

Website: https:// Division: AHL North colgateathletics.com Division.

Note: Colgate won Head Coach: Kevin its third consecutive Dineen.

ECAC Tournament Championship last 2022-23 overall record: season. Their 202335-27-6-4, 80 points. The 24 regular season has Comets finished fourth in already begun as they their division. split a pair of games on Sept. 29 + 30 at home vs.

October schedule: Oct. #2 Ohio St. 13 vs. Utica, Oct. 15 at Toronto, Oct. 21 at The Colgate Raiders Bridgeport, Oct. 27 at Men’s Hockey Team Syracuse, Oct. 28 vs.

Rochester.

Home rink: The Class of 1965 Arena (Hamilton, Note: The Comets will be NY). on the road for most of April while the Adirondack Conference: ECAC. Bank Center hosts the 2024 IIHF Women’s Head Coach: Mike World Championship.

Harder.

Website: https:// colgateathletics.com.

Note: Legendary head coach Don Vaughan has retired after thirty seasons behind the Colgate bench. The new head coach is Mike Harder – who is also Colgate’s alltime leading scorer.

The Syracuse Orange Women’s Hockey Team Home rink: The Tennity Ice Pavilion (Syracuse, NY).

Conference: CHA. Head Coach: Britni Smith.

2022-23 overall record: 10-24-2.

October schedule: Oct. 6 + 7 vs. Merrimack, Oct. 13 at RPI, Oct. 14 vs.

RPI, Oct. 17 at Cornell, Oct. 20 + 21 at Boston U., Oct. 28 + 29 vs. #10 Penn St. Website: https://cuse. com.

Note: Syracuse’s regular season has already begun, as they won two games at Post University on Sept. 29 + 30.

College Hockey – Division III

2022-23 overall record: 19-16-5. Colgate won The Utica Pioneers the ECAC Tournament Men’s Hockey Team The Colgate Raiders Championship.

Women’s Hockey Team Home rink: The October schedule: Oct. Adirondack Bank Center Home rink: The Class of 7 + 8 vs. UConn, Oct. (Utica, NY).

1965 Arena (Hamilton, 13 + 14 at Sacred Heart, NY).

Oct. 20 + 21 vs. UMassConference: UCHC. Lowell.

College Hockey – Division I

Head Coach: Heenan.

Gary

2022-23 overall record: 25-3-1. Utica finished the season ranked fifth in the USCHO national poll.

Please See HOCKEY Page 19 Contact me for all your real estate needs!

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HOCKEY From Page 18 The 2023-24 Men’s Division III preseason rankings were not available as of this printing.

in the USCHO national poll.

The 2023-24 Women’s Division III preseason rankings were not October schedule: Oct. available as of this 20 vs. U18 USNTDP printing. (exhibition), Oct. 27 + 28 vs. Adrian College.

October schedule: Oct. 14 at Norwich (exhibition), Website: https:// Oct. 20 vs. SUNY Canton uticapioneers.com. (exhibition), Oct. 27 + 28 for the Utica University Note: The Pioneers went Kickoff Tournament. undefeated (20-0-0) in the UCHC last season. Website: https:// They also achieved their uticapioneers.com. first number-one national ranking in the history of The Pioneers are the program. hosting the inaugural Utica University The Utica Pioneers Kickoff Tournament on Women’s Hockey Team October 27 and 28. The participating teams are Home rink: The Utica Utica, Suffolk, Adrian, University Nexus Center. and Elmira.

Conference: UCHC. The Morrisville Head Coach: Dave Mustangs Men’s Clausen.

Hockey Team 2022-23 overall record: Home rink: The Morrisville 22-3-3. Utica finished the IcePlex (Morrisville, NY). season ranked thirteenth

Photo by Scott Kinville - The #4 Colgate Raiders got a late goal from rookie Emma Pais to defeat #2 Ohio State in their regular season opener.

Conference: SUNYAC. Head Coach: Krogol.

Kevin

Home rink: The Morrisville 2022-23 overall record: IcePlex (Morrisville, NY).

8-17-0.

Conference: SUNYAC. October schedule: October 28 vs. Lebanon Head Coach: John Valley College.

Briggs.

Website: morrisvillemustangs. com.

Creative Designs of the shop, shared, “I’m to make this a participating in ‘Petal hoping great day of cheer in our area- I couldn’t do it it Forward’ event without the help of our

Tiffany Rutkowski, owner

Creative Designs by Tiffany and collaboration partners are participating in “Petal it Forward” on October 18th. For the last eight years, thousands of floral industry members in all 50 states have organized teams on one day in October to take part in the event, which is a goodwill initiative where participants hand two flowers or bouquets to an unsuspecting stranger, urging them to keep one and share the other with someone else.

It’s a powerful way to illustrate the positive health benefits of giving and receiving flowers.

Science has proven that flowers reduce stress and anxiety and make people happy.

The Morrisville Mustangs Women’s Hockey Team

collaboration sponsors, allowing more to be reached than I could do on my own! Collaborators are MyLittleFalls.com, Dolgeville business’ Gehring Tricot Corp, Green Acres Drive-In, and Raindrops on Roses Bed + Breakfast of Herkimer—many thanks to them for helping to pull this off.

Each set will be given to a person at no charge.

Distribution will begin at 10 a.m. on the 18th from the shop located at 78 S Main Street, Dolgeville, For questions, please get and will continue until all in touch with Tiffany at 315-429-8777. We hope flowers are handed out. to see you then.

October schedule: October 27 at Lebanon Valley College.

Website: morrisvillemustangs.com.

Note: John Briggs is entering his first season as head coach of the Mustangs. He replaces Melissa Lomanto – who 2022-23 overall record: has returned to her alma mater Utica University as 8-16-1. an assistant coach.

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Fall is Here!

Fall cleanups are now available! Whether you’re looking for a one-time cleanup or ongoing maintenance, Rock City Services has the expertise and dedication to make your vision a reality.

CALL OR TEXT FOR A FREE QUOTE: 315-523-1378 rockcity.dev/services

COMING SOON TO THE STONE MILL’S FOURTH FLOOR