Mohawk Valley Express Volume 3 Number 12 December 2023

FREE 7507 STATE ROUTE 5, (corner of Bidleman Road) LITTLE FALLS NY 13365

315-508-5131 www.mohawkvalleyfunerals.com

Largest facility in area with most off street parking

Daniel J. Enea 3rd Generation Funeral Director

VOLUME 3: NUMBER 12

DECEMBER 2023

Little Falls’ Jesse Lonis Reaches $6.5 Million in Professional Poker Winnings

By Denise Louise Gregorka

A Humble Beginning

Twenty-eight-year-old Jesse Lonis, is spending Thanksgiving with his family here in Little Falls and has a lot to be thankful for. He is relatively new to the professional poker world, but that has not stopped him from taking it by storm and he is not showing any signs of stopping. I sat down with Jesse this past week and he had much to share.

Jesse Lonis was born in Ketchikan, Alaska, in 1995. He returned to Little Falls when he was around three years old.

From that point, he and his two siblings lived with their grandmother until he was about ten years old.

Jesse was aware at a Please See POKER Page 2

Jesse Lonis surrounded by his poker trophies, gold bracelets, & ring.

Dolgeville Forward – The Power of Volunteers Story by Carol Vogel

Photo by Dave Warner - An aerial view of the Dolgeville Mill in the fall of 2020.

of Dolgeville and surrounding areas.”

its exercise stations around the village to encourage healthy behaviors. As we Christine Reynolds, the sat down talking about it, Chairperson of Dolgeville there was a small grant Forward, explained how from Cornell Cooperative the group was formed. Extension and it was like, “Back in 2016 or 2017, you know what? Why a group of people got don’t we consider having together to do what was the exercise stations the playground called a H.E.A.R.T.S at and redoing the entire Club at the time. It was a program Cornell playground?”

Created by a group of citizens in 2018 and incorporated in 2019, Dolgeville Forward has been a force for community improvement in the Dolgeville area.

Their mission states: “Dolgeville Forward, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization of volunteers committed Cooperative Extension “So, we said, ‘Let’s go to improving life for the was running.

Their residents of the Village original idea was to put Please See FORWARD Page 5

BILL MACRI

ASSOCIATE BROKER C: 315.360.1920 O: 315.866.2209 bill.joemacrirealty@gmail.com joemacrirealty.com

235 S. Main St. Herkimer, NY 13350 W W W . M O H A W K V A L L E Y E X P R E S S . C O M

M O H A W K

Page 2

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S football and basketball but decided to enter the workforce in order to earn some money.

play. That’s why I moved back upstate, to go to Herkimer College and play.”

He went to New York City, where he was a laborer in construction. “I was working six days a week and sometimes 16 hours He also was encouraged a day, but I was still broke by a grade school because it is expensive teacher, Mrs. Wehrum, to live in New York City. I who told him that he was was struggling financially exceptional in math. when I was living there, Jesse went to Little Falls and it was hard work.”

Elementary and High Jesse had his share of School. He stated “If I sadness as a child. He Early Poker Years enjoyed what I was doing was separated from his mother at two years old.

I got good grades. The While working in New His grandfather, who main reason I kept my made him a Raiders York City, Jesse had grades up was because fan, died a tragic death, one day off each week I wanted to play sports.” and then the woman and spent it playing in a who had raised him, his private poker game with He played football, grandmother, passed some guys he knew. He baseball & basketball. away when he was only said, “I was doing good.

At the time he was in twelve years old.

I was just starting, but He had an early exposure school, he held the I was thinking ‘I could to the game when he was school’s record for the Reflecting back, he make some serious very young watching his most points scored in a stated, “ It happened to money doing this.’ I was grandmother play online basketball game which me at a very young age making more in one-night poker and card games was forty-one. where I felt the pain, and playing cards with these with her friends. He it made it so that nothing guys than what I did all watched his grandmother In his 2013 senior was ever too tough for week working.” me. If I could make it through all of that stuff, During his time in the then I could do anything.” city, he was also playing a lot of basketball and After graduation, he felt he had significantly wasn’t sure what he improved his game. wanted to do. He had He stated “I just had a offers from a few different calling...you should go Green View Restaurant schools to play college back to college and try to at the Canajoharie Golf Course

That was a short-lived plan as he was kicked out of college for brawling with other kids.

He admitted, “It wasn’t meant to be I guess...I had one foot out the door anyway because when I was at college, I was playing poker at Turning Stone. I was skipping some classes and I would be up there all night playing. I was winning but not enough to live off the poker.”

POKER From Page 1 young age that his family was not well-to-do as they lived meagerly.

He stated “It didn’t bother me then because you’re a kid so you are just happy, but I was aware we were definitely on the poorer side. But I wouldn’t change anything that happened to me growing up because it made me more hungry. I knew from a young age that I was going to be financially good and my kids were going to be good. It makes you want it more, and you’re never scared to go broke because you’ve been broke. I knew from a young age that I had to go and get it.”

and her twin sister play all kinds of games like cards and Scrabble, stating “Those were all strategy games at the end of the day. I would sit there for hours and watch them play. I picked up on their competitive nature and it stayed with me. It came pretty naturally for me to be good at games”.

year, he was elected Homecoming King. Jesse stated “ I was close with Coach Dodge and Coach Shepardson growing up.

I felt they were always looking out for me.”

Open to the Public Winter hours beginning Dec 1 Fri 4pm-8pm, Saturday, Sunday, Monday 12-8pm

Homemade items featuring NYS and local products Sandwiches, Burgers, Steak, Seafood, Salads, Appetizers

THURSDAY • ALL YOU CAN EAT DINNER

Only $13.75 l 4 pm - 8 pm l Now every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month December 14 and 28 January 11 and 25 February 8 and 22

March 14 and 28 April 11 and 25

STAY TUNED AND CHECK FACEBOOK FOR OTHER EVENTS, HOLIDAY FEATURES, AND BANDS!!

Bring this insert

in for a

$l 0 Gift Certif

ic

ate available for us e the next time you try us out!

Event Planning Available! Call 518-673-3635

https://www.facebook.com/theCanajoharieGolfCourse

Snowmobilers can follow the trail to the clubhouse or ch eck for open hours by calling!

SAVE THIS AD!

Joe Macri Home Improvement 35 Years Experience • WE DO •

Chimneys & Roofs - Rebuilt or Repaired Roofing, Siding, Masonry, Carpentry, Porches, Seamless Gutters, Blown-In Insulation in Attic and Walls, Basement Waterproofing, Emergency Roof Repairs Heating, Plumbing, Electrical

315-336-4176 josepheasyout@aol.com

Jesse continued playing at Turning Stone Casino.

He stated, “At that point, I was thinking, ‘Now that I’m not in college, I really have to start taking this seriously’.”

He worked odd jobs and spent his remaining time at the casino. During this time, he and his now fiance, Meghan, were starting to date. He stated, “At this time, I was playing poker every day. I went broke probably ten to fifteen times at least within that year.”

He realized that Turning Stone was not a big enough venue for him, so when Rivers Casino in Schenectady opened, he started to play there.

They were bigger games, and Jesse started making bigger money. He saved up his winnings with his eye on the west.

Making the Move Jesse had saved a fair amount of money from his winnings so he and his fiance, Meghan, made the decision to move to Oregon where he could be closer to the bigger Please See POKER Page 3

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S Page 3

POKER From Page 2 casinos.

He recalled “I wanted to play tournament poker. I was a cash game player in New York, where people with more money had the advantage. What I like about tournament poker... you correlate it with life. No matter where you come from or how much money you have, everybody starts out with the same amount of chips, so there is no advantage. We are all on equal ground. I thought....’if we are all on equal ground, then no one is going to beat me.’

I remember the first big tournament I played in Atlantic City. There were four or five thousand people in this tournament, and I remember getting to the top two hundred or something. Just to be in that big field with all of those people and getting almost to the end...I was like.. wow, I almost won this my first time! After that, I said to myself ‘I need to play tournament poker.’ I knew that if I wanted to play tournaments, I had to move out west where the majority of them were.”

One of the first tournaments he played in was in Reno, Nevada, where he did not do well.

He jumped into some cash games and ended up making ten grand in a couple of hours. He was encouraged by being around bigger pockets

where he could make some better money.

He entered a series in northern Oregon where he cashed for around $11,000 and by the end of the series he walked away with around $30,000.

different poker games on one screen playing twelve games at a time.

I was training my mind. I was seeing my mistakes and getting better. I was teaching myself. When Covid ended, I felt like I was ready.”

He said “That’s when I realized that I could do really well in these tournaments. A few weeks later I went to Vegas and played in a tournament at the Wynn and cashed for about twenty or thirty grand.

I could tell when I was playing that I had a big edge over people. I was able to read people well, and I was comfortable.”

Picking Up Some Wins January of 2021 was the first tournament in which Jesse won a substantial amount of money. He headed to the Hard Rock Casino in Florida with $7000 to his name.

First gold ring win, Jan 13, 2020

He planned on playing the $400 and $1000 buyin events. He thought if he did well in them, he would play the main event. He busted in both games.

Jesse had a good enough bankroll that he could travel a bit and enter some tournaments. He decided to enter a satellite tournament He decided to go to where a $400 buy-in Florida to play a series win could get him into where he lost all the the bigger $3500 buy-in money he had. His flight game. He won the $400 home was the next day. buy-in and got into the There was one little bigger game, where he tournament that would found himself at the final interfere with his flight, table playing for almost a but he bought in anyway. million dollars.

He ended up winning all of the money back that Before he even got to he had lost in the series, the final table, his father, caught his flight home, Mike Lonis, jumped on and felt pretty good. a plane to be there with him. Jesse said, “That’s Shortly after that, Covid the confidence my dad hit. Jesse played a bunch had in me. He always of cash games in Oregon. followed the updates and He also was playing when there were seventy on-line poker to practice people left, he decided to and get better. He stated, fly down that next day. He “I would have twelve got there the night before

Won the 10k pca tournament in Bahamas on January 29th 2023

the final table. I looked up and saw my dad there and thought ‘What the heck is he doing here?’

He surprised me. There were twelve people left, and I was the chip leader.

I asked my dad how he knew I was going to make it. He said, ‘I just knew’.

The last day, Jesse went out in fifth place, earning $250,000. He stated “It was crazy turning $400 into $250,000 with no one backing me. Now I had some money to actually play the game. I

If you are looking for something and can’t find it anywhere ask us!

We can order it!

18 North Ann Street Little Falls | 315-823-0320

Big City Options...Small Town Charm!

Call and Inquire-We Deliver!

could play aggressively, and that helped me to be the player I wanted to be.”

He had also found out that Meghan was pregnant with their first baby while he was in Florida.

After that big score, Jesse felt that he was ready to make the move to Las Vegas where he put a down payment on a lovely home for him and Meghan.

Please See POKER Page 6

Ask About Our COUPON

10%

New Bourbon Rewards Points Club.

Build up points and use them to purchase specialty bourbons we have in stock like

OFF

Buffalo Trace, Blanton’s, Weller and More!

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE

Exclusions apply.

FREEExpires TO1/31/22.

JOIN!

Page 4

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - DECEMBER City of Little Falls December 2, 2023 Chili Cook Off 3 - Rock Valley Brewing Company 3-10 pm. Chili sampling $10, $7 if you bring a non-perishable food item or personal hygiene item (body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.) 10+ different kinds to sample. $250 1st place prize. A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Little Falls Food Pantry.

December 3, 2023 Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - A Christmas concert will be held at the church featuring organist Helen M. Maksymicz.

Also on the program are instrumentalists and singers. Everyone is invited to come and get in the Christmas spirit from 2-3:30 pm.

December 5, 2023 Common Council Meeting - Auditing of the bills: 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting: 7:00 p.m. City Hall.

December 8, 2023 Christmas in Little Falls 6-8 pm Sterzinar Park Christmas in Little Falls is a fun, family-oriented holiday celebration brought to you by businesses and not-for-profit agencies serving Little Falls, New York. Our fun and mostly FREE events have drawn thousands of visitors from throughout the Mohawk Valley to get into the holiday spirit by celebrating in our quaint, scenic town located on the Erie Canal.

December 9, 2023 Christmas in Little Falls is a fun, family-oriented holiday celebration brought to you by businesses and not-for-profit agencies

serving Little Falls, New York. Our fun and mostly FREE events have drawn thousands of visitors from throughout the Mohawk Valley to get into the holiday spirit by celebrating in our quaint, scenic town located on the Erie Canal.

December 9, 2023 2nd Annual Pop-Up Yarn Shop - 10 am - 3 pm - Little Falls Public Library and Main Street Mercantile.

December 9, 2023 A collaborative Evening of Art - 5 pm - 10 pm - The Renaissance Pub and MVCA are proud to present “A Collaborative Evening of Art” by artists Eric Whitfield and Carly Proulx.

December 11, 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.

December 13, 2023 Golf Commission Meeting - 8:00 am in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

December 18, 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.

December 20, 2023 Urban Renewal Agency Meeting - 8:15 am Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

Little Falls Elks December 2, 2023 The Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest will be held at the Little Falls Youth and Family Center Saturday December 2 starting at 10 am. Last years national champion was from Utica, NY. Come give us your best shot! Please contact Chairman Kevin Kress for more information. 315 868 7024 December 2, 2023 The Elks will be participating at the 3rd annual chili cookoff at Rock Valley Brewing in Little Falls starting at 2 PM. See you there!

December 3, 2023 Elks Memorial Sunday will commence on December 3rd at 1pm. This is a time when we honor and reflect

on our members who have passed on this year.

The solemn ceremony is a reminder that our members and their families are never forsaken and never forgotten. Friends and family are invited to the ceremony with light fare to follow.

December 9, 2023 Please join us at the Little Falls Elks Lodge #42, Saturday December 9th starting with LFCSD Music from 9am-11am, German Dancers from 12pm-1pm and enjoy a hearty bowl of soup at the Soup Fest.

From 6pm - 9pm come dressed as your favorite character from Home Alone for our annual theme party.

December 28, 2023 The Elks Hour of Cheer will be held Thursday December 28 for members in good standing starting at 6pm. Members and their guests are welcome to join us 7pm - 10pm for live music featuring Max Scialdone and Kelly. Our $1000 monthly drawing will be held on December 28th as well. Stop at the Lodge to purchase your tickets.

Little Falls Public Library December Programs

12

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

1

2

3

9

10

16

17

Playdate Plus 10:15am

4 Teen Creative Writing 5:15pm

11 Teen Creative Writing 5:15pm

18

Teen Creative Writing 5:15pm Photos with Santa 5-5:30pm Book Club 5:30pm

25

5

6

Cooking Matters for Teens 3:30pm-4:30pm

Bright Beginnings 10am & 11:15am

In Cold Blood Session 3 @ 5:45pm

Flash Fiction 6pm

12 Adult Cookie Exchange 5pm

19 In Cold Blood Session 4 @ 5:45pm

13

Bright Beginnings 10am & 11:15am Laurie’s Make & Take 3:30pm Flash Fiction 6pm

20 Bright Beginnings 10am & 11:15am

7 Cursive Writing 3:30pm

2023

8

Playdate Plus 10:15am Sharon’s Bracelet Class 3pm

14

15

Cursive Writing 3:30pm

Playdate Plus 10:15am Intro to Signing with Baby 11:30am

21

22

Cursive Writing 3:30pm

Playdate Plus 10:15am

Teen Advisory Board 12:30pm

Yarn Pop-Up 10am3pm MVCA Storytime 11am & 2pm All day craft table

Graham Cracker House Program 11am Bright Beginnings 10:30am

23

24

30

31

Flash Fiction 6pm

26

27

Dream Workshop 5:45pm

Flash Fiction 6pm

28

Teen Art Night: NYE Edition 4:30pm

29 Playdate Plus 10:15am

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S Page 5

FORWARD From Page 1 big or go home!’ and we started fundraising and grant writing. In the end, between the funding we got, the in-kind hours from volunteers and village employees that did a series of community builds, we’ve put about $150,000 into the playground.”

The playground now includes SMART exercise Stations that have directions on proper use and an app you can utilize on your phone for additional information.

The Dolgeville Central School Class of ‘77 donated a bench and a tree to the playground.

The new playground equipment includes old favorites like a jungle gym as well as new equipment such as a zip line. The children of the community wanted to keep the old-

style merry-go-round, mission of Dolgeville so the committee had Forward. the old one removed, refurbished, and refitted! * Community Pavilion: Focuses on the renovation “When we finished that and maintenance of project, we thought, ‘Why the Helmer Avenue should we stop here?’ So Community Pavilion. that’s when we decided * Fun & Fitness Area: to create the group. Spearheads the Because we realized renovation of the village Dolgeville is a small playground and park community. It has a very property. small government, very * Public Health and few public employees, Safety: Identifies public and a really small tax health and safety risks base. They just don’t in the community and have the staff to do it. provides health and We decided to form the wellness information and group to assist the village programs. to make improvements in * Arts and Culture: the village using an all- Provides residents with volunteer workforce.” visual and performing arts programming.

Dolgeville Forward has * Beautification: Maintains eight subcommittees. the village parks, street Each is focused on decor, and green spaces. a different aspect of * Economic Development: community life while Partners with the Village serving the overall to attract and retain

Kaufman Mayor-Elect

Some members who participated in planning, fundraising, and building the Funt & Fitness area, courtesy of Dolgeville Forward.

businesses. * Land Bank: Works in partnership with the Greater Mohawk Valley Land Bank to end property blight. * Marketing & Media: Promotes the Village of Dolgeville via print, digital, and broadcast media.

Through these committee visions, Dolgeville Forward can tackle many projects and programs to help improve the community and quality of

life. From festivals and events like Blueberries, Blues, and BBQ in the summer and Christmas on Main in the winter to raising funds in 2022 for new Main Street Holiday decorations that were damaged in a flood, the group is very active.

As part of the Public Health and Safety vision, they run a weekly Farmer’s Market from May to October and manage Please See FORWARD Page 7

A Full-Time Mayor Principles - Integrity - Experience

Thank you Little Falls!

I am deeply moved by the expression of confidence from our Little Falls community, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am immensely grateful to the family, friends, and loyal supporters who so generously contributed their time and effort to my mayoral campaign.

I look forward to working with you as your Mayor to restore public safety, financial security and prosperity to our City, making Little Falls, once again, a place where people of all ages can count on a future.

Deborah

kaufmanformayor.com Paid for by Friends of Deborah Kaufman for Mayor

M O H A W K

Page 6

POKER From Page 3 In Sept. 2021, they welcomed their daughter, Harley Jean, to the world and Jesse had that much more reason to keep winning.

During 2023, he cashed in more than 30 live events through the end of July, including a trio of six-figure results.

In January, he finished Jesse started playing third in the $25,000 tournaments in Vegas high roller at the Hard and stated, “Before I Rock in South Florida for knew it, I was dominating $260,000 and then added in those.” another $370,000 with a win at the PokerStars In 2022, Jesse averaged Caribbean Adventure. better than one live tournament cash per I asked Jesse how he week. answers people who say that he is gambling and “Took 2nd in the last risks taking on a game of event of the series, the luck. He stated, “If it was 1k turbo for 118,000” July luck, then every different 18, 2022 day, someone else would

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S

cocktail. We were looking at updates, and I saw that win. Eighty or ninety it already had 120 people percent of the time, I am and for a $50,000 buygoing to beat that person. in...that was unheard of!

It is a skill game, for sure. It ended up getting over There is luck involved in two hundred people and certain spots, but luck was the biggest $50,000 is only a short-term buy-in in the history of thing. The math and the poker. I messaged a percentages are gonna good friend of mine, who play out over the long sometimes backs me, term. There are so many and said ‘Hey man this factors. It’s not just one, PLO 50K is getting really two, three things. It’s five big. I am having FOMO hundred different things. (fear of missing out) There is always a way to because I’m not in there.’ get better at the game.

Poker is the only game He called me right away where you are not going and said, ‘Do you want against the casino. You to play it?’ and I said,’ are going against other Yeah bro, I am always people. It’s the only skill ready’. He said ‘Let’s go’ and had someone bring game for gambling.” me the money right then.

The rest is history.

The Big One This summer, Jesse made a last-minute decision to play in the $50,000 pot-limit Omaha championship.

He stated, “That’s a totally different game which I am technically new to. I learned it a few years ago. I wasn’t even going to play in that tournament. That’s the craziest part about it. It was a long summer and I was playing every day. I was taking that day off. I was with Meghan and the baby. We went down to the strip and had dinner and I was having a

Installation • Sales • Service Commercial • Agriculture • Residential

Elmer Fisher 315.219.2171

746 State Hwy. 163 Fort Plain, NY 13339

Jesse decided to take a break from playing poker, awaiting the arrival of his second daughter.

On August 18, Myla Michelle Lonis was born.

Jesse spent a couple more weeks at home, before heading back to the tables.

I asked him how he had gotten so confident about his playing. He stated, “When I was growing up, I would watch the WSOP, World Series of Poker on ESPN. That’s what I always wanted to do, to get on TV and be like that.

I had friends telling me I was crazy. I remember watching a poker champ on TV a long time ago and pointing out all of his mistakes. I told my friend, ‘If this is the best player in the world, I am going to be way better than him.’ Poker was a perfect game for me. All the things in my life added up for poker. I felt most comfortable there. If it’s a mental game with math and reading people, I felt like I was always going to be the best at doing that.

I still believe I am going to be the best player in the world one day. There is no one in the world that I will sit with and feel nervous playing.”

I bought into my first $50,000 buy-in ever. It was a lot of pressure.

You know you have to play your A-game. I knew I needed to get this done.

I ended up dominating the tournament and probably knocked out twenty percent of the two hundred people.”

Jesse broke through for his second bracelet and a massive payday of $2.3 million. He was very emotional during the post-game interviews as he admitted that he does it all for his family, which made his fans love him He reflects back to his even more.

Please See POKER Page 7

M O H A W K POKER From Page 6

childhood and realizes that the hardships he endured have made him a stronger person who is self-reliant.

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S Page 7

FORWARD From Page 5

the C.A.T. Project. The Trap/Neuter Return program has helped over 600 cats to date!

“Now other communities He feels that he has are contacting them beaten the statistics. He for information and stated, “Guys playing presentations on how we poker sometimes did it,” Christine added. complain that it is so tough and I tell them ‘You The group has an Earth guys don’t know tough... Day clean-up throughout this is easy.’ I would the Village each year, never change anything. and they purchase all It has shaped me into the plants throughout the the person I am. I was Village, too. The hanging always dependent on flower baskets along myself. It has made me Main Street are always Christine mentally tougher, which gorgeous. helps at the table.” His explains, “We have father, Mike Lonis, stated, seven people who, every “I am very proud. I have single day with a tractor supported him along and cart that we helped the way. He has worked to purchase, water every very hard, and I am his plant. That’s all because number one fan.” of volunteers!”

State offices. So, all that got put on hold.”

Christine said. “And then post-Covid, we’ve gotten back into it.”

The village was awarded a New York State Parks and Recreation Grant in 2018 for $455,000 to update the community pavilion and the playground on Helmer Avenue. As a matching grant, the village is responsible for contributing 25% financially to supplement the funds from the state. To cover funding, Dolgeville Forward held fundraising events, received donations from individuals and businesses, and wrote additional grants.

A rendering of the Center Park Project Community Pavilion by the architectural firm Saratoga Associates courtesy of Dolgeville Forward.

The Community Pavilion will be a centralized multiuse space in Dolgeville for use by the Village, including community groups and private individuals to gather.

The pavilion will include an open-air pavilion, handicapped-accessible restrooms, a commercial kitchen, and doors to close one area of the pavilion for use during inclement weather.

“Most people don’t realize The architectural firm Jessie and Meghan are Community Pavilion that Municipalities cannot Saratoga Associates is in the process of planning fundraise, and they developing an ambitious their destination Wedding The next project the cannot ask for donations. project that can be viewed in Hawaii for this spring. group took on was the They can only apply for as a video on YouTube.

Community Pavilion on grants that are available After his Thanksgiving Helmer Avenue as well for municipalities. So, Moving Forward break, Jesse is playing as additional playground what we do is we are in Florida and then the improvements. “The idea kind of a fundraising arm Christine was very Bahamas. was to do a Basketball/ outside of the village. thankful for all the donors Pickleball court, a splash And then the money that and the help they have He stated, “I think poker pad, and an open-air we raise, we can donate received along the way. will be imprinted in me for pavilion. As we went to them. So far, we have “Rodney Schwartz, the rest of my life.” through that process, donated approximately our Herkimer County Covid hit, and it shut $90,000 towards that Legislator, lobbied the So the next time we see down all the New York match.” legislature on our behalf “Cool Hand Lonis” he might just be a few more million dollars richer!

for The American Relief Program Funds from COVID. We have also approached the Wadas Foundation, which supports local youth sports.”

“Then the New York Forward grant came up, which is a brand-new opportunity. It’s through the New York State Department of State, and we applied, and we got it!” Christine added.

The group was awarded $2.25 million dollars and is currently working on its project scope. “We are in the process of finalizing what we’re going to send up to the state for approval.”

Donations Volunteers

and

Dolgeville Forward projects and events Please See FORWARD Page 8

MATTICE MECHANICAL, LLC 6054 State Hwy 5, Palatine Bridge

518-673-2925

matticeandsons@yahoo.com we do electrical work as well, both residential and commercial

Our Services Include: •Air Conditioning •Heating •Drain Cleaning •Water Heaters •Bathroom Remodels

Keep Mattice Mechanical in your thoughts for any type of excavation work, including septic system installations, drainage installations & most any type of excacation work

We have emergency after hours service Office number 518-673-2925 for all calls

news@mohawkvalleyexpress.com

Page 8

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S

SENIOR MEALS FOR DECEMBER 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.

Dec 01 - Lemon chicken, confetti rice, squash, fruited gelatin with topping.

Dec 04 - Sweet sausage with peppers and onions, warm German potato salad, carrot raising salad, peanut butter cookie.

Dec 05 - Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, green beans, chef’s choice pie.

Dec 06 - Three-cheese ziti, tossed salad, garlic roll, carnival cookie.

Dec 07 - Stuffed pepper casserole, corn, tossed salad, Mandarin oranges.

Dec 08 - Macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes and zucchini, green beans, strawberry ice cream.

Dec 11 - Ham with plum sauce, scalloped potatoes, country blend vegetables, frosted cupcake.

Dec 12 - Cream of cauliflower and carrot soup, tuna salad sandwich, applesauce.

Dec 13 - Philly cheeseburger, three-bean salad, coleslaw, chocolate chip cookie.

Dec 14 - Chicken cacciatore, Italian blend vegetables, Italian bread, vanilla ice cream.

Dec 15 - Chili con Carne, corn bread, cauliflower, pineapple tidbits.

Dec 18 - Meatloaf, au gratin potatoes, mixed vegetables, poke cake.

Dec 19 - Turkey divan with broccoli, sauce, noodles, spinach, cherry crisp.

Dec 20 - Stuffed chicken breast, peas witih pearl onions, mashed potatoes, dinner roll, apple pie.

Dec 21 - Roast turkey dinner, sweet potatoes, green beans, frosted birthday cake.

Dec 22 - Pulled pork on a bun, baked beans, brocccoli, pears.

Dec 25 - Closed for Christmas Day. Dec 26 - Baked fish with herb sauce, seasoned rice, Brussels sprouts, chocolate ice cream.

Dec 27 - Roast pork with gravy, stuffing, peas, brownie.

Dec 28 - Cream of broccoli soup, chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, oatmeal cookie.

Dec 29 - Lasagna, Italian blend vegetables, garlic roll, pudding.

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.

Email your story idea to: news@mohawkvalleyexpress.com

A Collaborative Evening of Art The Renaissance Pub and MVCA are proud to present “A Collaborative Evening of Art” by artists Eric Whitfield and Carly Proulx.

Meet Eric Whitfield On September 9th, Eric Whitfield’s first solo show was a resounding success at the 401 Gallery. The venue was filled with his recent work. Abstracts.

Stories for viewers to unfold. Brilliant colors and designs. Darker shades to explore. His audience was taking it all in.

While Whitfield has been in the art world most of his life, he referred to his earlier art as “Foyer Art,” which evolved into commissioned drawings and paintings. Once his journey in the art world began in earnest, he felt the freedom to have fun with his paintings. You’ll see it in his work.

Meet Carly Proulx In March 2023, Carly Proulx was one of 8

women exhibiting in “Torrent of Flor.” The work she displayed immediately drew in the crowd. Donna Veeder stated: “Carly Proulx paints our Mohawk River in a wild spring flood, flashing by us below her window. Yet she gives us darker brooding figures whose thoughts we cannot quite fathom.” From then on, her work continued to become more accessible to the audience, more complex and open to the viewers.

Carly Proulx recently exhibited her art at Main St. Mercantile, 600 E. Main Street, Little Falls, on November 10th.

Eric Whitfield and Carly Proulx invite you to “A Collaborative Evening of Art” on December 9th at The Renaissance Pub, 550 E. Main Street, Little Falls, NY 13365. 315-5661006. Starting at 5 PM. The Opening Event starts at 7 PM. The show will be up through December 31st.

FORWARD From Page 7 are funded exclusively through donations, fundraising, and grants, and they are always seeking financial backing to continue their community work.

Christine discussed the power of community and how important it is to have all hands on deck.

“We have so many small communities around here that simply do not have the requisite resources to make improvements in their village or city. If you want to see movement and growth, you have to harness volunteers.”

events and activities are the backbone of the group, and membership is open to everyone.

If you would like to join Dolgeville Forward, Inc. or receive updates and other information, please e-mail dolgevilleforward@gmail. com to be added to the group email list.

Interested in donating to a Dolgeville Forward project? Visit dolgevilleforward.org/ financial-support.

More Information on Forward Volunteers are Dolgeville be found at always needed and can welcome!

Volunteers dolgevilleforward.org or who participate on Dolgeville Forward Inc. committees, help at on their Facebook page.

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S Page 9

Tina Marie Interiors and Root Cause Wellness open in Stone Mill building

professionally. “People would walk into my Tina Marie Interiors and house and tell me that I Root Cause Wellness really had a gift and that I Coaching & Counseling should be doing it. I didn’t is now open on the fourth really consider it.” floor of the Stone Mill building in Canal Place.

But, while she was staring at the floor, she Tina Mahoney owns both started thinking about it. establishments and was also responsible for the interior design of the fourth-floor offices and event space.

By Dave Warner

The interior design business started in 2017.

At the time, Mahoney was working for the Herkimer School District and had had eye surgery. “When I was staring at the floor for seven weeks, I sat there and thought about whether I wanted to return to the job or did I want to do something else. It gave me time to think about it.”

“I thought - I would rather have my own business and make my own hours and do things my way, on my time, and not be working for someone,” she stated.

After

giving

it

more

Please See TINA Page 11

Tina Mahoney, owner of Tina Marie Interiors and Root Cause Wellness Coaching & Counseling, sits in her new office on the fourth floor of the Stone Mill building.

PACA GARDENS is fully stocked for the Fall and Winter!

Do your Christmas Shopping early for the best selection!

And remember, EVERYONE Loves the Gift of Alpaca!

Cherokee Blankets in many colors 62” X 72” w/ Fringe - 50% Alpaca

Hundreds of Sweaters, Capes & Ruanas in Stock!

Interior Design was something that she had always loved and done as a hobby, but not

Pohlig’s

HOME FURNISHINGS ESTABLISHED 1888

Paint & Paint Sundries Flooring & Ceramic Tiles Window Shades & Treatments Mattresses Wallpaper & Borders

Stocking: Sweaters, Hats, Gloves, Mittens, Fur Hats, Capes, Slippers,Socks,Scarves,Fur Pillows,Blankets & more.

Alpaca is up to 5X Warmer than Wool, Softer than Cashmere and Smoother than Silk. Alpaca breathes better than any other Natural Fiber, and is “Naturally” Water & Odor Resistant. PLUS, Alpaca is Hypo-Allergenic & Highly Anti-Microbial.

634-636 E. Main Street P.O. Box 93 Little Falls, NY 13365

P. (315) 823-2640 F. (315) 823-2641

Skier Socks

Ski & Snowmobile Hiker Alpaca Socks Heavy Boot Socks Men’s & Ladies’ Everyday Medium Cold Weather Sock.

Weight Sock. Great for Warm & Cozy! Great Alpaca Jackets Winter & Summer for Winter Activities! & Vests in Stock!

Made Especially for Ski Alpaca Socks Boots. Thin with Padding.

Tall, Heavy Weight Moisture Wicking.

WARM - 70% Baby Alpaca & Stays in Place!

Follow us on FACEBOOK

Over 50 Styles of Alpaca Socks in stock! for more Product info!

Robert Pohlig OWNER

If you can’t make it to our HUGE store, call and we can ship.

Page 10

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S

There’s a lot of ‘Yarn’ at the Little Falls Public Library

By Dave Warner

John Ossowski and Mike Beehm spent eleven months creating a yarn Christmas tree that is a work of art. The tree is currently on display at the Little Falls Public Library, where they are using it to draw people into the facility, but also garner some attention for their Second Annual Pop-Up Yarn Shop, scheduled for December 9th from 10 am until 3 pm.

biggest in Central New York,” stated Ossowski.

“There’s about 18 miles of yarn in all of this, from skirt to topper. There’s about eleven months of work from the two of us,” Ossowski said.

Most of the tree is recycled, and they said they did it with what they had. “That’s the big question - what can you do with who you are and what you have,” stated Ossowski.

Beemn said that a lot There are 87 normal-sized of the education and skeins of yarn, 80% of inspiration came from which were repurposed. their grandmothers. “With “The circumference is crochet, you think, ‘We’re 19 feet, and the width putting a blanket together is six feet. We estimate or something like that,’ that there are about and yes, you can do that, 150,000 stitches in the but you can also create Beehm stated that body of the tree alone. a sculpture with it too,” there are actually a lot Probably more,” Beehm Ossawski said. of crocheted Christmas mentioned.

“We really wanted trees all over the world.

“A lot of them tend to be a They said that the to elevate crochet to bit smaller than this one. crochet itself weighed another level that people Other people have done 39 pounds but that they might not perceive it to it, but the design came had to create a wooden be,” Beehm said. from us.” structure underneath to hold everything. “A lot of The art of crochet has The tree is 10 1/2 feet the wood was just left- had somewhat of a tall, and they believe it’s over stuff that we had. I resurgence lately in the tallest in the Mohawk did buy plywood to make that young people are Valley. “It’s not the biggest each layer,” Ossowski starting to pick up the craft. “They’re seeing the in the world, but easily the said. use and fun in it, and it’s kind of a meditative craft - very zen, I’d say,” stated Beehm.

Little Falls Community Co-Op

Bulk foods, spices, supplements, and hard to find items at discounted costs. Beauty products, housewares, gardening equipment, seeds, gifts, local products, books and more!

After eleven months of work, John Ossowski (left) and Mike Beehm (right) installed their yarn tree at the Little Falls Public Library.

would get 60-75 kids in a crocheted Christmas day to crochet at Proctor tree, the answer was a High School. resounding, Yes!” “I have students that I teach here and at Paca Gardens, and they’re learning at all different ages and finding some value in it, either for their own creative expression or making something to wear,” said Ossowski.

“It’s like a low barrier to entry hobby. You don’t need a lot of money or fancy equipment to do this.”

“John has been a huge part of our Saturday programming here at the library by having the Little Falls Friends of Fiber hold their knitting and crochet group in our Front Parlor.

Having the tree here just made sense. John and Mike poured their hearts and souls into this tree, making it a symbol for not only the fiber arts community but also the They both said you can Little Falls community. get started for less than It’s genuinely an honor to twenty dollars. “You can display it here,” she said. buy fiber pretty cheaply, but you can also get high- Beehm said, “This is end material as well,” he just a gift from us to the community.” said.

The purple star at the top is Alpaca wool and “It’s helped people with was donated by Paca mental health issues, and Gardens as a tribute to it’s definitely something the City of Little Falls that the younger since it’s purple. generation has picked up on,” he said.

Cheyenne Aney, director at the library, stated, Beehm said that last “When John asked year, he was teaching an if the library would after-school program and display this magnificent

Mon: Closed Tue: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Wed: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Thu: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM Fri: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Sat: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM Sun: Closed

589 Albany Street Little Falls, NY 13365

315-823-0686

Contact me for all your real estate needs!

For next year, they’re thinking of making their entire house a yarn installation for the holidays. “It’s a great place for an installation,” said Ossawski.

If you’re interested in learning more, supplies have been donated and are available at the library to be used during classes.

For more information on the project, The SecondAnnual Pop-Up Yarn Shop, and raffle tickets for the chance to win a throw blanket, visit www. littlefallsfof.com/

M O H A W K People who have seen her work say she has a thought, she quit her job particular style. “They say and just jumped right into you can tell what’s yours. it. “I said here we go.”

Just like when you see a Monet or Van Gogh, She took a course at the you know who did it. So, New York Institute of Art I try to stay in my lane and Design; everything and keep it to what my else was her ‘eye’ for eye naturally gravitates putting things together. towards doing. I want people to see my design During the coursework, and say, ‘Tina did that.’” they mentioned someone called Pam. “She never Mahoney calls the style went with what they taught transitional or traditional. her to do. The trends. “I’m very eclectic in that She would always do her I don’t hesitate in mixing own thing, and it was kind styles.” of a faux pas - you don’t have to follow the color Looking around her wheel or do this or that. office, there’s a mix of When they discussed it modern and farm-house during the course work, country. “I’ll mix it all I realized I was Pam,” together. I’ll stick with a stated Mohoney. “That’s color palette to pull it all me.” together. That’s why I’m TINA From Page 9

She said that she does what her eye tells her will work. “It’s not about whether blue goes with green or red or whatever.

I try to look for things that are traditional so that it’s timeless.”

Mahoney does both commercial and residential work. Her first big gig was the Grand Colonial Bed & Breakfast in Herkimer. “That was one of my first commercial jobs where it wasn’t just a house. It was a good first job because it challenged me as a designer. Everything was period-dated for colonial times, so I had to stick with that.”

She was unfamiliar with antiques, so it pushed her out of her comfort zone.

“I tell people that if they want to see my work, they can go over there because it’s really out of my normal design. But it worked, and it was a great first project.”

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S Page 11

yeah, I can do a lot with “They’re two separate this,” she said. things, but they do tie together. If your home “When we met everyone is cluttered, your mind at the Stone Mill...they is probably cluttered, were just great people. too. There’s probably They gave off great something going on energy, and we just liked inside of you that’s the feel of the place and making it so that your the people.” house isn’t reflective of what’s happening inside.

Mahoney said she likes the idea of bringing a bigger business to a small town, and folks have remarked that the decor on the floor looks like Manhatten.

She also has a business called Root Cause Wellness Coaching & Counseling in the same location. She’s a professionally trained and certified life coach and pastoral counselor like Pam.” and says she has the tools and understanding Mahoney said she and to help you create the Renee Dugan had life you imagine and get been biking from Ilion a renewed sense of self. to Little Falls when they discovered the Stone Mill “I want to help people location. around here do better and feel better. Just Initially, they went to the mental and emotional Antique Center to ask if health. That was born they had any apartments, out of the desire to make and they didn’t. So, they the Mohawk Valley a decided to head to the more healthy area - to Stone Mill building and give people options,” she have lunch at the Cafe. stated.

They spoke with Katy Tomei, who took them on a tour of the empty fourth floor after hearing the story about how they wanted to both branch out.

“Your home is your sanctuary, and it’s where you go to relax. It’s your refuge.” Her son remarked that it’s like Fung Shui putting the two together makes sense because your home is part of your “I looked at the blank mental and emotional open space and said, oh health.

3 Canal Street Fort Plain (518)993-2387 Fax: (518) 993-2302

CALL US FOR A QUOTE ON ALL OF YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS! (800) 836-2885 | shultsagency.com

Briggs Street Plaza, Johnstown (518)762-8200 Fax: (518) 762-1400

INTEGRITY • VALUE • SERVICE

shultsagency.com

I see that a lot,” she said.

“It’s kind of ironic where I was led to.”

For interior design, you can find out more by visiting tinamarieinteriors.com.

Root Cause information is at rootcausewellnesscoach. com.

Grand Colonial Bed & Breakfast, parlor, Herkimer, New York.

COMPLETE AUTO SERVICE CENTER • ASE Certified Technicians • Auto Detailing • Minor & Major Auto Repairs on all makes & models • NYS Inspection Facility R3290062 • Heavy Duty Commercial Vehicle Repairs • Air Conditioning Service • Collision Repair Facility • Authorized AAA Repair Center • Authorized Auto Insurance DRP • Computerized 4 Wheel Alignment

SERVICE CENTER HOURS: Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM

24 HOUR TOWING & ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE Days 518-673-3214 Nights 518-673-5625 www.mwroosevelt.com

210 Erie Blvd., Canajoharie, NY • 518-673-3214 •

M O H A W K

Page 12

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S

Timeless Salon & Bridal Studio now open on 4th floor in Stone Mill

By Dave Warner

Timeless Salon & Bridal Studio has opened up on the 4th Floor of the Stone Mill building in Canal Place.

Renee Dugan, owner of the business, said that when she was five years old, she was doing her own hair, putting curlers in it, and going to bed.

“I just loved hair, and I loved styling. I loved what hair can do.”

She said she was good in math and college-bound, but it was cosmetology when her guidance counselor asked her what she wanted to do.

He said, “Look at your grades. You’re college material. So, the second thing I wanted to be was an architect. I couldn’t decide, so I took a year off.”

In that year, she decided to go for it. She said the class started out with 54 students, and she loved it. The teacher was excellent, but very strict and good at what she did.

The class size started to shrink and went down to about 30.

“They had a regional contest in my second year, so I went to that and won. I studied to do the state competition, and it blew me away.

I couldn’t believe what these girls were doing with hair because I had only learned the basics, and they were doing so many awesome things,” she said. “I didn’t win that one, but came back and told the teacher that I wanted to learn more.”

degree. Her first job with hair was renting a booth in Herkimer. “I started building up my clientele, and after about two years, I was able to open a salon in Herkimer called ‘Heads are Turning.’”

She had three other girls working with her, and she said it was great.

She eventually sold the business, and today, it’s located in Ilion.

Dugan moved to West Winfield with her husband and opened up Designs Hair Studio and Day Spa, which was the first day spa in all of Upstate Central New York.

“Everybody said, no, no, that’s not going to work in dinky little West Winfield, and I said watch,” she said.

She continued with her training and started attending Herkimer They used a part of College for a business the house that they’d purchased and converted it into a business. “When we opened, it was like a revolving door. It was great for the first 3-4 years, and then others started popping up, and it leveled out.”

Photo by Dave Warner - Renee Dugan seated at the front desk of her new location on the 4th floor of the Stone Mill building in Canal Place.

and Salon.”

She ended up bringing a team of three girls Little by little, the day together. “My daughter’s spa portion ended up on the team, and she shrinking to a point where does makeup.” it wasn’t profitable. “One day, I had a bride in my Last year, Dugan had chair from New York City been thinking about doing her hair, and she expanding - doing retreats was getting married in and micro-weddings and Cooperstown and was had been on the fateful nervous about getting bicycle ride with Tina back in time, being 30 Malony from Ilion to Little Falls when they bumped minutes away.” into Katy Tomei.

Dugan asked why she didn’t bring her hair stylist “She said, why don’t up from the City and was you look at the fourth told that just the travel floor? When I saw it, my would be $500. “My wheels went, oh yeah mind went ding, ding, so and my head just started I quickly pivoted out of spinning. I thought, I can the spa into on-location do micro-weddings, I can bridal hair and makeup. I do retreats, I can have an took my portfolio of work all-in-one bridal suite up to the hotels. I went to here...this is amazing.” every one.”

Dugan met with Neil Back then, she was Rosenbaum, and things doing both the hair and just clicked. “So we makeup. “I couldn’t do bounced ideas back and the big parties, but it was forth because I knew how amazing. Little by little, I wanted the rooms and we started getting awards everything to look like. from Wedding Wire and So, he let me work with reviews, and I wanted to the architects.”

Dugan got a divorce and had to start again.

“I had a contest for the name, and one of my clients said, ‘How about Timeless,’ and I told her get a team together and I loved the name. Back do the big parties.” then, it was Timeless Spa

All kinds Of Unique Vendors under one roof!

Artisans, Crafters, Antiques to Retro including Food Items.

Vendors Wanted

Also home of

Ron’s Tree Removal Chipping • Trimming • Stumping • Cleanup Storm Damage • Land Clearing

315-628-1506

www.renewedandrescued.com

142 North Main St., Herkimer • 315-219-9195 Open Tues-Fri: 10-4:30, Sat: 10-4, Closed Sun & Mon www.mohawkvalleycommunitymarket.com

315 866-3889

Mohawk, NY FREE ESTIMATES • FULLY INSURED Senior Citizen Discounts

“It all turned out great,” she said.

Now that she’s open, she will focus on microweddings and retreats.

You can get hair, makeup, facials, brow lamination, and other services at the new location in Little Falls. To find out more, call 315-822-1191.

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S Page 13

Straney back in Little Falls to create next dance film in series

By Dave Warner

Hannah Straney is back in Little Falls with Retrograde Studios to make the next dance film in the series called, ‘Don’t Leave Me.’ She is collaborating with artist and dancer Asha Benjelloun, Emmy awardwinning producer Joe Hill, and accomplished creative directors Baylie and McCall Olsen out of LA. “Kevin is dancing with the Gibney Dance Company out of New York City, a world-renowned dance company that tours worldwide,” Straney said.

“This film is the second part of our five-part series where we are focusing on the sense of taste. We’re also entering a more nightmarish realm, so it’s an aspect of horror.

There are also themes of relationships, longing, missing, and hope, as well as fear and anxiety,” she said.

Straney said that they’re really trying to focus on taste and what it’s like to be overwhelmed by that.

The filming occurred three days before Thanksgiving on her family’s farm just north of the City.

“The whole film was shot there. We had a set of starting images that happened inside the house, and then everything else happened outside in the fields. It’s open and away, and these two bodies running towards each other, or running away.”

The weather was a bit colder than they expected.

“Our shoot days are so long.”

Straney said that the production team she had was amazing. “Our production coordinator was Skyla Schreter, as well as Joe Hill from Vice News and Baylie and McCall Olsen. They’re all coming together to ensure that everything is running smoothly and looking how it should. They’re also making sure that it’s telling the story that I wrote.”

“Jake Kruty and John Rodrigues are really bringing the story to life through these cameras that we have,” she remarked.

If you would like to see your story in the Mohawk Valley Express - email it to news@mohawkvalleyexpress.com

$5,000 for this current project in Little Falls.

“While we partner with Huron Studios in Brooklyn, NY, we hope to gather additional support from within the Little Falls community. All donations will be greatly appreciated, as it’s a self-funded film,” she stated.

If you’d like to support the film, you can make your tax-deductible payment through The Creative Outpost by visiting creativeoutpost.org/ projects/

There currently isn’t a release date for the completed project, but she says that they expect to take a similar trajectory towards how they marketed and submitted the first film, ACT 1: ICU. “Any place that we think this film will resonate or fits the description for a film festival, either here in the States, or New York State in particular, or abroad.

We’ll send it out,” Straney stated.

ACT 1: ICU followed two dancers as they explored a foreign space without a sense of sight. The film was a collaboration between the dancers and videographers, who took on the task of conveying the absence of a sense.

That film has been selected for the 2023 ADF’s Movies by Movers Film Festival as one of 15 films presented during its online showcase. It was also chosen for the 2023 DANCE CAMERA ISTANBUL- Impro Dance Fest.

Straney aims to raise

Photo submitted - A shot of the monitor while filming is in progress.

NOW TAKING ORDERS FOR THE HOLIDAYS! All your Seafood Needs!

Haddock, Scallops, Clams, Shrimp, King Crab Legs, Lobster Tails, More!

Seafood & More

Restaurant Hours: Wed and Thurs 11am-7pm, Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 12 Noon-7pm

200 King Street, Herkimer 315-866-5716

Page 14

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S

Hockey season in full swing in Central New York

By Scott Kinville

Hockey season is in full swing in Central New York, as all of the region’s professional and college teams play regular season games.

The Hamilton College Continentals, whose conference the NESCAC does not start its season until mid-November, were the last CNY college teams to start their seasons.

December Schedule - The Syracuse Crunch - Record: 10-5-0-2, 22 Pts - 2nd in the North Division.

The Utica Pioneers Men’s and Women’s teams started their seasons at the end of October in dramatic fashion. The Women’s season started on October 27th and 28th with the inaugural Utica University Kickoff Tournament. The Kickoff Tournament featured the then sixth-ranked Adrian Bulldogs, twelfth-ranked Elmira Soaring Eagles, the Suffolk Rams, and of course the ninth-ranked Pioneers. After rolling through the Rams 6-2 on Friday night, Utica won a dramatic 2-1 overtime thriller against Adrian to win the championship of their own tournament.

That win has vaulted the Pioneers into the top ten of the USCHO national rankings.

CNYHockeyReport.com The premier destination for news and scores from all over the Central New York hockey scene

While the Kickoff Tournament was taking place at the Utica University Nexus Center, the Men’s Pioneers Team hosted the then-secondranked Adrian Bulldogs for a pair of games next door at the Adirondack Bank Center.

The Men’s team entered the set ranked sixth in the USCHO rankings. The teams skated to a 0-0 tie on Friday night, and the next afternoon, the Pioneers defeated the Bulldogs 3-2 in overtime.

Ironically, the men’s victory over Adrian came about a half hour after the women Pioneers defeated the women Bulldogs at the Nexus Center.

High school hockey also begins at the end of November. Five boys teams (Mohawk Valley, RFA, Clinton, Whitesboro, and New Hartford) and one girls team (Clinton) call Oneida County home. For the schedules of every high school hockey team in Section III, visit cnyhockeyreport. com.

All records are as of November 27, 2023.

2-3-1 ECAC. December Schedule: December 1 vs. #16 Cornell.

December 2 at #16 Cornell.

Division I Women’s College Hockey Colgate Raiders Record: 13-2-1 overall, 8-0-0 ECAC. USCHO Rank: 4.

December Schedule: December 5 at Syracuse December 29th vs Maine at Pittsburgh, PA (Battle at the Burgh).

December 30th vs TBD at Pittsburgh, PA Division III Men’s College Hockey Utica Pioneers Record: 6-1-3 overall, 5-0-1 UCHC. USCHO Rank: 4.

December Schedule: December 1 vs Stonehill (the annual Teddy Bear Toss game).

December 9 at Oswego.

Hamilton Continentals

College

Record: 4-0-0 overall, 1-0-0 NESCAC. Division I Men’s Col- USCHO Rank: Received lege Hockey votes.

December Schedule: Colgate Raiders December 1 at Trinity.

December 2 at Wesleyan.

Record: 5-7-2 overall, December 8 at

Scott Kinville scott@cnyhockeyreport.com 315-868-1051 December Schedule - Utica Comets - Record: 6-6-3-0, 15 Pts - 5th in the North Division.

M O H A W K

In Concert - Andy Cooney and Comedian Mick Thomas

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

E X P R E S S

Andy Cooney is also known for his Cruise of Irish Stars which annually On Friday December 8th by The New York Times, draws over 1,000 Irish at 7.30pm, after four years it is a title he richly and Irish Americans on a Caribbean Cruise and a pandemic, Andy deserves. enriched with the finest Cooney, Irish America’s entertainment Favorite Son, returns Andy has recorded 19 Irish with The Failte Christmas albums to date, including including the great Ronan Ensemble, to the Irish Bright Brand New Day Tynan.

Cultural Center of the with Phil Coulter and Mohawk Valley. He will be his Orchestra. Andy Comedian Mick Thomas joined by celebrated Irish and Phil frequently tour was born and raised in comedian Mick Thomas. together and in March Wexford, Ireland, it wasn’t 2017, completed a three until moving to New York Andy Cooney has nine week tour of the US. that his stand-up comedy Carnegie Hall sellouts Cooney’s latest CD, Irish career began. A natural under his belt and also Country Skyline, was performer and insightful filled The David Geffen released in the summer writer, in a few short years Hall at Lincoln Center of 2016 as a journey Mick has blown away with The New York back to his Country one club owner after the Tenors. His outstanding music roots.

During next with his honest and voice and dynamic stage 2020, Andy managed to genuinely original takes presence have long been release 4 new singles on American society a favorite among young during the Coronaviruses and life as a young and old alike. His talent pandemic, “Take Me and versatility provide the Back To Dublin”, “We’re ability to deliver a song All In This Together” with directly to the hearts of his son Ryan, “Come his audience; Andy is Tennessee Me Tonight” surely one of the greatest with Country Music singing sensations on legend Larry Gatlin and the Irish Music scene his latest single release today. Christened Irish in November 2020, “The America’s Favorite Son Waltz of the Angels”.

HOCKEY From Page 14 Middlebury.

December 9 at Williams.

December 29 vs #15 Trine.

December 30 vs #15 Trine.

USCHO Rank: 9.

December Schedule: December 1 vs Neumann.

December 2 vs Neumann.

December 9 at #6 Hamilton College.

Morrisville Mustangs

Hamilton Continentals

Record: 2-8-0 overall, 1-5-0 SUNYAC. December Schedule: December 1 vs Canton.

December 2 Anna Maria College.

December 6 at Brockport.

December 9 at #6 Geneseo.

Division III Women’s College Hockey

College

Record: 2-2-0 overall, 0-2-0 NESCAC. USCHO Rank: #6.

December Schedule: December 1 vs Trinity.

December 2 vs Trinity.

December 5 vs #14 Nazareth.

December 9 vs #9 Utica.

Morrisville Mustangs

Record: 4-5-0 overall, 2-3-0 SUNYAC. Record: 7-0-2 overall, December Schedule: December 5 vs Arcadia.

4-0-2 UCHC. Utica Pioneers

Page 15

and dedicated family man. Mick entertains audiences regularly all across Long Island and Manhattan, he is swiftly becoming one of the most sought after acts in Clubs and Casinos up and down the East Coast.

Mick has performed with the biggest names in comedy including Dom Irrera, Norm Macdonald, Jim Breuer, Carl LaBove, John Pinette, and Greg Giraldo.

This star studded 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.

Advance sale tickets cost $40; at-thedoor tickets cost $50.

Please visit our events calendar at www.iccmv. org/my-calendar/ for the link to purchase tickets for this event or leave a message at the ICC 315733-4228 Extension 6.

Tickets are also available at the 5 Points Pub in the Irish Cultural Center.

Page 16

M O H A W K

V A L L E Y

DECEMBER 2023

Introducing

Exceptional catering for every occasion.

Contact Us: 315-823-0208 events@rockcity.dev

E X P R E S S

Have friends or family coming for the holidays?

Our charming historic inn is the perfect place to gather with friends and family for a festive holiday getaway.

We offer a variety of overnight accommodations to suit your needs, including cozy guest rooms, a spacious loft suite, and even a private 4 bedroom home.

Call us at (315) 823-0208 or visit our website at stay@theinnatstonemill.com.

Host Your Holiday Party at Canal Side Inn! Our full-service facilities and caring staff are ready to meet your every need!

Holiday Shipping Made Easy

Call us at (315) 823-1170 to plan your event.

(315) 508-4726 410 Canal Place, Little Falls, NY

canalsideinn.com