Mohawk Valley Express Volume 2 Number 12 December 2022

Christmas in Little Falls expands to three days

by Laura Powers

Little Falls is known to celebrate with festivals, and the holiday season is no exception. For over a decade, the City of Little Falls has helped make the holidays a bit brighter with an annual celebration held on the second Saturday in December. What began as Christmas on Main Street grew into Christmas in Little Falls. Last year, things went to a new level with the inaugural Celebration of Lights in Canal Place. Sterzinar Park was lit up in classic holiday style and even

included a community tree lighting with a large crowd gathered to count it down!

This celebration has allowed folks to enjoy visits from Santa, horse & carriage rides, vendor fairs, live music, and much more. This special time has attracted both Little Falls residents and those from neighboring communities to our picturesque city for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Once again, the committee partners with the City, Youth & Family Center,

and Think Local Little Falls to spread holiday cheer throughout historic downtown!

Mark your calendars and discover what is in store this year as Christmas in Little Falls Rocks the Holidays! Enjoy a WEEKEND of festive events, specials, and entertainment - Friday, December 9, Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11.

“What can we expect this year?” Now, to address this essential question…

FRIDAY 12/9

Celebration of Lights returns to Canal Place Friday evening beginning at 5 pm. Sterzinar Park transforms into a winter wonderland of lights with a tree lighting ceremony featuring Benton Hall Academy Principal Joe Long. There will be FREE

horse-drawn wagon rides, outdoor musical entertainment, shopping, yummy eats, and more! You can stop by The Café at Stone Mill to sip on the English yuletide beverage, Wassail, and then head to Rock Valley Brewing for a Trivia Night

Celebrating 10 Years at The Cakery Café

by Carol Vogel

Marcia Rider and Char Nichols have been serving up sweet treats and beautiful desserts for ten years at their location on Main Street in Dolgeville, NY. Both from St. Johnsville, the

long-time friends are the co-owners of The Cakery Café.

Char and Marcia are excited about celebrating ten years in business and reflected on how it all

The pavilian in Eastern Park is decorated for the Christmas in Little Falls festivities.

From Left to Right: Becky Wilcox, Marcia Rider, and Char Nichols. Photo by Carol Vogel

began. Marcia explains, “We started the business out as a café doing breakfast and lunch with bakery items and special order cakes on the side. We really didn’t know anyone here at all. We got to know the community by having the time to talk with people while waiting on the tables.”

“I have always liked baking and always read a lot of recipes and taught myself through trial and error. Then I started doing some decorating

and took some cake decorating classes,” says Marcia. “I like the creative part of it.”

“Char has always been a creative person, and she taught herself how to do all the fondant work,” Marcia adds. Through sharing tips with each other and learning as they go, they have really shown they have a genuine knack for baking and decorating. These ladies are setting the bar high for cakes, cookies, and other desserts that

are not only delicious but beautiful!

Changing Times

The Cakery has had to shift the focus of the business to flow with the changing times. “The last two years, we haven’t done the café at all,” Marcia explains. Since their business is based on events and people weren’t doing events during Covid, they had to come up with something new and exciting.

The idea of cookie decorating kits took hold and gave them the boost they needed. Each kit includes cookies and icing so they can be decorated at home. “We did hundreds of cookie decorating kits because kids were home, and it was something fun to do,” Marcia remembers.

Families loved this, as it was a way to bring some fun into a very uncertain time. They were a big hit and became the gateway to the booming sugar cookie portion of the business.

Although The Cakery has had to adjust over the past few years, and they no longer serve breakfast, there are still a few small tables at the front of the shop where you can sit with your coffee and pastry and get to know the owners.

A Team Effort

Marcia and Char are a great team. Marcia

mentions how they work to their strengths and split up responsibilities to keep up with the demand. “In the last two years, Char has really taken on the cake decorating part of it because I do all the baking myself.”

The Cakery has a very small staff, and everyone gives their all. When the Cakery first opened, they had one employee, Lynn, who was with them until about three years ago when she retired. Since then, Marcia’s sister, Becky Wilcox, has joined them and helps out with decorating and assisting with other tasks.

They also have a local high school student named Kendall who helps out. Her family are long-time customers, and Kendall was interested in baking. She started by working on special events, and this past summer, she was decorating wedding cupcakes and other orders. “She likes baking, and she is awesome at decorating. She has taught herself too,” Marcia comments.

Marcia’s sister Becky was really struck by the support the shop gets from around the area and beyond. “The community of Dolgeville has really embraced the Cakery, but there are also many special orders from all over. People are willing to travel to get a cool cake!”

“The café was a good stepping stone to start out ten years ago. I don‘t think people would have put their trust into us for their special events without

the later hours of the evening.

SATURDAY 12/10

The fun continues bright and early Saturday morning at the Little Falls Youth & Family Center with the Red Nose Reindeer 5K Run presented by Rock City Runners. There will also be visits & FREE professional photos (by Bob Crister of DSP Images) with Santa! While you are visiting with Santa, you can also meet the Grinch, who will be helping Pause 4 All Paws with their cookie sale & scavenger hunt.

Across the street, Chicks Along the Canal will host their ‘Merry Chicksmas Market’ at the Little Falls First Presbyterian Church, which includes talented local female entrepreneurs and is brought to you by the women behind the popular Chicks Along the Canal event.

Speaking of crafty, the Tuesday Night Knitters group is holding TWO yarn pop-ups to include items for sale and demos. You will find these popups at Main Street Mercantile and the 586 E Main St building.

Little Falls Public Library hosts a reading of ‘Little Blue Truck Christmas, ’ which is perfect for younger children. Guests can also have their photo

taken with our very own little blue truck decked out for the occasion. Also, Valley Cinemas invites you to wear your favorite pajamas for a Polar Express Experience at 5 pm (5:30 pm showtime) – FREE admission!

FREE horse-drawn wagon rides provide tours of historic downtown with pick-up & drop-off at the M&T Bank lot. The hilariously competitive Tipsy Server Race takes over Main St, the classic Soup Fest for charity throughout the city, and non-profit agency events. You can also stop by Ann Street Wine & Liquors to sip on some warm spiced wine while you stock up for your holiday event

needs.

Live music & entertainment takes over the Elk’s Lodge #42, including the 6th-grade bell choir, 5th-grade All-County band, Emily Rozonkiewiecz’s piano students, LF Middle & High School band & vocal, and Edelweiss Schuplatters German Dancers. There will also be a barbershop quartet, Full Circle, and carolers wandering throughout downtown.

with Reindeer Games by Connected Community Schools at the Community Center, the H.A.L.O. tree of love at CVS, and the Utica Zoomobile at LF Ace Hardware.

New this year is a FREE Movie Night at Rock City Centre presented

by Creative Outpost. There will be Dance on Film screenings and a presentation by producer Hannah Straney.

The Elks Lodge #42 asks, “You serious, Clark?!” as they host their

Additional morning activities include the superhero pancake breakfast at the American Legion, cookie decorating (sponsored by White Rose Bakery) The

streets in Little Falls are ready for the holiday traffic.

City of Little Falls

December 6, 2022

Common Council Meeting - Bills 6:30 pm, Regular Session 7:00 pm in the Common Council Chambers in City Hall.

December 8, 2022

Golf Commission Meeting - 8:00 am in the Mayor’s conference room at City Hall.

December 12, 2022

Recreation Committee at 6 pm in the Mayor’s conference room at City Hall.

December 14, 2022

Police and Fire Board Meeting - Bills 6:30 pm and Regular Session 7:00 pm in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

December 19, 2022 Board of Public Works

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - DECEMBER

Meeting - Bills 6:30 pm and Regular Session 7:00 pm in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

December 21, 2022

Urban Renewal Agency Meeting - 8:15 am in the Mayor’s Conference room in City Hall.

There will be no changes to the garbage schedule this holiday season.

Little Falls Public Library

December 2, 2022 Playdate - 10 am.

December 3, 2022 Knitting & Crochet - 11 am.

December 5, 2022

Teen Creative Writing - 5 pm. Railroad Group - 6:30 pm.

December 6, 2022

Christmas pop up cards for adults - 4-5:30 pm.

December 7, 2022

Toddler Time 10 am & 11:15 am, Flash Fiction 6 pm.

December 8, 2022

Holiday Movie RewindIt’s a Wonderful Life - 5:30 pm.

December 9, 2022

Playdate - 10 am, wood painted ornaments for kids, 6-10 @ 3:40 - 4:40 pm.

December 10, 2022 Little Blue Truck Storytime with Miss Amy - 9:30 am, knitting & Crochet - 11 am, Leatherstocking spinners 1-3 pm.

December 12, 2022

Toddler Time 10 am & 11:15 am.

December 13, 2022

Holiday Movie RewindWhite Christmas - 5:30 pm.

December 14, 2022 Flash Fiction 6 pm.

December 15, 2022 Cookbook Club - 6 pm.

December 16, 2022 Playdate - 10 am, Snowman Ornament for Kids 3-5 @ 10 am, Bracelet class with Sharon - 3-4:45 pm.

December 17, 2022 Kids craft - 1 pm, Knitting & Crochet - 11 am.

December 19, 2022

Christmas Pop Up Cards for Kids - 3:30 - 4:30 pm, Teen Creative Writing - 5 pm.

December 20, 2022

Laurie’s Make & Take3:30 - 5:30 pm.

December 21, 2022 Last Toddler Time 10 am

& 11:15 am, Flash Fiction 6 pm.

December 22, 2022

Candlelit Library Open House - 4:30 - 7:30 pm.

December 23, 2022 Playdate - 10 am, Library Closes at 4 pm.

December 28, 2022 Flash Fiction - 6 pm.

December 30, 2022 Playdate - 10 am.

Little Falls Elks

December 2, 2022

Dinner at the Lodge starting that night 5:00 from our new chef Kevin Pango.

December 3, 2022 Comedy Night at the Lodge. Please call the lodge (315-823-2371) to reserve tables.

December 4, 2022 1:00pm - Elks Memorial Sunday - a time to remember our lodge members who have passed away in the past year. A light buffet to be served after the memorial service. We will be decorating the lodge for Christmas after the memorial event. Bar will be open for football games in the afternoon.

December 9, 2022 Dinner at the Lodge starting that night at 5:00 from our new chef Kevin Pango.

December 10, 2022

Christmas in Little Falls. Music throughout the day, starting in the morning. Soup special in sync with other restaurants in town. Starting 6pm we will have a special themed Christmas Party. The theme: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Feel free to come dressed up as your favorite character.

December 11, 2022

Bar open (hours TBD) and football on the TVs.

December 16, 2022

State Elks President Cam Ricci will be visiting our lodge 4:30-5:30.

December 18, 2022

Bar open 12-5pm and football on the TVs.

December 29, 2022

Hour of Cheer - a special evening for lodge members and guests to celebrate another year ending and to begin. 6-8pm open bar and buffet (members/guests only). Drink specials after the open bar.

Dolgeville

December 4, 2022

Pop up portraits and open house from 11 am until 1 pm at Creative Designs by Tiffany, 78 S Main St.

December 4, 2022

Pet nail trimming fundraiser at Dawn’s Dawgs - A “Nail Trim Fundraiser” will be held at Dawn’s Dawgs, 45 E. Faville Ave., Dolgeville, NY on Sunday, December 4 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. by appointment. All pets are welcome except birds and reptiles. The proceeds will benefit the Dolgeville C.A.T. Project. To reserve your spot, call 315-4298614.

December 9, 2022

Free Christmas Community Spaghetti Dinner - The Dolgeville United Methodist Church is offering a “Free Christmas Community Spaghetti Dinner” on Friday, December 9 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in their Shulenburg Fellowship Hall. Take-outs and dining in will be available. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, call 315-4297381.

first getting to know us through the café,” says Marcia. Customers come from as far as Rome and Whitesboro to the west and Johnstown and Canajoharie to the east. The word has obviously spread about these talented ladies and their delicious desserts!

Up to the Challenge

When asked about the most challenging cake or project they have been asked to make, Char smiles, “Probably when people send in pictures of things that aren’t cake and want a cake to look like it. But it’s fun to work that out and be creative.”

Marcia agrees, “It’s our customers that really bring us the pictures and say ‘can you do this?’ so they’re the ones who keep challenging us. That’s what we like the best about it. We’re not just going to a job where you do the same thing every day. It has been nice getting to know people and helping to create those memories for them for their special events. We have customers that we have done every single birthday for them for the last ten years in addition to other events.”

One of their most popular bakery items is their Strawberry-Rhubarb filled jelly donuts in the summer. Marcia says, “We have a customer who drives an hour and a half for those! She gets a bunch and delivers to friends near her as well!” Their cheesecakes, pumpkin half-moons, and cupcakes are also fan favorites, and they offer a great variety of on-demand treats in the

shop.

Their famous sugar cookies have taken off in a big way and are extremely popular. The options seem endless from the wall of cookie cutters on display. Marcia, who is the chief cookie maker, baker, and decorator, can make any design you want for baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or any special event. Their seasonalthemed cookies are available for purchase at the shop throughout the year. “She’ll never have enough cookie cutters!” Char laughs. Marcia giggles and smiles, “I order new ones every week!”

Upcoming Events

Thursday and Friday with free cookie decorating on Saturday, December 3rd.

There is also lots to look forward to over the holidays and winter months at the Cakery. They will host Cake Decorating Classes for kids where, as Marcia explains, “We have a cake ready, and they decorate the cake to take home.”

Cookie decorating kits will also be available for pickup in the shop throughout the season. They will also offer decorating kits for gingerbread houses and an ‘Ugly Sweater Cookie’

decorating contest for Christmas.

With so many options, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, pies, and donuts, there is something for everyone at the Cakery. We hope this milestone Anniversary will keep them baking in Dolgeville for years to come!

Open Hours

The Cakery is open Wednesday & Thursday, 7 am-3 pm, Friday, 7 am-4 pm, and Saturday, 7 am - 12 pm. You can find out more information on events and amazing photos of customer orders and in-shop treats they offer each week on Facebook.

Celebrating their 10th Anniversary with Customer Appreciation Days December 1st -3rd, be sure to stop in for the Hot-Chocolate Bar and free dessert samples on From

Left to Right: Strawberry-Rhubarb filled donuts, mini cheesecakes, pumpkin half-moons and cupcakes. Photos courtesy of The Cakery Cafe

Beautiful and delicious themed sugar cookies made by Marcia. Photos courtesy of The Cakery Cafe.

MOVAC needs your support

by Dave Warner

The Mohawk Valley Ambulance Corps (MOVAC) is a non-profit ambulance service that provides emergency medical services and primary ambulance coverage to the Villages of Dolgeville, Herkimer, and Mohawk. The Towns of German Flatts (excluding the Villiage of Ilion), Herkimer, Manheim, Salisbury, Stratford, and part of Oppenheim.

MOVAC says its sole existence is to serve the Mohawk Valley region of Herkimer County as an integral and unaffiliated part of its healthcare system. But, like all nonprofits, they need to raise money to support their operations.

Donald R. Kane Jr., Chief Operating Officer of MOVAC, said, “In some cases, we are people’s primary care. Our mission is to provide the

best technology-based service in the area.”

Every year the organization does a mailing to all the residents of the areas they serve. “They will get a piece that outlines who we are and what we’re doing. A lot of times, we put in some of the project materials that we’re working towards. This year we talked about the increase in costs, just like everyone else is dealing with.”

“Our ambulances are on the road 24/7, so our fuel bill is through the roof,” he said.

Kane said the mailing is one way they try to meet their budget.

Four of their ambulances are on long-term loans, and cardiac monitors, stretchers, and other items are as well. “The money we receive through fundraising is to help pay those debts

down to where we can pay them off quicker, which saves us a lot in interest.”

He said that EMS is a third wheel that doesn’t get much attention regarding funding.

“There are a lot of grant opportunities for police and fire departments, but very little specifically marked for emergency services or ambulance services. From Federal to State, to local, very limited.”

The one big grant they could get was during Covid, which was for payroll protection. “That’s it. Many other big monetary things are usually private donations through our contacts.”

The Herkimer County Legislature recently approved a large grant for Old Forge’s new ambulance building project. “I think it’s great that an ambulance company is receiving that amount of money. That’s fantastic, but I would like

to see all EMS agencies receive that,” he stated.

Kane said every ambulance service in Herkimer County is suffering and in a financial crisis mode.

“They were the first line defenders during Covid, bringing people to the hospital to ensure they got the treatment they needed.”

He says that the increases in insurance, the difficulty and low payment percentage from Medicare and Medicaid, and the poor funding model when it comes to grant funding are killing the industry.

“Medicare and Medicaid are about 60-80% lower than the cost of providing the service,” stated Kane.

“Nearly all the ambulance organizations in Herkimer County are bankrupt. They’re operating on pennies. They have challenges with maintaining staffing because of the low pay rates that they can afford. Some are still volunteer and they’re losing volunteers because of the high costs of gas and

annual holiday party with a National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation theme! Translation –dress as your favorite character from the movie! (If you remember their Schitt’s Creek Christmas Party from last year, you know this is not to be missed!)

There will also be open houses throughout the day at Paca Gardens, Designs by Shelly, and Showcase Antiques of CNY. The LF Historical Society offers an outdoor exhibit as well and is open by appointment.

SUNDAY 12/11

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church invites you to join them for their 2 pm holiday concert.

More throughout the

weekend – Toy collections at Dollar General & Mangia Macrina’s, Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts holds an art sale with regional artists, Falls Diamond Co offers a diamond necklace raffle, and you can drop off Letters to Santa at Ed’s Pizza Place. You can also ‘Stuff Your Stockings’ at Style on Main with Niki Marie’s team giving candy to kids who bring in a stocking.

The entire city will be bustling with entertainment, activities, shopping and more throughout the day. Folks are encouraged to review the full schedule of events to plan their day, keeping in mind the numerous local businesses that will be open and running specials for your holiday

enjoyment. Full details and times are available on the ‘Christmas in Little Falls Rocks the Holidays’ Facebook page. You may also contact the Youth & Family Center at 315-823-1740 or email LFrockstheholidays@ gmail.com.

“How can I help?” Another great question…

First, thanks to everyone who has helped bring this event to Little Falls every year. Special thanks to those who contributed to fundraising last year to replace the lights along Main Street AND bring festive lighting to Canal Place! With so many highlights, there are several ways that you and/or your business can support this event! The committee aims to

spread our Celebration of Lights throughout the City and hopes you will help Little Falls Rock the Holidays! As always, we welcome volunteers to make the day a success. And, of course, financial contributions are appreciated to help make this year’s festivities extraordinary. All donations are tax deductible.

This event is made possible by the Christmas in Little Falls committee, Little Falls Youth & Family Center, Think Local Little Falls, the City of Little Falls, and numerous financial supporters. This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts

with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CNY Arts.

Bright Lights and Holiday Nights

by Katie Drake

Everywhere you go, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in our little City.

The hardworking DPW

crew spent many hours decorating our Main Street canopy and light poles. We don’t have a 5 and 10, but glistening once again are our shop

owner’s stunning window displays.

The beautiful star next to Paca Gardens greets you as you drive across the bridge. The little park across from Henry and Jimmy’s is twinkling. Benton’s Landing has a handsome light display. Volunteers have been working together in Canal Place to light up Sterzinar Park for the Celebration of Lights. Even Lock 17 is all aglow.

And perhaps the prettiest sight you will see is the holly that will be on your own front door. Many residents outdo their home decorations every year.

A few short months ago, on a warm sunny afternoon, the committee for Christmas in Little Falls met to start planning.

Many meetings, conversations, phone calls, texts, and emails to coordinate efforts with businesses, individuals, non-profits, our school, and the community to put together a list of over 45 activities, performances, and events in a three-day period.

This year Christmas in

Little Falls will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 9th, 10th, and 11th. Tony DeLuca, Executive Director of the LF Youth and Family Center, said, “It’s a feel-good community celebration!”

Christmas in Little Falls kicks off the weekend on Friday night, December 10th, with the first annual Celebration of Lights from 5-8 pm.

Groups of volunteers and generous donations by the business help to make this magical night possible by transforming Sterzinar park into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights.

Chair for Celebration of Lights, Caren Woolner, is exceptionally passionate about the community of Little Falls and about Christmas. “It’s just really inspiring to me to experience the spirit of volunteerism in our community and what we can create together. The enthusiasm is contagious! We are able to create a magical winter wonderland experience that is accessible to everyone. It’s the stuff holiday memories are

made of.”

New, this year for Friday night’s Celebration of Lights are free horsedrawn carriage rides from 5-8 pm, vendors, food, a yarnbombing display on the trees in the park by Tuesday Night Knitters, and a fun lineup of live outdoor dance and musical performances on the sound stage with John Seymour and special emcee Quintin Smith.

The tree lighting will take place around 7:30 pm with LFCSD Benton Hall Principal, Mr. Joe Long, who was nominated this year to do the honors of lighting the tree.

It’s not too late to sign up to volunteer to decorate Sterzinar Park or help out on Saturday.

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

Go to our invitation page on SignUp: signup.com/ go/GgfOiZN

Enter your email address:(You will NOT need to register an account on SignUp)

Sign up! Choose your spots - SignUp will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact anyone on the committee, and we’ll help you get signed up.

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Mayor Mark Blask lit the tree at Celebration of Lights in its inaugural year in 2021. “Christmas in Little Falls is an awesome community event. Our city looks fantastic, the decorations across town are beyond great, and

everyone is welcome to come experience the magic.”

Thank you to our Volunteers, new and returning- we greatly appreciate your enthusiasm, time, and effort, and we couldn’t do it without you. And

to the businesses, non-profits, and individuals for your generous donations that make the upkeep, replacement, and purchase of new lighting, music, and events.

A big shoutout to the Christmas in Little Falls Committee members who work tirelessly to make this event possible: Cathy Christman, Dave Dardzinski, Tony DeLuca, Katie Drake, Dean Gaylord, Laura Powers, and Caren Woolner!

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that my dad, Don Drake, and his barbershop quartet, Full Circle, will be wandering

about Main Street singing Christmas tunes for your enjoyment on Saturday.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas - Soon the bells will start - And the thing that will make them ring - Is the carol that you sing - Right within your heart.”

A Motorist’s camp with a history

September 1923

Talaquega Park, the free camping place for motorists, established two years ago by the Little Falls Automobile Club, has become one of the most popular and best equipped stopping places for motor campers in the state in the eastern part of the city of Little Falls. It is equipped with electric lights, lavatories, running spring water, fireplaces and other conveniences.

Help keep community history alive this Christmas

As the holidays are upon us, the Little Falls Historical Society would like readers of My Little Falls to consider giving their loved ones and friends copies of the great book BEYOND OUR BICENTENNIAL as Christmas gifts. One part of the holidays is to “remember when,” and our book does just that with 250 pages containing 77 articles on community history written by 39 different authors, all Little Falls residents either past or present.

BEYOND OUR BICENTENNIAL costs $35 (add $5 postage

if mailed). We will gladly ship your gift with a complimentary Christmas card enclosed to a person(s) of your choosing. Sounds like easy Christmas shopping! We will also be glad to deliver books to any home in Little Falls free of charge. Please call Jeffrey Gressler at 315/823-2799 to place phone orders.

Copies of BEYOND OUR BICENTENNIAL can also be purchased during Christmas in Little Falls at the Old Bank Building Museum or anytime at:

-The Community Co-op

- Pohlig Enterprises

- The Little Falls Public Library

- Funtech Providers

Between July 15 and August 1 more than 500 people camped there overnight and registered. On one night alone there were 102 persons.

The Hon. Thomas Ferguson is the manager of the park, as well as the owner of land. In discussing it recently he said:

“Being an admirer of the wonderful natural beauties, which have been preserved thru countless centuries by the hand of an all-seeing Providence, I have for a number of years had a vision of the great possibilities of increasing the popular interest in the rock formations which are located east of the Gulf Bridge.

The place has an interesting history. During the time of the red men, it was used by the Mohawk Indians as a hiding place. To the rear of what has been called Spook Rock, which is between the river and the highway, there is a wonderful pothole, about six feet in circumference and 20 feet deep. The side towards the river has an opening of about three feet. Historians of the valley tell us that the

Indians used this as a place in which to hide sheep.

Soon after the sale of the Ellice properties in Little Falls, which was in the early 1830s, the property east of the Gulf Bridge came into the hands of several prominent citizens. Just before the New York Central Railroad was built, they conceived the idea of making the property valuable for factory sites, by constructing a raceway or a canal, thus giving a fine waterpower, which was essential in those days to manufacturing development.

They thought that by dumping immense quantities of rock at a point from Moss Island, on the south, to a place a short distance east of the Gulf Curve, a dam could be constructed. The river at this point is from 40 to 60 feet in depth.

They did not take in consideration the possibility of the water seeping thru the rock unless it was solid masonry. After a large amount of money had been expended in the manner stated, the

Happy Holidays from your friends at the Little Falls Historical Society.

CAMP From Page 10

project was given up as a total failure. Perhaps with present day methods of using cement, the plant would have been a success. Traces of this dam can be seen in the river just below the Gulf Bridge at the present time. Engineers have found a depth of 50 feet, then 20 feet for a short distance, after which it goes again to 40 feet or 50 feet.

The Utica and Schenectady Turnpike Company had a right of way over the property. All the land east of the Gulf Bridge was sold in Chancery Court in about 1840 and deeded from the Mohawk River’s edge to the New York Central Railroad Company.

Enough of past history. You ask me my aims and repeat the question that has been put to me many times, namely, “How did you happen to give this place the name, Talaquega Park?”

Talaquega was a name given to this locality over 200 years ago by the Native Indians and means “little bushes on stones.” On seeing the bushes which cover the rocks, I decided it to be the appropriate name.

Prof. Piper of Buffalo, a well-known geologist, has delivered many lectures regarding the wonderful potholes that can be found only in this vicinity. They are a marvel to the traveling motorists, who have stopped here from all parts of America. All are enthused over the potholes and peculiar rock formations, the coolest spring water found in abundance, the

big lock opposite, and the pretty Mohawk Palisade.”

Mr. Furguson said the tourists who camp at Talaquega Park or visit there, are all delighted with the conveniences afforded and the Surrounding scenery.

Cut & Sew Mfg in J’town has full time openings:

Operators

email resume to: bonnie@jagmanufacturing.com

Pop-Up Yarn Shop part of Christmas in Little Falls

by Dave Warner

Christmas in Little Falls is scheduled for December 9-11, 2022, and there

are many events over the three days to attend. One of those is a Pop-Up Yarn shop that will feature yarns from regional sellers,

producers, spinners, and dyers, as well as live demonstrations.

John Ossowski is a Utica native and newcomer to Little Falls and the one organizing the event. “I moved here because I really liked the town and loved visiting it.”

When the time came to move, he thought that he’d give the City a try. “I always told myself that you like Little Falls to walk by the Canal on a Saturday or go out on a Friday night and have fun. Are you going to like it on Tuesday morning in the winter?”

He said that it turned out that he did, so he bought a house and has been fixing it up ever since.

While growing up, Ossowski was close to his father’s parents, who were immigrants from Poland. “My grandmother and mother were all about textiles. My great-

grandmother would embroider anything that would sit still long enough. My grandmother crocheted and sewed her own clothes.”

He loved that you could turn a thread into a garment, puppet, or sculpture. “It really kind of got me, and I love color.”

Ossowski took this artistic impulse and made it his life-long passion for 36 years.

“When I moved to Little Falls, we were pretty deep into Covid, and there wasn’t much going on. One day I read about the Tuesday night knitters and was invited to the group by Mary Trombly,” he said.

Ossowski has also gotten involved in the community by teaching basic crochet and knitting at the Library from 11-1 on Saturdays.

“We’ve made blankets and other things, and the most recent project has been the display case in front of

the library. The children’s reading program for the summer was themed ‘oceans of possibilities,’ so I said why don’t we all crochet fish, divers, an octopus, and just went crazy,” he stated.

They had a very positive response to the items in the display case and the yarn installation, and he just keep thinking that this City has a lot of potential to be a place for vacation craft tourism. “You bring in a bunch of really highend instructors, have yarn available, and have a weekend retreat. What a beautiful place to have something like that.”

Ossowski said that he always looks for ways to revitalize local economies. “Being from Upstate New York, you almost have to think like that.”

He thought that the idea of a pop-up shop would be great to see if there was any interest in the idea. “I know we’ve got some local producers and sellers of yarn like Paca Gardens, and I wanted to see if we could pull something like this off.”

Trombly had the idea of linking it with Christmas in Little Falls. “It was like a win-win, and the folks from Christmas in Little Falls have been super helpful. We were looking for an event venue space, and Ally from Main Street Mercantile stepped up right away, as well as David Dardzinski, who has one of the empty storefronts.”

Ossowski feels like utilizing an empty space will help showcase what it could be like if there were a more robust presence for the idea. “It’s been a great experience so far, and some great synergy has occurred because of it.”

‘Dance on Film’ set for Christmas in Little Falls

by Dave Warner

Three films will be screened at Rock City Centre, 690 E Main St, on December 10th at 5 pm. Two of the dance films were made in Little Falls. “Dust” 2020 was filmed in the Vincent Manufacturing building in Canal Place, “ICU” 2022 was filmed in the Power House, and “Salted” was filmed at Grace Church in Utica, NY. Hannah Straney, the Producer, will give a short talk via Zoom after the presentation of all three films.

Straney stated, “We were looking for specific spaces to elicit a distinct emotion from the viewer. Spaces that really felt either vast and empty or spaces that felt really precious and filled with memories.”

“We found the Vincent Building, which was lent to us by Daniel Preston for the filming of Dust. The building was really simple, classic, clean, and open. I think that space really lent itself to just a blank canvas and what your mind can bring to it.”

She said that the idea for the film was very simple, and they wanted to have a lot of space so people could interpret what they wanted to from the film. “It fits perfectly with what we wanted to do.”

The next project, Act I of ICU, was filmed at Mark Regan’s powerhouse on W Mill Street. “Having the

space donated was super helpful to us. That space is incredibly specific and particular because it is unlike any other space I’ve ever seen before.”

“They were using water to create energy, so they have these massive wells in the center of the building. Throughout different times, the rest of the building has been built out by different people in various stages of life. So it has layers and layers of different ideas and values put into it by different people,” she said.

Straney said that when you enter the space, it’s already full of ideas. They had more of an idea of the story they wanted to tell for that project.

“It had an eerieness or personal attachment to it. The theme is universal that you lose your sight or can’t see, but within the storyline, it has a lot of personal attachments to it,” Straney said.

“It was the powerhouse, but many, many people have come along and put their own meaning into it.”

She said that the third project ‘Salted’ had to be filmed in a really elegant spot. “Little Falls does have some of these locations, but during Covid and at the time that we wanted to use it, it was difficult to find a way to make that happen.”

So they decided to use

Grace Church in Utica. “This is another beautiful, ancient, active cathedral. If you haven’t been inside it, I highly recommend it,” she stated.

Straney said the third location was also gifted to them, making the film possible. “It has a certain

sense of elegance and eliteness to it. Like being invited to something very special.”

She said that Salted has a very specific narrative, probably the most narrative of the three. “We really wanted to give the audience a jump start

into the story that we’re already telling. I think that the space helped do that.”

Straney said that she wanted to have these screened in Little Falls because “I came to the

Christmas in Little Falls

DANCE From Page 13

City and was welcomed, supported, and accepted by the community. So much so that I found a group to help cultivate and curate the ideas I was willing to make.”

“Some of that cultivation included funding from community members who wanted to see the ideas come to life. It’s nice to be able to bring them back to the place where they were made and to have the people that helped make them possible be part of their first viewing,” she said.

Straney said that both Dust and Salted are separate films but that Act I of ICU is part of a fivepart series. “I’m trying to make five films depicting the loss of a sense or a strong attachment to a sense. I’ll go through sight, sound, taste, touch, and sound.”

She said that she feels Part I of ICU is brilliant, and she’s proud of it. “We’re also trying to build funding and support for the next four films to be made.”

If you’d like to support

the continuation of the project, you can reach out to Straney via email.

“We’d appreciate all of the support that we can get.”

The Movie Night event is free and open to the public, but you must register because seating is limited. To register, visit creativeoutpost.org/ events or call 315-5085310 for details.

training.”

Kane says that an increase in funding is the only way to fix things. “Many people say that just throwing money at a problem won’t fix it, but in this case, it will.”

They have another issue as well. Space is very limited at the current location for MOVAC because they can’t build out or up.

“We’re limited to our property line, but

we’re surrounded by Department of Transportation property and Canal Corp property. We’re trying to address the issues that we have around our property that we don’t own, that they have to maintain.”

The parking lots are peeling, cracking, and breaking up, and those are not on their property but crucial to getting in and out of their building.

The Empire Trail also runs right behind them,

but the main access to the trail behind their building is also unsafe. “It looks terrible with the potholes and fence falling into the canal. There’s also a safety concern where the trail heads right towards the water with no fence. We’re trying to address those issues,” he said.

You can visit movac. org for more information about the group. They also have a donation button on their website if you’re interested in contributing.