Category Archives: Community Events

Haunted Library? Yes, Please!

Posted on October 28, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

As I searched for pictures to go for my story about the Ilion Village Board meeting for the Daily Sentinel, I  went to Ilion Free Public Library to see their Haunted Library.  Library Director Director Shauna Bishop had talked about the display at the meeting and encouraged everyone to  come check it out. They let me in with the lights on to take some pictures, but I totally hope to return to get the full experience.

Spoiler alert!  You may want to go see the Haunted Library before you check out my pictures of it.  I like to go see these things tabula rasa, that is, a blank slate.  However, for blogging purposes, I like to share pictures.

I’m always pleased to meet new people.

I took several pictures, so I may talk about this Haunted Library for the next few days.  I don’t imagine anybody will have a problem with that on Halloween week.

I have a skeleton bucket like the one on the side.

In addition to large ghouls, there were a number of smaller displays.  Today I share a few big guys, but tomorrow I may share the others.

He was big and scary, yes.

The woman who let me downstairs to see the display said this guy scared her sometimes.  She said his eyes follow you.  I just left, so he did not have much chance to follow me.  I wasn’t frightened, you understand.  Not much.

Ilion Free Public Library is located at 78 West St., Ilion, NY.  The Haunted Library is open through Thursday Oct. 29 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A less scary  lights-on version is open Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

 

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Not Bizarre, AT the Bazaar!

Posted on October 25, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Alas, I did not make my Saturday blog post on Saturday, because I was too tired.  My activities were not scattered but rather concentrated.  I was at the Cozmic Cauldron Halloween Bazaar at Johnson Park in Liverpool, NY, trying to help my sister sell her books.

The beautiful author herself!

She concentrated on her murder mysteries rather than her romance novels, since it was a Halloween Bazaar.  I piped up with my opinions on the books while she told people about them.  One of the vendors told me I should come to her booth and help sell her blankets.  I had to laugh at that.  I can’t sell things!  When I was employed and had to sell things, I always flopped miserably.  It is all very well to say, “You didn’t believe in your product,” but I did!  I told people the good things about the products and how it would benefit them.  But let us not dwell on my sordid past.

Me, trying to fit in at the Halloween Bazaar.

Since it was a Halloween Bazaar, I dressed up in a costume.  If anybody asked me what I was supposed to be, I would have said, “Oh, just a common or garden ghoul.” It is my go-to costume:  Just find stuff in my house that looks a little wild.  The skull is not part of the costume; I had picked it up from Diane’s decor.  I think if I wear the costume to a party I have been invited to, I should provide myself with a skull to carry around. Props are so important.

You can find out more about Diane E. Young’s murder mysteries and romance novels at her website authordevy.com or at Diane E. Vetrone Young Author on Facebook.

 

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Fun at Fall Fest

Posted on October 11, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

AAAaaaand it’s back to late posts as I sit here after 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning making a post from Saturday.  In my defense, never mind my defense, explanations are tiresome.  But I pause to put on more hot water for another cup of tea (still have not replenished my supply of coffee, if you can believe such a thing).

Picture to denote passage of time while I put on tea water.

When in doubt, lead with a beautiful blond, that’s my motto.  In this case, it is my sister, noted author Diane E. Young.  This is her table at yesterday’s Fall Fest at Bellamy Harbor Park in Rome, NY.  Some 22 vendors gathered on a beautiful fall day.  Most of the vendors offered treats for kids that showed up in a variety of Halloween costumes, and a fun time was had by all.

The trees cooperated, too!

I walked around and looked at the various vendors.  I was especially taken with Yardzee at one of the wood-working tents: giant dice in a five gallon bucket for an outdoor version of the game.  I took a card.  Wait, I must find it and plug that business.

Another picture to denote passage of time while I look for my purse.

John’s Rustic Arts.  It seems he has a Facebook page too.  I don’t have another picture to share while I look for that.  I purchased a stone skull at another booth, where I stupidly did not get a card.  Maybe I can poke around Facebook and find out who that was and plug them in a future post.

In the meantime, I am over 250 words and must get on with my Sunday.  I hope to do a Sunday post today and be caught up again, but no promises.  I hope you are all doing well, and as always, I thank you for tuning in.

 

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Will Mohawk Valley Give? I Think So!

Posted on September 18, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Thursday I went to the Mohawk Valley Gives kick-off at Rock City Centre in Little Falls, NY.  Alas, I neglected to take a picture of the Centre or even of its sign. No matter.  I will be in Little Falls again soon and will rectify the omission, the easier since it is right near the library, always a favorite stop.

Mohawk Valley Gives is  “a day of giving powered by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and UpMobility Foundation. This event was established to support the incredible nonprofit organizations that uplift our region.”  I copied that from the Facebook page.  The actual day is today, Sept. 18, and people are encouraged to give at the link givemv.org.  Many non-profits are represented.

He was wonderful!

The kick-off was a fancy event with food catered by the Canal Side Inn and music by a very talented violinist, whose name I foolishly did not ask.  Several non-profits had tables, and I walked around and chatted with most of them.  Of course I also ate some of the food and had a glass of wine (Menage a Trois red blend, YUM!).

I may need this one!

I am somewhat familiar with Herkimer County Office for the Aging, being as I am myself rather aged.  The lady at the table pointed out that today is the youngest any of us will ever be.

I did not take one of the candies. No, really, I heroically refrained.

I did not find out much about this one, but I believe education is well worthy of being supported.

I loved the purple.

I chatted with the people at Empowered Pathways right after I got the wine, because I was rather naughtily enjoying it (one glass of wine before driving one, especially with food is OK, but I generally try to avoid even that), and they were very encouraging of my enjoyment.  However, I may need them if my Social Security widow benefits and side hustle of writing for the newspaper cease to support me, because one of their services is helping women find employment, especially those reentering the workforce.

I also chatted for a while with the lady at the Little Falls Public Library table, libraries being one of my great loves.  Many more non-profits are represented by Mohawk Valley Gives than were present at the kick-off.   I saw 442 on the Leaderboard showing how many donations have been made so far.  I have yet to make my own donation.

 

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Getting Festive with Garlic

Posted on September 13, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I made it to the Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival in Little Falls, NY, known more often as the Garlic Festival.  Unfortunately, I did not take many pictures.  Also, I am feeling quite tired and a bit headachy and stomach achy (oh, sure, “achy” is a word, but “headachy” is not, at least according to my Chromebook).  I know, what a big baby I am.  But regular readers are used to my whining.  On with the blog post.

I really should have taken more than one picture of him.

The tagline for the Festival is Eat, Stink and Be Merry, and this was perhaps the merriest guy there.  He was handing out mints for people who had sampled too much garlic.  As a matter of fact, he is one of my usual suspects for the murder mysteries I write and present (not in that costume, of course).   I was delighted to see him.

These were actually the stinkiest.

My great niece Evie was anxious to ride on the horse-drawn carriage.  I did not  ride but was happy to sit in the shade and wait for them.  I tried to get a good picture on their return but was not quite quick enough.  Still, I thought this one was good enough for inclusion.

I did not purchase any garlic but got a jar of cilantro pesto.  I had a sample and it is yummy.  Who thought there would be a pesto I would like better than basil pesto?  I may have to do another blog post about that when I eat some of it.  Pesto Pasta might make a good headline.

It was the first time in several years I had been to the Garlic Festival, so I was happy my sister Cheryl had invited me to come along with her and her daughters and granddaughter. Family and garlic, it was a good day.

 

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Remembrance and Hugs on 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Earlier this morning I drove up to Herkimer County Community College (HCCC) for a 9/11 Memorial.  I found out the college has gone back to its original name and is no longer known as Herkimer College, as it was for a while.  I never keep up on these things.

At least they always keep “Herkimer.”

I got there extra early, because I was a little confused over the times.  Also, I like to chat people up before an event.  I was there not only to remember but also to cover the event for the Daily Sentinel.  I wore my good sneakers, in case I was standing the whole time.  I had thought of walking up to it but knew I would want to drive back down and get my article written and emailed out in a timely fashion.

Veterans Memorial Park.

A few guys were setting up chairs and getting the microphone in place.  I helped set up chairs.  Eventually people started arriving, and I chatted with a lot of them.  Some remembered where they were when the planes hit, others had not been born yet.  All were agreed that it was important never to forget.

My new favorite guy!

The president of the college and the mayor of Herkimer both gave nice speeches about courage, compassion, sacrifice, and unity. However, I felt the best speaker was impromptu.  There were a few minutes before the designated moment of silence, so they invited anybody to go up and say something.  Yes, I went up and said a few not very memorable words.  Then Sintral got up and talked about community and spreading positivity.

“Hug somebody today,” he said.

I went to get his name so I could include it in my article, and I gave him a hug.

I hope we can remember the lessons of unity, compassion and service that were talked about at the Memorial this morning.  I shall do my best.  Also, I hope I can find somebody else to hug.

 

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Monday for my Media Library

Posted on August 24, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I made it to Monday and am doing my Monday blog post on Monday, but I am still close to swooning, dramatically posed regular readers know how.  Never mind why; explanations are tiresome.  Instead I will share a few more pictures from Community Day at the Town of Herkimer Park in East Herkimer, which really was a delightful event enjoyed by many.

More classic cars!

And here is the next thing that makes my Monday Monday-ish!  I thought I had transferred three pictures to WordPress on my phone, then went to my Chromebook for make the post (ten-finger typing really is the Way. To. Go.) to find only one picture in my Media Library.  Now I have to log out of WordPress, get back on my phone and try again.  Oh, stop playing that miniature violin!  I know this is a first-world problem.  I only bring it up to increase my word count.  Really, what kind of a blogger am I?

Who doesn’t love fire trucks?

Did I mention that East Herkimer Fire Department was on hand offering a chicken barbecue?  I did not partake, but lots of other people did, and it sure smelled good.

Tents as far as the eye could see!

There were many vendors on hand: local artisans and craftspeople as well as local goods and produce.  Some community partners were on hand as well, offering information and help.

I took a number of pictures, since I was covering the even for the Daily Sentinel, so this may dominate my blog for the foreseeable future.  Or I may hit a few other local events.  I hope to have better luck with my Media Library.

 

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Post-Lobster Post

Posted on August 9, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I suppose some people are waiting for a Post-Lobster Post, to follow yesterday’s Pre-Lobster post.  I traveled with some of my Elks friends to Cobleskill Elks Lodge where they were having their annual Lobsterfest.  The others had been there before, but this was my first fest and indeed my first full lobster. Yikes!  I heard they were hard to get into.

Yes, wine was involved.

I did not remember to take a picture of my two lobsters and all the fixings.  Instead I had at the first one right away, working with a nutcracker and determination.  I did not even begin the second one but had brought a couple gallon storage bags to take leftovers home in.  I brought home the corn on the cob, cole slaw, and watermelon, too, although I did eat the salt potatoes.

I put in for several items on the basket raffle too, but did not get lucky this time.  I also got in on the 50/50 and a wooden rocking chair raffle, so I feel I supported the Cobleskill Elks Lodge.

Only part of our fun bunch!

On the way home, we stopped at the Esperance Elks Lodge, just to say hello.  That’s the fun part about being an Elk, lots of lodges to check out.

I did not go up these stairs.

We also stopped for ice cream.  I got a root beer float with chocolate ice cream.  Yum!  It was quite the fun day, and I have a whole lobster in my refrigerator, waiting for me to crack it open and enjoy.

 

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Pre-Lobster Post

Posted on August 8, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I am posting in haste (posthaste, a rarely used word these days) (and I do not know why my Chromebook capitalized haste.  Is that the name of a city somewhere? No, I’m not going to Google it, or even DuckDuckGo it!).  Where was I?  Ah yes, I think I am ready to leave for the Cobleskill Elks Lodge Lobsterfest.  For $45 I get two lobsters and all the fixings, which I believe include corn on the cob, cole slaw (capitalized cole, but I know that’s a name), and salt potatoes.  I only hope I can crack open the lobster.

Maybe I should go to a fish fry instead.

As usual, I throw in a picture to pep things up.  This is from Herkimer Elks Lodge (to which I belong)’s Lenten Fish Fry. I do love a good fish fry, although I often opt for the broiled or baked.  It isn’t just the calories; my stomach has gotten oh so finicky in its old age.

Isn’t she pretty?

This is one of my Elks friends I am going to the fest with, Michele.  That’s my tiara she is wearing.  When I wore it for Four Old Broads on the High Seas with Players of Utica last July (fun times), sometimes I wore it to the Lodge before or after rehearsals. I love that tiara.  However, I shall not wear it to Lobster Fest (I wonder if that’s one word).

I see I am over 200 words.  Score!  Now to make sure I am truly ready to go.  All three earrings in, etc.

 

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I Saw Some Classic Cars

Posted on August 2, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I will make a Slacker Saturday Post today.  I spent some time at the Elks Classic Car Show at Meyers Park this morning but did not take enough pictures to make a good blog post about it. In fact, I did not take any pictures of classic cars. One problem I have is I like to see the cars with their hoods down, because I appreciate the lines and style.  However, to be judged at a show, the hoods must be up.  I understand the judges know when a bolt or screw is wrong for that year of car.  I could never know such things!

Awards I would never win,

I helped with registration of cars.  That did not require much knowledge. I was also allowed to make silly jokes along the way.  Regular readers know I am good at that.  I greatly enjoyed the DJ.  I got up and danced to several tunes.

He was cool, yes.

I have seen this DJ before.  I think I saw him at a Cruise In some years ago, when my late dearly missed husband Steve and I had our sweet schnoodle Tabby.  We talked to him for a while, then as we walked away, he played “Walk the Dog” just for me and Tabby.

I did not stay to see the judging, but I am not all that interested in that.  I just like seeing all the classic cars.  I hope to seek out some more car shows in the area.  I will do blog posts about them, and I hope to get pictures of the cars.  As always, I hope you will tune in.

 

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