Category Archives: Community Events

A Cup with a Cop

Posted on July 31, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

It’s no secret that I love this area, my adopted hometown of Herkimer and the surrounding villages. I am naturally interested in any efforts to improve our quality of life. Under that heading, I made sure to attend Coffee and Conversation with a Cop last Saturday at the Baptist Church on Washington Street in Herkimer.

Full disclosure: I had another motivation to go. I thought I might have a chance to ask a policeman all my stupid questions regarding the local police for the novel I am writing.

The event ran from 9 to 11 a.m. I arrived close to nine and parked in the Green Street lot in front of the Municipal Building. A couple of people wearing name tags hung out around the door greeting people. Just inside the door a table was set up gathering contact information. They gave me a name tag, too. I got myself a cup of coffee and a donut and looked around for a cop that wasn’t busy.

People were still milling about, unsure of the event’s format. Three police officers were sitting at tables, which were set up in a U shape. I waited till one was free, sat down opposite him and pulled out my notebook.

Patrolman Patrick Murphy works for the Mohawk Police Department, but I was sure his answers would also be germane to Herkimer PD. He was very informative. We had an excellent conversation not just about my novel questions. A few other people joined in as we talked about police work in general and Patrolman Murphy’s experiences in particular. I was glad other people joined in, because I didn’t want to hog the cop.

After a while an older gentleman spoke up and asked that the policemen to sit at the head table, because he wanted to hear what people were asking them. I think a more informal format, such as we were doing, had been originally envisioned. However, after a couple tries, the older gentleman prevailed and the discussion became general.

I learned that the idea for coffee and Conversation with a Cop came from Dan Higgins, a snowbird and member of the church. He said communities were holding similar forums down south, so he approached Rev. Bell with the idea. he would like to see these meetings happen once a month.

“The church needs to be a part of the village, not just Sunday mornings,” he said.

Janice Lester Bell, the first lady of the church, spoke of the corporate and spiritual ministries of the church. The main focus of the day was not a complaint session but a chance to raise concerns and a chance for citizens to ask What can we do? Many concerns were raised. The officers answered questions, explained appropriate times to contact the police, and shared their own problems with staffing limitations.

“If you see something, say something,” is the best way a private citizen can help.

Several people had ideas on how to improve things. I found this encouraging, and I like the idea of monthly Coffee and Conversations. I’ll be watching for the next session.

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Faithful Memories

Posted on July 18, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

On my first visit to the Herkimer County Historical Society, several years ago, I was particularly struck by a portrait of a formidable-looking lady in masculine clothes. Our guide told us it was Margaret Tugor, a local educator of note. I wondered if anyone had written a biography of her. I had a vague thought of writing one myself but, as I don’t know how one goes about writing a biography, it came to nothing.

Flash forward to 2014 when I saw in the Herkimer Telegram that Bill Rosenfeld had written a book called Reminiscences of Margaret Tugor and would be giving a program on it at the society. I made immediate plans to attend.

Margaret Tugor was principal at South School in Herkimer NY in the early 20th century. In those days, the railroad tracks ran down what is now State Street, distinctly separating north and south Herkimer. Many poor immigrants lived in South Herkimer. South School was later renamed the Tugor School to honor Margaret Tugor.

Miss Tugor was a truly memorable character. Although she was a strict disciplinarian, she was very kind to her children and inspired them to do their best. She showed and demanded respect for all.

Mr. Rosenfeld had one prop to illustrate his program: Old Faithful. This was a wooden plank, a little larger than a ruler. It had been made at the Standard Desk Company by a former student. Old Faithful replaced a switch which had previously been used. Yes, Margaret Tugor ran South School at a time when corporal punishment was the accepted mode of discipline. Rosenfeld looked at Old Faithful speculatively and remarked that in memory it had seemed larger.

Mr. Rosenfeld’s program was very informal. He said he did not want to tell what was in the book, because, well, it was in the book. In fact a lot of the people attending had already purchased a copy. I was not one of them, but I am confidently expecting one on my birthday. Rosenfeld opened the floor to questions and said if anybody had any memories of Miss Tugor they could share them.

One man had been a student at South School during Tugor’s tenure and had felt the sting of Old Faithful. Another attendee had not known Tugor but had grown up hearing about her from his parents. A woman had taught at the school after it had been renamed the Tugor School. Many reminiscences were shared.

Rosenfeld said he hoped to inspire others to also record their memories of Margaret Tugor. He said he would like to see a whole shelf full of books about her. Judging from the memories and stories shared, this seems well within the realm of possibility.

I sat jotting notes about the various reminiscences in my notebook. Perhaps I shall write another blog post recounting some of the stories. Or perhaps I should seek out more people with more reminiscences and add to that shelf of books Mr. Rosenfeld would like to see.

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Helping Herkimer Now

Posted on May 13, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’ve given a shout-out to Herkimer Now before. They are a group dedicated to revitalizing Herkimer, NY, beginning with Main Street. They recently held a fundraiser which worked out very well for me, at least.

The event was a Chinese Auction they held at the Polish Home on South Washington Street. Now, when I hear about a fundraiser for a worthy cause, I like to donate an afghan if I have one, which I usually do. I was not sure if they would want one, because I heard they were getting a lot of fabulous donations from area businesses. Of course it couldn’t hurt to ask.

Being me, I neglected to contact them till the event was less than a week away. However, the nice lady I emailed said they would love to have an afghan, could I drop it by the Polish Home Friday night when they would be setting up? I could.

It was just after seven when Steven and I dropped the afghan off. They were just getting started, but we could see that they had a lot of good stuff. They were pleased with my afghan, which was red, white and blue. They paired it with a patriotic pillow somebody else had donated, to make a kind of a theme.

Steven had to work the next day, but I found room in my busy schedule to go down and put in some chances. Gift certificates, baskets with various tantalizing contents, a gorgeous guitar, decor… I can’t even name all the stuff that was there. I put in for several of the baskets and a few of the gift certificates. I looked at the guitar, but since I don’t play I thought it better to leave it for those who do.

Anyone who bought tickets for the Chinese Auction was also entered to win the door prize, a beautiful floral arrangement. I also purchased tickets for the 50/50. Refreshments were available, but I was more interested in the prizes.

My awesome results? Two gift certificates and a Basket of Fun. The certificates were for Crazy Otto’s — a favorite of ours — and milk shakes from Stewarts’s — yum! The basket of fun included cards, dominoes, a jigsaw puzzle and a little stuffed bear.

I’m also pleased to support Herkimer Now, and I wish them success in their efforts to improve our village. For more information on Herkimer Now, you can visit their website at www.herkimernow.org and you can Like them on Facebook.

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Thanks, Crusaders

Posted on May 1, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Sunday Steven and I went to the annual Wine Tasting Event sponsored by Crusaders Winemakers of the Mohawk Valley. The event features hobby winemakers and area wineries. The wines are adjudicated by professionals, and attendees like Steven and me can vote for their favorites.

Regular readers may recall that on Sunday I wrote a rather silly post just before I left for the event. It ran from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Herkimer VFW. I had dropped Steven off at work and intended to pick him up at one and get right down there. It worked out fine; we found a good parking space and walked into the place.

I told the man who sold us our tickets that I had found my ticket stub from last year’s event in my purse just that morning (no, I don’t clean out my purse very often; don’t judge). They thanked us for coming, and I thanked them for putting on such a fun event. I look forward to it every year, marking it on my calendar as soon as they set the date.

I love chatting up the various winemakers and sampling their stuff. My only problem is I can’t just run to the liquor store and buy the ones I like, except of course for the actual wineries. Some of the makers will give you a bottle for a donation. If I had had a lot of cash with me, I may have left with several bottles, so perhaps it was just as well that I was low on cash.

However, I had sufficient funds to get in on the 50/50 and Basket Raffle. We did not get lucky on the 50/50, but Steven won three things in the Basket Raffle: a bag from Adirondack Bank with a blanket, an umbrella and a key chain; three bottles of wine donated by Babbington Enterprises; and a very generous $50 gift certificate from The Refinery. The Refinery is a Christian bookstore which recently opened in Herkimer. I have been wanting to check it out. Perhaps Steven will use his gift certificate to buy me something.

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More Saturday Adventures

Posted on April 18, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

To return to my Saturday adventures: after breakfast and returning my book to Frankfort Free Library, my friend Tracy and I drove through Ilion into Mohawk to the Mohawk Antiques Mall, where 4PetsSake Food Pantry was holding an indoor garage sale.

The place was hopping, but we managed to find a parking space. We went to the indoor garage sale first, admiring some antiques we walked by to get there. It was fun looking at the various vendors.

We got into quite a nice conversation about art with the guy from Riverstone Sculptures. Tracy recognized his unusual style from some pieces she had seen at the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts. He told us how he looks for different shapes, utilizing things such as automotive parts and items from the hardware store. I asked if they had a website, which led to a discussion about computers (they are not online).

We moved on to where the 4Pets Sake people were selling food.

“We could have had breakfast here,” I said. If you read Tuesday’s post you may remember that we refrained from having ice cream for breakfast. Hot dogs for breakfast, however, I would find quite acceptable.

Instead I bought some cookies, a plate of Italian ones and some chocolate chip that were three for a dollar. Tracy ate one of those and I piggily had two (I did mention I was up three pounds as a result of the weekend). We saved the Italian ones.

After that we went into the regular Antiques Mall and looked around. We met the owner of the mall. He was pleased to welcome an out of town visitor. He told us about an Elvis impersonation contest planned for May 10.

“Tracy would be interested in that,” I said. “She loves Elvis.” I like Elvis too and immediately made a note of the date.

We also checked out the Factory Outlet Store. A lady handed us a coupon good for one day only. We did not make any purchases, although Tracy was tempted by some vests. Perhaps on a future visit.

We were very pleased with our visit, which was only one of our planned adventures for the day. The Mohawk Antiques Mall is located at 100 E. Main St., Mohawk, NY. For more information you can visit their website at www.mohawkantiquesmall.com. For more information on 4PetsSake Food Pantry, visit their website at www.4petsakefoodpantry.org. Both are also on Facebook.

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To Write Another Day

Posted on April 8, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Goodness gracious, look at the time. I haven’t made my blog post yet, I haven’t even written it. Oh dear, whatever will I do? Sit down at the computer, I suppose, and see what I can come up with.

OK, I typed that much in and just sat here. Swell. You know, sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t. My philosophy is, you have to be philosophical about it (I stole that expression from Donald Westlake) (one of my favorite writers).

I don’t suppose I can still use the excuse of being tired out from my fabulous weekend. Then again, why can’t I? I’m not a young woman. Oh heck, even when I was young I was not particularly resilient. I don’t think. Of course, I don’t remember things very well any more.

I think (stand by for a middle-aged musing) that the older we get, the more ready we are to cut ourselves a break. At least I am. And why not? Why should we not treat ourselves as kindly and gently as we would treat a friend? Or do you not treat your friends kindly and gently? If not, shame on you! Be nice to your friends!

As always, I had hoped not to write yet another post about Why I Can’t Write a Post. But I remind myself, writing about not writing is still writing. I’m sure I’ll live to write another day.

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Cinderella Could Have Used This

Posted on April 2, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

One thing you can say about the Mohawk Valley: many of the people who live here are generous. I got more proof of that the other night, when Steven and I went to Frankfort Free Library.

I had actually been going to write a whole post about the library (you know how I love libraries), and I don’t rule out doing that at some point. Tonight, however, I want to give a shout-out to their Prom Attire Giveaway.

As Steven and I pulled into the parking lot at 123 S. Frankfort St., Frankfort, NY, we saw a lady pulling several fancy dresses out of her vehicle.

“Something is going on,” I said. With my theatre background, I immediately thought costumes for something.

Steven was more well-informed. “It must be for their prom dress giveaway.”

“Oh, I did hear something about that.” I think I saw a poster asking for donations.

After we were done with our library visit, I suggested we peek downstairs, where a they were busy sorting dresses and getting ready.

“We’re being nosy,” I told the lady in charge. Then I explained that I write a blog about the Mohawk Valley, which seems a better excuse than common or garden nosiness.

Response for the event has been great. Many beautiful dresses have been donated. Businesses have also donated gift certificates for hair, nails, jewelry and more. I remembered a couple of bridesmaids dresses I have that would be good prom attire. If only they were not buried in an unknown location in my attic, I could have added them to the collection.

The giveaway will be held from from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 4, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5. The student going to the prom must be in attendance and must try the dress on. The dresses are to be given away at no cost.

I felt really good after visiting the library. What a blessing to get a fabulous dress for a special night for free! And what a good way for ladies to pass on lovely dresses they may never wear again. It’s a win/win situation! It almost makes me wish I was still at the age to go to a prom.

Almost.

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A Toast to the Police

Posted on March 13, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’m sure some of my regular readers are interested to hear about the HPD/MPD Wine Tasting which Steven and I attended last Saturday. It was a wonderful event and we had a lovely time.

The fundraiser was sponsored by the police departments of Mohawk and Herkimer, NY. Money raised was to be split between the departments’ Special Response Teams and the memorial for K9 officer Ape. Ape, you may remember, lost his life during the tragic events of last March in Mohawk and Herkimer.

The evening, at Francesca’s Banquet facility in Ilion, was to feature wine, beer and liquor tastings, hors d’oeuvres, a Chinese auction and a 50/50. It ran from 6 to 10 p.m. Steven worked till 6:30, so the event was in full swing when we arrived.

The first table we stopped at was staffed by a local winemaker representing the Crusaders Winemakers of the Mohawk Valley Tasting Event (I foolishly did not make a note of his name). The Crusaders’ tasting is an annual event we have attended in the past (perhaps you read my blog post about last year’s). This year’s will be held April 27 at the VFW in Herkimer (preview of coming attractions). The gentleman at the table poured us a taste of a very good burgundy.

Next we went to the Bully Hill table. The St. Croix I tried there earned my ultimate accolade of “yummy.” Bully Hill is a prominent winery of the Finger Lakes. I’ve never been there, but I hope to make it one day soon. Vintage Wine and Spirits of Herkimer, one of my favorite liquor stores, also had a table. I tried some Cabernet Sauvignon there (always a favorite of mine). I hope they do another wine tasting in the store soon. That’s always good for a post.

We skipped ahead to Finger Lakes Distilling, where I felt very racy sampling some gin. I don’t drink much hard liquor, because i like it straight. That can get you into trouble. Next to Finger Lakes Distilling was Lakeland Winery, from Syracuse. I had some Pinotage, a wine I am not familiar with. I liked it. Lakeland offers Wine Parties, tasting and making. How much fun would that be!

Then we enjoyed a sample from Hummingbird Hills Winery out of Fultonville. The fellow there was a little surprised we knew where Fultonville was.

“Why, we go right by the Fultonville exit when we go to Vermont,” I said. “We may have to make a detour one time.”

“We’re open every weekend,” the guy said.

I was happy to see Ommengang Brewery there. I have been wanting to make a road trip to Cooperstown to visit them. I hear it’s a great place for lunch as well as beer tasting.

I think the Thousand Islands Winery table was the most popular spot. Every time we went over there (yes, we visited the tasting tables more than once), we had to wait for our tastes. It was worth the wait. The wines were good, and the guy pouring was fun.

Really, everybody at the tasting tables was friendly and helpful. Everything we sampled was tasty. We had to tear ourselves away to purchase tickets for the 50/50 and Chinese auction. Somewhere amidst all this tasting and ticket buying, we visited the buffet table for some very elegant hors d’oeurves. There was some good stuff there.

Everybody we talked to seemed to be having as wonderful a time as we were. Here’s hoping the Mohawk and Herkimer police departments make this an annual event.

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Not Lame Hair

Posted on March 8, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

In lieu of my usual Friday Lame Post, I would like to give a brief shout-out to the Hot Spot Salon and Spa in Herkimer, NY. I just got a really cool haircut there.

The cut was important, because Steven and I have an event to attend on Saturday, March 8 (um, that’s tomorrow). It is the HPD/MPD SRT Tasting Event from 6 to 10 p.m. at Francesca’s Banquet Hall in Ilion. Proceeds will be split between the Herkimer/Mohawk Special Response Team and K9 Ape Memorial. K9 Ape, you may recall, was killed last March during the shootings which shook Mohawk and Herkimer.

The evening promises to be fun, with several wineries, a brewery and a distillery offering tastings. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Some of the members of the Special Response Team involved in last March’s terrible events will attend.

So naturally I want to look my best. I’ve been agonizing over what to wear, but I knew my hair would be OK if I could get an appointment at the Hot Spot. I was lucky enough to get in with Claire right after work on Friday.

Clair remembered what she did with my hair last time, which I liked. I told her she could go even shorter on top this time. I do like my hair short. While she clipped, we talked about the tasting event. It turns out Clair and Amy both plan to attend.

“What are you wearing?” I asked. She was undecided, so we discussed options.

My hair turned out fabulous. While I was paying for it, I chatted up Amy on what she was going to wear. We are all excited about the different wineries who plan to be there.

“I’ve been to some of them,” I said. Amy has been wine tasting in the Finger Lakes, too, so we talked about some of our favorites.

“My sisters, cousin and Mom are going again on April 5,” I said. “I was undecided on if I was going with them, but now…”

“You’re going,” Amy said.

So I had a fun time, and I got a good cut. The Hot Spot is located at 121 Albany St. in Herkimer, 315-866-9113. Their website is www.hotspotsalonandspa.com.

If you’re all interested in going to the tasting event, contact the Mohawk or Herkimer police departments. But if you do, better hurry. Last I heard, they were selling out.

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Love those Lady Elks

Posted on January 21, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last week I lamented missing the Lady Elks breakfast, which they serve on Sundays in January. This week I got myself a breakfast date, and we had a nice meal.

Breakfast was served from 8 to 11 a.m. My friend, Diane, and I arrived shortly after nine. We found a parking space in the lot of the Elks Lodge on Mary Street in Herkimer, NY, and walked in.

We paid our $8. I apologized for giving them a fifty.

“I told that maid I wanted small bills, but you can’t get good help these days,” I said. It is a joke I usually make when I pay with a large bill. I also got $5 worth of 50/50 tickets, which I took to the table to fill out. First we made our orders: eggs, toast (white or wheat), bacon (could have chosen sausage), homefries with onions. I also got baked beans. We both declined pancakes.

A gentleman poured us coffee right away. Soon a lady came around with a tray of cups of juice. We both chose orange.

“Everybody’s taking orange today,” she said.

“Oh, I’ll take tomato,” Diane said. “I don’t want you to end up with a lot of tomato juice left over.”

“They can use it to make Bloody Marys later,” I suggested, adding that I usually take the tomato, but it seemed more of an orange kind of day. The lady said we could take one of each if we wanted, so we did.

“So now we’re friends?” she said. Of course we were.

I had already put money in the tip basket, knowing we would get good service. How right I was.

I put Steven’s name on the 50/50 tickets. I thought that was fair since he wasn’t getting a yummy breakfast.

“Then he can spend the money on me,” I said when I put the tickets in the jar, much to the amusement of the ladies at the table. Alas, he did not win.

There is one more Lady Elks breakfast, on January 26. I probably won’t make it, but I was happy to at least make it to one.

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