Category Archives: Community Events

Gimme Some Sugar

Posted on April 17, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Sunday Steven and I went to the Herkimer Home State Historic Site, 200 State Route 169, Little Falls, NY, for the annual Sugaring Off.

We’d already had a full morning with a grocery shop, a breakfast out, a walk, a run and a blog post (not necessarily in that order). But I was excited to go to one of my favorite places, and to have a real Mohawk Valley subject for a blog post.

We set off down Route 5S in the direction of Little Falls. Past the Humane Society and the Historic Fort Herkimer Church. You can see for miles across beautiful farm land and mountains. Steven thought he missed the turn, but I didn’t mind as I was enjoying the scenery. It turned out we hadn’t missed it, though, and soon we were driving down the narrow road to the Home, realized that, as usual, finding a parking space might be problematic. We took the easy way out by parking behind the last car on the side of the drive and walking the rest of the way.

I was pleased to see that many people were taking advantage of the event. A large crowd was wandering around the grounds or going into the Visitor’s Center. Many volunteers were walking around or manning displays and booths wearing period costumes. We purchased some fritters with warm maple syrup and a small bag of popcorn. We found a spot on the grass to sit. It wasn’t too damp for the length of time it took to eat two fritters and nibble some of the popcorn.

We couldn’t just walk through the Home itself, as we have at other events, because they had scheduled guided tours. The tours were free, but you had to pick up a ticket from the Visitor’s Center. The next tour was almost forty-five minutes away, so we walked around looking at other things. We were able to go down into the root cellar, where a costumed volunteer was telling us how the underground temperature of about 50 degrees made it the perfect refrigerator.

Horse drawn wagon rides were offered, but we didn’t time it right to take one of those. We wandered up to the Visitor’s Center and looked at the displays there. Upstairs some ladies were demonstrating cooking on an open hearth. We sampled some cornbread and pumpkin bread. Yummy! Back out on the lawn, we got to eat some Jack Wax or Sugar on Snow. Hot syrup is dripped onto well packed snow. Quite a tasty treat.

I especially enjoyed looking at the cemetery. Some of the gravestones are obviously replicas of the originals, but some are old and authentic looking. I took a couple of pictures for Halloween decorating purposes. We hung around close to the cemetery during the Militia Demonstration, because I was afraid the sound of the guns would give me a headache.

I picked up some fliers in the Visitor’s Center, most notably one listing 2012 programs at the Herkimer Home. I’m sure the site is good for multiple blog posts. I also grabbed a flier called “Discover Herkimer County New York.” That might have some good ideas for Mohawk Valley Girl. Stay tuned! For more information on the Herkimer Home call 315-823-0398 or visit http://www.littlefallsny.com.

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Posted in Community Events, Herkimer, history, Little Falls, Mohawk Valley. Bookmark the permalink.

Fish Fry Feast

Posted on March 21, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I love fish fry. I love fish and I love fry. So I had been wanting to check out the Ilion Moose Lodge Fish Fry. Last Friday I got my chance.

The lodge is located on Barringer Road, Ilion, NY, near Barringer Road School. Having gotten directions from Jim Parker at the Ilion Farmer’s Market (see previous post), we found it with no problem.

We walked into the bar and were directed to the back room. This is a large, airy space that I think would be ideal for many functions. We easily found a table for two. We did not have to peruse the menu once we heard the specials. I decided to try the Haddock Reuben and Steven chose the Shrimp Basket. We like to order different things, so we can try each others. I got sweet potato fries (my favorite!) while Steven stuck with regular. I asked if I was allowed to go into the bar area and get a glass of wine. I was.

When I returned with my Chablis, Steven had obtained a cup of his beloved coffee. Our food, when it arrived, was delicious. As we were eating I heard another patron asking what a Haddock Reuben was.

“It’s yummy!” I called across the room. Just trying to be helpful.

I did not finish my yummy sandwich. They provided me with a take-out container, which I promptly left on the table. The waitress nicely brought it out to me before we drove away.

I do love a Friday fish fry. It sets me up for the weekend. I look forward to returning to the Ilion Moose Lodge, possibly next week. They told me they are also open Good Friday, so if I don’t make it then, I’ll have another chance.

Fish fry is served from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays at the Ilion Moose Lodge on Barringer Road. I highly recommend it.

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Giving Away Nieces’ Afghans

Posted on March 9, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I had been noticing a flier posted at work about a Cabin Fever Party and Chinese Auction to benefit the Herkimer County Humane Society. I had recently donated an afghan and some scarves to H.A.L.O., the cat rescue organization, for a similar purpose, and thought to do the same for the Humane Society.

Regular readers know I love to donate my afghans. Anybody who was reading me in December (oh, I know, such a busy month; don’t worry about it) knows I owe three nieces afghans as Christmas presents, because I gave theirs (with their generous permission) to the Folts Home. I’ve been crocheting quite busily attempting to make up the lack but I’m not ahead of the game yet. I have not checked with the nieces, but I felt sure they would not mind waiting a little longer (in my defense, it’s not like I’ve never given them afghans).

So I went to the Humane Society’s Facebook page (I’m quite the Facebook aficionado) and asked would they like such a donation. They would indeed. I said I would drop it by their location soon.

Some years ago it was a thing to print out a circle with “TUIT” inside it. Then you said, “That thing you’re going to do when you get a round to it? Well, here’s a round tuit.” I need one of those. I let a week go by. I knew from somebody else asking on Facebook that the Humane Society was hoping to have all donations by the first week of March. I had a little leeway.

Steven and I rode over on Monday, our rare day off together. I picked out an afghan with Easter colors: turquoise blue and pink (it was the afghan previously destined for my niece Jenna — sorry, Jenna!). I also grabbed a few scarves. I think they are nice scarves.

We brought Tabby. We know they like dogs at the Humane Society. When we walked in, three dogs in cages immediately started barking at her. I think they were boy dogs and wanted her to be their girlfriend. Boy dogs usually do. They continued to bark as I dropped off my donation and wrote down my information. The lady asked me if we were together.

“Yes, we’re all together,” I said. “We like to bring our dog places.”

When we got back home I realized I did not have my purse. Rats! After first checking that I had not left it in the house to begin with (as I have been known to do), I drove back by myself. The three dogs in their cages did not bark. I told you they were barking at Tabby. It was really not too inconvenient; I just felt a little silly. I merely mention the event in case any readers have done something similar; now they can feel better that they’re not the only ones.

The Cabin Fever Party and Chinese Auction is Sunday, March 25 from two to five at the Frankfort VFW, 4274 Acme Rd. Steven and I intend to be there. Maybe I’ll even bid on the afghan. If I win it, I can give it to Jenna for Christmas.

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Posted in Community Events, Herkimer, Humane Society, humor, non-profits, personal. Bookmark the permalink.

Comedy this Weekend

Posted on March 4, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Friday was a good day to laugh, so it was perfect that Steven and I had planned to attend Weekend Comedy at Ilion Little Theatre.

We arrived shortly after 7:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. curtain time, and the theatre was already filling up. We found good seats however (actually, there are no bad seats), and sat down to peruse the program. The play is directed by George Lyon, who is also in the cast; Julianne Allen is assistant director. Char Girmonde, Matt Trombley and Elisa Welch fill out the cast.

When the curtain rose, the set garnered immediate applause. It is a rental cabin in the Catskills Mountains, and it is beautiful. It looks as if they used actual logs; the craftsmanship is incredible. Somebody remarked it looked nicer than his actual house.

The play concerns two couples, one middle-aged, one in their 20s, who accidentally rent the same cabin for a long weekend. They end up sharing the cabin, and each couple teaches the other a little bit about life and love. That nutshell does not really do the script justice. It is a very funny play. The audience laughed from start to finish.

During intermission, Steven and I took a closer look at a basket of goodies the theatre was raffling as an additional fundraiser. It included pancake mix and Log Cabin syrup (get it?), two Ilion Little Theatre coffee mugs and more goodies. More impressively, there was a gift certificate for a stay at a Bed and Breakfast in Woodstock and gift certificates for two restaurants. We got tickets for that for sure.

I feel a little bad we did not make it to the show last weekend, because then local readers would have had more chances to go. The play does continue tonight, March 3 at 8 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m. Ilion Little Theatre is located at The Stables, Remington Avenue in Ilion, NY. Phone number is 894-3203. They also have a website at http://www.ilionlittletheatre.org, or you can like them on Facebook.

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Last Woman Hanged

Posted on March 1, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Tuesday I attended a lecture sponsored by the Herkimer County Historical Society. Does that sound cultured and intellectual? It may have been. It was also a great deal of fun.

James M. Greiner, author of Last Woman Hanged: Roxalana Druse, was talking about the famous case. I have many times noticed the historic marker outside the 1834 Jail and wanted to learn more about the local murderess. Last December, Greiner was at the Historical Society signing his book, but I missed it, which was too bad, because I had previously told my entire family NOT to buy me Christmas presents, because I was buying myself the book (they got me presents anyways, but that’s a whole other blog post).

Tuesday’s talk took place at the Herkimer County Courthouse, at Herkimer’s Historic Four Corners, a favorite walking place of mine and Tabby’s. I walked over, because Steven planned to drive straight from work (always fun to have a rendezvous). The event drew a large crowd. I could have gotten there much earlier and saved us seats closer to the front. Then again, with such a large crowd, some people may have taken exception to my saving a really good seat for somebody who may not arrive on time. Our seats in the back turned out to be fine, however; we had no problems hearing.

Greiner’s book is all about the facts of the case. Apparently everybody who grew up around here “knows” that Roxalana Druse fed her husband’s dead body to the pigs and was hanged on the hook in back of the jail, neither of which, it turns out, was the case. I have to confess, I didn’t know (or “know”) any of that. You see how much I missed out on, growing up in Rome.

We heard a lot about the true case and about the research Greiner undertook to find out about it. He is an excellent speaker, very organized and articulate, and obviously passionately interested in his subject. He says he follows the rule “Write what you love.” I wrote that one down.

He had previously published two books on the Civil War and wanted to do something different. He said he called up the Historical Society and said, “I want to do a murder.” (I wrote that one down, too.) He said the historical society lady’s response was to the effect of, “Not Gillette, he’s been done to death!” I must confess that made me feel a little vulgar, because I can’t get enough of the Gillette case. I don’t think any disparagement was meant, only that Greiner wanted to explore uncharted territory. As pointed out on the back of Greiner’s book, the Gillette case has overshadowed the Druse case. This book helps to even up the score.

I was able to purchase the book Tuesday. Several people attending had already read it and told me it was an excellent read, impossible to put down. After the talk, I went to the front of the room to get the author to sign it.

“Oh, I signed all of them.” He showed me where he did.

“Oh, I’m silly.” I did feel silly, especially as I was debating in my head whether to say Cindy or Cynthia when he asked me who to make it out to. That’s what author’s at book signings in movies always do.

I was really happy I was able to attend the talk and to buy the book. I look forward to reading it. Copies are available at the Herkimer County Historical Society, 406 N. Main St., Herkimer, NY. For more information call 315-866-6413.

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Posted in books, Community Events, crime, Herkimer, history, humor. Bookmark the permalink.

Fun at the Fundraiser

Posted on February 21, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Saturday Steven and I attended a fundraiser to help with medical and living expenses for a gentleman who had suffered a motorcycle accident. The fundraiser was held at the Mohawk American Legion from 1 to 5 p.m. Steven worked till 1:30, so I picked him up and we joined the function already in progress.

I always like these fundraisers. I think they show people at their best: having a good time to help somebody else.

We paid for our admission, got in on the 50/50 raffle, then made a beeline for the buffet. You can always be sure of a good meal at these events. Sausage and peppers, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, several salads and more. Filling a plate was not difficult; finding a place to sit was. We managed to find two unoccupied chairs.

While we ate we marveled at the size of the Chinese Auction. I had been feeling a little guilty, because I had not seen the flier in time to donate an afghan (I’m actually a little behind in my afghans since Christmas; I’ll have to work on that). I soon realized, I had no reason to feel bad. That auction was HUGE. As soon as we had eaten we got tickets and wandered the tables, deciding what to try for. Alas, we did not win anything, but we enjoyed the feeling of possibility all afternoon.

We didn’t stay too long after that, but we paused on the porch so Steven could smoke a cigarette. I admired a couple of wooden glider swings.

“Maybe they’ll have a fundraiser here this summer,” I speculated, “and we can come out here and sit on one of these benches.”

We chatted up a couple of people who were also on the porch. We all agreed that the fundraiser was a resounding success. Then Steven and I were on our way, in search of further Mohawk Valley adventures.

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Helping the Kitties

Posted on February 15, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’ve blogged about the Helping Animals Live Organization (H.A.L.O.), the no-kill, non-profit cat rescue based in Little Falls, NY. I briefly stopped by their last fundraiser on Saturday, so I thought I’d give them another shout out.

I had actually wanted to attend the fundraiser. It was a spaghetti dinner and sock hop. I asked on their Facebook page if people were dressing in ’50s styles and had even gone to the thrift store looking for a skirt I could put a poodle on (didn’t find one). Alas, Steven had to work.

The next fundraiser, also being publicized via Facebook, is a Chinese Auction. My favorite kind! I asked if they would like one of my afghans and maybe a few handmade scarves. They would. I emailed a lady named Sandy to arrange pick up. She said if I was at the sock hop, I could just bring the stuff then. It seemed the easiest thing just to drive over to the VFW in Mohawk, where the fundraiser was taking place.

The parking lot looked full till I was already past it on a one-way street (of course). I went around the block. Of course, few blocks in these villages are a straightforward square. I turned right and drove. I wondered if I would be writing a blog post about getting lost in Mohawk, a very small village I drive through almost every day of my life. No, two more right hand turns and I was where I thought I should be. The roads to get there were just a little longer than expected. I parked in front of the VFW and went in.

A lady at the door directed me to Sandy. She was very happy with the donations and disappointed I was not staying for the sock hop.

“I remember you were asking were people dressing up,” she said. I told her of my unsuccessful search for a skirt, and the lady I had first spoken to stood up to show me her awesome pink poodle skirt.

I explained that my husband was working, but I would probably attend the Chinese Auction, “That I can go to by myself; dinner and a dance I want a date for.” Sandy agreed.

The Chinese Auction is March 11 at Silverado, Marginal Road, Herkimer, NY. Bidding is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with drawing immediately afterward. Many local businesses have donated goods and/or gift certificates. H.A.L.O. has been posting the various donations on Facebook as they come in. Their page also has some fun pictures of the sock hop. Look up H.A.L.O. (with the periods) to like them on Facebook. Or you can visit their website: http://www.halorescue.net.

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Posted in animals, cats, Community Events, non-profits. Bookmark the permalink.

There’s Stuff To Do Here, Too!

Posted on February 11, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

The other day a co-worker pondered, “To work or not to work this weekend?”

I asked, “What fun things do you have planned if you don’t work?”

Well, he did not have anything specific in mind; he thought he might take a ride to Syracuse. “Syracuse has so much more to offer.”

Of course Mohawk Valley Girl could not allow this to stand unchallenged, so I said, “There are things to do around here!”

“Like what?” I knew he would ask that.

“For example,” the only thing I could remember offhand, “H.A.L.O. is having a sock hop this Saturday in Mohawk.”

“Do they still have sock hops?” This led to a discussion of sock hops, ’50s clothes and another co-worker’s sense of fashion. I went back to writing yesterday’s post, which is what I had been doing before. But now I’ve got some leisure, I reflect on the question: what all can one do in the Mohawk Valley this weekend?

Personally, I intend to start my weekend with the Valentine Wine Tasting at Vintage Spirits in Herkimer on Friday. On Friday or Saturday I could stop by the Indoor Farmer’s Market at Clapsaddle Farm on Otsego Street in Ilion (I’ve blogged about that numerous times). Representative Richard Hannah is holding office hours in Frankfort Saturday afternoon (OK, that’s probably not the kind of excitement my co-worker was looking for). The sock hop I mentioned earlier is preceded by a spaghetti dinner.

That’s just off the top of my head. I could look in the Herkimer Telegram or Utica OD and come up with more. The area also offers numerous restaurants and clubs. I guess I’m not much on clubs, but I’ve blogged about several area restaurants. I hope to cover more.

I suppose it’s true that a larger area such as Syracuse will offer more restaurants, stores, events and attractions. And my idea of fun is not for everyone. After all, I am happily entertained by a walk with my dog. A sock hop, spaghetti supper or other fundraiser is a delightful evening for me.

What’s wrong with that? My co-workers may have raised their eyebrows at the sock hop idea, but I bet they would have a fun time if they showed up. I say, look at what’s available where you are at. You just might be surprised at what you find.

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Posted in commentary, Community Events, entertainment, humor, Mohawk Valley. Bookmark the permalink.

One Last Breakfast

Posted on February 3, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was a tad bit concerned my posts about the Lady Elks’ Sunday Breakfasts would become repetitious, but yet I must write one last time.

Last Sunday was the final breakfast offered by the Lady Elks this year. I was quite pleased that we were able to attend each one. In previous years work schedules interfered, and that could easily have been the case this year. However, good fortune was with us, and we enjoyed four yummy Sunday breakfasts.

Not much different happened this past Sunday from what I have previously reported. The food was yummy, the service was great, and we supported the Lady Elks’ projects for the year. Once again Steven got his food first. I accused the server of liking him better (can’t blame her, really).

“I don’t cook the food,” the lady defended herself. “And you probably should be just as glad about that!”

Our coffee guy was very attentive. I don’t think I went lower than half a cup the whole time.

Everybody we talked to was as sorry as we were to see the breakfasts end. The Lady Elks promised they’d be back again next year. I’ll be sure to watch the newspapers. Or maybe I’ll hear about it at a Friday night fish fry. Those are still going on, and I intend to go again.

This has been a short post, but I think that’s OK. I’ll make up for it on another day. Maybe one of the times I get silly.

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Third Breakfast’s the Charm?

Posted on January 24, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I threatened to write another blog post about the Lady Elks Sunday Breakfast if we went again, and naturally we went again.

Once again, the Lady Elks put on a breakfast on Sundays in January to support various projects for the year. Since I love community events and I love food, it is not surprising I would be there every week, schedule permitting, which it has so far.

I decided to mix things up a little: I got my eggs over medium instead of scrambled and said yes to pancakes. I also got whole wheat toast, bacon, baked beans and potatoes with onion, as I previously did. So Steven and I had identical breakfasts this week, aside from our juice (orange and tomato, respectively). Do I even have to mention we also had coffee? I thought not.

Once again Steven got his breakfast first. The ladies delivering the meals were not calling out the numbers this week, so I did not get the chance to laugh heartily as every number surrounding mine was called first. It wasn’t that long of a wait in any case.

I hadn’t had pancakes and eggs in a long time. It used to be a big favorite. Steven would even fix it for dinner sometimes. Too late I realized I should have asked them to bring me only one pancake. I felt bad to not eat everything I had asked for, but you can only stuff yourself so full.

“Are you not gong to finish that?” Steven asked.

“Do you want it?” Now I did not have to feel guilty. I only left some of the beans. I got up to search for some water to take ibuprofen, and when I got back to the table our plates were gone.

“The lady said if you weren’t finished, it was my fault,” Steven told me.

I made like I was going to pound on the table and holler, just to be silly. I guess they just would have told me it was Steven’s fault, or maybe gotten a big Elk to throw me out.

We left the breakfast and headed to the grocery store, for once doing what the magazine articles advise you to do and not shop on an empty stomach. Just to prove my contrary nature, it was not a successful trip. If I don’t shop at least a little hungry, I don’t buy enough food. But that’s a subject for another post.

In the meantime, local readers have one more Sunday to enjoy breakfast with the Lady Elks: January 29, 8 to 11 am, on Mary Street in Herkimer, NY. Hope to see you there.

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Posted in breakfast, Community Events, dining, Elks, food, Herkimer, humor. Bookmark the permalink.
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