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The Best Gifts from Schoharie County

Traditional Mohawk Strawberry Festival celebrates and builds community

Written By Editor on 6/15/21 | 6/15/21

Every summer the last weekend of June the Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community in Fonda, NY celebrates the wild strawberry’s return and invites the public to join them. The festival is a time to renew friendships – and to give thanks for the berries, the first fruit of the season.





The strawberry is far more important to the Mohawk people than visiting a u-pick farm or a dessert like strawberry shortcake. The berry marks the seasonal return of harvesting fresh fruits and is symbolic of life and health – which both have taken on greater significance this past year.  The strawberry harvest too represents a time when people gather together and tell stories, seeing friends and creating news ones, something the pandemic also put a stop to. 


Kay Olan (Ionataiewas), a member of the Mohawk Nation and the 2009 recipient of the Jigonsaseh Women of Peace Award for her work around Haudenosaunee culture and language, explains: “The festival takes place when the ‘wild strawberry’ ripens. When we notice that the wild strawberry is ready to be harvested, we know that the cycle of life will continue as it should. Longhouse people—those who follow the traditional ways of the Haudenosaunee—have a Strawberry Ceremony at that time to express gratitude and love to the strawberries and also to every part of the natural world.


The festival is a time of thanksgiving as well as Kanatsiohareke’s largest fundraiser, With the impossibility of meeting in person, though, came an opportunity. Now the festival can reach more people, who can attend online where the events are on Facebook. Instead of one day, the festival is spread over two weeks beginning June 14.  There will be storytelling from Sakokwenionkwas Tom Porter (Kanatsiohareke’s founder) and Olan, among others. Storytelling and oral traditions are foundational for Mohawk values, where stories hold history and lessons meant to be shared together in person. This year’s festival is a key chance for people throughout the region to hear and learn these stories with the Mohawk whose traditional lands spread from the northern Catskills up through the Capital Region and into the Adirondacks.


The celebrations begin on June 14 with a traditional thanksgiving opening [tk ck?] as well as storytelling and an online marketplace. Events continue up through the festival day on June 26 with performances live on Facebook beginning at noon, and featuring different sets on the hour. The market and online events will be at https://www.facebook.com/groups/strawberryfest2021


Last year more than 30 native craftspeople participated in the marketplace hailing from across Turtle Island (North America) with makers from the Haudenosaunee (whose Six Nations include the Mohawk, Seneca, Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida and Tuscarora) as well as Lenape, Anishinaabe and Navajo artisans. Selling an array of traditional crafts from beadwork to clothing and jewelry, they have all come together to support Kanatsiohareke. 


In the run up to May 26, the online marketplace will feature new items each day and throughout the day. It’s a chance for the public to see, buy and support work from native artisans.


On June 21st Tom Porter will tell stories of the strawberry and the significance of the strawberry for the Mohawks. John Charamella, who has been involved with the community from its earliest days, will talk about its founding on June 22.  On June 25, Kay Olan will tell more traditional Mohawk stories.  


The Strawberry Festival is key to supporting Kanatsiohareke’s mission. “It is our biggest fundraiser and social gathering for the year,” says Paul Gorgen, Secretary of Kanatsiohareke’s Board of Directors. The large part of the community’s mission is to revitalize the Mohawk language and culture, and they hold Mohawk language classes, lecture and workshops on cultural topics throughout the year. 


Kanatsiohareke, pronounced “Gah nah joe hah lay geh,” translates to “The Place of the Clean Pot,” a pothole carved into the rock in the Mohawk River nearby. Founded in 1993 by elder Tom Porter, the community is on the historic site of an old Mohawk Bear Clan village. Throughout the pandemic, Kanatsiohareke Board members and volunteers have continued to offer virtual language classes and exchange programs as other fundraising initiatives for this Mohawk community.   


For more information, see Kanatsiohareke’s web page, www.mohawkcommunity.org, their Facebook page (Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community), or send an email to kanatsiohareke@gmail.com. 



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Iroquious Museum Hosting New Events

Howes Cave cultural museum to present social dancers, artist demos, workshop, concert, and festival in July, August, and September

HOWES CAVE --The Iroquois Museum announces a slate of events for the summer, including weekend Iroquois social dancers and artist demonstrations, a workshop, a community concert, and its annual Iroquois Arts Festival.


Every Saturday and select Sundays in July and August, the Museum will present its Echoes of Tradition series, which brings dancers and artists from across Iroquois Country to the Schoharie County museum to share aspects of the culture with visitors. 


Different Iroquois (also known as Haudenosaunee) social dance troupes will perform on July 3 and 10 and Aug. 14 throughout opening hours. Artists demonstrating skills such as beadwork, fingerweaving, porcupine quillwork, moccasins, and drums will be at the Museum on July 17, 24, 25, and 31; and Aug. 1, 7, and 21. A full schedule for Echoes of Tradition is below. 


The Museum will present a fundraiser, Roots, Rhythm, & Ale on Friday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m. The community event includes live music by popular Zydeco group The Rubber Band and Iroquois singer-songwriter Mike Jones, local artisans, and food and beverages from local vendors. Tickets are $20 and include a commemorative cup and free beer from Serious Brewing. Concert-only tickets are $10. Proceeds support Museum education programs and collection management. 


The annual Iroquois Arts Festival over Labor Day Weekend is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 4, and Sunday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The festival celebrates Haudenosaunee creativity with live performances by cultural groups, demonstrations, an outdoor Arts Market with traditional and contemporary arts and fine crafts, family activities, and more. The event will feature The Sky Dancers from Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Onondaga storyteller Perry Ground, the Museum’s archaeology department, and wildlife rehabilitator Kelly Martin, who will bring a variety of animals, including birds of prey.  

The Iroquois Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday from May until October. Admission is $5-$8, and children 5 and younger are free. For more information about the Museum and upcoming events, visit www.iroquoismuseum.org


ABOUT THE IROQUOIS INDIAN MUSEUM


The Iroquois Indian Museum is an independent nonprofit cultural museum founded in Schoharie County, NY in 1981. It houses the largest collection of contemporary Iroquois art in the world and offers a window into Iroquois culture and history through archaeology, visual arts, and performing arts. The 7,300 square-foot facility inspired by the traditional Iroquois longhouse presents changing and permanent exhibits, the Children’s Museum, and the Museum Shop, which features hand-crafted Iroquois art, silver, and leatherwork. The museum is surrounded by a 45-acre Nature Park, two 19th-century log houses formerly on the Six Nations Reserve, and a 500-seat outdoor covered amphitheater. 


The Iroquois Indian Museum is a cultural museum that houses the largest collection of contemporary Iroquois art in the world and offers a window into Iroquois culture and history through archaeology, visual arts, and performing arts. The Museum also has a 45-acre Nature Park and permanent and annual special art exhibits.



2021 Schedule of Events

We are thrilled to be able to present events this year after not being open since 2019. Most events will be presented outside with public health safety precautions in place. All events are free with the cost of Museum admission* (The Fingerweaving Workshop on Sunday, July 25, requires a fee for materials and reservation.) We look forward to seeing you this year! For more information, email us at info@iroquoismuseum.org or visit www.iroquoismuseum.org


#####


Saturday, July 3

Haudenosaunee Dancers from Onondaga

Performances at 11 am and 2 pm, depending on audience size

Price: Museum admission

Pride in the culture, discipline, and a dedication to tradition are a hallmark of the Haudeno saunee Dancers, who perform Iroquois social dances as practiced in their small traditional community near Syracuse. Leader and skilled seamstress Sherri Waterman-Hopper has traveled internationally as an artist and cultural speaker, and she will be joined by a core group of singers, musicians, and dancers. They will perform at various times throughout the day.

Advance Tix: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../echoes-of-tradition...


Saturday, July 10

Onyota’a:ka Dancers from Oneida

Performances at 11 am and 2 pm, depending on audience size

Price: Museum admission

Haudenosaunee dance group Onyota’a:ka Dancers from Oneida will offer presentations at the Museum throughout the day. Onota’a:ka was founded by Elder and Wolf Clan Mother Maisie Shenandoah for the purpose of cultural education, which has been carried on by Maisie’s daughter Vicki. Onota’a:ka includes individuals from the Mohawk and Lenape nations as well as Oneida. This blended tribal composition is somewhat unusual, but demonstrates one of the mission of the group to raise awareness of the diversity of Native traditions.

Advance Tix: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../echoes-of-tradition...


Saturday, July 17

Artists Demo by Teoi Elijah, Traditional Outfits

Various times from 10 am to 5 pm

Price: Museum admission

Teio is Akwesasne Mohawk and the owner of Shaking Reeds Designs, which specializes in custom-made Iroquois clothing and accessories for men, women, and children such as intricately beaded collars and cuffs, beaded and appliquéd ribbon shirts and skirts, breechcloths, and leggings. She will offer demonstrations throughout the day.

Advance Tix: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../echoes-of-tradition...


Saturday, July 24

Artist Demo by Marilyn Hill, Fingerweaving

Various times from 10 am to 5 pm

Price: Museum admission

Marilyn is Tuscarora Bear Clan and self-taught in the old-style loomless weaving technique popular in the 18th Century for sashes and garters. While most men today purchase commercially produced sashes, Marilyn has spearheaded a small revival. She will offer demonstrations throughout the day.

Advance Tix: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../echoes-of-tradition...


Sunday, July 25

Fingerweaving Workshop with Marilyn Hill

10 am

Price: $40 ($35 Museum Members)

Fingerweaving artist Marilynn Hill, Tuscarora, will lead a workshop on the skill popular in the 18th century. Registration and attendance fee is required.

Tix: http://www.eventbrite.com/.../fingerweaving-workshop-with...


Saturday-Sunday, July 31-August 1

Artist Demo by Jamie Jacobs Porcupine Quillwork

Various times during opening hours

Price: Museum admission

Jamie is a cultural educator and artist from the Seneca community of Tonawanda and admired for his attention to detail and historic knowledge. He will offer demonstrations throughout the weekend on porcupine quillwork, which is used in decorative elements on Haudenosaunee objects, such as clothing, moccasins, and quiver pouches. Jamie is a collections assistant at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

Advance Tix: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../echoes-of-tradition...


Saturday, August 7

Artist Demo by Anna Thompson, Moccasins and Beadwork

Various times from 10 am to 5 pm

Price: Museum admission

Anna is from the Mohawk community of Akwesasne and admired for her workmanship and use of hand-tanned leather, color, and original beaded designs on moccasins, dance garters, mittens, and other items. She has been honored by the Ganondagan State Historic Site, the Abenaki and Mohawk Art Market at the Adirondack Experience, and others. She will offer demonstrations of her skill throughout the day.

Advance Tix: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../echoes-of-tradition...


Saturday, August 14

Allegany River Dancers

Performances at 11 am and 2 pm, depending on audience size

Price: Museum admission

Founded in 1979, the Allegany River Dancers have become one of the best-known Native dance groups in North America. Their performances often encourage audience participation and feature intertribal “Pow wow” style dances, such as a dance that uses 30 hoops to form designs found in nature.

Advance Tix: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../echoes-of-tradition...


Saturday, August 21

Artist Demo by Randy Greene, Drums and Rattles

Various times from 10 am to 5 pm

Price: Museum admission

Randy is Tuscarora Nation Turtle Clan and leads a social dance troupe. He will demonstrate the construction of the traditional arts of waterdrum, cow horn rattle, and feather fan used in social dances.

Advance Tix: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../echoes-of-tradition...

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Schoharie Chamber Hosting Small Business Recovery Webinar June 21st

Small Business Recovery Grant Program Webinar
Monday, June 21, 2021 – 1:30 p.m.

Attend this webinar to learn more about the Small Business Recovery Grant Program; items to be discussed include:

• Eligibility requirements,
• How the grant is calculated,
• Documentation needed and much more!

The presentation will last approximately 30 minutes, with a question and answer period following. Registration is required, which can be completed with the following website link:
More program information can be found here: https://nysmallbusinessrecovery.com/

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Rummage Sale Notice

Written By Editor on 6/13/21 | 6/13/21

HUGE RUMMAGE SALE East Jewett United Methodist Church 2252 Rt. 23C, East Jewett, NY 12424
Thursday, June 24th 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday, June 25th 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM Saturday, June 26th 9:00AM to 1:00 PM
Something for everyone! We have been collecting for over a
year! Come and see our treasures!
Whole pies for sale


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June Events at the Landis Arboretum


We've planned some terrific activities for you at Landis. Click on the name of the activity to see the description and to register online using PayPal or a credit card.

June 14, Monday, 10:00 PM - 11:30 PM

June 18, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

June 19, Saturday, 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM
 
June 26, Saturday, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM 
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Live music is back at the Meeting House at Landis

Written By Editor on 6/12/21 | 6/12/21

The 2021 Landis Full Moon Music Series
Click on the band name for more information


Friday, August 20: Running the River

Friday, September 17: The Piggly Wigglies

Friday, October 8: The Menza Madison Band

Location: The Meeting House
Members and non-members: $10. Kids 12 and under free!
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Schoharie Chapter NSDAR plans free Lecture and BBQ Fundraiser

On June 13, at 1PM, there will be a Lecture on the Lawn presented by Turning Point 1777.  Local historians Jeff and Pam O'Connor from Turning point 1777 will present their flag program on the lawn of Schoharie’s Lasell Hall. The first part of the presentation will run through the evolution of the American flag – all the parts that first made up the British colors, then how the American flag developed from that, as well as a narrative about the real Betsy Ross . The second part will describe the history and myths associated with fairly well known Revolutionary War flags, plus a few non-Rev War that are relevant. Featured is a Liberty flag reproduction based on the one that flew in Schenectady and the remnants of which are in the Schenectady Historical Society Museum. Please bring a lawn chair. Covid regulations will be enforced.

At 2PM the same day, Schoharie Chapter NSDAR will also host a BBQ fundraiser until all are sold. Chicken and Ribs provided by BBQ Delights, and the sides provided by Beef and Brew. Halves and ribs are $9.00, dinners are $13.00. There are no preorders and no seating will be available onsite.



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Billboards Seek Info on What Happened to Erica Franolich

Written By Editor on 6/8/21 | 6/8/21

Family and private investigators are hoping that this billboard on Route 7 in the Town of Schoharie will unearth new evidence in the disappearance of Erica Franolich from a Middleburgh street in 1986.--Photo by Maria Avitabile. 


Disappeared in Middleburgh in 1986

By David Avitabile
Someone knows what happened to Erica Jane Franolich and investigators searching for those responsible hope that two new billboards in Schoharie County will help in getting some information.
Ms. Franolich has been gone for nearly 35 years. Ms. Franolich was last seen in public on October 13, 1986 in Middleburgh and is survived by her husband, a son, at least one sister, and several brothers. Her siblings, a private investigator, and the New York State Police continue to hope that there will be a resolution to this "cold case."
The large billboards went up on Route 7 last week and will be up for one month, according to private investigator Greg Overacker of Mohawk, Herkimer County. The billboards are located one mile east of Wetsel Hollow Road and 500 feet north of Spring Road, both in the Town of Schoharie. The large blue and yellow signs with Ms. Franolich's picture are on the north side of the road.
"We know there are people locally from our investigation that know what happened and we hope they come forward," Mr. Overacker said last week. "We know they're out there and we want them to speak out."
The billboards are being paid for by the Private Investigations for the Missing, he added.
The billboards went up just a well before Memorial Day, one of the heaviest travel weekends of the year.
"It's in a good location," Mr. Overacker said. "It should get a lot of exposure."
Nada Thompson, Ms. Franolich's sister, said Monday that she is still seeking justice.
"I just want it stated that Erica was last seen on the Franolich farm and, her husband, Richard Franolich, is the only person of interest," she wrote.
Some of the people who knew Ms. Franolich have already died.
In 2017, Ms. Franolich's brother Dana Poprafsky said he hoped to see a resolution in the case in his lifetime. He did not. He died in January in Michigan.
One of those who have picked up the mantel in the search for Ms. Franolich and the person responsible for her disappearance is another brother, Mike Poprafsky, who still lives in Michigan.
Ms. Franolich called him the night she disappeared from a Middleburgh bar. She said she feared for her life and would call him the next day. She never called back.
"She said she was afraid for her life," Mr. Poprafsky recalled last year.
At the time of her disappearance, the relationship between Ms. Franolich and her husband, Richard, was troubled, according to the State Police. During the summer of 1986, Richard took their baby son and moved to Duanesburg leaving Ms. Franolich with her family in Michigan. She went to New York to get the baby back and wound up reconciling with Richard.
Ms. Franolich, according to police, promised to call her brother the next day to make arrangements to leave, but she never did. Shortly afterwards, Richard took the baby boy and moved to Vermont.
When she disappeared, she was "hooked on cocaine," spending about $400 a week on her habit, her brother said.
There is no doubt, he added, who is responsible for his sister's disappearance.
Despite the years and the death of some of her relatives and people who may have information about her disappearance, Mr. Poprafsky believes a resolution is near and it will be solved soon, he said last year.
Mr. Popfrasky noted that Ms. Franolich was staying with her husband's family on Westfall Road in Delanson at the time of her disappearance. Members of the family still live in the red and white, two-story farmhouse on the property, which borders Cross Road.
When his sister spoke to him that night, Ms. Franolich did not mention that she was in Middleburgh. He did not know she was in Middleburgh until the next month when he received his phone bill.
Her husband Richard was working for Mr. Poprafsky when they lived in Michigan.
Mr. Poprafsky, 71, told several stories of Mr. Franolich allegedly harming his wife, including one time when Mr. Franolich allegedly "dragged her in the street with his car when they lived here."
Mr. Overacker has been investigating the details of the disappearance for several years and was in Middleburgh a few times last year interviewing people about the night Ms. Franolich went missing.
The answer is out there, he said.
"Some of the family members could put an end to this today and it's absolutely unconscionable for them to remain silent. How they sleep at night is beyond us," he said last year.
Mr. Overacker has spoken to many people involved in the case, including Ms. Franolich's husband Richard.
There are inconsistencies in his story about what happened to Ms. Franolich after October 13, 1986, according to Mr. Overacker.
At first, Mr. Franolich said he put his wife on a bus in Schenectady two or three days before Halloween, 1986, Mr. Overacker said. He did not know where she was going but had $280 on her. Then he said he put her on the bus two or three days after October 13. Then he said he put her on a bus on October 14. Mr. Franolich said he was with his wife after October 13, 1986, according to Mr. Overacker. In the four to six weeks prior to her disappearance, the Franolichs lived in several different places including his grandparents, parents, and brother's. They also stayed at the Franolich's property on Westfall and Cross Roads in Delanson.
The interviews with Mr. Franolich have been frustrating, Mr. Overacker said.
"Richard won't answer the questions. He hides behind his lawyer."
The husband, Mr. Overacker noted, "refuses to take a polygraph test. Refuses to answer any questions to the police." As anyone who has watched court drama on television knows, polygraph tests are not admissible in court, but could say whether a person is lying or not.
As of last year, Mr. Franolich lived in Highgate Springs, Vermont, a few miles from the Canadian border. He is on Facebook and a message to him from the Mountain Eagle went unanswered last year. Mr. Franolich turned 62 on May 14. His brother Joe, whom the Franolichs lives with for a time in 1986, lives near his brother in Vermont.
The interviews will continue, Mr. Overacker added.
Anyone with information about Ms. Franolich's disappearance can contact Mr. Overacker at (315) 542-7800.

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