Herkimer County Hunger Coalition April Meeting Notes

The April meeting of the Herkimer County Hunger Coalition featured the presentation of $100 donations by the Greater Herkimer Lions Club to Herkimer County’s nine food pantries. Present to receive the checks were Dennis Rizzo and Sue Tucker, coordinators of the Kuyahoora Valley and Little Falls pantries, respectively. The coordinators reported that their numbers were holding steady, with 100-115 families served monthly by Kuyahoora and 150-165 by Little Falls. Rizzo stated that a satellite warehouse was in the works to help supplement pantries’ foodstuffs.

Member R.J. Lenarcic reported that the Coalition recently donated $500 worth of shampoo, dish soap, and laundry detergent to the Old Forge library’s Lobby Food Pantry. He also noted that the Raymee the Leprechaun 4th Grade Coloring Contest was another success. Dolgeville Elementary School pupils participated. The winners divided $120, with other entrants receiving at least a buck. The fourth graders also received a copy of Denny O’Toole and the Leprechauns. He also stated that the effort to get the FAA to waive the rental cost (c.$2000 per month) of the Marine Cpl. Gregory Harris Courtesy Room at Hancock Airport has fallen on deaf ears despite hundreds of letters sent in protest and the support of Congresswomen Tenney and Stefanik. Lenarcic pledged that the matter will be pursued.

Director Kelly Brown announced that the Coalition would be a sponsor, along with American Legion Post 31, of the May 9th Bowl-a-thon at Gorger View Lanes in Little Falls. Coordinated by Coalition member and Little Falls City Clerk Kira Miller, the event will raise funds for the city’s chapter of the Gram Lorraine Children’s Christmas Program and local veterans’ causes. Bowlers will be hitting the lanes at noon, 2:30, and 5:00 P.M. with a 2-man best ball format featured and a $25 per person entry fee.

Brown also announced that the Coalition would be a co-sponsor of the 20th annual Bike Rodeo hosted by Mark Sommer from Mohawk. The charitable event has been held in honor of Army Sgt. Michael Uvanni from Rome, who was killed in action in Iraq on October 1, 2004. The rodeo is part of the Fallen Stars Memorial Project remembering the men and women from the state who died in Iraq and Afghanistan by means of a community charity event or project. More than 300 have taken place over the years. The Fallen Stars Memorial, featuring the names, faces, branches of service, ranks and hometowns of the aforementioned, is available for display by contacting Brown at 315-867-3375. We must remember never to forget. Note: Laura Hailston, Coalition member and coordinator of another Fallen Stars project, the Army Cpl. Michael Mayne Cookie Corps, reported that the program continues to go well and that anyone interested in becoming a supporter can call her at 315-894-0854.

Finally, Brown stated that 112 military banners have been displayed in Herkimer to date. Anyone who was or is from Herkimer and served in the military is eligible for the program. For more information, contact him at 315-867-3375.