LFH News

“Taste of Little Falls”
Posted 1/8/08

The Taste of Little Falls, a fundraiser held at the Best Western each year to benefit Little Falls Hospital, honored the retiring city mayor, Ted Wind.  The teary-eyed politician was honored for 45 years of service to local government, having served as an alderman, a legislator and mayor throughout that time.

President and CEO Jonathan Lawrence acknowledged that Wind has brought in about $90 million in grants, projects, improvements, and funding to the city during his time served.

Sen. James Seward and Assemblyman Marc Butler each presented him with proclamations and shared memories of experiences dealing with Wind; also presenting a new New York State flag to Wind for the canal harbor at Rotary Park.  Congressman Michael Arcuri, who was unable to attend the event, also sent a proclamation which was read aloud to Wind.

In thanking everyone in attendance, the mayor, who has had the honor of meeting every governor since Nelson Rockefeller and several members of the Kennedy family, said he had a lot of fun during his political experiences, especially those in Little Falls.

With shaky hands, Wind left the microphone on the stand.  “I enjoyed every bit of it,” he said wiping his eyes, “and hope I helped make Little Falls a better place to be.”  Through tears, Wind said the only thing that could have made the night better would have been to have his wife by his side.  Catherine Wind passed away about 10 years ago.  “She was by my side when I started,” he said.

During an emotional moment in his speech, a long pause of composure for Wind gave way to sniffles echoing through the audience.  All of Wind’s children were there to honor him as well.  Little Falls Hospital, associated with Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, is the last remaining hospital in Herkimer County. Each year, Taste of Little Falls is one of the largest fundraisers to benefit the health facility.  Last year’s net profit was $12,000, $2,000 more than anticipated. This year’s event raised about $16,000.

Taste of Little Falls committee members included Dora Czernecki, Delores Restante, chairman, Mary Ann George, Kate Reese, Mena Cerone, Elizabeth Spraker, Esther Brown and Cassandra Mowers.

Entertainment sponsors were Centrex Clinical Laboratories and Postler and Jaeckle Corp. Honorary sponsors were Alan and Linda Vincent, Lori and Paul Hempstead, Wal-Mart Superstore and Jonathan I. Lawrence. Community sponsors were Anthony Piana and Alan Yallowitz, Enea Family Funeral Homes, Remington Federal Credit Union, Herkimer HealthNet, the Law Office of James W. Conboy, Judith and Alfred Mc Dowell, Geraty Pools and Spas, Dr. Joseph Steencken, Burrell Fisher, Drs. Ranbir and Santosh Sodhi, Catherine Kunz, Van Allen Nursing Home, Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Confidata and Ward Associates.

Restaurants that participated were Adeline's Sweet Treats, Albany Street Café, Ann Street Deli, Arthur's at Ye Olde Cottage Hotel, Beardslee Castle, Bella Vista, Canal Side Inn, Casey's at Best Western, East End Steakhouse, Heidelberg Baking Co., Piccolo Café, Portobello Inn, Patty Cake, II Caffe and Espresso Bar, Ann Street Liquor, West End Liquor, Tri-Valley Beverage, Designs by Shelly, Massaro's & Sons Florists, Flowers By Suzanne and That Special Touch