Supporting the Catholic Community of St. Johnsville

From the Courier-Standard-Enterprise of Canajoharie, Fort Plain, and St. Johnsville, New York: Ice cream social draws 200 by Robert E. Smith

ST. JOHNSVILLE — While not exactly known as a party town, St. Johnsville knows what it likes and on Friday, August 6, it was ice cream, cookies and live entertainment on the corner of Main and North Division Streets.

Sponsored by the Catholic community, the ice cream social brought out almost 200 people to enjoy tunes by DJ Linda Terricola, the musical duo Doug and Paul, and an irresistible bubble machine. “It is great to have a community event like this in the downtown area, something we can walk to easily,” said Jean Hearn, of West Main Street.

Assisted by the American Legion Post 168, Anne and Anton Christenson, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, NBT Bank, Terry Wilson, Bob Failing, Jr., and Stewart’s Shops, an astonishing amount of money was raised to help the Catholics maintain a presence in St. Johnsville.

Since April 10, Father Rafal Dadello, of Holy Spirit Polish National Catholic Church in Little Falls, has been providing a twice-monthly Mass at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Main Street. Attendance has more than doubled in that time and now the communicants would like to have the means to enhance village life where they may.

Josie Terricola thanked fellow Catholic community members Grace Archambault and Margaret DiGiacomo (known as the group’s Energizer Bunny) for their hard work in organizing the event and noted that all services and baked goods were donated. A 50/50 raffle was won by Tim Smith, who graciously donated his winnings of $110.55 back to the community.

“I wasn’t sure people would come, but it has turned out great,” said volunteer Kent Ferguson.