The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
100TH ANNIVERSARY
Sherrill: Silver City celebrates centennial with speeches, bands, parade
SHERRILL>> Residents gathered on the Sherrill Community Activity Center lawn Friday for the official opening of the city’s centennial celebration.
Emceed by Michael R. Sayles, Sherrill’s city manager, some of Sherrill’s most prominent faces made pithy speeches on the Silver City’s contributions and progress over the past 100 years. Speakers included Mayor William Vineall; the Rev. William Mesmer, pas- tor of St. Helena’s Church; State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-47; and a citation from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, read by City Comptroller Michael Holmes.
Beginning the ceremony, Mesmer evoked the feelings of the evening by ending his first speech saying the Lord commanded that the people “go have a party, and we shall.”
Next, Griffo spoke of the efforts of hard-working citizens, noting that being in Sherrill is a “truly remarkable opportunity” and that everyone involved in the progress of the city should “look back with pride at what so many good people have contributed to.” Griffo spoke of the next generation, saying, “as we look back, we look forward.”
The officials made a point of honoring long-time Sherrill civil servant Gordon J. Silsby, also known as “Gordie” for his contributions to the community, which drew a standing ovation.
Gordie was not the only one singled out. Lucy Pawlikowski,
The officials made a point of honoring longtime Sherrill civil servant Gordon J. Silsby, also known as “Gordie” for his contributions to the community, which drew a standing ovation.
honored guest of the evening, was also the other 100-year-old at the ceremony, only being a month younger than the city itself.
One of the last to speak was Holmes, who read Cuomo’s citation applauding the people of Sherrill for their resilience and work ethic, noting that “the residents of Sherrill can be proud...it’s these extraordinary people who have defined Sherrill over this century.”
The ceremony ended with chants of “Amen,” led by Mesmer, which drew laughs and smiles from the audience.
Nearby, local vendors, including Sherrill NY Pizza, The Lake View Centennial, Ebeneezer’s cafe, Kara’s Fresh Squeeze Lemonade, It’s a Sticky Business, Gypsy Girl, and The Cremeria were selling tasty treats.
Local bands Showtime followed by Donegal Xpress entertained the crowd.
And on Saturday, hundreds turned out for the centennial parade highlighting businesses, families and even streets throughout the Silver City.
To find out more about Sherrill’s Centennial Celebration, visit: www.sherrillny.org/100th-anniversary