Since birth I was blessed. For having caring parents and for having family who always cared about the Utica, NY area.

Above you can see a picture of my Babcia & Dziadziu who worked hard right here in Utica, they’re whole lives. Although I have never had the honor to meet my Dziadziu (Walter Bolanowski). I know he was truly a caring man. A butcher, a boxer (fast Eddie) and a real family man.

As for Lottie… She was always a breath of fresh air. I might be like her, talking to everyone, being social, trying to make everyone laugh and be happy.

When she got to old to drive I had the pleasure of taking her out on the town and help her run her errands. She didn’t really need my help, we just wouldn’t let her drive.

I would’ve taken her anywhere… but her favorite places were Hapanowicz Meat Market and Chanatry’s. She’d talk to every butcher in Hapanowicz and all of them remembered her.

But getting there was the best part. Even though I used to take her out at least every other weekend. She would always tell me who used to live where and that the building there used to be a movie theater. I heard it so much that if you went on a ride with me through New York Mills and West Utica, I could do a pretty good impression that could make you laugh.

They had one of the first houses ever built on Greenman Ave. in New York Mills, and before she died she was one of the longest living New York Mills residents. The town actually gave her a certificate. She was always proud of that.

Being a busy guy working in internet marketing I was always in a rush to get out and back to whatever I foolishly thought was more important to me.

She’d say “what else… what else can I tell ya”. Then I’d sit down and let her tell me anything. I wish I could hear her say it again.