Locals: People & Businesses in the News, June 15, 2023

HOLZMAN HONORED: Seventeen years ago, master carver Gerry Holzman donated the Empire State Carousel to The Farmers’ Museum and on June 3, he returned to celebrate his 90th birthday—surrounded by family, friends, as well as his masterpiece. In 1984, Holzman became the head carver and executive director of the Empire State Carousel Project. Created over two decades by more than 1,000 volunteer carvers, quilters, painters, and woodworkers from across New York State, the Empire State Carousel features a variety of original carvings, paintings, and quilts, each of which has been specially designed for the project. The volunteers not only carved and painted the riding figures and panels, but also restored the carousel mechanism and raised funds to keep the project going. The carousel opened on Memorial Day in 2006 with great fanfare. It is fitting that Holzman chose to celebrate his milestone birthday by taking a memorable spin on the carousel, a living legacy of his esteemed career as a teacher, artist, and raconteur. Through the carousel, he has shared his love of New York and the magic of this one-of-a-kind masterpiece with generations of riders. Holzman believes that everyone who gets on board can feel like a kid again. His favorite carousel quote: “Every time you ride a carousel, one more day on earth shall you dwell.” In honor of Holzman’s special day, Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh proclaimed Saturday, June 3 as Gerry Holzman Day in recognition of his role in creating the Empire State Carousel and donating it to The Farmers’ Museum. Happy 90th birthday, Gerry! Above, Holzman (center) is shown accepting Mayor Tillapaugh’s proclamation from museum President and Chief Executive Officer Paul D’Ambrosio while his wife, Arlene, looks on. (Photo by Todd Kenyon)