It was a snowy February morning back in 1976 that first welcomed Brian Edward Stone. He was seen into this world by his parents, Diane and Ed Stone, then of Berne, New York. Soon thereafter the family, with Big Sister MaryLou, moved to where was to be their home for the next nearly two decades. Enter Mohawk, New York. In rural upstate New York lies the Mohawk Valley and its quaint and often amazing villages of Mohawk, Herkimer, Ilion, and Frankfort. All to have a huge impression on little baby Brian as he grows up.
The house in Mohawk was a huge home with a lot of land, including a pond and a barn, and quick access to a forest in which Brian spent many days venturing. This was enough to satiate the curiosity of a toddler, adolescent, and teen... and everywhere in between. The house was situated on one side of the Mohawk Valley, and could see quite a bit from where we were (at least from the second floor).
Our neighbors were all magnificent people, and I love them dearly. Most especially the Schell family who lived across the road from us. They are a part of my family, having known them since I can remember. Throughout my first years of school, my mother and Annie were the closest of friends, and became tradition for me to have Bologna sandwiches on white bread with mustard smiley-faces (I have a picture of one on my dresser in my bedroom) and Twinkies quite often. And as I grew up, nothing really much changed. They continued to be a huge part of my life, and I appreciate the closeness we had with them.
My Grandparents also came to move nearby as well. My grandmother, Elouise Bright moved to Ilion, then to Mohawk, then to Ilion. She was an amazing individual so full of spunk and energy. She made a huge impact on me and many others. She loved Scott as a Grandson, and I love her for that. From her I developed my love of cats (at one point I think we had over 10). We only had two cats for a really long time (over ten years, I think).
Mary and Fred (Meme and Papa) Patricelli moved from Albany, NY to West Winfield, NY - from city to one of the tiniest, cutest villages in Central New York. Papa was an amazing artist, a talent that my mother has - but that my sister and I seem to lack a majority of. In my opinion, he could have been one of the best known artists ever, but I guess he'll just have to be one of the greatest. He'd work in wood, paint, photography, and a variety of other medium. Meme was an awesome host - with enough food to make a stomach content, plenty of toys to keep us distracted, and so much attention to make our hearts burst.
Impactful events on my life in Mohawk:
My father had taken a career path as the professor at Herkimer County Community College. My mother, for the first portion of my schooling, remained at home to oversee me and my sister. Soon, though, she ventured to become a teacher at Frankfort High School. Eventually, they both worked at HCCC.
This is where I went to school immediately after High School. Herkimer County Community College was an excellent experience exposing me to many new and intriguing situations and people I'd never been exposed to prior. I was involved in many aspects of life there, except sports and on-campus living (the College was on the other side of the valley and could easily be seen from my house). I met many friends there, some of which I communicate still.
While at HCCC, I was also exposed to That Place in Utica New York. Virtually the only Gay Bar in upstate NY, I had an awesome time just being around people like me. That Place truly had an impact on who I was and who I wanted to be. I still the "Cheers" feeling of walking in and everyone knowing my name. That's something I miss since I've grown up. The only place people know my name is at work!
After graduating from HCCC with my Associates Degree in Liberal Arts, I transferred down to SUNY Binghamton (strangely enough in Vestal, NY). Vestal is in what they call the "Southern Tier" of NY, bordering closely with Pennsylvania. It was there where I pursued my Bachelor's Degree in Sociology (but we'll get into that later). Binghamton was a phenomenal school with an outstanding infrastructure, dynamic Professors (for the most part), interesting communities, and a great diversity of people.
I was quickly drawn into what was known then at the Queer Students' Union. Many of the friends I have today are directly related to my involvement with the QSU. At the end of my first year at Binghamton, I met Scott at one the the QSU's events. We got to know each other over the next couple of months - and quickly became friends. I don't want to get into all the drama around the development of our relationship - but as you all know, it's still going strong.
Soon after Scott and I started dating, he became intently involved with the organization, as did I. I was treasurer for much of my time in Binghamton, and he eventually became Dictator...uh, I mean Co-Chair. Seeing some things that needed improvement in the group, we tried and succeeded in getting the name changed to a more "welcoming" title...the Rainbow Pride Union. A little less scary for 17 and 18 year-olds who haven't yet come out of the closet and this is their first time ever away from home.
While going to school, I continued working at P&C Foods, but in Owego, NY. At the end of my second year at Binghamton, I made the life-changing decision to start a career at Staples as an Office Equipment Associate at Store 612 in Vestal, NY.
Scott was pursuing his Master's Degree in something or other....he had Diplomas on the wall - don't know exactly what they've done for him, but he's got them. This additional time he was spending in school gave me to the chance to pave the way to our move to the Boston area and to become a Manager for Staples.
How this transpired: 1. Brian moves to Nashua 2. Scott visits during his long weekends 3. Brian transfers from store to store 4. After Brian transfers to Boston, Scott starts working for Staples in Vestal 5. Scott graduates and starts working for Staples in the Home Office in Framingham, MA.
After having worked in Vestal, NY, Burlington, Waltham, Cambridge, Natick, MA, Hooksett, and Concord NH, I got my own store in Tilton, NH back in August of 2004.
Since then, we've purchased a nice condo on the Mass border - hoping eventually to move closer toward Boston. It will happen when it's meant to. My sister lives in Philadelphia and my parents and Grandmother live in Kennebunk, ME. They have an amazing "Camp" in Norway, ME....a home away from home (I don't make it up there as much as I'd like due to my irregular schedule).
Right now, I'm endeavoring for something different from retail work. As of my writing this, I am the General Manager of the Staples in Tilton, NH. Soon, I hope to be pursuing something more toward my long-term career goals. I will definitely keep you posted!