Group & Educational Program Information:
315.717.0175 (weekdays only)
November 29, 2012 Press Release:
Herkimer Diamond KOA Receives 30-Year Award
BILLINGS, MT - The Herkimer Diamond, New York KOA Campground received an award recently for 30 years of faithful service to the Kampgrounds of America system.
The award was presented to members of the Scialdo and Shevat Families during KOA’s 50th Annual International Convention held recently at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida.
The Herkimer Diamond KOA is located at 4626 State Route 28 North in Herkimer.
Kampgrounds of America is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2012. KOA, the world’s largest network of family-friendly campgrounds, was born on the banks of the Yellowstone River in Billings, Montana in 1962.
KOA CEO Jim Rogers, left, presents a 30-Years of Service Award to Herkimer KOA owners Sam Shevat, Renee Scialdo Shevat and Rena and Rudy Scialdo.
October 18, 2012 Press Release:
16th Annual Boy Scout Jamboree at the Herkimer Diamond Mines & KOA Kampground
HERKIMER, N.Y. - The Herkimer Diamond Mines and KOA Resort have been advocates and supporters for youth education for many years. This year marks the 102nd Anniversary for the Boy Scouts of America, which has created a foundation of leadership, service and community for millions of American youths. To honor this special anniversary and to continue our educational pursuits on behalf of our youths, the Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc. offered a banner year for the 16th Annual Boy Scouts Jamboree Weekend held on October 19th through October 21st.
There were over 70 troops that participated from NY State, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania with over 1000 guests. During this event, each Boy Scout participated in a series of educational activities, which included several modules: Mining Experience; Paleontology & Gemology; Sustainable Energy Sources; Earth Processes; Earth Materials and Water Cycle. In the educational modules a demonstration of specifics from the KOA’s new “Solar Kolony" was offered. The lodges are packed with “green” technology and products, right down to its recycled metal roof and pulverized glass landscaping. Upon successful completion, scouts received their Geology Merit Badge. Highly skilled educators included: Tina Bickerstaff, Dan Eddy, Mike Zipko, Christine Quattro, Mike Whitten, Lacey Kucerak, Cliff LeMoine, Jeff Voorhees, Jordan McDaniel, Kirk Gerhardt, and Dr. Renee Scialdo Shevat.
Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat, President and Owner of the Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc. stated “We are proud that the Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Kampground & Resort can sponsor the 16th Annual Boy Scout Jamboree and can continue to offer educational opportunities for scouts.”
Both the opening and closing ceremonies were held at the KOA pavilion on Saturday, October 20. The opening ceremony commenced at 8:00 am and the closing ceremony at 4:00 pm. Troop #117 from Cicero, NY assisted Dr. Shevat in opening the session. Troop #818 from Enfield, CT assisted with the closing ceremony. Assemblyman Mark Butler, Mike Donaghue - Executive Director of the Revolutionary Trails Council, and Gene Quadraro, President of Genesis, also assisted Dr. Shevat.
As seen in the photo, 1200 participants are eager to pose in a "BSA" photo with five gourmet cakes indicating "Celebrating 16 years of Boy Scout Jamborees and 50 years of KOA". Troop 818, from Enfield CT, assisted in the ceremonial cake cutting.
October 3, 2012 Press Release:
A Special 100 Year Celebration Held. Girl Scout Geology Weekend at the Herkimer Diamond Mines and KOA Kampground In Herkimer, NY
HERKIMER N.Y. - The Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc. sponsored its 9th annual Girl Scouts Geology Weekend on Friday, September 28th through Sunday, September 30th, 2012. The Mines welcomed many troops from New York State and contiguous states, totaling over 200 guests and celebrated the Girl Scout 100 years of organizational developments.
By utilizing the mining experience, the museum and various educational stations, the Mines helped provide the Girl Scouts with their Geology Badge requirements. Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat, head educator and Owner of Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc., was assisted by many returning educators and associates including Mike Hinman, Mike Zipko, Lacey Kucerak, and Chrissy Quattro. Each is either an educator in public 12-K / higher education or a student studying geology at the college level.
The Diamond Mines welcomes all levels of scouts, including Brownies and Daisy, daily during the 7 month season. The Girl Scout Badge Program offering is a more involved program. The scouts expanded their knowledge base in environmental issues, earth materials, geology, paleontology, and gemology. They studied the differences between rocks and minerals; find fossils, gemstones, and diamonds; determine the hardness of materials; create their own jewelry and gift items; and discuss concepts of energy conservation, energy sources, and sustainability.
“The Girl Scout organization is robust and historically significant,” stated Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat, president / owner of Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc. “The Girl Scout organization’s commitment to diversity, inclusiveness and continuous learning is strong and stable. The Herkimer Diamond Mines is always eager to dedicate special programs to every girl, everywhere.”
Troop #50-502 from Springbrook, PA assisted Dr. Renee’ Shevat with the opening ceremony and Troop #60851 from Webster, NY assisted Dr. Shevat with the closing ceremony at a special awards program.
Aug 15th, 2012 Press Release:
Erie Canal Cruises Welcomes New Two-Deck Cruise Boat
HERKIMER, N.Y. (Herkimer Telegram) - It was the dream of his late wife Kim to see a two-deck vessel added to the Erie Canal Cruises fleet.
“I think she was right,” said Capt. Jerry Gertz during a news conference onboard the Lil’ Diamond III, the first two-deck vessel for the cruise line. The boat will be used for private parties and sightseeing.
Gertz, president of Erie Canal Cruises, said the boat will likely be certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to hold 130 passengers, but will only carry 110 passengers on its voyages. It is currently docked outside of Gems Along the Mohawk in the village of Herkimer, on the Erie Canal and Mohawk River, as the interior renovations are completed, including carpets, tables, chairs and other amenities. read more
Aug 14th, 2012 Press Release:
Lil’ Diamond A Big Deal On The Canal
Gems Along the Mohawk and Erie Canal Cruises unveiled their newest cruise boat, which dwarfs their last boat at nearly twice the size. Our Andrew Sorensen tells us why they think the new Canal Cruises will bring in a fresh wave of tourism along the Erie Canal.
HERKIMER COUNTY, N.Y. -- When Dr. Renee Shevat started Gems Along the Mohawk ten years ago, she thought educational canal cruises would be a good addition to her tourism-based business.
As it turns out, her idea was a diamond in the rough. read more
Aug 14th, 2012 Press Release:
New Cruise Boat for the Erie Canal
HERKIMER, N.Y. (WKTV) - Gems along the Mohawk is celebrating something new to complement it's 10 year anniversary, a new and bigger cruise boat. The Lil' Diamond III will soon be able to bring up to 130 passengers along the Erie Canal.
The capacity more than doubles the current Lil' Diamond II, holding 64 passengers and the since retired Lil' Diamond I, which held only 36. The new boat a dream of Captain Jerry Gertz's late wife.
"My wife had the concept as I said about building a two deck boat which is quite a trick here on the Erie Canal because you have to get under the bridges and there's low bridges," said Captain Jerry Gertz. read more
July 12, 2012 Press Release:
20th Year of Herkimer Diamond Mines Rock & Gem Camp
This year marks an important 20th year milestone for the Herkimer Diamond Mines Rock & Gem camp. The camp is designed to provide quality instruction and fun experiences in a safe environment and also encourages the learning of scientific topics and having fun while doing so. Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat, Owner and President of Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc. states “Our staff includes geologists, gemologists, environmental geologists, lapidary artists, fly fishermen, professional miners, certified lifeguards and water safety instructors, an EMT, counselors in training, and trained counselors. The 20th anniversary for the camp is also bringing about new and exciting changes including the addition of new staff members and instructors but a modified educational program to help children learn more.” This year the children will explore topics such as geology, gemology, paleontology, kinematics, hydrology, astronomy, biology, earth science, physics, chemistry, sustainability, and entomology all made fun, interactive, and memorable.
Returning counselor Christine Quattro serves as Educational Director. In this capacity she has designed a program that the young campers enjoy and have an easy time learning. “I’m here to show the campers why things work because of science and that they don’t just happen” says Quattro, “and having an open environment instead of the stark four wall classroom makes it more enjoyable for the children.” Quattro, along with Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat, owner and president of the Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc., are very constructivist educators with the belief that the children need to do highlighted experiments themselves in order to learn better. Teaching the physics of clouds is a perfect example of a new program which combines fun with physics demonstrating how water vapor condenses to form a cloud in the sky. Third time camper Zack Polus said “We learned about this stuff in school but the counselors like Chrissy make this camp more fun for me and the other campers.”
The biggest focus of the camp has always been the children and to ensure their experience is a memorable one. With the new additions this year Rock and Gem camp has become a well oiled machine. Campers will spend their day learning about paleontology in our fossil room and will meet Randy, our real dinosaur fossilized skull and learn all about hydrology and water pressure. Another new addition to the camp this year is sluicing where the campers will not only learn all about kinematics but find some cool diamonds, gems and even some fossils. Returning Camp Director Dan Eddy says “the education level has gone from excellent to top notch and you couldn’t go anywhere else for a better experience.”
With the camp staff increased to 20 the student to mentor ratio has allowed for a very personable and memorable experience. The camp runs each year during two weeks in July and will occupy the grounds of the Herkimer Diamond Mines and KOA Park in Herkimer, the site of the world famous Herkimer Diamonds and the West Canada Creek. The Herkimer Diamond Mines Rock and Gem camp is a camp that encourages risk taking and new learning experiences in an effort to enhance campers’ self esteem. To learn more about the Rock and Gem stop in and visit us on Route 28 North just seven miles outside Herkimer
Dan Eddy, Director of the 20th Year of Rock &
Gem Camp at the Herkimer Diamond Mines
reviews curriculum & events with associate director
Michael Zipko & jewelry
designer
Corrin Lawrence.
July 4, 2012 Press Release:
Rock & Gem Camp
The two weeks of Rock and Gem Camp are July 9th through 12th and July 16th through 19th. The first week is completely full. The second week has very few openings. Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat, Owner and President of Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc., stated “It is with tremendous pride that we have been able to offer 19 years of science camps and are very excited about the 20th year celebration. Between our counselors being extraordinarily skilled and mother nature’s resources enabling us to offer the unique experiences, we have a science camp that is unparalleled.
June, 2012 Press Release:
Herkimer Diamond Mines Featured in Rock & Gem Magazine
June 2012 Edition
On Friday, June 8th, 2012 at 6:00 PM a Trout Power Gala will be held at the Crystal Chandelier Restaurant. Sponsored by the Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc., there will be local beers, wines and hors d’ouvres featured along with a silent auction at 6:00 – 7:00 PM. Auction proceeds will benefit the Trout Power initiative and the West Canada Creek. At 7:00 – 8:00 PM there will be a photography presentation by world renowned fly fisherman and owner of “CATCH” Magazine, Mr. Brian O’Keefe.
This program from 6:00 – 8:00 PM is by invitation only. Media is invited.
Trout Power is an initiative to spur awareness and therefore generate both economic and environmental impact around and for The West Canada Creek, its’ surrounding communities and businesses.
“Trout Power has really been embraced by area businesses and communities and that was a key goal,” states JP Ross, Co-Founder of Trout Power. “It’s important everyone wins through Trout Power … from the Trout in the river, to the landowners, fishermen, along with the businesses and people who call this area home” says Ross. “We are on our way, together, to responsibly put The West Canada Creek on the map. The pride that’s being generated and displayed already is truly inspirational, “ says Co-Founder Angela Moonan.
The movement formally kicks off this weekend with the Herkimer Diamond Mines sponsored event at the Crystal Chandelier Restaurant.
The weekend continues with the Catch and Release Trout Tournament and Creek Study June 9th – 10th, 2012 on The West Canada Creek from Barneveld to Herkimer, NY, involving both Oneida and Herkimer County businesses. The weekend culminates with an award ceremony at noon to 1:30pm at the Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort. The ceremony is open to the public.
“Fisherman from Oregon to Delaware to Virginia will be participating,” said Dr. Renee Scialdo Shevat, owner of the Herkimer Diamond Mines Resort. “The West Canada Creek will be appropriately placed on a bigger stage. Having world renowned fly fisherman Brian O’Keefe with us will be a special opportunity to learn more about the sport of fly fishing.”
(Herkimer, NY) The Herkimer Diamond Mines has been an archeology spot where children come to dig and learn about the past, as well as go home with a great souvenir or two. The Herkimer Diamond Mines is pleased to host an outing for those children who are home schooled, to learn about the rich history of the Herkimer Diamonds.
On Monday, June 4th the Diamond Mines is hosting an outing for home schooled children from all over the area beginning promptly at 8 in the morning and ending at 4:30 in the afternoon. Students will learn all about Geology and how the world known Herkimer Diamonds came to be. They will learn all about Green Energy with the KOA’s trend setting Solar Kabins and paleontology with a visit to Randy’s room, a real life fossilized Dinosaur Skull!
The Herkimer Diamond Mines is a geologic wonder and gem to have right here in central New York. Its owner & president, Dr. Renee Scialdo Shevat continues to educate children with scientific themes. Home schooled children can have the same opportunities as the groups of children from schools where learning about surface mining is made fun and educational.
Making jewelry
with her finds!
Gearing up to start
finding diamonds
A look at all we
have to offer
Meet Randy!
He’s a real dinosaur!
January 23, 2012 Press Release:
Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat, President and Owner, Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc.
Honored at the Gemological Congress in Tennessee
Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat, President and Owner of the Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc., was recently honored at the Gemological Congress in Tennessee.
Fourteen additional international businesses were represented with their respective gemstones. Dr. Shevat represented our regions’ indigenous Herkimer Diamond.
For more information, please contact Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat at 315/717-0175 (Monday through Friday).
October 17, 2011 Press Release:
15th Annual Boy Scout Jamboree at Herkimer Diamond Mines
The Herkimer Diamond Mines and KOA Resort have been advocates and supporters for youth education for many years. This year marks the 101st Anniversary for the Boy Scouts of America, which has created a foundation of leadership, service and community for millions of American youths. To honor this special anniversary and to continue our educational pursuits on behalf of our youths, the Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc. has planned a banner year for the 15th Annual Boy Scouts Jamboree Weekend to be held on October 21st through October 23rd.
There are over 50 troops coming in from NY State, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ontario, Canada. During this event, each Boy Scout will be participating in a series of educational activities, which will include several modules: Mining Experience; Paleontology & Gemology; Sustainable Energy Sources; Earth Processes; Earth Materials and Water Cycle. In our educational modules this year we are also able to demonstrate specifics from the KOA’s new “Solar Kolony”. The lodges are packed with “green” technology and products, right down to its recycled metal roof and pulverized glass landscaping. Upon successful completion, scouts will receive their Geology Merit Badge. Our highly skilled educators for the day are: Tina Bickerstaff, Dan Eddy, Mike Hinman, Rudy Scialdo, Mike Zipko, Christine Quattro, Judd Spanneut, Chris Cleveland, Heidi Finigan, and Renee Shevat.
Both the opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the KOA pavilion located at 4626 State Route 28, Herkimer on Saturday, October 22. The opening ceremony commences promptly at 8:00 am and the closing ceremony starts promptly at 4:00 pm.
Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat, President and Owner of the Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc. stated “We are proud that the Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Kampground & Resort can sponsor the 15th Annual Boy Scout Jamboree and can continue to offer educational opportunities for scouts.”
The Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Kampground Resort has been named the Campground of the Year for the North American Continent.
For more information, please contact Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat at 315/717-0175 on Friday or at the Diamond Mines on Saturday at 315-891-3099.
September 29, 2011 Press Release:
Girl Scout Rocks Rock Badge Weekend to be held at the Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc.
Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat is pleased to announce that the Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc. is sponsoring its 8th annual Girl Scouts Rocks Rock Badge Weekend on Friday through Sunday, September 30th through October 2nd, 2011. The Mines will welcome 16 troops from many states, totaling over 250 guests.
By utilizing the mining experience, the museum and various educational stations, the Mines will confer the Girl Scouts Rocks Rock Badge. Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat, head educator, will be assisted by many returning educators and associates.
The Diamond Mines welcomes younger levels of scouts including Brownies and Daisy daily. The Girl Scout Badge Program offering is a more involved program. The scouts will expand their knowledge base in environmental issues, earth materials, geology, paleontology, and gemology. They will study the differences between rocks and minerals; find fossils, gemstones, and diamonds; determine the hardness of materials; create their own jewelry and gift items; and discuss concepts of energy conservation, energy sources, and sustainability.
Although the Scouts will be on the Herkimer Diamond Mines property all weekend, the Badge program will commence at 8:30 AM Saturday followed by concurrent workshops. The scouts will break briefly for lunch at 12:15 and resume workshops from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. An awards ceremony has been scheduled from 4:00 to 4:45 PM at the Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA pavilion.
The 19th annual Boy Scout Jamboree will be held during the October 21st through 23rd weekend.
For more information, please contact Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat at 315/717-0175 on Thursday and Friday or at 315/891-3099 on Saturday.
June 13, 2011 Press Release:
Upstate New York Campground Installs Nation's First
Solar Powered Rental Lodges
HERKIMER, N.Y. – On May 3, 2010 the Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Kampground & Resort became the worlds first Kampground to offer a Solar kamping lodge that is 100% off-the-power-grid loaded with “green” technologies and products. “Solar 1” has solar panels on its roof harnessing energy and a prototype propane backup generator. The generator “kicks in” to recharge power batteries during cloudy weather. The lodge was able to run completely independent of outside energy sources. Solar 1, also received the designation of an Emerald rating, which is the highest rating for green building.
On May 22, 2011 the Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Kampground & Resort offered the first “Solar Kolony” with an expanded battery capacity in which Solar 1 now powers Solar 2and Solar 3.
Many consumers will be enticed by the novelty of spending the night in the nation’s first Solar Kolony, Dr. Shevat stated. “We are eager to study the Kolony’s energy production and consumption data.”
Beyond this, she said, “Guests who spend the night in the Solar Kolony will also have a chance to learn about other green building and living practices.”
The 400-square foot units, each of which sleep six, are all unique, but still have one thing in common, “green technologies”. Some of the features you may find in one or in all of these units are: bamboo flooring, LED lighting, recycled axels and tires, recycled lumber composite decking, on-demand water heating, energy efficient heating and air-conditioning as well as a complete assortment of eco-friendly cleaning and bathroom products, including coreless toilet paper that leaves no cardboard core at the end of the roll. Even the unit’s Amish-style furniture has been manufactured from recycled milk jugs and recycled hickory wood. Other distinctions among the lodges include:
Solar 1has storage tanks to capture rainwater that falls on the units so that it can be used to irrigate an organic vegetable and herb garden. Guests will be encouraged to pick vegetables and herbs from the garden during the summer and fall months for use in their cooking while they stay at the park.
Solar 2 has its own apple orchard on its sizeable acreage.
Solar 3 is being developed as a multi disciplinary science lodge with an Astrology, Biology, Gemology and Geology based atmosphere.
“Our guests will not only have an opportunity for a great camping experience, but the dwelling themselves become an educational tool,” Dr. Shevat said, “My hope is that our guests not only come to enjoy our park and our Solar Kolony with friends and family, but come away inspired to live a greener lifestyle.”
For more information about the Solar Kolony or to make reservations at the Herkimer Diamond KOA,
please phone
1-800-562-0897
Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Kampground Named Kampground of the Year
For The North American Continent
HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 19 , 2009) – The Herkimer Diamond, New York KOA Kampground was named Kampgrounds of America’s Kamground of the Year during a ceremony Wednesday, November 18 at KOA’s annual Convention in Houston, Texas.
“Being named Kampground of the Year is the highest award in the KOA system,” said KOA President Pat Hittmeier. “It is only given to those campground franchisors who truly are the very best of the best in every aspect of what they do.”
Purchased in 1981 by Rudy and Rena Scialdo, and now run by their daughter, Dr. Renee Scialdo Shevat, and her husband Sam Shevat, the Herkimer Diamond, New York KOA has gained local and national acclaim for its excellent accommodations and outstanding customer service. Its beginnings were a bit more humble, however.
It is said that the farmer who owned the property would see the cattle in his pastures trip, as their hooves broke through the ground. In the hole left behind, he would find a large pocket full of naturally occurring, 18-faceted quartz crystals, now known as Herkimer Diamonds.
The Herkimer Diamond Mines first opened to the public in 1955, with prospectors leaving a dollar in a mailbox as their fee. Eventually, the Mines were sold to a group of investors, who built a rock shop and a public campground to serve the needs of the prospectors. That campground eventually became the KOA gem that it is today.
At the Herkimer Diamond KOA, guests find 135 sites, including tent and RV sites. There are also 16 kabins, five kottages and two lodges. Each of the heated and air conditioned Kottages, which come with a private bath, kitchenette and dining area, have a different theme and are decorated accordingly. Those themes include “World Wide Gems”, “Fish Tales”, “Captains Quarters” and more. Each of the kabins is named after a gemstone, like “Shady Sapphires”, “Amber Annex” or “Peridot Place.”
On site, campers will enjoy spending time on the West Canada Creek, jumping in the pool or playing disc golf, and there is always something fun happening during the season (April 15-November 1). And of course, everyone likes to try their hand at finding fortune at the Herkimer Diamond Mines.
For a minimal fee (kids age 4 and under are free), campers receive a prospecting admission ticket/wristband, a hammer and a collector’s bag for their finds. They watch an instructional video and head off to the mining area, where they can spend the day finding—and breaking—rocks and digging in pockets. They can then take their treasures to the rock shop to have custom jewelry made for them.
Also available are sluice bags full of rough material, perfect for young campers.
“Of course, the Mines are a huge draw for the Herkimer KOA,” Hittmeier said. “But what we hear from KOA guests time and time again is how well they’re taken care of when they stay there.”
That includes, he said, the friendliness of the staff and their willingness to go out of their way to meet the needs of campers.
“At KOA, we frequently survey our campers,” Hittmier noted, “and time and time again, this campground gets some of the highest scores anywhere in North America. That’s why they won the President’s and Founders Awards this year as well.
“It’s an outstanding accomplishment that accurately reflects the outstanding efforts of the Scialdos and the Shevats.”
A Gem of a Group Program at Herkimer Diamond Mines
Press Release - AlbanyKid.com June 8th, 2010
Rocks and youthful energy make for an explosive mix, and the yellow shirt crew at Herkimer Diamond Mines goes all out to make the group programs a fun and educational experience for children. There are several outings scheduled throughout the year that are tailored to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or homeschoolers. With two young friends in tow, we experienced this “gem of an experience” for ourselves at the Homeschool Outing on June 7, 2010. read more
Greeting the group is Dr. Renee’ Scialdo Shevat, President and Owner, Herkimer Diamond Mines and Gems Along the Mohawk (forth from left) and Mr. Peter Wiles, Owner, Mid Lakes Navigation, Skaneateles (far left).
Israeli Media & Kay Tours
Visit Central New York
Press Release Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Kay Tours, tour operator, based in Tel Aviv, Israel, hosted several Israeli media on a familiarization tour in order to promote exciting and unexpected experiences found along the Erie Canal. The goal is to increase the number of visitors taking Kay Tours throughout New York State with specific focus on the regions being highlighted along the Erie Canal.
Included in the tour are representatives from the Yediot Ahronut Daily Newspaper, The Maariv Daily Newspaper, the Laisha Weekly Women’s Newspaper, the Passport Travel Weekly Newspaper, the El Al Israeli Airlines, Ltd., and Kay Tours.
A Cruise was hosted by Captain Jerry Gertz, Erie Canal Cruises, and a luncheon was hosted by Barb and Rocky Fiato, owners, Waterfront Grille.
Designer Deb Guyot (left), Herkimer Diamond Mines owner Dr. Renee Scialdo Shevat, and HSN’s TV host, Colleen Lopez (right) meeting in Arizona!
HSN Features
Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc.
Press Release Tuesday, March 02, 2010
HSN’s TV host, Ms. Colleen Lopez, formally greeted Dr. Renee Scialdo Shevat, owner of Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc., at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show held in Tucson Arizona.
Accompanied by Deb Guyot (one of HSN’s Designers) Dr. Shevat and Ms. Lopez discussed some latest designs. Deb debuted Herkimer Diamond designs on HSN during January 30th, 2010. Designs sold out in less than two minutes. Herkimer Diamonds will be featured, again, on HSN’s Designer Gallery this spring and summer.
Mrs. Hatoyama (right) greets
Dr. Renee' Scialdo Shevat
First Lady of Japan Welcomes
Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc. to Tokyo
Press Release Monday, February 01, 2010
The First Lady of Japan, Mrs. Miyuki Hatoyama, formally welcomed Dr. Renee Scialdo Shevat, owner of Herkimer Diamond Mines, Inc., to the 21st Tokyo International Jewelry Show held at the Tokyo Big Site Convention Center.
Accompanied by Japanese press, Dr. Shevat and the First Lady had an opportunity to discuss the economic and aesthetic value of Herkimer Diamonds as well as the majestic Mohawk Valley of Central New York. Dr. Shevat extended an invitation to tour the Mohawk Valley and gave Mrs. Hatoyama a variety of natural Herkimer Diamonds and a designer piece of Herkimer Diamond jewelry. Mrs. Hatoyama donated the items to UNICEF in an efort to benefit children in Haiti.
Herkimer Diamond Mines Opens 3rd Mine
The Herkimer Diamond Mines has
operated two Mines for 30 years. As a
result of increased need, the operation
will offer a third Mine for guests in
2009. The third Mine will afford guests
the opportunity to seek new materials at the new site adjacent to the two
existing Mines. Excavation commences
in the spring and will be completed by
early summer. The Grand Opening is
scheduled for the first weekend in June.
Herkimer Diamonds are internationally. known. They are geologically classified
as quartz crystals and are doubly
terminated with eighteen sides or faces.
The Herkimer Diamond Mines is open
every day from April 15th through
November 1st.
Kirsten Gum (right), host of the program, views a cluster of diamonds with Dr. Renee' Scialdo Shevat (left), President of the Herkimer Diamonds
Herkimer Diamond Mines
Featured On Travel Channel Program
Featured on season 2 of The Travel Channel's Cash and Treasures program hosted by Kirsten Gum.
Dr. Renee Scialdo Shevat, Owner & President (3rd from left), with
husband, Sam & parents, Rudy and Rena Scialdo at the
KOA National Convention.
Herkimer Diamond Mines
Wins Founder's Award
The Herkimer Diamond MinesKOA has won the highest
award for Kampgrounds of America. The “Founder’s Award” is given to a select few Kampgrounds who excel in customer
service & satisfaction & who respond to customers’ needs. “We are delighted to have received this prestigious award”,
said Dr. Renee Scialdo Shevat, Owner and President. “We will
continue to develop even better customer relations in order
to maintain this distinction.”
Rock Collectors, Diamond Girls and Gem Lovers… Mark your calendars!
If you’re a “rock hound” like I am, the Tucson Gem show should definitely be on your Bucket List!
It’s a trip I look forward to every February, as it’s a chance to meet up with old and new friends, and hunt down the most beautiful natural gem wonders that the world has to offer!
This year, we actually found “Diamonds in the Rough” when we stopped by the Herkimer Diamonds booth at the show! We had a chance to visit with the owner of the Herkimer Diamond Mine, Dr. Renee Scialdo Shevat, and we were fascinated to learn all about these 500 million-year-old, natural beauties!
Herkimer Quartz crystals are double terminated stones. They have points on each end and are mined in Herkimer County, New York. They form in pockets of the Cambrian-age host rock, called Little Falls Dolosite, and were deposited over half a billion years ago! They were first discovered by the Mohawk Indians and early American settlers, and have always been held in high esteem for their exceptional beauty and unique properties. Herkimer Quartz crystals are naturally formed in a diamond-shape and have eighteen natural facets. They come out of the stone pockets looking like cut diamonds, hence the name Herkimer diamonds!
Herkimer Quartz diamonds are said to have many metaphysical properties. In fact, some believe that these stones activate the “third eye” and enhance the dream state. Herkimer diamonds have been used for prayer and meditation for centuries. I have to admit – we were all mesmerized by these dreamy stones and loved hearing all the history and lore attached to them!
The most exciting news of all is that HSN is going to offer our first-ever Herkimer Today’s Special on March 11th! Designer Deb Guyot has teamed up with the owners of the Herkimer Diamond Mines to bring us a onetime-only offer on Herkimer diamonds! We will feature a Herkimer diamond tennis necklace at the lowest price ever offered anywhere in the world! I can’t tell you how excited we are! I hope you can tune in at midnight, as we’re sure these beauties will sell out fast. see the article on HSN.
KOA CEO Jim Rogers, left, presents a 30-Years of Service Award to Herkimer KOA owners Sam Shevat, Renee Scialdo Shevat and Rena and Rudy Scialdo.
