Erway, who is a big Elvis Presley fan, fell to her knees while tears came to her eyes when she realized she had been tricked. The 63-year-old would not actually be visiting her son who lived next door to the Historical Association and claimed he would be going away to New York City for a food show. Instead, she was greeted by a surprise gathering of community members, family and friends, who were there to recognize all of her community contributions.

She also received the Person That Makes a Difference Award from the Roseboom Historical Association on Sunday.

Erway was very thankful for the honor and said, ``I don’t know how to gather this all together.’’

``I am not a special person,’’ Erway added. �’It is just so easy and natural for me to treat people that have a problem.’’

It was a happy occasion where several people wrote poems and songs for Erway. Others spoke of fond memories experienced with Nancy. The building was so crammed with people that some were standing outside the building in the rainy weather just to be there for Erway’s big day.

While speaking about his fond memories of Erway, retired pastor Bill Wilson said Erway has helped people in the community grow.

�’Giving is really living for Nancy,’’ he said.

�’Someone once said, �Give Nancy a lemon and she will make cherry pie,’’’ Wilson added.

Susan Rezen, who said she is often referred to as ``Nancy’s sister,’’ traveled four hours from Massachusetts to share memories of her sister.

``I am glad I have this, today, because it has made me realize how much difference she has made,’’ Rezen said.

Rezen said she particularly wanted to thank her sister for making such a huge difference during the last few years of their parent’s life.

Erway has lived in the Cherry Valley area all of her life. She was born at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown and later worked there for several years. She began her career at Bassett as a nurse’s aid and eventually became an RN.

Caring for people has always been something Erway has had a passion for, she said. She was a public health nurse and a nurse at a head start as well. Then she was confronted with the choice of starting up a shop in Cherry Valley or continuing with her nursing career. She chose the shop, called Nancy’s This and That, which she has owned for 21 years.

�’Just being with people and talking to them is nursing to me,’’ Erway said.

Two years ago, Erway started a cafe where she says anyone can get a meal, no matter their financial situation. Wilson said he has traveled to over 14 states and Erway’s prices are the lowest out of any other restaurant he has ever visited. He also said the food is delicious and �’nobody will go hungry’’ if they go to eat there.

Erway said a person can make a huge impact in someone’s life just by saying they care. She also believes laughter is the best medicine.

�’Each one of us, on a daily basis, need nurturing,’’ Erway said.

Erway was still flabbergasted the day after the recognition.

�’I’m just speechless,’’ she said Monday morning. �’I never ever expected this. I have been a wreck ever since it happened.’’