FLY CREEK, NY - The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard will feature its 12th annual "Big Squeeze Weekend" October 1 and 2. The event is designed not only to increase awareness and early detection of breast cancer and the health benefits of apples but also to raise funds for the Friends of Bassett's commitment to Bassett Cancer Research. All day Saturday Mill sales of fresh, sweet cider in both full gallons and halves will be donated to the Friends.

Bassett Cancer Institute's mobile medical screening coach will be at the Fly Creek Cider Mill north of Cooperstown to offer cancer and blood pressure screenings to the public. Nurse Practitioner Debra Walz will be on hand to conduct clinical breast exams and screening mammography from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome. Blood pressure screenings will be offered on Sunday in addition to the breast exams and mammography. Individuals without insurance can still take advantage of these screenings by visiting the coach and signing up for the Cancer Services Program at the Mill this weekend.

If you are over 40 and do not have health insurance, the Cancer Services Program (CSP) of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties and the Cancer Services Program of Oneida, Herkimer and Madison Counties can provide you with a comprehensive cancer screening free of charge. We can also cover the cost of follow-up services for abnormal findings of screenings paid for by the CSP. Treatment coverage is available to eligible men and women too.

"The Big Squeeze Weekend is our way to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a special event benefiting Cancer Research. I lost my mom and a dear friend and team member to breast cancer. I'm proud to have our Mill help fund research that hopefully will save lives," states Brenda Michaels, co-owner of the Mill. "Saturday visitors can join in the effort by stocking up on sweet cider to freeze for the winter. We are one of the last water-powered cider mills in the nation. Watching cider being made on the big press is fascinating!"

In addition the Mill will offer more than 10 different varieties of New York State-grown apples for sampling. A recent CornellUniversity study (attached) has identified a dozen compounds in apple peels called triterpenoids that either inhibit or kill cancer cells in laboratory cultures.

A special performance by the Mill's lyricist and impressionist, Ody B. Goldy, Sunday from noon until 4:00 will entertain guests with music and laughs plus participation in breast cancer trivia contests with winners awarded fresh cider.

For more information, to enroll in the Cancer Services Program or to find out about upcoming dates & locations of screening events in your community, please call 1-866-442-2262 or sign-up at the Fly Creek Cider Mill this weekend, October 1 and 2.

The screenings are being offered as part of the Fly Creek Cider Mill's annual breast cancer awareness event.