🌱 Utica Zoo Crew Training Dates + Oneida County Car Seat Program

Good morning, Utica. I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Mostly cloudy with a t-shower. High: 66 Low: 49.
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy and comfortable. High: 72 Low: 52.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Utica today:

1. The Utica Zoo has announced that registration is now open for its Zoo Crew training program. This program is for teens between the ages of 14 and 17. Participants volunteer and help educate patrons about the zoo and its work. The training course takes place from Jun. 26 - Jun. 30 and prepares Zoo Crew members to interface with the public and answer questions. To learn more or sign up, click here. (Utica Zoo via Facebook)
2. The 2023 Oneida County Car Seat Program will be taking place on Wednesday, Jun. 14 at the Clark Mills Fire Department and Monday, Jun. 17 at Camden Life Center. On both dates, the program will run from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. There will be a limited number of free car seats available by appointment only for eligible families. To register, call 315-798-5229 or email CarSeatSafety@ocgov.net. (Oneida County Government via Facebook)
3. After being 13 signatures short, former Oneida County Legislator Michael Hennessy feels that he has enough signatures to have his name added to the Independent and Republican lines for the Oneida County executive position on Tuesday. Hennessy is waiting for the decision on his appeal due to the election board finding 584 of his 1571 signatures invalid. County Executive Anthony Picente is challenging the signatures. A decision is expected late next week. (Utica Observer Dispatch)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Utica:

Friday, June 9

• Blue Star Radiation At Saranac Beer Garden (11:00 PM)

Saturday, June 10

• Sip And Yoga At The Bunker, New Hartford (10:30 AM)
• Girl Singer... A Tribute At Players Of Utica (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Save the date! Want to learn more about those that may be struggling with mental health or a mental illness? The Center for Family Life and Recovery is hosting a free introductory workshop, “Understanding Mental Health,” this Saturday, Jun. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. at Utica Church of Christ. This workshop is open to community leaders and the general public. (Subscription: Rome Sentinel)
• Congratulations to 10 local youth and two local adults who were celebrated at the 4th Annual Oneida County Youth and Adult Awards Ceremony for their positive impact on the community! The winners were selected by the Oneida County Youth Advisory Board and were nominated by many school districts and community youth-serving agencies. (Oneida Dispatch)
• Do you have recyclables or materials you need to part with but don’t know where to dispose of them? The Utica Center for Development will host a recycling drive and is accepting all types of material from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Jun. 10 outside of the entrance to PiNZ at Sangertown Square. Funds raised will go towards housing programs for local homeless veterans and their families. Items can also be dropped off year-round at UCD's main location. (Rome Sentinel)

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Featured events:

• Northern Nurseries Stone & Design Open House (June 10)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.