🌱 Fighting Opioid Epidemic In Schools + Mr. Dickens's Day In Utica

Hello again, everybody! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Utica Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Cloudy and mild. High: 58 Low: 42.
• Thursday: Cloudy with showers around. High: 52 Low: 33.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Utica who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Utica:

1. Oneida County's Opioid Task Force is requesting schools in the county to carry more Narcan in schools amid the rise in opioid usage. A session was presented for school staff and superintendents showing the data recently reflecting the rise in opioid usage and the danger it presents to younger children. Since 2019, over 66 overdoses of individuals under the age 18 have been reported in the county. Conversations will continue while the task force requests more accessibility to Narcan and training on administering it. (CNYcentral.com)
2. Dennis Dewey debuted his documentary movie, "Mr. Dickens Comes to Utica,” at the Oneida County History Center in two live showings this past Saturday. The local filmmaker learned about Dickens's unplanned day in Utica back in 1868 from a newspaper article from local writer Frank Tomaino. Dewey began researching the film back in December and spent more than 300 hours completing the film, which only runs for 40 minutes. The film will be available on the OCHC YouTube page. (Rome Sentinel)
3. On Mar. 17, a man was arrested in Utica after a traffic stop turned into a brief foot chase. Toddreek Weathers was the passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over in Utica around 10:40 p.m. for traffic violations. Officers report they noticed the end of the firearm sticking out from under the seat, and when they asked Weathers and the driver to get out of the car, Weathers attempted to flee. The suspect was eventually caught; both he and the driver were taken to the police station, and the loaded glock was seized. (Shore News Network)

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Today and tomorrow in Utica:

Wednesday, March 22

• Spring Storytime - Utica Public Library (1:30 PM)
• Hand Drumming Workshop With 4 Elements Studio - The Link At Sunset (6:15 PM)
• Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic - Utica Uptown Theatre (7:00 PM)

Thursday, March 23

• Healthy Eating On A Budget - The Link At Sunset (1:00 PM)
• Climate Change Specialty Conference - Delta Hotel (1:30 PM)
• Tissue Art - Utica Public Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join Utica University tomorrow, at 7 p.m. at the Clark City Center, Brvenik Center for Business Education for "Lessons on the Journey of Building a Billion Dollar Business in Utica.” The event will feature Savneet Singh, who currently serves on the Board of Blockchain Power and PAR Technology and has held many prestigious positions since 2009. (Utica University via Facebook)
• Yesterday in 2009, Utica firefighters fought off a brush fire that reached up to 40 feet in the air. With the fire confined to the area of about a football field, firefighters walked with extinguishers and hand tools to fight the fire. (Utica Fire Department Historical Society via Facebook)
• Colu is looking for business ambassadors to grow on the Utica Proud app. If you are an outgoing and motivated individual looking to help local businesses throughout the city, follow the link and sign up! (The City of Utica, NY via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early soon with a new 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.