🌱 Local Receives Polish Award + Oneida's Tree City USA Program

Hello again, Utica! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town today, including.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Nice with plenty of sunshine. High: 68 Low: 38.
• Tuesday: Clouds and sun. High: 68 Low: 37.

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Here are the top three stories in Utica today:

1. New York State Police recently conducted an underage drinking initiative throughout Oneida County. The police department ran this initiative on Apr. 26 and found most of the checked locations were in compliance. However, Delta Liquors at 8593 Turin Road and Turin Road Mart on 8199 Turin Road were not compliant, resulting in two individuals being charged with the sale of alcohol to an individual under 21. (Oneida Dispatch)
2. Ela Pawlowski of Utica received a prestigious award for upholding the Polish community and heritage around the city from the President of Poland earlier this week. On May 3, Pawlowski was awarded Poland's Gold Cross of Merit Award for Community Effort by General Consul Adrian Kubicki on behalf of Poland President Andrzej Duda. The award was granted at a ceremony at the Consulate General of Poland in Manhattan. Pawlowski was truly honored to receive this award and is thankful to be recognized for keeping her culture alive in Utica. (WKTV)
3. Oneida County continues to show its dedication to taking care of the environment by participating in the Tree City USA program for the 33rd year this past week. One of the Arbor Day Foundation's oldest initiatives, the program is made to encourage more communities across the country to plant more trees and become a "Tree City." This year, students from Seneca Street Elementary joined the Oneida Department of Public Works and the Parks and Recreation Department. (Rome Sentinel)

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Today and tomorrow in Utica:

Monday, May 8

• MVCC Film Club Premiere: “Between The Lines and Pages” - Mohawk Valley Community College (6:00 PM)

Tuesday, May 9

• Utica Make Your Own "Bad Day Kits" - Center For Family Life & Recovery (4:00 PM)
• Utica City School District Board of Education Special Meeting - Kernan School (5:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

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From my notebook:

• The Utica Comets want to thank their fans for all the support they provided for the team throughout the entire hockey season. Although this season has sadly come to an end, the excitement is already underway for the next time the puck is set to hit the ice next season. (Utica Comets via Facebook)
• Were you aware that Mexican Wolves are the smallest grey wolf species in North America? This rare and endangered species can be seen right around the corner in the Utica Zoo. (Utica Zoo via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Utica is currently looking for Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainees to join their team and make a difference in the community. This position offers a competitive rate as well as great benefits for an employee; you can apply online at uticamission.org. (Rescue Mission of Utica via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Online Jury Focus Group - $150! (May 8)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— 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.