Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Which nearby libraries are getting a share of nearly $1 million?

Make time for Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins at Utica Comets on the Utica Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Friday December 19th Patch AM
Friday December 19th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Cheers Utica! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which nearby libraries are getting a share of nearly $1 million?
  • How a tiny Utica lynx beat a broken leg and bounced back
  • How will New York’s new aid-in-dying law affect Utica families?

Also on today's calendar: Over 600 Nutcrackers Bring Holiday Magic to The History Center and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Uticafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Uticafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: A couple of morning showers, with a high of 52 and low of 19 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Saturday: Cloudy and colder, temps: high: 36, low: 31.
  • Sunday: Snow and flurries at times, with a high of 37 and low of 11 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Public libraries to receive nearly $1 million in grants, secured in the state budget (cnycentral.com) — Utica-area readers will see nearly $1 million in state-funded upgrades coming to public libraries across Oneida, Chenango, and Madison counties, including security, accessibility, and building improvements. Announced by Sen. Joe Griffo, the grants support projects like new roofs, ADA-compliant entrances, expanded spaces, and energy-efficient systems to keep local libraries safer, more welcoming, and better equipped for community use.
   

2. Utica Zoo declares Hadley, injured Canada Lynx kit, 'fully recovered' (uticaod.com) — Hadley, the young Canada lynx at the Utica Zoo, is now fully recovered from a serious femur fracture and back on full display with his family. After surgery, weeks of rehab, and a careful reintroduction plan, staff say he’s thriving in his winter-ready exhibit and inviting Utica-area families to come watch him run, jump, and play.
   

3. Medical Aid in Dying Act Expected to Take Effect in New York in 2026 (wktv.com) — Hospice leaders in Utica are reacting cautiously as New York prepares to implement the Medical Aid in Dying Act, expected to pass in January and take effect six months later. Local hospice officials and Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon raise concerns about safeguards and access to required mental health evaluations, issues that could directly affect how terminally ill Utica residents navigate end-of-life choices.
   

4. Oneida County Legislature Chairman retiring after 45 years (uticaod.com) — Longtime Oneida County Legislature Chairman Gerald Fiorini is retiring after 45 years in office, capping a career that shaped major regional projects affecting Utica-area residents. At his final meeting, officials praised his bipartisan work on Griffiss redevelopment and the Oneida Indian Nation gaming compact, and announced Griffiss International Airport in Rome will be renamed the Gerald A. Fiorini Aviation Complex.
   

5. Bed tax in Rome to take effect New Year's Day (cnyhomepage.com) — Utica residents should know that Rome is joining Utica in charging a 3% nightly bed tax on hotel and motel stays, with both cities’ taxes authorized by the state this fall. Rome’s tax, aimed at boosting tourism and local services, takes effect January 1 and exempts guests staying more than 90 consecutive days, with a public hearing still to be scheduled before final approval.
   

📸 Around Utica

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Utica

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Utica Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • “NEW” Golden Lotus now offers Beer/wine/alcoholic beverages ready for delivery.
    Located at 1122 Kossuth Ave. Utica, NY - Delicious Traditional Thai Food delivered to your door or pickup. Large menu to choose from. Order Today,… (Nextdoor East Utica)
  • “NEW” Golden Lotus now offers Beer/wine/alcoholic beverages ready for delivery.
    Located at 1122 Kossuth Ave. Utica, NY - Delicious Traditional Thai Food delivered to your door or pickup. Large menu to choose from. Order Today,… (Nextdoor East Utica)
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Crew Member - Morning Shift in Utica. Apply here.
  • Walgreen Company posted a job opening for Customer Service Associate - Temporary in Utica. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Utica here.

Ok Utica! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Utica