Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Which Utica youth programs are sharing this new $2 million grant?

And check out Santa's Circus on the Utica Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 17th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Utica! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which Utica youth programs are sharing this new $2 million grant?
  • Why is Utica’s Trackside Restaurant closing just before the holidays?
  • Have you seen this Utica suspect wanted on multiple local warrants?

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.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Utica? Post it to Utica photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Rain and drizzle in the p.m., with a high of 40 and low of 24 degrees.
  • Thursday: Breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 42, low: 37.
  • Friday: Showers of rain and snow, with a high of 46 and low of 15 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. Utica Gets a $2 Million Boost to Help Local Youth and Prevent Violence (wktv.com) — Utica is getting a $2 million state-funded boost aimed at reducing violence and expanding opportunities for local youth, with money flowing directly to several neighborhood-based nonprofits. Four major organizations will each receive $500,000 and share portions with partners like Midtown Utica Community Center, Johnson Park Center, and Mohawk Valley Latino Association to support youth development, mental health, and economic programs tailored to city needs.
   

2. Utica's Trackside Restaurant Expected to Close Dec. 20; Oneida County Executive Responds (wktv.com) — Trackside Restaurant and Banquets inside Utica’s Union Station is set to close on December 20 after Oneida County ended its month‑to‑month lease as part of a larger renovation project. The owner, grieving her husband’s recent death, criticizes the decision as arbitrary, while County Executive Anthony Picente says all interested parties can reapply after the upgrades.
   

3. Crime Stoppers, UPD Ask For Public's Help in Finding Wanted man (wibx950.com) — Utica Police and Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers are asking residents to help locate a man wanted on multiple local warrants, with anonymous tips accepted by phone, web, or app. Authorities stress confidentiality, potential cash rewards, and that all individuals are presumed innocent while encouraging sharing the alert to help keep Utica neighborhoods safe.
   

4. 45 Local Charities Receive Toy Donations From Stuff the Bus (wktv.com) — Hundreds of Utica-area kids in low-income families will get Christmas presents thanks to Roser Communications’ 18th annual Stuff the Bus toy drive, which aided 45 local charities. A Utica salon owner and the City of Utica Youth Bureau are among those helping distribute toys, aiming to brighten the holidays for roughly 2,500 children across multiple school districts.
   

5. Sen. Griffo announces large collection of cell phones for veterans (cnyhomepage.com) — Utica residents helped collect more than 1,000 used cell phones this year to be refurbished and given to veterans through the Veteran’s Outreach Center. Sen. Joe Griffo and the Cell Phones for Soldiers charity say the devices will support homeless and struggling veterans in Central New York by keeping them connected to family, services, and critical resources.
   

📸 Around Utica

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Utica

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★ Featured events ★

    Thursday December 18
  • Santa's Circus
    The Stanley Theatre, 259 Genesee St, Utica
    7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Utica Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Are you looking for a small dog or cat groomer in North Utica?
    Look no further! Karen's Groom Room is your answer. Owner Karen Moody has 40+ years of professional grooming experience. Between Karen and her… (Nextdoor North Utica)
  • My boyfriend is starting a small snow roof removal.
    If you have any questions or would like the snow off your roof removed. Feel free to contact him (Nextdoor East Utica)
  • Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Utica. Apply here.
  • Arby's Restaurant posted a job opening for Shift Manager 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 know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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