🌱 The Art In Bloom Exhibit At Munson + Upcoming Bridge Project

Good morning, friends! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Utica Patch newsletter — here to impart everything you need to know about what's happening in the community.

But first, today's weather:

Warmer with showers around. High: 60 Low: 41.

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Here are the top three stories today in Utica:

1. A rally was held on Friday in celebration of International Transgender Day of Visibility. The transgender rights rally was hosted by the Oneida County Pride Association, a nonprofit that brings members of the LGBTQ+ community together to share information and resources. Gov. Kathy Hochul also issued a proclamation Friday recognizing Mar. 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility in New York. State landmarks were lit pink, white, and blue that night, which are the colors of the transgender flag. (WKTV)
2. Florists bought their perspective on works of art at Munson's "The Art in Bloom" exhibit last weekend. Art in Bloom, an exhibit that happens every other year at Munson, featured 15 floral arrangements made by artists, professional florists, novice florists, farms, greenhouses, and artists who simply appreciate flowers. Those interested in voting for their favorite floral design can pick up a ballot at the Museum Shop or reception desk. (WKTV)
3. Preliminary work for a $5.6 million bridge rehabilitation project along North-South Arterial is set to be completed this month. The project will replace bridge joints and make other repairs to four structures that carry state Routes 5, 8, and 12 over French Road and New York Susquehanna and Western Railway. Motorists should expect traffic as workers will reduce the area to a single lane in each direction. Full construction is expected to get started in May. (Observer-Dispatch)

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Today in Utica:

• Mental Health First Aid At 502 Court St (9:00 AM)
• Auditions For "Girl Singer... A Tribute" At Players of Utica (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Come watch local Utica police officers and firefighters battle it out on the ice in a charity hockey game at Adirondack Bank Center Saturday, Apr. 8 at 3 p.m. Proceeds raised from the event will go toward the Save the Day foundation. (Utica Events via Facebook)
• Brooklyn Pickle is coming to Utica with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Apr. 17. Brooklyn Pickle will be located at 600 State St. in the former Utica Steam Cotton building. (WKTV)
• A Utica woman is facing assault and endangering charges after allegedly hitting two young children with electrical cords. After CPS officials saw visible swelling and contusions on the two children, they, along with three others, were removed from her home. (WIBX)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday! I'll see you around.

— 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.