Page 28 - October 2025 FINAL

28 October 2025 NHTownCrier.com

Flags along the Memorial Parkway last November in honor or memory of local heroes.
Flags for Heroes Event Supports
Post-9/11 Veterans

One thousand American flags will once again grace the median of the Memorial
Parkway in Utica in early November in remembrance of our veterans, active military,
and first responders. This year marks the 11th annual Flags for Heroes sponsored
by The Good News Center with money raised from this event benefiting Sitrin’s
Military program.
Sitrin’s program specifically helps post-9/11 veterans. Typical therapies such as
occupational, physical, and psychological are a part of the treatment, but they also Utica Boo! Play to Benefit the
use atypical therapies such as equine therapy and movement therapy. Additionally, Oneida County History Center
they may spend time in nature at Sitrin’s Camp as a part of the intervention. The
program continues to evolve as it works to meet the specific needs of each individual Utica Boo! is a Haunted who done it that features ghosts of Utica's past. It's a fun
veteran. Most of these nontraditional therapies are out-of-pocket expenses for way to teach about historical figures of the Utica area past. The historian in Utica,
veterans. Funds raised through events such as Flags for Heroes allow Sitrin to and psychic and self-proclaimed, “smartest person in Utica,” Brittany, uses Mary
provide treatment to veterans at no cost to them. Through the efforts of all those Smith, aka “Lady Vadona” to connect with the ghosts of Utica past. Her mission is
who sponsored a flag, The Good News Center was able to donate $27,000 last year to teach them the reality of their historical legacy and introduce them to the finest
to Sitrin’s Military program with 860 flags sponsored. The goal this year is to have all foods and drink Utica has to offer. Her arrogance and insulting tone result in all
one thousand flags sponsored to raise even more funds for this worthwhile cause. the historical ghosts being upset with one murdering her. The killer ghost shall
We invite you to walk amongst the flags any time from November 4th through the be revealed at the end and all will be happy with the silencing and banishment
11th. It is not uncommon to hear the stories of some of the heroes as their family of Utica’s smartest person. The ghosts and mortals will be portrayed as follows:
members reminisce. Charlie Brown as Roscoe Conkling, Linda Cunningham as Lady Vadona, Barbara
A Recognition Ceremony will also be held to honor all veterans and active military Granato as Roxalana Druse, Jordan Hallak as Lida Beecher, Mark Hanna as Dr.
at The Parkway Recreation Center on Saturday, November 8th at 3:00 pm. This year’s Amariah Brigham, Debra Harrison as Mary Runkel, Rocco LaDuca as Chester
event will recognize the 250th Anniversary of the US Army, Navy and Marines, Gillette, Kelly Motyl as Brittany, and Dennis Webster as Erastus Clark. Utica Boo
along with the 75th Anniversary of the start of the Korean War. Additionally, the will be performed at the Oneida County History Center on Thursday, October 23rd
guest speaker this year will be Major General Peter Lennon, US Army, Retired. at 7pm and Saturday, October 25th at 2pm. Tickets are $20 for OCHC members
During a nearly 40-year Army career, Peter was recognized as a leader in supply- and $25 for non-members. All funds will support programs and services at the
chain operations from the tactical to the national and international levels. To sponsor Oneida County History Center. Visit oneidahistory.org to purchase tickets. Utica
a flag please visit www.thegoodnewscenter.org or call 315-735-6210. A tag will be Boo is directed by Deborah Martin and written by Dennis Webster.
placed on an impressive eight-foot flagpole in honor or memory of a loved one who
is a hero in some way to its sponsor. Flags can be requested for veterans, active-duty
military, fallen servicemen and women, first responders, and all other heroes in our
lives. Be a part of the Healing Field experience and sponsor your flag today.

Fall in Love

TEMPLE EMANU-EL

th

8 ANNUAL MAH JONGG TOURNAMENT with a new color

Jewish Community Center, 2310 Oneida Street, Utica
Sunday, October 19, 2025

Breakfast/Registration: 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Play 3 rounds -12 Tournament Style Games: 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR 2025 CARD

Entry Fee: $40.00

Cash Prizes to Top Winners Other Prizes and Surprises

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local non-profit.

th
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16

Go to templeemanuel-utica.org to register and pay online using
PayPal or fill out the form below.

Please fill in registration form and mail to Temple Emanu-El, 2710 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502
- Attn: Lynn Tomaino, with a check payable to Temple Emanu-El. For further information, contact:
Lynn Tomaino 315-723-3569 or Temple Emanu-El office 315-724-4177.
Name:_________________________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________

Phone: _____________________________ Email: _____________________________________ 20 Center Court, NH Shopping Ctr • 724-4500