Page 29 - October 2025 FINAL

Remsen Arts Center Presents
Beth and Fritz & Friends in

Concert

The Remsen Arts Center presents Beth and Fritz
& Friends live concert on Sunday, October 5th at
3pm at 9627 Main Street, Remsen, NY. At the door
cash prices: $10 General Admission; $8 Members;
$5 Students. Advance online sale is available at
remsenartscenter.org.
Beth & Fritz are a musical duo featuring Beth
Meeusen (guitar and vocals) and Fritz Meeussen
(trumpet, flute, and percussion), known for their
acoustic, folk, blues, and jazz blend. This show
includes friends: Daniel Stone, Alexis Loomis, and
Giovanni Harvey Rev. Jill Farnham-Us Dave "Dog” Cragnolin.
More event info at remsenartscenter.org or facebook.
com/RemsenArtsCenter. Proceeds from the event
will benefit the Remsen Arts Center programs.
This project is made possible through the CNY Arts
Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement
regrant program thanks to a New York State Senate
Initiative supported by the NYS Legislature, the
Office of the Governor and administered by the
New York State Council on the Arts. Plus members,
community support, and the Community Foundation
of Herkimer and Oneida Counties.

Kay Klo James Paul Heather Wasielewski

NAACP Oneida County Branch to Host
Annual Freedom Fund Dinner

On Sunday, November 2, the NAACP Oneida County Branch will hold its annual Freedom Fund Dinner.
Founded on the beliefs embodied in the Constitution of the United States of America, the mission of the
NAACP is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that
expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and
economic security of Black people and all persons of color. The NAACP Oneida County branch carries out
the mission of the NAACP in our local community.
This year’s theme of “The Fierce Urgency of Now” reaffirms the NAACP’s commitment to using our collective
ingenuity, creativity and strength to continue the fight for civil rights and social justice. Mrs. Freddie Hamilton,
President of the NAACP Oneida County Branch, sees this theme as an opportunity to underscore the need Yom Kippur
for active engagement in our communities, particularly at times when our democracy is most at stake. As the October 1-2
branch celebrates 64 years of dedicated community service in central New York, they seek to acknowledge
individuals and organizations who have taken proactive action to address specific issues affecting our local Yom Kippur 2025 is from the evening of Wednesday,
community. October 1 to nightfall on Thursday, October 2, and
it is the holiest day in the Jewish year, known as the
This year’s keynote speaker is Giovanni Harvey, a native Utican and civic engagement advocate, who has Day of Atonement. It is a solemn, 25-hour period of
dedicated his life to civic service. A former President of the SUNY Student Assembly and former SUNY fasting, intense prayer, and self-reflection, marking
Trustee, Mr. Harvey co-founded the SUNY EOP Student Ambassador Program. He currently works as a press the culmination of the 10 Days of Awe that begin with
assistant for the New York State Executive Chamber. Rosh Hashanah. The meaning is to seek forgiveness
Recognizing community members has also been an integral part of past Freedom Fund Dinners and provides for sins committed against both God and other
an opportunity to express our appreciation to those who have taken the initiative and extra step to achieve people, culminating the period when one's fate for
positive change. In keeping with the theme “The Fierce Urgency of Now”, the branch will take the opportunity the coming year is sealed in the Book of Life.
to recognize four community members and two community organizations for their willingness to identify Key Aspects of Yom Kippur
issues affecting members of our communities, particularly those who are most vulnerable, and taking the
initiative to raise awareness of and proactively address those issues. The work of these honorees encompasses Day of Atonement: Yom Kippur means "Day of
a wide range of actions and behaviors through which they have contributed to the functioning of democracy, Atonement" and is the holiest day in Judaism.
the betterment of their community, and/or the advancement of shared goals and values. Fasting and Prayer: It is observed with a 25-hour
Individuals being honored include: fast from food and drink, along with extensive prayer,
often spent in the synagogue.
Rev. Jill Farnham-Us – Co-Founder of Interfaith Coalition of Greater Utica, Indivisible Mohawk Valley
steering committee member, and Oneida County Pride Alliance volunteer Repentance and Forgiveness: It is a time for spiritual
Kay Klo - Executive Director of Midtown Utica Community Center return and transformation, or teshuvah. Jews seek
forgiveness from God for sins committed against
James Paul - Executive Director of Blacque Acres, Utica City School District Board of Education member God and also ask for forgiveness from people they
and Co-Director of Junior Frontiers of the Mohawk Valley have wronged.
Heather Wasielewski, Content Creator of Every Voice Utica and former Chairperson of the South Utica Sealed in the Book of Life: The day concludes
Neighborhood Association the High Holy Days, a period that began with
Organizational honorees are: Rosh Hashanah, when Jewish tradition holds that
Mohawk Valley Frontiers Club/Junior Frontiers of the Mohawk Valley Program individuals' fates for the coming year are inscribed
Oneida County Democratic Women’s Club and then sealed on Yom Kippur.
This year’s Freedom Fund Dinner will be held at the Five Points Public House and Events Center in the Irish How It's Observed
Community Center at 623 Columbia Street from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. Early bird Self-Reflection: It involves deep introspection to
tickets for adults are $70 per person for adults (ages 21 and older) and examine one's actions and commitments for the year
$50.00 for youth (ages 20 and younger), which can be purchased through Wednesday, October 1 and include ahead.
NAACP membership. Tickets purchased after October 1 are $75.00 per person for adults and $55.00 for youth Reconciliation: The focus is on making peace with
and include NAACP membership. Tickets for lifetime members are $50.00 per person. God, oneself, and others.
Tickets are available via Eventbrite at https://qrco.de/bgFGa4 through Monday, October 20. Please reserve Synagogue Services: Many Jews spend the day
your seat in advance, as tickets will not be sold at the door. For questions, please contact Dawn Michelle in synagogue, participating in special prayers and
Laguerre at laguerremedia@gmail.com /(315) 266-7548. services.