Page 18 - April 2024 TC FINAL

18 April 2024 NHTownCrier.com

attention when our family is on vacation – LOL!
Other ways to stay connected to home while traveling
is by meeting people from the area or who have ties
to the community. During a recent trip, I experienced
both. My wife and I were on a cruise and while on our
way to breakfast, I saw a friend who lives in Utica.
At first I thought “is that Mike? I couldn't believe it.”
Later that day, we were sitting next to a couple and
of course the conversation began with “where are
you from?” The gentlemen said “we are from upstate
New York. I said, where in upstate New York? He said
Massena. I said oh wow, we are from Utica. He and his
wife were very familiar with our area's famous food. Summer Woo
Staying Connected to the He specifically mentioned: chicken riggies, tomato Local Student Chosen to
Community pie and Italian greens. I said, “yup you're right, we are Attend ‘Students Inside

by Raymond J. Durso, Jr., President & CEO known for our quality food!” Albany Program’
The Genesis Group Another day, we were sitting on the beach. I struck
Thanks to today's technology, you can stay connected up a conversation with folks sitting next to us. Again I The 24th annual Students Inside Albany program will
to the community, especially when traveling. It doesn't said...”where are you from? They said Syracuse, NY. I take place from May 19-22 and will bring 60 students
from across the state to Albany to get a first-hand
matter if you're on a business trip or vacation, as long said, “I'm from Utica. They said, we enjoy visiting the education about their state government. The program
as you have access to the internet – you won't miss restaurants in your area. You have delicious chicken is designed to increase high school students’ awareness
out on what's happening at home. All you need is a riggies, tomato pie and Italian greens. I said, “yup of their responsibility in representative government
cell phone, tablet, laptop or chromebook or any other you're right, we are known for our quality food!” and provide information about the tools necessary for
device to get you connected. While talking to the folks from Syracuse, a guy two meeting that responsibility.
You're probably thinking when you're on vacation, rows of chairs in front of me yells out, “you're from Students will participate in a series of interactive
you may not care about what's happening at home. For Utica?, I said yes. He said, “I'm from Buffalo and I lectures on topics such as the state budget process, the
some that may be true, but most people do care about come to Utica every year to run the Boilermaker. At role of lobbyists in the legislative process, citizen rights
“home” especially when your responsibilities include that moment, I was reminded of how proud I am – and to access government information, the role of media
children, elderly parents or owning a business. how proud we all should be - of our hometown. We are in politics, and the move to reform state government.
I am always interested in being aware of the certainly on the map! While in Albany, the students will have an opportunity to
day's news, especially local news that impacts For someone like me who promotes the Mohawk tour the state’s Capitol. The highlight for most students
the community. That's because promoting what's Valley, these accolades were nice to hear. Our region is the opportunity to shadow their Senators and their
happening in the Mohawk Valley region is a part of has a lot to be thankful for. The good news is there are Assemblymember for an afternoon attending session on
my role with the Genesis Group. The other reason I many projects underway to help make the region even the Chamber floors.
like staying connected is “the need to know.” People stronger and better! The Utica Rome Metro chapter of the League of
today live on their personal devices, ie a cell phone. The Genesis Group is doing its part to help move our Women Voters has selected Proctor High School senior
Summer Woo as the 2024 Students Inside Albany
We are a curious society. Whether the news is current community forward. We continue to offer programs Conference winner. This prestigious honor recognizes
events, government, entertainment, opinions, sports in areas of Education such as: Career, College and Summer's outstanding achievements and leadership at
or business, you see people on their phones just about Life Ready programs, Drone Camps, Data Analytics Proctor High.
everywhere you go. We have the capability to connect Task Force and a new partnership with Dolly Parton's As a senior, Summer serves as President of the National
to social media and online sites, television broadcasts, Imagination Library. We also work with area partners Honor Society and is a member of the track team,
daily newspapers and radio programs. to promote Healthcare, Community Development, qualifying as a discus thrower. She plays in the school
If staying connected is something you like to do, Tourism, Agri-Business and so much more. band, interns at the Oneida County District Attorney's
great. If you're on vacation with family, make sure they The Genesis Group remains focused on the office, and participates in drama as an actor. Summer is
are okay with it. Don't let your phone, emails or other community's agenda. Our Volunteers are taking action, also an anchor for the "Good Morning Proctor" school
interests distract you from quality time with family achieving results and making a difference. I invite you news show.
members. Take it from me, I get scolded for not paying to join us, and I encourage you to stay connected! After graduation, Summer plans to pursue an
undergraduate degree in communications with
aspirations of attending law school and becoming a
judge or politician. Her diverse interests and activities
demonstrate Summer's well-roundedness and
commitment to community engagement.
The Students Inside Albany Conference will provide
an invaluable opportunity for this ambitious, civic-
Early Bird Special& Moving Sale minded student to gain firsthand experience with state
government and the legislative process. We are thrilled
that the Utica Rome Metro chapter has selected such
Celebrating 43 Years in Business! a promising young leader as their 2024 representative.
1st - May 4th Chamber Music Society of Utica

presents
$50.00 For 1Year Shanghai Quartet

OFF! $ Reg. Weigang Li, Violin  Angelo Xiang Yu, Violin

price
ONLY 299* $349.00 Honggang Li, Viola  Nicholas Tzavaras, Cello
Add-on a Spouse or Family performing

Member for 1Year Franz Joseph Haydn, Zhou Long, and Edvard Grieg

ONLY 219* Sunday  7 April 2024  2:30 pm
$

* Convenient Payment Plan Available Munson Auditorium

310 Genesee Street • Utica, NY 13502

The Area’s Personal Training Center Admission

Exercise professionals will create General Admission $25
Free Admission for Students with ID, Teens & Children
Lorem ipsum
your needs every 6-8 weeks! This Concert will be Live Streamed via the CMSU website:

www.uticachambermusic.org
50 Genesee Street EMAIL cmsu.info@gmail.com  PHONE 315-794-9741

New Hartford
Lorem ipsum
735-2210

5.375” W x 5” H
Lorem ipsum