NH Town Crier

09/22/2025

09/21/2025

Grace Furniture Marks 85 Years with Storewide Anniversary Sale
Grace Furniture, a family-owned mainstay in Central New York since 1940, is celebrating its 85th anniversary with a storewide sale—and a heartfelt thank-you to the community that helped it grow from a small garage to a 22,000-square-foot showroom in Marcy, NY. Just minutes from Exit 31 on the New York State Thruway, the store has long been a destination for high-quality home furnishings and personal, attentive service.
Founded by Frank and Estella Grace, the business began on the same property it occupies today. What started as a humble operation quickly developed a reputation for two core promises that still guide the team nearly 85 years later: offer exceptional furniture and deliver superior customer care. Those principles have not only sustained Grace Furniture through changing styles and economic cycles— they’ve set it apart.
Over the past seven decades, leadership has been in the hands of Bill Grace, the family’s second-generation steward, who has continued to shape the store’s identity as Central New York’s furniture and design source. Under his guidance, Grace Furniture has curated on-trend styles from many of the industry’s most respected brands, balancing timeless craftsmanship with the fresh looks today’s customers want. From classic living room suites and heirloom-quality dining sets to modern bedroom collections and functional home office pieces, the selection is designed to meet a range of tastes and budgets without compromising on quality.
Service is equally central to the Grace Furniture experience. The team emphasizes care before, during, and after the sale—helping shoppers choose pieces that suit their spaces, lifestyles, and timelines. Interior decorating assistance is available to simplify complex projects or pull together a single room, and blanket-wrap delivery ensures purchases arrive safely and are placed with respect for customers’ homes. It’s an approach that reflects decades of listening to local families and standing behind every purchase.
That commitment is also generational. The third generation, represented by June Grace, and the fourth generation, represented by Brand Manager Cassie Grace Miles, are active in the business today. Their involvement underscores a continuity of values—rooted in family, craftsmanship, and community—that customers have come to rely on. With multiple generations engaged, Grace Furniture blends a legacy of trust with forward-looking design and service innovations.
The 85th Anniversary Sale is both a celebration and an invitation. Shoppers will find savings across the showroom, with special buys on best-selling collections and new arrivals alike. It’s an ideal moment to refresh a room, furnish a first home, or invest in pieces that will be enjoyed for years. Staff members are ready to guide visitors through finishes, fabrics, and floor plans, making sure every selection fits seamlessly into the home and the household budget.
Grace Furniture’s story is a local one: rooted in hard work, steady growth, and a belief that quality and service are more than slogans—they’re promises. The company’s longevity speaks to that philosophy. While styles and technologies evolve, the essentials remain: real materials, thoughtful design, and a team that knows its customers by name. For generations of Central New Yorkers, Grace Furniture has been a trusted partner in creating comfortable, beautiful homes.
The talented team invites you to step into the Marcy showroom, explore the latest looks, and experience the personal attention that has defined Grace Furniture since 1940. Whether you’re starting a new decorating project or searching for that perfect finishing touch, you’ll find knowledgeable guidance, dependable delivery, and furnishings built to last.
Grace Furniture’s 85th Anniversary Sale is underway now at the 22,000-square-foot showroom in Marcy. Discover why, for 85 years, the Grace name has been synonymous with quality and service—and why the next generation is proud to carry that promise forward.
Written by; Cassie Grace Miles, 4th generation steward of Grace Furniture, a family-owned business since 1940, on River Road, in Marcy, NY. Cassie received her BFA in Design from The Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan and continued her career in design, managing luxury furniture showrooms in the world-renowned Miami Design District, along with additional world class hospitality training at 5-star hotels.

09/20/2025

Sitrin Foundation to Host 3rd Annual Riggie Run, Walk & Riggiefest
The Sitrin Foundation is excited to announce the 3rd Annual Riggie Run, Walk and Riggiefest to support Sitrin’s Military Program. This event will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute campus.
The Riggie Run & Walk will feature a 5K run, 5K wheelchair race, 2-mile walk as well as a free 1-mile Kids run. Registrants of the 5K will have the opportunity to partake in a Riggie Challenge in which they will be required to consume one bowl of riggies at the halfway point of the 5K before continuing the race. In addition, both the 5K run and wheelchair race will be chip timed, providing runners and wheelchair racers with accurate times and instantaneous race results! Prizes will also be awarded to the top three female and male runners, wheelchair racers, and age group winners.
Additionally, a Riggiefest will commence at the conclusion of the Run & Walk at 11:00 a.m. in the Field House where seventeen local restaurants will showcase their version of this famous Utica dish. All registrants will be invited to taste the various entries, at no additional cost, and cast a vote to determine the area’s best chicken riggies. Community members are also invited to attend for a $10 entry fee.
New this year, the Riggie Run is teaming up with the Utica Roadrunners Skeleton Run (10/19/25) for a two-run series that will offer incentives for participants who register for both events. These include a $5 discount on both race registrations and additional swag.
The Riggie Run & Walk kicks off with registration at 8:30 a.m., which includes a continental breakfast. The 1-mile Kids run will begin at 9:30 a.m. Following the National Anthem, 5K wheelchair racers will start at 10:05 a.m., 5K runners at 10:10 a.m., and 2-mile walkers at 10:15 a.m.
The registration fee for the 5K Run, 5K Riggie Challenge, 5K Wheelchair Race, and 5K Wheelchair Riggie Challenge is $30. The 2-Mile Walk is $30 and free for children 12 and under. Everyone who pre-registers by September 12th will receive a free commemorative t-shirt! (Only applies to paid registrants).
For ten years, the Sitrin Health Care Center’s Annual Stars & Stripes Run & Walk for our Nation’s Heroes served as the primary fundraiser for Sitrin’s Military Program before being rebranded in 2023. This unique program provides comprehensive, complimentary care to local post-9/11 veterans and service members who have post-traumatic stress, suicidal ideations, depression, amputations, spinal cord injuries and other combat-related conditions. The program primarily treats younger veterans, the most at risk of su***de.
“Sitrin’s program is unique in that it combines both traditional (physical and occupational therapies and one-on-one therapy) with equine-assisted therapy, ecotherapy, aquatic therapy, nature outings, and more,” Jackie Warmuth, vice president of clinical development and director of the Sitrin Military Program, said. “Therapy and treatment options are personalized for each veteran based on military, combat, and reintegration experiences.”
In addition to innovative care, Sitrin offers the Military-Civilian Coalition (MCC), enabling veterans and civilians to join forces through social and athletic endeavors. Community building activities include fly fishing, biking, hiking, archery, target shooting, yoga, TRX training, snowshoeing, sculling, therapeutic hand drumming, gardening, specialized seminars, and the annual Warrior Retreat at Camp Sitrin.
“The Riggie Run, Walk & Riggiefest is the major fundraiser for Sitrin’s Military Program, and we are very grateful to our sponsors, event teams, businesses, and veteran organizations for their support,” Marc DePerno, vice president, Sitrin Foundation and Communications, said.
Presenting Sponsor for the 13th consecutive year is Adirondack Bank. Additional sponsors to date include Mohawk Valley Association of REALTORS; The Good News Center; WKTV News Channel 2; Booz Allen; Harland J. Hennessey VFW Post 5538; Mastrovito Hyundai; BAE Systems; Utica Boilers; Lodging Kit Company; Fuller Tool Incorporated; New York Central Mutual Insurance; Walmart; Bond, Schoneck & King; Hilton Estate & Elder Law, LLC; Baird Private Wealth Management Matthew Savery CFA, CFP; Mohawk Valley Cash Register; Clifford Fuel Co., Inc.; The Good Feet Store; McQuade & Bannigan; Upstate Neuropsychological Services; and American Food & Vending.
For more information or to register, visit www.SitrinRiggieRunWalk.com.

09/19/2025

52nd Annual Spartan Spectacular
Saturday September 20th
New Hartford Sr. High School Don Edick Stadium
Doors open 4:30pm
Show starts 5:30pm
11 bands performing!
Local bands include New Hartford, Rome Free Academy and Westmoreland
Basket raffles, Bake sale, concessions

09/18/2025

Traditional Irish Singing Workshop & Concert - Tim Ball & Kevin Elam
4pm Workshop • 7pm Concert
Friday Sept 19, 2025
Rome Art and Community Center, 308 W Bloomfield St, Rome
Craobh Dugan-O'Looney is proud to announce a singing workshop with 2019 All-Ireland Men’s Singing Champion Kevin Elam, from Washington, DC. Later in the evening he will be accompanied by well-known Upstate Traditional Musician Tim Ball for an unforgettable night of traditional Irish and American music.
Advance Sale Tickets - Workshop only $10, Concert only $20, Concert & Workshop $25 available through Venmo or by calling/texting 315-225-6292.
Kevin Elam is a multi-instrumentalist and 2019 All-Ireland Champion in Men's Singing, only the second American ever to win the coveted “Dalaigh Shield” in its 65-year history. In 2020, Kevin was awarded a grant from George Mason University’s Young Artist Commissioning Project, and consequently recorded his debut album of traditional ballads, If I Were A Small Bird, released in September 2021. Most recently Kevin was honored to be selected as one of six Artists in Residence at Strathmore Music Hall in Bethesda, MD for the 2023 season.
Kevin enjoys a busy performance schedule in the U.S. and abroad, appearing at many of the top Irish and Scottish festivals, venues and concert series as a soloist, alongside Scottish National Fiddle Champion Sean Heely, and with many other groups.
Tim Ball is an accomplished American fiddler, singer, and guitarist whose playing is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Ireland, New England, Canada, and Appalachia, tied together by the distinct musical heritage of his native upstate New York. With over two decades of experience performing in Celtic and contra dance ensembles, Tim has built a reputation for his expressive style and deep musical knowledge. His latest album, Upstate Crossroads, marked a major milestone in his career, earning the No. 1 spot on the January 2023 Folk Alliance International music chart.
Tim is well-known to upstate New York audiences as the guitarist for the acclaimed Celtic trio Arise & Go, appears frequently with Pennsylvania-based Irish band Poor Man’s Gambit, and has performed with popular Renaissance festival acts Empty Hats and Cantiga. When he is not on stage, Tim directs the Finger Lakes Fiddle Orchestra, leads Irish sessions, serves as a visiting lecturer in violin at Cornell University, and maintains a private violin and fiddle studio in Ithaca, NY.

09/15/2025

Utica Zoo Announces, "Cinematic Safari" Outdoor Movie Series
UTICA, NY — The Utica Zoo is excited to announce the start of Cinematic Safari, an enchanting outdoor movie experience designed for families and film lovers of all ages. Taking place across multiple evenings this fall, the series invites guests to enjoy popular films under the stars—surrounded by the natural beauty of the zoo and the awe-inspiring Dino Discovery exhibit.
Cinematic Safari Schedule:
Saturday, September 20, 2025 – Turning Red (Rated PG)
Friday, September 26, 2025 – The Good Dinosaur (Rated PG)
Saturday, September 27, 2025 – Land of the Lost (Rated PG-13)
Friday, October 10, 2025 – The Land Before Time (Rated PG)
Saturday, October 11, 2025 – Jurassic World Rebirth (Rated PG-13)
Event Details:
Gates Open: 6:00 PM
Movie Start Time: 7:00 PM
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to explore the zoo and Dino Discovery before the movie begins. From lions and red pandas to animatronic dinosaurs, the zoo offers a truly unique backdrop for a night at the movies.
Ticket Information:
Adults (13+): $11
Children (ages 2–12): $8
Children under 2: Free
Utica Zoo Members: Standard ticket prices apply
Admission includes full access to the zoo beginning at 6:00 PM. Visitors are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs for comfortable lawn seating.
Concessions: Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Outside food and drink are not permitted.
Tickets will be available online and at the gate, subject to availability.
Open daily from 10 am - 4:30 pm. For more information and updates about the Utica Zoo please visit www.uticazoo.org or follow Utica Zoo on social media.

09/15/2025

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09/15/2025

09/15/2025

09/15/2025

‘Service Above Self’ Gala Raises $18,000 Towards Stanley Theatre’s Red Room Restoration
The Rotary Club of Utica’s annual “Service Above Self” Gala, sponsored by Hage & Hage LLC, raised an impressive $18,000 for The Stanley Theatre this past June. This marks the largest amount in the event’s four-year history.
The record-breaking total was announced earlier today during a check presentation held in the lobby of the historic theatre.
The Rotary Club’s contribution will support the thoughtful restoration of the Red Room, enhancing the theatre’s ability to host pre-show gatherings and post-show celebrations, explained The Stanley Theatre’s Executive Director, Lisa A. della Santina Wilsey. The project is meant to preserve the theatre’s historic charm while enriching the overall patron experience.
“These funds will help kick off the restoration of the legendary Red Room, which suffered from a flood several years ago and has been out of operation,” Wilsey said. “This is an exciting time for The Stanley Theatre.”
Reflecting on the success of this year’s gala and its impact, Utica Rotary Past President and Gala Chairman Stephen Turnbull expressed his gratitude to all who contributed.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our sponsors, partners and everyone who supported this year’s Gala,” Turnbull said. “Your generosity makes a true impact, not only on our club’s mission, but also on our community’s cultural treasures. The Stanley Theatre is more than just a historic landmark; it’s a place where memories are made and where our Gala has proudly found a home. We are honored to contribute to its restoration and future, ensuring it remains a vibrant gathering place for generations to come.”
Wilsey also shared her appreciation for the Rotary Club of Utica and its commitment to preserving the arts.
“The Stanley Theatre couldn't be more honored to have been chosen by Rotary Club of Utica to be this year’s gala recipient,” Wilsey said. “It is not often that an outside organization recognizes the needs of its local performing arts theatre and commits to supporting it and for this, we are forever grateful. On behalf of the staff, board of directors, stagehands and volunteers, we are thankful to Utica Rotary and its gala sponsors and attendees."
Since its inception, the Rotary Club of Utica’s “Service Above Self ” Gala has raised more than $65,000 for the community. Past recipients include the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI), the Utica Zoo and the Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL).
To learn more about the Rotary Club of Utica, visit uticarotary.org.