First Responders: Faces of Courage in the Mohawk Valley
Each November, as we pause to give thanks, we honor the men and women who never hesitate to answer the call. They are the ones who run toward emergencies, bring calm to chaos, and carry our community’s safety with quiet strength and compassion. In this special issue, Mohawk Valley Living invited local first responders to […]
From the Editor – November
Dear Readers, November is the month when gratitude takes center stage, and this issue is all about giving thanks. We are honoring the first responders who show up for our community every day, often sacrificing their own time with family to keep us safe. We are also highlighting two remarkable organizations, The Rescue Mission of […]
Fall Pasta with Greens and Beans
Broadway Utica: Holiday Traditions on Stage
By Joanne Donaruma Wade The holidays have always been about tradition for me. One tradition I have always cherished was how, on Christmas Eve, all ten of us Trevisani siblings would wait upstairs in our pajamas, crowded into one room, until Mom and Dad finally called us down. We’d rush to see what Santa had […]
Carly Steet Mathias Digital Marketing Manager & Co-Owner of the Steet Ponte Auto Group
I’m proud to be a woman in the male-dominated auto industry, where I’ve learned to bring both perspective and persistence to the table—especially persistence. As the oldest daughter, I’ve got plenty of that! While the road hasn’t always been easy, seeing my initiatives—such as website improvements, social media content, and community events— come to fruition […]
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Turning Awareness into Action
By Dr. Juleen Qandah As an emergency physician, I see the importance of prevention every single day. October’s pink ribbons are more than symbols—they are reminders of the lives we can protect when we act early. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women, but when caught in its earliest stages, the survival rate […]
Arc Herkimer’s Next Chapter
“Leadership isn’t about sitting behind a desk. It’s about rolling up your sleeves, standing behind your team, not above them.” That line, delivered with quiet conviction, tells you almost everything you need to know about Lorene Bass. She is the kind of leader who makes you feel like you have known her forever: warm, approachable, […]
Jackie Walters, M3, Vice President of Planning and Operations, M3 Placement and Partnership
National Women’s Small Business Month is a powerful reminder of the impact women have when they lead and build with intention. At M3, we help organizations recruit and retain exceptional talent. In my role, I’m focused on partnerships and regional growth—through expanding access to workforce opportunities, supporting diversity, and collaborating with local organizations to strengthen […]
Kari Puleo, Executive Director of the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce
This is a time to recognize women’s contributions as business owners, leaders, and innovators and also acknowledge the challenges they still face. In my role, I see first hand the importance of spaces where women entrepreneurs can connect. By offering resources, advocacy, and collaborative opportunities, we’re helping women-owned businesses thrive. This year, the inaugural Experience […]
Harvest Strength
Functional strength, core, and the move indoors By Lisa Briggs Let October be about momentum, not overhaul. Frame your week around what the season gives you—crisp mornings, bold leaves, and calm evenings indoors. Rotate a hike, a leaf-peep walk, a 30-minute lift, and stair intervals. It’s balanced, joint-friendly, and built to last through fall. Choose […]