The “shakers” behind Utica Inc.

For practically all of the last century, the village that adjoins Seneca to the east was a safe and vibrant community. Until the 20th century gave way to the 21st, life in Utica community revolved around a textile plant now closed. It’s generally agreed that the average plant worker may not have gotten rich, but he enjoyed a good life and a camaraderie with neighbors. Utica life included a public schools, churches for worship, a community store, at one time a YMCA, and in later years a community theatre. Unfortunately, a lot of what we hear these days involves fires and crime. Notwithstanding, there are still good folks left in Utica, and several are determined to work toward better conditions. We are leaning more about a new group called Utica Inc.—United Together in Community Advancement. Cheryl Crenshaw, the president, along with Phillip Kalchthaler, and Andy McKinney are three of the principals who are spearheading the effort. Their big goal is to build a community center for the youth of the community. The Utica Inc. officials were interviewed by 101.7/WGOG for a ‘Community Sound Off’ to air shortly after the first of the New Year.