March 12, 2026
Spark the Night: Our Community Shines Blue
Each April, communities around the world shine a light on Parkinson’s awareness. Here in the Mohawk Valley, that light shines bright as local businesses, organizations, and residents come together to “Spark the Night.”
Last year, nearly 20 Mohawk Valley businesses lit their buildings blue in honor of World Parkinson’s Day. Community Wellness Partners was proud to take part, joining hundreds of buildings and landmarks around the world in a powerful show of awareness and solidarity.
This global “Spark the Night” initiative helped shine a light on Parkinson’s awareness, encouraged important conversations, and showed support for those living with Parkinson’s and their families, right here in our community and beyond.
You can watch the video from PD Avengers highlighting last year’s participation here:
Lighting the Mohawk Valley Blue
This year, we’re hoping to see even more blue across the Mohawk Valley. Community Wellness Partners is inviting local businesses, organizations, and residents to join the effort by lighting buildings, landmarks, signage, windows, and homes blue throughout April in recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
Our goal for 2026 is to light more than 30 locations across the region, creating a visible show of support throughout the Mohawk Valley.
Alison J. Swartz, Parkinson’s Program Director for Community Wellness Partners, said, “This year, we opened the opportunity to neighboring communities throughout Oneida, Madison, Herkimer, and Otsego Counties. We are also asking local residents to participate. Many households already have controlled LED lighting or multi-colored bulbs to replace in lamps and other lighting. We ask for you to please change your colors to blue for April.”
Local Businesses and Neighbors Lighting the Way
We’re grateful for the many local businesses, organizations, and households that have already committed to lighting up blue this April. Their participation helps create a visible reminder that our community stands with those living with Parkinson’s disease.
Participating locations include:
Adirondack Bank Center & Nexus Center – Utica
Bank of Utica – Utica
Community at Sunset Wood – New Hartford
Community Wellness Partners, Lutheran Campus – Clinton
Craig Family Household – Sauquoit
E3 Auto Customs – Bridgewater
First Source Federal Credit Union – New Hartford
Gates Family Household – Sauquoit
GEM Agency – Clinton–New Hartford
The Kitchen Bin – Bridgewater
McCraith Beverages – New York Mills
Mohawk Valley Community College – Utica
Omni Surgery – Utica
Oneida County Office Building – Utica
The ROK Pub – Clinton
Rome Capitol Theater – Rome
Stanley Theater – Utica
Unadilla Forks Store Lofts – West Winfield
Utica City Hall, Utica Police & Fire Departments, St. Rt. 12 Arterial Pedestrian Bridge, John Street Roundabout, and Varick Street – Utica
Wynn Hospital (Oneida County Parking Garage)
Community Leaders Showing Their Support
In recognition of World Parkinson’s Day and Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Community Wellness Partners has also received commitments from local and state leaders to issue proclamations supporting Parkinson’s awareness.
As of now, support has been received from:
City of Rome – Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan
City of Utica – Mayor Michael Galime
NY State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon
NY State Assemblyman Brian Miller
NY State Senator Joseph Griffo
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente
Town of New Hartford Supervisor Jim Messa
Village of Clinton – Mayor Elizabeth C. Tantillo
Swartz added, “Thank you to our local elected officials, companies, and organizations who have committed to Parkinson’s Awareness Month through sparking their buildings and landmarks blue and committing support through proclamations.”
Another Way to Participate: Blue Jeans for Parkinson’s
For those looking for another way to get involved, Community Wellness Partners will also be hosting “Blue Jeans for Parkinson’s” during the week of April 13.
Supporters are encouraged to donate $5 to wear blue jeans in honor of those living with Parkinson’s disease and to help support Community Wellness Partners’ Parkinson’s programs.
Every Blue Light Makes a Difference
Every blue light helps raise awareness, shows support, and reminds those affected by Parkinson’s that they are not alone. By lighting our community blue, we can spark conversations, inspire understanding, and strengthen connections for individuals and families living with Parkinson’s.
Together, we can continue to show that our community stands with them.
