Operation Northern Comfort CEO Laurel Flanagan on the Syracuse Crawfish Festival Fundraiser On Good News York, host Noah interviews Laurel Flanagan, CEO of Operation Northern Comfort, about the organization’s origins after Hurricane Katrina, its continued disaster-response trips, and its current work in Central New York providing free ramps and lifts to residents who otherwise can’t safely leave their homes. Laurel previews the 19th annual Syracuse Crawfish Festival, held the first Saturday in May (May 2) in Clinton Square from 11–7, the group’s major fundraiser, featuring a family zone with books and literacy activities, local bands on a main stage plus a quieter second stage, Cajun and local foods (including crawfish, jambalaya, gumbo, beignets), crafters, and a mascot dance-off judged in part by the mayor. She shares her path from volunteering to becoming CEO after founder Norm’s passing, and invites viewers to volunteer or donate at operationnc.org, noting upcoming bookshelf builds and frequent ramp requests. 00:00 Perspective And Smiles 00:19 Meet Laurel Flanagan 00:31 Crawfish Festival Details 01:04 Origins After Katrina 02:42 Ramps Lifts And Mission 04:38 Family Zone And Literacy 05:51 Music Stages And Food 08:50 Crowds Weather And Growth 11:44 Improving The Experience 13:53 Clinton Square Home Base 14:38 City Support And Wrap 14:50 Mascot Dance Off 15:50 Meet the Mascots 16:52 Founder Norm’s Impact 18:22 Laurel Joins the Cause 20:59 Documenting Katrina Work 22:08 Leading After Loss 23:13 Service Trips and Local Help 25:43 How to Volunteer Next 27:02 Show Wrap and Sponsors