Archive: Around Town

Last Saturday (01/14) Town Supervisor Steve Farkas presented a Lansing throw to Senator Michael F. Nozzolio in appreciation for his support of the town on the State level. "On behalf of the Farkas family and the Town of Lansing I'd like to present you with a token of our gratitude," said Farkas. "Lansing has been fortunate to have Senator Nozzolio behind us all the way. We have been able to do a lot of things and we continue to be able to do them, because he has been with us. He's always been there."

Then, unable to resist putting in a plug, he added, "I'm also the Vice president of the Lions Club and we're selling these!"

The Lansing Lions Club is, indeed, selling the throws to raise money to build a band stand in Myers park.  The lions have a long tradition of donating buildings to the Town, including the pavilions in Myers Park and the Town Community Center building.  Working with the Town, the Lions are determining the best size and type of gazebo to serve the needs of the Town and hold a good sized band.  Estimates are between $10,000 and $40,000.

Buying a throw is one way to contribute.  Lions Membership Chairwoman Noni Krom says the Lions hope to realize at least $6,000 from the sale of the throws.  Selling for $48, the all cotton throw features scenes from around town.  "We've sold enough to pay for the throws," Krom says, "but now we have to make some money for the band stand."

"There is the community center, Rogues Harbor, our original South Lansing Inn," says Krom.  "The lighthouse at Myers Park.  Farming is represented by a barn and a cow from north Lansing.  Ludlowville Falls was known as our "miniature Niagara" when I fist moved here.  We have the first Lansing Central High School, that was known as Ludlowville High."  Cargill Mining gave a picture that is on it, plus a generous donation toward the band stand."

Krom designed the throw, which was manufactured by Mill Street Design in Bridgeport PA.  Though the Lions took many pre-orders starting at their Fourth of July Barbecue, the finished products only arrived in late December.  Krom stayed in constant touch with the manufacturer to make sure the throws would arrive before Christmas.

Krom has been working with fellow Lions on the project for a couple of years.  "This was a pet project for me," she says.  "I wanted a project that was something that the Lions hadn't done.  My father was one of the funding members of the (Lansing) Lions club.  I remember when they built the first pavilion.  I remember how proud they were.  I felt the same way when we got the throws."

The Lions hope the band stand can be constructed and ready for use this summer, though this is not a firm goal.  The band stand is likely to cost more than originally thought, and they want to provide the right structure for the Town's needs.  

Private donors who give $200 or more toward the band stand will have a plaque with their name on it placed on the structure.  Several such donors have already contributed (including this publication) but the Lions can use plenty more.  "This is something that will benefit a lot of different uses," says Krom.  "Elderly can have meetings in the summer, churches could have services on Sunday morning.  The goal is to have it for multiple uses."

The throws are one way the Lions know they can fund the band stand.  Information on purchasing a throw or donating to the band stand is on the Lion Club's Web Site.  One of the throws is hanging in the Town Hall, where you can see it as you enter.  "We knew that they would sell," Krom says.  "This is something of Lansing that people can keep forever."

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