Archive: Around Town

Community Foundation of Tompkins Count Executive Director George Ferrari, Board of Directors Chair Mariette Geldenhuys, and board member Randy Ehrenberg came to Lansing Wednesday to learn about what is important to Lansing residents, and how the foundation can help the community reach its goals.  Nine Lansing people came to talk about community goals and challenges and to learn more about grant opportunities.

"We're really here to hear from you," Ferrari said.  "What you see as needs, opportunities, challenges, assets, ways that we can partner with everyone in the Town of Lansing to help you achieve the goals you have for your town."

The Community Foundation is a public charity that is grown by donations by many individuals.  They raise money for grants to municipalities, not-for-profits, schools, and other organizations, and gather information to inform decisions on who to award grants to and measure their effectiveness.  Organizations can also establish funds with the Foundation, making it easier for people to contribute to them.


The meeting was attended by Lansing Supervisor Kathy Miller, County Legislator Pat Pryor, Lansing Council members Ed LaVigne, Ruth Hopkins, and Robert Cree, Lansing School Business Administrator Mary June King, Michael Koplinka-Loehr, Maureen Cowen, and Roger Hopkins.  They talked about the challenges of high taxes and home prices, the community's pride in its schools, parks, recreation programs, and highway department, and a growing need for a community center, sidewalks, and street lighting.  The current push to build a town center and provide a sewer and infrastructure for it was discussed.

Lansing Community Library Librarian Susie Gutenberger explained that the library has already benefited several times from the foundation's services and grants.

"The Friends of the Library has started a fund with the foundation," she said.  "Our endowment for the library is there.  I believe it is now up to $54,000.  In addition to that relationship we were excited to receive a grant from the Rosen Fund for $7,600 that paid for teen workers, a book buddies program, many new books and craft materials... focussing on literacy and children and intergenerational play between the whole community.  Also we received a grant to purchase an early literacy computer which has been an invaluable resource that we could never have afforded on our own.  It helps bridge the digital divide for families that don't have computers at home."

Gutenberger said that a new grant will help fund the summer reading program.

Foundation officials have been conducting 'Listening Learning' sessions around the county to gather information on key needs and desires of local municipalities.  Wednesday's session was the last of the current series.  Ferrari asked about current key issues, resources for the community, and what an effective grant could accomplish.

LaVigne, who is also President of the Lansing Community Council talked about that group's fundraising efforts and events it sponsors, including Lansing Harbor festival and the July fireworks.  Cree said that the challenging economy has not changed the town's vision of its future, but has forced town officials to think of more efficient ways of achieving it.

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