Archive: Around Town

The Rotary Club of Ithaca is pleased to introduce five individuals who have recently joined the service club. These community members volunteer in Tompkins County and bring professional experience from the business and not-for-profit sectors. Ithaca Rotary’s motto is 'Service Above Self.' Membership is open to all who share in this belief; new members are accepted year-round.

"The Ithaca Rotary Club is delighted to welcome these individuals," said Rotary Membership Chair Ron Provus. "Our members come from all walks of life and have a wide variety of interests to match those of Rotary. As members of Ithaca Rotary, individuals give of their time and skills to positively impact the needs of our community."

The Discovery Trail honored Jennifer Engel and Frank Robinson Monday with the Explorer Award. The purpose of the Discovery Trail Explorer Award is to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Discovery Trail through their service, since 2007 four other awards have been given.

Jennifer Engel, founding member and former President and VP of Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI), was honored for her outstanding leadership and commitment to education and the children in the Ithaca City School District through her efforts to pilot and grow the Kids Discover the Trail! Ithaca program. Frank Robinson, former Richard J. Schwartz Director of the Johnson Museum of Art, was honored for his extraordinary leadership in education during his 15 years of service on the Discovery Trail board.

It begins with the end of the story…

It's a cold December day, quiet, before dawn. Little Olivia stirs and awakens with a start. Not quite understanding the mixed messages she was getting from Mom last night; she knows that there is something special about this day. A few colored lights are up; a small tree is decorated in the corner. Under the tree, a red ribbon wrapped around its neck, a fuzzy new friend beckons for a hug. The little girl and her new stuffed companion find each other, and a long happy friendship begins. A special Christmas day for her for sure, and a second life for the teddy bear, who was once another little girl's special friend.

Village of Lansing Trustees approved a deer management program for the tenth year, allotting up to $2,000 to pay for part of the program.  Only approved bow hunters will participate in the program, which will allow them to hunt 24 hours a day during a special season requested by Village officials and approved by the The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).  After ten years there are signs that the program has been successful.

"Anecdotally people tell me they have things growing in their yards now that they haven’t seen for years," said former Trustee Lynn Leopold.  "I’ve heard that from quite a few people, so the pressure is off."

Dear Margaret: My fiancée and I were at her boss’s house the other night, and I don’t know what got into her, but she began making me sound like a complete idiot. We were watching a movie and she made comments like, "Jake, do you understand what’s going on? Ha ha." She was demeaning and unusually insensitive. When we got home we argued until about 3:00 in the morning. She would apologize, followed by an excuse for her behavior. That doesn’t feel like she regretted her actions.  I’m still not feeling good about this a week later. How can I get resolution?
Humiliated
 

by Sarah Post

   Meet Maxine, a beautiful calico with white, black and orange fur. Isn't she pretty? She was found as a stray, and the shelter environment is quite an adjustment, so she may be quite shy and nervous when you first meet her. Maybe you could give her a new, loving home where she will warm up to you! She would need to be the only cat in the home, but thankfully she's so sweet, you won't need anyone else! Her favorite activities include watching the birds outside, playing with toys, and greeting all the SPCA visitors. Maxine has been spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped, so she is ready to find her forever home. Come visit her today!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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The lineup for the 90th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will include 23 dancers from Armstrong School of Dance (ASD), including five dancers from Lansing. The ASD dancers will perform with the Spirit of America Dance Stars. The parade will also feature the return of the Muppets, Olympians Laurie Hernandez, Claressa Shields, Michelle Carter, Hannah McFadden, and Tatyana McFadden, and entertainers Tony Bennett, Regina Spektor, Sarah McLachlan, and De La Soul.

Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick proclaimed last Sunday "Dancing with the Mayor" day in honor of the 23 dancers from Armstrong School of Dance (ASD) who will dance in the 90th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

by Sarah Post

  Hello! My name is Mitsy, and I'm a beautiful 5-year-old calico cat with a loving personality! I arrived at the SPCA sniffling and sneezing... Turns out I had a hole in the top of my mouth that was causing the sniffles and other issues, so I was given surgery to fix me right up. I have also been spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped, so I am ready to go home with you... Could you be my fur-ever person? I may be a little shy at first, but promise, I am VERY friendly! Come in and meet me today!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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A group of boy scouts led by Eagle Scout candidate Toby Green were drilling holes in concrete Saturday morning, preparing to erect siding on a concrete slab outside Lansing High School.  When finished, the structure will be a covered bicycle rack.  Green, who bikes to school himself, says he'll do it more often when there is a dry place to park it.

"The school already has a bike rack, but it's not covered, so if it rains it deters me from biking," Green says.  "If your bike gets wet you have to re-oil the chains.  It's sort of a pain.  I know some of the faculty also bikes to school, so I thought we'd make a covered bike rack and hopefully more people will bike to school."

Dear Margaret: I work in an elementary school as a playground helper and there is a child that is continually causing problems. He isn’t particularly mean to other kids, but goes out of his way to break the rules. I’ve brought this to the attention of the principal, but she isn’t doing anything about it. For instance, this kid will swing as high as he can on the swing set and then jump off. I find myself thinking, "If he breaks his arm at least I won't have to deal with him for a few weeks." Sick, right? I have brought it to the attention of the parents, and their response is, "My little Johnny would never do that." I don't want to not like a child.  I also don’t actually want this kid to get seriously injured. I can’t make him sit in a time out because he won’t stay. I can’t physically force him to sit, because I can’t put my hands on him and don’t want to. How can I deal with this situation?
Difficulty with Bad Seed
 

Stepping back into the 18'th century is as easy as walking through the door to the Pineville Tavern.  From the foot thick stone walls of the original 1742 building to the antique woodwork to the oilcloth tablecloths, it is a refreshing step back in time.

Cold outside with a bit of snow on the ground, the warmth of both the staff and the other patrons let us know this would be a delightful experience. Cozy, quiet but not stifling, smiles from families and couples and a medley of aromas hinted at the culinary treats to come.

November 15th is America Recycles Day (ARD), the only nationally-recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling and waste reduction in the U.S.  Residents in Tompkins County are recycling more than ever, as the County moves toward a goal of 75% waste diversion by 2020.

Staff members of the Tompkins County Solid Waste Division (TCSW) will be on hand at local businesses promoting various recycling initiatives and encouraging residents to sign the "Be Recycled" pledge, affirming their commitment to a recycling lifestyle.