Archive: Around Town

Adult students enrolled at the English as a Second Language (ESL) program through TST BOCES are learning so much more than just the English language; they are learning how to be a part of their new Ithaca and U.S. communities.

Julie Rudd Coulombe, Coordinator of the TST BOCES Adult ESL Program, says that the goal of her classes is to not only teach English, but to help her students feel like they are welcome. "Learning English here is a lot more than learning colors and numbers," said Coulombe. "We want our students to be able to connect with native English-speakers and feel a part of the Ithaca community."

Last week, Lehman Alternative Community School (LACS) students presented a performance installation culminating an eight-week immersive art program. Gathering in the school's black box theater, students hung large white sheets as a backdrop for projecting words, drawings, and colorful digital images. They incorporated layers of sound and art in the performance with instruments, sketches, jokes and stories.

"This project focused on art as an immersive experience where the artist becomes a performer, and the artwork becomes emotionally interactive to the viewer, who is surrounded with sound and movement," Gary Bercow, LACS art teacher, said. "We worked individually and in groups using sound, video, visual art and performance to create an installation and performance environment. The result was a final project presented as a performance installation filled with soundscapes."

by Sarah Post

Good day, new friend! My name is Snoopy and I'm eager to find my new forever person. I'm a sweet super pup who loves cuddling, eating snacks, showing off my tricks, and exploring the world with my hound nose. Don't let my age fool you, I love to run and play, and would love a large space for those activities. I know many commands such as come, sit, and down. My previous owner reports that I'm housebroken, walk well on leash, and am extremely loyal. I prefer calm dogs like me, and would be fine with middle school-aged children. My previous owner sadly brought me here because she had to move to a nursing home, but she loved me a lot and knows that my new person will too. Please come in and say hello, you won't meet a sweeter dog! I can't wait to meet you!


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TST BOCES Exceptional Education students recently held an "Author's Tea" visit with Dan Brown, Executive Director of Franziska Racker Centers.

As the children sat around Brown on the floor, he read the book "Fin M'coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill" by Tomie dePaola, which is an adventure story of an Irish giant who outwits his arch rival, Cucullin.

The popular local real estate radio show "HouseCALL" hosted by Susan Lustick returns to radio Saturday, April 2, 2016. The half hour segment will air on News Talk WHCU on Saturday mornings at 9:30am.

A leading realtor in the Ithaca area since 1989, Susan Lustick, NYS licensed associate real estate broker at Linz Real estate will share stories about buying houses, selling houses, living in houses and living in the Ithaca area. Susan will have special guests from the community join her on her show to cover a wide range of topics.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced approximately $9,234,796 in funding to New York to support the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (Federal Home Visiting Program). Nationally, $345 million in funding was awarded to 55 states, territories, and nonprofit organizations. These funds allow grantees to continue to expand voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services to women during pregnancy, and to parents with young children up to kindergarten entry.

"Evidence-based federal home visiting programs help children get off to a better, healthier start," said HRSA Acting Administrator Jim Macrae. "Today's awards allow New York and states around the nation to support local agencies in providing home visiting services that meet the needs of families in their own communities."

The home visiting program provides support for preventive health and prenatal practices such as helping mothers find suitable prenatal care, improve their diets, and reduce use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal substances.

A recent analysis done by Get Your GreenBack Tompkins shows that, despite the recent plunge in fossil fuel prices, heating with wood pellets is significantly more affordable than heating with fuel oil or propane. The analysis compared costs of different fuel sources per BTU (British Thermal Unit, a standard unit for measuring heat energy), and found that at present prices an average home in Tompkins County would spend almost $1,200 on wood pellets compared to close to $1,400 for heating oil and approximately $2,200 for propane.

The analysis is based on an average home using approximately 80 million BTUs per heating season.

Two years ago the Lansing Community Library added the slogan 'It's Yours' to its logo, encouraging every resident to feel a sense of ownership for our public library.  LCL's mission is to offer educational and enrichment opportunities for all the members of our community, whether they've been counting down the days to the release of a new novel or are those who prefer to watch the movie version despite all the hype that the book is so much better.  There are many good reasons to come to the library and sign up for a library card even if reading is not a favorite past time.  LCL offers programs, resources and opportunities that do not even involve opening a book.  

Start collecting candles now, because you're going to need a lot of them.  Tompkins County is turning 200 next year.  Legislature Chair Michael Lane, announced plans Thursday for a year-long celebration to commemorate Tompkins County's 200th anniversary.  Lane said the Tompkins County Bicentennial Commission is planning a year-long celebration that will commemorate the anniversary with events, cast iron historical markers, updated brochures, and a lot of community participation.

"We're pleased that we're going to have a year-long celebration," Lane said at a press conference Thursday.  "At its meeting Tuesday night the County Legislature adopted a resolution proclaiming the year, and saying it ought to be joined in by organizations across the County to remember the year as the 200th anniversary.  And that there ought to be things that are fun, educational, things that look back to our history, and celebrate the present, the services of the County and particularly our County employees.  And to look to the future as to how we can improve our services as a county in the next 200 years."

by Sarah Post

Hello dear visitor, I'm Punkin and as sweet as pie! I'm a ten year young spayed female orange tiger... how unique! I love looking out windows, sleeping in bed with my people, and playing with toy mice. Since I'm in my retirement age, I'd be happiest in a mellow, quiet household where I can nap the day away. I'm used to being indoors only, am great about using my litterbox, love head scratches, and get along fine with other calm animals. If I sound like the perfect mellow companion for you, come in and visit me today! I can't wait to meet you!


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Now preparing for reconstruction of the Middle School Audiorium and new music rooms in the high school, Lansing music teachers learned March 23rd it is one of 476 districts nationwide that has been recognized as among the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME).  The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation evaluated 13,515 urban, suburban and rural school districts to determine which communities are best at providing and supporting music education.

"The schools and districts that the NAMM Foundation honors this year with this award demonstrate a commitment to supporting music education and assuring opportunities for music learning in the curriculum for all students," said Mary Luehrsen of the NAMM Foundation. "We are moving from a time when curricula were narrowed due to pressure from testing and test-prep remediation to a broader view of what is important for all children. That includes access to a well-rounded education – and an opportunity to learn and grow with music and the arts. The schools and districts we recognize serve as models for other educators looking to develop standards-based music education programs."