Archive: Around Town

The Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI)'s first round of Red and Gold Grants this year includes awards to Ithaca City School District (ICSD) teachers for exploring a range of programs connecting community and curricula—from yoga and engineering to local farming and languages.

"We were very pleased to receive so many proposals showing innovative and engaging project-based learning," said Joyce Putnam, chair of IPEI's Red and Gold Grants Committee. "This first round of one-time grants included awards to 21 projects totaling $9,555. These funds will assist with programs in five elementary schools, two middle schools and Ithaca High School."

Greenbelt, MD – Whenever there is an emergency – a fire, a car wreck, or a medical crisis – most people rely on their local fire department for help. What most don't realize is that in these situations, there's a good chance that the emergency responders who answer the call are volunteers. In fact, 69 percent of the nation's firefighters are volunteers, and 90 percent of fire departments utilize either an all-volunteer force or a combination of volunteer and career personnel.

Fire service volunteers respond to all types of emergencies, providing communities critical protection with fire suppression, emergency medical services, search and rescue, traffic incident management, natural disaster response, and hazardous materials incidents. Communities nationwide count on these volunteers to be there in their greatest times of need.

This Fall marked the start of the new Finger Lakes Regional Hockey Association (FLRHA), based at the RINK.  The new USA Hockey-affiliated association adds to the mix of options offered by the established Ithaca Youth Hockey and Tompkins Girls Hockey Association.  Squirt Travel Coach and Safe Sport Coordinator Jay Sciarabba says the Lansing-based association is an attempt to restore excitement about youth hockey.

"Were trying to get back to the old days of hockey," he says.  "Our mission is to have a successful house program for kids to have that ability, and then the kids who want to play travel will have that ability, too.  It's fun because there's a buzz here that we haven't had in a long time.  That's what we want to get back to.  Can Tompkins County survive with two associations?  Yes it can.  Our philosophy is that any kid in Tompkins County should have the ability to play recreational hockey.  All the kids are the same.  They all have the same color socks, the same color pants, gloves and helmets.  So they're all on the same playing field.  We're making the association more family oriented so everybody is the same."

by Sarah Post

Good Day to you, dear visitor. My name is Mia and, to put it bluntly, I've had a pretty rough time of it this year. My people said I am the nicest and most intelligent cat there is, 'a bundle of love' after I get to know you. Talking in a high-pitched voice seems to help. At the moment, however, I'm recovering from a pretty bad and very uncomfortable skin condition which had the vets mystified at first. Part of it appears to be a burn, which is greatly improved - yay! I'm wearing my Thundershirt to keep me from scratching or otherwise irritating the sore spots; that will probably be needed for a while longer, even though I'm feeling MUCH better! The great SPCA folks think I will be MUCH more friendly and anxious to be loved and stroked when I'm totally cured. Have you got the patience to help me heal and become cuddly and loving once more? I'm looking forward to being my old self again.

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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Syracuse I-Day
On October 27, 2015 students from Groton, Dryden, and McGraw attended the leading regional insurance conference know as I-Day. Groton high school's College and Career Prep class arrived early to school that day and boarded a coach bus that took them to the Syracuse Oncenter. Once they arrived, the day began with a continental breakfast at 8:00 a.m. The students then listened to an engaging talk by motivational speaker Ryan Hanley, Head of Marketing at TrustedChoice.com.

Throughout the day the students networked and interviewed people in the insurance industry as they explored the exhibit hall and vendor booths where they picked up a lot of complementary items. They keynote presentation was held during a professional luncheon. The speaker was former Syracuse Alumnus and retired NFL player Donovan Jamal McNabb.

Do the Fundamental Things Still Apply?

As Time Goes By was made famous after Ingrid Bergman, playing Ilsa in the movie Casablanca, said: “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By.’” Reluctantly, Dooley Wilson as Sam the piano player in Rick’s Café Américain, began singing As Time Goes By.  Although Humphrey Bogart, playing Rick Blaine in the movie was clearly displeased to hear Sam sing the song again, the general public felt differently. As Time Goes By immediately became a sensation, and it is considered the number two movie song of all time by The American Film Institute, second only to Over the Rainbow.

As Time Goes By was written by Herman Hupfeld in 1931 for the play Everybody’s Welcome, which played at New York’s Shubert Theatre from October 31, 1931 to February 13, 1932. Frances Williams, who played Polly Bascom, sang As Time Goes By in the play and Rudy Vallee first recorded the song. Murray Burnett, while a senior at Cornell University, heard Vallee’s rendition of the song and it became one of his favorite songs. He played it so much that his Pi Lambda Phi fraternity brothers threatened to throw him and his Victrola out the window. After graduation, Burnett got a job as a substitute teacher at Central Commercial High School in Manhattan.

About 25 residents turned out last week to participate in a planning workshop that could impact the future look of Lansing.  A group of students from Cornell's Design Connect program elicited input and gave a presentation on 'Form Based Planning'.  The idea is that design regulations are applied to specific areas of a municipality to insure a predetermined look to an area.  It differs from traditional zoning in that it is very specific and in many cases more restrictive.  Form based zoning code is a regulation, not a guideline, so the result is predictable-looking building that could shape historical districts, town centers, or established neighborhoods.  This could potentially give Lansing a tool to shape parts of the township.

As residents walked into the Town Hall they were asked to write down ideas for things they would like to see or preserve in the Town.  Citizens wrote the things they love about the township, things they would like to see developed, and improvements to the Town they desire.  This was followed by a presentation, after which residents broke up into smaller groups.  Examples were shown from communities that have used form based code.  Pictures of design types were displayed for residents to choose their preferences.

by Sarah Post

How do ya do?! I'm Pupperoni, a two year old Basset Hound/Lab mix looking for a perfect person to call my very own. I think everything is fun, interesting and meant for play, especially you. Anything you do, I’ll want to do too. With my own brand of surprises, life with me will keep you constantly on your toes, and the fun is guaranteed. I'm a little picky about my dog friends, so if you have one at home, an introduction at the shelter is a must. Middle school aged children or older would be fine for me! If I sound like the perfect new best friend, come in and visit me today! I can't wait to meet you!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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Congressman Tom Reed was in Ithaca Tuesday to present a proclamation honoring home health care professionals and their work in providing care to individuals who live independently in their own homes.  Employees of Visiting Nurse Service of Ithaca and Tompkins County (VNS) were joined by other local Health Care organization representatives in welcoming Reed.  He told them he has personal experience of home health care, saying his mother had benefited from it before she passed away in her own home.

"I have 11 older brothers and sisters.  We've seen first hand, treatment in a hospital and treatment at home," he said.  "I can assure you that the Reed family -- we like to be home.  So we want to take a moment and do the right thing and recognize everything you do here for the constituents and the people of the 23rd Congressional District here in Ithaca and Tompkins County.  Job well done."

Rev. Dr. David A. Kaden will be installed as Senior Minister of the First Congregational Church of Ithaca on Sunday, November 15 at 3:00 p.m. at its 309 Highland Road, Ithaca, location.

Rev. Dr. Douglas J. Green, Pastor Emeritus of the First Congregational Church, will deliver the sermon.  The Susquehanna Association of the New York United Church of Christ (UCC) will be represented by Rev. Barbara Wright and the New York Conference UCC by Rev. Dr. Marsha Williams.  They will also participate in the liturgy of installation.

Nearly three-quarters of the approximately 890,000 veterans living in New York served during wartime, including 31 percent in the Vietnam War-era, according to a snapshot released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

"New York is home to nearly 900,000 men and women who have served bravely to safeguard our freedom," DiNapoli said. "Across the country and in our state, we'll be forever indebted to our veterans for their service and their sacrifices. We need to offer essential programs for the men and women who serve in our military to show our appreciation for their service and support their return to civilian life."

Ithaca Carshare has reached member 5000. That's quite a long way from their humble beginnings in 2008 with six cars and two staff members. Now, over 1,400 members have access to 25 cars in Ithaca and travel 250,000 miles annually.

In 2015, Ithaca Carshare has expanded their program serving local organizations and businesses, and deepened partnerships with local organizations like the Cayuga Waterfront Trail and Bike Walk Tompkins. Ithaca Carshare's subsidized Easy Access program continues to be a success. Since 2010, 129 low-income community members have benefited from the program, reporting that access to Ithaca Carshare means more self-sufficiency and easier access to grocery stores and medical appointments.