Archive: Around Town

Avoid the 'summer slide!'

Numerous studies show that one way to keep skills sharp over the summer is to read regularly.  In an effort to prevent students from falling behind, and at the same time encourage each other to continue to read wildly, the entire Lansing Middle School sixth grade has made a commitment to provide free, 24/7 access to books throughout the summer.

Myers Park will be the site of the Lansing Fireworks for the fifth year next Friday (July 3rd) starting at 6pm.  Fireworks in the park has become a Lansing tradition, including food, music, and of course, finishing the night with a bang.  This year organizer Dennis Griffin says the show will be bigger and better than ever.

"The fireworks will last at least a half an hour this year," Griffin says.  "This year we increased it.  I'm looking forward to the bigger show, and everybody coming to the park and having fun."

by Rochelle Davis

My name's Shortcake! I come from the town of Caroline. My owner surrendered me for an unknown reason. I am describe as a nice girl who is a bit nervous and shy at first, but warms up. I can be pretty vocal and love attention and affection. I don't seem to like other cats, however, so I would do best in a home with no feline friends. I have the cutest little tail and a sweet belly. Come stop by and visit me today!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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The Sciencenter launched the public phase of a multi-year, $3.8 million capital campaign last week that will expand and enhance nearly all of the museum's exhibits and educational programs. The Campaign: Curious. Confident. Inspired., will provide the support the museum needs to foster science learning at each major developmental stage – from toddlers, through elementary school, to the teen years. Through enhanced exhibit experiences, new and expanded programs, facility upgrades, and an endowment for sustainability, each of the museum's three age-based initiatives will receive support through the campaign.

"We want every young person to appreciate the power of science and how it will shape the world they will soon inherit," said Charlie Trautmann, Executive Director of the Sciencenter. "We are replacing or reinventing nearly all of our exhibits – indoors and out. We are expanding our educational efforts and moving a few walls to better support our programs.  And we are removing financial barriers, so that the Sciencenter will be accessible to everyone in our community."

The Cornell Public Service Center (PSC), partnering with the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (OADI) and The Ithaca City School District (ISCD) has been granted a NYS Department of Education Science Technology Entry Program (STEP) grant to provide pre-college support for 99 low income and/or underrepresented minority students in grades 7-12 in the Ithaca City School District on their path to college and careers in STEM fields and the licensed professions.
 
The grant will provide just under $200,000/year for five years, to hire additional professional staff and student tutors to provide academic enrichment in science and mathematics content areas and college application support with the aim of increasing the number of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students prepared to enter college, and improve their participation rate in mathematics, science, technology, health related fields and the licensed professions.
 

Williamsville, N.Y. – With summer a mere days away, this is the perfect time to spice up the grilling season for those interested in more than the traditional favorites like burgers and hot dogs. Tops Friendly Markets has ideas to take a different spin on summer cookouts.

"It was a long and harsh winter for most of our customers so we're sure most everyone is ready to welcome the warmth and kick grilling season into high gear," said Mark DeFazio, Tops' director of deli and Carry Out Café®. "Grilling techniques and ideas evolve every year and 2015 is no different. New trends this year have more people trying pizza or even desserts on a new grill without having to break the bank."

The Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response's 9-1-1 Center has successfully met all Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) requirements for the Project 33 Agency Training Program Certification. The department began pursuing certification in 2014 and is the first public safety dispatch center in New York State to earn this national certification.

The APCO Project 33 Training Certification is a process for public safety agencies to certify their training programs as meeting APCO American National Standards (ANS). The Tompkins County 9-1-1 Center applied for certification last year and submitted its curriculum, training materials and supporting documentation for compliance review, demonstrating the agency's commitment to training its dispatchers in order to provide the best possible service to the community while meeting national standards.

Lansing Housing Authority (LHA) Board Member and Secretary Connie Wilcox reported Wednesday that Woodsedge is at full capacity and running smoothly.  She said the board has considered expansions, including a second 40 unit building plus an expansion of the existing community room.

"Woodsedge is at full occupancy," she told the Lansing Town Board.  "One bedroom apartments have a waiting list of 20 potential tenants, and six are waiting for two-bedroom apartments.  Don't let that throw you off.  They like to maintain a waiting list of at least 13 people for one-bedroom apartments and three for two-bedrooms."

The Tompkins County YMCA teamed up with New Roots Charter School to offer week-long intensive courses that can result in American Red Cross certifications.  In late May six students received their American Red Cross Lifeguard certification course after spending a week in the pool with YMCA employee and American Red Cross instructor Ryan Allen learning lifesaving techniques and rescues as well as CPR and First Aid.

"These skills have helped me get a jump on my future. Now I have more opportunities to get a job at a pool this summer, maybe even at the YMCA!" says Ella Bard, a senior at New Roots who took the course.  "I now feel more accomplished and prepared for emergencies when and if they happen," says Shannon Raymond, a junior at New Roots.

Unanimous votes followed by a celebration began Monday's Board Of Education meeting Monday, when four Lansing elementary school teachers and one high school teacher were awarded tenure.  School Board President Glenn Swanson congratulated the teachers, and Superintendent Chris Pettograsso spoke briefly about their accomplishments.

"I've gotten to see many of them as their principal at the elementary school," she said.  "They are great educators.  There are a lot of things we've been focussing on in the last couple of years: the 'Love Your People' campaign, and 'Caring and Kindness In Our Schools'.  The people here really embody that."

NYSSMA CONFERENCE ALL-STATE
 
  Women’s Chorale
    Emary Iacubucci    
 
  Mixed Chorus
    Joel Beckwith

NYSSMA JR. HIGH AREA ALL-STATE

 Orchestra
    Mikaela Garcia    

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