- By David Foote
- Around Town
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Aurora, New York— While Wells' location on the shores of Cayuga Lake is ideal for students seeking an education away from the distraction of urban life, the Finger Lakes' natural setting is also known for numerous nearby vegetable and dairy farms, orchards, vineyards, and gardeners. "Aurora has a number of restaurants and ways to purchase prepared foods," said Marian Brown, Wells' director for the Center for Sustainability and the Environment, "but the village doesn't offer easy access to many locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables for most of the year." In order to better connect the campus and surrounding community with these local foods, Marian recently helped secure a grant to fund a sustainable farmers market for the village of Aurora.The market will be located near the Wells Boat House—a convenient walking distance from residence halls—and will provide students with access to delicious, locally grown produce at least once a week. Michelle Landers, Wells' Coordinator of Corporation and Foundation Relations, and Bonnie Bennett, the mayor of Aurora, were instrumental in supporting the effort. The funding for this grant was awarded by the Cayuga Health Association Fund, a component of the Cayuga Community Fund, which is an affiliate fund of the Central New York Community Foundation.
The Finger Lakes Land Trust announced Monday that it has accepted a donation of a conservation easement on 46 hillside acres overlooking Cayuga Lake from Mike and Carrie Koplinka-Loehr.
The United Way of Tompkins County (UWTC) Board of Directors recently unanimously approved funding recommendations totaling $57,940 to support local health and human services and programs. Elaine Quaroni and Scott Keenan, UWTC Community Investment Committee Co-Chairs and Board Members, presented funding recommendations to the Board of Directors for the Fall Hunger & Food Security Fund, totaling $30,940.
The Paleontological Research Institution has been awarded $1.46 million in funds from the 2014 Regional Economic Development Council Awards. The funds will be used to complete and expand on the extensive renovations of the Cayuga Nature Center.
Tables full of of food spilled out into the hallway at the Lansing Food Pantry in The FIELD Saturday as kids from local soccer clubs and Kids In Action Now (KANS) helped sort and box cartloads of food and other items. The December food pantry distribution day is traditionally a special day, including turkeys and chickens for holiday dinners, as well as more food than usual.
Friendly Fred came to us when his previous owner could no longer take care of him. This poor guy has very sensitive skin and was not treated for fleas in his last home. We've taken care of the fleas so we expect that, with time, his skin will improve and his hair will grow back. Fred is certainly a lap cat, and reportedly likes to cuddle on your neck. He enjoys attention from people so much that when he wants you to pick him up he will actually put his paws up to get your attention! If you're looking for a loving, active cat look no further; Fred's the guy for you!
If you eat at Rogues' Harbor Inn, three people in need also eat. It is that simple - you order an entré the inn donates a dollar, which buys three meals for people in need. The program is currently running and continues throughout December. Rogue's Harbor owner Eileen Stout says she wants to keep it simple - no forms, no donation jars, nothing extra to do.
Senator Mike Nozzolio will speak at the annual 'Wreaths Across America' service on Saturday, December 13th at the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Romulus. A holiday wreath will be placed on the grave of every veteran buried in the cemetery. Senator Mike Nozzolio will join with local veterans, community leaders as well as the families and friends of those buried at Sampson to honor their service to our Nation. The event is open to the public is everyone is encouraged to attend this meaningful event.
The Sciencenter's winter exhibition, 'TreeHouses' opens Saturday, January 10. Produced by the Environmental Exhibit Collaborative (ECC) with support from Jane's Trust, the Cabot Family Charitable Trust, and the Institute for Museum and Library Services, 'TreeHouses' includes fun, hands-on ways to explore the important roles that trees play in providing homes to animals. Incorporating all of the senses, this exhibit engages forest explorers of all ages in indoor nature explorations and the ecology of sustainable harvesting of this important natural resource
Eight projects received Women Building Community (WBC) Grants totaling $20,000, announced Betty Falcao, president of the City Federation of Women's Organizations (CFWO) board. WBC Grant recipients were recognized at an event December 10 celebrating the ways they will help to improve the lives of Tompkins County women and girls.
The Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) has awarded 17 Teacher Grants totaling $25,000 for projects to be carried out during the 2014-15 school year. The grants will enhance learning for approximately 1,700 Ithaca City School District (ICSD) students.