Archive: Around Town

As part of Invasive Species Awareness Week in New York, State Senator Michael Nozzolio is urging all New Yorkers to take action to protect lands and waters from invasive species that can be harmful to people’s health, animal habitats, agriculture and tourism.

“The Finger Lakes Region provides some of the best lands, lakes, rivers, and waterways in our state for outdoor recreation, and we need to be sure that we are taking proactive steps to protect these valuable natural resources”, said Nozzolio.  “I urge all the residents of our Finger Lakes community and all New Yorkers across the State, to educate themselves on how to prevent the spread of harmful invasive species and to work together so that we can protect our most important natural resources".

Lovely Lady is a super sweet, laid back Border Collie mix who was surrendered when her owner had to move. She's a healthy ten year old who still enjoys daily walks and the company of other calm dogs. Although we don't know a lot about Lady's history, we expect her to be an incredibly loyal companion for someone as she can't ever seem to get enough attention. Lady would be happiest in a quieter home where she can live out her golden years getting spoiled to no end! Come in and meet this gentle soul today - you won't be able to resist taking her home!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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Relay for Life of Tompkins County won the first round of Tompkins Trust Company’s Community Minute Challenge and took home a $1,000 cash prize.  The Community Minute Challenge, a social media contest, is an extension of Tompkins Trust Company’s Community Minute Program, which promotes local non-profits on the radio every month.  At the end of the contest a year from now, one local organization will walk away with $6,000.

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Seventy-five volunteers gave 223 hours of service valued at approximately $5,000, to 12 local nonprofit organizations during United Way’s annual Days of Action June 19-21. Six businesses participated as a part of the “Stand Up, Stand Out” campaign.

Teams from Cornell University, HOLT Architects, Maguire Family of Dealerships, International Food Network, Taitem Engineering, and CFCU Community Credit Union read stories to children, weeded gardens, laid mulch, pruned trees, and more.

This June, the Belle Sherman Elementary School community revealed a hand-painted mural designed to honor the influence of the Haudenosaunee (also called Iroquois or People of the Longhouse) in New York State. Displayed near the school’s front entrance, the mural culminated a year-long Social Studies project funded by two integrated Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) Teacher Grants awarded to fourth-grade teachers Tara Ciatoli, Nancy Thompson and Joseph Volpe.

“At the “reveal” school assembly, very young children to adults sat spellbound for a long time, listening to the beautiful words of these leaders,” said Randi Beckman, Belle Sherman first grade teacher, who attended the event hosted by the Belle Sherman fourth grade and Haudenosaunee community members. “Somehow everyone felt what a special and important day this was.”

17 scouts from Troop 48 went on a fantastic canoeing trip June 20th down the Tioughnioga River.  The scouts stayed in Lighthouse Landing campground near Marathon, NY.  In the morning they ate breakfast and made lunch.  They rented canoes and kayaks and were dropped off at the launching site in Blodgett Mills.  The campers and those who joined them went down the river and had loads of fun paddling 15 miles.

There was some splashing and flipping and LOTS of water.  The assistant scout master (not mentioning any names) kept jumping from boat to boat to visit his scouts.

75  students received their diplomas last Friday at Lansing High School's 66th Annual Commencement.  High School Principal Colleen Ledley said 45% of the class earned Regents diplomas with advanced designation.  8 students earned a technical endorsement through their work at TST BOCES in addition to their high school diplomas.  Six students have jobs lined up, and two are entering the military this summer. 

29 classmates are enrolled in two year colleges, and 38 will attend four year colleges.  64 seniors earned 557 college-now credits, averaging 8.7 college credits per student.  25 graduates took a total of 58 Advance Placement exams in ten subjects.  41 graduates were awarded over $29,000 in scholarships Friday evening.

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"School ends and they don't get on the bus the following Monday.  All of a suden, holy smokes! we've got to find something to do!" says Park Superintendent and Recreation Director Steve Colt.  "Kids want to stay active.  They want to do something with their friends.  We had five camps start this week.  We have six starting next week.  We have upwards of thirty or forty different choices, different camps throughout the course of the summer including the Youth Services ones."

That's a lot of camps!  The selection is dazzling.  They include sports camps, activity camps, nature camps, music camps, Spanish camp... archery, orchestra, Lego, games, art, golf, cross country and track, horse back riding, soccer, softball, reading, bowling, baseball, football, basketball, ceramics, cooking, yoga, and general activity camps.  Additionally Lansing Youth Services is offering weekly programs including Dungeons & Dragons, Green thumbs, Art & Soul, Hiking, Rockets, board and other games, and woodworking.

Rosalind is a 16 year old sweetheart who came to the shelter with a chronically fractured jaw and later was found to have a heart murmur and dental disease. She is eating canned food without a problem and multiple procedures have been performed, although there is great risk with anesthesia because of her heart murmur. Rosalind is in need of a loving family who will take her in as a hospice patient. All adoption fees have been waived in her case. There is very little that can be done for her, unless it is performed by a board certified veterinary specialist. However, the SPCA staff and volunteers are willing to do everything they can to find this sweet and affectionate girl a home! If you have it in your heart to let this lovable lady live out her last few years with you, contact the SPCA of Tompkins County today to learn more about her!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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Jeff EvenerThe Board Of Education voted unanimously Monday to appoint Jeffery Evener as Lansing Middle School Principal, replacing retiring Principal Jamie Thomas.  The board also unanimously voted to approve tenure for Kyle Rizzo, Brittany Novitzki and Lindsay Kacapyr before taking a break in the meeting for a celebration with cake and punch.

Jeffery Evener (Probationary Appointment as Middle School Principal in the High School Tenure Area)
"We had a little fewer than 50 people involved in the hiring process," Superintendent Chris Pettograsso told Evener.  "To have consensus amongst all of them including parents, administrators, students... it was pretty amazing.  It was an easy decision.  We are very excited to have you joining our team.  I know you're excited as well.  When you came in and spoke we pretty much knew.  I was so excited.  We started talking that very same night and connecting.  Welcome to Lansing."

According to a study conducted by WalletHub.com the best place to go for fireworks this Fourth Of July is Richmond, VA.  Of 100 cities the site analyzed Richmond gets the number one overall rating.  New York City is 73 out of 100.  Durham, NC is the worst.  But according to Community Council President Ed LaVigne, Lansing's own Myers Park is the best place for fireworks this year, and will top even Richmond.  He says that is because the event is all about community.

"We're the best kept secret," LaVigne says.  "We have a packed house every year. People have a great time every year.  So we must be doing something right."

When the Lansing Community Council wanted to replace the aging playground in Myers Park it solicited donations of time and money in all the traditional ways.  Volunteers sent out mailings, held chicken barbecues and all kinds of events to rally the community to pitch in and get involved.  The YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County is taking a more modern approach: crowdfunding.  They're calling it a Playground of Promise on a Web page that helps donors pledge money toward the project.

"In pursuit of our mission, the Y is excited to announce our campaign to build an outdoor play area for the youth in our community," the page says.  "We ask for your help with this project and appreciate any donation you can give to ensure this project is a success."