Archive: Around Town

In recognition of his continuing efforts to preserve the important programs and services provided by local libraries, State Senator Mike Nozzolio has been named a “Top Supporter” by New Yorkers for Better Libraries in their annual voter’s guide.  Senator Nozzolio received an “A” grade from the statewide organization of library leaders for his support of legislation to improve public library systems and his efforts to restore critical library funding in the 2012 State Budget.

“Throughout my service in the State Senate, I have been a strong supporter of our local libraries.  Public libraries are our window to the world, providing programs and services on a wide array of topics to children, adults, and senior citizens, as well as important information on searching for jobs, preparing for job interviews, and developing resumes,” said Nozzolio.

At the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) Board’s annual meeting on September 10, President Terry Byrnes announced, “Thanks to the continued generosity of the community, IPEI will be able to provide over $300,000 during the 2012-13 school year in support of our students and teachers including $100,000 in grants awarded in a competitive process through its four grant programs.”

IPEI’s budget also includes funds for Kids Discover the Trail!; for use by its affiliates (Fine Arts Booster Group and Code Red Robotics Team); and for other IPEI-managed awards and grants.

Americans have become so jaded about politics that the joke about the old lady who says, 'I never vote. It only encourages them' strikes a chord with just about everyone.  But a Lansing man has found a way to get at least one good outcome from the election.  Dr. Marty Stallone has created an online election game that will take advantage of the buzz around November's presidential election to raise a lot of money for a worthy charity.  The site is called 'November Madness'.  You pay to enter and the winner gets to choose a qualified charity that will receive all the money.

"Many of my friends were very involved in March Madness, choosing brackets," Stallone explains.  "I thought this was an untapped opportunity to tap into the excitement around the presidential election.  Especially in the last election in 2008 you could almost feel the excitement around the election and the entire world watching how the United States election would unfold.  I thought if people could get involved and tap into their competitive spirit and use that good for a charity, that would be helpful."

The Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division (TCSWMD) has found an innovative way to partner with people in rural mobile home parks and apartment complexes in upstate New York. This partnership has already diverted 20 tons of recyclable materials and 10,000 pounds of food scraps per year from the landfill.

Kat McCarthy, Waste Reduction & Recycling Specialist, observed “what is most exciting about what we are doing under the visionary leadership of Barb Eckstrom, is that we are meeting people where they are and creating inexpensive and effective ways to involve people who are often not reached by conventional recycling campaigns. This approach helps participants see tangible results in a short period of time, while saving money.”

Valley Manor resident Christina Kamin says, “We need to leave our land as clean as possible for generations to come and to set a good example for our children.”

Last week a Stanford University study was published indicating that organic food provides no more nutrients than non-organic food.  This was startling news to large numbers of people who had been purchasing organic food and normally spending more money than those of us who buy whatever produce is offered on our retailer’s counter.  The study might have left the implication that organic food purchasers had been wasting their money.   However there is a wrinkle to this story that is not often cited.  So, let me take this opportunity to cite it now.

Even though there may not be extra nutrients in organic food, there is still an advantage to ingesting it because organic food is free of pesticides and herbicides. Consequently I thought it would be helpful if I offered a guide identifying which fruits and vegetables usually have the highest pesticide load.

There isn't much heavy industry in Lansing, and industry doesn't get much heavier than a salt mine.  But the Lansing Cargill facility isn't just about mining.  When you are big you can just pay your taxes and set yourself aside from the community at large.  That is not the path Cargill has chosen.  The company has built a reputation for investing and participating in the Lansing community through a variety of activities.

"Our philanthropy is based around things that are of interest to our employees," says Mine Manager Russ Givens.  "A lot of people are involved in things and they either don't have the time to give or they don't have the money.  That's where we can step in.  It's something we can do for our employees' engagement, but also for community engagement."

Hi! I'm Angie! I'm a SUPER sweet girl who came to the SPCA as a stray! I obviously had an owner since I'm SO good with people, and am so affectionate, but unfortunately I have a birth defect that makes me walk a bit funny. But that shouldn't keep you from taking me home! Please visit the SPCA of Tompkins County if you're interested in me!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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Hi! I'm Bullwinkle, and I'm from a shelter in Los Angeles! I was scheduled to be euthanized there, but I luckily got flown to the SPCA of TC instead. Like most folks from LA, I like to be the life of the party, and am quite playful. I would do best as the only pet in a home, as I hate sharing the spotlight. I'm hoping to finish up my traveling with a loving family. Please consider adopting me!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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Mike NozzolioIn recognition of his continuing efforts to support job growth, cut taxes and control spending, New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio has been named one of the top “Jobs Supporters” in the entire State Legislature by organizations dedicated to job growth and business development in New York State.

Nozzolio received the highest grades and rankings from both the Business Council of New York, and Unshackle Upstate, as part of their 2012 analysis of all state legislators’ voting records.

At the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) Convocation for all staff members on Tuesday, September 4, Jennifer Wilkie was honored with the Raymond C. Loehr Innovative Science Teaching Award.  Presenting the award that is managed by the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) was Ann Caren, IPEI board member and Awards Committee Chair.

Caren announced the 2012 recipient of the award that was initiated by Loehr’s family in honor of his career as a science educator at the time of his 70th birthday. It has been presented to eight different teachers from ICSD’s elementary and secondary schools. A second award in his honor is presented each June to a student who excels in environmental science.

The Tompkins County Youth Services Department’s Community Coalition for Healthy Youth (CCHY) has been awarded $200,000 from the federal Office of National Drug Control Policy to prevent youth substance use in Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.

The award is among $7.9 million in new Drug-Free Communities Support Program (DFC) grants and DFC Mentoring grants across the country, announced by Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy.

The Coalition for Healthy Youth will receive $125,000 in DFC grant funds to continue to involve and engage the local community to prevent substance use among youth, and an additional $75,000 to help build a mentoring relationship with the Schuyler County Health Department’s Schuyler County Commission on Underage Drinking and Drugs (SCCUDD)—one of only six new mentoring grants awarded nationwide.

Hi! I'm Costello! My friend Abbott and I were brought to the shelter due to allergies. We are both blind, but don't let that keep you from adopting us! We LOVE to snuggle, and are even friendly with doggies! So really, what's not to love Please consider adopting us!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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