Telling students about math is one way to teach it.  But engaging them in hands-on activities that teach the subject can get them more excited about learning it.  That's what Lansing Middle School teacher Brenda Mead had in mind when she devised a math unit that uses racing cars to teach geometry.

Mead applied for and received a MAC (Make Activities Count) Grant for $423.65 to fund the project.  The grant was presented by local McDonald's of Ithaca owner Jeff Parker last month.  Middle School Principal Jamie Thomas says that receiving this grant is exceptional.

Ask IMO

Lansing's Advice Column

Email your questions to IMO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dear IMO,

My wife and I were discussing appropriate Christmas gifts this year. With the economic downturn and general uncertainty, we were hoping to spend less and give less to both our family and friends. Do you have any ideas as to how we should go about this? Do you think they will understand? Are we being overly cautious?

Sincerely,
PJ and CJ

Members of the New York State advocacy collaboration the JustGreen Partnership, The Ecology Center, a Michigan-based nonprofit organization, and partners across the country today released the 2nd annual consumer guide to toxic chemicals in toys at HealthyToys.org .  Researchers tested over 1,500 popular children’s toys for lead, cadmium, arsenic, PVC and other harmful chemicals in time for this year’s holiday shopping season. 

One in three toys tested were found to contain “medium” or “high” levels of chemicals of concern.   In New York, the report was released in lower Manhattan, the Bronx, Albany, Ithaca, Syracuse and Buffalo.  Lead was detected in 20% of the toys tested this year. 

Just in time for the holidays, the Hangar Theatre invites families to attend the performance of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Ithaca High School's Kulp Auditorium on Saturday, December 13 at 2 pm.

The classic book for children by C.S. Lewis and adapted by le Clanché du Rand is brought to life in this play for young people. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe follows Peter and Lucy as they act out their story, sharing the magical adventure that begins by stepping through a wardrobe and ends with a fierce battle for freedom in the land of Narnia. This is a very special winter tale of wonder that celebrates the power of children's imagination and courage.

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Lansing Community Library is hosting an exhibit of Lansing resident Frank Barry’s beautiful black and white photographs of steam locomotives December 4 – 20, 2008.  The exhibit opened last night with a presentation by Frank Barry regarding his photographic work in the Lansing Community Center. In addition to the photograph exhibit, the library will have on display several sets of model trains loaned by Lansing residents and will feature books about trains for the month of December.

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Hey there! I am an awesome cat named Dominic. I am a male black and I am five years old. I can't wait to come home with you so please come and visit me here at the SPCA!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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From an old scrapbook

 

Most Ithacans would not prick up their ears at the mention of "Rogue's Harbor", but there are still some who do not know much of the existence of this quaint little spot in the town of Lansing, eight miles from this city. With a history dating back almost 80 years, Rogue's Harbor stands out as the center of many interesting events which concern some who are now living, and have to do with some who are not.

 

The especial center of interest, the hotel, a quaint, but now modernized structure of colonial architecture, is situated at the Harbor.

 

The Rogue's Harbor Inn is having a party on December 5th, the 75th anniversary of the 22nd Amendment, which repealed Prohibition.  But this isn't just any party -- it's a period costume party that also marks the reopening of the inn's ballroom.

"(Events Coordinator) Sandra Pierzinski discovered that date on the horizon, and we said, That's it!" says owner Eileen Stout.  "Because Rogues never stopped serving.  Prohibition didn't stop the Rogues Harbor Inn, and I suspect that was the time when Rogues got its name."

Lansing's parks are undeniably gems not only for the Town, but there is always more that can be done to enhance and maintain them.  Park Superintendent and Recreation Director Steve Colt has been applying for grants recently to bring new features to the parks.  Last summer he received a Celebrations Grant, offered by Tompkins County to promote tourism, that was used to pay for two signs promoting Concerts In The Park and to help pay some of the bands.  This year the County has more money than it gave out, so they are holding a smaller second round of grant proposals.

"I'm no professional grant writer, but I had some luck with that one," Colt says.  "So I'll try it again here with the short version.  This is an opportunity that they don't have every year.  It is nice of them to make it available. "

Ask IMO

Lansing's Advice Column

Email your questions to IMO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dear IMO,

Late last Saturday afternoon, our son and his girlfriend surprised us with a visit. As we sat down for an early dinner, our son took a deep breath and announced that his girlfriend was pregnant. Both of them are juniors at college and plan to finish school.

Did I mention that I'm a pastor of a parish? Well, I have been pastor at the parish for 24 years. The congregation respects me for I stand behind what I preach.

 

All of us agreed that abortion is not an option. We spoke for several hours, but did not come up with any firm plan. My wife and I are hoping they'll give the child up for adoption, but do not want to pressure them in any way. How should we proceed?

 

Sincerely,

Rev. Mark

The Ithaca YMCA Board of Directors and Trustees announced Thursday the planning for the YMCA Wellness Center addition dedicated to the youth and families of the community who are seeking to improve their quality of life and well-being. The second floor addition to the YMCA will feature an educational center with meeting space for health related forums and seminars, computer and library resources, individual counseling cubicles, members lounge and areas for individual and group instruction.

YMCA Board of Directors President Bill Reamer says that the Ithaca YMCA is focusing on the “Health Seekers” of our community in an effort to improve the participants activity levels, provide nutritional information, wellness counseling and support for families who are making lifestyle adjustments.

Ithaca, NY—Marion Cardwell-Ferrer, Executive Chef, Sincredible Pastries , will host a “Thanks For Giving to Kids with Cancer” fundraiser for recently launched pediatric cancer advocacy organization, Mira’s Movement. Funds raised will help Mira’s Movement become a 501c3 organization and assist in launching local and national projects to raise public awareness of pediatric cancer issues.

Cancer is the number one disease killer of children in this country that takes a devastating toll that cancer takes on children and their families. “Thanks For Giving” will feature Marion’s irresistible creations- for immediate consumption and for the Thanksgiving holiday. Apple pies, both Dutch and Double Crust, will be available— frozen— to be fresh-baked on Thanksgiving morning. Only $15 each! Cayuga Lake Creamery will be on site selling pints and cones.