Saturday drew people from around the county to the eleventh annual Farm City Day.  What made this one special was that the host farm's livestock isn't cows -- it's alpaca.  "Most people, when they think farming, they do tend to think big black and white cow," says Cornell Cooperative Extension's Community Agriculture Awareness Educator Debbie Teeter.  "But alpaca is a breed of its own.  People definitely come out for alpacas, because they are so cute and adorable and new."

The event was hosted by Angel Tree Farm, one of Lansing's two alpaca farms.  Owned by Jay and Carol Engels and Carol's parents Mal and Ellie Hunter, the farm represents a unique and growing form of agriculture that has begun to attract new blood to livestock farming.  "Our goal is to make people more aware of alpacas and llamas as an agricultural choice," said Carol Engels.  "With the economy the way it is today it is a manageable livestock that allows you to be able to work also."

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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 family and I love to walk outdoors and hike along the trails.  Recently, I have noticed skin rashes that have developed on our legs and arms.  These rashes seem to appear a day or so after our hike.  So far, we have treated them with hydrocortisone cream, and they eventually clear up.  Are we getting into poison ivy?  I thought you had to be allergic to it in order to get the rash?  What can we do to minimize our exposure to these plants?

Thanks,
Gina and family

Lansing Community Library wrapped up this year's Summer Reading Program with 'Bugs and Moose Out On the Loose,' songs for kids that were a perfect fit for this year's 'Catch the Reading Bug' theme.  But the big news was that so far Lansing kids have read 627 books, and they can read more before the program closes when school starts next month. 

"Of course they don't have to read books about bugs -- they can read anything," says the program's head Susan Rosenkoetter.  "Kids have to read a minimum of six over the summer.  They keep a log of the books they read, which they turn in at the end of the summer.  Once complete, they get a certificate commemorating their achievement, as well as prizes that are based on the theme."

Last year a freak storm forced the organizers of Lansing Harbor Festival to postpone the festival for a week.  The new date fell on Labor Day weekend, and no one knew how it would work out.  When the day came the weather was perfect, most of the vendors and entertainers were available, and an estimated 3,000 people showed up.  This August 23, just two weeks from now, the Lansing Community Council plans to build on that success, and the new plan is: no freak storms!

"We hope we'll be able to add something new every year," says Festival Chair Karen Veaner.  "Right now Lansing Community Council is a fairly small group.  We'd like to expand that group to include more people, bring in more ideas.  And we absolutely welcome the community to bring in more ideas for what they would like to see at the festival.  This is their festival and we would certainly like to deliver what they want to see."

Hi there, my name is Mr. Bubbles. I am a neutered adult male black and white cat who needs a good home to spend the rest of my life. I came to the SPCA on May 31, 2008 and would love to find a permanent home. Please come and visit me at the SPCA!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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Scouts from Lansing’s Troop 48, along local Order of the Arrow members and other troops helped the new bouldering wall at Camp Barton which opened this summer. Five years in planning and construction, the structure consists of a large number of phone poles donated by NYSEG which they took down when they widened the road near the mall. In addition to the poles are 2x6 walls, and the exterior is clad with sliding walls, allowing maintenance access to all of the climbing holds.

Pet of the Week Hi there my name is Snickerdoodle. I am an adult female calico cat who needs a forever home with a loving family. Please come and visit me at the SPCA and find out if I'm the cat for you.

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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Myers Park is one of Lansing's best success stories.  Arguably one of the nicest spots in Tompkins County, the park juts into Cayuga Lake, and offers a large variety of activities to suit just abut everyone.  The short list is swimming, boating, fishing, weekly concerts, a playground, pavilions for parties and barbecues, a band stand, and camping.  It is kept meticulously by the town Parks and Recreation Department , and is well loved and well used.

Park Superintendent Steve Colt says that this summer is going particularly well.  The marina always sells out.  The camp ground is full, selling out for weekends in July and August, and very well for weekdays as well.  Only one concert was canceled due to weather, with the rest well attended.  And pavilion rental is also going well, especially considering the uneven weather we've had this summer.  "And we're looking toward Harbor Festival on August 23," Colt says.  "After what they pulled off last year, if it turns out the few days preceding this year's festival have good weather with a good forecast for the day, I can't even comprehend the number of people that may show up there.  I think it's going to be a huge, huge number."

On Monday July 14 the Southern Tier Law Enforcement Academy held its Graduation Ceremony for Session 24 In Corning, New York at the Corning Community College.  Deputy Colin P. Hillman of the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office received the Overall Outstanding Cadet Award as well as the highest award for academic achievement and the third place award for physical training.

Sheriff Peter Meskill attended the ceremony along with family and friends.  Deputy Mathew Haselman also completed the Academy with Honors.

While everyone is steeped in summer, the Lansing Recreation Department is looking ahead to their Fall programs.  Recreation Director Steve Colt says that it is vital for parents to sign up their kids now, even though Fall seems a long time away.  "The biggest thing now is for people to understand that a lot of our programs require a lot of planning, a lot of work and volunteers to step up like they always do," he says.

"Fall soccer, Small Fry Football that plays in the Youth Football League (YFL), flag football, and the cheerleading program." Colt says.  "They are examples of programs that even though it doesn't feel like it's Fall, people need to sign up now.  We need to be able to get those registrations in so we can determine how many teams we're going to have, how much equipment is needed, volunteer help to assist and coach -- the sooner we can know that the sooner we can be prepared to run those programs.  It just doesn't work out well if people are signing up the day before they start."

Ask IMOAsk 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,

I would like to continue my education, but as someone has full-time employment, I am unable to go back to school. Should I consider an online degree program? Is this really a legitimate way to pursue my education?

Sincerely,

Phil

 

Hi there my name is Trek. I am a neutered male brown tabby with some white. I need a home with a great family who will take good care of me so, please come and visit me at the SPCA to see if I am right for you.

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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