Archive: Around Town

Jeffrey R shadowing Challenge's Contract Cleaning crews at Tompkins Cortland Community College
Two pieces of art by Ithaca resident and Challenge Workforce Solutions participant Jeffrey R. were selected for a juried exhibition at Arts Unbound in Orange, New Jersey last month—and one piece sold on opening night.

The show, entitled No Shame In My Game, "highlighted the achievements of black artists while bringing attention to the issues around disability in the black community." Founded in 2000, Arts Unbound is an art gallery and studio dedicated to the artistic achievement of people living with disabilities and to the continuing artistic enrichment of seniors.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Regional President Jim Reed presented one of the company’s Spring 2019 Community Health Awards to Kelly Quinn, Jessica Gosa and Danielle Klein of Foodnet Meals on Wheels
Syracuse, NY - Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has chosen eight organizations, including Ithaca Foodnet Meals on Wheels, from among more than 30 Central New York nonprofits that submitted applications to receive the Community Health Awards it made available in upstate New York earlier this year.

On May 7, each recipient was awarded up to $4,000 allocated by the company to help fund health and wellness programs in the company's five-county Central New York region.

Lansing Town Clerk Debbie Munson received Registered Municipal Clerk certification last week at the New York State Town Clerks Association (NYSTCA) conference in Syracuse.  Lansing Town Supervisor Ed LaVigne recognized Munson's achievement at Wednesday's Town Board meeting, noting that the prestigious award recognizes the professional competency of Mrs.Munson in fulfilling the responsibilities of her office. 

"Well done, Mrs. Munson," said Ed LaVigne. "I must say that I have not heard one complaint about your office.  And many compliments."

By Adam Kramarsyck

Hiya! I'm Clover! I'm quite possibly the coolest young guinea pig you'll ever meet. I absolutely love when my human friends come to visit me. I've found that they usually have snacks with them! By the way, bring me strawberries and I'll be your friend for life! If you'd like to try your hand at raising an adorable oinker like me just come on down and talk to an adoption counselor today!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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By Adam Kramarsyck

Hi there. My name is Benji. I'm a relaxed, 5 year old boy. My previous owner moved away and left me behind all alone. I like attention so much that I'd say small doses of loving are probably best for me. I'd prefer a home with older children, if any, that know how to properly treat cats. The folks here find my tendency to roll around while purring and stretching to be absolutely adorable. Got any laser toys at home? I hope so! Come to meet me today and I'm sure you'll fall in love like everyone else has!
Visit the SPCA Web Page

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On May 5, 2019, following a process of education and discernment, the First Congregational Church of Ithaca (FCCI)'s membership voted to become a Sanctuary Church, pledging to provide shelter as needed for an undocumented immigrant who is seeking sanctuary while the legal challenge to deportation is in process. All Ithaca Sanctuary Alliance member congregations have committed to supporting FCCI by providing material, interpersonal and spiritual support.

The Rev. Dr. David Kaden, Senior Minister of the First Congregational Church, stated: "Becoming a sanctuary church is an extension of one of our core principles in the United Church of Christ: 'no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here'. Engaging in the Sanctuary process is a statement of extravagant welcome for at-risk members of our community, modeled on the principle of God's unconditional grace offered to all."

Fake news is a threat to American democratic institutions and false information can have far-reaching effects. A new study provides a roadmap for dealing with fake news.

Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences provides new evidence that people's beliefs about the source of information affects how they take in that information, even at the level of their automatic responses. Researchers also found that new information can modify or even undo existing impressions caused by fake news.

 

	Click here for Tompkins County Health Department  Lyme Disease Fact Sheet

Senator Pam Helming is recognizing Lyme Disease Awareness Month during May by highlighting several of the ways in which people can keep themselves safe and help prevent Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. With the temperatures getting warmer and the daylight hours getting longer, people will be outdoors more for work and recreation. Outdoor activity increases their risk of coming into contact with ticks and contracting a disease. New York State continues to be a hotbed for Lyme and tick-borne diseases, with more than 8,700 cases as of 2017, while the Finger Lakes region experienced 365 of those cases in that year.

"Lyme and other tick-borne diseases continue to be a prevalent threat across our region and around our state. Since taking office as State Senator, I have proudly advocated on behalf of those suffering from these illnesses as well as the medical and public health professionals working with them. Last year, my Senate colleagues and I have provided historic funding for research into Lyme and tick-borne diseases and enacted measures aimed at preventing and treating these illnesses. Unfortunately, the new Senate Majority did not provide funding in the budget to help combat this growing public health concern. Regardless, I will keep working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and local grassroots organizations to educate people on how to keep themselves safe from ticks and to support those who have developed illnesses related to ticks. This issue impacts every area of our state, from upstate to downstate. True prevention starts with knowing how to protect yourself from ticks. I am proud to join the New York State Department of Health and local Lyme and tick-borne diseases advocates to raise awareness in recognition of Lyme Disease Awareness Month," Helming said.

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Is the story of Little Red Riding Hood what really happened?  It's not too late so find out!  "Little Red: Life in the Hood' concludes its run at Lansing Middle School this weekend.  Remaining shows are tonight (Friday) at 6:30 pm and tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm. 

The main courtroom in the Tompkins County Court House was filled with friends and family Wednesday, who came to see 30 people from 19 countries became United States Citizens.  Tompkins County Clerk Maureen Reynolds says that there are usually three such ceremonies in Ithaca each year, but a fourth was added this year.  The new American citizens hailed from 19 countries, including Liberia, Equatorial Guinea, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, the Philippines, India, Nepal, Spain, Romania, United Kingdom, Turkey, Russia, Belarus, Peru, Colombia, and Canada.

Tompkins County Legislator Henry Granison (District 3) welcomed the petitioners, likening the special term of court to a graduation ceremony, noting that the naturalization ceremony was taking place on May Day, a traditionally celebratory day. 

By Adam Kramarsyck

Hi there. My name is Benji. I'm a relaxed, 5 year old boy. My previous owner moved away and left me behind all alone. I like attention so much that I'd say small doses of loving are probably best for me. I'd prefer a home with older children, if any, that know how to properly treat cats. The folks here find my tendency to roll around while purring and stretching to be absolutely adorable. Got any laser toys at home? I hope so! Come to meet me today and I'm sure you'll fall in love like everyone else has!
Visit the SPCA Web Page

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Very soon there can be an ice cream cone waiting for you at Scoops!