Archive: Around Town

With their sentimental lyrics and close harmonies, Barbershop Quartets are a uniquely American style of music. Good natured and uncomplicated, they are sure to produce a smile. Shoppers were smiling in Triphammer Wines and The Ithaca Coffee Shop on Saturday (12/10) when a barbershop quartet appeared in the store and just started singing.

POPS: Tom Knoll, Butch Talada, David Kone and Paul Velleman

Purchase The Giant's Chair How does a child of the sixties cope with the modern world? What does a generation that famously didn't trust anyone over 30 do in their forties or fifties? Lansing Author Marc Catone tackles this in his novel, "The Giant's Chair." Protagonist Adam chance is a child of the sixties who saw the Beatles at Shea stadium, was an anti-war activist, went to Woodstock, became a writer and wrote a book about the counter-culture. Thirty-some years later he is middle-aged, divorced and suffering from writer's block.

His therapist suggests keeping a free-form journal, and without the restraints of editors and writing styles he is freed as a writer. He recalls adventures with his childhood friend, Midnight Duke, meeting John Lennon in Central Park and having a pizza with Jim Morrison. He even writes the (fictional) final episode of Star Trek, which he includes in the journal.

Almost two years ago, while attending New York's Association of Towns training sessions, Lansing Councilman Bud Shattuck learned that grants are available for towns to install solar panels on municipal buildings. He spoke to a representative from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), who encouraged him to explore the possibility of getting a grant for Lansing. Wednesday (12/15) the switch was turned on at Lansing's Highway Department on Town Barn Road.

Ithaca, N.Y. - The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) and Museum of the Earth have recently been presented a $200,000 challenge match from a group of anonymous donors.

From now until December 31, 2005, PRI and the Museum will receive one dollar for every dollar it raises up to $100,000 for its Annual Fund program. If PRI and the Museum of the Earth succeed at matching this gift, they will be presented with an additional $100,000 challenge match, for which they will need to equal, dollar for dollar, by March 31, 2006. The funds will be unrestricted, to be used for operating expenses of the Institution.

A Homewood Suites hotel is going to be constructed on the site of the long closed movie theater on Cinema Drive behind the Triphammer Mall. "They'll be tearing down the cinema theater, probably next year, and they'll build there," says Village of Lansing Planning Board Chairman, Ned Hickey.

Homewood Suites is owned by Hilton Hotels. They offer one and two bedroom suites with kitchens, complimentary high speed Internet access, dining room table, and telephones with voice mail, among other items. They have business centers in their hotels so a traveler can live and work in the hotel while visiting the Ithaca area.

Ask IMO

 Lansing's Advice Column

Dear IMO,

I have been feeling quite low. Whether it is the shorter, grayer days or the colder temperatures, I’m not sure, but one thing is for sure, I am feeling really down. My wife told me to try shopping. At first, I laughed at her suggestion. But several days later, I went to Bishop’s, walked the aisles, and purchased a few necessary hardware items.

I can’t explain it, but she was right. I do feel better, and I even bought a few nice things for her. All these years I thought women were crazy when they said shopping makes them happy. In the end, they are right. What is there about shopping that makes a person feel better? Can you shed some light on the subject?

Thanks,

Ralph

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