Archive: Around Town

Dear Margaret: My teenage daughter recently came home from her friend's grandmother's house and asked, "Who is Melinda?" I almost fell to the floor in shock. We'd never told her that her father had been married previously. The grandmother apparently knew my husband's first wife and never knew of the divorce and remarriage. The grandmother said, "Tom (my husband) and Melinda used to visit here all the time." Of course, my daughter had it figured out. I was caught so off guard by the question that I simply said that her father had been married before and it didn't work out. We left it at that. I feel like I owe her more. I feel like I've been lying to her by omission and can't be trusted. I don't know how much she should know or how to fix this. What can I tell her to make this right?
Caught Off Guard

The 2nd Annual Lansing Community Trunk-or-Treat was great fun, and a great example of churches, businesses, and other community organizations uniting in our care for children.

To provide a safe trick-or-treat experience, our community came together to create a pedestrian-only path on the town ball fields where trick-or-treaters could walk from one station to another without encountering the danger of traffic.

With the cold and snow it is hard to believe that we ever had summer!  Here is a look back in time before the chilly temperatures arrived and we all bundle up for the winter season. I hope you enjoy these favorites of mine!

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As families continue their search for the perfect Christmas tree this season, three Cornell University experts offer advice for picking and preserving holiday trees. The three work closely with New York Christmas tree producers

Brian Eshenaur a plant pathologist, specializing in plant diagnostics, is a senior extension associate with the New York State Integrated Pest Management program. He suggests - sight, touch and smell - when picking your tree.

Omar Williams, Chairperson for the 2019 New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) Statewide Middle School Honor Band, has announced that fifteen (15) Ithaca City School District 7th and 8th grade musicians have been selected as members of the Statewide Honor Band this year. This is a tremendous accomplishment for all of the participating students. Only 98 students, statewide, are selected from hundreds of applications for this honors music event. Selection is based on NYSSMA Solo Scores and Teacher Recommendations.

The participating students from Ithaca include; Josephine Goodreau, Annabelle Riker, Alicia Fulbright (flute), Anna Fulbright (oboe), Ruby Adams, Tala Solomon (clarinet), Felipe Poelling, Jacob Merrill (alto saxophone), Juliet Crane (French horn), Adeline Hitz, William Stanton (trombone), Nicholas Schill, David Slattery (euphonium), Mika Gazit (tuba), Claire Russell (percussion).

I may be old school, but I like the idea of old fashioned gift giving where the recipient is surprised and excited about the gifts they receive during the holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. The current trend seems to be that my children and grandchildren give me a link to a list of presents they want, which are usually more than I want to spend. I'm the one that carefully listens to my friends and family throughout the year for clues to what might make them happy to receive, and then when they open my present they are thrilled that I remembered them. I feel if I follow my usual pattern they will be disappointed. It is taking the fun out of holidays for me. How can I resolve this dilemma? I want to make gift giving enjoyable for me too.
Old School

By Chloe Winter

I'm Delilah, also known as Ori. If you take me home, you can name me whatever you want! I'm only 2 years old, and super cute with short black fur and big, wide eyes. I arrived at the SPCA because I was not getting along with other cats in the home. But here at the shelter, I'm doing A-OK with feline roommates! I might be shy at first, but with some time and patience, I'll show you my sweet side!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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For the second year in a row, a long-time Ithaca resident has pledged a $100,000 gift to Community Foundation of Tompkins County to fund an endowment that supports a wide range of local nonprofit organizations.

The donor, who asked to remain anonymous, made the gift with the hope that she would encourage other Tompkins County residents to make a pledge to Community Foundation. Last November, the same donor also gave $100,000 to Community Foundation.

By Chloe Winter

Hi, I'm Little Koshka! I'm a cute beige and white girl, and only 7 years old, with many happy years ahead of me. I'm a very friendly cat, and I've lived with a dog and a cat before. I also do well with children. I’m just an all-around sweetheart. So come check me out!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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It's not to late to catch a performance of Lansing high School's production of "12 Angry Jurors" at the Lansing Middle School Auditorium tonight and tomorrow at 7:30. Based on "12 Angry Men", the play follows the struggles of a jury who must determine the defendant's fate in a homicide trial.  Innocent or guilty?  Did the man murder his father?  Can this jury reach a unanimous verdict, even if a 'guilty' verdict requires the death sentence?  What will influence each juror's vote?  How would you vote?

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an update, earlier this month, about a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to raw turkey. With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, Cornell University professor of food science Robert Gravani says this salmonella outbreak is a reminder that proper planning and attention to detail are important for the preparation of a safe and delicious Thanksgiving meal. He recommends following the four steps to food safety – clean, separate, cook and chill – to prevent the spread of bacteria to food and family.