Regional blood service reports acute shortage, Red Cross says

The NY-Penn Blood Service, the blood collection headquarters for Tompkins County, reports an acute blood shortage in our region.

As of Oct. 24, the Tompkins County Red Cross was put on medical alert and told that it would have to collect an additional 400 units of blood by January to increase our local blood supply.

There are major shortages of the following blood types: O-, O+, B+ and B-. There is only a one day supply of Type O-. This means that people needing Type O- will have to be in critical condition to receive it.

The following is a listing of upcoming Blood Drive locations and times. Call (800) GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) to schedule an appointment.

* 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, Ithaca VFW, 423 W. State St., Ithaca

* 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, Cayuga Medical Center, 101 Dates Dr., Ithaca

* 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, Ithaca High School, 1401 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca

* 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Road, Lansing.

CU Police to auction unclaimed items

Cornell Police will auction off the vintage contents of their Lost & Found, including nearly 50 children's and adult's bicycles, at 7:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, in Cornell's Barton Hall gym. Items will be available for preview from 7:30, and the public is invited to bid and buy.

Auctioneer Peggy Haine of the Cash & Caring Fundraising Auction Service will be putting individual and group items on the block, including the bicycles, calculators, jewelry, watches, music devices, winter outerwear, and whatever else surfaces from the Lost and Found's collection. between now and then. Parking is available evenings on campus.

For more information, call 255-7197, or e-mail lostandfound@cornell.edu.

Organ concert invokes silent films

Relive the nostalgic days of silent films as organist David Peckam brings alive the delightful theatre music of that early era of movie making in a free public concert at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the First Presbyterian Church, 315 N. Cayuga St.

In addition to theatre music, the program will include classical orchestral transcriptions and will be interspersed with conversation with the audience. It's a program not normally heard in a church service and will be a treat to hear on the church's magnificent Stephen Russell organ.

Peckham is resident organist at the Clemens Center in Elmira where he regularly plays the Marr & Colton organ in Powers Theatre and is organist-choir director at The First United Methodist Church in Horseheads.

IC Ballroom Team hosts dance, lessons

The Ithaca College Ballroom Team will host their Autumn Social from 8-11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at Ithaca College's Fitness Center, 953 Danby Road. The Social is open to the public with tickets at $3 each. Proceeds will help the team compete at the Collegiate National Championships.

Admission includes games, prizes and dance lessons every half-hour.

Election recap planned at group meeting

The public is invited to join Back to Democracy at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the Trumansburg Fire Hall, Main Street Trumansburg, for An Election Recap with Linda Roberston, Hobart & William Smith Professor of Media and Society and co-host of Plato's Cave. The event is free.

Lecture on Anne Frank open to public

The Program of Jewish Studies, Leou S. Ullman, the Instutute for European Studies, and the Department of German Studies are co-sponsoring a lecture on Anne Frank given by David Barnouw, Netherlands Institute for War Documentation. This Dutch historian and renowned expert will speak on “Anne Frank: An Image for All Seasons” at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, on the sixth floor of the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University. There is a reception before and after the event, which is free and open to all.

CU students write for St. Jude

Students at Cornell University plan a “Bet on a Cure” letter writing party to raise funds and awareness for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Nov. 14 on the first floor TV Lounge of the Robert Purcell Community Center on north Cornell campus.

The party commences the “Up ‘til Dawn” campaign for St. Jude. Students send letters to their family and friends asking for donations for St. Jude. The average student sends out approximately 50 letters; donations are typically about $30 per letter. At the final Up til' Dawn celebration the students gather and pull an “all nighter” with live entertaiment, food and prizes.

St. Jude Children's Research hospital was founded in 1962 by the late entertainer Danny Thomas with the goal of finding cures and conducting research to prevent childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Today, St. Jude treats children from all 50 states and many international countries. Daily operating costs at the hospital are $1.3 million, which come primarily from public contributions. When the hospital opened in the 1960s, the survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia was only 4 percent but now due to St. Jude's research,is more than 90 percent, according to St. Jude. To help with the event, call Christian Walker at (585) 427-7007 or visit us www.stjude.org.

Rotary plans spaghetti dinner

The Ithaca Sunrise Rotary Club will host an All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the Ithaca High School Cafeteria, 1401 N. Cayuga St. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children and those under 5 eat for free. Vegetarian and take out will be available.

The menu will include Italian spaghetti sauce, a full salad bar, garlic bread, chocolate dessert, juice, coffee and tea.

There will be live music and table service. Proceeds benefit the BOCES career and Tech annual scholarship awards, and Youth Exchange Program.

IC choir hosts concert of new compositions

The Ithaca College Choir, conducted by Lawrence Doebler, will perform the world premiere of “We Are One” by Behzad Ranjbaran at the 30th annual Choral Composition Contest and Festival beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, in Ford Hall in the James J. Whalen Center for Music. The free event will also feature six high school choirs, each performing pieces chosen as finalists in a national competition of newly composed works.

Sponsored by the Ithaca College School of Music and the Theodore Presser Company, the competition is designed to encourage the creation and performance of new choral music. The festival gives members of high school choirs the opportunity to attend rehearsals and workshops throughout the day. The composers of the final pieces will each coach one of the choirs. The winning composition will be announced at the evening performance.

The evening's performance will conclude with the Ithaca College Choral Union joining the high school choirs for Haydn's “The Heavens Are Telling.” Participating high school choirs will be from Ithaca, Fayetteville-Manlius, Niagara Wheatfield, Ward Melville and West Genesee in New York; and Dorman, South Carolina.

Lab of Ornithology offers weekend bird walks

As part of its free “Weekend FeederWatch” the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is offering a guided bird walk at 1 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 15 through April 3. All are invited to come learn about winter birds and how to contribute sightings to Project FeederWatch. Staff will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help with bird identification. Some binoculars will also be available for loan. The Lab is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and is located at 59 Sapsucker Woods Road.

CSMA hosts StoryDance on Saturday

Ages 3-7 are invited to join Zajal the Sugarplum Fairy for an hour of StoryDance at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Community School of Music and Arts, 330 E. State St. Call 272-1474 to register.

Sustainable Tompkins seeks award nominations

Sustainable Tompkins seeks nominations for the annual “Signs of Sustainability” recognition awards. These are given to individuals and entities whose work during this past year has been supportive of Sustainable Tompkins' mission to promote the long-term well-being of our communities and region by integrating social equity, economic vitality, ecological stewardship, and personal and civic responsibility.

Each year, Sustainable Tompkins acknowledges three categories of “Signs of Sustainability” including a new sustainable enterprise; a new program or non-profit organization supporting some aspect of sustainable development; or a new sustainable program element rolled out by an existing business or non-profit organization. Awards are only granted to businesses, organizations, and programs that began no earlier than December 2007.

Nominations can be sent to sos@sustainabletompkins.org by Nov. 15. Sustainable Tompkins will publicly acknowledge each of the selected “Signs of Sustainability” at its Holiday Party at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca. For more information visit www.sustainabletompkins.org.

Tibetan Cultural Day Nov. 15

The Tibetan Association of Ithaca plans its 16th annual Tibetan Cultural Day for 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for Saturday, Nov. 15 in the basement dining hall of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 402 N. Aurora St.

Among the scheduled activities are world peace prayer by monks of the Namgyal Monastery, a talk by Tibet scholar David Patt, a sand mandala demonstration, traditional folk dances and songs, Tibetan food, face painting and door prizes. Tickets, $10 in advance and $12 at the door, are available from the Tibet Store on The Commons and Namgyal Monastery at 273-0739, Kunga at 351-6257, or Dickyi at 272-5557.

Teams sought for IPEI adult spelling bee

The 10th annual Ithaca Public Education Initiative Adult Spelling Bee is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, in Ithaca High School's Bliss Gym.

As many as 24 teams of three spellers each will vie for the opportunity to defeat last year's winning team, the Fine Arts “Word” Boosters, and earn the title of “Pick of the Hive.”

Area businesses, organizations and individuals sponsor each of the teams; sponsorships are $375. Proceeds from the Bee are used to fund many IPEI innovative grant programs in the Ithaca schools.

Team members may come from the sponsoring organization, a community organization, or individuals who want to get in on the fun, according to Spelling Bee chairwoman Gabrielle Weber.

Information on organizing, sponsoring, or joining a team may be found at www.IPEI.org or by contacting Weber at ipei@ipei.org or 256-4734.

Basket sale aims to support Kenyan partnership

Growing Hope Together will host a basket party at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at Stella's Barn, 1346 Elmira Road in Newfield, five miles south of Ithaca. The basket sale will feature hand-woven Kenyan baskets to benefit Growing Hope Together, a not-for-profit organization that is working with Newfield Elementary School to connect them with a primary school in Western Kenya in a joint school gardening project. The event will also include a short presentation about the project.

All proceeds from the baskets go directly to Growing Hope Together and a scholarship fund in Kenya. Growing Hope Together is a new organization founded by Laura Smith, a native of Newfield. They are launching a cross-cultural school gardening initiative in the Newfield Central School District in Central New York and Simenya Primary and Secondary Schools in Western Kenya. Laura is traveling to Kenya on Thursday, Nov. 20, to set up a computer lab in the schools with equipment donated by the Newfield Central School District. The project will connect youth from two different cultures over the common ground of food to promote cross-cultural understanding. Visit www.growinghopetogether.org or contact Laura Smith at 351-2552 for more information.

Finns plan meal, meeting

The Finger Lakes Finns will meet at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Newfield Fire Hall for a dish to pass meal and business meeting.

Holiday centerpieces will be made to be taken to friends who are in nursing homes or housebound. Children are welcome.

Campus Road partially closed weekdays

Due to the construction of an addition to Statler Hall, the short section of Campus Road between East Avenue and Hoy Road (between the two all-way stop signs) will be closed to vehicular traffic through Monday, Nov. 17.

A full closure will be in effect during weekdays, but the road will be open to traffic from the end of business each Friday through Sunday evening.

The sidewalks adjacent to the Statler Hall project are closed. Pedestrians on Campus Road between East Avenue and Hoy Road are guided to the south sidewalk in front of Phillips and Duffield halls. Sidewalk traffic on the east side of East Avenue has been redirected to the west sidewalk at the Statler-Sage crosswalk.

Detour information: For the safety of those working and walking in the area, and to avoid congestion at these intersections, especially during weekdays, please use posted detours.

TCAT routes 31, 32, 81, 82, 83 and 85 will be modified to use bus stops on Tower Road. Please refer to www.tcatbus.com.

Meeting examines FLLT protection, enhancement

The Finger Lakes Land Trust will host a public meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at the Danby Town Hall, 1830 Danby Road, to discuss the future of the Finger Lakes Trail as well as other open space and recreational resources within the Emerald Necklace Greenbelt — a swath of forested land stretching across the southern half of Tompkins County.

With support from Tompkins County and New York State, FLLT is preparing a Finger Lakes Trail Corridor Protection and Enhancement Plan to ensure continued public access to the trail, and the protection of natural and scenic resources along the trail corridor. Consultants Mark Whitmore and Rick Manning will discuss the project and how the Land Trust is using conservation easements s on private lands to secure open-space lands. Attendees will also be invited to provide their input on how best to ensure the future of these resources in both Danby and Tompkins County.

The Finger Lakes Trail runs 563 miles from the Alleghany to the Catskill Mountains. The Emerald Necklace Greenbelt is a network of more than 50,000 acres of public open space lands from Finger Lakes National Forest in the west to Hammond Hill State Forest in the east. The Necklace features dozens of county-designated Unique Natural Areas as well as a 78-mile section of the Finger Lakes Trail. Concern has been raised recently about the effects of development on the long-term viability of the trail due to increasing development pressures and fragmentation of land ownership, according to the Land Trust, and encroachment into natural areas threatens to impair water quality and degrade habitat for fish and wildlife. The Corridor Protection and Enhancement Project will identify issues and opportunities for the conservation and enhancement of the Finger Lakes Trail and other open space resources in Tompkins County.

More information is available from the Finger Lakes Land Trust at 275-9487 or www.fllt.org.

Children's choir presents fall concert

The Ithaca Children's Choir Fall 2008 Concert will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 401 N. Aurora St. Admission is $5 for all, with tickets available at the door and at the CSMA office, 330 E. State St.

“At Your Side” will be the message as over 125 children and youth, ages 7 to 19, take to the stage.

There will be music from West Africa, music based on Native American poetry, Hebrew songs, music from Zimbabwe, Gospel music, Sámi Yoik (a music of the Sami people of Scandinavia), music by Franck, jazz, and more.

All five of ICC's ensembles are featured: the Chorale, under the direction of Artistic Director Dr. Janet Galván; the Young Men's Chorus and the Choraliers, directed by Jennifer Haywood; the Senior Choir, directed by Ana Withiam; and the Training Choir, directed by Lisa Winans.

Seminar covers tankless and solar water heaters

The Green Resource Hub of the Finger Lakes will offer a seminar on tankless and solar hot water heaters from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the Human Service Building at 320 W. State St. Special guest Paul Myers from Upstate Energy Solutions, LLC will discuss the technologies of on-demand and solar water heaters to inform consumers about ways to heat their water with sustainable technologies.

There is a $5 suggested donation for this event. This is the second event in a series of sustainability-related seminars. For more information, see www.greenresourcehub.org.

Workshop examines Alzheimer's behavior

A free workshop, Alzheimer's: Managing Challenging Behaviors, is planned for noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Ave.. It is intended for persons caring for a relative or friend who has Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder. However, all are welcome.

Michael Massurin, of the CNY Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, will discuss what causes dementia-related behaviors like suspicion, repetition, sundowning, agitation and aggression and how to respond to these behaviors.

Participants may bring a brown bag lunch; beverages will be provided. To register, call the Tompkins County Office for the Aging, 274-5492.

New York Farm Bureau sponsors scholarships

The New York Farm Bureau is encouraging high school seniors who have been involved with agriculture and plan on continuing studies in this field to apply for the New York Farm Bureau Agricultural Youth Scholarship sponsored by the New York Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee. Scholarship awards are $1,500 for first place $1,200 for second and $1,000 for third place. The first place winner will be invited to present their essay at the annual Spring Conference.

Students applying must have a family Farm Bureau membership or a Student Farm Bureau membership (a membership application may be included with scholarship enclosures). Students are required to submit a brief essay answering the question, “If you had the power to change something in your community or on your farm, what would you change and why?”

The application submission deadline is Friday, Nov. 21. To nominate someone for the scholarship or to request an application, call (800) 342-4143 dmCQ or visit www.nyfb.org.

Sciencenter puts on final clearance at Babbage's Basement

Babbage's Basement and Einstein's Attic, the Sciencenter's computer and scientific equipment rescue, restoration and resale programs will hold a final two-day clearance sale on the weekend of Nov. 22 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at Building 24 of Emerson Power Transmission Corp, at 620 South Aurora St. in Ithaca. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Sciencenter.

Customers will find deep discounts on tested and untested PC and Macintosh desktop computers, monitors, printers, scanners, disk drives, cables and other peripherals. Other items for sale will include DVD players, VCRs, photographic gear, desks, filing cabinets, office chairs, assorted scientific and laboratory equipment, and much more. Limited arrangements can be made to tag larger items for pick-up after the sale. After 1 p.m. on November 23, all remaining items will be offered at $3 per armload or $15 per vehicle load.

Babbage's Basement and Einstein's Attic will close permanently following this two-day clearance sale. The Sciencenter gratefully acknowledges the donation of free space from Emerson Power Transmission that was used for Babbage's Basement's processing and retail operations. The Emerson building that housed Babbage's Basement and Einstein's Attic is being repurposed.

Red Cross hosts babysitter training

The Tompkins County American Red Cross will hold a weekend Babysitter's Training class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. The course is ideal for current and future babysitters, and teaches decision-making skills and solutions for real-life problems, as well as first aid and basic care skills.

Registration is required. For more information, call 274-1900 ext. 14.

Free support group for grandparents raising children

The Family & Children's Service of Ithaca is offering a free educational support group for grandparents who are raising their preschool & school-aged grandchildren. Facilitated by Family & Children's Service mental health professionals, the group addresses challenges, issues, and solutions for grandparents. The group meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at Family & Children Service's new State Street location, 127 W. State St. The remaining 2008 meetings are: Nov. 24 and Dec. 22.

Sessions do not require a mental health diagnosis for participation, nor do participants have to be clients at the agency. Childcare can be arranged upon request and is offered at no charge. Refreshments are provided. To register, call Family & Children's Services at 273-7494.

Lakeside hosts annual Holiday Bazaar

Lakeside Nursing & Rehabilitation Center will host their annual Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6, at Lakeside, 1229 Trumansburg Road.

Crafts, decorations, candles, jewelry, baked goods, floral arrangements, gift baskets, quilting, painted glass, woodworking, handmade soap and much more will be available for purchase. Lunch will also be available.

More vendors are wanted. Contact Kathy at 279-9452 or kmslodi@yahoo.com for more information.

Resource center offers insight into long term care insurance

New York state has established “Long Term Care Insurance Resource Centers” in every county to help consumers get impartial help in understanding the complex topic of long-term care financing and long-term care insurance.

Monthly group seminars and individual counseling are offered free of charge to help people decide whether to purchase insurance during their working years (typically ages 45-65). Lifelong and the Tompkins County Office for the Aging are cooperating to offer this service in Tompkins County.

The schedule of workshops is as follows:

* 8-9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at Lifelong, 119 W. Court St. (includes free continental breakfast starting at 7:45 a.m.)

To register for any of the seminars or to schedule an individual counseling session, call Lifelong at 273-1511 or the Office for the Aging at 274-5492.

Cops, Kids & Toys accepts donations through Dec. 9

Cops, Kids & Toys is a program that began in the early 1980s to help families who were unable to provide holiday gifts for their children. The first year the program helped four families. The program continues with that same goal and has been able to help more families in Tompkins County over the years.

Cops, Kids & Toys volunteers work throughout the year raising funds.

Monetary donations are accepted anytime at any county law enforcement agency and checks should be made out to Cops, Kids and Toys Inc. Monetary donations may also be mailed to George Sutfin, Cornell Police, G-2 Barton Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853.

Toy collection boxes are distributed throughout the county and one will be located at The Journal. All are welcome to bring in new, unwrapped toys for the children in the community who are in need.

Donation boxes will be collected Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Empire State College has final information session

The final information session on programs at the Ithaca branch of Empire State College is planned during the coming weeks.

The college offers individualized degrees and programs designed by students and the faculty mentors. The college also gives college credits for life and work experience. The session will be held at noon Wednesday, Dec. 10 in Room 501 in the Tompkins Cortland Community College Extension Building, 118 N. Tioga St., on The Commons.

For more information, contact Christiane Warren at 273-4536 or Christiane.Warren@esc.edu.

Applications for Small Comforts accepted through December

The Small Comforts Foundation is accepting applications for the Fall 2008 Gifts and Assistance Program.

Any resident of Tompkins County or their families may apply to Small Comforts for an item that would raise the morale and quality of life for a person living with chronic illness. The value of the item should not exceed $250. Examples of previous gifts awarded to recipients are Rollator walkers, hearing devices, air conditioners, mattresses, washing machines, wheelchairs and various personal care items.

Applications may be downloaded at www.smallcomforts.org or obtained by calling Candy Cima at 257-6059. All applications must be postmarked by Dec. 31 and recipients will be notified by Feb. 1, 2009.

Youth Bureau plans 60th anniversary celebration

The Ithaca Youth Bureau will celebrate 60 years of service to the Ithaca community on Jan. 28 by hosting an evening at the Historic State Theatre in Downtown Ithaca featuring internationally acclaimed musician Samite of Uganda and the Honorable Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, N.J.

A community-wide celebration of the past and future work of the Youth Bureau, the evening's theme will be Bridging Racial and Cultural Divides and the Role that Youth Play. The event begins at 7 p.m. Tickets went on sale Friday and cost $10. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit stateofithaca.com or call 277-8283.

Nominations sought for volunteer awards

Nominations are now being accepted for Tompkins Trust Company's 2009 Award for Excellence, an annual program that recognizes outstanding individuals and volunteer-based not-for-profit organizations for their contributions in Tompkins County. Nominees may be a group of individuals presenting a key volunteer element of a local not-for-profit organization or local individuals performing humanitarian community service. Candidates for the award should be those who generously volunteer time and effort on an ongoing basis to activities that help others in Tompkins County. They should make a significant contribution towards improving the quality of life for others either as a major component of a non-profit organization or through individual efforts. For more information about this award or to obtain a nomination form, contact Sue Lason of the bank's Sales and Marketing Department at 274-2052, or send an email to: slason@tompkinstrust.com. Nominations must be received by Jan. 31.

Salvation Army seeks volunteer bellringers

The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers for its annual bellringing effort as it has experienced a 15 percent increase in requests for assistance and an extremely busy soup kitchen, local director Major Carl Ruthberg announced.

To ring the bells, volunteers can call the local Salvation Army directly at 273-2400. They can also call The Red Kettle Center, 24/7 at (877) 764-7259 or go on-line to www.redkettles.org.

County Board of Health seeks applicants for vacancy

The Tompkins County Board of Health anticipates a vacancy beginning Jan. 1. The vacancy is for a consumer (non-physician) seat. A consumer can be someone who has received Health Department Services or who is interested in public health activities.

The BOH is a volunteer board that serves as the governing body for the Health Department. Board members serve six year terms. The Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month, at noon at the Health Department offices, 401 Harris B. Dates Drive.

Applicants must complete an Advisory Board Application form that can be picked up at the County Legislature office, County Courthouse, 320 N. Tioga St. or can be downloaded from www.tompkins-co.org/legislature/advisory/resume.pdf. Candidates will be approved by both the BOH and the County Legislature. Women and persons of color are encouraged to apply. For more information, contact Alice Cole at 274-6674. To obtain an application form, contact the Legislature office at 274-5434.

Free Clinic partners with students, faculty of IC

To help the Ithaca Free Clinic facilitate health care to uninsured residents of Tompkins County, occupational therapy students and faculty from Ithaca College are providing their services to IFC clients. The new partnership began this fall.

The services will include:

* range of motion exercises to increase functional abilities,

* creating customized splints,

* engaging clients in meaningful activities (cooking, home management, self care, leisure),

* education in compensatory strategies to help people participate in daily activities (adaptive equipment, energy conservation strategies, joint protection techniques, body mechanics),

* community re-entry skills such as seeking employment, managing a bus schedule, grocery shopping, and budgeting.

The occupational therapy program in the college's School of Health Sciences and Human Performance is a five-year program leading to a bachelor's degree in Occupational Science and a master's degree in Occupational Therapy.

Since opening at 225 S. Fulton St. in 2006, the Ithaca Free Clinic has been offering conventional medical and chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, and holistic treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage therapy. These services are free to residents of Tompkins County without medical insurance.

Tops to sell E-Z Pass

Tops Friendly Markets will start distributing New York State Thruway E-Z Pass tags through the E-ZPass On-the-Go program, the Thruway Authority announced.

As an approved retailer, Tops will be selling E-ZPass On-the-Go tags at more than 70 of its supermarkets in New York State.

Upon purchasing an On-the-Go tag, customers will receive the full $25 towards their E-ZPass account. E-ZPass provides a savings of 5 percent off the cash rate on all Thruway tolls for passenger vehicles. On-the-Go tags are only available for passenger vehicle use. Customers must register the On-the-Go tag within the first 48 hours of using the tag.

Customers with E-ZPass are reminded that in addition to receiving a 5 percent discount on tolls, they can also sign up for a number of E-ZPass commuter discount plans. Additional information about all of the E-ZPass Discount Plans is available online at www.thruway.state.ny.us/ezpass/discount.html.

Youth Bureau employment service has teen workers

Those in need of help with yard work, baby sitting or other jobs may contact the Youth Employment Service at 273-8364.A program of the Ithaca Youth Bureau, YES is a referral network which can be useful for businesses or local residents with part-time work or one-time projects. YES has a pool of Teen Members who are ready to work after school and on the weekends.

Child Health Plus expands with lowered rates

Effective Sept. 1, children in families with annual incomes up to $70,000 for a family of three or $84,000 for family of four are eligible to obtain subsidized coverage under New York's Child Health Plus insurance program.

Child Health Plus provides free or reduced cost health insurance for uninsured children up to age 19. Families should not drop existing coverage for their children in order to enroll in Child Health Plus. Families who drop employer-sponsored coverage in order to sign up for Child Health Plus will be subject to a six-month waiting period. There are some exceptions to the waiting period.

How much a family pays for insurance through Child Health Plus depends on their income and the number of people in their household. The health insurance is free for children in families with lowest incomes. Other families pay a monthly premium ranging from $9 - $40 per child per month, depending on income. Families whose incomes exceed 400 percent of the federal poverty level ($70,000 for a family of three; $84,000 for a family of four) can still buy in to Child Health Plus by paying the full monthly premium of $138 or $179, which is still more affordable than many insurance plans available on the private market.

For information about what premium that rate your family may qualify for and how to enroll in Child Health Plus locally, contact the Get Covered Info Line at 272-9331.

Community Police Board open to new members

Ithaca's Community Police Board is seeking new volunteer members.

The board began a decade or more ago to establish a review system of the police force. It started with board members taking complaints about officers' actions and reactions in interchanges with citizens, but has grown to include compliments and commendations, too.

Ithacans who have lived in the city at least two years are eligible to join. The board needs four adults and one youth 16-18 years old.

For an application, call 275- 0799 or go to the City Clerk's office at City Hall, 108 E. Green St.

Support group for abused girls formed

CASA, a support group for teenage girls age 13-18 who have experienced child sexual abuse, sexual assault, dating violence, or other abuse in their lives, is welcoming new members. The group is appropriate whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, by an adult or a peer. CASA is a joint project of the Advocacy Center and Family and Children's Services. For more information about CASA call Bonni Georgia at 277-3203or Pat Karr Segal at 273-7495.

Program assists in food stamp application

The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program at Catholic Charities has been selected as the community partner with Tompkins County Department of Social Services to implement the food stamp online application (e-app) pilot project. To find out if you might be eligible for Food Stamps, call Ellin Corrigan, program coordinator, at 272-5062, ext. 21.

City has mini-grants for bike racks

To encourage property owners to provide new, or improved, bicycle parking facilities, the City of Ithaca's Engineering Office is awarding five mini-grants of $200 each to help offset the purchase price of bicycle racks. The first five successful applicants will receive the grants.

Criteria:

The bicycle rack(s) must be available to the general public, be installed on public (City of Ithaca) property, and must be in a convenient and highly visible location.

The bicycle rack(s) should be of the “inverted-U” design, though other designs (especially artistic designs) may be considered. Racks should support the bicycle frame in more than one location. Racks that support bicycles by the wheel, rather than the frame, will not be permitted.

The location of the bicycle parking area(s) may not encroach into pedestrian, bicycle, or motor vehicle travel ways.

For additional program details or to request an application, contact Kent Johnson at 274-6528 or at kjohnson@cityofithaca.org. Printed copies of the grant applications may be picked up in the City of Ithaca Engineering Office at City Hall, Room 202, 108 E. Green St.

Schools continue sneaker recycling

The Recycle Sneaker Initiative continues in the Lansing schools. Sneakers can be dropped at any of the schools or in the foyer of the Recreation Department. Simply make sure that sneakers are dry with no metal. The first drop off after four weeks of collection netted about 60 pair. Check out the surfaces in Myers Park to see recycled sneakers in action.

Updated gas leasing information sheet available digitally

A newly updated, 10-page information sheet “Gas Exploration and Leasing on Private Land: Tips and Guidance for New York Landowners” is available as a PDF on the Tompkins County Cooperative Extension Web site, www.ccetompkins.org.

The sheet outlines what the gas resource is, why landowners may be contacted, how a gas lease works and what to consider when making decisions about gas leasing.

A DVD of a workshop on Natural Gas Exploration and Leasing is available for loan or purchase. For more information about the DVD, contact Debbie Teeter at 272-2292or e-mail dlt22@cornell.edu.

Volunteers needed to help homebound senior citizens

The Tompkins County Office for the Aging is seeking volunteers to assist homebound senior citizens through the Project CARE Program.

Volunteers typically visit an individual once a week for about one to two hours, depending on need.

Needs may include companionship, assistance with laundry or light housekeeping, errands, grocery shopping, light yard work or respite for a caregiver. Respite might involve staying with the senior so the caregiver might go out or have some time off.

Volunteers should be good listeners and enjoy the company of seniors.

For more information, contact Trina Schickel at the Office for the Aging at 274-5491.

Lifelong to feature Scottish dancing Tuesday nights

Following a summer sabbatical, the Ithaca Scottish dancers plan to return to dancing in Ithaca.

There will be reels, jigs and strathspeys from 7:30-9:30 p.m. every first, third and fifth Tuesday at Lifelong on Court St. Admission costs $3.

All dances are taught, and beginners are welcome. Partners are not required, but soft shoes are.

Advisory committee for T-burg schools needs members

The Citizens Advisory Committee of the Trumansburg Central School District is seeking district community members to serve.

The district superintendent appoints volunteers, who serve in an advisory capacity only. The group meets with the superintendent approximately once a month with the goal of improving communications between the public and the district.

Community members who have an interest in learning more about school operations and funding and who desire to contribute to the successful education of our children should contact Superintendent Paula Hurley at 387-7441 ext. 421or PHurley@tburg.k12.ny.us. For more information, contact co-chairpersons, Ron Mac Lean at gayleron@twcny.rr.com or Mary Newhart at mjn3@cornell.edu.

Thrift shop hours are Tuesdays, Saturdays

The J-Ville Jazzy Jumble Thrift Shop, located in the Jacksonville Church on Route 96, will be open from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

All are welcome to visit and see all the good used items and clean used clothing the shop offers at reasonable prices.

Energy saving tips from NYSEG

NYSEG and RG&E are advising customers to use energy wisely to help manage electricity bills and minimize the stress of high demand for power that is put on electricity delivery systems. The companies recommend these energy saving tips:

* Keep curtains and blinds closed on hot, sunny days.

* During the hottest parts of the day close curtains and doors to keep out heat.

* Considering using fans (not air conditioners).

* When using air conditioners keep the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher.

* Turn off air conditioners when leaving the house.

* Turn off unused lights, TVs, computers and stereos

* Avoid cooking or baking during the hottest parts of the day.

* Hang laundry outside to dry (when the weather permits).

For more information visit www.nyseg.com or www.rge.com.

Town recruits for Planning Board

The Town of Ithaca has a vacancy on the Planning Board and is recruiting to fill the position.

Interested applicants must be town residents and have an active interest in participating in the town's planning process. Some knowledge of the application of municipal law or other rules and regulation is helpful, but not required.

The Planning Board consists of seven members appointed for seven year terms. The Planning Board reviews land use and development issues, approves subdivisions, site plans, and special requests.

Planning Board meetings are generally held at 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month. Those interested should send a letter of interest to the Town of Ithaca, Town Clerk, 215 N. Tioga St., Ithaca, NY 14850 or visit www.town.ithaca.ny.us.

RSVP seeks seniors to volunteer

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Tompkins County (RSVP) is seeking senior volunteers to contribute their time and talents to not-for-profit agencies in Tompkins County.

RSVP helps volunteers identify service opportunities in more than 100 agencies. The agencies have a wide variety of needs from health insurance counselors to clerical assistance to food pantries to caring for abandoned animals to driving.

RSVP will match volunteers to opportunities of their skills and interests. RSVP is a federal program offering their service to individuals age 55 and older. For more information, call 273-1511 and ask for the RSVP office.

Lab of Ornithology seeks urban bird watchers

The public is invited to join the free, year-round “Celebrate Urban Birds” citizen science project from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

People of all ages and backgrounds participate in Celebrate Urban Birds through gardening, cultural activities and citizen-science. For the citizen-science part of the project, participants watch city birds for 10 minutes, check off 15 target species of birds, and send the information through the mail or the Internet to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Once enough data are gathered, scientists hope to learn more about how birds survive in cities and how they use urban green spaces such as parks, rooftop gardens, and even potted plants on balconies for food, resting sites, and shelter.

Individuals can participate on their own or through public events organized by local groups.

While supplies last, everyone who signs up will receive a Celebrate Urban Birds kit in English and Spanish with two colorful urban birds posters, educational materials about birds and urban greening, a data form, and a packet of sunflower seeds to plant in pots and gardens. More than 60,000 free kits have been distributed. For more information visit the Lab's Web site, www.birds.cornell.edu.

Tompkins Red Cross offers online CPR, First Aid classes

The Tompkins County Red Cross is offering online training in CPR and First Aid.

This computer-based training releases those interested from the classroom and offers a chance to learn lifesaving skills at one's own pace, with classes accessible any time of the day. The course will require a short classroom skill session for certification and is regularly scheduled during the week and weekends.

To sign up, visit www.tompkins-redcross.org or call 273-1900, ext 14.

Program offers free on-site voter registration to area groups

The Finger Lakes Independence Center's Voter Registration Outreach Program is offering free, on-site voter registration services to area not-for-profit organizations, schools and community groups.

Thanks to the Tompkins County Board of Elections, the program will provide the registration forms and assist anyone in filling one out. The registration form may be used to register to vote in any county in New York, to change one's name or address, or to enroll in a political party or change enrollment.

To register, a person must be a U.S. citizen. A person must be at least 18 years old by Dec. 31 of the year in which he or she files the registration form. A person must be at least 18 years of age to vote in an election. In addition, a person must not be in jail or on parole for a felony conviction. And, a person cannot claim the right to vote elsewhere.

The Voter Registration Outreach Program encourages people to participate in the democratic process and vote. For more information or to schedule an event, contact Teri Reinemann at 272-2433.

Scientific ‘cafes' meet monthly

Ithaca's Science Cabaret was inspired by the Café Scientifique movement, which started in Europe in the late 1990s and has spread rapidly.

Cafés Scientifiques are informal talks in bars, cafes and other public venues that give like-minded people a chance to discuss current and sometimes controversial topics in science. The Ithaca Science Cabaret meets in Ithaca one Tuesday a month at the Lost Dog Cafe on 112 South Cayuga St.

The Cabaret is organized by local professors, graduate students and members of the Ithaca community and is open to everyone. Children are welcome to attend, though not all topics may interest. Bring an appetite for food, drinks and knowledge. For more information e-mail sciencecafe@cornell.edu.

Extension seeks volunteers to teach money management

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County is looking for volunteers to become Money Management Educators and work one-on-one with individuals and families.

Money Management Educators work with people interested in receiving individualized instruction on making the most of their financial resources. Volunteers complete a form and must consent to criminal background screening.

Applications are available at www.ccetompkins.org. For more information, contact Alexis Heath at 272-2292 or e-mail ach95@cornell.edu.

Thrift Shop open on Fridays, Saturdays

The Mecklenburg United Methodist Church, on Turnpike Road in Mecklenburg, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

The store sells clothing, household items, books, puzzles and other personal items.

Crisis service seeks volunteer counselors for hotline

Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service is seeking open-minded, compassionate persons as volunteer Crisisline Counselors. Excellent preparation and training is provided at no cost to develop the skills needed to become an effective counselor.

The Crisisline offers counseling, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to callers who may be dealing with any personal problem, including anxiety, alcohol, family, school, sexuality, loneliness, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Call 272-1505, ext. 10, for more information.

Slaterville fire department needs EMTs, drivers

Slaterville Springs Ambulance and Fire Department in the Town of Caroline is in need of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and drivers.

Training is provided and the commitment is only a couple of days a month. Call Greg or Beth Harrington at 539-7193 for more information.

DEC urges state residents not to move firewood

The New York state Department of Environmental Conservation is continuing the “Don't Move Firewood” campaign that urges campers not to haul firewood from home to help prevent the unintentional spread of tree-killing pests.

Campers should buy firewood from sources near their campsites. New York's forests are under attack from numerous invasive exotic insect pests. The state has experienced chestnut blight, European gypsy moth, Dutch elm disease and beech bark disease, all with devastating results in the past years.

Recently, the DEC has discovered Asian long-horned beetles, hemlock wooly adelgids, pine shoot beetles and sirex wood wasps infesting urban and rural forests and killing thousands of trees.

Book club will focus on caregiving, aging

The Powerful Caregivers Marching Band Book Club invites caregivers to discuss areas of caregiving from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month at the Beechtree Care Center, second floor conference room, 318 S. Albany St.

Fore more information, call Adrienne McNair at 266-0708.

Depression support group meets every Thursday

A depression support group meets from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursdays at the Finger Lakes Independence Center, 215 Fifth St.

The group is free, confidential and organized by people who have personal experience with depression. For information, call Larry Roberts at 272-2433 (v/TTY).

2-1-1 access now available on most cell and cable phones

2-1-1, the easy access number to dial for information and referrals to health, human and governmental services, can be reached through most cell phone providers and on Time Warner Cable phones.

Sprint, Nextel, AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless cell phones can all now dial 2-1-1 and be connected with trained information and referral specialists who can help callers locate essential community services.

Anyone can also dial (877) 211-8667 if 2-1-1 doesn't work from their phone.

The 2-1-1 Finger Lakes Network provides area residents with information on finding health care, services for seniors, programs for people with disabilities, mental health services, legal assistance, addiction treatment, employment, transportation, day care and other community services.

Donate unused cell phones for soldiers to use

Cell phones for Soldiers and the Pak Mail Center at 907 Hanshaw Road invite the public to support the 150,000 men and women serving overseas by donating their unused cell phones.

Cell Phones for Soldiers recycles the phones and the proceeds are used to buy prepaid calling cards sent to soldiers to keep troops connected with their families.

For more information regarding the Cell Phones for Soldiers program visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.

Weatherization program available for seniors with limited income

The Weatherization Referral and Assistance Program of the Tompkins County Office for the Aging helps senior citizens with energy related problems and home repairs. The program assists income eligible seniors in making energy efficient modifications to their homes.

The WRAP representative at the Tompkins County Office for the Aging can discuss and assess weatherization needs, and help develop a plan to meet those needs. Anyone who is age 60 and older, a full-time County resident, and of limited income are eligible of qualifying for the WRAP program. The income guidelines follow those of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). For further details contact Gladys Brangman at the Tompkins County Office for the Aging 274-5487.

Advocacy Center offers support group for women

The Advocacy Center is offering a free ongoing support group for adult women who have experienced abuse. Women who have experienced sexual violence or abuse in a relationship will find a safe and supportive place to talk with others who have had similar experiences. To schedule an intake call the Advocacy Center at 277-3203.

Gadabout seeks new volunteer drivers

Gadabout Transportation Services is facing a shortage of volunteer drivers and is issuing a call to people to volunteer.

Gadabout is a not-for-profit agency that provides door-to-door transportation to people with disabilities and those over age 60 who live in Tompkins County. It relies heavily on volunteer drivers to keep the cost of service affordable.

Gadabout volunteers are asked to drive one morning or afternoon per week, and the agency works with them to accommodate their schedules. Gadabout also provides training and will pay for a volunteer driver's state-mandated CDL Class C license. Volunteers are encouraged to take Gadabout for a “test drive” before making a commitment.

Gadabout provides more than 60,000 one-way rides on an annual basis. Fares remain at $1.50 for one-way trips within the City of Ithaca and $2 for one-way trips across or outside the city limit. The fare has not increased since January 2004, due primarily to Gadabout's commitment to operating on a minimal budget and a reliance on volunteer drivers.

For more information about volunteering with Gadabout, call 273-1878.

Town seeks member for Conservation Board

The nine-member Town of Ithaca Conservation Board is seeking a new member.

The Conservation Board advises both the Town and Planning boards on matters of environmental protection and conservation and reviews development proposals that may affect open space or pose other environmental concerns. Applicants must be Town of Ithaca residents and be interested in playing an active role in the town's planning and advisory process as it relates to environmental protection.

Members serve two-year terms that are renewable. The board usually meets the evening of the first Thursday of every month. Members occasionally meet for site visits and usually contribute to a particular Conservation Board project by working on a committee.

If interested, send a résumé and letter of interest to Karen Billings, Town Clerk, Town of Ithaca, 215 N. Tioga St., Ithaca, NY 14850.

For more information, visit www.town.ithaca.ny.us/cboardi.htm or call 273-1721.

Plumbers/Steamfitters conducting apprentice recruiting

The Plumbers and Steamfitters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, Local 267, is conducting recruitment through Dec. 1 for six plumber-steamfitter apprentices.

Applications can be obtained from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the first working Monday of each month during the recruitment period at the local, 701 W. State St., Ithaca.

The committee requires that applicants:

* Be at least 18;

* Have a high school or equivalency diploma — transcript or certificate required if selected for the program;

* Live in Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga or Tompkins counties;

* Have reliable transportation to work sites and related instruction classes;

* Sign an affidavit stating they are physically able to do the work;

* Pass a drug test, at the sponsor's expense, at the time of appointment.

For more information, applicants should contact the New York State Department of Labor office nearest their home or the sponsor at 272-8586.

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.

Law firm to offer diversity scholarship

The law firm of Harris Beach PLLC, with law offices in Ithaca, has launched an annual diversity scholarship program to take effect in the 2008-2009 school year.

The scholarship provides second-year law school students $7,500 paid directly to the school toward the cost of tuition. Scholarship recipients will be offered an opportunity to participate in the Harris Beach law student summer program and be considered for an offer of employment upon graduation.

Scholarship candidates and recipients must be members of groups traditionally underrepresented in large law firms, and must express a desire to work, live and practice law in New York state.

Founded in 1856, Harris Beach is one of the country's Top 250 law firms as ranked by the “National Law Journal” and has offices throughout New York state.

For more information, visit www.harrisbeach.com.

Sustainable sewing group seeks donations, members

SewGreen, an Ithaca-based organization that encourages reuse and sustainability in sewing and needlecrafts, is accepting donations of clean, folded fabric that is no longer wanted, as well as yarn, sewing notions and sewing machines of any vintage.

The donations will be used in sewing classes and for reuse projects, or will be sold at low cost to help support SewGreen events and outreach. SewGreen also donates materials to other programs that will reuse them.

To donate items or to be added to an e-mail list that announces SewGreen events, contact Wendy Skinner, SewGreen coordinator, at 277-7611.

Low-cost spaying, neutering offered at county SPCA

The Tompkins County SPCA offers low-cost spaying and neutering services.

Participants must be Tompkins County residents and meet income guidelines to be eligible.

Appointments are required and can be arranged by calling 257-1822 ext. 233.

Cold weather tips for pet owners

The SPCA of Tompkins County would like to remind pet owners to make special provisions for their animals as temperatures drop and snow arrives.

Pet owners are urged to:

* Make sure all sleeping areas are clean, dry and free of drafts;

* Keep antifreeze away from pets;

* Check water bowls regularly to prevent freezing;

* Feed your pet more if they spend time in the cold as they require more calories to regulate body temperature;

* Check under the car hood before starting the engine;

* Wipe pet's paws daily with a damp cloth to remove ice balls and road salt.

New York state law requires dog owners who allow their dogs to spend time outdoors to provide shelter that includes a waterproof roof, structural soundness and appropriate insulation to protect the dog from inclement weather, and space for the dog to have freedom of movement and waste removal.

Owners who do not provide such housing are subject to penalties and possible confiscation of the dog. The SPCA encourages the public to call 257-1822, ext. 238 dmCQ, to report any dogs they see being confined outside with inappropriate or no shelter.

City seeks volunteers for boards, committees

The City of Ithaca is seeking volunteers to participate in a variety of advisory boards and committees.

These include: Board of Public Works, Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council, Board of Zoning Appeals, Cable Access Oversight Committee, Commons Advisory Board, Community Police Board, Conservation Advisory Council, Design Review Board, Disability Advisory Council, Housing Board of Review, Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, Parks Commission, Planning and Development Board, Public Art Commission, Rental Housing Advisory Committee, Shade Tree Advisory Committee, Workforce Diversification Advisory Committee, and Youth Bureau Board.

Interested parties can obtain a résumé form by contacting the city clerk's office at 274-6570 or visiting the city Web site at www.cityofithaca.org.

Help offered for seniors needing home repairs

Better Housing for Tompkins County Inc. is taking applications from low-income senior citizen or disabled homeowners who are in need of small repairs.

Repairs often include fixing leaking roofs, making steps secure and adding features that enhance mobility or address accessibility problems.

The homeowner pays for the materials, but labor is provided free of charge to those who qualify. Income guidelines apply.

For details, call Better Housing at 273-2187 or visit www.betterhousingtc.org/bet2_homerepair.html.

Volunteers needed for dispute resolution

The Community Dispute Resolution Center is recruiting volunteers to be trained and certified as mediators for Tompkins County.

Volunteers will use specific skills including active and reflective listening, conversation summaries, and check-ins. Those interested may call the CDRC at 273-9347 or visit www.cdrc.org.

Women's singing circle to be held monthly on first Mondays

Women Singin' at Hospicare, a singing circle, will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month in the Great Room at the Nina K. Miller Hospicare Center, 172 E. King Road.

All women who enjoy singing are welcome. The circle will be led by Jayne Demakos, director of Hospicare's music program. A suggested donation is $3.

Contact Saoirse McClory at smcclory@hospicare.org or call 272-0212 for more information.

Informal cancer group meets monthly at Cayuga Medical

Get-togethers for people affected by cancer will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Cayuga Medical Center.

People with any type of cancer and at any stage of treatment or recovery are welcome as are their family and friends.

Most sessions will include informal conversation from 4:30-5 p.m. and a presentation beginning at 5. Speakers will be arranged based on the interests of participants, with a particular focus on health and well-being. Possible topics include nutrition, exercise, humor, and spirituality. Although not designed as formal support groups, these get-togethers will provide an opportunity to connect with others in similar situations.

Registration is not required. For more information, contact Bob Riter at 277-0960 or at bob@ibca.net.

Lansing mother forms autism support, education group

Kim Fezza of Lansing, who has a 3-year-old child with Atypical Autism, has formed the Ithaca Autism Coalition and is welcoming new members.

The group is meeting the third Thursday of each month in Room A-14 at T-S-T BOCES, 555 Warren Road.

For more information, call Kim Fezza at 257-3371 or e-mail her at kimfezza@yahoo.com.

Web site connects volunteers with those in need

Volunteertompkins.org connects community members who want to offer their time and skills with local organizations that have a need for volunteers.

At the Web site, prospective volunteers can search the database of organizations seeking volunteers. They can enter a profile of their skills, interests and contact information into a secure database that provides access to community organizations seeking volunteer help.

Individuals can also search for volunteer opportunities on a calendar of events. Through this Web site, organizations provide and update information on what they do and how volunteers can help them achieve their missions.

The Volunteer Tompkins Partnership is a collaborative effort of five organizations that help to coordinate and promote volunteerism in our community.

For more information, contact Information and Referral at 272-9331 or e-mail: info@volunteertompkins.org.

FISH seeking drivers, phone volunteers

“Friends In Service Helping” of Tompkins County is seeking new volunteers for its service providing transportation to medical and dental appointments within the county.

FISH provides rides to clients who are elderly, handicapped and financially needy and have no other means of transportation. The organization frequently serves clients from Longview, Titus Towers, Ellis Hollow Apartments and outlying and remote areas not along bus lines. The main service is to doctors, dentists, the Cayuga Medical Center and various clinics and offices.

Potential drivers should enjoy helping others and meeting strangers, have a clean driving record and be prepared to pay for gas and oil used in connection with their FISH drives. Persons interested in volunteering to drive for FISH should contact the RSVP office at 273-1511.

Financial donations are always welcome and can be sent to F. Elizabeth Phelps, 1028 Ellis Hollow Rd. Apt 232, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Support group available for girls who have experienced abuse

CASA, a support group for teenage girls age 13-18 who have experienced child sexual abuse, sexual assault, dating violence or other abuse in their lives, is welcoming new members.

The group is appropriate whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, by an adult or a peer. CASA is a joint project of the Advocacy Center and Family and Children's Service.

For more information about CASA, call Bonni Georgia at 277-3203.

Cayuga Dog Rescue seeking financial donations

Cayuga Dog Rescue rescues abused, abandoned and stray dogs, and provides full veterinary care and rehabilitation in foster homes while they await adoption.

The organization is looking for financial donations for vet costs, and is also accepting supplies such as dog beds, toys and treats.

Donate online with a credit card at www.cayugadogrescue.org or send checks to Cayuga Dog Rescue, PO Box 722, Ithaca, NY 14851. They will pick up supplies if needed.

For more information, e-mail cayugadogrescue@yahoo.com.

Contact: dsmiller@ithacajournal.com