Do you plan to attend inauguration?
As part of The Ithaca Journal's coverage of Barack Obama's inauguration as president of the United States on Jan. 20, 2009, we would like to involve area residents in our news coverage before and after the event.
If you are interested in participating in our coverage, please send your contact information to ith-feedback@ithacajournal.com. Include both your local contact information and the way we may reach you on inauguration day. Please note if you have tickets to any Inauguration Day events. If you don't have e-mail access, please call Deb Miller with your contact information at 274-9261.
Pieces of AIDS Memorial Quilt come to IC
Panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be displayed in the Emerson Suites at Ithaca College through today. Viewing times will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The display will conclude today with a closing ceremony starting at 6 p.m. in Emerson Suites, Ithaca College, followed by the ceremonial packing of the quilt. Sponsored by the Ithaca College Action for AIDS group, the events are free and open to the public.
The AIDS Memorial Quilt was started in San Francisco in 1987 by the NAMES Project Foundation to increase public awareness of AIDS and provide a creative means for healing. Each of the quilt's panels was sewn and decorated by friends and loved ones in commemoration of a person whose life was lost to AIDS. The quilt has been visited by more than 18 million people in displays worldwide. It has more than 46,000 panels and 91,000 names, including those of actor Rock Hudson, tennis champion Arthur Ashe, clothing designer Tina Chow, singer Freddie Mercury and NASCAR driver Tim Richmond.
In lieu of facilitated viewings, a complimentary exhibition of photographic art and narrative called “Faces of AIDS” will be displayed in Emerson Suites in conjunction with the AIDS Quilt. These art works tell the stories of Tompkins County residents living with HIV/AIDS through their own words and photographs.
The closing ceremony will include influential guests from the Ithaca College community and performances by Ithaca community student groups.
Hospicare programs help with grief at holidays
Hospicare and Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County offers the following supportive programs for those facing grief after the death of a loved one:
* “Seasons of Remembrance: Pizza Supper and Craft Night.” 5-7 p.m. Dec. 4. For children of all ages. $10 suggested donation per family to cover cost of supplies. To best serve participants, registration is required by December 1.
* “Light the Landscape.” 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9. A lighting ceremony to remember loved ones who have died.
All programs will be held at the Nina K. Miller Hospicare Center, 172 East King Road, Ithaca. Contact Donna George at 272-0212 or dgeorge@hospicare.org.
Course covers becoming winter weather spotter
Tompkins County's Department of Emergency Response is sponsoring a National Weather Service Winter SKYWARN Spotter Course. For 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Department of Emergency Response, 92 Brown Road, Ithaca.
The course will train storm spotters to recognize the potential for severe winter weather and what to report to the National Weather Service and emergency management.
Topics include information on SKYWARN, the Weather Service mission and the importance of spotters and ground truth reports and examples of how spotters can help forecasters warn the public; how winter storms form and what to watch for; the difference between an advisory, a watch and a warning; what to report to the NWS and procedures for reporting.
This course is designed for individuals who are interested in becoming weather spotters, feeding valuable information to the National Weather Service.
For more information, visit the National SKYWARN homepage at www.skywarn.org or the NWS Binghamton homepage at www.erh.noaa.gov/bgm. To register for the SKYWARN Spotter Course, contact Tompkins County Emergency Response at 257-3888.
Workshop focuses on care for LGBT patients
D. Magrini, health education program director for the Mautner Project, will present “Removing the Barriers: Providing Culturally Competent Care to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People.”
The workshop is designed to educate and bring awareness to health care providers and outreach workers about the unique health care needs of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at Celebrations, 2331 Slaterville Road.
Workshop participants will improve their skills and learn what is needed to create systemic change within their care settings so that all people can feel comfortable and welcome as they seek medical care.
Developed by the Mautner Project, in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Removing the Barriers is an experiential training program encouraging participants to explore many aspects of culture including personal privilege, the cultural interplay of individuals and the medical system, and the impact of institutional heterosexism.
The cost for the workshop is $15 per participant. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, and ample training materials and resources. Registration is limited to 35 attendees. Make checks payable to “PPSFL—Education”
Lakeside hosts annual Holiday Bazaar
Lakeside Nursing & Rehabilitation Center will host its 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 final workshop scheduled from 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 or to schedule an individual counseling session, call Lifelong at 273-1511 or the Office for the Aging at 274-5492.
Holiday home tour planned by chamber of commerce
“Along the Trail: A Holiday Home Tour” sponsored by the Trumansburg Area Chamber of Commerce will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
Specially chosen sites will be open to the public to tell the Trumansburg story, including private homes, art studios, bed and breakfasts, and other unique buildings.
The self-guided tour will conclude at 4 p.m. with an elegant reception hosted by Jamie Kehoe at the New Park on Taughannock Boulevard.
Tickets are $20 per person and are available now at the Tompkins Trust Company and Village Office in Trumansburg.
For more information visit the Winter Festival site: www.Tru-Ulysseswinterfest.org or contact Tammy Morse at 387-6501.
Commons store to donate percentage of Saturday sales to BBBS
Ten Thousand Villages at 171 The Commons will give a percentage of the sales from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, to the programs of one-to-one Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ithaca and Tompkins County, a program of the Ithaca Youth Bureau.
Alternative Gift Fair supports not-for-profits
For the fifth year in a row, the Ithaca Alternative Gift Fair will offer holiday shoppers a chance to buy gifts that support local charitable organizations. The Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at the First Presbyterian Church, 315 N. Cayuga St. in Ithaca. Thirty-one organizations plan to participate.
The gifts, which range in price from $5 to an unlimited donation, include items such as healthy meals for school children who may otherwise go without, materials for affordable housing, support for community discussions on racism, shelter for abandoned pets and many gifts that support at-risk youths and families in our communities. All of the money earned at the fair goes to the participating organizations.
This year's Gift Fair organizations are: Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, Catholic Charities of Tompkins County, Challenge Industries, Community Building Works!, CRESP Center for Transformative Action, Dispositional Alternatives Program of Family and Children's Services, Dream Factory of Central New York, Finger Lakes Independence Center, Foodnet Meals on Wheels, Franziska Racker Centers, Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Human Service Coalition 2-1-1 Tompkins, Ithaca Alternative Gift Fair 2009, Ithaca Public Education Initiative, Ithaca Health Alliance, Ithaca Youth Bureau, The Learning Web, Loaves and Fishes, LACS/Akwesasne Freedom School, Multicultural Resource Center, Natural Leaders Initiative, New York Coalition for Health School Food, Opportunities Alternatives and Resources (OAR), Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes, SewGreen, SPCA of Tompkins County, Sustainable Tompkins, Southern Tier Advocacy and Mitigation Project (S.T.A.M.P.), Tompkins Community Action, Tompkins County Public Library Foundation, and the Women's Opportunity Center.
For two weeks following the event, shoppers who cannot attend the fair can purchase gifts online. For descriptions of the gifts and organizations, visit www.ithacaaltgiftfair.org. The Ithaca Alternative Gift Fair is sponsored by the CRESP Center for Transformative Action and Tompkins Community Action, with support from Alternatives Federal Credit Union.
Share the Warmth needs more children's coats
The Share the Warmth campaign is about to start distribution to those in need and are facing a shortfall of coats, especially children's coats. The community is being asked to donate gently used or new winter coats, hats, gloves, mittens, boots, and blankets.
This year a special request is being made to keep the donations to these specific winter items only. The Samaritan Center has limited space, and although donations are always appreciated, the need is the highest for winter items as listed.
Donation bins can be found on the Cornell University and Ithaca College campuses in various locations and the following community locations: Borg-Warner, 780 Warren Road; P&C Markets, East Hill Plaza and Triphammer Road; Wegmans, 500 S. Meadow St; Tops Market, Meadow Street and Triphammer Road; The Rink, 1767 East Shore Drive; Kendal at Ithaca, 2230 Triphammer Road; ShurSave Food Market, Route 96, Trumansburg; The Mall Cleaners, Triphammer Mall; Wal-Mart, Route 13; K-Mart, Route 13; Seneca Place on the Commons, Tioga Street; Kendal at Ithaca, 2230 N. Triphammer Road.
The drive will run through Sunday, Dec. 7. For information regarding the Share the Warmth Campaign, contact Tim Ainslee or Tom Parsons, of the Ithaca Rotary Club.
Sustainable Tompkins to host holiday party
Sustainable Tompkins will host its Annual Holiday Party from 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca located at the corner of Court and Cayuga streets.
Sustainable Tompkins will announce the “2008 Signs of Sustainability Awards” in order to celebrate the exciting initiatives of local citizens and honor the many wonderful contributions these individuals are making towards our sustainability movement.
Dinner and beverages will be provided. Please bring your own place-settings to reduce waste. If you'd like to help, please contact us at volunteer@sustainabletompkins.org. For more information visit www.sustainabletompkins.org.
Sciencenter begins free first Sundays Dec. 7
The Sciencenter will open its doors for free to everyone in the community on Sunday, Dec. 7, and the first Sunday of every winter month through March.
The Dec. 7 and Jan. 4 free Sundays are made possible with the support of Elmira Savings Bank.
Visitors are invited to explore the fun and science of rotation by experiencing the human centrifuge, creating their own mini laser show, and racing various spinning objects along tracks at the traveling exhibition, “Spin: The Science of Rotation,” on display through Sunday, Jan. 4.
The museum is open on Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for children 3-17 years, and free to members and children under 3. For membership information, current programs and activities, visit www.sciencenter.org. The Sciencenter is a member of the Discovery Trail in Ithaca. More information can be found at www.DiscoveryTrail.com.
GIAC Giving Tree needs gifts
The Greater Ithaca Activities Center has a Giving Tree ever year so each of its 115 kids has a present for the holidays and is still in need of 70 holiday gifts.
The Giving Tree is located in GIAC's first floor main hallway. The giving tree has a child's age and gender on a tag, but no name. If you would like to assist us by purchasing a gift, stop by the GIAC main office 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.You may then sign up and choose a tag.
Gifts should returned to GIAC unwrapped, 318 N. Albany St., by Dec. 9. If you are unable to make it in to GIAC to choose a tag you may email Jody Herbert at jherber@cityofithaca.org and he will assist you.
Caroling, ornamenting Dec. 9
The third annual Village Christmas Caroling Night, held in conjunction with the Newfield Public Library's green ornament drive, is planned for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, starting at the one room school house.
Groups will meet at the one- room schoolhouse at the front of the Newfield Central Schools campus. Carolers will travel to various locations, and organizers anticipate wrapping up around 6:30 p.m. Carolers are asked to wear light-colored clothing and bring flashlights.
Refreshments will be available at the Newfield Public Library, where Christmas trees will be decorated. Participants are asked to make an environmentally friendly, compostable, biodegradable, non-plastic ornament for the event.
Questions may be directed to Sunshine Miller at 564-9955, ext. 1050.
St. Thomas concerts to benefit Caroline Food Pantry
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2720 Slaterville Road, Slaterville Springs, will host two concerts on Dec. 9 and Dec. 18 to benefit the Caroline Food Pantry.
Both concerts are free, but donations to the pantry will be much appreciated.
The first concert will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9 at concert is an Advent/Christmas/New Year concert of a capella choral music by the Oriana Singers offering mostly selections from the Renaissance period. The concert will be followed by a wine and cheese reception. The second concert will at 7 p.m. Dec. 18. The Mignarda Duo (Ron Andrico and Donna Stewart) will offer Lute Songs for the Season. Ron and Donna are experienced lute player and singer respectively and promise a colorful sample of the sounds of the season. Part of the proceeds from their CD purchased at the concert will also go to the food pantry.
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 any time 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.
Bereaved parents group meets Dec. 10
The next meeting of the bereaved parents support group will be from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Hospicare on East King Road. This is a peer-run group serving parents or grandparents who have lost a child or grandchild.
For more information about the group, contact Carlo Troise at 255-9470.
Open house scheduled on waterfront trail, pedestrian crossings
A public open house meeting is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11 for two projects: 1) Phase 3 of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, which will connect the Farmers Market to the Youth Bureau/Visitors' Bureau/Chamber of Commerce; and 2) Pedestrian Crossing Improvements on Route 13 at Third Street and Dey Street. The meeting will be held at Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 615 Willow Ave (corner of Willow Ave & W. Lincoln St).
City staff and consultants will be available to discuss the projects, answer questions, and receive public input. The meeting style will be an open house format, with no formal presentation and no agenda.
Project design is slated for this winter and spring, with construction in the summer of 2009.
Dance academy stages Holiday Spectacular
An evening of dance will be performed by the Dance Competition Team of the Ithaca Academy of dance. The “Holiday Spectacular Show” is being produced by owner and director of the Ithaca Academy of Dance, Rosalie Amoroso, and Steve Murray of Trumansburg. There will be two performances of the show: 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Trumansburg High School auditorium and 7 p.m. Dec. 13 in Ithaca High School's Kulp Auditorium. Ticket prices are $9 for adults, $6 for children age 12 and under and for senior citizens.
The dances that will be performed were originally cast for the Radio City Rockettes. Amoroso, a former Rockette, and her teachers have modified the dances for the 28 dancers ranging in age from 8-64. Some of the dances include “Sleigh Ride,” “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” “Rockin' around the Christmas Tree,” “Point Dolls,” and the “Sugar Plum Fairy.” The “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” was awarded a Platinum and High Score Award as well as the Choreography Award when performed by the Dance Competition Team at a national dance competition in Las Vegas.
The studio of the Ithaca Academy of Dance suffered a devastating fire about a year ago, forcing Amoroso to find a new location for her academy. The new studio is across from the Tops Plaza near Hollywood Video.
Props for the performance have been donated by Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Ithaca Agway, Ithaca Police Department, and the United States Postal Service.
Tickets are available at Ithaca Academy of Dance Studio at 273-0521 and the Clinton House Ticket Center, 273-4497. Tickets will also be available for sale at the door.
Cayuga Nature Center sets Holiday Open House
Cayuga Nature Center will host a holiday open house 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14. Staff and educators will be on hand. Visitors can enjoy time at the Nature Center, walk the trails, visit TreeTops, CNC's six-story tree house, cozy up with hot cocoa and homemade cookies by the fireplace. If Ithaca has snow, sled the front hill and snow shoe through the woods. Animal presentations both days starting at 1 p.m.; there is no admission charged.
Sunday CNC will host a pancake breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon 12 p.m. with homemade pancakes, sausage, hot apple crisp, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and live entertainment; donations will be taken. For more information call 273-6260.
‘Breakfast With Santa' benefits Make-A-Wish
Applebee's restaurants in Upstate New York are selling tickets for its “Breakfast with Santa” fundraiser, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. Each ticket is $5 and includes pancakes, bacon, coffee and juice. Santa Claus will be on hand at area Applebee's joining the festivities and supporting Make-A-Wish.
Tickets for “Breakfast with Santa” must be purchased in advance at any of the Applebee's locations listed below and are limited. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit five Make-A-Wish Foundation chapters across Upstate New York and Connecticut. Applebee's has set a goal of raising at least $60,000 from this event.
Participating Southern Tier locations are 2300 N. Triphammer Road, Ithaca; 856 Route 13, Cortland; 877 County Route 64, Elmira; 3701 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal; 3149 Silverback Lane, Painted Post; and 842 Upper Front Street Binghamton.
Community Chanukah celebration Dec. 14 at Temple Beth El
Temple Beth El plans its annual community celebration of Hanukkah with a festive day of music, food, books, handmade crafts and children's activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 at the temple, the corner of Court and Tioga Streets. The festival is free and open to the public. All are welcome. For further information call 273-5775 or go to www.tbeithaca.org
In addition to freshly made potato pancakes (latkes) and fruit fritters straight from the chefs in the Temple kitchen, a special treat available this year is, “Delicious Peace,” a brand of kosher, organic, fair trade coffee, produced by Muslim, Jewish and Christian coffee growers in Uganda. Finely-crafted gift items and books will be on sale all day. Music will begin at noon with a sing-a-long for children of all ages in the temple sanctuary. There will also be wandering klezmer musicians from the Cornell Klezmer Ensemble and an adult song fest throughout the afternoon. Children's storytelling and craft activities will take place from 1-3 p.m..
This year, Temple Beth El is sponsoring a children's storybook program for Ithaca area Jewish families, called The PJ Library. Books from the collection will be on display, and parents will be able to sign up for free twelve-month subscriptions for their children. Rabbi Scott Glass will read stories from the collection from 1:30 to 2 p.m.
The Sisterhood book fair will include hardcover and paperback books, CDs, DVDs, sheet music and songbooks. More than 400 titles will be available, including many books released in 2008, from many genres including history, fiction, philosophy, holidays, ritual and spirituality, the ever popular cookbooks, and more. A large selection of children's books includes young adult fiction, books on Jewish holidays, books suitable for bar and bat mitzvah gifts, and, for toddlers, sticker and board books.
The Temple Arts Committee will host a crafts fair featuring fine hand made pottery, jewelry, silk scarves, dreidels and notecards - all great gifts for the holiday. Such local craftspeople as fiber artists Carol Schwartzott and Natasha Keller will be on hand. Judaic items will be available from vendors as well as the Temple gift shop. Glass artist Mike Friedman of Fritoglass will be selling hand-blown menorahs.
IHS Link Crew collecting food for Red Cross
The Link Crew program at Ithaca High School is sponsoring a food drive now through Wednesday, Dec. 17 to collect non-perishable food items for local families in need.
Donations can be dropped off in the main office, the library, the cafeteria and the activities building at the school. There is a goal of collecting 3,000 items to be given to the Red Cross of Tompkins County.
St. Thomas concert to benefit Caroline Food Pantry
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2720 Slaterville Road, Slaterville Springs, will host a concert Dec. 18 to benefit the Caroline Food Pantry.
The concert will at 7 p.m. Dec. 18. The Mignarda Duo (Ron Andrico and Donna Stewart) will offer Lute Songs for the Season. Ron and Donna are experienced lute player and singer respectively and promise a colorful sample of the sounds of the season. Part of the proceeds from their CD purchased at the concert will also go to the food pantry.
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 meeting is 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.
SPCA starts ‘A Home for the Holidays' with off-site adoption
The SPCA of Tompkins will have a mini-adoption center operating through Dec. 23 at the Shops at Ithaca Mall. The SPCA hopes to boost adoptions of cats, bunnies, and guinea pigs during the month through its “A Home for the Holidays” kiosk, as well as raise awareness of all of the shelter animals available for adoption in the shelter located at 1640 Hanshaw Road. The goal is to find new homes for at least 50 abandoned animals before the holidays are over.
In addition to pets, “A Home for the Holidays” will have new SPCA merchandise for sale, including the limited edition 2009 SPCA Calendar and “It's Great to be Alive” apparel, highlighting its no-kill mission. The SPCA will accept donations in lieu of gifts, providing cards to present to the gift recipient.
Also, “A Home for the Holidays” will be a collection site for urgently needed shelter supplies such as canned dog and cat food, chewy dog treats, peanut butter, squeeze cheese, and wash clothes and towels.
The SPCA's “A Home for the Holidays” will be located in the mall in front of Best Buy and will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
The Dorothy and Roy Park Pet Adoption Center is open for adoptions every day except Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m. and is open until 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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.
Tickets on sale for Youth Bureau anniversary celebration
The Ithaca Youth Bureau plans a celebration of its 60th anniversary at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the State Theatre in downtown Ithaca.
The evening's theme will be “Bridging Racial and Cultural Divides and the Role that Youth Play.” It will feature internationally acclaimed musician Samite of Uganda and Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, N.J.
Tickets are on sale and available online at stateofithaca.com/IthacaYouthBureau/ or by calling 27-STATE.
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.
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 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.
SPCA wish list includes canned food, peanut butter, squeeze cheese
The SPCA of Tompkins County has an urgent need for several items from its wish list, especially canned (not dry) dog and cat food, jerky or soft dog treats, peanut butter and easy (squeeze) cheese in a can.
During these difficult economic times, there has been a sudden drop in the donations of canned food and treats, and supplies of these items are nearly depleted. Canned food and treats are used to supplement the shelter animals' diets, deliver medication and provide positive reinforcement for behavior training for dogs.
Items may be dropped off at either the Rescue Shelter or the Dorothy and Roy Park Pet Adoption Center at 1640 Hanshaw Road during regular business hours or left in the donation bins in front of either building.
The Dorothy and Roy Park Pet Adoption Center is open for adoptions from noon to 5 p.m. every day except Wednesday, and is open until 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Volunteer snow shovelers sought
The Tompkins County Office for the Aging is updating its listing of snow shovelers. Deep snow and icy sidewalks are dangerous for everyone but especially for senior citizens. Many seniors are not able to remove the snow from their sidewalks without assistance.
If you are interested in assisting seniors by shoveling or plowing, on either a paid or volunteer basis, call the Tompkins County Office for the Aging at 274-5482. If your name was listed last year and you would like to be listed again, notify the office.
Salvation Army seeks volunteer bellringers
The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers for its annual bell-ringing 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
