"The book of poetry is a gift from Northside Southside Seniors to children and families of the Southside Community Center. Community Partners for this event are Ithaca High School African Latino Club and Cornell University Office of Minority Educational"

"They'll be examining what they can do as a faith group and as New York citizens to battle high rates of child poverty and gaps in early-childhood education ? as well as to encourage state lawmakers to put more resources into issues affecting families and children."

"Nearly 900,000 children in New York state, roughly 19 percent, live in poverty, according to the diocese, which includes Tompkins, Tioga, Schuyler, Seneca and Cayuga counties. In the 12 counties of the Rochester Diocese, 73,000 children are growing up in families with incomes below or at the federal poverty level, the dioceses said."

"For exact dates of training, more information or how to get an application, contact The Advocacy Center at 277-3203 or at "

"The free program will mark Charles Darwin's Feb. 12, 1809 birthday with a cake and discussion led by Will Provine, a professor in the ecology and evolutionary biology department at Cornell University. Provine will talk about Darwin and his deeply religious friend and colleague, Asa Gray. The conversations between Gray and Darwin, sparked by Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, are still relevant to current discussions between religious and non-religious people."

"For children, there will be natural selection games and a reading of the evolution-based children's book ?Tree of Life.?"

"This series is being organized by Donna Pinkowski, and is made possible in part with public funds from the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County/NYS Council on the Arts Decentralization Program, and with generous donations from the Groton Community Council, The Groton Public Library, The First National Bank of Groton, The Red Door Coffeehouse, and the Benn Conger Inn."

"The dinner will include soup and salad bar. Take-outs are welcome; price is a free-will offering. The proceeds will go to the building project fund."

"Tickets are $5 per person, and children under the age of 2 will be admitted free."

"Mrs. McPuppet will have music and puppets for sale and there will be a fabulous raffle supported by Cat's Pajama. All proceeds will benefit Community Nursery School, a cooperative preschool servicing the community for over 50 years."

"Advance tickets are available at Cat's Pajamas in the DeWitt Mall, and tickets will be available at the door starting at 12:30 p.m. on the day of the show."

"Learn cake decorating, scrap booking, drawing, knitting, crocheting and quilting from experienced, local craftspeople. Learn about alternative energy sources, animal tracking, beekeeping, bio-diesel fuels, blacksmithing, essential oils, welding, yogurt making, global positioning, pottery making, homesteading, genealogical research, ice cream making and how to use home computers to find books in various libraries. During the busy day, enjoy a relaxing chair massage."

"Other opportunities include vision screening for children 6 months to 6 years, Seneca County Sheriff's Department photo I.D.s for children, all day book sale and the chance for children to read to Jackson, a specially trained Standard Poodle dog."

"Enjoy live entertainment, demonstrations and an affordable lunch by the Lodi Fire Department's Auxiliary. Door prize drawings will occur hourly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m."

"Workshops begin at 11 a.m. featuring Tribal Fusion and Improvisation of Live Music Workshops by Sera, a tribal fusion bellydancer, as well as Carmine Guida and his band Djinn. A performance will take place at the Johnson Museum at 7 p.m. Saturday."

"The price of a workshop is $10 for students, $20 for non-students, with rates of $15 all day for students, and $35 all day for non-students. For more information, visit "

"The camp will take place at Cornell University's Lindseth Wall. Additional specific information is located on the registration form which should be returned by Monday, Feb. 12. Call the Recreation Office at 533-7388 for more information or a registration form."

"The public is invited to join for a series of four lively conversations exploring the social and political context of the lives of some of the most innovative Black Americans who lived and worked during the early 20th century. Barry Derfel, Instructional Specialist for Educational Equity in the Ithaca City School District, will facilitate the discussions. All of the books in the series are available at The History Center to borrow free of charge."

"Registration required and space is limited. Registered participants should pick up the first book, ?Black Inventors in the Age of Segregation,? by Fayvon Fouche, and allow themselves time to read it prior to the first session. Subsequent books will be distributed at the end of each session."

"Camp runs the weeks of Feb. 19-23 and April 9-13. The camp days runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with snack included. After-camp care is available until 6 p.m. for an additional fee."

"The Center also supports friends, families and professionals who have a survivor in their lives. Advocates receive 45 hours of training regarding our services, issues we address, crisis counseling, advocacy, referrals and support."

"Training will begin Saturday, Feb. 17 and will end the first week of April. For exact dates of training, more information or how to get an application, contact Aileen at 277-3203, ext. 317 or at "

"On Tuesday, Feb. 20 the theme is ?Those Crazy Victorians.? Crazy quilts with mismatched shapes and colors, collections of leaves, rocks, bugs and butterflies -- these were the delights of people in the late 1800s. Participants will get up close and personal with the wonderful things made and collected by people of the Victorian era. Then create their own miniature paperweight in the Victorian style out of ?found? objects."

"On Thursday, Feb. 22 the theme is ?Haudenosaunee Beadwork.? Participants will discover the fascinating art of beadwork that has been practiced by Iroquois people for generations, see some 100 year old examples and then create their own modern-day version."

"Come for one day or for both. Registration is required by calling 273-8284, ext. 0, or by e-mail: "

"The training is scheduled for Mondays and Tuesdays, Feb. 26-27, March 5-6 and March 12-13. All sessions will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Hospicare Center, 172 E. King Road in Ithaca. Volunteers must complete all six sessions."

"Volunteers play a significant role in the delivery of hospice and palliative care services to patients and families facing a life-limiting illness. The range of volunteer activities is very broad; they may read aloud, run errands, write letters, allow the family some time to get out of the house or just offer companionship."

"?Our volunteers remind people that they are not forgotten, that they are still part of the community,? said Wendy Yettru, Volunteer Coordinator. ?And they tell me again and again that they feel enriched and deepened by doing this work.?"

"Upon completion of training, volunteers may elect to work with patients and families in their homes or in nursing homes, or may assist in the Hospicare Residence. To get an application and arrange an interview, contact Yettru at Hospicare, 272-0212, or send an e-mail to "

"Classes will be held Wednesdays from 6:30-9 p.m. beginning Feb. 28, in Suite 103 in the Henry St. John Building on the corner of West Clinton and South Geneva streets."

"Course participants will receive handouts on illness symptoms, diagnosis, medications and strategies for communication. The course is taught by a team of trained volunteers who know what it's like to have a mentally ill family member."

"Class size is limited to 20, and all information is kept confidential. Call 273-2462 for more information or to register."

"Landowners must file an application each year to receive agricultural assessment for their parcels, and farmland must satisfy gross sales and acreage eligibility requirements. Eligibility is determined by the following:"

"* Land must consist of seven or more acres that were used in the preceding two years for the production for sale of crops, livestock, or livestock products;"

"* The annual gross sales of agricultural products must aver age $10,000 or more for the preceding two years. If an agricultural enterprise is less than seven acres, average annual gross sales can equal $50,000 or more;"

"All Forms must be submitted to the County Department of Assessment by March 1. Call 257-2340 for more information and to schedule and appointment."

"Recipients will be chosen based on academic achievement, extracurricular and community involvement, letters of recommendation, completion of an essay and financial need."

"Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or others preparing to enter college for the first time as full-time students, and members of CFCU. However, anyone living, working, attending school or maintaining a business in Tompkins or Cortland Counties is eligible to join the credit union. Non-traditional students planning to enter college for the first time are also encouraged to apply."

", or by calling 257-8500. Deadline for applications is Tuesday, March 1. Scholarship recipients will be announced by June 1."

"Complete information on eligibility, criteria for winning, award procedures and application information is available at www.mycfcu."

"The renewal application must be returned to the Department of Assessment by Thursday, March 1 to be applicable for the 2007 Final Assessment Roll. All supporting documents must be filed by April 15, including the State/Federal Income Tax Form."

"Renewal applications for the Disability, Clergy and Agricultural Land were also mailed during this time period and must be returned to the Department of Assessment by March 1."

"TCAT is working to recruit a diverse group of citizens who will provide input on ways to improve bus service and meet growing demands for public transit in the community's urban, suburban and rural areas."

"A membership application, as well as more information about the group, is posted on the TCAT Web site, "

"For those interested in cutting firewood from state lands in Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Oswego, Tioga and Tompkins Counties, contact the Cortland office at 753-3095 ext. 217 or by mail. Letters should be addressed to NYS DEC ? Firewood Lottery, Lands and Forests Office, 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland, NY 13045-1090."

"Firewood is sold in the form of standing trees at $12 per standard cord, with a limit of 10 standard cords per household. All sales are located in remote areas requiring the use of a tractor of over 15 horsepower. There are no roadside sales available."

"The actual drawing of wood will be in mid-March and firewood sales will begin as soon as possible after the lottery, depending on weather and field conditions."

"MapleFest features a variety of programs and activities for the entire family, including a pancake breakfast, maple syrup production, live entertainment, vendors, storytellers, demonstrations, animal visits and more. Volunteers are needed to cook, assist with maple production, oversee activities, coordinate parking, ticketing, and to assist with setup and cleanup. Everyone is welcome to volunteer."

"MapleFest is being held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18. Volunteers are welcome to participate for just one or both days, or for certain blocks of time. If interested, contact Liz Rinaldo at 273-6260,or email "

"The hours will be from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through April 12. Appointments preferred on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Wednesday hours by walk in only."

"* Refunds are fast ? received in half the time as when filed on paper * Returns are accurate - Fewer errors means fewer contacts with the IRS."

"* One-stop filing ? Federal and state returns can be e-filed at the same time."

"* Financial opportunities such as free credit report review and free new accounts available to all filers."

"The class includes a diverse group of students who are interested in how nonprofits serve their communities. The goal of the course is to provide students with hands-on experience with the structure, organization and development of nonprofits."

"With a gift from the Sunshine Lady Foundation, the class has developed a proposal process to grant a total of $10,000 to one or several local nonprofit organizations. Health and human service agencies are encouraged to submit programmatic, operational and capital proposals that will improve the quality of life for citizens of Tompkins County. Preference will be given to projects or organizations that focus on education, health, community development or those addressing interactions between individuals and their environment. A history of the organization's community action is required, and existing programs are invited to demonstrate measurable effects/outcomes."

"Applications must be submitted to United Way of Tompkins County by noon on Friday, April 13, 2007. Grant awards will be announced by May 2."

"The United Way of Tompkins County is located at 313 N. Aurora St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Phone: 607-272-6286."

". United Way of Tompkins County is an independent, non-profit corporation, incorporated and governed by local volunteers."

"Attendees must provide wage statements and report all types of income including W-2s and 1099s, Last year's state and federal income tax returns, social security cards, medical, interest, charitable contribution and tax receipts or bills, and a picture ID. The sessions will run Feb. 2 through April 14."

"Contestants will have the opportunity to compete for the state title, and participate in several fun and optional competitions. Winners of each age group will receive their crown, sash of office, and will reign for a full year. They will also win a paid entry to America's Pageant of the St*rs, held in January 2008 in Orlando, Fla."

"A new exhibit, ?Street Fashion and Youth Subculture: An Ethnographic Costume Exhibition,? featuring more than 50 authentic examples of street fashion, has opened in the Elizabeth Schmeck Brown Costume and Textile Gallery, located on the third floor of Cornell's Martha Van Rensselaer Hall. It will be up until May 9."

"To donate clothes, preferably ensembles, of street fashion that is considered part of a current or past subculture, contact Jirousek at "

" or 255-8064. The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday."

"Completed applications must be returned in person on the first Monday of every month. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school or general equivalency diploma, take an aptitude test, have a valid driver's license, have reliable transportation, and sign an affidavit stating they are physically able to do the work."

"The Board likes to talk to individual candidates because the requirements are different depending on the office and the municipality."

"Interested citizens may receive information at the Board of Elections office at 128 East Buffalo St. The office is open 8:30 to 4:30, Mondays through Fridays."

"Each summer, close to 5,000 children, ages six to 18, enjoy two-week vacations with volunteer host families in suburban and small town communities across 13 northeastern states from Maine to Virginia and in Ontario, Canada. Local Fresh Air Fund committee members recruit and interview host families, check references and coordinate Friendly Town program activities in their communities."

"For more information on to join a local Fresh Air volunteer team, call Deb Presutti at 594-3840, or The Fresh Air Fund at (800) 367-0003. You can also learn more about the Friendly Town program by visiting The Fund's Web site at "

"This is a ticket to sample fine wines at all 16 wineries that are part of the Cayuga Wine Trail. At each winery Visa owners will receive a tasting that includes at least five different wines offering a unique full spectrum of reds and whites."

"Price of the Vino Visa is $10 per person, and it entitles the customer to a 30 percent savings compared to the price of a regular wine tasting. To purchase a Vino Visa call (800) 684-5217 or order online at "

"Classes are held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Ballet Center, 504-6 N. Plain St. (corner of Esty and Plain). Anyone is welcome to attend a free trial class. Scholarships are also available."

"For more information, call Alice Reid at 257-6066 or leave a message at 277-1967."

"Relay For Life is an overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money to help the American Cancer Society save lives, help those who have been touched by cancer, and empower individuals to fight back against the disease. This year's Relay will be held at the Lansing High School track on July 13-14.. The official event kick-off is slated for March 28."

"If interested, send a resume and cover letter to Town of Ithaca, Town Clerk, 215 N. Tioga St., Ithaca, NY 14850."

"Youth 14 to 18 are eligible. Preference will be given to youth who are first-time job seekers and reside in the Town of Ithaca or villages of Lansing or Cayuga Heights. Duties of the position include general office support such as duplicating, collating, mailing and running errands."

"To apply or for more information contact Marnie Kirchgessner, Town of Ithaca at 273-1721, ext. 136, or "

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

" or send checks to Cayuga Dog Rescue, PO Box 722, Ithaca, NY 14851. They will pick up supplies if needed."

"These songs will be compiled into ?Songs from the Finger Lakes,? and will be performed in a series of concerts in the summer and fall of 2007."

"The collaboration, between Crookston and the Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA), is supported by the New York State Music Fund, established by the New York State Attorney General."

"Anyone with a story, saying or expression, or interest in the songwriting workshops, can contact Crookston by calling the CSMA at 272-1474."

"The Commission is responsible for assessing the needs and coordinating the development of programs for youth who live in the Town of Dryden. State, county and local funds are used to support these programs. The Commission meets once a month; occasionally an extra meeting is required."

"The program provides 50 tree seedlings or a mixed packet of 20 wildlife shrubs to any public or private school that would like to participate in the program. The seedlings can be planted on school grounds or other community space."

"To participate, schools should contact the DEC's Saratoga Tree Nursery at (518) 587-1120, or the nearest DEC regional forestry office, and request a ?School Seedling Program? brochure that contains all the information necessary to place an order."

"Under a partnership with American Cellular Donation Organization, SADD is able to turn used cell phones into charitable cash. Those wishing to have their phones picked up can call the high school at 387-7551."

"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."

"The group is free and open to adolescents and adults in the community. The atmosphere is informal and relaxed, and lively discussion is encouraged. Beverages and a light snack will be provided."

"Anyone who observes a bobcat in Region 7 (Broome, Cayuga, Cortland, Chenango, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, Tioga, and Tompkins counties) is encouraged to report to their Region 7 NYSDEC BOW office at (800) 388-8244 ext. 247."

"The Pass is for a great cause, and is a terrific buy for all the golfers in your family. The NYS Golf Pass is a discount golf book featuring free and discounted golfing, greens fees and cart rentals from over 110 golf facilities around Upstate New York and is available for only $35. Proceeds of Golf Pass sales support the American Cancer Society programs of research, education, and local patient services."

"Call 1-800-ACS-2345 and mention the New York State Golf Pass, or purchase a golf pass online at "

"* Tompkins County: Hickory Hollow Golf Shop, 158 Water Wagon Road; The Ithaca Journal, 123 W. State St."

"* Tioga County: Ahwaga Paint & Floor Covering, 9 Lake St., Owego; Hollenbeck's Surefine, 17 N. Main St., Newark Valley;"

"Fire Chief Jason Fulton says that conditions such as extreme inclines or curves, undersized bridges or culverts and side and overhead obstructions can limit the abilities of full sized fire apparatus. In the past year, TFD placed a specially sized ?Mini-Pumper? in service to be used in tight spots. Through this current initiative the department hopes to better catalog those structures that have limited access. Armed with this information, the first response to a call for help will include the proper sized firefighting unit."

"Any resident of the area who feels that their property might fit these conditions is encouraged to go to the TFD Web site, "

", and fill out the online survey. You may also request that a questionnaire be sent to you by calling the non-emergency number at 387-7131. Fire department officers will be mailing directly to addresses already identified as having limited access."

"Fulton also requests that all residents make sure their street address numbers are displayed at the road, in front of their homes, so emergency responders can find them in time of need.387-7131 or 227-8447"

"The regulation requires that between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., no cars can be parked on the odd numbered side of all city streets on the odd days of the calendar month, and on the even numbered side of the streets on the even numbered days of the calendar month."

"Note that if you park your car after midnight, you need to be conscious of what side of the street you're on as the dates change."

"During months with 31 days, residents should park on the even side of the street two days in a row for the 31st and the first. For more information on parking regulations, call the City Clerk's Office at 274-6570."

"Those interested in assisting seniors by shoveling or plowing, on either a paid or volunteer basis, are asked to call the Tompkins County Office for the Aging at 274-5482. CQ"

"Better Housing for Tompkins County rents small, modular homes to income-eligible seniors (60 and older) who wish to have them installed temporarily next to the family home of one of their adult children or other supportive relative living in Tompkins County, outside the City of Ithaca."

"Each one-bedroom modular home is designed to be transportable for use by a new family when the current resident is no longer in need of it. All five cottages are currently occupied, but vacancies may occur in the upcoming year, and interested parties are invited to get on the waiting list. Each of these cottages is designed to be accessible should its occupant have physical disabilities. Rents are based on income of the occupant."

"The Elder Cottage Rental Program, began in 1998, and is the only such program in New York state. Income limits apply, and sites for the cottages must meet requirements. To view details, visit "

". For information on the application process, call David Stoyell at the Tompkins County Office for the Aging, 274-5492. CQ"

"The League of Women Voters will for the third consecutive year be co-sponsor of a February luncheon meeting with Watkins-Montour Rotary Club. The luncheon is
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