Archive: Around Town

Out and About in the Finger LakesWell, it was Halloween last weekend and for us that means that at least someone in our extended family will enlist Mary's help in last minute costume design. Since Jim's costume had , for once, been done in advance and Mary just needed to add ears and a shawl to her usual robe, we were in danger of having a rather dull Friday night.

Suddenly, the phone rang.  Our "granddaughter by mutual choice", Tigan, came to our rescue! Could we pick her up at school, run an errand with her and maybe add a few last touches to her "super hero" costume? After years of dress-up we still have a hard time predicting what her original mind will invent and we weren't disappointed. "Gavel Girl, bringing order to the court", was the character lurking in her closet this year.

With some pieces about 40 years old, and ever-increasing usage, the playground in Lansing's Myers Park has been shrinking and wearing down.  Changing safety code and insurance requirements have meant removing or repairing playground structures, and most of the rest is reaching the end of its useful life.  Rebuilding the entire playground will cost an estimated $180,000.  Raising that money is a task the Lansing Community Council has taken on, and the first stage of that will launch November 8th at the Lansing Tops Market.

"We've always been involved in the local community, but we've never done a front-end solicitation for a specific local goal," says Lansing Tops Manager Bob Clinton.  "We have raised money for wider programs that have impact locally, but not local initiatives.  We're really excited about it."

The Lansing Board Of Education took a break last Monday to hold a graduation ceremony for Cayla Congdon and Crystal Motsinger, both of whom finished their high school requirements over the summer.  Superintendent Stephen Grimm and School Board President joined High School Principal Eric Hartz for a short, formal ceremony that celebrated the students' achievement.

"It's a very special time for them," Grimm said.  "It's a special achievement for their family.  We want to recognize that achievement."

Pet of the Week Hey there my name is Arlie. I am a two-year-old silver domestic medium haired mix. I'm a beautiful girl who needs a caring home with a good family to take care of me. So please come and visit me at the SPCA soon to visit me!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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Saturday is Halloween, and the Lansing Faculty Association (LFA) has decided to celebrate with a 'Spooktacular Event.'  The event isn't a trick -- rather it is a treat for all Lansing school children.  LFA members will be holding a rummage sale to fund books that will be distributed around town so that kids can borrow them to read.  The idea is to create little libraries in a box.

"This year one of the district K-12 goals is improving literacy," explains LFA President Stacie Kropp.  "We wanted to tie in with that literacy goal, and we tried to think of a way to get books into the hands of kids.  We came up with the idea of creating Bobcat Book Boxes."

Food BitesLASAGNE (Italian spelling)

Click here for a Simple baked Lasagna recipe

To me, Lasagna is the epitome of comfort food. I did not grow up in an Italian household, but even so, my mid-western mother incorporated it into the regular meals that showed up on our table. What is it about lasagna that is so compelling? From a plebian perspective, the texture is soft and warm, with the sharply acidic tomato sauce- a perfect foil for the rich, oozy cheese and pasta layers. Then if you tuck in savory chunks of sausage, beef, or roasted vegetables… Cara mia.! “what a delight!”

Ingredients

• 4 rashers pancetta or smoked bacon, finely sliced
• a pinch of cinnamon
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 handfuls of fresh herbs (sage, oregano, rosemary, thyme)
• olive oil
• 400g shin of beef or stewing beef, minced coarsely

“It was a dark and stormy night”……….

OOPs, I think that one has already been used, but Oct.22 WAS a very dark and stormy night and the trip to Syracuse on Rt. 81 was pretty dicey in spots after a long day at work. We had been summoned to a surprise birthday dinner for our much loved daughter by marriage, Eileen. While that is reason enough, the fact that Jim is Irish and the pub was “Kitty Hoyne’s” at 301 Fayette St. in downtown Syracuse made it a must, even on a rainy Thursday.

The Lakewatch Inn was rockin' and rollin' Saturday to the stylings of Reporter, a four piece party band based in Rochester.  The theme was the '60s, and some of the costumes were as spectacular as the band.  All this was part of the Corporate Development Committee's (CDC) 13th annual annual auction and dance.  The event attracted 300 people, many dressed in wigs and tie-died clothing and all manner of 1960s garb, including one who dressed as Queen Elizabeth of the day.  But the highlight of the evening was the band.

"Everyone agrees that the band was INCREDIBLE!!!" says CDC member Bobbi Wasenko.  "It is always great when the band leaves the guests begging for more."

The SPCA of Tompkins County has a few tips to help keep pets safe this Halloween.

No candy for pets: Chocolate, chewing gum, raisins, grapes, milk products, alcohol and other human food can be toxic for dogs, cat, bunnies, and other companion animals.

Keep your pets inside: The noise and disruption of trick-or-treaters can be very stressful for your pets. Secure them in a quiet comfortable place away from the constantly opening door to avoid escapees and other mishaps.

Hi there my name is Alma. I am a female gray domestic shorthaired mix. I'm a beautiful girl who needs a loving home with a good family to take care of me. So please come and visit me at the SPCA soon to see if I'm the right cat for you!

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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