Archive: Around Town

Last Friday at 11pm wizards, witches, and other magical creatures invaded Borders for the Grand Hallows Ball at The Shops at Ithaca Mall, and when the witching hour struck they lined up to purchase the first copies of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.'  The seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series attracted 800,000 enthusiastic fans at Borders' US stores.  "We never did a count in our store, but I can tell you it was packed," says Patrice Jennings, General Manager of the Lansing store.  "We definitely had a bigger crowd than we did two years ago.  I think we were all out of here by 2 o'clock two years ago, and this time they weren't out the door until 3:30."

Book stores around the world held parties to celebrate the release of the 784 page book by J.K. Rowling.  Ithaca's Barnes & Noble started celebrating at 8pm, and the Tompkins County Library had a party the next morning, with 28 copies of the book available to check out.  The Lansing Community Library Center had two copies that were both checked out Saturday morning.

Hi there my name is Bernie.  I am a black and white male cat. I am an adult and I am nuetured. I need a loving home so please come and vsit me at the SPCA.

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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ITHACA, NY - Local spa owner Rachel Hogancamp of Rasa Spa has been in business in the Island Health Center for less than a year, but she has already received much favorable attention. Locally, the spa is enjoying a dedicated following, who come to relax in the one-of-a-kind Tranquility Room overlooking Cayuga Inlet, get a Thai massage, or take part in a skin consultation and facial with organic products using in-season ingredients. But this latest bit of attention introduces the Spa to an international audience, with a feature article in the Summer 2007 issue of Organic Spa Magazine called

ITHACA, NY- Yesterday a representative from the Verizon Foundation presented United Way with a $9,500 grant for the Verizon Mobile Education Lab and Training Series at United Way of Tompkins County

Lansing Youth Services is in full swing this summer with programs as diverse as gardening, photography, furniture refinishing, and studying cultures.  Last week ten Lansing kids built their own stilts and learned to walk on them.  "They're doing great," says instructor Dan Klein.  "There is a certain number of kids that gets it right away.  There are others that it just takes them longer."

The program took place behind Lansing Middle School where the playground has bars perfect for new stilt walkers to hold onto.  They spent the first thee days building their stilts, then Thursday they were ready to launch.  "It's like riding a bicycle," Klein says.  "It's like magic, because when you first start riding a bicycle it seems like it's impossible.  But suddenly your body just gets it, and that's how this is."

Fox has American Idol.  Relay For Life has Ithaca Idol.  And not to be outdone, the Lansing Recreation Department has Day Camp Idol.  But Day Camp Idol had its own twist: Simon was... could it be??!!... nice!  "The three judges will say only positive things about the singers, even Simon," said camp director Sue Frahm.  "The campers and the counselors are going to vote.  Trophies will be awarded to the winners and runners-up, and everyone who competes will get a certificate."

Day Camp Idol was the culminating activity, but only one of many in a fun filled two week camp session.  When the word got out that Frahm was returning to run the camp, all three sessions sold out quickly.  "We actually took several phone calls asking if that was a misprint," says Lansing Recreation Director Steve Colt.  "When people heard that it wasn't and that she was returning, it sold out within a couple of weeks.  The staff is extremely strong, and anyone who is lucky enough to get into the day camp this year is going to have a great time."

ITHACA, NY- On Thursday, July 26th at 4:00 P.M. at United Way of Tompkins County

Pet of the WeekHi there my name is Samantha. I am a black spayed female cat. I need a great home so please come and visit me at the SPCA.

Visit the SPCA Web Page

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The tenth Ithaca Relay For Life was back for its second year at Lansing High School last weekend.  The all-night event celebrates cancer survivors while raising money for further research.  "Every year there are more survivors walking around the track, not only here in Tompkins County, but across the country," says American Cancer Society Staff Partner Allison Knoth.  "That's really what the relay is all about.  The money is wonderful, but it's really about the people and the hope it brings."

This year the theme was 'Decade of Hope' to celebrate the tenth local event, and relay teams were encouraged to dress and decorate their tents in the style of the 40s, 50s, 60s, and so on.  The 60s was a popular one, with many walkers dressed in tie-dye and love beads, with cardboard VW microbusses strapped to their shoulders.  The teams set up their tents Friday afternoon, and the opening ceremony started at 5:45 with a flag raising.

The enormous lobby was filled with people who had entered on a red carpet, and the excitement level was high as Regal Cinemas threw a party last night at its new stadium seating multiplex.  Waiters passed trays of food around, local wines were served, and a giant ticket carved of ice marked the table with the shrimp.  The concessions counter was open as well for people who wanted popcorn.  A quartet played in one corner, their sound filling the room.