TompkinsWeekly for the week of August 10th

Download the newspaper in Acrobat Format Here Energy Program a Smart Idea A new countywide program to offer geothermal and airsource heat pumps, as well as energy-saving home improvements is now moving forward. HeatSmart Tompkins is a program of the non-profit Solar Tompkins, which recently hired program director Matt Johnston. Full Story »   Old Library Site Developer Chosen The Tompkins County Legislature overcame its deadlock at two previous meetings and on Aug. 4 approved the Travis Hyde Group as preferred developer of the County’s Old Library site, located at the corner of Ithaca’s Cayuga and Court Streets. Travis Hyde proposes 60 senior-focused market- rate rental apartments, with professional office space and space for the senior services organization Lifelong. Full Story »   New street parking system is rolled out by the City of Ithaca page 2 Frank Nagy offers these words of advice for those using the new, high-tech parking meter system in effect on city streets: Know your license plate number. “Most people don’t know their license plate numbers off the tops of their heads, but that’s the key with this system,” Nagy, Director of Parking for the City of Ithaca, says. Full Story »   Therapist pushes for healthy relationships class at IHS page 3 A recent study by Teachers College at Columbia University found that for every dollar schools spend on students’ emotional intelligence, there is an average of $11 worth of benefits to society. Work at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence has shown that children of all ages can be taught these skills, and “there are real benefits, such as more effective leadership skills, stronger friendships and connections to teachers, better conflict management skills, and greater academic achievement than children who do not receive the training.” Full Story »   Dairy Princess embraces her role as an industry advocate page 5 Elizabeth Drake, Tompkins County Dairy Princess, is one of 35 county dairy princesses involved in the New York State Dairy Princess and Promotion Program. She is the 16- year-old daughter of Doyle and Judy Drake of Lansing. Full Story »   Wine symposium puts the spotlight on Finger Lakes region page 8 New York was selected as the world’s top wine region of 2015 by Wine Enthusiast magazine, and its wines are increasingly being recognized for their excellence. Full Story »   Family ties are tested in new film page 9 So, yes, Dad is a bit crazy, and not used to routines, but Mom has to go off to grad school at Columbia, so you get to stay with him for the next 18 months. Full Story »   Food Hubs take surplus garden produce page 10 If you have a backyard garden or share in a CSA, you’ve probably grown more fresh produce than you can use and have ended up throwing some of it away. What if there was a place nearby where you could take your surplus fresh fruits and veggies that would then redirect it to community members in need who can’t afford to buy it? Full Story »