Bread and Circuses

Radio, newspapers and magazines are full of stories of celebrity misadventure, political malfeasance and generally bad behavior. “Hiking the Appalachian Trail” is the new catchphrase for the liaisons of political bedfellows and we’ve just lived through four days of the aftermath to Michael Jackson’s untimely death.

These stories can divert us from news that really matters such as the continuing global economic trauma and unrest throughout the Mideast, much of Africa and parts of Southeast Asia. Sometimes it seems there’s a magician whose fast talk and fast hands are distracting us so that the illusion will startle us. But the illusion needs to be exploded. We need to see the reality underneath.

I’m not blaming the media. Bread and circuses have distracted people since long before the invention of the printing press. Juvenal deplored the petty actions of politicians about 1800 years ago when he wrote about how the people were giving up their birthright of political involvement as Roman citizens for free wheat (bread) and costly entertainments (circuses). But a free society requires an active and informed citizenry.

Congress will be voting soon on healthcare reform and energy policy. If you haven’t called or written your Congressman about these issues, why haven’t you? If you haven’t called your NYS Senator’s office to deplore or applaud their recent actions—depending on your viewpoint—why haven’t you?

I realize that the bread and circuses have been even more appetizing and distracting than usual, but the real issues continue. In the current recession the bread is likely to become less tasty so the time to start noticing what’s happening in Washington and Albany is right now.

JULY 2009 MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Dr. Scott Noren, proprietor of Ithaca Oral Surgery & Implant Center and a member of the Tompkins Chamber, has announced his candidacy for the US Senate from New York State. Dr. Noren plans to run as a Democrat and the primary election will be held in November 2010. Congratulations to Dr. Noren on his active participation in the political process. For more information, go to: www.norenforsenate.com.

Visit The Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airports’s recently redesigned website, FlyIthaca.com and book your escape today! With this new LIVE booking agent, you can make all your reservations - flights, hotels, car rentals ... all at the lowest and more current rates. And, as a special summertime promotion, when you register your account at FlyIthaca.com, your name is automatically entered to win TWO free airline tickets (No purchase necessary. Some restrictions apply. Promotion ends August 31, 2009). Visit www.FlyIthaca.com today!

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail has gone to the dogs with their Greyhound Wine Tour and Friends event, July 23-26. This event is all about art, wine and dogs. You’ll receive a wine glass, wine tastings and food pairings, and doggie treats for your furry friend. In addition there will be doggie vendors, concerts, seminars, painted barrels and much more. Ticket price is $25.00 per person with a portion of the proceeds donated to area adoption agencies. Tickets can be purchased online at cayugawinetrail.com, 800-684-5217 or at any Wegmans store.

The Tompkins Trust Company recently honored James R. Dormady for 50 years of service at the bank. Dormady joined the Trust Company in 1959 as a teller, and is a past president and current treasurer of the Ithaca Lions Club, treasurer of the New York State & Bermuda Lions Foundation and a director of the Empire State Speech and Hearing Clinic. Dormady resides in Ithaca with his wife, Helen. They have two children and two grandchildren.

Claudia Lagalla, a licensed real estate salesperson with Audrey Edelman RealtyUSA, is the first realtor in Central NY to be awarded two national real estate green designations: the National Association of Realtors Green Designation, and the EcoBroker certification. Claudia achieved the NAR Green Designation after completing 18 hours of course work and the EcoBroker certification after completing an additional 18 hours of course work. More specifically, Claudia was trained in proactively addressing potential environmental issues such as radon, asbestos, lead, mold and indoor air quality; providing guidance with energy saving home features and sustainable energy options such as solar; understanding “green” home certification programs; and helping clients buy and sell certified properties. For more information email Claudia Lagalla; homes@clagalla.com.

Bookery II is now Buffalo Street Books

The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce was pleased to attend the grand re-opening of Buffalo Street Books on Monday, June 1st. “There has been an ongoing confusion between my store and The Bookery, Jack Goldman’s wonderful used-book store,” explains Gary Weissbrot, the owner of Buffalo Street Books, who just celebrated the third anniversary of his ownership of the only independently owned comprehensive bookstore within thirty miles of Ithaca. “The similarity in names made sense when Jack owned both stores but the time has come for my store to have its own separate identity. Hence, the new name and, soon, new telephone number.”

Buffalo Street Books is the city's largest and oldest independently owned bookstore and is located in the DeWitt Mall, in the heart of downtown Ithaca. The friendly and knowledgeable staff invites you to enjoy the bright open space, fresh coffee, free Internet, stylish music and a great selection of books, CDs, DVDs, maps, cards, and more. Their new hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm.

(607) 273-5055
BuffaloStreetBooks@hotmail.com

Thomas Hoebbel Photography Expands to Provide Video Services

Thomas Hoebbel Photography recently expanded to provide commercial video services in addition to traditional commercial and personal photographic offerings. “Video is the future, in regard to internet and web-based marketing.” says Hoebbel who is currently focusing on web-based marketing films for area businesses and not-for-profit organizations. “With the increases in available technologies and the popularity of such sites as YouTube, the time is right for organizations to go beyond traditional photo and text based web sites.”

In 2008, Hoebbel purchased High Definition video, lighting and sound equipment as well as computer hardware and software to complete the editing and DVD authoring processes, and has been working with local and regional organizations to create his unique promotional pieces. Many of Hoebbel’s video projects thus far have been three- to four-minute promotional pieces that are intended to give an accurate and intimate look at a product, service or organization. “One of the first projects I proposed was a piece for the Community Arts Partnership to promote the Greater Ithaca Art Trail. We interviewed several artists and art trail visitors and put it all together into a succinct piece to really give the viewer an inside look at what they might experience on the trail”. CAP put the film on the Art Trail’s web site and now simply makes updates.

Thomas Hoebbel’s services also go beyond the web-based promotions. He recently completed a 15-minute piece for the Hamilton Central School district, and the film is now used to promote that program as well as seek funding to continue to provide teaching artists in the classrooms. Before venturing into this business expansion Hoebbel acted as director of photography for the Ithaca-based film Waiting on Alphie, shot in 2005 as well as two music videos in 2007. Since acquiring his own equipment and software tools, Hoebbel has shot a second feature film Take That and the short Kiss and Tell for Headz-up productions based in Buffalo. Both films are currently in post-production.

www.TH-Photo.com
607-539-6121

Mariette Geldenhuys Opens New Law Office in Downtown Ithaca

Ithaca attorney Mariette Geldenhuys has opened her new office at Suite 306 of the Gateway Center located at 401 East State Street. Mariette has practiced law in Ithaca for the past twenty years, assisted by Allison Myers as office manager and paralegal for seventeen years. Her practice areas include family law, alternative family law, small business formation and advising, residential and commercial real estate, municipal law and estate planning and administration.

For the past six years, Mariette has focused her practice on respectful, out-of court resolution of issues through Collaborative Law and mediation. Collaborative Law offers clients a process wherein trained professionals (lawyers, mental health professionals and financial professionals) assist them in identifying the issues to be resolved, weighing different options and choosing the options that meet as many of the needs of all involved parties as possible.
Mariette is the Founder of the Ithaca Area Collaborative Law Professionals. She has trained numerous attorneys in various locations in the practice of Collaborative Law, as well as having presented on Collaborative Law at professional conferences in the U.S. and other countries.

(607) 273-2272
www.geldenhuyslaw.com

Cayuga Medical Associates Opens New Doors

Cayuga Medical Associates recently dedicated its new building at 16 Brentwood Drive, adjacent to Convenient Care at Ithaca, in the Village of Lansing. Cayuga Medical Associates (CMA) was created to increase access for area residents to local adult primary-care physicians. Dr. John-Paul Mead, Dr. Sandra Thananart, Dr. Radomir Stevanovic, and Jane Olsefski, RPA-C, are practicing at the new internal medicine office and are accepting new patients. Office hours at the new facility are 8:30am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

“We’re very excited to be opening a new practice for Cayuga Medical Associates and enhancing access to high quality health care services in our community. We are looking forward to working in collaboration with local physicians to meet the needs of our patients and the community,” said Tony Votaw, CMA Chief Operating Officer.

www.cayugamed.org
607.277.2365

AJ’s Bus Tours – Getting Around in Comfort and Style

AJ’s Bus Tours is a friendly and pleasant local bus service that provides fun and safe transportation in the area. AJ recently added a 25-passenger bus and a 14-passenger limo to his fleet, so that passengers can enjoy a leisurely ride in style. AJ offers reasonable rates, specializing in wine tours, while also providing transportation for many types of trips, including wedding parties and casino trips.

AJ has acquired much experience over the years with operating large vehicles and is a trusted member of the community. During the school year, he is a bus driver for the Lansing School District. His familiarity with buses and knowledge of operating these vehicles certainly qualifies him for making each trip an enjoyable and pleasant adventure. Additionally, his involvement with local children during the school year has taught him how to keep a lighthearted and positive attitude in all situations, making any trip easy, smooth, and stress-free.

(607) 533-4363

The William Henry Miller Inn Celebrates a Decade in Business

The William Henry Miller Inn is a fantastic and iconic piece of the great history of Ithaca. The main house of The Inn was built as a private home in 1880 by Cornell University's first student of architecture, William Henry Miller. It is rich in architectural detail with stained glass windows, American chestnut woodwork, working fireplaces, seven spacious bedrooms, and large common areas. The carriage house, built in 1892, is located directly behind the main house and provides additional accommodations in a setting that is both private and luxurious.

The William Henry Miller Inn is currently celebrating their 10 year anniversary, providing luxurious and welcoming services to all of Ithaca’s most loved visitors. The Inn was recently awarded “The Warmest Welcome in the Mid Atlantic” by Karen Brown’s Travel Guide. The Travel Guide notes its favorite part of The Inn is “the innkeeper herself, Lynette.” She is sincere in her wishes to make every guest feel welcomed and relaxed. As soon as you enter the bed & breakfast you catch the aroma of Lynette’s delicious baked goods, making you feel as if you never left home. And when climbing the grand staircase, you will find an array of uniquely designed rooms that is a perfect match for any guest.

The cozy inn has provided great service to the community over the past 10 years and many memories have been created. Lynette and David are very grateful to their guests who are dedicated to the inn and have become great friends over the years. They have forged many long term relationships during The Inn’s existence and have become such an integral part of the Ithaca community. One of Lynette’s fondest memories was when the Inn’s Assistant Innkeeper, Katie Arthur, had her first child, nearly 25 guests sent gifts celebrating the birth of her new baby girl. It is this genuine care and love that has inspired both Lynette and David to manage such a remarkable Inn filled with warmth, elegance, and devotion for 10 great years.

www.millerinn.com
(607)256.4553

Pritchard Automotive Rolls With The Times

When asked how his family has been able to stay in business for over 100 years, Dan Pritchard replied, “By treating our customers with respect and offering personal service at fair prices in providing for their transportation needs.” Now that the Pritchard family will no longer – due to the reorganization of Chrysler – be selling or doing warranty and service contract work for the company – the question becomes, How do you plan to stay in business for the next 100 years? The answer is, of course, “By treating our customers with respect and offering personal service at fair prices in providing for their transportation needs.”

It has been said that “People do business with people they know, people they like and people they trust,” and generations of car buyers from Tompkins County and beyond know that the Pritchard family may have inspired that saying. In Dan Pritchard’s words, “As we move forward as Pritchard Automotive we will be a full service independent auto dealership selling all makes and models of quality pre owned cars and trucks. We will also be providing service, parts and collision repair on all makes and models. In addition we will be actively seeking other transportation opportunities that will be a good fit for Ithaca and Tompkins County.”

When James G. Pritchard arrived in Ithaca from England in the late 1800’s as a craftsman of fine custom carriages, and built his business with his two sons (one of which was William T. Pritchard) he changed with the times, so to speak, and began selling the new ‘automobiles’ after 1910. Now, a century later, the Pritchard family is changing with the times again, and will continue to do what they have done so well for five generations.

www.pritcharddodge.com
(607)272-8822

JUNE 2009 MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Coughlin & Gerhart, L.L.P. is very proud to announce that Jonathan O. Albanese, Esq of the Albanese Law Office, Ithaca, has become “Of Counsel” to the firm. Albanese Law Office has been providing legal services to Ithaca area residents and businesses since 1950. “I am delighted that I can now offer a full range of legal services to my clients, in addition to my real estate and trusts and estate work”, said Mr. Albanese. The alliance between Coughlin & Gerhart, L.L.P. and the Albanese Law Office means additional experience in estate planning, litigation, labor and employment, business and banking, and municipal and education law, for those seeking a full service law firm in the Ithaca area. Mr. Albanese received his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 1982 and Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University in 1980. He will continue to practice at his Gateway Center office location.

Sheldrake Point Vineyard was named one Wine & Spirits Magazine’s "Top 12 American Value Brands" of the year in their June 2009 edition. The eleven other brands sharing the spotlight hail from California, Washington, and Oregon but only Sheldrake Point Vineyard represents the Finger Lakes, New York State and the Northeast. This is not the first time Wine & Spirits has recognized the winery. In 2008 they recognized the 2007 Riesling Ice Wine with 93 points which is the highest score bestowed on any Finger Lakes wine. Their 2007 Riesling garnered 92 points in the Fall. The June 2009 Wine & Spirits issue features the winery on pages 30 & 32.

For the third time in three years, Cayuga Medical Center’s Patient Medical Rehabilitation Unit (PMRU) has been awarded the 2009 Top Performer Award by Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation. Cayuga Medical Center’s PMRU was evaluated against 800 other facilities and ranked above the 90th percentile of qualifying hospitals. The PMRU care team creates an individualized therapy program to meet each patient's needs promoting health, independence and the most active lifestyle achievable. This achievement is indicative of the ongoing improvements that the patients from the unit experience. Additionally, this rating is reflective of the efficiency of the patients’ length of stay and their ability to return to a community setting.

TC3.biz just received training grants totaling $26,179 from the SUNY system for Tompkins and Cortland county businesses. This translates into $37,250 of customer service, supervisor, computer, and team building training coordinated by Susan Greener, Business Development and Training Specialist at TC3.biz. For more information, contact TC3.biz at 607-844-6586 or info@TC3.biz.

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards was awarded Best of Class and Gold Medal for the 2008 vintage of its signature Homestead Reserve Riesling. The award was bestowed in the Johannesburg Riesling/Dry White Riesling category at the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition. This is the second straight year that the Homestead Reserve received Gold Medal at Pacific Rim.

The Kitchen Theatre Company (KTC) has purchased a building at 417 Martin Luther King/West State Street and has officially launched a capital campaign for their future home. This exciting project will bring together under one roof all of the Kitchen Theatre Company’s operations: performance, rehearsal and administration. The seating capacity will increase from 73 to 99 seats, and the performance space will be enhanced by high efficiency heating and cooling system, increased upstage and backstage space, a 16-foot ceiling height, multiple entrances, and full accessibility. For information about the project, please contact the Kitchen Theatre Company at (607)272-0403 or visit: http://www.kitchentheatre.org/campaign.

Tompkins Trust Company has partnered with the Tompkins Charitable Gift Fund to award a $6,000 grant to Family & Children's Services of Ithaca. The funds will be allocated to the nonprofit organization’s capital campaign ($3,500) and to help facilitate the Dispositional Alternatives Program, an eight-week summer session focusing on activities and counseling services for at-risk youth and their families ($2,500). Family & Children's Service of Ithaca is the primary private non-profit provider of mental health and health care services in Tompkins County for children, adolescents, adults, seniors and families. Since its inception in 1999, Tompkins Charitable Gift Fund has contributed more than $3.5 million to nonprofits in numerous fields of interest. To find out more about Tompkins Charitable Gift Fund, please call (607) 273-0037.

Rasa Spa, Ithaca’s premiere whole body health care spa, now offers an Oncology Massage Program for individuals in treatment and/or in recovery from cancer. This new program encompasses a wide array of non-invasive therapies designed to enhance the healing process throughout the various stages of cancer and recovery. In collaboration with the local healthcare community, Oncology Massage treatments will be offered at a 15% discount for those who present the Rasa Benefits Card, which can be obtained through Rasa Spa and various local healthcare providers. More information offerings can be found at www.rasaspa.com.

The Tompkins Cortland Builders and Remodelors Assocaition (TCBRA) recently donated a portion of the ticket receipts from their annual Home Show to Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins & Cortland Counties, an organization that is working hard to build simple, decent affordable housing in our area. TCBRA is affiliated with the New York State Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. This year’s donation of $821.00 was presented to Angela Loh, President of TCHFH by Dean Shea of Sunny Brook Builders and VP of TCBRA at the ground breaking ceremony for the upcoming TCHFH house on Breed Road in Lansing.

Upstate Dream Institute’s “Dream Boost”, an all-natural sleep and dream enhancer and first of its kind in the natural products arena, was a recipient of the 2008 Gear Award Seal of Excellence as well as a finalist for Best New Supplement of the Year 2008 at Natural Products Expo East in Boston. Amidst a sea of other sleeping products, Dream Boost catapults itself above all others by working to restore natural sleep cycles rather than artificially sedate. By combining traditional herbs, brain fuels, and vitamins and minerals into a unique formula, Dream Boost accomplishes this goal with a product that is all-natural, non-habit forming, produces no grogginess or side effects, and is safe for regular use. For more information, please visit www.DreamBoost.com.

Shortstop Deli is Serving Ice Cream Again!

After a summer of not serving fresh ice cream in downtown Ithaca, Shortstop Deli has opened Sweet Melissa’s Ice Cream Shop at the east end of their store, on the corner of Seneca and Geneva streets. Operated by Matt Kenny and Melissa Rauso, the couple brings over 24 years of combined experience in both the Ice Cream business and customer service to Ithaca. Matt’s father has owned an ice cream shop in Syracuse for the past 30 years which Matt worked at, and eventually managed. Over the years his father has developed a few recipes that were later passed along. Most notably their ‘Two Berry Twist,’ is a made-from-scratch red raspberry sherbet twisted with a black raspberry yogurt. This “sweet-and-sour” low-fat product is often duplicated by other shops, but is never quite the same as their family recipe. They also offer numerous sundaes, milk shakes, flurries and more, including their classic vanilla and chocolate custards.

Matt’s experience has taught him to work on the machines, insuring a constant air to temperature ratio that customers can count on time after time. Shortstop’s Sweet Melissa’s Ice Cream Shop is open Monday through Friday 1 PM to 10 PM and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 PM.

sweetmelissaithaca@gmail.com
(607)273-1030

Have Delicious Gatherings Cater Your next Meal!

Delicious Gatherings, a new catering service in the area, was created to provide personal chef services to help bring friends and families back together at meal times. Chef and owner Goldie Radojevich believes that catering is about celebrating life by providing spectacular food delivered to your door. Each gourmet meal is easy to serve allowing you personal time to bond and reconnect with your loved ones, instead of cooking. They also specialize in catered events that range from 2 – 20 people and provide various services from party platters to weekly delivered gourmet meals.

Delicious Gatherings offers a wide variety of menus ranging from gourmet chicken, pork, and beef dishes to Tex Mex meals. Their elegant style of catering can be tailored to events of any size or budget, such as dinner parties, company events, or holiday celebrations, to name a few. Additionally, they make "everything from scratch," cooking with only the freshest and most wholesome ingredients. Delicious Gatherings is dedicated to excellence in food quality, preparation and presentation and is committed to making meal time a personal and enjoyable part of the day. If you'd like to try some of their offerings, Delicious Gatherings is providing the meal at this month's Networking@Noon event which is taking place Thursday, June 18th in the Large Pavilion at Stewart Park. For more information or to view some sample menus, please visit their website.

www.deliciousgatherings.com
(607) 539-9914

The Gym, All About Fitness LLC Opens with New Syracuse Football Coach in Attendance!

The Gym, All About Fitness, LLC hosted Doug Marrone, the new head coach of the Syracuse Orange football team, on Thursday, May 7th for their official grand opening. Located in The Field/Rink complex on East Shore Drive, The Gym features 24/7 365-days-per-year access, state-of-the-art exercise equipment from Cybex, Precor, Icarian, Hammer Strength and York Barbell, personal viewing screens on all cardio machines, fitness advisors and personal trainers, changing rooms and easy parking. The Gym’s owners – Brent Handy and Lara Dunn – state, “We have over 20 years of combined experience in the fitness industry, and we have designed and equipped our facility with one thing in mind: Our clients!”

The May 7th event was generously sponsored by the new partnership of Coughlin & Gerhart and the Albanese Law Office. Partners Oliver N. Blaise, III and Mark Gorgos, and Jon Albanese (SU Fan of the Year 2001) wished Coach Marrone well in his new role with the Orange. Also in attendance were Chris Gedney (Syracuse Class of ’92, and former NFL player) and Matt Park, better known as “The Voice of the Orange.”

(607) 220-8390
www.thegymaaf.com/

Dolce Delight Brings Ice Cream, Fine Chocolate, Homemade Sweets and Beyond to Ithaca’s South Hill

Dolce Delight is a new sweet shop located on Ithaca’s South Hill at 1080 Danby Road. Owned by Joe and Maria Savino, the shop is located right next door to their other business, Italian Carry Out. The store opened last August, initially offering Purity Ice Cream and soft serve ice cream. Throughout the past winter, they incorporated Gimme Coffee, chocolates & truffles, homemade pies, cookies, Greek and Italian pastries, homemade cannoli, morning treats, muffins, and scones into their menu. They also do cookie platters, pies, cakes, and cupcakes to order. In addition to Sweets, they also sell hot dogs and starting this month, will be offering an assortment of Moosewood Soups as well as a few choices of salads. Fresh, organic produce will also be offered from local farmers later this summer

Dolce Delight is a wonderful place to meet friends and enjoy a hot cup of coffee and pastry, or a milkshake and ice cream cone. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, their shop is a warm and welcoming place to be. As you walk in, you may notice that the wall on your right is filled with wonderful pictures of children that have enjoyed treats at Dolce. Owner Maria Savino states, “I have always wanted a sweet shop and have enjoyed baking all my life with my family. At Dolce Delight, we try to use as much local ingredients as possible…or as I like to say ‘The Best of Ithaca’.” Dolce Delight’s hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Saturday & Sunday 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Remember, "LIFE IS DELICIOUS"!

(607) 256-1111

Euro Sedans & Limousines Brings “European Flair” to Tompkins County

Euro Sedans & Limousines, LTD is a luxury ground transportation company that is committed to offering exceptional service and reliability, with client safety and comfort as top priority. Offering a broad range of services, their goal is to completely take care of any and all of your transportation needs. Euro Sedans features a fleet of exquisitely maintained luxury BMW sedans and Cadillac Limousines.

Euro Sedans knows from experience that safety is no accident. All of their vehicles come equipped with a dash cam. Industry statistics show that driving skills are greatly improved when a dash cam is onboard. Part of Euro Sedans’ ongoing safety program is to monitor all recorded events captured from their dash cams. These, in turn, are then carefully analyzed and the data gathered is used to build each chauffeur’s profile. Only those drivers who meet their strict guidelines remain a part of the Euro Sedans & Limousines team.

The owner’s, Bonner Herren and Luigi Llanos are longtime residents of Tompkins County, as well as entrepreneurs and businessmen. They have first-hand knowledge of the economic and cultural values of the region as well as the people who call it home. Their aim is to bring a sedan and limousine service with a “European flair,” featuring old world courtesy with 21st century efficiency. Euro Sedans & Limousines can be rented by the hour, day, weekend and week for business or pleasure. Whether you're planning a wedding, a trip to the airport, a weekend wine tasting tour or just a night out on the town, Euro Sedans & Limousines will provide you with world class personal service. They would like to invite you to log on to their site, www.eurosedans.com and register today for their unique Euro Miles program and see how you can benefit.

(607) 387-EURO (3876)
www.eurosedans.com

Let Laura Kirsner’s “Your CFO” Work for Your Business

“Managing a small or mid-sized business is much harder than managing a large business,” says Laura Kirsner, sole proprietor of Your CFO, a new financial consultant in Tompkins County. “Smaller businesses have the same financial issues to deal with—keeping books and records, budgeting and cash forecasting, analyzing profitability of products and services, managing their borrowing relationships, controlling inventories and expenses, keeping up with government regulations. But they can’t afford to hire experienced people to do all this. So the business owner struggles to find time for these things”.

Ms Kirsner has successfully managed the finances of large corporations for over 30 years, serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Controller of two major corporations. She has also served as a business partner and coach to small businesses, and co-authored and published a book on accounting for small businesses.
Laura’s approach is to develop a small group of clients to whom she can provide continuity of service over time. Knowing the client’s business is critical if you are going to be a resource that can be relied on when issues or problems arise.

(607) 279-9270
lkirsner@twcny.rr.com

Paid Summer Internships for Local High School Students Available through United Way of Tompkins County

United Way of Tompkins County has announced the second year of its Stephen E. Garner Summers of Service Scholarships. This employment and learning opportunity, funded primarily by Cornell University’s Student United Way Campaign and donors’ gifts, will provide paid summer internships for local high school students at one or more of United Way of Tompkins County’s forty-three member organizations. Stephen E. Garner was President & CEO of Tompkins Trust Company and served as United Way of Tompkins County Campaign Chair in 2004 and Board Chair in 2006 before his untimely passing in May 2006. The internships will give local high school students the opportunity to learn firsthand about the health and human services sector in Tompkins County. Students need to apply through United Way of Tompkins County for the available positions at UWTC member organizations. For more information on specific opportunities available for this summer, please contact United Way of Tompkins County at 272-6286. Interviews will be scheduled before the end of June.

A Victory and a Challenge

The last few weeks has seen a great triumph for the business community and Tompkins County. After a stunning blow to our community—the announcement that Continental Airlines would be discontinuing service to and from the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH)—Senator Schumer came to the airport to reveal that Continental would be staying. The business community, led by the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, the Air Service Board, and Tompkins County Area Development, rallied quickly and called Senator Schumer to ask for help. Senator Schumer responded to our calls and spent considerable time and effort to bring Continental to the table to listen to the business suggestions and analysis that a group of business leaders proposed. The result is slightly reduction in the number of flights and a challenge to our community to use the service or to risk losing it.

Senator Schumer also brought to us more information about the problems at Newark International. We knew that air traffic congestion was forcing Continental to reduce flights. But Senator Schumer was familiar with problems in the FAA and management at Newark that helped us make our case with officials at Continental.

In the last seven months with three airlines operating from ITH we’ve seen great service. You can now reach more than 200 destinations world-wide with one-stop service. Prices have been amazing. I recently flew round-trip to Roanoke on a Continental-Northwest code-share for $180 round trip and just purchased a round-trip ticket to Raleigh for $210 roundtrip. Our airport works efficiently and well with this level of service.

But, if the people of Tompkins County don’t use our airport, we will lose air service. The airlines need to use their aircraft efficiently and they simply won’t continue half-empty flights. I urge you to register at www.flyithaca.com and use it to book your air travel. Costs are absolutely competitive, service is excellent, and you’ll avoid long-lines and the hassle of driving one, two or more hours to get on a flight. So don’t take this victory for granted. You have great choice now, but it could be our last chance.