Why [ithaca Forward]?

So, what's the deal? I keep hearing all about this [ithaca Forward] and I'm here on this Blog thing and I still have no idea of what you are trying to accomplish! If this sounds familiar...keep reading...this may come as a serious reality check to many of you living in our area.


JUNE 13, 2006, The NY Times-
Upstate New York is staggering from an accelerating exodus of young adults, new census results show. The migration is turning many communities grayer, threatening the long-term viability of ailing cities and raising concerns about the state's future tax base.

From 1990 to 2004, the number of 25-to-34-year-old residents in the 52 counties north of Rockland and Putnam declined by more than 25 percent. In 13 counties that include cities like Buffalo, Syracuse and Binghamton, the population of young adults fell by more than 30 percent. In Tioga County, part of Appalachia in New York's Southern Tier, 42 percent fewer young adults were counted in 2004 than in 1990.

"Make no mistake: this is not business as usual," Robert G. Wilmers, the chairman of M & T Bank in Buffalo, told his shareholders this spring. "The magnitude and duration of population loss among the young is unprecedented in our history. There has never been a previous 10-year period in the history of the upstate region when there has been any decline in this most vital portion of our population."


To read the rest of the article visit this link.

Come spend the night with [iF] members!

THIS FRIDAY! RELAY FOR LIFE! LANSING HIGH SCHOOL TRACK!

Join members of [iF] as we walk the track in support of finding a cure for cancer and showing the community we care enough to make a difference!

The kick-off lap will be at 6pm - with our courageous survivors leading the way. The parade of teams will begin around 6:45 pm - and [iF] invites you to walk with our team!

If you're not able to join us - you can visit the [iF] team page HERE to make a donation. We thank you for your support!

If you just want to attend the event - there will also be lots of exciting and fun family things to do.

Like what you ask?

CELEBRATE SURVIVORS & CAREGIVERS at 6pm: Our survivors take to the track - be there to cheer them on as we officially kick-off our overnight event! Join in our caregivers lap right after to celebrate those who give us hope!

BRING YOUR KIDS TO MUNCHKINLAND - KIDS TENT OPEN AT 6:30pm: We've got a tent full of fun Wizard of Oz themed events including balloon hats, crafts, games, and more! Small fees are associated with the activities and all the proceeds will go to the Relay.

TRY TO LEAVE OZ IN A HOT AIR BALLOON - 6:30pm: Take a tethered hot air balloon ride - weather permitting - sponsored by ReMax in Motion. Rides are $10 and again all proceeds go to the Relay!

BE ENTERTAINED! STARTING AROUND 8PM: Come listen to the latest and greatest a cappella group to hit Ithaca - The Fault Line!

REMEMBER THOSE WE'VE LOST. LUMINARIA CEREMONY STARTS AT 9:30pm: Walk the track in this emotional ceremony as we remember those we've lost and honor those still battling. Luminarias will also be on sale at the event for $10.

SEE WHO WE CROWN AS OUR VERY OWN ITHACA IDOL! STARTING AT 11pm: Here in Ithaca - you decide the winner with your dollars! Hear all of our contestants and declare your winner - a dollar a vote!

EAT, EAT, AND EAT MORE: Not only is there a basic concessions stand - many teams have delectable goodies for sale at their tents!

SHOP FOR GOODS - WIN PRIZES: In addition to the Relay Gear Store, many teams sell and raffle off beautiful handmade goods. Open your wallet and win big!

GET NOTICED - NATIONALLY!! The national office of the American Cancer society will be on hand at the event filming activites to collect footage that will be used in its updated promotional materials! Let's show the national office our commitment to Relay!

Remember - in keeping with our Wizard of Oz theme:

A community that takes up the fight has HEART.
We need our BRAINS to prevent and cure this disease.
Survivors demonstrate a COURAGE like no other!

Leadership Tompkins Applicants Wanted

Leadership Tompkins is recruiting participants for its class of 2006-07.

Leadership Tompkins--a program co-sponsored by the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce and Tompkins Cortland Community College--assembles a diverse group of individuals from business, industry, education, non-profit, and government organizations who wish to develop their leadership skills and have a passion for community involvement. The program educates participants about the resources of Tompkins County and the complexity of community service dynamics.

The program is highly experiential and promotes networking among participants, alumni, and community leaders. The $800 tuition, which may be paid by the participant, business or organization (or a combination thereof), covers all costs including the 2-day kick-off Retreat, 16 instructional sessions, tours, events, lunches and a Graduation dinner celebration. A limited number of partial scholarships are available based on financial need.

In addition to educational sessions, the participants form groups around areas of community need and personal passion and complete Community Action Projects. This year we will be soliciting RFPs from community organizations (information to follow under separate cover) to insure that the Projects are meeting the greatest need, are supportable, and are able to be completed within the timeframe of the program.

Information and Applications are available at the following locations:

TC3 Extension Center Center Ithaca
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce 904 East Shore Drive
Via email to sanfors@tc3.edu
Via phone to 607.272.3025

For further information about the program, please contact Susan Greener, program director, at 607-227-4520 or email greenes@tc3.biz