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| Ithaca College is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year during the weekend of November 3-5. The weekend will also include the inauguration of IC’s new president, Shirley Collado, alumni class reunions and host the annual family weekend crowd. It will be a busy and celebratory time for college and we hope to the Ithaca community. To kick off the weekend, IC is planning a Welcome Back Party to happen all over Downtown Ithaca on Friday, November 3rd. The Ithaca Marriott will be a check-in and base camp for the alum weekend kick-off and we are expecting approximately
Downtown Ithaca Alliance is teaming up with IC to help the college bring their activities downtown. We will be collecting a guide of things to do while they are downtown to celebrate. We are looking for downtown businesses who are interested in helping IC welcome their guests and there are a number of ways you can get involved. There are a number of opportunities and ways to get involved including:
We will be coordinating with Ithaca College to help promote the weekend. Please take a minute to fill out the sign-up form. A promotion will be rolling, but the earlier you sign-up then more your business will be featured in marketing efforts. General participation registration deadline: If you are a restaurant/bar looking to host a reunion gathering, please contact by August 1st : |
OFFICE MANAGER POSITION(S) AVAILABLE
The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA), the nonprofit organization charged with the management, promotion, marketing, and revitalization of Downtown Ithaca, is seeking either one full-time or two half-time person(s) for the role of Office Manager.
The DIA Office Manager(s) will be responsible for managing and supporting the development, marketing, events, operations, and transportation professional staff of the organization. Half time will be devoted to the back of the house (organizing and running of a busy office environment) including but not limited to:
- File management and maintenance
- Meeting and calendar scheduling
- Executive Director support
- Managing and monitoring databases
- Overseeing office supplies, including re-stocking, and equipment, including computers and software
- Serving the visiting public and managing our gift card program
A second half-time will be devoted to proving office support for a new transportation demand management program (TDM) run by the DIA. This position will:
- Prepare a complete and accurate database of all office, businesses, shops, and restaurants, including primary contacts for TDM matters.
- Schedule appointments for TDM staff and manage their calendars.
- Inventory supplies needed for fulfillment.
- Provide support for TDM staff.
These two half-time positions can be separate or combined depending on prospective applicants. As a full-time position, this will be a 35-40 hour/week job with full-time employee benefits, including health insurance. Certain pro-rated benefits are available for part-time employees. The wage range for this position is $15.00 – $16.00/ hour depending on qualifications.
The successful applicant will:
- Have strong, demonstrable office support and office management skills;
- Have excellent communications skills with the general public and with the clientele of the DIA;
- Background providing administrative support and office management;
- Have strong typing and database skills;
- Have a basic understanding of computers and software so as to be able to monitor problems and seek appropriate help;
- Have excellent time management skills and be a self-starter;
- Work well with colleagues and with clients and visitors;
- Be able to work in a fast paced, multi-tasked office environment;
- Have an interest in the revitalization, management, and promotion of downtown Ithaca
- Maintain an orderly, clean & systematic work environment and greeting center.
- Keep common areas and general office materials neat and orderly
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the job(s) are filled. To apply, please email or drop off a current resume and a cover letter outlining the position(s) for which you are applying to: info@downtownithaca.com or Downtown Ithaca Alliance, 171 The Commons, #136, Ithaca, NY 14850
Outreach program geared toward helping the community’s less fortunate
ITHACA JUNE 27, 2017 — Assisting the homeless and those who are in need is the daily struggle of many cities; however, Downtown Ithaca has developed a compassionate plan called Pay It Forward to help these individuals.
Pay It Forward is a community outreach campaign that allows the public to make a donation that will assist those in need with purchasing a meal or sundries from participating businesses. The public may also donate by making a contribution in one of three red donation boxes. Three boxes are on the Commons. One is Aurora St., the second near Home Dairy Alley and the third in Bank Alley. All of the money collected from the donation boxes will be used to buy food and basic necessity items for Ithaca’s homeless and people in need.
Pay It Forward donation boxes are located at three sites on The Ithaca Commons. Here’s the Bank Alley donation box.
The program is managed by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA), a not-for-profit community development organization charged with creating and sustaining a vibrant and healthy city center. The DIA, City of Ithaca, Community Outreach Worker Tammy Baker, Center Cafe owner Terry Little, and Ithacash were instrumental in helping this program come to fuition.
DIA Executive Gary Ferguson notes, Pay It Forward brings together interested merchants, the donating public, nonprofit providers, and the Community Outreach Worker Program. The DIA is working with the Community Outreach Worker Program operated by the local nonprofit Family and Children’s Services to educate those in need about the initiative.
“Despite our inventory of nonprofits and support programs, we have not always been able to meet the basic needs of people on the street. Pay It Forward is a creative and engaging way to involve the community in addressing one of our most fundamental and basic issues — providing for people in need. It does not duplicate existing programs or services; it complements current services provided by nonprofits,” Ferguson said.
The DIA encourages the public to consider supporting the Pay It Forward Program by placing a contribution in the donation boxes or paying directly to the participating businesses. The DIA is also working to enroll more businesses in the program. 
Currently, Center Cafe inside of Center Ithaca on The Commons, Green Street Pharmacy, and Casablanca Pizzeria are participating in the program. You may have noticed near Center Cafe’s food service window a white board covered with sticky notes dollar amounts on them; that’s Pay It Forward!
How it works is giving citizens may pre-pay for a meal, or donate to the participating business without making a purchase, or they may place a donation in the Pay It Forward boxes. Any amount of money donated to this cause is greatly appreciated.
Again, the program guarantees 100 percent of the money donated will provide the area’s homeless and people in need with meals and sundries such as batteries, toiletries, or a bus pass.
“What I like about the program is that it can show people that even the smallest gesture such as purchasing an extra cup of coffee for someone in need can go a long way. I am also hoping to show other businesses that it doesn’t take a lot of work or even too much planning to help those in need. If you set up a way for people to help others they will,” said The Center Cafe Owner Terry Little.
Green Street Pharmacy owner Nicole Pagano adds, “Pay it forward is a wonderful way for people to give to those in need with the security that the money is going to good use. I have seen many people benefit from this program in many ways: including a bagel or hot bowl of soup when they are hungry, first aid items when they are hurt, and a bus pass when they need a ride home. This is a way for people to ask for and receive help with dignity and respect. No other person in the store knows that the person in line in front of them is a recipient of this program. I went into the pharmacy business to help people, and the Pay it Forward program is just another way to help others in our community.”
A person in need may participate in this program simply by going to one of the participating downtown businesses and pulling from a bulletin a note tag that is redeemable for food and other necessities.
“Pay It Forward is an exciting, novel effort to help those most in need in a way that preserves their dignity. If you are hungry, there will be food. If you need personal items, or batteries, or any other items, you will have immediate access without scrutiny. We want to help all of our citizens, especially those most vulnerable,” said City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick. “Pay It Forward brings together the city, the DIA, caring businesses, nonprofits and community members who agonize over how to give to the people on the street. Now with the Pay It Forward Program, they know their dollars go for the basic needs that people truly must have, but sometimes forego to satisfy an addiction.”
For the creation of this outstanding community outreach program, The City of Ithaca was the recent recipient of a CommunityWins Outstanding Achievement Grant awarded by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Wells Fargo. Ithaca was one of six cities to win the grant; 245 cities applied.
The grant funds will be used to augment the program by providing a pool of funds for replenishing Pay It Forward meals and items at the participating businesses and by paying for program marketing materials aimed at Downtown workers and visitors.
The DIA thanks the City of Ithaca and Downtown Ithaca businesses for participating in and supporting the Pay It Forward Program. For more information about the Pay It Forward Program, contact the DIA at (607) 277-8679 or email info@downtownithaca.com.
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ITHACA, N.Y. JUNE 15, 2017 — The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) enthusiastically announces its new activities for its latest installment of Day Out In Downtown. This fun-filled, midday event featuring activities geared towards the community’s older population is set for Tuesday, June 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various downtown locations. This month, a fourth activity is added to the list! The day’s activities will begin at Dewitt Park (near the Baptist Church corner) where guests will receive an informative talk about transportation services from Ithaca Carshare and bike safety tips from the Bike Tompkins County program. A demonstration of these two services will be part of this activity, too! Following this informative activity, at 11 a.m., attendees will take a short walk to Bank Alley on The Commons where Downtown Ithaca Alliance Executive Director Gary Ferguson will talk about the new water fountain. The beautifully designed granite fountain was completed in the late Spring and resembles a gorge. It serves as an art piece and functioning water element on the pedestrian mall. Following this presentation, guests can make the trek back to Dewitt Park to unwind and socialize while they satisfy their taste buds with a special lunch at noon at Farmers Market. Guests will be able to choose from a full spread — hot prepared foods, recently picked vegetables and fruits and freshly made baked goods. The price for this activity ranges from $8 to $12. After lunch, at 1 p.m., participants may then walk the short distance to Handwork Ithaca’s Artisan Cooperative for a hands-on experience with artist Caroline Spellman. She will introduce attendees to paper quilling and then let guests try their hand at this historic art form. “In addition to our monthly Gallery Night demonstrations, we are happy to offer a hands-on activity for Day Out in Downtown Ithaca on June 20. We really enjoy meeting people in the community and being creative with them. They often get to take home a little gift or something they’ve made with their own hands, all while learning something new and fun,” said Handwork Marketing Coordinator Jill Hoffman. Those who are interested in Day Out in Downtown are welcome to attend one, two, three or all four of these fantastic activities. Parking will be available at the city’s three garages — Seneca, Green and Cayuga Street. For more information about this special day and/or to learn about parking options for the activity, please call the Downtown Ithaca Alliance at (607) 277-8679. Additional information, including a complete listing of Day Out monthly dates, are available at http://www.downtownithaca.com. ## |
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Father’s Day is this weekend and if you have yet to find a gift that will fit your dad’s interests, don’t worry, we have ideas that can be found right here in our own downtown.
A new shirt from Benjamin Peters
Located on The Commons, Benjamin Peters offers a selection of men’s clothing in the categories of formal wear, sportswear, and shoes. Whether he is need of some new weekend wear or a new shirt for work, you will be able to find something that suits your father’s style. Benjamin Peters is even offering a 20 percent off sale on all suits, sportscoats, sportswear, and shoes for the occasion.
Check out their site here.
An album from Angry Mom Records
Angry Mom Records has used vinyl records and CDs from all genres and a variation of artists. If your dad is a music lover, you are likely to find his favorite tracks here.
Check them out online here.
Coffee Grounds from Ithaca Coffee Company
Help to kick off this Father’s Day with the smell and taste of freshly brewed coffee by purchasing your dad coffee grounds from Ithaca Coffee Company. They sell a variety of different brews in the form of packaged grounds to be made in your own home.
Take a look at their site here to see more of their products.
A backpack from The Outdoor Store
With summer in full swing, your dad may be planning some great trips and activities outside to enjoy the warmer weather. The Outdoor Store has an excellent selection of equipment and gear to make spending time outside even more enjoyable.
Check them out online here.
Running Shorts Finger Lakes Running Company
If your father is athletic, gift him a new pair of running shorts from the Finger Lakes Running Company. The store sells many styles of shorts, sneakers and a variety of sporty gear for all of your dad’s active needs.
See more of their selection here.
Downtown Ithaca Gift Card
If you’re not exactly sure which gift would be most desired by your father this Father’s Day, you’re always safe by giving him a Downtown Ithaca Gift Card, redeemable at nearly 100 stores downtown. Downtown Ithaca Gift Cards can be purchased at the Downtown Ithaca Alliance Office, 171 E. State St. (Center Ithaca) or online at www.downtownithaca.com.
(Listing created by Annie Kluger, DIA Intern)
Downtown Ithaca is thrilled to announce this month’s Gallery Night will include a new artist and many fantastic art pieces from some long-time local and regional artists. Gallery Night is set for Friday, June 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 17 locations on and around The Commons.
Come out and meet Miwa Oseki Robbins, a budding artist in the Ithaca area, at Ten Forward Cafe, one of Downtown Ithaca’s newest eateries. Miwa’s paintings are often inspired by a personal story, documenting and expressing moments of internal and external death and rebirth. Her collection, Transform, will introduce you to her first decade as an “adult,” and a time of rich transformation, growth, and rebirth.
Ithaca native Scout Dunbar also explores youth in her latest exhibit In the Ring which will be on display at the Community School of Music and Arts Gallery. Through the exploration of pattern, mark-making, line, and material, Scout uses memory as a tool to revisit childhood. Her approach to aesthetics varies; some works are left as simple line drawings and others are filled with colors and patterns.
As guests continue through the walkable tour, they will have the opportunity to take a stroll on the wild side while viewing Lisa Baechtle’s Lions! and Tigers! and Bears! Oh My! collection at Collegetown Bagels, 203 N. Aurora St. Baechtle expresses her visions with vibrant, dense color not always associated with the transparent medium.
Though the Gallery Night tour has much to do with viewing art, visitors may take part in a hands-on activity at Handwork, 102 W. State St., where artists will be demonstrating how to create marbled paper in just a few easy steps. Marbled paper is great for personalized greeting cards, scrapbooking, stationary, and more.
Also, event guests will have a chance to learn how to preserve archeological artifacts by attending the FFGN Archaeology presentation at The History Center in Tompkins County. Binghamton University’s Brant Venables and Eight Square Schoolhouse Program Director Carole West will talk about the importance of archeology and also educate visitors about the eclectic range of artifacts from recent and past excavations that will be on display.
Additional exhibits will be available in at least a dozen other locations in the downtown area. Visit www.gallerynightIthaca.com to learn more about the participating locations and artists.
Gallery Night is funded in part by the Community Arts Partnership Decentralization Grant and is organized by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance. The DIA is proud to welcome WITH90.1 as its new media sponsor.
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Don’t miss out on their gourmet spreads, such as their best-selling Indian Spiced Beetroot made from fresh beets and a mix of slow-cooked Indian spices or the Sour Cherry Spiced Wine, a perfect spread for meats, and cheese. Also, check out their line of gourmet condiments, cheese pairings, dessert sauces, and more! Take a sneak peak at some of their delicious creations at 
Firefly Henna: 
creatures to the festival. These unusual creations will be a spooky edition to your Halloween or regular home decor.
with an inherent need to live in color! This crafter works in a variety of media, and design, build, sculpt, paint and detail each skelly by hand from start to finish. She is continually inspired by Day of the Dead folk art, what she’s seen in nature, patterns of all kinds, and time spent
donuts: Peanut Butter, Pumpkin/Ginger, Cheddar Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie and four beer barley treats: Maple Glazed Bacon, Peanut Butter, Savory Cheese and Beef/Vegetable. Learn more about Whisker Biscuits at
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St., where guests will receive a guided tour of the current exhibit Altered & Preserved Landscapes. Tompkins Cortland Community Colleges students curated this magnificent display which includes a series of images that showcase the county’s historic landscapes as they appeared throughout many decades.
DowntownITH 