Good morning, Ithaca.

The Greater Ithaca Activities Center will host a free MLK Day breakfast Saturday, Jan.

17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on W. Court St (registration is due by Jan. 15) and will include workshops by local leaders and a keynote from activist Anisah Sabur.

Ithaca’s Downtown Comfort Food Trail will run from Jan.

16 until Feb. 1, offering residents a chance to visit local eateries — including Coal Yard Café, Lincoln Street Diner, and Café Dewitt — to sample hearty comfort meals and collect passport stamps for prize entries.

Steph Bailey was named Chief Development Officer of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County on Jan.

12 – she will begin on Feb. 9 to replace Nancy Massicci, who retires this spring after 11 years.

FOUND in Ithaca has opened its new 20,000 sqft space in the former SouthWorks factory after a successful December holiday pop-up drew heavy community turnout.

Owners Vanessa Weber and Jeremiah Cigno say the vintage shop is a key first step in reviving the site's redevelopment.

During his Jan. 8 staff address, President Michael I.

Kotlikoff praised Cornell employees for launching the floating holidays program and detailed rising health care costs and financial strains while outlining Resilient Cornell plans that include a new career hub and talent service (as shared during a Q&A).

On January 13, the Ithaca-based conservation group Finger Lakes Land Trust announced it accepted a donation of 283 acres in Hammondsport from sisters Yolanda Adrean & Dolores Wheeler.

The conservation easements will protect water quality in the Keuka Lake watershed and support local farming and recreation.

Cancer patients undergoing active treatment will have weekly virtual gentle yoga sessions hosted by the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; the sessions, led by a licensed professional, aim to ease pain and treatment symptoms (details available on the event calendar).

TC3 will use up to $8,000 from SUNY’s Mental Health First Aid Grant Program to train nearly 3,000 faculty and staff to spot and help students in distress – expanding the college’s ability to provide timely support.

Dryden indoor track gets a new coach as Jason Webb takes over from Karen Weaver after 35 years of legacy under the Stuttle siblings.

Webb (26 years) at a local high school said he is ready to guide the team as they start Class B competition.

Ithaca native Kyaija Stewart plays Division I basketball at Texas State after transferring from Daytona State College; she adapts to a new role with less playing time while staying connected to her roots — practicing with local coach Rahmel Mack when in town.

Former Cornell basketball coach Bill Courtney died unexpectedly on Jan.

13 at 55. He led the Big Red from 2010 to 2016 and was Temple University's assistant coach (joined the Owls in summer 2025), and he is survived by his wife and two sons while memorial plans will be shared.

Live Music – The Soul Benders

6-8 p.m. — Hopshire Farm and Brewery — Free entry — Experience powerful blues and rock from the acclaimed Ithaca-based band The Soul Benders.

Sky Stories - The Round Time

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Cherry Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the world premiere of Round Time, an aerial showcase of old rhythms and new cycles performed by talented female aerialists.

Ithaca Ballet: WinterDance 2026

Evening of contemporary dance — 7 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 65 years of Ithaca Ballet with an evening of innovative choreography and performances by alumni dancers.