Good morning, Ithaca.

Seasonal memberships for the Ellis Hollow Community Center Pool are on sale with early bird discounts until the end of March, offering household+individual plans for up to six people.

The pool will open on Memorial Day and run through Labor Day.

During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, advocates in Tompkins County say service gaps, low wages, and a shortage of affordable housing hamper local support.

The subcommittee is planning a resource fair in May + publishing a roadmap to guide families through available services.

The 28th annual Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off will bring community members together to sample meaty, veggie, and vegan chilis on Saturday, Mar.

7 from noon to 4 at the Commons plus nearby blocks. Early bird tickets and VIP packages are available and events include live karaoke and a beard contest.

Oven Fresh Jobs is hosting a job fair at the Shops at Ithaca Mall today from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.—job seekers can meet local employers, including Ithaca City School District, to explore new career opportunities.

Cornell students are adjusting to digital dating this winter as apps like Hinge and UMatch offer new ways to meet, though some miss in-person connections due to a tight-knit campus community (which can limit fresh interactions) and heavy coursework.

Cornell professor Robert Shepherd is exploring a new kind of robotics built from living tissues and 3D-printed materials in a recent Research Matters episode.

His work spans hospital wards and crop fields and aims to create flexible, safe machines — part of a future in biohybrid engineering.

Cornell is recognizing 14 faculty and staff (one from each college plus Student and Campus Life) for community-engaged innovation with awards from the David M.

Einhorn Center for Community Engagement, highlighting projects in health, agriculture and education that link local and global communities.

Tompkins County officials alert that new SNAP changes require adults without dependents to work 30 hours per week or earn $217.50 weekly, though many qualify for exemptions; residents can check their eligibility using an online screening tool or call DSS at (607) 274-5680 to avoid losing food assistance.

Cayuga Health and the YMCA of Ithaca (Tompkins County) reopened the Community Cupboards program on Tuesday in Cayuga Park, where patients, employees, and community members can access free farm-fresh food and perishables, with services alternating weekly between Cayuga Park and the Ithaca Mall from 11:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.

Six local wrestlers competed at the state championships in Albany (Feb.

26 to 28). Freshman Carmen Bishop reached a state title match despite a broken thumb, and her teammates recorded historic milestones in their seasons.

Freshmen Kyla Mustapha and Jah-Mel Bruce of TC3 in Dryden have been named All-Region by the NJCAA.

Mustapha, who led women in scoring (21.9 points per game), was named to the second team while Bruce made the first team for leading men in steals.

Local indoor track and field athletes prepare for state championships at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex on Staten Island from March 6-7.

Tompkins County competitors including undefeated Newfield’s Maddie White and strong Ithaca athletes will race in events ranging from the 1,500-meter racewalk to the relay, seeking to set new records.

Richard Daria Clarinet Faculty Recital

1 p.m. — Hockett Family Recital Hall — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful performance featuring clarinet, oboe, and bass clarinet by talented faculty members.

Sheng Wang Stand-Up Comedy

7-10 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Sheng Wang during his extensive stand-up tour.

Brown University Bears vs Cornell Big Red Men's Lacrosse

12-1 p.m. — Schoellkopf Field — VIP tickets available — Experience top-tier college lacrosse action with exclusive perks and amenities.

The Music of Hans Zimmer

8-11 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Cost info not provided — Experience unforgettable iconic scores led by a pirate from Pirates of the Caribbean.

Raclette for Lunch

12-4 p.m. — South Hill Cider — Cost varies — Enjoy a cheesy alpine tradition paired with refreshing cider at this popular local event.

Paint & Sip with Bob Ross

4-6 p.m. — South Hill Cider — 2 drink minimum — Enjoy painting along with Bob Ross while sipping cider on a Saturday afternoon.

Skunk Cabbage Classic Half Marathon

Time not specified — Barton Hall — Registration fee applicable — Participate in Ithaca’s iconic spring tradition featuring 10K and half-marathon courses through the scenic Cornell campus.

The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring Screening

6:00 – 11:59 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket information not provided — Experience the epic journey of a meek Hobbit and his companions to save Middle-earth.