Good morning, Ithaca.

Ithaca and Tompkins County released The Big Review today, a report detailing 96 active mentoring matches and 35 new pairings in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

The report highlights volunteer impact + invites new mentors to join.

Tompkins County Department of Social Services will host a 10-week foster/adoptive parent training program starting March 11 at the Public Works Facility, 170 Bostwick Road in Ithaca.

Interested adults can register by calling (607) 274-5266.

Modern Ohana, formerly known as Mix, now focuses on Pacific rim/Asian cuisine and offers weekly specials such as all you can eat steak nights and slider nights.

The restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday and is available for private events.

Ithaca’s new Qahwah House opened last week in Collegetown on Dryden Road between Wings Over and Kung Fu Tea — the Yemeni coffee shop offers distinctive brews like Adeni Chai and traditional pastries, attracting a steady flow of loyal customers.

Kitchen Theatre Company’s world premiere play Milkweed blends physics with theater and runs until March 15; previews and talkbacks were held on Feb.

25-27 with additional sessions set from March 6 to 12. Local alumni crafted the performance using innovative lighting design to explore teacher-student dynamics in education.

The exhibit 'Fashioning Justice: Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’54 and the Power of Presence' explores how RBG used fashion for social justice and displays artifacts and student projects in Ginsburg Hall; on April 14 (5-7 p.m.), a film screening in Martha Van Rensselaer Hall will further celebrate her legacy.

After a long deep freeze, over 2,000 maple producers are set to begin a strong sap season using Cornell University's new chilling methods to boost syrup quality; experts say that cold nights + mild days create ideal conditions for production.

Ithaca College opened a student-athlete refueling station sponsored by Wegmans on Jan.

20 in the Athletics and Events Center, offering four weekly swipes for healthy snacks and scheduled nutrition classes. The station helps athletes learn how to shop for and cook healthy meals during busy days.

Cornell Duffield Engineering announced a $25M endowment to support student project teams, research labs, and new learning studios to expand hands-on opportunities for undergraduates.

The funding — part of a long-term plan stemming from a recent $371.5M gift — aims to improve practical education.

On March 3, the Ithaca College Faculty Council discussed upcoming cuts to CAPS counselors for Fall 2026 (one on leave and one cut) which will raise caseloads for around 900 students, and Provost Stein shared budget updates amid rising enrollment applications.

Cornell’s Mafia Club holds its Friday night game at William Keeton House (next to the dining hall) where students play an advanced version of Mafia with up to 123 roles for competitive fun.

The meetings last several hours and offer a creative twist to the traditional game.

City officials issued an evacuation order on Wednesday evening for the residential part of Asteri Ithaca at 118 E.

Green Street after broken windows in the stairwells compromised fire safety (covering 181 affordable housing units on floors four through 11). Officials are coordinating with Vecino Group and Tompkins County to secure temporary housing for displaced residents.

Cornell will host the men’s and women’s Ivy League basketball tournaments following a year of preparation — its first time hosting — and add excitement with hockey and lacrosse games on campus.

Around 250 staff and volunteers and up to 20,000 fans are set to energize the tournament weekend.

Ithaca College’s men’s lacrosse team won its first home game this season with a 9-8 result over Nazareth University at Higgins Stadium on March 4, thanks to five unanswered third-quarter goals & a strong final defense.

The Bombers improved to a 2-2 record.

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.