Good morning, Ithaca.

Local July observances in Greater Ithaca (Tompkins County) include the 250th Celebration of Freedom on July 4, youth basketball with Next Level Up from July 6 to 17, the McLean Potato Festival on July 18 and Newfield Old Home Days with a parade and family fun on July 24.

Eligible low-income residents aged 60 and over can pick up $25 Farmers Market coupons at the Tompkins County Office for the Aging (COFA) at 214 West State Street until Sept.

30; coupons valid through Nov. 30, and COFA offers free SilverShield app licenses to block scam texts and calls.

Sustainable Finger Lakes has named Jessika Bond as its new deputy director; she will manage day-to-day operations in Ithaca while president Gay Nicholson builds coalitions.

Bond comes from western North Carolina, bringing local preservation experience + expertise in funding initiatives.

Harold Reed, a Cornell Tech MBA graduate with nine years in the Marine Corps (including managing $140 million in mission-critical equipment), is set to lead in the tech sector by applying his expertise in complex systems and crisis management to drive innovation.

St. James A.M.E. Zion Church in Ithaca received a $16,000 grant from the New York Landmarks Conservancy to repair its roof and siding.

Built in 1833 and known for its role in the Underground Railroad, the church hosts community events that serve over 1,100 people each year.

Cornell’s small grains breeding program has helped New York farmers grow higher-yield, pest- and disease-resistant varieties.

Mark Sorrells will retire at the end of the year after 48 years at Cornell, leaving a legacy that strengthens local food systems and supports the regional agricultural industry.

Cayuga Heights Elementary in Ithaca experienced flood damage in April from a heavy storm and will begin asbestos removal between July 23 and July 27 (with repairs starting early September and continuing until summer 2027).

The school district approved a $118,447 bid as part of a $1.5 million plan.

Cornell researchers presented their study at the ACM FAccT conference last week, finding that AI-based tools+simple index scores each offered trade-offs for managing heat emergencies in New York City.

They noted that AI worked best for quick alerts while the index provided clear, long-term data.

Cornell ILR School research found that Temporary Protected Status workers from Central America help New York’s economy by filling jobs in health care, construction and logistics and by joining local civic groups.

The report urges lawmakers to let these workers become permanent residents (a step meant to secure future stability).

City officials report that the GIAC Cooling Center will remain open until 7:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow and the Alex Haley Pool will offer extended hours from noon to 9 p.m. through Sunday to help residents beat an extreme heat warning lasting until Friday, July 3.

Incoming Cornell freshman defenseman Cole Tuminaro was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2026 NHL Draft after a season with the Chicago Steel (USHL); he will attend a development camp before joining ECAC hockey in Ithaca.

Beginnings Summer Concert Series

5-8 p.m. — Bernie Milton Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy free live music in the heart of Downtown Ithaca every Thursday evening.

The Rocksteady Explosion 20-Year Reunion Show

Time not specified — Liquid State Brewing Company — Benefit concert — Celebrate the ska scene with The Rocksteady Explosion's 20-year reunion and more local acts.

Brassquatch! The Fall Creek Brass Band Musical

7:30-9 p.m. — Hangar Theatre — Tickets $12-$34 — Experience a family-friendly musical adventure blending brass, gospel, and pop as young heroes navigate identity and belonging.