Good morning, Ithaca.

Chanticleer, a local bar known as a cherished meeting spot, celebrates 80 years of service; it preserves its classic decor (including its famous wallpaper and meters) while investing in upgrades and planning a new event space for future gatherings.

The Greater Ithaca Activities Center invites neighbors to a free cookout, games, music, and pool admission to honor America’s 250th on Saturday, July 11 at 301 West Court Street.

Organizers also seek volunteers and beverage donations + contributions to celebrate Max’s Day.

Sedona Mesa Grill reopened on Thursday at 4 p.m. on North Aurora Street, offering vibrant Southwestern flavors in a former Restaurant Row space.

Owned by Shayne and Mix Johnson, the restaurant now serves lunch Friday through Monday and dinner on Wednesday and Thursday without reservations.

Cornell alums Ali Hussain and Deepak Bapat launched Tabs, a startup that uses AI to streamline cash flow processes and reduce billing errors for B2B companies.

They were featured on the new Startup Cornell podcast and have hired several Cornell graduates to join their team.

A free presentation on the history of local journalism is scheduled for tomorrow, July 11, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Tompkins County Public Library's BorgWarner Community Room, where local historian Corey Ryan Earle will explain how news in the county evolved since 1815 & its role today.

Family Reading Partnership reopened The Nook yesterday at The Shops at Ithaca Mall with a ribbon-cutting.

The new facility replaces the previous location closed for HVAC issues and will host reading programs including Books to Grow On and free Welcome to School books for local children.

Prof. Matt Marx was appointed vice provost for entrepreneurship, innovation and external engagement effective July 1.

He will lead the new Cornell Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and oversee related offices at Ithaca, Cornell Tech and Weill Cornell Medicine.

The Cornell Climate Stewards program is offering a 12-week training that equips New Yorkers with tools+resources to tackle climate change through community projects in Pelham and Cattaraugus counties.

New sessions are available online starting Sept. 10 and at local extension offices.

On July 8, NYSEG began upgrades at West Hill Substation on Elm Street, replacing two breakers and installing two capacitor banks to better serve 2,700 customers + work is expected to finish in 2027.

State health officials reported 107 cyclosporiasis cases since May 1 and advised residents to wash produce+hands as the parasite mimics food-borne illnesses like E. coli, salmonella and norovirus.

The CDC recorded 145 cases nationwide between May 1 and June 16.

Ithaca officials reported on Thursday night that a possibly rabid fox was seen near Elmira Road, Spencer Road and Stone Quarry Road; they advise residents to avoid contact, report sightings to Tompkins County Dispatch at 607-272-2444 and seek immediate medical care if bitten or scratched.

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.