Good morning, Ithaca.

Ellie and Monte May came to Ithaca in 1970 and joined local groups such as the Newcomers Club, 4-H, and the Friends of the Library while Monte ran Wheaton’s Sheet Metal Shop and served on the Town Planning Board and Ellie worked with seniors and schools—together they supported projects from the historic carousel to community services like Wonderful Wheelchairs, leaving a legacy that shapes local life today.

Cornell psychology scholars in Ithaca found that the way we use our hands every day affects how our brains see fast and slow changes – righties use one side of the brain while lefties use the opposite side.

Their study tested nearly 2,000 people and future research will check if stroke patients change their visual patterns.

Senator Lea Webb launched her third annual Back-to-School Supplies Drive for teachers in Senate District 52, opening 14 collection points in Ithaca and across Tompkins County—donations are accepted through Aug.

31 to help equip classrooms for the upcoming school year. The initiative provides essential supplies for educators and students as they prepare for classes.

Cornell chemists are fighting climate change by working on better electric batteries, carbon capture, renewable plastics and improved solar cells — research that draws award-winning faculty and talented students to the department.

Local expert Angie Jackson of Sprague & Jackson advises residents to explore tax credits for college expenses, higher standard deductions for marriage, and strategies like a 1031 exchange when selling rental property — she recommends consulting a tax professional to understand potential tax implications in August.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board gave preliminary approval to a Collegetown housing project where developer Nick Robertson and partner Charlie O’Connor plan to demolish an apartment house and build a seven-story residential building with 84 units and a public plaza — the board will review final environmental details next month.

Kristen Hychka from the New York State Water Resources Institute introduced the MyCoast app to municipal officials today — the tool lets residents upload geotagged flood photos to help emergency teams update their response plans and guide future infrastructure projects.

Local officials are reviewing the tool as they revise the county’s emergency response plan to better manage recurring floods.

Ithaca Common Council approved a homeless hub after the Tompkins County Legislature backed the collaborative shelter plan.

The deal leases the property at 100 Commercial Ave.—serving as a nighttime Code Blue emergency shelter and a daytime navigation hub for homeless services.

On Thursday morning, the Town of Ithaca announced additional road and bridge closures in the Forest Home area as part of its ongoing repair project— the lower Forest Home bridge closed at 9:00 a.m. for about two hours and Forest Home Drive between Warren and Caldwell roads shut for roughly two hours. The work also involved milling, repaving and striping near Cornell Botanic Gardens.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz and cider from talented local musicians every Monday evening.

Mosaic Foundation Performance at South Hill Cider

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $10 cover at the door — Experience internationally influenced reggae with diverse sounds and uplifting messages.

The Evergreen Social Vintage Market

12-4 p.m. — South Hill Cider — Check for any entry fee — Explore a vibrant market filled with vintage clothing, delicious cider, live music, and unique finds.

Mondays with MAQ at South Hill Cider

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz with the talented MAQ ensemble while sipping heirloom cider.

Richie Stearns and Friends Concert

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5-$10 suggested donation — Enjoy eclectic banjo music and local vibes in a beautiful cider setting.

Rose Ellen / Sam Lupowitz / Mandy Goldman

7 p.m. — The Downstairs — $5 — Enjoy a night of local music talent at a cozy Ithaca venue.

Sit! Stay! Read!

3-4 p.m. — Tompkins County Public Library — Free event — Experience a delightful literary gathering featuring reading activities with a community focus.

Kajuneji Live at South Hill Cider

6 PM – 12 AM — South Hill Cider — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Kajuneji with a unique blend of world music and funk every Thursday night.

AIDS Ride for Life

6 AM — Cass Park — Registration Required — Celebrate community spirit while cycling through beautiful routes to support a great cause.