Good morning, Ithaca.

State and local leaders announced Oct.

15 that GIAC will receive $13 million in state funds to enclose the pool for year-round use — a project that will let local children swim all year. The 45-by-75-foot pool loses two inches of water daily and will be lengthened and widened — adding an extra lane — once a formal state agreement is reached.

Ithaca Generator will host its Annual Open House on Sunday, October 26th from noon to 4 p.m. at its Makerspace on Cherry Street—local creators will offer crafts, demonstrations and a rummage sale.

GreenStar Food Co-Op presented the Sciencenter with a check for $576.48 on October 22 as part of its quarterly Partners/Bags for Change program—customers who bring reusable bags drop tokens in bins to help decide each nonprofit’s share of $1,000.

On Oct. 21, the Tompkins County Legislature awarded funding to eight local events through the Community Celebrations Grant Program—supporting the Village of Groton's Cabin Fever Festival, Ithaca Health Alliance’s 20th anniversary art project, and the Ithaca Children’s Garden Festival of Fire and Ice.

On Oct. 20, the Ithaca College Student Governance Council met to learn about campus safety programs under the Clery Act from Elyse Nepa of the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management.

Nepa outlined services like fire drills and sexual violence prevention programs, and the council will hear more from Paula Younger next week (meeting held 7-9 p.m.) (in the Taughannock Falls room of the Campus Center).

A Cornell research group has developed a reusable nanofiber filter that removed about 90% of the antibacterial chemical triclosan from water in lab tests—tests with samples from Flat Rock and local wells confirmed its ability to remove other pollutants too.

The washable filter uses electrospinning to create tiny fibers from cyclodextrin, which is biodegradable and sustainable.

A $1.8 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund will let the Cornell Lab of Ornithology create acoustic sensors and use AI to spot illegal forest activities and monitor ecosystem health in areas like Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve and Brazil’s Pantanal wetland.

The team will use the new technology to provide real-time data that guides local conservation efforts—improving how wildlife and forests are protected.

A Cornell doctoral student built a text message system that updates hospital and care facility status—speeding up the discharge process for long-term patients—and tested it in Hawaii.

The system replaces the state's outdated 105-day update cycle and is now sponsored by the hospital.

Tompkins County Whole Health will host a free lead awareness and testing event on Sunday, Oct.

26 from noon until 4 p.m. at Finger Lakes ReUse Center on Elmira Road where certified lead assessors and county staff will test items and share tips to lower risks for children—experts warn early detection is vital.

Realtor.com analysis showed that Tompkins County's median home listing price dropped 8.9% from $439,000 to $399,950 in September, with homes averaging 2,018 square feet at $208 per square foot and spending 51 days on the market.

In the Ithaca metro area, median prices fell slightly to $399,925 for homes averaging 2,019 square feet at $206 per square foot.

SVEC football beat Groton 41—8 on Oct 23 with a dominating performance on the field.

The win was captured in a video provided by WBNG that energized the local fans.

The Weight of Ants

2 PM – 4 PM — The Cherry Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the English-language premiere of a heartfelt comedy exploring the lives of two teens.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz, blues, and originals while sipping on local cider.

Princeton vs. Cornell Football Match

1:00–11:59 p.m. — Schoellkopf Field — Tickets start at $62 — Experience an exciting college football showdown with the Princeton Tigers facing off against the Cornell Big Red.

Shadows Dance Troupe Fall Step Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Witness the artistry of Cornell University's largest dance collective showcasing their fall semester performances.

The Crane Wives Live Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available — Experience the energetic sounds of The Crane Wives as they fuse indie folk with rock and roll.

Today Is The Day Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — Angry Mom Records — Check ticketing for details — Today is The Day returns to Ithaca for an electrifying night of music.

Blackberry Smoke Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets required — Experience the soulful sounds of Blackberry Smoke honoring Georgia’s musical legacy.

New York Voices Performance

7 p.m. — Ford Hall — Free entry — Experience the internationally acclaimed jazz vocal group New York Voices as part of the Chamber Music Series.

Trombone Shorty Concert

7-9 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying sounds of Trombone Shorty, a New Orleans legend in the jazz scene.

AG, Food and Environmental Systems In-Service

9 a.m.-6 p.m. — Cornell University — Check Official Website for entry fees — Engage with experts on sustainable agricultural practices and innovative food systems.