Good morning, Ithaca.

PRI donated the 32-acre Smith Woods to Ulysses in late October so residents can use the forest for school and community work—town officials said the move protects one of Central New York’s oldest natural areas for future generations.

In a few weeks, millions of evergreen wreaths will be placed on veterans' graves nationwide when Wreaths Across America takes place on December 13.

Locally, thousands of wreaths are needed at cemeteries in Elmira and Bath with sponsorships at $17 per wreath due by December 1 and volunteers will help at ceremonies set for 9 a.m. at Woodlawn and 12 p.m. at Bath.

Cops, Kids & Toys will host its annual Fill the Truck fundraiser outside Target at The Shops at Ithaca Mall on Saturday, November 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., where volunteers and local law enforcement will accept unwrapped toy donations to help families in Tompkins County this holiday season.

The Watershed bar and the Downstairs event space on West State Street will close on Dec.

23 after nearly a decade—owner Ashley Cake said rising costs and fewer customers have made the business unsustainable. The historic Exchange Building will host the new K-House karaoke bar, which will open soon with additional pop-up clubs.

Local non-profit youth theatre Running to Places Theatre Company received the New York State Empire Award on November 20 when State Senator Lea Webb presented the honor in Ithaca.

The group has used live theatre to teach life skills since its founding in 2007 — strengthening community bonds and promoting inclusion.

First Baptist Church (Jewel of DeWitt Park) in Ithaca received a $7,500 Sacred Sites grant from the New York Landmarks Conservancy to restore its historic stained glass windows; the church (built in 1854 with an 1890s expansion and serving over 4,300 community members yearly) supports vital community programs.

TC3 announced on November 24 that it will offer a new A.S. in Health Sciences program in spring 2026—this program teaches skills such as X-ray imaging, ultrasound imaging, respiratory therapy and radiation therapy—and has transfer agreements with SUNY Upstate Medical, SUNY Cortland and Alfred University to help students earn a bachelor’s degree.

TC3 announced a transfer agreement with Syracuse University that guarantees graduates with a 3.0 GPA from one of seven programs a pathway to online bachelor’s studies—offering a discounted tuition rate.

The agreement was signed by TC3 President Amy Kremenek and College of Professional Studies Dean Michael Frasciello to provide a clear route for continuing education.

Cornell is testing an 8.5-by-3-foot mobile battery system to replace diesel generators at outdoor events and as backup during emergencies.

The project, launched on Nov.20 on the Ag Quad, is a collaboration between Cornell, NYPA + Viridi + EPRI that aims to lower costs, cut emissions, and improve safety.

Two final candidates for the Tompkins County Public Library director position will deliver 20-minute presentations with Q&A sessions at 101 E.

Green Street in Ithaca—Susie Gutenberger-Fitzpatrick on Dec. 1 and Emerson DeMeester-Lane on Dec. 3, with the public invited to attend in person or watch via livestream.

Lansing volleyball reclaimed sectional and regional titles with a comeback win over Tioga as senior leaders helped the Bobcats turn an early postseason loss into a strong finish — Jordan Brinkley surpassed 1,000 career kills while Leilani Drake reached 1,000 assists as the team celebrates its pivotal milestones and looks to build on its success.

Ithaca High School’s cross country season ended with the girls winning the STAC and Section IV Class A titles while the boys finished third at STACs and second at sectionals—coach Becca Lovenheim praised the mix of experienced runners and emerging talent that promises a bright future for the program.

Macro Workshop with Anmol Bhandari

11:40 AM - 12:55 PM — Ives Hall — No entry fee — Explore macroeconomic theories and applications with a leading economist in an interactive workshop.

Béla Fleck Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets required — Experience an evening of innovative music featuring Béla Fleck and his talented ensemble.

The Wood Brothers Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Tickets available — Experience the soulful folk sounds of The Wood Brothers in the heart of Ithaca.

A Very Merry Classic Christmas with Jessica Lynn

7:00-8:30 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a festive holiday concert featuring award-winning artist Jessica Lynn.

An Evening with Evan Horne

8-10 p.m. — Kitchen Theatre Company — $20 — Experience the immersive sounds of cinematic-folk artist Evan Horne in an intimate setting.