Good morning, Ithaca.

The Food Bank of the Southern Tier announced Monday that its 15th annual online turkey drive provided 752,000 meals to pantries and meal sites in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, and Broome Counties.

Individual donations were matched by Tioga Downs Casino + Resort.

Asempe Kitchen received national recognition on December 3 when its vegan stew, Nkatsi Froyi, was named a Top 10 Vegan Soup by PETA.

The Ithaca eatery, at 114 West Green Street (Press Bay Court), is open Thursday through Sunday.

A study from Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business found that unclear pay structures left warehouse workers largely unresponsive to incentive changes+ researchers noted that simpler pay explanations helped workers adjust their performance.

Ithaca Ballet will perform its annual Nutcracker at the State Theatre from Dec.

12 to Dec. 14 with shows on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. The production features over 70 dancers and guest artists including star ballerina Dorothy Minas as Clara.

Assistant professor Andrew Campana wins the MLA’s Scaglione Prize for his book Expanding Verse: Japanese Poetry at the Edge of Media, a study of innovative poets challenging tradition.

The award will be presented on Jan. 9 during the Modern Language Association annual convention + the achievement highlights fresh voices in Japanese poetry.

Anthropology alumna Dusti Bridges, Ph.D.

'25 received the CGS/ProQuest Award for her dissertation on archaeology and colonial histories - the honor included $2,000 and travel funds, and the recognition ceremony was held on Dec. 4 in Washington, D.C.

Cornell senior midshipman Kylie Williamson has been named Student of the Year for the Navy Federal Credit Union ROTC All-American Scholarship Program; she will receive a $6,500 scholarship and VIP experience at the NCAA Football Go Bowling Military Bowl on Saturday, Dec.

27 on ESPN.

Cornell researchers found that NYC's congestion pricing, implemented in January 2025, reduced particulate pollution by 22% in Manhattan's Congestion Relief Zone through June while improving air quality across boroughs and suburbs, suggesting residents chose cleaner travel options.

Cornell IPM celebrated 40 years yesterday as it used science-based strategies to reduce pesticide use and protect local crops, schools and public health from pests like the spotted lanternfly.

The program (established in 1985) remains a statewide model for integrated pest management.

County officials and legislators reviewed design plans for a new homeless shelter on Cherry Street that aims to cost under $15 million.

The three-story facility, with flexible spaces and private outdoor areas, may secure state funds in May for a construction start in Spring 2027 and completion in 2028.

Gov. Hochul announced on December 5 that Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) will get a $1.32 million NY BRICKS grant to build a community and learning center at the former Red and White Café, purchased in 2023.

The project will provide local youth job and cooking education in 2026.

More than 70% of Cayuga Medical Center nurses signed union authorization cards to unionize with the Communication Workers of America early this week.

They are asking for voluntary recognition to begin contract talks (instead of holding an election), though hospital management said it respects nurses’ right to a secret ballot vote.

Three former TC3 residence halls in Dryden are for sale, and offers must be emailed by 5 p.m. Jan.

26 to designated brokers; the 117,000 sqft property on 28 acres can be redeveloped for apartments, workforce, or senior living housing.

Ithaca College’s fall sports season saw seven teams compete from mid-August to early November, with the volleyball team winning the Liberty League title on Nov.

15 and five Bombers earning All-American honors. Strong showings came in cross-country, field hockey, football and soccer as new players stepped up.

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.

New Year's Eve Dance Party

8:30 p.m. — Foundation of Light — Check event page for ticket details — Celebrate the new year with a night of games, raffles, and festive fun.