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  • Cheap Reads

    Cheap Reads

    I would of course be remiss, dear readers, if I failed to mention the annual highlight of Ithaca…the autumn Friends of the Library book sale. I know several locals who consider this their not-to-be-missed, super important, highlight of the year. (Yes, we are a literary bunch here in little ole’ Ithaca). Indeed, I myself admit to lining up once or twice on the opening day with my empty Greenstar bags, dreaming of the books that will soon be mine for a mere $4.50 a pop. Once inside I try, usually unsuccessfully, to ration my purchases…I mean, why pay a whopping $4.50 when I could pay only $.25 in a few weeks! Never mind, I stuff my green bag and press onward.

    Today books will cost you $1.50, (paperbacks and children’s are cheaper). It is the second week of the sale, and next weekend – being the final – books will be sold from $.50 down to $.10. Yes, a dime. Reminds me of that CAKE song, “I’m a Dime.” Apparently that dime never made it to the Friends of the Library Booksale. (Any CAKE fans out there? Ok, never mind).

    Anyhow, go find some change underneath the sofa or behind the washer, and head downtown to the book sale. With over 250,000 books, audio books, and CDs on sale there must be something there for you!

    The book sale is located in a warehouse at 509 Esty St. Today they are open from 10am – 8:00pm. Next weekend they are open Saturday through Tuesday. Click here for the details about the hours.

  • How'd You Like Them Apples

    How'd You Like Them Apples

    This time of year you can spend each weekend at a different u-pick apple orchard, but if you are serious about your apples then stop by the Cornell Apple Orchards for a tasting of unique Cornell-bred apples. Though the orchards are off limits for picking, their roadside store offers an abundance of fruits and cider as well as a selection of honey products, maple candies, Cornell Dairy treats, and locally-made cheeses. The Cornell Orchards is a collection of orchards, vineyards, and fruit farms managed by the Department of Horticulture. While the orchards are split into a variety of locations and their research facility is in Geneva, the Cornell Orchard shop site includes the storage and packing facilities, a cider press, and a research lab, and is surrounded by 37 acres of fruit plantings.

    Upon entering the shop you are overwhelmed by a deliciously sweet and crisp fragrance of apples. Baskets of apples are laid out inviting visitors to sample all the varieties. Don’t be shy – try one of each! Bags of apples and other fall produce – corn, plums, pears, gourds, and pumpkins – line the shop shelves. At the back of the store workers sort bins of apples that cascade from a conveyor belt emerging from the back storage area.

    The opening of the Cornell Apple Orchards is always a welcome fall treat, and I stopped in this past weekend. I was delighted to sample, among others, “Autumn Crisp,” a Cornell variety which is a cross between a Golden Delicious and a Monroe. Developed by Cornell (at the Geneva research station), it is the 63rd apple released from their breeding research station. It is juicy, crisp, and sweet, but not cloying. I loved it and bought a bag to take home.

    There is also cider to sample and sometimes pears to taste. Upon asking one of the store clerks/researchers I was treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the back storage room. Crisp, cool, and fragrant with an even more intense sent of fresh apples, the store room was stacked floor to ceiling with giant crates of apple in all varieties.

    The Cornell Apple Orchards shop is open from mid-August through April. Hours change, so check the website. The shop (in Ithaca) is located at 709 Dryden Rd. (across from the Cornell Vet School).

  • Bridges of Tompkins County

    Bridges of Tompkins County

    I had heard about the covered bridge in Newfield; it was the oldest of its kind. Or was it the biggest? I could not remember exactly, but I seemed to recall it was something impressive for a covered bridge. But to be honest it never seemed thrilling enough to warrant a trip to see it. Just last weekend however, my husband and I took a drive in the countryside south of Ithaca. The earliest bursts of yellow-green leaves, a sign of things to come, could be seen dotting the rolling hillsides. We drove past u-pick apple orchards nestled in the valleys and farm-stands heavy with early fall produce, and soon we found ourselves in Newfield. A quaint town, incidentally with the most beautiful art deco elementary school building I’ve seen, Newfield is a quiet hamlet with a welcome sign that reads “Welcome to Newfield, Home of the Covered Bridge.” So we decided we should see this bridge while we were here.

    In fact, it is the oldest covered bridge in daily use in New York State (I soon learned after reading about it). Built in 1853, it is also the only remaining covered bridge we have in Tompkins County (apparently there used to be three), and one of 24 remaining covered bridges (of 250 originally) in New York State. Some of the descendants from the craftsmen who built the bridge still live in Newfield today.

    But why covered bridges, I wondered? Why go to the effort to cover a bridge? Two reasons: Covering a bridge protects it from the elements, and keeps the cost of preservation down because re-roofing a covered bridge every few decades is cheaper than building a new uncovered bridge. Secondly, in the 1800s covered bridges became popular gathering places for town events. It is a pretty impressive structure and beautiful construction. The distinctive diamond pattern, known as “Town lattice truss” is pinned together with trunnels or “tree rails.” With some reinforcements and loving care in the 1970s a drive across the bridge demonstrates its sturdiness.

    Okay, okay, so maybe I was beginning to see why a visit to see the covered bridge in Newfield was worthwhile. In fact, there is even a New York State Covered Bridge Society dedicated to…you guessed it preserving covered bridges. Yes, that is right. A society for bridges. That are covered. In New York State. Well, if that club is not your cup of tea, at least take a weekend drive through Newfield on some sunny fall day and don’t forget to drive through this special bridge.

  • Happy Birthday, Johnson Museum!

    Happy Birthday, Johnson Museum!

    This Friday evening the Johnson Museum celebrates its 40th anniversary as well as the opening of its five fall exhibits. A special lineup of artsy concert performances, music, and a reception get the festivities going and a and ’70s-themed dance party continues the revelry late into the night.

    Here is the evening’s schedule of events (as described on the Museum’s website):

    Opening Reception for the Fall Exhibits
    5:00–7:00 p.m.
    Throughout the Museum

    Performance by Michael Ashkin, Tim Feeney, and Annie Lewandowski
    7:00–8:00 p.m.
    Lynch Conference Room, Floor 6
    *Please arrive early, as elevator access will be restricted to avoid interrupting the performance.
    Depot/Centralia/Tiber features works filmed by Professor Michael Ashkin (CU Department of Art) at a decommissioned military depot in upstate New York, in a Central Pennsylvania mining town, and in Rome along the Tiber River. The improvised soundtrack is performed by Annie Lewandowski (lecturer, CU Department of Music) on piano/electronics and Tim Feeney (former lecturer, CU Department of Music) on percussion. This performance was made possible in part by the generous support of the Cornell Council for the Arts.

    Performance: Mother Mallard’s Portable Masterpiece Co.
    8:30–9:30 p.m.
    Lecture room, Floor 2L in the wing
    Mother Mallard returns to the Museum, where they have held performances since its opening 1973! Founded and directed by David Borden in 1969, Mother Mallard is the world’s first synthesizer ensemble. Their program will feature selections from Borden’s Earth Journeys, all variations on “Happy Birthday” and receiving their first performance tonight. Mother Mallard dedicates this performance to the memory of Tom Leavitt (1930–2010), founding director of the Johnson Museum.

    Performance: Cornell Avant Garde Ensemble
    9:30 p.m.
    Mallin Sculpture Court, Floor 2 (rain location: Appel Lobby)
    The Cornell Avant Garde Ensemble performs music inspired by Leo Villareal: Cosmos under the installation and the stars.

    ’70’s Dance Party
    10:00 p.m.–12:00 midnight
    Get up and get down with the best ’70s grooves, plus art, activities, and far-out fun. Can you dig it? Wear your sharpest ’70s threads and party hearty!

  • Porchfest

    Porchfest

    This Sunday  is the seventh annual Porchfest! If you have never been, Porchfest is an Ithaca music festival held on the porches of houses in downtown Fall Creek and Northside neighborhoods. This year music-goers can wander the neighborhood streets and hear over 100 bands playing on various porches. Maps are created to show what bands are playing, where, and when. According to the Porchfest website, music this year will range from classical to roots, rock to country to pop to reggae to punk rock, and from Appalachian to Brazilian to Irish to Swedish to Zimbabwean, and more.

    The thing I like about this festival is the community involvement and local flair. Fall Creek and Northside homeowners volunteer their porches – either to bands they know, bands they like, or even bands they know nothing about. Many of the bands are local, and it is fun when you stumble upon a porch with your normally staid co-worker playing drums for a rock band.

    The event is refreshingly simple and the only street vendors to be seen at this festival are two tasty food trucks at Thompson Park and the occasional lemonade stands manned by entrepreneurial grade-schoolers. Porchfest 2013 is sponsored by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, a non-profit, community development corporation whose mission is to revitalize Ithaca’s neighborhoods, encourage stability and diversity, and to help people of modest incomes obtain affordable housing on a long-term basis. The event is free, though donations toward the cost of printing the maps is appreciated.

    Porchfest 2013 takes place this Sunday, Sept. 15th from 1:00pm – 5:00pm with an open jam session to follow at 5:30pm in Thompson Park.

  • A Foodie Delight

    A Foodie Delight

    Several years ago I wrote a review (for another outlet) about what I describe as ‘one food wonders,’ or ‘OFW’ for short. These are the food joints that sell only type of edible…only rice pudding, or only mac n’ cheese, or only cupcakes. Period. Like skinny jeans and fedoras, OFWs seem to cluster in the East Village of New York City or other such hip urban nuclei. They are popular, and yes, usually quite excellent at whatever delicacy they specialize in. So I am happy to report that little Ithaca too can now boast a speciality OFW shop or two. The latest one that has caught my attention is F. Oliver’s Oils and Vinegars, on the Commons.

    Okay, yes, they sell oil and vinegar, but a specialty shop to be sure. I stopped in the other day and was happy to discover a palette of delicious and unusual flavors of oils and vinegars, which can be generously sampled. Overwhelmed with the exotic choices, the woman behind the counter took me on a tour of the aisles lined with stainless steel casks filled with the infusions.

    From Tunisian Harissa infused olive oil to vanilla bean dark balsamic vinegar, I begin thinking about the creative recipes that might take advantage of such interesting flavors. To help one’s culinary adventures, the F. Oliver website even has some sample recipes to try with specific oils and vinegars. The shop offers both flavor-infused oils as well as single varietal extra virgin olive oils, which are each made from one type of olive by small-batch producers. When the woman explained the unique characters and subtle differences in taste between the single varietal olive oils I began to feel like I was in a high-end wine shop. The balsamic vinegars are flavor-infused and/or aged, and come in either dark or light varieties.

    I sampled two olive oils: Fresh Pressed Blood Orange and Heady Garlic, and three balsamic vinegars: F. Oliver’s 18-year-old Special Reserve (their most popular, I am told), Blushing Peach, and Farmstand Strawberry. All were delicious and rich in flavor, especially the balsamic vinegars. At some point I will have to treat myself to a bottle of the Blushing Peach light balsamic vinegar (my favorite that I sampled), as it would be delightful on a salad.

    The shop even hosts private tasting parties after hours. F. Oliver’s is located on the Commons and is open on weekdays from 11am to 7pm, Saturdays from 11am to 6pm, and Sundays from 12pm to 6pm.

  • A Country Fair

    A Country Fair

    For a sweet, old-time, country fair, head to the Ellis Hollow Fair today at the Ellis Hollow Community Center. With horse drawn wagon rides for kids and a berry pie stand, there is a homespun feel to this small fair. Each year the Ellis Hollow community comes together to put on this fair to raise money for the community center. Residents donate old household items, toys, furniture, and clothes to be sold in a ‘White Elephant’ sale. Unwanted house plants are donated and sold at a plant stand. Residents man the various booths – a pie stand, a country kitchen, farm vegetables, grilled corn on the cob, baked goods, and an ice cream stand. Fairgoers picnic on makeshift picnic tables and blankets as bands perform music. Kids enjoy face painting, relay races, games, and an ever-popular dunking booth. There is even a quilt raffle. Held each year on the first weekend in September, it’s usually still warm and sunny, but with high blue skies and a crisp edge to the air heralding the change of seasons, this is a delightful way to enjoy one last summery activity in the countryside. The Ellis Hollow Community Center is located at 111 Genung Road. The fair is held today, Saturday, Sept. 7th from noon to 5:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

  • Life's So Sweet

    Life's So Sweet

    While sadly, I cannot attend, I wanted to share what looks to be a very delicious event: Tomorrow, Life’s So Sweet, the chocolate shop downtown, will host an evening of chocolate tasting! The event, “Chocolate After Hours,” will feature unlimited samples, and chocolate and soda fountain demonstrations. My hope is that this turns out to be a tasty evening, and that it is well attended and this becomes an annual event (this is their first such event). As an experienced chocolate taster myself, I would recommend going not on a full stomach (strategy, strategy).
    I should mention that the truffles at Life’s So Sweet are not only DELICIOUS, but they have an assortment of unusually creative flavors…cardamom, root beer, Chai tea, honeypot milk, and dark balsamic vinegar, to name but a few. So even if you don’t make it this Saturday for the tasting, do stop by at some point later to satisfy your sweet tooth.

    “Chocolate After Hours” takes place on Saturday, Sept. 7th, 2013. There are two sessions: Session 1: 6:30-8:00 p.m., and Session 2: 8:30-10:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at LifesSoSweet.com or by calling 607-882-9842. They are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. VIP tickets are $35, which include reserve seating and a take-home goodie bag. Life’s So Sweet is located at 116 W. Green Street, just off the Commons.

  • Enchanted Garden

    Enchanted Garden

    A hot day at the end of summer seemed like an opportunity to fit in one last picnic lunch before the weather begins to turn, and so I found myself this afternoon at the Ithaca Children’s Garden. Likely you’ve seen the colorful sign at the entrance of Ithaca Children’s Garden on your way out of town via Route 89 but may have not stopped to visit. Next time you have a moment or if you have a child in tow, stop in to take a peek at this unique garden.

    Built for children with the goal of introducing them to the outdoors, nature, and gardening and to the concepts of permaculture and sustainability, this park offers a fun array of activities, programs, and sights to explore. At one end of this park there is a huge mound of earth sculpted into a giant turtle. Artfully arranged stones create the turtle’s back and invite little ones to scramble over the turtle mound. At the other end of the park a mud pit, entitled “The Anarchy Zone,” offers carte-blanche to rambunctious kids to get crazy and messy. And in between lies a troll house, a tadpole pond, a maze, a sandpit, a rain garden (for water-loving plants), and various paths. A large beautiful tree in the center of the park offers shade and seating for organized storytelling sessions.

    There is an edible garden where visitors are invited to sample the vegetables and herbs and help water the plants. Next to the garden there is an outdoor kitchen where workshops are held for kids to make their own pizzas, teas, or salads using the produce from the garden. A compost and a greenhouse, ingeniously made from recycled plastic soda bottles, also sit next to the edible garden and introduce kids to the full cycle of growing, gardening, and composting.

    One of the sweetest and most moving parts of the Children’s Garden is the Bulb Labyrinth Memorial Garden which was planted to honor local babies and children who have passed away. Lushly filled with perennial bulbs, it becomes a beautiful sight to see in spring when it is in full bloom.  Nearby a wildflower garden attracts bugs and nets and jars are available for children to capture and study the flying and creepy-crawling inhabitants of the wildflower garden. Future plans for the park include a edible forest where children can learn about foraging.

    If you are interested in becoming involved, the Ithaca Children’s Garden is always looking for volunteers to help with gardening, maintenance, and running its numerous events and programs. The Garden works in partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension. It is located just south of Cass Park on Route 89 on the Cayuga Inlet and is open from sunrise to sunset every day. Pack a picnic, grab a kid and stop by this delightful garden and start exploring.

  • Don't Throw that in the Trash!

    Don't Throw that in the Trash!

    Rather than ‘spring cleaning,’ it is always the onset of fall that gets me in the mood to clean out, to start anew, to get organized. Likely this urge stems from past years of preparing for the start of the school year. In any case, with September upon us it is time to clear the clutter and sweep the carefree days of summer away. But what to do with an old ski helmet that is no longer used? Or that bulky old computer monitor that is taking up too much space in the attic? Or that bag of hotel toiletries that you probably won’t use? I hate to throw good things away, but I also hate to think of them decaying in the corners of my house. And beyond the Salvation Army, it’s hard to figure out where your good old things might be of use.

    So I’ve done the research for you. I’ve scoped out the various stores, charities, consignment shops, and re-use centers in Ithaca that will be the future homes of all your old things. (You weren’t thinking of just throwing it in the trash, were you?) So get cleaning, and rest assured that there is a new future, beyond the garbage, for that old handbag. See below for a long list of where you can sell, donate, trade or recycle all your stuff.

    CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES:

    Trader Ks – They are very picky, but at least you’ll get cash for your threads. They also do store credit. They buy from 10am-5pm every day but Thursday or Sunday. Located on the Commons. They also have a second location at 15 Catherwood Road (behind the McDonalds).

    Mama Goose – Junior grows up quickly, and probably leaves behind a lot of outgrown baby clothes. Mama Goose buys, or gives store credit, for (gently) used children’s clothes, accessories, and toys, as well as handbags and maternity clothes. Or if you are in the market for acquiring, they are also just a great place to shop for baby needs. 430 W. State St.

    Mary Durham Boutique/Women’s Opportunity Center – They accept donations of gently-used women’s clothing, especially professional attire. They also accept personal care items and toiletries, which are given to low-income women to prepare for a job. 315 N. Tioga St.

    Sheldon Hill – A great store in itself to find one-of-a-kind jewelry, this shop also buys, or gives store credit, for a wide variety of jewelry. Located on the Commons.

    Salvation Army – If no one will buy your threads (or anything else), the Salvation Army is always grateful to accept them, as donations. Get tax credit. 381 Elmira Rd.

    HOUSEWARES:

    Mimi’s Attic – This is a good place to sell furniture, kitchen wares, appliances, linens, and home decor…though it is very likely that something on display may catch your eye and you may end up spending more than you make. They will pay cash for small items, or work on consignment for larger items, and of course they also do store credit. The staff is also very nice. 430 W. State St.

    Boris Garage – While hard to categorize – they describe themselves as selling ‘crazy man-cave’ stuff – Boris Garage will buy, trade, or accept donations of a wide variety of vintage, new, or thrifty wares. 210 Elmira Rd.

    ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES:

    Found – They work on a consignment basis and are on the lookout for antique and vintage furniture and housewares. 227 Cherry St.

    Pastimes Antiques – A fun antique store to stop for, they also buy antique furniture, vintage jewelry, turn-of-the century postcards, antique buttons, beads, photography, political buttons, and paper ephemera. Located in DeWitt Mall.

    BUILDING MATERIALS & HARDWARE:

    Finger Lakes Reuse Center – Donate house hardware, appliances, building materials, furniture, and electronics that might otherwise end up in the dump. Seriously, they take even old computers and printers…there’s no excuse for trashing your old Dell. Get tax credit. Located in the Triphammer Marketplace at 2255 North Triphammer Rd.

    Significant Elements – Another place to donate building materials and house parts. Get tax credit. They accept donations Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00am – 5:00pm. 212 Center St.

    TOILETRIES (unused):

    Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard – In addition to accepting non-perishable foods, they gladly accept unused toiletries, that I find are otherwise hard to figure out what to do with. Joan Barber runs the Cupboard, as she is very sweet and appreciative. They are open for donations Monday through Friday, 1:30 – 3:00 pm. 150 Albany Street (at the corner of Seneca Street).

    Mary Durham Boutique/Women’s Opportunity Center – In addition to accepting donations of gently-used women’s clothing, they also accept personal care items and toiletries, which are given to low-income women to prepare for a job. 315 N. Tioga St.

    FOOD:

    Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard – Accepts donations of unused toiletries and non-perishable foods. See above.

    Loaves & Fishes – They are happy to accept donations of non-perishable foods. St. Johns Episcopal CHurch, 210 N. Cayuga St.

    BEDDING & TOWELS:

    SPCA – It is hard to sell or donate used bedding and towels but rest assured that a deserving dog or cat will get a soft spot to sleep when you donate these items to the SPCA. (Pillows not accepted). They are also in need of a wide array of pet food and supplies. 1640 Hanshaw Rd.

    BOOKS & MUSIC:

    Friends of the Library Book Sale – Help make this bi-annual book sale one of the biggest in the nation when you donate your used books here. They are open to accept donations and stamp your itemized list for tax purposes on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9:00am – 12:0pm, or you can drop off books (without getting your list stamped) any time by using the dropbox. 509 Esty St.

    Autumn Leaves Bookstore – They do not take romance paperbacks, computer help books, or encyclopedias, but they do collect a wide variety of book types, so before you donate to the Friends of the Library Book Sale, try Autumn Leaves first. Stop by the Crow’s Nest Cafe upstairs while you are there for some tasty treats. Located on the Commons.

    Angry Mom Records – Try selling your old CDs and records here. They are on the lookout for Rock, Punk, Metal, Blues, Reggae, Soul, World, Jazz, DJ/Dance, Oldies. Located on the Commons, in the basement below Autumn Leaves Bookstore.

    Durland Alternatives Library – They accept donations of books, periodicals, audio, video, CDs, and DVDs. They also have an annual booksale to raise funds for the library. Even if you do not have a donation, check them out when you are on the Cornell campus next time. Located in Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell University.

    SPORTS & OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT:

    Instant Replay Sports – They will buy, or do store credit, for your old (gently used) sports equipment. Located in the Triphammer Marketplace at 2255 North Triphammer Rd. There is a second location at The Rink at 1767 East Shore Drive.

    Old Goat Gear Exchange – They will buy, exchange for store credit, or do consignment for your outdoor clothing and gear. 320 E. State St.

    FABRIC, YARN, SEWING SUPPLIES:

    Sew Green – Leftover yarn from that scarf you knitted last year? Extra fabric from drapes that you trimmed down? Donate your extra sewing materials and supplies here and feel good about keeping them out of the landfill. 112 N. Cayuga St.

     

    Check out this ‘Get Your GreenBack Tompkins’ post with a helpful list of all second-hand shops in the Ithaca area.

    In the end there is always Craigslist or Freecycle, which is especially good during this time of year when the college students return and are looking to furnish their lives.