Briefs: REAL ID, CARS anniversary, awards, more

As deadline approaches, DMV asks residents to get REAL ID

On Nov. 17, state and local leaders gathered at the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport to remind New Yorkers about the importance of REAL ID.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), in six months, “a standard license or non-driver ID will no longer be accepted for flights within the U.S. As a requirement of the federal REAL ID Act, travelers will need a REAL ID, an Enhanced ID or a passport to board domestic flights, starting May 3, 2023.”

DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder has been traveling across the state to spread the word about the upcoming deadline, and last week, he visited Tompkins County.

“If you have a valid passport, that’s good; that will help you be able to board a plane and to go take a domestic flight,” he said at the press conference. “But we’re here today really to encourage New Yorkers to get a REAL ID compliant license.”

The federal law requires those who are applying for a REAL ID to do so in person. An Enhanced ID is acceptable for REAL ID purposes and can also be used instead of a passport to return to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean.

“You can go into any DMV office and apply for REAL ID or an enhanced driver’s license,” Schroeder said. “If your license is up for renewal, the cost for REAL ID is the same as getting a regular license. If you’re not up for renewal, it will only cost you an extra $12.50. We will also offer an enhanced driver’s license. It costs $30 more, but it has some added benefits that I know that could be of particular interest to the Southern Tier and to Tompkins County.”

For those unable to drive, anyone 13 and up can apply for a non-drivers license REAL ID, Schroeder said.

Tompkins County Clerk Maureen Reynolds, Richard Brennen, deputy assistant federal security director at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and local legislators also attended the press conference. Brennen explained why it’s important that every eligible resident has a REAL ID before traveling.

“May 3, 2023, if you show up at a checkpoint, they will not let you through,” Brennen said. “And this is for any travel on an aircraft, stateside [or] overseas. So, it’s important that you get the REAL ID. We do have other options available currently without passengers having it, but it takes about a half hour to process your checkpoint. … I don’t want you to show up at the TSA checkpoint and find out you can’t fly, because then we all have to deal with the aftermath of that. So, please reach out and take care of that.”

For more information about REAL ID and Enhanced Driver Licenses, visit dmv.ny.gov/REALID. To learn more about the DMV, visit dmv.ny.gov.

In this photo: Schroeder holds up an enhanced drivers license to illustrate the markers people can look for to tell whether their current form of ID will be valid under new regulations taking effect next year. Brennen stands in the background.

 

Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services celebrates 50 years

Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services (CARS), Cayuga Health leadership and staff supporters gathered for CARS’ 50th Anniversary Celebration at Hotel Ithaca on Nov. 16. During the event, Jason Wittman (center), M.P.S., the founder of CARS, was recognized for his achievement during his many years of providing care for youth and adults struggling with addiction.

Leaders of both organizations restated their commitment to enhance addiction recovery services throughout the region, initially announced in April 2021. The CARS and Cayuga Health affiliation has received conditional approval for affiliation from New York state and is pending final approval.

When asked about establishing an addiction recovery organization, Wittman said, “I was initially inspired to found Alpha House from observing the continual cycle of arrest, incarceration, and release of those with substance use disorders. I wanted to create a more effective solution for recovery.”

Jessica Janssen (left), CEO of CARS, expressed gratitude toward Wittman’s efforts.

“I am humbled and will be forever grateful that Jason Wittman had the vision and personal resolve to begin Ithaca Alpha House and bring critical residential treatment services to Tompkins County in 1972,” she said. “It is not easy now, and it certainly was not easy then, but Jason’s dream and dedication has enabled countless women and men to be safe, to make a fresh start and to truly overcome substance use disorder.”

Some of the points of partnership highlighted during the evening included increased nursing and psychiatric support for CARS, enhanced clinical addiction recovery counseling services for Cayuga Health patients, and more efficient administrative and business operations.

“Our community has been fortunate to benefit from the compassionate, evidence-based clinical care that Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services has provided in a holistic and person-centered way for the past 50 years,” said Dr. Martin Stallone (right), president and CEO of Cayuga Health. “I continue to be excited about how this partnership will create a more seamless experience along an expanded continuum of care for Cayuga Health patients, their families and our communities.”

 

Climate Justice Cornell holds rally for climate, jobs, justice

On Nov. 18 at 5 p.m., activists rallied at Thompson park to celebrate the launch of the New York Renews Climate, Jobs and Justice Package (CJJP). Attendees gathered in a show of support for progressive climate policy, drawing connections between the need for local and state climate justice.

The rally attracted supporters from a wide range of organizations, including the Ithaca Democratic Socialists of America, Cornell Progressives, Mothers Out Front Tompkins and Extinction Rebellion Ithaca. A similarly broad range of speakers featured at the event, including Common Council member Jorge DeFendini (pictured) and representatives from Climate Justice Cornell, the New York Public Interest Research Group and Sunrise Ithaca.

“As members of Climate Justice Cornell, we are not only committed to fostering a cleaner future, but also an equitable one, and passing the Climate, Jobs and Justice package is an important step in that journey,” said Allyson Katz from Climate Justice Cornell.

Equity was a key theme throughout the evening, with each of the speakers emphasizing the need to center disadvantaged communities in climate legislation. Both New York state and the city of Ithaca have made commitments to address climate inequity, but such aspirations continue to fall short without the necessary funding.

The Climate, Jobs and Justice Package offers a pathway to generate funds and creates mechanisms to ensure that they are justly allocated.

“We’ve seen promises at the state and local level to prioritize equity in the transition to a green economy, whether that’s found in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act or Ithaca’s Green New Deal,” said Siobhan Hull of Sunrise Ithaca and Climate Justice Cornell. “In order to fulfill these commitments and uplift the most vulnerable New Yorkers, we need mechanisms to secure funding and accountability. The Climate, Jobs and Justice Package does exactly that, and we need our representatives to get it passed.”

The need for equity was a sentiment echoed by the crowd, who didn’t let the cold deter them from enthusiastically chanting: “What do we want? Climate justice! When do we want it? Now!”

This event was one in a series of rallies bringing together elected officials, environmental justice advocates and community members across New York to celebrate the launch of the CJJP. Organized around three key demands that individually and collectively advance the mandates of NY’s Climate Act (CLCPA), the CJJP requires New York to (1) fully fund and implement NY’s Climate Act, (2) build renewable energy for all and create good, green union jobs, and (3) make polluters and the ultra-rich pay what they owe to fund the transition.

The CJJP is NY Renews’ platform to fully address the climate crisis and meet the mandates of the NY Climate Act during the 2023 legislative session.

“The climate crisis is costing New Yorkers billions to deal with every year,” said Marissa Pappas from the New York Public Interest Research Group. “Should New Yorkers like you and I foot the bill, or should the oil and gas companies who caused the crisis pick up the tab? The answer is simple: The fossil fuel industry made the mess; it is theirs to clean up. So, today we call on the governor to pledge that they will include the Climate Change Superfund Act in the Executive Budget. The act requires the large oil and gas companies — the ones responsible for the most greenhouse gas emissions — to help foot the bill for programs to protect us from the worst effects of the climate crisis.”

 

City of Ithaca’s new bikeshare sees successful launch

The Center for Community Transportation (CCT) recently launched Ithaca’s first nonprofit, community-owned and operated bikeshare on Nov. 9, releasing the first set of dockless e-bikes at locations throughout the city (tinyurl.com/2j7jr38j). The launch marks the much-anticipated return of bikeshare following the departure of the popular Lime bikeshare in early 2020, which left Ithaca due to industry trends and the pandemic.

Plans to launch the new Ithaca Bikeshare were finalized on Nov. 2 with the unanimous Common Council vote to approve the city’s memorandum of understanding with CCT.

The bikes, purchased from Drop Mobility, are class 1 pedal-assist electric bikes with a maximum assist speed of 16 mph and can be unlocked using the Ithaca Bikeshare app downloaded from the Apple Store, the Play Store or the ithacabikeshare.org website.

Pricing is designed to be affordable with several different plan options, including monthly and annual memberships, and a reduced rate is available through the GO ITHACA Easy Access program. The dockless e-bikes may be parked in the public right of way in the treelawn/furniture zone —between sidewalk and curb — and at the ends of (but not in) bike racks. The program will also offer a $1 credit to encourage people to return the bikes to selected hub locations, which will be visible on the app at the end of their ride.

“A lot of time and energy has gone into making Ithaca Bikeshare possible,” said Jeff Goodmark, CCT’s director of micromobility. “I want to thank everyone for their part in making it happen. I am personally excited for the return of bikeshare as this program brings much needed affordable, alternative and sustainable transportation for everyone to use. Ithaca is focusing on the Green New Deal and carbon reductions across the board and Ithaca Bikeshare ties into this idea perfectly.”

Mayor-Elect Laura Lewis said, “It’s our hope and intention that bikeshare will add another safe and affordable multi-modal transportation option for residents, reduce traffic congestion, and maximize carbon-free mobility. I’m very pleased the city has been able to work with CCT to bring back this important transportation option.”

Tom Knipe, director of economic development for the city of Ithaca, said, “This program supports downtown and the city as a whole in being an economically vibrant place where everyone can better access employment, recreation and business opportunities without always having to rely on a car. Thank you to CCT for bringing bike share back to Ithaca.”

“The Long-Range Plan of the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC) recognizes the need to offer multiple transportation options to the community in order to reduce car dependency and its associated environmental, financial and safety costs,” said Fernando de Aragón, executive director of ITCTC. “Well over 50% of all trips in the Ithaca area are less than 2 miles in length. Bicycling has great potential to benefit residents and visitors, and Ithaca Bikeshare will bring those benefits home.”

Margaret Johnson, director of Bike Walk Tompkins, said, “We wholeheartedly support Ithaca Bikeshare as an important piece of the puzzle of making biking for transportation accessible to people of all ages, abilities and income levels.”

The City of Ithaca allocated $50,000 from its 2022 American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the purchase of bikeshare bikes. Additionally, $140,000 was raised from private sources to make this launch possible.

CCT plans to increase the size of the bikeshare fleet toward a fuller launch in spring of 2023. Meanwhile, a small number of bikeshare bikes will remain available throughout the winter. To donate to Ithaca Bikeshare, visit donorbox.org/community-bike-share.

More information about Ithaca Bikeshare can be found by downloading the Ithaca Bikeshare app or visiting the website ithacabikeshare.org.

 

Tompkins bank recognizes community volunteers

Tompkins Community Bank honored eight individuals from central New York with the James J. Byrnes Awards for Excellence for their outstanding volunteer service to the community. $13,000 was donated to local charitable organizations from the Legacy Foundation of Tompkins County. The honorees each designated their monetary awards to not-for-profit organizations of their choice.

2022 James J. Byrnes Awards for Excellence recipients included (pictured, from left to right) Michael Perehinec of Special Olympics New York, Karel Titus for her lifelong volunteerism primarily in Seneca County, John Pascarella for his work in youth sports in Dryden, Apryl Beatty of Cortland Community Matters, Lisa Krizman of Stablework, Kristen Wells (and volunteers) from Gadabout, Rev. Christina Culver (and volunteers) from Loaves and Fishes of Tompkins County, and (not pictured) Topher Scott for his efforts to found and organize the Racker Rivals Big Red fundraiser.

“I look forward to these awards every year; this is what being a community bank is about,” said Greg Hartz, president of Tompkins, Central New York. “Tompkins, through the Legacy Foundation, is proud to honor and support the work of this year’s recipients. Their dedication to improving our community through volunteerism, promoting the arts, culture, and education, and simply helping those in need is truly extraordinary. It demonstrates the mission of the foundation by improving the quality of life for so many in our communities.”

The James J. Byrnes Awards for Excellence program was established during the bank’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1986 to share its success with community members who have helped to enrich the quality of life in Tompkins County. In 2014, the Awards for Excellence program was renamed the James J. Byrnes Awards for Excellence to honor the retirement of Jim Byrnes, a longtime Ithaca resident and leader of Tompkins Financial Corporation.

The endowment is administered by the Legacy Foundation, a local not-for-profit trust. The vision of the Legacy Foundation, which began in 1945, is committed to improving the quality of life in Tompkins County for those after us. Since 1986, the Awards for Excellence program has recognized more than 280 individuals or groups, with awards totaling more than $386,000.

 

Community Foundation celebrates philanthropy

The Community Foundation of Tompkins County joined in a nationwide celebration last week, Nov. 12 through 18, to recognize the increasingly important role that community foundations play in strengthening localities and mitigating social issues like homelessness, food insecurity and racial justice.

“Community foundations have the reach, expertise and relationships to address some of the most pressing issues impacting individuals and families nationwide,” said Gloria Coicou, chief inclusion and community engagement officer. “We are more determined than ever to collaborate with you, our community and partners to deliver innovative and lasting solutions that will help us thrive.”

Community Foundation CEO George Ferrari added, “We are in the business of rebuilding systems so people have what they need in order to thrive. As a community foundation, we have a responsibility to and for our community; we do this by deploying all our resources to solve problems.”

For more than a century, philanthropic institutions have served as a trusted partner and resource whose effect can be seen in the lives of millions and in the vibrant neighborhoods that continue to thrive through their mission-driven work.

For more than 20 years, the Community Foundation of Tompkins County makes it possible for citizens, local businesses and mission-aligned organizations to create permanent philanthropic resources for the current and future needs of the community from basic human needs to creating innovative solutions.

The foundation celebrated Community Foundations Week by enhancing their outreach and engagement with social media programming, an open house and community volunteering. They ended the week with the first-ever Community Foundation awards.

Visit cftompkins.org for more information.

Community Foundation Week was created in 1989 by former President George H.W. Bush to recognize the work of community foundations throughout America and their collaborative approach to working with the public, private and nonprofit sectors to address community problems.

 

Ithaca business receives economic champion award

Courtney Consulting Enterprises, LLC, owned and operated by leadership coach, speaker, trainer, intuitive healer, humorist and international bestselling author of “Keeping Calm in Chaos,” Michelle Courtney Berry, was named an “Economic Champion” in central New York by CenterStateCEO at an in-person ceremony at the On Center in Syracuse Nov. 10. This is the company’s second win (the first in 2012).

Berry was honored to note that this year, her company was among the 52 in the region hailed for DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) impact and engagement. This milestone is significant for Berry, who’s been working to help her clients understand the critical links between wellness, DEI and profitability through her Working Well, one day at a time® and Mindset Equity training programs.

According to the CEO of CenterStateCEO, Robert M. Simpson, this annual event recognizes “outstanding businesses and organizations as Economic Champions for driving the economy forward in the past year. The celebration also recognizes contributions to the growth of the central New York economy, including new jobs, new businesses, DEI commitments, company milestones, business expansions and investments in operations and more. … New to these annual celebrations, we were honored to recognize more than 52 companies for their efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Berry said, “This milestone is a major move forward for my company, as it helps me continue to progress toward my company’s vision, which is to operate the most sought-after workplace health and wellness consulting, speaking and training business in the nation, thus reducing substantially the emotional and financial costs associated with unmitigated stress and burnout in less than a generation.”

Courtney Consulting Enterprises, LLC, launched when Berry completed her graduate degree in organizational communication from Cornell University in 1992.

To learn more, visit michellecourtneyberry.com.

In this photo: Berry (right) poses with Beth Savicki of CenterStateCEO.

Downtown Ithaca honors veterans with green lights

To celebrate Veterans Day and honor military veterans and their families, downtown Ithaca once again participated in the national Greenlight A Vet campaign from Nov. 10 through 12.

During that time, many businesses on and around the Commons showed their support for military veterans by changing at least one light at their business green. The campaign uses green lights because it is the color of hope, renewal and well-being and a symbolic sign of gratitude. The term “green light” is also a commonly used military term to motivate forward movement. The intent of using green lights is to start a conversation about veterans and “greenlight” them as valued community members.

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) donated 100 battery-operated flickering little tea lights so that businesses could offer their storefront a green glow.

“Greenlight A Vet is a natural fit for Downtown Ithaca. Our community is filled with shops, restaurants and office workers who regularly illustrate their support of military families,” said Gary Ferguson, DIA executive director.

According to 2021 U.S. Census data, 488 veterans live in the city of Ithaca, and several military veterans work in downtown Ithaca. In addition to downtown’s efforts, Cornell University’s Undergraduate Veterans Association, which represents more than 250 veterans at Cornell, spearheads the annual Greenlight A Vet participation at the university, and it reached out to the City of Ithaca two years ago to support the initiative.

In addition to the special lighting, some downtown shops held promotions to honor veterans. For more information, visit downtownithaca.com.

In this photo: City Hall displays green lights for last year’s campaign.

 

Downtown Ithaca kicks off holiday shopping season

The holiday shopping season is upon us. The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) will kick off this special time of year by presenting a holiday window competition and Small Business Saturday.

The holiday window competition is happening from Nov. 21 through Dec. 17 at participating downtown locations. During that time, you’re welcome to stroll downtown to view festive window decor and vote for your favorites.

Voting ballots for the window display competition are digital and will be available by clicking the QR code on the Holiday Window Display Competition flyer on display at the participating businesses. For more information, including a list of participating shops, visit downtownithaca.com/event/holiday-window-display-competition.

As you’re checking out the window displays, show your love for small independently owned and operated businesses by shopping downtown during Shop Local Weekend — Plaid/Green Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday — from Nov. 25 through 28.

During Small Business Saturday, patrons who shop at downtown Ithaca’s participating stores for their holiday gift needs will receive a free custom-designed, reusable Downtown Ithaca Shop Local canvas tote bag (while supplies last). Small Business Saturday is organized by the DIA.

“Downtown Ithaca is a fantastic place for folks to complete their holiday shopping,” said DIA Executive Director Gary Ferguson. “Many of our shops sell items you can only find in Ithaca, such as handcrafted gifts created by highly skilled local artisans. Plus, when shoppers spend their money at our businesses, the money stays here and strengthens our local economy. Also, patrons should support downtown Ithaca’s businesses because they contribute to the character of our community by offering experiential shopping and dining experiences.”

To continue the holiday shopping spirit past the traditionally busy shopping weekend, the DIA encourages patrons to shop and dine locally online as part of Cyber Monday — more than 80% of downtown shops and restaurants have an online shopping or take-out order presence. To locate businesses with online shopping available, visit downtownithaca.com/event/cyber-monday-2022.

Also, this holiday season, check out downtown Ithaca’s upcoming Ice and Lights Festival presented by Maguire Hyundai Suburu Genesis happening Dec. 2 through Dec. 10. Ice and Lights Festival is a celebration of the season and will feature an ice carving competition, spectacular lighting displays produced by skilled local artists, decorative ice sculptures, two silent disco parties, our 12th Annual Chowder Cook-Off presented by Maguire Hyundai Subaru Genesis (Dec. 3) and Santa’s Arrival presented by Tompkins Trust Company (Dec. 10).

As a friendly reminder to shoppers, parking in downtown Ithaca is free in the evenings — after 6 p.m. on the street and after 8 p.m. in the Green Street, Seneca Street and Cayuga Street parking garages — and free all day on Saturday and Sunday.

For information about downtown’s other holiday offerings visit downtownithaca.com.