Photo Briefs: new TC3 credentials, Ithaca Streatery, senior citizen vaccinations

TC3 to offer substance abuse prevention academic credentials

Tompkins Cortland Community College is expanding its offerings for students looking to pursue careers in substance abuse prevention. The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) has authorized the college to offer two new academic credentials: Credentialed Prevention Professional (CPP) and Credentialed Prevention Specialist (CPS). The coursework is designed to meet the education requirements of the credentials. Individuals would also need to complete work experience and then pass an exam in order to earn credentials. TC3 students can fulfill the education requirements for the CPS credential by completing the Chemical Dependency Counseling degree or certificate and taking one additional course: the newly created Introduction to Prevention. The CPP credential carries the additional requirement of a bachelor’s degree, but both credentials are intended for people interested in working in the addictions field in noncounseling capacities, including education, training, community organization and public policy. “There has been an increased need for prevention workers statewide due to an increase in addiction rates, both pre-pandemic and currently,” said Professor Joseph Smith, chair of the College’s Chemical Dependency Counseling programs. “Employers have expressed an interest in hiring individuals who are competent across the continuum of care of addiction services: prevention, intervention and treatment.” With jobs in the addictions field expected to increase significantly over the next 10 years, these new offerings address a demonstrated need in the community and statewide. Additionally, the new credentials are perfect complements to the college’s existing Chemical Dependency Counseling program. “Graduates of our program will be well positioned to find rewarding work, and our community will benefit from the education they receive and the skills they develop here at the college,” Smith said.

 

Ithaca’s Streatery opening April 1

Beginning April 1, the Aurora Streatery, downtown Ithaca’s popular outdoor dining experience on North Aurora Street, will return to the community. The Aurora Streatery allows restaurants on the 100 block of North Aurora Street (locally known as Restaurant Row) to extend their outdoor dining areas to the curb of the street’s sidewalk. Restaurants participating in the Aurora Streatery include Luna Inspired Street Food, Red’s Place, Mahogany Grill and Simeon’s American Bistro. The Aurora Streatery is expected to be available until mid-fall (weather permitting). While the Streatery is available, Aurora Street will be completely closed to vehicle traffic. This street closure will allow pedestrians to safely use the street as a walkway. Detour signage will be posted in the area to help drivers navigate around the site. “We look forward to once again hosting the Aurora Streatery,” said Gary Furguson, executive director of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance. “Closing Restaurant Row to expand outdoor dining during the warmer months benefits our community in multiple ways. Patrons will be able to enjoy safe and socially distant dining experiences in a relaxing outdoor setting, and restaurants will be able to safely accommodate more diners while continuing to adhere to the state’s COVID-19 guidelines.” Under New York state’s current COVID guidelines, restaurants are allowed 75% indoor dining occupancy. While patrons are visiting the restaurants, they must wear face coverings at all times, except while seated, provided that the patron is over the age of 2 and able to medically tolerate such covering. In addition to the Streatery, downtown offers more restaurants and eateries on and around the Commons that provide outdoor dining, too. For additional information about the Streatery and additional outdoor dining options, visit downtownithaca.com. In this photo: The 100 block of Aurora Street.

 

Health Department partners help vaccinate older adults

Wednesday, March 24 was an important day for 170 Tompkins County residents who received their second dose and are now fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19. These individuals live in Titus Towers and McGraw House, two of the county’s largest senior housing facilities. Titus Towers, part of Ithaca Housing Authority, is home to 230 residents, while McGraw House has 105 residents. Some residents received the vaccine at other locations or were able to provide their own transportation. Partners involved in this vaccination effort included Ithaca Housing Authority, various senior living facilities across Tompkins County, TCAT, Gadabout, Cayuga Health System and the Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD). “This pandemic has shown us time and time again how fortunate we are to have partners who come together to solve challenging situations,” said Public Health Director Frank Kruppa. “Several months ago, we met with senior housing facilities in our county. The thinking at the time was that separate mobile clinics at each location would be necessary because of potential transport difficulties. Our team approached these challenges head on. We asked TCAT and Gadabout if they could help us. Our transportation partners were quickly on board and we had a plan.” Viki McDonald, executive director of McGraw House said, “By the end of this month, all but six McGraw House residents will be inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine. I would like to thank the Tompkins County Health Department and Cayuga Health for their contributions in achieving that tremendous goal. We can finally see the light at the end of this very long tunnel, and that is a beautiful moment to celebrate.” TCHD continues to encourage everyone who is eligible to sign up for the Tompkins County COVID-19 Vaccine Registry. Visit tompkinscountyny.gov/health for more information.