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Home My WebLink About2009.08 Newsletter On behalf of the Lansing Town Board I would like to extend sincere appreciation and congratulations to the Lansing Community Council on their dedication and commitment to providing us an opportunity to celebrate our community through the Lansing Harbor Festival. We are very fortunate to live in a community that has so much to offer, and to have people willing to dedicate their time and energy to provide such a successful event. I would encourage residents interested in learning more about the many great things Lansing Community Council is involved in to contact Ed LaVigne, President at 533-7603 or Karen Veaner, Harbor Festival Chairperson at 533-7247. You can read about the success of the Harbor Festival by logging on to the Harbor Festival website @ www.lansingharborfest.org or LansingStar online newspaper @ www.LansingStar.com. One of the projects Lansing Community Council has been working on is the restoration of the North Cabin which will provide us a piece of Lansing history. Thanks to Ed LaVigne’s commitment & diligence to see this project through over $16,000.00 of the estimated $17,000.00 needed to complete this restoration has been raised to date. The Lansing Town Board formally approved an area adjacent to the entrance of Myers Park as the location for this historic log cabin, with the site work and construction to begin within the next several weeks. From the Desk of the From the Desk of the From the Desk of the From the Desk of the Town Town Town Town Supervisor A. Scott PinneySupervisor A. Scott PinneySupervisor A. Scott PinneySupervisor A. Scott Pinney IIIINSIDE NSIDE NSIDE NSIDE TTTTHIS HIS HIS HIS IIIISSUESSUESSUESSUE From the Desk of the Town Supervisor 1 A Note from Parks & Recreation 2 Area Youth - NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Competition 2 Simply Put 3 Tire Collection Day 4 Lansing Farmer’s Market 4 Moore Farm 5 Lansing Drop In Program 6 The Town Board will begin working on the 2010 Town Budget September 1, 2009 by initially meeting with our department staff to review their budget requests and will continue to meet in work sessions throughout September and October. Work sessions are open to the public, and the schedule is available on the Town’s website at www.lansingtown.com. The Town has received notification from Tompkins County of a vacancy on the Tompkins County Water Resources Council (WRC). The WRC is an appointed, volunteer advisory board to the County Legislature on managing local water resources, supporting local governments in the implementation of relevant regulations, and addressing water resource issues of importance or concern to the community. Lansing residents interested in serving on this board are invited to contact my office at 533- 8896 to obtain additional information and the paperwork to make application for the position. August 2009 Page 2 RECREATION • August 19th was our “evening” football equipment issue date with the fitting of equipment happening every day during the week. I will have fit over 50 players and practice began on Monday August 24th. • We hosted the “Coaches Certification Class” here on Wednesday August 12th. Coaches from around the area attended along with 4 of our own coaches to take the class and then test for a two year certification. This was the first time to try this type of certification and the feedback was very good. • The Fall Youth Soccer program is set to start the first week in September. The bulk of the registration came in late, but we have a great number of participants with a total number of 25 teams comprised of boys and girls K-6. The program runs through the second week of October. • An official Punt-Pass & Kick competition took place on the ball fields on Saturday August 29th. The event was FREE and open to all boys and girls ages 8-15, see article below. PARKS • Myers Park seems to have recovered well from Harbor Fest and had to be ready to go on the following day because all of the pavilions were rented. The park was very clean by early Sunday morning. • August 13th was our last concert, which was the make up from June 25th. The concert series this summer has a huge success. Each concert was very well attended by far breaking all attendance and donation records more than covering all of our bands. Marty Christopher was also a new part of the series. Marty researched all of the bands and did the introductions and background/history prior to each concert. • The swim area was packed during the really HOT weather. The swim area will be closed for the season as of Monday August 24th. This is our typical closing date. • The main playground at Myers Park really is getting tired and needs a makeover. August 20th I met with Parkitects to go over plans for a rebuild. Our playground is a very important and integral part of the Park and needs attention. I will have all of the options and plans after our meeting. • POW Watch fire will be held Friday September 18th at dark at Myers Park. This is the 18th year that this event has been held at Myers. A Note from Parks & Recreation Department A Note from Parks & Recreation Department A Note from Parks & Recreation Department A Note from Parks & Recreation Department Several participants from Lansing, Newfield, and Moravia took part in the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition. Coaches from the Lansing Junior and Senior small fry teams ran the event with help from other volunteers. These youngsters earned first-place honors in their respective age groups: GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS Age 12-13 Mya Edwards-Kleist from Lansing with a total score of 105.92 BOYS BOYS BOYS BOYS Age 8-9 Dakota Edwards from Lansing with a total score of 107.71, Age 10-11 Jared Strait from Lansing with a total score of 218.67, Age 12-13 Seth Piotti from Newfield with a total score of 160.08, Age 14-15 Xavior Baker from Newfield with a total score of 231.83 * Cumulative total of one punt, one pass, and one kick. These five winners now will move on to a Sectional Competition to be held in October, and could qualify for the Team Championship competition which will be held at one of the NFL stadiums near the end of this year. By Steve Colt, Director of Parks & Recreation AAAArearearearea YouthYouthYouthYouth CCCCaptureaptureaptureapture HHHHonorsonorsonorsonors NFL PUNT, PASS & KICK CNFL PUNT, PASS & KICK CNFL PUNT, PASS & KICK CNFL PUNT, PASS & KICK Competitionompetitionompetitionompetition By James Strait, Event Organizer Page 3 Hello, my name is Ed LaVigne. I have been asked to share some thoughts on Lansing and its future. The biggest challenge for me is to minimize this article because if I start to express my viewpoint on one of my passions, this would become a very long article. Thus, the format is designed to be Simply Put: Subject:Subject:Subject:Subject: Lansing HarborfestLansing HarborfestLansing HarborfestLansing Harborfest The third Lansing Harborfest was held in Myers Park on August 15th on this year. The next one is scheduled for next year, same place on August 14th. It drew over four thousand people and continues to grow. Simply Put: Participate in this event, either as a vendor, volunteer or as a member of The Lansing Community Council. This event costs over $12,000 to produce every year. The Lansing Community Council puts this on because we find ways to meet our goals. Lansing people are resourceful, motivated and focused. Come and help Lansing become better. Subject:Subject:Subject:Subject: The NorthThe NorthThe NorthThe North Log CabinLog CabinLog CabinLog Cabin The North log cabin was built in 1791 on the corner of Conlon & Searles Road. For the last two years it has been in storage at the Town Barns area. Simply Put: An estimate to restore the cabin was received for $17,700. In three months over $16,000 has been raised. It will be assembled in Myers Park as soon as a survey and elevation certificates are received. The survey is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26th. The Lansing North Cabin Project will be completed. Lansing people are determined, energetic and giving. Come and help Lansing become stronger. Subject:Subject:Subject:Subject: Future projectsFuture projectsFuture projectsFuture projects Renovation of the Myers Park Playgrounds and a Footbridge across Salmon Creek to Salt Point. The Myers Park Playground is in need of upgrading. Simply Put: With a minimal of cash outlay and a maximum of Lansing volunteers this can be accomplished at a minimal cost. If money needs to be raised it can be done without taxpayers dollars. If there are any doubts to this comment, please reread the first part of this article paying close attention to the amounts $12,000 and $17,700. These were raised without taxpayer’s money. The Footbridge Project has already been started. The Engineering Department from Cornell University has already met with Steve Colt from Lansing's Recreation Department for the initial design. Simply Put: As with any large project, each phase is broken down into its smaller components. Small problems get solved. Conclusion: Lansing was built with courage, creativity & vision. (Just look at Myers Park or The Rink). This hasn't changed. We continue to grow stronger with each completed project. p.s. Later let's talk about The Lansing Performing Arts Center. By Ed LaVigne, Lansing Community Council President Simply PutSimply PutSimply PutSimply Put Page 4 Lansing Farmer’s MarketLansing Farmer’s MarketLansing Farmer’s MarketLansing Farmer’s Market By Connie Wilcox, Town Councilperson Every Saturday morning now through mid October come and meet your neighbors and friends at the Town Hall parking lot for the Farmer’s Market. On July 11 the first Lansing Farmer’s Market opened. We were hopeful that we would have 5 to 6 vendors and we started out with 13. As of the 29th of August we have 31 vendors. There is a variety of fruits and vegetables, garlic, honey, quilts, jewelry, wreaths, blankets, tee shirts, photos, plants, flowers, etc. You can enjoy a cup of coffee while you peruse the Market freshly brewed by All Saints Church and you can purchase their free trade coffee as well. Those of you who start your holiday shopping early will find a great assortment of wreaths and custom jewelry. Fresh sweet corn, beans, potatoes, squash, cucumbers and eggs, all for your eating pleasure as well as, homemade pies, breads, cookies, granola and even custom doggie bones. Winter squash and pumpkins will soon be available. If you haven’t at least visited the market to see what there is you owe it to yourself to check it out. It runs from 9AM – 12 PM every Saturday. You can usually find a Barbeque going on at the ball fields as well. For further information or to sign up to be a vendor contact Charmagne at the Supervisor’s office 533-8896. TIRE COLLECTION DAYTIRE COLLECTION DAYTIRE COLLECTION DAYTIRE COLLECTION DAY One Day Only! Saturday, September 26Saturday, September 26Saturday, September 26Saturday, September 26thththth From 8:00 am From 8:00 am From 8:00 am From 8:00 am –––– 1 pm1 pm1 pm1 pm Town of Lansing Highway BarnsTown of Lansing Highway BarnsTown of Lansing Highway BarnsTown of Lansing Highway Barns 10 Town Barn Road, Lansing, NY10 Town Barn Road, Lansing, NY10 Town Barn Road, Lansing, NY10 Town Barn Road, Lansing, NY All tires All tires All tires All tires smaller than 48"smaller than 48"smaller than 48"smaller than 48" will be collected for $2.00 each.will be collected for $2.00 each.will be collected for $2.00 each.will be collected for $2.00 each. All NY State Residents are welcome.All NY State Residents are welcome.All NY State Residents are welcome.All NY State Residents are welcome. Tires with steel rims will NOT be accepted! Tires with steel rims will NOT be accepted! Tires with steel rims will NOT be accepted! Tires with steel rims will NOT be accepted! Tractor tires will NTractor tires will NTractor tires will NTractor tires will NOT be accepted!OT be accepted!OT be accepted!OT be accepted! For more information, please contact theFor more information, please contact theFor more information, please contact theFor more information, please contact the Tompkins County Soil & Tompkins County Soil & Tompkins County Soil & Tompkins County Soil & Water ConservationWater ConservationWater ConservationWater Conservation District at 257District at 257District at 257District at 257----2340 and ask for Adam.2340 and ask for Adam.2340 and ask for Adam.2340 and ask for Adam. Page 5 The Moore family farm consists of Larry, Denise, and their daughters Melissa Jones and Helen Marie. Larry’s father Roy and brother Gary also work part time. We met with them to discuss their organic farm and how they pro actively preserve their land. Their farm has been in existence since 1851 when the Searles family worked it. Larry began his career as a farmer in 1987. Denise and Larry were married in 1996, and by 2006 they decided to convert their farm to organic. They are very happy to have a small family run business that is not just a career but a way of life, and organic farming goes along with that. Their farm consists of an 80 cow herd (Jersey and Holstein), 42 milkers and 38 calves of many ages, 2 horses, 2 pigs, many meat chickens, 29 Golden Comet (some) laying chickens, 2 dogs and many barn cats. They sell their organic milk for income, and whatever corn, tritacle, barley, spelt, soybeans, canola and oats that aren’t used for feed. Additionally they grow garlic, onions and make maple syrup. As we listened to the information the Moores shared with us about Organic farming, it became clear that there are several differences to conventional farming. There are many rules and regulations that need to be followed, some of which include a large paper trail (ex. where and when manure is spread) and an annual inspection. Surprise inspections can also be made. It is also more expensive, there is an annual fee paid of approximately 1-2% of their gross income. In order for the cows milk to be sold as organic the herd is fed organic feed for a year. The Moores’ previously bought grain from suppliers, but have found that growing their own insures them quality and quantity. They see overall how this transition has been very positive and healthy for them as well as their herd. Their herd has less illness and each generation is becoming healthier. The Moores’ are also proactive with the environmental protection. They have made many changes to lessen soil run off. The cows are fenced out of streams and they rotate grazing. Lane ways have been improved with gravel and shale, and made lower than the fields. Tompkins County Soil and Water has assisted them in working on covering their barnyard with a roof to avoid run off, along with having a cement wall constructed 18” in height. Manure is spread every 3rd day in the summer, and every day in the winter. Also, each field has crop cover all year. Manure is never spread on bare ground. It was our pleasure to be able to spend time on the Moore farm, and we appreciate them sharing with us. We plan to write future farming articles in our newsletters. If you are interested in being our next feature, please contact us. By Connie Wilcox, Town Councilperson and Charmagne Rumgay, Principal Account Clerk Moore FarmMoore FarmMoore FarmMoore Farm Town of LansingTown of LansingTown of LansingTown of Lansing PO Box 186 Lansing, NY 14882 Phone: Phone: Phone: Phone: (607) 533-8896 FaxFaxFaxFax: (607) 533-3507 EEEE----Mail: Mail: Mail: Mail: charrum@twcny.rr.com We’re on the Web! Visit us at: www.Lansingtown.com Office HoursOffice HoursOffice HoursOffice Hours: Monday – Thursday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Fridays 7:30 am – 12:00 pm Town of Lansing PO Box 186 Lansing, NY 14882 By Karyn Yahn, Drop In Program Director School is not the only thing opening Wednesday, September 9th. The Lansing Drop In will be open also. We are a program for preschool aged children 18 months to 5 years. We are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9:30AM to 12:15PM, and follow the Lansing School calendar. The Drop In can be found on the second floor of the Community Center. It is also a good way for parents and caregivers to meet others in our community. Any questions please contact Karyn Yahn at 533-4322. Town Board MeetingsTown Board MeetingsTown Board MeetingsTown Board Meetings:::: 3rd Wednesday of the Month at 6:00 pm PlanPlanPlanPlannnnninginginging Board Meetings:Board Meetings:Board Meetings:Board Meetings: 2nd & 4th Monday of the Month at 7:15 pm ZZZZBBBBAAAA Meetings:Meetings:Meetings:Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of the Month at 5:00 pm Lansing Drop In ProgramLansing Drop In ProgramLansing Drop In ProgramLansing Drop In Program