Ithaca's newest police chief, weekend events, how to save money on heat and more.
Good morning and happy Wednesday 🌞
We’re halfway through the week, so I’ll be giving you some tips to help plan out a fun weekend later.
In the meantime, if someone forwarded you this newsletter, click here to sign up for more and don’t forget to send it along to anyone you think would enjoy giving it a read.
Without further delay, here’s an update on the Ithaca Police Department
Meet Ithaca’s upcoming police chief, Thomas Kelly
The City of Ithaca has a new police chief ready to take up the mantle: Lt. Thomas Kelly of the Schenectady Police Department.
With 23 years of policing behind him, Kelly is slated to begin his role as Chief of on Dec. 18, reliving acting chief Ted Schwartz, who will then return to his role as Lieutenant of the department’s investigations division.
Kelly held previous policing roles — as a patrol officer, sergeant, detective lieutenant, and patrol lieutenant — in Schenectady.
As Detective Lt., Kelly represented his agency for the Gun Involved Violence Elimination program (GIVE), introduced new tactics in successful homicide investigations, and partnered with state-wide agencies on crime investigations.
Kelly has a Master of Public Administration from the University at Albany, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, and has a Graduate Certificate in Cyber and Computer Forensics from the University of Louisville.
Here in Ithaca, Kelly will be responsible for responding to the city’s growing safety needs, monitor career development and training for assigned staff and ensure that all department staff comply with state and federal regulations and policies.
Give this article a read for more details.
Here’s some more of what you need to know today
In celebration of Black Catholic History Month, Jim Hare released a reflection on Elmira history of church segregation, and the contributions of Black Catholics in the fight for civil rights while following Elmira’s own Davis family and their history of worship. This is one not to be missed if you’re at all into the history of Southern New York.
Childcare in the Corning area is poised to change in the coming months, as the Erwin Child & Family Center, (ECFC) located at 111 Canada Road in Painted Post joins the Corning Children’s Center network of care and its former operator, Pathways, Inc, takes a step back to refocus its programming. Give this article from the Corning Leader a read for more details (and some fantastic photos and videos from Jeff Smith to boot.)
It’s getting cold out there again, so that means shelling out some more cash just to stay warm. If you want to save on your heating bills this winter, Emily Barnes has some tips for you in this article, including to apply to the state Heating and Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
Your Finger Lakes and Southern Tier event planner
🧒This Saturday, Mama Goose in Ithaca is celebrating it’s 20th birthday with free fun, and giveaways. Located at 609 W. Clinton, Mama Goose provides caregivers with not only quality goods but also a safe and comfortable space for community classes and events.
🧊As a part of the “Winter Art & Music Celebration,” taking place during Downtown Ithaca’s First Friday Gallery Night from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, New Roots Charter School will offer an evening of artistic and musical creativity. “Guests can indulge in food and drinks while immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of offerings that New Roots has to share,” according to a release from the school, which will showcase the artwork of students, be it in physical artwork, or musical performances.
☃️The spirit of winter is also hitting Corning’s Pulteney Square this Friday, where you can expect a parade at 6 p.m., vendors, a tree lighting and of course, a visit from a certain jolly man in a red suit, hosted by the Central Steuben Chamber of Commerce.
That’s about all I’ve got for you today, thank you for reading and check your inbox tomorrow for more updates.
As always, feel free to reach out to jmack@gannett.com with any comments, questions, concerns, or news tips regarding this newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: Ithaca daily briefing 11 29
