Trumansburg Chamber Newsletter May 2012

CREATIVITY IS A COMMUNITY ASSETBy Sue Henninger, Finger Lakes Writer

The importance of creativity in a community is difficult to define from a business standpoint. It’s not about profit or loss, products and services, or even traditions and customs. However it’s clear that living and working in an environment that respects and values creative thoughts and actions establishes a culture where businesses are more likely to use innovative marketing approaches, experiment with how they deliver services and goods, and find unique ways to collaborate with other businesses or not-for-profits. Communities that reiterate the message that creativity is preferable to conformity are also likely to be more vibrant, more open to new ideas, and more interesting and appealing to residents and visitors alike.

Durand Van Doren creates for a living. Since 1978 he’s specialized in fashioning beautiful, handmade iron objects, both decorative and functional. Using the old blacksmithing techniques that a long tradition of metal artists have handed down over the years; Durand works and teaches classes on blacksmithing in his spacious studio on Carman Road in Mecklenburg. When he isn’t pounding and shaping, he also volunteers in the community, as a new TACC member, an active member of the Trumansburg Rotary Club and Youth Commission, and as a youth mentor for The Learning Web. “I’m happy to share my knowledge and skills with anyone,” he asserts.

For Durand, having the freedom to express his creativity in the community he lives in is crucial. “Creativity in a community makes our area totally unique,” he explains. “When people come out and make things happen, we all benefit from it.” Like a rolling stone, no moss

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IN THIS ISSUE:

CALENDAR

Cover Story: Creativity is a Community Asset

Member Profiles

Chamber News

New Members

Member Announcements

Visit www.trumansburgchamber.com for Upcoming Chamber and

Community Events.

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Local blacksmith Durand Van Doren designed this “Firebasket” for bonfires at yard parties.

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grows on Durand and the various artistic projects he’s worked on in the Trumansburg area are a visual tribute to his commitment to creativity. One such project is the Main Street bench that sits in front of the Ulysses Philomathic Library. Residents had frequently mentioned that they’d like to see a nice bench in the village so Rotary volunteered to subsidize the project. Rather than simply designing the piece himself, Durand opened his shop to anyone in the community who wanted to learn how to build an appealing and useful seat for people to relax on. Over thirty-five residents of all ages ended up working on the bench in some way and all came away with a new respect for the blacksmith trade and an understanding of how to transform a drawing into a real object.

Durand has also been part of recent Village projects including the Trumansburg Farmer’s Market build where he donated his carpentry skills to help build the market stalls and his blacksmithing talents to craft the piece of ironwork that sits atop the performance pavilion. “It’s a farmer family coming to the market,” he explains. “They liked it so much they made it into the logo for the Farmer’s Market t-shirts.”

Last fall Habitat for Humanity held a raffle to raise funds for the houses that will be constructed on Salo Drive this spring. The prize was Treman’s Backyard House, built by Alan Vogel and a dedicated group of volunteers. Durand was responsible for adding the special touches of wrought iron detail work on the small house. He’s also designed trophies to be used as prizes in both the annual Winter Fest’s Merry Merchant window decorating contest and the brand new Pie-O-Rama Contest hosted by the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. He also donates his pieces to a number of charity auctions in the area, including the Main Street Project, TBurg Takes on Pediatric Cancer Fundraiser, and the benefit for Great Local Foods Network at Regional Access. “Donating my artwork adds to the quality of my life too,” he says. “If you give to others you keep the good energy flowing and your needs and the needs of the community get met.”

According to Durand, Trumansburg and its surrounding communities have a different approach to public art than some of the more traditional avenues that other towns take. Lots of municipalities have had larger projects that encourage people to paint cows or horses he says, “But we

like to encourage a mix of individual art. Art and special touches in the details, that’s how our artwork inspires others to be creative themselves.” He adds that it’s easy for the business and the arts communities to partner successfully, referencing the fact that Tompkins Trust Company is currently exhibiting the original pieces of local artist Fernando Llosa.

Durand has other ideas for business/arts collaborations too. “I’d like to have an art show here in the Village at some point,” he says. “And I’d like to see some cheap, rentable workshop space for artists be made available, especially for those who are just starting out, artists with more limited financial resources.” There are lots of talented artists in the Finger Lakes Region he observes, but to make art a community priority, you need to make room for the artists.

The Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts is a not-for-profit organization that has chosen to make space for local artists. Founded by Calista Smith in 1981, TCFA has a long history of enriching the area through classes, performances, and exhibits in the arts.

Kathy May has been involved with TCFA for over twenty years, beginning her relationship as an adult piano student of Calista’s and culminating in her current role as President of TCFA’s Board of Directors That’s not an unusual story for an organization that’s been a part of the community for years and prides itself on offering something for everyone. Kathy and the Board firmly believe that the arts enhance a community’s quality of life, in part because they afford equal opportunities for residents of all ages and income levels. Whether you’re

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TCFA’s Board President Kathy May observes a dance class at the Conservatory.


a teacher, a student, or an audience member there will be some way for you to be a part of TCFA, she contends.

The historic Greek Revival building is a place where people can pursue an interest or try something new, meet others in the community they might not get to know otherwise or just come to relax. Current programs include dance and music classes for all ages, multi-media art classes for teens and adults, art workshops for younger children, storytelling, and some special events like the literary readings of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”, a Mardi Gras Celebration, and the Winter Marketplace.

Kathy credits much of the expanded programming to TCFA’s Board of Directors. “They’re a wonderful group of volunteers who want to see TCFA thrive, not just survive,” she says and, on the eve of TCFA’s 30th birthday, this is no small accomplishment. TCFA was always meant to be an organization that enhances life for community members for generations to come Kathy explains, noting that Calista Smith laid the groundwork for all of the programming that TCFA is able to offer today with her vision and connections within the business and arts communities.

Community arts are also a boon for tourists and visitors to the area as they convey the flavor of a community and what its values are, Kathy emphasizes adding, “Having an active arts organization is just another draw to our area…When we attract visitors to Trumansburg with one of our performances or events, the hope is that they’ll also spend money at our local businesses by staying overnight at the Bed and Breakfasts, eating at the restaurants, and shopping on Main Street.” An upcoming program that Board members believe will meet these goals is a July 15h concert by renowned guitarist Adrian Legg. “He’s been called a virtuoso and the guitar player of the decade so he should be a big draw,” Kathy says enthusiastically.

TCFA has been a Chamber member for years and plans to continue this relationship. “We’re all neighbors and we all want to live in a place where there are programs and services that benefit everyone. Having the arts and business communities work together is mutually beneficial for us and the business owners; it just makes good sense,” Kathy says. TCFA is always looking for ways to collaborate with local businesses she notes, and the Board is open to hearing any and all ideas merchants might have about broadening their organization’s programming.

MEMBER PROFILES

Trumansburg Central School District Foundation www.tcsdfoundation.org

The TCSD Foundation is the result of a collaborative effort between parents, alumni, residents, and local business leaders. The Foundation formed as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation that formed in January 2006, with the goal of financially supporting innovative educational programs that broadly impact the growth of Trumansburg students. Grants are awarded primarily to introduce new technologies that will enhance student learning and encourage initiatives that benefit students in the Trumansburg School District. The TCSD Foundation’s Fall 2011 grant awards, totaling $4,050, are currently supporting nutrition and fitness education, food literacy, non-

fiction literature, arts education, energy education, song-writing, and enrichment activities during afternoon recess. Trumansburg students in grades K-12 are being served by these grants both in the classroom and after-school programs.

A TCSD Foundation Grant also contributed to the support of “Youth Art Month” in March 2012. Art teachers in the three Trumansburg schools collaborated to plan a month long “spotlight” on art. In addition to enhanced school art classes, there were special displays featuring student artists and local artists in a variety of mediums. Area artists also offered popular after-

school workshops for students of all ages, including “Cartoonime”, “Textured Clay Plates”, “Ukrainian Eggs”, and “Community Art Project”. The month-long celebration concluded with an art show.

Lisa Coyne (L) and Blythe VanNess (R) work on the “Germ Experiment” in Mary Jane Richmond’s class. The project was funded by a grant from the TCSD Foundation to promote creativity in the classroom.


The TCSD Foundation also funds and operates the Trumansburg Kids Explore and Discover (TKED), a program that provides access for all Trumansburg Elementary and Middle School students (K-6) to local educational resources through field trips to the Tompkins County Public Library, Cornell University’s Plantations, Lab of Ornithology and Johnson Art Museum, the Cayuga Nature Center, the Sciencenter, the Museum of the Earth, and the History Center of Tompkins County. All K-6 students receive new reading books (provided by the Elementary and Middle School Parent-Teacher Organizations) that are related to the field trip curriculum to bring home and share their experiences with their families.

Foundation members believe that supporting enrichment activities like these is crucial to the intellectual and social development of students at every age. Both teachers and district administrators are excited to have the means to creatively engage Trumansburg kids in learning and with their community and hope to continue to have the means to do so. All programs of the TCSD Foundation are made possible by generous donations from alumni and community members. (Contributed by Jennifer Wofford of the TCSD Foundation).

Fun Fact: TCSD Foundation’s Board President Hayden Brainard’s favorite project was funded by the Foundation last spring. Elementary school teacher, Mary Jane Richmond was awarded $188.00 to purchase materials to “show” 2nd grade students how germs are spread. The students transferred their own germs to a petri-dish and observed them as they grew and became visible. This visually demonstrated to kids that germs exist even where they can’t be seen which is why it’s so important to wash hands and cover sneezes.

Laura Reid, M.Ed, Director Trumansburg Montessori School www.tburgmontessori.com

With a certification from the American Montessori Society and an MA in Early Childhood Education, Laura Reid certainly qualifies as an expert in the business of creative education. As the owner and head teacher at the Trumansburg Montessori School, she’s also a business owner who explains that her type of school is far from being purely an “artsy program”. “We foster independence, confidence, and self-respect,” she explains “A Montessori teacher is more like a guide who encourages a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world we live in.” Children at her school

“teach themselves” and are enticed, rather than pushed, to try new or different things. “I observe them keenly and am sensitive to what they’ll best respond to,” Laura says.

Laura feels that Montessori’s inclination to use authentic objects and materials instead of plastic toys or replicas, allows young children to believe that what they’re doing is significant. “We’re process-

oriented rather than placing an emphasis on the final product,” she explains. Montessori students have a bona fide kitchen adjoining their classroom where they can practice real household tasks. Children are encouraged to prepare snacks, wash dishes, and take care of and respect the space. The art materials they use tend to be things like high-quality paints and clays that she orders from the Montessori store. Laura asserts that children who use “grown-up” materials tend to take better care of them because they see them as valuable and meaningful, rather than disposable. The Montessori philosophy is that children don’t need complicated, expensive toys, what they really benefit from is time and space to explore their world.

Laura’s emphasis on providing her young students with “real-life” experiences segues nicely into lots of interaction with local business owners. Along with taking “nature-based” field trips into their backyard and around the Village, her class often takes field trips to local businesses like Gimme! Coffee, Good to Go Trumansburg Market, and Life’s So Sweet Chocolates to learn about what they do from the owners and employees. They also invite professionals to visit their classroom. A recent visitor was Charlotte Sharkey, Caravan Fiber & Farm, who shared her Angola rabbit with the students and answered their questions.

Fun Fact: Laura recalls, “We have a record player in our classroom and all the children now know what a record is and how to play it. But when I first showed them an album (The Beatles!) and asked if anyone knew what it was, some of the guesses were, “A giant CD!” and “A plate!”

Trumansburg Montessori School’s Director Laura

Reid shares a story with her young students.


Todd Mallinson, TACC’s Communications Chair, reports that the newly updated TACC brochures are currently available at Tompkins Trust Company. Member Mary Ellen Salmon will be distributing the brochures to area wineries starting in the spring and Sue and Neil Henninger will be stocking the TACC brochure rack at Taughannock Falls State Park from May1st-November 1st. Members can drop their individual brochures or rack cards off at Trumansburg Optical, 11 East Main Street. TACC’s website has also been updated to reflect our current membership. Don’t forget to “like” us on FaceBook! According to Tara Hallman, TACC’s Membership

Committee, TACC now has 98 members! From the Events Committee, Mary Spicer reports that a Business After Hours will be held at Bellwether Hard Cider, 9070 Route 89, on June, 7th at 5:30 p.m.

TACC’s held a well-attended business luncheon on April 18th at the Trumansburg Golf Course, catered by Robin’s Clubhouse Bar

and Grille. Guest speaker Diane Cohen, Executive Director of Finger Lakes ReUse described the organization as a strong business model which emphasizes price, convenience, and sustainable choices and utilizes a solid core of volunteers. Their services include the ReUse center (open seven days a week), deconstruction services, and their latest endeavor, the eCenter computer refurbishing and training program. Finger Lakes ReUse is growing steadily and eventually hopes to be completely self-sufficient.

Jon Koeng, Principal at Charles O. Dickerson High School, also spoke about TCSD’s 2012 budget process. School administrators’ goals were to budget responsibly while being respectful of taxpayers’ needs and maintaining the quality of programming for students. The tax levy cap is 2.7% this year. The School Budget vote is May 15th at the Ulysses Historical Society.

CHAMBER NEWS

Sundrees Diane Richards 4 West Main Street, Trumansburg Sundrees is a “unique boutique” that features the work of local artisans along with other fair trade, earth-friendly product. “We have a gift for every occasion!” Diane notes. She joined TACC for the opportunity to work with other local merchants to promote Main Street. She has lots of ideas and is looking forward to pooling her resources and

knowledge with that of other local business owners. Diane would like to see more focus on improving the appearance of the storefronts. “I like creating window displays,” she says. “I’d even do it pro-bono!” She’d also like to be a part of the Community Yard Sale and is interested in finding more ways for the community to utilize the Farmer’s Market area. Diane is hoping that TACC will reinstitute the business-oriented training workshops where she could learn from other business owners.

welcome!NEW MEMBERS

Jon Koeng, Principal at Charles O. Dickerson High School

Diane Cohen, Executive Director for

Finger Lakes ReUse Center


Bellwether Hard Cider Bill Barton 9070 Rt. 89, Trumansburg Bill and his family founded Bellwether in 1998. Though there focus is on producing approximately ten varieties of hard cider, Bill notes that they are starting to develop some premium wines these days as well. Cider making follows the same principles as winemaking, each batches taste is influenced by the varieties of apples used and the way they’re blended and whether they contain bubbles or not. Bill was urged by Board member Carol Doolilttle to join TACC and he’s looking forward to being a new member noting, “Even though we’re a highly-visible building right on Route 89, people still don’t know we’re here.” Bill believes that TACC’s website, brochures, and newsletter will increase the awareness of both business owners and personal consumers as to what Bellwether can offer them. For him, there’s a real benefit to being part of the community he lives and works in. “I’m not sure what I have to offer TACC yet but I’m enthusiastic!” he concludes.

Sage Work Massage & Reiki for Elders Suzanne Kates 130 Rachel Carson Way, Ithaca Sage Work Massage encompasses both the physical and social aspect of a variety of massage techniques, including the popular hot stone massage. Suzanne explains that her massage business differs from others in the area because many of her clients are elderly. “I’ve been interested in elders for most of my life,” she explains. “I enjoy sharing time with them and learning from them.” Many of Suzanne’s clients come from nursing homes and long-term care facilities but she’s also willing to travel and will make home visits. TACC’s website appealed to her because she felt the members were primarily small business owners, people would have something in common with and could identify with. She’s particularly interested in becoming a part of TACC events like the Community Yard Sale that allow her to interact with others. “I’m looking forward to having the chance to exchange information about who does what in the community,” she says, adding that she also has a broad range of her own professional connections that she’s looking forward to sharing with TACC members.

P & S Excavating/Cayuga Compost Jim and Mary Proctor 3225 Agard Road, Trumansburg The Proctor family owns both P&S Excavating, which provides services like driveways, foundations, ponds, and drainage, and Cayuga Compost, a food waste collection

and composting service which “turns organic material into high quality compost”.

Jim and Mary joined the Chamber because they wanted to raise awareness about their composting business through networking opportunities TACC offers. “People still don’t know we’re here!” Mary says, adding that their experience has been that Trumansburg-area residents and businesses are really receptive to “green” idea so large-scale composting is a great fit for the community. The Proctors were impressed with TACC’s website and are looking forward to meeting some of the members on it.

The Village Greenhouse Michael Fitzpatrick 4740 Bates Road, Trumansburg Mike and his wife, Susie Gutenberger-Fitzpatrick, have recently purchased the Village Greenhouse property and assets on Bates Road. Mike says they’ll continue to offer a limited selection of native and organic plants and garden needs as well as landscaping, landscape construction, and maintenance services. The couple joined TACC to form stronger ties to the Trumansburg community. They hope to get a feel for the people in the small business community and are happy to have the chance to learn from others who have experience in running their own businesses. Mike says both he and Susie have a lot to offer Chamber members too. “I’ve been in the landscaping business for twenty years,” he explains. “And my wife is interested in the marketing and public relations end of running a business. She has lots of experience in fundraising and writing grants that she can share with others.”

Robin’s Clubhouse Bar and Grille, Trumansburg Golf Course Robin and Herb Farr 23 Halsey Street, Trumansburg Robin describes her newly-opened clubhouse at the Trumansburg Golf Course as a “Tiki-hut, Florida-style restaurant with fun food items like burgers, fries, and nachos”. Robin’s Clubhouse also offers chicken dishes and salads along with a full-service bar. Robin left Trumansburg in 1985 and is excited to be back in the Village where she can serve both the “locals” she remembers and new people that have moved to the area that she hasn’t met yet. Word-of-mouth is what got her to join TACC. According to Robin, “Mary Spicer got me to join the Chamber! She told me there are lots of new members and I could meet all sorts of different professionals,” she says.


Takin’ Care of T’burg Is Back for the Season Takin’ Care of T’burg is an informal group of Trumansburg residents who meet to plant the Main St. planters, maintain the Kids’ Village, and do weeding, flower maintenance, and litter pick- up along Main Street. Summer sessions will be Saturday, June 9th, Saturday, July 7th, and Saturday, August 11th from 9-11 a.m. For further information contact Karen Powers at [email protected] .

High Point Farms, LLC is now Taking Sign-ups Shares for the Summer Meat CSA can be picked up once a month at High Point Farms in Trumansburg or in Ithaca. In response to members’ request, High Point has put a new twist on their CSA Shares. Part of each share is chosen by the farm and the balance can be selected by the CSA members through the online farm store. For more information or to Join High Point Farms Flexible Choice Meat CSA go to http://highpointfarms.net/upstate-meat-csa.html

TACC Member Participates in Regional Business Program Sue Henninger was recently a guest speaker for a panel discussion at the Sherwood Inn. The talk, “Building a Stronger Brand”, was sponsored by Karie Ballway and the Cooley Group of Syracuse, Women TIES of Central New York and the Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce.

Ulysses Historical Society Hosts Spring Events Come to UHS’s Open House on Tuesday, May 8 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. to see the new exhibit, “WHEELS AND RUNNERS: VEHICLES 1890 TO EARLY 1900”. The exhibit showcases society’s collection of area horse-drawn and motorized transportation. Refreshments will be served.

UHS will host their annual Spring Luncheon, catered by Carol VanDerzee, on May 12th at noon at 39 South Street. The popular program features Eleanor S. Stearns portraying Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Mrs. Stearns will talk about events in Mrs. Stanton’s childhood and married life that led her to fight for Women’s Rights including some of her experiences at the first Women’s Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls and

stories of her life following that Convention. Mrs. Stearn’s information comes from extensive research, tours of Mrs. Stanton’s birthplace and family home in Johnstown, NY and the archives at Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls. Tickets are $14.00 and reservations can be made by calling UHS at 387-6666.

The Interlaken Historical Society Plans a Busy Season The IHS will be open to the public for Interlaken’s Olde Home Day on June 9th. Olde Home Days will feature vendors, kid’s games, musical entertainment, a cake booth, a parade, an auction of goods and services, and all sorts of food concessions. Following this, IHS will reopen for the summer every Saturday in July and August (beginning July7th) from 10 to 2:00 p.m. The Historical Society is also open by appointment by calling 532-8899 or Diane B. Nelson at 532-9227. This year’s Ice Cream Social takes place Sunday July 22nd from 4-6:30 p.m. Bring a dish to pass and your own plates and the Society will provide hot dogs, rolls and fixings, beverages and ice cream with toppings. The event is held on IHS’s lawn (alternate location for rainy weather).

Finger Lakes Writer In Local Literary Festival Sue Henninger will be leading a workshop in “Spring Writes”, the annual Finger Lakes Literary Festival. Her workshop, “Writing about Parenting” will be held on May 4th at noon and is open to anyone who wants to learn how to write about their experiences with family life and raising children. To learn more visit http://artspartner.org/content/view/spring-w-rites-literary-festival.html

Sheldrake Point Winery Hosts Two Special Events Dessert Rieslings of the Finger Lakes Winemaker Dave Breeden is celebrating Riesling by leading a blind tasting of dessert style Rieslings, from late harvest to frozen grape examples. You will taste at least six examples produced by various Finger Lakes wineries along with appetizers that showcase dessert style Rieslings’ affinity with foods, not just dessert. This is a blind tasting where the producers’ labels will be revealed at the end; a fun way to learn! The event

will be Sunday, May 6th, 2-3:30 pm at then Cayuga Lake Tasting Room. Tickets are $25 per person; $15 per Wine Club Member (limited to 20 seats).

Gewurztraminers of the Western Finger Lakes – Part II Back by popular demand! In July 2010, winemaker Dave Breeden will present examples of hand- selected Gewurztraminers from producers on the west side of Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake. You’ll taste a variety of regional examples without knowing the producer’s name until the end. The tasting includes food samples paired with the wine and lively discussion. The event will be held Sunday, July 8th, 2-3:30 pm at the Cayuga Lake Tasting Room. Tickets are $25 per person; $15 per Wine Club Member (limited to 20 seats). Call Antoinette at 607-532-9401 ext. 106 to reserve your spot.

New Ownership on Main Street Jonah and Christina McKeough have sold their successful restaurant, Hazelnut Kitchen, to Lisa Jonckheere and Justin Patterson. The new owners have renewed their TACC membership.

Congratulations Snug Planet! The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has recognized contractors with statewide and regional awards for high-quality work through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. Regional winners were cited for excellence in customer service and work quality, comprehensive home energy savings, consistency in software modeling accuracy, promotion of program incentives, and commitment to staff training and program improvement. Winners for 2010-2011 at the regional level included TACC member Snug Planet who won the award for the Southern Tier Region of NYS.

Community Yard Sale is Coming! Trumansburg Community Yard Sale will be held on May 12th at 8:00 a.m. (rain or shine).There will be Village-wide yard sales where you can seek out treasures, have a tasty snack, and catch up with friends. Check the TACC website for a list of events: http://trumansburgchamber.com/calendar.html

MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Documents

Trumansburg Chamber Newsletter May 2012