My B g Idea: Do Someth ng W th Mason c Temple Bu ld ng

By Robert Rieger

there is more food wasted that is perfectly edible at the time it was discarded than is needed to feed everyone who is experiencing food insecurity. If we were to collect half of all the edible waste (surplus) food available and distributed it equitably, we could end involuntary hunger and food insecurity in this country without spending additional tax dollars.

actions in a comprehensively outlined and narrative form.

Information on the news platform about how things are evolving in sectors of the county could be examined by the public and, hopefully, lead to more citizen participation in the political process. Depending on the news outlet’s preferences, a grant could include time for editorial staff to pull the information on issues together across municipalities and analyze the issues. The editor might also invite letters from the community on topics.

In summary, one person focusing on one thing can lead to greater in-depth knowledge, and sharing that knowledge in an organized fashion can lead to a better understanding by the citizenry. A more informed citizenry can better partner in issue exploration and policy setting. In addition, a more informed citizenry may lead to more involved citizens and less muttering of this line, “But, there is nothing we can do about it.”

Finally, this idea may help all media outlets in the county. With more data available, radio stations, TV stations, and newspaper outlets would be offered sources and ideas for deepening interviews with individuals and organizations.

Like an old, rotting barge chained to a downtown pier, the former Ithaca Masonic Temple building at 117 N. Cayuga Street has sat idle and all but abandoned in the heart of our city for nearly three decades. All around it, creative designers and developers are revitalizing our city’s core with attractive buildings and public spaces. Yet this eyesore, built in 1926, remains cold and lifeless. The neglected form invokes a sense of mystery and intimidation for locals and visitors alike. Originally designed by the prominent architectural firm, Gibb & Waltz, they would surely be ashamed of what’s become of their work. In 1994, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission and Common Council designated the building a landmark, which sets in place a strict set of rules for altering the look and use. County tax records show the building was acquired by Jason Fane in 1993 for $325K. It’s now assessed at $500K. Can’t we put our collective heads together and find a use for this monolithic structure? In a city full of creative, industrious people, surely there must be a use. How about co-working spaces, a youth hostel, alternative energy training center, or a food hall?

My big idea: The City of Ithaca and Jason Fane need to decide that 30 years of prime real estate monstrosity is enough, set aside regulations and preconditions, and find a way to transform this property into something we can all be proud of.

It took some effort to get here. Two introverts, a car full of musical instruments and comfortable clothing, a case of water and a bag of snacks: off we went on an six-hour road trip to Frederick, Maryland, to dance, sing, and play our instruments for a week. This is Terpsichore’s Holiday, a dance week held each year between Christmas and New Year’s. We arrived to find an evening dance in full swing (pun intended), with over 150 people smiling, hugging, holding hands, and walking in repeated patterns with children, teens, college students, parents, and grandparents.

There are no prerequisites for attending a dance camp of this type. The Lloyd Shaw Foundation, which sponsors this camp and another in Tennessee in July, was created to preserve, promote, and teach dance for all. Beginners are welcome, and the emphasis is on fun