Headlines for January 9, 2023

Tompkins County Departments of Physical Health and Mental Health have merged under one Department of Whole Health. The merger was finalized last Tuesday, capping off a five-year process that had suffered various delays due to the Covid-19. According to the Ithaca Times, incorporating mental, physical, and environmental health into holistic patient evaluation can vastly improve the quality of care. The merger also aims to reduce time-consuming bureaucratic practices at the two departments, including making it easier to access and share electronic health records. 

Local independent cinema, Cinemapolis has named a new executive director. According to the Ithaca Voice, the search for a new leader began back in September, when former executive director Brett Bossard resigned to take a position at Ithaca College. The Cinemapolis Board of Directors chose Kate Donohue, a former consultant for various nonprofit organizations who has lived in Ithaca for the past 6 years. She assured Ithacans that she would “further the work of [the] people who have built and sustained” the theater, and would strive to ensure quality experiences for cinema-goers. 

Stan, a local farm dog, has won the northeast regional Farm Dog of the Year contest. The award, given by the American Farm Bureau, was announced yesterday at the organization’s annual conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Stan works herding sheep with his owner Lexie Hain, co-founder of the American Solar Grazing Association. Solar grazing is the practice of grazing sheep around and under ground-mounted solar arrays. The practice helps keep vegetation down and adds income for farms incorporating solar panels. Congratulations to Stan and Lexi!