Events page 2007 and 2008

Many Thanks to our Annual Dinner Sponsors and Annual Report Advertisers!

A&B Awards and Engraving                                       Arnold Printing

Ace Security Control                                                    Alternatives Federal Credit Union

Audrey Edelman Realty USA                                    CJ DelVecchio, Coldwell Banker Shaw R.E.

Conifer Realty, LLC                                                    Cornell Real Estate

CFCU Community Credit Union                               John Corsi, Ameriprise Financial Planner

First National Bank of Dryden                                    First National Bank of Groton

Historic Urban Plans, Inc.                                          LakeWatch Inn

McGraw House                                                            Pillar to Post

Bob and Edie Spaulding                                            RE/MAX In Motion

Tioga State Bank                                                         Tompkins Trust Company

Warren Real Estate

Better Housing's 27th Annual Dinner celebrates stories of success.

On February 8th, Better Housing Directors and Staff welcomed guests to celebrate "2300 Stories of Success...One great organization". Master of Ceremonies Jeff Bercuvitz, president of SPARKS! The Center for Leadership, Innovation and Community wowed the attendees with his inspiring, interactive message...that so much more is possible, and together, we have the resources to create more housing opportunity in Tompkins County.

Presentation of Community Builder awards went to Pastor Bob Clark, who has given countless hours in service to others, including throught he Group Workcamp program that helped dozens of county residetns with home repairs. Bob Hunt, who recently retired from Better Housing, was also recognized for his leadership and belief in our mission.

David Long presented Adam and Amy Morris with the Libby Long Memorial Home Ownership Award and a $500 gift card to Lowe's Home Improvement store.

Below, L to R: Better Housing Board of Directors, Pastor Bob Clark receives his Community Builder Award, David Long presents Adam and Amy Morris with their gift card and award.

Conifer Village at Ithaca Groundbreaking celebrates 72 new affordable apartments for seniors.

Conifer Realty, LLC and Better Housing for Tompkins County, Inc. hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at Linderman Creek Apartments on June 21^st to officially kick off the construction of Conifer Village at Ithaca , a 72-unit affordable complex for seniors. On this beautiful summer day, Carol Oster and John Spence were joined by Dan Buyer, Regional Director for the NY State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, and Cathy Valentino, Town of Ithaca Supervisor, in offering their enthusiasm for the much needed new project. The East Hill of Ithaca provided the perfect backdrop for the ceremonial "first shovels of dirt" to be taken from the site (see above). Afterward, attendees were able to tour finished units at Linderman Creek and enjoy refreshments in the Linderman Creek community room.

Conifer Village at Ithaca will provide 54 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments for families with heads of household age 55 and above. The complex is being designed with amenities in mind for seniors, and a very important feature to many seniors in our area – affordable rents.

The Project is currently under construction and move-ins are anticipated to begin in April 2008. Interested persons should contact Monica Pritchard, Property Manager at (607) 269-1000 or www.lindermancreekapartments.com.

Photos, left to right: 1. John Spence joins Directors Julee Johnson, CJ DelVecchio (chair) and Gladys Brangman; 2. Dignitaries throw a ceremonial shovel of earth; 3. Town Supervisor Cathy Valentino prepares to break ground. Photos by Thomas Hoebbel Photography.

250th Closing Celebration

On June 8th, Better Housing and the Tompkins County Planning Department celebrated our 250th closing in the Tompkins County Homeownership Program. The event was attended by local officials, representatives, and friends of the program that have shared in the 14 year history of the endeavor to serve low and moderate income first time homebuyers. The program has been very successful, with a default rate of only about 6%, when the national average is closer to 12%.

Remarks were offered by Dan Lamb, representing Congressman Hinchey, Martha Robertson, County Legislator, Ed Marx, Commissioner of Planning, and John Spence, Better Housing Executive Director. The need for more affordable options to keep families in Tompkins County was well noted.

Polly Kiely, who bought our 250th home with her husband, Dan Kiely, offered special words of thanks and support for the program.

Photos, left to right: 1. Debbie Augst, Carol Margolis, Jackie Duff and Bob Hunt enjoy the program; 2. John Spence addresses the group; 3. Homeowners Polly and Dan Kiely with a gift bucket courtesy of the Ithaca Board of Realtors.