It's Coming...

I apologize for the lack of posting recently and I hate to admit that the posting will indeed be limited while I’m at home. I will still try to post at least twice a week, though. Forgive me if I’m late as it gets closer to Christmas.

I’m going to keep this post very short, but I do have something interesting to note. On a personal blog of mine, I made a discovery in a recent post (take a look at it here). After this experience, which is detailed in the aforementioned post, I came to visualize the positive steps that are being made towards establishing our “flat world”.

I understand that McDonald’s is a powerful company, but the fact that this multi-billion dollar corporation would invest in WiFi seems to prove the value of wireless internet. I recognize that McDonald has the leisure of having the funds in order to venture into a project like this—but, the fact remains that in such a business there would be plenty of investigation before going out and implementing WiFi. Why can’t the McDonald’s in Cortland have this? Does the McDonald’s in Cortland have this?

As I have mentioned before, many times, it seems that the internet is such a valuable tool to promote a business. I’ve investigated the use of the internet to make a website, but I haven’t discussed how wireless internet could be beneficial. First off, and most obviously, having wireless internet would eliminate any excuses as to why any company should NOT have a website. But, furthermore, there are other advantages than just accessibility.

A restaurant (any in Cortland) would benefit from this, specifically, because the patrons would have another reason to spend time, and money, at the establishment. I think it would be obvious why a library or bookstore would benefit from this. But, what about a retail store? How about this:

I need to go shopping but there’s no one to watch my kid brother. He doesn’t want to leave our house, and he is already starting to get restless. I get to Main Street, and there are a couple of stores that I can buy my dad’s Christmas gift; my brother is already rambunctious—should I go to Store A or Store B? I can buy my dad’s Christmas gift at both, but Store A has WiFi. So, I decide to go to Store A, and luckily I have my laptop with me. My brother quietly works on an online webquest that he needed to complete for school; I peacefully pick out my father’s gift.

I know this is a slight stretch (as there are many other factors to keep in mind), but it must be acknowledged that there are legitimate reasons why this would be advantageous. As I write this I can’t help but remember Thomas L. Friedman’s novel The World Is Flat. If Santa hasn’t come yet, you all should ask him for a copy… He says everything I’m alluding to, and more. Cheers, Cortland.

--Ray

Holiday Cheer

Looks like Cortland is having a First Night Celebration after all...Lloyd emailed this to me...sounds like fun!

Meet the Artist Night

Thursday, December 14th, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cortland’s creative talent will converge on the historic Beard Building at 9 Main Street for an evening of art. Meet the Artist night is an opportunity for the community to talk with the local artists who are showcasing their creative talent at the Beard Building Gallery.

The Cortland Downtown Partnership and the Cultural Council of Cortland County are pleased to offer the Beard Building Gallery, 9 Main Street, for the last art show of 2006, Winter Nights & Lights. The show is free and open to the public November 9th, 2006, through January 5th, 2007.

This thematic show, Winter Nights & Lights provides the community with access to local art and serves as a fundraiser for replacing the lights that decorate downtown Cortland’s street trees. More than 20 pieces of work including photographs, water colors and oil work as well as sculpture are on display at the Beard Building Gallery.

During the past six months Downtown Cortland has seen, updated facades, new businesses, and an updated south Main Street. But, the lights decorating the thirty-four street trees along Main Street are almost all burnt out. Cortland’s Downtown Manager, Lloyd Purdy estimates downtown needs over 3,500 new bulbs to bring the trees “back to light”.

“Raising money through art is a unique way to showcase two aspects of Downtown Cortland that have been underappreciated for too long – the art scene and the beautiful streetscape found Downtown.” Said Lloyd Purdy, Cortland’s Downtown Manager.

“With the success of the first show at the Beard Building and the positive response to the Studio and Gallery Tour, the Cultural Council is pleased to be a co-sponsor of Winter Nights and Lights.” said David Beale, Executive Director of the Cortland County Cultural Council.

The Downtown Partnership is a non-profit dedicated to a more active, vibrant and sustainable Downtown. Through economic development initiatives, beautification programs, event promotion, and business development the Partnership is working to cultivate a downtown that supports commerce and culture.

“Culture is an important component of an active and vibrant downtown,” said Lloyd Purdy, Cortland’s Downtown Manager. “People visit downtowns because of the experience of shopping, dinning, and socializing. Cultural opportunities can be a draw that brings visitors downtown.”

Another light-centric downtown draw - First Night, Downtown Cortland's New Year's Eve Celebration, will also help raise funds for the lights on downtown's street trees. Donation barrels will be accessible during First Night so downtown visitors can make their contribution to a bright future for Downtown.

-Katie

That's a Wrap

It is beginnging to look a lot like Christmas. It's also the end of the semester, which in my case means time for reflection. This semester was my last one taking classes. I will student teach in the Spring and then be officially done with Cortland. Well I'll never be done with Cortland. Even if I move away it will still always hold a special place in my heart. I attended SUNY Cortland for 7 years; during that time I met my fiance and realized my path in life. Over the past three years I've been studying to become an English teacher. It wasn't until last week, when we had our pre-student teaching meeting, that I finally felt ready to move on from student to teacher. I can't wait to have my own classroom. But one thing I've learned from taking English 506 (which allowed me to take part in this project and learn to blog) is that teaching is a never-ending learning process. English 506 or Computers and the Study of English has taught me volumes about how to incorporate technology applications like blogging into the classroom.

Reading through some older posts I saw that Christine from the Cortland Standard commented on one of Ray's posts. I had the opportunity of meeting Christine at a couple of the Cortland Downtown events held at the Beard Building. She is very nice person who shows enthusiasm for her job. I think it's interesting though that she said she was enjoying reading the blog. Christine is in her mid-20's like Ray and I, of course she's interested in the blog! Maybe we didn't do our jobs to advertise but I think we need to educate downtown Cortland and teach them what a blog is. The Cortland Standard could have their own blog, so many news shows have one now. Christine, if you're still reading, what would you say to writing a Cortland Standard blog? I'd surely read it!

Because of English 506, I now know how important technology is for today's society and most importantly the future of education. We see it everyday in PDA's, cell phones, laptops, and iPods- just to name a few. Teachers need to incorporate technology applications like blogs, wikis, and podcasts into their classrooms. If students see other blogs like this one it might encourage them to get involved in their community. I think it's important for school districts (as well as college campuses) to get involved with their communities and learn about technology. It's no longer the wave of the future- it's here, now! Here is a post from my English 506 blog. Enjoy and happy holidays!

Fondly,
Katie

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

There are only 23 days left until Christmas morning; this means I only have about 20 days to do all of my Christmas shopping. I always end up rummaging through the picked-over gifts last-minute. This could be different. Unfortunately I have to travel all the way to Ithaca or Syracuse to do my Holiday shopping—and I just don’t have time to do that until he semester is over. Boy, it would be nice if I could have an opportunity to do it all in Cortland…

We all know how beneficial a strip-mall, or shopping center, etc. would be to Cortland; people and businesses would flock from miles to get a piece of what Cortland has to offer. I’m not going to sit here and proclaim that we should just put in a mega-plex and all of our problems would be solved. While this may be the case, it’s not easy to do what I just suggested.

Here comes that issue of money again. OK, so, I understand that it’s not feasible to put in a shopping plaza. But, why can’t we have some higher name stores… Am I reaching too high, still? Sure we have a Radio Shack but why can’t we have a Best Buy. I’m positive that (and I’m told that downtown Ithaca is dealing with a similar situation) we have no place to buy clothes. Here’s a thought.

Why couldn’t we convince some clothing businesses to come to Cortland and set up shop? I’m not going to pretend that I know anything about business, but I’m also not going to ignore the benefits that some trendy clothing stores would bring. And lets be honest, these stores would thrive throughout the year near a college campus.

This is an actual Away Message from an anonymous AOL Instant Messenger User who is also a student at SUNY Cortland:

Auto response from Imsoanonymous: library, final, library, final
i’m going to buy myself something nice for doing all of this hard work! : )

I’m sure that this girl (who preferred to stay unnamed) would love to be able to go right into a clothing department store in Cortland and buy a new shirt; I’m also sure that the clothing department store in Cortland would love to have her business. It just makes sense!

I know that I’m asking a lot when making an enormous request like this, but I just can’t get past the idea of it. What would it take to make something HUGE happen? I’ll do my part. Let’s make something ensue.

Well, it’s the end of the semester for me, folks. Katie and I will be presenting the Cortland Downtown Blog tonight! I have some good news, though. I will be continuing to blog on this website even after the end of this semester! See you then, Cortland. Cheers.

Oh, yeah... and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

--Ray

Bringing Ithaca Here

It’s the end of the semester and a lot of the students of C-State will be heading home for the Holidays. So, Cortland, how do you handle this?

I’m curious to know how many students who are originally from Cortland go away to school. This summer I came up to look for an apartment, and there were a lot of college-aged people at the bars.

[Side Note: I couldn’t travel three and a half hours all the way to Cortland to look for an apartment and not check-in at the bars downtown for a while.]

This is going to be the second year, in a row, that I’m going to work a wedding at the Alumni House on New Years Eve. I’ll admit that I was really upset about this last year. I had to miss out on my family’s New Years party, and I had to travel to what I thought was going to be a ghost town. In hindsight, though, I can admit that I was way off.

There were a lot of people in Cortland on New Years Eve last year. (furthermore, there will probably be a lot of people here this year considering the Cortland Standard Building will drop the ball--See caption to the right). It was and will be a sight. The bad news is, though, that the rest of the winter it seemed to be more like what I had imagined. I think I’ve come to a realization…

Don’t get me wrong, what I’m about to write has no bearing on the fact that I still think it is completely necessary to try to integrate the college and the city more. But, I think that maybe there’s a different problem. It seems that there is no real reason for anyone from surrounding areas to travel to Cortland. There’s no great shopping mall, there’s no real mind-blowing restaurant, and there’s no gimmick (besides the ball dropping).

Maybe I went too far in stating there is not real reason for anyone to come to our city. I, like all of you, know that there are plenty of reasons to come to Cortland. Heck, sometimes, I walk down Main Street just for the atmosphere. I’m skeptical as to believe that someone would want to come from Ithaca to walk down Main St., though.

Could we set this as a guideline? Let’s do something that people from Ithaca would have to come to Cortland to see/do. The ball drop on New Years Eve is a perfect example! What do you think, Cortland? Cheers.

--Ray

My apologies for neglecting the blog the past few weeks. The semester is coming to a close and I've been caught up doing work for all of my classes. I just wanted to make a quick comment about something I noticed when driving downtown yesterday. First off, add Mark's Pizzeria to the list of storefronts that's been refurbished. It looks great, especially next to the newly made-over Woodman's Pub front. As I tried to get a closer look at Mark's, from my car, I noticed something painted on the window. It said "Now accepting Connections." Most people might not know what that means...but I sure do and think it's great. The connections account is part of the on-campus meal plan. The meal plans have changed since I lived on campus. But I'm pretty sure the Connections account has stayed the same. The account works like anATM/Debit card and can be used in the laundry rooms, vending machines, and dining halls. But Mark's Pizzeria is also accepting Connections now. This is a great option, especially for those students who don't like to carry cash. More businesses should accept Connections, it would encourage students to spend more money downtown shopping.

That's it for now...more to come soon.
-Katie

Dear Downtown Cortland Business Owners,

I’ve remembered something when I published my last post (I planned on mentioning this earlier, sorry). When I was writing the posts about the restaurant dilemma I had a hard time finding websites for the businesses. Besides The Blue Frog, I couldn’t find one restaurant in downtown Cortland that had a website. I’m a strong believer in technology and I think it’s absolutely absurd that any business would not have its own site. It’s not like it would cost money! This post goes out to you, Cortland business owner.

First off, take a look at The Blue Frog’s website. It’s a simple website that was made using the freewebs.com. You guessed it folks, freewebs.com is a free application that anyone can use to design, publish, and maintain a website. Also check out Google Page Creator which is a similar, maybe even superior, application (it is also free).

It’s hard to believe that any business owners don’t have the time or the know-how to create a website for themselves; creating one could only help! For those worried or intimidated by the idea of building one, let me assure you that it’s no harder than following some clear and simple directions.

This idea brings me back to one of my first posts (did everyone read The World Is Flat, yet?). The detail that downtown Cortland needs to integrate technology more into everyday processes. I understand, as I stated before, that maybe not everyone has daily access to the internet, and I also understand that there is a ridiculous fee to use the internet at the library, but I don’t think that there is any room for excuses at this point. Go to the library or the college (maybe you know a friend!) and spend an hour or two constructing a website. It will do wonders for your business (it definitely can’t hurt)! Heck, I’ll even help out if you ask nicely.

Also, while I was surfing through The Blue Frog’s site, I noticed that this business also created a MySpace page. And, low and behold, the number one friend of The Blue Frog’s was another downtown business, Ultimate Music. I know MySpace is a very controversial social networking site, but I bet if you asked the owner of this coffee shop if it helped she’d say yes. Maybe I’ll e-mail her; I can do this because there is an e-mail on the website!

Even if someone were to feel a little uncomfortable making a MySpace page (it’s still a good idea in my opinion), there’s no justification for not having a website. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s extremely beneficial. The best part of having a website is that I, the almighty blogger, will also link to it—even extending the promotion of your business further. With all kidding aside, I’m sure we can all see the benefits now. Cheers.

--Ray

Drastic Times Call For Simple Measures

Everyone who’s been through a semester of college can identify with the dreaded end-of-the-semester rush. Every semester that I’ve studied at SUNY Cortland I’ve felt the anxieties that arise from the reality that EVERYTHING is due in a week. There will be no more time to procrastinate. I’m sure that most of the other students at C-State suffer in this same way. This could be an interesting development for downtown Cortland.

I’ll be frank in saying that nothing truly makes me feel better during this week of hell. I consume a lot more energy drinks and coffee than a regular person should, but it never brings the stress level down. This is, and I assure you, a VERY demanding week for most students. I’m thinking, though, that there is a way for downtown Cortland and the SUNY students to gain a symbiotic relationship through which both parties benefit.

I’ve mentioned before that one dynamic that we all should reach for is a unification of the college and the community. I’ve also mentioned the idea of bringing the college students downhill to Main Street to indulge in the available restaurants. Well what if at this time (finals week), when I know that most students aren’t going to have the time to mosey on down to Main Street, some of the businesses traveled up the hill? The Blue Frog could serve discounted coffee at a desirable location near the library. This would indeed help the students and it would definitely promote the wonderful coffee at The Blue Frog. I don’t see why we couldn’t do this. It wouldn’t cost any money for anyone, right?

Sally, who has been studying hard for her Biology final tries a fresh iced (or hot, we are in Cortland) coffee from The Blue Frog stand and loves it. After she aces her final, she decides to walk down the hill, to Main Street, to have another cup; she even heads back there multiple times the next semester. Looks like a positive situation to me.

One problem that I’ve found was that the students, especially the freshmen, are incredibly unaware of what downtown has to offer. This would be a slight remedy to this problem for sure. Think about it, Cortland. Cheers.

--Ray

What’s wrong with this picture?

I was reading over a web article that explained how Gov. Pataki has established a two million dollar grant to help rebuild the historic (and loved!) Clocktower building. The reconstruction of this time-piece holds to be very important to me…

The most uplifting part of this article comes from the mouth of Governor Pataki himself when he says, “This project will create new jobs, new housing opportunities and new retailers for this area; it’s truly a win for the Central New York Region and the entire Empire State.”

Isn’t this good news! Although it is good to mention the grant for the Clocktower building (two million dollars seems like a lot to me, but isn’t it going to cost a lot more than that?)… This isn’t why I’m writing this post.

I was slightly perturbed when I saw the image that coincides with this article. Sure it’s cool to see all of the important people walking through OUR Main St. But, the picture that is used makes our city look like a slum. In the background, there is an old boarded up building… Depictions like this are not going to help attract new people.

Ideally, I would like to think that a building under these circumstances is renovated immediately. If not, let’s not make it the center picture of an article. This is a good article with a bad picture. Cheers.

--Ray

Some Props, Cortland

First off, let me apologize for the brief hiatus in posting; this past weekend was Thanksgiving. Because of this holiday, I was able to take a break and drive home for the weekend. It was awesome!

As I was away I could not help but think about this blog and the problems of downtown Cortland. I am usually (and try to be!) a cynic when it comes to the progress our city; this is not the case today. Let me explain.

I had to work on Thanksgiving Day, so I was not able to go home until that night. I was furious about this at first (didn't want to miss Mom's turkey!), but I usually don’t let things beyond my control get the best of me. As I was leaving Cortland I had the opportunity to drive through the downtown area to get on Interstate 81. I must say… Main St. looked marvelous! There were lights and decorations—I almost didn’t want to leave! There were a lot of people walking through that area; I was jealous.

The whole three hour drive home I was thinking about how awesome Main St. looked. I’m sure that some of the people walking through the streets felt the same way that I did. I give you props, Cortland.

Now the question still remains: how can we take this positive factor that I’ve just noticed and turn it into something of use? Would it be possible to set up a big Christmas tree in the downtown area and have a lighting ceremony just like in Rockefeller Center? I don’t see why not! Then, later, we could even have a craft fair or something around the tree to encourage more people to come.

I’ve only been around once (last winter) during Christmas Break, so, in reality, I’m not even sure what this area is like around here. But, if it’s anything like what I saw leaving last Thursday… we’re in for good times and business. Cheers, Cortland.

--Ray

Downtown's Needed Metamorphosis

I take for granted the most challenging aspect of being a blogger, which is creating material that will spark the interests of the intended audience. Without a doubt this is the most challenging part of writing in general.

I think I’m going to take a couple steps backwards (away from the restaurant reviews) and provide some what of a more analytical view as to some of the issues that continue to hold downtown Cortland from reaching its full potential. This could get interesting. Today’s topic is change.

Unfortunately, I’m not seeing the progress that is needed in Cortland. Katie writes in a previous post how she is pleased to be able to witness all of the change happening in Cortland at this time. She even writes how it “will surely bring more people to Cortland and keep younger people living in the area longer.” I agree with Katie in the fact that the change is good. Although, from what I’ve seen, it is far from where it needs to be.

Katie does bring up a tremendous point, though. The city of Cortland would benefit from people staying in the area longer. Well, then, where are they going to stay? I feel as if there are minimal housing opportunities in the downtown area (specifically on Main Street). As a student I’ve walked through the apartments located above the various businesses on Main Street; they are less than formidable.

I digress…

It’s been a while since I’ve been back “home” to where I grew up. But, last summer, I was SHOCKED to see how much work was being done on my little town. Looking back to my child hood, I remember there was nothing in Modena. It was a huge deal when they put a Stewart’s in the center of town. Now when I go home, I see hundreds of nice houses being built. There was even talk of putting an amusement park three miles from my house—right next to the karate dojo, the Hannaford’s, the Key Bank, and the new restaurant. Modena is constantly changing for the better. The quality of life in my little town has quadrupled before my eyes. My father’s house is worth three times than what he paid for it…

So why can’t Cortland do the same? The point is that I’m from a little no-name town in lower New York that doesn’t have the opportunities that I feel Cortland does have. I understand that there is indeed a lot of alteration happening here also, but nothing significant is truly changing. A couple of restaurants, some pizza place switches, and a new bar are the only changes that I recall happening since I’ve been in this city. With as beautiful of a set-up that we are blessed with (Main Street) there has to be ways to promote promising change.

There is good news though. With the implementation of the Downtown Cortland Partnership, I feel that our city is in safe hands. Rumors of a new Clocktower Building continue to raise my hopes. Let’s get a move on Cortland! Tell me what you want me to do.

Sure, it’s easy for me to sit here and type mercilessly while taking out all of my anxiety on the keyboard, but in reality we need recommendations. I see the problem. Now what am I (are we) going to do?

Part 1: For starters, instead of traveling to Syracuse and Ithaca to get a good meal… let’s check out what’s available in Cortland. For some reason, as I’ve come to discover (in this post) that most students are unfamiliar with the restaurants in Cortland. Why this is, I don’t know… so let’s change that. Let’s see what this town has to offer.

Part 2: As a community we could promote new businesses to come to Cortland. Where’s the downtown Cortland Steakhouse? I would love to see another dance club fill up the area that Escape used to occupy. Where’s the new housing for students and people who plan on a creating thier future here.

These are rough ideas that need to be explored more thoroughly. Thank Heaven’s for the Cortland Downtown Partnership… until next time, folks. Cheers.

--Ray

Downtown is Getting a Face Lift

Driving down Main Street the past few days I began to realize how many store fronts were being updated and changed. For starters the Beard Building had some wonderful renovations done to it. I noticed that Pita Gourmet and Woodman's Pub had newly designed and painted exteriors. Hairy Tony's has brought some life to its section of Main Street. It's decorative lighting and boldly-colored sign draw your eye right in. Work is being done across the street near the Army recruitment center. At least I think that's what's under the big yellow structure. The post office recently had some work done in front of it as well. The Red Jug (the newly renovated bar, formerly Bald Lucy's) will surely bring some much need life to Central Ave. I'm hoping the same goes for whatever the old Murphy's turns out to be. I heard a rumor that another bar/restaurant is in the works. Anybody know for sure? I also think M&D Deli is hidden down there. [This is an premature restaurant review for Ray: but it is the best place to get a sandwich downtown. The white chili is to die for! The catered food is excellent as well!] Some sort of daily special board would work wonders on the corner of Main and Central. Radio and TV advertisements would be another way for restaurants to advertise. But I digress....

Some fresh energy has also been brought to downtown Cortland south of Main Street. Coffee Depot is located at 3 South Ave. where Coffeemania is now roasting their own coffees. The building, an old train depot, purchased by Michelle and Craig Brooks in the fall of 2005, houses Coffeemania's storage facility, a large roasting room, and a third area furnished with an espresso bar for training. Coffee Depot was opened to the public last weekend Nov. 10-11. Tours of the facility were given and also tastings of Coffeemania's own coffees and blends of espresso. Plans to offer retail services at Coffee Depot have not been determined. For now coffee can be purchased by the pound at either of Coffeemania's locations, Port Watson St. or Groton Ave.

I am glad to see that downtown Cortland is getting a make-over. This along with Ray' proposed restaurant advertising will surely bring more people to Cortland and keep younger people living in the area longer.

Until next time...
Katie

The Great Restaurant Problem: Part Deux

A couple of days ago I proposed the inquiry as to why most of my friends and I, whom have lived in this area for five years, have never treated ourselves to most of the eateries in the downtown Cortland area. Although I have already written on this subject—I feel that it would be advantageous for me to take the next step; let me analyze this situation.

What brings people to a restaurant? I’ve narrowed it down to three major factors.

§ The food.

§ The service.

§ The atmosphere.

There are indeed other aspects that would dictate the popularity of a restaurant, but, I feel that the three main facets are listed above. Sure if the food is priced effectively more people would come. But if the food is incredible, I’m sure that the cost would become less important.

If the cooking is marvelous, but the server is rude and spills it on the floor—I guess it wouldn’t matter, right? That’s why I would label service as of the utmost importance as well.

Also, we are kidding ourselves if we don’t appreciate the significance that the atmosphere of a restaurant portrays. You wouldn’t take your mother to a topless bar to eat. I’m sure it would be awkward for a young man to take a couple of his buddies to a shirt-and-tie restaurant after drinking at the ball game all day. People don’t like to feel out of place.

From what I’ve heard, the restaurants that are located in downtown Cortland don’t serve crappy food while the rude waiters trudge through the unpleasant atmosphere. I would say that there are some decent places to eat that aren’t getting the attention that they deserve. Why is this? Well I’m convinced that advertising has a lot to do with it. I didn’t even know that the Community Restaurant was on Main Street until I was a junior!

I think that it is more imperative that we address ways that we can progress this situation. It feels weird to say it, but I really do think that a publicity stunt is one option. Some of the most memorable restaurants that I can remember going to have all had a story line. The Rainforest Café has a theme that is pushed throughout all aspects of the business (can you imagine a restaurant like that in our city!?). Bugaboo Creek is another. In my hometown there is a little bistro called the Egg’s Nest that has a vintage theme. The antique filled walls bring people from miles—despite the mediocre food!

It’s obvious that restaurants, such as the ones on Main Street, aren’t going to change their business’ to implement some silly theme because some college kid recommended it. Alas, there are other, more reasonable, solutions.

If none of the major aspects (which are discussed above) are tainted in the restaurants in town—then it would seem that recognition is the major cause. I have some ideas of how we can get some of these restaurants some acknowledgement…

How about a night where the Tuscan Grill has a student ID night? What if the students of SUNY Cortland were able to pay using their connections account (I think some of the pizza places have implemented this already). There are always coupons! How about a special for families? Think about the possibilities on family weekend!

I understand that most of what I’m suggesting deals with the college community. But, like I said before—I’m going to be honest. SUNY Cortland creates and brings a lot of revenue to the city of Cortland. I don’t know if I would believe that it would survive without the school/students.

This is something that most people understand, and something that everyone must realize. As a community we must use all of our ammunition to help us create a better quality of life… That’s it for now, folks. Cheers.

--Ray

The Great Restaurant Problem

Of course the latest and most daunting fact that has fogged my brain this past weekend concerns food. If I’m not in class, studying, spending time with my girlfriend, or working, then I’m usually eating (who am I kidding—I’m typically eating during those times too!). I’ve always been a big fan of eating.

One of my mother’s most loyal associates has a daughter who is a first-year freshman here at good ol’ SUNY Cortland. Yesterday my mother sent me an e-mail requesting a recommendation of a good place for the two (my mother’s co-worker and her daughter) to enjoy dinner.

It took me two days to respond. Why is this? Well I’m sure that these two ladies are completely tired of eating at Applebee’s. I would put money on the fact that they have been to Fabio’s more than once. It seems that this Italian restaurant is getting old, already.

I’m a BIG supporter of downtown Cortland so I had to mention The Community Restaurant. This is a great little restaurant on the Groton Ave. end of Main St that has spectacular food.

[Side Note: I intend on being brutally honest when writing for this blog—and, I don’t mean to offend anyone. I believe that the only way in which I can be of assistance and provide useful information comes from me being straight forward.]

But, I don’t know if this is the type of establishment that I would prefer to take a date. I would wish for a place more like the new Italian Restaurant, Fabio’s. My personal favorite is Jeremiahs Place and Creed. This is a beautiful/elegant family-style restaurant located in Virgil. Jeremiahs (this is not a typo; there is no apostrophe in the name) has the best food that I’ve tasted, ever. No joke. You might want to try it.

Here’s my question for you folks: Why do I have to drive 10 miles to get a quality meal with a well-designed home-like atmosphere? Maybe I don’t? I know that there are a couple of other restaurants in the downtown area… but, I’ve been here for five years now—why haven’t I eaten at any of them?

There must be a way to either a.) Incorporate new businesses into the downtown area and/or b.) Help endorse the current restaurants, the ones that I’ve been missing out on.

Hold up. Perhaps I’m way off. Could I be the only one that feels this way? To find out, I did some research. I asked some of my friends—through AOL Instant Messenger—how many of the restaurants they have eaten at that are located in the downtown area… here are some of the responses (Screen names have been changed to protect the innocent):

RayHedrick: How many restaurants have you been to in the downtown Cortland area?
Malley: ummm... does Downtown Deli count?
Malley: haha

Here’s another:

RayHedrick: How many restaurants have you been to in the downtown Cortland area?
recklessdreamer: umm 1 maybe
recklessdreamer: pita gourmet is excellent

These are just two of the people that I asked. One of them is a senior, and the other is a Graduate student.

I guess this post will situate a question that I will leave with you, the beloved Cortland community, to ponder over. But, for now, I’m going to make a list of all of the eateries in our city, and check them out. Maybe I’ll post the reviews. Cheers for now, folks.

--Ray

Katie's Introduction

Like Ray, I feel that it is important that I introduce myself. My name is Katie Loizides and I’m a graduate student in the MAT English program at Cortland. I graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Theater. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in English, which I received in 2005. After graduating in 2003, I moved back home to Bellport, LI (http://www.bellport.com/). I completed an internship with a local classic rock station and was offered a job in the promotions department with another neighboring station. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I didn’t want to wait around to climb the status ladder at any radio station. And I definitely didn’t want to sell office products for a place called Xtreme Promotions. But that’s post for a different day.

I was bored in my job as a counter waitress at the downtown coffee shop. I missed being involved in important events. I missed my fiancé Alex who was still up at Cortland. Although he changed his major several times, he decided on Geology and then the MAT Earth Science program. He suggested I come back to school for English (Cortland and most schools don’t have MAT programs in Communications or Theater) and then get my masters in teaching. So three years later, here I am. Since then I have gotten engaged, moved three times, and learned to love upstate New York.

As a naïve high school senior, I fell in love with Cortland’s campus. There was construction then much like there still is today. The second floor of Dowd was off limits and Clark Hall was being renovated. I didn’t quite know what I wanted to study but I did know I belonged on this campus. Old Main was and still is my favorite building. I can’t believe I’ve lived here on and off for seven years, I never thought I’d settle here!

As much as I miss summers on the beach and going wine tasting in the Hamptons I can’t imagine not being able to drive 20 minutes and see a breathtaking gorge and waterfall. If you’ve ever done it, driving on Long Island is not fun. One word—traffic. If you want to know where all the people are, they’re on the Long Island Expressway! That’s one of the reasons Alex and I decided to stay up here. There’s so much land up here. Except for when a Walgreen’s goes up right across from an Eckerd’s. When I look out of my window in the morning all I see is corn. And at night the sky sparkles with stars and goes on for miles.

It’s taken about seven years and I now feel like I belong here. Cortland has a way of growing on a person. The surrounding areas of Syracuse and Ithaca have helped. When giving campus tours as an undergraduate student, I used to talk to prospective students about how Cortland is centrally located. We have great cities and resources right within our reach. Skaneateles is one of the most beautiful areas I’ve been to in my life. But I digress…

I suppose I should talk about why I decided to become an English teacher. My Dad was a high school English and Drama teacher for over 30 years. He was dedicated and gave 100% every day and night. He worked long hours building plays and musicals from the ground up. His devotion to his students and his craft inspired me to want to do similar work. Did I mention my Mom was a teacher too? Many of friends’ parents were as well. I really couldn’t get away from education.

Since entering the MAT English program, I see how badly education needs me. It needs me and many other dedicated and devoted teachers. Today’s students are bored in school; they are not inspired to do work that matters to them. One of my goals for teaching is to get to know my students and discover what’s important in their lives.

I wouldn’t be writing this post if I didn’t believe technology was important for today’s students. Stay tuned for more musings on topics similar to these and also those related to revitalizing downtown Cortland.
- Katie

"The times they are a-changin’. "
-Bob Dylan

So, What's Next?

Hi, All,

This is Ray Hedrick signing in again. Well, I’m back at The Blue Frog coffee shop. I decided that I would take a different seat today. I made this decision mostly because there is someone else sitting where I was last week, but, in all honesty, I was going to switch-it-up anyway. It’s approximately 2:10 PM, and in two hours I have another class (although this post might not be published until a later date as we are having some ‘technical difficulties’ with the website).

Anyway, when I first signed up to be a part of this blog, I figured that I would write a lot about the changes that I felt would be most beneficial to downtown Cortland. Before I had really pondered over what changes would need to be made, I thought that some of the recommendations that I would have made would have been such things as:

…redeveloping the Clocktower Building
…bringing in new, beautiful, businesses
…building a stage to have live concerts (integrating the college and the community)
…etcetera.

While I do feel that these are important steps that will, at some point, probably be made… I also feel that perhaps the aesthetic improvement of downtown Cortland isn’t as significant as I initially though. Let’s explore…

As I look outside I can view all of the old, superannuated buildings. I used to believe that if they were more modern looking, then more people would be attracted to them—encouraging more visits. Why? I don’t really know, to be honest. But, as I get to thinking about it, I actually don’t imagine that a change in appearance is what this town needs. No. It’s really pathetic that the only place that I can go to get wireless internet in this town is The Blue Frog. Maybe the modernization of the business on Main St. is the change in design that they need. Not a literal change in appearance, but a change in operations and logistics. Sure, The Downtown Deli has wired internet connections, but don’t you think that America should have moved past this? I sure do.

This point brings me to a heated debate. One that we are actually discussing in the class I will be attending in two hours. The class is called Computers and the Study of English. It’s a great class. The main focus of this course group is to help future educators realize that we are now in a ‘flat’ world. The term ‘flat world’ was introduced by Thomas L. Friedman in his book The World Is Flat. In this book Friedman explains, in various different methods, how America is falling behind in the great technological race, and how we, as a society, are in the middle of a great movement away from the traditional and into the technological.

I, myself, have become very passionate about this argument. It is with no doubt in my mind that Americans must become more in tune with technology as we are in risk of being surpassed. Did you know that there is a program that is allocating $100.00 laptops so that all children in Lebanon will have their own personal PC by the age of 9? Check it out: here. Every child in this third world country will have a computer, and I can only get wireless internet in one café on Main St!? This worries me. But, it also leaves room for great potential. Here’s my question for the week:

What if downtown Cortland were able to improve dramatically through an increase of usable technological features?

Wouldn’t this be beneficial to the town? I guess I don’t expect all people to have computers, or to be able to rent jet-packs to fly up the hill, but I don’t think it’s too much to ask that the internet become more available in a wider variety of places…

Small situations like this can tremendously improve the quality of our city, tremendously. Now I don’t want to pretend that I know how feasible this is, but I don’t think it would be too far-fetched? Is it? It’s almost coming to the point that we almost HAVE to make it work…

The Main Street 4 Point Approach to Downtown Revitalization:

:Design
:Promotion
:Economic Restructuring
:Organization

I do agree that these are of the utmost importance for the restoration of our beloved downtown area, but I also think that we would be able to add technological advances to each of the four approaches.

Let me warn you, the reader, that I am not 100% sure as to what the details of each of these specific approaches entail (as I did not design them), but I will do this as pertaining to the information I would expect each to involve.

I would expect the design aspect to deal with the aesthetic nature of downtown Cortland. So, how about doing something simple such as planting routers into each building; how about televisions mounted in lobbies; voice communication devices, automatic lights, and automatic doors that could be implemented as well. Like I said previously, I don’t know how feasible and likely it is that this could happen, but I think that we (Americans) are in danger of falling behind. There are thousands of things we could do! And, Cortland could be a good place to “set an example.” Long term planning is a set feature of the design aspect—and, if we are to be realistic, we shall realize that technology is coming—even though, in reality, it is here already!

I can cover the promotion aspect in two words: the internet. But, I know and I’m sure someone will call me out on the fact that very few people in this community have full access to the internet. One thing that we could do immediately is omit the ridiculous fee to use the internet at the city library. Besides reaching the people in the community—I’m sure the internet will help “us” reach new customers, investors, businesses, and visitors.

The economic restructuring of downtown Cortland can definitely be improved through technology as well. If we are to find “ways to expand to meet new opportunities and challenges from outlying development” (Cortland Downtown Partnership Pamphlet) we MUST use technology. This is the best and maybe the only way that we will be able to improve above and beyond the competition.

As for the organizational aspect… well what better way to organize and support ourselves than with technology?

I guess this is really all I have to say today, but I’m sure—as I realize how important technology is becoming—that this will be a reiterating theme throughout my blog. If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear them. I can be reached at Hedric86@cortland.edu. Until next time, folks… Cheers.

--RAY

An Introduction

Hi, All,

It’s one thing for people to read what I write, but in order for anyone to take what I’m writing seriously, I’ll have to introduce some credibility. OK, so, how to do this…

Let me start by telling a little about myself…

My name is Ray Hedrick; that’s what I typically prefer to be called. But, my full name is: Raymond Michael Hedrick.

I graduated from SUNY Cortland in 2006, with a degree in English/Prof. Writing, and I am currently continuing my education at Cortland as a graduate student.

I grew up in a very small (yes, smaller than Cortland) town called Modena, which is also in NY. My town is five minutes from New Paltz, ten minutes from Newburgh, and fifteen minutes from Poughkeepsie (yes, they are all bigger than Cortland). Why is this noteworthy? Let me explain. The aforementioned areas are all that I actually knew about life while I was growing up. The cities of Poughkeepsie and Newburgh are a second home to me, and happen to be very prosperous places. New Paltz, which is also another SUNY College town, happens to be an especially popular area for everyone to visit—it was also the place where I, personally, spent most of my time growing up. So, when I moved up to Cortland, to attend the college, in 2002, you could imagine how I would have been a little culture shocked. It’s a whole different world in Cortland, NY. Not that it’s a bad place, but I just feel as if it is a little ‘different’—and, when I say ‘different’, I mean there is not as much going on. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love it in this town, and there are some things that I wish I could say were from my hometown.

But, now that it is almost the year 2007, and I have been a member of the Cortland community for about 5 years now, I must admit that I want to help. I’m not trying to disgrace our (I hope that I can say it is ‘ours’ as in I’m a part of it now) city; I’m just attempting to be honest in order to allow Cortland to rise to its full potential. I think the best way to improve our city would be to start with the downtown area. This is why I am here. As soon as I heard about the Downtown Cortland Project, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I’m writing this blog to lend my ideas and suggestions—as well as identify some problems—in order to make this place, which has been so excellent to me, a better one. In a couple years I can see Cortland being the place to be!

Another small detail that I feel is necessary for me to mention is that I was among the ‘displaced’ students who lived in The Clocktower apartment building. I loved everything about The Clocktower building. I loved the design. I loved the location. I loved the landlord. I loved the bricks (until they fell). I loved everything. All of my roommates and I were so proud to have been in, what we habitually called, “the most important building in Cortland.” So, when it fell, you could imagine how devastated we were. Not just because we lost everything (I mean everything), but because after that we were forced to live in other areas. The community was so great to me during this time. The Red Cross, all of the business, and all of the people of Cortland were such an integral part of helping me cope with such a disaster. I can not say “thank you” enough. So, writing this blog is the very least I can do to attempt to give back to a community that so graciously helped me.

Right now, I’m sitting in the Blue Frog coffee shop. It’s a very quaint little café, and I enjoy being here. This coffee shop is, perhaps, one of the most popular settings in the downtown Cortland area. It’s a great area for all members, students and civilians alike, to have a cup of coffee and use the internet. There are also various Open Mic Nights at this café, which I have attended and enjoyed. I highly recommend this establishment to everyone. But, while I’m sitting at this comfortable table, I must admit that I am a little worried. I’m worried about this question: why aren’t there more people taking advantage of this place? Granted today is a miserable, dank, rainy day—but, I still don’t remember a time when I would come into the Blue Frog and not be able to find a seat (except during the Writers’ Association Open Mic Night). As I write this blog, I will make it my main focus to ask myself multiple ‘why’ questions—and, also, attempt to answer as well as make suggestions towards ways to correct them.

Now that I have introduced myself and what I will be doing on this blog—I will have to say ‘cheers’ until next time… It’s raining and I haven’t been home to feed my hedgehog all day! Yes, I really do have a pet hedgehog. Tune in next time to learn more about Lily, my hedgehog, as well as the future of downtown Cortland. Cheers.

--RAY