Romulus Bans Puppy Mills

The Town of Romulus passed a moratorium banning the building or expansion of large-scale commercial breeding facilities, which are notorious for breeding sick and poorly socialized dogs. Since then, the town has received congratulations from several humane associations for its efforts and has formed a sub-committee to lay out the final ruling on breeding facilities.

David Kaiser, Town of Romulus supervisor, said the town has gotten “pats on the back” from the New York State Humane Association Legislation Committee and from Animal Rights Mobilization.

“These dog breeding facilities have been known to lead to all sorts of problems with their puppies,” he said. “[The organizations] were just commending the town for their sensitivity to large scale breeding.”

An Eye for the Camera

Photos of flames, sunsets and trees; close ups of spiderwebs on a fence corner; dramatic lighting hitting martini glasses and crystal balls give patients in the Trumansburg Optical waiting room something to look at. Like most art displayed in local shops, the 11 photographs on the wall are for sale and three have already been claimed. Unlike most local artists though, this photographer is only in high school.

Sara Oros, a junior at Charles O. Dickerson High School, began taking photographs three years ago but said things really took off in the past year. Oros opened her first show in early December in Trumansburg Optical on Main Street.

“I’ve really been enjoying photography and thought it’d be fun to share [it],” she said.

It’s Not the 7-11

Bright yellow signs on the door and front desk of the Ulysses Philomathic Library hint at the library’s recent misfortunes. “No cash kept on the premise overnight” is a new policy after two separate burglaries cost the library $100 in cash and more in damages.

On November 1, following a library function, somebody walked through the unlocked door and took about $70 from the late fees box, said William McAneny, president of the library board of trustees.

“Our annual library diner was being held across the street and there were a lot of people going back and for and somebody failed to lock up,” he said. “It was a crime of opportunity.”

Stella’s Barn Expanding

Terry Ferrara originally opened Stella’s Barn, on Route 13, as a county gift shop to see if the location would draw traffic. Now that she has a steady flow of customers stopping by. Ferrara is shifting Stella’s focus from gift shop and restaurant to more of a calm place for food and a few drinks, complete with dining rooms, a new bar and lounge and a private party room in the works.

“It will be more of a full service restaurant, which is what the customers have been saying they want,” Ferrara said.

About three months ago Ferrara added a Sunday brunch menu to Stella’s line-up. The country buffet has classics like sausage and gravy but the restaurant also serves savory items like stuffed French toast. Ferrara said she never planned on serving breakfast but it has been a hit.