 Linda (second from left) and friends celebrating winter at Tot Spot with Mrs. McPuppet. (2001) Since 1996, Tot Spot has been a popular destination for families seeking fun and socialization during cold months. Linda Cimakasky-Barr, the IYB’s College Discovery Program Coordinator was the brains behind the idea!
At the time, Linda had an energetic two-year-old son and wanted a safe place where he could get the wiggles out during the winter. She also wanted a safe space where her littles could play while she and her friends could meet and socialize. While visiting Boston, Linda, her husband, and their friends took their children to an old refurbished school that offered various activities in each classroom and large motor activities in the gym; the kids could have fun burning energy while their parents stayed and supervised. Linda loved the atmosphere and knew that Ithaca needed something similar! After discussing the idea with her playgroup friends, Linda presented the idea to the IYB’s then-interim Director, Alice Green. Recognizing the community’s need for an affordable indoor play space during the winter, Alice was on board with creating a stay-and-play place for tots and their families. Reflecting on the early years, Linda recalls, “Tot Spot lines would be out the door; parents liked the idea of being with their children and also having a chance to meet new community members, etc., in a safe, child-friendly place. It was such a satisfying activity to be a part of!” Nearly three decades later, Tot Spot remains the perfect winter-time spot for Ithaca-area families with little ones to meet up to play, socialize, and build a supportive community with one another.
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 As we say goodbye to current IYB director, Liz Klohmann, here are a few highlights from her 25+ year career at the Ithaca Youth Bureau. We will miss her guidance and wish her a happy retirement!
Liz began as an intern with Recreation Mainstreaming Services (now known as Recreation Support Services) as part of her Ithaca College coursework in the 1980s. During the late 80's Liz worked with Recreation programs and was part of the staff that had to move from the YB home known as the Tin Can (a Quonset hut) to West Clinton Plaza for 2 years while the current YB building was built and then move back in 1987 when the new building opened. In 1995, she was on the front lines in the formation of the Recreation Partnership which makes it possible for the ten participating municipalities and the County to offer high quality recreation programming for residents of these communities. This unique alliance is one of the largest in New York State. Liz became the deputy director in 2003 where she continued to lead the Recreation Department. Under her leadership the Recreation Department won two awards in 2006, one for the Tin Can Fantasy Factory and another for their outstanding publication materials. During this time, the Rec team was also recognized with an Exceptional Program Award for the Kids Marathon Miles Challenge, the City's Diversity and Inclusion Award for camp inclusion, and a Youth Sports Quality Award under her guidance. In 2012 Liz became Acting YB Director after the retirement of Allen Green. She remained acting director for two years before becoming the permanent YB Director in 2014. During her tenure:
Dear Friends and Families,
This is our final Happenings of 2023 and my last director’s note as I will be retiring at the end of the year. Retiring brings a mix of excitement and a bit of sadness. I spent much of my career working and learning at the Youth Bureau. I am fortunate to have worked in a variety of programs, and with various people and committees throughout my career. I started at the Youth Bureau as a fieldwork student in 1983 to meet a class requirement. I began working in a part-time position shortly after that and spent the next 10 years working for the YB and some other community organizations, continuing my education and raising a family in Danby. In 1999, I landed solidly back at the Youth Bureau as a recreation supervisor; through the years, I was promoted to recreation coordinator, then deputy director, and then director. I am both proud and honored to have spent much of my career at the Youth Bureau. Youth Bureau programs strive to meet the needs of youth and families in the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County. Staff at the YB use their expertise and creativity to continually add, tweak, and grow program components to make them safer, and more fun, educational, and accessible for youth and families. I will miss being a part of this team. I am proud to have had the opportunity to provide leadership to such a dedicated and passionate group of individuals. One of the highlights of my career has been watching young people accomplish goals, graduate, get jobs, learn new skills, grow stronger, and become more confident. Many youth come back and work with us. It is also heartwarming to witness the love, pride, and involvement of caregivers with their children as they participate in programs, and it has been a privilege to be part of that. A special thank you to Youth Bureau Friends, families, and participants for supporting our programs and facilities! I will miss everyone and watch from the sidelines as programs and projects continue to grow. ~ Liz Klohmann, IYB Director  In 1976, fresh from a mechanic job in Australia, Allen Green found himself back in Ithaca, where he crossed paths with Sam Cohen, the Youth Development Coordinator at the Ithaca Youth Bureau. Allen shares, “Sam approached me with an intriguing proposition: to help fix up an old van that had been donated to the IYB. I agreed, but on one condition: we had to involve young people in the process. Together, we founded the Mechanical All Stars Program, which sparked my passion for empowering youth through hands-on experiences.”
As time passed, Allen’s involvement with the IYB deepened, and he eventually became the director. During this period, he also played a key role in establishing the Friends of the IYB (FIYB), a group of dedicated volunteers who share the common goal of supporting and expanding the YB's impact. Over the years, Allen has seen the Youth Bureau celebrate many significant milestones and, for him, none are more memorable than the 60th anniversary celebration at the Women's Community Building and the State Theater, with Senator Corey Booker as the keynote speaker and performances by Samite and Richie Stearns. “[This celebration] was a testament to the positive influence the IYB had on countless lives.”, states Allen. Throughout his journey with the IYB, Allen shares that he was blessed with exceptional mentors like Sam Cohen and Bob Cutia, whose unwavering support and guidance shaped him both personally and professionally. Their inspiration motivated him to give back to a community that has given him so much. Today, Allen continues to volunteer with FIYB, dedicating his time to an organization that has become an integral part of his life. From fostering youth development to building a strong sense of community, Allen feels that the IYB has proven to be a haven for countless area youth who are seeking guidance, opportunities, and a sense of belonging. Its significance extends beyond the visible programs, enriching the entire Ithaca community in countless ways. While reflecting on his years of service to the Youth Bureau, Allen confidently says that his involvement with the IYB has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling endeavors of his life, “It is a privilege to witness the growth and success of the countless young people who have passed through its doors. The IYB's impact on Ithaca is immeasurable, and I am excited to see the positive change it continues to bring in the years to come.”  Sam began his career with the Ithaca Youth Bureau in 1971. He started out as the Youth Development Coordinator, which at that time was a brand new position. He stayed with the Youth Bureau for 30 years, ending his career in the role of Youth Bureau Director in 2001. He has very fond memories of his time at the IYB, and was thrilled to hear of the 75th anniversary celebration.
In 1971, The Ithaca Youth Bureau provided recreation programs for youth, a small version of Youth Employment Service, and a “Youthcorps” for teens. Sam was hired by Bob Cutia, the namesake of the IYB’s building in Stewart Park, and was tasked with developing the entire Youth Development department. Sam wanted to be sure he developed a variety of programs that could serve children who needed them most, and that they were free and accessible to all. He also felt strongly about finding staff who were passionate about working with youth, and who were passionate about “something else, anything else, that could help form the basis for a program that served youth and fed the staff member’s own interests and imagination”. During Sam’s tenure, the YB began the Outings program, Recreation Mainstreaming Services (now known as Recreation Support Services), The “One-to-One” program (now affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters), and Mechanical All Stars (which in later years became Computer All Stars). Sam is particularly proud of the wonderful people he connected with to create and run those programs, including future directors Alice and Allen Green, long time staff members John Bailey, Chet Salustri, Jackie Merwin, Rich Dietrich and many more. Sam recalls his time as Youth Development director with great joy, remembering the creativity staff showed in their program design, and the willingness Common Council and other outside funders often showed in supporting this new programming…many of which continue to this day! In the late ’80s, when Bob Cutia retired, Sam admits that he “dragged his feet” when assuming the role of IYB director. He loved working directly with youth and staff, and he feared a promotion would have him too heavily involved in the administrative side of the work. However, he also knew that the best way forward for the IYB would be to do his best to protect the programs they had already created, and continue to seek financial and community support for his growing, amazing staff. While he was Director, he succeeded in securing ongoing support and funding for programs, he helped in the forming of GIAC as its own thriving community organization, he served on the board of The Learning Web, and also found some direct connection to staff and programs by offering periodic classes and workshops in philosophy (another passion of Sam’s). Looking back on all his years of working at the Ithaca Youth Bureau, Sam recalls a life of meaning and positivity, and also remembers dealing with plenty of trials and tribulations. Overall, he wants to convey his abiding gratefulness for having the chance to help create and lead such a worthwhile organization, and he hopes to see many familiar faces at the IYB’s 75th birthday party on August 5th. And who knows… those of us who have experienced one of Sam’s famous “walk in the park” meetings might just get that chance again if we come down to Cass to celebrate.  As a young boy playing football with the Youth Bureau in the early 1980s, Jeff Love had no idea that his involvement with youth athletic programs would have such a profound impact on his life. What began as a fun sports activity quickly turned into something much more significant. Jeff found himself deeply invested and soon became a participant in other programs and then a volunteer coach, and ultimately, a member of the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau (FIYB).
Throughout his years of involvement, Jeff has been part of several different programs. As a teen, he was a member of the Ithaca Youth Council, which he credits with helping him to develop his leadership skills, as well as part of Youth Employment Service (YES). Getting his first job through YES along with a variety of volunteer opportunities at the YB have been foundational to who he has become as an adult. These opportunities set Jeff on a path of community support and involvement that he still follows. Today, Jeff continues to support the Youth Bureau and its programs through his membership with the FIYB where he serves as Chair of the Board. When asked about a favorite memory or highlight, Jeff shares, “I am proud to have been a part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Cass Park Enclosure, which was the culmination of years of hard work and effort by the city, the YB, and FIYB.” Looking back, Jeff also says, “The experiences I have had in my life as a user of, and volunteer, in YB programming have had a monumental impact on my life.” Jeff hopes the community knows that the Ithaca Youth Bureau is a wonderful, diverse, and dynamic place that truly cares about the development of the community's youth. He is honored to have been a part of it for so long and looks forward to continuing to support its important work for many years to come. When Suse Thomas applied for a job at Cass Park Rink in the late 80s, little did she know that it was the start of a journey with the Ithaca Youth Bureau that would shape her life in many ways. Working at Cass Park Rink led Suse to hold a variety of roles at the YB, from Assistant Manager to Head Guard to Assistant Recreation Supervisor. Although she held many different titles at the YB, she formed deep connections with colleagues and friends, many of whom she remains close with to this day.
Suse shares, “The Youth Bureau was more than just a job for me; it was a place of growth, opportunity, and lasting relationships. I had the privilege of watching the children I worked with grow into successful adults who are now making their own contributions to society. To see my "babies" become chefs, teachers, community leaders, musicians, and more has been the greatest gift of all.” She feels blessed that she had the opportunity to walk beside young people on their journeys and credits the Youth Bureau for providing a supportive and nurturing environment where these connections could flourish. Looking back on her time at the Youth Bureau, Suse knows how impactful her job at Cass Park was, as it led her down a path that has been filled with love, learning, and growth. The Youth Bureau will always hold a special place in her heart and she’s grateful for the opportunities it provided her and for the lasting relationships that were formed during her time there. Suse hopes that people know how valuable of a resource the YB is for the entire community because it “provides opportunities for people of all ages and is a place where lasting friendships are formed. The Youth Bureau plays an important role in shaping the fabric of our society, helping to build strong and vibrant communities.”  Youth development programs at the IYB would look very different if it weren’t for Alumni Bill Shaw. Starting in the early 60s, Bill began working to enhance youth involvement in civic affairs and nurture future community leaders in Ithaca and Tompkins County. His journey with the Ithaca Youth Bureau began when he joined others to establish the Tompkins County Youth Court, a unique program of peer justice for young defendants and a novel opportunity for youth leaders to engage constructively with the criminal justice system.
Bill rose through the ranks and became the Chief Judge in 1964. That experience let him to join and become Vice President, then President of the National Youth Councils on Civic Affairs in 1966. He persuaded other local youth and the Youth Bureau Director, Bob Cutia, to establish the Ithaca Youth Council on Civic Affairs (IYCCA). This initiative provided leadership opportunities, involvement in local government, and trend-setting services by its members (e.g. Fall Creek Youth Park, the first performing arts event at the Hangar). Now known as Youth Council Ambassadors (YCA), the goals and mission are similar; nearly sixty years later. While studying at Cornell, Bill worked weekends overseeing the Youth Center, which was housed in the “Eagles Building,” 130 E. State, at the time. While working at the Youth Center, he developed a lifelong friendship with Bob Cutia. They shared the same passion for involving local teens in civic affairs and training them to be future community leaders. One of Bill’s novel programs within the IYCCA was the Youth Employment Service (YES) in 1966. This program provided employment opportunities to youth; and services to homeowners in the City. The Youth Employment Service is still active in the Ithaca Youth Bureau. Besides helping to create programs during those early years, Bill's commitment to youth and civic engagement led him to serve the community in many different ways. He was a collegiate and law student advisor for both the Youth Court and the IYCCA, offering guidance in the realm of civic affairs. Bill returned to Ithaca after working with several agencies in Washington, D.C.. He chaired the Tompkins County Youth Board in the late Seventies, as well as the County Environmental Management Council, while working at TC3 as Assistant to the President. His commitment and interest in civic affairs led Bill to seek election as Mayor of Ithaca in 1979, at the time the youngest candidate ever. He ran again in 1981 and served as our Mayor from 1982-83. In that capacity, he was able to strongly support the IYB and work closely, again, with Bob Cutia. Bill opened his own law office, now Shaw & Murphy, and chaired and served on many other NFP boards. He was elected to serve as Covert Town Judge after moving to his home near Trumansburg, where he and his wife now live. Because of Bill, his collaborations with Bob Cutia, and the motivated teens they worked with along the way, a strong foundation was laid to support local leaders of tomorrow. As we reflect on Bill Shaw's decades-long journey, we are reminded of the power of mentorship, dedication, and youthful spirit in shaping a better future for our community.  For Amber Denman, Stewart Park Day Camp (SPDC) has been more than just a summer camp; it's also been a place of growth, creativity, and fun. Along with her brothers, she was signed up as a camper back in 2000, and over the years progressed through the ranks, holding many different roles such as Counselor, Arts & Crafts Specialist, and Assistant Director. She is now in her 5th year of serving as Camp Director. Many of Denman’s favorite memories involve participating in the "Specials" held at the end of each session. She shares, “Being able to provide fun activities and special treats, like ice cream, popcorn, and cotton candy for campers and staff, make it such a fun and inclusive environment.” Amber’s experience with the IYB provided her with opportunities to learn about different cultures, make new friends, and gain a strong work ethic. Working with children and having her first job as a camp counselor has influenced her professional life; she works as a school social worker. She also credits Todd Peterson for having a profound impact on her experiences at SPDC, both as a camper and in the variety of staff positions she’s held. “[Todd] established an environment where individuals felt welcomed and could experience activities in a place with so many possibilities to be creative and gain many new skills. Ever since I became the Camp Director, and especially since Todd passed away, it is my goal to continue working here each summer to provide a place where all individuals can experience new things, be creative, and gain many new skills and interests.” Amber hopes the community is aware of the many activities and experiences that the YB offers to youth and families. She emphasizes that it is a place where young people can learn, grow, and make memories, and encourages all to see the positive impact it can have.
John Oakley first got involved with the Ithaca Youth Bureau 32 years ago when his five-year-old son played soccer. John recalls watching him run around, kicking the ball, and interacting with his teammates. Five years later, when John’s daughter wanted to play he decided to coach her team and continued to do so even after she stopped playing. Watching his children play and coaching his daughter’s soccer and Desi Jacobs softball team for six years was a joy for him because he loves seeing the players’ enjoyment and how much they improve over the season. Eventually, John was asked to be the league director for fall soccer and has been doing so with great pleasure for the last 18 years.
John’s experience with coaching and being a league director with the IYB inspired him to become a teacher because he wanted to help young people discover the joys of learning and playing. Although his time commitment to the YB may be small, he says volunteering and working with the soccer players, coaches, and referees each season is one of the things that makes him feel the most worthwhile. A favorite coaching memory for John was when one of his players, who had previously enjoyed sitting out during soccer games, told him she wanted to run all game long. It was heartwarming for him to see how much joy she found in being active and playing with her teammates. It reminded him that letting a child realize the absolute joy of being active is what rec soccer is all about. Overall, John feels people should know that the Ithaca Youth Bureau is one of the few places committed to supporting young people as they explore how to play with friends and strangers. |
The Ithaca Youth Bureau is a Department of the City of Ithaca.
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(607) 273-8364 [email protected] 1 James L Gibbs Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850