The idea of having a six mile bicycle and pedestrian trail along Cayuga Lake from the county Visitor's Center to Cass Park had long been a goal for the City of Ithaca, but Rick Manning took the initiative to help the city apply for state grants to fund the project and to engage the Chamber of Commerce as a partner, helping to garner additional financial support from the community. His quiet and steadfast leadership has led to the city's construction of the first two miles of the trail and a beautiful trail head in Cass Park. Funds from a $488,000 grant application that he wrote on behalf of the city were received last month and will allow construction of the next segment to the Farmer's Market.