The Alcohol and Drug Council of Tompkins County is in the process of shutting down and terminating all of its 44 employees. ADC Executive Director Stacy Cangelosi told the Ithaca Times that the move to cease operations was made in response to financial issues that have hit the organization.
The ADC was founded in 1965 as a private, non-profit that provided information, education, medical and clinical treatment, peer support, and referral services for Tompkins County residents and organizations. ADC’s website states, “The agency offers a range of high-quality, traumainformed, evidence-based practices in addiction.”
Cangelosi explained the cost of providing services has exceeded the organization’s budget for “quite some time.” Cangelosi said, “Fees for services provided by ADC have not been sufficient to cover operating expenses for some time.” She added, “With no additional infusion of funding from third-party sources, the ADC Board of Directors came to this final decision to cease current operations.”
According to Cangelosi, the ADC is “implementing a staggered approach to staff termination.” Cangelosi said that some staff were let go on Monday and that the organization kept a small group of staff to help with client transition. She added, “Before we ceased operations, the staff
count was approximately 44.”
The ADC’s decision to shut down and terminate its employees has raised questions about the future of substance use disorder services in Tompkins County. However, Cangelosi said, “The ADC is in the process of transferring patient care to local and regional providers with the assistance of several incredible community partners and the New York Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).”
In response to questions regarding the fate of the Open Access 40-bed Detox Facility that ADC was operating, Cangelosi stated, “The Board of Directors is hopeful that ADC’s Detox facility will be opened under a future organizational structure.”
The detox center has been unable to become fully operational since its completion in 2023 because the ADC has not been able to hire nurses to staff the facility.
Tompkins County Whole Health Commissioner Frank Kruppa said that the County Health Department is actively supporting the safe transition of ADC’s clients to other Oasis-licensed providers in the region. However, he stated that the county would not be providing any additional services to fill the gap for programs that will cease to exist as the ADC closes.
“We’re not going to be providing any additional services, [but] we’re supporting the Drug Council as they transition to other OASAS-licensed providers in the region,” Kruppa stated. He added, “All of their cur-
rent patients will be safely transitioned.”
Kruppa detailed the transition process, mentioning that clients are being notified and given a choice among licensed providers in the region. According to Kruppa, the County Health Department is actively assisting the ADC in ensuring a smooth transition for clients as they select new care options.
Addressing concerns about the future of the detox facility operated by ADC, Kruppa said that the current priority is the safe transition of existing clients. Once this is completed, the County Health Department will collaborate with ADC and OASAS to plan the future of the community’s much-needed detox and stabilization facility.
Kruppa highlighted ADC’s longstanding role in providing substance use disorder services in the community. “We stand together with them to ensure that their current patients are taken care of safely and transitioned into new care,” he said.
Continued on Page 14
X Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Offered in Trumansburg on March 14th
ITHACA, NY: The Citizen Preparedness Corps gives residents the tools and resources needed to help prepare for any type of disaster or emergency, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions.
The next training session in Tompkins County will be Thursday, March 14th at 6:00pm at the Trumansburg Fire Department, 74 W. Main Street, sponsored by the Village of
Trumansburg and the Trumansburg Volunteer Fire Company.
CPC trainings are led by New York National Guard members working with experts from the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and are coordinated with local emergency management personnel.
“This training provides an excellent introduction to responding to a natural or
human-caused disaster,” stated Geoff Dunn, Community Preparedness Coordinator for Tompkins County Emergency Response. “It’s a great opportunity to learn how to properly develop family emergency plans and stock up on supplies.”
A key component of the training is the distribution of NYS Disaster Preparedness Kits to attendees (one per family). The training is offered free of charge, but all participants must register in advance at: www.prepare. ny.gov.
Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Henry Stark, and Arthur Whitman
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The Community Justice Center (CJC) has unveiled a report crafted in collaboration with HCH Enterprises presenting recommendations to increase law enforcement personnel's recruitment and retention in Ithaca and Tompkins County. Integral to the 2024 CJC work plan, these recommendations represent a shift in public safety practices, focusing on inclusivity and community engagement and fundamentally reshaping the law enforcement work culture.
The executive summary of the report states, “The proposed strategies are designed to enhance the appeal of the Police department to prospective recruits and bolster the retention of current staff.” it continues by saying, “This report provides specific recommendations based on research, industry best practices, and information provided by community leaders and law enforcement officials.”
According to the report, recommendations focus on empowering the city and county law enforcement agencies to attract diverse and qualified recruits while retaining experienced personnel. Project Director of the Community Justice Center, Monalita Smiley, said, “This is a roadmap for diversifying our law enforcement departments in Ithaca and Tompkins County and instilling a more inclusive culture.” She added, “I look forward to implementing these plans alongside law enforcement and the community.”
Dr. Maritsa Barros, a distinguished lecturer in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Leadership Program at Tufts University and representative of HCH Enterprises, articulated the transformative potential of the proposed strategies. Barros stated, “These recommendations will allow both the City and the County to address recruitment and retention challenges while also enhancing community relations and safety.”
Barrow states, “The report is a comprehensive roadmap for attracting and retaining high-quality personnel while fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.” She continued, “By embracing these strategies, the City and County can expand the pool of qualified candidates and retain existing talent — putting the law enforcement departments and the public safety of the entire community in a
position for success.”
Smiley and Barros hope that by addressing recruitment and retention challenges, the strategies will help forge stronger bonds between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, ultimately contributing to enhanced public safety. According to IPD Police Chief Tom Kelly, the department currently has 52 officers on staff with nine vacancies. He added that the department has hired four additional officers since the start of 2024.
A critical focus of the report is to alleviate the burden on law enforcement personnel by strategically reducing police response requests. The proposal recommends implementing Officer Support Services to address short staffing, recognizing that an understaffed force not only strains existing officers but also compromises the overall effectiveness of law enforcement. The introduction of Officer Support Services is anticipated to improve morale within the force and decrease the need for officers to constantly “chase the radio,” allowing for a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to public assistance requests. This, in turn, contributes to a more efficient and responsive police force.
Additionally, the report advocates for streamlining and expanding officers’ ability to connect with social service workers during peak times, ensuring that officers have the necessary resources to address the needs of the public, even during busy moments. This approach aims to enhance officer satisfaction and reduce community frustrations by providing timely and practical support.
According to the report, “The city and county should consider implementing or expanding community mental health and wellbeing programs, homeless supportive services, drug rehabilitation services, and food access programs.” It continues by saying, “By proactively seeking to promote the well-being of all residents, the community can simultaneously improve the community while potentially reducing the burden on the police force.”
The report recognizes that a fundamental shift in workplace culture is crucial for the overall effectiveness of law enforcement agencies. One of the proposed initiatives is focused on bridging the gap between officers and department leaders. By fostering a deep understanding of of-
ficers’ duties, challenges, and experiences among leaders, the report envisions an environment where leaders can implement strategies to reduce officer burnout and improve overall well-being.
Addressing concerns through thorough exit interviews is another crucial aspect of the proposed workplace culture transformation. By conducting detailed exit interviews, law enforcement agencies can gain valuable insights into the experiences and perceptions of their personnel, identifying both strengths and weaknesses in the organizational culture. This proactive approach aims to foster a positive and supportive work environment, ultimately improving retention rates, particularly for a more diverse workforce.
Clear communication channels within law enforcement agencies are highlighted in the report, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment where expectations and performance standards are clearly defined. The report envisions a workplace culture that serves the community and instills confidence in officers about the meaningfulness and impact of their work. The report also suggests a more efficient hiring process that includes shorter, more accessible procedures and more significant support for recruits.
Clear communication of job descriptions and benefits is another essential recommendation, ensuring that potential candidates have a transparent understanding of what the role entails and the potential benefits of a career in law enforcement. This approach not only streamlines the hiring process but also attracts candidates who align with the values and expectations of law enforcement agencies.
Acyberattack targeting Change Health, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, has impacted healthcare providers across the nation, including the Cayuga Health System in Ithaca. The cyberattack disabled the system responsible for processing insurance claims and payments, threatening healthcare providers' financial stability and operational capabilities.
The attack crippled the software service for hospitals and other healthcare providers to transmit bills to patients’ insurance companies, leaving organizations like Cayuga Health without a functioning system to process claims and receive reimbursements from insurance companies.
The scope of the cyberattack is massive as “more than half of all medical claims in the United States pass through Change’s EDI clearinghouse,” according to a report by the American Economic Liberties Project. This is a sign that antitrust laws in the United States exist only in writing.
In response, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer held a press conference at the Cayuga Medical Medical Center in Ithaca to announce a legislative push for a two-pronged strategy to address the crisis and ensure the continuity of healthcare services in the region.
Schumer is asking the FBI to make investigating this cyberattack a top priority and to use their offensive cyber capabilities to find where the hackers are located and hold them accountable. He also calls on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to use their authority to accelerate advanced payments to hospitals and pharmacies impacted by the attack. This would provide them with cash flow until the revenue cycle is restored.
Senator Schumer emphasized he will use his influence as Senate Majority Leader to pressure CMS to provide relief to New York hospitals and pharmacies as soon as possible through accelerated advanced payments.
Schumer said, “This latest vicious cyberattack has blocked many healthcare providers and pharmacies from getting paid and processing insurance claims. If this continues, it can lead to layoffs or
even reductions in care.” He continued, “The delay in payments is costing hospitals across Upstate NY millions for every single week this continues, and some people are even struggling to get prescriptions filled at their local pharmacy.”
Schumer added, “We can’t let hackers risk the financial stability of healthcare providers and even critical care to patients across America. CMS must act now to help our hospitals. I will keep fighting to ensure patients across America continue to receive the high-quality care they deserve.”
While discussing the cyberattack, Schumer speculated that the perpetrators could be Russian or somewhere overseas. "Some have speculated they speak Russian. So some have speculated they’re from overseas in Russia, [but] we don’t know where they’re from,” Schumer said.
The perpetrators of another recent cyberattack targeting UnitedHealth have been identified in reporting by The American Prospect as the ransomware gang BlackCat/ALPHV. According to the Prospect, the gang has been described as a group of “native English speakers from predominantly ‘Western countries’ between the ages of 17 and 22.”
Cayuga Health confronted an immediate financial crisis with over 20,000 claims on hold and a daily cash flow suspension exceeding $1.5 million. Fortunately, Cayuga Health CEO Dr. Martin Stallone has said the system has weeks of buffer before running into financial issues due to the lack of revenue from the cyber attack.
However, the situation is different for other healthcare organizations in the region.
The Ithaca Waldorf School have won the Peoples’ Choice Award at this year's downtown Chili Cook-Off that took place on March 2nd. The Statler Hotel won the overall first place award in the meat category, and Antlers Restaurant won first place in the Vegetarian category.
Downs
An alarming increase in overdoses has been seen in Tompkins County since the start of 2024. Since January 1, Tompkins County has reported 31 calls to law enforcement regarding overdoses. Last year the country reported just 12 calls in the same time period.
Some smaller hospitals and pharmacies may only last a week or two without cash flow before needing to take drastic measures like layoffs. The longer it takes to restore the revenue cycle through solutions like accelerated payments from CMS, the more organizations could be negatively impacted.
Stallone said, “We are fortunate to have weeks of buffer, but other institutions are starting to be extremely depleted.” He continued, “My message would be time is of the essence to institute the change that Senator recommends.” Stallone added, “The longer it lasts, the more hospitals and pharmacies it will affect.”
The cyberattack underscores the financial precariousness of the United States healthcare system, which relies on healthcare providers relying on payments from a patchwork of for-profit insurance companies acting as middlemen.
New York State Assemblymember Karines Reyes (D-Bronx) has said that the primary objective of insurance companies isn’t providing care — it’s to administer the money that already comes from Medicare and Medicaid or from employers that buy health insurance and pocketing as much of it as possible as profit.
Supporters of universal healthcare at the State and Federal levels say that it would remove these middlemen insurance companies that drive costs higher by paying million-dollar salaries to CEOs instead of reinvesting profits into patient care. According to Reyes, the for-profit model our current system operates under “isn’t serving patients at all. It’s serving the bottom line for insurance companies.”
Heard
The American Red Cross of the Southern Tier is working to make the Ithaca/Tompkins County community safer through its annual Sound the Alarm campaign, part of a national effort to install free smoke alarms in homes that lack them. Saturday, March 16, is the designated day of action in Ithaca and Tompkins County, with a goal of installing at least 100 free smoke alarms in 30+ area homes.
Seen
Empire State Development (ESD) has announced that the application window is now open for the sixth year of the Grow-NY food, beverage, and agriculture business competition. Grow-NY attracts high-growth potential food and agriculture startups to compete for $3 million in total prize money each year and supports 20 finalists through a business development phase that connects them with the region’s resources.
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Do you think Tompkins County should make the County minimum wage equal to the living wage?
80 . 0 % Yes.
15.6% No.
4 4 % I don’t care.
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“I am writing to support the re-election of Linda Woodard. The position of Mayor of Cayuga Heights is demanding and multi-faceted. Linda has been Mayor for the past 8 years and has demonstrated the administrative skills, temperament and work ethic needed for the job. Her tenure has resulted in steady increases in efficiency and professionalism throughout all Village operations.
Notably, the six current VCH Trustees who work closely with Linda (each of whom has previously served as a trustee alongside Meloney McMurry, the opposing candidate) unanimously support Linda’s candidacy. Their statement can be found on the website https:// www.woodard-for-mayor.com/trusteestatement.
I hope Cayuga Heights residents will join me in voting on March 19th to keep Linda Woodard as our Mayor. For more information about her record and future
priorities, please visit woodard-for-mayor. com” — Lita Remsen
“The Village of Cayuga Heights faces an impactful mayoral election on March 19 between incumbent Linda Woodard and challenger Meloney McMurry. We encourage all residents to learn all they can about the clear-cut choice between these candidates.
The Cayuga Heights Mayor oversees two dozen full-time employees, an annual budget of just over $7.5 million, and seven major departments: the Village Clerk’s office, Village Treasurer, Village Engineer, Public Works Department, Cayuga Heights Police Department, Cayuga Heights Fire Department and the Cayuga Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant which also serves neighboring municipalities. All of the above departments and their managers report directly to the Mayor.
Over her seven-plus years in office, Mayor Woodard has brought steady improvements in efficiency and professionalism to all Village operations, essentially moving us into the twenty-first century. She has expanded police and public works capabilities and secured funding for several large infrastructure projects — improving public safety and reducing both expenses and energy consumption — while keeping the tax rate essentially flat, even with post-COVID inflation.
Notable recent improvements include
major sewer plant upgrades; “right-sized” culverts for storm run-off management; police body cameras and an additional patrol officer; Village-wide installation of LED streetlights; and reduced employee health insurance costs.
Such accomplishments testify to Linda’s leadership and administrative skills. She brings to the job professional expertise in data analysis, a tireless work ethic, and a temperament that invites dialogue and promotes consensus.
The undersigned are all current members of the VCH Board of Trustees with long experience. We have close knowledge both of what it takes to be an effective mayor for the Village and how Linda has met this challenge. We are also familiar with her opponent in this election, who previously served as a Trustee. We feel strongly that Linda’s comprehensive understanding and the resources she has developed over her tenure are invaluable.
The current Cayuga Heights Trustees, as individuals, unanimously support the re-election of Mayor Linda Woodard on March 19. Please be sure to vote! (For more information, visit woodard-for-mayor.com or attend the candidates’ forum, 7-9 PM on Monday March 4 at the Kendal Auditorium.) — Jennifer Biloski, Kent Hubbell, James Marshall, Kristina Rennekamp, Richard Robinson, Peter Salton
“As current presidents of congregation Tikkun v’Or, we find it important to clarify that the recent letter regarding a demand for ceasefire was not officially from Tikkun v’Or, but from a self-selected group of congregants. Our progressive Jewish congregation has within it a broad range of experiences, feelings, and opinions about Israel and Palestine and we pride ourselves on making clear that all of these are welcome. We treasure the richness, diversity, and complexity our community has to offer.” — Laurie Willick and Susan Merkel Co-Presidents Tikkun v’Or
“I’ve had 2 letters to the editor that weren’t printed in your newspaper since I moved to this area over 3 years ago, that’s when I decided to cancel my subscription. When I drove down to see where I was considering living, a Cornell Campus Police officer followed me into the Ithaca Bakery on Triphammer Rd. That was exceedingly outrageous
to me at the time, anyway, why was he off campus? I’m not a criminal, and wasn’t then as well.
What was perhaps more outrageous, was as I was driving to my prospective home outside of Ithaca, a NY State Trooper had pulled his car over next to an onion muck field, in the most disturbing and intimidating manner. That was my “introduction” to the area I now call home, and it’s become exceedingly clear since, and as I’ve alliterated in my previous “letters to the editor,” there is a criminal element in these surrounding counties, not the least of which includes at least one University, where one would least expect it. This has been a most revealing, disturbing, and disgraceful experience for me, and though the world is not in “good shape,” I certainly wished I had found another place to live.” — David Ruppel
“This letter is about a concern I have about our government. Our congressperson Marcus Molinaro supports the current Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Who is Mike Johnson? He’s a person who is trying to dodge his 2022 endorsement of the book The Revivalist Manifesto. This document promotes discredited conspiracy theories about Democrats leading pedophilia rings and uses crude slurs against LGBTQ people. This is not leadership we need. I urge us all to vote against Representative Molinaro in the November election.” — Josie Zanfordino
“Thank you for your February 21 article about the TCSPCA. I have heard many similar stories over the last 5 or 6 years. Volunteers who got immediately fired for questioning the policies of the executive director. Good dogs with trainable issues being euthanized. Yes, I heard about Enzo and Bill, mentioned in your article, scheduled to be euthanized before they were rescued by kind staff and volunteers. Elderly cats or cats with manageable chronic health conditions being euthanized. Local animal surrenders being refused because of no space but a fostering program eliminated by the executive director. A general atmosphere of fear among volunteers and secrecy as a policy.
As the founding executive director of the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance and then the New York State Breast Cancer
Continued on Page 14
Growing up in the Midwest, Pete Meyers’ parents lovingly included him in their community building and social justice projects, influenced by their Catholic and Unitarian precepts and practices.
Meyers moved to NYC after graduating from Duquesne University with a Masters in Existential-Phenomenological Psychology, in what would become his most formative work experience: working as a drug counselor for four years at Grady Technical Vocational H.S. in Coney Island, Brooklyn. During this time, Pete also traveled to Nicaragua during the Sandinista Revolution, an experience which, combined with working in the high school, helped to develop his politics aligned with what he read by Paolo Freire.
After this four-year stint, Pete next worked as the Produce Manager for four years at the Flatbush Food Coop, where he redistributed his wages for a year to the lowest paid staff in the Coop.
In 1993, Meyers moved back to South Bend, Indiana, where he briefly became the Director of the Readmobile in the Public Library system. Later, he was fired from his position when advocating for an assistant who was African American. Their cases both went to federal court in 1999.
In 2000 Challenge Industries and Catholic Charities in Ithaca began a mentoring program for welfare recipients entering the world of work. His childhood with egalitarian parents, his studies in college, and the life he had lived in the streets with the relatively less fortunate, were the right credentials for helping people transition from welfare to work. So, Pete headed to fabled Ithaca to link up.
Before long, the newly formed Tompkins County Living Wage Coalition narrowed their focus to the working poor employed within the ICSD. Pete joined with Carl Feuer of the Tompkins-Cortland Labor Coalition, and Edie Reagan of the Religious Task Force for a Living Wage, along with many determined paraprofessionals in the Ithaca City School District. In 2000, although paraprofessionals worked with the neediest students,
they also had to support their own families on $6.70 an hour.
When Pete and Carl and many workers and supporters won an increase to $9.50 an hour, Pete was a natural, along with Carl Feuer, to head up the Tompkins County Workers’ Center formed on January 1st, 2003.
Says Pete: “It amazes me to no end, that we were able, 21 years ago, to create something out of nothing, that has become nationally recognized, and one of the very steadiest Workers Centers in a rural area anywhere in the country… Interestingly, the TCWC has maintained one of the only Workers Rights Hotlines in the country, since the TCWCs inception in 2003. This is quite gratifying!”
“The TCWC handles, on average, over 300 contacts a year from the Hotline, many from workers experiencing bullying and harassment in the workplace, or are claiming unfair termination. “The intention of the Hotline is to support workers achieving fair treatment in the workplace, as well as to encourage workers to organize in the workplace, either via creating an ‘action in concert’ and/or creating a union in their workplace.” According to Pete, the TCWC has been involved with numerous successful union drives since 2010 and has maintained strong connections with many unions in various workplace sectors including coffee shops, large and small nonprofits, and playing strong supporting roles with present unions in educational institutions, specifically contingent faculty at Ithaca College.”
“The TCWC has worked over the years for an ongoing increase to the statewide minimum wage, which was $5.15/hour through the end of 2004, to the present upstate New York wage which went up to $15/hour Upstate in January 2024. This year, the TCWC worked tirelessly, as part of a statewide coalition, to increase the statewide minimum wage to $21.25/hour.”
Over the years, Pete has taken great pleasure in working with Alternatives Federal Credit Union (AFCU) and students from Cornell’s Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) School, to do biennial studies of the Living Wage in Tomp-
Continued on Page 14
It is illegal to sell flavored vapes in New York state, but about a quarter of our state’s youth vape regularly and at least 19% of Tompkins County high school seniors are regular vape users. A law recently went into effect prohibiting e-cigarette manufacturers and distributors from displaying vape brand logos on anything other than the actual e-cigarette or using promotions in their sales tactics. However, this may not keep young people from seeking out or purchasing vapes.
Two weeks ago, results from a poll were released reporting that 53% of NY residents are unhappy with authorities’ lack of enforcement of the flavored vape ban that went into effect in 2020. This ban was meant to counter the appeal that fruity flavored vapes have to kids and teens, especially since youth almost exclusively smoke flavored e-cigarettes. Flavored vapes have tangible negative health effects on children and teens, including cognitive deficits and impulse control impairments, addiction to nicotine, and respiratory failure. Now the state is trying to crack down on the marketing of vapes to youth, but will this enough to fix this massive problem? We decided to canvas local vape shops to find out.
Out of five vape and tobacco shops
continued from page 4
A significant aspect of community engagement strategies includes the recommendation for law enforcement to have a more visible and dynamic online presence. Recognizing the decline in traditional platforms like Facebook, especially among younger demographics, the report suggests exploring alternative online platforms to connect with a broader audience. This approach fosters a more transparent and accessible relationship between law enforcement and the community, promoting mutual understanding and trust.
in the Ithaca Commons area, only one displayed a “Juul” sign on their front window. This is in direct violation with the marketing law, given that Juuls are one of the most popular e-cigarettes on the market and have been banned by the FDA. All the rest had no advertisements or promotions for the sale of any flavored vape. So this should be considered a policy “win” and fix our problem, right?
When we went into three out of five of these vape shops, we saw that customers inquired about vapes, and were then given a piece of paper with a list of vape flavors and accompanying nicotine percentages on it. When the customer decided what they wanted to purchase, the shop employee went into a backroom and got the flavored vape. Therefore, much like the ban on flavored vapes, this new e-cigarette marketing law has made this an “out of sight, out of mind” problem. To protect our children, we need to pay attention to proposed legislation that will limit the loopholes in the flavored e-cigarette ban and urge the New York State Health Department to increase its enforcement of existing anti-vaping laws, which includes increasing fines.
Lauren Elmer is a fourth year student in the State Policy Advocacy Clinic at Cornell University.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of youth outreach in community engagement. By establishing recruitment programs in schools and institutions of higher education, law enforcement agencies can proactively engage with the community from an early age. Programs such as police explorers or internships for students offer opportunities to learn about the field and maintain involvement until they are eligible to apply for a job in law enforcement.
This proactive engagement builds familiarity and encourages a more diverse group of individuals to consider a career
Continued on Page 14
It’s no secret that Ithaca is grappling with a housing crisis. In just the last year, the Fair Market Rent for a one bedroom apartment in Ithaca has increased by 12.4 percent, from $1,276 to $1,434, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Over the same period, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that wages have increased by just 4.7 percent. Given these trends, it’s no surprise that people are struggling to afford housing.
The City of Ithaca has a renter population of 74 percent. Among those, more than 50% are cost burdened meaning that they spend more than 30% of their monthly income on rent, and 35% are severely cost-burdened meaning they spend more than 50% of their monthly income on rent. Over the last several years, Ithaca, like many other cities around the country, has focused on increasing density to address the housing affordability crisis. As a result, downtown Ithaca has seen massive developments along the Commons, such as Harold Square, The Ithacan, and City Centre.
A one-bedroom apartment in Harold’s Square on the Commons has prices ranging from $2,155 to $3,240 per month. The Ithacan has one-bedroom apartments ranging from $2,898 to $3,200 per month. And the City Centre complex has one-bedroom apartments ranging from $2,895 to a whopping $5,735 per month. In Harold’s Square, The Ithacan, and City Centre, even the lowest-priced studio apartment would cost $1,590, $2,285, and $2,608 per month respectively.
These prices are astronomically high and have contributed to the continued increase in rental prices in Ithaca. While increasing density was once thought to be a viable solution to the housing crisis, it seems like increasing density without ensuring that the housing created will be affordable, actually makes the housing crisis worse.
According to a report by the CATO Institute, “A comparison of the density of American urban areas with their housing affordability shows a clear correlation: density makes housing less affordable, not
more.” The report referenced a study that outlined how housing costs have increased in cities that have prioritized density. The study explained, “Contrary to those who say that density is the solution to affordability problems, California urban areas have become less affordable even as their densities increased. Between 1970 and 2018, the population density of the Los Angeles urban area grew by 37 percent while its priceto-income ratio grew from 2.2 to 8.0.”
In a recent Common Council presentation, Lisa Nicholas, the Director of Planning and Development for the City of Ithaca, shed light on the current status of housing projects and initiatives, outlining the hurdles and efforts being made to address the affordable housing crisis in Ithaca.
Nicholas began by emphasizing the pressing issues at hand, stating, “We’re witnessing a rising cost of land, impacting developers’ decisions to maximize their profits. This often translates to smaller, more expensive units, given the necessity for a guaranteed return on investment.” The cost of construction further compounds the challenges, leading to delays in housing projects. Nicholas explained, “Projects that are ready to go may face setbacks due to fluctuating construction costs. Developers, particularly for market-rate projects, need assurance of a viable return, which can be affected by rising financial risks.”
Despite these challenges, there remains a strong demand for rental housing in Ithaca. Nicholas noted, “We’re still experiencing a very active market, with a notable interest from development groups outside the area. However, the trend indicates a preference for smaller units, catering to smaller household sizes across all price levels.”
One of the most elusive aspects identified by Nicholas was the scarcity of middleincome and for-sale housing. “Affordable housing projects are achievable due to financial packages, but market-rate housing for the middle-income bracket remains a challenge, compounded by limited land availability and a lack of interest in condos,” she stated.
To quantify the ongoing efforts, Nicholas presented a comprehensive housing
pipeline overview. In the past six months, Ithaca has seen the completion of 319 housing units, with 62 of them falling under the affordable category. This reflects a promising 19% of the total units built. Project completed in the past six months include:
• The Gem (Visum) located at 202 Linden Avenue
• Library Place (Travis Hyde) located on Court Street
• Market View Apartments (Park Grove) located on Cayuga Park Road (includes 42 affordable units)
• 325 Dryden Apts (Mezy) located on 325 Dryden
• The Ithacan (Rimland) located on 210 E. Green Street (includes 20 affordable units)
The projects currently under construction present a robust figure, with 789 units underway, including 265 affordable units, reflecting 34% of total units. The bulk of those affordable units will be included in the Asteri Project, which is being developed by the Vecino Group. The $150 million project, located on the Commons in downtown Ithaca, will provide 181 affordable supportive housing units with a range
of amenities, including a sky-top deck, community areas, and a full kitchen.
Vecino Group representative, Sue Ellen Holmes, mentioned that the project would cater to individuals with income levels in the 30 to 40% Area Median Income (AMI) range, with additional options for those at 50%, 60%, and 80% AMI. The project aims to offer very affordable rents compared to other options in the area.
According to Holmes, the unit sizes will range from studios to three-bedroom units. The rents will start as low as $735 for onebedroom units, with the highest price set at $1,527 for a three-bedroom unit, making these units some of the most affordable in the area. Specific unit sizes are as follows: studios at 470 sq ft, one bedrooms at 621 sq ft, two bedrooms at 779 sq ft, and three bedrooms at 1050 sq ft.
Holmes addressed questions about parking, stating that there are plans for resident parking within the Green Street parking garage, although specific logistics are yet to be confirmed. She assured attendees that a meeting in March would provide more details on parking.
As for the timeline, Holmes anticipated moving residents in around mid-May, pending necessary approvals from local and state authorities.
In addition to Asteri, projects under construction include:
• Catherine Commons (Integrated) located on Catherine St, Cook St. & College Ave
• The Breeze (Visum) located on 121125 Lake St.
• The Dean (Travis Hyde) located on 401 E State St.
• Cascadilla Apartments (Stavoplous) located at 615 Cascadilla St.
• The William (AdBro Development LLC) located at 108-110 College Ave
• Northside Apts (Ithaca Housing Authority) located in Northside (includes 84 affordable units)
Looking ahead, projects approved and awaiting construction potentially offer 500 units, 57 of which are affordable, equating to just 11% of total units. Nicholas expressed optimism, saying, “These projects, once underway in 2024, can contribute substantially to the city’s housing needs.”
The projects include:
• Valentine Place (Novarr) located at 109-111 Valentine Place
• Cayuga Park (Park Grove) located on Carpenter Park Rd
• Stately (Visum) located at 510 W State Street (includes 57 affordable units)
• Gateway (McKinley Dev. Company) located at 445 E State St.
According to the presentation, there are an additional 590 units included in projects that are currently in the approval process. An estimated 74 of those units are set aside as affordable units, equating to 13% of total units. Additional projects that have unknown construction start times are estimated to bring 851 units on the market, but it remains uncertain how many will be affordable.
Taken altogether, over the next several years the City will be adding an additional 2,735 units — with 458 of them being affordable — equating to 17% of total units built.
Discussing ongoing initiatives, Nicholas highlighted the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County, and Cornell University’s annual contribution to the Community Housing Development Fund (CHDF). The City and
In the past six months, Ithaca has seen the completion of 319 housing units, with 62 falling under the affordable category, equating to 19% of the total units built.
County each contribute $100,000 while Cornell University contributes $200,000. In addition, since 2019 developers that receive incentives from the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) have had the option to either make 20% of their units affordable, or contribute $5,000 to the CHDF for each non-affordable unit they build.
For example, the developers of The Ithacan chose to make 10% of their units affordable and pay another 10% to the CHDF — meaning that the project will set aside 20 affordable units and pay $500,000 into the CHDF. Since the creation of the CHDF in 2009 it has awarded a total of $6,824,865 to build 875 units of affordable housing.
Legislative changes and proposals are also in the pipeline. Nicholas mentioned upcoming short-term rental legislation and streamlining the zoning appeals process. “We aim to address zoning concerns and encourage housing development while ensuring community benefits,” she said. Looking forward, Ithaca is considering regulatory changes, such as eliminating minimum parking requirements and exploring viable incentives for row townhouses. Nicholas shared, “We’re committed to creative zoning solutions that promote diverse housing options.”
Nicholas highlighted the city’s strategic approach to utilizing zoning as a pivotal solution to the housing crisis saying, “Zoning is a powerful tool that can shape the city’s growth and housing landscape. We are actively considering regulatory changes to streamline processes and incentivize diverse housing options.” In discussing potential zoning modifications, Nicholas explained, “We’re exploring the idea of lowering heights in certain areas, challenging the conventional approach of maximizing units through height. By spreading units across different heights, we hope to encourage varied housing options, potentially making it more affordable to build.”
Addressing concerns about parking requirements, she elaborated, “Minimum parking requirements have a direct impact on housing availability. We’ve already removed these requirements from our commercial districts, and now we’re evaluating their necessity in residential areas. This could free up space for more housing, especially in areas where parking space is a constraint.”
Nicholas also touched upon the city’s plans regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs), stating, “People are now exploring accessory apartments, which have been allowed in some [municipalities] for years. This trend indicates a shift towards alternative housing solutions.” Nicholas continued saying, “ADUs offer a flexible solution for homeowners and property owners. We’re looking into ways to streamline the permitting process for ADUs, making it easier for individuals to add units to their properties and contribute to the housing inventory.”
Furthermore, she discussed ongoing discussions about potential zoning changes for townhouses, saying, “We’ve been asked to explore viable incentives for row townhouses. This includes assessing our existing zoning regulations and determining if adjustments can be made to encourage the development of townhouse projects that cater to the missing middle segment.”
Nicholas concluded, “Zoning isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it plays a crucial role in shaping the city’s housing future. We’re committed to evaluating, adapting, and innovating our zoning regulations to address the current challenges and foster a more inclusive and affordable housing environment for all residents.”
Addressing concerns about affordability, Nicholas acknowledged the high rental rates, stating, “Affordable housing is a complex issue, and we recognize the middle-income segment that falls outside income eligibility. Legislative changes and state-level collaborations are crucial, and we’re actively exploring solutions.”
Cayuga Health and the Visiting Nurse Service of Ithaca and Tompkins County (VNS) have officially announced their affiliation, marking a significant step towards seamlessly connecting healthcare services in both home and hospital settings. This partnership, effective March 1, 2024, is driven by a shared commitment to enhancing patient care, fostering innovation, and addressing the community’s evolving needs.
Dr. Martin Stallone, CEO of Cayuga Health, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are very pleased to announce this partnership with Visiting Nurse Service. Our partnership will provide the foundation for collabo-
ration to build innovative programs to further our shared goals and extend our evidence-based practices into the home for both organizations' highest quality of care.”
The primary goal of this affiliation is to create a unified healthcare team that seamlessly integrates medical care delivered at the hospital and outpatient practices with services provided in a patient’s home. The emphasis is on delivering a cohesive, patient-centric experience across diverse healthcare settings.
Barbara Armstrong, NP, President of the VNS Board of Directors, shared her excitement about the collaboration, noting, “Like Cayuga Health, VNS puts our staff and patients first, so we look forward to what the future may bring as we work together.” As VNS approaches
its 40th year of service to the community, the partnership with Cayuga Health is seen as an exciting next step in expanding its impact and enhancing patient care.
Visiting Nurse Service of Ithaca and Tompkins County, established as a notfor-profit organization in 1984, provides professional medical services to residents needing care at home. These services encompass nursing, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, social work, nutrition, and Home Health Aide services.
the importance of providing care in a home environment, stating, “We know that most patients respond well to care provided in their own home where they can maintain their dignity in familiar surroundings and with their loved ones and pets.” The
By Peter Rothbart
The 40-year-old chamber ensemble, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra brings its historically accurate and still relevant period-authentic instrument performance to Bailey Hall this Friday evening, March 8. Theirs is a special class of Western classical music, originally performed on instruments that have since evolved into our modern orchestral instruments which grew in size, sound and stature as classical music evolved over the centuries. During the Baroque period, roughly 1600-1750 (give or take a few years and composers) these were the contemporary instruments. There were no such things as “period” instruments.
These are the instruments played by Tafelmusik. They have their own unique sound; diffuse rather than direct, with a more intimately-blended sound conducive to close listening in smaller rooms (Tafelmusik means table music). For the musicians who specialize in this genre and style of music, fingerings are generally more cumbersome than those used today, and tuning can occasionally sound foreign to our modern ears. Modern vibrato does not exist, and the music has its own syntax that structures ornamentation and form. Much of the formal structure of Baroque music grew out of Renaissance dance forms while Classical and to a lesser extent Romantic form owes much to the music presented in this concert.
Baroque music offers the individual performer more freedom in interpreting the com-
poser’s intentions than music from the Classical and Romantic eras. Baroque ornamentation is often left to the performer, bowings can go either way. Even instrumentation has a flexibility that seems lost for centuries afterward. The basso continuo or lowest musical line can often be played by one or more of the lower-pitched instruments, whatever works. Dynamics were only occasionally notated, and articulations were simply not there until later in the period. There was no formal conductor, just the first violinist leading the charge if needed. It was up to the individual player or the ensemble to agree upon a collective interpretation. A sort of consensual musical democracy shaped the music, long before the dictatorial powers of the almighty conductor took hold.
It is not an old sound however, it is a different sound and if you let yourself bathe in it, you are drawn not just into another world, but immersed in an abstract feeling about space, time, and relationships. Baroque music is evocative and emotionally subtle; you must bring different ears and expectations to it. It is not 20th or 21st century bombastic, it is never “in your face.” But if you listen carefully, you can hear the fury at times, along with the polite and sensual tenderness of the softer moments. This is the essence of the Baroque music played by Tafelmusik; emotional, intimate, and introspective.
Many of the composers featured on Saturday night’s concert are well known to the modern classical audience. J.S. Bach’s “Concerto for Two Violins in D minor” and Antonio Vivaldi’s quasi-programmatic “Con-
certo for Bassoon in Bb Major,” also known as “La Notte” have been performed by modern orchestras. Three versions of Vivaldi’s work exist; Tafelmusik has chosen the bassoon and strings version. Johann Fasch’s “Overture in D minor” and Marin Marais’s “Chaconne” from his opera “Alcyone” are lesser-known works, the latter being a large ensemble work for harpsichord, full strings, winds, theorbo, and viola da gamba. Pietro Locatelli’s “Concerto grosso in C minor, Op.1, No.11” hints at Classical era harmonies, especially in the opening Largo. Telemann’s “Orchestral Suite in Bb Major” rounds out the program.
Tafelmusik’s allegiance to authenticity extends beyond just playing period-authentic instruments. All the programmed works are in the public domain, which allows publishers the liberty of editing the work. Tafelmusik is fastidious in their musical selection. Their performances reflect deep musicological research, often searching out original autographed scores and parts that have survived.
Peter Rothbart is a Professor Emeritus of Music at the Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre and Dance where he taught electroacoustic and media music for 40 years. He remains active as a classical, jazz and pop musician.
Friday March 8, 7:30 p.m.
Bailey Hall, 230 Garden Ave, Ithaca Adults $34-$44; Students $17-19
Ithaca College’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance has unearthed a little gem of a chamber opera: “Le Dernier Sorcier” (“The Last Sorcerer”). A collaboration of intimate friends French mezzo-soprano and composer Pauline Viardot-García and Russian author Ivan Turgenev, the work was first performed in 1867 by Viardot’s children and music students. Then after a few more European performances, it disappeared — for more than a century.
In 2005 came the first of four revivals, with Ithaca College’s being the fifth. The unfamiliarity of this piece is part of its pleasure, offering a curious sort of time travel. Viardot’s music is delightful and the tale fanciful, set in a deep forest inhabited
by fairies. A sorcerer, now aging, his powers failing, has long usurped their home, but the fairy queen finally determines a way to evict the unwelcome tenant — by assisting the prince of a nearby land in wooing the sorcerer’s daughter.
All the magical elements come together under emerita professor Susannah Berryman’s direction, beginning with the playful set design for the cozy Clark Theatre by Fabiola Alvarado Berrios, lit by Emily Poole. In the rear is the sorcerer’s two-story hut, while the forest floor blooms with gigantic near-psychedelic cartoon flowers against a black ground. There’s even a meandering stream with golden fish weaving through the woody banks (platforms where the fairies assemble).
The dozen female fairies spill across the floral carpet in an even wilder burst of
color — bright yellows, pinks and blues. Cady Loeb has enormous fun with their costumes, topped by unique flower-petal headpieces that define them (they’re named Tulip, Lily, Sunflower, Pansy and so forth), completing the fantasy of being one with nature. Like mischievous children in their nighties (a clingy cross between pajamas and skirts), the fairies sing and cavort and peskily hinder the sorcerer whenever they get a chance. (He once summons a monster; they deliver a sad sheep.)
They’re led by Verveine (a vocally rich Katherine White), a sort of first lieutenant to the Queen of the Fairies (a graceful and serenely authoritative Paige Socol), who is the prime mover here in the forest. She wears a saffron robe and cape that billows fabulously when she strides, an enchantment in itself.
The mortals may seem familiar, traditional: the aging wizard, over-protective of his beautiful daughter, who wants to experience more life and love. But there’s no tempest here, just a frustrated old man, his powers waning. Krakamiche, large and sputtering, is played with generous good humor by Tynan Butler. Patriarch and colonizer that he is, you can’t help feeling sympathy when he’s tormented by the fairy imps.
His servant, Perlimpinpin, offers another kind of male diminishment. Once a giant, he now is losing his memory and has even shrunk — “I used to be big!” Matthew Amori wails.
The flagging males present comedy; the female cohort provide ultimate harmony; and the young couple, aided by the Queen, offer love and promise of a better future.
Prince Lelio (a youthful Wyatt McDaniel) and Stella (a more mature Emma Commisso) are both firm in their pursuit of the
other. Their solos and duet, sung in French — as is the entire piece — are crystalline and tender. (And yes, there are bold supertitles in two clouds flanking the stage.)
Viardot’s music, some 20 airs, has been orchestrated anew by conductor Christopher Zemliauskas. He’s taken the original, scored only for piano, and elaborated it for his 11-piece orchestra, which sits at the side of the forest stage. The music, ranging from sprightly to somber, triumphal to poetic, is fascinatingly fresh, and the singers, both individuals and choral, are in sweet form.
Another addition to the original is the presence of a narrator, delivered in a somber black suit and with exceptional clarity by Megan Bush. Her role (first written by Camille Zamora and here adapted by Berryman) is to tell us the plot, since in this pragmatic century we may need a guide to how a fairy tale works. The effect, though helpful, further reminds us that we’re watching a somewhat curious construction from another era. And that’s OK — sometimes it’s comforting to step back into a make-believe world, especially one with such charming music.
Barbara Adams, a regional arts journalist, teaches writing at Ithaca College.
Ithaca College’s Clark Theatre March 5 & 6, 8 p.m.
Tickets at tickets.ithaca.edu. music by Pauline Viardot Garcia and libretto by Ivan Turgenev.
Directed by Susannah Berryman, with new orchestration by Christopher Zemliauskas.
When a restaurant in downtown Ithaca retains the same ownership and footprint for almost two decades, it gets my attention. Asia Cuisine does just that. Perhaps you remember an Italian restaurant, Giovanni’s, or a fish market, The Fisherman, which served customers on what we now refer to as “restaurant row” at the corner of Aurora and Seneca street before Asia Cuisine opened its doors to the public in July of 2004?
Surely its popularity isn’t based on its austere atmosphere. It’s enclosed by two brick walls with a few photographs and some paper and plastic charts. A half dozen hanging lamps provide the illumination. The interior itself is quite close with tables for twos and fours placed uncomfortably near each other.
I have always been amazed at the size of Asia Cuisine’s menu offerings compared to the size of the restaurant. There’s barely enough seating for three dozen diners and yet there are 110 items on one side of its menu and five dozen more on the other! And the variety that the small kitchen staff puts out is truly impressive.
There’s a large variety of Japanese and Korean cuisine with a nod to Chinese.
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partnership aims to enhance care options for the elderly and support age-friendly community initiatives.
Naph’tali Edge, Chief Nursing Officer at Cayuga Health, highlighted the success of collaborative efforts between VNS and CHS in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “Providing evidence-based tools and education for patients to monitor their condition at home has improved the chance patients will receive care early, avoiding hospitalization when possible,” said Edge. This success underscores the potential for effective early intervention by integrating home-based care.
Moreover, both organizations are developing a community paramedicine pro-
Therefore, despite the name of the establishment, you won’t find Vietnamese, Thai, or Indian fare. Fortunately, in the greater Ithaca area, that shouldn’t be a problem.
Many of the items on the menu go by their Asian names, however there are clear descriptions in English. And the spicy items stand out and are easily identifiable as management has elected to highlight them in bright red. They’re not kidding: I’ve found spicy items to be very spicy. Feel free to ask your server to cut back on the heat. Staff here bends over backwards to assure you a pleasant dining experience.
One of the many things I really like about this place is that they don’t feel they need to pipe in music to enable us to have a pleasant dining experience.
With over 160 entrees to work with, where to start describing the food?
I’ll start with my last lunch there. I had the Sushi Assortment appetizer ($9.95) which consisted of four pieces of nigiri sushi (usually oval shaped rice with raw fish on top similar to sashimi) including tuna, red snapper, salmon, and shrimp. The fish looked fresh and was cold, as it must be. A minor distraction: the rice the fish was on fell apart in my fingers and between my chopsticks. It should have been stickier. I assume for Sushi, the chef uses short-grained rice however I
gram to extend care to rural underserved patients. The program aligns with their shared mission to address social determinants of health and foster interdisciplinary community healthcare connections. The partnership seeks to enhance connections between patients and community resources, including transportation and Food Net Meals on Wheels.
Tom LiVigne, Chairman of the Cayuga Health Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of developing interdisciplinary community healthcare connections. “Taking care of our residents in Tompkins County and surrounding areas, and addressing social determinants of health, requires us to develop interdisciplinary community health care connections,” stated LiVigne.
Collaboration with the Visiting Nurse Service is crucial in aligning missions to provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare.
thought the rice the chef uses should have had more amylopectin or less amylose. Or perhaps he/ she could have mixed in some rice vinegar and sugar to increase the stickiness. However, this was an excellent dish.
I also had Smoked Salmon Roll ($5.50). I received eight tightly wrapped pieces which included avocado and scallions with raw salmon. Another well prepared dish.
For nearly two decades, Asia Cuisine has spiced up Aurora Street’s Restaurant Row with a large variety of delicious dishes.
On another occasion I had a totally different dish that was robust and flavorful: Jjam Bong ($18.95). This is a spicy (it was very spicy however the server took it back to the kitchen and returned with a less spicy version) noodle soup with tender mussels out of their shells, shrimp, squid, and lots of vegetables and noodles. Jjam Bong is the Korean version of bouillabaisse, the robust fisherman’s stew that originated in Marseilles, France, and cioppino, the fish stew made popular in San Francisco in the 1890s after originally being concocted in Genoa, Italy as ciuppin. Here, the shellfish, fish, and veggies were packed together in a mound in the center of the soup and made into an attractive presentation. I liked it very much. Incidentally, the staff makes the noodles in house daily and they have a slightly better taste than in other restaurants.
There are no desserts.
Beverages stay with the Asian theme. There are seven beers ($6:00-9.95) in
bottles. If you like Asian beer you’ll be happy to find the old standbys: Ashai and Sapporo. I’ve also enjoyed a Thai beer, Singha. It’s got kind of a mild hoppy flavor. You can also find a couple of house Sakes and a few Asian wines.
I’m happy to leave the bells and whistles and piped in music to other establishments because at Asia Cuisine the quality of the food is good, it’s well prepared, attractively presented, and reasonably priced.
There is only one restroom for everyone so you may have to wait.
There is no onsite parking.
126 N Aurora St, Ithaca
(607) 256-8818
Mon., Thurs., Fri. 12-8 Sat.-Sun. 12-8:15
Through “Dune: Part 2,” viewers are taken on a transfixing and mythic journey by director Denis Villenuve and his co-writer, Jon Spaihts. It seems made for those of us fascinated by science fiction with a metaphysical bent.
Rated PG-13
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken.
Currently playing at both Cinemapolis 120 East Green Street and the Regal Ithaca Mall
40 Catherwood Road, Ithaca
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Despite the challenges posed by ADC’s closure, Kruppa said that the county is committed to working to address any gaps that will arise.
As the community faces the impact of ADC’s closure, Kruppa extended gratitude for the Drug Council’s years of service. “Our Drug Council has been an amazing partner in providing substance use disorder services in our community for many years,” he said.
The film, based on Frank Herbert’s neoclassic 1965 novel, combines an impressive cast with captivating cinematography and Hans Zimmer's music to provide a basis for significant engagement. However, we may feel a need to call upon the “willful suspension of disbelief,” from time-to-time.
Paul Atrides (Timothee Chalamet) is the surviving son of a line of aristocrats which has been nearly wiped out by the rival Harkonnens on planet Geidi Prime.
As you might imagine, there’s a showdown between Paul and a Harkonnen royal, Fayed-Rautha, wickedly portrayed by Austin Butler. (You may recall him as Elvis.)
Meanwhile, the “spice-based” drug culture we're dealing with (on screen), requires some of the bodily fluids of gigantic worms to be ingested by the seers, like Rev. Mother Mohand (Charlotte Ram-
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Network, I have worked with so many other executive directors over the years. It is a hard job. But I have NEVER heard anything about another non-profit in our community like what I continually hear about the TCSPCA under Jim Bouderau. With County money involved and with the compassionate values of our community at stake, there needs to be a full, unbiased investigation.” — Andi Gladstone
pling) to bring about their “visions” of things to come. These enhanced perceptions of the future are akin to those of the witches in Shakespeare’s “MacBeth.”
One of the central figures is a no-nonsense Fremen soldier, Chani (portrayed by Zendaya). She tells Paul that “among the rebels, everyone is equal.”
He tells her “I’d very much like to be equal to you.” This remains to be seen.
Oddly, one of the most empathy-inducing characters is Stilgar, (Javier Bardem).
He is a devoted “fundamentalist” who contends that Paul Atrides is a prophet, put on the planet to lead in the liberation of the Fremen. Thus, there’s an ongoing
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in law enforcement, contributing to the long-term diversification of the workforce.
Continuous feedback cycles, regular check-ins, and anonymous surveys are recommended to address concerns within local law enforcement agencies. This approach aims to foster an environment of openness and collaboration, allowing for ongoing improvement based on real-time insights from officers on the ground.
continued from page 7
kins County. “Now an annual study, the TCWC, along with the ILR’s Co-Lab and AFCU, will update the new Living Wage later this year. This new wage informs the nation’s very first Living Wage Employer Certification program, which the TCWC began in 2006.”
“The most recent increase to the Tompkins County Living Wage occurred on November 8th of this year. The new Living Wage had its greatest increase since 1994 (when AFCU started the Living Wage study) moving from $16.61/hour to $18.45/hour, an 11% increase! Details of the ILR study can be seen here: https://
tension between him and Chani, which may require another segment to figure out.
Meanwhile, Paul’s family friend, Gunney H. (Josh Brolin), can be found riding on the Bike Path on Venice Beach. Thus, he'll be in shape for the next “nearly three-hour cinematic ordeal.” I imagine that “Dune” advocates are waiting for the next chapter.
The report also advocates for clear communication pathways with City Hall by establishing consistent and transparent dialogue to minimize miscommunication and improve relationships between law enforcement and elected officials.
The targeted recommendations for reducing police response requests, transforming workplace culture, overhauling recruitment processes, and enhancing community engagement converge toward a common goal — to create a law enforcement system that is responsive and reflective of the communities it serves.
www.ilr.cornell.edu/ithaca-co-lab”
“A few blocks away from the Worker Center located in downtown Ithaca, crucial workers at the Advocacy Center voted to join the Communication Workers of America (CWA) union with significant support from TCWC. As did workers at Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services, also voluntarily recognized by management (also CWA Local 1111) and Bangs Ambulance Services, now represented by the CSEA (Civil Service Employees Association).”
“Special support is also provided for farm workers and migrant workers, and those seeking immigration assistance.”
For more information on TCWC services or to volunteer in one of the TCWC’s projects call TCWC: 607-2690409 or E-mail pete@tcworkerscenter.org
On Saturday, four years after first lacing up a pair of boxing gloves, Ithaca firefighter Brian Christensen will step into the ring as one of the participants in The Battle of the Badges in Watertown. In his first actual bout, Brian will square off against a member of the New York State Police, and when I asked him if he would be able to see any film of his opponent, Christensen answered, “No. I just know that he is a light heavyweight, and that he weighs about 180 pounds. That’s all I need to know.”
Christensen came onto my story radar when I got a call from longtime local boxing trainer Danny Akers, who has been a part of the GIAC boxing scene for over 40 years. Of the Battle of the Badges, Akers said, “This is the event’s fourth year as I understand it, but it’s the first time I’ve been involved.” Danny said Brian “started coming to the gym (at GIAC) before Covid, and now he weighs about 180, and he’s in great shape.”
Brian said, “That’s right, I started boxing in 2019, but I wasn’t training for any particular fight. I would meet up casually with friends there, but I wasn’t taking it very seriously. Then, the gym closed for two years, and when I came back in 2022, I had just been hired as a firefighter, and I didn’t want to risk injury.”
Asked about his athletic background, Christensen, 38, told me, “I grew up in Penn Yan, and I wrestled and played football in high school. When I went to Finger Lakes Community College, I did Timber sports (also known as Lumberjack sports).” After that chapter in his life, the “Go West Young Man” mantra apparently resonated, and Brian packed up to spend a few years in Montana, then Oregon, before returning to this area in 2016. He now serves as a professional firefighter for the City of Ithaca, and as a volunteer for the Newfield Fire Department.
Asked if his passion for fitness helps him in his job, Christensen answered, “I always stayed fit, and of course, physical fitness matches well with what I need to do for my job.”
Since Brian has made the commitment to represent the I.F.D. In the Battle of the Badges he has, in his words, “Been taking it very seriously.” He added, “I run in the morning, I go to the gym in the afternoon, and I have been much more serious about my diet as well.”
Christensen is well aware that the physical preparation is but one of the necessary ingredients for success. “Having Danny in my corner gives me a lot of confidence,” Brian offered. “He has trained countless amateur fighters, a number of pros as well, and I trust his game plan.”
Christensen added, “I am – to be honest, a little nervous – but I know that I am physically prepared, and that Danny is the brains of the operation, so to speak. It feels like the pieces of the puzzle are in place.”
The fourth annual Battle of the Badges has tickets available online at watertown-
arenaboxingclub.com . The event will be held at Jefferson Community College, and former heavyweight Gerry Cooney will make a guest appearance.
On Saturday, the Cornell men’s lacrosse team ran its record to 3-1 with yet another explosive performance by senior attackman C.J. Kirst. Kirst matched his career high by putting seven goals in the net and adding an assist for an impressive 8 point day. The scoring outburst ran Kirst’s points streak to 38 games. Teammate Michael Long was right behind him with seven points on three goals and four assists (running
Only four years after taking up boxing, local firefighter Brian Christensen will have his first match in the Battle of the Badges in Watertown.
his own goal scoring streak to 21 games), as the Big Red took down the Ohio State Buckeyes on Schoellkopf Field. Next up for Cornell is a trip to Penn State on Saturday.
