December 6, 2023

F R E E / D e c e m b er 6 , 2 0 2 3 / V o l u m e X L I I I , N u m b er 6 7 / O u r 5 1 s t Y e a r

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023 PAGES 12-13

MOHLENHOFF APPOINTED CITY MANAGER PAGE 3

CORNELL STUDENTS IPD INTRODUCING CALL ON UNIVERSITY LICENSE PLATE TO DIVEST FROM READING ISRAEL TECHNOLOGY PAGE 4

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HOLIDAY SEASON CONCERTS

PETER AND THE WOLF AT THE CHERRY

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WIC and SNAP recipients are eligible for our FLOWER 13% discount. Learn more at greenstar.coop/flower WIC is accepted at 770 Cascadilla St. store only.

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Valid 12/6/2023 - 12/31/2023. GreenStar Food Co+op membership is not required.

Limit one coupon per customer during a one-time shopping trip. Valid in-store at any GreenStar location. Excludes membership fee, special orders, and gift cards; some other exclusions apply. Must surrender this coupon to receive offer. Minimum purchase threshold to redeem coupon excludes tax and deposits. Offer not valid with other GreenStar Food Co+op coupons. Coupon has no cash value. Void if duplicated.

2 The Ithaca Times / December 6 – 12, 2023

Newsline

VOL. XLIII / NO. 67 / December 6, 2023 Serving 47,125 readers week ly

ON THE COVER:

Mayor Selects Deb Mohlenhoff as Ithaca’s First City Manager

NEWSLINE ������������������������������������3-5 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ������������ 6

By M at t D ough e rt y

partnership with the Mayor, Council and dedicated City staff in 2024 to build the new government structure so that the City statement was released by the Ofcan be even more effective in meeting the fice of Mayor Laura Lewis on November 29 announcing that current needs of the community.”

Molenhoff has long been considered Chief of Staff Deb Mohlenhoff has been the top pick for the job as she has been selected as Ithaca’s first City Manager. The involved in developing the position since Common Council will cast the deciding it was approved by more than 70% of the vote on Mohlenhoff ’s nomination during public at a referendum in November 2022. their meeting on December 6.

The statement announcing her nomination Following the announcement Mayor said that the Common Council voted to Laura Lewis said that she was, “very offer the position to Mohlenhoff during pleased with Common Council’s decision a private “executive session” of a meeting to extend the offer of City Manager to Deb Mohlenhoff.” Lewis continued saying, on November 15, two days after the final interview for the position was conducted. “[Mohlenhoff ’s] long-standing commitMolenhoff has ment to public service been involved locally and her exemplary proin Ithaca for over two fessional experience will decades and is a wellbe beneficial to city staff known face for every with whom Deb has member of the Comworked closely, and to mon Council, which Council members who perhaps influenced will continue setting the decision of several policy priorities.” She — Mayor Laura Lewis members of the council added, “Deb’s appointnot to show up to her ment is dependent upon interview. The Alderpeople who did not the Common Council’s December 6 vote [and] I look forward to the exciting oppor- attend Molenhoff ’s interview were Donna Fleming, Cynthia Brock, George McGonitunities to come from this new Councilgal, Ducson Nguyen, and Jorge DeFendini.

Manager form of government in 2024.”

Molenhoff ’s roots in Ithaca stretch back In response to the announcement, to her time attending Ithaca College to Mohlenhoff told the Ithaca Times, “I am earn a degree in communications. After delighted and honored to be selected for receiving a degree in communications this historic new role in the City and look from Ithaca College, Molenhoff worked forward to the Council vote and official for her Alma Mater for 17 years before appointment next week.” She continued taking a higher-level leadership position at saying, “It will be exciting to work in

A

The Ithaca Times 2023 Holiday Gift Guide.

“Deb’s appointment is dependent upon the Common Council’s December 6 vote.”

T a k e X Ice Jam Emergency Outfall Public Meeting The City of Ithaca will hold a public meeting at the beginning of the Monday, December 11, 2023, Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission Meeting at 5 p.m. This meeting is required by the DEC for the city to obtain a permit to discharge treated wastewater effluent into Fall and Cascadilla Creek for the sole purpose of melting ice jams.

The City of Ithaca Department of Public Works has submitted an application to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS ������ 7 HEALTH ����������������������������������������� 11 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ������������ 12-13 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT �������������������� 15 STAGE ��������������������������������������������� 16 CINEMA ����������������������������������������� 17 SPORTS ������������������������������������������� 19 CLASSIFIED ������������������������������20-23 Chief of Staff Deb Mohlenhoff has been selected as Ithaca’s first City Manager. Common Council will vote on her nomination on December 6. (Photo: File)

Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3). Then, in 2004, Molenhoff was appointed by former Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson to serve on the City’s comprehensive planning committee. When there was a vacancy in the Fifth Ward, Molenhoff was recommended to fill it, leading to her serving a 12-year term on the Common Council.

At a time when the City is experiencing significant changes in nearly every department, the selection of Mohlenhoff shows that City Hall is choosing to play it safe and preserve some institutional knowledge by ensuring that the leader of this new form of government is someone who has been part of the City for decades.

When asked what she would prioritize Contin u ed on Page 6

N o t e

(NYSDEC) for a SPDES permit for the Ice Jam Emergency Outfall Project. A Public Participation Plan has been developed in accordance with NYSDEC Commissioner Policy 29, Environmental Justice and Permitting (CP-29). The purpose of this meeting is to inform the public about the project and to involve the community during the SPDES permit application review process.

This meeting will run for about 1 hour and will consist of a 10–15-minute presentation, followed by Q&A. Project personnel will be available to answer questions from the community. For additional

information on the proposed project contact: Michael Thorne, Superintendent of Public Works by phone at 607-274-6527 or by email at mthorne@cityofithaca.org More information is available here on the City of Ithaca website: https://www.cityofithaca.org /768/Ice-Jam-Emergency-Outfall-Information Contact the project liaison to request reasonable accommodation for a disability or interpreter services in a language other than English, so that you can participate in the call and/or to request a translation of any of the event documents into a language other than English.

ON T HE WE B Visit our website at www.ithaca.com for more news, arts, sports and photos. Call us at 607-277-7000 M a t t D o u g h e r t y , M a n a g i n g E d i t o r , x 1217 E d i t o r @ I t h a c aTi m e s . c o m Ch r i s I b e r t, C a l en da r Ed i to r , A r t s @ I t h a c aTi m e s . c o m A n d r e w S u l l i v a n , S p o r t s E d i t o r , x 1227 Sports@flcn.org M a t t D o u g h e r t y , N e w s R e p o r t e r , x 1225 R e p o r t e r @ I t h a c aTi m e s . c o m Michelle L aMorte, Photographer Ste ve L awrence, Spo rts Co lumn ist St e v e S p o r t sD u d e @ g m a i l .co m L u c y A l l e n , F r o n t D es k F r o n t @ I t h a c a T i mes . c o m J i m B i l i n s k i , P u b l i s h e r , x 1210 j b i l i n s k i @ I t h a c aTi m e s . c o m L a r r y H o c h b e r g e r , A ss o c i a t e P u b l i s h e r , x 1214 l a r r y@ I t h a c aTi m e s . c o m F r ee l a n ce r s : Barbara Adams, Stephen Burke, G. M Burns, Alyssa Denger, Jane Dieckmann, Charley Githler, Ross Haarstad, Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Henry Stark, Bryan VanCampen, and Arthur Whitman THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE ITHACA TIMES ARE C O P Y R I G H T © 2 02 3, B Y N E W S K I I N C .

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December 6 – 12, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

3

INQUIRING Cornell Students Call on University to Divest from Israeli Military Tech Firms PHOTOGRAPHER N e w s l i n e

By Ke nne th Wate rhou se WHAT IS YOUR

FAVORITE CHOWDER?

in Multi-Day Occupation of Campus Buildings

organizations.” The group has said that they are “unequivocally against anti-Semitism” and that they have “condemned recent tudents organizing with the Cornell threats against Jewish Cornell students Coalition for Mutual Liberation while emphasizing a clear distinction be(CML) began a multi-day occupation tween anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.” of campus buildings on December first to Regarding the university’s business relapressure the university to end its investtionships with companies that do business ments in Israeli military technology firms, with the Israeli military, the coalition has protect academic speech supporting Palestinian self-determination and criticizing the said that “Cornell’s endowment includes The Cornell Coalition for Mutual Liberation (CML) staged a three day occupation of university buildings investments in companies that supply State of Israel, and publicly recognize the calling on administration to divest from Israeli Military the Israeli military, such as Technion and clear theoretical and political distinction Tech firms and protect speech criticizing the State of Tata Motors.” The coalition says that these between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism.

Israel. (Photo: Coalition for Mutual Liberation) investments directly harm and alienate The occupation ended on December Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students. third, when organizers announced that Jacob Berman, a Jewish Cornell student The Cornell Chronicle reported that their demand to “meet with Cornell’s CFO and interim Vice President of JVP Cornell, in 2018, “A $50 million investment from to discuss divestment from [companies has said, “Since arriving on campus in 2021, that do business with the Israeli military]” Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading I have seen anti-Zionist Jewish students and global IT services, consulting, and busiwas met. The statement also said that the faculty denigrated, shut out from spiritual ness solutions organization,” funded the Cornell Administration has agreed to the construction of the Tata Innovation Center, events, and doxxed for exercising our opcoalition’s demand to “Protect academic located in New York City’s Roosevelt Island. position to the genocidal nature of Zionspeech supporting Palestinian self-deterism,” Berman continued saying that he is As part of their demand for Cornell to mination and criticizing the state of Israel.” divest from companies that do business with “proud of my fellow anti-Zionist colleagues According to a statement released by the Israeli military, at Cornell, who reformed a JVP chapter on the coalition, the coalition states our campus during this historic occupation.” “at least eight he added, “Zionism is not the only option that the university representatives should “consider a for Jewish Americans.” of CML will meet Bianca Waked, an international PhD stucompany’s involvewith Cornell EVP/ dent at Cornell, has said that international ment in human CFO Christopher students at Cornell “can’t express our values rights abuses in Cowen to discuss or engage the thoughts of others because its investment pathways to diof consistent over-policing in the face of all objectives.” The vestment through — Coalition for Mutual Liberation expressions of Palestinian support,” Waked coalition says that revisions and added that she has “seen students stopped the university alterations to the by police officers for the otherwise permismust work with them to draft a policy to endowment’s objectives.” The meeting is scheduled to take place on December 11th. implement these goals and allow the CML to sible act of writing with sidewalk chalk on campus, or cops get called because people conduct annual reviews of investments.

The statement continued, saying, “This Malak Abuhashim, a Palestinian student felt threatened by the Palestinian flag.” development signifies a significant win The only coalition demand the universiat Cornell, has said, “Cornell is willfully in a long fight for institutional accountty has not agreed to is publicly recognizing complicit and profiting from every bomb ability, as well as liberation and justice the political distinction between anti-Zidropped on my family in Gaza. How much for oppressed communities in Palestine onism and anti-semitism. Groups like the money is the life of Palestinians worth?” and beyond.” It added that while “CorAnti-Defamation League (ADL) describe Abuhashim added, “The unprecedented nell never formally divest from apartheid anti-Zionism as “more socially acceptable anti-Palestinian sentiment and racism South Africa…it is our fervent hope that than classic antisemitism.” However, the we’ve seen from the administration leads Cornell will be the first member of the Ivy Editor of Jewish Currents, Peter Beinart, me to believe that Cornell’s investments League to divest from apartheid Israel.” who considers himself a Zionist, has said drive their racially biased actions.”

The coalition says that their “committhat it’s not accurate to regard all antiThe coalition statement continues by ment to this cause remains unwavering, as we recognize that every day Cornell delays saying that Cornell University must make a zionist remarks as anti-semitic.

According to a write-up of his appeardistinction between anti-zionism and antidivestment is another day that it profits ance on the Munk Debate podcast, Beinart semitism because “Anti-Zionist students from the marginalization and dehumansaid, “I am a Zionist because, as a Jew, I at Cornell and across the country face a ization of indigenous Palestinians.” believe in the importance of a state that has culture of repression and fear, particularly The Coalition for Mutual Liberation in light of the recent shooting of Palestinian (CML) is “a multiracial, multi-tendency college students in Burlington, Vermont.” coalition of over two dozen Cornell-based Contin u ed on Page 18

S

“A good, thick New England.”

– Bob T.

“Cheesy potato.”

– Lucas H.

“Creamy white clam & potato.”

– James H.

“Seafood.”

– Ellie R.

“Lobster.”

– Jermaine T.

By M at t D ough e rt y

“…it is our fervent hope that Cornell will be the first member of the Ivy League to divest from apartheid Israel.”

4 The Ithaca Times / December 6 – 12, 2023

UPS&DOWNS

N e w s l i n e

License Plate Reading Cameras are Coming to Ithaca

T

By M at t D ough e rt y

he Ithaca Police Department is moving forward with a program that will see license plate reading cameras installed in several areas throughout the City. The funding for the program was included in the 2023 budget, and the Council requested that a representative from IPD return to give another presentation on the program as it was being implemented. This presentation occurred during the November 29 City Administration Committee meeting.

The program is being conducted in partnership with the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department as part of the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, which “provides state funding to local law enforcement agencies for equipment, overtime, personnel, [and] focused training and technical assistance,” according to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Acting Chief of Police at IPD, Ted Schwartz, has said, “Part of receiving that funding involves installing these cameras.”

Schwartz added, “Other law enforcement agencies in the county are also participating in the program.

According to Schwartz, “For the last handful of years, IPD has heard that the community wants us to become more efficient and to use technology to our advantage.” He continued, “One thing that we have done to institute that was asking and getting Council to approve money in our budget for technology called Automated license plate readers.”

Schwartz says the IPD is looking to use the cameras to investigate crimes and help find missing people and stolen vehicles. “This is not something where we would have someone live-time monitoring or have concerns about police watching people that aren’t accused of doing something wrong,” Schwartz said. He said that IPD will not use the technology for

The license plate reading cameras will be provided

by Flock Safety. There will be 20 cameras spread throughout the city. Each camera comes at an annual cost of $2,500. (Photo: Flock Safety)

Ups

immigration purposes, harassment, or intimidation. Schwartz added, “It will not be used to obtain any biometric information, and none of the data will be sold to a third-party platform.” According to a presentation on the technology given at the meeting, the cameras will only take images of the back of vehicles, and no names will Acting Police Chief Ted Schwartz says that Ithaca will be receiving Automatic License Plate Reading be associated with those images. cameras to help solve crime. (Photo: File) The cameras will be made by Flock Safety, which describes itself as “a private Schwartz has said that there will be apcompany that sells Automated License proximately 20 cameras spread throughout Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology to the City and County as part of the partnerlaw enforcement agencies and neighborship, so the City should expect to pay at least hood associations.” The company was founded in 2017, and its ALPR systems are $50,000 every year if the subscription continues. Schwartz said that while the cameras currently being used by more than 3,000 won’t provide coverage for the entire City, lopolice departments nationwide.

Flock Safety Director of Community Af- cal law enforcement is working with Flock to fairs, Hector Sulliman-Valdez, has said that “cover major areas where we’re likely to get the most bang for our buck.” Schwartz added, license plate reading technology has been “Technology is never gonna be something around since the 1970s but that Flock has that solves the case,” but that this technoldeveloped “a new model for license plate ogy will potentially either generate a lead or reading technology, which not only reads allow us to follow up on a lead faster.” plates but also provides what we call the Current Chief of Staff and nominee for vehicle fingerprint.” Sulliman-Valdez said City Manager, Deb Mohlenhoff, has said the footprint “identifies what type of vethat “[The City] has been working with hicle, what kind of color, what is the make, both DPW and planning to see if we can does it have a roof rack, etc.” He continued ensure that most of the cameras are going by saying that the technology also provides on poles that already exist instead of putreal-time alerts to the police department.” ting up a whole bunch of additional ones.”

According to Sulliman-Valdez, “Data Mohlenhoff continued, “It’s also easier to will be uploaded, and folks will be able approve something on a poll that’s already to find it on the city’s website and share it there rather than putting new ones in.” She on social media.” He added, “It helps the added, “We’re going to use existing infracommunity see the work that the police department is doing and even measure the structure as much as possible.”

Mayor-elect Robert Cantelmo has technology's return on investment.” asked about how the technology will be Additionally, as part of Flock policy, the monitored to ensure that it isn’t being data obtained from the cameras will only misused. Schwartz responded that there be retained in the system’s database for 30 will be quarterly audits on the technology days before being deleted. Sulliman-Valdez says that this is done to protect privacy and “to ensure that it’s being complied with that it sets Flock apart from similar compa- because we understand that there can be concerns about using technology in this nies because “there’s no national standard way if it’s not used appropriately.” on data retention.” He added, “We’ve seen Fourth Ward Alderperson Jorge Deas a leader in this industry that 30 days provides police with enough time to investigate Fendini has said that while he is appreciative and grateful for the work being done a crime, even if somebody out of town to improve public safety, he remains “a doesn’t notice that the crime has occurred, little suspicious about the concerns of or there’s no leads right away.” more mass surveillance throughout the According to Sulliman-Valdez, “It’s infrastructure free and [Flock] provides all City.” DeFendini said that while Flock is taking steps to avoid issues such as profilof the maintenance associated with keeping, he has heard some concerns from the ing the cameras running and access to American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) the software.” According to Flock Safety’s website, each camera costs $2,500 annually about Flock’s “centralization of data, and comes with an additional one-time installation fee of $150-$650.

Contin u ed on Page 18

The Ithaca Waldorf School (IWS) Board of Trustees will hold a ribboncutting ceremony on December 9th at 10:30 am to commemorate the groundbreaking of The Farm, the newest initiative of the school's Farm & Land Stewardship program.

Downs

According to a new report, nearly two out of five households in New York State cannot afford to cover their basic needs; more than 2.3 million households or nearly 7.5 million people struggle to get by on earnings alone.

HEARD&SEEN Heard

The Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers Present Their Winter Concert December 9, 2023 at 3pm at Ithaca College’s Ford Hall.

Seen

The Ithaca City School District (ICSD) Board of Education unanimously voted to permit the flying of the Haudenosaunee (Hood-en-nosho-nee) flag on one of the two flagpoles at Ithaca High School (IHS), in consultation with members of the Haudenosaunee community.

IF YOU CARE TO RESPOND to something in this column, or suggest your own praise or blame, write news@ithacatimes. com, with a subject head “U&D.”

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Do you support increasing police presence on the Commons?

61.5% Yes .

35.9% No .

2.6%

I don’t care .

N ext Week ’s Q uestion :

Have you started your Holiday gift shopping yet?

Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.

December 6 – 12, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

5

The Talk at

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Suggestions for Reimagining Public Safety

“

To: Monalita Smiley, Deb Mohlenhoff, Lt Kelly, Mayor Lewis and Mayor-elect Cantelmo, and Assemblywoman Anna Kelles: Congratulations to our new city manager and our new police chief and the Mayor-

elect. I also appreciate the efforts of Mayor Lewis, Monalita Smiley and Dr. Kelles for their efforts to keep Ithaca equitable.

I have suggestions for Reimagining Public Safety.

Police interactions with community members is a serious concern but the amount of tax money paid for public safety is also an issue. I am not claiming that the police use overtime fraudulently that was proven to be untrue after a long investigation. Instead, use of overtime is part of how the department is organized.

Police claim that the reduced number of officers resulted in the overtime but do we need 2 officers for police tasks?

Public Safety is the largest recipient of our tax money; it includes the police

6 The Ithaca Times / December 6 – 12, 2023

department and the county jail . The amount we pay to Public Safety might be better spent on housing, transportation, jobs, and food security. Spending our money for these needs is more likely to bring about true public safety.

The PBA announced the salary increases for the recent contract. (Ithaca Times November 23) Now, the starting base pay for police officers will be $74,000.

This amount does not include overtime pay, holiday, shift differential, or longevity.

What are the education requirements for a police officer? For comparison, an ICSD classroom teacher needs a teaching certificate and a Master’s Degree. The average starting salary for a Ithaca classroom teacher is $40,137. (https://www. zippia.com/ithaca-city-school-districtcareers-89753/salary/) Police officers face a lot of challenges.

An officer needs to cope with people who are mentally ill or drug addicted or aggressive domestic abusers. Overtime pay for police, however, is a serious drain on our city and county coffers. Please read this report from the National Institute of Justice (https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles/167572. pdf) which clearly explains the problem.

Why is the salary for police so important?

A large percentage of our tax dollars are for public safety. Please try to attend Mayor Lewis’ event on December 12th, “Mayors for a Guaranteed Income.” It will explain why people who earn minimum wage jobs cannot survive.

If the new police chief and city manager can make the effort to reduce overtime pay for our police department, we may have the money for a guaranteed income for people who need it.

Please keep in mind that the research shows that when a city adds more police officers, crime does not go down. (https:// www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2019/02/13/marshall-project-morecops-dont-mean-less-crime-experts-

say/2818056002/ Assemblywoman Anna Kelles hosted an event in Ithaca last year with people from the Katal Center for Equity, Health, and Justice who discussed how to reduce crime. They showed that crime is not reduced by hiring more police or building bigger jails. Providing jobs, housing, mental health and addiction treatment, assuring that children have enough food — these are the actions that reduce crime.

Thank you for hearing me out and for all of your hard work for the betterment of Ithaca.” — Josephine Cardamone

Dangerous Intersection

“

Yet another accident at the intersection of Rt. 79 and Honness Lane, Dark and overcast at 6:00pm, mirror to see oncoming traffic not visible: BAM! Vehicles both well under speed limit, one just turning into 79 after full stop, no fault all around, but three wounded sent to ER. Calculate cost of two ambulances and their EMT crews, three Fire trucks and crews, Sheriff department vehicle mileage and personnel.

Save taxpayer money by installing lighting at this dangerous intersection.”

— A. L Benson MAYOR SELECTS contin u ed from page 3

in her first 100 days in office, Molenhoff said, “I think for me, the first 100 days we'll be setting everyone up to succeed.

We must spend time with the new council and the mayor to understand the role.” She continued, “The way that I see the role of City Manager is a bridge between elected officials who have oversight and policymaking power and the internal day-to-day operations of City staff.”

Contin u ed on Page 18

GUEST OPINION

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Pickleball Mania at the Ithaca Mall

Xak Bjerken

By R i l ey L e ona r d

By M a rjor i e O l d s

I

in 1980, there were over 2,500 shopping malls in the United States. The precipitous suburban sprawl of the mid-to-late twentieth century positioned these massive shopping centers as the engines of American consumerism. Today, less than a quarter still exist. Of the roughly 700 remaining malls, a substantial portion survive only as “zombie malls”—characterized by high vacancy rates, low levels of consumer traffic, and non-existent anchor stores. These zombie malls are endemic of both the country’s failed urban design and shifting retail climate. Built atop seas of asphalt and often accessible only by automobile, shopping malls were wholly unequipped to respond to the sweeping success and convenience of e-commerce.

By some definitions, Central New York’s Ithaca Mall could be considered a zombie mall. There are empty stores and emptier parking lots. Stains from the signs of old retailers cast a shadow on blank storefronts. “Ulta Beauty”—the name of a cosmetics chain and former Ithaca Mall tenant—can still be faintly read on a slab of white concrete above the mall’s now-empty southern entrance. But certain areas of the Ithaca Mall remain stubbornly undead, thanks largely to the creative use of vacant retail space. Abandoned anchor lots have been converted to a dog training facility, roller derby rink, jiu-jitsu academy, and a collection of indoor pickleball courts. The pickleball courts seem to be the biggest hit.

Across from Regal Cinemas sits Pickleball Mania: a pickle paradise for professional and protégé pickleballers alike. On this particular Tuesday evening, the pickleball premises were packed! While Pickleball Mania’s popularity might confound the general trend of dwindling consumer interest in the Ithaca Mall, it makes perfect sense in the context of the sport’s explosive growth. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, 48.3 million

Pickleball is bringing new life to empty space at the Ithaca Mall. (Photo: Provided)

American adults played at least one game of pickleball in the last 12 months, making it the fastest-growing sport in the country for the fifth consecutive year.

Peeking into the windows of Pickleball Mania, one would hardly guess that it was just another cold and quiet night in Ithaca.

In addition to four simultaneous doubles matches, the sidelines brimmed with prospective opponents—all waiting eagerly for their own opportunity to take the court.

The atmosphere was friendly but unmistakably competitive. The teams clearly wanted to win, and there was a visible earnestness in the effort of every player. Regardless of each participant’s experience and age—the youngest player appeared to be around eight and the oldest well into retirement—every game felt equally important. Over half of the players donned some sort of knee or arm brace. Don’t let the sport’s leisurely reputation fool you, pickleball is taken quite seriously at Pickleball Mania.

This is all held together by the group’s diligent self-governance. Without regulatory bodies, participants take on the sole responsibility of officiating and organizing their own matches. Notably, players excel in promoting inclusivity and ensuring balanced games—the absence of external regulation fosters a sense of shared responsibility among players. Amid the spirited competition, there is also a mutual understanding that disputes are part of the game. When it comes to selfofficiating, participants are not afraid to challenge an opponent’s call, but differences are settled diplomatically after each match.

Academics have dedicated considerable attention to sport’s capacity to encourage social inclusion and establish a universal neutral language. At Pickleball Mania, Ithacans from all walks of life are brought together in a shared appreciation of the quirky paddle sport—united in a language of “dinks”, “kitchens”, and “pickles”. There is a remarkable ability for people to build camaraderie through sport, even in the unlikeliest places. This effect is clear at Pickleball Mania and is equally pronounced at the Ithaca Roller Derby and Ithaca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu School, both of which are also attracting passionate crowds of new mallgoers. It’s no coincidence then that many of these unconventional new tenants are thriving—they offer something that the mall’s previous focus on consumerism never could: community. In this respect, the Ithaca Mall has never been more alive!

G

Xak Bjerken

rowing up in Santa Barbara, CA, Xak Bjerken discovered a battered old piano in the garage of the house his family rented, and he began his life as a pianist as a five-year-old in the rented garage. “There was no pressure to practice or take lessons, but from the beginning I loved making music…

Santa Barbara was a small town, and in 1978 after my first recital, a retired classic silent films actress who was in the audience, brought an LP of Murray Perahia to our home. After that, I just sort of lucked out — people wealthier than our family was, always offered support. Growing up in Santa Barbara was like growing up in heaven, and I kept on with my music.”

In 1989, Xak trekked across the country, after receiving his undergraduate degree from UCLA in music, to begin his master’s and doctoral degrees at the renowned Peabody Conservatory, part of Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, MD. While at Peabody, Xak was a student of and teaching assistant to Leon Fleisher.

Just after his time at Peabody, Xak met Miri Yampolsky, a fellow pianist at the Tanglewood Music Festival, who it turned out was also a student of Fleisher.

When Xak was 26 years old, he auditioned for a position at Cornell in the esteemed Department of Music. He received a position at Cornell. “Ithaca, NY became our home in 1993 for Miri and me.”

“Cornell was then at the vanguard of the early music movement, but over time, I also became drawn to newer music from the 1920’s to the present. And that interest was supported by my colleague, composer Steven Stucky, and by my new group of friends who had joined the faculty at Ithaca College around the same year: Rick Faria, Ellen Jewett, and Lizzy Simkin. We created Ensemble X to perform new music and

classics from the 20th century.” Xak was a member for many years and later a codirector with Steven Stucky and Rick Faria.

“While on sabbatic in Amsterdam, I completed my doctorate, and upon return to Cornell was selected for a tenure-track position as Professor of Piano in 2001.”

During these years since, Xak has also served as music director of Cornell’s Chamber Orchestra (2002-2004), helped start a doctoral program focusing in new music, and recently he, together with his colleague Elizabeth Ogonek, created a Cornell ReSounds, which has been supporting the creation of new music for newly-invented instruments. Xak is co-artistic director with his wife Miri Yampolsky of Mayfest, Cornell’s International Chamber Music Festival.

“Miri is a Senior Lecturer of Piano and Co-director of the Chamber Music Festival, and fifteen years ago, we began Mayfest together, which will be held from May 17-21, 2024, in Ithaca. It is always the highlight of our year here.”

Admired and loved in their Ithaca neighborhood, Miri and Xak are the parents of Misha, 23, a bass player, currently in a Master’s program at the New England Conservatory; Anna, 19, a singer and sophomore at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, and Maya, 11, “who is busy doing everything—gymnastics, swimming, drama, clarinet...”

While Xak’s career is impressively documented on many pages on the internet, when interviewed he instead described his excitement of a holiday drive with family to Boston to hear his friend, saxophonist Steven Banks, soloing with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Xak: “Steven was teaching saxophone at IC, and we hit it off and would go on walks and play music together during COVID. Now we tour regularly.”

When Steven Banks and Xak Bjerken played at Cornell this Fall, the concert was indescribably moving and joyous.

When asked how Xak and Miri “do it all”— teaching, performing, directing, travelling, parenting, partnering, and caring for an older parent, Xak modestly comments that each of those endeavors nurtures the others: “The children give Miri and me enormous joy — they are Contin u ed on Page 16

December 6 – 12, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

7

Cornell Heights Residents Voice Concerns Over Unequal Enforcement of Historic District Regulations

I

By M att Dougherty

thaca’s neighborhoods are full of buildings that date back to the city’s origins in the 1800s. These structures bring a sense of historical significance to this busy little college town on the shores of Cayuga Lake, and the city wouldn’t be the same without them. However, the costs associated with renovating these historic buildings are burdensome to property owners. Now, some residents who live in the local historic neighborhood of Cornell Heights have voiced their concerns about how the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Committee (ILPC) regulations are applied unequally, depending on whether or not the City or an individual property owner owns the property.

This issue was discussed at a recent City Administration meeting that took place on November 29 concerning a guard rail that was installed along Fall Creek Drive in the neighborhood of Cornell Heights, which is located in a historic district. The original plan for the project included the installation of guardrail-constructed box girders along the top of the gorge on Fall Creek Drive, but a traffic consultant who worked with the engineering department on the project determined that the box girders were inappropriate “due to the proximity of the gorge to the roadway,” and a W-Beam guardrail was recommended instead. The City planned to paint the guardrail dark green to blend into the surrounding area at a cost of $30,000 — but the engineering department submitted a request

not regulated by the Commission, and the not be prudent or feasible in light of comCommon Council reserves the right to de- peting citywide funding needs for higher termine whether compliance with the IL- priority infrastructure projects, staffing, PC’s requirements for that action are pru- and other budgetary requirements.”

Cornell Heights resident Cynthia Sildent and feasible in light of potentially ber spoke during the competing public interpublic comment porests.” It added, “should tion of the meeting, the Common Council saying that the request determine upon due from the engineering deliberation that such department is “taking Compliance would not advantage of a loopbe prudent or feasible. hole in ILPC oversight The action may proceed that says the city does as though it were not not need to adhere to regulated by the ComILPC guidelines if they mission.” cost more than a cerIn their resolution City of Ithaca Tr ansportation — Erin Cuddihy Engineer, Erin Cuddihy. tain percentage of the approving the request, (Photo: File) budget.” Silber said this the Common Council stated “that compliance with the [ILPC’s] loophole is unfair because “homeowners not to paint the guardrail, citing the exor- requirements is not prudent or feasible do not have an out if the ILPC-approved in light of competing public interests.” It renovations for their property are too exbitant costs associated with the job.

The City Administration committee un- continued, “Allocating $30,000 in addi- pensive.”

Silber states, “The City needs to live animously approved the request, and will tional taxpayer funds for the aesthetic enbe subject to final approval by the Com- hancement of 227 feet guardrail would up to its standards and cannot demand of mon Council during their meeting on December 6.

The request to override the ILPC’s recommendations to paint the guardrail stated, “The estimated cost of painting the standard guardrail green is double the cost of installation of the unpainted guardrail.” It continued — Cynthia Silber by saying, “the authorized budget for the project is insufficient to cover the The City has voted to disregard a recommendation from the expense of painting” and that City code Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Committee (ILPC) to paint 228 Dash 12 B says that if the cost of an acguardr ail along Fall Creek Drive in Cornell Heights because tion required by the ILPC would “exceed it would cost too much money. (Photo: Google Maps) by 20% or more, the cost of the action is

“The City needs to live up to its standards and cannot demand of homeowners that we foot the entire bill for neighborhood preservation, while the city has no obligation to be a partner in that. That’s a recipe for resentment.”

8 The Ithaca Times / December 6 – 12, 2023

“I hope that this opens a discussion about the trouble and expense inflicted on property owners doing repairs in historic districts.”

Cornell Heights was listed on the National R egister of Historic Places in 1989. It consists of an early 20th-century residential subdivision developed between 1898 and 1942, and was originally a “residence park” for faculty members of Cornell University. (Photo: City of Ithaca) homeowners that we foot the entire bill ed with renovating historic buildings. “I’m for neighborhood preservation, while the here to talk about the guardrail only from city has no obligation to be a partner in the perspective of a homeowner of a histhat.” She added, “That’s a recipe for re- toric home in Ithaca,” said Cuddihy.

According to Cuddihy, “Our home resentment.”

Silber continued saying that “the man- pairs have been drastically more expensive ner in which this happened was inexcus- than they would be on a house in a Historic District.” Cuddihy able. At no time were said that she and her we informed of these husband spent $22,500 changes in plans and last year on repairs to given an opportunity their slate roof. “By no for input.” Silber asked means did that buy us the committee to vote a new slate roof; we just no on the request not to repaired damages to paint the guardrail, sayour current roof,” Cuding, “It is not the homedihy said. owner’s responsibility She continued sayalone to maintain the ing that they have to rehistoric character of — Erin Cuddihy place broken slates evthe neighborhood. The ery year because they city has an obligation to partner with us and to adhere to the aren’t allowed to update the building with a “normal” modern roof. Cuddihy standards to which it holds us.”

The City’s Transportation Engineer, said, “Normal is not allowed under the Erin Cuddihy, also spoke during the pub- ILPC rules.” She added, “Owners of homes lic comment portion of the meeting as a in this neighborhood don’t have the abilresident of Cornell Heights, supporting ity to go with a cheap or competitive opthe claims of other residents in historic tion when it comes to contractors for madistricts regarding the high costs associat- terials.”

According to Cuddihy, “If the city can find a more cost-effective workaround to the guide rail issue, I hope that this opens a discussion about the trouble and expense inflicted on property owners doing repairs in historic districts.” She continued, “If $34,000 is too much for the city to pay to

modify the guard rail, then that amount is too much for individual property owners.”

Before the City Administration committee approved the request to override the ILPC’s recommendation to paint the guard rail, Fourth Ward Alderperson Jorge DeFendini said, “I feel that it would not be in the city’s best interest allocate $30,000 for a repainting project for this, though I do understand and sympathize with the high costs of living in a historic neighborhood.” DeFendini added, “I believe that we need to take a more holistic approach to how we are supporting our constituents when it comes to the high cost of living in the City of Ithaca…because some of the things we heard during public comment in terms of expenses are ridiculous and not sustainable.”

Alderperson Kris Haines-Sharp said that while high renovation costs might negatively impact individual homeowners, “the work of the ILPC is in the public’s interest.” She added, “It preserves the city’s history and is an important process. I’m grateful to all of those who take that on.”

Alderperson Donna Fleming said, “I’m afraid I have to agree that the additional expense to the city of $30,000 could be better spent on other infrastructure.” Fleming continued saying, “I understand that there has been an agreement that the guardrail would be painted green, but in looking at the pictures, it doesn’t look offensive to my eyes. It looks like a nice new guardrail.” She added, “We also must consider the safety aspects that require it. It’s a tough call, but I think, in this case, we should override and not pay for the painting.”

Alderperson Gorge McGonigal agreed, saying, “I don’t think it’s worth $30,000 to paint this guardrail green. That money can be used elsewhere in the city.”

“If $34,000 is too much for the city to pay to modify the guard rail, then that amount is too much for individual property owners.”

Located at 900 Stewart Ave, Carl Sagan’s for mer house, a converted 1926 Egyptian R evival building perched halfway down the cliff of Fall Creek gorge, is a contributing building of the historic district. (Photo: File) December 6 – 12, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

9

10 T h e I t h a c a T i m e s / D e c e m b e r 6 – 1 2 , 2 0 2 3

Health

City, County to Share Opioid Settlement Funds

By Mat t D oug he r t y

D

uring the November 29 City Administration committee meeting, elected officials voted unanimously to approve a resolution for the City to share all of its current and future opioid settlement funds with Tompkins County to streamline the delivery of addiction recovery and prevention services. The resolution is awaiting official approval from the Common Council and County Legislature.

According to the resolution, “The city has received and will receive financial settlements from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASS) and other entities, including various defendants across multiple cases, as a result of legal actions resolved against pharmaceutical manufacturers, distribu-

tors, pharmacies and other supply chain participants.”

The defendants in these cases include companies such as Purdue Pharma and Johnson & Johnson that pushed opioids like Oxycontin, Vicodin, morphine, and methadone on the public without disclosing their massively addictive side effects to patients.

According to NPR, the Sackler family — the owners of Purdue Pharma — have agreed to pay $6 billion to resolve litigation alleging that they fueled the opioid epidemic. In addition, the three largest drug distributors in the country, along with Johnson & Johnson, have agreed to a $26 billion settlement to resolve roughly 3,000 lawsuits seeking to hold the corporations accountable for the opioid epidemic.

In 2022, the city received $73,863 in opioid settlement funds. This funding

is expected to continue over the next 15 years in varying amounts based on additional settlements and how they’re structured. According to Chief of Staff and City Manager nominee Deb Mohlenhoff, “We’ve had a couple of pots of money that have come our way through this…but this one is being managed by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASS).”

The City of Ithaca will be sharing its opioid settlement funds with Tomokins County to streamline the delivery of The resolution continued, “Tompkins County is receiving addiction recovery and prevention services. (Photo: File) a parallel financial settlement the funding “put a lot of different restrictions directed to the county.” The amount of on how the money could be used, and we settlement funding the County receives is found it challenging to identify [how to use much more than that of the City. it] because the City’s pot of money was much The resolution added that in February, the smaller than what the county received.” As County and City were notified that the City would receive certain funds as a pass-through a result, she said it made more sense for the City to share its funding with the County from the County Whole Health Department as a local government unit through the Office because there were fewer restrictions on how County funds could be spent. of Addiction Services and Support. If the The County has more robust departresolution is approved, the Mayor and City ments to use the money wisely,” Mohlenhoff Attorney will be authorized to execute an MOU governing the sharing of the City’s opi- said. “We felt it was better to just lump the City’s money in with the County’s money oid settlement funds with Tompkins County.

Mohlenhoff explained that the language stipulating how the city was allowed to use Contin u ed on Page 18

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he Ithaca Times 2023 Holiday Gift Guide has everything you need to check off all the boxes on your Christmas list. All products included in the gift guide are made within a 25 mile radius of Ithaca, and purchases support local artisans from all walks of life.

An original photograph by Connie Sue Ships, printed on canvas and priced at $225.

FIBERS: Fibers is located in the Dewitt mall, located at 225 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca, New York 14850. Fibers is a boutique known for it’s unique women’s clothing and accessories.

Silk top made in India and accessorized by handcrafted jewelry by Connie Sue Shipos.

The top goes for a price of $60 and the jewelry from $30-$45.

Crocheted hats by Janet Haskell, ranging in price from $60-$75.

A Fibers original, hand woven and made by Joan Reuning. Priced at $275.

A custom made apron of Fibers, consisting of Marimekko fabric from Finland by Joan Reuning. Priced at $95.

Various garments made by Joan Reuning, using Marimekko fabric from Finland.

Average price per item is $250.

Necklace and Yarnie Created by Connie Sue Shipos, a convertible necklace consisting of metallic beads and pearls, accompanied by a smaller, fiber necklace known as a yarnie.

Priced at $75 for the convertible and $25$30 for the yarnie.

COLOR KITTENS: Colorful, 100% washable wool sweaters for kids, hand-knit in Trumansburg by Deborah Pfautsch.

Sizes from 3 months to

All wool gloves and hats by Chris Burg ranging from $29-$45.

An assortment of caftans made in India and priced at $150.

Refillable tissue boxes made in the Fibers studio with Marimekko fabric from Finland.

Priced at $32.

12 T h e I t h a c a T i m e s / D e c e m b e r 6 – 1 2 , 2 0 2 3 / H o l id a y G i f t G u id e 2 0 2 3

5 years. Prices: $45-65.

Available at IthacaMade (Dewitt Mall), Hector Handmade (Route 414, Hector), and Sundrees (Trumansburg). “Each one is unique!”

VIA’S COOKIES HOLIDAY BOX:

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An assortment of 12 handcrafted holiday cookies. Flavors include gingersnap, chocolate toffee, M&M, cherry white chocolate, snickerdoodle, lemmie boy, chocolate chip, cookie crumble madness, and galactic fudge.

5% of Via’s profits go to struggling BIPOC & LGBTQ+ students. Read about their mission and founder at www.viascookies.com and sign up for their newsletter. Shop Via’s Cookies — Cookies to Change the World (viascookies.com)

Gourdlandia is the perfect Finger Lakes activity destination for all ages. Learn how to grow and dry gourds, explore the gourd garden, shop, be inspired, and maybe even make something!

Handwork Co-op is an artist collective located in downtown Ithaca, New York. Handwork has been owned, operated and staffed by its artist members since 1976.

Golden Hen Matted Print by Katherine Solomon — $25.

Heirloom Crush Grind pepper Mills by Stephen Landau.

Populus Eucalyptus Grapevine Wreath — $65.

Maximalist Serving Bowls

by Gina Inzinna — $70 each.

Blue Drip Casserole by David Kingsbury — $125.

BEAUTIFULLY CHARCUTERIE: Their website is BCBoardsAndPicnics.com, where customers can order Charcuterie Boards: • Charcuterie (Meat, cheese & garnish) Small $52, Medium $85, Large $150, XL $285).

Large Mug with Fossil Adornment by Kari Zelson Roberts.

Various garments made by Joan Reuning, using Marimekko fabric from Finland. Average price per item is $250.

Small lamps that would be nice gifts ($130-140), or small boxes ($30-40).

GARY RITH POTTERY: Gary Rith, Etna, NY, email garyrith@yahoo.com Pottery available locally at: Goldenrod Depot in Danby, Green Star Cascadilla St, IthacaMade in the Dewitt Mall and at Brookton's Market in Brooktondale. Plus: I will be at the Little Red Wagon Craft Fair, Triphammer Mall, December 9-10.

Check out Gary at my onlineEtsy sales gallery OR facebook.com/ garyrithpottery/!

Elegant Cutting Boards by Plum Creek Design — $70.

THEY ALSO OFFER CATERING. AT THEIR STOREFRONT AT 115 S. CAYUGA ST., PEOPLE CAN FIND: • Gift Cards • Wooden Charcuterie Boards • Artisan Crafts They also offer: • Luxury Picnics • Event room rental for small or intimate gatherings Beautifully Charcuterie is open Wed./Thurs. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fri./Sat. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Concerts of All Kinds Are Abundant This Holiday Season

I

By Peter Rothbart

t’s no secret that the receding pandemic decimated that performing arts; lost performers, entire seasons canceled, precarious incomes in the best of times wiped out. But judging by the wealth of events scheduled for this holiday season, musicians are recovering from their existential ordeal and audiences are eager to embrace a more celebratory holiday spirit. The always vibrant Ithaca musical community of performers is responding with concerts large and small.

Musicians are returning to shuttered-nowopen venues as well as exploiting several newly minted ones. Aside from the blossoming live music club scene, local churches, schools, and even private homes are opening their doors, helping to rekindle the pre-pandemic holiday excitement and perhaps provide a bit of respite from the world’s woes that seem to be seething into our souls.

The core of any community’s holiday music activities has to be a staging of. George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” in one form or another, whether as a professional or amateur performance, community singalong, with or without the requisite orchestra. Over the years, Ithaca has hosted the Messiah in one form or another, but this year’s performance promises to be the most powerful classical collaboration of the piece the area has heard in years.

The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra’s all-Ithaca production under the direction of interim conductor and repatriated Ithacan Grant Cooper united with the Cayuga Vocal Ensemble and the longtime resident operatic voices of soprano Deborah Montgomery, mezzo-soprano Dawn Pierce, tenor Nathaniel McEwen and baritone Steven Stull. The performers may all be locally grown and nationally known, but the experience promises to be world class.

Saturday, December 16, 7:30 p.m. – 9:45 p.m., Whalen Center for Music, Ithaca College, $13 to $40, Student Tickets are $13, Graduate Tickets are $20.

The Ithaca Community Orchestra’s Fall Concert is an option for a classical event on a more intimate scale. The ensemble under the direction of Aaron S. Burgess, draws from

musically talented local members of the community. The concert showcases Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture,” followed by The Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers will perform a free holiday concert 3–5 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023 Verdi’s “Overat the Whalen Center for Music at Ithaca College. ture to La Forza del Destino.”

The Ithaca Community Chorus and Soprano Tamara Acosta tackles Gustav Chamber Singers present an ambitious Mahler’s “Um Mitternacht” and assistant conprogram of works by Camille Saint Saëns, his ductor Reuben Foley will ascend the podium powerful “Requiem” and his “Oratorio de Noel” for another Gustav, Holst this time, for his as well as Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of “St. Paul Suite,” Op. 29.

Carols.” The always meticulously prepared GerSunday, December 10, 2:00 p.m., Lansing ald Wolfe conducts a paired down orchestra as Middle School Auditorium. A donation of $7 is well as soloists soprano Mary Mowers, mezzorecommended and children are admitted free.

The VOICES Multicultural Chorus, one of soprano Athena Rajnal, alto Jillian LeBel, tenor Timmy Yesudasan and bass David Neal. five chorus ensembles under the umbrella of Saturday, December 9, 7:30–9:00 p.m., St. the Affiliated Choruses of Ithaca, is a 40-voice Paul’s United Methodist Church, Corner of ensemble which, “explores the call for peace North Aurora and East Buffalo Streets, $20.00, through songs from multiple countries and children and students free. cultures.” Ross Mizrahi leads the ensemble The Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers through selections that are sung in English, are riding a wave of well-deserved national Swahili, Hebrew, Welsh, and American Sign recognition. Under the visionary and dauntLanguage. If you’ve never experienced Ameriless leadership of Baruch Whitehead, the can Sign Language in a musical setting before, the visual poetry unveils a whole new depth to ensemble focuses on the spirituals of the Black-American Negro experience. This outthe lyrics. ing will feature the DCSJ Youth Singers as well Sing for Peace — December 10, 3:00–4:00 a brass choir, reflecting Whitehead’s enduring p.m., First Baptist Church of Ithaca, 309 N efforts to include the idea of community into Cayuga St., $15 suggested but not required. his performances.

The New York State Baroque is a unique Saturday, December 9, 2023 , 3:00 p.m. – ensemble focusing on music from the Baroque 5:00 p.m., Whalen Center for Music, Ithaca era, played on period instruments. The sound College, free, donations accepted. is at times warm and exquisitely intimate with Freeing Your Voice reflecting a more occasional bouts of rowdiness and evanescing spiritual and individual approach to holiday happiness (tempered by Baroque sensibilimusicmaking, will perform in a Commuties). Their January 20 concert will focus on nity Song Circle led by song leader Elisa S. the 17th century music of Venetian Dario Keeler and musicians Tracy LJ Robertson, Castello, the historically influential Giralomo Frescobaldi and the prolific Arcangelo Corelli. Aria Dawn, Valerie Akers and Rusty Keeler.

If you’ve never seen or heard of a theorbo, here Intended to provoke reflection and light an inner spark, participants will join in a series of is your chance to see the rare and ungainly simple, soulful songs and chants. instrument. Add a dulcian and harpsichord December 8, 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., 208 East and you have a colorful evening that links the Buffalo St., suggested donation $20. antecedents of Western classical music to the The Ithaca Concert Band, a mainstay of future Classical and Romantic periods. the large ensemble concert with long and deep Saturday, Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m., First Unitarian roots in the community, presents its Holiday Society, 306 N. Aurora St. free pre-concert talk Concert under the banner, “Music Past and at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $30, student and low income tickets are $10 available at https://nysbaroque.com/tickets/.

Contin u ed on Page 18

Arts&Entertainment

TUNEFUL HOLIDAY

December 6 – 12, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

15

Stage

Peter and the Trapeze Peter and the Wolf Production at Cherry Goes Vertical

By Ros s Ha ars ta d

“

Verticality is about emotion,” Jen states.

I’m standing on the stage of the ever-transforming Cherry Artspace with director Jen Pearcy-Edwards and Artistic Director Sam Buggeln looking at two leafgarlanded trapezes, one single, one double, that are the main set elements for the Cherry’s holiday production of “Peter and the Wolf ” which opens tomorrow (Thursday, December 7) and plays two weekends.

Each show will be preceded by a short piece by Lilypad Puppets.

Peter and the Wolf December 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 The Cherry Theatre, 102 Cherry St., Ithaca thecherry.org

Jen is talking about a concept in Lecoq, an approach to movement-based physical theatre that many innovative theatre-makers and clowns have trained in, first taught by master trainer Jacques Lecoq in Paris the latter half of the 20th century. (Lecoq in turn was much influenced by commedia, mask-work and Jacques Copeau.)

Going vertical gives a release to emotion, Jen explains; and Sam, almost jumping in place, talks about the thrill of seeing actors take off from the ground, no longer stuck in pedestrian walking (which he demonstrates).

Sam was tossing around ideas for a holiday show like the Cherry’s previous “The Snow Queen” with Jen, who had recently arrived from London to take on the role of General Manager for the Cherry Arts. Jen proposed “Peter and the Wolf,” which she had done before as a puppet show (and, also, in high school as a mime show.)

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While the tale might feel ancient, it was actually created by composer Prokofiev in the 1930s for the Central Children’s Theatre in Moscow, to introduce children to the instruments of the orchestra and the notion of themes. It follows country boy Peter (strings), his Grandpa (bassoon), a duck (oboe), a cat (clarinet), a bird (flute) some hunters (winds and trumpet) and the titular Wolf (French horn) whom Peter eventually outwits.

The Cherry has teamed up with Ithaca’s Circus Culture for the venture, and Pearcy-Edwards promises, “loads of circus… you’re going to see lots of unicycling, and lots of spinning, and lots of aerial work, some partner tumbling The Cherry Theatre takes on an innovative production of the Prokofiev classic. and really comedic acting as well.”

“Audiences can expect to see some(who plays Peter) “Cora and Nuala are the thing that is driven by movement and by real circus experts… I’m really excited for action and what is great about that is that audiences who aren’t necessarily circus its accessible to audiences of all ages.”

The four actor cast features three Cherry audiences to have the opportunity to see these young people on stage because debuts, including Percy-Edwards’ artistic they’re just beautiful performers.” and life partner Robin Guiver. The two met Completing the cast is Cherry veteran when both were enrolled in Lecoq trainSylvie Yntema, last seen as Rosalind in the ing at the London Institute for Performing Cherry’s “As You Like It.” Other collaboArts. They proceeded to produce moverators included Ithaca College student ment-based theatre together. After Robin clocked a gig as one of the puppeteers in the Andrea Mejuto who has designed the fantastical costumes; Stage Manager Kay National Theatre’s acclaimed “War Horse” Hibbert and Assistant Stage Manager and on London’s West End, he found himself enjoying a burgeoning film career as a pup- aerial rigger Miley Charsky.

Besides her background as a producer, peteer and motion-capture actor including Pearce-Edwards has worked in puppetry, the last three Star Wars films, Fantastic Beasts, Jurassic World and Flounder in Dis- devised work, physical theatre and film.

While she spent her last 17 years working ney’s live remake of The Little Mermaid. all over London, when her Lesley WilRobin adds “I didn’t really know what to expect, coming to Ithaca, in terms of the liamson of the Saltonstall Foundation sent her the Cherry’s job opening, she jumped artistic scene, but working with the artists at it, returning to her U.S. roots, and a less on this project has been wonderful… hectic place to raise a family.

I was particularly delighted to discover Starting as an actor with a BFA from Circus Culture in Ithaca — and Amy [Cohen], their founder has had a big hand the College at Santa Fe, Jen she moved in puppetry work, including a long stint with in making the show possible. …getting Das Puppenspiel Puppet Theatre, a profesto create animal characters for this show sional touring company in upstate New has been a lot of fun—as has collaboratYork. During undergrad, she happened to ing with the circus elements... Across the take a semester at Ithaca College’s London board, Ithaca seems to be home to a wonCenter, and encountered the work of the derful artistic community, that I am very Lecoq based physical theatre company happy to becoming part of.”

Complicité. That experience stayed in her Also new to the Cherry are Ithacamind, and she eventually decided to purbased circus artists Cora Williams (who sue an MFA in London. Coming to Ithaca, trained at the world-renowned National Circus School of Montreal) and Nuala Hill in a way, brings her full circle.

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deeply engaged people and generous…and we are so lucky to have my father living with us now. One is always self-critical about one’s professional accomplish-

ments, and the children prevent us from having tunnel vision about our work.”

Stay tuned for a companion interview of Miri Yampolsky, if we can persuade her when she is back in Ithaca, after numerous musical travels to perform in celebrated concert halls around the world.

Cinema

Bittersweet Symphony The documentary about Jon Batiste and his wife is both triumph and tragedy

By Mat t Minton

T

he day that Jon Batiste found out that he was nominated for 11 Grammy awards was also the day that his wife, Suleika Jaouad, underwent her first round of chemotherapy after her cancer returned.

When Jaouad first utters the words “Nobody can hit me with snowballs, I have leukemia” 20 minutes into the newest Netflix documentary “American Symphony,” it’s with a casual matter-of-factness likely to surprise any viewer. For Jaouad, her diagnosis is the everyday reality that she has to grapple with, leading her to a certain level of acceptance. The need to keep pushing to make meaning out of life through art, right alongside Batiste, is the driving force of their intimate and deeply felt love.

In “American Symphony,” Batiste ambitiously undertakes the creation of a new symphony, trying to expand the canon of symphonic music in the process. He’s further thrust into fame and the public spotlight with growing award recognition, all in juxtaposition to his struggling wife who is told by doctors to live everyday as if it were her last. Two artists who couldn’t be at more opposite ends of life navigate the pain and contradictions together: the ultimate driving emotional force that makes this documentary play the high notes.

Some of the most powerful scenes directly follow Batiste as he makes music, whether it be in a practice room playing a piano, singing or performing live in front of giant crowds. Batiste’s unabashed love and passion for making meaning through music comes through in the fluid cinematography.

Documentaries with celebrities at the center exhibiting creative control can often be a bit self-serving — here, that couldn’t be farther from the case. Director Matthew Heineman (“A Private War,” “City of Ghosts”) allows for the story to flow in and out of various parts of Batiste and Jaouad’s daily lives with profound ease. The presence of the camera in Batiste’s life blends into the background, simply watching life’s tribulations unfold.

Raised in New Orleans, Batiste explains how going to Julliard to pursue his music career led to him being outcast as a Black man in a largely white-dominated, musically Eurocentric space. As an artist interested in crossing multiple genres, Batiste also discusses the pressure he faces by traditionalists in the music industry to fit into one neat genre. These conversations enrich the themes of the film with honesty about the music industry’s expectations for artists to be one thing and one thing only.

While there are plenty of fascinating moments exploring Batiste’s fame and how he navigates backlash from his worst critics, at times it’s at the expense of the larger storyline. Some moments toward the end of the documentary, featuring fans approaching Batiste after his five Grammy wins, feels unnecessary. The specific details of bringing the actual symphony to life, which is a

crucial part of the introduction, gets dropped off as a point of conflict about halfway through in favor of more clips of Batiste on talk shows.

The scene that best represents the dichotomy at the center of Batiste and Jaouad’s relationship comes just before the midpoint when Batiste is perWhile his wife was fighting cancer, Jon Batiste is inspired to compose a sumphony. forming. Batiste’s energetic and joyous movement is interspersed with dialogue from a phone With an award-winning and highly conversation between Batiste and Jaouad, acclaimed artist at the forefront, it’s no with Jaouad explaining how horrible she’s wonder that “American Symphony” is feeling. Aside from this effective editing, poised to contend for the win in the Best “American Symphony” never goes deeper Documentary Feature category at the to explore this disparity.

Oscars. While the film never fully delivers By the end, Heineman lets the final on its final emotional gut punch, it does symphony performance speak for itself. remain a nice celebration of music and the And trust me, the stunning end result necessity to create art not in spite of hardspeaks volumes. But beyond the music and ship but because of it. the words spoken between the two lovers, the unspoken boundaries and connection between Batiste’s symphony and his love for Jaouad are left largely uncharted. For a film attempting to reconcile Batiste’s devotion to A Documentary on Jon Batiste his wife with his pioneering music ventures, Now streaming on Netflix these two storylines never click as needed.

Directed by Matthew Heineman

American Symphony

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MAYOR SELECTS contin u ed from page 6

According to Molenhoff, “It will be my job to make sure that the staff is putting together the best information that they possibly can so that the goals that council have are going to be well supported, well researched, well resourced, and that the government is running effectively and efficiently.” She continued, “I think the next piece of that is setting up better ways to CORNELL STUDENTS contin u ed from page 4

a special responsibility to Jews. But I also think that there are many, many examples of people who do not support that Jewish privilege in the state of Israel who are not anti-semites.”

Beinart proceeds to explain that some sects of Judaism, such as the Satmar Hasidim, the largest Hasidic group in the world, are strongly anti-zionist “because TUNEFUL HOLIDAY contin u ed from page 15

Present Through the Season.” Co-Director

communicate so that the council and the mayor have a good understanding of what is happening in the day-to-day.”

In addition, Molenhoff said that one of the things that will be crucial is making sure that the city manager includes a report in every single council agenda. “My goal would be to get information from every department and give some highlights of what’s been going on [and] what are some critical issues that they're currently working on addressing.”

Orwellian-like surveillance practices, and privacy concerns for individuals.”

Additionally, a report from the University of Michigan has found that automatic license plate reading (ALPR) technology “often misread license plates, leading to disastrous real-world consequences, including violent arrests of innocent people.”

In response to DeFendini’s concerns, Sulliman-Valdez said that the ACLU has several recommendations regarding ALPRs, and one of them is limited data retention, which is why Flock only retains data for 30 days. He also said Flock “provides a probability score for each image provided to the police…and if the score falls below a certain threshold, the system will provide a caution.” Sulliman-Valdez said that regardless of the score, every image should be independently verified by the department.

of their traditional reading of Jewish texts.”

He also said that left-wing activist groups like Jewish Voice for Peace believe that allowing Israel to grant special privileges to Jews over Palestinians is something that opposes the group’s values.

Smearing all anti-zionist speech as antisemitism is often an attempt to delegitimize pro-Palestinian activism and silence criticism of the human rights violations the state of Israel carries out against Palestinians.

According to Beinart, “If you say that

all Palestinians who are anti-zionists are anti-semites, even those who say that all they want is one state in which Jews and Palestinians live under equal law, then in fact, you are essentially delegitimizing all Palestinian politics. You’re equating Palestinian politics with bigotry, and I think that’s very destructive for our appreciation of Palestinian human dignity, and I think it also undermines the quest for peace.”

The occupation of campus buildings came nearly two months into Israel’s

campaign of collective punishment in the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 15,200 Palestinians, 70% being women and children, according to reports by the Associated Press. The Israeli government has said the destruction in Gaza is in retaliation to Hamas attacks on October 7 that killed 1,200 Israelis. Israeli Officials such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have said that they are targeting Hamas, not civilians, but the rising death toll in Gaza suggests otherwise.

Art Carichner leads the band in familiar holiday chestnuts from the past as well as new tunes destined for future warming, including “A Christmas Intrada,” by Alfred Reed, “A

Hanukkah Festival,” arranged by Chris Bernotas, and Leroy Anderson’s perennial crowd pleaser “Sleigh Ride.” Singer Mark Lawrence handles the narrating chores while showing off his warm and rich tenor voice. Bring the kids to listen for the famous “winnying horse” emanating from the trumpet section at the end of the Anderson piece.

Saturday, December 9, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Whalen Center for Music, Ithaca College, free, donations are welcomed.

Diana Leigh’s Holiday Spectacular specializes in jazz tunes from the 1920s1950s which presumably include warm fuzzies from the Great American Songbook. An Ithaca resident for decades, Leigh has a close association with the Ithaca Swing Dance Network.

Saturday, December 16, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00, Argos Warehouse, 416 E State St., $12.00 to $15.00, advance price of $12 good until midnight 12/15/23.

Doolin O’Dey’s Celtic Christmas has appeal If your folk music tastes run from

warm carols to playful reels to lively jigs from across the pond. Featuring a plethora of Celtic instruments from fiddles to Uilliann pipes and hammered dulcimers to Celtic whistles, the evening promises to be singable, danceable and full of the Christmas spirit.

Saturday, December 16, 6 p.m., Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts, tickets $10 online, $15 at the door.

The Finger Lakes Chamber Ensemble returns with a limited seating salon concert entitled, “A Bach Baroque Celebration.” The program features violist Roberta Crawford, pianist I-Fei Chen and flutist Barry Crawford in a performance and discussion of three of J.S. Bach’s numerous works, the “Suite No. 3 in C Major,” BWV 1009, “Sonata for Flute and Keyboard in G Minor,” BWV 1020 and his “Trio Sonata in G Major,” BWV 1038.

Seating is extremely limited so plan-ahead.

Sunday, December 17, 4:00 p.m., 102 First Street, tickets at https://fingerlakeschamberensemble.com/tickets.

OPIOID SETTLEMENT

will give us a better opportunity to use the funds to have a more direct impact.”

City Attorney Ari Lavine said this resolution is “following on several different opioid settlements that the city has entered into across the past number of years.” Lavine continued by saying that the restrictions on the funding relate to “human services, agency type service deliveries…which is why the county has a natural partner to deliver services.”

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because it enabled us to have less restrictions on that money since it was being folded into initiatives that the county is already doing.”

According to Mohlenhoff, “The majority of what the County is planning on using the money for is going to impact the City the most anyway, so we’re getting a benefit from combining the funds.” She added, “This 18 T h e I t h a c a T i m e s / D e c e m b e r 6 – 1 2 , 2 0 2 3

Sports

Achieving Goals Blended Girls Hockey Team Returns to Ice

By Ste ve L aw re nc e

A

fter a one-year hiatus at Ithaca High, the Little Red girl’s hockey team is back on the ice.

Having served for a dozen years as a coach in the Ithaca Youth Hockey Association, Tyler Wagenet has taken over the reins of the Ithaca High varsity program.

When we connected to talk about this new development, Tyler took me on a little trip down Memory Lane, asking me if I remembered a story we did in 2016 about the Pink Grizzlies, a team of 4 through 8 year-olds that played in the Mite Division of the IYHA. “Ten of those girls are now on the varsity team. They still remember having a story written about them,” he said.

The varsity program looks a lot different than it has in years past, as it is now a blended program involving girls from five

schools (Ithaca, Lansing, Trumansburg, Horseheads and Vestal). I told Wagenet that I can imagine the travel challenges such a merger presents for parents, and he said, “Some of the players do double time.

They come to Ithaca to lift, and to practice, then they get on the road and head up to Syracuse for practice.” He said, from a true insider’s perspective, “As you know, hockey parents possess a different level of commitment.”

In the coach’s words, “The reason there was a hiatus for the varsity team was due to the fact that so many local girls want to have that Tier 1 experience by playing on the travel team in Syracuse.” He explained that the schedule was modified to eliminate any high school weekend games, eliminating that obstacle and enabling the girls to do both. That, Tyler explained, revived something that is very important. “While travel hockey is a lot of

fun, there is nothing quite like playing in front of your peers from your high school,” Wagenet offered. “That is a very special experience.”

The Little Red will play their home games at The Rink, in Lansing, and their opening game last week offered a glimpse into that “special experience.” In the coach’s words, “The girls were a bit nervous before our opener, as they were playing in front of a packed house.” When the home team scored 40 seconds into the game, the crowd went wild and the nerves were gone. When the final buzzer sounded, Ithaca had put up a “W” against Clinton for the first time in several years, winning by a 3-1 score. Three Little Red players — Jordan Sheehan, Kaylee Holly and Hailey Baughan — each netter her first varsity goal in the win.

Wagenet said he is proud to be a part of the effort to revive and reinvent the program. In his words, “We had to put our collective heads together to make this work, and (ICSD Athletic Director) Samantha Little was on board from the whole way. These girls love the game, and they want to play together.”

I asked Tyler if the fact that many of the girls have played at a higher level impacts the team dynamic of a high school pro-

Girls from Ithaca, Lansing, Trumansburg, Horseheads and Vestal combine to revive the high school hockey team.

gram. I have seen players in several sports that were seemingly more concerned with how they might be viewed in the eyes of college coaches, and that affected their attitude. He said, “We know that the recruiting is done at the club hockey level, and that only the elite of the elite play at the D-1 level. I encourage the girls to be happy for the opportunity to play, and to be excited to play at the level at which they are playing.” He added, “We’re not trying to build Division 1 athletes, we’re trying to instill some long-term values and build better adults.”

Coach Wagenet invites the community to “Come and see us play!”, and he steers fans toward Schedule Galaxy, Instagram (ihs.girlsvhockey) or Facebook (Ithaca High Girls Varsity Hockey).

December 6 – 12, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

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