June 17, 2026

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TWO ITHACA COLLEGE DEANS STEP DOWN PAGE A4

TOMPKINS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT

NEWFIELD CONSIDERS ONE-YEAR DATA CENTER BAN

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e @I tI ht haaccaa..ccoo m O n Ol innl ei n @

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CHERRY ARTS LAUNCHES LIVE MUSIC SERIES PAGE B17

Summer Box Office Open! Call, Go Online or Stop In! Ticket sales at:

Performances held at:

CRT Downtown & Box Office 24 Port Watson Street Cortland, NY

The Little York Pavilion 6799 Little York Lake Road Preble, NY

Flex Passes, Group Sales and Gift Cards Available Now!

Discounts for seniors, youth, military, groups of 10 or more

CRT's September Wednesdays“Sounds of Music” Concert Series!

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Newsline

VOL. LIV / NO. 40 / June 17, 2026 Serving 47,125 readers week ly

ON THE COVER:

Ithaca YMCA Builds on Water Safety Programming With Free Children’s Swim Lessons

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The Ithaca Times’ summer guide offers a look into the best local ice cream spots, places to catch a view of a sunset, 111 must-see places in the Finger Lakes region and more.

Illustration by Ceili Ayoung for the Ithaca Times.

NEWSLINE ����������������������������������A3-A6 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ������������ A8

By L or i e n Ty n e

he YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County was awarded $100,000 from the Alliance of New York State YMCAs to provide free swim lessons through August 2027 for children between the ages of 6 and 12 months.

Until the grant funds run out, it will support families on a first-come, firstserved basis, according to a press release from the Ithaca YMCA. “We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to swim and be safe around water,” said Christie Thornton, CEO of the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County. “Drowning is preventable, and expanding access to swim lessons is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk. This funding allows us to reach more families than ever before and further our mission of strengthening the health and well-being of our community.”

While the grant money was awarded by the state YMCA alliance, the funding is part of a statewide water safety initiative from the state Department of Health. The initiative aims to expand access to swim lessons to help prevent drowning incidents.

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year

OPINION �����������������������������������A9-A10 SUMMER ITHACA ����������������� A11-A15 SPORTS �������������������������������������������A16 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ������������������B17-B19 TIMES TABLE ������������������������� B22-B23 CLASSIFIED ������������������������������������B24

For the next two summers, the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County will provide free swim lessons for children between the ages of 6 and 12 months. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)

in the U.S. there are more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths, an average of 11 drowning deaths per day, and 8,000 nonfatal drownings.

The YMCA press release highlighted that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14, according to the CDC. The Ithaca YMCA program will instruct eligible children in up to three multi-week swim lesson sessions, each lasting six to eight weeks. Participants will have access to 24 free swim lessons between June 2026

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and August 2027. The first session will begin the week of June 29.

Gunnar Madison, regional executive director of the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County, said there are disparities in access to swim lessons and water safety education, particularly among low-income families, communities of color and children with developmental disabilities.

“Learning to swim is not a luxury—it is a life-saving skill,” Madison said. “This funding allows us to address those inequities head-on by reducing barriers to Contin u ed on Page B19

N o t e

X Family Reading Partnership Changes Location in Ithaca Mall

By Mikayla Rovenolt

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ednesday, June 10, marked Family Reading Partnership’s last day open at their current space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall.

Their free family play space, The Nook, will be moving down the hall to a new storefront.

“Our current location needed a full HVAC replacement, which just wasn’t possible for us financially,” Executive Director Amber Smith said in a press statement. “The new unit offers almost double the amount of space for The Nook, increasing our ability to meet the needs of local families.”

Volunteers from BorgWarner helped the FRP team with the move on Friday, June 12. In the fall, a crew from the BOCES Construction

Trades program will get hands-on experience renovating the former CJ Banks dressing room area into needed office space for staff.

“The support we are receiving from the communitytomakethismovepossibleisincredible!

It tells us that folks understand the importance of a third space, specific to the needs of infants and toddlers, in building strong families,” Smith said.

The new iteration of The Nook will offer a designated area for babies, more gross motor opportunities for toddlers and preschoolers, and a deeper focus on activities and information to promote early childhood literacy development.

According to a press release, FRP has struggled financially over the last few years and is working to raise $100,000 by June 30. With the

help of a matching donor, they are almost 60% of the way to their goal. Smith said funding is needed to replace large reductions in grant and corporate funding.

“We are fortunate to have a diverse income stream, but the small size of our budget makes FRP especially vulnerable when unexpected cuts arise,” Smith said. “The excitement around the move has energized new and enduring donors to make gifts that will secure the agency’s future.”

The Nook at Family Reading Partnership will be closed to the public starting Thursday, June 11, and the new location’s grand reopening is tentatively planned for Tuesday, July 7.

Donations can be made on their website at www.familyreading.org/rally

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Visit our website at www.ithaca.com for more news, arts, sports and photos. Call us at 607-277-7000 Ma d dy Vo g el , Managi n g Ed ito r & Asso ciate Pu b l ish er e d i to r @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m Scot t Ma n so n, Asso ciate Pu b l ish er J i m B i l i n s k i , P u b l i s h e r E me r i t u s j b i l i n s k i @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m R o y A l l e n , D i r e c t o r o f St r at e g i c Pa r t n e r s h i p s r oy@ i t h ac at i m e s .co m L o r i e n T y n e , A s s i s ta n t E d i t o r l o r i e n @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m A u s t i n L a mb , C o p y E d i t o r a l a m b @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m P h i l i p O ’ D e l l , R ep o r t e r p h i l i p @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m M a c k R o v e n o l t , R ep o r t e r m ac k @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m Ja k e Se x to n , Ad m i n istr ative Co o r d i nato r , C a l e n d a r E d i t o r ja k e @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m Mark Sy vertson, Photographer m ar k s y v er t s o nph oto gr aph y@ gm a il .co m Ste ve L awr ence, Spo rts Co lumn ist stevesportsdude@gmail.com Lisa Ellin, Advertising & Marketing l i s a . e @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m F r ee l a n c e r s : Barbara Adams, Charley Githler, Stephen Burke, Bill Chaisson, Ross Haarstad, Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Peter Rothbart, Austin Lamb, Clement Obropta, Jake Sexton, Kira Walter, Vasant Alex Laplam, and Ceili Ayoung THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE ITHACA TIMES ARE C O P Y R I G H T © 2 026 B Y PAT H W AY S T O E Q U I T Y, L L C .

All rights reserved. Events are listed free of charge in TimesTable. All copy must be received by Friday at noon. The Ithaca Times is available free of charge from various locations around Ithaca. Additional copies may be purchased from the Ithaca Times offices for $1. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $139 one year. Include check or money order and mail to the Ithaca Times, PO Box 27, Ithaca, NY 14851. ADVERTISING: Deadlines are Monday 5 p.m. for display, Tuesday at noon for classified. Advertisers should check their ad on publication. The Ithaca Times will not be liable for failure to publish an ad, for typographical error, or errors in publication except to the extent of the cost of the space in which the actual error appeared in the first insertion.

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INQUIRING Two Ithaca College Deans to Step Down PHOTOGRAPHER M

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By Mark Sy ve r t son

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “WHAT EMOJI DO YOU USE THE MOST?”

NOTE: If readers wish to participate in the Ithaca Times’ Inquiring Photographer column, contact Mark Syvertson at marksyvertsonphotography@gmail.com

“The crying-laughing emoji – Mitch

“Pink heart – Julie

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“Crying laughing – Cam

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By M i k ay l a Rov e nolt

ichael Johnson-Cramer, dean of the School of Business, and Amy Falkner, dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications, will depart Ithaca College this summer, according to a DATE campus-wide email from Provost Melanie Stein.

Johnson-Cramer finished his deanship at Ithaca College on June 15 to become Dean of the School of Leadership and Management at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Johnson-Cramer joined Ithaca College in 2022 and over the past four years has led the School of Business through a period of renewal and growth, according to Stein.

During his tenure, Johnson-Cramer guided the school through Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business reaccreditation, ensuring that the college’s business programs continue to be recognized nationally and internationally.

According to Stein, he also led a comprehensive curriculum review that resulted in a modernized and strengthened portfolio of majors and minors.

He also strengthened the school’s contributions to cross-school collaboration, including support for the entrepreneurship & innovation minor, the MBA in entertainment and media management, and overseeing the launch of the creative industries major.

After four years, Falkner will also step down as Dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications, effective June 30.

Amy Falkner (left) and Michael Johnson-Cramer (right) After serving at Ithaca College for four years each, the two deans will step down to fulfill other roles outside of Ithaca College. (Photos: Provided/Ithaca College)

According to Stein, she and her wife are relocating to North Carolina to be closer to family.

Since joining Ithaca College in 2022, Amy has guided the Park School through a period of growth and innovation, including expanded student recruitment outreach, strengthening, updating and streamlining the curriculum,and the launch of the SOS Fund supporting student participation in major industry opportunities such as Radio Row at the Super Bowl and Sundance Film Festival. Falkner has led faculty hiring initiatives and collaborated on the development of new interdisciplinary academic programs, including the new creative industries major and social impact communications minor.

Christina Moylan, dean of the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, will serve as interim dean of the

School of Business, and Belisa Gonzalez, the dean of faculty equity, inclusion, and belonging, will serve as interim dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications until a permanent dean is chosen.

Stein wrote in her email that Moylan and Gonzalez bring leadership experience and deep knowledge of Ithaca College, and she is confident they will guide their respective schools successfully during this transition period.

Moylan will be supported by Associate Dean Alison Shields, whose knowledge of the School of Business and its programs will help provide continuity during this transition, Stein wrote. Gonzalez will work closely with incoming Associate Dean Jason Davids Scott. Additional information regarding leadership plans will be shared as those plans are finalized, the email said.

IPD Reports Two Stabbings Within a Week, Both Victims in Stable Condition “Either red heart or LOL – Petula

“None. I don’t use them.”

– Joe

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By L or i e n Ty n e

he Ithaca Police Department responded to a stabbing early June 11 and transported the victim to a regional trauma center. The victim was in stable condition, according to an IPD release issued June 12.

Ithaca Police officers responded to a report of a stabbing at about 1:23 a.m. on the 300 Block of Elmira Road. When officers arrived on the scene they located the victim who had sustained stab wounds to the hip and back.

Officers gave the victim first aid before transporting them to a regional trauma

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center. The police report did not publish the victim’s name or the hospital they were transported to.

The suspect was not at the scene when officers arrived.

“It is believed the suspect and victim knew each other and that this is not a random act of violence,” the Sgt. Nikolas Lopez wrote.

This is the second stabbing in a week.

In the evening of June 6, the IPD responded to the encampment colloquially called “The Jungle” for a stabbing report.

Officers found a victim with stab wounds to the abdomen and gave them first aid before transporting them to a regional

trauma center. The IPD release said the victim is in stable condition.

The suspect in the June 6 stabbing fled the scene prior to the IPD’s arrival and it is believed the suspect and victim knew each other, according to the release.

The Ithaca Police Department is requesting that any witnesses to these incidents or anyone with information contact the IPD. Police Dispatch: 607-272-3245 Police Administration: 607-272-9973 Police Tipline: 607-330-0000 Anonymous Email Tip Address: www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips

UPS&DOWNS

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Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office Releases 2025 Report

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Three local students recently attended the Students Inside Albany Program.

Claire Springston, a senior at New Roots Charter School; June Wofford, a senior at Charles O Dickerson High School in Trumansburg; and Corallus Meeks, a junior at Ithaca High School, represented Tompkins County at the recent conference sponsored by the League of Women Voters New York State Education Foundation, Inc. They joined 57 other students from across New York in learning how our state government works and recently shared their experiences at a Tompkins County League of Women Voters meeting.

By Gr a n t Te rw i l l ige r

he Tompkins County Sheriff 's Office released its 2025 Annual Report on May 27, showing an overall decrease in property crimes and violent crimes.

The sheriff 's office navigated changing public expectations, complicated policies and an increased demand on limited resources, according to its report. Tompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne emphasized the importance of building rapport and trust in the community.

“This report reflects more than statistics or accomplishments,” Osborne wrote. “It represents a year of service, responsibility and commitment to the people who live, work and visit our community. ” Violent crimes increased in four of 11 categories and decreased in seven, according to an incident-based reporting chart.

Incidents of murder, aggravated assault, intimidation, statutory rape and arson increased, the report showed. There were two murder cases in 2025, with zero in 2024. Aggravated assault and intimidation incidents increased by 46.15% and 11.8%, respectively. Statutory rape increased from zero cases in 2024 to seven cases in 2025.

Arson increased from one case in 2024 to four cases in 2025.

Violent crime cases decreased in kidnapping/abduction, forcible rape, forcible sodomy, forcible fondling, simple assault, weapon law violations and extortion/ blackmail. There were six reports of kidnapping/abduction, down from eight in 2024. There were three reports of forcible rape, a 57.14% decrease from the seven cases reported in 2025. There were zero cases of sodomy, down from eight in 2024.

Forcible fondling fell 75%, with only two cases reported in 2025. Cases of simple assault slightly decreased in 2025, from 166 cases in 2024 to 162 in 2025. There were 39 reports of weapon law violations, down from 43 in 2024. In 2025 there were zero cases of extortion or blackmail.

Property crimes increased in two out of 13 categories and decreased in 11 categories, according to the IBR report.

Some cases of property crime, including shoplifting and impersonation, increased. Shoplifting increased by 38.2% from 34 cases in 2024 to 47 cases in 2025.

There were eight cases of impersonation in 2025, a slight increase from five cases the previous year.

There were fewer cases of burglary/

Downs

A rabid bat was found along the Cascadilla Gorge Trail on June 4.

Tompkins County Whole Health reported that the bat was found close to College Ave. The bat was determined to be rabid by the New York State Rabies Laboratory. While no reports have been made of human contact with the bat, TCWH advises people to protect their pets and report any contact if it occurs.

The TCWH’s Environmental Health Division can be reached 24/7 at (607) 274-6688. Every year, a small number of rabid bats are found in Tompkins County. A press release from TCWH reminds community members to keep pet vaccinations up to date.

In May, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office released its 2025 annual report.

(Photo: Tompkins County/Ithaca Times File)

breaking and entering, theft from a building, theft from a motor vehicle, motor vehicle theft, counterfeiting, identity theft, stolen property offenses, vandalism, drug violations, trespassing and all other larceny.

Cases of burglary/breaking and entering decreased by 44%, from 50 in 2024 to 28 in 2025. Theft from a building also decreased from 31 cases in 2024 to 14 cases in 2025.

There were 19 reports of theft from a motor vehicle, down from 26 in 2024; 13 reports of counterfeiting, down from 21 in 2024; 14 reports of identity theft, down from 25 in 2024; 26 reports of stolen property offenses, down from 49 cases in 2024; 130 reports of vandalism, down from 142 cases in 2024; 57 cases of drug violations, down from 103 cases in 2024. Cases of trespassing and other larceny decreased.

There were 4,027 traffic stops across Tompkins County, with 71.14% resulting in a warning and 28.86% a ticket, according to the report. The Village of Lansing had the highest percentage of traffic stops with about 689 stops, followed by the Town of Ithaca and the Town of Dryden.

There were 2,643 tickets issued across Tompkins County.

In 2025, there were 56 motor vehicle accidents with 13 injuries and two fatalities. The primary cause of accidents in 2025 was alcohol, and 23% of collisions occurred on Saturdays. The most collisions occurred in October, and 39% of accidents occurred from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

One of the major projects that the Tompkins County Sheriff 's Office created in 2025 was the Blue Envelope program.

The program aims to help law enforcement recognize and adapt its approach for working with individuals with autism.

Individuals put their identification and vehicle registration into a blue envelope placed in a visible location in a vehicle.

Another initiative that the sheriff ’s office implemented was the GIVE Initiative, or the Gun Involved Violence Elimination.

Tompkins County received $1.6 million in state funding that supported equipment, overtime, personnel and training aimed to help de-escalate gun violence in the county. The GIVE initiative previously funded the county’s network of Flock safety cameras, a contract which has since been terminated after community members cited concerns of mass surveillance and privacy invasions.

The Tompkins County Sheriff 's Office said it has worked to provide more transparency to the public with their transparency hub and other documentation on their website.

HEARD&SEEN Heard

The Ithaca Reggae Fest is returning to Stewart Park from June 26-28. This is the festival’s 8th year in Ithaca. The festival celebrates the community and history of Ithaca reggae, but it also focuses on protecting Cayuga Lake by raising funds for environmental organizations that focus on protecting water resources.

While the event is primarily ticketed, there is a free welcome party at the large pavilion in Stewart Park from 5-9 p.m. June 26. This will feature DJs TBA, Ononkwa Medicine and GIAC Jumpers.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Seen

On June 9, community members participated in the Twilight 5k at the Waterfront Trail at Allan H. Treman State Park and Cass Park. The run also intended to garner support for Danish, a sophomore at Cornell University from Afghanistan, who is fundraising for Free to Run. The organization intends to empower young women in conflict-affected regions through running. She hopes to run the New York City Marathon and would be just the seventh Afghan woman to finish.

She raised $1,045 of her $2,000 goal.

Should all neighborhoods in Ithaca have community organizations like the Collegetown Community Collective?

70.0% Yes. 15.0% No. 15.0% I don’t care.

N EXT WEEK ’S Q UESTION :

Will New York become the first state to enact a data center moratorium?

Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.

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IF YOU CARE TO RESPOND to something in this column, or suggest your own praise or blame, write editor@ithacatimes. com, with a subject head “U&D.” 2 0 26

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Southside Community Center to Host Annual Juneteenth Celebration

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By M i k ay l a Rov e nolt

outhside Community Center will host its annual Juneteenth celebration on June 20 from 12 to 6 p.m. at the Southside Community Center. On June 19, there will be various events throughout Ithaca in celebration of the holiday.

According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, on June 19, 1865, Union troops freed enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay and across the state of Texas, around two-and-a-half years after then-President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Southside is partnering with St. James AME Zion Church for a gospel concert and a youth event with the Downtown Ithaca Alliance. In the evening there will be an event with music, poetry, and more at K-House to close out the celebration.

Southside Deputy Director Kayla Matos, who organized the event and represents Ithaca’s first ward on Common Council, said the Juneteenth celebration has been going on for many years. It was previously known as the Wheat Street celebration before its name was changed to

Cleveland Avenue, she said.

Matos said each year there is a theme for the celebration revolving around issues or joys within the community. This year’s theme is voting.

“As many people know, this year is midterms, which is very, very important,” Matos said. “We just want to get our Black and brown community out to vote. We’re trying to combat the narrative that our voice does not matter, and show them that if we actually do go to the polls we could move that needle.”

The celebration will feature tablets and community organizations that share information on voting and will help people register to vote if they are not already registered. Matos said there will also be a focus on getting young people civically involved.

The Juneteenth celebration will also feature community crafters, food vendors, and other community organizations. There will be face painting for youth and activities with the Sciencenter.

Matos said the important thing about the Juneteenth celebration is the community it brings together and continues to build.

“I feel like the celebration is a reminder that we are a historically Black neighbor-

Ithacans gather at the 2025 Juneteenth celebration at Southside Community Center.

(Photo: Nathan Ellison/Ithaca Times File)

hood,” Matos said. “This is a historically Black community center with a lot of rich Black history in it. We've had Frederick Douglass walk these streets and come to the church, Harriet Tubman, too. This neighborhood is a part of the Underground Railroad, and so I think this is that consistent reminder of that history.”

Matos also shared that the celebration serves as a reunion for many people. It is an opportunity to kick-off the summer and get back outside with the community. She said people often see each other for the first time of the year at this celebration after being cooped up inside during the winter.

For Matos, she said her favorite part of the celebration is being in her community and for her community.

“It is that final moment of getting to breathe,” Matos said. “It’s just being amongst my community, being in a community space that many of us at some point have come through, many may consider home. If not, somebody in the family considers it home. I think it's just the fact of bringing the community together for me.”

To learn more about the Southside Community Center and their programs and events, visit https://www.sspride.org.

Newfield Considers One-Year Moratorium on Data Centers

By Gr a n t Te rw i l l ige r The Newfield Town Board proposed a one-year moratorium on the creation of data processing centers on June 11, citing them as potentially harmful to the health, safety and welfare of residents.

The local law will allow the town board more time to decide whether or not to create a permanent ban on data centers.

“It would give the town a year to come up with, hopefully, an amendment to the comprehensive plan looking at whether this is an appropriate use anywhere within town, and then talk about the law specifically banning this use in town,” Town Attorney Thomas Smith said.

The New York state Legislature is considering the Responsible Data Center Development Act, a one-year moratorium on large data centers with a demand of 20 megawatts or more. The act was passed by

both the senate and assembly and is waiting on a signature from Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Although the New York State Legislature is working on a data center act, towns, villages and cities across the state, including Dryden, Danby, Enfield and Newfield have begun creating local laws to ban the creation of data centers. Moves to ban data centers in Tompkins County come as TeraWulf ’s plans to redevelop the former Milliken Station in Lansing into a 400-megawatt AI data center move forward.

Newfield's proposed law cites data centers as any facility or building housing multiple banks of computers, modular facilities containing processors in multiple storage-like containers, and any type of server cluster relating to artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency and other data.

A concern from the public was how a community could defend itself against such a large company such as Micron or

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TeraWulf. If an amendment to the comprehensive plan is made before the end of the moratorium period then data center companies cannot propose projects in Newfield.

“So, I think it's a good reason to do it before somebody proposes a project,” Smith said. “Once somebody proposes a project, you begin to have some property rights, certainly once a building permit is issued.”

With data centers in local communities, a big point of contention is how they may affect community members and residents.

Town Supervisor Michael Allinger anticipates that a data center would not have a lot of value to the local community.

“It's true that there are jobs when they're building it, but once it's up and running there are very few jobs for community members,” Allinger said.

If the town fails to make an amendment to the comprehensive plan banning data centers before the end of the moratorium

A view of Newfield’s Main Street.

(Photo: Ithaca Times File)

period, then the moratorium could be struck down by the state.

Smith emphasized that since the local law is a town wide restriction they need to give special notice to the county, municipalities and surrounding counties.

“Any municipality or county, which is within 500 feet of one of our borders, gets a 30 day notice as well, if they want to comment,” Smith said.

The Newfield Town board has set a public hearing for the proposed law for July 9 at 7 p.m. at the Newfield Town Hall.

ATTENTION LOCAL FOOD & DRINK BUSINESS OWNERS!

Register

Your Locally-Owned Food & Drink Businesses in a New Local Directory!

The EAT LOCAL program at Ithaca Times aims to publicize and celebrate the successes of Tompkins County’s food and drink industry.

This user-friendly searchable website includes bakeries, bars, cafes, farms, grocery stores, restaurants, vineyards, and more!

This directory is a free and easy way to increase your exposure to visitors, students, and local residents.

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO ENTER YOUR BUSINESS IN THE FREE DIRECTORY: J u ne

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The Talk at

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

By Ithaca Times Readers

Rich Goldman Supports Small-Town Preservation

“

To all residents, registered as Democrats, in the Town of Ulysses: If you love your town for its natural beauty and small-town feel; if you wish to prevent over-development and to protect our valuable natural resources and farm lands, I beg you to join me in voting in the Democratic Primary on June 23rd for Rich [Goldman] for a seat on the Town Board.”

— Margaret Przygocki, Trumansburg NY

Town of Ulysses Democrats Should Vote for Rich Goldman

“

I am writing in enthusiastic support of Rich Goldman's candidacy for Town of Ulysses trustee in the Democratic primary on June 23rd. Rich and I served concurrently while I was on the Town Board from 2021-2025, and I was impressed by his activity as a board member and his

willingness to listen to his constituents. He and I also served together on the Town's finance committee, where his idea to invest excess fund balances and reserves led to a policy change resulting in a substantial increase in interest revenues. Fiscal responsibility is one of the major duties of a Town Councilor, and Rich's background gives him special insight into the financial workings of local government. Having served as liaison to the Planning and Zoning Boards, and on the Three Falls (Camp Barton) LDC, he will be able to ‘hit the ground running’ when it comes to zoning revisions resulting from the recently-proposed revision to the town's comprehensive plan. I urge all Democrats to vote in the coming primary, and cast your vote for experience and expertise: Rich Goldman.” — Mary Bouchard, Trumansburg NY

Rich Goldman Has Experience Needed for Town Board Seat

“

We want to encourage residents of the Town of Ulysses to vote for Rich Goldman for a seat on the Town Board on June 23rd. Rich has the financial experience and knowledge that is needed at this time, as well as serving as a former member of the Board. He is a long time resident of the Town. Rich understands the importance of preserving the Town of Ulysses' quality of life. Since his decision to run for this position he has been attend-

ing bi-monthly meetings about the Draft 2025-2045 Comprehensive Plan and has made some insightful and pertinent comments and observations. We hope you will join us in supporting Rich for the Democratic primary!” — Sarah Adams and Victoria Romanoff, Trumansburg NY

Board of Zoning Appeals Experience Strengthens Rich Goldman’s Platform

“

I am writing to offer my enthusiastic endorsement of Rich Goldman in his candidacy for the Ulysses Town Board.

For many years, Rich was the liaison to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and I had the pleasure of working with Rich for several years as a BZA volunteer. Rich kept the BZA informed of Town Board issues and relayed communications and concerns from the BZA to the Ulysses Town Board. I have witnessed firsthand Rich’s unwavering commitment to our community, exceptional leadership qualities, and dedication to public service. Ulysses residents would not only benefit from Rich’s prior experience on the Town Board, but also from his vision, work ethic, and positive approach to community engagement. I strongly urge you to support Rich Goldman for the Ulysses Town Board.

Thank you for considering my endorsement.”

— Andy Hillman, Trumansburg NY

Reworking Septic Tests Can Save Cottage Owners Money

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Dear Cayuga County and Aurora administrators: Atwater Glen on the lake in Cayuga, just passed our septic test.

Good for 7 years. Just a thought. Rather than including us in Aurora’s waste water district at a significant cost to cottage owners, what if Cayuga and Tompkins County tested or checked every cottage on the lake and required each to add or upgrade any

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system that did not pass within two years to be condemned. Offering a no interest loan for two years and perhaps a reimbursement of costs up to $5,000. It would solve the problem much sooner, not disrupt existing water and electric lines and cost us way less than us subsidizing Aurora’s water treatment plan for the wealthy residents there.

Those of us who passed would pay nothing.

I would appreciate a response. Thank you.”

— Rebecca Vallely, King Ferry NY

Rural Ithaca is Neglected by Mayor Cantelmo

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WHY WE AVOID DOWNTOWN ITHACA. We are City of Ithaca's unpaid groundskeepers-farmers in the Town of Ithaca above noisy city. My family wakes at 5am, despite your endless festivals disturbing our sleep. We hadn't been downtown in decades but had to go to social security office to try to enroll in Medicare so ventured down. We parked, broke up a fight by asking two thugs I was fighting with switchblade and machete. We told them, ‘young men, does your mother know where you are?’. One thug told the other, ‘run, they probably already called cops.’ When we got back to our car, Mayor Cant’s traffic thug had issued a $25 parking ticket. Back on the farm, detesting the City of Ithaca, we sat down to try to figure out how to appeal or pay, but city website seemed to be down.

Mayor Cant, you're ‘barking up the wrong tree’ when you issue hardworking farmers a $25 fine the one time we come downtown.

When we told other farmers at Tractor Supply about our experience, they offered to buy our farm. We replied we get weekly offers from NYC, Florida, and even other countries. Mayor Cant, instead of surrounding yourself with politicians and incompetent staff, listen to farmers! Without farms, Ithaca is only homeless shelters.” — Claire Forest, Ithaca NY

WE THE PEOPLE: A CELEBRATION OF PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY

When Two Ideas Collide — We the People and A Nation Speaks

By Roy A l l e n — D i r ect or of St r at e gic Pa rt n e r sh i ps — It h ac a Ti m e s

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wo hundred and fifty years ago, a group of citizens gathered in Philadelphia to declare an audacious idea: that governments derive “their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

The words of the Declaration of Independence launched a revolution, but they did not complete one. The founders established a framework. Each generation since has been left to answer a more enduring question: Who are “We the People,” and what responsibilities come with those words?

The American story is often told through the actions of presidents, generals, inventors, and lawmakers. Yet the nation’s democratic character has been shaped just as powerfully by those who challenged, inspired, educated, and mobilized ordinary citizens through the spoken word.

Over the past year, our companion series, A Nation Speaks, has explored the voices of more than two dozen influential American and international orators. Their backgrounds could hardly be more different. Some occupied the White House.

Others stood outside the halls of power.

Some advocated reform. Others defended tradition. Some spoke from pulpits, some from protest marches, some from convention podiums, and some from classrooms.

Yet they shared a common understanding: democracy requires participation.

Theodore Roosevelt urged Americans to embrace the responsibilities of citizenship.

Eleanor Roosevelt challenged the nation to expand its understanding of human dignity and human rights. John F. Kennedy called citizens to public service. Martin Luther King Jr. summoned America to fulfill its founding promises. Sojourner Truth and Ida B. Wells demanded that the nation extend those promises to people long excluded from them. Dorothy Cotton taught ordinary citizens that democracy depends not on powerful leaders alone, but on informed and engaged communities.

Margaret Chase Smith defended the role of conscience in public life. Wilma Mankiller demonstrated the power of local leadership and collective action. Elie Wiesel reminded

the world that indifference can be as dangerous as injustice. Donald Trump energized millions who believed their concerns had been overlooked by established institutions.

These figures often disagreed—sometimes profoundly. They represented different eras, constituencies, ideologies, and visions for the nation’s future. Yet each sought to persuade fellow citizens that their voices mattered and that their participation could shape the course of events.

That may be the most important lesson of American democracy.

The Constitution begins not with “We the Leaders,” “We the Experts,” or “We the Powerful.” It begins with three simple words: “We the People.”

Those words describe both a privilege and a responsibility.

Participatory democracy is not merely the act of voting every few years. It is the ongoing work of citizenship. It is serving on local boards, attending public meetings, volunteering in neighborhoods, mentoring young people, supporting local institutions, engaging in respectful debate, and contributing to the civic life of a community. It is the recognition that freedom is sustained not only by rights, but by responsibilities.

The most memorable speeches in American history have rarely been celebrations of individual achievement.

Instead, they have been invitations to collective action. Great oratory transforms listeners from spectators into participants.

It asks citizens not simply to observe history, but to help write it.

That challenge remains as relevant today as it was in 1776.

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, Americans continue to wrestle with questions that have defined the nation from the beginning. How do we create opportunity while preserving liberty? How do we balance individual rights with the common good?

How do we expand participation while maintaining civic trust? How do we ensure that future generations inherit institutions strong enough to endure disagreement?

Don’t Let Ithaca Lose Its Storytellers Imagine the sharpest, most passionate young journalists you’ve ever met (the ones who stay late chasing a story because they believe in this town) slowly packing their bags.

Not because they want to leave… but because local rents force them out.

That’s the quiet heartbreak happening right now.

Our best new writers, the ones who grew up here or fell in love with Ithaca in college, are being pushed toward cheaper cities just to survive.

The Rising Star Fund rewrites their story into a happy ending by sponsoring a simple monthly housing stipend (a hand up, never a handout) so they can keep living here, keep writing here, keep falling deeper in love with Ithaca… and keep telling the stories that make this city our home.

When a young journalist can afford to stay in Ithaca, you get: ● Fresh, fearless voices loyal to your local paper ● Someone at every city council meeting who believes local news matters ● The next great Ithaca story written by someone who actually lives here ● Your $25, $50, or $100 a month doesn’t just pay their rent. ● It keeps storytellers in our community and stops local brain drain. ● When our younger generation thrives, Ithaca’s future stays bright.

Keep local talent in Ithaca by donating today to the Rising Star Fund (an initiative of Pathways to Equity, Inc a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) For more info: roy@ithacatimes.com

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A NATION SPEAKS: A CELEBRATION OF GREAT AMERICAN VOICES

The Enduring Voice of Fred Rogers — 2002 C u r at e d by Roy A l l e n — D i r ect or of St r at e gic Pa rt n e r sh i ps — It h ac a Ti m e s

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any voices have helped to shape the nation we call America. This week we feature Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers), one of the most influential pioneers of children's television.

Rogers grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania; became a Presbyterian Minister and a much loved children’s television personality, hosting Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood which ran for 33 years on NET, the predecessor to PBS for a total of 895 episodes.

Commencement Speech at Dartmouth College — June 9, 2002 Wow. What a privilege to be with you all. Since I’ve arrived here in Hanover, many people have greeted me by saying, “It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood.”

Well, indeed it is a beautiful day, but before I begin, I’d like you to know that I recognize that you, who live and work here, have had many days, particularly during these last several months, that have been far from beautiful. You’ve had a painful time, and you’ve handled it with dignity. I feel certain that Zantop's generous spirits inspire you. And it’s a great privilege for me to be with you all.

When I was at Dartmouth in the late 1940s, the tuition, room, and board all added up to $1,100 a year. Nobody owned a home computer, and hardly anyone had a television set. And those who did, there was a choice of three channels. I’m not sure if Jeanne Shaheen was even born yet, but very few people would have guessed that within 50 years, a woman would be governor or New Hampshire. Yes. When I was here, the first word of the alma mater was “Men. Men of Dartmouth give a rouse.” Well, now the first word is “Dear.”

Some things change for the better.

During my first year here, I lived right over there at 101 Middle Mass. And I had two roommates. I had a professor, over there, who did his best to scare everyone in his class, and he gave me the lowest grade that I ever had in any school anywhere. But I also had an astronomy professor, George Dimitrov, who looked for and found what was best in each of his students. When I look at the night sky, I still think of that extra special, kind man.

(Photo Source: The Fred Rogers Institute)

Dartmouth is many things to each of us, and I’m grateful to Jim and Susan Wright for all that they have done for this school. And I’m grateful to my old friend, Chick Koop, for all that he has done for all of us. And I congratulate every one of you who is being honored in any way during this Commencement weekend.

Our world hangs like a magnificent jewel in the vastness of space. Every one of us is a part of that jewel. A facet of that jewel. And in the perspective of infinity, our differences are infinitesimal. We are intimately related. May we never even pretend that we are not.

Have you heard my favorite story that came from the Seattle Special Olympics?

Well, for the 100-yard dash, there were nine contestants, all of them so-called physically or mentally disabled. All nine of them assembled at the starting line, and at the sound of the gun, they took off. But not long afterward, one little boy stumbled and fell, hurt his knee and began to cry. The other eight children heard him crying. They slowed down, turned around, and ran back to him. Every one of them ran back to him.

One little girl with Down Syndrome bent down and kissed the boy, and said, “This’ll make it better.” The little boy got up, and he and the rest of the runners linked their arms together, and joyfully walked to the finish line. They all finished the race at the same time. And when they did, everyone in that stadium stood up, and clapped, and whistled, and cheered for a long, long time. People who were there are still telling this story with great delight. And you know why. Because deep down, we know that what matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What really matters is helping others win, too. Even if it means slowing down and changing our course now and then.

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Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius— what a name—was the last of the great Roman philosophers, and the first of the scholastics of the Middle Ages. Fifteen hundred years ago, Boethius wrote this sentence, “O happy race of mortals, if your hearts are ruled as is the universe, by Love.”

I was once invited to sit in on a master class of six young cellists from the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra.

The master teacher was Yo-Yo Ma. Now, Yo-Yo is the most other-oriented genius I’ve ever known. His music comes from a very deep place within his being. And during that master class, Yo-Yo gently led those young cellists into understandings about their instruments, their music, and their selves, which some of them told me later, they’d carry with them forever.

I can still see the face of one young man who had just finished playing a movement of Brahms’ Cello Sonata, when Yo-Yo said, “Nobody else can make the sound you make.” Of course, he meant that as a compliment to the young man.

Nevertheless, he meant that also for everyone in the class. Nobody else can make the sound you make. Nobody else can choose to make that particular sound in that particular way.

I’m very much interested in choices, and what it is, and who it is, that enables us human beings to make the choices we make all through our lives. What choices lead to ethnic cleansing? What choices lead to healing? What choices lead to the destruction of the environment, the erosion of the Sabbath, suicide bombings, or teenagers shooting teachers. What choices encourage heroism in the midst of chaos?

I have a lot of framed things in my office, which people have given to me through the years. And on my walls are Greek, Hebrew, Russian, and Chinese. And beside my chair, is a French sentence from Saint-Exupery’s Little Prince. It reads, “L’essential est invisible pour les yeux.” What is essential is invisible to the eye. Well, what is essential about you? And who are those who have helped you become the person you are?

Anyone who has ever graduated from a college, anyone who has ever been able to sustain a good work, has had at least one person, and often many, who have believed in him or her. We just don’t get to be competent human beings without a lot of different investments from others.

I’d like to give you all an invisible gift.

A gift of a silent minute to think about those who have helped you become who you are today. Some of them may be here right now. Some may be far away. Some,

like my astronomy professor, may even be in Heaven. But wherever they are, if they’ve loved you, and encouraged you, and wanted what was best in life for you, they’re right inside yourself. And I feel that you deserve quiet time, on this special occasion, to devote some thought to them. So, let’s just take a minute, in honor of those that have cared about us all along the way. One silent minute.

Whomever you’ve been thinking about, imagine how grateful they must be, that during your silent times, you remember how important they are to you. It’s not the honors and the prizes, and the fancy outsides of life which ultimately nourish our souls. It's knowing that we can be trusted.

That we never have to fear the truth. That the bedrock of our lives, from which we make our choices, is very good stuff.

There’s a neighborhood song that is meant for the child in each of us, and I’d like to give you the words of that song right now. “It’s you I like, it’s not the things you wear. It’s not the way you do your hair, but it’s you I like. The way you are right now, the way down deep inside you. Not the things that hide you.

Not your caps and gowns, they’re just beside you. But it’s you I like. Every part of you. Your skin, your eyes, your feelings. Whether old or new, I hope that you remember, even when you’re feeling blue, that it’s you I like. It’s you, yourself, it’s you. It’s you I like.”

And what that ultimately means, of course, is that you don’t ever have to do anything sensational for people to love you. When I say it’s you I like, I’m talking about that part of you that knows that life is far more than anything you can ever see, or hear, or touch. That deep part of you, that allows you to stand for those things, without which humankind cannot survive.

Love that conquers hate. Peace that rises triumphant over war. And justice that proves more powerful than greed.

So, in all that you do in all of your life, I wish you the strength and the grace to make those choices which will allow you and your neighbor to become the best of whoever you are. Congratulations to you all.

Next week, we will celebrate Maya Angelou, an American author, poet and civil rights activist by remembering her 1993 speech “On the Pulse of the Morning” delivered at the Inauguration of William Jefferson Clinton — the 42nd President of the United States.

The Best Places to Watch a Sunset in Tompkins County

By Mik ayl a Ro ve nolt

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iving life in the Finger Lakes has many benefits, and one is the region’s stunning sunsets, reflecting across the water as the sun dips beneath the horizon.. The Ithaca Times compiled a list of places where you can catch a great view of the evening sky. Grab a picnic blanket, some snacks, and settle in!

Stewart Park This local spot may seem obvious, but that does not make its views any less breathtaking. Boasting beautiful views of the lake and natural wildlife, Stewart Park is also a great place to watch the sunset.

With a variety of walking trails, playgrounds, and courts for a variety of games, an evening can be well-spent at Stewart Park. It is family-friendly and open to everyone. If you’re lucky enough, you might snag a picnic table on a busy evening. Just keep an eye out for goose poop.

The trails in the park are also bikefriendly, wrapping around to the Ithaca Farmer’s Market and the Waterfront Trail.

They’ll make a day at Stewart Park worthwhile before you settle in to watch the lights paint the evening sky.

Ithaca College Towers While this is no news to the Ithaca College community, it may be of interest to locals and visitors who have never visited the upper campus area. The Ithaca College Towers parking lot has, in our Ithaca College alumni staff ’s opinions, a beautiful view of the lake and sunsets.

Enter campus from the main entrance and head left up the hill, and you will come to a stop sign. Keep driving straight under a walking bridge and you’ll be in the Towers parking lot. There is an upper and lower level, both with nice views, but the best is from

Stewart Park offers stunning lakefront sunset views and ample parking.

(Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)

the upper level. During the summer while students are gone, these lots have plenty of parking spaces available to use after 5 p.m.

The upper lot also has a trail access point on the far end, signified with a blue sign. The trails are free to access and open to the public. Ithaca College students are often familiar with these trails, and they may be easier to access in the summer because there is more parking near the trailheads available.

Whether you visit campus for a walk, the trails, or the views of the city and lake, it is worth staying for a sunset or two.

Ludlowville Falls With its slightly higher elevation than the downtown Ithaca area, Ludlowville Falls offers a magnificent view of the summer sunsets. Located at Ludlowville Park, the waterfall itself is also a sight to see. In the evening, the colors of the sky bounce off the falls in a shimmering stream. It really is a sight to see.

The park is also a family friendly attraction with a playground, picnic tables, and

Myers Point and the Salt Point Natural Area in Lansing are great spots to view New York’s sunsets.

(Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)

is dog-friendly. There is also a gazebo and pavilion for picnics and general relaxing after a long day.

Lansing is full of magnificent views, as it sits above the lake and looks out across the sky and surrounding areas.

Salt Point Natural Area Also in Lansing is Salt Point Natural Area, near Myers Point. Whether you’re on foot or on the water, the sunsets are amazing and reflect off the lake in beautiful rays of color.

Salt Point also has walking trails and 34 acres of shoreline to explore, according to the Lansing Parks and Recreation website.

This is also a fun spot for professional and hobby birders as there are ospreys, great blue herons, and many more bird species recorded at the point.

The area also features picnic tables, a non-motorized boat launch, walking trails, and is dog-friendly as long as they are leashed. Salt Point is a great spot for an evening of family or solo activities and to catch some beautiful views over Cayuga Lake.

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Wineries It will come as no surprise that many of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail wineries have beautiful sunsets. From Lucas Vineyards and Six Mile Creek to further up the trail at Hosmer, Thirsty Owl, and Montezuma, the Cayuga Lake Wineries have beautiful views.

Many wineries also have outdoor seating areas and welcome outside food to pair with their wines, so an evening at a winery, watching the sunset, and enjoying a wine and cheese pairings may be a nice way to spend a summer evening.

Some wineries, such as Lucas Vineyards, also have summer concert series where visitors and locals can enjoy an evening of music while watching the sunset over the vineyards.

While this list is not all-encompassing of the magnificent views from all around Tompkins County, these local spots are a great start for your summer sunset journey.

Whether you are a local, seasonal visitor, or student staying through the summer, these sunset viewing points will help you enjoy a summer evening in upstate New York.

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Educational Summer Fun for Kids

By K a e l e ig h Ban d a

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ith school bells ringing to sound the start of summer, Ithaca provides continued learning and fun for kids. From museums to outdoor activities, there are educational opportunities for all ages to fuel students’ active minds this summer.

Many of the playful learning opportunities also come at no or low cost.

This helps to work toward preventing the “summer slide.” According to the National Summer Learning Association, the “summer slide” is what often happens to disadvantaged children during the summer months. They are at risk of falling behind higher-income children, who continue to learn over the summer months because of increased access to educational opportunities without financial barriers. These learning centers are just a few of the many opportunities for kids this summer.

Ithaca Children’s Garden he Ithaca Children’s Garden provides three acres of outdoor interactive play space. The space was designed with the goal of connecting children to nature.

From bunnies to bees, children connect

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Children celebrate last year’s International Mud Day at the Ithaca Children’s garden.

(Photo: Nathan Ellison/Ithaca Times File)

not only with plants but with animals and insects.

The centerpiece of the garden is the large land sculpture of Gaia the Turtle.

Gaia has been in the garden since 2005 and is a favorite play feature. The garden also features the Bulb Labyrinth Memorial Garden with a variety of blooming bulbs and perennials. The pathway is also wheelchair and stroller-friendly.

The ICG organization emphasizes the importance of outdoor play, citing that children may need outdoor play just as much, if not more, than time in the classroom to develop successfully and happily.

Visiting the garden is free, but most events and programs include a cost.

However, families can apply for scholarships, and no documentation is required.

Requests are also kept confidential. Programs are curated for all age groups, so the learning is catered to their learning and play needs. ICG is open from sunrise to sunset all year.

Sciencenter he Sciencenter has over 250 interactive science exhibits for visitors of all ages. The Tidepool Touch Tank teaches visitors about sea creatures through touch, the Saltonstall Animal Room showcases biodiversity with a wide range of animals to see, and the Science Park explores outdoor learning of sound and motion, just to name a few exhibits. Discovery spaces also foster learning and independent observation. The center also has a mini golf course for an extra cost.

On Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Sciencenter hosts MathHappens workshops that provide playful and hands-on math learning for kids of all ages. Kids can also experiment with chemical reactions when they build seltzer rockets from 2-3 p.m. July 5. More workshops and events

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The Ithaca Sciencenter offers an array of learning opportunities for all ages year-round. (Photo: Sciencenter)

like these can be found on the center’s website calendar.

Pricing ranges for admission, but children under two are free, and EBT Card Holders are $3 per person. Admission can also be checked out at local libraries for free. The center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday through Sunday.

Cayuga Nature Center he Cayuga Nature Center is an outdoor educational exploration opportunity for all ages. CNC is part of the Paleontological Research Institution, so there is an emphasis on observation as well as fun. Within the 100 acres of land, there are miles of trails through woods and fields along gorges and streams, providing many opportunities for a variety of exploration.

One of the most exciting attractions for kids, and kids at heart, is TreeTops, the center’s six-story tree house. TreeTops is open from dawn until dusk. Climbers get a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy, which provides a brand new perspective on forest habitats.

Every Monday, CNC hosts free Tree “Buds” Weekly Tree Phenology Walks open to everyone. Attendees walk among the trees to observe changes in the trees with the passing of the seasons.

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Children and other guests have the opportunity to use their observations to contribute to active field research. The data collected on the walks is sent to the USA National Phenology Network for researchers there to use it to understand the seasonal changes and how they are impacted by climate change. Events like this and more can be found on the CNC website.

Museum of the Earth he Museum of the Earth takes visitors back in time to see the prehistoric history of the Finger Lakes and walks through into the future. From dinosaurs to climate change, hundreds of millions of years of interactive exploration are possible at this museum.

Some of the museum’s highlights include the Hyde Park Mastodon, which is one of the most complete mastodon skeletons ever found. There is also a 44-footlong right whale skeleton on the ceiling, and visitors can learn her story. There are areas for younger children to play, and older children can further engage in the exhibits.

The museum also hosts a variety of events, which provide variety for returning visitors. Coming soon is the Natural Queeriosity: A Family PRI-de Event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 26. There will be Pride-themed button making, flag making and a scavenger hunt included with the price of admission.

Admission ranges in cost based on age, but children three and under can attend for free, and children four and up are $7.50. The museum also provides $1 tickets for EBT cardholders. While admission is a fixed cost most days, the museum offers Pay-What-You-Wish weekends on the first weekend of each month. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday.

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History Center Walking Tour Highlights Prohibition-Era Ithaca

This summer and fall, the History Center in Tompkins County will offer educational walking tours about Prohibition-era Ithaca. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)

By Mik ayl a Ro ve nolt

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rom May 29 and continuing into the fall, The History Center in Tompkins County will host walking tours of Downtown Ithaca focused on what the city was like during Prohibition.

“King Alcohol Ends Reign,” is a walking tour that details the city’s “spirited” history with Prohibition. Tours are led by trained volunteers from The History Center and take guests to the sites of real speakeasies, dry raids, church protests, saloons, and reform rallies, revealing how, according to the History Center’s archives, Ithaca was one of the first cities in New York to go dry before Prohibition.

“We start, as with all things, in collections,” BrierMae Ossont, the history center’s community engagement manager, said. “It really depends on what we have in a collection already, what we've accumulated throughout the years that shapes the history tours. We also think about what is going to engage people.”

According to the History Center’s website, Ithaca earned some colorful nicknames in the early 1900s: “Sodom,” “Sin City,” and “Rum Town, USA.” The city battled over booze, morality, and modernity before Prohibition took place, the website says.

Through historic images, newspaper headlines, and stories from the historical record, attendees might see Ithaca in a new way.

“We were able to take essentially old notes from an old tour, re-research all of those because we discover new things all the time, add new stories, incorporate new artifacts that we've uncovered from our collections, and then we start putting a script together,” Ossont said. “The tours are a collection of stories that the guides take in their own ways, so each tour is a little different.”

Ossont added that what is interesting with this tour is that it shows how the landscape of a place and the culture can change over time. Today, Ossont said, Ithaca is widely known for its college culture, but this was not always the case.

The 75-minute tours are led by trained volunteers from The History Center. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)

“It’s called the Prohibition History Tour, that’s the big thing, but we go into how Ithaca’s culture, before Prohibition hit the country, was temperance-motivated,” Ossont said. “We were actually a dry city before Prohibition started, and so we have a very rich temperance movement history, which is pretty fascinating to get into.”

Ossont concluded by sharing that these tours are a way for locals and visitors to learn more about Ithaca’s history and how it has been at the forefront of many movements and changes throughout history. One example is last summer’s tour titled “Innovation Junction: How Ithaca’s West End Pioneered American Transportation.”

Previous history tours and exhibits can be found by visiting https://www.thehistorycenter.net/tours.

The 75-minute tours take place Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. They start at The History Center in Tompkins County at 110 N. Tioga St and are intended for ages 16 and above.

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Comfortable shoes, an umbrella, jacket, and water bottle are recommended. The tour takes place rain or shine, but in case of severe weather, cancellations will be determined by 10:30 a.m. the morning of.

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A Summer Sidequest Awaits: “111 Places In The Finger Lakes That You Must Not Miss”

By Kira Walte r

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ith over 650 variations, the “111 Places” series is one of the fastest-growing guidebook collections across the world. As they frequent the shelves of gift shops, the newest addition, featuring both Ithaca staples and hidden gems, looks a bit familiar. “111 Places In the Finger Lakes That You Must Not Miss,” by local writer and former restaurateur Michael Turback, came out last April.

While travel manuals tend towards tourist traps, this book specializes in storied destinations with less foot traffic.

“I love the Finger Lakes. I’ve been writing about the region’s food and wine for years, but this assignment allowed me to discover so many new places,” he said. “I’m hoping readers will enjoy sharing the adventure.”

Michael Turback’s “111 Places in the Finger Lakes That You Must Not Miss” highlights lesser-known destinations, local history, and hidden gems throughout the Finger Lakes region. (Photo: Provided)

After graduating from Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration, the author opened Turback’s of Ithaca, a farm-to-table restaurant with a New York-centric wine list, when he was 22. He later published numerous books about Finger Lakes history and hospitality, including two Ithaca Farmer’s Market cookbooks making seasonal produce more approachable.

Locations in this latest project draw largely on his multi-decade residence and a full year collecting interesting tidbits on all 111 spots included. Extensive exploration introduced him to many folks with local lore, and he often had to repeat trips to piece together a complete picture.

“The interesting thing about traveling the Finger Lakes is they’re all vertical,” Turback said. “There’s no bridge to shortcut across them so you have to take the long drive around. There are many miles woven into this book.”

Turback spoke with a fondness for adventures preceding publication and the connections made along the way. He often traveled with freelance photographer and RIT professor Brian Wilder, who provided imagery for all Finger Lakes whereabouts.

Storefronts, libraries, prisons, castles, and trails galore are brightly colored, easily identifiable in full page photos explorers can match to fun facts.

“There are other more typical travel guides about the region. They typically include restaurants, hotels, and wineries,” Turback explained. “But this book is different. It uncovers offbeat, under-the-radar places that even longtime residents might not know about.”

Historical anecdotes add to the guidebook’s unique charm, as you can frequent

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Michael Turback is a local author and the original owner of the iconic Turback’s Restaurant in Ithaca. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)

small landmarks like Teddy Roosevelt’s tree or Walter Taylor’s bronze goat. Secret firsts also decorate these pages from New York’s first nudist park to the home of the original ice cream sundae.

Besides teeming with the region’s rich past and oddities, this new release is also special in its widespread coverage of different towns. While 27 locations described are geographically in Ithaca, the other 84 are spread out amongst all eleven lakes.

The more popular cities include Auburn, Cortland, Geneva, Watkins Glen, Canandaigua, Elmira, and Seneca Falls, with many features concentrated in close distance.

The guide remains day-trip friendly with directional advice and open hours included in every place excerpt. 111 complimentary tips also invite a secondary expedition wherever the reader decides to go. There is no linear path to follow as each gem in Turback’s collection leads to more background and more pointers on the surrounding area.

Still, while the book is jam-packed with clues to propel you through the

4,692 square mile area, it remains centered around people and community. The writing reflects personal interviews and conversations as characters who built the significance behind monuments and memorials come to life. Harriet Tubman, Mark Twain, Vladimir Nabokov and other American historical figures have left significant impressions on the region, while families construct generational businesses and traditions here by passing knowledge on. Unveiling the mysteries behind chosen places attracted the author to his final selection.

“The book was a lot of work, a lot of miles, but so much fun to do,” Turback said. “I hope readers will not enjoy reading about these places, perhaps setting out to discover for themselves.”

Nothing is left out in this diverse and eclectic travel guide of the Finger Lakes.

So if you’re stumped on where to start your Summer sidequesting, “111 Places In the Fingerlakes That You Must Not Miss” might be the first place to look.

Make Your Summer Sweet at These Local Ice Cream Shops

By L or ie n Ty ne

I

t’s summer again and the region’s beloved seasonal frozen dessert shops are open once more — except Purity, which never closes, because Ithacans need ice cream in the winter, too.

Whether you’re an ice cream traditionalist or have a sweet spot for milkshakes, frozen yogurt, slushies, etc. any one of these shops will hit the spot.

Purity Ice Cream Everyone in Ithaca knows Purity, so it would be criminal not to mention the year-round ice cream shop in this list.

Purity Ice Cream has been a local favorite since 1936 when founder Leo Guentert opened the location in Ithaca. Stop by the shop on Route 13 and pick from more than 30 classic and specialty flavors, such as Cayuga Mud, a chocolate ice cream with espresso, fudge swirl and Oreos.

The shop proudly advertises its ice cream recipes that are void of any artificial ingredients and have locally and regionally sourced r-BST hormone-free milk and cream. They also serve housemade vegan flavors with vegan topping choices.

But, if you are a Purity purist, branch out a bit this summer and see what else the area has to offer when you inevitably get a craving for a sweet treat.

Rosie's Cafe & Parlor Rosie's Ice Cream Shop, also called Rosie’s Cafe and Parlor, is located in the alley on Seneca Way in Ithaca. In classic and specialty flavors, Rosie’s serves cups, cones, hard ice cream, soft serve, milkshakes, frozen flurries, banana boats and one-of-a-kind sundaes. Can’t decide between a Rosie’s coffee or a Rosie’s ice cream cone? Try the Affogato — a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with hot espresso.

If you’re not quite in the mood for ice cream (if that’s possible) Rosie’s also offers refreshing fruit smoothies.

Sweet Melissa's Ice Cream

Sweet Melissa's Ice Cream is a familyowned shop located on West Seneca Street in Ithaca. Sweet Melissa’s was established in 2009 as a soft serve shop and has since expanded to serving its own hard ice cream brand with dairy and non-dairy options.

The shop’s Facebook page gives customers frequent updates on specials and new homemade flavors so you can get there before the batch runs out.

Cornell Dairy Bar You can’t go wrong with ice cream, sundaes or floats from Cornell Dairy Bar. Open to the public, the ice cream bar is located in Cornell’s Stocking Hall on the east end of Tower Road.

Cranberry Essence Orange Sorbet, among others.

The dairy bar is a unique place to get ice cream because of student involvement in the production process. Not only is the milk used sourced from the Cornell Veterinary College Dairy Teaching Barn, but some of the flavors offered are actually created by students in the Department of Food Science. Each year students in Science and Technology of Foods introductory class compete in teams to design a new flavor of ice cream that can be served in the dairy bar.

Cayuga Lake Creamery Cayuga Lake Creamery has two locations: one on State Route 89 in Interlaken, which has been open since 2004, and a second location that opened in 2020 at the Dewitt Mall in Ithaca.

The creamery serves home-made ice cream using local ingredients and is made in small batches on-site at the Interlaken location. The shop offers homemade versions of the classics as well as flavors such as lavender, maple bacon, ultimate fudge brownie and the well-known Seneca salt caramel. The creamery has over 200 flavors and produces them on a rotating basis, scooping about 30 flavors at a time.

Non-dairy vegan options, sorbets and gluten-free offerings are available, too.

The creamery also features wine flavors created with the help of local winemakers, such as the Six Mile Creek Vineyard Dolce Vita Raspberry Sorbet, Sheldrake Point Vineyard Summer Blush Chocolate Ice Cream and Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery J u ne

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Trumansburg Ice Cream Bar Ice Cream Bar, located on East Main Street in Trumansburg, just minutes from Taughannock Falls and the Black Diamond Trail, is a bit more than your traditional stand. The location has an ice cream bar, food, a beer and wine garden, yard games and other activities for kids.

The shop also hosts live music, comedy, art, dance and other events that you can find out about on the Ice Cream Bar’s social media or website.

Ice Cream Bar serves a rotating list of Perry’s hard ice cream flavors, soft-serve, sundaes, flurries, milkshakes, floats and wine slushies, among other food and drink options.

Scoops of Lansing

Scoops of Lansing is a traditional seasonal roadside ice cream shop on Auburn Road in Lansing. Scoops serves Perry’s hard ice cream, frozen soft-serve custard, sundaes and milkshakes and has gluten free, vegan and low sugar options.

You can enjoy the ice cream outside at the shop’s pavilion seating or take your cone on a hike on the Lansing Center Trail that will loop back to Scoops.

Check Scoops’ social media for the current hard ice cream menu as it changes frequently and don’t forget your wallet because Scoops is cash only!

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Sports

Cornell’s Season Ends with Records, Awards and National Recognition

By Ste ve L aw re nc e

I

t's that strange time of year when colleges held their graduation ceremonies a month ago, and some athletes are still competing. Summer vacation... careers... well, they'll just have to wait.

The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships were held a few days ago in Eugene, Oregon, and Cornell sent two athletes — Pierre Attiogbe and Avery Hilliard. to collegiate track and field's premier event. Attiogbe was there to compete in the men's 5,000 meter, and Hilliard made the tourney as a pole vaulter.

Hilliard was the first Big Red pole vaulter to ever compete at the NCAAs, and what a season it was to earn her that honor. Avery finished either first or second in every competition leading up to the NCAA East first round, and it was a vault of 4.27 meters to punch her ticket to the NCAAs. She would open the competition by clearing the bar at 4.09 meters, and ultimately earn Honorable Mention All America status. That performance capped off what Cornell's website referred to as “a historic season,” put together by an athlete who “rewrote the Big Red record book.”

Attiogbe was among the nation's elite distance runners this year, and he ran a personal best in the mile in winning the Ivy League Distance Medley Relay. He

followed up a strong indoor season with a 3:36:69 in the Ivy League Championships 1500 meter event. He was the first Cornellian to win that event since the legendary Grant Whitney in 1986. At the NCAAs, Attiogbe stepped up big time, running a blistering 13:37:43 to finish in 7th place in a field of the nation's elite runners.

This is a little later, but I have for several weeks really wanted to share the incredible season out together by Cornell senior softball player Lauren Holt.

Lauren started all 43 games for the Big Red behind the plate, and while catching often requires so much focus that it can adversely affect a player's offense, Holt encountered no such obstacle. Her eyepopping stats not only earned her first team All Ivy and All ECAC accolades, he was also recognized as the Ivy League's Co-Player of the Year.

Holt was dialed in at the plate, hitting an Ivy record 19 home runs. She would finish her career with 46 bombs, putting her in second place in the all-time Ivy League record book. (For some perspective, hitting 19 home runs in a 43-game season translated to nearly one every other game. In Major League baseball's 162 game season, that would mean somewhere north of 70 home runs.) She was also named to the 2026 Softball All-ECAC team, becoming the first Big Red softball player to make Pierre Attiogbe finished 7th in a field of 23 at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo: Provided)

Senior catcher Lauren finished her career with 46 home runs, second all-time in Ivy League history. (Photo: Provided)

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the list since Alyson Intihar was recognized with first-team honors in 2007.

Lauren's historic stats were not limited to hitting the ball over the fence. Her batting average was a stratospheric .474 with 64 hits, and she led the team in several other offensive categories. She scored 48 runs, had 14 doubles and a triple and drove in a total of 66 runs. Those numbers earned her the Charles H. Moore Outstanding Senior Varsity Athlete Award, given to one senior across all sports.

Holt's performance was in no way hampered or distracted by the fact that her head coach — Tara Smith — wore the Interim designation. The “I Word”

has been dropped, as Coach Smith, who, according to Cornell Athletics, “led the successful turnaround.” was named the full-time Jan Rock Zubrow '77 Head Coach of Softball. According to Athletic Director Nikki Moore, "Tara has earned this opportunity through her unwavering commitment to our student-athletes, her leadership and intentionality with the team, and the results she has helped achieve both on and off the field."

Smith will be hard-pressed to replace Holt's impressive output, and with a year now under her belt, she will have a clearer picture of how to best utilize her current players and recruit and develop the new ones.

Arts&Entertainment Arts& &Entertainment Cherry Arts Launches Live Music Series Cherry Music will feature concerts across two venues

T

By Aust i n L a m b

he Cherry Arts, a nonprofit arts hub on Ithaca’s West End, has added live music to its offerings.

Cherry Music launched this month as a new series across two of The Cherry’s venues: a performance space with a capacity around 200, and the smaller Camilla Schade Studio adjacent to The Cherry Gallery.

When The Cherry opened on Cherry Street in 2017, it planned to offer more than theater, said Samuel BuggeIn, The Cherry's founding artistic and executive director. There were enough local venues at the time that offering live music wasn’t a priority for The Cherry, he said.

As independent venues continue to struggle nationwide, with many closing locally — Deep Dive, The Downstairs, The Range, The Haunt, The Rongovian Embassy, Chapter House, among others — BuggeIn said there’s a gap to fill in Ithaca’s music scene. The Cherry now has a provisional liquor license, too.

“We want this to be a community, grassroots, musician-driven initiative […] a conversation with the community of folks here who have lost so many venues,” BuggeIn said.

Spencer Butts, who joined The Cherry this spring as its music coordinator, said the arts hub wants to cross artistic boundaries and create memorable events. Quality over quantity is a priority, he said.

“The scene’s limited, so you really have to work on building your audience for specific events that are spaced out,” he said.

The Cherry plans to use its space "more radically different than we have in the

The Cherry Arts recently launched Cherry Music, helping fill a gap in Ithaca’s music scene. (Photo: Provided/Cherry Arts)

past,” BuggeIn said. Unlike traditional theater venues, The Cherry's performance space is flexible. The seating and stage can be moved depending on the event, whether it’s a play or puppetry or a band.

On June 12, Cherry Music hosted an acoustic night in its with folk and country group The Pretty Makers in the Camilla Schade Studio. On June 16, Ithaca Musicians’ Alliance held a free meet-up in the performance space. And on June 26, local singer Mandy Goldman will host a Songwriters Night, performing along with Colleen Countryman, La Llorona, and Penelope Voss.

Goldman hopes to make the event a recurring series, with intimate nights of music and new combinations of songwriters, she wrote in an email to the Ithaca Times. She said the Cherry Music series is a generous gift to the community, both as a new music venue for artists and audiences and as an accessible space for people with

disabilities and people without vehicles.

“I wanted to create a night of music that felt like a living room conversation between songwriters—sharing, appreciating, and adding to one another’s music,” Goldman wrote.

Butts said The Cherry also hopes to fill a local void of venues for smaller touring artists and become a destination for out-of-towners. As a performing musician himself, Butts wants to break down barriers between venues and artists and collaborate on building the local scene.

In addition to live music, The Cherry will offer free rehearsal space for musicians in Camilla Schade Studio, which previously was only free to the theater community. This free offering is supported by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, according to a Cherry press release.

BuggeIn said he hopes that The Cherry’s diversity of offerings and audiences Ju ne

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will make its arts hub model sustainable, allowing audiences to discover unfamiliar art forms and helping The Cherry become “a one-stop shop” for a variety of experiences. Going to a concert versus going to a play isn’t a zero-sum game, he said.

“The competition of theater is not other theater — the competition of theater is Netflix,” BuggeIn said. “If you can get someone to leave the house for an arts experience — the more times that happens, the more different ways, you’re rebuilding something that has never come back fully since the pandemic: a culture of leaving the house for arts experiences.”

For more information, and to book rehearsal times, The Cherry invites residents to email spencer@thecherry.org. Under “the right circumstances,” The Cherry will also make its performance space available for music organizations requiring more space, according to the press release.

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Art

Museum of the Earth Displays Life Size Dinosaur Model

By Mik ayl a Ro ve nolt

T

he Museum of the Earth has a new dinosaur exhibit, thanks to the artistic creation of Andrew Bovenzi, a 2026 graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)’s studio arts program.

For Bovenzi’s senior project, he made a life-sized dinosaur model, which he donated to the museum.

The 19-foot long model is a hadrosaur, known as a group of plant-eating dinosaurs that includes names such as Edmontosaurus and Parasaurolophus. Bovenzi chose to base his model on Velifrons, a lesser-known hadrosaur, known only from a single specimen found in Mexico in the early 2000s.

“It’s my favorite dinosaur,” Bovenzi said in a release from the Museum of the Earth. “[I’ve had] a years-long passion for the animal and its locality.”

The model is made of foam and joint compound over a wood and chicken-wire frame. Bovenzi gave particular attention to the skin, basing its pebbly texture on hadrosaur fossils that preserve skin impressions. The colors are speculative.

Bovenzi said he started the project in July of 2025, after a trip to the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, the Academy WE THE PEOPLE contin u ed from page A9

The answers will not come from any single leader, party, movement, or ideology.

They will emerge, as they always have, from citizens willing to engage in the often difficult work of self-government.

The Declaration of Independence announced a revolutionary proposition.

The Constitution created a framework for its pursuit. Every generation since has been tasked with carrying that work forward.

The voices featured in A Nation Speaks remind us that democracy is ultimately a conversation—one that spans centuries, communities, and points of view. Some voices inspire. Some challenge. Some provoke. Some unite. All contribute to the ongoing dialogue that defines a free society.

A nation may speak through its leaders, advocates, reformers, and visionaries. But a democracy endures only when its people answer.

Two hundred and fifty years after the

of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, and the new Edelman Fossil Museum in New Jersey. After 10 months of work, he presented the model as a part of his capstone show at RIT. He also displayed 57 miniature dinosaurs as part of the exhibition. The miniatures are viewable on his website: https:// waxosaurusmakes.squarespace.com/.

Bovenzi says he made the model to do two things that he feels are missing in many museums: “what these animals looked like in life, and how large these animals were compared to you, the viewer.”

The combination of art and science made the model attractive to the Museum of the Earth.

Recent RIT graduate Andrew Bovenzi donated his 19-foot hadrosaur project to the Museum of the Earth following its exhibition at RIT. (Photo provided by PRI) “When we saw [the dinosaur model] in person, we knew it would be a really questions could be anything, but what I Another is as an art teacher, using my wonderful addition to our exhibits, many of experience as a child who used art to learn want those questions to do is feed your which focus on the interconnection of art hunger for knowledge.” and paleontology,” Warren Allmon, Director new things to inspire other kids to explore Utilizing its collections, staff, physical their passion.” of the Paleontological Research Institution, facilities and digital presence, the PaleonBovenzi’s Velifrons model is currently said. “It’s an impressive feat of paleoart.” tological Research Institution, which opbeing installed in the Museum of the Bovenzi said he plans to go on to a erates the Museum of the Earth, pursues Earth, and it will be fully on display in career of both making and teaching art. and integrates education and research, early June. The Museum is open Thursday “I have two plans for my post graduand interprets the history and systems of to Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ate career,” he said. “One is to continue the Earth and its life to increase knowl“Oftentimes, the greatest art doesn’t making these kinds of pieces for musegive us all the right answers,” Bovenzi said. edge, educate society, and encourage wise ums around the world, inspiring kids to stewardship of the Earth. change the way they look at these animals. “It makes us ask the right questions. Those Declaration of Independence, the American experiment remains unfinished. Its future will not be determined solely by those who hold office or command attention. It will be shaped by citizens who choose to participate, contribute, and accept responsibility for the communities and institutions they share.

The promise of the United States has never rested in the perfection of its leaders.

It has rested in the capacity of its people to engage, adapt, improve, and persevere.

That is the enduring meaning of those three words that continue to define the nation: We the People.

This principle is not abstract. It is lived daily in communities like Ithaca, where democracy takes shape not only in national debates but in local action.

For more than two centuries, Ithaca has served as a gathering place for people who arrive from elsewhere and choose to invest their talents, ideas, and energy in the common good. Students, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, farmers, advocates, business

A18 T h e I t h a c a T i m e s / J u n e 1 7 – 2 3 , 2 0 2 6 B18

owners, nonprofit leaders, and public servants all contribute to a civic culture that values both inquiry and engagement.

Democracy in Ithaca is visible in public meetings where residents debate the future of their neighborhoods. It is present in volunteer efforts that support food security, environmental stewardship, and affordable housing. It can be found in local businesses that strengthen the regional economy, in cultural organizations that bring people together across differences, and in educational institutions that prepare future leaders for communities around the world.

The Ithaca region has long demonstrated that citizenship extends beyond voting. It includes mentoring a young person, serving on a nonprofit board, supporting a local enterprise, preserving a historic landmark, advocating for a cause, or simply showing up when neighbors need help. These acts may seem small compared to the grand events of history, yet they represent the very foundation upon which democratic societies are built.

Just as the voices featured in A Nation Speaks challenged citizens to become participants rather than spectators, Ithaca’s civic life offers countless opportunities for people to translate values into action. The strength of a democracy is measured not only by the quality of its institutions, but by the willingness of ordinary people to contribute to them.

In that sense, Ithaca reflects a broader American truth: self-government succeeds when communities create spaces where people can learn, collaborate, disagree respectfully, and work together toward shared goals. Democracy is not merely something we inherit. It is something we practice.

As America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, stories of “We the People” are being written not only in the nation’s capital, but in communities like Ithaca—where citizenship is expressed through participation, where diverse voices contribute to a shared future, and where the enduring work of democracy continues one conversation, one project, and one act of civic engagement at a time.

Film

“Disclosure Day”: Emily Blunt and Josh O'Connor Unravel a Government Conspiracy

By Cl e me nt O b ropta

T

he question of whether we’re alone in the universe has been answered by the movies a thousand times over. Usually with a lot of explosions and punching, and sometimes with Ryan Gosling becoming BFFs with a space rock.

Somewhat refreshingly, Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” instead envisions the world’s relationship with extraterrestrial life as a decades-long cover-up by a ruthless, top-secret government agency called Wardex. In a twist of fate, the lives of two strangers, cybersecurity specialist Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) and local Kansas City weatherperson Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt), are entwined when they unwittingly become the only people capable of breaking the silence.

After joining a group of defectors within Wardex, Daniel finds himself on the run with a backpack full of the state secrets he was hired to protect. The leader of the defector movement, Colman Domingo’s immaculately tailored director of biological assets Hugo Wakefield, sends the young whistleblower and his girlfriend, Jane (Eve Hewson), to a remote safehouse.

At the same time, Blunt’s meteorologist begins having what appear to be psychotic polylingual episodes before fainting on live television during a weather report. She be-

“Disclosure Day” Rated PG-13 Directed by Steven Spielberg Currently playing at Cinemapolis and Regal Ithaca Mall 120 E Green St., Ithaca and 40 Catherwood Road, Ithaca FREE CHILDREN'S SWIM LESSONS contin u ed from page A3

participation and ensuring more children have access to high-quality swim instruction. Ultimately, this investment will help save lives, build confidence, and create a safer, healthier community.”

comes capable of radical acts of empathy thanks to a new ability to read people’s minds, displaying the kind of godlike insight that it took Bill Murray approximately 13,000 Groundhog Days to attain. Her visions lead her to rendezvous with Kellner, all the while evading the government goons of a glowering Colin Firth.

Set against the backdrop of an impending World War III and involving car chases, religious themes, and aliens taking the form of wild animals, David Koepp’s screenplay travels halfway across the country and back in a pretty pedestrian confluence of every alien story ever written. Child abductions, little green men at Roswell, flying saucers pursued by fighter jets, crop circles appearing in fields of wheat — “Disclosure Day” plays all the hits. Ever a competent and confident writer, though, Koepp demonstrates an excellent grasp of characterization, stakes, and believably grounded action set pieces, even as the most exciting scenes in “Disclosure Day” ape better ones from films like “Mission: Impossible” and “Now You See Me.” That Spielberg has spent the past 50 years iterating on the idea of first contact with extraterrestrials only makes the film far richer, even if “Disclosure Day” is ultimately more indebted to the fridgenuking interdimensional lunacy of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” than the discomforting horrorRegistration for these free swim lessons opened for YMCA family members on June 16 and will open for youth members on June 19 and non-members on June 23. Registration is limited to one group lesson per session to allow access for as many children as possible, according to the press release.

The press release emphasized the YMCA’s history of water safety education,

Weatherperson Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) holds an alien artifact.

(Photo: IMDb/Universal Studios)

realism of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Often, it bites off more than it can chew, with particularly hokey attempts to tie alien conspiracies to organized religion — well-trodden territory for fans of “Contact” and “Signs.”

Within Spielberg, there are two wolves: an artist and a capitalist. The artist seems to earnestly want to make important films that move people and comment on our world, such as “Schindler’s List” or “The Fabelmans,” while the capitalist presents well-made pulpy thrills with any and all subtext buried deep below the shark-infested surface. “Disclosure Day” is perhaps the closest the filmmaker’s come to attempting to lock the two proverbial wolves in a room so they can talk things out for a bit.

Unfortunately, Spielberg and Koepp never manage to marry the populist zeal of “Disclosure Day” to its broader thematic preoccupations. The result is an overlong film that’s more engaging in its simplest and most lizard-brained mo-

ments, like when Emily Blunt struggles to get her boyfriend (Wyatt Russell) to run over her cellphone so she can’t be tracked by the government, than when characters are saying things like “I will not be anyone’s religion.” The action sequences are appropriately gripping, and the film soars highest in its riveting climax, a miracle of cross-cutting from Sarah Broshar, when we can sit back and appreciate some good CGI, reverence for the power of TV journalism, and possibly the last score John Williams will ever compose.

Much weirder and more self-serious than “E.T.” and more conventional and fast-paced than “Close Encounters,” “Disclosure Day” occupies an unstable middle ground between commerce and artistic vision. It’s summer rollercoaster cinema that desperately wants to be about something tangible and real.

specifically as a leader in establishing the practice of group swim lessons in 1909.

Now, the Ithaca YMCA is the largest provider of swim lessons in Tompkins County, teaching more than 11,000 swim lessons to more than 1,200 children in 2025.

The Ithaca YMCA offers swim lessons for all ages, including infants as young as 6 months old, teenagers and adults. Lessons

are tailored to each age group through teaching strategies and pool depths, according to the YMCA’s aquatics page.

Individuals interested in learning more about YMCA swim lessons and water safety programs can visit ithacaymca.org/ aquatics or contact Swim Lesson Coordinator Suzanne Conner at sconner@ ithacaymca.com.

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Clement Obropta is a film columnist for the Ithaca Times.

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Unleash your creativity at our Puff and Paint event! With all supplies included and infused snacks available, this is the perfect event to unwind and have some fun. - grab your tickets now! | $50.00 - $80.00

Music Bars/Bands/Clubs

Concerts/Recitals

6/18 Thursday Beginnings Summer Concert Se-

6/18 Thursday

ries | 5 p.m. | Bernie Milton Pavilion,

Mark Maynard @ Danby Food and

Atlanta Rhythm Section | 8 p.m.

Drink | 6 p.m. | Danby Food and Drink, 1483 Danby Rd. | Free Live Music — Tru Bleu | 6 p.m. | Hopshire Farms & Brewery, 1771 Dryden Rd.

6/19 Friday Sunset Music Series Presents Evan Dillon | 5 p.m. | Wagner Vineyards, 9322 State Route 414 Sunset Music Series Presents FAR Trio | 5 p.m. | Wagner Vineyards, 9322 State Route 414 Live Music — The Soul Benders | 6 p.m. | Hopshire Farms & Brewery, 1771 Dryden Rd.

6/20 Saturday

Center Commons | Free | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St Sugar Ray | 8 p.m. | Tioga Downs, 2384 West River Rd

6/19 Friday Tailor Made at the Garden Concert Series | 6 p.m. | Treleaven Wines, 658 Lake Road Beak & Skiff | 7 p.m. | Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, 2708 Lords Hill Road Bones of JR Jones | 8 p.m. | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St

6/20 Saturday Summer Concert Series | 5 p.m., 400 Block of College Ave Slambovian Circus of Dreams | 8 p.m. | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St.

Bryan Jacobson Live | 4 p.m. | Brew-

6/21 Sunday

ers Taproom, 10 Pinckney Rd

Father’s Day Seafood Boil with

6/23 Tuesday Chamber Music Collective Faculty

Bradshaw Blues Band | 11 a.m. | ONCO Fermentations, 397 NY RT 281, Suite O KURO REED TRIO gives Father’s Day concert in Cortland on June

Feeney Way | Free

21 | 4 p.m. | Unitarian Universalist

THISWEEK

Concert | 7:30 p.m. | Lincoln Hall, 256

Church of Cortland, 3 Church Street | $10.00 - $20.00

Stage A BRONX TALE The Musical | 2 p.m., 6/17 Wednesday | Merry-GoRound Playhouse, 17 William St, 2nd Floor | Jersey Boys meets West Side Story meets Saturday Night Fever! | $43.00 - $84.00 Showtunes Singalong | 7 p.m., 6/17 Wednesday | St. Luke Lutheran Church, 109 Oak Avenue | Kristin Zaryski, Mary Malaney, and Mark Lawrence return to lead this fun evening of singing along to favorite show tunes! | Free Ribbon Cutting for Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts New Renovations | 4:30 p.m., 6/18 Thursday, 5 McLallen St | Join us in celebrating the newly renovated Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts! You are Invited to a Spectacular Celebration!

What to the Slave is the 4th of July | 7 p.m., 6/18 Thursday | Auburn Public Theater, 8 Exchange St. | Join Auburn Public Theater for an America 250 celebration event featuring the talents of The Tubman Troupe.

801 Taughannock Blvd. | In this emotionally charged musical, Alison moves through time to visit her childhood, college years, and early adulthood unravelling her own coming-of-age and coming-out story.

Womba Africa Drumming and Dance | 6 p.m., 6/20 Saturday | Willard Memorial Chapel 17 Nelson Street, Auburn NY, 17 Nelson St | Celebrate #Juneteenth by seeing the group that moved from Ghana to Rochester to perform on America’s Got Talent!

History is a Drag! | 6 p.m., 6/22 Monday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Ithaca has a long history of queer art and performance, and its drag scene has been regarded as one of the most creative and resilient scenes in upstate New York.

Art Monotype through Drawing | Sarah Smelser | 10 a.m., 6/18 Thursday | The Ink Shop, 330 E. MLK/State St | Monotype through Drawing | Sarah Smelser

Lilies The Musical | 7:30 p.m., 6/18 Thursday | Kitchen Theatre Company, 417 W. State / W. MLK, Jr. Street | A New Musical at Kitchen Theatre Company | $15.00 - $30.00

Three Bears Fairytale Painting Workshop | 1 p.m., 6/20 Saturday | Three Bears Ovid, 7175 Main Street | Two free 1.5 hour watercolor painting classes in Papa Bear taught by local artist Andi Pisacano on June 20th and 27th from 1:00 to 2:30pm. | Free

“Fun Home” at the Hangar! | 7:30 p.m., 6/18 Thursday | Hangar Theatre,

Puff and Paint | 7 p.m., 6/20 Saturday | NRE Space , 402 W. State St |

SINGING NOTES AND SLINGING JOKES: A JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION FRIDAY, JUNE 19 FROM 8 P.M. TO 10 P.M.

Camila Schade Studio, 130 Cherry St. ||An evening of song and story about the Black American experience in America.Rooted in Juneteenth, this performance reflects on delayed freedom, truth withheld, survival, Black resilience, celebration, and the gap between what America promises and what Black people actually receive. SingTrece and Sir Kenneth bring music, memory, and personal storytelling into an intimate room.This is a one-night Juneteenth performance with limited seating. Get your tickets early and be in the room.

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Artist Alley open studios | 12 p.m., 6/21 Sunday | Artist Alley artists studios, 950 Danby Rd. South Hill Business Campus | Artist Alley open studios for third Sundays. | Free

Film Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company Presents Framing Ménerbes | 7 p.m., 6/17 Wednesday | Park Auditorium, 953 Danby Rd. | Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company announces a screening of Framing Ménerbes set for Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 7PM at the Finger Lakes New Works Festival at Ithaca College (953 Danby Rd., Ithaca, | $12.51 - $28.52 Framing Ménerbes: FILM SCREENING, CONVERSATION, and RECEPTION | 7 p.m., 6/17 Wednesday | Ithaca College, 201 Muller Center | Back in Ithaca by Popular Demand!

Filmed in France by NYC dance artist/ filmmaker Daniel Gwirtzman.| $12.51 The Shark Is Broken (Live Theatre) | 7:30 p.m., 6/19 Friday | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St | CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Cinemapolis 120 E Green St, Ithaca New movies opening the week of June 17. Contact Cinemapolis for showtimes and continuing films.

Pink Flamingos| CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH with a film inspired mini drag show with games all hosted by Tilia Cordata and featuring other local performers. Followed by Pink Flamingos at 8:30PM. | NA 93 mins Toy Story 5|This time it’s Toy meets Tech. Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (voice of Tim Allen), Jessie (voice of Joan Cusack) and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad (voice of Greta Lee), a brandnew tablet device that arrives with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie. Will playtime ever be the same?| NA 102 mins Girls Like Girls |Based on writer/ director Hayley Kiyoko's hit single and best-selling novel of the same name and featuring all-new music from Kiyoko, GIRLS LIKE GIRLS is a heartfelt coming-of-age story set over the course of one sun-drenched summer, where new-girl-in-town Coley falls in love for the first time while learning to accept herself along the way. | NA 98mins

World Cinema at Lifelong — Spring 2026 Film Series | 1:30 p.m., 6/23 Tuesday | Lifelong, 119 W. Court St. | World Cinema Spring 2026 – 12-Session Film Series: April 7 – June 23, 2026 - 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM

The Death of Robin Hood |Grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder, Robin Hood finds himself gravely injured after a battle he thought would be his last. In the hands of a mysterious woman, he is offered a chance at salvation. | NA 153mins

Remembering Roe | 6 p.m., 6/24 Wednesday | Cinemapolis, 120 E. Green Street. | Join End Abortion Stigma for a commemoration of the fourth year of the end of Roe v. Wade, at Cinemapolis on June 24 from 6-8pm at Cinemapolis in Ithaca. | Free

Back to the Future| Family Classics Picture Show Presents BACK TO THE FUTURE Sunday, June 21, 2:30 PM. Tickets are FREE. Sponsored by the Ainslie Reilly Group at Morgan Stanley.A young man is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a

ICG’S INTERNATIONAL MUD DAY CELEBRATION SATURDAY, JUNE 20 FROM 10 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

Ithaca Children's Garden, 121 Turtle Lane | ICG's Anarchy Zone will be transformed into a muddy wonderland, featuring mud pits, mud slides, and mud art for endless entertainment.

Join us at Ithaca Children's Garden for one of our messiest and most beloved traditions. This globally recognized event is a perfect opportunity for kids and families to immerse themselves in the joy of connecting with nature through mud.Get messy. Make memories. Celebrate the wonder of mud with us!

time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown, and must make sure his high-school-age parents unite in order to save his own existence. | PG 116 mins

Dustin Lynch Friday, June 19, 2026 Beak & Skiff | Lafayette, NY dustinlynchmusic.com Dustin Lynch has “built one of the most consistent recording careers in modern country

601 1st St | Use a variety of tools to

prints with special UV-sensitive paper.

explore and make observations about

Watch your designs come to life with

the fun properties of Flubber!

just a touch of sunshine!

LEGO Club | 4 p.m., 6/17 Wednesday

A Sherlock Holmes Mystery |

| Cortland Free Library, 32 Church St |

7:30 p.m., 6/23 Tuesday | Cortland

The Niagara Movement|FREE SCREENING Mon. June 22, 6 PM. In partnership with WSKG and The History Center. The Niagara Movement: The Early Battle for Civil Rights explores Black intellectual society at the turn of the century, a class rarely presented.

It examines the heated debate among Black elite on how to best uplift the race. It captures the conflict between Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. DuBois who found themselves on opposite sides of how to secure equality for their community. | NA 90mins

Summer Solstice Metaphysical Fair | 11:11 a.m., 6/20 Saturday | Sandalwood Stone, 2926 Slate Hill Road 2926 Slate Hill Road | Join us for a day of celebration with local psychic readers, healers, craftsman, food truck, yoga, gong batch and more. | Free

Come join our Lego club & have some

Repertory Theatre Downtown, 24 Port

building fun! Each session we’ll have a

Watson St | Tickets go on sale May

challenge & a game. LEGO Club meets

18, 2026 Call 800-427-6160 Or visit

on the first & third Wednesday of each

CRT Downtown, 24 Port Watson St.,

month at 4 p.m.

Cortland NY BASKERVILLE: A Sherlock

Story + Craft: Summer Reading

Holmes Mystery June 17-26 By Ken

Kickoff Edition | 4 p.m., 6/18 Thurs-

Ludwig To the hounds!

Laughing Goat Fiber Farm Free Community Open House | 12:30 p.m., 6/20 Saturday | Laughing Goat Fiber Farm, 1485 Mecklenburg Road | Laughing Goat Fiber Farm hosts a free community open house to visit the new baby goats, tour the farm, enjoy exhibits and demonstrations for all ages. | Free

day | Tompkins County Public Library,

Free Family Bingo Every Tuesday

101 East Green Street | Story + Craft is

Night | 6/23 Tuesday | Ice Cream Bar,

our weekly reading + creating event

207 E. Main St. (Rt 96 | Join us every

for children! Join us for a read-aloud,

Tuesday evening for Free Family Bingo

followed by art-making or a guided

at Ice Cream Bar; 4PM-7PM Tuesday

craft.

6.2-Tuesday 9.1. No purchase neces-

Summer Reading Celebration:

sary just come right up to the

Crafternoon, Giveaways, Games,

Science Together: Roller Coast-

Snacks, and More | 4 p.m., 6/18

ers | 10:15 a.m., 6/24 Wednesday |

Books

Thursday | Tompkins County Public

Sciencenter, 601 1st St | Explore ups

Library, 101 East Green Street | Get

and downs as you make and test a

ready for a ROARING Summer Read-

roller coaster!

ing with a Crafternoon, refresh-

Journey of Water — Free Summer

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown |June 23 Only!Creating "one of the jauntiest of all war-ofthe-sexes comedies" (Pauline Kael), Pedro Almodóvar, Spain's premiere writer-director, creates an off-kilter universe of madness, mayhem and pure fun. They're all mighty mad -- in fact, they're on the verge of a nervous breakdown? And one of them is about to commit murder unless the other half-crazed femmes fatales can stop her!|NA 88mins

Special Events Off The Dock Chamber Festival | 7 p.m., 6/18 Thursday, 1957 Pine Grove Rd | Hildegard Reanimated: Vision in Vision - June 18 at 7:00pm - St. James EpiscopalChurch (96 E Genesee St). | $25.00 2026 NYSA Tree Climbing Championship | 6:30 a.m., 6/19 Friday | Stewart Park, 1 James L Gibbs Drive | Beak & Skiff | 7 p.m., 6/19 Friday | Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, 2708 Lords Hill Road | DSP Shows Presents:

LET’S READ + TALK ABOUT CLIMATE - CLIMATE LIT DISCUSSION GROUP | 4 p.m., 6/17 Wednesday | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street | Join our community-led conversation about climate change, as we discuss Theory of Water: Nishnaabe Maps to the Times Ahead by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson! | Free BIPOC Voices In Romance & Fantasy| 5 p.m., 6/24 Wednesday | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street| Free Queer Horror Book Club - The Luminous Dead | 6 p.m., 6/24 Wednesday | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street | Join us for a discussion on The Luminous Dead, led

by BSB staff member Anamarie. | Free

Kids Science Together: Flubber | 10:15 a.m., 6/17 Wednesday | Sciencenter,

ments, board games, and plenty of giveaways! Plus, pick up your Summer Reading Challenge.

Register at communityscience.org/ journeyofwater/ | Free

Notices

Science Programming for Kids and Families | 6 p.m., 6/24 Wednesday | Various, various | Explore the ways

International Mud Day | 10 a.m.,

that water moves through our lives

6/20 Saturday | Ithaca Children’s

with the Community Science Institute.

Garden, 121 Turtle Lane | Ithaca

Free summer programming for kids

Children’s Garden’s Anarchy Zone

and families. Go to communityscience.

will be transformed into a muddy

org/journeyofwater/ for schedule

wonderland, featuring mud pits,

and to register. Kids get a passport to

mud slides, and mud art for endless

stamp at each program and can get a

entertainment. | Free

free t-shirt. | Free

TTRPG for Tweens & Teens: Kids

Journey of Water — Stream

on Bikes | 1 p.m., 6/20 Saturday |

Biomonitoring Fun! | 6 p.m., 6/24

Tompkins County Public Library, 101

Wednesday | Robert H. Treman State

East Green Street | Curious about

Park - UPPER ENTRANCE, 129 Upper

tabletop role playing games, but

Park Rd | Get your feet wet exploring

feel overwhelmed by the process of

the tiny organisms that live in creeks

learning all the rules and putting a

that tell us a lot about water quality.

campaign together?

We’ll learn how it works and compare

Solar Printing | 2 p.m., 6/21 Sunday

samples from two nearby creeks

| Sciencenter, 601 1st St | Celebrate

at Upper Treman to compare their

the summer solstice by creating solar

water quality based on what we see.

The Midweek Session | 4 p.m., 6/17 Wednesday | NRE Space, 402 W. State St | The Finger Lakes CannaMarket is adding Wednesdays. Starting April 29, join us from 4–9 PM for a free midweek 420 market where growers, enthusiasts, and the community connect. | Free Pride Night | 5 p.m., 6/17 Wednesday | Danby Food and Drink, 1843 Danby Rd. | On the third Wednesday of the month we have Pride Nights at Danby Food and Drink to provide a safe space where local LGBTQIA+ folks can gather in community with one another. | Free Thriving Futures Mural Unveiling Celebrations | 11 a.m., 6/18 Thursday | CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue | Last year, local artists painted 18 murals in communities across the Southern Tier as part of the Thriving Futures Mural Initiative sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension Smart Energy Choices Ages 8 to 108 Board Game Club: Summer Session! | 4 p.m., 6/18 Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Are you between the ages of 8 and 108 and love playing board games? Then come join our board game club at TCPL! Stitch Club | 1 p.m., 6/19 Friday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E Green St | Stitch Club is an opportunity for knitters, crocheters, needle-pointers, and other stitchers to come together and work.

Tailor Made at the Garden Concert Series | 6 p.m., 6/19 Friday | Treleaven Wines, 658 Lake Road | Join a Treleaven Favorite, Tink bennett and Tailor Made, at the Hangtime Stage

Saturday Market | 9 a.m., 6/20 Saturday | Steamboat Landing, 545 3rd St. | Our Saturday Markets are now outside at the pavilion. Find us each week at Steamboat Landing.

Spring Chicken BBQ | 10:30 a.m., 6/20 Saturday | Lansing Community Center parking lot, 29 Auburn Road | Yummy Chicken BBQ Fundraiser for the Lansing Area Performance Hall.

10:30-1:00 East of the Lansing Library.

Green Saturday | 12 p.m., 6/20 Saturday | NRE Space , 402 W. State St | Get ready for a fun-filled day at the free FingerLakes CannaMarket in Ithaca, NY! | Free Sunday Market | 10 a.m., 6/21 Sunday | Steamboat Landing, 545 3rd St. | Join us down at the pavilion for a visit with all your favorite vendors. Meet artisans, farmers and chefs who make, grow and cook their products from within 30 miles of the pavilion.

Growing Well Together | 5:30 p.m., 6/23 Tuesday | Ithaca Community Gardens, Cayuga Park Lane | Meet at the Ithaca Community Gardens pavilion to enjoy a free yoga class, learn how to grow your own vegetables, or join a walking group! | Free Community Line Dance | 7 p.m., 6/23 Tuesday | Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Rd | Community Line Dance lessons Yappy Hour | 4 p.m., 6/24 Wednesday | Canopy By Hilton, 324 E. State St | Sip, socialize, get to know some adoptable pets from Stay Wild Resue. We will have drink specials, pet games, treats and more. All well-behaved pets are welcome to join.

Pet Clinic | 6 p.m., 6/24 Wednesday | Southside Community Center Gym, 305 S Plain St | Pet Clinic

JAZZ STARS FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL AT LANSING AREA PERFORMANCE HALL

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 AT 2:30 P.M.

Cinemapolis, 120 E Green St. | Family Classics Picture Show Presents BACK TO THE FUTURE Sunday, June 21, 2:30 PM. Tickets are FREE. Sponsored by the Ainslie Reilly Group at Morgan Stanley.A young man is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown, and must make sure his high-school-age parents unite in order to save his own existence. (Photo: Provided)

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 FROM 7:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M. The Savage Club Performing Arts CenterGroton | What a treat — let's all honor fathers and fatherhood with some cool jazz. Come on out and be a part of this amazing evening of jazz and stories. The Ira Kamp trio will be on hand as well as several guest singers and jazz musicians to round out the sound.

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BACK TO THE FUTURE

at Treleaven Winery in King Ferry, NY on the beautiful outdoor stage and pavilion for a great show at one of our

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June 29–August 28 | Weekly Classes from 9am—3pm Experience a wide range of fun-filled summer classes that provide students with an unforgettable learning experience in the arts! Financial aid is available. Classes available for students entering 1st through 12th Grades.

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In an emotionally charged musical journey, Alison travels through time, bringing to life her childhood, college years, and early adulthood, to unravel her coming-of-age and coming-out story while trying to make sense of the twisty, layered relationship she has with her father and their shared hometown. Based on the best-selling graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel and featuring a soaring score by Jeanine Tesori that ranges from rousing ‘70s pop to wistful, shimmering ballads and a witty, heartfelt book by Lisa Kron, Fun Home is a stunning, can’t-miss theatrical experience.

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