June 18, 2025

Tompkins County IDA Mulls Tax Breaks for Lansing Solar Project

By Maddy Vogel

The Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA) is considering granting tax breaks to Genie Solar Energy, the New Jersey-based developer behind the Lansing Community Solar Project on Lansingville Road.

The project is turning approximately 22.7 acres of a former agricultural field in the Town of Lansing into a solar energy facility. It is estimated to power over 800 homes and provide a minimum of $50,000 in energy savings annually to customers in the area.

Although the project is mid-construction, developers are requesting a 25-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with the TCIDA due to economic uncertainties caused by changes to property tax law surrounding solar projects.

In March 2025, the constitutionality of New York’s uniform property tax assessment model for solar and wind projects was challenged in court, leading to changes in how assessors value projects like Genie Solar Energy’s. Developers had relied on the previous assessment regulations during early planning stages of the Lansing Community Solar project, but the new legal changes have created uncer-

“While 575-B may not yet be effective, the perception of risk alone is enough to disrupt financing. A PILOT isn’t just a reactive ask, it’s a necessary proactive hedge against policy uncertainty that ensures the project can succeed for the long-term.”

— Ryan Amaral, Finance Manager for Genie Solar Energy

tainty around future tax payments.

This has prompted Genie Solar to seek a more stable and predictable tax payment through an agreement with the TCIDA.

T ake n ote

X Ithaca Man Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder of Wife

By Maddy Vogel

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Ithaca Times has intentionally omitted the victim’s name and details of the murder from its reporting of this case to respect the privacy of the family.

On Monday, 44-year-old Ahmed A. Abed, who is accused of killing his wife in November, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, which is considered a class A-I felony in New York State.

According to a statement from the Tompkins County District Attorney's Office, Abed pled guilty during his scheduled appearance in Tompkins Co-

unty Court. Abed has admitted to intentionally causing the death of his wife, an incident which occurred at their home on the 400 block of South Plain St. at approximately 5:30 a.m. on November 11, 2024.

Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten, the case’s prosecutor, is seeking to sentence the defendant to 25 years to life–the maximum sentence permitted by law. The charge’s minimum sentence is 15 years to life.

“I will be asking the Court to impose the maximum sentence for this brutal and heinous act of violence,” Van Houten said in a release. “If I could ask for a greater sentence, I would. There is nothing that will truly amount to justice in this tragic case.

The fact that the defendant accepted responsibility,

ON THE COVER:

On June 24, voters across Tompkins County will cast their ballots in the primary election, determining who will be on the ballot in November, vying for seats on the City of Ithaca Common Council and the Tompkins County Legislature. (Photo: Tompkins County/Sheryl Sinkow)

Ryan Amaral, finance manager for Genie Solar Energy, told the agency during their Wednesday, June 11 meeting that the project would not be successful without tax incentives.

“Community solar projects rely on long-term financial predictability and the traditional property tax model [...] introduces too much uncertainty

Continued on Page 19

Visit our website at www.ithaca.com for more news, arts, sports and photos. Call us at 607-277-7000

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pleading guilty to the indictment and saving his children and the community the trauma of enduring a lengthy trial, is the right outcome under the law, and one that certainly advances public safety.”

Second-degree murder was Abed’s only charge, and there was no plea offer from prosecutor Van Houten. Abed is represented by attorneys Michael Perehinec and Zela Brotherton.

Abed is currently held in the Tompkins County Jail and will remain there until his sentencing on August 19 before Tompkins County Court Judge Scott A. Miller.

The District Attorney’s Office thanked agencies involved in the investigation, including the Ithaca Police Department and the New York State Police Forensic Identification Unit.

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The Lansing Community Solar Project in the Town of Lansing is seeking a 25-year PILOT agreement from the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency to provide more stable and predictable tax payments. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)

IN UIRING PHOTOGR PHER Q A

By Mark Syvertson

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

“IT ’

S STARTING TO FEEL WHO ’ S THE MOST FAMOUS CELEBRITY YOU ’ VE SEEN IN THE WILD? (I.E. NO CONCERTS, SPORTING EVENTS, OR PLACES WHERE YOU ’ VE PAID TO SEE THEM)”

As Negotiations Stall, Ithaca Teachers Will Head Into New School Year on an Expired Contract

By Maddy Vogel

After bargaining parties failed to ratify an agreement across six months of negotiations, hundreds of Ithaca City School District (ICSD) teachers will resume teaching in the fall on an expired contract and without annual raises.

The final scheduled bargaining session between the district and the Ithaca Teachers Union (ITA) took place on Thursday, June 12. During the session, ICSD leadership failed to bring counteroffers to teachers union proposals on protections against artificial intelligence, parental leave and health insurance.

Just one district official, Chief Investigation Officer Robert Van Keuren, was at the table on Thursday, while several ITA members were present. In most past negotiation sessions, at least four district administrators, including Superintendent Luvelle Brown, were in attendance.

“We recognized yesterday that we were not going to reach a comprehensive tentative agreement pretty early in the morning,” ITA President Kathryn Cernera told the Ithaca Times on Friday. “When the district only sent one representative and didn’t send any written counter proposals, it was pretty clear we were not going to reach a common agreement by the end of that day.”

The union, which represents over 500

teachers in the district, has been bargaining with the district since January and reached 29 tentative agreements on various proposals, primarily focused on teacher working conditions.

Facing a June 30 contract expiration date, the union still had five “significant issues” it wanted to resolve on Thursday to reach a tentative agreement, primarily on teacher salaries.

After failing to agree on contract terms, ITA and ICSD leaders paused negotiations for the summer and will resume in

September. Teachers will return to school for the 2025-26 academic year and receive the same salary that they did in their 2024-25 contract. Proposals ICSD and ITA tentatively agreed upon won’t apply until union members vote to ratify a new contract. Teachers will only have protections included in the current contract.

In a bargaining update sent to members on Thursday, the union said that due to increases in health insurance premiums, members will likely see less money in their paychecks until a new agreement is ratified.

Cernera said it is not unusual for teachers to continue working on expired contracts. In New York, it is illegal for public school teachers to go on strike as they are public employees.

The ITA has been pushing for a stepand-lane salary structure throughout negotiations, an item 89% of members voted in May to include in a new contract. Ithaca Teachers Association leaders have said ICSD is facing a “teacher retention crisis” due to an inequitable salary structure. A step-and-lane structive, the union says, could remedy this, as it places teachers with equal years of experience and credits at similar salaries. This avoids “leapfrogging,” which is when a newly hired teacher earns a higher salary than a veteran teacher with equal or more years of experience.

“I saw Val Kilmer walking down Massachusetts Ave in Boston.”

Pat

“Maurice Cheeks sat two tables away from me in a restaurant when he was the head coach of the 76ers.”

Paul

“I saw Jane Lynch at a Target in Los Angeles.” – Cindi

“I saw Justin Timberlake and another guy from Nsync [JC Chasez] at Universal Studios in Florida when I was in high school. They weren’t performing, they were getting lemonade from one of the vending carts.” – Todd

“This winter we went to Hawaii and we went to the beach near the Obama’s compound. We saw Michelle reading on the beach and Barack swimming in the surf.”

Natalia

David Isley, Vice President of the Ithaca Teachers Association, speaks at the ITA’s “practice picket” on Tuesday, June 10. (Photo: Nathan Ellison/Sun Fellow at the Ithaca Times)

The Ithaca Teachers Association held a “practice picket” at Ithaca High School on Tuesday, June 10 ahead of final negotiations. (Photo: Nathan Ellison/Sun Fellow at the Ithaca Times)

Ithaca Farmers Market Gains National Recognition in Newsweek’s Readers Choice Awards

By Maddy Vogel

The Ithaca Farmers Market recently gained national recognition a er being named the #1 farmers market in Newsweek’s annual Readers Choice Awards.

e local market made the top of the list despite competing against large markets like the Boston Public Market in Boston, Massachusetts and Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington.

“Having the readers of Newsweek decide that we are the best farmers market in the nation is amazing and we are so honored, and at the same time it tells us something that we already knew,” said Carrie Cuinn, Operations Manager of the Ithaca Farmers Market. “ e Ithaca Farmers Market is unlike any other farmers market that I have ever been to.” ere are many things that make Ithaca’s market unique, Cuinn said, but location, values and history are some of the most de ning qualities that set the Ithaca Farmers Market apart.

“ ere are markets that are bigger, there are a few that are older,” Cuinn continued, “but the combination of our location on the lake, our commitment to hyperlocal foods, farms and artists, the community that we have in Ithaca, [...] that’s just not something that you can nd anywhere else.”

Established in 1973, the Ithaca Farmers Market has been connecting local farmers, cooks and artisans at their steamboat landing pavilion on Cayuga Lake’s waterfront for over 50 years. All products sold are made or grown within a 30-minute radius of Ithaca, making the market a top destination for visitors searching for hyperlocal products.

e market has a small sta of just a few individuals, but operates as a vendorowned co-op of over 150 members. Vendors help shape the market’s direction by joining the board of directors and various committees.

“Vendors are a part of the market in a way that they wouldn’t be at other farmers markets that are privately owned,” Cuinn said. Cuinn believes the high level of operational involvement helps retain long-time vendors. e market still has some of their founding members, including Raintree Farm, an artisan vendor that o ers cra ed wood products from local rescued trees.

But beyond their long-time members, the market also serves as an “incubator” for new businesses, especially emerging local eateries.

“Every year, we bring in new businesses that don’t have a brick-and-mortar, they don’t have any other way to get their product out,” Cuinn said. “We o er a ground oor to new businesses that can start out with us and

Ups

This past Saturday, June 14, thousands of Tompkins County residents attended the “No Kings Day” protest located at Washington Park in downtown Ithaca. The protest was organized in response to unconstitutional and authoritarian actions taken by the Trump Administration and took place on the same day as Trump’s military/birthday parade in Washington, D.C.

Downs

No Kid Hungry New York is warning that the Senate’s proposed budget bill includes $220 billion in SNAP cuts, threatening food access for 2.9 million New Yorkers and putting thousands of jobs and small businesses at risk.

grow in a way that other markets wouldn’t really give them the support to do.”

Two of the market’s team of six sta members focus on zero-waste e orts, a unique investment that Cuinn believes only further aligns the market with the local community.

“We innovated and run a program that reduces our waste across the board through a combination of recycling, reusable dishes and even food composting,” Cuinn said. “It brings down our impact on the community while serving one of those larger goals that we share with ithaca which is to be as sustainable as possible.”

While the market can get up to 4,500 estimated visitors on a busy summer Saturday, Cuinn estimates that the market draws around 100,000 people annually. e market’s demographic consists primarily of two groups–dedicated locals, and Ithaca’s transient student population.

Cuinn said that because Ithaca’s student population draws people from across the world, word of the market travels fast. She shared stories of visiting markets across the country wearing an Ithaca Farmers Market T-shirt, nding people that recognize the name and sharing their own memories.

“We are this little market and Ithaca’s not a huge town, but at the same time, we get to be a part of this large, global community,” Cuinn said.

For Cuinn, the recognition from Newsweek was a proud moment—but not a surprising one. She said the award a rmed what many locals already know, that Ithaca is fortunate to have a market that’s rooted in local connection.

“It’s not just a place to come and buy vegetables or get lunch and go home. It’s an experience that you have,” Cuinn said. “I couldn’t do this job without the sta that we have here. [...] Our vendors are truly what make our market worth coming to.”

HEARD SEEN& Heard

The Downtown Berrigan Collective and Ithaca Catholic Worker community are holding a vigil on June 18 in Ithaca to stand in solidarity with the World Wide 40-day Fast for Gaza. They’re calling for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel and urging renewed humanitarian support for Palestinians facing starvation and violence.

Seen

An antisemitism task force has been created in Ithaca to address a spate of recent antisemitic incidents reported to the Ithaca Area United Jewish Community (IAUJC), a nonpro t group that represents the local Jewish community.

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.”

OF THE WEEK

Do you think community engagement with our local police has improved over the last couple of years?

I don’t care.

Do you think the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency grants tax breaks to too many projects?

Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.

Carrie Cuinn has been the operations manager of the Ithaca Farmers Market for over two years. (Photo: Ithaca Farmers Market)

The Ithaca Farmers Market was named the best farmers market in the nation by Newsweek readers, earning national recognition. (Photo: Maddy Vogel)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

RE: Ithaca Common Council Endorsement

“I support Hannah Shvets, for 5th Ward Common Council. Hannah is a graduate of Ithaca High School, and also a current Cornell student in Industrial and Labor Relations. I’m a 5th ward resident who has rented in Ithaca for several decades and witnessed the housing changes in this community that have destabilized neighborhoods and forced renters to move outside of the city. Students have to pay increasingly high rents for accommodations that are sometimes not up to code. Hannah backs rent stabilization, enforcement of health and safety regulations for tenants, and is in favor of more housing inspections with any fees for violations returning as revenue to the city. When we met, I was struck by how well Hannah listened to and answered my questions about her candidacy. As both an Ithacan, with family living here, and as a student, Hannah is in a unique position to represent the 5th ward, with

its demographic mix of city residents and students. She’s engaged with both the Ithaca and the student communities, committed to protecting tenant and worker rights, and supports growing a city infrastructure with socially and economically just initiatives that can deal with the climate crisis. Please vote for Hannah Shvets for 5th ward Common Council Representative.” — Elizabeth Burns

RE: Tompkins County Legislature Endorsement

“I have known Kyle Erickson for most of her life, and could not be more enthusiastic about her candidacy for the County Legislature. As a county legislator for 12 years, and Chair of the Board for five of those years, I know how important integrity, values and empathy are for this job, especially today. The residents of Danby and Caroline have a chance to vote for a dynamic young woman with deep roots in Tompkins County, a high school history teacher who understands not only how government works but why it’s important. Politics has changed a lot in the last 20 years- I’m glad there is an opportunity to vote for someone with strong values and personal resilience. I urge you to support Kyle in the primary on June 24 and the election next Fall.” —

Barbara Mink

Donald Trump: The King of Hypocrisy

“A few days ago we heard our glorious leader announce that he would not tolerate attacks on those policing the demonstrators in Los Angeles. This from a man who sat for hours without acting to stop his acolytes as they stormed the United States Capitol. We watched in horror as they brutally attacked the Capitol police who were bravely defending against the marauding crowd. There was a call to hang the Vice President, members of Congress had to flee, and the sacred building was defaced. And Ttump, watching ouor national nightmare on television, did nothing for hours. Once in office Trump pardoned them all, treating them as heroes rather than insurrectionists.

Of course those who use demonstrations as an opportunity to loot and act out violently must be stopped. But the National Guard and Marines are completely unnecessary in the current situation, which could be handled by local and state police. Even if more help were necessary, it is the legal prerogative of the Governor to request it.

Trump is using this situation to deflect from his many failures and to quell dissent. Wake up, Republican members of Congress! Trump is speed-walking us toward disaster.” — Nina Miller, Ithaca

RE: Maddy Vogel Becomes Youngest Managing Editor in Ithaca Times History

“I appreciate that someone 21 years old has that role, though she might not be the first. If the "Ithaca Times" considers its predecessor, the "Ithaca News Times", to be part of its history, Jennifer Sprague was managing editor roughly from summer 1975 through summer 1976. Jennifer was also 21 in summer 1975, so the tiebreaker is whether her or Maddy’s birthday is earlier in the year they were born (Jennifer’s was in November). Of course, that doesn’t really matter. It’s more important to see that a contemporary young journalist is continuing the tradition of providing a local Ithaca perspective that began with energy from young contemporary journalists. I can only hope that continues for another 50 years.” —

Cliff Kraft

Crimes Don’t Excuse More Crimes

“Just as the decades of crimes under Israeli occupation — such as the demolition of homes, arbitrary imprisonment and torture and the destruction of olive groves — do not justify Hamas committing war crimes against civilians in Israel,

the crimes committed by Hamas cannot justify war crimes by Israeli forces. These include the bombing of hospitals and depriving the civilian population in Gaza of food, water and medical supplies.

As emphasized by United Nations Humanitarian Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher:

‘We see war being used to justify massive human suffering. This is unacceptable...Even wars have rules...If your principles apply only to your opponents, then they are not humanitarian principles.’” — Terry Hansen

Vote in the Primary Election

“Are you registered to vote in the Democratic Primary? Please do.

Democratic Primary Election turnout in 2023 were really low. Democracy isn’t democracy when some wards elections are less than a hundred votes for a candidate and less than a 10 votes difference. The lowest turnouts were in Ward 4 and Ward 5. Council will get five new members next year; one from each ward. Why not an Aikido teacher — with compassion, with common sense, a capable, smart woman of character. Progressive, open minded, street smart, street wise, down to earth. As much at home listening to students as with long time folks in her neighborhood, in her ward, Ward 5. Time to listen, time to do. Who is stepping up to the plate? Who brings strength and kindness? Who gets stronger and more determined when decisions are tough? Deborah Fisher.” — Fred Schoeps, Ithaca resident

Vote For Irene Weiser

My vote for County Legislator, District 13, Caroline and Danby will go to Irene Weiser. Irene is both a thinker and a doer. I am always impressed by her careful research, her ability to lead others to action, and her humanity. These, combined with her experience as an elected official, make her invaluable to our community and the Tompkins County legislature. It is critical to vote in the primary, because the primary winner will most likely be the winner in November. There is a 3-way Democratic primary and no Republican opponents. I invite you to join me in Early Voting this year. It seems like a splendid way to celebrate Flag Day on June 14. You can vote 9-5 at the Town of Ithaca Town Hall from June 14 to June 22, and until 8:00 p.m. on June 17 and 19. Primary election day is June 24. — Jean McPheeters, Brooktondale

Living the Dream: Via’s Victory Cookies in Ithaca

By Marjorie Olds

Growing up in small town Ohio, Olivia and her four siblings assisted their father Zavean with his lawn and garden business. As young children, they weeded and worked hard to support their family’s livelihood.

Olivia recalls her father sticking up for others who were struggling, and caring for those who had even less than their family had: “I remember one holiday our Father rounding us all up and taking us to serve food all day long at a soup kitchen when I was in middle school. Other families were out doing holiday festivities, and we were serving… We had a special awareness because we lived in a low-income neighborhood, then moved to a place where we faced persecution, because of the intersections to our being ... I clearly remember as a kid when I saw or experienced something that was not right, that I wanted to make it right.”

“Because we had financial and other family struggles, I arrived at Ithaca College without ever visiting the campus beforehand. Living, working, and studying in a mostly white institution with mostly middle-class or wealthier students was a big change, but I made my way.”

“In 2020 our classes were held online as Covid ripped through our country. Businesses were closed, but I still needed to earn money. I revived my cookie recipe from high school and sold them at the Nothing Nowhere coffee shop on the Commons. Before long, I got the cookies into the Ithaca Bakery and Greenstar.”

“I had three jobs, plus my college classes, and I managed to get straight A’s, and bake and sell my cookies too.

Photographer Mark Syvertson Captures Views, Community, Birds of Ithaca

By Varsha Bhargava

EDITOR'S NOTE:

TMany people at IC, in the business world, and in Ithaca’s progressive community, offered invaluable support for my cookie business.”

“In November 2020 I reluctantly entered IC’s Demo Day competition, as the Business That Gives Back. I explained that the better I do in business, the more I could lend a hand to others. I pitched that I needed to win $400. I won, and I was awarded $600!”

“In the meantime, Ramsey Brous of the wonderful Ithaca Bakery Family, asked me to make my cookies gluten-free. And for the next two years I challenged myself to create delicious GF+Vegan cookies. No easy task to bake without eggs, butter, gluten, but I created the perfect recipe, and my business increased.”

Photography is an addictive pleasure for Syvertson.

And for those who want to try Via’s Cookies at a much loved downtown site, stop by Sweet Melissa’s

And stay tuned

“IC Professor Brad Treat required his students to compete in the next Demo Day competition during one of his classes. I pitched my business and asked for $3,000-$5,000, explaining how I would use each level of that prize. I won $6,500. I pledged a percentage of my profits to minority college students who were facing challenges like what I had faced during school.”

he mourning warbler, a small songbird boasting a yellow belly, sparked Mark Syvertson’s fervor for photography in 2011. Fourteen years later, Syvertson remains an avid birder, but also channels his passion into capturing Ithaca’s characters, protests and natural views for the Ithaca Times.

“You get a longer lens, you get a better camera, you get an even longer lens, you get an even better camera,” Syvertson said with a chuckle. “You just get pulled into it.”

Having worked for the Ithaca Times for over a year, Syvertson is a seasoned local photographer. He said his favorite assignments are those where he can capture Ithaca’s charm.

“You'd have a hard time finding a more beautiful landscape in which to shoot,” Syvertson said. “Between the natural beauty of the waterfalls, the forests, the lake and even the murals around town, [Ithaca] is a place that cares about aesthetics.”

There’s a certain “challenge” to taking a photo in Ithaca, where views like the Taughannock Falls get photographed every day, Syvertson said. Discovering one-of-a-kind ways to shoot local landmarks excites him.

Through the lens of his Sony A74 — Syvertson’s go-to camera nowadays — he also enjoys viewing the diversity in Ithaca’s community. From older folks to families to college students, he described Ithaca as an “eclectic mix of people” to photograph.

This is the fourth of a series of pieces that will introduce the public to the people who keep the Ithaca Times running after more than half a century in circulation. NOTE:

Embedded in the Ithaca community himself, Syvertson substitutes for the local school district and practically lives at Stewart Park, he said. There, he enjoys the sights with his wife, plays sports with his sons and even dabbles in some local birding.

the weekly

Photographer”

for the

Birding is a central part of Syvertson’s life. He said he has driven an “unconscionable number of miles” chasing birds. He has photographed approximately 500 unique birds already — and he aims to photograph more.

When asked what he would do with a spontaneous day off of work, Syvertson said, “My answer is always [that] I'd like to go birding somewhere.”

On the job at the Times, Syvertson shifts from chasing birds to chasing local news and hard-hitting photojournalism. Some of his favorite assignments include parades and protests, where there is a lot to see and he can capture crowds all in one place.

Ultimately, Syvertson appreciates seeing and being a part of what he described as the “really important work” being done by the Times team to serve the community.

“I feel great being a part of this community asset,” Syvertson said. “I like working at a place that I feel proud of.”

Varsha Bhargava is a reporter at the Ithaca Times and a news editor at The Cornell Daily Sun working on The Sun’s summer fellowship.

Olivia Carpenter is the owner of Via’s Cookies, a business she founded during her time as a student at Ithaca College. (Photo: Provided)

at the Short Stop Deli in June for a homemade ice cream (Melissa) between two delicious local cookies (Olivia).

for the Kirby Edmonds Social Justice Award column, awarded to someone we now know.

Mark Syvertson is the lead photographer at the Ithaca Times, a position he has held for over a year now. In addition to his captivating images seen in news and arts coverage, Syvertson produces

“Inquiring

column

Times. (Photo: Nathan Ellison/ Sun Fellow at the Ithaca Times)

2025 Primary Election Voter Guide for Tompkins County Legislature and Ithaca Common Council

By Lorien Tyne and Leah Badawi

ITHACA COMMON

COUNCIL CANDIDATES

Democrat Jorge Defendini is a candidate for the Common Council’s Ward 1 seat. (Photo: provided)

TDemocrat Alejandro Santana is a candidate for the Common Council’s Ward 1 seat. (Photo: provided)

he primary election for the Tompkins County Legislature and City of Ithaca Common Council is June 24, for which all legislature seats are up for reelection and five of 10 Common Council seats are up for reelection.

COMMON COUNCIL

All council seats that are on the ballot are for four-year terms. Running uncontested are candidates Joseph Kirby for Ward 2 and Robin Trumble for Ward 4. Ward 1 Kayla Matos, Ward 2 Ducson Nguyen, Ward 3 David Shapiro, Ward 4 Patrick Kuehl and Ward 5 Margaret Fabrizio have their seats until December 2027. There are contested races in the primary election for Wards 1, 3 and 5.

WARD 1

Ward 1 Alderperson Phoebe Brown is not running for reelection. Democrats Jorge Defendini, Leon Holden and Alejandro Santana are vying for the seat, and the winning democratic candidate will face the uncontested republican candidate Zachary Winn in the general election. Defendini was previously elected to the council in 2021 until he was unseated in the 2023 general election by current Ward 4 Alderperson Patrick Khuel,

Democrat Hannah Shvets is a candidate for the Common Council’s Ward 4 seat. (Photo: provided)

Democrat GP Zurenda JR is a candidate for the Common Council’s Ward 4 seat. (Photo: provided)

who ran a last-minute write-in campaign. During his time on the council, he defended workers against retaliation, passed protections for gender affirming care, and secured funding for stabilizing rents. Defendini said he wants to continue expanding civil rights for workers and everyday Ithacans, and to make the cost of living easier to meet with affordable housing and a more equitable tax code. He is endorsed by the International Painters Union, the Ithaca Teachers Association, Sunrise Ithaca, as well Alderpersons Kayla Matos, Phoebe Brown and County Legislator Travis Brooks.

“I'm a Democratic Socialist, and that means I think our government should be there to make the economy more fair and help people meet their needs for a good life,” Defendini said via email.

Santana moved to Ithaca 25 years ago from the Dominican Republic. He states his immigrant experience brings a unique perspective to the council, especially during a time when many are being impacted by national immigration policies. His campaign highlights innovation and environmental sustainability and he intends to advocate for green initiatives to “ensure that Ithaca remains a vibrant and desirable place to live for generations to come and improve the lives of all.”

Holden, director of equity, inclusion and belonging at Family and Children’s

Democrat Deborah Fisher is a candidate for the Common Council’s Ward 4 seat. (Photo: provided)

Democrat Pat Sewell is a candidate for the Common Council’s Ward 3 seat. (Photo: provided)

Services and board member for Southside Community Center and Foodnet Meals on Wheels, is focusing his campaign on housing and improving community services. He seeks to expand accessory dwelling units, increase building heights, and enact rezoning to promote mixeduse, multi-family developments. To ease the tax burden, he has said he supports restructuring the financial relationship between Cornell University and the city.

WARD 3

Ward 3 Alderperson Pierre Saint-Perez is not running for reelection on the council and is instead running for a seat on the Tompkins County Legislature for District 3. Democrats Billy Noseworthy and Pat Sewell are campaigning for the seat and the winning candidate will have no republican opponent to face in the general election.

Sewell, who has lived in Ithaca for about 20 years, is a member of GreenStar Food Co-op’s board of directors, co-founder and president of the TC3 Adjunct Association Union and environmental studies adjunct professor. He said the most important issue facing Ithaca is the rising cost of living, which he attributed largely to property tax increases and hopes to offset that through increased sales revenue downtown, a more

Democrat Billy Noseworthy is a candidate for the Common Council’s Ward 3 seat. (Photo: provided)

equitable taxing structure and changing Cornell’s tax status. He also mentioned affordable starter-homes, senior-living facilities and general infrastructure improvements as focuses of his campaign.

“The Third Ward needs a strong voice who can represent its interests while working with fellow Council Members to craft collaborative, community-driven legislation that reflects the needs of all constituents,” Sewell wrote.

Noseworthy is an associate cataloger at Cornell University, the current managing editor of the Database of Religious History and chair of the TechPro Subcommittee of the Committee on Research Materials on Southeast Asia. He said that in order to develop a campaign mission to best represent the ward, he surveyed the democratic electorate at a rate of 10-15% by the end of signature gathering. Noseworthy’s priorities are based on what he said “can actually get done under state law and without impinging on countylevel governance.” He said his day-one priority would be a zoning reform resolution to acknowledge co-ownership as a viable form of gentle densification that preserves neighborhood character and minimizes construction and tariff-related costs. He said he would also work to form a labor-relations advisory commission and a housing policy advisory commission.

Democrat Irene Weiser is a District 13 candidate for the Tompkins County Legislature. (Photo: provided)

WARD 5

Democrat Kyle Emily Erickson is a District 13 candidate for the Tompkins County Legislature. (Photo: provided)

Ward 5 Alderperson Clyde Lederman is not running for reelection and Democrats Deborah Fisher, Hannah Shvets and GP Zurenda JR are the candidates running for Lederman’s seat on the council. No republican opponents are on the ballot.

Deborah Fisher runs Ithaca Aikikai, a martial arts dojo downtown. She founded A Blade of Grass, a nonprofit that supports socially-engaged artists and activists. If elected, Fisher says she will prioritize climate-informed zoning reform that will allow for housing development at a density that will sustain good roads, schools and local businesses. She said she will oppose tax abatements for large developers of luxury apartments, to make room for and incentivize smaller developers addressing affordability. She stated she wants to hold everyone accountable for “making big changes in service of shared value,” and will partner with county and state legislatures to help serve the most vulnerable in Ithaca.

G.P. Zurenda Jr. is a counselor, therapist and business consultant. An Ithaca resident of more than 40 years, Zurenda said he wishes to collaborate with members of local government and administration to provide services and programs to Ithacans with a focus on cost control. He said Ithaca currently faces yearly increases in tax bills that are unsustainable, pushing seniors on fixed incomes out of Ithaca due to increasing property taxes. Zurenda doesn’t want to see tax increases as inevitable. He says he made tough decisions running his business to control costs, which will inform him in addressing this issue if elected.

Democrat Matt Sullivan is a District 13 candidate for the Tompkins County Legislature. (Photo: provided)

Democrat Iris Packman is a District 3 candidate for the Tompkins County Legislature. (Photo: provided)

Hannah Shvets is a longtime Ithacan, an Ithaca High School graduate and student at the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Shvets said she is running for council to make Ithaca more affordable for working people and families by implementing zoning reform and lower housing costs with rent stabilization. She aims to implement just cause employment protections and permanently establish “a minimum wage which is an actual living wage.” Furthermore, Shvets seeks to expand the public transportation system to reliably serve places beyond the Cornell campus, and create clean energy jobs to fulfill the promise of the Ithaca Green New Deal. Her campaign is endorsed by the New York Working Families Party, the Ithaca Tenants Union, the Ithaca DSA, Run on Climate, and the Ithaca Teachers Association, among others.

TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATURE

The Tompkins County Redistricting Commission has added two districts to the existing 14 districts. The district lines have also shifted, resulting in some renumbering of areas.

Legislators Rich John, Anne Koreman, Daniel Klein, Deborah Dawson and Amanda Champion are all stepping down and will not be on the ballot for reelection.

Uncontested races include Democrat

Travis Brooks for District 1, Democrat

Veronica Pillar for District 2, Democrat

Adam Vinson for District 4, Democrat

Judith Hubbar for District 5, Democrat

Shawna Black for District 6, Republican

Lee Shurtleff for District 9, Democrat

Greg Mezey for District 11, Democrat

John Hunt for District 12, Republican

Democrat Pierre Saint-Perez is a District 3 candidate for the Tompkins County Legislature. (Photo: provided)

Independent Thomas Corey is a District 10 candidate for the Tompkins County Legislature. (Photo: provided)

Randolph Brown for the new District 15, Democrat Rachel Ostlund for the new District 16, Democrat John Dennis and Independent Joshua Jahani for District 7, Democrat James Perkins and Republican Mike Sigler for District 8, Democrat Christy Bianconi and Independent Michelle E. Wright for District 14.

DISTRICT 3

The legislature seat for District 3 is currently vacant but was previously held by Susan Currie. Pierre Saint-Perez, Ward 3 alderperson on the Ithaca Common Council, is running against Iris Packman for the vacant seat.

In addition to serving as an alderperson, Saint-Perez has represented the city on the Tompkins County Council of Governments and as liaison to the County Legislature. Since 2015, he has served on city and county working groups for many issues, like homelessness and administrative structure. He was also a student representative to the Ithaca City School District Board of Education during his time as a student at Ithaca High School. SaintPerez said he sees an opportunity to address joining crises that are facing municipalities across the county, from the cost of living to flooding.

“I’m running for County Legislator because Ithaca is struggling, and the City can’t solve that alone,” Saint-Perez wrote via email. “I plan to advocate for countywide approaches to Ithaca’s issues, especially affordability and housing.”

DISTRICT 10:

Independent Democrat Dan Wakeman and Independent Thomas Corey are vying for the District 10 legislature seat, current-

Democrat Dan Wakeman is a District 10 candidate for the Tompkins County Legislature. (Photo: File)

ly held by Dawson, who is not running for reelection. The winning candidate will be put on the general election ballot as an Independent Democrat, while the candidate who loses in the primary race will be on the general election ballot solely as an independent if they choose to move forward with their campaign.

The Ithaca Times reached out to Wakeman and Corey via email and did not receive a response.

Wakeman was appointed Deputy Mayor for the Town of Dryden in 2024 and also serves on the public works committee for the town.

In the 2023 general election, Corey ran against incumbent Jason Leifer for the Town of Dryden supervisor.

DISTRICT 13

Democrats Irene Weiser, Kyle Emily Erickson and Matt Sullivan are running for the District 13 legislature seat. Mezey is the current legislator for the district and is running unopposed for the redrawn District 11.

Irene Weiser served nine years on the Caroline Town Board, where she led successful efforts to ban fracking, promote clean water, and expand broadband and emergency medical services. She also led Fossil Free Tompkins for 15 years, organizing residents and collaborating with policymakers to shut down the Cayuga coal plant, stop new gas pipelines, and win millions in clean energy funding. Weiser has challenged New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) to deliver fair rates and an affordable clean energy transition throughout her political career. She acknowledges the economic impact

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continued from page 9

from federal cuts and the fact that this is a critical point in politics, with half of the County legislature turning over. Weiser remains steadfast in her commitment to serving Ithaca and protecting its people and environment.

Kyle Emily Erickson is a public school teacher born and raised in Tompkins County. Erickson is passionate about ensuring that Ithaca’s programs are designed to address the unique needs of the community. If elected, she wishes to advocate for her parent’s generation, her peers, and the youth through her decisions in the legislature. Erickson will bring a collaborative mindset to the city council, prioritizing building relationships with her colleagues, county employees, and Ithaca residents to build durable solutions that serve all. Her campaign centers around lowering the cost of living, providing more opportunities to younger people to create a brighter and more inclusive future, and ensuring that critical services are available in rural areas.

Matt Sullivan is an Ithaca High School graduate whose career is rooted in service. He served as a combat medic for

the New York Army National Guard, and currently works as a paramedic with Bangs Ambulance. He has been deployed in Iraq and Kuwait, where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. He also founded Bangs Ambulance Workers United, where he now serves as president. His background has informed him of the shortcomings of the local economy, in which people are struggling to a ord meaningful work, adequate childcare, and receive slow ambulance services in rural areas. For these reasons, Sullivan is running to help create a public, county-run EMS system, to fund a ordable childcare, and build a diversi ed economy with union jobs. He vows to go a er state funding to prevent the exacerbation of greater taxes, which he believes are driving young families out of Tompkins County.

VOTER RESOURCES

To nd more voter information, such as sample ballots, polling locations and early voting times, visit the Tompkins County Board of Elections’ website.

Leah Badawi reports for the Ithaca Times through a summer fellowship with the Cornell Daily Sun.

Advances in shoulder replacement surgery reduce pain, improve function, add life quality

By Benjamin F. Donohue, MD MBA FAAOS

Shoulder replacement surgery is a safe and proven way to reduce pain and improve shoulder movement. It helps people return to their normal daily activities and enjoy a better quality of life.

Doctors perform over 100,000 shoulder replacements every year in the U.S. While that’s less than hip and knee replacements, the number is growing fast due to better technology and more conditions that can be treated with this surgery. What shoulder problems can be treated?

Doctors use shoulder replacement surgery to treat several serious joint problems, including:

• Osteoarthritis – This is when the cartilage that cushions the shoulder joint wears down, causing pain and stiffness. Aging, genetics, or past injuries like dislocations or fractures can cause it.

• Long-standing rotator cuff tears with arthritis – When muscles and tendons around the shoulder are badly torn, the joint can become misaligned and wear out.

• Severe rotator cuff damage – If the rotator cuff is badly damaged and can’t heal, replacing the joint may be the best option.

• Serious fractures – Some shoulder breaks heal better with a replacement instead of using plates and screws.

• Chronic dislocations or tumors – Long-term joint dislocations and shoulder tumors can also be treated with shoulder replacement surgery. Who should consider shoulder replacement surgery?

Most people who get shoulder replacement surgery are over age 50. Good candidates often have:

• Pain that makes it hard to do everyday tasks, like reaching, dressing, or washing.

• Shoulder pain that makes it hard to sleep.

• Weakness or loss of movement.

• No improvement with other treatments like medicine, physical therapy, or cortisone injections. What are the types of shoulder replacement surgery?

• Standard Shoulder Replacement – The damaged bone is replaced with a plastic socket and a metal ball. It’s usually used for arthritis or bone damage caused by poor blood supply.

• Reverse Shoulder Replacement – This newer method switches the ball and socket positions. It helps people with major rotator cuff damage use their shoulder better by relying on a different muscle (the deltoid) to power shoulder movement. It is the

preferred option for longstanding rotator cuff tears with arthritis, irreparable rotator cuff tears, and certain fractures.

• Hemi – (or partial) shoulder replacement. This procedure replaces only the humeral head that fits into the shoulder with a metal component and leaves the shoulder socket intact. This procedure is typically for younger patients with specific fractures. What’s new in shoulder surgery?

Doctors now use CT scans and special software to plan surgery. Shoulder parts can be placed more accurately with the help of 3D-printed guides. New “stemless” implants help save bone. A new material called pyrocarbon is more like natural bone and is being used more in partial replacements, especially for younger, active people.

What to expect after surgery

Most patients stay in the hospital for one night, though some go home the same day. Pain is managed with medication. Patients wear a sling for about six weeks. Physical therapy starts early to help the shoulder heal and get stronger. Heavy lifting is avoided at first. Thanks to better tools and techniques, shoulder replacement surgery now gives people long-lasting pain relief and better movement to help them live more active, comfortable lives.

Dr. Donohue is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery Sports Medicine subspecialty by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He joined Cayuga Orthopedics in 2016 and assists in the care of local athletes at both Cornell University and Ithaca College. Besides his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. Donohue earned a Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School. He and his colleagues can be reached by calling 607-272-7000

Benjamin F. Donohue, MD MBA FAAOS

• Kendal at Ithaca Earns Second Annual Recognition

• Cornell Receives $65,000 Manufacturing Grant

• Cortland Guthrie to Host Open House

Three New Cannabis Dispensaries Open Across Ithaca

By Leah Badawi

Three new cannabis dispensaries have opened within and across Ithaca over the last few months, signaling an even greater boom in the city’s deep progressive and unique culture.

Tompkins County boasts more licenses than Syracuse and Binghamton, which both have a higher population than Tompkins County. The city of Ithaca is bustling with cannabis capital, so much so that there is still a proliferation of unlicensed cannabis dispensaries across the city. This has grown to such a proportion that the county recently adopted a practice in addition to criminal enforcement, in which the state notifies landlords of illegal sales to have them evict tenants responsible, and the county steps in if the landlords don’t comply.

Over the past few months, three new dispensaries have opened in the county. Here’s what you need to know about each one.

Located on 1280 Dryden Road, Upstate Haze is the first microbusiness dispensary in the city of Ithaca, meaning they not only source cannabis from local farmers across the Finger Lakes but also cultivate

and distribute their own cannabis, which is grown in their off-site greenhouses.

The store is co-owned by James Steiner Jr. and Riley Rynone, two best friends who made their dream of running a dispensary a reality two weeks ago. Their store offers a variety of cannabis, with a specialty in CBD oils, though the nature of the dispensary adds a customization aspect to the product, which Steiner said is rarely found elsewhere.

“Once we get our grow-offs really up and running, it’ll give our customers a connection to the seed part of this for once,” said Steiner. “Strains will come down the line [and] people can vote for strains they like. We can do seasonal strains, and get customers connected on both sides of it.”

The dispensary is a seven-minute drive from Cornell, directly off of Route 13, making its location especially convenient for students. Both Rynone and Steiner grew up racing dirt bikes and four-wheelers in the neighboring towns of Newfield and Spencer, and they said they felt a close connection to the community here.

“We feel really proud of this area, as if it’s our responsibility to safely distribute canna-

bis and really just educate the community so there’s less of a divide between the stoners and the closet smokers,” said Rynone.

In the future, Rynone and Steiner Jr. have extensive plans for the site. The dispensary has an open grass area where they plan to set up picnic tables once they receive approval for on-site consumption. They are also arranging to bring in permanent food trucks that will sell cannabisinfused ice cream and potato chips, as well as getting a projector for drive-in movies and hosting cornhole tournaments.

“We’re bringing comfort to class,” said Rynone. “I want the typical hippie stoner to be sitting there sharing a joint with a CEO or lawyer, talking cannabis, talking life. Because cannabis doesn’t discriminate.”

Altitude is a cannabis dispensary located on 1429 Danby Road, south of the Ithaca College campus on Route 79. It opened on May 9, and held its grand opening just recently on May 31. A Black-owned business, the dispensary places an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion, with plans to reinvest in the Ithaca community by supporting local initiatives and offering opportunities to those historically underrep-

resented in the industry. The store aims to provide accessibility among both prospective and experienced users.

“Typically, when you walk in a dispensary, there’s nothing telling you where to go.” Eric Dixon, co-owner of Altitude, said. “There’s no writing on the wall saying, flower over here, this and that over there. So it’s tough to navigate if it’s your first time.”

Altitude remedies this by being broken up into sections based on the customer’s familiarity with cannabis. These sections are inspired by ski levels and are meant to encourage people to learn about safety and different modes of consumption.

Upon entering Altitude, the security will check a customer’s ID, and then they will be handed off to a budtender who will give them a walk-around and briefly explain the tier system. “This will help the customer navigate through the space without feeling overwhelmed,” said Dixon.

“The black diamond area is going to be for somebody who’s not just the weekend warrior smoker. It’s going to be for someone that’s been smoking or consuming

A Customer Buys Cannabis at the Altitude register. (Photo: Eric Dixon/Co-Owner)

Owners of Upstate Haze James Steiner Jr. and Riley Rynone.

(Photo: Riley Rynone/Co-Owner)

Business Briefs

FuzeHub Announces First Round of Manufacturing Grant Awards for 2025

Albany, NY — FuzeHub, a not-forpro t organization providing small to medium-sized manufacturers with guided access to an extensive network of industry experts, programs, and resources to solve business growth challenges, is excited to announce the 6 collaborative project award recipients of grants through the Je Lawrence Innovation Fund.

e Innovation Fund, consisting of more than $1 million annually, serves as a pathway to technology transfer, adoption and implementation of new manufacturing processes, and the creation of enhanced products and services. It is made possible through funding and support from Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR).

As part of the Fund, FuzeHub o ers Manufacturing Grants to New York State not-for-pro t organizations, including higher education institutions, that propose innovative projects in partnership with a New York State small to medium-sized manufacturer or technology company.

NEW CANNABIS DISPENSARIES

continued from page 15

cannabis for a long time. So we’re going to o er di erent things there,” Dixon explained. “And the greens and yellows, those are just places where some people may be comfortable in their consumption of the products they use.”

Dixon owns the dispensary alongside his close friend and business partner

Project categories cover adoption of new technology to enhance a process and/or product, prototype development, design for manufacturing, proof-of-concept manufacturing, certain equipment purchases, manufacturing scale-up, and other projects to advance manufacturing capabilities.

In addition, the Innovation Fund is used to help early-stage companies through FuzeHub’s annual Commercialization Competition, which takes place in the fall.

“ ese recipients represent the ingenuity and entrepreneurship that make New York an exciting place to be for developing companies. Each awardee is doing work that can strengthen the foundation of our thriving manufacturing economy,” said Ben Verschueren, executive director of Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). “With this funding, each can focus on innovating, expanding, and creating the types of job opportunities that power our state forward.”

“We are excited to support awardees whose inspired ideas and collaborative e orts embody some of the best of

Kevin Hart. In 2023, e Ithaca Voice reported on Dixon’s involvement in a lawsuit, in which his former company, Holt Architects, was sued for mishandling an internal investigation of an incident in which Dixon stole lewd photographs of his colleagues and posted them on his former company’s public server. When the Ithaca Times asked about this lawsuit, Dixon declined to comment.

e Corner House opened as Ulysses’ rst recreational cannabis dispensary a

New York State’s innovative community. ese grants represent more than funding — they’re a powerful investment in the partnerships and ingenuity that move breakthrough technologies from concept to real life. It’s inspiring to see what’s possible when people come together with the shared goal of building a better future,” said Patty Rechberger, Innovation Fund Manager at FuzeHub.

FuzeHub is pleased to announce the grantees:

• Cornell University, Cornell Center for Materials Research/ Esper Biosciences Inc (Southern Tier) $65,000

• Manufacturing TEM grids for cryoelectron microscopy

• Esper Biosciences has teamed up with Cornell University to develop a sample substrate for electron microscopy (EM) that promises high-resolution views of proteins—biology’s microscopic machines. To handle such tiny samples for imaging, an electron-transparent substrate called a TEM grid must be used. e TEM grids being developed will use ultra-thin water layers — 30 atoms thick — as a highly transparent “glass slide” for electrons. Proteins dissolved in these layers can be cryogenically frozen at -320°F, and viewed with electrons, to yield exceptionally clear images of their atomic structure.

couple of months ago. Located on 1708 Trumansburg Road, the dispensary exclusively sells cannabis products grown in the Finger Lakes region, sourcing from growers in Trumansburg, Dryden and Spencer, among others.

True to its name, the Corner House is a cozy, boutique-style space. e dispensary features a vivid mural, a kitchen, a locallycra ed mosaic window for deliveries, and a “420 Room” with cannabis cookbooks, artisan wares, hand-blown glass and other gi s. e shop o ers a myriad of cannabis products, including ower, pre-rolls, concentrates, tinctures and edibles.

“You used to buy cannabis in somebody’s house, and so we wanted to celebrate that,” said Josh Friedman, co-owner of e Corner House. “ e dispensary is essentially like walking into somebody’s living room.”

Josh Friedman jointly owns the dispensary with his wife Joan. ey take pride in the dispensary's unique o erings, everchanging menu and commitment to upliing local farmers. Friedman explained that their best accomplishment is the sta , citing their eagerness to learn about the products, methods of preparation, and cultivators.

Kendal at Ithaca Named One of Senior Care’s Best Places to Work for the Second Year in

a Row

Ithaca, N.Y. — (May 2, 2025) — Kendal at Ithaca is proud to announce the community’s recognition as one of Senior Care’s Best Places to Work for 2025 by WeCare Connect, marking the second consecutive year it has earned this prestigious honor. is award celebrates Kendal at Ithaca’s unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive and engaging workplace for employees.

Ranked among the top senior living and aging services providers in the United States and Canada, Kendal at Ithaca has been acknowledged for its focus on creating an exceptional work environment. e accolade is based on employee feedback gathered and analyzed by WeCare Connect (WCC), the leading survey provider for senior care organizations.

Kendal at Ithaca earned high marks for employee retention, showcasing its dedication to the professional and personal wellbeing of its team members.

Megan Fretto, Assistant Director of Human Resources at Kendal at Ithaca, shared

“We took a lot of time to kind of work with the sta and bring in experts,” he said. “But the sta have just taken it 10 steps more by learning things on their own. And they're constantly bringing things into the o ce and saying, ‘Hey, I want to share this with everybody.’”

Friedman hopes the Corner House’s location, near Finger Lakes National Forest and Taughannock Falls State Park, attracts tourists who want to try locally grown cannabis. e Corner House’s ribboncutting will be on Friday, June 20 at 3 p.m., and the Friedmans welcome anyone 21 or over to enjoy refreshments, meet the sta and see the dispensary for themselves.

The Corner House in its Natural Habitat. (Photo: Nathan Ellison/Sun Fellow at Ithaca Times)

“Peace, Love, Reggae and Community”: Ithaca Reggae Fest Expands, Returns to Spread Love

By Varsha Bhargava

Three packed days of groovy reggae beats and family-friendly fun will return to Ithaca this month. is year, the seventh annual Ithaca Reggae Fest adds a third day to its lineup, hosting more musical performances, activities and lessons on environmental conservation for the community.

Set in Stewart Park, the festival will span June 20-22 and feature over 20 artists, with headlining performances from Grammy Award-winning reggae bands Steel Pulse and Kabaka Pyramid. In addition to the tunes, the festival will host age-inclusive activities like skateboarding, collaborative murals and games.

ousands of people are known to cover the park’s grass on festival days, and Russ Friedell, a director for the festival, expects a

record turnout this year. In the spirit of reggae, he hopes that, through the music, the festival will foster connection and love throughout the community.

“ e vibe of Reggae Fest is really peace, love, reggae and community,” Friedell said. “ e message of reggae music in general is pretty universal — peace, love, love one another, come together. In these times, that message has never been more necessary for us all to remind ourselves of.”

What to expect

e festival will kick o with a free block party on Friday evening at Stewart Park’s Large Pavilion. With the sun setting placidly across Cayuga’s waters, community members can listen to DJs spin classic reggae music, watch the GIAC Jumpers jump rope and see indigenous artists Ononkwa-Medicine perform.

Yogis from Yoga Farm will guide the community through early morning sun salutations and meditation on Saturday and Sunday. ose who participate in the yoga events will receive free tickets to the festival, Friedell said.

In addition to headliners Kabaka Pyramid on Saturday and Steel Pulse on Sunday, the festival will present performances by DJ Mike Judah, Cha Cha & e Analogue Sons, Personal Blend, Gunpoets, SingTrece, Mihali, Black Lion & Heat Wav, e Bebble Rockers, DJ Art-V, Notorious Stringbusters, Metasequoia, Double Tiger, New Planets, Giant

Arts & Entertainment

Thousands of attendees attend the festival annually, and organizers expect a record turnout this year. (Photo: Casey Martin/Provided by Ithaca Reggae Fest)

Reggae Fest will return to Ithaca’s Stewart Park for the seventh year of celebrations from June 20-22. (Photo: Casey Martin/Provided by Ithaca Reggae Fest)

While the festival will feature over 20 artists, there will be headlining performances from award-winning reggae bands Steel Pulse and Kabaka Pyramid. (Photo: Casey Martin/Provided by Ithaca Reggae Fest)

Panda Guerilla Dub Squad and ousands of One over the weekend.

e additional activities will be structured through a series of ve “villages” on the grass: Lake Discovery Village, Yoga Village, Skateboard Village, Art Village and Youth Village.

At the heart of Ithaca Reggae Fest is Cayuga Lake, Friedell said. He added that, as a nonprofit, Ithaca Reggae Fest is dedicated to the lake’s protection and the shore-side festival is a “conscious celebration” devoted to the conservation of the lake.

In the spirit of water conservation, various water-focused sponsors will table at Lake Discovery Village, o ering interactive activities for community members to “get their hands wet and dirty” and learn about the watershed that keeps the community “healthy and alive,” Friedell said.

“It is so important to have that space for people to come together and be reminded of what we all have in common — and to really celebrate this beautiful place that we call home,” Fridell said.

Ticket pricing

Advance tickets are available online.

LIVING THE DREAM

continued from page 7

“As I progressed, I obtained my business license, home processing license, and expanded my contacts through LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and word of mouth Locally, Green Star started selling my cookies at their Cascadilla and Dewitt locations. Canopy Hilton has been a regular customer every week for 3 years, and

BUSINESS

BRIEFS continued from page 16

her thoughts on this milestone: “Being named one of Senior Care’s Best Places to Work 2025 is an incredible honor— and one made even more meaningful by what our staff and residents have shared with us.”

“Over the last year, 100% of respondents agreed that Kendal at Ithaca is a welcoming community. We rank above average in the WCC's 'Happiness Index' and have excellent employee retention, with the current length of employment

One-day advance tickets are $40 per day and advance passes for the whole weekend are $65.

At the gate, one-day tickets are $50 per day and passes for the whole weekend are $90.

Youth under the age of 16 are admitted for free.

e Friday block party is free.

Schedule of events:

Friday, June 20 (Free)

• 5-9 p.m. — Friday Block Party, featuring GIAC Jumpers, EvoEvolution, Ononkwa-Medicine and Carter Van Pelt

Saturday, June 21

• 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — 108 sun salutations, (free) yogi brunch, qigong dragon practice and meditation with Yoga Farm

• 12:15-1 p.m. — Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ Cultural Celebration

• 1:15-10 p.m. — Performances by DJ Mike Judah, Cha Cha & e Analogue Sons, Personal Blend, Gunpoets, SingTrece, Mihali, Black Lion & Heat Wav and Kabaka Pyramid & e Bebble Rockers

Sunday, June 22

• 8:30 a.m.-noon — Jupertarian Solstice Sadhana and (free) yogi brunch with Yoga Farm

I now sell at Mimi’s Attic, e Waterfront Cafe at Rasa Spa, e Henry Miller Inn, Copper Horse Co ee, Anabel’s Grocery at Cornell, and all three Ithaca Bakery locations. However, I actually do most of my business through catering large events and client gi boxes.”

“All of my cookies are individually wrapped, and I design the artwork on the packaging. I am seeking funding now to upgrade to all recyclable and biodegradable

at 5.8 years, and 76% of staff having been with us for a year or more,” Megan added. “These results speak volumes. They reflect our shared commitment to fostering a workplace and home rooted in our Quaker-inspired values, where people feel seen, supported and inspired to grow. We’re proud of this recognition and even prouder of the community behind it.”

Amidst sta ng challenges faced by the senior living eld in recent years, Kendal at Ithaca has distinguished itself as a leader in creating a workplace that promotes collaboration, creativity and professional

• 1-3:45 p.m. — Performances by DJ Art-V, Notorious Stringbusters and Metasequoia on the Second Stage

• 3:45-4:45 p.m. — Performance by Double Tiger on the Main Stage

• 4:45-5:45 p.m. — Performance by New Planets on the Second Stage

• 5:45-7 p.m. — Performance by Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad on the Main Stage

packaging. I have raised $5,000 and need $4,500 more to make the complete switch.”

“When we were kids we would play shopkeepers. I always wanted to be the bakery owner, pretending to sell delicious treats to happy customers…I just realized that now, so many years later, I’m living my dream. Now, a grownup, I own a bakery company and sell baked goods that people can savor. I donate a portion of my pro ts to help others who face special

development. Its emphasis on respect, care and trust aligns with the values of Kendal, of which it is a proud A liate.

Community Invited To Guthrie Cortland Renzi Health Campus Open House

CORTLAND,

N.Y. — Guthrie believes every community deserves comprehensive health care, close to home. e new, state-of-the-art Guthrie Cortland Renzi Health Campus delivers on our mission to provide primary and specialty care under one roof. And everyone is invited to see it for themselves!

• 7-9 p.m. — Performances by ousands of One and Steel Pulse (50th anniversary) on the Second Stage

Varsha Bhargava is a reporter at the Ithaca Times and a news editor at e Cornell Daily Sun working on e Sun’s summer fellowship.

challenges succeed as well: Black, Indigenous, People Of Color, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer.”

“Any support for my business is appreciated. Please buy my cookies, go to my website, order boxes, and donate to my fundraising cause, to help my business grow!”

Olivia (Via) Carpenter.

Founder of Via’s Cookies.

Black and Woman owned business. Website: www.viascookies.com

e community is encouraged to say hello to sta and providers at an open house on Wednesday, June 18. Meet some of our care team and take a guided tour of the new facility that o ers primary care, OB/GYN, general surgery, plastic surgery, orthopedics, laboratory services, imaging and daily walk-in hours. When it comes to health care, we understand how important it is to feel comfortable and supported. e relaxed setting of this open house will pull back the curtain on a care model that is convenient, compassionate and patientcentered.

Various activities will take place across the park during the family-friendly event. (Photo: Casey Martin/provided by Ithaca Reggae Fest)

A Life in Ithaca Sports

David Moriah, John McNally Devoted Their Lives to Helping Young Athletes

By Steve Lawrence

Our community lost two beloved guys last week, as David Moriah and John McNally both passed. David was the founder of Cornell Outdoor Education and a widely published baseball writer, and I will be writing about his remarkable life later this summer, when a gathering will be held to celebrate his life.

John was a Physical Education teacher in the Ithaca City School District and a vital part of the Ithaca College baseball team for four decades. A couple of years ago, I sat down with George Valesente to look back on his 40-plus year coaching career, and he had these recollections of McNally:

“John was a first baseman in high school, and when he got up here, the first base situation was a little bit out of his reach, but he still loved baseball, and we had a great connection. One day, we had just completed tryouts, and I said, ‘Listen, we’re gonna post the list of those are invited back, and if some of you are not on that list and you want to continue your baseball career, we do have JV team, and

LANSING SOLAR PROJECT

and volatility,” Amaral said. “A PILOT, by contrast, provides clarity, stability and a financable framework that allows our lenders to support the project for its entire life.”

Traditionally, tax abatements and other tax incentives are granted by the IDA prior to construction and have stringent

ITHACA TEACHERS WILL RETURN

continued from page 4

During Thursday’s bargaining session, Van Keuren said the district was not offering a step-and-lane structure, instead offering an annual 4.6% raise for two years.

“We feel the long-term fiscal viability of our proposal is something that the board and the taxpayers can fund and live with,” Van Keuren said. “It’s reasonable and measured, and we feel that’s where we landed.”

you’re welcome to try out again — or if you are interested in being a baseball manager, please come over to my office, and we’ll sit down and talk about it.’ A short time later, in walks a freshman — John McNally — and he offered his services as a Student Manager. And here we are, 41 years later. We’re still close. He never really left us, he was always here on a volunteer basis. His huge contribution to this program has been under the radar. He did a lot of the grunt work and did a lot of the things like travel arrangements. He also worked with the catchers and did a great job with that.”

I asked John what he had to say about that connection, and he told me, “I came to Ithaca College in the fall of 1995, but knew I was not good enough to play at the next level. My aspirations were to get a teaching degree, and teach and coach after college. A roommate who was on the team introduced me to Coach Val, who said that his student manager was leaving after that year, and he would have work/study money for the position. I said ‘That sounds perfect.’ I was invited

policies regarding the use of local labor and the percentage of affordable units in housing projects.

Construction on the project is roughly 65% completed, Amaral said, but Genie Solar Energy will not be able to meet the TCIDA’s requirement to use 75% local labor during construction.

Genie Solar is applying for incentives mid-construction because of the financial challenges presented by the changes in the property assessment process and be-

Cernera told the Ithaca Times that a 4.6% annual salary increase would not be adequate for ITA membership when accounting for the rapidly increasing cost of living in Ithaca and Tompkins County.

“I think when you compare 4.6% to the cost of living increases in Tompkins County [...] it’s pretty easy to see that 4.6% is a challenging number to offer,” Cernera said. “A flat percentage increase is an acceptance that we are continuing to let systemic issues fester.”

Van Keuren added that he believes Itha-

to come to spring practices, and 24 years later this Student Manager became a Student Assistant, then a Grad Assistant, then an Assistant Coach, and George and Frank Fazio remain two of my very best friends.”

John added, “At the age of five, I lost my father to Hodgkins Disease and my mother raised my younger brother and I. Fast forward 13 years, and this kid from Long Island comes to Ithaca NY, and meets George and Frank, the two best father figures in Ithaca. Everything was lining up for me. I began to understand that George is a man of great faith. Whether it be attending Mass and his belief in God, or his belief in the young men that showed up to practice and games everyday, he was modeling that we are not here for individual achievements or accolades, and that we always need to believe in something bigger than ourselves. I will never be able to repay George and Frank for the impact they have had on my life, and Dianne (Valesente) and Jackie (Fazio) deserve a ton of credit as well for the endless dinners and opening their

homes to me and making me feel like part of their families. My personal and professional goals are always to try and pass on those lessons to others.”

Upon learning of John’s passing, I reached out to George, and he said, “It’s a sad time for the Ithaca College baseball family, as we mourn the loss of a beloved friend. He was a very special man, truly loved by many.”

cause it is the company’s first community solar project.

“When we began development, we had a certain understanding of property tax obligations,” Amaral said. “That framework has changed. It would create a material shift in the long-term cost structure of the project.”

Amaral said that he believes the projects should still be considered for a PILOT agreement by the TCIDA because it will produce clean locally generated so-

ca’s high teacher turnover rate is caused, in part, by Ithaca’s university-dependent population, and that leapfrogging is not possible under the current salary structure.

“I fundamentally disagree that there is leapfrogging,” Van Keuren said. “The definition that you’re using is a natural outcome of the contracts that you all voted for and collectively bargained.”

When asked about Van Keuren’s belief that leapfrogging is not a systemic issue under the current contract, Cernera said, “when the district says leapfrogging is not a

lar energy, reduce carbon emissions and support local and state climate goals, and stimulate the local economy. He added that when planning future projects, the company will plan to approach Industrial Development Agencies requesting incentives ahead of construction.

The TCIDA unanimously voted to move the request to a public hearing, allowing community members to weigh in on whether or not the agency should grant incentives to the project developers.

problem, we fundamentally disagree with that.”

The union is set to return to the table on Sept. 18. When asked if they will continue to demand step-and-lane in negotiations this fall, Cernera said ITA leaders will work for what their members want.

“Our job here is to carry out the will of our members,” Cernera said. “At this moment, our members’ will is a step-andlane salary schedule. If that changes, then we may change course. But if that does not change, then we won’t.”

John McNally and George Valesente celebrate a NCAA Regional Championship. (Photo: Provided)

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| Join artist Kathy Morris in exploring your life spiral with words, images, and various media—materials will be supplied. | Free

Special Events

Bars/Bands/Clubs

6/18 Wednesday

Kat Link & hi im is Killing You | 7 p.m. | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

6/19 Thursday

Mathis Haug | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.

6/20 Friday

Friday Suns et Music Series — ft.

Cameron Markott | 5 p.m. | Wagner Vineyards, 9322 State Route 414

Rose & the Bros | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Road

Hangtime Concert Series

featuring Crystal Vision | 6 p.m. | Treleaven Wines, 658 Lake Road

Live Music — Bad Alibi | 6 p.m. | Hopshire Farm & Brewery, 1771 Dryden Rd

Wagner Sunset Music Series

Presents Cameron Markott | 6:30 p.m. | Wagner Vineyards, 9322 State Route 414

6/21 Saturday

Acoustic Saturdays featuring Steve Romer & Bradford Allen | 4 p.m. | Treleaven Wines, 658 Lake Road

Ithaca Reggae Fest After Party w/ Sawa Sawa Band *FREE SHOW | 9 p.m. | Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd | Free Hank Roberts & Chad Lieberman Duo | 8pm | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

THIS WEEK Music

6/22 Sunday

Cayla Lee | 7 p.m. | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

6/23 Monday

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.

The Parghs | 7 p.m. | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

6/24 Tuesday

Taughannock Live Music Series: Dennis Winge | 5 p.m. | Inn at Taughannock Falls, 2030 Gorge Rd.

6/25 Wednesday

Jazz Night at Deep Dive: Fire y Trio | 6:30 p.m. | Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd | Free Homer’s Music on the Green: Cortland Old Timers Band | 7 p.m. | Homer Village Green, West Homer Road

Concerts/Recitals

6/19 Thursday

Warren Zeiders | 6 p.m. | Beak & Ski Apple Orchards, 2708 Lords Hill Road

6/21 Saturday

Waxahatchee w/ MJ Lenderman (Sold Out) | 6 p.m. | Beak & Ski Apple Orchards, 2708 Lords Hill Road

Stage

The Odd Couple | 7:30 p.m., 6/18 Wednesday | Little York Lake Theatre & Pavillion, 6799 Little York Lake Road | Cortland Rep kicks o their summer season with the classic come dy from

Neil Simon that spawned the longrunning TV show. Running June 18-27. Check website for details. Summer shows are held in Preble at Little York Lake Amphitheater.

Create Your Own Puppet Play with Concrete Temple Theatre | 6 p.m., 6/19 Thursday | The Cherry Arts, 102 Cherry St. | This workshop is ve sessions long, with a nal performance session; the group will meet from 6-8 p.m. on the following dates: June 12, 17, 19, 24, and 26 | $50.00 - $100.00

Million Dollar Quartet | 7:30 p.m., 6/19 Thursday | Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Blvd. | Million Dollar Quartet brings that night to life in a toe-tapping, musical re-telling lled with broken promises, betrayals, celebrations, and an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits.

Arrival: African & Afro-Cuban Dance and Drum Workshops | 4 p.m., 6/20 Friday | Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Rd. | June 20-22 the rhythms, stories, and avors of African and Afro-Cuban traditions are being celebrated through dance, drumming, storytelling, and food. This immersive gathering is a platform for community engagement, activism, and support for artists who share their heritage and histories. | $20.00 - $25.00

Broadway Showtunes Singalong | 7:30 p.m., 6/21 Saturday | St. Luke Lutheran Church, 109 Oak Avenue | In conjunction with and supporting Ithaca Pride Alliance — an evening of music, laughter, and community in celebration of Pride Month. | Free Arrival: Traditions Carried, Stories Shared — Performance | 7:30 p.m., 6/21 Saturday | Ithaca Community School of Music and Arts, 330 East State Street | African and AfroCuban Dance & Drum performance at

CSMA with Mohamed Diaby, Adolfo Castillo and Lisbet López, Alejandro Baldoquin, plus a video performance from Lamine Thiam. A Q&A with the artists follows the performance. | $15.00 - $50.00

Shakespeare Pasta Cooko ! | 6/21 Saturday | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St. | Support summer Shakespeare in Homer and activate our newly renovated kitchen with a fun and avorful event! Enter a pasta dish or just come for the eats and entertainment!

Participatory Contra, Square, and Circle Dancing | 7 p.m., 6/23 Monday | Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd |

Art

Lindsey Poto | Reaching into the Lake | 1 p.m., 6/18 Wednesday | Ink Shop Studio Gallery, 330 E.State / MLK Street | Reaching into the Lake is a series of etchings by Lindsey Poto , a printmaker from Michigan who received her BFA from Cornell in 2022 and is currently attending the University of Connecticut for her MFA. | Free

The Spiral Path: Tracing Our Way Forward — Art Exhibit Opening | 5 p.m., 6/18 Wednesday | The Soil Factory, 142 Ithaca Beer Drive | June 17 (Tue), 5–7 p.m.: The Spiral Path: Tracing Our Way Forward Art Exhibit Opening Night at The Soil Factory, art work by 13 invited artists with live music by Cassia and Gordon | Free Third Thursday Artist Alley Open Studio | 4 p.m., 6/19 Thursday | Artist Alley at South Hill Business Campus, 950 Danby Rd. | Join us for the monthly Artist Alley’s Open Studio Night. | Free

The Art of Autobiographical Collage | 5:15 p.m., 6/19 Thursday | The Soil Factory, 142 Ithaca Beer Drive

Carla Stetson exhibit “Meanders” | 12 p.m., 6/21 Saturday | The Gallery at South Hill, 950 Danby Rd. South Hill Business Campus South Hill Business Campus | Carla Stetson one person exhibit at The Gallery at South Hill. Many of the pieces in this exhibit are in uenced by uid dynamics, the study of the winding and spiraling movement of uids and follow a cartographic impulse. | Free Celebrating Queer Survivorship and Resiliency Through Art | 12:45 p.m., 6/21 Saturday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | A workshop for LGBT/Queer survivors with writing, craft activities, and snacks. Art supplies will be provided. For ages 16 and older.

Spiraling into the 4th Dimension—A Participatory Exploration of Time | 1:30 p.m., 6/21 Saturday | The Soil Factory, 142 Ithaca Beer Drive | A spiral is often celebrated as a 2-D shape and a 3-D structure. We will venture into 4-D territories by imagining the shape of time as a owing spiral. Linda Weintraub, artist and author, will guide your spiral time travel exploration. | Free Frances Gallardo Artist Talk | 3 p.m., 6/21 Saturday | The Soil Factory, 142 Ithaca Beer Drive | Visual artist Frances Gallardo will discuss her decades-long work exploring the Caribbean meteorological landscape through an eco-poetic lens.

The Gallery at South Hill Tai Chi/ Qi Gong and artist talk by Carla Stetson | 4 p.m., 6/21 Saturday | The Gallery at South Hill, 950 Danby Rd. South Hill Business Campus South Hill Business Campus | Tai Chi/Qi Gong Workshop led by Rich and Stacey of Moy & More with artist talk to follow by Carla Stetson in the gallery. | Free 36th Annual Juried Photo Show | 12 p.m., 6/22 Sunday | State of the Art Gallery, 120 West State Street | 36th Annual Juried Photo Show | Free Riverwood Art Club | 4 p.m., 6/23 Monday | Riverwood, 116 E State St. | Riverwood is hosting an art club every Monday! Bring your tablet, yarn, collage materials, clay, paints, or anything else. All ages and supplies provided. | Free

Owego Strawberry Festival 5k — Owego, NY | 6 p.m., 6/19 Thursday | Hickories Park Owego, 359 Hickories Park Rd | Celebrate the 43rd Owego Strawberry Festival with a 5K Run/ Walk! Rock and Run 5K is Thursday night, June 19, at the Hickories Park in Owego. 5K Race starts at 6:00 p.m. 7th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest | 5 p.m., 6/20 Friday | Stewart Park Large Pavilion, 1 James L Gibbs Dr | A FREE Welcome Party to kick o the weekend sponsored by Ben & Jerry’s with partners Rejoice the Vote and Headcount .Featuring a roots dancehall history soundtrack and the performances from R.D.F. (EvoEvolution), Mohawk peoples’ Ononkwa-Medicine, and the GIAC Jumpers opening up. | Free Alan Jones Vestal XX – Vestal, NY | 8 a.m., 6/21 Saturday | Vestal Senior Center, 201 South Main Street | Twenty Kilometer Road Race Vestal, New York. This is the oldest race in New York State’s southern tier with roots back to the 1930s.

Class of 2025 Senior Parade | 10 a.m., 6/21 Saturday | New eld Central School, 247 Main Street | Show your support for the Class of 2025 and line Main Street in New eld for the Senior Parade on Saturday, June 21 at 10 a.m. | Free Royal Carriage Rides — with Princesses! | 10 a.m., 6/21 Saturday | Hoopes Park, 100 S Herman Ave, Auburn | Experience “Real Magic in Every Moment” as you and your loved ones take enchanting horse drawn carriage rides with a real life princess! SUMMER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL AT THE SOIL FACTORY | 12 p.m., 6/21 Saturday | The Soil Factory, 142 Ithaca Beer Drive | Enjoy the Soil Factory’s inaugural Summer Solstice Festival, a 6-day event 6/17 — 22 featuring a multi-media, multi-sensory art exhibit, activities for all ages. | Free

Sahlen’s Six Hours Of The Glen — Admission | 12 p.m., 6/22 Sunday | Watkins Glen International, 2790 Co Rte 16, | $130.00

Neil Simon’s e Odd Couple is Cortland Repertory eatre’s second show of their 2025 summer season, running June 18-27. All shows are performed at Little York Lake Pavilion in Preble. (Photo: Stock)

2nd Annual Fermentation Festival & Market at South Hill Cider | 12 p.m., 6/22 Sunday | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Road | Celebrate all things fermented at The Second Annual Fermentation Festival & Market hosted by South Hill Cider! | $25.00

Books

LGBTQ+ Fiction Writing Workshop with Elisabeth Nonas | 5 p.m., 6/18 Wednesday | Bu alo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street | Join Buffalo Street Books and talented local author Elisabeth Nonas for a writing workshop! | $40.00 - $60.00

Workshop: Finding the Right Voice: Writing for Young Readers | 6 p.m., 6/18 Wednesday | CAP Artspace Downtown, Tompkins Center for History and Culture, on the Ithaca Commons, 110 N Tioga St. | An interactive workshop with Emily Sun Li and Tommy McAree exploring how to craft authentic voices across picture books, middle grade, and young adult ction. | Free

Celebrating Queer Survivorship and Resiliency Through Art |

12:45 p.m., 6/21 Saturday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | A workshop for LGBT/Queer survivors with writing, craft activities, and snacks. Art supplies will be provided. For ages 16 and older.

The Bookish Club | 3 p.m., 6/21 Saturday | The Whimsy Mercantile, 2075 East Shore Drive | Join others to discuss what you’re currently reading, what you want to read, and past books that have made an impression. | Free

Early Reader Book Club | 3 p.m., 6/24 Tuesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Children in grades K-2 are welcome to join our Early Readers Book Club.

Teen Creative Writing Workshop | 5:30 p.m., 6/24 Tuesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Love to write your own stories? Have ideas for your own characters and worlds, or an interest in writing fan ction? Join Adrienne Raw for a Teen Creative Writing Workshop!

SingTrece’s Open Mic for Singers, Rappers, Songwriters, & Poets | 7:00 p.m., 6/24 Tuesday | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St. | The Downstairs and SingTrece Publishing

LEGO Family Build Night | 5:30 p.m., 6/24 Tuesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | TCPL invites families to a weekly LEGO build night! Buckets of LEGO will be provided for participants to borrow for their builds.

Notices

Healthier Eating Support Community | 4:30 p.m., 6/19 Thursday | CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue | The Healthier Eating Support Community is here to provide support for the challenges of sustained healthy eating.

King Alcohol Ends Reign — Ithaca’s Prohibition History Walking Tour | 5:30 p.m., 6/19 Thursday |

survivors with writing, craft activities, and snacks. Art supplies will be provided. For ages 16 and older.

Production Presents Ithaca’s Best Open Mic for Singers, Rappers, Songwriters, Poets and Spoken Word.

Kids

STEAM Night: Physics Bus! | 5 p.m., 6/18 Wednesday | Lodi Whittier Library, 8484 S Main St. | “The science museum of wheels” will be making its way to the Lodi Library!  The Physics Bus contains hands on exhibits and facilitates fascinating science demonstrations. This program is best suited for children ages 6-13 years of age. Pizza will be provided. | Free

LCL Summer Reading Kicko | 10:30 a.m., 6/21 Saturday | Lansing Community Library, 27 Auburn Road | Join us at 10:30 AM for summer reading sign-ups, then stick around for a fun, hands-on Circus Culture workshop at 11:00 AM! | Free Super Cream Car Cruise-Ins | 4:30 p.m., 6/24 Tuesday | Super Cream Dairy Bar, 75 N. West Street | Super Cream Car Cruise-Ins Are Back!Get ready to roll into summer at Super Cream Dairy Bar—because the beloved Car Cruise-Ins are back for the season!

SIDEWALK SHOWCASE

FRIDAY, JUNE 20TH FROM 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Ithaca Commons | Experience a vibrant array of street performers showcasing their talents every third Friday. Don’t miss out on this diverse and entertaining lineup! This month: Lilypad Puppet Theatre! (Photo: Provided)

Greensprings Garden Club | 10 a.m., 6/18 Wednesday | Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, 293 Irish Hill Rd | From May to October, volunteer with us as we divide perennials, mulch plantings, plant shrubs, pull weeds, pot up perennials, rake leaves, spread gravel and more. Drop-in and lend a hand at our | Free Technology Basics One-on-One | 10:30 a.m., 6/18 Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Need help with basic technology topics, such as using email, searching the internet, or borrowing eBooks?

Makerspace Open Hours — PM Session | 5:30 p.m., 6/18 Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Join us for drop-in Open Hours! Registration is not required. Visit the Makerspace to use the laser cutter, 3-D printer, Cricut, or sewing/embroidery machines.

Astrology Meeting | 6 p.m., 6/18 Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | A meeting every Wednesday (6:00-7:30 p.m.) at the Tompkins Public Library where people talk about astrology.

Beloved Artistic Community June Meet-up | 6:30 p.m., 6/18 Wednesday | Hamlin Hall, Community School of Music & Arts | We have the immense joy of partnering with NYC-based theatre company Concrete Temple for our June BAC meet up. In this workshop you will construct a simple puppet, write a little play, and learn how to puppeteer your puppet. Learn about puppetry, connect with others in our community, and have fun! | Free Trivia! | 7 p.m., 6/18 Wednesday | Liquid State Brewery, 620 West Green Street. | Trivia Night with Bob Proehl at Liquid State! | Free

The History Center in Tompkins County, 110 N Tioga Street | A 10-block walking tour through downtown Ithaca that traces the city’s spirited (and often surprising) history with Prohibition. Led by trained docents from The History Center, this 60-min experience takes you to the actual sites of speakeasies, dry raids, church protests, saloons, & reform rallies | $15.00

American Red Cross Blood Drive | 10 a.m., 6/20 Friday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | ReJunevate | 6 p.m., 6/20 Friday | Ithaca Children’s Garden, 121 Turtle Lane Ithaca | ReJunevate is an adultsonly garden party celebrating the start of summer with a refreshing blend of wellness and joy.

Charity Yard Sale Fundraiser for Ithaca Mobilepack and FMSC | 8:30 a.m., 6/21 Saturday | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 114 Burleigh Drive | Charity Yard Sale Fundraiser for Ithaca Mobilepack and FMSC | Free

Speaking UP Against Racism Workshop | 9 a.m., 6/21 Saturday | First Unitarian Society Annex, 2nd oor, 208 E. Bu alo Street | This workshop is designed to increase our understanding of everyday racism and the importance of speaking out when we can, in a courageous and e ective way. | $0.00 - $55.00

Steph’s Run 5k - Ithaca, NY | 10 a.m., 6/21 Saturday | BorgWarner, 780 Warren Road | Low key 5K on residential streets and BorgWarner’s Campus. All proceeds will be going to a family in the area dealing with Cancer.

Celebrating Queer Survivorship and Resiliency Through Art | 12:45 p.m., 6/21 Saturday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | A workshop for LGBT/Queer

INTERGENERATIONAL PERSPECTIVES: STRATEGIES FOR SURVIVING AND FIGHTING BACK | 2 p.m., 6/21 Saturday | Bu alo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street | Join us at Buffalo Street Books for an open discussion with queer community members of all ages — to come together and strategize with one another. | Free Outdoor Qi Gong Class- Sundays | 10 a.m., 6/22 Sunday | Allan H. Treman State Marine Park, 805 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850 | Outdoor Qi Gong for Wellness and Nervous System Regulation. | $12.50 - $15.00 Feast on Words: Queer Expression | 6 p.m., 6/23 Monday | Asempe Kitchen, 114 W Green St. | Be curious about yourself and others this Pride month through creative expression. Join others at Asempe Kitchen on any Monday in June to create your work in whatever form it takes —poetry, journaling, an essay, prose, a letter, or a list. | Free Meet with sta from the o ce of Congressman Riley | 1 p.m., 6/24 Tuesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Representatives from the o ce of Congressman Josh Riley are available to discuss federal issues they may have. | Free

Empowering Caregiver Series | 2 p.m., 6/24 Tuesday | Lodi Whittier Library, 8484 S Main St. | Exploring Care and Support Services

Edible Invasive Species | 5:30 p.m., 6/24 Tuesday | CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue | Invasive species can wreak havoc in a garden, lawn, or woods and their control is di cult. However, many of our most problematic invasives are edible! | $20.00

Planning and Development Board | 6 p.m., 6/24 Tuesday | Council Chambers 3rd Floor City Hall, 108 E Green Street | Village Board of Trustees Meeting | 6 p.m., 6/24 Tuesday | Homer Town Hall, 31 North Main Street |

SHOWTUNES SINGALONG

SATURDAY, JUNE 21ST AT 7:30 PM St Luke Lutheran Church, 109 Oak Ave., Ithaca | In conjunction with and supporting Ithaca Pride Alliance — an evening of music, laughter, and community in celebration of Pride Month. (Photo: Stock)

A Vibrant, Active Community Center

For Learning, Activities, Social Groups

And More! For Adults 50+

Lifelong

119 West Court St., Ithaca

607-273-1511 tclifelong.org

AAM

ALL ABOUT MACS

Macintosh Consulting

http://www.allaboutmacs.com (607) 280-4729

ANIMALS

LAND & SEA

FingerLakesAnimalRights.org

CLEANING SERVICES

www.cleanswithus.com

JANITORIAL *DEEP CLEANINGS* INDEPENDENCE CLEANERS CORP

Call 607-697-3294

Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-Op!

Full Service Grocery Store

Greenstar Food Co-Op

770 Cascadilla St., Ithaca

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We are thrilled to announce that Longview has fully renovated 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, a freshly renovated dining room overlooking Cayuga Lake, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Residents and guests will also enjoy a spacious auditorium that boasts new paint, ooring, and eye-friendly lighting, as well as revitalized common areas that create a warm and comfortable living environment.

Longview.org Marketing and Sales (607)375-6360

Patio Homes – Apartments – Assisted Living –Adult Day Program

Looking for Work?

We are hiring!

Visit us online: www.wgaforchildren.org or call 607-844-6460

e William George Agency

Looking to Boost

your Summer Business?

Call Larry at 607-277-7000 ext: 1214

Find out about great advertising ad packages at: Ithaca.com & Ithaca Times

Men’s and Women’s Alterations for over 20 years

Fur & Leather repair, zipper repair.

Same Day Service Available John’s Tailor Shop

John Serferlis – Tailor

102 e Commons 273-3192

No Long waits for Dermatology Appointments Finger Lakes Dermatology

Brad Yentzer, MD, FAAD 607-708-1330 ngerlakesderm.com

** Peaceful Spirit Tai Chi **

@Head Line:Yang style all levels

@Bold Line:Fridays 3-4 pm at NY Friends House 120 3rd St., Ithaca 607-272-0114

PIANOS

Rebuilt, Reconditioned, Bought, Sold, Moved Tuned, Rented

Complete Rebuilding Services

No job too big or too small

Ithaca Piano Rebuilders (607) 272-6547

950 Danby Rd., Suite 26 South Hill Business Campus, Ithaca REAL LIFE CEREMONIES

Every life story deserves to be told, and told well. Steve Lawrence, Celebrant 607-220-7938

REDUCE YOUR HEATING BILL A FULL LINE OF VINYL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS. Call for Free Estimate & Professional Installation Custom made & Manufactured by SOUTH SENECA VINYL Romulus, NY 315-585-6050 or 866-585-6050

www.SouthSenecaWindows.com

Tiny Gardens Beautiful Results We can create your cottage garden and terrace. Cayuga Landscape 607-257-3000 caugalandscape.com