March 11, 2026 by Ithaca Times

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Online @ Ithaca.com

ANNA KELLES SEEKS REELECTION

'CRITICAL MISMANAGEMENT' AND THREATS TO SAFETY EVACUATE ASTERI ITHACA

DRYDEN BANS CRYPTOMINES, DATA CENTERS

NEW GM AT LA TOURELLE

CHILI FEST BRINGS THE HEAT DOWNTOWN

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BusinessTimes

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The Importance of Having a Primary Care Provider A family medicine provider can offer comprehensive, lifelong care that improves overall health outcomes while getting a better understanding of each patient’s individual needs. By treating entire families under one roof, from infants to seniors, these healthcare experts offer a broad range of medical skills to diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. “I chose family medicine because it allows me to build long-term relationships, focus on prevention and help patients truly understand their health,” says Dr. Muhammad Hassan Khan, Family Medicine Physician at Arnot Health, a Member of Centralus Health. Your primary care provider is someone to turn to when facing acute illnesses, managing chronic conditions, seeking preventative care, and coordinating care with specialists. “Your primary care provider is your first point of contact, someone who truly knows your story, helps prevent illnesses and can guide you through every stage of your life.” During the first visit, your provider will get a baseline understanding of your health. To do that, they need to discuss your lifestyle habits, go over a list of current medications, and your medical history. Even if you’re generally healthy and only see your provider once a year, they can help you stay healthy and lower your risk of long-term health problems. They also can confirm that you’re on the right medications and seeing the appropriate specialists. “The first visit is all about listening, understanding your concerns and then creating a clear and simple plan together.” Active listening serves as a diagnostic tool, ensuring providers do not miss critical symptoms, leading to better, more accurate diagnoses.

community that truly values the quality care they receive.” Patients primarily see Dr. Khan for annual physical exams. During these visits, physicians review medical history, measure vital signs, conduct a head-to-toe physical examination, and recommend blood tests or screenings. Aside from routine visits, many family physicians perform minor medical procedures directly in their clinics. “I offer vaccinations, cancer screenings, chronic disease management, sameday sick visits, women’s health services such as contraception and Pap smears, mental health care, lifestyle counseling, joint injections, and common in-office skin procedures.” It is recommended to see a primary care doctor annually for preventive checkups, screenings, and to manage chronic conditions. After your first visit, you can schedule a visit for new or worsening symptoms, such as persistent infections, unexplained pain, fatigue, weight loss, or changes in vision/ memory. Primary care providers are also needed for screenings, medication management, and referrals. To schedule a visit with Dr. Khan, or another primary care provider, go to

Dr. Muhammad Hassan Khan is a board-certified family medicine physician. He is currently welcoming patients.

“I want my patients to feel heard, not rushed, comfortable when asking questions, and confident about their health when they leave.” When patients feel respected and understood, they are more likely to trust their provider and follow treatment plans, reducing medical risks. By focusing on wellness and offering regular checkups, physicians like Dr. Khan can help people detect potential health problems before they become serious. “Seeing patients getting better, gaining confidence in their health, and knowing that I have made a positive difference in their lives is incredibly rewarding.” Physicians at Arnot Health and Cayuga Health, Members of Centralus Health, place an emphasis on teamwork. Effective teams foster open communication, reducing misunderstandings regarding patient care, roles, and responsibilities. Collaborative care improves patient knowledge, aids in the management of chronic diseases, and offers consistent, high-quality care. “I chose to work at Centralus because of the great teamwork and the patient

2 The Ithaca Times / March 11 – 17, 2026

Primary care providers help you take control of your health

mychart.centralushealth.org. One of the best ways to maintain your health is to start seeing a primary care provider. This physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant focuses on preventative care and maintaining your overall health, as well as the treatment of injury and illness. Arnot Health offers primary care services at 100 John Roemmelt Drive, Horseheads; 418 S. Hamilton Street, Erwin; 600 Roe Avenue, Elmira; 309 Hoffman Street, Elmira; 15 Community Drive, Addison; and 455 Maple Street, Big Flats. Primary care providers specialize in prevention, detection, and treatment of illnesses; internal medicine primary care providers see adults, and family medicine doctors and practitioners see all ages. Cayuga Health offers primary care services at 40 Catherwood Road, Ithaca; 905 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca; 401 Cayuga Park Lane, Ithaca; 260 Tompkins Street, Cortland; 5 Evergreen Street, Dryden; 2138 West Seneca Street, Ovid; 220 Steuben Street, Montour Falls; and 217 N. Aurora Street, Ithaca.

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VOL. LIV / NO. 26 / March 11, 2026 Serving 47,125 readers week ly

Assemblywoman Anna Kelles Seeks Fourth Term to Stabilize Utility Costs, Implement Climate, Criminal Justice Reforms

BUSINESS TIMES �� 7 OPINION �� 9-10

supporters to the East State Street venue. Kelles told supporters that her major focus remains stabilizing utility costs and mitigating the environmental impacts of data centers. She warned that data center expansion would negatively impact water quality and lead to higher utility bills. She cited a nuclear plant built in Georgia—the only one built in the U.S. in the last 30 years—featured two stacks and two gigawatts of capacity. Kelles said the project resulted in a $17 billion override, totaling

SPORTS �� 12 NEWS �� 14-15 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT �� 17-19 TIMES TABLE �� 22-23 CLASSIFIED �� 24

Assemblymember Anna Kelles outlines her 125th District re-election platform at Argos Warehouse on March 3. Addressing supporters in Ithaca, Kelles focused on stabilizing utility costs and the environmental impacts of data centers. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)

$30 billion, with ratepayers seeing a 25% increase in their bills a decade before the plant went online. “These 5 gigs would cost us $100 billion as ratepayers,” Kelles said. Kelles said New York state has seen a push in the last five years to roll back climate laws. She argued that fossil fuels and nuclear power remain among the most expensive energy forms. Kelles called for reconvening the Climate Action Council to promote the state's environmental goals. Kelles highlighted her Virtual Power Plant bill, which A crowd of supporters and local leaders filled Argos Warehouse in Ithaca on March 3 to hear Assemblymember Anna Kelles discuss her re-election bid for the 125th District. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)

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N o t e

By Lorien Tyne

he Ithaca Tompkins International Airport announced that, as of March 5, United Airlines has resumed a third daily flight between Ithaca (ITH) and Wash Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). According to a March 2 press release, the additional daily trip will improve travel access between the Finger Lakes and Washington, D.C areas. The third daily flight also expands access to United’s connecting flights through Dulles, which is one of United Airlines’ largest hubs. “This additional daily flight to Washington Dulles reflects strong demand for reliable connectivity from Ithaca,” said Roxan Noble, director of Ithaca Tompkins International Airport. “Expanding access to a major hub like Dulles strengthens our region’s economic competitiveness and provides our community with greater access to national and international destinations.”

The expanded service is a result of the federal Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) Grant program, as well as partnerships between the Ithaca airport, United Airlines and local stakeholders. Access to flights from Ithaca to Dulles has been inconsistent since United Airlines first launched the route. In 2018, United Airlines replaced its direct flights between Ithaca and Newark with its new Ithaca-Dulles route. Then, in 2022, the route to Dulles was swapped for flights to Newark. In March 2025, the Dulles route was reestablished and service to Newark ended. In October 2025, United expanded its service to three daily flights between Ithaca and Dulles, but the additional third flight only ran for about a month. Noble said that this time, the third daily flight is expected to continue until early June, according to reporting from 14850 Today.

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X Ithaca Tompkins International Airport Resumes Third Daily Flight to Washington Dulles

NEWSLINE ��3-6 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR �� 8

By P h i l i p O’ D e l l

ssemblymember Anna Kelles launched her re-election campaign on March 3, pledging a progressive agenda focused on climate policy, criminal justice reform, and utility cost stabilization. Kelles seeks a fourth term representing the 125th Assembly District, which covers Tompkins County and the southwestern part of Cortland County. A campaign launch at Argos Warehouse in Ithaca drew a dense crowd of Tompkins County community leaders and

ON THE COVER:

In a recent Common Council vote, the city has terminated its contract with Flock Safety. Design by Kaiden Chandler for the Ithaca Times.

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I t h a c a T im e s

INQUIRING City Issues Evacuation Order for Asteri Ithaca, Citing Hazardous Conditions PHOTOGRAPHER R N e w s l i n e

By Mark Sy ve r t son

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “IN HONOR OF CHILI FEST, WHAT’S YOUR HEAT TOLERANCE LEVEL ON A SCALE FROM 1–10?”

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

“Pretty low. Maybe like a 3.” – Nigel

“I'd probably be a 6.” – Luca

“I can handle some heat. I’d be right around an 8 I think.” – Jason

By M a ddy Vo ge l

esidents of Asteri Ithaca, an affordable housing development downtown, are facing evacuation orders after the city deemed the residential tower’s conditions posed immediate threats to safety. An official order to evacuate was issued for the residential portion of the building on 118 E. Green Street on Wednesday evening. The order impacts the building’s total 181 housing units and floors four through 11. Firefighters responded to a fire alarm call and discovered broken and missing glass in the windows of both stairwells, and in hallways of the tower. For residents of the building, these areas serve as the only means of egress, creating unsafe conditions in case of an emergency evacuation. The building’s stairwells also compromise the building’s smoke evacuation system, according to a release from the city. New York State Law dictates that municipalities must ensure the protection of public safety by enforcing building code. The city said the broken windows have made fire and smoke prevention measures typically found in high-rise buildings like Asteri unreliable, stating that the building’s current conditions offer “insufficient” fire and life safety. City officials determined that these conditions “posed an immediate threat to

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Do sanctuary policies like those in the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County provide adequate protection for noncitizens? 28.6% Yes. 33.3% No. 38.1% I don’t care. “Where would bell pepper be? Just kidding. Actually, I’m gonna say 4.” – Noah

N ext Week ’s Q uestion :

Do you feel Ithaca effectively celebrates Women’s History Month? “Ten! All the way!” – Jeremiah

Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.

4 The Ithaca Times / March 11 – 17, 2026

The residential portion of Asteri Ithaca is under a mandatory order to vacate after city and fire department officials deemed the building’s conditions to be unsafe. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)

the life safety of residents.” Police department staff went door-to-door to inform residents of the order, according to the city’s statement. Owned by subsidiaries of Vecino Group, the development has faced scrutiny since becoming operational in 2024. The 12-story building provides affordable housing to formerly unhoused individuals in 40 of its units. The development’s reputation in the community has been marked by consistent reports of crime and safety concerns. In October 2025, the Downtown Ithaca Development Corporation and the Ithaca Asteri Condominium of Board Managers filed a lawsuit against the owners of the Asteri Ithaca building, alleging breaches of contract and mismanagement of the residential complex. The suit alleged tenants caused damage to the conference center through fires, broken doors, damaged windows and sidewalks, and graffiti. It claimed a previous outbreak of Canine Parvovirus, an infestation of cockroaches, and said staff would pick up trash, animal and human feces, hypodermic needles and other drug paraphernalia left by tenants daily. At the time the lawsuit was filed, it reported at least 37 instances of flooding in the residential portion of the building had flowed into the conference center. The Ithaca Police Department has previously said that Asteri requires more policing than other parts of the city and is a drain on resources. In 2025, about 6% of the IPD’s responses — 1,358 calls — were to Asteri.

Criminal activity at Asteri has included arson, assault, a domestic incident and assault of an IPD officer, narcotics and weapon possession, among various other arrests. The vacate order went into effect immediately and is in place until the stairwells are fully repaired and in compliance with code. The city stated that in some cases, an order to remedy may allow the owner to implement a fire watch while repairs are made, but said “this approach has previously proven unsuccessful at this address.” The current evacuation order does not affect the conference center facility at 116 E. Green Street as the fire control systems there are currently fully operational, according to the city. The landlord is responsible for remedying the unsafe conditions. The city said it was coordinating with Vecino Group, an on-site supportive services provider and Tompkins County officials to help identify temporary housing options to displaced residents. The city has recommended that displaced residents contact Vecino Group or Tompkins Community Action to seek assistance finding alternate housing options. It recommended that residents reach out to family and friends to ask for temporary housing. In a Thursday statement, it said that if residents had no place to stay, to go to the reading room of the Tompkins County Public Library for assistance. It asked local service providers seeking to assist residents to contact the city at nbohn@cityofithaca.org to join a coordinated city and county effort.

UPS&DOWNS

N e w s l i n e

Dryden Becomes First New York Town to Ban Data Centers

By Dav i d D u r r et t

he Dryden town board has become the first New York town to ban data centers after passing a local law at its Feb. 19 meeting. The move comes as TeraWulf ’s proposed plans for a data center in the nearby town of Lansing advance. Dan Lamb, deputy supervisor for the Town of Dryden, said the town board worked with the planning board over last summer and winter, thanking them for the research the planning board did on this issue. He said the ban works by establishing data centers as a unique use of land in the zoning code and not allowing it in any zones, which he said would be the most efficient way to address the issue. “The way this works is the local law defines it, and we very deliberately don’t put it in our use table,” Lamb said, “and if it’s not in the use table, you can’t do it. I think it’s pretty clear; I don’t think we can do anything unambiguous in what we allow in this town and what we don’t allow.”

The board held a public hearing for the law shortly after the start of the meeting. Both of the people who spoke at the public hearing supported the ban. Jack Wright, chair of the Town of Dryden’s climate action committee, said that all of the committee’s members, except for the town board liaison, voted in support of the local law. He thanked the town board for its time and effort, saying that data centers would use a great deal of energy, cause noise pollution and have other negative repercussions on the environment. “We appreciate you making the effort to protect our environment, and also to protect the Dryden community,” Wright said. Lamb agreed with Wright’s concerns about energy use, saying it was one of several concerns he had, including what they contribute to the town and their environmental impact. “I think some folks are asking ‘Why are we doing this?’ and our primary concern is energy use,” he said. “I think we’re all

Data centers are now explicitly not permitted in the Town of Dryden’s zoning code. (Photo: Tompkins County)

Ups The new state park along Cayuga Lake on the former Boy Scout camp property has been officially named Three Falls State Park. Operated by the Three Falls LDC, comprising the village of Trumansburg and the towns of Ulysses and Covert, the park will soon have expanded public access, hiking trails and waterfront recreation.

Downs On the evening of March 9, a vehicle collided with an occupied, parked car and rolled over into the roadway on the 500 block of W State Street. The driver of both

Dan Lamb, deputy supervisor of the town of Dryden. The town board recently passed a ban on data centers in the town of Dryden, becoming the first town in New York to do so. (Photo: File)

vehicles were transported to local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries and Ithaca police are conducting an investigation into

seeing the effect of rising demands on energy and scarcity, and what that can do to energy prices. That was one of our driving interests in not having more of these high-energy-use data centers in our town, leaving less energy on the grid for the other purposes that are there.” One resident of Freese Road thanked the town board, saying he was “unfortunately involved with the nightmare happening in Lansing,” where the town board failed to pass a moratorium on data centers and TeraWulf is attempting to build a data center in the former Milliken Station power plant near Cayuga Lake. He said he was grateful that the town was taking steps to prevent something similar happening in Dryden. After the public hearing concluded, the board handled a few other items on the agenda, then unanimously voted to pass the local law. “Now we are the first town in New York to ban data centers and cryptomining,” Lamb said.

the incident.

HEARD&SEEN Heard Senator Lea Webb is seeking nominations for the New York State Senate’s Annual Educator Recognition Program, which celebrates educators ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week in May. Nominations from schools and community members in Senate District 52 must be submitted by March 31.

Seen The Youth Council Ambassadors, an Ithaca Youth Bureau program, will host its first annual Leadership in Action Summit at 1:30 p.m. on March 13 at the Ithaca Youth

ASSEMBLYWOMAN ANNA KELLES contin u ed from page 3

she said creates a Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) framework. The plan allows residents to connect electric vehicles and solar arrays to the grid to provide energy during peak demand as an alternative to building new fossil fuel pipelines or nuclear plants.

Regarding public health, Kelles discussed her bill placing a moratorium on the spreading of biosolids to keep “forever chemicals,” known as Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), out of water and soil. She linked these environmental concerns to issues of cancer and infertility. “I know that these sound disparate, but they are all interconnected,” Kelles said. “When we do not treat humans with equity and we don’t have equal access to

healthcare, childcare, jobs, housing, stable housing, how are we going to participate in being good stewards? It is all related.” She added that what is “good for someone’s heart, someone’s family, someone’s mind will be good for the entire community and will be good for the planet.” Turning to criminal justice, Kelles vowed to pass the CARE Act this year, Contin u ed on Page 21

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Bureau. Elected officials, community leaders and members of the public will have the opportunity to hear from teenagers about issues impacting the county’s younger population.

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

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IT h ac a T I m e s

N e w s l i n e

Legislature Rejects Larger, Smaller Options, Keeps Original Center of Government Plan

By M i k ay l a Rov e nolt

fter weighing the options for three potential Center of Government plans, Tompkins County legislators have stuck with their original plan to build a 48,000-square-foot COG near DeWitt Park. The project is estimated to cost a total $64 million and be completed in September 2029. The project will consolidate the county’s government offices and help meet the county’s green building goals, among other goals. At its March 3 meeting, County administrator Korsah Akumfi presented three items to the board for consideration: what will it cost the county to not build the center, what will it look like to build the center smaller at 37,000 square feet, and what a plan to build larger may look like at 57,000 square feet. According to the presentation, there is no viable “do nothing” option, as deferred maintenance needs to be addressed and facility improvements have been deferred for 20 years. Renovations on county buildings will also require the offices to temporarily relocate. If the county were to not build the COG, they must evaluate the cost effectiveness of continued investment in aging buildings and would need to conduct a New Space Study to confirm what the departmental space, operational and service needs are. Additionally, the county could antici-

Pictured is the design for the proposed 48,000-square-foot Center of Government near DeWitt Park. Tompkins County legislators reaffirmed the $64 million plan on March 3, aiming to consolidate municipal offices and meet green building standards by the project's projected 2029 completion.

pate multiple renovations and department relocations to complete required improvements. It was noted in the presentation that as a whole, the “do nothing” route is not recommended by Facilities or County Administration. The cost associated with the “no new build” is estimated at $32,351,000, which would result in a 3.6% tax levy increase. The second option, to build smaller at 37,000 square feet, would limit the number of departments that move into the COG. It would be designed to fit 105 employees

Tompkins County legislators voted March 3 to proceed with a $64 million, 48,000-square-foot Center of Government near DeWitt Park. Slated for completion in 2029, the facility will consolidate county offices and address over 20 years of deferred maintenance while meeting green building standards.

with some space for expansion over time and would include collaborative spaces. This option assumes that there will be continued use of current county facilities and leased spaces. The estimated cost is $40,042,000 with a tax levy increase of 3%. Legislators expressed concerns about the costs associated with a new building, specifically the larger building proposed at 57,000 square feet. The old resolution that allowed the county to start planning this project allots

$50 million and up to 48,000 square feet for the COG. The legislature voted on whether or not to keep the old resolution or pass a new one with a potential 57,000 square foot structure. They also voted on the smaller structure of 37,000 square feet. Both votes failed and the legislature went with the original resolution of 48,000 square feet. A full timeline and past public presentations can be viewed at the Center of Government website.

In Other News Legislators unanimously voted to appoint Leon Holden as the Chief Equity and Diversity Officer for Tompkins County. Holden shared a few words, thanking legislators for this appointment and the work they do. County legislators also discussed the possible installation of electric vehicle charging stations near the Tompkins County airport. The resolution would allow the county administrator to sign an easement with New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) for the installation of DC fast chargers for electric vehicles at the Ithaca Tompkins County Airport. Sustainability Coordinator Hailley Delisle further explained that the easement with NYSEG is needed because the company will need access to a transformer on the property for the DC fast chargers.

6 The Ithaca Times / March 11 – 17, 2026

BusinessTimes

New GM at La Tourelle Doors Open for Business on the Commons IAED Welcomes New Members

La Tourelle Inn and Spa Welcomes New General Manager By Mik ayl a Ro ve nolt

a Tourelle Inn & Spa recently appointed Jonny Humble as its new General Manager. Humble brings over 20 years of hospitality experience across boutique hotels, fine dining, and service-driven operations, with a strong focus on team leadership and guest experience. Located up the hill from downtown Ithaca, La Tourelle Inn & Spa is a boutique property offering newly renovated guest rooms and bathrooms, public spaces, an onsite lounge bar and restaurant, August Moon Spa, and access to hiking trails. The property also features Firelight Camps, which offer a luxury glamping experience, with plans to update the tents with electricity, providing additional comfort during the season. Most recently, Humble served as General Manager of the James Beard–nominated Deer Mountain Inn in the Catskills. Before that, he was the Director of Food

& Beverage at Hotel Magdalena in Austin, Texas. Before getting into the hospitality industry, Humble worked in the fine dining industry for many years. “I am incredibly excited to join La Tourelle and become an active part of the Ithaca community,” Humble said in a statement. “My goal is to honor what makes this property special while continuing to build an environment where both locals and visitors feel genuinely welcome. To me, hospitality is about creating a sense of belonging that lasts beyond the stay.” Humble’s approach to management is based on customer experience and collaboration across different services areas. “I believe in bringing together all members of the team to have their ideas heard with the goal of guest experience being the highest priority,” Humble said in an interview with the Ithaca Times. “I think there are no bad ideas. It’s great to get fresh perspectives from all members

Business Briefs

Women’s Apparel Store Opens on the Commons

dorn, a women’s apparel and accessories business, opened its doors on the Ithaca Commons on March 6. The location at 148 E. State St. formerly housed the Waffle Frolic dining room. Maddie Spitznagel, owner of Adorn, has lived in Ithaca her entire life. Working in retail for almost 15 years, Spitznagel has experience with local second-hand stores and large fashion retailers. She has worked on and near The Commons since 2013, starting at Trader K’s and most recently at Urban Outfitters before the location closed in 2025. The store aims to bring on-trend apparel and accessories to downtown shoppers at an affordable price, according to a press

release from the Downtown Ithaca Alliance. “Ithaca has a great, rich history of amazing stores on the Commons,” Spitznagel said in the press release. “I grew up shopping and browsing in stores on the Commons, and I bought my Junior Prom dress at Avanti boutique. I am so excited to be part of the downtown Ithaca community!” Spitznagel early launched Adorn by

of the team, whether it’s the dishwasher, housekeeper or the spa manager, the General Manager. Everyone has ideas on how to make the guest experience better, and it's important to hear those ideas and to collaborate with each other.” Humble added that he prefers to be guest-facing and that there is a lot to be learned from employee and guest feedback. He said he looks forward to receiving information on both experiences in his new role as General Manager. Over the last few years, La Tourelle has undergone renovations to modernize and make the hotel more comfortable for guests. Most recently, La Tourelle has bought the Firelight Camps, located behind the hotel, and Humble said he is looking forward to making all the parts of La Tourelle cohesive. “My biggest focus in the foreseeable future will just be to bring everything together and to really explore the synergy between the different concepts,” Humble said. “You bringing some of its selection to pop-up markets in the last six months. While the pop-ups mainly had second-hand items, the store will feature mostly new merchandise. “Ithaca has a healthy vintage and second-hand market and we are so lucky to have amazing thrift stores, second-hand shops, and upcycling markets,” Spitznagel said in the press release. “Adorn aims to bring an exciting environment with a mix of predominantly new merchandise and some trendy second-hand pieces.”

Ithaca Area Economic Development Seats New Board Members, Elects Officers

thaca Area Economic Development (IAED), a local private non-profit economic development organization, appointed its 2026 Board of Directors in Ma r ch

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Jonny Humble is the new General Manager of La Tourelle Inn & Spa. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)

know, the spa, firelight, the hotel, the lounge, the food and beverage, I want to bring it all together to really create a campus wide wonderful experience for guests.” Humble said that everything from renovations to the acquisition of the Firelight Camps is “very fresh” and that he encourages locals to come check out the hotel and camps, especially in the summer when there is live music and they will “tie the whole campus together.” “My wife and I were looking to move up north and this kind of all just worked out,” Humble said. “Ithaca has been on my radar for quite a while as a really beautiful and forward thinking community. This worked out perfectly with this position being open at La Tourelle and I couldn’t be happier to be here.” January at its first quarterly meeting of the year, according to a recent press release. Newly appointed board members who will serve three-year terms include Bob Sprole III (Therm Inc.) and Frank Stento (International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 4). New members serving on an annual basis are Monica Yant Kinney (Cornell University) and Deborah Dawson (Tompkins County Legislature). Board members who were appointed for renewed three-year terms include Jodi Lee Denman (Knickerbocker Bed Co./ Wiggins Plastics), Carrie Pollak (Hancock Estabrook), and Chris Malcolm (Wegmans). A full list of board members can be found at IthacaAreaED.org/about-iaed. Along with W. Kurt Foreman, IAED’s recently appointed president, the Board Contin u ed on Page 21

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The Talk at

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR By Ithaca Times Readers

Endorsement of Congressman Josh Riley

“

I’m proud to support the re-election this year of our Congressman, Josh Riley, to represent us in NY 19. As a breast cancer survivor, I was fortunate to have had good insurance to get the specialized care that I needed and I know how important health insurance is. That's why I support Josh Riley. He believes that everyone should have access to affordable health care. He knows the challenges faced by my neighbors in rural areas and he is committed to making sure broadband is available for telehealth visits when getting to a doctor’s office is too hard. Josh is working to lower prescription costs and wants to create a public health insurance option to make coverage more accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it. He is working to create parity between mental health and physical health care and he’s trying to get Medi-

care to cover hearing, dental and vision services. Josh continues to be a strong and consistent supporter of women’s right to make our own healthcare decisions, which is essential to our human and civil rights.” — Nancy Zahler, Ulysses NY

Open Letter to Congressman Josh Riley

“

Dear Josh Riley, Thank you for your prompt response to my messages opposing Trump’s and Israel’s war on Iran. Thank you for voting in favor of a recent War Powers Resolution to reassert congressional authority over declarations of war. Your letter says, “Another generation of Upstate New Yorkers should not be asked to bear the cost of a forever war aimed at regime change.” I heartily agree. Thank you. You say that “Iran has fueled terrorism and violence for decades, and a nucleararmed Iran would pose a serious and unacceptable threat to American security.” Does that mean that you believe our nation has the right to bomb hundreds of sites in another nation that has no nuclear weapons because we think it MIGHT gain them in the future? Do you support international law making clear that war of aggression is illegal? As we did to end the war in Vietnam (which reveals my advanced age), please

take leadership in tying the purse strings tightly closed against continuing this administration’s illegal war.” — Ruth Yarrow, Ithaca NY

In Honor of Women

“

The Olympics was an incredible series of events with magnificent feats of athleticism. Unfortunately, despite their third Olympic gold medal, the women’s hockey team was clearly less honored and represented in the media than the men’s hockey team. Women have come forward for years to protest a lack of equal status in America. They are maligned when they stand up for human rights and equal rights. Throughout American history, women have been abused: physically, sexually, psychologically and through discrimination. To paraphrase Maya Angelou, and yet we rise. We must continue to honor the women. We must remember and tell women’s stories. We must learn from women and give credit to them for their ideas. We must secure women as equal partners in our country and provide women with equal opportunities and recognition as well as equal status to men. Going forward I call on all women to stand up and vote for an America that equally supports women however they choose to live.” — Marita Florini, Endicott NY

Citizens United and the Effect of Money in Politics

“

Voters have consistently shown that they want limits on money in politics. According to a new poll by America’s Promise (January 29, 2026) voters don’t

view campaign spending as free speech which is how the Supreme Court defined it in 2007. Voters prefer that the American people and elected leaders set rules on money in politics. This is consistent with other polls by The Brennan Center for Justice (October 2025) and Pew Research (October 2023). Citizens United, an organization that litigated up to the Supreme Court for the right to distribute a film against then Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, won that ruling. However, the Supreme Court took the opportunity to additionally rule that “independent corporate spending” was free speech. Subsequent lower court rulings allowed unlimited funds to be donated to PACs and Super Pacs creating the obscene amount of funds given to these entities. (In 2024 alone, $2.7 billion dollars was spent on federal campaigns according to the Brennan Center for Justice, January 29, 2025). We need to overturn Citizens United and promote fair and equitable voting reform.” — Peter Raia, Endicott NY

Where in the World Was Nick?

“

Les Wexner provided a deposition to the House Oversight Committee on February 18, 2026. According to CNBC (Feb 18, 2026), Wexner was one of Epstein’s closest known associates and top benefactors. Wexner claimed he was duped by Epstein and described Epstein as a con-artist. No Republican was at the deposition. Increasingly, the allegations of these horrible crimes of rape, trafficking and Contin u ed on Page 9

Vo i c e s T h r o u g h t h e G o r g e s

In a 2006 interview with the Ithaca Times, former Catholic Charities Executive Director Christine Sanchirico said,

“What really compelled me toward this job was working with people who had fallen through the cracks.” 8 The Ithaca Times / March 11 – 17, 2026

WE THE PEOPLE — A CELEBRATION OF PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY

SURROUNDED BY REALITY

Filling the Ranks

Grief, Resilience and Reflections on the Future By Roy A l l e n: D i r ect or of St r at e gic Pa rt n e r sh i ps — It h ac a Ti m e s , Fi nge r L a k e s C om m u n i t y Newspa pe r s , w w w.i t h ac a .c om

emocracy begins with three simple yet powerful words: We the People. Those words do not merely introduce a founding document; they express a living promise. They remind us that the strength of a nation lies not in distant institutions alone but in the voices, resilience, and participation of its citizens. Participatory democracy—where individuals actively engage in shaping the policies, values, and future of their communities—depends on courage, empathy, and persistence. For many people, these qualities are not formed only in moments of triumph but also in moments of profound loss. The recent passing of a close family member prompted deep reflection about life, purpose, and responsibility, and it ultimately inspired the thoughts that shape this essay. Grief is a universal human experience, yet it always feels intensely personal. The loss of someone close creates a quiet space in life where memories echo more loudly than everyday noise. In the days following that loss, ordinary routines can feel suspended while we attempt to make sense of absence. Yet within that stillness, something unexpected can emerge: clarity. When someone we love is gone, we are reminded not only of their presence in our lives but also of the values they carried and the ways they shaped our perspective on the world. Grief, I have learned, is not merely an ending. It is a brutal, clarifying lens. It strips away the trivial and forces the question: What will I do with the days I still have? For me, the answer arrived as a quiet rebellion against despair. I continued to show up —not just for myself, but for the unfinished work my family member believed in. Participatory democracy, that messy, magnificent American experiment, suddenly felt less like an abstract ideal and more like the only worthy way to honor the dead and protect the living.

By C h a r l ey G i t h l e r

Looking back, I realize that my family member had been teaching and practicing this lesson for years. Family gatherings often included spirited discussions and the responsibilities we each have to contribute to a better world. Those conversations were not always about agreement, but they were always about participation and personal effort. They carried an implicit belief that individuals should never assume their voices are too small to matter. Democracy, they insisted, lives or dies in the everyday choices people make to engage with their communities — which begin at home. In the wake of loss, those lessons took on a deeper urgency. Participatory democracy transforms private grief into public purpose. When we vote, we declare that our loved ones’ dreams still matter. When we attend a school board meeting, we refuse to let bureaucracy erase the neighborhoods they cherished. When we organize, we turn mourning into movement. I have seen this alchemy in action— in neighbors gathering after tragedy to demand safer streets, in families advocating for reforms so others will not suffer as they have, and in ordinary citizens refusing to surrender hope even when circumstances feel overwhelming. Participatory democracy thrives precisely because it asks us to bring our whole selves—joy, rage, exhaustion, and yes, grief—into the arena. Our early American framers understood this. They designed a republic that would harness human imperfection rather than pretend it away. We the People is not a slogan; it is an invitation to show up broken and still believe the collective can be whole. In an age of performative politics and algorithmic outrage, this invitation feels quietly revolutionary. It asks something simple yet demanding: presence over perfection, persistence over perfectionism. Participatory democracy does not require flawless citizens; it requires engaged ones. It insists that the mother grieving her son at a school-board meeting, the veteran fighting for reform, Contin u ed on Page 18

nexplicably, military enlistments have fallen off a cliff this month. I’ve heard some theories, but I think it’s that new recruitment poster of Bibi Netanyahu pointing and saying “I Want You”. In any event, Secretary of War Hegseth has decreed that the traditional ASBVAB military entrance exam will be watered down temporarily and replaced by the following ten-question quiz. Get five right, and you’re in! (Get less than five and ICE is still an option.)

1. Express the following in the form of an equation: if Country A is using $4 million Patriot missiles to intercept Country B’s $38,000 suicide drones, at what point will Country A no longer be able to pay for Country A’s 90,000-square foot gilded ballroom? 2. Which of the following is most likely to benefit from the distraction of an illadvised war in the Middle East? a. A stock market collapsing like a house of cards. b. An underage sex-trafficking scandal involving rich, powerful people at the highest level. c. Negatively revised jobs reports. 3. If, in a small city, license plates on public streets are protected from the prying eyes of mounted cameras, are law enforcement officers still allowed to look at license plates in public with their own eyes? Briefly explain your answer. 4. Which of the following is spineless, transparent, and can eat and discard waste from the same aperture? a. A box jellyfish. b. A Republican U.S. senator. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR contin u ed from page 8

sexual abuse against women and girls constitute a large-scale criminal enterprise. The United Nations has reviewed the released Epstein files and claims that some of the allegations made could constitute crimes against humanity. Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of leaking British government information to Epstein. New Mexico is reopening the investigation of a ranch previously owned Ma r ch

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5. Which of the following can’t be ignored forever? a. Climate change. b. The Epstein Files Transparency Act. c. The undredged Cayuga Inlet. 6. Dad, Mom, and two kids are on the shore at the Strait of Hormuz, and they have a small motorboat that can carry only one adult or two children at a time. How can the family reach the other side? a. The kids go across. Kid One comes back. Mom goes over, and Kid Two comes back. Both kids go over and Kid One comes back again. Dad goes across, Kid Two comes back. Both kids cross over. b. Forget it. Whatever side you’re on is where you live now. 7. Assume that regular unleaded gasoline is selling at $3.04 per gallon at a time when crude oil is selling at $69.89 per barrel. Calculate the per-gallon price of regular unleaded gasoline if the price of crude oil is $106.00 per barrel. Show your work. 8. Of the following implacable forces, which is the most implacable? a. Gravity. b. TeraWulf’s deep pockets. c. Upward pressure on Ithaca rents. 9. Which one is a legendary unshaven American circus performer who plays the role of the Sad Clown? a. Emmett Kelly. b. J.D. Vance. 10. Which sounds best? a. Mount Trumpmore. b. Trump International Airport. c. The Trumpsonian Institution. d. The House of Trumpresentatives. by Epstein due to allegations of bodies buried on the site. Meanwhile, Trump was mentioned in the Epstein files over a million times according to Senator Jaime Raskin. When our Congressman Nicholas Langworthy was appointed to the Oversight Committee, he proclaimed he would improve accountability and transparency. Langworthy was not at the Wexner hearing. No one knew if he was in the home district. So, if you see him, please ask him to do his job: investigate the Epstein debacle and hold Trump accountable.” — Debra Jones, Apalachin NY 2 0 26

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A NATION SPEAKS: A CELEBRATION OF GREAT AMERICAN VOICES

The Enduring Voice of Barbara Jordan — 1976 C u r at e d by Roy A l l e n: D i r ect or of St r at e gic Pa rt n e r sh i ps — It h ac a Ti m e s , Fi nge r L a k e s C om m u n i t y Newspa pe r s , w w w.i t h ac a.c om

any voices have shaped the nation we call America. This week we feature former lawyer and Congressperson from the State of Texas — Barbara Jordan — the first Black Woman to deliver the keynote address to the Democrat National Committee. Jordan received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was the first African-American woman to be buried in the Texas State Cemetery.

CURATOR’S NOTE: Barbara Jordan was a staunch defender of the US Constitution and delivered a 15 minute televised speech to members of the US House Judiciary Committee regarding the impeachment process against Richard Nixon — who later resigned due the scandal surrounding the Watergate break-ins. Though she never publicly accused Nixon, she felt that his actions merited the Congress taking action under the impeachment elements of the US Constitution, Keynote Speech Delivered at the 1976 Democrat National Convention — New York City By Barbara Jordan — Congresswoman from the State of Texas — July 12, 1976 Thank you ladies and gentlemen for a very warm reception. It was one hundred and forty-four years ago that members of the Democratic Party first met in convention to select a Presidential candidate. Since that time, Democrats have continued to convene once every four years and draft a party platform and nominate a Presidential candidate. And our meeting this week is a continuation of that tradition. But there is something different about tonight. There is something special about tonight. What is different? What is special? I, Barbara Jordan, am a keynote speaker. A lot of years passed since 1832, and during that time it would have been most unusual for any national political party to ask Barbara Jordan to deliver a keynote address. But tonight here I am. And I feel that notwithstanding the past that my

GUEST OPINION

Local Historians Warn Against Erasing the American Story By Tom pk i n s C ou n t y H ist or i a n s

e, the undersigned members of Tompkins County’s local history community, are moved to speak out in the face of recent events presence here is and developments in the United States one additional in this year of the 250th anniversary of bit of evidence the Declaration of Independence. As that the Amerihistorians, we are tasked not only with can Dream need exploring and representing the past, but not forever be also chronicling and documenting what’s deferred. happening in the present. Now that I We’re Americans, and we’re alarmed have this grand that, in a variety of ways, what’s happendistinction, ing in our country doesn’t align with our (Photo Source: Texas Legislature what in the basic American values or the ideals of Reference Library) world am I our founders as set forth in the Declarasupposed to tion of Independence and Constitution. say? I could easily spend this time praisIn particular, we are profoundly dising the accomplishments of this party and mayed at the expunging of the history attacking the Republicans — but I don't of slavery, indigenous people, the Civil choose to do that. I could list the many Rights movement, women, and LGBTQ problems which Americans have. I could people, which is tantamount to the relist the problems which cause people to feel writing and ‘whitewashing’ of the Amercynical, angry, frustrated: problems which ican story. We see this, among other include lack of integrity in government; places, in the removal and alteration of the feeling that the individual no longer historical information from government counts; the reality of material and spiritual websites and exhibits, the eradication of poverty; the feeling that the grand Amerimaterials from the Smithsonian Institucan experiment is failing or has failed. I tion, the rollback of diversity, equity and could recite these problems, and then I inclusion programs, and the removal of could sit down and offer no solutions. But I the discussion of slavery, the Jim Crow don't choose to do that either. Era and the Civil Rights movement from The citizens of America expect more. public school curricula. They deserve and they want more than To wipe out the history of certain a recital of problems. We are a people in groups does more than hide their stories a quandary about the present. We are a from view. It denies those people their people in search of our future. We are a rightful place in the American story and people in search of a national community. precludes the valid claim they have to the We are a people trying not only to solve present. This isn’t just a question of politithe problems of the present, unemploycal disagreement. It’s about whether our ment, inflation, but we are attempting country can remember who we really are. on a larger scale to fulfill the promise of The United States of America has America. We are attempting to fulfill our traditionally been the world’s exemplary national purpose, to create and sustain a democracy, an exalted position we see society in which all of us are equal. being squandered in real time. Our Throughout our history, when people reputation for civil liberties, pluralism, have looked for new ways to solve their civic spirit, tolerance — virtues we have problems, and to uphold the principles of worked to realize throughout our history this nation, many times they have turned — is evaporating. Our institutions, though to political parties. They have often turned never perfect, have stabilized society, and to the Democratic Party. What is it? they’re under attack. There comes a point where silence can be seen as consent. And so, we document Contin u ed on Page 25

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the present, and name what we see. It is up to us to record this time with clarity. And when the dust settles and this moment passes, as we hope it will, there will be a record of what has happened. We are paying attention. Charles Githler, Tompkins County Historian Margaret Hobbie, City of Ithaca Historian Rosemarie Tucker, Historian, Town of Groton Barbara B.M. Kone, Historian, Town of Caroline Kristen Olson, Historian, Village of Freeville Bruce Brittain, Historian, Hamlet of Forest Home Loren Sparling, Historian, Town of Dryden Christine O’Malley, Preservation Services Director, Historic Ithaca Donna Eschenbrenner, Archivist, The History Center in Tompkins County John Wertis, Historian, Town of Ulysses (Retired) Rosemary Rowland, former Deputy Historian, Town of Newfield Carol Kammen, Local Historian Laura W. Johnson-Kelly Rebecca S. DeWitt David Fogel Lynn Thommen Rodney Bent Beatrice Szekely Susan Thompson Sheryl Munson

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Sports

A Second Lap

Ithaca’s Joe Ryan Returns to Competitive Swimming

Don’t Let Ithaca Lose Its Storytellers Imagine the sharpest, most passionate young journalists you’ve ever met (the ones who stay late chasing a story because they believe in this town) slowly packing their bags. Not because they want to leave… but because local rents force them out. That’s the quiet heartbreak happening right now. Our best new writers, the ones who grew up here or fell in love with Ithaca in college, are being pushed toward cheaper cities just to survive. The Rising Star Fund rewrites their story into a happy ending by sponsoring a simple monthly housing stipend (a hand up, never a handout) so they can keep living here, keep writing here, keep falling deeper in love with Ithaca… and keep telling the stories that make this city our home. When a young journalist can afford to stay in Ithaca, you get: ● Fresh, fearless voices loyal to your local paper ● Someone at every city council meeting who believes local news matters ● The next great Ithaca story written by someone who actually lives here ● Your $25, $50, or $100 a month doesn’t just pay their rent. ● It keeps storytellers in our community and stops local brain drain. ● When our younger generation thrives, Ithaca’s future stays bright. Keep local talent in Ithaca by donating today to the Rising Star Fund (an initiative of Pathways to Equity, Inc a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) For more info: roy@ithacatimes.com

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Joe Ryan, Claire de Boer and Brad Charles feeling great after finishing 6th of 36 teams. (Photo: Provided)

By Ste ve L aw re nc e

any of us who have reached the age or 65 can recall that first Medicare evaluation... “Are you able to get out of your chair?” “How many times have you fallen in the past year?” “Are you able to climb up a flight of stairs?” Joe Ryan’s physician could ask a different set of questions: “How does it feel to keep increasing your mileage in the pool?” “How much faster have you gotten over the past year?” “How much faster do you think you'll be next year?” Joe is a retired guy who lives on Ithaca’s West Hill, and like many 65-year-olds, he had a choice when it came to navigating life's changes. Some people become well-versed on which television shows are trending, some partake in mood-alerting efforts that are not always healthy, and some find a new sense of purpose and reinvent themselves to some degree. Joe is not much of a television guy. Over the years — while working full time and raising his son and daughter, Joe — a competitive swimmer throughout much of the first quarter century of his life — got back into the pool in 2008. While he found the time and energy to work out occasionally, life’s demands kept his swimming on the back burner. Last September, Joe decided that “It was time to get back in the water and get more serious. I asked myself, ‘Why not use the type of exercise I have loved since I was 6 years old?’ It made sense on a few levels.”

Joe proceeded to dip the proverbial toe (and the literal whole self) in the pool, and he signed up to join the Master’s Swim program at the local YMCA. Ryan found it a well-organized program, attended by a number of very dedicated individuals, and he said, “There were actually some of the same people there I met in 2008!” Two staff members — Kevin and Bethany — do their coaching from the deck, and the group swims once or twice a week from 6:30–7:45 p.m. According to Joe, “One session runs from September through December, the next one is from January through April and we take summers off.” In June of last year, Joe “decided to expand,” and he started going to Auburn on Sundays to join what he calls “another great community of swimmers.” I asked him how swimmers are able to communicate with one another (after all, runners or cyclists can chat while they pile up the miles, but it's a bit more difficult to do that while swimming), and he said, “We talk between sets, and get to know one another.” He would soon make the drive to Auburn twice a week, where, in a regular session, the Masters swim 3,000 yards. Joe said, “We do a 600-yard warm-up, then three sets of 800-yard swims.” He recently took a trip to Florida, where he would meet up with yet another group of swimmers, and he also found that group to be inspiring. He said, “The group energy was great... they were all so energetic Contin u ed on Page 21

WANTE D: COMMUNIT Y RE ADE RS Your Voice Matters—Now More Than Ever Become volunteer readers for Sounds of Democracy, a new, community-driven media literacy and civic engagement initiative that turns local journalism into shared listening. As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026—and continues through September 2037, the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution— Sounds of Democracy will create a living audio archive of essays, letters to the editor, and news stories originally published in our local papers. In an era of social and political dis-ease, Sounds of Democracy offers a simple but powerful act: listening to one another. Please contact Roy Allen, Director of Strategic Partnerships, at Roy@ithacatimes.com for more information. We look forward to hearing from you. — The Ithaca Times, Trumansburg Free Press, Ovid Gazette, Interlaken Review, News Chronicle, Tompkins Independent and Prime Times.

Finger Lakes Community Newspapers

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Flock Safety Set to Exit Ithaca Following Common Council Vote With Ithacans citing privacy and civil liberties concerns, dozens of licence-plate reader cameras will be removed from the city in the coming weeks

he Ithaca Common Council unanimously voted in favor of ending the city’s contract with Flock Safety on March 4, ending a months-long push from local residents urging the city to sever ties with the company over privacy concerns. According to the resolution, the council “directs the Acting City Manager to work with the Office of the City Attorney to take all legally available steps to terminate the Contract at the earliest possible opportunity to do so.” The city will suspend all Flock Safety services and equipment, including license plate readers and gunshot and audio detection devices. Following the contract’s termination, all Flock equipment will be disconnected and shut down within 14 days of the measure's enactment. The resolution says Flock is required to remove all physical technology from city property “as soon as practicable.” Flock Safety is a private security firm serving over 6,000 U.S. communities through contracts with law enforcement and businesses to provide solar-powered license plate readers and gunshot detection technology.

F l o c k S a f e t y l i c e n s e p l at e r e a d e r s w i l l b e r e m ov e d f r o m c i t y p r o p e r t y f o l l ow i n g t h e It h ac a C o m m o n C o u n c i l's u na n i mous vote on M a rch 4 t o t e r m i n at e i t s c o n t r ac t w i t h t h e s u rv e i l l a n c e f i r m . (Photo: M a r k Sy v ertson/ It h ac a Ti m e s F i l e)

By Philip O’Dell The Ithaca Police Department’s license plate reader program, originally funded in the 2023 city budget, operates the cameras across dozens of locations in the city. Launched in partnership with the Tompkins County Sheriff ’s Office (TCSO) under the state-funded Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, the program utilizes state resources for equipment and technical assistance. Regarding Flock devices in Tompkins County, the Ithaca Police Department reports 22 cameras operating in the city and TCSO reports another 22 cameras in the county. Cornell University, the Village of Cayuga Heights and the village of Trumansburg hold A c r ow d f i l l e d t h e It h ac a C o m m o n C o u n c i l c h a m b e r s o n M a r c h 4 t o s u p p o r t a r e s o l u t i o n t e r m i n at i n g t h e c i t y ’s independently operated Flock contracts. c o n t r ac t w i t h F l o c k S a f e t y. F o l l ow i n g m o n t h s o f p u b l i c Tompkins County Legislator Adam Vinp r e s s u r e r e g a r d i n g p r i vac y a n d s a n c t ua ry c i t y p r o t e c t i o n s , son told the council that the county intends t h e c o u n c i l v o t e d u n a n i m o u s ly t o d e c o m m i s s i o n a n d to form its own working group to review its r e m ov e a l l 2 2 l i c e n s e p l at e r e a d e r s o p e r at i n g w i t h i n own use of the Flock Safety technology. c i t y l i m i t s . ( P h o t o : M a r k S y v e r t s o n / It h ac a Ti m e s) In a memorandum to the common council, Alderperson Robin Trumble proposed In the meeting, Trumble said he was un- enforcement, government officials, or third the resolution to terminate the city’s Flock contract, citing concerns that private surveil- comfortable with the Flock partnership, not- parties during the retention period if legally lance technology undermines Ithaca’s sanc- ing concerning aspects of the company’s op- required. She said the contract allows Flock erations within specific contract law. Trumble to share data if the company has a "good faith tuary city policies. “While proponents argue that such sur- pointed to Section 4.3 of the contract, grant- belief " that doing so is reasonably necesveillance tools can assist law enforcement in ing the firm the right to collect, analyze, and sary to comply with legal processes, enforce solving crimes and recovering stolen prop- anonymize customer-generated data for its the agreement, or address security, privacy, erty, critics point to documented instances own purposes, such as training its systems. fraud, technical, or emergency situations. Residents previously voiced concerns that In February 2025, the Ithaca Common where data was accessed by outside agencies without explicit local authorization, fueling Council passed a resolution reaffirming its Flock cameras could violate civil rights and privacy concerns and eroding public trust,” sanctuary city status—originally established Ithaca's sanctuary status due to lack of overthe memo says. “These concerns resonate in 2017—to limit local cooperation with fed- sight, potential for serious abuses like stalkdeeply within sanctuary-oriented munici- eral immigration enforcement and protect ing, and sharing of sensitive data with federal palities that prioritize community coopera- residents' access to reproductive and gender- agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs tion with local services without facilitating affirming care ahead of anticipated federal Enforcement (ICE). At the March 4 meeting, resident Ray crackdowns. federal enforcement activities.” Acting City Attorney Catherine Muskin Wall shared his concern regarding an inTrumble wrote that terminating the Flock contract would protect civil liberties and fos- highlighted specific language in Section 5.3 stalled Flock camera on Cleveland Avenue, ter community trust by reclaiming local con- of the city’s contract with Flock regarding the a dead-end street with minimal traffic, was trol over surveillance assets and ensuring “disclosure of footage.” She said that according positioned around 50 feet from the front enthat data governance remains transparent to the agreement, Flock maintains the right trance of the St. James AME Zion Church. to access, preserve, or disclose footage to law Wall warned this situation places the city in and secure against potential misuse.

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a “dubious legal position” if church activity is monitored. Wall visited other religious institutions in Ithaca—such as Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Baptist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Jewish congregations—and observed no surveillance cameras near their premises, despite being located on highly trafficked streets. “I don’t think they’re going to like that their religious freedoms and religious activities are being monitored and surveilled,” Wall said. IPD Chief Thomas Kelly said the Flock system was utilized in 125 instances over the last six months. He cautioned the council against making reactive decisions based on anecdotal stories or hearsay. Kelly said IPD locked down its Flock site to restrict access to county agencies and the New York State Crime Analysis Center. While referencing data from January, Kelly said the city could run nationwide searches at that time, but access to the city’s own cameras was restricted to New York state only by last fall. Kelly said only the county currently has access. Kelly said certain data counts were temporarily unavailable on the public audit pages because IPD was adding incident numbers for people to see specific cases tied to the data. Kelly said information collected is not a blanket video of every passing vehicle. Instead, the system requires a specific search for a vehicle or description, which is only accessible via a digital key. Kelly said the software is not an open service for random surveillance, noting users cannot move past the opening screen without filling out all required fields. Alderperson Joseph Kirby, noting his background as a defense attorney, argued Flock cameras’ absence from legal discovery raises serious transparency concerns. He consulted with colleagues who specialize in defense work, and only one could recall a single instance of receiving Flock-related information, which involved a precursor to the current technology. Kirby said he felt the

Flock system is either ineffective at building cases or law enforcement is using the technology to identify suspects without disclosing the source of the leads as required by law. Kelly replied to Kirby, stating if a case originates with this technology, the data should be included in the legal discovery provided to defense attorneys. Mayor Robert Cantelmo said he was conflicted on the resolution, fearing possible harm to the community due to removing the technology. Cantelmo said technology should be utilized to enhance public safety, but recent reports have fueled his distrust of Flock as a partner. “I’ve tried to get right with this and try to find a way forward, but I don’t know that I could live with myself if I allowed something to exist in our community that directly or indirectly led to someone’s civil liberties being violated,” Cantelmo said. Cantelmo said his vote was based on available information, research from colleagues, and discussions with Kelly. Ultimately, Cantelmo concluded that the partnership with Flock could no longer continue. Alderperson Patrick Kuehl said he voted to end the contract to get mass surveillance out of the community. He clarified his decision was not a reflection of any wrongdoing by Ithaca police, but rather as condemnation of Flock. Kuehl said IPD needs resources that are effective and align with community values. He encouraged Kelly to bring alternative proposals to the council—whether for increased personnel or other tools—to replace the Flock system. Prior to the March 4 meeting, activist group Flock Off Ithaca organized a demonstration outside City Hall to demand the contract’s termination. The group held a similar protest on Feb. 4. Flock Off Ithaca member Dirk Trachy drew the attention of passing motorists while dressed in a massive, handmade replica of a

It h ac a r e s i d e n t s d i s p l ay h a n d m a d e s i g n s o u t s i d e City H all pr ior to the M arch 4 Com mon Cou ncil meeting, ex pr essing their opposition to Flock Safety s u rv e i l l a n c e . ( P h o t o : M a r k S y v e r t s o n / It h ac a Ti m e s)

D e m o n s t r at o r s o r g a n i z e d b y t h e l o c a l g r o u p “ F l o c k O f f It h ac a” g at h e r o u t s i d e C i t y H a l l p r i o r t o t h e M a r c h 4 C o m m o n C o u n c i l m e e t i n g t o a dv o c at e f o r t h e r e m ova l o f s u rv e i l l a n c e c a m e r a s . ( P h o t o : M a r k S y v e r t s o n / It h ac a Ti m e s) Flock camera. He said the costume was a collaborative group effort that took a week to make. Trachy joined the movement after a year of following national incidents involving Flock. He was shocked to find the technology in his own community. Trachy wants to see comprehensive legislation at the county level modeled after the ACLU’s Community Control Over Police Surveillance (CCOPS). “I’m watching the federal government commit horrific atrocities against migrants,” Trachy said. “I want our community to be safe for everybody, and I don’t feel that a technology like this is comparable with that desire.” Flock Off Ithaca member Brian Kardon called the devices “multi-purpose surveillance tools,” warning they could be repurposed without public consent, regardless of current use. Kardon felt the resolution arose due to sustained public pressure, noting that as local awareness grew, so did the demonstrations. However, he urged the community to remain vigilant even after the vote, pointing out that the county’s existing contract with Flock remains intact. He also cited reports of Flock cameras continuing to record because they were never physically deactivated, despite contract cancellations. “We definitely have to watch and make sure that cameras actually get turned off, actually get taken down,” Kardon said. Resident Jared Barnhart said Flock camera deployment is a fundamental civil liberties issue rather than a simple traffic enforcement measure. He argued that the technology facilitates an erosion of privacy rights and risks becoming a tool for warrantless search and seizure. Barnhart said vigilance must remain after the vote as new surveillance companies might fill the void left by Flock. He intends to remain engaged at public meetings and hopes others will too. The Ithaca resolution follows ongoing national controversies concerning Flock techMa r ch

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nology. According to NPR, since the start of 2025, about 30 cities—including Flagstaff, Arizona; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Eugene, Oregon; and Santa Cruz, California—have deactivated their Flock cameras or ended contracts with the company. CBS News reported an audit by the Ventura County Sheriff ’s Office revealed that Flock Safety’s automated license plate reader system inadvertently shared local data with out-of-state and federal agencies more than 364,000 times between February and March 2025. The audit identified nearly 300 instances where immigration enforcement was cited as the justification for accessing data, prompting several local law enforcement agencies to suspend their Flock use and filing a class-action lawsuit against the company for privacy violations. According to the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO, law enforcement agencies conducted nearly 3,000 searches related to immigration enforcement on Virginia’s Flock Safety network over one year. The Town of Bridgewater and Mecklenburg County provided a “national network” connection allowing thousands of outside agencies to monitor local traffic routines. Images from the Town of Bridgewater were searched nearly 7 million times during a single year. The University of Washington Center for Human Rights found that at least eight local law enforcement agencies in Washington state granted U.S. Border Patrol direct access to their Flock Safety surveillance networks in 2025. Several police departments in the state enabled one-to-one data sharing that allowed federal agents to track vehicles for civil immigration enforcement. Border Patrol accessed license plate data from 10 additional departments through a technical “back door” without explicit local authorization, while officers conducted “side door” searches on behalf of ICE.

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B y K i r a Wa l t e r ,

a bit more delicious than groundhogs day.

Photos by M ark Syvertson

The People’s Chili

n Saturday, March 7th, Ithaca’s ultimate winter comfort food holiday ironically ushered in the start of spring weather. For its 28th anniversary, the Downtown Chili Cook Off packed the commons with shockingly warm temperatures and a 43 vendor turn out. Local culinary geniuses raised the stakes with their best chili recipes, ranging from celebrated restaurateurs to unprecedented secret chefs. The event ran from noon to 4 p.m., serving as the first unofficial spring milestone,

Once amongst unexpected chili innovators, defending champ of the 2025 people’s choice award Chili McChiliface came out strong this year, with a venison agave nectar addition to their latest batch. After four friends entered the contest on a beer reunion whim, they managed to win the popular vote with Lev’s borrowed kitchen and help from Cuddlin’s Meat Market out in Newfield. When asked about regaining last year’s victory, group member Jeremiah Craig maintained the group’s low stakes care free attitude. “We want to win again but we just do this for fun,” he said. “We’re trying to bring energy to the Commons on this beautiful day.”

And the energy was definitely high amongst the former victors as they chanted throughout the serving window. Casual vibes and a distinct flavor profile kept the crowds flocking here. A Heated Rivalry On a less casual front, cooks from Taverna Banfi and Ithaca College were seemingly engaged in a heated rivalry as high end menu items were showcased in flowery toppings and garnishes. Returning to claim the title of best meat chili, Cornell creatives presented a spicy dish with a corn bread cookie to boot. The man behind the vision, executive chef Eric Szymczak proudly claimed the recipe and his

Arts&Entertainment Arts& &Entertainment

A Tasty Alternative To Groundhogs Day: Characters Behind The 2026 Downtown Chili Cook-Off

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Film

“Sound of Falling” Is a North German Ghost Story By Cl e me nt O b ropta

hen Emerald Fennell remade “Wuthering Heights” as a bodice-ripping psychosexual romance, she left out two important parts of the book: the opening, in which Catherine’s ghostly visage appears at the windows of the estate, and the conclusion, which follows the next generation of Cathy and Heathcliff ’s progeny. The German film “Sound of Falling” picks up the pieces, stitching together four generations of women at a farmhouse in Altmark to form an otherworldly ghost story about memory, childhood, and other violent things. Directed by Mascha Schilinski from a script she co-wrote with Louise Peter, “Sound of Falling” first premiered at Cannes last year, where it won the Jury Prize (alongside “Sirāt,” which I'll review next week). The film moves from the 1910s to the present day as it follows Alma (Hanna Heckt), Erika (Lea Drinda), Angelika (Lena Urzendowsky), and Lenka (Laeni Geiseler). There’s not really much of a plot — instead, the film is told via meticulously realized and often heartbreaking vignettes, unfolding like a dream as it jumps from one period to the next with little logic tying them together. Schilinski doesn’t telegraph when she jumps a few decades. The action takes place entirely around this one crusty, musty old farmhouse in North Germany, so you mostly have to pay attention

“Sound of Falling” Not rated Directed by Mascha Schilinski WE THE PEOPLE contin u ed from page 9

the immigrant registering voters in her new language—all of them belong. Their obstacles do not disqualify them; in many ways, their obstacles qualify them. Grief teaches resilience in a way few other experiences can. Healing rarely arrives all at once. It unfolds slowly, often through the support of others and the determination to keep moving forward. Democracy follows a similar rhythm. The

to fashion cues and technology like Bluetooth earbuds and cellphones. The characters’ relationships to one another are murky as well, and if you’re not careful, you might waste your entire first watch trying to figure out who’s the sister of whom. To make matters worse, the characters take turns narrating the action, often with no hints toward their identities, like anonymous spirits — all these formal choices make “Sound of Falling” all but impossible to follow on a first watch. Your mileage may vary, but the effect is astoundingly complex despite the comparatively light screenplay and the lack of any obvious dramatic stakes. Girlhood is as cheap and ugly here as in Sofia Coppola’s “The Virgin Suicides,” with the added pressures of agrarian life on top of that. In one vignette, Angelika finds a dead deer in the field and fantasizes about lying down in the path of her father’s combine harvester. In another, this time in the 1910s, we learn that the young women hired to work as maids on the farm are “fixed” so that the male workers can sleep with them without impregnating them. If these disturbing, impressively rendered snapshots of rural life in North Germany were all “Sound of Falling” had to offer, it might be a fine arthouse film. But the audacity of its nonlinear storytelling, its patient editing, and its ethereal atmosphere combine to form a wholly unique experience. It feels like a film Andrei Tarkovsky might have made in the 1980s, if he were German instead of Russian and made films with female protagonists. Like Tarkovsky’s films, it’s weirder than you might expect from the trailers, which foreground the feminist undertones and the looming sense of madness.

As with “Wuthering Heights,” “Sound of Falling” loves its sexual-somatic acts. Licking belly buttons. Pressing an eel’s jaws into your hand. Kissing blood off a young man’s face. Farm life is more exciting than you might think. Shot by Fabian Gamper, Schilinski’s husband, “Sound of Falling” beautifully captures the texture of the setting with gorgeous naturalistic lighting and expert compositions. The whole picture has the aesthetic of film stock from the 1950s that was discovered in an attic somewhere. Candles and oil lamps emanate full, fiery, flickering oranges and whites. The darks feel total and all-consuming, which lends an eerie tone to the opening act — we don’t see bright daylight until nearly 40 minutes into the film. You’re almost wait-

ing for the reveal that they were ghosts the whole time. Films like “Sound of Falling” both tantalize and confuse me. This is a movie about memory, repression, and the act of witnessing. About a family flattened uncaringly by the ceaseless stream of time, like wheat and little girls before a combine harvester. I must admit that I prefer my films to be substantive rather than esoteric — but then again, if this isn’t a film that attempts earnestly to interrogate the mysteries of life, then I don’t know what is. It’s the sort of all-encompassing sensory and existential experience that many of us want from the movies.

process is imperfect and often frustratingly slow. Debates stretch on, progress can stall, and victories may be partial. Yet the persistence of engaged citizens keeps the system alive. Each act of participation—casting a ballot, attending a meeting, volunteering in a campaign—adds another thread to the democratic fabric. Grief also deepens empathy, and empathy is the quiet engine of democratic life. Experiencing loss often makes us more attentive to the struggles of others. We recognize that every policy debate ulti-

mately touches real lives and real families. When citizens approach civic engagement with empathy rather than indifference, democracy becomes more than a mechanism for decision-making; it becomes a reflection of shared humanity. Perhaps the most profound lesson grief offers is the reminder that time is precious. The passing of a loved one underscores how quickly ordinary days can become memories. That awareness invites us to live more intentionally—to speak up when something matters, to

defend the communities we care about, and to invest in the future others will inherit. Participatory democracy provides a pathway for that intention. It allows individuals to translate personal values into collective action. The memory of the family member whose loss inspired this reflection continues to serve as a quiet guide. Their belief in conversation, curiosity, and personal responsibility remains a

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Alma (Hanna Heckt) at a funeral in the family home. (Photo: IMDb/Mubi)

Clement Obropta is a film columnist for the Ithaca Times.

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Music

Ensemble X Concert Honors Legendary Music Pedagogue Nadia Boulanger By Pe te r Rothbar t

hat has come to be known as the American sound in classical music composition– galloping tempos, catchy jazz inflected rhythms, folksy sounding melodies, pan diatonic chords–owes much to the legendary music composition teacher, composer, and theorist Nadia Boulanger (who was French). Ensemble X, Cornell’s premier contemporary music ensemble is exploring her enormous influence with the second of three local concerts titled, “Boulangerie.” The concert showcases, with one exception, some of the composers who studied with Boulanger during her 70-year career. Leonard Bernstein used to send his music to Boulanger for evaluation and comments. His mentor, colleague and lifelong friend, Aaron Copland, studied with Boulanger and was later recognized as the “Dean of American music.” Pulitzer prize winner Virgil Thomson, known for his neoclassic and modern compositions as well as his writing skills as a music columnist, also studied with Boulanger. Futurist composer George Antheil spent time in her studio as his fascination with modernism and its philosophic embracing of all things mechanical brought the sounds of motors and sirens into the early 20th century vocabulary. Astor Piazzolla, a young Argentinian composer, was encouraged by Boulanger to embrace the sound of his nation’s dance, melding it with European forms and orchestrations. In his hands, the tango found new ways to sound sensual and romantic. Louise Talma, who also studied with Boulanger, was the first in many things; the first American to have an opera performed in Europe, the first woman

Ensemble X: Boulangerie 2 Barnes Hall Cornell University Sunday, March 15, 2026 3:30 PM Free concert

to receive two Guggenheim awards, and the first woman composer elected to the National Institute of Arts and Letters. But Cornell doctoral student Mathías de Roux was too young to study with Madame Boulanger. Nonetheless, the concert will premiere his “Double-talk,” a musical commentary on the onslaught of invectives hurled at another giant of 20th century music, Arnold Schoenberg. Schoenberg, the inventor (some say perpetrator) of atonal and later serial music, was perhaps the most influential composer of the 20th century. Composers, musicians, and audiences either loved or hated his music and were not afraid to publicly vocalize or set to pen and ink their opinions. He could be abrasive at times and scorned those that scorned and regaled him. His controversial system of liberating music from tonality battled for the soul of music in the early 20th century, the effects of which we are still feeling today. De Roux collated the great wealth of negative comments about Schoenberg and his music and used them as text for “Double-talk”, even including some of Schoenberg’s own declamations. There’s a lot of vocal polyphony and not just from the singer, the instrumentalists chime in as well. With his use of chromatic runs, pointillistic atonal gestures, extended instrumental techniques and even unconventional sound making tools (siren whistle, kazoos, duck calls, corrugated tube in C, another in C#, silent whistle, and more), is he mocking Schoenberg or mocking Schoenberg’s mockers? After a century of atonal music, can our 21st century ears hear de Roux’s extension of Schoenberg’s orchestration adventurism? Or is he burlesquing Schoenberg’s egalitarian system of note selection? Is he cuckolding the critics, humoring us (is it acceptable to laugh at a musical gesture) or regaling those that prefer the harmonic gravity of 19th century tonality? Sunday’s concert opens with three of Copland’s songs from his loosely woven song cycle 12 Poems of Emily Dickinson, sung by baritone Jean Bernard Cerin with Xak Bjerken on piano. Dickinson’s “Why

Pianist Xak Bjerken will perform during Ensemble X's “Boulangerie” concert at Barnes Hall. (Photo: Ithaca Times File)

Cornell doctoral student Mathías de Roux will also join the performance. (Photo: Cornell University)

do they shut me out of heaven?” is rife with her characteristic self-doubt, personal insecurity, and an overriding air of melancholia. Copland underscores the text with a plodding tempo and dissonant block chords that reflect her distress, insecurity, and inner turmoil. In her “Heart, we will forget him” Dickinson resolves to control her thoughts and emotions through the mist of her memory, the mist being suggested by the piano as if it was her cloud of memory and her reflective resolution. “Going to Heaven” finds Copland exploring his characteristic pandiatonic harmony. The opening chords are a flurry of ascending figures that rises in frenetic anticipation of the idea of “above.” Dickinson is excited, notice the exclamation point at the end of the poem’s title. This is the most painterly of the poems Copland has set as he follows the text’s rhythmic line and meaning closely. Virgil Thomson sets Gertrude Stein’s “Susie Asada,” about a Spanish flamenco dancer, in a simple but repetitive way, encouraging us to focus on Stein’s characteristically obtuse and multi-faceted text. Leonard Bernstein’s “When my soul touches yours” from his Two Love Songs interposes between the Copland songs. With text from Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem of the same name, Bernstein’s work is more ponderous and thinly textured than the Copland works. Louise Talma creates moments of extraordinary beauty in her “Lament” for cello and piano. Talma is known for her vocal pieces, and you can expect cellist Greg Hesselink to bring his lyrical best to the piece with an opening gesture that ex-

presses the entire range of the cello. It’s an atonal, expressionist work, Schoenbergian in its hint of romanticism with introspective and introverted ruminations in the cello midrange. Bjerken’s piano should provide a gentle emotional support for the cello’s laconic expressiveness. George Antheil’s “Two Toccatas for Piano” calls for pianist Arthur Li to relentlessly hammer away at the keyboard, machine-like “in a very strict tempo” as the score indicates. Toccata 1 contains almost no moments of rest or silence while the bitonal Toccata 2 fancies a Bb major triad opening figure doing battle with a Gb major triad, like a lever alternating up or down or a piston pushing then pulling. Listen for Li’s skillful balancing as he shifts our focus between his left and right hands at various times. Rhythmic groupings vary in both movements while the indicated minimal pedaling is indicated, leaving us with a dry, high energy piece that captures the excitement of the modern mechanization of the world. Violinist Teagan Faran teams up with bassist Tristen Jarvis to bring us arrangements of Astor Piazzolla’s tangos entitled, “J’Attends,” “La Misma Pena”, and his well-known “Adios Nonino”. The instrumentation may seem sparse but listen for the lightness of touch and especially the melodiousness of Jarvis’s bass playing. Gigi Gryce was an American saxophonist who lived in both the classical and jazz worlds. He studied classical composition in Paris although scholars continue to debate whether he formally studied with Boulanger. Nonetheless, he often shared

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in house by James and his team,” explained a fellow Strand employee.

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New Kids On The Block

faith in it. After winning awards back to back years, there’s no doubt about its excellence. Meanwhile, Ithaca College dining took culinary to the next level with beef tongue and cheek, with some jalapeno, cotija, and a biscuit element. “We also roasted, peeled, and made our own chili paste with a variety of chilis,” said chef Christian Meyer. “There’s a lot of labor that went into it, a little extra touch of character.” In over five years of being selfoperated, IC’s re-entry into the cook off was met with a large crowd anxiously awaiting meat and vegetarian options. Lines for both stands trailed down the commons. Chicken With Spice With big plans as usual, Ithaca favorite Silo also showed up strong this year, serving a smoky chili stuffed with sour cream and thin chips. Invented by resident “chicken wizard” Jesse Steve, the smoked white hominy and chili chicken emanated the Silo reputation for killer unconventional spices. “Tasting chili is funny because you’ll taste it, and then half an hour later think this is different,” Steve joked about the process. “Then you’ll add some salt and think, just too much, then 20 minutes later, you’re like this is perfect.” Less meat options incorporated chicken but of course, Silo full-sended the choice they’re famous for — Steve wore a chicken

leg necklace all while working. The restaurant constantly in and out of locations, festivals, and the Ithaca scene promises to be here for the summer. Though drifting down south during colder months, Silo plans to re-root in the area as the weather warms. Refreshing Sweets Innovation was the name of the game this year, so when the Taiwan Cakery showed up with chili-inspired dessert classics, it was an absolute hit. The “Artisan Spice Series” designed by Teresa L. Yang included salted egg snow cubes and soft mochi, with zesty parmesan and hot caramel crunch cookies. Each item paired perfectly with surrounding samples, and

added refreshing balance to a sea of 2-3 oz stew cups. At Gardella’s Goodies, Lauren and Lee Hamacher worked with a similar complimentary mission, serving a chewy coffee crumble cookie dusted in powdered sugar. “We figured amongst all the chili, it might be nice to give people a break, something alternative to cool off their mouth with,” Lauren said. Inspired by her grandmother, Gardella’s operates out of Shared Kitchen Ithaca, though the owners hope to find a storefront in the next few years. Two Ithaca College sweethearts, the Hamachers relocated back upstate after the pandemic, and have been distributing goodies here since. Chocolations Cooling off amidst hot pepper heat was not only a sweet treat priority, but also spoke to folks in the beverage sector. Hopshire Farm & Brewery presented a dark mexican hot chocolate inspired beer with chillies and cinnamon. Despite its spicy tones, the drink was fiercely refreshing with a smoky stout base that paired well with savory options. Crafted by Hopshire owner Chris Rocco, it was the first year the brewery entered the Chili Fest scene and it won’t be the last. Also running with a chocolate theme, James Ramsey and the team at Strand Cafe crushed this year’s entry with a bitter cocoa finish. Though only a year and a half into working at the Strand, he invented a scratch recipe that impressed many palettes this season. “Everything made at the strand is made in house. All of the cornbread, the syrups for the coffees, the salad dressings, is made

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Amongst new faces at the 2026 competition were Cornell seniors Adrian Coddington and Andrew Wheeler. Although Wanderlust Chili didn’t have any restaurant roots, the duo entered in good fun, also whipping up both carnivore and vegetarian friendly options. With burnt ends and a fatty richness to the meat option, Wanderlust had one of the longest midday lines, even without a history at the contest or industry credibility. Both types of chili drew from Coddington’s experiences traveling, and how it led him to engage with people. “When I meet new people, I try to learn about food through them. When I go and visit different places, I like to learn new recipes from people,” he said. “And so these are an incorporation of different things I’ve learned from different people I’ve met.”

As more vendors enlist every year, spending Chili Fest tickets wisely becomes a bigger gamble. So many strong contenders drive up ticket value, as trying what everyone has to offer gets pricier and more taxing on digestion. But despite increased pressure to choose right, there really is no way to go wrong. All proceeds to the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, another successful Chili Fest is filed into the books as sunshine becomes a regular occurrence. Looking on to the new season, market openings and pleasant spring days can only go up from here.

ning, and housing. During her tenure, she authored legislation on environmental protections and expanded services for rural broadband, childcare, and affordable housing while serving on several regional economic and development boards. Kelles’ website says she holds a doctorate in nutritional epidemiology from the University of North Carolina and a dual degree from Binghamton University. Her professional experience spans international environmental work in Ecuador, faculty positions at Cornell University and Ithaca College, directing clinical nutrition programs, managing regional economic nonprofits, and serving as a long-term chair for a national nutrition certification board prior to her election to assembly. Other speakers at the event included Tompkins County Democratic Committee Chair Linda Hoffman, Ultimate Reentry Opportunity Executive Director Taili Mugambee, and Town of Dryden Deputy Supervisor Dan Lamb.

Lamb, who serves as a Democratic State Committee member for District 125, said Kelles has “redefined the job” of a state representative. Lamb said her expansive legislative agenda includes environmental protections, specifically removing “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. Lamb cited the Dryden Fiber project as a success story for Kelles’ office. When the project hit a roadblock requiring legislation to allow a municipality to own and operate its own internet service, Lamb said he contacted Kelles, who helped pass the legislation. He said Dryden Fiber currently serves 600 paying customers. The focus on digital infrastructure continued as Lamb noted Kelles introduced a three-year moratorium on data centers last month. He added that the town of Dryden recently passed the state’s first municipal ban on data centers. Hoffman said grassroots mobilization and direct voter engagement is needed in the 2026 primaries and general election. She said organizers must inform voters

through door-to-door outreach, noting face-to-face contact is essential to expanding the local voter pool. Hoffman said Kelles’ leadership is a necessary defense against federal policies. “Anna presents that leadership that we need in the assembly to overcome those very things that are coming out of Washington and will impact our communities,” Hoffman said. “We need to bring Anna Kelles to the table to represent us again.” Mugambee praised Kelles for maintaining her core principles since transitioning from the county legislature to the state assembly. He described Kelles as steadfast in her values and credited her with leading criminal justice reform efforts in Albany. He specifically highlighted her work as the author of the Second Chance Act and her support for the Marvin Mayfield Act. “Everything that is in Anna’s platform is something that I believe all people in this community can find commonality in,” Mugambee said.

swimming consultant, you might want to connect with her.” (In 1983, Claire swam the length of Cayuga Lake solo, covering 38 miles in 21 hours.) and friendly.” He conveyed how much he Ryan was pleased to learn that Claire enjoys “Our own little Universe of Master’s — who has been teaching and living in Swimming, and the sense of community Pennsylvania for many years — was very we experience.” Last summer, Ryan decided to look for willing to help him improve — to share stories about swimming, and about life — ways to keep getting stronger and faster, and she immediately connected him with so he called a friend who has many local a well-known coach named Brad Charles. sports connections. Joe asked that friend Brad, who has coached at many different if he knew anyone who could help him put together a workable training regimen, levels, declined to accept Joe’s offer to pay him, and in Joe’s words, “He does it for the and the friend said, “I saw Claire de Boer love of swimming.” Brad has an app that last week, and she is getting ready to a has a community of 25 swimmers — disrelay with another elite swimmer, swimcussing training, nutrition and many other ming in 1-hour increments and covercomponents relating to upping one’s game, ing the length of Cayuga Lake. If you and Joe — his enthusiasm and gratitude think that provides some credibility as a

coming through clearly — called it “another wonderful collective spirit.” Another piece of Joe Ryan's Reinvention Puzzle appeared a few weeks ago when he was invited to join yet another group. Joe said, “Claire invited me to come and swim with her team in the Delaware Valley master’s Swim Meet in Pennsylvania, where I will join 220 other swimmers.” Joe signed up for four individual events (the 50, 100 and 200 Freestyle and the 50 Breaststroke) and three relays (200 Medley and the 200 and 800 Freestyle). Asked about his goals going into the meet, Ryan said, “I’m ready to swim with a timer on me, I want to do better than I have done in the past and I really want to help the team.” We spoke again after the meet, and Joe

said, “I was so pleased to be invited to be a part of the team, and to help them score some points (the group finished 6th of 36 teams). They invited Jessica (Joe’s wife) and I to dinner, and — as is the case in the swimming community — it’s such a nice, tight group of people.” (He also conveyed that he is grateful to the people at the Ithaca YMCA for helping him rediscover his love for the sport.) As we wrapped up our interview, Joe said, “I appreciate your interest in writing about this inspiring community of Master's Swimmers.” He added, “And by the way, I really appreciate you introducing me to Claire de Boer.” You’re welcome Joe. You’re welcome, Claire. Proud to call you both my friends.

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which would require comprehensive prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum care for all incarcerated pregnant women. Kelles also advocated for the Earned Time Act to expand eligibility for incarcerated individuals to reduce their sentences through GED completion, anger management classes, or job training. Currently, Kelles said only 16% to 33% of the incarcerated population is eligible to earn time off. Kelles criticized the current system where corrections officers can revoke “good time” for minor infractions. She cited an instance where a man lost an entire year of credit because his shoe was untied. Her proposed bill would vest earned time after one year. Kelles served on the Tompkins County Legislature from 2015 to 2020, where she chaired committees on health, planA SECOND LAP contin u ed from page 12

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Through the Times

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of Directors selected officers Jodi Lee Denman as chair; Tim Downs (Ithaca College) as vice chair; Jeff Gorsky (Sciarabba Walker) as treasurer; and Lisa Whitaker (Beginnings Credit Union) as secretary. “It is invaluable to have committed leaders from across our many communities and economic sectors engaged with us in moving Tompkins County and the entire Ithaca area forward. Thank you to everyone joining us or continuing their involvement. I look forward to a productive and positive year ahead,” Foreman said in the press release.

Labor Leader Elected President of New York State Pipe Trades

he 25,000 members of the New York State Pipe Trades Association (NYSPTA) have elected new leadership, which was announced in a February press release. NYSPTA members have elected Edward Nadeau to serve a four-year term as president of the labor organization that comprises 14

New York State-based union locals under the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry (UA) of the U.S. and Canada. Nadeau joined UA Local 7 as an apprentice in 1989 and has served as business manager and financial secretary of UA Local 7 since 2006. “I wish to thank the 25,000 members of the 14 union locals across New York State that have placed their trust in me as I begin this new role,” said Edward Nadeau. “I am committed to representing the interests of our union members and ensure that we are building an economy, modern infrastructure and energy systems ma r ch

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that works for all New Yorkers.” Nadeau succeeds Gregory Lancette, who served in the role for over eight years. Lancette is now the international representative to the 393,000-member UA. “As our state’s energy system approaches an inflection point, our members are highly skilled and prepared to do the work that will strengthen our energy grid, lower utility bills, and create family-sustaining jobs for generations,” Lancette said in the press release. Michael Jarvis, NYSTPA secretary-treasurer and UA Local 773 business manager, was reelected and will continue in his leadership role for the fourth year.

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& Arts in Martha Hamblin Hall (3rd Floor), 330 E. State St. | Led by Jen Pearcy-Edwards of Story House Ithaca, ‘Stepping into a Story’ is for anyone who has a love of stories and wants to build their confidence and skill in structuring and telling a story in front of an audience. | Free

Music

Come hang, sing and make new friends...cheers, queers!

Bars/Bands/Clubs

3/14 Saturday

3/12 Thursday Karaoke with Elephant Sound | 8 p.m., 3/12 Thursday | 23 North Restaurant and Bar, 23 Cinema Dr. | Show off your singing chops every Thursday night during “Karaoke Night” at 23 North in Ithaca! Great food, great drinks, great FUN! | Free “No Irish Need Apply: Music and the Irish American Experience” | 7 p.m. | The Papa Bear | 7175 Main St., Ovid, NY 14521 |

THISWEEK

“Queeraoke” | 8 p.m. | The Rhine House, 632 W Seneca St. | Ithaca’s original “Queeraoke” night is back!

The Orchestra Lords of The Sound | 6:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. | State Theatre of Ithaca, 107 West State St. | $106.11

Innishbofin at Airy Acres | 2 p.m. | 8011 Footes Corners Rd., Interlaken, NY 14847 Concerts/Recitals

3/11 Wednesday Student Chamber Recital: Brass Ensembles at Ford Hall | 7 p.m. An Evening with The Tannahill Weavers | 7:30 p.m. | First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, 306 N Aurora Street Wulfman Studio Recital at Hockett Family Recital Hall | 8:15 p.m.

3/12 Thursday Student Ensemble: Choral Collage | 7 p.m. | Ford Hall, Ithaca College Junior Recital: Cristian Rodriguez, violin at Hockett Family Recital Hall | 8:15 p.m.

3/13 Friday Festival Chamber Orchestra Sinfonietta (CU Music) | 7:30 p.m. | Lincoln Hall, 256 Feeney Way | Free

Stage Milkweed | 7 p.m., 3/11 Wednesday | The Kitchen Theatre, 417 W State St. | This poetic, multilayered world premiere by Ithaca playwright Wendy Dann explores the complicated, tender acts of teaching and learning, and will exquisitely unravel your understanding of time and space. “Through the Unquiet Heaven” Poetry & Stories of Poe Performed by Solo Theater Artist Tim Collins | 6:30 p.m., 3/12 Thursday | Community Arts of Elmira, 413 Lake Street | Beyond the Parlor: Women Shaping American Musical Life, 1860–1930 | 12:30 p.m., 3/13 Friday | Johnson Museum of Art, 114 Central Avenue | Beyond the Parlor: Women Shaping American Musical Life, 1860–1930. | Free Sheng Wang | 7 p.m., 3/13 Friday | State Theatre of Ithaca, 107 West State St. | Lansing High School Musical Theater Club — “Shrek The Musical” | 7 p.m., 3/13 Friday & Saturday | Lansing Middle School Auditorium, 6 Ludlowville Rd. | Lansing High School Musical Theater Club — “Shrek The Musical” | $10.00 Comedy Improv Show starring the Puzzled Players | 8 p.m., 3/13 Friday | Puzzled Players Comedy Improv

Theater and Training Center of Greater Binghamton, 19 Madison Avenue | The Puzzled Players present the premier comedy events and the ONLY Comedy Improv Shows in the Greater Binghamton area. Zany, interactive and fun! | $15.00 Shadow Puppet Party show | 10:30 a.m., 3/14 Saturday | The Cherry Artspace, 102 Cherry St. | Robots, aliens and...cabbages — hear the tale of the Cabbage Girl, see the dancing Robot Ballet and follow Goldilocks and the 3 ALIENS in this dynamic collection of short shadow puppet shows | $1.00 - $12.00 Ballet & Books: Spring 2026 | 2:30 p.m., 3/14 Saturday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Ballet & Books is a national, non-profit organization that provides children ages 3 years — 4th grade with an opportunity to improve their literacy skills through a combination of dance LIFELONG DAY TRIP TO SEE MILKWEED AT THE KITCHEN | 2 p.m., 3/15 Sunday | Kitchen Theatre Company, 417 W. State / W. MLK, Jr. Street | Share a theatre experience with other Lifelong members on this “day trip” to the Kitchen Theatre to see Milkweed, a world premiere by playwright Wendy Dann | $25.00 - $30.00 The High Kings — The Rocky Road Tour | 7:30 p.m., 3/17 Tuesday | State Theatre of Ithaca, 107 West State St. BAC Meet Up: Steeping Into a Story | 6:30 p.m., 3/18 Wednesday | The Community School of Music

FESTIVAL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SINFONIETTA (CU MUSIC) FRIDAY, MARCH 13 AT 7:30 P.M.

Lincoln Hall, Cornell University | The Festival Chamber Orchestra Sinfonietta premieres new works by Cornell graduate composers Eliot Burk, Jasmine Morris, and Seare Farhat, conducted by James Spinazzola. Free and open to the public; no tickets required. (Photo: wikimedia.org)

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The Book of Mormon | 7:30 p.m., 3/18 Wednesday | Clemens Center, 207 Clemens Center Parkway | The M&T Bank 2025-26 Broadway Season presents THE BOOK OF MORMON Wednesday–Thursday, March 18-19, 2026 @ 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $66. Group Rates available for 10 or more — please inquire.

Art Stitch Club | 1 p.m., 3/13 Friday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E Green St. | Stitch Club is an opportunity for knitters, crocheters, needle-pointers, and other stitchers to come together and work. Photography Group Exhibit at The Gallery at South Hill | 12 p.m., 3/14 Saturday | The Gallery at South Hill, 950 Danby Rd. South Hill Business Campus | The Photography Group Exhibit brings together eight Ithaca based photographers working in a variety of methods, and styles. Photographers Brian Arnold, Crystal A. Calabrese, Andrew Gillis, Dede Hatch, Harry Littell, Rachel Philipson, Jon Reis, and Sheryl D. Sinkow. www. thegalleryatsouthhill.com | Free Spring Open House at the Mushroom Museum! | 2 p.m., 3/14 Saturday | Cornell University Plant Pathology Herbarium (CUP), 214 Gallus Road | Spring open house at the Cornell Mushroom Museum! We’ll show off our historical collections of fungi, antique models, drawings, and much more. We are home to over 400,000 preserved fungal specimens,

making the Cornell Plant Pathology Herbarium the 4th-largest Museum of Fungi in North America. | Free SPATIAL RELATIONS : Sculpture Exhibition | 2 p.m., 3/15 Sunday | Trade Design Build, 1520 Trumansburg Road | SPATIAL RELATIONS Reception : Sunday, March 15, from 2–4 p.m. at Trade Design Build. | Free

Film Women’s Adventure Film Festival | 6 p.m., 3/12 Thursday | Cornell Cinema and Cinemapolis, 120 East Green Street | Ithaca’s 2nd Annual Women’s Adventure Film Tour will showcase stories of courage, adventure, and self-discovery. | $0.00 - $11.00 Classic Movie - Shrek (2001) | 12:30 p.m., 3/14 Saturday | State Theatre of Ithaca, 107 West State St. AND THE WINNER IS... | 6:30 p.m., 3/15 Sunday, 120 E Green St. | Celebrate Hollywood’s biggest night at Cinemapolis! Our annual fundraising gala is Sunday, March 15. The awards show begins at 7 p.m., and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cinemopolis Slanted | Joan Huang idolizes the popular girls and dreams of being prom queen, but fears the only way to win is to look like all the past queens whose portraits line her high school halls. Enter Ethnos: a shady cosmetic surgery clinic that turns people of color white. Joan undergoes the procedure and wakes up a beautiful blonde destined for the crown, but at what cost? | R 102 mins Sirat | A father and his son arrive at a rave deep in the mountains of southern Morocco. They are searching for Mar — daughter and sister — who vanished months ago at one of these endless, sleepless parties. Surrounded by electronic music and a

SHADOW PUPPET PARTY SATURDAY, MARCH 14 FROM 10:30 TO 11:15 A.M.

The Cherry Artspace, 102 Cherry Street | Hear the tale of the Cabbage Girl, see the dancing Robot Ballet and follow Goldilocks and the 3 ALIENS in this dynamic collection of short shadow puppet shows. Get a glimpse into how shadow puppets work with Lily and Matt after the performance. Free Tickets for participants of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. $1 tickets with an EBT card. Part of the Lilypad Puppet Series. (Photo: Provided)

raw, unfamiliar sense of freedom, they hand out her photo again and again. Hope is fading, but they push through and follow a group of ravers heading to one last party in the desert. As they venture deeper into the burning wilderness, the journey forces them to confront their own limits. | R 114 mins Irma Vep | Two showings March 17 | Olivier Assayas’s live-wire international breakthrough stars a magnetic Maggie Cheung as a version of herself: a Hong Kong action-movie star who arrives in Paris to play the latex-clad lead in a remake of Louis Feuillade’s classic silent crime serial Les Vampires. What she finds is a behind-the-scenes tangle of barely controlled chaos as egos clash, romantic attractions simmer, and an obsessive director drives himself to the brink to realize his vision. | NR 99 mins

Sports Cornell Women’s Lacrosse vs St. Bonaventure University | 3 p.m., 3/11 Wednesday | Schoellkopf Field, Cornell University Cornell Women’s Basketball: Ivy League Tournament | 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 3/13 Friday | Newman Arena, Cornell University Cornell Women’s Polo vs. Marlan Farm | 7 p.m., 3/13 Friday | Oxley Equestrian Center, Cornell University Cornell Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Harvard University: ECAC Championship | 7 p.m. 3/13 Friday | Lynah Rink, Cornell University Cornell Men’s Basketball vs. Yale University | 11 a.m., 3/14 Saturday | Newman Arena, Cornell University Cornell Men’s Lacrosse vs. Brown University | 1 p.m. 3/14 Saturday | Schoellkopf FIeld, Cornell University Cornell Men’s Basketball: Ivy League Tournament | 2 p.m,. 3/14

Saturday | Newman Arena, Cornell University

Books

Cornell Women’s Basketball: Ivy League Tournament Championship Game | 5:30 p.m., 3/14 Saturday | Newman Arena, Cornell University

Zalaznick Reading by Vievee Francis | 5 p.m., 3/12 Thursday | Klarman Hall, Rhodes-Rawlings Auditorium, Klarman Hall KG70, 232 East Ave. | The Spring 2026 Zalaznick Reading Series continues with a reading by poet Vievee Francis.| Free

Cornell Men’s Polo vs. Toronto Polo Club | 6 p.m., 3/14 Saturday | Oxley Equestrian Center, Cornell University Cornell Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Harvard University: ECAC Championship | 7 p.m. 3/14 Saturday | Lynah Rink, Cornell University Cornell Men’s Basketball: Ivy League Tournament | 12 p.m., 3/15 Sunday | Newman Arena, Cornell University Cornell Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Harvard University: ECAC Championship | 4 p.m., 3/15 Sunday | Lynah Rink, Cornell University Cornell Women’s Tennis vs. LeMoyne College | 5 p.m., 3/18 Wednesday | Reis Tennis Center, Cornell University

Special Events NYS Concealed Carry Pistol Permit Class | 3/12 Thursday | Mcgraw Sportsmen’s Club, 3154 Ridge Road | $55.20 IPEI’s Annual Adult Team Spelling Bee | 4 p.m., 3/14 Saturday | Liquid State Brewing Company, 620 W Green St. Spring Teen Creative Writing Workshop | 5:30 p.m., 3/17 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 fanfiction? Join Adrienne Raw for a Teen Creative Writing Workshop!

History Buffs’ Book Club | 6:30 p.m., 3/12 Thursday | Cortland Free Library, 32 Church St. | Do you enjoy history? Join us at the library to discuss Environmental Disasters. We choose the topic, You choose the book! Contact the library with any questions! Spring Teen Creative Writing Workshop | 5:30 p.m., 3/17 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 fanfiction? Join Adrienne Raw for a Teen Creative Writing Workshop! Comic Book Club Meeting | 7 p.m., 3/17 Tuesday | Tompkins County Public Library, at the Schwarz Jacobson Room, 101 East Green Street | Free Climate Literature Discussion | 4 p.m., 3/18 Wednesday | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street | Community discussions about climate change, seen through fiction and non-fiction books: this month’s book is “The Unworthy” by Agustina Bazterrica, Sarah Moses (Translator) | Free

to provide the real-world money skills that kids actually need. Give your children the money tools they’ll actually use for the rest of their lives. Family Playgroup — Winter’26 Round #2 | 9:30 a.m., 3/12 Thursday | CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue | Free 6 weeks series, March 5 – April 16 (no class on April 2) Tyke Tales Story Time | 10:30 a.m., 3/12 Thursday | Lodi Whittier Library, 8484 S Main St. | Join us for our storytime for children five and under and their caregivers! | Free Story + Craft | 4 p.m., 3/12 Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E Green St | Story + Craft is our weekly reading + creating event for children! Join us for a read-aloud, followed by art-making or a guided craft. Baby & Toddler Storytime | 10:30 a.m., 3/13 Friday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E Green St | Caregivers and their children are invited to join Cassie for music, rhymes, movement and books. Storytime will be followed by a playtime from 11-12. Spanish Storytime | 4 p.m., 3/13 Friday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E Green St. | Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to join us for Spanish storytime — songs, rhymes, stories, and crafts — completely in Spanish! Math Fun with MathHappens! | 10 a.m., 3/14 Saturday | Sciencenter, 601 1st St | Join us for playful, informal math learning with the MathHappens Foundation! Families and kids can explore hands-on activities that make math fun, creative, and connected to everyday life. Second Saturday Family Fun: Bunches of Boxes! | 10:30 a.m., 3/14 Saturday | Cortland Free Library, 32 Church St. | LCL All-ages Family Owl Printmaking Workshop | 11 a.m., 3/14 Saturday | Lansing Community

Library, 27 Auburn Rd. | Create your own owl print at this all-ages family workshop! Join artist Carol Hockett for a hands-on introduction to printmaking as you explore texture, layering, and color. All supplies provided—just bring your imagination.

anyone new to serving on a nonprofit board of directors or interested in doing so.

Open House and 9th Grade Info Session | 1 p.m., 3/15 Sunday | New Roots Charter School, 116 N. Cayuga St. | New Roots Charter School invites you to a school-wide Open House and Special 9th Grade Info Session | Free

Growing Orchids at Home | 1 p.m., 3/14 Saturday | Cornell Botanic Gardens, 124 Comstock Knoll Drive | $20.00 - $35.00

“Li’l Sprouts” Waldorf class for Babies & Toddlers | 9 a.m., 3/16 Monday | Ithaca Waldorf School, 20 Nelson Road | A weekly Waldorf gathering for babies and toddlers with their parent/ caregiver, led by master teacher Karen Lonsky. | $30.00 - $175.00

American Red Cross Blood Drive | 10 a.m., 3/13 Friday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street

Family Open Play | 9:30 a.m., 3/16 Monday | CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Ave | Free space for families to come with their children - ages 0 to 4 years old - to play and socialize with other families.

Keeping Chickens Class | 5:30 p.m., 3/17 Tuesday | Virtual | Learn practical advice for how to successfully raise chickens for home egg production. | $20.00

Sit! Stay! Read! | 3 p.m., 3/16 Monday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E Green St | Children are invited to practice their reading skills by sharing a story with a truly non-judgmental listener — a dog! Reading sessions will be held Mondays from 3–4 p.m.

Community Line Dance | 7 p.m., 3/17 Tuesday | Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Rd. | Community Line Dance lessons

Science Together: Ice Melting | 10:15 a.m., 3/18 Wednesday | Sciencecenter, 601 1st St.

Notices LGBTQ+ Youth Group | 4:30 p.m., 3/11 Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E Green St. | Join us at LGBTQ+ Youth Group to do crafts, play games, and socialize. Whether you’re lesbian, gay, bi, trans, questioning, or just trying to figure things out — we’re here for you! Board Bootcamp with Cindy Wilcox | 3 p.m., 3/12 Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | A FREE session for

Afro-Cuban Traditional & Folkloric Dance Class | 7:30 p.m., 3/17 Tuesday | Treehouse Studio, 119 S Cayuga St. | Taught by Adolfo Castillo and Lisbet Lopez, accomplished professional dancers from Guantanamo, Cuba. Class is for all levels. Live percussion accompaniment. | $20.00 Beautification Brigade Orientation | 5:30 p.m., 3/18 Wednesday | CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue | The Beautification Brigade takes care of public flower plantings in Ithaca. Have fun, learn gardening techniques, and help keep Ithaca gorgeous. No experience required. Pet Clinic | 6 p.m., 3/18 Wednesday | Southside Community Center Gym, 305 S Plain St. | Pet Clinic

AND THE WINNER IS

Liquid State Brewing Co. 620 W Green St. | Puns, quips, and witticisms abound in Ithaca Public Education Initiative’s annual “fun”draiser competition for word aficionados now in its 28th year. Ten “hive” teams compete for the Queen Bee Trophy and pots of local honey to support Ithaca City School District teachers and students. Create a “hive” at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/2026bee! Each participant receives one free drink from Liquid State Brewing Company and one ticket to win door prizes from local organizations and businesses. (Photo: Provided)

Cinemapolis, 120 E Green St. | Celebrate Hollywood's biggest night at this annual fundraising gala. Tickets to the event include a drink ticket, delicious light bites from Serendipity catering, and free popcorn! A cash bar will be available for additional beverages. Get glammed up and pose for a picture captured by Jyl's Photo Booth. Enter our raffle for a chance to win free popcorn for a year and other fun prizes. Plus, a silent auction featuring goodies from around town. See you at the awards! (Photo: Provided)

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 6:30 P.M. THROUGH BEST PICTURE

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 FROM 3 TO 6:30 P.M.

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This, my friends, is the bedrock of our concept of governing. This is a part of the reason why Americans have turned to the Democratic Party. These are the foundations upon which a national community can be built. Let’s all understand that these guiding principles cannot be discarded for short-term political gains. They represent what this country is all about. They are indigenous to the American idea. And these are principles which are not negotiable. In other times, I could stand here and give this kind of exposition on the beliefs of the Democratic Party and that would be enough. But today that is not enough. People want more. That is not sufficient reason for the majority of the people of this country to vote Democratic. We have made mistakes. We realize that. In our haste to do all things for all people, we did not foresee the full consequences of our actions. And when the people raised their voices, we didn’t hear. But our deafness was only a temporary condition, and not an irreversible condition. Even as I stand here and admit that we have made mistakes, I still believe that as the people of America sit in judgment on each party, they will recognize that our mistakes were mistakes of the heart. They’ll recognize that. And now we must look to the future. Let us heed the voice of the people and recognize their common sense. If we do not, we not only blaspheme our political heritage, we ignore the common ties that bind all Americans. Many fear the future. Many are distrustful of their leaders, and believe that their voices are never heard. Many seek only to satisfy their private work wants. To satisfy their private interests. But this is the great danger America faces. That we will cease to be one nation and become instead a collection of interest groups: city against suburb, region against region, individual against individual. Each seeking to satisfy private wants. If that happens, who then will speak for America? Who then will speak for the common good? This is the question which must be answered in 1976. Are we to be one people bound

together by common spirit, sharing in a common endeavor; or will we become a divided nation? For all of its uncertainty, we cannot flee the future. We must not become the new Puritans and reject our society. We must address and master the future together. It can be done if we restore the belief that we share a sense of national community, that we share a common national endeavor. It can be done. There is no executive order; there is no law that can require the American people to form a national community. This we must do as individuals, and if we do it as individuals, there is no President of the United States who can veto that decision. As a first step, we must restore our belief in ourselves. We are generous people so why can’t we be generous with each other? We need to take to heart the words spoken by Thomas Jefferson: Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life are but dreary things. A nation is formed by the willingness of each of us to share in the responsibility for upholding the common good. A government is invigorated when each of us is willing to participate in shaping the future of this nation. In this election year we must define the common good and begin again to shape a common future. Let each person do his or her part. If one citizen is unwilling to participate, all of us are going to suffer. For the American idea, though it is shared by all of us, is realized in each one of us. And now, what are those of us who are elected public officials supposed to do? We call ourselves public servants but I'll tell you this: We as public servants must set an example for the rest of the nation. It is hypocritical for the public official to admonish and exhort the people to uphold the common good if we are derelict in upholding the common good. More is required of public officials than slogans and handshakes and press releases. More is required. We must hold ourselves strictly accountable. We must provide the people with a vision of the future. If we promise as public officials, we must deliver. If we as public officials pro-

pose, we must produce. If we say to the American people it is time for you to be sacrificial; sacrifice. If the public official says that, we [public officials] must be the first to give. We must be. And again, if we make mistakes, we must be willing to admit them. We have to do that. What we have to do is strike a balance between the idea that the government should do everything and that idea, the belief that the government ought to do nothing. Strike a balance. Let there be no illusions about the difficulty of forming this kind of a national community. It’s tough, difficult, not easy. But a spirit of harmony will survive in America only if each of us remembers that we share a common destiny. If each of us remembers when self-interest and bitterness seem to prevail that we share a common destiny. I have confidence that we can form this kind of national community. I have confidence that the Democratic Party can lead the way. I have that confidence. We cannot improve on the system of government handed down to us by the founders of the Republic. There is no way to improve upon that. But what we can do is to find new ways to implement that system and realize our destiny. Now, I began this speech by commenting to you on the uniqueness of a Barbara Jordan making a keynote address. Well I am going to close my speech by quoting a Republican President and I ask you that as you listen to these words of Abraham Lincoln, relate them to the concept of a national community in which every last one of us participates: “As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of Democracy. Whatever differs from this, to the extent of the difference, is no Democracy.” Thank you. Next week, we will celebrate Harvey Milk — the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. Milk’s June 25, 1978 “Hope Speech” inspired gay and lesbian grounds across the country to seek protection under civil rights laws. Milk was later assassinated on November 25, 1978.

WE THE PEOPLE

contin u ed from page 19

closes with an arrangement for trumpet, sax, piano, guitar, bass, and drums played by members from the CU Jazz ensemble.

the stage and recording studio with jazz giants such as Thelonious Monk, Clifford Brown, Art Farmer, and Quincy Jones, did a stint with Lionel Hampton’s band, and co-led the “Jazz Lab” with Donald Byrd. His 1955 song, “Social Call” was later set to lyrics by Jon Hendricks. The concert

Peter Rothbart is a Professor Emeritus of Music at the Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre and Dance where he taught electroacoustic and media music for 40 years. He is the Director of the Ageless Jazz Band and remains active as a classical, jazz, and pop musician.

why that invitation matters. It reveals the depth of our connections and the urgency of using our voices while we can. It asks us to push through, to live fully, and to participate—not in spite of the grief, but because of it. In the end, the most profound way to mourn the ones we lose is to help build and sustain the democratic society they dreamed of: imperfect, relentless, and forever alive.

A NATION SPEAKS contin u ed from page 10

What is it about the Democratic Party that makes it the instrument the people use when they search for ways to shape their future? Well I believe the answer to that question lies in our concept of governing. Our concept of governing is derived from our view of people. It is a concept deeply rooted in a set of beliefs firmly etched in the national conscience of all of us. Now what are these beliefs? First, we believe in equality for all and privileges for none. This is a belief that each American regardless of background has equal standing in the public forum — all of us. Because we believe this idea so firmly, we are an inclusive rather than an exclusive party. Let everybody come! I think it is no accident that most of those emigrating to America in the 19th century identified with the Democratic Party. We are a heterogeneous party made up of Americans of diverse backgrounds. We believe that the people are the source of all governmental power; that the authority of the people is to be extended, not restricted. This can be accomplished only by providing each citizen with every opportunity to participate in the management of the government. They must have that, we believe. We believe that the government which represents the authority of all the people, not just one interest group, but all the people, has an obligation to actively — underscore actively — seek to remove those obstacles which would block individual achievement — obstacles emanating from race, sex, economic condition. The government must remove them, seek to remove them. We are a party of innovation. We do not reject our traditions, but we are willing to adapt to changing circumstances, when change we must. We are willing to suffer the discomfort of change in order to achieve a better future. We have a positive vision of the future founded on the belief that the gap between the promise and reality of America can one day be finally closed. We believe that. ENSEMBLE X CONCERT HONORS

contin u ed from page 18

powerful reminder that democracy is sustained not only by institutions but by individuals willing to participate. Carrying that belief forward feels like a way of honoring their life. Ultimately, We the People is both a declaration and an invitation renewed in every generation. Grief reminds us Ma r ch

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