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Settle in With a Warm Welcome
Enjoy beautiful surroundings at Brookdale Ithaca. With friends and neighbors by your side, enjoy lively experiences as you express your creativity, pursue your interests and live life to the fullest. Join our gardening club, enjoy painting classes, participate in evening socials and more. Here, everyone feels at home.
Our amenities include:
• Pet-friendly spaces, welcoming your four-legged friend
• A variety of ways to connect, from art and fitness classes to book clubs and happy hours
• Personal care plans tailored to your individual needs
• Several floor plan options to meet your personal style and budget
Brookdale Ithaca
Enhanced Assisted Living Adult Home Memory Care 103 Bundy Road Ithaca, New York 14850
Union Protests ICSD Payroll Failure Over Memorial Day Weekend
By Matt Dougherty
ITHACA, N.Y. — Members of the Education Support Professionals Union Ithaca (ESP/I) held a protest outside the Ithaca City School District’s administrative offices on Monday morning after the district failed to make payroll for hundreds of employees ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.
The demonstration was organized in response to ICSD’s failure to issue timely paychecks by the close of business on Friday. The union represents approximately 243 teaching assistants and teacher aides across the district.
“This untimely payroll caused particular hardship to many members of the ESP/I Union, whose starting rate of pay is less than $20/hour,” union leadership wrote in a statement. With banks closed Monday for the holiday, some employees were unable to access direct deposit payroll until Tuesday, May 27.
According to the union, ICSD has a policy of providing “on demand” paper checks to employees who experience payroll errors, but members who attempted to request a check on Friday afternoon were not accommodated.
“Rather, they were given the assurance by
Continued on Page 7
X Downtown Ithaca Alliance
Relaunches Retail Mini-Grant Program to Boost Local Businesses
ITHACA, N.Y. — The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA), in partnership with the City of Ithaca, has announced the return of the Ithaca Retail Mini-Grant Program (IRMGP) to support small businesses still facing economic challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funded by the City of Ithaca’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, the program provides grants to independently owned, street-level businesses with fewer than 500 employees that were operational before March 3,
Ithaca’s School Budget Overwhelmingly Passes
By Maddy Vogel
On Tuesday, Ithaca’s voters approved the district’s proposed 2025-26 budget and elected two incumbents and two new members to the board of education.
Proposition 1 — Proposed 2025-2026 Annual District Budget
This year, the district’s annual budget overwhelmingly passed with 77.5% approval. Unlike last year’s initially proposed budget which was rejected by voters, the district proposed a “rollover budget” which met the state tax cap with a 3.76% tax levy increase. This year saw just over half of the number of voters as last year’s budget did.
Yes Votes: 3,721
No Votes: 1,080
Passed with 77.5% approval
In the 2025-26 budget, program costs make up the largest portion of the budget at 74.78%. Administrative costs make up 10.07% of the total budget, a decrease from the 2024-25 budget at 11.03%. Capital costs make up 14.52% of the budget.
The budget contains a 4.17% increase in spending, increasing from the 2024-25 operating budget of $164 million to $169 million.
This year, the district saw an increase in state aid with the changes that were made in the foundation aid formula. The district’s state aid increased by roughly $1.2 million, or 3.31% ijn this budget, allowing them to keep the tax levy under the tax cap.
Proposition 2 — Appropriation and
2021. Eligible businesses must have a physical storefront within city limits.
The grants range from $2,000 to $10,000 and can be used for marketing, storefront improvements, and collaborative cross-promotion campaigns. All projects must include a 10% cash match from the recipient.
“We’re excited to collaborate with the Downtown Ithaca Alliance on this important citywide initiative,” said Mayor Robert Cantelmo. “Local independent retailers are what make the Commons, Downtown, Collegetown, the West End and West MLK Corridor special places with unique local character.”
Expenditure of Capital Reserve Funds
Yes Votes: 3,718
No Votes: 1,087
Passed with 77.4% approval
Board of Education Election Results
Incumbents Karen Yearwood and Erin Croyle were each re-elected to their seats and voters elected challengers Madeline Cardona and Jacob Shiffrin. Each of these candidates were endorsed by the Ithaca Teachers Association (ITA). Incumbent candidate Jill Tripp was narrowly defeated by Cardona by just 119 votes.
Each of the four successful candidates were elected to fill a three-year term on the board and will be up for re-election in 2028.
Jacob Shiffrin — 3,491
A long-time educator, Shiffrin ran for the board hoping to improve state test scores at underperforming schools by implementing evidence-based practices. He hopes to focus on academic excellence, helping the district return their schools to “good standing status” and implement a cohesive curriculum that flows throughout the district as students move up grade levels.
“I’m humbled at being elected and really looking forward to hit[ting] the ground running in helping this be a school district where every family confidently knows that their children will get what they need to graduate, able to live choice-filled lives,” Shiffrin wrote in a statement to the Ithaca Times.
Continued on Page 14
WEB
p ublish E r
F r EE lan CE rs : Barbara Adams, G. M Burns, Jane Dieckmann, Charley Githler, Ross Haarstad, Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Henry Stark, and Peter Rothbart
DIA CEO Nan Rohrer emphasized the program’s focus on revitalization and community engagement. “The IRMGP is designed to spark collaboration, draw customers back to our commercial districts, and energize local businesses through strategic investments,” she said.
Applications for the program open May 12 and are due by June 16 at 2 p.m. Notifications of grant awards will be sent by July 1. Full details and application materials are available at www. downtownithaca.com/ithaca-retail-mini-grant.
The initiative continues efforts to reinvigorate Ithaca’s local economy and support the unique character of its commercial neighborhoods.
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IN UIRING PHOTOGR PHER Q A
By Mark Syvertson QUESTION OF
THE WEEK:
“WHAT ’ S SOMETHING GREAT ABOUT ITHACA THAT DESERVES NATIONAL ATTENTION?”
Ithaca Looks to Follow Through on Unarmed Responder Plan
By Matt Dougherty
ITHACA, N.Y. — After years of planning and public input, the Ithaca Common Council is moving closer to launching an unarmed responder program to address nonviolent emergencies without police involvement.
Deputy City Manager Dominick Recckio presented an in-depth update to the Common Council on May 14, laying out potential models for implementing the program recommended in the Reimagining Public Safety Working Group report approved by the Council in 2023.
“This is something that the city has committed to in several forms and fashions over the last several years,” Recckio told the Council. “I think it’s really important for our community, and I’m excited to work on it.”
The idea to establish an unarmed responder program stems from the city’s broader Reimagining Public Safety initiative launched in the wake of George Floyd’s 2020 murder and former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order 203. During the national outrage in the aftermath of the murder, community members, particularly from Black and other marginalized communities, called for the creation of an unarmed alternative to traditional police response for certain types of nonviolent calls.
“We have programs already in place doing really important work,” Recckio said. “This would build on what we’ve learned, strengthen what’s working, and make investments into the programs we already know are valuable.”
“When we start talking about how we can enhance other [existing programs] who’re getting [funding] already, we are disregarding what the community asked for.”
— Phoebe Brown, First Ward Alderperson
This model represents the lowestcost approach but would not create a dedicated responder unit. Instead, it aims to close service gaps through improved collaboration and targeted funding.
dispatch supervisor. This model would be designed to operate independently while coordinating with police, fire, EMS, and social service agencies.
“This is really what the Council has called for previously,” Recckio said. “It complements existing systems that aren’t producing our desired results under the goals of reimagining public safety.”
Such a program would respond to behavioral health crises, perform welfare checks, assist with housing insecurity and povertyrelated needs, and help de-escalate minor disputes. Recckio said it would also provide new opportunities to connect residents with services before emergencies arise.
However, more than five years after the murder of George Floyd and two years after the council approved the reimagining public safety working group recommendations, Ithaca has yet to implement a formal unarmed responder unit. As a result, Recckio’s presentation outlined three models the city can use to implement an unarmed responder unit.
The first model involves enhancing existing programs that operate similarly to an unarmed response unit. This model would expand and better coordinate current unarmed response efforts, which include the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, the CARE Team, and the Community Outreach Worker program.
The second model calls for creating a one-year pilot program that would create a small responder team consisting of one to two trained personnel operating within existing dispatch systems. According to Recckio, this would provide the city with a controlled test environment to evaluate workflows, community outcomes, and integration with police and emergency services.
“If we’re going to enhance programs like LEAD and the CARE Team, those are things that should just be discussed on their own merits.”
— Robert Cantelmo, Mayor
The third model is the only one that would actually meet the recommendation to establish a fully staffed responder unit with three to four responders and a
While a majority of council members supported the presentation, First Ward Alderperson Phoebe Brown criticized the time it has taken for the city to develop a plan to implement an unarmed response team. She added that any future work needs to follow through on creating an unarmed responder team as recommended by the reimagining public safety working group report instead of prioritizing filling gaps in existing programs.
“When we start talking about how we can enhance other [existing programs] who’re getting [funding] already, we are disregarding what the community asked for,” Brown said.
“Southside and GIAC. They offer great after-school options for children.”
Bob
“ Porchfest. ”
Carter
“ The history of Ithaca as an early film-making location. Ithaca was basically Hollywood before Hollywood existed. ”
Elizabeth
“ The Ithaca Festival. ” – Sarah
“How much the staff at BJM elementary school care about students. I see daily acts of love that go above and beyond.”
Joby
Alderperson Phoebe Brown called for full implementation of Ithaca’s unarmed responder program and criticized delays. She urged the city to honor the original demands of the community. (Photo: File)
Mayor Cantelmo urged the city to move forward decisively with its unarmed responder program. He said the Council had already made its policy commitment and now must decide whether to roll it out gradually or launch it at full scale. (Photo: File)
County Eyes Eviction Tactic to Crack Down on Unlicensed Cannabis Sales
By Matt Dougherty
ITHACA, N.Y. — Tompkins County
o cials are pursuing a new strategy to combat the proliferation of unlicensed cannabis dispensaries, opting to use civil eviction proceedings against commercial landlords rather than direct criminal enforcement.
At a recent meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature, County Attorney Maury Josephson detailed the county’s emerging enforcement plan, which was developed in coordination with the City of Ithaca, the Ithaca Police Department (IPD) and the Tompkins County Sheri ’s O ce (TCSO).
e e ort aims to curb illegal cannabis sales while avoiding the high costs and logistical burdens associated with police raids and criminal seizures.
Rather than pursuing criminal penalties or cra ing new local ordinances, the county plans to use a little-known provision of state law, Section 715-a of the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law, to address the issue by requiring commercial property owners to initiate eviction proceedings against their tenants if they are
County Attorney Maury Josephson explains a proposed enforcement strategy targeting unlicensed cannabis dispensaries during a Tompkins County Legislature meeting, outlining how the county could use landlord eviction proceedings under state law. (Photo: File)
Legislator Greg Mezey expressed concern about the policy arguing that using eviction proceedings against landlords won’t actually remove illegal cannabis products from circulation and places enforcement responsibility on property owners instead of law enforcement. (Photo: File)
“Section 715-a of the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law allows us to notify landlords of illegal cannabis activity on their premises and ask them to evict those tenants. If they fail to do so, or if they do not diligently prosecute those actions, the county has the right to step into the shoes of the landlord and pursue that eviction proceeding.”
— Maury Josephson, County Attorney
operating an unlicensed cannabis dispensary on site.
Josephson explained that under the
statute, landlords can be held responsible if they knowingly allow illegal cannabis activity on their premises. A er noti cation from the county, property owners would be expected to initiate eviction proceedings against tenants engaged in unlawful cannabis sales. If they fail to act, Josephson says the county has the legal authority to step in and initiate the eviction itself.
Cornell Cracks Down on Peaceful Climate Protest During Commencement
By Matt Dougherty
ITHACA, N.Y. — A peaceful protest calling out Cornell University’s ties to the fossil fuel industry during commencement weekend was cut short on Sunday morning when university police issued persona non grata (PNG) orders to several organizers. e PNG orders have banned the protesters from campus for three years and prevented one graduating senior from walking at their commencement.
e action began on the Arts Quad around 6 a.m., where activists were stopped by Cornell University Police while blindfolding the statue of Cornell cofounder A.D. White with banners reading “Stop Fossil Fuel Complicity” and “Don’t Look Away from Our Futures.”
“ ree of us were stopped by CU police and conferred PNGs while blindfolding the A.D. White statue around 6:00 a.m. on Sunday morning,” said organizer Bethany Ojalehto Mays, who graduated Cornell in 2008 and worked at the university as an Assistant Professor until she resigned to pursue her work through activism.
University Police told protesters that their actions were in violation of Cornell’s postering policy, though organizers have said the demonstration was a form of expressive activity that is protected by university policy. “Police alleged that we had violated the University postering policy, although this was an expressive activity, not a poster,” Ojalehto Mays said.
A statement released following the protest questioned why the action was
UPS DOWNS&
Ups
This summer, Wegmans is helping customers enjoy the season with lower prices on must-have summer items. From meat to sides, and salads to desserts, customers can expect to spend less on their summer celebrations.
Downs
Tompkins County Whole Health’s Environmental Health Division (EH) must locate a dog that bit a person on Friday, May 16, 2025, at approximately 3:00 PM, on the Dryden Rail Trail, around the bridge area before Keith Lane (Dryden, N.Y.). The person was bit on their hand while petting another dog.
HEARD SEEN&
Heard
On June 13, 2025 at 4 PM, the Ithaca community is invited to attend an author conversation with Jennifer Boulanger, a local author and freelance journalist, with author Elisabeth Nonas of Ithaca, New York at Bu alo Street Books, 215 Cayuga St., Ithaca. Boulanger will discuss the launch of A Song for Olaf: A Memoir of Sibling Love at the Dawn of the HIV-AIDS Pandemic, to be released on June 1, 2025.
Seen
The Ithaca Teachers Association (ITA) organized a series of Walk-Ins across the district on Thursday, May 22, calling on ICSD leadership to take immediate action on key bargaining demands such as a Step-and-Lane salary structure, health insurance for domestic partners, and protections against Arti cial Intelligence.
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.”
shut down since a similar action organized several months ago was allowed to take place. “ e activists carried out an identical action ve months ago as a statement on allowable expressive activities and invited administrators to visit the installation. at installation proceeded without incident.”
e protest continued brie y with a banner drop outside Uris Hall shortly before the commencement ceremony began. Graduates passing by on their way to Schoellkopf Field encountered signs reading “We Demand a Fossil-Free Degree.” However, this action was quickly shut down as well.
“Our morning banner drop proceeded
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Should the City of Ithaca place a moratorium on the expansion of historic districts?
30.0% Yes.
43.3% No.
26.7% I don’t care.
: Should Tompkins County use commercial evictions to crack down on unlicensed cannabis sales instead of using law enforcement?
Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
RE: Ithaca Schools Cited for Underperformance
“ So let’s get them some resources to help support them. more money, training in areas they are lacking, and some teachers aids. large classrooms, underfunding, and lack of support are key reasons why schools underperform. If we want educated citizens we need to all pitch in to support the educators! Don’t just blame the system or the teachers. They are working with what they have to work with. We also need parents and community members to go to school board meetings and pay attention to how the money is being spent. Root cause analysis. What are the underlying issues other than the money, training, and aids?” — Laura Moulton Cain
“The Ithaca City School District spends approximately $30,000 per student annually, more than double
the national average of ~$14,000 per student. ICSD’s spending per student is also significantly higher than the statewide average spending per student. It’s a lot to work with and our extremely high school taxes reflect this.
So what do we have to show for it? 5 of ICSD’s 12 schools (which includes BOTH middle schools) have lost good standing with the New York State Education Department, and a 6th school is halfway to losing good standing for next year. This is unacceptable and outrageous. Just how poorly is the Ithaca City School District performing relative to the rest of NYS schools? Of the total of public schools in NYS, only 3.4% received a target support and improvement school (TSI) designation for 2023-24. There are no excuses for such an abysmal performance. This degree of failure is indicative of a lot of things, but lack of resources isn’t on the list. Things have taken an extreme turn for the worse under the watch of current ICSD leadership. If our community cares about our children and values education, we shouldn’t tolerate this for another minute. Perhaps the school board needs a reminder that their duty and responsibility is to us and our children, not to a failed administration?” — Branson Vandross
“My wife and I moved up here 20 years ago and in 2007 we started a family and settled in the ICSD because the schools were rated so high. Cayuga Heights elementary back in 2007 was rated at a 10 but has now in 2025 fallen all the way to a 4.
The schools in Ithaca used to be rated so high outside of Beverly J Martin, then Luvelle Brown was hired as the Superintendent. By the time my kids were in middle/high school the ratings for most schools had plummeted and we wasted whole weeks on the Black Lives Matter in School nonsense. Liberal nonsense like social justice, climate change... you name it our schools push it. But do they push academics?
Then our son’s elementary school principal, who was doing a great job, became one of the many diversity officers instead of staying in the job she was excelling at. Why does this tiny district have so many diversity officers all making six figures?
When companies fail, who usually gets fired? The CEO. Well the CEO of ICSD is Luvelle Brown and yet he continues to keep his job and continues to get paid north of $250K/year. WHY?” — Ragnar LodBlox
RE: Electric Prices
“We NY families have been drowning over the last year because of high electric rate hikes approved by Kathy Hochul and the PSC ... how are families supposed to keep up with other bills they have when we can barely afford to keep the lights on especially those that have breathing machines to stay a live, NYSEG has been telling their customers that a breathing machine is not a reason to stop a shut off notice but yet what they fail to realize is that they can kill many NY families loved ones by shutting off the power to homes! Something needs to be done to the nyseg and the psc, here in Ithaca NY… it’s getting unbearable and we are being scammed out of money that doesn’t even grow on trees!! Lea Webb and Josh Riley need to look into this and stop them both from killing families that have a breathing machine!!” — Tamika Monroe
RE: Bike Routes
“There’s no doubt that Ithaca’s a progressive community. Cycling routes, which reduce the number of cars on
the road when done right, are often not implemented properly.
I am in eighth grade at LACS. In my observations, bicycling safety efforts are realized in ways such that there are token adjustments like painted bicycle lanes and Bike Boulevard markings, but improvements to bicycle safety are minimal. A few years ago, the City of Ithaca redesigned Hector St to be safer for more types of users. But in reality, Hector St is still dangerous for non-drivers, with fast traffic and lacking biking and pedestrian amenities. These kinds of surface-level improvements make up much of Ithaca’s “bike network.”
Change is coming, though: the City of Ithaca’s “Move Ithaca” plan is currently being developed to fill the void of downtown bike routes designed for errands and commutes. The plan was advised by Bike Walk Tompkins and is currently being planned with an outside consultant. But with Ithaca’s disappointing Bike Safety history and Trump-era unpredictability, I’ll believe it when I see it.” — Eli Warshof
RE: Common Council Approves ADU Ordinance
“A big step forward for smart urban growth in Ithaca. Legalizing ADUs citywide creates more housing options, supports multigenerational living, and builds long-term value in our communities. Forward-thinking policy like this lays the groundwork for a more resilient and inclusive future!” — Joshua Jahani
RE: Common Council Debates Historic Preservation Impact on Housing Crisis
“Historic preservation has value, but we must balance it with forward-looking housing solutions. A moratorium risks slowing innovation and growth at a time when affordability and sustainable development should be our top priorities.
There are ways to balance both!” — Joshua Jahani
“The light is slowly beginning to dawn on them. Now the next step in recovery is realizing the 8 districts we already have also need to go for the exact same reasons. Then once reality sets in, solutions become easier.” — Jon Lucente
Following California’s Lead, New York Must Double Down on Cap and Invest
By Edwin (Todd) Cowen, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University
As the federal government continues to roll back climate protections nationwide, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently reaffirmed the state’s commitment to environmental protections by extending their cap-andtrade program. New York must do the same and fully implement the cap and invest program that will reduce pernicious pollution in our communities and will unleash long overdue investments towards a modern, clean, and reliable energy system.
As a scientist and a decades-long resident of Central New York, I have seen the impacts that pollution has had on our weather and communities. We are experiencing more frequent and severe flooding, extreme summer heat, and overall warmer winters with declining snowfalls. But I have hope because I also have watched New Yorkers clean up our waterways and invest in cleaner energy, and seen students pursue degrees and build careers to tackle our world’s toughest challenges.
Cap-and-invest is one of the most effective programs that can be implemented right now to reduce pollution and promote sustainability throughout our economy. The program sets annual limits on how much pollution can be put into the atmosphere, and companies exceeding their limit pay a proportionate fee that is invested back into the local economy, including into the very start-ups and research my students are entering. These investments not only help the polluters lower their emissions, but also spur innovation and competition to reduce pollution in the most cost-effective ways. It comes as no surprise that Cali-
UNION PROTESTS
continued from page 3
ICSD that a regular payroll bank transfer would provide payroll accessible by 5 p.m. This assurance from ICSD proved false,” the union stated. “Many employees will not be able to access their regular payroll until regular business hours on Tuesday, May 27, which has caused hardship to many ESP/I members.”
fornia’s cap-and-trade program has effectively cut emissions while growing the state’s economy. In the past 25 years, California has reduced its air pollution by 20%, equivalent to taking 80% of the state’s cars off the road, and in 2025 alone, the program funded $28 billion in investments statewide. The success of this program makes clear that states can take bold climate action and experience economic prosperity at the same time.
New York has made steady progress towards our emission reduction goals in the past few years, but fully implementing the cap-and-invest program is a critical step towards accelerating this progress to a pace that is necessary for meeting our clean energy targets and ensuring a future that prioritizes our health and safety for our youngest citizens. Cap-and-invest will reduce air pollution, deliver direct rebates back to New Yorkers to help cover the cost of their energy bills, and fund projects that mitigate flooding and provide clean energy for our communities.
The time to act is now. The federal government will continue to torch environmental protections and attempt to thwart climate action for at least the next four years. We must follow California’s lead and make the right choices that we know will result in healthier, more resilient communities and economic growth. Governor Hochul, it’s time to implement cap-and-invest.
Edwin (Todd) Cowen is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and has previously served as the Faculty Director for Energy at the Atkinson Center for Sustainability at Cornell University.
However, on Sunday, May 25, ICSD sent a note to staff saying that anyone who had not yet received payroll would have the option to obtain a physical payroll check.
The union said the delays have also triggered overdraft charges and late fees for some employees.
The district had not issued a public statement about the payroll failure as of publication.
Larry Hochberger Brings a Lifelong Passion for News to the Helm of the Ithaca Times
By Matt Dougherty
NOTE:
This is the first of a series of pieces that will introduce the public to the people who keep the Ithaca Times running after more than half a century in circulation.
ITHACA, N.Y. — On any given day you might spot Larry Hochberger jogging along the streets of Ithaca, a slow but steady runner in the city he now helps shape through journalism.
The new publisher of the Ithaca Times is many things: a seasoned newspaperman, a lawyer, a father, a dynamite salesman’s son, and now, the leader of one of the last surviving alternative weekly newspapers in New York.
Hochberger has been with the Ithaca Times since 2018 and officially stepped into the publisher role following the retirement of longtime leader Jim Bilinski. His path to the top of this newsroom was paved over a long career in local journalism, stretching from suburban Philadelphia to the heart of Washington, D.C.
“I have already been involved in the editorial, advertising, circulation and production areas of the paper,” Hochberger said. “We will continue to do all these things but now, with the participation of Roy Allen who created the non-profit structure under which we now exist, to solicit community participation and support as well as seeking donations, grants, partnerships and collaborations to help us grow.”
Before landing in Ithaca, Hochberger built a deep resume in publishing. He ran the Springfield Times in suburban Virginia, started a company called Type Inc. that printed 100 school newspapers around Washington and served in key roles at several Philadelphia-area papers, including the Delaware County Daily Times and the Chestnut Hill Local.
But his love for journalism began much earlier — as a teenage sportswriter for a local weekly near his childhood home outside Philadelphia.
“I started writing sports as a high school student for a local weekly newspaper in
suburban Philadelphia,” he said. “Then I went to Northwestern as a history major, but started writing for the student newspaper and ended up covering a Presidential campaign including going to a national political convention and ended up as editor of the student daily newspaper.”
At Northwestern University, he served as the editor-in-chief of the Daily Northwestern and contributed to the Chicago Sun-Times, New York Times, Us Magazine, and Detroit Free Press.
He later earned a law degree from the University of Miami and was admitted to the Florida Bar. He worked as an assistant to the house counsel at the Miami Herald while still writing and photographing stories for the paper and contributing to the National Law Journal.
Despite a brief detour into the legal side of media, Hochberger’s commitment to journalism never waned.
Now, in Ithaca, that commitment continues. Under the paper’s new nonprofit structure, established by Roy Allen, Hochberger sees new opportunities to expand the Ithaca Times’ role in the community.
“Part of Jim Blinski’s ability to make the Ithaca Times one of the last surviving alternative weekly newspapers was his ability to do more with less,” he added, “We now have the opportunity to do more with more.”
That means growing partnerships with local government, nonprofits, and educational institutions. Hochberger envisions the Times as a platform for collaboration, one that trains young journalists, supports local businesses, and channels the city’s brainpower toward positive change.
Larry Hochberger, new publisher at the Ithaca Times. (Photo: Matt Dougherty)
Downtown Comes Alive as Ithaca Festival Takes the Stage
By Matt Dougherty
As summer approaches at what seems like the speed of light, the City of Ithaca is gearing up for one of its most cherished traditions, the 2025 Ithaca Festival.
This annual event, set to take place from May 29 to June 2, promises to be a vibrant celebration of art, music, comedy, and community spirit. With the theme “Enchanted Ithaca!” and artwork by the talented Bethany Parisi, the festival invites everyone to come together and bask in the joy of creativity and togetherness.
Since its inception in 1977, the Ithaca Festival has been a cornerstone of the local community, bringing with it a spirit of inclusivity and celebration of local orga-
The Ithaca Festival parade route starts at Tompkins Street and makes its way down Cayuga Street until it ends with a final stretch down Buffalo Street. This map shows street closings and the route Parade, which starts at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Lineup for parade participant takes place on Lewis and Jay streets.
(Photo: Ithaca Festival)
(Photo:
nizations and traditions. The festival is a free event accessible to all and is funded in part by the sale of buttons and other merchandise.
Every year the festival adopts a theme that encapsulates its spirit and vision for the event, and this year’s theme, “Enchanted Ithaca!” is a call to embrace the magic and natural beauty of the City of Gorges. The featured artwork by Parisi that follows this theme will be prominently displayed throughout the festival, setting the tone for the event.
The festivities start with the highly anticipated parade on Thursday, May 29. The parade is one of Ithaca’s most significant arts events, with over 2,000 participants showcasing their talents and creativity as they make their way through downtown. From floats and marching bands to dancers and even some pyrotechnics, the parade is a testament to Ithaca’s diverse and creative community spirit.
The parade aims to provide entertainment and enhance community awareness of various causes, activities, and quirks that define Ithaca. It will begin at Tompkins Street and make its way down Cayuga Street and end on Buffalo Street near DeWitt Park. While there aren’t many rules for the parade to follow, organizers say that political endorsements and negative content are strictly prohibited.
THE SPRING CRAFT FAIR
One of the highlights of the Ithaca Festival is the Spring Craft Fair, running from May 30 to June first. This event features a diverse mix of more than 150 local and regional vendors showcasing their unique creations. From jewelry and pottery to metalwork and toys — and even some Ithaca Festival branded merchandise — the craft fair offers a treasure trove
of handmade items that reflect the skill and creativity of the artisans.
The Craft Fair will be open on Friday, May 30, from 12 PM – 6 PM, Saturday, May 31, from 10 AM – 6 PM, and Sunday, June first, from 10 AM – 5 PM. In addition to crafts, the fair includes small-batch foods and beverages such as syrup, honey, wine, and more. It’s an excellent opportunity for festival-goers to find unique gifts and support local artisans.
LIVE PERFORMANCES
The 2025 Ithaca Festival will bring four days of live music, dance, puppetry, and community performances to downtown Ithaca from Thursday, May 29, through Sunday, June 1, with entertainment scheduled across three main venues: the Bernie Milton Pavilion, Dewitt Park, and the Cayuga Street Circle.
Giant puppet costumes from Lillypad Puppet Theatre, including a sloth and a rooster, added a playful and creative touch to last years Ithaca Festival parade. Expect to see them again this year.
Mark Syvertson)
Performances begin Thursday, May 29, immediately after the festival’s signature parade. From 7:30 to 9 p.m., local rock band Maddy Walsh and the Blind Spots will perform on the Bernie Milton Pavilion stage on the Ithaca Commons.
Live music continues Friday, May 30, at the Pavilion, starting with Rock Voices Ithaca at 1:45 p.m., followed by a TBA act at 3:15, Metasequoia at 4:45, Hollings at 6:30, and headliners Gunpoets from 8 to 9:15 p.m.
On Saturday, May 31, Bernie Milton Pavilion performances include Doolin
O’Dey at noon, Bob Roberts Calamity at 1:45 p.m., 86ers at 3:15, Scratched Vinyl at 4:45, Fall Creek Brass Band at 6:30, and a TBA closing act at 8 p.m.
Sunday’s lineup at the Pavilion includes Violinists and Violists of Ithaca at noon, Six Mile Craic at 1:15 p.m., Treehouse Artists at 2:15, Small Kings at 3:45, Front and Main at 5 p.m., and Sing Trece from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
At Dewitt Park, performances begin Friday, May 30, with Lily Silly Puppets at 3 p.m., Taksim at 4:15, and Maduska at 5:45. Saturday’s lineup features school and
community ensembles starting at 11 a.m. with the CSMA 5th and 6th Grade Band, followed by Opus Ithaca Chamber and Jazz Ensembles at noon, Hula Hut at 1:30 p.m., Danza Romani at 2:45, Mark Rust at 4:15, and both the Ithaca Concert Band and Ithaca Community Orchestra from 5:30 to 6:30.
On Sunday, June 1, Dewitt Park will host Mr. Bobcat at 12:15 p.m., Zajal the Sugarplum Fairy and Friends at 1:45, One Heart Community Drumming at 3:15, and Ithaca Community Sing at 4:45.
The Cayuga Street Circle will offer per-
formances on Saturday, May 31, including Finger Lakes Magic Club at noon, Hilby the German Juggling Boy at 1:15 p.m., Ithaca Ballet at 3:30, and Alicia Free Belly Dance at 4:45. On Sunday, June 1, the Circle will feature Mirage Belly Dancers of Ithaca at 11:30 a.m., June with Chandani Belly Dance Troupe at 12:45 p.m., and 6 Annie Ol’ Time at 1:45.
All performances are free and open to the public. The festival celebrates Ithaca’s creative spirit and community involvement. A full schedule is available on the Ithaca Festival’s official website.
Staff and supporters from Tompkins County Public Library bring big smiles and library love to the parade with festive shirts and fun props. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
Students, teachers, and families from Namaste Montessori march together, showing off school spirit with colorful shirts and happy faces. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
The Fall Creek Brass Band in the 2024 Ithaca Festival parade with high-energy horns and a crowd-pleasing groove as they march through downtown. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
Community members show their support for Planned Parenthood as they walk in the parade, holding a bold pink banner and handmade signs. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
We Got ’Em
Cornell Men’s NCAA Championship is a Win for the Ages
By Steve Lawrence
We got ’em this time... Monday’s NCAA Men’s lacrosse championship game was an intense a air from the opening face-o , with the teams trading goals until Cornell nally took a two-goal lead. Going into hal ime, it was 6-5, Cornell. en, the game’s best player took over on the game’s biggest stage, and CJ Kirst’s six goals sealed the historic 13–10 win for Cornell. Ryan Goldstein — stepped up too, and with his father Tim that household now boasts a national title. Yes... we got ‘em this time. anks to this exceptional group of seniors for giving so much to the program: Michael Long, Antonio Topouzis, Michael Bozzi, Kyle Smith, Christopher Davis, CJ Kirst, Ryan Sheehan, Wyatt Knust,
Rory Graham, Jayson Singer, Alex Holmes, Danny Caddigan, Andrew Dalton, Duke Reeder and Walker Wallace. Watching the team take the eld to play for the national championship was — as always — an entirely thrilling experience. I was in my teens and twenties when they won their three titles in the 1970s, but I had no connection to the program, and while I was pleased to see them win, I was anything but an insider.
When Cornell played for the trophy in the 1980s, I was working at Cornell Athletics, and I was friends with the coaches, and some of the players. My heart hurt for guys like Tim Goldstein, as the team dropped two consecutive title games. Same story when they faced Syracuse and lost in ’09, but when the Big Red faced o against Maryland in 2022, I sat in the living room with the Moran family, a month a er the passing of Richie Moran, who built the program — hell, built the sport — and we said “We’ll get ’em next time.” e “next time” happened on Monday, and watching the seniors play in their last game made me realize that I hold that group in the highest regard for a very personal reason. I spent a great deal of time with Coach Moran in the last years of his life, helping him co-author, publish and
distribute his autobiography, and I had the honor of accompanying him to the stadium on September 11, 2021. Every September 11 — starting a year a er the terrorist attacks that claimed the life of Eamon McEneaney — Richie met with the lacrosse team to talk about Eamon’s life and legacy. He talked about the competitive re that the “Wild Irish Rose” brought to every minute of every game, and about his contribution to the legendary dynasty that won 42 games in a row and two national titles. He talked about the brotherhood of Cornell lacrosse, one that spans across ve decades. at annual appearance meant a lot to Richie, and to the coaches and players.
On September 11, 2021, Richie’s health was failing rapidly, and when the team gathered around, with the plaque honoring Eamon in the background, the beloved coach gave what everyone knew would be his last speech to the team. is year’s senior class was a collection of freshmen then, and the team had just nished a workout. ey were sweaty, hungry, worn out from a tough workout, but they sat there attentively, leaning in to hear what Richie was trying to say. His voice was faint and faltering, but this group of 18 year-old freshmen — who likely never knew just how much this tradition meant to Richie — grasped the power of the moment.
Guthrie Cardiac and Vascular Care
Richie was never one to cut a speech short, and those young men gave him the time and attention and respect he deserved.
A few months later, Richie’s plaque was hung next to Eamon’s.
Yes, the Cornell Lacrosse family will never forget this magical season, that saw CJ Kirst become the NCAA’s all-time leading goal scorer, win every award imaginable (the Tewaarton Award is forthcoming), be the rst pick in the dra , and win the tournament MVP. ey will never forget the great 14-game win streak and the run to the national title game.
I will remember all of those things too, but every time I go to put my hand on Richie’s plaque, I’ll remember watching those young men sitting at the feet of the master, understanding on some level what it meant.
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The Cornell men’s lacrosse team celebrates its 2025 NCAA title after a 13-10 victory. (Photo: Cornell Athletics)
New Folk-Inspired Musical ‘Extended Stay’ Premieres at Kitchen Theatre in Ithaca
By Staff Report
ITHACA, N.Y. — A new musical will make its fully staged debut at Kitchen eatre Company this June, running for eight performances from June 5 to 15. Presented by Walking on Water Productions, ‘Extended Stay’ tells a story of healing, connection and personal transformation set in a rural Indiana hotel.
Written by Jenny Stafford and Scotty Arnold, Extended Stay was an audience favorite at WoW’s 2022 festival of new musicals. The production centers on Emma, a woman navigating sobriety while working at an extended-stay hotel. Her quiet life is upended by an unlikely bond with Owen, a withdrawn guest, and the arrival of his childhood friend Ethan.
“Extended Stay is a chamber folk musical, its storytelling has more in common with alternative radio than classic musical theater,” said Arnold. “I can’t wait for people to experience it with this great cast and band in such an intimate, immediate setting.”
e piece features a heartfelt singer-songwriter score and explores the fragile relationships that can both wound and mend. “ is is a piece that means a lot to us as writers,” said Sta ord, who also wrote the book and co-lyrics. “It’s been exciting to see artists and audience members engage with the show, and be moved and challenged in the ways we were hoping for as we created it.”
Emily Jackson, producing artistic director at Kitchen eatre Company, directs the production. “Directing the rst production of Extended Stay has been an invigorating challenge,” said Jackson. “ ere’s real freedom in building something new with a team of bold, thoughtful storytellers who are all exploring what it means to move forward when you feel stuck.”
WoW’s producing artistic director Priscilla Hummel emphasized the collaborative energy
Extended Stay
Location: Kitchen Theatre Company, 417 W. State St., Ithaca, NY
Showtimes:
• Thursday, June 5 at 7:00 PM
• Friday, June 6 at 7:00 PM
• Saturday, June 7 at 7:00 PM
• Sunday, June 8 at 2:00 PM
behind the premiere. “We are thrilled to have Sta ord and Arnold in residence with us here in Ithaca as we continue the development of this timely and moving piece,” Hummel said, noting the momentum built through two previous workshop weekends in December and March.
• Thursday, June 12 at 7:00 PM
• Friday, June 13 at 7:00 PM
• Saturday, June 14 at 7:00 PM
• Sunday, June 15 at 2:00 PM
e cast includes Elena Salzberg as Emma, eo Pearson as Owen, and Alex Ross as Ethan, with Susannah Berryman playing Mrs. McGorty. Understudies include Bella Woody and Grant Halliburton. e folk-inspired band features piano, guitar, ddle, mandolin, bass, cello and percussion.
Performances will be held at Kitchen eatre Company, 417 W. State St., Ithaca, on June
5–7 and June 12–14 at 7 p.m., and June 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 ($15 for students) and can be purchased at kitchentheatre.org or by calling (607) 272-0570. Name-your-price tickets will be available at the door. e production is supported by the New York State Council on the Arts, Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County, and local sponsors. It is part of Kitchen eatre’s Kitchen Sink Series, designed to showcase local talent and original works.
Sta ord said she hopes the show resonates deeply with audiences: “Whether that’s an enjoyable escape from life for a little while, or feeling a little more emboldened to take a step towards who they want to be.”
Arts & Entertainment
“Extended Stay,” a new chamber folk musical about connection, healing, and second chances at a rural Indiana hotel, runs June 5–15 at Kitchen Theatre Company in Ithaca. (Photo: Provided)
Donna Scott to Give Talk at Salt Point
By David Durrett
On Saturday, June 7, Donna Scott will give a presentation at Salt Point Natural Area in Lansing as part of the Salt Point Speaker Series.
e event will run from 10 to 11 a.m. on June 7, with a rain date of Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m., and participants will meet at the kiosk at the north end of Salt Point. Registering in advance is not required, and those interested in attending are encouraged to dress comfortably for walking, and bring water and binoculars. For more information on the event, visit www.saltpointlansing.org
According to Robert Rieger, president of the board of directors of Friends of Salt Point, the series has been going for eight years, as a way of sharing the story of Salt Pointthe natural area, the historical area and
the industrial past. He said he was involved with the Friends of Salt Point since he rst moved to Lansing, when he saw its potential.
“We’re all fascinated by it, think it’s a really beautiful place and with a deep history, so we’re happy to share it,” Rieger said.
Scott has been giving talks since 2012 or 2013, when Salt Point was converted from a “wasteland” to a cordoned-o natural area. She helped with the planning, barriers to cars, the non-motorized boat launch area and developing the information kiosk.
Rieger said there were other talks with information on Salt Point, from natural, historical and industrial perspectives. Unlike this talk, many of the others place at the Lansing Town Hall, rather than Salt Point itself. Scott said that having talks at Salt Point will help those who attend “see what (the presenters are) talking about” while there.
“We wanted to showcase, or in a way, advertise, all the good things about Salt Point,” she said, “and a way to get people interested in it is to have the speaker series, so people can learn more about the whole area, because it’s rich in history.”
According to Rieger, Salt Point is an area that many birders frequent. He added that the “star of Salt Point” is the osprey platform, which has a live camera at the nest. Footage from the camera can be viewed at https:// www.youtube.com/@OspreysofSaltPoint
Rieger said wildlife found at Salt Point include frogs, snakes, beavers, deer, woodchucks and rabbits. He added that the Friends of Salt Point is working to reintroduce native plants to Salt Point.
According to Rieger, Salt Point got its name because in the past, there was a facility to mine table salt, as opposed to the road salt Cargill mines from under Cayuga Lake, in the area. He said that Syrian immigrants came to the community with their families to nd work, giving the area a “unique industrial past” and some of the relatives of
those workers live in the community today. He said Salt Point was more than a natural area, but a place with interesting history.
“It’s not a park, it’s not just a natural area, but it’s a also resource here in our community that represents the industrial past and cultural past,” Rieger said.
While Scott usually arranges for the speakers to come to the Salt Point Speaker series, she sometimes takes part in the event herself. She said that while she talks about the same topics each time for the Walk, Talk and Learn Talks- the salt deposits under Lansing- her talk can be easily repeated every few years, since it is informal and the di erent people show up every time with di erent questions. Apart from this, she does not usually repeat topics and tends to have di erent speakers this time, including one person who brought his portable sauna.
“I think it’s a great event for people who want to learn more about the story of this very unique natural resource we have in Lansing,” Rieger said.
SPRING CONCERT
Saturday, June 7 at 3:00 pm Ford Hall, Ithaca College
Sponsors
Donna Scott Presents Walk & Talk at Salt Point.
Donna Scott will give a talk on the history of Salt Point on Saturday, June 7, from 10 to 11 a.m. (Photo: Provided)
Performing works by Debussy, Holst, Fauré and Kevin Day. Featuring Concerto Competition Winner Sage Golden.
New Roots Students Unveil New Downtown Mural
By Staff Report
ITHACA, N.Y. — A blank wall in downtown Ithaca has been brought to life by a new mural thanks to a group of students from New Roots Charter School.
The mural is located at 102 The Commons, just steps from the Ithaca Times office. It was painted by 12 students during New Roots’ Spring 2025 Intensives Week, which is set aside for immersive, hands-on learning.
Over several weeks, students worked collaboratively to design the mural, drawing inspiration from their environmental studies, local projects like the Cayuga Wetlands Restoration, and their own concerns about climate change and social challenges. The final piece features wind turbines, solar panels, farming, lake cleanup and other symbols of sustainability.
“The mural is our vision of how we can imagine and create the future,” said Sadie, a senior at New Roots. “We wanted to illustrate our concerns about the state of the world and show that if we work together and support each other, we can create a more positive future, like our school has done with the Cayuga Wetlands Restoration Project.”
Sadie continued, “Younger generations, represented by the deer in the mural, are fragile and vulnerable, but ultimately there is hope if we work together towards the future we want.” She added, “We hope the colors of the mural will draw people in,
that they will see themselves in the variety of characters painted in the mural, and feel hope and inspiration to action too.”
The mural was brought to life under the artistic direction of local muralist and New Roots artist-in-residence Terrance Vann, who helped students blend their individual sketches into a cohesive visual story. Vann worked alongside New Roots staff member Patrick Lynch to coordinate the project, with key support from Ithaca Murals and longtime community arts organizer Caleb Thomas.
Funding for the mural came from the Park Foundation as part of a broader investment in the school’s EarthForce initiative, which received $160,000 through the Tompkins County Community Recovery Fund.
EarthForce is designed to prepare students across all career interests to think environmentally and act entrepreneurially. The program focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to help build new systems for energy, water, food, transportation, waste and business—systems that respond to the realities of climate change and shifting energy needs.
A cornerstone of the program is the Roots of Success environmental literacy course, taken by all New Roots sophomores or juniors in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Energy Warriors Program.
Students who complete the course earn six college credits through Tompkins
Cortland Community College and receive Environmental Literacy Certification from the U.S. Department of Labor.
As the mural took shape over the course of a week, it attracted attention and curiosity from the public.
Community members stopped to watch, ask questions, and cheer the students on, turning the painting process into an open-air dialogue about the future, creativity and collective action.
New Roots Charter School students paint a new mural at 102 The Commons during Spring 2025 Intensives Week, illustrating their vision for a sustainable and hopeful future through images of renewable energy, environmental restoration, and community resilience. (Photo: Matt Dougherty)
SCHOOL BUDGET
continued from page 3
Karen Yearwood — 2,931
Yearwood, an incumbent candidate who has served on the board for one term, ran for re-election with hopes to help ensure that all students are prepared for success when they graduate.
CORNELL CRACKS DOWN
as planned, but was stopped by university police not more than 10 or 20 minutes in,” Ojalehto Mays said. “Protesters were told by University Police that they were not allowed to hold a banner or hand out information.”
Mays continued saying that the protest was shut down despite their actions being allowable under Cornell’s Expressive Activity Policy, which allowed activists to stage an identical banner drop at last year's commencement ceremony without incident.
Cornell Senior, Fenya Bartram, who participated in the protest of her own commencement, said, “We were very disappointed by the response of the Cornell
Erin Croyle — 2,708
Croyle was re-elected to serve her third term on the board. She ran with a focus on finding sustainable ways to fund school district operations and discovering ways to better balance and reshape how public schools are funded in Ithaca.
“I am honored to be re-elected for a third term,” Croyla wrote in a statement to the Ithaca Times. “Election cycles are both in-
police. They argued that this day should be about the graduates. Yet, it is the graduates' futures that we are fighting for.”
In response, demonstrators relocated to the Collegetown Bagels plaza on College Avenue, where they continued engaging with the public until noon. A second banner drop scheduled outside Schoellkopf Field in the afternoon was canceled.
The protest is part of an ongoing campaign calling for Cornell to fully dissociate from fossil fuel influence in research, recruitment, and fundraising. The statement announcing the protest said, “This action builds pressure for a resolution calling for full university-wide dissociation from fossil-fuel funding in donations, research, and retirement funds.”
According to Bartram, “I have learned
credibly difficult and illuminating. I’m excited to continue serving our students, educators, and community. What I’ve learned during this campaign, listening to so many people, will inform my work as we move forward.”
Madeline Cardona — 2,356
In her campaign, Cardona ran with a focus on mending the gap between the district and the families that the district serves. She ran to
in my classes about how fossil fuel companies intentionally spread misinformation about climate change in order to protect their profits, and yet Cornell continues to legitimize these industries in many ways, allowing them to fund research and recruit on campus.”
A 2024 report by Fossil Free Cornell documented that 178 Cornell-affiliated research papers over the last 15 years were funded by fossil fuel companies or climate denial organizations. The university also continues to host recruitment events for companies like ExxonMobil, Lockheed Martin and Amazon, and has accepted nearly $250 million in donations from fossil-fuel-linked entities over the past decade — representing about 9% of all Cornell gifts in that period.
“Cornell’s punitive repression of
represent the voices of working families on the board and to make working families and teachers feel more heard, seen and acknowledged.
Jill K. Tripp — 2,237
Scott Jahnke — 2,018
David McMurry — 1,959
The results of the election and budget vote were unanimously approved by the board of education during a special voting meeting on Wednesday, May 21.
expressive activity only demonstrates how important it is to share widely the message of Cornell’s complicity in fossil fuels,” Ojalehto Mays said. “It’s absurd that Cornell hired me as a professor to study how we can improve our relationship with the environment, and then kicked me off campus for communicating that message on a piece of cloth instead of a peer-reviewed article. So much for public science communication.”
As a result of her participation in the protests and being issued PNG status, Bartram was not allowed to walk at her graduation ceremony. Still, she remains undeterred, “We should remember that much of what Cornell is doing would not have occurred without the efforts of past activists and advocates. I walk proudly in their footsteps.”
Volunteer Coordinator – Nonprofit Newspaper
We are seeking a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator to support our nonprofit newspaper team. This role involves recruiting, training, and managing volunteers to support our mission of delivering impactful, community-focused journalism. Responsibilities include scheduling volunteer shifts, organizing training sessions, maintaining volunteer records, and fostering a positive, inclusive environment. The ideal candidate is highly organized, communicative, and passionate about community engagement. Prior experience in volunteer management or nonprofit work is a plus. Flexible hours, approximately 10-15 hours per week. Retirees are welcome as are stay-at-home parents. Join us in amplifying local voices!
To apply, please log on to our website at: www.pathwaystoequity.com. Fill out the short form including why you are interested in this opportunity and we will contact you to schedule an interview. Thank you: Program Director - Pathways to Equity, Inc.
UNARMED RESPONDER PLAN
continued from page 4
Mayor Robert Cantelmo responded to Brown’s concerns, saying that the Council has already committed to creating an unarmed responder program and that the key decision now is whether to pilot a smaller model or fully implement a dedicated unit from the start. He added that enhancing existing programs should also be a priority but should be done separately.
UNLICENSED
“Section 715-a of the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law allows us to notify landlords of illegal cannabis activity on their premises and ask them to evict those tenants,” Josephson said. “If they fail to do so, or if they do not diligently prosecute those actions, the county has the right to step into the shoes of the landlord and pursue that eviction proceeding.”
Josephson continued saying, “Rather than going in with a SWAT team, seizing products, and then having the store reopen days later, we’re trying to disincentivize the entire business model,” Josephson said. “ is method carries nancial penalties for landlords and over-tenants, and it gives us a more sustainable remedy.” He added that the strategy is more coste ective than coordinating with local law enforcement, suggesting it would allow local governments to act quickly without needing the extra resources required to store seized cannabis.
e approach drew both support and skepticism from legislators. Legislator Greg Mezey expressed concern that the method doesn’t directly remove illegal
“I don’t see the enhancement of existing programs as mutually exclusive with either option two or three,” Cantelmo said. “If we’re going to enhance programs like LEAD and the CARE Team, those are things that should just be discussed on their own merits.”
Recckio said that community engagement and data analysis will inform the program’s next steps. He added that a new “action team” will be convened in partnership with the Community Justice Center (CJC) to bring community members, health professionals, social work-
cannabis products from circulation, comparing it to “writing speeding tickets to the car manufacturer.”
“ is doesn’t actually take the illegal product o the street,” Mezey said. “If we don’t have a facility to store con scated cannabis, maybe we need to build one. Otherwise, we’re just pushing the problem into another neighborhood.”
Mezey also questioned the fairness of expecting landlords to enforce laws typically handled by police.
“If we’re going to do this to commercial landlords, what’s to stop us from pressuring landlords to evict individual tenants in residential buildings who engage in illegal activity?” he said.
Legislator Shawna Black supported enforcement but expressed reservations about the proposed method’s e ectiveness in protecting children and ensuring public safety.
“I’ve heard about a local child mistaking cannabis edibles for candy,” Black said. “Some of these products are marketed toward kids and come in packages that look like Oreos or Cheetos. at’s not OK. We need to act.”
Black emphasized her longstanding support for cannabis legalization but stressed the importance of regulation.
“It’s not fair to those who followed the law
ers, and law enforcement representatives together to determine the best way to proceed with establishing an unarmed responder unit.
“Some people believe there are already programs in our community serving these goals,” Recckio said. “ is process will help us gure out where the gaps are, what are we missing, and how can we build a program that actually lls those holes and supports everyone?”
Currently, the city has $777,000 set aside to create an unarmed responder program. e funds consist of a combination
and paid $15,000 for a license to be undercut by unlicensed operators selling untested, out-of-state products,” she said. “I just want to make sure whatever enforcement we choose actually solves the problem.”
Legislator Rich John, chair of the Public Safety Committee, defended the proposed approach as a practical starting point.
“ is is a good rst step,” John said. “We want to be collaborative with the City of Ithaca, where most of these shops are located. It’s not perfect, but it allows us to do something now while preserving the option to escalate enforcement later if needed.”
John acknowledged that the state’s rollout of legalized cannabis has been awed,
of unspent funds from previous budgets and earmarked allocations from the Reimagining Public Safety process.
Recckio said that he believes this is a substantial down payment for any of the models under consideration. “We do have funding that is available,” he told the Council. “And we’re going to be very intentional about how we use it.”
Recckio said the action team will begin meeting sometime in June. e council is expected to receive a nal recommendation later in the year, hoping it will arrive in time for the 2026 budget process.
particularly in providing localities with adequate enforcement tools.
“ ere’s been a real vacuum in enforcement,” he said. “ is lls that gap without requiring us to write a new law or maintain a cannabis evidence room.”
e Public Safety Committee has already signed o on the concept, and the issue will return to the committee for further discussion.
Josephson said the rst phase will involve identifying how many unlicensed dispensaries are operating in the area and determining who owns those properties. A er that, the county will begin issuing eviction notices to landlords.
“We will increasingly be involved in mentoring and educating students and young people in all aspects of our business to grow the next generation of news reporters, editors, representatives and managers,” Hochberger said. “We will look to work with and help businesses, especially those just starting and those transitioning to a new generation of ownership, to serve the community and succeed.”
As Hochberger works to bring the Ithaca Times into a new era of business, he also brings a sense of humor
and humility to the job. He is a self proclaimed proud Philadelphia sports fan, he says that he once opened for comedian Henny Youngman at a party and took time o earlier in life to be a stay-at-home dad. He also said that his father ran a business selling and detonating dynamite.
Outside of the o ce, Hochberger serves on the board of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, helping to guide the area’s economic and cultural development. As publisher, he’s focused on ensuring that the Ithaca Times isn’t just reporting on the community but also playing an active role in shaping its future.
LARRY HOCHBERGER
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Music
Bars/Bands/Clubs
5/28 Wednesday
Jazz Night at Deep Dive: Fire y Trio | 6:30 p.m. | Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd. | Free
5/29 Thursday
Papa Muse duo | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.
Date Night: Bossa Nova Jazz
(8 p.m.) | 8 p.m. | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.
5/30 Friday
Friday Sunset Music Series — ft. Doug and Eamonn Hubert | 6:30 p.m. | Wagner Vineyards, 9322 State Route 414
Wingnut | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.
Live Music — Lil’ Anne & the Hot Cayenne Zydeco | 6 p.m. | Hopshire Farm & Brewery, 1771 Dryden Rd.
Casual Splash with Teen Cat x The Rungs x Don’t Don’t x Titus x Sav | 7 p.m. | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St. | $5.00 - $10.00
5/31 Saturday
Hangtime Concert Series featuring Cruise Control | 6 p.m. | Treleaven Wines, 658 Lake Road
Live Music — Smoking Loons | 6 p.m. | Hopshire Farm & Brewery, 1771 Dryden Rd.
DANCE PARTY WITH APARECE | 7 p.m. | Orozco Gallery, 115 S Cayuga St. | $10.00 - $20.00
Village Swing feat. Catherine Gale | 7:30 p.m. | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.
Get Zep! | 8 p.m. | Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd.
6/1 Sunday
SUNDAY BLUES SERIES: The Nate
Gross Band | 3 p.m. | ONCO Fermentations, 397 NY RT 281, Tully GoGone|6:00PM| Osmote Winery, Marcia Lane, Burdett
Jazz Jam | 6 p.m. | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.
6/2 Monday
Mondays with MAQ | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.
6/3 Tuesday
Dead Gowns W/ Sarah Noell Band | 6 p.m. | Stone Bend Farm, 196 Porter Hill Rd.
6/4 Wednesday
Fireside Sessions | 7 p.m. | New Park Event Venue & Suites, 1500 Taughannock Blvd. | $25.00 - $30.00
Concerts/Recitals
5/29 Thursday
Ozzmosis | 8 p.m. | Tioga Downs, 2384 West River Rd
5/30 Friday
Chapel of Dog Fest Vol2 — Three days of Punk Folk at Rose Hall | 4:30 p.m. | Rose Hall, 19 Church Street Billy Currington with Special Guests Parmalee and Cole Goodwin | 6 p.m. | Beak & Ski Apple Orchards, 2708 Lords Hill Road
The John & Bob Dean Duo | 7 p.m. | Auburn Public Theater, 8 Exchange St.
5/31 Saturday
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong /The Infamous Stringdusters | Melt at Wonderland Forest | 1 p.m. | Wonderland Forest, 4812 S Cook Rd.
6/1 Sunday
Ithaca Concert Band at IthacaFest | 11 a.m. | Dewitt Park, 102 Court St. | Free
CONCERT: Varietopia with Paul F. Tompkins | 8 p.m. | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St. | VARIETOPIA is a modern variety show, showcasing the best in contemporary comedy, music, and other forms of live entertainment, hosted by acclaimed comedian Paul F. Tompkins.
Stage
Jesus Christ Superstar | 7:30 p.m., 5/28 Wednesday | Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, 17 William St, 2nd Floor | Runs May 28th – June 17th. Tickets can be purchased at TheREVTheatre. com or by calling The REV’s box o ce at 315-255-1785.
Billy Currington with Special Guests Parmalee and Cole Goodwin | 6 p.m., 5/30 Friday | Beak & Ski Apple Orchards, 2708 Lords Hill Road | Billy Currington with special guests Parmalee and Cole Goodwin will be playing at Beak & Ski on Friday, May 30, 2025!
123 Andrés | 2 p.m., 5/31 Saturday | Clemens Center, 207 Clemens Center Parkway | The Clemens Center and John G. Ullman & Associates Foundation, Inc.
Waiting for Gu man | 3 p.m., 5/31
Saturday | Auburn Public Theater, 8 Exchange St. | An aspiring director and the marginally talented Missouri musical production go crazy when they learn that someone from Broadway is coming.
“Enchantment Under the Sea” Adult (Senior) Prom | 7 p.m., 5/31 Saturday | Owego Elks Lodge #1039, 223 Front Street | Break out your dancing shoes, put on your fancy clothes and spend the night dancing the night away at an unforgettable evening of enchantment. | $25.00 - $55.00
Participatory Contra, Square, and Circle Dancing | 7 p.m., 6/3 Tuesday | Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | Stand Up Comedy Open Mic | 7 p.m. | 6/3 Tuesday | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St. | First and third Tuesdays of the month! Kenneth McLauren hosts Open Mic Stand Up Comedy Night at The Downstairs. 7 p.m. Support the downstairs! Become a member or donate to the Programming Fund!
“Hello, Dolly!” at Cortland Repertory Theatre | 7:30 p.m., 6/4 Wednesday | Cortland Repertory Theatre, Dwyer Memorial Park, Little York Lake Rd | HELLO, DOLLY! opens Cortland Rep’s 2025 Summer Season!
Art
ARTIST TALKS & WORKSHOP NIGHT | 6 p.m., 5/28 Wednesday | Orozco Gallery, 115 S Cayuga St. | Join us for a powerful and poetic evening led by Colombian artists Dorelly Johanna Villareal Martinez, Lua Arroyo, and local poet Yessica Martinez. This collaborative workshop invites partici-
pants to activate memory through color, using poetry as a guide for re ection and creativity. | FreeJourneys | 12 p.m., 5/29 Thursday | State of the Art Gallery, 120 West State Street | Through their art, Hsiao-Pei Yang and Annemiek Haralson will give a glimpse into some of the journeys they have made. | Free
36th Annual Juried Photo Show | 12 p.m., 5/29 Thursday | State of the Art Gallery, 120 West State Street | 36th Annual Juried Photo Show | Free
ARTIST WORKSHOP NIGHT | 7 p.m., 5/29 Thursday | Orozco Gallery, 115 S Cayuga St. | Free
CLOSING RECEPTION OF “WE ARE LA VOZ | 5 p.m., 5/30 Friday | Orozco Gallery, 115 S Cayuga St. | Join us for the closing reception of We Are La Voz: Resilience Through Art, a month-long exhibition showcasing the powerful intersection of textile art and social justice.
The Gallery at South Hill exhibit Ben Frank Moss: Drawings and Collages | 12 p.m., 5/31 Saturday |
The Gallery At South Hill, 950 Danby Rd. South Hill Business Campus South Hill Business Campus | The Gallery at South Hill, Ben Frank Moss: Drawings and Colleges exhibit. Ben Frank Moss 1936-2019, Born in Philadelphia in 1936, and raised in Devon, Pennsylvania and Huntington, New York. Featuring Ben’s Drawings and Collages on view. | Free
Film
Occupation 101 — Voices of the Silenced Majority | 5 p.m., 5/28 Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Join us for a viewing and discussion of Occupation 101. Filmmakers Abdallah and Sufyan Omeish examine the current and historical root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian con ict, and U.S. political involvement. Sponsored by the Ithaca Committee for Justice in Palestine. | Free
Neither Wolf nor Dog — Free Admission | 2:30 p.m., 6/1 Sunday | Cinemapolis, 120 E. Green Street | The Gayogohó:no Learning Project invites the community to a free screening of
Dog” | Free
Special Events
E-Bike First Time Buyer Class | 6 p.m., 5/28 Wednesday | Bike Walk Tompkins, 803 Cascadilla St. Suite 102 | Bike Walk Tompkins is hosting an hour informative Q&A for rst time e-bike buyers. We will cover everything you need to know—types of e-bikes, motors, batteries, how to choose the right one for your needs and budget, test ride tips, local shop brands, basic maintenance, and battery care. | $0.00 - $20.00
Ithaca Festival Parade| 6 p.m., 5/29 Thursday | Cayuga St., IThaca | Town of Erin Wood Festival | 4 p.m., 5/30 Friday | Erin Fire Department, 1462 Breesport Road | 3 Day Event; Chicken BBQMay 30, 4 p.m., May 31, noon, Live Bands, Lumberjacks and Jill May 31 Chainsaw Art Acution June 1, 2 p.m., Car Show | Free Elmira In nite Canvas — Mural Fest 2025” Hosted by Community Arts of Elmira | 12 p.m., 5/31 Saturday | Community Arts of Elmira, 413 Lake Street | Save-the-Date for “Elmira In nite Canvas — Mural Fest 2025” Hosted by Community Arts of Elmira outdoors in Elmira, New York! Saturday, May 31, 2025, 12 p.m.4 p.m.!
The Cortland County Dairy Parade | 6:30 p.m., 6/3 Tuesday | Cortland County Fairgrounds, 4301 Fairgrounds Dr | Get a moooove on! The Cortland County Dairy Parade — Central New York’s premier dairy celebration — returns on June 3, 2025, starting at 6:30 p.m., rain or shine!
Books
Summer Poetry Writing Group: Writing Through the Senses II with Jada Simone | 5:30 p.m., 5/29 Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Meet up with local poets in the Ithaca area to explore fun prompts and workshop poetry, prose, and spoken word pieces.
ITHACA FESTIVAL 2025
THURSDAY, MAY 29-JUNE 1ST
Ithaca Commons and surrounding Downtown Ithaca | “Celebrating the Artist in Everyone since 1977.” This year’s theme is Enchanted Ithaca. The festivities kick o with the parade from 6-8 on Thursday, followed by a full weekend+ of live music, performances, vendors, and general merriment throughout downtown. (Photo: Facebook)
CHAPEL OF DOG – A 3-DAY FOLK-PUNK FESTIVAL
FRIDAY, MAY 30-JUNE 1ST Rose Hall, 19 Church St, Cortland | IthacaFest not your thing? Look ye to the north where Rose Hall is proud to present Volume II, with dozens of Punk Folk artists from around the country. Part of a collective idea to bring out-of-state musicians to the Cortland music community. Our goal is to give a platform to marginalized groups in the music scene that too often get overlooked. Genres can range from bluegrass to rock, folk punk, jazz, and acoustic alternative music. (Photo: Provided)
Emptiness, Ethics and the Mind in Tibetan Buddhism by Dr. Guy Newland | 10 a.m., 5/31 Saturday | Wisdom’s Goldenrod Center for Philosophic Studies, 5801 Route 414 | Dr. Guy Newland will speak on “Emptiness, Ethics and the Mind in Tibetan Buddhism” 10 am at Wisdom’s Goldenrod, 5801 Route 414, Hector NY 14841 | Free
The Verb Takes a Walk Poetry and Music Event | 3 p.m., 6/1 Sunday | Savage Club Lansing Performance Hall, 1004 Auburn Rd | The Secrets of Summer | Free Poetry & Prose Open Mic | 6/2 Monday | The Downstairs, 121 E M.L.K. Jr. St. | Come share poetry, prose, share a story, perhaps a brief performance or just to enjoy the night and meet others with a love for language and expression. Open to all!
Comic Book Club Meeting: Stocking Up On Summer Reading! | 7 p.m., 6/3 Tuesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Looking for something new and di erent — or, at least, new to you — to read this summer? At this meeting, we will swap lending copies and extra copies of favorite comics, graphic novels, and books. Join in for a fun evening of “re-balancing”! | Free
Kids
Story + Craft | 4 p.m., 5/29 Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Story + Craft is our weekly reading + creating event for children! Join us for a read-aloud, followed by art-making or a guided craft.
Family Playgroup — Spring’25 | 9:30 a.m., 5/30 Friday | CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue | Free 6 weeks series, May 2 – June 6 Spring Baby & Toddler Storytime | 10:30 a.m., 5/30 Friday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Caregivers and their children are invited to join us for songs, rhymes and books at the park next to the Henry St. John Building at 301 S. Geneva St.
Spanish Storytime | 4:30 p.m., 5/30 Friday | Tompkins County Public Li-
brary, 101 East Green Street | Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome to join us for Spanish storytime — songs, rhymes, stories, and crafts — completely in Spanish! Circus in the Garden | 7 p.m., 5/30 Friday | Ithaca Children’s Garden, 121 Turtle Lane | Four unique, free, familyfriendly circus shows created and performed by Circus Culture’s troupes! Join us under the tent at the Ithaca Children’s Garden or indoors at the Cherry Arts. | Free Family Storytime | 11 a.m., 5/31
Saturday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to celebrate reading and build their early literacy skills at Family Storytime. We meet each Saturday for stories, songs and hands-on fun.
Building a Strong Foundation for Reading : Early Literacy at Home | 2 p.m., 5/31 Saturday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Learn how you can support the development of your child’s early literacy skills with Cassie, TCPL’s lead Baby and Toddler Storytime librarian. | Free
Children’s garden day | 1 p.m., 6/1
Sunday | Fantasy Forest LLC, 99 Smith Road, Groton | Come join us and learn the basics of gardening! $15 per child, all supplies included! Bring home 2 ower pots, one with a seed that you will germinate then later plant, and a ower you will plant with us! �� | $15.00
Chemsations: Polymer Party | 2 p.m., 6/1 Sunday | Sciencenter, 601 1st St | Explore chemistry during this hands-on program! We’ll have lots of messy fun as we explore super-absorbent materials and make slime to explore the properties of polymers! Science Together: Baking Soda and Vinegar | 10:30 a.m., 6/3 Tuesday | Sciencenter, 601 1st St. | Explore the process of experimentation as you create chemical reactions with baking soda and vinegar! Science Together activities are designed for ages 0-4.
LEGO Family Build Night | 5:30 p.m., 6/3 Tuesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | TCPL invites families to a weekly LEGO build night! Buckets of LEGO will be
provided for participants to borrow for their builds.
Notices
Good Grief Circle | 2 p.m., 5/28
Wednesday | The Age Well Center, 165 Main St. | Description The Cortland County O ce for Aging is o ering class for people dealing with grief. For people experiencing the loss of a loved one, home, job, independence or something similar.
Wednesday Market at East Hill | 3 p.m., 5/28 Wednesday | 330 Pine Tree Rd, NY 14850-2819 | Don’t have time to get to the pavilion every weekend, or need a mid-week haul? We have you covered with meat, eggs, veggies, fruit and even some dinner and pastries to hold you over.
Technology Basics One-on-One |
3 p.m., 5/28 Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Need help with basic technology topics, such as using email, searching the internet, or borrowing eBooks?
Astrology Meeting | 6 p.m., 5/28
Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | A meeting every Wednesday (6:00-7:30 p.m.) at the Tompkins Public Library where people talk about astrology. Trivia! | 7 p.m., 5/28 Wednesday | Liquid State Brewery, 620 West Green Street. | Trivia Night with Bob Proehl at Liquid State! | Free
GO ITHACA Open Hours | 2 p.m., 5/29 Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Join GO ITHACA for Open Hours at TCPL! GO ITHACA is proud to help transform transportation in Tompkins County! Our program makes sustainable commuting accessible and a ordable for everyone.
Ages 8 to 108 Board Game Club | 5 p.m., 5/29 Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Are you between the ages of 8 and 108 and love playing board games? Then come join our board game club at TCPL! We meet in the Borg Warner Room on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
American Red Cross Blood Drive | 10 a.m., 5/30 Friday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street |
Slow Flow Yoga | 4 p.m., 5/30 Friday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | This is an all-levels Slow Flow style yoga class, adaptable for people with di erent levels of tness (it does involve sitting on a mat and standing up from the oor).
Friday Night Magic: Commander | 5 p.m., 5/30 Friday | Riverwood, 116 E State St. | Come down to Riverwood for a recurrent night of Commanderstyle Magic play! | $5.00
Homer Regional Farmers Market | 9:30 a.m., 5/31 Saturday | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St. | Rise, shine, and shop local! ????
0-60 Get Growing Challenge & Seed Swap | 11 a.m., 5/31 Saturday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | A power-packed 1-hour class to kickstart your garden with con dence! Covering location, soil, and garden setup, this session is designed to take you from zero to growing-fast.
Rock the Nursing Home! —
A Workshop for Solo Musicians | 1:30 p.m., 5/31 Saturday | Savage Club’s Lansing Area Performance Hall, 1004 Auburn Road | Rock the Nursing Home — this free workshop shows you how to do it in a win-win way. | Free
Outdoor Qi Gong Class- Sundays | 10 a.m., 6/1 Sunday | Allan H. Treman State Marine Park, 805 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850 | Outdoor Qi Gong for Wellness and Nervous System Regulation. | $12.50 - $15.00
Mind Over Body with Mitch Raymond, PT | 4 p.m., 6/1 Sunday | The Whimsy Mercantile, 2075 East Shore Drive | Learn how to achieve improved strength and range of motion through movements and techniques aimed at strengthening the connection between the mind and body.
Healing Share | 5 p.m., 6/1 Sunday | The Whimsy Mercantile, 2075 East Shore Drive | The Healing Share is a time when healing practitioners can practice and share their craft, get sup-
portive feedback, and recharge their energy supply. | Free
Strength Training Varna Community Center | 9:30 a.m., 6/2 Monday | Varna Community Center, 943 Dryden Rd | $5 drop-in or members eligible to pay $40/month for unlimited Health and Wellness classes.
Feast on Words: Queer Expression | 6 p.m., 6/2 Monday | Asempe Kitchen, 114 W Green St | Be curious about yourself and others this Pride month through creative expression. Join others at Asempe Kitchen on any Monday in June to create your work in whatever form it takes — poetry, journaling, an essay, prose, a letter, or a list. | Free
Wild Mushroom Identi cation classes | 1 p.m., 6/3 Tuesday | En eld community center, 162 En eld Rd. | WILD MUSHROOM IDENTIFICATION CLASSES & CULTIVATION WORKSHOPS taught by a certi ed wild mushroom forager and educator. | $125.00
Empowering Caregivers Series | 2 p.m., 6/3 Tuesday | Lodi Whittier Library, 8484 S Main St. | This education series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Please call the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline: 800-272-3900 to register. | Free Meditation and Mindfulness | 5 p.m., 6/3 Tuesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Join Anna Salamone of FireFly Farm Retreat for a monthly meditation and mindfulness practice.
The Cortland County Dairy Parade | 6:30 p.m., 6/3 Tuesday | Cortland County Fairgrounds, 4301 Fairgrounds Dr | Get a moooove on! The Cortland County Dairy Parade — Central New York’s premier dairy celebration — returns on June 3, 2025, starting at 6:30 p.m., rain or shine!
Greensprings Garden Club | 10 a.m., 6/4 Wednesday | Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, 293 Irish Hill Rd. | From May to October, volunteer with us as we divide perennials, mulch plantings, plant shrubs, pull weeds, pot up perennials, rake leaves, spread gravel and more.
Drop-in and lend a hand at our | Free Enhance Your Fitness | 10:30 a.m., 6/4 Wednesday | Lifelong, 119 W. Court St. | $5 drop in, membership required but with membership $40/ month unlimited Health and Wellness Activities eligibility.
Makerspace Open Hours — AM Session | 11 a.m., 6/4 Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Drop-in open hours, no registration required. Come for a short tour, or stay and work on a project — we have lots of art supplies and ideas to get you making!
Civil Service Commission | 11:30 a.m., 6/4 Wednesday | 2nd Floor Conference Room, City Hall 108 E Green Street |
NARCAN Training with REACH | 4 p.m., 6/4 Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Join the REACH Project to learn how to recognize an overdose, respond to an overdose emergency, and administer NARCAN. This skill could help you to save a life.
LWV Cortland County Alice A. Walker Award Dinner | 5 p.m., 6/4 Wednesday | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St. | Description Please join us on June 4th at the Homer Center for the Arts to celebrate this year’s Alice Walker Award Recipient Andrea Rankin Every year LWV Cortland County chooses one member of our | $40.00 - $45.00
Welcome Home Wednesday at YMCA | 5:30 p.m., 6/4 Wednesday | YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County, 20 Graham Rd W | Are you new to the area or recently returned and looking to feel right at home?
Live in Ithaca: Welcome Home
Wednesday at YMCA | 5:30 p.m., 6/4 Wednesday | YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County, 50 Graham Road West | Are you new to the area or recently returned and looking to feel right at home?
Common Council Meeting | 6 p.m., 6/4 Wednesday | Council Chambers, 3rd Floor City Hall |
NEITHER WOLF NOR DOG – RESENTED BY THE GAYOGOHÓ:NǪˀ LEARNING
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We are thrilled to announce that Longview has fully renovated 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, a freshly renovated dining room overlooking Cayuga Lake, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Residents and guests will also enjoy a spacious auditorium that boasts new paint, ooring, and eye-friendly light-
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