Prime Times

JULY 2025 A resource book for 55+

Triphamm er Mall

Hobart

Photo:

Claire de Boer

(Photo: Mark Syvertson)

A Swim for Suicide Prevention

Distance Swimmers Team Up to Cross the Lake to Raise Money for Suicide Prevention

By Steve L awrence

In the summer of 1984, I was among those who listened in disbelief when it was announced that Claire de Boer — a 24 yearold Ithaca High School grad would enter the water at the north end of Cayuga Lake at 11:20 p.m. on August 13 — and, 20-plus hours and 38 miles later, finish her swim at Treman Marina in Ithaca. It was a monumental achievement for a woman who, as a youth, did not want to join her siblings — Yvette and Maarten — on their cross-lake swims because she didn’t want to put her face in what she thought was “gross” water! (She eventually did it, utilizing the backstroke.)

In the ensuing years, that epic achievement was talked about by endurance athletes of all disciplines, and in 2015, when Claire heard about an effort being put forth by renowned distance swimmer

Bridgette Hobart, she was intrigued.

Starting Friday August 8, Bridgette Hobart and Claire de Boer will alternate one hour shifts in a marathon relay swim in Cayuga Lake. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)

Bridgette (then 52) a Nazareth College graduate and a veteran of many monumental swims of her own (including the English Channel) announced that she would swim the length of all eleven Finger Lakes over the course of the summer of 2015. Cayuga Lake is, of course, the longest of the Finger Lakes, and in Claire’s words, “I watched her GPS tracker and saw that she was holding a great pace. She was about halfway, so I still had time to get there (Claire lives in PA,

three hours from Ithaca). I was on vacation, so I just decided very impulsively and spontaneously, to drive to the Treman Marina! I talked to some random guy about getting a ride in his boat to Bridgette’s support boat, which now was about a mile or two out. They dumped me onto her support boat, and I told her crew. ‘I’m Claire, and I wonder if I can swim with Bridgette! They asked me to wait until her next feed, because she was struggling a little bit, you know, as it goes at the

end of such a long swim, so I jumped in the water, probably 15 feet away, I just said, ‘Hi, Bridgette, I’m Claire! We’re gonna finish this thing!’ It was a very meaningful to go shoulder to shoulder with her. It was a magical moment to do that with her. We’ve been friends ever since.”

The lake swim was sort of a sweet, full-circle moment for Bridgette as well. She offered, “I grew up in Binghamton, and I actually spent my childhood on Cayuga Lake, I went to the Cornell swim camp, and

swimming across Cayuga Lake was my very first open water swim.”

Sadly, the two swimmers’ bond extends to them both in a club no one ever wants to join. In Claire’s words, “We both lost our nephews, just a few years apart, to suicide. It’s been on the back burner for us to try to do a relay completion of the length of Cayuga Lake, and then last fall, Bridgette said, ‘What do you say we do it now, and we do it as a fundraiser for some kind of mental health initiative in Ithaca?’ I knew about the Sophie Fund through my own family, and I said,

‘I’ve got the perfect one.’ We started training, we got in touch with Scott McLeod and his wife Susan, and here we are.”

Scott McLeod said, “Claire reached out to me about the Sophie Fund, asking if we would be interested in being part of this swim, and of course, we were.”

Backing up a bit, Scott added, “I’ll tell you a little bit about the Sophie Fund. We’re a momand-pop nonprofit, and Sophie was our daughter. We lost her to suicide in 2016, We hope to spread the word about mental health, and the resources that

are available, and getting help if you’re struggling. I’m an advocate now, and I’d really like to say that we’re making progress in fighting stigma. Stigma keeps people from asking or inquiring about people who may be struggling, because they don’t want to upset people by asking about their mental health, or even suicidal thoughts.” Scott continued, “It prevents people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts from getting help, because many people regard it as something shameful, something that’s very private, they

don’t really want people to know what they’re going through.”

McLeod hopes to encourage people to ask, “How are you feeling? How are you doing? Are you getting help? Do you need help? What can we do to support you?” He added, “Unfortunately, suicidal ideation is its own mental illness. It can be treated, suicide can be prevented.”

Scott expressed his gratitude to the veteran swimmers for their efforts, saying, “We tremendously appreciate Claire and Bridgette for

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Birds of a Feather

Ornithological Association Flocks to Ithaca in September

By varSha Bhargava

Birders can participate in birding field trips during the conference to observe local birds.

(Photo: New York State Ornithological Association)

Birders in Ithaca can expect flocks of fellow bird enthusiasts to swarm alongside the Cayuga Bird Club for the New York State Ornithological Association conference this September. Taking place from September 19-21 at the Ithaca Downtown Con-

ference Center, the conference will host birders from across the state and beyond. Attendees can participate in birding field trips, vendor auctions, trivia, speeches and more. The full schedule can be found online.

What to Expect

On the first two

days, attendees can choose to participate in field trips, vendor auctions or extra activities hosted by the conference throughout the day.

The Welcome Reception will be held on Sept. 19, where attendees can enjoy appetizers and paid

refreshments. Adriaan Dokter, a research associate at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Center for Avian Population Studies, will discuss bird migration to kick off the conference. On Sept. 20, Julie Hart, the Atlas project coordinator, will host the New York Breeding

Bird Atlas Celebration and Lunch. Hart will discuss breeding birds and hand out awards.

Peter Kaestner, the first person to see a lifetime count of 10,000 bird species, will end the day with a lecture titled “In Search of the Orange-tufted Spiderhunter” as keynote speaker. In his speech, Kaestner will detail his yearslong birding journey, touching on his time in the Peace Corps where he was an honorary field affiliate of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, his travels around the world and how he began birding.

Registration Regular registration begins on Monday until Aug. 31. An adult can register for $85 per person.

Youth can register at any time until Aug. 31 for $5 per person. The Welcome Reception, NY Breeding Bird Atlas Celebration and Lunch and TKTK are add-on events, which means they require additional payment to attend. Registration can be completed online.

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

12 WORLD-CLASS WINES

My Playlist

After Jingles Hooked us on Junk Food, Now they Find us Obesity Cures

By charLey gIthLer

At any given moment, there is an 80% chance that the song going through my head is from a television commercial. That’s been true my whole life. Even more appalling, the odds are decent that the commercial in question last aired decades ago.

I inherited the affliction from my father. He could have done upper-level scholarly work, or maybe won a trivia contest (a very fine line divides the two) on the subject of Radio Jingles of the 1940s.

A tribute to the advertisers of yore, some of those commercials have astounding staying power. One from the late 1960s, for Armour Hot Dogs, has lyrics so breathtakingly un-woke that it may be restored to currency in today’s political climate. I swear these are the actual lyrics: Hot dogs. Armour Hot Dogs. What kind of kids eat Armour Hot Dogs? Fat kids,

skinny kids, kids who climb on rocks, tough kids, sissy kids, even kids with chicken pox love hot dogs. Armour Hot Dogs. The dogs kids love to bite!

I imagine Don Draper pitching this song to the titans of molded meat trimmings in the conference room at Stirling Cooper. Maybe bring-

ing it home with jazz hands at the end.

Another shanty that cycles through my brain at least weekly is the number composed maybe by Stephen Sondheim (NOT) to introduce Apple Jacks. New Kellogg’s Apple Jacks. Apple good for breakfast or snacks. Cinnamon toasty, apple tasty. A bowl a day

keeps the bullies away. It’s not all vintage material. These last few days all other music has been held at bay by the 2025 commercial for the diabetes medication Jardiance: I have type-two diabetes, but I manage it well. It’s a little pill with a big story to tell. I take once daily Jardiance at each day’s

Hot dogs, Armour Hot dogs ...

start. As time went on it was easy to see. I’m lowering my A1C.

It’s presented in show-tune style, with dancers in a grocery store, which is only mildly disconcerting. A voice-over goes on to warn that one side effect may be a life-threatening bacterial infection around the anus and genitals. You know I’m not making that up. I’m super grateful they didn’t include that in the song.

It was my genius 16-year-old son Charley who suggested it might be more than coincidence that a population induced by song to grow

A bowl a day keeps the bullies away.

up on a diet of hot dogs and Apple Jacks is now the prime target for singing diabetes medi-

William Jane Dispensar

cation advertisements. It didn’t take much digging to find that executives from the

processed meat, pharmaceutical, and breakfast cereal industries have been vacationing together every year for decades at a secret location on the Russian River in northern California. I thought that the news these days had desensitized me to pretty much anything, but a chill ran down my spine.

We have to prioritize in this political moment, and we don’t need one more conspiracy to unravel. Besides, who would we go to? RFK, Jr.? Just hum the songs and don’t ask questions.

A Swim to Prevent Suicide

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reaching out, for doing

the swim, and doing it for mental health. It will have a big impact, and we’re grateful for any funds that can be raised.”

Scott took a moment to talk about Sophie,

saying, “She had some mental health issues and she was on a leave of absence from Cornell, but she was never really in a crisis that we were aware of. She was a very accomplished kid, we wouldn’t have imagined in a million years that she could even think about taking her own life, let alone do it.”

“Sophie,” her father said, “grew up entirely overseas. My wife and I are both journalists, and she was born in South Africa, we lived in France for four years, and then she went to middle school and high school in Egypt. For sports fans, she went to the same high school as (former NBA player and current coach of the Golden State Warriors) Steve Kerr!” Scott added, “She went to the Suzuki School in

Ithaca to study violin for five summers, and then enrolled at Cornell. She had adopted Ithaca as her hometown.”

Claire shared some memories of her nephew, saying “It feels poignant to me that my nephew, Rowan de Boer and I swam across the width of the lake together in 2016, the weekend of my dad’s memorial service (Tobias de Boer was a Cornell professor and a superb endurance athlete, as was Claire’s mother, Joan de Boer, who passed in 2023). “Rowan,” Claire offered, “ was a really good swimmer in high school, in fact, his dad (Maarten) told me he was All-State.”

I asked Bridgette if her nephew — Corey — shared her love for being in the water. “Not exactly,” Bridgette answered with a smile. “Corey loved being on the water. In a boat.

A very fast boat.”

Clearly passionate about the work being done by the non-profit that bears his daughter’s name, Scott said, “We’d love to change the world, but we’re probably not going to do that in the next week or

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Aloha

A Trip Reveals the Wonders of Honolulu and Maui

By DanIeL r . Schwarz

Hawaii is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean composed of eight major volcanic islands, but most of the population and tourism revolves around four: In addition to Oahu which has nearly 900,000 residents and Maui which has close to 120,000, the other islands are Hawaii (sometimes called Big Island for its size of more than 4,000 square miles) with a population of 200,000 and Kauai with 58,000 people. Because these islands have a tropical temperature and a tourist infrastructure, they are ideal for beach vacations. While some areas specially in the summer season which begins in April receive a great deal of rain, the areas we visited do not.

In 1992-1993, I spent a splendid year in Hawaii as a visiting professor, and I have not been back since notwithstanding strong positive memories. But my wife, Marcia Jacob -

son, had never been there and we decided to spend one week in Honolulu on Oahu and one week on Maui with a stop on the way to see friends in San Francisco.

Our trip on Hawaiian Airlines from San Francisco to Honolulu and from Maui via Honolulu to JFK went well, although the absence of a meal on a five-hour flight from San Francisco to Honolulu was a tad disappoint-

ing. The ten-hour red eye from Honolulu is a challenge even with minimalist meals that were at about the mean for economy or custom plus class. We were on time and the crews were courteous and helpful.

We had fourteen sunny days in Hawaii. We liked the cosmopolitan aspect of Honolulu which nicely contrasts with the more rustic Maui where nature drives were part of

many of our days. We rented a car in Maui but in Honolulu used Lift (which we found cheaper than Uber). The public bus in Waikiki is very slow. We found that reservations and small fees were required at national and state parks. Along with limited hours at some sites, the goal is to preserve the environment, while

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Sunset view from our balcony. (All photos by Marcia Jacobson)

continued from page 11

allowing the visitors who do attend to have a lesscrowded experience.

Honolulu: Waikiki

During my academic year in Oahu, I lived in a residential area called Little Makiki and very rarely visited the tourist area of Waikiki, which is on the south shore of Oahu facing the Pacific Ocean. We stayed a week at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa (2552 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu) which is across the street from the ocean. A breakwater running parallel to the shore separates the shallow water of the shore where people swim from the deeper water where people surf and canoe. I swam and Marcia waded in the calm area in front of the breakwater.

We had an ocean view room and could see striking sunsets from our balcony.

Especially in the early morning and before sunset we saw hundreds of people surfing or paddle boarding. A pleasure in themselves are the huge, impressive Banyan trees near the Waikiki beach.

Our hotel offered a nice breakfast, including an egg station, which we enjoyed as Elite Marriott customers, but the hotel could have done more to serve its clientele by having a concierge who serves its guests and by providing a list of recommended activities and restaurants. I did find a few senior staff members who were helpful but could not get much information from the front desk people.

We did buy an overpriced bus tour to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor where the Americans were attacked on Dec. 7, 1941, by the Japanese, the event that drew the United States into the war.

The seller was an outside company that called itself a concierge and has an office in the hotel; this company really does not help guests who don’t buy their tours. While site itself requires

tickets and a reservation, you can drive yourself or hire a Lift or Uber or Taxi.

The tour bus guide to the site spoke far too fast, too loud, and often gibberish, but once we arrived, we appreciated how well the historic site was presented by the US National Park Service with excellent photos and a film. In 1992-1993 I went there several n times with visiting family and friends. Impressive then, the cite is even better and more informative now.

On different days, we visited both the nicely appointed Honolulu Zoo —my wife never misses a zoo--and the small but vibrant Waikiki Aquarium; both were within short walking distance of our hotel. Other recommended sites are the Honolulu Museum of Art , with its excellent accompanying

wall commentaries, and the Bishop Museum , featuring natural and Polynesian cultural history. For a great view, do take the steep .6 mile walk up Diamond Head State Monument for which reservations and a $5 fee is required. Do not miss Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve for which reservations are required along with a $25 fee and a small online fee added to that. Finally, I recommend a drive via rental car or tour bus to the North Shore which with its huge waves is a mecca for surfers.

Waikiki Restaurant Recommendations

We found several restaurants which were quite good and moderately priced. We dined twice at Kirin , a Chinese restaurant in Hyatt Regency. The Peking duck was nice; another

Banyan tree near the ocean.

Effects of Pearl Harbor Attack on Arizona and Memorial (in white) for Arizona.

night our main dish was a delicious eggplant Szechuan style. We also enjoyed Momosan where we had a ramen dish, soft shell crab, and barbecued ribs.

AraIncino, an Italian restaurant that rents from the Marriott hotel is professionally run. Our cacio e pepe pasta made at the table in a wheel of romano cheese was delicious and we preceded that with tomato soup and a mixed salad.

Do not miss PAIA Fish Market where we split 8 ounces of sautéed red snapper, rice and home fried potatoes along with coleslaw. No reservations and waiting on a line first get in and then again to order, and you may be

at a table with strangers, but a fun experience, good fish, and a bargain.

Maui

Located on 23 lush oceanfront acres at legendary Puu Kekaa (Black Rock) on Kaanapali Beach, Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa has the best location of any of the hotels in the area because it bestrides Black Rock cliff from which children, teenagers, and intrepid adults jump and which also has excellent snorkeling along with turtles that live near the base of the cliff. Guests from other hotels as well as rentals visit the beach because the beach is public property.

Whale breaching.

Dating back to 1963 and last renovated in 2020, the Sheraton has a little over 500 rooms; it sits on beautifully manicured property. Overlooking the ocean, our spacious room took three elevator rides to reach. We have a mixed response to this beautiful property. The hotel is

managed with a kind of smug arrogance. I found management difficult to deal with and often nonresponsive compared to similar Marriott properties. No one calls from guest services and asks how you are doing. The hotel rents an umbrella and two beach hairs

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Black Rock Cliff.

The Key to Alzheimers?

Brain’s “Blue Spot” Changes May Indicate Neurodegeneration

By JameS Dean, corneLL chronIcLe

In a demographically diverse sample of healthy people, Cornell researchers found dramatic changes over the human lifespan in the brain’s “blue spot” – a tiny region involved in cognition and believed to be the first affected by neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer’s disease.

Using specialized MRI scans to measure the intensity of neuromelanin, a pigment that gives the locus coeruleus (LC) its blue color, the research team observed an inverted U-shaped curve that peaked in later middle age before dropping off sharply, a finding that helps characterize healthy aging patterns.

Maintaining a stronger blue signal after age 60 was associated with better cognitive performance, according to the study involving 134 participants aged 19 to 86. Because of the participants’ diversity, including about 40% who were non-white, the researchers also dis-

covered higher peaks among Black participants and women, groups known to be more susceptible to Alzheimer’s.

“By examining the health of the locus coeruleus and its relation to cognitive aging processes, these data may reveal when an individual is on a healthy aging trajectory and advance our understanding of why certain groups may have higher incidence of Alzheimer’s disease later in life,” said Adam Anderson, professor in the Department of Psychology and the College of Human Ecology (CHE). “The results

showed underlying similarities in LC risk markers across the lifespan, but areas of specific concern for distinct demographic groups, especially for some that have been underrepresented in medical research.”

The findings were reported in “Age-related Differences in Locus Coeruleus Intensity Across a Demographically Diverse Sample,” published March 17 in the journal Neurobiology of Aging. The Cornell team included Anderson and Eve De Rosa, the Mibs Martin Follett Associate Pro -

fessor in Human Ecology (CHE) and dean of faculty, who co-lead the Affect and Cognition Lab (ACLAB); Khena Swallow, associate professor in the Department of Psychology and the College of Arts and Sciences; and ACLAB members Elizabeth Riley, a research associate and the paper’s first author; Nicholas Cicero ’20; and Senegal Mabry, a doctoral student in the field of neuroscience. Located deep in the brainstem, the locus coeruleus is the primary source of norepinephrine, a neu -

Research from Cornell has located a spot on the brain which can be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. (Photo from Cornell Chronicle)

rotransmitter crucial for attention, memory, stress responses and even sleep. It is thought to be the brain region most vulnerable to Alzheimer’s pathology, potentially affected years or decades before symptoms show. Thus, a better understanding of normal and abnormal LC aging trajectories is considered crucial to earlier detection of such diseases.

Brain scans performed at the Cornell MRI Facility showed a consistent general pattern in healthy individuals’ LC signal intensity, regardless of education, income, and history of early trauma. Increased neuromelanin levels in midlife were associated with better cognition and decreases after age 60 with poorer cognitive performance. Ongoing research is exploring ways to help sustain healthy levels, potentially through practices such as deep breathing or stimulation of the vagus nerve.

Why the two subgroups showed more dramatic peaks in LC neuromelanin intensity is unclear, but the researchers said they are consistent with a theory of compensation: Overtaxing one’s brain and stressful living,

which involves the LC, could be beneficial in the short term but deplete function later in life.

“While the locus coeruleus is required for alertness, focus and memory,” Anderson said, “heightened neuromelanin can also be a sign of overactivity and is

implicated in depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, all of which are risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.”

The study’s racial and socioeconomic diversity — key to the findings’ overall generalizability and specific insights about subgroups — was

achieved through a collaboration with the Community Recruitment Research Accelerator, a project of SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. The project seeks to increase diverse community participation in continued on page 18

continued from page 13

for over $100 a day. Even though as members of Marriott Titanium Elite for whom a buffet breakfast is supposed to be included, the hotel restricted us to a continental breakfast delivered on a tray and wanted to charge an extra $19 per person for the buffet.

The hotel has fine tennis and pickle ball courts which go unused because they do not have a simple sign on the court--or a place to sign in--for tennis and pickleball players to come to the courts at a specific time if they wish to play. When I asked, the hotel management was singularly in forthcoming as it was about other matters,

The hotel should have an informative booklet in each guest’s

room. The front desk people cannot answer simple questions about restaurants or sightseeing and refer you to the concierge desk which is really a private company renting space and selling tours. When you leave a message for senior staff or ask to speak to a manager no one calls back.

Best Experiences in Maui

On our first days in Maui, we saw whales from our room; later in the week we did a two-hour whale watch on a small boat and had great sightings of humpback whales breaching and spouting, including two mother whales with their calves.

The peak of whale season is between January and March, but we were fortunate to have an active day late in the season. In an amazing migration, hump -

back whales migrate to Hawaii from Alaska to breed, calve, and nurse their young in the warmer waters before returning to Alaska.

Our Black Rock beach had daily sightings of large green sea turtles which seemed unafraid of swimmers and snorkelers.

One day a rare monk seal sat on the beach in front of our hotel for several hours.

We made several forays off the hotel property. Turning left on Route 30, past Honolua Bay on a winding road, we went to the Nakalele Blowhole ; a blowhole a hole in a sea cliff or coastal terrace through which columns of spray are jetted upward. The day before on the same road, we stopped as instructed after the first one lane bridge. There we hiked down to the water where we encountered a hippie community; nominally selling coconuts

and sundry craft items, most of those present were more engaged in smoking pot.

Another day, turning right on route 30, we drove to Iao Valley State Park/Monument . To our surprise, we learned everyone else had a reservation and had paid a fee. But we were let in when we showed our senior National Park card. At this beautiful site we saw the 1,200foot Īao Needle, an iconic, green-mantled rock outcropping that overlooks Īao stream and once served as a lookout for warring tribes. The park contains some short hiking trails.

Maui Restaurants

We did eat at Coral Reef, one of the Sheraton Hotel’s restaurants the first nigh and had a moderately satisfactory meal of butternut squash ravioli and beet salad. Much better were two nights at Ulu at the Weston where we sat

Monk seal napping in front of Sheraton hotel.

Green turtle swimming close to shore.

twice at an oceanfront table. One night we had lobster ravioli, broccoli salad and a chocolate mochi cake. The other night we ordered pork potstickers, a unique dish of octopus prepared as if it were escargot served with homemade focaccia and, as a main course, mahi-mahi in a light Macadamia nut crust that was served with rice, string beans, and celery caper relish.

Another excellent meal, where we again had a table overlooking the ocean, was Japengo at the Hyatt Regency. After beginning with a shrimp and mango salad, we had tuna sushi (with avocado and cucumber) and concluded with a wonderful Korean seafood pancake with shrimp, calamari, kimchi, and scallions made with a special batter.

sive Chinese meal at a nearby family-owned restaurant called China Bowl. Another night we had an inventive somewhat upscale Sushi dinner at Takumi with soft shell crab and shrimp tempura turned into sushi along with the expected tuna roll.

Conclusion:

Hawaii has something for almost everyone. While those on the East Coast are more prone to the Caribbean, it is well worth the extra effort to have a Polynesian vacation.

Daniel R. Schwarz is Frederic J. Whiton Professor

of English and Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow at Cornell University. His recent books include How to Succeed in College and Beyond; The Art of Learning and Endtimes? Crises and Turmoil at the New York Times, 1999-2009. He has been writing travel articles for more than 25 years and has visited more than 100 countries. He can be reached at drs6@cornell.edu

We had three meals outside the hotel area. At Fond , which is, is a local venue that does Hawaiian food very well. we had a Bowl with rice, 6 ounces of mahi-mahi, 3 shrimp, and 3 pieces of raw tuna and a side order of buttered carrots. For dessert we had ice cream over a warm brownie in skillet.

Two restaurants are nearby at Kekaa Drive. One night we had a decent inexpen -

A Swim to Prevent

Suicide

continued from page 10

two, so we’re really very focused on trying to do things that have impact. A public event like this with media coverage, of course, and hopefully, it’ll get onto social media. If we’re not doing what we can to raise awareness as individuals, and as a community, then we’re going to lose people to suicide, and we want to put the spotlight on our colleagues who are literally on the front

lines treating patients and doing this difficult work. We have been continually asking, what can we do? Well, to start, we could focus on one community, which is Ithaca, New York.”

Claire and Bridgette’s relay swim will commence on Friday night — August 8th — and they will finish the following evening. In Claire’s words, “Even though we’re older, we’re not much slower, and we don’t have to stop for feeds, because we’ll be doing one hour swim shifts, so we’ll swim for an hour, eat for an hour, and that should save a

lot of time. You know, I did my swim in 1984 under a full moon, and I don’t know if you are aware of this, Bridgette, but I just looked it up and we will be swimming under a full moon on August 8th!” Bridgette responded, “Oh, really? All I remember is that my head is looking at the seaweed in the bottom of the lake!”

To learn more about the nonprofit at the center of this effort, please visit thesophiefund. org. Also, the Ithaca Times will be providing numerous updates in our print publications, and at www.ithaca.com.

continued from page 15

brain health research, partnering with a community recruitment liaison to reduce barriers to participation.

“This study illustrates the importance of diverse samples in studying brain health,” Anderson said. “Diverse samples are necessary to generalize study results to the larger population, and a critical form of scientific validity.”

The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Friday, August 1

Art House Night | 5 p.m. |

The Ink Shop, 330 E. MLK/State St.

Conversational French Social Group | 11 a.m. |

If you love language, have a yearning for learning, and a penchant to speak French at some point, join this lively social group. Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Conversational Hungarian | 9:30 a.m. |

Practice speaking Hungarian in a relaxed setting. Open to all levels. Starts January 10. Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Class | 12 p.m. |

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a skill that addresses troubling emotions and manifestations of trauma. Mental Health Association in Tompkins County, 511 West Seneca.

Enhance Your Fitness | 10:30 a.m. |

$5 drop in, membership required but with membership $40/month unlimited Health and Wellness Activities eligibility. Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Enhance Your Fitness Trumansburg | 10 a.m. |

Trumansburg Fire Hall — $5 drop in, membership not required but members eligible to pay $35/month for unlimited H&W activities. Trumansburg Fire Hall, 74 W Main Street.

Hank Roberts Trio with Ashley Ickes and Chad Lieberman at South Hill Cider/Golden Hour Music Series | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill Cider Golden Hour Music Series! Hank Roberts Trio returns to South Hill Cider! Hank on cello, Chad Lieberman on piano, and Ashley Ickes on drums. South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Road.

Ithaca Gallery Night | 5 p.m. |

A first Friday event where galleries and venues present new exhibits every first Friday of the month from 5-8 p.m. Ithaca Gallery Night openings are located in downtown Ithaca and Tompkins County. Free and open to the public. Please go to

CALENDAR

www.ithacagallerynight.com for details. Ithaca Gallery Night, 171 The Commons.

Maddy Walsh | 7 p.m. |

Maddy Walsh, known for her powerful lead vocals for the nationally touring band The Blind Spots, brings her signature “moxy rock” to the Cornell Ag Quad. The free concert is family-friendly and open to the public. Free parking on campus after 5 p.m. Cornell University Ag Quad, 121 Reservoir Ave.

Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B | 7:30 p.m. |

A clever, comedic, contemporary take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth duo by Lansing-born Ithaca College alumna Kate Hamill. Holmes & Watson create a dynamic duo–solving mysteries and outwitting masterminds–until they come face to face with a villain who seems to have all of the answers. Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Blvd.

Square, Round, & Line Dance | 2 p.m. |

$5 drop in, members eligible to pay $35/ month for unlimited H&W activities.

A fun & social way to raise your heart rate, loosen up your muscles, exercise your mind, and lift your spirits.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Tai Chi Lansing | 10:30 a.m. |

Lansing Community Center — $5 drop in, membership not required but members eligible to pay $35/month for unlimited H&W activities.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Veterans Appreciation Community Concert | 6 p.m. |

Visions Amphitheater, 408 Elmira Road.

The Wedding Show | 6:30 p.m. |

The Wedding Show is an immersive and interactive variety show event where you’re the guest at a fake queer wedding. Join the fun on July 26th, August 1st or 2nd at The Cherry Arts! The Cherry Arts, 102 Cherry Street.

Whistlin’ Dyl | 7 p.m. |

The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

Saturday, August 2

Adult Performance Intensive 2025 | 9:45 a.m. |

This 6 week adult theatre class is a rare opportunity to participate in a complete theatrical production and performance. Each class will be a rehearsal, drawing from a professional approach to the Performing Arts process, that will culminate in 3 public performances and directed by Lynn Winters. Ithaca Community School of Music and Arts, 330 East State Street.

Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B | 2:30 p.m. |

A clever, comedic, contemporary take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth duo by Lansing-born Ithaca College alumna Kate Hamill. Holmes & Watson create a dynamic duo—solving mysteries and outwitting masterminds—until they come face to face with a villain who seems to have all of the answers. Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Blvd.

Sew a Sun Hat | 1 p.m. |

Follow a pattern and sew your own sun hat with fabric of your choosing. SewGreen, Press Bay Court, 112 W Green Street, #5. The Wedding Show | 6:30 p.m. |

Sunday, August 3

Circus Culture Summer Tour 2025 | 4:40 p.m. |

Press Bay Backlot, Ithaca Commons Trolley Circle/Bank Alley, and Thompson Park. Dance Church | 11:30 a.m. |

Dance Church Ithaca is the best free style dance experience in town every Sunday from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at the Foundation Of Light. Come join the dance! Express yourself and get a great workout with amazing music and a beautiful dance floor. Hope to see you there. Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Rd.

Embroidery with Words (3 Sessions) | 12 p.m. |

Explore the basics of creative embroidery with words—from fabrics, threads, and stitches SewGreen, Press Bay Court 112 W Green Street, #5.

Jazz Jam | 6 p.m. |

Jazz Jam First & last Sunday of every month at 6pm With DeWayne Perry! It’s all about the music. Support the downstairs! Become a member or donate to the Programming Fund!

The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

Outdoor Qi Gong Class- | 10 a.m. |

Outdoor Qi Gong for Wellness and Nervous System Regulation. Allan H. Treman State Marine Park, 805 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY 14850.

Monday, August 4

Breathe and Flow Gentle Yoga | 12 p.m. |

$5 drop-in or $40 unlimited health & wellness per month.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Cinematic Mondays — with popcorn! | 1:30 p.m. |

Take a break from the heat and join us for a film every Monday. We’ll plan a variety of movies across different genres, including staff favorites, on our brand-new AV system.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Clay Studio 1 | 10 a.m. |

At Lifelong, $5 drop in, membership required, with membership $35/month unlimited Creative Arts activities eligibility Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Conversational German | 9:30 a.m. |

Practice speaking German in a relaxed setting. Some understanding of the German language is useful to attend this group. Starts January 6, 2025.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Enhance Your Fitness Trumansburg | 10 a.m. |

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Trumansburg Fire Hall — $5 drop in, membership not required but members eligible to pay $35/month for unlimited H&W activities. Trumansburg Fire Hall, 74 W Main Street.

Mondays with MAQ | 5:30 p.m. |

Join us every Monday for cider, food, and live jazz with some of the best local musicians! South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.

Participatory Contra, Square, and Circle Dancing | 7 p.m. |

Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Poetry & Prose Open Mic Night at the Downstairs |

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! The Downstairs, 121 E M.L.K. Jr. St.

Strength Training | 1:30 p.m. |

$5 drop-in or members eligible to pay $35/ month for unlimited H & W classes.

Resistance exercise strengthens bones, increases muscular endurance, and improves coordination and balance.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Strength Training — Varna | 9:30 a.m. |

Varna Community Center

$5 drop-in; Lifelong membership not required, yet members eligible to pay $40/ month unlimited Health and Wellness Activities eligibility.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St. Summer Sing | 6:30 p.m. |

A capella barbershop women’s group. No prior experience needed First Baptist Church, 4443 Seneca Rd.

Tuesday, August 5

Adult Performance Intensive 2025 | 5:30 p.m. |

Bands and Brews | 6 p.m. |

Visions Federal Credit Union Amphitheater, 408 Elmira Rd.

Chair Yoga — Jacksonville | 11:30 a.m. |

Jacksonville Methodist

Lifelong membership not required; $5 drop-in or members eligible to pay $40/ month unlimited Health and Wellness Activities.

Instructor: Caryn Sheckler Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Clay Studio 2 | 10:15 a.m. |

At Lifelong, $5 drop in fee. Membership required, with membership $40/month unlimited Creative Arts activities eligibility.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Forte | Piano 2025: Brahms, Schumann, and Schubert Lieder |

7:30 p.m. |

Cellist David Hardy and fortepianist Lambert Orkis will play intimate works by Brahms and Schumann, followed by Karim Sulayman (tenor) and Yi-heng Yang (fortepiano), who will perform an expressive set of Schubert Lieder. Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 430 College Ave.

Meditation and Mindfulness | 5 p.m. |

Join Anna Salamone of FireFly Farm Retreat for a monthly meditation and mindfulness practice. Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street.

Open Mic Stand Up Comedy Night @ the Downstairs |

First and third Tuesdays of the month!

Kenneth McLauren hosts Open Mic Stand Up Comedy Night at The Downstairs.

Open Studio Mixed Media | 9 a.m. |

Bring your own supplies to work on art projects of your choice. All media and experience levels welcome.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Participatory Contra, Square, and Circle Dancing | 7 p.m. |

Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Take a guided tour of Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park. Explore gardens, greenhouses, and 40-room Queen Anne-style mansion built in 1857.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Taughannock Live Music Series:

Robin Burnett | 5 p.m. |

August Inn at Taughannock Falls, 2030 Gorge Rd.

Wet Hot Improv Summer | 7 p.m. |

Come have a laugh or ten at Third Place Theater’s improv teams and drink some delicious local brews. Liquid State Brewery, 620 West Green Street.

World Cinema XVI — summer session! | 1:30 p.m. |

Join us for a cinematic tour of great international films (11 in the summer series) chosen by the ever popular Ron Krieg! Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Wednesday, August 6

Enhance Your Fitness | 10:30 a.m. | $5 drop in, membership required but with membership $40/month unlimited Health and Wellness Activities eligibility. Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Enhance Your Fitness Trumansburg | 10 a.m. |

Trumansburg Fire Hall — $5 Trumansburg Fire Hall, 74 W Main Street.

Forte | Piano 2025: Former Students of Malcolm Bilson | 7:30 p.m. |

Former students of Malcolm Bilson, including David Breitman, Petra Somlai, and Tuija Hakkila, will perform music by Schubert, Robert Schumann, and other composers.

Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, 430 College Ave.

Jazz Night at Deep Dive: Firefly Trio | 6:30 p.m. |

Firefly Trio (6:30-8:30 p.m.), Big Band (8:30-10:30 p.m.), The People’s Jam! (10:30-12:30 p.m.). Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd.

Latin Wednesday | 9 p.m. |

Ithaca’s longest running and hottest weekly dance party Meet new dancers, learn new moves, and have fun!. The Upstairs, 106 S. Cayuga St.

NAMI Family-to-Family Class | 5:30 p.m. |

Registration is now open for the Summer 2025 Family-to-Family class at NAMI Finger Lakes South Hill Business Campus — Second Floor Conference Room, 950 Danby Road.

Thursday, August 7

Story + Craft is our weekly reading + creating event for children! Join us for a read-aloud, followed by art-making or a guided craft. Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street.

Friday, August 8

2025 Ithaca Artist Market | 12 p.m. | Plan a visit to Tompkins County, NY, for the Community Arts Partnership’s 33rd annual Ithaca Artist Market! Ithaca Farmers Market at Steamboat Landing, 545 Third St., Steamboat Landing, Turn off Route 13 between Aldi and B&W Supply.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Class | 12 p.m. |

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a skill that addresses troubling emotions and manifestations of trauma. Mental Health Association in Tompkins County, 511 West Seneca.

Forte | Piano 2025: Conversations for Two | 7:30 p.m. |

Sylvia Berry and Ursula Dütschler will perform fortepiano and harpsichord works by Tapray, Brillon de Jouy, and Couperin, followed by Duo CPE presenting Haydn songs and arias, and concluding with Tom Beghin and Luca Montebugnoli’s rare fourhand fortepiano rendition of Beethoven’s Grande Fugue. Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, 430 College Ave.

SingTrece at South Hill Cider/Golden Hour Music Series | 5:30 p.m. |

SingTrece plays the South Hill Cider Golden Hour Music Series! South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.

Saturday, August 9

Adult Performance Intensive 2025 | 9:45 a.m. |

Forte | Piano 2025: Women at the Keyboard | 7:30 p.m. |

An evening of powerful and lyrical chamber works by Jane Mary Guest (c. 1762-1836), Emilie Mayer (1812-1883), and Louise Farrenc (1804-1875), performed by Yi-heng Yang, Aisslinn Nosky, Gesa Kordes, Stephanie Vial,

Heather Miller Lardin, and Andrew Willis.

Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, 430 College Ave.

LCL Family Movie Night! | 6 p.m. |

LCL Fmily Movie Night! Join us at Lansing Town Hall on Saturday, August 9 for Moana 2—the kids’ choice! Bring a blanket and get comfy. We’ll have free popcorn and fun for the whole family! Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road.

Summer Flower Workshop | 6 p.m. |

Spend a relaxing evening on a flower farm, wandering through gorgeous dahlia rows and using tips to arrange your own bouquet. Jenny Creek Flowers, 7048 Durling Road.

Whiskey Tango Sideshow: Mermaid Ball | 8 p.m. |

Whiskey Tango Sideshow’s Mermaid Ball! Bringing you burlesque guaranteed to get you wet! Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd.

Wild mushroom identification class | 1 p.m. |

In-depth, in-person wild mushroom identification classes Enfield Community center, 162 Enfield Main St.

Sunday, August 10

Dance Church | 11:30 a.m. |

Intuitive Stitch | 12 p.m. |

Immerse yourself in peaceful stitching with Laura Braaten as you learn to let go of goals and pressure. This simple and powerful approach to hand stitching is great for decreasing stress and freeing your creative muse. SewGreen, Press Bay Court, 112 W Green Street, #5.

Outdoor Qi Gong Class | 10 a.m. |

Outdoor Qi Gong for Wellness and Nervous System Regulation. Allan H. Treman State Marine Park, 805 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Saltonstall Open House: Readings + Art | 4 p.m. |

Save the date and join us for Saltonstall Foundation’s second Open House of the 2025 season! Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts, 435 Ellis Hollow Creek Road.

Monday, August 11

Adult Performance Intensive 2025 |

5 p.m. |

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers | 5:30 p.m. |

Join us every Monday at South Hill Cider for cider, food, and live jazz with some of the best local musicians! South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.

Mythic Mondays World Myth Open Mic |

Mythic Mondays: World Myth Open Mic Join storyteller and host Jay Leeming for an open mic event in which participants are invited to bring alive the many stories, legends and epics of world mythology

The Downstairs, Participatory Contra, Square, and Circle Dancing | 7 p.m. |

Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Summer Sing | 6:30 p.m. |

A capella barbershop women’s group. No prior experience needed First Baptist Church, 4443 Seneca Rd.

Tuesday, August 12

Adult Performance Intensive 2025 | 5 p.m. |

Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Taughannock Live Music Series: The Loons | 5 p.m. |

August Inn at Taughannock Falls, 2030 Gorge Rd.

Wednesday, August 13

Adult Performance Intensive 2025 | 5 p.m. |

Latin Wednesday | 9 p.m. |

The Upstairs, 106 S. Cayuga St.

NAMI Family-to-Family Class | 5:30 p.m. |

Registration is now open for the Summer 2025 Family-to-Family class at NAMI Finger Lakes South Hill Business Campus — Second Floor Conference Room, 950 Danby Road.

Thursday, August 14

4 Seasons Summer Book Club | 5:30 p.m. |

Launch yourself into Summer 2025 and color your world brilliant with TCPL’s 4 Seasons Book Club as we journey back through space and time to the 1980’s space shuttle program. Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street. Brewhouse Blues Jam | 6 p.m. |

We are honored to have the opportunity to host one of the longest-standing Ithaca blues jam tradition! Hopshire Farm & Brewery, 1771 Dryden Rd.

CFCU Summer Concert Series | Bernie Milton Pavilion, Center Commons. Healthy Eating Support Community | 4:30 p.m. |

Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Ave., Ithaca. cl2742@cornell.edu Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Avenue.

Friday, August 15

Adult Performance Intensive 2025 | 6 p.m. |

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Class | 12 p.m. |

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a skill that addresses troubling emotions and manifestations of trauma. Mental Health Association in Tompkins County, 511 West Seneca.

Saturday, August 16

Adult Performance Intensive 2025 | 12 p.m. |

Everything Earrings: Intro to Jewelry Fabrication | 1 p.m. |

Learn jewelry assembly and basic metalsmithing techniques with jeweler Draya Koschmann SewGreen, Press Bay Court, 112 W Green Street, #5.

Lily Silly Puppet Show and Workshop | 2 p.m. |

A puppet show for all ages! Aunt Irene’s show is filled with music and fantastic variety acts. See the singing Madam Sloth, the mysterious Linked Lizard, the Opera Cat and Wanda the Wizard. Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street.

Summer Flower Workshop | 6 p.m. |

Spend a relaxing evening on a flower farm, wandering through gorgeous dahlia rows and using tips to arrange your own bouquet. Jenny Creek Flowers, 7048 Durling Road.

TCPL Makerspace x The History Center: Personal Map Art | 2 p.m. |

In collaboration with The History Center in Tompkins County, patrons are invited to artistically decorate historical maps of local locations that have personal significance. Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street.

Sunday, August 17

Bassett Street Hounds Dance Performance | 11 a.m. |

Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

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Cypher Night |

Welcome all rappers, spoken word artists, and fans of such to the Cypher Lounge. Hosted by Emerson B (aka LongStory), featuring a live resident band made up of Ashley Ickes on drums, Michael Schuler on bass, and Emmett Scott on keys, come showcase your art to the community in real time collaboration. There will be a sign up sheet if you want to perform.

The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

Dance Church | 11:30 a.m. |

Dance Church Ithaca is the best free style dance experience in town every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Foundation Of Light. Come join the dance! Express yourself and get a great workout with amazing music and a beautiful dance floor. Hope to see you there. Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Rd.

The Evergreen Social x South Hill Cider: Vintage Clothing and Goods Market | 12 p.m. |

Join us at The Evergreen Social Summer Market Series at South Hill Cider! South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.

Outdoor Qi Gong Class | 10 a.m. |

Outdoor Qi Gong for Wellness and Nervous System Regulation. Allan H. Treman State Marine Park, 805 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Monday, August 18

Mondays with MAQ | 5:30 p.m. |

Join us every Monday for cider, food, and live jazz with some of the best local musicians! South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.

Participatory Contra, Square, and Circle Dancing | 7 p.m. |

Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Summer Sing | 6:30 p.m. |

A capella barbershop women’s group. No prior experience needed First Baptist Church, 4443 Seneca Rd.

Tuesday, August 19

Open Mic Stand Up Comedy Night @ the Downstairs |

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! The Downstairs.

Participatory Contra, Square, and Circle Dancing | 7 p.m. |

Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Taughannock Live Music Series: The Loons | 5 p.m. |

August Inn at Taughannock Falls, 2030 Gorge Rd.

Wednesday, August 20

Jazz Night at Deep Dive: Firefly Trio | 6:30 p.m. |

Firefly Trio (6:30-8:30 p.m.), Big Band (8:3010:30 p.m.), The People’s Jam! (10:30-12:30 p.m.). Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd.

Latin Wednesday | 9 p.m. |

The Upstairs, 106 S. Cayuga St. NAMI Family-to-Family Class | 5:30 p.m. |

Registration is now open for the Summer 2025 Family-to-Family class at NAMI Finger Lakes South Hill Business Campus — Second Floor Conference Room, 950 Danby Road.

Thursday, August 21

CFCU Summer Concert Series |

Bernie Milton Pavilion, Center Commons.

Story + Craft | 4 p.m. |

Story + Craft is our weekly reading + creating event for children! Join us for a read-aloud, followed by art-making or a guided craft. Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street.

Summer Flower Workshop | 6 p.m. |

Spend a relaxing evening on a flower farm, wandering through gorgeous dahlia rows and using tips to arrange your own bouquet. Jenny Creek Flowers, 7048 Durling Road.

Third Thursday Artist Alley Open Studio | 4 p.m. |

Join us for the monthly Artist Alley’s Open Studio Night. Artist Alley at South Hill Business Campus, 950 Danby Rd.

Friday, August 22

American Red Cross Blood Drive | 10 a.m. |

Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street.

Driftwood at South Hill Cider | 5:30 p.m. |

Driftwood plays at South Hill Cider Golden Hour Music Series on August 22! South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.

Saturday, August 23

Ithaca Mushroom Walks | 10 a.m. |

Join Ithaca Mushroom Walks monthly in Stewart Park and discover the fascinating world of fungi. Stewart Park, 1 James L Gibbs Dr.

Sunday, August 24

Dance Church | 11:30 a.m. |

Dance Church Ithaca is the best free style dance experience in town every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Rd.

Outdoor Qi Gong Class | 10 a.m. |

Outdoor Qi Gong for Wellness and Nervous System Regulation. Allan H. Treman State Marine Park, 805 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY 14850.

Monday, August 25

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers | 5:30 p.m. |

! South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.

Participatory Contra, Square, and Circle Dancing | 7 p.m. |

Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Summer Sing | 6:30 p.m. |

A capella barbershop women’s group. No prior experience needed First Baptist Church, 4443 Seneca Rd.

Tuesday, August 26

Participatory Contra, Square, and Circle Dancing | 7 p.m. |

Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

SingTrece’s Open Mic for Singers, Rappers, Songwriters, & Poets | 7:00 p.m. |

The Downstairs and SingTrece Publishing Production Presents Ithaca’s Best Open Mic for Singers, Rappers, Songwriters, Poets and Spoken Word. Perform at Ithaca’s most intimate and supportive open mic. The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

Wednesday, August 27

Latin Wednesday | 9 p.m. |

The Upstairs, 106 S. Cayuga St.

Thursday, August 28

CFCU Summer Concert Series: Freight and Iron Horse, with opener Louiston | 5 p.m. |

Bernie Milton Pavilion, Center Commons. Healthy Eating Support Community | 4:30 p.m. |

Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Ave., Ithaca. cl2742@cornell.edu Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Avenue. Story + Craft | 4 p.m. |

Story + Craft is our weekly reading + creating event for children! Join us for a read-aloud, followed by art-making or a guided craft. Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street.

Friday, August 29

Summer Flower Workshop | 6 p.m. |

Spend a relaxing evening on a flower farm, wandering through gorgeous dahlia rows and using tips to arrange your own bouquet. Jenny Creek Flowers, 7048 Durling Road.

Sunday, August 31

Jazz Jam | 6 p.m. |

Jazz Jam First & last Sunday of every month at 6pm With DeWayne Perry! It’s all about the music. Support the downstairs! Become a member or donate to the Programming Fund! The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

Outdoor Qi Gong Class | 10 a.m. |

Outdoor Qi Gong for Wellness and Nervous System Regulation. Allan H. Treman State Marine Park, 805 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY 14850.

Monday, September 1

Breathe and Flow Gentle Yoga | 12 p.m. |

$5 drop-in or $40 unlimited health & wellness per month. Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Clay Studio 1 | 10 a.m. |

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Enhance Your Fitness Trumansburg | 10 a.m. |

Trumansburg Fire Hall, 74 W Main Street.

Mondays with MAQ | 5:30 p.m. | Join us every Monday for cider, food, and live jazz with some of the best local musicians! South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.

Participatory Contra, Square, and Circle Dancing | 7 p.m. |

Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Poetry & Prose |

Strength Training- Varna | 9:30 a.m. |

Lifelong, Varna Community Center, 943 Dryden Rd.

Tuesday, September 2

Chair Yoga — Jacksonville | 11:30 a.m. |

Jacksonville Methodist by Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Clay Studio 2 | 10 a.m. |

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Meditation and Mindfulness | 5 p.m. |

Join Anna Salamone of FireFly Farm Retreat for a monthly meditation and mindfulness practice. Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street.

Open Mic Stand Up Comedy Night |

The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

Open Studio Mixed Media | 9 a.m. |

Bring your own supplies to work on art projects of your choice. All media and experience levels welcome.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Participatory Contra, Square, and Circle Dancing | 7 p.m. |

Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

World Cinema XVI — summer session! | 1:30 p.m. |

Join us for a cinematic tour of great international films (11 in the summer series) chosen by the ever popular Ron KriegLifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Wednesday, September 3

Enhance Your Fitness | 10:30 a.m. |

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Enhance Your Fitness Trumansburg | 10 a.m. |

Trumansburg Fire Hall, 74 W Main Street.

Jazz Night at Deep Dive: Firefly Trio | 6:30 p.m. |

Jazz Night at Deep Dive: Firefly Trio (6:308:30 p.m.), Big Band (8:30-10:30 p.m.), The People’s Jam! (10:30-12:30 p.m.). Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd.

Latin Wednesday | 9 p.m. |

The Upstairs, 106 S. Cayuga St.

Thursday, September 4

CFCU Summer Concert Series:

Bernie Milton Pavilion, Center Commons.

Enhance Your Fitness — Groton Public Library | 1:30 p.m. |

Groton Public Library by Lifelong

Kajuneju at South Hill Cider/Community Concert Series | 5:30 p.m. |

Cider, food and live music every Thursday! South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Road.

Strength Training | 12:30 p.m. |

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Summer Flower Workshop | 5:30 p.m. |

Spend a relaxing evening on a flower farm, wandering through gorgeous dahlia rows and using tips to arrange your own bouquet. Jenny Creek Flowers, 7048 Durling Road.

Yoga at Groton Public Library | 1:30 p.m. |

By Lifelong with Shanthi Mariappan, Groton Public Library, 112 E Cortland St., Groton

Friday, September 5

Art House Night | 5 p.m. |

The Ink Shop, 330 E. MLK/State St.

Conversational French Social Group | 11 a.m. |

If you love language, have a yearning for learning, and a penchant to speak French at some point, join this lively social group.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Enhance Your Fitness | 10:30 a.m. |

$5 drop in, membership required but with membership $40/month unlimited Health and Wellness Activities eligibility.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Enhance Your Fitness Trumansburg | 10 a.m. |

By Lifelong at Trumansburg Fire Hall, 74 W Main Street.

Ithaca Gallery Night | 5 p.m. |

A first Friday event where galleries and venues present new exhibits every first Friday of the month from 5-8pm. Ithaca Gallery Night openings are located in downtown Ithaca and Tompkins County. Free and open to the public. Please go to www.ithacagallerynight.com for details.

Ithaca Gallery Night, 171 The Commons. Square, Round, & Line Dance | 2 p.m. |

$5 drop in, members eligible to pay $35/ month for unlimited H&W activities.

A fun & social way to raise your heart rate, loosen up your muscles, exercise your mind, and lift your spirits.

Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Tai Chi Lansing | 10:30 a.m. |

Lansing Community Center — $5 drop in, membership not required but members eligible to pay $35/month for unlimited H&W activities. Lifelong, 119 W. Court St.

Saturday, September 6

Chamber Music at New Park — 9th Season | 7:30 p.m. |

Three days of superb artistry in the unique setting of New Park on Route 89. New Park Event Venue & Suites, 1500 Taughannock Blvd.

KALEO — Mixed Emotions Tour | 6:30 p.m. |

State Theatre of Ithaca, 107 West State St.

Whistlin’ Dyl (7 p.m.) |

The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

Sunday, September 7

Chamber Music at New Park — 9th Season | 3 p.m. |

Three days of superb artistry in the unique setting of New Park on Route 89. New Park Event Venue & Suites, 1500 Taughannock Blvd.

Jazz Jam | 6 p.m. |

Monday, September 8

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers | 5:30 p.m. |

Join us every Monday at South Hill Cider for cider, food, and live jazz with some of the best local musicians! South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd.

Mythic Mondays | 7:30 p.m. |

Mythic Mondays: World Myth Open Mic

Join storyteller and host Jay Leeming for an open mic event in which participants are invited to bring alive the many stories, legends and epics of world mythology

The Downstairs, 121 E M.L.K. Jr. St.

Participatory Contra, Square, and Circle Dancing | 7 p.m. |

Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Strength Training Varna Community Center | 9:30 a.m. |

$5 drop-in or members eligible to pay $40/ month for unlimited Health and Wellness classes.

Resistance exercise strengthens bones, increases muscular endurance, and improves coordination and balance. Varna Community Center, 943 Dryden Rd.

Tuesday, September 9

Participatory Contra, Square, and Circle Dancing | 7 p.m. |

Ithaca Commons, 171 E. State St./ Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Latin Wednesday | 9 p.m. |

The Upstairs, 106 S. Cayuga St.

Thursday, September 11

Brewhouse Blues Jam | 6 p.m. |

We are honored to have the opportunity to host one of the longest-standing Ithaca blues jam tradition! Hopshire Farm & Brewery, 1771 Dryden Rd.

Healthy Eating Support Community | 4:30 p.m. |

Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Avenue.

Ithaca is Books Festival | 11 a.m. |

Bernie Milton Pavilion, Center Commons.

Friday, September 12

Ithaca is Books Festival | 11 a.m. |

Bernie Milton Pavilion, Center Commons. Summer Flower Workshop | 5:30 p.m. |

Spend a relaxing evening on a flower farm, wandering through gorgeous dahlia rows and using tips to arrange your own bouquet. Jenny Creek Flowers, 7048 Durling Road.

Saturday, September 13

Ithaca is Books Festival | 11 a.m. |

Bernie Milton Pavilion, Center Commons

Sunday, September 14

Ithaca is Books Festival | 11 a.m. |

Bernie Milton Pavilion, Center Commons. Wild mushroom identification class | 1 p.m. |

In-depth, in-person wild mushroom identification classes Enfield Community center, 162 Enfield Main St.