PRIME TIMES
OCTOBER 2025 A resource book for 55+
Connected for Life
Cover Photo: The Tompkins County Office for the Aging is proud to announce its 50th Anniversary Celebration and Senior Living Expo this past summer to honor five decades of dedication to enhancing the lives of older adults in Tompkins County. (Photo: Nathan Ellison/ Sun Fellow at the Ithaca Times)
Halco Founder Reflects on 41 Years of Growth
By Marjorie olds
Growing up in Phelps, New York, one of Hal Smith’s church youth leaders noticed Hal’s interest in fixing things. From the time Hal was 12 years old, he would accompany Pat Sattaneo on weekends and vacations, doing plumbing work for customers in the Geneva-Phelps area, many of whom were professors at Cornell’s Experimental Station in Geneva, a few miles away from Phelps in Ontario County.
Now, after 41 years of Hal’s successful heating, plumbing, cooling and energy efficiency business, the founder and director of Halco looks back on that unusual apprenticeship as a blessing to launch him to become the person he was meant to be.
In high school Hal took two years of plumbing, heating, and electrical classes, and upon graduation spent four years with a plumbing, heating
and air-conditioning company in Canandaigua. During those four years, Hal also took related classes about 30 miles from home, at Monroe County Community College.
With encouragement from Pat Sattaneo, in 1984 at 22 years of age, Hal Smith started Halco, this region’s prominent and popular energy efficiency company, operating in 23 counties in the Syracuse-Rochester-Ithaca area. Launching Halco as a solo practitioner business 41 years ago, Hal now employs 185 men and women, with 4 offices in Phelps, Ithaca, Rochester, and Syracuse. With such successful expansion of Halco, Hal explains he does a zoom call with each department once a week at 7 AM. Everyone in Halco is kept up-to-date.
Originally setting up shop in a large, tidy barn on County Rd. #6 in Phelps, Hal did plenty of 100 hour weeks as he
served customers’ heat, plumbing and electrical needs. Once established, Hal joined the Fingerlakes Workforce Investment Board for Wayne, Ontario, Seneca, and Yates Counties, serving as chair of this innovative partnership for many years.
“For the past 17 years we have hosted an annual program, ‘Fingerlakes Works With Its Hands!’ We host 700 high school students at an all-day Trade event,” he said. “Activities are varied with backhoes,
excavators, soldering, brazing carpentry demonstrations and electrical demonstrations…More recently we moved the event to the Fingerlakes Community College in Canandaigua, about 12 miles from Phelps.”
About 25 years ago, Hal became interested in geothermal energy, which some customers explore and utilize for their electrical heating and cooling systems. That was followed by expansion to include heat pumps and solar energy systems, all based upon insulation and air sealing, so that all heating and cooling can be done as efficiently as possible
“Halco partners with area BOCES and accepts high schoolers into internships with us,” he said. “Upon graduation, young people can join the Halco On-TheJob-Training-Program, which once successfully completed, leads to a 5 year NYS Appren -
Hal Smith, Halco Home Solutions CEO.
(Photo: Provided/ Kelsey Smith)
ticeship program.”
(mzo: Recently, Zutiyah Graham completed the Ithaca Energy Warriors program, created by this author and admirably led for 5 years by local hero Aloja Airewele. “Zoo” returned to the Energy Warriors class not long ago and proudly announced her entry into the Halco workforce to the current Energy Warriors students. We cheer her on!)
Many Halco customers have noted the across-the-board high quality of the Halco crews. Arriving in their bright, colorful Halco vans, trucks and cars, consumers remark how polite, efficient, and expert the Halco staff is. Hal modestly comments that he believes in treating his staff well, so that they are happy to be a part
of Halco. He observes that happy staff create happy customers.
“We make mistakes, but we work hard to resolve those,” he said “We’ve had lots of success, but some things don’t work out as planned and we learn from those, and it is all worthwhile.”
Last year, Halco put up 5,000 yard signs where their projects were underway. Hal notes that private equity investors increasingly buy out small heating and plumbing companies as owners age out. At the same time, Halco has been expanding, building on its unusually popular status. So, clearly the 12 year old boy’s dream of working with his hands to help people solve problems came true. Hal has
vowed to keep his business privately owned.
“I’m 63 now and assisted by many key staff, who are taking on more as we continue to expand,” he said. “During my years of 100 hour work
weeks, I missed some time at home, and at my kids’ sports events. Now that I’m a grandfather, I never miss any of the sports activities, and I feel blessed by good family, good staff, good customers.”
Plan Ahead & Save Money For Peace of Mind
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Hal Smith, second from right, networking at the 2025 NY-GEO Event, held in Saratoga Springs.
(Photo: Provided/Rachel Collet, NY-GEO)
The
completed addition at Halco Home Solutions headquarters expands workspace to support continued growth. (Photo: Provided/Kelsey Wright)
A Lifetime of Social Ties Adds Up to Healthy Aging
By l aura reiley, Cornell ChroniCle
The cumulative effect of social advantages across a lifetime — from parental warmth in childhood to friendship, community engagement and religious support in adulthood – may slow the biological processes of aging itself. These social advantages appear to set back “epigenetic clocks” such that a person’s biological age, as measured by analyzing DNA methylation patterns, is younger than their chronological age.
The research, which appeared in the October issue of the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity — Health, drew on data from more than 2,100 adults in the long-running Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study.
First author Anthony Ong, psychology professor and director of the Human Health Labs in the College of Human Ecology, and fellow researchers found that people with higher
about the depth and breadth of your social connections over a lifetime,” Ong said. “We looked at four key areas: the warmth and support you received from your parents growing up, how connected you feel to your community and neighborhood, your involvement in religious or faith-based communities, and the ongoing emotional support from friends and family.”
levels of what they called “cumulative social advantage” showed slower epigenetic aging and lower levels of chronic inflammation.
“This paper builds on a foundational study we published last year showing how cumulative social advantage relates to positive health outcomes,” Ong said. “This new study digs deeper into the same data to understand the biological mechanisms — essentially, how social connections get under
our skin to affect aging at the molecular level.”
The study focused on so-called epigenetic clocks, molecular signatures that estimate the pace of biological aging. Two in particular — GrimAge and DunedinPACE — are considered especially predictive of morbidity and mortality. Adults with stronger, more sustained social networks showed significantly younger profiles on both clocks.
“Cumulative social advantage is really
The researchers hypothesized that sustained social advantage becomes reflected in core regulatory systems linked to aging, including epigenetic, inflammatory and neuroendocrine pathways. And indeed, they found that higher social advantage was linked to lower levels of interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory molecule implicated in heart disease, diabetes and neurodegeneration. But interestingly, there were no significant associations with short-term
The Tompkins County Office for the Aging is proud to announce its 50th Anniversary Celebration and Senior Living Expo this past summer to honor five decades of dedication to enhancing the lives of older adults in Tompkins County. (Photo: Nathan Ellison/Sun Fellow at the Ithaca Times)
stress markers like cortisol or catecholamines.
Unlike many earlier studies that looked at social factors in isolation — whether a person is married, for example, or how many friends they have — this work conceptualized “cumulative social advantage” as a multidimensional construct. And by combining both early and later-life relational resources, the measure reflects the ways advantage clusters and compounds.
“What’s striking is the cumulative effect — these social resources build on each other over time,” Ong said.
“It’s not just about having friends today; it’s about how your social connections have grown and deepened throughout your life. That accumulation shapes your health trajectory in measurable ways.”
This perspective draws on cumulative advantage theory, which holds that resources, whether economic or social, tend to accrue, widening disparities across the life course. This underscores a sobering reality: Access to these social resources is not evenly distributed. Race,
class and educational attainment shape the likelihood of growing up with supportive parents, finding belonging in community institutions or having friends and partners who provide steady support.
That means those already disadvantaged in
material ways may also be biologically disadvantaged by a relative lack of sustained social support, potentially accelerating the processes of aging and illness.
The findings dovetail with the “weathering hypothesis,” a framework developed by pub -
lic health scholar Arline Geronimus, which suggests that chronic exposure to adversity and structural inequality leads to earlier health deterioration in marginalized groups. Here, researchers extend that
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In Pursuit of a Purposeful Life
By roy allen
When the Founding Fathers penned the Declaration of Independence, they enshrined three unalienable rights as the foundation of the American promise: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. More than two centuries later, most Americans can reasonably say they’ve secured the first two. We enjoy protection under the law, access to education and personal freedoms that many in the world still fight for. But the third right—the pursuit of happiness— remains elusive for many. Despite material comforts, technological convenience, and unprecedented choice, millions still struggle to find meaning in their daily lives. Several years ago, the US Department of Labor reported that over 70% of the workforce was disengaged, meaning that they found little purpose or value in their jobs beyond
earning a paycheck. Their struggle points to a deeper need: the search not just for happiness, but for purpose.
In modern America—at the cusp of technological revolution, social transformation, and global interconnection—the pursuit of a purposeful life has taken on new dimensions. As we peer into the nation’s future, the challenge and opportunity lie in aligning personal meaning with the broader arc of national progress. A purposeful life is no longer just a personal ideal—it is a necessary building block for the future of America.
Historically, the American Dream has been framed around tangible success: upward mobility, homeownership, a secure job. These markers served well in a growing economy and post-war society. But in today’s rapidly shifting world, many are questioning whether those measures alone fulfill
is the Executive Director of Pathways to Equity and Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Ithaca Times.
the promise of happiness. Younger generations, in particular, are reimagining what it means to live well—not just to have, but to be: to be useful, to be connected, to be fulfilled.
A purposeful life begins with asking hard questions: Who am I beyond my profession? What do I value? How do my actions shape the world around me? These questions may seem individualistic, but when embraced
on a societal level, they become a catalyst for national renewal. Imagine a country where its citizens—educators, engineers, artists, and leaders alike—are guided not just by ambition but by a sense of responsibility and service. This is not idealistic fantasy; it is a necessary evolution. America’s future depends not only on economic growth or technological prowess, but on moral clarity and shared purpose. As we face pressing challenges—climate change, political polarization, racial injustice, and economic inequality—it is clear that the old paradigms of power and profit are insufficient. We need citizens and leaders with the courage to care, to think long-term, and to build systems rooted in equity and sustainability. Purpose-driven innovation is already shaping the future. Social entrepreneurs
Roy Allen
(Photo: Provided)
are creating businesses that balance profit with impact. Scientists are working to combat disease and environmental degradation with a sense of service to humanity. Educators are reshaping classrooms to cultivate critical thinking, empathy, and civic responsibility. These efforts show that when purpose is at the center, progress is not only possible—it becomes inevitable.
One of the greatest opportunities for America lies in redefining education as a platform for purpose. Rather than training students solely for the workforce, we must prepare them for lives of meaningful contribution. This means fostering curiosity, resilience, creativity, and ethical reasoning. Schools should be places where students not only learn facts, but explore who they are and how they want to serve the world. A generation raised with this mindset could redefine what leadership looks like in the 21st century. Technology, too, must be harnessed with purpose. Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean energy innovations will undoubtedly shape America’s future. But without a moral
compass, these tools can deepen inequality and erode trust. We must therefore ask not just what we can build, but why—and for whom. The future belongs to those who can align innovation with human values.
Furthermore, a purposeful life must be rooted in community. Individual fulfillment cannot come at the expense of our neighbor’s well-being. America’s strength has always rested in its diversity and democratic ideals. To move forward, we must cultivate empathy across differences, restore faith in institutions, and create spaces where all voices are heard. Civic engagement, volunteerism, and community leadership must be revived—not as obligations, but as expressions of purpose.
For this author, a purposeful life includes leading with my heart in service to God, to family, and to my neighbors. Who are my neighbors? Well, each and every day, new faces come into my life creating an opening for both of us to become better together. This is not some Pollyanna or utopian theory, but
in fact, serving others can become a powerful force for purposeful living, changemaking, and the realization of that elusive third inalienable right—the pursuit of happiness. When we commit to finding personal purpose, guided by conviction and compassion, we begin to build a future that is not only more connected, but more human.
The pursuit of a purposeful life, then, is not merely personal—it is profoundly patriotic. It asks each of us to consider how our gifts and passions might contribute to the greater
good. It challenges us to reject cynicism, to act with intention, and to believe that a better future is not only possible, but our shared responsibility.
In this time of uncertainty and possibility, America stands at a crossroads. Will we continue down a path of fragmentation, religious and political polarization, and self-interest, or will we rise to the challenge of building a society grounded in purpose and possibility? The answer lies not in policy alone, but
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Christopher Gonzales Looks At Father’s Past in New Memoir
By BarBara adaMs
This week marks the opening of National Hispanic Heritage Month, whose 2025 theme is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” In Buffalo Street Books features a reading by a local author with Mexican heritage, Christopher Gonzales. His debut book, “Return of the Lost Son: Memories of My Wayward Father,” was published last month by LSU Press. It recounts his long search for his father’s hidden past, nearly obliterated by early onset Alzheimer’s. Gonzales will be reading on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 5 p.m. at Buffalo Street Books in the Dewitt Mall, followed by a conversation with fiction author Raul Palma. He spoke recently with Ithaca Times journalist Barbara Adams about his new work.
Ithaca Times: What were the roots of this memoir? How
Author Christopher Gonzales read from his debut memoir at Buffalo Street Books on Sept. 18 as part of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
(Photo: Barbara Adams/ Ithaca Times)
did you decide to begin writing it?
Chris Gonzales: It wasn’t until I was 28, in 2000, when I left Chicago with my wife, who’d gotten a Fulbright to study in Mexico. I had a not very clear plan to investigate business opportunities, but when we arrived it in Mexico City, it was bewildering. Lots of architecture, monuments everywhere — it’s a place that pushes your consciousness. Soon I realized that my family history
Gonzales’ memoir, Return of the Lost Son: Memories of My Wayward Father, explores his father’s hidden past and the impact of early onset Alzheimer’s.
(Photo: Provided)
wouldn’t let me slide into a world of easy capitalism. My North American Review essay, “My Own Lost Mexico,” describes that time — a classic story of a Mexican American going to Mexico and uncovering this more urgent need to tell about his family’s heritage.
IT: But you began writing the story as a novel.
CG: Yes, and the writing was bad, chaotic. I had a lot to learn. I
wanted to sublimate my experience, turn it into some higher form of art. Some people flinch at the idea of Alzheimer’s, and I didn’t want to present naked suffering, rather events clothed in art. But after a couple of years of writing, it became obvious that I was drawing on real memories. Still, I could conjure conversations, use my imagination. I worked on the book for 22 years, off and on — sometimes wishing the project would go away and not have such a draw on me. But it was something I had to finish. I knew there was part of my father’s story that ran through Ithaca. He’d lived here in the 1960s, hung out with bohemian types. When my wife got a teaching position at Ithaca College and we moved here in 2003, I sort of felt like my father’s ghost was controlling my movements.
continued on page 12
Social Ties
continued from page 7
framework to show how accumulated relational advantage, the other side of the coin, may confer resilience at the molecular level.
This doesn’t mean a single friendship or volunteer stint can turn back the biological clock. But the authors, including Frank Mann at Stony Brook University and Laura Kubzansky at Harvard University, suggest that the depth and consistency of social connection, built across decades and different spheres of life, matters profoundly. The study adds weight to the growing view that social life is not just a matter of happiness or stress relief but a core determinant of physiological health.
“Think of social connections like a retirement account,” Ong said. “The earlier you start investing and the
more consistently you contribute, the greater your returns. Our study shows those returns aren’t just emotional; they’re biological. People with richer, more sustained social connections literally age more slowly at the cellular level. Aging well means both staying healthy and staying connected — they’re inseparable.”
Purposeful Life
continued from page 9
in the hearts, minds and actions of everyday people. If we each commit to living with purpose—not perfection, but direction—we can help shape a future where America not only survives, but thrives. Ultimately, the pursuit of a purposeful life is the pursuit of a better nation. And in striving for lives of meaning, we contribute to something greater than ourselves: a more
just, compassionate, and resilient America.
Roy Allen is the Executive Director of Pathways to Equity, the nonprofit parent of Finger Lakes Community Newspapers, LLC — the Publisher of the Ithaca Times, Trumansburg Free Press, Ovid Gazette, Interlaken Review, Tompkins Independent and News Chronicle newspapers as well as the host of www.ithaca.com.
Christopher Gonzales
continued from page 11
IT: It’s a slender memoir — only 153 pages — but highly intricate, with revisited stories and lapidary details.
CG: The story jumps around in time, which was partly the way the book was written, and partly because I could only organize by theme, not time or place. I realized a single linear narrative wasn’t going to work. I wanted
the effect to be as if you’re lost in time.
IT: The opening chapter is striking — where you first begin to notice your father’s erratic behavior.
CG: This story of our family traveling to Texas, that for me was the opening — starting in the middle with all the detail flying at us at once. That first chapter attempts to answer when my father began to change. There was no one event. You’re putting together the fragments, discovering when your loved one slowly disappears. Understanding it is a long, drawn-out trajectory, over years. Also, I chose that beginning because the trip was my father’s search for his parents, which resonates with my own search for mine. I was seeking to understand my father and his life, but the book is also an act of pushing against the catastrophe of early onset Alzheimer’s. This
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Winegarden in Lodi Pairs Silver Thread Wines with Selections from Dano’s Menu
By roBert rieger
It’s the best of both worlds.
In February, Silver Thread Vineyard opened their Winegarden tasting room in the former home of Dano’s Heuriger restaurant, located on the east side of Seneca Lake in Lodi, NY.
The current menu highlights “Winegarden Bites” and “Winegarden Sips”. The food features many of the spreads, cold salads, sausages, local cheese and charcuterie formerly offered at Dano’s. A specials menu changes weekly with additional items like smoked trout. Drinks include Silver Thread’s wines served in flights, glasses and bottles, plus local ciders, beers and non-alcoholic beverages. Wines feature mostly estate-grown Rieslings, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and a sparkling, Petillant Naturel.
“Our loyal Silver Thread fans have been eager to check out the new location, and we’ve been get-
ting lots of Dano’s fans who are excited to see the familiar menu items,” said Shannon Brock, who co-owns Silver Thread with her husband and winemaker, Paul Brock. The view toward the lake and the large indoor and outdoor spaces offer visitors a comfortable and stylish venue to enjoy local wines and sample farm-to-table cuisine.
Fate seemed to play a role in bringing the winery to this new loca-
tion. The original owner of Silver Thread, Richard Figiel, had planned a tasting room there before he sold the land to Karen Gilman and Dano Hutnik, who built Dano’s restaurant there in the early 2000s.
Gilman offered Silver Thread the menu and recipes, which she and Dano originally developed to complement the Finger Lakes area wines, including Rieslings, sparking wine and medium-bodied reds.
Gilman and Hutnik’s daughter, Sophia, cooks for the Winegarden. “She grew up in the restaurant and already had the experience making most of it,” said Brock. Customers often express relief that they can still get some of their favorites from Dano’s menu.
Gilman, who lives nearby and is now a fulltime studio artist, still displays her work in the Winegarden. She plans to rotate artwork over
Shannon and Paul Brock, co-owners of Silver Thread Vineyard, say the new location offers a larger, more accessible venue that honors the past while creating a fresh experience for visitors. (Photo: Provided)
time. To emphasize the connection between the winery and the new space, Silver Thread recently purchased two originals from Gilman that feature their vineyard alongside Seneca Lake.
“We are using them as new labels for our Good Earth White and Good Earth Red wines, which will be released in late summer,” Brock said. The two blended wines have been offered for many years but now include only organic, estate grown grapes.
Local enthusiasts agree that Silver Thread has created a unique offer. “I love that that they’re forging their own path while still honoring Dano’s and keeping some of the beloved menu items,” said Brittany Bagley, marketing coordinator for Southeast Seneca Business Alliance. She thinks the
new space compliments the owners’ natural approach to winemaking with a focus on quality and authenticity.
“My wife Alice and I were excited when we heard that Paul and Shannon were opening in the old Dano’s Heuriger,” said Wayne Schutz, Co-Founder of the Finger Lakes Wine Aficionados. “It’s very nice that more people will be able to experience their wines in a more accessible and larger space.”
Both Shannon and Paul Brock are wine educators and plan to offer wine appreciation classes in their space similar to those they offered virtually during Covid lockdown. In addition, they will continue partnering with local chefs to present more themed dinners.
Silver Thread Estate,
The Winegarden menu carries on Dano’s legacy with spreads, salads, sausages, and charcuterie, while highlighting Silver Thread’s estate-grown Rieslings and other wines. (Photo: Provided)
their original vineyard tasting room, remains open by reservation only on Fridays and Saturdays. No reservations are needed for groups of six or fewer at the Winegarden, which is
open daily from Noon to 6 p.m. through the end of August. In the fall, they will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Winegarden is located at 9564 NY-414, Lodi, NY.
Guests enjoy food and wine at Silver Thread Vineyard’s new Winegarden tasting room in Lodi, N.Y., located in the former Dano’s Heuriger space on Seneca Lake. (Photo: Provided)
Mark Vallely’s Relentless Ride to Fight Kids’ Cancer
By steve l awrenCe
It was not my intention to turn the last two columns into a theme, but there are enough parallels to do just that. So, the theme’s title is “People I Am Proud to Know,” and this week’s featured athlete is my friend Mark Vallely was blindsided with a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma in 2019, and like Brenda, he dug even deeper into his well of determination and is battling back.
I wrote about Mark about a decade and a half ago, when he was part of a group of Ithacans who were represent-
ing our town regularly at Iron Man triathlons.
Andy Getzin, Brian Lee, Becky Harmon and Mark were frequent finishers, pounding out the 2.2mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile runs with regularity. Starting at age 49, Mark did four Ironmans — in 2007, ‘08, ‘09 and ‘11 — all in Lake Placid, and he recalled with a laugh, “I realized I wasn’t getting any faster, so four was enough.”
Mark has kept a tough workout schedule in the ensuing years, and he remembered how he felt when he
got that devastating diagnosis 6 years ago.
“I was so depressed, I was in my 50s, and I saw a profile of some kids
going through cancer treatments,” he said. “I knew it was time to get off the Pity Pot and try to make a difference.”
Over the past 6 years, Vallely has completed The Great Cycle Challenge — Riding to Fight Kids’ Cancer, carving out a month each year to ride 500 miles. He just completed this year’s ride, cranking out 557 miles and raising $7,238, bringing his 6-year total to 3,081 miles and $24,959. His personal Great Cycle Challenge page charts his rides, showing maps and routes, and he said,
Mark Vallely rode another 500 miles to fight kids’ cancer. (Photo: Provided)
“This year, my shortest ride was 7 miles and my longest was 65.” His 53 sponsors — some individuals, some businesses — offered ongoing feedback on his rides over the course of the month, and that encouragement helps Vallely to keep cranking.
Andrew Raffensperger wrote, “So proud and grateful! Marks battle and the hope, courage and determination he has shown, has encouraged me to persevere through trials of my own. Mark has also
brother and God bless the kids!” Barbara Krause said, “What an impressive commitment from your generous heart, Mark!”
Diane Schafer had this to say: “Just keep pedaling, Mark! Such a great cause and great effort.” Mark responded to all of the comments, and the partnership is deeply valued by all involved.
I asked Mark — now 67 — how long he plans to keep doing this ride, and he replied, “I plan to keep going as long as I can. My doctors tell me that
early on, and I still get a steady diet of chemo every month. I do — and teach — Crossfit, and while I know there are no guarantees, I subscribe to whatever that saying is about changing the things I can and accepting the things I can’t.”
As a person who has had some health challenges, I have so much respect for people like Mark and Brenda. It is easy to sit on that Pity Pot when a person gets so blindsided — and broadsided — by a life-threatening illness, but they also have the option to approach it the way Mark has. In his words, “I’ve
lived a good long life and plan to continue for hopefully, quite some time. I can not imagine what it would be like to receive a cancer diagnosis at 4 or 5 years old, or what a child’s parent must go through with that kind of diagnosis. Finding this challenge helped snap me out of the depression I went through at the beginning. Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.”
Like I said, I am so proud to know this guy.
Of course, you can still take part in this great effort. Here’s the link: https://greatcyclechallenge. com/Riders/MarkVallely
INHS Minor Repair Program
Monday, October 22
29th Annual World of Skills Job Fair |
9 a.m. | Hotel Ithaca |
Job seekers are invited to join us for the 29th annual World of Skills job fair on October 22nd from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will take place at the Hotel Ithaca, where over 30 employers will be available to discuss job and career opportunities. There will be door prizes and a raffle to win a new laptop!
Tuesday, October 23
Small Business Round- Table at
The Highly Connected | 9:30 a. m. |
Small Business Roundtable is for organization leaders and business owners & managers with 50 or fewer employees to
CALENDAR
come together and discuss challenges and share successes in their work in a safe, supportive, confidential space. Register here: https://business. tompkinschamber. org/events/details/ small-business-roundtable-at-the-highly-connected-194015
Ace Week Rocks! at LGBTQ Center | 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. | LGBTQ Center, 110 Towers Concourse
Celebrate Asexual Awareness Week with pride at Ace Week Rocks!
Wednesday, October 24
Cosmic Colors | Tompkins County Public Library | 2:00 p.m. |
Join us for some fun, hands-on activities about how scientists use “invisible” light to
understand the universe.
American Red Cross Blood Drive | Tompkins County Public Library | 10:00a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Re-igniting Motivation
At Friends 209 | 4:00 p.m. | Friends 209 Workshop on motivation & self-determination theory. Learn to unleash your full potential with engaging discussion, self-reflection exercises, and expert guidance.
Saturday, October 25
Ithaca Eagles Auxiliary Annual Fall Bazaar | 10:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. | 161 Cecil Malone Drive
Newfield Rod & Gun Club Turkey Shoot | 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. | 156 Stark Rd. in Newfield
Join us to test your skills! Food will be
available alongside a raffle and prizes.
“John Brown’s Body” at the State Theater | 6:00p.m | 107 W. State St.
John Brown’s Body will be performing at the State Theater of Ithaca!
Sunday, October 26
CVM Canine Crawl
| 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Stewart Park
Show off your furry friends and their fun costumes in a ½ to 1 mile community run! Spooky Science | 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Ithaca Sciencenter | 601 1st Street
Join us for our free annual family event! Wear your favorite costumes and enjoy a day of eerie experiments, hands-on activities, and Halloween fun for all ages.
continued on page 20
Calendar continued from page 19
Monday, October 27
Free marketing workshop for Non-Profits and Local Businesses |
8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. | Cinemapolis
Gain the professional insight you need to launch a marketing, PR and fundraising program that will bolster awareness without breaking the bank. Pumpkins for Pills | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | North Foyer Campus Center
Come on over with any medication that you no longer use or is expired and we will give you a pumpkin as a thank you. They will also accept over-the-counter medication, vaping supplies, sharps/needles, and other health related items.
Tuesday, October 28
Planning and Devel-
opment Board | 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | 3rd Floor City Hall
Wednesday, October 29
Lifelong Antique Road Show |
1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. | 105 W Court Street
Here’s your chance to have your favorite treasures, keepsakes, heirlooms, and valuables appraised by certified experts, including Clear Path Finders, Ithaca Coins & Jewelry, Stellar Blue Antiques, and Antique Quest. ($5 for up to five items, no limit on coins and jewelry. Registration required.)
Thursday, October 30
Pumpkin Carving & Decorating | 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Tompkins County Library
All ages are invited to join us for a pumpkin carving and decorating party! All decorating supplies and pumpkins will be provided by the
Library while supplies last.
Halloween Bash at Ithaca College Square | 6:00 p.m. | Ithaca College
Join Her Campus at Ithaca College for an all-inclusive Halloween Bash with karaoke, fun activities, a costume contest, surprise guests, and more!
Friday, October 31
GIAC Trunk or Treat | 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
| 300 W Court St. GIAC families will park their cars on the 300 block of W. Court St. (which will be closed to the normal road traffic), allowing GIAC and neighborhood children to trick or treat at all the cars on the block.
Halloween Dance Party | 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. | Liquid State Brewery
$6.00. The annual Halloween Dance Party is happening on Friday October 31st. Come costumed and ready to shake your monster
booty — Hip Hop, R&B, House and so much more brought to you by local legend, DJ Tuggle. 21+
Wednesday, November 5
PMA 1183 Guest Speaker: Scholar/ Musician Aaron Joseph | 8:40 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. | Virtual
This session will include a talk on Aaron Joseph’s research and artistry on Toronto, Black Studies, and Music at-large. Sign up online!
Interview Prep Essentials at Center for Career Exploration and Development | 12:00 p.m. | This workshop will provide tips and encouragement to lessen your nerves before an interview. Come away with concrete skills to build confidence and success! Sign up online @ Ithaca College!
Friday, November 7
First Friday Gallery Night | History
Center in Tompkins County | 401 E State Street | 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Gallery Night is a walkable art show featuring the latest artworks created by highly skilled local and regional artists. Gallery Night occurs the first Friday evening of each month.
Saturday, November 8
Tompkins County Public Library | Celebrating 25 Years on East Green St. | 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
In November Tompkins County Public Library is hosting a birthday party and open house to celebrate the silver anniversary of its move to its current home, the modern library at 101 East Green Street in Ithaca.
Monday, November 10
Tech Basics 101 |
Tompkins County
Public Library | 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Join students from Cornell University’s Digital Tech & Innovation Project Team for a workshop focused on teaching the community to become comfortable with using technology they own.
Tuesday, November 11
IURA Economic Development Committee Meeting
| 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | 108 E. Green St. City Council Chambers
The Crane Wives at State Theater of Ithaca | 8:00 p.m.
Born of the 2010’s folk boom and now comfortably stationed in their rock and roll era, The Crane Wives epitomize the evolving landscape of indie folk.
Wednesday, November 12
Bone Density and Representation at an East Adriatic Necropolis | 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m | History Center in Tompkins
County | 108 E. Tioga Street
Analysis of fragmented and commingled human skeletal remains at a Liburnian Iron Age to Roman Period necropolis in Nadin, Croatia reveals a complex interplay between natural processes and bicultural practices, especially Roman expansion into the Eastern Adriatic.
Thursday, November 13
Tompkins County Public Library Tours: Johnson Museum | 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | 101 E. Green St.
With a focus on close-looking and inquiry-based discussions, this guided experience will encourage participants to share observations and perhaps pick up a few new visual literacy skills.
Citizen Preparedness Class | 4:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m. | 105 W. Court St.
Learn how to prepare for any type of disaster or emergency and recover as quickly as possible. The event is free but please register online beforehand.
Friday, November 14
Honey Heist! 4:00a.m. to 5:45 a.m. | Tompkins
County Public Library | 101 E. Green Street |
Join us for Honey Heist, where you get to play bears working together to pull off the greatest heist in bear historystealing all the honey from the annual NYS Honey Convention. Honey Heist is a great role playing game for kids & teens who want to give RPG’s a try. Registration is required.
Kathleen Madigan | State Theater of Ithaca | 7:30 p.m.
Kathleen Madigan is an American standup comedian and TV personality. In addition to her stand-up comedy performances, she continued on page 22
Calendar continued from page 21
is a regular guest on a variety of U.S. television programs
Sunday, November 16
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
| 7:30 p.m. | State Theater of Ithaca
Shorty has also recently performed at the MusiCares pre-GRAMMY Awards gala, the Roots Picnic with Lil Wayne, on the instantly legendary NPR Tiny Desk featuring Juvenile, and at the White House’s 2024 Juneteenth concert.
Tuesday, November 18
Musical Memories
Cafe | 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Library Place @ 105 E. Court Street | FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (but please register first), Musical Memories Café is a shared musical experience designed to
enrich the lives of caregivers, carereceivers, and isolated adults.
Wednesday, November 19
Climate Literature
Discussion | 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Buffalo Street Books | 215 N. Cayuga St.
Join us at Buffalo Street Books for community-led conversations about climate change, as we discuss We Will Be Jaguars: A Memoir of My People and The Hunger and The Hunger — which will also have free article printouts available at BSB! Transgender Day of Remembrance |
7:00 p.m. | Tompkins County Public Library
In collaboration with Tompkins County Public Library (TCPL), the Cornell LGBT Resource Center, and the Ithaca Pride Alliance (IPA), join us as we honor the lives of transgender and gender-diverse people lost. All are welcome to stand in solidarity
with the trans community-past, present, and future.
Thursday, November 20
The Constitution: Rights to Know | 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Tompkins
County Public Library |
This program will discuss how the notion of Citizenship has changed over time, how to apply for citizenship, and recent efforts to repeal birthright citizenship.
Friday, November 21
American Red Cross Blood Drive | 10:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. | Tompkins County Public Library
Almost Queen | 7:00 p.m. | State Theater of Ithaca |
Almost Queen’s impressive tribute to Queen is nothing short of breathtaking. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention
to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision will leave music fans of all ages with an unforgettable concert experience.
The Ultimate Pink Floyd Tribute Experience | 7:30 p.m. | 801 Taughannock Blvd.
Anybody Out There is a musical celebration of one of the most iconic progressive rock bands of all time: Pink Floyd. Their evocative show is a spectacular stage production that authentically and reverently emulates the sonic and visual intensity and emotion of a live Pink Floyd performance.
Saturday, November 22
Pink Talking Phish | 7:00 p.m. | The State Theater of Ithaca
“Pink Talking Phish” is a Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act that takes the music from three beloved bands and creates a special treat for fans of the music.
Christopher Gonzales
continued from page 12
disease devastates families and individuals at the prime of their lives. My father was 54 when it happened. I was 16 then, and from that point on, I didn’t have my father to ask all the advice and life questions I wanted.
IT: Your pursuit of your father’s story took you to many places, interviewing his long-ago friends and family members. He’d had three previous marriages and
other children, all abandoned. Connecting to them widened your own family.
CG: Yes, I was just out visiting Gabriela, my half-sister, near San Francisco. Over the years, I spoke with over two dozen people, which makes the story more complex than just telling it alone. For a long time, I was driven by the idea that I could save my father, or somehow honor him, by recapturing every memory that was taken away. I was searching for the father my mother respected. In her own novel, she
romanticized him and their relationship. To his friends, he was legendary, warm and charming, loved to socialize. I never got to meet that man. But his friends also told dark stories, and I realized I was trying to protect my father and felt guilt over telling his secrets. At times I felt like I’d failed as a son and a writer. But finally, I do think I honor him. He was a complicated person, and life is contradictory — literature allows us to make sense of that.
IT: Your final chapter makes that kind of sense: observing
the Day of the Dead in Mexico and visiting a volcano interwoven with scenes of your father’s last days.
CG: It’s an acknowledgement of death’s power, very personal and real. Death comes for all of us, and we can develop the power to think about it more often. It’s motivating to me personally — I’m nearly the age my father was when he started showing signs of dementia. But writing this memoir has been a kind of survival, of an identity both personal and cultural.
