COMMON COUNCIL TALKS JUST CAUSE EMPLOYMENT PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES DEBATE KEY ISSUES PAGE 10-11
“BAD BOOKS” TACKLES CENSORSHIP WITH SHARP HUMOR PAGE 20
Paul nervously approached the plate. His stony gaze fixed squarely in the direction of the pitcher. A lot was riding on this. His swing wasn’t as good as Tyrell’s. Tyrell hadn’t struck out all season.
With cleats dug firmly in the ground, Paul adjusted his stance, and pulled the bat over this shoulder.
Focus. Steady. Just like in practice… CRACK!
Paul’s teammates leapt off the bleachers cheering. The Hawks were still in the game. His Coach, Joseph Corson, remembers the game like it was yesterday:
Defining Moments
“We were locked in a tight battle with the Tyburn Crusaders, matching them inning for inning. Then came a moment that could have broken us — a tough inning that tested our resolve and spirit. It was the kind of moment that defines not just a game, but a team’s character. And in that moment, these young men made a choice. They chose not to fold. They chose not to dwell in the setback. Instead, they rose — determined, united, and relentless. With grit, heart, and unwavering belief in one another, they mounted a comeback and secured a hard-fought victory by a single run. But the true victory wasn’t just in the score. It was in the resilience, the teamwork, and the refusal to give up — lessons we’ve worked to instill all season long.”
The Hawks represent the George Junior Republic (GJR), a Special Act School District affiliated with The William George Agency (WGA). GJR provides academic instruction for the adolescent youth, like Paul, receiving out-of-home specialized services on WGA’s Freeville campus. GJR also offers a day school for CSE-referred students living at home in surrounding communities.
Coach Corson has been with the GJR Union Free School District for more than 15 years, teaching math, science and career development and serving as head baseball coach since 2023. He started his career studying Physical Education at nearby Cortland State University.
“My coach from high school instilled in me many of the qualities that I try to impart to our athletes and students,” says Corson. “He inspired me to become a teacher and saw something in us we didn’t even see. I wanted to pay that forward to our student-athletes who may not have had a chance to get it anywhere else. They deserve the experiences and support that a team, that a family can give. They all deserve a second chance, and the chance to show the greatness they may not know they have.”
Every season, Corson guides his student-athletes to improve both their ball play as well as their chances for a brighter future by teaching them three concepts that will benefit them throughout their life.
The first is to strive to be better every day — on and off the field — no matter the situation or outcome. The second is to recognize that they’re part of something bigger — the Hawks family — and that being part of a group requires them to step-up for the good of the whole, not just for their own personal achievement. The third is that they realize there will always be ups and downs — in a game as in life — and what really matters is how they choose to learn and grow from the experience.
Corson says Paul* and Tyrell* were the most improved student-athletes of the 2025 season.
“[They] came to practice every day with the thought I’m going to give my all and learn something new every day. They were sponges and became better on the field skill wise and better humans off the field.”
Paul says he learned how to improve his swing during the season but his proudest moment was when he “made it to home and scored a point for the team. I felt good when we won a game, but I also felt good when we lost because, at least we still got to play. And when we get to play, it doesn’t matter what happens because we are having fun.”
Teaching youth how to adopt healthier attitudes and behaviors toward self and others doesn’t just happen on the baseball field. It’s an integral part of all daily activities at WGA.
“We can’t change a young person’s past or what brought them to us, but we will help them develop skills and a perspective that can improve their current and future circumstances,” says Helen M. Hulings, Executive Director of the William George Agency. “All activities on our campus are learning opportunities for young people to discover their strengths and hidden talents in a supportive environment.”
*names changed to protect privacy.
The William George Agency for Children’s Services is committed to providing a safe and caring residential environment supported by proven, therapeutic, clinical and medical care for at-risk youth. For more information, visit www.wgaforchildren.org.
Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo, State Sen. Lea Webb, and other officials held a press conference at the Ithaca Commons’ Bernie Milton Pavilion on Sept. 4 to oppose proposed federal cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The press conference’s speakers included Cantelmo, Webb; Iris Packman, a commissioner on the City of Ithaca’s Climate Justice & Sustainability Commission, and Claire Walsh Winsler, the director of Agriculture and Land Use Policy at Environmental Advocates.
Local concerns derive from federal efforts to make cuts to the EPA. On July 24, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bipartisan spending bill to reduce funding for the EPA and its state environmental grants by 5%, the Environmental Protection Network reported. On July 14, House Republicans proposed a 23% cut to the EPA’s budget in an appropriations bill that advanced through the Interior-Environment subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, The Hill reported.
According to the Trump administration’s proposed 2026 federal budget, introduced in May, the administration seeks to slash the EPA budget by 54% compared to the previous year. This would also cut 1,274 full-time employees, leaving the agency with 12,856 staff members.
The speakers said EPA cuts would
increase health hazards and environmental threats such as toxic contamination and flooding across New York state. They called upon New York’s congressional delegation to reject EPA cuts and pass a bipartisan budget that invests in clean air, clean water and healthy communities.
“Let’s be clear, gutting the EPA is a direct attack on public health here in the Southern Tier,” Cantelmo said. “I’m concerned, and I want to see our representatives in Congress, irrespective of party, try to stand up for New Yorkers that depend on them for their health, well-being and safety.”
According to Cantelmo, cuts would undermine safeguards against the spread of toxins and other pollutants into
T ake n ote
X Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
Senior Farmer’s Market Coupons are still available for pickup from the Office for the Aging, 214 West Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Ithaca, until Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
The coupon booklets include five $5 coupons, a total of $25. Coupon booklets are given out on a first come, first-serve basis. Recipients must be age 60 or over, have not received coupons from anywhere else, sign for and affirm that they are low-income based on the following criteria:
Gross monthly income:
$2,413/month for a one-person household; or
$3,261/month for a two-person household; or $4,109/month for a three-person household.
The coupons can be used at any participating market, with any participating vendor. Participating vendors at the markets will have
creeks, neighborhoods and homes. He said locals are concerned about air quality and flood risks.
Cantelmo said EPA grants help fund cleanup and remediation projects too large for the city of Ithaca to handle on its own.
As part of the Rust Belt, the Southern Tier has a history of industrial pollutants and toxins that built up over decades. He cited the SouthWorks Project, a former industrial site, as a location where federal funds and expertise have been essential for cleanup. He added that as science advances and new harmful chemicals are identified, the city continues to rely on
Continued on Page 21
ON THE COVER:
This week, the Ithaca Times presents its annual Fall Guide, previewing the upcoming sports season, offering a glimpse into the recently-opened Winegarden tasting room in Lodi and guiding readers on the best places to connect with animals. (Graphic: Kaiden Chandler/Ithaca Times Intern)
signs indicating that they accept the coupons. The coupons can only be used to purchase fresh, local, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Recipients can redeem coupons through November 30th, after which they become invalid.
Our outreach staff are also distributing coupons at various sites throughout the county. To see the distributions schedule please visit: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/All-Departments/Aging/ Services-of-Our-Office/Senior-Nutrition-Program-and-Supports/ Distribution-Schedule.
For more information on when and where the coupons will be distributed, or if you are having difficulty accessing our office, call the Tompkins County Office for the Aging at 607-274-5482.
For more information visit: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/AllDepartments/Aging/Services-of-Our-Office/Senior-Farmers-MarketNutrition-Program
Visit our website at www.ithaca.com for more news, arts, sports and photos. Call us at 607-277-7000 M addy V ogel , M anaging E ditor
At a downtown press conference, Ithaca Mayor robert Cantelmo said EPA cuts are a direct attack on public health here in the Southern Tier. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)
By Mark Syvertson QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
“IF
YOU FOUND $1,000, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT?”
“I’d put it towards getting a new truck. Not brand new. A new-to-me truck.”
Adam
Tompkins County Presents Recommended Budget With 4.5% Tax Levy Increase
By Lorien Tyne
At the Tompkins County Legislature’s Sept. 2 meeting, the county administration presented the recommended 2026 budget that includes an operating budget of $240 million, a 4.5% tax levy increase and an estimated budget gap of $2.5 million.
“We are excited about having a recommended budget,” said Legislator Mike Lane, chair of the budget committee. “As we always do, we will discuss it thoroughly and make whatever changes we think should be made to the budget — not because it’s not a good budget but because that’s what we do.”
County Administrator Korsah Akumfi joined the meeting via Zoom but Deputy Administrator Norma Jayne gave the presentation.
“The key message is despite our challenging economic conditions, we’re proposing a responsible budget that exceeds the tax cap but addresses critical needs,” Jayne said.
The property tax cap is 2.7%, which means the legislature would override the cap if the recommendation of a 4.5% tax levy increase is maintained. The recommended tax levy is $57 million, which is what the county needs to raise through property taxes to fund the budget.
For property owners in the county with a median-priced home — about $300,000 — the increased levy would increase their annual property tax bill by $37. With the current recommendations, The tax rate per $1,000 of assessed property value would increase by 2.6% — from 2.57% last year — to $4.92, since the value of taxable property in the county has increased overall.
“That’s about 10 cents a day for essential
services, emergency response, and the strategic investments in our future,” Jayne said.
The 2025 county budget included a $253.2 million operating budget and a tax levy increase of 2.72%, which matched the tax levy cap.
In July, the county announced an estimated $11 million budget gap based on initial departmental and agency requests and due to declining revenues and increase in costs of services. However, that initial estimate has been reduced to about $2.5 million through “careful review of expenditure and revenue lines,” according to the Sept. 2 presentation.
Additionally, the solid waste fee is recommended to increase from $82 to $85 for 2026.
The recommended budget is the first step in reviewing and discussing the budget within the legislature. Departments will give budget presentations to the legislature starting Sept. 4 through a series of meetings throughout the month.
A public forum will be held Sept. 30 for the public to provide feedback. In October, the legislature will vote on proposed budget adjustments during several scheduled meetings and the legislature is expected to pass the final 2026 budget on Nov. 4.
Meetings are public and livestreamed on the county’s YouTube channel. Information about the budget and the schedule is posted on the county website.
The proposed budget recommends that the county maintain several programs, including the current configuration of the Rapid Medical Response and the Crisis Alternative Response and Engagement teams, the Community Justice Center, and investment in the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, among others.
The presentation noted planned capital projects for 2026 that need to be included in the budget, including airport and bridge projects, fleet management, highway maintenance and equipment replacement, facilities restoration, the Center of Government, Information Technology Services, Recycling and Materials Management infrastructure upgrades, and funding for debt service.
In Other News
The legislature unanimously voted to accept $1,346,448 in NYS Department of Transportation funding for geothermal heating and cooling at the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport. The local share for this project is $336,612.
“This is a big deal, this grant and it’s indicative of the kind of grants that the projects at the airport get from [the Federal Aviation Administration] and from New York State DOT,” Lane said, “and usually our local share is rather small compared to those and I just think it’s important to keep that in mind.”
The legislature also unanimously adopted a local law modifying the Hotel Room Occupancy Tax Law. Legislator Greg Mezey said the modifications clarify enforcement mechanisms and registration systems for short-term rentals. The law also includes a new fee for a renewable two-year registration of a short-term rental, which Mezey said is about $125 per unit. If all currently registered units comply with the new law, the county will receive about $125,000 in revenue from fees.
The county will release further information about how to register a short-term rental unit in the near future.
“I would buy tickets to see my extended family in Brazil.”
Natalia
“I’d probably travel. Maybe go to Spain or Italy.”
Ilshim
“I would just put it in the bank.”
Kevin
“I’d like to go to Vietnam. $1,000 would go a long way.”
Dan
The Tompkins County deputy administrator presented the recommended 2026 budget to the county legislature at its Sept. 2 meeting. (Image: Provided)
Just Cause Legislation Sparks Heated Arguments Before Ithaca Common Council
By Philip O’Dell
The topic of just-cause legislation returned to the Ithaca Common Council during its Wednesday, Sept. 3, meeting as residents expressed both support and opposition.
The council sought to clarify rumors of a memorandum from its just-cause working group.
The just-cause proposed legislation would increase protections for employees by eliminating at-will employment—the ability for an employer to terminate an employee for any reason—in the city. In March 2024, the Tompkins County Workers’ Center (TCWC) began a campaign to pressure the city to pass the legislation. Advocates say workers can be fired at any time for no reason at all, with no notice under current New York state employment law.
Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo said he received the memo on Thursday, Aug. 28. The council will discuss the memo during its meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Alderperson Kayla Matos clarified that the memo is not a call to vote on the proposed legislation but a recommendation to engage the community through public forums and hearings. This would allow employers to voice their concerns, which could then be used to amend and edit the proposed legislation before it is brought to a vote.
Cornell Young Democratic Socialists of America member Sam Poole said the federal government has pressured businesses and schools to purge DEI hires, and he alleged that Cornell busted unions and fired workers over free speech. Poole said the council has had over a year to study, consider and debate just-cause legislation. He argued for the creation of a workers’ rights commission of community members. He urged the council to adopt the memo and allow public input, stating it is time to debate and pass the bill.
“Discrimination and union busting are supposed to be illegal, but as long managers can fire workers without cause and getting rehired requires years-long appeals to federal bodies that are now under the control of our fascist federal government, those rights have as much force as the paper on which they were written,” Poole said.
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce President Peggy Coleman urged the council to delay action on just-cause legislation and acquire more input from the busi-
UPS DOWNS& Ups
The Ithaca Waldorf School launched its new farm-to-table school lunch program on Monday, September 8, 2025. In addition to sourcing produce from local farmers, IWS will also serve vegetables grown on the school’s own land and farm, where students from 1st-8th grades participate in the Farm and Land Stewardship program.
Downs
A pedestrian was struck and critically injured in a hit-and-run near West Buffalo Street and Taughannock Boulevard late Friday night. Ithaca Police said the victim was airlifted to a trauma center, and the driver fled the scene.
HEARD SEEN& Heard
ness community. She stated the chamber was only consulted once since March 2024 and that she wasn’t aware of additional outreach. She criticized the memo for citing over 5,000 workers’ rights cases reported to the Tompkins County Worker’s Center without providing a specific data timeframe. She said employers are reluctant to fire employees because it costs about $7,000 to replace one in Tompkins County.
“While I’m certain this is a well-intended legislation, the process of only including one voice, the voice of the Worker Center is incomplete,” Coleman said. “Meanwhile, employers have not been invited to the conversation.”
Matos responded that the council invited former Tompkins Chamber President Jennifer Tavares to a council meeting where they received and listened to her feedback.
Eugene Kim, a Cornell Graduate Student Union member, voiced support for just cause and urged the council to vote on it before the city budget process begins in October. Kim said he knows what it feels like to live paycheck-to-paycheck. He argued businesses could recoup the $7,000 loss from firings in other ways.
Speaking in support of just cause, Nathan Sitaraman, the Ithaca DSA labor committee chair, said his workplace at Cornell saw hundreds of jobs cut while the university’s endowment grew by $1 billion last year. He said there should be more justification for layoffs and firings and the bill should not differentiate between small and
large businesses.
Tompkins County Legislator Veronica Pillar supported the memo, saying that just cause promotes employment stability by preventing discriminatory or baseless firings. She compared it to protections afforded to unionized city and county employees. She said the proposed legislation allows for a probationary period for new workers and would not override existing collective bargaining agreements.
Retailer worker Michael Demo, who spoke at the meeting, supported the proposal, saying it would provide non-union workers with a means of recourse and third-party review and discourage businesses from firing employees for false or nonexistent reasons. He added that the law would require businesses without dedicated human resources departments to follow the law. He said he’s seen coworkers unjustly fired for illnesses, having accents, or a disability that requires accommodation.
“This would help ensure that businesses run as designed for their own interests,” he said.
Nate Cook, of the law firm Klausner Cook, opposed the just-cause legislation because he said the business community was not consulted. He urged the council to create a committee of business owners to offer feedback on the bill before it moves forward. He claimed the bill, if passed, would complicate hiring and firing processes, increase costs and administrative
Tompkins County residents can take part in a free Citizen Preparedness Corps training on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. during the 2025 Airport Day and Preparedness Expo at the East Hill Flying Club. Led by the New York National Guard and emergency experts, the session will provide tools to prepare for and respond to disasters, with each household receiving a state disaster preparedness kit upon completion.
Seen
Israeli conscientious objector Atalya BenAbba will speak in Ithaca on Monday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at Congregation Tikkun v’Or (located at 2550 North Triphammer Rd) to share her story of refusing military service and joining a growing movement of young Israelis choosing prison over participation in war. The event, hosted by the Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Refuser Solidarity Network, invites the community to engage in conversation about resistance to militarism.
IF YOU CARE TO RESPOND to something in this column, or suggest your own praise or blame, write editor@ithacatimes. com, with a subject head “U&D.”
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
The Ithaca Commons celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Do you think the Commons has gotten better with age?
10.5% Yes.
86.0% No.
3.5% I don’t care.
N ext W eek ’s Q uestio N :
Do you think the Democratic Party needs to be more progressive or more moderate to effectively resist the Trump administration? Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.
Alderperson Tiffany Kumar said the Just Cause memo pushes forward a process that has long been stalled at the city level. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)
Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo said he has received a memo to move forward with a community engagement process, the next steps for considering the implementation of Just Cause employment protections. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)
The Talk at
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Don’t Override The Property Tax Cap!
“This year is not the year to override the property tax cap. City residents need a “tighten the belt” budget” and not a “maintenance of effort” budget. Stabilizing cost for city residents is critical and can be accomplished only if Common Council votes to stay well within the property tax cap in 2026. Like the Ithaca City School District has already done. Keeping up with the cost of housing is a major burden for many older residents living on fixed incomes and a council that routinely overrides the property tax cap contributes to that burden. Housing affordability begins with the city budget especially for already struggling city residents.
Trump’s tariffs will cost the average American household $2,400. This prediction, if realized, will increase the financial anxiety for even more city residents.
Trump has already extorted $100 million from Cornell, forcing Ithaca’s largest
employer to reduce its workforce and dramatically cut cost. Council has two very good reasons for doing the hard work needed to stay within the property tax cap: First: staying within the tax cap will help stabilize the cost of housing for renters and homeowners that have seen those costs soar over the last 4 years. And second: a lean and mean 2026 city budget will allow City Hall to stand up to the Trump Administration when and if it challenges Ithaca’s sanctuary city status.”
— John Graves, Ithaca
Moving Office For The Aging Is A Bad Idea
“Moving the County Office For the Aging from its downtown location to Dutch Mill Road is a terrible idea for Senior Citizens. COFA is currently in a walkable location, providing easy access for roughly 3,000 Seniors living downtown, including McGraw House, Titus Towers, and the senior housing about to be constructed across the street by INHS. Although parking is very limited, seniors can easily access COFA via public transportation and Gadabout. COFA’s current location is fairly close to Lifelong, which also serves Senior Citizens. Moving COFA to Dutch Mill Road eliminates access by walking, eliminates access by public transportation, and dramatically reduces the availability of COFA’s essential services for Senior Citizens. The needs of Senior
Citizens deserve much more attention and respect.” — Carol Mallison, Newfield
Support for the Ithaca Teachers Association
“I am writing in support of the Ithaca Teachers Association and its efforts to gain a fair and equitable contract. The community sent a clear message during the budgeting season two years ago, and the administration is not getting the message. We need to see that the district is using our tax dollars appropriately and effectively, and the lack of success in doing so has had a detrimental impact on our educational system.
The most critical aspect of an effective educational system is having a robust, motivated, and consistent cadre of teachers. We need our teachers to be effective and present for our children. To reduce the dismal turnover rates, our teachers need to be paid fairly and to have a consistent and predictable salary future. The Step and Lane salary grid is a common, proven structure that takes personal politics out of salary decisions and creates a clear system for rewarding long-term teachers who prioritize their own education and skills.
In the most recent negotiation, I saw that Robert VanKeuren repeatedly said that the current compensation system has been created through the bargaining process over the past decades. The implication is that the ITA is equally responsible for the current challenges associated with the compensation system — which is true. However, the further implication is that because it’s been jointly bargained over decades, the district must continue the same system and experience the same
Voices Through the Gorges
challenges! The ITA has brought forward a reasonable and common compensation system to try to address current and future problems with recruitment and retention. To say, “Well, you’ve never said that before, so now you can’t”, is disingenuous, defeatist, and ridiculous.
The median salary for ICSD teachers is one-fifth of the salary of the superintendent. This is astonishing to me.
In addition, to ensure our children have consistency and excellence in their education, our teachers need a fair and equitable family leave plan. Healthcare is under attack in our country. Our teachers need to have the assurance that their health care plan will cover their families — whatever their marital status. It is unconscionable that queer and non-traditional families should be required to sign a contract with the state to be covered by their partner’s health insurance.
And finally, if the district is interested in recruiting new teachers, a reasonable family leave policy is critical. Teachers need and deserve a family leave plan to allow them to care for a new child, a sick child, or a sick family member. Get to work and get to the solutions! Our kids deserve it.” — Lisa Horn, Ithaca RE: Community Response to Flock Cameras
“First, if you’re driving a car with a license plate on the front and back on a public street, your expectation of privacy should be pretty low. Whether it’s a cop or a bystander with real eyes or a camera that is seeing you, you’ve kind
Continued on Page 23
“To afford an asylum for science, where the truth shall be sought for truth’s sake… My friends, there has never been a time in my recollection when this idea is more important”
—
Bill Nye The Science Guy, “Everything All At Once — How Cornellians Will Save the World,” June 10, 2017 at Bailey Hall.
Outside the Courtroom: Resolving Legal Disputes with Alternative Dispute Resolution
By Jamie L. Smith
When a person receives a notice to appear in court, there’s often an immediate feeling of anxiety and dread. For most people, going to court is seen as expensive, lengthy and full of conflict or drama. Further, a Judge may be making decisions that could possibly affect you for the rest of your life. One may wonder, is there a less expensive and faster process that puts the control back into a litigant’s hands during a dispute?
The answer is YES. ADR stands for Alternative Dispute Resolution and it refers to a process through which people can resolve their conflicts without going to trial. Often this involves a neutral third party who assists litigants in reaching an agreement to avoid litigation. While most cases settle before trial, many do not settle until after incurring significant expenses and it could be years into litigation. By incorporating ADR into your litigation plan early, all parties can save time and money.
The 6th Judicial District offers many opportunities for litigants to participate in ADR. In City Court and Family Court, the District has partnered with local Community Dispute Resolution Centers, referred to as CDRCs, to offer mediation services to litigants for certain case types. The local CDRC for Tompkins County is the Community Dispute Resolution Center (called CDRC) and this partnership has led to many cases being resolved without ever seeing a courtroom.
Mediation is an efficient user-friendly process for resolving conflicts, creating plans, fostering discussions and organizing disputes. Parties meet with a neutral, called the mediator, who will help the parties communicate with one another and if possible, build a solution that satisfies everyone. The mediation is generally confidential, and any resolution is voluntary. All of the following services through the CDRC are paid for by the Court system and are no cost to the litigants.
In the 6th Judicial District for City Court, the local CDRCs offer mediation services for litigants on all small claims matters which are civil claims for under $5,000. Each small claim is referred
Philip O’Dell Writes the Whole Picture
By Austin Lamb
Philip O’Dell’s passion for storytelling goes back as far as he can remember. As a kid in Elmira, he remembers being captivated by mystery thrillers such as Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” “Vertigo,” and “Rear Window”; the investigative reporting dramatized in “All the President’s Men,” and Tom Brokaw’s nightly coverage of the Iraq War.
“I was definitely the kid who watched some R-rated stuff way too young,” he said.
As O’Dell grew up, he knew he wanted to do more than just consume the news. As a journalist, he could both turn his interests into a career and contribute to his community.
“I wanted to be a creator of stories, but real life stories,” he said.
immediately to the CDRC for mediation after the petition is filed, which is generally 30 to 60 days before any court date. If the parties successfully mediate and come to an agreement, then they may never have to step foot in court. Further, the CDRC also has a mediator on site during small claims court calendars who can work with the parties in an attempt to resolve their dispute prior to having to litigate.
In the 6th Judicial District for Family Court, the CDRC also offers mediation service for custody and visitation cases. Here, the parties are in complete control of the outcome of their custody case and can work together, with the assistance of the mediator, to come up with a parenting plan that is in the best interests of their children. By mediating instead of litigating, the parents, who know their children better than anyone, are taking control and developing a parenting plan themselves and not relying on a Judge to make these major decisions for them. Every civil claim in the Supreme Court for the 6th Judicial District is also considered for ADR. The District offers a program with Court Attorney-Referees who are all trained mediators. The parties to any civil case may request a referral to this program or the Judge may refer any case they feel would be appropriate for mediation. These can be conducted
Continued on Page 23
At the University at Buffalo, O’Dell majored in history, briefly considering a career as a history teacher. He graduated in 2015, two years later moving to Boston, where he received his master’s in journalism from Emerson College in 2018. After returning to the Twin Tiers region, O’Dell’s job as a reporter came in 2021 to join the newspaper The Daily Review in Towanda, Pennsylvania. While there, O’Dell said he developed an identity as a “Swiss Army knife” reporter, covering everything from town meetings, carnivals, crime and court cases.
“I know everyone’s kind of got their own beat, but to me, my beat is just the whole tapestry of life,” he said. “I know a little bit about a whole lot of things.”
Being a journalist forced O’Dell, who was “more on the introverted side” growing up, to get out of his shell by constantly talking to people. It also became a good exercise in empathy.
“You sit down with people of all walks of life,” he said. “I might not sympathize with the things you say, but I certainly empathize with it, and I at least understand why you’re doing this, this, and this.”
At The Daily Review, O’Dell impressed with his passion and productivity, said then-editor Erik Berggren, who now reports for the Pennsylvania digital outlet Home Page Network.
“No one in the newsroom could top him on stories for the week,” said Berggren. “He was cranking them out nonstop, left and right.”
O’Dell’s sense of journalistic ethics also stood out. In a news climate that rewards sensationalism where reporters can get
clicks without leaving a desk, Berggren said O’Dell is the type to leave the newsroom and go out into the community.
“He’s never shy to hit the streets if he has to, to get a quote or find a source, or cold call a couple offices to get the information he needs,” said Berggren.
Not 30 seconds into being interviewed for this profile—the tables turned, for once—O’Dell’s journalistic sixth sense kicked in, reminding this reporter to hit record on the interview.
“Don’t get me wrong, I like to think I have a good memory, but I don't like to play any chances,” he said.
When he joined the Ithaca Times this year, O’Dell was already familiar with the Ithaca area. He made regular visits to the local parks and waterfalls growing up, and at Cinemapolis he caught foreign movies he couldn’t get back home in Elmira. “You feel a sense of a culture here, a lot more diversity,” he said of Ithaca. “You feel like the whole world is packed into just this city alone.”
O’Dell said he’s “a very eager sponge” to learn the intricacies of the Ithaca area’s municipal governments. Combing through public records or meeting minutes, he said, is like panning for gold: amidst all the boring stuff, he wants to find the kernels of news. The fast pace of 24/7 journalism, with the possibility of breaking news any minute, keeps him on his toes, he said.
“I like to think I’m a very calm, cool, collected guy,” he said. “But then in my
Jamie L. Smith, Esq. is the ADR Coordinator for the 6th Judicial District for the State of New York Unified Court System. (Photo: Provided)
Philip O’Dell is the Ithaca Times’ newest reporter on staff, joining the paper in August 2025 after spending several years with The Daily Review in Towanda, Pennsylvania. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)
Hometown Economics
By Roy Allen — Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Ithaca Times
In the quiet corners of our towns and cities across America, where the rhythm of daily life pulses through familiar streets, lies a hidden economy that defies the cold calculus of spreadsheets and stock tickers. This is “Hometown Economics,” a tapestry woven from the threads of legacy businesses—those enduring establishments that have stood the test of time, often passed down through generations. Think of the corner bakery where the scent of fresh bread mingles with stories of yesteryear, or the independent bookstore whose shelves hold not just volumes but the collective memory of a community. These are not mere enterprises; they are the soul of our hometowns. Yet, in an era dominated by global chains and digital disruptions, we must pause and look beyond the balance sheet to appreciate their intrinsic value. Hometown businesses enrich our cultural fabric in ways that no profit margin can quantify, fostering identity, continuity, and connection that sustain the heart of a community. At first glance, the value of hometown businesses might seem tethered to their financial contributions. They provide jobs, pay taxes, and circulate money locally, often more efficiently than their corporate counterparts. A
JUST CAUSE LEGISLATION
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burdens, and reduce flexibility for employers during seasonal changes.
“I got to say I think it’s like the worst legislation I’ve ever seen that’s come out of the city in the time that I have lived here,” Cook said. “The general manager in a restaurant won’t be able to just make a verbal comment. It’ll turn into an adversarial situation where it has to get documented.”
Cook stated if the proposal were to pass, it would have a negative economic impact on the city. He added it makes the
study by the Institute for Local SelfReliance highlights how independent retailers return three times more money to the local economy than chain stores. But this is only the surface. To truly understand their worth, we must delve deeper into the intangible assets they nurture. Hometown businesses serve as cultural anchors, preserving traditions that define a place’s unique character. In my hometown of Rochester, NY, the Red Wings—a AAA baseball club owned by thousands of local fans since the 1950s— isn’t just a sports team; it’s a repository of communal pride. The team, playing at Innovative Field, carries memories of summer nights where families cheered under the lights, weaving a shared history that no corporate franchise could replicate. Such establishments embody resilience, teaching us that success isn’t measured in quarterly earnings but in endurance through economic storms, from depressions to pandemics. Beyond preservation, these businesses cultivate social bonds that knit communities together. In an increasingly isolated world, where social media substitutes for face-to-face interaction, legacy spots become third places—neutral grounds for gathering, as sociologist Ray Oldenburg
council appear “to declare war on businesses in Ithaca.”
Matos called Cook’s remarks offensive and stands by the just-cause legislation as proposed. She seeks to represent employees and recalled a community member telling her last year that she was fired for wearing a bonnet.
“All we’re trying to simply do is protect our most marginalized communities and work for a better quality of life for all constituents,” Matos said.
Alderperson Phoebe Brown argued that without employment laws, children would still be working in unsafe conditions with long hours and low pay, and many work-
described. Local diners—like the State Diner and Richford in or near Ithaca—host everything from morning chats among retirees to impromptu town hall discussions. Here, strangers become neighbors, and ideas flow freely. This social capital is invaluable; it builds trust and reciprocity, which economists like Robert Putnam argue are essential for civic health. When a legacy hometown business thrives, it reinforces a sense of belonging. Conversely, their closure can unravel community ties. Witness the hollowed-out Main Streets in rust-belt towns like Detroit, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis where the shuttering of mom-and-pop shops has led to not just population and economic decline but an erosion of communal spirit, leaving residents and their sense of identity adrift in a sea of big-box anonymity. Moreover, hometown businesses contribute to cultural diversity, countering the homogenizing force of globalization. In a world where every city block risks looking identical—with the same coffee chains and fast-fashion outlets— these holdouts offer authenticity. They reflect the ethnic, historical, and artistic heritage of their locales. Consider New Orleans’ po-boy shops or San Francisco’s Chinatown dim sum parlors; these aren’t just eateries but living museums of culinary traditions brought by immigrants. They invite us to celebrate differences, fostering inclusivity in subtle ways. By patronizing them, we invest in a mosaic of experiences that enriches our lives far beyond a transaction. This cultural vitality spills over into tourism and local
ers would die on the job. She said no business, regardless of size, should be exempt from the proposed bill.
Alderperson David Shapiro said he is undecided on the bill and believes the council should not vote on it anytime soon. More public engagement and forums are needed, he said, and the council has yet to review the legislation’s details and owes it to the public to gather more input before voting.
Alderperson Tiffany Kumar said the memo pushes forward a process that stalled and needs to start moving again. Kumar shared that she heard stories of residents terminated due to gender expression or gender transition.
pride, drawing visitors who seek genuine encounters rather than scripted ones. Yet, as urban development favors sleek condos and franchises, these gems face extinction, their stories silenced by the march of “progress.”
Of course, embracing Hometown Economics doesn’t mean rejecting innovation. Many hometown businesses like Halco Home Solutions, Green Star Food Co-op and Alternatives Federal Credit Union adapt, blending tradition with modernity—perhaps through technology or sustainable practices—while retaining their core essence. The key is recognition of their importance that helps these enterprises weather change. As consumers, our choices matter; opting for the local grocer over the mega-mart or the local coffee shop over the giant chains is a vote for cultural continuity.
In the end, Hometown Economics challenges us to redefine value. Legacy businesses — like the Red Wings in Rochester, Ithaca Bakery, Anchor Bar in Buffalo and Pastabilities in Syracuse are more than line items on a ledger or names on the tax rolls; they are our storytellers, our connectors, the guardians of our shared heritage. By looking beyond the balance sheet, we see how they infuse our communities with meaning and vitality. Let us cherish them, not out of nostalgia, but for the profound role they play in shaping who we are. In supporting these local treasures, we invest in a richer, more resilient future— one where the heartbeat of our hometowns continues to thrive.
Alderperson Patrick Kuehl supported a small business exemption from the just-cause legislation, having spoken with Collegetown business owners about their concerns. He said he wants to avoid legislation that could cause small businesses lacking bureaucratic capacity to lose ground to large corporations.
Alderperson Pierre Saint-Perez said he supports just cause but argued it should be implemented on a larger, county-wide scale. He reasoned that many of Cornell’s campuses and employees are also in the Town of Ithaca and Village of Cayuga Heights. He hopes the city’s bill can be used as a blueprint for a county-level measure.
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work life, it’s a complete 180, and I’m a man on a mission.”
For readers, O’Dell wants to pack in as much detail as he can, drawing from his early enthrallment with investigative journalism. The deeper he can go, the better for readers.
“I want them to feel like they’re there with me,” he said. “Whether it’s the town meeting or the carnival or a rally or a protest, I want the stories to feel as visceral as they can.”
Berggren sees all of O’Dell’s qualities as the makings for a long career. “I know he’s going to take that for a long career,” he said. “As long as he wants it, that’s something he’s gonna really succeed at.”
PHILIP O’DELL
Candidates for City Council Debate Housing, Public Safety, Economic Development
By Philip O’Dell
Seven candidates for seats on the Ithaca Common Council gathered on Sept. 4 at Tompkins County Public Library for a “Meet the Candidates” event, where they outlined their platforms on issues, such as affordable housing, public safety, and economic growth. Five seats are up for election and three of the seven candidates are running unopposed.
The event inside the library’s BorgWarner Room was sponsored by the Tompkins Chamber, Community Foundation of Tompkins County, and the Ithaca Board of Realtors.
Candidates included Democrat Jorge DeFendini and Republican Zach Winn vying for the First Ward seat, Democrat Joe Kirby running unopposed for the Second Ward, Democrat Pat Sewell running unopposed for the Third Ward, Robin Trumble running unopposed for the Fourth Ward, and Independent candidate G.P. Zurenda and Democrat Hannah Shvets for the Fifth Ward.
DeFendini highlighted his experience as a community organizer and his progressive platform, while Winn stressed public safety and improving downtown quality of life. Kirby spoke of housing affordability and city gridlock. Sewell stressed the need for ranked-choice voting and addressing high living costs. Trumbull called for support of
local entertainment and innovation. Zurenda described himself as a centrist seeking to bridge ideological divides and control city costs. Shvets introduced herself as an advocate for labor and housing justice and seeks to engage residents in the political process.
Topics discussed included the Rent Emergency Stabilization for Tenants (REST) Act and tenant protections, supporting small businesses, sustainable development, growing tax revenue without raising rates and public safety. The REST Act is a state bill that would offer municipalities ways to pursue rent regulation and expand rental housing.
They also discussed Mayor Robert Cantelmo’s proposal to legalize small-scale homes, such as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and townhomes for housing affordability.
JORGE DEFENDINI, WARD 1 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE
DeFendini said Ithaca’s housing crisis stems from supply and stability issues. He supports the mayor’s housing proposal to build more affordable homes, particularly for seniors on fixed incomes and new buyers. DeFendini advocates for rezoning to increase options such as townhouses and sta-
bilize the community. He also suggested that the city legalize the construction of desirable housing types, such as townhouses, through new zoning laws. He said building more homes would lower housing costs.
DeFendini supports mixed-use zoning, strategic use of tax abatements with a clawback provision on abatements to ensure developers fulfill their stated objectives. A clawback provision is a legal clause allowing an entity to reclaim money or assets from another due to misconduct, fraud or poor performance to ensure accountability. He also supports just cause legislation to eliminate at-will employment and discriminatory terminations. DeFendini supports the REST Act and the TPA Act, noting he wrote a budget amendment for the city to opt into the NTPA after a vacancy study.
To grow tax revenue, DeFendini proposed focusing on zoning reform and attracting new residents while sustaining affordable housing complexes. He also suggested increasing the comptroller’s salary to fill the position and improve audits. He would also collaborate with the sustainability office on workforce development and help small businesses secure state aid.
He said public safety can be achieved by encouraging neighborhood bonds, not solely police presence.
CANDIDATE
Zachary Winn expressed support for the police, private property rights, lowering taxes and the mayor’s housing proposal. He even proposed converting the city golf course at Stewart Park into housing, though he acknowledged it would require permission from New York state. He opposes the REST Act, stating that property owners should be free to charge whatever they want, as high costs are driven by taxes and inflation.
Winn suggested city, county and state collaboration to bring a nuclear reactor to Tompkins County to bring inexpensive electricity, create manufacturing jobs, reduce emissions and meet green energy goals. To increase city revenue without raising taxes, Winn proposed leasing naming rights for city streets, especially those on Cornell University's campus. He suggested canceling and renegotiating the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cornell, which he claims is only worth about $4 million annually.
Winn believes that for small businesses to thrive and make downtown attractive to visitors, police presence must be maintained at the Ithaca Commons to curb disturbances
ZACHARY WINN, WARD 1 REPUBLICAN
In Ward 1, Republican Zach Winn is running with a focus on police, private property rights and lowering taxes, while Democratic Candidate Jorge DeFendini is focusing largely on Ithaca's housing crisis. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)
At a Sept. 4 candidate forum, prospective Common Council alderpersons outlined their platforms on key community issues. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)
and drug use. He also proposed establishing a secure psychiatric and drug rehabilitation facility.
“Public safety should be afforded to everyone in Ithaca regardless of their income, if they are a resident, visitor, homeowner or homeless,” Winn said.
JOSEPH KIRBY, WARD 2 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE
Kirby said that due to limited space, the city cannot solve the housing crisis by building only single-family homes. He supports the mayor's housing proposal as a necessary step to address the issue and increase the city’s tax base.
Kirby said large developers are building expensive housing projects that don’t serve residents’ needs. He also said the city must stop giving tax abatements and money to people who do not live in the area.
“If you got enough money to build one of these developments, I don’t need to give you more money,” Kirby said.
He believes the city should shift its focus from subsidizing large developments to providing financial support for smaller businesses, such as those in Press Bay Alley.
As a criminal defense attorney, Kirby sees “crimes of necessity” committed by desperate people rather than violent crimes. He supports using unarmed responders for mental health crises and believes bail reform is statistically beneficial for the community. According to Kirby, jailing someone for a short period, such as two
ford homes in the city. To address this, he suggested renovating condemned buildings downtown to create more housing. He supports the mayor's housing proposal.
For sustainable development, Trumble said the city should implement emission controls for construction projects. He supports companies that install solar panels to encourage clean energy.
apartment owners and claimed it leads to increased assessments, higher taxes, and a burden of rising utility costs on tenants.
Zurenda opposes the REST Act and called it oversimplified. He wants to see the city and nonprofits collaborate with Cornell to create symposiums educating residents on landlord costs.
build them. She said additional workforce development programs and training opportunities are needed to create skilled workers in the clean energy field.
weeks, can cause them to lose their income and housing.
PAT SEWELL, WARD 3 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE
Sewell agreed with the mayor's housing proposal but added the city needs to reform property taxes and zoning. He was skeptical about the REST Act, believing rent stabilization can discourage housing development by limiting a landlord's ability to recoup costs during inflationary periods.
He supports subsidizing projects that promote a high quality of life, citing the SouthWorks Project as a positive use of tax abatements to remediate a brownfield. He seeks to revitalize downtown by working with the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) to address vacancies, cleanliness and safety.
Sewell suggested increasing sales tax revenue by focusing on downtown development, and stated the city needs to push state representatives to find a way to address Cornell University’s tax-exempt status.
For public safety, he called for a visible and responsive police department, along with a separate outreach team and coordinator to handle nonviolent issues.
ROBIN TRUMBLE, WARD 4 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE
Regarding housing, Trumble said many young adults leave Ithaca for nearby towns like Trumansburg and Dryden because they cannot af-
Trumble said the REST Act and rent control can help retain college students in Ithaca. To prevent massive vacant buildings, he said affordable housing is needed for average citizens, instead of luxury buildings. He seeks to redevelop empty buildings in the downtown and Collegetown areas into housing, blending residents and college students.
To increase tax revenue without raising taxes, Trumble said the city’s bonding rating needs improvement and audits must be in order. He proposed a music venue to attract more tourists and supports “Tompkins ’til 2,” a proposal allowing bars to stay open an extra hour until 2 a.m. He also seeks the elimination of cannabis “sticker stores,” which he claims do not contribute enough taxable revenue.
Trumble said he would support police by adding mental health services. He added that police should participate in outreach programs and events to build positive relationships with residents.
G.P. ZURENDA, WARD 5 INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE
Regarding housing, Zurenda said Ithaca’s demographics have shifted toward single people and couples with one or two children, instead of families with multiple children. He seeks to change existing housing and reinvest in neighborhoods. Ithaca needs to increase its housing capacity and supply to meet high demand, he said. Zurenda believes property taxes cannot be reduced without first lowering the cost of government.
Zurenda advocated for more city and county cooperation on tax abatements, which come from the county. He proposed a moratorium on tax abatements for large developers and redirecting those funds to improve existing housing. He believes Ithaca’s Green New Deal is not economically viable for small
Zurenda called for closer collaboration with downtown businesses, Ithaca College and Cornell to encourage economic growth. He also wants to make the Ithaca Commons safer and more aesthetically appealing.
For public safety, Zurenda wants to sponsor neighborhood parties that invite police, elected officials and residents to build community bonds.
HANNAH SHVETS, WARD 5 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE
Shvets supports the mayor’s housing proposal, saying Ithaca needs more flexible housing, including duplexes and apartments. She believes building denser and outward will address tax and rent issues by providing diverse affordable housing options. Shvets supports mixed-use zoning with commercial spaces and apartments, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). She said new housing must include affordable for average residents, not just luxury apartments, to prevent gentrification and displacement.
Shvets said local housing developments overlook workers who
Concerning the REST Act, Shvets said rent stabilization applies only to properties 15 years or older and would not hinder new development. She said a board of landlords, tenants and residents would determine the allowable rent increase above the rate of inflation.
Shvets opposes austerity policies, arguing that cutting city staff would be a disaster. She believes large corporations, such as Walmart and fast-food chains, should pay more in taxes instead of working families. She supports re-evaluating tax abatements and increasing the minimum wage to alleviate high living costs. Shvets would promote downtown shops and restaurants and encourage students to patronize them, while also redeveloping empty storefronts.
Shvets believes Ithaca should provide more resources for people struggling with homelessness and addiction, rather than criminalizing them. She supports navigation hubs to offer unhoused individuals with showers, mental health support, and career and housing assistance.
“If housing is more affordable, there will be less unhoused people, and that makes the city safer,” Shvets said.
There will be a Meet the Candidates event for Tompkins County Legislature candidates on Sept. 29 from from 12 to 2 p.m., also in TCPL’s BorgWarner Room.
Tax abatements — including that of the SouthWorks development — were mentioned by several candidates, with many believing the current abatement structure doesn ’ t help Ithaca’ s housing crisis. (Photo: Nathan Ellison/Sun Fellow at the Ithaca Times)
At the forum, candidates discussed tenant protections, support for small businesses, sustainable development, growing tax revenue without raising rates and public safety.
(Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)
AIDS Ride Nets $130K; Cornell Legend Dies at 78; Football Luncheons Set
By Steve Lawrence
“Rain or shine, we ride on!” So says Kayla Thomas, the Event Coordinator of the AIDS Ride for Life, and 153 riders showed up on Saturday morning to prove her point. It was the 27th annual AIDS Ride for Life, and as always, the dedicated riders combined their efforts to support the Southern Tier AIDS Program’s biggest fundraiser of the year. This year’s total is presently over $130,000, and donations are still coming in. In Thomas’s words, “The energy and commitment is unmatched. It rained off and on from Stewart Park to Romulus on the way back down the lake, but they kept going.” That was a big improvement over last year, Kayla added, when “the riders started at 7 a.m., and they were caught in a downpour before they even reached the top of East
Shore Drive. The rain wasn’t nearly as heavy or persistent this year.”
According to Kayla, several riders — like co-founders Jerry Dietz and Russ Traunstein — have done the 100-mike ride at least twenty times, and she pointed out that “donations are still welcome and appreciated.” Kayla also expressed her gratitude to the dozens of volunteers that make this iconic fund raiser possible year after year.
For more info, please visit www.https://p2p.onecause.com/arfl
Over the past half-century, when sports fans across North America mention legendary pro athletes and Cornell in the same conversation, Ken Dryden’s name is invariably mentioned first. Dryden died last week at the age of 78. 56 years after graduating from Cornell, his 76 wins (against only 4 losses and 1 tie)
Cyclists pedal through rain showers during the 27th annual AIDS Ride for Life on Sept. 6, raising more than $130,000 for the Southern Tier AIDS Program. (Photo: Provided)
in goal remain the program’s gold standard. He led the Big Red to three consecutive ECAC Hockey titles, and of course, the 1967 national championship.
After Cornell, Dryden stayed atop the hockey world, winning an incredible six
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FALL GUIDE 2025
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 estategrown 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 getting 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 location. 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 full-time studio artist, still displays her work in the Winegarden. She plans to rotate artwork over 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 experi-
ence 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, 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.
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)
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)
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)
Ithaca is Animals, Where Residents and Visitors Can Enjoy Time with Animals in the Community
By Shubha Gautam
Laughing
Goat Fiber Farm
Laughing Goat Fiber Farm is just under 50 acres, so it is not large for a farm — but for those used to Ithaca, the area will “seem gigantic,” owner Lisa Ferguson said. 65 goats and three alpacas currently live on the land, and in the past Laughing Goat used to also raise sheep, though right now the farm has just one black merino. Ferguson primarily produces raw materials like roving and yarn for crafters from her angora goats, cashmere goats, “cashgoras” (cashmere and angora hybrids) and alpacas. Additionally, Laughing Goat sells the around 15-30 kids born to its goats annually, offers campsites, pursues sustainability projects with the Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District and
hosts farm tours. The farm hopes to host goat yoga in the future, as well.
Ferguson started doing tours around 10-12 years ago. People would often ask to look around the property, and facilitating them took a long time, Ferguson said. She decided to formalize a tour structure and offer two slots every day, any time during the year. The tours take people across the entirety of the farm in around 90 minutes, but they can be longer depending on the interest of the visitors.
“[The tour] involves meeting the animals right up close, feeding them and learning about … how we manage [and] keep them healthy,” Ferguson said. “[Visitors] will also meet two kinds of goats and hear about the fiber industry. I also
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Visitors feed alpacas at Laughing Goat Fiber Farm. Currently, there are three alpacas on the farm: Bruno, Blanco and Pedro. (Photo: Provided)
2025 Local College Football Preview
By Steve Lawrence
Fans of college football in Ithaca are aware — or they soon find out — that Cornell and Ithaca College offer two very different gridiron experiences. Both teams have their loyal fan bases — although some fans like to attend games at both stadi-
ums — and for the first few weekends of the college football season, there is but one choice. That is because the Ivy League kicks off a few weeks later than most conferences (this year, opening day is September 20 for the Big Red), and by that time, most teams are in week 3.
Given Ithaca College has already opened its season (the Bombers opened
with a loss against Johns Hopkins on September 6th), let's start there. Butterfield Stadium has an intimate feel (by comparison, given the vast expanse of Cornell's home field) and with 4 or 5,000 fans in attendance the place feels crowded.
Head Coach Mike Toerper — now in his 4th season — “owns” the program, so to
Ithaca College football is underway at Butterfield Stadium, where fourthyear head coach Mike Toerper leads a roster filled with his recruits and returning standouts, as the Bombers prepare for key Liberty League matchups and the storied Cortaca Jug game in November. (Photo: Provided)
speak, given the vast majority of the players on the roster were recruited by Toerper’ and his staff, and made their decision to become a Bomber based on a desire to play for this group of coaches, within their system. According to the Bombers’ website, “The coaching staff hit the recruiting trail hard this off-season to bring more than 50 players, freshmen and transfers, from across the country.” In Toerper’s words, “We cast a wide net in our recruiting efforts, looking for the best and brightest studentathletes, who aren’t just from the Northeast.” He continued, “We have a firm understanding of our strengths and what we need to work on following our camp,” Toerper said. “It was extremely competitive, and I was most impressed with how our veterans welcomed all the new players. They have helped build a very cohesive program.”
While the Bombers were hit hard by graduation, and while the the offense lost some big names like Jalen Leonard-Osbourne and Jake Williams, the team will see some key returnees, like Matthew Parker, Nicholas Long, Nicholas Matros, Jimmy Mallevy Devin Parry and Luke Ellor. The defense — despite having lost All American Jake Connolly — is optimistic that experienced guys like Joe Spirra, Sam Turangeou, Jon Ramsey, Carson Cianourelli, Aidan Parry and Andrew Swiebut will — both literally and figuratively — fill the gaps.
Those wanting to catch home games at Butterfield Stadium can mark their calendars for September 27 (when the Bombers host defending Liberty League champs Hobart), October 25 (vs. Union), November 1 (Buffalo State, and November 15 (when Ithaca will host the 66th Cortaca Jug game against the Red Dragons of SUNY Cortland).
More info at www.ithaca.edu.
talk about energy on our farm, because we are very conscious of our environmental impact.”
People are typically most excited to see the alpacas Bruno, Blanco and Pedro, but Ferguson said the alpacas are not as personable as the goats, who are fully trusting of humans due to being born and raised on the farm. She said visitors enjoy petting the angora goats, surprised by how friendly, small and soft they are.
“Something like 3% of our population are full time farmers,” Ferguson said. “It’s very few, and it’s dropping all the time. The [few] people get a chance to get up close to animals like this, learn about where yarn comes from … and the properties [and] benefits of it. … So [a tour] is one of the ways that [people] can broaden their horizons.”
Learn more about Laughing Goat Fiber Farm and schedule a tour at https://www. laughinggoatfiber.com/.
Sunset View Creamery
The Hoffman family has farmed on the same 348-acre piece of land since 1905, refining their artisan milk cheese over five
generations. Sunset View Creamery has grown from the original 10 Holstein cattle to over 85 cows and youngstock today, currently selling various varieties of milk, cheese, coffee, T-shirts and more. And in 2021, they began selling something new: cow cuddling sessions.
All calves between the ages of 3-6 months go through the cow cuddling pen, and currently visitors can meet eight of them. Each session is 30-minutes and costs $15. During a cuddling session, visitors essentially “hang out with [the heifers],” according to resident dairy farmer Jessica Hoffman. Some simply lay against the calves, while others may bring a book and read alongside them. It’s a low energy activity, she said.
“You might get a little messy because [the calves] might lick your clothes and things, but it’s really soothing, and that’s why a lot of people choose to [book a session],” Hoffman said.
One of the main goals of allowing people to visit the farm is agriculture education, Hoffman said. Besides cow cuddling sessions, Sunset View Creamery hosts an annual day camp for youth. Campers choose an animal to showcase in a 4H-style farm show, make homemade dairy products and go on hayrides, along with other activities.
“We need to get youth involved in agriculture, so that way they want to see it as a career path,” Hoffman said. “Because there’s less and less people going into it.”
To schedule a cow cuddling session and/ or register for the Dairy Discovery Camp, visit https://www.sunsetviewcreamery.com/.
Cabin View Alpacas
Cabin View Alpacas had a similar problem as the Laughing Goat Fiber Farm — people kept stopping by to see alpacas, and showing them was taking time. It got to the point that Christine Houseworth, who started the farm with her husband 16 years ago, said she soon decided to plan official tours and sessions to walk alpacas, which visitors can book on the farm’s website.
Called “Alpaca Adventures,” these attractions cost upwards of $25 depending on the type of interaction visitors seek. Houseworth invites people to view alpacas from outside the fence, roam the pastures and take pictures for free. In the guided farm tours, visitors learn about alpacas, have the opportunity to feed them with a bag of feed, catch a glimpse of the farm’s other animals and finish with a stop at the gift shop. Visitors can also learn how to properly handle an alpaca and take it for a 20-minute walk.
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A young girl hugs Eclipse. There are currently eight calves ages 3-6 months in the cow cuddling pen. (Photo: Provided)
At Cabin View, visitors can interact with alpacas through guided farm tours or by learning how to properly handle them. (Photo: Provided)
Houseworth said each of the alpacas have a different personality, and visitors can easily note differences during their interactions.
“Coco comes up and, well, she’s a big girl. [...] She wants to eat everything that’s available,” Houseworth said. “Others are skittish, and they’ll just walk away. This group [of alpacas] doesn’t have any that are really high strung, okay, but they're they’re shy, [and] they’re inquisitive.”
While the Houseworths enjoy giving tours, Cabin View mainly sells Huacaya alpacas to farms. Additionally, they have a gift shop with products from the New England Alpaca Fiber Pool, some Alpaca wool garments imported from Peru and goods from local artisans.
And Houseworth’s love of alpacas came relatively recently, she said. Prior to starting the farm, she spent most of her life doing corporate work and operated an electronic manufacturing business for around 30 years. During that time, one of her employees spoke to her about someone who raised alpacas. Houseworth was immediately intrigued and looked into raising alpacas.
She said that she and her husband quickly “fell in love with [alpacas],” and she enjoys watching others enjoy interacting with the animals.
“I usually always try to ask [visitors] if they’ve enjoyed the tours, and almost everyone says yes,” Housworth said. “And some people say it’s been the highlight of their trip to the area.”
Learn more about Cabin View Alpacas and schedule an “Alpaca Adventure” at https://www.cabinviewalpacas.com/.
Alley Cat
still a number of cats that are interacting with people. That being said, sometimes you come to the cafe and everyone’s asleep, and that’s just the nature of cats.”
Despite this uncertainty, O’Scammon said the vast majority of visitors “come in a good mood, and they leave with a better one.”
“I would say 99% of people are ecstatic to be here,” O’Scammon said. “They like to hang out with cats. They came here to see the cats. They have a goal — the goal is met.”
Learn more about Alley Cat Cafe and its adoptable cats at https://www.alleycatithaca.com/.
At the Alley Cat Cafe, $5 can buy you 30 minutes in a room full of cats. On Wednes-
days, children under 12 can visit for free. And if you decide you want to spend more time with one of them, they are all up for adoption through Browncoat Cat Rescue.
Founder and owner Kristin O’Scammon opened the cafe in June 2018 with the mission of making a community space where people could interact with locally rescued cats. O’Scammon also founded Browncoat Cat Rescue, a local volunteer-run organization that both finds homes for unwanted and abandoned cats in the community and raises awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering.
Besides spending time with cats, visitors can enjoy the dining area through its assortment of drinks, baked goods and sandwiches. The cafe itself is cat-themed, with kitty mugs and plates and various cozy seating options for reading, working or simply looking at people playing with cats in the other half of the cafe.
The number of cats present when people visit the cafe varies. O’Scammon said that while some cats get adopted within two months, it has taken up to nine months for cats to get adopted before. Turnaround at the cafe is quick.
“We usually aim to have about 10 to 12 cats here, because we let in 12 people every 30 minutes, and that’s a cat per person,” O’Scammon said. “And that way, if half the room is asleep, you know, there’s
Ithaca Dog Park
And, of course, whether you want to bring your dog or be outside in the presence of other canines, the Ithaca Dog Park is free and open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The park is located on the Festival Land next to Allan H. Treman State Marine Park and behind Hangar Theatre.
Dogs can be let off-leash in areas separated for dogs 25 pounds and under, and a larger one for dogs of any size. Additionally, there is a dog-friendly walking trail with views of Cayuga Lake outside the fenced in park. Visitors — both human and canine — can enjoy the water spigot and kiddie pool. Additionally, the park composts its waste, so owners can deposit their pet’s droppings in designated buckets around the park.
Cafe
Alley Cat Cafe is divided into two sections: the dining area and the cat room. Visitors can enjoy a cat-themed cafe experience separate from the cats. (Photo: Nathon Ellison/Sun Fellow at the Ithaca Times)
A kitten plays with a toy, one of the few scattered around the cat room.
(Photo: Nathan Ellison/Sun Fellow at the Ithaca Times)
Dogs run around the Ithaca Dog Park. The facility is divided into two areas where dogs can be let off-leash. (Photo: Michelle LaMorte/Ithaca Times File)
How Lifestyle Choices Impact Prostate Cancer Risk
Prostate cancer is considered a disease that can develop as someone ages. As men get older, past the age of 45, their risk of developing the disease increases. Race and genetics also play a significant role. Men of African American heritage and people with a first degree relative, a mother or sister who had breast cancer or a father or brother who had prostate cancer, are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer later in life. While these factors can’t be controlled, there are some things you can change to mitigate your risk.
Prostate cancer is more common in North America, northwestern Europe, Australia and the Caribbean Islands than other parts of the world. Health experts haven’t been able to pinpoint an exact reason for this, but it is widely theorized that poor eating habits and diets that rely heavily on unhealthy fats contribute to risk. Diets can increase the production of DNA-damaging molecules, weaken the body’s defense against these molecules, and impair DNA repair processes. Alcohol also contributes to cancer related complications. This happens through several mechanisms, primarily involving the breakdown of ethanol into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that the body may not be able to process quickly, leading to its buildup and further damage. This damage can manifest as mutations, lead to chromosomal breaks, and cause altered gene expression, potentially leading to various health issues, including cancer.
Taking steps to promote a healthy diet seems obvious. Most primary care providers offer the same advice during an annual exam. This advice is proven to be beneficial, not only to improve day-to-day health, but also to reduce the risk of diseases like prostate cancer. Healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, provide the body with nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These components help protect cells from damage, boost the immune system, and potentially inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Smoking is another habit that providers advise against. This is because of the severe health risks associated with tobacco use. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness, disability, and death. Studies have shown that, unlike lung cancer, smoking doesn’t necessarily cause prostate cancer. However, if a smoker is diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s more likely to be aggressive and spread, leading to higher risks of recurrence and death. Smoking can affect hormone levels, specifically increasing testosterone, which is linked to prostate cancer growth. Switching to tobacco alternatives may reduce risks associated with smoke inhalation, but health experts recommend quitting tobacco use altogether.
Exercise is another key part of prostate cancer prevention. Regular physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight, which is important because obesity is linked to a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Exercise also improves your immune system and helps lower inflammation in the body. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. This could be walking, biking, swimming, or playing a sport. You don’t have to go to a gym
or be an athlete. Just moving your body regularly can make a big difference. It’s crucial to have an open conversation with your doctor about your individual risk factors, potential benefits and risks of any preventive measures or screening tests, and to make informed decisions together. Research in prostate cancer prevention is ongoing, and recommendations may evolve over time.
In many cases, prostate cancer doesn’t show symptoms in early stages. But you should still pay attention to any changes in your body. Signs that something may be wrong may include difficulty urinating, blood in your urine or semen, pain in the lower back or hips, or trouble getting or keeping an erection. These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions that are not cancer, but it’s always a good idea to get them checked out.
In many cases, prostate cancer doesn’t show symptoms in early stages. But you should still pay attention to any changes in your body.
Catching prostate cancer early is important—that means getting regular checkups. Talk to your doctor about screening tests like the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test or a digital rectal exam. These exams can be done in-office with your primary care provider and help detect problems early, often before symptoms appear. Together, you can decide what’s right for you.
Arnot Health’s urology office is located at 301 Hoffman Street in Elmira. Appointments can be made over the phone by calling 607-733-1156. Referrals are recommended but not required.
Cayuga Health’s urology office is located at 201 Dates Drive, Suite 102, in Ithaca. For more information about screening, call 607-319-5747. Referrals are recommended but not required.
By Barbara Adams
According to writer Isaac Asimov, “Any book worth banning is a book worth reading” — which is one premise behind “Bad Books,” the riotous comedy (tragicomedy?) currently opening the Kitchen Theatre Company’s 35th season. The story pits an outspoken librarian against an equally outspoken mom who’s concerned about her son’s access to certain books.
Playwright Sharyn Rothstein began writing the play a few years ago, when the issue of parental control first spurred town and school meetings and protests across the country. “As a writer, I am very wary of censorship,” she said in a D.C. Theater Arts interview this March.
“So I wanted to write about it, as seen through the eyes of a badass librarian, one who defies the image of that role. And I thought, well, if I’m going to write about a badass librarian, I need to give her a worthy opponent. And this character — a mother who wants a book taken
“Bad Books,”
by Sharyn Rothstein. Directed by Emily Jackson and featuring Catherine D. DuBord and Spinks. At the Kitchen Theatre, 417 W. State St, Ithaca. Performances Wednesday through Saturday Sept. 10-20 at 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. matinees on Sept. 11, 14, and 21. Tickets at 607-272-0570 or kitchentheatre.org/tickets.
A series of post-show talkbacks at the Kitchen are free and open to the public (show attendance not required):
Sat. Sept. 13, 8:30 p.m. — Who Decides Books are Bad? Censorship and Parental Rights
Fri. Sept. 19, 8:30 p.m. — Meet the Artists Talkback
Sat. Sept. 20, 8:30 p.m. — Writer as Truth-Teller: Free Speech in the Face of Government Censorship
With more than 2,400 titles challenged nationwide last year and censorship battles intensifying, Bad Books offers a comic but pointed take on free speech, parental rights, and book banning. (Photo: Provided/Rachel Phillipson)
off the shelf at a local library — just came into my head.”
The Kitchen’s production, under the inspired direction of Emily Jackson, has found the perfect combatants: Catherine DuBord as the insistent mother and versatile Spinks, first as the cheeky librarian, then the mother’s work manager, and finally a book editor (who’s also the mother of the son’s girlfriend). The wisecracking librarian, liberal with profanities, and the responsible if righteous mom gamely bring their stereotyped assumptions about each other to the showdown. The heart of the play is watching them — after much misfortune and grief — evolve and become somewhat more open to views different from their own.
The mother isn’t asking for censorship, she claims, just that certain “inappropriate” books be shelved where younger readers can’t access them. Like “Boob Juice,” the librarian-recommended book her 15-year-old son brought home. Merely glancing through it, she’s decided it’s offensive, never asking about the real content or wondering why her son might have wanted or needed that particular book.
Faced with cheeky resistance, the mom gets to the point of making Instagram videos on the spot to call out the librarian and rally her own many followers, who proceed to assemble outside the library… But I won’t say what happens next, or after that, or after that, because audiences can see for themselves what happens when misunderstandings go viral.
out of control quickly, the storyline heads in directions you can’t predict. (No spoilers; I’m omitting most of the plot here.)
The action is fast-moving in distinct scenes clearly defined by Tyler M. Perry’s simple design, a luminous angled backdrop that shifts (lighting by Cora McKenna). And Ainsley Anderson’s costumes effectively define the women’s characters, especially the diverse roles that Spinks assumes.
The actors are dynamic and passionate, and their success (and the playwright’s) is measured by how we come to understand the validity of the women’s differing positions. “Bad Books” is anti-censorship, but it also gives voice to the concerns of parents over their children’s welfare. Yet it is not the “rights” of the mother here that stayed with me so much as her inability to reach her own son.
Meanwhile, throughout the country, as the Kitchen’s educational lobby display reminds us, a high of more than 2,400 books were challenged last year, and the group Moms for Liberty seeks a “parents’ bill of rights” amendment to the U.S. Constitution. As the list of banned books grows, especially in states like Florida, it’s clear the movement at large is actually about suppressing progressive notions of race, sex, and gender.
One detail I might share: it turns out that the mother (who now works for, ahem, a health care company) had written and published a youthful book about her experimentation with drugs, but later regretted it and tried to retrieve all the copies ever printed. That the intrepid librarian has managed to find a copy is part of the ensuing mayhem. As things spin
The topic is sobering, but “Bad Books” delivers it with more than a spoonful of sugar: wonderful comic moments that have the audience roaring. It’s a tool that Rothstein uses consciously: “Comedy is what makes people pay attention,” she’s said. “Comedy makes us listen to each other, hear each other, and process difficult things with each other. It doesn’t need to be a form of cooperation, but it helps.”
Arts & Entertainment “Bad Books” Tackles Censorship with Sharp Humor
Barbara Adams is a regional theatre and arts journalist and retired professor of writing, Ithaca College.
Actors Catherine DuBord and Spinks bring to life Bad Books at the Kitchen Theatre Company, a sharp comedy about the clash between a librarian and a mother over what books belong in the hands of teens. (Photo: Provided/Rachel Phillipson)
EPA support to address these lingering environmental issues.
“The [Trump] administration has stalled rules on dangerous chemicals, deleted critical public health data and opened the doors for polluters to sidestep protections,” Cantelmo said. “Piece by piece, they are dismantling the very agency meant to keep us safe. That cannot stand. Without a strong EPA, clean up stalls, enforcement weakens and local governments are left with costs they cannot carry alone.”
Webb said a 25% federal budget cut to the EPA would have a devastating impact on Ithaca and New York state. She claimed New York would lose millions of dollars if cuts are made to the EPA, and those costs would be passed on to communities in the form of higher taxes. She added that the public health and environmental impacts
of these cuts would be unrecoverable. She noted back-to-back floods in the last five years displaced families who are not returning to the area.
“Whether your zip code is here in Ithaca or anywhere else in our great state, it is a fundamental need that we all have,” Webb said. “When you talk about a 25% cut to an agency that provides many resources for us here in New York, this isn’t just simply a statistic. We are talking about real lives and real jobs that are going to be lost for generations.”
When asked about a backup plan if EPA cuts happen, Webb stated that while no final decisions had been made, officials would look for ways to maintain services without causing further harm. She added that she is co-sponsoring a bill to create a state office for flood mitigation.
Packman spoke of growing up in Ithaca and why it’s important to protect the local environment.
“Taking a dip in Six Mile Creek on a hot summer day, eating fresh tomatoes out of the garden, hiking up to the falls with your friends visiting from out of town — these are just some of the joys of living in what has been voted one of the best places to live in this country,” Packman said. “I think we often take for granted that the creek is safe to swim in, that the soil is safe to plant a garden in, that our trails are safe to walk on.”
Packman noted that the EPA addresses local pollution, citing construction of a retaining wall to stop lead from seeping into Ithaca Falls. She said without federal resources and enforcement power, state and municipal governments are often unsuccessful in managing cleanup efforts due to a lack of local resources.
its responsibilities, including cleanup of superfund sites and toxic contaminations, if budget cuts are enacted.
Environmental protection is deeply personal to her, Winsler said. Her father grew up in the Hudson Valley and drank water from what was later declared a superfund site in Ulster County. A nearby paint and metal finishing factory polluted the soil and water with volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Her grandfather, who was not blood-related to her father, died from leukemia in 2008, and her father died from the same disease in 2021. She believes their decades-long exposure to polluted water made them susceptible to leukemia, which has been linked to VOC contamination.
Moving over to East Hill, local fans can settle into the sweeping crescent at Schoellkopf Field — high above Cayuga’s waters — to watch the Big Red take the field in a non-conference contest against Colgate. Cornell is in the second year of its effort to reinvent the program under Dan Swanstrom, who spent four seasons across town at the helm of the Bombers.
A second-year head coach still functions in a grace period, if you will, given he is asking at least half his players to learn and play within his system, after they were recruited by a different coaching staff to run a different system. That's not a huge obstacle — these guys are smart, they’re adaptable, and if they chose Cornell specifically to play under a particular system, there’s always the transfer portal.
Big things are expected of junior wide receiver Samuel Musungu, who was placed on the Walter Payton Award Pre-Season watch list, and as a FCS Football PreSeason All American. In 2024, Musungo led the Big Red with 83 receptions — 10 for touchdowns — and racked up 960 yards over 10 games. Those stats put him in the Top 10 nationally, and while it is a foregone conclusion that Musungo will get open, the downside is that record-setting quarterback Jameson Wang has graduated. Wang lit it up for 4 years, passing for 8,225 yards and 84 touchdowns, and rushing for 2,050 yards and 30 more TDs.
In addition to the October 4 opener, Cornell will play at home on October 18 (vs. Bucknell), October 25 (against Ivy foe Brown), November 1 (another Ivy matchup vs, Princeton) and November 25 (one more Ivy contest vs. Columbia). For more info, go to www.cornellbigred. com.
During the spring and summer, the Ithaca area faced worsening climate-related issues, including flooding, droughts, severe storms, poor air quality and dangerously high temperatures, Packman said. She argued the Trump administration's attacks on the EPA — through rolling back regulations, removing protections and slashing staff — harmed efforts to meet climate goals. Due to these increasing climate threats, investment in the EPA is needed more than ever, she said.
Walsh Winsler, an Ithaca resident, said the EPA would be unable to fulfill
Walsh Winsler said pollutants do not remain confined to their original disposal sites. Chemicals seep into farmlands, waterways and food supplies. Climate-driven events, such as severe floods and storms, worsen these dangers by spreading toxic substances throughout local ecosystems and communities.
“In rural areas like Tompkins, contaminations threaten our local economy and our health,” she said. “We deserve strong federal protections. Weakening the EPA would undercut the very systems that are working to keep our community safe.”
FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Fall Guide
Comfort Meets Class at Ithaca Social Pub & Grille
By Henry Stark
This cozy restaurant is located right off the lobby of the Ithaca Hotel in downtown Ithaca—just steps from the registration desk. The Ithaca Social Pub & Grille has a relaxed, welcoming vibe that’s great for a casual meal or a laidback dinner.
The lunch menu features classics like French Onion and a rotating seasonal soup ($10), as well as three fresh salads ($14–$18). Appetizer choices ($17–$24)
TID BITS:
• Breakfast is served daily.
• The restaurant is closed Sunday evenings, and entrées aren’t served on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
• It’s also closed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Service was friendly and thoughtful.
On one occasion, I asked for mustard and received a personal jar of Heinz Dijon—small touches like that stand out.
include Hot Pepper Dip, a Charcuterie Board, a Hummus & Falafel Plate, Chicken Wings, and Calamari—plenty of variety to kick off your meal.
From the burgers and sandwiches section, the Classic Burger ($19) stood out. It came open-faced on a brioche bun with your choice of four cheeses (American, Swiss, Cheddar, or Provolone) melted on the burger, and fresh toppings including lettuce, a thick tomato slice, and crisp raw onion rings. The generous portion made it a knife-and-fork kind of burger, which worked out just fine.
The Quesadilla ($17) was also a great pick. It arrived in four hearty pieces, filled with roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, pepper jack cheese, and bleu cheese crumbles. You can choose chicken, beef, or shrimp; I went with chicken, which was juicy and flavorful. It came with ramekins of sour cream and a zesty salsa that added a nice kick.
For dinner on a Thursday, I tried the Herb Grilled Chicken ($28). It was cooked just right and served with chunky al dente carrots, summer squash, tender asparagus, and creamy house-made whipped potatoes. A rich mushroom madeira sauce tied everything together, with a few capers adding extra flavor for those who enjoy a bold touch.
Another dinner favorite was the Seafood Scampi ($36), which included finely chopped lobster, shrimp, and scallops, all served over linguini in a mild white wine garlic sauce. It was topped with a bit of fresh basil, a few grape tomatoes, and came with four toast points—perfect for scooping up the extra sauce, which was too good to leave behind.
Each dish came out looking as good as
it tasted, with a clearly thoughtful presentation.
For dessert, there are four options available, each around $10—perfect for rounding out the meal.
BEVERAGES:
The wine list is conveniently arranged by color—whites on top, reds below—and includes many popular varieties from various regions. Wines are priced from $8–$13 a glass, and $30–$63 a bottle. I recommend that they add a dry riesling from the great selection of local and regional wineries. There’s also a solid selection of domestic and international bottled beers (listed alphabetically) and five rotating drafts.
prepared before the next power outage.
Guests dine at the Ithaca Social Pub & Grille inside the Ithaca Hotel, which serves soups, salads, burgers, seafood and house-made desserts. (Photo: Mark Syvertson/Ithaca Times)
continued from page 6
of surrendered to being observed just by driving around. Second, there’s always a trade-off between security and privacy, and sometimes the line between those two has to be adjusted. Granted, in the context of the country sliding into fascism at the direction of a grifting felon with a halfassed spray tan we should be extra vigilant. However, license plate readers are a useful
WE THE PEOPLE
virtually or in person and are also at no cost to the litigants. The Court AttorneyReferees all have extensive training in mediation and have mediated a variety of civil matters including, but not limited to, property disputes, contract cases, motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and matrimonial cases. A similar program is in place for Surrogate’s Court matters which offers mediation to cases involving probating wills, administration of estates, guardianships, accountings and much more.
As the ADR Coordinator for the 6th Judicial District, I help maintain all our
tool to see information that is already very
— Charley Githler
“This technology has been used to violate human rights in other communities across the country, including gender-affirming care (abortion, as an example) and refugee safety. They don’t deter crime, and their power is used to watch EVERYONE and that is against basic human privacy.” —
Katie Church
programs as well as work to develop new programs. If you are interested in learning more about ADR opportunities or wish to reach out with any feedback or ideas for ADR in the 6th Judicial District, please visit our ADR website at https://ww2.nycourts.gov/adr-information-31816.
Jamie L. Smith, Esq. is a graduate of the SUNY University at Buffalo Law School and is the ADR Coordinator for the 6th Judicial District for the State of New York Unified Court System. This article was provided with assistance from the Honorable Eugene Faughnan, Supreme Court Justice, Administrative Judge for the 6th Judicial District in New York.
continued from page 13
Stanley Cups in 8 years with the Montreal Canadiens. Over that 8 year time span, Dryden won the Vezina Trophy (given to the NHL’s top goaltender) five times, and a Con Smythe Trophy (awarded to the Stanley Cup playoff MVP).
The quintessential “student-athlete,” Dryden retired briefly in 1974 after winning two NHL titles, and decided to get a law degree from McGill University. After a brief stint as an attorney, he apparently believed he had a lot left in the proverbial tank so he returned to the NHL and led Montreal to four more Stanley Cups.
NHL Commissioner and fellow Cornell alumnus Gary Bettman (class of ’74) released a statement saying, “From the moment Ken Dryden joined Montréal as a 23-year-old rookie in 1971, he made an immediate and lasting impact on the NHL, the Canadiens franchise, and the goaltending position.” Recently retired Cornell coach Mike Schafer added, “Intelligent, classy, articulate, kind, athletic, and thoughtful are just a few characteristics that come to mind. Ken Dryden was a legend and a trailblazer in the sport of hockey. Cornell University, Cornell
Hockey, the Montreal Canadiens, and the hockey community have lost one of the greatest ambassadors for our sport.”
The only other Cornell alum to have his jersey hanging in the Lynah Rink rafters is Joe Nieuwendyk, who was a part of three different Stanley Cup-winning teams, and who also won a Conn Smythe Trophy.
A reminder that the Tompkins County Sports Council Football Luncheon series will begin on Thursday, Sept. 11. The weekly luncheons will commence at 11:45 a.m. for nine Thursdays over the course of the 2025 season at The Fraternal Order of Eagles at 161 Cecil Malone Drive. The cost is $180 for the nine luncheons, at which the head football coaches at Ithaca High School (Johnnie Akin), Ithaca College (Mike Toerper) and Cornell University (Dan Swanstrom) will discuss the previous week’s games, and give a scouting report on the future opponent. Head football coaches at five other Tompkins County high schools will make guest appearances. All profits go directly back to the six high school football programs in Tompkins County. Last year, these six programs received $8,000. To purchase tickets, please contact Dave Wohlhueter by phone at (607) 273-5891, by email at dpw5@cornell.edu
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OCM BOCES has a full-time, evening position available at the Cortlandville Campus, Cortland. Hours will be from 3:00 to 11:00 pm plus night pay differential. Responsible for routine building cleaning tasks, cleaning ceiling vents, changing lights, washing windows, toilets, fixtures, collecting trash, food pick up/delivery, minor maintenance and repair on equipment, and maintaining inventory of supplies and equipment.
Send letter of interest and resume to: recruitment@ocmboces.org.
Check our website at www.ocmboces.org for further information. EOE
NEEM Fest | 3:00 p.m. | NEEM Fest (NorthEastern Electro-Music Festival) features back-to-back performances by electronic musicians and visual artists throughout the day and evening, utilizing two alternating stages for uninterrupted entertainment. The event also includes educational workshops sharing and discussing the latest music technologies and techniques. | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St., Homer
Events this Week
9/10 Wednesday
200 Years: Seneca Lake and the Erie Canal Waterways | 10:00 a.m. | Join us at the Brick Tavern Museum and delve deep into Schuyler County ’s water transportation | Montour Falls Science Together: Baking Soda and Vinegar | 10:30 a.m. | Explore the process of experimentation as you create chemical reactions with baking soda and | Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca
Sarah Smelser — Hodophilia | 1:00 p.m. | A hodophile is a lover of travel, a wanderer, a walker, a restless spirit, someone who travels to escape, walks to think, and wanders to learn about the world but moreover to repeatedly discover oneself. The works in *Hodophilia* are inspired by physical and psychic journeys: navigating labyrinthian footpaths on the island of Skopelos, Greece; climbing the sun-scorched hills of Santa Cruz, CA; and hiking in New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains. | The Ink Shop, 330 E. MLK/State St., Ithaca | Free
Good Grief Circle | 2:00 p.m. | The Age Well Center, 165 Main St., Cortland CRT presents “Billy Joel’s Piano Man” — Wade Preston | 2:00 p.m. | Second show at 7:30pm. A Broadway original in Billy Joel’s musical Movin’ Out, Wade starred as ‘The Piano Man’ for over 3 years. With incredible piano skills, a powerful voice, playful stage presence, and great humor, Wade delivers a one-of-a-kind night of rock ‘n’ roll! | Dwyer Memorial Park on Little York Lake. 6799 Little York Lake Road, Preble
Wednesday Market at East Hill | 3:00 p.m. | Don’t have time to get to the pavilion every weekend, or need a mid-week haul? | 330 Pine Tree Rd., NY 14850-2819 Ithaca
Chinese Bilingual Storytime/
| 4:30 p.m. | Join us for a special Chinese-English bilingual storytime! | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street, Ithaca
Business After Hours at Atlas Bowl | 4:30 p.m. | Join us at Business After
Hours! | Atlas Bowl 61 W. Main Street Trumansburg, NY 14886 *This venue is ADA accessible, Trumansburg | $10.00
LGBTQ+ Youth Group | 5:45 p.m. | Join us at LGBTQ+ Youth Group to do crafts, play games, and socialize. | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green St., Ithaca Mind Over Body Movement Class | 6:00 p.m. | Learn how to achieve improvement through movement and techniques aimed at strengthening connection | Newfield Public Library, 198 Main St., Newfield | $10.00
Astrology Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | We learn astrology together and would love to have you join us. All knowledge levels are welcome. | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E. Green Street, Ithaca | Free DJ Trivia with Dave Ashton | 6:30 p.m. | Join Dave Ashton for a challenging round of “DJ Trivia” at Hopshire Farm and Brewery! | Hopshire Farm and Brewery, 1771 Dryden Road, Freeville | Free Express Yourself Wednesday | 6:30 p.m. |Open Mic Comedy: 6:30-8 p.m. Open Mic & Live Band Karaoke: 9-12 p.m.! 18+ / FREE | Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca Trivia! | 7:00 p.m. | Trivia Night with Bob Proehl at Liquid State! | Liquid State Brewery, 620 West Green Street, Ithaca | Free Bad Books | 7:00 p.m. | In this blistering dark dramedy, a mother declares war against her local library and sets off a chain reaction of unimaginable consequences. | Kitchen Theatre Company 417 W. State / W. MLK, Jr. Street, Ithaca | $10.00 - $55.00
Wednesday Open Mic Night at The Nocturnal Café! | 7:00 p.m. | Free weekly Wednesday Open Mic night at The Nocturnal Café, Ithaca’s nightlife alternative, featuring music, poetry, dance and more! | The Nocturnal Café, 103 S Geneva St., Ithaca | Free Ithaca Field Hockey vs Cortland | 7:00 p.m. | Higgins Stadium, Ithaca
Practice At Punk & Poetry! | 7:30 p.m. |Practice At Presents a Punk & Poetry Showcase! $5 cover NOTAFLOF | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St., Ithaca Latin Wednesday | 9:00 p.m. | Get ready for the RETURN of LATIN WEDNESDAYS, Ithaca’s longest running and hottest weekly dance. | The Upstairs, 106 S. Cayuga St., Ithaca
9/11 Thursday
Imaginary Landscapes | 12:00 p.m. | Imaginary Landscapes Paintings by Barbara Behrmann and Katrina Morse | State of the Art Gallery, 120 West State Street, Ithaca | Free Eco-Macbeth: Nature Fights Back | 12:20 p.m. | This Practice-based-Research series will engage Shakespeare’s Macbeth through an ecologicallens, bringing in renowned guest scholar-practitioners to guide work with Cornell students, seeking new ways to read and stage our shared role with nature in this era of ecological crises. | Dance Theatre ( 9/11) and Black Box Theatre (9/13), Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, 430 College Ave., Ithaca | Free
GO ITHACA Tabling Event | 3:00 p.m. |
GO ITHACA is coming to Newfield Library! | Newfield Public Library, 198 Main Street, Newfield | Free
Story + Craft | 4:00 p.m. | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green St., Ithaca
Story + Craft: Ithaca is Books Edition | 4:00 p.m. | Story + Craft is our weekly reading + creating event for children! | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street, Ithaca
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, Trumansburg
Sarah Noell | 5:30 p.m. | Come enjoy cider, delicious food, beautiful views and live music! | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Road, Ithaca
Heists, Rebellions and Hackers: | 6:00 p.m. | Subtitle: Technorealist Science Fiction in the Cyberpunk Enshittocene. Prolific author, activist, and journalist Cory Doctorow will launch the Festival this year, in conversation with TCPL Librarian Judd Karlman. | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca
Life Skills: Dollars and Decisions | 6:00 p.m. |An engaging 8-week course designed to provide the real-world money skills that kids actually need. | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street, Ithaca
Networking@Rev: Sprout with Sponsors | 6:00 p.m. | Networking@Rev: Sprout with Sponsors
THE SISTERS FITZ&STARTZ: SEPTEMBER DAZE
SATURDAY, SEPT. 13TH AT 11:00 AM AND 1:00 PM; SUNDAY, SEPT. 14TH AT 11:00 AM
Thursday, September 11 | 6-8:30 p.m.
ET | 314 E. | Rev: Ithaca Startup Works, 314 E. State St., Ithaca | Free Brewhouse Blues Jam | 6:00 p.m. |We are honored to have the opportunity to host one of the longest-standing Ithaca blues jam | Hopshire Farm & Brewery, 1771 Dryden Rd., Freeville | Free A Screening of the Documentary Film, The Janes (2022) | 7:00 p.m. | Join the Performing and Media Arts for a screening of ‘ The Janes,’ a powerful documentary that | Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, 430 College Ave., Ithaca
TRAMPOLINE: Running Away | 7:00 p.m. |Trampoline is presented by WSKG and hosted by the Mighty Mickie Quinn! Show up. Sign up. | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St., Ithaca
Amanda Mole Organ Recital (CU Music) | 7:30 p.m. | “Inspirations”: A program of Johann Sebastian Bach and those who inspired his compositions. | Anabel Taylor Chapel, 548 College Ave., Ithaca | Free Public Sunset Cruise Discover Cayuga Lake | 7:30 p.m. | Enjoy a beautiful once in a lifetime sunset on Cayuga Lake! | Allan H. Treman Marina, 805 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY 14850, Ithaca
Devendra Banhart (Solo) with special guest Kath Bloom | 8:00 p.m. | Devendra Banhart lives and works in Los Angeles. | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St., Homer
9/12
Friday
Mental Health Association in Tompkins County Open House | 12:00 p.m. | We invite you to join us in celebrating this new chapter at our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Enjoy refreshments, meet our dedicated board and staff, and learn more about the peer support services we offer to the community. | Mental Health Association in Tompkins County, 511 West Seneca Street, Ithaca | Free WSKG Screening of Acoustic Rooster | 1:00 p.m. | Come to TCPL for a special screening of PBS’ Acoustic Rooster from our friends at WSKG, followed by a craft activity. This event is sponsored by WSKG: striving to be your trusted partner, enriching the lives of the people and communities we serve. | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green St., Ithaca | Free
A Protest History of the United States | 4:00 p.m. | Join the conversation on 500 years of protest and resistance in US history—and how its force can empower us to navigate our chaotic world. With authors Gloria J. Browne-Marshall and Ambre Dromgoole. | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca
My Pollinator Garden | 4:00 p.m. | Learn how you can help save the Earth, right in your own backyard, from author Jordan Zwetchkenbaum, with her gorgeous picture book My Pollinator Garden. | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street, Ithaca
Author Talk with Mischa Geracoulis and Omar Zahzah | 4:00 p.m. | Join Mischa Geracoulis Omar Zahzah + Mickey Huff with Project Censored. | Autumn Leaves Used Books, 115 East State Street (the Commons), Ithaca
Cypher Circle Presents: Gorges Slam | 5:00 p.m. | Join hosts Earth Too Tierra and DJ Dou for a fun night of competitive live poetry with a $50 cash prize. | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St., Ithaca Piano Series — Nature and Landscape in the Salon Room (CU Music) | 5:15 p.m.
| With the Johnson Museum’s salon-style wall of American landscape paintings as inspiration and backdrop, visiting pianist and scholar Federico Ercoli will perform a program of nineteenth- and twentiethcentury piano music themed to Nature and the Sublime. | Johnson Museum of Art, 114 Central Avenue, Ithaca | Free Donna the Buffalo | 5:30 p.m. | Join us for the South Hill Cider Golden Hour Music Series! | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Road, Ithaca
Nate Marshall Drink-n-Sing | 6:00 p.m. | Drink-n-Sing (alcohol not required) with Nate Marshall. Forget Karaoke — sing in a big group at Northville Arts Center in King Ferry, NY! | Northville Arts Center, 999 NY-34B, King Ferry | Free Nicholas Stark & These Dudes | 6:00 p.m. | Join us for a fantastic evening of live music with Nicholas Stark and These Dudes at Treleaven | Treleaven Wines, 658 Lake Road, King Ferry Ithaca Peace Festival | 6:00 p.m. | The ITHACA PEACE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA PARISH in Cayuga Heights this weekend, SEPTEMBER 12, 13, and 14 with music, dancing, presentations about peace making, and fun activities for children. Visit tinyurl.com/IthacaPeaceFest | St. Catherine of Siena parish, 309 Siena Drive, Ithaca | $5.00 - $15.00
Joe Crookston in Concert | 7:30 p.m. | TWO Joe Crookston Concerts at The Cherry Arts, 9/12 and 9/13 | The Cherry Arts, 102 Cherry St., Ithaca | $22.00 - $25.00
Better Than the Book: Silence of the Lambs | 8:00 p.m. | Catch a modern classic film that Cinemapolis staff think is “better than the book.” At Cinemapolis, Ithaca’s non-profit first-run movie theater where the art of film is used to enrich people’s lives, grapple with and illuminate contemporary issues, and, of course, to entertain. | Cinemapolis, 120 E. Green Street, Ithaca FABI x PROPER PHILTH: ELECTRO~WORLD DANCE PARTY | 9:00 p.m. | International touring artist from Mexico blending a unique mix of electronic beats and acoustic instruments, such as multiple hand drums, seeds, electric guitar, synths & vocals. | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St., Ithaca
9/13 Saturday
2nd Annual Health and Wellness Fair — The Grange | 9:00 a.m. | Description 2nd Annual Health and Wellness Fair Saturday, September 13, 2025 NYS Grange | NYS Grange Headquarters NYS Grange Headquarters, 100 Grange Place, Cortland Jazz Ensemble Children’s Concert | 10:00 a.m. | This free one-hour concert will be an enjoyable way to learn about this great American music. | Ithaca CollegeFord Hall, 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca | Free RIDE ON THE WGI RACEWAY | 10:00 a.m. | Hop on your bike and join us for an exhilarating ride at the WGI Raceway! | Watkins Glen International, 2790 Co Rte 16, Watkins Glen
Migration Celebration | 10:00 a.m. | A family-friendly festival celebrating all things bird and biodiversity. Join us for hands-on activities, performances, workshops, bird walks, and more. | Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca | Free Singsong Music Class with Amy | 10:15 a.m. | SingSong is a fun-filled “class ” for little ones and parents/caregivers to enjoy music together in a circle setting. | Lodi Whittier Library, 8484 S Main St., Lodi | Free
Farmers Market Cruise Discover Cayuga Lake | 11:00 a.m. | Get the best of both worlds straight off the Ithaca Farmers Market dock! Enjoy the good times of the Farmers Market and Experience Cayuga Lake! | Ithaca Farmers Market, 545 3rd St., Ithaca, NY 14850, Ithaca
Family Storytime | 11:00 a.m. | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street, Ithaca
The Sisters Fitz&Startz: September Daze | 11:00 a.m. | The delightfully eccentric Sisters Fitz&Startz and their talented students in a new musical for the whole family. | Kitchen Theatre Company, 417 W. State / W. MLK, Jr. Street, Ithaca | $10.00
Various Events all around Downtown Ithaca - September 11-14. Featuring over 20 events with author panels, readings, open mics, and a book fair on the Ithaca Commons Saturday and Sunday! Festival highlights include events with authors Cory Doctorow at Buffalo Street Books on Thursday, September 11, and Eve Ewing at the State Theatre on Sunday, September 14. Schedule brochures and maps will be available in local bookstores and the Tompkins County Public Library. (Photo: Provided)
Newfield Class of 2026 Mum Sale | 12:00 p.m. | Support the Newfield Class of 2026 by purchasing a Fall mum. The sale will include mums in 9” | Newfield Fire Dept, 77 Main Street, Newfield | Free Faggots & Witches: Queer Culture in Fiction Across Generations | 12:30 p.m. | Two books in conversation across the decades with author Blair Fell (Disco Witches of Fire Island) and historian Jeff Iavannone. | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca | Free Matters of the Mind: How Time Outdoors Improves Our Mental Health | 12:30 p.m. | Support Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca on Saturday September 13 by joining us for lunch by Luna’s, a talk with Don Rakow (former director of the Cornell Botanical Gardens and a forest therapy guide) and fun activities to put into practice what we’ve just learned. | Stewart Park Large Pavilion, 71 Stewart Park, Ithaca | $10.00 - $25.00 Chess Quest | 1:00 p.m. | Chess can help improve a child ’s development, so why not make it fun? | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street, Ithaca Ithaca Women’s Soccer vs Nazareth University | 1:00 p.m. | Carp Wood Field, Ithaca
Cornell Men’s Soccer vs Western Michigan University | 1:00 p.m. | Berman Field, Ithaca
Aging & Possibility: Find Peace at Any Age & Under Any Circumstances! | 1:00 p.m. | Join us for this ten-session seminar led by presenters experienced in personal transformation, maintaining a spiritual life, and medicine. Participants can expect to gain the ability to transform their lives and discover new ways of being. | The Foundation of Light, 399 Turkey Hill Rd., Ithaca | $17.50 - $175.00
Ithaca Field Hockey vs SUNY Geneseo | 1:00 p.m. | Higgins Stadium Ithaca
Make America Think Again | 2:00 p.m. |
Subtitle: The Importance of Independent Journalism, Publishing, and Critical Media Literacy Education. Presented by Project Censored, the Censored Press, and Park Center for Independent Media at Ithaca College. | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca | Free Ithaca is Books: Kalynn Bayron and Laila Sabreen Author Visit | 2:00 p.m. | A Conversation on Craft and Process: Join authors Kalynn Bayron and Laila Sabreen as they dive into | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street, Ithaca
Family Movies at TCPL: A Minecraft Movie | 2:00 p.m. | Join us for an afternoon movie on our “Big Screen” in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room. | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street, Ithaca
Oktoberfest | 2:00 p.m. | 8th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration and Silo’s last day at Liquid State Brewing Co. | Liquid State Brewing Co., 620 W. Green St., Ithaca | $5.00
The Big Library Bash | 3:00 p.m. | The Ulysses Philomathic Library Board of Trustees is hosting its 44th annual Association Meeting in a new way this year — The Big Library Bash — from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, September 13. | Ulysses Philomathic Library, 74 E Main St., Trumansburg | Free Reproductive Rights Film Festival | 3:00 p.m. | The Reproductive Rights Film Festival returns to Cinemapolis this September with films, panels, and community dialogue on abortion access and reproductive rights. | Cinemapolis, 120 E. Green Street, Ithaca | Free Looking at Women Looking at War: A Panel | 3:30 p.m. | Join two Ukrainian
authors, Oksana Lutsyshyna and Yuliya Musakovska, in discussion with Valzhyna Mort about the way language affects and reflects the realities of war and extremity. The panel will pay tribute to Victoria Amelina, a Ukrainian author killed by a Russian missile, and her posthumous book Looking at Women, Looking at War. | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca | Free Enshittification: Why Everything Got Worse and What to Do About It | 4:00 p.m. | Cory Doctorow in conversation with Ray Craib. | Autumn Leaves Used Books Ithaca Commons, Ithaca | Free Opening Reception for Assemblage and Collage at The Gallery at South Hill | 4:00 p.m. | The opening reception for the group exhibit “Assemblage and Collage ” will be on Saturday, September 13th from 4-6pm. Assemblage and Collage features the works of Jackie Dickinson, Chris Knickerbocker, Carol LaBorie, Rachel Philipson, Mary Reynolds, Michael Sampson, Dee L. Sprague, and Mia Zufall. | The Gallery at South Hill, 950 Danby Rd. South Hill Business Campus, Ithaca | Free Ithaca Men's Soccer vs King’s College (Pa.) | 4:00 p.m. | Carp Wood Field, Ithaca On Edge : a Collage Invitational | 4:00 p.m. | Join us Sat. Sept 13, 4-6 p.m. for the artist's reception for ON EDGE / a Collage Invitational | Corners Gallery, 903 Hanshaw Rd. Suite 101A Suite 101A, Ithaca | Free Queer Formz | 5:00 p.m. | A Queer-d Poetry Reading & Panel with Tompkins County Poetry Laureate Nicole v. basta with Saida Agostina Bostic, Catherine Chen, & Esther Kondo Heller. | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St., Ithaca
Sippin’ in the Stalks | 5:00 p.m. | An exclusive fall wine & beer tasting experience at Moore Family Farm | Moore Family Farm, 570 Auburn Road, Groton | $45.00
Scuba Jerry | 5:30 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. door // 5:30 p.m. show $15 cover Meet the band: Who’s ready for some SCUBA JERRY! | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Road, Ithaca
Bob Mould Solo Electric: Here We Go Crazy | 8:00 p.m. | DSP Shows Presents.| Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca
Who Decides Books are Bad? Censorship and Parental Rights | 8:30 p.m. | Post show discussion with speakers: Lisa Swayze, Executive Director, Buffalo Street Books/Ithaca Literary; TCPL Library staff. Open to the public. | Kitchen Theatre Company, 417 W. State / W. MLK, Jr. Street, Ithaca
Cornell Sailing vs Jack Boehringer ’52 Memorial Regatta | 12:00 a.m. | Cornell Sailing vs Jack Boehringer ’52 Memorial Regatta | Merrill Family Sailing Center Ithaca
9/14 Sunday
Science Connections | 8:00 a.m. | Join local science experts with hands-on activities and demonstrations. | Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca
“ WHAT IS JAZZ? ” CONCERT FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH, AT 10:00 AM
Ford Hall in the Whalen Center for Music, Ithaca College |
This free one-hour concert will be an enjoyable way to learn about this great American music. All ages are welcome. Families are encouraged to stay in the theater and enjoy the show even if their kids make noise. After all, making a joyful noise is what jazz is all about. After the show, students will be out in the lobby meeting kids and demonstrating instruments. (Photo: Stock)
Union Springs Artisan Market 2025 | 10:00 a.m. | Local artisans and small businesses will unite with the support of their community around them. | Frontenac Park Pavilion 15 Creamery Road, 15 Creamery Road, Union Springs Drag Story Hour | 11:00 a.m. | Get happy with Buffalo Street Books’ in-house reading Queens Coraline Chardonnay and Tilia Cordata. | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca | Free Newfield Class of 2026 Chicken BBQ | 11:00 a.m. | Chicken BBQ dinner fundraiser for Newfield Class of 2026 All Night Party includes chicken half, | Newfield Covered Bridge Market, 176 Main St., Newfield | $12.00
Demo Day at the Artist Alley Studios | 12:00 p.m. | Demo Day is an opportunity to see studio artists demonstrating for the public their working process in their own studios. Some of the artists will solely have their studios open for visitors and not be doing demonstrations. | Artist Alley Studios at South Hill Business campus 950 Danby Rd. South Hill Business Campus South Hill Business Campus, Ithaca | Free Honoring an Icon: Creating a Comic about Trans Writer Leslie Feinberg | 12:30 p.m. | Learn how the comic Icons: Leslie Feinberg was created. Free copies of the comic until we run out. | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca | Free
Cornell Women’s Soccer vs Binghamton University | 1:00 p.m. | Berman Field, Ithaca
Wild mushroom identification class | 1:00 p.m. | In-depth, in-person wild mushroom identification classes | Enfield Community Center, 162 Enfield Main St., Ithaca | $95.00
Original Sins: The (Mis)Education of Black & Native Children ... | 2:00 p.m. | ... and the Construction of American Racism. Educator, author, poet, and icon Eve L. Ewing in conversation with Sean Eversley-Bradwell and Nia Nunn at the State Theatre | State Theatre of Ithaca, 107 West State St., Ithaca
Special Event: 33rd Annual Founder’s Day Concert in the Park at Dewitt Park | 3:00 p.m. | Dewitt Park, Ithaca Ithaca Lesbian Coffee House Second Anniversary Social! | 3:00 p.m. | Lesbians and allies (women, non-binary, queer, trans) from all walks of life are invited to help us kick-off our third year of the Ithaca Lesbian Coffee House group. You can order food and drinks from the bar inside, play corn hole, billiards, croquet, and mingle with others. | Crossroads Bar & Grille, 3120 N. Triphammer Road, Lansing | Free Librarians Get Loud: Mythbusting Library Culture | 3:30 p.m. | Speakers: TCPL Library staff. This talkback will take place after a performance of Bad Books, but members of the public are welcome to attend, free of charge. | Kitchen Theatre Company, 417 W. State / W. MLK, Jr. St., Ithaca
Indigenous Lit: Writing & Reading Native Authors | 3:30 p.m. | Vanessa Lillie and Hillary Smith talk about reading and writing Native authors. | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca
WSKG presents Literary Trivia | 5:00 p.m. | Host Bob Proehl will test teams’ ultimate book knowledge. | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St., Ithaca
Jazz Jam Session | 6:00 p.m. | Jazz, Blues, Funk Jam Session hosted by The Don House Trio. | Mama Lieu ’s Restaurant & Bar, 404 W. State St., Ithaca | $5.00
The Book That Changed Everything | 7:00 p.m. | Open mic storytelling with author Amy Reading, sponsored by Story House Ithaca. | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St., Ithaca
DJ Trivia with Dave Ashton | 7:00 p.m.
| Join Dave Ashton for DJ Trivia every Sunday night at Crossroads in Lansing! | Crossroads Bar and Grill, 3120 North Triphammer Road, Lansing | Free
9/15 Monday
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., Ithaca
Balancing Personal & Political Grief
With the Pursuit of Joy — A Poetry Workshop | 6:00 p.m. | In this workshop open to poets of any level of experience, we ’ll study a few published poems. | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street, Ithaca
9/16
Tuesday
Science Together: Roller Coasters | 10:30 a.m. | Explore ups and downs as you make and test a roller coaster! | Sciencenter, 601 1st St., Ithaca
Musical Memories Café | 12:00 p.m. |
Musical Memories Café is a free live music experience and light lunch to enrich the lives of care-givers and care-receivers, as well as isolated adults. | Library Place, 105 West Court St., Ithaca | Free
Super Cream Car Cruise-Ins | 4:30 p.m. |
Super Cream Car Cruise-Ins Are Back! | Super Cream Dairy Bar 75 N. West St., Homer Taughannock Live Music Series: The Double Standards | 5:00 p.m. | Inn at Taughannock Falls, 2030 Gorge Rd., Trumansburg
Jason Stotz Concert at the Three Bears | 6:00 p.m. | Join us in the Three Bears park for a free steel pan concert by Jason Stotz on September 16, 2025 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.! | Ovid Three Bears, 7175 Main Street, Ovid
Standard Time Jazz Ensemble | 6:00 p.m. | An evening of classic jazz standards. | Firelight (La Tourelle), 1150 Danby Road, Ithaca | Free
Comic Book Club — “Everything Is Go, Astro Boy!” | 7:00 p.m. | The Comic Book
Club of Ithaca will take a nostalgic look back at this pioneering, iconic character. Whether you first encountered Astro Boy through the comics or on one of the animated series, decades ago or minutes ago, join in at the meeting! | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street, Ithaca | Free
9/17 Wednesday
Greensprings Garden Club | 10:00 a.m. | From May to October, volunteer with us as we divide perennials, mulch plantings, plant shrubs, pull | Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, 293 Irish Hill Rd., Newfield | Free
Doug’s Fish Fry To Go | 11:00 a.m. | Doug’s Fish Fry To Go food truck at Walgreens across from East Hill Plaza! | Walgreens Pharmacy, 330 Pine Tree Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850, USA, Ithaca Midday Music for Organ: Jennifer Shin and Jasmine Ngai (CU Music) | 12:30 p.m. | “The Multifaceted Bach”: A program exploring the many forms and styles of Johann Sebastian Bach. | Anabel Taylor Chapel, 548 College Ave., Ithaca | Free CLIMATE LIT. DISCUSSION — LET’S READ + TALK ABOUT CLIMATE | 4:30 p.m. | Join us at Buffalo Street Books for community discussions about climate change, seen through fiction and non-fiction books! | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca | Free The Writers’ Room | 6:00 p.m. | Work on your writing project in the company of other writers. | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street, Ithaca | Free Faculty Recital: Jared Wallis, trumpet at Hockett Family Recital Hall | 7:00 p.m. | Wednesday, 9/17/2025
PICTURING THE WORLD: LIFE Magazine and the Work of Margaret Bourke White | 7:00 p.m. | Join Carol Hockett to explore the 20th century through LIFE magazine and photographer Margaret Bourke-White, whose work spanned the Great Depression, WWII, and beyond.Wed, Sept 17 · 7 PM, Lansing Community Library. | Lansing Community Library, 27 Auburn Rd., Lansing | Free Ithaca Field Hockey vs SUNY Brockport | 7:00 p.m. | Higgins Stadium, Ithaca An Evening with Cowboy Junkies — Celebrating 40 Years | 7:30 p.m. | An evening with Cowboy Junkies promises a career-spanning show, including songs from their recent album, ‘Such Ferocious Beauty’, which was released worldwide in 2023, to universal critical acclaim. | Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca
Loudon Wainwright III / Chris Smither — In Concert | 8:00 p.m. | It was the late 1960s on Charles Street in Boston, outside one of the legendary clubs during the | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St., Homer
MUSIC AT ST. LUKE: SCHOLA CANTORUM OF SYRACUSE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH AT 4:00 PM
St. Luke Lutheran Church, 109 Oak Avenue, Ithaca |
“The
Orlando di
of
and
by
and others concerning love and loss, paired with keyboard interpretations of the same works by
Touch
Love” Madrigals
Chansons
Luca Marenzio,
Lasso,
Peter Philips. (Photo: Facebook)
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Call Lisa at 607-277-7000 ext: 1211
Find out about great advertising ad packages at: Ithaca�com & Ithaca Times
119 West Court St�, Ithaca 607-273-1511 tclifelong�org
Macintosh Consulting
http://www.allaboutmacs.com (607) 280-4729
ANIMALS
LAND & SEA
FingerLakesAnimalRights�org
CLEANING SERVICES
http://www�cleanswithus�com
JANITORIAL * DEEP CLEANINGS * INDEPENDENCE CLEANERS CORP
Call 607-697-3294
Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-Op!
Living –
Adult Day Program
Looking for Work? We are hiring!
Visit us online: www wgaforchildren org or call 607-844-6460 The William George Agency
