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VOL. LIV / NO. 51 / September 2, 2026 Serving 47,125 readers week ly

ON THE COVER:

County Legislature Reviews Proposed Animal Abuse Registry

By K i r a Wa lt e r

n Tuesday, Aug. 18, the Tompkins County Legislature discussed a local law that would establish a countywide animal abuse registry. County officials unanimously authorized a public hearing for Sept. 1 at 5:30 p.m., where the law will be voted on. Legislator Christy Bianconi proposed the registry in collaboration with fellow Legislator Travis Brooks, the sheriff ’s department and county attorney Maury Josephson. Already workshopped at public safety meetings, the law would create a resource that rescue centers and adoption clinics can use to protect animals from falling into the wrong hands. “It’s more than just deterrence, it’s information sharing,” Bianconi said. “Any person who sells animals, adopts out animals, can look at that registry and make sure that somebody that they’re planning on giving an animal to isn’t on that list. It represents what we value as a community.” District Attorney Matthew Van Houten also spoke to how the registry can support his office, with six to 10 cases of animal cruelty brought into the DA’s office annually. He said that poverty and mental illness are strongly considered factors in cases of abuse, but some owners are cruel

to animals with no morally good reason. He believes those are people the DA could benefit from recognizing. “I think it just reflects the community’s values, if this is something that this community feels is worth the time to create and maintain,” Van Houten said. “How many animals would make it worthwhile? I’d say one.” If voted into place, the registry will operate similarly to sex offender and child abuse registries already in place, which serve as a means of upholding moral standards. The 2027 Recommended Budget, which projects a 12.47% increase in the property tax levy compared with 2026, is down from the original projection of 29.6%. County officials proposed a local law that would create an animal abuse registry County Administrator Korsah Akumfi is if approved. (Photo: Mark Syvertson) optimistic about reducing the increase to 9% if $2 million is used from the county’s rather than the typical majority vote. This tax stabilization reserve. This could lift means extra planning may be beneficial if a significant burden off the shoulders of these funds are explored. Tompkins County taxpayers. “We need to prepare the appropriate Legislator Judith Hubbard was thankresolutions and groundwork in the event ful for the administration’s work despite the tax stabilization reserve is being used,” a difficult budget year. “Bringing down the request from 29.6% to Josephson said. 12.4% is already a significant improvement in our position,” she said. “I’m sure we’ll have In other news Representatives from Insero & Co. CPAs some lengthy discussions from here on out.” Josephson reminded the legislators that reported a clean financial audit for the drawing from the tax stabilization reserve requires two-thirds of officials in favor Contin u ed on Page 5

T a k e

NEWSLINE �� 3-5 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR �� 6 OPINION / SPORTS �� 7 NEWS ��8-9 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT �� 10-12 CLASSIFIED �� 13 TIMES TABLE ��14-A15

ON T HE WE B

Visit our website at www.ithaca.com for more news, arts, sports and photos. Call us at 607-277-7000 M i k ay l a R o ven o lt, Managi ng Ed ito r e d i to r @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m Scot t Ma n so n, Asso ciate Pu b l ish er J i m B i l i n s k i , P u b l i s h e r E me r i t u s j b i l i n s k i @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m R o y A l l e n , D i r e c t o r o f St r at e g i c Pa r t n e r s h i p s r oy@ i t h ac at i m e s .co m L o r i e n T y n e , A s s i s ta n t E d i t o r l o r i e n @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m A u s t i n L a mb , C o p y E d i t o r a l a m b @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m P h i l i p O ’ D e l l , R ep o r t e r p h i l i p @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m Ja k e Se x to n , Ad m i n istr ative Co o r d i nato r , C a l e n d a r E d i t o r ja k e @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m Mark Sy vertson, Photographer m ar k s y v er t s o nph oto gr aph y@ gm a il .co m Ste ve L awr ence, Spo rts Co lumn ist stevesportsdude@gmail.com Lisa Ellin, Advertising & Marketing l i s a . e @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m K i r a W a l t e r , A r t s & E n t e r ta i n me n t r ep o r t e r a r t s @ i t h ac at i m e s .co m Z a c h a r y I s a a c S t e p h e n s , A u d i e n c e E n g a g eme n t & D e s i g n A s s o c i a t e

N o t e

X Gourdlandia Publishes Children’s Book By Lorien Tyne

her mother’s permission, of course!” The book is inspired by Ottoson’s 20 years wo Ithaca locals have published a new children’s picture book “Vivalina Grows of work in Gourdlandia, a spot on Ithaca’s a Gourd!” and are inviting the community West Hill where he grows gourds and makes to celebrate with them by attending a book them into lamps and other functional artwork. launch party. While gourds are cousins of pumpkins and The book, illustrated by Sue Brightly and watermelons, they dry with a woody shell that written by Graham Ottoson, is about a vole doesn’t break down. named Vivalina who needs a space away The family-friendly book launch party is at from her siblings to create art. She visits her the Ithaca Children’s Garden on Sept. 6 from Auntie Viola, who lives in a gourd, and gets the 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Event activities include idea to grow her own art studio. The book’s creating a wearable “gourd snout,” music illustrations are all hand painted by Brightly performance by The Human Sprockets, snacks, with watercolors and there is a how-to guide a book signing and a brief reading of the book inside for kids to grow their own gourds. by Ottoson and Brightly. Registration is not “ We chose a vole because mice are required but the book’s creators encourage overrepresented in children's literature,” attendees to RSVP online on the Gourdlandia Ottoson said. “As for the name, a little girl website to help them prepare. named Vivalina moved into the neighborhood, The book will be available online or at and it was just too perfect not to use — with Ottoson’s studio in Gourdlandia starting on

F r ee l a n c e r s : Barbara Adams, Charley Githler, Stephen Burke, Bill Chaisson, Ross Haarstad, Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Peter Rothbart, Austin Lamb, Clement Obropta, Jake Sexton, Kira Walter, and Ceili Ayoung

“Vivalina Grows a Gourd!” is a children’s book created by Ithaca locals Graham Ottoson and Sue Brightly. Sept. 6. Gourdlandia also offers workshops, hand-crafted lamps and garden tours. Se p te m b e r

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THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE ITHACA TIMES ARE C O P Y R I G H T © 2 026 B Y PAT H W AY S T O E Q U I T Y, L L C . All rights reserved. Events are listed free of charge in TimesTable. All copy must be received by Friday at noon. The Ithaca Times is available free of charge from various locations around Ithaca. Additional copies may be purchased from the Ithaca Times offices for $1. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $139 one year. Include check or money order and mail to the Ithaca Times, PO Box 27, Ithaca, NY 14851. ADVERTISING: Deadlines are Monday 5 p.m. for display, Tuesday at noon for classified. Advertisers should check their ad on publication. The Ithaca Times will not be liable for failure to publish an ad, for typographical error, or errors in publication except to the extent of the cost of the space in which the actual error appeared in the first insertion. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publication. The Ithaca Times is published weekly Wednesday mornings. Offices are located at 109 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-277-7000, FAX 607277-1012, MAILING ADDRESS is PO Box 27, Ithaca, NY 14851. The Ithaca Times was preceded by the Ithaca New Times (1972–1978) and The Good Times Gazette (1973–1978), combined in 1978. Founder Good Times Gazette: Tom Newton

2 0 2 6

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INQUIRING Elm Street Apartments Development Advances to Public Session Amid PHOTOGRAPHER N e w s l i n e

By Mark Sy ve r t son

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “WHAT’S YOUR BEST DAD JOKE?” NOTE: If readers wish to participate in the Ithaca Times’ Inquiring Photographer column, contact Mark Syvertson at marksyvertsonphotography@gmail.com

“What do pandas give to Trick-or-Treaters? Bam-BOO!” – Ilshim

“How do pigs treat diaper rash? Oink-ment.” – Dan

“Why don’t seagulls fly by the bay? Because then they’d be bagels.” – Adam

“Why did the Amish kids start listening to punk music? They were tired of Haulin’ Oats.” – Kevin

Residents’ Concerns Over Pedestrian Safety, Traffic, Environment

By P h i l i p O’ D e l l

he Ithaca Common Council voted 8-1 on Aug. 19 to advance a proposed Planned Unit Development near Elm Street to a public information session. Mayor Robert Cantelmo said the Common Council does not make a final decision on the project until after the city planning board completes its site plan review and environmental analyses. Cantelmo said the Aug. 19 meeting was intended to discuss possibly advancing the project to that review phase and scheduling a public information session. According to the Planned Unit Development (PUD) application, Whispering Woods at Ithaca is the developer of the proposed Elm Street Apartments. The application says the developer seeks to subdivide the undeveloped southern portion of the Whispering Woods property at 139-57 Chestnut St. to construct five four-story walk-up buildings totaling 75 multifamily units. Located near the Lehman Alternative Community School and bisected by Cliff Park Brook, the project is in the city’s R-2A residential zoning district and requires a zoning change through the PUD process. Under the City of Ithaca’s zoning, the R-2A residential zoning district designation has permitted primary uses restricted to single-family detached dwellings, two-family homes and select public facilities, such as schools and fire stations. Multifamily apartment buildings are prohibited under R-2A zoning. Structure heights in the district are capped at three stories and 35 feet, with off-street parking regulations requiring a minimum of one space per dwelling unit for residences with fewer than four bedrooms. According to the city’s PUD application form, the zoning designation allows mixed-use or unique single-use projects through flexible design. The form says PUDs encourage “efficient investment in public improvements, environmental sensitivity, and protection of community character” beyond standard zoning district regulations. To qualify, proposed projects must demonstrate long-term community benefits, advance public health and welfare, and align with the city’s comprehensive plan. Digital application materials are submitted directly to the city’s Depart-

4 The Ithaca Times / September 2 – 8, 2026

ment of Planning and Development. Alderperson Margaret Fabrizio voiced concerns over the PUD process and lack of preliminary public input prior to her no vote. Fabrizio questioned whether granting approvals before completing an impact statement violated city code concerning environmental review. She said unresolved legal concerns remained despite prior outreach to the city attorney. Cantelmo dismissed Fabrizio’s procedural objection, saying the action involved PUD — which overrides existing zoning — rather than a variance process subject to the Board of Zoning Appeals’ review. Unmoved by his explanation, Fabrizio reiterated lingering doubts about the proposal. She also raised housing affordability concerns, stressing the need to review projected rent prices before determining the project's overall community benefit. Some residents like John King voiced support for the project, citing a need for local high-density, infill housing to combat shortages and decreasing household sizes. He argued argued that placing dense, smaller units near major employers, schools, and existing transit corridors reduces regional carbon emissions by preventing urban sprawl into outlying watershed areas. “I'd like to remind everyone that urban density is the single most important thing we can do to reduce our carbon impact,” King said. “New York City due to its density and walkability has less than onethird per capita national carbon emissions. One-third and we control land use at the local level. Nothing else we can do here will come anywhere near as close to reducing our impact on this planet as density.” Katrina Davis said the PUD framework provides city officials with leverage to negotiate project improvements, traffic mitigation, and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure — such as flashing beacons for area students — rather than shutting down development early in the review. “I would love to see council use their imagination and use that leverage in a way that benefits the entire community,” Davis said. Tompkins County Housing and Community Development Director David West said the proposal’s three-story walk-up design with basements maximizes density while keeping development costs under $200,000 per unit, below average local benchmarks.

Site of the proposed Elm St. Project. (Photo: Mark Syverston)

Opponents urged the council to table or reject the PUD proposal, alleging environmental risks, traffic hazards, and procedural shortcomings. George Garza, a Binghamton University sociologist and Chestnut Hill resident, opposed the proposed development. He argued that clearing over 3 acres of forest directly undermines Ithaca’s Green New Deal net-neutrality targets, while citing the Ithaca Times’ 2024 report of Whispering Woods’ alleged history of delayed repairs, tenant intimidation, and aggressive legal tactics by out-of-state management. Resident Reggie Teasley urged officials to delay a decision on the proposed planned unit development (PUD), warning that clearing mature woods on a steep slope will exacerbate heat island effects, harm local wildlife habitats, and increase severe flooding risks in Ithaca. Pointing to a study showing the existing trees absorb nearly 23,000 gallons of stormwater runoff annually, Teasley advocated for preserving the area's natural infrastructure to support local climate resiliency and environmental goals. “I want to say postpone making a decision on the PUD so the residents can have more time,” Teasley said. “We need more time. The developers have had plenty of time. Let’s consider the context in our climate risks.” Ellen Quisto urged officials to table the proposed development, arguing that Elm Street is already congested and physically incapable of handling additional traffic. Quisto highlighted hazards such as driver misconduct, unsafe conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, narrow passes for large vehicles, and severely degraded pavement that cannot sustain the current flow of heavy SUVs and commercial trucks. Contin u ed on Page 9

UPS&DOWNS

N e w s l i n e

Measles Cases on Rise in Neighboring Counties

Ups Bar Argos was voted Best Bar & Best Boutique Hotel by participants in Cayuga Media Group’s 2026 Finger Lakes Favorites poll.

By M i k ay l a Rov e nolt

ompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) announced in an Aug. 14 press release that measles cases are on the rise in neighboring counties, including Tioga and Seneca counties. According to New York State Health, measles is a highly contagious virus and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated. According to NY State Health, those most at risk of measles infection include unvaccinated infants, children or adults (excluding those who were born before 1957, who are considered immune), pregnant persons and those with weakened immune systems. TCWH said in a press statement that a complete vaccination (two-dose series of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine) is safe and effective at preventing infection. TCWH said the measles virus is easily spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by direct contact with a contaminated surface. Symptoms can take from seven to 21 days from exposure to occur. Measles can often be mistaken for other respiratory illnesses, as symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny or congested nose, sore throat and watery eyes. A red and blotchy rash may occur within three to five days following the start of cold-like symptoms, with the rash usually appearing on the face first. The rash may spread down the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet, and spots may join together as they spread. When the rash appears, fever temperatures may rise above 104° Fahrenheit. If you suspect you were exposed to measles, contact our Division of Community Health at 607-274-6604. Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for measles may be given within 72 hours of exposure to prevent infection or lessen the severity of the disease in people who do not have COUNTY LEGISLATURE contin u ed from page 3

Tompkins County government’s finances in 2025, with no errors, fraud or broken rules in the county books. The county spent $36.3 million in federal money, largely passed down through the state. The New York State Department of Transportation also spent $18 million in funding as well. At the end of 2025, legislators reviewed

Downs On Aug. 27, the Tompkins County Sheriﬀ ’s Oﬃce responded to a vehicle crash on Brooktree Lane in the Town of Dryden. The report states that a whitecolored Nissan had collided with a tree and the driver was attempting to leave the scene. A witness removed the keys from the vehicle and reported the incident. Deputies arrived and charged Hannah D. LaBrake, age 47, of the Town of Caroline, with Driving While Intoxicated.

Tompkins County Whole Health officials encourage vaccinations to fight against Measles. (Photo: Tompkins County WHole Health)

immunity and were exposed to the virus. If you develop symptoms, please call your healthcare provider or contact the TCWH office. Let the provider or answering service know that you have been exposed to measles or what symptoms you are experiencing. TCWH advises people to not go to the emergency room, urgent care, or a doctor’s office without first calling to avoid potentially exposing other people to measles. Because measles can spread quickly and easily through the air, it is important to seek advice over the phone first to reduce risk of further spreading the virus according to TCWH. Complications from measles include very high fever, ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Risks also include permanent loss of hearing, vision, and the development of learning disabilities. There is no cure for measles, only treatment for symptom relief. “Measles is a terrible virus with a very high infection rate in unvaccinated populations,” TCWH Medical Director Dr. William Klepack said in a press statement. “The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing infection. This means that while the vaccine is very effective at

preventing illness, there is a risk that 3 out of every 100 vaccinated people could still become infected.” “The risk if you are not vaccinated is much greater,” Dr. Klepack said, “We strongly encourage families to make sure their children, especially those under age five, stay up to date on their vaccination schedule. Children should get their first MMR shot at 12 through 15 months old (as soon as possible within this timeperiod). The second dose may be given as soon as one month after the first dose but is typically given between four and six years of age. At this time, there is no need to seek early vaccination for your infant and maintaining the routine immunization schedule is advised.” TCWH advises all who have not been vaccinated against measles or have had only one dose to contact their healthcare provider or our office to get up to date with their vaccinations. Call our office at 607-274-6604 or visit our website to learn more about Whole Health’s Community Health Division and Immunization Clinics: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/ health/immunizations Learn more about measles by visiting TCWH’s measles webpage.

that $44 million was in the county’s unassigned general fund balance, with actual expenditures around $7.6 million below the final amended budget. Underspending was considered a favorable variance, perhaps chalked up to lower-than-expected costs. The financial report was accepted by all legislators present. Though a large part of the meeting was devoted to financial busywork, other initiatives such as defending animal wellbeing

were significant topics of discussion. The legislature approved $2,500 to support a New York Agricultural Land Trust Application, which seeks the protection of 131 acres of Oeschner Farm. If the application goes well, the land trust will permanently manage conservation across this space. The legislature approved $94,425 worth of projects toward land that provides

HEARD&SEEN Heard

The Apple Harvest Festival, happening Sept. 25-27, is looking for volunteers. Roles include setup and breakdown, vendor assistance, information booths, children’s activities, green crew, crowd management assistant and bounce house watcher. Volunteers are also needed before the festival for painting vendor spots and organizing signage.

Seen On the morning of Aug. 27, Tompkins County Sheriﬀ Deputies, including members of the Crisis Alternative and Response (CARE) Team, conducted a welfare check in the Town of Groton. On arrival, the resident threatened deputies with a kitchen knife, but deputies determined the individual was not an immediate threat to others. The following day, deputies determined that the individual's behavior indicated she had become a danger to herself and took the resident into custody. Katie M. Pesold, age 41, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree and Menacing a Police Oﬃcer, both Class D felonies.

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

Are you excited for fall activities? 43.3% Yes. 26.7% No. 30.0% I don’t care. N EXT WEEK ’S Q UESTION :

Do you support the Elm Street Development Project? Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.

Contin u ed on Page 12

Se p te m b e r

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2 0 2 6

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It h ac a t I m e S

We repeatedly asked Common Council to come to the developer’s site before The Talk at voting on the PUD. I believe that after hearing the concerns of those actually living on West Hill, Common Council began to question the lunacy of contributing to lower Elm Street’s unsafe nature. Several members of Common Council — two who apparently represent West By Ithaca Times Readers Hill — said: ‘Why not use Chestnut Street to enter and exit these new apartments?’ With the developer’s map in hand, and Elm Cannot Accommodate Another Road ten minutes of time, you probably could conclude this would either be extremely On August 19th I attended a city expensive — there’s a gully and existing meeting where I hoped to encourage building in the way — or impossible. Common Council to table the vote on I don’t understand how people we have the West Hill PUD until more information entrusted to represent us, and to make was available. good decisions, could (and with so little Elm Street is narrow, twisty and steep, information) vote to change the zoning so steep that only one side of the road, which is eroded by water flowing downhill, code here, and effectively ignore the terms of the PUD. The PUD requires three has a sidewalk. It is also a couple hundred elements (see Planned Unit Development feet from city’s second most dangerous (PUD) | Ithaca, NY — Official Website), intersection. This intersection often backs one being that the project ‘Protect the up, especially when there’s a train. This is the part of Elm Street that the developer on health and welfare of the community.’” — West Hill has proposed a new road, leading Patricia Dutt, Ithaca NY to their 75 new apartments. We requested that the PUD be tabled Ithaca Should Commemorate until a traffic study with school in session Achievements of Eileen Collins was completed. We wanted the PUD to be tabled until LACS students returned I am retired from the Syracuse police because this proposed development is department and Syracuse University adjacent to LACS, and the woods nearby public safety dept. And now residing that would likely be lost. in Myrtle Beach SC but getting ready to

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

“

6 The Ithaca Times / September 2 – 8, 2026

move back to Syracuse soon. Anyway I just saw a story on TV saying NC University. Is naming a campus building after their female grad Astronaut Koch. I can’t help but wonder why Ithaca College or the City of Ithaca has not done likewise for Eileen Collins. She has numerous 1st female to do so many wonderful astronaut achievements that it seems this should have taken place years ago. I have personally met Eileen and besides all that, she is just a downright extremely nice person. Please take this idea up with someone. She deserves this and more.” — Michael Byrne, Myrtle Beach SC

Say No to ‘Pay More Pete’ Oberacker

“

A self-described ‘MAGA fan-boy,’ state Sen. Peter Oberacker has consistently voted against upstate New Yorkers. Now he wants to represent us in Washington in the 19th Congressional District. In Albany, he voted against cutting taxes for New York’s middle class. He voted twice against expanding the Empire State Child Tax Credit, which supports 1.6 million families. He voted repeatedly against lowering prescription drug costs and capping insulin prices. I’m voting for Josh Riley to continue representing us in NY19 because he has a track record of supporting upstate families with his focus on kitchen-table issues, such as child-care costs and pushing back against ever-higher utility bills. Riley is working to force massive data centers to pay for the millions of dollars in electric-grid upgrades they need, instead of the power companies passing along the cost to ordinary consumers. And his bill to restrict executive bonuses at electric utilities when the rates outpace inflation is backed by lawmakers from both parties.

Meantime ‘Pay More Pete’ Oberacker cashed a donation check from NYSEG’s parent company right before the utility launched a big rate hike. Join me in voting for Josh Riley for Congress in November. He understands the challenges that we face and is willing to fight for us.” — Cynthia Mannino, Trumansburg NY

Appreciation for Johnson Art Museum Exhibit

“

Thirty years ago someone suggested that I write art reviews for a local paper, so I did and enjoyed it most of the time but especially when works thrilled me. But no matter my judgement, the process of writing about what I had experienced was often revelatory and reminding of what I admired most about art: we live in a much wider world than our own. I felt that yesterday up at the Johnson Art Museum while viewing photographs by Mimi Plumb. Quiet yet precarious landscapes and there is a quote on the wall, a good one—as a child I lived in fear of nuclear war and at night I laid awake also worried about not getting enough sleep—or something near that. Also, nearby in the hallway, are a few classics by Ansel Adams with an entirely more formal approach and attitude; perfect company to Plumb.” — David Estes, Ithaca NY

Re: Marcia Zax on Human Rights of Israelis “I share your hope for ‘peace and coexistence between all people’ living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. I also share your sadness over this Contin u ed on Page 11

ITHACA NOTES

In Dollywood By St e ph e n Bu r k e

t’s a long drive from Ithaca, New York to Dollywood in Tennessee. The main corridor is Interstate 81 South, which you take for about 600 miles until it ends, then keep going on state roads. Laurie and Todd from Ithaca drive to Tennessee a few times a year to visit Todd’s family, who live in northern Tennessee, near the Virginia border, not quite as far. Last month they were visiting and Todd planned to spend a day with old high school friends. Laurie decided she would take a trip to Dollywood, her first ever, solo. It had nothing to do with Dolly being near death. No one knew about that yet. Laurie went to Dollywood on August 23. Dolly died two days later. Laurie and Todd were still in the area. “It hit me hard,” Laurie said.

Being at the park, and the area at large, gave “a sense of what a force Dolly was, how emblematic a part of the county, such a heroine there,” Laurie said. A statue of Dolly was dedicated outside the county courthouse in 1987. Dollywood is a major economic engine in the region where Dolly was born. “It’s a huge, beautiful park,” Laurie said. She noted its friendly charm and was told by a worker about Dolly’s personal attention to the rights and well-being of the workers. Dollywood is partly a conventional amusement park, with arcades and rides such as “a roller coaster with three upside down loops that I wasn’t crazy enough to go on,” Laurie said. “But people come there for the music, not just rides.” There are audio and video recordings of Dolly,

and performances by the Smoky Mountain String Band, gospel groups and others: “a lot of talented people and energy.” There are museum-like aspects. A replica to scale of the three-bedroom cabin where Dolly lived with her parents and eleven siblings was created with direction from her mother. There are similar replicas of her school and town, and extensive presentations of childhood mementos and career achievements. Laurie found particularly moving a plaque called “Dolly and Her Daddy.” It recounted Dolly’s father’s illiteracy, which inspired her to create a reading program that has given hundreds of millions of books to millions of children around the world. Dollywood presents an iconic entertainer, but also reveals “a straight-up musical genius,” in Laurie’s words, and an unparalleled philanthropist whose largesse came from personal positivity completely unrelated to partisan politics, which she publicly shunned. Three times she refused the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, twice from Donald Trump and once from

Joe Biden. A remarkable facet of Dolly’s career is how people from all walks of life love and admire her. Southern conservatives feel kinship with her; so do northern liberals. Beyonce recorded Dolly’s classic song, “Jolene,” in 2024, and at her death called Dolly “the North Star.” The North Star was a newspaper for Black Americans founded by Frederick Douglass before the Civil War. “She meant different things to different people,” Laurie said, but had qualities everyone recognized: “She was kind, loving, and funny. She had complete confidence but also humility. She created a famous facade, but wasn’t pretending. “She was true to herself. She wanted to be rich, famous, sparkly, but that’s not all of who she was. “She wasn’t political, unless loving and Contin u ed on Page A15

Sports

Busy Ithaca Sports Season Underway By Ste ve L aw re nc e

lthough I have covered sports at Ithaca High for three and a half decades, I have not seen the red carpet rolled out like it was last week... I sent an email asking for some info on the upcoming fall sports season, and to inquire about the possibility of seeing some of the new facilities and features. I was told to show up at my convenience, and that someone would be available to give me a tour. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by athletic staffer Scott Yaple, and we were soon joined by fellow staffer Ashley Wright, and then by Athletic Director Kari Burke. The complex was abuzz with returning athletes and coaches, the football team was assembled for a seminar on optimum nutrition, and when the staff started listing how many fall sports were already underway, I could see why it was all-hands-on-deck well before the start of the school year. Yaple was eager to show me the new interactive touch screen that enables users to – among other things — go through the entire list of Hall of Fame inductees, and read all the bios. They were also pleased

that crooked field markings are a thing of the past, thanks to the new “Turf Tank” that handles the markings in far less time and uses much less paint. The hi-tech machine also uses wi-fi and satellite technology to measure the dimensions with precision. Pretty fancy. The girl’s tennis team had just vacated the brand new courts, and when I asked which other teams were already practicing, the list was long. Boys and Girl’s Soccer, Girl’s tennis, Girl’s Volleyball, Football, Boy’s and Girl’s Cross Country, Boy’s Golf, Unified Soccer, Girl’s Swimming... It was a busy place, that’s for sure. The home opener for Little Red football is September 18, versus Homer, and there is never an admission charge. Come on out. I do not know why this news took so long to be released, but it was announced recently that two Ithaca High lacrosse players — Quentin Getzin and Thomas Howley — earned All-State recognition. Given I have written about the athletic endeavors of Quentin and Thomas’s parents, I express my gratitude to both families for keeping the material coming! When the news came last week that a former Ithacan had died in the flood in

Hawaii, many of us recognized the name and were very sad. When others heard the description of the colorful character, they instantly knew who he was. I heard two exchanges that sounded something The Ithaca High girl’s tennis team will play on brand new courts this season. (Photo: ICSD Communications) like this: “Did you hear that John Hylas was was such a friendly guy in the commuamong those who died in the flooding on nity and he always talked to everyone.” the Big Island?” “I don’t recognize that Honua’s wife, Janet, added, “I’m going to name.” He was the guy who often wore miss his positive energy. He was extremely only a pair of running shoes and shorts supportive of everyone.” and shoes, he rode his bicycle everywhere, Ithacan Bill White has stayed in regular he had a year-round tan, he competed in contact with John since he relocated to many local running events, he lived in his Hawaii, and in fact reached out to him boat in the marina and he loved to engage people in conversation.” “Oh no! I remem- upon hearing about the huge storm bearing down on the Big Island. Upon ber that guy! He was quite a character!” hearing that John didn't survive the flood, Indeed he was. Several friends and Bill had this to say: “John had a strong neighbors in John’s adopted town of presence. He’d leave an impact on those Nāʻālehu offered comments to the local who knew him. Strong, sensitive, athletic. media outlets that made it clear that A force of nature, only to be taken by a he picked up where he had left off after force of nature... I’ll always remember his moving there. In the words of coffee shop “Whoohoo!” greetings and Aloha spirit. owner Kaala Honua “He had so many Rest in Peace, John.” quirks, and he was so fun to talk to. He Se p te m b e r

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Ithaca is Books Festival celebrates six years. (Photo provided by Lisa Swayze)

Your Next Good Read Awaits: The 6th Ithaca Is Books Festival

lthough businesses in the same vein are notoriously separated by forced competition, a camaraderie often exists between indie bookstores responsible for upholding a town’s literary culture. In Ithaca, it’s no secret that Buffalo Street Books, Autumn Leaves and Odyssey Bookstore have joined forces to host authors, celebrate local releases, and make good reads more available.

B y K i r a Wa l t e r Their shared dedication to a vibrant literary community is apparent through constant collaboration, demonstrated annually during the Ithaca Is Books Festival. Running from Sept. 10 to 13, this year’s sixth event is the biggest yet, with two dozen book fair exhibitors and numerous renowned speakers. Started by Buffalo Street Books manager Lisa Swayze, the festival was pioneered in house during 2021 then expanded

8 The Ithaca Times / September 2 – 8, 2026

to the Tompkins County Public Library in 2022 and 2023. For 2024, it boldly took over the commons with over 45 presenters, 9 participating venues, and almost 30 programs. Now a four day venture, the festival continues to grow while maintaining a distinctly local character. “It’s so community centric,” Swayze said. “It’s not directed by a single entity, it’s not an offshoot of a college program or one store, one publisher, anything. It’s

very much community directed and community focused.” Swayze voiced that she always hoped the festival would become a community led phenomenon, something that represents a multi-faceted city. As K-House, Alphabet Soup, Argos and Cinemapolis join the festivities, businesses engage her vision with screenings and read-alouds. Meanwhile, writers take on directing duties by organizing their own panels and

spicing up reader participation by stepping away from lecture style events. One author changing up festival formats and getting innovative is D.A. Xiaolin Spires, who planned this year’s Speculative Works Reading & Live Art Show at CAP ArtSpace Gallery. On Sept. 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the unique experience will feature four speculative fiction authors including Spires, Keegan Young, and Brett Williams. Each author will share an excerpt from their work while a volunteer is welcomed to draw what the reading inspires. Spires described the exercise like reverse pictionary, recalling a similar event she coordinated at the Spring Writes Literary Festival last May. She’ll also be participating in a Writing Location in Speculative Fiction reading at Buffalo Street Books on Sept. 13 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. “Its great to be part of a community. Writing is a team event that seems like a solo event,” Spires said. “I also enjoy being a part of writing groups, festivals, conventions because I feel like it’s important to meet readers, other writers, to share ideas and be in conversation with each other. To ask what are the current issues in writing? Speculative fiction is a genre but it’s also an industry.” While attending conventions and organizing authors, Spires just celebrated

Ellipses, a debut novel published with Infinivox SF on Aug. 21. The new release follows the story of Koharu, a field biologist who travels to foreign planet Kepler62f, where her mission goes awry. The sci-fi novel will be launched and available at Protagonist Books & Coffee in Dryden, with a launch event on Sept. 26 at 6:00 p.m. Another attending author sharing a new publication at this festival is Marion Nestle, a visiting nutritional sciences professor at Cornell University and professor emerita at New York University. With many books already out, her writing has focused largely on food politics and navigating modern options. Now, with former Kellogg Nutrition Vice President Lisa Sutherland, she introduces Sugar Coated to Ithacan readers as a book that examines what Nestle calls “America’s Favorite Breakfast Food.” Cereal boxes and their contents reveal plenty about American eating culture, and she plans to unpack the book’s themes in a Sept. 12 reading at Autumn Leaves from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Nestle spoke to her past involvement with Autumn Leaves and how she’s enjoyed publicity with the local bookstore. “At book festivals, there’s more competition for the audience because there’s so many books being promoted at the same time,” she said. “If you're talking in

a bookstore, people have come because they want to hear you about your book specifically.” Nestle said that Sugar Coated applies to all readers, with cereal being such a quintessential American breakfast food, but may be of extra assistance to Cornell and Ithaca College students. With the sugary option often in dorms and dining halls, exposure to cereal box marketing is constant. Nestle is one of several presenters making the trip upstate to Ithaca, joined by celebrated author, playwright and Colorado State University Professor Nina McConigley. Her first novel kicked off this year with its winter release on Jan. 20. “How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder” takes on being mixed-race in rural Wyoming. Two teenage sisters admit to murdering their abusive uncle and the plot unfurls from a point of high tension. McConigley, who grew up in Wyoming with Indian and Irish descent, said she drew from childhood experiences while weaving a complicated psychological narrative. She spoke to the value of helping students build a world that offers a sense of control through fiction, grounded in a personal past. Beyond prose, McConigley also wrote “Cowboys and East Indians,” a play adapted from her short story collection in the-

aters for the first time this year. The author admitted that she was partially put on to playwriting at the Ithaca College New Voices Festival in 2015. “I think part of my interest in playwriting came from coming to that festival,” McConigley said. “I really hadn’t heard playwrights speak before. So I think festivals were just a great opportunity to see different kinds of writers and different possibilities as a writer, which I think we don’t always see. When we’re writing, we’re in our own little world.” McConigley said she made numerous friends at the IC festival, which directed her attention to the Ithaca Is Books Festival. On Sept. 11 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., she’ll discuss her new publication alongside fellow writer Eleanor Henderson at Buffalo Street Books. McConigley looks forward to reuniting with a longtime friend, as she and Henderson met waiting tables at the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference in 2005. From then-mayor Svante Myrrick to award-winning headliner Patricia Lockwood, the Ithaca is Books Festival continues to welcome authors from in and out of the community. The annual celebration of the town’s eclectic literary culture keeps offering perspective and inspiration to curious visitors searching for the next good read.

ELM STREET

ations. Nicholas said a site plan review could take months, including a State Environmental Quality Review Act evaluation and impact assessments, such as traffic studies. Once the city planning board concludes its evaluation and any necessary zoning updates are addressed, the proposal will return to the Common Council for a final, binding vote on whether to grant overall approval. HOLT Architects Project Manager L. Bear Smith said a public information session would allow developers to gather direct input from residents and refine the project's design. He said the project must balance the city’s housing density needs with environmental preservation and harm reduction onsite. Smith said detailed environmental standards — including requirements to prevent additional stormwater runoff — will be formally evaluated during the site plan review. Addressing feedback on higher density, Smith said the team expanded the design from a two-story structure over a basement to a maximum of three stories over a basement. Smith said that looking up from Elm Street, the buildings will appear four stories tall due to the slope. Whitham Planning & Design Senior

Associate Jacob von Mechow said the revised plan adds a fifth building and increases building heights to four floors, raising the total unit count to 75. The overall parking footprint was kept the same, and the total impervious surface area was reduced to minimize ground disturbance. He said the project creates dense housing near existing sidewalks to reduce traffic and promote walking to nearby transit. He said tree clearing is necessary for the project, but construction will focus on the flat center to preserve steep slopes, a gorge, and bedrock cliffs. For pedestrian safety upgrades along Elm Street, von Mechow said developers will reconstruct the LACS staircase with handrails, a landing and a 90-degree turn to keep pedestrians out of traffic. He said the developer plans to add enhanced crosswalk signage, align the primary driveway with the midblock crossing, and partner with the city on crosswalk improvements at Elm Street and Floral Avenue. He said upgrades will include a redesigned midblock crossing near LACS to replace a steep step-down into traffic. Alderperson Jorge DeFendini urged the developer to request a new TCAT bus stop with a shelter and convert ad-

ditional parking spaces into shared car or electric ride-share spots accessible to both residents and the surrounding neighborhood. He recommended directing the site review team to conduct a case study comparing the impacts of three versus five buildings and suggested exploring a roadway connection to Elm Street through Chestnut Apartments wide enough for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. To maximize community participation, DeFendini requested public information sessions begin no earlier than Sept. 10 to accommodate LACS faculty and parents and for one session on the West End. Alderperson Hannah Shvets urged the developer to consult with TCAT regarding a potential pathway to Chestnut and explore ways to incentivize bus ridership, such as offering universal transit passes to initial tenants. She said increased ridership could encourage TCAT to expand service routes while promoting alternative transportation for residents. Alderperson Robin Trumble asked the developer to consider including annual TCAT transit passes in standard leases for all units or at least those without parking spots.

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“Last week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on a weekday, we counted 1,765 vehicle and 106 pedestrian passages on lower Elm Street,” Quisto said. “We did this when school is not in session.” In an Aug. 6 city memorandum, Director of Planning and Development Lisa Nicholas said the project’s revised proposal includes additional housing units, a reduced parking ratio, and refined community benefits. The application will be circulated for public comment ahead of an information session. At the Aug. 19 meeting, Nicholas said the PUD approval process follows a fivestep timeline beginning with council evaluation, followed by a public information session and council’s conceptual approval. The proposal then moves to a site plan and environmental review before returning to the council for final PUD approval. Nicholas said officials will compile feedback after the public session and give it to the council for a potential conceptual approval — a non-binding vote allowing advancement to municipal reviews, such as a site plan and environmental evalu-

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Arts&Entertainment Arts& &Entertainment Chamber Music at New Park Enters Its Tenth Year

By Peter Rothbart

he Chamber Music at New Park concert series is Ithaca’s hidden gem of a classical music festival—a weeklong summer finale that offers a musical retreat for select musicians from groups such as the National Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, and the International Tchaikovsky Competition. The week culminates in a 4-day series of concerts open to the public in the New Park Event Venue’s imaginative and fanciful rustic environment. If you’ve never explored New Park’s inspired architectural structures, masterful stone works, and richly cultivated flora, then you’re missing one of the best concertizing spaces in central New York. This year is the festival’s 10th anniversary and conveniently coincides with the reopening of the newly renovated Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. The series opens on Thursday night, September 3rd, at the Conservatory with a celebratory night of drinks, dinner, and a performance featuring Juno Award-win-

Opening Celebration Concert and Dinner Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 6:30 p.m. Dinner / 7:30 p.m. Concert Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts Trumansburg, NY Concert II Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, 7:30 p.m. New Park Event Venue, 1500 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY Concert III Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, 7:30 p.m. New Park Event Venue Concert IV Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, 3:00 p.m. New Park Event Venue

ner (Canada’s equivalent to the Grammy Awards) vocalist Caity Gyorgy and pianist Mark Limacher in an evening of songs from the Great American Songbook. Concerts at the New Park Event Venue on Taughannock Blvd follow on Friday and Saturday evenings, September 4th and 5th, with a closing matinee performance on Sunday, September 6th. Musicians arrive early in the week for rehearsals, dinners, and tourist-like wanderings before their performances. The programs skew heavily toward the mid- to late-Romantic era with occasional diversions into twentieth-century tonalities, though still rooted in Romantic musical forms. Some works by Vivaldi, Mozart, Poulenc, Brahms, and Rachmaninov are well known throughout the world. But over half of the works are by composers unknown in the United States. This is intentional. According to Musical Director Britton Riley, “Our programming is designed to be off the beaten path but intended to be rather ‘accessible’ for first-time listeners. … It’s a focal point of the festival. To me, it seems Ithaca already has robust chamber music offerings that cover the traditional classical works.” Riley seems to know his audience. Attendance at the festival has steadily grown over the past decade to the point where they’ve had to modify their onstage performances with student musicians to accommodate the burgeoning audience. Mentoring student musicians from Ithaca and other areas has long been an integral component of the New Park retreat, with performers from the United States and Canada collaborating with students in the orchestra as well as preparing solo performances. Sergei Rachmaninov’s “12 Romances, Op. 21, No. 7” inaugurates Friday night’s program, while Robert Schumann’s “Piano Quintet in Eb major” closes it. The 19th-century works bookend contemporary Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks’s “String Quartet No. 3,” which is inspired by his native folk music. Although Francis Moszkovski’s “Suite for Two Violins and Piano in G minor” was

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published in 1903, his teaching connects him to two late 19th- and early 20th-century titans of European music, pianist and harpsichordist Wanda Landowska and conductor Sir Thomas Beecham. Saturday night’s program features Finnish composer Aarie Merikanto’s “6 Pieces for Solo Piano” dating from 1919 and is followed by Canadian film composer Eldon Rathburn’s “Andante for String Quartet.” Francis Poulenc’s “L’Invitation au Chateau for Clarinet, Violin, and Piano” was originally written as incidental music for a play by Jean Anouilh. Poulenc was the titular leader of France’s 20th-century new music group. Les Six, an aesthetically close The Chamber Music at New Park’s concert series continues (Photo: Provided) group of composers united against the emotionalism of Romantic music, and who helped define 20th-century though the meaning of his lyrics is open French music by incorporating touches of to conjecture. jazz, humor, and popular music influences The festival closes with two long-estabinto their works. They drew inspiration lished classical works, the first movement from the proliferating French art and of Anton Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Two Celintellectual community in Paris. los in G minor” and Wolfgang Mozart’s Heitor Villa-Lobos’ epic “Bachianas “Sinfonia Concertante in Eb major.” Both Brasileiras No. 4” was written from 1930 works call for a small chamber ensemble, to 1945 as part of a series of nine pieces. an unusual addition to New Park’s stage. He squeezes Brazilian folk themes and Vivaldi’s work is known for its unusual popular music into the corset of J.S. Bach’s opening melodic declaration, not by the contrapuntal designs and harmonic orchestra as was the norm in Baroque complexities. Villa-Lobos captured the concerti, but by one cello contrapunseething rhythmic energy of Brazil as it tally chasing the other for 10 measures emerged onto the world’s political, ecobefore the orchestra dares to enter the nomic, and cultural stages. The concert fray. Mozart’s Sinfonia has its own unique closes with Brahms’ familiar warhorse of a signature; the viola is tuned a ½ step work, his “Piano Trio in B major,” written higher than normal (called scordatura) for in 1854 when he was only 20 years old a brighter, more assertive sound. and revised (really rewritten) in 1889. Tickets and additional information at Sunday’s matinee brings Icelandic https://www.chambermusicatnewpark. physician Sigvaldi Kaldalóns’ “Ave Maria” com/concerts.html for piano to the stage. His Romanticinfused lyrical melodies reflect Icelandic Peter Rothbart is a professor emeritus of folk song, along with poems by Indridi music at the Ithaca College School of Einarsson. Another Icelandic composer, Music, Theatre, and Dance, where he Ólafur Arnalds, is perhaps the most contaught electroacoustic and media music temporary composer of the entire festival. for 40 years. He remains active as a clasHis “A Dawning” has received considersical, jazz, and pop musician and directs able coverage from the European press, the Ageless Jazz Band.

Arts

George Mann: Bringing it All Together By Mar jor ie O l d s

I began performing and recording more folk-oriented music after discovering the music of songwriters like Woody Guthrie, Paul Robeson, and Pete Seeger,” George said. “The power of these songs, the subjects of the lyrics, and the stories that are told and kept alive by some of our greatest folk songs are a big part of our history.” One of the most influential people George met in the labor movement was Julius Margolin, an 80-year-old songwriter and member of the New York City Labor Chorus, which George also sang in for 10 years. They made three albums together and toured the country, singing songs of struggle and labor classics, until Julius passed away in 2009. By 2010 George had worked, lived and played in the NYC music scene for 14 years. He was proud of his time as a union organizer, but wanted to focus on music to support his life, with a flexible schedule for performances around the country and beyond. He also wanted to leave the city, and its noise and congestion, behind. George had begun traveling to Ithaca to work with recording and sound engineer Will Russell, the proud owner of Electric Wilburland Recording Studio in Newfield. While George labored in NYC, he composed many songs that he recorded at Wilburland, releasing two albums before finally moving here in 2010. When George was ready to give up his steady paycheck, he chose Ithaca, and it has turned out to be a fine base for his colorful life.

While playing and producing albums of original folk songs, George began sharing his music with many people unable to get out and go to concerts easily. George hit the road most days, making fans and friends in veterans’ hospitals and nursing homes. Over time, he has built a base of more than 40 homes that hire him regularly to perform with residents. He continues to play for seniors throughout upstate New York, on the West Coast, and even when he tours Australia. When musician friends invited George to perform in Australia, George decided to give that a go, and began touring there each year. This year’s Australia tour will be his 16th visit, and he will perform at many now familiar folk clubs and festivals. As George settled into his varied juggling routine, he has continued to compose music for albums orchestrated with Will Russell. In 2024, George produced the album Labor Day with noted folk singer Si Kahn to celebrate Si’s 80th birthday. That album featured 21 of Si’s songs, recorded by George and Si, and also fea-

tured such folk legends as John McCutcheon, Peggy Seeger and Billy Bragg. This year, George and Si are releasing Mayday!, a new album of 13 original songs. George says, “We began recording at Wilburland in February and wrote several new songs for the album.” It also has five other previously unreleased songs from Si’s archives. Mayday! was recorded by Will Russell and many of Ithaca’s finest musicians, including Michael Wellen, Doug Robinson, Molly MacMillan, Rich DePaolo, Tim Ball, and Dave Davies, are on this album. “For almost 20 years, I’ve been making music with Will Russell at Wilburland, and a core of great musicians and singers,” George said. “This album was a joy to create. We added lots of harmonies, and even horns and strings, to produce a rich collection of songs that focus on current events, including the upcoming election.” Mayday! is available on major streaming platforms and from George’s website. For more info about George’s music and the Mayday! album, visit www.georgemannmusic.com.

concluded that Israel’s conduct in Gaza amounts to genocide. Whatever disagreements remain over that legal judgment, the scale of Palestinian civilian death, continuing, devastating conflict and the displacement, hunger and destruction human suffering it has caused. Israeli people have suffered terribly. The cannot simply be attributed to Hamas. Blaming Palestinians for virtually all Hamas attack of October 7, the murder of of the continuing bloodshed leads us away civilians and the taking of hostages were horrific. Recognizing that suffering, however, from the peace and coexistence you say cannot require us to look away from what you seek. Palestinians are not Hamas, just as Israelis are not the Israeli government. has happened to Palestinians since then. And this is not a conflict between parties The Israeli state has inflicted vastly of equal power. Israel is a heavily armed greater death and destruction in Gaza. A state supported by the United States; Palgrowing number of leading Holocaust and estinians have suffered the overwhelming genocide scholars, as well as the Israeli human-rights organization B’Tselem, have share of the destruction.

That distinction matters here at home as well. Representative Josh Riley has voted to maintain billions of dollars in U.S. military financing for Israel. In July, when the House considered an amendment that would have removed $3.3 billion in military financing for Israel, Riley voted against it. We want Josh Riley to succeed as our representative. But success will require speaking to a wider constituency than those who believe support for Israel means continuing military aid regardless of what the Israeli government does. There are many voters who condemn the atrocities of October 7, care deeply about the safety of Israelis, and also cannot

accept the destruction of Gaza and the enormous loss of Palestinian life. Riley has an opportunity to represent that broader ground: defend the human rights and security of Israelis, defend the human rights and future of Palestinians, and insist that American military assistance be consistent with both. That would not weaken his position. It could broaden the coalition that keeps him in Congress. Those positions are not contradictory. They may be the beginning of the ‘peace and coexistence’ on which we agree.” — Aron Gutman and Neil Zusman, Ithaca NY

t’s been 16 years since George Mann left New York City for Ithaca, and he is releasing a new album, as he continues singing with veterans and the elderly, and folk audiences near and far. Growing up on Long Island with a teacher mom, a truck-driving dad, and three sisters, George Mann was playing music in bands by the time he was a teenager. While working on a degree in English and Journalism at SUNY Stony Brook, George was a reporter for The New York Times and a stringer for Newsday. He knew what he loved to do and started figuring out how to combine what he loved with making a living. While working on his master’s degree in creative writing, Mann became an organizer and editor for the Communication Workers of America union, during an eight-year battle to form a union for the 3,000 graduate employees of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. After graduate employees voted overwhelmingly for unionization in 1992, George was hired as an organizer for Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians, based in New York City. During his 14-year stint in NYC, George delved deeply into the challenges facing working-class families, which he had seen and lived growing up. “My time as a union organizer, and in New York City under [Mayor] Giuliani, shaped the direction of my songwriting. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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George playing guitar on tour in Australia. (Photo: Frank Maldon/ Provided)

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Film

“Coyote vs. Acme”: This Poor Coyote Can't Catch a Break By Cl e me nt O b ropta

y heart breaks for Wile E. Coyote, our modern Sisyphus. The miserable desert creature is doomed to immolate, detonate, and otherwise torment himself forever in pursuit of the swift Roadrunner. The new “Looney Tunes” film “Coyote vs. Acme” attempts to tap into the spiritual core of America’s longest-suffering canid and interrogate not only his reason for being, but also why his weapons and gadgets seem to continuously malfunction or backfire on him. Because Mr. Coyote has a problem. His magnetic glove fritzes out. A pair of rocket skates shoot him off at lightspeed. A bomb detonator explodes in his face. And yet, as viewers of the original 1940s and ’50s “Looney Tunes” shorts know all too well, the Coyote returns every day with a new gadget and fresh hope, ready to be injured in new and terrible ways. In nearly all of his appearances, Wile E. Coyote is a simple-minded, one-dimensional villain. But what “Coyote vs. Acme” presupposes is… what if he isn’t? What if, instead, the Coyote is a pawn in a massive corporate conspiracy that goes all the way to the top? When he shows up to the law office of Kevin Avery (Will Forte), a billboard lawyer who built his career on quick, cheap settlements against the Acme Corporation, the Coyote brings a cartoon bag full of the

“Coyote vs. Acme” Rated PG Directed by Dave Green Currently playing at Cinemapolis and Regal Ithaca Mall 120 East Green St. 40 Catherwood Road, Ithaca COUNTY LEGISLATURE contin u ed from page 5

flood mitigation, water protection and wildlife benefits. The Finger Lakes Land Trust is beginning a new nature preserve in Newfield while adding space to the Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity preserve. This funding will also protect wetlands that drain into Six Mile Creek. Moving the focus from outdoors to indoors, the county is also working on an

company’s faulty products, each one more absurdly dangerous than the last. Soon, they’re face to face with bigshot attorney Buddy Crane (John Cena), the legal head of Acme, and dragged into a high-stakes court case against a corporate behemoth. Apt that such a film would release at the time Facebook, one of the biggest tech companies in the world, is being taken to court and settling for billions of dollars. The script has been in the works for over 30 years, though. The newest draft, from Samy Burch with a story by him, James Gunn and Jeremy Slater, invites comparisons to everything from the Tuskegee Syphilis Study to the opioid epidemic — the Coyote consumes so many Acme products that he is literally called a “high-usage user.” In its production history as well as its plot, “Coyote vs. Acme” is a tale of David versus Goliath. Warner Bros. Discovery famously shelved the finished film as a $30 million tax write-off back in 2023, but director Dave Green was allowed to shop it around to other distributors. Eventually, indie distributor Ketchup Entertainment acquired the film. Now, many fans will tell you that seeing the movie is tantamount to giving Warner Bros. the middle finger. I admire it as an effort in sticking it to the man, but when buying a ticket to a $70 million IP cash-grab qualifies as an act of resistance, you have to wonder whether we’ve lost the plot. If the film were a masterpiece, it might be an easier recommendation. But despite the seamless integration of fully CG characters into the action, and despite the strong marketing campaign, “Coyote vs. Acme” suffers from languid, televisual direction and an unambitious screenplay that’s more content to play the hits from 80 years ago than it is to break new ground. In the old Muppets movies, fans identi-

fied the two best performances as Michael Caine in “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and the late, great Tim Curry in “Muppet Treasure Island.” This dichotomy suggests that the two best ways to act around a cast of puppets are to either treat the work like Shakespeare (e.g. Michael Caine) or become a Muppet yourself (e.g. Tim Curry). Will Forte’s somnambulant performance as a depressed, downtrodden lawyer instead heads for a curious, fruitless middle ground. Without a substantial character on paper, Forte (along with most of his unmemorable human co-stars) spends most of the film merging with the wallpaper. The direction, which never captures the tension of the courtroom or showcases the zany cartoon antics in truly imaginative ways, also fails the humans, and as a result their scenes dampen any true magic the film has.

The Coyote still explodes — a lot — but the script only ever pops when it examines Wile E. Coyote as a tormented character on a doomed mission. Paying off the film’s interest in predestination, the genuinely moving finale of “Coyote vs. Acme” proposes that Sisyphus actually yearns to push the boulder, just as the boulder yearns for Sisyphus. In a world where a ticket to “Coyote vs. Acme” counts as a personal slight to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, the movie certainly seems like essential viewing. But I found it light on charm and light on comedy — though if you rank your films based on how often the main character explodes, then this might be your movie.

emergency shelter at 654 Elmira Road. Two rooms within the emergency shelter property will be returned following a fire, while a security booth and entrance arm will be added to the establishment. More effort is being put towards safety with the authorized installation of pavement monitoring technology on the highway. The County Highway Department has permission to collect visual, vibration and road-condition data during normal operations. Legislators also expressed concern over

a new issue with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The federal government currently pays 50% of the administrative cost for running SNAP in New York state but plans to diminish it to 25% on Oct. 1 according to Legislator Rachel Ostlund. Now the legislature requests that this change be implemented in two years when Tompkins County is more financially prepared to handle it. Legislator Shawna Black was disheartened by the lack of financial support with

SNAP, as it doesn’t just benefit the community but provides essential resources. “I think, as a country, we’re in a really bad place if we’re not making sure that children and people that live here have food,” she said. “That is an absolute basic need.” At the Sept. 1 hearing, legislators will finalize decisions on the 2027 budget and county animal abuse registry, while emerging developments in preservation, protection, and food equity require further examination.

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Wile E. Coyote sitting in court with attorneys Kevin Avery (Will Forte) and Paige Avery (Lana Condor). (Photo: IMDb/Warner Bros. Discovery)

Clement Obropta is a film columnist for the Ithaca Times.

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ing the ponds and forests of Cape Cod for nearly fifty years in order to open herself and her readers to the known and unknowable world. Featuring interviews with her close friends, including John Waters, never-beforeseen personal photos, notebooks, and correspondence from her archive, and recitations of her work. | NA 91 mins

Music

9/3 Thursday

Bars/Bands/Clubs

Beginnings Summer Concert Series in Downtown Ithaca | 5 p.m., Ithaca Commons

9/2 Wednesday

9/4 Friday

Midday Music: Annette Richards and David Yearsley| 12:30 p.m. | Sage Chapel, 147 Ho Plaza | Free

Chamber Music at New Park — 10th Season | 7:30 p.m. | New Park Event Venue & Suites, 1500 Taughannock Blvd. | $20.00 - $30.00

9/5 Saturday Virginia Davis Live | 6 p.m. | Brewers Taproom, 10 Pinckney Rd.

9/6 Sunday Summer Sundays Music Series — ft. Rachel Beverly | 1 p.m. | Wagner Vineyards, 9322 State Route 414

9/7 Monday Cornell Jazz Faculty Social| 7:30 p.m. | Klarman Hall Auditorium, 232 Feeney Way | Free

9/9 Wednesday

Ithaca Dances of Universal Peace — September Circle | 7:15 p.m., 9/5 Saturday | Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Road | Free

9/5 Saturday The World’s Largest 80’s Party featuring M80’s: Tribute to MTV at Treleaven | 4 p.m. | Treleaven Wines, 658 Lake Road Music in the Glen Tuesday and Saturday concerts | 4 p.m. | Glendale Park, 400 Glendale Drive Dead & Friends Live at ONCO | 6 p.m. | ONCO Fermentations, 397 NY RT 281, Suite O

9/6 Sunday Blues & Burgers / SUNDAY BLUES SERIES | 1 p.m. | ONCO Fermentations, 397 NY RT 281, Suite O | Free

Chamber Music at New Park — Season 10 — Concert IV | 3 p.m., 1500 Taughannock Blvd.

Concerts/Recitals

9/9 Wednesday

9/2 Wednesday

The Jersey Tenors | 2 p.m., 6795 Little York Lake Rd.

Art House Night | 5 p.m., 9/4 Friday | Ink Shop Printmaking Ctr |

Dynamic Duos! | 2 p.m., 6795 Little York Lake Rd.

Stage

Little York Lake Theatre & Pavillion | 7:30 p.m. | Little York Lake Theatre & Pavillion Address, 6799 Little York Lake Road

MIX & MOVE DANCE CLASS | 5 p.m., 9/2 Wednesday | Finger Lakes Fitness Center, Center Ithaca, 171 East State Street |

MIX ART MUSIC presents MIXed Media Sessions: Live Jazz · Wet Paint | 6 p.m., 9/4 Friday | Ithaca Commons, 102 East State Street |

THISWEEK

Schuyler Power Hour | Captain Bill&’s | 5 p.m.

“Cultivating Hope: Plants and Indigenous Knowledge” Plant Exhibition Tour | 2 p.m., 9/4 Friday | Cornell Botanic Gardens, 124 Comstock Knoll Dr. | Free

Art Cafe | 6 p.m., 9/4 Friday | The Clay School’s Art Room, 950 Danby Rd. |

HUPSTATE CIRCUS FESTIVAL FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 04 FROM 12:00 P.M. TO 11:00 P.M.

131 E Green St. | HUPSTATE CIRCUS FESTIVAL brings dozens of circus shows, workshops, and gatherings to Ithaca, NY from Sept 4th-7th. Oﬀerings include free and ticketed shows, indoor and outdoor performances, family-friendly and adult-only shows, and circus workshops where people of all ages can learn circus skills. (Photo: Provided) https://www.hupstatecircus.org/

14 t h e I t h a c a t I m e S / S e p t e m b e r 2 – 8 , 2 0 2 6

Film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with Dominique Thorne ‘19 at Willard Straight Theatre | 6 p.m., 9/9 Wednesday | Cornell University, 144 East Ave. | Cornell Cinema is delighted to partner with Department of Performing & Media Arts to welcome Cornell alum Dominique Thorne ‘19 for a special screening of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). Cinemapolis 120 E Green St., Ithaca New movies opening the week of September 02. Contact Cinemapolis for showtimes and continuing films. Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World | If poetry had a pop icon, Mary Oliver would be it. Celebrated best-selling poet, Pulitzer Prize-winner, lover of dogs and long walks in the woods, openly queer but intensely private, Oliver was America’s unlikely contemporary mystic, stalk-

Late Fame | The great Willem Dafoe lends his delicate gravitas to the role of Ed Saxberger, a forgotten New York poet who works in the post office. After an eager and flattering young admirer appears on his doorstep, Saxberger is beckoned into a coterie of twentysomething admirers who anoint him as a rediscovered genius. This thoughtful, witty second feature from Kent Jones (DIANE), working from a sly and hugely entertaining script by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Samy Burch | NA 96 mins

Takahata (Grave of the Fireflies, Pom Poko) revisits Japan’s most famous folktale in this gorgeous, hand-drawn masterwork, decades in the making. The mysterious young princess enthralls all who encounter her but ultimately she must confront her fate, the punishment for her crime. From the studio that brought you Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and The Wind Rises comes a powerful and sweeping epic that redefines the limits of animated storytelling and marks a triumphant highpoint within an extraordinary career in filmmaking for director Isao Takahata. | NA 137 mins

Sports Elmira College Elmira College Field Hockey vs SUNY Oswego | 4 p.m., 9/2 Wednesday | Elmira College, 1 Park Place |

It Ends|A group of recent grads head out on a late night drive for grub, hoping to enjoy one final hangout before their paths diverge. Instead, they accidentally turn onto a never-ending, two lane hellscape surrounded by untold horrors and cosmic forces beyond their understanding. | NA 88 mins

Ithaca Men’s Soccer at Elmira College at Elmira, NY | 4 p.m., 9/2 Wednesday | Ithaca Men’s Soccer at Elmira College

A Place in the Ring | In a world where traditions are fading, A Place in the Ring follows the deeply personal journey of Katja Schumann, a circus artist and horse trainer, as she faces the end of her legacy. Raised in a prestigious european circus dynasty, Katja has dedicated her life to the art of horse performance, an intricate craft passed down through generations. Katja must confront her own inner struggle: Can she let go of the reins and teach this young apprentice, despite the looming fear that the art she cherishes may disappear forever? | NA 95 mins

Elmira College Elmira College Men’s Soccer vs Ithaca College | 7 p.m., 9/2 Wednesday | Campus Field |

The Tale of Princess Kaguya | Legendary Studio Ghibli cofounder Isao

Tabletop Role-Playing Game Brainstorming Group | 6 p.m., 9/2 Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street

Elmira College Elmira College Women’s Volleyball vs New England College | 11 a.m., 9/5 Saturday | Ithaca Women’s Soccer vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute at Carp Wood Field | 12 p.m., 9/5 Saturday | Elmira College Elmira College Women’s Volleyball vs Gallaudet University | 1 p.m., 9/5 Saturday Elmira College Elmira College Men’s Soccer vs The College of New Jersey | 2 p.m., 9/5 Saturday | Campus Field | Elmira College Men’s Soccer vs The College of New Jersey

ROCK THE NURSING HOME WORKSHOP SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 05 FROM 10:30 A.M. TO 11:45 A.M.

Lansing Area Performance Hall, 1004 Auburn Road | If you you’re a singer or instrumentalist and want to try playing a song in a nursing home, we we’ll make it easy and fun. We can give you a time slot in a scheduled show, we can give you back-up or a backing track, we can give you a ride, or if you want to drive yourself we’ll give you $20 gas money thanks to a Tompkins Country Art Partners GAP grant given by the New York Council for the Arts. (Photo: Provided) https://www.playitforward.music/

Ithaca Women’s Soccer vs Smith College at Carp Wood Field | 12 p.m., 9/6 Sunday | Ithaca Women’s Soccer vs Smith College

Special Events GO ITHACA Open Hours | 2 p.m., 9/3 Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Our program makes sustainable commuting accessible and aﬀordable for everyone. Cortland County Health Resource Fair | 5 p.m., 9/3 Thursday | Cortland County Office Building, 60 Central Ave. | Free Hupstate Circus Festival: To The Moon and Back | 3 p.m., 9/4 Friday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | This is just 1 event in the Hupstate Circus Festival!

Books Book Club | 5 p.m., 9/2 Wednesday | Cortland Free Library, 32 Church St. | Join us for discussion of Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles! New members are always welcome! Open Mic Night! | 7 p.m., 9/8 Tuesday | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St. | Want to play music to a live audience?

Kids Family Open Play | 3 p.m., 9/2 Wednesday | CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue Story + Craft | 4 p.m., 9/3 Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Story + Craft is our weekly reading + creating event for children! Join us for a read-aloud, followed by art-making or a guided craft. Preschool Projects Take & Make | 9/4 Friday | Cortland Free Library,

32 Church St. | Supplies available on a first come first serve basis on the First Friday of the month for ages 3-5 years old. Vivalina’s Gourd-a-Palooza | 2 p.m., 9/6 Sunday | Ithaca Children’s Garden, 121 Turtle Lane | Celebrate Gourdlandia’s new picture book at this gourd-friendly party! | Free

The Midweek Session | 4 p.m., 9/2 Wednesday | NRE Space, 402 W. State St. | Free

Special Committee on Coordinated Unhoused Services Planning Meeting | 2 p.m., 9/7 Monday | Council Chambers, 3rd Floor City Hall |

Tompkins County Health Resource Fair | 5 p.m., 9/2 Wednesday | Greater Ithaca Activities Center, 301 W Court St. | Free

Federal Casework Assistance of Staff of Congressman Riley | 1 p.m., 9/8 Tuesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E Green St.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group | 5:30 p.m., 9/2 Wednesday | Lifelong, 119 W. Court St. | Free

IURA Economic Development Committee (EDC) Meeting | 3:30 p.m., 9/8 Tuesday, 108 E. Green St. Common Council Chambers

Tompkins County Public Library Board of Trustees Finance & Personnel Committee | 4 p.m., 9/8 Tuesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street Food Preservation: Water Bath Canning Tomatoes | 5:30 p.m., 9/8 Tuesday | CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue | September is a month full of bounty! | $35.00 Safe(r) Sex for Every Body at Clarke Lounge | 5:30 p.m., 9/9 Wednesday | Join the LGBTQ Center for an inclusive conversation about safer sex, sexual health, and caring for your body and your partners. Common Council Committee of the Whole — Session A | 6 p.m., 9/9 Wednesday | Common Council Chambers, 3rd Floor City Hall 108 E Green St. |

IN DOLLYWOOD contin u ed from page 7

accepting everybody is political.” Laurie was in Dollywood on a Sunday. It was good, she said: “Not overly crowded, the first Sunday after schools were back in session.” Two days later came the shocking news. Laurie was still in Tennessee with her husband and family. Apparently the park remained open that day, “in the spirit of the show must go on,” Laurie guessed. It closed for a couple of days afterward: for services, she guessed again, and out of respect for the LETTERS TO THE EDITOR contin u ed from page 11

Raging Grannies Excluded From Lansing Celebrates America 250

“

The NYS 250th Commemoration Commission encourages recognition of the history of the United States as an unfinished revolution and ongoing quest to fulfill its stated values of equality and inclusion. Their strategic vision went so far as to prioritize how the quest for liberty and equality coexists with oppression and injustice, and to promote the histories and voices of silenced or marginalized communities. Unfortunately, our Raging Grannies group’s attempt to participate in the Lansing Celebrates America 250 community event placed us among the silenced communities. The Raging Grannies, originally founded in 1986, are an international grassroots network of groups of older women, who use songs to promote peace, environmental protection, and social justice. Our regional chapter includes a number of individuals from the Lansing community which directly informed our decision to participate in the event. Our request to join the parade was met with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, two days before the event, we were uninvited because ‘there was substantial conflict with donors and obtained grants that specifically limit use to non-political,

family, and for the workers to mourn. Laurie didn’t make a second trip to Dollywood. Instead she went to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, which is in Virginia but closer to Todd’s family’s home. She said she felt “a connection, being there at that moment,” and wanted to remain “immersed in the music” that was Dolly’s life. Laurie drove to the museum through “beautiful, gorgeous country, blaring a country music station.” She brought yellow roses. “It made me happy to look at their beauty and sparkle,” she said. “I thought Dolly would have liked them.” non-partisan events.’ (Ironically, some members of Raging Grannies and Friends of Tompkins County were also donors, both a member of the Tompkins County Legislature and the Lansing Deputy Mayor participated in the event, and, as an international organization, Raging Grannies are by definition non-partisan.) Numerous emails were sent to the event coordinators involved in the decision, before and after the actual event, requesting insight into how the decision was made and why, with requests to meet to discuss our concerns. Until recently, all communications went unanswered and the reply fi nally received recently made it clear there will be no meeting or discussion. It was inappropriate to exclude us without discussion before, and even after, the event and, we can only assume, act in direct opposition to the guidelines set forth by New York State for such events. But it is absolutely unacceptable to infringe on our First Amendment Right to freedom of speech through our exclusion. It is especially important in divisive times that we be cognizant of differing viewpoints, focusing on the importance of clear and respectful communication. To paraphrase a famous quote: I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend your right to say it. Especially in any situation honoring the basic values of the United States.” — Raging Grannies and Friends of Tompkins County

OSPREY ECO-CRUISE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 06 FROM 4:00 P.M. TO 5:30 P.M.

Ford Hall, 953 Danby Road | Get ready to clap and sing along with the Ithaca College Jazz Ensemble! This free one-hour concert will be an enjoyable way to learn about this great American music. Children of 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 joyous noise is what jazz is all about. (Photo: Provided) https://www.purplepass.com/events/381253-jazzensemble-children-s-concert-sep-5th-2026

Allan H. Treman Marina, 1000 Allan H. | Come learn about the ecology and natural history of Cayuga Lake through the eyes of our resident Osprey. Bring your binoculars if you have them and your keen powers of observation! Oﬀered weekly May – mid-September, 4:30–6 p.m. $33/adults, $10/child (16 and under). (Photo: Provided) https://discovercayugalake.org/public-boatcruises-cayuga-lake-finger-lakes-ithaca-ny/

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JAZZ CHILDREN'S CONCERT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 05 AT 10:00 A.M.

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