FREE
Cortland & Ithaca
• Local Calendar: April & May • Grapes 101 by Dennis DeRado • American Opportunity Credit by Peter VanderWoude
• Spring Break/Hearing Loss by Dr. Suzette Pace • Historic Downtown Cortland by Adam Megivern • Cortland Chamber by Bob Haight • Lomo Saltado Salad Recipe by Chris Xaver
April
2017
Clean Rides P|8
Artist Barbara Marmora Katagami stencils influenced and inspired by nature
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Blackbird Film Festival 4th annual free film festival flies in at SUNY Cortland
Providing superior auto detailing and window tinting services in CNY P|16
Content, Editorial and Publishing Team:
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Principal, Graphic Design Scott Hopko
Artist Barbara Marmora
Principal, Photography Roger William Theise Copy Editor Sophia Marko Contributing Writers Dr. Suzette Pace Bob Haight Chris Xaver Adam Megivern
Peter VanderWoude, MS, CPA, CGMA
Devin Joyce Dennis DeRado
Circulation 10,000 printed. Over 600 locations All content © 2017 What’s HOT Magazine all rights reserved. No part of this magazine or online content may be reproduced or re-published in any way without the express consent of the publishers.
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Clean Rides
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Blackbird Film Festival
email info@whatshotmagazine.com Phone: 607-423-2133 or 607-591-0830 What’s HOT Magazine PO Box 45 Cortland, NY 13045
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What’s HOT online at www.whatshotmagazine.com
It might as well be spring
Welcome to the April issue of What’s HOT What’s HOT highlights the best of dining, arts, entertainment, and so much more in the Cortland and Ithaca areas and beyond. Designed with exceptional photographs, articles of interest, community connections, and an enthusiasm for our beautiful region, What’s HOT will inspire you to seek out all life has to offer in Central New York. Lifestyle. Leisure. Shopping. Cooking. Business. Real Estate. Health and wellness. Recreation. Theatre. Travel. Tourism. Treasures. Education. Exploration. Enrichment. Motivation. Inspiration. A little bit of anything that’s up, and nothing that’s down. If it’s hot, we’ve got it covered. What’s HOT magazine is published monthly in print and online, with a free distribution of 10,000 copies to 600+ local sites throughout Central New York. Find your copy each month at your favorite supermarket, professional office, restaurant, gas station, library, hotel, tourism center, coffee shop, and many other locations. Read past issues of What’s HOT online at whatshotmagazine.com
www.blackbirdfilmfest.com
2017 Blackbird Film Festival April 21st to April 23rd
Now in its 4th year, the 2017 Blackbird Film Festival will host a weekend of film screenings in Cortland, NY from April 21st to April 23rd. The festival is FREE for all to attend and prides itself on the high quality of films and filmmakers that fill the 15+ screening blocks throughout the weekend. This year, over 120 films from around the world will be screened with topics ranging from race and politics, life and death, space and time, and everything in between.
www.blackbirdfilmfest.com
BIZ
Cortland Chamber On The Move Busy at the Chamber
As this issue goes
to print, we’re putting the final touches on the largest Chamber event of the year, our Business Showcase! The Showcase takes place Saturday, April 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and opens the evening of Friday, April 7 with the Business Preview Party. Planning for this year’s event began before the 2016 Showcase even ended, and it’s paying off as we see registrations for the Preview Party come in. Radio, print, television, internet—we’ve used it all to promote the 2017 Showcase. We’re looking forward to an awesome weekend at the JM McDonald Sports Complex! The famous Preview Party opens the Showcase on Friday evening, April 7 at 5:30 p.m. We expect up to 500 business people in attendance. Feeding the crowd will be thirteen member restaurants/bakeries including Central City Bar & Grill, Dickey’s Barbeque, Linani’s/Sherman House, Long Island Bagel, Dashers, Hairy Tony’s, Kory’s Place, Rex’s Hot Pasta, Moe’s, The Cortland Country Club, Frosted, Sinfully Sweet Cafe, and Cortland Produce. Each will bring a signature
BY BOB HAIGHT
dish sure to please the palate. Title Sponsor NBT Bank will have their booth in the Center Stage area, they’ve been a supporter for many years. It’s the number one business networking event in the county each year—the place to be!
Medical Center, M&T Bank, Heritage Realty, and AmeriCU Credit Union. Our thanks and appreciation go out to them and their generosity. Say a special thank you to them when you stop by, they’re located around the Center Stage area.
The Showcase opens to the public on Saturday, April 8. People will have the opportunity to see what’s new with business in Cortland County and the surrounding area. Vendors will have giveaways and drawings for door prizes, and Center Stage will be the place for family friendly entertainment. Come see the Teardrop Campers from Hartley’s right in the building and learn how any vehicle can tow one—CNY Power Sports can even hook one to a motorcycle! Walk across the lobby to the CNY Classic Car Show, the first car show of the year. Vote for your favorite car and speak with the car owners. The pride in their vehicles shows as they talk all about the joy of owning a classic car. Admission is $5 and 12 and under get in free!
In addition to the Showcase, we’re making final arrangements for our Congressional Breakfast with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney on April 21. Members may call our office to reserve a space. First National Bank of Dryden and The First National Bank of Groton are sponsoring the Congressional Breakfast.
If you’re looking for work locally or would like to upgrade your career, we have multiple businesses who will be accepting applications. A list will be available at the Showcase entrance to make them easy to find. The Showcase wouldn’t be possible without the substantial support of our sponsors. Key Bank is our Title Sponsor this year with our Event Sponsors: Tompkins Trust Company, Bailey Place Insurance, Cortland Regional
Coming soon: our annual voting for “Best of the Best.” You’ll have the chance to vote for your favorite international dish, recreational facility, and best automotive service. Look for it soon on our website. The Cortland Chamber will continue to keep you updated in What’s HOT, but as always, feel free to call our office with questions about any of our programs or about businesses in our area (756-2814). The Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce…Investment in Business… Investment in Community. Bob Haight President/CEO Cortland Area Chamber www.cortlandareachamber.com
Fast Facts Artist: Barbara Marmora Location: Ithaca, NY
Email:
barbmarmora@gmail.com
Purchase her work at: Handwork 102 W. State St., Ithaca
ART
Artist Barbara Marmora
From a young age growing up in Manhattan,
I have been producing katagami stencils as I was drawn to the New York art scene—the art for over thirty years now. My choice of subject matter has and continues to be influenced artists, their studios, and their work. by what and who I’ve observed as a teacher Making art was a passion. I studied at the and as a student of nature. Although I continue School of Visual Arts, the Art Students League, to teach preschool children part-time, I retired and eventually graduated from Pratt with a last year and have been showing and selling BFA. I then moved to Ithaca and opened a my work through Handwork and other local preschool for an alternative living community. artisan outlets.
www.handwork.coop
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While teaching in the community arts program at Cornell’s Herbert F. Johnson Museum, I was asked to develop a public curriculum centered on a katagami exhibit. Not knowing anything about katagami, the curator allowed me to look at some museum specimens. I opened a collections drawer and discovered a beautiful stencil cut from shibugami paper that was used for producing the graphic art on silk kimonos.
What’s HOT April 2017
The beautiful meditative process of selecting imagery and repetitively making cuts in the shibugami paper eventually reveals the artistic vision and continues to satisfy my long-held personal desire to make art. Email me at barbmarmora@gmail.com to learn about upcoming exhibits.
Katagami is one stage in the art of Katazome: The Japanese method of dyeing fabrics using a resist paste applied through a stencil. The stencil paper (SHIBUGAMI) consists of laminated layers of hand made mulberry paper that are strengthened when bathed in the juice of unripe persimmons and smoked as a preservative.
MED
Spring Break with Hearing Loss: Traveling
with hearing loss can seem overwhelming, but with a little planning, hearing loss won’t put a damper on your spring travel plans.
Planning for Paradise
There are a lot of factors to consider when you are packing your hearing aid essentials for vacation. Weather is important when it comes to the performance of your hearing aids. Will the weather be cold or hot? Dry or humid? Consider the hearing accessibility of the places you’ll be visiting, as well as the noise level. Will you need any assistive
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BY DR. SUZETTE PACE
listening devices? Next, consider the activities you’ll be doing on vacation. Will it be a relaxing vacation or filled with more activities? Make sure you consider these factors while planning and packing before you head out on spring break.
If you’re checking into a hotel this spring break, remember that most offer ADA accommodations, including those for people with hearing loss. Call ahead to request an ADA Hotel kit, which typically includes essential devices compatible with your aids.
Savoring Spring Break
Don’t let hearing loss interfere with your spring break plans. To learn more about your hearing health, contact Cortland Hearing Aids, 1-888-720-8410, and make sure you are prepared to enjoy every sound of your vacation!
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you’ll want to protect your hearing aids with these tips: • If you’re near a beach or pool, make sure to remove your aids, turn them off, and store them safely in their case in the shade and out of the sun. • Remove your hearing aids before you put on sunscreen. Once your sunscreen has dried, it’s safe to put them back in! • Wash your hands prior to handling your hearing aids, ensuring they are free of sand.
Suzette Pace, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology/Owner Cortland Hearing Aids www.cortlandhearingaids.com Source: Healthy Hearing
Fast Facts Business: Clean Rides Address: 73 North Main Street Cortland, NY Phone: (607) 591-9724 Facebook: @cleanridescny Hours: Mon- Fri: 8am to 5pm Saturday: 8am to 12pm Sunday: Closed
BIZ
Clean Rides
PROVIDING SUPERIOR AUTO DETAILING AND WINDOW TINTING SERVICES IN CNY
Since 2015, Clean Rides has been bringing
you the very best in automotive detailing, automotive and commercial window tinting, and undercoating services. Family-owned, bonded, and insured, Clean Rides uses a professional line of detail products and can get you looking like new and back on the road in just a few hours!
www.cleanridescny.com
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Clean Rides has recently added a few new services to their line-up. Starting in summer 2017, Clean Rides will be offering professional-grade spray in bed liners. Clean Rides also carries Scotch Guard at a very reasonable rate to help you protect your investment.
Clean Rides offers certified in-window film installation using the best tint on the market from Sun-Gard and Glass-Gard. Films are backed with a lifetime guarantee. No bubbling, peeling or fading. All prices vary depending on vehicle and number of windows. Clean Rides also provides window tinting services for homeowners and businesses in Cortland and the surrounding areas.
What’s HOT April 2017
If you are a do-it-yourselfer, stop in and browse the full line of cleaning products, available to the public and displayed in the Clean Ride showroom. New T-shirts are now available, as well as window stickers to show your support--just stop in and ask! Be sure to visit the new Clean Ride website at wwwcleanridescny.com for more information, to view available packages, and to schedule an appointment.
Warmer weather is just around the corner! Clean Rides would like to remind everyone to bring in their boats, motorcycles, RVs, and sports cars to get them ready for summer. Clean Rides is conveniently located at 73 North Main Street in Cortland, and open six days a week to serve your auto detailing and window tinting needs. We look forward to seeing you!
MED
Primary Care: Primary
care providers help us stay well, heal us when we’re sick, and care for our children. They’re also cheerleaders and coaches on your personal health and wellness journey. Cortland Regional has recently expanded its primary care services, hiring several talented doctors, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physicians Assistants (PAs) to give our community even more options. Like physicians, NPs and PAs can diagnose, treat, and prescribe for a wide range of health conditions. They hold advanced degrees from nursing and medical schools, respectively,
YOUR KEY TO STAYING HEALTHY AT EVERY AGE
and are qualified to manage a full spectrum of health issues. Many have worked in a variety of settings – hospitals, military bases, community clinics, and critical care units – honing their skills, and focus on patient-centered care. Just as important as their knowledge and experience is their commitment to forging long-term relationships with patients. NPs and PAs typically see patients independently while collaborating closely with a larger healthcare team. “We are keenly aware when we’re venturing outside our scope of practice,” said Kelly Hirsch, NP, CRMP Family Medicine. “Collaboration with other specialists and physicians is critical to ensure our patients’ health, safety, and wellness.” Many Cortland County residents live with chronic health issues such as obesity and diabetes. Primary care providers are ideal partners for helping manage these conditions and supporting personal health goals. Their
commitment to community health runs deep. Jenniferleigh Clune, NP, CRMC Family Practice says, “This is my forever home, my forever job. I’m not only here to treat sore throats and ear infections. I want to help guide families through their life and support their long-term health and well-being.” Margaret Downing, PA, CRMP Internal Medicine, has practiced in Cortland for over 30 years and is proud of the relationships she’s built with patients. “When someone feels comfortable enough to stop you in the store to ask a question, they are no longer a patient. They’re your friend and neighbor.” All of our Primary Care NPs and PAs are accepting new patients. Call Family Practice at (607) 753-9977 or Internal Medicine at (607) 753-1025 to make an appointment, or stop by the Cortland Regional booth at the Cortland Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase on April 7 and 8 to learn more.
BIZ
Spring In Historic Downtown Cortland After
another successful year marketing winter tourism through the SkiCortlandNY website, spring has arrived in Historic Downtown Cortland. Cortland Downtown Partnership staff and volunteers have enthusiastically turned their attention to festival season planning and preparations. Be sure to like the Historic Downtown Cortland Facebook page to stay updated on the latest activities and events. Cleaning up after winter’s heavy snowfalls includes removing the winter season lighting
and banner decorations, repairing tree lighting, reinstalling downtown benches, repairing plow damage, and of course, curating the downtown flower beds. This year the Cortland Downtown Partnership commissioned two additional benches that will be added to the streetscape pending sponsorships. If you are interested in joining Doug’s Fish Fry, Bill Bros. Farm Market, and the Bertini family with your sponsorship, contact the Cortland Downtown Partnership for more details.
BY ADAM MEGIVERN
In addition to the support downtown receives from the city through the Department of Public Works, we are very thankful to the faculty, staff, and students of SUNY Cortland for giving back to the community through their annual cleanup, The Big Event. This year’s Big Event is scheduled for April 23. Visit their Facebook page to submit a job site application form and to learn more about the event.
Adam Megivern Executive Director Cortland Downtown Partnership www.cortlanddowntown.com
Fast Facts
Event: Blackbird Film Festival When: April 21st to April 23rd Doors open Friday at 6pm Location: SUNY Cortland Sperry Center 22 Graham Ave, Cortland, NY 13045 Featuring: Over 120 short films made by filmmakers from around the world as well as right here in CNY! Workshops: Scott Williams, writer / producer for NCIS, gives an industry talk on April 22nd Cost: All Free, All Weekend Contact: info@blackbirdfilmfestival.com www.blackbirdfilmfest.com
ENT
Blackbird Film Festival
Now in its 4th year, the 2017 Blackbird Film
Festival will host a weekend of film screenings in Cortland, NY from April 21 to April 23. The festival is FREE for all to attend and prides itself on the high quality of films and filmmakers that fill the 12+ screening blocks throughout the weekend. This year, over 120 short films made by filmmakers from around the world will be screened with topics ranging from race and politics, life and death, space and time, and everything in between. Whether you love hilarious comedies, compelling documentaries, suspenseful thrillers, animated adventures, or even gritty indie films – Blackbird has it all! And the best part, this event is completely free and open to the public! Festival doors open at 5:30pm on April 21 at the Sperry Center on SUNY Cortland’s main campus. The opening ceremony will begin at 6pm and will be followed by the first screening block of films. Immediately after, filmmakers and
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festival goers are invited to attend the 2017 Festival Kickoff Party at BRU64 on Main Street in Cortland. The Kickoff party will feature live music from the band Kitestring and special food and drink discounts. In addition to the all the films, food, and music, Blackbird is also hosting Scott Williams, writer/producer of the hit CBS show NCIS, who will be giving an industry talk discussing his career as a screenwriter and his experience as an Executive Producer for primetime shows like Miami Medical, Bones, Without a Trace, Crossing Jordan, Third Watch, and Castle. This industry talk is also free and open to the public. Williams will be speaking at the Sperry Center on SUNY Cortland’s campus at 3:15pm on April 22. Please arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure you get a seat.
What’s HOT April 2017
Blackbird also includes a variety of wonderful films made by local filmmakers from the central and upstate New York area. Attending the festival this year will be directors from Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, Auburn, Locke, as well as Cortland - so make sure to come out and support our local filmmakers as you experience what film in central New York is all about. Perhaps you are interested in becoming a filmmaker yourself? Blackbird offers many opportunities for you to meet working filmmakers and establish a network of connections across the world. In addition, the NYS Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television will be hosting a roundtable information session on April 21 at 3:30pm at the Sperry Center for you to learn about
all things production in New York State – tax credits, location scouting, finding stages and crew, and more. At the Blackbird Film Festival, we strive to curate an inclusive festival atmosphere - an environment where experienced professionals, first time filmmakers, and film enthusiasts can strike up conversation and perhaps take something away from one another. With that said, we cordially invite you to attend and experience what makes the Blackbird Film Festival one of the “Top 100 Best Reviewed” festivals according to FilmFreeway! For more information, make sure to visit www.Blackbirdfilmfest.com
STY
Kerasilk Keratin Smoothing Treatment Is
your hair frizzy, brittle, or unruly? Do you wish there was a way to make it smoother, healthier, and more manageable? Well there is!
of keratin - a protein found naturally in your hair - works to restore your locks back to a strong, velvety, and lustrous state. Not only will your hair look and feel amazing, but it will be much easier to style! You will save hours throughout the week and will be able to achieve that silky and glam look in record time.
With the warm and humid months just around the corner, now is the perfect time to try our Kerasilk Keratin Smoothing Treatment by Goldwell. Enjoy up to 3 to 5 months of perfectly smooth, soft, and supple hair. Whether you want to reduce frizz, repair damage, or broaden your curl, your stylist can customize your Kerasilk service to suit your specific hair needs.
Another bonus of this treatment is that it is safe on color treated hair. Unlike other Keratin brands, we are proud to say that Goldwell Kerasilk is a 100% formaldehyde-free solution that preserves the health and integrity of your hair and ensures a non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and irritation-free experience in the salon.
How does the treatment work? Working within the internal structure of the hair, a healthy dose
Prolong the benefits of this treatment with any combination of our luxurious home hair care products by Goldwell, including the Kerasilk Control shampoo and conditioner that gently smoothes and conditions, hair mask that smoothes and further improves manageability,
BY DEVIN JOYCE
control, and shine, and the rich protective oil that tames and adds intense shine, plus humidity and heat protection. With the proper aftercare, the results of this service are visible, impressive, and long-lasting, and your hair will be happy all summer long! To celebrate Devin’s one year anniversary at the salon and to thank all of her wonderful clients, LiSalon is offering a 25% savings on the Keratin Smoothing treatment for the entire month of April with Devin! Please mention this ad when you call and make your appointment with her. Devin looks forward to making you silky smooth! Devin Joyce Pro Stylist at LiSalon www.ithacasalon.com
Maria's Original Baklava • c/o Maria Hopko T: 607-423-5236 • email: mariasbaklava@yahoo.com
www.mariasbaklava.com
EAT
Grapes 101: Winter Grape Vine Care The
first thing most people notice upon entering Long Point Winery is the beautiful view of the vineyard set against picturesque Cayuga Lake. This perspective inevitably leads to questions about the growing and care for our grape vines. I decided to pose the questions I get most frequently to our Vineyard Manager, Paul Cardoso and through his responses, gain insight into how grapevines are cared for before and during winter. Next month we’ll find out what spring means for vine care.
What measures do you take to prepare the grapevines for winter? Winter freeze can injure or cause cracks in the trunk of the vine, making the trunk more susceptible to crown gall bacterium. Crown gall is like “plant cancer.” We protect against
winter by establishing new, one year old trunk renewals and by hilling up about 6 inches of soil over the base of the plant.
What kind of work do you accomplish in the vineyard during winter? In the winter I finally get a chance to breathe and finish the projects there wasn’t time for during the growing season. I do a lot of work on the trellis - from tightening wire, to pounding in new staples that hold up the trellis wire along the posts. I also spend time tying new trunk renewals to older trunks to keep them growing straight up. Does the amount of snow during winter have an effect on the vines? Snow can actually act as a natural insulator for protecting grapevines from a harsh New York winter. It is much better to have snow packed around the vines when sub-zero temperatures hit. So, extremely cold temperatures can damage vines? Yes, extremely cold temperatures can cause damage to the vine, yet the vine has internal
BY DENNIS De RADO
mechanisms to survive a cold winter spell to a†certain degree. Primary, secondary, and tertiary buds of the vine prevent freeze injury by allowing internal materials within their cells to stay in liquid form when temperatures are below freezing. Sugars and proteins less prone to freezing get stored in the cells of these buds. The larger, primary bud is less capable of adapting to temperature shift because their cells are more specialized than the cells of the secondary and tertiary buds. The work that is done to prepare the vines for the winter months is crucial for the ongoing production of grapes. Spring is here, and as the vines and their buds awaken, work in the vineyard changes to prep for a new growing season. We will check in with Paul Cardoso again next month to see what spring has in store for the vines he tends.
Dennis DeRado Long Point Winery www.longpointwinery.com
ENT
Local Calendar: April & May
April 13
Cortland, NY
Feared Weird: Strange Things Tour 7pm, The 1890 House Museum, 37 Tompkins Street, Cortland. Hair wreaths, crying dolls, secret windows, a rib cage shower, post-mortem photography, and a parlor game that involved setting fire to brandy...there were some strange customs in the late 19th century. Explore these tales and more on a unique afterdark tour at the 1890 House Museum and enjoy a couple of Cortland Beer Company Brews. See what was truly strange, and learn about things we might only fear as weird. For more information please visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/ feared-weird-ticets-32713467863.
April 14 & 15 Ithaca, NY
Ithaca Ballet Presents Sleeping Beauty Friday, April 14, 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm), Saturday matinee, April 15, 2:30 pm, State Theatre of Ithaca, 107 West State St., Ithaca. Cindy Reid, Artistic Director. Music by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky, Choreography by Marius Petipa and Cindy Reid. Tickets: $10.00 - $20.00. For more information call (607) 277-8283, or visit www.stateofithaca.com.
April 15
Cortland, NY
Nature Guided Hike 10 am, Lime Hollow Visitor Center, 338 McLean Rd. Bundle up each month and take a stroll with a Lime Hollow Naturalist. Monthly hikes include a fun topic or theme. All hikes will depart from our Visitor Center on McLean Road and typically last
an hour and a half. Don’t forget binoculars, field guides, small snack and a water bottle. There are some binoculars available to borrow. Free admission, donations welcome. For more information visit limehollow.org.
April 16
Ithaca, NY
Art of India 2017 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Klarman Hall 232 East Ave, Ithaca. Art of India is the annual cultural festival organized by the Cornell India Association and SPICMACAY. We bring the best of Indian performance art and culture to the shores of Ithaca. Join us for an exciting evening filled with music, art and dance, topped off with seasonal cuisines from all corners of India. Participate in workshops and create unique decorative pieces to keep as souvenirs. For more details, check out our Facebook event page. Buy the Early Bird tickets here for just $4 NOW before they are gone! Next up to 150 tickets will be sold for $6 and remaining tickets will be sold for $8. www.events.cornell.edu/event/ art_of_india_2017 or email india-association@cornell.edu.
April 18
Cortland, NY
College Singers Cabaret 8 pm, Dowd Fine Arts Center Theatre, SUNY Cortland. The College Singers present a cabaret themed concert featuring the works of Kander & Ebb, Gershwin, Cole Porter, Billie Holiday, and more! Free admission. For more information call 607-753-4544, email jeffrey.whetstone@cortland.edu or visit cortland.edu/ departments/performing-arts.
ITHACA, CORTLAND & CNY
April 21
May 12
DSP Shows: Big Mean Sound Machine Doors: 8:00 pm, Show: 9:00 pm. The Haunt , 702 Willow Ave, Ithaca. Anyone who has experienced the band in action knows that their performances are the heaviest and sweatiest. Incorporating Caribbean, African, and Latin sounds and everything in between, these musicians… sound as though they’ve been playing together since the sandbox days. Tickets: $12.00 - $15.00. For more information call (607) 280-2900, or visit www.dspshows.com.
Comedian Gilbert Gottfried 7:30 pm, Cortland Repertory Theatre, 24-26 Port Watson St. One of the most sought after stand-up comedians in the country brings his adult, raunchy humor to Cortland for one-night only! NOT FOR THE EASILY OFFENDED! No one under 18 allowed without an adult. Tickets $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Beer/wine cash bar. To order tickets call 800-427-6160, visit the Box Office at 24 Port Watson St Mon-Fri 9 am - 4 pm, or order online at www.cortlandrep.org.
Ithaca, NY
Cortland, NY
April 29
May 13
Cornell University Jazz Combos Showcase 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Carriage House Café, 305 Stewart Ave., Ithaca. The Cornell University Jazz Ensembles are a collection of Cornell graduate and undergraduate students that are united by their love and dedication to one of America’s most important art forms. Paul Merrill, director. Free admission. For more information visit www.arts. cornell.edu/jazz/.
2nd Annual Syracuse Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival 12:00 - 6:00 pm, Chevy Court. 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse. Food Truck Festivals of America is coming back for the 2nd Annual Syracuse Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival. Bringing you more than 20 of the best local food trucks in Syracuse... and something special to all the beer fans out there, 50+ craft beers. That’s right, you will have ice cold hand-crafted brews all while enjoying the most delicious food around. There will also be music and other entertainment so make sure you bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a nice picnic! Children under 12 are free. Food and drink will be available for purchase separately. We’ll see all you foodies out there! For more information call (617) 782-7117, or visit www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com
Ithaca, NY
April 29
Cortland, NY
YMCA Healthy Kids Day 10 am - 2 pm, Cortland YMCA, 22 Tompkins St. Activity filled open house bringing kids and families together. Free event for the entire community! For more information call (607) 756-2893 or visit www.cortlandymca.org.
Syracuse, NY
TAX
American Opportunity Credit Many high school
seniors by the beginning of April have a good idea where they are going to college in the fall. As a parent, you and your child may now be studying college financing packages. Your next step with your student is to decide where to send in the deposit to secure a place in this fall’s freshman class. Congratulations to your child! The American Opportunity Credit can also help you afford to pay college tuition and related educational expenses. With the cost of college escalating in the late 1980s and 1990s, the federal government implemented the Hope Credit in 1998 to help people pay for college. This credit evolved to become the American Opportunity Credit in 2009. A tax credit offsets your income tax liability dollar for dollar. Each student in your family can qualify for the American Opportunity Credit for up to four taxable years if it is for the first four years of post-secondary education. If a student receives their post-secondary education over a longer term, the fifth tax year and beyond (no limit) will qualify for the lower value Lifetime Learning Credit or Tuition and Fees deduction. The American Opportunity Credit is taken by the person who can claim the student
BY PETER VANDERWOUDE
as a dependent on their income tax return. Another requirement is your student must attend college at least halftime, usually six credit hours, to qualify for the credit. In January, the college will publish a Form 1098T (Tuition Statement) for that student that is filed with the IRS. As a parent, you will have to ask your child for this form to prepare your taxes if it is not sent to your home. It can also be accessed via the college’s online student center. This tax credit can reach a maximum of $2,500 which is split into a $1,500 nonrefundable and $1,000 refundable portion on one’s income tax return. The first $2,000 of this education credit is generated dollar for dollar by the first $2,000 spent on tuition (room and board does not qualify) that is not offset by scholarships and grants. The next $2,000 of tuition is matched at a 25 percent rate for an additional $500 credit. New York State also grants up to a $400 education credit. To demonstrate how the credit is determined, let’s say your child is going to Cornell University or Ithaca College and has received a desirable financing package but you and your student still have to pay more than $4,000 for tuition with loans and cash payments. You will max the credit out at $2,500. Another example: your child is living at home and going halftime to Tompkins Cortland Community College for the fall semester of their freshman year. The Form 1098-T, received in January, lists $1,800 in tuition and zero for scholarships received.
In this case your credit will be $1,800, covering the full cost of education for that fall semester. Now that we have calculated the American Opportunity Credit for your student, can you receive the full benefit of this credit on your tax return? That depends on your tax picture. If you have a tax liability exceeding the credit, you will likely be able to take all of it. If you don’t, you will wipe out the tax liability that you do have and receive as a tax refund the refundable portion of the credit, which is 40 percent of the overall credit. Two or more students in college? You could receive up to $2,500 for each student in that tax year. What if you, the parent, completed your Associate’s degree years ago and the Hope or Amercian Opportunity Credit was never taken on you? If getting your Bachelor’s degree is on your bucket list, then you might consider going halftime to SUNY Cortland or SUNY Empire State College. You can take the American Opportunity Credit for yourself and make a major dent in paying for college for up to four tax years. Hey, it’s something to think about! Peter VanderWoude, CPA, CGMA Equus Advisors / Cortland Bookkeeping and Tax Service www.EquusCPA.com
www.myamericancrafts.com
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kai.kendal.org
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EAT
Lomo Saltado Salad RECIPE BY CHRIS XAVER
This dish is inspired by a memorable meal I experienced when welcomed into a Peruvian family’s home. I’ve taken the traditional flavors and translated them into a healthy entrée salad.
Serves 6 INGREDIENTS 1-1/2 lbs beef tenderloin, sliced thin 1/4 c red wine 1 onion, cut into strips 1 yellow Peruvian chili pepper, cut into strips (substitute Serrano pepper if you can’t find Peruvian) 1 large tomato, cut into strips 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 T vinegar 2 T soy sauce Salt & pepper (S&P) Olive oil for sautéing Salad mix (such as spring mix or butter lettuces), rinsed & patted dry Cilantro, chopped 1 lime LET’S GET SAUCY: In a large skillet, heat 1-2 T of olive oil. Stir in the onion and allow to soften. When soft, add beef. Don’t overcrowd your pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once beef begins to brown, add pepper strips, tomato, & garlic. When tomato softens, add the vinegar & soy sauce, and season with S&P. To serve, divide salad mix among six dinner plates. Layer with the steak divided equally amongst the leaves. Your salad “dressing” is the juicy tomato mixture from the pan with the meat. Finish with a squeeze of lime & sprinkle cilantro over the top for a bright finish. BONUS: This savory salad is packed with protein and vitamin C! Cal 104 (From Fat 40) Total Fat 5g (Sat Fat 2g) Chol 35mg Sodium 148mg Total Carbs 3g (Fiber 1g Sugars 1g) Protein 16g Vit A 19% Vit C 30% Calcium 1% Iron 9%
VIsit Chris’s website: www.thesweetlifetv.com
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