Ithaca Times – December 3, 2014 by Ithaca Times

F R E E / D E C E M B E R 3 , 2 0 14 / V o l u m e X X X V I , N u m b e r 14 / O u r 4 3 r d Ye a r /

Online @ ITH ACA .COM

Housing duplex

INHS and Better Housing combine PAGE 3

Bike Blvd. rerouted

may conflict with firefighting PAGE 4

Downtown

holiday fest ice-carving anyone? PAGE 31

A Big Red Economic Impact

Cornell issues new assessment that uses a more sophiscated model

INSIDE 2014

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Shop local. Buy local. December 3, 2014

Supplement to Ithaca Times

SPONSORED BY

LIVE!DEC.6

STATE THEATRE OF ITHACA

2014 8PM

TICKETS: 105 WEST STATE STREET (607)277-8283 OR WWW.STATEOFITHACA.COM 2

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

Ne City of Ithaca

w s l i n e

A Big Impact . ................................. 8

Not-for-Profit Sector

Cold Weather Halts Housing Non-Profits Commons Progress Combine Forces

n uncommonly cold spell in late November pushed back an already delayed deadline for the muchlamented Ithaca Commons construction project. Project Manager Michael Kuo informed city officials that the recent goal of completing pavement on the 200 block of East State Street by Thanksgiving would bleed into 2015. That timeline, caused by a week of below-freezing temperatures in midNovember made using “cold patch” needed to complete that work impossible, said City Engineer Tom West, who relayed Kuo’s update to City of Ithaca Board of Public Works (BPW) during its Monday, Nov. 24 public meeting. In October, Kuo told city staff and Commons business owners that along with completing the 200-block paving, the work on Bank Alley would also be completed. The latter remains a possibility, West added. The news comes as the latest blunder in what has become a sore subject for all involved, particularly Commons business owners, and Mayor Svante Myrick, who inherited the $10 million project. “I believe that [the Commons reconstruction] is still a priority,” Myrick told storeowners in October. “There Michael Kuo are many people in (file photo) the city who think the $15 million in infrastructure costs would be better spent in their neighborhoods. I worked very hard to convince people that downtown is worth investing in. And I worked hard to raise $7 million [for the project]. So I own this now. If you’re going to be mad at somebody, be mad at me. But, before you get mad at me, let’s figure out what we can do for the next nine months to speed up this project where we can, and to make what’s left of this project, as good as possible.” While Myrick is willing to take the blame, he and the city have not been hesitant to point a finger at New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (NYSEG) as the biggest culprit in the project’s slow progression. The project initially was rolled out with a July 31, 2014 completion date. That eventually became November 2014, in time for the holiday season. In October, continued on page 4

VOL.X X XVI / NO. 14 / December 3, 2014

programs for homeownership, home repair, real estate development, and rental housing management. Historically, INHS has focused its activities in the City of Ithaca and BHTC has served the remainder of Tompkins County, but these distinctions have blurred in recent years as both organizations have expanded their services and sought new ways of collaborating. Mazzarella said there were a few reasons why combining forces made a lot of sense. “It’s a combination,” he said, “of financial resources—both of us are thinking about the long-term success of our organizations—and trying to think

thaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) and Better Housing for Tompkins County (BHTC) have agreed in principle to combine the two organizations in order to improve the delivery of housing services to Tompkins County residents. The combination of the organizations, which is not a merger, will be carried out throughout 2015. BHTC will relocate, in time, its staff from its existing facility on Danby Road to INHS’s campus on Clinton Street. INHS owns another building next to its current location at 115 W. Clinton St., and plans to use the other building for its new partners. The news, announced during the last week of November, has been in the works for quite some time, INHS Executive INHS Executive Director Paul Mazzarella. (Photo: Michael Nocella) Director Paul Mazzarella said. how we can best position ourselves to “We’ve actually been having work in the environment we work in, discussions [about combining the two which is an environment with declining organizations],” he said, “for more than 10 resources. years. I think a lot of people realize that “We will both continue,” Mazzarella when you have two organizations that are doing similar things, there may be ways to continued, “to operate the programs that combine that and be more efficient. I think we are both currently operating. There will just be some combining of those we finally reached the point where both organizations knew this was the right time programs. I think the big advantage there is that when we have a larger scale, to do it.” Both organizations have a mission of promoting greater housing opportunities continued on page for people with modest incomes through

▶ Your Pet With Santa, The Colonial Veterinary Hospital is hosting a “Pet Photos and Bake Sale” event with “Santa Paws.” on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The suggested donation is $15. You can have your pet’s photo take with Santa Paws and you will receive a printed and digital copy of the image in time for the holidays. 100 percent of the proceeds will be used to help local pets in need through the Angel Paws Fund. Angel Paws Fund is a tax-deductible 501 (c) (3) charitable fund providing grants to local pets in need. Colonial Veterinary Hospital is

t h a c a

i m e s

NE W S & OPINION

Newsline . ............................... 3-7, 12, 14 Sports ................................................... 11 Personal Health .............................. 13

SPECIAL SEC T ION

Holiday Gift Guide . .................. 15-30

ART S & E NTE RTAINME NT

Film ....................................................... 32 Stage ..................................................... 33 Music . ................................................... 34 Art . ....................................................... 35 Music . ................................................... 36 TimesTable .................................... 38-41 HeadsUp . ............................................. 41 Classifieds...................................... 42-44

ON THE W E B B i l l C h a i s s o n , M a n a g i n g E d i t o r , 6 07-277-70 0 0 x 224 E d i t o r @ I t h a c a T i me s . c o m L o u i s D i P i e t r o, A s s o c i a t e E d i t o r , x 217 A r t s @I t h a c a T i me s . c o m M i c h a e l N o c e l l a , R e p o r t e r , x 225 r e p o r t e r @I t h a c a T i me s . c o m Tim Gera, Photographer p h o t o g r a p h e r @I t h a c a T i me s . c o m Steve Lawrence, Sports Editor, Ste vespo rt sd u d e@gmai l .co m C h r i s H o o k e r, F i n g e r L a k e s S p o r t s E d i t o r , x 236 Sp o rt s@Flcn .o rg J u l i a n n a Tr u e s d a l e , P r o d u c t i o n D i r e c t o r / D e s i g n e r , x 226 P r o d u c t i o n @I t h a c a T i me s . c o m G e o r g i a C o l i c c h i o, A c c o u n t R e p r e s e n t a t i v e , x 220 G e o r g i a @ I t h a c a T i me s . c o m J i m K i e r n a n , A c c o u n t R e p r e s e n t a t i v e , x 219 J k i e r n a n @ I t h a c a T i me s . c o m R i c k y C h a n , A c c o u n t R e p r e s e n t a t i v e , x 218 R i c k y @ I t h a c a T i me s . c o m C a t h y B u t t n e r, C l a s s i f i e d A d v e r t i s i n g , x 227 c b u t t n e r @ i t h a c a t i me s . c o m Cy n d i B r o n g , x 211; J u n e S e a n e y A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Rick Blaisdell, Chris Eaton, Les Jink s J i m B i l i n s k i , P u b l i s h e r , x 210 j b i l i n s k i @ I t h a c a T i me s . c o m

Business community throws a two-week party for the holiday season

Visit our website at www.ithaca.com for more news, arts, sports and photos.

▶ Alternative Gift Fair, to be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., in downtown Ithaca on the 300 block of North Cayuga Street at the First Presbyterian and First Baptist Churches bordering Dewitt Park. Visit www.IthacaAltGiftFair.org to see the list of participating organizations and preview the gifts. Can’t make it? Charitable gift donations can be purchased online from Dec. 7-31 at www.IthacaAltGiftFair.org/shop/. h e

Downtown in Winter .............. 31

Cover Design: Julianna Truesdale.

located at 2369 N. Triphammer Rd. in the village of Lansing.

Cornell has released a new economic impact study using a more nuanced model

/ D

C o n t r i b u t o r s : Barbara Adams,Deirdre Cunningham, Jane Dieckmann, Luke Z. Fenchel, J.F.K. Fisher, Karen Gadiel, Charley Githler, Linda B. Glaser, Warren Greenwood, Ross Haarstad, Peggy Haine, Cassandra Palmyra, Bryan VanCampen, and Arthur Whitman.

T he ent i re c o ntents o f the Ithaca T i mes are c o p y r i ght © 2 0 1 4 , b y newsk i i nc . All rights reserved. Events are listed free of charge in TimesTable. All copy must be received by Friday at noon. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $69 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 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. F o u n d e r G o o d T i me s G a z e t t e : Tom Newton

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By Tim G e ra

What sound do You love?

“Rain.” —Jake Michaels

“My mom’s favorite song.” —Joe Barsotti

“Snoring.” —John Shortle

“I don’t have any particular sound that I love.” —Kimari Johnson

t h a c a

i m e s

Bike and Fire Engines To Share Plain Street he upcoming Ithaca Bicycle Boulevard Plan has been rerouted. The project, funded under the federal Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, is intended to implement portions of the city’s Bicycle Boulevard Plan that connect Beverly J. Martin Elementary School, Fall Creek Elementary School, and Boynton Middle School. During a City of Ithaca Board of Public Works (BPW) public meeting on Monday, Nov. 24, a resolution to modify the plan was approved with a 5-1 vote. The resolution approves the recommendations of both city staff and local bike enthusiasts to use Plain Street as a segment of the boulevard instead of the originally planned Corn Street and Park Place route. City Transportation Engineer Tim Logue spoke Monday night, and also wrote a memo to BPW explaining why the switch to Plain Street would be beneficial. “The Plain Street route,” he said, “is obviously more direct if one is traveling from the northern end of the city to the southern end or vice versa. But it is also a better and more direct connection for many of the trips that will be promoted through the Safe Routes to School program. I can imagine a parent or two meeting a group of children at the Southside Community Center and then riding as a group, a Biking School Bus if you will, to BJM Elementary. “For those unfamiliar with the terminology,” he continued, “a ‘bicycle boulevard’ is a low-speed street, which has been optimized for bicycle traffic. Bicycle boulevards discourage cut-through motorvehicle traffic but allow local motorvehicle traffic, according to Wikipedia. A bicycle boulevard is different than a

contin u ed from page 3

City of Ithaca

CommonsDelay

h e

“ The noise of a freight train in the night. I always like to hear that lonesome moan.” —Harley Campbell

4 T

/ D

Kuo officially announced the revised deadline would also not be met, but that a certain portion of the project would at least be paved. Now, it looks likely that a majority of the project will be unpaved heading into the winter. Myrick has referenced NYSEG’s parent company, a Spanish company called Iberdrola, as a main reason why NYSEG has been hard to work with. Iberdrola purchased NYSEG in 2007. “The local [NYSEG crews],” Myrick said, “couldn’t do certain things without approval from their corporate office, which is now in Spain. So they have to put in a request to that corporate office, and getting responses for such requests have taken [more time than usual] to get an approval.”

e c e m b e r

3 -9 ,

2014

Ithaca Fire Chief Tom Parsons (left) and city Traffic Engineer Tim Logue. Petitioner Marshall McCormick (in blue) sits behind Parsons. (Photo: Michael Nocella)

bicycle lane, which simply runs parallel to any road, and is only designated for bicycles. “The Plain Street route,” he continued, “is also more legible, intuitive, and easier to describe. This will make it a stronger component of our bicycle-related infrastructure. Originally, in developing the Bike Boulevard plan, we had wanted to use Plain Street. After talking with the Fire Chief [Tom Parsons], however, we thought the trade-off of traffic diversion and more traffic calming options was worth moving a block over. If the interest in traffic diversion and calming is not strong (and it seems not to be), then Plain Street does become more of the preferred route.” Parsons, who also spoke Monday night, still had reservations about the Plain Street route, and recommended that the city keep the original plan in place “until such a time that a more comprehensive This relationship irked BPW member William Goldsmith who said the Commons project was “not our fault” and that “[the city] is being beaten up [by NYSEG].” He added that the city should pursue legal action for the delays, which were out of the city’s hands. West said that the city is currently looking into such actions to see if it would be a feasible and appropriate path. For now, all that is known is that the Commons project has been delayed once more. As for the holiday season, the city is trying to encourage residents and visitors to support businesses on the Commons by offering two hours of free parking when you park in any downtown parking garage and make a purchase downtown. Customers must get their receipt stamped when they make a purchase, and then show the stamped receipt to the parking attendant when they exit the garage. This

plan can be developed and implemented that maintains the existing emergency vehicle routes, and provides the best level of safety for both adults and children by way of a designated bicycle lanes through light-controlled intersections.” Parsons explained his main concern over the changes was concern for the safety of children bicycling down the narrow street in the 200 block of South Plain Street. “The problem,” Parsons wrote in a letter to BPW, “for the fire department is that the 100 blocks of North and South Plain streets are used daily by the department’s emergency vehicles responding from and returning to Central Fire Station at 310 W. Green St. On average, the department uses those two blocks about 40 or more times per day. continued on page 7

price-break was agreed upon after city staff met with storeowners in the October meeting. Although some wanted free parking throughout downtown, with no time limit, Myrick said this was as much as the city could offer. “Parking [in the city] is a very complicated system,” Myrick said. “We have office parkers who pay a premium monthly rate [to park in garages]. If we just made parking free in all the downtown garages, [other people would camp out in those spots for reasons other than shopping]. So not only would the city lose revenue, but you’re not gaining any customers. With this, you buy anything on the Commons, you park free. It’s not as simple as free parking, but we hope it’s a good incentive [for shopping].” • – Michael Nocella

N Speakeasy

Academically Speaking ...

ast month Ithaca City School District (ICSD) named Matt Landahl as its new chief academic officer. Landahl, who has served the position of chief elementary officer for the last two years, is no stranger to providing leadership for academic initiatives, but will now do so on a broader level. Ithaca Times recently sat down with Landahl to discuss what the change in his title will mean for both him and the district going forward. Ithaca Times: What prompted the change in positions? Matt Landahl: I think it started [when the previous chief academic officer left the district], at which time the position was essentially eliminated. The decision to bring the position back came from an assessment from the district. Honestly, I think we were looking to make the switch next year, but with Jarrett Powers leaving the high school principal position and Jason Trumble [formerly the chief secondary officer] stepping into [the role of interim high school principal], it made sense to do this now. It allows us to use the people and resources we have here more efficiently. IT: What does the role of chief academic officer entail? ML: It focuses on everything about teaching and learning from elementary and pre-K all the way to high school graduation. I had all of the same responsibilities for the chief elementary officer from pre-K to fifth grade, but now I’ll be picking up that additional age group of grades six through twelve. The things that fall under that are things like teacher evaluations, special education improvement plan, professional development for the whole district, resources are big—and we’re going into another budget season, so it’s part of my job to figure out the best way to allocate our academic resources. IT: What would you consider your biggest priority, or focus, to be in your new role? ML: It’s always on the students. From pre-K all the way to twelfth grade, it’s my job to make sure our students are engaged in the classroom and are passionate about what they’re learning about. How can we make classroom conditions get them even more excited about what they’re learning about? How do we give teachers the support they need through resources or professional development? It’s my job to help find answers to those questions. It’s tougher now—our budget is tighter, our

resources are tighter. But we still have to be creative with how we support all of the staff that plays a part in our students’ dayto-day lives in this district. IT: What is your biggest challenge as

chief academic officer? ML: Honestly, the thing that really dominates everything right now is the budget. No matter what role you’re in, that probably—in some shape or form—represents our biggest challenge as a whole, and individually. We want our classrooms to be engaging places. We want our teachers to feel the support that they need to do their jobs well. And we will continue to strive for all of those things, but the budget is a rather big challenge right now, and in future years, it could impact the district’s class offerings, class sizes, how many books we can afford, and how much we can invest in technology. We’ll never waver from our vision, but it is certainly a challenge right now. IT: How would you currently assess how the Common Core initiatives are impacting the district academically? ML: It is certainly a challenge. We did some really strategic things a few years ago. One was adopting a new math program at the elementary level in Singapore math. The thing we’re working on right now, which goes beyond the elementary level, is giving the teachers the freedom to write their own curriculum matched to the Common Core standards. So I think the way we’re dealing with the Common Core in Ithaca is to make it our own. Obviously, standards are standards, we can’t change the standards, but we can certainly empower our teachers to develop really engaging curriculum to try to connect the standards to make them meaningful for our students. We started a little bit of that work at the middle school level last summer and we’re looking to continue that, and find ways to put our high school teachers on the same path. I think the way we make this thing [the Common Core] that’s become divisive in other places our own is by making it engaging and relevant for our students and teachers. IT: What about is it about your new role in the district that you find most exciting? ML: It’s a great district to work for. We have a dynamic superintendent who is a visionary about student learning. To work for him, and under him, is exciting in itself. We have a board of education that really focuses on students, and in my experience, that can be rare at times. To have a superintendent and a board who have those philosophies make working in this district—and taking on this role— really exciting. IT: How long do you hope to have this role and work in this district? ML: Well, my son will graduate from ICSD in 14 years, so lets go with that. •

Ups&Downs ▶ Healthy Food For All, Fully 98 percent of HFFA members—people who purchase a subsidized share in community supported agriculture -- report an end to hunger in their household during their CSA farm’s growing season. And with a $70,000 economic impact on local agriculture, HFFA is also bolstering our region’s capacity to continue producing good food for generations, for the whole community. That’s why this year the Park Foundation has promised to match every new donation— dollar for dollar—to further expand HFFA’s impact. If you care to respond to something in this column, or publish your own grievances or plaudits, e-mail editor@ithacatimes.com, with a subject head “Ups & Downs.”

Heard&Seen ▶ Downtown living costs, From a new study by Downtown Ithaca Alliance: Jennifer Dotson, Executive Director of Ithaca Carshare and a board member of Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) says, “Although housing prices in outlying towns and villages are much lower than in Ithaca, once you add in the cost of driving to and from work, your cost of living is almost always higher, just spread among more bills each month.” ▶ Top Stories on the Ithaca Times website for the week of Nov. 26-Dec. 2 include: 1) Cayuga Heights Man Charged with Murder 2) IPD Hold Annual Awards Ceremony 3) Open Container Ban: Is It Time to Change? 4) TC3 Leads with Farm-to-Bistro Facility 5) Airport Consolidation? It’s an Idea Whose Time Has Not Come and May Never For these stories and more, visit our website at www.ithaca.com.

question OF THE WEEK

Do you feel safe riding a bicycle in the city of Ithaca? Please respond at ithaca.com. L ast Week ’s Q uestion: Should Ithaca, Binghamton, and Elmira airports merge to get cheaper fares ?

100 percent of respondents answered “yes” and 0 percent answered “no”

– Michael Nocella ICSD Chief Academic Officer Matt Landahl (Photo: Michael Nocella) T

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

Editorial

A New and Improved Ithaca L

ike it or not, the holiday season is upon us. In Ithaca’s case the glumness felt by some about this time of year is manifested by the torn-up nature of the downtown. Change, as they say, is rough, and when it goes on and on, apparently it is rougher. The merchants are furious, the public officials are contrite, the project manager is helpless, and the public is vacillating between being mordantly amused (“Government projects!) and patently outraged (“Government incompetence!). Not only that but they’re taking our free parking away! What’s this city coming to? The construction on the Commons is surrounded by other construction sites. The number of them is in part due to the bottleneck created by the 2008-2011 recession, when no one could get a loan to build anything bigger than a house. (As Lansing knows, those were to be had in an uninterrupted fashion.) But more to the point, the character of downtown Ithaca is being changed: it is becoming more urban. The large-scale historical photographs that David Lubin has hanging in the window of the former Race’s Office Supply to extol his Harold’s Square project show us that East State Street once had a very urban bustle to it. The street is lined with cars parked by people who apparently knew who to parallel park and the buildings are bedecked with signs advertising businesses with familiar family names (e.g. Cosentini). The sidewalks are thronged in these images. Any objective observer (this includes reporters and visitors from outer space) who attends a local civic meeting will

be struck by the dissonance between government officials and planners on one hand, and the general public on the other. The party of the first part is trying to (1) “densify” the urban core, (2) make public parking pay for itself, (3) support the growth of the commercial sector, (4) mix land uses and income demographics through progressive zoning and a host of other strategies all of which share the aim of making Ithaca into more of a city and less of a suburb (i.e., a bunch of nice neighborhoods dotted with coffee shops and clothing stories surrounding an enormous Ivy League university). The public consistently wants to keep things the way they are. Which is to say, it is fine to rely on your car to do pretty much all daily chores and when you get where you’re going the parking should be free and in a lot. Furthermore, all new buildings in a neighborhood should look just like the ones that are already there and be populated by people who are just like the ones that already live in that neighborhood. These irreconcilable differences of perspective cause some very long, very acrimonious public meetings. More often the public goes away angry and frustrated because they feel like they are not being listened to. Government officials are left sitting at their desks and sighing because they feel that they have not been listened to either. Both are correct. This is the essence of representative democracy. We elect officials who hire staff who pay more attention to civic continued on page 7

surroundedbyreality

Do Me a Mitzvah By C h a r l ey G i t h l e r

h, the good cheer, the doorbusters, spiking consumer debt, a year’s worth of pine needles worked into the carpet, French hens, partridges and The Little Drummer Boy … a song so relentlessly monotonous that it’s been cited by Amnesty International as an instrument of torture. The Christmas season is upon us for sure, and it’s not all carols and cocktails and cookies and presents. Soon, Linus van Pelt or some other pious spoilsport will remind us what Christmas is supposed to be all about, and here lies the danger. Though it’s technically a Christian holiday, it should never be celebrated in such a way as to make non-Christians feel excluded or uncomfortable. There’s enough Good Will for everyone. This is the sort of thing we excel at in Ithaca. Here are a couple of holiday tips to ensure that everyone, regardless of headgear, enjoys a happy, denomination-neutral holiday: First, it’s super insensitive to refer to Hanukkah or any non-Christian holiday as “their Christmas” or “whatever.” Make an effort to learn about other holiday traditions. This requires some creativity with atheists, who essentially believe that Santa Claus may exist, but in a limitless, soulless void without meaning. A fun tip is to put a miniature print of Edvard Munch’s The Scream in the manger of your frontlawn Nativity scene. I checked, and it’s not sacrilegious in any way to change some of the more secular carols to make them palatable to the nonbeliever. Shiva the Red-Nosed Destroyer, Schlomo the Snowman, Jihad to the World and Here Comes Siddhartha are all festive and inclusionary examples of the genre, and they’re every bit as catchy as the originals. Open your heart to every faith. Look upon Christmas as an opportunity for inter-faith dialogue. Jewish

folks can be a little touchy on the subject of Jesus. (If the subject of his death can’t be avoided, it’s okay to say he died of ‘natural causes’.) Here’s a talking point: the only Biblically-verifiable contact between the Toddler Jesus and Santa is in the New Testament (Luke 2:40), but hints at his Jewishness: “It came to pass that Mary did take Jesus to the Three Kings Mall in Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid him upon the lap of Santa, as was the custom, whereupon Jesus did call upon Santa to do him a Mitzvah.” (Translations vary.) Along the same lines, is it really that important, when referring to Jesus, to call him “The Anointed One”, “Beloved Son of God”, or “Lord and Savior”? Try to be more circumspect. Maybe: “The Alleged Son of God” or “Bachelor Number One.” When chatting with atheists, agnostics, or a Unitarian, don’t dwell on the virgin birth. Re-focus the conversation on the nondoctrinal holiday cookies available in the bakery department at Wegmans. Remind them that Mary carried the infant Jesus to a full term, or so it is written. It’s not necessary to hide your own faith, but a little sensitivity never hurt anyone. Reassure non-Christian children that Santa does not hate them, but that they are essentially invisible to him, and that literally nobody cares if they’re naughty or nice, which must be a relief. Any holiday movie viewing should be as inclusive as possible. Sure, the 1947 Miracle on 34th Street and It’s a Wonderful Life, and Elf, even. But show Fiddler on the Roof and Slumdog Millionaire, too. If someone says they are ‘spiritual, but not religious,’ do not argue. This is pure nonsense, but what’s the difference? It’s Christmas. Let them have this one. •

YourOPINIONS

Scheduling Is the Problem

I have lived in Ithaca for almost fifty years, and I travel a lot (Priority Gold on US Airways in 2014). I have only flown out of Syracuse or Elmira once or twice in all those years. Unfortunately it will happen more often in the future because of the merger of US Airways and American Airlines. The flights that are only available as US Airways connections never seem to have any availability on US in the lower classes of service. The United connections take you to a part of Newark airport which could be in a banana republic of the 1950s and are cancelled at the drop of a hat or so severely delayed that all connections are missed even 6 T

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 -9,

2014

in good weather. Why would I want to fly to Detroit when going east or south, since those flights are also not reliable either? We need to have flights to either LaGuardia or Kennedy, better and cheaper connections through Philadelphia or Washington or Boston. Why don’t we have flights to Chicago (even though I hate O’Hare), so we can connect to the West Coast or the Pacific efficiently? Where are the good old days where you could go anywhere through Pittsburgh? The fact that US Airways left the Star Alliance makes joint international fares a challenge. It is the scheduling which needs continued on page 7

Housingcombo contin u ed from page 3

we can look at changes in staffing and make them more specialized. That’s one of the advantages of having a larger organization, is that you can achieve more specialization.” Under the new structure, BHTC will become an affiliate of INHS. The corporation known as Better Housing for Tompkins County will continue to exist, but INHS will control the governance and management of both organizations. Current BHTC employees will become employees of INHS. For practical purposes, both organizations will function as a single entity and customers will be able to access all of the services provided by both organizations through a single portal. BHTC Executive Director Susan Ottenweller will step down. “I will be leaving BHTC at the end of the year,” she said, “as was planned all along. There will likely be some duplication of staff. However there may also be some new opportunities for staff to move into new positions. A new staffing plan will come about after Paul has a chance to get to know and evaluate the BHTC staff. Ottenweller said the BHTC joining forces with INHS was a path that the organization has had in mind for a long time, and that the idea made too much sense for the longevity of the program to not make it happen. “INHS and BHTC are both long-term, highly regarded nonprofits,” Ottenweller said, “who provide programs and services to help low- and modest-income individuals and families with housing issues. These include buying a first home, making needed code-related repairs, and developing and managing good safe affordable rental housing. Because of the similar missions the two organizations often compete for the same [increasingly scarce] funding. “Last year the BHTC Board of Directors directed me to explore and make recommendations,” Ottenweller continued, “on how to best insure the long-term sustainability of BHTC and its mission. Funding had become a major concern of BHTC, and it was logical to investigate ways to reduce the agency’s expense, while still serving our clients. Affiliating with another organization was an obvious path to explore. Actually BHTC and INHS have for many years discussed some type of merger/affiliation/joint ventures. And I knew Paul well from the community development network to which we both belonged. I have trust in Paul’s business acumen and his commitment to our missions. So both Boards determined that the ‘time was right’.” Others agreed. “This is a smart move for Better Housing,” BHTC board chair Greg May said. “Not only will we preserve our legacy of providing high quality housing services to the rural residents of Tompkins County, but we will be able to take advantage of new opportunities and resources that are available through INHS.”

INHS board president Herman Sieverding echoed May’s words. “The need for affordable housing in Tompkins County continues to grow,” he said. “Barely a day goes by when a community leader or a media report does not mention the urgency of this problem. Through our discussions, it became obvious that combining the two organizations would lead to greater community benefits through the achievement of scale and efficiency. I think that this will be a great partnership”. Resolutions stating the intent to affiliate were approved unanimously by both boards of directors. This is the first step in a complex process that will take up to a year to fully implement. “Both organizations,” Mazzarella said, “have existing contracts and agreements that must be honored and that there are many details that need to be worked out in order to fully integrate the two organizations. The product of this effort will be an organization that is positioned to serve even more people with high quality, affordable housing.” • – Michael Nocella bikeblvd

contin u ed from page 4

In addition, the department uses the 200 block of South Plain Street several times per week as an emergency response route from West Green Street down to the 700 block of South Meadow Street. South Plain Street is also the most direct route to Cleveland Avenue. In my opinion, [the Plain Street reroute] would increase our response time, and would cause our apparatus to detour around Plain Street, traveling longer routes to get back to Central Fire Station.” Parsons’ s view, however, seems to fall into the minority. Logue said that if having the Bicycle Boulevard on Plain Street causes complications in the future, the city could always make the street onesided parking only, with a bike lane being added on the other side (Parsons said he preferred this approach if the city did indeed move forward with a Plain Street plan). In addition, more than 240 residents signed a petition titled “Revise the Bike Boulevard Plan,” which was led by city board of zoning appeals member Marshall McCormick. McCormick, who was also present Monday night, submitted the petition to BPW. The petition urges the city to approve the change from Corn Street to Plain Street. “The solution is simple,” the petition reads. “The Bike Boulevard network should use all of Plain Street from Cascadilla Street to Old Elmira Road rather than the current proposed route of Plain Street to Cleveland Street to Corn Street to Buffalo Street to Park [Place] to Cascadilla Street. That makes a lot of sense, right?” Ithaca Bicycle Boulevard is expected to begin development in the coming months through 2016. • – Michael Nocella

Editorial

The Talk at

contin u ed from page 6

matters than we have time to do. In the course of doing their jobs these officials and staff talk to and read the work of planners in other parts of the country. They find out that “densifying” your urban core, mixing all kinds of uses and demographics together, and making people pay for parking creates a vibrant community that is fun for its residents and visitors and can actually pay its bills. Having found this out, our representatives try to tell us the good news and are told that they are not representing us. It’s a tough one. Perhaps what brings our feelings about change to a head this time of year is the fact that the holiday season is one that should bring comfort and joy through the exercise of tradition or at least familiar rituals. When your downtown is a construction site the familiar rituals are pretty difficult to carry out. It is difficult to hang holiday decorations on backhoes and piles of pavers and feel comfort and joy. But Ithaca is really about Ithacans, and we are all still here amid the construction. So make use of the two hours of free parking in the garages and go downtown and do some holiday shopping, watch the ice-carving competitions, have a meal, see a show, meet your friends, and generally have a good time the way Ithacans do. Think about moving downtown; then you don’t have to worry about parking. • youropinions contin u ed from page 6

an overhaul, if we want to increase the departures and arrivals at the ITH airport, as well as the pricing. Gas prices are down: no excuse! I like the Ithaca airport and the people who service it and I would be sad to see it lose more passengers. – Mary Salton, Baker Travel Inc., Ithaca

Thanking Unsung Heroes

South Hill Civic Association sends our thanks for another year of terrific solid waste and recycling services winter, summer, spring and fall. While most of us are still asleep in our beds, these teams of reliable, hard-working unsung heroes keep our households running smoothly. Before long our city’s award-winning Streets and Facilities crews will be out on the streets too, keeping the roads safe for us to get to work and school when the snows have blanketed our streets and turned icy. We debate about all sorts of complex issues, but when it comes down to what we depend upon day after day—we rely on these three teams we rarely see in the daylight: our solid waste, recycling and street crews. Many thanks from the members of the South Hill Civic Association. – John Graves, President, South Hill Civic Association, Ithaca T

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

ithaca com Commenting on our report last week in which the city attorney said Ithaca can pursue panhandling restrictions: “Isn’t this more a matter of on the ground police work? Surely an officer on foot can discourage the panhandling without outright physical harassment by simply hanging around the characters doing this. Sure they will be back when the officer is away but a steady pattern of making themselves visible nearby the panhandlers would make it not worth the beggar’s effort. It would also serve to assure those folks that are acutely uncomfortable or frightened by strangers approaching them. I applaud the city for not trampling on constitutional rights but a return to old school policing could accomplish quite a bit.” - Tdean Commenting on one of our letters from the 11-19 edition of the Ithaca Times – ‘Against the Medical Model’, in which an 80-year-old Richford man laid out a few cautionary notes about psychiatry: “Psychiatry has gone a long way from its functional status to an organic, neuropsychiatry status with advances in neuroimaging, gen[e]tics, neuroendocrine and psycho immunology, there is hard evidence available behind our emotions and its abnormality. Anxiety and depression are normal emotions like sugar and blood pressure are normal until they become abnormal. there is nothing wrong with psychiatry as long as the clinician is familiar with this speciality. Any medical speciality can be harmful if the clinicians lack knowle[d]ge, jud[g]ement and inappropriat[e]ly presc[r]ibe medications whether it is anti depressants, anti cholesterol or antibi[o]tics.” -psych007 Commenting on our report of a planned bike path on Plain Street: “Correction: the Original plan included the Plain St route. The approved version included a detour using Corn St. The version that was approved this past Monday was updated to include a straight long path of Plain St. Another benefit of the Plain St route is fewer turns. It’s easy for the cars to turn left, but with on-coming traffic sometimes cyclists have to wait, making those turns a bit more challenging sometimes. On Plain St, at Court and at Buffalo St, there are also crossing guards in the a.m. and after school. … It is great to have the support of staff and now the decision of the Board of Public Works to get this updated route approved. A direct route is better than the Corn St Detour. It’s the better route, Plain & Simple. Thanks City of Ithaca for supporting the Bicycle Boulevard!” - Human Powered Transportation e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

A Big Impact Cornell measures

its own effect

E c o n o m i c s P r o f e s s o r K i e r a n D o n ag h y, w h o d e s i g n e d t h e n e w m o d e l t h at c a n b e u s e d t o p l a n f o r C o r n e l l’s f u t u r e . ( P h o t o : Ti m G e r a)

on the local, regional, and state economies

By Bill Chaisson

fficially released in October 2014, the “Economic Impact on New York State: Fiscal Year 2013” is a 22-page report that documents Cornell University’s effect on the state economy. If you want to put a single number out there, the combined employment, purchasing, and construction at the Ithaca and Manhattan (Weill Cornell Medical Collage) campuses amounts to an economic impact of $3.2 billion. Section II, “Cornell University in Tompkins County and Central New York State,” will be of most interest to local readers. Some of the numbers here will not be surprises. A bar graph that quantifies the size of the payroll for the Ithaca and Geneva campuses shows it steadily rising from $451 million in 2000 to $814 million in 2009. The Great Recession took its bite out of Cornell’s workforce at that point: 900 employees were let go or retired, and in 2010 the payroll stood at $762 million and dropped slightly again in 2011 to $759 million. Since then it has recovered, but not to the 2009 high-water mark. The recession hit Cornell hard. According to the report, the three biggest pinches were an abrupt decline in state support; cuts in federal funds in the form of grants, Medicare, and money to Cooperative Extension; and that suddenly many students needed much more financial support in order to pay their tuition, room, and board costs. According to the report, Cornell’s financial aid spending has more than doubled since 2008. In addition to reducing the size of its payroll, the

8 T

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 -9 ,

university consolidated administrative processes through shared services, streamlined information technology support services, and put construction on hold. Cornell has a policy of favoring local and in-state vendors. In spite of this policy, the majority of its vendors are located outside of New York State: $326.8 million of a total $585 million in purchasing (or 56 percent). Just 13 percent ($73.6 million) of its purchasing is from Tompkins County vendors. Nine percent ($54.4 million) is from counties near Ithaca. Eleven percent ($61.6 million) of purchasing was done in central New York. The remaining 11 percent of the purchasing is done elsewhere in New York. (Counties near Ithaca are all those sharing a border with Tompkins. The study defines “central New York” as consisting of 18 counties, but does not list them.) The university’s previous economic impact study was released in 2007, before the Great Recession. It was done by Appleseed, an economic consulting firm based in New York City that does impact studies for many universities around the country, including other Ivy League schools. The latest study is in-house and based on a “composite model” that “can help Cornell proactively seek out new opportunities for economic development and innovation, and determine how the university can best support each undertaking.” This approach is the brainchild of Vice President of Budget and Planning Elmira Mangum, who arrived at Cornell in 2010 and left last month to become president of Florida A&M University. In May 2012 she and Provost 2014

Kent Fuchs (who will become the next president of the University of Florida on Jan. 1) announced in the Cornell Chronicle the introduction of “an enduring and comprehensive financial budget model for the Cornell campus that is more streamlined, more consistent and transparent in the allocation of resources and expenses.” Mangum and Fuchs were determined to “reimagine” the university’s approach to budgeting and planning and erase its $250 million deficit. The economic impact study details the expenses that Cornell incurred as a result of the 2008 financial crash, but does not mention that its endowment lost 27 percent of its value in the last six months of 2008. In the online journal Inside Higher Ed, Jim Wolfston characterizes the Cornell endowment as “heavily invested in private equity, real estate and hedged equity instruments.” Wolfston noted that Cornell was far from alone: the value of university endowments in the U.S. declined 23 percent through five months of 2008 ending November 30. He cites Yale as typical; it lost 25 percent of the value of its endowment between June and December 2008, which entirely erased its growth during the previous four years. In an Oct. 22 presentation of the study at Cornell Cooperative Extension, Vice President of University Relations Joel Malina said that in order to “continually assess impact” and to look for trends in the economy the university would publish these impact studies regularly. Malina suggested that with this improved yardstick the

university could even be “a mechanism for recovering from recession.” Mangum engaged Kieran Donaghy, a Cornell professor of economics, and Yuri Mansury, a visiting associate professor in the department, to construct the composite model. “We need a better framework,” said Donaghy of Mangum’s intentions, “to enable us to look ahead and do thought experiments.” Donaghy’s first challenge was to collect better data. After 2008 the university made an effort to introduce standardized record-keeping practices through various important departments. He spoke with the “data stewards” to take into account privacy issues associated with human resources information and data from Cooperative Extension and Weill Cornell Medical Center. “We had spreadsheets from multiple entities,” said Donaghy. “There were three different accounting systems on campus.” Members of his team had to use “spaghetti code” to get uniform information from the heterogenous database. “We figured out how to use a shared data structure,” he said, “and found defendable practices that allowed us to compare apples to apples.” Earlier studies had used a social accounting matrix (SAM), which documents all economic transactions among producers and intermediate and final consumers, but Donaghy’s composite model added a structural path analysis (SPA) to follow the “ripple” of spending through the community. That is, he was interested not only in the effect Cornell employees spending their paychecks, but also the effect of vendor to vendor spending and spending by the employees of vendors. This “indirect and induced impact” was also measured for student and visitor spending in Tompkins County, adjacent counties, and central New York. For example, in the fiscal year 2013 students spent $203 million, but this led to an additional $72 million in spending by vendors and contractors who did business with students. The direct spending by visitors is substantial. Analysis shows that each visitor to Tompkins County spends an average of $213.55 per day on lodging, food and beverages, transportation, shopping, and entertainment. A study prepared for the Tompkins County Strategic Tourism Planning Board found that 42 percent of visitors to the county came to attend an event at Cornell. For these calculations Donaghy and his team depended on economic data from IMPLAN (Impact Analysis for Planning), a North Carolina-based firm that produces economic data sets for local economies. The IMPLAN model and data was initially developed by the U.S. Forest Service in the 1970s to measure the impact of resource extraction industries on local communities. In the late 1990s it was adapted by the Minnesota IMPLAN group to be more useful to a wider audience. In an amusing note to a table in the report, the Cornell group expressed their impatience with imperfections in the

However, in the usual application of this model the monopsonist is actively trying to achieve and maintain its economic position. Donaghy noted the present example of the oil industry in North Dakota and Montana, which is actively crowding out competitors during the breakneck expansion of the hydraulic fracturing in the Bakken Shale. Cornell University has not crowded any business out of to the Tompkins County economy. Donaghy’s model will allow the university to be more Data a r e f o r It h ac a a n d G e n e va c a m p u s e s . S o u r c e : O f f i c e o f H u m a n aware of what resources it R e s o u r c e s a n d S a f e t y S e rv i c e s .( F i g u r e f r o m C o r n e l l r e p o r t) is “monopsonizing” in the present. Donaghy is a Ferry in 1987 (and Auburn in 2005). IMPLAN data: “IMPLAN’s direct effects regional science specialist. He came to National Cash Register (NCR) shrank in may be less than Cornell’s spending b/c, Cornell from the University of Illinois, the 1990s and became Axiohm in 1994, according to IMPLAN, Cornell purchased Champaign-Urbana because Cornell is and then Cognitive TPG and outsourced from industries that in 2010 did not exist.” the only university in the country that most of its manufacturing. Emerson Such are the struggles of model makers. maintains a separate regional science Power Transmission finally closed in Another part of the new approach to program within its economics department. 2009. The shrinkage in this sector of the measuring Cornell’s impact required that “Ithaca and Cornell have evolved local economy was complemented by the university look at itself in a new way. together for 150 years,” he said. “In the It turns out it is the tenth largest economic the expansion of the Cornell payroll. The last 30 or 40 years the industrial base unemployment rate in Tompkins County entity in the state. “The model makes has changed. Cornell is not responsible Cornell a sector unto itself,” said Donaghy, is and has been consistently one of the for the loss of manufacturing or the lowest or the lowest in the state. “not a part of the rest of higher education. hollowing out of the middle class.” One As a result Cornell University has No other university has done this.” need not look far to see At Mangum’s an analogous economy: behest Donaghy with the decline of Kodak has created a model and shrinking of Xerox that will give a more and Bausch & Lomb in realistic picture Rochester, the University of the university’s of Rochester, according economic impact. to the Democrat & “With just an input/ Chronicle, has expanded output matrix there its biotechnology and are unrealistic healthcare sectors assumptions,” the enormously to become economics professor the new largest employer said. “For example, in Monroe County. it assumes that Donaghy’s composite when you ask for model for measuring something from economic impact will someone, it will be allow the university to delivered. The older measure the effects of its model also didn’t actions more accurately look at pricing as and more precisely. it was affected by What they do with this demand. We need a Wh e r e C o r n e l l’s M o n e y C o m e s f r o m . N u m b e r s a r e M i l l i o n s information is not up to model that reflects o f D o l l a r s . (f i g u r e f r o m C o r n e l l R e p o r t) the model makers. better what goes on Suppose Cornell in the real world.” wanted to rebuild its infrastructure to become, in the context of the regional The unrealistic situation in which accommodate “smart growth,” Donaghy economy, a “monopsonist” or a single no action can influence prices is suggested. He also noted the President buyer with respect to local sellers of goods called (among economists) “perfect David Skorton has urged all parts of the and services. This creates a dynamic that competition.” Donaghy’s “computable university toward “carbon zero” status is analogous to what economists call general equilbrium” (CGE) component “crowding out.” Normally the monopsonist through use of district heating and cooling is, according to the Cornell report, widely and other technologies. “We could get in the crowding-out equation is the used by municipal governments to things like this off campus,” he said, “when document the effects of “supply shocks and government and the distorting force is we get them to work on campus.” government borrowing or spending. In a supply constraints, price changes, fiscal When, through use of the new model, zero-sum situation the government uses policies, and development initiatives.” the university can better document its resources that would otherwise be used The “centrally isolated” geography of effects on the local economy, said the by other economic actors. In Ithaca and Ithaca affects its economy. Manufacturing academic, we can raise the level of the Tompkins County, Cornell plays the role as a source of well paid work has steadily conversation between the town and gown.• of the monopsonist, not the government. declined. Ithaca Gun moved to King T

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

sports

Putting His Foote In It

Jeff that my tax dollars got him to where he was, it was an amazing experience to watch him play in the NBA. His time in the league was brief, but he got there. He then played more D-League ball and did

Reviewing the Career of Jeff Foote By Ste ve L aw re nc e

first saw Jeff Foote play basketball at Spencer-Van Etten when he was in his early teens, and I actually felt bad for the kid. He was so tall and gangly that he seemed unfamiliar with his own ever-changing body, and his obviously sharp mind often seemed frustrated that his arms and legs and hands were not keeping up with the commands being sent. Don Foote, Jeff ’s dad, had played college basketball at Niagara University—as had Jeff ’s older brother, Jesse (at RIT)—but I had my doubts that he would follow in their (size 16) footsteps. As a matter of fact, in 2006 I made the second of two predictions that I would later admit exposed me as a profoundly poor prognosticator. The first of those predictions came in 1983. I was at a party at Cornell, and someone put on a song called “Borderline.” I asked, “Who sings this song?” I was told that the artist was someone named Madonna. I replied, “In two years, nobody will remember her.” Spot on, eh? In 2006, I was in the Big M supermarket in Spencer (it is a Medium M at best), and a friend said, “Did you hear that Jeff Foote is transferring to Cornell (from St. Bonaventure, where he redshirted as a freshman) and he’ll be on the basketball team!” I knew that Jeff ’s experience at St. Bonaventure had been a frustrating one, and I said, “He might do okay off the bench, but he’ll never be a starter at the Division 1 level.”

Three years later, Kansas’ coach Bill Self said, after the Big Red damn near beat the mighty Jayhawks at home, “Cornell has a big man that can play with anyone in the country.” Foote did play with anyone in the country, and he led the Big Red to three Ivy League Championships and an unforgettable appearance in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. Again, my predictive prowess was pitiful. After that magical Sweet Sixteen run, Jeff played professionally in Europe—signing a three year contract with Euroleague giants Maccabi Tel Aviv. He played in Spain, came back to the U.S. to play in the NBA’s Development League, and actually played briefly for the New Orleans Hornets in the NBA. Given that I live in the Spencer-Van Etten school district, and I sometimes joked with

Jeff Foote in his Big Red days. (Cornell Photographic Services)

ASK THE ALLERGIST

Board Certified

Internal Medicine

Hypertension Spe cialist New Patients Wel come

another stint in Europe, but the time has come for Jeff to turn the page. I reached out to Foote over the weekend, and he said, “I can’t do a phone interview now, because I am studying for finals.” I asked him to clarify, and he later wrote, “I am at the University of Miami, I am a graduate assistant for the men’s basketball team here while I attend law school as well. The finals I am prepping for are for law school.” I asked Jeff to tell me the biggest difference so far between playing and coaching, and he replied, “The biggest difference is the mental aspect versus the physical. Coaching deals with emotions of players, strategy, opponents, all from a mental aspect. Playing was similar, but it wasn’t my job to formulate the strategy.” Having seen Foote’s dramatic transformation from a good high school player to a dominant Division 1 big man to a solid pro, I knew he was a keen student of the game. His physical transformation was astounding, as he went from 215 to 265 pounds (while adding 5 inches to his vertical jump!!!), but his mental and emotional growth was just as impressive. His footwork and passing skills were visibly better every year, and by the time he was a senior, he could, as Bill Self stated, “play with anyone in the country.” Because I know that Jeff was mentored by Steve Donahue— whose basketball IQ is off the charts—I have no doubt that Foote will be a fine coach … or attorney … or sports agent … As you may have guessed, I have given up on offering predictions. •

1-800-88-ASTHMA

Stella M. Castro, M.D.

Elliot Rubinstein, M.D.

Q: Why should I come to see a physician in your group? A: Your question addresses the most important aspect of your very first

Look. Listen. Care.

visit. That is,Elliotyou’ll a physician who has four-to-six years Rubinstein,see M.D. Stella M. Castro M.D. of training Q: What are In theour causes and treatments of mold allergy? in his or her specialty. practice a physician makes the diagnosis and formulates a plan of action in conjunction with you – the patient – at A: Molds are comprised of clusters of filaments and are even smaller your very firstandvisit. We have been the area’s leading asthma experts more abundant than pollen. Molds grow year-round both inside and outside for over 37 years. Weplaces. participate with most insurance in damp, dark When inhaled, molds can produce symptoms plans. of allergy Make an appointment today Doctors and even asthma.with Keeping your homePieretti, as mold free Khan, as possibleFlanagan, is the first step McNairn, Castro or myself, and the expert care you need. in treatment andget may eliminate many of the symptoms. Additional treatment op-

2343 N.Triphammer Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850

tions, such as allergy shots, should be considered, so see our trained allergists to help alleviate your mold allergy symptoms.

ACROSS FROM MCDONALD'S OPEN 8AM-5PM MON-FRI Multi-lingual in Spanish, French, Serbo-Croatian, German and English

Radomir D. Stevanovic, MD with Ms. Kelli Hektor, RPA-C

CALL 607-266-9100 • www.rdsmd.com

Brought to you by Doctors Elliot Rubinstein, Stella M. Castro, Mariah M. Pieretti, Julie McNairn, Rizwan Khan and Joseph Flanagan

Offices conveniently located in Ithaca, Cortland, Elmira, Vestal, and Fayetteville T

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

launched its Connect NY Broadband initiative, $2.2 million of grant funding was approved for use in this area. The goal is to expand broadband coverage throughout the county, as many portions of the outlying towns don’t have much in the way of high-speed Internet coverage. The grant required a public-private partnership, and so Clarity Connect partnered with local governments to apply for state funding. Ultimately, only some ounty legislator David McKenna portions of the grant were approved. The (R-8th) was working for the portions covering Enfield and Caroline Tompkins County Board of were cut out. McKenna said the change Elections when he decided he wanted to be on the other sides of things and actually was possibly because those areas were going to be covered by Haefele TV. run for office. McKenna was working as He said, “I don’t know if that change a senior technician when, he said, “I got was because the state wanted a single talking to [Republican Commissioner of contractor.” In the end Clarity Connect Elections] Elizabeth Cree one day and redesigned its plan to include better she said, ‘You ought to run for county legislator,’ so I looked into it a little bit and coverage of those areas and Caroline did some fundraising to help pay its portion of the cost. McKenna said the expanded broadband coverage should be up and running by the end of the year. “The status is, last I spoke with Chuck [Bartosch, Clarity Connect owner], he’s got towers up and he’s waiting for some more of the funding to come through County Legislator David McKenna (Photo provided) to be able to install the poles and radios that are required to spread it across the county. threw my hat in the ring and ended up It’ll be getting here very soon. I’m hoping winning.” to see it by the end of the summer.” Prior to becoming the legislator for When he’s not at work as a legislator, District 8—an area that includes Newfield McKenna enjoys flying radio control and part of Enfield—McKenna worked airplanes. He is currently the treasurer as a mechanical design engineer. He said, of the Ithaca Radio Control Society and “I started out working for NCR, and I has been involved in the club for about a worked for them for 16 years, and then I decade. He said it’s not left NCR to help start a a competitive club, but “ “ The status is, last I spoke company called Ithaca that “it’s more an open with Chuck [Bartosch, Peripherals.” Ithaca Clarity Connect owner], flying club.” Some of Peripherals was later he’s got towers up and he’s the planes he flies are bought and is now waiting for some more of his own designs and known as Transact the funding to come through constructions, while Technologies. others are pre-made. to be able to install the He got interested “I’ve been flying poles and radios that are in mechanical model airplanes required to spread it across engineering because since I was about 12,” he liked drafting when the county.” McKenna said, “and he was in high school. —David McKenna I’ve been flying radio After high school, control planes since I McKenna went into the Navy and, he was about 25. It’s a really great hobby and said, “When I got out of the Navy I was it teaches you a lot of things—you learn a looking for a job.” So, he began working at lot about electronics, mechanics, airplanes, NCR while attending college at Tompkins and physics.” Although it does not teach Cortland Community College in the you about being a legislator, McKenna evenings. seems to have picked that up on his own McKenna has been on the legislature just fine. for five years now, and in that time the accomplishment that he is most proud – Keri Blakinger of is his work with the legislature’s Broadband Committee. When the state

Tompkins County

Former Engineer, Now Legislator Healthy, Happy, Active Kids! Welcoming new patients! • Same day sick appointments • All Physicians board certified in Pediatrics • Full spectrum newborn and inpatient care at Cayuga Medical Center • Lactation consultants/counselors on staff • Separate adolescent office, including adolescent GYN care

Northeast Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine Wellness Begins Here! 2 convenient locations! 10 Graham Road West 1290 Trumansburg Road

257-2188 Pediatrics 257-5067 Adolescents 319-5211 Trumansburg Rd. Office Mon-Fri 8-4:30, Sat 8-11:30 www.Northeastpeds.com

HOLIDAY Join the Best for FITNESS Less! Save $66 SAVINGS on new member enrollment * $79 ENROLLMENT FEE*

FEEL THE DIFFERENCE

Join today, bring in this ad, and receive: • • •

Access to over 100 group fitness classes Discounted services at Rasa Spa Health consultation

*Offer good 12/01/14-12/31/14. New members only. Applicable rates apply. 1 per person/per account. PROMO CODE: AD120114B

www.islandhealthfitness.com

(607) 277-3861

(607) 319-0149

310 Taughannock Blvd. (Downtown/Inlet)

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

903 Hanshaw Rd. (Near Cornell/Comm. Corners) / D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

2.4 x 5.5 health

Pain That Won’t Go Away the medical team you can trust Treating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

helping you inflammation, grow!” said Berman, “and hronic pain is pain that will not go

By Bil l Ch ai s son

inflammation is simply the body's natural away long after the initial injury. response to injury ... The common issue in Complex regional pain syndrome chronic pain and inflammation is that the (CRPS) is chronic pain that develops out NewborNs immune system's response interferes with of all proportion to the initial injury to an ageprocesses 21. theto natural involved in healing. arm or a leg. When the immune system responds in a “There is some sort of damage to the normal way, it removes toxins from the way pain is transferred to the brain,” said John Lambert, MD injured area and flushes them out of the Dr. Andrew Morpurgo, a physiatrist at the Janusz sendek, MD body. ” Cayuga Medical Center Center for Pain amit shrivastava, MD Berman Management. “The normal things that Jessica Casey,said Do that the bottom line is that when stop pain don’t work. You get a distal loop Carolyn Koppel,you CPNPare looking at chronic pain yousharkness, are looking that doesn’t get to the spinal cord.” andrea CPNP at a symptom, not an underlying cause. Her job is to find and There are two types of CRPS. Type treat the underlying cause. She has found 1, which accounts for 90 percent of all physicians board in herParticipating practice that the cause is an immune documented cases, according to the Mayo certified. response that is usually stress-based. Clinic, is marked by nerve pain when no with many major insurance companies. To complement her own treatment, nerve damage was involved in the initial injury. Type 2 is a more explicable development of regional pain after damage to 1301 Trumansburg Rd, Ste H the nerves. 22 Arrowwood Dr, Ste A After a relatively minor 607-272-6880 or localized injury, perhaps only to a finger or toe, pain buttermilkfallspediatrics.com can spread to the entire rest of the limb. The symptoms include either burning or a “pins and needles” sensation. The affected area can become very sensitive to touch (allodynia) and the limb can change temperature, color, Hands affected by complex regional pain syndrome. (Provided) and swell. This is due to abnormal microcirculation caused by damage to the Berman sends patients for “prolotherapy,” nerves controlling blood flow and a technique for treating chronic pain. It temperature, according to the National involves repeated injections of dextrose Institute of Neurological Disorders and solution or other irritating substances into Stroke (NINDS) at NIH. the joint, tendon, or painful tissue in order According to the Mayo Clinic staff, to provoke a regenerative tissue response. “Many cases of complex regional pain Conventional medical treatments syndrome occur after a forceful trauma of CRPS include, according to to an arm or a leg, such as a crush injury, Morpurgo, non-interventional (pills) fracture or amputation. Other major and and interventional (injections). At minor traumas — such as surgery, heart CMC they use re-purposed anti-seizure attacks, infections and even sprained ankles — also can lead to complex regional medications, anti-depressants that increase norepinephrine to try to turn pain syndrome. Emotional stress may be a off the looping signal in the limb with an precipitating factor, as well.” enhanced signal from the brain. They turn “My whole practice is now mainly to opioids only when the patient’s pain is treating chronic pain,” said naturopathic extreme. practitioner Dr. Deanna Hope Berman Stimulation of sympathetic nerves of Ithaca. She sees patients who have persistent pain because of chronic diseases, causes the painful swelling, said Morpurgo, and the goal is stop the such as fibromyalia and Lyme disease, and stimulus that aggravates them. Injections also as a result of injuries. of steroids and anesthetics into groups “The nerves can be irritated and of sympathetic nerves is the step after desensitized,” she said of chronic pain, “so medications fail. the pain can feel worse.” She described a According to the NINDS, previous chronic immune response: the release of cortisol from the adrenal gland in response research—agreeing with Berman’s naturopathic assessment—has shown that to stress. Continued high levels of cortisol CRPS-related inflammation is supported have been shown to lengthen the healing by the body’s natural immune response. • period. “Chronic pain is due to chronic

Is your roof ready for the next polar vortex? the medical team you can trust

helping you grow! NewborNs to age 21. John Lambert, MD Janusz sendek, MD amit shrivastava, MD Jessica Casey, Do Carolyn Koppel, CPNP andrea sharkness, CPNP

Icicles and ice dams at your roof edge are symptoms of moisture and condensation compromising the integrity of your roof. • Roof damage gets more severe without repair. • Roof repairs are less expensive with quick response.

Protect your biggest investment - your home! Contact your local roofing specialist to schedule your free, no obligation roof inspection. 100 Satisfa % Guaran ction teed

all physicians board certified. Participating with many major insurance companies.

1-800- FOR- ROOF 607- 869 - 2010

1301 Trumansburg Rd, Ste H 22 Arrowwood Dr, Ste A

607-272-6880

buttermilkfallspediatrics.com

Replace a Roof

Repair a Roof

$100 REBATE!

$50 REBATE!

Expires 12/15/14

Family Medicine Associates of Ithaca LLP

Welcomes Carol Dao Berlin, MD

Robert Breiman M.D.

Neil Shallish M.D.

Alan Midura M.D.

Lloyd Darlow M.D.

Sharon Ziegler M.D.

Mike Choi M.D.

Nurse Practitioners:

Tina Hilsdorf, RN, NP-C; Debra LaVigne, RN, NP-C; Judy Scherer, RN, FNP; Liz Gebhart, RN, NP-C; Sandra Brown FNP-C WHNP-BC

Now Scheduling New Patient Appointments

o Board Certified American Academy of Family Physicians o FMA Physician always on call o Accredited diagnostic laboratory o Minor surgeries performed in office Mon.-Thurs. 8 am - 9 pm • Fri. 8 am - 5 pm • Sat. 9 am - 2 pm

Call 277-4341 or visit www.fma-ithaca.com Two Ithaca locations: Downtown: 209 W. State St., just off The Commons Northeast: 8 Brentwood Dr., just off Warren Rd. T

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

attracting the educated and affluent—from young people to empty-nesters and retirees Town/Gown both from our own and other countries. For some the attraction is lots of highpaying jobs in glamour industries. For others it’s activity, entertainment, culture, nightlife, or a youthful or more intellectual vibe. Such demand naturally makes prices for residence and business property and A marketing expert and former Ithaca local taxes go up. But when resident mentions Ithaca as part of the prices get too high, there can national “Univer-cities” phenomenon. result extreme and chronic unaffordability even for those n the business world, products with good incomes. Some cities sometimes price themselves out of the are simply pricing themselves market and provide an opening for out of a big market. competitors. The poster children Because of strong demand for what here are New York and San they offer, universities have long been Francisco. These are the places able to raise tuitions without triggering you find the nation’s most this effect. But today we have controversy about the burden of student loans (a movie expensive “if-you-have-to-askthe-price-you-can’t-afford-it” exposé, Ivory Tower, opened in June). And urban housing. Gotham’s staggeringly there is emerging low-cost competition high housing prices have sent some New from online education (“Earn a Master’s Yorkers to live in the city’s “sixth borough”: Degree Without Showing Up to Class,” Philadelphia. promises an ad for New York University). While high real estate prices are a These changes are bound to hurt the product of the success of a local economy, finances of some universities and the they can also threaten it. Businesses are economies of some college towns. reluctant to locate in areas that require But there is also great potential giving employees bigger paychecks just opportunity in the overpricing so they can afford a home, and even phenomenon for college towns and for the executives can resist moving to such areas. schools themselves. Cities located near pricey glamour Well-publicized glamour towns capitals can offer less expensive like New York, San Francisco, Miami, urban housing at the cost of longer and Chicago have in recent 76749 Kendal Dancing Ad foryears Ithacabeen Times T: 10 x 5.5 Bleed: 1/8” all sides 4C commutes—as, for example, former auto

When the University Is the Main Appeal

manufacturing hub Kenosha, Wisconsin, now does for Chicago. But they don’t always offer the sophistication upscale urbanites seek. With further development and marketing, college towns outside of costly metro areas could grow to become good substitutes for popular but overpriced big cities. But they will have to diversify and transition from the academic ghettos many of them are to more diverse places I call “Univer-Cities.” More than other places, college towns already offer what urban migrants want if on a smaller sale. With more non-academic jobs, Univer-Cities could scale up and be more competitive for these economically beneficial populations the New Yorks and San Franciscos are pricing out. Why couldn’t a bigger Davis, California, become an affordable San Francisco or an enhanced Ithaca, New York, an affordable New York City? Davis, with a university of 32,000 students, has been rated the nation’s second most educated city and has been a pioneer in facilitating bicycle transportation and recreation. Ithaca, with Cornell University and Ithaca College, has appeared on numerous Best Cities lists and has more restaurants per capita than the Big Apple. Currently college towns can have

affordability problems. Universities’ taxexempt property pushes up taxes for residents, a captive student market drives up rents, and anti-growth politics can impair new construction. Growth and diversification into a Univer-City can reduce these difficulties. With developing changes in higher education, single-purpose college towns will do well to grow and diversify economically. This has not always been a priority in these places, given the apparently permanently secure economies they have heretofore enjoyed. But larger and more diversified economies could help college town tax bases and relieve pressure on schools from local officials concerned about the tax exemption of universities’ immensely valuable real estate. They could also strengthen ties between the classroom and the workplace. That’s something many are calling for as the value of degrees for employment is being increasingly questioned, threatening the future market for what colleges produce. University leaders have not always gotten intensely involved in promoting their towns’ non-academic growth. In the interest of both the school and the community, there may now be more reason than ever that that should change. • – By John L. Gann, Jr. Formerly with the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University, John L. Gann, Jr., President of Chicago-area-based Gann Associates, consults, trains, and writes on marketing places for economic growth.

A sunset dance in the gazebo is so much more than a perfect ending to the day. It’s also the perfect place for Bayonne, a competitive dancer, to practice the smooth steps of her newest routine. The 105-acre campus of Kendal at Ithaca provides the perfect backdrop for waltzing through retirement and staying connected to the care one may need someday. Until then, Bayonne takes it one graceful step at a time. And, from here, the story just keeps getting better. Come for a visit and tell us your story. Call

877-891-7709 or go to kai.kendal.org/IT4 to learn more.

14 76749_KAI_DancingAD_IT.indd T h e I t h a c a T1

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

9/26/14 4:25 PM

2014

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Shop local. Buy local. December 3, 2014

Supplement to Ithaca Times

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS DECEMBER 5 A Special Holiday Gallery Night

A walkable tour of Downtown galleries with special events and giveaways for the holidays. 5-8pm

December 6–14 Ithaca Restaurant Week

Indulge in a selection of specially priced dishes and menus from Ithaca’s best restaurants.

Saturday, December 6 Santa’s Arrival to Downtown

Santa and his elves arrive at Noon followed by free photos with Santa, games, music & dance in Center Ithaca until 3pm.

Sunday, December 7 Photos with Santa

December 5 –14 2014 For more events and additional information visit

Another chance to take a free photo with Santa lplus gingerbread crafts in Center Ithaca, 12-3pm

Thursday, December 11 An Evening of Fire and Ice @ The Ice Bar

Have a beverage at the ice bar while watching fire deomstrations and dancing in the central Commons, 5-9pm.

Friday, December 12 Ithaca Ice Wars Ice Carving Competition

World-class ice carvers compete 5-9 on the Commons

Winter Apres-Ski Party @ The Ice Bar Downtown Ithaca Gift Cards are accepted at 100 locations in Downtown Ithaca Order online: www.downtownithaca.com By phone: 607-277-8679 In person: Downtown Ithaca Alliance office (in Center Ithaca)

SHOP DI NE PLAY!

With over 100 independent boutiques, 50 diverse bistros, cafés & taverns, a movie theater, salons, spas, yoga studios, art galleries, bookstores & coffeehouses, Downtown Ithaca is the perfect place for all your holiday shopping needs.

Don your bst ski lodge attire, watch the ice carvers, sit at the ice lounge and get a drink at the Ice Bar! 5-9pm

Saturday, December 13 5th Annual Chowder Cook-off

Taste them all and vote for your favorites. Noon-5pm

Ithaca Ice Wars Ice Carving Competition

Second day of competition, 9am-6pm. Ice Bar opens at Noon!

Ithaca Winter Wine Festival

Enjoy tastings from over a dozen local wine and cheese makers at The Space @ GreenStar

December 12–14 The Nutcracker

A traditional Ithaca Ballet performance at the State Theatre

www.downtownithaca.com 16

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

Art-Inspired Gifts

Moosewood Restaurant Cookbooks Make Great Gifts!

The Junction of A rt and C ommerce

Every Thursday students get a 25% discount (excluding alcohol) at Moosewood Restaurant!

b y Bil l Ch ai s son

Serving fresh, healthful menus to locals and a couple million of their friends for over 40 years! www.moosewoodcooks.com

40 varieties of the finest extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world, all available for tasting – right from the tap! Sepia-glazed bowls from Japan at Solá Gallery (Photo: Cassandra Palmyra)

here is a class of gift that finds itself at the junction of art and commerce that we are going to call the “art-inspired” gift. The line between the work of an artist and an artisan is a very blurry one and a sharp distinction is hardly worth making, especially this time of year. Most of these gifts will have been made one at a time, but few are likely to be one of a kind, and are therefore more affordable than art per se. Two of our local “galleries” are, in addition to being venues for the display of the work of their artist-owners, also places where you can browse and buy objects that reflect the tastes of these aesthetes. Susan Titus runs her eponymous gallery at the east end of the Commons with Matt Peterson. The shop was seriously damaged when the tractor-trailer truck drove into Simeon’s next door and partially penetrated the wall between the Titus Gallery and the restaurant. Titus and Peterson are still recovering from the trauma and the mess. A good portion of their inventory is still stored in the upstairs portion of the space and is still off limits to customers. However, the downstairs displays are now less crowded than they were and each item stands out from its shelf or case more distinctly. Titus and Peterson have a particular affection for jade in all its forms from all over the world, but especially from China. Titus explained that burial sites in China had been strictly protected for many years, but during the recent construction of large dams the government has “looked the other way.” For three years jade came out of China to be sold in Tokyo and Vancouver (home to many ex-patriate Hong Kong Chinese).

Peterson purchased many pieces in Vancouver. Most of the jade has been carved into stylized animal forms and they vary in size from pendants the size of large coins to sculptures the size of a fist. The Titus Gallery has a large case full of amber jewelry, most of it “Baltic amber.” “Most of it is from Poland,” said Titus. “There is a community of silversmiths who live right there where the amber is mined. The green and red amber that comes from Russia is brought to Poland to be made into jewelry by these silversmiths.” The other cases in the shop are full of pieces set with ammolite opal, amethyst, ruby, and of course jade. The jewelry includes rings, pendants, bracelets, and brooches. Most of the pieces in the Titus Gallery are officially antiques, that is they are more than 75 years old. Some are more contemporary, and some—like the Inuit soapstone carvings—are likely modern examples of very old traditions. One gneiss (a metamorphic rock) amulet was actually labeled “Neolithic” in age, making it very old indeed. There is much more than jewelry here; there are all kinds of objets d’art and curios: African and Indian carvings, pottery from around the world (but with a preference for Asia), small wood, stone, ceramic, and glass statuary, and practical items like paper weights and envelope openers. Titus also maintains what she calls the “Cornell corner,” a small alcove filled with Big Red memorabilia. Presiding over the collection is a bronze statue of

154 THE COMMONS 607.273.2585

Visit us online at www.folivers.com WITH ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS IN CANANDAIGUA AND ROCHESTER

continued on page 18

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

Give the Gift of Music!

‘Art-inspired’

little box...

contin u ed from page 17

Her Day ke Ma ther’s Mo

kle Spar

r minde ling re e is. a dazz cial sh Mom w spe Giveof just ho

A joy that will last a lifetime.

...lotta merry Shop Local

Shop Downtown on the Commons!

Make Her Hundreds of new & gently used Mother’s guitars starting atDay $99, ukeleles

Sparkle

from $39 and banjos from $239. Gift Certificates in any amount!

While the Commons renovations are still underway, our merchants NEED your support. Show them you care about the Commons and the merchants... shop, enjoy great food, take in a movie or live performance and so much more!

Give Mom a dazzling reminder of just how special she is.

Mansour Jewelers invites you to use their rear door entrance on Seneca Street to enter the Commons to shop at all our great merchants for your holiday gift giving!

On Site Service Major Credit Cards Accepted 1 4 0 THours: he Commons Extended Holiday Mon.-Fri. 10-8 • Sat. 10-5:30 • Sun. 12-4 DeWitt Mall 215 N. Cayuga 272-2602 www.guitarworks.com

272-1810 Helping you put the finishing touch on your romance this holiday season

Give the gift of music this season! Grace Internet Radio

Gift Guide!

Grado Headphones

50,000+ radio stations Pandora compatible Stream from your computer Starting at $179

Audiophile sound Open back design Made in the U.S.A. Starting at $79

Music Hall Turntables Audiophile design Ferrari red finish Only $499

Give the gift of a new TV for the whole family! Sony LED Television

50" - 1080p - 3D - WiFi Built-In Netflix Streaming Only $999

Wireless Headphones 100 Foot Range 25 Hour Battery Life Only $109

Yamaha Soundbar Built-In Subwoofer Surround Sound Digital Inputs On Sale for $229

702 Elmira Road 18

h e

t h a c a

sales@stellarstereo.com i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

272-2644

Ezra Cornell, which Titus said are given out to anyone who donates a million dollars to the university. On the other side of downtown in the Dewitt Mall you will find the Solá Gallery, owned by Daphe Solá these last 34 years. When she opened in 1981 it was only a space to display her own work, which are drawing in pen and ink and silkscreened prints. But in 1985 the adjoining space became available and she decided to expand her inventory to include art objects and what she calls “tschotchkes,” which are strictly speaking objects that are decorative rather than useful. A browse through her store will yield a lot of items that meet that description, but when you get to the scarves and Wool and silk scarves from around the world at Solá Gallery. wraps you will have to bend the rule a (Photo: Cassandra Palmyra) little. “My husband was a linguist,” Dewitt Mall] trained me,” she said. “He said Solá, “and we traveled all over the had an art gallery and I learned framing world, so I was able to collect.” One of from him. One day he had me go her first trips was a month-long sojourn through some prints to buy. ‘Let me see in India. She was invited to hang a show what you like,’ he said.” Downing spotted in Madras; they were looking for art one that looked out of place among her that depicted dancers. Solá is a former selections and asked her why she had dancer—she co-founded the Ithaca included it. “I told him, ‘I don’t like it, but Ballet with Alice Reid—and her artwork someone might.’ ‘Never do that,’ he told me.” And she hasn’t. Down the hall in Decorum-too, proprietor Alan Nemcek has some objets d’art tucked in and among his Oriental rugs. There is Burmese lacquerware painted in deep, satured greens and black and decorated in a botanical motif. There is also a selection of Turkish and Caucasian killim throw pillows. Not all of Nemcek’s rugs are room-filling. Chinese objets d’art at the Titus Gallery. (Photo: Cassandra Palmyra) His throw rugs from Afghanistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan are reflects that. She brought back a great priced as a low as $250 and are works deal of Indian art and tschotchkes. “It of art in themselves. In addition to gave me an awfully good start,” she said. rugs, Decorum-too sells furniture, all Although you will find a lot of of it handmade, much of it in New York Japanese cultural artifacts in her gallery, State. A high, narrow service table with Solá does not even confine herself to a quarter-sawn maple top and a cherry Asia. In addition to Indonesian fabric hanging, lacquered bowls and trays from frame and legs was made by T. Benjamin Hobbes, a graduate of the craft school Vietnam, silk scarves from Thailand, a jewelery box made of Korean mahogany, at RIT and a resident of Nichols in Tioga County. This exquisite piece is essentially you will also find Merino wall scarves, a useful piece of sculpture. rugs inspired by the paintings of Míro, Like the Titus and Solá galleries, and a domed glass paper weight with a Decorum-too is also part of the First print of the Eiffel Tower on the base. Friday gallery night circuit. Nemcek The shop is a reflection of Solá’s tends to put up new shows every two personal taste. “Bill Downing [the months, while Titus and Solá follow their architect who owned and restored the own schedules. §

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

Unique & Affordable Gifts L ooking for the off -beat, but attractive b y Ke r i Bl a kinge r

thaca is an easy place to find unique holiday gifts, but finding gifts that are unique and won’t break the bank isn’t always so easy. Fortunately, at the Ithaca Times we did the research for you and found some gift options that fit the bill. American Crafts by Robbie Dein offers a number of unusual jewelry pieces, ornaments, wooden utensils, and handcrafted mugs. On the lower floor is a display of leaf ornaments made from real leaves. The leaves are

copper-coated and colored gold, bronze, or silver. They come from California and cost $20 to $36. Another popular gift item is glittery “glimmer glass” jewelry made by a local glass artist. Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets ranging in price from $30 to $50 depict trees, birds, and abstractions. The store, which has been in operation since 1972, is located on the Commons on the corner of East State/MLK and North Tioga streets. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to

FOUND

HOLIDAY

antiques • vintage • unusual objects

Fill Your Home with

BLOW OUT SALE n Guitars starting at $70.00 n Guitar & Amp Combos starting at $120.00 n Large selection of TV’s all sizes starting at $65.00 n Textbooks buyback n Wii’s at $55.00 plus 3 FREE games n Large selection of Jewelries, DVD’s, Games & Electronics n We buy & sell Gold, Silver & Coins

Vintage Holiday Decorations Discover a Great Selection

Furniture • Jewelry • Glass • Pottery • Clothing • Art • Curiosities & more! 16 Main St | Cortland | 607.662.4052 M-F 10:30-6 | Sat 10:30-3:30 | Sun - Close Major Credit Cards accepted

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

227 Cherry St. Ithaca, NY 319.5078 Open Every Day 10-6 except Tuesdays

foundinithaca.com

Gift Certificates Available e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

Ti-wolf-drag-er by The Little Stuffed Shop (Photo: Keri Blakinger)

scenes. The store’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Handwork, located on the corner of West State/MLK and North Cayuga streets, directly across from The Commons, features many higher priced gift items, but there are also some affordable options. Although the co-op features the works of an array of Finger Lakes artists, it also carries some wholesale items. Visually distinctive crosscut wood cutting boards by Michael Parkhurst of Brooktondale are available for anywhere from $50 to $350. Handmade glass pens sell for $17. Andy Eischler of Owego makes mosaic glass mirrors and picture frames starting at $30. Mary Beth Larson of Brooktondale sells fabric bowls in leaf, sunflower, and poinsettia shapes for $25 each. Among the affordably priced gifts are purses made of fabric that changes color with warmth, felted animals, glass baubles, and woven baskets made of thin metal strands. Handwork is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. other days. Sunny Days’ Deirdre Kurzweil with spike bottle opener. One of the most unique (Photo: K. Blakinger) gift offerings we uncovered this season was the stuffed animals offered by The Little Stuffed Shop. Run by Marissa Dreibelbis, who grew up Made by a company in Scranton, Penn. the mirrors come in a variety of sizes with in Ithaca, and Laura Pelletier, The Little Stuffed Shop doesn’t have a storefront price tags ranging from $80 to $150. and accepts orders online. Dreibelbis Also popular are mobiles made out and Pelletier specialize in taking kids’ of lake glass, which range from $30 to drawings and making them into stuffed $50 apiece. For even more affordable animals. items, the store has bottle openers made The duo has filled requests for out of discarded railroad spikes from everything from a “ti-wolf-drag-er” to local railroad lines. The bottle openers, a pig beaver to an alligator-bear to a available for $15 apiece, are made by burrito fox. The pricing starts at $90, Dan Tubman of Cat’s Claw Ironworks in although the exact figure depends on the Newfield. size and complexity of the pattern. You For a very Ithaca-centric affordable can visit The Little Stuffed Shop online at gift, Kurzweil sells jigsaw puzzles of thelittlestuffedshop.webs.com. § paintings and photographs of Ithaca 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. On the corner of Cayuga and Green streets, Deirdre Kurzweil’s Sunny Days, which opened earlier this year, has a number of affordable and unique offerings. Kurzweil said that one popular item is the mirrors made out of tin reclaimed from New York City buildings.

Take the

Local Lover Challenge! Wi Priz n es !

r you Get d car d ! pe stam

Shop Locally

Think Local First

& keep more dollars in our community.

when shopping this holiday season.

Contributing Sponsors

Alternatives Federal Credit Union Cornell Cooperative Extension Greenstar Co-op Ithaca Times WVBR

Challenge runs from Nov. 28TH to Dec. 31ST For a list of participating stores please visit:

www.localďŹ rstithaca.org

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

134 The Commons Ithaca, NY 607-272-2012 www.bloominithaca.com play@bloominithaca.com Facebook.com/bloominithaca

Support Local Business and American-made This Holiday Season

Locally-made Gifts Sustainable holiday shopping b y Bill Ch ai s son

I Bring your children to play in our play place while you shop. It’s free!

thaca is so far ahead of most places in the U.S. when it comes to building a sustainable local economy that a lot of Ithacans probably just assume they can find locally-made gifts to give for the holidays. Even a haphazard survey of

Hat rack at IthacaMade (Photo: Bill Chaisson)

downtown businesses reveals that this emphatically true. Even a place like F. Oliver’s, which sells olive oil, balsamic vinegar and spices, carries two New York-sourced oils. One of them is more obvious: grapeseed oil. Many of the regional wineries sell this at their tasting rooms in elegantly thin bottles, but you will find a 375-mm bottle at this store on the Commons. The other New York product is a bit more esoteric: squash-seed oil. “You know those bags of squash cut into square chunks that you see in Wegmans? “asked an enthusiastic and knowledgeable employee. “Well, there’s a farm that gets the seeds from those squashes and presses them to make this oil. We buy it from them.” All the bottles in the store bear the F. Oliver’s imprint, but the source of the contents is printed on the back. In the manner of a wine tasting, you are encouraged to sample all the oils here. The squash-seed oil smells nicely of peanuts, but was lighter than a nut oil, perhaps because, like olives, 22

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

squash seeds are pressed cold. A more obvious place to look for locally-sourced gifts is 15 Steps in the front of Center Ithaca on the Commons. The large, brilliantly lit shop has the wares of 32 local artists and artisans on its shelves and in its cases. “Local” means within 30 miles of Ithaca, just like the Ithaca Farmers Market. Many more of the items here are from elsewhere in New York State, but others come from all over the country. There is a case full of the work of goldsmith Cole Sheckler of Ithaca. His pieces use gold to surround a wide range of gems. Nearby you will find the handiwork of his niece, Brooke Barboza, whom he trained. She is a silversmith and works in Hannibal, N.Y. (south of Oswego). Laurie Schutt is another local jeweler at 15 Steps. An employee called her work “classic, wearable, with great textures, and substantial.” Margaret Neher of Ithaca makes glass jewelry, all of which is nature-themed. Her earrings, necklaces, and pendants all take the form of plants and animals. She also makes “scent bottles” (for perfume), which are, we are told, “coming back.” These are in the shape of a pear or an orchid. Sandy Wright is another local artist who works with glass. Her jewelry is more specifically marine-themed, including many different strikingly accurate recreations of seashells. In the “not for everybody” category she also makes large glass octopuses. In the realm of the practical you find the potters and the makers of kitchen war. Most of the potters with work in 15 Steps are local. One whose work jumps out at you is that of Hannah Graeper of Trumansburg. What she describes as her “primary technique” is called “glaze trailing.” This is the application of glaze via various extruding devices that somewhat resembles decorating a cake. Complex linear patterns are possible with this technique, and Graeper is fond of patterns with simple elements that she builds up into complex designs through repetition and a graphic designer’s sense of balance in a composition. Carol Joos of Ovid makes turned wooden bowls. The type of wood that she used is inscribed on the underside. At present all of the bowls at 15 Steps are continued on page 24

607-257-2669 â&#x20AC;˘ www.ithacacoffee.com Triphammer Marketplace 2255 N. Triphammer Rd., Ithaca,NY

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

Gateway Commons 311 E. Green St., Ithaca,NY

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

Give the Gift of Belhurst Castle Three Unique Hotels · Fine & Casual Dining · Award Winning Wines · Specialty Gift Shop · Full Service Spa~Salon One Gift Buys it All - Purchase Belhurst Castle Gift Certificates Online, by Phone, or In Person

4069 West Lake Road · Geneva NY 315.781.0201 · www.Belhurst.com

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

Magnetic pencil holders carved from local hardwoods (Photo: Bill Chaisson)

‘Locally-made’ contin u ed from page 22

made of cherry, a common tree in the Finger Lakes forests. Right next to Joos’s bowls you will find an assortment of hand-carved wooden serving spoons and forks made elsewhere in New York. There is even some locally made clothing in the shop. Hilary Gifford of Trumansburg creates scarves and wraps that are not only made of fascinating fabrics eye-poppingly dyed, but are also beautiful woven and even painted. Finally, Christian Thirion of Millport (south of Montour Falls) makes gourmet chocolate that he has branded “Preliminaires.” Thirion, a successful glass artist, moved to the area from the West Coast in the 1980s to be near the glass community of Corning. But recently he returned to his original training as a chocolatier. His confections are flavored with passionfruit, basil, Peruvian hot peppers, and salt caramel. “You wouldn’t think it would work,” said a 15 Steps employee, “but they’re delicious.” The name “IthacaMade” rather telegraphs the message of this East State Street store, which is carved out of one corner of the space occupied by Mimi’s Attic in the old Bishop’s. Established by Jan Rhodes-Norman and Alice Muhlback, the business is entirely stocked with wares of local provenance. RhodesNorman, one of the founders of the farmers market, uses the same radius

(30 miles) to define “local” for her latest venture. The shelves, racks, and counters are stacked with an broad selection of potential gifts. Duane Waid’s honey in its many forms is standing in ranks at several locations. “We sell a lot of it,” said RhodesNorman, “so we carry a lot of it.” Waid’s honey operation is based in Interlaken. “Many craft stores have a lot of jewelry and pottery,” said RhodesNorman, “so we make sure that the jewelry that we have is different and that one is different from the other.” She said the same is true of the pottery. “If you think of it in terms of restaurants, it’s like Restaurant Row [on Aurora Street], an eclectic mix.” The cost of items in IthacaMade ranges as widely as the inventory is diverse. There are kitchen magnets that cost 75 cents and hand-stitched bags that cost hundreds of dollars. Some of Graham Ottoson’s lamps (made from gourds) can be priced as high as $250. “The idea is to incubate local businesses,” said Rhodes-Norman. “People come in with an idea and if it’s not right for here, I’ll give them a suggestion as to where they should go.” The result is a store that caters to people of all ages and life stages. Some people, Rhodes-Norman pointed out, are at the point where they are getting rid of stuff. Those folks appreciate something either continued on page 25

‘Locally-made’ contin u ed from page 2 4

winery. For more esoteric and smaller wineries and for more unusual varieties, you will need to go directly to the wineries. Some local breweries have special holiday season brews. Hopshire, Route 13, Dryden is introducing a brew called “Round Yon Virgil.” In the manner of a farm winery, this brewery grows its hops out in front of the tasting room. They sell growlers drawn right from the taps. Wagner Valley Brewery, located at the Wagner Vineyards on Route 414 in Lodi has a seasonal brew called “Sled Dog

useful or edible. Others are “nesting” and are in the process of accumulating objects that define their home environment. IthacaMade has found that there are local people producing products for every demographic. If you are talking about locally-made gifts, you really shouldn’t leave out wine—or for that matter beer or spirits— because not only is the wine made here, but the grapes will nearly always have been grown in the Finger Lakes. You can get yourself out to a winery and purchase your gifts right in the tasting room. The winery closest to Ithaca is Six Mile Creek Vineyards. When you look down from their chalet-like building on Slaterville Road (Route 79) the vineyards that you see are growing their white wine grapes. These varieties tolerate a slightly Hannah Graeper’s pottery at 15 Steps (Photo: C. Palmyra) colder climate than do most of the red wine grapes, which Doppelbock.” This is available in both need to be grown closer to a lake. Six growlers and 12-ounce bottles. Mile Creek Vineyards has its red wine Ithaca Beer, at the junction of Routes grapes planted on Seneca Lake. 13 and 13A, has two seasonal brews. One If you want to go shopping later in is the “Embrr Rye Porter “ and the other is the evening (when the tasting rooms their “Anniversary Beer,” which is available are shut), then you have a lot of wine purveyors to choose from in Ithaca, many during the month of December. Finally, the list of local spirits makers of which feature large Finger Lakes wines is growing. We have to consider port to be a spirit, as they are “fortified” by the addition of a neutral grape spirit. So Ports of New York on Taber Street might be your first stop. Their wines are branded as “Meleau.” But most people think of whiskeys, gin, and vodka when they think of spirits. You will discover that there are even more to taste when you visit Finger Lakes Distillery on Route 414 in Burdett and Myer Farm Distillers on Route 89 in Ovid. The latter is a project of the Myer family organic farm. All their spirits are distilled from organic Glass seashells by Margaret Neher (Photo: C. Palmyra) grains grown on the surrounding farmland. While Finger Lakes Distillery is sections. justifiably enthusiastic about their In Ithaca proper you have Sparrow’s bourbons and corn liquors (the distiller Fine Wines on Meadow Street, Red Feet is from Alabama), Myers specializes in on Franklin Street, and Northside Wine gins that are exotically spiced. If you & Spirits on Elmira Road, home to the don’t think you like gin, you might want world’s largest collection of Finger Lakes to try these. They are flavored with wines. Right downtown you will find juniper, coriander, cinnamon, and citrus Sam’s on South Cayuga Street and the or cinnamon, butter, coconut, maple Cellar d’Or on the Commons. syrup and fall honey. A seasonal gin; who All of these stores carry vintages would have thought? § from all over the Finger Lakes, but they do not have all the wines made by each

Find Gifts At

Mimi’s

Attic

430 W. State St., Ithaca

BUY & SELL Second-hand Furniture, Housewares & Home Decor mimisatticithaca.com Open 7 days/wk

RACHEL LAMPERT, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

Green Gifts Holiday Shopping with the E arth in M ind b y Mich a e l Noc e ll a

f you are shopping for someone who is environmentally conscious this holiday season, you’re in luck if you plan on doing your shopping in downtown Ithaca. There are several places in which you can find recycled, preserved, organic and fair-trade gift items. For starters, arguably the most environmentally friendly gift possible is something that you make yourself. If you’re thinking about knitting someone a sweater, hat or perhaps a pair of mittens, look no further than Sew Green on North Cayuga Street in Clinton Hall, a nonprofit program for reused textiles, yarn, and sewing machines. Sew Green Director Wendy Skinner said making a gift from items in her store is about as green as a gift could get. “You can’t get greener than reuse,” she said. “Reuse, in essence, adds very little new impact [on the environment]. So that’s where the green comes in. We also have foundation belief in sustainability and things such as buying from local artisans and being part of the

downtown economy. I really believe in a centralized economy. Live, work and shop downtown. “A lot of people make their own gifts,” she continued. “So if you’re making someone a gift, if you’re knitting something, sewing something—this is the perfect place to come. If you think about it in a grander scheme, what we’re doing is landfill diversion. That’s not a very attractive term, but we’re preventing all of this stuff from being thrown out.” Skinner added that the store will be putting out a display for stocking stuffers for “sewing fanatics” and will be hosting a workshop on how to wrap gifts in fabric on Dec. 9 from noon to 2 p.m. If making a gift isn’t your thing, but you’re shopping for a young child, newborn, or mother to be, Bloom is the place to go. Bloom owners McKenzie Jones-Rounds and Draya Koschmann created a store that carries American made products for families, and mostly women and children. Thirty percent of the store, at least, is locally made and

Stephanie Egan-Engels with beeswax Hannukah and Christmas-tree candles at Home Green Home. (Photo: Michael Nocella)

more than that is handmade, Koschmann said. From a dress made from fabric that was bought at Sew Green, to toddler clothes made from organic cotton to jewelry comprised of recycled silver, Bloom is environmentally conscious with all of its products. “In terms of environmentally friendly products,” Koschmann said, “buying local is the number one way to go because you’re cutting down transportation costs, pollution and byproducts of [industrial manufacturing]. A lot of our products

here are made by women in their own homes. Families buy a lot of stuff. Kids go through a lot of clothes, a lot of toys. It’s a great time to get that age group thinking about what it means to be part of a global community and a local community. Creating those sustainable habits at a young age is a great way to go about accomplishing that. “Being an environmentally friendly continued on page 29

TRUMANSBURG

WinterFest

Celebrate the season!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 3-7PM

Free family fun!

HILBY THE SKINNY GERMAN JUGGLE BOY GAMES BOUNCE HOUSE FACE PAINTING RAFFLE MERRY MERCHANT OPEN HOUSES HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES ICE SCULPTING TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY STORY BY THE FIRE AT THE LIBRARY SANTAʼS ARRIVAL

The best in American made blades for grating, zesting and slicing. Graters from fine to coarse, spiral cutters and mandolines.

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

Gift as an Education Everyone has something to learn b y Bil l Ch ai s son

he Discovery Trail offers several opportunties for shopping. Of the seven institutions that make up the trail, only the Tompkins County Public Library lacks a gift shop. The shop at the Plantations is located in the Nevins Welcome Center on Plantations Drive, and it has its own parking lot.

They stock items for both children and adults. Lisa Trust, who coordinates space rentals for the Plantations, but also works in the shop, said that one of the big sellers is bingo. Not ordinary bingo, but a themed game with Plantationsrelevant topics like gardening, fish, the Planet Earth, and the weather. Instead of Stacia Humby, owner of the Enchanted Badger, laying out the pieces of Pandemic. (Photo: Bill Chaisson)

numbers, there are pictures on the cards and on the wheel. Another popular game is called The Yoga Garden. It is designed to teach kids to cooperate to get something done. “They have to plant a garden before the sun sets,” said Trust, “and they pull cards that ask them to do different yoga positions while they do this.” In addition to games, the Nevin Center shop stocks craft items that encourage kids to assemble their own birdhouses and to paint flowerpots and garden gnomes. For adults, the shop mostly carries books. The most overtly educational volumes are the how-to variety. You can learn how to plant a garden, make a terrarium, build a small “green roof,” and plant lavender. For the more technically oriented there is a manual for doing site assessments for your domestic landscape. You will figure out what plant will grow where given the conditions on your property. The Nevin Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They follow the Cornell academic schedule and will be closed for the Cornell holiday break. All purchases made at the shop constitute a donation to the Plantations. The Laboratory of Ornithology on Sapsucker Road is home to a Wild Birds Unlimited store. There are over 300 of them around the country with the nearest “full-size” stores are to be found in Johnson City, Fayetteville, and Big Flats. But the Lab of O store is packed with merchandise. In addition to books, they have binoculars, spotting scopes, and tripods and all sorts of what owner Sue Stein called “bird-related” items like coffee mugs, as well as shade-grown coffee beans. The latter is “bird-friendly” because the forest is not cut down to grow the coffee. Like the Plantations store, the Wild Birds Unlimited has lots of how-to books. Here the topics include how to plant your yard for birds (giving them food and shelter), and how to deter deer. There are continued on page 29

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

‘educational gifts’

‘Green Gifts’

contin u ed from page 28

contin u ed from page 26

also books on building birdhouses and bird feeders. Anyone who has owned bird feeders knows that keeping squirrels away from them is a Sisyphean task. The Lab of O has books that show you how to build a system to stymie them, but they also sell the “pole systems” so you don’t have to build it yourself. The Lab of O is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Thursday and closes at 4 p.m. on Friday. It is open 9:30 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. The Sciencenter gift shop is aimed at an audience that is between pre-school and early high-school age. Virtually everything in the shop is educational. Public and media relations manager Amy Gaulke picked out some of her favorites. “The brain games get your brain to work in a different way,” she said. “There are brain teasers, like these metal rings locked together that you have get apart.” There are also many toys that encourage children to build things. One set for very young kids gives them a lot of gears to put together. For older kids the venerable “erector set” is still to be had, and the pieces are still made out of metal. One kit shows children how to build their own pin-hole camera. It includes everything you need to make your own photographs, even the paper. Gaulke said there is a whole line of building kits by a company called K’nex. “You can build all kinds of structures,” she said, “like cranes, buildings, and bridges.” The hours of the Sciencenter are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The store is having a sale from Nov. 28 through Dec. 31. The Enchanted Badger is a board game store on Elmira Road. It stocks games for ages 2 to “infinity,” according to owner Stacia Humby. Games for younger kids focus on teaching hand-eye coordination, math, and shapes and colors. “They are fun,” Humby said, “so you are basically tricked into learning.” The more advanced games emphasize working together and learning cooperation and teamwork. “Even the competitive ones teach empathy,” said Humby. “You learn to be a good loser and a good winner.” Most of the games require some math skills, and all of them require you to plan your moves several stages ahead. One very popular game at the moment is called “Puerto Rico.” You have agricultural land and a metropolitan area, and you need to grow crops and turn them into profits. “You have to pick the crops, process them and then sell them,” said Humby. “You have figure out whether it is worth owning your own ships or using somebody else’s. It involves zero luck and is all about strategy and predicting your competitors’ strategies.” The Enchanted Badger is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. §

store,” she continued, “was our number one consideration when we began this business. That component, selling products that are made from materials that don’t hurt the earth is a big deal for us here. We have a very strict standard for what we bring into our store.” For a wider variety of gifts that are easy on the environment, Home Green Home has a vast range of products, with all of them stressing the importance of being environmentally-friendly, owner Joe Nolan said. Nolan added that his store carries many products that are naturally made, with some of the more popular items including candles, glassware and recycled plastic water bottles. Manager Alyssa de Villiers noted that compost pales have been a surprisingly trendy item. “We’re all about selling sustainable living items,” de Villiers said, “so we try to focus on functional items that replace products that are either going to be one use products or has plastic that has toxic chemicals on it, or items that are unsustainably harvested and we try to replace those items with products that are going to last a long time and help support fair trade and environmentally friendly harvesting. “You can feel good,” she continued, “about fulfilling a social responsibility when you buy someone a gift that was made with the environment in mind, and so can the person you’re giving it to.” The reasons for buying someone an environmentally friendly gift can be different for everyone, whether it’s because of what they believe in, or perhaps maybe something you think they’ll enjoy getting into. Home Green Home sales associate Stephanie EganEngels said giving a green gift can be very thoughtful. “Being environmentally conscious,” she said, “is a part of my own belief system, my own choices. But I think encouraging the people in your life to practice the same kind of habits in something they’re passionate about is a real great way to show them how easy it is to make a lifestyle change [in regards to being environmentally friendly], whether that’s buying them cards made out of recycled paper or a local product.” There are many stores in Ithaca that sell vintage (recycled) items. Downtown there is The Vintage Industry on East State Street (in the same building as the State Street Theatre), where you find everything from old eyeglasses to 1960s Pop art. On the Commons Petrune specializes in vintage clothing, which by definition must be at least 20 years old. Manager Eleanor Ritter said that items that are 20 and 40 years old are consistently popular, so early 1990s “grunge” is now back. Farther afield FOUND on Cherry Street is an entire warehouse filled with stalls stocked by different vendors. You can find anything from a tie clip to a king-size bed. In fact, you’ll definitely have a choice among many tie clips. §

Annual Trumansburg 42nd Annual Trumansburg 45th 43rd42nd

CraftSale Sale Craft

Saturday, December 3, 9-4

Sat. Sat. Dec. Dec 6December 1 9:00-3:00 9:00 - 4:00 Saturday, Sun. 72 11:00-3:00 Sun.Dec. Dec 11:00 3, - 3:00 Sunday, December 4,9-4 11-3 Sunday, December 4, 11-3 Trumansburg Elementary School, Route 96 Trumansburg Elementary School. Route 96 Excellent holiday shopping quality crafts Excellent holiday & shopping &Route quality96crafts. Trumansburg Elementary School. Handicapped accessible Handicapped accessible. Excellent holiday shopping & quality crafts. Free admission

Free admission.

Handicapped accessible.

Featured Crafters: AdamJunkyard and Rose Millspaugh Featured Crafters: Friends - Kristin & Devan Featured Crafter: Twisted Wood Designs & Photography Whitaker create animals junkyard Free admission. Scottwhimsical B Adams metal & Orchard Beatfrom Records Adam and specialize in landscape and outdoor&photography, as well as finds forRose unique home decorations lawn ornaments. Acoustic Instrumental Music

Featured Crafter: custom wood designs. Devan represents the third generation of his family in the Craft Sale! Scott B Adams & Orchard Beat Records Acoustic Instrumental Music

The Cornell Store

at The Shops at Ithaca Mall

FREE*

2014 Cornell Holiday Bear w/ $125 min. purchase

*$19.99 value; while supplies last

at The Shops at Ithaca Mall

40 Catherwood Road | shopsatithacamall.com | 607.319.0706 T

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

Winterfest Comes to Ithaca

ell, it’s winter once again in upstate New York. And, as the late Kurt Vonnegut used to say, “The holidays are at our throats

once again.” Which means, here in Ithaca, it’s time for one of our never-ending festivals—in this case, the Downtown Ithaca Winter Festival. It’s put on by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance. “What is the Downtown Ithaca Alliance?” you might reasonably ask. To answer that question, I visited the Downtown Ithaca Alliance in its hard-to-find suite of offices in Center Ithaca in downtown Ithaca on the Commons. I asked, “Who are you people?” And Gary Ferguson, the DIA director, told me, “We’re an economic development not-for-profit organization charged with the

revitalization of our urban core.” He added, “We’re in the downtown business,” and said, “Our goal is to wake up every day thinking about how to make downtown a better place.” And what can we expect for the Winter Festival? More than 15 winter-themed events during a two-week period in December in and around the Ithaca Commons. These events will include a special holiday Gallery Night, the arrival of Santa Claus in downtown Ithaca, three days of National Ice Carving Association competitions, an outdoor Ice Bar & Lounge with fire dancing, the Telluride Mountain Film Festival, and a multitude of culinary events including Ithaca Restaurant Week, the 5th Annual Chowder Cook-Off Competition and the Ithaca Winter Wine Festival. O.K. That’s a sketch of the events. Let’s look at them in more detail …

b y Wa r r e n G r e e n w o o d WEEK ONE Friday Dec. 5 (5 – 8 p.m.): A Special Holiday Gallery Night On a highly personal note, Gallery Night, to me, is one of the most magical and wonderful things Ithaca has to offer. On Gallery Night, as many as thirty downtown galleries throw simultaneous openings. It runs from 5 to 8 p.m. One can walk from gallery to gallery through the downtown area. And, in addition to the usual food and wine and art, they are planning special events and giveaways for the holidays. And Evan Williams, the Outreach & Communications Coordinator at the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, told me that, for the December Gallery Night, “We are also including First Friday Fusions—a corollary program of music in Ithaca music stores … including Guitar Works, McNeil’s, and Angry Mom Records,” the idea being that the wandering gallery visitor can also drop by the music stores for music as well as art. For Gallery Night details, the Reader can visit www.gallerynightithaca.wordpress.com. Dec. 6 – 14: Ithaca Restaurant Week This is a celebration of food with a host of Ithaca’s finest restaurants offering a selection of specially priced dishes and menus, prix fixe dinners and discounts for gourmets and gourmands. For details visit: www.restaurantweekithaca. com.

(Above) Winterfest Ballet Dancers ring in a past Winterfest at Center Ithaca; Santa Clause arrives (provided), and (below) an artist gathers his canvas for the Ice Wars.

Saturday Dec. 6 (noon – 3 p.m.): Santa’s Arrival in Downtown This is the Big One! Santa Claus himself takes a break from running his elfin toy factories up at the North Pole, and planning safe flight paths for his sleigh and reindeer through a world of surface-to-air missiles and drones, to visit our Enlightened Little Town! Santa and his elves will arrive on the rooftop of Center Ithaca on the Commons at the crack of noon. The happy holiday multitudes can “gather outside in the new center square of the Commons at noon to see Santa arrive”! In years past, Santa and the elves have rappelled down the building for the crowd (although, given the hopelessly behind schedule Commons construction project, perhaps this year Santa can arrive driving a bulldozer, and the elves can wear hardhats and finish laying in those pesky gas lines…) Well, regardless of how he arrives, Santa and the elves will hang out at the Center Ithaca for free photos, games, face painting, music and dance until 3 p.m. Here’s the schedule of events: 12 p.m., Santa’s arrival; 12:15 – 3 p.m., holiday festivities and photos; 12:30 p.m., GCF Productions – HipHop Dance Performance; 1:00 p.m., Cayuga Chimes Chorus; and 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Ithaca continued on page 37

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

Arts&Entertainment

Frozen Fun

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

stage

Home style dining any time of day!

Odds and Sods

animated pair find nest at cornell cinema By Br yan VanC ampe n

Memorable Meals 7 Days a Week Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner

Forget the Forecast!

214 E. Main Street, Trumansburg 607-387-9761 One coupon per person per semester

Visit us at www.fallsrestaurantandtavern.com

One coupon per person per semester

Place Mobile Billboard on Your Vehicle Earn $250 Weekly! Concept Car Wrap will place an ad using a vinyl graphic sheet on your vehicle at no charge and you earn $250 weekly when you drive your vehicle to your normal routine places. No mileage required! Applicant must possess valid DL and pass background check. Contact: Conceptcarwrap@gmail.com or via email or text to (267) 888-5244 to apply.

Be master of all mother nature has in store with Nokian All-Weather WRG3 Tires for your car, SUV or truck.

FREE FREE Oil Oil Change Change

• Smooth ride on wet or dry pavement • Stability at high speeds • Relentless grip in rain, sleet and snow

WithWith the the purchase of 4ofnew TiresTires purchase 4 new (Expires 2/29/12) (Expires 2/29/12)

334 Elmira Rd.Rd. 272-1179 (across from Hampton Inn) 334 Elmira 272-1179 (across from Hampton Inn)

Severe Service Rated

Why Buy Snows? Go to Bruce’s for the best tire... COMMUNITY $$ CASH $$ for every season!

$5Elmira 334 OFFRoad, Ithaca

ANY OIL CHANGE

ANY OIL CHANGE High Milage or Full (featuring Kendal oil) (featuring Kendal oil) Synthetic Oil Change

334 Elmira Rd.Rd. 272-1179 (across from Hampton Inn) 334 Elmira 272-1179 (across from Hampton Inn) good with any other discounts (Expires2/29/12) Not good Not with other discounts. Expires 5/31/14 Notany good with any other discounts (Expires2/29/12)

good tidings of

Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy new year!

ITHACA • HORSEHEADS • VESTAL • SYRACUSE www.veinandaestheticcenter.com | 607.257.2116

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

Ernest & Celestine, directed by Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar and Benjamin Renner, playing at Cornell Cinema, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m., Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. All other titles available on VOD and DVD.

55 OFF OFF

$$Change 00 00 Oil 607-272-1179 $10 OFF

(across fromor Hampton Inn) Good Better

Ithaca’s Favorite Ithaca’s Favorite OilOil Change Change

A screengrab from Ernest and Celestine, available on DVD and video on demand.

2014

was planning on a Thanksgiving column last week, but I don’t need a sanctioned holiday in order to give thanks. That’s something I try to do every day. This week I’m thankful that Cornell Cinema is wrapping up the semester with two weekend matinees of Ernest & Celestine. Here we have a very fine family film, based on a series of children’s books by Belgian author and illustrator Gabrielle Vincent. It’s all about this gruff hungry old bear that befriends a homeless mouse in a world where bears and mice have been conditioned to regard the other as enemies. At a time when hand-drawn animated features are scarce, Ernest & Celestine gives us the simple pleasure of dots going for walks, to paraphrase Chuck Jones. Even the soundtrack feels bonier and more atmospheric than the usual American soundtrack job. The characters’ actions are recorded at a distance; even the voice actors themselves—Forest Whitaker, Lauren Bacall (in her final film role), Paul Giamatti, William H. Macy, Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman, and Jeffrey Wrigh—sound as if they were recorded with the idea of space, distance and an audible room tone. None of that technical stuff really matters, though. Like the best animated features, bringing a child to Ernest & Celestine is optional. • • • I’m also thankful for Seth MacFarlane’s wicked and wise Western parody A Million Ways to Die in the West. It’s the funniest such spoof to come down the pike since Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles. (You were

expecting Rustler’s Rhapsody?) You could even pair these two up as a double bill, Brooks’ classic is an example of what was outrageous in 1974, and MacFarlane’s is a post-South Park vision. MacFarlane and Charlize Theron are terrific as two people who realize how much smarter and savvier they are than everyone else in MacFarlane’s nightmare vision of how cheap life was in the Old West. MacFarlane’s cartoon staging aside, all the movie’s appalling visions of death happen to be based in fact. Neil Patrick Harris, Giovanni Ribisi and Sarah Silverman are great scene-stealers. Thanks, too, to Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables 3. I didn’t much care for the first film in the series, but the subsequent flicks have established more of a sense of humor and action scenes filmed without CG enhancement. This time Stallone’s gang picks up a few new members as they go after bad guy Mel Gibson. Wesley Snipes and Harrison Ford drop in for the mission. • • • Since I’ve started helping out with the IIFFF every year and hanging out with my buddy Hugues Barbier, I keep meeting this guy Jeff Meyer all over town and at the Cinema Wasteland convention in Ohio. Meyer is my kind of film buff, a guy who still believes in the old-fashioned ways of projecting actual film. This Friday at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theater in Syracuse, I will be hosting and cracking wise for a 35 mm Clint Eastwood double feature of Dirty Harry and The Outlaw Josey Wales. It’s all a part of Meyer’s ongoing “brew and view” series, and for a $10 admission, you get the two movies, various libations and various surprises throughout the evening. So if you’re feeling lucky, punk, I hope to see you there. •

stage

Whole Lotta Laughs

comedian ralphie may takes state stage

The Park Center for Independent Media presents

Locked Down, Locked Out:

Why Prison Doesn’t Work and How We Can Do Better MAYA SCHENWAR

By Br yan VanC ampe n

editor-in-chief of the independent media outlet TruthOut.org discussing her new book — an indictment of the current prison system, with bold, transformative ideas for how to fix it. She’ll also discuss the role of independent media. with Q&A and book signing

Tuesday, December 9 7:00 p.m. Business 111 (Carl Sgrecci Lecture Hall) Ithaca College Comedian Ralphie May got his start after winning a contest as a teenager to open for Sam Kinison. This Sunday, May takes the State stage. (photo provided)

efore I started doing stand-up comedy last year, I was interviewing comedians. I was the “comedian guy”: Paula Poundstone, Marc Maron, Craig Ferguson, the “Whose Line …” gang, you name ‘em. I consider myself a “deep cuts” comedy fan, and I like to think I’m capable of tracking lots of funny people. But a couple of funny things happened about four years ago when Jim Breuer came to town to perform at the State Theatre. Of course, I knew Breuer from SNL, but I wasn’t familiar with his opening act, a heavy-set fellow from Arkansas by way of Tennessee called Ralphie May. When I interviewed Breuer, he said he was actually going out first, opening for May. He told me he only did clean familysuitable material, and that May was 180 degrees away from that. Once I’d gotten over the fact that the assumed headliner was not the headliner, I noticed that while I didn’t know May or his work, everyone I worked with at the Ithaca Bakery knew who he was and went on at length at how funny he was. As a “deep cuts” comedy fan, I’m not used to not being aware of comedians. No matter: because Ralphie May is coming back to the State Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 7. At age 17, he won a contest, the prize being a chance to open for Sam Kinison. In 2003 he participated in the first season of Last Comic Standing. His particular brand of “say it like it is” comedy has earned him a rabid fan base. With no television series or movies to push his image to a wider audience, he’s done just fine as a comedy road dog; he’s made one album, Just Correct, and four stand-up TV specials, Girth of A Nation,

Prime Cut, Austin-Tatious, and Too Big to Ignore. Some comics clam up when its interview time, but not May. The minute you answer the phone, he’s talking a mile a minute like you’ve known him for years. “You must be somethin’, ‘cause today is ‘No Talk to Anyone Day,’ and my PR person got you in here today, so you must be somethin’. I’m havin’ a great time, I just got off the road for 27 days. It’s crazy. Last week, I hugged and kissed Lionel Richie. I partied with Kool and the Gang. I was one of the Gang. Crazy, y’know? That happened, dude. That happened.” I asked May if he keeps a diary. “Naw. I should, huh? The stories are good.” I told May about my burgeoning stand-up career, and he mentioned a YouTube video he made, breaking down story for newbies. “Do yourself a favor: Google my name, “comedy store,” and “stand-up boot camp.” Then roll yourself a joint, smoke it slowly and watch for the next two hours a master class that’s everything I know about stand-up comedy. I spiel out to a bunch of newcomers at this boot camp, and they put it out there. I don’t make any money on it, because I don’t like taking money from comics. “You’ll see every ****ing mistake you’re making. The problem is that writers fall in love with their words. You gotta edit, get it down to the bone.” • Ralphie May appears at the State Theatre Sunday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m. For tickets, call 800-919-6272.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation should contact Brandy Hawley at bhawley@ithaca.edu as soon as possible.

Hangar Theatre gift certificates, subscriptions, and giftiks are the perfect gift for any occasion.

Introducing our 2015 Mainstage Season:

Visit Hangartheatre.org or call 607.273.ARTS to purchase your gift today. Located at 801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

*Subject to availability.

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

music

Joyful Noise

ithaca underground’s ‘big day in’ bigger than ever By Luk e Z . Fe nche l

“I Holiday Concert and CD release December 12 & 13 at 8pm Celebrate the Holidays at the Hangar as the Burns Sisters perform original songs and seasonal favorites from cultures around the world. Bring nonperishable foodstuffs or give on-site donations to the Food Bank and be entered to win fabulous Hangar prizes.

Tickets start at $18*

PREMIER SPONSOR

HangarTheatre.org • 607.273.ARTS

Located at 801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850 *Additional fee’s apply

Please join us!

DECEMBER 2014 THROUGH DEC. 14 Art

Divergent Series: 2014 Faculty Show, a display of works exploring the multiple, the sequence, and the collection, by faculty artists from the Department of Art and the Department of Media Arts, Sciences, and Studies; Handwerker Gallery, Gannett Center. The gallery is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon–5:00 p.m.

THURSDAY DEC. 4 Theatre

Ithaca College Theatre production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Anna in the Tropics, a story of passion and betrayal amidst tradition among a family of Cuban immigrants in 1920s Florida; 8:00 p.m., Clark Theatre, Dillingham Center (performances run through December 7, admission charged).

SUNDAY DEC. 7 Music

Winter choral concert, featuring performances by the Ithaca College Choir, Women’s Chorale, Madrigal Singers, and Chorus; 3:00 p.m., Ford Hall, Whalen Center.

THURSDAY DEC. 11 Music

Concert by the Ithaca College Chamber Orchestra, featuring works by Ravel, C.P.E. Bach, and Lang, with guest performers Malcolm Bilson, Steven Stucky, and Gabriel Shuford; 8:15 p.m., Ford Hall, Whalen Center.

This is just a sampling of December events on campus; to view more visit events.ithaca.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation should call 607-274-3011 as much in advance of the event as possible. Unless otherwise noted, all listed events are free of charge.

ithaca.edu

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

see Big Day In as more than just an event, but a celebration of our inclusive and tight-knit underground community,” said Bubba Crumrine, the executive director of Ithaca Underground, of the semiannual festival, which returns to the Haunt this Saturday, Dec. 6 at noon. The all-day and all-ages show brings together national touring acts, regional groups with a close connection to the local scene, Perfect Pussy, the Syracuse-based band whose choatic sound has generated and popular local standbys. a ton of positive press lately, headlines Ithaca’s Big Day In at the Haunt And with fifteen bands under Saturday. twelve hours, what an event teach us a thing or two about surviving and it is. prospering in this ever growing community This is the tenth installment and has of DIY music and art,” Crumrine wrote. become a capstone to the organization’s “From Shore Acres Drive, whose front man expanding influence. Ithaca Underground played his first-ever live performance this incorporated as a not-for-profit this year, and still managed (in spite of incorporation summer, to DIY music veterans like Math The Band and Jeff Rosenstock, on through paperwork) to host 65 shows. As a bonus youth acts like King Size Pegasus and door raffle, one lucky attendee who shows Eyukaliptus, plus red-hot acts like Perfect up before 1:30 p.m. will receive a pass to all Pussy and Del Paxton on to local acts 2015 shows, valued at nearly $500. on the rise, The RealBads, The Newman “Bubba is the best person ever!” said Brothers and Misses Bitches, and local hipMeredith Graves, who fronts headliners hop producer and performer, Sammus.” Perfect Pussy, which kicked off the band’s Isabel Reidy, who fronts the RealBads, first national tour at an Ithaca Underground looks forward to the “community of show last March. “We’ve basically been musicians” that Ithaca Underground on tour for a full year—we started with provides. Here Come the RealBads, the Syracuse three times, and in Philadelphia, seven-track reverb-drenched pop ear-candy and then New York. We came back to that Reidy calls “a very short album, or a Ithaca, where I had played before, and glorified EP”, is just the sort of music that have been on tour since. Graves continued: deserves an audience, but can easily get lost “We’re very happy to come back and play for Bubba—we basically would do anything in a sea of streaming music. “Cutie Boys” a track from the release sounds like the for Bubba—and this will be our last show BeeGees filtered through a lost act on the for a minute [before an Australian tour].” great Kill Rock Stars label—smart, catchy, “Big Day In’s programming goal and convincing. “I went to art school for a is to have a line-up that reflects Ithaca couple of years, and I realized I was never Underground’s multi-generational, multigender community, and the genre-diversity going to be a fine artist—though I have always been interested in comic books, and we support year-round,” Crumrine said. working on that for the last few years has “We have another strong, eclectic line-up informed my lyrics.” Reidy performs with across subterranean punk genres—noise, her brother Silas, as well as members of the electronic spazz, folk, ska, and hardcore— Newman Brothers, who will also perform at on through indie rock, psych pop, freakBig Day In. folk-funk, and even a dash of hip-hop this “Big Day In is for everyone—or at year.” least everyone who has a bit of musical In addition to Perfect Pussy, who adventurism in them,” Crumrine said. originated in Syracuse, the line-up is as “Ithaca Underground’s audience has grown follows: Math the Band, an expanding sixto be multi-generational, multi-gendered, piece electronic funk from Providence; Jeff pulling from a broad range of underground Rosenstock, a punk poet from downstate traveling with a full band called Depression genres and experience.” • Werewolf; Zula, a psychedelic four-piece; Big Day In runs from noon until 10 p.m. and Buffalo’s Del Paxton. And that barely Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Haunt. Arrive early, scratches the surface. because one lucky attendee will receive a “IU aims to showcase and mix fresh and bright regional acts with newcomers to yearlong pass to all Ithaca Underground shows in 2015. the national scene and those who can still

A tall, upright piece, Drummer at Stone Cat shows a silver-haired, blackT-shirt wearing man seated behind two large hand drums. A misshapen monkey is perched on a high window. Black and white accent hot pink and a more subdued orange.

art

Lattice and Lines

monaghan, staffeld at the crow’s nest By Ar thur W hit m an

ocal artists Gerry Monaghan and Andrea Staffeld make an odd pair. Working with bent cane, toothpicks, and other homespun materials, Monaghan creates convoluted lattice structures that resemble deconstructed basketry. Some hang from the wall, others the ceiling. Staffeld’s work memorializes the quotidian as well, albeit very differently. An observer of daily life, she adapts images from her sketchbooks to make works than often conflate drawing and painting. Both artists showed together earlier this fall at Damiani Wine Cellars in Burdett. A second joint exhibit is up through November and December at the Crow’s Nest Café on the second floor of Autumn Leaves Books. (Monaghan also has a piece in the front window.) Monaghan’s constructions echo the make-do materials and eccentric forms often found in self-taught or “outsider” art. They also recall the visionary architectural sculpture (or sculptural architecture) of modernists like Vladimir Tatlin and Buckminster Fuller. The Healing Machine (after Emery Blagdon) pays homage to a classic outsider. A kindred voice, Blagdon (1907-1986) believed his constructions of wire, foil, and other found materials to have curative powers. Monaghan’s piece is among his simplest and most endearing. A smaller pyramid lattice hangs suspended within a larger diamond one—both slowly twisting. It joins other pieces hung mid-air past a

balcony overlooking the first floor of the store. The structure combines bamboo, wood, beeswax, glue, thread, and shellac. In title and style, The Dance of the Subatomic Particles and Atomic Clock allude to the Atom Age obsessions of mid-century modernist design— particularly the famous “ball clock” that Irving Harper designed for Herman Miller. Dance is suspended in mid-air while Clock hangs against a nearby wall, resembling a game of chutes and ladders. Both make use of Work by Andrea shiny, multi-colored Staffeld, from a past “atomic” beads as show at Damiani Wine points of focus. Cellars. Staffeld is showing several large acrylic paintings, most of them unframed and all on various rigid supports rather than canvas. They hang high above the bookshelves; like Monaghan’s sculptures they take some work to see. Several show solitary figures engrossed in playing a musical instrument.

Named after a classic Disney ballad cum jazz standard, Someday My Prince Will Come shows a man of oddly disembodied parts: his head and twisted limbs encradling a double bass, which he plays pizzicato. The piece is colored in coppery blues and oranges with whitened skin and vigorously drawn outlining. If Someday implies motion, the also-striking Cody on Cello suggests an introspective stillness. Painted in a rich compendium of grays and accented with

drawn lines, the picture closes in on the head and shoulders of a young man. He faces left, hand grasping the neck of his instrument like an extension of his body. Accents of warmer gray enliven his hand and neck. Behind him, echoing his form like a shadow, is another figure: a gray silhouette given personality with a few deft strokes of charcoal black. It’s Personal portrays a curly, long-haired woman seated at a table holding a pen/pencil/brush to a blank sheet: an artist or writer at work. The style is calligraphic, Matissean—like a blown up ink brush painting—with dark blue lines pressed against a faint background of beige and pink. Staffeld is showing two small works on paper, both framed pieces leaned up against a window. At the Library, a color drawing, is the more substantial. It shows a boy typing into a computer. Man and machine appear to be facing each other in an odd sort of pas de deux. The other piece is a rudimentary graphite sketch. It would have been interesting to include more of Staffeld’s black-and-white-drawings, as some that I’ve seen have a sense of vivacity that compares favorably with anything here. One shouldn’t strain too hard to connect the work of these disparate artists. But something comes to mind: namely a compelling sense of poise— of the way things or people hang in space, in movement or stilled—that enlivens the best work here. •

in the historic Willard Straight Theatre

December Films

Frank Guardians of the Galaxy Ernest & Celestine Space Jam Pitch Perfect The Grand Budapest Hotel cinema.cornell.edu

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

E nCelebrate j o y I n d i a nSpring C u i s i n with e W i tUs! h Us! Thanks for choosing New Delhi Diamond’s for Best Indian Food & Best Buffet for 2010!!

New Delhi

Dinner menu 7 days 5-10pm

Diamond’s

lunch Lunch Buffet only Buffet only $7.99 $8.61

Beer & Wine • Catering • 106 W. Green St. • 272-4508 • open 7 days

19 Sandwiches Under $5.00 every day of the week

music

Harmonious Pairing

hot tuna, donna the buffalo in ithaca By Luk e Z . Fe nche l

PLUS 24 oz Pepsi for only 9¢ with any Shortstop Sandwich Purchase

Call Ahead 273-1030

Hot Tuna headlines the Friday, Dec. 5 show at the State Theatre. (photo provided)

“W

e are just happy to be alive and playing music,” said Jeb Puryear about performing in Donna the Buffalo, which enters its 25th year as a band this next year. The Trumansburg act has been creating good old-time, zydeco-, and Cajun-influenced musical vibes for so long they have become synonymous with the sound of Tompkins County for many locals as well as the “herd” that follows the act while it is touring the country. “It is positive energy for tons of people,” Puryear added. This Friday, Dec. 5, they will celebrate with a performance at the State Theatre, where they will join an electric version of Hot Tuna, a project of some of the founding members of Jefferson Airplane. In addition to Puryear, Donna includes Tara Nevins, the vocalist, guitarist, fiddle player who also plays accordion and rub-board, David McCracken on organs and keys, Kyle Spark on bass, and Mark Raudabaugh at the drums. “It’s been really fun with this lineup,” Puryear said. “You get to the point where you’re playing on a really high level, things are clicking and it’s like turning on the key to a really good car. It just goes.” Donna the Buffalo has played at the State so many times Puryear didn’t remember the number—“It’s been a bunch of times,” but the history of the band and the theater are very intertwined. “My brother was involved in [the restoration] of the theater, and we played 36

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

the first benefit show, which became GrassRoots, there.” Tonight, Tomorrow and Yesterday was released last year, their album first in five years. But Puryear promised a wideranging show. Hot Tuna’s Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady first gained national attention through the seminal ‘60s psychedelic group the Jefferson Airplane, but their 50year friendship and musical collaboration has lasted longer than almost any other American rock partnership. While the Jefferson Airplane managed to sound both more political and avant-garde than most of their contemporaries, Kaukonen and Casady found an outlet for further experimentation in Hot Tuna. Originally conceived as a side-project, by the time of the Airplane’s dissolution in the mid ‘70s, Kaukonen and Casady were devoting their full time to Hot Tuna’s mix of traditional blues, folk and hard rock, performing shows that featured musical extremes of volume and breadth. The pair began playing as teenagers in the Washington, D.C. area, and have collaborated on and off for 50 years. The original incarnation of Hot Tuna came to an end in 1977, but a revival in the ‘80s culminated in a reunion of the Jefferson Airplane in 1989. For the past few years, Hot Tuna has exclusively performed acoustic, but are now returning from a 2010 show at the State to perform electric. •

‘winterfest’

crafted gelid sculptures.

contin u ed from page 31

Thursday, Dec. 11 (5 – 9 p.m.): An Evening of Fire & Ice at The Ice Bar “Back by popular demand,” according to DIA, “the Ithaca Ice Bar & Lounge will be the centerpiece of this year’s Ithaca Ice Party.” The Ice Bar is a 12-foot long bar made of solid ice. Looking at the photos of last year’s Ice Bar, it looks like something out of a fantasy story … about drinking. The Winter-Braving Reader can hang out after work and have a libation at the Ice Bar and watch demonstrations of fire juggling and dancing in the newly cleared and paved Central Commons Square. (Right in front of Center Ithaca.)

Talent Education Violinists. Saturday Dec. 6 (6 – 9 p.m.): The Telluride Mountain Film Festival Screening at the Community School of Music and Arts, 215 E. State/MLK St., 6 – 9 p.m. The event is brought to you by the Finger Lakes Running & Triathlon Company.” For more info: www. fingerlakesrunningco.com. Sunday Dec. 7 (12 – 3 p.m.): Photos & Crafts with Santa The Big Guy returns to our own Center Ithaca! And the Child-Bearing Reader has another chance to meet Santa and take free photos with his or her cell phone or whatever, and enjoy making gingerbread crafts in Center Ithaca from 12 – 3 p.m. These events are free and open to the public. Now, lets take a look at… WEEK TWO Thursday, Dec. 11 – 13: Ithaca Ice Wars Carving Competition This ongoing event is comprised of three days of ice-carving competition on the Ithaca Commons. It will feature ten ice sculptors and is a National Ice Carving Association sanctioned event. The winners will take home $9,000 in prize money. Visitors can watch huge blocks of ice transformed into glittering, diamond-like sculptures, and take pictures of their kids on an Ice Throne, and alongside these finely

Friday, Dec. 12 (5 – 9 p.m.): Winter Après-Ski Party & Speed Carving Competition at the Ice Bar Here, the visitor is encouraged to don ski lodge attire and hang out at the Ice Lounge, get a drink at the Ice Bar, and watch the ice carvers. From one’s ice stool, one can watch world-class ice carvers compete in three rounds of completion. The first round is governed by the need for speed. Each master carver must compete a statue in twenty minutes. Then two carvers compete with one chance to deliver a stature to be judged by a National Ice Carving Association professional judging panel. Saturday, Dec. 13 (noon to 5 p.m.): 5th Annual Chowder Cook-Off & Ice Bar This is a popular annual event where a variety of eateries set up shop on the Ithaca

Commons, and a visitor can wander the Commons and sample over 20 different chowders, and then vote for his or her favorite. For tickets and details: www. downtownithaca.com. Ithaca Ice Wars Continue (Two Competitions in One Day) On this third day of the Ice Carving Competition, there will be the Carve & Delivery Competition from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. followed by the Two-Block Showpiece Challenge from 2 – 6 p.m. And the everpopular Ice Bar opens at noon! The Ithaca Winter Wine Festival This is a wine-tasting event where over a dozen local wine and cheese makers are set up in one appealing venue: The Space @ Greenstar on Buffalo Street. All ticket holders will receive a commemorative wine glass and unlimited samples and tastings. For details visit: www.ithacawinefest.com. Habitat For Humanity’s Annual Cookie Walk Fundraiser (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) The 3rd Annual Habitat For Humanity Cookie Walk will be held in Center Ithaca. At the Cookie Walk, the downtown visitor can purchase from a large selection of homemade cookies with the proceeds going to benefit Habitat For Humanity of Tompkins & Cortland Counties. Cookies and housing—what could be better? Dec. 12 – 14: The Nutcracker No Christmas season would be

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

complete without The Nutcracker. Accordingly, the Ithaca Ballet will present the perennial holiday favorite, with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Lavinia Reid, at the State Theatre, 109 W. State/MLK St., Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 13 at 3 p.m., and Dec 14 at 3 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www. stateofithaca.com. Well, that about, uh, wraps it up. We might mention that this slate of holiday events was made possible by a grant from the Tompkins County Tourism Program and the Hilton Garden Inn. Thanks guys! And here, on a personal note, I might mention that winter isn’t really my season. I grew up in upstate New York, and, even as a kid, I didn’t much care for winter. And then I lived for nearly three decades in L.A.—in a Mediterranean climate. I discovered that there are places on the planet where, by our upstate standards, there is no winter. (They do have a winter in L.A., but it is essentially a rainy season and nothing like the frozen hell we go through here. As Garrison Keillor once remarked, “Winter is trying to kill you”.) That said … there are people who actually like the season. They are crazy. And how fortunate we are that we have the good people at the Downtown Ithaca Alliance to provide us with all these diverting Winter Festival events to help us get through the season with some joy and panache. • For a full schedule of events for the Downtown Ithaca Winter Festival visit www. downtownithaca.com.

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

Music bars/clubs/cafés

12/03 Wednesday

12/06 Saturday

12/05 Friday

12/07 Sunday

12/04 Thursday

DAN SMALLS PRESENTS

12/08 Monday

12/09 Tuesday

STATE’S 86TH BIRTHDAY!

C F C U C O M M U N I T Y C R E D I T U N I O N / G AT E WAY COMMONS COMMUNITY SERIES PRESENTS:

12/10 Wednesday

12/03 Wednesday

Midday Music for Organ: David Yearsley | 12:30 PM- | Sage Chapel, Cornell University, , Ithaca | presents Franck and Bach in B MinorPrelude, Chorale, and Fugue. Campus Choral Ensemble | 7:00 PM- | Hockett Family Recital Hall, Ithaca College, Ithaca | Susan Avery, conductor. Cornell Percussion Group | 8:00 PM- | Room B20, Lincoln Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca | Michael Compitello, director. Wind Ensemble | 8:15 PM- | Ford Hall, Ithaca College, Danby Road, Ithaca | Stephen Peterson, conductor; Timothy Reynish, The Col. Arnald Gabriel ‘50 HDRMU ‘89 Visiting Wind Conductor.

12/04 Thursday

Midday Music at Lincoln | 12:30 PM- | Room B20, Lincoln Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca | Pianist Roger Moseley,

soprano Judith Kellock, and students. Chamber Music Concert | 7:00 PM- | Hockett Family Recital Hall, Ithaca College, Ithaca | Claire Lynch Band | 7:30 PM- | La Tourelle Resort and August Moon Spa, 1150 Danby Rd, Ithaca | Contrapunkt | 8:00 PM- | Barnes Hall Auditorium, Cornell University, Ithaca | Patrick Braga, Jasmine Edison, and Paul Hwang, directors. Features music written by Cornell undergraduate composers. Concert and Symphonic Bands | 8:15 PM- | Ford Hall, Ithaca College, Danby Road, Ithaca | Mark Fonder and Elizabeth Peterson, conductors Timothy Reynish, The Col. Arnald Gabriel ‘50 HDRMU ‘89 Visiting Wind Conductor. “British Invasion”

12/05 Friday

12/06 Saturday

Campus Band and Campus Jazz Ensemble | 12:00 PM- | Ford Hall, Ithaca College, Danby Road, Ithaca | Art Carichner and Bill Tiberio, conductors Webcast live at www.ithaca.edu/music/ live Student Chamber Music Recital | 3:00 PM- | Barnes Hall Auditorium, Cornell University, Ithaca | Concerts in the Courtroom: Holiday Stylings with Ryan and Melissa Vanderhoof | 7:00 PM- | Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road (Rt. 34B), Lansing | Presented by the East Shore Arts Council. www.eastshorearts.org 1964: The Tribute | 8:00 PM- | State Theatre of Ithaca, 107 W State St, Ithaca | 1964: The Tribute takes their audiences on a musical journey to an era in rock history that will live in all of our hearts

forever. All Ages. Cornell University Jazz Band | 8:00 PM- | Lincoln Hall, Cornell University, Room B20, Ithaca | Paul Merrill, director. Swing Fling features the Cornell big band in Club B20, with guest vocalists, dancing and refreshments, plus dance instruction at 7:30 PM. Mostly Motown Winter Show | 8:00 PM- | Unitarian Church, Ithaca | Great songs by Smokey Robinson, The Jackson 5, The Spinners,The Four Tops, The Shirelles and much more. Jazz Ensemble | 8:15 PM- | Ford Hall, Ithaca College, Danby Road, Ithaca | Mike Titlebaum, director.

12/07 Sunday

Student Chamber Music Recital | 3:00 PM- | Barnes Hall Auditorium, Cornell University, Ithaca | Winter Choral Concert | 3:00 PM- | Ford Hall, Ithaca College, Danby Road, Ithaca | Choir, Women’s Chorale, Madrigal Singers, and Chorus Janet Galvan and Derrick Fox, conductors. Webcast live at www.ithaca.edu/music/live A Holiday Bouquet | 4:00 PM- | First Unitarian Church Ithaca, 306 N Aurora St, Ithaca | Holiday Concert performed by The Cayuga Vocal Ensemble, directed by Dr Carl Johengen. Sage Chapel Christmas Vespers | 7:30 PM- | Sage Chapel, Cornell University, Ithaca | A candlelit Lessons and Carols service sung by the Cornell University Chorus and Glee Club, with traditional readings by members of the Cornell community. Features Robert Isaacs, conductor, and organist David Yearsley, with audience participation in the familiar Christmas hymns. African Drumming and Dance | 8:15 PM- | Ford Hall, Ithaca College, Danby Road, Ithaca | Baruch Whitehead, director

12/08 Monday

Intergenerational Choir | 7:00 PM- | Hockett Family Recital Hall, Ithaca College, Ithaca | Emily Mason, director Sage Chapel Christmas Vespers | 7:30 PM- | Sage Chapel, Cornell University, Ithaca | A candlelit Lessons and Carols service sung by the Cornell University Chorus and Glee Club, with traditional readings by members of the Cornell community.

D A N S M A L L S P R E S E N T S I T H A C A B A L L E T P R E S E N T S • MOVIE: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET D EC EM BER 2 0 •WINTER VILLAGE BLUEGRASS J A N UA R Y 2 4 •CURIOUS GEORGE LIVE! J A N UA R Y 2 5

ELECTRIC WITH

HOT TUNA

DONNA THE BUFFALO

1964: THE TRIBUTE

FRI. DEC 5 TIX

h e

SAT. DEC 6

RALPHIE MAY

THE NUTCRACKER

SUN. DEC 7

DEC 12-14

• THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS F EBR UA R Y 1 0 •AN EVENING WITH: IRA GLASS F EBR UA R Y 1 4

DSP DSP

ROLLINGSTONE MAGAZINE

DSP

“THE BEST BEATLES TRIBUTE ON EARTH”

**JUST ANNOUNCED**

BUDDY GUY

6/5

S TATE THE ATRE B OX OFFI CE (105 W STATE/MLK J R ST, I TH ACA) • 6 0 7 - 2 7 7 - 8 2 8 3 • S TAT EOF IT HA C A . C OM

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3- 9,

2014

12/09 Tuesday

12/10 Wednesday

Film Free Friday Night Film Series: Love Story (1970) | 7:30 PM-, 12/05 Friday | Center For Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St, Homer | cinemapolis

Movie descriptions via rottentomatoes.com Birdman | BIRDMAN or The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance is a black comedy that tells the story of an actor (Michael Keaton) - famous for portraying an iconic superhero - as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. | 119 mins R | Fri: 4:30, 7:00, 9:30; Sat & Sun: 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30; Mon - Wed: 4:30, 7:00, 9:30; Thu: 11:20 AM, 2:00, 7:00, 9:30. The Homesman | When three women living on the edge of the American frontier are driven mad by harsh pioneer life, the task of saving them falls to the pious, independent-minded Mary Bee Cuddy (Hilary Swank). | 122 mins R | Fri: 4:15, 6:45, 9:15; Sat & Sun: 1:45, 4:15, 6:45, 9:15; Mon: 4:15, 6:45;

Tue & Wed: 4:15, 6:45, 9:15; Thu: 11:20 AM, 1:45, 4:15, 6:45, 9:15. National Theatre Live: Skylight | Thu: 6:30 PM. Rosewater | Rosewater follows the Tehran-born Bahari, a broadcast journalist with Canadian citizenship. In June 2009, Bahari returned to Iran to interview Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who was the prime challenger to president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. | 103 mins R | Fri - Thu: 7:05, 9:20 The Tale of Princess Kaguya (Kaguyahime no monogatari) | Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo by an old bamboo cutter (James Caan) and his wife (Mary Steenburgen), a tiny girl grows rapidly into an exquisite young lady (Chloë Grace Moretz). The mysterious young princess enthralls all who encounter her - but ultimately she must confront her fate. | 137 mins PG | Fri: 4:00 PM; Sat & Sun: 1:20, 4:00; Mon - Wed: 4:00 PM; Thu: 11:00 AM, 1:20, 4:00 The Theory of Everything | The extraordinary story of one of the world’s greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde. Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking received an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21 years of age. | 123 mins PG-13 | Fri: 4:20, 6:50, 9:20; Sat & Sun: 1:50, 4:20, 6:50, 9:20; Mon - Wed: 4:20, 6:50, 9:20; Thu: 11:20 AM, 1:50, 4:20, 6:50, 9:20 Whiplash | Andrew Neyman is an ambitious young jazz drummer, singleminded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. | 106 mins R | Fri: 4:45, 9:15; Sat & Sun: 2:30, 4:45, 7:00, 9:15; Mon: 4:45, 9:15; Tue & Wed: 4:45, 7:00, 9:15; Thu: 11:20 AM, 2:30, 4:45 cornell cinema

Frank | Ginger-haired Jon joins the Soronprfbs, an eccentric pop band led by the even more eccentric Frank, who never takes off an oversized plastic head with baby-boy blue eyes with a direct stare. As he spends more time with the band and they toy with album-writing and history-making, it becomes clear that Frank might be just too much for Jon to face. | Wed 12/03 7:15 PM; Thu 12/04 7:15 PM; Sat 12/06 9:30 PM Guardians of the Galaxy | Upon stealing a highly sought-after mysterious orb, intergalactic

everyman Peter Quill—or, Star-Lord as he insists on being called— teams up with other well-meaning mercenaries to form a ragtag merry band, The Guardians of the Galaxy. | Thu 12/04 9:30 PM; Sat 12/06 7:00 PM; Sun 12/07 7:00 PM; Mon 12/08 9:00 PM. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory | Oompa-LoompaDoopity-Doo, we’ve got a silly movie for you. Gene Wilder plays Wacky Willy Wonka in a factory full of grisly goodies in this classic fantasy film. | Fri 12/05 9:15 PM; chocolate soirée at 8 p.m. Ernest & Celestine | Based on the children’s book by Gabrielle Vincent, this Oscar-nominated animated tale features a world of bears and mice, where the mice are relegated to an underground city, the bears roam freely above like humans, and the two societies live in great fear of one another. | Sat 12/06 2:00 PM; Sun 12/07.

Stage Snap! | 7:00 PM-, 12/03 Wednesday | Cinemapolis, 120 E Green St, Ithaca | Storyteller Regi Carpenter tells her story of breakdown and recovery. A one-person live performance. Sunset Baby | 7:30 PM-, 12/03 Wednesday; 7:30 PM-, 12/04 Thursday; 8:00 PM-, 12/05 Friday; 8:00 PM-, 12/06 Saturday; 4:00 PM-, 12/07 Sunday; 7:30 PM-, 12/10 Wednesday | Kitchen Theatre, 471 W State/MLK St, Ithaca | By Dominique Morisseau. A former Black revolutionary, his outside-the-law daughter, and her drug dealing lover struggle to overcome the forces that derail families. What happens when the line between sacrifice and selfishness is blurred? Hairspray | 7:30 PM-, 12/03 Wednesday; 7:30 PM-, 12/04 Thursday; 8:00 PM-, 12/05 Friday; 3:00 PM-, 8:00 PM- 12/06 Saturday; 2:00 PM-, 12/07 Sunday; 7:30 PM-, 12/10 Wednesday | Archbold Theatre at Syracuse Stage, 820 Genesee Street, Syracuse | Bubbling with joy and 60s era music and dance, Hairspray delights with the pleasures of a classic American musical. Hit Me: Stories with a Punch | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM, 12/04 Thursday | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N Cayuga St, Ithaca | Presented by students from Ithaca College’s storytelling class Anna in the Tropics | 8:00 PM-, 12/04 Thursday; 8:00 PM-, 12/05 Friday; 8:00

PM-, 12/06 Saturday | Clark Theatre, Ithaca College, Danby Road (Rt. 96B), Ithaca | Nilo Cruz sets his Pulitzer Prize-winning play in Tampa, Florida, in the late 1920s among a family of Cuban immigrants. Passion, betrayal, and tradition come to the forefront when a handsome stranger brings Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina into the family business. Nick Offerman | 7:30 PM-, 12/05 Friday | Bailey Hall, Cornell University, , Ithaca | A Christmas Story | 8:00 PM-, 12/05 Friday; 8:00 PM-, 12/06 Saturday; 2:00 PM-, 12/07 Sunday | Tiahwaga Performing Arts Center, 42 Delphine St, Owego | For the twelfth consecutive season, the popular holiday classic “A Christmas Story” portrays the riotous trials and travails of young Ralphie Parker on his quest for the one thing he wants for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. The Russian Nutcracker | 2:00 PM-, 12/06 Saturday | Samuel Clemens Performing Arts Center See Clemens Center, , Elmira | 2:00 PM-, 12/07 Sunday | Forum Theatre, 236 Washington St, Binghamton | Performed by talented local dancers from Rafael Grigorian Ballet Theatre. Directed by internationally recognized choreographer and dancer Rafael Grigorian. Sabor Latino | 3:00 PM-, 12/07 Sunday | The State Theatre of Ithaca, 105 W State St, Ithaca | Ralphie May | 8:00 PM-, 12/07 Sunday | State Theatre Of Ithaca, 107 W State St, Ithaca | The Stars Are All Imposters | 7:30 PM-, 12/08 Monday | The Kitchen Theatre, 417 W. State St., Ithaca | Kitchen Theatre Company’s Kitchen Sink Series continues with a reading of a brand new play by Jenni Kuhn. Groundhog Comedy Presents Stand-Up Open-Mic | 9:00 PM-, 12/10 Wednesday | Lot 10 Lounge, 106 South Cayuga Street, Ithaca | Held upstairs

Notices Mentors Needed for 4-H Youth Development Program | 1 | Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca | For more info, call (607) 277-1236 or email student.mentor@yahoo.com.

Meetings Ithaca Sociable Singles | 6:00 PM-, 12/03 Wednesday | Chili’s, 608 S. Meadow St, Ithaca | 607-279-2297. lldalve24@yahoo.com

Art Classes for Adults | Community School Of Music And Arts, 330 E. State St, Ithaca | For more information, call (607) 272-1474 or email info@csma-ithaca.org. www.csma-ithaca.org. Winter Writing Through The Rough Spots | See website for location and meeting dates | Writing Through The Rough Spots. Fall and Winter Classes in Ithaca. www.WritingRoomWorkshops. com Microsoft Publisher | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/03 Wednesday | Edith B. Ford Memorial Library, 7169 North Main Street, Ovid | Registration required. Meet the Practitioner Creatively Coping With Stress: The Art of Relaxation | 8:15 PM-, 12/03 Wednesday | GreenStar Cooperative Market, 700 W Buffalo St, Ithaca | Penny H. Baron is a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist. This class is free and open to the public, and will be held in the Classrooms@GreenStar, 700 W. Buffalo St. Registration is required - sign up at GreenStar’s Customer Service Desk or call 273-9392. Relish the Taste! The Six Flavors: How They Affect the Mind and Body | 5:30 PM-7:00 PM, 12/04 Thursday |

Nature & Science Guided Beginner Bird Walks | 9:00 AM-, 12/06 Saturday | Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca | Bird walks around Sapsucker Woods are sponsored by the Cayuga Bird Club and are targeted toward beginners, but appropriate for all. Binoculars are available for loan. Meet at the front of the building. Please contact Linda Orkin, wingmagic16@gmail.com for more information.

December first Friday in Ithaca

Thursday, December 4 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 5 – 5 to 8 p.m.

Bluegrass songstress and Kingston, NY-native Claire Lynch brings her band to La Tourelle resort in Ithaca for a show celebrating the release of the outfit’s latest record, Holiday. Stop in for a live performance to get you into the holiday season. (photo provided)

Learning

GreenStar Cooperative Market, 700 W Buffalo St, Ithaca | Licensed acupuncturist and herbalist Amanda Lewis will discuss the effect that each flavor - sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent has on the body and the mind. Tastings of each of these flavors is included. This class is free and open to the public, and will be held in the Classrooms@GreenStar, 700 W. Buffalo St. Registration is required sign up at GreenStar’s Customer Service Desk or call 273-9392. Resumes Course | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/04 Thursday | Ulysses Philomathic Library, 74 E Main St, Trumansburg | To sign up, please stop by the circulation desk, call 607-387-5623, or email director@trumansburglibrary.org. Habitat for Humanity Global Village Trip to El Salvador | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM, 12/04 Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street, Ithaca | Information session on a volunteer opportunity to build with Habitat for Humanity International in El Salvador, March 7-15, 2015. Facebook Class 2 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/04 Thursday | Edith B Ford Library, 7169 North Main St, Ovid | Registration required. Evergreen Wreath-Making Workshop | 6:30 PM-8:30 PM, 12/05 Friday | Cornell Paw-Paw Orchard, Sweazey Road, Lansing | For those who’ve never made a wreath: class from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 6. call 272-2292 for more info and to register. International Folk Dancing | 7:30 PM-9:30 PM, 12/07 Sunday | Lifelong, 119 West Court Street, Ithaca | Teaching and request dancing. No partners needed. $5 donation suggested. Jesusians of Ithaca | 7:00 PM-8:30 PM, 12/09 Tuesday | Ithaca Friends Meeting House, 120 3rd St., Ithaca | For more info, email jesusianity@gmail.com or visit: www.facebook.com/groups/ JesusiansOfIthaca.

The Community School of Music and Arts opens this First Friday with its annual open show, featuring work from more than 30 local artists. Elsewhere, SewGreen hosts a fashion show featuring clothing from Kat Anible, and Decorum Too opens with a new exhibit of watercolors by Ann Day (pictured). For more information, see our Arts listings.

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

ThisWeek

holiday concert at the inn

Cayuga Trails Club: Urban Hike | 1:00 PM-, 12/06 Saturday | East Hill Plaza, Pine Tree Road, Ithaca | The Cayuga Trails Club will lead an urban hike through the Cornell Plantations to downtown Ithaca. Meet at 1:00 pm, East Hill Plaza near Ellis Hollow entrance. For more information, call 607-257-6906 or visit www.cayugatrailsclub.org Guided Beginner Bird Walks | 9:00 AM-, 12/07 Sunday | Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca | Bird walks around Sapsucker Woods are sponsored by the Cayuga Bird Club and are targeted toward beginners, but appropriate for all. Binoculars are available for loan. Meet at the front of the building. Please contact Linda Orkin, wingmagic16@gmail.com for more information. Cayuga Bird Club: A visit to magical Lake Titicaca | 7:30 PM-, 12/08 Monday | Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca | w/ speaker Meena Haribal, naturalist. Club business begins at 7:30 p.m. with the presentation following immediately after. All are welcome.

Special Events

ThisWeek

An Evening to Remember | 5:30 PM-9:00 PM, 12/03 Wednesday | Trip Hotel Ithaca, 1 Sheraton Drive, Ithaca | An Evening to Remember: A Gala to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association of CNY Community Fire Ceremony | 6:00 PM-8:30 PM, 12/04 Thursday | Foundation of Light, 399 Turkey Hill Road, Ithaca | Sit, dance, sing around a sacred fire. For more information, contact Shamanic Services by Susan at 607-229-5161. 6th Annual Artisan Sale | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM, 12/05 Friday; 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, 12/06 Saturday | The Grey Barn, 2 VanOstrand Rd, Lansing | We are proud to have over 15 local artists with a wonderful assortment of crafts and food items to help you celebrate the holidays. As always, we will provide complimentary treats and beverages so you can relax and enjoy the event. Donations from venders and proceeds from a raffle gift basket all go towards our Agriculture Project in Haiti. The 2nd Annual Awesome Indie Art Market | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/05 Friday | The Space at GreenStar, 700 W. Buffalo St., Ithaca | Featuring Local Art, Crafts, Food and Music. In addition to over 30 Local Artisans, there will be a photo booth & DIY craft activities for the whole family. A must for weekend fun.

Lights on the River | 5:30 PM-, 12/05 Friday | Downtown Owego, , Owego | Owego will sparkle with new 2014 holiday lighting and great festivities. Strolling musicians, a visit with Santa, food, Christmas specials and all the sights and sounds of Christmas. Caroling with the Candor Community Chorus | 6:00 PM-, 12/05 Friday | Candor Gazebo, Main Street, Across from the Post Office, Candor | Welcome Mr. And Mrs. Santa Clause. Refreshment will be served and the Candor EMS Building 29th Annual Sugar Plums and Such Bazaar | 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, 12/06 Saturday | United Methodist Church Of Trumansburg, The Good Word, Trumansburg | Cops, Kids & Toys: Fill the Truck | 9:00 AM-, 12/06 Saturday | Wal-Mart Ithaca | Help fill the truck with toys and gifts for children in Tompkins County. Cop, Kids and Toys furnishes gifts for more than 1,150 kids in Tompkins County. Special Guest: Santa www.copskidsandtoys.org 45th Annual Trumanburg Craft Sale | 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sat 12/06 and 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sun 12/07 | Trumansburg Elementary Schools, route 96, Tburg | Featured crafters: Junkyard Friends. Excellent holiday shopping and quality crafts. Free admission. Cornell Town-Gown Awards | 9:30 AM-11:30 AM, 12/06 Saturday | Ithaca High School Kulp Auditorium, 1401 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca | Featuring recognition of outstanding communitycampus partnerships, retiring local leaders, community food drive, and remarks by Cornell President David Skorton. The event is free, informal, and open to the public. Owego Apalachin Annual Holiday Craft Fair | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, 12/06 Saturday | Owego Apalachin Middle School, 3 Sheldon Guile Blvd, Owego | crafters displaying their wares for your home and holiday ideas. There will be food and beverages from local eateries available in the cafeteria. Handmade Holiday Market: A Select Show and Sale by Outstanding Area Artisans | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, 12/06 Saturday | Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts, Corner of Congress and McLallen Streets, Trumansburg | Also offering live holiday music from the Tburg Community Chorus at 1 p.m. and refreshments from Word of Mouth Catering. Ithaca Alternative Gift Fair | 11:00 AM-6:00 PM, 12/06 Saturday | First Presbyterian Church, Corner of Court and Cayuga streets, Ithaca | Held at First

h e

Presbyterian Church and First Baptist Church in Ithaca. Honor friends and relatives with donations to causes that fit their values. Gifts start at $5, and there are hundreds of gifts to choose from. Shop online from December 7-31 at IthacaAltGiftFair.org 9th Annual Greenery Day at Greenspring Natural Cemetery | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, 12/06 Saturday | 293 Irish Hill Road, Newfield | Take home tops of Norway spruces. Volunteers will drop tree of choice and trim to height you need. Wreath-making, hot drinks, snacks. More info at naturalburial.org Christmas Market & Tree Lighting Ceremony | 12:00 PM-7:00 PM, 12/06 Saturday | Riverfront Park, Elmira | Hot toddies and other hot food from the Split Rock Grill and other local restaurants. Christmas Market along Mina Street. Trumansburg Winterfest | 3:00-7:00 PM-, 12/06 Saturday | Downtown Trumansburg | Main Street closes down for live performances, ice sculptures, carriage rides, games and a visit from Santa. Knockout Autism: Basketball Skills Competition | 4:00 PM-6:30 PM, 12/06 Saturday | Ithaca College Campus’s Fitness Center, Ithaca College campus, Ithaca | In the Mondo Gym, with all proceeds going towards Autism Speaks Foundation. Contact us to register or any questions you may have, by emailing us at Knockoutautism2014@gmail.com. WinterFest at the Library | 7:00 PM-, 12/06 Saturday | Ulysses Philomathic Library, 74 E Main St, Trumansburg | The library will host a special reading of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson. Tea, cookies, and face painting will be free for this lively occasion. Temple Beth El Hosts Chanukah Festival and Book Fair | 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, 12/07 Sunday | Temple Beth El, 402 North Tioga Street, Ithaca | Enjoy freshly made Chanukah treats and wandering klezmer musicians. Shop for books and handmade crafts. Take part in family craft activities and storytelling. See full schedule at www.tbeithaca.org. ongoing Festival of Trees | 11:00 AM-8:00 PM, 12/03 Wednesday through 12/10 | Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum, 6914 E Lake Rd, Auburn | Through December 23, come see this community celebration with trees, big and small, lit and unlit. Dress warm. Weekend hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekdays from 4 to 8 p.m.

Ithaca Farmer’s Market 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, 12/06 Saturday and 12/07 Sunday | Steamboat Landing, Ithaca | Open Hearts Dinner | 5:30 PM-6:30 PM, 12/03 Wednesday | McKendree United Methodist Church, 224 Owego St., Candor | Every Wednesday. Come and join in the fun. Whether you are looking for fellowship or a free meal this one’s for you. Soup and or Chili Nights | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, 12/09 Tuesday | Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, 17 Main St., Candor | Every Tuesday Night. With dessert and drink. Free Will Donation

Health Alcoholics Anonymous | Multiple Locations | This group meets several times per week at various locations. For more information, call 273-1541 or visit aacny.org/meetings/PDF/ IthacaMeetings.pdf DSS in Ulysses | 1:00 PM-4:30 PM, 12/03 Wednesday | Ulysses Town Hall, 10 Elm St, Trumansburg | walk-ins welcome. For info on SNAP, Medicaid, Daycare and Emergency assistance. CALL (607) 274-5345 with any questions. Lyme Support Group | 6:30 PM-, 12/03 Wednesday | Multiple Locations | A free group providing information and support for people with Lyme or their care givers. We meet monthly at homes of group members. For information, or to be added to the email list, contact danny7t@lightlink.com or call Danny at 275-6441. Overeaters Anonymous | 6:30 PM-7:30 PM, 12/03 Wednesday | Dryden Village Hall, , Dryden | 7:00 AM-8:00 AM, 12/04 Thursday | First Unitarian Church Annex, 306 N. Aurora Street, Ithaca | 11:00 AM-12:15 PM, 12/06 Saturday | Ithaca Free Clinic, 521 W Seneca St, Ithaca | 7:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/08 Monday | Just Be Cause center, 1013 W. State St., Ithaca Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) | 7:00 PM-8:30 PM, 12/03 Wednesday | First Congregational Church of Ithaca , 309 Highland Rd , Ithaca | 7:00 PM-8:30 PM, 12/08 Monday | Ithaca Recovery Center, 518 West Seneca St., Ithaca | Adult Children of Alcoholics | 7:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/03 Wednesday | Ithaca Community Recovery, 518 West Seneca Street, Ithaca | 12-Step Meeting. Enter through front entrance. Meeting on second floor. For more info, contact 229-4592.

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

at 607-351-2740 or Cathie at 607-2733063, or email petloss@gmail.com.

Books Cortland Book Club | 5:00 PM-6:00 PM, 12/03 Wednesday | Cortland Free Library, 32 Church St., Cortland | The Adult Book Club will meet to discuss “My Beloved World” by Sonia Sotomayor. Registration is not required and new members are always welcome. Please contact the library for more information or to reserve a copy of the book. http://www2. cortland.edu/home/ Faculty Showcase | 6:00 PM-, 12/04 Thursday | Handwerker Gallery, Job Hall, Ithaca College, Ithaca | Department of Writing Readings. Tim Starmer | 2:00 PM-, 12/07 Sunday | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N Cayuga St, Ithaca | Author discusses his new guidebook Five-Star Trails: Finger Lakes and Central New York. The Proust Reading Group | 6:00 PM-7:30 PM, 12/08 Monday | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca | Our focus will be the last half of La Prisonniere/The Captive.

Arts openings Annual Open Show at CSMA | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/05 Friday | Community School of Music and Arts, 330 E MLK/ State Street, Ithaca | Opening for CSMA’s Annual Open Show. Curated by Michael Sampson, CSMA’s Open Show presents works in a variety of media and styles by more than 30 local artists. Opening: Outdoor Mobiles | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/05 Friday | CAP ArtSpace, Center Ithaca, The Commons, Ithaca | Opening for a new exhibition by Don Ellis. Handmade for the Holidays | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/05 Friday | Bloom, 134 East State / MLK St., Ithaca | Celebrate Handmade in America with some of Bloom’s local jewelers and designers. Opening: White Noise | 5:00 PM-7:30 PM, 12/05 Friday | Elevator Music and Art Gallery at New Roots Charter School, 116 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca | Sound and Space Installation by Rebecca Cutter. Everyday consumable objects, used in mass quantity and easily discarded are what inspire Rebecca Cutter’s installation art. Demonstrations at Handwork Co-op | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/05 Friday | Handwork, 102 W. State/MLK Jr. St., Ithaca | Handwork hosts 2 hands-on

Nick Offerman at Cornell

Motown Merriment

Best known as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, writer and actor Nick Offerman makes a stop at Big Red’s Bailey Hall for a performance. (photo by Shayd Johnson)

Mostly Motown performs the songs of Smokey Robinson, The Jackson and others at their winter show this weekend at Ithaca’s Unitarian Church. (photo provided)

Friday, December 5 – 7:30 p.m.

Sacred Chanting with Damodar Das and friends | 7:00 PM-9:00 PM, 12/03 Wednesday | Ithaca Yoga Center, AHIMSA Studio, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca | Free every week. An easy, fun, uplifting spiritual practice open to all faiths. No prior experience necessary. More at www.DamodarDas.com. Free Buddhist Meditation and Dharma Talk | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, 12/06 Saturday | PADMA Center, 114 W. Buffalo St, Ithaca | Tibetan Buddhist meditation instruction and lively discussions exploring our innate goodness qualities. All are welcome. (607) 865-8068 www.padmasambhava. org. Walk-in Clinic | 2:00 PM-6:00 PM, 12/08 Monday | Ithaca Health Alliance, 521 West Seneca St., Ithaca | Need to see a doctor, but don’t have health insurance? Can’t afford holistic care? 100% Free Services, Donations Appreciated. Do not need to be a Tompkins County resident. First come, first served (no appointments). Recovery From Food Addition | 12:00 PM-, 12/05 Friday | Ithaca Community Recovery, 518 West Seneca Street, Ithaca | Successful recovery based on Dr. Kay Sheppard’s program Dance Church Ithaca | 12:00 PM-1:30 PM, 12/07 Sunday | Ithaca Yoga Center, AHIMSA Studio, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca | Free movement for all ages with live and DJ’ed music. Free. 3 Simple Ways to Make Better Decisions | 6:30 PM-7:30 PM, 12/08 Monday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street, Ithaca | w/ Adrienne Masler, Life Coach. Explore intuition & 3 easy ways to access yours. Make better decisions & create your best life. adriennemasler.com Anonymous HIV Testing | 9:00 AM-11:30 AM, 12/09 Tuesday | Tompkins County Health Department, 55 Brown Road, Ithaca | Walk-in clinics are available every Tuesday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Please call us to schedule an appointment or to ask for further information (607) 274-6604 Support Group for People Grieving the Loss of a Loved One by Suicide | 5:30 PM-, 12/09 Tuesday | 124 E. Court St., 124 E. Court St., Ithaca | Please call Sheila McCue, LMSW with any questions # 607-272-1505 Pet Loss Support Group | 7:00 PM-8:30 PM, 12/09 Tuesday | 316 E. Court Street -enter Linn Street side, 316 E. Court Street -- enter Linn Street side, Ithaca | For information and other details, call: Jane

3- 9,

2014

Saturday, December 6 – 8 p.m.

activities guided by artist members. Learn how to make quilled paper snowflakes with Caroline Spellman and create your own clay ornament with Colleen McCall. Michael Parkhurst will also be demonstrating how he creates his beautiful end-grain cutting boards. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres provided. Creating Origami Kindness Boxes | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/05 Friday | Christian Science Reading Room, 117 South Cayuga St., Ithaca | This event is for adults, children, families, everyone. Local, Green, & Gorgeous: Fashion Show at SewGreen | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/05 Friday | SewGreen, 12 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca | Kat Anible debuts a line of original apparel with a fashion show at 7 pm. ongoing Benjamin Peters | 120 The Commons, Ithaca | Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Thursday, 10:00-8:00 PM | 273-1371 | Gina Cacioppo and Ursula Hilsdorf, through December | www.benjaminpeters.com Buffalo Street Books | 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca | 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, daily | 273-8246 | Emily Koester: Play, Craft, Transcend, through December | www. buffalostreetbooks.com CAP ArtSpace | Center Ithaca, The Commons, Ithaca | Mon-Thu 9:00 AM-7:00 PM, Fri-Sat 11:00 PM-7:30 PM; Sun 12:00-5:00 PM | IDon Ellis: Outdoor Mobiles, through December | www.artspartner.org Cellar d’Or | 136 E. State/MLK Street, on the Commons, Ithaca | 12:00 PM-8:00 PM Monday through Thursday; 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday; 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM Saturday; noon to 6:00 PM, Sunday | Scene: Collages and Drawings by Peter Fortunato, through December | www.thecellardor.com Chemung Canal Trust | The Commons | photo series by Nancy Ridenour, up through 10/08; Finger Lake Landscapes, by John Whiting, opening 10/08 through 12/31 Collegetown Bagels | 203 North Aurora Street, Ithaca | Sun-Wed 6:30 PM-8:00 PM; Thurs-Sat 6:30 AM-10:00 PM | Flowers and Bones, Acrylic Paintings by Kristin Dutcher, through December | collegetownbagels.com Community School of Music and Arts | 330 E.State / MLK Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 | Annual Open Show, Curated by Michael Sampson, CSMA’s Open Show presents works in a variety of media and styles by more than 30 local artists, through December | www. csma-ithaca.org Corners Gallery | 409 E. Upland Road (within the Community Corners Shopping Center), Ithaca | Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM; Friday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. Closed Sun & Mon | Line/Language, 12 artists, up through

Heads Up a return to a darker blues by bill chaisson

wo members of Geezer, guitarist Pat Harrington and bass player Freddy Villano, played together for years in the New York City heavy metal scene. A few years ago they decided that they would raise their families outside of the city; Harrington moved to Kingston in the Hudson Valley and Villano moved to Ithaca. Both of them kept playing out, and, in Kingston, Harrington met drummer Chris Turco. The guitar player also became obsessed with the pre-war blues of Charley Patton and Blind Willie Johnson. “I learned to play slide guitar and to use open tunings,” he said. “When I got those techniques down, I decided to apply them in a heavier context. “I decided to start with the blues, but to not go down the usual route from there,” Harrington said. “When you listen to the blues, it is pretty dark, but now when most people think of the blues, it's just a lot of silly white people dancing around. We wanted to get back to that dark heaviness.” Harrington started playing with Villano and Turco, but because of

12/20 | www.cornersgallery.com Crow’s Nest Café | 115 The Commons, Ithaca | Inner Space, works by Andrea Staffeld and Gerry Monaghan, ongoing | (646) 306-0972 Décorum Too | Dewitt Mall | Ann Day, watercolors, through December | 319-0944 or visit www.decorum-too.com Dowd Fine Arts Center | temporary location: 9 West Main Street, Cortland | Transcendences: prints, panels, drawings and sculptures by Diana Al-Hadid, Wang Gongxin and Lin Tianmiao, opening 10/23 up through 12/10 | (607) 753-4216 Elevator Music and and Art Gallery | New Roots Charter School, 116 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca | 882-9220 | White Noise, Sound and Space Installation by Rebecca Cutter, through December | newrootsschool.org Gimme! Coffee | 430 N. Cayuga St, Ithaca | Samantha Liddick, Fine art photography, through December | www.gimmecoffee. com/ Handwerker Gallery | Gannett Center, Ithaca College | Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Thursday, 10 AM to 9 pm; weekends, noon to 5 PM. Closed

his family obligations and Villano's online underground rock scene that played the big stages of New York City geographical separation he knew that describes what it likes as having a “heavy and toured Europe. Now he doesn't see they couldn't practice three times a week blues affinity” or as “stoner rock.” When the point. “The days of endless touring like they had when they were in their 20s. the California label Ripple Music issued and $1 million contracts are over,” he “We decided to use the blues said. “Now we operate as a vocabulary,” Harrington regionally and sell fewer said, “and to simplify and records and move on. rely on groove more than It's like the early days of technique. The structure is rock: you release more looser, and we rely more on records more often and improvisation.” you sell fewer of each of They played their first them.” gig ever as part of PorchFest Kristin Jennings of in Ithaca in September 2011. the Eagle Hotel met Their first album, Electronically Villano when he was Recorded Handmade Heavy playing with a local band. Blues, was issued in September When she heard about 2013. The songs there are Geezer she contacted shorter and closer to the Harrington and invited conventions of the blues than them them to Lodi. “The what you will hear on their best shows are in the latest album, Gage, which middle of nowhere,” said came out this past September, Harrington. “That's where or if you go see them at the the real people are. They Eagle Hotel in Lodi. The play don't feel entitled, and the Eagle at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. they appreciate what you Pat Harrington of Geezer, which will play in Lodi on Friday. 5. are doing.” (Image by Anjanette Photos) “We recorded the first album Harrington is in the traditional manner,” not interested in the Harrington said. “It was well-rehearsed Gage on vinyl, the small run of 400 sold mainstream of the music industry either. and we made demos. But after that we out quickly, with many LPs being shipped “It is all or nothing in pop culture today,” threw out the rule book.” The newer to Europe and Japan. he said. “It's like you should be a huge material has headed in a psychedelic “This is where we are getting the star or you're nothing. Well, just because direction. “We played the Nines a few word out about the band,” the 42 yearI'm not a huge star doesn't mean that I months ago with Misses Bitches. People old guitarist said. “It's international, and don't have something to offer.” • seemed to like it psychedelic, trippy, and it's separate from the mainstream music heavy. You don't have to sound like the industry. It's got its own record labels, Geezer will play with Cosmic Shakedown Grateful Dead to be psychedelic.” blogs, and music press.” and King Buffalo at the Eagle Hotel in Lodi Harrington stumbled across a huge In his younger days Harrington on Friday, Dec. 5. Show starts at 9 p.m.

to the public on Tuesdays | Divergent Series, 15 faculty artists, ongoing | www. ithaca.edu/handwerker Handwork Coop | Commons, Ithaca | Monday throughSaturday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Thursday and Friday 10 AM to 8 PM; Sunday noon to 5 PM | Painting Demo by Jill Hoffman of Painted Lake Stones, 11/07 only | www.handwork.coop Home Green Home | 215 East State/MLK Street | Taughannock Creek Photographs by Fernando Llosa, through December | 607-319-4159 or www.homegreenhome. com The Ink Shop | 330 E.State / MLK Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 | Tuesday to Friday 12 -6 PM, Sat 12-4 PM | The 18th Mini Print International, juried exhibition of prints, through 01/2015 | 607-277-3884 | www. ink-shop.org Kitchen Theatre Company | 417 W. State/MLK St., Ithaca | Branching Out: Paintings by Kent Goetz, through December | 272-0403 or www.kitchentheatre.org PADMA Center | 114 W. Buffalo St., Ithaca | David Watkins will be exhibiting his photography through December | 607-351-7145 | www.padmacenter.com

11am-4pm; closed Tuesdays | Luminious Lakes, Glorious Glens: Recent Paintings by Brian Keeler, through 12/31. | www. titusgallery.com Tompkins County Public Library | East Green Street, Ithaca | Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sunday, 1 PM-5:00 PM | Montage Histories: Tompkins County, New York, through Photographs 18642014, through December | www.tcpl.org

Kids Zumba Kids | City Of Ithaca Youth Bureau, 1 James L Gibbs Dr, Ithaca | For more information visit IYBrec.com or call 273.8364. Little Voices: Music and Motion | | City Of Ithaca Youth Bureau, 1 James L Gibbs Dr, Ithaca | For more information visit IYBrec.com or call 273.8364. Cuddle Up Storytime | 10:00 AM-, 12/03 Wednesday | Southworth Library Association, Main, Dryden | Science Together | 10:30 AM-, 12/03 Wednesday | Sciencenter, , Ithaca |

Let Me Out of This Bathroom

Sunday and Monday, Dec. 7 and 8 – 7:30 p.m.

Monday, December 8 – 7:30 p.m.

The Cornell University Chorus and Glee Club presents its annual candlelit performance of holiday carols in Sage Chapel. Led by conductor Robert Isaacs and organist David Yearsley, Christmas Vespers encourages audience participation. Come and sing! (photo provided)

Kitchen Theatre’s “Kitchen Sink” series continues Monday with a one-night-only performance of The Stars are All Imposters, a play by Jenni Kuhn in which an artist steps into another reality with two very unhelpful strangers. Stick around after the performance for a talk-back with Kuhn and director Zoe Benditt. (play poster via Facebook)

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

ThisWeek

christmas vespers

Town & Country

Classifieds

In Print

On Line |

10 Newspapers

277-7000 Phone: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm Fax: 277-1012 (24 Hrs Daily)

Special Rates:

Internet: www.ithacatimes.com Mail: Ithaca Times Classified Dept PO Box 27 Ithaca NY 14850 In Person: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm 109 North Cayuga Street AUTOMOBILES

MERCHANDISE $100 - $500

Fax and Mail orders only

12 words / runs til sold

15 words / runs 2 insertions

10 25 words

employment

FREE

Shop Local @

120/Autos Wanted CASH FOR CARS: Any Car/Truck. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Call For Instant Offer. 1-888-4203808 www.cash4car.com (AAN CAN) Truck Wanted Any Make Year or Model. Call on All. Have CASH! (607)273-9315

MojoWoman

Barried Treasures Jewelry will be here for a jewelry & clothing trunk sale! 12/6 Saturday & 12/13 Saturday from 11am-6pm. Our store is open Fridays and Saturdays 12-6pm Non-sweatshop natural fiber clothing for curvy women. MojoWoman is located at 225 South Fulton Street

1989 Buick Century V-6, Automatic, New Exhaust, Shocks, Alternator. Best Offer! (607)2739315

310/Activities

2004 VOLVO

Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 315-400-0797 Today! (NYSCAN)

180/Truck/RV 2000 Silverado

4x4 Ext-Cab 149,000 Automatic Replaced Transmission, New parts, has rust, runs good. 105,000 miles. $3,200. 607-589-7240

250/Merchandise CASH for Coins! Buying Gold & Silver. Also Stamps & Paper Money, Comics, Entire Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in NJ: 1-800-488-4175 (NYSCAN)

t h a c a

410/Business Opportunity AIRBRUSH MAKEUP ARTIST COURSE For: Ads. TV. Film. Fashion 35% OFF TUITION - SPECIAL $1990 - Train & Build Portfolio. One Week Course Details at: AwardMakeupSchool.com 818-9802119 (AAN CAN)

430/General $1,000 WEEKLY!! MAILING BROCHURES From Home. Helping home workers since 2001. Genuine Opportunity. No Experience required. Start Immediately www.mailingmembers.com (AAN CAN)

AIRLINE CAREERS begin here - Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 800-725-1563 (AAN CAN)

Community Christmas

XC 70 Wagon 114K, New Tires, Alignment, All Options, 3rd Row Seating. Just Inspected. $7,500/obo. 607-216-2314

antiques • vintage • unusual objects

Africa, Brazil Work/Study! Change the lives of others while creating a sustainable future. 1, 6, 9, 18 month programs available. Apply now! www.OneWorldCenter.org (269) 591-0518 info@ OneWorldCenter.org (AAN CAN)

140/Cars

Celebration

Date: Sunday December 14, 2014, 6PM. LDS Church, 114 Burleigh Drive, Ithaca. Come celebrate Christmas with favorite carols and selections from the Messiah with the Ithaca Community, hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) Participants: Dewitt Middle School, Christian Interfaith Group, Local Musicians, LDS Choir. Light Refreshments will be served. Children are welcome.

AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician training. Financial aid for qualified students - Housing available. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 866-296-7093 (NYSCAN)

The Sciencenter

a hands-on science museum in Ithaca, NY, seeks an enthusiastic individual experienced in fundraising to serve as Director of Major Gifts. For a position description and application instructions, visit Sciencenter.org/get-involved

Writers Ithaca Times is interested in hearing from freelance movie, music, restaurant and visual & performing arts reviewers with strong opinions and fresh views.

Please send clips to: editor@ithacatimes.com i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9,

FOUND

SAWMILLS from only $4397.00 - MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmillcut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info /DVD: www. NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext. 300N (NYSCAN)

AUTO INSURANCE STARTING AT $25/ MONTH! Call 855-977-9537 (AAN CAN)

h e

buy sell

110/Automotive Services

Non-Commercial: $14.50 first 12 words (minimum), 20 cents each additional word. Rate applied to non-business ads and prepaid ads. Business Ads: $16.50 for first 12 words (minimum), 30 cents each additional word. If you charge for a service or goods you are a business. Inquire about contract rates. $24.00 Auto Guaranteed Ad - Ad runs 3 weeks or until sold. 12 words $24.00, each additional word 60¢. You must notify us to continue running ad. Non-commercial advertisers only 25% Discount - Run your non-commercial ad for 4 consecutive weeks, you only pay for 3 (Adoption, Merchandise or Housemates) Employment / Real Estate / Adoption: $38.00 first 15 words (minimum), 30 cents each additional word. Ads run weeks. Box Numbers: Times Box Numbers are $2.50 per week of publication. Write “Times Box______” at end of your ad. Readers address box replies to Times Box______, c/o Ithaca Times, P.O. Box 27, Ithaca, NY 14851. Headlines: 9-point headlines (use up to 16 characters) $2.00 per line. If bold type, centered or unusually spaced type, borders in ad, or logos in ads are requested, the ad will be charged at the display classified advertising rate. Call 277-7000 for rate information. Free Ads: Lost and Found and free items run at no charge for up to 3 weeks. Merchandise for Sale, private party only. Price must be under $50 and stated in ad Website/Email Links: On Line Links to a Web Site or Email Address $5.00 per insertion. Blank Lines: (no words) $2.00/Line - insertion. Border: 1 pt. rule around ad $5.00 - insertion.

MERCHANDISE UNDER $100

automotive

42 T

| 67,389 Readers

Ithaca Times Town & Country Classified Ad Rates

2014

One-of-a-Kind

Holiday Gifts

Gift Certificates Available

227 Cherry St. 607-319-5078 foundinithaca.com

Open every day 10-6, except Tues.

GARAGE SALES

SERVICE DIRECTORY

per week / 13 week minimum

employment BlackCatAntiques.webs.com

Give a Gift of History

BLACK CAT ANTIQUES 774 Peru Road, Rte. 38 • Groton, NY 13073 Hours: Friday & Saturday 10-4 or by App’t. BlackCatAntiques@CentralNY.twcbc.com 607.898.2048

Cash for Cars Any Car/Truck,Running or not! Top Dollar Paid.We Come To You! Call for Instant Offer 1-888-420-3808 www.cash4car.com

employment

rentals

services

435/Health Care

640/Houses

810/Childcare

CAREGivers Wanted If you enjoy working with seniors, we want you! Join our team and become a Home Instead CAREGiver, providing non-medical companion and home-helper services to seniors in your community. Training, support and flexible shifts provided. No medical degree necessary Join us for a job that nurtures the soul! Call Home Instead Senior Care today: 607-269-7165. Each Home Instead Senior Care office is independently owned and operated.

Rent Your Home

Cornell Commencement 2015. Let us make the arrangements. info@ commencementweekendrentals.com 607-272-7344

Am looking for a good Nanny/Babysitter, it’s important you include resume’ when responding, kindly state the days you will be available to babysit. Applicants who do not send a resume will not be considered for the position, tobi; $20/hr. email: PatrickMark10@hotmail.com

825/Financial

700/Roommates 510/Adoption Services

ALL AREAS - ROOMMATES.COM.

PREGNANT? THINKING OF ADOPTION? Talk with caring agency specializing in matching Birthmothers with Families Nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Call 24/7 Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. 866-413-6293. (AAN CAN)

roomate to complement your personality

Lonely? Bored? Broke? Find the perfect and lifestyle at Roommates .com! (AAN CAN)

520/Adoptions Wanted A childless young married couple (she 30/he -37) seeks to adopt. Will be handson mom/devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses paid. Call/text. Mary & Adam. 1-800-790-5260 (NYSCAN)

Nanny/Babysitter

FREE BANKRUPTCY CONSULTATION Real Estate, Uncontested Divorces. Child Custody. Law Office of Jeff Coleman and Anna J. Smith (607)277-1916

830/Home Four Seasons Landscaping Inc. 607.272.1504 Lawn maintenance, spring + fall clean up + gutter cleaning, patios, retaining walls, + walkways, landscape design + installation. Drainage. Snow Removal. Dumpster rentals. Find us on Facebook!

840/Lessons 805/Business Services DESIGN BUILD BY RUSS

a Division of Hardick Enterprises LLC. Offers a full line of Construction

HOLISTIC Art Lessons Private and small group options (ages 8 - Adult). Have you ever, always, wanted to take art lessons? Do you want to be more creative? Students are signing up now. For Information: e-mail: lessonsandthings@gmail.com or Call: 564-7387

(AANCAN)

services

EX, CVT, white, 35,224 miles, $14,997 Certified Stock #11124E 2010 Mazda 3 Wagon 6-speed, Blue, 44,329 miles, $14,997 Stock #11168E 2012 Mazda 2 Hatchback Auto, Red, 32,427 miles #12,997 Honda of Ithaca 315 Elmira Road Ithaca, NY 14850 www.hondaofithaca.com

real estate

BOATS/130

850/Mind & Spirit Boat Body Docking $600 Season. Next to Kelly’s Dockside Cafe 607-342-0626 Tom

Discover Delaware’s Resort Living

BUY SELL TRADE

Without Resort Pricing! Milder winters

Yoga Workshops

With Ann ACARS/140 variety of Workshops

including: “Move V70 ThoseWAGON, Joints”, NEW 2001 VOLVO 149K. $4,500/obo YEARs BLISS, Meditation and more. 216-2314 TheYogaCorner.com

855/Misc. HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Broth-

& low taxes! Gated Community with amazing amenities! New Homes $80’s. Brochures available, 1-866-629-0770 or

ANTIQUESCOLLECTABLES/205

www.coolbranch.com (NYSCAN)

Sebastian, Florida Beautiful 55+ manuCASH forhome Coins! Buying ALL factured community, 4.4Gold miles&toSilver. Also Stamps & Paper Money, Entire the beach. Close to riverfront district. Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in NYC New models1-800-959-3419 from $99,000. 772-581(NYSCAN) (NYSCAN) 0080, www.beach-cove.com

ers Inc., for straightening, leveling,

FARM & GARDEN/230 1030/Houses By Owner U-Pick

foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN. www.woodfordbros. com (NYSCAN)

Organically Grown Blueberries $1.60 lb. Open 7 days a week. Dawn-toDusk. Easy to pick high bush berries. HOUSE Tons ofLANSING quality fruit! 3455 Chubb Hollow road Pen n Yan. 132 Hillcrest Rd. 2 Bedroom, garage, 607-368-7151 storage building, on one acre. Close to

Condo at below builder cost! Was $560,000. Now $169,900. 3 bedroom, turnkey, close to major cities, Visit online fllakefrontcondos.com (NYSCAN)

Timber Framing, Additions, Kitchen & Bath Renovations, Sun Rooms, Decks,

You’re Sure to Find

Garages, General Repairs, Excavating

the place that’s right for you with Conifer. Linderman Creek 269-1000, Cayuga View 269-1000, The Meadows 2571861, Poets Landing 288-4165

Driveway Installations & Re-Grading, Water Lines, Diversion Ditching, Land & Lot Clearing and Complete Tree Service for 1-500 trees. 607-292-3690

The Sciencenter

1040/Land for Sale

RED MAX WEED WHACKER used very little. $50.00 387-9327 CATSKILL MTN SHORT SALE! 108 SAWMILLS from acres - $189,900 Mtn only views,$4897.00 new well, MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own fields, woods,lumber subdividable! Town rd, In bandmill-cut any dimension. utils! $200K under Fin avail! stock ready to ship.market! FREE Info/DVD: 1-800-578-1363 ext. 300N 888-479-3394 Newyorklandandlakes. www.NorwoodSawmills.com com (NYSCAN) (NYSCAN) LENDER SALE! acres Sofa Bed ORDERED Double, green plaid.10$150. - $29,900 Trout 257-3997 stream, woods, apple trees, town rd., utils, EZ terms! Priced $30K below market! 888-905-8847 or STUFF newyorklandandlakes.com (NYSCAN) Only small kitchen appliances; 1 Lazy-

Boy recliner and anything else you can think of. I might have what you want. Mostly new, no junk. NEED Call AFFORDABLE for list: LAND 607-273-4444 for a Home, Recreation or Agriculture? Buy or Lease only what you need! (607)533-3553

Opening Winter 2014!

This brand new community features one, two, & three bedroom apartments with affordable rents*, set in a convenient location near many amenities.

and suffered internal bleeding, hemorrhaging, required hospitalization or a loved one died while taking Xarelto between 2011 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727

A hands-on science museum in Ithaca, NY, seeks an enthusiastic individual experienced in fundraising to serve as Director of Major Gifts. For a position description and application REPLACEMENT instructions, visit Sciencenter.org/get-involved

PIANOS

• Rebuilt • Reconditioned • Bought• Sold • Moved • Tuned • Rented

Complete rebuilding services. No job too big or too small. Call us.

Call Now for an Application

607-795-8472

Biltmore Crossing APARTMENTS

81 Biltmore Drive, Horseheads, NY 14845 biltmorecrossing@coniferllc.com www.coniferliving.com

Ithaca Piano Rebuilders (607) 272-6547

*income restrictions apply

950 Danby Rd., Suite 26

South Hill Business Campus, Ithaca, NY

WINDOWS

REPLACEMENT A FULL LINE OF VINYL Hospital bills making you sick? Manufacture To InstallREPLACEMENT WINDOWS REPLACEMENT WINDOWS We Do Call It forAll Free Estimate & No insurance? Low insurance? State and federal laws

WINDOWS VINYL Professional Installation may keep you from burdensome hospital bills. A FULL LINE OF Custom made & manufactured AREPLACEMENT FULL LINE OF VINYL WINDOWS by… If collectors Burr & Reid, Melvin & Melvin, Overton Russell, REPLACEMENT WINDOWS Call for Free Estimate & Robert Rothman or Swartz Law are calling you, call us. Call for Free Estimate & Professional Installation 3/54( Professional Installation Custom made & manufactured Custom made & manufactured 3%.%#! by… by… 6).9, www.ajp1law.com • 315.400.AJP1

Anthony J. Pietrafesa, Esq.— A Consumer Lawyer

3/54( 3/54( 3%.%#! 3%.%#! 6).9,

6).9,

Romulus, NY 315-585-6050 or Toll Free at 866-585-6050

www.SouthSenecaWindows.com Romulus, NY Romulus, NY 315-585-6050 or 315-585-6050 Toll Free at 866-585-6050 or Toll Free at

Main office: 1971 Western Ave., #181, Albany, NY 12203 Binghamton • Cortland • Norwich • Syracuse • Utica • Watertown Past results no guarantee of a particular outcome. Attorney advertising.

Vintage, Antiques & Home Decor

866-585-6050

DONATE YOUR CAR Wheels For Wishes benefiting

Ithaca’s only

hometown electrical distributor Your one Stop Shop

Since 1984 802 W. Seneca St. Ithaca 607-272-1711 fax: 607-272-3102 www.fingerlakeselectric.com

x % Ta 100 tible uc Ded

Central New York Wed-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4

317 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca

•

882-0099 T

h e

t h a c a

*Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *100% Tax Deductible

WheelsForWishes.org

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

Registere wormed. tiful. Pare

real estate

Homelite HLT-15 Classic weed whacker, new never used. $60. 216-2314

CENTRAL FLORIDA Direct Waterfront

IF YOU USED THE BLOOD THINNER XARELTO

Experience in Custom Home Building,

BARREL TABLE Four Swivel Chairs in Green leather. Vet nice condition. $275.00 564-3662

Mall & Cornell. $175,000. (607)257-1569

1020/Houses

Services. Fully insured with over 44 yrs.

610/Apartments

MERCHANDISE/250

Call: (315) 400-0797 3 - 9 ,

2 0 1 4

COM

The Cay place at on Sunda NY89 fro Park to C will be a tween Go form 7am the triathl sider cho tators are joy the tr For more Triathlon www.ithac

ITHACA DISPATCH, INC.

Middle Eastern (Belly Dance)

Ithaca’s largest and best paying Taxi Co.

& Romani Dances (Gypsy)

has Driver positions available!

Performance & Instruction

We want to put drivers on the road

JUNE

IMMEDIATELY! Up to $13/hr earnings potential

Professional Oriental Dancer

when starting with us.

4 Seasons

Custom Made Vinyl Replacement Windows

Landscaping Inc.

We Manufacture & install Free Estimate

607-272-1504 lawn maintenance spring + fall clean up + gutter cleaning patios, retaining walls, + walkways

We also offer benefits as well!

Instructor & Choreographer

Call Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm

607-351-0640, june@twcny.rr.com

(607)277-2842 www.ithacataxi.biz

www.moonlightdancer.com

OLD & CRAFTY

South Seneca Vinyl

ITHACA SHEEP SKIN

315-585-6050, Toll Free at 866-585-6050

Slippers, Hats, Outerwear & More

Teaching youth preservation trade skills

Handmade in Ithaca since 1979

www.HistoricIthaca.org

landscape design + installation

Flat Screen TV Installation

www.ithacasheepskin.com

drainage

All Wires and Stereo equipment

607-277-0833

snow removal

will disappear

dumpster rentals

Home Network Router Installation

LIGHTLINK HOTSPOTS

Create Next Gen 2.4 or 5GHZ WIFI Network

http://www.lightlink.com/hotspots

Sunrise Yoga

Contact Greg at 607-749-4538

hotspots@lighlink.com

Classical Yang style long form

Find us on Facebook!

Peaceful Spirit TAI CHI classes

FREE ESTIMATES

AAM

Free in Home Estimates

ALL ABOUT MACS

Window World

Macintosh Consulting

Replacement Window Specialist

http://www.allaboutmacs.com

Guaranteed Lowest Pricing

280-4729

Visit our Showroom

Second Hand Furniture

Get Ready for Winter

& Home Decor

OLD GOAT GEAR EXCHANGE New & Used Outdoor Clothing & Gear

Mimi’s Attic

BUY SELL TRADE

430 W. State Street

320 E. State Street

* BUYING RECORDS * LPs 45s 78s ROCK JAZZ BLUES

Angry Mom Records (Autumn Leaves Basement)

www.peacefulspiritacupuncture.com

607-272-0114

607-275-4982 hobitlafaye@wellnesscoaching.com

Vintage, Antiques & Home Decor

Love dogs?

Rusty Rooster Mercantile

Check out Cayuga Dog Rescue!

317 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca

Adopt! Foster! Volunteer! Donate for vet care! www.cayugadogrescue.org

We Buy, Sell, & Trade

www.facebook.com/CayugaDogRescue

Black Cat Antiques

Downtown Ithaca

Men’s and Women’s Alterations for over 20 years

607-898-2048

Independence Cleaners Corp

Fur & Leather repair, zipper repair.

You Never Know What You’ll Find

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

PUNK REGGAE ETC

Anthony Fazio, LAc.,C.A,

No gimmicks or supplements

607-797-3234 Buy/Sell

Thursday’s 7:30-8:30 pm

LOSE WEIGHT FEEL GREAT!

Same Day Service Available

Housekeeping*Windows*Awnings*Floors

John’s Tailor Shop

High Dusting*Carpets*Building Maintenance

John Serferlis - Tailor

24/7 EMERGENCY CLEANING Services

102 The Commons

607-227-3025 or 607-220-8739

273-3192

319-4953 angrymomrecords@gmail.com

Found Antiques * Unusual Objects 227 Cherry St. 607-319-5078 foundinithaca.com \

Real Catering. Real Food. Let us focus on the details so you can focus on your guests. call

607-273-5069

nstar.coop

catering@gree

www.greenstar.coop 44 T

h e

t h a c a

i m e s

/ D

e c e m b e r

3 - 9,

2014