December 02, 2015 by Ithaca Times

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Online @ ITH ACA .COM

Just

Say ‘no’

IC students lack confidence in their president PAGE 3

Buying

Biggs parcel neighbors want 26 acres as green space PAGE 4

Holiday swirl

mark your calendars for Christmas music PAGE 37

OX strong composer recovers from car wreck PAGE 41

The Trouble with Coal Is Lansing’s coal-ash landfill leaking?

Inside T

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w s l i n e

City of Ithaca

College Life

Hotel Ithaca Starts Phase II in March

IC Student Body Votes ‘No’ on Rochon

otel Ithaca applies for abatements The Hotel Ithaca, a former Holiday Inn, brought its latest renovation to City Hall for a tax abatement hearing (CIITAP) on Monday, Nov. 30. The mid-rise, five-story, 90-room tower was approved by the city planning board in October after some design tweaks; its exterior covering was initially critiqued as looking like “strip mall architecture.” David Hart, principal of Hart Hotels, said that increased competition led his company to start renovating the 43-yearold facility, which was originally opened as a Ramada Inn in 1972. “It looks like it was built then, and it sometimes smells like it, too,” Hart said of the three two-story out-buildings that surround Hotel Ithaca’s 10-story tower. Hart said a $2.5 million renovation of the 60-room tower and 20 rooms in the “balcony” area was completed last year, and this new building is “stage two.” Stage three might be a convention center, though Hart isn’t making any promises; in 2012, his company approached the city with plans for such a project, but they didn’t take flight. Hart said he was asked at a meeting with residents of neighboring McGraw House why all the new hotels were popping up in Ithaca. “My response was definitely the growth in Finger Lakes region tourism,” Hart said. “It’s a popular destination, and all these little cottage businesses benefit our business in lodging. The winemakers, cheesemakers, Mennonites with their vegetables, the distilleries.” The increased competition means change or die in the hotel business. “’New’ wins,” Hart said. “There are other hotels I won’t name, but you’re familiar with, who aren’t taking steps to reinvest in their property, that are as old as ours and even earlier, from the ‘60s. The new hotels are going to take that business, and we don’t want to be one of those. The time had come for us to do something really dynamic.” The new, five-story building won’t require any piledriving. Hart said the current timetable is to start construction in March of next year, with completion by March 2017. • – Josh Brokaw reporter@ithacatimes.com

VOL.X X XVIII / NO. 14 / December 2, 2015 Serving 47,125 readers week ly

The Trouble with Coal ............ 8

has largely focused on incidents of racial insensitivity. Criticisms of Rochon leveled by both the campus group People of Color @ Ithaca College (POC@IC) and other students, staff, and faculty have held the president has not exhibited sufficient leadership toward making the campus a diverse and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds. Recckio said the SGA would take the vote’s results to the IC trustees, who, in the end, are the power that decide whether Rochon will stay or go. In response to a questioner who asked the student body

Are the leaks at the Lansing landfill dangerous?

T’is the Season . .......................... 37 Classical music for the holidays

NE W S & OPINION

Newsline . ..................................... 3-7, 10 Personal Health .............................. 11 Sports ................................................... 12

esults of a no-confidence vote in President Tom Rochon by students were revealed at a Student Government Association meeting at Ithaca College on Monday, Nov. 30. SGA president Dominick Recckio announced that 71.75 percent, or 2,695, of the 3,756 students who voted said they had “no confidence” in Rochon’s leadership. The online survey went live on Nov. 4 and was sent to 6,907 students, Recckio said, with three email reminders to those who didn’t vote until the poll closed on Nov. 30. A yes or no confidence vote from the college’s Faculty Council was sent out on Monday, also over email, and will be open until IC Student Government Association president Dom Recckio. Friday, Dec. 11. The (Photo Yana Mazurkevich/The Ithacan) survey, provided by council chair Peter president if the vote “had any weight,” Rothbart, “encourages all faculty to use this time for deep reflection and robust but Recckio responded, “I think this is worth 10 tons.” respectful discourse that models the best “The [Ithaca College] budget is 85 to of intellectual and passionate behavior for 90 percent tuition based,” Recckio said. “I our students.” would hope with [the trustees’] business Of the 744 votes from students selfacumen—they’re 85 percent corporate— identifying as ALANA—that is, African-, that they see this as a very significant piece Latin, Asian-, and Native American— of information.” 86.83 percent voted as having no confidence in Rochon’s leadership. Unrest continued on page 4 on campus during the fall 2015 semester

▶ Women in Business, Gary Ferguson, Executive Director of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, will be presenting a talk on the Future of Downtown Thursday, Dec. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hotel Ithaca. Join the Ithaca Downtown Business Women for lunch and an opportunity to hear about the recent changes that have taken place in the downtown area and upcoming development for the future. Gary Ferguson has been the Executive Director of the DIA since 1999. Gary has previous experience with the cities of Lewiston, ME; Dayton, OH; and Grand Junction, CO. He

SPECIAL SEC T ION

Holiday Gift Guide . .................. 13-36

ART S & E NTE RTAINME NT

Music . ................................................... 38 Music . ................................................... 39 Music . ................................................... 40 Music . ................................................... 41 TimesTable .................................... 42-45 Film . ...................................................... 45 Classifieds..................................... 46-47 Back Page . ........................................... 48 Cover Photo: Coal Offloaded from Train to Pile (Photo: Bill Chaisson) Cover Design: Marshall Hopkins

ON THE W E B Visit our website at www.ithaca.com for more news, arts, sports and photos. 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 J a i m e C o n e , W e b 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 J o s h B r o k a w, S t a f f 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 C h r i s H a r r i n g t o n , E d i t o r i a l a s s i s t a n t , x 217 A r t s @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 M i c h a e l N o c e l l a , 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 M a r s h a l l H o p k i n s , 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 A l e x i s C o l t o n , A c c o u n t R e p r e s e n t a t i v e , x 221 A l e x i s @ I t h a c a T i me s . c o m S h a r o n D a v i s , Cy n d i B r o n g , x 211 A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Rick Blaisdell, Chris Eaton, Les Jink s Distribution 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 C o n t r i b u t o r s : Barbara Adams,Steve Burke, Deirdre Cunningham, Jane Dieckmann, Amber Donofrio, Karen Gadiel, Charley Githler, Warren Greenwood, Ross Haarstad, Peggy Haine, Cassandra Palmyra, Arthur Whitman, and Bryan VanCampen.

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 5 , 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

specializes in business attraction and retention, urban design, public policy and strategic planning. The IDBW is a local non-profit with the mission of helping women in business stay connected and support each other. No RSVP is required and the cost of the buffet lunch is $15. Meetings are monthly Sept-June, membership is $30. Guests are always welcome. To keep up with what is going on with the IDBW please go to Facebook and like their page.

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INQUIRING

Tompkins County

PHOTOGRAPHER

Indian Creek Folks Want Biggs Parcel

By Josh Brok aw

What are you going to get me for Christmas?

he Government Operations Committee of the Tompkins County Legislature heard from the Indian Creek Neighborhood Association at a meeting on Nov. 24. The community group is hoping to purchase the land from the county but has yet to make an offer, saying that it can’t focus fundraising efforts without a ballpark estimate of what the Indian Creek land would cost. Committee chair Daniel Klein (D-Caroline) said the county could not name a dollar figure, only respond to offers it receives. After some back and forth, county officials agreed to reassess the land in order to get an accurate sense of what it’s currently worth; the neighborhood group said that having the updated dollar amount would be helpful for them as they move forward. This temporary resolution to the issue is only the latest development in what has been an ongoing struggle to settle on an adequate use for the 26 acres of former county health department property, also known as the Biggs property, on Harris B. Dates Drive in the town of Ithaca. Better Housing for Tompkins County and NRP Properties of Cleveland withdrew their proposal for an affordable housing development last year after finding more extensive wetlands than expected. It was determined that the parcel was

“I’ll get you a newspaper to run.” —Corey Adelman

“I don’t know ... I’m having trouble buying for my wife.” —Joe Vasquez

Noconfidence contin u ed from page 3

“Obviously I’m not going to get you anything.” —Mary Milne

“I would knit you a scarf to go with that hat.” —Mercedes Wilby

“Alcohol.” —Monica Weimer

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The IC board of trustees issued a joint statement from Tom Grape ’80, chairman, and David Lissy ’87, vice chairman, of the Ithaca College Board of Trustees: “This evening, the Student Government Association released the results of a student vote expressing a lack of confidence in President Rochon. As we noted before Thanksgiving, over the last couple of months, we have sought and received input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents about the right course of action in light of recent events, and we continue to do so. The confidence votes are one way for students and faculty to make their views known to us, but community members have also shared thoughts and ideas with us directly, through in-person meetings and by email. “We are grateful to the Ithaca College community for participating in this discussion. As the discussion continues, we ask the IC community to support civil discourse and an open exchange of ideas and perspectives as together we aim to improve the college that we all care for so deeply.” On Monday Recckio argued that e c e m b e r

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Indian Creek neighbor Schuhmann Steffen speaks to the legislature about the Biggs parcel. (Photo: Jaime Cone)

no longer needed for a public purpose, and planning commissioner Ed Marx recommended it be listed for sale with any purchase agreement, including an easement to establish a permanent buffer along the portion of Indian Creek that traverses the northwest corner of the property in order to protect the wetlands. At a meeting of the Government Operations Committee in October, about six West Hill residents had urged the committee to open a public discussion of the issue before deciding to put it up for sale. They said they would like to see the county consider issuing a Request for Proposals that would focus on preserving the site rather than developing it.

At the most recent meeting, about eight members of the public spoke up in favor of preserving the land. Speaking as a representative of the Indian Creek Neighborhood Association, Linda GraceKobas said she hoped that environmental impact would be emphasized in all decision-making on the part of the county, and that if there was public use of the space it would be as green space. Grace-Kobas said that there is a “rich ecosystem” there, with wetlands that have been present for 100 years. She described an array of wildlife that populates the area, such as wild turkeys, foxes, and owls, and

“if the fiscal responsibility of the college was on the mind of the trustees,” the prospect of near 2,700 students who voted no confidence in Rochon taking their education elsewhere should be enough to convince the board to oust the president. After the vote was announced, the SGA moved on to discuss and pass a new student “bill of rights and responsibilities,” a reworking of the SGA constitution, which must also be approved by the trustees. Many of the amendments involve requests for transparency and student representative involvement in financial and planning matters. While discussing the sixth article, headed “Students have the right to feel safe and be safe,” student Senate chair Marieme Foote noted that the SGA was still “reworking the meaning of safe and what it means to us.” Later, when the discussion turned to speech on campus, Matilda Thorton-Clark asked, “At what point does free speech turn into slurs?” Recckio said he still has “pages and pages and pages to read and opinion to hear” on the subject. It was added from another SGA member that, for now, the “legal definition of hate speech” is the starting point. In a Nov. 12 interview with Kira

Maddox and Aidan Quigley of The Ithacan, the day after a campus walkout, Rochon said he “was giving no consideration to resigning.” “I’m not going to speculate as to what would be the information, including electoral returns, that would make me reconsider,” Rochon continued. At another point in the interview, Rochon said his resignation would “change so little in my view. To change the president without changing anything else.” The POC@IC group agrees with Rochon, insofar as the influence of his office goes. In an open letter in The Ithacan on Nov. 11, the group—which has so far refused media requests for interviews— wrote,“The grassroots removal of an administrator brings influence back into the hands of the people. This push is not reactionary, but strategic because now it brings the campus community directly into administrative affairs ... Is the president just a figurehead? Of course. But the point is that the campus body removed that figure head and has in turn opened the door for retrieving real sources of power.”•

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– Josh Brokaw reporter@ithacatimes.com

N City of Ithaca

Rebuilding Simeon’s and Chapter House

he city planning board got its first official look at sketch plans for the DeWitt House at the old library site on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The project proposal approved in August by the Tompkins County Legislature is largely unchanged, but more covered parking has been added, for a total of 55 spots. About 60 “moderately priced” units are still planned, according to developer Frost Travis. “We don’t want this to be a luxury project, but more in reach for a greater population,” Travis told the board. “Not just because I’m a nice guy, but because it gives more reach to who might live here.” Graham Gillespie of Holt Architects said that his team has “certainly learned something from the discussion” over reusing as much of the old library as possible. Gillespie is planning on reusing at least a portion of the library’s foundations for basement storage space. “We’ll have spread footings and have a much lighter building [than the library],” Gillespie said. “It’s a steel podium design with a wood frame on top of that. If we don’t have to yank [foundations] out, obviously that’s a lot less disturbance, and less cost, too.” Architect Jason Demarest spent much of the planning board meeting at the microphone, with several projects in various phases up for review. The board checked in on the Simeon’s rebuild, underway at the intersection of Aurora and State streets. “What have you discovered?” Jack Elliott asked Demarest of the ongoing construction. “We’re discovering a lot of deterioration,” Demarest replied. He told the board that in “an ideal world,” the restaurant space there will be complete by April 1. The apartments upstairs will take longer. Interior plaster will be retained, but the back bar will undergo some changes, Demarest said. Demarest also showed off some new design options for the Chapter House rebuild, which he’s working on for bar owner John Hoey and property owner Sebastian Mascaro. A mansard roof that wraps all the way around looks likely to be included, hearkening back to the building’s original design from the first decade of the 20th century. The slate roof awning at the top of the first floor has been extended around

the corner from earlier drawings, gaining approval from John Schroeder. The Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Committee has suggested “bricking in false windows,” Demarest said. Some interior design elements might not be retained from the old Chapter House, which had a number of steps and ramps connecting its four public rooms. “It seems to be there were some elevation changes in there that weren’t ADA approved,” Elliott noted. “The dropdown need not be replicated,” added Garrick Blalock. “I’ve fallen on that several times.” Much of the evening was spent on discussion of a new bar proposed next door to the Argos Inn, the tentatively named “Printing Press Lounge,” which would go into the old print shop and onetime Park Communications building at 416-420 E. State St. Neighbors of the property have attended planning meetings for a couple of months to voice their objections to the project, proposed by Ben Rosenblum. Neil Schill and David Halpert presented a PowerPoint presentation to

Ups&Downs

them cackling over whatever joke.” Rosenblum told the board there was really “no more we can do to rearrange the entry area,” which has been moved toward State Street and enclosed by noisebuffering landscaping. Legally binding language could be added, Rosenblum said, to ensure the guarantee that all Argos activities will cease at 9 p.m., with the lounge to be open from 9 at night until 1 a.m.

▶Save the white deer, Funds are currently being raised to purchase some or all of the land needed to provide a home for and preserve the largest herd of white deer in the world. A key part of the concept entails creating a center in which the environment, the local community and the visitors all benefit. Ecotourists learn about and observe the environment in a way that protects the environment, while providing substantial economic benefits to the community. Go to senecawhitedeer.org 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 ▶ Accepting Nominations, The 2016 Ithaca/Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Award nomination period is officially open! Nominate for one of our three award categories in 2016: Not-for-Profit of the Year ; Entrepreneur of the Year; Distinguished Business of the Year. Winners will be honored at the annual Chamber dinner on Jan. 28, 2016. To vote go to surveymonkey.com/ r/2016ChamberAwards ▶ Top Stories on the Ithaca Times website for the week of Nov. 25-Dec. 2 include:

Steel goes up on second floor of Simeon’s rebuild (above) and rendering of new Chapter House (Photo C. Palmyra)

the board focusing on their concerns about noise. “SPEECH distracts out of proportion to decibels,” read one slide, and continued: “BRAIN UNIQUELY ATTUNED TO SPEECH.” The parking plan, which is to be shared with the Argos—which if this lounge is approved will start closing at 9 p.m.—has also been a sticking point. “After enjoying a few drinks and a night out, many drivers seem to feel a sudden urge to clean their vehicle,” Schill said. “Much like the fracking business, the proposed parking solution allows a few to profit while pushing the costs and consequences to the neighborhood.” Outside conversations, argued Virginia Augusta, can’t be controlled no matter how conscientious the proprietor might be about shushing patrons. “I go to bed at 9 or 9:30 every night, and I can’t go to bed without hearing a conversation at the current Argos patio,” Augusta said. “I hear them at the food truck, I hear them having a smoke, I hear

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Seth Waltz of AVL Designs told the board that acoustic testing he has conducted showed that a sound system playing salsa music at an uncomfortable level of 102 decibels could only be heard outside in a couple spots when traffic calmed. And then, the sound from inside registered under noise ordinance levels. “Would you mind living next to this?,” Waltz was asked. “I have neighbors with a pool and a soundsystem around it, which is a much bigger problem than this,” Waltz said. “Fortunately, I like most of their music.” The board decided to table the Printing Press Lounge question until they receive more information on acoustic testing. In other business, the site plan for a 12-unit cohousing development designed by Noah Demarest at 215-221 Spencer St., now a sumac-strewn hillside below Cayuga Street, was approved. The board also made a positive recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals for the Herson Wagner Funeral Home move to the current J.C. Smith location at 327 Elmira Road, right behind Denny’s. •

For these stories and more, visit our website at www.ithaca.com.

question OF THE WEEK

Should the Cayuga power plant be repowered with natural gas? Please respond at ithaca.com. L ast Week ’s Q uestion: Do you think we should

stop celebrating Thanksgiving out of respect to the tribal peoples ?

28 percent of respondents answered “yes” and 72 percent answered “no”

– Josh Brokaw reporter@ithacatimes.com T

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Editorial

IthacaNotes

What About the Kids? L

law since it was enacted 14 years ago. Opposition to the law from the right has pushed to return more control over education to local districts and states. Opposition on the left has focussed on the punitive measures that are taken when a school is judged—by federal standards—to have failed. One of the least popular of these has been to tie the granting of teacher tenure to student performance on standardized tests. Under the new agreement all of the federal testing—administered annually in third through eighth grade and once in high school—will remain in place. But now states and local districts will be allowed to judge what constitutes “poor performance” and children will no longer be required to reach set proficiencies in reading and math at certain dates. However, Democratic members of the committee won a provision that would still subject the bottom 5 percent of schools to mandatory intervention by states. Their performance will be measured by test scores, graduation rates, and “other measures of performance.” But state education officials, not the secretary of education, will determine how to weight the importance of these measures of performance. The federal government will no longer have the power to force states to institute changes in academic standards

ocal school boards, Ithaca’s included, have been wrangling with parents and local school administrators have been arguing with teachers about various aspects of the No Child Left Behind law since it was passed 14 years ago. Distressingly very few of these arguments have had to do with how, when, or what children should learn. Instead they have been mostly about how to find out what children have learned and who to punish when it hasn’t happened. It has all been a big distraction from the more important questions, and recent developments at the federal level may or may not improve matters. Although the No Child Left Behind legislation was passed during the second Bush administration, it continued to be enforced with alacrity by the Obama administration, particularly President Obama’s education secretary Arne Duncan, who will depart the cabinet this month, to be replaced by former New York State Commissioner of Education John B. King, Jr. On Nov. 19 a bipartisan conference committee, drawing members from the House of Representatives and the Senate, managed to negotiate terms that will make major changes in the No Child Left Behind law and end many of the protracted arguments among teachers, school administrators, and parents that have bogged down local school districts, including the Ithaca city schools. The New York Times reported that these represent the first changes to the

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Good Will Abounds By St e ph e n P. Bu r k e

hanksgiving just passed, which means it’s time for nimble minds to turn to GrassRoots Festival. The big bash is not until July, but tickets are now on sale. For years, the starting date for ticket sales was Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day). A few years ago, a super-low rate was offered starting months earlier, on Thanksgiving (GrassRoots likes celebratory tie-ins, it seems). Tickets are on sale now for $100. This “Holiday Special” goes until Jan. 31. On February 1, the “Early Bird Special” kicks in, at $110, until May 1. “Advance” tickets are available for $125 from May 2 to July 20. The festival is July 21 to 24 and tickets at the gate are $150. The only drag about the pricing is for people who like to complain how expensive GrassRoots is. Last year, the festival featured Trombone Shorty, The Family Stone, and Steve Earle on successive nights. Those three acts alone would cost $100-plus in any venue. GrassRoots presented an additional 100 or so performances on four stages over four days, plus yoga and dance workshops, and more. It works out to about $1.50 an hour for the music. That’s a third the cost of a movie. The movies, moreover, don’t let you bring in booze. Last time here in Ithaca Notes, in a Thanksgiving column, we cited GrassRoots as a local event to appreciate, not only for its excellence, but for a volunteer character reflective of our community. GrassRoots accepts no commercial sponsorships. It is run by volunteers, many hundreds of them. Workers are rewarded with free admission, but primarily, it seems, by the satisfaction of contributing to something uplifting, unique, and fun. Volunteer work at GrassRoots aids other efforts, too. As noted here last column, our area is a bastion of community work and initiative. GrassRoots, a non-profit,

gives a lot of money to many worthy groups. Recent recipients of GrassRoots donations include the Ithaca Free Clinic, the Drop-In Children’s Center, Ithaca Youth Bureau, Hospicare, and the Peter DeMott Trot. The Trot is an annual run/walk that honors the late Peter DeMott, a prominent peace activist from Ithaca. The event raises funds for the Ithaca Catholic Worker, Peter’s main group for peace and justice efforts. Occasionally, the Ithaca Catholic Worker sponsors concerts. Quite in the spirit of GrassRoots, this month the ICW is hosting a show to benefit a different organization, bringing Irish musicians Karan Casey and Lúnasa to the Community School of Music and Arts on Wednesday, Dec. 16, with proceeds going to the fledgling Lodi Food Pantry. Ellen Grady is Peter’s widow and an organizer of the event. She says, “Barbara and Steve Smith are dairy farmers in Lodi. Barbara came to one of the Worker’s regular Tuesday night meetings and said she and Steve had been reading the writings of Dorothy Day, one of the founders of the Catholic Worker movement, and wanted to share some of their resources with folks in need. They talked to other Lodi residents, and decided to open a community pantry with fresh, local food for the people of Lodi and surrounding towns. They asked for help. “Soon after, I got an email from Lúnasa’s booking agent saying they were touring the U.S. with Karan, asking if we wanted to do a show. I thought, yes—we haven’t had Lúnasa in almost ten years, and now they’ll be with Karan, one of my favorite singers. And the thought came to me, why not do a show as a benefit for the pantry? It wasn’t much notice, but we couldn’t say no, because of the music and the need.” It seems good will and love of good music are year-round, and all around, in Ithaca. •

YourOPINIONS

Response to Planet Aid

I heard about the Planet Aid (PA) and USAgain clothing boxes from friend Ron in Vermont a few years ago. Their son John and partner signed up to volunteer in China for a year with a Tvind-connected project to aid local people and paid much money to participate. After a couple months in a remote area, they left, because John, who had much experience working on projects in different countries knew that they were being given “busy work” that was not related to meaningful local aid. They’d also gone online in China and learned much about Tvind’s shady dealings, cult-like practices, and 6

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the clothing box companies associated with Tvind, which included Planet Aid. Ron did his own research and then shared web links with all the property owners who’d permitted the clothing boxes in his town, and all boxes were removed but one. Ron just told me that at the time, Planet Aid was certainly not accepted as a charity continued on page 7

Send Letters to the Editor to editor@ithacatimes.com. Letters must be signed and include an address and phone number. We do not publish unsigned letters.

Editorial contin u ed from page 6

like the Common Core. This is another change that had adherents on the right and left, albeit for differing reasons. The right hated federal control, period, and the left hated top-down control over teachers. There is even an amendment to the bill that limits the amount of time that schools are allowed to spend on standardized testing. Apparently states were adding tests that ostensibly helped students prepare for the federal tests. Charter schools lost out when, after additional money was allotted to the poorest schools, an amendment was voted down that would have allowed students to bring that extra money with them to a charter school. These changes to the law leave in place the absurd battery of standardized tests, many of which have been shown to be poorly designed, and now essentially allows states to either ignore the results or use them as they see fit. If No Child Left Behind was an attempt to remove some of the disparities among school systems, these changes will allow most districts to lapse back into their old habits, except they will still have to do a federally mandated song and dance once a year. No Child Left Behind never promulgated a national curriculum, which is actually what is needed. And it never proposed changing the way public schools are funded, almost universally through property taxes, which has been a central weakness in any effort to make all schools of more equal quality. In other words, very little of the original law nor of any of these changes is actually about the education of children. Rather this all about the administration and the evaluation of the administration of education. As such, it will make administrators, teachers, and maybe even some parents happy, but it won’t change the education of children at all. • Youropinions

there are others who’ve been doing so as well, finding shady financial doings and cult-like practices. So what’s that all about? Whatever Planet Aid is all about, donating to them does remove clothing from local service-providing organizations: Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and the Rescue Mission, and others elsewhere. I’ll keep donating to the locals.

ourCorrections

– Becca Harber, Newfield

You Go, Girl!

Caroline Byrne has it exactly right (Alum Has Petition to Up CU Contribution, Ithaca Times, Nov. 18, 2015). Cornell has no excuse for not paying for the full value of their acreage. With what they rightfully owe they could employ every person who signed Ms. Byrne’s petition full time at $15 per hour for a year. If fact, that might be the way to go. This town is already a theme park for the Alumni Association (“Look Marge! That’s the Stewart Ave. brick I tripped on and chipped my tooth back in ‘58!”). Of course, it’s also an Ivy League institution, which makes it one hell of a draw. So why not make more of the local folks part of the show? I propose that we take a page out of Detroit’s handbook. Tear up the municipal charter. Don’t privatize it! Cornell-ify it! Hang the taxes! Let Cornell buy a fleet of cabs and food delivery vehicles. Put some bartenders and waitresses on the Cornell payroll too. They already have a big chunk of TCAT. Why not just make it official and re-designate that “C”. Then when the going gets tough out there - you know, the kids get a little rowdy, the potholes rip their vehicles apart - well, at least Cornell will have some skin in the game. Because right now it sure feels like they are (with apologies to Charlie Sheen) “WINNING!!!”

In our Nov. 18 cover story, “Enter the Dragon,” we misidentified student Pierre Clavel in a photo on p. 8. That IHS player is Alex Patz, one of the few IHS players who did not train with TC Waza. Pierre Clavel is pictured (center above) with Lamarr Peters (right) and Will Strominger (right). Strominger played varsity at IHS for two years and was with TC Waza for eight years. This photo was taken Nov. 7, the night after Ithaca High won the regional championship. (Photo: Pierre Clavel the Elder)

– Leo Muzzy, Ithaca

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Biggsparcel

by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and that “Maybe all the scrutiny has changed them for the better.” I now see that the BBB site rates them as acceptable, however BBB’s comments focus entirely on the environmental benefits from recycling/ reusing clothing. Ron said that PA has a “big campaign” on their good works and how we and “young employees impassioned for good” don’t necessarily know what’s going on in the background, referring to Tvind connections. He told me that the head of Tvind is also wanted in the U.S., not just Denmark. Ron also said that his research revealed that selling used clothing in “poor” parts of the world by PA and USAgain was adversely impacting local business people, because the clothing they obtained for free was underpricing clothing made by local people. It’s also interesting to me that someone in Washington called to thank me for my clothing box viewpoint and said he’s been researching these groups for years. He said

she said that the land is home to mature white pine, oak, and walnut trees. She also mentioned that the association has spoken with four archaeologists who believe the land may have historical significance as an archaeological site. Steffen Schuhmann, who lives on property adjacent to the parcel, asked the committee if it would be willing to donate all or part of the land, if there were stewards of the land dedicated to maintaining and preserving it in its current state. “I suppose we could sell it to any entity,” said Klein, but he said that the entity would have to make a monetary offer. “We can’t discuss it without a monetary figure on the table, but if we had an offer, that could potentially spark negotiation.” “Right now, we don’t know. Should we raise $300,000? Or we could raise $10,” said Grace-Kobas. “Are you willing to give

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The Biggs parcel is the wooded area between Trumansburg Road, Indian Creek Road and Dates Drive. The course of Indian Creek is marked with white dashes. The medical center is the lower right corner. (Image: Google Maps)

benefits of preserving the land as it is are outweighed by the potential value of alternative use of the land, said Planning Commissioner Ed Marx, adding that the county is not in a position to maintain ownership of the property. The last time the property was appraised was in 2009, and at the urging of Grace-Kobas, who said the discovery of the wetlands after 2009 may alter the land’s value, the committee decided to reassess the parcel, which was valued at $340,000 in 2009. Director of Assessment Jay Franklin said he would provide an updated valuation of the land. •

it for a token price for a group that would raise money for stewardship, or are you looking for a great deal of money?” “I have no expectation to what that [dollar amount] would be,” replied Klein. “I’d be interested to hear, are you saying you would be interested in owning this as a group?” asked committee member Jim Dennis (D-Ulysses). Grace-Kobas said that through meetings of the Indian Creek Neighborhood Association it has come to light that there are people willing to commit to the purchase of all or most of the land either individually or as an organization. The Planning Advisory Board had already looked at the parcel’s environmental value and found that the T

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thetrouble

withcoal

Lansing landfill is leaking, but is apparently within the law

C ay u g a C o a l p l a n t (l e f t) a n d C o a l Wa s t e L a n d f i l l s (a b ov e) ( I m ag e c o u r t e s y o f G o o g l e M a p s)

By Bill Chaisson

he absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.” This was the essence of the argument made by Mark Quarles, an environmental consultant from Nashville, Tennessee, when he gave a presentation about contamination leaking from the coal-combustion waste landfills at the Cayuga power plant in Lansing to the county Planning, Energy, and Environmental Quality (PEEQ) Committee on Sept. 16. The message of Jerry Goodenough, chief operating officer at the Cayuga power plant, in his Nov. 18 response to Quarles’ remarks, was that Upstate Power Producers is following the letter of the law and is fully in compliance. The wells that monitor the landfills for leaks, he said, are exactly where the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) requires them to be. The power plant has been monitoring the site and sending quarterly reports to the DEC for 38 years. “The landfill was designed and operated without a liner,” said Quarles in a recent interview. “There is contamination, the extent of which is not defined. The responsible thing to do is to define the risk to human health and the environment.” The Super Law Group in New York City, which has worked with the local Sierra Club chapter, brought in Quarles to investigate the landfill, said Edan Rotenberg, an attorney with the firm. Super Law is a public interest law firm that works with citizens and groups who generally cannot pay the usual attorney fees for investigations that take years. They were hired by the Sierra Club to 8

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examine the Cayuga power plant situation. “At first we were looking at air and water [pollution] issues,” said Rotenberg. “This was before AES declared bankruptcy and sold the plant, so since about 2011. The landfill was a later focus.” He added that the EPA also had the authority to require more wells and monitoring, but the county and town governments did not. “The county [or the town] can look at residential wells and in the surrounding environment,” he said, but they can’t collect data on the power plant property without permission. Quarles said his involvement was prompted by the need for the plant to renew their wastewater discharge permit. In January of this year Rotenberg supplied Quarles with groundwater data that Upstate Power Producers, the current owner of the plant, and AES and NYSEG, the previous owners, had collected and submitted over the years to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Quarles essentially re-analyzed the power plant’s own data and came to a different conclusion regarding risk to the surrounding environment. In the final slide of his September PowerPoint presentation Quarles made several recommendations. He suggested that the county “influence the DEC and EPA to ensure adequate investigation and permit conditions, insist on [an] adequate well network, stream, river, and lake sampling, and [secure] adequate funding for long-term care.” He also suggested that the county hire a consultant to oversee the county interests. “Nobody in the county [government] understands the impact or the science in e c e m b e r

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the annual reports [to the DEC],” Quarles said. “Cayuga is presenting their opinion: that nothing is wrong. But as Paul Harvey used to say, there’s always ‘the rest of the story.’” At the November meeting of the PEEQ, Goodenough, along with several other company representatives, addressed the concerns brought up by Quarles. There are, said Goodenough at that meeting, no issues. Because of the pending sale of the Cayuga and Somerset plants, Goodenough declined to be interviewed on the record for this story. County legislator Martha Robertson (D-Dryden) was the most vocal member of the PEEQ committee at the September meeting. She had expressed surprise that Quarles had used the plant’s data, rather than collecting his own. Other members of the committee, she said, were immediately ready to hire a consultant investigate the problem that Quarles described. Robertson, however, preferred to first find out the DEC’s position on the matter. “It is the DEC’s job,” she said, “but it’s possible that we won’t be satisfied [with their answer]. If the DEC can assure us that things are being done correctly, then I’m OK with that.” Sierra Club activist John Dennis was present at Goodenough’s presentation. “The narrative that I heard,” he said, “is that there is no offsite health risk, that the landfill is hydrologically isolated, and that the [coal waste] is fully encapsulated.” Although Dennis has many questions about pollution both directly from the plant to the lake and at the landfill, he admitted that they have done a reseasonably good job of staying within the bounds of their state pollutant

discharge elimination system (SPDES) permit Dooley Kiefer (D-Cayuga Heights) is the chair of the PEEQ Committee through next month. At press time Keifer had not yet contacted the DEC. Waste and the Law By virtue of fossil fuel industry lobbying, coal combustion residuals (CCR) have never been regulated as hazardous waste. In fact, it is only recently that the federal government put in place rules to regulate it as solid waste. Quarles was part of a team that worked on the new federal laws, which went into effect on Dec. 31, 2014. On Dec. 22, 2008, a large coal ash spill occurred at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) power plant in Kingston, TN flooding more than 300 acres of land and releasing coal ash into the Emory and Clinch rivers. This catastrophic spill prompted EPA to assess coal ash surface impoundments and gather information from facilities managing coal ash nationwide. On June 21, 2010 (75 FR 35128), EPA proposed regulations under RCRA to address the risks from the disposal of CCR. (From epa.gov)

CCR includes fly ash, which is captured by pollution-control devices (and is often recycled as a constituent in Portland cement); flue-gas desulfurization materials, which are collected from scrubbers that remove sulfur and oxides from the flue-gas stream; and bottom ash, which also has several recycled uses. About 43 percent of CCRs can be recycled. CCRs are part of the more general category of fossil-fuel combustion (FFC) wastes. In 1976 they were classified as “special waste” in the

I leaked at the behest of the DEC 45 Resource Conservation and Recovery monitoring wells were installed around Act (RCRA). The RCRA replaced the the Cayuga power plant landfills. “There is Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965, which evidence,” Quarles said, “of groundwater was the first federal legislation to force contamination from Phase II, but the DEC the improvement of waste disposal has not asked them to put in more wells.” technology. These waste disposal laws The environmental consultant does represented complements to federal not like the way the Cayuga power laws like the Federal Water Pollution plant landfills are constructed. “It is Control Act Amendments of 1972 (which conventional wisdom that when you build completely rewrote a 1948 law) and was a landfill,” he said, “you want there to be in turn updated by the Clean Water Act of a separation between the bottom of the 1977. liner and the aquifer. This landfill is built NYSEG built the “Milliken power either close to or right in the aquifer. They plant” (named for the nearby creek) in built groundwater suppression drains, and 1952 as a coal-fired plant. In the late they chose to build in an area with shallow 1960s, local activists successfully opposed groundwater.” Quarles said that this the construction of an 830-megawatt technique is allowed by New York State nuclear power plant. In 1977, a year law, but is not allowed in any of the other after the passage of the RCRA, NYSEG states where he has worked. Furthermore, constructed what is now called Phase I the new federal CCR law that went into of the CCR landfill up the hill from the effect at the end of 2014 does not allow it. power plant. The landfill is south of Starks Road, north of Milliken Station Road, and Contamination at the Landfill west of Ridge Road (Route 34B). What contaminants have been According to the 2010 solid waste detected in the monitoring wells and report (which are submitted annually to in Milliken Creek? The metals arsenic, the DEC) the “first stage [of the landfill] manganese, iron, and the “semimetal” was created by excavating approximately five feet below existing ground surface and boron have all been measured at levels above the New York State standards for placing a two-foot bottom ash drainage blanket on top of the native soils. Leachate collection drains were placed in the bottom ash layer at a nominal spacing of approximately 50 feet, and a toe drain was placed along the inside edge of the outer berm.” This portion of the landfill was expanded in stages in similar manner until 1984. In 2009 M o u n d e d a s h ov e r t h e P h a s e I I l a n d f i l l . AES Cayuga ( P h o t o : B i l l C h a i s s o n) covered the landfill with a drinking water. Similarly high levels of composite cap to prevent groundwater compounds like sulfates, chlorides, and from percolating into it and moving ammonia have also been measured. pollutants into groundwater. Arsenic, Quarles said, has been The termination of Phase I coincides measured at 25 parts per billion (ppb), with the revision of the RCRA called the which he said was two and a half times Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments the state and federal standards for safe of 1984 (Public Law 98-616). It was at this drinking water. time that landfills began to require “(i) The slope above the power plant is the installation of two or more liners and draped with a layer of glacial till. Beneath a leachate collection system above (in the the till are the layered sedimentary rocks case of a landfill) and between such liners; of the Hamilton Group, a collection of and (ii) ground water monitoring.” (The shales, siltstones, and thin limestones. foregoing is from the language of the law In their 2010 report to the DEC, the itself.) The 1984 legislation also banned environmental consultants that do the land disposal of hazardous waste; going site monitoring for the plant, AMEC forward all of it would have to be treated Geomatrix, note that the bedrock is rich in before disposal. CCRs, however, were still inorganic compounds and metals, often in classified as solid, not hazardous, waste concentrations above the drinking water and could still be landfilled. Phase II is a standards. lined landfill. Consequently, the landfill owners have According to Quarles, because Phase

the power plant landfill, said Quarles, they have instead collected all the variation in contaminants they have measured over the years and then decided that the value three standard deviations from the average would be the trigger value. “They never exceed it,” he said, “because they are comparing it to itself.”

argued for “high trigger values.” These are values of contaminant measurement that, if exceeded, should “trigger” some management or remedial action. The groundwater standard for sulfate is 250 milligrams per liter (mg/L; equivalent to “parts per million”). In explaining the concentrations found in the second ring of monitoring wells (“Tier 2”) AMEC

C o a l - f i r e d p l a n t a n d c o a l p i l e (r i g h t) ( P h o t o : B i l l C h a i s s o n) The Nature of the Landfill Site Phase I and II have been vertically expanded since 2007 and 1990, respectively, and Quarles said he saw no reason to believe that the site was not still leaking, creating an undefined risk. “If there are financial concerns about Cayuga,” Quarles said, mentioning the bankruptcy of AES, the power plant’s previous owner, “then the public could eventually be held responsible. I would want a responsible party to fulfill the legal requirements [for remediation] while they are still solvent.” The Cayuga power plant does have $7.5 million set aside, but none of it, said Quarles, is earmarked for further investigation of leaks or clean up. “DEC rules require that the vertical and horizontal extent of the contamination be defined,” he said. “It is not optional.” Quarles noted that disposal has been going on at the landfill for 38 years and there has been persistent contamination. “There is not enough information available,” he said, “to know that there is not a problem.” “This is a serious concern,” said Rotenberg. “The contamination has leaked past the line of monitoring wells. The data indicates that it is still moving.” Rotenberg said that environmentalists lose credibility if they are alarmist. He likes Quarles approach because he is not claiming that drinking water for nearby homes has been contaminated. Rather he is pressing Upstate Power Producers to determine whether or not is has been contaminated. “The DEC has the authority to ask for more wells and more monitoring,” said the Super Law attorney. “The Sierra Club has asked for this. I’m a little disappointed in the DEC.” •

Geomatrix authors write: “This second tier of wells has historically exhibited elevated concentrations of iron, manganese, and magnesium, which are found naturally in groundwater at the Site and are representative of background groundwater quality.” “Sulfate,” they continued, “was selected as the trigger parameter due to its relatively high concentration in leachate generated at the Site, and its ability to move conservatively with groundwater. The trigger mechanism for the closed portion of the Site is defined as an increase in the level of sulfate above the NY Class GA standard (250 mg/L) in any of the Tier 2 monitoring wells listed in Table 3 for two consecutive quarterly monitoring events.” Sulfate levels were measured upgradient from the landfills, and those concentrations, which are sometimes above 250 mg/L, were assumed to be the natural background levels for the area. In other words, the natural groundwater in this area is not drinkable at some levels. In 2010 sulfate concentrations above 250 mg/L were found at two Tier 2 wells. But AMEC Geomatrix said they were not part of a trend toward higher values and were found only at those two sites. They promised to continue monitor the situation closely. Quarles was dissatisfied with this methodology. “In a perfect world, groundwater monitoring would have happened before the waste was present … to provided a baseline, so you know when there is a release [of contamination].” At T

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Tompkins County

Town of Ithaca

Plane Hobbyists Differ From Drone Fliers

Rising Costs Kill Greenways Project

odel airplane enthusiasts asked that lawmakers considering legislation limiting the use of drones not put unnecessary restrictions on their hobby at a meeting of the Tompkins County Government Operations Committee Nov. 24. Remote-controlled model airplanes and drones are considered identical under current law. Frank Granelli, associate vice president of District II of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, gave a presentation and listed the reasons why he and the academy believe model airplanes should be allow to fly if they’re not infringing on privacy (a common concern with drones, which are frequently equipped with cameras.) The local law would regulate the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UVA) in Tompkins County that fly below a height of 400 feet and does not distinguish between remote control airplanes and the hovering airborne vehicles people usually think of when they hear the word “drone.” It includes provisions that prohibit flying a UVA within less than 150 feet above a private property owner’s land or any structure on that land without permission, but Granelli said this would criminalize people who may, accidentally, fly it over a neighbor’s property for a second by mistake. “This restricts parents with their children,” said Granelli, gesturing toward one of several planes he brought along to the meeting. “They can’t take something

Frank Granelli (Photo: Jaime Cone)

like this fly in their backyard because if blows over someone else’s lawn they’re breaking the law. There’s no camera, so it’s not invading someone’s privacy, so what is the big bugaboo?” “It’s electric powered, quiet, and much over 200 feet you can’t see it,” he added. It’s meant to fly at 100 feet. It’s slow, and it’s harmless.” Granelli said most remote-controlled airplanes are too light to carry a camera, and pilots risk losing their membership to the AMA if it’s discovered they’re using cameras of any sort. This means they cannot use designated AMA runways, no small punishment as many of the larger planes require the long runways to get off the ground, he said. Someone accused of violating privacy would also lose their insurance. “You can’t fly at any clubs, and on any land you own you’re risking everything you own because you’re not covered by insurance,” he said. In conclusion, he said, “please consider putting under the exception clause of the proposed legislation.” “We might vote on this next month,” said committee chair Daniel Klein (D-Caroline). “We’ve been talking about this for quite a few months now; it’s time to wrap it up.” – Jaime Cone southreporter@flcn.org

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 Main Office: 10 Graham Rd. West 607-257-2188 Trumansburg Road Office: 1290 Trumansburg Rd. 607-379-5211 www.northeastpeds.com 10

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for-sale townhouse project planned by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services and approved by the Town of Ithaca is no longer scheduled for construction. The Greenways project was planned for a Cornell-owned 10-plus acre plot of land, just off Honness Lane, between Slaterville Road/Route 79 and the East Hill Recreation Way. The Town of Ithaca gave final approval to the 46-unit, 14-building project this past April after about a year of planning and deliberations. It was the second attempt by INHS at putting for-sale housing on that property; a 67-unit proposal put forward in 2012 was rejected by the town council. The rising costs of construction factored into the decision to kill the project, INHS director Paul Mazzarella said in an email. “We consider all of the costs of owning a home, including mortgage costs, property taxes, and insurance,” Mazzarella wrote. “The owners of Greenways homes would also have been part of a homeowner’s association, which would have required an additional monthly fee for property and building maintenance. All of these costs must be less than 38 [percent] of a buyer’s monthly income in order to remain affordable. Unlike a market rate project, we could not simply pass the higher construction costs on to buyers because of the limits on income and affordability for buyers.” In exchange for using Cornell land, university employees were to have first

crack at buying the townhouses. INHS planned on building them to a similar price point and size as those in the Holly Creek development off Danby Road. Sale prices in the $125,000 to $135,000 range were the goal, with two-bedrooms coming in at 1,100 square feet and three-bedroom units in the 1,280 to 1,350 square foot range. Buyers could make up to $43,250 annually, in a one-person household, to $61,750 per year for a four-person household, Mazzarella said. Property tax assessments take no account of price paid or deed restrictions put in by INHS that require an owner to sell at a potentially below-market rate. Mazzarella said that these homes would likely be assessed at about $185,000, “a nearly 50 percent premium.” “They will never be allowed to sell the house for the value that it is being assessed at, yet they must pay taxes at that rate,” Mazzarella said. “This is creating a huge burden for these buyers and makes the homes far less affordable.” The approved Greenways project was scheduled for a three-phase development over five to six years. One more cost factor Mazzarella cited was the need to build most of the infrastructure on the greenfield site in the first phase. Funding of about $700,000 had already been awarded over two cycles from the federal department of Housing and Urban Development and the state’s Affordable Housing Corporation for the Greenways project. Mazzarella said that giving back the subsidies is “painful” but shouldn’t hurt INHS “in the long run.” “A far worse outcome would have been to start the project and have it fail due to insufficient funds or inability to sell the units,” Mazzarella said. “We decided not to take that risk.” – Josh Brokaw reporter@ithacatimes.com

health

As Young As You Feel

YMCA launches Active & Ageless program By Mich a e l Noc e ll a

ttention folks age 85 and over in the Ithaca area: you have recently earned the privilege to take part in the YMCA of Ithaca’s (located in Lansing) New Active and Ageless Membership program. The only requirement necessary is with the requirement that you are age 85 or up on the day you join! Through this program, the Y is offering “memberships to the wisest members of our community at no cost.” YMCA of Ithaca Health and Wellness Director Laurie Cuomo explained the thinking behind the new program —which launched October 1—and how it works. “We did some brain storming and took a look at our population at the Y and really wanted to make sure that our older folks at the Y kept coming to the Y. We wanted to keep our older members coming back and also attract [in the community not who are not yet members]. We wanted to encourage them to come here with the theory that exercise for anyone at any age is extremely beneficial. I think we’ve seen a little bit of a trend that as members start to age, they might find more reasons not to come here, including maybe financial, or it might be a challenge. So we wanted to take those challenges away, especially the financial part of it, and just make sure those individuals became part of our family.” 76749 Kendal KendalDog Dancing AdIthaca for Ithaca Times 10 x 5.5 76749 Ad for Times T: 10T:x 5.5

To accompany this new Active & Ageless membership offering, the Y is introducing activities such as pickleball, which is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week at $4 per class. According to the Y, pickleball is the fastest growing game in the nation, and is a racquet sport, which combines Ping-Pong, badminton, and tennis. The Y also adds that it :offers many programs intended to provide great value to active older adults, including aqua fitness classes, a large variety of group fitness classes that include tai chi, stretching, yoga, strength training, balance maintenance, and functional training.” “An individual that is an active and ageless member,” Cuomo explained, “can do anything that any member does here. They might specifically be looking at a class called “Building Strength,” what happens two times a week, or our aquasize program, which is very strong. Anything that we have going on in this facility is available to these members.” Active and Ageless member Dick Faville is enjoying his experience with the new program so far. “It’s been great because I retired about 12 years ago,” he recalled, “and I never thought I’d live this long, so this program has been great for me.” “I’m in the building strength class,” he continued, “and Laurie teaches that, and

Bleed: 1/8” all sides

YMCA Health and Wellness Director Laurie Cuomo with member Dick Faville. (Photo: Michael Nocella)

she started the class by letting us know if at any point things were too much for us or we got tired to sit down. So I thought that was good. It made me feel like I didn’t have to keep up with young kids or anything like that and not be embarrassed. It’s not only the exercise. It’s also the camraderie. I come in the classroom and everyone says hello.” Faville offered the following advice to anyone in the community who is qualified for the new program that is hesitant about taking advantage of it: “Just try it. Come over and try a class. That’s the best way to come over and find out if you like it or not. Do what you can. Our classes are getting really crowded now; it’s a lot of fun. It’s almost like Cheers, ‘Everybody knows

your name.’ It’s a real family.” For answers to questions about membership, contact the YMCA at 607257-0101 or consult the website at www. Ithaca Times The YMCA of Ithaca & ithacaymca.com. 2.4 x 5.5 County is located at 50 Graham Tompkins Road West in the village of Lansing. •

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for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and just scored a touchdown last month against the New York Jets. Many local New York Giants fans are also well aware that Kevin Boothe won two Super Bowl rings with the G-Men. After becoming a free agent after the 2013 season, Boothe signed a contract with his former team, the Oakland Raiders (who originally drafted him), in March of 2014. • • • As for the current crop of Cornell players, several are doing the Big Red tradition proud as the Ivy League’s eight coaches announced their choices for All-Ivy recognition. The coaches named punter Chris Fraser and running back Luke Hagy to the First Team, and linebacker J.J. Fives to the Second Team. Fraser is just the sixth Cornellian to earn first-team All-Ivy honors three times. The workhorse Hagy, was a second team pick as a junior and an honorable mention selection as a sophomore, and capped off a brilliant career on East Hill, becoming the first Ivy League football player to reach 2,000 rushing, 1,500 Cornell running back Luke Hagy (Photo provided) receiving yards in a career. He also became the first Cornell player to lead the Big Red in rushing all four seasons as well as the first player in school Several “Likes” ensued, as did this history to average at least 100 yards from comment from a friend named Ann. scrimmage per game in all four years. “That’s gotta be a first.” Fives earned a spot on the second Ann’s comment got my memory team, the first All-Ivy honor for one of the wheels turning, and I thought back to my Big Red’s senior captains. He ended his early years, the 1960’s, when I was told that senior season with 52 tackles, and ranked a couple of my favorite New York Giants fourth in the Ivy League in sacks. players—Gary Wood and Pete Gogolak— • • • had played at Cornell, a mere 30 miles from Making this an All-Cornell column, my hometown. And then, of course, who I want give a little love to my friend of among us of a certain age could ever forget 34 years, Richie Moran. I received an the Sports Illustrated cover photo (in 1971) invitation to attend the Manhasset Booster featuring the Big Red’s Ed Marinaro. The photo caption read, “Cornell’s Ed Marinaro Club’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony last weekend, but I had to send my regrets. Leads a New Rampage of Running Backs.” Richie – the former Big Red lacrosse (Marinaro, of course, would go on to a coach who lead Cornell to three Division decent NFL career and a very high-profile 1 national championships—was inducted, role on Hill Street Blues.) along with a group of players from the I replied to my friend and said, 1960’s (prior to Moran’s Cornell days) “Actually, Ann, I can think of Ed Marinaro, known as “Richie’s Boys.” Tom McHale, Chad Leavitt, Seth Payne, This is yet another honor in a storied Gary Wood, Pete Gogolak, Bryan Walters, career, and it comes in the same year Kevin Boothe, and my personal all-time as Richie’s designation as Head Coach favorite, Derrick Harmon, who wore Emeritus at Cornell. Vice President Susan his Super Bowl ring in my living room!” Murphy said, “The conferring of Emeritus (Harmon won his ring when his San designation on members of the University Francisco 49ers beat the Miami Dolphins community other than tenured professors in Super Bowl XIX in 1985.) is a rare distinction.” • In fact, Bryan Walters currently plays s I was watching Thanksgiving night NFL game between the Packers and the Chicago Bears, I looked up from my plate of Tofurkey and did a little fist pump when, during the Packers’ first offensive possession, the players introduced themselves to the national television audience and the starting center said, “J.C. Tretter, Cornell University.” I logged into Facebook and created this post: “Did anyone see the pre-game introductions? “J.C. Tretter, Cornell University.” That was cool … a non-scholarship athlete, smart enough to graduate from Cornell, good enough to play in the NFL.”

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Residence Counselor II Overnight Unity House of Cayuga County seeks caring and nurturing individuals interested in pursuing work with adults with developmental disabilities in supervised, home-like settings providing training and support to foster independence in daily living skills in Tompkins County. HS diploma/GED and valid NYS Driver’s License required. One year of residential experience in a related field required Experience working with a higher needs population preferred. The DSPRCHII will work in the therapeutic treatment and rehabilitation of person within the program and work with individuals who require an enhanced level of supervision, are multiply diagnosed with Intellectual Disabilities, Mental Illness and/or have Sex Offender histories. Full-time, Parttime and relief positions available, varied shifts. Benefits package included. FT/ PT: $13.18/hour. Apply online/download application at www.unityhouse.com by clicking on Join Our Team or complete application at Unity House. 15 Catherwood Road Ithaca, NY 14850 EOE/M/F PAID IN ADVANCE! Make $1000 A Week Mailing Brochures From Home. Helping home workers since 2001! Genuine Opportunity. No Experience Required. Start Immediately! www. MailingHelp.com (AAN CAN)

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ON SENECA COUNTY TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR YEAR 2016, that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Seneca will meet in the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room at the Seneca County Office Building, 1 DiPronio Dr., Waterloo, NY, at or about 6:00p.m.., Tuesday, December 8, 2015, for the purpose of holding a public hearing on the tentative budget of said County for the fiscal year beginning January, 2016. Copies of said tentative budgets are available at the Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors located at the Seneca County Office Building, 1 DiPronio Dr., Waterloo, NY, during regular business hours Monday through Friday for the purpose of inspection or procurement by interested person The maximum amount of compensation that may be fixed and payable for said fiscal year to each member of the Board of Supervisors of said County and to the chairman thereof is as follows: 13 members - $12,500.00* each, Chairman - $16,210.00. By Order of the Board of Supervisors of the County kitchen Fully equipped of Seneca, Dated: November 10, 2015. Spacious floor Margaret E. Li, Clerk of the Board. *This plans represents a correction of the previously Private entrance published amount

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Stage The Soup Comes Last | Kitchen Theatre, 417 W. State St., Ithaca | Runs through December 13 | Lampert’s memoir of her 1997 trip to China to stage the first-ever production of West Side Story in the People’s Republic returns for an encore production. Miscommunications, awkward translations, and cultural missteps beg the question, “Will the show go on?” A one-woman play, with a dozen characters, about clashing and collaborating. For info and tickets www. kitchentheatre.org White Rabbit Red Rabbit | Circus Culture / Press Bay Alley, 116 West Green Street, Ithaca | This play’s audacious gambit is that it is performed by a different actor for every performance—an actor who has not seen the text before s/he walks on the stage. The play is performed without rehearsals, a director, or a set. White Rabbit Red Rabbit was written by young Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour. Soleimanpour was a conscientious objector. The Cherry’s White Rabbit Red Rabbit will be performed by the following cast, among them some of Ithaca’s most beloved professional actors. Fri Dec 4 @ 7:30 PM: Sarah K. Chalmers, Sat Dec 5 @ 4:00 PM: Theo Black, Sat Dec 5 @ 7:30 PM: Erica Steinhagen, Fri Dec 11 @ 7:30 PM: Craig MacDonald, Sat Dec 12 @ 4:00 PM: Kathleen Mulligan, Sat Dec 12 @ 7:00 PM: Susannah Berryman, Sat Dec 12 @ 9:30 PM: Jacob White

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12/06 Sunday Punch Brothers | 8:00 PM | State Theater Of Ithaca, 107 W State St, Ithaca | Bluegrass, Rock, Classical, Jazz. Sage Chapel Christmas Vespers | 7:30 PM | Sage Chapel, Cornell, 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 Matthew Hall, with audience

participation in the familiar Christmas hymns. Cayuga Vocal Ensemble | 4:00 PM | First Presbyterian Church, 315 N Cayuga St, Ithaca | Celebrating 40 Years. Classical, Voice. Winter Choral Concert | 3:00 PM- | Ford Hall, Ithaca College, Danby Road, Ithaca | Performances by the Madrigals and Chorus conducted by Derrick Fox and the Women’s Chorale and Choir conducted by Janet Galvan. The Choir will perform Dan Elder’s Ave Maria and Dominick DiOrio’s A Dome of Many Coloured Glass. Intergenerational Choir | 3:00 PM- | Hockett Family Recital Hall, Ithaca College, Ithaca |

Film cinemapolis

Friday, 12/04 to Thursday, 12/10. Contact Cinemapolis for Showtimes Suffragette | The foot soldiers of the early feminist movement, women who were forced underground to pursue a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an increasingly brutal State. | 106 mins PG-13 | Brooklyn | An Irish immigrant lands in 1950s Brooklyn, where she quickly

falls into a new romance. When her past catches up with her, however, she must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within. | 111 mins PG-13 | Room | After five-year-old Jack and his mother escape from the enclosed surroundings that Jack has known his entire life, the boy makes a thrilling discovery: the outside world. | 118 mins R | Spotlight | The true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core. | 128 min R | Trumbo | In 1947, Dalton Trumbo was Hollywood’s top screenwriter until he and other artists were jailed and blacklisted for their political beliefs. | 124 min R | Obvious Child | VOX presents. A twenty-something comedienne’s unplanned pregnancy forces her to confront the realities of independent womanhood for the first time. | 84 mins R | Can You Dig This | Moosewood presents. Can You Dig This explores the urban gardening revolution currently taking place in South Central Los Angeles, one of the largest food deserts in the country. We follow the

Education Center, 615 Willow Ave, Ithaca | Mentors commit to 3 hours per week for this school year, with the option to continue next year. The Mentor and Student meet twice a week at Boynton Middle School from 3:25 PM until 4:35 PM.The Mentor-Student Program is an opportunity to make a positive impact in a young person’s life. An adult Mentor meeting regularly, one-on-one with a middle school student and read, do homework, play board games, and more. Behind-thescenes help with programming very much needed. For more info, call (607) 277-1236 or email student.mentor@ yahoo.com. Tompkins Workforce: Meet the Employer Session-Cornell | 1:00 PM-3:00 PM, 12/04 Friday | Tompkins Workforce New York Career Center, 171 E State St, Ithaca | A Cornell human resources representative will discuss job search tips, the application process, and overall information about working at Cornell University. Job Corps Orientation and Application Interviews | 11:00 AM, 12/04 Friday | Tompkins Workforce, Center Ithaca, 2nd fl, Ithaca | Job Corps, administered by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, offers free career technical training for 16 – 24 year olds in auto mechanics, auto body repair, medical & business office, C.N.A., L.P.N, construction trades, culinary arts, security guard and more. Call Admissions Counselor Tonia Butler at 585-454-5130 to see if you are eligible, to reserve your seat and to find out what documents to bring. Friday Market Day | 8:00 AM-2:00 PM, 12/04 Friday | Triphammer Marketplace, 2255 N. Triphammer Rd., Ithaca | Farmer’s & Artisan’s Market at Triphammer Marketplace. Outside 8 a.m. to noon, Inside 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays through December. Locally grown & produced foods and handcrafted items. The Ultimate Purpose: Free Speech Open Forum Discussion | 7:00 PM, 12/08 Tuesday | The Mate Factor Cafe, 143 The Commons, Ithaca | Please join us for tea, cookies, and a lively open discussion on the deep issues concerning humanity and our future. Every Tuesday Night at 7 O’Clock. gthening, and gentle yoga.

inspirational personal journeys of five ‘gangster gardeners,’ all planting the seeds for a better life.. | 80 mins NR | For The Life of Me: Between Science and The Law | Marijuana as a cancer fighting drug? Science says yes, federal law says no. Patricia Crone is caught in the life-and-death stand-off. Documentarian Diana C. Frank follows her sister’s journey through an at times hazardous path to starting her own human trial of cannabis as a cancer treatment. | 90 mins NR | Cornell Cinema

Wednesday 12/02 to Tuesday 12/08| Contact Cornell Cinema for Showtimes Black Mass | The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf. | 122 mins R | Mad Max: Fury Road | A woman rebels against a tyrannical ruler in post apocalyptic Australia in search for her homeland with the help of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshiper, and a drifter named Max. | 120 mins R | Back To The Future | A young man is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented

Notices Christmas Nativity Display and Donations for Meals on Wheels | Now You’re Cooking, 116 The Commons, Ithaca | Over 150 different nativity scenes from around the world on display until New Years. Accepting donations for Meals on Wheels of Tompkins County. Mentors Needed for 4-H Youth Development Program | CCE

Learning Our New View of Pluto: Cathy Olkin and Ann Harch | 7:30 PM-8:30 PM, 12/02 Wednesday | Schwartz Center for

Various Downtown Locations , December 4 through December 12

Various Downtown Locations, December 4, 5:00 p.m.

The Cherry Arts, a new professional theatre company based in Ithaca and Brooklyn, will be producing the daring and precarious new Iranian play White Rabbit/Red Rabbit. A play with pretty darn interesting architecture, it’ll feature a different actor for every performance. And this brave soul will be going into the performance without any knowledge of the text, responding without rehearsal, a director, or a set. Surely making for some pretty exciting stuff!

Every First Friday of the month is pretty special here in the little city by the lake, but this particular First Friday is most epic. Featuring a rich and diverse landscape of work by hundreds of artists, this month is highlighted by CSMA’s Annual Open Show, State of The Art’s Annual Juried Show, and EKaternia Anible’s 2015 Winter Couture Collection and Fashion Drawings at Thrive and SewGreen. So get out there, get some wine in you, and mingle through Ithaca’s most impressive little monthly art gala!

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White Rabbit, Red Rabbit,

First Friday Gallery Night,

Music

bars/clubs/cafés

12/3 CITY AND COLOUR 12/4 MATISYAHU WITH KEVIN KINSELLA 12/5 GRACE POTTER 12/6 PUNCH BROTHERS 1/29 GET THE LED OUT 2/20 THE MOTH MAINSTAGE 2/28 JOAN BAEZ 3/26 STEVEN WRIGHT

MANY MORE SHOWS NOT LISTED HERE! STAY UP-TO-DATE AT DANSMALLSPRESENTS.COM h e

The Small Kings: Trumansburg Winter Festival | 9:00 PM | Rongovian Embassy, 1 W. Main St., Trumansburg | Rock, Folk, Funk, Soul. Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, Stone Cold Miracle | 9:00 PM | The Dock, 415 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca | Gospel, Funk, Blues, R&B, Rock. The Hilltoppers | 8:00 PM | Silver Line Tap Room, 19 W Main St, Trumansburg | Bluegrass. Ithaca Underground presents Big Day In #11 | 12:00 PM | Featuring The World is a Beautiful Place & I am No Longer Afraid to Die, Foxing, Brightside, Downtown Boys, Guerilla Toss, Green Dreams, King Sized Pegasus, Shore Acres Drive, ANANSI, No Good Doll, D Nilsz, and more TBA. Indie Rock, Punk, Hardcore, Electronic, Funk, Noise, Alternative, Indie low-fi.

Astrohawk | 9:00 PM | Rongovian Embassy, 1 W. Main St., Trumansburg | A multimedia event with live performance. Electronic, Ambient, World, International, House, Trance. Contra and Square Dances | 8:00 PM | Great Room at Slow Lane, Comfort & Lieb Rds, Danby | Everyone welcome; you don’t need a partner. Dances are taught; dances early in the evening introduce the basic figures. Bring a tasty treat and get in free. For directions/information, call 607-2738678; on Fridays, 607-342-4110. Gerald Burke | 8:00 PM-11:00 PM | Two Goats Brewing, 5027 State Rte 414, Burdett | Mississippi Delta Blues. Melon Brothers | 6:00 PM | The Haunt, 702 Willow Ave, Ithaca | Classic Rock, Rock. Immortal Jellyfish | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM | Americana Vineyards, 4367 E Covert Rd, Interlaken | Rock, Country, Blues, Swing, R&B, Rock and Roll.

12/05 Saturday

12/04 Friday

12/03 Thursday

WWW.STATEOFITHACA.COM

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Irish Session | 8:00 PM-11:00 PM | Rulloff’s, 411 College Ave, Ithaca | Hosted by Traonach Professor Tuesday’s Jazz Quartet | 8:00 PM-10:00 PM | Madeline’s Restaurant, 215 E State St, Ithaca | Jazz. Intergenerational Traditional Irish Session | 6:30 PM-9:00 PM | Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar, 139 W State St, Ithaca | Calling all fiddlers, whistlers, pipers, mandos, bodhran’s, and flute players. All Ages & Stages. Tuesday Bluesday w. Dan Paolangeli & Friends | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM | The Dock, 415 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca | Dan Paolangeli and Friends are joined by different musicians every Tuesday. Old Man Status: Viva Rongovia | 6:00 PM | Rongovian Embassy, 1 W. Main St., Trumansburg | Immortal Jellyfish | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM | Maxie’s Supper Club & Oyster Bar, 635 W State St, Ithaca | Rock, Country, Folk, R&B, Swing. Opus Ithaca Bel Lago Chorale | 7:30 AM | Carriage House Cafe, 305 Stewart Ave, Ithaca | Opus Ithaca’s Bel Lago Chorale lead by Kristin Zaryski, jazz vocalist Catherine Gale, and soprano Tamara Acosta, both of Opus Ithaca. Classical, Jazz.

12/07 Monday

No. 3 El Coloso Patrick Braga, undergraduate composer | 8:00 PM | Barnes Hall Auditorium, Cornell University, Ithaca | Features a complete performance of Braga’s opera, La Tricotea, with student singers and instrumentalists. La Tricotea | 8:00 PM | Barnes Hall, Cornell, Ithaca | A ne/er-do-well from Florence, celebrating the arrival of the Queen of Abyssinia in his city, accidentally happens upon the succession document to Abyssinia and reluctantly accepts control over the country, which causes his new-found lover to leave him. Info at www.facebook.com/ events/1651576825124413/ City and Colour: Dallas Green | 8:00 PM | State Theater Of Ithaca, 107 W State St, Ithaca | Folk, Acoustic, Alternative Rock. Campus Choral Ensemble | 7:00 PM | Hockett Family Recital Hall, Ithaca College, Ithaca | Susan Avery, conductor Mini Locally Grown Dance Festival | 7:30 PM | Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, Cornell University, Ithaca | The evening’s diverse program will include a wide ranging amount of work. Show runs Dec. 3-5 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at the Schwartz Center box office and at schwartztickets.com.

concerts

12/04 Friday

12/02 Wednesday

Percussion Ensemble | 8:15 PM | Ford Hall, Ithaca College, Danby Road, Ithaca | Gordon Stout, director Festival of Light: An Intimate Evening with Matisyahu with Kevin Kinsella | 8:00 PM | State Theater Of Ithaca, 107 W State St, Ithaca | Reggae, Dancehall, Dub, Roots. Chamber Music II | 7:00 PM | Hockett Family Recital Hall, Ithaca College, Ithaca | Mirage Belly Dancers of Ithaca | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM | Community School Of Music And Arts, 330 E State St, Ithaca | Belly dance party and bazaar in conjunction with Gallery First Night. For information, please call Zajal at 607-273-3744 or email her at machan@ithaca.edu.

12/03 Thursday Wind Ensemble | 8:15 PM | Ford Hall, Ithaca College, Danby Road, Ithaca | Matthew Marsit, conductor | Hiroshi Ohguri: Shinwa: A Myth; Steven Bryant: Axis Mundi; Ferrer Ferran: Symphony

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12/05 Saturday Cornell University Jazz Band | 8:00

12/6 ALL THEM WITCHES 12/12 THE JOHN KADLECIK BAND 12/31 NYE SPECTACULAR WITH DRIFTWOOD 2/21 KURT VILE AND THE VIOLATORS THE HAUNT

12/2 THE MIGHTY DIAMONDS 12/5 SISTER SPARROW & THE DIRTY BIRDS 12/19 DAVID BROMBERG QUINTET 1/9 GILL LANDRY (OF OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW) 2/13 FREAKWATER 3/12 STEVE FORBERT 4/16 THE THE BAND BAND THE DOCK

music

The Rites of Modern Music NYS Baroque presens Cambini Winds By Jane D ie ckm ann

ew York State Baroque, now in its 27th season, always comes up with something really different. Their next concert, in Ithaca’s Unitarian Church on Friday, Dec. 4 (note the different day) at 7:30 p.m., presents the period instruments ensemble Cambini Winds. Instead of the usual Baroque repertory, however, we will hear what NYS Baroque music director and lutenist Deborah Fox calls “modern music,” works by two greats of the late 18thcentury Viennese classical period, Mozart and Beethoven. And for icing on the cake, Cambini Winds will be joined by the renowned proponent of performance on period instruments and leading fortepianist of our time, our own Malcolm Bilson. Cambini Winds, originally a group of five players, was formed in 2009. They took their name from Giuseppe Maria Cambini (1746–1825), a violinist and composer whose biography is rather fuzzy, but who is believed to be the first to write quintets for clarinet, flute, oboe, horn, and bassoon. All the group’s present members—they are now playing without flute and have made a change in clarinet player—are specialists on

their period instruments. Oboist Geoffrey Burgess, who has performed with Fox over many years and helped in planning this program, has a Cornell PhD in French baroque opera. Based in Philadelphia, he comes to Rochester once a month to teach early oboe at Eastman. He feels that clarinetist Eric Hoeprich, founding member of Frans Brüggen’s Orchestra of the 18th Century and on the faculty at Indiana University, “invented the classical clarinet.” Bassoon player Marc Vallon worked in his native France before coming here, and he now holds professorship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Todd Williams, based in Philadelphia, has performed on the natural horn all over the country, and in 2014 he became principal horn of the Handel and Haydn Society. The group really loves to play together and has been on concert tours in the middle and eastern United States. But because their repertory is a “minute fraction” of what is available for string players, and contemporary composers do not write for period instrument ensembles like theirs,

they have few opportunities to show their stuff. The idea for this concert came from performances and a recording done in 2011 with American fortepianist Penelope Crawford. Fox and Burgess talked about doing the program here, with Kristian Bezuidenhout, who was at Eastman then. The project was put on hold until this season. But about six weeks ago, he withdrew due to a hand injury. Fox then called upon the very best replacement, and she was “delighted” when Bilson agreed to step in. The first half of the program is devoted to Mozart. Bilson will open with two short works, the first the charming and jolly Rondo in D major, K. 484, composed in 1786. The second piece, clearly a tribute to J. S. Bach, is called “Eine kleine Gigue” (K.574). Then comes the grand Quintet for piano and winds in E-flat major (K.452), composed in 1784 and Mozart’s first attempt at chamber music with keyboard. A complex piece, the composer reportedly wrote it with his outstanding clarinetist friend Anton Stadler in mind. According to Burgess, “everything is held in perfect balance,” especially as performers on modern instruments “face numerous difficulties,” while with period instruments the dialog is “great” and the fortepiano brings just the right clarity and articulation. On the Beethoven part of the program after Intermission, Bilson performs three Bagatelles from the composer’s first series, Opus 33 (1801–1802), in E-flat major, C major, and A major. Beethoven’s Quintet for piano and winds, Opus 16 (1796), also

Bassoonist Marc Vallon (Photo Provided)

in E-flat major, is modeled on Mozart’s work. What an amazing opportunity to experience this combination of instruments. These two very prolific composers wrote just one quintet for piano and winds apiece. And we can hear these masterpieces played by master musicians, creating sounds that replicate the perfect balance of instruments achieved in the Viennese classical period. It’s familiar music but with a different sound, and different techniques, and a special depth. •

DINNER, TASTING & PAIRING WITH:

FARM TO BISTRO

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17TH AT 6:3OPM Join us for a five course tasting menu by Executive Chef Richard Brosseau, each course paired with a selection of Rooster Fish Brewing’s beers. $65 per person, plus tax and gratuities. Limited seating, please call for reservations.

Closed for the Holidays December 24th, 25th, and Jan 1st. 40

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235 S. Cayuga Street, Ithaca NY (607) 882-2333 coltivareithaca.com Now taking dinner reservations on-line or by phone

music

Some Big Ol’ Fun

Diverse lineup set for IU’s last show of the year By C hr i s tophe r J. Har r ing ton Ithaca Underground presents Big Day In #11, December 5, 12:00 p.m., The Haunt

efore you blow a big ol’ kiss to the sky and say goodbye to the year that was 2015, our favorite underground music non-profit, Ithaca Underground, has one last mini musicfest in store for us. Keeping in mind that Ithaca isn’t exactly New York City and awesome music doesn’t just happen, we’ve been pretty spoiled by this forwardthinking entity this year. “We peaked just over 60 shows again this year across punk, hardcore, hiphop, metal, indie rock, and experimental related genres, with a per-show attendee increase by 10 to 15 percent, said IU board president Bubba Crumrine. “It feels like every month more and more people hear about what we do and want to get involved, and it’s pretty much the best feeling ever.” Simply put, IU flipping rules! So who’s popping in for Big Day In #11? Well, per usual it’s a really nice mixed bag of local up-andcomers, regional shredders, grinders, punkers, rappers, indie-streamers, and underground darlings. Here’s the rundown. D Nilsz will be the night’s official DJ, and that’s a killer thing. He’s got a real feel-good kind of style, mixing downtempo and hip-hop with experimental beats, taking contemporary pop and

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putting some underground pepper on it. No Good Doll is the folky basement tunes of Purchase, N.Y.’s Yarra Berger. With a hauntingly smooth voice, she’s a sweet choice to open the fest up. ANANSI is a young slightly-punk band from Ithaca. The sky could be the limit for these kids, particularly with the songs that deviate from simple threechord structures into more progressive realms, which seems like their best future. Shore Acres Drive is another young band from town. Practicing in the arts of pop-punk with flourishes of emo, they wind sentimental tales of adolescence, with that old familiar emowhine. Spinning 180-degrees to the left of Shore are Ithaca’s hardcore mainstays King Sized Pegasus. Easily one of the highlights of the fest, they’re young, hungry, and looking to tear some pits up. While moshing to them you’ll be thinking Black Flag, Circle Jerks, and the Germs. Grindcore terrors RADSKVM, from Syracuse, bring the possibility of torn limbs, broken bones, and mashed faces with them, as they assault your eardrums with quick blasters destined for the outer reaches of planet Hoth. From the industrial utopia of Rochester comes stoner-rock punks Green Dreams. A good bet for the most heady and heavy of the night, they’ll make you bang your head in a Green River (yeah, Jeff Ament and Mark Arm’s

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Jessie Amesmith, lead singer and guitarist of Green Dreams (Photo Provided)

old band)-meets-Kylesa by way of Sleater Kinney-kinda-way. Super-killer, to say the least! Lizzy True, the local indie artist/rocker, formulates in low-fi indie abstraction, and that’s a good thing. Noisy-mathy-avanty-Brooklinites Palm bring odd time signatures and cowboy punk anthems to a head, forging layered dimensional realms that pulse and release with each ordered texture. Ithaca punk-rockers Lust crawl out from under some forgotten rock to play a most-looked-forward-to performance. They lean toward the Husker-DuMinutemen playbook—always fun, always lean, always punk. Hometown rap hero Sammus brings her signature flow, complete with deftly-crafted electronic beats and hardcore social tales. Her style

is modern in scope, but pulls from the old-school days of 80’s and 90’s hip hop as well - making for some wicked nice raps. NYC’s Guerilla Toss pull from the wake of bands like James White and the Blacks, Sonic Youth, and Devo, forging a unique electronic psych-punk sound. The band will represent the five boroughs excellently as its sound recalls the heyday of the city’s best in ‘80s new wave and punk. In a similar new-wavy, wackypunk kind of way, Providence, R.I.s Downtown Boys hits the reset button and steers towards the aforementioned ‘80s Big Apple sound, combining sax funk, angular punk, and political sentiment. Pittsburgh’s Brightside sound sorta like their name: bright pop punk with occasional forays into shoegaze, funk, and XTC-like melody. St. Louis, Missouri’s Foxing lives in the indiest of indie-rock universes: sad, whiny, and Morning Jacket-ish, with a slight glimmer of post-rock and hardcore. The headliner, The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afriad To Die, while not completely in Foxing’s exacting universe, live close by. The band takes little fragments of Modest Mouse-inspired material and runs toward its own end. At times they veer towards the progressive, and this is when they’re at their best. Like most festivals, the real fun is in the middle, and Big Day In #11 has some real whoppers positioned in there. So before you call it a year and give in to the Christmas-zombie mind-warp, stop by The Haunt on Saturday, if only for the few bands you really want to see and to thank Ithaca Underground for a real fine year in underground madness. Here’s to 2015! Go to ithaca.com for a full interview with IU Board President Bubba Crumrine. He talks about Big Day In, new happenings, big ideas, and what 2016 has in store. •

Vaughan-Williams, Sidney King, and J. S. Bach. Congregational music will include traditional Anglican service settings by Willan and beloved seasonal hymns. St. Luke Lutheran Church also offers Advent Lessons and Carols at 10:45 a.m., under the direction of music director Erik Kibelsbeck, with the choir singing a Bach Advent movement, a Magnificat by Pachabel, and music of Palestrina and Praetorius. December 20 | At the Congregational Church’s service for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Ithaca Brass Quintet (made of IC faculty members) joins in to accompany choral anthems and congregational hymns, and stays afterward for a carol sing. The 10:30 a.m. service at the Unitarian Church of Ithaca recognizes diverse religious traditions, and the choir, under the direction of Jennifer Birnbaum, will perform music appropriate to observances for Advent, Hanukkah, Solstice, and Kwanzaa. December 24 | The Unitarian Church presents the widely popular candlelit Christmas Eve services at Sage Chapel. There are two this year, both planned by Birnbaum, at 5:15 and 8 p.m., with roughly equivalent programs of readings and music by local professional musicians and a community chorus. St. Paul’s Methodist Church will have three services— Lessons and Carols at 12 p.m.; a candlelight service featuring a pageant at 7 p.m., with a brass choir prelude at 6:30; and a second Lessons and Carols at 9:30 p.m., this time with candlelight. The Congregational Church holds a family service of pageantry and candlelight at 6 p.m., and a Lessons and Carols candlelit service with the Senior Choir at 8:30 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church will have a choral Eucharist service at 11 p.m. The prelude, at 10:30, features seasonal music for trumpet, played by Michael Stern; organist Hindenlang playing Baroque chorale settings; and arias from Messiah sung by countertenor Hector Gonzales Smith. The Chancel Choir offers music from Bach’s Cantata 15, an anthem by Crawford Thoburn, contemporary setting of ancient chants by Griffith Bratt, and Renaissance music by Praetorius. The congregation will join in with familiar carols, with descants by David Willcocks and service settings by William Matthias and Schubert. Unfortunately, this season offers no local presentation of Messiah, but check our NPR and PBS stations. Happy Holidays! •

Arts&Entertainment

Tis The Season

Classical music for the holidays

by Jane Dieck mann

under the direction of Janet Galván and lready the holiday season is upon us, the time to celebrate and enjoy Derrick Fox, present their annual winter choral concert in Ford Hall at 3 p.m. On the program our favorite musical traditions. are works by Tim Corlis, John Rutter, P.D.Q. Here is a listing of the classical Bach, and alumnus Dominick DiOrio. music highlights, both sacred and The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra’s popular secular. Unless indicated otherwise, events are “Caroling by Candlelight” is back and will take free and open to the public. place at St. Paul’s Methodist Church at 5 p.m. Traditional Favorites and New Events A tradition for 30 years and now organized December 6 | The Cayuga Vocal Ensemble, by the orchestra’s executive director Sheila led by Carl Johengen, celebrates its 40th Ossit, the event will include performances anniversary with a holiday concert in the First by soprano Tamara Acosta, violinist Kirsten Presbyterian Church at 4 p.m., featuring the Mass for Four Voices by William Byrd, a composer whose music has been a CVE staple over the years. Other seasonal works, including those performed at the group’s first concert in December 1975, by Holst, Bruckner, and Healey Willan, will be followed by an audience singalong of popular carols. Tickets are available at cayugavocal.org, Hickey’s Music, and Pastimes in the Dewitt Mall. December 6 and 7 | The annual Sage Chapel Christmas Vespers, at 7:30 p.m., is a The Cayuga Vocal Ensemble (Photo: Sheryl Sinkow) candlelit Lessons and Carols service Marshall, pianist Andrea Merrill, the Festival sung by the Cornell University Chorus and Chimes Bell Choir and Ithaca Children’s Choir Glee Club, conducted by Robert Isaacs, with traditional readings by members of the Cornell led by Dorothy Preston and Janet Galván respectively, Amy Brinkman Davis, and the community. The performance will include CCO Brass Quintet. Roy Ives will MC the choral music, mostly about the Virgin Mary, event, and expect a visit from Santa. Tickets at works by early composers Tallis and Josquin brownpapertickets.com. des Prez, contemporary music by Christine Donkin and James Bassi, and Latin and Russian Church Music anthems by Duruflé and Rachmaninoff. December 13 | The First Congregational Organist Matthew Hall will play music by Church choir will perform an original choral Bach and accompany the audience in familiar work titled “An English Magnificat” at the 10 hymns. a.m. service. Written by music director William December 11 | The Ithaca Ballet presents Cowdery, it was first sung in December 2011 Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, choreographed by and has had additional local performances. Lavinia Reid, at the State Theatre at 7:30 p.m. This lightly revised version features the full This performance, with guest performers and chorus, accompanied by strings and organ, all more than 50 dancers from the school, will conducted by the composer. have live accompaniment by the Finger Lakes St. John’s Episcopal Church presents Symphony Orchestra. A second presentation, Advent Lessons and Carols at 10:30 a.m., without orchestra, is on December 12 at 3 p.m. led by Director of Music and organist Karen Tickets at stateofithaca.com. Hindenlang, featuring choral music by Sir The Ithaca Concert Band will play holiday George Elvey, Mary Lynn Lightfoot, and favorites and seasonal songs at 7:30 p.m. in Handel (the opening chorus of Messiah), along Ithaca College’s Ford Hall. December 13 | The Ithaca College choruses, with several vocal and organ solos by Ralph

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The Shape of Things to Come New record label hits the ground running By C hr i s tophe r J. Har r ing ton

ou and your mates have just finished up a batch of new grinders. That makes eight total songs forged from the blood and guts of your inner soul. You’re proud, you’re hungry, and you’re set to make this something real. The recordings, though, were mixed through your 1990s Fostex-four-track into Garageband, and they just aren’t cutting it. You need something more professional. Not only for that upcoming tour, but for the sake of art-and-time as well, because too many songs have never been properly

Kurt Riley (Photo Provided)

recorded. And oh, yeah, you also live in Tompkins County. Which means you’re in luck, because there’s something new that could really extend your dreams tenfold—Electric Buffalo Records: a new recording label that’s part of Cornell University and WVBR. I recently talked to one of the label’s top musicians, Kurt Riley, who’s also one of the main volunteers at the studio. He devotes a large chunk of his time developing and building the EBR label. Ithaca Times: If a band that lived in Ithaca wanted to record with Electric Buffalo Records, what would be the process? Who would they talk to? Would there be a contract? Would they have to pay? Kurt Riley: Musicians, acts, and bands who are interested in recording with EBR meet with founders Mike Sosnick and Jacob Grossfeld, and discuss what they are interested in accomplishing at the label. An initial marketing and recording plan is set up; a contract is only signed under certain circumstances. There is no cost to the band. IT: How and why did Electric Buffalo Records come to fruition? How many

people are on the staff? What exactly is the business type? Non-profit, other? Riley: Electric Buffalo Records was started in order to broaden the Cornell Media Guild’s reach as a media organization, and to provide another dimension of its student training mission. Additionally, EBR began to help foster the music community at Cornell by providing a sort of central outlet for musicians to release music and collaborate with one another. Electric Buffalo doesn’t have a traditional staff—just volunteers, since EBR is non-profit. (This is because the label operates as part of the Cornell Media Guild.) IT: How do you see EBR playing a role in the future of music in Ithaca? Is it only Cornell students you work with, or is it open to any artist? Riley: The level of talent extant at Cornell and in the city is absolutely stunning. Incalculable, really. Pianists, singers, guitarists abound; this place is rich with talent. And it’s really rewarding when you find those people who stick out—people with something unique to say. Weird is wonderful. I adore weirdness. EBR will work with any individual who attends Cornell, Ithaca College, or simply lives in Ithaca proper. All they need do is reach out and meet with the label heads. IT: How is EBR funded? What kind of partnership do you have with WVBR? Riley: Electric Buffalo Records operates as a subsidiary of the Cornell Media Guild, which operates WVBR and Cornellradio.com, so we’re kind of a sister-entity. Therefore, we get all of our funding in-house, and through charitable donations. A GoFundMe campaign was conducted to this end during the spring and summer of 2015. IT: Are there any upcoming plans for the new year? Do you have any record release parties, special programs, or any full length EPs that you’re producing? Riley: There’s an EBR compilation record out currently, Electric Buffalo Presents: Vol. 1. It has nine different artists on it. My album Kismet is being released in February 2016, and I’ll be playing a number of shows to support it. The live band is currently preparing for these. As the record is a concept album, the shows will be performed in a theatrical manner— kind of like theater, in a way. It’s going to be quite dramatic. For more information on the label, and to get a hold of EBR’s first compilation record, visit electricbuffalorecords.com or facebook.com/electricbuffalorecords. Find Kurt Riley’s new music video “Hush Hush Hush,” which was shot entirely in Ithaca, on YouTube.com. Visit ithaca.com for the complete interview •

ince 1981, the Ithaca Times has closed the year with the “Readers’ Writes” issue, featuring submissions from our most valuable commodity, you. Stories, poems, drawings and photographs are welcome. It’s a chance for you to have a voice in the paper other than the letters page.

This year’s theme is “Transitions” That can be as loosely interpreted, as tradition here dictates. Of course, a wide range of submissions will be accepted. Send submissions to Attn: Readers’ Writes, the Ithaca Times, PO Box 27, Ithaca, New York 14850. Or, you can email submissions, with a subject line of “Readers’ Writes” to editor@ithacatimes.com. Rea d

eRs ’

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Please join us!

DECEMBER 2015 THURSDAY DEC. 3 Art

Artist talk by Sarah Gotowka, whose work is part of the exhibit Make Do: stitch/dye/weave/form, a display of pieces by four artists who produce works using traditional handmade techniques as a way to self-define their relationships with value, labor, and time; 6:00 p.m., Handwerker Gallery, Gannett Center.

THURSDAY DEC. 3 Theatre

Ithaca College Theatre production of Anon(ymous), the story of Homer’s Odyssey transported to the modern world, as the shipwrecked Anon considers what it means to be an immigrant in America (admission charged; the play runs through December 6); 8:00 p.m., Hoerner Theatre, Dillingham Center.

SATURDAY DEC. 5 Music

Celebrated pianists Gilbert Kalish and Miri Yampolsky with the Ithaca College Chamber Orchestra in a performance of works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Mozart; 8:15 p.m., Ford Hall, Whalen Center.

SUNDAY DEC. 6 Music

Winter choral concert, featuring the Ithaca College Madrigal Singers, Chorus, Choir, and Women’s Chorale performing seasonal selections; 3:00 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

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St, Ithaca | GM Asha introduces you to the stress relief that is coloring. Yes, coloring. All the rage these days, but many have known for years how taking a colored pencil to a page can ease the mind. We will have colored pencils and pages to color, or you can bring your own book. Free and open to the public Dale Elster and T.D. Trask | 2:00 PM, 12/05 Saturday | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N Cayuga St, Ithaca | Dale Elster and T.D. Trask read from their book Deadsville, a collection of ALL NEW horror stories, set in the fictional upstate town of Rock Creek, NY. C.W. Huntington | 3:00 PM, 12/06 Sunday | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N Cayuga St, Ithaca | Author discusses his novel Maya, A stunning debut on sex, loss, and redemption.

Art Figure in Landscape | 5:00 PM-, 12/04 Friday | Cellar d’Or, 136 E. State/MLK Street, Ithaca | This past September six artist drew, and painted from the model outside at The Newman Overlook on the Cornell Plantations. Model Gretchen Ernst, is an acrobatic hand balancer who’s dynamic poses serve as the focus for “Figure in Landscape”. Featuring works by Gabe Carraher, Carol Goodlin, Robert Grant, Bob Ivers, Robin Parkins, and Michael Sampson. Call 319-0500 or visit www. thecellardor.com Benjamin Peters: Cotton candy everything | 5:00 PM, 12/04 Friday | 120 The Commons, 120 The Commons, Ithaca | Bright cartoonish pop art paintings from local Sam Parlett. Painted canvases, framed prints, stickers and temporary tattoos with subject matter ranging from candy to anti-anxiety medication with nothing in-between. Call: 273-1371 Visit: www. benjaminpeters.com Wynn Yarrow: Landsapes | 5:00 PM, 12/04 Friday | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N Cayuga St, Ithaca | Wynn Yarrow will feature new landscape works created specifically for this magical show. Call 273-8246 Ithaca College Student Print Fair and Behind the Layers: Demons Within | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/04 Friday | Creative Space Gallery, 215 The Commons/ E State St, Ithaca | An exhibition of etchings, woodcuts, lithographs, silkscreen, and more! Meet the artists, purchase unique prints, and also check out Behind the Layers: Demons Within, new sculptural work

HeadsUp

Remember Your First Film? by Bryan VanCampen

hen I got home from seeing Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur, I saw a TV spot for the film that makes it look like the laugh riot version of Jurassic Park. It’s not. It’s the Pixar animated movie that’s closest to the classic Disney toons that traumatized generations of kids; when I say traumatized, I mean at least three kids a few rows away were really having a tough time making it through, a ritual of childhood that dates back to Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. The Good Dinosaur is all about this dinosaur named Arlo, the runt of the litter and prone to be scared. Everyone in the family is expected to do their part for the annual harvest, but Arlo’s fears keep him from doing his share, and when his father loses his temper and takes Arlo into a storm to make him finish his chores, they are distracted by the appearance of a feral toddler, and an oncoming flood sweeps Arlo’s dad away. Arlo and the kid, dubbed “Spot” by Arlo, end up far away from home with no idea how to get back. When I think of the best of Pixar, I think of films that attempt to be multilayered enough to appeal to anyone who loves film, not just parents looking for an inoffensive time-waster. I think about surprising plots, subtle gags, and really smart ways of telling stories. The

by Stanislav Mehne. Juried Show | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/04 Friday | State Of The Art, 120 W State St Ste 2, Ithaca | All media except photography will be shown in the exhibition–paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, collage and mixed media. Work in the show will be awarded up to $600 in prizes by a guest judge. Prize winners will be announced at a reception for the artists, Friday, December 4, 5-8pm. www.soag.org France for Art’s Sake | 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, 12/04 Friday | Decorum-Too Oriental Rug Store and Gallery, Dewitt Mall, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca | Five artists who participated in the 2015 painting retreat show work inspired the art, culture and imagery of France. Includes paintings and photographs by Carol Ast, Lisa Nymark, Rob Mackenzie, Lorrie Young, and Terry Plater (trip

Good Dinosaur doesn’t have much of that adult humor, and it doesn’t break out the usual third act reversals and reveals. It’s just a straightforward tale of a youngster who gets separated from his family and, with the help of various characters/ spirit guides he meets along the way, “makes his mark” on the world. The overall design contrasts extremes between the simplicity of the dino-design—Arlo and his kin look very heavily influenced by Aardman Studios with Gumby-like blob shapes and Aardman’s Chicklets teeth and expressive eyes—against some of the most gorgeously detailed photorealistic scenery, suggesting various aspects of the American Southwest. It feels and sounds like a classic Western. Pixar has generally avoided A-list celebrities when it comes to voice casting, and so you get the sonorous tones of really fine actors like Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Steve Zahn, and Sam Elliott, who was born to play a Tyrannosaurus Rex rancher of sorts. More than any other film they’ve ever made, The Good Dinosaur feels like it was designed to be a child’s very first movie—with one odd exception, which didn’t particularly bother me, but

leader and exhibit curator). Lansing Artisan Fair | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM, 12/04 Friday | Lansing Community Library, 27 Auburn Rd, Lansing | The event will feature handcrafted items by local artisans ranging from jewelry to home decor to gourmet foods and more. Runs Friday, Dec. 4, 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 5, 10am to 5pm. Contact: Linda VanApeldoorn 607-533-4680 EKaterina Anible’s 2015 Winter Couture Collection and Fashion Drawings | 5:00 PM, 12/04 Friday | SewGreen, 112 N Cayuga St, Ithaca | Ekaterina Anible has been designing and sewing her couture clothing since she was a teenager. Her Fall/Winter Couture Collection was inspired by the style of Thrive and created from rescued and donated Sew Green fabrics. Each piece is one of a kind and interspersed

The Good Dinosaur (Photo Provided) I am a bachelor with no kids. Perhaps borrowing from Jean-Jacques Annaud’s 1988 French family film The Bear, there’s a brief detour on Arlo’s trip home in which he and the kid eat some fruit and end up having a different kind of trip. Maybe you don’t want to have that talk yet with your kids, but it’s none of my business. Think of The Good Dinosaur as Pixar’s Bambi or Pinocchio or Dumbo, and you’ll get a sense of what it really is, and whether or not the time to share it with

with her fashion drawings, which are both plans and works of art in themselves. Visit Www.ShopThriveNY. com or call 342-1222 Mitten to Fingers | 5:00 PM, 12/04 Friday | Ink Shop Printmaking Center The, 330 E State St Ste 2, Ithaca | The Ink Shop is celebrating artists who have a connection with both states. Pamela Drix, Jenny Pope and Kathleen Friedrich moved to Ithaca from Michigan. Ladislav Hanka, Mary Brodbeck, and Katie Platte all live in Michigan making prints. Katie is also sharing a collection of broadsides from the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center. Call: 277-3884 or Visit: www.ink-shop.org Erin Deueuville: Sharp Knives | 5:00 PM, 12/04 Friday | CAP ArtsSpace, 171 The Commons, Ithaca | This exhibition of oil paintings combines work from the past five years. Collectively, these

your kids is now. If The Good Dinosaur is the equivalent of a Jurassic oater, “Sanjay’s Super Team,” Pixar’s usual opening short animated film, is one of their best, a simple moment between an Indian kid and his father dramatized by amazing superheroes inspired by Indian religion and culture. Written and directed by Sanjay Patel, and inspired by his own life experiences, here is a short, sweet Bollywood anime wonder. •

www.arttrail.com.

portraits and kitchen scenes tell stories about generosity, vulnerability, and sharing a meal. CSMA Annual Open Show | 5:00 PM, 12/04 Friday | Community School Of Music And Arts, 330 E State St, Ithaca | Works by 70 regional artists in painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, ceramics, fiber art, and mixed media assemblage will be on view from December through January at the Community School of Music and Arts’ much anticipated Annual Open Show. Curated this year by Terry Plater, a painter based in Ithaca, this exciting exhibition showcases a wide array of artistic talent and interests. First Saturdays on the Greater Ithaca Art Trail |12/05 Saturday | Greater Ithaca Art Trail, , | Artists exhibit in studios across Ithaca and Tompkins County. More information at

EYE | 126 E. State/MLK St., 2nd, Ithaca | The Lustrous World of Giselle Potter. Artist Giselle Potter is like no other. She has shown at the Society of Illustrators in NYC and the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst. Show runs through December 24 | www.eyegallery.com

Got Submissions? Send your events items – band gigs, benefits, meet-ups, whatever – to arts@ithacatimes.com.

The Soup COmes Last,

Trumansburg Elementary School, Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6

Kitchen Theatre, Runs through December 13

The 46th annual Trumansburg Craft Sale is looked forward to every single winter here in Tompkins County. Excellent holiday shopping and quality crafts abound! This years featured crafters include T-Burg wood turners Tim Cardina (Stonepost Woodot) and Ed Dawson. Using the natural features of wood these skilled crafts-people create kaleidoscopes, bowls and vases, pens, and bottle stoppers. The work at the fair is oustanding and unique to the area. Make sure you stop on by!

As Artistic Director of The Kitchen Theatre, Rachel Lampert surely knows the stage. Her play The Soup Comes Last debuted at the theatre in April 1998, and after success all over the globe its come back home. Telling the memoir of Lampert’s 1997 trip to China to stage the first ever West Side Story in the People’s Republic, the play is one of the most beloved of Ithacans, and has won numerous acclaim and praise. It’ll be just like old times.

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ThisWeek

Trumansburg Craft Sale,

ongoing

the Performing Arts, Cornell University, Ithaca | Deputy Project Scientist of the New Horizons Mission Cathy Olkin and Ann Harch, Lead Sequencer Science Instruments, will discuss the discoveries made by the New Horizons spacecraft and how they’ve changed our understanding of Pluto. The Key to Healing From Trauma | 7:00 PM-8:15 PM, 12/02 Wednesday | The Space at GreenStar, 700 W Buffalo St, Ithaca | Renowned experts on trauma agree that learning to be present in our bodies is crucial for recovery from all kinds of historic trauma. Join Will Fudeman, L.Ac., LCSW, as he leads simple qigong practices to bring us into our bodies, after briefly reviewing some research findings on what actually empowers healing. Registration required: Sign up at GreenStar’s Customer Service Desk or call 273-9392. Art Classes for Adults | 12/02 Wednesday | Community School Of Music And Arts, 330 E State St, Ithaca | Adult classes and private instruction in dance, music, visual arts, language arts, and performance downtown at the Community School of Music and Arts. For more information, call (607) 272-1474 or email info@csma-ithaca. org. www.csma-ithaca.org. Writing Through The Rough Spots | Various Locations | Winter Writing Through The Rough Spots classes begin soon. Writing can help create clarity about challenging situations. Those interested should check the website for dates and times of classes at www. WritingRoomWorkshops.com Applying the Yogic Bandhas to your Asanas | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM, 12/05 Saturday | Sunshine Yoga, 119 S Cayuga St, Ithaca | Bandhas are energy locks. They are an important aspect of yoga breathing exercises which help to harness and control your body’s energy and power and which can greatly deepen the strength of your poses. In this 2 hour workshop you’ll briefly review the anatomy of the 5 bandhas and then move through some intermediary breath work and poses to explore them within your own body. Your yoga practice will never be the same again! Ithaca Red Tent | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, 12/05 Saturday | Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar, 139 W State St, Ithaca | Ithaca Red Tent - A place for women, created by women, where we can explore all that it means to be a woman. Join us: first Saturday of every month from 10:00 – 3:00 PM. For

more information, please visit www. IthacaRedTent.com ASLCI: American Sign Language Learning Group | 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, 12/08 Tuesday | Barnes & Noble, 614 S Meadow St, Ithaca | ASLCI is a casual group for Ithacans of all signing abilities. We welcome everyone, Deaf or hearing, to learn more about Deaf culture and practice ASL. Our group meets every Tuesday at Barnes & Noble (614 S. Meadow St.) from 5-7pm, in the study area behind Starbucks. You may arrive and leave whenever you wish. For more information and resources for beginning signers, please visit our website: aslchatithaca. wordpress.com

Meetings

Special Events Lights On The River Festival | 4:00 PM, 12/04 Friday | Downtown Owego, Owego | Owego will sparkle with new 2015 holiday lighting and great festivities. Christmas lights reflecting on the river, historic buildings lit with candles, Children’s choirs, horse and wagon rides, dancers, strolling musicians, a visit with Santa, food, Christmas specials and all the sights and sounds of Christmas. Cayuga Wine Trail’s Holiday Event | 12/04 Friday through 12/06 Sunday | Americana Vineyards, 4367 E Covert Rd, Interlaken | The event begins first on Friday at Montezuma, Long Point, Treleaven and Six Mile Creek wineries from 1-5pm. Early Saturday starters can visit Treleaven and Long Point Wineries after 9am and then travel the trail to visit the others until 6pm Saturday and 5pm Sunday. Prohibition Era Cocktail Party | 7:00 PM-11:00 PM, 12/05 Saturday | Aurora Inn, 391 Main St, Aurora | Our annual prohibition era cocktail party features prohibition era inspired cocktails made with locally crafted spirits from Finger Lakes Distillery. Rowland House will be transformed into an action-filled speakeasy with a live jazz band, poker, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Contact Inns of Aurora at 315-364-8888 for reservations or find more information at www.innsofaurora.com. Holiday and Gift Wellness Event | 12:00 PM-5:00 PM, 12/05 Saturday | Rogue’s Harbor, 2079 E. Shore Drive, 3rd Floor, Lansing | Yoga, Gifts, and more. Enjoy Holiday Cookies & Hot Apple Cider. Beer Tasting at Rogue’s Tasting Room from Noon to 4 pm.

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Route 96, Trumansburg | 46th Annual Fair. Excellent holiday shopping and quality gifts. Santa Cares | 9:00 AM-11:00 AM, 12/06 Sunday | The Shops At Ithaca Mall, , Ithaca | he Shops at Ithaca Mall will welcome Santa Cares on Sunday, allowing children with special needs to be welcomed into a photo environment designed to support their sensory, physical and developmental needs. More info at AbilityPath.org

The psychedelic-stoner-rock dynamos All Them Witches bring the deep haze with them to The Haunt on Sunday, December 6, at 7:00 p.m. (Photo Provided) Trumansburg-Ulysses Winter Fest | 4:00 PM-7:00 PM, 12/05 Saturday | Village of Trumansburg | Walking tours, lighting of Christmas tree, ice sculptures, food and craft vendors, carriage rides, and more. Moosewood Authors Holiday Cookbook Signings | 12:00 PM-4:00 PM, 12/05 Saturday | Moosewood Restaurant, 215 N Cayuga St Ste 70, Ithaca | Moosewood authors will be hosting holiday cookbook signings at Moosewood Restaurant in the Dewitt Mall, noon to 4 pm SaturdaysDecember 5th, 12th and 19th. Signed cookbooks make great gifts! 12th Annual Ithaca Alternative Gift Fair | 11:00 AM-6:00 PM, 12/05 Saturday | The Space at GreenStar, 700 W Buffalo St, Ithaca | This year’s fair hosts 53 local not-for-profit organizations and features hundreds of gifts of charitable donations. Gifts start at $5, and each gift comes with a greeting card and an insert about the organization you are supporting. A complete list of participating organizations and a preview of the gifts will soon be available online at: www. ithacaaltgiftfair.org. All of the gifts can be purchased online from December 6 through 31 on the fair’s website: www.

Matisyahu,

State Theatre, Friday, December 4, 8:00 p.m. The Religious-inspired, reggae-singing-Phish headsuperstar-frontman, looks back on his storied career on this night, paying homage to the songs, and the time, that made him a star. He’ll be joined by long-time musical collaborators and pals from the early days, including guitarist Aaron Dugan, to partake in his signature take on reggae, dub, hip hop, beat-boxing, and his Hazzan style of songful prayer.

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ithacaaltgiftfair.org. A Day with Santa | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, 12/05 Saturday | Cortland Repertory Theatre, Dwyer Memorial Park Pavilion, Preble | Visit Santa at his North Pole “workshop” and have your Christmas card photo taken! Photos will be snapped and emailed to you for your e-card or print-out holiday greetings. Kids or families, singles or couples. All are welcome! O Tannenbaum | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, 12/05 Saturday | Tioga County Historical Society Museum, 110 Front Street, Owego | O Tannenbaum is a German phrase meaning “Oh Christmas Tree”. The lyrics of the song express the beauty of an evergreen tree and how it stays true in form and color year round. TCHS’s event brings a similar delight, pleasure, and joy to the community. It is a special time for children, adults, families, organizations, and businesses to experience friendship, camaraderie, and the joy of the season. Children can write and mail letters to Santa – and receive responses in the mail – and even visit him when he stops by the museum! Dashing Through the Snow 5K Santa Run | 10:00 AM-, 12/05

Saturday | Dewitt Park Farmers’ Market, Dewitt Park, Ithaca | Location DeWitt Park, Cayuga Street, Falls Street, Lake Street, Cayuga Street, DeWitt Park. After race celebration/awards in Center Ithaca. Longview’s Holiday Bazaar | 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, 12/05 Saturday | Longview, 1 Bella Vista Dr, Ithaca, Ithaca | The event includes a large craft sale, bake sale, plant sale, white elephant gift sale, live entertainment, and delicious treats from the Holiday Bazaar Cafe. For more information, call (607) 375-6300. OA Music Booster’s Annual Holiday Craft Fair | 9:00 AM-, 12/05 Saturday | Owego Apalachin Middle School, Sheldon Guile Blvd., Owego | Students will be performing holiday music while 60+ local artisans offer their crafts for holiday shoppers. Concessions available throughout the day. Location: Owego Apalachin Middle School, Sheldon Guile Blvd., Owego. Music performances will take place in the lobby and concessions available in the Cafeteria. Trumansburg Craft Sale | 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM, 12/05 Saturday, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM, 12/06 Sunday |Trumansburg Elementary School,

City of Ithaca Common Council | 6:00 PM, 12/02 Wednesday | Common Council Chambers - Ithaca City Hall, 108 E Green St, Ithaca | Public is heard during privilege of the floor. City of Ithaca Commons Advisory Board | 8:30 AM, 12/04 Friday | Common Council Chambers - Ithaca City Hall, 108 E Green St, Ithaca | Community Advisory Group (CAG) | 6:00 PM, 12/07 Monday | Ithaca City Hall, 108 E Green St, Ithaca | CAG is concerned with Ithaca’s contaminated sites. It convenes to promote greater public participation in clean-up projects, and to help citizens and involved government agencies make better-informed decisions. Ithaca City Board of Education | 7:00 PM, 12/08 Tuesday | Ithaca City School District - Administration Building, Lake Street, Ithaca | City of Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission | 5:30 PM, 12/08 Tuesday | Common Council Chambers - Ithaca City Hall, 108 E Green St, Ithaca | Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) | 5:30 PM, 12/08 Tuesday | Common Council Chambers Ithaca City Hall, 108 E Green St, Ithaca | The ILPC is charged with administering and interpreting the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Ordinance.

Books A Novel Idea - Book Club | 7:00 PM-9:00: PM, 12/02 Wednesday | Argos Inn, 408 E State St, Ithaca | Come spice things up, catch up with friends, and get your intellectual side out over delightful cocktails and books that you will not want to put down. Hosted by Buffalo Street Books’ Asha Sanakar. Coloring: Stress Relief | 5:00 PM-6:00: PM, 12/02 Wednesday | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N Cayuga

Sabor Latino Dance Ensemble, Bailey Hall, Saturday, December 5, 8:00 p.m.

Sabor Latino Dance Ensemble will host their 23rd Annual Dance Concert themed “Cuentos de Amor” (stories of love). The show will highlight various relationship stages including infatuation, romance, temptation, and betrayal. The student-choreographed dance pieces range from traditional Latin dance styles of salsa, cha-cha, and cumbia to hip-hop/reggaeton, contemporary, and zouk. Modern, historical, colorful, and fun, the evening promises to be spectacular!

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Finding True Purpose

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By L e a h K al l e r

osh Oxford was excited on July 26, 2010. His band, The OXtet, was gaining in popularity, and he had booked their first performance outside of Ithaca, a gig in Syracuse. He had a rehearsal in Trumansburg, but first he went to get extra music stands from the Whalen Center for Music at Ithaca College. While en route to the rehearsal, his car was T-boned by another car at the intersection of Krums Corners and Perry City Road. The other car was traveling at approximately 60 miles per hour, the impact “knocked my head off of my spine.” Oxford said that 98 percent of people die from an internal decapitation,

Josh Oxford (Photo Provided)

the technical term for what he suffered, and Oxford believes that he was sent back to this planet to write music. After a semester at Queens College in New York City, Oxford is back in his hometown pursuing a Masters of Music in Composition at Ithaca College. On Saturday, Dec. 5, his Concerto for Marimba, featuring soloist Emily Ickes, will be premiered by the Ithaca Community Orchestra at 4 p.m. at the Hangar Theater. The Ithaca Community Orchestra has commissioned two pieces from Oxford in recent years. The group performed an electric bass concerto that featured Sam Shuhan at their 2014 spring concert. I asked Oxford about the process that he used while writing the marimba concerto. He asks himself, “What would you [the audience] expect the first movement of a concerto to sound like?” He often utilizes the sonata form, a musical structure that was first developed in the 18th century in which there are certain harmonic goals. In the most basic example, the “exposition” states the main theme— say, in the key of C—and then modulates to the key of G, which is the “dominant” chord. The “development” section of the piece begins in G and modulates to various

other related keys. The “recapitulation” then restates the original theme in the home key of C and stays in this key for the remainder of the piece. Oxford stays true to the form, giving the first movement an exposition, development, and recapitulation, but he purposefully modulates to the wrong keys. He said that he likes to lull the audience into a false sense of security at the beginning of the piece and then “get really out there.” He uses the 12-tone system of writing throughout the first movement and as the basis for the third movement. The 12tone technique was developed by Arnold Schoenberg in 1921. In this style, the composer creates a “row” using each of the twelve tones of the western musical scale once; Oxford constructed his row using minor triads a half step apart. The composer can then use various arrangements of the row using a matrix, leading some people to assert that 12tone composition is actually musical math rather than an artistic endeavor. The third movement is a 12-tone polka, bracketed by sections of funk. Oxford acknowledged that the average concert-goer may not understand the subtle nuances of his rows while they are listening, but he said maybe in 150 years someone will study his score and say “oh!” The concerto also features the banjo played by Assistant Conductor Travis Carpenter and the electric cello played by Kayla Sewell of The History Center. Oxford said that he loves incorporating electronic elements into his music. He feels this is the way of the future. In the spirit of fostering newly-written music, Oxford is serving as the co-artistic director of the Ithaca New Music Collective with founder Emily DiAngelo. The Ithaca New Music Collective is a group of local musicians dedicated to performing works by composers from Ithaca College, Cornell University, and the Ithaca community. They will host their first public event on Sunday, Dec. 6 at Bar Argos at 7 p.m. Ithaca College clarinet professor Rick Faria will be performing Oxford’s piece “The Blues Ranger.” Oxford has an indomitable spirit. He has plans to continue performing with The OXtet in the future. The light in his eyes continues to shine despite the five days a week of physical, occupational, and speech therapy he continues to endure. The Titanic had The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and Ithaca is blessed to have the Unstoppable Josh Oxford. •

next week:

Mission Impossible Rogue Nation Shaun the Sheep Movie

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cinema.cornell.edu 607.255.3522

DECEMBER 10 -12

Downtown Ithaca, NY National Ice Carving Competition Featuring World Class Ice Carvers, Fire-fueled Performances, & the Ice Bar Plus, the 6th Annual Chowder Cook-off on Saturday, December 12th

More info at downtownithaca.com

CabarETC

Home for the Holidays Concert 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.

December 11 & 12 @ 8pm

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Tickets start at $18 Get yours today! Call 607.273.ARTS or visit HangarTheatre.org *

Located at 801 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850

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