January 10, 2024 by Ithaca Times

F R E E / J a n u a r y 1 0 , 2 0 2 4 / V o l u m e X L I I I , N u m b er 7 1 / O u r 5 1 s t Y e a r

TENANT TAKEOVER PAGE 3

COUNTY TASK COUNCIL APPROVES FORCE DEVELOPING $35 MILLION CEASEFIRE IN BOND RESOLUTION RESOLUTIONS PAGE 4

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Online @ ITH ACA .COM

GIAC HOSTING MLK CELEBRATION

BURGERS AND BREAKFAST

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2 The Ithaca Times / January 10 – 16, 2024

Newsline

VOL. XLIII / NO. 71 / January 10, 2024 Serving 47,125 readers week ly

ON THE COVER:

Tenant Takeover: Renters Gain Majority on Ithaca’s City Council

Ithaca Times Readers Writes 2024.

NEWSLINE ��3-5

By M at t D ough e rt y

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR �� 6

he first Common Council meeting of the new year signified a transition in leadership for the City of Ithaca as outgoing elected officials were recognized for their service, and new elected officials were sworn in to office. Mayor Robert Cantelmo offered proclamations honoring the contributions of outgoing council members George McGonigal, Cynthia Brock, Rob Gearhart, Donna Fleming, Jorge DeFendini, and Mayor Laura Lewis. “Each of these members has played an important role in our city and represented their constituents well over their terms,” Cantelmo said. McGonigal, who served three terms representing the First Ward, was praised for his “good humor, perfect attendance, and strong work ethic.” Brock, the longest serving member at 12 years, was the first Asian American elected to the Council and the first Asian American woman elected to Council in Ithaca’s history. Additionally, Gearhart was recognized for helping establish the city’s consolidated advisory committees and administrative reforms. Lewis, who served as Mayor since the retirement of Svante Myrick at the start of 2022, was thanked for providing “continuity of government during a critical period of transition.” Fleming and DeFendini were also honored for their service representing the Third and Fourth Wards, respectively.

ITHACA NOTES �� 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT �� 13 DINING �� 14 The Ithaca City Council held their first of 2024 on January 3, where outgoing members were celebrated and new members were sworn in. (Photo: Seth Sicoff)

city has an estimated 7,300 renter houseFollowing the proclamations celebratholds — approximately 70% of the city. ing outgoing elected officials, Centelmo Among those, more than 50% are cost-buradministered oaths of office to the newly dened, meaning that they spend more than elected council members. Kayla Matos and Phoebe Brown will represent the First Ward, 30% of their monthly income on rent, and 35% are severely cost-burdened, meaning Chris Haines-Sharp and Ducson Nguyen they spend more than 50% on rent. will represent the Second Ward, Pierre St. With a tenant majority, the Council Perez and David Shapiro will represent the could progress toward advancing policies Third Ward, Tiffany Kumar, and Patrick that have been stalled under the control Kuehl will represent the Fourth Ward, and Margaret Fabrizio and Clyde Lederman will of the previous Council, such as restarting the conversation on passing a resolution represent the Fifth Ward. for Ithaca to opt-in to the Emergency Ithaca’s new Common Council has Tenant Protection Act. Additionally, talks already made history, as it is the first time about adopting a local Good Cause Evictenants hold a majority of seats on the tion law could come to the forefront of the City’s most critical legislative body. Ithaca Council’s discussions as housing issues Tenants Union member and local activist continue to impact the City. Genevieve Rand celebrated the milestone, Newly elected First Ward representasaying it signifies “an opportunity to tive Kayla Matos has supported Ithaca in prioritize tenant issues…and strengthen adopting its own Good Cause Eviction tenant protections.” law. However, a New York State court has A tenant majority on the Council is sigpreviously ruled that municipalities were nificant in Ithaca because it is a city domiprohibited from passing their own Good nated by renters. According to a report sponsored by the Ithaca Tenants Union and the Democratic Socialists of America, the Contin u ed on Page 16

T a k e

N o t e

X City Issues Zone 3 Water Bill Correction The City of Ithaca has identified an error in the water bills for Zone 3, specifically affecting accounts numbered 49-81. Dated December 20, 2023, these bills were issued with incorrect water and sewer rates. The City has issued a statement saying that new bills have been generated and were mailed to the affected residents on January 4. The corrected bills will retain the original billing date of December 20, 2023. To ensure residents promptly notice the importance of the correspondence, the envelopes will be

prominently stamped with the word "Urgent." Additionally, a statement will accompany the corrected bills, explaining the nature of the correction and assuring residents that the new bills reflect accurate billing information. Fo r t h o s e w h o h a v e a l r e a d y m a d e payments on their December bills, processed by the City of Ithaca office, a credit will be visible on the corrected billing. This ensures that residents are not overcharged due to the initial error. Residents who have not mailed their

December payments yet don’t need to worry, as the City will apply these payments to the corresponding corrected bills. Any additional overage paid will be promptly credited to the residents' accounts, ensuring a fair and accurate billing process. Affected residents must be aware of the correct rates that will be reflected in the updated bills. The accurate charges are $9.92 for water and $7.29 for sewer services. These rates are designed to reflect the cost of water and sewer usage, providing residents with a clear understanding of their utility expenses.

SPORTS �� 15 CLASSIFIED �� 17 TIMES TABLE �� 18-19

ON T HE WE B Visit our website at www.ithaca.com for more news, arts, sports and photos. Call us at 607-277-7000 M a t t D o u g h e r t y , M a n a g i n g E d i t o r , x 1217 E d i t o r @ I t h a c aTi m e s . c o m Ch r i s I b e r t, C a l en da r Ed i to r , A r t s @ I t h a c aTi m e s . c o m A n d r e w S u l l i v a n , S p o r t s E d i t o r , x 1227 Sports@flcn.org M a t t D o u g h e r t y , N e w s R e p o r t e r , x 1225 R e p o r t e r @ I t h a c aTi m e s . c o m Kenneth Waterhouse, Photographer Ste ve L awrence, Spo rts Co lumn ist St e v e S p o r t sD u d e @ g m a i l .co m L u c y A l l e n , F r o n t D es k F r o n t @ I t h a c a T i mes . c o m J i m B i l i n s k i , P u b l i s h e r , x 1210 j b i l i n s k i @ I t h a c aTi m e s . c o m L a r r y H o c h b e r g e r , A ss o c i a t e P u b l i s h e r , x 1214 l a r r y@ I t h a c aTi m e s . c o m F r ee l a n ce r s : Barbara Adams, Stephen Burke, G. M Burns, Alyssa Denger, Jane Dieckmann, Charley Githler, Ross Haarstad, Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Henry Stark, Bryan VanCampen, and Arthur Whitman THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE ITHACA TIMES ARE C O P Y R I G H T © 2 02 3, B Y N E W S K I I N C . All rights reserved. Events are listed free of charge in TimesTable. All copy must be received by Friday at noon. The Ithaca Times is available free of charge from various locations around Ithaca. Additional copies may be purchased from the Ithaca Times offices for $1. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $89 one year. Include check or money order and mail to the Ithaca Times, PO Box 27, Ithaca, NY 14851. ADVERTISING: Deadlines are Monday 5 p.m. for display, Tuesday at noon for classified. Advertisers should check their ad on publication. The Ithaca Times will not be liable for failure to publish an ad, for typographical error, or errors in publication except to the extent of the cost of the space in which the actual error appeared in the first insertion. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publication. The Ithaca Times is published weekly Wednesday mornings. Offices are located at 109 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-277-7000, FAX 607277-1012, MAILING ADDRESS is PO Box 27, Ithaca, NY 14851. The Ithaca Times was preceded by the Ithaca New Times (1972–1978) and The Good Times Gazette (1973–1978), combined in 1978. Founder Good Times Gazette: Tom Newton

January 10 – 16, 2024 / The Ithaca Times

INQUIRING Tompkins County Legislature Task Force to Develop Israel-Hamas PHOTOGRAPHER N e w s l i n e

By Ke nne th Wate rhou se

WERE YOU PREPARED FOR OUR FIRST SIGNIFICANT SNOWSTORM OF THE YEAR?

“Yes, got everything done before it started.” – Dakota F.

“Yes! We live in NY, this is normal weather.” – Kaylyn N.

“Absolutely. Farm was in order and all the animals had feed.” – Jennifer A.

“Not ready to drive in it, but it’s pretty to look at.” – Kassie T.

“I was prepared, luckily I had the weekend off and got some groceries before the snowfall.” – Lori P.

Ceasefire Resolution with Human Rights Commission

By M at t D ough e rt y

he Tompkins County Legislature held its monthly meeting on January 2, where over 30 members of the public addressed the legislature, urging them to take action by passing a resolution calling for an end to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Speaker after speaker stepped up to share emotional pleas for the legislature to support a resolution from the Tompkins County Human Rights Commission calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gaza. The commission’s statement was issued on Dec. 18. It highlighted the impact the conflict has on the fundamental rights of all people in the region and emphasized the need to bring an end to the violence. The statement acknowledges the recent reaffirmation by the United Nations Security Council, which mandates that all parties involved in conflicts follow international law, including humanitarian and human rights laws. Central to the commission’s concerns are the actions of both the Israeli Government and Hamas, which it asserts have impeded the fundamental rights of all people in the region. The statement sheds light on the toll exacted by the conflict, citing 1,200 Israeli casualties and an alarming 19,000 Palestinian casualties, including 7,000 children (as of Dec. 18). It underlines the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where 80% of the population is now homeless, and 9/10 lack sufficient food and clean water, with 50% facing starvation. Furthermore, the commission expresses concern about the potential negative impact of violence on the well-being of children in the region, both present and future. The collapsing medical system in Gaza and the World Health Organization’s call for an end to indiscriminate Israeli attacks further heighten the urgency of the situation. The commission’s statement also addresses the local dimension of the crisis in Gaza, outlining its impact on Tompkins County campuses and communities. Increased reports of antisemitism and Islamophobia, along with heightened polarization of opinions, have raised concerns. One key aspect of the commission’s plea is its recognition that the tax dollars

4 The Ithaca Times / January 10 – 16, 2024

of Tompkins County residents contribute to military support for various countries, including Israel. It emphasizes that over half (56%) of these tax dollars go to the military, impacting the county’s ability to address essential needs like low-income housing, public transportation, and healthcare. Dozens of residents addressed the Tompkins County Legislature in support of passing Tompkins County a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas. (Photo: File) resident Deirdre Silelectricity, and medical aid. verman addressed the legislature, saying, Leadership in Countering Discrimi“We are paying for this war with the $3.8 nation: The commission appreciates the billion we send to Israel every year with role of the Tompkins County Legislature the extra arms and ammunition.” Silverand calls for strong leadership in proacman added that she supports the ceasefire tively countering various forms of fear, resolution because “Our federal officials discrimination, and hate experienced by need to hear from local leaders that the members of the local Jewish and Muslim people want a ceasefire and an end to the communities. It recognizes the importance killing and oppression.” of fostering an inclusive and supportive Another Tompkins County resident, environment amid rising tensions. Mona Sulzman, said, “Israel’s inhumane Support and Resources for Discriminacrimes and repeated violations of intertion Victims: Urging the legislature and national law and human rights are made other agencies to remind county residents possible by the US. Passing this resolution of available resources, the commission is the absolute minimum that you can do emphasizes the need to support those exto immediately mitigate and hopefully periencing discriminatory treatment. It unstop this catastrophic, genocidal ethnic derscores the role of the Tompkins County cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza.” Office of Human Rights in assisting. According to the statement, “In the abMany who spoke in support of the sence of a ceasefire, Congress is currently Ceasefire resolution recounted the horrors considering legislation that would allocate that have been reported from Gaza, where an additional $14 billion for military asover 22,000 Palestinians have been killed sistance to Israel.” Additionally, President in Israeli attacks, according to estimates. Joe Biden has recently approved sending The United Nations estimates that 70% Israel an additional $147.5 million worth of artillery munitions without Congressio- of casualties in Gaza have been women and children. Additionally, human rights nal approval. In response to these concerns, the com- organizations like Amnesty International, mission outlines a three-pronged approach Human Rights Watch, and Israel’s own B’Tselem have all reported that the Isfor the Tompkins County Legislature: Immediate Ceasefire and Humanitarian raeli Government’s indiscriminate attacks equate to war crimes. Aid: The commission strongly urges the Speakers like Ithaca resident Mary county legislature to join other jurisdicAnne Grady Flores criticized the lack tions in calling on the President and of media coverage of a case brought by Congress for an immediate, permanent South Africa against Israel at the Interceasefire. It emphasizes the release of hosnational Court of Justice, accusing Israel tages, unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, and the restoration of essential supplies such as food, water, Contin u ed on Page 6

N e w s l i n e

Mayor Outlines State of City and Common Council Approves $35 Million for Infrastructure Projects

By M at t D ough e rt y

he Common Council got off to a busy start to 2024 as Mayor Robert Cantelmo gave his inaugural State of the City address, where he outlined priorities around housing affordability, transportation investment, economic opportunity, and addressing climate change. Following the address, the Council approved $35 million in infrastructure projects through bond resolutions in its first meeting of the new year. In his address, Cantelmo highlighted the city's transition to a new era of efficient, responsive, and transparent governance. He said that the city is working through massive changes and that in addition to welcoming a new city manager, permanent leadership changes were secured for the Fire Department, Police Department, and Youth Bureau. A search is underway to hire a new City Comptroller since longtime comptroller Steve Thayer retired at the end of 2023. Thayer has continued to do work for the City on a part-time basis as the City works to find a replacement. Cantelmo continued by saying that the City has an urgent need to address housing issues. He noted that Ithaca ranks as the second most expensive city in New York State, underscoring the urgent need to address critical challenges regarding housing affordability. As a result, he called for measures including simplifying zoning codes, legalizing the “missing middle,” and promoting accessible, sustainable mixed-use neighborhoods. Cantelomo also announced that Ithaca would throw its hat in the ring for another shot at the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant to promote more community projects. To address the city’s aging infrastructure, Cantelmo announced substantial investments in new streets, sidewalks, and water infrastructure. Of particular significance is the acquisition of $800,000 in federal funds for designing flood mitigation efforts in response to draft FEMA flood maps. Following Cantelmo’s address, the Council approved over $35 million in infrastructure projects through bond resolutions already authorized by the previous council. Projects included renovations to fire stations, park improvements, and flood mitigation planning. The additional

Mayor Robert Cantelmo’s State of the City address highlighted the need for local investments in infrastructure and affordable housing.

First Ward Council member Kayla Matos opposed authorizing additional funding for the Ithaca Police Department to purchase a new fleet of vehicles. (Photo: Kenneth Waterhouse)

$35 million will increase the City’s debt from $139.9 million to $161.1 million. That’s more than the City’s 2024 budget of just over $101 million. While the spending will increase the amount of debt the City holds, Deputy Comptroller Scott Andrew has estimated that roughly half of the funds could be reimbursed from state and federal grants. Andrew said many of these projects have been “authorized by previous councils and are upfront funding for projects where we'll get some sort of reimbursement.” He continued saying, “It’s estimated about half the total, or $15-16 million, may be reimbursed through state and federal grants.” Andrew added that money will be borrowed upfront and repaid when reimbursements are received. Here is a summary of some of the critical infrastructure projects that the Ithaca Common Council approved through bond resolutions: Fire Station Renovations: $11.5 million was approved to fund renovations and repairs at city fire stations, including the new East Hill Fire Station in Collegetown. This was one of the largest items and generated discussion around ensuring contributions from other stakeholders like the Town of Ithaca and Cornell University. Flood Mitigation Planning: $2.4 million will go towards the planning phase for flood mitigation projects in response to new FEMA flood maps. This generated questions about why funds were borrowed now when the planning period isn’t scheduled to begin for 18 months. Acting City Attorney Victor Kessler said that advantageous interest rates influenced the city’s decision to borrow the funds now versus in the future. Parks Improvements: $4.5 million will fund repairs and upgrades at local parks like Cass Park, Stewart Park, and the Water-

Fifth Ward Council member Margaret Fabrizio said that the City should be having conversations with Tompkins County and the Town of Ithaca about cost sharing for important services. (Photo: Kenneth Waterhouse)

front Trail. Council members discussed the need for equitable funding support from other park users and the larger community. Street & Sidewalk Reconstruction: $3.5 million will renovate deteriorating streets, sidewalks, curbs, and drainage systems around the city to address aging infrastructure. Projects aim to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety by fixing cracked or uneven sidewalks and improving drainage. Water System Improvements: $2.5 million will fund replacements for aging water mains and upgrades for pump stations. The projects will reduce the risk of water main breaks and improve the reliability of the City’s water infrastructure network. Trail & Greenway Development: $1.5 million will expand trails and greenways to increase pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in the city. Police & Fire Vehicles: Nearly $300,000 will replace vehicles for the police and fire departments. Questions were raised about the process for retiring old cars from service. The resolution authorized bonding for approximately $295,000 to replace eight police vehicles that have exceeded their useful lifespan. In response to the fire department funding, Fifth Ward Council member Margaret Fabrizio said that the project’s cost has continued to increase and that the Town of Ithaca and Cornell should help pay for the cost because they benefit from the City’s fire services. “It’s a lot of money, and it might be something that we very much need, but I’m hopeful that the City’s contract with the Town of Ithaca will also be helping to pay for a significant amount of this,” Fabrizio said. She continued, “It’s not beyond the scope Contin u ed on Page 16

UPS&DOWNS Ups

It snowed!

Downs

The William Jane cannabis dispensary located on the Commons in downtown Ithaca has closed for 6-12 weeks for renovations. It is scheduled to reopen in April.

HEARD&SEEN Heard

The Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response is seeking Basic EMT’s to staff our up-and-coming Rapid Medical Response Team to help decrease response times to the most rural parts of the County.

Seen

The Ithaca Farmers Market started its Winter Market on January 6th at the Triphammer Marketplace. The market will be held every week until the end of March. It will open its doors from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

IF YOU CARE TO RESPOND to something in this column, or suggest your own praise or blame, write news@ithacatimes. com, with a subject head “U&D.”

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Are you excited about starting 2024? 44.0% Yes, bring on the new year! 28.0% No, I need a nap . 28.0% I don’t care.

N ext Week ’s Q uestion :

Are you concerned about how much debt the City of Ithaca holds? Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.

January 10 – 16, 2024 / The Ithaca Times

GUEST OPINION

Supporting Ceasefire

The Talk at

By Ba r ba r a C h a si n

srael continues its inhumane destruction of Gaza. To date over 22,000 people have been killed including more than 9,000 children. Minimally 57,000 are wounded even while hospitals and medical equipment are destroyed, and medical personnel killed. Millions of people around the world condemn this genocidal assault but the Biden administration refuses to call for a cease-fire and supports Israel’s actions diplomatically and militarily. Against this backdrop members of the joint Ithaca Chapter of Jewish voice for Peace/Committee for Justice in Palestine (JVP/CJP), write to express appreciation for the Tompkins County Human Rights

Commission’s (TCHRC) strong, unequivocal resolution on the war, calling for a permanent ceasefire, release of hostages, humanitarian aid for Gaza and respect for human rights laws. We also appreciate the many county residents who eloquently supported the TCHRC at the January 2nd meeting of the County Legislature. We look forward to continuing support at the next meeting on Jan. 16th. We urge the legislature to sign on to this resolution and to encourage other political bodies and figures in our area, including Senators Gillibrand and Schumer and Representative Molinaro, to join the TCHRC in this principled and humane stand. For the ICJP/JVP

CEASEFIRE RESOLUTION

Longtime resident Elmer Ewing, who has lived in Tompkins County since 1954, said, “I urge you to pass the resolution.” In response, several legislators expressed willingness to work on a resolution. Legislator Travis Brooks motioned for a task

contin u ed from page 4

of genocide. Others like Ithaca Common Council member Phoebe Brown fought back tears as she read a poem written by a 12-year-old Palestinian boy describing living in constant fear under Israeli airstrikes.

Contin u ed on Page 16

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Responses to “Tompkins County Legislature Task Force to Develop Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Resolution with Human Rights Commission”

“ “

This is not going to change anything.” — Magic Lamp

Thank God Tompkins County Legislators are finally intervening in this war in the Middle East. If only they could have done so sooner a lot of lives could have been saved.” — John Butler

“

Just put (another) virtue signaling lawn sign out with the ‘correct’ sentiment and be done with it. The power and reach of the Tompkins County Legislature will be heard just the same.” — Eddie Coyle

“

What a waste of time and energy. While the violence on both sides is deplorable, if anyone believes that this resolution will have any effect on any of the participants’ behavior, they are sadly mistaken. Time would be better spent addressing the issues facing Tompkins County residents.” — Frank Heine

“

Every minute our local officials focus their time, energy, and our tax dollars on issues outside their jurisdiction is one fewer minutes spent corrupting our local laws and depriving us of more freedom and even more fruits of our labors. Legally, they can’t change anything in the Middle East. Imagine the potential damage they could inflict if instead they were discussing zoning, UBI, rental permits, tax hikes, or laws that punish productive responsible folks in order to reward the lazy and irresponsible. Bottom line: Tompkins County Legislators wasting time on Middle Eastern conflicts is a wonderful thing for Tompkins County Residents since it means they won’t be making your life even worse.” — Richard Ballantyne

“

We should be worrying about our own problems and issues and the ‘wars’ on various community challenges we are facing instead of wasting time on something out of our purview.” — Steven Jones

6 The Ithaca Times / January 10 – 16, 2024

State Legislature Amends Environmental Conservation Law

ravo to New York for enacting measures that protect wildlife, amending its environmental conservation law to ban animal-killing contests. Speciesism is a toxic worldview that denies other animals—other species—their own interests, self-worth, and freedom, usually so that our species might exploit them for personal pleasure or gain. Only by selfishly rationalizing that we’re somehow “better” than other animals can we justify assigning ourselves the illogical “right” to hunt them down and kill them as some form of depraved entertainment. But deer, coyotes, foxes—like all animals— have the same capacity for love and joy that humans do. All living beings are intelligent in their own remarkable ways. And all animals suffer physical pain and mental anguish when they’re harmed. Our iconic wild species have their own inherent value and rights. I applaud the end to this senseless violence against them. Let’s make this important progress just one step in establishing 2024 as the year of kindness and compassion for all. — Scott Miller, The PETA Foundation

New York Bans Selling of Dogs, Cats & Rabbits in Pet Stores

“

New York’s new law banning pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits is a much-needed step toward protecting animals from the exploitative breeding industry and curbing the animal overpopulation crisis. Pet stores are notorious for sourcing the living beings they sell from cruel massbreeding operations that confine their victims in filthy, cramped cages. Animals in these breeder mills endure a lifetime of misery—suffering from illness, injury, and neglect. Mothers are forced to reproduce until their exhausted bodies wear out. For people who are committed to caring for an animal for life, adopting a homeless one is the only humane and responsible choice. Every animal sold by a pet store or breeder takes away a chance at adoption from one of the estimated 70 million homeless dogs, cats, and rabbits in desperate need of a loving home. Plus, animals sold by breeders generally aren’t sterilized, so they can go on to breed even more litters. Please, help stop the cycle of suffering: Never buy from breeders or pet stores, and always adopt and sterilize your animal companions.” — Melissa Rae Sanger

ITHACA NOTES

GUEST OPINION

Musical Cities

An Elegy to Bryan VanCampen

By St e ph e n Bu r k e

By Wa r r e n Gr e e n wo od

o profess a love for New Orleans culture, its music and cuisine, might be no more exceptional than expressing a fondness for fun. But here in Ithaca we do something about it. For 25 years, Maxie’s Supper Club and Oyster Bar in Ithaca’s West End has specialized in southern and Creole cooking: its website says, “simmering the deep cultures and fun-loving vibes of Ithaca and New Orleans into a soulful gumbo.” Classic offerings include a (literal) gumbo with chicken and andouille sausage, shrimp and grits, blackened catfish, fried chicken, and jambalaya. (In a tip towards Ithaca, there is also a vegan jambalaya, plus other non-meat dishes.) And for over 30 years the GrassRoots Festival, in its mission to stage great roots music from around the U.S. and the world, has had a particular focus on the music of Louisiana: jazz, cajun and zydeco. Early years at GrassRoots brought the New Orleans Rebirth Brass Band. Charmaine Neville’s jazz group was a repeat guest. Balfa Toujours and the Mamou Playboys have both played multiple times over the decades. Walter Mouton and the Scott Playboys have appeared almost every year. Preston Frank and the Zydeco Family Band played at the first Trumansburg festival, in 1991, and every one since. Despite its deep roots and influence, New Orleans music remains mostly a specialty music, a regional entity. Not many of its performers become mainstream stars. One exception is Troy Andrews, also known as Trombone Shorty: not a household name by any means (how many trombonists are?), but recognized in the music world far and wide, and in other realms too. Andrews was a headliner at GrassRoots in 2015. He and his band return to Ithaca this February, at the State Theater. Born in New Orleans to a prominent musical family, Andrews was a child prodigy. He got his nickname at around age 4 when the hand-held instrument he played with such proficiency was bigger than he was. At age 5 Andrews was brought onto

the stage of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival by Bo Diddley. In the New Orleans tradition, his music is an amalgam of many influences: in his case, including hip-hop (Andrews is 16 years younger than Jay-Z). Andrews has played large venues and events such as the re-opening of the post-Katrina Superdome in New Orleans with U2. He played on three separate occasions at the Obama White House. At GrassRoots his band proved a hard act to follow, not only with pyrotechnic playing, but with production values — smoke machines and extra lights they brought with them — not usually seen in Trumansburg. Andrews has been cited for his charity work in providing quality musical instruments, selected by Andrews himself, for New Orleans youth, and mentoring aspiring high school musicians. He wrote an illustrated autobiography for young readers which was named a Caldecott Honor Book and won the American Library Association’s Coretta Scott King Award. In regard to his background and work, Andrews has spoken of his respect for “the musical heritage of a city where music is everything.” In Ithaca, music might not be everything, but it’s something. There are a lot of musicians here, as evidenced by Porchfest, a September weekend day when neighborhood streets are closed for musicians of every stripe to come out of their houses and play. The event originated in Ithaca in 2007 and has inspired similar events in scores of cities in the U.S. and around the world. Porchfest started with about 20 performers and is now about ten times that. GrassRoots has also grown by a factor of ten, from its earliest years with attendance of about 1,500 over three days to around 15,000 over four days now. One supposes Andrews had a good experience here in order to come from New Orleans not in July this time, but February. Maybe our musicality reached him. Maybe he was taken by the vegan jambalaya.

But should the play Prove piercing earnest Should the glee glaze In death’s stiff stare, Would not the fun Look too expensive? Would not the jest Have crawled too far?

Emily Dickinson

ryan Van Campen, the long-time Ithaca Times movie critic and arts writer, passed away in September of

2023. I have wanted to write an elegy for him for some time. First, I’d like to thank Ithaca Times Managing Editor Matt Dougherty for running an Arts & Entertainment cover article about Bryan in the September 27, 2023 issue. And I’d like to thank sports columnist Steve Lawrence for writing his charming and heartfelt piece about BVC. (We all called Bryan BVC.) And thanks to Nancy Kane for her kind and thoughtful letter about BVC in the October 4th issue. Bryan VanCampen was my favorite writer in the Ithaca Times. Every week, when I picked up an issue of the Ithaca Times, the first thing I would read was anything written by BVC. (OK. Actually, the first thing I would read was Tom Tomorrow’s excellent cartoon, This Modern World, and then I would read anything by BVC.) BVC had an elegant prose style. When he was at his best, he could practically levitate. (His voice was sort of hip and irreverent, and sometimes he made observations about life that were remarkably profound.) And I think his writing was at its most charming and engaging when he was at his most personal, telling stores from his life. (I believe I told him this when he was still with us.) And, when I think of Bryan, I think of how much he contributed to our community of Ithaca, N.Y. Besides his contribution as a writer, BVC was an actor. He was a long-time member of the Ithaca Shakespeare Company (ISC). I wrote about the productions of the ISC for perhaps a decade or more for the Ithaca Times. In doing so, I saw Bryan performing many times, performing both dramatic and comedic roles. I particularly

cherished his comedic roles. Which brings us to the fact that Bryan was also experimenting with stand-up comedy. Back in 2013, the then Managing Editor of the Ithaca Times, Bill Chaisson, asked me to investigate the Ithaca comedy scene. I wrote a cover article about the Ithaca comedy scene for the January 15, 2014 issue. I saw BVC perform at both the Pixel Lounge in Collegetown and the Lot 10 Lounge in downtown Ithaca. And, as I wrote at the time, I liked his experiments with comedy. I wrote that his performance “seemed like an extension of his writing” and that I thought, “…what’s compelling and valuable about VanCampen’s stand-up work is the observation of and processing of life into comedy”. I also wrote an article for the Ithaca Times about an ongoing comedy event that Bryan’s BVC Productions put on at the (no longer existent) Movie Poster Store on the Ithaca Commons. They would screen spectacularly dismal comic book movies like Howard the Duck, and BVC assembled a group of local comedians to accompany the films with live comedic commentary a la Mystery Science Theatre. Bryan was also a puppeteer and a filmmaker. He has some twenty-eight short films with his puppet, Sheldon the Sheep, on YouTube. I wrote an Arts & Entertainment cover article about the Sheldon the Sheep films for the May 28, 2014 issue of the Ithaca Times. I recommended them. The best of them are remarkably funny. In writing that article, my editor (again, Bill Chaisson) suggested that I interview Sheldon the Sheep at the Autumn Leaves Café where I routinely conducted my interviews for my arts writing. I thought this was such a charming and funny idea that I did it. In the course of writing the article, BVC and I collaborated on writing Sheldon’s “interview”. We were like a couple of television comedy writers in the writer’s room. One of the things that struck me was how quickly BVC wrote. (I am quite slow myself.) And I was a bit startled at how remarkably funny and outrageous his comedy writing was. I could almost keep up with him. I held my own, I think, but truthfully, he could Contin u ed on Page 16

January 10 – 16, 2024 / The Ithaca Times

Readers Writes 2024 – “If I Could I Would…” milk cappuccino, my comfort drink. I sit in the car drinking my coffee as the rain pounds on the car. I decide to call my sister who always makes me feel better. As I am B y M a r t h a L av i n e recounting my tale of woe, she starts laughstarted the other day with two tech- ing! “You’re laughing?” I say indignantly. nology related tasks I had to do be- “Yes” she says “It’s funny!” And it actually is. fore going to an 11:15 yoga class. I start laughing, too. One was paying the kennel where we board our dog by Venmo. The second was eliminating an international calling plan from our Verizon account because our son came home from Europe. No problem! I try to log onto our Venmo account but it’s in my husband’s name. I call him at the gym and he gives me the info which I put in. No dice. Already I feel the hairs standing up on the back of my neck. I hate this. After wasting 45 minutes trying to pay through Venmo, I give up. I decide to write out a check and drive it over to the kennel. Next up Verizon plan! They make it simple to add a plan but not so simple to delete one. It won’t disappear. Now I am blinking back tears. I call my son who comes over to rescue me. Within maybe 2 minutes he pays the kennel through Venmo. He says that actually the Verizon website does make it difficult to delete plans and I’d be better off just going to the store and having them do it. With fading hopes of making yoga, I grab my mat and drive to Verizon where I plunk my phone on the counter hoping they can delete the account for me. Well, no they can’t. I have to do it myself. I cry out begging them not to make me call the number and listen to Musak pumped directly into my hearing aids for 15 minutes. Verizon man claims he can get me there directly. (Here I must confess that the night before I sat on my glasses breaking them and popping the lenses out. I also can’t find my back up glasses. So, okay, I can’t see. So sue me.) Verizon man gets me through to the man from the online help center BUT he has a very thick accent and I am having trouble understanding him. At this moment one of my hearing aids decides to die. So not only can I not see, but I cannot hear. After over When we hang up, I take a deep breath 20 minutes of back and forth, including a round of Musak (a very upbeat version of and think about my next mission to the glassblowin’in the Wind) I think he’s cancelled es store. Only the glasses store is located in the account but I’m not sure cause I can’t the part of town where they have “modernreally hear him. I just want to hang up the ized” the parking meters. And I hate them. phone and get out of there. Which I do. I Instead of just putting coins in the meter, you have to remember your license plate number give up going to yoga. It’s raining and miserable out. Before I and find the payment kiosk on the street. You go to the glasses fix it place, I park in front put in your credit card and have to answer of my favorite coffee shop and get a skim all kinds of questions and press all kinds of I HATE TECHNOLOGY. NO I DON’T

8 The Ithaca Times / January 10 – 16, 2024

buttons and if you have any problems, you hold up the other parkers behind you waiting to use the kiosk. And stand in the rain. So I decide no, I am not going to the glasses store. I drive myself home, get in my sweats and make a cup of tea. I snuggle in my favorite chair with a thick blanket over me. And I read quietly. I read a real book! A book I can

hold with a hard cover and pages I can turn. Namaste,y’all. S The reason I say I hate technology. No I don’t is because my son got me a Sonos music thing to use instead of my CD player. I was dreading the whole transition. But guess what? I CAN DO IT! And the sound is a million times better than my CD player. And I can get it through the speaker or directly into my hearing aids. And it works!

IF I COULD, I WOULD WANT TO BE REBORN AN ARTIST

he other day, I received a surprise glowing praise from a friend about a painting I had drawn on impulse. It was an abstract portrait of an Oriental lady sleeping in the cloud bed of dreamscape, titled “Good night, dream”. He wrote, “As I gaze upon your painting, I feel a gentle power emanating from it. The elegant posture and mysterious closed eyes of the figure seem to silently narrate a story about freedom and dreams. Her flowing hair conveys a sense of ease and comfort to me. The bold use of colors on your canvas appears to be an attempt to capture those tranquil yet mysterious moments, as well as a state of harmonious coexistence with nature. Your work makes me ponder, feeling the serenity and purity within, and understanding the importance of free expression. This painting is more than just an image; it’s like a silent poem, capturing moments of freedom and peace for eternity. I genuinely look forward to your future works, eagerly anticipating being moved once again by your beautiful creativity.” I didn’t even know the effect of my off-handed drawing on others. So good to know. The painting started as a vague outline of an image (or idea) in the remote corner of my brain. Then I sat on it, added details, positions of the objects, all inside my head. Then I decided on the tone (i.e., color) of the painting by studying the various images I have collected on my computer. Then one day, I just sat myself down on the kitchen table, spread out my canvas and paint materials, and started painting. The actual painting was done in no more than a day or two, not inclusive of the time waiting for the paint to dry. This is how I create art: The thinking process is long; the execution process is short. I don’t know how or where my creativity came from. It was an unknown, powerful drive within me to make things up, ever since I was a young girl. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize my potential when I was young. Growing up in Taiwan, I never had the time to develop that inner drive, too busy with studying and taking exams. Coming to America, I was too distracted by my other adult responsibilities: learning to survive, being a model immigrant, making money and raising a family. Now, I

don’t have to work; now I have the time to find myself outside of work. Once in a while, I feel a twinge of regret when I think about a saying, “A good life lived is: you’ve used your potential to the fullest; you’ve found someone to love who loves youback.” Am I too late to develop my potential to the full? So true that youth is wasted on the young. Once in a while, a thought crosses my mind, “If I could change life, I would want to be reborn as an artist.” WHISPERS OF THE DEEP: LEGENDS OF THE CAYUGA LAKE MONSTER

By Ross Dougout

estled in the heart of Ithaca, Cayuga Lake stretches like a watery ribbon, its surface reflecting the changing moods of the sky. Beneath the tranquil exterior lies a tapestry of local legends, whispered across generations, telling tales of an ancient and elusive creature— the Cayuga Lake Monster. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the water, locals gather around campfires to share stories that have become woven into the fabric of their community. The legends speak of a mysterious and colossal entity that prowls the lake’s hidden depths. Generations past have passed down tales of fishermen encountering otherworldly ripples, a disturbance that defies explanation. Some describe massive, shadowy forms slipping beneath the surface, leaving only a fleeting impression of their existence. The creature is said to be a guardian, a senti-

nel from a time long forgotten, watching over the waters and the land that cradles it. Whispers of the Cayuga Lake Monster often intertwine with the natural wonders of the region. Fishermen tell of curious tugs on their lines, something massive and unseen testing the strength of their resolve. Others speak of moonlit nights when eerie calls echo across the lake, leaving listeners in awe and trepidation. One legend, handed down by wise elders, recounts the tale of a forgotten pact between the original inhabitants of the region and the lake’s guardian. In times of peril, the creature is said to rise, a symbol of nature’s untamed power. Its presence, a reminder that Cayuga Lake, with its beauty and mystery, deserves respect and reverence. Over the years, various artistic renditions of the monster have graced the walls of local businesses, and the legend has become a source of pride for the community. The Cayuga Lake Monster has taken on a symbolic role, representing the spirit of the lake and its enduring connection to the people who call its shores home. While scientists may dismiss the existence of a literal lake monster, the legend lives on, evolving with each storyteller who adds their own chapter to the lore. It is not just a tale of a mythical creature but a reflection of the community’s deep connection to its surroundings and the rich tapestry of stories that shape its identity. As the firelight flickers and the lake breeze carries the hushed murmur of legends, the Cayuga Lake Monster remains an enigmatic figure, gliding through the collective imagination of a community that finds solace and wonder in the mysteries that lie beneath the surface.

Hostility to the Soviet Union, wars against anti-colonialist struggles and socialism in general are the ideas that dominate our solease remember two ideas; In war ciety, And of course the insane and unspoTruth is the first casualty, and govern- ken acceptance of nuclear war. ments lie. A Greek wrote number one about 2000 years ago and a cynic probably WHEN LOSING said the second about the same time. After IS WINNING a year in Vietnam the idea that we (the U.S.) were doing something worth my life went B y E l i z a b e t h E i n s t e i n up in smoke.You could say “I lost my faith,” in the government of experts, in the politics he gnarled old man carried his tatof anti-communism and even my religion. tered leather pouch triumphantly, I no longer “believed.” But I was back in like a proud matador during the America and after that criminal war ended a grand parade. I had been watching him few years later figured the U.S. would never move through the village square of Mijas be so morally and politically bankrupt to on the Costa del Sol in Spain collecting pedo anything like that again. In searching setas from unknowing tourists for an explanation and an understanding of As I watched him, I smiled. Guidebooks how this country could and did make war warned that street parking was free and on the Peoples of Indochina for over eight this practice was illegal. I vowed not to be (8) years, I got educated and POLITICAL. conned by this old man, I told myself as I I read history, about interventions in Cen- parked under the red bougainvillea. Soon, tral America and Iran in the 50’s, and about he headed toward my car. As I gathered my the destruction and the deaths of 3 million camera and pack, I ignored him by looking Koreans and nearly 60 thousand Americans straight ahead and swiftly heading toward from 1950 to 1953 in Korea; where 30 thou- an unknown destination. sand U.S. troops are still stationed. How was The old man had his own agenda. As he all this violence connected, rationalized? followed me along the row of cars, his pace The Cold War was its name, and where became a tottering run. “Pagarme aparcar did that come from? Korea got cold but it aqui,” he said in a firm defense of his territory. wasn’t from there. I believe it came from I shook my head no and continued walking. the 180 degree about face, from ally of the Again, he insisted that I pay him to park. Soviet Union during WWII, to enemy. “No es necesario para mi pagar,” I said What explains that? Class and economics calmly trying to get my meager Spanish works. The capitalist weren’t happy when correct to gain some credibility. the Bolsheviks and workers got rid of the “Si, es necesario,” he said patting his pouch. Czar and decided to build a socialist econ“No, es necesario,” I argued a little loudomy, and the U.S. being the only military er in my meager Spanish. Not being fluent with nuclear weapons after the end of the made it difficult to explain the source of my Second World War, maybe the capitalist wisdom. class thought they could turn back time. His voice raised some as he continued to Whatever the immorality of nuclear war- insist that I pay. The contest of wills heightfare, the mass slaughter of the civilian pop- ened as, again, I repeated my refusal to prove ulation was acceptable to the ruling elite in Washington and so began the Cold War. Contin u ed on Page 10 PROPAGANDA AND THE CULTURE OF DEATH

January 10 – 16, 2024 / The Ithaca Times

READERS WRITES 2024 contin u ed from page 9

I wasn’t to be trifled with. But the challenge of the contest affected him the same way as stood with his legs apart and his hands on his hips. His height matched my own— barely five feet. A flood of memories of my week on the Costa del Sol and its “pueblos blancos” poured forth. As I looked into his eyes, I was reminded that this old man typified one reason that, again and again, I returned to the villages of Spain. Glorious views. Joyful music. Happy children, very poor but happy. Congenial people with many offers to help me when I sought directions. This trip had been a gift to myself for completing my graduate degree as an adult under challenging circumstances. My deepest joy had come from daily forays into the countryside villages where I could connect with the people. Big cities and museums left me feeling a bit empty, but these adventures and small connections filled me. While both of us remained committed to winning, we stood silent now. The deeper I gazed into his eyes, the more connected I felt—to him, his culture and to something greater. My heart softened. Who was I seeing in those eyes? What was happening? I felt very vulnerable—and very safe. As I surrendered to the experience, I wondered more. He met my gaze just as deeply and I felt my eyes moisten. I began to let go of my need to win and realized that my initial irritation with this old man’s obstinacy was melting into respect. Did he collect the pesetas to buy food? Did he use the money to buy treats for his grandchildren? Our eyes lingered, mine damp with recognition and wonder. I felt myself reach into my pocket. I pushed the three large coins aside but, as I started to pull out the rest, I found myself including those too. As I placed them all in his palm, I felt his warmth. I let my fingertips linger and he allowed it. He looked down to see that he held much more than he had asked for the parking fee. Then he raised his head proudly and said “Gracias senora.” I nodded. We both smiled and I turned to leave. After a few steps, I turned back to admire this proud hombre. He was watching me. I walked back to him and, in my very best Spanish, I asked permission to take his photograph. He nodded. He adjusted his bag and dusty hat and stood straight. Then I knew. It was dignity, I had witnessed. While I no longer have the photograph and, long ago, Spain’s currency shifted from pesatas to Euros, I have never forgotten this encounter with dignity.

IF I COULD, I WOULD BECOME A MASTER FALCONER

By Nancy K ane

wo years ago, I became a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and was privileged to work with the renowned Morgan Hapeman of the Finger Lakes Raptor Center (FLRC) on several occasions. Encountering owls and hawks along with the waterfowl and songbirds I treated, I felt drawn most of all to the red tail hawks. As part of my professional career teaching the history and philosophy of physical education and sport, I wanted to know more about the ancient sport of falconry, and I was ready to pursue that desire. This year, I passed the New York State falconry exam and a hunter safety course in which I was able to meet a falconer, Charlie Koop, and his hawk. We connected again at a New York State Falconry Association meet, where I was finally able to go into the fields and forests with falconers and apprentices. Most of the time was spent chasing after the hawks, who have nearly total freedom of movement on the hunt. My neck grew tired from looking into the trees to be sure I knew where the hawks were, and my legs ached from climbing over downed tree trunks and pushing through brush. I began to see the woods through the eyes of the birds, alert for any small movement that might be of interest to them, relishing the crisp fall air and the smell of the downed leaves. They are wild birds, kept and meticulously cared for by the falconers. Strict dietary controls and health precautions are

10 T h e I t h a c a T i m e s / J a n u a r y 1 0 – 1 6 , 2 0 2 4

the rule. Attention to the fit of the leather bands on their beautifully strong legs, to the quality of their perches, to the shape of their beaks, to the sharpness of their talons: no detail is too small or too large to ensure their health. A bond forms between the earth-bound hunter and the predator of the skies. They grow to know each other’s habits, moods, and preferences. There is also an element of unpredictability in working with raptors, even with those who are maintained in captivity. I struggle with the idea that I long to have a hawk in my own mews, even for a limited time. They are so magnificent when they fly wild and free, soaring on thermals alone or with others. They occasionally fly away from their falconers, never to return. Would that break my heart? Or could I accept it as part of the unspoken agreement between us as hunting partners? And could I actually cope with the prey they would (hopefully) catch — the squirrels and rabbits I also love? I would save them to feed the hawk for summer molting. But between the hawk’s talons and the freezer, how could I reconcile the exchange of life for life? I honestly don’t know. But I think of Joseph Campbell and the idea that “life eats,” and that there is a balance in nature. Maybe I will be part of the end of lives as I was part of rehabilitation of lives. But for now, I can only wonder if I will ever have a bird of my own. I need to find a sponsor to teach me, and there are few in New York State. It is not a common sport, and it cannot be learned from books and videos. For now, I will feel my heart soar whenever I am blessed to see hawks soaring above, and I can hope to someday hold

a piece of that freedom on my gloved wrist. But if I could, I would become a master falconer. IF I COULD I WOULD…HELP

By Jo se ph Q H at ch e r

elp the citizens realize that slavery never died and that the modern version is even more sinister than the original version. I would help the local citizens realize how much they are exploited (for labor) and extorted (for “taxes”) by their new age slave master overlords. I would assist the locals to open their eyes and ears to the pandering and trickery of their slave masters. I would eliminate all taxes, which are nothing more than tithes to their sinister satanic conglomeration. I would help the locals see clearly the Tools of Oppression which rule every waking moment of their lives. I would, in turn, free my generation from the clutches of true evil, resulting in the initiation of a true Golden Age. IF I COULD…

B y F r a n k K e l ly If I could unsee the endless stream of refugees Trying to escape the heavy hand of tyranny Turned away by the world’s wealthy countries Or left to rot in overcrowded camps, I would If I could unhear the cries of frightened children

Running from advancing tanks and screaming missiles In the bombed out cities that, just yesterday, were Gaza and Ukraine Or huddled in the rubble that was home, I would If I could unknow the the bitter taste Of lies, mistrust and hate That would topple our democracy Or crippled what was left, I would If I could simply disengage — Ignore the daily front page news Tell myself it really doesn’t matter Then, perhaps, I would There are times I wish I could — but I cannot Instead, I struggle with the ennui Tell myself there must be something I can do If only to speak out — make weapons of my words PLANTING TREES

Unaware The place is famous A man tilling a field Shiki Yet something remains. Someone before me planted trees that escaped the axe. My at-tention is drawn to tall Spruces surrounding a Greek Revival farmhouse, then a Sycamore holding onto bumpy seed pods, a White Oak with thick horizontal limbs, finally a straight Tamarack getting ready to drop its needle clusters. I throw trees to the future world. I plant a tree though I won’t be around to see its full growth. LOOKING BACKWARDS AT EIGHTY-TWO: ANECDOTES OF LIGHT AND DARK

B y D a n i e l R . S c h wa r z

“These fragments I have shored against riving through upstate NY, passing my ruins” (T.S. The Waste Land) patches of flat farm fields in Moravia, sharp valleys in Spencer, wet Winter’s short sunless days woodlands in Cayuga, lake panoramas on open trove of memories: Ridge Road. Housing varies: Queen Anne joys, sorrows. palaces from better times, brick Italianate We live in our minds’ spaces masterpieces, modern fill-in homes, trailwhich expand to ers. I pass dilapidated asphalt sided houses comforting circles, surrounded by junk cars, overgrown fields, contract to painful points. unharvested corn, an abandoned family Marble-white Taj Mahal. graveyard, stones worn and overturned. Mughal mausoleum. I admire an octagonal wooden silo. AfFirst tourists at dawn: ter the connected barn fell over there were Looming majestic presence sporadic attempts to preserve the innovashimmers in light, emerging tive but obsolete silo. Will this sliver of the slowly from morning haze. past be passed on? Is culture long lasting, Arabian Sea, Goa. is the best of society preserved? I see a tag swimming naked, team of build then decay. pure red sunrise The past shows itself faintly: the Indian flaming/framing mounds, the Sullivan campaign grave markmy wife’s back; ers, the chalk mines, the mill ponds, the unall I can say: used Erie Canal, the abandoned railroad “Look behind you.” tracks, the changing crops.

Cambodian Temples. Scorching noon sun: Grandeur, harmony. Seven-headed Naga causeway leads to Angkor Wat’s bas-relief friezes, Eastern gallery alive with Hindu Creation myth: churning sea of milk. Victoria Lodge, Zimbabwe: Sun slowly setting over Zambezi, herd of cape buffalo crossing single file approaching pond. In ceremonious sync, loudly trumpeting elephants one by one arrive perpendicular to departing buffaloes. If sublime belongs to mind’s circle, sorrows belong to mind’s point. Moving out at night. accompanied by cherished books, much-worn clothing, after marriage capsized in storms of sell-interest, winds of misunderstanding. Watching mother capitulate to mortality; she lay diminished, shrunken by illness in dark hospital room, I helpless to intervene. Aging: malaise, anxiety gnaws at mind’s edges. Yet memory summons Sustaining splendors. UNTITLED POEM

By H e n ry Fitzger a l d Thoughts like distant whispers fade Ever slightly out of grasp Like a dream whose time has passed Fleeting quickly to the past What it was is almost here Now whisping off to far from near In silent echoes I strain to hear My thoughts, my thoughts; my thoughts so dear It happens now throughout the day The words I need are washed away And there confused in silence I stand Making gestures with my hands While verbal cues I try to follow Feeling like my brain is hollow Got to go More pills to swallow In hope I live To dream tomorrow

REFRAIN FROM USING FOSSIL FUELS

By Shane Eversfield

h, if only I could, I would... Refrain from using the violent combustion of fossil fuel for transportation, cooking and for the generation of electrical energy. Ride my bike or walk everywhere I go Subscribe to renewable energy through the grid Refrain from buying any food packaged in plastic and from “wish-cycling” plastic at the curb Grow or buy only locally grown food Live simply so others can simply live. Ok, maybe I could, but... It’s so much easier and more convenient to wait for science, for government, for business to accommodate and remedy my affluent lifestyle and clean up my effluent so I don’t have to. Sure hope they can get to it in time... Ah! But maybe... Maybe I can start on the inside, with creativity. Yes. With creativity, I transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. When the ordinary is extraordinary, my life is rich. I can live simply (without much sacrifice) so our planet can simply live. Now, today.

I WOOD

By Chip Kress Autumn leaves, changing from cheerful greens and reds To rotten yellows and browns Fall is the end of the old year But also the beginning of a new one Every tree has a story None ever the same I’m like a story that hasn’t been told A story that has no ending I’m a human tree, slowly dying But getting ready for new growth

January 10 – 16, 2024 / The Ithaca Times

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By M at t D ough ert y

he Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) is gearing up for its annual MLK Celebration, scheduled for January 13, 2024. The event, hosted at the Beverly J. Martin School Gymnasium from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., promises a day filled with inspiration, education, and community engagement. This year’s celebration is centered around the theme “Give Us The Ballot,” echoing Dr. King’s powerful words from his 1957 speech. The theme underscores the ongoing struggle for voting rights, particularly relevant in 2024, a significant election year in the United States. Desmond Meade, the Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), has been announced as the keynote speaker, bringing a compelling perspective to the event. Meade’s journey from homelessness to leading a campaign that successfully re-enfranchised 1.4 million returning citizens in Florida earned him recognition on TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2019 and a 2021 MacArthur “Genius” Fellow. His continued efforts to empower communities and reshape criminal justice policies make him a fitting choice for this year’s celebration. The day’s program is set to kick off with a light breakfast, allowing attendees to connect before delving into a series of educational workshops. These workshops include “You Can Go Home Again: Dismantling the Injustices Behind Re-Entry (Part 2),” facilitated by Richard Rivera, Endeavor House Program Coordinator, OAR of Tompkins County. Another workshop, “Words Have Meaning — A DEI & Belonging Terminology Workshop,” will be led by Charlene Holmes, Chief Equity and Diversity Officer. Dr. Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, Executive Director of the Greater Ithaca Activities Center, will host the workshop titled “Black Women’s Mental Health: Impact of Unjust Killings,” shedding light on the profound impact of social injustices on mental health within the Black community. Recognizing the importance of creating an inclusive environment, childcare will be provided for children aged four and above, ensuring that families can participate in the celebration without any constraints. The event’s organizers express gratitude for the support from various sources, including

The Greater Ithaca Activities Center will be holding their annual MLK Day celebration at the Beverly J. Martin School Gymnasium from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on January 13. (Photo: Provided)

a grant from the Just Community Fund and Tompkins Today and Tomorrow Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County. Additional support comes from the Ben and Jerry’s Foundation and Tompkins Community Bank, reflecting a community-wide commitment to fostering a meaningful MLK Celebration. Registration for the event is mandatory and can be completed online at bit.ly/giacmlk23 or by calling (607) 272-3622. Those seeking more

information or with questions about the event can contact GIAC at the same phone number or via email at giacmain@cityofithaca.org. The MLK Celebration at GIAC stands as a testament to the enduring importance of Dr. King’s legacy and serves as a platform for meaningful discussions, education, and community building, specifically focusing on the vital issue of voting rights in the upcoming year.

Arts&Entertainment

GIAC TO HOST DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION

January 10 – 16, 2024 / The Ithaca Times

Dining

East Shore Roadhouse Friendly Service of Burgers and Breakfast By He nr y Stark

henever I go to East Shore Roadhouse, on Route 34 in Lansing, I smile when I’m there and I smile as I leave. It’s because of the ebullience of the can-do/will-do servers and the palpable friendly spirit. This quasi pub has had many incarnations on the same site for about 80 years, almost always as a bar, or restaurant with a bar, as it is now. It’s small with functional tables that seat either two or four with a total capacity of only about three dozen. There are almost no decorations, unless you want to count a few small, framed mirrors on one wall. Everything about the place is simple and basic: the parking lot isn’t paved, the trash barrels in the two unisex rest rooms are too small to hold all the used paper towels, the ketchup bottles on the tables are often empty, you

occasionally have to ask for their paper napkins and silverware, and there are only six beers on tap and fewer in bottles. So why do I like the place so much? Easy answer. Not only for the cheerfulness of the staff but also because the food is good, the portions are large, and the prices are low and reasonable. And these are the most important issues for me when I eat out. Breakfast is served Wednesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 7-1 so you can basically choose which meal you prefer and you’ll be offered separate menus for each. Breakfast offers a surprisingly eclectic mix which includes Latin-style dishes: a burrito ($13) and Huevos (eggs dishes) in three sizes: single $5, double $8 or triple $12. If you prefer an omelet, you will also be asked to choose a size, small ($10) or large ($13). I’m struck by the variety of

omelets on offer: There are two dozen different fillings, three of which are included, and any of the other twenty-one can be added for $1 each. A knowledgeable friend of mine, who has breakfast there weekly, likes their French toast on sourdough bread. At one lunch I ordered a bowl (soup is not available in a cup) of house made beet and carrot soup ($7). It was thick and delicious. If I want to make a soup that thick, with bits of the veggies evident, I stop blending it just before it becomes a puree. This consistency is my favorite as it makes me aware that what I’m eating comes from real root vegetables. The lunch menu also offers a Latin flavor with a Cubano sandwich, ($15) which just happens to be the most popular dish in the restaurant. It features roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard, roasted house made garlic aioli and a pickle, all on focaccia. There’s an interesting section of the menu that has a half dozen selections, all of which can be ordered as a beef burger, buttermilk fried chicken, grilled chicken, or a bean burger. They are $14 or $15, and all are terrific.

Get your fill of burgers and breakfast at the East Shore Roadhouse. (Photo: Provided)

Being a traditionalist, I like the mushroom swiss as a beef burger. It’s huge and like all their sandwiches is brought to the table with a steak knife stuck into the top of the bun. I’ve tried to eat it with my hands but have never succeeded, partly because it’s too large and partly because the homemade garlic aioli and Dijon mustard combination makes it too slippery so the greens, sauteed mushrooms, and Swiss cheese keep sliding out. I really enjoy this as a beef burger, however I’m sure it would be just as good with chicken. When I order the beef medium rare, it invariably comes medium rare. We’re entitled to one side out of nine on offer and I often choose Roadhouse beans which are a combination of black and white beans in a subtle sauce and are delicious. Roadhouse fries are good too. They’re offered with a hot sauce or just salt and pepper, which I choose. Other preparation varieties in this section include Cajun blackened; bourbon bacon jam; smoked gouda with bacon and jalapenos; and pepperjack with fried jalapenos and chipotle mayo. Once I tried a Pecan Chicken wrap ($15). It was a huge portion and included lots of chicken, orange zest, cranberries, feta, and candied pecans. The chicken can be prepared grilled or fried. East Shore Roadhouse is unpretentious. It’s like a neighborhood establishment for locals or travelers in bygone days and yet it’s in Lansing, less than five miles from The Shops at Ithaca mall. I recommend it for the variety of comforttype food and fair prices, and I believe, when you leave, you’ll have a smile on your face too.

East Shore Roadhouse 110 North Cayuga St., Ithaca repstudio.com • 607-272-4292

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1928 E. Shore Drive, Lansing (607) 219-3004 Weds.-Sat. 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sun. 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sports

Ninth Grader Achieving Goals Lucy Levine Scores Hat Trick for Little Red By Ste ve L aw re nc e

few weeks ago, I wrote about the return of the Ithaca High girl’s hockey team’s return to the ice after a one-year hiatus, and Tyler Wagenet — the Little’ Red’s coach — made an observation. In Tyler’s words, “While travel hockey is a lot of fun, there is nothing quite like playing in front of your peers from your high school. That is a very special experience.” Those words turned out to be prophetic for one player in particular, as ninth-grader Lucy Levine scored her first varsity hat trick in front of a very appreciative and enthusiastic home crowd. The Little Red pulled out a thrilling 3-2 win over Oswego last week, and the box score revealed that one player — Lucy — tallied all three goals. I tried to connect with Lucy to get her take on how the season is going, but she was on the road back from Boston after a challenging few days of hockey. Her dad, Doug, was happy to offer up his perspective. “Lucy still plays on the Valley Eagles, a travel team based in Syracuse,” Doug told me when we spoke Sunday. “She played in the high school game Thursday night —

the game in which she had the hat trick — then she went to school on Friday, left for Boston later in the day and played six games over the weekend.” While such a schedule is demanding, Levine said that the chance to play in front of her friends is indeed a new and very positive experience for his daughter. “Having played travel hockey for so many years,” Doug offered, “she has never had the opportunity to play in front of her friends. There has been a lot of support — some of her friends even showed up with signs they made — and she is really enjoying that aspect.” In travel leagues in any sport, players often have the opportunity to compete with the same teammates several years running, and that chemistry helps a lot. For the Little Red, the same benefit is in place, given that many of the players skated together as “Pink Grizzles,” a team of four- through eight-year-olds that played in the Mite Division in the Ithaca Youth Hockey League. This weekend, the Levines will head for New Jersey to watch the Valley Eagles play in a tournament there. Many extended family members will be in attendance,

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and this will be their first opportunity to see Lucy on the ice. The Levine family is, Doug says, “In full divide and conquer mode,” given their son, Griffin, is on the Little Red’s boy’s team. Griffin is not playing travel hockey this year, thus cutting back on the family’s road time, but having two kids playing on three different teams still presents some challenges. “The boys are 8-1,” Doug said. They’re playing really well.” Lucy Levine battles for the puck on her way to scoring three goals against Oswego. (Photo by Wendy Robbins) Local hockey fans have ongoing opportunities to watch elite-level players who will go from the Montreal roster, and Loriane Rogeau Cornell into the newly-formed Premier skates for Toronto. Many of these are likely familiar names, and they were very sucWomen’s Hockey League. When the new cessful players at Cornell, and several have pro league dropped its first puck on New gone on to win Olympic gold medals. Year’s Day, several former Cornellians In the very first game in the league’s were on active rosters. Briane Jenner history, New York took on Toronto, and serves as team captain for Ottawa, Micah Saulnier was one of the four New York Zandee-Hart serves in the same role for players to score, scoring in the third peNew York, Kristin O’Neill skates for Monriod to give her team a 3-0 lead. New York treal, Jillian Saulnier suits up alongside would ultimately win 4-0, with BourbanZandee-Hart in New York, as does Jaime nais tallying an assist. Bourbannais. Marlene Boissonnault is on

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January 10 – 16, 2024 / The Ithaca Times

when police vehicles are retired, they are usually reallocated to other city departments after removing emergency equipment. He noted the city aims to get some money back by auctioning old vehicles and said these funds would help offset the cost of new police fleet purchases. While Matos expressed concerns about the expenditure on police vehicles, she ultimately acknowledged this was not a new issue being voted on and cast one of two votes against approving the funding for police vehicles alongside her First Ward colleague Phoebe Brown.

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INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Cause Eviction law before the State passed one of its own. Acting Mayor positions were also filled, with Nguyen sworn in as the primary acting mayor and Haines-Sharp as alternate acting mayor. The meeting was adjourned shortly after the swearing-in ceremonies, with Cantelmo advising the public that the official proceedings of the first Common Council meeting of the year would resume at 6 p.m.

of our imaginations to look at the possibility of sitting down with Cornell at some point in the near future and asking for a contribution.” Fabrizio added that the previous MOU automatically allocated $900,000 to the city fire department, but the new MOU doesn’t. As a result, Fabrizio says the City will now have to come up with that money in other ways. “I hope that we can put our heads to-

gether as municipalities and understand that these are resources that need to be supported by the entire community,” Fabrizio said. Regarding the funding for police vehicles, First Ward Council member Kayla Matos said, “I’m sure it’s not a shocker that I don’t completely support the police vehicles being purchased for almost $300,000.” Matos continued questioning why the City was spending additional funds on purchasing new vehicles for the police department and asked what would be done with the department’s current fleet. The deputy controller explained that

people…enshrined in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” Regardless, the debate on the issue exposed disagreements not only on policy and morality but on the appropriate role of the county legislature in international affairs. While some saw value in the legislature taking a moral stance, Deborah Dawson questioned what practical impact a non-binding resolution from Tompkins County could have. She also worried that adopting a resolution without the complete agreement of the legislature risks sending a divided message. Legislator Greg Mezey disagreed with Sigler and Dawson, saying, “This is a complex issue, but I don’t think what we’re being asked to do is all that complex.” According to Mezey, he supports the right of

any country to defend itself against terror attacks, but “Israel needs to be way more precise in retaliating against those who perpetrated the attacks they’re responding to.” Mezey continued saying that residents want to see the legislature approve a ceasefire resolution because they are “deeply hurt and looking for us as their elected officials to do something to say stop killing people who have nothing to do with this.” Following the meeting, local activist and member of the Democratic Socialists of America and Ithaca Tenants Union, Genevieve Rand, said that she was “encouraged to see Veronica Pillar, Travis Brooks, Greg Mezey, and other legislators commit to bringing a County ceasefire resolution in line with our Human Rights Commission’s.”

Rand continued saying, “Billions of our tax dollars are being used to fund a genocide in Palestine while our roads fall apart and homelessness soars. It’s inhuman. Standing up to that takes bravery, empathy, and solidarity, and I’m proud to be represented by people who center those values.” Regardless of the outcome, the local community has made it clear that they care about peace and will continue to push for a ceasefire at all levels of government until their voices are taken seriously. It remains to be seen whether the legislature will find a path to consensus on crafting a resolution. But one thing is sure — the conflict in Israel and Palestine, usually far from the purview of a small upstate county, has become a pressing local concern demanding response and action.

And BVC was also an artist. He gave me one of his background drawings from a Sheldon the Sheep film. On December 2, 2023, I attended a memorial event called the BVCFEST held at Cinemapolis. It was appropriate to hold the event at a movie theatre considering BVC’s lifelong love affair with the movies. The event was organized by Beth Saulnier (with whom Bryan hosted a cable television movie review show for 11 years) and Paul Smith, who directed said show.

They screened a short film about Bryan, also directed by Paul Smith. The thing I found most compelling about the film was seeing BVC as a young man in the 1980s, (long-haired and beautiful, as only the young can be) playing guitar on the Ithaca Commons and in various clubs. And the thing I found most moving about the event was that they passed around a microphone and allowed the audience to speak and tell stories about Bryan. The Dalai Lama once wrote that we human beings are extremely social animals. And the BVCFEST seemed a very charming and human social event that made me feel more affectionate toward my fellow humans. (Lately, I’ve been reading the brilliant historian Barbara Tuchman’s book, A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century. And I am an inveterate reader of the 21st century New York Times. Both have metaphorically rubbed my nose in how abominable human beings can be. But the BVCFEST reminded me how appealing human beings can be.) And I was much relieved and moved when Beth Saulnier announced that Bryan’s beloved companion animal, Ajax Panther, had been adopted by someone from the SPCA.

The event ended with a sing-a-long. There was a short film of Bryan playing the guitar and singing the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” to coach the audience in singing. (Bryan loved the Beatles and had a loopy love for their animated film “Yellow Submarine”.) It was moving. People don’t do enough singing together in our unhappy digital age. I’m still processing BVC’s passing. On some level, I don’t believe he’s gone. It reminds me of when my friend, the great Ithaca artist Susan Booth Titus passed away. The Ithaca Commons doesn’t seem like the Commons without the Titus Gallery. (I wrote about Susan Booth Titus in the January 16, 2008 issue.) In a similar fashion, the Ithaca Times seems strangely empty without BVC’s writing. I’m hoping that, in the future, an equally brilliant film critic and arts writer will emerge to fill BVC’s void. To wrap up here, I would like to quote Kurt Vonnegut. He wrote, “…communities are all that’s substantial about the world. All the rest is hoop-la.” I would like to express my gratitude for all BVC gave to our community. Rest in peace, pal.

TENANT TAKEOVER

CEASEFIRE RESOLUTION contin u ed from page 6

force of legislators to work with the Human Rights Commission to draft a resolution for the next meeting. Legislator Susan Currie and Legislator Veronica Pillar also volunteered to participate. Other legislators like Mike Sigler and Deborah Dawson raised concerns that any resolution adopted needs to adequately address the actions of Hamas and consider the full historical context of the conflict. However, Sigler and Dawson’s concerns about the statement not addressing the actions of Hamas are seemingly unfounded, as the statement says, “the actions of Hamas and the Government of Israel have impeded the fundamental rights of AN ELEGY contin u ed from page 7

dance around me like Fred Astaire. As if all this wasn’t enough, BVC was also a guitarist. I once saw him onstage at the Nines, sitting in with Pete Panek & the Blue Cats. (The no longer existent Nines was a much beloved club up in Collegetown. Pete Panek is Ithaca’s blues eminence — sort of Ithaca’s Muddy Waters.)

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