Convenient Walk-in Care Made for
Museum of the Earth Faces Financial Crisis After $30 Million Pledge Falls Through
By Matt Dougherty
ITHACA, N.Y. — The Museum of the Earth and the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) are facing a critical funding gap after a $30 million donation pledge from a group of donors failed to materialize.
While the museum has announced that it won't be closing at this time due to the funding issue, it is downsizing its operations and calling on the community to rally behind it with donations of any size.
PRI faced similar funding issues last year, which resulted in the initiation of downsizing plans. These plans included scaling back programming at the Museum of Earth and Cayuga Nature Center and beginning to rehome live animals at the center. With the announcement of further downsizing, the remaining live animals at the center will be rehomed.
Since the community became aware of the funding issue, a Change.org petition calling on Cornell University and local stakeholders to intervene and save the museum from closure has gained more than 1,800 signatures. The petition was started by Ithaca resident Emily Cavanaugh. Contributions can also be made directly through the museum’s website at priweb.org/donate.
A former Cornell University student shared his perspective on the crisis in a comment on the Change.org fundraiser, saying, “I can testify to the fact that PRI is an amazing and invaluable place. Visiting this museum and learning from its massive collections during Dr. Allmon’s paleobiology course was one of the highlights of my entire time as an undergrad… [It’s] obvious that PRI has had a profound im-
pact on the lives and careers of countless people. Museum collections of all kinds are priceless — Cornell or other donors must step in to prevent the loss of an institution that benefits students, faculty, the wider Ithaca public, and scientists from all over the world.”
Another supporter commented on the petition, “The Museum of the Earth is one of the few museums focusing on invertebrates and Paleozoic paleontology in the world, and is a cornerstone resource to paleontology in the Appalachian region. Without this museum, there is virtually no regional center for paleontology in New York, despite the great fossil richness of the state. Losing this institution would be devastating to both local resources and global research efforts.”
PRI has supported decades of paleontology research, providing the communi-
T ake n ote
X County Democrats to Host Open Forum for Potential Candidates
Ithaca, NY: The Tompkins County Democratic Committee will be hosting a forum on how to run for local office. This informal event will take place on Saturday, February 1 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the Ithaca Town Hall Lobby, 215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca.
ty with access to a vast fossil collection of more than 7 million specimens, interactive exhibits, and community programs that make Earth science accessible to all ages. Its resources have supported academic projects ranging from Ph.D. dissertations to undergraduate studies, while its exhibitions have entertained and educated thousands of visitors annually, from elementary school groups to Ivy League students.
As PRI and the Museum of the Earth face this critical juncture, community members are being asked to come together to help secure its future. Donations, no matter how small, can make a difference in ensuring that the museum continues to inspire and educate for generations to come.
For more information or to contribute, visit priweb.org.
EE lan CE rs : Barbara Adams, G. M Burns, Jane Dieckmann, Charley Githler, Ross Haarstad, Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Henry Stark, and Arthur Whitman
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TCDC Chair Linda Hoffman states, “Our
Potential candidates can meet with experienced candidates and a representative of the Board of Elections to discuss the petitioning process and other information about running for office. Handout resources will be available. Anyone interested in running on the Democratic line is invited to attend.
democracy and our society are stronger when more citizens are involved in the democratic process. The Committee has put together this forum to help people who are interested in public service to gain an understanding of how to run for office.”
For more information, contact Hoffmann at chair@tcdemocrats.org.
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(1972–1978) and The
The Museum of the Earth is facing imminent closure after a $30 million donation fell through, prompting calls for community support to preserve this vital institution.
By Mark Syvertson QUESTION OF
THE WEEK: “WITH THE DOLDRUMS OF WINTER UPON US, WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?”
Tompkins County Public Library Faces Budget Cuts but Maintains Core Services
By Matt Dougherty
ITHACA, N.Y. — The Tompkins County Public Library (TCPL) will move into 2025 with a smaller budget, but library staff and leadership are ensuring that core services and robust programming will continue uninterrupted despite the financial challenges.
The library’s 2025 appropriation from the county is set at $4,012,448, reflecting a 5% reduction from 2024 levels. The overall library budget for 2025 stands at $5 million, a decrease from $5.2 million in 2024.
“It’s been a very, very difficult budget season,” said Library Director Leslie Tabor in an interview. “We are not going to have to have any layoffs or staff reductions. The board has approved the use of some surplus 2024 funds to balance the budget, and that is allowing us to keep our staffing levels as they are at present.”
The library plans to use approximately $470,000 in surplus funds from 2024 to cover the gap created by the county’s across-the-board budget cut, which was first announced in May. This proactive approach, Tabor explained, has helped preserve jobs and minimize disruptions to day-to-day operations.
While staffing remains stable, the most significant change for patrons will be the elimination of Sunday hours. In previous years, the library operated for 18 seasonal Sundays, funded by contributions from the City of Ithaca and the Town of Ithaca. Those funds will now be allocated toward regular operations, leaving the library open six days a week.
“We absolutely hope to have those [Sunday hours] restored as soon as possible,” Tabor said. “I personally would love to eventually see seven-day service routinely in the future, but I know that’s a little ways off. That’s just like my vision board.”
The library will continue to meet its service requirements as mandated by the New York State Department of Education, which sets a minimum of 60 service hours per week for libraries serving similarly sized populations. Sunday hours had previously brought TCPL’s weekly total to 64 hours, but the library will now operate at 60 hours per week, meeting the state’s requirements while scaling back slightly.
Despite the budget constraints, Tabor emphasized that TCPL’s programming will remain as robust as ever. The library plans to offer a wide range of services for all ages, including book clubs for children, teens, and adults, as well as family story times.
The library’s popular summer reading program will return, with the theme “Color Your World.”
One of the library’s standout programs, “Read with the Cornell Canine Companions,” where children practice reading aloud to therapy dogs, will also continue. “Dogs are not judgmental about your reading skills,” Tabor explained, underscoring the program’s importance in fostering literacy and confidence among young readers.
TCPL’s MakerSpace services will remain available, offering hands-on activities and creative resources, while digital services such as Libby, Hoopla, and
Kanopy will continue to provide access to e-books, audiobooks, movies, and more.
“Our amazing frontline customer service will also continue,” Tabor said. “Library workers are here to help patrons find books or ask questions. During all open hours, we have free Wi-Fi, collaborative study spaces, and free study and community rooms that people can reserve.”
The library will maintain its outreach efforts, bringing services to local organizations such as Kendal at Ithaca, Lifelong, and McGraw House, and tabling at community festivals. Additionally, the library will continue to host blood drives, community training sessions, and programs organized by local nonprofits in its meeting spaces.
“Our community rooms are always free and open to the public,” Tabor said. “We run hundreds and hundreds of programs through room reservations.”
Tabor expressed gratitude for the Tompkins County Legislature’s support during a challenging financial year. “We really respect the difficult decisions that the Legislature had to make for 2025,” she said. “We are so proud and excited to be able to continue to serve our community. The library is truly for everyone. We welcome everyone and can’t wait to see them.”
The library’s leadership also credited the hard work of its staff and board members for navigating this year’s complex budgeting process. “I was very pleased this is the earliest that the board has had
“Hiking. Camping. Being outside in general.”
Alice
“Just being alive.”
Kris
“Dogs. Labs, in particular.”
Loretta
“I always feel happy when I exercise. Crossfit, biking, kayaking.”
Ann
“Spending time with my family and baking with my daughter.”
Ryan
The Tompkins County Public Library will continue to offer a wide range of programs in 2025, including book clubs, digital services, and family story times, while adapting to a smaller budget and reduced service hours. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
Library Director Leslie Tabor discusses the impact of budget cuts on the Tompkins County Public Library’s 2025 operations, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to maintaining core services and programming despite financial challenges. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
Listening to Rose Bethe: Ithaca’s Connection to Holocaust Memory
By Dr. Jan Burzlaff
This Monday, the world observes International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to honor the six million Jewish lives lost and countless others forever changed by the Nazi regime. For those of us in Ithaca, this day is also an opportunity to reflect on the voices of survivors who became part of our community. Among these voices is Rose Bethe’s, whose testimony offers powerful lessons on resilience, the importance of memory, and our responsibility to act against hatred.
Born in Munich in 1917, Rose detailed her family’s efforts to endure post-World War I hardships, including her grandmother’s food gardens. She recounted her teenage years during the rise of
The Talk at
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Hitler, marked by anti-Semitic discrimination at school, which compelled her to leave Germany for England at 16. In 1936, she immigrated to the United States, attended Smith College and Cornell University, and worked various jobs before meeting Hans Bethe. The couple moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico, in 1943, where Hans was appointed leader of the Theoretical Division for the Manhattan Project. In 1946, they settled in Ithaca, where Hans taught physics at Cornell. Rose’s experiences reflect the dual burden carried by many refugees: the relief of survival alongside the enduring grief of displacement. In Ithaca, Rose became a passionate advocate for education and remembrance,
RE: Trump Pulls USA Out of World Health Organization (WHO)
“Withdrawing from WHO endangers our health.
The recent move of our nation to resign from the World Health Organization (WHO) prompts me to point out to
sharing her story to ensure future generations understood the consequences of hate and indifference.
Rose’s testimony is preserved in a collection of eight local Holocaust survivor oral histories assembled by the History Center in Tompkins County. These recordings, made between 2013 and 2018 with members of the Ithaca Jewish community, were transformed into classroom-length productions by students from Ithaca College’s Park Scholars program. Rose’s story, and others like it, provide an invaluable resource for both reflection and education. Though Rose passed away in 2019, her legacy endures through her testimony and its ongoing impact on our community.
readers the public health problems that result. Two examples from the many will make the point. First, disease is global and the U S cannot combat them alone. The recent pandemic is a case in point. Second, eliminating a disease requires global effort. Polio is on the verge of being forever eliminated. Only two countries have cases now. Global cooperation is key to removing this terrible disease forever. The U S cannot do it alone. Regardless of the issues our country has had with WHO, there are solutions. But giving disease a leg up by our backing out should not be done.” — Dr. William Klepack, Tompkins County Whole Health Director
RE: Museum of Earth Funding Issues
“Cornell spends way more than this on DEI and (so called) net zero carbon blah blah. Cornell just flew 25 people to and from California (probably on Boeing aircraft) for one basketball game. The point is, there is plenty of money to do whatever Cornell wants. But sooner or later, they can’t do everything. Have to choose what’s more important. Many donors are tired of sending their capitalist dollars to an anticapitalist enterprise.” — Steven Baginski
RE: County Pausing Assessments
“I would like to see annual assessment increase capped at a reasonable, noncriminal rate... 2%? 3%? That would
Her story reminds us of the moral and ethical questions the Holocaust forces us to confront. Rose spoke not only of the antisemitism that permeated German society but also of the indifference and inaction of bystanders. People turned away, she recalled, as it was easier to pretend they did not see. Her reflections compel us to ask: How can we resist indifference in our own time?
The lessons of Rose’s life are not confined to the past. Today, as antisemitism resurges and refugees worldwide flee violence and persecution, her story challenges us to take action. Locally, we can honor her legacy by supporting
be absent any substantial improvement to the property. As my assessment went up by just over 50% in a year, apparently based solely on some purchases by very wealthy individuals who wouldn’t have been interested in my house, perhaps I’m more irate than some about the ridiculous nature of the policies driving the assessment office and the “appeal process” thereof.” — Douglas Seyge
RE: The Mozart Requiem
“For the Positive note: The Mozart Requiem was performed Saturday evening by the Ithaca Community Chorus to a full house. The magnificent chorus and orchestra would have pleased Maestro Mozart greatly!” — Elizabeth Einstein
RE: Don’t Say Marijuana
“I am writing about the cover of the paper copy of the new edition of the Ithaca Times. (January 15, 2025) The headline says “Reefer Madness” “Marijuana Dispensaries Keep on Comin’”. Before you print, do some research. The term “Marijuana” is antiquated and has racist background. It’s a derogatory remark towards Latino Americans and Mexicans. Please don’t use that terminology again in future editions of your publication when referring to the plant Cannabis.” — Samuel Smith
UPS DOWNS&
Ups
During a recent meeting the Ithaca Common Council approved the transfer of city-owned property at 205 West State Street to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA). The site is slated for redevelopment by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS), which plans to build a 56-unit affordable housing project with senior housing above a daycare center.
Downs
President Donald Trump has ordered the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to pause all federal aid as a review is undertaken to determine if spending is consistent with Trump’s priorities. This could impact funding for federal assistance, infrastructure, and other programs funded through previously approved legislation.
HEARD SEEN&
Heard
The Ithaca Common Council voted unanimously to amend its property tax exemption guidelines to expand eligibility for low-income seniors and disabled residents, extending financial relief to some of the city’s most vulnerable homeowners.
Seen
Former Mayor Laura Lewis was recently appointed chair of the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) Board of Directors for 2025 after 6 years of advising on the organization’s boards.
IF YOU CARE TO RESPOND to something in this column, or suggest your own praise or blame, write editor@ithacatimes. com, with a subject head “U&D.”
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Are you concerned about President Trump’s “mass deportation” plan?
76 . 7 % Yes.
20 9% No.
2 3 % I don’t care.
N ext W eek ’s Q uestio N : Are you ready for winter to be over?
Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.
Fire Destroys Ovid Main Street, Displaces Residents, No Fatalities Reported
By David Durrett
Ahistoric fire in downtown Ovid on Tuesday evening destroyed the town’s Big M supermarket as well as other businesses, displaced many residents from their home and resulted in school being canceled on Wednesday, but no fatalities were reported.
Tim Thompson, sheriff of Seneca County, held a press conference with other emergency response officials around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, the day after the fire started. He said that while 15 to 20 people were displaced from their homes, there were no fatalities and only minor injuries involved, and Ovid Fire Chief Tim Westlake said that was quite fortunate for a fire of that size in a busy area of town.
“To those that lost homes, businesses and jobs, the men and women of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office stand with you,” Thompson said. “Our thoughts are with you and we are very sorry for your loss.”
According to Thompson, the cause of the fire, which started at 5:46 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, was a charging device in an apartment above the Big M. The resident of the apartment noticed the device was smoking a few hours after plugging it in, and gathered her children and fled. Those at the press conference were uncertain why the charging device caught fire, since the device was destroyed in the fire.
Thompson reported that the Sheriff’s Department was dispatched with the fire department and emergency medical services to ensure that all residents were accounted for. The Red Cross has been providing assistance to residents who are in need of help.
Westlake said the firefighters spent about 11 hours fighting the fire, with the fire department also responding to a midmorning fire on Wednesday. He spoke about the difficulty of fighting the fire with the cold icing up equipment and personnel, the strain fighting the fire posed on the town’s water supply and how the construction of the Big M building made it more difficult to fight the fire.
“The historic fire that we have had on Main Street in the last 24 hours is very devastating for this community,” Westlake said. “We’ve dealt with multiple challenges. We’ve dealt with water supply issues, we’ve dealt with the freezing cold temperatures, icing up equipment, icing up personnel.”
As a result of the fire, school was canceled for Wednesday in the South Seneca
Central School District, although that evening’s Board of Education meeting will still be held as scheduled. A water conservation order was put in place for Ovid due to the water that was used to fight the fire, but was lifted on Wednesday.
Westlake said the firefighters would likely be at the scene for “the neighborhood of three days to a week,” since the department was still dealing with hotspots and removing debris. The department was rotating crews out due to the weather, and had received assistance from surrounding communities.
Aaron Roisen, mayor of the village of Ovid, called the Big M, one of the few grocery stores in southern Seneca County, the “heart” of the community, which many people rely on daily.
“When those places go away, it takes a lot to reestablish that,” he said, “and it won’t ever be the same; it’ll be different.”
The Big M celebrated its 50th anniversary four years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a little less than a year after Sue Cirencione became the store’s new owner. According to her, the store had fared well during the COVID-19 pandemic, in which social distancing requirements, sanitation regulations and supply chain issues, among other problems, posed difficulties to grocery stores.
Other businesses that were burned in the fire include the Italian Kitchen, the Uptown Diner and Eva’s Laundry. There were two other fires within 24 hours of the Big M fire- a fire on Seneca Road in Ovid and a residence on Main Street in the hamlet of Willard, which is in the town of Romulus. According to someone who spoke at the meeting, many residents have lost their jobs as a result of the fire.
Thompson expressed his appreciation for the fire department members and first responders, saying that their bravery and duty were “beyond words” and a testament to the public safety partnerships in the county.
“You fought for your neighbors,” he said. “You should be very proud of yourselves.”
Thompson and Westlake also expressed gratitude for the support that the community has offered in response to the fire, such as local businesses and community organizations who offered to serve as warming sites for those responding to the fire, as well as an outpouring of donations and support from the community.
“As sad as this day is, there is only one word that comes to my mind, and that’s community,” Thompson said.
NOTE:
The Ovid VFW Post 6200 is collecting donations to support Kelsy Thorn and her three children after the fire destroyed their home and all belongings, including their car.
The family’s immediate needs include toiletries, clothing, and shoes, as well as backpacks and personal items for the children. The family also urgently needs household essentials, furniture, and a reliable vehicle.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created with all proceeds going toward replacing their belongings and helping them rebuild their lives.
Donations of physical items are also being accepted at the VFW Post.
Another GoFundMe has been created to support Kendra and Eric Reece, and their children, who lost everything including one of their two cats in the fire.
Links: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-kelsy-thornrebuild-after-devastating-fire https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-reece-familyrebuild-their-lives
Firefighters battle the devastating blaze on Main Street in Ovid, which destroyed the Big M supermarket, displaced residents, and left the community grappling with the loss of a vital local institution.
Leveling the Playing Field: How CSPA Protects All New Yorkers
By Megan Gmytrasiewicz
As New York State grapples with the aftermath of corporate tax breaks and regulatory rollbacks, corporations wield more power than the consumers and small businesses that fuel it. Despite driving innovation, creating jobs, and sustaining our communities, consumers remain defenseless against exploitative practices.
The Consumer and Small Business Protection Act (CSPA), (A7138) is a necessary lifeline for voices that are silenced by corporate interests. Currently making its way through the legislative process, this bill expands consumer protections and empowers consumers to hold bad
GUEST OPINION
actors accountable.
New York’s current statute, General Business Law (GBL) Section 349 is notoriously weak and is one of only 8 laws in the country that fails to safeguard individuals from unfair or abusive practices.
CSPA explicitly expands the law to cover unfair and abusive practices, aligning New York with reasonable federal standards- and, in doing so, protects consumers from a wider range of unethical corporate practices. With stronger, clearer language, a more comprehensive scope, and improved mechanisms for redress, CSPA will increase penalties and
Continued on Page 15
Time to Move Forward on Cap-and-Invest
By Peter Bardaglio, founder and coordinator of the Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative
Last year saw a string of costly extreme weather events fueled by climate change across New York, including record rainfall, flash flooding, and tornadoes in upstate communities. In the face of these escalating costs, the state has an important opportunity to bring in much-needed funds to pay for climate damage going forward, while also reducing emissions from major polluters by implementing a good cap-and-invest system.
A strong cap-and-invest program will impose limits on the amount of emissions allowed from polluters and charge them to do so. With those funds, New York can more seriously invest in upgrades to homes to make them more energy efficient and run on clean, renewable energy while also boosting our local economy. These measures will be especially important as residents absorb the costly increases in energy charged by state utilities, including NYSEG. Done the wrong way, cap-and-invest can potentially increase pollution in disadvantaged communities and undercut the mandates of New York’s Climate Law.
Fred McClune’s Shop
By Charley Githler
For this month’s selection from the History Center archives, Donna has chosen a full-page advertisement from the 1901 Ithaca City Directory for F.A. McClune’s Bicycle and Auto Shop. It’s a document that captures a moment in the evolution of transportation in Ithaca.
Let’s start just before noon on a sunny June 27, 1899, when three young men, sitting side-by-side on the single seat of a horseless carriage, came bouncing down the hill from Trumansburg and turned left on Seneca Street in a cloud of dust, past the warehouses, coal yards and the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western depot and into the residential section of town, many of whose houses still stand today. It was the first automobile to come to cross the city line, and it caused a minor sensation. Ithaca that summer was home to 8 blacksmiths, 7 livery stables, 6 carriage makers, and 8 harness makers. They couldn’t have known it, but that contraption was a harbinger of doom for them.
a Locomobile to Ithaca in hopes of generating interest in the vehicle. His efforts were amply rewarded, especially when, on July 30, he sold it to Mrs. Jesse Loveless for $750. He took the train back to Syracuse.
The Locomobile had attracted wide interest during those few days, and most notably the attention of Fred McClune, which will bring us to our advertisement. It sounds quaint that they called these things ‘horseless carriages’, but it was a way of making sense of a new technology, and in fact the Locomobile shared many of its design cues with the phaeton style of horse-drawn carriages. It often takes time for the public to settle on a name for new technology. In 1994, I remember a student asking me about all the chatter she was hearing about the “information superhighway”. I assured her there was nothing to it, of course. I have to live with that.
Done the right way, Gov. Kathy Hochul, the DEC, and NYSERDA can lead New York into a new year that makes polluters pay and invests in affordability, energy efficiency, and clean energy for regular New Yorkers. Unfortunately, while draft regulations were due to be issued by the end of this month, with revenue beginning to flow by later in the year, Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced that draft regulations won’t be issued until the end of 2025, and even then it appears these will only be partial.
The governor first promised the capand-invest program over two years ago as the foundation of New York’s climate strategy. Now it appears that instead of promised regulations, we will see at least another year of delays. This move is part and parcel of a growing legacy of inaction and broken commitments on the most urgent crisis of our time.
It is time to push for faster action from Gov. Hochul. In doing so, we can protect the residents of Ithaca and Tompkins County, as well as future generations, from the most harmful effects of the climate crisis.
Peter Bardaglio is the founder and coordinator of the Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative. 607-229-6183. pbardaglio@gmail.com
The change didn’t happen overnight, of course, but a little more than a year later (July 27, 1900) one Charles A. Benjamin, agent for a dealership in Syracuse, drove
The 1900 Locomobile was a lightweight, 2-cylinder, 3.5-horsepower steam-driven car, with a 21-gallon boiler located directly under the seat. (The automobile in the advertisement is a Locomobile.) It had a range of 20 miles per tank of water, and was steered with a stick (tiller) instead of a wheel. At 850 pounds, it was relatively lightweight, and the engine was quiet — a mixture of clattering and the hiss of its steam exhaust. It took a good half hour to warm up the boiler before you had enough pressure (160 psi) to drive. While 20 mph seems almost painfully slow in a car today, I imagine that to someone perched unsecured on the bench seat of a Locomobile the top speed of 20 mph seemed plenty fast on the dirt roads of 1900. There are some great videos of 1900 Locomobiles being driven on YouTube. It’s on the Information Superhighway.
Anyway, by August 4, Fred McClure had made arrangements, and the Ithaca Daily Journal reported, “F.A. McClune, the hustling pioneer bicycle dealer in Ithaca has become a pioneer local salesman of locomobiles, having been made the agent of the Syracuse Company.” By August 28, McClune was running the first newspaper ads for automobiles in Ithaca.
It may sound like hyperbole, but Fred was a pioneer. He was an early adopter,
Continued on Page 15
An advertisement from the 1901 Ithaca City Directory for F.A. McClune’s Bicycle and Auto Shop, capturing a pivotal moment in Ithaca’s transportation history as bicycles and ‘horseless carriages’ began to shape the future.
Cayuga Health, Arnot Health Merge to Form Centralus Health
Technology Improvements Aim to Limit Price Increases
By Matt Dougherty
ITHACA, N.Y. — Cayuga Health and Arnot Health announced on January 7 that the two organizations will merge to form Centralus Health.
The merger was first proposed in April 2023 and the two organizations have been seeking regulatory approval from the New York State Department of Health (DOH) for more than a year.
Despite the public announcement, the merger has still not been approved by the DOH. A spokesperson for the DOH told the Ithaca Times, “This proposal is under review and has not yet gone before the Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) for approval.”
Cayuga Health’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Melissa Tourtellotte, told the Ithaca Times “The current structure, known as a passive parent, does not require DOH approval,” but that the organizations anticipate that their certifi-
cate of need (CON) will be approved in the first half of 2025.
Unless the DOH makes an unforeseen and unlikely ruling against the partnership, Centralus will now operate five hospitals covering a nine county area that serves 847,000 outpatient appointments annually and oversees $1 billion in annual medical services.
Dr. Martin Stallone, CEO of Cayuga Health, will serve as Centralus CEO, and Jonathan Lawrence, CEO of Arnot Health, will serve as Centralus’ Executive Vice President. The new health system will retain non-profit status and operate with a board of directors including members from both organizations.
the Arnot Ogden Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elmira, and the Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital in Bath.
Leaders from both organizations said the merger would improve access to care
high-quality care for the communities we serve,” said Stallone.
Lawrence added that the merger will allow the two organizations to “leverage shared resources, increase efficiencies, and ultimately lower operational costs.”
“By affiliating, we are better positioned to strengthen our network of services, broaden outreach to underserved populations, and build a healthier future for everyone.”
— Dr. Martin Stallone
According to Stallone, the new health system will focus on increasing access to primary care in Chemung and Tompkins counties, while also rolling out the EPIC electronic health record system and MyChart patient portal, which is set to launch in March 2025.
Hospitals in the Centralus system now include the Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls,
and cited rising operational costs, workforce shortages, and the need for increased access to specialized care as key reasons for joining forces.
“This partnership represents a shared commitment to expanding access to
“We will harness the expertise of our clinical teams, share best practices, and invest in cutting-edge technologies and programs to address the growing and diverse healthcare needs of our patients,” Stallone said.
Jonathan Lawrence, CEO of Arnot Health and newly appointed Executive Vice President of Centralus Health, discusses the merger’s goals to enhance efficiency and expand healthcare services across the Southern Tier during a press event in Elmira.
Dr. Martin Stallone, CEO of Cayuga Health and the newly formed Centralus Health, speaks about the anticipated benefits of the merger during a press briefing in Ithaca, emphasizing improved access to care and strategic investments to mitigate cost increases.
Dr. Bhagwan Satiani, author of a study on healthcare mergers published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, highlights the potential risks of consolidation, including increased patient costs and minimal improvements in care quality, during a recent healthcare policy forum.
The merger also includes commitments to capital improvements across facilities and investments in workforce development. Expanded services will encompass critical areas such as cardiac care, cancer treatment, labor and delivery, behavioral health, and emergency care.
“This isn’t just about joining forces — it’s about reimagining how we can best serve our communities,” said Tom LiVigne, Chairman of the Cayuga Health Board of Directors.
While advocates of the partnership hope the combined strengths of the two organizations will address healthcare disparities in underserved areas while maintaining a high standard of care across the region — some argue that consolidation in the health care industry has resulted in increased costs and lower quality care.
As with any large-scale merger there are some potential downsides, including the possibility of reduced competition causing price increases and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
The formation of Cantralus has lowered the number of health systems competing to provide service within New York’s southern tier region from five to four. The remaining systems include: Centralus Health, United Health Services (UHS), Guthrie Health, and the Southern Tier Health Care System (STHCS).
Melissa Tourtellotte,
Vice President of
Marketing and Communications for Cayuga Health, explains the anticipated timeline for regulatory approval of the Centralus Health merger, highlighting the organizations’ readiness to implement changes while awaiting final clearance from the New York State Department of Health.
Studies of other healthcare mergers have shown that reduced competition often leads to higher prices for patients. A review published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that hospital charges increased in 93% of cases following mergers, with little improvement in care quality.
The author of the study, Dr. Bhagwan Satiani, said “Proponents of health care integration have claimed it controls costs and enhances care quality, but we found that evidence is lacking that integration alone is an effective strategy for improving the value of health care delivery.”
According to the study, consolidation resulted in no change or reduced quality of care in 77% of cases, while 23% showed improvement in care quality “due to better care management processes.” Additionally, while 22% of cases showed that consolidation had positive net impacts more than half (54%) showed negative impacts.
Additionally, large mergers can introduce new layers of administrative costs, which may complicate decision-making and divert resources from direct patient care. Critics caution that centralized decision-making could prioritize urban hubs like Ithaca and Elmira at the expense of smaller or rural communities. However, Stallone has told the Ithaca Times that “Current population health and health equity initiatives will be ex-
panded to more patients in Chemung and Steuben counties.”
The Guthrie Medical Group, one of the few health systems in the region that is not affiliated with Cayuga or Arnot, responded to the merger in a statement, saying, “It is our understanding that the transaction has not yet received approval from the New York State Department of Health [but] we look forward to learning more about the specifics of the proposed plans after regulatory consideration.”
Guthrie provides services over a range of 12 counties consisting of more than 1,000 providers covering more than 50 medical and surgical specialties. The statement continued saying that “[Guthrie] remains committed to ensuring our patients have access to comprehensive care options when and where they need it.”
optimistic about the partnership’s longterm benefits and promised transparency and community engagement as they implement changes.
“By affiliating, we are better positioned to strengthen our network of services, broaden outreach to underserved populations, and build a healthier future for everyone,” Stallone said. “Patients can expect changes over time for the better.
“Proponents of health care integration have claimed it controls costs and enhances care quality, but we found that evidence is lacking that integration alone is an effective strategy for improving the value of health care delivery.”
— Dr. Bhagwan Satiani
Guthrie added that they were “one of the first health systems in the nation to implement the Epic electronic medical record system,” saying they are “well positioned to provide the highest quality care well into the future.”
As the merger progresses, the community will be monitoring its impact on patients, employees, and the broader healthcare landscape. Leaders have remained
In response to questions about how the organization will work to ensure that the merger won’t result in higher costs, Stallone said that “strategic technology investments” would improve care delivery and help offset potential cost increases.
“EPIC’s comprehensive approach to EHR integration enhances operational efficiency, reducing errors, improving billing accuracy, and supporting better patient care,” Stallone said. “These factors together lead to reduced costs, and better overall performance metrics.”
Stallone added, “We are actively building additional primary care access to make it easier for our patients to see a clinician. There are many more projects in the planning stages to make continuous improvement for the communities we serve.”
The Guthrie Medical Group responded to the Centralus Health merger, emphasizing its commitment to providing comprehensive care across 12 counties and highlighting its early adoption of the Epic electronic health record system as a cornerstone of high-quality care delivery.
Skating Bliss Meets Hockey Chaos
By Steve Lawrence
While the two scenes unfolded on ice, let’s just say they carried a different tone. The first scene looked like something out of the city of Amsterdam, with residents skating along a canal, taking their time, talking with folks walking along the walking path alongside the Cayuga Inlet. Some skaters brought hockey sticks and pucks, and all were enjoying the near-perfect conditions. No snow, crystal clear ice… a rare treat for locals. Joe Scaglione — who took the awesome drone photo — said, “There were skaters from where I was (he was near the new pedestrian bridge on Rt. 13A) all the way op to the Boatyard Grill.” It was idyllic. Relaxing…
The second scenario unfolded at Lynah Rink on Saturday night, as a melee broke out on the ice after the Big Red dropped a lopsided game to Dartmouth.
The mayhem was reminiscent of the scene in Dallas a few years ago when Terrell Owens (then playing for the 49ers), after scoring a touchdown, ran out the the star logo on the 50-yard line to gloat and preen. He was decked by a Dallas player, who was clearly not okay with such a display on his home turf.
Well, on Saturday, Cornell appeared to be a little flat after putting a thumping on arch-rival Harvard the night before, and Dartmouth took advantage, roughing
TOMPKINS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
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a budget to approve,” Tabor said. She commended Business Manager Tanya Van Camp, who joined the library in July, and longtime board trustee and treasurer Blixy Page, for their efforts. “They worked miracles this year.”
Despite the financial constraints, Tabor is optimistic about the library’s future. She envisions a time when the library can expand its services, including the potential for seven-day operations. Until then, TCPL will focus on deliver-
up the Big Red on its home ice. The visitors saw fit to celebrate in front of the student section, and that was a bad idea. While fisticuffs are tolerated — even celebrated by some — in pro hockey, the college game frowns heavily upon such means of conflict resolution. As is now the new norm, social media went wild and the much more will be known about the outcome (suspensions, etc.) by the time this story sees the light of day.
Much of the conversation centers around the fact that the dust-up did not involve two players going at it. It involved all the players, the referees, some trainers, and coaches. Cornell's Mike Schafer — wrapping up a legendary 30-year coaching career after having been a very popular player in the 1980s — ended up in the fray, and he told the Cornell Daily Sun, “I talked to the referee at the end. …
He put his hands on one of our players, and I [thought] it was inappropriate, and I put my hands on him and asked not to put his hands on our player. So I’ll probably get suspended. …But I take full
ing high-quality programs and maintaining its role as a vital resource for the community.
For now, patrons can continue to rely on the library as a hub for education, creativity, and connection. From book clubs to digital services, and from family story times to outreach efforts, TCPL remains committed to serving the residents of Tompkins County.
“We’re here for everyone,” Tabor said. “We’re looking forward to another great year.”
For more information about the Tompkins County Public Library and its services, visit tcpl.org or call (607) 272-4557.
Skaters glide peacefully along the glassy ice of Cayuga Inlet, a stark contrast to the heated brawl at Lynah Rink during Cornell’s matchup against Dartmouth.
responsibility to keep our guys near the bench on what went on near the end of the game.”
I have known Schafer since he came to Cornell as a freshman, and this will be, for me, a very tiny stain on a very large and shiny legacy.
More favorable news from the other Big Red locker room, as the women’s ice hockey team took down Harvard 6-1 to secure the program’s 17th Ivy League title. The #6 Big Red will return to Lynah Rink Friday and Saturday, versus Clarkson and St. Lawrence.
Speaking of social media firestorms, there are yet again many broken hearts around this region after the Chiefs took down the Bills, and of course, the officials are being vilified. I sometimes wonder if the massive value Patrick Mahomes brings to the NFL does influence
LISTENING TO ROSE BETHE
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educational initiatives that teach young people about the Holocaust and the consequences of hatred. In my class at Cornell this spring, I assign one survivor testimony per student to create a tapestry of lived experience. I encourage Ithacans to visit the History Center in Tompkins County, where Rose’s story and those of other local Holocaust survivors are preserved, or to support programs that bring these testimonies into classrooms and community spaces.
any calls — and I would understand if it did — but I have a hard time embracing any of the conspiracy-type theories that the games are rigged. What I do embrace is that we are watching a sustained run of excellence that is a pleasure to behold. I also hope that Bills fans will resist any temptation to put tight end Dalton Kincaid into the Endless Purgatory inhabited by Scott Norwood — who missed a field goal in the Bills’ first Superbowl, costing them the win. Like the Ravens’ Mark Andrews — who dropped a game-tying pass in their loss to the Bills last week — Kincaid could not make the catch after Josh Allen made one of his typical Superman-like play to give his team a chance. For Kincaid and Andrews, it will be a long off-season, but, as we hear a lot around here, “There’s always next year.”
As a historian, I emphasize the transformative power of listening. Testimonies like Rose Bethe’s remind us that listening is not passive; it is an ethical choice that demands empathy and action. Through listening, we confront the complexities of history and connect the past to the present. This Holocaust Remembrance Day, let us honor the voices of survivors like Rose Bethe by committing to listen, learn, and act. In Ithaca, we are fortunate to inherit a legacy of resilience and remembrance that Rose and others have left behind. It is up to us to carry that legacy forward— not just in words, but in deeds.
W inter Times
By David Durrett
The Eastlake Recreation Center has a new owner, and offers new programming for the community, from virtual reality sports simulators to axe throwing.
The Eastlake Recreation Center was first built in 1992 by Bob Leathers, and offered a tennis court, a playground with a ball pit and a gymnasium. The gymnasium was eventually converted into office space around 2010, due to not receiving much use due to other gyms in the area.
In 2020, David Johnson and his wife Mary acquired the facility, and while he planned on using the office space for his software company, the COVID-19 pandemic forced his company to switch to remote work six weeks after he acquired the facility, with the pandemic also forcing the recreation center to shut down for over a year.
Eastlake Recreation Has New Owner, New Programming
“Nobody was going into ball pits during COVID,” he said.
With remote work continuing after the end of the pandemic, Johnson tried to lease the offices, but ultimately converted the upstairs office space to additional recreation space, which features a golf simulator and other game simulators, such as disc golf and a Wild West arcade.
“We spent three years trying to lease the offices with no luck,” he said, “and so finally, we just said ‘it’s a recreation center, let’s just go back to doing recreation.’”
Axe throwing at the recreation center’s medieval-themed venue is especially popular, with leagues meeting once per week on Tuesdays for friendly competition, having eight-week seasons with playoffs in the final season. Johnson described the activity as safe, since participants do
their throwing under the supervision of a coach.
“It’s a very safe activity,” he said. “It’s a very nice space that we feel that we’ve created here.”
According to Johnson, a variety of individuals use the Eastlake Recreation Center for events, and while alcohol is not allowed on the premises, individuals can arrange for catering. Cornell University and Ithaca College administrative teams often use the space for team-building events, doing a few hours of strategic planning in the center’s meeting space and an hour or two of axe throwing or video simulator games.
Parents with young children might drop their children off for childcare at the playground while they take part in a “date night” with axe throwing. Johnson said that while axe throwing is limited to ages
12 and older, the Eastlake Recreation Center has fun for people of all ages, recalling that someone recently held a 73rd birthday party in the axe throwing space.
“It appeals to all ages,” he said, “and again, being alcohol-free, it’s a very family-friendly environment, and given the weather in Ithaca, it’s nice to have this as an indoor alternative.”
The older attractions still see use. There is a single tennis court on the facility, which Johnson said appeals to tennis players who would prefer not to have to play next to other people. There is less interest in that space during the warmer months, but Johnson said he was considering using the space for laser tag.
“It’s a fun space for families,” Johnson said of the recreation center. “We’re really trying to create a family-friendly atmosphere here, and there’s something here for all ages.”
Eastlake Recreation Center offers a refreshed lineup of activities, including axe throwing, virtual reality sports simulators, and a playground, providing fun and entertainment for all ages in a family-friendly environment. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
Recipes to Stay Warm this Winter Season
By Matt Dougherty
As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to blanket the ground, winter offers the perfect excuse to indulge in hearty, comforting meals that warm the body and soul. From slow-cooked stews and savory casseroles to spiced baked goods and decadent hot drinks, winter recipes bring the season’s flavors to life. This collection of recipes highlights classic cold-weather favorites and creative spins on traditional dishes, designed to keep you cozy through the chilliest months. Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or family, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving a treat to enjoy by the fire, these recipes are sure to satisfy.
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
This recipe comes from sheckeats.com, which was created by Jeremy Sheck, a 22 year old recent Cornell University graduate who currently lives in Brooklyn.
Sheck’s recipe development journey began in 2015 when he started his first
Green Tea and Orange Hot Toddy
Warm up on a wintry day with a mug full of comfort. Infuse your tea with orange zest and cinnamon, then sweeten it with orange juice and a little honey. You can use decaf green tea if you want to enjoy it before bedtime.
Total Time: 10 minutes; 5 minutes active. Servings: 2
Ingredients:
• 2 cups water
• 1 large orange
food blog. Then, in 2020 he began creating instructional videos while studying at Cornell. Since graduating, he has gained a combined following of more than 2.3 million across TikTok and Instagram.
Sheck’s first cookbook, Cooking Smarter, is on sale now.
Ingredients:
• 3-4 lbs short ribs (let sit out at room temperature, well salted for at least 1 hour before cooking)
• 2-3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (such as avocado oil)
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms, such as baby bella or shiitake
• 3 leeks (or 1 large onion), thinly sliced
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 8 cloves of garlic, sliced
• 6 oz tomato paste (1 small can)
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 5-6 carrots, roughly chopped
• 1 bunch of celery, thinly sliced
• 3 cups dry red wine, such as cabernet sauvignon
Moosewood Vegetarian Chili
Ingredients:
• 6 cups cooked kidney beans
• 1 cup raw Bulgur wheat, coarse cut
• 1-cup tomato juice or V8
• 4 cloves crushed garlic
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
• 1 1/2 cups diced celery
• 1 1/2 cups diced carrots
• 1 cup diced green pepper
• 2 1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 green tea teabags
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Cinnamon sticks and orange slices for garnish
Preparation:
1� Pour the water into a small pot. Use a knife to pare a strip of orange zest about 2 inches long from the orange. Put the zest strip in the water and put over medium heat. Add the cinnamon.
2� When the water comes to a full boil, turn off the heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
Method:
Heat a large dutch oven over mediumhigh heat 2-3 minutes. Add the oil and start searing the short ribs. Don’t crowd the surface; work in batches if needed. Try to get deep browning on at least 2 sides of the meat, but in no way are we trying to cook the meat all the way through at this step.
Set aside the seared meat. Add the mushrooms to the pan (there should be some additional fat rendered from the searing). Let the cook 3-5 minutes over medium heat so they can develop some browning before adding the shallots, leeks, and garlic. Let these cook over mediumlow heat, until the veggies have softened significantly and start to become golden, 5-10 more minutes.
Add the tomato paste and continue to cook over medium-low heat for 3 more minutes. We do not want a raw taste from the tomato paste.
• 1-teaspoon cumin ground
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Chile powder-you choose the heat level
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons dry red wine
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Procedure:
Heat tomato juice and pour over bulgur wheat and cover with plastic wrap
Drop in the teabags and infuse for 3 minutes.
3� Juice the orange — you should have about ½ cup.
4� Remove the teabags and stir in the honey and orange juice. If desired, heat again on low to desired temperature.
5� Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks for stirring.
Serving Suggestion: Traditionally a hot toddy features whiskey. Add an ounce of your favorite whiskey for extra warmth, if you like!
Nutritional Information: 60 calories, 0 g. fat, 0 mg. cholesterol, 0 mg. sodium, 16 g. carbohydrate, 0 g. fiber, 0 g. protein.
Add the red pepper flakes, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt (to taste). Let the spices toast an additional minute before adding the carrots, celery, wine, broth, and soy sauce.
Top with the sprigs of rosemary and simmer, covered) on low for 3-4 hours (or place in the oven at 300° F), until fall-offthe-bone tender.
Top with fresh parsley and enjoy.
and let sit for 15 minutes, or till wheat is soft. In a sauté pan heat the olive oil and add the onion and garlic, sauté till soft. Add the carrots and celery and sauté 7 minutes till vegetables are tender. Add the peppers and sauté 5 minutes more. Now add the beans and all the spices. Taste and adjust for heat. Add the bulgur wheat and taste again. Serve hot topped with some chopped red onion and chopped raw tomato and some shredded cheddar cheese. This recipe serves 8-10 people.
Winter Adventures to Shake Off Cabin Fever in Ithaca
By Maddy Vogel
In the midst of Ithaca’s winter, it might feel like you’re running out of ideas for ways to stay warm and get out of the house. While staying home and bingewatching Gilmore Girls (or whatever comfort show you have memorized) for the 100th time may feel tempting, cabin fever is real, and contagious — not really, but it can sometimes feel like it.
But don’t let the winter blues settle in too soon. Spring is coming, slowly but surely, and there’s plenty to do in the meantime. From wine courses to open mic nights, Ithaca has something for everyone this winter.
For the Foodies and Libation Lovers:
• The 27th Annual Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off is taking place on Saturday, March 1, bringing the well-known event to the commons once again for a day filled with hot chili and live entertainment as local chefs and restaurants cook up their best chili dishes.
• Hit up a cozy winter eatery like Moosewood, Antlers, Simeon’s, Maxie’s Supper Club, The Heights and more for hearty comfort meals and unique local dishes.
• Sheldrake Point in Ovid offers monthly Winemakers’ Dinners, where Winemaker Dave Breeden and Associate Winemaker Perry Hicks guide attendees through specially selected Sheldrake Point library wines with a seasonally inspired three-course paired meal prepared by Word of Mouth Catering. Their first dinner of 2025 will be Friday, Feb. 7 at 5 p.m.
• For Valentines Day weekend, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is offering a Chocolate and Wine Experience, combining fine local wines and decadent chocolate-inspired dishes to create a uniquely romantic experience. Event dates include Friday, Feb. 14 from noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Danby Volunteer Fire Company is holding Pancake breakfasts on the the third Sunday of the month through March for drive-thru or dine-in hot breakfast. For $12, each breakfast-lover can enjoy generous portions of pancakes, french toast, sausage, scrambled eggs and homefries. Breakfasts take place 8 to 11 a.m. at the Danby Fire Station.
• Take a day trip and hit up the various destinations along the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail to pair delicious local artisan
cheese with Finger Lakes wine. Store hours vary by location.
For the Outdoorsy:
Ithaca’s gorges are known to attract thousands each summer, and while much less popular during the winter months, some are still open to the public. The frozen waterfalls are a sight you don’t want to miss- but be careful as many of the paths could be icy. Here’s some that are open to the public during the winter months:
• Taughannock Falls State Park, home to one of the most well-known waterfalls in the area, has a gorge trail which remains open throughout the winter months. The waterfall is the tallest in the region and is nestled in Trumansburg, just a short drive north of Ithaca.
• Portions of Robert H. Treman State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park offer year-round views, with the Lower Falls easily accessible from each of their parking lots.
• Lick Brook Falls at the Sweedler Nature Preserve offers a four-mile winter hike that contains several waterfalls and cascades and is open all winter.
• If you’re looking for some fun off the trails, consider attending the First Annual Park Station Ice Fishing Tournament at Park Station Pond, located south of Newfield in Erin, N.Y. The event, which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22, invites local anglers of all skill levels to compete for prizes and awards while enjoying family-friendly activities and delicious food vendors. The event is free but requires pre-registration.
For Artists and Creatives:
• Each weekday, the Tompkins County Public Library has open hours and oneon-one hours at the makerspace, where crafters can come together and learn how to use various crafting equipment. The
space is a perfect place to learn new skills or bring in your ongoing creative projects.
• The Whimsy Mercantile in Lansing has ongoing events on a weekly basis, some of which are painting workshops. Their next painting workshop, where attendees will create a Window Cat canvas painting, is taking place on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m.
• On the first Friday of every month, galleries across Ithaca and Tompkins County welcome dozens of visitors for Ithaca Gallery Night, a free event where galleries and venues present new exhibits from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Every Third Thursday of the month from 4 to 7:30 p.m., Artist Alley at the South Hill Business Campus opens its doors for an open studio where artists share their works and creative processes.
For Music Lovers:
• Each week Thursday through Sunday, there are live music performances from local artists at South Hill Cider. Along with the music, enjoy farm-to-table food, guided tastings and drinks by the glass at the local cidery.
• The Downstairs, located below The Watershed in Downtown Ithaca offers a similar experience, with various bands taking the stage every day. The Downstairs also offers open mic nights and an array of other events.
• Live music is also a regular occurrence at Hopshire Farm and Brewery, along with trivia nights, comedy nights and various classes. Hopshire even offers monthly line dancing classes on the second Saturday of each month.
• Deep Dive offers live music, karaoke nights, open mic nights and other special events every week and is open every day at 5 p.m.
Art enthusiasts explore the vibrant local and international exhibits during Gallery Night Ithaca, a monthly event transforming downtown into a walkable art gallery experience. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
Spicy flavors and friendly competition heat up the 2025 Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off, where local chefs and food lovers come together to celebrate this beloved winter tradition.
FRED MCCLUNE’S SHOP
continued from page 7
someone who had his antennae out for what used to be called the Main Chance, and he immediately grasped the potential of the automobile.
Fred McClune had already established himself as a bicycle merchant. In the 1890s, Tompkins County was swept up in the nation-wide bicycle craze, which was driven by the invention of the “safety bicycle”, a design, revolu-
LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD
continued from page 7
statutory damages to deter the fraudulent behavior of unfair and dishonest actors.
All too often, it’s ordinary New Yorkers who bear the brunt of unfair business practices. From predatory lending to false advertising, consumers are exploited by companies that prioritize profit over people.
Small businesses face their own set of challenges. When corporations act unethically, small businesses are caught in the crossfire, competing against unfair advantages while struggling to protect their customers.
Not all consumers are equally vulnerable to exploitation; for many low-income individuals, older adults, and immigrants, the absence of robust consumer protections is not a mere inconvenience, but a critical challenge to their economic security.
Unscrupulous businesses prey on vulnerable communities’ limited access to resources, legal knowledge, and financial security, deepening inequality. An immigrant family might be taken advantage of and face high-interest loans that lock them into unmanageable debt; an older adult may face exorbitant fees for a service they never even requested. These are not isolated incidents, but the result of corporations exploiting gaps in consumer protection laws and placing marginalized groups in greater jeopardy.
CSPA levels the playing field for small businesses by holding corporations accountable, ensuring that they can’t exploit consumers without consequence.
Rejecting this bill means endorsing injustice, leaving thousands of New Yorkers without recourse. To oppose this bill is turning our backs on the very people New York claims to protect.
Megan Gmytrasiewicz is a junior in the School of Industrial & Labor Relations and a member of the State Policy Advocacy Clinic at Cornell.
tionary in its time, that has remained essentially unchanged to this day. With frames suitable for men, women, and children, and a much safer riding experience, demand absolutely skyrocketed. It’s mostly forgotten now, but bicycles really were hugely popular in the 1890s. Already in 1890 there was a bicycle purveyor in Ithaca, and Fred opened his shop in 1892, first in the lower floor of the Clinton House, and then on the corner of Green and South Cayuga Streets (where the Sunoco station is now, across from the library). By 1896, there were at
least 14 bicycle businesses in the city. Of course, cars would spell the end of the enthusiasm for bicycles, too.
And so, the McClune advertisement in the 1901 directory. It’s the first mention of automobiles in the city directory, as he was the first dealer. There were already at least three cars in Tompkins County, and though it’s a Locomobile featured in the ad, McClune was now carrying other types as well. Bicycles were still his main trade, but there would be an Automobile Club in Ithaca by 1906, and three auto dealers in town by 1909. It was a scenario
playing itself out all over the country. Leap ahead to now, when there are 1,800,000 vehicle miles traveled every day in Tompkins County.
The Tompkins County History Center’s upcoming 2025 exhibit “Planes, Trains and Automobiles with Buses, Boats and Bikes” which will open in early February, promises to be a rich exploration of the transportation history of Tompkins County. It’s free, on the Commons, with artifacts of all kinds and sizes from the archives, as well as interactive features for visitors of all ages.
Arts & Entertainment Yamato Combines Japanese Drumming with AI Reflections
By Peter Rothbart
If you are looking for something to shock you out of the winter doldrums and leave you in awe of both music and musculature, then then you should bundle up and venture outside to hear Yamato, The Drummers of Japan. After a five-year absence, they are returning to Cornell’s Bailey Hall on Sunday, February 2. This magnificent Japanese drumming ensemble will light up the stage with their energy, blending virtuosic music, dramatic sound-producing choreography with theatrical stage lighting and extravagant costuming.
Taiko drumming is a musical, spiritual, and physical experience that is becoming increasingly popular as an activity in the United States. Taiko drummers train their whole self, not just the musical self, learning to meld their physical energy with the drum’s acoustic power. During the off-season Yamato drummers live cooperatively, rehearsing and training 10 hours per day. They follow a strict physical regimen of running and weightlifting. Taiko drummers practice their music the old-fashioned way, vocalizing specific syllables that reflect the rhythm and timbre of the music before they drum. This process is similar to how East Indian classical musicians train. But this is hardly old music played on period instruments. The compositions are new, as is
the staging and costuming. Breaking from the past, both men and women now drum. Drummers play more than 40 Taiko drums of all sizes, shapes, and construction. Each drum has its own unique tonal and pitch personality. The largest drum called,“Odaiko”, is produced from a tree that is over 400 years old and is approximately six feet in diameter and weighs 1000 pounds.
Sunday’s show is entitled, “ 「人の力」Hito no Chikara,” The Power of Human Strength. It’s a mixture of storytelling, poetic reflection, and philosophical wonderings about Artificial Intelligence as told through a multimedia experience.
Nine pieces, all accompanied by the poetry included in the program notes reflect an undercurrent of the respect for, and appreciation of, the beauty of the natural world. Contemplating nature is the very essence of contemporary and ancient Japanese art reflected in Japanese gardening, calligraphy, painting, and poetry. Make the effort to leave extra time before the performance to contemplate the extensive program notes which are an integral part of the experience. Founder and artistic director Masa Ogawa’s soliloquy articulates and reflects on a series of contemporary thoughts regarding the influence of Artificial Intelligence on music… and life.
He articulates the questions but offers no answers. It’s the asking and contemplating that counts. Ogawa is comfortable living with the ambiguity of AI. It is the acceptance of ambiguity that clears the mind to focus on Taiko. He simply replies to his own questions by deciding that Yamato is here today to play Taiko.
Peter Rothbart is a Professor Emeritus of Music at the Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre and Dance where he taught electroacoustic and media music for 40 years. He remains active as a classical, jazz and pop musician.
The Drummers of Japan
Sunday, February 2, 2025, 4 p.m.
Bailey Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Tickets: Cornell Concert Series.com
Yamato, The Drummers of Japan, bring their awe-inspiring Taiko drumming performance to Bailey Hall, featuring powerful rhythms, dramatic choreography, and stunning stage visuals.
With over 40 Taiko drums, including the massive 1,000-pound Odaiko, Yamato’s performance showcases the breathtaking power and precision of this ancient yet modern art form.