March 20, 2024

New Leader,

Same Priorities

INHS Continues to Provide Affordable Housing for Ithacans in Need

PAGES 8-9

ITHACA’S WAGE WOES

PAGE 3

ASSEMBLY PASSES CO2 FRACKING BAN

PAGE 4

FORMER CAMP BARTON OPENING BEING FINALIZED

PAGE 5

FAIRY FEST BRINGS SPRING TO ITHACA

PAGE 11

CAYUGA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PRESENTS BEETHOVEN’S FOURTH PAGE 12

Colorectal cancer declines in Tompkins region as more patients have regular colonoscopies

By Caitlin Foor-Pessin, MD

Scheduling a colonoscopy can seem a daunting task to some, but the procedure has been a lifesaver for many by detecting colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable and often curable.

Nearly 80% of the residents ages 50-64 in Tompkins and most nearby counties have been screened for colorectal cancer, the current New York State health data show. That’s well above the 65% screening rate for all state residents in that age group. The region’s impressive colorectal cancer screening rates play a significant role in the declining incidence of the disease in the Finger Lakes region. With cancer screenings and removal of precancerous polyps, colon cancer diagnoses today are half of the rate they were in 1970. Data show that 90% of patients are cured when their colon cancer is diagnosed at its earliest stage.

What are the types of colorectal screenings?

There are two types of screenings:

Colonoscopy. This test can identify 98% of colorectal cancers. It uses a colonoscope, which is a long lighted tube with a small camera at the end. It’s placed inside the rectum and colon, the camera sends images to a video monitor for the physician to review. If polyps or suspicious areas are seen, they can be removed and tested.

Stool-based These non-invasive tests are done at home and require less preparation than a colonoscopy.

Alternative screening options such as flexible sigmoidoscopy and virtual colonoscopy are available and can be discussed with your gastroenterologist.

How often are the screenings done?

A patient’s risk for colorectal cancer is used to determine the optimal type of screening and its frequency. For those with a normal risk, having a colonoscopy every 10 years and a follow-up stool-based test every one to three years, depending on the type of test, is recommended. The interval for colonoscopy may change if polyps are identified.

How does a patient prepare for a colonoscopy?

Preparation before the colonoscopy usually begins with a lowfiber diet for a few days followed by a clear liquid diet on the day before the procedure. Bowel prep starts the afternoon before the colonoscopy. Bowel preparation involves using a laxative to empty the colon.

What are the pluses and minuses of each type of colorectal screening?

Colonoscopy.

• colonoscopy screening takes 15 to 60 minutes.

• Patients usually require sedation and may need several hours to recover.

• The screening detects smaller polyps than other tests.

• Suspicious tissue or polyps can be removed and tested.

Discussing colorectal cancer can be a difficult conversation that could save your life – especially if you discuss the issue with your physician when you think you are too young to worry about the disease.

Stool-based tests.

• The tests don’t require sedation or laxatives and are done at home.

• The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) detects blood in the stool and is less sensitive in detecting cancer than DNA tests.

• Stool DNA tests can detect about 90% of colorectal cancers and 40% of polyps.

• Stool-based tests detect fewer cancers and polyps than colonoscopies. Positive tests will require a colonoscopy to determine if polyps or cancer are present.

Who is most at risk for colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is among the most diagnosed and preventable cancers, but it does not affect all people equally. Age and race play into this disparity. While overall colorectal cancer cases and deaths have declined in the past few decades, the rate has increased for those younger than 50. African Americans, Native Americans, and Alaska natives have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer and are more likely to die from the disease than others. The reasons for this are complex.

When should you begin screening for colorectal cancer?

Initial testing for someone of average risk is recommended at age 45 with future screenings at regular intervals. Testing at an earlier age and more frequent screenings may occur for patients with certain diseases or personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.

All patients should consult their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms including a change in bowel habits, a change in the stool diameter, blood in or on the stool, abdominal pain, or unintended weight loss.

What can I do to lower my risk of colon cancer?

• Undergo colon cancer screening beginning at age 45 or potentially earlier if there is a family history of colon cancer or large polyps.

• Eat a healthy diet including lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Limit processed meats and red meat.

• Get regular exercise.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Don’t smoke. Limit alcohol intake.

Dr. Foor-Pessin came to Cayuga Health in 2018 after completing a Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY. She received her medical degree from the Boston University School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, MI. Dr. Foor-Pessin can be reached at Cayuga Gastroenterology by calling 607-339-0788.

Caitlin Foor-Pessin, MD

Report Ranks Ithaca Dead Last in Wage Growth Among 30 U.S. College Towns

By Matt Dougherty

In the wake of unaffordable rents and soaring cost of living expenses, a new report sheds light on another pressing issue plaguing Ithaca, New York: stagnant wages.

The report, conducted by Cornell researchers, compared wage growth in thirty mid-size college towns across the United States from 2017 to 2022, revealing Ithaca’s dismal ranking — dead last in wage growth.

Ian Greer, Cornell Research Professor and Director of the Ithaca Co-Lab, expressed dismay over the findings, stating, “The other side of the coin to unaffordable rent is unsustainable wages. We know that wages are low and wage growth has been minimal, but until we compared our situation to other college towns we did not realize how bad things really are here.”

The study, which drew data from the Milken Institute’s study of best-performing small cities, paints a sobering picture of Ithaca’s economic landscape. Despite being home to prestigious institutions like Cornell University and Ithaca College, the city’s income inequality ranks seventh worst among the thirty college towns reviewed, landing it at twentyfourth place overall.

Pete Meyers, Coordinator of the Tompkins County Workers’ Center, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The perfect storm of worker suffering in Ithaca that we have long known and struggled with seems even more striking with this new research comparing Ithaca to other college towns. We, along with thousands of underpaid Ithaca-area workers, call on our elected representatives to act now.”

According to previous research by Greer and his Cornell colleagues, thirtyeight percent of Ithaca workers earn less than a living wage, defined as $18.45 per hour, with nearly one-third of all full-time workers falling below this threshold. The situation is even more dire for Black or African American residents, with nearly sixty percent earning less than the living wage.

“This is unsustainable and it maps onto multiple known inequities regarding housing, racialized and class-based labor market inequities, and meager inflation adjusted wage growth,” remarked Shaianne Osterreich, Ithaca College Professor and Chair of the Economics Department. “The current situation is forcing families to consider leaving town.”

In a recent study comparing 30 midsized College Towns, Ithaca was ranked last overall when it came to wage growth and inequality. (Photo: Cornell ILR Co-Lab)

challenge of making ends meet on meager wages, the prospect of staying in the city becomes increasingly untenable.

The report’s findings underscore the interconnectedness of economic disparities, housing affordability, and racial injustice in Ithaca. As families grapple with the

T

ake N ote

X Sign Up for Easter Egg Hunt on March 24

Children accompanied by an adult are invited to an Easter Egg Hunt at the First Congregational Church, 309 Highland Road, on Sunday March 24 at 11:15 a.m.

All are welcome yet RSVP is requested (and $5.00 donation is suggested per participant) so there are enough eggs for every child who

joins the holiday tradition. Contact Darlynne Overbaugh darlynneoverbaugh@fccithaca. org 607-257-6033 x204.

This egg-cellent egg hunt will be outdoors depending on the weather, and inside the church building if not. It is ideal for children ages 3-11 who will search for treat-filled

In response to the report the Workers Center is urging elected officials to address the root causes of Ithaca’s wage stagnation. From implementing living wage policies

Continued on Page 13

plastic eggs hidden by the church’s youth group.

First Congregational Church’s Palm Sunday worship service is at 10:00 a.m. featuring a children’s participation in the Sanctuary and organized activities in classrooms. The Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled to begin after the service. For more information, visit fccithaca.org

Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Henry Stark, and Arthur Whitman

THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE ITHACA TIMES ARE

COPYRIGHT © 2023, BY NEWSKI INC.

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

A

PHER

By Michelle LaMorte

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIE?

State Assembly Passes CO2 Fracking Ban

By Matt Dougherty

The New York State Assembly recently passed a bill aiming to ban drilling and fracking for natural gas and oil using carbon dioxide (CO2). The legislation was sponsored by Assemblymember Anna Kelles, and addresses concerns raised by the fossil fuel industry’s pursuit of an experimental and potentially dangerous method of shale gas extraction.

The bill (A8866/S8357) garnered overwhelming support in the Assembly, with a 97-50 vote in favor. Environmental groups are now calling on the Senate to swiftly follow suit, emphasizing the urgency to protect the state from the threats posed by CO2 fracking. The bill is co-sponsored in the Senate by Lea Webb.

The proposed ban comes as a response to the gas industry’s attempts, through a company named “Southern Tier CO2 Clean Energy Solutions,” to lease Southern Tier land for gas extraction by injecting carbon dioxide into the Marcellus Shale formation.

Since the fall of 2023, the industry has sought to exploit a loophole in the existing state law banning hydraulic fracking, which currently prohibits the use of water for

gas extraction. The gas industry’s workaround involves utilizing CO2, a highly corrosive substance, to extract gas and oil. Despite this shift in methodology, the potential risks to water, health, and climate remain, prompting the need for legislative action to close the loophole.

Assemblymember Anna Kelles had underscored the importance of the legislation saying, “No matter what substance is used to frack for gas and oil, it is still fracking.” Kelles continued saying, “It will still have severe negative health and environmental consequences only exacerbated by the use of a highly corrosive substance that is known to cause pipeline ruptures and destabilization through acidification and demineralization of the very ground under our feet.”

Environmental advocates have applauded the Assembly’s decision as a crucial step towards safeguarding the state. Julia Walsh, Director of Frack Action, expresses gratitude, stating, “Thanks to the New York Assembly for their tremendous leadership in passing the bill to ban car-

bon dioxide drilling and fracking, which is vital to protecting our drinking water, air, and climate.”

Alex Beauchamp, Northeast Region Director at Food & Water Watch, highlights the inconsistency of CO2 fracking with New York’s Climate Act: “CO2 fracking is dangerous, dirty, and fundamentally counter to New York’s Climate Act. New York has been down this road before, and what we found holds true today — fracking threatens our communities, health and climate. It has no place in a state striving to lead the transition off fossil fuels.”

Renowned actor and environmental advocate Mark Ruffalo commends the Assembly’s decision to close the fracking

Tompkins County Upgrades Voting System with Clear Ballot Machines

By Matt Dougherty

Tompkins County is set to update its voting system by introducing new state-of-the-art voting machines. This initiative, backed by a substantial $600,000 investment, aims to enhance voter experience by introducing up-todate technology.

Starting on March 19, residents in the Villages of Cayuga Heights, Groton, Dryden, and Trumansburg will be the first to use these cutting-edge machines during their respective village elections. The rollout will then extend county-wide for the April 2 Presidential Primary, along with an 8-day early voting period leading up to it.

The County expects the transition will be simple for voters. The new machines, manufactured by the Clear Ballot Group, boast several key improvements. They are smaller, process ballots more swiftly, accommodate more ballots, and, importantly, reduce the likelihood of paper

jams — a common frustration in traditional voting systems.

Officials from the Tompkins County Board of Elections have said that the goal of introducing these machines is to create a more efficient and user-friendly voting process.

One significant improvement is the introduction of an ADAcompliant option. This feature allows voters to indicate their choices independently, and the machine will then print a ballot for them to cast. In contrast to previous ADA-compliant machines, which could take up to 30 minutes for a voter to complete the process, the new machines streamline this to a much more manageable 3-5 minutes.

on March 19,

sary standards and regulations. Beyond their efficiency and accessibility, the new machines represent a notable technological leap, with a 15-year advancement over their predecessors.

The Clear Ballot machines have received certification from the New York State Board of Elections for use in the state, ensuring they meet the neces-

Looking ahead, the Tompkins County Board of Elections envisions further

“Peach raspberry pie.”

– Benjamin R.

“Strawberry Rhubarb without the crust.”

– Mariann J.

“Pumpkin Pie.”

– River G.

“Blueberry.”

– Aliyah A.

“Chocolate Cream that’s this tall.”

– Xander J.

Senator Lea Webb is sponsoring the bill to outlaw CO2 fracking in the New York State Senate. (Photo: File)

Starting

residents in the Villages of Cayuga Heights, Groton, Dryden, and Trumansburg will be the first to use these cutting-edge machines during their respective village elections.

Assembly Member Anna Kelles sponsored the bill to ban CO2 fracking that was recently passed by the New York State Assembly. (Photo: File)

Details for Former Camp Barton Opening Being Finalized

By Maddy Vogel

Former Camp Barton is one step closer to becoming a locally managed New York State Park as a result of the motions approved at the recent Village of Trumansburg and Town of Ulysses meetings. Three Falls LDC, a not-for-profit entity formed by the Village of Trumansburg and the Towns of Ulysses and Covert in 2023, is set to manage the property which is expected to become a New York State Park this spring.

The Village of Trumansburg and Town of Ulysses boards unanimously voted to pass amendments to Three Falls LDC bylaws, allowing the LDC to rely less on decisions being funneled through each municipality by establishing proxies.

Trumansburg Mayor Rordan Hart described the amendments to the bylaws and the purpose the amendments would serve during the Village of Trumansburg meeting that occurred on Monday, March 11.

“What we have discovered over the last year is that the existing bylaws are far more restrictive on the actions that the board of directors of the LDC can take,” Hart said.

“That was, I think, by design. The original bylaws were collectively drafted by municipal attorneys whose primary focus was through the lens of their municipal clients… What has happened is there are a lot of decisions that need to be made which the existing bylaws technically require to be referred back to each municipality to vote on.”

as each municipality, meaning all decisions would have to come back to the individual boards, including the Village of Trumansburg.

“To work around that, these [amended] bylaws include the mandatory designation of proxies by each member,” Hart said.

Proxies would allow appointed members to represent each municipality to make decisions on behalf of their municipality, with some exceptions.

UPS DOWNS&

Ups

The Ithaca Polar Plunge is taking place on March 23, at Taughannock Falls State Park Beach in Trumansburg. The Plunge is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. The event is organized by the Special Olympics of New York and aims to fundraise $112,000.

Downs

The Ithaca Police Department is conducting an investigation into an assault incident that took place on the Commons on March 13, around 11:15 p.m. that saw an individual get pushed through a window and sustain serious injuries.

HEARD SEEN&

Heard

“We’re looking forward to being able to relocate the Trumansburg/Ulysses Summer Camp program, run by the Town of Ulysses, to the new state park.”

— Katelyn Olson

“The proxies will not be able to vote on behalf of the municipality on anything which would amend their certificate of incorporation, which would petition a court to dissolve the organization, anything that would dispose assets of the LDC, any approval of consolidation or merger, … dissolution proceedings, admission of new voting members, changing the criteria for the selection of voting members, and future amendments on bylaws,” Hart said.

by the LDC board or paid at a later date to become voting members again. He clarified to the board that the real change was simply to allow for flexibility in the fees for individual municipalities.

Three Falls LDC was created in April of 2023 in an effort to enter into a licensing agreement with the New York Parks to allow local municipalities to manage the property formerly known as Camp Barton.

According to the Three Falls LDC website, the municipalities were motivated to reach an agreement with the New York State Parks to ensure public access to Cayuga Lake and increase opportunity for recreation, events, and local programming.

Don’t miss out on a Volunteer Opportunity That Will Change Your Life. Be a 1-on-1 mentor with a student needing support in middle school. Meet with your student 2 afternoons per week. A college degree is not needed. If interested, call or text Susie Kossack at 607-275-6250 at The MentorStudent Program of Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC).

Seen

The labor union representing Ithaca's law enforcement professionals will be hosting a Community Easter Egg Hunt this Sunday, March 24th, at 1:00 p.m. at Washington Park in the City of Ithaca. The President of the Ithaca PBA, Thomas Condzella, encourages all community members to attend this event that will include many activities for kids such as face painting, music, giveaways and more. According to Condzella, the event is free for kids up to 12 years old.

Hart said that decisions such as hiring or changting staff and entering into contracts would have to go through each municipality individually to be approved under the unamended bylaws. He described that the two largest changes were pertaining to how the LDC functions with the current members and how assessed fees are split between municipalities.

At the Town of Ulysses meeting, Olson said that the new amendments would allow the LDC to better perform its day-today operations of managing the State Park.

Hart explained that in the unamended bylaws, a member of the LDC is defined

Under the unamended bylaws, if the LDC was assessed for fees or needed money from the municipalities, the fees would need to be split evenly between each municipality, Hart explained. If one municipality would not be able or refused to pay their share, they would automatically become a non voting member after 120 days.

“These [amended] bylaws allow for the LDC board to assess fees to municipalities in different amounts,” Hart said. “That allows more flexibility, particularly in a year like the one that we’re in where we may have to go back to the municipalities for more money… If that’s a hardship to any one municipality then we can accommodate that with these draft bylaws.”

Hart explained that the municipalities still will become non-voting members of the LDC if they choose not to pay any assessed fees after 120 days, unless waived

The Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy in 2020 after declining enrollment and receiving over 80,000 sexual assault claims filed against them, eventually leading to a $2.7 billion settlement. To pay for the settlement, local Scout councils across the country, including the BadenPowell Council, are selling their camps.

Regional Director of State Parks in the Finger Lakes Fred Bonn said that the sale is still being finalized, but that they plan to open the park in the late spring.

Town Supervisor for the Town of Ulysses Katelyn Olson said that the board is looking forward to the sale being finalized so that they can provide new and continued programming.

“Most specifically, we’re looking forward to being able to relocate the Trumansburg/Ulysses Summer Camp program, run by the Town of Ulysses, to the new state park and grow our programming to serve a larger number of children in our community and the surrounding area,” Olson said.

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

Should the Common Council pass Just Cause employment legislation to get rid of at-will employment in the City of Ithaca?

54 2 % Yes.

40.3% No.

5

. 6 % I don’t care.

N ext W eek ’s Q uestio N : Do you have plans to see the total solar eclipse that is happening on April 8th?

Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.

Camp Barton is a waterfront property located in Trumansburg currently being sold by the Baden-Powell Council of the Boy Scouts of America to New York State Parks.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Help Stop CO2 Fracking

“It was December of 2014. I was having lunch with friends. Suddenly one interrupted, aimed her phone at us and whispered “New York just banned fracking!” I had to restrain myself from jumping up, banging on a glass with my spoon and shouting the same. When you’ve fought 7 years to stop something that seriously harms people and the planet and you win, it’s cause for celebration.

However, since it was an executive order by then-Governor Cuomo that stopped the fracking, another executive order by another governor later could override it. So in 2021 a state law was passed to make the ban permanent.

Then why is the subject of fracking surfacing again? Because a company in Texas nicknamed Southern Tier Solutions wants to use carbon dioxide to frack shale to extract gas, and the ban already in place only applies to fracking with water.

Shockingly, many landowners in Che-

mung, Tioga and Broome counties have already signed leases allowing drilling on their property. Surely they don’t know of the dangers. One is that water in contact with pressurized CO2 becomes caustic and can destroy what it touches. The other is that toxic air from CO2 leaks acidifies our lungs. That’s what happened in Mississippi in 2020 when a pipeline explosion caused immobilization of vehicles from lack of oxygen and 45 people being hospitalized.

The good news is that on Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m. the League of Women Voters of Tompkins County is sponsoring a zoom meeting on “Fracking with CO2: Examining the Plan for the Southern Tier.” Irene Weiser, retired veterinarian, former town council member and long-time environmental activist will be presenting. For more information go to lwvtompkins.org.” — Susan Multer

RE: SPCA Complaints

“I am not sure which is more disturbing. First that Andi Gladstone, touting her experience as an executive director, would write a letter to the editor about the TCSPCA not knowing what she’s talking about stating outright lies or the fact that once again, the Ithaca Times did not fact check false information in a letter to the editor, and decide to print it anyway. In her letter, Gladstone states that “The fostering program was eliminated by

the executive director” which is interesting given I have a kitten I am currently fostering after returning 2 others last week who needed some socializing and a calm place to recover after a surgical procedure. Those 2 are currently up for adoption. I have personally fostered 10 different animals since I started in September and look forward to fostering many more in the future. Pretty amazing for a program that has been cut by the ED. Gladstone also states “the general fear among volunteers and secrecy as a policy”. As a relatively newer volunteer, I again can’t think of anything further from the truth. I personally look forward to and thoroughly enjoy my shifts each week and have no idea what secrecy she refers to. The communication between me, the staff, and my volunteer colleagues is clear, open and documented on a weekly basis with zero fear of reaching out for help or direction. Maybe she should “Executive director” less and actually volunteer to find out herself before she comments next time.” —

Bob Terry

RE: Age is Just a Number

“Charley Githler’s column “Age is Just a Number” was bigoted and mean-spirited. Surely the author knows that not all old people have bad memories, or are so stupid they can’t distinguish between a tonsillectomy and a coronary bypass operation. (If they do have memory issues, his jibes are especially cruel). His “humor” is the sort that used to be directed at social groups stereotyped as lazy or cheap or alcoholic. Write, publish, offend the morally and politically offensive, but be aware that ageism is as ugly a form of prejudice as any other, and be prepared to be held accountable for indulging in it.” —

Edward Hower (83)

GOP Stuck on Stupid

“Beware of people who are oblivious to the obvious. People who lose an election, and believe they won. Not based on evidence. But based on what they “feel.”

I’m a Conservative. Many Republicans delude themselves by calling me a RINO (Republican In Name Only). True Conservatives believe in the Constitution, Democracy, and the rule of law. Donald Trump only believes in himself. Every other value, or person is expendable. Don’t believe me? Pay attention when he speaks. Then watch what he does. Do you really believe if you are loyal to him, you are “special?” If that pitch sounds like a cult, it’s because it is. Even people in some churches imitate Donald more than they do Jesus. Like Donald, they mistake

bluster for courage. But they hate real courage. Donald is incapable of putting anyone, or any ideal, above himself. To not see that, you might be a bright person. But you’ve surrendered your common sense.

Listen to him talking code encouraging cowards to make anonymous threats, against prosecutors, judges, witnesses, poll workers, journalists, or anyone else he feels threatened by. Republicans stuck on Trump (the real RINO’s) are stuck on stupid. Will the Party be too?” —

James Tweed

Concerned and Optimistic about 2024 Elections

“Now that the news of Nikki Haley backing out of the primary has surfaced, it feels like we are back in 2020. The election that everyone didn’t want, a rematch between Biden and Trump, is now the reality of 2024.

However, I wanted to move forward with some optimism about how this election might go. Although Trump is set to be the Republican nominee, his primary results underperform compared to the polls. Most of us fear a hidden pro-Trump crowd that will swoop in during the general election. But maybe we’ve underestimated the amount of Republicans, moderates, and independents who would rather quietly vote for a Democratic candidate than risk the consequences of another Trump presidency. I’ve noticed commentary from popular leaders within the Republican party that echoes this sentiment. Mitt Romney recently made it clear that he would rather reelect a Democrat with differing political views than risk a right-wing candidate who is a threat to American democracy. I do believe a large pool of Republicans feel the same, although they might not make it openly known as they are already hesitant to vote for a candidate outside of their party.

All of this isn’t to say that we shouldn’t be concerned about this election or that we shouldn’t be prepared to show up in large this November. It’s a reminder to not give in to assuming the worst. If we convince ourselves that this election is hopeless and that another Trump term is inevitable, then many of us won’t bother showing up to the ballot box. We should approach November with both concern and optimism, encouraging others to be ready to vote when the time comes. This year, please make it a point to remember how important our attitude towards the election is for driving voter turnout.” —

Danielle Smith

How Community Solar Supports Ithaca’s Green New Deal

By Bruce Stewart, CEO and President of Perch Energy

Ithaca citizens know we need to combat climate change — and recognize that, to do so justly, we must expand clean energy in a way accessible for all. Thanks to the nation-leading NY Sun program, community solar advances the City of Ithaca’s Green New Deal by expanding renewable generation, improving grid resilience, and ensuring that disadvantaged communities can access clean energy’s electricity savings.

Ithaca’s Green New Deal

The City of Ithaca’s Green New Deal program aims to achieve communitywide carbon neutrality by 2030 in an environmentally and socially just way. Its Electrify Ithaca program, formally launched in February, previously made national headlines for combining public incentives and private capital towards building decarbonization. Other milestones include adopting an official definition of “climate justice communities” and a Community Choice Aggregation law (passed in the City of Ithaca, the Town of Ithaca, and supported throughout Tompkins County) to promote access to affordable, zero-carbon energy around the clock. With these and other ambitious goals, Ithaca stands out in a state already known for leading renewable energy policies and climate action.

To meet these goals, the City of Ithaca (along with its renewable energy businesses, local utilities, residents, and businesses) must do three things. It must rapidly expand renewable energy production, prepare the local grid to expanded renewable electricity demand, and connect all residents to clean energy’s benefits.

On all three counts, community solar can help.

What is Community Solar?

Community solar is an accessible form of solar power that enables anyone to benefit from clean energy’s electricity savings, whether they own a sunny rooftop or rent their homes. There is no requirement to invest in solar panels or install them on your roof, and there are no signup fees or cancellation penal-

ties. Community solar offers a more affordable, flexible form of clean energy than rooftop solar, especially for disadvantaged communities. Anyone can get involved: small businesses, apartment dwellers, farmers, off-campus college students, and even homeowners and businesses whose locations may not be able to accommodate solar panels or simply dislike how solar panels look.

How does it work? Households and businesses alike subscribe to local “shared” solar projects, purchasing solar energy “credits” proportionate to their electricity usage at a discounted rate. Thanks to NY Sun’s Utility Consolidated Billing (UCB) system, an industry best practice, subscribers see those 5-20% discounts show up directly in their monthly utility bill. Subscribers continue to receive electricity from their utility, as they normally would, but now see a line item on their electricity bill which reduces what they owe — they now see the positive impact of these discounts delivering annual electricity savings.

More accessible than rooftop solar, community solar is available to all. It helps communities to expand renewable energy generation while preserving neighborhood character, promoting grid resilience, and — most importantly — democratizing access to clean energy. No one needs to be left out.

Expanding renewable generation

To achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, Ithaca must quickly expand its renewable energy capacity. Community solar is an important part of the strategy which will enable Ithaca to scale clean energy production while preserving the natural and agricultural tapestry of the Finger Lakes region.

This compatibility stems from the smaller size of community solar farms, which enables them to fit more easily into existing community space. In contrast to utility-scale systems, which can occupy hundreds of acres, community solar installations are small: under

SURROUNDED BY REALITY

Looking for Totality

By Charley Githler

Well, we had to go 93 million miles into space to find something that hasn’t been politicized, but the eclipse seems to be an event that appeals to everybody. Literally everything here on earth has become fraught. Climate going haywire? Pick a side. Mega pop star dating a football player? Pick a side. (“I don’t care” is a side.). Small upstate cities are spending valuable governing time picking sides and adopting resolutions on international events.

The eclipse, though, is pure. A celestial event, unsullied by politics or conspiracy theories, and not susceptible to influence by the affairs of human beings. There’s no side to pick. Wait, come to think of it, there was a recent Republican president who took a rather unorthodox stand on the advisability of staring directly at a solar eclipse. Damn it.

The last total eclipse visible in the Finger Lakes was on Saturday, January 24, 1925. Totality occurred at 9:08 a.m. in Ithaca, and lasted just a couple minutes. The clouds parted just long enough for the eclipse to be viewed by the thousands of locals who turned out to watch. Cornell astronomers were able to get six clear photos of the corona. This was back when we had winter — the temperature was 2 degrees Fahrenheit.

Of course, I can’t look at an old newspaper to read about an eclipse without poking through it for interesting items, and that day’s Ithaca Journal didn’t disappoint. An editorial noted with amazement the fact that 20 million radio sets had been sold in the U.S. That was pretty noteworthy, considering that the first scheduled radio broadcast had only happened a little more than four years earlier. It’s not easy now to imagine it, but radio was the wonder of the age 99 years ago, and a

STATE ASSEMBLY PASSES

ban loophole: “I’m so proud to be a New Yorker today as the NYS Assembly passes an important bill to close a loophole in the fracking ban law to include a prohibition on using carbon dioxide. We must stop this new experimental form of gas extraction from polluting our state.”

technology that had yet to hit its stride.

Another new craze at the time was crossword puzzles. I do crosswords, and I tried my hand at the one in that day’s Journal. It was disconcertingly hard. Most of the words were three letters long and the clues, devoid of puns or wordplay, weren’t readily clear to a 21st-century brain. The past is another country.

The article on Ithaca’s policewoman, on the occasion of her having been six months on the job, noted that the cases to which she was assigned included “domestic troubles, vagrancy, wayward minors, intoxication, runaways, girls placed under her protection, juvenile delinquents, incorrigibles, and a large number involving the practice of motorists who pick up young girls on the streets at night”. What the actual hell is the deal with that last one? Who are these motorists and what’s “a large number”?

Also, the Ithaca High School basketball team beat Owego in a barn-burner, 16 to 14.

Anyway, this year people are travelling from far and wide to the path of totality, which passes pretty close to us. I’ll probably head up the lake to Seneca Falls, but I wouldn’t go much further. My mother was a total solar eclipse chaser. It was one of her many eccentricities. She and her partner travelled to the Faroe Islands for an eclipse in March, 2015. I’m no meteorologist, but it came as no surprise to me that the Faroe Islands were heavily overcast in March. I guess it briefly got even darker.

So I’m eager to see it. It’s unlikely I’ll be around for the next one in 2144. I scored some eclipse-viewing glasses, which I hope doesn’t mark me as a woke, liberal, left-leaning Democrat. I can do that at the ballot box in November.

Valdi Weiderpass, a retired engineer and volunteer Chair of Sierra Club Susquehanna Group, underscores the potential consequences of CO2 fracking on New York’s Southern Tier: “This action, if supported by the Senate, will prevent the dangerous and unsafe industrialization of New York’s Southern Tier and beyond by a Texas based corporation using an unproven process.”

New Leader, Same Priorities

INHS Continues to Provide Affordable Housing for Ithacans in Need

By Grant Johnson

Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) started 2024 by welcoming a new executive director, Kate G. de la Garza, and starting construction on a $17.6 million apartment project, setting the tone for a big year under new leadership.

De la Garza, who identifies as nonbinary, using both she and they pronouns, worked with INHS in their previous role as vice president and senior relationship manager at KeyBank. At KeyBank, de la Garza worked as a lender and funder of several INHS developments before coming on board as the executive director of INHS.

“This job is like the culmination of all of my experience over the last 20 years into one position,” de la Garza said. “Having worked with IHS on the lending side, I knew the people were amazing. The product is also excellent, and we’re always on the leading edge in terms of our developments. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to be honest.”

INHS started in Ithaca in 1976 with the goal of providing affordable housing options for people of low and moderate in-

January 1st, 2024.

(Photo: File)

comes. In its early years, INHS focused on rehabilitating existing housing stock to create affordable rental and homeownership opportunities. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, INHS expanded its efforts to

After seven years of overseeing a period of growth at INHS, former executive director Johanna Anderson stepped down from her role in 2023 to take a position as President of Tompkins Community Banks Central New York Market.

(Photo: File)

develop new affordable housing properties in the Ithaca area. The non-profit focused on building rental apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes that were accessible to individuals and families with varying income levels.

“What drew me to the organization and the work is that we’re not just building new multifamily buildings, which alone is amazing, but also the other services we offer,” de la Garza said. “Most property managers or developers are focused on one or the other. But we have programs on both sides.”

Over the years, INHS has expanded its programs and services to meet the evolving needs of the community. This includes offering homeownership assistance programs, financial counseling, property management services, and supportive services for residents.

The nonprofit community development corporation has since grown beyond its original footprint to provide various services to Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins counties. The organization was previously led by Jo-

hanna Anderson, who served as executive director for six years and is now the president of Tompkins Community Bank’s Central New York market.

Anderson served as executive director during a period of substantial growth for INHS and emphasized the organization’s commitment to setting a visionary path and executing strategic plans to facilitate community development initiatives. Anderson told the Ithaca Times, “My role was to manage growth and ensure we had the necessary resources to handle our expanding portfolio of projects.”

During her time at INHS, Anderson witnessed the organization’s involvement in numerous transformative projects. One standout development she mentioned was Founders Way, which involved the acquisition and redevelopment of the former Immaculate Conception school property. Anderson expressed pride in the project’s success, highlighting its incorporation of local nonprofits, rental units, and homeownership opportunities, which revitalized neighborhood spaces.

Another significant endeavor under Anderson’s leadership was the acquisition of a manufactured home park, renamed Compass, marking INHS’s foray into manufactured housing ownership. Through substantial funding secured from state programs, INHS revitalized the park’s infrastructure, enhancing its safety and aesthetics while providing affordable housing options.

Regarding funding sources, Anderson underscored INHS’s reliance on a diverse range of financing avenues, including federal, state, and local programs. She emphasized the importance of leveraging multiple funding streams to support the organization’s development projects effectively.

Among these funding sources is the Community Housing Development Fund (CHDF). The CHDF is a joint effort of Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca, and Cornell University. The City and County each give the CHDF $100,000 annually, while Cornell gives $200,000. Additionally, developers who choose not to build

Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) new executive director, Kate G. de la Garza began their role at the helm of INHS on

INHS purchased Compass, formerly known as Auble’s Mobile Home Park, in August 2021. It is a 138-pad manufactured community located in both the Village of Trumansburg (Tompkins County) and the Town of Covert (Seneca County). (Photo: INHS)

terest rates have really become prohibitive, we’ve seen a lot of activity outside of Tompkins County,” said de la Garza.

In Seneca County, INHS will complete the renovation project of Verona Village, a senior housing development with 46 units by midAugust 2024. In the Village of Trumansburg, the Village Grove project will consist of six affordable rental townhomes and 40 affordable rental apartments in a two-story building and is expected to be complete in Dec. 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, the Wheat St. Apartments redevelopment in the Village of Cayuga in Cayuga County will add 47 affordable housing units for low-and-moderate-income individuals and families and is expected to have a March 2025 completion.

Community located in both the Village of Trumansburg and the Town of Covert. The property is comprised of 138 sites for manufactured homes, offering a blend of rental and owner-occupied residences. The project is happening in phases, with most of the work expected to be completed by May 2025. The non-profit plans to drop 10 new manufactured home units in the community per year until it reaches capacity.

affordable units have to pay $5,000 into the CHDF for every non-affordable unit they build.

Projects funded by the CHDF must include units of affordable housing for lowand moderate-income households. The fund has supported the development or rehabilitation of over 800 affordable units in Tompkins County since 2009.

According to INHS Director of Community Relations Justina Fetterly, since 2009 the CHDF has contributed a total of $2,962,940 to INHS to build a total of 430 units of housing. Among those 376 were rentals and 54 were for-sale. According to Fetterly, $1,474,000 went towards constructing rentals and $1,488,940 went towards for-sale homes.

Reflecting on INHS’s impact, Anderson stated, “INHS stands out for its willingness to tackle challenging projects and collaborate with stakeholders to find solutions. Our adaptability and creativity enable us to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each community.”

De la Garza picks up where Anderson left off and plans to use their experience in affordable housing and business to lead the organization forward. De la Garza’s career in affordable housing started in Seattle, working with neighborhoods and residents on the design and delivery of affordable housing. Then, after switching coasts and moving to Central New York with their wife and two children, de la Garza transitioned to the lending and investment side of the business.

“I have a very well-rounded understanding of how affordable housing gets done,” de la Garza said. “Everything from out in communities working through design and planning, permitting, funding, maintenance and upkeep of buildings, and the

wellbeing of residents. I think it set me up well for this role.”

De la Garza joins the nonprofit as the need for affordable housing in Ithaca continues to increase, as demonstrated by INHS’s extensive housing waitlist.

“We and nobody else in the state can move fast enough generally to meet the need,” de la Garza said. “Ithaca is a place people want to be, and people move here from all over the country to live here. It makes us even more necessary, but it’s a double-edged sword because as Ithaca becomes more expensive, it becomes more expensive to develop as well.”

The most recent redevelopment project completed by INHS in the Ithaca city limits was in 2022. The Founders Way affordable and supportive housing development located at 320 West Buffalo Street, Ithaca, created 75 units of rental housing.

The non-profit is actively exploring development opportunities in the city and is looking to secure funding in 2025 for “the Beacon,” which will be built on the west side of Inlet Island. The Beacon will provide 55 units of affordable housing in studio, onebedroom, and two-bedroom apartments in a five-story building that also includes a community room, laundry rooms, rental office, service provider office, and covered bike storage. INHS expects to break ground in spring 2026, according to de la Garza.

The organization is working to increase the housing stock in the communities it serves, with several projects expected to be completed by the end of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. However, with the price of property and interest rates rising in the city of Ithaca, many of the projects are outside the city limits.

“As Ithaca has become more and more expensive to purchase a home and as in-

INHS will complete nearly 150 housing units between the summer of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. One of de la Garza’s priorities as the organization approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026 is growing that number to serve even more community members.

“I think growth is going to be one of the biggest priorities for the next 50 years,” de la Garza said. “With my banking background and my developer background, I think doing that in a thoughtful, prudent way, in collaboration with the community and our stakeholders, is important and certainly very, very important to our board.”

One line of revenue de la Garza hopes to grow is manufactured homes. In 2021, INHS acquired Compass Manufactured Housing

“Even though we have been around 47.5 years and have some very mature business lines like homeownership and repairs, we’ve also got some business lines that are brand new, like the Compass project,” de la Garza said. “So I see that for the next 50 years, one of my big priorities is not just how we’re going to grow, but where each of our business lines is going to grow in size and drape geographically.”

In their first few months on the job, de la Garza has been getting to know each staff member and their expertise, as well as meeting with their team which is currently working on the lease-up procedures for each property.

“I’m excited and happy to get to know every one of my staff members and their talents and expertise,” de la Garza said. “I view INHS as one of the best, if not the best, community-based nonprofit developers across upstate New York. It truly is an amazing group of people from stakeholders, funders, and community members who support us. Everyone.”

The Beacon (artistic rendering above) will provide 55 units of affordable housing in studio, onebedroom, and two-bedroom apartments in a five-story building that also includes a community room, laundry rooms, rental office, service provider office, and covered bike storage. INHS expects to break ground in spring 2026. (Photo: File)

The Founders Way affordable and supportive housing development located at 320 West Buffalo Street, Ithaca, created 75 units of rental housing. (Photo: INHS)

Lax Attitude

Ithaca High School’s Girls Lacrosse Players Seek Success this Season and Beyond

By Steve Lawrence

In last week’s column, I listed several young women who have come up through the ranks of the lacrosse programs in Ithaca, and I promised to write about this year’s version of the Ithaca High varsity lax team. Knowing that she is one of the players that has insight into that whole process, I reached out to junior attack Eleni Switzer.

“We got started on March 11th, “Eleni told me, “and our first scrimmage is next Thursday.” When asked if any decision had yet been made regarding this year’s captains, Switzer offered, “We have four seniors on the team, and it’s usually the seniors that are chosen to be captains.”

When asked how long she has been playing lacrosse with some of her team

mates, Eleni said, “Well, Ella Thomforde, Reese Cole, Natalie Wagenet and I started playing in the Ithaca Youth Bureau program when we were about 7. After we had some experience, Cristin Baker (whose daughter, Shea, plays at Division 1 Boston College) pulled us up to play with some of the older girls.” Then, Eleni recalled, “In middle school, we all started playing club lacrosse, and things really took off.”

“Took off” had double-meaning for the Switzer family, as Eleni’s brother, Jack, also played travel lacrosse. Jack played for the Corning-based Gaffers, Eleni suited up for the Syracuse-based Snipers, and Joel and Ellice — their parents — were on the road for several months of the year. As for her Little Red teammates, Eleni said, “Ella and I played for the Snipers, and Reese

played for the Crush, which is also based in Syracuse.”

Club lax is on the back burner for these athletes now, as the high school season gets underway. Switzer told me, “Last year, we won Sectionals, but we lost to West Genesee in the Regionals. This year, we are taking it one day at a time, but our initial goal is to win Sectionals again, and we hope — of course — to win Regionals and go farther into the post-season.”

The IHS head coach is Kaitlyn Hoffay, and the assistant coach, Chuck Little, has been with all the players mentioned here

since they were very young in multiple youth programs. According to a Little Red parent, “Chuck (whose stepdaughter, Alicia Nicholas is a D-1 goalie at North Carolina) deserves major props for the time he has put in with these kids!”

Several players are already looking ahead to playing D-1 lacrosse. Although they are only juniors, Thomforde has made a verbal commitment to Stanford, Olivia Frazier to Albany and Swtizer already has Niagara in her sights. Asked why

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Eleni Switzer goes on the attack versus Horseheads. (Photo by Ava Thomas)

FAIRY FEST BRINGS SPRING TO ITHACA MARCH 23

By Amelia Buzzard

With the approach of the spring equinox, it’s time to welcome whimsy to downtown Ithaca. If you visit The Commons the morning of Saturday, March 23, you may be surprised to find it teeming with fluttery pastel dresses, red and white toadstools, and butterfly wings. Ithaca’s Spring Fairy Fest is a chance to “dress as your favorite fairy, elf, imp or magical creature and come enjoy a day of crafts and family fun.”

Greta Perl, owner of toyshop Alphabet Soup, started Fairy Fest in 2019. Although the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in plans for 2020, the Fest resurrected in 2023 and will be an annual spring event from now on.

“This is definitely going to be the biggest year ever,” Greta told me. “A lot of people seem to be really excited about it. I think we’ve put the pandemic behind us, and people are ready to get out and have a good time again.”

Over thirty local businesses will be participating this year. Greta compared the event to Ithaca’s former Wizarding Weekend, a popular Harry Potter-esque festival, which was discontinued in 2020 following legal disputes with Warner Bros.

“In some ways, it’s the spiritual descendant of Wizarding Weekend,” she said. “It’s certainly not that big yet, but it’s growing each year.”

Most of the thirty-plus listed activities are free. Some, like a scavenger hunt at The History Center, bubble blowing at Riverwood Toy Store, and “find and adopt a fairy” at Odyssey Bookstore, are more action oriented. Others, like a fairy movie at Monk’s, offer a

calm space to relax. Many, like Celtic bookmark making at Buffalo Street Books, center around a craft.

While most of the activities are gauged towards children, many will also interest older attendees. Face painting, which will take place at Envious Vegan Handbags, the Brain Shoppe, and Center Ithaca, could add the finishing touch to a Tinkerbell cosplay. You might satisfy a sweet tooth with a unicorn cupcake with coffee from Rashida Sawyer Bakery, or a fairy toast brunch special at Cafe Dewitt. Handwork will be hosting a leather workshop, and Bool’s Flower Shop is handing out free blossoms.

Fairy Fest also offers a fantastic chance to see and be seen. YEM will host a photo booth in Center Ithaca, but even if you don’t make it down there, this

event looks like it will provide ample photo opps. Spring flowers are already beginning to bloom in Ithaca, and by Fairy Fest, daffodils should be nodding their cheery heads over crowds of purple crocuses and delicate snowdrops. It only seems appropriate that the people of Ithaca should also appear in their best spring garb.

Most of the activities will run from 10-3. That will give visitors a chance to explore multiple activities and sample special “fairy” lunches at local establishments if they so choose. In the case of stormy skies, the event will not be canceled.

“It’s definitely happening, rain or shine (or snow!),” said Greta. Because most of the activities take place within local businesses, the event is largely indoors, with attendees venturing outside only to walk between venues. Spring doesn’t always come into its full bloom with the approach of the equinox. But regardless of the weather, by crafting flower crowns and paper dolls, by wearing greens and golds and pinks, Greta encourages Ithaca to “make our own springtime.”

Arts & Entertainment

Greta Perl in Fairy Fest T-Shirt printed by Sunny Days.

Fairy cones at Cayuga Lake Creamery.

Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Presents Beethoven’s Fourth

By Staff Report

On Saturday, March 23rd, music enthusiasts in Ithaca will have the opportunity to attend the fourth Orchestral Series Concert of the 2023-24 season presented by the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra (CCO). Entitled “Beethoven’s Fourth,” the concert promises an evening of musical brilliance, led by Music Director Finalist Octavio Más-Arocas and featuring the renowned violinist Lara St. John. The concert will be hosted at Ford Hall on the Ithaca College campus and begin at 7:30 p.m., preceded by a free preconcert chat at 6:30 p.m.

The concert program opens with Jessie Montgomery’s composition, “Banner.” Following this captivating introduction, audiences will be treated to Sergei Proko-

fiev’s “Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor,” showcasing the artistry of soloist Lara St. John. Known for her dynamic performances and magnetic stage presence, St. John has captivated audiences worldwide with her mesmerizing interpretations and technical prowess.

A highlight of the evening will undoubtedly include Ludwig van Beethoven’s timeless masterpiece, “Symphony No. 4.” Known for its lyrical beauty, rhythmic vitality, and emotional depth, Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony promises to enchant and inspire listeners, under the direction of Octavio Más-Arocas.

The impressive career trajectory of Más-Arocas speaks to his exceptional talent and dedication to the art of orchestral conducting. Currently serving as the Director of Orchestras and Professor of

Orchestral Conducting at Michigan State University College of Music, Más-Arocas also holds the esteemed positions of Music Director and Conductor of several orchestras, including the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra in Ohio, the Marquette Symphony Orchestra in Michigan, and the Clinton Symphony in New York. His previous engagements include directorial roles at prestigious institutions such as Ithaca College, Lawrence University, and Baldwin Wallace University, as well

as guest conducting appearances across Europe North and South America.

Accompanying Más-Arocas on stage is the internationally acclaimed violinist Lara St. John, whose meteoric rise to prominence has earned her praise from critics and audiences alike. Described as “something of a phenomenon” by The Strad and a “high-powered soloist” by The New York Times, St. John’s illustrious career spans

Music Director Finalist Octavio Más-Arocas.

REPORT RANKS

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living wage as the minimum wage, after guaranteeing that all County employees would receive a living wage. Klien says discussions regarding the county mandating a living wage are in the “infancy stage.”

UPGRADES VOTING SYSTEM

continued from page 4 to investing in workforce development programs, stakeholders are pushing for tangible solutions to uplift workers and narrow the income gap.

Tompkins County Legislature Chair Dan Klien has said that the County is contemplating introducing a Countywide

STATE ASSEMBLY PASSES

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Irene Weiser, coordinator of Fossil Free Tompkins, commends the Assembly’s fast action, calling on the Senate and Governor to act expeditiously: “The fast action on this bill underscores the State’s commitment as an environmental leader. Fossil Free Tompkins calls on the Senate and Governor to act expeditiously to close this loophole and

LAX ATTITUDE

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she is already leaning toward a particular school with two full seasons of high school lax ahead of her, Eleni said, “I always knew

An Ithaca Times question of the week poll found that 80% of respondents supported the County passing a law to create a living wage, while 15.6% opposed the idea, and 4.4% said they didn’t care.

send a clear message to the polluting oil and gas industry that we are committed to a clean green future for all New Yorkers.”

The concerns raised by these advocates align with the broader opposition to CO2 fracking, emphasizing its potential impact on drinking water, air quality, and the climate. Biologist Sandra Steingraber, PhD, from Concerned Health Professionals of New York, asserts, “Swapping in pressurized CO2 for water doesn’t make fracking any less dangerous. Indeed, liquified CO2

I wanted to play Division 1 lacrosse, and I have been to so many colleges and talked to so many coaches, and I just love Niagara’s program, and the environment.” She added, “The players I have spoken with are so energetic, we connected so well, and I

enhancements to their voting procedures. By 2025, they aspire to implement a “ballot-on-demand” system across all polling places in the county. This innovative approach would allow the Board of Elections to efficiently manage polling places

is a terrible poison that asphyxiates people and turns groundwater into acid.”

The urgency to pass this legislation is heightened by the industry’s attempts to bypass existing fracking bans and introduce a new, untested extraction process. The organizations supporting the ban stress the potential dangers associated with high-pressure CO2, citing examples like the tragic incident in Satartia, Mississippi, where a CO2 pipeline explosion led to mass poisoning and hospitalizations.

love their fast-paced style of play. That’s the way I like to play.”

Eleni said, “Everyone (on the Little Red’s roster) is really healthy, and we’re looking really good.” Asked if she’d like to be a team captain at some point, the third-

and reduce the local costs associated with printing traditional ballots.

To involve the community in this transition, an event took place on March 11 at the Finger Lakes Independence Center. Community members were given the opportunity to test out the new machines and engage with Board of Elections staff to discuss accessibility and ADA compliance when casting ballots.

The New York State Assembly’s decisive move to pass the CO2 fracking ban bill aims to safeguard the state from the potential hazards posed by the fossil fuel industry’s pursuit of experimental and dangerous shale gas extraction methods.

With strong support from Assemblymember Anna Kelles and various environmental organizations, the focus now shifts to the Senate, urging them to promptly pass the bill and reaffirm New York’s commitment to a sustainable and clean energy future.

year varsity player replied, “ Yes, for sure, but there is always time to be an official captain, and I’d like to be a captain when I’m a senior.” Labels aside, Eleni added, “I know that whether a person has the title of ‘captain,’ she can still be a leader.”

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five megawatts of capacity and between 5-40 acres. At this size, they fit atop the roofs of schools, businesses, hospitals, and parking garages. They can also be built on top of landfill or brownfield sites, harvesting clean energy from land that would otherwise lie fallow. Some landowners, including farmers, earn additional income by leasing space to host solar panels on their property, leading to agrivoltaic farming tales of sheep grown “fat as butter balls” from grazing beneath solar panels’ partial shade. The versatility of community solar projects enables them to complement Ithaca’s existing regional landscape.

Improving grid resilience

As Ithaca’s building and fleet electrification campaigns get underway, the City’s

CAYUGA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PRESENTS

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performances with leading orchestras worldwide, recitals in major concert halls,

electricity demand will grow. Boosting energy efficiency will be one important proactive measure, to reduce the energy that electrified buildings require. Another important preparation for widespread electrification is investment in grid resilience.

Community solar boosts grid resilience by reducing the distance that electricity travels, usually connecting to the distribution grid instead of bigger transmission lines. Clean energy produced in Greater Ithaca must travel only a short way over the wires before reaching the places that will use it.

Advancing energy equity

Through its Green New Deal, Ithaca leads the nation in ingraining social and economic justice into its climate goals. An equitably designed energy transition can help integrate clean energy sources alongside existing fossil fuel generation systems while overcoming socioeconomic barriers to clean energy access.

and critically acclaimed recordings on her label, Ancalagon. Noteworthy among her accomplishments is a Juno Award for her Mozart recording in 2011, as well as widespread acclaim for her innovative interpretations of classical and folk repertoire.

Community solar supports energy justice by extending clean energy’s savings to people who can’t access traditional rooftop solar. That’s important: because low-income households face three times the energy burden of other American households, electricity bill discounts provide a substantial, positive impact on their monthly budget. Simultaneously, low- and middle-income (LMI) households are more likely to rent, live in apartments, and/or may simply not be able to afford the upfront financial and time investments that rooftop solar requires. Historically, such barriers have prevented the greatest potential beneficiaries of solar from accessing its electricity savings.

NY Sun addresses these barriers by smoothing LMI community solar access. It incentivizes the development of lowincome-serving projects through the Inclusive Community Solar Adder (ICSA) while incentivizing the enrollment of LMI households through the Solar for All

Lara St. John’s musical journey began at a remarkably young age, with her debut as a soloist with orchestra at just four years old. Since then, she has continued to captivate audiences with her prodigious talent, earning accolades for her expressive playing and fearless approach to performance. With her passion for music evident in every note she plays, St. John embodies the spirit of artistic excellence and innovation.

In addition to the main performance, the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra offers a free pre-concert chat with Más-Arocas and St. John, providing audience members with a unique opportunity to gain insight into the creative process behind the music. This interactive session will allow attendees to engage directly with the conductor and soloist, deepening their appreciation for the repertoire and enhancing their concert experience.

program. ICSA also establishes a higher discount, meaning any LMI subscriber on the project sees a greater benefit. Plus, New York’s UCB feature, where households see their savings from community solar directly on their utility bill, simplifies access for households who may be unbanked and/or benefit from the Home Energy Assistance Program or Energy Utility Assistance.

Community solar: a common-sense supplement to Ithaca’s Green New Deal plans With aggressive decarbonization timelines, innovative electrification strategies, and attention to energy equity, Ithaca’s Green New Deal sets an example for the Southern Tier, New York State, and the country. Community solar can help Ithaca’s residents support their city’s climate efforts while earning electricity bill discounts alongside peers throughout Greater Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region.

Tickets for “Beethoven’s Fourth” are selling quickly, reflecting the widespread anticipation and excitement surrounding this highly anticipated event. Music lovers are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance through the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Box Office to secure their seats for an unforgettable evening of musical excellence.

Founded in 1976, the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra holds a special place in the cultural landscape of Ithaca, NY, serving as the city’s official orchestra and enriching the community through its diverse programming and educational initiatives. In addition to its Orchestral Series, the CCO presents a Chamber Music Series, a Holiday concert, free Family Concerts, and the esteemed Willard Daetsch Youth Outreach Program, which earned the prestigious Yale Distinguished Music Educator award in 2015.

Trio Tisri

Talented Trio Makes Subconscious Music from the Subcontinent

By Peter Rothbard

Improvisation, whether in music, art or even soccer requires impeccable technical skills honed over years of diligent, intensely nitpicking practice. You also need personal willpower, stamina, patience, and an aesthetic sensibility.

When you successfully internalize these skills and characteristics, you master the art of improvisation and wonderful things happen. You begin to shape your musical gesture subconsciously, utilizing all that you know and have learned. If you are playing with others, the sum becomes greater than the parts and you make great music. World class musicians are made of such stardust.

Such will be the case when the trio Tisra, consisting of Zakir Hussain on tabla, Sabir Khan on sarangi, and Debopriya Chatterjee on bansuri take to Bailey Hall’s stage on Friday, March 22. As Zakir told me in a phone interview last week, “Like jazz, I think the impression is that Indian classical music is largely improvised. I would say that is not true. A good percentage, yes, but not more than 50%. Just like jazz, you take solos on the form.” He explained that in jazz, after playing the melody through once or twice, the soloist typically takes a chorus or two, then another musician follows with their solo. The song lasts about 10 minutes. But in Indian

music, “…the improvisation is shared between the musicians. They explore (together) the melody and the structure of the music.” Improvisations in Indian music last much longer in the sense that everyone is collaborating in a sort of collective solo, not unlike the free jazz genre.

Zakir is well acquainted with western music. Collaborating with Grateful Dead percussionist Mickey Hart in 1991, their album Planet Drum won the first ever Grammy in the Best World Music Category, as well as DownBeat Magazine’s Critics’ Poll for Best World Beat Album.

Zakir has high regard for guitarist John McLaughlin whom he worked with in Shakti, a 1970s fusion band formed after McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra disbanded. As Zakir explained in the interview, McLaughlin took several years to learn Carnatic music before incorporating it into his songs and solos, earning Zakir’s respect. Shakti explored both Hindustani (north Indian) music and Carnatic (south Indian) music along with jazz.

Demystifying the classical music of the Indian sub-continent can be difficult. But it’s worth unveiling the richness of the melodies, the intricacies and subtleties of the rhythms and patterns, and the luxuriously languorous harmonic beds that glue it all together.

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COMING IN APRIL!

It is difficult to leave our Western ears and sensibilities at home while we bask in melodic scales that draw upon up to 22 different notes while the Western canon only uses 12. Indian classical music uses a different tuning system. To the unaccustomed ear, it may sound simultaneously out of tune, yet wondrously ethereal. Continued exposure softens the sound until you surrender to plethora of melodic colors Indian music has to offer.

Like many African rhythms, rhythms of the subcontinent are more holistic than western ones; rhythmic groupings are not always simple combinations of two or three beats. Phrases based on undivided beats of 5, 7, 11 or 13 are not unusual. While western classical harmony is more directional, the music of the sub-continent is modal, (lacking a strong sense of harmonic direction and movement), stable, repetitive, simple, but lush.

Zakir may the most prominent of these musicians on Friday, serving as the 2022 Kyoto Prize Laureate in Arts and Philosophy. In addition to his two Grammys, Zakir has won the Best Percussionist award in the DownBeat Critics’ poll and Modern Drummer’s Readers’ Poll. Drawing from his experience working with Bela Fleck and John McLaughlin among others, he

has composed four concertos. His second concerto was premiered at the Kennedy Center by the National Symphony Orchestra. He has taught at Princeton, Stanford, the University of Washington, and UC Berkeley.

Sabir Kahn is a 10th generation sarangi player, which is a bowed string instrument that has the uncanny ability to sound like the human voice. He has written for film and television. Debopriya Chatterjee will offer her work on the bansuri, an Indian bamboo flute found more often playing folk music. She has studied for 25 years under her guru and is one of the few women who specializes in Hindustani music.

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.

Trio Tisra

Zakir Hussain, Sabir Khan and Debopriya Chatterjee

Friday March 22 7:30 p.m.

Cornell University, Bailey Hall 230 Garden Ave, Ithaca

Acclaimed musicians Zakir Hussain, Sabir Khan and Debopriya Chatterjee expand their music with improvisation.