June 5, 2024

Community Justice Center Opens Three New Community Resource Hubs in Tompkins County

By Matt Dougherty

The Community Justice Center (CJC), a joint initiative by the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County, has announced the opening of three new “Community Resource Hubs” in Slaterville, Lansing, and the City of Ithaca’s West Hill Neighborhood.

These hubs aim to expand access to essential services and resources, complementing the already established hubs in Enfield and Groton. This initiative is part of the CJC’s ongoing efforts to implement the joint Reimagining Public Safety plans.

The Community Resource Hubs provide residents access to information, internet services, forms for services and benefits, transportation and housing resources, and the means to take health or other appointments online or over the phone. The hubs are free for anyone in the community to access and will be staffed throughout 2024 by the Community Justice Center.

The new hubs can be found at the following locations:

• The City of Ithaca West Hill Neighborhood, 150 West Village Place, Room 328, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850, is open Tuesdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

• The Slaterville Fire Hall, 2681 Slaterville Road, Slaterville Springs, N.Y. 14881, is open on Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m.

• The Lansing Library, 27 Auburn Road, Lansing, N.Y. 14882, will be open on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 12 to 2 p.m.

The existing hubs are at the Groton Public Library, 122 East Cortland St., Groton, N.Y. 13073, open on Tuesdays from 12 to 2 p.m.; and the Enfield Community Center, 162 Enfield Main Road, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850, open on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 12 to 2 p.m.

The Community Resource Hubs offer various services to support community members in need. These services include computers and internet access for finding necessary information and using a printer to take information home, assistance in finding reliable transportation, free help in filling out online or paper forms for various benefits and services, and free

access to internet, computers, and phones for online or phone medical appointments.

Monalita Smiley, project director of the Community Justice Center, expressed her enthusiasm for the expansion of the hubs, saying, “We’ve had success meeting people where they are with the first two hubs in Groton and Enfield [and] I’m very excited to add three new hub locations.” Smiley continued, saying, “The goal of the hubs is to make sure people have access to information in their communities. We offer safe spaces for people to access the internet, get help with a form to access services, or

X William Jane Cannabis Dispensary Reopened After Extensive Renovations

The William Jane Cannabis Dispensary, Ithaca’s pioneering cannabis shop, reopened its doors this past Friday, May 31, following a significant renovation period. The dispensary made history as Ithaca's first cannabis store when it launched a pop-up shop on the Commons in March 2023. It temporarily closed at the end of last year for an extensive makeover that took longer than expected.

“We pretty much did everything in there from the floor to the ceilings,” said William Durham, owner of the William Jane Cannabis Dispensary. “If you didn’t see the last place, it was a pop-up shop, so it wasn’t in the greatest condition. But now everything is brand new.”

The original plan was to reopen in April 2024, but several construction-related challenges delayed the timeline. Issues with power transfer and inspection schedules pushed the

reopening back by several weeks. “Being in the construction field, I understand things don’t always go as planned,” Durham explained.

“Certain inspections get pushed back. Sometimes, you find out something’s not right. Small things add up.”

Despite the delays, Durham is confident that the community will be impressed with the results. The renovations have transformed the dispensary into a modern, welcoming space.

“We got kiosks so you can check yourself out pretty easily, and a pick-up window in the front so that you can just step into the lobby, get what you need, and keep it moving if you’d like to,” he said.

The grand reopening featured a variety of local cultivators showcasing their new products, reflecting a significant upgrade in the store’s offerings. “We have a much higher selection

An artistic rendering of the Waters Edge housing development located on the west side of Route 13 in between the Cayuga Medical building and the Ithaca Farmers Market.

of products now compared to what we had,” Durham said. He added, “Everything was grown outdoors to start with, but we got a mix of different products now.”

In addition to the new products, the dispensary is introducing an Education Department designed to foster community engagement through events and discussions. “It’s like a meeting place where we can get in tune with each other and see what they expect from us and what we expect from them,” Durham said. Durham expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and support during the renovation period. “All the support [the community] has given us, you supported a lot more than just a dispensary…It’s a move that pushes forward to help us with everything we’re doing.”

For more information, visit the dispensary’s website or contact them directly at their Ithaca Commons location.

F r EE lan CE rs : Barbara Adams, G. M Burns, Jane Dieckmann, Charley Githler, Ross Haarstad, Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Henry Stark, and Arthur Whitman

THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE ITHACA TIMES ARE COPYRIGHT © 2024, 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 are located at 109 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-277-7000, FAX 607277-1012, MAILING

is

Ithaca, NY 14851. The Ithaca Times was

by the

(1972–1978) and The

The hubs will provide free access to internet, computers, and phones for online or phone medical appointments, as well as additional resources. (Photo: Tompkins County)

By Mark Syvertson

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: WHAT'S THE BEST MOVIE YOU'VE SEEN IN THE PAST YEAR?

County Budget to Necessitate $2 Million in Cuts to Keep Within Tax Cap

By Matt Dougherty

As Tompkins County embarks on the budget process for its 2025 fiscal year, county officials are grappling with rising costs and slower-than-expected revenue growth. With a focus on fiscal responsibility and maintaining essential services, department heads have been tasked with preparing two budget versions to navigate these challenges.

Lisa Holmes, Tompkins County Administrator, has provided a comprehensive overview of the county’s budgetary outlook. Holmes estimates that maintaining current service levels would necessitate a 5.9% tax levy increase. This increase would translate to a $155 rise in the county tax bill for the owner of a median-priced home valued at $300,000.

“Given the current financial landscape, achieving our goals without a significant tax levy increase is challenging,” Holmes said. “We must balance rising costs with our commitment to fiscal prudence and essential services.”

However, to mitigate the burden on taxpayers, the County Legislature has proposed a more modest target of a 2% tax levy increase, necessitating approximately $2 million in budget cuts. To facilitate this, department heads have been instructed to submit two versions of their budgets: a Maintenance of Effort (MOE) budget and a reduced budget with a 5% cut in expenses.

According to County Legislature Chair Dan Klein, With a 2% increase, the tax hike would be $100, and even with a 0% increase, the median homeowner would see a $73 rise due to increasing home values.

Several factors drive the anticipated tax hike. Holmes outlined increased statemandated costs, primarily impacting departments like Social Services and Whole Health. These mandated expenses are expected to pressure the county’s finances significantly in the coming fiscal year.

Employee wages are forecasted to increase by $2.3 million, reaching $47.5 million by 2025. This uptick in payroll expenses encompasses negotiated salary increases and adjustments from a recent compensation study. While essential for retaining a skilled workforce, these wage hikes pose a substantial financial burden for the county. Additionally, the county’s Capital Program contribution is set to increase by $1.378 million, reflecting ongoing infrastructure development and maintenance

commitments. Despite these escalating costs, potential savings could come from a projected 5% employee vacancy rate, yielding approximately $1.878 million.

On the revenue side, sales tax figures for the first quarter of 2024 came in below budgeted amounts, signaling a potential slowdown in economic activity. In response, Holmes advocated for a conservative approach, suggesting using 2023 actual revenue figures as a placeholder for the 2025 budget.

“Sales tax revenues are stagnant, and we are not expecting significant growth in 2025,” Holmes explained. “This conservative revenue estimate will help us plan more effectively.”

Department heads have been instructed to submit two budget drafts to navigate these fiscal challenges. The MOE budget aims to maintain current service levels without any cuts, reflecting a 5.9% tax levy increase. The second version requires a 5% reduction in expenses, aligning with the Legislature’s target of a 2% tax levy increase.

“By asking for two versions of the budget, we can better understand the impact of potential cuts and make informed decisions,” Holmes said. “This approach allows us to identify areas where we can reduce costs without compromising essential services.”

Dan Klein, Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature, emphasized the importance of this dual-budget approach in striking a balance between fiscal responsibility and service provision.

“We have determined that a 6% increase in the tax levy is unacceptable,” Klein said. “By preparing two budgets, we can explore creative solutions to achieve a lower levy while still meeting our obligations.”

Klein acknowledged the difficulty of

this process, noting that the Legislature must consider a range of factors and stakeholder interests.

“We have to balance a lot of needs and prioritize where we allocate our resources,” Klein said. “Every decision involves tradeoffs, and we aim to find a middle ground that is fair and responsible.”

A significant aspect of the budget discussions involves the county’s fund balance, estimated to be between $45 million and $55 million. This “rainy day” fund is a point of contention among legislators, with differing views on how it should be utilized.

“We have a big bank account at the county government level, but we can’t spend it recklessly,” Klein said. “Some people say let’s spend it to keep the tax rate down, and some say no, that just puts off the problem to another year.”

Klein underscored the importance of a balanced approach to using the fund balance. “You can’t use your savings account to pay your electric bill and groceries for too long. You can do that for a little while, but if you rely on your savings account, you will eventually run out of money,” he said.

The budget process is underway, with the department heads and supported agencies already working on their respective budget drafts. The preparation phase will continue throughout the summer, with a recommended budget to be presented to the Legislature in early September.

Holmes highlighted the critical timeline ahead, noting that the summer months will be hectic for county administrators and department heads.

“We have a lot of work to do over the

Jake

“Dune 2.”

Evan

“Civil War.”

Erica

“I gotta say Hereditary, too.”

Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes estimates that maintaining current service levels would necessitate a 5.9% tax levy increase. This increase would translate to a $155 rise in the county tax bill for the owner of a median-priced home valued at $300,000. (Photo: File)

County Legislature Chair Dan Klein has said that a 2% tax levy increase would necessitate $2 million in budget cuts.

(Photo: Tompkins County)

The Talk at

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

RE: Anti-Affirmative Action Group

Founded by Cornell Law Professor Alleges ICSD Event “Segregates” Students

“ICSD will lose this one. William Jacobson is formidable! This lawsuit is long overdue. You think people are upset at ICSD now over school taxes? Just wait until this segregation issue garners national attention. ICSD has been segregating by race in violation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and by gender in violation of title IX for years. My son attended LACS and I have documents going back to the year 2017 confirming that they explicitly excluded white people from a People of Color club, as well as cisgender people from an LGBTQ+ one. If something seems racist when you interchange the any of these words; “people of color”, “black”, “white”, “indigenous” — whatever, then it is racist. The way to determine if a level tool is true is to flip it around 180 degrees and verify that you get the same reading. Same rule applies when

it comes to sexism; exchange the word “men”, “man”, or “male” with “women”, “woman”, or “female”. If it seems sexist after the word swap, then in fact it is.” —

Richard Ballantyne

“Racism is about Power and Oppression. It is impossible for White people to experience racism in this society. Maybe ask yourself why you are saving these documents from over seven years ago. Did your son really suffer racism?” —

Tom Hoebbel

“Hi Tim, here is the Oxford definition of racism: prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism by an individual, community, or institution against a person or people on the basis of their membership in a particular racial or ethnic group. In recent years certain people have sought to redefine racism in order to justify their attacks or hatred directed towards members of a particular race, typically whites and east Asians. Interestingly, people from the same groups have also pushed hard to redefine other words, such as man, woman, marriage, family, gender, sex, etc.

Here is a snippet from an ICSD document from the year 2018:

“The Student of Color (SoC) committee (OPEN ONLY TO STUDENTS OF COLOR) serves as a way to openly engage in dialogues around what it means to be a student of color in this

community. Consider this a space for discussions about issues that are important to you regarding race, both in our school, the larger Ithaca community and around the world. The students will shape the agenda and topics for discussions, as well as any concrete actions/ projects we want to share with the school or wider community. We will look at and speak about current events, history, the media and personal experiences related to race. This is a committee in which trust & privacy are essential. The Soc ultimately serves as a resource for students of color to come together weekly in order to enhance their success at LACS. Participating in this committee could be an opportunity to develop your facing bias essential requirement.”

Same document, except 2019 copy/ paste:

“The Student of Color (SoC) committee (OPEN ONLY TO STUDENTS OF COLOR) serves as a way to openly engage in dialogues around what it means to be a student of color in this community. Consider this a space for discussions about issues that are important to you regarding race, both in our school, the larger Ithaca community and around the world. This committee was created out of the need for an affinity group of students who identify as “students of color”. This committee will be led by Ms. Ana G., Wayne V. and Robyn S. Students will find ways to feel empowered and heard validated and affirmed. Quote from Wayne “Are you yellow, Black or Brown? Wanna be down? Think your Woke? This committee is no joke.”

Notice the spelling mistake in “Think your Woke?”

Now just imagine the outrage if there existed a school committee that was “ONLY OPEN TO WHITE STUDENTS”. Bottom line I’m pretty sure MLK Jr. would disapprove of the resegregation of schools, along with the hate and jealousy based anti-whitism that has become more prevalent throughout America during the past 15 years. MLK wanted people to be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.” — Richard Ballantyne

“Did ICSD spend money on this? If so, how much and is this an example of how ICSD somehow spends the outrageous total of $30,000 per year per student? Meanwhile, did Ithaca.com not just publish a report showing that students of color in Ithaca are absent from school to a shocking extent? Why isn’t improvement on that score a focus (which would not

cost much) instead of whatever this conference was about?” — Steven Baginski

“The Equal Protection Project is on solid legal ground and the District will incur expensive litigation it will ultimately lose. Why? Federal and state non-discrimination laws long in place prohibit discrimination based on race neutrally, that is in both directions. Apply the smell test and assume the District was sponsoring white only group. Outraged? Well it works both ways. Also read the Harvard admissions decision. Supreme Court has spoken on preferences and made clear they violate the constitution, not just federal and state statute law. If the Board does not act to stop this, rest assured the EPP people will pursue litigation and the District will lose as will its taxpayers. Realizing this, many organizations EPP has complained about have backed off, no doubt advised by counsel racial preferences are illegal. The Board now faces cutting the proposed budget, It can't afford to act illegally.” — Henry Kramer

“I think if the district sponsored a "How NOT to be a racist A-hole" workshop and it was only open to White people, that would be totally fine...it is only relevant to them so quit complaining.” — Tom Hoebbel

“It certainly seems that a lot of "educated" white people need to know about "false symmetry". Never thought "reverse racism" would have a place in Ithaca. Impressive.” — Marta Almeida

“ ICSD is preventing New Roots Charter School students of color from attending.” — Valerie Forster Githinji

“Not at all surprised that Ballantyne and Bags are bringing their recaist vaudeville routine to the fore. So nice that bigots like them still have a place to fail at humanity, all the while showing why school IS still important.” — David Bly

“The similarities are uncanny between CRT (critical race theory) and CCT (class conflict theory).” — George Little

“Thank God people are standing up to the woke mob in Ithaca and pointing out their astounding hypocrisy. ICSD needs to be held accountable.” — April Krueger

UPS DOWNS&

Ups

The free community launch event, In the (Children's) Garden with Dr. Carver, will be held on Saturday, June 8th, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., at the Ithaca Children's Garden, 121 Turtle Lane, in Ithaca, New York.

Downs

An unidentified man has died after a suspected overdose at the Tompkins County Jail. The man was transportated to the Cayuga Medical Center by Bangs Ambulance on May 29, and died on June 2 according to a statement from Tompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne.

HEARD SEEN&

Heard

The Community Justice Center, Southside Community Center’s Black Girl Alchemy Program, and local artists Annemarie Zwack and Terrance Vann are inviting the community to the unveiling of a brand-new mural on the Commons in Downtown Ithaca on Sunday, June 9 at 1:30 p.m.

Seen

Kommuna Lux, an urban folk band from Odesa, Ukraine, will present a benefit concert to raise money for a hospital in Ukraine at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, at the First Unitarian Society in Ithaca, 306 N. Aurora St.

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

53 . 2 % Yes.

41.8% No.

5.1 % I don’t care.

N ext W eek ’s Q uestio N : Should the City build a public restroom?

Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.

Cornell President Rejects Student Referendum Calling for Ceasefire and Divestment

By Matt Dougherty

Cornell University President Martha Pollack issued a statement on May 30 announcing her disapproval of a student referendum that called for the university to support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and divest from major weapons manufacturers. The referendum, which passed with a 2:1 ratio, saw a participation rate of 46.77%.

Pollack’s statement, issued eight days after the 30-day deadline mandated by university policy, emphasized the university's stance on political neutrality. “The university is not the State Department— we do not espouse a foreign policy,” Pollack stated. She highlighted the diversity of opinions within the campus community, noting, “Were I, on behalf of Cornell, to express university support for particular geopolitical positions on which there is strong disagreement, this could chill the voices of those Cornellians who disagree.” Pollack also addressed the demand for divestment, explaining that the primary purpose of Cornell’s endowment is to support the university’s mission, not to exercise political or social power. “Cornell’s endowment consists of gifts to the university that are invested to generate money that supports the university’s work in perpetuity,” she stated, emphasizing the funds’ role in supporting financial aid, faculty salaries, facilities, academic programs, and research activities.

Additionally, Pollack said that she was “troubled” by the referendum targeting companies for selling weapons to Israel “when there have not been calls for divestment or sanctions from a host of other countries involved in similar conflicts.” Pollack also pointed out that the proposed divestments could violate New York State’s Executive Order 157, which prohibits investment activity intended to penalize Israel.

Nick Wilson, a Cornell Coalition for Mutual Liberation (CML) member and one of the students suspended for participating in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, criticized Pollack’s response. “Pollack’s rhetoric surrounding political neutrality... is another example of the university preferring to mimic peer institutions,” Wilson said. He argued that

the university’s endowment already takes political stances through its investments, saying, “There’s no apolitical way to manage $100 billion.”

Wilson emphasized that Cornell’s own 2016 divestment guidelines commit the university to divest from companies engaged in genocide or systemic killing of children and that Pollack’s disapproval contradicts these guidelines.

“It’s disappointing to see the student body more committed to the idea of enforcing established board policy than the president of this university,” Wilson stated. He added, “The university is happy to proclaim that it stands against genocide and systemic cruelty to children, but when it comes to taking concrete actions that might compromise their financial interests, they quickly move towards political neutrality and obfuscation.”

In response to President Pollack’s claim that the referendum was unfairly singling out Israel, Nick Wilson said, “I think it’s very interesting that President Pollack would gesture at the idea of singling out Israel. By doing so, she makes clear that there are other entities Cornell is invested in that are engaged in genocide, systemic cruelty to children, and other moral atrocities. In the Coalition for Mutual Liberation, we broadly support thoroughly investigating the university’s financial ties to these ongoing atrocities, whether in the Congo, Qatar, or other parts of the world.” Wilson added, “Pollack’s implicit gestures to these conflicts or Cornell’s investments in them are a bad faith move to distract from the fact that what’s going on in Gaza is a genocide that merits special attention.”

Regarding Pollack’s claim that divestment is a political act, Wilson contended that maintaining investments in weapons manufacturers is equally political. “Actively supporting an ongoing genocide [is just as political as] it is to withdraw from conflict,” he said. Wilson also criticized the timing of Pollack’s response, noting it came days after increased Israeli attacks on Rafah.

In response to Pollack’s reliance on New York State Executive Order 157 as a reason for not divesting, Wilson said, “It’s certainly an act of cowardice.” He added that the university’s actions amount to "genocide denialism.”

Wilson elaborated on the broader implications of Pollack’s decision, expressing that it undermines the democratic processes of Cornell’s student government. “The fact that Pollack’s statement came nearly a week after the mandated deadline is another example of the administration circumventing shared governance procedures,” Wilson said. He argued that this delay, coupled with the disapproval of the referendum, represents an antidemocratic practice by the university administration.

Wilson highlighted that the referendum’s approval demonstrated the student body’s overwhelming support for the resolution, which he believes represents a broader commitment to addressing human rights abuses. He pointed out that the CML and other student groups would continue pushing for divestment and a ceasefire. “We think in times such as these, it’s necessary not to silence the people who are being victimized by a genocidal military campaign,” he said.

The referendum that Pollack has now disapproved of, deciding against sending it to the Board of Trustees, came in response to the escalation of violence following Hamas’s attack against Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of roughly 1,200 Israelis. Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, including 22,000 women and children. Israel has also killed at least 95 journalists, destroyed 26 hospitals, and bombed 200 schools and all 12 universities in Gaza.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has labeled these actions as a “plausible” genocide and has repeatedly ordered Israel to halt its attacks on Rafah,

Cornell President Martha Pollack officially disaproved of a student referendum that passed by a 2:1 ratio calling for Cornell Univeristy to support a ceasefire in Gaza and divest from weapons manufacturers complicit in acts of genocide in a move that critics have equated to “genocide denialism”. (Photo: Cornell University)

Raising Awareness About Racism Against Asians

By Ayami Yamaguchi

Recently, many residents of the Ithaca community have raised concerns about ICSD administrators’ lack of accountability in our failing schools. I am sharing my experience.

We have been members of the ICSD community for 13 years. I have three children and they all experienced racial harassment quite often in schools. Called racial slurs, made fun of what they eat, asked to teach obscene words in the language they speak at home, gestures of slanted eyes, the list goes on.

Recently, I witnessed the harassment my youngest received with my own eyes. The incident occurred in the public place in front of many people including many students and families from different schools. I can not imagine what it’s like when they are in the school buildings with limited people around. He was at the home track meet. When he was heading to the field for his run when a group of students from his school called his name. One of them yelled “Ching Chong,” at him and they started laughing. My son completely ignored them and left. I confronted the group and reported the incident, but my son told me “Nobody cares about Asians slurs. It’s not that deep. You are wasting your time.” Sadly, I knew what he meant since I have also experienced unfair treatment as an Asian.

ICSD has been committed to promoting an anti-racist culture, so I expected better from them, however I didn’t get proper responses from any authorities in ICSD. After reporting, I was disappointed with the interactions I had with the ICSD administration in regards to the track meet incident. It didn’t feel like they had a policy to, especially for racism against Asians. I was told the perpetrators were immediately disciplined, but as for the victim of the inci-

COUNTY BUDGET

continued from page 4

summer,” Holmes said. “Our goal is to present a well-considered and balanced budget that addresses our financial challenges while maintaining essential services.”

Despite the demanding schedule, Holmes

dent, nobody interacted with my son until I raised concerns, which was 8 days after the incident. How does ICSD educate perpetrators if they didn’t include the victim’s voice in the conversation? Isn’t it why the racial harassment never stops? I asked several questions for them to convince us that ICSD treats all racial incidents equally and I didn’t get any answers, instead I was offered a meeting. I declined the meeting and requested an answer before the meeting. Then, I was told “I wish you’ll find peace.”

While I was exchanging emails with ICSD administrators, I shared the messages with my son and talked about it with him. He kept saying “Nobody cares. You are wasting your time”. My other children also agreed nobody cares about Asian racist slurs. Is this the anti-racist culture ICSD has been promoting? It seems for Asian students being called racial slurs in the schools is already normalized.

I don’t know if it’s effective, but an administrator who I was interacting with met with my son and talked about the incident and told him they’ll support him. This was three weeks after the incident. It’s definitely better than nothing, but I still have some unsettled feelings.

It is very easy to say “we are an antiracist community”, but what do they actually do to promote that culture? How have they evaluated the actual ‘anti-racistness,’ or effectiveness of whatever they have been doing to promote that culture?

The same thing can be said for quite literally anything that ICSD has claimed to do. ICSD can say so many beautiful things, but do we know what is actually happening? Some things can be seen very beautiful from one side, but if you try to see things from the other side, things might not be as beautiful.

Ayami Yamaguchi is a resident of Ithaca and a mother of two current and one former ICSD students.

expressed confidence in the county’s ability to navigate the budget process effectively.

“We have a dedicated team and a robust process in place,” Holmes said. “I am confident that we will find a solution that meets the needs of our community.”

Adding to the complexity of the budget process, Holmes announced her retirement

Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should:

AN OPEN LETTER TO WHITE FOLKS IN THE ITHACA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

By Meryl Irene, Village at Ithaca Executive Director

As a parent of children in the Ithaca City School District for the past 11 years, few things have brought me as much joy as the creation and implementation of the Students of Color United (SOCU) Summit. As the Executive Director of Village at Ithaca and a former attorney for children in our local court system, I have spent most of my professional career watching students of color crumble under the weight of oppressive systems. I have listened to the criminalization of children as young as 7, and watched the light go out of their eyes as they transition from elementary to secondary school.

I have watched as these beautiful, brilliant children are made to feel small, inconsequential, less than and I have watched the adults in our community unable or unwilling to stop it.

I am also a graduate of Cornell Law School, where I first encountered Professor William Jacobson. His Securities Law Clinic inexplicably materialized in the basement offices of the Cornell Legal Aid Clinic, taking up space in the already tight cubicles where I spent 4 semesters doing pro bono divorces for victims of domestic violence and appealing benefits denials for children with disabilities. Shortly after I graduated, the Legal Aid Clinic completely disappeared. Fifteen years later, the Securities Clinic (whatever that is) is somehow still there.

Clearly, Professor Jacobson is an expert at taking up space, and has decided for some reason to direct that expertise at a student run event in our local school district, during which our students of color dare to try and reclaim a tiny amount of joy.

As white people, we are accustomed to

effective January 1. The county has initiated a nationwide search for her replacement, aiming to have a new administrator in place by October for a smooth transition.

“Our current County Administrator, Lisa Holmes, has been an incredible asset, and her leadership will be missed,” Klein said. “We are committed to finding a ca-

taking up space, particularly in predominantly white communities like Ithaca. Our privilege affords us the opportunity to continually be surrounded by people who look like us, who never have to consider what it is like to be othered, who can say things like “I don’t see color” or “I didn’t realize racism was a problem here.” We don’t have to worry about finding safe spaces, because all spaces are our safe spaces, and always have been. Taking up space is a good old American God-given right for us white folks.

I have not been a practicing attorney for several years, and I have loved every second of that time. I skimmed Professor Jacobsen’s legal filing regarding the SOCU summit and recognized familiar legal arguments and citations. Perhaps his arguments are correct, and that is the reason the ICSD Administration released a statement stating that the Summit would be open to all community members. Or perhaps he is simply a very competent bully, with years of experience taking space away from those who truly need it. Once in a while, my family will find itself at an all you can eat buffet, where my children have the opportunity to take as much food as they could possibly desire. As a parent, I do not let them overload their plates with more than they can eat. Just because you can have all the food, doesn’t mean you should. We only take what we need.

White members of the ICSD community, I implore you- though we can attend the SOCU summit, we should collectively agree that we will not. We do not need to take up more space.

We have enough.

pable successor to continue the important work she has done.”

As Tompkins County moves forward with the 2025 budget process, officials remain focused on balancing fiscal responsibility and maintaining essential services. The dual-budget approach, while demanding, is seen as a necessary step in achieving this balance.

Redeveloping the WaterFront Waters Edge Housing Project to Bring 500 Units to Ithaca’s Waterfront

By Matt Dougherty

Asignificant redevelopment plan has been proposed for an 8+ acre site currently occupied by Department of Transportation maintenance buildings along the Cayuga Inlet. Arnot Realty is developing the project and aims to transform the area located on the west side of Route 13 in between the new Cayuga Medical building and the Ithaca Farmers Market into a mixed-use development featuring residential units, commercial space, and extensive amenities.

The $64 million project includes constructing two five-story buildings along the waterfront and two four-story buildings inland. The development will provide 450-500 residential units and approximately 10,000 square feet of commercial space between the four buildings.

The project will be executed in two phases. The first phase will include around 200 residential units, with the remaining 250-300 units to be built in the second phase. Each phase will feature one waterfront and one inland building. The waterfront buildings will be interconnected by a second-floor roof terrace, with the ground

floors designated for parking, commercial use, residential units, and various amenities. The upper floors will house additional apartments and amenities.

The inland buildings will primarily consist of residential units and amenity spaces. The site will be enhanced with fire pits, outdoor recreation areas, dining spaces, and landscaped areas. New terraced stairways and ramps will be added along the Waterfront Trail, providing access to new boat docks and a kayak launch on the Inlet.

The development is planned for the MD Zoning District and will not require any variances. It is categorized as a Type One Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), necessitating a thorough environmental review. The environmental review process will ensure the project aligns with local and state regulations.

Arnot Realty Development Manager Ian Hunter told the Ithaca Times, “Like our previously completed projects in the City,

namely Ironworks in the West End and Boathouse Landing on Inlet Island, we view the former DOT site as an exciting opportunity to create a unique development that will be unlike anything currently in Ithaca.”

Hunter said the project “intends to reduce the number of daily commuter trips into the City and increase the local tax base.” He said additional goals were to preserve and enhance the waterfront and complement the Ithaca Farmers Market with year-round retail/commercial space.

In a recent conversation, Ithaca’s Director of Planning and Development, Lisa Nicholas, said that the City has wanted this site developed for a long time. According to Nicholas, the Department of Transportation (DOT) sold the property to Arnot roughly two years ago, and Arnot presented their site plan review to the Planning Board in November 2023. She added, “It’ll take a little while to get through the process, but we’re working through that, and the planning board is really excited about the project.”

Nicholas said the project is currently in the environmental review stage, which state law requires for all development projects. This is a critical phase where the planning board ensures that all aspects of the development comply with regulatory and environmental standards. Nicholas said, “Because this is a large project, it could take several months to do that.” This comprehensive review examines environmental factors such as fire access, transportation, and potential flooding.

TRAFFIC CONCERNS

One of the primary concerns discussed was the potential impact on traffic, especially on Route 13, due to the project’s entrance. Nicholas shared that the Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently reviewing the traffic study conducted for the project. “Their traffic study showed no impact, but the board was not 100% convinced by that,” she said, indicating that further scrutiny might be necessary. The

Between the four buildings, the development will provide 450-500 residential units and approximately 10,000 square feet of commercial space.

Director of Planning

Lisa Nicholas says that developers are currently in the process of completing an environmental review for the project, which is required by state law.

The project will be executed in two phases. The first phase will include around 200 residential units, with the remaining 250-300 units to be built in the second phase. (Photo: Arnot Realty)

planning board is awaiting DOT’s comments before making a final decision on traffic-related issues.

According to the Route 13 redevelopment project, approximately 25,000 vehicles travel along Route 13 in the City of Ithaca every day. Additionally, between August 2019 and August 2022, data from the City showed that 46 crashes occured at the Route 13 intersection with Third Street, which would connect the Waters Edge development to the rest of the City.

In response to questions regarding the project’s impact on traffic along Route 13, Hunter said that Arnot is “committed to working with the City to minimize any impacts that may be identified throughout the site plan review process, whether related to traffic, the waterfront trail, or otherwise.”

Hunter continued by saying that Arnot is “in the process of discussing trip generation and traffic with the Planning Board and NYSDOT.” He added that the Route 13 Corridor Study also addresses concerns regarding traffic along Route 13.

Based on the information available, Hunter said, “The analysis we’ve completed to date and submitted for NYSDOT review indicates that the number of incremental trips generated by the proposed project is unlikely to result in a noticeable impact to the existing traffic patterns.” He added, “In the longer term, we believe that a Fifth Street Extension similar to that proposed in the City’s Route 13 Corridor & Cayuga Waterfront Revitalization Project grant application from 2018 would greatly improve both the connectivity and accessibility of the waterfront area.”

Potential flooding was another critical concern, given the site’s proximity to the lake. Nicholas provided reassuring insights, stating, "With all of the potentially revised flood maps, this property does not really change that much.” She explained that only a small portion of the property, specifically the northeast corner, falls within the 100year floodplain. The development will incorporate flood-proofing measures to mitigate risks, ensuring the buildings are raised above the base flood elevation.

Construction of the Waters Edge development will inevitably impact access to the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. Nicholas acknowledged that there would be times when the trail would need to be temporarily closed. “They don’t think that it will be like a continuous closure,” she clarified, suggesting that any closures would be periodic and dependent on the construction activities.

According to Hunter, “For the trail and waterfront improvements mentioned above to be completed safely, it is unavoidable that users of portions of the trail along the property will need to be re-routed during limited construction periods.” An alternative route via the Third Street extension has been proposed, though further evaluation is needed to ensure its safety and feasibility.

The issue of housing affordability within the Waters Edge development was also addressed. Nicholas indicated that the project would likely feature market-rate housing but said that including affordable housing was part of the original proposal. While the current status of affordable housing in the project remains unclear, Nicholas ex-

pressed hope that the developers would consider integrating affordable units as the project progresses.

In response to questions about the type of housing that will be provided by Waters Edge, Hunter said the development will include residential units ranging in rent level and size from studios to two-bedroom units with a den, but did not give specific prices for units based on their size or say if any of the units would be used as affordable housing.

The estimated total cost for the Waters Edge development is around $64 million, as stated in Arnot’s site plan review application. Nicholas also highlighted the project’s eligibility for incentives under the city’s Community Investment Incentive Tax Abatement Program (CIITAP). However, she was unsure if the developers had formally applied for these abatements yet.

In response to questions regarding the project’s total cost, Hunter said, “Given the increased price volatility that has resulted from the COVID pandemic and the subsequent inflationary environment, the project’s construction cost cannot be accurately identified until we are closer to

breaking ground.” Regarding the possibility of applying for incentives through CIITAP, Hunter said, “The project has not yet applied for any tax abatement incentives, but we are exploring the opportunity to do so as both Ironworks and Boathouse Landing participated in programs administered by TCIDA and IAED.”

The Waters Edge development represents a significant opportunity for the city in terms of urban revitalization and addressing the community’s housing needs. “We’re really excited to see this project moving forward,” Nicholas said. The project is expected to bring a range of benefits, from increased housing availability to enhanced commercial spaces, thereby contributing to the overall economic growth of the area.

As the Waters Edge development advances through the planning and approval stages, several critical steps still need to be taken. The environmental review process remains a focal point, with the planning board carefully examining all aspects to ensure compliance and minimize adverse impacts. The board is also keenly awaiting feedback from the DOT regarding traffic concerns, which will be pivotal in shaping the final design and implementation plans.

The City is planning to redevelop a mostly vacant Department of Transportation site located at 683 Third Street on into a massive mixed-use development on Ithaca’s waterfront. (Photo: Arnot)

Enhance Your Life Through Improved Hearing This Men’s Health Month

By Amanda VanFossen, A.S. NYS Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser

June marks Men's Health Month, a time to shine the spotlight on the health issues men face and encourage proactive steps for early detection and treatment. Hearing loss is a widespread but often underestimated health concern that impacts millions of men worldwide. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders (NIDCD), men are nearly twice as likely to experience hearing loss than women.

Breaking Down Barriers

A key challenge in addressing hearing loss among men is dismantling the stigma often associated with seeking treatment. Society often pressures men to "tough it out" or downplay health issues, which can lead to significant delays in diagnosis and intervention. Untreated hearing loss can have far-reaching consequences, including an increased risk of cognitive decline, social isolation, depression, and reduced earning potential.

The stigma around hearing loss partly stems from the perception that it is a sign of aging or weakness. A common fear is that acknowledging hearing loss makes one seem old or less capable. This is a serious misconception, as hearing loss can affect individuals of all ages and addressing it promptly can improve one's quality of life and assist in maintaining their professional and personal capabilities. It is crucial we shift the narrative and recognize that seeking help for hearing loss is a sign of strength and a step towards overall improved health.

Proactive Steps for Better Hearing Health

Fortunately, there are steps men can take to protect their hearing and mitigate the impact of hearing loss:

• Regular Hearing Check-ups: Make hearing screenings a regular part of your health routine, just like dental check-ups or eye exams. This is especially important if you work in noisy environments or have a history of loud recreational activities, such as attending concerts, hunting, or using power tools.

• Protective Measures: When engaging in activities with high noise levels, it's important to wear ear protection like earmuffs or earplugs to shield your ears from excessive noise.

• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: A healthy lifestyle benefits not just your hearing but your overall well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can enhance your health and potentially reduce the risk of hearing loss. In particular, a healthy

cardiovascular system ensures adequate blood flow to the inner ear and managing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can help prevent associated hearing loss.

• Seeking Help: If you suspect you have hearing loss, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Early intervention is key to managing hearing loss effectively. A hearing healthcare professional can conduct a comprehensive evaluation, recommend appropriate treatment plans, and provide guidance on your hearing journey.

Education and awareness are vital in combating the stigma and encouraging men to prioritize their hearing health. By raising awareness, challenging negative perceptions, and promoting proactive strategies for prevention and management, we can empower men to take control of their hearing health and enjoy fuller, healthier lives.

Your Hearing Health Matters

This June, take the time to notice your hearing. Do you struggle to hear conversations in background noise or have difficulty understanding what is being said on the TV? Are loved ones repeating themselves often? Take note of any strains and struggles your hearing places on your daily activities.

Our compassionate staff is here to help you take your first step towards better hearing health. Call one of our offices to schedule your complimentary hearing checkup. Acting today can lead to a lifetime of better hearing and improved quality of life.

Timeless Hearing (Ithaca, NY): (607) 327-4711

Cortland Hearing Aids (Cortland, NY): (607) 327-4712

Southern Tier Audiology (Elmira, NY): (607) 327-4714

Tri-City Hearing (Vestal, NY): (607) 327-4713

Timeless Hearing (Skaneateles, NY): (315) 800-0616

Amanda VanFossen began with Timeless Hearing in 2017. She is a NYS licensed hearing aid specialist whose passion for helping patients goes well beyond the rehabilitation of their hearing health. Personable and warm, Amanda is a loving wife, a mother of two, and a graduate of SUNY Broome with an Associate’s Degree in Individual Studies. Amanda has specialized expertise in hearing assessments, as well as fitting and fine-tuning hearing instruments for a variety of hearing losses.

Ithaca-Based Startup Gets Funding to Analyze Your Pee

By Matt Dougherty

Launch NY has announced a significant investment in Caretech Human, an Ithaca-based startup developing cutting-edge health monitoring technology. The $175,000 investment will support the company’s efforts to scale up manufacturing and bring its innovative product to market.

Housed at Cornell University’s Center for Life Science Ventures business incubator, Caretech Human has created a small, non-invasive device that users can install above the waterline in their toilet bowl. This device provides continuous health monitoring for urology diseases, offering a new standard of care in the field. The monitoring system is designed to detect and screen for diseases that affect more people than diabetes, providing a passive, convenient way for patients to monitor their health at home.

“In some health domains, patients have tools for self-monitoring at home, such as blood pressure devices, cardio holders, or glucometers. However, in urology, there is no convenient way to assess the severity of symptoms and disease progression at home,” said Dan Matsui, CEO of Caretech Human. “Launch NY funding helped the company stay focused on its goals during this exciting time, and we’re excited to begin manufacturing and selling our device.”

The $175,000 investment from Launch NY includes $75,000 from its nonprofit seed fund and $100,000 from the LaunchNY Seed Fund II, a new for-profit limited partner fund that began making investments in 2023. This funding will allow Caretech Human to transition from the development phase to commercial production, preparing it to enter the market and significantly impact the health technology sector.

“We are pleased to bring exciting new companies into the Launch NY portfolio, especially as they prepare to enter commercial manufacturing and begin to truly scale their innovative products,” said Marnie LaVigne, Ph.D., president and CEO of Launch NY. “These investments represent our region’s belief and experience showing

that putting seed stage capital into these Upstate New York startup companies can create market-leading products competitive not only locally, but nationally – and beyond.”

Caretech Human’s monitoring system has enormous potential to revolutionize urology care by providing continuous, real-time health data that can be used to screen for and detect diseases at an early stage. This approach not only enhances patient care but also has the potential to reduce healthcare costs by catching diseases early and reducing the need for more intensive treatments.

“Launch NY’s investment is a gamechanger for us,” Matsui said. “It allows us to bring our product to a wider market and start making a difference in the lives of patients who need better tools for monitoring their health. We’re proud to be part of the vibrant innovation economy in Upstate New York and grateful for the support from Launch NY.”

Caretech Human’s device is particularly significant given the increasing focus on preventative care and the growing demand for health monitoring technologies that can be used at home. Caretech Human is addressing a critical gap in the market and offering a solution that can improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life by providing a simple, non-invasive way to monitor urological health.

The investment in Caretech Human is part of a more significant effort by Launch NY to support startup companies in Upstate New York through its InvestLocal financing programs, which include both nonprofit and for-profit funds, as well as an Investor Network. This network is a syndicate of more than 300 accredited investors who receive curated investment opportunities for Upstate New York startups.

In addition to Caretech Human, Launch NY announced investments in two other Upstate New York startups: TelosAir and Edenesque. TelosAir, based in Rochester, has developed a new generation of sensors for air quality management and plans to use the investment

to manufacture its first 500 units. Edenesque, headquartered in Buffalo, produces plant-based dairy products and will use the funding to scale its brand across the U.S. Both companies received $175,000 from Launch NY to support their growth and expansion efforts.

With these investments, Launch NY

continues to drive innovation and support the growth of startup companies in the region, helping to create a vibrant and inclusive innovation economy in Upstate New York.

For more information about Launch NY and its InvestLocal financing programs, visit Launch NY's website.

Flower Prerolls Vapes Concentrate Edibles Tinctures

Lou Walcer, director of the Center for Life Science Ventures, left, and Dan Matsui, CEO of CareTech Human, during the key ceremony to welcome CareTech Human to the center and the Cornell community.

(Photo: Cornell Chronicle)

The Olympic Spirit

UPCOMING SPECIAL OLYMPICS MEANS ALMOST AS MUCH TO VOLUNTEERS AS PARTICIPANTS

By Steve Lawrence

The “What” is the New York Special Olympics.

The “When” is June 14 and 15. The “Where” is Ithaca College. The “Why”, I wanted to know: why some of the volunteers keep coming back year after year.

For the third year in a row, Vicki John has taken to social media and asked friends far and wide to consider volunteering for the Special Olympics. The Summer Games will — for the third consecutive and final year — be held in Ithaca on June 14th and 15th, and the organization is, as always, in need of volunteers.

According to Vicki, “Rich (her husband) and I are so thrilled with our role. We have shown up three years — sum-

mer and winter and it has had a huge impact on us.” She added, “It is amazing to see how some of the athletes show up so scared and uncertain, but they are so supportive of one another, so humble and so encouraging and so kind that as soon as they step to the starting line. There are no ‘stars,’ the families are also supportive of all the athletes, and it meant so much when Rich and I volunteered for the Winter Games in Syracuse, and some of the athletes remembered us! I can’t say it enough — if you have the opportunity to volunteer, you will be so glad you did.”

The Summer Games feature eight events (Basketball, Bowling, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball), spread across several venues (Ithaca High School, Cornell, Ithaca College, the Reis Tennis Center and Midway Lanes). In John's words, “The Volun-

What do residents say about us?

- Ann

teer Coordinators are so helpful. When we showed up, they showed us just what we had to do.” She added, “I must honestly say that I am so proud to be a small part of this amazing, worthwhile organization. It brings back faith in humanity. You just walk away feeling like a better person.”

The Summer Games will draw around 1,200 athletes from around the state. In addition to the athletic competition, the organization also empowers athletes and families to learn more about crucial matters such as Health and Wellness, Nutrition, Hydration and Physical Activity, which offer year-round, life-enhancing benefits off the field of competition. There is also an ongoing effort to promote Inclusive Health, Leadership and Unified Sports programs in communities across the state.

For more info, visit www.specialolympics.org.

starting Friday.

There is a new hiking option in our region, and it is dedicated to the memory of a young man whose was described by his family in his obituary in 2021 as “a quick-witted, loquacious, and soulful young man intent on making the World a better place.”

I had a conversation with two young men — James and Erik — who traveled

Continued on Page 15

Roots is a story of family, chosen family, and what it means to show up for one another Set in Ithaca, NY, the play follows the stories of several community members affected by the criminal justice system, as well as those with an impacted family member, as they navigate their journeys towards connection & healing

Hugs will be in abundance as thousands of Special Olympics Athletes and the volunteers who support them will gather in Ithaca

Fallen Branches Plant

East Ithaca Preschool Celebrates Milestone Anniversary

By La Bourgeois

“The story of East Ithaca Preschool is community co-op, parent involvement, learning for your children,” said Suzanne Foote, the teacher of the East Ithaca Preschool. In conjunction with their centenary celebration on June 2, the parents plan to recognize her twentieth anniversary of teaching. Joyful shrieks, giggles, and the pounding footsteps of little children tumble out of the doorway of the East Ithaca Preschool. “There’s only three of them right now,” Paloma St. Juliana, president of the board, said as a greeting. “One is mine.”

Taking on a role like this is typical for the parents of this 100-year-old cooperative preschool, among the oldest in the nation. Each family at East Ithaca Preschool becomes involved in the operation of the school. A board made up of the parents meets monthly to make decisions. Every other month, all of the parents meet to review these decisions, learn about upcoming events, and deal with all of the other housekeeping. At least one parent helper is in the classroom for each class session. In addition, each family takes on different duties around the schoolhouse. “For example, we have a family who is in charge of keeping the classroom clean. We have a family that is in charge of doing the laundry,” said St. Juliana. “The structure of crafts, letters, learning… All that falls into our teacher.” The schoolroom is an exuberant jumble of colors and shapes. Flags hang from the ceiling. Children’s pictures mix with educational posters and exhibits on every wall. Boxes of toys and learning aids line the short dividers. Every corner can be easily viewed by the single teacher, Mrs. Foote. “She’s the queen of the school,” said St. Juliana, and Foote chimed in, “I should have worn my crown today!”

100th Anniversary Celebration of East Ithaca Preschool & A Recognition of 20 Years of Mrs. Foote

Foote started teaching at East Ithaca Preschool with the 2003-04 school year. Her career began as she raised her own children. “I started doing daycare in my home so my kids could be around kids,” she said. “Four year olds just kind of get it. They want to please you, and they want to do things. They like to be busy. They like to play, and I like to play. My husband always says you go to work to play all day. How could you be tired? It’s hard.”

After graduating from Broome Community College in 1995 with her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education, Foote worked in jobs at Headstart and private schools before moving to Ithaca. She’d been in the area for a couple of years when she discovered East Ithaca Preschool. “I fell in love with the co-op atmosphere,” said Foote. “My biggest fear was, I wasn’t going to remember any of the parents names. It was easy, but I didn’t know because I’ve never done it before.”

Back in the early 1920’s, very few communities had done it before. The Cornell Home Economics Department ran an experimental preschool during the summer of 1923, and the positive experience of the parents caused the local chapter of the American Association of University Women to begin exploring the concept of a cooperative play school model. Coincidentally, a group of mothers from the Belle Sherman neighborhood had the same idea and these two cohorts combined in a meeting on February 18, 1924 to form the Ithaca Cooperative Play School.

The initial home of the preschool was most likely 405 Dryden Road, the home of Mrs.

Gertrude Bennehoff, the first teacher and a graduate of the Pestalozzi-Froebel Teacher’s College in Chicago. Sixteen children from one and a half to ten years old were enrolled in that first year. Different mothers assisted each weekday afternoon from 2-4PM. The play school was considered a success from the beginning, as noted in an article in the January 1925 issue of the Journal of the American Association of University Women. It reads, “Though started primarily to relieve busy mothers of the care of their children for a few hours, it does much more than that. It has been excellent for the children themselves. The wilful child has learned to give way, the selfish child has learned to share, and the lonely, unsocial ‘only child’ has learned to become one of a group. The mothers themselves, by coming together in our meetings as well as by serving as assistants, have gotten invaluable lessons in discipline of children and in cooperation.”

After moving into several different homes and churches, the preschool moved into the Bethel Grove Community Center for the first time in 1958. Due to a rent increase, the organization moved into a church sunday school facility in 1968. In the same year, parents voted to attempt to integrate the preschool, and voted to create a financial assistance fund directly for this effort during the ‘69-70 school year.

Fall of 1975 noted the first use of the name “East Ithaca Preschool,” and the cooperative

Continued on Page 15

Entertainment

The East Ithaca Preschool is celebrating its historic 100th anniversary this year.

Equality Fun Run:

ITHACA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT LEADS CHARGE FOR RACIAL JUSTICE

By Matt Dougherty

Izabel LaForge, a student at Ithaca High School, has been making waves in her community with an annual event that combines fitness, fun, and a commitment to social justice. For the past three years, LaForge has organized the Equality Fun Run, an event designed to support the Southside Community Center, raising over $1,000 each year.

“When I was in eighth grade, I cocreated this fun run for a Racial Injustice project; it turned out to be bigger and better than we could have ever imagined,” LaForge said. The event, which started as a school project, has grown into a significant community gathering that promotes racial

Special Event

justice and community solidarity.

This year’s Equality Fun Run is set to take place on June 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ithaca High School track. Participants are invited to run or walk as many laps as they wish while enjoying free ice cream from Trimmers in Trumansburg. The event also features a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.

“At this event, people come and donate money, and run or walk as many laps as they want around the track. We also have free ice cream from Trimmers in Trumansburg and a raffle with prizes from local businesses,” LaForge explained.

The proceeds from the event go to the Southside Community Center, a vital

Ithaca’s 2024 Pride Festival Led by the Local Queer Community

By Maddy Vogel

Well known as a city of queer acceptance, Ithaca is celebrating its annual Pride festival once again this year with events on the commons and at Dewitt Park spanning throughout this weekend on June 8 and 9.

The 2024 Pride festival, unlike previous years, has been organized by the Ithaca Pride Alliance (IPA). The IPA was established back in December of 2023, when organizers of previous years festivals decided to create their own separate entity from the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, who previously worked with organizers to hold the festival. The IPA is now a fiscally sponsored nonprofit under the Tompkins Chamber of Commerce.

Chair of the IPA Andrew Scheldorf, one of the IPA’s founding members emphasized that this year’s festival is organized by their board, representing the queer community in Ithaca. Scheldorf began queer organizing in Ithaca several years ago, assist-

institution in Ithaca. Established in 1934, the center aims to empower and foster the development of self-pride among AfricanAmerican citizens through various forums and activities in education, recreation, and social awareness.

“All proceeds benefit the Southside Community Center, which continues to affirm and empower the African-American

citizens of greater Ithaca,” LaForge said. “Through forums and activities in education, recreation, political and social awareness, the Southside Community Center is a community resource center.”

For those who may not wish to run or walk, donation jars will be available at the

Continued on Page 15

ing in organizing Ithaca’s first Pride festival.

“Pride this year is super exciting to me because it’s being organized by an all queer group, prior years were a great start but it feels great to be directly working with individuals and groups to produce a festival that folks want and deserve,” Scheldorf said in a statement. “It’s also been really thrilling to see so much of the community come together to support the org and the festival.”

This year’s festival will have keystone events that span across two days- Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, beginning with an opening ceremony on Saturday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Bernie Milton Pavilion.

Following the opening ceremony, there will be an all-ages dance party starting at 7 p.m. On Sunday, there will be a Pride in the Park event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Dewitt Park, where there will be food vendors, community resources, local vendors, performances and more. Performances will include a lineup of local bands, dance groups, and a Drag and Variety show hosted by Tilia Cordata.

According to Scheldorf, this year’s Pride in the Park event is an adaptation of what was known as the Block Party which took place in Press Bay Alley in previous years festivals.

Scheldorf says that the IPA is important to not only organize the festival but also to centralize and bring together the queer community in Ithaca.

“Taking moments like this where we can actually get together, celebrate and recommit to more work in the future is really important for the community to have,” Scheldorf said.

Although Ithaca is known as being very inclusive, the IPA was in part established because there was no permanent resource group for the local LGBTQ+ community

outside of organizations at Ithaca College and Cornell University.

“Ithaca and Tompkins County, it’s seen as very queer progressive and every once in a while we do need to be reminded that there is still work to do,” Scheldorf said. “Just because Ithaca is seen from the outside as a blue square in a sea of red, [...] there’s still biases and prejudice to get over.”

Although Pride is the biggest event that they organize, the IPA is active year-round, centralizing local resources and events that cater to Ithaca’s queer community.

For more information on this year’s Pride festivities, visit https://www.ithacapridealliance.org/community-events or check out @ prideweekithaca on Instagram.

This year’s Equality Fun Run is set to take place on June 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ithaca High School track. All funds raised will be contributed to the Southside Community Center.

This year’s Ithaca Pride Festival is being organized by the recently established Ithaca Pride Alliance. (Photo: Ithaca Pride Alliance)

COMMUNITY

navigate the complexities of resources in our community.”

According to Smiley, “We’re often delivering ‘wraparound services’ after someone has experienced a crisis or is desperate for help. These hubs are a way to deliver those services to people earlier…I see this as a prevention mechanism and a way to uplift people in areas that don’t have everything you can find in the county’s geographic center.”

Ithaca City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff also voiced her support for the initiative, highlighting the positive impact already seen in Groton and Enfield. “The City of Ithaca is proud to support these resource hubs through the Community Justice Center. Already, there have been many community members in Groton and Enfield finding access to resources—having three new hubs will greatly expand access and show more communities how the CJC is having a positive impact,” Mohlenhoff said. She continued, “Adding a hub to the West Hill neighborhood right in the City is a helpful new way to reach

THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT

continued from page 12

from Washington, D.C. and North Carolina to be a part of a trail pre-dedication over the weekend. Danny’s Trail — a part of a 230-acre preserve managed by the Finger Lakes Land Trust- is located a bit north of Myers Park on Rt. 34B, and was named in honor of Danny Miner, who was raised in Ithaca and who sadly passed from cardio-vascular disease in 2021 at the age of 27. The two young men had worked with Miner, working with at-risk youth in the areas of Wilderness Therapy and Horticulture

people and increase access to resources. While the City hub is located in the West Hill Neighborhood, all city residents are encouraged to visit the hub and utilize resources made available by the CJC,” Mohlenhoff said.

STUDENT REFERENDUM

continued from page 6

continued from page 3 EQUALITY FUN

where more than 1.5 million civilians are seeking refuge and humanitarian assistance.

In addition to the new Community Resource Hubs, the Community Justice Center encourages everyone in Tompkins County seeking resources or information on what may be available to them to dial 2-1-1 (1-877-211-8667) for a caring, local person who will assist each caller and to use their local libraries for ongoing access to information and online resources.

The expansion of the Community Resource Hubs by the Community Justice Center represents a significant step toward improving access to essential services and resources for residents of Tompkins County. These hubs provide immediate support and serve as a preventive measure, offering assistance before crises develop.

Community members are encouraged to visit the hubs during open hours, with no appointments necessary. For more information, individuals can contact the Community Justice Center at 607-7930473 or email msmiley@tompkins-co.org.

Therapy, and they said the dedication ceremony pulled together many people from around the country who loved Danny, but had not had the pleasure of meeting his family.

Todd Miner, Danny's father, helped to plant in his son the seeds of love for the wilderness and service to mankind, as he was the Director of Cornell Outdoor Education for many years, and under his leadership, C.O.E. continued to evolve into one the most respected Outdoor Education programs in the world.

The actual date of the trail opening is Thursday, June 6, and details can be found at www.fllt.org.

“The university’s decision not to divest has already left blood on the hands of the trustees and the president. Cornell is complicit in the genocide and the attack on Rafah,” Wilson said. “The kind of unbridled military might that we see coming out of Israel doesn’t come from nowhere — it’s the direct result of massive arms manufacturers in the United States that have the full support of not only the U.S. government but also financial institutions, including elite private universities like Cornell.”

ANNIVERSARY

continued from page 13

moved back to the Bethel Grove Community Center for the school term beginning in 1977. And that’s where Mrs. Foote found the organization. “One thing I love about this place, I came in this classroom and I thought wow, this is nice because it didn’t look like it was this big,” said Mrs. Foote. “We have a whole gym upstairs. We have a tennis court that they can ride bikes on, and we have a playground.”

St. Juliana affirmed that Mrs. Foote brought her own special qualities to this organization. “As the parent helper, I’ve seen her interact with the kids. We have kids here with who are nonverbal, and with severe food allergies. Mrs. Foote’s ability to dedicate herself to those kids without forgetting the other kids. To include them. For me, it was amazing to see how my child can learn that if he’s sitting next to the child that cannot have peanuts, then he’s not going to have peanuts. And they take it as a very normal thing. It’s their social empathy that I’ve seen grow in my kids. Mrs. Foote is a unique teacher in that regard. She gives so much of herself as

continued from page 14

event. “If you don’t feel like walking but want to donate, there will be donation jars,” LaForge noted, emphasizing that all contributions, big or small, are appreciated. The fun run promises to be a day of community spirit, support for a worthy cause, and enjoyable activities. “I would love for you to join us on June 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ithaca High School track,” LaForge invited the community. For more information about the Equality Fun Run or to make a donation, contact Izabel LaForge at izabel.laforge@ icsd.k12.ny.us or call 201-962-6821.

a person and as a teacher.”

The cooperative model keeps the parents involved in a very immediate way. Mrs. Foote has one or two parent assistants each day of operation, and arranges evening events to bring everyone together. “Every holiday, any celebration, it’s just bringing everybody together, parents and kids. I usually cry,” said Foote. “I’m like, Look at all these families together, all these kids and I just have this really warm feeling. It’s a good feeling. They are magic moments to me.”

St. Juliana jumped in with her observation as a mother, “When Mrs. Foote talks about the celebrations, a lot of the celebrations are what you expect when you go and see your kid at school. They perform, but there is always some parent involvement. That’s what’s the magic.”

For the celebration on June 2, the organization hopes that all of their former alumni and parents will attend. Plans include a visit from Senator Lea Webb, the involvement of Cornell and Ithaca College, and music from Sim Redmond, whose child went to school at East Ithaca Preschool.

“It’s like a big reunion,” said St. Juliana. “A homecoming.”