Preserving Our Hearing: Safeguarding Against Occupational Hearing Loss
By The Timeless Hearing
In the bustling rhythm of the workplace, where machinery hums, construction clangs, and technology buzzes, one vital aspect of our lives is often overlooked– our hearing. Occupational hearing loss is a serious yet preventable issue affecting workers worldwide, slowly muffling our ability to enjoy life’s harmonies and communicate effectively.
The Importance of Hearing Conservation
Imagine this: hours on end in a noise-packed factory or amidst the clangor of construction sites. Prolonged exposure to loud noises in workplaces such as these can lead to irreversible damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 600 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss, with a significant portion attributed to occupational hazards. Preventing occupational hearing loss begins with effective hearing conservation programs and strategies, including:
• Engineering Controls: Implementing soundproofing or muffling equipment to reduce noise levels at the source.
• Administrative Controls: Rotating employees out of noisy areas, scheduling noisy tasks during quieter times, and limiting exposure durations.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing employees with earplugs or earmuffs designed to lessen harmful noise levels.
Employers play a pivotal role in safeguarding workers’ hearing health by instituting measures like these and ensuring compliance with occupational safety standards. It's not only about ticking boxes but cultivating a workplace culture that recognizes possible risks to hearing health and embraces protective strategies.
The Human Cost of Hearing Loss
We depend on hearing for a lot more than we think! Hearing loss can have a profound human toll – missed conversations, misunderstood instructions, and other losses associated with decreased hearing can result in isolation, affecting not only our body but also our minds and sense of self.
Hearing loss can erode our ability for social interaction, leading to increased feelings of loneliness. It can also lead to cognitive decline, mental health issues, and an increased risk of accidents and injuries. Recognizing and addressing hearing loss early can mitigate these risks, and preserve not only an individual's hearing, but also their physical and mental well-being.
Taking Action: A Call to Protect Our Hearing
As we confront challenges posed by occupational hearing loss, taking proactive measures is essential! Taking these steps can help ensure you
Team
are hearing your best:
1. Schedule Regular Hearing Checkups: Routine hearing checks are crucial for early detection of any changes in hearing health. This allows for timely intervention and the prevention of further damage.
2. Educate and Train: Raise awareness about noise hazards and the importance of hearing protection. Employers can also provide training on proper use of hearing protection devices and encourage their consistent use.
3. Advocate for a Safe Work Environment: Work with management to implement effective noise control measures and ensure compliance with safety regulations
4. Seek Professional Guidance: If you suspect hearing loss or need guidance on hearing conservation practices, our team of experienced hearing care professionals is here to help through specialized services tailored to each individual’s needs.
Together, Let’s Preserve Hearing Health
As a community, we have the power to protect the precious sensory asset that is our hearing. By prioritizing hearing conservation and early intervention, we can mitigate the impact of occupational hearing loss and create safer, healthier workplaces for all.
Take the first step towards preserving your hearing—book an appointment with one of our offices today! Let’s work together to ensure that every voice is heard, every sound is appreciated, and every ear is protected!
Timeless Hearing (Ithaca, NY): (607) 327-4711
Cortland Hearing Aids (Cortland, NY): (607) 327-4712
Timeless Hearing (Skaneateles, NY): (315) 800-0616
Southern Tier Audiology (Elmira, NY): (607) 327-4714
Tri-City Hearing (Vestal, NY): (607) 327-4713
Ashley Hardy grew up in Cortland in a family with hearing loss and knows the impact communication can have on quality of life. She received her Bachelor’s in Human Development from Binghamton University in 2004 and has over 19 years of experience as a hearing aid dispenser.
Christine Linnenbach, Au.D. joined Timeless Hearing in 2023. She received her Bachelor's in Communication Disorders and Sciences from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2018 and her Clinical Doctorate of Audiology from Syracuse University in 2022.
Ithaca Receives Grant Funding to Build More Affordable Housing
By Matt Dougherty
The City of Ithaca has been awarded a $1.89 million Restore NY Grant to redevelop three vacant commercial properties into much-needed affordable housing.
In a statement posted on the social media sites X (formerly Twitter), Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo said, “The City of Ithaca has been awarded a $1.89 million RestoreNY grant to support the demolition and reconstruction of three contiguous properties and to develop a residential apartment building.”
According to Cantelmo, “The project will demolish two vacant commercial buildings totaling 7,900 square feet and reconstruct a 24-unit residential apartment building.” He added, “The reconstructed four-story building will be approximately 29,000 sq ft [and] contain three stories of housing over ground-level enclosed parking.”
The centerpiece of Ithaca’s application is the Ithaca Flatiron Building project. This redevelopment plan targets three adjacent vacant commercial buildings at 900, 910, and 912 West Martin Luther King Jr./State Street. The proposal outlines a comprehensive redevelopment plan that includes demolishing the two existing vacant buildings and constructing a new mixed-use building.
UAW Workers at Cornell are prepared to strike on move-in day if their demands for an improved contract are not met.
The new structure will feature groundfloor parking facilities and 24 affordable rental apartments spread across three upper floors. Including ground-floor parking aims to alleviate parking concerns, a common issue in urban redevelopment rojects.
The Common Council has considered various proposals that qualified for the Restore NY funding and ultimately selected the Ithaca Flatiron Building project for submission to the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC).
The resolution passed by the council in support of the project highlights its alignment with the city’s comprehensive plan and Urban Renewal Plan. It asserts that the proposed financing is appropriate and
T ake n ote
X Neighborhood Food Hub Expands to Feed Tompkins County Community
A modest initiative outside the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County has blossomed into a critical community resource, feeding thousands in Tompkins County. The Neighborhood Food Hub, which provides not only food but also pet products, household cleaning items, and hygiene products, continues to grow in scope and impact.
In 2023, more than one hundred families visited the Food Hub each week, with annual visitors surpassing 5,000. This growth is a testament to the collaborative efforts of local organizations and volunteers.
“The Food Hub is more than a food pantry,” said Larry Snyder, Food Hub coordinator. “Our Food Hub not only meets the everyday needs of families but provides an opportunity for our friends with different kinds of needs to volunteer and be a part of something they enjoy and help with.”
The YMCA credits its success to numerous collaborators. The Challenge Prevocational Department assists with staffing, while a group of dedicated volunteers keeps the Food Hub operational. Fort Baptiste Farm, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, the Food Donation Network (FDN), BJ’s
that the project will facilitate the effective and efficient use of existing and future public resources. Additionally, it emphasizes that the redevelopment will promote economic development, preserve community resources, and enhance infrastructure and facilities in a way that attracts, creates, and sustains employment opportunities. A notable aspect of the Flatiron project is that it requires no city funding. The property owner has agreed to provide all necessary local match contributions, ensuring the financial burden does not fall on the city’s taxpayers. This arrangement underscores the project's feasibility and
on Page 14
ON THE WEB
Wholesale, Wegmans, Aldi, Tops, Ithaca Bakery, DiBella’s, and other donors contribute premade meals, fresh produce, dairy, and baked goods.
“The Neighborhood Food Hub is the product of a true collaboration,” said Christie Thornton, CEO of the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County. “It wouldn’t be possible without an all-hands effort between donors, volunteers, local businesses, and staff. The Food Hub embodies what the Y strives to do — ensure access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to be healthy.”
With summer in full swing, the YMCA encourages community members to utilize the Neighborhood Food Hub, especially as grocery needs increase with children home from school. Participants can freely choose from a variety of nutritious options to restock their pantries and refrigerators.
The Neighborhood Food Hub operates Mondays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County, located at 50 Graham Road West.
For more information, visit ithacaymca.com/ourfacilities/ neighborhood-food-hub. To volunteer or donate, contact the YMCA at lsnyder@theithacaymca.com
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
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(1972–1978) and The
The vacant commercial buildings at 900, 910, and 912 W. MLK Jr./State Street in Ithaca, NY, are set to be transformed into the Ithaca Flatiron Building project, which aims to provide 24 affordable rental apartments and ground-floor parking. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
By Mark Syvertson QUESTION
OF THE WEEK: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO JUST MOVED TO ITHACA?
Health Department Announces Funding for Substance Use Prevention & Treatment Services
By Matt Dougherty
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) has announced the release of three Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for substance use prevention and treatment services. Approximately $1.7 million in funding is available from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) to finance these services, which were previously provided by the Alcohol and Drug Council of Tompkins County.
The funding aims to address gaps in services for residents struggling with substance use and includes three main service areas: Primary Prevention Services, Medically Supervised Outpatient Clinic, and Medically Supervised Withdrawal and Residential Stabilization Services.
The Primary Prevention Services program, with a funding allocation of $184,782, aims to prevent or delay substance use and abuse among individuals, families, and communities. Prevention approaches include education, environmental strategies, community capacity building, positive alternatives, and information dissemination.
“Primary prevention is critical in tackling substance use disorders before they start,” said Frank Kruppa, Tompkins County Whole Health Commissioner. “By providing education and resources, we can empower communities to prevent substance use and create healthier environments.”
The Medically Supervised Outpatient Clinic will receive $168,545 to offer treatment to individuals suffering from substance use disorders, along with support for their family members and significant others. This program provides varying levels of outpatient treatment intensity based on the severity of substance use concerns.
“Outpatient services are a key component in the continuum of care for substance use disorders,” said Jan Lynch, Community Services Board Chair. “These services allow individuals to receive the help they need while maintaining their daily responsibilities and support systems.”
The largest funding allocation, approximately $600,000, is designated for Medically Supervised Withdrawal and
Residential Stabilization Services. This program offers care for individuals acutely ill from substance use disorders, providing a safe and supportive environment for withdrawal and stabilization.
The service helps individuals transition to lower levels of care, including rehabilitation, community reintegration, and outpatient treatment. These services will be housed at the Withdrawal and Stabilization Center, a 19,420-square-foot facility located at 2353 North Triphammer Road.
“Providing a safe space for individuals to stabilize and begin their recovery journey is vital,” said Kruppa. “This program will bridge the gap between acute care and long-term recovery support, ensuring continuity of care for those who need it most.”
These funding opportunities are intended to fill the service gaps left by the Alcohol and Drug Council of Tompkins County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the opioid crisis continues to worsen in the United States, with most drug overdose deaths involving opioids like heroin and fentanyl. TCWH regularly publishes data related to overdoses and other drug-related deaths, which continue to rise locally.
“A comprehensive continuum of care for substance use prevention and treatment is critical for preventing, delaying, and supporting recovery from substance use disorders,” said Kruppa. “Together with other local services, these three funding opportunities can create a full pathway to recovery, serving residents needing the most intensive inpatient and residential supports as well as those seeking rehabilitative, outpatient, and community-based care.”
Lynch emphasized the importance of these services, stating, “These critical prevention and stabilization services are essential for our residents with substance use needs. We look forward to reviewing applications from experienced providers and getting these programs back up and running.”
Shawna Black, Tompkins County Legislator and Chair of the Health & Human Services Committee, reiterated the Legislature’s commitment to addressing the opioid crisis.
“The Tompkins County Legislature is committed to resolving the opioid crisis in our community,” Black said. “Ensuring that these vital services are reinstated is one measure of this commitment. Through provision of strong prevention efforts, supportive treatment methods, and innovative rehabilitation services, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our community members impacted by substance use.”
TCWH is seeking proposals from organizations with demonstrated experience in providing substance use prevention and treatment services. Organizations may submit bids for one or more of these RFPs. The selected organization(s) will be responsible for program design, staffing, and operation in accordance with OASAS regulations and guidance. NYS OASAS certification may be required depending on the service type.
Proposals are due by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, with final awards tentatively anticipated by Monday, September 17, 2024. Eligible organizations can find the full RFPs and submit their bid materials online at the Tompkins County page on BidNetDirector NYS Contract Reporter. Bidders without internet access can contact the Tompkins County Purchasing Division via email at purchase@tompkinsco.org or by telephone at (607) 274-5500 for further instructions.
For additional information about submitting requests for proposals, please visit the TC Purchasing Division’s webpage at: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/purchase
“Ithaca has lots of really good weed but it’s not at the dispensaries.”
Rob
“Tip your wait staff adequately.”
Kim
“Watch out for ‘One Way’ signs.”
Zack
“Don’t procrastinate.”
Mark
“Stay in your lane. Literally, on the road.”
Breana
The funding aims to address gaps in services for residents struggling with substance use and includes three main service areas: Primary Prevention Services, Medically Supervised Outpatient Clinic, and Medically Supervised Withdrawal and Residential Stabilization Services. (Photo: File)
The Talk at
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Poll Workers Power Our Democracy
“Dear editor,
Normally the topics that are considered newsworthy when it comes to election coverage have to do with the candidates running for office, or how those candidates are faring in the polls. But today I’m writing about something else that is essential to our country’s democracy running smoothly: being a poll worker.
Poll workers power our democracy. In every city and local jurisdiction, election administrators need poll workers to keep polling places open, help their neighbors vote, and ensure every voter has access to the ballot box. Poll workers are critical to help maintain accessible in-person voting for communities without reliable access to mail service, voters with disabilities, voters who need language assistance, or for voters who want to cast their ballot in person. Serving as a poll
worker is truly one of the most effective ways you can help democracy. Poll worker recruitment happens early, though. It takes time for election administrators to recruit, train, and place poll workers. By getting an important head start, election officials can ensure new poll workers are ready to serve during the primaries as well as the general election in November.
If you are able, please consider joining me in signing up to assist this effort.” — Robert Wagner (robetwagner34@gmail. com)
Congratulations to the MAGA’s
“They continue to seduce Democrats and mainstream media into factchecking and refuting irrelevant and baseless personal attacks on Kamala Harris. The truth is that this Presidential race is between smart seasoned energetic public servant Harris on one side against a nutty old felon with his misogynistic running mate on the other. Locally in the down ballot races, the same kind of choices prevail—reasonable and practical problem-solvers Josh Riley and Lea Webb versus MAGA loyalist Marc Molinaro and early voting by mail opponent, Mike Sigler. PS: The Republicans know better than to challenge our excellent Assemblyperson Anna Kelles.” — Joseph Wilson
RE: Bird Safe Building
“How about they pass a law that limits the total length of all Ithaca City ordinances to not exceed 1 word per resident? Then any law that couldn’t fit within those ~200 pages would become null and void. That would be a step in the right direction.” — Richard Ballantyne
RE: Cherry Arts Receives Funding for Summer 2024 Infrastructure
Improvements
“Lol should have used the money to move the location. Much like the ithaca community gardens the location is anathema to the goal. Maybe the crime ridden low rent area will one day magically revitalize but this is highly unlikely. Be careful anyone who travels down behind Wegmans after dark.” — Not Your Bidness
“Indeed! The rich white scions of NYC families took over and destroyed the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, raising rents on people whose families had been there for many generations.And in the place of their real bakeries and diners the rich white men put in their own very faux examples of those iconic Brooklyn places.
Meanwhile, looking for another spot to spend their parents’ trust fund money they decided to invade Ithaca, because being the very white male scions of Manhattan perfection, they clearly know ''better'' how to make a load of moolah off the back of easily impressed TikTok netizens. Because THEY ARE PERFECT as they always tell us.
This was always doomed to fail BIGLY, as the faux progressives’ hero Trump would say.
I have lived here my entire life and I can count on one hand the number of times I have been there. Heck, I’ve been to Bed-Stuy more times.” — David Bly
RE: Call to Delay Good Cause Eviction
“This version of Common Council has a running roughshod over democracy.
A small cabal of activist residents (who, by their own word have been planning and scheming their agenda for over four years — though they only took over CC last spring) is making laws that affect the rest of us. It’s shameful and ridiculous. Most of these members are still in their 20s with so little life experience that everything they’re passionate about can only be based on ideology and imagination. This is a travesty of tyranny. It makes a joke of "community." People need to wake up to what’s going on.” — Anita Graf
Tompkins County Eyes Minimum Wage Increase
“No industry with flexibility of location will ever be found in Ithaca. Local economy is entirely dependent on Cornell which cannot relocate. The school is funded by non-Ithacans who make money through capitalism. This creates the little fantasy land within which locals can pretend leftism works.” — Steven Baginski
“When will the left ever learn that fiat wage increases by government mandate do not work? Experience in Seattle and California show that when minimums go up, particularly steeply, employers cut back on staff and businesses that can move do move out. The new minimum wage causes wage compression and increases for those above minimum wage. Prices rise. People then purchase more on the web than locally. A clamor arises to raise minimums again. Wages are based on what jobs are worth in the market place. Higher minimum wages promote automation and more self service. Living wages are based on what employees need rather than the market value of what is economic, that is a socialist concept. Sooner or later after a minimum wage increase prices go up and the people on minimum wage need another fiat increase. Yet the left is fixated with trying to solve economic problems by violating the laws of economics and giving people something for nothing. When a concept fails, why do people want to keep repeating it?” — Henry Kramer
RE: Trump Supporters Rally on Ithaca Commons
“As someone who drove past this underwhelming jackboot and pony show in a Prius and flicked them off, I’m delighted to know I got under their skin this much. I encourage all Ithacans to continue sending the clear and unequivocal message that these bigoted freaks aren’t welcome in our town.” — Elizabeth Sandifer
RE: Racism
“On August 10 Community members will gather at Quaker Meeting House to support Peaches Gillette & others who experience harassment due to racism. Ms. Gillette, a grandmother, was with her grandkids at the splash pad at Stewart Park when her grandkids were the target of racial slurs by other children. An adult also was targeting the kids. At 3;30-5;30/ Sat. we will come together as a Community to discuss & commit to confronting this injustice.” — Pat Shea
UPS DOWNS&
Ups
July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to highlight the need for inclusive and culturally responsive mental health services, while addressing gaps in minorities receiving those services.
Downs
The UAW recently filed seven unfair labor practice charges against Cornell University citing violations of workers’ rights and federal labor laws.
HEARD SEEN&
Heard
A Learn to Swim program for New York State residents between the ages of 5 and 12 will be hosted at Taughannock Falls State Park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from August 12-23 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Instruction will be based on the American Red Cross Water Safety Program and participants will receive a “Learn to Swim” certificate upon completion. Participants must register with Kaitlin Crane, call, or text 607-766-1425
email Kaitlin.Crane@parks.ny.gov
Seen
The Dryden Police Benevolent Association (DPBA) is Mike Sigler’s most recent endorsement in the race for New York State Senate in the 52nd District and Senator Lea Webb announced that she has been endorsed by two leading healthcare unions, 1199 SEIU and the New York State Nurses Association.
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 Ithaca hire a part-time encampment response coordinator to manage and support the city’s homeless community?
63 . 9 % Yes.
33.3% No.
2.8 % I don’t care. N
Ithaca Gun Factory Contaminants Spread to Fall Creek, Residents Potentially at Increased Risk of Parkinson’s and Cancer
By Maddy Vogel
Contaminants from the former Ithaca Gun Factory site could be associated with the onset of one Fall Creek resident’s Parkinson’s Disease, according to local environmental advocacy group Toxics Targeting. As the site has a proposed housing development moving forward, the group is calling for increased regulation and spreading awareness about the risks of its contaminants.
Walter Hang, President of Toxics Targeting and former member of the Citizens Advisory Group for Ithaca Gun, is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to investigate and implement mitigation efforts at all properties within at least 1,000 feet of the former Ithaca Gun site. This comes with news that shows a possible link between Fall Creek resident Kindra Bell’s Parkinson’s diagnosis and Trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure in her home.
TCE is a carcinogen and a chemical used in manufacturing for degreasing metal that has been detected at the former Ithaca Gun Factory site. It is also found in small amounts in many household cleaning products.. There have been several studies showcasing the health effects of TCE exposure, with some recently linking it to an increased risk of Parkinson's. Since the 1970s, it has been known to cause an increased risk of some forms of cancer.
The former factory site was used to produce guns from the late 1800’s until it shut down in 1989. Historically, there has been a
Should the State Health Department retest the air and soil around the former Ithaca Gun Factory site to check for harmful contamination?
Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.
focus on cleanup efforts at the site, many of which were sparked by Hang’s original disclosure to the public about contaminants, particularly lead, at the site 24 years ago. The site is a part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Program, which encourages the cleanup and redevelopment of abandoned, contaminated sites.
The site now has a proposed housing development which has been moving forward with approval from the City’s planning and development board, despite Hang raising concerns to the board earlier this year. Hang emphasized the inadequacy of efforts to delineate and remediate the full scope of contamination both at the site and in the surrounding areas.
In response to his concerns, the project's developers have said that contamination at the site of the housing development was below acceptable levels in all but one area, and claimed that contamination from the gun factory site has been shown to spread to the northeast, away from the townhome site.
In February of 2014, Bell’s home, along with other homes in the neighborhood near the site, was tested by the New York State Department of Health for the presence of TCE.
Bell was notified three months later that underneath and inside the basement of her home, which she had lived in since 2008, had “low” levels of TCE, but was reassured that “no action is necessary.”
The “low” levels were 12 micrograms per cubic meter, which is six-times the current New York State Department of Health’s indoor and outdoor air guidelines.
Just two years later, in 2016, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
After her diagnosis, Bell began seeing the possible connection between her exposure to TCE and Parkinson’s after reading the book “Ending Parkinson’s Disease” by Dr. Ray Dorsey, a neurology professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center who studies the link between TCE exposure and Parkinson’s Disease. Hang says that Bell had no genetic predisposition to Parkinson’s nor any knowledge of previous exposure to TCE.
“I just thought if they [the state agencies] say it’s okay, it’s okay, and never thought anything of it until a couple of years later when I was diagnosed,” Bell told Inside Climate News. “It kind of came back in my mind and I thought, ‘Oh, I wonder if this has anything to do with that testing they did.’”
In his letter to Hochul, Hang called the state’s notification to Bell “inconceivable government incompetence,” because mitigation efforts could have been put in place to prevent further intrusion of TCE into her home.
A common mitigation effort put into homes with TCE exposure, Hang said, is a poured-foundation to prevent soil vapor containing TCE out of the home. Hang said that there are at least eight Fall Creek homes that have had mitigation systems installed. Hang believes that to ensure the efficacy of mitigation measures, the State Department of Health should return to homes with systems installed each year to re-test the air for TCE, reducing the community’s
Fall Creek is the residential neighborhood located near Ithaca Falls, downhill from the former Ithaca Gun Factory site. (Photo: File)
The former factory site was used to produce guns from the late 1800’s until it shut down in 1989. Historically, there has been a focus on cleanup efforts at the site. (Photo: File)
Pollution of Inlet and Cayuga Lake
By Ronda Roaring
I’ve been kayaking for more than a decade and have visited every lake, river, bay, and kayakable pond in the Finger Lakes region. As owner/publisher of ILovetheFingerLakes.com, the region’s largest tourism website, I look at every site I visit both as a place I personally enjoy and as one tourists would also want to visit. So I was shocked several years ago when I began to see tons of trash (no joke) floating in the Inlet and some of the creeks that flow into the Inlet.
I can assure you that, with the possible exception of Onondaga Lake, there is no place in the Finger Lakes as filthy as the Inlet. I talked to Dan Klein, Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature, about this problem. One source of the garbage in the Inlet was definitely “the Jungle.” The Jungle has now been closed, but some of the former residents are now living under the bridges. So the cause of the problem has simply been moved. But we shouldn’t be blaming the Jungle residents for all the waste in the creeks and the Inlet (and, consequently, the lake).
For three days recently, I spent hours picking trash out of the Inlet. It floats there on islands. What are some of the many things I found? Certainly all kinds of plastic and aluminum bottles and cans. Some of these were for alcoholic beverages. Other plastics included a container marked as a safe way to dispose of needles. I guess you put the needles in the container before you toss the container into the Inlet. But I think a lot of people just pitch the needles into the water, because I’ve picked up a number of them, as well. (State law prohibits anyone from operating a motorboat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.) There was also lots of fishing line and lures. Children’s toys. And there are still shopping carts here and there.
The list is really long. Besides all the bottles and cans, one floating island contained three condoms and a dead rat. I draw the line at condoms and dead wildlife, so they’re still there in the Inlet. In Cascadilla Creek along Willow Ave., between the Sciencenter and Cooperative Extension, the creek was filled with bottles and cans, kids toys, and a decaying animal too far gone for me to identify. Why? Don’t the people who live on Willow Ave. have any respect for the creek? But the most disgusting visible trash that I found was along the Inlet where the Cayuga Water Trail
runs close to the water. Someone is walking their dog there and is politely picking up the poop and putting it into green plastic bags, tying them closed with neat knots, and then tossing them into the Inlet. I didn’t find just one or two, either. If you see someone do this, please report them to the park police. The Inlet is not your dog’s sewer.
I reported all this trash to the Tompkins County Div. of Environmental Health, which referred me to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation. After two emails and a long telephone conversation with Anthony Prestigiacomo of the DEC’s Div. of Water in Syracuse, here’s what I’ve found. There is NO testing of the water in the Inlet and never has been. We know nothing about this water. The only testing of Cayuga Lake is irregular testing (and not even annually) for phosphorus and algae. No one is testing for e-coli or any drugs such as opioids and fentanyl. (Keep in mind the recent report of sharks off the coast of Brazil testing positive for cocaine.) Prestigiacomo referred me to a very technical article published in 2020 in the publicationEnvironmental Science Technology (vol. 54, pages 13759-13770) https://par.nsf.gov/servlets/purl/10282067, which discusses a one-time testing of all the lakes in the state for organic micropollutants such as caffeine, sucralose, atrazine (herbicide used on golf courses and residential lawns), bensothiazole (used as a corrosion inhibitor in antifreeze), floridone (used to control Hydrilla) and metolachlor (herbicide). (The list was very long.) But, of course, not e-coli. And then there is all the car and truck fuel and oil running into the lnlet from the bridges or directly into the lake from the boats themselves.
Humans tend to be misled into thinking that clear lake water is clean lake water. Isopropyl alcohol is clear. Would you swim in it? You should NEVER swim in the water of Cayuga Lake no matter how clear the water is. No matter how inviting the water at Taughannock Park or Salt Point looks, swim in it at your peril. Do not eat the fish or any other animals that frequent the lake. If you put your hands or feet in the lake, be sure to clean them with sanitary wipes afterword. From a tourism perspective, this is a disaster and totally unacceptable. Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca, the Tompkins County Health Dept., and all the other
Continued on Page 14
It’s Time for Cornell to Quit the Union-Busting and Deliver a Fair Contract
By Alita Bentley, Cullen Boyer, Melissa Dziuk
You’d think that an Ivy League school sitting on a nearly $10 billion endowment and raking in millions of dollars every year in tuition would be fine settling a good contract with the 1,100 workers who make it run. But Cornell’s recent turn to blatant union-busting during negotiations suggests it’s not just money they want, it’s unilateral power.
As Cornell University employees, we work in dietary, housekeeping, maintenance, grounds, animal care, botanic gardens, athletics and greenhouses. We are UAW union members who keep the college running, and we are the heart and soul of the university. We may come from different backgrounds, but we all experience the same unacceptable working conditions on campus.
Even though our contract with Cornell expired on June 30, we have continued to work in good faith in hopes of reaching a new agreement with management. Unfortunately, the university has dug in and doesn’t appear willing to offer us a deal that reflects our hard work and dedication. Instead, the university has attempted to intimidate workers to try and get us to leave our union. Cornell management is attempting this brazen tactic because they know collective action is the source of our power.
We don’t want to go on strike—it’s a last resort for us—but we also know we are worth much more than what Cornell is offering, and we are willing to do what’s necessary to win what we deserve—dignity on the job and the ability to provide for ourselves and our families.
Because we are paid so little by Cornell, many of us have to work two jobs just to put food on the table and pay our bills. Some of us are forced to apply for government assistance such as food stamps and Section 8 housing because we wouldn’t be able to survive without it.
Like everywhere else in the country, the cost of living in Ithaca continues to rise. Some of us used to live in the city, but we can no longer afford to do so. Our pay just hasn’t kept up, and we have
no protection from the effects of soaring inflation and rising healthcare costs. That’s why a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is one of our key demands during these negotiations. Without the protection COLA provides, we’ll continue to fall further behind.
The university is chronically shortstaffed, and it has only gotten worse since COVID. We were deemed essential during the pandemic, and we put our health and safety on the line to keep the university running. In return, we received no raises, no improved benefits or working conditions, no extra time off—only a hollow “thank you” from management.
Most of us are, in essence, working multiple jobs on-site to compensate for the lack of adequate staffing. We go above and beyond what’s required for the students and faculty at Cornell every single day, often coming to work early and leaving late. Obviously, this causes strain in our family life, as we sacrifice time with our loved ones and too rarely get to relax and recuperate away from the job.
We deeply care about this institution, but our working conditions are taking their toll on all of us, and the university’s anti-worker approach is unacceptable. We are mentally, physically, and spiritually tired. We’re not robots, we’re human beings, and we can only take so much.
We’ve been inspired by our UAW siblings at places like Daimler Truck, the Big Three automakers, and other highered institutions, as they have stood up to management and won record contracts. We’ve also seen autoworkers in the South at Volkswagen beat big odds and successfully win their union.
Now, it’s our turn to stand up.
Cornell can’t say they are unable to meet our demands while holding a nearly $10 billion endowment. This isn’t a matter of not having enough money. It’s a matter of the university’s will to do the right thing. All we’re asking is for Cornell to show up for us like we’ve shown up for them.
Cornell UAW Workers Could Strike on Move-In Day If University Fails to Meet Union Demands
By Matt Dougherty
As students prepare to return to Cornell University for the fall semester, members of the United Auto Workers (UAW)
Local 2300, representing service and maintenance workers, are considering a strike set to begin on August 19 — which coincides with student move-in day — if their demands for a fair contract are not met.
Union workers have been working without a contract since July 1 and are fighting for significant improvements in wages, benefits, and workplace safety in ongoing negotiations with Cornell.
“We are advocating for a fair, livable wage along with a variety of other demands, including cost-of-living adjustments, nocost parking for essential employees, longevity rewards for reducing turnover, and safer workplaces,” said Chauncey Bennett, a zone representative for UAW Local 2300 in Cornell Dining.
Regarding the possibility of a strike on move-in day, Bennet said, “There might be. It depends entirely on Cornell’s ability to negotiate…We are prepared and ready to strike if they push us to that point.” He added, “At this point in time, Cornell has not come anywhere close to what we would consider a fair contract.”
One of the union’s primary demands is for record pay increases to ensure that all members earn a livable wage. The union’s
proposal is based on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) living wage calculator, which defines a livable wage for a single adult with no children in Tompkins County as $24.64 per hour. That’s $6.19
more than Tompkins County’s current living wage of $18.45, which is calculated by Cornell’s ILR Co-Lab and the Tompkins County Workers Center (TCWC).
Director of the ILR Co-Lab in Ithaca, Ian Greer, has said that the updated living wage for 2024 is expected to meet roughly the same $24 calculation reached by their counterparts at MIT. Greer has said that increases in the living wage are predominantly attributed to increasing housing costs.
According to Bennett, the union proposed a 20% pay increase to approach this $24 target, but Cornell countered with an offer of only 4%. For a worker earning roughly $20 per hour, a 20% increase would mean that worker would now be earning a living wage. In contrast, an increase of 4% would result in a pay raise of just one penny an hour.
Cornell administration has historically maintained that budget constraints and financial planning are key factors in their counteroffers. However, union members
dispute this, citing the university’s substantial endowment and financial resources.
“Even if they can only use 10% of their $9.6 billion endowment, that’s approximately $1 billion. They have the money to pay us. They have the money to pay us double what we're asking. And we just want a fair contract, and they tell us no,” Bennett said.
Additionally, the union has demanded a four-year contract with cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) based on the Consumer Price Index (CP|), no-cost parking for essential employees, and longevity rewards to reduce turnover. In response, Cornell countered with a five-year contract and has refused the COLA adjustments, citing difficulties in budgeting and financial planning, despite Bennett asserting that calculating and applying a COLA in payroll is straightforward and feasible.
Another concern for union workers is the cost of parking at Cornell. “They charge us to park here on campus,” Bennet said. “If we want to park anywhere remotely close to our
Union members of UAW Local 2300 have said they are ready and willing to go on strike on move-in day if their demands for fair wages, cost of living adjustments, no-cost parking, and safer workplaces are not met by Cornell University. (Photo: UAW Local 2300)
A potential strike by UAW Local 2300 on move-in day could disrupt Cornell University ’ s critical start of the academic year, impacting thousands of students and campus operations. (Photo: Cornell Univeristy)
Union members of UAW Local 2300 at Cornell University rally for fair wages and safer working conditions during ongoing contract negotiations. (Photo: UAW Local 2300)
places of work, we have to pay a lot of money.” He continued saying that workers who don't pay extra for parking still lose money because of the additional time it takes to travel from the free parking lots on the outskirts of campus to their workplaces. Bennett noted that parking in free lots could cost him up to $10,000 a year in lost time.
“For example, if I wanted to get to my job on time from the free parking lot, I would lose approximately $10,000 a year,” Bennet said. “I’d lose two hours every day, five days a week, approximately 40 to 50 weeks a year, and when you work two jobs, that’s just not feasible.”
To address this issue, the union is asking Cornell to provide no-cost parking for essential employees, ensuring they can park close to their workplaces without incurring additional expenses or significant time losses. However, Cornell has not yet agreed to meet this demand.
Workplace safety is also a significant concern for the union. Bennett highlighted a recent incident where a dining worker lost several fingers due to an unsafe piece of equipment and inadequate training. Despite this, Cornell is contesting OSHA citations related to the incident.
Bennett expressed frustration with Cornell's handling of safety training, noting that the university insists on controlling the training process rather than collaborating with the union.
“Cornell is not interested in coordinating with us in training,” Bennet said. “They want to control the entire process because clearly, they’re doing a great job when someone loses a hand,” he said sarcastically. Over the last several weeks, the union has filed seven unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board
(NLRB) against Cornell, alleging that the university refused to fulfill information requests necessary for negotiations and that managers used retaliatory practices against union members participating in union activities.
According to Bennett, “We have charges based on a refusal to fulfill information requests [because] part of the [National Labor Relations Act] NLRA states that we are allowed to request information for purposes like negotiations and grievances, and they’ve had a problem with giving us the information that we request.”
He added that some union members have been retaliated against for their involvement in organizing. “Some of the
Union members of UAW Local 2300 are demanding a 20% pay increase, cost of living adjustments, no-cost parking, and safer workplaces, while Cornell had countered with a 4% pay increase and a five-year contract without COLA adjustments. (Photo: UAW Local 2300)
people who have been participating with a loud voice in our actions so far are facing consequences from Cornell,” Bennet said. “These are very petty things like suddenly being assigned much more work [without reason or a pay raise].”
In response to questions regarding the charges filed with the NLRB, a university spokesperson sent a statement to the Ithaca Times saying: “Both the University and the unions have rights to communicate with the employees and to provide the employees with information they might find helpful as the parties negotiate a new agreement. The University is committed to reaching a fair and reasonable contract and is looking forward to returning to the bar-
gaining table with the UAW this week and until we reach an agreement.”
The potential for a strike on move-in day puts significant pressure on Cornell amid the ongoing negotiations. The union continues to push for a contract that meets its demands, emphasizing that a fair agreement would benefit the union members and the broader community.
“The more community support we get, the better,” Bennett said. “If we get a livable wage, then we'll have disposable income, which benefits the local economy.”
Ultimately, Bennett stated, “If [Cornell] does not negotiate properly and give us a contract that we deserve — a fair contract — we are prepared and ready to strike.”
Over the last several weeks, the union has filed seven unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Cornell. (Photo: UAW Local 2300)
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar’s Head Deli Meat
By Matt Dougherty
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) issued a critical health alert on Tuesday regarding an ongoing Listeria outbreak linked to select Boar’s Head Deli Meats.
An update on Wednesday expanded the outbreak to include 71 additional products distributed under the “Boar’s Head” and “Old Country” brands. The newly implicated items include various “heat and eat” meat and poultry products, liverwurst, salami, bologna, ham, and a “heat and eat” bacon product.
Consumers have been strongly advised to avoid these products and discard any items they may have purchased. A comprehensive list of all impacted products is available online.
The outbreak has resulted in 34 reported cases of Listeria infection, with 12 cases
occurring in New York State, including one in a neighboring county. Alarmingly, 33 of these cases have necessitated hospitalization, and two fatalities have been recorded. Health officials warn that the actual number of affected individuals is likely higher, as many people may recover without seeking medical attention and thus go untested and unreported.
Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It poses significant risks to vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Listeriosis typically manifest within two weeks of consuming contaminated food and include fever and flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion,
William Jane Dispensar
loss of balance, and seizures.
The severity of Listeriosis cannot be overstated. According to health experts, one out of every six infected individuals is likely to die from the infection. Pregnant women, in particular, may experience mild symptoms but face grave risks to their fetuses, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or severe infection of the newborn.
Less commonly, Listeria can cause an intestinal infection, with symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting typically appearing within 24 hours of consuming
contaminated food and lasting 1-3 days.
In response to the outbreak, TCWH is urging the community to remain vigilant.
Consumers who have purchased recalled products are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
The current outbreak underscores the critical importance of food safety and prompt response measures. Health officials are working closely with the U.S. Food &
Flower Prerolls Vapes Concentrate Edibles Tinctures
Tompkins County Whole Health officials announce an expanded recall of Boar’s Head and Old Country deli meats due to a Listeria outbreak, urging consumers to discard affected products and monitor for symptoms.
Let’s Stage a Show in a Barn
Triphammer
Arts Brings Lansing Hideaway to Life
By Peter Rothbart
If you drive by 2622 North Triphammer Rd in Lansing, you might never notice the unmarked driveway (OK, it has an address number) that leads to one of Ithaca’s most eclectic and diverse music and dance performance spaces in Tompkins County. The sign for the CRS Barn, home of Triphammer Arts has long since succumbed to the weather and road traffic. Steve Stull and Jeanne Goddard have been slow to replace it, keeping busy with a myriad of artistic presentations and collaboration. The final concert and final dance performance of their 2024 summer season features some of the finest singers in Ithaca as well as dancers from all over New York. Triphammer Arts has cultivated a core of artists who have worked together for decades in various ensembles throughout the state. Their resident venue, the CRS Barn is a homey, familiar territory for artists and audience alike. It is proof that well-groomed classical performances can co-exist and thrive alongside off-beat improvisations and adventurous modern dance concerts in rural areas… especially in an outdoor venue that overlooks Lake Cayuga as the evening progresses and the light fades. Should the music draw tears from the sky, the performance can move into the acoustically rich performance barn with a minimum of disruption.
An Evening of Music Theatre in Concert
Triphammer Arts at CRS Barn
2622 North Triphammer Rd., Lansing, NY August 9-10
Tickets are $15 and available at the door.
Moving Landscapes
Annual Choreographers’ Showcase
Triphammer Arts at CRS Barn
2622 North Triphammer Rd., Lansing, NY
August 25. Tickets are free.
The August 9-10 evening event, Songs for a Summer Night: Musical Theatre Favorites, will feature a variety of vocal solos, duets and even choral pieces culled from a list of over 40 favorite show tunes. Legendary collaborations between Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe and selections from Stephen Sondheim’s oeuvre will be featured. While the list is still being curated, the show will include songs from The King and I, Kiss Me Kate, Sweeney Todd, Candide, South Pacific, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, and Damn Yankees as well as a special arrangement of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” featuring Dawn Pierce and a full chorus that is larger than any on Broadway. According to Jeanne Goddard who is shaping the program, “The final songs are celebrations of keeping going no matter what, songs of optimism and progress, hope for the future.”
Pulling together a chorus of 30 freelance singers for this performance could have been worse than herding cats. Thankfully, the “choristers” as Steve Stull prefers to call them, are Triphammer Arts loyalists, enthusiastic vocalists culled from years of past productions.
The soloists, soprano Lynn Craver, mezzosoprano Dawn Pierce, bass-baritone David Neal, and baritone Steve Stull are well known veterans of Triphammer Arts productions, Syracuse Opera, Tri-Cities Opera, as well as Opera Ithaca, and as Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland faculty members. Accomplished accompanists Richard Montgomery and Bill Cowdery, both prodigious stylists have served as the backbones of regional Broadway, classical and operatic performances for decades.
This promises to be a light-hearted but musically mature evening under the sky or in the barn, complete with a sunset finale over the western facing hills that help surround our 10 miles of isolation.
Nowhere is the eclectic nature of Triphammer Arts more visible than the annual final dance concert of the season, entitled Moving Landscapes Annual Choreographers’ Showcase, on August 25th. It’s more of a dance happening/reunion/celebration, drawing modern dancers and others from across Central New York. It attracts organized dance companies, dance teachers and dance classes.
Some of the dances are tightly choreographed. Jeanne Goddard, Donna Davenport, Amy Bush, Michelle Ikle’, Tina Price and the Pranadanas all present more formal works. Other works are more guided improvisations, some are free improvisations and works in progress. Everything is in play; the gardens beg to be danced into and out of, along with the sculptures by Lansing resident Rob Licht that decorate the landscape of the CRS Barn facility.
Some dancers respond to the musicians’ sonic instigations, others lead the musicians to unexpected musical shapes and colors. Veteran pianist John White is one of Ithaca’s musician’s musician. His theoretical knowledge is comprehensive. His application of that knowledge is as relentless as it is effortless. Additional staples to the local music scene, Pete Chwazik, David Coester, Owen Cummings, and Steven Stull provide further input possibilities for the dancers. It’s a wild dance free-for-all, a joyous end to summer and acknowledgement of the coming change in season. Asked why dancers come from all over New York State to participate in the free for all, Goddard replied, “They come for the hilarity of it.”
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.
& Entertainment
Triphammer Arts resident venue, the CRS Barn is a homey, familiar territory for artists and audience alike. (Photo: Provided)
Cornell Goes to the Olympics
Big Red Alum Coaches Triple Jumper to Gold
By Steve Lawrence
Until last weekend, the tiny (pop. 70,000) country of Dominica (no, not the Dominican Republic) had never won an Olympic medal. The country sent but one female athlete — triplejumper Thea LaFond — and when the triple-jump concluded, American Jasmine Moore stood on the podium with a bronze medal, Shanieka Ricketts of Jamaica took silver, and LaFond of Dominica stood above them both with the gold.
LaFond was born in Dominica, and her family moved to the U.S., where she took formal dance lessons until she was 13. She attended the University of Maryland as a track and field athlete, and in 2016, she was introduced to a man who was a former Division 1 track and field athlete. That man would become her coach — then her husband — and Aaron Gadson, Cornell
class of ’09, played a big role in that gold medal.
My longtime friend Kevin Thompson, who has done a lot of coaching at many levels, including the collegiate world of track and field (including Cornell), and he is in Paris for the Olympics. Of Gadson, Kevin said, “Aaron has always been an extremely hard-working athlete and student, and much of Aaron’s coaching philosophy came from my good friend and coaching partner, Nathan Taylor. During our Cornell days, our core belief was that hard work pays off, and we stood for no excuses. Aaron embodies the Cornell spirit.”
It has been some time since a Cornell alum has had an Olympic gold medal draped around their neck, and I happen to recall the year... It was 1992 — the same year I started writing this column — and I remember the celebration when Big Red alum Pablo Morales competed in the pool in Barcelona and brought home gold medals in the 100 m
butterfly and the 4 × 100 medley.
Last week, Michael Grady, a Cornell heavyweight rower from the class of ’19, stepped atop the podium as a member of the U.S. Men’s Four rowing team, making him the 33rd Cornell alum in history to win an Olympic gold medal.
On Cornellbigred.com, Todd Kennett, the Spirit of ’57 Director of Rowing and head coach of the Cornell men’s heavyweight rowing team, said “It’s such an honor and pleasure to know Mike, his energy, his charisma, and as one of the greatest athletes that I’ve ever coached,” said. “To see him and his progress since he graduated, his continued work and development to be as good as he is, and see him win the Olympic gold medal, what an honor and pleasure. Huge congratulations to him.”
Three-time Cornell All-American Rudy Winkler (class of ’17) competed in his third Olympics, finishing sixth in the
hammer throw in Paris. The sixth place finish was a personal best for Winkler, as he finished in 18th place in Rio in 2016 and in 7th place in Tokyo.
Former Cornellian Taylor Knibb (class of ’20) was the only U.S. Olympian to qualify for the games in two different sports, as she finished her second Olympic Games with 19th place finishes in both the Olympic Cycling Time Trials and the Triathlon. In the time trials, she showed her mettle by overcoming three falls and mechanical problems so significant that she had to switch bikes in the middle of the event. Knibb helped the U.S. win a silver medal in the Mixed Relay event.
FLY LOCAL, FLY LOCAL, REACH FAR! REACH FAR!
Former Cornell Track and Field Athlete Aaron Gadson, former Cornell Track and Field Coach Kevin Thompson and Gadson’s wife Thea LaFond who won gold in Paris in the triple jump. (Photo: Provided)
Tale Worth Your Time
Cortland Rep Closes Season with Lively “Beauty and the Beast”
By Barbara Adams
Afavorite fairytale musical rounds out the successful 53rd season at Cortland Repertory Theatre: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” The name alone evokes the winsome characters of Disney’s 1991 animated film, on which the 1994 stage musical was based — household servants of an arrogant prince gradually morphing into the items they used, from teapot to candelabrum. And of course the prince punished as a hideous beast, and above all the bold village girl who saves him.
Since Belle is so self-aware, intelligent, and courageous, it’s no surprise our heroine was originally created, way back in 1740, by a woman who had to make some gutsy moves in her own life, French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. While the story’s details (and moral) changed somewhat over time, Disney’s final version serves up a magical transformation, thanks to a girl unselfishly rescuing others by looking beyond appearances.
Even if you’ve already seen the film
“Beauty and the Beast”
Linda Woolverton. Directed and choreographed by Barbara Hartwig; musical direction by Canaan J. Harris. Cortland Repertory Theatre, Little York Lake Road, Preble, NY.
Matinees 2 p.m. August 7, 11, and 14 at 2 p.m. Evening shows through August 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: https://cortlandrep.org/ or 800-427-6160.
LISTERIA OUTBREAK
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Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other federal agencies to manage the recall and mitigate further risks.
Food recalls such as this are not uncommon. In the first six months of 2024, there were 578 food product recalls for contamination issues, including listeria, E. coli, salmonella, and plastic. According to a Consumer Affairs analysis of FDA data, that’s down from 1,271 over the same period in 2023.
or the Broadway show, Cortland’s lively production shouldn’t be missed — under Barbara Hartwig’s superb direction and choreography, it captures everything that’s charming in this musical. The familiar tunes — the boastful “Gaston,” the highspirited “Be Our Guest,” the sweetly tender “Beauty and the Beast” — are all well supported by Cannon J. Harris’ orchestra.
That memorable music is by Alan Menken and the lyrics by Howard Ashman (a key Disney talent who died just before the film opened; Tim Rice continued his work). Linda Woolverton wrote the book. Director Hartwig (who helmed “West Side Story” here eight years ago) keeps the narrative moving briskly, from village to dark woods to castle. Mia Irwin’s set design elegantly captures each of these locales, and Eric Behnke’s lighting washes each scene with intense color.
The tale opens in the castle, where the prince’s unkindness to a beggar woman leaves him transmuted; for his less-thanhuman behavior he’s turned halfway into a literal beast, hairy and clawed. (Steven Martella renders him with convincing rage and impatience.) Fast forward 10 years to the present, in the village, where we’re introduced to the book-loving Belle (a marvelous and nuanced Molly Bremer, seen earlier this summer in another feisty female role as Eliza Doolittle) and the obnoxious and narcissistic Gaston (Trevor Shingler as a picture-perfect showoff). His muscles and hunting prowess fail to impress Belle, though the local girls are swooning. Gaston’s dog-loyal sidekick and punching bag, LeFou, is the comically resil-
The recent outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, particularly those involving Listeria and E. coli, have sparked significant criticism from food safety activist groups calling for the FDA and USDA to strengthen their regulations and oversight mechanisms. These groups argue that the frequency and severity of these outbreaks highlight systemic weaknesses in the current food safety regulatory framework. Food safety advocates argue that the FDA and USDA should focus more on preventive measures rather than reactive ones. This includes implementing more stringent
ient Henry Howland. And as Belle’s father Maurice, an eccentric inventor, Kim Hubbard is the essence of paternal fondness.
When Maurice is attacked by wolves in the woods, he flees to safety in a nearby castle, where the furious Beast, highly private because of his appearance, imprisons him for trespassing. Belle eventually finds her father and offers herself in exchange. Thus the scene is set for her discovery of the enchantress’s curse, the humanity of the servants, and her path to ultimately tame the Beast.
The servants, mutating into objects a bit more each day, are the comical heart of this show, magnificently rendered here by the actors and their iconic appearance. High praise to CRT stalwart Jimmy Johansmeyer for his marvelous costume designs and to Elizabeth Reaves for key props).
Barbara Bayes embodies the maternal teapot, Mrs. Potts, wheeling around a tea tray featuring her teacup-son Chip (David Downey Ford). Cogsworth, the head butler, fast becoming a clock, is played with nice anxiety by Thomas Locke. The opera
safety protocols at the production level, such as better hygiene practices, regular testing for pathogens, and ensuring that food handling processes minimize the risk of contamination.
TCWH has emphasized the role of public communication in controlling the outbreak. The USDA’s website provides detailed information about the recall and a complete list of affected products.
Public health authorities are utilizing multiple channels, including social media, community bulletins, and direct communication with healthcare providers, to disseminate information and ensure the public is well-informed.
singer, Madame La Grand Bouche, now an ample wardrobe, is the vocally impressive Rachel Fry.
And sparkling throughout is Eli Vanderkolk’s Lumiere, as a French candelabrum, far more subtle, witty, and sexily charming than Disney’s animated version. We may even blush when he dallies with Babette, maid turning feather duster (a game Alyssa Beaulieu). The awkwardness of real people constricted in these costumes makes their vanishing human nature genuinely poignant, giving this live show a depth of feeling absent in the film.
Throughout, this “Beauty and the Beast” is highly entertaining — beyond the impressive acting, the spirited ensemble dances (like the clever beer stein number in the tavern) will dazzle and delight. For a few magical hours, it’s well worth escaping into this vivid fairy tale.
Barbara Adams is a regional theatre and arts journalist and retired professor of writing, Ithaca College.
Healthcare providers in the region are on high alert and prepared to promptly identify and treat Listeria infections. Providers are advised to consider Listeriosis in patients presenting with compatible symptoms, especially those in high-risk groups.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed and follow guidance from health officials to prevent further infections and complications. The situation remains fluid, and updates will continue to be provided as more information becomes available. For more information, visit the USDA’s recall alert page.
Steven Martella as the Beast, Thomas Locke as Cogsworth, Barbara Bayes as Mrs. Potts, Eli Vanderkolk as Lumiere, Molly Bremer as Belle and Rachel Fry as Madame La Grande Bouche in Cortland Repertory Theatre’s production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”, running through August 17. (Photo: Provided)
Music by Alan Menken; lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice; book by
Back at Home
He Left Here a Teen Film-Lover; He Returns a Professional Film-Maker
By Matt Minton
Nicholas Geisler remembers exactly where he was and what he was doing when he first started understanding that film could be an art form. It was a Cinemapolis screening of the indie comedy “Little Miss Sunshine” that went on to win multiple Oscars — the kind of comedy that Geisler didn’t even know could be made. Instead of traditional seats, couches filled the room.
“I was like, ‘This is what I’m gonna do with my life,’” Geisler said.
Now, in true full circle fashion, Geisler will be returning to Cinemapolis on Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. to host a free screening of three short films including “When You Became Us,” “Shut Up, Jack” and “Come As You Are.” Geisler will be looking for
“When You Became Us,” “Shut Up, Jack” and “Come As You Are”
Three short films from Salt Cellar Productions Cinemapolis
Aug. 8 at 6 p.m.
ITHACA RECEIVES GRANT FUNDING
continued from page 3
the property owner’s commitment to the community’s redevelopment goals.
The council has authorized the City Manager, upon advice from the City Attorney, to execute agreements with the Empire State Development Corporation and any other documents necessary to receive the grant. To carry out the project
ITHACA GUN FACTORY CONTAMINANTS SPREAD
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exposure to the chemical. Hang noted that often, flooding can reduce the efficacy of mitigation systems and can allow traces of TCE to re-enter homes.
potential investors in the community. His three shorts were all made with Salt Cellar Productions, the production company he co-founded with Bennett Cordon in 2022.
Most notably, “When You Became Us” is the proof-of-concept short that Geisler is planning on making into a feature length film in 2025. The high-concept short film follows the unraveling of a relationship between an ordinary man and a woman with a brain implant that allows her to connect with thousands of other people.
Geisler said he became inspired after watching a video of a paralyzed monkey that got a brain chip and was able to use its leg again.
“What is this going to do to human connection?” Geisler said. “What does it do to a couple when instead of telling someone how you’re feeling you can just download it … in some senses, there’s some VR parallels, but I think it’s more than that. It’s the ultimate version of empathy.”
“When You Became Us” is right in line with what Geisler describes as the “humanist, comedy tinge dramas” that Salt Cellar Productions specializes in. The dark comedy “Shut Up, Jack” explores the subject of anxiety as a man argues with himself on the best course of action at a party. The short was directed by Alec
effectively, an agreement with the property owner will also be implemented.
The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency is designated to administer and implement the city’s Restore NY grant award, ensuring the project adheres to all applicable rules and regulations established by the ESDC.
The project aims to address a critical shortage in the local housing market by transforming unused commercial spaces into affordable housing. Affordable housing remains a pressing issue in Ithaca,
Hang says that only about half of the homes near the site were tested. This is largely due to the fact that the testing program is voluntary. He says that if TCE is detected in a home with rental units, the property owner has 10 days to notify tenants, posing a threat to rental properties in the Fall Creek area. If testing isn’t
Bewkes and wound up getting selected for the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival.
“We kind of found our voice and our brand very early,” Geisler said. “We noticed that within two years, we went from one proof of concept to quite a few short films and high quality work … We went from just begging our friends to be in a short film to pretty large budgets and stunt choreography really quickly.”
Kate Donohue, executive director of Cinemapolis, said that when Geisler initially reached out about screening his short films, she could tell how important it would be for him to show his work.
“For me, working at Cinemapolis and getting to hear stories from people about their experiences at the theater and how those experiences shaped their lives and relationship with this broader community of Ithaca … those conversations are the most meaningful part of my job,” Donohue said.
Geisler’s relationship to upstate New York goes all the way back to his upbringing. He moved to Ithaca in eighth grade, went to Lansing High School, eventually enrolled in Hamilton College to study creative writing and made a feature length horror movie in Trumansburg.
“It’s a really special place,” Geisler said. “There’s so much music, culture, great
where high demand and limited supply have driven up rental prices, making it challenging for many residents to find suitable accommodations.
The construction of 24 new affordable apartments will provide much-needed relief to families and individuals struggling with housing insecurity. Additionally, the project’s mixed-use design, incorporating ground-floor parking, is expected to improve the area’s overall functionality and appeal.
mandatory, Hang said, the tenants who live in Fall Creek have no way of knowing that they may be exposed to TCE.
When asked if TCE’s spread from the site could cause health risks to the nearby Fall Creek Elementary School, Hang told the Times, “It’s almost certain,” but said that the school was never tested by the state.
to love films in Ithaca, made an early film in Trumansburg and is now screening three short films at Cinemapolis Aug, 8.
(Photo: Provided)
food and art in what could very easily be the middle of nowhere. Ithaca just fosters and sponsors all of it.”
While Geisler has gone on to a successful career in Los Angeles working through nearly every department with credits on shows for Netflix and Disney, the full circle moment of his return to Ithaca isn’t lost on him.
“Old friends and teachers are coming by and hopefully new people who haven’t seen it,” Geisler said. “I would not be here if it wasn’t for Cinemapolis so it’s pretty exciting to come back to the place that really inspired this love of challenging, thoughtful and entertaining independent films.”
POLLUTION OF INLET AND CAYUGA LAKE
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counties along the lake need to take this situation seriously. We should be testing regularly for e-coli and other pollutants all around the lake. We need to be working toward a day when we can brag about having not just the clearest but the cleanest water in the Finger Lakes. Let’s make this a goal.
“Can the pollution in that area intrude into the school?” Hangs said. “We know it’s there, but what we don’t know is whether or not it’s getting into the school.” Toxics Targeting has launched a New York Parkinson’s Prevention Campaign to spread awareness about the link between TCE exposure and Parkinson’s Disease.
Film-maker Nicholas Geisler learned
