November 8, 2023 by Ithaca Times

F R E E / N o v e m b er 8 , 2 0 2 3 / V o l u m e X L I I I , N u m b er 6 3 / O u r 5 1 s t Y e a r

Online @ ITH ACA .COM

Meet Your Next Police Chief Two finalists make their case for the top spot at IPD PAGES 8-9

CITY PASSES BUDGET

VETERANS DAY CELEBRATIONS

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CITY ATTORNEY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT PAGE 5

HALL OF FAME

LAND WHISPERING

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2 The Ithaca Times / November 8 – 14, 2023

Newsline

VOL. XLIII / NO. 63 / November 8, 2023 Serving 47,125 readers week ly

ON THE COVER:

Council Approves 2024 Budget

By M at t D ough e rt y

he Common Council has approved the City of Ithaca’s $101.2 million 2024 budget during a Common Council meeting on Wednesday, November 1. The budget passed in a 10-1 vote, with Third Ward Alderperson Donna Flemming representing the lone ‘no’ vote. The 2024 budget totals $101,289,746 — with $80,379,063 in the general operating fund and $5,006,000 allocated for capital projects. The total budget is increasing by over $10 million over the 2023 budget of $90,350,883. According to Mayor Laura Lewis, the owner of a median-priced home at $302,000 would pay $3,295 in city taxes in 2024, not including Ithaca City School District taxes. When accounting for the added $4,898 in taxes for the school district, the average Ithacan can expect to pay around $8,193 in combined taxes. Flemming said she decided to vote against approving the budget because it “includes a million dollars in taxpayer money going to tax exempt non-profit organizations.” According to Flemming, “the half a million dollars that goes through our sales tax agreement and is allocated by the Human Services Coalition is [already] very generous.” Flemming added that the Common Council needs to have a conversation in the upcoming year regarding the amount of public money that the City is allocating to non-profit organizations. Earlier in the meeting First Ward Alderperson Cynthia Brock voted against an amendment to the budget to authorize the

Thomas Kelly (left) John Poleway (right) at the Chief of Police finalist meet and greet at GIAC on Nov. 2 (Photo: Matt Dougherty)

release of $50,000 to the group Black Hands Universal (BHU). The funds were allocated to BHU in the 2023 budget, but the City has withheld them as the group worked to file the necessary paperThe Common Council approved the City of Ithaca’s 2024 Budget by a vote of 10-1 during a meeting on November first. (Photo: File) work with the City. Even though BHU position to funding the organization. recently filed all the required paperwork, Mayor Lewis has said that developing Brock said that she “cannot in good conthe budget has been a “gargantuan task” science vote in support of the release of $50,000 in City funds to Black Hands Uni- and that the city is “continuing to see an increase in costs in all areas.” Lewis said versal,” based on evidence that the BHU that her top priorities in crafting this year’s CEO, Harry Smith, advertised a “cannabis budget were to reduce debt, keep tax rate club” at 706 Green Street — which Brock and tax levy increases to a minimum, said is the same location of a BHU job integrate new labor contract wages, and training program. maintain a robust fund balance. Brock said, “For a City contractor to The Mayor’s proposed budget includes publicly and openly operate a cannabis club funding for several new and vacant posiat the same location as the City-funded tions requested by city departments withjob training program is a flagrant act.” She out increasing the current tax rate of $11.98 added that Smith’s behavior demonstrated per $1,000. The budget also includes a 5% “a deeply troubling lack of judgment.” tax levy increase, and Mayor Lewis said However, Smith responded to Brock’s the City will be operating above the 2.2% allegations saying that the “cannabis club” tax cap. The total revenue is projected at was not located at the same address of Black $30,690,864, with property and sales taxes Hands Universal. According to Smith “706 expected to make up a combined 69.1%. has nothing to do with the City. [The City] The proposed budget has allocated the doesn’t pay any rent, they don’t pay anything most funding to the Department of Public that has to do with anything there.” Smith Works (DPW), followed by the Ithaca Police added that the only reason the cannabis club Department, Fire Department, Youth Bureau, was advertised was for a fundraiser to help Planning Department, GIAC, Finance, HuBHU raise money to cover for not receiving $50,000 that the Common Council originally man Resources, City Attorney, City Manager, Mayor, and Common Council. In addition, allocated to BHU as part of the 2023 budget. Ultimately, funding for BHU was approved as Brock was the only vote in opContin u ed on Page 12

T a k e

N o t e

X It’s Time for Check Out Hunger 2023! The Food Bank of the Southern Tier is upon checkout. It really is that simple to help excited to announce the launch of its annual provide meals for our neighbors in need. With Check Out Hunger event, in partnership with the Food Bank’s purchasing power, just one Wegmans, now through November 29th. dollar can provide three meals. Check Out Hunger allows shoppers at This year marks 30 years of partnership one of f ive Wegmans stores throughout bet ween the Food Bank and Wegmans. the Southern Tier (Corning, Elmira, Hornell, Between 2015 and 2022, Wegmans stores Ithaca, Johnson City) to donate right at the have raised $1,867,983 — the equivalent of register when making their purchases. 5,603,950 meals! Throughout the campaign, Wegmans As food needs continue to increase in the shoppers can donate $2, $3 or $5 to the Food Southern Tier, this time of year also brings Bank of the Southern Tier right at the register added expenses for the holidays. The Food

Bank and our community partners across our six- count y ser vice area are working hard to maintain consistent and ample food distribution across the Southern Tier. Participating in Check Out Hunger is easy. Simply donate at the register throughout the campaign or make a donation online through your grocery store’s Virtual Food Drive online fundraising campaign page. Visit www.foodbankst.org/check-out-hunger to see the list of grocery stores and their Check Out Hunger dates and to donate through the Virtual Food Drive.

NEWSLINE ��3-5 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR �� 6 ITHACA NOTES �� 7 SPORTS �� 10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT �� 13 HONOR ROLL �� 14 CLASSIFIED �� 16-17 TIMES TABLE �� 18-20

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

November 8 – 14, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER

N e w s l i n e

By Miche l l e L a Mor te WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIE?

“Peach raspberry pie.” – Benjamin R.

Volunteers clean up veteran’s gravesites at teh Ithaca City Cemetery in November 2022. (Photo: Cornell Student Veterans)

Veterans Day Celebrations

http://www.cortlandoldtimersband.org/.

Join the Community in Honoring Those Who Served Their Country

“Strawberry Rhubarb without the crust.” – Mariann J.

By A m e l i a Bu z z a r d

eterans Day is coming up this Saturday, November 11th which gives those interested a special opportunity to participate in area commemorations. Numerous ceremonies and celebrations will also be taking place over the course of the next two weeks, from Groton to Candor, and everywhere in between.

Veterans Day Ceremonies

“Pumpkin Pie.” – River G.

November 11 11a.m. DeWitt Park Ceremony Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 961 will host a ceremony at Dewitt Park at 102 E Court St, Ithaca, NY 14850. There will be a short speech and a musical performance. 11 a.m. Dryden Ceremony The Town of Dryden will host a short ceremony organized by the Dryden American Legion on the Village Green at the intersection of Main and North streets.

“Blueberry.” – Aliyah A.

“Chocolate Cream that's this tall.” – Xander J.

11 a.m. Groton Ceremony Groton will host their traditional Veterans Day observance in front of the Carrington-Fuller Post 800 of the American Legion at 307 Main St, Groton, NY 13073. Following the ceremony, light refreshments will be available inside. Also, that evening, Post 800 will host an in-house, sit down dinner for local veterans and one guest each. Reservations are required. 11 a.m. Ovid Ceremony The Ovid VFW Post 6200 will host a ceremony at Three Bears Park at 7175

4 The Ithaca Times / November 8 – 14, 2023

Main St, Ovid, NY 14521. The keynote speaker is Bruce Boatman, Commander of the Ovid American Legion. There will be a rifle salute and a flag raising.

For Music-Loving Patriots

November 9 12 p.m. Ithaca College Veterans Day Celebration Ithaca College will honor veterans at Ford Hall (146 Conservatory Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850) for their 20th Annual Veterans Day Celebration with a speech from honored guest Sgt. Joey Diana Gates of the United States Army and performances by the Ithaca College Treble Chorale, Midnight Brass Quintet, Trombone Troupe, and bagpipes. Reception to follow. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Karena Krauss at 607-274-3387. November 10 6 p.m. Greenlight-A-Vet and Chimes Concert at the McGraw Clock Tower McGraw Clock Tower on Cornell’s campus will be lit green to raise awareness for veterans and thank them for their service. The chimes will then play a short concert featuring hymns for each branch of the U.S. military. November 12 2 p.m. A Salute to Veterans The Cortland Oldtimers Band will present their final concert of the season with a performance at Homer Intermediate School at 58 Clinton St, Homer, NY 13077. Non-perishable food or monetary donations accepted. For more information, visit

For Veterans and Their Friends

November 11 8:30–10:30 a.m. Candor Veterans Day Free Breakfast Join local veterans and community members Saturday morning at the Allen Memorial Baptist Gymnasium at 8 Church St, Candor, NY 13743. All veterans will receive door prizes. Guest speaker retired U.S. Army Corporal Rick Nield will speak. Donations accepted for Team Timmy scholarship fund. Also, Candor Historical Society Veterans Display will be available for your viewing pleasure at the Veterans Breakfast from 8–10:30 a.m., at the Candor History Center from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., and at the Candor American Legion from 3 p.m.–9 p.m. 5:30–7:30 p.m. Candor American Legion Reception Candor American Legion Auxiliary Unit 907 will host a reception for veterans in the Legion lounge at 90 Spencer Rd, Candor, NY 13812. Please join them to thank a veteran and enjoy refreshments and fellowship!

The War Memorial at the center of DeWitt Park recognizes soldiers from Tompkins County (Photo: Amelia Buzzard) Contin u ed on Page 12

UPS&DOWNS

N e w s l i n e

City Attorney Ari Lavine Announces Retirement By M at t D ough e rt y

Ups

mo said he “appreciates that [Lavine] has always been a reliable sounding board willing fter 12 long years serving as the to help counsel understand and City Attorney for the City of navigate challenging issues.” He Ithaca, Ari Lavine announced added, “[Lavine’s] dedication that he would be stepping down from the to the city and community is position at the end of this year. The announcement was made during a Common unmatched.” Third Ward Alderperson Council meeting on November 1. Rob Gearhart told Lavine, “Your “I am announcing my departure from City Attorney Ari Lavine has announced that he will be stepping down from his position after more than a public service is commendCity government with deep gratitude for decade in office. (Photo: The Cornell Daily Sun) able…Your ability to parse the opportunity to accomplish all that things and help us stay focused we did,” Lavine said. He added, “While I program must protect not only the officers was incredible, and that helped us move will depart from office at the end of this but also the public.” forward.” Gearhart year, I am committed Additional achievements listed by continued, “We often throughout early 2024 Lavine in his announcement included the get to see you in the to supporting however 201 C-Town litigation that protected the context of being on I can a smooth and public’s right to use public streets, mainour side, which is stable transition for taining the city’s ability to regulate where great. And it’s only the office.” intercity busses like Ourbus can onload and when I witnessed you Lavine’s term as offload passengers, prohibiting the Maguire represent us against City Attorney began Car dealership from placing a “sea of cars” someone on the other when former longat the Carpenter Business Park and the side that I realized time Mayor Svante Ithaca Properties litigation that “thwarted I was very happy to Myrick appointed have you on my team.” an adjoining developer’s efforts to dictate him at the start of his the future of the Green St. garage effectively.” He added, “I think Mayoral term in 2012. During his announcement, Lavine said, that extends to almost In his announcement, — City Attorney Ari Lavine everything we’ve done “It was a privilege to serve this great City Lavine said that when across that first decade in office and a duty together…that is anSvante first pitched to see it through these past two years.” He other testament to your dedication to this the position to him, he said yes, thinking continued saying he wanted to “thank the city and home.” that he wouldn’t stay in the job for a full exceptional Common Councils with whom According to Lavine, during his tenure four-year term, “Here we are, 12 years I worked during that first decade; they as City Attorney, the city addressed the later, making me the longest-serving City were a model of legislative leadership. I will issue of being unable to fix crumbling Attorney in Ithaca’s history,” Lavine said. always value the partsidewalks by creating Over the years, Lavine has provided nership and goodwill knowledge of the functions of city govern- Sidewalk Improvement that Mayor Myrick and Districts. Additionally, ment to a litany of changing faces on the I built with those CounLavine helped the city Common Council while helping the city cils, and they with us.” develop “first-in-theimprove public services. Lavine added, “I state Stormwater User In response to Lavine’s announcement, want to thank Mayor Fees” that create “inMayor Laura Lewis said, “I would like Lewis for taking on centives to reduce dirty to just express my deepest gratitude to the heavy mantle of and environmentally Ari for his assistance, and the assistance leadership through damaging runoff.” He of others in his office, who have been these difficult times—a also said that mergtremendously beneficial to the good of role that she did not ing the Planning and the city over these 12 years.” Lewis added, seek and accepted Building Departments “there are many ways in which Ari Levine only for the good of has benefited the city and saved money for has helped increase her city.” According to efficiency and comthis city and our taxpayers in immeasurLavine, “I am gratified munication between able amounts over his term in office, so he that we were able to put departments. has my deepest appreciation.” — Mayor Laura Lewis these past two years to Lavine added that Fifth Ward Alderperson and Mayoral good use despite tough he “served as the candidate Robert Cantelmo responded to circumstances to usher in our new form of architect of the City’s Body-Worn Camera Lavine’s announcement, saying, “Thank government — through the City Manager Program,” defending it against attempts you for your service to the city [and] I legislative package and referendum — to to remove the program from the Police wish you the best of luck in your next what I hope will be a stable new adminisBenevolent Association (PBA). Regarding chapter. Your expertise and your sound tration for the City.” the bodycam program, Lavine said, “This legal advice will be sorely missed.” Cantl-

“While I will depart from office at the end of this year, I am committed throughout early 2024 to supporting however I can a smooth and stable transition for the office.”

“There are many ways in which Ari Levine has benefited the city and saved money for this city and our taxpayers in immeasurable amounts over his term in office, so he has my deepest appreciation.”

Ithaca Bombers Football beat St. Lawrence 51-14 ahead of the regular season finale Vs. Cortland. The 64th annual Cortaca Jug Game will take place this Saturday, Nov. 11 at 12 p.m.

Downs

Big Red Football is on a two game losing streak after their 23-8 loss to the University of Pennsylvania Quakers on Saturday, Nov. 4.

HEARD&SEEN Heard

The Tompkins County Workers Center will be announcing their updated Living Wage during a press conference on November 8.

Seen

The City of Ithaca has announced three interviews with the final candidates for City Manager. The interviews will be held at 9 a.m. on Nov. 8, Nov. 9, and Nov. 13.

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

Is it too early to start playing christmas music? 77.6% Yes . 14.3% No . 8.2%

I don’t care .

N ext Week ’s Q uestion :

Does more need to be done to protect Cayuga Lake? Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.

November 8 – 14, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

The Talk at

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR In Support of Snow-free Crosswalks

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Winter is coming, and we’ll again face impassable walkways after winter weather. I was pleased to see the Times’ coverage of the DPW Superintendent’s report on pedestrian snow. And I was pleased again to see the Times’ recent poll, with “yes” beating “no” two to one on your question — “Do you think the City should do more to keep sidewalks clear of snow during the winter?” But neither piece noted that the central problem for pedestrians in winter is not sidewalks, it’s crosswalks. The hardest thing to do after a snow storm is to cross the street. City plows routinely pile snow at the ends of crosswalks. Property owners don’t always do a good job clearing sidewalks. But Ithaca Public Works does nothing to ensure that crosswalks are clear. Look at the photo in the Times’ article, which shows clear sidewalks, but street access blocked by plowed-in snow.

https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/ithaca.com/content/tncms/ assets/v3/editorial/b/7b/b7b317ca-508211ed-9399-ab2796a932d1/63515a2c28667. image.jp Responsibility for clearing crosswalks falls to the City, not private property owners. And if Ithacans fall and are injured on the crosswalks, the City is liable, not property owners. Don’t let City officials confuse the issue by talking about sidewalks. After our next big snowfall, ask your Common Council members why the City doesn’t clear crosswalks.” — Eric Lerner

Great Tribute to Ithacan Steve Brown

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Since arriving in Ithaca in 1977 (my third stay here), I have seen many jazz big band concerts in town, and on both campuses. Last Saturday night (Nov. 4), the scene was Bailey Hall on the Cornell campus. The event was “A Celebration of Steve Brown,” choreographed by Paul Merrill, director of the Cornell Jazz Ensemble. All 11 compositions performed on Saturday were Brown originals or arrangements. On the local jazz scene, the name Steve Brown is synonymous with excellence. Brown, a retired IC professor who started the jazz program at his alma Contin u ed on Page 7

6 The Ithaca Times / November 8 – 14, 2023

GUEST OPINION

Rethinking Recycling Reality: Horror Behind Wish-Cycling By Nuo C e n

was strolling along the street in downtown Ithaca when a monstrous “spider” leaped out, startling me. The streets were adorned with eerie decorations, yet my mind couldn’t help but wander to the cardboard packaging of these spooky spectacles. Would they, like many other things, end up in a landfill, haunting us in a different way? As I stand beside a street-side trash bin on Ithaca Commons, a glass bottle in hand, I want to make the responsible choice—recycle. However, the sight of the overflowing trash bin, filled with a jumble of plastics, oily cardboard, and non-recyclable waste, leaves me feeling frustrated. When it comes to recycling, local government, environmental groups, and residents in Ithaca are all trying to do the right thing, but somehow the results turn out to be disappointing. One explanation for this phenomenon is wish-cycling, meaning that people throw everything into the recycling bin and hope that it will magically transform into new products. Unfortunately, reality doesn’t always align with this hopeful notion. Wishcycling results in contamination, which hinders the efficacy of recycling systems. In Ithaca, some institutions, like Cornell University, collect their recyclables using the same recycling truck. Just one piece of misplaced non-recyclable material can contaminate the entire load of clean recyclables, causing them all to be sent to the landfill. Recycling is a straightforward concept, but it is hard to execute correctly. Despite studies showing that 94% of U.S. residents express their support for recycling, the national recycling rate stands at a mere 32.1%. Compounded by the issue of contamination from wish-cycling, the discrepancy between intention and action is exacerbated, with approximately one out of four items being improperly placed in recycling bins. The cost of contamination far exceeds the cost of simply disposing of all recyclables as regular trash. In New York City, contaminated recyclable loads can cost logistics companies up to $766

per ton due to additional labor and extra processing. Thus, the limited public understanding of recycling can contribute to the worsening waste crisis. On the flip side, adhering to proper recycling procedures brings notable environmental benefits such as conserving energy, reducing waste, and safeguarding ecosystems. When the United States achieves a recycling rate of 75%, it will have an environmental impact on carbon emissions equivalent to taking 55 million cars off the roads annually. Recycling goes beyond the act of giving materials a second life; it’s a means of diverting waste away from landfills. When waste decomposes in landfills, it generates greenhouse gases. Recycling plays a pivotal role in diminishing the amount of waste sent to landfills, thereby mitigating global warming and preserving valuable land. To be sure, recycling isn’t a panacea, but it’s an indispensable component of the solution to our environmental challenges. In an effort to cut costs, many U.S. communities discontinued their curbside recycling programs. It’s true that collecting and processing recyclable materials is more costly than simply sending all waste to the landfill. However, when considering the broader perspective, this cost is relatively modest. As recycling rates rise, it not only creates employment opportunities but also stimulates local economies and encourages sustainable manufacturing practices. According to a report in Nature Sustainability, recycling is seen as “one of the easiest opportunities to mitigate climate change and reduce natural resource demands.” within a community. Recycling results in comparable carbon emissions savings as the adoption of electric vehicles. Recycling establishes a scenario where economic development and environmental stewardship are mutually supportive. In Ithaca, experiencing fluctuating populations of tourists and students throughout the year, we must maintain a persistent and ongoing commitment to learn, implement, and monitor recycling practices. If we remain uncertain when

ITHACA NOTES

GUEST OPINION

In Days of Yore

First Congregational Church Denounces Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia

By ch a r l ey gi t h l e r

n late October 1955, it was announced in the Ithaca Journal that there would be a ‘gun amnesty’ week starting on November 7. During that week, firearms could be turned in to the Ithaca Police or the Sheriff ’s office with no questions asked. Sponsored by Tompkins County police agencies, safety groups and veterans’ organizations, it was inspired by a similar program in the United Kingdom nine years earlier. Republican mayor Ivan Cook, who was a Marine combat veteran of World War I, New York State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Director of Tompkins County Civil Defense, took the lead in pushing the amnesty program. His Honor was running for re-election that same amnesty week, and there was an ad in the Ithaca Journal on November 3 that read, in its entirety, “REELECT MAYOR COOK…because he will continue the program for the construction of truck bypasses around the City of Ithaca.” He was clearly a man after my own heart. Every time a grubby downstate garbage semi thunders through the heart of downtown on its way to Seneca Meadows, I become wistful about what might have been, had Ivan “No Trucks” Cook’s dream come true. They just don’t make Republicans like they used to. Sheriff Howard Harvey (also a Republican) pointed out that there were 20 million guns in private hands in a U.S. population of 160 million. This was apparently an alarming fact, as it worked out to 12.5 guns for every hundred people. It was time for action. Of course,

these days there are 470 million guns in a population of 330 million, or 140 guns for every 100 people. Belgium has 12.5 guns for every hundred citizens now. We’ll leave for another day consideration of the question of what the hell happened. Anyway, lest we get too dewy-eyed about the 1950s, the plan was to collect the guns and throw them in Cayuga Lake. Not making that up, for such was the profound reverence for the natural environment that we enjoyed back then. And so, the 20 pistols, several rifles, various knives, blackjacks and the hand grenade that had been turned in were put in two burlap sacks and taken out to the middle of the lake. There’s a photo in the November 23 Journal showing Sheriff Harvey and two other men on a private citizen’s boat, all bundled up against the cold and dumping guns in the water. The scene is faintly ridiculous. The caption could have read “Paulie Walnuts disposing of evidence off the stern of the Stugots” and I would have believed it. That was 68 years ago. In November 2023, Ithaca’s Common Council, in the face of the palpably deteriorating quality of downtown street life, is taking the bull by the horns and considering decriminalizing jaywalking. I’m assuming it’s so that citizens running across the street to escape a hail of gunfire or a machetewielder can do so without fear of a citation if a crosswalk isn’t handy. I’m not sure they make Democrats the way they used to, either.

RETHINKING RECYCLING REALITY

you are uncertain, consult the Tompkins Recycling Search Tool. Together, we can become a part of the Tompkins County curbside recycling program. It is our obligation to ensure that the recyclable items reach the right destination, so stop deceiving ourselves and pretending we are doing the right thing by wishcycling.

contin u ed from page 6

standing in front of recycling bins, we will still make mistakes, be indifferent, and hold reservations about recycling. Consequently, contamination rates will remain high, recycling processes will continue to be stalled, and environmental advancements will stagnate. It’s time to unmask the recycling reality and stop wishing for change. With a clean glass bottle in hand, what’s the next step? Recycle it! When

Nuo Cen is a Cornell student majoring in Environment and Sustainability, currently creating calculators for Solid Waste Environmental Excellence Performance (SWEEP) Standard for campuses.

By R ev. D r . Dav i d A . K a de n

he leaders of First Congregational Church of Ithaca were horrified to learn of the recent anti-Semitic, dehumanizing, and hateful posts to the online Greekrank forum. To label any human being with the appalling language in those posts is unacceptable, and to threaten such unspeakable violence is immoral in the extreme. To target Jewishhuman beings in particular in this way, given the centuries of anti-Semitism in our collective history, is heartbreaking and soul crushing. There is no place for this language or the hate behind it in human society. We denounce it unequivocally. We feel nothing but compassion and deep empathy for our Jewish siblings in the Abrahamic faith at this time; indeed, we are holding all of our Jewish siblings closely in prayer. Since October 7th we have heard too many comments that somehow Jewish people are exempt from being treated as fellow human beings who are worthy of compassion because of the policies and practices of the State of Israel. This, too, is unacceptable. At the same time, we denounce any attempt to lump all of our Muslim siblings in the Abrahamic faith together with extremist groups who threaten hate and violence in the name of God. It is also immoral

in the extreme to treat every Muslim person as if they were a member of Hamas. This is both untrue and dangerous. Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are abhorrent. We hold to the ancient belief that every human being regardless of state in life or religious identity is precious, made in the “image of God” (tzelem elohim). No one should be dehumanized because of who they are. We grieve whenever human beings are hated, threatened, victimized, oppressed, or attacked. We grieve for the innocent Palestinians who are subjected to displacement and war. We grieve for Jewish people who fear for their safety simply because they are Jews. We are committed to the belief, voiced by Jesus centuries ago and proclaimed by modern luminaries like Dr. King, that love is the only way. “I’m foolish enough to believe,” said Dr. King, “that through the power of this love somewhere, men of the most recalcitrant bent will be transformed. And then we will be in God’s kingdom.” We pray that all human hearts will come to embrace this fundamental message of love. We pray for peace borne of justice. On behalf of the leaders of First Congregational Church of Ithaca, Rev. Dr. David A. Kaden (he/him/his)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Ithaca that have two fantastic, talented collegiate jazz ensembles, and the high school is also terrific. You will have an opportunity to hear all three groups in a combined concert with their annual gig TBA.” — Dave Wohlhueter

contin u ed from page 6

mater, is a fantastic performer/writer/ arranger, and Saturday night’s concert showcased his work. The excellent performance by the Cornell Jazz Ensemble was augmented by many fantastic musicians, including Steve’s own son, Dr. Miles Brown, a member of the University of Delaware jazz faculty. Other guest performers were Ami Tamakloe, voice; Alejandro Bernard, piano; Joe Kaczorowski, alto sax; Chris Persad, trumpet; Joe Devassy, trombone; Alejandro Bernard-Papachryssanthou, piano; and Greg Evans, director of jazz studies at Binghamton University. There can’t be many cities the size of

If Gaza Was Here

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I was stunned by the satellite imagery of Israel’s invasion of Gaza, in the New York Times on 11/2/23, showing the density. To help myself grasp the situation, I imagined a strip the size of Gaza, 25 miles by 6.2 miles, along the shore of Cayuga Lake. As the crow flies, it would stretch from Ithaca to a bit Contin u ed on Page 15

November 8 – 14, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

Meet Your Next Police Chief

Two Finalists Make Their Case for the Top Spot at IPD

he search for a permanent Chief of Police at the Ithaca Police Department (IPD) has been a long and arduous process that has spanned three years, failed once, and sparked a lawsuit accusing the City of reverse racism. Now, for the second time, the City of Ithaca has announced its final candidates for the top spot at IPD. The two final candidates are former Larchmont, New York, Chief of Police John Poleway, and current Lieutenant for the City of Schenectady Police Department, Thomas Kelly. The announcement was posted on the City of Ithaca’s website. In May, Mayor Laura Lewis appointed Lieutenant Ted Schwartz as Acting Chief of Police at IPD as the City continued working with executive search firm Public Sector Search and Consulting on a nationwide search to hire a permanent police chief. The City of Ithaca has been without a permanent Chief of Police since former Police Chief Dennis Nayor retired in May 2021. The search process has been underscored by the City of Ithaca’s initiative to Reimagine Public Safety. The reimagining process has generated controversy regarding the influence of outside interest groups on city government, and false narratives about the process involving the “abolition” of IPD have made police officers feel unsupported by City Hall as well as the community. Some say that the perceived lack of support has resulted in officers leaving to work in more supportive communities, causing staffing shortages and a leadership vacuum in the department. However, staffing shortages at IPD have existed long before efforts to reimagine public safety began. Despite the many hurdles in hiring a permanent Chief of Police, the City of Ithaca held a community meet and greet with the two final candidates at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) on November 2 at 6 p.m. The event was announced in a statement on the City’s website that said, “After conducting a national search for the Ithaca Police Chief position, the City of Ithaca search committee identified seven individuals to interview. The search committee

By M att Dougherty

Thomas K elly is a current Lieutenant for the City of Schnectady Police Department. (Photo: Matt Dougherty) then selected two finalists.” The announcement continued by saying that “Community input is valued” and that “Members of the Ithaca community are encouraged to attend a meet and greet, interact with the finalists, and ask questions.” During the event, both candidates answered questions from the public about why they were qualified for the job and why they wanted it in the first place, given the litany of issues that need to be addressed at the department. JOHN POLEWAY, FORMER LARCHMONT POLICE CHIEF

Poleway was the police chief in Larchmont from 2008 until he retired at the end of 2021. At the time, lohud reported that Poleway decided to retire because the Village of Larchmont did not renew his contract. Larchmont Village Administrator Justin Datino told Lohud that the Village chose not to renew the contract “to avoid distraction as he helped the Board of Trustees secure accreditation for the police department.” The outlet VTDigger reported that Poleway was selected as one of the final police chief candidates for Hartford, Vermont, in

8 The Ithaca Times / November 8 – 14, 2023

John Poleway is the for mer Chief of Police for the Village of Larchmont, New York. (Caption: Matt Dougherty)

August 2022. However, issues among oth- Deputy City Manager to oversee public er candidates caused the search process to safety. Poleway says, “One of the things that end without a final selection being made. A similar process played out the last time the we’ve talked about heavily is the unarmed City of Ithaca attempted to appoint a per- response or co-response for an alternative manent Chief of Police for the Ithaca Police approach.” He continued by saying that some situations regarding domestic vioDepartment. In response to questions about what lence or mental health may call for having unarmed individuqualified him for the als who are approprijob, Poleway said, ately trained respond “I’ve had 30 years in with the backup of law enforcement and police officers. 13 years as a Chief, Regarding the so I understand how plan for the unarmed important leadership response unit includis and how to apply ed in the reimagining it to the current situpublic safety work ation here.” Poleway plan approved by the added that he applied Common Council, for the job because — John Poleway Poleway said, “I’m a he didn’t want to see proponent of it behis educational and professional experience go to waste after re- cause policing is a very difficult profession. tirement. “I was never going to stay retired It is the most difficult…[and] as societal exfor long…I’m 55, and I plan on working for pectations change, how else do we bring police departments up to these new standards.” many more years,” Poleway said. According to Poleway, “If we have a perPoleway said he was interested in the job because of the new opportunities cre- son who is addicted to drugs, or there’s a ated as the City of Ithaca switches to a City mental health crisis attached to that…a poManager form of government and hires a lice officer is not the person to engage them

“I’ve had 30 years in law enforcement and 13 years as a Chief, so I understand how important leadership is and how to apply it to the current situation here.”

initially because there might be a confrontation.” He continued, “The time when police officers are responding to all of society’s ills cannot continue…no [cop] is a social worker, nobody at IPD is a certified health care or mental health professional.” Polecat added, “We need to engage that community to help us, and then if we do, maybe our 911 calls will decrease.” Poleway continued saying that one of the most significant barriers to improving the relationship between the police and the communities they serve is trust. “There are certain segments of the City of Ithaca community where there are varying levels of trust, and I think we need to re-establish that trust immediately to address some of the other things,” Poleway said. According to Poleway, one of the first things he would do as Police Chief would be to “engage myself into the communities that are distrustful of the police, to give them a say and hear them voice their concerns.” He added, “When you can establish trust, then you can address a myriad of issues.” THOMAS KELLY, LIEUTENANT SCHENECTADY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Kelly is a 20-year veteran at the Schenectady Police Department (SPD) who has completed FBI training and survived being shot by a shotgun while raiding the home of a suspect in 2010. In 2011, Times Union reported that the raid was in response to a “search warrant related to a homicide outside the house the day before.” Additionally, after completing FBI training, Kelly helped the SPD implement a police reform plan focused on officer wellness and community outreach. During the event, Kelly also said that he has taught courses on implicit bias to police officers across the state.

More than a dozen residents attended a commu nity meet and greet event with the two final candidates for the position of Chief of Police at the Greateer Ithaca Activities Center on Nov. 2 (Caption: Matt Dougherty) While the narrative has been that reimagining public safety has discouraged people from wanting to join IPD, Kelly has said that he was attracted to the job because of the reimagining process. “Ithaca is poised to make some significant changes and redirect calls that are not criminal by having an unarmed response unit,” Kelly said. He added, “There are many things that I’m focused on, and reimagining the police is right at the top of that list, along with recruitment and retention.” Kelly said a huge component of successfully implementing an unarmed response

The Ithaca Police Department has been without a per manent Chief of Police since for mer Chief Dennis Nayor resigned from the position in 2021. (Photo: File)

program relates to how dispatching is con- “procedural justice.” According to the Deducted. According to Kelly, “I’ve been to partment of Justice, “Procedural justice is calls that sounded like nothing, that was based on four central principles: treating the furthest thing from it, and I’ve also been people with dignity and respect, giving to calls that sounded very violent and noth- citizens a voice during encounters, being ing was taking place. So dispatch, through neutral in decision making, and conveying no fault of their own, doesn’t always get an trustworthy motives.” Kelly has said that if he gets the job, he accurate picture.” Kelly continued saying that IPD, City plans on enacting change by “identifying Hall, and the community will have to have who the informal leaders are.” He continconversations about how to decide when ued by saying, “We know who the sergeants and lieutenants are,” it is appropriate for but it’s important to police to respond to know who else in the a call and when it is organization has influappropriate for the ence and that leaderunarmed unit to reship must also bring spond. Kelly says that them into the converonce the unarmed resation. sponse unit is impleIn response to mented, it will “alquestions about how low police to become he views marginalmore effective and ized groups who may more efficient…and — Thomas Kelly have negative views allow the municipalof the police, Kelly ity to address issues said, “Everybody’s entitled to the same serimportant to the community.” According to Kelly, “Police need to min- vice from the police. The police are there to imize their footprint, and they should be protect and serve the community.” He confocused on violent crimes because typical- tinued, “There is a lot of history in policly people who commit violent crimes also ing that officers should understand. They’re commit the lower level offenses, and that wearing a badge that represents things they might not have been a part of, but they’re reduces crime.” A critical aspect of Kelly’s approach to representatives, and they’re part of it now, law enforcement involves what he calls and it’s one of their problems.”

“There are many things that I’m focused on, and reimagining the police is right at the top of that list, along with recruitment and retention.”

November 8 – 14, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

Sports

Hall of Family and Friends Baseball Hall of Fame Unites the Generations By Ste ve L aw re nc e

nyone with a remote interest in baseball, who has made the pilgrimage to Cooperstown, understands that details like time are irrelevant. That was made clear by the fact that five of us — age range 67-77 — piled into Ken Clarke’s SUV like a bunch of Little Leaguers, and in doing so stepped into a veritable time machine. Chuck Tompkins — a retired pastor and the elder statesman among us — recalled his days as a boy in Philadelphia, going to watch his beloved hometown Phillies. Community leader and foster parent extraordinaire Cal Walker grew up in Alabama, and he also flashed back to precious time he spent with his loved ones. Ken Clarke — the Director of the Tompkins County Office of Human Rights — proudly wore his Orioles hat and told stories of his boyhood in Balti-

L-R: Cal Walker, David Moriah, Chuck Tompkins, Steve Lawrence and Ken Clarke.

more. David Moriah — who founded the Cornell Outdoor Education program a half-century ago — graciously served as our “host” and arranged some amazing “insider” tours. I have been to the HOF before, but I had never sat in a closed-off room, wearing surgical gloves, inches away from priceless treasures like Ty Cobb’s glove and Lou Gehrig’s jersey. It is not often that I spend time with people who would destroy me in a Baseball Trivia contest, but David and Ken are both serious, lifelong baseball historians. In a presentation they put on a few months ago, I was grateful to learn more about the Negro Leagues in two hours that I had learned over the course of six decades. This column has also featured one of David’s prized possessions: A photo of him sitting next to Casey Stengel, as the Mets’ 11 year-old bat boy in 1964. The fact that Moriah has attended 32 HOF induction ceremonies, and

written dozens of articles for the the Hall’s publications made it even more meaningful that he still feels that schoolboy-level excitement every time he goes to Cooperstown. Although it was November, the Hall — and the town — were buzzing with visitors. Many of them were wearing their baseball jerseys and hats, and one particular family really brought into focus the HOF’s mission statement: “Preserving History, Honoring Excellence, Connecting Generations.” The family I referenced featured a grandfather, about 70, his 40-ish son and 10-ish grandson. All wore Red Sox jerseys, and as they stood in front of a statue of Ted Williams, the grandpa started to try to explain what the great number 9 had meant to Boston, to the game, and to him. He spoke of Williams' service as a fighter pilot in two wars, depriving him of five seasons and a chance to hold virtually every record in the book, and he told the youngster about Williams

being given a chance to sit out the final-day doubleheader in 1941, so that he could finish the season with a .400 batting average. Of course, Ted opted to play, went 6-for-8 and finished at .406. I don’t know if the boy will remember those details, but I am pretty sure that he will remember that day with his dad and grandpa. David invited a friend to join us. Tim Wiles worked at the HOF for 19 years (as the Director of Research), and as he shared story after story, anecdote after anecdote, and memory after memory, it was clear that baseball was so much more than his job. His list of tasks — or opportunities — included thousands of recitals of “Casey at the Bat,” often delivered at major events, with tens of thousands of visitors listening raptly. We were grateful for the structured “insider” tour and we all had our own personal Contin u ed on Page 12

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November 8 – 14, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

VETERANS DAY contin u ed from page 4

November 12 8-11 a.m. Trumansburg Veterans Day Free Breakfast The United Methodist Church and American Legion Arthur E. Bouton Post 770 will host a Veterans Day Breakfast in the American Legion’s main hall at 4431 E Seneca Rd, Trumansburg, NY 14886. After a three-year break due to the pandemic, the complimentary breakfast is returning for its ninth year running. Celebrations will include a bagpiper from the Caledonia Highlanders Pipe & Drum Band to entertain diners and a brief service following the meal. Two local high school students, Maren Friedman and Greta Garrison, will play taps. All local active military personnel and veterans are welcome, with their families, free of cost. Committee member Meg

Gaige says, “We really want the veterans to know we appreciate their sacrifice and service—and their families too.” November 14 7-9 p.m. Finger Lakes Veteran Writing Workshop The workshop, open to Finger Lakes veterans of all eras, will take place on Zoom and in person at Tompkins County Human Services Annex, 214 W. Martin Luther King Jr./State St., Ithaca, NY. Contact Kevin Basl, kevin.basl@gmail.com, for Zoom link.

For History Buffs

November 9 1-4 p.m. Cornell Veteran & Military Exhibition An exhibition honoring veterans will be displayed in the Room 217 of the Computing and Communications Center at 235 Garden Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850.

COUNCIL APPROVES

cost of yard waste tags or stormwater fees.” Lewis says that the proposed budget “adds or restores 22 positions…including Lewis said the proposed budget includes City Manager, Deputy City Manager, three new firefighters, and seven new police “no changes in the sidewalk fee, no changes in the water rates, a 10% increase in sewer officers starting in December 2024.” She rates, an increase in trash ranges from $4.50 added, “There are eight police officers in per tag to $5 per tag, and no changes to the the budget starting at an earlier date.” contin u ed from page 3

November 10 10-11 a.m. Cornell Military History Walking Tour Join Cornell’s military community on a tour of campus war memorials. The tour will begin on the Statler side of Barton Hall at 117 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY 14853. November 11 10:15-12 p.m. Living History Performance at The History Center in Tompkins County The History Center will be hosting Ithaca Heritage Ambassador Roger Segelken, who will perform a monologue as a 1918 flight instructor for the Thomas Morse School of Aviation, a program located near present-day Cass Park that trained pilots for World War I. The monologue takes about 15 minutes, and will be performed in rounds for any visitors to the Exhibit Hall between 10:15 a.m. and 12 p.m. at 110 N Tioga St, Ithaca, NY 14850. HALL OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS contin u ed from page 10

moments of reflection, when we just stood there and took in the moment. Some of us were absorbed in the memories of our childhood, others were more tuned into the

For Sports Fans

November 8 7 p.m. Cornell Men’s Basketball Military Appreciation Game Cornell will compete against Morrisville State College in Newman Arena at 554 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853. November 17 6 p.m. Cornell Women’s Ice Hockey Military Appreciation Game Cornell will compete against Quinnipiac University at the Lynah Rink at 536 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853. November 18 1 p.m. Cornell Football Military Appreciation Game Cornell will compete against Columbia University on Schoellkopf Field at 513 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850. sacrifices made by Jackie Robinson and the cultural significance of those sacrifices. We all felt very fortunate to live so close to such a place — a little more than two hours away. As we were leaving, we were treated to one more “insider” experience. Tim Wiles — for an audience of five instead of 50,000 — did a flawless rendition of “Casey at the Bat.”

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Connecting and Communicating with the Natural Intelligences Surrounding Us

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By LA Bourgeois

When I go for a walk in the woods, through a field or by a waterfall, I just feel this immediate pressure drop,” says Eva Hunter, coordinator for the Foundation of Light. “All my stresses, I can let go of them. And I feel this revitalization in my body, but also in my spirit.” This personal connection with the natural world is emphasized in the upcoming workshop, “Land Whispering: Connecting and Communicating with the Natural Intelligences Surrounding Us.” The event also celebrates the connection between Dr. Patrick MacManaway, the instructor and guide, and the Foundation of Light. Before beginning this nonprofit organization, the founders, John and Kat Payne and Mabel Beggs, visited MacManaway’s family’s Healing and Teaching Centre in rural Scotland and returned home, inspired to create this sacred space. Now, in the Foundation of Light’s fiftieth year, MacManaway headlines this event which forms part of the re-emergence of this institute after the suspension of activities during COVID. Dr. MacManaway sat down with the Ithaca Times to discuss the workshop and cultivating a personal connection to nature. What do you see as the importance of a personal connection with the natural world? When we look at sustainable cultures around the world, it’s very simple, really. Sustainable cultures live with a basic consciousness of circular time. And our culture has moved on to a sense of linear time. Circular time is natural to people living inside of a landscape, because spring and autumn come every

Dr. Patrick MacManaway. (Photo: Provided)

Foundation of Light Stone Circle. (Photo: Patrick MacManaway)

year. If you live in circular time, you’re very present-focused, because the only thing to do is to make the best of whatever it is, knowing that you’ll come back and you’ll do even better next time. So it pushes you into present moment. Linear time makes us think that whatever we truly want is somewhere else further down the line, and not here and not now. Therefore we pursue that want relentlessly with the hope that things will expand. Our cultural economy has moved onto linear time where we believe that growth and more is better. In terms of sustainability, circular time is critical. The second thing that’s critical is an awareness and interactive practice of connecting with the intelligence of the natural world around us. Once you find that animals and soil and rivers and weather are actually responsive to our engaged interaction, then it moves you into having a sense of relationship rather than the sense of being the sentient consciousness in an inanimate and exploitable field of resource. Workshops such as mine are coaching people to actually engage and connect and see what ways change can occur. It’s very tangible work, and a lot of my employers are farmers who want to take advantage of increased germination rates and yield, pest resistance, and relationships with wildlife on their property. Cooperative, rather than problematical. What do you think will most surprise the attendees? Their simple capacity to engage and connect and create positive change in their environment. We’re engaging with vibration and intelligence, so everybody does it slightly differently. I generally run through a range of coaching people as well as using dowsing and meditative tools, to find whatever is the best way for the individual to connect and engage.

We look at the elemental intelligences, earth, air, fire, and water. Are they carrying harmony, ease and peace or whether they have residual carryover from a trauma. Either physical trauma like minor construction, or emotional trauma from something that’s happened in the place. Then we look at nature spirits, the intelligences of plants and animals and soil biology. And then we have to marry that all up with human presence. Some of the work is janitorial and some of the work is marriage counseling between people and place. What are you most looking forward to during this workshop? I love to share this stuff because it’s the most natural of all things. It’s an awakening for people, and that’s a great joy—to participate in their awakening of their own superpowers and putting them to work. That’s a lot of fun. It’s the most natural thing. It’s not anything constructed or abstract or New Age or dependent on any historical or religious perspective. It’s just truly an extension of our natural selves connecting with the world around us. It is natural, it’s normal, and it’s a good way to be. “Dragons, Elementals and Nature Spirits—the Sacred and Fertile Relationship” Lecture, Friday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m. “Land Whispering: Connecting and Communicating with the Natural Intelligences Surrounding Us” Workshop begins with the Friday lecture and ends Sunday, November 12 at 4:30 p.m.

Foundation of Light 391 Turkey Hill Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850

Arts&Entertainment

LAND WHISPERING

November 8 – 14, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

Honor Roll

Older New Yorker’s Day Honors Elderly Residents By Staf f Re por t

n 1989, Sherry and Bill Alberta initiated the Elves Program with a heartfelt mission: to bring joy and assistance to needy children. What began as a gesture of kindness by purchasing gifts for a few children in a local elementary school has since grown into a transformative force, impacting the lives of up to 1,000 children annually through three distinct programs. The Winter Holiday Program stands at the core of their efforts, spanning forty schools in Tompkins County and its surrounding areas. Here, nurses and social workers identify children facing the greatest need, creating profiles shared with “elf leaders.” These leaders then connect with individuals, families, or groups eager to sponsor a child, providing them with

new clothing and toys during the holiday season. In 2007, an “elf leader” expanded their impact further with the Summer Backpack Program. Now assisting a thousand children annually, this initiative equips each child with a new backpack filled with school supplies, ensuring they are prepared for the upcoming academic year. The Albertas’ third and newest program, the KozyKids Blanket Program, was inspired by a child’s simple request for a warm blanket as a holiday gift. Each year, more than 250 new, cozy blankets find their way into local schools, offering comfort during the cold months. Sherry and Bill Alberta’s commitment to their community is a testament to their love for Ithaca, New York, where they have resided for over four decades.

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Art Berkey. (Photo: Provided)

Sherry and Bill Alberta. (Photo: Provided)

Their dedication extends beyond their charitable work, as they cherish time with their family, explore the beauty of nature, and engage in various hobbies. Sherry is passionate about organic gardening and cooking, while Bill enjoys stonework and playing the mandolin. Both hail from small upstate towns and are deeply dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged children. At 91 years old, Art Berkey is a testament to the enduring spirit of volunteerism. For more than 35 years during his retirement, he has dedicated countless hours weekly to various activities to support his community. He can often be

found repairing homes and equipment, generously distributing refurbished tools, and welcoming young children into his garage and shop to impart the wisdom of craftsmanship and the virtue of patience. Berkey’s sense of duty extends to his neighbors, who frequently turn to him for rides. When approached, he consults his meticulously maintained calendar, juggling prior commitments such as the food pantry, blood drives, or committee meetings with a duty to assist those in need. A profound sense of integrity characterizes his dedication to community service, and Contin u ed on Page 15

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

OLDER NEW YORKER’S DAY

contin u ed from page 7

contin u ed from page 14

north of Aurora, east to Sherwood, south to Etna and back to Ithaca. In that rectangle, imagine 2.2 the million people of Gaza, instead of the 50,000 who live here now, about .23% of Gaza’s population. Add the deaths from Hamas’s attack on Israel and the present Israeli bombing of Gaza and the sum is well over 11,000. I cannot begin to grasp the depth of suffering. I do not want any more of my tax dollars contributing to this horror.” — Ruth Yarrow

he treats every individual with the respect they deserve. Berkey’s journey began on a 133-acre farm in Michigan, where he was born as one of six children. He embarked on an academic path, earning his bachelor’s, master’s degree in teaching, and Ph.D. from Michigan State University. His sense of duty led him to serve in the U.S. Army for 13 years, with a notable 16-month deployment during the Korean War. In 1967, he retired as a Captain. Following the war, he pursued a career as a high school agricultural science teacher and principal in Michigan. After completing his graduate studies and marrying, he and his wife moved to New York in 1967. Over the next 28 years, he dedicated himself to teaching at Cornell University, retiring in 1995. He now resides in Ithaca, where he continues to make a profound impact. “Sharing your gifts by volunteering will significantly enrich your quality of life and the opportunity to learn from and make friends,” he says. “Each of us has received much from the contributions of others and has a responsibility to give back as we can.”

Dicks Drops the Fish

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I’ve recently found out that dicks Sporting Goods is moving downtown. Now that’s not the news. What is is they have gotten rid of all their fishing supplies. Note that they’re moving closer to the lake. But are keeping all the guns and billets now that they are moving into the city. I’ve tried contacting them for almost a month to find out why I’ve not heard one word from corporate who I’ve contacted several times” — Jason Pyhtila

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November 8 – 14, 2023 / The Ithaca Times