November 15, 2023

F R E E / N o v e m b er 1 5 , 2 0 2 3 / V o l u m e X L I I I , N u m b er 6 4 / O u r 5 1 s t Y e a r

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Easing the Transition to Menopause A variety of treatments can address individual needs

BY MARIE HARKINS, FNP-BC, NCMP

M

enopause is having a moment right now. With the uptick in interest, you might be seeing more articles and advertising spotlighting the many issues that women deal with during this time. The good news is that people are paying attention to a very important transition period in a woman’s life.

The downside is that there are many supplements and products being marketed that capitalize on women’s fears of aging and promise to ease many symptoms associated with the menopause transition. I want to equip you with some important background information on menopause so you can better sift through these many claims.

What is menopause?

The biomedical definition of menopause is the absence of ovulation and change in hormones secreted by the ovaries. This change in hormone secretion is what causes many of the symptoms that women experience during this time. Women may also hear that the absence of menstrual bleeding for one year is when a woman has officially reached menopause. However, women who use a hormonal IUD or have had a hysterectomy or undergone surgery on their uterus to control bleeding may not have regular bleeding but still have ovaries and therefore may still experience many of the symptoms associated with the menopause transition.

The average age of menopause is 51, but it varies greatly between women. The transition to menopause can begin up to 10 years earlier, and often the symptoms will occur sporadically or not at all. What is abundantly clear is that each woman’s journey is individual to her.

What happens during the menopause transition?

As the ovaries gradually stop working and the way hormones are secreted in the body changes, women may experience a variety of symptoms, including: • hot flashes • irregular periods • vaginal dryness • pain with urination • pain with sex • a drop in sexual desire

• incontinence • sleep disturbances • an uptick in anxiety • joint pain • brain fog

Some of these symptoms are vague, so it is important to check in with your healthcare provider to rule out other medical problems, such as thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies. It is also important to note that not all women will experience bothersome symptoms and that symptoms can come and go over time.

How can symptoms be treated?

A lot of exciting work is being done to ease the transition for women during this important part of their reproductive lives.

Varieties of hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options are available to address symptoms that may sometimes challenge women physically and emotionally. For women who cannot or do 2 The Ithaca Times / November 15 – 21, 2023

not want to use hormones, other medications, and integrative therapies – such as dietary changes, acupuncture, relaxation techniques, and exercise – can help with symptoms of menopause transition. With the help of your primary healthcare provider and specialists, you can create a care plan that works for your individual needs.

How else can I take care of myself during menopause transition?

It is a great idea to start with lifestyle modifications that can contribute to feeling better overall. This involves working on nutrition, activity, and relaxation. It sounds easy, but it is a lot to take on when you are busy with the many demands of life.

Quality sleep is the cornerstone to good cardiovascular health, mental health, weight management, and even libido. Many people have sleep disruption from work and home demands, but during the menopause transition, this can be particularly challenging for women. Seeking help from your healthcare team is a great place to start discussing these issues.

Another important tool is regular exercise and activity. With the loss of estrogen after the menopause transition, bone mass declines, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Make sure to include consistent and comprehensive strength training in your regimen. Core strength, balance, and flexibility will not only improve your bone health but also help prevent falls and improve your quality of life with aging.

Where can I learn more about menopause?

For reliable information, speak to your healthcare provider or contact specialists who are trained in menopause management.

Some reliable websites include The Menopause Society (menopause. org) and the British Menopause Society (thebms.org.uk).

Marie Harkins has over 25 years of healthcare experience and provides comprehensive gynecology care in the Ithaca community. She is a certified menopause practitioner through the Menopause Society.

She can be reached at Cayuga Women’s Health, (607) 339-0625.

Newsline

VOL. XLIII / NO. 64 / November 15, 2023 Serving 47,125 readers week ly

ON THE COVER:

Cornell Graduate Students Vote to Form Union

The City of Ithaca has reached the beginning to the end of it’s search for City Manager.

NEWSLINE ������������������������������������3-5 EDITORIAL �������������������������������������� 6

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS ������ 7 vote yes in SPORTS ������������������������������������������� 10 support of forming a raduate students at Cornell UniBUSINESS TIMES ��������������������� 11-16 versity have overwhelmingly voted union.

ARTS The vote in support of forming a union by Cornell graduate students have officially voted in support of forming a union by a margin of 1,873 to 80 during a vote that took place over several days last week.

(Photo: File) & ENTERTAINMENT �������������������� 17 to form a a vote of 1,873 to 80. Out of 3,175 eligible union comes voters, 1,953 voted in the election.

STAGE ��������������������������������������������� 18 have built over the last few years in every six years after CGSU’s last attempt to The vote took place over three days this department through one-on-one converweek at Cornell’s, Ithaca, Geneva, and NYC unionize in 2017 failed at a referendum.

CLASSIFIED ������������������������������ 20-21 sations, office visits, and over social media.”

However, following the 2017 vote, the campuses, with 95% of voters choosing CALENDAR ������������������������������� 22-23 It added, “We’re thrilled to join other grad National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Cornell Graduate Students Union (CGSU) unions at MIT, Northwestern, Johns Hopruled that Cornell University violated the to represent them. CGSU is affiliated with kins, and many others…We look forward National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). the United Electrical Workers Union (UE). to having a productive relationship with Forming a union The vote to form Cornell at the bargaining table.” will allow graduate a graduate student Following the election, Cornell’s Vice students who teach, union at Cornell came President of University Relations, Joel do research, and after graduate workers provide service work Malina, said, “Throughout this process, our at other institutions priority was ensuring graduate assistants had Visit our website at www.ithaca.com for more news, to the university to like Johns Hopkins, arts, sports and photos. Call us at 607-277-7000 a voice through voting. Cornell has longcollectively bargain MIT, Northwestern, standing relationships with several other for fair pay, better Harvard, Columbia, 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 bargaining units on campus, and we now healthcare, and imBrown, and NYU Ch r i s I b e r t, C a l en da r Ed i to r , welcome the opportunity to build a relaprovements to varihave all achieved 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 tionship with UE.” Malina added, “We look ous other benefits. improved working Sports@flcn.org forward to negotiating a collective bargainIn a post on X conditions by unionM 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 ing agreement that reflects Cornell’s values (formerly Twitter), izing under UE. Michelle L aMorte, Photographer and addresses the needs of our students. ” GCSU celebrated On September — GCSU Statement 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 The Tompkins County Workers’ Center their victory, saying, 6, grad students “This victory belongs has released a statement saying they are re-launched their 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 unionization efforts and have since collect- to all of us: the thousands of workers who “proud to have supported these workers, providing facilities for meetings and phone ed signatures from more than 2,500 gradu- cast their votes, the hundreds of organizJ 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 banking.” The statement continued, saying, ers throughout the university who orgaate workers, which CGSU says represents 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 “This is one more in a series of new unions in nized a lightning-fast campaign.” a supermajority of graduate workers at l a r r y@ I t h a c aTi m e s . c o m our community over the last few years that The post continued, “We owe this Cornell. Additionally, Before the election, F r ee l a n ce r s : Barbara Adams, Stephen Burke, G. M Burns, we have assisted. And certainly not the last.” victory to the enduring relationships we more than 1,600 grad students pledged to Alyssa Denger, Jane Dieckmann, Charley Githler, Ross Haarstad,

G

By M at t D ough e rt y

“This victory belongs to all of us: the thousands of workers who cast their votes, the hundreds of organizers throughout the university who organized a lightning-fast campaign.”

T a k e

ON T HE WE B

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

N o t e

X 2023 GIAC Harvest Fest Dinner — Friday, November 17 The Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) is hosting its annual Harvest Fest Dinner, Friday, November 17, from 4:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. GIAC’s Harvest Fest brings free homecooked meals to the community that can be enjoyed without worry about cost or other stresses. GIAC is located on the corner of North Albany and West Court Streets (301 West Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850).

GIAC has said that meals will be served PICK UP ONLY in order to continue to serve as many community members as possible.

Meals will be served ready to heat, and will

consist of turkey and all the trimmings. There will also be a vegetarian option with no turkey.

The meals go fast, and GIAC strongly encourages people to reserve their meals in advance. Sign up for pre-orders will close Wednesday, November 15th or when full. A limited number of meals may be available beginning at 6:30 without a pre-order, but there may be a wait and they are not guaranteed.

Anyone can reserve a meal using either of 3 options: 1) calling GIAC at 607-272-3622; 2) stopping by GIAC lobby reception area to

put in a request (lobby open M-F 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; closed 11/10) or; 3) using this link https:// bit.ly/giacharvest23.

The Harvest Fest Dinner is made possible through sponsorships with JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s Ithaca Chase Bank location, Wegmans Ithaca, B&W Supply Co., and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.

Idividuals who wish to donate can send a check (made payable to: GIAC) or stop by GIAC to drop it off. PayPal is also accepted at the following link: https://www.paypal.com/ donate/?hosted_button_id=GRUHVKECDVQ7S

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November 15 – 21, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

3

INQUIRING Election Results Roll in for Ithaca Mayor & City Council PHOTOGRAPHER T N e w s l i n e

By Miche l l e L a Mor te WHAT IS YOUR

FAVORITE HOLIDAY OF THE YEAR?

“Christmas first, and Halloween second.”

– Buddy S.

“Easter.”

– Rob P.

“Christmas.”

– Lee Ann H.

“Christmas.”

– Marianne J.

“Thanksgiving.”

– Zachary R.

By M at t D ough e rt y

he unofficial results from Election Day have started to roll in, revealing the preliminary results for ten Common Council races and a race for Mayor in the City of Ithaca. The Tompkins County Board of Elections has reported that 100% of the votes from every election district are in, but results won’t be made official until all mail-in and absentee ballots are counted.

The race for Mayor saw Democrat Robert Cantelmo defeat Republican Janis Kelly. Cantelmo — cross-endorsed by the Democratic and Working Families Party (WFP) — won with 89% of the vote, while Kelly received 9% of the vote. About 25% of Centelmo’s votes were cast on the WFP line.

The race for the four-year term in the First Ward saw first-time candidate and Solidarity Slate member Kayla Matos defeat longtime Alderperson Cynthia Brock. Matos defeated Brock in the Democratic Primary in June, leading to Brock launching an independent campaign for Common Council on the Ithacans for Progress party line.

Matos won the race with 53% of the vote, while Brock received 46%. Matos was also cross-endorsed by the Democratic and Working Families Party, and about 20% of her votes were cast on the WFP line.

In addition to being endorsed by the WFP, Matos received an endorsement

from the Solidarity Slate, a local progressive group supported by the Ithaca Tenants Union and a local chapter of Democratic Socialists of America. Matos said she decided to run to bring “real change and real representation” to the city. She has called herself a “progressive democratic socialist that wants resources fairly distributed.”

On November 8, Brock congratulated Matos on her victory in a post on X (formerly Twitter) saying, “Congratulations to Kayla for her win for First Ward Common Council. She brings with her a fresh perspective and advocacy for our community [and]I am confident that she will bring that work with her and serve diligently on Council.” Brock added, “I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to serve these last 12 years, and am deeply grateful for the amazing people I have met and represented during this time.”

In response to Rob Cantelmo’s election as Ithaca Mayor and Kayla Matos’s election to Common Council, Stephanie Heslop, Chair of the Tompkins County Chapter of the New York Working Families Party, has said, “We’re thrilled by tonight’s victories.”

She continued, “More and more families in Ithaca are struggling with rising rents and the growing concerns over the changing climate. We look forward to working with Mayor Cantelmo and Councilmember Matos to fully enact Ithaca’s Green New Deal,

Robert Cantelmo will serve as the 46th Mayor of Ithaca after defeating his Republican opponent, Janis Kelly, by a wide margin on Election Day. (Photo: FIle)

strengthen public services in our city, and ensure housing is safe and affordable for working people of every income level.”

Matos will join her Solidarity Slate and First Ward colleague, Phoebe Brown, on the Common Council as Brown won her race for the ward’s two-year seat against Republican Zachary Winn. Brown won 83% of the vote, while Winn received just 15%. Brown is currently an Alderperson in the Second Ward but ran for re-election in the First Ward as a result of redistricting.

The Second Ward saw two uncontested races for the four-year and two-year terms.

Current Alderperson Ducson Nguyen won the race for the four-year term, and current Fifth Ward Alderperson Kris HainesSharp won the two-year term in the Contin u ed on Page 7

Ithaca City School District to Provide Students with Free Breakfast and Lunch for Remainder of the 2023-2024 School Year

I

By Sta ff R e p ort

thaca, N.Y. — Beginning on December 1, 2023, all students in the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) will be eligible to receive a free healthy breakfast and lunch at school. This will continue throughout the remainder of the 20232024 school year as part of the Community Eligibility Provision under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.

The USDA expanded access to school breakfast and lunch to an estimated 3,000 more school districts by increasing the availability of the Community Eligibility Provision. CEP is a simplified meal service option that allows schools to provide meals

4 The Ithaca Times / November 15 – 21, 2023

at no cost to all students without requiring families to apply for free and reduced-price meals. Instead, school districts receive federal funding based on a formula using existing data from SNAP and other programs, and local or state funds must fill any gap between program costs and national support.

In September, six schools in the ICSD became eligible for free breakfast and lunch under the same program: Belle Sherman, Beverly J. Martin, Cayuga Heights, Enfield, Fall Creek, and Lehman Alternative Community School. Subsequently, the USDA lowered the required share of low-income students from 40% to 25%, allowing all students in the district to be eligible for complimentary breakfast and lunch.

This year, the Child Nutrition Depart-

ment, in partnership with the Chef Ann Foundation and the Park Foundation, launched a new robust nutrition program that allows schools to serve healthy, delicious, and sustainable meals. When students have access to adequate, healthy food, it not only helps them develop lifelong healthy eating habits but improves overall academic success.

“We are thrilled that all students in the ICSD will now have access to nutritious and delicious food in school,” Beth Krause, Director of Child Nutrition, said. “CEP supports our vision to ensure every learner in our district can thrive and meet their true potential.”

Families can view the school meal menus by visiting the website or downloading the ICSD app in the App Store or Google Play.

UPS&DOWNS

N e w s l i n e

Surprise Write-In Campaign Complicates Fourth Ward Race

T

By M at t D ough e rt y

he race for the four-year term in the Fourth Ward was flying under the radar until the last possible second. For the entirety of election season, the public thought both races in Ward Four were uncontested until all hell broke loose two hours before the polls closed on election night on November 7, when news broke about a surprise write-in campaign that could potentially unseat incumbent Alderperson Jorge DeFendini. The name at the top of the write-in campaign was Patrick Kuehl, a Cornell University Senior and President of the Student Assembly.

Unofficial results from the Board of Elections show that DeFendini has received 70% of the votes, while Kuehl has received 30%. The race will remain undecided until all mail-in and absentee ballots are counted. The Fourth Ward’s tendency for a small voter turnout likely made it a prime target for the write-in campaign, as just 40 votes have been cast in the race. At the time of publication, DeFendini had received 28 votes, and there were 12 writein votes — expected to be for Kuhel.

The race is still undecided as the Board of Elections has said that preliminary results do not include 38 absentee ballots that were cast in the Fourth Ward on election day. The Board of Elections has said that official results will be released on Wednesday, November 15. (Check Ithaca. com for an updated version of this story) Before election day, Kuehl’s campaign was nonexistent, and there was no attempt to reach out to local media to increase awareness about his write-in effort. It wasn’t until the day after election day that Kuehl made his first comments to the media, saying that he decided to launch a write-in campaign after being “approached independently by multiple members of the community who were unhappy with the way that the Solidarity Slate has approached governance in Ithaca.” Kuehl commented in an interview with 14850.com Editor Mark Anbinder on November 8.

In his comments, Kuehl said another factor influencing his decision to run a write-in campaign was his belief that no elected official should run unopposed.

However, given the fact that Kuehl has said that his future in Ithaca is “uncertain”

Ups

after he graduates from Cornell in six months, it’s unclear why he chose to run for the ward’s fouryear term as opposed to the two-year term Incumbent Alderperson Jorge DeFendini (left) came up against a surprise write-in campaign from Cornell Senior Patrick Kuehl (right) on election day. since both were unSources have told the Cornell Daily Sun that Kuehl worked with sitting memebrs contested. of council to keep his campaign hidden from the public. (Photo: File) Tiffany Kumar, who currently ocAnbinder responded to Nguyen in cupies the Fourth Ward’s two-year term, has not responded to the Ithaca Times regarding another post, saying, “The write-in mechanism exists for a reason, Duc. Using it isn’t whether she knew about Kuehl’s write-in ‘underhanded’ or ‘stealing’ an election.” effort before Election Day. However, the Nguyen said he generally supports writeIthaca Voice has reported that Kumar and Alderperson George McGonigal knew about in efforts, but “under the specific conditions of Ward 4 with its low threshold for the write-in effort before election day. The victory, it wasn’t exactly open.”

Solidarity Slate previously endorsed Kumar, Tompkins County Legislator Veronica but the group has since revoked their endorsement of Kumar for unspecified reasons. Pillar said the write-in campaign wasn’t announced to the public until two hours Longtime First Ward Alderperson Gorge before polls closed on election day at 9 McGonigal, who has also publicly criticized p.m. “Until then, Ward 4 voters who got the Solidarity Slate, told the Ithaca Times in their info from publicly accessible sources an email that he found out about the writehad no idea this was a contested election,” in campaign “the day before the election.”

Pillar said. They added, “This is not what In response to questions about why he democracy looks like!” didn’t alert the public to the campaign’s Cornell Democrats released a statement existence, McGonigal said, “Why would regarding the write-in campaign, saying, I make a public statement about it? It’s “While the Cornell Democrats recognize not my ward, and it’s none of my busiPatrick Kuehl’s right to conduct a write-in ness.” He added, “I find it interesting that campaign, we unequivocally condemn Jorge spent a good portion of Election the secretive way that this campaign was Day canvassing on West Hill against our colleague Cynthia Brock. Maybe he should run.” The statement continued, saying, “We are concerned that Kuehl sets a dangerous pay closer attention to his ward.” precedent for future elections, undermining In response to Kuehl’s write-in camopen, transparent debate. Our focus always paign, DeFendini said, “I was surprised to has been and always will be advancing the find out about the campaign and would interests of students and Ithacans alike.” It have appreciated the opportunity to have had a real contested election. But instead, I added, “We will work with whoever is elected as Ward Four Alderperson to ensure that and most ward four residents were denied remains the top priority.” the opportunity to engage.” DeFendini On November 11, Solidarity Slate elects added, “Unlike Patrick, my future in IthaJorge DeFendini, Phoebe Brown, and Kayla ca is not ‘uncertain,’ as I intend to remain Matos released a statement saying Kuehl’s in the city I have made my home with the secret write-in campaign undermined the community I am proud to represent.”

Fourth Wards democratic election.

Second Ward Alderperson Ducson The statement said, “Ithaca voters have a Nguyen posted on X (formerly Twitter) saying, “To the extent that one can attempt right to know who and what is on the ballot.

Patrick Kuehl’s attempt at a hidden campaign to steal an election legally, this fits the bill. There wasn’t even public discourse on — without an online presence, a debate, or even a public platform — insults open relevant issues. I can’t imagine wanting to democratic values.” It continued, “Without join a decision-making body in such an underhanded, embarrassing, and instantly-credibility-neutralizing way.”

Contin u ed on Page 19

The Tompkins County Legislature approved a resolution 11-3 to protect Cayuga Lake from the dangers posed by Cargill's salt mining.

The resolution urges Governor Hochul and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to require a full, independent environmental review of the mine's operations, and that Cargill or a future buyer post an adequate environmental bond with NYS.

Downs

The days just keep getting shorter.

Enjoy the daylight while it lasts.

HEARD&SEEN Heard

Tompkins County Public Library has embarked on a months-long project to encode materials with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to improve the speed and accuracy of circulation and shelving.

Seen

On November 3, approximately 25 individuals connected with Ithaca and Tompkins-area sustainability and workforce development gathered at TC3 Extension, on the Ithaca Commons, to celebrate a graduation ceremony for a cohort of students completing the Energy Warriors program, an environmental literacy program run by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Tompkins County.

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

Does more need to be done to protect Cayuga Lake?

77.2% Yes .

14.0% No .

8.8%

I don’t care .

N ext Week ’s Q uestion :

What’s the best part of Thanksgiving dinner?

Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.

November 15 – 21, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

5

EDITORIAL

Acknowledge Humanity Everywhere.

Everyone Wants Safety & Security Cornell Students Hold Die-In Protest to Honor Palestinians Killed by Israel as Second Gentleman of the United States Visits Jewish Living Center

By M at t D ough e rt y

N

ovember 9 was a busy day on the campus of Cornell University as events were held to express support for the university's Jewish and Palestinian communities. While the event to support Jewish students was held at Cornell’s Center for Jewish Living and saw the Second Gentleman of the United States as well as Cornell faculty in attendance — the event to support Palestinians was a die-in protest held by Cornell’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) that was forced to last for just 15 minutes to prevent law enforcement from breaking it up.

At around 3 pm, approximately 200 students organized a die-in protest in front of Klarman Hall to honor the more than 10,000 Palestinians who have been killed by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) since October 7. Earlier in the day, the Second Gentleman of the United States, Douglas

Emhoff, visited the university's Jewish Living Center to show support for Cornell’s Jewish community on the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht — the night when nazi’s in Germany unleashed unspeakable acts of violence against Jewish communities.

The events took place in the wake of the IDF’s ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, which came after it subjected the area to a week-long bombing campaign that killed an estimated 10,000 people, 40% of whom are children, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. The IDF has attempted to justify its campaign of destruction in Gaza by saying that it is in retaliation to attacks by Hamas on October 7 that killed 1,400 Israelis. The events also came a little more than a week after violent anti-semitic threats went viral online, resulting in the arrest of a Cornell student.

While the events advocated for groups that are seemingly in opposition to each other, both were organized to express

6 The Ithaca Times / November 15 – 21, 2023

Another student said that Cornell’s support and create a safe space for groups Administration has revealed its pro-Israel of people who have experienced violent bias by not directly condemning anything persecution in the form of anti-semitism or Islamophobia. Regardless of the count- related to Israel’s violent treatment of Palestinians. According to the student, “[Corless disagreements and clashing perspecnell] hasn’t condemned anything [relating tives that exist between the groups, the to Palestine]. They’re so quick to condemn underlying message of the events was to the guy who posted everything…as they help Jewish and Palestinian communities should…But they should also condemn the feel a sense of safety and security. fact that some people’s families are getting Following the Second Gentleman’s visit, Center for Jewish Living co-president bombed on the daily, and it’s unfathomable that they’ve been silent.”

Jeremy Zarges said, “[Kristallnacht] was a (The student was referring to Patrick sign that the government did not support Dai, who was arrested for posting antisethe Jewish community and was actively mitic threats online.) against the Jewish community.” Zarges Several speakers at the protest called continued, “Having this event today for a ceasefire and described what Israel is showed us that our government is behind doing to PalesJewish people, tinians in Gaza and they’re as “collective here to support punishment.” us, and having The anonymous [Emhoff] come protester said, “If here was nice.” you truly want to During support Jewish Emhoff’s visit, people, you will students and faccall for an immeulty at the Cendiate ceasefire ter for Jewish and an end to Living discussed Israeli oppression several ways that and apartheid.” the university — Malay Abuhashim, Students Another could do more to for Justice in Palestine protester told the support the JewSun that they had ish community, experienced an increase in Islamophobia that including incorporating anti-semitism is similar to the spike in anti-Muslim sentitraining into Diversity, Equity, and ment that occurred in the United States in Inclusion (DEI) courses that all first-year the wake of 9/11 — referencing the six-yearstudents are required to take.

While the die-in protest was taking place, old Palestinian boy who was stabbed to death in a hate crime in Chicago on October 14. a Cornell student and member of the execuAn anonymous graduate student comtive board of Cornell’s chapter of Student mented to the Sun, “Our whole goal is to get for Justice in Palestine, Malay Abuhashim, people’s attention, and the power of a die-in read the names of Palestinian infants that is emphatic imagery to highlight the loss of have been killed since October 7. Protesters life, which is what we are trying to do.” chanted, “Cornell is complicit in genocide,” However, one Jewish student who in between the reading of each name. requested anonymity from the Sun said The Cornell chapter of Students for that the protest made her feel “unsafe” Justice in Palestine has criticized the unibecause she interpreted the chant “From versity for its partnership with the Techthe river to the sea, Palestine will be free” nion-Israel Institute of Technology, which develops military technology the IDF uses. as advocating for the destruction of Israel.

While the majority of the protest SJP has also criticized Cornell for failing to provide equal support to Cornell’s Muslim attendees were supportive of the cause, some attended in opposition to handing out flyers and Palestinian communities. Abuhashim advocating for the release of Israeli hostages said that the chant “Cornell is complicit taken by Hamas on October 7. However, they in genocide” refers to Cornell’s ties to were probably unaware that Israeli Prime Israel and the Administration’s failure to Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied a acknowledge Palestinian suffering. request from Hamas that promised to return “Can you please recognize my sufferhostages if Israel agreed to a ceasefire. ing? Can you please acknowledge that I Some counter-protesters also recorded exist?” Abuhashim said, regarding Cornell administration. “That [lack of acknowledg- the demonstration, causing some attendees ment], I think, is the most painful thing about being a student here at Cornell.”

Contin u ed on Page 19

“[Palestinian] liberation shouldn’t come at the expense of Jewish people, and Jewish people’s liberation shouldn’t come at the expense of Palestine…And I think that’s something the whole campus should stand for.”

GUEST OPINION

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

A Message from Mayor-Elect Robert Cantelmo

The Learning Web

By Robe rt C a n t e l mo

T

hank you for your support, your encouragement, and your dedication to this campaign and Ithaca’s future.

I am honored to stand as the newly-elected 46th Mayor of the City of Ithaca.

This campaign has been a richly rewarding experience. I have had the opportunity to meet with residents all across the city to hear the issues — large and small — faced by our community.

Over the course of this campaign and my tenure on Council, we’ve had the opportunity to work with a strong team of democratic candidates and officials who are committed to building an inclusive, affordable, sustainable, and dynamic Ithaca. I look forward to serving with them to lift our city to even greater heights.

This election is a major turning point for our community. Next year, we will swear in a brand new Common Council and transition to a Mayor-CouncilManager form of government. As we move forward, we face a number of policy challenges: enacting comprehensive zoning reform to restore our missing middle in the housing market and tackle the high cost of housing in our city; ELECTION RESULTS ROLL contin u ed from page 4

Second Ward. Like Brown, Haines-Sharp switched wards as a result of redistricting.

The race for the four-year term in the Third Ward saw David Shapiro win with 97% of the vote in an uncontested election. The two-year term in the Third Ward saw Democrat Pierre Saint-Perez defeat independent candidate Pat Sewell. Saint-Perez won 64% of the vote, while Sewell received 35%.

The race for the four-year term in the Fourth Ward was complicated by an unexpected write-in campaign against Alderperson and Solidarity Slate member Jorge DeFendini. The write-in candidate that shocked the city is Cornell Senior, Patrick Kuehl, President of the Cornell Student Assembly. DeFendini remains in the lead with 70% of the vote compared to Kuehl’s 30%, but the results won’t be finalized until all

By M a rjor i e O l d s

O

lan Mack is a modern-day Johnny Appleseed for vulnerable community advocacy and services.

Once he made his way to Ithaca, he moved throughout the community, pitching in and planting seeds for essential services, striving to ensure no one is left behind.

Many of us first met Olan as Executive Director of OAR, Offender Aid and Restoration, (now Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources of Tompkins County), where advocacy services were provided to the incarcerated and recently released jail population. His personal mantra of welcoming those in need with minimal restrictions and bureaucracy was well received. And Olan’s mantra has not changed since.

After OAR Olan moved a few blocks down to the Southside Community Center. “It’s the classic “settlement house” where community can find resources in times of need, and learn, share and celebrate together in good times.”

When The House of Concern in Seneca Falls called on Olan, he headed to the largest food pantry in that area, with an ancillary thrift store. Nearby Chapel House in Auburn soon requested Olan come and assist their Emergency Homeless Shelter, operating 2 shelter locations, with housing assistance and case management. Once those projects stabilized, Olan was ready to return to Ithaca.

Lots of Americans believe in a world where most families are middle-class, mail-in and absentee ballots are counted.

The Fourth Ward’s two-year race was un- and untroubled. Olan knew the reality in surprising, as incumbent Alderperson Tif- many kids’ lives today is nothing like that. fany Kumar won in an uncontested election. For too many young people there were no steadfast caretaking family members, The race for the four-year term in the or not enough resources despite a famFifth Ward saw Margaret Fabrizio defeat ily’s efforts to raise healthy kids. Olan Michelle Song. Fabrizio was endorsed knew way too many youth were caught in by the Democratic Party, as well as the a vicious cycle of poverty, underemployIthacans for Progress party, along with her Fifth Ward colleague Jason Houghton. ment, minimal education, violence, mental Fabrizio won the race with 79% of the vote, health /substance abuse, and they needed advocacy, resources, compassion. Olan while Song received 20%. knew of kids who skipped school to take The race for the Fifth Ward’s two-year care of mentally unstable parents, or kids term saw independent candidate Jason who took care of kids without adults, until Houghton defeat Democrat and Working the authorities caught on and “placed” Families Party candidate Clyde Lederman. the kids, sometimes separating siblings, Lederman won the Democratic Primary, who only had each other. He knew young leading to Houghton filing to run an parents urgently needing parenting skills independent campaign on the Ithacans for and help navigating adult life—housing, Progress party line alongside Brock and medical care and more.

Fabrizio. Houghton won the race with 54% In today’s reality so many pre-teens of the vote, while Lederman received 45%. continuing our transition toward a green and sustainable economy, restoring our aging infrastructure and bolstering our city workforce, and above all serving as a model for good governance and transparent politics.

Before I conclude, I want to acknowledge some of the many people who were behind our successful campaign. First and foremost, I want to thank Cath. She has been in my corner since day one, advising me, encouraging me, and anchoring me to the most important things in life: family and community. I want to also thank my boys Robbie and Roman, who are definitely too young to understand what is going on tonight. I know how hard it has been for them to see Papa go out to Council meetings and campaign events, but they also remind me that we do this work in the hopes that we leave the world a better place than we found it. I am very grateful to my advisors, campaign team, and volunteers. Whether you knocked doors for us, chipped in, made calls, helped drop literature, or any of the other million tasks that go into a campaign, let me say again — we could not have done it without you.

Let’s catch our breath, roll up our sleeves, and get to work together.

Olan Mack, Executive Director at The Learning Web. (Photo: Provided)

and teens (and the rest of us) feel anxious with so much uncertainty in the world.

Not knowing what trauma kids may have experienced, Olan knew that all young people need places to turn to when times get rough, and when they just want company or a safe space. “Young people are our future. I knew the Learning Web DNA was welcoming to all young people, nonjudgmental and ready to listen when kids wanted to talk.” So, returning to Ithaca, Olan chose the Learning Web. Olan reports that any young person is welcome any time to drop in and hang out at the Web. “Food, clothing, a safe space awaits. We don’t ask about gender, drugs, culture, ethnicity. The door is open to all young people, period…Whatever they need, if we don’t have it, we can help them find what they are seeking.”

The Learning Web offers a wide array of programs and services to youth from middle school through 24 years of age.

Some of the youths come to the Learning Web interested in career exploration, learning what a certain occupation is all about. Youth have apprenticed in career fields including broadcasting, mechanics, cosmetology, bakery arts, catering, the arts, just to name a few. Career Exploration includes programs and field trips for kids from middle school through high school.

“We explore jobs, create apprenticeships, assist with age-appropriate employment, help with identification cards and provide various Contin u ed on Page 19

November 15 – 21, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

7

Council Interviews Final City Manager Candidates

T

he Common Council has conducted interviews with two finalists for the position of City Manager during special meetings that took place on November 8 and November 13. The interviews represent the beginning to the end of a process that started over a year ago after more than 70% of the public voted to approve the referendum to change the structure of city government.

Following the passage of the City Manager referendum, City Hall embarked on outlining the position’s responsibilities and figuring out how exactly the city would function under a new government structure. Mayor Lewis has repeatedly said that the job would be filled by January 1, 2024, and these interviews are a step towards following through on that promise.

When the City announced the interviews, there were initially three scheduled. However, one candidate named Nicholas Coates decided to withdraw from the selection process as different employment opportunities came up that didn’t require him to relocate from his home in New Hampshire. The two final candidates remaining are Baltimorebased local government contractor Delancia T. Browning and current City of Ithaca Chief of Staff Deb Molenhoff.

At a time when the City is experiencing significant changes in nearly every department, the choice between Browning and Molenhoff will be another opportunity for the City to decide whether or not it wants to make a bold move and go in an entirely new direction or play it safe and preserve some institutional knowledge by ensuring that the leader of this new form of government is someone who has been part of City government for decades.

Browning has more than ten years of local government experience and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in public management from the University of the District of Columbia. During her interview, Browning said that her experience in local government helping municipalities address issues

By M att Dougherty

Delancia T. Browning has more than ten years of local government experience in the Washington DC, Baltimore area. In various positions she has worked to manage large-scale mu nicipal projects aimed towards addressing issues relating to housing, public safety and commu nity outreach.

(Photo: File)

Deb Molenhoff serves as the current Chief of Staff to Mayor Laur a Lewis and has been part of local government in various positions since 2004. Molenhoff has long been expected to be on the shortlist for City Manager since she has been heavily involved in cr afting the position alongside the Mayor and Common Cou ncil. (Photo: File)

Browning says, “There’s a difference beranging from housing to public safety has tween needing services and shelter.” She prepared her for the role of City Manager.

While living in Washington, DC, Brown- continued, “Some people can remain in the ing spent six years with the DC Department community, and they just need supportof Human Services, where she was respon- ive services such as case management, access to employment sible for administeropportunities, and ing homeless serother things to help vices programs for them stabilize.” Howyouth, families, and ever, Browning addindividuals. “I maned, “Then you have aged a $100 million some people who are contract portfolio homeless and don’t that provided serhave a place to go.” vices for shelter and As a result, Brownother supportive ing says that it’s esservices to homeless sential to ensure persons living in the enough shelter beds District of Columbia,” to administer servicBrowning said.

— Delancia T. Browning es and support peoIn this position, ple who genuinely Browning said she was responsible for administering a year- need assistance while still providing wrapround access to shelter program for home- around services such as case management less families. “With that legislation, we and employment opportunities. Browning could assist families who were in need of said, " One way that we have worked to administer those services is partnering with shelter,” Browning said.

“I managed a $100 million contract portfolio that provided services for shelter and other supportive services to homeless persons living in the District of Columbia.”

8 The Ithaca Times / November 15 – 21, 2023

the Department of Behavioral Health.” She continued, “We recognize that with homelessness, there are some cornerstones and some other social determinants of health that intersect in that space.” Browning added that she “believes in a housing first model” but that municipalities need to recognize that it’s necessary “to stabilize a person’s mental health and substance abuse issues as well.”

Additionally, Browning said that the COVID-19 pandemic began while she worked at the DC Department of Employment Services to help the Chief Strategy Officer “develop an economic response to supporting individuals in the city who were impacted by losing their jobs.” In this position, Browning worked “to ensure that [the Department] was able to respond to the high unemployment claim and creases that the city was experiencing.”

Following her work in DC, Browning began working at the New York State Office of Training and Disability Assistance to help administer the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. According to Browning,

this program helped individuals who were cording to Browning, “As a city manager, part “experiencing a housing crisis due to unem- of doing that [involves] getting to know inployment and other things” to be able to af- timately what that looks like at all levels, ford rent. Browning said that she success- and being flexible and nimble around those fully managed a group of 120 employees in things by holding to what council wants, and to ensure that this position. people are beMost recenting supported in ly, Browning those efforts.” served as the AsAs a result of sociate Director her extensive exfor Communiperience dealing ty Engagement with issues such and Opportunias homelessness, ty with the Balsocial welfare, timore Mayor’s and community Office of Neighoutreach, Brownborhood Safeing seems like she ty and Engagewould be able to ment, where she hit the ground was responsible running in sevfor administereral areas of high ing public safety interest to Ithaca’s programming. residents.

In this posiA lter nat ivetion, Browning — Delancia T. Browning ly to Browning, led a team of Molenhoff has five staff members responsible for reentry and youth been involved locally in Ithaca for over two opportunity services. Browning add- decades. She is a very well-known face for all ed, “Under my tutelage, we launched Bal- members of the Common Council, which timore City’s peace mobile, which de- perhaps influenced the decision of several ploys services in response to community members of the council not to show up to trauma… to minimize and to reduce the her interview. The Alderpeople who did not trauma impacts that may come up as a re- attend Molenhoff ’s interview were Donna sult of the social determinants of health.” Fleming, Cynthia Brock, George McGonigal, Browning has said that she would work to Ducson Nguyen, and Jorge DeFendini.

Molenhoff ’s roots in Ithaca stretch back build relationships with every City department by “spending time with various depart- to her time attending Ithaca College to earn ments to learn what their culture is and learn a degree in communications. After receivwhat their needs are.” She added, “I think it is ing a degree in communications from Ithavery important to create those feedback loops ca College, Molenhoff worked for her Alma as a part of the communication process.” Ac- Mater for 17 years before taking a higher-

“I think it is very important to create those feedback loops as a part of the communication process. As a city manager, part of doing that [involves] getting to know intimately what that looks like at all levels, and being flexible and nimble around those things by holding to what council wants, and to ensure that people are being supported in those efforts.”

level leadership position at Tompkins Cor- amount of change that the city is facing.” tland Community College (TC3). Then, in She added, “Many people resist change 2004, Molenhoff was appointed by former mostly because it’s the fear of the unknown.”

Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson to serve on As a result, Molenhoff says that the City will the City’s comprehensive planning com- “need to do a lot of trust building.” She conmittee. When there was a vacancy in the tinued, “You need to do a lot of listening Fifth Ward, Molenhoff was recommended but listening to understand, not listening to to fill it, leading to her serving a 12-year respond. You need to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to feed into the systerm on the Common Council.

During her time on council, Mohlenhoff tem and become a part of the change.”

Molehhoff states, “A great example of temporarily served as Acting Mayor and chaired the now defunct government perfor- change that has been happening in City mance and accountability committee, as well Hall…is that our switch to using open gov as the City Administration Committee. Ad- is taking a lot of departments by storm.” ditionally, Molenhoff chaired the city’s bud- She added, “At first, there was an incredible get process, led the Commission’s redesign amount of hesitation, but we took the right working group, helped develop Ithaca’s side- amount of time to convene the people using the system [and] walk improvement disnow we’re migrating tricts, and even chaired in the direction of the City Manager workOpen Gov.” ing group.

When asked what Since the City beshe would prioritize gan transitioning to a in her first 100 days in City Manager form of office, Molenhoff said, government, Molen“I think for me, the hoff has been an intefirst 100 days we’ll be gral part of the process. setting everyone up As a result of Molento succeed. We must hoff ’s involvement in — Deb Molenhoff spend time with the crafting the position, new council and the she has long been considered a likely candidate for City Manag- mayor to understand the role.” She coner. Molenhoff says that her experience as tinued, “The way that I see the role of City Chief of Staff also makes her an ideal can- Manager is a bridge between elected offididate for the position of City Manager be- cials who have oversight and policy-makcause “Chief of Staff is probably the closest ing power and the internal day-to-day opposition that the city currently has to a city erations of City staff.”

According to Molenhoff, “It will be my manager.” However, she added, “But I want job to make sure that the staff is putting toto make clear that it’s also very different.”

Molenhoff said that as City Manager, she gether the best information that they possiwill “continue to be a traffic director of peo- bly can so that the goals that council have ple, issues, concerns, and problems” and are going to be well supported, well rethat the role of Chief of Staff is more about searched, well resourced, and that the government is running ef“supporting the goals fectively and efficiently.” of the mayor and the She continued, “I think elected officials, while the next piece of that is the mayor remains the setting up better ways Chief Executive Offito communicate so that cer.” According to Mothe council and the lenhoff, when the City mayor have a good unManager is appointed, derstanding of what is everyone in City Hall happening in the daywill “need to learn how to-day.” to make a paradigm In addition, Molenshift and do some role hoff said that one of the clarification on what things that will be cruthis new structure will cial is making sure that be, and how to make it — Deb Molenhoff the city manager inwork for everyone.” cludes a report in every When asked how she would work to bring a sense of stability single council agenda. “My goal would be to to City government during a time of such get information from every department and immense change, Molenhoff said, “It’s not give some highlights of what’s been going going to be easy; it doesn’t matter who it on [and] what are some critical issues that is in this position; this is a monumental they’re currently working on addressing.”

“Chief of Staff is probably the closest position that the city currently has to a city manager. But I want to make clear that it’s also very different.”

“The way that I see the role of City Manager is a bridge between elected officials who have oversight and policymaking power and the internal day-to-day operations of City staff.”

Mayor Laur a Lewis has promised that the City would hire its first City Manager by January 1, 2024. The Mayor is expected to make her final decision between Browning and Molenhoff in the coming weeks. The final choice will then have to be approved by the Common Cou ncil. (Photo: File)

November 15 – 21, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

9

Sports

Cortland Wins Back Jug Beats Ithaca 38-28; Both Teams Headed to Playoffs

By Ste ve L aw re nc e

I

recall driving up to Ithaca College in 1992, navigating the traffic and parking limitations, and sitting down to interview Jim Butterfield, the Ithaca Bomber football coach, on the eve of the first Cortaca Jug game I covered. I was a bit starstruck, as the iconic coach was thirty years my senior, and I was just starting my run as the Ithaca Times’ weekly sports guy.

Things have changed a bit... Last week, I tuned into a Zoom meeting with Mike Toerper and Curt Fitzpatrick, the head coaches of Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland. This time around, the Bombers’ coach is 30 years my junior.

Befpre the game, Fitzpatrick talked about the importance of “peaking at the right time,” and Toerper said that “playing against a really good opponent is a great way to prepare for the post-season.” The coaches said

that since they are not in the same conference (the Red Dragons play in the Empire 8, the Bombers in the Liberty League), they “pull for each other all season.”

For the opening round of the NCAA Division III tournament, both teams will travel to Massachusetts, where Cortland will take on Endicott College, and Ithaca will play Springfield.

While playing at Yankee Stadium last year was a great experience for the teams, Toerper said, “The logistics are a lot different this year, and since we’re playing at home, preparation can be our focus.” He added that the team was excited to show off its new facility (this is the first season on the new artificial turf) and Fitzpatrick said, “Playing in such a crazy environment is all part of the fun. It’s us against the world.”

The stadium was packed with nearly 8,000 fans, and two very different story lines were at play regarding the two quar-

terbacks. The Red Dragons’ Zac Boyes has seemingly been preparing for this game for years. His father, Jerry Boyes, is an Ithaca College legend, having quarterbacked the Bombers from 1972Cortland beats the Bombers and takes home the jug…until next year. (Photo: File) 75, before going on to a long collegiate The Red Dragons ran an amazing 84 coaching career. Zac — a junior — is a seaplays in racking up 512 yards of total offense. soned field general, and everyone expected Boyes made a couple of highlight plays that him to be up to the challenge. turned the tide, the first being a play in the On the other sideline, a freshman first half, when Ithaca got to him in the stepped into the limelight, having taken backfield on a big third down play, forced a over three weeks ago when the Bombers’ fumble, only to have Boyes scoop it up and own seasoned leader — A. J. Wingfield — complete a 16-yard pass for a first down. went down with an injury. While Colin In the second half, the Red Dragons Schumm did not lead his team to a victory lined up to punt — much to the delight of in his first Cortaca Jug game, he definitely the home fans who thought they were fimet the moment.

Both teams had their shining moments. nally seeing a thwarted drive — only to call a timeout, take the punt team off the field Boyes threw a couple of interceptions, but and have Boyes run for a first down. Those time after time, he kept finding ways to two plays were big momentum shifters. move the chains. The Bombers just could The Bombers pulled off a couple of excitnot get him off the field, as evidenced by ing plays of their own, as running back Jalen the most telling statistic. The totals for the crucial Time of Possession: Cortland — 40:16. Ithaca — 19.44.

Contin u ed on Page 19

Congratulations!

Bringing together people and technology to transform how we deliver care.

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Imagining Tomorrow. TODAY.

10 T h e I t h a c a T i m e s / N o v e m b e r 1 5 – 2 1 , 2 0 2 3

BusinessTimes

Wide Awake Bakery Leonards Cleaning Supplies Business Briefs

Wide Awake Bakery Opens Retail Location

By L A Bourge oi s

“

Our bakery is very unusual,” says Stef Senders, owner and baker at Wide Awake Bakery. “From the very beginning, it has existed in partnership with our farmer and our miller.” This singular bakery, housed on Senders’ sheep farm in Mecklenberg, NY, recently opened their first store in the Franklin Market here in Ithaca.

Senders dedication to research and experimentation thrives in this region which, in Colonial times, was the breadbasket of America. “Growing wheat in a climate with unpredictable or frequent rain or wet weather is extraordinarily difficult,” he says.

“We study flour and work with plant breeders up at Cornell to help develop strains of wheat that are good for growers to grow, that mill well, that produce excellent bread.”

Founded in 2010, Wide Awake Bakery’s bread could already be found around the area, including at a booth in the Ithaca Farmer’s Market every Saturday. Their “Crust Fund,” a community bread share, allows residents to support the bakery and enjoy a variety of tastes and textures.

Now, Ithacans can pick up a loaf Tuesday through Friday at the permanent location.

Senders cleared a moment in his busy schedule to chat with the Ithaca Times about the bakery and the community formed around baking and eating bread.

What drew you to start this bakery?

I didn’t start the bakery for food reasons. I started it because I was really interested in suffering people. And I had been studying different types of trauma and, for a variety of reasons, I was very dissatisfied in my work. I felt like, at its root, the thing that assuages human suffering at the instantaneous level is the mother’s breast in the mouth of the child. Food and nourishment is a very primal kind of comfort and I just felt like we could be part of that and could provide great food. I wanted to make food that was deeply imbued with care and tenderness. I would give this food to people and they would eat it, and this

Wide Awake Bakery has opened a location in Ithaca at the Franklin Market, 435 Franklin St. The bakery will be open from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. (Photo: Michelle LaMorte)

would help them feel whole. Anyway, that was my fantasy. Is it true? I don’t know.

But it’s an amazing thing, making food for people. You take a bag of wheat. You grind it up into flour. You grow it in harmony and partnership with microbes and friends, because it takes a lot of people to make it. You try to make it as beautiful as you can and as delicious as you can, as healthy as you can. Then they eat it. It goes inside of them and it becomes the cells of their bodies. There’s a lot of handwork. It takes so much time to bake a loaf of bread. It’s a very intimate, nurturing project. I find that whole thing extremely moving.

What made you focus on savory rather than sweet offerings?

I just wanted to make the things that

I want to eat. I’ve never been a big sweets guy. But as people come into the bakery, they bring their own creativity with them.

We grow in this organic way. Let’s say you came in and you were interested in flavors from some part of the world, we’d say, “Go for it. Let’s develop some of those.” It’s really a reflection of a kind of collaborative cognition.

What do you think is the most surprising thing that comes out of your bakery?

I love collaborating with people. I love working with people on projects and doing big difficult things. This partnership is very, very dear to me.

My staff is so focused and able and talented. We’re coming up with new things and making beautiful breads that have

never existed before. We’re making things that we’ve never made before and maybe we’ll never make again, artistic culinary emanations of the hive mind of the bakery.

It’s very exciting.

When people come to the bakery and become members of the bread share, they begin to feel that they are collaborating with us. It’s always surprising for them and for us, because we get to meet people and know them over time, and it’s just extraordinary. Baked goods are a dime a dozen, but your community is always a surprise.

Wide Awake Bread Franklin Market, 435 Franklin St. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday

November 15 – 21, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

11

B usiness T imes

Leonard’s Adopts to Changing Times

By Nicol e Wil li am s

S

ituated at 211 Elmira Road, Leonard's Hobby & Cleaning Supplies has been a beacon of community service since 1959. Leonard's is a vacuum store, repair shop, and cleaning and vacuum supplies retailer. As times change and customer needs evolve, Leonard's Hobby & Cleaning Supplies remains committed to adapting and growing to serve the community better. Under the ownership of Edward Brewer and Kristopher Buchan since 2021, this local business has not only weathered the test of time but has flourished as an integral part of the Ithaca community.

As custodians of a rich legacy, Brewer and Buchan steer Leonard's towards the future, committed to adapting and growing in response to changing times and evolving customer needs. "We're in business because of customer demand; we are the only vacuum repair company in the area," Brewer said. The owners and staff share a deep sense of pride in their role within the

community, fostering a connection beyond being a mere retail establishment.

They continually expand their product offerings and explore new eco-friendly cleaning solutions to stay at the forefront of environmental consciousness. In an era where big-box stores and online retailers dominate the retail landscape, Leonard's stands as a testament to the enduring value of a locally-owned and community-oriented business. "We focus on sustainability, teaching people to fix things instead of throwing them away," Brewer added.

The store boasts an extensive selection of hobby supplies, catering to a wide range of interests. Model enthusiasts will find an array of model trains and tools needed to bring their creations to life. In addition to catering to hobbyists, Leonard's is committed to helping the community maintain a clean and healthy environment. The store stocks a variety of vacuums and cleaning supplies, and what sets them apart is their emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable products. Leonard's promotes a greener

12 T h e I t h a c a T i m e s / N o v e m b e r 1 5 – 2 1 , 2 0 2 3

future, from biodegradable cleaning agents to reusable cleaning tools. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff is always available to offer expert advice and recommend products that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible. They understand the importance of making informed choices regarding vacuum repairs and cleaning products, and they make it easy for their customers to do so.

With a steadfast commitment to staying ahead of the curve, Leonard's stands as a beacon of environmental consciousness in the retail landscape. Their dedication to expanding product offerings and embracing eco-friendly solutions reflects a forward-thinking approach and aligns with the values of a community increasingly conscious of its environmental impact.

Leonard's also values the tradition and resurgence of interest in model cars and trains. Brewer notes the store's unique position as the only local seller of model trains, witnessing a renewed fascination among younger generations. It's not just a business;

Leonards Cleaning Supplies will be hosting a “Train Day” event on Saturday, December 2nd. (Photo: Michelle LaMorte)

it's a tradition passed down, shared, and embraced by the Ithaca community.

In celebration of this unique blend of tradition and innovation, Leonard's will host a "Train Day" event on Saturday, December 2nd. This event is a testament to their dedication to fostering community engagement and sharing the joy of hobbies across generations.

B usiness T imes

Business Briefs SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $750,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO HELP ATTRACT EXPANDED ROUTES AT ITHACA TOMPKINS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

takeoff and I will continue to fight to bolster U.S. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer air service in Tompkins County to help the and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand anSouthern Tier reach new heights.” nounced $750,000 in federal funding to “The Ithaca Tompkins International support new service at Ithaca Tompkins Airport serves thousands of residents and International Airport. This funding was visitors in Tompkins County and throughallocated through the U.S. Department out the Southern Tier each year and it of Transportation’s Small Community Air is vital that there is direct access to the Service Development Program (SCASDP). nation’s capital,” said Senator Gillibrand.

The senators explained that this funding “This funding will help bolster economic will support efforts to improve the availability of air service, including the potential development and ensure that the transporintroduction of a new direct flight to Wash- tation needs of area residents and indusington D.C., which would help establish the tries are met. I am excited to announce this funding and will continue fighting to facility as a regional air service hub. support airports across New York State.”

“I am proud to have secured this federal Roxan Noble, Airport Director, stated, investment for Ithaca Tompkins Interna“We are excited to receive this grant from tional Airport to help attract new direct the U.S. Department of Transportation. flight services from Ithaca to our nation’s It is a testament to the hard work and capital,” said Senator Schumer. “Access to collective effort that our community has air travel is critical to the success of the invested in improving air service at ITH. Upstate economy. It’s why I have fought relentlessly to deliver resources for this world- This funding will undoubtedly facilitate our mission to enhance connectivity and class facility to help our regional economy

make air travel even more convenient for the people we serve.”

The senators highlighted the important role Ithaca Tompkins International Airport plays in the Southern Tier’s economy, helping to facilitate tourism, spur local economic growth, and create good-paying jobs across the region. Schumer and Gillibrand said that Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a particularly valuable resource given its proximity to internationally renowned educational institutions, major employers in industries like advanced manufacturing and technology, as well as other assets pivotal to the region’s economic vitality that depend on being able to access reliable air service to destinations across the country and the globe.

In 2021, Schumer led the historic bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to passage, delivering over $930 million in funding for airports across New York State, to be distributed over the next five years, including $7,151,415 for Ithaca Tompkins International Airport. In 2019, following Schumer’s major push, Ithaca Tompkins International Airport was allocated nearly $10 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to continue

a major modernization and expansion effort, helping to transform the facility into a nationally recognized airport, serving as a gateway for travelers headed both to and from the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes.

Earlier this year, Senator Gillibrand wrote to the Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, advocating for funding of this project. Read the letter here. Schumer also submitted a letter on behalf of the project, underscoring the importance of federal investment after two airlines canceled or reduced services in 2022, stifling the airport’s ability to meet the ever-growing needs of the community. Read the letter here.

Cayuga Health Now Offering Real-Time Analysis of Lab Testing ITHACA, NY (October 30, 2023) — Patients of Cayuga Health can now receive real-time analysis of laboratory tests — including biopsies — when needed, resulting in quicker diagnosis, peace of mind and improved quality of care. Cayuga Medical Center (CMC) received approval by New York State Department of Health to use a new digital slide scanning process to enable Contin u ed on Page 14

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Elizabeth Plocharczyk, MD, Director of Labortories at Cayuga Medical Center. (Photo: Provided)

this improvement. The novel technology, validated at CMC, is only available in a few hospitals in New York.

“This process extends our reach as pathologists, allowing us to support multiple sites at once,” said Elizabeth Plocharczyk, MD, Director of Laboratories. “Our ability to provide real-time answers to our patients and colleagues is enhanced through the technology. Geography is no longer

a constraint for quick turnaround time, especially important in a rural environment like ours where different patient care sites in the health system are separated by some distance.”

The high resolution, provided by the scanners, allows for getting a close-up look over any device without sacrificing the quality of the image. In cases where timeliness is critical, slides are scanned at bedside or in the lab and stored digitally, where a pathologist can review securely from any location using a tablet or desktop. Images can also be shared virtually with colleagues or other labs instantly, without the time delay and expense of physically sending materials to be read elsewhere.

One example offered by Dr. Plocharczyk is the bedside analysis of a biopsy or surgical sample, a process that before was limited by the physical presence of the pathologist at the same location as the patient. Digitally reading the slide allows for extension of service hours with the same quick diagnosis and opportunity to take another specimen if indicated, improving patient care.

Contin u ed on Page 16

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November 15 – 21, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

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B usiness T imes

Cayuga Medical Center Staff. (Photo: Provided)

CAYUGA HEALTH contin u ed from page 14

Cayuga Medical Center Selected for National ‘Age-Friendly’ Health System’ Initiative (Ithaca, NY) October 19, 2023 — Cayuga Medical Center, a member of Cayuga Health, announced today that it is part of a movement to improve health care for older adults, contributing to a goal continuing to expand and grow Age-Friendly care.

The Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative is intended to help hospitals and other care settings implement a set of evidencebased interventions specifically designed to improve care for older adults. The initiative is based on a series of practices focused on addressing four essential elements of care for older patients: What Matters: Know and align care with each older adult's specific health outcome goals and care preferences including, but not limited to, end-of-life care, and across settings of care.

Medication: If medication is necessary, use Age-Friendly medications that do not interfere with What Matters to the older adult, Mobility, or Mentation across settings of care.

Mentation: Prevent, identify, treat, and manage dementia, depression, and delirium across settings of care.

Mobility: Ensure that older adults move safely every day to maintain function and do What Matters.

“Cayuga Medical Center has always been on the forefront of patient care, and that’s why we are participating in this vital movement. We look forward to both sharing our best practices and learning what’s working for others proving age-friendly care,” said Andreia de Lima, MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs. “The Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative is an important part of our overarching vision to provide every older adult with the best care possible.”

The interventions can be tested and adapted by participating in Age-Friendly Health Systems Action Communi-

ties. These collaborative initiatives bring together health care teams committed to sharing data and learning together. All teams strive toward reliably implementing age-friendly best practices across emergency departments, intensive care units, medical-surgical units, general wards, and primary and specialty care settings.

Cayuga Medical Center now joins an international group of more than 2,700 health systems working to tailor care to patients’ goals and preferences and to deliver care that is consistently of the highest quality.

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Boyce Thompson Institute Welcomes Dr. Silvia Restrepo as First Female President

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Elizabeth Grose Prize, the Third World Academy of Sciences award to young scientists, the Prize from the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, the Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize for Agriculture and Food, the Merit Ordre from the French Government, and the Jakob Eriksson Prize from The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Paul Chomet, vice chair of BTI’s Board of Directors and chair of the search committee, welcomed Restrepo's appointment and praised her achievements and leadership. “Silvia is an outstanding scientist, leader, and innovator who will bring to BTI extensive strategic planning experience, a background in leading and managing diverse teams, a pioneering scientific career in plant pathology, and a connection to an international network of leaders,” he said.

“BTI is a world-class institution with a rich history of discovery,” explained Restrepo. “I am deeply honored to assume the role of president, particularly as the first woman to hold this position, and am eager to contribute to BTI’s mission of advancing plant and life sciences and training the next generation of scientists.”

Riger Marketing Communications has hired Ashley (Greenlee) Osborn as an Account Executive Dr. Silvia Restrepo, President of Boyce Thompson Institute. (Photo: Provided)

ITHACA, NY, October 17, 2023 — The Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) has announced Dr. Silvia Restrepo has assumed the role of the research institution’s ninth and first female president. Dr. Restrepo succeeds President David Stern, who has led the organization since 2004. This historic appointment comes as BTI begins its year-long centennial celebration this fall.

Restrepo previously served as the Vice President for Research and Creation at Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, where she was also a professor in the Chemical and Food Department. Additionally, she formerly served as the head of the Biological Sciences department and Dean of the School of Sciences.

“We are thrilled to welcome Silvia to BTI. Her extensive experience and numerous accomplishments in experimental plant science and scientific leadership align perfectly with BTI’s mission,” said Stern. “She will be an inspirational leader who will propel BTI researchers and staff to new heights of discovery and impact.”

Restrepo holds a Ph.D. from the University of the Sciences Pierre and Marie Currie, Paris VI, in Paris. Her distinguished research has been recognized with awards such as the

Riger Marketting Account Executive, Ashley Greenlee. (Photo: Provided)

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Two Motown Shows Land in Ithaca

T

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he Mostly Motown Chorus of Ithaca had a great idea: to plan their Motown tribute concert on December 2. They were surprised that a professional touring company, Magic of Motown, was scheduled to play at the State Theatre the same night.

“We had scheduled the concert for December 2 when we found out about the show at the State,” said organizer Jan Nigro. “We quickly decided to reschedule, and with Thanksgiving the week before, we had to have two weeks less preparation to avoid the conflict.”

The good news is that the local group moved their concert to November 18, and fans can take in both shows celebrating the 60-70s music of the Temptations, Four Tops, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and other stars of Detroit’s Motown Record label.

The locally originated Mostly Mozart

Dont miss the Magic of Motown, Saturday December 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the State Theatre in Downtown Ithaca. (Photo: Provided)

Chorus, with special guest Mabel Welch, will perform at the First Baptist Church in Ithaca.

The Magic of Motown promises a Christmas tone to their 90-minute performance, which features a professional touring cast of 15 vocalists and a six-piece band performing a medley of hits, including the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and more.

While the State Theatre Magic of Motown is a group of touring professionals, the local Mostly Motown group is decidedly not.

Started by Nigro in 1997, the group of doctors, massage therapists, office workers, house cleaners, and many other professionals—some of whom have been attending rehearsals from the start. Nigro acts as director, arranger, and promoter. The group welcomes new members.

Mabel Welch has done background vocals for noted artists such as Hank Roberts, record-

ing on his CD with the Wiggy Dog Band, Bernie Milton, as well as performed with the Ithaca Allstar Band, opening in the Owego Jazz Festival with the late Lionel Hampton and his orchestra. Her last recording venture was with StrayCat Willie Hayes on his latest CD. While gospel music is her favorite, she has performed in local theater doing Ain’t Misbehavin and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill.

She later joined with Neal Massa, doing music at many local venues. Mabel also performed with the local band The Destination and subsequently formed her own band, The Mabel Evans Band.

Currently, she is part of the Music Ministry at the St James AME Zion church. Recently ordained, Mabel is engaged in worship and teaching at this 190-year-old congregation and can be found singing praises.

Motown Records was founded in a neighborhood of Detroit in 1959 by Berry Gordy with an $800 loan and attracted a collection of amazingly primarily talented Detroit residents who created a unique sound. From a house on Detroit’s Grand Boulevard came a series of groups, including the Miracles, Martha and the Vandellas, the Temptations, Four Tops, Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson Five, which dominated the record charts for the next 15 years.

Mostly Motown Saturday, November 18, 7 p.m.

First Baptist Church in Ithaca at Dewitt Park 309 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca Tickets $15

Magic of Motown Catch Mostly Motown on Saturday, November 18 at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Ithaca at DeWitt Park. (Photo: Provided)

Saturday December 2 7:30, p.m.

State Theatre of Ithaca, 107 W. State Street, Ithaca Tickets $45+

Arts&Entertainment

SUPREME MIRACLES

November 15 – 21, 2023 / The Ithaca Times

17

Stage

Toilet at the Kitchen Bathroom is Room of Reflection in Kitchen Theatre Comedy

By Barbara Ad am s

N

ot too many evenings in the theatre begin with the sound of a flushing toilet…or feature a shiny toilet on a pedestal onstage, for that mat-

“Scheiss Book,” Written and performed by Liba Vaynberg.

Directed by Karl Gregory.

Set by Tyler Perry; lighting by Cora McKenna; sound by Lesley Greene.

At the Kitchen Theatre, 417 W. State St., Ithaca.

Nov. 15-18 at 7 p.m.; with 2 p.m. matinees on Nov. 16 and 19.

For tickets: kitchentheatre.org/tickets or (607) 272-0570.

Vital

ter. But the setting’s essential for “Scheiss Book,” the award-winning one-woman laugh fest currently playing at the Kitchen Theatre.

The show’s both written and performed

by Liba Vanynberg, a pre-med student turned actor who’s trying to figure out what track her life has ended up on. The bathroom being the best site for solitary reflection, she takes comfort there. in that book referenced in the title, a German dictionary of sorts.

Initially she delights in Schadenfreude; after that, the Jenga-constructions apparently require at least 36 letters. Each Teutonic concept outdoes the previous one, such as “the sense of deflation when your diligently folded paper airplane falls immediately to the floor.”

One finds solace is strange places.

But her bathroom reading material is

just a starting point: for 65 jampacked minutes, Vanynberg regales us with her life story as a child of Eastern European Jewish emigrés. Despite both parents being doctors, she enters adolescence and even college astonishingly ignorant of sex.

Plus, she’s short and forever in the shadow of the willowy Hungry Girls who have “Fat Kid Liba Vanynberg is the writer and performer in “Scheiss Book” at the Kitchen Theatre.

Fridays,” where they (Photo by Rachel Philipson) permit themselves to eat…“A Whole Sandwich.”

Eventually the performance moves There’s her love of the Harry Potter from bio-narrative into straight stand-up, books and eventually acting, and it’s all but the structural shift doesn’t matter, relayed with sparkling energy and fine we’re so well entertained. And as comecomic timing. (Karl Gregory, no slouch dian Milton Berle said, “Laughter is an at comedy himself, is the able director.) instant vacation.”

Vanynberg mines familiar life stages, but they’re amusingly fresh, and her electric Barbara Adams, a regional theatre and arts personality charms the audience. writer, teaches writing at Ithaca College.

Life

by Betsy Schermerhorn Director, Marketing and Admissions

GERIATRIC SOCIAL WORKERS Geriatric social workers play a vital role in the well-being of older adults and their families. ese professionals possess specialized knowledge and skills in addressing the unique challenges older individuals face. Geriatric social workers provide comprehensive assessments, coordinate care, and connect older adults to appropriate resources and services. ey help navigate complex systems, such as healthcare, long-term care, and social support networks, ensuring that older adults receive the assistance they need. eir expertise in gerontology enables them to identify and address issues related to social isolation, mental health, caregiver stress, and end-of-life

planning. By promoting well-being and enhancing the quality of life for older adults, geriatric social workers contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society for our aging population.

Seniors are living longer lives and the amount of attention and care they require can vary greatly. We understand that our residents’ needs can change overnight.

We can provide the necessary care to help them maintain the best quality of life possible. If you have a loved one who requires nursing care, call the marketing team at (607) 266-5300 to schedule a tour to see our facilities and learn more about lifecare at Kendal at Ithaca. Find us on the web at http://kai.kendal.org/ 2230 N. Triphammer Road Ithaca, NY 14850-6513

Website: www.kai.kendal.org Email: admissions@kai.kendal.org

(607) 266-5300 Toll Free: (800) 253-6325

18 T h e I t h a c a T i m e s / N o v e m b e r 1 5 – 2 1 , 2 0 2 3

110 North Cayuga St., Ithaca repstudio.com • 607-272-4292

November 10, Alderperson Kumar awoke to find that her car had been damaged, and an contin u ed from page 5 offensive note calling for her to resign was left on the vehicle’s windshield. an openly contested election, voters who In response, the Cornell Student Assupport and benefit from Jorge’s work sembly has condemned the vandalism and fighting for workers rights, tenant protecmisogynistic statement against Kumar, tions, trans solidarity, and investments in city resources were denied the opportunity calling it an act of “political retaliation.”

Alderperson DeFendini condemned to mobilize to protect it.” the actions committed against Kumar in The statement added, “Kuehl hid his a post in X (formerly Twitter), saying, “I campaign because Ward 4 voters supcondemn in the strongest terms the vanported these policies. We call on Kuehl to dalism and repugnant harassment levied apologize to the people of Ward 4 and, if against Alderperson Kumar. These actions he’s still in Ithaca, return to the ballot in the next election for an open, honest race.” are both disgusting and undemocratic.

They do not speak for me.” He added, The race for the two-year term in the “Political grievances should be settled by Fourth Ward saw current Alderperson Tiffany Kumar win re-election in an uncontest- open debate & elections, not intimidation & secrecy.” ed race. However, days after the election on SURPRISE WRITE-IN

ACKNOWLEDGE HUMANITY EVERYWHERE contin u ed from page 6

to worry about being blacklisted or doxxed for expressing their support for Palestine.

Abuhashim bridged the gap between the die-in protest and Emhoff’s visit to the Center for Jewish Living, saying, “To my Jewish students and classmates and peers,

I love you,” Abuhashim continued saying, “We pray for a liberated Palestine for everyone, which includes Jewish people and Muslims [and] Arabs, and we all deserve to have equal rights.” She added, “[Palestinian] liberation shouldn’t come at the expense of Jewish people, and Jewish people’s liberation shouldn’t come at the expense of Palestine…And I think that’s something the whole campus should stand for.”

OLAN MACK contin u ed from page 7

supports…Youth are able to work with mentors in professions they may eventually enter.“ “Once you link with the Learning Web, you are always welcome back. As your aspirations, your needs, your accomplishments, your challenges change—the Web is there for you.”

The Learning Web receives funding from a variety of funders including federal and New York state, Tompkins County, the United Way of Tompkins County, and the Park Foundation.

Olan: “Since all of our program coordinators collaborate with organizations throughout the region, we can weave a CORTLAND WINS contin u ed from page 10

Leonard-Osbourne pulled up and fired a strike to Julien Deumaga for a touchdown, then the two switched places later in the game for another big completion. Schumm threw for 289 yards in a sharp 18-for-26 performance, the 6’4” freshman looking like he belonged out there, despite the final score of 38-28. Leonard-Osbourne had a solid allaround day, finishing with 65 yards receiving, 57 yards rushing and 31 yards passing.

safety net to support young people’s goals.”

A single young mother whose unexpected medical bills have led to an eviction notice, or a family whose teen wants to learn to weld car metal into sculptures and more, can find support at the Learning Web to think through and address life’s challenges.

The Learning Web has been advocating for and assisting youth since 1972. If Olan and his terrific colleagues don’t have what the youth is seeking, chances are they will be connected to that someone who does.

Our next Learning Web column will highlight some other special offerings.

The Bombers pulled off a couple of exciting plays of their own, as running back Jalen Leonard-Osbourne pulled up and fired a strike to Julien Deumaga for a touchdown, then the two switched places later in the game for another big completion. Schumm threw for 289 yards in a sharp 18-for-26 performance, the 6’4” freshman looking like he belonged out there. Leonard-Osbourne had a solid all-around day, finishing with 65 yards receiving, 57 yards rushing and 31 yards passing.

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