October 16, 2024

Coalition Hosts Youth Mental Health and Well-Being Town Hall

By Ace Dufresne

On October 5, about thirty community members gathered in the Tompkins County Public Library for a town hall about youth mental health and well-being. The event was hosted by the Tompkins County Suicide Prevention Coalition, a coalition encompassing both healthcare and mental health organizations and concerned community members.

Tiffany Bloss, Executive Director of the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service of Tompkins County and facilitator of the town hall, emphasized that talking about mental health and especially about suicide is “how we’re going to make a difference [. . .] The more people that we can get engaged, the bigger difference we’re going to make.”

Suicide can be a difficult topic, however, which is why attendees were given the opportunity to visit a self-care space with counselors, activities, and resources at any time during the event. Snacks, brochures, fidget toys, and stickers were also available for attendees.

County Legislator Randy Brown (District 8) gave the opening remarks, asserting that “Youth mental health is the issue of our time.” He encouraged attendees to contact their county legislators about the kind of support for youth mental health

they’d like to see from the Legislature moving forward; “There’s more that we can do as a County.”

Melanie Little, a community educator and peer specialist with the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County, spoke next and gave a short presentation on the basics of mental health and well-being. She emphasized that “mental health is something for us all to think about.” Her presentation covered statistics about the prevalence of various mental health problems among young people, common risk factors for mental illness, and an introduction to mental health stigma.

Next, author and IHS school psychologist Shawn Goodman addressed difficult

family dynamics and the effects they can have on young people. His most recent book, How to Survive Your Parents, is based on years of professional experience and seeks to fill a gap Goodman sees in mental health literature by giving concrete, accessible, and realistic advice for improving family dynamics as a young person. Goodman said that if he could only give one piece of advice to young people with difficult family lives, it would be to “have the freedom to manage the situation and not the relationship” and to avoid taking responsibility for troubled parents.

Tiffany Bloss spoke about the impor-

Continued on Page 5

X COVID Cases Rise in Tompkins County, Medical Director Urges Vaccinations with New Booster

More than half of U.S. states are reporting ”very high” levels of COVID activity as the virus continues to spread and increase in many parts of the country, according to the latest wastewater data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

COVID-19 cases in Tompkins County and across New York State have risen since June, consistent with national and statewide trends. Tompkins County Medical Director William Klepack confirmed this rise in local cases, noting that although there has been a slight recent decline, the data remains limited due to low reporting from at-home tests.

In New York State, COVID-19 hospitalizations have also increased. As of July, the state’s sevenday average for hospital admissions was 0.72 per 100,000 residents, a notable rise from 0.31 per

100,000 at the same time last year, according to New York health officials. This uptick, attributed to new variants and indoor gatherings during hot weather, has driven a statewide push for updated vaccinations.

In response, Klepack encouraged residents to receive the newly approved COVID-19 booster shot, designed by Pfizer and Moderna to target the latest variants. This updated mRNA vaccine is expected to become widely available in local pharmacies within one to two weeks. Some pharmacies, like CVS, are already accepting appointments.

Klepack highlighted two main reasons for vaccination: preventing severe illness and reducing the risk of long COVID. He noted that while the vaccine doesn’t prevent all infections, it significantly reduces hospitalizations and deaths.

“We’re still seeing far too many deaths from COVID,” Klepack said, adding that summer COVID-related deaths doubled nationwide.

Long COVID, particularly affecting workingage adults, remains a significant concern, with symptoms potentially lasting years and severely impacting individuals’ ability to work and care for families. “Long COVID can put people out of work for many weeks or even years,” Klepack said.

Pregnant women, he advised, should also prioritize vaccination to protect themselves and their newborns, as antibodies from the vaccine are transferred to babies during pregnancy, offering several months of protection after birth.

While health officials continue to monitor trends closely, Klepack stressed that widespread vaccination remains critical to managing COVID’s impact locally and statewide.

Southworks $587 million proposal to revitalize a vacant industrial site that has sat vacant for decades, bringing hundreds of housing units to Ithaca’s South Hill.

WEB

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

THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE ITHACA TIMES ARE COPYRIGHT © 2024, BY NEWSKI INC.

All rights reserved. Events are listed free of charge in TimesTable. All copy must be received by Friday at noon. The Ithaca Times is available free of charge from various locations around Ithaca. Additional copies may be purchased from the Ithaca Times offices for $1. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $89 one year. Include check or money order and mail to the Ithaca Times, PO Box 27, Ithaca, NY 14851. ADVERTISING: Deadlines are Monday 5 p.m. for display, Tuesday at noon for classified. Advertisers should check their ad on publication. The Ithaca Times will not be liable for failure to publish an ad, for typographical error, or errors in publication except to the extent of the cost of the space in which the actual error appeared in the first insertion. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publication. The Ithaca Times is published weekly Wednesday mornings. Offices are located at 109 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-277-7000, FAX 607277-1012, MAILING ADDRESS is PO Box 27, Ithaca, NY 14851. The Ithaca Times was preceded by the Ithaca New Times (1972–1978) and The Good

(1973–1978),

in

Shawn Goodman presents his new book, How to Survive Your Parents. (Photo: Josiah Brooks)

IN UIRING PHOTOGR PHER Q A

By Mark Syvertson

THE INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER ASKED COUPLES: “HOW DID YOU MEET?”

What’s in Tompkins County’s Proposed 2025 Budget?

By Matt Dougherty

The Tompkins County Legislature recently held a public hearing on their proposed 2025 county budget, which totals $252.3 million.

Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes, responsible for crafting the budget proposal, explained the challenges of delivering county services while attempting to keep taxes as low as possible, citing significant increases in mandated costs and expenses over which the county has little control.

“We know 2025 is a challenging budget year with many competing priorities,” Holmes said during the hearing. “We’re doing our best to balance the needs of our departments and the community with the financial realities we face.”

The budget proposes a 4.34% increase in the property tax levy, adding an estimated $138 to the annual tax bill for the owner of a median-priced home valued at $300,000.

According to Holmes, one of the primary drivers of the budget increase is the continued shift of Medicaid costs from the state to the county. The second and final phase of the state’s intercept of Enhanced Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage (EFMAP) funds will add $362,000 additional Medicaid costs to the county’s 2025 budget. Combined with last year’s increase of $1.25 million, the total extra cost to the county now exceeds $1.6 million.

“That alone is equivalent to a 3% increase on the tax levy,” Holmes said, noting that the state previously covered these expenses but are now a local burden.

The county is also seeing rising costs related to childcare services, driven by expanded eligibility for childcare subsidies and higher rates paid to providers under new state regulations. The budget projects

an additional $606,000 in childcare costs for 2025.

Meanwhile, Tompkins County is experiencing an uptick in Criminal Procedure Law 730 cases, which require counties to cover the total cost of inpatient psychiatric treatment for individuals deemed unfit to stand trial. Holmes noted that the county is incurring an additional $1 million annually in psychiatric care costs due to this mandate.

“We’re seeing more of these 730 orders from judges, and it’s a cost that we have to bear as a county,” Holmes said. “We recommend a phase-in over the next three years, adding $300,000 annually to cover these costs.”

The proposed budget also accounts for rising labor costs, with all collective bargaining agreements in place for 2025. The county anticipates $2.6 million in additional salary expenses next year, alongside a 14% increase in health insurance costs, adding $1.1 million to the county’s fringe benefit expenses. This marks the first double-digit rate increase in health insurance premiums since the Greater Municipal Health Consortium was established in 2011.

“Our labor costs are going up, as are the costs of providing health insurance to our employees,” Holmes said. “These are necessary expenses, but they put added pressure on our budget.”

Holmes also highlighted the $36 million capital program in the budget, which covers a range of infrastructure projects funded by state, federal, and local sources. Among the key projects are upgrades to the county airport, replacement of radio equipment for the Department of Emergency Response, and design work for a new public safety building.

Public safety funding saw notable attention in the budget, with the Sheriff's Office receiving $127,795 to restore target funding for jail nurse and forensic counselor positions.

The District Attorney’s Office was also allocated $67,500 in one-time funding for attorney stipends to cover early morning and late evening arraignments.

The Legislature also approved $227,139 to improve security across county facilities, including adding a new security manager and enhanced resources at the Mental Health building.

The Youth Services Department received $47,225 to continue rural youth programs, with an additional $30,000 for two years allocated to expand urban outreach efforts. In addition to youth programming, Tompkins Community

Action received $13,519 in restored funding.

The Legislature approved additional funding for the Finance and Human Resources Departments in response to increasing operational needs. The Finance Department will receive $84,565 for staffing enhancements and $21,000 for multi-year software upgrades to improve efficiency. In Human Resources, a three-year funding package for a training and development coordinator position was approved at $135,380. Holmes also mentioned potential funding for broadband expansion, emergency shelter facilities, and the county’s Green Fleet initiative, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to electric and hybrid vehicles.

The Legislature also redirected $270,000 from hotel room tax revenues to fund the Tompkins County Airport, freeing up local funds for other expenses. This reallocation also suspended the tourism capital grant program through the Ithaca Area Economic Development for 2025.

The Workforce Development Department had $23,558 restored to its budget, along with $96,470 allocated over three years for a new transition workforce specialist position. This role aims to support individuals facing employment barriers in the community.

The Community Justice Center’s funding was also amended, with $81,464 shifted from target to one-time funding to support staffing needs and an additional $11,558 allocated for one-time programming.

The country’s largest source of nonproperty tax revenue is the sales tax, but collections have lagged in 2024. Sales tax receipts fell 11% below expectations for the year's first half. Holmes projected $43.2 million in sales tax revenue for 2025, slightly lower than the amount budgeted for 2024.

“We’ve seen stagnant performance in sales tax revenue this year, so we’re being conservative in our estimates for 2025,” Holmes explained.

Continued on Page 14

“We met as freshman in college at Kenyon. We lived on the same floor.”

– Julie & Drew

“We met at a summer party at The Forge in Tburg.”

– Grit & Henry

“We were on a camping trip for college orientation in New Zealand. He put his plate of food on the ground and I accidentally stepped on it.”

– Glenys & Bruce

“We met at new employee orientation at Cornell.”

– Jess & Mike

“A friend introduced us at an Irish social dance in Chicago. It was love at first sight.”

– Cathy & Mike

Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes highlighted the challenges of balancing community needs with fiscal constraints in a year marked by increasing state-mandated expenses. (Photo: File)

The Tompkins County Legislature is discussing the proposed 2025 county budget, which includes a 4.43% property tax increase and funding adjustments to address rising costs across several departments. (Photo: File)

The Talk at

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

RE: Proposition One New York Equal Rights Amendment

“In 1917, as Fred Bates, the Mayor of Ithaca, left the voting booth, he heard a poll worker remind the next voter to turn over the ballot to vote on the amendment that would allow women to vote.

Mayor Bates is reported to have said, “Amendments. By gosh I forgot about them.”

We can only imagine what was said when the mayor returned home to face his wife Juanita Breckenridge Bates who had been the leader of the suffrage campaign in the county.

This year, Proposition 1 is on the other side of the ballot. It provides antidiscrimination provisions to the State Constitution, covering ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. It also covers reproductive healthcare (including miscarriage-and ectopic pregnancy-management, and abortion) and personal autonomy.

This Proposition provides protections

for all of us.

DON’T FORGET: TURN OVER THE BALLOT! and VOTE YES FOR PROPOSITION 1.” — Carol Kammen

“Proposition 1 is on the ballot in New York State, but you must FLIP YOUR BALLOT OVER.

The Equal Rights Amendment was passed by the United States Senate in 1972. The fruits of that effort began in 1923 with the work of the National Women's political party, but was reified by the efforts of the women’s movement in the 1960’s. Many states ratified that amendment, but the effort fizzled because 3/4 of the states did not meet the Congressional deadline. With the recent overturning of Roe vs Wade, the rights of women’s reproductive freedoms are on the ballot in ten states. New York State has revived the Equal Rights Amendment language and extended it to read a more inclusive vision of equal rights of all individuals. New York State is lagging and must codify the current New York State Constitution to strengthen the rights of all. Twenty-nine other states have passed constitutional language that would guarantee the equal rights of all people. By passing Proposition 1 in New York State, we will ensure that future anti-choice factions will not eliminate our current abortion rights and every woman’s right to choose. Additionally, this broad proposition

would not only protect all women’s rights for abortion and reproductive care, but also protect all New Yorkers from discrimination.” — Renate Ferro

RE: 2024 Presidential Election

“This isn’t about Donald Trump. It’s not even about sad souls seduced by him. Insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol to prevent the peaceful transfer of power were primarily guilty of being gullible. They merely fell for the fraud. They did not do the defrauding. Many were held accountable for their actions. Most of the ones who fooled them have not. Yet. Republican Party leaders are surrendering their moral courage to ride a demagogue’s coattails to power. True Conservatives value character, civility, and intelligence. Trump-pets reward arrogance, anger, and self-delusion. Embrace Donald, and you embrace his lies. You become what he is: a fraud. A follower of a pathetic, narcissistic bully. I’d rather be dead than that. If you’re a silent conservative who still respects the Constitution, Democracy, and the rule of law, but allow yourself to be intimidated by Trump Trolls, the death of our democracy will be on you.” — James Tweed

RE: Lea Webb Vs. Mike Sigler

“As a Tompkins County Legislator for 20 years, I served with Republican Mike Sigler for 12 of those years. A big part of the job was advocating in Albany, often for fairer treatment on state mandates such as Medicaid. In New York, counties pay millions for Medicaid out of local property taxes — a burden no other state puts on their local governments.

So Mike is right that the state shouldn’t add to this burden by diverting Federal Medicaid Assistance Program (FMAP) funds from counties (Ithaca Times, 10/11/24). But he’s all wrong about who pushed for that diversion and who rejected it.

Since he’s running for State Senate, Mike should know the facts. He should know that Senator Lea Webb and her Senate colleagues vigorously opposed the FMAP diversion. In fact, their one-house

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

continued from page 3

tance of talking openly about suicide with your children and creating space for them to be comfortable bringing it up. She highlighted the 988 hotline, which people can call for advice when they or someone else in their life is in crisis. She also drew

budget added $624 million for counties for the state’s Medicaid share.

He should also know that this fight has been going on for years, since Governor Cuomo decided to flout federal law regarding Medicaid Expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Back in 2014 when Medicaid was expanded, Senator Chuck Schumer pushed hard for counties to get their share of the associated new federal reimbursement. Unfortunately, Cuomo refused to pass the money through to counties as the law required. Governor Kathy Hochul basically continued Cuomo's strategy.

The Senate pushed back. Senator Webb in particular fought hard to reject FMAP diversion last year. Unfortunately, in the mix of complex budget negotiations, Governor Hochul ultimately won on this issue.

But FMAP funding was hardly the only battle over local government reimbursements last year. Lea also pushed the Senate to include a record increase in Aid to Municipalities – a new $213 million – to support cities, towns, and villages, providing real property tax relief. Other crucial investments were for roads, bridges, schools, libraries, volunteer firehouses, EMS, and more.

One example of Lea’s effective advocacy was $300,000 supporting Tompkins County’s EMS services. In the less than two years that she’s been representing us in Albany, Lea has brought more than $4,000,000 into the three counties of her district for a very wide range of community needs.

For Lea, it’s not FMAP reimbursements OR grants for housing, childcare, the Farmers Market, EMS, and much more. It’s both-and. She’s our champion who’s making sure specific local needs receive support while also fighting for wise investments across the entire state.

Mike Sigler calls this a “shell game.” It sounds like he wouldn’t participate if he were our Senator. I guess he’d let those state funds go to other Senate districts instead.

I’d much rather have Lea Webb fighting for us in Albany. Early voting starts October 26. I can’t wait.” — Martha Robertson

attention to the vulnerability of young people as they try to navigate an overwhelming world, especially when it comes to social media. She encouraged parents to talk to their children about what restrictions on social media make sense and how to stay safe and healthy without abandoning social media entirely.

UPS DOWNS&

Ups

Kendal at Ithaca is proud to announce that it has been honored as one of Senior Care’s Best Places to Work in 2024 by WeCare Connect. This recognition re ects the community’s ongoing commitment to creating a positive and engaging work environment for employees.

Downs

On October 11th, 2024, at approximately 8:55 p.m., the Tompkins County Sheri 's O ce responded to Cemetery Lane in the Town of Groton for a reported personal injury accident. Upon arrival, deputies located a onecar rollover. The sole occupant and operator of the vehicle, 21-year-old Zachary Brafman of Cortland, was pronounced dead at the scene.

HEARD SEEN&

Heard

The Cornell University Board of Trustees will have its regular fall semester meetings in Ithaca, October 17 & 18, 2024. On Thursday, October 17 the University Relations Committee will meet at 10:45 a.m. in the Taylor A/B Room at the Statler Hotel. On Friday, October 18 the Board of Trustees meeting will include an open session, at the end of the meeting, at approximately 4:55 p.m. in 184 Myron Taylor Hall.

Seen

Election Day is almost here! Deadline to register to vote is Saturday, October 26, early voting will also be starting on Saturday, October 26 and last through Sunday, November 3, and Election Day is set for Tuesday, November 5.

IF YOU CARE TO RESPOND to something in this column, or suggest your own praise or blame, write editor@ithacatimes. com, with a subject head “U&D.”

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Are you registered to vote?

83 3 % Yes

8.3% No

8.3 % I don’t care.

N EXT W EEK ’S Q UESTION : What’s your favorite fall treat?

Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.

Ithaca Planning Board Grants Special Permit for Fall Creek Child Care Center & McGraw Hall Tree Removal

By Matt Dougherty

The City Planning and Development Board approved a special permit

Tuesday for the Downtown Ithaca Children’s Center (DICC) to operate an a er-school program for four-year-olds on the ground oor of 201 East Tompkins St., currently used as a tness studio. e project, spearheaded by Krista Tripp, aims to address the need for local Pre-K a er school services, with plans to accommodate families in a walkable, residential neighborhood.

e proposed DICC A er School CarePre-K (4yr/O) program received approval to operate in Ithaca’s R-2B Zoning District, where neighborhood commercial activities are permitted by special permit. e project is classi ed as an Unlisted Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), subjecting it to environmental review due to its location in a residential area.

Tripp outlined several measures to reduce neighborhood disruptions, particularly concerning tra c and parking. She con rmed that the primary entrance for parents and children will be at the building’s parking lot entrance, with the front door facing Utica Street secured as an emergency exit only. e facility will feature signage at both entrances to guide families and ensure compliance with city standards, with plans for a modest logo and directional signs.

“Our goal is to maintain the neighborhood’s character while meeting community needs for a ercare,” Tripp told the board, emphasizing that DICC will work closely with families to manage tra c ow and minimize parking impacts on Tompkins Street. e program’s a ercare schedule is set to end by 5:30 p.m., limiting peak tra c in the area during evening hours.

Tripp also proposed that some children will be dropped o by bus, with sta members escorting them inside, a move designed to minimize the number of individual vehicles arriving and departing.

Board members voiced support for the project, with Daniel, one member, urging continued open communication with nearby residents. “Keeping a positive relationship with the community is essential,” he said. “We encourage you to keep those

lines of communication open and develop relationships with the neighbors.”

In addition to weekday a ercare, the permit allows for occasional weekend use of the space. Tripp explained that these rare Saturday events will be dedicated to family-oriented activities, such as networking and educational sessions, providing families with an opportunity to connect and socialize in a supervised setting.

e board also addressed signage regulations. Tripp shared a preliminary concept for subtle window signage featuring the DICC logo and directional messaging near the door, intended to blend with the residential aesthetics of the neighborhood.

Under the terms of the environmental review, the project will comply with city and state environmental regulations for Unlisted Actions, including assessing any potential impacts on tra c, noise, and community resources as required by SEQRA.

e board unanimously approved the permit, highlighting the importance of the service in Ithaca’s downtown area. “ is program is a needed resource for families in the community, and we’re pleased to support it,” said one board member.

McGraw Hall Renovation Site Plan Approved Despite Tree Removal Concerns

e Ithaca Planning and Development Board approved modi cations to the McGraw Hall renovation project at Cornell University, voting unanimously in favor of a revised site plan that will see the removal of several century-old trees. e decision, nalized at a recent meeting, permits Cornell to proceed with changes to structural supports, landscape design, and materials to accommodate the extensive renovations needed for the 19th-century building.

e revised plan includes the removal of two large oaks and one red oak tree on the west side of McGraw Hall. Initially, Cornell’s project team had hoped to preserve these trees, but the requirements for exterior shoring—the structural supports essential for safely restoring the building’s facade—rendered their preservation unfeasible. Although some board members questioned if the trees could be transplanted to another location during construction, the project manager con rmed that the trees’ size and root systems were too large to allow for successful relocation.

“We’ve dated these trees to approximately 120 years old, but a er exhaustive e orts to nd alternatives, removing them was ultimately the safest and most practical option,” said the project manager. To mitigate the environmental impact, Cornell plans to replace the lost trees with new plantings once the project is complete, choosing younger trees that are expected to adapt better to the landscape and contribute to a healthier site.

e structural adjustments to the project were necessary to ensure the stability of McGraw Hall, which was originally constructed in 1869. e building, one of the oldest on campus, will undergo signi cant internal updates, transforming its wood structure into a steel frame. To accomplish this without risking the historic stone facade, the project team revised the shoring design, transitioning from an aerial system to ground-based supports that extend more than 40 feet from the building. is alteration allows for a safer work environment but signi cantly impacts the project’s ability to preserve nearby trees.

The Ithaca City Planning Board approved a change to Cornell’s McGraw Hall renovation plans that will result in the removal of several century-old trees on the west side of the building. The tree removals were deemed necessary to accommodate new exterior supports for the historic facade of the building. (Photo: File)

Microplastics, Synthetic Turf, and HABs: An Urgent Threat to Cayuga Lake

By Zero Waste Ithaca

Microplastics are not only a growing environmental threat but also a direct contributor to harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems like Cayuga Lake. Research shows that microplastics serve as platforms for harmful organisms, enabling their proliferation in already stressed ecosystems. New studies indicate that both cyanobacteria and harmful algae, such as Pseudonitzschia thrive in the plastisphere—the ecosystem of microorganisms that colonizes plastic debris in the environment—creating significant risks for water quality. In Cayuga Lake, cyanobacteria are responsible for HABs that release dangerous toxins like microcystins, and the presence of microplastics could be making these blooms even worse. When I moved to this area in 2001, I was struck by the fact that I couldn’t swim in the lake with my young son due to harmful blooms. Yet, I have seen various organizations and entities continue to call Cayuga Lake “pristine.” It’s time we wake up. Locally, Professor Susan Allen at Ithaca College has been studying the toxicology of microplastics and PFAS in Cayuga Lake with some alarming results. Recently, Professor Karan Kartik Mehta at Cornell University raised similar concerns about PFAS found in herbicides used to control hydrilla, an invasive plant. While hydrilla itself has not so far been shown to directly exacerbate HABs in New York, herbicide treatments and the decay of plant matter may contribute to nutrient release and oxygen depletion, creating conditions that could worsen HABs.

The deluge of plastics entering our lake is alarming—some from local littering, but also from our own Ivy League university’s artificial turf projects. A recent study in Toronto identified artificial turf as the largest contributor to microplastic pollution in the city, emitting 237 tonnes in 2020—surpassing other sources, including laundry fibers and car tire emissions. (For perspective, the annual tonnage of single-use foodware accessories, such as utensils, sent to the landfill from our county is about 300 tons, at conservative estimates, based on a calculation by Chart Reuse for our Skip the Stuff initiative.) Despite multiple public comments and

scientific evidence presented to the City of Ithaca Planning Board—supported by national experts—the board approved Cornell’s synthetic turf project on September 3. This decision, made by a four-person committee barely making a quorum, and lacking chemistry background, raises serious concerns. We wonder if the brand-new board member who joined at the September 3rd meeting fully reviewed the nine months of public comments—especially our 70-page bibliography and a webinar with six independent experts that our grassroots organization, Zero Waste Ithaca, organized in April. The board’s chair, Mitch Glass, left right after passing the flawed negative declaration for the environmental impact assessment. The 9/3 meeting took place after two canceled meetings in July and August due to a lack of quorum. We were even misinformed in an email communication about the date of the subsequent 9/26 planning board meeting by a city planning board staff member. This decision-making process is deeply concerning and does not reflect the level of care our community deserves.

I am also concerned about the role that student-athletes played in the 9/3 Planning Board meeting. Carver Hauptman, the Vice President of Cornell Environmental Collaborative, and a Zero Waste Ithaca member, recently wrote a Letter to the Editor to Cornell Daily Sun criticizing the lack of adequate information on health and environmental impacts provided to students-athletes. These athletes were strongly encouraged to attend, yet many of them were not informed about the environmental and health impacts of synthetic turf. This was reported by the Ithaca Voice and was also confirmed in a conversation I had with a student athlete who wishes to remain anonymous, who stated that no information about the health risks was provided to them. This lack of transparency is troubling, particularly when students are being asked to participate in these meetings without being given the full context.

Cayuga Lake is not just a pretty natural resource; it is our water supply. Microplastics, cyanobacteria, and associated toxins jeopardize our drinking water, harm wildlife, and threaten the local economy by

Ithaca Teachers Association Cabinet Responds to Tax Abatements for Southworks Development Project

By Ithaca Teachers Association (ITA)

The Ithaca Teachers Association (ITA) is a union of almost 600 professional educators in the Ithaca City School District. We serve as classroom teachers, subject area specialists, academic support teachers, speech and occupational therapists, counselors, social workers, and psychologists. We work with students in grades pre-K through twelve, and support students across 12 school buildings. The ITA exists to prepare, organize, support and advocate for educators so we are better able to advocate for the needs of our students, and effectively provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all. As such, the members of the ITA Cabinet are equally excited by the prospect of the Southworks Development Project, and concerned that without careful consideration, the needs of the Ithaca City School District to prepare for a development of this size may be forgotten.

As we all know, Ithaca has a need for development of safe, affordable housing for our working families, and the prospect of a major project that could bring this type of housing to Ithaca is something to be excited about. As a union, we support projects that help provide our students and their families with housing. However, on Monday, September 30, we urged the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency to strongly consider the impact that the large tax abatements the developers of this project are requesting would have on our schools and our community as a whole before making a decision to grant these abatements.

Some of you may remember the Ithaca City School District budget debate of last May. During the month leading up to that vote Ithaca City School District Board meetings were packed with residents worried about their tax bills. Residents shared concerns that they, or those they love, would soon be priced out of the community that they call home. Many of our members felt that pain and fear. But as teachers, we knew that passing the budget was crucial. We were not successful in convincing enough of our neighbors of that fact, and our schools are now operating at a $7 million dollar deficit for this year. Our students have seen their

class sizes increase, have lost beloved educators, and have had to change their schedules to accommodate dissolved programs. The students and the adults who serve them are already doing a lot more with a lot less this year, and the prospects for recouping these losses in upcoming budgets are grim unless a new source of school revenue is found within our community.

Additionally, we are concerned about how the location of this new development will impact the long-term organization of the Ithaca City School District. Due to current housing trends, the only housing sectors in the Ithaca community that are still affordable to the average working family seeking to buy are the South Hill and Danby communities. This area of town has seen a significant population rise which is currently reflected in crowding at South Hill Elementary School. Staff who work at South Hill describe their school as “bursting at the seams”. Teachers are already setting up classrooms and service spaces in closets. Lunch rooms are packed. All of this energy in a school full of children is a wonderful problem to have, but the potential to add 900 new housing units to the school’s footprint without a clear plan for how to accommodate that growth and the possibility of having little to no new tax revenue to make these accommodations is a challenge that leaves us very concerned.

The fact of the matter is simple, running high-quality schools isn’t cheap. And the Ithaca community is committed to having high-quality schools. But funding our schools primarily through the local property taxes of people who already own their homes while granting generous tax abatements is systematically unfair. Our taxbase is currently tapped out and doing the best we can to support our schools.We believe that this project be green-lit only if it includes a clear plan for the developers to pay their fair-share of Ithaca City School District taxes throughout the entire project. Our District needs the revenue that would be generated in the 15 years of construction to make the necessary changes to support this project. We simply can not wait until these new students are knocking on our school’s doors to have the money it will take to support them.

SouthWorks $85 Million Tax Abatement Approved Despite Community Concerns

By Matt Dougherty

The Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has voted 6-1 to approve a nearly $85 million 20-year tax abatement for the long-anticipated SouthWorks development project during a meeting on October 9.

The only dissenting vote was board member Todd Brurer, who agreed with concerns raised by community members about the project’s impact on the Ithaca City School District. Board members Rich John, Deborah Dawson, Jeff Gorsky, Anne Koreman, Jerry Dietz and Ducson Nguyen all voted to approve the abatement.

Southworks is a massive $587 million proposal to revitalize an industrial site on South Hill that has sat vacant for decades. Supporters of the project say it will deliver much needed housing, jobs, and economic growth, but critics worry about the impact of the tax abatement granted to the project and its potential strain on public services and the local tax base.

According to Ithaca Area Economic Development President Heather McDaniel, the developers requested tax abatements totaling nearly $85 million over the next two de-

Heather McDaniel, President of Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED) explained the importance of tax incentives for developers, saying that the plans for SouthWorks would not more forward without an abatement.

cades to make the project viable. Without this phased-in tax relief developers say the plan for SouthWorks would not move forward.

According to IDA estimates, if the site on South Hill is left undeveloped the property is expected to generate only $2 million in tax revenue over 20 years, compared to an estimated $44 million if the development moves forward with the proposed abatement. If it was developed without an abatement it would generate nearly $60 million. (Photo: File)

Robert Lewis of Shift Capital presented SouthWorks development plans to the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) during a meeting on September 30, outlining the developments plans for affordable housing, commercial and industrial space, job training programs and more. (Photo: Shift Capital)

“This project needs a subsidy in order to make it work,” McDaniel said. “There’s no way a developer would renovate these buildings on their own…without this kind of incentive the property is unlikely to be developed at all.”

During an IDA meeting that occurred on September 30, Robert Lewis, Project Development Manager for Shift Capital, one of the companies involved in developing the site, said, “To make this project viable, we need tax incentives to offset the upfront costs and complexities of redeveloping such a large, vacant industrial site.”

The site plan aims to transform 95 acres of South Hill into a mixed-use neighborhood with 915 housing units, commercial and industrial spaces, recreational facilities, and green trails connecting to Ithaca’s existing network.

Developers have said that 20% of the housing units would be affordable, reserved for families making 80% or less of the area median income, and developers hope to secure low-income housing tax credits

to support construction costs. The plans call for 40% of units to be designated as workforce housing, with the remaining 40% designated as market rate.

A daycare facility and spaces for local businesses are also part of the plan, and developers have expressed interest in having a grocery store on site in response to community concerns about South Hill being a “food desert.”

Developers have structured the tax abatement as a phased-in payment plan, allowing them to gradually increase property tax payments over 20 years as new parts of the project are completed.

The abatement will save developers $63 million in property taxes, including $34 million in school property taxes, while generating an estimated $44 million in new tax revenue for Tompkins County over the same period, including $24 million for the Ithaca City School District (ICSD). It also includes a $20 million sales tax abatement and a $1.7 million Mortgage Recording Tax Abatement. Without the abatement, IDA documents indicate that the project would generate $59 million in property taxes, but developers say that if the abatement was not granted, the project would be unable to generate sufficient revenue to cover construction costs and would not move forward.

According to McDanel, if the site remains untouched it would only generate about $100,000 in annual property taxes on its current $3.5 million assessment, which would equate to approximately $2 million over 20 years.

McDaniel explained, “The phased approach allows the project to build up tax revenue gradually without putting immediate financial strain on the developers.” She added, “If SouthWorks moves forward, we expect significant economic benefits that would not exist if the property remained undeveloped.”

The project also includes workforce development initiatives, creating training programs and jobs for local residents, especially in construction and trades. According to developers, the first buildings completed will likely include daycare facilities and job training centers, resources they say are designed to meet current community needs.

The SouthWorks project has been more than a decade in the making. Following years of envrionmental cleanup efforts the site is now safe for residential development and will see the site plans become reality over the next several years. The first phase of construction will include affordable and workforce housing, along with commercial spaces. While subsequent phases will add market-rate housing, recreational facilities, job training centers and green spaces. Construction on site is expected to stretch into the 2030’s. (Photo: Shift Capital)

Despite the developers’ assurances, community members remain concerned about the expensive abatement and question whether SouthWorks will deliver on its promises. Residents have also expressed disapproval with previous projects that received tax abatements without delivering the desired community benefits. One prominent example mentioned was the City Centre development downtown, which was granted a large tax abatement even though the project did not include any plans for affordable housing.

Then, when the developer of City Centre sold the building for more than $20 million than it cost to construct, community members were outraged at the fact that a developer was allowed to profit massively off an abatement. Additionally, community members were opposed to the original abatement being transferred to the new owner, which the IDA allowed.

McDaniel clarified why the transfer was allowed, telling the Ithaca Times, “While it’s not common for abatements to transfer with a property sale, the IDA did not view this as detrimental given the increased value and tax benefit.” The building was initially constructed at a cost of $52 million in 2019 and sold for around $75 million in 2021.

When asked if the IDA would reconsider their decision if a similar situation was faced at Southworks, McDaniel indicated

that if another residential property with an abatement were sold during the abatement period, the IDA would likely reconsider approving a transfer of the abatement.

“I think if there were a sale of a residential property during an abatement period, the IDA likely would say no, given what happened with City Centre,” McDaniel said.

Teressa Alt, a longtime Ithaca resident who voiced concerns about the abatement for Southworks, told the IDA, “What guarantee do we have that SouthWorks will follow through, and why should local taxpayers subsidize the cost if they don’t?”

McDaniel responded to concerns saying that the IDA’s policies have since evolved to allow more thorough monitoring of projects. “The IDA reviews every project annually and has the authority to terminate incentives if developers don’t meet their commitments.” She added, “With SouthWorks, there are checkpoints every five years to ensure compliance with affordable housing and other goals.”

McDaniel also said that the belief that a tax abatement is a direct subsidy is a misconception. “This is not about taking away existing taxes or shifting costs to other taxpayers. This property’s current tax revenue is minimal, and with the phased-in incentives, Ithaca will benefit from increasing tax revenue each year as new segments of the development come online.”

Concerns were also raised about SouthWorks’ potential strain on public services like schools, infrastructure and emergency services.

Representatives from the Ithaca City School District have expressed concern about the financial burden of educating an influx of new students without sufficient tax revenue. The district currently faces a $7 million deficit, and adding hundreds of new residents would likely exacerbate this strain. Community members were specifically concerned about the project’s impact on the South Hill Elementary School, which would likely see a massive increase in students if the site is developed.

“It’s critical that we fully understand the impact this project will have on our schools and other essential services,” said Rafael Chamberlain, an Ithaca City School District teacher and Vice President of the Ithaca Teachers Association. “Our schools are already stretched thin, and without a solid plan for funding, this development could place even greater pressure on our limited resources.”

Property owners concerned about the prospect of exponentially increasing taxes also worry that by providing developers with an $85 million tax break, the property taxes that SouthWorks would otherwise contribute will have to be covered by other local taxpayers. This concern is especially pronounced among those who believe the

project could increase demands on these services without generating sufficient tax revenue in the short term.

Critics argue that while the phased abatement is designed to gradually increase tax payments from the SouthWorks development over 20 years, the immediate need to support expanded services-particularly in the Ithaca City School District-could lead to higher taxes for existing property owners in the meantime.

The former Emerson site’s environmental history remains another focus for both developers and the community. Once an active manufacturing plant, the developers have spent $20 million on environmental cleanup efforts at the site. Most of the site has been remediated to New York State’s highest standard, making it suitable for residential development. However, one area still remains contaminated.

“One section of the site remains contaminated and will not be redeveloped,” said McDaniel. “It’s a former reservoir that Emerson will keep ownership of, and they’re required to monitor it regularly for the long-term.” She added that the rest of the site has been remediated to a level that allows for safe residential use.

“This is a unique opportunity,” McDaniel said. “Ithaca doesn’t see many projects like this, and the IDA’s involvement will ensure that the outcome truly serves the community.”

Screening saves lives with early breast cancer detection

From Cayuga Health

Finding breast cancer early is the main goal of routine breast care. That’s why Cayuga Health strongly recommends patients follow a plan for preventive care.

After age 40, women face an increasing risk of developing breast cancer. Men can also develop breast cancer, but at a much lower rate than women. A man’s risk of the disease rises after age 60.

Finding problems early gives you the best chance of successful treatment. Routine care can also help find other non-cancer (benign) conditions, too. Talk with your healthcare provider about your breast cancer risk to decide on the best preventive care plan for you. Cayuga Health offers a comprehensive range of imaging technology, oncology expertise, and laboratory services that can detect cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.

Self-check your breasts

The American Cancer Society says that people should get to know how their breasts normally look and feel. Doing this can help you notice any changes more easily. Changes to your breasts may include:

• Lump

• Leaky fluid (discharge, including blood) other than breastmilk

• Swelling, especially if it affects only one breast

• Nipple problems such as nipple pain, redness, flaking, or the nipple turned inward.

See your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these changes.

Although the research is limited, current studies suggest that transgender people who have breast tissue may have a higher breast cancer risk than that of men assigned as male at birth. Regular mammograms are recommended for transgender people who have breast tissue.

Clinical breast exam

Your routine physical exam might include a clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider or nurse trained to check breast problems. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises:

• Between ages 25 and 39, women should be offered a clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider every 1 to 3 years.

Finding breast cancer early is the main goal of routine breast care. That’s why it’s so important to follow a plan for preventive care that Cayuga Health provides its patients.

• Men with an elevated risk for breast cancer should have an annual clinical breast exam from their healthcare provider.

• Men by age 40 with a normal risk should do a monthly breast self-exam along with their testicular and skin checks.

• After age 40, women should be offered a breast exam by a healthcare provider every year.

Mammogram provides early detection

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of your breasts. A mammogram can detect cancer or other problems early, even before a lump is noticeable. It can also help diagnose other breast problems. A biopsy is needed to know for sure if you have cancer.

Many organizations provide screening guidance. It’s important to work with your primary care provider to determine what’s best for your specific situation.

Mammogram screening is available at five convenient Cayuga Health locations: Cayuga Medical Center’s main campus, 101 Dates Drive, Ithaca, (607) 274-4227; 401 Cayuga Park Lane, 4th Floor, Ithaca (607) 274-4227; East Campus, 10 Arrowwood Drive, Ithaca, (607) 274-4227; Cortland at, 1129 Commons Ave., (607) 274-4227 and Schuyler Hospital, 220 Steuben St., Montour Falls, (607) 535-8613.

ABy Maddy Vogel

historic pipe organ has been played by many, and has undergone many restorations since it rst found its home in the Immaculate Conception Church over 100 years ago in 1912. Today, the organ has just undergone it’s most extensive renovation, bringing golden radiant glow to the choir balcony which looks over the congregation each week.

Musical Meditations –Open to All

Immaculate Conception Church

113 N Geneva St., Ithaca, NY Sundays at 4:00 p.m.

A half-hour of re ective organ music, followed by sung Vespers at 4:30 p.m.

10/13 – Gerald Wolfe, organ

10/20 – Je rey Snedeker, organ

10/27 – Mary Holzhauer, organ

e restoration project has been an extensive process that has over a year to complete. Work included restoring the console, the facade, the piping and more. e project has been done by Kerner & Merchant Pipe Organ Builders, a small Syracuse-based company.

e entire church has also undergone an extensive restoration, which was completed late last year. Mary Holzhauer, who has been the music director at Immaculate Conception for the past two years, said that this project marks the completion of the multi-year process.

“ e entire aesthetic and vibe of how the mass happens on Sundays has changed,” Holzhauer said. “Now, we can support the congregation, there’s more people here, and it has just been this gradual change that has happened. is is the last thing that brings it all to completion.”

e church previously had a carpeted oor which has now been completely redone with hardwood, allowing for a more rich and traditional sound. Holzhauer said that although there are many organs across Ithaca, “every organ has its own personality.” She said that Immaculate Conception’s organ has a wide range of sounds, but has more orchestra and string-like sounds than other organs.

“ ere’s this enhancement of the organ itself but also the space, which is where all of the resonance happens,” Holzhauer said. “It’s enlivening the instrument itself and also it’s a richer sound than it used to be.”

was just starting to start happening again, and quickly [...] Patrick McMullen, the other organist, and I realized we have a great instrument here. We realized in the life cycle of the organ, it was time for a rebuilding.”

Hall said that the pipe organ has undergone “piecemeal” restoration processes throughout its life, but emphasized the importance of multigenerational care. is project, the largest of all, will extend the organ’s life for future generations.

“An organ can last centuries, if it’s maintained carefully,” Hall said. “Two or three times a year, you tune it and x any broken components as necessary.[...] With that maintenance you have to rebuild the organ once or maybe twice a century. Neglecting the periodic rebuilding can drastically shorten the life of an organ.”

Many churches that have pipe organs as old as Immaculate Conception o en aren’t able to a ord to restore them, and instead opt to simply buy a new electric organ.

“ is was the right time to rebuild it and be able to a ord it,” Holzhauer said. “If you let an instrument go too long, it gets more expensive. I think that’s what a lot of churches are going through right now, is they just haven’t been maintained.”

Holzhauer said that she has seen the positive impact that the restoration has had on the congregation.

Arts & Entertainment Immaculate Conception’s Restoration of Historic Pipe Organ

The restoration project was led by Kerner & Merchant Pipe Organ Builders, who enhanced the organs acoustics with the help from the church’s newly installed hardwood floors which create a more traditional sound

Matthew Hall, former music director for Immaculate Conception, realized the organ was in need of restoration when he rst started as the music director a er the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In 2020, the music sta went to zero,” Hall said. “I came on in August 2020 when mass

“I think it’s just rejuvenating everybody,” Holzhauer said. “Every church has gone through a lot a er Covid. People stopped coming and there was this sense of a lack of community from a lot of places, and now people are coming back. ere is this community building that’s happening as a result of everything that has happened.”

The Immaculate Conception Church’s historic pipe organ shines anew in the choir balcony, following its most extensive restoration in over a century. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)

that enriches Sunday services. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)

Mariachi Herencia

Q&A with Poet Peter Fortunato

By Shivana Subramaniam-Souchet

Local poet Peter Fortunato read from and signed copies of his latest poetry collection World Headquarters at 4 p.m. Saturday October 12 at Bu alo Street Books. Recently we had this conversation about the book and his work.

Ithaca Times: What draws you to poetry speci cally as a writing form?

Peter Fortunatio: Poetry is the most concise and versatile form of written expression. It’s especially suited for communicating truths that are known in the heart. I try to live according to the wisdom of my heart, and so sometimes there are experiences and ideas that naturally want to be communicated as poems. Sometimes, also, I simply have a feeling, maybe even a rhythm in my bones that shapes itself through a process of discovery as a poem.

IT: Who are some poets that have inspired your writing? In what ways have you drawn from them?

PF: My collection World Headquarters has several poems that refer to a few of the poets who have been important to me: Emily Dickinson, Denise Levertov, Allen Ginsberg, Robert Creeley, and Stanley Kunitz. ese are only a few of the many, many writers who have in uenced me. My long friendship with the American poet Gary Snyder has helped to shape much that I’ve done in my life, especially my

spiritual path as a practitioner of Zen and Tibetan Buddhism and shamanism. I consider myself an American poet, but Asian sensibilities and poetic forms are very important to me. And needless to say I’ve also been greatly in uenced by literature in English, especially the Romantic poets, William Blake and Percy Bysshe Shelley.

IT: When did you feel this collection was nished?

PF: It takes me a long time to be satised with a collection of poems or a book in any genre, such as my memoir, Desert Wind: My Life in Qatar. I revise individual pieces a lot, and then there’s the organic process of tting together the pieces according to a thematic structure. With a book, a lot falls by the wayside when I’m doing the nal editing.

IT: Many of your poems, such as “World Lit,” detail your experiences in Qatar. How did living there in uence you as a writer and your work?

PF: e poems in the middle section of World Headquarters all refer to my outer and inner experiences while living in Doha, capital of the Gulf Arab nation of Qatar. ey’re central to the collection

Known for his deeply spiritual and introspective writing, Peter Fortunato draws on experiences from his travels and lifelong study of Eastern philosophies to explore themes of human nature and interconnectedness (Photo: Provided)

Peter Fortunato read from and signed copies of his latest poetry collection World Headquarters at 4 p.m. Saturday October 12 at Buffalo Street Books.

Pink Martini to Shake Up at the State Theatre

By Peter Rothbart

Pink Martini is as an eclectic assemblage of musicians as is their music. With their command of international music styles, it’s hard to imagine a more musically adept and accomplished ensemble. Conceived by their founder Thomas Lauderdale as a “small orchestra,” the now 30-year-old ensemble formed when Lauderdale abandoned his political aspirations, “…to play political fundraisers for progressive causes such as civil rights, the environment, affordable housing and public broadcasting.” The band’s current incarnation runs with a mixture of up to 15 members.

Most bands labelled as World Music reference one culture such as African, Mediterranean, Eastern European, Asian, or South American, spicing their sound with elements of other musical cultures. But Pink Martini presents each of their international flavors in a pure, unadulterated form. Its pop sounds like American pop from the 1960s-70s. Their jazz is mainstream American from

Pink Martini Featuring China Forbes: Thirtieth Anniversary Tour

October 18, 2024

8:00 p.m.

State Theatre, Ithaca

Tickets at https://stateofithaca.org/events/

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

continued from page 5

Contact Center Manager for the Human Services Coalition Nicole Roulstin spoke next, giving a short presentation on the variety of services offered by the 211 helpline, which is open to any questions Tompkins County residents might have that don’t fit the 988 crisis line. The community service specialists are pre-

the 1930s to the present. Their Latin is unadulterated Cuban, Brazilian or Mexican, replete with the requisite Latin rhythms on congas, flourishing guitars, and brass instruments voiced in thirds. Their Eastern European sound is driven by folk rhythms, minor modes, and laconic, nostalgic melodies telling universal stories sung in the local language. Simply put, Pink Martini redefines the notion of World Music.

At the same time, their music embraces an almost nostalgic and escapist element. It’s not old music by any means, but rather a contemporary sound that homages a happier, more joyful musical world. Whatever escapism it generates is temporary and a welcomed change from the world outside the concert doors.

The band is Internationally recognized because of this. Their large and enthusiastic following is as varied as their repertoire. Followers have an almost Grateful Dead-like loyalty, revealed not only by the voluminous comments online, but also by the variety of languages in which they are written. Many fans take the time to translate the lyrics into a variety of language and post them online.

Pink Martini’s diverse repertoire springs from the wide variety of music experiences and training of the bandmembers. Lauderdale is a classically trained and successful concert pianist, who has written film scores and ballets. He is a frequent performer with the Oregon Symphony. His first collaboration with singer China Forbes, “Sympathique,” was nominated for “Song of the Year” at France’s Victoires de

pared to connect callers to the resources they need—whether that’s information on what to do about a bat in their home, help finding a job, or the phone number of a certain agency.

After a short break, Pat Breux, formerly with Suicide Prevention of Central New York, spoke about youth suicide prevention initiatives across the state. She emphasized the role of school communities in suicide prevention and the importance of “warm hand-offs” between

la Musique Awards, France’s version of the Grammys.

Singer/songwriter China Forbes’s versatility is reflected in her ability to convincingly sing in over twenty different languages, from Farsi to Turkish to Armenian to Spanish to French to Xhosas to English. A previous stint as an actor enables her to inhabit a song, becoming a Parisian café chanteuse in one, adding micro-tonal filigree in an Arabic song or projecting a waif-like expressive yearning in American pop. You may not understand the lyrics, but the authenticity of her vocal style and writing will transport you. Forbes’s interpretations have earned her an Ella Fitzgerald Award at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

Bassist Phil Baker toured with Diana Ross for 9 years and has toured with Gino Vannelli and appeared with jazz saxophonist Joe Lovano. He appears on over 1000 recordings. Guitarist Dan Faehnle has played with jazz greats Diana Krall, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Joey DeFrancesco, Eddie Harris, and Clark Terry. Percussionist Andrew Borger has performed singer/

agencies so that people don’t get lost in the process.

Breaux’s presentation led to a passionate discussion among attendees about what schools in the area are doing for suicide prevention and where they could improve. Kari Burke, the coordinator of Health Services and Wellness for ICSD, spoke up about the suicide prevention training she provides to staff and the district protocols in place for suicide “prevention, intervention, and postvention.”

songwriters Norah Jones and Tom Waits, while Cuban born percussionist Miguel Bernal was the principal percussionist for 20 years with “Raices Profundas,” a folkloric dance company that served as the cultural ambassador from Cuba to the world. Robert Taylor served as principal trombonist for the San Antonio Symphony for five years and currently plays with the Oregon Symphony.

As an ensemble, Pink Martini has appeared at London’s Royal Albert Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and performed with a variety of artists across the spectrum, from Michael Feinstein to The Chieftains, Meow Meow to Dame Edna, the original Sesame Street Cast to Michel Legrand. They are currently working on their twelfth album due out this year.

Peter Rothbart is a Professor Emeritus of Music at the Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre and Dance where he taught electroacoustic and media music for 40 years. He remains active as a classical, jazz and pop musician.

For the last part of the event, a young person with lived experience of mental illness and hospitalization openly shared her story for the first time. In the words of Bloss, “It doesn’t hit a lot of times until you hear it from the voices of our youth.”

In her closing statement, Bloss encouraged attendees, especially young people and those with lived experience with mental health struggles, to join the Suicide Prevention Coalition to share their perspectives and help out.

Pink Martini brings their eclectic, world-spanning sound to the stage, blending Cuban rhythms, classic American jazz, and more, with lead singer China Forbes captivating audiences in multiple languages. (Photo: Provided)

Inhospitable

Visitors Go Home Disappointed After Big IC Sports Week

By Steve Lawrence

Ithaca College’s website calls the college “A Home Away From Home,” but if you were to ask visiting athletic teams as they were boarding their buses, they would likely say they didn’t find the place to be that hospitable.

Last week there was an inhospitable display of Bomber dominance, as the women’s soccer team took down Clarkson by a 1-0 score, the football team crushed the University of Rochester 24-0, the field hockey team beat Rochester 2-0, the men’s soccer team took care of Clarkson by a 2-0 tally and the volleyball team beat Vassar 3-1. Five teams, four shutouts and a 3-1 win. I can envision some long bus rides.

The number 12 seems a lucky one for the women’s soccer team, as the Bombers are ranked #12 nationally, and after a dozen games, the team is unbeaten. Saturday’s game saw Clarkson hold their Liberty League opponent (and conference leader) scoreless in the first half, and it looked like

TOMPKINS COUNTY’S PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET

continued from page 4

To offset some budget shortfalls, the county plans to increase its interest income projection and add a $2 increase to the annual solid waste fee. The Legislature also voted 11-3 to cut $60,000 allocated for a survey to assess employee satisfaction among county workers.

The 2025 budget also relies on the county’s fund balance and reserves to cover one-time expenses and multi-year overtarget requests. However, using these funds would bring the county below its minimum fund balance policy, prompting the administration to identify alternative solutions.

Holmes explained that the county will use $3 million in debt service reserve funds to free up operating budget funds for other needs. This strategy will provide temporary relief but limits the number of over-target requests that can be approved for 2025.

“In using our debt service reserve, we’re able to cover some immediate needs, but this is a one-year solution,” Holmes said. “We need to be mindful of our long-term fiscal health.”

the visitors took the lead until offsides was called. In the second half, Ally Stanton — on the only shot she would take on the day scored her fifth goal of the season, and the Bombers’ unbeaten streak continued.

I caught up with head coach Mindy Quigg — who I started interviewing when she was hired 30 years ago, in 1994 — and asked her what is special about this team. “We’re quite top-heavy in that we have three grad students and five seniors,” Quigg offered. Several — like Rosie Bostian, Ally Stanton and Sarah Sinnott are “COVID holdovers” in the sense that they have extra eligibility after losing at least a season, and that maturity and leadership are very helpful.

Also contributing to the team’s chemistry is the fact that they (except for the first-year players) were able to travel to Portugal earlier this year. In Coach Quigg’s words, “There is a lot of growth that comes with travel. You learn a lot about yourself, your teammates and your coaches, and that experience is valuable in so many

AN URGENT THREAT TO CAYUGA LAKE

continued from page 7

damaging tourism. The impact of Cornell’s artificial turf projects—several more are planned, which could make the total number of synthetic turf fields on Cornell’s upstream campus around 11 —will only worsen these problems, adding to the plastic pollution that fuels these harmful blooms. Cornell’s proposed mitigations—using plant-based infills, mechanical filtration with a pore size as large as 12 microns, and third-party testing for PFAS, without specifying the testing method, threshold, independent review, and absurdly proposing to conduct the testing during construction—fail to address other toxins present in artificial turf and are far from sufficient. We have repeatedly argued this in our public comments and multiple calls for the recall of the negative declaration decision. Yet, the new chair of the board, Emily Petrina, bypasses these concerns and considers the projects insignificant in terms of environmental impact.

I would like to draw attention to a significant development in California , where the state has recently filed a first-of-

ways.” I asked her if the fact that Portugal is a soccer-obsessed nation factored in, and she replied, “Yes, it did. It was an incredibly culture-rich experience.”

The Bombers will try to add to the program’s rich legacy, as Quigg’s teams have been to the NCAA tournament 22 times, reaching the quarterfinals five times, and the Final Four twice (in 1998 and 2011).

The Bombers football team was in unfamiliar territory, having won but a single game (a 38-13 thumping of Curry College), and having dropped two. One of those losses — to Hobart — was dealt in the Liberty League, and two conference losses and no wins would present a very steep hill to climb. To further stoke the story line, the Yellowjackets would — justifiably — be coming into Butterfield Stadium with a lot of confidence, given they were 5-0 thus far in 2024. A win, they hoped, would not only make them 2-0 in the Liberty League, it would be their first in seven attempts against the Bombers. If

its-kind lawsuit against ExxonMobil for allegedly deceiving the public about the plastic pollution crisis. The lawsuit, joined by a separate lawsuit by Sierra Club and three other NGOs, highlights how fossil fuel producers have been misleading the public regarding the environmental impacts of plastics. This underscores the importance of addressing plastic-related issues—such as those posed by synthetic turf—honestly and transparently, rather than downplaying or ignoring the risks. In a related context, it is important to note that Cornell University, along with several other elite institutions, receives millions in donations from the fossil fuel industry, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest in its decision-making.

As documented in Dharna Noor's recent article in The Guardian (September 19, 2024), the student-led analysis of six universities, including Fossil Fuel Cornell, highlights how these donations could influence university policies and projects. This is especially relevant given that synthetic turf is a product of the petrochemical industry While corporate sponsorship for Cornell athletics is not publicly disclosed, the university's connection to the fossil fuel

it ever seemed they might break through, they likely felt this would be the game.

Ithaca’s Jalen Leonard-Osbourne stepped up, as usual, and eclipsed 2,000 career rushing yards (he ran for 102), and the defense (led by 13 tackles, a forced fumble and pass break up from Jake Connolly) made sure that the visitors went home knowing that the Bombers are alive and well. The 24-0 win made the Bombers 7-0 all-time against U of R, and evened their conference record at 1-1.

Ithaca hosts Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) at 1 p.m. Saturday in another Liberty League match up.

industry is well-documented and relevant to the ongoing debate about synthetic turf and plastic pollution.

Zero Waste Ithaca is dedicated to protecting our community and its surrounding environment, and to promoting environmental justice throughout the entire lifecycle of materials. Our local clean-up efforts, led by the Ithaca High School student members, play a critical role in raising awareness about the plastic pollution crisis that threatens our lakes and ecosystems. Join us on October 19th for a Route 13 Cleanup with Ithaca Rotary Club and on November 3rd for our Post-Halloween Trash Pickup in Collegetown. Together, we can fight to keep our lakes clean and safe. You can find more details about these events on our social media pages and in our newsletter.

Yayoi Koizumi is the founder of Zero Waste Ithaca, a grassroots organization focused on environmental protection and justice, particularly in the context of plastics and solid waste. With an MA in Philosophy from Howard University, an HBCU, Yayoi’s work is deeply rooted in environmental justice. Zero Waste Ithaca is a member of GAIA (no-burn.org) and an affiliate of Beyond Plastics and the Plastic Pollution Coalition.

One shot was all it took for Ally Stanton to score her fifth goal of the season for the unbeaten women’s soccer team. (Photo: Provided)

continued from page 6

While some community members expressed concerns about the project’s compliance with the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS), city officials confirmed that the McGraw Hall renovation does not qualify as a “major renovation” under the code. The IECS mandates that projects meeting or exceeding a 70% work area threshold comply with stricter energy requirements. However, the McGraw Hall project’s work area falls below this threshold, exempting it from these additional standards.

Some board members voiced concerns regarding the use of concrete for new curbs, paths, and a retaining wall around McGraw

Q&A WITH PETER FORTUNATO

because they come from inner places that were as sharply experienced as my outer conditions. I want to teach people a little about Qatar, an important US ally in the Arab world, and as I said, a poem can do a lot very concisely. Many of these poems were begun during the four years when I was teaching writing to future doctors at Weill Cornell Medicine. My memoir goes into these experiences in other kinds of ways, but I was always open to the inspiration of poetry while feeling myself to be the proverbial “stranger in a strange land.”

IT: How did you decide on the title World Headquarters? Can you tell your readers more about the nature of this phrase?

PF: The title is a play on the way governments and corporations refer to themselves and their projects; you know, like “central command” or “the main office.” Each of us is the locus of a

Hall, preferring granite for its durability. However, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) advised that concrete is appropriate for this project, given that it matches existing walkways on the nearby arts quad. The ILPC emphasized that the concrete elements, representing modern additions to the historic site, would distinguish the new features from the original structure without compromising its historic integrity.

The approved site plan also includes adjustments to the building’s new ADAaccessible pathways. The design eliminates two planned auxiliary stairways, instead guiding all foot traffic to the main entrance. This change is intended to create a more inclusive design, allowing all visitors to use the primary entrance.

Cornell officials expressed satisfaction

“world headquarters”—on one level, it has to do with our subjectivity and sense of self-importance, on another level the title has to do with the ways we project our reality.

IT: “Corona Crisis Search Results” is a poem that speaks to the time of the pandemic. What was your experience as a writer during this time?

PF: The period of lock-down during the height of the pandemic didn’t impact my way of life so very much. I live close to nature and have property that borders Six Mile Creek, and so I was able to be outdoors often. I enjoyed the universal slowdown, although the early foot-dragging by the former President proved tragic. Like many people, I spent a lot of time online, searching for news and reflecting on our shared human condition, as my poem indicates.

IT: What themes, if any, do you find yourself returning to most often in your poetry?

PF: What I find very interesting at

with the board’s decision, noting that the project will rejuvenate McGraw Hall’s historic character and functionality for another 150 years. The renovation is anticipated to take approximately three years, during which the campus community can expect changes in pedestrian access to the area.

By approving the modified site plan, the board acknowledged the challenges of balancing preservation with modernization, while underscoring that worker safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability remain priorities as the project moves forward.

With their permits now in hand, the Downtown Ithaca Children’s Center plans to launch the Pre-K aftercare program in the upcoming months and Cornell will proceed with their renovation of the historic McGraw Hall.

this stage of my poetic career—I’ve been writing for most of my life and publishing for more than 50 years—is how certain themes emerge rather organically. Even when I start to write with a subject in mind, my unconscious is going to gather material for me to shape at a conscious level. So, the short answer to your question is that human nature is my major theme, and by that I mean all of nature, because it’s what we are.

Town & Country

Classifieds

Internet: www.ithaca.com

Phone: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm Fax: 277-1012 (24 Hrs Daily)

200/Buy / Sell / Trade

GOT AN UNWANTED CAR?

Your car donation to Patriotic Hearts helps veterans find work or start their own business. Fast, free pickup. Running or not! Call 24/7: 1-888-251-3135. (NYSCAN)

230/Farm & Garden

FALL IS FOR PLANTING. CAYUGA LANDSCAPE FALL SALE HAPPENING NOW!

All Mums 20% off and all Perennials and Grasses now 30% off. Shade trees are 20% off and 40% off blue ribboned trees. Take advantage of this season ending sale with fall color and great deals! Now until November 15th. 2712 N. Triphammer Rd Ithaca. 607-257-3000

270/Pets

PET SUPPLIES

When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare for cats, dogs, & horses. At Tractor Supply® (www.happyjackinc.com) (NYSCAN)

280/Trade / Wanted

WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS!

No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three-step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670. (NYSCAN)

Mail: Ithaca Times Classified Dept PO Box 27 Ithaca NY 14850 In Person: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm 109 North Cayuga Street

320/Bulletin Board

TREATMENT STUDY FOR MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA

Weill Cornell Medicine is conducting a research study for people who have experienced unwelcome or unwanted sexual attention or assault while in the military. Participants will receive free therapy and may receive compensation for select study interventions. For more information or if you’re interested in participating, please call 212-8210783. Remote option available for active duty regardless of geographic location. Veterans and reservists not on active duty must be present in NY State for assessment and treatment. IRB #: 1409015511

425/Education

WINTER SPORTS COACHES

Southern Cayuga Central School District anticipates openings for Boys Varsity Swim, Boys Modified Swim, and Boys Modified Basketball coaches. Also, Community Swim Director. Apply online by October 21, 2024 with the Support Staff Application; go to southerncayuga. org/644, click on the application in the right column; SCCS EOE

800/Services ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS!

Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 855-399-2719 (NYSCAN)

GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET!

Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069 (NYSCAN)

HEARING AIDS!!!

High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Time and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-Day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060. (NYSCAN)

BAMBINO BROKE A BONE IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT AND NOT YOUR FAULT?

Call Gugino at 607-319-0766, Also Real Estate Closing $1000 plus costs, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy $1338.00, Speeding, DWI, Family Court, DWI, 144 Bald Hill Danby Atty Advertising Debt Relief

DIRECTV-

All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first free months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package

$84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918 (NYSCAN)

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT?

Don’t Accept the insurance company’s first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider (NYSCAN)

830/Home

AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET.

If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399-2803 (NYSCAN)

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY!

Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076 (NYSCAN)

DO YOU NEED A ROOF OR ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS & HELP PAYING FOR IT?

YOU MAY QUALIFY THROUGH NEW RELIEF PROGRAMS (800) 9449393 or visit NYProgramFunding.org to qualify. Approved applications will have the work completed by a repair crew provided by: HOMEOWNER FUNDING. Not affiliated with State or Gov Programs. (NYSCAN)

FREEDOMCARE

Let your loved ones care for you and get paid! Paid by Medicaid. Choose family or friends as your paid caregiver. Check your eligibility today! Call FreedomCare now: 1-855-3857556 (NYSCAN)

HOME REPAIRSLICENSED GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTOR

Finish Carpentry and Fine Woodworking Cabinet

installation, Door repair & installation, Stairs, molding, Cabinets, plumbing, Electrical, Water filters, and more.

La Jolla Woodworks - Patrick 858220-4732

Apply online by October 21, 2024 with the Suppor t Staff Application; g o to souther ncayug a.org/644, click on the application in the right column; SCCS EOE

10/16 Wednesday

Fire y Trio | 6 p.m. | Deep Dive

Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd | Free

What’s Cookin’ Jazz Trio | 6 p.m. | Brookton’s Market, 491 Brooktondale Rd. | Free

Head to the Roots w/ Susannah

Lee & The Slizzards | | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

10/17 Thursday

Good Dog | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill

Cider, 550 Sandbank Road

ITHAKARAOKE w/ Live Backing

Band | 9 p.m. | Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd

Date Night: Bossa Nova Jazz | | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

10/18 Friday

Standard Time Jazz Quintet | 5 p.m. | Aurora Brewing Co., 1897 State Route 90 North | Free

Max Childs | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Road

Petty Thieves | 6 p.m. | Treleaven, 658 Lake Rd

Bella’s Bartok | 8 p.m. | Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd

Strong Maybe October Residency | | The Downstairs, 121 W. M.L.K. Jr. St.

10/19 Saturday

Acoustic Saturdays featuring Leecy and Greg | 1 p.m. | Treleaven Winery, 658 Lake Rd

The Small Kings | 5 p.m. | Two Goats Brewing, Hector | Free Whistlin Dyl Residency | | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

10/20 Sunday

Jazz Guitar Brunch with Dennis Winge | 10:30 a.m. | Antlers Restaurant, 1159 Dryden Rd. | Free Thunder and Rain | 3 p.m. | Northville Arts Center, 999 State Route 34B, King Ferry| Free

The Session w/ Felix Free | 4 p.m. | Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd

Green Street Jazz | | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

10/21 Monday

Jazz Mondays with MAQ | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Road | Free

Faoileán | | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

10/22 Tuesday

SingTrece’s Open Mic | | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.

Concerts/Recitals

10/16 Wednesday

Yaima - Live in Ithaca | 7 p.m. | The Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Rd | $39.00 - $49.00

10/17 Thursday

Midday Music in Lincoln: CU Music | 12:30 p.m. | Sage Chapel, 147 Ho Plaza | Free

10/18 Friday

Jon Langston | 7:30 p.m. | First Arena, 155 North Main Street, Elmira | $30.45

Cornell Concert Series presents: Mariachi Herencia de México | 7:30 p.m. | Bailey Hall, 230 Garden Ave | $17.00 - $39.00

Pink Martini feat. China Forbes: 30th Anniversary Tour | 8 p.m. |

State Theatre of Ithaca, 107 West State St

Joan Osborne & Joshua Radin | 8 p.m. | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St

10/19 Saturday

Ithaca Concert Band: Fall Concert | 7 p.m. | Ithaca College Whalen Center, Gym Rd | Free

Newark Valley Community Concert for Scholarships | 7 p.m. | Newark Valley Central School, 68 Wilson Creek Rd | Free

Billy Joel’s Piano Man WADE PRESTON | Cortland Repertory Theater Downtown, 24 Port Watson St, Cortland | 7:30 p.m.

Dar Williams | 8 p.m. | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St

10/20 Sunday

WVBR’s Bound for Glory 50+ Year Celebration! | 12 p.m. | Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Blvd.

70s VS 80s - A Musical Battle | 6:30 p.m. | Clemens Center, 207 Clemens Center Parkway | $39.00

ALL THE WRONG NOTES: Charles Ives at 150 ( rst concert) | 7:30 p.m. | Barnes Hall, 129 Ho Plaza

10/21 Monday

Guest utist Bart Feller | 7:30 p.m. | Barnes Hall, 129 Ho Plaza | Free

10/22 Tuesday

The Cornell Center for Historical Keyboards: Andrew Willis | 7:30 p.m. | Barnes Hall, 129 Ho Plaza

10/23 Wednesday

Midday Music for Organ: Ivan Bosnar | 12:30 p.m. | Sage Chapel, 147 Ho Plaza

Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore | 8 p.m. | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St

Stage

Polishing Shakespeare | 7 p.m., 10/16 Wednesday | Kitchen Theatre Company, 417 W. State / W. MLK, Jr. Street | $10.00 - $52.00

HOI presents Lucas Hnath’s ‘The Thin Place’ | 7 p.m., 10/18 Friday | Cherry Artspace, 102 Cherry St | Presented by House of Ithaqua. This 2019 piece by Lucas Hnath is a ghost story woven through a personal drama.  It interrogates belief and credulity about life after death as the bereaved Hilda becomes attached to professional medium Linda following a death and a disappearance in her family.

BIOphelia: A Performance-Infused Scholarship Symposium | 2 p.m.,

10/19 Saturday | Film Forum, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, 430 College Ave | Join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for BIOphelia Symposium, a multidisciplinary event taking place on October 19, from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM in the Film Forum, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. | Free

Crazy Little Thing Called Love | 2 p.m., 10/19 Saturday | Auburn Public Theater, 8 Exchange St. | Auburn, NY local to perform cabaret in hometown for rst time in 20 years! | $30.00

Ithaca Ballet’s Hansel and Gretel & Peter and the Wolf | 3 p.m., 10/19 Saturday | Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Blvd. | The Ithaca premiere of Hansel and Gretel, based on the classic Grimm’s fairytale.

Choreographed by Lavinia Reid with music by Engelbert Humperdinck. Also on the program is Peter and the Wolf, choreographed by Lavinia Reid, music by Serge Prokoviev and narrated by Sir John Gielgud. | $15.00 - $25.00

Something Wicked This Way Comes: A Shakespeare Spooktacular | 6:30 p.m., 10/19 Saturday | Atwater Vineyards, 5055 State Route 414 | Shakespeare on the Fly returns for a special Halloween collection of spooky vignettes!

Art

Harry Littell and Jane Dennis | 12 p.m., 10/17 Thursday | State of the Art Gallery,, 120 W State St #2 | “Parts and Service” and “ A Cold War Childhood” are two parallel shows of Harry Littell and Jane Dennis at the State of the art Gallery in October. | Free

Every Stone Tells a Story Exhibit | 10 a.m., 10/19 Saturday | New eld History and Activity Center, 192 Main Street | Come and learn about New eld’s cemeteries at the New eld Historical Society’s new exhibit: Every Stone Tells a Story! | Free

The Clay School Annual Member Sale | 10 a.m., 10/19 Saturday | The Clay School, 950 Danby Road | This year, The Clay School’s member sale is fundraising for two causes: hurricane Helene rebuilding e orts for North Carolina potters and Ithaca Welcomes Refugees. | Free

Greater Ithaca Art Trail Open Studio Weekends | 11 a.m., 10/19 Saturday | Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County, Center

Ithaca Box 107, 171 East State St |

Explore local artist studios during the Greater Ithaca Art Trail Open Studio Weekends, Oct 12-13 & 19-20, 11 AM-5 PM. Free entry. Discover unique art and meet talented local artists! | Free The Gallery at South Hill artist talk by Mara Alper | 1 p.m., 10/19 Saturday | The Gallery at South Hill, 950 Danby Rd. | The Gallery at South Hill presents an artist talk by exhibiting artist Mara Alper. The current exhibit in the gallery “Transient Cycles” features the multi media works of Mara Alper and Adriana Groeneveld. | Free

The Gallery at South Hill exhibit Transient Cycles | 12 p.m., 10/20 Sunday | The Gallery at South Hill, 950 Danby Rd. | The Gallery at South Hill presents “Transient Cycles”. A two person exhibit featuring the multi media works of Mara Alper and Adriana Groeneveld. | Free

Saltonstall Open House: Readings + Art | 4 p.m., 10/20 Sunday | Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts, 435 Ellis Hollow Creek Rd | Free “songs for tomorrow morning” an installation by María Alejandra Bulla | 9 a.m., 10/21 Monday | Music Library Reference Desk, 256 Feeney Way | Come and celebrate with us the fth anniversary of “hacemos bulla,” a project by María Alejandra Bulla.

Film

L’Inferno at Sage Chapel: Live Score by Montopolis | 7 p.m., 10/16 Wednesday | Cornell Cinema at Sage Chapel, Ho Plaza | The original Montopolis score brings new life to this horror classic with a mix of psych rock, dark wave and terrifying sound e ects performed live. | $15.00

Warren Miller’s 75th | 7 p.m., 10/17 Thursday | State Theater of Ithaca, State Theatre 107 West State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 | Warren Miller is going big for 75 years! Get ready for an unbelievable start to the season featuring a diverse lineup of snowsports legends, X Games stars, and emerging talents! | $17.60 - $22.00 Science Connections: Wharton Studio Museum | 2 p.m., 10/20 Sunday | Sciencenter, 601 1st St | October is Silent Movie Month! Join the Wharton Studio Museum in making ipsticks to demonstrate the art & science of silent movie making.

9TH ANNUAL ITHACA CUPCAKE BAKING CONTEST

19TH, 10AM-4PM

Milton Pavilion, Ithaca Commons| Organized by and in support of The

Fund which supports mental health initiatives in the Ithaca community. A

community event that supports an

cause. More info about the event and about

thesophiefund.org (Photo: Provided)

Special Events

National Nano Day Celebration at Cornell University | 9 a.m., 10/19

Saturday | Du eld Hall, Cornell University, 343 Campus Road | Join the Cornell Nanoscale Facility for a free celebration of National Nanotechnology Day that includes hands-on demos and live presentation of amazing Nanoscale Science. | Free

3rd Annual Fall Vendor & Craft Fair | 9 a.m., 10/19 Saturday | McGraw United Methodist Church, 20 East Main Street | 3rd Annual Fall Vendor & Craft Fair to be held on Saturday, Oct. 19th from 9:00am - 3:00pm. All proceeds will go to support Outreach Mission projects. Lite lunch and drink available to purchase. | Free

Tompkins 4-H Fall Festival | 10 a.m., 10/19 Saturday | CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue | FALL FEST!!! | $15.00

THE SOPHIE FUND’S 9TH ANNUAL

CUPCAKE BAKING CONTEST | 10 a.m., 10/19 Saturday | Bernie Milton Pavilion, Center Commons | Amateur bakers are invited to submit their creations to the 9th Annual Ithaca Cupcake Baking Contest, hosted by The Sophie Fund for mental health initiatives aiding young people. Prizes include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Awards, as well as the Youth Award for teens and pre-teens.

Moore Family Farm Fall Festival | 10 a.m., 10/19 Saturday | Moore Family Farm, 570 Auburn Rd. | Come get lost in our 5-acre corn maze, pick the perfect pumpkin, enjoy Farm-Fresh Cider Donuts, test your aim at our apple cannons and so much Moore!. | $16.95 - $28.95

4th Annual Punkin’s & Pints (Punkin’ Palloossa) | 11 a.m., 10/19 Saturday | Homer Hops Brewing | 2024 we are announcing a NEW name and a NEW location! No worries, we will still be o ering all of the things you’ve loved in our previous 3 years!

Annual Inlet Valley Jack-O-Lantern Night | 5 p.m., 10/19 Saturday

| Grayhaven Motel, 657 Elmira Rd |

$10.00

2024 SLOB’s Fall Fest | 12 p.m., 10/20 Sunday | Seneca Lake Brewing Co. & The Beerocracy, 4520 RT-14 | The Seneca Lake Order of Brewers are coming together to delight you with their beers and cheers!

Sports

Ithaca Men’s Soccer vs Union College | 4 p.m., 10/18 Friday | Carp Wood Field |

Cornell Women’s Polo vs Central New York Polo Club | 7 p.m., 10/18 Friday | N.Y., Oxley Equestrian Center |

Cornell Volleyball vs University of Pennsylvania | 7 p.m., 10/18 Friday | Newman Arena at Bartels Hall | Ithaca Football vs Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | 1 p.m., 10/19 Saturday | Butter eld Stadium |

Cornell Women’s Soccer vs Yale University | 1 p.m., 10/19 Saturday | Berman Field |

Ithaca Men’s Soccer vs Skidmore College | 2 p.m., 10/19 Saturday | Carp Wood Field |

Cornell Big Red Hockey vs. Princeton Tigers Hockey | 5 p.m., 10/19 Saturday | James Lynah Rink, Campus Rd |

Cornell Volleyball vs Princeton University | 6 p.m., 10/19 Saturday | Newman Arena at Bartels Hall |

Cornell Men’s Soccer vs University of Pennsylvania | 12 p.m., 10/20 Sunday | Berman Field |

Ithaca Field Hockey vs Vassar College | 1 p.m., 10/20 Sunday | Higgins Stadium |

Books

Rowan Ricardo Phillips reading for Cornell English Dept. | 5 p.m., 10/17 Thursday | Rhodes-Rawling Auditorium, Klarman Hall KG70, | About the Event: The Fall 2024 Barbara & David Zalaznick Reading Series continues with a reading by writer Rowan Ricardo Phillips. | $26.00

Author Visit with Amanda Jaros Champion | 6 p.m., 10/17 Thursday | New eld Public Library, 198 Main Street | Writer and editor,Amanda Jaros Champion, will be at New eld Public Library to discuss her new book “100 Things to Do in Ithaca Before You Die” ! | Free Oktoberfest Brew Brats Comdy | 7 p.m., 10/18 Friday | Cedarwood Event Venue, 9632 State Route 96 |

“A Grand Love: Stories for Grandparents of Transgender Grandchildren” | 2 p.m., 10/18 Friday | Bu alo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street | Join us to celebrate the release of Janna Barkin’s new book A Grand Love: Stories for Grandparents of Transgender Grandchildren. | Free “Rooms: The Works and Life of JJ Manford” with Gordon Sander and JJ Manford | 5 p.m., 10/18 Friday | Bu alo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street | Author and biographer Gordon Sander will be in store to talk with artist, and subject of his book Rooms, JJ Manford. | Free The Bookish Club (and Book Exchange) | 3 p.m., 10/19 Saturday | The Whimsy Mercantile, 2075 East Shore Drive | Join others to discuss what you’re currently reading, what

you want to read, and past books that have made an impression. | Free “Feminism Is Alive and Well in the Novel” | 4 p.m., 10/19 Saturday | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street | Free

The Cold War, Spies and Espionage: How the World was Changed | 6:30 p.m., 10/22 Tuesday | Southworth Library | A Monthly Adult Discussion Series. 10/22 -An overview of The Cold War examining what led up to it, nuclear détente, the leaders involved and the spycraft of the day. Text-The Cold War: A New History by John Lewis Gaddis. Film excerpts from Secrets & Spies- A Nuclear Game BBC2 series | Free

Kids

Ithaca YMCA Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Palooza | 1 p.m., 10/19 Saturday | The YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County, 50 Graham Road West | Bring the whole family for an afternoon of Halloween fun, costumes, and friendly faces at the Ithaca YMCA. Activities include a Floating Pumpkin Patch in the pool, activities run by YMCA sta , and trick or treating outside. | Free

When you choose Tompkins, you get things that other banks think are impossible to combine— like the most forward-thinking technology and the kind of relationships that only happen in a tight-knit community.

Open an account at openanywhere.tompkinsbank.com

Notices

Harm Reduction Resource Fair | 4:30 p.m., 10/17 Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | The focus of this Harm Reduction Resource Fair is to provide the opportunity for residents of Tompkins County to become better aware of what kind of services are available to them and their loved

Fall Outdoor Composting Class | 5:30 p.m., 10/17 Thursday | CCETompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue | Beginners and experienced home composters alike can “dig deeper” into the art and science of outdoor composting. | $5.00

Annual Trumansburg Senior Citizens Bazaar | 9 a.m., 10/19

Saturday | Trumansburg American Legion, 4431 Seneca Road | Soup and Sandwich Luncheon (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.), baked goods, crafts, recycled jewelry and vendors!

Varna Community Association

Pancake Breakfast | 8 a.m., 10/20

Sunday | Varna Community Center, 943 Dryden Road | Pancakes are back!  We’ll be serving pancakes and other favorite breakfast foods at the

Varna Community Center, 943 Dryden Rd. Enjoy it all for:  $12 (adults), $10 (seniors), $8 (ages 5-12), under 5 free. | $8.00 - $12.00

Shape Note Singing using The Sacred Harp| 10am-4pm, 10/19 Saturday & 10-3, 10/20, Sunday| En eld Grange, 178 En eld Main Rd (Rte 327)| Sing 4-part a cappella harmony. Loaner books and covid tests available. Free

Finding a Balance: Healthy Eating for People with Diabetes | 4 p.m., 10/22 Tuesday | CCE-Tompkins Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue | The Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Building Healthy Habits present a series of local FREE workshops for people with diabetes who are looking to nd a healthy, nutritious

Braver Angels 2024 Presidential Election Round Table | 6 p.m., 10/22 Tuesday | Just Be Cause Center, 1013 W State St | This event will bring together supporters of di erent candidates to listen, connect, and learn from one another. | Free

BackPage

A Vibrant, Active Community Center

For Learning, Activities, Social Groups

And More! For Adults 50+

Lifelong

119 West Court St., Ithaca 607-273-1511

tclifelong.org

AAM

ALL ABOUT MACS

Macintosh Consulting

http://www.allaboutmacs.com (607) 280-4729

For rates and information

contact front@ ithactimes.com 277-7000

ANIMALS

LAND & SEA

FingerLakesAnimalRights.org

CLEANING SERVICES

http://www.cleanswithus.com

JANITORIAL* DEEP CLEANINGS * INDEPENDENCE CLEANERS CORP

Call 607-697-3294

Everyone Is Welcome Shop at the COOP

Full Service Grocery Store

GREENSTAR FOOD CO+OP 770 Cascadilla St., Ithaca

FLYITHACA.COM

Convenient-Clean-Connected

Looking to Boost your FALL Business?

Call Larry at 607-277-7000 ext: 1214

Find out about great advertising ad packages at: Ithaca.com & Ithaca Times

Men’s and Women’s Alterations for over 20 years

Fur & Leather repair, zipper repair. Same Day Service Available

John’s Tailor Shop

John Serferlis - Tailor 102 The Commons 273-3192

** Peaceful Spirit

Tai Chi **

Yang style all levels Fridays 3-4 pm at NY Friends House 120 3rd St., Ithaca 607-272-0114

PIANOS

Rebuilt, Reconditioned, Bought, Sold, Moved Tuned, Rented

Complete Rebuilding Services

No job too big or too small Ithaca Piano Rebuilders (607) 272-6547

950 Danby Rd, Suite 26 South Hill Business Campus, Ithaca

REAL LIFE CEREMONIES

Every life story deserves to be told, and told well. Steve Lawrence, Celebrant 607-220-7938

REDUCE YOUR HEATING BILL A FULL LINE OF VINYL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS.

Call for Free Estimate & Professional Installation

Custom made & Manufactured by SOUTH SENECA VINYL Romulus, NY 315-585-6050 or 866-585-6050 www.SouthSenecaWindows.com

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Guthrie wants to remind you about the importance of early detection through annual mammogram screenings. Taking this simple step can help catch breast cancer in its early stages, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Take this opportunity to prioritize your health and give yourself a fighting chance by scheduling a mammogram today.

You can schedule a mammogram online at www.Guthrie.org/mammography, scan the QR code on your smartphone or call 866-GUTHRIE (866-488-4743).