Cayuga Health helps Tompkins woman find relief from years of migraine pain
Some of Lori Dorn’s earliest memories are migraine headaches. The Brooktondale woman had known the headache pain, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue since she was a youngster. Summer days were the worst. On hot days that she should have enjoyed at nearby Six Mile Creek, she was too sick to leave her bed.
Her parents focused on giving Lori a healthy diet, encouraged her to exercise, consulted their family doctor, and later tried medications. None provided long-term relief from her debilitating headaches that ran in her family.
“I’d get migraines 3 or 4 times a month,” Lori recalls. “About once a month, I’d get bad migraines and miss 2 or 3 days or school.”
After she began working, the pattern of headaches continued and made it difficult to do her job. “Often I’d be sick all night and get up and go to work,” she says.
Trips to consult with specialists and therapies with new medications didn’t relieve her symptoms. The pain made her visits with family less frequent and grocery shopping became increasingly difficult for Lori, 52, a financial services worker in Ithaca.
“Chronic pain has a big impact on your life. You lose touch with friends and the things that give you joy when all you have to look forward to is another day of pain,” she says.
Relief for Lori’s migraines began in early 2024 during a visit with her primary care provider, Carly Linick, PA, at Cayuga Primary Care. She saw that Lori needed specialized care and referred her to Jaspreet Johal, MD, at Cayuga Neurologic Services.
“When I saw him, he had done a complete review of my medical records. I was impressed by his extensive knowledge of migraines and familiarity with treatments,” Lori says.
Under his care, she started a daily, preventive medication that soon relieved her migraine symptoms. For the next few months, Lori will be checking in with Dr. Johal in case the medication’s dosage needs adjustment to continue her migraine relief.
“It has been such a change in my life. With the pain under control, I am able to exercise, shop for groceries, and have a healthier diet,” Lori says. “I’ve started to lose some weight and get my blood sugar levels under control.”
When her severe migraines drained her energy, Lori stopped exercising and ate carry-out meals that led to weight gain and diabetes.
“The care I’ve gotten from Dr. Johal has given me an opportunity to regain all the things I had lost,” Lori says. What are migraine headaches?
Migraines occur in both children and adults. They include several types of moderate to severe headaches. Adult women are three times more often than men to have migraines. The pain often affects one side of the head and may be accompanied with nausea, fatigue, vomiting or dizziness. People describe the pain as pulsating, throbbing, or pounding. Who gets migraine headaches?
Migraine affects about 12% of adults, with a prevalence of 18% in women and 6% in men. Migraine has a strong genetic component. People who have a family history of migraines have three times the risk of developing
migraines than those without a family history of the disease. The pain often gets worse during physical activity.
What causes migraine headaches?
The cause of migraines is unclear and appears to include many factors. Some triggers are associated with migraines. Probable triggers include stress, hormonal changes, skipped meals, alcohol consumption, weather changes, insufficient sleep, flickering, pulsing, or bright light.
How are migraines diagnosed?
There is no diagnostic test for migraine. The diagnosis is based on patient and family history and physical examination. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan may be used to rule out other conditions.
How are migraines treated?
Cayuga neurologists may use a variety of medications to relieve migraine pain and prevent attacks. Botox and nerve blocks are also used in treating migraine.
Lifestyle changes that reduce or prevent migraine attacks in some individuals include exercising, avoiding food and beverages that trigger headaches, having regularly scheduled meals, stopping certain medications, and establishing a consistent sleep schedule.
A non-drug therapy for migraine that Cayuga neurologists use includes patients keeping a diary of their headaches. The therapy seeks to link a migraine attack to a food or behavior that could be eliminated and reduce the migraine discomfort.
Jaspreet Singh Johal, MD, provides neurologic care to Ithaca and the surrounding region. His clinical interests include cognitive disorders, diabetic and peripheral neuropathy, electrodiagnostics, and headache.
The specialists at Cayuga Neurologic Services see patients at 905 Hanshaw Road, Suite A, in Ithaca, and 260 Tompkins Street in Cortland. Appointments can be made by calling (607) 273-6757.
Jaspreet Johal, MD
Lori Dorn of Brooktondale suffered from migraine headaches since she was a youngster. After years of trying various treatments, she found relief from migraines with the care provided by Jaspreet Johal, MD, of Cayuga Neurologic Services at Cayuga Health.
Teamsters Strike Continues as Union Members at BorgWarner Vote Down
Tentative
Agreement
By Matt Dougherty
Union members organized with Teamsters Local 317 on strike at BorgWarner’s auto parts manufacturing facility in Lansing have rejected a tentative agreement for a new contract. The vote against the agreement occurred on the fifth day of the strike, which remains ongoing.
The agreement was supported by union leadership but voted down by 67% of voting members, with 401 votes against and 196 votes in favor.
BorgWarner’s Global Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Michelle Collins, told the Ithaca Times, “We are disappointed that the agreement was rejected by a majority of the membership. The proposed agreement included wage increases of 28% over four years, including a 6% increase in the first year of the contract.”
Rumors spread among members that Teamsters President Sean O’Brien was in attendance during the vote on the tentative agreement. Longtime BorgWarner worker and union member Bill White told the Ithaca Times, “We all think they brought him in to show Teamsters leadership strength and to coerce us to accept an unacceptable offer.” He added, “Well, us employees said no.”
According to union members, their primary concerns include the absence of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and longevity pay, restrictions on emergency leave, strict attendance and vacation policies, and a points-based health insurance system that they argue is discriminatory.
Judd Parrott, a member of Teamsters Local 317, expressed the sentiment among workers, saying, “[BorgWarner] took some garbage out, but we’re still losing. This is not a winning agreement… They have not met our demands yet.”
A critical sticking point for union members is the company’s proposal that
eligibility for premium-free health insurance be tied to health metrics such as body mass index (BMI) and cholesterol levels.
Collins responded to questions regarding the health insurance proposal saying, “employees have subsidized premium rates well below what other companies charge their employees [and] if employees achieve wellness points, they have the opportunity to not pay any premiums.”
Collins continued saying that for employees to earn wellness points, “they need to do preventive care like going to the dentist for a
Continued on Page 13
X Tompkins County Launches Dashboard to Track DWI Trends and Enforcement Efforts
ITHACA, N.Y. — The Tompkins County Sheriff's Office has launched a new dashboard to provide insights into local trends of alcohol and drug-related traffic incidents. The dashboard, developed under the New York State STOP-DWI Program, offers detailed data on collisions, tickets, and enforcement campaigns in 2024.
As of 2024, Tompkins County has reported 22 alcohol and drug-related collisions, resulting in three injuries and no fatalities. The Sheriff’s Office handled 73% of these incidents, with alcohol being the primary factor in 90.9% of cases. Collisions were most common late at night, with peaks between 9 PM and 3 AM.
The dashboard also highlights that 144 DWI tickets have been issued this year, primarily by the Sheriff’s Office (65%). DWI misdemeanors make up 47% of offenses, followed by incidents involving a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. Most offenders are male (71%), and the majority fall within the 30-39 age group.
The Tompkins County STOP-DWI Program conducted seven High Visibility Engagement Campaigns in 2024, including around the Super Bowl, St. Patrick’s Day, and July 4th. These campaigns resulted in 317 traffic stops and 12 vehicle detentions, with the Sheriff’s Office leading the efforts.
Undersheriff Jennifer Olin, Tompkins
Silvia Restrepo, President of the Boyce Thompson Institute. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
WEB
County STOP-DWI Coordinator, emphasized the program’s commitment to transparency and community safety. “My hope is that this dashboard will provide insight into local alcohol and drug impaired driving trends and provide transparency to the community in regard to the enforcement efforts of the local STOP-DWI Program,” Olin said.
The dashboard is available on the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office Transparency Hub. For more information, visit https:// stopdwi.org
Community members interested in collaborating on prevention and education initiatives are encouraged to contact Olin at jolin@tompkins-co.org.
F r EE lan CE rs : Barbara Adams, G. M Burns, Jane Dieckmann, Charley Githler, Ross Haarstad, Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Henry Stark, and Arthur Whitman
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and
Teamsters union members at BorgWarner vote down a tentative agreement, citing issues with limited emergency leave, no COLA or longevity pay, mandatory overtime for new hires, and restrictive vacation policies. The strike continues as workers push for better terms. (Photo: Matt Dougherty)
IN UIRING PHOTOGR PHER Q A
By Mark Syvertson
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: SUMMER IS ALMOST OVER. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT FALL?
Ithaca Common Council Advances Rezoning Proposals for Collegetown, Southside; Discusses ADU Policy
By Matt Dougherty
The Ithaca Common Council advanced proposals to rezone the Residential University (R-U) zoning district in Collegetown and several properties in the Southside neighborhood during their Wednesday meeting.
The Council also discussed a proposal to regulate Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) throughout the city as part of a broader effort to reform housing policies and increase housing supply.
Collegetown Rezoning Proposal
The Collegetown rezoning proposal seeks to reclassify the current R-U district, which encompasses several nonconforming properties, into a University (U-1) zoning designation that would move these properties into compliance with current zoning regulations.
City Planner Jared Lane said that the rezoning would address significant issues within the R-U district, where many properties do not meet current use and area regulations. Lane reported that 63% of the 19 properties analyzed have at least one deficiency that makes them non-compliant.
“This makes redevelopment trickier,” Lane said. “Rezoning to the University U-1
Zoning District would bring all of them into full compliance, allowing for easier redevelopment in the future.”
“The Planning Division is committed to zoning reform that implements the City’s comprehensive plan, simplifies our zoning code, and brings nonconforming properties into conformance,” the proposal stated.
The proposed U-1 rezoning aims to ensure future development aligns with the area’s existing character, promoting consistent and harmonious growth near Cornell University. The zoning change is expected to facilitate redevelopment by reducing regulatory barriers for property owners.
Southside Neighborhood Rezoning
The Southside neighborhood rezoning proposal addresses similar compliance challenges. Of the 107 properties analyzed, only 8% currently meet all existing zoning regulations. The proposed changes aim to align zoning regulations with the Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan, adopted in 2019, which emphasizes neighborhood character, affordable housing, and community-driven development.
Lane highlighted the deficiencies found in the area, noting that setbacks and lot coverage issues are prevalent. For instance, the existing five-foot side yard minimum is met by only
30% of the properties, while the 35% maximum lot coverage requirement is particularly problematic for properties in the Henry St. John area and those south of the creek.
“The proposed changes would make redevelopment more feasible by aligning the regulations with the actual built environment,” Lane said.
Both rezoning proposals will be circulated for public comment before a public hearing during the Common Council’s next work session. The Council is expected to vote on the final adoption of the rezoning measures later this year.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Policy Discussion
The Council also discussed a proposal to regulate ADUs in residential areas across the city. The proposed policy includes provisions that would prohibit ADUs from being used as short-term rentals, except under certain owner-occupancy conditions.
Mayor Robert Cantelmo expressed strong support for liberalizing ADU regulations, emphasizing the city’s need for more housing units to address affordability and accessibility challenges.
“We legislate to solve problems,” Cantelmo said. “Any additional barriers like owner-occupancy that we place on our housing development is going to impede our ability to build a city that's accessible, affordable, and diverse enough to reflect the character and spirit of our community.”
Alderperson Patrick Keuhl raised concerns about the potential implications of allowing non-owner-occupied ADUs without restrictions, particularly in neighborhoods with high student populations and existing housing pressures. Keuhl
“Raking huge piles of leaves for my kids to jump into.” – Kyle
“The leaves changing colors.” – Ilshim
“Dressing in layers, specifically hoodies.” – Kevin
“I think it’s the transition. Changing leaves, warmer clothes, the reminder that we’re moving towards winter.”
– Adam
“I love the smell and warmth and coziness of having regular fires in our wood-burning stove.”
– Natalia
The proposed Southside rezoning plan focuses on preserving the neighborhood’s character while accommodating diverse housing options and green spaces. (Photo: Tompkins County)
This map shows the proposed rezoning of properties in the Residential University (R-U) district near Cornell University to University (U-1) zoning. (Photo: City of Ithaca)
The Talk at
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
ICSD Board Vacancy
“I’m writing to encourage the ICSD Board of Education to revote to adopt the simple policy of turning to the next highest vote getter in the recent Board election to fill the vacant seat. As we are seeing, even numbers can promote Board paralysis, preventing the District’s business from moving forward. Holding a special election is costly, burdensome, and unnecessary. We voters have already spoken and declared our choices. There is no reason to adopt any pseudoscientific thinking of an alternate reality where the next highest vote getter might not have received voters’ support if another seat had been open, as some Board members have suggested. We voted for the candidates whom we thought would do the best job. That’s democracy at its finest. Since someone has quit, the Board should offer the open seat to someone we already voted for, and let the Board do its work.” — Donna Eschenbrenner, Ithaca
No, Mike Sigler, Lea Webb is Not Extreme
“Every time I turn around, Senator Lea Webb (NY 52) is problem solving while delivering crucial grants to local agencies serving the public good. Tompkins County has never been blessed with a NY Senator so responsive to families, women, students, citizens in need, public infrastructure, and social care.
So why does Mike Sigler label her as an “extreme politician?” Is it extreme to provide grants to cherished local resources: Stewart Park, Cass Park, Kitchen Theatre, WSKG, the Chamber of Commerce, the Farmer’s Market, and regional libraries? Is it radical for Senator Webb to deliver resources for broadband expansion to all, for county bridges, or for farmland protection and increased state aid to our Towns? Is it not simply caring to deliver state funds to the Tompkins County Rapid Medical Response Program or Cayuga Additional Recovery Services?
Supporting women, Senator Webb proudly passed six reproductive health bills this year. She passed legislation in support of resources and protections for firefighters and first responders. She’s supported working families by holding utility companies accountable. She passed legislation for college student suicide prevention and increased the minimum tuition assistance program. And she
passed bills to protect our waters from invasive species and underregulated mining expansion.
Lea Webb is a Senator of Care who has the back of all residents of Tompkins County. If this is extreme, I’m all in.” — Tim Murray, Deputy Supervisor, Town of Caroline
Marc Molinaro’s Racist Social Media Posts
“Congressman Marc Molinaro’s latest wacky and dangerous act is using his campaign social media accounts to share a many-times-debunked story claiming that Haitian immigrants living in Springfield, Ohio are stealing people’s pets, cooking them, and eating them. The story is accompanied by a blurry photograph of a brown-skinned man walking down a city street carrying an animal carcass. Dozens of constituents have called him out on that, as well as provided him with proof that it is a conspiracy theory intended to demonize immigrants, yet Molinaro has not removed the posts from his social media. To top it off, when Josh Riley, his opponent in the November 19th Congressional race called him out on it, he responded by calling Riley a liar. Molinaro’s deliberate and intentional act to fan the flames of anti-immigrant sentiment reeks of racism and is unbecoming for a sitting member of Congress and could even lead to violence against members of the immigrant community. Voters should be asking themselves if this man is fit to remain in office. The people of the 19thCongressional District deserve better than this from our elected representative.”
— Carol LaBorie, Ithaca
Marc Molinaro’s Confusing Positions on Women’s Rights
“I am finding it difficult to understand Congressman Marcus Molinaro’s stand on women’s rights. He seems to have switched to a more moderate position now that he is battling for reelection.
Over the years Marcus Molinaro has voted to prohibit Medicare aid to be used for abortion; he has opposed the Reproductive Rights Act that codified Roe v. Wade; he has supported a federal ban on abortion. In Congress he voted to punish medical doctors who provided abortions and supported a bill that would restrict reproductive health care for military service members and their families.
Molinaro has ties to crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) giving $2,050 of his cam-
paign funds to a crisis pregnancy center, places that often dupe women seeking advice about unwanted pregnancies. In March of 2024, he was in favor of a national abortion ban, until 17 weeks, and totally against any late term abortion -even when the life of the mother is at stake.
Now, in the late summer of 2024, in stiff competition with Democrat Josh Riley to retain his House seat, Molinaro claims that he would support IVF, mifepristone, and would vote against a national abortion ban. Which Marc Molinaro should we trust? Do we look at his past actions, voting against the rights of individuals to make their own decisions about their bodies, or his statements to do otherwise?
If he were reelected, would Rep. Molinaro keep his word—or are they empty campaign promises? I think this matters.” — Carol Kammen, Former Tompkins County Historian
We Trust Josh Riley
“Josh Riley has worked his whole life to protect the health and well-being of people, especially working-class folks like his family and neighbors in Endicott. A few accomplishments include:
• Winning a lawsuit to get low-income children healthcare.
• As general counsel to a U.S. Senator, helping pass laws that protect survivors of domestic violence and to combat the opioid epidemic.
• Fighting cable TV company mergers that would raise prices and limit choices for consumers.
• Securing veterans’ health benefits. And to prove his independence from big money in government, he does not take corporate PAC donations.
On the other hand, Marc Molinaro says he’s “moderate”, not always following the Trump agenda. But like Trump, Molinaro is now spreading the same racist lie on his social media about Haitian immigrants in Ohio. This is how he addresses the border crisis — by demonizing people with lies and conspiracy theories.
Also, in spite of promises to protect SNAP, the federal food program, Molinaro voted to severely limit future cost increases, amounting to an effective cut of $30 billion for low-income families over the next 10 years.
Josh Riley is the man we can trust to be who he says he is.” — Sara Hess & Jeff Furman
UPS DOWNS&
Ups
New Roots Charter School celebrated its 15th anniversary on Monday, September 9. New Roots rst opened its doors to high school students in the region on September 9, 2009.
Downs
The Ithaca Police Department is investigating two separate incidents of indecent exposure reported on East Hill last Thursday night, involving a man who allegedly engaged in sexually explicit behavior outside the homes of two college-aged women.
HEARD
Heard
SEEN&
The Ithaca community is invited to join Cornell and Interim President Kotliko for a day of play, fun, tness and Big Red spirit at Cornell Community Field Day at Schoellkopf Field. The free event, from 10 am until noon on Sunday, September 22, will include yard games, free food, giveaways, tness stations and activities for all ages.
Seen
According to the Tompkins County Board of Elections, as of September 10, 2024, there are 57,164 (31,040 Democrats, 10,136 Republicans, 3,088 “Other,” and 12,900 “Blank”) individuals registered to vote in Tompkins County.
IF YOU CARE TO RESPOND to something in this column, or suggest your own praise or blame, write news@ithacatimes. com, with a subject head “U&D.”
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Should Tompkins County pass a resolution that would allow probation officers to carry weapons?
34 9 % Yes .
53.5% No.
11.6 % I don’t care.
N EXT W EEK ’S Q UESTION : Should IPD have more officers patrolling the Ithaca Commons?
Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.
Local Preschool Facing Relocation as Cornell Shifts Child Care Strategy
By Maddy Vogel
Aer over 50 years at Cornell, a long-standing part-time preschool has begun their search for a new location to house their programming and services a er being noti ed the university would no longer provide a space for their programming.
UCNS, a preschool started by Cornella liated parents in 1970, has been able to provide services to Ithaca and Tompkins County families by being located on Cornell-owned property since the preschool was founded.
e cooperative preschool focuses on play-based social and emotional learning for young children ages 3 through 5. Being a part-time preschool, programming spans from 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. two to ve days per week, depending on family needs.
Program Director Nicole Smith said the school serves 20 to 25 families each year, some of whom have multiple children enrolled. e school thinks of their enrollment in terms of families served and not number of children served. ey o en include parents in programming by o ering workshops on parenting and child development topics and volunteer opportunities in the classroom.
e school has been located at 59 Dart Drive since 1999 a er Cornell purchased the property in 1998. Prior to that, the school was located in the university’s Robert Purcell Community Center.
In May, the school was informed by Cornell University that they would no longer be allowing UCNS to stay in their current space, stating that UCNS’ programming no longer met the needs of the Cornell community.
e school is a fully-incorporated 501(c) (3) nonpro t that is nancially independent from the university. Smith said the university has not been providing monetary contributions to the school beyond providing a rent-free space to hold services.
“We are grateful that they have housed us for this long, we wish that they still would,” Smith said. “We believe that we’re a great community resource and a very special program.”
When asked why Cornell withdrew support for the preschool, Christine Lovely, vice president and chief human resources o cer for the university provided a statement that said that the school would be making an investment in a child care initiative.
On this map, each orange dot represents 10 families with a child under the age of 5. Dots are orange if the child care supply is considered scarce. (Map Credit: childcaredeserts.org/ Center for American Progress)
“We sincerely appreciate UCNS for its decades of service to the Cornell community,” Lovely wrote in a statement to the Ithaca Times. “Since 1970, Cornell University has proudly supported the program through nancial subsidies and partnership. As part of our focus on increasing child care supply that is aligned to working family needs (full-day, year-round, infant/toddler care), we're now investing in the Community Child Care Supply Growth Initiative.” e Community Child Care Supply Growth Initiative is a partnership between Cornell and the Child Development Council which aims to assist organizations looking to start or expand full-time child care programs locally. According to the Cornell Chronicle, the initiative is a joint e ort between the county, the city and the university.
As a part of this initiative, Lovely said, the university will be contributing $300k annually for up to ve years and allocating $72,000 per year to fund a child care developer position, who will oversee and manage the fund.
In October of 2023 when Cornell’s investment into the initiative was covered by the Cornell Chronicle, now Interim President Michael Kotliko told the Chronicle that expanding access to a ordable child
care was essential to the success of the Cornell community.
“As the largest employer in the county, we recognize the importance of having a healthy and accessible child care system,” Kotliko told the Chronicle. “As we develop short- and long-term child care strategies, making this funding available to area providers is an important step toward addressing supply challenges in our community.”
UCNS o ers programming on a sliding tuition scale, focusing on a ordability for families who they say may not otherwise be able to a ord preschool. Ellen Garcia has been the preschool’s head teacher since 2003, when her children nished preschool at UCNS.
“One of the things we do amazingly well is to help families who are new to Ithaca, including families from abroad,” Garcia wrote in a press release. “We provide an instant community for families to meet other children and parents, and build a network of support.”
e university also has the Cornell Child Care Center in Cayuga Heights, managed by Bright Horizons Family Solutions, which provides care to 170 children
Teamsters Demand Fair Deal with BorgWarner
By J. Walter, Teamsters Union Member & BorgWarner Employee
Strikes as they are can be very simple or they can be very complicated. There are methods of projecting on each side to make the other look as though they are unreasonable or just plain evil in order to attain whatever goals are on the table. In reading your recent article entitled, “Teamsters Strike Continues as Union Members at Borgwarner Vote Down Tentative Agreement”, I was very disappointed in both Borgwarner and Union leadership. The true focus of these issues have been distorted while we continue to batter each other over issues like pay, which to be clear, pay was never the top issue in this situation nor was it even brought up in meetings prior to the strike with the exception of the very low tradeskill pay by all standards is well below the average of most other places of employment.
I have been a Borgwarner employee since 2011. In that time I have seen this company slowly and methodically use every excuse in the book to erode or take away basic benefits
GUEST OPINION
of working for them. A few examples include the closing of the Cortland plant which they attributed to a need to reorganize. In Cortland’s place they hired an outside company to make gear sprockets for us. The hired company’s quality was so bad that nearly half of all parts coming into the facility were not usable. On paper I am sure this looked like Plant 1 was dramatically failing in productivity and quality. It was a no win situation that the people of plant 1 did their best with. The limiting of our holiday and family day events which now are all but non existent. The closing of the pool which employees and their families could use was also a tax write off for the company as it is a retention tank for the fire suppression system. The closing of the pool baffled many of us but I am sure the company can generate a rational explanation and somehow blame that on us too. If the company needed more help to sustain the pool I have no doubt people would have volunteered but the ask never came and they just closed it. Each contract cycle the company takes away a little more of our time that has been earned over decades by previous contract battles
Something Positive on State Climate Goals
By Dennis Highins, Ithaca resident & retired college science professor
Since passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA, 2019), and continuing through the release of the energy ‘scoping plan’ meant to achieve CLCPA decarbonization mandates, many have argued that that legislation and planning defied engineering and fiscal credibility. Places twenty and thirty years and billions of dollars ahead of New York — California and Germany — in efforts to get solar and wind and batteries to power their economies, continue to rely on lots of fossil fuels and imported electricity. Both have expensive unreliable grids.
Beginning in July and continuing through August, there have been signals that the plan will not succeed.
A recent Washington Post article, “The disaster no major U.S. city is prepared for,” looked at the fatalities an extended
and our union leadership has encouraged us to let these benefits be taken away. Our medical insurance covers very little now and when I started there was no point system. At one point I had left the company due to personal reasons as well as general dissatisfaction with the direction of the company.
In the roughly 2 years I was gone things have progressed much worse into the realm of forced overtime, no ability to leave for emergencies without being written or potentially fired, the announcement of the closure of plant 1 and consolidation into plant 2. Upon returning we had a meeting in which our new plant manager tried to get us excited about the closing and selling of plant 1 and told us all about this wonderous new plant in mexico in which some of our equipment is being sent to. Mexico is held to our heads like a weapon and used to force us into bad contract after bad contract with the constant threat of closing entirely if we don’t allow ourselves to be stepped on and have basic benefits taken piece by piece. Everything that has happened to this company since I started is straight out of a union busting playbook and one of the
most blatant and strong arming attempts I’ve ever personally witnessed. Members of management and HR walked the floor attempting to sway us to cross the line and lied to us about the ramifications of crossing a picket line and issues being discussed at the table. Even at this latest vote meeting the union wrote right on our packets that they were supporting this agreement but when confronted our stewarts and representatives stated they were not for this agreement but were obligated to present it as though they were. I personally heard this in a conversation held outside the vote hall. This is merely a fraction of what has transpired that lead to this point. We are not voting no because we’re greedy, we are not voting no because we can’t go swimming, we are not voting no because we feel entitled and we are not voting no because our insurance doesn’t cover anything anymore. We are voting no because we have given concession after concession after concession for more than a decade and enough is enough. It’s time for us to win one and nothing about the tentative agreement was a win for any of us.
heatwave could cause. Reducing baseload generation while adding intermittent resources puts New Yorkers in the line of fire. The state’s independent system operator, the NYISO, reports that NYC may have half a gigawatt capacity shortfall next summer in normal weather.
The state’s energy research and development authority NYSERDA reported in July, “The amounts of Tier 1 [new solar and wind] project deployment that would be needed…in order to achieve the 70% goal in 2030 may far exceed what the renewables industry could be expected to develop in this timeframe.” We would need to be installing solar, wind, and transmission at five times our current rate. Whether transformer shortages, high prices for copper and aluminum, supply chain and labor constraints, and public opposition will support even the existing rate of intermittent installations is unclear.
Strike prices for offshore wind (Empire and Sunrise) were approved at four times the current wholesale cost of electricity,
and ratepayers are on the hook for the thousands of miles of new transmission solar and wind will need. Yet a million New Yorkers are already in arrears on their payments. The Comptroller’s audit of the state plan found “...the absence of cost estimates also makes it difficult, if not impossible, to assess its impact on New Yorkers, including those who are currently struggling to pay their utility bills.”
The Business Council wrote Hochul a letter which concluded, “Unrealistic mandates erode public confidence and undermine the state’s ultimate GHG emission reduction goals. It is more important that New York leads by example by taking a workable approach to its energy and emission goals than failing to meet an arbitrary schedule.”
To get to our present juncture, Executive law 94-C robbed upstate communities of home rule and the protection of environmental review. Last year’s budget forced towns to use an unfair assessment model enabling solar and wind corporations to
dodge reasonable taxes. This year’s budget gives developers eminent domain to run poles and wire on private land.
Still, Governor Hochul is to be praised. Any effort to salvage the CLCPA will require bringing its decarbonization targets in line with basic engineering and sound fiscal policy. On September 4th and 5th, the governor held a summit. There, energy experts looked in earnest at what resource could economically provide the huge amount of dispatchable firm power — as much as, or, by some estimates almost double, the current fossil-fuel capacity in the state — and the answer was, “nuclear power.”
The current scoping plan would take a million acres of farmland and forest for panels and turbines which would fail reliably to power New York. So, in addition to safeguarding the energy needed for businesses, homes, hospitals, and industry — protecting forests and wildlife, our farms, and our pocketbooks is critical. It is good that Albany is considering a different path.
The Boyce Thompson Institute Celebrates a Century in Action
By Kinsey Burr
The Boyce Thompson Institute was founded in 1924 in Yonkers, New York, by William Boyce Thompson. The institute aimed to address global food security through plant research, starting with 28 state-of-the-art greenhouses and an interdisciplinary team of scientists. (Photo: Provided)
The Boyce Thompson Institute is a plant and life sciences research institution that sits in Cornell University’s campus in Ithaca, New York. This year the institution is celebrating 100 years of plant research and innovation with opportunities for the community to learn about and engage with the institution.
Established in 1924 in Yonkers, New York, the Boyce Thompson Institute was created by William Boyce Thompson to study plants and contribute to a stable and nutritious food supply. In the last century the institute has generated global impact by pioneering discoveries in plant sciences to develop sustainable and resilient agriculture, improve food security, protect the environment and enhance human health.
In 1978 the BTI decided to relocate to Cornell University’s campus in Ithaca, New York. This move gave the institution access to more graduate student researchers, encouraged collaboration with Cornell Scientists and provided the institute a more ru-
ral environment that facilitates research on crops and other plants.
Ben Williams, BTI’s first director of public affairs, oversaw much of the transition to Cornell University’s campus during the early 1980’s. He came back this year to do an interview with the BTI for the centennial to share his history with the BTI and reflect on the institution’s progress. He said his role was to build a reputation for the institution, via collaboration with Cornell resources.
“The other part of my job was bringing the Boyce Thompson Institute into the Ithaca community and making it a vital part of the overall community picture,” Williams said.
The BTI now operates as an independent, nonprofit institution that is affiliated with Cornell University, where the two have a symbiotic relationship. BTI researchers often teach classes and hold seminars at Cornell while the students have the opportunity to work for one of the many projects operating at the institution.
During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Boyce Thompson Institute expanded its research to include the effects of environmental factors on plant health. The institute also provided jobs to local residents, supporting the community during the economic downturn. (Photo: Provided)
Silvia Restrepo, President of the Boyce Thompson Institute, has been with the institution since October 2023 and has observed the relationship between the BTI and the local community.
“It’s been a very good relationship,” Restrepo said. “Having these neighbors and the big university around us has been great in different ways, for example to recruit students at all academic levels and environments.”
The relationship between the Ithaca community and the BTI extends beyond Cornell University, working with local students, scientists and researchers. BTI faculty are currently involved in a number of projects developing web-based databases that store and organize information in their field of plant science. These databases are available to anyone who wants access to them through the BTI website.
The BTI hosts high school and undergraduate students from around the world during the summer for a hands-on research program. They also offer internships for undergraduate and graduate stu-
dents all year that offer the opportunity to work inside the lab and contribute to ongoing research. Their postgraduate society offers scientists a network of like minded researchers who host lectures, seminars and series that facilitate communication, ensure representation of postdoctoral associates, graduate students and technicians in the field of plant science.
The institution is the home of 20 greenhouses, 38 chambers, a dew room, a plant functional genometrics room, a plant pathogen room, and a seed harvest room.
Inside these labs and rooms research is being done across a range of plant science and pathology, including biotic interactions, cell biology, chemical biology and more.
The institution plans on expanding their research to different areas of life and plant sciences as the BTI grows. These resources along with scientists from 40 countries have made the Boyce Thompson Institute one of the largest concentrations of bioinformaticians in the U.S.
Restrepo says she has spent the last year in her new role making plans for the future
of
BTI. Among her plans include introducing a new strategic plan focused on balance that further each pillar of the institution: research, education, and outreach and translation. Connecting with community members is a top priority for Restrepo and the BTI during and following the Centennial Celebration.
“It’s important because there is a blindness surrounding us, we don’t see the plants growing around us,” Restrepo said. “The BTI wants to show to the community that we are trying to help the planet survive and communicate our passion about plant science.”
The Centennial Celebration began in January 2024 with the planting of a time capsule in the atrium of the BTI. Each month the institution has hosted an event to specifically engage with different members of the community, from Chamber members to school children.
The Celebrations this last year have been an effort to increase community interest and engagement with the institution, and is just the start of the next chapter in the BTI’s history. Restrepo said their plan is to have an extended celebration for 3-5 with a fundraising campaign aimed at enhancing its scientific discoveries and the development of practical applications that benefit society.
Additionally, these campaign funds could go towards furthering student programs at the institution, expanding the startup program and bringing new and exciting research to the Boyce Thompson Institute.
Paula Arzac, communications and development coordinator, has been working with the BTI for two years. Part of her role in the institution is connecting community members to not only the work they are doing but the institution itself.
“The more we find out about plants the more that we realize that they contain so much information that’s so crucial to issues that we are currently facing, like climate change. Plants are an untapped resource that we don’t know enough about,” Arzac said.
The BTI’s research has the potential to help increase the food supply, enhance nutritional value of foods in developing worlds, reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides and even produce more affordable vaccines.
By hosting a variety of events and community science projects to engage with different community members as well as welcoming people into the institute to see the work themselves, Arzac said the community will better connect to the institution's mission.
“We want to dispel the myth that we are the scientists in the ivory tower,” Arzac said. “So often we can feel disconnected in that way, but we are excited about the projects that will help us connect with people oneon-one in the community and make them a part of the process.”
The Boyce Thompson Institute will be hosting a Centennial Celebration on Saturday Sept. 21 to commemorate the years of scientific research and innovation within the institution. Attendees will get the opportunity to listen to BTI alumni, explore BTI facilities and see some of the projects that are currently in the works.
TIMELINE:
1917:
• On the American Red Cross Mission to Russia, William Thompson was exposed to and affected by the starvation and strife he encountered. He decides to go into plant research as a way to contribute to a stable food supply.
1924:
• The institute is made up of 28 state-ofthe-art greenhouses in Yonkers, NY and an interdisciplinary team of academic researchers is assembled.
1930:
• The great depression makes the worst economic collapse post-industrialization. The BTI expands and offers jobs to people while focusing their research on how environmental factors impact plant growth and health.
1941–1946:
• WWII dominates the first half of the 1940s. War Gardens, or “victory gardens”
in homes and parks help ensure a nutritious, local food supply while labor and transportation are tied up in the war effort. The institute collaborates with the local government to lead Victory Garden workshops for the community.
1968:
• In an effort to encourage interest in scientific research, BTI hosts training programs for high school students in the area. The BTI continues to host high school interns today.
May 1974:
• BTI and Cornell execute an Agreement of Affiliation and the decision is made to move to Ithaca, NY.
October 1978:
• BTI moves to Cornell University’s campus in Ithaca, NUY. This move allows BTI access to more graduate student researchers, closer collaboration with Cornell scientists, and a more rural environment that facilitates research on crops and other plants.
1980s:
• Pollution and biotechnology is on everyone’s mind. BTI research focuses on how environmental factors, such as acid rain, impact crops and other plants.
1990s:
• BTI embraces new technologies and expands their research scope into the molecular biology of plants and insects.
2000s:
• BTI scientists focused on the study of insects, fungal, bacterias and viruses that injure their plant host. BTI helps pioneer the field of plant genetics, which characterizes and studies the complete genetic inventory of different plants.
1978, the Boyce Thompson Institute relocated to Cornell University ’ s campus in Ithaca, New York, enhancing its research capabilities through collaboration with Cornell scientists and access to graduate students. (Photo: Provided)
Silvia Restrepo, President of the Boyce Thompson Institute since October 2023, has been instrumental in shaping the institute ’ s future with a strategic focus on research, education, and community outreach. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with the local community and expanding BTl ’ s impact in plant sciences to address global challenges like food security and climate change. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
GIAC Presents Ithaca’s First Soul Fest
By Peter Rothbart
It all came from the Soul. Soul music, birthed into Black American culture by Ray Charles who married the religious-based gospel sound of the Black church to the secular lyrics of American pop culture. And that early Soul knew about the Rhythm and Blues, borne of southern slavery and poverty and injustice, and begat the hard-edged James Brown sound. And Motown heard that it was good. And Motown grew angry and hard and saw that James Brown spoke truth and together they begat funk. And it was good. And Soul music grew and prospered and begat many musical o -spring, too many to count.
But you can hear a lot of those o spring styles at GIAC’S rst annual Soul Fest, when the Saturday, September 21 all-day event takes over the 300 block of West Court Street and the streets surrounding the Alex Haley pool and the adjacent ICSD play elds, to present and honor the musical children of all that musical begetting. Starting at 11 a.m. and going full power until 10 p.m., the streets will be lled with national, regional, and local musical acts and speakers hosted by singer and actress Cheryl Pepsii Riley.
Riley has collaborated with impresario, lmmaker and playwright Tyler Perry and currently stars in his television series, “House of Payne.” She is a familiar name on Top 40 and R&B charts and known for her breakthrough hit, “ anks for My Child.” Perry commented that, “…She (Riley) commits. She’s focused and when it’s time to sing, that instrument, it’s awless.”
Headlining the event is Stout, whose pop/ rock and R&B singles have charted on the UK Soul Chart Breakers numerous times. She has appeared on the MTV Awards, Billboard Music Awards, the BET Awards, the Jimmy Fallon Show and at Coachella. She sold out shows at the famed Blue Note club in New York and has appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival.
Other performing artists include Serena Young, a powerhouse of a gospel singer,
GIAC Soul Fest
Saturday, September 21
11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Greater Ithaca Activities Center
300 W. Court Street and surrounding streets and parks. Link to free registration: https://forms.gle/EvMQ6N5pCiVkDXe6A forms.gle/QxUXVb2nkLJvXQ5LA
Local soul legend Cheryl Pepsi Riley will captivate the crowd with her dynamic performance at Ithaca Soul Fest, blending classic soul vibes with a powerful stage presence that will have everyone on their feet. (Photo: Provided)
channeling Etta James’s gut-wrenching musical convictions and James Brown’s guttural utterances in her gospel revival-like vocalizations. Young has just returned from a European tour with the Harlem Gospel Choir and has appeared on Sunday Best, BET’s gospel show.
Pianist and vocalist Terrence Cunningham will take the stage as well, singing what has been described as alternative soul. His rendition of e Temptations’ classic, “My Girl,” was featured in season 14 of the television show e Voice and went on to claim the #1 slot on the iTunes R&B chart for a time.
Regional acts include the two-time Sammy Award winning Syracuse-based Brownskin Band, displaying their R&B and Motown roots, adding a dash of funk for avor.
But the real stars are our local musicians who keep soul alive in Ithaca. Rock music and R&B drive local soul singer SingTrece. Whether it is fronting her well-known group Stone
Cold Miracle or one of the many spin-o groups she graces, her strident and pleading voice is tinged with con dence and re ects an unabashedly de ant attitude that encapsulates the spirit that is Soul.
By day, Destiny J.B. Hernandez is the Deputy Director of GIAC, but when the day gig is over, Deputy Director Destiny transforms into Destiny La Vibe, unleashing a powerful voice with strong, messaging lyrics in a convincing blend of R&B, rap and hip-hop. She has something to say about communities, caring and responsibility and her performance promises
Destiny J.B. Hernandez, a.k.a. Destiny La Vibe, GIAC’s deputy director, will bring her high energy and enthusiasm to the stage at Ithaca Soul Fest, setting the tone for a day filled with music, joy, and community connection. (Photo: Provided)
to demonstrate the power of her commitment on and o the stage.
Jorge T. Cuevas brings his Caribe Jazz Allstars to Bu alo Street as well. Perhaps the longest lived and most well-known Latin band in Ithaca, Cuevas’s hot and smooth sound de nes Latin music in Ithaca, combining a wealth of Latin beats, including salsa, merengue and bossa with a exible combination of horns, electric guitars, and congas. Cuevas is equally at home in bringing Latin-in uenced jazz into his repertoire.
Other musicians include Matthew Cornwell, who will continue his musical journey of self-discovery, returning to his folk and R&B roots while the band Empire Kingz will bring on their high energy hip-hop.
Soul food and drink, including cocktails will help keep the energy owing throughout the day and evening. A dance oor will be laid, and guest speakers will have their say. A special kid’s zone will feature bouncy houses, games and ngerpainting.
It’s all free and open to the public, but you will need to register prior to the event through the links below or on-site. Bring your own lawn chairs and umbrellas to relax and enjoy the happenings.
Peter Rothbart is a Professor Emeritus of Music at the Ithaca College School of Music, eatre and Dance where he taught electroacoustic and media music for 40 years. He remains active as a classical, jazz and pop musician.
Arts & Entertainment
“Laughs in Spanish” at the Kitchen Theatre
By Barbara Adams
National Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off this week, and a great way to celebrate is immersing yourself in the world of “Laughs in Spanish.” This raucous comedy, with more than a nod to the intense emotions of telenovelas, opens the Kitchen Theatre Company’s 34th season.
Though Cuban flavors prevail, Miami, where the story’s set, is a lively mix of diverse Latino and Afro-Caribbean cultures. It’s December in the Wynwood district, a formerly industrial, now gentrified area where the main international art event of the year, Art Basel, is underway. In one trendy gallery, Studio Six Miami, it’s just a few hours from the opening of a celebrated Puerto Rican artist’s work…when the director discovers that all the paintings have been stolen overnight. That’s the starting point for exploring art and its value, identity and independence, and the mine field of relationships — those between lovers, friends, and parents and children. The playwright,
“Laughs in Spanish,”
by Alexis Scheer,
directed by Darrel Alejandro Holnes. At the Kitchen Theatre Company, 417 W. State/MLK, Jr. St., Ithaca.
Wednesday Sept. 18-Saturday Sept. 21 at 7:00 p.m., with 2:00 p.m. matinee Sept. 19 and 22. Tickets at kitchentheatre.org and (607) 272-0570. Free pre-show events include a talk by artist Yen Ospina, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19, and Latin music by Jorge T. Cuevas and Alejandro Bernard, 6:00 p.m. Sept. 20.
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cleaning, getting an annual physical, completing a health questionnaire or seeing a nutritionist.” She added, “they can also get points if their cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI are within specific ranges or they improve them year over year.”
Workers say this approach is discriminatory and penalizes employees based on personal health factors beyond their control.
Alexis Scheer, herself grew up in Miami observing the changes in Wynwood over the years. In this recent work, she wanted to portray its Latino community and what it means to create art there.
The show’s gallery space, by Michael Ruiz-del-Vizo, is clean: white walls, splashed over vibrant colors escaping at their top. Tyler M. Perry’s lighting indicates scene changes as well as varying moods — moods further defined by Iris Estelle’s striking costumes. And Latin music is never far off (Ariana Cardoza, sound), suggesting that daily life itself is a fiesta. In her notes to the play, Scheer wrote that “Everyone should always be a moment away from dancing.”
And dance they do. Four Latino actors and one self-acknowledged “white girl” make up the cast, which is directed with spirit by Darrel Alejandro Holnes, an AfroPanamanian American director and filmmaker, assisted by co-director Emily Jackson.
From the gallery owner’s opening volley of curses as she learns of the theft, we’re immersed in a stew (or should I say “estofado”?) of Spanish expressions, street food, in-jokes, and topical references (e.g., the fast-food chain Pollo Tropical). A northeastern or Anglo audience may not catch them all, but the lively acting conveys enough. And you can’t miss it when the Latino characters code-switch, since they’re always straddling at least two worlds.
Mariana (Mari), the distressed gallery director, is all business; she’s driven and ambitious and predictably, will have to learn to smell the roses. Georgina Morillo
Additionally, union members are concerned about the mandatory overtime requirement for new hires, which is set to remain in place for seven years before expiring. The union has pushed for eliminating mandatory overtime.
Other significant issues include strict limitations on emergency leave and time off. The proposed agreement allows only a limited amount of emergency leave, after which employees cannot leave early, even in urgent situations. Additionally, the agreement restricts time off by
plays her too loud and brash at first, but as Mari begins to open up, she moves into genuine individuality. Her friend and assistant, Carolina (Caro), is an MFA painting student interning at the gallery; she’s figuring out how to promote her work while questioning the meaning of creating art in the first place. Alexandra Lemus portrays her as vivacious and dynamic; if Mari is a smoldering firecracker, Caro is a sparkler.
Caro’s got a boyfriend, Juan, a genial, near-goofy but loveable cop, who seems to be investigating the theft but is more preoccupied with nuzzling Caro. Ilan Kaplan is irresistibly charming in the role, not to mention extremely buff (there’s a terrific comic moment when he displays his “guns” to Caro).
To save the opening, Juan proposes showing Caro’s work instead, when an unexpected arrival complicates everything: Mari’s mostly absent mother, a celebrity actress, with an unspoken agenda. Estella (magnificently embodied by Yohanna Florentino) is svelte and elegant, gorgeous and talented, and totally the kind of successful parent that offspring wilt under.
Though to Mari’s credit, she’s been fiercely trying to carve out her own separate life. She knows her mother is “like royalty, superior and seductive” — but in one intense scene of rehashing their past and
capping it at 15% of the workforce per department on any given day, with all requests needing to be submitted at least 48 hours in advance.
“We wanna be able to take time away with our families, especially in emergency situations,” said Parrott. “We should not be condemned or held hostage.”
The agreement also proposes that employees can only roll over 20 hours of vacation each year and that vacation pay be calculated based on hours worked rather than base pay. Union members argue this
their grievances, Mari can honestly say, “I didn’t want to be in the spotlight, cause that means everyone else I love is in the dark.”
For all its light comic playfulness, “Laughs in Spanish” itself code-switches quite well and often to some deep emotions and realizations — that’s one key to its success.
As the conflicts and coincidences mount, so does the connection: people being honest with one another and themselves. And open to love, with all its risks. Not just Juan and Caro, but also Mari and Jenny, her boarding school friend who’s now Estella’s assistant (Montana Lampert Hoover). And of course, that fraught mother/daughter bond.
With her takeover-mom personality, fame, and social media network, the dazzling Estella — whom the others jokingly called a bruja (witch) — helps save the day. At the show’s reception, swathed in white like a Santeria priestess, she enacts a haunting, hallucinogenic dream, which becomes a poignant gift to her daughter. We’re absorbed and stunned, and then in minutes, along with the characters, we’re laughing, quite possibly in Spanish.
Barbara Adams is a regional theatre and arts journalist and retired professor of writing, Ithaca College.
diminishes the value of their vacation time and restricts their ability to save time for future needs.
Disparities in bereavement leave, which is time off granted to employees following the death of a close family member, further fueled dissatisfaction as union members currently receive only three days compared to the 14 days allotted to company officials.
As union members continue to strike, they remain committed to their demands for a fair contract.
The cast of “Laughs in Spanish” brings the vibrant energy of Miami’s Wynwood district to life on stage at the Kitchen Theatre Company, navigating stolen art, tangled relationships, and the powerful pull of Latino culture in this dynamic comedy directed by Darrel Alejandro Holnes. (Photo: Provided)
Reproductive Rights Film Fest Returns to Ithaca
By Matt Dougherty
The second annual Reproductive Rights Film Festival is set to return to Cinemapolis with a lineup of films and discussions from September 19 to 22.
Organized by End Abortion Stigma (EAS) and the national organization Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights (GRR), the festival aims to continue educating the public about reproductive justice in the post-Roe era.
Sue Perlgut, one of the organizers, highlighted the unique role of the festival in New York State. “It’s our second year for the Reproductive Rights Film Festival, and it is the only reproductive rights film festival in New York State,” said Perlgut. “The festival is free and open to the public, and it’s made possible through the efforts of volunteers from our organizations and generous sponsors.”
EAS was founded in 2015 with the mission of sharing stories from individuals who lived through the era before Roe v. Wade, when abortion was illegal and access to birth control was limited. “We started because we recognized that the generation born after Roe v. Wade didn’t know what life was really like before then,” said Caroline Cox, co-organizer and member of EAS. “Our stories aim to inform and educate, especially younger generations, about the importance of maintaining reproductive rights.”
The organizers believe that in a post-Roe world, it’s more important than ever to keep the conversation about reproductive justice alive and to fight against the stigma and legal barriers that continue to threaten access to safe and legal abortion.
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suggested a temporary owner-occupancy requirement that could sunset after the city completes its comprehensive planning process, arguing it would prevent large property owners from monopolizing the benefits of ADUs.
“The festival serves as a platform to raise awareness, educate, and create dialogue around reproductive rights,” Perlgut said. “Through storytelling, advocacy, and community engagement, we hope to inspire people to take action and support reproductive justice.”
The festival’s film lineup includes a range of narratives and documentaries that address various aspects of reproductive rights, from personal stories to systemic issues. Each screening will be followed by a talkback session to foster dialogue and deeper understanding among attendees.
The films featured in the festival include:
• “Power Alley” (2023): Screening on Thursday, September 19 at 7 p.m., this drama follows a 17-yearold Brazilian girl who seeks an abortion despite her country’s strict legal restrictions and her community’s violent backlash. Her volleyball team’s support is a central theme of the film, which has won awards at the Cannes, Montreal, and Bergamo festivals.
• “Preconceived” (2024):
Showing on Friday, September 20 at 7 p.m., this documentary explores the stories of two women misled by anti-abortion centers in Texas and Colorado. The film exposes a national business organization’s efforts to restrict abortion access under the guise of providing pregnancy care.
• “Plan C” (2023): Scheduled for Saturday, September 21 at 3 p.m., this documentary captures the grassroots movement to expand access to
Caroline Cox, co-organizer of the Reproductive Rights Film Festival and member of End Abortion Stigma, shares the importance of educating younger generations about life before Roe v. Wade. (Photo: File)
abortion pills across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the fall of Roe v. Wade.
• “Belly of The Beast” (2020): Screening on Saturday, September 21 at 7 p.m., this documentary uncovers the illegal sterilization of women in California prisons. Filmed over seven years, it reveals the systemic reproductive injustice faced by incarcerated women.
• “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” (2020):
Concluding the festival on Sunday, September 22 at 7 p.m., this film tells the story of two teenage girls from rural Pennsylvania who travel to New York City to seek an abortion after facing limited support at home. The film has received numerous international awards for its portrayal of young women navigating the complexities of reproductive health care.
In addition to the films, the festival also hosted two virtual panels designed to engage audiences in critical discussions.
The first panel, “Intergenerational Feminist Filmmakers in Discussion,” featured
Sue Perlgut, a filmmaker and co-organizer of the Reproductive Rights Film Festival, discusses the festival’s role in fighting against stigma and legal barriers to abortion access. (Photo: File)
Perlgut, Ithaca College Film major Cayenne Cave, IC graduate Maya Cueva, and Hobart and William Smith graduate Bree Von Bradsky.
The second panel, “Behind the Curtain: A Deep Dive into AACs (Anti-Abortion Centers),” focused on the deceptive practices of crisis pregnancy centers, which often mislead individuals seeking abortions by posing as legitimate reproductive health clinics.
The festival is supported by several community sponsors, including Triphammer Arts, the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival (FLEFF) at Ithaca College, Cinemapolis, and the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County. “We have a great list of sponsors and partners who have been instrumental in making this festival happen,” Perlgut said. “Cinemapolis has been especially supportive, going above and beyond to ensure the success of this event.”
For more information on the films, virtual panels, and to reserve tickets, visit www.ReproductiveRightsFilmFest.com
“I don’t want to disincentivize the construction and redevelopment of multifamily homes,” Keuhl said. “I worry that over the course of the next two years, the only option people have to increase density in a neighborhood is to build ADUs.”
Alderperson Phoebe Brown also voiced concerns, questioning whether ADUs would effectively address the needs of low-
income residents and unhoused residents. Brown suggested that landlords with multiple properties might disproportionately benefit from the proposed ADU regulations, rather than those most in need of affordable housing options.
“I’m trying to see how ADUs are going to help us build for the problem that we’re experiencing in our community of home-
lessness,” Brown said. “Those are some of the concerns for me.”
Despite the concerns, council agreed to begin designing a public outreach process to gather community feedback on several key issues, including whether an owner occupancy requirement should be enforced and the potential impact on neighborhoods.
Apple Fest Returns with New Layout to Enhance Visitor Experience
By Maddy Vogel
It’s that time of the year again; the time where tens of thousands of locals and visitors gather to celebrate the largest downtown event of the year — the 42nd Annual Apple Harvest Festival. Apple Fest is set to return to the commons and beyond from Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 29.
42nd Annual Apple Harvest Festival
Downtown Ithaca
Friday, September 27: noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, September 28: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 29: 10 a.m. 6 p.m.
Ben Sandberg, executive director of the History Center in Tompkins County and a member of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) board, helps organize volunteers and assisted in planning this year’s festival.
Sandberg said that the event’s success can partially be attributed to the amount of volunteers who choose to help out each year and recognize the importance of the event to the downtown and Ithaca communities.
“Apple Harvest, as an event, is the single biggest event that happens in downtown Ithaca, and over the course of three days, last year we had from 100,000 to 110,000 people visit,” Sandberg said. “We know that it’s something that the community really looks forward to and in order to be able to deliver an event of that scale, we couldn’t do it without the incredible team of volunteers that we have.”
is year, the event will still be on the commons, but instead of having vendors lined up along Cayuga St. and crossing Seneca St. and Green St., the festival will go straight from the commons down State St., up until the intersection with Albany St. is will allow the festival to cause less overall tra c disruptions and enhance pedestrian safety.
“We know that [crossing the busy streets] are barriers to people getting to visit all of the vendors that they want to,” Sandberg said. “We have this new map and footprint for this year that we’re hoping is going to help folks reach everyone that they want to visit and let vendors, regardless of where they’re situated, be able to share all of their amazing products and
services with the full scope of the audience.”
A map of the festival layout, along with vendor information will be available on the DIA’s website soon. With a recordbreaking number of attendees expected, the new layout aims to alleviate the dense number of visitors that are strictly on the commons by expanding the area onto more easily accessible streets.
“It’s that sort of back and forth between attendees, between vendors, food restaurateurs and our team that is going to make this year’s festival a success,” Sandberg said. “We expect to break attendance records once again this year.”
Apple Fest is set to return to downtown Ithaca from Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 29. (Photo: File)
Cornell Lacrosse Legends Reunite
CU Lacrosse Alumni Share Glory Days with Current Players
By Steve Lawrence
Many thanks to local sports fan extraordinaire (and former fellow sports journalist) Buck Briggs for an invitation to a very special gathering last Saturday. Briggs turned 70 last week, and he invited a dozen or so friends to celebrate, but that’s not really what makes the gathering noteworthy. What does is the fact that Buck was a student at Cornell during the glory days of Cornell lacrosse, and several of the guests were guys who were at Cornell during that legendary 42-game win streak (and backto-back national titles in 1976-77). The alums were pleased to share their recollections with a very special group of guests.
The entire freshman class of Cornell Lacrosse — numbering an even dozen — sat mesmerized as the former players shared their memories of that dominant run, and expressed their gratitude for the friendships that spanned 50-plus years. The freshmen were reminded by former player Frank Muehleman (who went 10-0 as a freshman, then won 42 in a row before losing to Johns Hopkins in the last game he ever played at Cornell) that being a Big Red studentathlete would be the toughest — and most rewarding — thing they would ever do.
LOCAL
each year for ages six weeks to 5 years old. Unlike UCNS, the center only provides services to children of Cornell faculty, staff and students.
According to the Child Development Council, Tompkins County is considered a child care desert, with more than three children for every available child care slot.
Childcaredeserts.org, a project created by the Center for American Progress and the University of Minnesota, used the locations and capacities of childcare providers and compared it to the estimated population of families nearby to determine the scarcity of childcare in specific locations across the United States.
With Cornell allowing them to stay in their current space for the 2024-25 academic year, UCNS is now hoping to find a
Retired Athletic Director Andy Noel reflected on his decades as a coach and administrator, and told the group that being a part of the “Cornell lacrosse family” will enrich their lives in ways they will come to understand, and cherish. Assistant coaches Paolo Ciferri and Max Tennant looked on, clearly pleased that their new players were getting such an intimate glimpse into the towering legacy of the program.
Finally, each player (along with a few upperclassmen) were gifted a copy of “It’s Great to Be Here,” the autobiography of the late Richie Moran, the revered architect of the dynasty. The books were generously donated by another alum from that magical time, Burt Flickinger, C.U. ’78.
The Ithaca College football team finds itself in unfamiliar territory after last weekend’s loss to #16 Endicott College. The Bombers dropped the home contest 13-7, and the fact that Ithaca previously lost to John Hopkins by a score of 27-23, led to some some rumblings in a local cafe. “I.C. is 0-2,” one observer noted. Another chimed in, “It’s gonna be a long season.”
new location before enrollment begins for the next school year.
“We really only have until the end of this calendar year to find a new home because people start enrolling their kids for preschool after the first of the year,” Smith said. “While we have the physical space for this whole school year, we need to be able to tell people where we’re going next so that people enroll for 25-26.”
UCNS’ Dart Drive location is accessible and central to the northeast Ithaca, Lansing and Cornell communities, making their move something that may threaten future enrollment at the school. Smith said the school currently has a great classroom, kitchen and outdoor space, and has increased access to the Cornell community by being along a TCAT bus route.
“It’s a great spot for a preschool to be,” Smith said. “I’m worried about people being able to access us via bus and being in a central location.”
Although it was tempting to wade in and identify myself as the sports columnist beginning his 33rd year this very week, and to put forth my recommendation to calm down, I resisted. Neither game was a Liberty League contest, and both games were decided by one score. Yes, the offense struggle a lot on Saturday — 196 total yards and 7 points will not win a lot of games — but the defense was stout, as usual, and the team now has a bye week to make some adjustments. The Bombers will travel to Curry College on September 28th, then head up the lake to Hobart on October 5th to open the Liberty League schedule. The next home game will be another Liberty League game, against the University of Rochester on October 12th. While Cornell has yet to take the field, there was some bright news locally as
Additionally, UCNS is one of the last part-time preschools in northeast Ithaca, with the closures of multiple part-time preschools in the past few years.
“We’re the last ones, sadly, having our program threatened,” Smith said. “I already felt bad for the other programs and now I really understand, god, how awful that must have been to have to close.”
Smith acknowledges that many families need full-time preschool or daycare for their children, but still believes that the school fills a gap in the community that is growing larger as other part-time preschools close.
“Things have changed a bit post-Covid,” Smith said. “There are a myriad of reasons why half-day programs are not getting filled as quickly as they used to, but there’s still a demand. We have families who come to us and say they are specifically looking for a half-day program. [...] People still want that option and it wouldn’t exist,
the Little Red of Ithaca High rolled over Oswego by a score or 28-0.
Speaking of rich legacies, the History Center (110 N.Tioga St.) will feature an event entitled “We Broke the Ice” on Sunday, September 29, from 3-5 pm. Featured speakers will be the mother/daughter duo of Sue Cosentini and Jamie Jensen, both of whom have been heavily involved in the Tompkins Girls Hockey Association (TGHA), and both of whom are engaging story tellers. In fact “Coz” played hockey at Cornell, and is a member of the C.U. Athletic Hall of Fame, so her “ice cred” is legit by any measure. While there, check out the rest of the expansive “Sporting Chance” exhibit. Set aside an hour, because it is a treat for any fan of local sports.
or they would have to travel a lot further to get it [without UCNS].”
If UCNS were to be faced with closure, their four employees would be out of jobs and the families that they serve would have to find new programming that would suit their needs.
“At some point, there’s only so much capacity in the programs that will remain,” Smith said. “I don’t know, if we closed, if the other places could absorb everyone.” UCNS is looking for community support in finding a new location. They are looking for a classroom setting with safe outdoor space beginning in the summer of 2025, preferably in northeast Ithaca or Lansing. They are willing to share space and collaborate with other organizations. With their nonprofit status, any donated space or reduced rent is tax deductible. UCNS encourages community members with available space or ideas for locations to reach out at UCNSoffice@gmail.com
Two-time national champ Frank Muehleman (37) stands next to the legendary Eamon MacEneaney (10) in 1976. (Photo: Provided)
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Bars/Bands/Clubs
9/18 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
9/19 Thursday
Rena Guinn | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd. | Free ITHAKARAOKE w/ Live Backing Band | 9 p.m. | Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd
9/20 Friday
Driftwood | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd. | $22.00$25.00
Cielle on Solid Ground | 8:00pm| The Downstairs
9/21 Saturday
Hallucination Realized (Roch), Ate, Fed Ash with visuals by Skeleton Hands | 8 p.m. | Angry Mom Records, 115 E State St, The Commons Vicious Fishes “Oslo” Album Release | 8 p.m. | Deep Dive Ithaca, 415 Old Taughannock Blvd Green Holler | 8:00pm| , The Downstairs
9/22 Sunday
Jazz Guitar Brunch with Dennis Winge | 10:30 a.m. | Antlers Restaurant, 1159 Dryden Rd. | Free
9/23 Monday
Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd. | Free
9/24 Tuesday
Fat Tuesday New Orleans Piano with Professor Keys | 7 p.m. | Bike Bar Ithaca, 314 E State St Ste 100 | Free
9/25 Wednesday
Casual Splash | | The Downstairs, 121 W M.L.K. Jr. St.
Concerts/Recitals
9/18 Wednesday
“Sounds of Music” Concert Series: Je erson McDonald’s Great Balls of Fire | 2 p.m.& 7:30pm | Little York Pavilion, 6799 Little York Lake Road | $35.00
9/19 Thursday
Thursday Morning Musicales presents Pianist Maryna Mazhukhova | 10:15 a.m. | North Presbyterian Church, 921 College Ave, Elmira | Free Midday Music with Lucky Crumbs: CU Music | 12:30 p.m. | Lincoln Hall, B20, 256 Feeney Wy | Free
9/20 Friday
LonCon 2024 | 12 p.m. | Wonderland Forest, 4812 S Cook Rd, LaFayette| LonCon, a music festival established
in 2021, features two nights of music, art, and camping. Hosted by Big Shrimp.
Middle Ages Beer Hall Presents: Talisk Live | 7 p.m. | Rose Hall, 19 Church Street | $20.00
Balint Karosi: CU Music | 7:30 p.m. | Anabel Taylor Hall, 548 College Ave | Free
Kimberly Perry (of The Band Perry) | 8 p.m. | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St | $35.00
9/21 Saturday
The Sierra Duo: CU Music | 7:30 p.m. | Barnes Hall, 129 Ho Plaza | Free
9/22 Sunday
Nick Schillace, Finger-Style Guitarist | 7 p.m. | Morgan Opera House, Main St. | Free
Shemekia Copeland Celebrates New Album | 8 p.m. | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St | $14.00 - $28.00
9/25 Wednesday
Midday Music for Organ: David Yearsley | 12:30 p.m. | Anabel Taylor Chapel, 548 College Ave | Free
Stage
Laughs In Spanish | 7 p.m., 9/18
Wednesday | Kitchen Theatre Company, 417 W. State / W. MLK, Jr. Street | $20.00 - $52.00
Rev Theatre Co. presents: May We
All - A New Country Musical | 9/18
Wednesday | Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, 6877 E. Lake Road, Auburn | Check
website for speci c show times. Set in Harmony, TN, a town more than ready for its facelift, this heartfelt, funny new musical follows the dreams of an up-and-coming country singer, her empty-nester parents, an unrequited love story and a small town on the brink of change and revitalization.
Preacher Lawson: Best Day Ever | 8 p.m., 9/20 Friday | Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Blvd. | Lawson has built a massive following on TikTok and YouTube where he features clips of stand-up, MMA training, and even Vegan cooking tips! He recently completed his residency hosting AGT Live in Las Vegas and continues to perform at sold-out venues around the world. | $35.00
PMA Presents: An Evening with Daveed Diggs | 7 p.m., 9/25 Wednesday | Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, Kiplinger Theatre, 430 College Ave. | Named for American journalist and writer Forbes Heerman and Professor of Drama George McCalmon, Heermans-McCalmon Distinguished Guest Artist Lecture honors the work of a prominent actor, dramatist, or director. Free, but tickets are required. | Free
Art
Seeing Ithaca: through the eyes of artists | 12 p.m., 9/19 Thursday | State of the Art Gallery, 120 West State Street | Member artists at SOAG organized Seeing Ithaca through the Eyes of Artists to promote the area and invite nonmember artists to participate. | Free
The Gallery at South Hill, Rachel Philipson’s “The Streets of...” exhibit | 12 p.m., 9/21 Saturday | The Gallery at South Hill, 950 Danby
Rd. | Rachel Philipson’s “The Streets of...” one person photography exhibit at The Gallery at South Hill. Street photography from Harlem, NYC, San Antonio, and Havana, Cuba focused on the tradition of street photography. | Free
Film
Reproductive Rights Film Festival | 7 p.m., 9/19 Thursday | Cinemapolis, 120 E. Green Street. | This year’s lm festival is expanded to include ve lms: Thursday, September 19, 7 p.m.; Friday, September 20, 7 p.m.; Saturday September 21, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday September 22, 3 p.m. For more information: www.ReproductiveRightsFilmFest.com | Free
Cinemapolis
120 E. Green St., Ithaca
*New lm on Friday, September 20th. Contact Cinemapolis for additional lms and showtimes.
The Substance* | A fading celebrity decides to use a black-market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself..| R 140 mins
Reproductive Rights Film Fest Screenings at Cinemapolis: Power Alley| Thursday, 7:00 pm| Preconceived | Friday, 7:00 pm|
Plan C | Saturday, 3:00 pm| Belly of the Beast| Saturday, 7:00 pm|
Never Rarely Sometimes Always | Sunday, 7:00 pm|
Cornell Cinema
All lms shown at 104 Willard Straight Hall, Cornell Campus.
Standing Full Forward: Experimental Shorts by Alee Peoples | 9/18, 7:00 pm | Cornell Cinema is delighted to welcome experimental lmmaker Alee Peoples to present a dynamic selection of her short lms. Green Border | 9/19, 7:00 pm |In the treacherous and swampy forests that make up the so-called “green border” between Belarus and Poland, refugees from the Middle East and Africa are lured by government propaganda
promising easy passage to the European Union.
The Manchurian Candidate | 9/20, 6:00 pm, 9/29, 5:30 pm| Angela Lansbury was nominated for an Academy Award for her depiction of a ruthless, voraciously right-wing mother bent on forcing her son to murder a young liberal president.
Fight Club | 9/20, 9:00 pm, 9/28, 8:00 pm | A straight-laced insomniac abandons the restrained behavior of his white-collar job after he meets the charismatic Tyler Durden and discovers a shocking new form of therapy: Fight Club, a bloody, underground society where men tap into a well of savage masculinity.
Buena Vista Social Club | 9/21, 5:30 pm|With a small lm crew, Wim Wenders accompanied his old friend Ry Cooder on a trip to Havana and immersed himself in the world of Cuban music.
Eami |9/21, 8:00 pm | Set in Paraguayan Chaco, Eami — a magic-realist lm by Paraguayan director Paz Encina — is the story of the Ayoreo Totobiegosode people, told from the perspective of a young girl.
2024 Sundance Film Festival Shorts Tour | 9/22, 2:30 pm, 9/28, 5:30 pm, 10/04, 6:00 pm | A theatrical program of seven short lms curated from the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, including three Festival Awardwinning titles.
Roman Holiday | 9/22, 5:30 pm| This romantic travelogue stars Audrey Hepburn, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for the role, as a glamorous princess and Gregory Peck as her kindly journalist-rescuer. Possible Landscapes (Debut Screening) | 9/25, 7:00 pm| Possible Landscapes joins seven people in seven di erent regions of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago in the course of their daily lives.
Ithaca Men’s Soccer vs Cortland | 4 p.m., 9/18 Wednesday | Carp Wood Field |
Cornell Volleyball vs Binghamton University | 7 p.m., 9/18 Wednesday | Newman Arena at Bartels Hall | Cornell Field Hockey vs Columbia University | 4 p.m., 9/20 Friday | Dodson Field |
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
FESTIVAL 2024 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Cinemapolis, 120 E. Green St., Ithaca | The only lm festival in New York State to focus on reproductive rights, this event is free and open to the public. Five lms over the four days and each lm will be followed by a talkback. (Photo: Never Rarely Sometimes Always - IMDb.com)) GIAC’S ITHACA SOUL FEST SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST - 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM 301 W. Court St, Ithaca| This special event will celebrate and showcase live music from the soul genre and subgenres. This event is FREE to the public! Food and beverages will be available for purchase. We will also have a children’s fun area with face painting, games, activities, and bouncy houses. (Photo: Provided)
Cornell Volleyball vs Le Moyne College | 7 p.m., 9/20 Friday | N.Y., Newman Arena at Bartels Hall |
Cornell Men’s Soccer vs University of Maryland Baltimore County | 7 p.m., 9/21 Saturday | N.Y., Berman Field |
Cornell Sprint Football vs Molloy University | 9/21 Saturday | Schoellkopf Field |
Cornell Field Hockey vs Bryant University | 2 p.m., 9/22 Sunday | N.Y., Dodson Field |
Special Events
Moore Family Farm Fall Festival | 10 a.m., 9/21 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
Endicott Apple Festival | 10 a.m., 9/21 Saturday | Washington Avenue | Endicott Applefest is an annual event to bring our community together with a day full of music, food, and lots of vendors and activities all along Washington Ave.
GIAC’s Ithaca Soul Fest | 11 a.m., 9/21 Saturday | 300 Block of W. Court (ICSD eld across the street from GIAC), 301 West Court Street | Ithaca’s very rst soul music festival, hosted by the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) and features host Cheryl Pepsii Riley, soulful sounds, food, specialty cocktails, a dance oor, a kid’s zone, a mini job fair, and family fun! | Free Fall Farm Fest | 5 p.m., 9/21 Saturday | Groundswell Incubator Farm, 100 Rachel Carson Way | Fall Farm Fest - Burmese food and Storytelling at Groundswell Incubator Farm in Ithaca, on September 21st from 5:00pm8:30pm. | $10.00 - $15.00
Books
Book Donations for Friends Book Sale | 9 a.m., 9/19 Thursday | Book Sale Building, 509 Esty St | Friends of the Library is accepting donations until Sept 21 of books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles & games for their Fall Book
Sale. More info at www.booksale. org | Free
Cornell English Dept. Elisa Gabbert Reading | 5 p.m., 9/19 Thursday | Bu alo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street | The Fall 2024 Barbara & David Zalaznick Reading Series begins with a reading by poet and essayist, Elisa Gabbert. | $16.95
“Bite: An Incisive History of Teeth,” with Bill Schutt | 5 p.m., 9/20 Friday | Bu alo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street | Join author Bill Schutt in conversation with artist Patricia J. Wynne as they discuss Schutt’s newest release Bite: An Incisive History of Teeth, from Hag sh to Humans. | Free The Bookish Club & Book Exchange | 3 p.m., 9/21 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 “100 Things to Do in Ithaca Before You Die” with Amanda Jaros Champion | 2 p.m., 9/22 Sunday | Bu alo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street | About the Event: Join us to celebrate the release of 100 Things to Do in Ithaca Before You Die! Grab an Ithaca beer, buy a book, hang out with friends, and let’s enjoy our favorite city. | $18.00
Earthbody: A Writing & Embodiment Workshop for Women & People with Wombs | 2 p.m., 9/22 Sunday | Bu alo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street | About the Event: Are you ready to reclaim the joy and pleasure of your sensual body? Do you desire to love and inhabit your body more fully?
Tompkins County Public Library Foundation presents Silent Reading Party | 6 p.m., 9/24 Tuesday | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Rd. | It’s the ultimate introvert’s outing - an evening of quiet reading, delicious drinks & snacks, and community with other booklovers. Sign up to get a library card, learn how you can support TCPL, and check out what others are reading, at the idyllic South Hill Cider with plenty of room to spread out! | $35.00 - $50.00
K-Ming Chang for Ithaca College’s Distinguished Visiting Writers Series | 6 p.m., 9/25 Wednesday | Buffalo Street Books, 215 North Cayuga Street | About the Event: Join us at
Ithaca College for a reading and Q+A with award-winning author K-Ming Chang! The event is free and open to the public. | $18.00
Kids
Story + Craft | 3:30 p.m., 9/19 Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Story + Craft is our weekly reading + creating event for children! Join us for a read-aloud, followed by art-making or a guided craft.
Early Fall Baby & Toddler Storytime | 10:30 a.m., 9/20 Friday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Caregivers and their children are invited to join Cassie at the park next to the Henry St. John Building at 301 S. Geneva St. for music, rhymes, movement and books. Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie Youth Event at Montour Falls Memorial Library | 11 a.m., 9/21 Saturday | Montour Falls Memorial Library, 406 W Main St | Join Parenting Educator, Paula Goodrich for a FREE event for youth Ages 1 – 8 at the Montour Falls Memorial Library, September 21st! | Free
Science Connections: Girls Who Code | 2 p.m., 9/22 Sunday | Sciencenter, 601 1st St | Women in Computing at Cornell (WICC) is coming to the
Sciencenter to share information about their weekly Girls Who Code program for high school and middle school students in Ithaca!
Notices
RENO Talk at Longview | 1 p.m., 9/18 Wednesday | Longview, 1 Bella Vista Drive | Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of the month for RENO Talk at Longview! | Free Trivia! | 7 p.m., 9/18 Wednesday | Liquid State Brewery, 620 West Green Street. | Trivia Night with Bob Proehl at Liquid State! | Free Freeville Farmer’s Market | 4:30 p.m., 9/19 Thursday | Hopshire Farm & Brewery, 1771 Dryden Rd | Beginner Bird Walks | 8:30 a.m., 9/21 Saturday | Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd. | Free
Homer Regional Farmers Market & Gathering Grounds Cafe | 9:30 a.m., 9/21 Saturday | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St | Lansing Community Sustainability Picnic | 11 a.m., 9/21 Saturday | Myers Park, #1 | Free food and drinks, activities, information from local organizations, and the opportunity to learn more about the Lansing NonPipes Alternatives (NPA) program. | Free
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Open House to Thank Marge Strosnider | 1 p.m., 9/21 Saturday | New eld United Methodist Church, 227 Main St | Help us say THANK YOU to Marge Strosnider for her many years of service as Food Pantry Coordinator. Open House 1 - 4 pm on Saturday, Sep 21 at New eld United Methodist Church 227 Main Street, New eld, NY. Light refreshments will be served. | Free
Ithaca Farmers Market Saturday at the Pavilion | 9/21 Saturday | Ithaca Farmers Market, Steamboat Landing, 545 3rd St | Ithaca Farmers Market is thrilled to welcome back our loyal customers and new visitors with a wide variety of products including farm-raised meat,...
Hector Harvest 5k - Hector, NY | 9 a.m., 9/22 Sunday | Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, 5712 NY 414 | Run or walk your way through Hector’s scenic hillside. You’ll weave your way through vineyards and farmland trails with views of beautiful Seneca Lake.
Freeville Fiber Festival | 12 p.m., 9/22 Sunday | Freeville Farmers Market, 43 Main St | Join us for our 4th annual Freeville Fiber Festival, a special local wool and ber event at the Freeville Farmers Market! | Free OJI:SDA’ Plant Care Program - Volunteer Community Days | 4 p.m., 9/22 Sunday | Ithaca Soil Factory, 142
Ithaca Beer Drive | OJI:SDA’ invites you to join us on our Volunteer Community Days! Come help us plant, learn, and grow together. We help Indigenous communities in need through processing medicinal plant resources and share knowledge in the process! | Free Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous | 4 p.m., 9/22 Sunday, 518 W. Seneca | Contact 607-351-9504 foodaddicts.org | Free Ithaca Farmers Market at Dewitt Park | 11 a.m., 9/24 Tuesday | Dewitt Park, 102 E Court St | Downtown Tuesday Market is Back! | Free Empowering Financial Wellness Webinar Series for Women: Mind Your Money | 12 p.m., 9/24 Tuesday | Phillips Free Library, 37 South Main Street | Ever wonder why you spend money the way that you do? Research shows there are many elements of our lives that in uence our habits and attitudes about money.
Candor Historical Society Talk-Route 96 Power and Paddle | 7 p.m., 9/25 Wednesday | Candor Town Hall | Jim Signs will be give a talk regarding the inception, growth, transfer of ownership, and the continuation of Candor’s largest yearround destination store. | Free
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