Oct. 29, 2025

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Lansing Hires Legal Counsel for Proposed Moratorium That Would Halt Data Center Development

By Lorien Tyne

The Lansing Town Board held an emergency meeting on Oct. 23 to set a Nov. 12 deadline for written public comment on the proposed land use moratorium which would prevent, among other things, the development of a data center at the former Cayuga Power Plant. The board also voted to contract legal representation for matters related to the moratorium.

The proposed moratorium, or local law, would establish a 365-day moratorium on land use development reviews, approvals and actions. One of the law’s purposes would be to freeze current land uses and development while the town undertakes a comprehensive update of its zoning code.

Another purpose is to implement environmental protection overlay districts, which would protect “important riparian areas, Cayuga Lake, and other unique ecological, environmental, cultural, aesthetic, and archeological resources of and in the Town.”

Town Supervisor Ruth Groff said the town has been slowly updating its zoning rules since 2018, when the board adopted its most recent comprehensive plan. With a new grant from New York state, Groff said the town was in a position to completely re-

write its zoning, which it hasn’t done since the early 2000s. Hoff has previously stated that the town was discussing a land use moratorium for the zoning review process before the data center was announced.

“We decided that we ought to consider putting in a moratorium while we're doing this zoning rewrite, so something doesn't come in that would ultimately be zoned out,” Groff said, according to a WSKG article.

If passed, the moratorium would cause a halt in the development of a data center

at the Cayuga Power Plant in Lansing. Announced in an Aug. 19 press release, the owners of the Cayuga Power Plant entered into an 80-year lease agreement with TeraWulf Inc., a company that develops data centers. A Terawulf representative told the Ithaca Times that the company is not in support of the moratorium.

“The Cayuga site’s industrial zoning will remain the same regardless of any morato-

Continued on Page 12

X Tompkins County to Temporarily Relocate the Office for the Aging and Department of Assessment during Center of Government Construction

ITHACA, N.Y. — The Tompkins County Office for the Aging (COFA) and Department of Assessment will temporarily relocate to 31 Dutch Mill Road in the Town of Lansing as part of the county’s ongoing Center of Government project. The legislature approved the move, and the county is in the process of acquiring the property.

The relocation allows the construction of the Center of Government to move forward while also providing space for the Board of Elections, which will occupy COFA’s current office at 214 W. State Street in Ithaca. Both the Dutch Mill Road and West State Street locations will be prepared for occupancy, with a move-in timeline to be announced once

the work is complete. Services will continue without interruption.

The Lansing location offers ample and free on-site parking, proximity to major roadways, and is convenient for rural clients who might be hesitant to drive into Ithaca. The building is easy to navigate and features single-story accessibility with flat surfaces, ADA-compliant entrances and restrooms, as well as accessible parking spaces. The offices offer a generous and flexible layout with space for confidential client consulting. The co-location provides efficiencies for residents who utilize services from both departments. Financial stewardship was also a factor in choosing this location, as purchasing office space affords the county

This week, the Ithaca Times presents its annual election guide, providing readers information about what’s on the ballot in Tompkins County and across the state. (Photo: Tompkins County)

cost savings compared to leasing space.

The county acknowledges that the relocation will require an adjustment period for both clients and staff and asks for patience and understanding as the departments transition. To mitigate transportation concerns, as part of their person-centered interaction and counseling, department staff will discuss and coordinate client transportation needs to the best of their abilities, emphasize doorto-door options (Gadabout/ADA Paratransit) for eligible clients with disability or mobility limitations, continue to offer phone and virtual appointments to reduce travel needs, and assess client need for satellite office hours for in-person assistance and form drop-off.

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F r EE lanc E rs : Barbara Adams, G. M Burns, Charley Githler, Stephen Burke, Bill Chaisson, Ross Haarstad, Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Henry Stark, Peter Rothbart, Austin Lamb, Clement Obropta, Jake Sexton, Kira Walter, and Vasant Alex Laplam

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(1973–1978),

in

IN UIRING PHOTOGR PHER Q A

By Mark Syvertson

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

“WHAT’S THE MOST UNDERRATED HALLOWEEN CANDY?”

NOTE: If readers wish to participate in the Ithaca Times’ Inquiring Photographer column, contact Mark Syvertson at marksyvertsonphotography@gmail.com

Staff Error Causes $2.1 Million Deficit in Ithaca’s Proposed 2026 Budget

By Philip O’Dell

Ithaca city officials are working to correct a staff error resulting in an unexpected $2.1 million revenue gap in the proposed 2026 city budget, City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff said.

Mohlenhoff delivered the announcement during the Ithaca Common Council’s budget meeting Tuesday, Oct. 21, which began with a two-hour executive session to discuss personnel matters. After reconvening, Mohlenhoff read a prepared statement detailing the budget situation.

Just hours before the meeting, city staff discovered the error in the budget's revenue section during a manual review, Mohlenhoff said. She described the shortfall as “significant and unexpected.”

“The error occurred when a draft revenue line was manually removed by staff during the budget development process, but due to a synchronization error the change did not carry over to the underlying budget dataset,” Mohlenhoff said. “As a result, incorrect information was inadvertently included in the final document.”

Mohlenhoff is spearheading an emergency budget task force to close the shortfall and “strengthen the staffing operational systems within the controller’s office.”

“Our goal is to resolve the issue quickly, reinforce the reliability of our financial processes and maintain public confidence in the integrity of the budget and the city’s fiscal management,” Mohlenhoff said.

Mohlenhoff said city staff are conducting a comprehensive line-by-line budget audit to avoid more discrepancies and reaffirm accuracies of all financial data moving forward.

or at the rate of inflation. In recent years, the tax cap has been calculated by taxing entities to be above 2% due to the rising consumer price index (CPI).

“It is important to me, and I know to council that we preserve the integrity of the budget that was presented and minimize any additional impact on taxpayers,” Mohlenhoff said.

After Mohlenhoff’s statement, Mayor Robert Cantelmo announced that discussions of budget amendments scheduled for the Tuesday meeting were postponed while the administration revises the budget for council consideration. He added that no amendments would be discussed on Oct. 22. Cantelmo said any future budget meetings to discuss the proposed 2026 budget will be announced through the city website before adjourning the meeting.

Mohlenhoff presented her proposed 2026 budget, totaling $112,893,913, to the common council on Oct. 6 — a $6.1 million increase from 2025. The property tax levy is a proposed $34,573,882 for 2026, a 3.5% increase from 2025.

The budget also includes a general fund of $90,563,757 ($5.4 million increase), sewer fund of $9,855,240 ($723,606 increase), water fund at $9,086,902 ($472,619 increase), solid waste at $730,917 ($30,592 increase), sidewalk dis-

“Our goal is to resolve the issue quickly, reinforce the reliability of our financial processes and maintain public confidence in the integrity of the budget and the city’s fiscal management.”

“This discovery is serious, but it demonstrates that our internal review processes are working as intended, identifying and correcting errors before the budget is finalized and we are taking immediate action to address the issue,” Mohlenhoff said.

She also reaffirmed her focus on keeping the budget under the tax cap. Introduced by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and passed in 2011, the New York State Property Tax Cap limited the increase of property taxes levied by local governments and school districts by 2% annually

— Ithaca City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff

trict at $1,162,898 ($8,506 increase), and stormwater fund of $1,494,199 (decrease of $186,690).

Mohlenhoff said the proposed budget allocates city departments the same operational funding they received in 2025. She added that the city needs to engage in more long-term and sustainable ways of developing a budget going forward.

During the Oct. 6 meeting, Cantelmo said the common council plans to adopt the proposed budget at the final public hearing on Nov. 5.

The shortfall was reported about a month after the city completed its 2021 financial audit that highlighted inefficiencies within the city’s system of tracking finances. The city’s backlog of incomplete audits caused its bond rating to be suspended in April 2024. Mohlenhoff said it’s difficult to forecast how long it will take to complete the city’s outstanding audits from 2022, 2023, and 2024. She attributed the city’s audit backlog to pandemic-related staffing shortages and complications in reporting American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

Mohlenhoff said the city transitioned to OpenGov software to speed up audits by granting staff direct access to departmental finances, instead of requesting it from the controller’s office. The city has been without a controller since the end of 2023. However, Mohlenhoff said the search will resume after the 2026 budget is passed.

The Ithaca Times contacted Mayor Robert Cantelmo for a statement on the budget shortfall but did not receive a response prior to publication.

Ithaca College Unveils New Outdoor Track and Field Complex

By Arnau Phillips Vila

On Oct. 25, Ithaca College held a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new outdoor track & field complex funded with a donation by Class of 1984 alumni Michael and Tracy Egan.

On homecoming weekend, hundreds gathered at the complex, including members of the track & field team and numerous alumni.

For years, Ithaca College was without an outdoor track, something that had hindered the school’s ability to host meets during the spring season, the school explained when announcing the plan to build the new facility.

In a speech, IC president La Jerne Terry Cornish shared how the track was important to students.

“Once I learned that our students had not had a home track to meet in more than a decade, I was laser-focused on doing whatever we needed to do to make this happen,” Cornish said. Her determination to bring a new complex to campus culminated with a long-awaited celebration.

The ceremony began with a morning breakfast, followed by speeches from President Cornish, Michael and Tracy Egan, ICD Vice President for Advancement Laine Norton, and two members of the track & field team.

Cornish expressed immense gratitude to the Egan family and explained that their gift will benefit the college in several ways.

“The new track facility represents

more than a place to run,’ Cornish said. “It represents community, commitment, dedication, excellence and learning that happens inside and outside of the classroom. [...] It is another milestone in our ongoing effort to provide the very best resources for learning, competition and excellence.”

But for the Egans, this gift was much more than just a new location for Ithaca’s athletes to train and run — it was a way to give back to the college that brought them together.

With a smile, Michael Egan reminisced

UPS DOWNS&

Ups

Wegmans and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier’s 32nd annual Check Out Hunger campaign runs from October 22 through November 29. Since its start in 1993, the campaign has raised more than $2 million for hunger relief, providing millions of meals through the Food Bank’s programs and network of community partners.

Downs

A Washington Post report found that health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans are expected to rise by about 30% nationwide, the largest increase in years, as the government shutdown stalls efforts to renew enhanced ACA tax credits.

HEARD SEEN& Heard

about a first encounter that would change his life forever.

“Fourty-four years ago I saw this wonderful woman in front of me at my dorm,” he said. “We graduated together and got married a year later. We now have four kids.”

The Egans explained how the idea of making a new facility happened. It started in 2022, when Ithaca’s track team was taking on North Central College and the Egans were in attendance at the tailgate.

“I was reading through an Ithaca Alumni book and I saw a beautiful picture of the football field, but I asked myself ‘Where is the track?’ I showed Tracy and asked her ‘What did they do to the track, our beautiful track?’” Michael said.

After meeting with Norton and Cornish, the project took off.

When talking about the philanthropic gift, Norton said, “Every gift tells a story and empowers others to grab the baton, to keep moving Ithaca College forward. And the new Egan Family Track & Field Complex is a beautiful example of that spirit.”

For senior Matt Lokshin, the new complex motivates him to perform better as he approaches his last season with the team.

“I was very surprised when I first heard the news,” Lokshin said. “I thought I would come back in five years, as an alumni, to see the new track. Then they dropped the news on us that it would be done for the Spring

The Ithaca Farmers Market will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday, Nov. 1, to celebrate the completion of its long-awaited parking lot renovation at Steamboat Landing. The project, nearly a decade in the making, was supported by state grants and local donors and has been praised for improving traffic flow, accessibility, and safety for market visitors.

Seen

Town leaders from Dryden and Caroline broke ground Monday on the expansion of Dryden Fiber’s municipally operated broadband service to Caroline. The project marked a milestone in extending reliable, affordable, high-speed internet access to more rural residents.

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

OF THE WEEK

Do you

you think Industrial Development Agencies help or harm local economies across the state?

Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.

Government Shutdown Threatens November SNAP Benefits, Delays HEAP for Tompkins County Residents

By Philip O’Dell

Tompkins County residents relying on federal assistance programs are facing uncertainty as the ongoing government shutdown threatens to cause delays.

According to Tompkins County, the federal government shutdown could delay Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November. Although October SNAP benefits are still being issued, November SNAP benefits cannot be granted unless the federal government shutdown ends or alternative federal actions secure funding.

In Tompkins County, 16.9% of youth receive SNAP benefits, according to the New York State Council on Children and Families’ most recent data.

“Nearly one-in-ten Tompkins County households (9.3%) receive SNAP benefits, totaling 3,783 households. About one third of those households include one or more people aged 60 years and over (31.2% of SNAP recipients, or 1,179 households),” according to the 2022

Tompkins County Community Health Assessment.

The Tompkins County Department of Social Services (DSS) will continue to process SNAP applications and recertifications, while cash assistance and supportive service payments remain unaffected.

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will notify households by Nov. 1 of that month’s SNAP benefits status, and no action is required by recipients at this time. Pauses in benefit issuance will be handled at the state level.

The 2025–2026 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is postponed until Nov. 17. HEAP’s opening date could be further postponed if the federal government shutdown is extended. DSS is accepting early outreach applications for HEAP processing, but payments will be held until the program officially opens and federal funds are released.

Tompkins County residents can stay informed about the status of their benefits and access assistance through several channels. For the latest updates and fre-

of 2026 season, and we were all shocked but super appreciative. [...] It’s such a beautiful facility and I can’t wait to compete here.”

Speakers added that the new facility would help with student recruitment in the future.

“This is really going to change every-

quently asked questions regarding the shutdown’s impact, households can visit OTDA’s website at otda.ny.gov/shutdown. OTDA will also share official updates via its main website, the myBenefits portal, the ebtEDGE mobile app, and text alerts. According to Tompkins County, clients will not receive a written notice about the impact on November benefits. For specific questions on SNAP or HEAP benefits, residents can contact Tompkins County DSS at 607-274-5680 or visit tompkinscountyny.gov/dss. For immediate food, utility, or heating assistance, individu-

thing,” Lokshin said. “Everything feels super professional and I cannot begin to express how appreciative we all are. It will be great also for recruitment purposes, as more people will want to come here.”

als can call DSS at that same number, or dial 2-1-1 24/7 for broader community services, or text their zip code to TXT211 (898211) during regular business hours. More 211 information is available at 211 Tompkins Cortland.

For food security, multiple local resources are available, including free food and prepared meals and non-perishable food in outdoor food cabinets, and by consulting The Food Pantries Food Connect Map.

Tompkins County is monitoring the situation closely with OTDA as it unfolds.

The Egans, Cornish and Norton made it clear that the facilities will be for everyone on campus to use. The new complex was

County Legislature Approves Tentative Budget, Increases Funding for Youth Services, Community Food Coalition

By Lorien Tyne

At the Oct. 22 Tompkins County Legislature meeting, the legislature unanimously approved the 2026 tentative budget, following discussion of several proposed budget amendments. Two amendments were adopted, increasing the proposed funding for the Community Food Coalition and youth service community agencies.

The approved tentative budget includes all passed amendments made to the recommended budget that the county administration presented in September. The tentative budget includes a total tax levy of $56,750,294, resulting in a 3.37% tax levy increase. There is an increased tax payment of $28 on a median-priced home ($300,000), or a county tax payment of about $1,466.

The public hearing for the tentative budget will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 in the Legislature Chambers.

Legislators can propose amendments at any time up until the vote to adopt the finalized budget.

Legislator Randy Brown proposed a budget amendment to reinstate a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for the funded youth service community agencies, amounting to $11,783. The county’s Youth Services Department receives the funding and allocates it to community agencies that have funding contracts with the department. The amendment initially failed 6-7 but later in the meeting, a motion to reconsider resulted in the amendment passing 8-6.

Pillar introduced a budget amendment proposing $25,000 in multi-year onetime funding for the Community Food Coalition, which passed 12-2. In the 2025 budget, the legislature allocated $25,000 to the coalition, with the intention of doing so for 2026 and 2027.

While approval of multi-year funding requests does not ensure the funds will continue to be included in future budgets, Pillar said she thinks it is a good practice to uphold previously approved multi-year requests.

Legislator Travis Brooks said he thinks funding for the coalition is a proactive amendment because of the federal cuts to SNAP, which the full impacts of are still

unknown. Like other legislators, he also expressed his support for the coalition’s work overall.

“The primary thing that [the coalition does] is take food that would be going to waste and getting it out to all these different agencies and folks in the community,” Brooks said. “So the money is not actually like buying stuff. It is taking what exists that would be going into waste and getting it out to people. You can't get a better bang for your buck.”

Legislator Randy Brown introduced an amendment to the budget that would restore a cut made in 2025 for Cornell Cooperative Extension’s funding. In the 2025 budget, the county cut 5% of the CCE’s budget, which amounted to $37,960. While many legislators expressed support for the CCE, those that voted against the amendment to the budget said there is not enough money this year. The amendment ultimately failed with a 7-7 vote.

Brown noted that the CCE has consistently had its funding cut in the past three years. He said the CCE received $997,000 in 2023, $809,025 in 2024 and $649,000 in 2025. The CCE’s budget is also being cut in the 2026 county budget. The proposed cut was for $72,123 but Legislature Chair Dan Klein said that during an Extended Budget Committee meeting, an amendment was passed to reduce the cut by half.

Legislator Greg Mezey said the repeated cuts to CCE is a compelling argument for reinstating some financial support.

“I would like us to look at, before the next budget cycle, how our supported agencies over a five-year period have experienced budget growth or decline and to what percentage,” Mezey said. “I hope

that we can take up in our budget process next year a more holistic look at the longterm impacts our budget decisions have made to our supported agencies.”

Throughout discussion of the amendments, several legislators brought up the difficulty in choosing which requests to approve for increased funding. Echoed by others, Dawson said that of all the requests this budget season, most are from worthy organizations that have real need, but the county’s resources are limited.

“I would really appreciate it if people would stop saying if you don't vote for this, then you're saying X,” Dawson said. “I'm not saying X. All I'm saying is there isn't money.”

Mike Sigler proposed and later withdrew a budget amendment to take over the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport’s annual $683,969 debt payment. Members of the legislature expressed interest in discussing options for assisting in the airport’s debt at a later date.

In Other News

The legislature had a lengthy debate regarding a proposed resolution to continue discussion of which departments should temporarily relocate to the Ditch Mill Road property in Lansing during construction of the Center of Government. The legislature previously decided to move the Office for the Aging to Dutch Mill but since then, members of the community, including members of the KOFA advisory board, have raised concerns with the move.

In a 7-6 vote in favor of passing the resolution, the resolution failed because any item the legislature votes on must

have at least eight votes to pass. If there are fewer than eight voting members present, the legislature does not have a quorum and business cannot be conducted.

Legislator Shauna Black arrived at the meeting late due to a family commitment. She said she thought the resolution would be at the end of the agenda and asked for a revote, which failed again 7-7. Brown voted in favor of the resolution during the first vote and voted against it in the second vote. The prior decision to temporarily relocate the Office for the Aging was maintained and the county is in the process of acquiring the property at 31 Dutch Mill Road.

The legislature reappointed Alanna Congdon to the role of Republican commissioner of the Tompkins County Board of Elections. Congdon’s current term is set to expire Dec. 31 and she was reappointed for a two-year term.

The legislature accepted the Youth Employment Program grant, which the county is eligible for because of its participation in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative. The New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance awards Tompkins County Workforce Development $354,533 to extend the summer youth employment program. The year-round employment opportunities are intended to reduce community gun violence and youth criminal justice involvement. The funds are split between the county agency and the Ithaca Youth Bureau.

The next regular legislature meeting is Thursday, Nov. 6 rather than the usual Tuesday date due to the general election on Nov. 4.

The Talk at

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Common Council 5th Ward Election

“

I’m backing Hannah Shvets for Common Council in Ward 5 because she has the relationships in place to work with county and state legislators to build local government capacity, and make Ithaca more affordable and fair for more people.

I ran for this seat on protecting Ithaca from the federal government by sticking to our progressive, pro-democracy values. Hannah is a progressive candidate who has a similar agenda, and she’s adopted two revenue generating policy proposals I proposed—a vacancy tax on chronically vacant storefronts, and capping property tax exemptions for very wealthy nonprofits like Cornell. Instead of thinking narrowly about property tax rates, she wants to ensure that Ithaca’s taxes and fees are fair for everybody, and is ready to work with County legislators in her coalition to make that happen. Instead of wanting to fire city workers, Hannah wants to build

the capacity of the local government— and has the relationships in place to do so. Instead of suggesting that we simply remove homeless people from the Commons, Hannah understands that county and city must work together to humanely and effectively address the needs of the homeless population in Ithaca, and is part of a movement that makes collaboration within government effective.

Hannah is a student, in a ward that is almost entirely students. This primary was decided by 2.5% of the people who live in this ward. The super-minority of non student voters in Ward 5 should have a bigger voice because they’re the ones showing up. Hannah can’t win or serve Ward 5 unless she connects with permanent residents. But this vanishingly small minority can sometimes get carried away, and do things that suppress democratic process and actively disenfranchise the student majority instead of engaging it. Gepe challenged almost every student signature on both my and Hannah’s petitions. And I was told by a surprising number of my neighbors that Alderperson Fabrizio told them not to talk to me. In contrast, Hannah won with a campaign that simply brought the numbers, without the shenanigans you’d need to use if your goal is to control from a minority position. Hannah earned endorsements, registered students, and organized a lot of people

to do the hard work of canvassing. As a member of the Ward 5 Democratic Committee, I am genuinely excited about this community organizing approach. We have a big voter engagement problem over here!

I keep coming back to Gepe and Hannah’s own words when we were running mates. In debates, Hannah said repeatedly that she does not have all the answers. Rather, she sees herself as part of a movement, and will rely on partnerships and coalitions to learn, make decisions, and implement policy. This is a welcome expression of humility, and it’s how government works. Gepe, in contrast, is running a campaign grounded in having answers to concrete problems. But there’s a limit to what we can accomplish as individuals—that’s why we need government. When pressed at the GIAC town hall about how to prepare for instability coming from the federal government, he could not imagine solving the really big problems that lie ahead. Instead, he collapsed and said that “everybody is going to suffer.” I don’t think this reflects a lack of empathy on Gepe’s part. But this answer does suggest that he’s conceptually limited to what he feels he can accomplish himself. This isn’t how we fix Common Council, which already tends to try to solve its own problems all by itself, without collaborating with the county and state. This inability to think beyond our ten square miles is what gives us terrible outcomes like Asteri, or the offensively low MOU with Cornell.

Voices Through the Gorges

Let’s think bigger than this. Let’s connect with a movement.” — Deborah Fisher, Ithaca NY

“I am writing in support of Gepe Zurenda in his campaign for a Ward Five seat on the Common Council. Gepe is a longtime City resident and business owner. His knowledge of the community and experience are needed in our city. He has served in various local government and not-for profit positions that demonstrate his long-term commitment to being here and participating. In particular, the City is facing some impressive financial challenges. Adding his understanding of budgets, finance, and management, would be of real benefit to the Common Council and City taxpayers. If you are a Ward Five voter, I hope you will give Gepe Zurenda a chance to earn your vote.” — Rich John, Ithaca NY | Note: Rich John is a representative on the Tompkins County Legislature

Mike Sigler and Deborah Dawson Should Retain Their Seats on the County Legislature

“I am writing this letter in support of two candidates running to retain their seats on the Tompkins County Legislature. One is Mike Sigler in the new district # 8 and the other is Deborah Dawson in the new district # 7. Both of these individuals have served admirably on the legislature for many years. It is vital that

Continued on Page 20

“Everything takes time. Bees have to move very fast to stay still”

Embracing “Merry Christmas” as a Democratic Act of Inclusion

By Roy Allen: Director of Strategic Partnerships — Ithaca Times, Finger Lakes Community Newspapers, www.ithaca.com

In our vibrant community, where the approaching months bring a kaleidoscope of celebrations—Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more—the simple act of exchanging holiday greetings becomes a powerful opportunity to honor participatory democracy. As part of our We the People: A Celebration of Participatory Democracy series, we explore how embracing “Merry Christmas” alongside other holiday labels fosters unity, reflects inclusive dialogue, and empowers citizens to shape and contribute to a shared community culture. This isn’t about choosing one greeting over another; it’s about recognizing that every heartfelt wish, from “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Diwali,” strengthens our democratic fabric by respecting diverse voices while also finding common ground.

Participatory democracy thrives when citizens actively engage in shaping their community through collaboration and mutual respect. Saying “Merry Christmas” can be a democratic act when offered with openness, inviting connection rather than exclusion. For many, the phrase carries deep Christian meaning, celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth with themes of hope and love. Yet, its cultural reach extends further—Santa Claus, twinkling lights, and gift-giving draw in people of all backgrounds, much like Hanukkah’s menorah or Kwanzaa’s principles of unity resonate universally. In our town, embracing “Merry Christmas” alongside other greetings mirrors the democratic process of a town hall, where diverse perspectives converge to build something greater together.

The debate over “Merry Christmas” often centers on inclusion. In a pluralistic society, some prefer neutral greetings like “Happy Holidays” to avoid assumptions, especially in public spaces like schools or businesses. This reflects a democratic impulse to ensure every-

one feels seen. Yet, a 2023 Pew Research survey found 59% of Americans, including non-Christians, welcome “Merry Christmas” when it’s shared with goodwill, suggesting that intent matters as much as the words. Democracy doesn’t demand uniformity but dialogue—saying “Merry Christmas” can coexist with “Happy Holidays” if we listen and adapt. For example, a local shop might pair a “Merry Christmas” sign with one for the Islamic “Eid”, or a school might teach students about multiple holiday traditions, empowering them to share their own. These acts embody participatory democracy by inviting citizens to cocreate inclusive public spaces. Our community can lead by example, turning holiday greetings into a grassroots movement. Imagine a We the People initiative where residents share traditions without judgment. Our newspaper might amplify these efforts with features on families blending traditions—like a household lighting a menorah and a Christmas tree—or businesses hosting interfaith holiday events. Readers could submit their own stories, shaping a narrative of unity that reflects democratic engagement. This isn’t just celebration; it’s citizens actively building a stronger, more inclusive community.

Historical and global examples show how holiday greetings unite diverse groups. In India, a minority Christian population sees non-Christians join Christmas festivities, exchanging “Merry Christmas” alongside “Happy Diwali,” a cultural exchange that strengthens social bonds. Medieval Europe blended Christian and pagan traditions, like the Christmas tree, proving holidays can evolve through shared participation. Locally, we can draw on such models. A 2024 interfaith fair in Toronto, promoted by community media, saw residents plan and celebrate together, a democratic act of co-creation. Our newspaper can spark similar efforts, perhaps hosting a public forum where citizens vote on holiday initiatives, from multicultural decorations to inclusive school curricula,

Free Help for Small Businesses

By Stephen Burke

We’ve all heard of it happening: a cook who creates a food business in their house, then opens a farmers market stand, and ultimately a brick-and-mortar restaurant; a yoga enthusiast who starts a professional teaching studio; a gig worker who turns a side job into a full-time business they own.

Veronica Johnson is a lawyer who helps such success stories happen. She is the executive director of the Civil Advocacy Project, a not-for-profit corporation that provides free or low-cost legal assistance for small businesses and budding entrepreneurs.

Johnson left a job at Cornell to cofound CAP. Ever since law school, she said, she knew she wanted her career to focus on “transactional activities.”

Johnson considers Ithaca “a space and culture to experiment” for entrepreneurship, with many independently-owned businesses, and prominent large businesses that are member-run, memberowned, or worker-owned, such as the Farmers Market, Buffalo Street Books, GreenStar Co-op Market, Gimme! Coffee, and Alternatives Federal Credit Union. She credits a progressive civic philosophy that seeks to “shift control from distant corporations” and promote individual empowerment, local identity, and economic opportunities for diverse populations.

The mission of CAP is “entrepreneurial support.” What does that involve?

Managing legalities is a foundation of the process, Johnson said. From the start she will emphasize to clients the importance of “protecting yourself from liabilities. Do you have personal assets that need protection? You might want to have contracts in place, insurance in place. You might want to have an entity formed. We’ll talk about what that means.

“We’ll talk about legal requirements, how to learn about managing pricing, about making financial projections, how to do all the things someone starting a small business usually needs advice about.

“I try to talk with people through the situations they have. If it’s someone who’s run businesses before and kind of already

knows what they need, the help I give them might be very specific.

“But if it’s someone who’s starting out, they know how to do the thing that they know how to do, but then they don’t know all the other pieces. They’re a mechanic, or they make pies, they know how to do that, but they don’t know how to market, how to bookkeep, how to manage a business.

“I can’t help them with all those things, but I can refer them to different people for help making a business plan, for help with loans, to small business resources throughout the community.”

The fundamentals include scrutiny of a business’s “risk profile.” An online instructional site, for example, is low risk. Having a public space is higher. Food service is higher yet. So one’s “risk tolerance” is important, Johnson said.

The value of entrepreneurial support becomes clear when facing inevitable complexities. There are tax concerns, even for sole proprietorships where the owner is the only worker. Adding staff creates broader issues of taxation, accounting and expense. The hiring process itself can be surprisingly sensitive and difficult. So can partnerships.

“I usually recommend against partnerships unless people are already married, because it is like getting married, going into business with someone else, and you can really crater an otherwise profitable business by having different opinions about how things should go.”

This illustrates an aspect of business Johnson refers to as “soft skills,” hard to discern but essential to learn: “negotiation, conflict resolution, how to lead, how to deal with a difficult client or customer.”

Usually, Johnson said, the biggest fears of prospective business owners concern bureaucratic matters they might be unaware of, forget, or do wrong.

But Johnson said that unprioritized soft skills “are much more likely to crater a business than writing the wrong thing on a piece of paper.

“In a business you can spend a lot of time on that 80/20 thing: 80 percent of

Ithaca’s Just Cause Law Needs Proof Before Policy

By Rich John, Tompkins County Legislator, District 4

Iwrite in response to the Ithaca Times story, Just Cause Legislation Sparks Heated Arguments Before Ithaca Common Council 9/10/25. As a local county representative, I have felt the greatest satisfaction in the job when we can provide real answers to real problems. When the Legislature has turned to national (or even international) issues or attempts to address deep ideological questions, we have struggled. Providing residents with effective and efficient services, while often boring, is the job. This meanspirited proposal strays far away from providing core services to instead engage in a highly ambitious social engineering experiment.

Building a new and separate judicial system just for Ithaca would impact thousands of employers and employees with broad social, financial, and economic consequences, even if almost all workers and managers do not need this governmental supervision. In fact, the vast majority of employers and employees in our community work together well. Almost all employees do not get fired. But some people are not good at their work. Some people struggle with managing other people. So, it is always possible to find anecdotes regarding poor work, poor management, including claims of unfair labor practices. In fact, the Tompkins County Workers’ Center claims an average of 30 terminations each year that might be suspect. Given the number of workers in the City, their own estimate indicates a fraction of one percent of employees are impacted. Further, historically, unemployment has been low in Tompkins County. Workers have been able to find jobs. Where disputes arise, the State and national governments have long established laws and courts to address labor disputes. So, is there a real problem here?

Before proceeding, proponents of this law need to provide an explanation why (1) Ithaca is unique in its needs, (2) such that the present court systems are inadequate, and (3) that the proposed law would address a real systemic problem

(not just anecdotes). I see no evidence that any of those three propositions hold true, but… prove it if you can. Do that first, before proposing a special law.

One of the jobs I have held is working as a lawyer. As such, I have read a lot of laws. This proposed law is a mess. The overall structure is odd, complicated (there are six different types of violations), the wording is vague and often redundant, there are significant omissions (e.g. “employee” is left undefined), and it is designed to be unfair. If you do not believe me, try to read the proposed law.

Under this proposed law, establishing a just cause termination would be nearly impossible without a full-time human resources department. Perhaps a large employer, with a dedicated HR function, could navigate through to effectively terminate, but not a small employer or not-for-profit. I remind anyone reading this letter that small business owners are actually real people, just like you. They are not a faceless enemy. In fact, they live here, generate wages, pay taxes, and have made a bet that the City of Ithaca was the right place to live and stake their investment. I just cannot fathom where the punitive anger towards small business owners is coming from. As a community, we need to be better than this.

Again, as a lawyer I have acted within many different court systems. There is one common necessary element. While never perfect, a party that walks into a court must have an expectation that they will be treated fairly. It is a signal achievement in our country that we have long considered the rule of law as essential to confidence in our legal system. It is contrary to this element and just wrong to purposely design a system that is structurally unfair. This proposed law, presumably in an effort to support workers, does exactly that.

This proposed law: creates a court with no requirement of competence; is politically driven; inserts itself into the daily management of businesses; severely limits the type and timing of allowed evidence from the employer; excuses the employee from providing any evidence in advance

The Launch of the Rising Star Fund: Securing Ithaca’s Future for the Next Generation

By Roy Allen: Director of Strategic Partnerships — Ithaca Times, Finger Lakes Community Newspapers, www.ithaca.com

Nestled in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Ithaca thrives as a nexus of education, innovation, and scenic beauty. Home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, the city attracts bright minds but struggles to retain them due to a daunting obstacle: exorbitant housing costs. Recently, Pathways to Equity, the nonprofit parent of the Ithaca Times, received a seed grant to launch the Rising Star Fund, a visionary initiative to subsidize housing for local journalists who commit to staying in Ithaca for five years post-graduation. With this bold step, the fund aims to curb brain drain, foster economic vitality, and cement Ithaca’s status as a place where young talent can flourish. We will start by supporting aspiring storytellers who graduate from schools like Cornell and Ithaca College and include other professional disciples as the fund grows.

The Rising Star Fund emerges at a critical juncture. Ithaca’s housing market, with median home prices near $350,000 and one-bedroom rentals averaging over $1,500 monthly, prices out many recent graduates. Studies indicate that up to 60% of college town graduates leave within five years, citing affordability as a primary driver. To counter this, Pathways to Equity invites philanthropists, business leaders, and city officials to help build the fund and sustain it long term with a permanent endowment. It's not enough to educate the next generation of civic leaders. We must also support them financially as they apply their education right here in Ithaca and the surrounding communities.

The fund’s structure is both strategic and sustainable. Eligible applicants—initially, local journalism graduates —must pledge to live and work in Ithaca for five years. In return, they receive housing subsidies covering up to 50% of rent or mortgage payments for the first three

years (subject to funding), tapering to 25% for the final two. This five-year commitment ensures deeper community roots while providing substantial financial relief. The program also might include mentorship with local professionals, job placement support through partnerships with employers and regional startups, and volunteer community service to foster civic pride. By linking aid to long-term residency, the fund transforms housing support into a catalyst for enduring community investment.

Though the fund will begin by supporting local journalism graduates, the broader implications of the Rising Star Fund are profound. Economically, retaining more graduates strengthens Ithaca’s workforce in key sectors like technology, sustainability, and tourism. Picture a recent graduate in environmental engineering who stays to develop green infrastructure projects, boosting the local economy. Socially, the fund can revitalize neighborhoods with youthful energy, enhancing schools, cultural events, and community cohesion.

Environmentally, it supports Ithaca’s sustainability goals by encouraging dense, walkable living, reducing reliance on sprawling suburbs. If the fund supports 100 participants annually, it could generate an estimated $3 million in additional local tax revenue over five years, fueling further reinvestment.

Skeptics may question the fund’s cost or potential to create dependency, but its reliance on private funding and rigorous oversight addresses these concerns. By prioritizing local youth, it also promotes equity, ensuring opportunities for those with deep ties to Ithaca. The fund’s launch has already sparked interest in other college towns, suggesting a scalable model for retaining talent nationwide.

In essence, the Rising Star Fund is a beacon of hope and pragmatism. By subsidizing housing for graduates who commit to five years in Ithaca, it not only alleviates financial burdens but also builds a foundation for a vibrant, sustainable

It Takes a Village... or Sometimes, a Department.

By Steve Lawrence

Last fall, soon after Ithaca College announced that a women's wrestling team would be added as a varsity sport, several potential recruits were on campus for a visit. Rather than let those young women wander around the campus and try to figure things out, Marty Nichols — the longtime coach of the men’s team — stepped up and made them feel welcome.

Soon thereafter, the Bombers announced that Ryan Ciotoli — I.C. Class of '02 and a 3-time NCAA All-American — would be the head coach of the new program. The Bombers’ website released this update when the decision was made: “Since graduating from Ithaca in 2002 with a degree in health and physical education, Ciotoli has worked with multiple wrestling clubs and programs and in mixed martial arts. From 2002-08, Ciotoli was an assistant coach at Ithaca and mentored 10 AllAmericans during that time, while the team finished within the top 10 at the NCAA Division III Championships twice.”

I have written about Ciotoli many times, covering his NCAA wrestling career, and his journey through various coaching ranks, in wrestling and in Mixed Martial Arts. I caught up to Ryan over the weekend, and asked how things are shaping up as the program’s first season is about to launch.

LANSING HIRES

rium. A one-year delay would not change that — it would only derail a project that represents the best chance in decades to restore lost tax revenues and bring economic activity back to this site,” Terawulf stated. “Blocking the data center would be a true disservice to residents, students, and small local businesses that stand to benefit from the jobs, tax base, and community support this project will generate. TeraWulf’s development plans have complicated the town’s plans for zoning review and the moratorium due to the data center being a highly contested issue

“We just had our first Match Day on Saturday,” the coach said. “We held actual matches, we had a referee, and we're ready to go this weekend at John Carroll University in Ohio.” He added, “We have a total of twelve matches lined up, including the Regionals and the Nationals.”

Ciotoli was hired in November, leaving a comparatively short recruiting window. He told me, “We’re looking good for a groundlevel program. I have done this before (building a program) — starting clubs, the MMA program and the high school program I just coached for the past 4 years was a brand new program. I got right to work hiring my coaching staff and making use of the contacts I have developed over the years.”

To fill his top assistant position, Ciotoli hired Joel Ferrara, who knows this area well. He has over 30 years of coaching experience, previously serving as the men’s wrestling head coach at SUNY Cortland (2000–02), Whitney Point High School, and the Empire Elite Wrestling Club. Ferrara’s son, Tyler, is a two-time NYSPHSAA champion, and currently wrestles at 133 pounds for Cornell.

I asked Ryan if the team will be competing against other start-ups, or if they would face more established programs. He replied, “Collegiate women’s wrestling has been around for 20 years, but has really taken off recently. We will be seeing some established teams, and some are, like

in the community.

Data centers use immense amounts of energy because they house large-scale computing machines for processing, storing and sharing data. Many local residents and elected officials, including Assemblymember Anna Kelles, have concerns about the effects of the data center, such as potential environmental harm to Cayuga Lake. However, other residents believe the data center can benefit the community, like by providing jobs and increased tax revenue for the town.

Written Public Comment Deadline for Consideration of Moratorium

The town board previously set a public

us, brand new.” He added, “I took some care when scheduling,” and he explained that it would not be a good initial experience to be facing powerhouse programs like Iowa, or Oklahoma State.

Ciotoli understands the challenges he will face in building a competitive program, and he is excited for the opportunity. “We started by looking at top-tier recruits, but of course, the Division 1 programs can offer scholarships and we cannot. We’re happy with the group we brought in, and while we don't have any Section IV athletes on our roster this year, we are pointing out that when the men’s team was winning national championships, there were a lot of Section

hearing regarding the proposed local law for the regularly scheduled Nov. 19 town board meeting. Groff said that during the hearing, Lansing residents will be able to speak before non-residents. While anyone will have the opportunity to speak at that time, the town board also always accepts written comments that can be sent in prior to a public hearing.

Groff said the main purpose of the emergency meeting was to set a deadline for written comments regarding proposed local law. The board agreed to set the deadline for 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

“We, the town board, realized that at the October 15 meeting, we should have set a firm deadline for written public

IV wrestlers on those teams.”

As this building process gets underway, Ciotoli said, “We’re working on being patient in developing our culture, and getting the athletes to understand our system. Coming in fresh, we can build a first class program. We have the right coaching staff, and from the beginning, the department saw our vision and is providing plenty of support and resources.”

The first home match for the Ithaca College Women’s Wrestling program will take place on Nov. 12 at the Athletics & Events Center, when the Bombers host the Ithaca College Invite. The event will start at 5:15 p.m.

comments,” Groff said. “A deadline set for a date prior to the November public hearing would give the board time to review all comments before the public hearing. Therefore, we called this emergency meeting to give nearly three weeks advance notice of the deadline, and we wanted to do it publicly to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.”

Groff said that since Sept. 18, the town has received almost 1,000 written comments. All written comments as well as documents regarding the proposed temporary moratorium are compiled and posted on the town’s website. The clerk said they are trying to update the webpage

General Election 2025: A Ballot Guide for Tompkins County Voters

By Lorien Tyne

The 2025 general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 4. On the ballot in Tompkins County are county legislature, town races, Ithaca Common Council and a statewide proposal regarding sports facilities on preserved forest land in Adirondack Park.

According to a Tompkins County press release, as of Oct. 8 there are 60,713 registered voters in the county, including 32,624 Democrats, 10,491 Republicans, 439 Conservatives, 445 Working Families, and 16,714 “others.”

WHERE, WHEN AND HOW TO VOTE

Early voting opened Oct. 25, which was also the last day residents were eligible to register to vote in the general election. Early voting is available each day through Sunday, Nov. 2, at the Ithaca Town Hall and the Crash Fire Rescue Building at 72 Brown Road in Ithaca. Any voter registered in the county can vote early at either location. On Tuesday and Thursday, early voting is from noon to 8 p.m. and every other day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Voters can check their registration status, search for polling locations and track absentee ballots using the New York State Voter Lookup Tool.

The Tompkins County Board of Elections also has extensive information available to voters online or in person at the BOE office at 128 E. Buffalo Street in Ithaca. Voters can find their polling location and district information through the Board of Elections Interactive Map or by contacting the BOE office.

Prop 1: Amendment to Allow Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County on State Forest Land Preserve

All New York voters will have Proposal Number One, or Prop 1, on their ballot because it amends the state constitution. The amendment would authorize the state to use up to 323 acres of the 1,039-acre Mount Van Hoevenberg sports complex that is constitutionally protected as a forest preserve. In exchange, the state would buy 2,500 acres of forest land, likely in Es-

In the 16 legislative districts in Tompkins County, there are three contested races. (Map: Tompkins County Board of Elections)

sex County, to add to the Adirondack Forest Preserve, which is part of the Adirondack Park.

The state Olympic Regional Development Authority owns and operates the Mount Van Hoevenberg sports complex. The complex’s facilities include an Olympic bobsled, skeleton and luge track, and Nordic skiing and biathlon trails.

For years, the sports complex has been built out, but work such as tree-cutting and construction has extended into protected forest areas. The amendment would bring the existing facilities into compliance with the constitution through Article 14, the “forever wild” clause.

Protect the Adirondacks! Inc. (Protect) and the Adirondack Council are advocating for adoption of the amendment because it restricts development on the land and increases the acreage of the Forest Pre-

serve. No groups are on record opposing the constitutional amendment, according to the League of Women Voters.

“I am a little concerned that people don’t understand what it is and the fact that the facilities we’re talking about have already been built,” Protect Executive Director Claudia Braymer told the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. “Some people are wanting to vote ‘no’ against it, thinking that they can prevent construction from happening.”

COUNTY LEGISLATURE

All seats on the Tompkins County Legislature are up for election, but many are uncontested. The Tompkins County Redistricting Commission added two districts to the existing 14 districts, and district lines have shifted, meaning residents who were previously in one numbered district may

have a different number depending on their location.

Uncontested races for the legislature include Democrat Travis Brooks for District 1, Democrat Veronica Pillar for District 2, Democrat Adam Vinson for District 4, Democrat Judith Hubbard for District 5, Democrat Shawna Black for District 6, Republican Lee Shurtleff for District 9, Democrat Greg Mezey for District 11, Democrat John Hunt for District 12, Republican Randolph Brown for the new District 15 and Democrat Rachel Ostlund for the new District 16.

John Dennis won the Democratic primary for District 7 — which represents Election Districts 5-8 in the Town of Lansing and Election District 5 in the Town of Ithaca — but announced in September that he would not be running in the general election and endorsed write-in

candidate Deborah Dawson. Former thirdparty candidate Joshua Jahani also told media outlets that he suspended his campaign and is endorsing Dawson. While Dennis will still appear on the ballot, Dawson is the only candidate officially running for office. District 7 residents who want to vote for Dawson must write her name on the ballot.

Democrat James Perkins and Republican Mike Sigler are running to represent Legislative District 8, which encompasses Election Districts 1-4 in the Town of Lansing. Sigler has served in the legislature for over 15 years and is also a sales manager for Park Outdoor Advertising. He has expressed his desire to see ongoing county projects to completion such as the new permanent homeless shelter and the Center of Government. Sigler is a proponent of development that makes the county more attractive to large companies. Perkins has held positions in the Village of Groton, including trustee, deputy mayor and police commissioner. His focuses, if elected, would be maintaining Lansing’s Cargill Salt Mine as an employer, public safety, housing affordability and improving awareness of community resources.

Democrat Dan Wakeman and Independent Thomas Corey are running to represent Legislative District 10 in the county legislature, which encompasses Election Districts 2, 6, 7 and 9 in the Town of Dryden. Wakeman has served on the Village of Dryden’s board of trustees for 14 years nonconsecutively and works as a networking engineer for TeraWulf, which is a company that develops data centers and has recently signed an 80-year lease with the Cayuga Power Plant in Lansing. He has spoken about collaborating with municipalities in the county to increase housing development, lower the cost of living and address homelessness. Corey has argued against the rise in property taxes, taking issue with the county previously going above the tax cap in 2022. He also said more money should go toward municipal police departments rather than capital projects like the center for government building.

Democrat Christy Bianconi and Independent Michelle E. Wright are running to represent Legislative District 14 in the county legislature, which encompasses Districts 1, 2, 3 and 10 in the Town of Ithaca. Bianconi is endorsed by the Working Families Party and is a social worker who wants to improve the county’s mental health services, housing assistance and state funding opportunities. Wright, a graduate student at Cornell University, was previously a member of the Ulysses Town Board and Trumansburg Central School

District Board of Education. She has said she wants to reduce residents’ tax burden and eliminate redundancies in county expenses.

CITY OF ITHACA COMMON COUNCIL

Five of the City of Ithaca Common Council seats have terms expiring on Dec. 31, while the other six last until Dec. 31, 2027. All five seats are set to be filled, but only two are contested. The candidates running unopposed are Joseph Kirby for Ward 2, Pat Sewell for Ward 3 and Robin Trumble for Ward 4.

In Ward 1, Democrat Jorge DeFendini is competing for a seat against Republican Zach Winn. DeFendini, a former Ward 4 alderperson from 2021 to 2023, won the Democratic Party nomination against two other candidates in the primary. DeFendini’s focuses are affordable housing and rent stabilization, among other issues. Winn has said he believes the city has a drug crisis, which is one of his priorities, as is revenue generation without raising taxes.

The seat for Ward 5 alderperson is contested by Democrat Hannah Shvets, also running on the Working Families line, and independent G.P. Zurenda, Jr of the Affordable Ithaca party. Shvets won the Democratic nomination in the primary election against Zurenda and Deborah Fisher. The preliminary results had Zurenda in the lead, but after affidavit and absentee ballots were counted, Shvets inched ahead, winning by a close margin. While Zurenda lost the Democratic Party nomination, he has chosen to run against Shvets again in the general election solely as an independent. Shvets has spoken about her goals for the city to raise the minimum wage and adopt just cause employment protections. One of Zurenda’s priorities is decreasing city expenditures, which could mean downsizing city staff.

TOWN ELECTIONS

While there are several races in each town in the county — Caroline, Danby, Dryden, Enfield, Groton, Ithaca, Lansing, Newfield and Ulysses — only four are contested.

Three candidates are running for two open seats on the Dryden Town Board: Democrats Daniel Lamb and Leonardo Vargas-Mendez and Republican David Bravo-Cullen. Lamb, current deputy supervisor, and Varga-Mendez are seeking reelection to the board. Bravo-Cullen is a member of the Village of Dryden Planning Board.

In Ithaca’s 2025 common council election, there are five seats set to be filled, but only two are contested. (Map: Tompkins County Board of Elections)

Three candidates are running for two open seats on the Enfield Town Board: Democrat Cassandra Hinkle, Independents Rosie Carpenter and Robert Tuskey, and Republican and Democrat Jude Lemke. Hinkle and Lemke are running for reelection.

Two candidates are running for Ulysses town supervisor: Democrat Katelin Olson and Independent Katherine Walker. Olson started her career in local government in 2018 as a member of the planning board before becoming a town board member, deputy supervisor and then town supervisor. She has held the role for two years and

her reelection campaign has the endorsement of Trumansburg Mayor Rordan Hart, Tompkins County Legislator Anne Koreman and Assembly member Anna Kelles, among others. Walker is a longtime small business owner and community organizer; she is a founding member of the annual Grassroots Festival.

Three candidates are running for two open councilperson seats on the Newfield Town Board: Democrat Joanne James and Republicans Christine Seamon and Michael Corbett. Seamon and James are seeking reelection to their positions on the board.

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Review: “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” Falls Short of Greatness

By Clement Obropta

Between the success of “The River” in 1980 and the barn-blazing triumph of “Born in the U.S.A.” in 1984, Bruce Springsteen released his most daring album, “Nebraska.” This tumultuous period in Springsteen’s life — from moving to rural Colts Neck, New Jersey, in late 1981 to recording and mastering the album in ’82 — is the subject of “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” the at-times frustrating and lowkey biopic from “Crazy Heart” director Scott Cooper.

In the film, the conception and recording of Springsteen’s acoustic album “Nebraska” is a tortured, lonely act — an artist wrestling the ghosts of his past and the broken soul of America into an album whose ideas are far bigger than him. For example, we see Terrence Malick’s film “Badlands” introduce him to the story of killer Charles Starkweather and his girlfriend, Caril Ann Fugate, whose tragic lives inform the unrepentant and somber song “Nebraska,” and Springsteen’s childhood memories playing in the cornfields beneath a manor become the portentous “Mansion on the Hill.”

“Deliver Me from Nowhere” covers this story fairly literally, focusing mostly on those two songs but without giving much insight to the rest of the album and Bruce’s creative inspirations, process, or ambitions. He struggles with memories of his abusive alcoholic father (Stephen Graham, killing it in a role you’ve seen a hundred times before) and dates a waitress (Odessa Young in a role invented for the film). There’s a lot of pacing along the Asbury Park boardwalk and sitting somberly in his bedroom.

Springsteen is the latest rock icon reimagined as a 2020s indie rat boy — first it was Bob Dylan, played by Timothée Chalamet in last

“Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere”

year’s “A Complete Unknown,” and now it’s Bruce, played by Jeremy Allen White. White, most famous for starring in the awards-darling FX kitchen drama “The Bear,” plays Springsteen as ponderous and vacant. That’s partially the point — Bruce struggles in “Deliver Me from Nowhere” with undiagnosed depression, worsened by the complex feelings of returning home and the crippling anxiety that comes with standing on the cusp of superstardom.

White’s patient performance clearly tries to convey all of that burden, but for his Springsteen, the music seems more a curse than a gift. White plays a good musician, but he doesn’t feel like Bruce — it doesn’t help that White, despite sounding pretty on the mark, looks nothing like the man. His face is angular and his hair greasy and wavy where Springsteen’s face is blocky and chiseled, his hair unruly and curly. Only the sideburns are the same.

“Springsteen” is nothing like I expected — it’s directionless and vague, almost admirably so, the polar opposite of an unashamedly crowd-pleasing work like “A Complete Unknown.” White’s Springsteen hardly performs — probably the most daring choice made by Cooper, who also wrote the screenplay based on Warren Zanes’ book. And as a New Jersey native, I found the movie’s love for diners, The Stone Pony, and the desolate Jersey Shore in the fall to be nostalgic and bittersweet.

Jeremy Strong is a particularly bright note amid the talented supporting cast as Jon Landau, the music critic who became Springsteen’s wholesome, supportive manager. He excels at playing the negotiator between the man of the people and the rich record company execs who sell his music. Unfortu-

nately, the scenes where he monologues about Bruce’s music to his wife (Grace Gummer), who listens silently, are the most unintentionally funny in the film. (Surprisingly, the movie passes the Bechdel Test.) Marc Maron is here, too, for some reason.

Despite its unexpectedly melancholy tone, Cooper’s film is overall safe and formulaic. From the digital black-and-white flashback scenes to the dizzying handheld cinematography, there’s not a single shot or edit in “Springsteen” that feels novel or interesting, much less subversive. “Nebraska” is an incredible, daring, risky album — it’s a shame none of that magic rubbed off onto the film itself. Instead, “Deliver Me from Nowhere” feels curiously sapped of energy. It starts like a whisper and passes like a dream.

There are moments of graceful tribute and some thoughtful variation on the trope of the tortured poet in “Springsteen.” Unfortunately, it’s this year’s big Music Biopic Awards Movie, and anything special or wonderful about the film is destined to be flattened in the coming months. There’s a tender soul and an admirable flightiness toward its own hero at the center of Cooper’s film that will inevitably be commodified by the grotesque awards circus.

If you’re a Springsteen fan, you’ll probably like this movie; if you’ve seen too many music biopics or you’re not particularly interested in The Boss, you likely won’t. “We burned it down,” the manager and Bruce tell each other after a fateful recording session. But “Springsteen” is a controlled burn at best.

Clement Obropta is a film columnist for the Ithaca Times.

Arts & Entertainment

Bickering Twins: An Underground Experience in Downtown Ithaca

By Henry Stark

As someone who prefers open spaces due to feeling a bit uneasy in enclosed ones, I’ve found Bickering Twins in downtown Ithaca to be a surprisingly inviting underground restaurant. Since its opening in April 2018, reviewed for The Ithaca Times on August 31, 2018, and revisited for its fifth anniversary, this underground gem has won me over with its warm peach-tinted walls and soft recessed lighting, creating a cozy and pleasant dining area. Accessible from Cayuga Street via an unique 13-step stone staircase, the restaurant also offers elevator

access for convenience, though I’ve found the staircase adds to its unique character.

The menu features nine thoughtfully crafted entrées, all priced under $31.75, offering creative and flavorful choices. On a recent visit, I ordered the Lamb Barbacoa, with slow-roasted lamb shoulder served on a bed of rice, accompanied by banana leaves, a sliced avocado, a tortilla in foil, slaw, and diced summer squash. Traditionally, Barbacoa was made with lamb or goat that was slowly steamed in a pit in the ground. Very few people take the trouble to dig pits in the ground anymore and beef and pork are now frequently used. I personalized mine with ginger and a few lime squeezes from the self-serve condiment bar, which offers onions, pickles, peppers, and ginger to

TID BITS:

• Daily promotions, like 10% off taco platters on Tuesdays and Family Night on Sundays with half-price kids’ menu items and discounted drinks, add extra value.

• The lively atmosphere, filled with the hum of the kitchen and dining area, creates an energetic dining experience.

Bickering Twins is a welcoming spot for vibrant flavors and a cozy, unique setting in the heart of Ithaca. For more details, check out their offerings at www.bickeringtwins.com. 114 N. Cayuga St.

comments sent to individual board members will also be forwarded to the clerk’s office.

brighten any dish—a fun touch I always appreciate. I will probably try the Red Snapper ala Veracruzano with olives, peppers, and capers on my next visit. Tacos are a highlight at Bickering Twins, and I find it kind of fun to select the Taco Platter ($20.85), where you can choose three tacos and two sides. My recent picks—Al Pastor (marinated pork and pineapple), mushroom and herb with caramelized onions and queso fresco, and shaved steak with garlic and fresh herbs (with a $1 upcharge)—were a hit, paired with fried plantains and a fresh salad. The soft corn tortillas, served flat and enjoyed with a knife and fork, suit my preference for avoiding the mess of hard shells. For a

lighter meal, the Plate ($15.75) with two tacos and one side is a great choice.

The beverage menu offers a curated selection of wines ($8-$13 per glass) with unique reds and whites, and international bottled and canned beers ($4.50-$9.35). I recently tried the Mango Limeade, a thick, sweet blend of mango puree that I stretched with flat water from the table’s pitcher—a practical move I was happy about as the mango settled at the bottom. I was offered sparkling or flat water with it and chose flat, which paired perfectly and kept my drink refreshing throughout the meal. Mexicanstyle cocktails and margaritas ($11-$14) add a festive vibe, with flights available for exploration.

daily with submitted comments. Groff said the reason for the deadline is because the clerk’s office needs time to compile all the comments into public record before the public hearing of the local law on Nov. 19. Agenda items for the Nov. 19 meeting as well as all documents, including written public comments, are included in the agenda packet that the town board reviews prior to the meeting.

Written public comments should be submitted to the clerk’s office via email at clerksoffice@lansingtownny.gov and via mail to PO Box 186, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York 14882. Any written

Special Legal Counsel

During the emergency meeting, the board also unanimously approved Harter Secrest & Emery LLP as special counsel to assist with legal matters that arise if the moratorium moves forward.

The board said that the reason the town is hiring special counsel is because the town’s lawyer advised them to find other representation through a litigation attorney.

“My understanding was that Guy Krogh, the town's lawyer, advised us to seek additional advice on this and that he didn't

really want to represent us on this issue,” board member Laurie Hemmings said. Board member Joseph Wetmore also noted that hiring external legal counsel is a common practice and that this is not a unique circumstance for the town.

The contract states that legal matters would include “responses to FOIL requests, advising the Town regarding the effect of an[y] procedures in connection with proposed moratorium, and related prelitigation matters up to, but not including, representing the Town in any Article 78 proceeding brought by in connection with such matters.” The contract also states that in the case of additional legal matters, the scope of representation can expand unless the town and the special counsel mutually agree otherwise.

The contract lists hourly rates for three attorneys: Partner Megan Dorritie at $565 per hour, Senior Associate Matthew Eldred at $425 per hour and Associate Agata Pijanowski at $320 per hour. The attorneys’ service areas are energy, commercial litigation, environmental, and land use and zoning.

When the board attempted to adjourn the meeting, a member of the audience asked if anyone could speak and why time for public comment was not on the agenda. Groff responded by reiterating that the meeting was for the sole purpose of informing the community of the written comment deadline.

One audience member asked the town board to explain how much the litigation will cost town taxpayers, to which Groff said, “There is no litigation at this point.”

Cornell’s “I Want a Country” Confronts the Meaning of Belonging

By Kira Walter

Countries are uniquely human constructs. Only people divide themselves into undefinable sanctions called “nations,” then assign identity to them. As borders proliferate suffering, governing institutions, it is easy to want a country “without.”

Playwright Andreas Flourakis confronts this longing to define yet escape the “country” construct in a series of thoughtful abstractions that constitute “I Want A Country.” Inspired by the Greek economic crisis of 2009, the 2013 script provokes discussion around what citizens seek in a country. How desperately we build solace and false stability through nations, and how tragically sensitive we are to their destruction.

“I Want a Country”

a

Flex Theatre,

430 College Ave., Ithaca, NY

Friday, Oct. 31, at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The 2025 Fall Production staged by Cornell PMA students involves no costume changes, no furniture or ornaments of any kind. There are no acts, no character names, no developed relationships. The absence of labels mirrors the overarching theme of countries as arbitrary, and grounds actors in a collective sense of loss. Then, diverging moments in the play are instead separated by spontaneous musical numbers, new conflicts and desires actors present in their search for a nation.

The unconventional structure of “I Want A Country” is complimented by a minimalist estranged stage design. Actors travel across a wooden menagerie of cylinders, slanted boards and planks that force them to mind their balance. Without commonplace accessories, they keep the audience entranced with distinctly unusual positions and activities. They dance, lay flat to the ground, and transform with baggage and the occasional umbrella as their sole props. Body language is consistently focused on lifting each other up: the community searching for a nation always struggles with perseverance. Actors alternate physically supporting each other.

Despite the lack of a linear plot, actors begin with an opening sense of loss. The

homeland has disappeared by unidentified means, perhaps a natural disaster or crisis. They debate whether to stay and rebuild, or board a raft in search of a country that can provide better grounds for their future. The subject of a new country inspires their hopes, they articulate values they want to fashion another nation with. Then, the tireless transition from settlement to searching impedes on their energies.

The group dreads old issues re-emerging in the “new country,” touching upon capitalist exploitation, destitution, and struggling with an aging population. There is constant unrest within the thirteen member cast as they discuss protecting the next generation, drug use, and immigration policy: who should be let into a new country? They discuss moral corruption, collapse of trust in institutions, consider stealing, are subject to violence, while constantly discouraging and encouraging each other. Characters engage in humorous squabbles but cannot align their visions for the coming nation.

As hope diminishes, an old couple uses their savings to establish a well and a roof intended for those in search of a nationthey have dealt with the hardship. The cast comes across the offering, and takes refuge in it. The mood grows gradually bleaker, and characters iconically ask for a country “without,” not specifying any aspiration but an unfinished emptiness. Perhaps it’s running out of words for the impossibility of a

perfect nation, or a word for purification: to pledge allegiance to a country “without” any toxic agents. The silence of the last sentiment leaves tensions unresolved, and forces the audience to turn inwards for closure with the play. They are asked to fill in blanks, and reflect on a more personal meaning of the idea “country.”

Since its publication in 2013, “I Want A Country” has been transformed into over 25 international productions. Each time it's adapted to new locations, taking on the character of hosts from Mexico to Germany to India. The manuscript wasn’t fully available in English until Eleni Drivas made it available in 2019. Its versatility, and application to a range of global viewers, speak to broader commonalities between nations of the world. Uncertainty around economic and social issues has persisted in spite of cultural differences or wealth disparities between countries that welcome Flourakis’s work.

Cherry Arts director Samuel Buggeln spoke to the relevancy of this production, explaining it was orchestrated “in a time and place with no shortage of social and economic instability.” As the climate reflects instability voiced in “I Want A Country,” it arrives at Schwartz Theater in an era of demand.

Kira

is a contributing arts and entertainment writer for the Ithaca Times.

continued from page 8

the legislature be populated with some experienced , knowledgeable people to set policy for a nearly $240 million annual budget.

This is a critical year for the Legislature with the possibility of many new and inexperienced people in the workings of a county government who are seeking seats there. It is imperative that the two candidates mentioned in this letter are re-elected to the legislature. They both have served competently and they understand who pays the bills — the taxpayer. I served 12 years on the Legislature with Mike Sigler and he always thought about the impact on taxpayers when making critical budget decisions. I have observed Deborah Dawson and she too voted on financial issues considering the effects on county taxpayers.

All TC taxpayers would be well served by Mike Sigler and Deborah Dawson and they would be two people that any new legislators could learn from.” — James Dennis, Trumansburg NY

ITHACA COLLEGE UNVEILS

continued from page 6

described as an open place for running, wellness, therapy and recreation.

“[The new facility] is a vehicle for recruitment, but it is also about community, wellness and wholeness,” said Cornish in an interview with the Ithaca Times. “This facility is open to the Ithaca community, as well as to the Ithaca faculty staff and students. We want Ithaca College to be known as

Support Joe Wetmore for Lansing Rep on Tompkins County Legislature

“I am voting for Joe Wetmore because, at this very uncertain moment for Lansing, experience and judgment matter more than anything. Lansing’s future really does depend on it.

As a Lansing resident with two small children, I care deeply about where our town is headed. Growth is inevitable, and in so many ways desirable—but how we grow determines whether Lansing remains a healthy, livable community (grappling, admittedly, with many of the same challenges presently faced by towns all over this country) or becomes something we don’t recognize.

Right now, our town stands at a crossroads. We’re seeing proposals for large-scale industrial and commercial projects that could change our community (and the cost of living in it) in ways we can’t easily reverse. That’s why we need leadership that recognizes the need for a carefully considered moratorium on major new development. We need leadership that recognizes that a mora-

Ithaca’s College, and this facility is just another example of our commitment to being part of the community that we live in.”

Following the opening speeches, the Egans, along with their kids, cut the ribbon to inaugurate the facility and were the first ones to run on it, with their youngest daughter stealing the spotlight.

Arnau Phillips Vila is a Fall 2025 intern for the Ithaca Times. He is a senior at Ithaca College studying journalism and sports media.

torium is not about stopping progress or being “anti-business” (please, people!)— it’s about taking the time to make sure that progress serves us and our vision as a town.

A pause now protects us from potentially costly mistakes. Increased utility bills or tax bills to subsidize or fund rebates and incentives for industrial-scale operations whose profits flow away from us are immediate and very real possibilities of which we should all have a heightened awareness in this election.

Running a successful, independent business in the heart of Ithaca for decades, as Wetmore did, requires exactly the kind of insight and steadiness our town needs—an understanding of how local economies actually work, how they must adapt, and how to balance vision with responsibility.

That kind of leadership doesn’t come from big flashy road signs or slogans or sudden enthusiasm; it comes from years of real-world problem solving and service to community.

The challenges we face aren’t abstract—they’re about how we share

JUST CAUSE LAW NEEDS

continued from page 10

of the hearing; prohibits the employer from offering rebuttal evidence; requires the disclosure of proprietary management and financial information of the business; skews the procedural fairness of any hearing, and; even in the rare case where just cause could be established, still requires the employer to pay thousands of dollars to the discharged employee regardless of the damage to the business or organization that may have been caused. In short, the law is designed to highly discourage any attempt to terminate an employee. I hope you can understand why business owners would be alarmed.

I hear the objection that what is before us is merely a proposal for discussion. But should the process avoid answering the above three questions? From a process standpoint, does it make sense to start with a proposal that is wildly unfair, and

THE LAUNCH OF THE RISING STAR FUND

continued from page 10

future. As the fund takes root, it invites us to reimagine Ithaca as a city where young stars not only rise but stay, shaping our city for generations to come.

space, support each other, sustain our environment, and preserve what makes Lansing special.

We need leaders who will ask—and are fully prepared to answer—hard questions, who listen carefully, and who can and will plan for the long term rather than rushing toward short-term gains.

I believe Joe Wetmore is ready to work hard to ensure that every new project in Lansing—commercial, industrial, or otherwise—fits within a smart, updated framework that protects our residents and keeps our town fiscally sound.

A brief pause today is not hesitation; it’s wisdom. It’s the mark of leadership that values foresight and privileges lasting community benefit over quick and shallow wins.

I urge my fellow residents who may be questioning why this election is so important to become as informed as possible about what is at stake. If that leaves you, as I’m sure it will, as concerned as I am, I think you will understand why electing Wetmore imperative.

Whatever you do—please VOTE!” — Aimée Caffrey, Lansing, NY

then attempt to amend it to include some moderating provisions? Particularly in circumstances where those advocating for this law apparently see no issue with its tremendous bias? It is highly unlikely that we would end up with a final product where an employer would come before the Commission with any expectation of being treated fairly. Simply, we should not do this in the United States.

One local employer that would not have to worry about the impacts of this proposed law is the City of Ithaca. Under the proposed law they exempt themselves. I suggest instead of moving to pass this legislation now for other employers, conduct a two-year pilot where the City of Ithaca alone adopts these rules, as presently written, builds a court system, and demonstrates this new system can function, and function fairly, before applying the law onto everyone else. A pilot would go a long way towards reducing the deserved heat, and would demonstrate that the Common Council was proceeding in good faith.

For more information, please contact Roy Allen via email at Roy@ithacatimes. com. Donations to the Rising Star Fund can be made to Pathways to Equity, Inc. and mailed to P.O. Box 27, Ithaca, NY 14850. Pathways to Equity, Inc, is a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible.

10/30 Thursday

Richie Stearns & Friends | 5:30 p.m. | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Road | Free

Erin & the Backwoods Blues Project at Ithaca Beer Taproom | 6 p.m. | Ithaca Beer Taproom, 122 Ithaca Beer Drive | Free

10/31 Friday

All Souls Gathering with Joe Crookston | 6 p.m. | South Hill Cider, 550 Sandbank Road | $10.00

Cayuga Blue Notes | 6 p.m. | Hopshire Farm & Brewery, 1771 Dryden Rd.

11/4 Tuesday

Folk at the Farmhouse — Brooks Williams | 7 p.m. | The Farmhouse at Grist Iron Brewing Company, 4880 New York 414 Concerts

10/31 Friday

Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra | 7 p.m. | Ford Hall

Ali Santos, organ (CU Music) | 7:30 p.m. | Sage Chapel, 147 Ho Plaza | Free

11/1 Saturday

Elective Recital: Amanda Haussmann, clarinet| 12 p.m. | Hockett Family Recital Hall, Ithaca College

Junior Recital: Ellie Babbitt | 2 p.m. | Hockettt Family Recital Hall, Ithaca College

Cornell Chorus Twilight Concert (CU Music) | 6 p.m. | Bailey Hall, 230 Garden Ave

Victoria Schecter, trumpet | 7 p.m.| Hockett Family Recital Hall, Ithaca College

The Seven Wonders — Tribute to Fleetwood Mac | 7 p.m. | Hangar Theatre, 801 Taughannock Blvd.

11/2 Sunday

Andrew Zhou, piano (CU Music) | 3 p.m. | Barnes Hall, 129 Ho Plaza | Free

11/3 Monday

Guest Recital: Yvonne Rogers, piano| 7 p.m.| Hockett Family Recital Hall, Ithaca College

11/4 Tuesday

Ithaca College Flute Ensemble | 7 p.m. | Ithaca College | Free

11/5 Wednesday

Midday Music for Organ: Jeffrey Snedeker (CU Music) | 12:30 p.m. | Sage Chapel, 147 Ho Plaza | Free

Student Chamber Recital: Woodwind Chamber Music | 7 p.m.| Hockett family Recital Hall, Ithaca College

Macy Gray — On How Life Is 25th Anniversary Tour | 8 p.m. | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St.

Student Ensemble: Bronze and Steel | 8:15 p.m. | Ford Hall, Ithaca College | Free

Stage

King James | through Nov 2 | Kitchen Theatre Company | This fresh,

thoughtful comedy asks what it means to be a friend, to be a fan, and whether any relationship can survive the ultimate betrayal: LeBron leaving Cleveland. | $10.00 - $55.00

The Rocky Horror Show | Cortland Repertory Theater, 24 Port Watson St. | Co-produced by SUNY Cortland and Cortland Repertory Theatre. Directed by Bryan Knowlton. Eight performances, including a late-night Halloween event: Oct. 25-Nov. 1. |

$15.00 - $50.00

I Want a Country | Friday and Saturday | Flex Theatre, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, 430 College Ave. | A play by Andreas Flourakis, translated by Eleni Drivas, and directed by Samuel Buggeln, Artistic and Executive Director of The Cherry Arts. | Free

EPAC’s Haunted Theater | 7 p.m., 11/1 Saturday | Endicott Performing Arts Center, 102 Washington Ave |

The Endicott Performing Arts Center presents, HAUNTED THEATER, an EPAC Halloween Fundraiser!

A Harpist at the Threshold: Hospice Stories of Love & Grace |

7 p.m., 11/2 Sunday | Temple of Joy Yoga Studio, 305 Taylor Pl | Written and performed by Jayne Demakos| $20.00

Art

Jill Lavetsky Art Exhibit | 12 p.m., 11/1 Saturday | Newfield Public Library, 198 Main Street | Artworks

by Jill Lavetsky will be on display at the Newfield Public Library the whole month of November. Stop in and view the beautiful paintings, collages, and quilt works by this local artist and educator. | Free

ON EDGE : a collage invitational | 11 a.m. – 4p.m., Wednesday-Saturday through Oct. 3 | Corners Gallery, 903 Hanshaw Rd. Suite 101A | On Edge is a group show featuring contemporary collage. | Free

Making Connections — One Step at a Time | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday through 11/2| State of the Art Gallery, 120 West State Street| Eva M. Capobianco will exhibit her photo-sculptures and books chronicling her experiences while hiking the Finger Lakes Trail from end to end. Susan C. Larkin will display her striking photographic portraits of members of her community.

Film

PUNKtured | 6:30 p.m., 10/30 Thursday | Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S Main St. Homer | A Punk-RockHolloween party and movie night.

Warren Miller’s ‘SNO-CIETY’ | 6 p.m., 11/5 Wednesday | State Theatre of Ithaca, 107 West State St

Cinemapolis

120 E. Green St., Ithaca

October 31st-November 6th.

Contact Cinemapolis for showtimes. New films listed first.*

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31ST AND SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1 AT 10:00 PM

Cinemapolis, 120 E. Green St., Ithaca | Rocky Horror Drag Shadow Cast is coming to Cinemapolis! We see you shiver with Antici-pation. Join the cast for a night of raucous mischief, interactive fun, and live performances all hosted by Tilia Cordata! Callbacks and costumes encouraged! (Photo: Brittanica.com)

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You* |With her life crashing down around her, Linda attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist. | R 113 mins

Bugonia | Two conspiracy-obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth. | R 118 mins

Bruce Springsteen: Deliver Me

From Nowhere | Bruce Springsteen’s journey crafting his 1982 album Nebraska, which emerged as he recorded Born in the USA with the E Street Band. Based on Warren Zanes’ book. | PG-13 120 mins

Blue Moon | Tells the story of Lorenz Hart’s struggles with alcoholism and mental health as he tries to save face during the opening of “Oklahoma!”.| R 100 mins

The Mastermind| In 1970, failed architect James Blaine Mooney and cohorts wander into a museum in broad daylight and steal four paintings. When holding onto the art proves more difficult than stealing them, Mooney is relegated to a life on the run. | R 110 mins

One Battle After Another | The latest from Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. | R 161 mins.

October 31 and November 1st: The Rocky Horror Picture Show | w/ Drag Shadow Cast. | l0:00 p.m. | R 100 mins

Sports

Ithaca Women’s Soccer vs St. Lawrence University at Carp | 3 p.m., 10/29 Wednesday | Carp Wood Field

Ithaca Volleyball vs University of Scranton | 6 p.m., 10/29 Wednesday | Ben Light Gymnasium

Cornell Women’s Ice Hockey vs Yale University | 6 p.m., 10/31 Friday | Lynah Rink

Cornell Men’s Polo vs St. Croix Polo Club | 7 p.m., 10/31 Friday | Oxley Equestrian Center

Cornell Field Hockey vs University of Pennsylvania | 12 p.m., 11/1

Saturday

Ithaca Football vs Buffalo State | 1 p.m., 11/1 Saturday | Butterfield Stadium

Cornell Football vs Princeton University | 1 p.m., 11/1 Saturday | Schoellkopf Field

Ithaca Women’s Soccer vs Bard College (SENIOR DAY)| 2 p.m., 11/1 Saturday | Carp Wood Field

Cornell Women’s Ice Hockey vs Brown University | 3 p.m., 11/1 Saturday | Lynah Rink

Cornell Fall Classic Multi-school Men’s Rowing | 11/1 Saturday | Cornell Rowing Center | Cornell, Dartmouth College, Syracuse University, Ithaca College, Hamilton College

Ithaca Women’s Wrestling | 11 a.m., 11/2 Sunday | Ithaca Women’s Wrestling John Carroll University Round Robin

Cornell Equestrian | 11/2 Sunday | Oxley Equestrian Center

Special Events

Tompkins County Trivia Night | 4 p.m., 10/30 Thursday | Hopshire Farm & Brewery, 1771 Dryden Rd. | Join Love Living at Home for a Trivia Night fundraiser at Hopshire on Oct 30! | $30.00

Halloween Dance Party! | 9 p.m., 10/31 Friday | Liquid State Brewery, 620 W. Green St. | Costumes highly encouraged | $6.00

Farm Sanctuary’s Annual Celebration for the Turkeys | 12 p.m., 11/1 Saturday | Farm Sanctuary, 3136

Aikens Rd. | This annual gathering is well-loved for its festive vegan food, time spent with rescued farm animals, inspiring speakers, and experiences of community and connection. | $75.00 - $125.00

GrassRoots Unplugged! Music, Dance, and Art Festival | 2 p.m., 11/1 Saturday | Stone Bend Farm, 196 Porter Hill Rd. | This fundraiser benefits the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. Music, dance, food, & activities. The Dart Brothers, TOiVO, Jorge Cuevas and the Caribe Jazz Allstars, and Rose and the Bros. Sugar skull mask & paper flower making will honor and celebrate the Mexican tradition of Día De Muertos. | $25.00

Spirit Walk at The Trees Estate with Psychic Rev. Josey | 3 p.m., 11/1 Saturday | The Trees Estate, 1822 NY-96 | $45.00

Books

Tales of Terror: A Writer’s Workshop Exploring Narrative Craft in Horror Fiction | 5:30 p.m., 10/30

Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | In this 3-session workshop, we will explore some basics of the Horror genre in fiction and review some pivotal works in that tradition.

Author Allison King in Conversation with Sam Cordero at Odyssey Bookstore | 6:30 p.m., 10/30 Thursday | 115 W. Green St. | Join author Allison King as she discusses her debut novel The Phoenix Pencil Company. | Free

Comic Book Club: “The Roots of the Addams Family Tree!” | 7 p.m., 11/4 Tuesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | We will take a look at the roots of the family we know and love as the “Addams Family!” Morticia and Gomez, their daughter Wednesday and their son Pugsley, the butler Lurch, and other

characters featured in the Addams Family movies, on the classic 1960s TV show, and on the Netflix series

Wednesday | Free

The Writers’ Room | 6-7 p.m., 11/5 and every other Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library| Work on your writing project in the company of other writers. | Free

Kids

Animal Sleepover Storytime | 6 p.m., 10/29 Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library | Bring your stuffed animal to a pajama storytime. After storytime ends, your stuffed animal will spend the night exploring the library!

Story + Craft: Pumpkin Carving Edition! | 4 p.m., 10/30 Thursday | Tompkins County Public Library, outside on the creek walk| Pumpkin Carving and Decorating following a Halloween-themed story

GIAC TRUNK OR TREAT AND HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR | 3

p.m., 10/31 Friday, 301 W. Court St. | Join us for Trunk or Treat at 3pm and a frightfully fun evening beginning 4pm at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center Trick or Treat at GreenStar | 4:30 p.m., 10/31 Friday | GreenStar Food Co-op, 770 Cascadilla Street | Put on your costumes and bring the kids to Trick or Treat around the store! Healthy snacks, candy, and fun nonfood items. | Free Math Fun with MathHappens! | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturdays | Sciencenter, 601 1st St | Join us for playful, informal math learning with the MathHappens Foundation! Families and kids can explore hands-on activities that make math fun, creative, and connected to everyday life.

Cardboard Kingdom Puppet Show/Workshop | 10:30 a.m., 11/1 Saturday | The Cherry Arts, 102 Cherry St. | Everyone builds their own simple

p uppet characters, then our expert puppeteer, Brad Shur, leads them in a guided improvised performance using all of their characters in a totally new story! | $1.00 - $12.00

Autumn Art for Kids | 2pm-4pm Saturdays through 11/15 | Tompkins County Public Library| Let your imagination soar with local artist and teacher, Stiller Zusman. This is a drop-in program and well-suited for children ages 3-6 and their families.

Science Connections: Naturalist Outreach | 11 a.m., 11/2 Sunday | Sciencenter, 601 1st St | Join us for a special Science Connections series in partnership with Cornell’s Naturalist Outreach Program featuring insects, reptiles, and birds!

Animal Feeding | 4 p.m., 11/5

Wednesday | Sciencenter, 601 1st St | Join an Animal Keeper to observe snakes, lizards, frogs, and fish snacking on their preferred prey.

Chinese Bilingual Storytime | 4:30 p.m., 11/5 Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library| Join us for a special Chinese-English bilingual storytime! Enjoy fun stories, songs, and rhymes in both Mandarin and English. Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome.

Notices

Lifelong Antiques Road Show |

1 p.m., 10/29 Wednesday | Library Place, 105 W Court Street | Lifelong Antiques Road Show | $5.00

Shiitake Mushroom Log Inoculation Workshops | 5 p.m., 10/29 Wednesday | Apples and Moore Farm, 2750 Apple Ln | Join Connor Youngerman, Agroforestry & Mushroom Specialist from the Cornell Small Farms Program, who will instruct participants about growing specialty mushrooms and guide them through the process | $25.00

CORNELL CHORUS TWILIGHT CONCERT

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST AT 6:00 PM

Bailey Hall, 230 Garden Ave., Ithaca | Join the Cornell Chorus for their annual Twilight Concert. “The Old is Made New” will feature the familiar and unfamiliar, age-old music alongside new presentations of old tunes and texts. They will finish with a few Cornell songs to get you into the Big Red spirit. Parents and families are warmly welcomed! (Photo: Provided)

LGBTQ+ Youth Group | 5:45 p.m., 10/29 Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 East Green Street | Join us to do crafts, play games, and socialize. Whether you’re lesbian, gay, bi, trans, questioning, or just trying to figure things out — we’re here for you!

DJ Trivia with Dave Ashton | 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays | Hopshire Farm and Brewery, 1771 Dryden Road | Free Trivia! | 7 p.m. Wednesdays | Liquid State Brewery, 620 West Green St. | Hosted by Ithaca’s Trivia legend, Bob Proehl | Free

Wednesday Open Mic Night at The Nocturnal Café! | 7 p.m. Wednesdays | The Nocturnal Café, 103 S Geneva St. | Free weekly Open Mic night featuring music, poetry, dance and more! | Free

Latin Wednesday | 9 p.m. Wednesdays | The Upstairs, 106 S. Cayuga St. | Ithaca’s longest running and hottest weekly dance party. Meet new dancers, learn new moves, and have fun!

Community Conversations: Danby | 9 a.m., 10/30 Thursday | Danby Town Hall, 1830 Danby Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 *This venue is ADA accessible | Join your neighbors in Danby for hyperlocal networking, conversation, and advocacy at Danby Town Hall. | Free

ComedyFLOPs Presents Improv at the AKE Gallery | 7 p.m., 10/30 Thursday | Ake Gallery, 165 Main Street | ComedyFLOPs presents All You Can Eat Improv, a live, entirely made-up show based on your suggestions.

Art Cafe at The Clay School’s ART Room | 6 p.m., 10/31 Friday | Free Dahlia Dig & Divide Workshop | 9:30 a.m., 11/2 Sunday | Jenny Creek Flowers, 7048 Durling Road Trumansburg | Learn how to dig, divide, and store dahlias with confidence and take home a divided tuber clump. |$65

Strength Training | 9:30 a.m. Mondays | Varna Community Center, 943 Dryden Rd. | $5 drop-in or Lifelong members eligible to pay $40/month for unlimited Health and Wellness classes.

Chair Yoga | 9:45 a.m. Mondays | Lansing Library | $5 drop-in or Lifelong members eligible to pay $40/month for unlimited Health and Wellness classes.

Enhance Your Fitness | 10 a.m. Mondays | Trumansburg Fire Hall, 74 W Main Street | Trumansburg Fire Hall – $5 drop-in or Lifelong members eligible to pay $40/month for unlimited Health and Wellness classes.

Senator Lea Webb’s Satellite Office Hours | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., 11/3 Monday | YWCA Cortland, 14 Clayton Avenue |

Breathe and Flow Gentle Yoga | 12

p.m. Mondays | Lifelong, 119 W. Court St. | $5 drop-in or Lifelong members eligible to pay $40/month for unlimited Health and Wellness classes.

Strength Training | 1:30 p.m. Mondays | Lifelong, 119 W. Court St. | $5 drop-in or Lifelong members eligible to pay $40/month for unlimited Health and Wellness classes.

Poetry & Prose Open Mic Night @ The Downstairs | 7 p.m., 11/3 Monday | The Downstairs, 121 E M.L.K. Jr. St. | Come share poetry, prose, a story, perhaps a brief performance or just to enjoy the night and meet others with a love for language and expression.

Chair Yoga- Jacksonville | 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays | Jacksonville Methodist Church | $5 drop-in or Lifelong members eligible to pay $40/month for unlimited Health and Wellness classes.

Meditation and Mindfulness |

5 p.m., 11/4 Tuesday | Tompkins County Public Library | Join Anna Salamone of FireFly Farm Retreat for a monthly meditation and mindfulness practice.

Line Dance with Becky | 7 p.m., 11/4 Tuesday | Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Rd. | $5.00 - $15.00

Medicare Counseling by Appointment | 9 a.m., 11/5 Wednesday | Lifelong, 119 W. Court St. | Lifelong’s Health Insurance Information Counseling & Assistance Program (HIICAP) offers free assistance to persons of all ages with navigating their Medicare coverage.

Certified Group Hypnosis Session | 10 a.m., 11/5 Wednesday | Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Road | This transformative series of Certified Group Hypnosis sessions will focus on personal change and the power of the subconscious mind. Led by Lynn Winters, a Certified Hypnosis Practitioner, who will guide participants through a variety of techniques to provide a deeply restorative experience. | $30.00 - $40.00

Civil Service Commission | 11:30 a.m., 11/5 Wednesday | 2nd Floor Conference Room, City Hall 108 E Green Street | Book Club | 5 p.m., 11/5 Wednesday | Cortland Free Library, 32 Church St. | Join us to discuss The Sentence by Louise Erdrich. New members are always welcome! Please contact the library for more information. Ask for a copy of the book at either circulation desk.

Montezuma Wildlife Refuge & Sauders Market Day Trip | 11/5 Wednesday | Lifelong, 119 W. Court St. | DAY TRIP — OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Join us on a nature excursion at the Montezuma Wildlife refuge, followed by lunch and shopping at Sauders Market.

NARCAN Training with REACH | 11/5 Wednesday | Tompkins County Public Library | Join the REACH Project to learn how to recognize an overdose, respond to an overdose emergency, and administer NARCAN. This skill could help you save a life.

REMEMBERING TOMORROW ” WITH INK ALCHEMY

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND AT 2:00 PM Buffalo Street Books, DeWitt Mall | A reading and Q&A on Remembering Tomorrow from Ink Alchemy. The anthology contains six speculative stories that will invite you to reflect on the infinite possibilities of time. (Photo: Provided)

120/Autos Wanted

CARS WANTED!

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200/Buy / Sell / Trade

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Your car donation to Patriotic Hearts helps veterans find work or start their own business. Fast, free pickup. Running or not! Call 24/7: 1-833441-4496. (NYSCAN)

250/Merchandise

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY!

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800/Services

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830/Home

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855/Misc.

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Food co-ops are about more than bulk granola and essential oils. We’re about local, democratic ownership, community food security and solidarity with workers across the supply chain.

embodying the We the People spirit. Challenges exist—missteps like assuming everyone celebrates Christmas can alienate some. Yet, democracy thrives on navigating such tensions through empathy. If a neighbor prefers “Happy Holidays,” honor it; if another loves “Merry Christmas,” embrace their joy. Community workshops, co-hosted by our newspaper and local organizations, could teach these nuances, fostering dialogue akin to a civic meeting. By sharing stories in We the People—like a teacher incorporating

FREE HELP

your people are just fine, and you wind up spending all your time and energy on the other 20 percent. Soft skills training helps narrow that 20 per cent down.”

Starting a business might seem daunting, but Johnson said CAP treats it as a natural process.

“Mostly I recommend an organic growth model,” Johnson said. “You start with what you’ve got, or what you can easily manage.

diverse holidays into lessons or a business sponsoring a multi-faith event—we highlight how citizens shape their community’s culture, a core democratic act.

This holiday season, We the People invites you to see “Merry Christmas” as one of many greetings that strengthen our democratic tapestry. Join us by sharing your holiday stories or attending a community forum to plan inclusive celebrations. Together, we’ll prove that every greeting, offered with respect, is a vote for unity. In our town, democracy isn’t just debated—it’s lived, one heartfelt “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” or “Season’s Greetings” at a time.

“Getting started is the emphasis. Then, get help to do the next thing.”

Johnson regularly refers clients to the Small Business Resource page of the Alternatives Federal Credit Union website for help. She is an Alternatives board member and considers it, like CAP, a bedrock supporter of an economic development model that encourages small business growth as a way to create opportunities and community.

“People contribute to each other if we have opportunities,” Veronica Johnson said.

See you soon!

When

you have a concern about skin care, it is important that you can get it addressed quickly before it can get worse.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Finger Lakes Dermatology can see you soon to find out what's wrong. Their caring staff led by Dr. Yentzer can work to find a solution.

Don't wait months to get the help you need. We'll see you soon!