December 12-18, 2016 Keeping You Connected TOMPKINS WEEKLY

Locally Owned & Operated TompkinsWeekly.com Vol. 11, No. 42 Tompkins County legislators will Signs of the Season get raises in 2018 By Kelsey O’Connor The Ithaca Voice

ITHACA – Beginning in 2018, Tompkins County legislators will earn the county’s living wage. A resolution passed last week by an 8-6 margin to raise legislators’ salary from $19,075 to $21,400. Legislators spent more than an hour and a half debating the issue. The terms for current legislators will be up in 2017, and the raise will be in effect from 2018-2021. The living wage in Tompkins County, as calculated by Alternatives Federal Credit Union in 2015 is $13.77 per hour for an employee whose job includes benefits. Photo by Kristy Montana / Tompkins Weekly Advocates for legislators earning A view of a house in Trumansburg lit up for the holidays. a living wage said the increase would increase diversity and allow more people to be able to run for the position. Legislators against the increase argued that they have a job Floral Avenue Community Garden raising funds with few requirements – legislators must live in the district and be of By Eric Banford voting age. Others also argued that Tompkins Weekly part of legislators’ service should be volunteer. ITHACA – The first two Legislature Chairperson growing seasons at the Floral Avenue Mike Lane, D-Dryden, also said Community Gardens have been a Tompkins County legislators make great success, with many neighbors “significantly” more than other enjoying the bounty of vegetables legislators in the region. they were able to grow there. Anna Kelles, D-Ithaca, said if But the severe drought of the legislators earned a living wage, it 2016 growing season made it clear would open the door for diversity. that the current setup for providing Kelles did not agree that the position water for the garden plots is should be volunteer. inadequate, so a fundraising drive by “That is a position that someone Cornell Cooperative Extension of can take if they have enough wealth Tompkins County is underway to pay to volunteer their time,” Kelles said. for a rainwater harvesting system. “And people who do not have that The Floral Avenue Community Continued on page 12 Garden is located on the western edge of the Cayuga inlet, just south of Route 79. It was established Also in this Issue in 2014 in response to a need Spotlight on ... Family for a community garden to serve residents of Ithaca’s West End who Reading Partnership page 2 were unable to access the Ithaca Community Gardens several miles Tompkins County hosts away. A grant from the United housing summit page 3 Way of Tompkins County funded the purchase of fencing material, a Eye on Ag Getting to know shed, hoses and hand tools needed Photo by Christine Shin to create and maintain the garden, Graceful Gardens page 4 A young gardener holds a large sized beet harvested from the Floral Avenue while staff and volunteers from Community Garden last summer. Cooperative Extension helped Lansing grads reflect on soccer recruit neighborhood residents, the garden was providing fresh distance of the site. careers in H.S., college page 5 break ground, establish the plots and produce for 20 families, many of Providing water for the garden provide basic gardening instruction. whom live in the low-to-moderate plots has become an unexpected Discovery Trail weekend to Beginning and experienced income apartments – including challenge, however. The City of gardeners from the neighborhood highlight members page 8 Cedar Creek, Towerview and West quickly signed up for garden plots Village – that are within easy walking and, by the end of this past summer, Continued on page 12 Season’sSeason’s GreetgsGreetgs N e w s Spotlight on ... Family Reading Partnership By Rob Montana your organization faces? Tompkins Weekly KM: There are many distractions for families that compete with being on-profit organizations able to spend time reading together. are plentiful throughout Screen time is a big one. Any activity Tompkins County, and make where kids are passively watching a big impact in our communities. offers a very limited learning N experience compared to one where Despite their contributions, area non- profits can sometimes go unnoticed a child is actively engaged. Whether or unknown. In an effort to shine a playing a game, walking outside, spotlight on those who are making a doing daily tasks, or sharing a book, difference in our county, Tompkins a child’s experience will be richer Weekly will be showcasing these when done together with someone organizations on a regular basis. else. When an adult reads aloud to a This week we are highlighting child, the child can learn more than Family Reading Partnership, and just what the story says by observing, asked Katrina Morse, assistant questioning and comparing. director for the non-profit, some They learn new words, ideas, and questions about the organization. perspectives.

Tompkins Weekly: What is your TW: What is something people do mission? not know about your organization? Katrina Morse: Our mission KM: Some people may not know is to create a “culture of literacy” in that we have a new executive director, our community – meaning that we Aly Evans, who began June 1 of want everyone to know about and this year. Aly is full of enthusiasm believe in the amazing benefits of and vision for Family Reading reading aloud to young children. Our Partnership’s future. We look forward dream is that our entire community to meeting the needs of young – everyone! – supports families in families in deeper ways–helping making reading aloud a special and to connect children to the joy of expected part of everyday family books in our ever-changing societal life. We want to assure that every Photo provided by Family Reading Partnership structures. child grows up with an abundance Because we partner with so many of words, a comfort with books, and Children peruse the selections at one of the Family Reading Partnership’s others in our community, people 53 Bright Red Bookshelves that are spread throughout the community. the love of an adult who believes in may not realize that Family Reading and supports that child, setting him Partnership is a small not-for- like doctors, nurses, home visitors or her on the path to be a life-long profit that is independent of other TW: How do you fulfill that and teachers, who already have learner. organizations in the area. We aren’t mission? established relationships with a part any school district, library KM: We use families, give a new book to families or literacy organization. We have Organization: Family Reading Partnership existing community when young children are at key a small but dedicated staff and use Founded: 1997 networks to give points in their development. Hearing community networks to have a big books and read- your doctor or teacher say that Address: 54 Gunderman Road, Ithaca reach. aloud support reading to your child is essential People also may not know that Phone: (607) 277-8602 to families with makes a big impact on a family. every single child in Tompkins Website: www.familyreading.org young children. So, professionals TW: What are the biggest challenges Continued on page 13

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2 Tompkins Weekly December 12-18, 2016 N e w s History of Tompkins County No Place to Call Home Tompkins County summit panel: ‘Why is new housing so hard to build?’

By Brian Crandall reasons. The Ithaca Voice “I can rattle off a list – taxes, construction costs, lack of large- ITHACA – “Why is new scale builders (economies of scale),” housing so hard to build?” he said. “More recently, the cost of That was the question that led off ground...the rising cost of land in the the morning panel at the Tompkins city.” County Housing Summit. While According to Todd Fox, of Visum it seems like a simple question, the Development, land in Collegetown answer was anything but. can go for as much as $30 million “Development is a per acre. With those extreme land multidisciplinary, multifaceted costs, lucrative student housing ends endeavor,” said Sue Cosentini of up being the only financially feasible New Earth Living. “As a developer, option. He also spoke of neighbor you have to reconcile sentiments oppositions and the recent battle over with regulations. A home has to be 201 College Avenue, which by his affordable, and something that people estimate, the delays cost him upwards want to live in.” of $500,000. As Cosentini explained, David Weinstein of the Varna construction costs are “insanely Community Association offered a high.” There’s a lack of skilled counter. tradespeople in Ithaca, she said, and “To some people, I represent Photo provided by The History Center in Tompkins County unlike the days of old, cash-strapped one of the problems. I get we need municipalities expect developers more housing units,” he said. “But to build the infrastructure for their it is essential that neighborhoods Holiday decorations are lighted in this view of Ithaca, looking east, on the 100 projects, raising the development are allowed to have a strong voice in block of East State Street, circa 1950. cost. the process...we should enhance the To see other beautiful historical images, visit The History Center in Tompkins “Nobody’s making a killing in neighborhood, not erode it. County at 401 E. MLK Jr./State St., Suite 100 in Ithaca, or visit us online this,” she said. “New homes are a “We’ve strongly supported Tiny at www.thehistorycenter.net. For questions or more information, email the Timbers, we would like to see more archivist at [email protected] or call (607) 273-8284 ext. 224. really, really tight market.” The History Center is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Michael Cannon, vice president of those,” Weinstein added. “We’re Saturdays, or by appointment. of commercial lending at Tompkins Trust, agreed, and added a few more Continued on page 12 Get your Winter Tires NOW! The areas’s largest variety of tires in-stock! GAS TANKS • RADIATORS • AUTO PARTS • SHOCKS • BRAKE SERVICE • INSPECTIONS • MUFFLER & EXHAUST

233 ELMIRA RD, ITHACA SERVICE - & - TIRES CHECK WE SELL OUT OUR USED WEBSITE CARS! willcoxtirecenter.com | 607-273-6310 TOMPKINS WEEKLY Rob Montana,Keeping Managing You Editor, Connected [email protected] Dan Bruffey, Production ______Will LeBlond, Sports, [email protected] Kevin English, Account Manager, [email protected] Suzanne “Suzi” Powers, Account Manager, [email protected] ______Todd Mallinson, Advertising Director, [email protected] ______Todd Mallinson, Publisher, [email protected] Contributors: Pete Angie, Eric Banford, E.C. Barrett, Charley Githler, ______Sue Henninger, Kristy Montana, Mariah Mottley ______Calendar Listing: [email protected] Letters and Commentary Policy Tompkins Weekly welcomes letters to the editor. In order to run them in a timely fashion, they should contain no more than 300 words. Letters should be emailed to [email protected], or mailed to our address below. Letters must be signed and include an address and phone number we can confirm their authenticity. Unsigned letters will not be published. THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF Tompkins Weekly ARE COPYRIGHT (C) 2016, BY VIZELLA MEDIA, LLC Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 9:00am to 6:00pm Sat 9:00am to 1:00pm Sun Closed All rights reserved. Events listed in Community Calendar are listed free of charge, however not guaranteed due to space availability and are not of routine nature. Deadline is Wednesday by noon. SUBSCRIPTIONS; $52 for one year, include Honda Sales - Service - Parts check or money order to Tompkins Weekly, 3100 N. Triphammer Rd, Suite 100 Lansing, NY 14882. ADVERTISING: Deadlines are Wednesday noon for display and 5 p.m. for classified. Tompkins Weekly will not be liable for failure to publish 1575 Trumansburg Rd., Rt. 96, Ithaca, NY 14850 | 607-273-2230 an ad, for typographical error, or errors in publicationexcept to the extent of the cost of the space in which the actual error appeared in the first insertion. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason and to alter any advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publication. Tompkins Weekly is distributed weekly on Monday. Offices are located at3100 N. Triphammer Road, Suite 100 Lansing, NY 14882 Phone is (607) 533-0057

December 12-18, 2016 Tompkins Weekly 3 N e w s Eye on Agriculture A Gift that Keeps on Growing By Sue Henninger price to pay. Tompkins Weekly “We (Mark and I) used to be together gardening,” Amanda noted TRUMANSBURG – Amanda regretfully, “But you have to be Shenstone spends almost as much aggressive and keep at the marketing time on her computer as she does constantly. I’m in the office most of with the plants she and her husband the time…There’s stuff to do seven Mark raise in their Trumansburg days a week.” nursery, Graceful Gardens. As This time of year, while she works so often seems to be the case, at the computer, Mark is cleaning and recognizing an opportunity when sanitizing the two large greenhouses it revealed itself has allowed her to to get rid of any bugs, bacteria or pursue both passions at the same fungi that could potentially harm time. the 2017 plants. To ensure cash “We had been farming vegetables flow in the slower months, Graceful since 1985,” she explained. “But we Gardens offers gift certificates for weren’t making much money and the the holiday season, special occasions industry was changing-moving in the like birthdays, or as a thank you gift. direction of Community Supported Come January the couple will start Agriculture farms.” planting and the growing cycle will The Shenstone’s found begin all over again. themselves at a crossroads. They The underlying concept of weren’t interested in running a CSA, Photo by Sue Henninger / Tompkins Weekly Graceful Gardens remains the but they enjoyed participating in the Amanda Shenstone in her winter greenhouse. To see what will soon be growing same year-to-year. The Shenstone’s Ithaca Farmers Market, which they’d there visit gracefulgardens.com. offer amateur gardening customers been part of since its inception. “collections” like the Cottage Garden “There were already so many a web-based garden business. This how web sales work, since things are Sampler or Hummingbird Haven, vegetables there,” Amanda noted. turned out to be a niche that was just constantly changing. Continuously where they can personally select the “We decided to diversify and try waiting to be filled. improving their website and plants for them. More experienced plants. They were well-received.” “We sold our online plants developing an extensive email list, horticulturists can self-select up to At the same time, the internet in packs of 32 right from the along with taking advantage of eight varieties of four-packs of plants also began to take off. Knowing from beginning,” said Amanda. “And by several social media resources, like (32 per order). Healthy, vigorous the start that they wouldn’t be able 2000 we were off and running!” Facebook, Instagram, and a blog, plants are carefully packed and to compete with big companies like To be successful in a web-based has helped keep Graceful Gardens Continued on page 13 Burpee, the couple decided to run business it’s crucial to understand growing. However, there’s definitely a

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4 Tompkins Weekly December 12-18, 2016 S p o r t s Lansing grads finish up years of soccer teamwork at Colgate By Will LeBlond goal to help the Raiders to a 10-7-2 Tompkins Weekly record. While a tournament semifinal loss to Lehigh ended the year, the Lansing High School graduates scene was set for a big year in 2016. Ethan Kutler and Benji Geisler have Colgate delivered during Kutler’s had a unique soccer journey together. senior season this past fall, as the From rivals to teammates – and Raiders advanced through to the now to roommates – the duo has Patriot League Championship been following each other’s careers Game against American, where they from the middle school days and knocked off the Eagles in penalty now into upperclass life at Colgate kicks. While the team bowed out in University. While they both hail the opening round of the NCAA from the area, the pair played for Tournament to perennial powerhouse different club teams throughout most UCLA, the goal of raising a Patriot of their middle school years, as they League trophy was reached. scattered all over the Empire State. “It was a great experience to go Once the duo started to play on the Photos provided by Colgate Athletics out there and play against some of same JV team in Lansing, the bond the best soccer that the country has was strongly established through Ethan Kutler, right, dribbles the ball to offer,” said Kutler on traveling to competition. during a soccer match for Colgate California for the NCAA Division I “I think we kind of just fed off University. At left, Benji Geisler has Tournament. “Winning the Patriot of each other,” said Geisler, who is a one more season of soccer remaining at League title had been a goal of ours Colgate next year. junior at Colgate. “We would have since my class stepped in, so it was little internal competitions on who absolutely incredible.” Now, with Kutler’s four years of could score the most goals, but it was League Conference Championship NCAA eligibility completed, it’s up always great fun for the both of us.” for the Raiders. Both of them to Geisler and the rest of his Raider The intensity from the two were a part of the 2014 team that teammates to take a step further and players helped lift the Bobcats to finished 6-10-2 and failed to reach win an NCAA Tournament game, a sectional championship during the conference tournament, but they but that’s not until next fall. The Geisler’s sophomore season (Kutler’s helped turn the tide the following tandem can take a step back and junior year) that they have cherished season. reflect on the good times with them even now during their collegiate lives. During the 2015 campaign, rooming together this academic year. “It’s up there as one of the Kutler was a force offensively with “It’s been fun so far, he’s a year happiest soccer moments of my life,” know Benji won’t forget it either.” a team-leading 24 points on the older, so this was the first chance we said Kutler on Lansing’s victory Championship dreams did not strength of nine goals and six assists, were able to do this,” said Geisler. over rival Marathon for the Section die once they joined up together at while Geisler played in 11 games on IV Championship. “It’s definitely Colgate during Kutler’s sophomore defense and notched his first career something I will never forget and I year, as eyes were set on a Patriot Continued on page 11 IHS girls hockey ready to improve on last year’s playoff experience W'v got yo coveed for  o y jo y beveag t g

Photo by Andy Correll along with you The Ithaca High School girls ice hockey team members await the start of their first game of the season on November 18. gft gving thi
By Will LeBlond Fueled by the frustration from Tompkins Weekly last season’s postseason exit, this year’s edition is sharply focused on season ITHACA – Last year’s Ithaca returning to the Section III playoffs High girls ice hockey season ended and going a step further. on a sour note, but sweeter times are “Fortunately, we have 19 girls on most certainly on the way for coach the team this season that are all very !!! Emily Grippin’s team. committed to playing,” said Grippin, The Little Red played their way who is now into her third season into the Section III playoffs after as the team’s head coach. “I can tell winning a play-in-game over Oswego already that it’s a completely different in overtime, but were eliminated from atmosphere on the team.” the semifinal round without playing The commitment of the team their game against Skaneateles. IHS is led by a heavy group of younger was forced to forfeit that game due to players, as there are just four a low number of players on the team, upperclassmen on the team, which according to New York State Public gives the team plenty of energy as High School Athletic Association rules. Continued on page 11 December 12-18, 2016 Tompkins Weekly 5 O p i n i o n The Lovecats worry about what people will the corresponding low expectations would keep one another company. Four cats, now. I started a fire think when they come to our and coping skills needed for such a Excitement mounted; the in the woodstove; they basked house. As I write this, there is a job. She handed us a series of self adoption day was marked on the in the heat, bellies exposed, tails Icagey tiger draped across my neck, portraits from the folder section of calendar, one day after her birthday. outstretched. forepaw batting at the keyboard. the padfolio. Billie reading on the I checked the box on my to-do “That’s a lot of cats,” Sean There is a cat asleep on the printer, sofa with the kitten, Billie lying in list. Birthday expectation: met. But commented, stepping around them. one in the laundry basket, one asleep bed reading with the kitten, Billie then, friends of mine responded to Then, meowing at the door. by the woodstove, another waiting lying by the fire, reading with the my kitten inquiry. They had a little Cabbage, a dilute tortie, back from by the door to be let out, another kitten. In retrospect, none of the girl for Billie, as a birthday surprise. the dead. We hadn’t seen her in six waiting on the other side to be let portraits illustrated her emptying the Well, we already had our kitten, but months. I let her in, shocked. in. It’s like a TS Eliot poem around litter box. looking couldn’t hurt, could it? Billie “Speak of the devil,” Sean put his here, except that these cats are not While we perused the visuals, she looked. So wonderfully pretty. newspaper down. practical. outlined the reason we needed a cat. Three kittens, two closely bonded Cabbage ignored us all, took her We were running low. Oberon, the brothers, a sweet little girl. That place in the radiant heat. ancient black barn cat, was getting wasn’t so bad, right? They were so “Five cats,” I said to Sean, old. He would probably die soon. small. And they liked to sleep in a rushing to the computer to order Covert Mom Cabbage and Dinah, our outdoor pile. A kitten for each kid, I reasoned. another flea collar. By Mariah Mottley recluses, had been MIA for months We hadn’t seen Oberon in weeks. “Dinah’s gotta be dead,” Sean and presumed dead. Perhaps he had gone out hunting for said, shaking his head and looking at Her job, she told us, was the the last time. the lumps of purring bellies on the hardest of all the kids, because she When the kittens came home, floor. “That cat was crazy.” had to be both a big sister and a little they lived only in Billie’s room. The next morning, Dinah was When I got up to get a drink, sister at the same time. The position Catlandia, I called it. Billie proudly waiting for me at the door, the I put my heel down on an empty was very taxing, and a kitten would filled and refilled their dishes with markings on her face lighter than I Ceresto flea collar canister and help to lower her stress levels. We fresh water and kitten food, squealed remembered. She is under my desk cursed. My passenger disembarked, thanked her for her time, told her with delight when the girl kitten fell now, hissing at something that isn’t heading for more stable territory. we’d be in touch. asleep on the doll bed. They doubled, there. It began with just one. We were She had me at the padfolio. Of then tripled their adoption size, – – – just going to get one. course we could get her a kitten. licked divots in the butter left on the Billie sat my husband and me I filled out adoption applications, counter, used the snake plant as a Originally from Manhattan, down at the dining room table, spread the word that we were kitten toilet. Mariah was educated in Massachusetts, months in advance of her birthday, hunting. A family we knew was When it got cold, Oberon moved Montana and Texas, often by failure. an Ithaca College padfolio in front of fostering a litter. Two brothers, back in. Just under 20 pounds, black She lives with her husband and three her. This was no casual request, but a closely bonded. We went to visit, and all over with jade eyes and a split ear; children in the Finger Lakes region marketing campaign, complete with they fell asleep in our arms, purring. he looked to be in excellent health. of upstate New York. Mariah can be propaganda and talking points. She We had planned on just one, but it He took over the doll bed, his sides reached at [email protected]. wanted a kitten. would be cruel to separate them. Two falling over the edges, one eye on the As the middle child, she has kittens seemed manageable. They newcomers, one out the window. East Hill Notes Year-round Gifts for Everyone By Gary Stewart whose mission is, in part, “scientific excellence and technological he National Audubon innovation to advance the Society’s 117th annual understanding of nature and to Christmas Bird Count – held engage people of all ages in learning withT support from Cornell’s Lab of about birds and protecting the Ornithology – begins Wednesday, planet.” Founded in 1915, the Lab December 14 and continues through is supported by 100,000 friends Thursday, January 5, 2017. The and members, works with 400,000 longest running wildlife census citizen-science participants from in the world, the Count engages all walks of life, and empowers 14 citizen scientists from Belize to million bird enthusiasts of every Brooktondale and beyond. For more age through its website at www. information, access birds.audubon. allaboutbirds.org. org/christmas-bird-count. In addition – and to the benefit This project is one small of Tompkins County and the component of the world-class work of Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology, Continued on page 13

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6 Tompkins Weekly December 12-18, 2016 O p i n i o n treet Signs of Sustainability S eat The Year Behind Us: How We Did in 2016 TheB word on the street By Tom Shelley away from fossil fuel use, and rapid been made to the program so far. This from around Tompkins County development of alternatives of all is a work in progress that needs to be By Kristy Montana little less than a year ago, on sorts to conventional fossil fuel pursued. January 27, I wrote a Signs of consumption – including natural gas Community resiliency to uestion: What would you do Sustainability article on some – and resistance to the development severe weather events is another directions the local sustainability of fossil fuel storage and distribution critical topic which continued to be with $1 million? movementA could pursue in the systems are all important aspects in addressed over this past year. I think Q coming year. As anyone involved with our efforts to combat climate change. the urgency of the topic has been efforts in climate, environmental and The Tompkins County Planning accelerated by the erratic weather social and economic justice issues Department recently released experienced in 2016. The City of knows there is much pressing work Greenhouse Gas Emissions Ithaca is still actively working on that needed to be done over this past Inventories, available on the the Flood Mapping and Mitigation year and this article will take a look at Planning Department website. The Study. Tompkins County has been how we did. study compares 2008 emissions publicizing the Stream Corridor It was noted in the January with those of 2014. During this Protection and Management article that Tompkins County, period community emissions were Program. The City of Ithaca the City of Ithaca, the Town of reduced by 21 percent and County Conservation Advisory Council Ithaca and other surrounding government operations emissions released a comprehensive code review municipalities had developed a were reduced by 53 percent, both regarding stormwater management “I would pay it forward.” new or revised comprehensive plan. ahead of projected goals. This for the City of Ithaca. This document A comprehensive plan consists could be really great news for our is to guide our Council and City Staff — Bonnie Everts, Ithaca of vision statements, goals and community, however, it turns out that regarding storm water issues and recommendations for strategies and most of our gas supply transitioned changes in the Code that are needed. specific objectives to implement from conventional gas to fracked gas I don’t have statistics, but I have seen the plan. Such plans provide a way during the 2008-2014 time period. many more homeowners set up a forward. A second study by local experts stormwater collection system, driven All of the local plans are in stated that greenhouse gas emissions in part by the extreme drought we some stage of implementation and actually increased due to leaked had this past summer. Since severe our local governments are to be methane from the fracking and weather isn’t just storms and floods commended for pushing their plans distribution process and the energy we need to continue to prepare the out to the public. It is heartening used to frack for the gas itself. community for whatever lies ahead. to hear references made to the Community emissions would be Food security is a certainly an plans at various public and private increased by up to 67 percent and area where much energy was focused council, board and committee County government operations this past year. Many organizations, meetings. Often these references emissions would be increased by 10 from regional food banks and to comprehensive plans are used percent during the same 2008-2014 food redistribution programs to “I’d put it in the kettle.” to support a particular proposal time period. If this is true, it is not community gardens, local school — Dick Robertson, Trumansburg or project. In some cases they are the hoped for outcome and even lunch programs and urban agriculture used by both those for or against more dramatically highlights our efforts, are actively attempting to a specific action. For example, need to transition from fossil fuels to address food security, equity and Maguire Family of Dealerships renewable energy sources. nutrition. The Tompkins County used sections of the City of Ithaca Local, sustainable and equitable Food Policy Council was formed Comprehensive Plan to support their development were significant topics this past year and we anticipate application for a new car dealership for our communities this year. The that an active food policy group at the former Carpenter Business Coalition for Sustainable Economic will be a great benefit to the Park. Opponents of the dealership Development has been actively community. Cooperative Extension used other sections of the plan to working with the City of Ithaca to of Tompkins County and its affiliates contest the development of the new revise the Community Investment are substantial partners in many car dealership. This is democracy in Incentive Tax Abatement Program. of our food security efforts. If you action, making use of our available The program did not originally are interested in these issues a visit public policy resources. incorporate any sustainability goals. to Cooperative Extension will be As noted a year ago, the largest Some of the sought after goals illuminating. “I would buy a new house, save for col- challenge we face locally and of the revised CIITAP program There are other topics that may lege. And go back to Florida; our 7-day globally is climate change. Our local would be projects that incorporated be reviewed, but in another issue. trip during the hurricane ended up governments and institutions have energy efficiency, renewable energy, So how did we as a community do being 2 days.” implemented progressive greenhouse affordable housing, the hiring of a in 2016? We have made reasonably gas/carbon emissions reduction goals, diverse local work force and payment good progress in some areas and not — Kristin Parry, Interlaken (left) usually stated in the comprehensive of a living wage. The Coalition’s so much or no progress in others. “Buy ponies!” plan. Energy conservation, energy partners have had extensive Overall, a C-plus. Not only do we efficient design for new buildings, conversations with the City, but it have the challenges we faced in 2016 — Claire Parry, Interlaken (2nd from left) transition of transportation modes doesn’t appear that any changes have to grapple with in 2017, we now have to deal with a change in political “I’d give some to the military amd the regimes and the uncertainty and rest to buy stuff for our family.” where angst that many of us feel. I think, in — Haley Parry, Interlaken (2nd from right) the long run, more ordinary citizens will be motivated to want to work for “I’d give it to the military and charity.” where some meaningful change at the local — James Parry, Interlaken (right) level. So what can an ordinary concerned citizen do to support our collective sustainability goals? Here is a partial list: n Educate yourself on the issues TCAT facing your local government and Downtown Museums Nightlife Carshare neighborhood. n Learn who your local governmental representatives are and 277-RIDE (7433) communicate your concerns to them. n Attend and participate in www.tcatbus.com meetings of local governing bodies Connect with us online: and the many local governmental councils and advisory bodies. “I’d travel to India. ” TCATrides Everything TCAT n If your local representatives are — Brooke Collins, Trumansburg Continued on page 13

where December 12-18, 2016 Tompkins Weekly 7 A r t s & E n t e r t a i n m e n t ‘Human Origins’ headline Discovery Trail Weekend Tompkins Weekly Staff at 401 E. State to comtemporary painting. The St., Suite 100, in Johnson Museum is located at 114 ITHACA – As part of the larger, Ithaca. For more Central Avenue in Ithaca. For more ongoing series of exhibitions and information, information, visit museum.cornell. events around the theme of “Ithaca visit www. edu. Explores Human Origins: A Three- thehistorycenter. Palentological Research Month Exploration of What It net. Institute’s Museum of the Earth will Means to be Human,” the Discovery Also on be unveiling the exhibit “Evolution Trail is highlighting its member Saturday, of the Human Skull.” Featuring real organizations this weekend. December 17, specimens and casts, the display The Tompkins County Public the Sciencenter will discuss evolutionary forces Library, one DT organization, will present that shaped the human skull by is hosting the American Library “Insect examining skull characteristics of Association/Smithsonian Institution’s Revolution,” apes, hominids and humans. PRI’s National Museum of Natural History a video from Museum of the Earth is located at traveling exhibit, “Exploring Human Linda Rayor’s 1259 Trumansburg Road in Ithaca. Origins: What Does It Mean To Naturalist For more information, visit www. Be Human?” through Thursday, Outreach series priweb.org. December 22.The exhibit is on at 11 a.m. The Cornell Botanic Gardens will display at TCPL, located at 101 Sciencenter is continue to have its indoor exhibit – E. Green St. in Ithaca. For more located at 601 Photo provided by Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program “Ah-Theuh-Nyeh-Hah: The Planting information, visit www.tcpl.org. First St. in Moon,” a collaboration with Cornell Discovery Trail Weekend will Ithaca. For more The American Library Association/Smithsonian Institution’s University’s American Indian National Museum of Natural History traveling exhibit, “Ex- feature several special events taking information, ploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?” and Indigenous Studies program place Saturday, December 17, and visit www. is on display at the Tompkins County Public Library through – on display. The exhibit explores Sunday, December 18. sciencenter.org. Thursday, December 22. It features replicas and images of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) On Saturday, December 17, The On Sunday, specimens from the Smithsonian’s “David H. Koch Hall of agricultural knowledge and traditions, History Center will present a talk December 18, Human Origins,” including a reproduction of this bronze stat- and represent the story of the Earth’s by Robert Kibbee, a History Center the Johnson ue created by Trumansburg artist John Gurche of a two-year creation. Cornell Botanic Gardens trustee and retired Cornell University Museum of Art old Homo neanderthalensis learning from his mother. (formerly Cornell Plantations) is map and geospatial librarian, titled will present a located at 124 Comstock Knoll Dr. “Seeing the World for the First Time: program on collection, participants will look at in Ithaca. For more information, visit Early Human Concepts of Space and human origins. Art Educator Carol a broad range of understandings cornellbotanicgardens.org. Place.” The talk will take place at 2 Hockett will lead the program; using of creation and human origins, p.m. at The History Center, located works from the museum’s permanent from ancient Egyptian sculpture Continued on page 13 Civic Ensemble presents ‘Bah Humbug! A Rhiner Commeddia Carol’ Tompkins Weekly Staff illuminate the issues of housing, food security and community sustainability ITHACA – Combine local that Ithacans face today. history and Charles Dickens’ “A This is Civic Ensemble’s second Christmas Carol,” and throw in a annual holiday offering. It is the next dash of Commedia Dell’Arte and phase in the long-term development you’ll get “Bah Humbug! A Rhiner of a larger piece conceived by Freddy Commedia Carol.” Villano, who directs the show. That’s the show being performed “Last year’s play, (The Spirit of by Civic Ensemble, in collaboration Christmas Present: a Poetic Carol) with The History Center in was performed in Larval masks that Tompkins County, Thursday, cover the entire face so there was December 15, through Sunday, no speaking,” Villano said.“The December 18. The performances will performative quality had more take place at The History Center, to do with corporeal mime than located at 401 E. State St., Suite 100, conventional theater. in Ithaca. “The instigation was to At the heart of Dickens story demonstrate to audiences that are his concerns about poverty and theatrical tales can unfold through Photo by Dani Stoffregen Photography social injustice, themes that continue simple actions and relationships and to resonate with our community. Bah don’t always have to rely on text,” he The cast of the Civic Ensemble’s “Bah Humbug!” in their Commeddia Dell’Arte Humbug! examines the hardscrabble added. “Think more Cirque Du Soleil masks. lives of the Rhiners in order to Continued on page 11

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8 Tompkins Weekly December 12-18, 2016 December 12-18, 2016 Tompkins Weekly 9 A r t s & E n t e r t a i n m e n t Cherry Arts brings Andersen’s ‘The Snow Queen’ to life Tompkins Weekly Staff 16, to Sunday, December 18. puppets by Scott Here’s how the story goes: Hitz of PuppHitz ITHACA – A new take on When little Kai falls into the hands Productions, Hans Christian Andersen’s “The of the Snow Queen and is whisked original music by Snow Queen” – the tale that inspired away from his former life, his best Paul Leschen, and Disney’s “Frozen” – is coming to friend Greta begins a fantastical original lyrics by Tompkins County this week. journey to find him, encountering Cornell University The Cherry Arts production ravens, snowdrops, sages, thieves, professor Lyrae Van – featuring live actors, original and many other eccentric characters Clief-Stefanon. puppetry, projections and music – will along the way. This classic story of “What we take place at the Kitchen Theatre, friendship and tenacity has been in are trying to do located at 417 W. MLK Jr./State St. development for over nine months, with this version in Ithaca. There will be a total of five resulting in an innovative adaptation is to capture the performances from Friday, December like none before, featuring original real magic of the original,” said Samuel Buggeln, Your Hometown Grocery artistic director, Quality Products, Friendly Service, Everyday Low Prices adaptor and director. CUSTOM MEAT DEPARTMENT “Andersen’s tale is something like Alice in Wonderland, full of weird and Photo provided by The Cherry Arts wonderful imagery Ithaca’s Erica Steinhagen is part of the cast for that doesn’t The Cherry Arts production of “The Snow Queen.” necessarily add up to a conventional to our community on an annual basis. narrative. “Every year we’ll innovate a little “For The Cherry’s Snow Queen bit more, and make it a little more we weave Andersen’s outlandish special and a little more unusual. material into a story that is magical Something to come back to every More Expansive, Less Expensive and engaging for both adults and holiday season,” said Buggeln. children, without losing the delicious The creative team for The Local Groceries Delivered disorientation of the original,” he Snow Queen includes Lisa Boquist added. (costume coordinator), Emily Powered by The cast of the show includes Goldman, (music director), E.D. Jordan Dunn-Pilz, Jeffrey Guyton, Intemann (lighting design), Norm Caroline Maloney, Robin Mazer, Scott (sound design), and Rachel Click, Shop and Send at Darcy Rose, Camilla Schade, Josh Terwilliger (illustrations). Sedelmeyer and Erica Steinhagen. The Cherry Arts is a not- TBurgShurSave.com Original puppets by Scott for-profit theater company that “Take the hassle out of hosting Hitz will take center stage in this provides Ithaca and surrounding this holiday season, stop by or production, inviting audiences on an area audiences with theater that is Now delivering to all of enhanced journey into the world of call and we'll be happy to help” radically local, radically international, The Snow Queen. and formally innovative. The the 14850 zip code ~ Terri “The story begins in a child’s company creates works over long world: a world without consequence,” periods of time, developed by an Hitz said. “Once we enter the Snow ensemble of professional theater Queen’s world we find that it is made artists based in Ithaca. For more up of paper and shadow. information, visit TheCherry.org “Paper representing the written Performances will take place word of Mr. Andersen’s original work, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 16; and shadow representing the mystery at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and chaos of the world of magic and December 17; and at 3 and 7:30 fairy tales,” he added. p.m. on Sunday, December 18. With The Snow Queen, The Tickets may be purchased at Cherry is creating a constantly living cherrysnowqueen.bpt.me. and evolving holiday piece to present

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10 Tompkins Weekly December 12-18, 2016 N e w s Humbug! Continued from page 8 Ithaca actors Sherron Brown, Sarah K. Chalmers, Alyssa Duerksen, Signs of Sustainability Heather Duke, and Susan Lin. In than Shakespeare.” addition to Villano’s direction, Emily This year, the play will be placed Goldman is the vocal director, Liz in the world of Commedia dell’arte, Kitney is the costume designer, and which Villano describes as “an acting Civic Ensemble Associate Artist Ella style performed in half mask.” Carr is the assistant director/stage “Unlike last year, these characters manager. speak,” he said. “And they speak not Civic Ensemble is a non-profit only amongst themselves, but with theatre company that produces new the audience too.” plays by or about women and people Bah Humbug! A Rhiner of color, re-imaginings of classics, and Commedia Carol continues Civic’s community-based plays that explore tradition of inclusion and innovation. and explode the social, political, and Civic Ensemble has been working cultural issues of our time. with The History Center doing Shows will take place at 7:30 research on Silent City and the p.m. Thursday, December 15, through Rhiners in Ithaca. The heydey of the Saturday, December 17, and at 4 p.m. Rhiners was in the late 19th and Sunday, December 18. Seating for early 20th centuries, overlapping the the shows is limited and people are Photo by Kristy Montana / Tompkins Weekly Victorian era in which Dickens was encouraged to reserve their tickets writing. online in advance at humbug.bpt.me. Wendy Kenigsberg, graphic designer and arts educator, leads a workshop for The performance will feature kids on cave painting at the Tompkins County Public Library. Hockey Soccer Continued from page 5 “We’re inexperienced in the Continued from page 5 Kutler has been training for a sense that we’re young, but we want career in professional soccer and will to show the league what we can do,” be quite busy in the coming weeks, well as room for growth. With a said Grippin. “We want to show “It’s been great living with a guy that as he plans to take part in training young group of players, however, people that we’re reliable and that you grew up playing soccer with, the combines to prepare for the Major Grippin and the coaching staff do we’re a competitive team that can experience has been great so far.” League Soccer Draft. The draft is set face some challenges. weather the schedule that this league The focus for Kutler and Geisler for January 11, 2017. In the team’s first two games, has set out for us.” is quite different right now, as Whatever the future holds for they were unable to score a goal in a Playing in Section III, travel far Kutler is currently wrapping up his the pair, whether it is one day playing pair of losses to Alexandria Bay and exceeds what most local high school penultimate semester at the school, together again, another dream of Clinton, but the plan for offensive teams have to though, as the Little while Geisler is looking to help theirs was achieved over the past expansion is in place and the team Red girls and boys hockey teams Colgate again next season. Even three seasons, as the former Lansing hopes they can grow mightily in that alike have to endure multiple hour though the collegiate career of Kutler High classmates got compete at the area this season. long bus trips to play against league is completed, a future in playing Division I level together. “We get chances to score, but the foes. Fortunately for Grippin’s team, soccer could still be a reality. issue is that we’re always waiting to the desire to prove their worth should get that perfect shot,” said Grippin. make those long trips seem shorter “We’ve been working a lot in practice and make future victories even on just taking the shot and getting sweeter. the shot off quick, as opposed to The Little Red hit the road this waiting for the perfect opportunity.” week, starting with a game against Opportunities to show what the Oswego on Thursday, December 15, Make your weekly picks Little Red can do are still aplenty then IHS will play some 200 miles for each game of the season with the season still in the early away when they take on St. Lawrence going, and Grippin has a team that Central High School on Saturday, for best chance to win is very hungry to prove that they’re a December 17. our Grand Prize! contender in Section III.

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December 12-18, 2016 Tompkins Weekly 11 N e w s Housing Continued from page 3 of opposition (to projects), but not properties in order to build. It’s very very circumstantial. We had planned much for support.” risky and the profit margins are quite net-zero townhouses in Varna, but we Bill Goodman, Ithaca town’s small.” had to reduce by three units and drop not enthusiastic about more rental supervisor, spoke of the many tasks The topic of NIMBYism – a the net-zero component.” units. We neighborhood groups just that his town takes for planning and “Not In My Backyard” community “We had four months of want to keep our seat at the table.” review. opposition to development proposals meetings on 210 Hancock to “We strive to create balance “We go through comprehensive – continued to be a source of debate formulate the plan, where buildings between property rights with plans, zoning, planned development between members of the panel. would go, what people wanted to see environmental impacts, community zones, PILOTs,” he said. “There’s a Visum’s Fox and Varna’s Weinstein at the site,” said Ithaca Neighborhood concerns and governmental will,” mismatch between landowners and debated the value of community Housing Services’ Joe Bowes. “We said city Planning Director JoAnn developers, a mismatch of visions, opposition and compromise during still had significant pushback, that Cornish. “Sometimes projects take and that leads to neighbor concerns.” the development review process. cost us over $100,000...but we felt five years, sometimes they never In response to a question on Weinstein stressed the importance of that our efforts with initial outreach get built. In the development and ROI, Cannon offered a roundabout community input. helped us in the review process and approvals process, every delay costs figure. “When you allow people to air in obtaining approvals.” money to a developer. “Take gross rents, knock off half their concerns, they might realize “It’s incumbent on us to maintain “Social media complicates things for taxes, divide by 12, divide (again) where they and the developer can good communication,” summed up – we have people from California by 1.2,” he said. “Very few projects compromise,” he said. Goodman. “And it’s incumbent for and Oregon write in to oppose actually carry their construction costs. “I agree, and emphatically neighbors to be involved.” something,” she added. “We get a lot People have to leverage their other disagree,” said Fox in response. “It’s Garden Continued from page 1 to carry water from their homes for pavilion can be used for social events “We have an ok home garden but their plots. Some are elderly or have and a place to rest in the shade. we don’t get much full sun, and we small children, so hauling water to Cooperative Extension did so much better at the community Ithaca water mains that run beneath the gardens was very difficult for successfully raised 10 percent of garden,” she added. “And even with Floral Avenue are inaccessible; them. their goal in the first week of the fencing we lost everything to deer at the road was recently repaved and “If they didn’t treat the water campaign, qualifying them for a home, so we were really glad to have accessing the pipes now would be too for hydrilla, it wouldn’t be such $400 match from SeedMoney. the community garden. Our San expensive. Tapping into that resource a big issue,” said Chrys Gardner, org. The fundraising campaign is Marzano tomatoes were amazing, we would also add an annual cost to the community horticulture educator active until Thursday, December 15. still have tomatoes!” garden, whereas a rain harvesting for CCE. “It looks like they’re going When enough funds are in place, Chin really appreciates that system will be a one-time expense. to be treating hydrilla indefinitely, they plan to build the project with a Ithaca has so many community Gardeners were told that they since they aren’t seeing a reduction in combination of experts, community gardens. could pump water out of the flood the plant. And where they treat the volunteers, purchased and donated “It’s a great way to make control channel, but the inlet is water is just upstream for the garden, materials, and the goodwill that is so gardening accessible to people,” she treated with herbicides to control making it unusable for most of the plentiful in Tompkins County. said, “and it’s a nice way to meet some aquatic hydrilla each summer, making growing season.” Christine Chin and her family of the people in the neighborhood.” the water unusable for food crops CCE is partnering with live on Floral Ave near the gardens, To help support this project, visit between June and September. During SeedMoney.org, a non-profit that and had a productive growing season www.seedmoney.org/campaign/277/ the recent drought, gardeners had promotes community food gardening, despite the drought. She’s excited floral-avenue-community-garden. in a crowd-funding campaign to about the prospect of a rainwater Checks also may be sent to Chrys raise enough money for a sustainable system, which will make it much Gardener, Cornell Cooperative rainwater harvesting system for the easier for her to garden with her Extension of Tompkins County, 615 Unreserved site. The system will consist of a 12- young children. Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY 14850. foot by 12-foot wood pavilion with a “If the tanks were empty it was Make checks payable to CCETC Real Estate metal roof equipped with rain gutters really hard to climb down the steep with ‘Floral Avenue Community to direct rainwater into a 500-gallon bank and set the pump up, and it Garden’ in the memo area. AUCTION tank. Locating the tank uphill from took a lot of time,” Chin said. “And For more information, contact the garden plots will allow water to even when the tanks had water, one Gardener at (607)272-2292 ext. 241, flow by gravity through hoses. The didn’t work right and we had to carry or by email at [email protected]. Thursday, system will use no electricity and the buckets. So it was a lot of work. December 29, 1PM Raise Continued from page 1 Legislature meeting last week, several who voted against the raise, said the members of the public spoke in favor position of legislator is roughly a of legislators making a living wage, half-time job. However, as Robertson ability are automatically excluded like Eric Chen, of Ithaca. mentioned, legislators do not have from taking part in the government “I strongly believe that everyone to report how much time they spend and having a voice at the table, and deserves a living wage,” Chen said. each week. She said she does not that is everything that we’re saying “It would enable people from all think making a little more money that we’re supposed to be standing backgrounds to serve and increase would increase diversity, instead for.” diversity.” she said term limits would make a At the Tompkins County Martha Robertson, D-Dryden, difference. The salary increases will cost taxpayers more than $134,000 between 2018-2021. PRICE ROLLBACK “That’s a lot of money we could use a lot of different ways to help our FREE PRICE þ ON NEW VEHICLE constituents,” Robertson said. 2-4 Main Street ANY Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, Freeville, NY 13068 ALL MAKES & MODELS A CAREFULLY SELECTED D-Ithaca, voted in favor of the 3,856 +/- Sq. Ft. Bldg. w/ 1 INVENTORY OF USED increase. She said she spoke to a Storefront and 4 Apts. on 134' x 94' VEHICLES! woman at the Tompkins County +/- Lot! Bidding Starts @ $1! Housing Summit who talked out Dir: Located on the Corner of about her experience with housing. Main St. & Railroad St. PLUS McBean-Clairborne said she asked Open House: what it takes to run for office. Thurs., 12/15 & 12/22, 1-3 PM “That’s a beautiful voice to have NYS QUALIFIED SERVICES SINCE 1959 around this table, but I know full well þ CASH FOR CARS that she wouldn’t be able to do this CONTACT OUR CONSUMER ADVOCATE TODAY TO REVIEW YOUR “BEST DEAL” þ LOCATING SERVICE and be able to support her children þ without decent compensation,” she COUNSELING AUTOMOTIVE CONSULTANTS said. þ REAL ESTATE AUCTION CO., INC. FREE APPRAISALS 607-273-2800 automotiveithaca.com Ultimately, Legislators Glenn 80 Smokey Hollow Road þ PRE-APPROVALS 217 Elmira Road Morey, Mike Sigler, Jim Dennis, Rich Baldwinsville, NY 13027 þ DISCOUNT SALES John, Robertson and Lane voted www.678-2000.com against the raise.

12 Tompkins Weekly December 12-18, 2016 N e w s Signs Discovery Continued from page 7 active neighborhood association Continued from page 5 organizations’ programs and work with your neighbors to revive a collections to the broader Ithaca former, inactive association or start a community and across New York not responsive run for a local office new neighborhood association. This The Discovery Trail is a State to help foster understanding or support the efforts of those who is the best way to collectively address partnership of educational of the connections among art, advocate change. neighborhood concerns. organizations based in Tompkins history, literature, science, and the n Volunteer to join the efforts n Seek out ways to conserve County. The Discovery Trail natural world. The Discovery Trail’s of one of the local organizations that energy, water, and food resources at members include: the Cayuga Nature collective vision is of a community supports some aspect of sustainable the local, household level. It may Center, the Cornell Botanic Gardens, where curiosity flourishes and every development and the needed changes not seem so on the surface, but each the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, child, community member, and in your community to promote social individual effort makes a difference! the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of visitor enjoys opportunities to explore and economic justice. Dozens of – – – Art at Cornell, the History Center science, nature and culture. local organizations would like your Tom Shelley is the chairperson of in Tompkins County, the Museum More information on Discovery assistance. the Board of Directors of Sustainable of the Earth at PRI, Sciencenter Trail Weekend and Ithaca Explores n Seek out, join and support Tompkins and is involved in many local and the Tompkins County Public Human Origins can be found at your neighborhood association. If community sustainability efforts. He Library. The Discovery Trail www.discoverytrail.com or www.tcpl. your neighborhood doesn’t have an may be reached at [email protected]. promotes awareness of participating org. Eye on Ag Continued from page 4 collection. combination of welcoming and “We’re companionable; we Though online ordering can informative content and colorful think alike,” Amanda said. “We like feel impersonal, this isn’t how photographs of Amanda and Mark working at home and not having to shipped to eagerly waiting customers Graceful Gardens operates. Amanda and the plants they raise. commute.” around the second week of April. has managed to create an upbeat, The couple also encourages the She observed that they both Amanda is constantly seeking out interactive gardening community public to visit them in-person at knew right from the start that new plants to add to their inventory. around their business. the Ithaca Farmer’s Market from agriculture was the field for them This year’s severe drought gave her “When I confirm an order I send the first week in April until the last and that the psychological benefits a not-always-welcome chance to a personal email, not an automatic week in August (or whenever they of gardening are many; a deep sense determine which garden varieties response,” she said. “For repeat run out of plants). Though Amanda of satisfaction and accomplishment, proved to be the most drought- customers I always say ‘It’s good to estimates that the website generates being able to work outdoors, and resistant. Plants that managed to hear from you again’ or I try to add approximately 85 percent of Graceful having the chance to enjoy their survive with limited water and something to connect us.” Gardens business, the Market is beautiful flowers at the end of the attention made the cut for a new One of the things she’s most another income stream that gives day. category of offerings, “Drought proud of is the feedback she gets them a chance to see their vendor What does the future hold for Tolerant Plants.” Additionally, site from her customers, who contact her friends and interact with community the Shenstone’s and their nursery? visitors have always had questions to share their planting adventures or members in a vibrant setting. Their “We plan to do this for as long about deer resistant plants. “Everyone photos of their gardens. plants add greatly to the market as we’re able to,” she said. “We enjoy has this problem,” she admitted. Because the nursery is not set landscape, she maintains, adding it and want to see it keep growing. Unless deer are starving, there are up for visitors, the Shenstone’s work “We’re at the corner entrance. You It’s still a small business; we’d like it a few plants they will avoid and hard to provide a virtual experience can’t miss our display!” to be a tiny bit bigger. Maybe make a Graceful Gardens is happy to mix that’s every bit as satisfying to Sometimes it’s a challenge for little more money, though we know these in with their Delphinium, their customers as a real one. Their families to live and work together, but farming will never get you rich!” Annual, and Perennial plant packs or website invites online visitors into Graceful Gardens is a perfect fit for to suggest their “Farewell My Deer” their gardens and nursery with a this pair. Reading Continued from page 2 the county. We touch the life of every mission by doing it! and count on that generous spirit to child in our county with books and Of course, you can give a keep our programs going! read-aloud support. contribution to Family Reading And, right now we have a special County is given a library of 11 Partnership to help us do our work. Reading Pledge page on our website new books from before birth to TW: How can people best support We have funding to purchase our that includes a very sweet video of age 5 through Family Reading your mission? program books, but always need local families recorded and produced Partnership’s programs. Along with KM: Reading to the young donations to support our staff–to by the Ithaca-based business, Ancient those books, any family can expand children in your life and/or develop all of our literacy materials Wisdom Productions. Anyone can their home library with gently used encouraging and supporting other and resources and coordinate the take the pledge to read aloud to books to choose and keep from any families to read aloud is what we’re programs that give books to families. young children–because we all want of our 53 Bright Red Bookshelves in all about! You can support our We live in a very giving community the best for them! East Hill Continued from page 6 the Trumansburg Central School pace, with Cosmos, a permanent site- growth forest and quiet wildflower- District Foundation. The Discovery specific installation by New York– strewn fens that rarely see a human Trail “is working to expand KDT! to based artist Leo Villarea, a pioneer in visitor.” For more information, visit region – the Lab of O is part of the include elementary students in all six the use of light-emitting diodes and www.cornellbotanicgardens.org/our- Discovery Trail, a partnership of Tompkins County districts, providing computer-driven imagery. Cosmos gardens/botanical. educational organizations that also curriculum-based field trips and a is a memorable work and homage to One of the many assets of includes Cayuga Nature Center, site-specific take home book for all the late Cornell astronomy professor the Botanic Gardens is the Nevin Cornell Botanic Gardens, Herbert F. pre-K to fifth-grade students.” Carl Sagan. Welcome Center. Certified LEED Johnson Museum of Art, Museum Every Discovery Trail site Ithaca and Tompkins County (Leadership in Environmental of the Earth at PRI, Sciencenter, The includes a Cornell component or a artists and influences are often Design) Gold certified by the U.S. History Center of Tompkins County bit of university history. For instance, represented at the Johnson. For Green Building Council, the center and Tompkins County Public the county library was once the instance, “Signal to Code” (museum. advances the identity of Cornell Library. Cornell Public Library, founded by cornell.edu/exhibitions/signal-code) Botanic Gardens as a “green garden,” Established in 1999, the Ezra Cornell. Here’s a snapshot of provides a special emphasis on the while promoting its leadership role in Discovery Trail (www.discoverytrail. two Trail organizations with strong influential histories of media art in environmental stewardship initiatives. net) has pursued its goals through Cornell connections, both free and Ithaca and Central New York. The At a time of year when many collaborative programming, top- open to the public, just like the Lab exhibition runs through Sunday, exchange gifts, along with good notch outreach, and development of O. December 18. wishes and cheer, we celebrate the and annual distribution of more The Johnson Museum of Art The Cornell Botanic Gardens unique treasures found in Tompkins than 30,000 brochures throughout (museum.cornell.edu) is committed (formerly Cornell Plantations) County. The intellect and creativity Tompkins County, the Southern Tier, to serving a diverse audience maintains world-class gardens, an found along the Discovery Trail Syracuse and Rochester. and cultivating a wide range of arboretum and more than 3,500 acres are daily gifts to us all, and Cornell In 2005, the Discovery Trail partnerships that inspire creative of natural areas visited by more than University is proud to be part of the started a collaboration with the ways to link objects and ideas for the 70,000 visitors each year. Among its mix. Ithaca Public Education Initiative education and enjoyment of all. The many missions today is a Natural – – – and Ithaca City School District to museum’s exhibits change like the Areas Program that stewards more East Hill Notes are published form Kids Discover the Trail! In weather in Ithaca, always providing than 3,400 acres of preserves, “from the second and fourth Mondays in 2010, KDT! expanded to include insights and education on our Fall Creek and Cascadilla gorges Tompkins Weekly. Gary Stewart is Trumansburg Central School wonderful, artistic world. Walking and Beebe Lake – the very icons of associate vice president in the Office of District with a collaboration with up the steps to the museum sets the Cornell – to remote hilltops of old- Cornell Community Relations. December 12-18, 2016 Tompkins Weekly 13 TIME: 8:30-10:30 p.m. members; $8 for non-members. MORE INFO: $20 fee includes MORE INFO: Visit www.facebook. Space limited and registration snacks and information; some December 12 com/events/569089483283360 required by stopping by Y Welcome partial and full scholarships avail- Center or online at www.ithacaym- able. Pre-register by calling (607) Lansing-Ithaca Rotary Food Run ca.com 272-2292 WHERE: Lansing Market, 3125 N. Triphammer Road, Lansing ‘Lion on the Path’ Variety Show DATE: Wednesday, December 14 December 17 Fundraiser TIME: 7 p.m. Holiday Stories and Crafts WHERE: Community School of MORE INFO: Visit www.facebook. WHERE: Southworth Library, 24 Music and Arts, 3rd Floor, 330 E. com/LansingIthacaRotary W. Main St., Dryden MLK Jr./State St., Ithaca DATE: Saturday, December 17 DATE: Saturday, December 17 Non-Alcoholic Holiday Drinks TIME: 1-2 p.m. TIME: 7 p.m. WHERE: Classrooms @ Green- MORE INFO: Visit southworthli- Star, 702 W. Buffalo St., Ithaca brary.org 1st Annual Ugly Sweater Party ‘New Jim Crow’ DATE: Wednesday, December 14 WHERE: Crossroads Bar & Grille, Performance Lecture TIME: 7-8:15 p.m. 3120 N. Triphammer Road, Lansing WHERE: Beverly J. Martin El- MORE INFO: Cost is $10 for DATE: Saturday, December 17 ementary School, 302 W. Buffalo GreenStar members; $12 for non- TIME: 5 p.m. St., Ithaca members. Registration required; MORE INFO: Visit www.facebook. DATE: Monday, December 12 online at greenstar.coop or call com/crossroadsbarandgrille TIME: 5:30 p.m. (607) 273-9392 MORE INFO: Visit multicultural- resourcecenter.org/bookread December 15 December 18 Sci-Fi Book Club Guitar Trio Holiday Concert Holiday Hospitality Mixer WHERE: Ithaca Generator, 116 W. WHERE: Ulysses Philomathic Li- WHERE: K-HOUSE Karaoke Green St., Ithaca brary, 74 E. Main St., Trumansburg Lounge & Suites, 15 Catherwood DATE: Monday, December 12 DATE: Thursday, December 15 Road, Ithaca TIME: 6:30-8 p.m. TIME: 6:30 p.m. DATE: Sunday, December 18 MORE INFO: Visit www.facebook. MORE INFO: Visit trumansburgli- Ugly Christmas Sweater Party TIME: 4 p.m. com/events/763510097120524 brary.org WHERE: Little Venice, 49 E. Main MORE INFO: Community-wide St., Trumansburg hospitality industry employee holi- Living History Theatre Funk Jam DATE: Saturday, December 17 day party; visit www.facebook.com/ WHERE: The History Center in WHERE: The Range, 119 E. MLK/ TIME: 9 p.m. events/579521868839226 Tompkins County, 401 E. State St., State St., Ithaca MORE INFO: Visit www.facebook. Ithaca DATE: Thursday, December 15 com/events/1195456157200206 Breakfast with Santa DATE: Monday, December 12 TIME: 7:30-10:30 p.m. WHERE: American Legion, 307 TIME: 5:30 p.m. MORE INFO: Visit www.facebook. 9th Annual Shop and Play Main St., Groton MORE INFO: Visit www.thehisto- com/events/1278959652138329 WHERE: Charles O. Dickerson DATE: Sunday, December 18 rycenter.net High School, 100 Whig St., Tru- TIME: 8-11 a.m. mansburg MORE INFO: Tickets are $6 for December 13 December 16 DATE: Saturday, December 17 12 years and older, $4 for 6-12 year Christmas Bake Sale TIME: 4-8 p.m. olds and free for 5 year olds and Science Cabaret Presents: WHERE: St. Catherine Greek MORE INFO: Free event, but younger Go With the Flow Orthodox Church, 201 N. Geneva pre-registration required by WHERE: Coltivare, 235 S. Cayuga St., Ithaca Wednesday, December 14, by St., Ithaca DATE: Friday, December 16 calling Coach Flood at (607) 592- DATE: Tuesday, December 13 TIME: 7 a.m. to noon (or sold out) 4620 or emailing mflood@tburg. TIME: 7-8:20 p.m. MORE INFO: For advance orders, k12.ny.us MORE INFO: Visit www.facebook. call (607) 280-6675 or email itha- com/ScienceCabaret [email protected] Holiday Open House Hotel Opportunities ComedyFLOPs Available!! WHERE: Finger Lakes Spine and WHERE: The Dock, 415 Taughan- Guest Service Clerks Body Works, 87 W. Main St., Shuttle Driver nock Blvd., Ithaca Dryden (Clean, valid, Driver’s license) DATE: Friday, December 16 Room Attendants DATE: Tuesday, December 13 Maintenance Assistant TIME: 7:30-9 p.m. TIME: 5-7 p.m. Restaurant MORE INFO: Visit www.facebook. Servers MORE INFO: Visit www.facebook. com/comedyflops Bartenders com/events/1440976385931515 Line Cooks Catering Parents Night Out/Kids Night In Wonderful Winter Workshop for Catering Sales Manager WHERE: YMCA of Ithaca & Parents & Kids Banquet Servers December 14 Banquet Porter Tompkins County, 50 Graham WHERE: CCE-Tompkins Edu- Weekend and Holiday Availability Jon Kaplan: Live Music Road West, Ithaca cation Center, 615 Willow Ave., Apply anytime online at: www.thehotelithaca.com WHERE: Rulloff’s, 411 College DATE: Friday, December 16 Ithaca Hotel Ithaca Ave., Ithaca TIME: 6-8:30 p.m. DATE: Saturday, December 17 222 S. Cayuga Street Ithaca, 14850 DATE: Wednesday, December 14 MORE INFO: Cost is $5 for TIME: 3-5 p.m.

Submitting calendar events Non-profits, churches, schools and organizations are welcome to submit calendar listings to [email protected]

14 Tompkins Weekly December 12-18, 2016 Christmas Trees Sports Radio on-air color com- Wifi ...www.SelectEuroCars.com balc. Starting at $1,160 call 379- mentators for high school la- Buy Routes 5 & 20 Waterloo 6688 ... TriphammerApts.com Applegate Tree Farm crosse, baseball, football, soccer, & Sell! (315)-789-2200 Volunteers Wanted $ basketball & hockey throughout U-cut, All Trees 30 the year. Need to have solid un- For Rent professionally trimmed, At Dryden Community Cafe 1 West derstanding of the game. Contact Mimi’s Triphammer Apartments ... Main St., Dryden. drydencafe. Spruce, Douglas Fir Jeremy Menard at JeremyM@ Remodeled 1 & 2 bdrm lux units, org Volunteers wanted for a & Canaan Fir. ESPNIthaca.com Attic Previously-enjoyed furniture & Decor new cabinets, granite counters, variety of shifts and positions at Free bailing, Full or part-time Tompkins 430 W. State St., next to Mama Goose stainless appliances, new carpt/ the communitycenter/cafe. Stop 607.882.9038 Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-4 we furnish saws, Weekly advertising sales. Outgo- flooring, cent air, priv deck or in for an application. tarps & rope. ing person, ideally looking for one Used Cars 5 miles west of Ithaca of two skill sets: graphic-design 348 S. Applegate Rd skill set who would like to take their income and career to the Cars for sale! 2009 Toyota 2-4:30pm weekdays, next level or prior success in 9am-4:30pm Sa/Su Camry $8995, 126K 2010 business to business sales or retail Toyota Prius 124K $8,995, Call 607-273-3155 sales understanding the impor- 2007 Toyota Tacoma ​2WD tance of the customer. Contact $6995 Todd Mallinson at ToddM@Vizel- contact Willcox Service Employment laMedia.com (607) 327-2868 Writers Wanted Interested in Part-Time telemarketing sales writing for Tompkins Weekly? and appointment setting for CFCU and others....Apply on Contact Managing Editor Rob Tompkins Weekly. Contact line financing...VW/Audi (used) Montana at RobM@VizellaMe- [email protected] Sales, Service, Parts. 36 years, dia.com open Seven days a week. Leather theater Seats, Keurig Coffee,

THEME: WINTER FUN 48. No, they don’t really crawl in 12. Part of a hammer one’s ear 15. Residences ACROSS 50. Substance abuser 20. “Faster!” to a horse 1. e.g. “A Winter’s Tale” by Mark 52. Neither 22. Roast a chest____ over an open Helprin 53. Type of tide fire 6. Bag in Paris 55. Jamie ____ Curtis 24. Cavalryman’s foot holder 9. Cold-weather lip trouble 57. Popular cold weather fabric 25. #61 Across, sing. 13. Speak one’s mind 61. Desired winter destination, pl. 26. Bear Down Under 14. “What?” 64. Don McLean: “Drove my chevy 27. In the Asteraceae family 15. What phoenix did to the ____” 29. Again 16. Used a lot in sports 65. Elf on the Shelf, e.g. 31. Wood file 17. ____ of Aquarius 67. Remove its furniture in winter? 32. Buzz Aldrin’s first name 18. Misrepresent 69. Like a Harvard building? 33. Plumed military headdress 19. Troika ride 70. Call to Bo-peep 34. Ice Angler’s drill 21. Has two eyes made of coal 71. Painter Degas 36. Warm winter day occurrence 23. Beluga yield 72. Mrs. Lincoln’s maiden name 38. Winter Holiday, for short 24. Found in a wall 73. Weary traveler’s destination 42. Abracadabra, e.g. 25. Reggae precursor 74. Lofty homes 45. Preserved in a can 28. Whiskey without water 49. “Fancy that!” 30. Mother of Calcutta DOWN 51. Go back into business 35. What little kittens did with their 1. Us, in Mexico 54. Cover story mittens 2. Prefers 56. Horace’s poem 37. Computer operating system 3. Tiny bottle 57. Dart 39. Ascetic holy Hindu 4. “C’mon in!” 58. Prefix in levorotary 40. Hippocrates’ promise 5. Wound 59. Like a zealous fan 41. Chemically induced waves, pl. 6. Persian king 60. Pauper’s permanent state 43. Good obtained illegally 7. Precedes Sep. 61. Bridge 44. Garment fold 8. Maiden’s “hope” storage 62. Units of work 46. Sandwich alternative 9. Captain’s team 63. Cut and run 47. Northern freshwater fish 10. Islet in a river 66. Gingerbread creation 11. Half-way around the world 68. 60 mins., pl.

Solutions to the crossword and sudoku puzzles are on page 10 Sell It Fast! We’ll run your classified line ad for only $10! (per 10 words) Mail to: Tompkins Weekly Classifieds, Tompkins Weekly, 3100N. Triphammer Rd., Suite 100, Lansing, NY 14882, (Questions? Call 607-533-0057 ) or enter your classified information from our website TompkinsWeekly.com 1. Category:______2. Message:______3. Place in Issues Dates (We publish on Mondays): ______4. Choose: Line Classified ad: $5/10 words (25 cents for each additional word) and/or Display Classified ad = $15.00 per column inch (One Column: 23/8” wide) 5. Total Enclosed: ______(Pre-payment is required for classified ads. We welcome cash, check or money order. Deadline is 1pm Wednesday prior to publication). 6. We cannot print your ad without the following information. It will be kept strictly confidential. Name:______Ph:______Address:______

December 12-18, 2016 Tompkins Weekly 15 SIMMONS-ROCKWELL PRE- OWNED SUV • VAN • TRUCK VALUES! 2015 JEEP COMPASS SPORT 4X4 2016 JEEP PATRIOT SPORT 4X4 FACTORY AIR, AUTO, 2.4L 4CYL., FACTORY AIR, AUTO, 2.4L 4CYL., 17” ALLOY WHEELS, BLUETOOTH, POWER WINDOWS-LOCKS, AM/FM/CD, POWER WINDOWS-LOCKS, CRUISE, CRUISE CONTROL, BLUETOOTH, PREVIOUS RENTAL UNITS, 4X4 PREVIOUS RENTAL UNITS, (15,000 TO 22,000 MILES) (17,000 TO 24,000 MILES) 4X4 $13,999 $14,999 10 AT THIS PRICE 18 AT THIS PRICE 2016 FORD ESCAPE SE 4X4 2016 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SXT ECOBOOST DUAL AIR, AUTO, 3.6 V6, POWER SEAT, FACTORY AIR, AUTO, 2.0L I4 ECO, QUADS, DUAL POWER SLIDING DOORS, 17” ALLOYS, PWR SEAT-WINDOWS, POWER LIFTGATE, ALLOY WHEELS, BACKUP CAMERA, CRUISE, CRUISE, PREVIOUS RENTAL UNITS, PREVIOUS RENTAL UNITS, (16,000 TO 22,000 MILES) (18,000 TO 28,000 MILES) $17,999 $17,999 10 AT THIS PRICE 17 AT THIS PRICE 2016 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY 2016 JEEP RENEGADE TRAILHAWK 4X4 TRI-ZONE AIR, AUTO, 3.6L V6, LEATHER, TOURING FACTORY AIR, AUTO, 2.4L I4, DVD, BACKUP CAMERA, QUADS, 17” BLACK ALLOYS, POWER WINDOWS, POWER LIFTGATE, ALLOYS, CRUISE, WITH CRUISE, BACKUP CAMERA, BLUETOOTH, POWER SLIDING DOORS, BLACK ROOF RAILS, 4X4 PREVIOUS RENTAL UNITS, PREVIOUS RENTAL UNITS, (21,000 TO 28,000 MILES) DVD LEATHER (12,000 TO 14,000 MILES) $19,999 $20,999 32 AT THIS PRICE 6 AT THIS PRICE 2016 NISSAN FRONTIER SV 4X4 2016 GMC TERRAIN SLT FACTORY AIR, AUTO, 4.0L V6, CREW CAB 4DR DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL, AUTO, 3.6L V6, ALL WHEEL DRIVE POWER WINDOWS-LOCKS, CRUISE, LEATHER, 18” ALLOYS, CRUISE, AM/FM/CD, 16” ALLOY WHEELS, HEATED PWR SEAT, REARVIEW CAMERA, PREVIOUS RENTAL UNITS, PREVIOUS RENTAL UNITS, (11,000 TO 16,000 MILES) 4X4 (11,000 TO 15,000 MILES) V6/LEATHER $23,999 $23,999 17 AT THIS PRICE 7 AT THIS PRICE 2016 NISSAN PATHFINDER SV 4X4 2016 CHEVY TRAVERSE 2LT DUAL AIR, AUTO, 3.5 V6, 3RD SEAT, DUAL AIR, AUTO, 3.6 V6, 18” ALLOYS, ALL WHEEL DRIVE 18” ALLOY WHEELS, BLUETOOTH, 7-PASSENGER, QUADS, CRUISE, POWER SEAT-WINDOWS, CRUISE, HEATED POWER SEAT, POWER LIFTGATE, BACKUP CAMERA, 3RD SEAT REAR VISION CAMERA, QUAD SEATS PREVIOUS RENTAL UNITS, PREVIOUS RENTAL UNITS, (12,000 TO 17,000 MILES) (16,000 TO 19,000 MILES) PWR LIFTGATE $23,999 $25,999 16 AT THIS PRICE 20 AT THIS PRICE 2016 RAM 1500 BIG HORN 4X4 2016 FORD F-150 XLT 4X4 FACTORY AIR, AUTO, HEMI 5.7 V8, QUAD CAB 4DR FACTORY AIR, AUTO, 5.0V8, CREW CAB 4DR 20” CHROME WHEELS, CRUISE, POWER WINDOWS, CRUISE CONTROL, BLUETOOTH, POWER SEAT-WINDOWS, 17” ALLOYS WHEELS, FOG LAMPS, PREVIOUS RENTAL UNITS, PREVIOUS RENTAL UNITS, (13,000 TO 17,000 MILES) HEMI V8 (18,000 TO 23,000 MILES) $27,999 $28,999 10 AT THIS PRICE 8 AT THIS PRICE Taxes and DMV fees are extra. Expires 12/18/16. OVER 1,100 PRE-OWNED www.simmons-rockwell.com VEHICLES! HALLSTEAD, PA HORSEHEADS, NY BIG FLATS, NY BATH, NY HORNELL, NY 570-879-5000 607-398-6666 607-796-5555 607-776-8100 607-324-4444 Vehicle History Reports available online at simmons-rockwell.com SALES SERVICE PARTS

16 Tompkins Weekly December 12-18, 2016