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Articles by Tanner Harding
Treatment of Necrobiotic Xanthogranuloma With Upadacitinib: A Case Report
Michael Bernhardt Dermatology Associates of Tallahassee, Tallahassee, Florida, USA University of Central Florida/HCA Healthcare Consortium, Tallahassee, Florida, USA Search for more papers by this author
Recapturing a Former Glory - Immaculate Conception Church celebrates its 125th year with a restoration that takes it back to its Gothic roots.
In the late 1800s, in an Ithaca that looked very different than it does now, Immaculate Conception Church was built on N Geneva Street. Imposing in size and Gothic in design, the parish is now in its 175th year serving community members — and with its anniversary comes a refresh. A multi-year project to restore the church to its former glory is nearing completion, as it awaits its final few upgrades.
Give Local: Give back this holiday season by choosing a local non-profit to support
As the year nears its end, we find ourselves entering the holiday season once again. For many, the holiday season is a season of giving. If you’re looking for a way to give back to the community, you’re in luck – Ithaca has its fair share of non-profits that would be grateful for the help. From providing low-threshold medical services to low-cost childcare, there’s a non-profit for everyone.
Peep These Leaves
It’s that time of year again. As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, we can start looking forward to cozy sweaters, Halloween candy, pumpkin spice everything and ,of course, the leaves changing. As it turns out, the things that signal to us that fall is on its way are the same things that tell the leaves it’s time to turn color. According to Daniel Weitoish, the lead arborist at the Cornell Botanic Gardens, leaves are expensive metabolically for the trees to maintain.
Ithaca is for the Dogs: A round-up of some of the best places to take your pup in town
Despite the comically lengthy debate about allowing dogs on the Commons, Ithaca is a pretty dog-friendly place. From restaurant patios to walking trails to parks, there’s plenty to do in town with your furry friend. Ithaca Dog Park We’ll start with the obvious — the Ithaca Dog Park. Located within the Treman Marine Park, behind Hangar Theatre and adjacent to Cass Park, the dog park is free and open to anyone.
Wild, Wonderful World: Cayuga Nature Center Educates on Climate, Cayuga Lake, and the Local Environment All Summer Long
Whether you’ve got a little one who’s an animal lover or you’re curious about Cayuga Lake’s ecology and history, there’s something for everyone at Cayuga Nature Center this summer. Cayuga Nature Center, which falls under the umbrella of the Paleontological Research Institute, has regular programs throughout the summer for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors and learn a bit more about our natural world.
Cayuga Nature Center educates on climate, Cayuga Lake and the local environment all summer long.
Whether you’ve got a little one who’s an animal lover or you’re curious about Cayuga Lake’s ecology and history, there’s something for everyone at Cayuga Nature Center this summer. Cayuga Nature Center, which falls under the umbrella of the Paleontological Research Institute, has regular programs throughout the summer for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors and learn a bit more about our natural world.
Where to Put the Government Center?
The debate and discussion over constructing a Tompkins County Center of Government building has officially stretched into its fourth year with lingering questions about historical houses, costs, and which project should take priority. “A decision is not imminent here.” If you have been following along with the discussions about the county constructing a Center of Government building, Legislator Mike Lane doesn’t think it’s a decision that will be made soon.
2022: A Year in Review
That’s right, folks. We’ve made it through another year. Another year of political turmoil, another year of health scares (tripledemic anyone?) and another year of weather that somehow manages to be too hot, too cold, too wet or too dry at all times. But it was also the most normal year we’ve had in a while. The streets were livelier, the parties were bigger and the hugs were tighter.
Give Local - Five non-profits to donate to this holiday season
Whatever you celebrate this time of year, the holiday season is a time of generosity, community and giving. Here in Ithaca and Tompkins County, we have a seemingly endless number of non-profits, run by people who want to serve others and give back to their communities. That can make it hard to decide where to give back this holiday season. While no non-profit is more deserving than another, for our annual Give Local issue we choose five local organizations to feature.
Complications in dermatologic surgery: A case-control study exploring factors associated with postsurgical infection and wound dehiscence in a large national group practice
To the Editor: Dermatologic surgery is generally considered safe with estimated complication rates of <2%. 1 O'Neill J.L. Lee Y.S. Solomon J.A. et al. Quantifying and characterizing adverse events in dermatologic surgery. , 2 Strickler A.G. Shah P. Bajaj S. et al. Preventing and managing complications in dermatologic surgery: procedural and postsurgical concerns. , 3 A prospective evaluation of the incidence of complications associated with mohs micrographic surgery.
Trouble brewing: Baristas fight back after Starbucks closes College Ave location
ITHACA, NY -- A broken grease trap. A missing ice bucket. Space, attendance and staffing issues. These are the official reasons Starbucks is giving for the closure of its College Avenue store on June 10. Employees, however, say those are just excuses. The Starbucks location in Collegetown, along with the two other locations in Ithaca, voted to unionize back in April. Shortly after, the now much talked about grease trap broke, causing workers to strike, citing unsafe working conditions.
Fire chief maps out plan for carbon neutral department, electric fire trucks
ITHACA, NY -- As the City of Ithaca works to become a greener place, Fire Chief Tom Parsons is leading the way with plans to replace the department’s current fleet with all electric trucks. Parsons told Common Council at its June 1 meeting that he’s been working on figuring out how to meet the city’s goal of reducing emissions from city-owned vehicles by 50% of 2001 levels by 2025, with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. “When we have a lot of heavy apparatus, it’s very expensive.
Sheriff’s Office kicks off unarmed response pilot program
While the focus has largely been on creating an unarmed division to the Ithaca Police Department, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office has quietly been assembling a small unarmed team of its own. Sheriff Derek Osborne said two new employees, called sheriff’s clerks, started at the Sheriff’s Office on Monday, June 13. He explained in detail how the job would work at the June 7 County Legislature meeting.
Starbucks employees call for boycott of all locations in Ithaca amid alleged union busting
Starbucks announced it would be closing its Collegetown store on June 10, giving workers a week’s notice about the closure. The store, along with the two other locations, voted in favor of unionization in April. A week after that vote, workers at the College Ave location went on strike for unsafe working conditions after a grease trap overflowed inside the store. Starbucks cited the grease trap as a reason for the store closure, along with staffing and “time and attendance” issues.
How much structural change will really come to the Ithaca Police Department?
ITHACA, NY -- The debate surrounding the structural hierarchy of the Department of Community Safety continued as Common Council held an additional meeting on June 6 to discuss the issue. The plan as originally presented was to create the Department of Community Safety as an umbrella organization, overseeing the Division of Police and Division of Community Solutions.
Bike repair station, official kiosk opens at Black Diamond trailhead
ITHACA, NY -- The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s Finger Lakes Regional Headquarters hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a newly built kiosk at the Black Diamond Trail trailhead. The kiosk includes a bike repair station, which has air for tires as well as tools for bike repairs. It also includes signage of the history of the trail, a map, nearby sights, and other trails in the area.
Here we go again: Welcome to NY19
Here we are again. A little over a month before the originally scheduled June 28 primaries, and we have new district lines again — so long NY-22, and welcome to NY-19. The original Congressional map, which put Ithaca and Tompkins County in a Democratic stronghold with Cortland and Syracuse, was ruled to be unconstitutional by Steuben County Acting Supreme Court Judge Patrick McAllister.
Ithaca officials seeks to reaffirm city as safe place for abortion
ITHACA, NY -- City officials are discussing an ordinance that would reaffirm its stance on the protection of reproductive rights. City Administration Chair Robert Cantelmo introduced the ordinance at the May 25 committee meeting as an amendment to the city’s “Human Rights Protection” section of the municipal code.
Parents seek answers after Northeast principal goes on leave
ITHACA, NY -- “Our leadership is missing, and our school has an unfathomable and inexplicable hole in its wake.” Those were the words of Northeast Elementary librarian Megan Hulburt at the May 24 Ithaca City School District Board of Education meeting. Droves of Northeast parents and teachers spoke at the meeting on behalf of Principal Liddy Coyle — or “the leadership” — who has been absent from the building since May 23.
The race toward the cannabis industry is a marathon, not a sprint
Since the legalization of adult-use cannabis was passed in New York State in March 2021, there have largely been more questions than answers when it comes to what that might look like here and around the state. Two of the people trying to answer those questions locally are Brian Batrowny and Damien Cornwell, the chair and vice chair respectively of the Southern Tier Cannabis Committee. “We try to take the confusion out of it,” Cornwell said.
Spongy moth caterpillars behind itchy outbreak?
ITHACA, NY -- Have you been itchy lately? Are you finding red bumps or hives on your skin after spending time outside? Turns out, the answer could be the tiny caterpillars of the spongy moth.
ICSD Board of Ed certifies election results amid controversy
ITHACA, NY -- After a confusing and controversial election day, the Ithaca City School District Board of Education certified the results the following evening. Three of the four propositions passed, and new faces were elected to the Board of Education. The budget, expenditure of reserve funds and the establishment of a new reserve fund all passed easily. The closest of the three was the budget, with 2,446 people voting yes, and 1,069 people voting no.
City to open 'Remagining' investigation, Council members want to move forward
ITHACA, NY -- In a special Common Council meeting on May 11 it was announced that the city is undertaking its own separate investigation into allegations of unethical behavior during the Reimagining Public Safety Process. The county attorney had announced earlier that week that the Tompkins County Board of Ethics would look into the complaint made by Alderperson Cynthia Brock.
Rep. Tom Reed resigns, new Congressional maps proposed
The future representation of Tompkins County continues to change at a dizzying pace, as in the past week Rep. Tom Reed resigned and new congressional and senate districts were proposed. Reed announced his resignation on the House floor on May 10, effective immediately. He had previously said he would not be running for re-election after sexual misconduct allegations were brought against him in March 2021 for actions in 2017.
Longtime ICSD board member Ainslie out, budget approved in school vote
ITHACA, NY -- The preliminary results of the Ithaca City School District election are in, with three of four propositions passing and new faces joining the Board of Education. The budget, expenditure of reserve funds and the establishment of a new reserve fund all passed easily. The closest of the three was the budget, with 2,446 people voting yes, and 1,069 people voting no.
Local officials spend a day getting to know local businesses in Collegetown
ITHACA, NY -- Collegetown businesses got a little love from the Tompkins Chamber of Commerce and the city of Ithaca during the Collegetown Business Walk on Friday, April 22. The intention was to split into groups and meet with businesses to better understand their needs and issues impacting them.
ICSD budget breakdown: What to know before the May 17 vote
ITHACA, NY -- Sixty percent of voters will have to approve the Ithaca City School District budget this year after the Board of Education proposed a 7.21% levy increase. The proposed budget in total is $148,944,098 for the 2022-23 school year — a 2.59% increase from last year’s $145.2 million budget. The tax rate will hold study at $16.84 per thousand.
Two students going head-to-head for Ithaca's fourth ward
ITHACA, NY -- Cornell University junior and current fourth ward alderperson Patrick Mehler will be running against a fellow Cornellian in the Democratic primaries in June. Tiffany Kumar, a sophomore, has announced that she’ll be running for Mehler’s current seat as a member of the Solidarity Slate. There are two current Solidarity Slate members on council, Phoebe Brown and Jorge Defendini.
May 13 is hot dog day on the Commons!
ITHACA, NY -- You know him and you love him. Lou Cassaniti, “the hot dog guy,” is hosting his annual SPCA fundraiser this Friday, May 13. This year he's partnering with Trader K's for the event. Everything at the store is 50% off (they're closing — don't miss your chance!) and all proceeds from both Trader K's and the hot dog stand will be donated to the Tompkins County SPCA.
Legislators speak up on Roe v. Wade, address ‘Reimagining’ concerns
The women of the Tompkins County Legislature spoke out strongly against the leaked Supreme Court draft decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that protects a pregnant woman’s freedom to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction. The Legislature met on May 3, the day after the draft was leaked. Legislator Amanda Champion said she had “a lot of emotions” but that she was going to share facts.
County Ethics Board will investigate Myrick, ‘Reimagining’ process
ITHACA, NY -- Tompkins County Attorney Bill Troy has decided to open an ethics investigation after city of Ithaca Alderperson Cynthia Brock requested the county’s ethics board look into the actions of former mayor Svante Myrick during the Reimagining Public Safety process.
County redistricting effort could add 2 legislators
The Tompkins County redistricting commission is looking for public input on the proposed maps of the 16 new election districts. There will be a public meeting on May 10 for residents to give their comments and suggestions, and on May 24 the commission will meet to determine any changes they want to make. The final report will be submitted to the Government Operations Committee of the County Legislature by June 2. The commission began meeting on Dec.
An ethical dilemma: Accusations of unethical behavior slows 'Reimagining' process
ITHACA, NY -- A process that has been controversial from the start has a new complication as Alderperson Cynthia Brock has requested an ethics investigation from the Tompkins County Ethics Advisory Board into former mayor Svante Myrick for his alleged actions throughout the Reimagining Public Safety process. Brock brought the issue up to Common Council members at the April 27 City Administration meeting.
Salary requirement law moves on to Common Council
ITHACA, NY -- The City Administration Committee picked up the conversation about pay transparency legislation at its April 27 meeting, this time voting in favor of moving it on to Council. Only Alderperson Jeffrey Barken voted against it. Committee Chair Robert Cantelmo introduced the legislation at the February meeting. It would require businesses with four or more employees in Ithaca to include a salary range in job postings for the city.
Get outside, learn local history for National Historic Marker Day
ITHACA, NY -- Head out on April 29 for the second annual National Historic Marker Day, a nationwide event that encourages individuals and groups to help maintain their community’s historic markers and celebrate local history. National Historic Marker Day was created by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Syracuse that provides grants for historic roadside markers and plaques.
Preserving the past: Friends of the Ithaca City Cemetery work to make it a place to enjoy
“No, I’m not scared. I don’t believe in ghosts.” Julee Johnson strolls through the rough, winding lanes of the Ithaca City Cemetery. “People ask me when I give tours, especially children. ‘Are you scared?’” Johnson chuckles. “I tell them ‘no, because they’re dead.’ It’s not the dead that can hurt you, it’s the living that you’ve gotta watch out for.” Johnson has been working with the Friends of the Ithaca City Cemetery, an affiliate of Historic Ithaca, since about 2014.
Alderperson Cynthia Brock calls for ethics investigation of former mayor Myrick
ITHACA, NY -- Alderperson Cynthia Brock has initiated an ethics investigation into former mayor Svante Myrick for his alleged actions throughout the Reimagining Public Safety process.
Proposed new fire station on Ithaca's East Hill would be all electric
ITHACA, NY -- The city of Ithaca is looking at the possibility of building a new East Hill fire station at the intersection of Elmwood Avenue and Dryden Road. With some creative math, the net city cost is about $1.5 million. The new station was proposed at the April 20 Planning and Economic Development Committee, and would include resting quarters, a workout area, office space, classroom/multi-use space and of course an area for a ladder truck and an engine.
Ithaca city officials propose permanent encampments for the houseless
ITHACA, NY -- City officials are proposing building a permanent encampment structure for the unhoused to live in while getting back on their feet. A group comprising alderpersons Cynthia Brock and George McGonigal, as well as other city officials and volunteers, presented The Ithaca Dedicated Encampment Site (TIDES) at the April 20 Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting.
Schumer announces $8.5 million for Cornell’s CHESS lab
ITHACA, NY -- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer visited Ithaca and Cornell University on April 14 to celebrate the expansion of the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) lab and bring news of additional federal funding. The $32 million expansion is funded by the National Science Foundation, in partnership with the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, to build a high magnetic field beamline.
Ithaca's police culture at the center of Council’s ‘Reimagining’ debate
ITHACA, NY -- The debate around the Reimagining Public Safety report released by the city’s working group last month continued at the April 13 Committee of the Whole meeting. A Committee of the Whole meeting is just a meeting of the entire Common Council outside of its regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The group continued to discuss the recommendations about creating a Department of Community Safety, which would include the Division of Police and Division of Community Solutions.
ICSD needs 60% budget approval for 7% levy jump
ITHACA, NY -- The Ithaca City School District Board of Education is proposing a $148,944,098 budget for the 2022-23 school year — up 2.59% from last year’s $145.2 million budget. Additionally, the tax rate increase will hold steady at $16.84 but the levy will increase by 7.21%.
How can the County Legislature encourage more single family housing?
The average sale and median sale prices of single family homes are up substantially, Tompkins County Assessment Director Jay Franklin confirmed at the April 5 County Legislature meeting. Franklin was at the meeting to present the 2022 Annual Equity Maintenance (AEM) program, which is the activity of the department to assess the values of all properties in Tompkins County which are then used to levy property taxes.
‘Reimagining’ process prompts questions about ethics, legalities and misconceptions
ITHACA, NY -- The Reimagining Public Safety conversation continued, somewhat contentiously, at the April 6 Common Council meeting. It was the first official discussion between council members since the city’s Reimagining task force revealed its recommendations for replacing the Ithaca Police Department with the Department of Community Safety. Prior to the council discussion there was a lengthy public hearing in which everything from praise to confusion to criticism was given.
All Ithaca Starbucks stores vote 'yes' to union
ITHACA, NY -- The three Starbucks locations in Ithaca — College Ave., Meadow Street and the Commons — all voted to unionize on Friday, April 8. The votes make Ithaca the first city in the country in which all of its locations are unionized. The Collegetown location voted 19-1 in favor, Meadow Street voted 13-1 in favor and the Commons location voted 15-1 in favor.
In the running: Meet the locals running for Congress
ITHACA, NY -- The road to redistricting in New York State has been anything but smooth. It began with a failed attempt from a bipartisan redistricting commission that was supposed to produce fair maps without gerrymandering. When that couldn’t be done, the commission presented two sets of maps — one that clearly favored Democrats, and one that clearly favored Republicans. With the failure to come to an agreement, the process was left to the state’s majority-Democrat legislature.
Public questions unarmed response at Reimagining Public Safety town hall
ITHACA, NY -- The co-leaders of the Reimagining Public Safety task force had its first public feedback session since the group’s final recommendations for a new department were revealed earlier this month. At the March 22 town hall, individuals were able to directly ask questions of Acting Mayor Laura Lewis and co-leads Eric Rosario and Karen Yearwood.
Moosewood restaurant now open under new ownership
ITHACA,NY -- After a few months of renovations that left the restaurant closed, Moosewood is open under the leadership of new owners. Danica Wilcox and her husband Nicholas took over the restaurant at the beginning of the year. The couple and their son were living in Mallorca, Spain (often spelled Majorca in English) when Wilcox found out from her mother, who is part of the Moosewood collective, that the group was talking about shutting the restaurant down.
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