Good morning, Ithaca.

On April 8, local women attended a Wen-Do self-defense class at the Henry St. John Building where instructor Kristi Taylor advised that in a dangerous situation one should scream Fire instead of Help — the five-week course is designed to build confidence and teach practical defense skills.

On Wednesday afternoon, a vehicle crashed into a tree on the 100 block of Belle School Road in the Town of Caroline — responders arrived at 12:40 p.m. and Bangs Ambulance transported the driver to a trauma center as stated by Brooktondale Volunteer Fire Company.

Shared Kitchen Ithaca opened a new nonprofit commercial kitchen in the old GreenStar space to give local food businesses access to professional equipment and support services.

A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for May 8—where organizers will also begin a fundraising campaign to help underrepresented entrepreneurs expand their operations.

Ithaca Concert Band will perform a free concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6 at Ford Hall on Ithaca College campus (it is the city’s only community band).

The program will include music from Sousa to Bernstein and refreshments will be served after the show with donations accepted in the drums (supported by local arts funding).

Ithaca College will honor Disney CEO Bob Iger with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree at its 130th Commencement on May 18 — he began his career soon after graduating and now supports the school through scholarships and awards.

Ithaca’s First Presbyterian Church hosted a film premiere on April 13 that showcased how Open Doors English helps students from 40 countries learn English and build community.

Open Doors English will hold a community dinner on Saturday, May 3rd at 5:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (315 N Cayuga St) where visitors can enjoy vegetarian Afghan dishes and international desserts with limited seating available for advance reservations.

Ithaca residents can help shape the City Hall plaza by completing a three-question participatory budgeting survey through May 19 — options include public art, shade structures, seating, and green space.

The redesign funds are already set aside — city staff want the project to create a welcoming and useful outdoor space reflecting local ideas.

Researchers at Cornell discovered that a protein called Eato in fruit flies protects brain cells by keeping a cleanup signal hidden—without it, healthy cells might be mistakenly removed.

The study, supported by NIH funds and a Cornell seed grant, may lead to new ways to treat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Cayuga Medical Center’s orthopedic surgeons are using the CORI Surgical System—an advanced robotic tool that custom fits knee implants—to perform total, partial, and revision knee surgeries faster and with greater precision.

The system builds detailed digital models of patients’ knees without CT scans or expensive MRIs, helping more Ithaca patients receive advanced care.

The Dead South Concert

5-7 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices range from $46 to $78 — Experience a night of folk and bluegrass with The Dead South at a historic venue.

17th Annual Spring Writes Literary Festival

May 7-11 & May 15-22 — Community Arts Partnership — Free entry — Celebrate local literary talent with 40 diverse events from readings to workshops.

Australian Pink Floyd Show

8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices range from $64 to $387 — Experience the ultimate tribute to Pink Floyd with an unforgettable live performance.

Little Feat Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Last-minute tickets available — Enjoy an evening of classic rock with Little Feat.

Garden Fair and Plant Sale

1-7 p.m. — Ithaca Farmers Market — Free entry — Explore a variety of plants at this annual sale operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz with local musicians while sipping on cider and enjoying food.

Cielle On Solid Ground

6-9 p.m. — La Tourelle Hotel & Spa — Cost not listed — Experience an evening of Blues/Rock surrounded by the scenic beauty of Ithaca.

Nonprofit Budget Basics & Financial Planning Workshop

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Tompkins County Public Library — Check website for details — Enhance your financial acumen to make informed decisions for your organization.

Cayuga Trails 50 Mile Ultra Marathon

6 a.m. — Cayuga Trail Parking — Entry Fee $163 — Experience breathtaking trails with aid stations and a chance to win prizes while running through stunning natural landscapes.