One upside is that as of the end of the week, United will begin flying Embrarer jets on this route, replacing the old Dash 800 or whatever they are called now.
This may affect the on-time record?

Driving to Newark is not possible, I could take a bus the day before to NY ($25) and spend the night with family in NJ. But not showing for this outward leg... that would cancel the EWR-ITH return as well, that will be a pain.