ITHACA COMMUNITY NEWS: February #1 2002

LABOR, ARTS, ACTIVISM, NEWS, YOUR LETTERS, FREE STUFF!

This is the FIRST of TWO EMAILS MONTHLY sent to 5,776 Ithaca area residents. HOME PAGE

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SEVEN READERS of this issue will WIN GIFT CERTIFICATES: Viva Taqueria ($5.00), Cinemapolis/Fall Creek Pictures (2 tickets), Maxie's Supper Club ($10.00), Harvest Deli ($6.00), ABC Cafe ($10.00), Sparrow's Wine ($10.00), Cafe Strand ($7.50). WINNING EMAILS (randomly selected) ARE NOTED BELOW.

"I'm delighted to be a winner of the gift certificate. I read the news regularly, and in having my name appear, I've learned that many of my friends do too." --Candace Widmer

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THE ITHACA BRAIN
Over 3,000 periodicals are sold by Mayers, on E. State. To the extent sales there reflect local cravings and interests, then Ithacans think lots about sex, computers and news, in that order. Mayers' manager Patty McNally says that "male sophisticates" titles are top sellers, followed by tech titles and then newsweeklies.

The Ithaca style is more precisely reflected by strong sales of liberal "quality" magazines like Harper's, The Atlantic, Utne Reader and Mother Jones, according to McNally. French language magazines lead sales among dozens of international titles. Likewise, The Bookery (DeWitt Mall) features a few dozen quality mags beyond liberal.

Perhaps the broadest range of Mayers' titles offer to help readers 'look better' (female allure), look bigger (muscles), and get rich. Hundreds of magazines serve crafts and hobbies-- there are twelve quilting titles alone. By contrast, McNally says mass market paperbacks sell "not so well."

She adds that about 1,000 titles have ceased because people rely more on the Internet. It would be fascinating (but intrusive) to get stats on our community's netsurfing preferences. Suffice it that Ithacans explore widely. At Autumn Leaves Used Books, Joe Wetmore says his regular customers buy from a wide range of topics, taking home any type of used book new on his shelves. Oversize art books are especially popular in all seasons. And, though Autumn Leaves sells little erotica, Wetmore says it sells fast: "people like pictures of naked people." And computers and news.

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ACTIVIST KNITTING CIRCLE is a weekly knitting get-together (Thursdays, Risley Hall, North Campus) with "speakers on a range of local, national, international issues to help keep ourselves educated and informed/involved." New knitters can get lessons from 8-8:30pm. Speakers from 8:30-930pm. [email protected]

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STATE THEATRE NEEDS USHERS: training 2/6 at 7pm

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NORTHSIDE: TURNING THE CORNER: Ithaca's Community-Based Neighborhood Planning Initiative Site features the Planning Process, People, with Photos & Maps, Statistics & Survey Results. Your neighborhood could seek grants too!

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"KATRINA_SCHICKEL" is the WINNER of the$10.00 gift certificate for MAXIE'S SUPPER CLUB. Maxie's menu Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim.

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http://www.GREENSTAR.COOP -- Ithaca's food co-op is among the first to have the new .coop domain suffix.

GREENSTAR MEMBERS' EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Did you know that Bearitos and Celestial Seasonings are significantly owned by Philip Morris, Monsanto, ExxonMobil, Wal-Mart, McDonald's and other multinational corporations? List of such products A dozen members of the GreenStar Members' Education Committee are gathering information about the corporate connections and environmental/health/labor impacts of natural/organic brands: They seek display space in the store: contact Marlo

GREENSTAR ELECTIONS & ISSUES
Five seats are open for election this year to GreenStar's 15-member council. Significant issues include:
* EXPANSION-- Some council members intend to double GreenStar's size. Others believe that this could weaken GreenStar's democratic and health food base.
* PRODUCT LINE-- Some council members seek to further relax GreenStar's product line guidelines, or their enforcement. Others believe current product line distinctions are central to GreenStar's mission
* REFERENDA-- Some council members seek to make it more difficult for members to directly affect policy by referendum. Others believe referenda are tools of co-op democracy that should be encouraged.
* GOVERNANCE-- Some council members seek to adopt "policy governance," which increases the power of the General Manager and Council President, while decreasing the capacity of Council and members to intervene in store operation. Others prefer more active checks and balances. --P.G.

YOU CAN BECOME A CANDIDATE by filing a candidate application before March 1. Ask for application at GreenStar's front desk. Balloting takes place throughout April.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GREENSTAR'S COUNCIL: meet councilmembers at the store 2/10 from 2-4pm & 2/19 from 6-8pm

GREENSTAR'S GREENFUTURE: a strategy for the co-op that capitalizes on the differences between food co-ops and supermarkets

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SUSTAINABLE CORNELL
2/8 from 5-7pm Room 300, Rice Hall, Tower Rd., Cornell. "Finger-foods and beverage potluck, with some local farm treats provided as well. If you're interested in contributing to making our community more sustainable in its operations and its relationships come join us, invite friends, bring munchies to share." RSVP: Liz Rowland 255-6904 by 2/4.
---Projects for the coming year may include:
* assessing CU's ecological impact as well as the potential for positive change.
* feasibility studies on improving energy efficiency and green retrofitting
* electronic poll to assess university/community priorities for sustainability
* sustainability salons: open & convivial forums for networking and learning.

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AMAZING ITHACA HISTORY!

* February 3, 1987: Upon mentioning the problems of a local widow and her son, a local man is given money for their care by everyone in the store.
* February 4, 1958: SNOW CONDITIONS close schools for the first time in 33 years.
* February 5, 1891: FIRST WORKER-OWNED BUSINESS, Bool Furniture Company, holds first annual meeting and divides $1,812.25 in shares equally among all workers, regardless of sex.
* "February 6, 1965: She Dared to Speak" East Hill parents and children PICKET POLICE DEPARTMENT, protesting firing of Mrs. Covey, the school crossing guard. She had spoken for uniforms and higher pay on behalf of city guards.
* February 7, 1881: Youngster sleeping with his mom does arithmetic in his sleep, adding figures on her FACE. When he spits on his hand to erase his work, she wakes him.
* February 8, 1823: Meeting of UGLY CLUB, a secret committee of the vigilante MORAL SOCIETY, which published the Castigator, exposing immoral conduct and determine punishment.
* February 9, 1934: 35 DEGREES BELOW ZERO
* February 10, 1944: Bird lovers are invited to the secluded Lane homestead on Hanshaw Rd. Mrs. Lane has so befriended chickadees that they land on her hands and shoulders when she goes out, taking food from her lips while she sings and walks

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WHO RECEIVES ITHACA COMMNITY NEWS?
Here's the census of domain names with ten or more subscribers: CORNELL (1,860), AOL (594), HOTMAIL (570), YAHOO (359), CLARITYCONNECT/BAKA (293), LIGHTLINK (240), TWCNY (193), ITHACA COLLEGE (145), JUNO (85), TOMPKINS-CO (65), MSN (42), ALTERNATIVES (39), CITY ITHACA (34), EARTHLINK (33), GREENSTAR (32), EXCITE (18), LAKENET (15), MINDSPRING (15), A-ZNET (10).

THANKS, BUZZ! Ithaca Community News is composed and mailed on "Buzz," a humble 1990 Mac Classic. Buzz has never froze or crashed but, squeezed for space within 40Meg memory, has just inhaled 310Meg thanks to quick and efficient home delivery/installation by Scott McCasland-Bodenstein. Scott's a master Mac install/repair/handyman: 277-4176

OLDEST RESIDENTIAL COMPUTER IN TOMPKINS COUNTY
Who's got the oldest Mac and oldest PC in current use? The winner, verified by Scott, gets two tickets to Cinemapolis/Fall Creek Pictures. Tell us what you've got: ICN Editor 272-4330

RECYCLE YOUR COMPUTER: Babbage's Basement accepts used computers and sells them at small prices to benefit the Sciencenter. Open Wednesdays 9am-1pm. Ask to see TED'S MACSEUM of old Macs.

Thanks to Homer and Jane at LIGHTLINK for hosting ICN. http://www.lightlink.com

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STUDENT RE-USE PROJECT POTLUCKS every Thursday 7pm. Formerly Student Recycling Project, the group intends to capture most of the tons of re-useable stuff that students throw away every May. Last year stacks of clothes and housewares were distributed at a "name your own price" sale. Meets at 573 Spencer Rd (There is a peace banner on the front of the house, and an old-fashioned blue truck parked in front). 227-2746. Danny Leifer

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YOUR LETTERS:

"Thank you for Ithaca Community News! You are doing a great job. We recently moved from Ithaca to Binghamton, as an experiment. My husband has been commuting to SUNY for several years and was getting burnt out. We have decided to return to Ithaca for these reasons.
"#1. In the five months we have lived here we have received notice of eight (8!!!!) sex offenders, recently released and residing in our zip code! Great atmosphere for raising a child.
"#2. This place has no alternative political community (other than maybe college students, who make no impact on the general population). American flags in support of the war are everywhere.
"#3. This whole town is a proverbial AUTOZONE: there is no evidence of a Street Tree Planting Program, few parks, no trails and way too many malls. Can't wait to come back!" --Sincerely, Waiting it out in Binghamton
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"Thanks so much for the twice monthly newsletter which networks us all so effectively. I don't want to miss out in the future so could you please change my e-add. in your records." Gratefully --Gail Sakai
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"....love the newsletter... but the bread coupon didn't work." --Sabra
---- "I could not get the links to the Ithaca Bakery and Littletree coupons to work?" --Amy
[REPLY] Sorry, I'll try to be more careful with the links.
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"I teach an ESL class, what do you recommend as the best local history book I could adapt to give some local history to them? Thanks for the newsletter." --Margot
[REPLY] "The Peopling of Tompkins County," by Carol Kammen, celebrates common folk. My "Amazing Ithaca History Calendar 1976" (illustrated) is in the TC Museum, and at Olin Library for borrowing. Its day-sized doses are easy to absorb.
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"The Plain St. bridge project is moving forward. The Planning Department is holding a public input session on Monday 2/4 (7-9 pm, B-W Rm at the library). Unfortunately, we have not be directly informed of this session (I found out third hand)." --Jennifer Dotson ---[REPLY] Residents made clear this part of the Six-Point Plan was not preferred. City Hall has put it at top of their list. I've heard there's a demonstration planned at this meeting. --------

"Thank you this is Great - It keeps me abreast of what is going on in Ithaca." --Kathie K. --------

"In response to the wind turbine bird kill problem, have you or your friend investigated Wind Amplified Rotor Power? These are a series of stacked tubular turbines. They work like the turbines on a mill wheel or a paddle steamer rather than old windmill style." --Karen ---[REPLY] Seems like the main way to eliminate bird kill is to house the unit in a prominent frame, whether horizontal or vertical axis, whether blade or turbine. Birds will not aim at a visible structure. The other concern is noise, and units are now available which are pretty quiet. Combining these features will help us welcome the wind to our energy mix. See also Windmills & Birds --------

"Hi. My family and I are recent newcomers to the area and would love to subscribe to your on-line newsletter. A friend recently forwarded your January edition and I found it very informative." --Kathryn S. --------

"Please add me to the list to receive Ithaca Community news. I now live i n New York City, but my heart is still very much in Ithaca. I visit ofte n and like to know what's going on. Thanks." --Rebecca Lyczko --------

"I'm so glad that you respect Middle Eastern music, if only the terrorists new this we could all be friends. If we had just played more marches and German polkas maybe we could have worked things out with Hitler. Wake Up, They want all of us Kaffirs and Infidels dead. Do you respect all religions also, like Aztec sacrifices? It was a major part of their culture a bit like female circumcision, you got to respect that. All the Best," MWJ
---[REPLY] Many Germans marched with Hitler because Germany had been harshly punished by Allies after World War One. Proud peoples whose cultures are despised and whose economies are destroyed are dangerous. With the Arab world, we're still at the stage when persistent respect protects us better than endless revenge
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"Thanks for your news. As always it's wonderful to know what is going on." --Natasha Tall
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"There's a bill currently in the House to reinstate the military draft--or as my friend pointed out, it's not quite the same but it's the general idea... To read the text of the bill go to thomas.loc.gov and enter HR 3598 in the field next to "by bill number" (the links in the below article didn't get me there but it's very short and interesting and Indymedia is a good thing so I recommend checking out both)." webcast --Erin Leidy
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"Hi. Just came across your article, 'Why the United States Will Lose this War.' I found it a highly enjoyable, extremely informative piece. Thanks for posting it." --Carol
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"Thanks for compiling such a great community newsletter; it's been nice as I've just recently moved back to Ithaca. Also, could you list an ad for me on the next newsletter? I'm offering Math & Physics tutoring for all ages and levels. Experienced teacher, reasonable rates." --Evan Variano [email protected] 272 4299. Ithaca HOURS accepted.
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"I just moved to town and have stumbled upon the Newsletter online. Sign me up, please!" --Ruth
--- "Many thanks for an informative and lively newsletter." --Candace Shoemaker

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GREEN ENERGY CO-OP FOR CENTRAL NEW YORK EnergyPlus organizer Jon Dember says, "While electricity restructuring has proceeded slowly in NYS, this has proven to be a blessing in disguise for a grassroots project like EnergyPlus Co-op, allowing it time to 'pull itself up by the bootstraps."
---To get on the mailing list of future members or to offer skills (e.g., business, legal, accounting, non profit development, community organizing, desktop publishing): [email protected] 387-8340

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FROM NEGRO WEEK TO CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
This year's theme: "The Color Line Revisited: Is Racism Dead?" The great intellectual, W.E.B. Du Bois, wrote in his classic book, Souls of Black Folk, that the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line. As we enter a new century, we need to determine the extent to which the "color line" still influences our lives.

Cornell UniversityØùs Africana Studies and Research Center, First Fridays Inc. and Southside Community Center presents a LECTURE SERIES ON AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY at Southside Community Center, 305 South Plain St. Ithaca from 3-5 pm each Saturday (3-5 pm) through the Month of February (next: 9, 16, 23). Southside: 273-4190; Joseph Smith 273-3582 Ext. 840

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WHY WE (STILL) CAN'T WAIT! The "Village" at Ithaca is gathering concerned residents to define action to address local issues "that disproportionately impact African American and Latino students. These issues include:
* the general under-achievement of our children
* lower overall graduation rates
* higher suspension rates
* over-representation in Special Education
* under-representation in higher level courses
* lowered expectations
* the absence of African American and Latino role models throughout the school district"

2/4 from 7-9pm at Department of Social Services Conference Room, 320 W. State

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"SSH10" is the WINNER of the$10.00 gift certificate for ABC CAFE. Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim. Open mic nite 2/12

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GREEN PARTY STATE CONVENTION meets in Ithaca this May, will nominate candidate for Governor. Need housing for 150 delegates. If you can spare a room or couch for a weekend, please contact Dave Breeden

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HOW WELL IS YOUR WATER?
"Wells should be tested annually, or when there is a change in water quality." ---Fall Creek Watershed Committee and the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network. Sharon Anderson 532-4104.

HOT (TUB) WATER
First Earth rents hot tubs with big discounts for Health Fund members: 5-seater for $200/weekend, including hot water. Part of proceeds to Fund. HOURS welcome. Glen McNally 273-3986.

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DOULAS - DON'T GIVE BIRTH WITHOUT US!!!
"It is a labor support informational night for pregnant women and their families. Topics covered will include: who and what doulas are, the role, history, and benefits of doulas, emotional support and physical comfort techniques during labor, the significance of birth to a woman, and the role of post-partum doulas: breastfeeding support, newborn care, and emotional integration of the birth experience."
2/20 Women's Community Building 7:30- 9pm Free. Healthy snacks and refreshments provided. To register: Sandra McKinley 592-0777

CULTURALLY SENSITIVE PARENTING: "A program for ALL parents." At GIAC 2/14 (and next 13 Thursdays) 6:30-8:30pm. Featuring "raising proud & confident children," "achieving harmony in the home," etc. Wilma Martin 272-2292

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"AHG7" is the WINNER of two tickets for CINEMAPOLIS/FALL CREEK PICTURES. Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim.

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BUSINESS TASK FORCE of the Tompkins County LIVING WAGE COALITION. "We are now looking for people who support this mission, particularly folks from the business sector itself, to be part of this Task Force. If you would like to be involved in this, or can suggest names of business people for this Task Force, please let me know."
---MISSION STATEMENT
a) To identify businesses in our community that do pay employees a living wage, and to develop some method of highlighting or publicizing these businesses for the rest of the community.
b) To educate the business community that paying living wages is good for workers, good business policy, and good for the community as a whole.
c) To encourage, assist and provide technical assistance, where possible, to businesses that are striving to pay living wages to their employees."
---Any individual, business or non-profit organization in agreement with the above principles and mission is invited to join the Business Task Force: Carl Feuer 277-5670

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PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBIT by Susan Verberg, one of Ithaca's finest photographers, until 3/3 at Just a Taste restaurant. "Nature/Architecture, Architecture /Nature" shows "two groups of photographs taken with a similar technique of these two almost opposite subjects, revealing a compositional similarness." See work at VerbergPhoto.com Accept max 3 Ithaca HOURS

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FREE MUSIC at Autumn Leaves Used Books
2/7-- Djug Django (Eric and Harry Aceto, Doug Robinson, Dave Davies, Jim Sherpa and Brian Earl) Six "Old Guard" musicians present "Avante Garde" music Thursdays from 7 to 9pm
2/14--The Barnburners: Fresh, energetic Bluegrass by five hot "Gen-xers"
2/21--Annika Bentley: Classical structuring with Medieval Tonality and Pop/Rock Sensibilities

SEE-SPOT GALLERY: really nice watercolors, oils, mirrors, upstairs & down: 108 The Commons.
2/8: Five hardcore bands: Nakatomi Plaza, Building On Fire, Funeral, Minor Times: 7-11pm
2/9: David Redmond: 7-9pm
2/22: SILENT MOVIE Russian Avant Guard from '20s, w/LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT & popcorn: : $5.00 or Half HOUR. Time TBA. 277-7560.
2/23: WING-MAKING WORKSHOP: $5.00 or 1/2 HOUR

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TACO BELL BOYCOTT ACTION 2/16 at Taco Bell on Rte 13 at 3:30pm. Organized by MEChA at Cornell ([email protected]). The boycott website "Boycott the Bell" demands "END SWEATSHOPS IN THE FIELDS!" and describes the tomato industry and the fast food giants. tm99
---"Florida-based Six-L's Packing Company, one of the biggest producers of tomatoes for Taco Bell. Tomato pickers are paid 40 cents per 32-lb bucket of tomatoes. Do the math: in order to earn just $50, workers need to pick more than a TON of tomatoes a DAY! Farmworkers earn a median annual income of $7,500, have no health benefits, pension, paid holidays or vacation, or sick leave. They have no legal right to earn overtime or to collectively bargain with their employer."
---The action takes place during the ECCSF 2002 Winter Conference, "Honoring Tonalli: The Power of Nuestro Sudor", 2/15-17 "We at Cornell MEChA are hoping to launch the Taco Bell Campaign here on the East Coast."

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COMPOST (waterless aerated) TOILETS were mentioned last issue, appearing at Eco-Village. These units reduce half of household water use, ending dependence on very toxic process. Ana Cordova at Cornell has studied the current use of compost toilets within cities.

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TCAT PROTEST GROUP for expanded service out of town: "Has TCAT let you down? Tired of bad service? Do you feel that living out of town puts you in a second class status as far as TCAT is concerned? Please send an e mail outlining your dissatisfaction with TCAT to Joseph Lorincz How undeserved do you feel? How disadvantaged does the lack of credible service outside of town affect you?"

NESTS TRANSIT PLANNING PROJECT TELEPHONE SURVEY
About 500 households in downtown Ithaca, Cayuga Heights, Lansing and others in Northeast are being called to participate in a telephone survey about transportation issues. The survey studies the feasibility of using public transportation to reduce current and expected congestion levels in the study area roadways. Calls will continue through most of 2002. Final report expected by November. 274-5570 ITCTC

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SATURDAY MORNING CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR WOMEN starting in February: $60/month, Ithaca HOURS accepted. Info/register: Irene Zahava

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS for girls, ages 12-17. Led by Irene Zahava at the Tompkins County Public Library, Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m., March 6, 13, 20, 27. Pre-registration is required. Contact: Irene, or sign up at TCPL adult reference desk. The workshops are free.

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"LARRY.FELSER" is the WINNER of the$6.00 gift certificate for HARVEST DELI. http://www.harvestdeli.com Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim.

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ITHACA WAR & PEACE REPORT

WOMEN IN BLACK WEEKLY VIGILS (always women only) wearing black, standing in apublic place in silent, non-violent vigils at regular times and intervals: 2/8 5:15-6:15 PM (corner Buffalo & Taughannock Blvd); 2/15 7:30 - 8:30 AM (East end of Commons); 2/22 5:15-6:15 PM (corner Buffalo & Taughannock Blvd)

ITHACA CATHOLIC WORKER: Weekly Vigil for Non-violent solutions: Tuesdays 7:30 - 8:30 am on east end of Commons.

MONTHLY VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY: First Saturday of Month , 2/2, 12:30-1:30, corner Tioga & Buffalo.

PEACE CANVASSING: Door-to-door canvassing in the city of Ithaca: Pete Myers

WAR TAX RESISTANCE: Those wishing to not fund the war and US military may contact Mary Loehr 256-9733, local coordinator of National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee.

ITHACA UPROAR: Please send all newsletter input including articles, editorials, art, cartoons, poetry, graphics: david & marlo

* "Democracy Now" independent TV/radio: Channel 78 M-F 6-8pm & 9-11pm; WEOS 89.7FM 9-10am.
* Common Dreams Newswire
* REPORT FROM WORLD SOCIAL FORUM (alternative to World Economic Forum)

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ITHACA HEALTH FUND: "Growing Well Together" Monthly meeting 2/4 at 7pm at City Hall, 3rd floor conference room. All welcome.

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"ABBOTTMGMT" is the WINNER of the $5.00 gift certificate to VIVA TAQUERIA. Their menu Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim.

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MIGRANT FARMWORKERS IN THE NORTHEAST, traveling museum exhibit: 2/15-7/17 at the Tompkins County Museum. "Teacher materials have been developed for grades 2-5, 6-8 and 9-12, although some of the material is suitable for college-level instruction." Exhibit created by the Cornell Migrant Program. TCM: 401 East State Street, Ithaca, 273-8284, Email
---FILM: "Harvest of Shame" documentary, followed by "Harvest of Shame 41 years later: What's Different for Farmworkers?" 2/16 - 1:30pm

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CONTEMPLATIVE SHABBAT SERVICE
"Jewish Renewal of the Finger Lakes offers its monthly Shabbat on 2/ 9 at 10am in Ithaca College's Muller Chapel. Experience the joy, peace, and soulfulness of Shabbat with silence, meditation, chant, song, movement, and openhearted community. No knowledge of Hebrew or meditation is necessary. Please arrive on time." Mona Sulzman 277-7553.

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BOYCOTT KRAFT FOODS:
"Many foods now contain genetically engineered ingredients, even though there is no required longterm testing. Much is therefore unknown about the effect on human health and the environment ---"On 2/6 citizens nationwide will target Kraft Foods, the largest packaged-food producer in America ($28 billion annual sales), asking them to remove all genetically engineered products from their foods." ---Write: Betsy Holden, CEO of Kraft Foods, Inc., 3 Lakes Drive, Northfield IL 60093 1-800-847-1997 ---Michael Mudd, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs: http://www.sierraclub.org/biotech/kraft.asp.">List of Kraft products KRAFT IS OWNED BY PHILIP MORRIS. Local campaign: Erin 256-9993. http://www.sierraclub.org/biotech">Info re: GE ingredients

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"ADAM(@VIC)" is the WINNER of the $10.00 gift certificate from SPARROW'S FINE WINES. Must be 21 to claim. Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim.

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THE LATIN AMERICAN (free) FILM SERIES: Wednesdays 8pm, Uris Hall Auditorium, Cornell

2/6 "Houses Are Full of Smoke" (El Salvador) "A chilling documentary on the U.S. policy in Central America, this three part series, which took six years to make... shows U.S. connections to the Salvadoran death squads, the death squads connections to the Salvadoran military and Roberto D'Aubuisson's connections to both."

2/13 "Houses Are Full of Smoke" (Nicaragua) "An in-depth overview of the U.S. war conducted in Nicaragua in the 1980s. Documents the origins of the Contra war in the White House, and provides a brilliant expose of many of the lies told by Reagan about the Sandinistas."

2/20 "Houses Are Full of Smoke" (Guatemala)

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Events and services for which fees are charged are noted in Ithaca Community News when Ithaca HOURS are accepted for part of the price.

BIKRAM'S YOGA w/David Sun-Fri 3:30 & M-F 5:30 269-9642 (HF discount)

SHAMANISM SPRING WORKSHOPS: Intro to Shamanism, 2/23 & 3/16, 9:30-12:30, "You CAN change your reality!!" HF disc: Pat Floyd: 272-0897

KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS with Jennifer Crimi, Tuesdays 5:30-6:45 pm, Tiamat Studios. $10/class or $50 for 6 classes Accept 100% HRS & HF disc

MASSAGE: Bird's Back-- "Winter Special: offering 50% off for Ithaca HOURS Members for half hour & hour massages. Otherwise, $5.00 off thru 3/30." Tues after 3-Wed after 2 and Sat walk-ins or by appt. 11:30- 1:30 or later. Be Good ToYourself! Birdie McGruder 272-5424 HF disc

REIKI/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY/RITES OF PASSAGE: Robin Rooney 273-5879 HF discount

QI GONG MASTER Fan Xiulan at Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Road. Developer of "Medical Qi Gong " in Beijing. Introductory Evening on 2/15 at 7pm, donation $5-$15. Details: Raihana Zaman 272-0569

WINTER BREAK AT EARTH ARTS! Feb. 18-22. Nature-based art program for children: pottery, drawing, leatherwork, creative writing and acting, storytelling, habitat study, animal tracking, nature observation and awareness games. Ages 7+, 9am - 3pm. Located 5 minutes from downtown on Coddington Rd. Info/register: 272 - 6486

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"TOPPING OFF" REMINDER: Alternatives Credit Union celebrates new headquarters (State & Fulton) 2/14, 5-7pm. Food, music, hugs.

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"KENNETH.TOMETSKO" is the WINNER of the $7.50 gift certificate to CAFE STRAND, the former candy store next to the former Strand Theatre, where Orson Welles and Katherine Hepburn performed live. Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim.

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GOT NEWS? Please send to Paul Glover (607) 272-4330

HOME PAGE: http://www.ithacanews.org (back issues, special reports)

ITHACA COMMUNITY NEWS: February #1 2002

LABOR, ARTS, ACTIVISM, NEWS, YOUR LETTERS, FREE STUFF!

This is the FIRST of TWO EMAILS MONTHLY sent to 5,776 Ithaca area residents. HOME PAGE

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SEVEN READERS of this issue will WIN GIFT CERTIFICATES: Viva Taqueria ($5.00), Cinemapolis/Fall Creek Pictures (2 tickets), Maxie's Supper Club ($10.00), Harvest Deli ($6.00), ABC Cafe ($10.00), Sparrow's Wine ($10.00), Cafe Strand ($7.50). WINNING EMAILS (randomly selected) ARE NOTED BELOW.

"I'm delighted to be a winner of the gift certificate. I read the news regularly, and in having my name appear, I've learned that many of my friends do too." --Candace Widmer

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THE ITHACA BRAIN
Over 3,000 periodicals are sold by Mayers, on E. State. To the extent sales there reflect local cravings and interests, then Ithacans think lots about sex, computers and news, in that order. Mayers' manager Patty McNally says that "male sophisticates" titles are top sellers, followed by tech titles and then newsweeklies.

The Ithaca style is more precisely reflected by strong sales of liberal "quality" magazines like Harper's, The Atlantic, Utne Reader and Mother Jones, according to McNally. French language magazines lead sales among dozens of international titles. Likewise, The Bookery (DeWitt Mall) features a few dozen quality mags beyond liberal.

Perhaps the broadest range of Mayers' titles offer to help readers 'look better' (female allure), look bigger (muscles), and get rich. Hundreds of magazines serve crafts and hobbies-- there are twelve quilting titles alone. By contrast, McNally says mass market paperbacks sell "not so well."

She adds that about 1,000 titles have ceased because people rely more on the Internet. It would be fascinating (but intrusive) to get stats on our community's netsurfing preferences. Suffice it that Ithacans explore widely. At Autumn Leaves Used Books, Joe Wetmore says his regular customers buy from a wide range of topics, taking home any type of used book new on his shelves. Oversize art books are especially popular in all seasons. And, though Autumn Leaves sells little erotica, Wetmore says it sells fast: "people like pictures of naked people." And computers and news.

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ACTIVIST KNITTING CIRCLE is a weekly knitting get-together (Thursdays, Risley Hall, North Campus) with "speakers on a range of local, national, international issues to help keep ourselves educated and informed/involved." New knitters can get lessons from 8-8:30pm. Speakers from 8:30-930pm. [email protected]

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STATE THEATRE NEEDS USHERS: training 2/6 at 7pm

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NORTHSIDE: TURNING THE CORNER: Ithaca's Community-Based Neighborhood Planning Initiative Site features the Planning Process, People, with Photos & Maps, Statistics & Survey Results. Your neighborhood could seek grants too!

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"KATRINA_SCHICKEL" is the WINNER of the$10.00 gift certificate for MAXIE'S SUPPER CLUB. Maxie's menu Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim.

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http://www.GREENSTAR.COOP -- Ithaca's food co-op is among the first to have the new .coop domain suffix.

GREENSTAR MEMBERS' EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Did you know that Bearitos and Celestial Seasonings are significantly owned by Philip Morris, Monsanto, ExxonMobil, Wal-Mart, McDonald's and other multinational corporations? List of such products A dozen members of the GreenStar Members' Education Committee are gathering information about the corporate connections and environmental/health/labor impacts of natural/organic brands: They seek display space in the store: contact Marlo

GREENSTAR ELECTIONS & ISSUES
Five seats are open for election this year to GreenStar's 15-member council. Significant issues include:
* EXPANSION-- Some council members intend to double GreenStar's size. Others believe that this could weaken GreenStar's democratic and health food base.
* PRODUCT LINE-- Some council members seek to further relax GreenStar's product line guidelines, or their enforcement. Others believe current product line distinctions are central to GreenStar's mission
* REFERENDA-- Some council members seek to make it more difficult for members to directly affect policy by referendum. Others believe referenda are tools of co-op democracy that should be encouraged.
* GOVERNANCE-- Some council members seek to adopt "policy governance," which increases the power of the General Manager and Council President, while decreasing the capacity of Council and members to intervene in store operation. Others prefer more active checks and balances. --P.G.

YOU CAN BECOME A CANDIDATE by filing a candidate application before March 1. Ask for application at GreenStar's front desk. Balloting takes place throughout April.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GREENSTAR'S COUNCIL: meet councilmembers at the store 2/10 from 2-4pm & 2/19 from 6-8pm

GREENSTAR'S GREENFUTURE: a strategy for the co-op that capitalizes on the differences between food co-ops and supermarkets

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SUSTAINABLE CORNELL
2/8 from 5-7pm Room 300, Rice Hall, Tower Rd., Cornell. "Finger-foods and beverage potluck, with some local farm treats provided as well. If you're interested in contributing to making our community more sustainable in its operations and its relationships come join us, invite friends, bring munchies to share." RSVP: Liz Rowland 255-6904 by 2/4.
---Projects for the coming year may include:
* assessing CU's ecological impact as well as the potential for positive change.
* feasibility studies on improving energy efficiency and green retrofitting
* electronic poll to assess university/community priorities for sustainability
* sustainability salons: open & convivial forums for networking and learning.

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AMAZING ITHACA HISTORY!

* February 3, 1987: Upon mentioning the problems of a local widow and her son, a local man is given money for their care by everyone in the store.
* February 4, 1958: SNOW CONDITIONS close schools for the first time in 33 years.
* February 5, 1891: FIRST WORKER-OWNED BUSINESS, Bool Furniture Company, holds first annual meeting and divides $1,812.25 in shares equally among all workers, regardless of sex.
* "February 6, 1965: She Dared to Speak" East Hill parents and children PICKET POLICE DEPARTMENT, protesting firing of Mrs. Covey, the school crossing guard. She had spoken for uniforms and higher pay on behalf of city guards.
* February 7, 1881: Youngster sleeping with his mom does arithmetic in his sleep, adding figures on her FACE. When he spits on his hand to erase his work, she wakes him.
* February 8, 1823: Meeting of UGLY CLUB, a secret committee of the vigilante MORAL SOCIETY, which published the Castigator, exposing immoral conduct and determine punishment.
* February 9, 1934: 35 DEGREES BELOW ZERO
* February 10, 1944: Bird lovers are invited to the secluded Lane homestead on Hanshaw Rd. Mrs. Lane has so befriended chickadees that they land on her hands and shoulders when she goes out, taking food from her lips while she sings and walks

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WHO RECEIVES ITHACA COMMNITY NEWS?
Here's the census of domain names with ten or more subscribers: CORNELL (1,860), AOL (594), HOTMAIL (570), YAHOO (359), CLARITYCONNECT/BAKA (293), LIGHTLINK (240), TWCNY (193), ITHACA COLLEGE (145), JUNO (85), TOMPKINS-CO (65), MSN (42), ALTERNATIVES (39), CITY ITHACA (34), EARTHLINK (33), GREENSTAR (32), EXCITE (18), LAKENET (15), MINDSPRING (15), A-ZNET (10).

THANKS, BUZZ! Ithaca Community News is composed and mailed on "Buzz," a humble 1990 Mac Classic. Buzz has never froze or crashed but, squeezed for space within 40Meg memory, has just inhaled 310Meg thanks to quick and efficient home delivery/installation by Scott McCasland-Bodenstein. Scott's a master Mac install/repair/handyman: 277-4176

OLDEST RESIDENTIAL COMPUTER IN TOMPKINS COUNTY
Who's got the oldest Mac and oldest PC in current use? The winner, verified by Scott, gets two tickets to Cinemapolis/Fall Creek Pictures. Tell us what you've got: ICN Editor 272-4330

RECYCLE YOUR COMPUTER: Babbage's Basement accepts used computers and sells them at small prices to benefit the Sciencenter. Open Wednesdays 9am-1pm. Ask to see TED'S MACSEUM of old Macs.

Thanks to Homer and Jane at LIGHTLINK for hosting ICN. http://www.lightlink.com

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STUDENT RE-USE PROJECT POTLUCKS every Thursday 7pm. Formerly Student Recycling Project, the group intends to capture most of the tons of re-useable stuff that students throw away every May. Last year stacks of clothes and housewares were distributed at a "name your own price" sale. Meets at 573 Spencer Rd (There is a peace banner on the front of the house, and an old-fashioned blue truck parked in front). 227-2746. Danny Leifer

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YOUR LETTERS:

"Thank you for Ithaca Community News! You are doing a great job. We recently moved from Ithaca to Binghamton, as an experiment. My husband has been commuting to SUNY for several years and was getting burnt out. We have decided to return to Ithaca for these reasons.
"#1. In the five months we have lived here we have received notice of eight (8!!!!) sex offenders, recently released and residing in our zip code! Great atmosphere for raising a child.
"#2. This place has no alternative political community (other than maybe college students, who make no impact on the general population). American flags in support of the war are everywhere.
"#3. This whole town is a proverbial AUTOZONE: there is no evidence of a Street Tree Planting Program, few parks, no trails and way too many malls. Can't wait to come back!" --Sincerely, Waiting it out in Binghamton
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"Thanks so much for the twice monthly newsletter which networks us all so effectively. I don't want to miss out in the future so could you please change my e-add. in your records." Gratefully --Gail Sakai
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"....love the newsletter... but the bread coupon didn't work." --Sabra
---- "I could not get the links to the Ithaca Bakery and Littletree coupons to work?" --Amy
[REPLY] Sorry, I'll try to be more careful with the links.
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"I teach an ESL class, what do you recommend as the best local history book I could adapt to give some local history to them? Thanks for the newsletter." --Margot
[REPLY] "The Peopling of Tompkins County," by Carol Kammen, celebrates common folk. My "Amazing Ithaca History Calendar 1976" (illustrated) is in the TC Museum, and at Olin Library for borrowing. Its day-sized doses are easy to absorb.
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"The Plain St. bridge project is moving forward. The Planning Department is holding a public input session on Monday 2/4 (7-9 pm, B-W Rm at the library). Unfortunately, we have not be directly informed of this session (I found out third hand)." --Jennifer Dotson ---[REPLY] Residents made clear this part of the Six-Point Plan was not preferred. City Hall has put it at top of their list. I've heard there's a demonstration planned at this meeting. --------

"Thank you this is Great - It keeps me abreast of what is going on in Ithaca." --Kathie K. --------

"In response to the wind turbine bird kill problem, have you or your friend investigated Wind Amplified Rotor Power? These are a series of stacked tubular turbines. They work like the turbines on a mill wheel or a paddle steamer rather than old windmill style." --Karen ---[REPLY] Seems like the main way to eliminate bird kill is to house the unit in a prominent frame, whether horizontal or vertical axis, whether blade or turbine. Birds will not aim at a visible structure. The other concern is noise, and units are now available which are pretty quiet. Combining these features will help us welcome the wind to our energy mix. See also Windmills & Birds --------

"Hi. My family and I are recent newcomers to the area and would love to subscribe to your on-line newsletter. A friend recently forwarded your January edition and I found it very informative." --Kathryn S. --------

"Please add me to the list to receive Ithaca Community news. I now live i n New York City, but my heart is still very much in Ithaca. I visit ofte n and like to know what's going on. Thanks." --Rebecca Lyczko --------

"I'm so glad that you respect Middle Eastern music, if only the terrorists new this we could all be friends. If we had just played more marches and German polkas maybe we could have worked things out with Hitler. Wake Up, They want all of us Kaffirs and Infidels dead. Do you respect all religions also, like Aztec sacrifices? It was a major part of their culture a bit like female circumcision, you got to respect that. All the Best," MWJ
---[REPLY] Many Germans marched with Hitler because Germany had been harshly punished by Allies after World War One. Proud peoples whose cultures are despised and whose economies are destroyed are dangerous. With the Arab world, we're still at the stage when persistent respect protects us better than endless revenge
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"Thanks for your news. As always it's wonderful to know what is going on." --Natasha Tall
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"There's a bill currently in the House to reinstate the military draft--or as my friend pointed out, it's not quite the same but it's the general idea... To read the text of the bill go to thomas.loc.gov and enter HR 3598 in the field next to "by bill number" (the links in the below article didn't get me there but it's very short and interesting and Indymedia is a good thing so I recommend checking out both)." webcast --Erin Leidy
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"Hi. Just came across your article, 'Why the United States Will Lose this War.' I found it a highly enjoyable, extremely informative piece. Thanks for posting it." --Carol
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"Thanks for compiling such a great community newsletter; it's been nice as I've just recently moved back to Ithaca. Also, could you list an ad for me on the next newsletter? I'm offering Math & Physics tutoring for all ages and levels. Experienced teacher, reasonable rates." --Evan Variano [email protected] 272 4299. Ithaca HOURS accepted.
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"I just moved to town and have stumbled upon the Newsletter online. Sign me up, please!" --Ruth
--- "Many thanks for an informative and lively newsletter." --Candace Shoemaker

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GREEN ENERGY CO-OP FOR CENTRAL NEW YORK EnergyPlus organizer Jon Dember says, "While electricity restructuring has proceeded slowly in NYS, this has proven to be a blessing in disguise for a grassroots project like EnergyPlus Co-op, allowing it time to 'pull itself up by the bootstraps."
---To get on the mailing list of future members or to offer skills (e.g., business, legal, accounting, non profit development, community organizing, desktop publishing): [email protected] 387-8340

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FROM NEGRO WEEK TO CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
This year's theme: "The Color Line Revisited: Is Racism Dead?" The great intellectual, W.E.B. Du Bois, wrote in his classic book, Souls of Black Folk, that the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line. As we enter a new century, we need to determine the extent to which the "color line" still influences our lives.

Cornell UniversityØùs Africana Studies and Research Center, First Fridays Inc. and Southside Community Center presents a LECTURE SERIES ON AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY at Southside Community Center, 305 South Plain St. Ithaca from 3-5 pm each Saturday (3-5 pm) through the Month of February (next: 9, 16, 23). Southside: 273-4190; Joseph Smith 273-3582 Ext. 840

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WHY WE (STILL) CAN'T WAIT! The "Village" at Ithaca is gathering concerned residents to define action to address local issues "that disproportionately impact African American and Latino students. These issues include:
* the general under-achievement of our children
* lower overall graduation rates
* higher suspension rates
* over-representation in Special Education
* under-representation in higher level courses
* lowered expectations
* the absence of African American and Latino role models throughout the school district"

2/4 from 7-9pm at Department of Social Services Conference Room, 320 W. State

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"SSH10" is the WINNER of the$10.00 gift certificate for ABC CAFE. Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim. Open mic nite 2/12

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GREEN PARTY STATE CONVENTION meets in Ithaca this May, will nominate candidate for Governor. Need housing for 150 delegates. If you can spare a room or couch for a weekend, please contact Dave Breeden

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HOW WELL IS YOUR WATER?
"Wells should be tested annually, or when there is a change in water quality." ---Fall Creek Watershed Committee and the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network. Sharon Anderson 532-4104.

HOT (TUB) WATER
First Earth rents hot tubs with big discounts for Health Fund members: 5-seater for $200/weekend, including hot water. Part of proceeds to Fund. HOURS welcome. Glen McNally 273-3986.

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DOULAS - DON'T GIVE BIRTH WITHOUT US!!!
"It is a labor support informational night for pregnant women and their families. Topics covered will include: who and what doulas are, the role, history, and benefits of doulas, emotional support and physical comfort techniques during labor, the significance of birth to a woman, and the role of post-partum doulas: breastfeeding support, newborn care, and emotional integration of the birth experience."
2/20 Women's Community Building 7:30- 9pm Free. Healthy snacks and refreshments provided. To register: Sandra McKinley 592-0777

CULTURALLY SENSITIVE PARENTING: "A program for ALL parents." At GIAC 2/14 (and next 13 Thursdays) 6:30-8:30pm. Featuring "raising proud & confident children," "achieving harmony in the home," etc. Wilma Martin 272-2292

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"AHG7" is the WINNER of two tickets for CINEMAPOLIS/FALL CREEK PICTURES. Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim.

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BUSINESS TASK FORCE of the Tompkins County LIVING WAGE COALITION. "We are now looking for people who support this mission, particularly folks from the business sector itself, to be part of this Task Force. If you would like to be involved in this, or can suggest names of business people for this Task Force, please let me know."
---MISSION STATEMENT
a) To identify businesses in our community that do pay employees a living wage, and to develop some method of highlighting or publicizing these businesses for the rest of the community.
b) To educate the business community that paying living wages is good for workers, good business policy, and good for the community as a whole.
c) To encourage, assist and provide technical assistance, where possible, to businesses that are striving to pay living wages to their employees."
---Any individual, business or non-profit organization in agreement with the above principles and mission is invited to join the Business Task Force: Carl Feuer 277-5670

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PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBIT by Susan Verberg, one of Ithaca's finest photographers, until 3/3 at Just a Taste restaurant. "Nature/Architecture, Architecture /Nature" shows "two groups of photographs taken with a similar technique of these two almost opposite subjects, revealing a compositional similarness." See work at VerbergPhoto.com Accept max 3 Ithaca HOURS

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FREE MUSIC at Autumn Leaves Used Books
2/7-- Djug Django (Eric and Harry Aceto, Doug Robinson, Dave Davies, Jim Sherpa and Brian Earl) Six "Old Guard" musicians present "Avante Garde" music Thursdays from 7 to 9pm
2/14--The Barnburners: Fresh, energetic Bluegrass by five hot "Gen-xers"
2/21--Annika Bentley: Classical structuring with Medieval Tonality and Pop/Rock Sensibilities

SEE-SPOT GALLERY: really nice watercolors, oils, mirrors, upstairs & down: 108 The Commons.
2/8: Five hardcore bands: Nakatomi Plaza, Building On Fire, Funeral, Minor Times: 7-11pm
2/9: David Redmond: 7-9pm
2/22: SILENT MOVIE Russian Avant Guard from '20s, w/LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT & popcorn: : $5.00 or Half HOUR. Time TBA. 277-7560.
2/23: WING-MAKING WORKSHOP: $5.00 or 1/2 HOUR

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TACO BELL BOYCOTT ACTION 2/16 at Taco Bell on Rte 13 at 3:30pm. Organized by MEChA at Cornell ([email protected]). The boycott website "Boycott the Bell" demands "END SWEATSHOPS IN THE FIELDS!" and describes the tomato industry and the fast food giants. tm99
---"Florida-based Six-L's Packing Company, one of the biggest producers of tomatoes for Taco Bell. Tomato pickers are paid 40 cents per 32-lb bucket of tomatoes. Do the math: in order to earn just $50, workers need to pick more than a TON of tomatoes a DAY! Farmworkers earn a median annual income of $7,500, have no health benefits, pension, paid holidays or vacation, or sick leave. They have no legal right to earn overtime or to collectively bargain with their employer."
---The action takes place during the ECCSF 2002 Winter Conference, "Honoring Tonalli: The Power of Nuestro Sudor", 2/15-17 "We at Cornell MEChA are hoping to launch the Taco Bell Campaign here on the East Coast."

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COMPOST (waterless aerated) TOILETS were mentioned last issue, appearing at Eco-Village. These units reduce half of household water use, ending dependence on very toxic process. Ana Cordova at Cornell has studied the current use of compost toilets within cities.

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TCAT PROTEST GROUP for expanded service out of town: "Has TCAT let you down? Tired of bad service? Do you feel that living out of town puts you in a second class status as far as TCAT is concerned? Please send an e mail outlining your dissatisfaction with TCAT to Joseph Lorincz How undeserved do you feel? How disadvantaged does the lack of credible service outside of town affect you?"

NESTS TRANSIT PLANNING PROJECT TELEPHONE SURVEY
About 500 households in downtown Ithaca, Cayuga Heights, Lansing and others in Northeast are being called to participate in a telephone survey about transportation issues. The survey studies the feasibility of using public transportation to reduce current and expected congestion levels in the study area roadways. Calls will continue through most of 2002. Final report expected by November. 274-5570 ITCTC

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SATURDAY MORNING CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR WOMEN starting in February: $60/month, Ithaca HOURS accepted. Info/register: Irene Zahava

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS for girls, ages 12-17. Led by Irene Zahava at the Tompkins County Public Library, Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m., March 6, 13, 20, 27. Pre-registration is required. Contact: Irene, or sign up at TCPL adult reference desk. The workshops are free.

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"LARRY.FELSER" is the WINNER of the$6.00 gift certificate for HARVEST DELI. http://www.harvestdeli.com Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim.

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ITHACA WAR & PEACE REPORT

WOMEN IN BLACK WEEKLY VIGILS (always women only) wearing black, standing in apublic place in silent, non-violent vigils at regular times and intervals: 2/8 5:15-6:15 PM (corner Buffalo & Taughannock Blvd); 2/15 7:30 - 8:30 AM (East end of Commons); 2/22 5:15-6:15 PM (corner Buffalo & Taughannock Blvd)

ITHACA CATHOLIC WORKER: Weekly Vigil for Non-violent solutions: Tuesdays 7:30 - 8:30 am on east end of Commons.

MONTHLY VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY: First Saturday of Month , 2/2, 12:30-1:30, corner Tioga & Buffalo.

PEACE CANVASSING: Door-to-door canvassing in the city of Ithaca: Pete Myers

WAR TAX RESISTANCE: Those wishing to not fund the war and US military may contact Mary Loehr 256-9733, local coordinator of National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee.

ITHACA UPROAR: Please send all newsletter input including articles, editorials, art, cartoons, poetry, graphics: david & marlo

* "Democracy Now" independent TV/radio: Channel 78 M-F 6-8pm & 9-11pm; WEOS 89.7FM 9-10am.
* Common Dreams Newswire
* REPORT FROM WORLD SOCIAL FORUM (alternative to World Economic Forum)

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ITHACA HEALTH FUND: "Growing Well Together" Monthly meeting 2/4 at 7pm at City Hall, 3rd floor conference room. All welcome.

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"ABBOTTMGMT" is the WINNER of the $5.00 gift certificate to VIVA TAQUERIA. Their menu Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim.

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MIGRANT FARMWORKERS IN THE NORTHEAST, traveling museum exhibit: 2/15-7/17 at the Tompkins County Museum. "Teacher materials have been developed for grades 2-5, 6-8 and 9-12, although some of the material is suitable for college-level instruction." Exhibit created by the Cornell Migrant Program. TCM: 401 East State Street, Ithaca, 273-8284, Email
---FILM: "Harvest of Shame" documentary, followed by "Harvest of Shame 41 years later: What's Different for Farmworkers?" 2/16 - 1:30pm

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CONTEMPLATIVE SHABBAT SERVICE
"Jewish Renewal of the Finger Lakes offers its monthly Shabbat on 2/ 9 at 10am in Ithaca College's Muller Chapel. Experience the joy, peace, and soulfulness of Shabbat with silence, meditation, chant, song, movement, and openhearted community. No knowledge of Hebrew or meditation is necessary. Please arrive on time." Mona Sulzman 277-7553.

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BOYCOTT KRAFT FOODS:
"Many foods now contain genetically engineered ingredients, even though there is no required longterm testing. Much is therefore unknown about the effect on human health and the environment ---"On 2/6 citizens nationwide will target Kraft Foods, the largest packaged-food producer in America ($28 billion annual sales), asking them to remove all genetically engineered products from their foods." ---Write: Betsy Holden, CEO of Kraft Foods, Inc., 3 Lakes Drive, Northfield IL 60093 1-800-847-1997 ---Michael Mudd, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs: http://www.sierraclub.org/biotech/kraft.asp.">List of Kraft products KRAFT IS OWNED BY PHILIP MORRIS. Local campaign: Erin 256-9993. http://www.sierraclub.org/biotech">Info re: GE ingredients

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"ADAM(@VIC)" is the WINNER of the $10.00 gift certificate from SPARROW'S FINE WINES. Must be 21 to claim. Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim.

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THE LATIN AMERICAN (free) FILM SERIES: Wednesdays 8pm, Uris Hall Auditorium, Cornell

2/6 "Houses Are Full of Smoke" (El Salvador) "A chilling documentary on the U.S. policy in Central America, this three part series, which took six years to make... shows U.S. connections to the Salvadoran death squads, the death squads connections to the Salvadoran military and Roberto D'Aubuisson's connections to both."

2/13 "Houses Are Full of Smoke" (Nicaragua) "An in-depth overview of the U.S. war conducted in Nicaragua in the 1980s. Documents the origins of the Contra war in the White House, and provides a brilliant expose of many of the lies told by Reagan about the Sandinistas."

2/20 "Houses Are Full of Smoke" (Guatemala)

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Events and services for which fees are charged are noted in Ithaca Community News when Ithaca HOURS are accepted for part of the price.

BIKRAM'S YOGA w/David Sun-Fri 3:30 & M-F 5:30 269-9642 (HF discount)

SHAMANISM SPRING WORKSHOPS: Intro to Shamanism, 2/23 & 3/16, 9:30-12:30, "You CAN change your reality!!" HF disc: Pat Floyd: 272-0897

KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS with Jennifer Crimi, Tuesdays 5:30-6:45 pm, Tiamat Studios. $10/class or $50 for 6 classes Accept 100% HRS & HF disc

MASSAGE: Bird's Back-- "Winter Special: offering 50% off for Ithaca HOURS Members for half hour & hour massages. Otherwise, $5.00 off thru 3/30." Tues after 3-Wed after 2 and Sat walk-ins or by appt. 11:30- 1:30 or later. Be Good ToYourself! Birdie McGruder 272-5424 HF disc

REIKI/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY/RITES OF PASSAGE: Robin Rooney 273-5879 HF discount

QI GONG MASTER Fan Xiulan at Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Road. Developer of "Medical Qi Gong " in Beijing. Introductory Evening on 2/15 at 7pm, donation $5-$15. Details: Raihana Zaman 272-0569

WINTER BREAK AT EARTH ARTS! Feb. 18-22. Nature-based art program for children: pottery, drawing, leatherwork, creative writing and acting, storytelling, habitat study, animal tracking, nature observation and awareness games. Ages 7+, 9am - 3pm. Located 5 minutes from downtown on Coddington Rd. Info/register: 272 - 6486

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"TOPPING OFF" REMINDER: Alternatives Credit Union celebrates new headquarters (State & Fulton) 2/14, 5-7pm. Food, music, hugs.

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"KENNETH.TOMETSKO" is the WINNER of the $7.50 gift certificate to CAFE STRAND, the former candy store next to the former Strand Theatre, where Orson Welles and Katherine Hepburn performed live. Reply to this e-mail by 2/16 to claim.

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GOT NEWS? Please send to Paul Glover (607) 272-4330

HOME PAGE: http://www.ithacanews.org (back issues, special reports)