ITHACA COMMUNITY NEWS
November #1 2002

LABOR, ARTS, EVENTS, ACTIVISM, LOCAL HISTORY, YOUR LETTERS, FUN STUFF!

[This is the first of two messages monthly sent to 6,786 Ithaca area residents]

THIRTEEN READERS OF THIS ISSUE HAVE WON GIFT CERTIFICATES with Viva Taqueria ($5), Cinemapolis/Fall Creek Pictures (2 tickets), Gimme! Coffee (1# coffee), Oasis Grocery ($5), Harvest Deli ($6), Ten Thousand Villages ($10), ABC Cafe ($10), Cafe Strand ($5), Acorn Designs ($7.50), Toko Imports ($5), Mundo Gitano ($10), White Lotus Home ($10), The Yoga Corner (free class). WINNING EMAILS (randomly selected by computer) ARE NOTED BELOW.

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"ITHACA IS THE CITY OF EVIL" An ultraconservative group has declared Boulder, Berkeley & Ithaca the Axis of Evil. "Free Republic" bills itself as the "Premiere Defender of Conservatism" & "Defender of the Constitution." They sell shirts, aprons, mugs, etc. w/ logo "Ithaca is the City of Evil."
---They regard as evil any exercise of Constitutional freedom which dissents from George W. Bush's:
---Many of us would be glad to carry our tofu in the tote bag then cook tofu with the apron but all the proceeds go to maintaining the site. Perhaps someone local will create a line "Proud of Ithaca's Evils."

NEW YORK TIMES VISITS ITHACA: 10/27/02: "ITHACA is well known for Cornell University, Ithaca College & a landscape of hills, gorges & waterfalls, & less known as the home of the Buddhist monastery where Courtney Love brought two handfuls of the ashes of her husband, Kurt Cobain, for a consecration ritual. At the southern end of Cayuga Lake & surrounded by blue hills & farmland, Ithaca is the center of an area with a rich blend of artistic, intellectual & rural cultures. The young woman serving you coffee might be a cellist & a piano tuner. The farmer who beats you at pool could well be a Socialist. There are enough restaurants so that none can afford to be mediocre, & it's hard to go out without hearing live jazz, bluegrass, rock or ethnic music. The only troubles are the rain, which is frequent, & the winter, which is long and cold. Fall, however, is a great time to visit."

"KEK2" wins gift certificate to Maxie'sSupper Club. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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WEATHER'S abruptly frigid, ending a mild fall: the first half of October held 6 degrees above average; the second half fell 6 degrees below average. Trees are still confused; while half remain green, half have minted gold, orange, yellow.

ITHACA RETREAT CENTER/SPA HOTEL IN COSTA RICA: Hotel & Spa Casaelena is "a true paradise from the Ithaca winters. Great for retreats, academic conferences, etc. Hoping to make it a favorite getaway for my home town Ithacans." [email protected] HOURS accepted.

"CAYMTG" wins gift certificate to Viva Taqueria. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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EDITORIAL: BALLOT BINGO

---Since Democratic gubernatorial candidate Carl McCall is 15-20 points behind Pataki in the polls (Marist), your choice this year is to have either Governor Pataki plus the Green Party [for local elections], or Governor Pataki with no Green Party. To retain ballot status, the Greens need 50,000 votes statewide for their gubernatorial candidate Stanley Aronowitz.
---Aronowitz is the only candidate speaking against the Iraq war. Pataki & McCall have endorsed it. Says Prof. Howard Zinn (author of "A People's History of the United States"): "I am for Stanley Aronowitz because someone must say: Ours is a country of enormous wealth. We can use that wealth to guarantee to every American free medical care, decent housing, work at a living wage, child care & nurseries, clean air & clean water. Whether Democrats or Republicans are in power, corporate power will dominate the country, the military-industrial establishment will be in power, the war against the poor will continue. We need to vote for people like Aronowitz & the Green Party, who will still be fighting for us after election day."
---The Ithaca Times has endorsed Marijuana Reform gubernatorial candidate Leighton, even though Green candidate Aronowitz campaigns for complete repeal of the Rockefeller drug laws, & the decriminalization of marijuana: Aronowitz-- "No one should go to jail simply for using drugs, & the Democrats are only talking about reducing sentences. The Democratic Assembly bill still doesn't go far enough & it's blocked because the GOPers upstate don't want downstate judges to have flexibility in sentencing."
---The Ithaca Journal has endorsed Republican Assembly candidate Sigler, though Working Families candidate Lifton brings 14 years constituent service at this job.
---Green Sheriff candidate Pete Meyers has years of direct experience w/youth & conflict resolution, holds degrees in Journalism & Psychology, & has plans to make jail expansion unnecessary. The Journal's hatchet coverage of the Sheriff debate was co-written by their publisher, who was not present.

---ITHACA COMMUNITY NEWS ENDORSES: GREEN candidates (ROW G) for Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, House of Representatives (Dunau or Greenfield), Sheriff, plus Assembly candidate Barbara Lifton on the WORKING FAMILIES line. "YES "ON PROPOSITION ONE: for special elections to fill County Board vacancies. And if you favor reproductive rights, write-in a friend for State Senator.

LOCATE YOUR VOTING BOOTH:
City Ithaca wards
TC election districts
TC polling places

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ITHACA WAR & PEACE REPORT

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic & servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." --President Theodore Roosevelt

AMY GOODMAN SPEAKS IN ITHACA: December at Ithaca College To keep her show on Channel 13, need volunteer w/DISH Network to record it Mon-Fri, take to PEGASYS: [email protected] WEOS 89.7FM Mon-Fri 9am.

WINONA LADUKE (Anishinaabeg), Vice-Presidential running mate of Ralph Nader: 11/6, 7pm Emerson Suites, Ithaca College. She's Program Director of Honor the Earth Fund, author several books.

IRAQ, US FOREIGN POLICY & ISRAEL & PALESTINE: 11/5, 5pm, Cafe @ Anabel Taylor Hall-- Hossein Alizadeh: an Iranian Muslim with MA in International Relations & Peace Studies & Noa Simone: granted conscientious objector status & released from the Israeli military.

CORNELL ANTI-WAR COALITION: [email protected] [email protected] Cornell Theory Center military research

JOHN PETER GRADY was bid farewell by family plus hundreds of friends & admirers at Bang's Funeral Home 10/27. He was most noted for his leadership to end the draft during the Vietnam War-- tried and acquitted with the Camden 28 for destroying draft records. Yet he was primarily active as a community organizer & professor. His legacy is the courage he gave to the generation of the '60s, & to his activist children & grandchildren.

MAJOR COMPANIES THAT IMPORT MIDDLE EASTERN OIL (9/1/00-8/31/01).
Shell......................205,742,000 barrels
Chevron/Texaco.....144,332,000 barrels
ExxonMobil........... 130,082,000 barrels
Marathon.............. 117,740,000 barrels
Amoco..................... 62,231,000 barrels
Large companies that do not import Middle Eastern oil (Department of Energy): CITGO, SUNOCO, CONOCO, SINCLAIR, BP/Phillips, HESS -William Meyer

WAS PAUL WELLSTONE MURDERED? Wellstone joins a list of politicians who have died in small plane crashes shortly after defying the White House.

HANK ROBERTS & WIGGY DOG BOY: "THE TRUTH & RECONCILIATION SHOW" [Delightful combination of great music, politics & fun.] 11/9 at 7:30pm: new recording & his first in 5 years: CD Release party & performance at State Theatre. Mamadou Diabate opens. Tickets $15 in advance/$17.50 at door. $10 children 12 under. 1/4 HOUR accepted.

THE ITHACA SOCIAL FORUM 11/22-23 Inspired by the World Social Forum in Porto Allegre: Organizing meetings 11/3 & 17, 2-3:30pm Autumn Leaves Bookstore, Satya Mohanty

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES in a GLOBAL ECONOMY: symposium 11/8, Warren Hall, Room 401 -- 9:00am- 4:00pm.

INDEPENDENT NEWS: www.indymedia.org & www.commondreams.org For example: Albanian & Russian observers sent to MONITOR AMERICAN ELECTIONS

"KANDS" wins gift certificate to Cafe Strand. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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ITHACA FOOD DIGEST

GREENSTAR TOWN MEETING to discuss product line, longrange planning, etc. 11/14, 7-9pm Alternatives Community School. Refreshments.

ORGANIC LOCAL FOOD THIS WINTER via Blue Heron Farm's CSA: potatoes, carrots, onions, beets, brussels sprouts, cabbage, garlic, leeks, squash, more! 582-6336 [email protected]

COMPOST INDOORS W/ WORM BIN! Vermicomposting Workshop 11/2, 10am- noon, Coop Extension, 615 Willow Ave. $10. HOURS accepted.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: 4 credit Ithaca College course, Tuesdays 1pm-5:15pm, Thursdays 1:10 - 2:25 Spring Semester (Jan 21- May 9). Ecological Perception & Place-based Learning, Sustainable Land-use, Ecological Design & Energy Systems, Collaborative Community Processes, Sustainable Lifestyle Change registration: Tom Shevory 274-1347

FAIR TRADE COFFEE CAMPAIGN AT CORNELL: [email protected]

FREE FOOD PANTRIES - 2002 Friendship Donations Network [email protected]
--MONDAYS: free daily meals Øù Monday-Friday served at Loaves & Fishes
--TUESDAYS: Immaculate Conception Church, Geneva nr Seneca St. 1-1:45pm.
--WEDNESDAYS: Assembly of God Church, Bostwick Rd. nr Rte 13A 1:00-1:45pm
--THURSDAYS: St. Paul's Church, Aurora St. nr Court St. 3-3:30pm.
--FRIDAYS: Interlaken Reformed Church, Interlaken. 3-6:00pm
--SATURDAYS 1st, 3rd and 5th: Groton Assembly of God, 701 S.Main St. 2-3pm:
--SATURDAYS:* 2nd and 4th McLean Comm. Church, Church St. 1:30- 2:15
-- SUNDAYS: alternating weeks - Freeville United Method Church, Main St. Freeville, 1-1:45pm (11/10, 24)
-- Odessa Community Ctr/Fire Hall, Main St. Odessa, 4-4:30pm (11/3,17; 12/1)
----LIMIT: one pantry/week/household please. Non-profit; 100% volunteer-run
----No I.D. required: INCOME: one person up to $1500 /month; 2- $1800; 3- $2400; 4-$2800

GOOD GROCERIES in Watkins Glen, 316 E. 4th St. Accepts 1/4 HOUR. 535-9691 [email protected]

"ALYNY24" wins gift certificate to Oasis Natural Grocery. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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ITHACA HEALTH FUND has raised over $175,000 with which to cover 525 members for everyday medical emergencies & certain dental needs (membership $100/yr). PAYMENTS ARE MADE ANYWHERE with any health provider, so the Fund has members in CA, AZ, TX, CO, VA, PA, VT, MA, as well as NYC. Membership is $100/yr: Box 362, Ithaca 14851.
---Several businesses have enrolled employees ($80/yr): ABC Cafe, City Health Club, CRESP, Gimme! Coffee, Leather Express, Network Chiropractic, New Age Food Co-op (VA.), Oasis Grocery, Promethius Radio (PA.), Rumble Seat Music, Viva Taqueria.
--Interest-free loans of Ithaca HOURS up to $500 value are now made to local health providers, for facilities, equipment, training. 387-8344.

HEPATITIS C TREATMENT ISSUES: "Find out about treatment options for people living with Hepatitis C. Know your options, know what to expect during treatment." 11/12, 6-8 pm, Public Library, Refreshments. Mica 272-4098 Barry 273-5500 x14

"STACEY" wins gift certificate to Harvest Deli. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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CHERISH THE LADIES "all-womens Irish-American music sensation" 12/2 Autumn Leaves Bookstore. Shows at 7:00pm &9:30pm. Tickets $20 advance, $23 at door if available. Half HOUR/ticket accepted. Tickets: Autumn Leaves, Ithaca Guitar Works, GreenStar, via 277-3414.

CHANUKAH BOOK, CRAFT & FINE ARTS FAIR 11/10, 9am- 3pm, Temple Beth El (Court/Tioga) . Free & open to public. >800 titles. Area artists offer Judaica.

"ECJONES" wins gift certificate to ABC Cafe. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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AMAZING ITHACA HISTORY

* November 4, 1835: CABBAGES exhibited from garden of George Frost, one weighing 30.5 lbs, another 11' 6" circumference.
* November 5, 1940: Town of Ithaca votes return to BOOZE (923-815) after three-year prohibition of liquor.
* November 6, 100,000 B.C: LAKE ITHACA covers county, w/shoreline at elevation of Ithaca College.
* November 7, 1950: HOSPITAL RATE INCREASES: new charge for bed on ward is $8.50/day; semi-private $10.50/day; private $12/day.
* November 8, 1962: BOMB DROPPED ON ITHACA from Air Force jet. Rocket booster falls loose, does not explode.
* November 9, 1910: Miles Greenfield brings his wife to the police station. "I want her to come home & feed the hawgs." She retorts, "I ain't comin' home to feed no hawgs." Each asks the other be jailed. Police say no; they leave by different doors.
* November 10, 1937: First women ever chosen for JURY DUTY in Tompkins County. After two hours of cross-examination, three women are considered qualified.

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ITHACA COMMUNITY NEWS IS SUPPORTED BY YOUR DONATIONS: Thanks!
---ICN, Box 365, Ithaca, NY 14851

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YOUR LETTERS

"Regarding the storm drains emptying into the local creeks (Ithaca Community News Oct. #1), there are many. Many streets in College town have drains emptying directly into the creeks. They carry storm water run off along with any oil, gas and other street waste available. Some business owners also dump the contents of mop buckets, etc. down the drains. These could have anything from water and Clorox to highly caustic cleaning agents. Our creeks are becoming large 'Gorgeous' sewers." --Bill Clark
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"Thank you so much for sending me the Ithaca Community News. This is a great gift and allows me to feel that I'm part of the Ithaca community." --Liz Novak
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"My name appeared as winner of an Oasis gift certificate. Probably wouldn't have seen the prize but for the kind notes from 6 or so friends. Interesting to see how far into one's circle the ICN penetrates!" --Marie M.
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"I can not believe anyone would take our Mayor seriously if he pushes an ordinance that males are prohibited to show our chest-in order to reverse the progress which took LaLache Leagues years to do. Now he is going off the deep end." --Roger M. Christian
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"Surely the City Attorney's office has more important work they could be doing [than researching how to prevent men from removing shirts on Commons], like sharpening pencils or straightening some paper-clips.
---"This is such non-issue, & it's truly irritating to think that taxpayer money is being spent on it. And if a law was passed forbidding people to remove their shirts near the Commons, that would just increase the expense and irritation. Would you require that every runner in the Ithaca 5 & 10 wore a shirt just because the course goes along the edge of the Commons? Would there be an exemption if the temperature rose above 100 degrees?" -Adam Engst
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"Thank you for writing such an interesting newsletter. Although I don't agree with everything I read in it, it always provides me with food for thought. I really like the 'Amazing Ithaca History' - I learn something new every time." --Robyne Hamme
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"Keep that Community News comin', please! It's my lifeline to Ithaca, the place that was so influential in my current thinking about politics, justice, & the way we live in the US today. Do you have any idea how famous Ithacans are in New York City? Last week I visited the NYPIRG digs near City Hall, to pick up some posters for Ralph Nader's rally on Wall Street. When the worker there asked me how I'd heard about it, all I had to say was that I was from Ithaca. He went off about how great Ithacans are & what a great town it is. Your Community News provides me with much needed hope and comfort." --Whitney
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"Being a fan of your newsletter, esp the historical tidbits, & having drooled over your huge calendar at ABC Cafe incorporating similar stuff, I am emailing with a seasonally appropriate suggestion: why not a 2003 calendar for us Ithaca trivia buffs? It would be one calendar that would be easy to support, as 100% of the cost would go to worthy local/s. --Marion
---[REPLY] Thanks for your encouragement. My intention is to publish the Amazing Ithaca History Calendar next year, for 2004.
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"I just got a sign for my car that says "Regime Change Begins at Home. Vote." You can download one, too." --Jeannie Burns
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"As usual, you've outdone yourself with the newsletter!" --Michelle
---- "JDB20" wins gift certificate to Ten Thousand Villages. Reply by 11/15 to claim.
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"I skimmed over the Whole Ithaca Stock Exchange proposal. Interesting stuff with substantial potential & a lot that I don't follow. There was one thing that caught my attention. [You wrote:] 'Local woodlots & wetland larger than 440ft.sq. have total 25% of votes on any proposal to cut or drain them. They vote no on such proposals.'
---"I can quite agree with not draining wetlands, but as a woodlot owner & a professional plant ecologist I have to say that the bit about cutting is incredibly counter productive to the goals of WISE. With the exception of a single scrap of 20 acres now owned by the Cornell Natural Areas, all of the forest in the county has been highly disturbed at one time or another. It is not like cutting is a new experience for them, or that simply leaving them alone is necessarily the fastest route to recovery of what we value in forests (e.g., big trees, wild flowers, diverse wildlife etc.). Much of the forest is recovering from agriculture (about 30% of the landscape, or 60% of the forested area). It is dominated by a highly unnatural mix of species, & will continue to be for several centuries at least.
---"Frankly, my problem in managing the 70 acres of forest that I have stewardship over is that I can't cut trees fast enough to move the forest in those directions at the rate I would like. Remember, forests are dynamic entities, & cutting one tree makes room for others." --Chuck Mohler
---[REPLY] You're right. The text should read: "Local woodlots & wetland larger than 440ft.sq. have total 25% of votes on any proposal to PAVE or drain them."
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"I've changed my e-mail address. Could you update my subscription to both Ithaca Community News & the Health Fund newsletter? I wouldn't want to miss anything!" --Diana
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"Someone half-jokingly wrote in to ICN about personal ads, & you suggested someone start a local personals site. I want to let readers know about a wonderful resource called Single Volunteers http://www.singlevolunteers.org I co-founded the DC chapter & met my husband through the group. Perhaps Ithaca could do with a chapter.
---"How it works: you show up to volunteer at events or facilities such as soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity, or the Aids Ride, & you know that everyone else volunteering around you is single, because the Single Volunteers group leaders have planned it that way. The beauty is that the community gets much-needed volunteer staffing, & singles make genuine connections with other community-minded singles." --Catharine Robertson
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"I was thinking another category on the Ithaca News site might be what on the internet is called "vacation rentals," in other words, temporary, short term rentals, esp. aimed, but not only, at visitors & alumni for IC & CU. There doesn't seem to be any advertising which is based on occasional, owner-occupied places. We've been renting our house occasionally for weekends, even for a few weeks once when some visiting Russian scholars stayed here. What most astounded me, after I got over my initial squeamishness, is how grateful people were! It's a nice way to bring in a little income, esp. since our taxes keep rising!
---"There is an Ithaca website for bed & breakfast, but you must be a regular business, registered with the Chamber of Commerce (I asked them). What I think of is not so formal.
---"The only place I know of registering such information as I'm talking about is at the Off-Campus Housing Office at Cornell. And the only trouble with that is that you have to keep registering, & the second trouble is that you get oodles of phone calls from people who want to rent your house long term. ---"One site I have found useful is a list-serve run by the International Students & Scholars Office at Cornell, all kinds of useful information & controversies. --Kati
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"I think your newsletter rocks, & I really think my friend should be on the list. Can you sign him up?" --Aliya
---- "NIGHTCAT" wins gift certificate to Acorn Designs. Reply by 11/15 to claim.
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"You responded to a question about NYSEG's program of allowing people to pay more for wind energy. - I know nothing about the program ( I live in NJ) but from what the letter writer said, I think that you dismissed the idea way too quickly. Regardless of the demons who own the power company, if they offer you a chance to have your power supplied by wind, & the expense is only slightly more, take it! If nothing else, you are sending a message & paying to get your message heard - I want wind! The more people send this message, the more energy will come from wind, plain & simple. Here in Princeton, PSE&G, due to deregulation, allows me to get my electricity from a wide variety of suppliers: PS&G just carries it to my house. So, my electricity comes from Green Mountain, which is all wind. Perhaps someday NY will be de-regulated & that option will be yours as well." --Theodore Casparian
---[REPLY] We can not only rely on wind, but own the generators too.
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"I want to thank you for info regarding Green Party candidates for this years 11/5 elections. This is my first year voting. Enough is enough. Get out there & vote pre-Generation Xers.--I don't know what to really call us. Do you?:)" --Kara Esguerra
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"Corporate control of the government and the economy has brought New York & the US to the brink of crisis. The Green candidate for Governor, Stanley Aronowitz, is not a pawn for corporate interests. From cleaning up toxic dumps in upstate New York to opposing a war on Iraq that will have a disastrous effect on federal support for local governments, Aronowitz addresses the full range of problems that face New York.
---"We ask progressives to think before wasting their vote on Carl McCall: a vote for McCall is a symbolic gesture, because McCall can't win the Gubernatorial election. McCall trails Pataki by 15 points & polls third behind Golisano in upstate New York. "New Era" Democrats such as Hugh Carey & Ed Koch have abandoned McCall and endorsed Pataki.
---"This year, the strategic vote is for the candidate who supports progressive values. Not for a member of the Wall Street club that brought you Enron & Worldcom. Aronowitz needs 50,000 votes statewide for the NY Greens to stay on the ballot. Greens give progressives a political choice: since the Democrats fielded no candidate for the 24th Congressional district (which includes all of Tompkins except for Ithaca and Danby), Green Mark Dunau is the only progressive opponent of conservative Sherwood Boehlert.
---"New Yorkers who called Chuck Schumer & Hillary Clinton to oppose an Iraq war faced busy signals & answering machines clogged with messages. Both Senators ignored their constituents & fell in line behind the Bush agenda. If progressives don't resist, Democrats will continue to circle their wagons around corporate contributors & conservative 'swing' voters. It's time for progressives to stand up for what they believe in & vote for Aronowitz." --Paul Houle
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"Our mailing this week from NYSEG outlined several choices for local customers to lock into different suppliers. One which was mentioned, but not emphasized, was groups of consumers banding together to purchase electricity at lowest market costs. Does anyone know of such an energy purchasing group here in Ithaca?" --Karen Gellman
---[REPLY] Here's a good example.
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"Please add me to the mailing list, this site is great!!!" --Chris
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"Who the hey is doing your math??? What's this about an $8.00 increase in taxes on a $100,000.00 house with a 22% increase in tax bill??? Try again, Einstein." --Casey Stevens
---[REPLY] The information was provided via the Human Services Coalition listserve. Wendy Skinner of the County provides this clarification:
---"Regarding the item below, a 22 percent increase in the county property tax rate would add about $125 a year to the tax bill for a $100,000 house, or about $10 a month. This increase is still in flux. I have added Ithaca Community News to my media list so that you can get County info directly from the source." --Wendy Skinner, Public Information Coordinator
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"Any suggestions on how I find out [who is my City Council member]? I tried the city's page but despite my street being on the pop-up menu, it says my address isn't on there. (East Spencer St. isn't that long--I can't imagine that only part of it is in the City of Ithaca)." --K.H.
---[REPLY] You're in Ward One.
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"Thanks for all your hard work. I love getting the news!" --Karen C
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"Can I ask for photos [from your readers]...anyone who has good photos of laughter...animals,(maybe plants, or the moon?) & humans of course! All ages, all genders, all races...? I'm writing a children's book, called "EVERYBODY LAUGHS" as a sequel to "EVERYBODY CRIES" --Dianea Kohl
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"Why is it that the Democrats are always telling Greens we are wasting our vote when we vote for anyone other than a Democrat? And isn't voting all about feeling good about the candidate? Poor Democrats, so abused they don't realize you CAN feel good about the person you vote for.
---"And what's up with [Working Families Party], which claims we are "wasting vote on symbolic gestures or engaging in spoiler politics." Sorry to rant but this Democratic belief that they own me and my vote is rankling me." --Linda Holzbaur
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"Thanks for sharing Ithaca News with all of us." --Azucena

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TOMPKINS COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COUNCIL seeks at-large members. "The EMC has been Tompkins County government's official citizen advisory board on local environmental matters since 1971. Membership is open to all residents of Tompkins County." --EMC Coordinator 274-5560.

FARMLAND PROTECTION BOARD Seeks member to fill a 4 year vacancy on the board, to create favorable conditions that allow farmers to operate viable enterprises. --Debbie Teeter 272-2292. Applications due by 11/15.

"PMESKELL" wins gift certificate to Gimme! Coffee. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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SEEKING INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIPS? The International Students & Scholars Office at Cornell seeks Americans to share their culture with visiting international students, professors & researchers, for family outings, celebrations, holidays, casual get-togethers, etc. Ann Tompkins 272-0044, Jill Wells 257-2030

SPANISH & PORTUGUESE CLASSES $90. HOURS accepted. CUSLAR 255-7293.
---Spanish: Beginner 1: Mon/Wed 5:30-7:00pm, Uris Hall G24; Beginner 2: Tu/Thurs 5:30-7:00pm, Anabel Taylor Hall 314; Intermediate: Tues/Thurs, 5:45 to 7:15, Goldwin Smith Hall, room 164
---Portuguese: Tues/Thurs, 5:30-7:00, 116 Stimson Hall

ITHACA AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL 11/19, 7:30pm 640 Stewart Ave. "Defend human rights: Write letters, greetings to prisoners & human-rights workers, petitions: signatures are powerful." 273-3009 [email protected]

MID EAST EDUCATION TEAM has free mutlimedia events, speakers, films, workshops: "Iraqi Jews & others suffering under terrible human rights violations." [email protected] also weekly e-newsletter.

"MEW15" wins gift certificate to Toko Imports. Reply by 11/15 to claim.
---- "EDWILSON" wins gift certificate to Cinemapolis. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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CAYUGA HEIGHTS CENTER for WELLNESS & HEALING ARTS (Community Corners) Open House 11/9, noon- 5pm. Healing arts modalities include craniosacral therapy, feng shui, holistic medicine, massage, meditation, natural therapies, psychotherapy, Qigong, reiki, stress management, Tai Chi, yoga & acupuncture. Refreshments & free health presentations.

THE ITHACA BIRTH GROUP childbirth preparation classes: first three Saturdays in November. Gail 277-3455, Jennifer 387-6694 to pre-register. Ithaca HOURS.

CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION! Classes based on Birthing From Within philosophy. "A unique, multi-sensory, holistic approach..." Sandra McKinley. Ithaca HOURS.

CHI KUNG - easy to do exercises! Tuesdays & Thursdays 5pm, Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell. Until 12/5. HOURS accepted. First class free. Kati Hanna 272-3972

DREAM SCHOOL, Wednesdays 11/20 - 2/03. First class 11/20 is "Nine Keys to Your Dreams" Debra Statton

EARTH ARTS - Clay projects for the young & parent/guardian. "Where we mentor creativity, awareness, self-expression, & earth stewardship!" Mudpups - Tuesdays 10:00- 11:30am Ages 3+ -11/5, 12, 19, 26, 12/3
---EARTH WORKS - Learn through native stories! Tues 3:30 - 5:00 , ages 10+ Explorations in Clay, ages 6+ --5-wk session, Thursdays 3:30 - 4:45 11/7, 14, 21, Dec 5, 12. --11/16 "Create a Family Heirloom Bowl" 10am- noon 272-6486. Ithaca HOURS accepted

"RWIDRIG" wins gift certificate to The Yoga Corner. Reply by 11/15 to claim. "BMC6" wins gift certificate to White Lotus Home. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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"THE DEATH OF THE INTERNET: How Industry Intends To Kill The 'Net As We Know It" "The Internet's promise as a new medium -- where text, audio, video and data can be freely exchanged-- is under attack by the corporations that control the public's access to the 'Net."

THANKS to Homer & Jane at LIGHTLINK for reliable internet service.

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EDITOR: [email protected]

BACK ISSUES OF ITHACA COMMUNITY NEWS

ITHACA COMMUNITY NEWS
November #1 2002

LABOR, ARTS, EVENTS, ACTIVISM, LOCAL HISTORY, YOUR LETTERS, FUN STUFF!

[This is the first of two messages monthly sent to 6,786 Ithaca area residents]

THIRTEEN READERS OF THIS ISSUE HAVE WON GIFT CERTIFICATES with Viva Taqueria ($5), Cinemapolis/Fall Creek Pictures (2 tickets), Gimme! Coffee (1# coffee), Oasis Grocery ($5), Harvest Deli ($6), Ten Thousand Villages ($10), ABC Cafe ($10), Cafe Strand ($5), Acorn Designs ($7.50), Toko Imports ($5), Mundo Gitano ($10), White Lotus Home ($10), The Yoga Corner (free class). WINNING EMAILS (randomly selected by computer) ARE NOTED BELOW.

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"ITHACA IS THE CITY OF EVIL" An ultraconservative group has declared Boulder, Berkeley & Ithaca the Axis of Evil. "Free Republic" bills itself as the "Premiere Defender of Conservatism" & "Defender of the Constitution." They sell shirts, aprons, mugs, etc. w/ logo "Ithaca is the City of Evil."
---They regard as evil any exercise of Constitutional freedom which dissents from George W. Bush's:
---Many of us would be glad to carry our tofu in the tote bag then cook tofu with the apron but all the proceeds go to maintaining the site. Perhaps someone local will create a line "Proud of Ithaca's Evils."

NEW YORK TIMES VISITS ITHACA: 10/27/02: "ITHACA is well known for Cornell University, Ithaca College & a landscape of hills, gorges & waterfalls, & less known as the home of the Buddhist monastery where Courtney Love brought two handfuls of the ashes of her husband, Kurt Cobain, for a consecration ritual. At the southern end of Cayuga Lake & surrounded by blue hills & farmland, Ithaca is the center of an area with a rich blend of artistic, intellectual & rural cultures. The young woman serving you coffee might be a cellist & a piano tuner. The farmer who beats you at pool could well be a Socialist. There are enough restaurants so that none can afford to be mediocre, & it's hard to go out without hearing live jazz, bluegrass, rock or ethnic music. The only troubles are the rain, which is frequent, & the winter, which is long and cold. Fall, however, is a great time to visit."

"KEK2" wins gift certificate to Maxie'sSupper Club. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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WEATHER'S abruptly frigid, ending a mild fall: the first half of October held 6 degrees above average; the second half fell 6 degrees below average. Trees are still confused; while half remain green, half have minted gold, orange, yellow.

ITHACA RETREAT CENTER/SPA HOTEL IN COSTA RICA: Hotel & Spa Casaelena is "a true paradise from the Ithaca winters. Great for retreats, academic conferences, etc. Hoping to make it a favorite getaway for my home town Ithacans." [email protected] HOURS accepted.

"CAYMTG" wins gift certificate to Viva Taqueria. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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EDITORIAL: BALLOT BINGO

---Since Democratic gubernatorial candidate Carl McCall is 15-20 points behind Pataki in the polls (Marist), your choice this year is to have either Governor Pataki plus the Green Party [for local elections], or Governor Pataki with no Green Party. To retain ballot status, the Greens need 50,000 votes statewide for their gubernatorial candidate Stanley Aronowitz.
---Aronowitz is the only candidate speaking against the Iraq war. Pataki & McCall have endorsed it. Says Prof. Howard Zinn (author of "A People's History of the United States"): "I am for Stanley Aronowitz because someone must say: Ours is a country of enormous wealth. We can use that wealth to guarantee to every American free medical care, decent housing, work at a living wage, child care & nurseries, clean air & clean water. Whether Democrats or Republicans are in power, corporate power will dominate the country, the military-industrial establishment will be in power, the war against the poor will continue. We need to vote for people like Aronowitz & the Green Party, who will still be fighting for us after election day."
---The Ithaca Times has endorsed Marijuana Reform gubernatorial candidate Leighton, even though Green candidate Aronowitz campaigns for complete repeal of the Rockefeller drug laws, & the decriminalization of marijuana: Aronowitz-- "No one should go to jail simply for using drugs, & the Democrats are only talking about reducing sentences. The Democratic Assembly bill still doesn't go far enough & it's blocked because the GOPers upstate don't want downstate judges to have flexibility in sentencing."
---The Ithaca Journal has endorsed Republican Assembly candidate Sigler, though Working Families candidate Lifton brings 14 years constituent service at this job.
---Green Sheriff candidate Pete Meyers has years of direct experience w/youth & conflict resolution, holds degrees in Journalism & Psychology, & has plans to make jail expansion unnecessary. The Journal's hatchet coverage of the Sheriff debate was co-written by their publisher, who was not present.

---ITHACA COMMUNITY NEWS ENDORSES: GREEN candidates (ROW G) for Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, House of Representatives (Dunau or Greenfield), Sheriff, plus Assembly candidate Barbara Lifton on the WORKING FAMILIES line. "YES "ON PROPOSITION ONE: for special elections to fill County Board vacancies. And if you favor reproductive rights, write-in a friend for State Senator.

LOCATE YOUR VOTING BOOTH:
City Ithaca wards
TC election districts
TC polling places

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ITHACA WAR & PEACE REPORT

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic & servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." --President Theodore Roosevelt

AMY GOODMAN SPEAKS IN ITHACA: December at Ithaca College To keep her show on Channel 13, need volunteer w/DISH Network to record it Mon-Fri, take to PEGASYS: [email protected] WEOS 89.7FM Mon-Fri 9am.

WINONA LADUKE (Anishinaabeg), Vice-Presidential running mate of Ralph Nader: 11/6, 7pm Emerson Suites, Ithaca College. She's Program Director of Honor the Earth Fund, author several books.

IRAQ, US FOREIGN POLICY & ISRAEL & PALESTINE: 11/5, 5pm, Cafe @ Anabel Taylor Hall-- Hossein Alizadeh: an Iranian Muslim with MA in International Relations & Peace Studies & Noa Simone: granted conscientious objector status & released from the Israeli military.

CORNELL ANTI-WAR COALITION: [email protected] [email protected] Cornell Theory Center military research

JOHN PETER GRADY was bid farewell by family plus hundreds of friends & admirers at Bang's Funeral Home 10/27. He was most noted for his leadership to end the draft during the Vietnam War-- tried and acquitted with the Camden 28 for destroying draft records. Yet he was primarily active as a community organizer & professor. His legacy is the courage he gave to the generation of the '60s, & to his activist children & grandchildren.

MAJOR COMPANIES THAT IMPORT MIDDLE EASTERN OIL (9/1/00-8/31/01).
Shell......................205,742,000 barrels
Chevron/Texaco.....144,332,000 barrels
ExxonMobil........... 130,082,000 barrels
Marathon.............. 117,740,000 barrels
Amoco..................... 62,231,000 barrels
Large companies that do not import Middle Eastern oil (Department of Energy): CITGO, SUNOCO, CONOCO, SINCLAIR, BP/Phillips, HESS -William Meyer

WAS PAUL WELLSTONE MURDERED? Wellstone joins a list of politicians who have died in small plane crashes shortly after defying the White House.

HANK ROBERTS & WIGGY DOG BOY: "THE TRUTH & RECONCILIATION SHOW" [Delightful combination of great music, politics & fun.] 11/9 at 7:30pm: new recording & his first in 5 years: CD Release party & performance at State Theatre. Mamadou Diabate opens. Tickets $15 in advance/$17.50 at door. $10 children 12 under. 1/4 HOUR accepted.

THE ITHACA SOCIAL FORUM 11/22-23 Inspired by the World Social Forum in Porto Allegre: Organizing meetings 11/3 & 17, 2-3:30pm Autumn Leaves Bookstore, Satya Mohanty

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES in a GLOBAL ECONOMY: symposium 11/8, Warren Hall, Room 401 -- 9:00am- 4:00pm.

INDEPENDENT NEWS: www.indymedia.org & www.commondreams.org For example: Albanian & Russian observers sent to MONITOR AMERICAN ELECTIONS

"KANDS" wins gift certificate to Cafe Strand. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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ITHACA FOOD DIGEST

GREENSTAR TOWN MEETING to discuss product line, longrange planning, etc. 11/14, 7-9pm Alternatives Community School. Refreshments.

ORGANIC LOCAL FOOD THIS WINTER via Blue Heron Farm's CSA: potatoes, carrots, onions, beets, brussels sprouts, cabbage, garlic, leeks, squash, more! 582-6336 [email protected]

COMPOST INDOORS W/ WORM BIN! Vermicomposting Workshop 11/2, 10am- noon, Coop Extension, 615 Willow Ave. $10. HOURS accepted.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: 4 credit Ithaca College course, Tuesdays 1pm-5:15pm, Thursdays 1:10 - 2:25 Spring Semester (Jan 21- May 9). Ecological Perception & Place-based Learning, Sustainable Land-use, Ecological Design & Energy Systems, Collaborative Community Processes, Sustainable Lifestyle Change registration: Tom Shevory 274-1347

FAIR TRADE COFFEE CAMPAIGN AT CORNELL: [email protected]

FREE FOOD PANTRIES - 2002 Friendship Donations Network [email protected]
--MONDAYS: free daily meals Øù Monday-Friday served at Loaves & Fishes
--TUESDAYS: Immaculate Conception Church, Geneva nr Seneca St. 1-1:45pm.
--WEDNESDAYS: Assembly of God Church, Bostwick Rd. nr Rte 13A 1:00-1:45pm
--THURSDAYS: St. Paul's Church, Aurora St. nr Court St. 3-3:30pm.
--FRIDAYS: Interlaken Reformed Church, Interlaken. 3-6:00pm
--SATURDAYS 1st, 3rd and 5th: Groton Assembly of God, 701 S.Main St. 2-3pm:
--SATURDAYS:* 2nd and 4th McLean Comm. Church, Church St. 1:30- 2:15
-- SUNDAYS: alternating weeks - Freeville United Method Church, Main St. Freeville, 1-1:45pm (11/10, 24)
-- Odessa Community Ctr/Fire Hall, Main St. Odessa, 4-4:30pm (11/3,17; 12/1)
----LIMIT: one pantry/week/household please. Non-profit; 100% volunteer-run
----No I.D. required: INCOME: one person up to $1500 /month; 2- $1800; 3- $2400; 4-$2800

GOOD GROCERIES in Watkins Glen, 316 E. 4th St. Accepts 1/4 HOUR. 535-9691 [email protected]

"ALYNY24" wins gift certificate to Oasis Natural Grocery. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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ITHACA HEALTH FUND has raised over $175,000 with which to cover 525 members for everyday medical emergencies & certain dental needs (membership $100/yr). PAYMENTS ARE MADE ANYWHERE with any health provider, so the Fund has members in CA, AZ, TX, CO, VA, PA, VT, MA, as well as NYC. Membership is $100/yr: Box 362, Ithaca 14851.
---Several businesses have enrolled employees ($80/yr): ABC Cafe, City Health Club, CRESP, Gimme! Coffee, Leather Express, Network Chiropractic, New Age Food Co-op (VA.), Oasis Grocery, Promethius Radio (PA.), Rumble Seat Music, Viva Taqueria.
--Interest-free loans of Ithaca HOURS up to $500 value are now made to local health providers, for facilities, equipment, training. 387-8344.

HEPATITIS C TREATMENT ISSUES: "Find out about treatment options for people living with Hepatitis C. Know your options, know what to expect during treatment." 11/12, 6-8 pm, Public Library, Refreshments. Mica 272-4098 Barry 273-5500 x14

"STACEY" wins gift certificate to Harvest Deli. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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CHERISH THE LADIES "all-womens Irish-American music sensation" 12/2 Autumn Leaves Bookstore. Shows at 7:00pm &9:30pm. Tickets $20 advance, $23 at door if available. Half HOUR/ticket accepted. Tickets: Autumn Leaves, Ithaca Guitar Works, GreenStar, via 277-3414.

CHANUKAH BOOK, CRAFT & FINE ARTS FAIR 11/10, 9am- 3pm, Temple Beth El (Court/Tioga) . Free & open to public. >800 titles. Area artists offer Judaica.

"ECJONES" wins gift certificate to ABC Cafe. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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AMAZING ITHACA HISTORY

* November 4, 1835: CABBAGES exhibited from garden of George Frost, one weighing 30.5 lbs, another 11' 6" circumference.
* November 5, 1940: Town of Ithaca votes return to BOOZE (923-815) after three-year prohibition of liquor.
* November 6, 100,000 B.C: LAKE ITHACA covers county, w/shoreline at elevation of Ithaca College.
* November 7, 1950: HOSPITAL RATE INCREASES: new charge for bed on ward is $8.50/day; semi-private $10.50/day; private $12/day.
* November 8, 1962: BOMB DROPPED ON ITHACA from Air Force jet. Rocket booster falls loose, does not explode.
* November 9, 1910: Miles Greenfield brings his wife to the police station. "I want her to come home & feed the hawgs." She retorts, "I ain't comin' home to feed no hawgs." Each asks the other be jailed. Police say no; they leave by different doors.
* November 10, 1937: First women ever chosen for JURY DUTY in Tompkins County. After two hours of cross-examination, three women are considered qualified.

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ITHACA COMMUNITY NEWS IS SUPPORTED BY YOUR DONATIONS: Thanks!
---ICN, Box 365, Ithaca, NY 14851

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YOUR LETTERS

"Regarding the storm drains emptying into the local creeks (Ithaca Community News Oct. #1), there are many. Many streets in College town have drains emptying directly into the creeks. They carry storm water run off along with any oil, gas and other street waste available. Some business owners also dump the contents of mop buckets, etc. down the drains. These could have anything from water and Clorox to highly caustic cleaning agents. Our creeks are becoming large 'Gorgeous' sewers." --Bill Clark
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"Thank you so much for sending me the Ithaca Community News. This is a great gift and allows me to feel that I'm part of the Ithaca community." --Liz Novak
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"My name appeared as winner of an Oasis gift certificate. Probably wouldn't have seen the prize but for the kind notes from 6 or so friends. Interesting to see how far into one's circle the ICN penetrates!" --Marie M.
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"I can not believe anyone would take our Mayor seriously if he pushes an ordinance that males are prohibited to show our chest-in order to reverse the progress which took LaLache Leagues years to do. Now he is going off the deep end." --Roger M. Christian
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"Surely the City Attorney's office has more important work they could be doing [than researching how to prevent men from removing shirts on Commons], like sharpening pencils or straightening some paper-clips.
---"This is such non-issue, & it's truly irritating to think that taxpayer money is being spent on it. And if a law was passed forbidding people to remove their shirts near the Commons, that would just increase the expense and irritation. Would you require that every runner in the Ithaca 5 & 10 wore a shirt just because the course goes along the edge of the Commons? Would there be an exemption if the temperature rose above 100 degrees?" -Adam Engst
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"Thank you for writing such an interesting newsletter. Although I don't agree with everything I read in it, it always provides me with food for thought. I really like the 'Amazing Ithaca History' - I learn something new every time." --Robyne Hamme
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"Keep that Community News comin', please! It's my lifeline to Ithaca, the place that was so influential in my current thinking about politics, justice, & the way we live in the US today. Do you have any idea how famous Ithacans are in New York City? Last week I visited the NYPIRG digs near City Hall, to pick up some posters for Ralph Nader's rally on Wall Street. When the worker there asked me how I'd heard about it, all I had to say was that I was from Ithaca. He went off about how great Ithacans are & what a great town it is. Your Community News provides me with much needed hope and comfort." --Whitney
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"Being a fan of your newsletter, esp the historical tidbits, & having drooled over your huge calendar at ABC Cafe incorporating similar stuff, I am emailing with a seasonally appropriate suggestion: why not a 2003 calendar for us Ithaca trivia buffs? It would be one calendar that would be easy to support, as 100% of the cost would go to worthy local/s. --Marion
---[REPLY] Thanks for your encouragement. My intention is to publish the Amazing Ithaca History Calendar next year, for 2004.
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"I just got a sign for my car that says "Regime Change Begins at Home. Vote." You can download one, too." --Jeannie Burns
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"As usual, you've outdone yourself with the newsletter!" --Michelle
---- "JDB20" wins gift certificate to Ten Thousand Villages. Reply by 11/15 to claim.
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"I skimmed over the Whole Ithaca Stock Exchange proposal. Interesting stuff with substantial potential & a lot that I don't follow. There was one thing that caught my attention. [You wrote:] 'Local woodlots & wetland larger than 440ft.sq. have total 25% of votes on any proposal to cut or drain them. They vote no on such proposals.'
---"I can quite agree with not draining wetlands, but as a woodlot owner & a professional plant ecologist I have to say that the bit about cutting is incredibly counter productive to the goals of WISE. With the exception of a single scrap of 20 acres now owned by the Cornell Natural Areas, all of the forest in the county has been highly disturbed at one time or another. It is not like cutting is a new experience for them, or that simply leaving them alone is necessarily the fastest route to recovery of what we value in forests (e.g., big trees, wild flowers, diverse wildlife etc.). Much of the forest is recovering from agriculture (about 30% of the landscape, or 60% of the forested area). It is dominated by a highly unnatural mix of species, & will continue to be for several centuries at least.
---"Frankly, my problem in managing the 70 acres of forest that I have stewardship over is that I can't cut trees fast enough to move the forest in those directions at the rate I would like. Remember, forests are dynamic entities, & cutting one tree makes room for others." --Chuck Mohler
---[REPLY] You're right. The text should read: "Local woodlots & wetland larger than 440ft.sq. have total 25% of votes on any proposal to PAVE or drain them."
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"I've changed my e-mail address. Could you update my subscription to both Ithaca Community News & the Health Fund newsletter? I wouldn't want to miss anything!" --Diana
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"Someone half-jokingly wrote in to ICN about personal ads, & you suggested someone start a local personals site. I want to let readers know about a wonderful resource called Single Volunteers http://www.singlevolunteers.org I co-founded the DC chapter & met my husband through the group. Perhaps Ithaca could do with a chapter.
---"How it works: you show up to volunteer at events or facilities such as soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity, or the Aids Ride, & you know that everyone else volunteering around you is single, because the Single Volunteers group leaders have planned it that way. The beauty is that the community gets much-needed volunteer staffing, & singles make genuine connections with other community-minded singles." --Catharine Robertson
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"I was thinking another category on the Ithaca News site might be what on the internet is called "vacation rentals," in other words, temporary, short term rentals, esp. aimed, but not only, at visitors & alumni for IC & CU. There doesn't seem to be any advertising which is based on occasional, owner-occupied places. We've been renting our house occasionally for weekends, even for a few weeks once when some visiting Russian scholars stayed here. What most astounded me, after I got over my initial squeamishness, is how grateful people were! It's a nice way to bring in a little income, esp. since our taxes keep rising!
---"There is an Ithaca website for bed & breakfast, but you must be a regular business, registered with the Chamber of Commerce (I asked them). What I think of is not so formal.
---"The only place I know of registering such information as I'm talking about is at the Off-Campus Housing Office at Cornell. And the only trouble with that is that you have to keep registering, & the second trouble is that you get oodles of phone calls from people who want to rent your house long term. ---"One site I have found useful is a list-serve run by the International Students & Scholars Office at Cornell, all kinds of useful information & controversies. --Kati
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"I think your newsletter rocks, & I really think my friend should be on the list. Can you sign him up?" --Aliya
---- "NIGHTCAT" wins gift certificate to Acorn Designs. Reply by 11/15 to claim.
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"You responded to a question about NYSEG's program of allowing people to pay more for wind energy. - I know nothing about the program ( I live in NJ) but from what the letter writer said, I think that you dismissed the idea way too quickly. Regardless of the demons who own the power company, if they offer you a chance to have your power supplied by wind, & the expense is only slightly more, take it! If nothing else, you are sending a message & paying to get your message heard - I want wind! The more people send this message, the more energy will come from wind, plain & simple. Here in Princeton, PSE&G, due to deregulation, allows me to get my electricity from a wide variety of suppliers: PS&G just carries it to my house. So, my electricity comes from Green Mountain, which is all wind. Perhaps someday NY will be de-regulated & that option will be yours as well." --Theodore Casparian
---[REPLY] We can not only rely on wind, but own the generators too.
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"I want to thank you for info regarding Green Party candidates for this years 11/5 elections. This is my first year voting. Enough is enough. Get out there & vote pre-Generation Xers.--I don't know what to really call us. Do you?:)" --Kara Esguerra
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"Corporate control of the government and the economy has brought New York & the US to the brink of crisis. The Green candidate for Governor, Stanley Aronowitz, is not a pawn for corporate interests. From cleaning up toxic dumps in upstate New York to opposing a war on Iraq that will have a disastrous effect on federal support for local governments, Aronowitz addresses the full range of problems that face New York.
---"We ask progressives to think before wasting their vote on Carl McCall: a vote for McCall is a symbolic gesture, because McCall can't win the Gubernatorial election. McCall trails Pataki by 15 points & polls third behind Golisano in upstate New York. "New Era" Democrats such as Hugh Carey & Ed Koch have abandoned McCall and endorsed Pataki.
---"This year, the strategic vote is for the candidate who supports progressive values. Not for a member of the Wall Street club that brought you Enron & Worldcom. Aronowitz needs 50,000 votes statewide for the NY Greens to stay on the ballot. Greens give progressives a political choice: since the Democrats fielded no candidate for the 24th Congressional district (which includes all of Tompkins except for Ithaca and Danby), Green Mark Dunau is the only progressive opponent of conservative Sherwood Boehlert.
---"New Yorkers who called Chuck Schumer & Hillary Clinton to oppose an Iraq war faced busy signals & answering machines clogged with messages. Both Senators ignored their constituents & fell in line behind the Bush agenda. If progressives don't resist, Democrats will continue to circle their wagons around corporate contributors & conservative 'swing' voters. It's time for progressives to stand up for what they believe in & vote for Aronowitz." --Paul Houle
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"Our mailing this week from NYSEG outlined several choices for local customers to lock into different suppliers. One which was mentioned, but not emphasized, was groups of consumers banding together to purchase electricity at lowest market costs. Does anyone know of such an energy purchasing group here in Ithaca?" --Karen Gellman
---[REPLY] Here's a good example.
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"Please add me to the mailing list, this site is great!!!" --Chris
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"Who the hey is doing your math??? What's this about an $8.00 increase in taxes on a $100,000.00 house with a 22% increase in tax bill??? Try again, Einstein." --Casey Stevens
---[REPLY] The information was provided via the Human Services Coalition listserve. Wendy Skinner of the County provides this clarification:
---"Regarding the item below, a 22 percent increase in the county property tax rate would add about $125 a year to the tax bill for a $100,000 house, or about $10 a month. This increase is still in flux. I have added Ithaca Community News to my media list so that you can get County info directly from the source." --Wendy Skinner, Public Information Coordinator
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"Any suggestions on how I find out [who is my City Council member]? I tried the city's page but despite my street being on the pop-up menu, it says my address isn't on there. (East Spencer St. isn't that long--I can't imagine that only part of it is in the City of Ithaca)." --K.H.
---[REPLY] You're in Ward One.
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"Thanks for all your hard work. I love getting the news!" --Karen C
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"Can I ask for photos [from your readers]...anyone who has good photos of laughter...animals,(maybe plants, or the moon?) & humans of course! All ages, all genders, all races...? I'm writing a children's book, called "EVERYBODY LAUGHS" as a sequel to "EVERYBODY CRIES" --Dianea Kohl
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"Why is it that the Democrats are always telling Greens we are wasting our vote when we vote for anyone other than a Democrat? And isn't voting all about feeling good about the candidate? Poor Democrats, so abused they don't realize you CAN feel good about the person you vote for.
---"And what's up with [Working Families Party], which claims we are "wasting vote on symbolic gestures or engaging in spoiler politics." Sorry to rant but this Democratic belief that they own me and my vote is rankling me." --Linda Holzbaur
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"Thanks for sharing Ithaca News with all of us." --Azucena

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TOMPKINS COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COUNCIL seeks at-large members. "The EMC has been Tompkins County government's official citizen advisory board on local environmental matters since 1971. Membership is open to all residents of Tompkins County." --EMC Coordinator 274-5560.

FARMLAND PROTECTION BOARD Seeks member to fill a 4 year vacancy on the board, to create favorable conditions that allow farmers to operate viable enterprises. --Debbie Teeter 272-2292. Applications due by 11/15.

"PMESKELL" wins gift certificate to Gimme! Coffee. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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SEEKING INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIPS? The International Students & Scholars Office at Cornell seeks Americans to share their culture with visiting international students, professors & researchers, for family outings, celebrations, holidays, casual get-togethers, etc. Ann Tompkins 272-0044, Jill Wells 257-2030

SPANISH & PORTUGUESE CLASSES $90. HOURS accepted. CUSLAR 255-7293.
---Spanish: Beginner 1: Mon/Wed 5:30-7:00pm, Uris Hall G24; Beginner 2: Tu/Thurs 5:30-7:00pm, Anabel Taylor Hall 314; Intermediate: Tues/Thurs, 5:45 to 7:15, Goldwin Smith Hall, room 164
---Portuguese: Tues/Thurs, 5:30-7:00, 116 Stimson Hall

ITHACA AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL 11/19, 7:30pm 640 Stewart Ave. "Defend human rights: Write letters, greetings to prisoners & human-rights workers, petitions: signatures are powerful." 273-3009 [email protected]

MID EAST EDUCATION TEAM has free mutlimedia events, speakers, films, workshops: "Iraqi Jews & others suffering under terrible human rights violations." [email protected] also weekly e-newsletter.

"MEW15" wins gift certificate to Toko Imports. Reply by 11/15 to claim.
---- "EDWILSON" wins gift certificate to Cinemapolis. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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CAYUGA HEIGHTS CENTER for WELLNESS & HEALING ARTS (Community Corners) Open House 11/9, noon- 5pm. Healing arts modalities include craniosacral therapy, feng shui, holistic medicine, massage, meditation, natural therapies, psychotherapy, Qigong, reiki, stress management, Tai Chi, yoga & acupuncture. Refreshments & free health presentations.

THE ITHACA BIRTH GROUP childbirth preparation classes: first three Saturdays in November. Gail 277-3455, Jennifer 387-6694 to pre-register. Ithaca HOURS.

CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION! Classes based on Birthing From Within philosophy. "A unique, multi-sensory, holistic approach..." Sandra McKinley. Ithaca HOURS.

CHI KUNG - easy to do exercises! Tuesdays & Thursdays 5pm, Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell. Until 12/5. HOURS accepted. First class free. Kati Hanna 272-3972

DREAM SCHOOL, Wednesdays 11/20 - 2/03. First class 11/20 is "Nine Keys to Your Dreams" Debra Statton

EARTH ARTS - Clay projects for the young & parent/guardian. "Where we mentor creativity, awareness, self-expression, & earth stewardship!" Mudpups - Tuesdays 10:00- 11:30am Ages 3+ -11/5, 12, 19, 26, 12/3
---EARTH WORKS - Learn through native stories! Tues 3:30 - 5:00 , ages 10+ Explorations in Clay, ages 6+ --5-wk session, Thursdays 3:30 - 4:45 11/7, 14, 21, Dec 5, 12. --11/16 "Create a Family Heirloom Bowl" 10am- noon 272-6486. Ithaca HOURS accepted

"RWIDRIG" wins gift certificate to The Yoga Corner. Reply by 11/15 to claim. "BMC6" wins gift certificate to White Lotus Home. Reply by 11/15 to claim.

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"THE DEATH OF THE INTERNET: How Industry Intends To Kill The 'Net As We Know It" "The Internet's promise as a new medium -- where text, audio, video and data can be freely exchanged-- is under attack by the corporations that control the public's access to the 'Net."

THANKS to Homer & Jane at LIGHTLINK for reliable internet service.

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EDITOR: [email protected]

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