LABOR, ARTS, EVENTS, ACTIVISM, LOCAL HISTORY, YOUR LETTERS, FUN STUFF!
[This is the SECOND OF TWO MESSAGES MONTHLY sent to 6,942 Ithaca area residents]
SEVENTEEN READERS OF THIS ISSUE HAVE WON GIFT CERTIFICATES with Ithaca Bakery ($5), Viva Taqueria ($5), Cinemapolis/Fall Creek Pictures (2 tickets), Ithaca Fine Chocolates (4-pack), Gimme! Coffee (1# coffee), Oasis Grocery ($5), ($6), Sparrow's Wines ($10), Ten Thousand Villages ($10), ABC Cafe ($10), Cafe Strand ($5), Acorn Designs ($7.50), Toko Imports ($5), Dinosaur Drygoods ($10), The Bath Bar ($10) White Lotus Home ($10), Surya Incense (pkg), The Yoga Corner (free class). WINNING EMAILS (randomly selected by computer) ARE NOTED BELOW. Winners reply sending their mailing address.
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WARMER ITHACAS: our frosty city is warmer than
some Ithacas (see previous
issue) but colder than:
* Ithaca, Georgia
* Ithaca,
Ohio (5 degrees warmer in January)
* Ithaca
Auditorium & Ithaca Creek (Brisbane, Australia)
* Ithaca,
Greece: (this
one really rubs it in) as does this one.
ITHACA IS HOT! in FEBRUARY: Steamy Sauna Tour Weekend 2/7-9. Lover's Weekend for Valentine's Day 2/14-16. Ithaca's Annual Chili Cook-off Weekend 2/21-23. Mardi Gras Extravaganza on the Cayuga Wine Trail; 2/28-3/2.
LOCAL CROSSCOUNTRY SKI REPORTS
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ITHACA VEGGIE CAR gets 45mpg on free fast food oil: Morgan Thompson converted his '81 VW Rabbit to used cooking oil donated by a local business. He commutes 30 miles daily. Starts on diesel, for two minutes, to heat engine, then switches to veggie tank. Then two minutes before shutoff switches again to diesel, to clear the injector pump. For friends he's also converted a Mercedes & a Ford truck. He's willing to consult (accepts 25% HOURS): 539-6796
"GOD BLESS A_FRICA" in 4' electric letters on Floral Avenue, after prankster unscrewed select "AMERICA" lightbulbs in Bill Lower's massive Christmas display.
WHIRLING DERVISH MASTER FOR EAST COAST LIVES IN ITHACA: Marcia Radin has just been named turn "sheikah" (teacher) for all of eastern U.S. by Jelalludin, born above Rumi's tomb. She'll host a major gathering here 4/4-6. Classes: 272-0694
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TOMPKINS COUNTY QUALITY OF LIFE 2000: Thirty
fellow citizens have collected 50 pages of facts about our lives, to
help us assess our needs & capacities. Some samples are
surprising:
* There were 7,386 arts events in the County in 2000-- twenty per day.
* TCAT gives 2.8 million rides yearly (7,671/day).
* County's registered vehicles increased 20% in just six years
('92-'96).
* For every pound of waste recycled, two pounds are landfilled.
* 3,800,000 pounds of organic discards are composted yearly.
* One third of housing units are institutional (dorms, nursing homes,
jail cells, etc)
* Half of children at Beverly J. Martin School are eligible for Food
Stamps.
* One-third of newborns are eligible for public assistance.
* 13.6% of residents live in poverty.
* Average pay for government jobs increased 36% ('70-'95) while retail
pay decreased 27%.
* 665,000 emergency meals were provided in 2000.
* There are at least 101 support groups ranging from Abuse, Alcoholism,
Grief/Loss, Eating Disorders.
* 8% of the County's land area is built on, 91% is agricultural or open
space.
* 71% of open space is vulnerable to sprawl.
---"The committee provided information... that broadens our
understanding of what a good quality of life means. For instance, the
economic health of the community is measured not just by employment
rates, job types, & wage levels Øù but also by the ability of
individuals & families to be self-sufficient." See book at www.tompkins-co.org/bor/committee/quality2000/report.html
---Several categories suggest actions we can take, while others are
merely descriptive. The report details the need for further research
beyond volunteer capacity.
---Here are indicators
suggested by the Whole Ithaca Stock Exchange (WISE) for better
evaluting the health of our local economy.
2003 TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATURE MEETING DATES SET: in County Courthouse at 5:30pm, first & third Tuesday each month, w/ exception of first mtg in November, moved to 11/5.
"AC102" wins gift certificate to Viva Taqueria. Reply w/mailing address by 1/31.
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ITHACA FUN
VOICES (global vision, local volume): Come sing! (highschool & older) no auditions. Mondays at Unitarian annex, 208 E. Buffalo, 7-8:30pm.
CORNELL
FOLK SONG CLUB CONCERTS all four Spring concerts $43 for CFSC
members. Join: 277-8519 or tickets on-line. By mail: Cornell Folk Song
Club, Box 481, Ithaca, NY 14851. Ithaca HOURS accepted. Season passes
available until 2/1.
* Bill Staines - 2/1 Hollis E. Cornell Auditorium, Cornell, 8:00pm. $12
* Utah Phillips -3/1 Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell, 8:00 pm. $15
SEE-SPOT GALLERY 108 Commons: "Make Art Now!"
Materials available.
1/18 Gypsy Dance Party w/Zela Zola & bellydancers: 8-11pm, $5,
HOURS accepted.
1/24 Punk Show: Subparbreakers, Plan 607, The Sorority 7pm. HOURS.
1/24 Little Egypt-- Castaways benefit
2/6 Art Godin 8pm, $3. HOURS.
2/7 Cole, acoustic 8pm, $3. HOURS.
2/8 Punk Show: Number 2, 1,000 Years' War, Amorous Radio. $5. HOURS.
---To book a show (poetry, dance, theatre, anything goes!) Michelle
277-7560.
ITHACA SILENT FILMS (1916) at PUBLIC IBRARY 1/24, 1:30pm: "The Adventures of the Jealous Wife" & "The Missing Watchman."
CONTRA DANCE & CAKE AUCTION 1/25 from 7:0-10:30pm, hosted by Ithaca Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Memorial Room of Willard Straight Hall, Cornell. Music by Your Friends & Neighbors, calling by Katy Heine. Cost $5/person or $10/family. Ithaca HOURS accepted. Suzanne Kates, 277-4264
HIP HOP STREET POETRY OPEN MIKE 1/25 "bring your rhymes!" Southside Community Ctr 7-8pm; Rescue Squad, Real Eyes 8-10pm
EVENING OF JEWISH STORIES, Poetry and Music, Temple Beth-El 1/25, 7:30pm. $2.00. HOURS.
TEXTSCAPES: monumental community-based public artwork at public library. Opening celebration & poetry reading 1/23, 5-7pm. Created by poets, artists, families, community members & teens during Fall 2002. 350 feet of hand-printed images & two-line poems
ARLO GUTHRIE CONCERT at State Theatre 3/8 at 8pm. TICKET SALES start 1/18 at GreenStar, Clinton House, 277-4497, 800-28-ITHACA. Reserved: $21, $25, $29. Half HOUR/ticket accepted.
"CAC29" wins gift certificate to Ithaca Fine
Chocolates. Reply w/mailing address by 1/31."
"ITHACA607" wins tickets to Cinemapolis/FCP. Reply w/mailing address by
1/31.
"MEW4" wins gift certificate to ABC Cafe. Reply w/mailing address by
1/31.
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ITHACA
COMMUNITY NEWS NEWS "Ithaca's Best Website" (Ithaca Times
Reader's Poll 2002) now provides
ITHACA'S ONLY KEYWORD-SEARCHABLE
NEWS ARCHIVE Thanks to Bill Carini!
---PRINT EDITION BEING PLANNED (5,000 copies). To purchase display
advertising in this publication, contact Paul Glover
(reply to this email) or 272-4330.
---DONATIONS TO ICN TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. Please support this publication:
Box 365, Ithaca 14851
FREE SPEECH TELEVISION: You can show your favorite videos on Channel 78 by taking it to PEGASYS 272-7272 on W. Green St. (3-11pm). Time Warner wants to take this right away, to convert Channel 78 to commercial broadcast. Kenny Ritter
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ITHACA
HEALTH FUND COMPLETES SIXTH YEAR * America's only
democratically-managed health security system: members vote for board
of directors.
---Board
minutes published
---Next board mtg 2/2, 7pm, City Hall, 108 E. Green St, 3rd fl.
Candidates sought: Mark
Sammo
* America's most transparent system: payments list
http://www.ithacahealth.org/balancesheet.htm
* America's most efficient: just 2.5% of Fund income for office
expenses. Payments usually overnight.
---The Fund now provides $1,375,000 total coverage
to 560 current members, who are co-owners of a $153,243.55 bank
account. The earliest members joined to support a 'noble idea.' Now
most join because it's a good deal: $100/year.
---297 members are known to have no other health security plan. 513
members live in NY.
---131 health providers regularly give discounts to Fund members.
Others give discounts when asked.
---Tax-deductible donations made to IHA, Box 362, Ithaca 14851 (checks
to Southside Community Ctr).
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"CO-OPPLUS ENERGY COOPERATIVE now has 149
households with 164 electricity accounts. We sent in this first list of
names to NYSEG Solutions on 1/2/03. Members will receive an endorsement
letter from Co-opPlus, & an information letter, contract,
& disclosure statement from NYSEG Solutions. Members sign the
contract & return to NYSEG Solutions, to receive Co-op energy
savings (.275 cents per kwh less than NYSEG's fixed price (55% x
$.005). There are additional energy savings of a one-bill switching
credit of 35 cents per month + sales tax reduction . Members still
receive one NYSEG bill.
---"The co-op is still
accepting new members We have arranged with NYSEG Solutions
to get group rates for each additional block of 100 members.
---"The Board of Directors' longer term goals include finding renewable
energy sources, offering energy efficiency products & services
to members, & exploring avenues for distributed generation. We
are beginning to develop the market clout where we can make a
difference in the provision of energy sources and services. Board
meetings are open to members.
---"We look forward to serving your energy needs in the future. "
--Kenny Christianson, Alison Christie, Dan Klein, Heather Mcdaniel,
Kirk Smith
--Board of Directors
ELECTRIFYING CHOICES: WSKG program
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MARTIN L. KING JR. DAY CELEBRATION 1/20 ,
11:30am-4:30pm free luncheon, keynote speech & performances by
local choirs to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at
Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC). After luncheon: children's
workshops by Johnson Museum of Art, storytelling by Jacqueline Scott,
music workshop by Tom Seely. Joint Elder-Youth Speakout, '"Alternatives
to Violence" training. Dessert & additional performances by
local choirs.
---If you would be interested in volunteering for a shift(s) ReneØù Farkas
255-1107 or Alison
Christie 273-9392
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH FILM & VIDEO FESTIVAL
at Cornell Cinema: "highlights from the 2002 Human Rights Watch
International Film Festival."
---Jan 29, 31 & Feb 2: The Trials of Henry Kissinger
---Jan 30, Feb 1 & 3: Bloody Sunday
---Feb 4 & 6: Afghanistan 1380
---Feb 11 & 13: Gaza Strip
---Feb 18 & 20: Stealing the Fire
---Feb 23 & 25: August: A Moment Before the Eruption
REFLECTIONS ON WAR & ITS AFTERMATH at
Cornell Cinema: Cosponsored w/Cornell Anti-War Coalition &
Cornell Forum for Justice & Peace
---Feb 5: The Battle of Algiers (1966) ---Feb 12: No Man's Land (2001)
---Feb 14 & 15: Green Dragon (2001) ---Feb 19: Prisoner of the
Mountains (1997)
---Feb 26 & 28: The Thin Red Line (1998) For complete listing, times,
locations 1/10 ITHACA HOUR ($1) accepted
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, ITHACA group, meets 1/21, 7:30pm, Kahin Center, 640 Stewart Ave. Sign letters, postcards (signatures are powerful!). Campaigns for human rights abroad & at home. All welcome. 257-3156 [email protected]
"DALYATAMIR" wins gift certificate to Toko
Imports. Reply w/mailing address by 1/31.
"KC259" wins gift certificate to Gimme! Coffee. Reply w/mailing address
by 1/31.
"LARS" wins gift certificate to 10,000 Villages. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/31.
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LIVING WAGE COALITION NEWS Finger Lakes Community
for Humanistic Judaism (Kol Haverim) joins Coalition. Now 35 community,
labor, student & religious groups are affiliated. Next mtg
1/23, 6:15pm, 110 N. Geneva St.
---"We will provide Living Wage Coalition brochures to participants
& also seek to offer our Low-Wage Worker Surveys for folks to
fill out.
---"2. Hotel Workers Campaign: Thanks to Stu Stein a meeting has been
scheduled with Scott Wiggins, a leader in the Hotel Owners'
Association, to gather information about the industry, to communicate
to him our concerns about the low wages in the industry, & to
express our commitment to assist these workers and press for change.
---"3. Living Wage Resolution: After some discussion of the pros
& cons, we reaffirmed our support for moving forward with this
proposed County Board resolution in support of living wages.
---"4. Cornell student involvement: COLA & CASE/UAW will work
on bringing a speaker/video to campus to generate more awareness
& support for living wages. There was also interest expressed
in doing more within the high schools & middle schools.
Students are also very interested in supporting a hotel workers
campaign or other living wage campaigns in the community." Carl Feuer
************
---TRACKING OUTING 1/18; 10am: Meeting where
Finger Lakes Trail crosses Michigan Hollow Rd. Also known as Diane's
Crossing, on Michigan Hollow Rd. 2.5 miles S of Rt.96B in Danby. Erin Riddle
256-9993 or Linda Spielman 844-8522.
---SIERRA CLUB'S GENETIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE is targeting
Kraft, the largest packaged food producer in the US, to urge
them to remove GE ingredients from their products. Mailing party with
local group: Erin Riddle
---TWO GARDENS IN QUEBEC: Winter Garden Travel Slide Show: visit to
Frank Cabot's private garden 1/19, 2-3:30 pm. Pat Curran
272-2292.
---MASTER COMPOSTER VOLUNTEER TRAINING: application deadline: 1/31
Classes: Ten Thursdays 2/20-4/24, 6:30-8:30pm. Community volunteers
protect the environment, improve gardens, reduce waste, &
having fun. 272-2292.
* INDOOR COMPOSTING --Stealth & Worm Bin Style! 2/1, 10am-noon.
Class fee $3. 272-2292.
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ITHACA WAR & PEACE REPORT
FIVE BUSLOADS TO D.C. DEMONSTRATION 1/18. All tickets sold.
GREENSTAR RESOLUTION AGAINST IRAQ ATTACK passed 10-0 by Council 1/14: "We believe that we need to work for peace with Iraq & to stop a U.S. invasion of Iraq w/ its potential for thousands of needless injuries & deaths, & that the $200 billion planned for war against Iraq should be spent instead to fund jobs, education, housing, health care, child care, assistance to the elderly, protection of the environment, energy conservation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels & otherwise to meet people's needs."
U.N. SEES 500,000 IRAQI CASUALTIES AT START OF WAR: 1/7 (Reuters) "As many as half a million Iraqis could require medical treatment as a result of serious injuries suffered in the early stages of a war on Iraq, U.N. emergency planners said in a document disclosed Tuesday."
Three Ithacans, Marie DeMott Grady &Anna & Grace Ritter, were interviewed on Pacifica's Peacewatch radio show about Ithaca & youth activism & the die-in at Lansing Army Recruitment Ctr
TIME MAGAZINE POLL: WHICH NATION MOST THREATENS WORLD PEACE?
ONE-DAY NATIONAL
STUDENT STRIKE 3/5: "Books Not Bombs! Stop The War Against
Iraq! The National Youth & Student Peace Coalition (NYSPC)
calls upon students on campuses across the United States to join a
one-day student strike ---"As students and youth, our futures will be
shaped by the actions that the Bush administration takes today. A US
attack on Iraq will inevitably:
* Endanger the lives of US servicemen & women
* Increase the suffering and misery of the Iraqi people while
* slaughtering thousands of innocent people
* Encourage terror attacks against the US around the world & at
home,
* Be used as an excuse to erode civil liberties
* Divert resources from education & social services
* Subvert historical precedent & international law
---"WE DEMAND that the US Government:
* End the drive for military action & sanctions that target the
people of Iraq
* Fund education to ensure that everyone in the US has access to higher
education
* Re-allocate military funds to eliminating poverty & building
peace at home & abroad
---"That Campus Administrators:
* Declare opposition to the war
* Disclose & eliminate military research contracts
* Freeze or lower tuition and fees
* Transfer money for JROTC to college preparation & counseling
& from & ROTC to financial aid.
CALL WHITE HOUSE: 202-456-1111. "Operator will thank you for saying "I oppose" or "I approve."
LISTSERVE FOR YOUNG ACTIVISTS IN CENTRAL NY [email protected]
CHOICES ANGER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM of Community Dispute Resolution Center seeks volunteers for one-on-one w/ at-risk youth. Mentors meet w/ youth for 7 one-hour sessions to teach anger management skills. Registration by 1/31, training begins 2/6. Jeci 273-9347
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AMAZING ITHACA HISTORY
* January 15, 1891: Cast of brain of Laura
Bridgeman, famous deaf, dumb & blind person, is exhibited.
* January 16, 1911: Central Labor Union goes on record opposing "THIRD
DEGREE" police interrogation methods as being "barbarous &
cruel."
* January 17, 1971: As snowmobiles become popular they become
unpopular. A Brooktondale man fires a warning shot then WOUNDS A
SNOWMOBILER crossing his land.
* January 18, 1864: Ezra Cornell offers women $50 to shut up. "You
would accomplish more by talking less," he tells the Ladies' Volunteer
Aid Society, encouraging them to roll Civil War bandages for ONE DAY
WITHOUT TALKING.
* January 19, 1944: Among the last HORSERIDING ACCIDENTS downtown,
Wimpy Donahue falls from the saddle on Auburn St.
* January 20, 1926: Headaches & weariness no longer exuse
students from class at Cornell, as Medical Department abolishes the
attendance HONOR CODE.
* January 21, 1912: Baptism at lake by Church of Colored Scientists,
through HOLE CUT IN ICE.
* January 22, 1937: An 11-lb. CARP is found swimming upstream at top of
Fall Creek Falls.
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YOUR LETTERS
"I had no idea there were other Ithacas out there!
(Except for the Greek one, that is)." --Elizabeth D.
----
"I propose that you add one to the top ten [Good
News of 2002] list-- The first phase of the Cayuga
Waterfront Trail in Cass Park was opened & funding
was received for the second phase to connect Cass Park to the Farmers'
Market. The Waterfront Trail will provide a non-motorized
transportation alternative to the State Routes (13,96 and 89) along the
Inlet. The thousands of families that currently drive from downtown
residential neighborhoods to Cass Park for ballgames and swimming will
now be able to bike, blade or walk. Northside & Fall Creek
residents will be able to walk & bike to the Farmers' Market
& to west end restaurants.
---"Once the trail is complete (5 years or so) & the Black
Diamond Trail is constructed between Ithaca & Taughannock, we
will have the foundation of a great regional trail network. Linkages
from the City to the waterfront along creeks & roadways will be
critical to ensure residents do not have to drive to the trail." --Rick
Manning
--------
"Thank you for researching & posting what
you found on the web [about corporate
ownership of organic foods] Are there similar websites that
you recommend reading to learn more about who I am supporting when I
shop at the local co-op?" --Adam Michaelides
---[REPLY] This is the first website to feature multinational corporate
ownership of organic foods.
--------
"I just want to second the letter by Glen Jesse
Golden regarding Bob Venable's contributions to the cause of Native
Americans. I first crossed paths with Bob 22 years ago, during the
first attempt to negotiate a settlement of the Cayuga Nation's land
claim right here in our region.
---"He was like a voice in the wilderness, actively engaged in research
& writing in support of the Cayugas and their cause even as
progressives here in Ithaca were silent on the matter. Bob provided me
with valuable information that I could then ustilize to fight the
racists in Seneca, Cayuga and Tompkins County who ultimately succeeded
in so poisoning the atmosphere that an out-of-court settlement was
impossible.
---"He was also one of the few academics that I recall that was willing
to question the fairness of the deal negotiated by those in the Cayuga
leadership who were willing to settle for far less than what was
rightfully owed by New York. If Bob is leaving Cornell, then the
American Indian Program will truly lose an asset." --George Frantz
--------
"Can you point me in the direction of any
information regarding how legally to avoid paying federal taxes? I have
no interest in paying for Bush's war in Iraq. I understand that I must
make payments elsewhere in lieu of tax contributions to the federal
pot, but I don't know what that alternative is. Can you help me?"
--Fred Conner
---{REPLY] National War
Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee (headquartered in
Ithaca) Mary Loehr
--------
[reply to Brandy Cox]: "The most striking thing
about your letter to Ithaca Community News is that you seem more upset
about the writing & promotion of my Book, "A
History of Mayor Alan J. Cohen's Administration of Ithaca, NY"
than Alan Cohen is.
---"Perhaps in your next letter you could explain the positive benefits
to Ithaca that Alan Cohen's policies have brought the community.
---"As for your comment, 'Why not take a card table to Gimme! &
sell the book there too?' If Gimme! wishes to sell my book, they are
welcome to. Several other stores have chosen to stock my book,
& it is #1 on the Bookery's best seller list for non-fiction.
---"The most disturbing part of your letter was the sentence, 'Alan is
no angel...but for f**ks sake... deal with it.' Do you really believe
that once a person is elected to office that citizens should ignore
what they do? I find this comment frighteningly similar to comments by
Nazis who tried to excuse their part in the holocaust by saying they
were just following orders. I find the mayor's actions outrageous
& feel it is my duty as a citizen in a democracy to voice my
opposition to them." --Joseph Wetmore
--------
"Thanks for the great news you send. My family
& I appreciate it." --Annemarie Mattison
-------- "TRCKN420" wins gift certificate to Sparrow's Wines. Reply
w/mailing address by 1/31.
"DMC13" wins gift certificate to Oasis Grocery (now open weekdays
9am-7pm).
"TOSHAV" wins gift certificate to Ithaca Bakery. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/31.
--------
"I am alerting you to news of my photography
& activism. The Ithaca Times wrote an editorial on the 11/13
issue withholding my name (possibly to protect themselves from any
lawsuit), but was about me, with many false statements, to which my
lawyer from last year's trial, responded correcting the IT's
misinformation! I went to the IT asking why this happened & no
explanation was given, they treated me like a child & then said
I should make an appointment to talk to them, which I did &
then they did not honor my apt. WHAT THEY DID WAS GIVE ME ALL MY PHOTOS
BACK & SAID "WE DO NOT WANT TO WORK WITH YOU". I WAS SHOCKED! I
was not given any explanation for the termination. I did NOTHING to
them to deserve this. I have been on friendly terms with this paper for
15 years, & there was no sign of any of this coming on. I feel
betrayed & I take this as a political assault to me, my
activism & the community! Many people enjoy my photos.
---"I have written to the IT for a written explantion of my
termination. Since then, they have not writen or returned phone calls.
I am deeply hurt; it feels like a part of me has died.
---"The IT provided that sharing with all of you! I also served peace
& justice through my photo journalistic photographs, &
been at events where other news photographers were not. My photos
represented a lot more than me-- it represented a whole community or
event! It was a communication I cherished. How can they think of
themselves as a progressive paper!
---"I want to take a moment to thank all those who loved my photos
& have told me so. I am also thinking of all of you, who will
miss them being published in the IT" --Fay Gougakis
--------
"I did some quick research, but can't find who
owns Gannett Newspapers. Do you know, or can you suggest how I find
out?" --Marlo C.
---[REPLY] Gannett is 79% owned by other corporations. Those with
largest stockholdings include Microsoft, GE, Exxon, Citigroup, Pfizer,
Wal-Mart, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, Merck, Verizon, Bank of
America, Proctor & Gamble, Intel, Coca Cola, Pepsico, Cisco.
Enter http://www.nasdaq.com put GCI (Gannett's stock symbol) into the
search box, push button, then select "institutional holdings" in popup.
--------
"Is there a way to effect a house-trade with an
Ithacan family?" --R.S.
---[REPLY] If someone is inspired to start a house-sharing/swapping
system I'll note it.
--------
---"[According to] Kate Alfaro [of ICSD], Ithaca
High School is NOT releasing
kids' names to recruiters. There is a strict policy against
this, & any change in that policy would have to be brought
before the School Board.
---"However I began to wonder what is happening on this issue at other
local high schools. I came across a New
York State Dept of Education publication about military recruiting.
I realized as I read this document that military recruiters (or anyone
else) ALREADY have all the information on the IHS kids because of the
IHS Student & Staff directory which lists student names,
addresses, grade & phone number & is hardly a private
document as it is distributed to all students. This is something we get
to 'opt out' of but few parents do. So the whole issue may well be moot
in the local context anyway as the recruiters can get the information
without having to go to the schools at all.
---"I strongly urge you to call [other high] schools to find out what
the school policy is. And do these schools have directories like the
IHS one?" --Linda
Farthing
--------
"I have finally gone back and read the first
December community newsletter, & came across your following
comment: 'Bin Laden's message is important as a wake-up call. Whether
he or Al Qaida survive, others will follow. America will change
voluntarily & gracefully, to fairly share the planet, or we
will be torn apart from without & within.' --P.G.
---"Some 140 years ago Abraham Lincoln made a prediction about America
that I have always believed, & believe now more than ever in
light of our slide toward war & fascism in the wake of
September 11th: 'As a nation of free men we will live forever, or
perish by suicide.'
---"Back during all the 1st anniverary commemorations a lot of our
political "leaders" were quoting the Gettysburg Address. I was thinking
of the less known quote above. Suicide it it may well be, unless
Americans wake up. Keep up the good works!" --George
"MSLOATE1" wins gift certificate to Surya Incense.
Reply w/mailing address by 1/31.
"RABBITFOOT9" wins gift certificate to Dinosaur Dry Goods. Reply
w/mailing address by 1/31.
"MANNIN4" wins gift certificate to The Yoga Corner. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/31.
************
TOWN OF ULYSSES DRAFT ZONING ORDINANCE "would allocate permitted land uses in the town to eleven zoning district categories, including two types of agricultural zoning districts, five residential zoning districts, a conservation/recreation district, two business zoning districts & a light industrial zoning district." Public mtg: 1/21 TBurg Elementary 387-5767 George Frantz 256-9310
************
ITHACANS WHO HAVE VISITED LATIN AMERICA are asked by CUSLAR to fill out the following survey: http://www.rso.cornell.edu/cuslar/form.html
LEARN SPANISH: classes begin 1/20. Taught by native speakers. [email protected] 255-7293. Beginning I-- Monday/Wednesday 5:30-7:00pm Goldwin Smith Hall 164 (Cornell). Beginning II-- Tuesday/Thursday 5:30-7:00 Goldwin Smith G88. Intermediate-- Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30-7:00pm Anabel Taylor Hall rm 314.
THEN JOIN ASOCIACION CIVICA LATINA del CONDADO de TOMPKINS: "fue establecida en 1994 para unir, informar, apoyar y ayudar a la comunidad hispana de la region del Condado de Tompkins. Esta organizacion tiene como objetivo mantener viva la cultura del idioma castellano en esta comunidad; a traves de un festival hispano que se realiza anualmente, reuniones de caracter social-bailable, en donde compartimos comidas tipicas, musica popular y folklorica. La Asociacion esta abierta a todos los hispanos, asi como tambien a no-hispanos que sienten interes en la musica, las artes y las tradiciones de los paises de habla castellana."
************
PHIL SHAPIRO'S GROUP FOLK GUITAR LESSONS: learn
acoustic guitar, or improve your playing:" 8 one-hour lessons, Monday
evenings, starting 1/27, North Room of Willard Straight Hall.
Registration at first lesson. Just come, bring a guitar. Open to
general public." [email protected]
---7 pm BEGINNERS, 8 pm INTERMEDIATES. Entire course $50. Part HOURS
acceptable. 844-4535
FREE DANCE LESSONS: Roger Christian & his Falcon & Doves Dance Troupe's open auditions ( experience helpful, not necessary, all ages ) at The Foundation of Light & Tiamat Studio during Jan/Feb. 277 - 0731
**************
* FENG
SHUI ITHACA: consultations, speaking engagements, house
parties, workshops. 100% HRS. 20% HF discount. Mary Stewart,
CPIA 266-8088
* CREATE YOUR OWN HAPPINESS! art classes with Elisabeth Gross-Marks.
277-2419.
* FLOWER ESSENCE STUDY GROUP 1/23, Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill
Rd. 6:30-7:15PM: Group essences available to all, help for beginners
and social time. 7:15-9:15pm.
"CRD22" wins gift certificate to The Bath Bar.
Reply w/mailing address by 1/31.
"DIANEAKO" wins gift certificate to White Lotus Home. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/31.
************
Thanks to Homer & Jane at Lightlink for reliable internet services.
*************
EDITOR: [email protected]
LABOR, ARTS, EVENTS, ACTIVISM, LOCAL HISTORY, YOUR LETTERS, FUN STUFF!
[This is the SECOND OF TWO MESSAGES MONTHLY sent to 6,942 Ithaca area residents]
SEVENTEEN READERS OF THIS ISSUE HAVE WON GIFT CERTIFICATES with Ithaca Bakery ($5), Viva Taqueria ($5), Cinemapolis/Fall Creek Pictures (2 tickets), Ithaca Fine Chocolates (4-pack), Gimme! Coffee (1# coffee), Oasis Grocery ($5), ($6), Sparrow's Wines ($10), Ten Thousand Villages ($10), ABC Cafe ($10), Cafe Strand ($5), Acorn Designs ($7.50), Toko Imports ($5), Dinosaur Drygoods ($10), The Bath Bar ($10) White Lotus Home ($10), Surya Incense (pkg), The Yoga Corner (free class). WINNING EMAILS (randomly selected by computer) ARE NOTED BELOW. Winners reply sending their mailing address.
*********
WARMER ITHACAS: our frosty city is warmer than some Ithacas
(see previous
issue) but colder than:
* Ithaca, Georgia
* Ithaca,
Ohio (5 degrees warmer in January)
* Ithaca
Auditorium & Ithaca Creek (Brisbane, Australia)
* Ithaca,
Greece: (this
one really rubs it in) as does this one.
ITHACA IS HOT! in FEBRUARY: Steamy Sauna Tour Weekend 2/7-9. Lover's Weekend for Valentine's Day 2/14-16. Ithaca's Annual Chili Cook-off Weekend 2/21-23. Mardi Gras Extravaganza on the Cayuga Wine Trail; 2/28-3/2.
LOCAL CROSSCOUNTRY SKI REPORTS
**********
ITHACA VEGGIE CAR gets 45mpg on free fast food oil: Morgan Thompson converted his '81 VW Rabbit to used cooking oil donated by a local business. He commutes 30 miles daily. Starts on diesel, for two minutes, to heat engine, then switches to veggie tank. Then two minutes before shutoff switches again to diesel, to clear the injector pump. For friends he's also converted a Mercedes & a Ford truck. He's willing to consult (accepts 25% HOURS): 539-6796
"GOD BLESS A_FRICA" in 4' electric letters on Floral Avenue, after prankster unscrewed select "AMERICA" lightbulbs in Bill Lower's massive Christmas display.
WHIRLING DERVISH MASTER FOR EAST COAST LIVES IN ITHACA: Marcia Radin has just been named turn "sheikah" (teacher) for all of eastern U.S. by Jelalludin, born above Rumi's tomb. She'll host a major gathering here 4/4-6. Classes: 272-0694
************
TOMPKINS COUNTY QUALITY OF LIFE 2000: Thirty fellow citizens
have collected 50 pages of facts about our lives, to help us assess our
needs & capacities. Some samples are surprising:
* There were 7,386 arts events in the County in 2000-- twenty per day.
* TCAT gives 2.8 million rides yearly (7,671/day).
* County's registered vehicles increased 20% in just six years
('92-'96).
* For every pound of waste recycled, two pounds are landfilled.
* 3,800,000 pounds of organic discards are composted yearly.
* One third of housing units are institutional (dorms, nursing homes,
jail cells, etc)
* Half of children at Beverly J. Martin School are eligible for Food
Stamps.
* One-third of newborns are eligible for public assistance.
* 13.6% of residents live in poverty.
* Average pay for government jobs increased 36% ('70-'95) while retail
pay decreased 27%.
* 665,000 emergency meals were provided in 2000.
* There are at least 101 support groups ranging from Abuse, Alcoholism,
Grief/Loss, Eating Disorders.
* 8% of the County's land area is built on, 91% is agricultural or open
space.
* 71% of open space is vulnerable to sprawl.
---"The committee provided information... that broadens our
understanding of what a good quality of life means. For instance, the
economic health of the community is measured not just by employment
rates, job types, & wage levels Øù but also by the ability of
individuals & families to be self-sufficient." See book at www.tompkins-co.org/bor/committee/quality2000/report.html
---Several categories suggest actions we can take, while others are
merely descriptive. The report details the need for further research
beyond volunteer capacity.
---Here are indicators
suggested by the Whole Ithaca Stock Exchange (WISE) for better
evaluting the health of our local economy.
2003 TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATURE MEETING DATES SET: in County Courthouse at 5:30pm, first & third Tuesday each month, w/ exception of first mtg in November, moved to 11/5.
"AC102" wins gift certificate to Viva Taqueria. Reply w/mailing address by 1/31.
**********
ITHACA FUN
VOICES (global vision, local volume): Come sing! (highschool & older) no auditions. Mondays at Unitarian annex, 208 E. Buffalo, 7-8:30pm.
CORNELL
FOLK SONG CLUB CONCERTS all four Spring concerts $43 for CFSC
members. Join: 277-8519 or tickets on-line. By mail: Cornell Folk Song
Club, Box 481, Ithaca, NY 14851. Ithaca HOURS accepted. Season passes
available until 2/1.
* Bill Staines - 2/1 Hollis E. Cornell Auditorium, Cornell, 8:00pm. $12
* Utah Phillips -3/1 Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell, 8:00 pm. $15
SEE-SPOT GALLERY 108 Commons: "Make Art Now!" Materials
available.
1/18 Gypsy Dance Party w/Zela Zola & bellydancers: 8-11pm, $5,
HOURS accepted.
1/24 Punk Show: Subparbreakers, Plan 607, The Sorority 7pm. HOURS.
1/24 Little Egypt-- Castaways benefit
2/6 Art Godin 8pm, $3. HOURS.
2/7 Cole, acoustic 8pm, $3. HOURS.
2/8 Punk Show: Number 2, 1,000 Years' War, Amorous Radio. $5. HOURS.
---To book a show (poetry, dance, theatre, anything goes!) Michelle
277-7560.
ITHACA SILENT FILMS (1916) at PUBLIC IBRARY 1/24, 1:30pm: "The Adventures of the Jealous Wife" & "The Missing Watchman."
CONTRA DANCE & CAKE AUCTION 1/25 from 7:0-10:30pm, hosted by Ithaca Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Memorial Room of Willard Straight Hall, Cornell. Music by Your Friends & Neighbors, calling by Katy Heine. Cost $5/person or $10/family. Ithaca HOURS accepted. Suzanne Kates, 277-4264
HIP HOP STREET POETRY OPEN MIKE 1/25 "bring your rhymes!" Southside Community Ctr 7-8pm; Rescue Squad, Real Eyes 8-10pm
EVENING OF JEWISH STORIES, Poetry and Music, Temple Beth-El 1/25, 7:30pm. $2.00. HOURS.
TEXTSCAPES: monumental community-based public artwork at public library. Opening celebration & poetry reading 1/23, 5-7pm. Created by poets, artists, families, community members & teens during Fall 2002. 350 feet of hand-printed images & two-line poems
ARLO GUTHRIE CONCERT at State Theatre 3/8 at 8pm. TICKET SALES start 1/18 at GreenStar, Clinton House, 277-4497, 800-28-ITHACA. Reserved: $21, $25, $29. Half HOUR/ticket accepted.
"CAC29" wins gift certificate to Ithaca Fine Chocolates.
Reply w/mailing address by 1/31."
"ITHACA607" wins tickets to Cinemapolis/FCP. Reply w/mailing address by
1/31.
"MEW4" wins gift certificate to ABC Cafe. Reply w/mailing address by
1/31.
***********
ITHACA
COMMUNITY NEWS NEWS "Ithaca's Best Website" (Ithaca Times
Reader's Poll 2002) now provides
ITHACA'S ONLY KEYWORD-SEARCHABLE
NEWS ARCHIVE Thanks to Bill Carini!
---PRINT EDITION BEING PLANNED (5,000 copies). To purchase display
advertising in this publication, contact Paul Glover
(reply to this email) or 272-4330.
---DONATIONS TO ICN TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. Please support this publication:
Box 365, Ithaca 14851
FREE SPEECH TELEVISION: You can show your favorite videos on Channel 78 by taking it to PEGASYS 272-7272 on W. Green St. (3-11pm). Time Warner wants to take this right away, to convert Channel 78 to commercial broadcast. Kenny Ritter
***********
ITHACA
HEALTH FUND COMPLETES SIXTH YEAR * America's only
democratically-managed health security system: members vote for board
of directors.
---Board
minutes published
---Next board mtg 2/2, 7pm, City Hall, 108 E. Green St, 3rd fl.
Candidates sought: Mark
Sammo
* America's most transparent system: payments list
http://www.ithacahealth.org/balancesheet.htm
* America's most efficient: just 2.5% of Fund income for office
expenses. Payments usually overnight.
---The Fund now provides $1,375,000 total coverage
to 560 current members, who are co-owners of a $153,243.55 bank
account. The earliest members joined to support a 'noble idea.' Now
most join because it's a good deal: $100/year.
---297 members are known to have no other health security plan. 513
members live in NY.
---131 health providers regularly give discounts to Fund members.
Others give discounts when asked.
---Tax-deductible donations made to IHA, Box 362, Ithaca 14851 (checks
to Southside Community Ctr).
***********
"CO-OPPLUS ENERGY COOPERATIVE now has 149 households with 164
electricity accounts. We sent in this first list of names to NYSEG
Solutions on 1/2/03. Members will receive an endorsement letter from
Co-opPlus, & an information letter, contract, &
disclosure statement from NYSEG Solutions. Members sign the contract
& return to NYSEG Solutions, to receive Co-op energy savings
(.275 cents per kwh less than NYSEG's fixed price (55% x $.005). There
are additional energy savings of a one-bill switching credit of 35
cents per month + sales tax reduction . Members still receive one NYSEG
bill.
---"The co-op is still
accepting new members We have arranged with NYSEG Solutions
to get group rates for each additional block of 100 members.
---"The Board of Directors' longer term goals include finding renewable
energy sources, offering energy efficiency products & services
to members, & exploring avenues for distributed generation. We
are beginning to develop the market clout where we can make a
difference in the provision of energy sources and services. Board
meetings are open to members.
---"We look forward to serving your energy needs in the future. "
--Kenny Christianson, Alison Christie, Dan Klein, Heather Mcdaniel,
Kirk Smith
--Board of Directors
ELECTRIFYING CHOICES: WSKG program
************
MARTIN L. KING JR. DAY CELEBRATION 1/20 , 11:30am-4:30pm free
luncheon, keynote speech & performances by local choirs to
celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at Greater Ithaca
Activities Center (GIAC). After luncheon: children's workshops by
Johnson Museum of Art, storytelling by Jacqueline Scott, music workshop
by Tom Seely. Joint Elder-Youth Speakout, '"Alternatives to Violence"
training. Dessert & additional performances by local choirs.
---If you would be interested in volunteering for a shift(s) ReneØù Farkas
255-1107 or Alison
Christie 273-9392
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH FILM & VIDEO FESTIVAL at Cornell
Cinema: "highlights from the 2002 Human Rights Watch International Film
Festival."
---Jan 29, 31 & Feb 2: The Trials of Henry Kissinger
---Jan 30, Feb 1 & 3: Bloody Sunday
---Feb 4 & 6: Afghanistan 1380
---Feb 11 & 13: Gaza Strip
---Feb 18 & 20: Stealing the Fire
---Feb 23 & 25: August: A Moment Before the Eruption
REFLECTIONS ON WAR & ITS AFTERMATH at Cornell Cinema:
Cosponsored w/Cornell Anti-War Coalition & Cornell Forum for
Justice & Peace
---Feb 5: The Battle of Algiers (1966) ---Feb 12: No Man's Land (2001)
---Feb 14 & 15: Green Dragon (2001) ---Feb 19: Prisoner of the
Mountains (1997)
---Feb 26 & 28: The Thin Red Line (1998) For complete listing, times,
locations 1/10 ITHACA HOUR ($1) accepted
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, ITHACA group, meets 1/21, 7:30pm, Kahin Center, 640 Stewart Ave. Sign letters, postcards (signatures are powerful!). Campaigns for human rights abroad & at home. All welcome. 257-3156 [email protected]
"DALYATAMIR" wins gift certificate to Toko Imports. Reply
w/mailing address by 1/31.
"KC259" wins gift certificate to Gimme! Coffee. Reply w/mailing address
by 1/31.
"LARS" wins gift certificate to 10,000 Villages. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/31.
**************
LIVING WAGE COALITION NEWS Finger Lakes Community for
Humanistic Judaism (Kol Haverim) joins Coalition. Now 35 community,
labor, student & religious groups are affiliated. Next mtg
1/23, 6:15pm, 110 N. Geneva St.
---"We will provide Living Wage Coalition brochures to participants
& also seek to offer our Low-Wage Worker Surveys for folks to
fill out.
---"2. Hotel Workers Campaign: Thanks to Stu Stein a meeting has been
scheduled with Scott Wiggins, a leader in the Hotel Owners'
Association, to gather information about the industry, to communicate
to him our concerns about the low wages in the industry, & to
express our commitment to assist these workers and press for change.
---"3. Living Wage Resolution: After some discussion of the pros
& cons, we reaffirmed our support for moving forward with this
proposed County Board resolution in support of living wages.
---"4. Cornell student involvement: COLA & CASE/UAW will work
on bringing a speaker/video to campus to generate more awareness
& support for living wages. There was also interest expressed
in doing more within the high schools & middle schools.
Students are also very interested in supporting a hotel workers
campaign or other living wage campaigns in the community." Carl Feuer
************
---TRACKING OUTING 1/18; 10am: Meeting where Finger Lakes
Trail crosses Michigan Hollow Rd. Also known as Diane's Crossing, on
Michigan Hollow Rd. 2.5 miles S of Rt.96B in Danby. Erin Riddle
256-9993 or Linda Spielman 844-8522.
---SIERRA CLUB'S GENETIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE is targeting
Kraft, the largest packaged food producer in the US, to urge
them to remove GE ingredients from their products. Mailing party with
local group: Erin Riddle
---TWO GARDENS IN QUEBEC: Winter Garden Travel Slide Show: visit to
Frank Cabot's private garden 1/19, 2-3:30 pm. Pat Curran
272-2292.
---MASTER COMPOSTER VOLUNTEER TRAINING: application deadline: 1/31
Classes: Ten Thursdays 2/20-4/24, 6:30-8:30pm. Community volunteers
protect the environment, improve gardens, reduce waste, &
having fun. 272-2292.
* INDOOR COMPOSTING --Stealth & Worm Bin Style! 2/1, 10am-noon.
Class fee $3. 272-2292.
***********
ITHACA WAR & PEACE REPORT
FIVE BUSLOADS TO D.C. DEMONSTRATION 1/18. All tickets sold.
GREENSTAR RESOLUTION AGAINST IRAQ ATTACK passed 10-0 by Council 1/14: "We believe that we need to work for peace with Iraq & to stop a U.S. invasion of Iraq w/ its potential for thousands of needless injuries & deaths, & that the $200 billion planned for war against Iraq should be spent instead to fund jobs, education, housing, health care, child care, assistance to the elderly, protection of the environment, energy conservation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels & otherwise to meet people's needs."
U.N. SEES 500,000 IRAQI CASUALTIES AT START OF WAR: 1/7 (Reuters) "As many as half a million Iraqis could require medical treatment as a result of serious injuries suffered in the early stages of a war on Iraq, U.N. emergency planners said in a document disclosed Tuesday."
Three Ithacans, Marie DeMott Grady &Anna & Grace Ritter, were interviewed on Pacifica's Peacewatch radio show about Ithaca & youth activism & the die-in at Lansing Army Recruitment Ctr
TIME MAGAZINE POLL: WHICH NATION MOST THREATENS WORLD PEACE?
ONE-DAY NATIONAL
STUDENT STRIKE 3/5: "Books Not Bombs! Stop The War Against
Iraq! The National Youth & Student Peace Coalition (NYSPC)
calls upon students on campuses across the United States to join a
one-day student strike ---"As students and youth, our futures will be
shaped by the actions that the Bush administration takes today. A US
attack on Iraq will inevitably:
* Endanger the lives of US servicemen & women
* Increase the suffering and misery of the Iraqi people while
* slaughtering thousands of innocent people
* Encourage terror attacks against the US around the world & at
home,
* Be used as an excuse to erode civil liberties
* Divert resources from education & social services
* Subvert historical precedent & international law
---"WE DEMAND that the US Government:
* End the drive for military action & sanctions that target the
people of Iraq
* Fund education to ensure that everyone in the US has access to higher
education
* Re-allocate military funds to eliminating poverty & building
peace at home & abroad
---"That Campus Administrators:
* Declare opposition to the war
* Disclose & eliminate military research contracts
* Freeze or lower tuition and fees
* Transfer money for JROTC to college preparation & counseling
& from & ROTC to financial aid.
CALL WHITE HOUSE: 202-456-1111. "Operator will thank you for saying "I oppose" or "I approve."
LISTSERVE FOR YOUNG ACTIVISTS IN CENTRAL NY [email protected]
CHOICES ANGER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM of Community Dispute Resolution Center seeks volunteers for one-on-one w/ at-risk youth. Mentors meet w/ youth for 7 one-hour sessions to teach anger management skills. Registration by 1/31, training begins 2/6. Jeci 273-9347
************
AMAZING ITHACA HISTORY
* January 15, 1891: Cast of brain of Laura Bridgeman, famous
deaf, dumb & blind person, is exhibited.
* January 16, 1911: Central Labor Union goes on record opposing "THIRD
DEGREE" police interrogation methods as being "barbarous &
cruel."
* January 17, 1971: As snowmobiles become popular they become
unpopular. A Brooktondale man fires a warning shot then WOUNDS A
SNOWMOBILER crossing his land.
* January 18, 1864: Ezra Cornell offers women $50 to shut up. "You
would accomplish more by talking less," he tells the Ladies' Volunteer
Aid Society, encouraging them to roll Civil War bandages for ONE DAY
WITHOUT TALKING.
* January 19, 1944: Among the last HORSERIDING ACCIDENTS downtown,
Wimpy Donahue falls from the saddle on Auburn St.
* January 20, 1926: Headaches & weariness no longer exuse
students from class at Cornell, as Medical Department abolishes the
attendance HONOR CODE.
* January 21, 1912: Baptism at lake by Church of Colored Scientists,
through HOLE CUT IN ICE.
* January 22, 1937: An 11-lb. CARP is found swimming upstream at top of
Fall Creek Falls.
************
YOUR LETTERS
"I had no idea there were other Ithacas out there! (Except
for the Greek one, that is)." --Elizabeth D.
----
"I propose that you add one to the top ten [Good News of
2002] list-- The first phase of the Cayuga
Waterfront Trail in Cass Park was opened & funding
was received for the second phase to connect Cass Park to the Farmers'
Market. The Waterfront Trail will provide a non-motorized
transportation alternative to the State Routes (13,96 and 89) along the
Inlet. The thousands of families that currently drive from downtown
residential neighborhoods to Cass Park for ballgames and swimming will
now be able to bike, blade or walk. Northside & Fall Creek
residents will be able to walk & bike to the Farmers' Market
& to west end restaurants.
---"Once the trail is complete (5 years or so) & the Black
Diamond Trail is constructed between Ithaca & Taughannock, we
will have the foundation of a great regional trail network. Linkages
from the City to the waterfront along creeks & roadways will be
critical to ensure residents do not have to drive to the trail." --Rick
Manning
--------
"Thank you for researching & posting what you found
on the web [about corporate
ownership of organic foods] Are there similar websites that
you recommend reading to learn more about who I am supporting when I
shop at the local co-op?" --Adam Michaelides
---[REPLY] This is the first website to feature multinational corporate
ownership of organic foods.
--------
"I just want to second the letter by Glen Jesse Golden
regarding Bob Venable's contributions to the cause of Native Americans.
I first crossed paths with Bob 22 years ago, during the first attempt
to negotiate a settlement of the Cayuga Nation's land claim right here
in our region.
---"He was like a voice in the wilderness, actively engaged in research
& writing in support of the Cayugas and their cause even as
progressives here in Ithaca were silent on the matter. Bob provided me
with valuable information that I could then ustilize to fight the
racists in Seneca, Cayuga and Tompkins County who ultimately succeeded
in so poisoning the atmosphere that an out-of-court settlement was
impossible.
---"He was also one of the few academics that I recall that was willing
to question the fairness of the deal negotiated by those in the Cayuga
leadership who were willing to settle for far less than what was
rightfully owed by New York. If Bob is leaving Cornell, then the
American Indian Program will truly lose an asset." --George Frantz
--------
"Can you point me in the direction of any information
regarding how legally to avoid paying federal taxes? I have no interest
in paying for Bush's war in Iraq. I understand that I must make
payments elsewhere in lieu of tax contributions to the federal pot, but
I don't know what that alternative is. Can you help me?" --Fred Conner
---{REPLY] National War
Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee (headquartered in
Ithaca) Mary Loehr
--------
[reply to Brandy Cox]: "The most striking thing about your
letter to Ithaca Community News is that you seem more upset about the
writing & promotion of my Book, "A
History of Mayor Alan J. Cohen's Administration of Ithaca, NY"
than Alan Cohen is.
---"Perhaps in your next letter you could explain the positive benefits
to Ithaca that Alan Cohen's policies have brought the community.
---"As for your comment, 'Why not take a card table to Gimme! &
sell the book there too?' If Gimme! wishes to sell my book, they are
welcome to. Several other stores have chosen to stock my book,
& it is #1 on the Bookery's best seller list for non-fiction.
---"The most disturbing part of your letter was the sentence, 'Alan is
no angel...but for f**ks sake... deal with it.' Do you really believe
that once a person is elected to office that citizens should ignore
what they do? I find this comment frighteningly similar to comments by
Nazis who tried to excuse their part in the holocaust by saying they
were just following orders. I find the mayor's actions outrageous
& feel it is my duty as a citizen in a democracy to voice my
opposition to them." --Joseph Wetmore
--------
"Thanks for the great news you send. My family & I
appreciate it." --Annemarie Mattison
-------- "TRCKN420" wins gift certificate to Sparrow's Wines. Reply
w/mailing address by 1/31.
"DMC13" wins gift certificate to Oasis Grocery (now open weekdays
9am-7pm).
"TOSHAV" wins gift certificate to Ithaca Bakery. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/31.
--------
"I am alerting you to news of my photography &
activism. The Ithaca Times wrote an editorial on the 11/13 issue
withholding my name (possibly to protect themselves from any lawsuit),
but was about me, with many false statements, to which my lawyer from
last year's trial, responded correcting the IT's misinformation! I went
to the IT asking why this happened & no explanation was given,
they treated me like a child & then said I should make an
appointment to talk to them, which I did & then they did not
honor my apt. WHAT THEY DID WAS GIVE ME ALL MY PHOTOS BACK &
SAID "WE DO NOT WANT TO WORK WITH YOU". I WAS SHOCKED! I was not given
any explanation for the termination. I did NOTHING to them to deserve
this. I have been on friendly terms with this paper for 15 years,
& there was no sign of any of this coming on. I feel betrayed
& I take this as a political assault to me, my activism
& the community! Many people enjoy my photos.
---"I have written to the IT for a written explantion of my
termination. Since then, they have not writen or returned phone calls.
I am deeply hurt; it feels like a part of me has died.
---"The IT provided that sharing with all of you! I also served peace
& justice through my photo journalistic photographs, &
been at events where other news photographers were not. My photos
represented a lot more than me-- it represented a whole community or
event! It was a communication I cherished. How can they think of
themselves as a progressive paper!
---"I want to take a moment to thank all those who loved my photos
& have told me so. I am also thinking of all of you, who will
miss them being published in the IT" --Fay Gougakis
--------
"I did some quick research, but can't find who owns Gannett
Newspapers. Do you know, or can you suggest how I find out?" --Marlo C.
---[REPLY] Gannett is 79% owned by other corporations. Those with
largest stockholdings include Microsoft, GE, Exxon, Citigroup, Pfizer,
Wal-Mart, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, Merck, Verizon, Bank of
America, Proctor & Gamble, Intel, Coca Cola, Pepsico, Cisco.
Enter http://www.nasdaq.com put GCI (Gannett's stock symbol) into the
search box, push button, then select "institutional holdings" in popup.
--------
"Is there a way to effect a house-trade with an Ithacan
family?" --R.S.
---[REPLY] If someone is inspired to start a house-sharing/swapping
system I'll note it.
--------
---"[According to] Kate Alfaro [of ICSD], Ithaca High School
is NOT releasing
kids' names to recruiters. There is a strict policy against
this, & any change in that policy would have to be brought
before the School Board.
---"However I began to wonder what is happening on this issue at other
local high schools. I came across a New
York State Dept of Education publication about military recruiting.
I realized as I read this document that military recruiters (or anyone
else) ALREADY have all the information on the IHS kids because of the
IHS Student & Staff directory which lists student names,
addresses, grade & phone number & is hardly a private
document as it is distributed to all students. This is something we get
to 'opt out' of but few parents do. So the whole issue may well be moot
in the local context anyway as the recruiters can get the information
without having to go to the schools at all.
---"I strongly urge you to call [other high] schools to find out what
the school policy is. And do these schools have directories like the
IHS one?" --Linda
Farthing
--------
"I have finally gone back and read the first December
community newsletter, & came across your following comment:
'Bin Laden's message is important as a wake-up call. Whether he or Al
Qaida survive, others will follow. America will change voluntarily
& gracefully, to fairly share the planet, or we will be torn
apart from without & within.' --P.G.
---"Some 140 years ago Abraham Lincoln made a prediction about America
that I have always believed, & believe now more than ever in
light of our slide toward war & fascism in the wake of
September 11th: 'As a nation of free men we will live forever, or
perish by suicide.'
---"Back during all the 1st anniverary commemorations a lot of our
political "leaders" were quoting the Gettysburg Address. I was thinking
of the less known quote above. Suicide it it may well be, unless
Americans wake up. Keep up the good works!" --George
"MSLOATE1" wins gift certificate to Surya Incense. Reply
w/mailing address by 1/31.
"RABBITFOOT9" wins gift certificate to Dinosaur Dry Goods. Reply
w/mailing address by 1/31.
"MANNIN4" wins gift certificate to The Yoga Corner. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/31.
************
TOWN OF ULYSSES DRAFT ZONING ORDINANCE "would allocate permitted land uses in the town to eleven zoning district categories, including two types of agricultural zoning districts, five residential zoning districts, a conservation/recreation district, two business zoning districts & a light industrial zoning district." Public mtg: 1/21 TBurg Elementary 387-5767 George Frantz 256-9310
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ITHACANS WHO HAVE VISITED LATIN AMERICA are asked by CUSLAR to fill out the following survey: http://www.rso.cornell.edu/cuslar/form.html
LEARN SPANISH: classes begin 1/20. Taught by native speakers. [email protected] 255-7293. Beginning I-- Monday/Wednesday 5:30-7:00pm Goldwin Smith Hall 164 (Cornell). Beginning II-- Tuesday/Thursday 5:30-7:00 Goldwin Smith G88. Intermediate-- Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30-7:00pm Anabel Taylor Hall rm 314.
THEN JOIN ASOCIACION CIVICA LATINA del CONDADO de TOMPKINS: "fue establecida en 1994 para unir, informar, apoyar y ayudar a la comunidad hispana de la region del Condado de Tompkins. Esta organizacion tiene como objetivo mantener viva la cultura del idioma castellano en esta comunidad; a traves de un festival hispano que se realiza anualmente, reuniones de caracter social-bailable, en donde compartimos comidas tipicas, musica popular y folklorica. La Asociacion esta abierta a todos los hispanos, asi como tambien a no-hispanos que sienten interes en la musica, las artes y las tradiciones de los paises de habla castellana."
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PHIL SHAPIRO'S GROUP FOLK GUITAR LESSONS: learn acoustic
guitar, or improve your playing:" 8 one-hour lessons, Monday evenings,
starting 1/27, North Room of Willard Straight Hall. Registration at
first lesson. Just come, bring a guitar. Open to general public." [email protected]
---7 pm BEGINNERS, 8 pm INTERMEDIATES. Entire course $50. Part HOURS
acceptable. 844-4535
FREE DANCE LESSONS: Roger Christian & his Falcon & Doves Dance Troupe's open auditions ( experience helpful, not necessary, all ages ) at The Foundation of Light & Tiamat Studio during Jan/Feb. 277 - 0731
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* FENG
SHUI ITHACA: consultations, speaking engagements, house
parties, workshops. 100% HRS. 20% HF discount. Mary Stewart,
CPIA 266-8088
* CREATE YOUR OWN HAPPINESS! art classes with Elisabeth Gross-Marks.
277-2419.
* FLOWER ESSENCE STUDY GROUP 1/23, Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill
Rd. 6:30-7:15PM: Group essences available to all, help for beginners
and social time. 7:15-9:15pm.
"CRD22" wins gift certificate to The Bath Bar. Reply
w/mailing address by 1/31.
"DIANEAKO" wins gift certificate to White Lotus Home. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/31.
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Thanks to Homer & Jane at Lightlink for reliable internet services.
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EDITOR: [email protected]
