LABOR, ARTS, EVENTS, ACTIVISM, LOCAL HISTORY, YOUR LETTERS, FUN STUFF!
[This is the FIRST OF TWO MESSAGES MONTHLY sent to 6,932 Ithaca area residents]
FIFTEEN 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),a href="http://www.gimmecoffee.com">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), The Bath Bar ($10) White Lotus Home ($10), The Yoga Corner (free class). WINNING EMAILS (randomly selected by computer) ARE NOTED BELOW. Winners reply sending their mailing address.
GINGERBREAD ITHACA at public library features fantasies & miniatures slathered w/gumdrops, mints & wafers riveted w/frosting, a quarter ton of sugar, colors not found in nature, constructed w/tasteful expertise or fingerpainterly abandon. Vote for your favorite.
"ACHILDE" wins gift certificate to Viva Taqueria. Reply w/mailing address by 1/1.
***********
ENERGY SUPPLIER Co-opPLUS ENERGY COOPERATIVE of
Central New York: "Our mission is to promote a sustainable energy
future by uniting small energy consumers to more effectively obtain
economical energy resources while promoting a strong community through
energy conservation & environmental stewardship.
---"The Co-opPlus Energy Cooperative combines the purchasing power of
many small energy consumers to produce a strong market presence.
Co-opPlus Energy Cooperative:
---"claims the economic advantages in purchasing energy resources
& related services that are normally only enjoyed by large
industrial, commercial and governmental customers, and
---"accelerates the transition toward environmentally sustainable
technologies of the energy industry, &
---"influences state and local governments to support the objectives of
the cooperative, &
---"educates & assists its members to reduce their own energy
needs as a means to achieve both personal & global
environmental objectives, &
---"operates solely for the interests of its member-owners, not for the
profit of others, &
---"promotes the principles of public accountability & the
democratic process through the local control of energy choices.
---"The Co-opPlus Energy Cooperative is therefore a full energy service
cooperative offering energy efficiency, electricity, fossil fuels
& renewable energy services to residential, business &
not-for-profit consumers."
---SIGN
UP FORM Kenny Christianson (see his letter)
---See also: electrifying_choices.htm
ELECTRIC CARS IN ITHACA: Finger Lakes Energy Task
Force is conducting a survey of owners of electric vehicles, or people
who are considering acquiring an electric vehicle. The survey
form
---The Finger Lakes Energy Task Force promotes sustainable energy
practices in our region.
* Helping local schools to apply for grants to install photovoltaic
systems.
* Planning a public informational forum on grid-intertied alternative
energy systems.
* Designing a solar energy exhibit for the Sciencenter.
* Designing and constructing a demonstration solar water heating
system.
* Lobbying for legislation that would promote renewable energy. [email protected]
QUIET/CLEAN CAYUGA: Tompkins County Water Resource Council (WRC) working draft of resolutions on two cycle engine safety, noise & pollution on lake. Get document: [email protected]
ITHACA STOCKING STUFFERS:
*Cayuga
Basin Bioregion Map is beautiful watercolor of local plants,
animals, waters surrounding the lake: $10 from GreenStar, Oasis,
Bookery. HOURS accepted. Sandy Wold
* Ithaca
Mushroom Calendar by Carl Whittaker XMAS GREETINGS
TO YOU DRAWN BY THE EDITOR RECYCLED
XMAS
"TLWINB07" wins gift certificate to Ithaca Bakery. Reply w/mailing address by 1/1.
***********
ITHACA FOOD NEWS
RUTABAGA CURL at Ithaca Farmer's Market 12/21:
register 9:30-10:55am. Opening Ceremonies 11am. Win prizes! Best of
three rolls, rutabagas may be carved. NPR will broadcast this year's
event. Rutabagas donated by Blue Heron Farm. Last market of season.
http://www.ithacamarket.com
---ITHACA FARMERS MARKET WINS GREAT PUBLIC MARKET AWARD by Project for
Public Spaces "For a smaller market that, although not necessarily well
known nationally, has become a nucleus of social activity and
revitalization in its community or neighborhood."
FEDCO SEED ORDER DEADLINE 1/15. group discount at least 20% off prices listed in catalogue. BZ Marranca 532-8813 Windy Ridge Gardens
LIBRARY COLLECTS FOOD FOR NEEDY: canned &
other non-perishable foods for the Tompkins County Food Distribution
Network until 12/23. Please bring to collection box by greeter's desk.
---TCFDN's 14 food pantries serve approximately 2,220 families monthly.
Demand is up 10% this year, but government support for the food
pantries has been reduced or is in jeopardy.
AIDSWORK COLLECTS FOOD FOR HIV RESIDENTS: at GreenStar, 2nd Saturdays 1-5pm.
HOW TO IDENTIFY GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED FRUITS Labels w/ 4 digits indicate conventionally grown food. Labels w/ 5 digits starting with number 8 indicate food is genetically engineered. Labels w/ 5 digits starting with number 9 shows food is organic.
"DANAROSSI" wins gift certificate to Viva Taqueria. Reply w/mailing address by 1/1.
***********
TOMPKINS COUNTY LIVING WAGE COALITION'S FIRST PAID STAFF ORGANIZERS Carl Feuer & Pete Meyers. Steering Committee mtg 1/7 at 6:15pm 110 N. Geneva St. Living Wage Coalition office (110 N. Geneva) seeks used computer, printer, fax, copier, telephone, answering machine. 277-5670
***********
CASEY STEVENS SHOWS HIS POWER: Ithaca talk show
host (WHCU) reacts to press release for "A
History of the Cohen Administration" from Joe
Wetmore by refusing to publicize the book:
--Says Casey: "Any truth to the rumor that after November 30th, you're
going to be selling slightly used copies to the unsuspecting public at
four times the original price???"
---Wetmore replies: "November 30 has come & gone & I'm
still selling them at $2 each. You're welcome to come down &
get a copy, I won't even charge you for it."
---Casey replies: "Don't worry about the "no charge"...no publicity,
either. How's THAT for control??!!"
--According to Wetmore, the book is in its fifth printing. It is
nonfiction #1 bestseller at Bookery 2.
LAVINIA ADLER PRAISES ITHACA: visitor from Binghamton says, "Ithacans are such individuals. They have such vitality. I love being surrounded by intelligence & Ithaca has plenty of it."
***********
BURNS SISTERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT 12/21 at Autumn Leaves Used Books 8pm. Adults $10, kids $5. Max 1/4 HOUR accepted.
GREG BROWN CONCERT two-time Grammy nominated contemporary folk artist, Kulp Auditorium at Ithaca High School 1/17 "one of the best singer-songwriters in America" 8:00pm. Tickets $20.00 advance; $23.00 at door if available. 1/2 Ithaca HOUR accepted. Tickets: Clinton House, GreenStar, 273-4497 or 1-800-28-ITHACA. [email protected]
LABOR FOLK DUO 12/20 at Autumn Leaves 6:30pm & 7:30pm: two generations of union musicians
DANCE CLASSES: Jump Swing, Waltz, Merengue. HOURS accepted.
ART LESSONS w/ Elisabeth Gross-Marks. Daily/weekly classes 277-2419
Adee Good paintings show/sale at Alternatives Federal Credit Union through December. HOURS accepted.
"WHATIS7X6" wins gift certificate to Sparrow's Fine Wines. Reply w/address by 1/1/03. Holiday Wine Tastings at Sparrow's Fine Wines 12/19, 5:30-7:30pm
***********
ITHACA WAR & PEACE REPORT
ITHAKIDS/IRAQKIDS: Local educators seek "to put a face on the people in Iraq-- to develop friendships & connections between people there & here. In Pre-K everything we do has to be really simple -- the kids could just draw pictures & send them to each other." --Varya Every ten minutes an Iraqi child dies from effects of sanctions, according to the U.N.
STOP WAR ON IRAQ DEMONSTRATION AT PYRAMID MALL
12/21. "During this time of holiday consumer frenzy &
disconnection from the true spirit of this season, help us draw
attention to the impending war and call out for PEACE as the only
answer! A solemn, silent walk. Gather 11:30am in YMCA parking lot, walk
to Pyramid Mall at noon.
---wear black clothes, walk in a solemn silent manner. Signs &
leaflets provided. Bring your own sign, but please keep it small (11 x
17); please do not bring big banners or posters to Mall walk; we are
hoping for a simple & accessible message by our presence!"
277-8962 or 277-6932
STUDENTS FOR A JUST PEACE: Wednesdays 7pm, Friends 203, Ithaca College. Sheila Reaker 274-3374
ITHACA SHARKS LISTSERVE anti-war organizing
"WEEK AGAINST WAR" organizing 2/10-14 on NYS college campuses. Anke Wessels 255-5027
AMY GOODMAN SPOKE TO PACKED I.C. AUDITORIUM 12/13: Democracy Now radio host says, "I believe that most people are against war. We are the 'Silenced Majority.' It is so important now to challenge the mainstream media. There is hope no matter how much the administration tries to cut back free access to information. We need to support independent community media. I believe that we can win."
ITHACA COMMUNITY NEWS REQUESTS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS: Just $10 from half our readers would provide enough to hire reporters for: regular coverage of grassroots stories, publish special reports, quarterly newsprint edition, food price comparisons, etc. Checks "Center for Environmental Sustainability (memo: ICN) to: ICN, Box 365, Ithaca 14851. Thanks!
ITHACA INDYMEDIA meets Mondays 5-7pm at Autumn Leaves Used Books. Volunteers needed for working groups: Print editions, Tech, Radio.
ITHACA COMMUNITY RADIO via WEOS 88.1 FM locally: 273-0532
MORE INDEPENDENT INFORMATION: www.iraqpeaceteam.org & www.endthewar.org & www.endiraqsanctions.org & www.peacepledge.org & zmag.org & www.commondreams.org
---BILL OF RIGHTS DEFENSE
COMMITTEES forming everywhere: "Tips & Tools for
Organizing Resolutions in Defense of Bill of Rights, "Community
Outreach and Fundraising"
---NATIONAL
COALITION to REPEAL the USA PATRIOT ACT.
CIVIC TABLING (by small nonprofits lacking
required $1 million insurance) inside Carousel Mall, 12/15, &
12/25. Syracuse Peace Council will hand out literature, including
anti-Iraq War flyers.
---Malls in New Jersey were opened (2000) for info-tabling, as a result
of a lawsuit.
VOTERS MAY CONTINUE TO ENROLL AS GREENS The Green Party won a Temporary Restraining Order against the New York State Board of Elections. The Board was barred from deleting any voters as Greens until at least the next hearing in the federal District Court in Brooklyn 1/16. Voters can also continue to enroll in the Green Party.
"MUNDOCOMUN" wins gift certificate to ABC Cafe. Reply w/mailing address by 1/1.
***********
AMAZING ITHACA HISTORY
* December 13, 1973: CHRISTMAS CAROLS BANNED from
public schools by School Board, despite petition by 738 residents
asserting freedom to sing "any religious songs" in the schools.
* December 14, 1891: FIREMAN'S FAIR at Clinton Hall features banjo
juggling, harmonica & xylophone, duets, fancy club swinging,
& a sewing machine prize for the most popular young lady.
* December 15, 1946: WEATHER BALLOON under a red parachute swings to
earth from distant space, lands in 1100 block of N. Cayuga St.
* December 16, 1615: FIRST WHITE MAN to see Cayuga Lake is Etienne
Brule, 22-yr-old French explorer, arriving at South Hill with Huron war
party.
* December 17, 1910: Ithaca COLDEST SPOT IN NATION, says Weather
Bureau, one degree below zero.
* December 18, 1891: A young drunk goes to the police station &
asks to be jailed. He is offered ten days.
* December 19, 1878: Stranger comes to town, asks for ONE THOUSAND
PIGEONS, offers $100 reward.
***********
YOUR LETTERS
"After your Ithaca Uproar announcement in Ithaca
Community News, we received a $500 donation! That is enough to pay for
the printing of about two editions. Thank you VERY much for adding it."
--Marlo
--------
[re: Prof. Venables] "Contracts are sometimes not
renewed. This is not the same as "getting the boot" or "forced
retirement." Anyone working under a time-limited contract should be
aware of this. Additionally, there is little reason to characterize
Robert Venables as "radical" or "progressive." I am not aware of any
involvement on his part in progressive efforts in the Cornell
community. Simply appropriating the history & culture of a
marginalized group for one's own career advancement is not a
progressive effort. I see no reason to question the American Indian
Program's decisions about faculty hiring." --Gwendolyn Dean
--------
"Buying locally brings money back to our
community... I am in total agreement, but I am trying to find the good
in bringing money back to our community as opposed to buying at
Wal-Mart where the money apparantly heads out of Ithaca. What is so
great about shopping locally? I am sorry to have to bother you with
this trivial question, but I have totally lost my footing." --Emily
Shumway
---[REPLY] Glad you've asked. When we retain more money locally we have
more money with which to start/expand local businesses-- which create
more jobs. We then also have more money with which to purchase
goods/services from them. We meet more needs.
---Local businesses create unique stores which help define our local
character. Local business owners donate more to local organizations.
They care more about Ithaca. While not perfect, local businesses are
also more susceptible to community demands about working conditions
& environmental effects.
----
"KSG1" wins gift certificate to Gimme! Coffee. Reply w/mailing address
by 1/1.
--------
"The TCAction meeting [about energy suppliers] was
very interesting & informative. We learned that the only
competritive supplier still willing to serve residential custiomers is
NYSEG Solutions. Because of this MEGA can no longer accept residential
customers, so Co-opPlus Energy Cooperative is the only residential
aggregator left. Both good and bad news at the same time.
---"At the Saturday meeting, Stu Stein himself told us that MEGA can no
longer accept residential customers because the supplier w/ the best
municipal deal for next year, Econnergy, is not willing to accept any
more residential customers. Since MEGA is essentially a municipal
aggregator, they weren't willing to find a different supplier with
higher municipal costs in order to accomodate the residential market.
By the way, Advantage Energy was MEGA's supplier for this year. Stu
mentioned this on three separate occasions. I don't know what Barbara
Blanchard was talking about. MEGA suppliers are year 1 -- NYSEG
Solutions; year 2 -- Advantage Energy; year 3 (next year) -- Econnergy
---"By "Competitive supplier" I meant it in the sense of the NYSEG
brochure. That's the term they use for all the other suppliers willing
to serve an area besides themselves. Everyone else has pulled out
besides NYSEG Solutions." --Kenny
C.
CoopPlus
Energy
--------
"Wow! At least with Gimme! Coffee you could
pretend not to have a favoritism...but the way you are Joe's promoter
is shameless. And anyone with an education or a shread of self respect
realizes that Joe is just a windbag that is as self serving as you are.
You promote self realization only if that realization coincides with
your own beliefs, & can benifit you. Why not take a card table
to Gimme! & sell the book there too? I mean...they buy your
loyalty now...why not have your buddy Joe use your resources to branch
out & stomp out independant thought process everywhere. Alan is
no angel...but for f**ks sake...deal with it. What petty, petty fatcats
of the hippy world, you & Mr. Whetmore are...& everyone
who can think outside the Ithaca box knows it." --Brandy Cox
---[REPLY] I'm proud to promote Wetmore's book, as a rare civics lesson
for a small city. This newsletter has explicit bias (favoritism) toward
the environment, labor (I offered to meet you about your labor
grievance), co-ops, local business, multiculturalism, nonviolence. And
independent thinking: more media sources stimulate more debate. I'm a
very lean fatcat, with one of Ithaca's smallest incomes.
--------
"Hi there! I noticed that "RH34" won a Harvest
Deli gift certificate. I'm "RH4"-- does that count? It's close! It
rhymes! I like Harvest Deli! It was worth a try." --Roxanne
---[REPLY] Close, but not exact enough for the prize, in the computer
world. Chances are 1:461. Maybe next time!
--------
"I will be sending in my [donation to ICN] this
weekend--thank you for keeping the masses aware of what is going on in
our world & community." --Birdie
--------
"I would like to know what your deadlines
& guidelines are for listing events in Ithaca Community News."
--Suzanne
---[REPLY] Publication is irregular twice monthly, therefore early in
the month is likelier to make it into the second half of month issue,
while later in the month is liklier to make it into the first issue of
the month.
---Events/goods/services for which fee is charged are included only if
Ithaca HOURS are accepted as part price. Info should be sent as direct
email rather than attached.
--------
"Your newsletter is a wonderful way of keeping in
touch w/ things important to the community." --(anon)
--------
Hi-- I'm Kristen1311-- I won a certificate for
Toko Imports. What is Toko Imports?"
---[REPLY] Toko is a gift store located in the DeWitt Mall. Drum
specialists.
---- "BLF4" wins gift certificate to Toko Imports. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/1.
--------
"Locally produced cable-access television is being
threatened right now in Ithaca. AOL TimeWarner is ready under the terms
of a new draft agreement with the City of Ithaca to have two Public
Access channels become commercial channels. Under the terms of the new
cable franchise agreement two channels serving the public need will be
eliminated by AOL Time Warner. Channels 76 & 78 have served our
community well for the last ten years. AOL Time Warner wants to make
them commercial channels to increase profits.
---"The recent history is alarming. Last month there was what was
announced as a 'public meeting' at a city Common Council meeting
regarding the new cable franchise agreement. No copies of the agreement
were available to the public. Nothing was said about this change of
service. The 'hearing' did not conform to what is required by the
Public Service Commission. The PSC has said that they will probably
certify an agreement that is reached between AOL Time Warner &
the city if PSC rules are followed.
---Another public hearing on this draft agreement: 1/15 at 7pm at
Common Council." --Kenny
Ritter See
full text w/more info
--------
"I heard that you are publishing a nice e-mail
based newsletter 'Ithaca Community News.' I would be very happy if I
could subscribe it, too." --Toyoda Leiko
--------
"Just wanted to thank you for including ETC in the
Dec. 1 edition. We truly appreciate your help in getting the word out
on our alternative gift list. It makes a difference in our ability to
raise the needed funds for our programs in Nepal!" --Colleen
--------
"I am the newsletter editor at Ocean Beach
People's Organic Food Co-op. I've just been apprised that Imagine Foods
Inc. has been bought out by Hains. Yikes!!! Do you have any info on
this? I am looking for something that I can print in our Co-op
newsletter. We are not planning on pulling Rice Dream at present
because our member shoppers make it one of our biggest selling
rice/soy/almond milks. However, I think that education on the matter is
something that the membership would greatly benefit from. New choices
can be made from there." --Amber forest McHale
---[REPLY] Yes, Imagine
Foods was just purchased by Hain-Celestial 12/02. Purchase of
Hain food products directly profits companies like Philip Morris,
ExxonMobil, Monsanto, Wal-Mart, etc. Details of these corporate
linkages are at ithacanews.org/greenstarstock.html
GreenStar has started an education working group to bring together such
information so that members can make informed choices. No need to take
anything from the shelf: there are hundreds of independent organic
brands which can be made available.
--------
"Thanks a million for continuing to send me the Ithaca Community News. It keeps me in touch with my old community in such wonderful ways!" --Helen
***********
Host family needed for Ithaca High School Senior from Yugoslavia for spring semester beginning January 2003, ending June 2003. Rhoda Streifer 277-7351
***********
SCATTERED VOTES: 80 write-in votes were cast during the recent local election. 22 persons received 36 votes for State Senator (53rd Dist). Among them: Dan Lamb, John Karcz, Noam Chomsky, Bev Livesay, Ben Nichols, Anil Nerode, Linda Holzbaur, Susan Blumenthal, Kitty/Donald Dugan-Haas, & this editor.
***********
ANDI GLADSTONE DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS FUND
established by Ithaca
Breast Cancer Alliance (IBCA) to honor one of its founders
& first executive director.
---"IBCA plans to use the fund to bring in well-known speakers to share
their expertise on issues of importance to those affected by the breast
cancer epidemic, both at IBCAØùs annual meeting celebration &
at public lectures throughout the year.
---"For more than eight years under Andi Gladstone's direction, IBCA
succeeded in providing breast cancer education & counseling,
advocating for women and men recently diagnosed with breast cancer,
promoting details about and choice among treatment options, &
encouraging the implementation of legislation to protect the
environment & ultimately the health of all area citizens.
---"Tax-deductible donations to the Andi Gladstone Distinguished
Speakers Fund or to IBCA: IBCA, 100 W. Seneca St.,Ithaca 14850. Chris
Sanchirico 277-0960 Helpline 277-9410
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON CAREGIVING (FALL
2002-SPRING 2003): "A coalition of local organizations, led by the
Tompkins County Office for the Aging & the Health Planning
Council, has been promoting a community conversation on the challenges
facing those caring for frail elderly relatives & other adult
family members with ongoing care needs. Join this effort:
"1. By holding a family discussion or educational program in your
community group using discussion guides available from the Office for
the Aging (Speakers are also available);
"2. Sharing your experience and views regarding some aspect of family
caregiving in a letter to the editor of a local paper or newsletter;
"3. Offering your time once a week to do an errand, chore, or provide a
bit of respite care to relieve a stressed caregiver you know. Project
CARE at the Office for the Aging also matches up community volunteers
w/ stressed caregivers who could use some help for a couple hours on a
weekly basis." --David
M. Stoyell 274-5492
ITHACA
BIRTH GROUP 4-Week Seminar/ Discussion Series Wednesday
evenings 7-9 pm 105 E. Marshall $25 voluntary lifetime membership -
includes lending library - HOURS accepted. Gail Birnbaum.
1/15: Emotional and Physical Changes in Pregnancy ; 1/22: Nutrition and
Exercise ; 1/29: Post Partum and Bonding ; 2/5: Parenting: Blues or
Bliss
"BRIAN_JENNINGS" wins gift certificate to Cinemapolis/FCP. Reply w/mailing address by 1/1.
***********
FENG SHUI: 1/12 Living with Intention. 1/26 Clear your Clutter: Love it, Use it or Lose it!" Workshop Tuition: $48 each. Ithaca HOURS Accepted. Mary K. Stewart, CPIA http:www.FengShuiIthaca.com [email protected]
ACUPRESSURE LESSONS: Level1: 1/25 10am-5pm. Level 2: 2/8. Level 3: 2/22. Sliding scale $35-$70. $15 deposit: Cat Berry, 204 Utica St. Classes at 122 W. Court. 256-7070. HOURS 100%.
[email protected] 275-0513
"JOAB0539" wins gift certificate to Ten Thousand
Villages. Reply w/mailing address by 1/1.
"JGL7" wins gift certificate to White Lotus Home. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/1.
"MELINDAJ3409" wins gift certificate to The Yoga Corner. Reply
w/mailing address by 1/1.
"SHURAGAT" wins gift certificate to The Bath Bar. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/1.
***********
ALTERNATIVES INSTALLS SIXTH ATM, at CTB Appetizers in Triphammer Mall. Other ATMs are located at Alternatives Federal Credit Union, Autumn Leaves Used Books (the only surcharge-free ATM in Tompkins County also takes deposits!, GreenStar, Collegetown Bagels (College Ave).
***********
UNITED WAY of TOMPKINS COUNTY SEEKS VISTAS
(Volunteers in Service to America)
---"VISTAs will be placed at the Advocacy Center, (formally TC Task
Force for Battered Women/ Sexual Abuse project) Finger Lakes
Independence Center, Mental Health Association, Child Development
& Day Care Council, Family and Children's Services, Catholic
Charities, Offender Aid & Restoration, Human Services
Coalition, & Center for Crime Victims & Sexual Assault.
--Ann Gray or Amy Bonn 272-6286.
FAMILY READING PARTNERSHIP has provided 50,000 children's books to area homes. Tax-deductible donations sought for matching grant.
"SARJANLONG" wins gift certificate to Cafe Strand.
Reply w/mailing address by 1/1.
"ITHACASTA" wins gift certificate to Ithaca Fine Chocolates. Reply
w/mailing address by 1/1.
"DANCING" wins gift certificate to Acorn Designs. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/1.
***********
THANKS to Homer & Jane at LIGHTLINK for reliable internet service.
***********
EDITOR: [email protected]
LABOR, ARTS, EVENTS, ACTIVISM, LOCAL HISTORY, YOUR LETTERS, FUN STUFF!
[This is the FIRST OF TWO MESSAGES MONTHLY sent to 6,932 Ithaca area residents]
FIFTEEN 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),a href="http://www.gimmecoffee.com">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), The Bath Bar ($10) White Lotus Home ($10), The Yoga Corner (free class). WINNING EMAILS (randomly selected by computer) ARE NOTED BELOW. Winners reply sending their mailing address.
GINGERBREAD ITHACA at public library features fantasies & miniatures slathered w/gumdrops, mints & wafers riveted w/frosting, a quarter ton of sugar, colors not found in nature, constructed w/tasteful expertise or fingerpainterly abandon. Vote for your favorite.
"ACHILDE" wins gift certificate to Viva Taqueria. Reply w/mailing address by 1/1.
***********
ENERGY SUPPLIER Co-opPLUS ENERGY COOPERATIVE of Central New
York: "Our mission is to promote a sustainable energy future by uniting
small energy consumers to more effectively obtain economical energy
resources while promoting a strong community through energy
conservation & environmental stewardship.
---"The Co-opPlus Energy Cooperative combines the purchasing power of
many small energy consumers to produce a strong market presence.
Co-opPlus Energy Cooperative:
---"claims the economic advantages in purchasing energy resources
& related services that are normally only enjoyed by large
industrial, commercial and governmental customers, and
---"accelerates the transition toward environmentally sustainable
technologies of the energy industry, &
---"influences state and local governments to support the objectives of
the cooperative, &
---"educates & assists its members to reduce their own energy
needs as a means to achieve both personal & global
environmental objectives, &
---"operates solely for the interests of its member-owners, not for the
profit of others, &
---"promotes the principles of public accountability & the
democratic process through the local control of energy choices.
---"The Co-opPlus Energy Cooperative is therefore a full energy service
cooperative offering energy efficiency, electricity, fossil fuels
& renewable energy services to residential, business &
not-for-profit consumers."
---SIGN
UP FORM Kenny Christianson (see his letter)
---See also: electrifying_choices.htm
ELECTRIC CARS IN ITHACA: Finger Lakes Energy Task Force is
conducting a survey of owners of electric vehicles, or people who are
considering acquiring an electric vehicle. The survey
form
---The Finger Lakes Energy Task Force promotes sustainable energy
practices in our region.
* Helping local schools to apply for grants to install photovoltaic
systems.
* Planning a public informational forum on grid-intertied alternative
energy systems.
* Designing a solar energy exhibit for the Sciencenter.
* Designing and constructing a demonstration solar water heating
system.
* Lobbying for legislation that would promote renewable energy. [email protected]
QUIET/CLEAN CAYUGA: Tompkins County Water Resource Council (WRC) working draft of resolutions on two cycle engine safety, noise & pollution on lake. Get document: [email protected]
ITHACA STOCKING STUFFERS:
*Cayuga
Basin Bioregion Map is beautiful watercolor of local plants,
animals, waters surrounding the lake: $10 from GreenStar, Oasis,
Bookery. HOURS accepted. Sandy Wold
* Ithaca
Mushroom Calendar by Carl Whittaker XMAS GREETINGS
TO YOU DRAWN BY THE EDITOR RECYCLED
XMAS
"TLWINB07" wins gift certificate to Ithaca Bakery. Reply w/mailing address by 1/1.
***********
ITHACA FOOD NEWS
RUTABAGA CURL at Ithaca Farmer's Market 12/21: register
9:30-10:55am. Opening Ceremonies 11am. Win prizes! Best of three rolls,
rutabagas may be carved. NPR will broadcast this year's event.
Rutabagas donated by Blue Heron Farm. Last market of season.
http://www.ithacamarket.com
---ITHACA FARMERS MARKET WINS GREAT PUBLIC MARKET AWARD by Project for
Public Spaces "For a smaller market that, although not necessarily well
known nationally, has become a nucleus of social activity and
revitalization in its community or neighborhood."
FEDCO SEED ORDER DEADLINE 1/15. group discount at least 20% off prices listed in catalogue. BZ Marranca 532-8813 Windy Ridge Gardens
LIBRARY COLLECTS FOOD FOR NEEDY: canned & other
non-perishable foods for the Tompkins County Food Distribution Network
until 12/23. Please bring to collection box by greeter's desk.
---TCFDN's 14 food pantries serve approximately 2,220 families monthly.
Demand is up 10% this year, but government support for the food
pantries has been reduced or is in jeopardy.
AIDSWORK COLLECTS FOOD FOR HIV RESIDENTS: at GreenStar, 2nd Saturdays 1-5pm.
HOW TO IDENTIFY GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED FRUITS Labels w/ 4 digits indicate conventionally grown food. Labels w/ 5 digits starting with number 8 indicate food is genetically engineered. Labels w/ 5 digits starting with number 9 shows food is organic.
"DANAROSSI" wins gift certificate to Viva Taqueria. Reply w/mailing address by 1/1.
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TOMPKINS COUNTY LIVING WAGE COALITION'S FIRST PAID STAFF ORGANIZERS Carl Feuer & Pete Meyers. Steering Committee mtg 1/7 at 6:15pm 110 N. Geneva St. Living Wage Coalition office (110 N. Geneva) seeks used computer, printer, fax, copier, telephone, answering machine. 277-5670
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CASEY STEVENS SHOWS HIS POWER: Ithaca talk show host (WHCU)
reacts to press release for "A
History of the Cohen Administration" from Joe
Wetmore by refusing to publicize the book:
--Says Casey: "Any truth to the rumor that after November 30th, you're
going to be selling slightly used copies to the unsuspecting public at
four times the original price???"
---Wetmore replies: "November 30 has come & gone & I'm
still selling them at $2 each. You're welcome to come down &
get a copy, I won't even charge you for it."
---Casey replies: "Don't worry about the "no charge"...no publicity,
either. How's THAT for control??!!"
--According to Wetmore, the book is in its fifth printing. It is
nonfiction #1 bestseller at Bookery 2.
LAVINIA ADLER PRAISES ITHACA: visitor from Binghamton says, "Ithacans are such individuals. They have such vitality. I love being surrounded by intelligence & Ithaca has plenty of it."
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BURNS SISTERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT 12/21 at Autumn Leaves Used Books 8pm. Adults $10, kids $5. Max 1/4 HOUR accepted.
GREG BROWN CONCERT two-time Grammy nominated contemporary folk artist, Kulp Auditorium at Ithaca High School 1/17 "one of the best singer-songwriters in America" 8:00pm. Tickets $20.00 advance; $23.00 at door if available. 1/2 Ithaca HOUR accepted. Tickets: Clinton House, GreenStar, 273-4497 or 1-800-28-ITHACA. [email protected]
LABOR FOLK DUO 12/20 at Autumn Leaves 6:30pm & 7:30pm: two generations of union musicians
DANCE CLASSES: Jump Swing, Waltz, Merengue. HOURS accepted.
ART LESSONS w/ Elisabeth Gross-Marks. Daily/weekly classes 277-2419
Adee Good paintings show/sale at Alternatives Federal Credit Union through December. HOURS accepted.
"WHATIS7X6" wins gift certificate to Sparrow's Fine Wines. Reply w/address by 1/1/03. Holiday Wine Tastings at Sparrow's Fine Wines 12/19, 5:30-7:30pm
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ITHACA WAR & PEACE REPORT
ITHAKIDS/IRAQKIDS: Local educators seek "to put a face on the people in Iraq-- to develop friendships & connections between people there & here. In Pre-K everything we do has to be really simple -- the kids could just draw pictures & send them to each other." --Varya Every ten minutes an Iraqi child dies from effects of sanctions, according to the U.N.
STOP WAR ON IRAQ DEMONSTRATION AT PYRAMID MALL 12/21. "During
this time of holiday consumer frenzy & disconnection from the
true spirit of this season, help us draw attention to the impending war
and call out for PEACE as the only answer! A solemn, silent walk.
Gather 11:30am in YMCA parking lot, walk to Pyramid Mall at noon.
---wear black clothes, walk in a solemn silent manner. Signs &
leaflets provided. Bring your own sign, but please keep it small (11 x
17); please do not bring big banners or posters to Mall walk; we are
hoping for a simple & accessible message by our presence!"
277-8962 or 277-6932
STUDENTS FOR A JUST PEACE: Wednesdays 7pm, Friends 203, Ithaca College. Sheila Reaker 274-3374
ITHACA SHARKS LISTSERVE anti-war organizing
"WEEK AGAINST WAR" organizing 2/10-14 on NYS college campuses. Anke Wessels 255-5027
AMY GOODMAN SPOKE TO PACKED I.C. AUDITORIUM 12/13: Democracy Now radio host says, "I believe that most people are against war. We are the 'Silenced Majority.' It is so important now to challenge the mainstream media. There is hope no matter how much the administration tries to cut back free access to information. We need to support independent community media. I believe that we can win."
ITHACA COMMUNITY NEWS REQUESTS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS: Just $10 from half our readers would provide enough to hire reporters for: regular coverage of grassroots stories, publish special reports, quarterly newsprint edition, food price comparisons, etc. Checks "Center for Environmental Sustainability (memo: ICN) to: ICN, Box 365, Ithaca 14851. Thanks!
ITHACA INDYMEDIA meets Mondays 5-7pm at Autumn Leaves Used Books. Volunteers needed for working groups: Print editions, Tech, Radio.
ITHACA COMMUNITY RADIO via WEOS 88.1 FM locally: 273-0532
MORE INDEPENDENT INFORMATION: www.iraqpeaceteam.org & www.endthewar.org & www.endiraqsanctions.org & www.peacepledge.org & zmag.org & www.commondreams.org
---BILL OF RIGHTS DEFENSE
COMMITTEES forming everywhere: "Tips & Tools for
Organizing Resolutions in Defense of Bill of Rights, "Community
Outreach and Fundraising"
---NATIONAL
COALITION to REPEAL the USA PATRIOT ACT.
CIVIC TABLING (by small nonprofits lacking required $1
million insurance) inside Carousel Mall, 12/15, & 12/25.
Syracuse Peace Council will hand out literature, including anti-Iraq
War flyers.
---Malls in New Jersey were opened (2000) for info-tabling, as a result
of a lawsuit.
VOTERS MAY CONTINUE TO ENROLL AS GREENS The Green Party won a Temporary Restraining Order against the New York State Board of Elections. The Board was barred from deleting any voters as Greens until at least the next hearing in the federal District Court in Brooklyn 1/16. Voters can also continue to enroll in the Green Party.
"MUNDOCOMUN" wins gift certificate to ABC Cafe. Reply w/mailing address by 1/1.
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AMAZING ITHACA HISTORY
* December 13, 1973: CHRISTMAS CAROLS BANNED from public
schools by School Board, despite petition by 738 residents asserting
freedom to sing "any religious songs" in the schools.
* December 14, 1891: FIREMAN'S FAIR at Clinton Hall features banjo
juggling, harmonica & xylophone, duets, fancy club swinging,
& a sewing machine prize for the most popular young lady.
* December 15, 1946: WEATHER BALLOON under a red parachute swings to
earth from distant space, lands in 1100 block of N. Cayuga St.
* December 16, 1615: FIRST WHITE MAN to see Cayuga Lake is Etienne
Brule, 22-yr-old French explorer, arriving at South Hill with Huron war
party.
* December 17, 1910: Ithaca COLDEST SPOT IN NATION, says Weather
Bureau, one degree below zero.
* December 18, 1891: A young drunk goes to the police station &
asks to be jailed. He is offered ten days.
* December 19, 1878: Stranger comes to town, asks for ONE THOUSAND
PIGEONS, offers $100 reward.
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YOUR LETTERS
"After your Ithaca Uproar announcement in Ithaca Community
News, we received a $500 donation! That is enough to pay for the
printing of about two editions. Thank you VERY much for adding it." --Marlo
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[re: Prof. Venables] "Contracts are sometimes not renewed.
This is not the same as "getting the boot" or "forced retirement."
Anyone working under a time-limited contract should be aware of this.
Additionally, there is little reason to characterize Robert Venables as
"radical" or "progressive." I am not aware of any involvement on his
part in progressive efforts in the Cornell community. Simply
appropriating the history & culture of a marginalized group for
one's own career advancement is not a progressive effort. I see no
reason to question the American Indian Program's decisions about
faculty hiring." --Gwendolyn Dean
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"Buying locally brings money back to our community... I am in
total agreement, but I am trying to find the good in bringing money
back to our community as opposed to buying at Wal-Mart where the money
apparantly heads out of Ithaca. What is so great about shopping
locally? I am sorry to have to bother you with this trivial question,
but I have totally lost my footing." --Emily Shumway
---[REPLY] Glad you've asked. When we retain more money locally we have
more money with which to start/expand local businesses-- which create
more jobs. We then also have more money with which to purchase
goods/services from them. We meet more needs.
---Local businesses create unique stores which help define our local
character. Local business owners donate more to local organizations.
They care more about Ithaca. While not perfect, local businesses are
also more susceptible to community demands about working conditions
& environmental effects.
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"KSG1" wins gift certificate to Gimme! Coffee. Reply w/mailing address
by 1/1.
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"The TCAction meeting [about energy suppliers] was very
interesting & informative. We learned that the only
competritive supplier still willing to serve residential custiomers is
NYSEG Solutions. Because of this MEGA can no longer accept residential
customers, so Co-opPlus Energy Cooperative is the only residential
aggregator left. Both good and bad news at the same time.
---"At the Saturday meeting, Stu Stein himself told us that MEGA can no
longer accept residential customers because the supplier w/ the best
municipal deal for next year, Econnergy, is not willing to accept any
more residential customers. Since MEGA is essentially a municipal
aggregator, they weren't willing to find a different supplier with
higher municipal costs in order to accomodate the residential market.
By the way, Advantage Energy was MEGA's supplier for this year. Stu
mentioned this on three separate occasions. I don't know what Barbara
Blanchard was talking about. MEGA suppliers are year 1 -- NYSEG
Solutions; year 2 -- Advantage Energy; year 3 (next year) -- Econnergy
---"By "Competitive supplier" I meant it in the sense of the NYSEG
brochure. That's the term they use for all the other suppliers willing
to serve an area besides themselves. Everyone else has pulled out
besides NYSEG Solutions." --Kenny
C.
CoopPlus
Energy
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"Wow! At least with Gimme! Coffee you could pretend not to
have a favoritism...but the way you are Joe's promoter is shameless.
And anyone with an education or a shread of self respect realizes that
Joe is just a windbag that is as self serving as you are. You promote
self realization only if that realization coincides with your own
beliefs, & can benifit you. Why not take a card table to Gimme!
& sell the book there too? I mean...they buy your loyalty
now...why not have your buddy Joe use your resources to branch out
& stomp out independant thought process everywhere. Alan is no
angel...but for f**ks sake...deal with it. What petty, petty fatcats of
the hippy world, you & Mr. Whetmore are...& everyone
who can think outside the Ithaca box knows it." --Brandy Cox
---[REPLY] I'm proud to promote Wetmore's book, as a rare civics lesson
for a small city. This newsletter has explicit bias (favoritism) toward
the environment, labor (I offered to meet you about your labor
grievance), co-ops, local business, multiculturalism, nonviolence. And
independent thinking: more media sources stimulate more debate. I'm a
very lean fatcat, with one of Ithaca's smallest incomes.
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"Hi there! I noticed that "RH34" won a Harvest Deli gift
certificate. I'm "RH4"-- does that count? It's close! It rhymes! I like
Harvest Deli! It was worth a try." --Roxanne
---[REPLY] Close, but not exact enough for the prize, in the computer
world. Chances are 1:461. Maybe next time!
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"I will be sending in my [donation to ICN] this
weekend--thank you for keeping the masses aware of what is going on in
our world & community." --Birdie
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"I would like to know what your deadlines &
guidelines are for listing events in Ithaca Community News." --Suzanne
---[REPLY] Publication is irregular twice monthly, therefore early in
the month is likelier to make it into the second half of month issue,
while later in the month is liklier to make it into the first issue of
the month.
---Events/goods/services for which fee is charged are included only if
Ithaca HOURS are accepted as part price. Info should be sent as direct
email rather than attached.
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"Your newsletter is a wonderful way of keeping in touch w/
things important to the community." --(anon)
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Hi-- I'm Kristen1311-- I won a certificate for Toko Imports.
What is Toko Imports?"
---[REPLY] Toko is a gift store located in the DeWitt Mall. Drum
specialists.
---- "BLF4" wins gift certificate to Toko Imports. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/1.
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"Locally produced cable-access television is being threatened
right now in Ithaca. AOL TimeWarner is ready under the terms of a new
draft agreement with the City of Ithaca to have two Public Access
channels become commercial channels. Under the terms of the new cable
franchise agreement two channels serving the public need will be
eliminated by AOL Time Warner. Channels 76 & 78 have served our
community well for the last ten years. AOL Time Warner wants to make
them commercial channels to increase profits.
---"The recent history is alarming. Last month there was what was
announced as a 'public meeting' at a city Common Council meeting
regarding the new cable franchise agreement. No copies of the agreement
were available to the public. Nothing was said about this change of
service. The 'hearing' did not conform to what is required by the
Public Service Commission. The PSC has said that they will probably
certify an agreement that is reached between AOL Time Warner &
the city if PSC rules are followed.
---Another public hearing on this draft agreement: 1/15 at 7pm at
Common Council." --Kenny
Ritter See
full text w/more info
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"I heard that you are publishing a nice e-mail based
newsletter 'Ithaca Community News.' I would be very happy if I could
subscribe it, too." --Toyoda Leiko
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"Just wanted to thank you for including ETC in the Dec. 1
edition. We truly appreciate your help in getting the word out on our
alternative gift list. It makes a difference in our ability to raise
the needed funds for our programs in Nepal!" --Colleen
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"I am the newsletter editor at Ocean Beach People's Organic
Food Co-op. I've just been apprised that Imagine Foods Inc. has been
bought out by Hains. Yikes!!! Do you have any info on this? I am
looking for something that I can print in our Co-op newsletter. We are
not planning on pulling Rice Dream at present because our member
shoppers make it one of our biggest selling rice/soy/almond milks.
However, I think that education on the matter is something that the
membership would greatly benefit from. New choices can be made from
there." --Amber forest McHale
---[REPLY] Yes, Imagine
Foods was just purchased by Hain-Celestial 12/02. Purchase of
Hain food products directly profits companies like Philip Morris,
ExxonMobil, Monsanto, Wal-Mart, etc. Details of these corporate
linkages are at ithacanews.org/greenstarstock.html
GreenStar has started an education working group to bring together such
information so that members can make informed choices. No need to take
anything from the shelf: there are hundreds of independent organic
brands which can be made available.
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"Thanks a million for continuing to send me the Ithaca Community News. It keeps me in touch with my old community in such wonderful ways!" --Helen
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Host family needed for Ithaca High School Senior from Yugoslavia for spring semester beginning January 2003, ending June 2003. Rhoda Streifer 277-7351
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SCATTERED VOTES: 80 write-in votes were cast during the recent local election. 22 persons received 36 votes for State Senator (53rd Dist). Among them: Dan Lamb, John Karcz, Noam Chomsky, Bev Livesay, Ben Nichols, Anil Nerode, Linda Holzbaur, Susan Blumenthal, Kitty/Donald Dugan-Haas, & this editor.
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ANDI GLADSTONE DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS FUND established by Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance
(IBCA) to honor one of its founders & first executive director.
---"IBCA plans to use the fund to bring in well-known speakers to share
their expertise on issues of importance to those affected by the breast
cancer epidemic, both at IBCAØùs annual meeting celebration &
at public lectures throughout the year.
---"For more than eight years under Andi Gladstone's direction, IBCA
succeeded in providing breast cancer education & counseling,
advocating for women and men recently diagnosed with breast cancer,
promoting details about and choice among treatment options, &
encouraging the implementation of legislation to protect the
environment & ultimately the health of all area citizens.
---"Tax-deductible donations to the Andi Gladstone Distinguished
Speakers Fund or to IBCA: IBCA, 100 W. Seneca St.,Ithaca 14850. Chris
Sanchirico 277-0960 Helpline 277-9410
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON CAREGIVING (FALL 2002-SPRING 2003):
"A coalition of local organizations, led by the Tompkins County Office
for the Aging & the Health Planning Council, has been promoting
a community conversation on the challenges facing those caring for
frail elderly relatives & other adult family members with
ongoing care needs. Join this effort:
"1. By holding a family discussion or educational program in your
community group using discussion guides available from the Office for
the Aging (Speakers are also available);
"2. Sharing your experience and views regarding some aspect of family
caregiving in a letter to the editor of a local paper or newsletter;
"3. Offering your time once a week to do an errand, chore, or provide a
bit of respite care to relieve a stressed caregiver you know. Project
CARE at the Office for the Aging also matches up community volunteers
w/ stressed caregivers who could use some help for a couple hours on a
weekly basis." --David
M. Stoyell 274-5492
ITHACA
BIRTH GROUP 4-Week Seminar/ Discussion Series Wednesday
evenings 7-9 pm 105 E. Marshall $25 voluntary lifetime membership -
includes lending library - HOURS accepted. Gail Birnbaum.
1/15: Emotional and Physical Changes in Pregnancy ; 1/22: Nutrition and
Exercise ; 1/29: Post Partum and Bonding ; 2/5: Parenting: Blues or
Bliss
"BRIAN_JENNINGS" wins gift certificate to Cinemapolis/FCP. Reply w/mailing address by 1/1.
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FENG SHUI: 1/12 Living with Intention. 1/26 Clear your Clutter: Love it, Use it or Lose it!" Workshop Tuition: $48 each. Ithaca HOURS Accepted. Mary K. Stewart, CPIA http:www.FengShuiIthaca.com [email protected]
ACUPRESSURE LESSONS: Level1: 1/25 10am-5pm. Level 2: 2/8. Level 3: 2/22. Sliding scale $35-$70. $15 deposit: Cat Berry, 204 Utica St. Classes at 122 W. Court. 256-7070. HOURS 100%.
[email protected] 275-0513
"JOAB0539" wins gift certificate to Ten Thousand Villages.
Reply w/mailing address by 1/1.
"JGL7" wins gift certificate to White Lotus Home. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/1.
"MELINDAJ3409" wins gift certificate to The Yoga Corner. Reply
w/mailing address by 1/1.
"SHURAGAT" wins gift certificate to The Bath Bar. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/1.
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ALTERNATIVES INSTALLS SIXTH ATM, at CTB Appetizers in Triphammer Mall. Other ATMs are located at Alternatives Federal Credit Union, Autumn Leaves Used Books (the only surcharge-free ATM in Tompkins County also takes deposits!, GreenStar, Collegetown Bagels (College Ave).
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UNITED WAY of TOMPKINS COUNTY SEEKS VISTAS (Volunteers in
Service to America)
---"VISTAs will be placed at the Advocacy Center, (formally TC Task
Force for Battered Women/ Sexual Abuse project) Finger Lakes
Independence Center, Mental Health Association, Child Development
& Day Care Council, Family and Children's Services, Catholic
Charities, Offender Aid & Restoration, Human Services
Coalition, & Center for Crime Victims & Sexual Assault.
--Ann Gray or Amy Bonn 272-6286.
FAMILY READING PARTNERSHIP has provided 50,000 children's books to area homes. Tax-deductible donations sought for matching grant.
"SARJANLONG" wins gift certificate to Cafe Strand. Reply
w/mailing address by 1/1.
"ITHACASTA" wins gift certificate to Ithaca Fine Chocolates. Reply
w/mailing address by 1/1.
"DANCING" wins gift certificate to Acorn Designs. Reply w/mailing
address by 1/1.
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THANKS to Homer & Jane at LIGHTLINK for reliable internet service.
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EDITOR: [email protected]