In this issue:
- Not Officially News
- ICN News
- Editorial
- Ithaca Labor News
- Ithaca Sustainability
- Ithaca War and Peace Report
- Featured Events
- Calls for Submissions/Announcements
- Classes, Lectures, Support Groups
- Your Letters
Ithaca Community News is a free, bi-weekly newsletter that zooms to your inbox every other Wednesday. To unsubscribe, send a blank email to ebauchne@twcny.rr.com with "Unsubscribe ICN" in the subject heading. Editor and Publisher: Elizabeth Bauchner. Founded by Paul Glover.
Deadline for event submissions: Monday, August 14, noon. Please use press release form on web site:
http://www.ithacanews.org/contactpr.htm
************************************************************NOT OFFICIALLY NEWS************************************************************
Ten Day Allergy Forecast for Ithaca
at this link.
YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF ITHACA:
Mother Earth News: "
Twelve Great Places You've Never Heard Of."
PURITY FIGHTS BACK: http://www.purityicecream.com/sundae.htm
Who's reading ICN? My webstat program indicates that people are accessing the Ithaca Community News web site from fifty-six different "countries," although it breaks down US stats into domain referrers: .gov., org, .edu, and so forth. It only gives me the top 30 countries listed, but it's quite an interesting list:
1. US Commercial
2. US Network
3. Unresolved/Unknown
4. US Educational
5. Non-Profit Organization
6. Netherlands
7. Canada
8. Italy
9. US Government
10. Australia
11. Japan
12. Germany
13. United States
14. US Military
15. Romania
16. India
17. Malaysia
18. Ghana
19. Spain
20. Singapore
21. Belgium
22. United Kingdom
23. Cote D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
24. France
25. Mexico
26. Israel
27. Ireland
28. Czech Republic
29. Old style Arpanet (arpa)
30. Argentina
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Elizabeth has a MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/rasmama
Stop by to "visit" and add me as your friend.
************************************************************ICN NEWS************************************************************
And the WINNER OF THE PALINDROME CONTEST is: Mary Bouchard, for her palindrome, "Am I mad, eh?" Giselle sighed, "Am I, Ma?"
Congrats! You win two tickets to Cinemapolis/Fall Creek Pictures.
Email Elizabeth with address to claim prize.
There were several other very nice submissions, so it was a hard choice, but ultimately, I chose Mary's because it's a complete sentence that someone might actually say to someone else, (and who can resist a palindrome with the name Giselle in it?).
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
What's New on the ICN web site:
Ithaca Classifieds are back!
http://www.ithacanews.org/classifieds/
This is a new free service provided by Ithaca Community News. Register today to sell your stuff, list rentals, post want ads, lost and found. Basic listings (with photos) are FREE, and it's all local content. Sellers can specify how much in HOURS they will accept.
NEW PHOTO GALLERY ON ICN WEB SITE:
http://www.ithacanews.org/gallery.htm
Check out ICN's new photo gallery! We christened it with beautiful photos from all four days of Grassroots:
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=113
NEW ARTICLES ON ICN WEB SITE:
Grassroots Weekend Redux:
http://ithacanews.org/specialreports.htm?articleID=68
Profile of a Family: Ithacan Activists Return to New Orleans:
http://ithacanews.org/profiles.htm?newsID=115
Last Poll: Do you support NY Fair Share for Health Care? 30 responses: yes 1 vote; yes, and single-payer, too 21 votes; No, single-payer only 3 votes; No, no govt' assistance 5 votes.
New Poll: How do you cut your grass?
*With a scythe
*With a push mower
*With a gasoline mower
*With an electric mower
*With a tractor
Cast your vote at
http://www.ithacanews.org.
************************************************************EDITORIAL: The American Obsession with Lawns************************************************************
I finally got myself out of the house today and into the heat to cut my grass. In all honesty, the only reason I did so was because I fear what my neighbors think: they all have impeccable lawns and spend countless hours outside mowing, watering, trimming, clipping, and poisoning. I wonder if they look at my unkempt, weedy lawn and think: what does she do all day in that house? She can't even take care of her lawn!
Okay, I'm not really that paranoid about what my neighbors think of my yard-keeping skills. After all, they have no idea that mostly I'm sitting inside my house at the computer getting the news out. And rather than share their obsession with a clean cut lawn, I’m actually sort of repelled by it. I hate the sound of lawn mowers, and I think lawns, especially lawns made completely homogenous via insecticides and other poisons, are mainly a complete waste of three valuable resources: land, water and gasoline.
So, I cut the grass with a push mower that doesn't do the job as precisely as a gasoline or electric mower. But so what? It's saving valuable resources, reducing air pollution, and gives me exercise in the process.
Americans' obsession with lawns leads to the burning of about 800 million gallons of gasoline per year in our lawn mowers. Plus, the EPA estimates that gas lawn mowers account for 5% of all emission pollution, due to the fact that in one hour, a conventional gas mower can emit as much global warming pollution as 40 late model cars. See
http://www.peoplepoweredmachines.com/faq-environment.htm for more info.
Lawns also take up valuable land space that could be used for growing something more valuable and necessary, like food. Thankfully, urban gardens are on the rise and recently the New York Times published an article on the movement of some folks to reclaim front yards as valuable garden space. Of course, many Americans are opposed to anything but a perfectly manicured lawn in the front of the house, but we'd all better consider the idea of growing at least some of our own food. We won't be able to keep trucking in produce from Mexico, Florida and California indefinitely, and we need to think of some other localized options.
As for my lawn, it's not that I don't like having a nice, clean space. I finally did go to the lawn and garden store to purchase a manual "edger" so I can trim the edges of the lawn around the sidewalk, which have become extremely overgrown and untidy. It's just that I really don't want to put too much time, money, energy and resources into growing grass. Next year, I hope to transform my small, urban front yard into a vegetable and herb garden. In the meantime, while my neighbors send me the message that perfectly manicured lawns are the way to go, and burning fossil fuels is the way to get them, I sweat it out with a push mower, wearing my Ithaca Biodiesel t-shirt, hoping that some random passerby will make the connection that we waste too many resources on grass.
************************************************************NEWSLETTER SPONSOR. The ITHACA BAKERY/COLLEGETOWN BAGELS is proud to present our own CAYUGA COFFEE, an exceptional, distinctive selection of 100 percent Fair Trade, custom-roasted coffee, offered as beans or brewed. Along with blends available nowhere else, we offer an authentically unique, premium "varietal" (single-origin) brew from a Peruvian cooperative of indigenous, organic farmers. Furthermore, all Cayuga Coffee will be prepared with brand-new, state-of-the-art grinding and brewing equipment, with every pot made from freshly ground beans. You’re invited to enjoy outstanding Cayuga Coffee on its own or with your favorite choices from our top-quality food. To find out about all we have to offer, visit our Web site
http://www.ithacabakery.com.
************************************************************NEWSLETTER SPONSOR. Visit artist Mary Michael Shelley at the Ithaca Farmers' Market, where she carves on Saturdays, May through September, 9 AM to 3 PM. Mary's low relief carved and then painted artwork has been described as self-taught or folk in style. Another way to see Mary's work is at
http://www.maryshelleyfolkart.com where you can sign up to get her email newsletter. Perhaps you might travel to Fenimore House (Cooperstown, NY) or Women's Rights National Historical Park (Seneca Falls, NY), each of which has one of her diner carvings on display this summer. Thirty-four years of making art and still going strong!
************************************************************WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR AD HERE? Ithaca Community News accepts advertisements from local businesses who meet our advertising guidelines. See
http://www.ithacanews.org/adpolicy.htm. Reach over 8,000 subscribers who share your values!
************************************************************THANKS TO THE DONORS WHO HAVE DONATED IN THE PAST. Ithaca Community News accepts donations in cash or Ithaca HOURS. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 874, Ithaca, NY. 14851. Donations are tax deductible if made out to Social Ventures, INC. Donations can also be made from home page, via PayPal.
http://www.ithacanews.org.
************************************************************ITHACA LABOR NEWS************************************************************
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATURE ADOPTS DIVERSITY POLICY GUIDELINES. As part of its ongoing effort to increase diversity and inclusion related to the County government's workforce, the Legislature (by a vote of 12 to 2; Legislator Michael Koplinka-Loehr was absent) adopted comprehensive policy guidelines for management and implementation of the Tompkins County diversity program. Building upon the County’s Diversity Statement, adopted by the Legislature last year, the new policy provides policy-level guidance to department managers as they work to recruit,
retain and support a diverse workforce. The policy also communicates to all employees the value of a diverse and inclusive county workforce and outlines how the County will work to achieve it.
The Diversity Statement reads as follows:
Tompkins County government is committed to creating a diverse and fully inclusive workplace that strengthens our organization and enhances our ability to adapt to change by developing and maintaining:
- an organization-wide understanding and acceptance of the purpose and reasons for diversity; recruitment and retention policies that assure a diverse workforce;
- a workplace environment that is welcoming and supportive of all;
- awareness, understanding, and education regarding diversity issues;
- zero tolerance for expressions of discrimination, bias, harassment, or negative stereotyping toward any person or group; and
- a workforce ethic that embraces diversity and makes it the norm for all interactions, including delivery of services to the public.
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Starbucks Baristas Unionize; Starbucks Trying to Shut them Down:
http://www.starbucksunion.org.
Ithaca Starbucks baristas can join:
http://www.starbucksunion.org/node/19
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Landlord/Tenant Rights and Responsibilities, August 16, 11:00 am, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Ave, Ithaca. A Representative of the NYS Attorney General’s Office will conduct a brief presentation. Following the presentation a
NYS Assistant Attorney General will be available until 1:00 pm to consult with individuals regarding consumer problems they have been unable to resolve locally. No appointment is necessary. These presentations are videotaped and broadcast at 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm on Mondays on Cable Access Channel 15. More info: 272-2292.
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The Tompkins County Living Wage Coalition changed its name to the Tompkins County Workers' Center to reflect more accurately their extensive work in the community. In addition to working for a living wage for all workers, the Workers' Center also fights to insure that all workers (regardless of gender, race, national background, sexual orientation, disability or age) are treated fairly in the workplace; have the right to organize a union, if they so desire; have affordable access to comprehensive health insurance; and a right to affordable housing. Read more:
http://tcworkerscenter.org/
Read TC Workers' Center member Jeci Brown's commentary in the Ithaca Journal,
"America's poor speak, but who will listen?"
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News from Chronicle Online
"Mean streets become meaningful streets as young people in New York City urban program work to bring change":
http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/July06/growingupincities.dea.html
"Students put theory into practice in Cornell's first Labor Law Clinic":
http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/July06/labor.law.clinic.fac.html
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Survey on low-income housing in Ithaca for single people. LaBerta McGruder sits on the Board of the Ithaca Community Housing, Inc. and is looking for answers to the following questions from single people in need of housing:
"As a single man or woman do you feel there is enough affordable housing that target this group? Would you like to see low-income housing build for this group of renters? Please reply with a yes or no and give a short statement why and how this affect you as a renter in the city of Ithaca to
msbird@juno.com.
************************************************************ ITHACA SUSTAINABILITY ************************************************************
Cornell Cooperative Extension's Buy Local Campaign will hold its second annual Celebration of Local Foods Week July 31–August 6 to encourage all Tompkins County residents to experience the joys of fresh food and the summer harvest. During the Celebration of Local Foods Week, ABC café, GreenStar Deli, Ithaca Bakery, Carriage House Café, Madeline’s, Moosewood, Olivia, Taste of Thai Express, Watercress, and Willow will all be creating special dishes that feature locally grown foods.
Also, community members can register for the "Eat Local Challenge" and pledge to spend five dollars or more on local foods for the week in support of our area farms and be automatically entered to win gift certificates to retailers and restaurants that feature local foods. The Ithaca Agway, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ithaca Coffee Company, Gimme Coffee, Homespun Boutique, GreenStar, Ludgates, Tompkins Trust Co. Downtown branch, Volume Records, and Wegmans will have registration cards through August 6.Or, register online:
http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins/ and click on Take the Eat Local Challenge.
Events related to Local Foods Week:
Stick and Stone Farm, 1605 Trumansburg Rd (Rte 96 just north of the hospital) will host a farm tour TODAY August 2, at 5:30 pm. This is a chance for community members to see how farmers grow everything from beets to bok choi and have a chance to learn about Community Supported Agriculture. Please call 272-2292 if you think you'll go; they would like to get an estimate of how many people are coming.
Visit a Farmers' Market:
Ithaca Farmers' Market: Tuesday 9-2 Dewitt Park, Thur. 4-7, Sat. 9-3 and Sun. 10 -3 Steamboat Landing; Groton Farmers' Market: Tuesday 4-7 Center Village Court (200 South St.); Trumansburg Farmers' Market: Wednesday 4-7 The Village Park (Rt. 227 & 96); Danby Farmers' Market: Thursday 3-6 The Firemans Pavillion (Rt. 96B)
To find out more about Local Food week, or where local foods can be purchased, call Lael at Cooperative Extension Tompkins County, 272-2292.
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Also, if you missed the ICN article on the Buy Local Food campaign from last issue, you can read it here:
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=111, or in the August issue of GreenLeaf, GreenStar's newsletter.
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Sunday August 6 is Library Sunday at the Farmers' Market. Tompkins County Public Library Foundation invites you to "Shop the Market" in support of the library, as a portion of proceeds from Library Sunday will be donated to the Tompkins County Public Library to support Stories in the Park which is held each Tuesday at DeWitt Park through
August 29. While you are at the Market, check out the library's booth for information about library services, programs and activities. More info: Sally Grubb, 272-4557 ext 232,
sgrubb@tcpl.org,
http://www.tcpl.org.
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6th Annual Green Building Fair, Sunday, Aug 13, Ithaca Farmers' Market, 10:00 am-2:00 pm. This free event organized by the Ithaca Green Building Alliance continues to grow in popularity and offers attendees the opportunity to learn about designing, building, and remodeling homes and businesses using natural materials and energy-efficient, environmentally responsible technologies and techniques. Exhibitors will include local architects and designers, builders, timber frame and straw bale specialists, living roof suppliers, and renewable energy system designers and installers. Information will also be available on a wide range of subjects including home energy audits, the Energy Smart program, books and publications on green and natural building, and upcoming tours of area green buildings. Free. More info: Brent Katzmann, 277-0242,
igba@twcny.rr.com.
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Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute offering summer intensive permaculture design certification course:
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/certification.htm
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SEED SAVING SKILL SHARE, August 13, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, with Greg Inzinna at Stick and Stone Farm, 1605 Trumansburg Rd.(Route 96), Ithaca. Learn to maintain open pollinated and heirloom varieties and create your own heirlooms! Participants will work with squash and tomatoes in an ongoing seed saving project at Stick and Stone farm. Afterwards, we'll have roundtable discussion on various aspects of seed saving. Come with questions and energy. Class will be outside, please come prepared. Cost: $25. Registration Required. Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute: a project of the Cayuga Nature Center,
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org;
info@fingerlakespermaculture.org
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News from Chronicle Online
"Seven-year glitch: Cornell warns that Chinese GM cotton farmers are losing money due to 'secondary' pests":
http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/July06/Bt.cotton.China.ssl.html
"Cornell's farm vehicles just got greener and cleaner with use of biodiesel":
http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/July06/CU.biodiesel.farm.ssl.html
************************************************************ ITHACA WAR AND PEACE REPORT ************************************************************
About 30 demonstrators gathered at Clinton and Meadow Streets in Ithaca on August 1 to demand an immediate end to bombing and missile strikes by Israel and Hezbollah and for an immediate cease fire in Lebanon and Gaza. The group protested the U.S. policy of opposing an immediate cease fire and expressed its sorrow for civilian losses on both sides of the border. The group called for solidarity with the peace movement within Israel and support of the thousands of Israeli demonstrators who oppose their government's policies and military actions.
See photos of the demonstration, courtesy of Marty Luster from Photo News Service:
http://ithacanews.org/gallery/index.htm?id=68
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REMEMBER...NEVER AGAIN: Calling For An End to Nuclear Proliferation and War, Wednesday, August 9, 7:00 pm, Ithaca Commons. Come join a Vigil and March on the Anniversary of the Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki, Japan in 1945, or participate in the day-long Art Installation on the Commons before the Vigil.
These events are ponsored by the Ithaca Chapter of the Global Call to Action, Voices for Peace, The Ithaca Catholic Worker and Living Hope Fellowship. Join in rememberance of the victims of nuclear weapons and in calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Call for end to war and nuclear proliferation.
The event sponsors are inviting area faith and activist communities, especially youth groups, to participate by carrying banners or other portable art forms with messages of peace and remembrance. Visitors to the art installation are invited to bring a peace crane, a flower, a stone, a photo, a poem, anyth they would like to leave as a remembrance of the victims of nuclear weapons.
To sponsor this event or for more information contact Laurie,
LaurieTodd@aol.com.
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The Perry City Friends (Quakers) invite you to a "peace potluck" on the first Saturday of each month. Everyone is welcome to share thoughts, feelings, and actions in a safe haven as we explore paths to peace together. This month's topic is "Between Denial and Despair." Sometimes we avoid facing big problems because when we think about them we become overwhelmed. Learn how to slow down the journey from denial to despair and remain in a frame of mind that allows us to take effective action. Please join us on Saturday August 5 at the Perry City Meeting House on Route 227 in Perry City. Dish to pass at 5:30; discussion at 7:00. For more information, call (607) 387-9046.
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Race Liberation Alliance meets weekly, 803 S. Plain St. 6:00 pm. Every Tuesday evening, dinner provided, come learn about racism in our community and take action for change. More info: Jhakeem, 342-5323, or Elizabeth 280-1960.
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Helen Kuveke, of the Mikmaq (Micmac) Nation of Northeastern Canada, is starting a Native American lending library in Ithaca. She is seeking donations of books, music, magazines, or art by or about Native American people. She is using several rooms
in the upstairs of her house, and wants to open it up to people as soon as possible, possibly late August or early September. She can pick up any materials within a reasonable distance of Ithaca, or people could drop off donations at her home, 322 S.
Geneva St. If someone wants to mail something to me, she will reimburse for postage. More info:
helen@elucid8design.com, 277-5647.
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Community meeting to end violence in Ithaca, Monday, August 14, 6:30-8:30 pm. Organizer: AME Zion Church--Rev. Dr. Winston Prescott. Rev. Dr. Winston S. Prescott has been hosting monthly "community meetings to end violence in Ithaca" in order to share information, concerns, take action, and request that city officials take action. St. James AME Zion Church, 116 Cleveland Avenue, Ithaca.
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Local human rights activist gets her column on Iraqi rights censored, then fired from openDemocracy.net:
http://maurastephens.blogspot.com/
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Ithacans may like to read some news you don't get much place else. Women's eNews is an independent online news source covering issues and events relevent to women (and those who love them). These stories will surely be of interest to other Ithacans:
- Three years after dozens of sex-assault allegations engulfed the Air Force Academy the only case to proceed to a court-martial could be poised for dismissal after U.S. marshals refused to arrest the accuser's civilian therapist: http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=2836
- Middle East coverage this week included brief mentions of women protesting war. For a U.S. journalist based in London, Pamela Ann Smith, those women recalled the surprising unity of Israeli and Palestinian women at a Quaker meeting three years ago: http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=2826
************************************************************ FEATURED EVENTS ************************************************************
Music at ABC Cafe, 308 Stewart Avenue, Ithaca: August 3 open jazz nite with Neal Massa Trio 9:00; August 6 Kelly Birtch 11:00 am brunch; August 8 open mic 9:30 pm.
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August 3rd through the 5th, everyone’s favorite car-driving, boat-sailing mouse scurries onto the Hangar Theatre KIDDSTUFF stage with
"The Adventures of Stuart Little," showing all three days at 10:00 am and Noon. Additionally, the whole family can see live, professional theatre for less than the price of a movie ticket, thanks to the Hangar Theatre’s PAY WHAT YOU CAN (PWYC) program. On Saturday, August 5 at Noon, a set of seats have been reserved for “Pay What You Can” patrons to see The Adventures of Stuart Little. ANY AMOUNT will be accepted as payment for these tickets. Single tickets are available seven days a week from the Ticket Center at Clinton House at 116 North Cayuga St., Ithaca, or by phone 273-4497, or online
http://www.hangartheatre.org.
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Art Opening for Barbara Mink & Diane Newton, August 4, 5-8:00 pm. Show runs August 2-27, State of the Art Gallery. A two-person art exhibition featuring oil paintings by Barbara Mink and drawings in pastel by Diane Newton. Opening reception will include music by AJ Strauss. Hours: 12-6 Wed.-Fri. and 12-5 Sat. and Sun. 120 West State Street, Ithaca. Curbside parking. FREE. More info: Diane Newton, 607-273-4960,
dianewton899@aol.com,
http://www.soag.org.
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Celebrate summer reading with Regi Carpenter, Tompkins County Public Library, August 5 1:00-1:45 pm in the Borg Warner room. Children of all ages are invited to join Ithaca's imaginative and engaging storyteller Regi Carpenter. Come early, this is a free program but seating will be limited. More info: Youth Services Department of the library 272-4557, Ext. 275 or 276.
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The Musefest: A prideful tribute to Ithaca New York's vibrant music scene. August 4-6, Friday-Sunday, Newhart's Lodge in Enfield. In addition to many local bands, this year's lineup includes conscious rap/hip hop artists the Pharcyde, plus Buckwheat Zydeco, Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad. Tickets, info, directions and more:
http://www.musefest.org.
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Teatrotaller presents its Summer Play 2006 "FRONTERAS/BORDERS," A comedy about the two sides of the immigration story, Aug 4 and 5, 7:00 pm, Kauffman Auditorium, Cornell. Adaptation by Elvira Sánchez-Blake. Directed by Carolina Osorio. Free and open to the community. Sponsored by Department of Romance Studies and Dean, College of Arts and Sciences.
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James Potorti Gorge Walks August 4, 11, 18, 25 at The Musuem of the Earth, 10-11:30 am. Learn about the geology of Ithaca's famous gorges and how they were formed. Free. More info: Amy Naim, 607.273.6623,
naim@museumoftheearth.org,
http://www.museumoftheearth.org.
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Sustainable Saturday at Museum of the Earth, August 5, 11:00am-12:00pm. Reduce, reuse and recycle in creative and crafty ways! This week is Bottle Cap Magnets. Included with admission to the museum. More info: Sarah Degen, 273-6623 ext. 11,
degen@museumoftheearth.org,
http://www.museumoftheearth.org
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Turtle Time, August 9, 6:00-7:00 pm, Ithaca Children's Garden, Cass Park, Rt. 89. A relaxing evening at the Children's Garden, exploring Gaia's wetland with hands-on activities. Contact Leigh MacDonald at 272-2292 x186 or
lam26@cornell.edu.
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Finger Lakes Culinary Bounty Celebration of Local Foods and Wine Dinner, August 10, Geneva on the Lake, Geneva NY, 6:30-9:30pm. Held outdoors in the South Lawn Tent Pavilion on the stunningly beautiful grounds of Geneva on the Lake, this dinner will celebrate the distinct culinary richness and diversity of the Finger Lakes. Diners will delight in a menu highlighting foods produced by regional farmers, unique specialty food products from local producers and a wide array of award winning Finger Lakes wines. All proceeds from the event will benefit Finger Lakes Culinary Bounty as they strive to promote the Finger Lakes as a culinary destination and increase the economic viability of our region by connecting area farms, food producers, wineries and restaurants. Tickets are $70 per person and may be purchased by contacting Geneva on the Lake at (315) 789-7190. More info: Lael Gerhart, 607-272-2292, l
sg8@cornell.edu,
http://www.fingerlakesculinarybounty.org
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"Hello, Dolly" August 10-September 3 at the Hangar Theatre, Weekdays 7:30; Weekends 8:00. Based on The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder, this delightful musical comedy introduces us to matchmaker, Dolly Gallagher Levi, who has been hired by well-known half-millionaire Horace Vandergelder. His desire is to marry the beautiful, young Widow Malloy… but Dolly has other things in mind. Romance blossoms amid chaos and hidden identities as Dolly encourages people to plunge headlong into life and love “Before the Parade Passes By.” A Broadway hit musical. Ticket Info: Ticket Center at Clinton House or at the Theatre on the day of the show. More info: Brett Bossard, 273-4497,
brett@hangartheatre.org,
http://www.hangartheatre.org.
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The Red Bull Players Present "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" by Adam Long and Daniel Singer, August 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, & 20, at The Guy Nearing Summerhouse, Cornell Plantations. Shows are 6:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays; 3:00 pm on Sundays. Please join the Red Bull Players at Cornell Plantations for a comic condensation of all of Shakespeare's works into a single hilarious experience! Comedies, Histories, Tragedies...they're all equally funny in "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)"!
Directions:
From Dryden Road, turn onto Tower Road, heading toward the Cornell Veterinary
College. Follow Tower Road until you get to Judd Falls Road, and make a right onto Judd Falls heading toward Forest Home Drive. From Judd Falls, turn Right onto Plantations Drive and at the bottom make a right at the stop sign. After coming out from the overpass you will see the Plantations spreading out around you, continue a short distance and then make another right and you will see a small parking area. From there you will be able to walk up the road and around Comstock Knoll to the Summerhouse. All ages. Free (donations welcome). More info: Stephen Ponton, 227-7008,
smp53@cornell.edu,
http://www.mwmu.com/redbull/.
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Women's Works, August 11-Barler Hall, Wells College; August 12-Unitarian Church, Ithaca; August 13-All Saints Church, Lansing (across from Lansing schools). Time: 7 pm, 8 pm, and 4 pm respectively. Hildegard von Bingen's "Ordo Virtutum." Modern version of this medieval operetta will include all your favorite Women's Works sounds and more: chant, tango, flute, fiddle, electric viol, crazy shouting... Directed by Holly Adams and Thom Baker. Directions:
http://www.wells.edu/admiss/map.htm;
http://unitarian.ithaca.ny.us/html/directions.html;
http://home.twcny.rr.com/allsaint/. $10 donation suggested. HOURS accepted. More info Kris Park, (607)844-4039,
ksp3@cornell.edu,
http://ithacaevents.com/.
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Hospicare 3rd Annual Women Swimmin’ benefit August 12. Check out
http://www.womenswimmin.org for background information about the event, information for swimmers and boaters and lots of great photographs. More info: Amy Stoll, 272-5335,
scottamy@lightlink.com.
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Annual HomeBirth Picnic, August 13, Upper Buttermilk State Park, 3:00-8:00 pm. Come Learn and Share! Maternity, Nursing, Infant Clothing Exchange, Birth Supply Swap, Games and Music, Discussion Groups, Networking. Please bring an entree or side to share. More info: Amanda David, 592-0196,
rootwork@localnet.com.
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Second Sunday Celebration Circle, August 13, Santosha Yoga Center, 120 Brindley St., Ithaca. 7:00 pm. An engaging and uplifting Interfaith celebration that weaves together prayer, meditation, singing, poetry, and simple ritual from many traditions. This month's theme: "Your One Wild and Precious Life." Directions: From Commons, take West State St. to the end, past the bus station. Turn Left onto Brindley, btwn Ithaca Tire and the Ithaca Grain and Pet Supply. Go over one lane bridge, turn right into the parking lot. The Yoga Center is on the ground floor of the Aeroplane Factory Building. For ages Teen & Adult. $5 suggested donation; HOURS accepted. More info: Rev. Jody Kessler, 227-5683,
revjody@commonheart.org,
http://www.commonheart.org.
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Homeless Animals' Day Candlelight Celebration, Wed. August 16, Bernie Milton Pavilion, Ithaca Commons, 8:30-9:00 pm. Animal lovers and compassionate hearts are invited to a candlelight celebration of the lives saved since the Tompkins County SPCA became a No Kill animal shelter on Wednesday August 16, 2001. Festivities will include prayers, poems, a proclamation from the Mayor of Ithaca, candle lighting, and a few of our animals' success stories– pets that in other communities might not have been given the second (third or fourth) chance they received here in Tompkins County. For the fifth year in a row, the Tompkins County SPCA has saved each and every healthy and treatable animal that came into the shelter, making Tompkins County the most humane place for cats and dogs in the nation. This year, while other shelters across the country are mourning the animal lives unnecessarily lost in their communities, the TC SPCA will be honoring lives saved in ours. Please join in celebrating this source of pride for each and every one of us who believes that "it's great to be alive." More info: Kerry A. Barnes, 257-1822 ext. 232,
kerry@spcaonline.com,
http://www.SPCAonline.com.
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Rain Gardens: A Beautiful Step Towards Clean Water, August 19, Newfield Town Hall, 9:00 am-12:00 pm. The public is invited to a free training on Rain Gardens. After learning the what, why and how of rain gardens, participants will help plant a rain garden. Participants will receive a free copy of Smart Steps to Clean Water, which provides insights into the value of rain gardens and the many steps residents can choose from to protect water quality. The program is co-sponsored by the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network and the Town of Newfield. FREE. More info: Sharon Anderson or Diane Emmons, 607-532-4104,
manager@cayugalake.org,
http://www.cayugalake.org.
************************************************************ CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS ************************************************************
Please Note: Last issue ICN posted an event for a film and discussion night July 28 at Fall Creek or Cinemapolis for "The Heart of the Game", a documentary exploring race and gender issues in sports. Due to a change in the distributor's plans, the film release date has been postponed. The forum will now take place August 25. Theatre TBA.
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Recycle Ithaca's Bicycles (RIBs) has moved out of its former home at 309 S Corn St and is in the process of renovating 530 W Buffalo St (an old City sewage pump station at the corner of Meadow and Buffalo across from Joe's Restaurant) as a new location for classes and other bike shop activities. RIBS needs help with renovations, and donations of time, labor and materials. Contact Liz Bageant
lizliz@turbonet.com, (or 256-5355) for their current "wish list" if you'd like to help.
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The Cognition Lab at Ithaca College is continuing research on early infant language and attention with infants 7-14 months of age. If your family might like to participate, we will send you information and schedule a 30-minute appointment. Please contact Nancy Rader, Ph.D., at 274-3510. There is nearby parking on campus, and we provide $10, a small gift, and a photo for those who participate.
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The new 2006 Human Services Resource Directory, now available at the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County (HSC), contains information about health and human service agencies, county departments, and government offices in Tompkins County, and includes contact information, program descriptions, intake procedures, and more. It is published by Information & Referral Services (I&R), a program of HSC. Price: $30 per copy ($4.00 shipping / handling for mailing first copy; add $2.00 for each additional book). To pick up a copy: HSC is located in the Women's Community Building, 100 W. Seneca Street, third floor, Ithaca. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm. More info:273-8686.
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Gadabout Transportation Services is in need of volunteer drivers to provide door-to-door transportation services for seniors and people with dsiabilities in Tompkins County. Gadabout pays for all licensing and training. For more info, call 273-1878.
************************************************************ CLASSES, LECTURES, SUPPORT GROUPS ************************************************************
Bereaved Parents Support Group Tuesday, August 8, 5:30-7:00 pm, Hospicare on East King Road in Ithaca. This is a peer-run group serving parents or grandparents who have lost a child or grandchild. For more information about the group, which meets the second Tuesday of every month, please call Carlo Troise 255-9470.
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Parents Apart Class; Teaches separating or divorcing parents to help their kids deal with the emotional experience of separation. August 8 & 15, 6:00-9:00 pm. (Class is two sessions.) Call Community Dispute Resolution Center, 273-9347 to register.
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Free introductory workshop on Nonviolent Communication (NVC), also known as Compassionate Communication, by Becca Harber. August 9, 7:00-9:00 pm in the GreenStar warehouse meeting room on the corner of Route 13/Fulton St. and Buffalo (across from the main store). NVC was developed by Marshall Rosenberg. NVC can help you honestly express your own feelings and needs with others (or yourself) increasingly free of blaming, criticizing, judging or shaming as well as to understand the other. NVC helps people find strategies that work well in intimate relationships or groups. Becca has 35 days of NVC training.
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Fossil Friday at Museum of the Earth, August 11, 3:30pm -4:30pm. Explore the history of life through fossils, artwork, videos and other activities. Especially appropriate for children ages 7-11. Included with admission to the museum. More info: Sarah Degen, 273-6623 ext. 11,
degen@museumoftheearth.org,
http://www.museumoftheearth.org.
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Money Wise class at Alternative Federal Credit Union, August 14- October 2, Mondays 6:00 pm. This course provides students with the practical tools and information to make economic decisions and improve their financial situation. Over the course of 7 weeks participants, instructors and guest speakers discuss the following topics: income and debt, expenses and tracking, setting and saving toward goals, practical economics, financial record keeping, predatory lending, establishing and repairing credit, conscientious consuming and savings and investment options. Alternatives is located at 125 N. Fulton St., Ithaca. sliding scale, Ithaca HOURS accepted. More info: Christina Cain, 216-3445,
ccain@alternatives.org,
http://www.alternatives.org.
************************************************************ YOUR LETTERS ************************************************************ Regarding a Pro-Peace Rally on the Commons
Dear Elizabeth,
I'm writing to express my distress with the advertisement you sent out as part of ICN today (July 19, 2006) for a demonstration today on the Commons about the war between the Hezbollah and Israel. What you wrote was entirely one-sided. Israel started attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon because Hezbollah attacked Israel with no provocation whatsoever - Hezbollah fighters infiltrated Israel, killed several Israeli soldiers and kidnapped two others. This was under cover of a rocket barrage on the communities on Israel's border with Lebanon. I am also upset at the Lebanese civilians who have been killed and the infrastructure that has been destroyed, and wonder if Israel could have acted in a way to limit deaths and destruction - but what about the fact that a million Israelis are currently sitting in bomb shelters? What about the fact that Israelis continue to die at the hands of Hezbollah? Two more Israeli civilians were killed today when rockets hit the commercial center of Nazareth. There's no mention in what you wrote that Hezbollah has any responsibility to stop bombing Israel. How can such a one-sided response ever lead to peace between the two sides?
Yours truly, Rebecca Lesses
---[REPLY]:
Hi Rebecca, Thanks for your letter.
The rally on the Commons that day was put together by a new group in Ithaca, Occupation Witness, and the goal of the rally was to distribute information about the fighting and destruction and violence on *both sides* that is not being presented, much less discussed, in the mainstream media.
The way I see it, the rally wasn't one-sided but "pro-peace." You went back only far enough to Israel being attacked by Hezbollah, as though that gives them the right to bomb Lebanon, kill hundreds of civilians, bomb the Red Cross, and destroy electrical plants. You say they had "no provocation whatsoever." I tend to disagree with that; even if Israel has not directly crossed Lebanese borders for some time, Israel is breaking International Law by building their "security wall" beyond the borders of the "green line" and taking away Palesitinian farmers' lands, thereby inflaming Muslims worldwide.
Still, all of this blame and finger-pointing can only go so far; it will not bring peace even if it brings understanding. Peace may come when governments are able to take full responsibility and accountability for their actions.
I think a larger issue in the debate, which your letter hints at, is the common knee-jerk reaction to criticism of the Israeli government. Why is it that a peaceful rally to expose illegal actions of the Israeli government and to condemn violence *on both sides* is seen as one-sided? If anything is one-sided, it is the US government's unequivical support of Israel, to the tune of over $1 billion per year.
I personally see criticism of the Israeli government as akin to criticizing the US government. I'm not anti-Israeli or anti-American by criticizing either administration. Both governments are committing atrocities against Muslim people in the Middle East. And the Muslims are committing atrocities against Jewish people and Americans who are overtaking their countries. At some point, we all have to take a step back and look at things critically, openly, and we absolutely have to take responsibility for our role in all this violence in order to work for peace. There are many Israelis also condemning the violence and calling for peace.
Sadly, and unfortunately for the people of Lebanon, our President said Monday morning that Israel need not stop bombing Lebanon just for "The sake of stopping." Israel papers also reported that the US supports Israel bombing Syria. See Tuesday August 1 headlines at Democracy Now! for more info:
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/08/01/1434239
Also, check out Jonathan Tasini's response to this same sort of criticism, at Common Dreams:
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0727-22.htm
Best, Elizabeth
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Hey there Elizabeth,
If you could please mention that Oculus has a new website with tons of free downloadable music in the next newsletter that would be great! Thanks!!!
http://www.oculusband.com
I love the Ithaca News, keep sending them forever...
Aidan of Oculus
---[REPLY]:
No problem Aidan.
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On Increased Truck Traffic on Route 96:
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for all your work on this newsletter. I just wanted to share some local news that I came across that I found troubling and I think people should know.
You may already be aware of the increased 18 wheeler traffic in the Finger Lakes (incl. Tompkins County) by trash hauling companies short cutting between NYC and the Seneca Meadows landfill but I wanted to share the following information with you because it is really important to public and environmental safety and our local economy.
We are seeing many of the trucks on Slaterville Road and they are indeed heavier than local trucks, faster, and louder. They take Green Street and Seneca Street in town and then up the Lakes (I think on 96 but I do not know for sure). Obviously this is a horrible safety issue (does this qualify as hazmats? What happens if there is an accident?) but also it is horrible for tourism. Can you imagine touring the Finger Lakes Wine Trail stuck behind an 18 wheeler full of NYC garbage that has been on the road for 10 hrs...in July? Not to mention how awful and scary it is for us who live along the roads.
The consensus is that the trucks are trying to avoid the increased tolls on the Thruway. Most states use the state patrol to prevent 18 wheelers from using rural routes because there is no reliable way to monitor their weight, speed, sound, or general safety once they are off the interstates. There are community groups getting organized because many people believe that the trucks are dangerous on rural routes (esp. going through hamlets and roads not intended for long-haul 18 wheeler traffic).
In any case, I've included two articles I found online in trade publications below. Looks like the companies are Santaro, Sunshine, and Ricelli although I have seen unmarked trucks and trucks with the words "Municipal Waste" and "Champagne!" hauling trash. I've also included a recent article from Governing Magazine about how big a problem these 18 wheelers are for rural roads and communities.
Thank you, Jennifer Clark
---[REPLY]:
Thanks Jennifer, for the head's up and for your work documenting what's going on in our community. Readers should note that there are some bills moving through the State legislature that would help force heavy trucks back on the highways and off of our back roads.
As for the articles, you can read about the issue online (scroll down the page about half way for the article): "
Group says toll increases partly to blame for off-route truck traffic in New York."