ICN Newsletter Archive

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

[This is the FIRST OF MAXIMUM TWO MESSAGES MONTHLY sent to over 8,000 Ithaca area residents]

Ithaca Community News is Alternatives Round Off recipient. Throughout the month of January, ICN is the Round Off recipient at Alternatives Federal Credit Union (http://www.alternatives.org). The concept is simple: when you make a deposit at Alternatives, you can select “Round Off” on the deposit slip and the change from your deposit will go to ICN. If you bank at Alternatives, please think of us whenever you make a deposit in January. There is also a donation drop off box in the lobby.

ICN has new editor and publisher…

As mentioned in previous issues, Paul Glover left the Ithaca area and passed ICN on to Elizabeth Bauchner. See November issue for the scoop: (http://www.ithacanews.org/archive/NOV0501.html).

Ithaca Community News is officially a non-profit! ICN is now affiliated with Social Ventures, Inc (an Ithaca-based non-profit) as its umbrella organization. Donations made to ICN are tax deductible if the check is made out to Social Ventures, and can be sent to ICN, P.O. Box 874, Ithaca, NY 14851.

Take the ICN web site survey. There is still time to have your $0.02 heard! So far, 40 people have filled out the survey. Please take a few moments to complete the survey and help make ICN the best community resource it can be. Just surf to (http://www.ithacanews.org/survey2005.html). As an incentive, if you turn in your survey by February 1, 2006, you will be automatically entered to win a pound of coffee beans from Gimme! Coffee. The results of the survey will be posted by the first February issue.

From Mark Chao: “Simple -- it's us, not a bank.  (What is the source of our wealth?)”

From Christian Nielsen (who admits he “cheated” using a free software program): 

“A pinko saint stumbles; Mask up intestinal sob; Soak intestinal bumps; Ok as intestinal bumps; Set utopianism blanks; Manipulates its knobs; Pink mess tabulations; Pink as ultimate snobs; Saintlike but on spasm; I spank ultimate snobs.” 

Thanks Eric, Mark and Christian! And, Christian added another one just for fun:

Next week, the Saint Patrick’s Four will be sentenced for two misdemeanor charges of damaging government property and trespassing for their act of civil disobedience on March 17, 2003, two days before “shock and awe,” when they entered the Lansing military recruiting center and poured some of their own blood about the vestibule of the center.

Three of the four—Peter DeMott, Teresa Grady, and Danny Burns—also face sentencing for contempt of court charges. Clare Grady managed to avoid a contempt of court charge. All four were acquitted of the most serious charge of conspiracy to impede an officer of the United States, which carried a sentence of up to six years in prison.

The contempt of court charges stem from the defendants disobeying Judge McAvoy’s orders to not speak of their first trial for the same protest, not to speak of the “alleged” illegality of the Iraq War, and not to speak of International Law or even the United States constitution. Imagine that—they were tried in United States Federal Court and were not allowed to speak to the jury about the United States constitution.

While it is undoubtedly a victory that they escaped the felony conspiracy charge, there are still many unanswered questions about the case. For example, why did the US Attorney General’s office go after them, when 7,000 other protestors were also arrested that same week? Why were they singled out? One of the defendants’ legal advisors, Bill Quigley, believes it was a clear sign of intimidation on the part of the federal government against non-violent war protestors: a warning of sorts to anyone considering acts of civil disobedience in protest of our war against Iraq.

Former Tompkins County District Attorney George Dentes told the Ithaca Journal that he merely “reminded” the feds that the “crime” was committed on federal property; he also told the Journal that he knew no jury in liberal Tompkins County would convict them (and I suppose he knew that because he’d already tried?).

And yet—even in a conservative part of the state, with a jury where half the members said they have yellow ribbon bumper stickers on their cars—the verdict came back “not guilty” on the most serious charge. They did not “conspire” to impede an officer of the United States through “force, intimidation, or threat.” Did they make a mess? Yes, they did (although it’s nothing compared to the mess we are making in Iraq). They also knelt and prayed and read a statement of non-violence. What they did not do is splash blood on the recruiter as reported in the Binghamton paper and consequently re-reported all over the Internet. The recruiter, Sergeant Montgomery, testified under oath that he got “a little” blood on his hands when he went to lock the door of the recruiting center. Fortunately, although the public didn’t hear it, at least the jury did.

Regrettably, however, the jury did not hear all sides of the story. They weren’t allowed. But they must have heard enough to understand that the Saint Patrick’s Four are not violent, crazy protestors (well, maybe a little crazy—crazy with love and compassion for the human race). The jury returned a verdict not just on the defendants, but a verdict against the war and our continuing occupation of Iraq, a verdict against gag rules that prevent American citizens from speaking about the constitution in a court of law, and a verdict against the abuse of power from the very folks who are supposed to uphold justice.

As American citizens, we need to remember what our rights are, as well as our responsibilities, and not let the government intimidate us into complacency.

Doug Hicks Event and Family Photography. The best best choice for photographing any event. From company, school and organization parties, reunions of any kind, including class reunions, and openings and celebrations for any group. And of course, weddings! Ithaca hours accepted for partial payment. Contact Doug at: (http://www.doughicksphotography.com)

Ithaca Community News is now accepting advertisements from local businesses who meet our advertising guidelines. Please see http://www.ithacanews.org/adpolicy.html for details.

Reach over 7,500 local residents who share your values!

THANKS TO THE DONORS WHO HAVE DONATED IN THE PAST. Ithaca Community News accepts donations in cash or HOURS. Donations can be sent to ICN P.O. Box 874, Ithaca, NY. 14851.

Ithaca Health Alliance to open Free Clinic. The Ithaca Free Clinic will open its doors on January 23, 2006 and begin seeing visitors to provide totally free health care services. To start with, the clinic will be open on Mondays and Thursdays: check the IHA events calendar at (http://www.ithacahealth.org/events.htm) for updates on scheduled hours and other programs. The Ithaca Health Alliance is a great program for the uninsured or underinsured. Just $100 per year covers basic emergency and preventive care. See (http://www.ithacahealth.org).

Story on Paul Glover’s Philahealthia in the Philadelphia Weekly: (http://philadelphiaweekly.com/view.php?id=11300). More about Philahealthia:

(http://www.healthdemocracy.org).

Cornell Professor Samuel Bacharach finds New York transit workers experience high levels of on-the-job stress. See (http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/Jan06/Bacharach.transprt.wkrs.html) for story or to obtain a copy of the report.

There’s still time to join Ithaca HOURS and get listed in the 2006 directory. Join or renew your membership for $10 and receive 2 HOURS (worth $20) as an immediate member benefit. Membership also includes a listing of your business or service in both the print version of the HOURS Directory and the on-line version http://www.ithacahours.org. Join now and become part of the oldest and largest local currency in the United States which supports and builds our local economy. Fill out the membership form on-line http://www.ithacahours.org/formbusinesses.php or e-mail Carl Feuer, mailto:chf6@cornell.edu.

The Tompkins Renewable Energy Education Alliance meets monthly to discuss projects related to the promotion of Wind Power in the Ithaca area. They stay informed about legislative activity, research, and educational outreach. Next meeting is TONIGHT January 18, 2006 in Room 259 of the Center for Natural Sciences at Ithaca College. 4:00 – 5:30 pm. Website is:  (http://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/bclark/TREEA/TREEA.htm).

Buy Local Food Campaign for Tompkins County

The Buy Local Food Group will be holding its third planning meeting on Thursday, January 19th from 6:30-8:30 in the Tompkins County Mental Health Building on the 6th floor. They are located on Green St. It is the tall building down the street from the Public Library. If you are interested in joining the campaign or would like to receive the results of the last meeting, please contact Lael Gerhart of CCETC at 607-272-2292 or mailto:lsg8@cornell.edu.

Earth Day Planning Session, January 21. Imagine a zero waste festival with healthy organic food served on biodegradable plates and a solar powered music stage. Sound like a dream? You can help make it a reality! The Center for Environmental Sustainability invites you to an Earth Day planning session where you help set the agenda and brainstorm on ideas important to you. Together we can create the next celebration, carrying on the tradition and bringing in your new ideas. Facilitator Todd Saddler will guide us. Saturday, January 21, 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Ave, Ithaca. Refreshments will be provided. More information, Joey Diana Gates at 607-351-0664 or mailto:earthdayithaca@yahoo.com.

Film: The Future of Food, by Deborah Koons Garcia. Tuesday January 24 at GreenStar 7:00 PM. Discussion to follow. Free. See http://www.thefutureoffood.com/ for more info on the film.

Ithaca Carshare Summit, January 26 from 11:00 am -4:00 pm at the Tompkins County Public Library. Learn about carshairng! The summit will feature keynote speakers, such as a city carshare representative from San Francisco, Boulder Carshare, and Zipcar (a for profit carshare company). This event is sponsored by Cornell, IC and Ithaca Transportation. Volunteers still needed. Contact Dan at mailto:dnr6@cornell.edu or check out (http://www.ithacacarshare.org).

Open Forum on SEEDS Friday, January 27, 6:00-8:30 pm at the Worker’s Rights Center, upstairs from the Autumn Leaves Bookstore, 115 the Commons, Ithaca. This is the first of a series of monthly meetings offered by the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute (FLPCI) to encourage discussion and the exchange of resources toward all things sustainable. For the month of January, FLPCI has chosen the topic of “seeds.” Bring seeds to trade, favorite catalogs and books, stories, and other insights to share with the group. While FLPCI is the organizing body behind this and future events, our vision calls for regular open forums, each shaped by the participants. COME TO LEARN, share, and meet others with an interest in gardening, ecological living, agriculture, and cultural change. FREE and open to the public (donations support the Worker’s Rights Center.) More info (http://www.flpci.org) or 607-319-0737.

Green Building Seminars. The Ithaca Green Building Alliance, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, and Sustainable Tompkins are presenting a series of seminars to help area residents create healthier, more environmentally sustainable homes. The “Green Building Seminar Series” started January 10 and will continue Tues. evenings through Feb 24. Next seminar topics: Jan 24: The Affordable Green Home; Jan 31: Energy Recovery Ventilation and Other Strategies; Feb 7: Clean Power: Producing Renewable Electricity; Feb 14: Green Remodeling; Feb 21: No Seminar; Feb 28: Straw Bale Design for Northern Climates.

All seminars meet 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Human Services Building, 320 W. State. St., Ithaca. More info: (http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins/events/index.html). The fee to attend is $5/seminar or $25/series. Ithaca HOURS are accepted and a limited number of scholarships are available. Call 272-2292 to register.

Web site promoting Green Business growth in New York: (http://www.renew-ny.org).

Saint Patrick’s Four Sentencing January 23-27, 2006. Federal Court, Binghamton, NY.

The Saint Patrick’s Four face sentencing for their conviction on two misdemeanor charges (damage to government property and entering a military installation for unlawful purposes) during the week of January 23-27, 2006. As it now stands, Danny Burns will be sentenced on 23 January, Peter De Mott on the 24th, Clare Grady on the 25th, and Teresa Grady on the 27th.

Pertinent to the issue of sentencing, friends and supporters of the four are encouraged to write to Judge Thomas McAvoy to use his conscience. The act of sentencing is an opportunity for the Judge to take a stand against the US war on Iraq. Letters should be sent to their legal council, Peter A. Orville, 30 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905. For talking points, see: (http://stpatricksfour.org/drupal/?q=node/325). Also, consider going to the courthouse for sentencing. To carpool, call Jessica Stewart, 280-0329, or Clare Grady, 273-6257.

A Global Call to Action planning meeting TONIGHT, Wednesday, January 18, 6:00 -8:30 pm at GIAC gym. Soup & bread provided. This gathering is in response to the global call for nonviolent resistance to end the United States-led military occupation of Iraq, to shine the light on hostage taking and the abuse of detainees, demand money for young people’s education not for recruitment, and payment of war reparations owed Iraq by the United States. Planning to include: Vigils; Rallies; Street Theater; Study Groups; Media Outreach; Nonviolent resistance, and much more as the community comes together. Contact: 277.1799 or 277.6932, or
mailto:degr@lightlink.com.  Also see (http://www.aglobalcall.org).   

International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Friday January 27. Kol Haverim, the Finger Lakes Community for Humanistic Judaism, invites you to a secular service to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Friday January 27, beginning at 7:00 pm at Lifelong Center, 119 W. Court St., Ithaca. Following the service, we will sponsor a viewing and discussion of the film Paper Clips. Paper Clips is a documentary about how middle school students in a small, primarily white Christian community in Tennessee responded to lessons about the Holocaust. There will also be a chance to donate to relief efforts for victims of genocide in Darfur, Sudan and to learn about efforts to stop the genocide. More info (http://www.kolhaverim.net) or Caren Cooper, 257-4231.

Water Bear to perform at Juna’s. On January 19, 2006 at 8pm, Water Bear returns to Ithaca to perform at Juna’s Café on the Commons. Fans of the folk-jazz string band will get their first chance to see Water Bear’s new member and hear new Name Music songs. Tickets are $8. Ithaca HOURS accepted.

Guild of Natural Science Illustrators to Display Art. Community School of Music and Arts

The Community School of Music and Arts will join the Light in Winter festival with “The Art of Flora and Fauna”, an exhibit of works by the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators of the Finger Lakes (GNSI Finger Lakes). The exhibit opening will take place on January 20, 2006, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, during the first day of Ithaca’s annual exploration of music, art, and science. More info: 272-1474, mailto:info@csma-ithaca.org, or (http://www.csma-ithaca.org).

Opening Reception for A Useful Magnificent Language: The work of Samia A. Halaby. Also in conjunction with the Light in Winter Festival. 5:00-7:00 pm Thursday January 19, 2006.

Tompkins County Public Library,  Borg Warner Room. The artist will give a talk at 6 pm. The exhibit will be on display throughout the library from January 12 through March 31, 2006.

A Useful Magnificent Language: The work of Samia A. Halaby features the work of New York City-based Palestinian artist Samia A. Halaby.  Ms. Halaby’s work explores the language of color and form in intensely personal paintings and free-form folded and stitched canvas assemblages.

Light in Winter Festival begins Friday, January 20, 2006 and finishes Sunday, January 22.  (http://www.lightinwinter.com).

The Warm Light of Memory: Inkjet prints by Steve Poleskie at the Upstairs Gallery. January 20 - February 18, 2006. Opening reception Friday, January 20, 5:00 -7:00 pm. Gallery talk by Poleskie about his work Wednesday, January 25, noon. This exhibit is associated with the Light in Winter Festival. Poleskie is Professor Emeritus in Cornell’s Department of Art. His work is in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the National Collection and the Smithsonian in Washington DC, and the Victoria and

Taoist Tai Chi Society Open House. Saturday, January 21, 1:00 – 4:00 pm. 1201 N. Tioga St. “Fall Creek Studios” (by Fall Creek Cinema). Taoist Tai Chi demonstrations, refreshments and class registration. Taoist Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese system of exercise which increases a person’s strength, flexibility, balance and mental focus. For more information call 277-5491 or mailto:Ithaca.ny@taoist.org or (http://www.taoist.org/branches/usa/newyork/ithaca/).

The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art: Japonisme: European Artists and the Allure of Japan
January 21-March 19. This exhibition examines the Western interest in collecting Japanese prints and decorative arts that sprang up in the 19th century and the infiltration of Japanese aesthetics into this pivotal period in modern art. Works from the permanent collection by Toulouse-Lautrec, Buhot, Bonnard, Whistler, Gauguin, and others will be included, along with Japanese woodblock prints by Hiroshige and other printmakers, and ceramics and carvings made for export to the West. Museum is located on Cornell University campus. Free. More info: 607 255-6464, or http://www.museum.cornell.edu.

Next Bound for Glory concerts: JOHN KIRK AND TRISH MILLER January 22, and SMALL POTATOES January 29. WVBR’s Bound for Glory is North America’s longest running live folk concert broadcast, which broadcasts from Cul de Snack, the Cafe at Anabel Taylor Hall at Cornell on Sunday nights from 8 to 11, with live sets at 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30.  Admission in the live audience is free and is open to everyone in the area.  Kids are always welcome.  Refreshments are available. More info: Phil Shapiro, 607-844-4535, or mailto:pds10@cornell.edu.

January 24th ICSD Board of Education meeting (where they are likely to vote on the final redistricting topic: Middle School Feeder Patterns) will be held at Lehman Alternative Community School starting at 7:00 pm, 111 Chestnut St, Ithaca.

The Stem Cell Controversy –What's it all about? Thursday, January 26th, 7:30 pm, St. Catherine of Siena Parish Center, Ithaca. Guest Speakers include Jann Armatrout, Life Issues Coordinator, Diocese of Rochester; Dr. Lisa Fortier, Stem Cell Scientist, Cornell University; and Dan Lamb, District Representative with Congressman Maurice Hinchey’s office. Sponsored by Catholic Charities of Tompkins County, All Saints Church, Holy Cross Church,  Immaculate Conception Church, St. Anthony’s Church, and St. Catherine of Siena Church.

Ithaca Community Poets Reading and Book Release Celebration, Saturday, January 28, 2006, 3:30-5:00 pm at Community School of Music and Arts. The new book, “Still Going Strong: Memoirs, Stories, and Poems about Great Older Women,” is edited by Ithaca-based Janet Amalia Weinberg, and is an inspiring, exuberant anthology that shatters negative stereotypes about women over 50. Dr. Weinberg, along with local contributors Katharyn Howd Machan and Rachel Siegle, will be reading selections from the anthology. Free and open to the public. More info: 272-1474, mailto:info@csma-ithaca.org, or (http://www.csma-ithaca.org).

KITCHEN THEATRE: I Have a Song to Sing-O. January 28-February 11. A musical for the whole family. Saturday and Sunday matinees. More info: http://www.kitchentheatre.org.

Saltonstall Art Salon. January 29 at the Museum of the Earth, 1259 Trumansburg Road Ithaca. You are invited to a monthly art salon that is open to the public. Enjoy a fresh, flavorful Sunday afternoon tea catered by Hope’s Way and conversations with four noted visual artists: Barbara Page; Tim Merrick; Kent Loeffler; and Joseph Scheer. Arrive at 2 pm for a bounteous and to-die-for delicious Sunday tea. $15 adults, $12 seniors and students. (Includes Sunday tea and Museum admission). Conversations with artists start at 2:30 pm. Each artist has ten minutes.

Reservations recommended. Please call Saltonstall office at 607-539-3146 or email us at mailto:info@saltonstall.org.

The City of Ithaca’s Board of Public Works (BPW) and Mayor Peterson’s Office announce a Public Hearing on Monday, January 30th, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Beverly Livesay Room of the D.S.S. Building (320 W. State Street) for information about the street renaming process and for public input on the proposed renaming of State Street in to Martin Luther King, Jr. Street.  

In 2005, Gino Bush and Pete Meyers of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Street/Friends of the Circle of Recovery group asked the Board of Public Works to rename State St., presenting a petition including signatures from over 1250 people and close to 50 businesses in support of the name change. For people who cannot attend the public forum, you may send your comments, by February 6th, to the Board of Public Works at 108 E. Green St., Ithaca, NY 14850 or to City Clerk, Julie Holcomb, at mailto:julieh@cityofithaca.org. Other contacts: Mayor Carolyn Peterson, Chair, Board of Public Works, 274-6501, mailto:mayor@cityofithaca.org; Jennifer Dotson, Vice-Chair, Board of Public Works 273-3540 mailto:jennifer@kitchenchairmusic.com; Bill Gray, Superintendent of Public Works, 274-6527. Also Gino Bush 277-3439 and Pete Meyers 269-0409 mailto:truthisonepathsaremany@yahoo.com.  

Ithaca High School Gay Straight Alliance to host Rainbow Brunch. Saturday, February 4, in the Activities building at IHS, 11:00 am -1:00 pm. The purpose of the first annual Rainbow Brunch is to gather members of the Ithaca community together to support tolerance and diversity, and to help raise funds for the group. Activities include food, balloon making, live entertainment, vendors, a raffle, and more. Purchase tickets for $5 at the door, or in person at Planned Parenthood, the Common Ground, or the Lost Dog. More info Wendy Gutman, Ithaca High School Gay-Straight Alliance Advisor, 274-6844.

One-Heart Community Drum Circle. Every Saturday at Lehman Alternative Community School, 111 Chestnut Street, Ithaca. 6:00-9:00 pm. Bring drums, or just show up to play. More info email Steve Calkins, mailto:ecstacy2@earthlink.net. 

Teen Extreme Playwriting Contest. Are you an aspiring writer in the 7-12th grade, interested in theatre and looking for a career building experience? Experience four days of excitement, adrenaline and unburdened creativity in the Kitchen Theatre Company’s KITCHEN SINK series event Teen Extreme Playwriting Contest & Marathon. Based on three-page original writing samples, four young playwrights will be selected to participate in the Kitchen’s Teen Extreme Playwriting Marathon, an exciting “pressure-cooker” rehearsal-to-performance process. From the time the secret topic and cast members are announced, winning playwrights will have four days to write and rehearse their 10-minute plays. Their plays will then be produced with four public performances on February 26 & 27. Submission deadline EXTENDED to January 25.  More info, guidelines and submission forms at (http://www.kitchentheatre.org), (http://www.theithacajournal.com) or 272-0403.

Request for Proposals for the Cayuga Nature Center’s Farm Facility. The Cayuga Nature Center (CNC) is soliciting proposals to use all or part of its 40-acre farm facility in a manner consistent with the Nature Center's mission to facilitate awareness, appreciation, and responsibility for the natural world through recreation, and environmental, agricultural and outdoor education. The CNC Farm is located on 40 acres just west of the main CNC facility on Route 89, six miles north of Ithaca, at 98 Garrett Road in the Town of Ulysses. Historically known as the White Farm, the property sits at the intersection of Garrett and Houghton Roads overlooking Cayuga Lake and is close to the Finger Lakes wine trails and the future Black Diamond Trail. Friday, February 3 is the deadline for submitting a Letter of Interest, and Friday, March 3, is the deadline for the full proposal. To see the farm, or learn more about the project and how to apply, contact Doug Weeks, Director, Cayuga Nature Center, 1420 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850, Phone: (607) 273-6260,  Fax:(607) 273-1719 or mailto:director@cayuganaturecenter.org.

Also see (http://www.cayuganaturecenter.org/farm/farm_rfp.html).

COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR 2006. The Community Food Projects (CFP) Competitive Grants Program provides the major funding source for community-based food and agriculture projects in the U.S. Approximately $4.6 million in funds will be granted in 2006. The Request for Applications (RFA) was released on January 12.

Brief letters of intent are due February 13. These will be reviewed, and applicants with relevant project outlines will be asked to submit a full proposal by April 13. See the CFSC website for more information (http://www.foodsecurity.org/cfp_help.html).

Planning projects of $10,000-25,000 are being given new emphasis. Planning projects assess food security needs and plan for long-term solutions to help ensure food security in communities. The CFP Program supports projects that help meet the food needs of low-income people, increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for their own food needs, promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues, and meet specific state, local, or neighborhood food and agriculture needs. The 2006 Request for Applications (RFA) is available at (http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/fundview.cfm?fonum=1080).

The Architecture, Planning and Design Program of the New York State Council on the Arts is offering grants of up to $10,000. DEADLINE: MARCH 1, 2006. Grants of up to $10,000 will be available for architects, landscape architects, planners, designers, historic preservationists and scholars to realize specific projects that advance the field and contribute to the public’s understanding of the designed environment. Projects may relate to any of the disciplines the program covers, including: architecture; architectural history; landscape architecture; urban and rural planning; urban design; historic preservation; graphic design; and industrial design. Only New York State residents are eligible to apply. For further information about this funding opportunity and application instructions, see the Architecture, Planning and Design Program’s guidelines for the Independent Projects Category on the New York State Council on the Arts’ web site at (http://www.nysca.org).  

Caring for Aging Parents Support Group. The new monthly, evening support group for those caring for aging parents or other elderly relatives, will meet Wednesday, January 18, from 7:00 - 8:30 PM at Lifelong, 119 W. Court Street, Ithaca. For more information, contact Jane Baker Segelken, 607-274-5488, or mailto:jsegelken@tompkins-co.org, at the Tompkins County Office for the Aging.

Making Ends Meet: a free money management workshop offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County. The times and locations are: 6:30-8:30 pm January 18, or

12:00 to 2:00 pm January 19. Both classes meet at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca. Attendees will explore numerous strategies, techniques, and tools for managing and maximizing their resources.  Information will also be provided about the One-on-One Program available to households who would like individualized instruction. The workshop is free and open to the public. There will be refreshments and door prizes, plus all attendees will be given a money management tool kit. Advanced registration is required and class size is limited.  Call 272-2292 to register.

Houseplants: The Basics. Thursday January 19, 6:30-8:30 pm. Success with indoor plants requires attention to a few simple practices. Tom Weiler of Cornell’s Horticulture Department will discuss how to integrate interior conditions with plant needs, including minimal environmental needs of different plant types, interior light conditions, planting mixes, drainage, watering, fertilizing, and pest management. Class meets at Tompkins County Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca.  Fee: $5.  Pre-registration preferred. Call 272-2292 for more information or to register.

“Fossil Fridays” at the Museum of the Earth. Friday, January 20, 3:30 - 4:30pm. How do we know what dinosaurs looked like? Featuring the art of the current Charles R. Knight exhibit. Explore the history of life through fossils, artwork, videos and other activities. Especially appropriate for children ages 7-11. Offered bi-monthly on Fridays. Museum of the Earth at the Paleontological Research Institution,1259 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca. (607) 273-6623. (http://www.museumoftheearth.org).

Natural History at Noon Lecture Series. Saturday, January 21, “The Feathered Virtuoso: How One Species of Bird has Evolved Violining Wings to Attract Females”, with Dr. Kimberly Bostwick of Cornell University. Museum of the Earth at the Paleontological Research Institution,1259 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca. (607) 273-6623. (http://www.museumoftheearth.org).

Family activities at the Sciencenter. RADIO DAYS FAMILY WORKSHOPS January 21, 9:00 am to noon. Children age 8 and up and their parents can build a crystal radio, detect microwaves from space and join in a hunt to find a hidden transmitter. Cost: $15 for a one-day workshop. To pre-register, call Shannon McSurely, education program manager, at 607-272-0600 ext. 23.

TACTILE TIME, Tuesday, January 24, at 10:30 a.m. A new monthly Curiosity Corner program for toddlers and preschoolders. Play with clay and learn about the world through touch. Tactile Time included with museum admission. More info (http://www.sciencenter.org).

Class in Dervish Whirling begins January 22. The class is located in Danby on Sunday evenings at 5:30 and lasts eight weeks, through March 26. The cost is $11 per class, Ithaca Hours accepted as partial payment. More info 272-0694 or mailto:khadija@whirlingdervish.org.

Money Wise Class to begin January 23 at Alternatives. 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. The Money Wise course is open to IDA participants and community members. Class meets for seven Mondays beginning January 23 (no class 2/20/06), 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm at Alternatives, 125 N. Fulton St. in Ithaca. Cost is determined on a sliding fee scale (HOURS accepted). More info: Chris Cain at 607-273-4611 ext. 845 or mailto:ccain@alternatives.org.

Money Smart Workshop January 24. Tompkins Community Action and USDA, Rural Development will partner to host a FDIC Money Smart Workshop. Money Smart is a training program to help adults outside the financial mainstream enhance their money skills and create positive banking relationships. Class meets Tuesday, January 24th, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Tompkins Community Action. The following topics will be discussed: BORROWING BASICS -Value of Credit; MONEY MATTERS - Benefits of Budgeting; YOUR CREDIT - Credit Reporting; YOUR OWN HOME - Homeownership Readiness. The workshop is free and open to anyone, however, advanced registration is required. Class size is limited. Call Merri Nickerson by January 20 to register, 273-8816 ext. 144. Class includes door prizes and light refreshments.

Smoke-Free Workshop at Women’s Opportunity Center, 315 N. Tioga St, Ithaca. Tuesday January 24, 10:00 – 11:30 am. Are you a smoker considering quitting? Have you tried to quit before? This is a workshop that will address the benefits and challenges of taking this important step. Topics will include: the tobacco-free workplace; are you ready to quit; your smoking habits; a brief overview on stop smoking treatment programs; making positive changes; helpful stop smoking tips; quitting and available resources. Workshop is free but space is limited and registration is required. Child friendly room is available during classes. For more information or to register: 272-1520 or mailto:workshops@womensopportunity.org.

Women’s Opportunity Center offering free computer classes throughout February, including how to manage and use email, job searching on the Internet, and how to use Windows XP. To find out schedule or get more info, call 272-1520 or mailto:workshops@womensopportunity.org.

Parenting: The Hardest Job in the World, a Free Parenting Skills Workshop Series. Join Cathy Gee and Kim Kopko on Wednesdays, Feb 1, 8, 15, March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), 318 Albany St. To register, or for more information, call 272-2292. For free childcare please register by January 20. Sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, co-sponsored by Greater Ithaca Activities Center. Contact: Anna M. Steinkraus, Parenting Education Coordinator, Cornell Cooperative Extension, mailto:ams69@cornell.edu, phone 607-272-2292 ext. 145, fax 272-7088. Or visit
(http://www.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins).

Become a Master Composter. 2006 Master Composter Training Application deadline is Friday, February 3. Class meets ten Thursday evenings, Feb 16 - Apr 27 (no class Mar 23) at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Ave, Ithaca. $40 training deposit, refunded upon completion of volunteer hours. Master Composters are enthusiastic community volunteers that are committed to promoting responsible composting in Tompkins County. The training program covers all aspects of composting, including the basic science, systems and methods for indoor and outdoor composting, troubleshooting, how to assess and use mature compost, and diverse outreach methods. Following completion of the training program, Master Composters give time back to the community in a wide variety of outreach activities and independent projects. To learn more about the program, or to download/request a volunteer application, visit us on the web: (http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins/compost/) or contact Adam Michaelides, Program Manager, at 272-2292 x 124 or mailto:acm1@cornell.edu.

Like to act? The Ithaca Youth Bureau is offering some exciting opportunities for young thespians: Youtheatre: Theater games, improvisation, storytelling, masks, voice and movement games, and expression through music. Class meets at the Youth Bureau. For ages 7-12. Saturdays, 9:30 - 11:30 am February 14th - April 12th (no program Feb 18th & 25th) Fee: $85.00

Contact: Karen Friedeborn, Youth Development Division Coordinator, Ithaca Youth Bureau, mailto:karena@cityofithaca.org.

How to Speak Up for Your Child. A workshop of The Family Resource Network Inc. (http://www.familyrn.org/) This workshop teaches parents how to advocate for their children by knowing their resources and their rights. Parents will learn who is who in the educational setting, how to obtain their child's records, and how to build a team. February 6 (Snow Date February 9) 6:30 - 8:30 pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 615 Willow Ave., Ithaca, NY (Room A). Registration required, and may be limited. Please RSVP by calling 272-2292. Childcare will be provided, but children must be registered by January 20th. This program is co-sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County Parent Education Network / Stone Soup and The Family Resource Center Inc. For more info, mailto:ams69@cornell.edu, or (http://www.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins).

Weekly events at Felicia’s Atomic Lounge, 508 West State Street, Ithaca. Felicia’s Knit-N-Sip every Tuesday from 7pm on. The Knit-N-Sip is a non-traditional knitting group open to anyone who enjoys a good cocktail, and who likes to knit or who wants to learn to knit. Drinking Liberally every Wednesday from 7:30pm on. Drinking Liberally is an informal, inclusive Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a beer. You don’t need to be a policy expert and this isn’t a book club - just come and hang out in an environment where it’s not taboo to talk politics. Hosted by George Sapio. More info 273-2219 or (http://www.atomicloungeithaca.com) or (http://www.drinkingliberally.org).

From Bruce Estes, Managing Editor of the Ithaca Journal, in response to Elizabeth’s editorial from January 4, 2006 (see http://www.ithacanews.org/archive/JAN0601.html):

“Elizabeth: About that editorial…Your review of IJs to just Dec. 24, 2005 was insufficient. It led you to an inaccurate assumption. The NYT story on domestic spying broke on Dec. 16. The IJ carried it on Dec. 17, albeit on page 2A. 

Like a lot of news, the scope of an event is not always known on the first day. That happened with this story – although it quickly became a major story. On the next publishing day for the IJ, Monday, Dec. 19, we carried this lead headline on page 1A: “Bush admits Iraq miscues, pleas for patience.”  The story is on the Bush address to nation of 12-18. On page 1A, the IJ story covers these key points before the jump: Public’s waning support for war; the inaccurate information that led to the invasion; the uproar in Congress over Bush’s conduct of the war; AND, Congressional reaction on Bush’s secret domestic spying program.

Within the 1A story, are boldface reference lines directing readers to two additional stories in that edition: Lawmakers probe spying, 2A; Bush hopes to avoid debate over domestic spying, Analysis, 3A.

Our website did carry more on the emerging story and reaction on Sunday, Dec. 18. Both the website and the IJ have continued to cover the issue.

I understand the need for a news medium to differentiate itself from competitors – and particularly from the dominant medium in a community. That is good and right on many levels. There is plenty of room for traditional and alternative media to serve the public’s interest. However, unless we both seek to report accurately and fairly on events – and each other – we play a dangerous game. 

Reducing the public’s trust in its news media – traditional or alternative – fosters a society that chooses cynicism and resignation about the impact it can have on political or economic power brokers. That is exactly what power brokers of the right and left would like to see happen to news media. The erosion of public trust in news media gives power brokers a much stronger position in which to act. Those actions may not always be in the public’s best interest, but the public will have been trained not to believe its media about the consequences of those actions.”  

Bruce Estes, Managing Editor, The Ithaca Journal.”

---[REPLY]: Hi Bruce, Thanks for your response. I really appreciate it.

Yes, I should have checked back further. That was a mistake on my part, but I also clearly said how far back I checked so that people would know. I’m glad to hear the Journal carried the story of domestic spying, but I’m still somewhat disappointed to know it wasn’t worthy of front page news until President Bush had a defense for it. The slant of the article—as I criticized in my editorial—was that the leak of the domestic spying program is the problem, not the spying itself.

As for the headline on 12/19 about Bush admitting Iraq miscues, that is great but it still does not say anything much about the domestic spying program, which is the coverage I was criticizing in the Journal. If you didn't feel it was a front page story, then that's fine. You're basically saying that despite all the coverage it was getting from other newspapers around the world, the Journal didn't think it was worthy of front page news--not until Bush tried to defend it, anyway.

As for the erosion of public trust in the media—all I can say to that is if the media were trustworthy the public would trust it. There’s just too much evidence pointing the other way. Isn’t it good that people think critically about what’s in their news, whether it comes from the newspaper, the radio, TV, or alternative media outlets like ICN? I don’t believe people have enough healthy skepticism in what they see and hear in the mass media, and I believe we all could use better media literacy skills. 

I don't feel my editorial was off-base. I have been an avid reader (as well as writer for and subscriber) of the Journal for the past 5.5 years, and have observed and analyzed the paper carefully for most of that time. I do appreciate the local coverage of politics and events, and have to hand it to your local reporters, who work hard to get those stories out and tend to do a decent job on them. 

Hi Elizabeth, I want to explore the concept of urban co-housing or communal living in downtown Ithaca.  That is, I’m looking for others interested in joining together to basically share “life” - be it as intentional neighbors, housemates, landowners, apartment dwellers, etc.  I’m wondering if this is already happening to any extent or if anyone out there wants to be a pioneer with my family of four.  Can you put this out on the ICN waves for me?  Responses can go to me at 277-0573 or mailto:wgutman@icsd.k12.ny.us.   Much obliged—Wendy Gutman.

---[REPLY]: Hi Wendy, I am happy to put out the call for urban co-housing. I am interested in this topic, too. Recently, the Ithaca Journal ran a story on how the city is thinking of turning the Southwest area near Wal-Mart into an urban residential neighborhood. See (http://theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060105/NEWS01/601050335/1002). City officials also talked about the possibility of creating a Land Trust or cooperative. If anyone has any more info, or is similarly interested, please CC your ideas to both Wendy and myself at mailto:ebauchne@twcny.rr.com.

Hi Elizabeth, I’d like to remind people to look for Citgo gas. It is possible to live without a car, as many Ithacan families and individuals do, but if you choose to drive, using Citgo is a good choice. It is owned by the Venezuelan government, and what would be corporate profits at other oil companies, Citgo’s profits go to social investment in Venezuela, Cuba, and now Bolivia, as well as Boston and the Bronx. Barbara Lifton recently requested cheap fuel from Venezuela for low income folks here in Tompkins County. It is troubling, though, that Venezuela's Chavez seems intent on major military expenditures.  

Also, doesn't it seem that this time of year, neighborly conversations always get around to property taxes?  As a low-income homeowner in Ithaca, I definitely feel the squeeze. But the US military tax is so much greater, and so corrupt. There are seven of us in my household. We pay about $4-5,000 a year in city and county taxes. By contrast, the military gets $600 billion this year, or $2,000 per person in the country. This sum does not include the war in Iraq, the CIA, nuclear weapons (DOE), and huge interest payments from previous military demands. So for the seven in my household, military taxes amount to more than $14,000 each year, about three times local taxes.   

Military taxes have increased 40% since Bush was selected in 2000, an increase of $5,600 for my household. So the increase alone, again not counting the hundreds of billions for Iraq and other military costs, is more than all local taxes combined. If you get into a conversation with your neighbors, you might want to bring this up. --John Hamilton  

If you're thinking of writing to Ithaca Community News, give in to the temptation. Send emails to: Elizabeth Bauchner, mailto::ebauchne@twcny.rr.com.

Thanks to Homer & Jane at Lightlink, http://www.lightlink.com, for reliable internet services.