The Ithaca Community News (ICN) is a non-profit news service bringing alternative news and views from Ithaca, NY to readers all over the world. ICN is also a weekly email newsletter with more than 8,000 subscribers.
Paul Glover founded ICN in 2000 and published it for five years before handing the reins to Elizabeth Field, a freelance journalist, in November, 2005.
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In this issue:
Ithaca Community News is a free, weekly newsletter that zooms to your inbox every Wednesday. To unsubscribe, send a blank email to elizabeth@ithacanews.org with "Unsubscribe ICN" in the subject heading. Editor and Publisher: Elizabeth Bauchner. Founded by
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NOT OFFICIALLY NEWS
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The Wisdom of the Hill
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ICN NEWS
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ICN to cease publishing
Dear Readers,
Next week's issue, February 7, will be the last ICN newsletter. I'd thought that by now ICN would be a self-sustaining business, but in fact the opposite has come true. I've gone into debt to cover business expenses and depleted my own savings to support myself and kids for the past 16 months.
I want to thank all of you who have offered financial support to keep this going, whether through donations, trades, or advertising, and I’m very sorry to have to announce this. On the other hand, I'm excited about moving forward. I’m looking for a job as a writer, editor or other communications person. I could also see myself working in a local non-profit. If anyone has a need for a hard worker with excellent editing and writing skills, knowledge of various kinds of software applications, and devotion to advocacy, please contact me.
In the meantime, the ICN site will stay up for an indeterminate amount of time. The articles and past newsletters are archived, and readers from around the globe will continue to see what an amazing community we have here in Ithaca.
Even though I won't be publishing ICN anymore, you can rest assured that I will continue to fight for what's right, to stand up for the rights of the oppressed and marginalized, and to support alternative media. I'm so happy and proud to have been able to report on what you all are doing, and blessed to be part of such a thoughtful, activist community.
Thanks again for all your support over the past 16 months. Stay in touch!
---Elizabeth
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CORRECTION to last issue:
In the January 24 issue, I ran the following announcement for Compos
"Come to a volunteer gathering for Compos
Paula Winner's correct address is 1113 East Shore Drive, NOT 113 East Shore Drive.
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NEWSLETTER SPONSOR. TCAT's Spring Youth Pass, a lanyard to hook onto backpacks or belt loops, is now available. For just $30, kids and teens from age 6 to 17, or until graduation from high school, can ride any TCAT bus route, anytime, from February 1 to June 30. Self-reliance for kids, less driving for parents. Call 277-RIDE or visit http://www.tcatbus.com.
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NEWSLETTER SPONSOR. At the ITHACA BAKERY and COLLEGETOWN BAGELS, we feed customers more than food. Independent and family-owned, we are in and of
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR AD HERE?
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THANKS TO THE DONORS WHO HAVE DONATED IN THE PAST.
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ITHACA LABOR NEWS
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Ithaca Health Alliance Receives $48,000 Grant for Free Clinic
Social Ventures, Inc./Ithaca Health Alliance has received a grant of $48,000 from the New York State Health Foundation to expand services at the Ithaca Free Clinic. The Ithaca Health Alliance plans to expand hours at the Ithaca Free Clinic, train more volunteers, and increase specialty care such as the pediatric clinic for disadvantaged children.
To read more about what the Ithaca Free Clinic offers, see the ICN article from a few weeks ago: http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=169.
The Ithaca Free Clinic is also having a benefit concert this Saturday, February 3, 8:00 pm. at the State Theatre with the Sim Redmond Band, Trevor McDonald, the Horseflies, and Thousands of One.
More info: http://ithacahealth.org/clinic.htm.
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ITHACA SUSTAINABILITY
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LACS Needs Help with Bio-Diesel Bus
The Lehman Alternative Community School has recently acquired a bus they plan to convert to bio-diesel for school field trips. They secured a grant from the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) to work with Ithaca-Bio Diesel on the conversion and on educating younger students about alternative fuels and sustainability.
However, the transmission died and they need it rebuilt or replaced. They either need to raise about $1,000 to rebuild the transmission, or find a mechanic who can donate some of his or her time to work on the vehicle. Jon Raimon, who heads the LACS service class, takes his students to the Akwesasne Freedom School every May so they can work together on some kind of major project for the school.
If you can donate, please make check out to "LACS" and note bus in the memo section, and send it to: LACS, c/o Jon Raimon (bus), 111 Chestnut St., Ithaca, NY 14850.
More info: Jon Raimon, 274-2126, jraimon@twcny.rr.com.
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Ithaca Think Do Tank to hold first meeting of 2007
Thursday, February 1, Korova (bar on the Commons), 7:00 pm. The Think Do Tank is a group of environmentally-minded individuals who brainstorm ideas that we then put into action. Projects we have undertaken thus far include building clotheslines at cost for community members, providing waste reduction education at Musefest, sustainability happy hour, creating a sustainability bulletin board for the Commons and more. All are invited to attend and are encouraged to bring friends as well as ideas. More info: Kat Lennon, Lennon_kat@hotmail.com, http://thinkdotank.googlepages.com/.
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Biologist Jason Hamilton Speaks on Sustainability at Public Library
Was our balmy December weather really caused by global warming? Can insulating the attic or carpooling to work really make any difference in the fate of the earth? Join Ithaca College Biology Professor Jason Hamilton for a lively and candid discussion of "Sustainability: News from the Front," on Tuesday, February 6, at the Tompkins County Public Library, 7:00 pm.
Professor Hamilton presents accurate, up-to-the minute scientific findings, clearly and in plain English. If you are concerned about global warming, rising energy costs, and what the future holds for all of us, this talk is for you. Everyone is welcome at this engaging, interactive discussion of the state of the planet and what we can do about it. More info: Valerie Rockney, 272-4921 ex 219, vrockney@tcpl.org
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Share a Soul Food Dinner with Your Neighbors and find out where to get fresh, healthy foods in your neighborhood.
On Thursday, February 8, Sustainable Tompkins and other sponsoring organizations will host a free meal for all at GIAC, 318 North Albany Street, from 6:00-8:00 pm. Catering businesses owned by people of color will prepare the meal, with food provided by GreenStar Cooperative Market. Come learn about programs that subsidize fresh produce from local farms with convenient pick-up locations, provide free dinners to youth at GIAC, start gardens next to food pantry locations, and connect the dots between racism, oppression and access to food.
Presenters include Pastor Ronald Benson from the First Baptized Church, Jhakeem Haltom from the Race Liberation Alliance, and Liz Karabinakis from GreenStar. The evening's program is co-sponsored by GIAC, the People's Garden Project, Just Sustainability Initiative, First Baptized Church of Jesus Christ, the Race Liberation Alliance, Cooperative Extension and GreenStar. More info: Elan Shapiro, Just Sustainability initiative, 275-0249.
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News from Cornell Chronicle online
World oil production could delay its peak 'way ahead into the future'
Professor Muawia Barazangi says peak oil production in the Middle East could be delayed if oil companies would invest more heavily in drilling and extraction technologies and push to explore new sites: http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/Jan07/barazangi.oil.aj.html
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ITHACA WAR AND PEACE REPORT
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MoveOn "Mandate for Change" local council meeting
Thursday February 8, 9 Oak Brook Drive, Varna, 7:00 pm. The focus will be communicating with Congress on issues such as getting out of Iraq, stopping global warming, restoring democracy, and promoting health care for all and clean energy. For details and rides, or to be notified of future meetings, email mpitzrick@gmail.com.
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Take Back the Night 2007 Collective is now forming
Take Back the Night (TBTN) is an international rally and march organized in local communities with the purpose of unifying women, men, and children in an awareness of violence against women, children and families.
Tompkins County TBTN is a collaboration of community and campus to take a stand against violence and make the night safe for everyone. This important event is a way for people in Tompkins County to come together in a collective voice and demand the right to live without fear of violence.
Meetings for the TBTN Collective, which acts as an advisory committee, begin February 6. They are seeking Collective members who reflect the diversity of our community. If you are interested in being a part of the Collective, or if you want more info, contact Patty at the Advocacy Center 277-3203, or email takebackthenight2007@hotmail.com.
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FEATURED EVENTS
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Now on the web! Check out our events calendar:
http://ithacanews.org/events.htm?catID=1.
Just some of the newer listings: Cornell Cinema movies, Cornell concert, Black History month events, Ithaca Free Clinic benefit show, Peace Potluck, and more. Don't miss out! Calendar is live, same format as newsletter, updated almost daily, and searchable.
To submit an event listing: http://ithacanews.org/contactpr.htm.
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CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
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LGBT Democratic Club Meeting TONIGHT
The LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Democratic Club of Tompkins County will be holding their Annual Meeting tonight, Wednesday, January 31, at the Tompkins County Human Services Building, 320 W. State St., Ithaca, from 7:00-9:00 pm. Current and new members welcome. Goals for 2007 will be set and officers elected. The LGBT Democratic Club is the only LGBT organization in Tompkins County committed to engagement in the electoral process as a means to achieve full equality for the LGBT community. Your participation is welcome. More info: Pat Pryor, plp3@twcny.rr.com.
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Vegan Parents Group Meets Monthly
If you’re a vegan parent committed to raising vegan kids in the Ithaca area, join us for monthly potlucks, playgroups, resource sharing, holiday activities, etc. Parents of kids of all ages (including unborn!) from all types of families are welcome. We also welcome parents looking for advice and support (and recipes!) while transitioning their families to veganism. We’re currently holding potlucks on the last Saturday of each month. For more information, please contact Kristie: 539-7373, siki@frontiernet.net, or join our listserv at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ithacaveganparents.
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The Tompkins County Public Library to Re-Open on Sundays
The Board of Trustees announced recently that the library will re-open on Sundays from 1:00–5:00 pm. starting on February 4. The announcement followed the news that Vector Magnetics had made a significant contribution to the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation, which was to be used at the discretion of the library board.
Sunday hours will be in effect from February 4 through May 20 and again from September 9 through December 16.
More info: http://tcpl.org/
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Out Loud Chorus Seeks New Members
Out Loud Chorus would like to invite any interested singers to join their rehearsal this Thursday, February 1, at Risley Hall's Practice Room (Cornell Campus) on the lower level, 7:00 pm. You can just observe, or join in if you're so inclined. We are open to anyone over 18, of any sexual orientation or gender expression.
No auditions, no pressure, no need to know how to read music. If you love to sing, they would love to have you. They sing show tunes, cartoon covers, gospel, movie tracks, pop songs. All of the music is powerful, soulful, and uplifting. It conveys a message of hope, unity, respect and tolerance of each other, and of our planet. More info: call 607-280-0374 for directions and parking, or http://www.outloudchorus.org.
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Resource on the recommendation to close Lakeside
Interested in knowing more about the Berger Commission recommendation to close Lakeside? The Human Services Coalition has posted information on its web site. It includes the actual text of the recommendation, links to the whole report, and a chart with numbers of nursing home beds and the impact of the recommendation. Resolutions in support of Lakeside by the Tompkins County Legislature and City of Ithaca Common Council are also posted. http://www.hsctc.org.
It is not too late to comment on the proposal. Links to elected representatives are on the site, and comments can be sent to Betty Falcão, Director of the Health Planning Council, at 607-273-8686 or eaf6@cornell.edu.
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CLASSES, LECTURES, SUPPORT GROUPS
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Now on the web! Check out listings for cool classes, lectures and more:
http://ithacanews.org/events.htm?catID=8. Just some of the newer listings: Intro to Chair Yoga, Beginning Swahili, Health Talks, and more.
To submit a class listing: http://ithacanews.org/contactpr.htm.
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YOUR LETTERS
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Is anyone else interested in seeing real and substantial things happening in Ithaca which would deal with environmental and global-warming problems? My two major pet ideas are:
1) Major increased housing capacity inside the City of Ithaca limits (or very nearby perhaps) as the better alternative to the steady suburban sprawl which continues all the time.
2.) Some industrial-scale use of wood for either heating or combined electricity generation and heating (called either cogeneration or CHP for 'Combined Heat and Power') fed by all the trees, branches and other brush that is trimmed in our area every year.
Obviously, these are things which require action by large players such as local government, the school system, or the colleges.
---Paul Sayvetz, sayvetz@yahoo.com.