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.

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ICN Newsletter Archive

April 12, 2006

April 12, 2006
 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. Editor and Publisher: Elizabeth Bauchner. Founded by Paul Glover.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS TO NEXT ISSUE:
Monday, April 24, 12:00 pm.

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NOT OFFICIALLY NEWS
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Ithaca-style beer: Partly Sunny.
http://www.ithacabeer.com/brews_seasonal.html
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Once upon a time: Express trains from Ithaca to New York City. The Black Diamond, the Star, the Maple Leaf. http://www.lvrrmodeler.net/passenger%20trains.htm
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Outrageous Inspirations brought to you by Positive News Newspaper:

BLISSED OUT VOLUNTEERS. In his book "The Healing Power of Doing Good," Allan Luks reports that people who spend as little as two hours a week volunteering to help others experience "helper's high" that produces lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, less stress, and less tension. As a bonus, Luks found, they also enjoy "a big boost in self-esteem". Luks theorizes that "doing good deeds triggers the body to release endorphins - pain-killing, mood elevating hormones."

Why not become a volunteer in Ithaca? Here are some friendly organizations which could use your help: Books Through Bars, CRESP, and more, listed throughout this newsletter.
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A Cornell University astronomer, Rachel Bean, is using new data on cosmic microwave background radiation to visualize what happened in the first two-trillionths of a second after the big bang and to try to explain the 'dark energy' that is making the universe expand faster than expected: http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/March06/Bean.CMB.ws.html

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ICN NEWS
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If you haven’t seen the new web site yet, surf on over: http://www.ithacanews.org.

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What’s new on the ICN web site:

*Bookery II to re-open April 17:
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=44

*Community Profile: Pamela Moss, Portrait of an Artist:
http://ithacanews.org/profiles.htm?newsID=42.

*Forum on Equity Addresses Racism in ICSD schools:
http://www.ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=43.

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Last month's poll: How often do you use Ithaca HOURS?
Received 42 votes by Tuesday, April 10. Results:
Everyday: 2 votes
Weekly: 1
Monthly: 2
Once in a while: 13
Never: 18
What are Ithaca HOURS?: 6

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This month's poll: Should Ithaca have allowed Starbucks to open downtown? Cast your vote: http://www.ithacanews.org.

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EDITORIAL: Forget the "Bling"
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On one of the several listservs I subscribe to here in Ithaca, there’s an interesting discussion going on regarding a study about the energy usage of hybrid cars versus SUVs. The study originally sparked a debate about the efficacy of statistics, which, as a journalist, I am all too familiar with. Give me any idea, almost no matter how inane, and I could probably come up with a study that “proves” its inherent value.

Not that I am going to do that. No, the discussion took a turn when people started comparing conservation efforts to technological advances that attempt to make our lifestyles more “sustainable,” and then someone posed the question, “Are we trying to figure out how to continue our current lifestyle for as long as possible, or are we trying to figure out how to live a sustainable lifestyle?”

Given that we are on the verge of—and some would argue have already reached—“peak oil,” there is going to come a time when our lifestyles will have to change, for better or for worse. But how that change will occur—whether it’s voluntary or whether it happens catastrophically or is somewhere in between—remains to be seen.

I opened the Ithaca Journal this morning, April 11, to find a story entitled, “Baby’s Got Bling.” It’s about the trend of parents today to spend a fortune on their kids outfitting their babies in designer clothes and redecorating their rooms with expensive furniture. These are not just wealthy parents, but middle class parents. I’ve been well aware of this “trend” since I had my first child almost fifteen years ago, and I still find it disheartening to read about parents who seem so disconnected from how our consumption habits affect the world, from environmental degradation and labor rights, to the connection between oil consumption and endless war.

Still, there is no easy answer. We are dependent on oil for so many things: heat, transportation, food, and medicine, just to name a few necessities. The majority of people continue to want to bear children, but there’s no ecologically sound way to raise more Americans. While we comprise only five percent of the world population, we consume at least twenty-five percent of its resources.

We will eventually run out of oil, and before we do, it’s not going to come cheap. I don’t have to be cynical to imagine frightening scenarios involving food and medicine shortages, angry mobs of rioters, or the institution of Martial Law (after all, didn’t we just see that after Katrina?), and that’s just on the home front. President Bush still believes in endless war, and as long as the Middle East sits on all that oil—well that’s where our weapons and our soldiers will go.

Still, I feel I have no choice but to keep plugging away at the things I can do. I can drive less, and maybe someday not drive at all. I can teach my kids about conservation. I can plant a few seeds, and see what volunteers crop up. The way I see it, there’s just no other option. I don’t want to feel hopeless, and I don’t want to live in fear. The problems may be hard to solve, but we don’t have to keep existing as though our way of life will continue forevermore. Our babies don’t have “bling.” They have a finite amount of resources. Let’s not wait for catastrophe to change the way we live.

Check out http://www.preparedtompkins.org for ideas and resources.

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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 Ithaca. Ithaca’s diverse, fluid population — folks from all over America and the world
beyond — stops by at our counters. Our six locations serve all kinds of customers — our favorite people! — who enjoy an abounding array of tempting, top-quality food, ranging from international cheeses; ever-evolving entrees, soups and salads; irresistible pastries and cookies; to outstanding artisan breads and the best coffee and bagels you can buy. To find out about all we have to offer, visit our Web site
http://www.ithacabakery.com.

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NEWSLETTER SPONSOR. New York Chiropractic College sets itself apart from the ordinary in every aspect--from our high academic standards and expanded educational offerings to the significant advances we've achieved in research. Our emphasis on academic preparation and clinical training allows graduates to realize their success in traditional solo practices or within the emerging variety of integrated healthcare systems. Click on the following link http://www.nycc.edu to find out more about our Doctor of Chiropractic program or our Masters degree programs in acupuncture & Oriental Medicine and Applied Clinical Nutrition.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR AD HERE? Ithaca Community News accepts advertisements from local businesses who meet our advertising guidelines:
http://www.ithacanews.org/adpolicy.htm. Reach over 8,000 subscribers who share your values!

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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.

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ITHACA LABOR NEWS
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Tenant/Landlord Rights and Responsibilities will be the topic of Cornell Cooperative Extension's Monthly Consumer Issues Program on April 19 at 11:00 am. Mike Danaher, New York State Assistant Attorney General, will discuss such issues as how a well written lease protects both the tenant and the landlord, how security deposits are managed, when and how evictions occur, and what to do when needed repairs
are not done. Following the presentation participants will  have the opportunity to consult individually with Attorney Danaher. Individuals interested in a consultation must arrive by 12:30 pm. For more information call the Consumer HelpLine at 272-2292. Cornell Cooperative Extension is located at 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca.

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Sander Hicks, Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate, to speak at the Workers' Rights Center April 21, 7:00-9:00 pm. Hicks is an energetic activist, writer/publisher, and
community worker. He will be sharing/exchanging ideas on how to build a political mass movement. Holley Anderson, his partner, will open with some great acoustic guitar, and, Andrew Laties, author of Rebel Bookseller: How to Improvise Your Own Indie Store and Beat Back the Chains, will also be on hand. Refreshments. Free. The Workers' Rights Center is located above Autumn Leaves Used Books, 115 the Commons.

More information on Hicks: http://www.hicksforsenate.com

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Bruce McDonald, a local restaurateur and father of four, is facing deportation for charges related to possession of a weapon and possession of marijuana and cocaine. Those arrests happened years ago, and he's served time and been cleared of most charges. His story with the criminal justice system is a long one, but deportation is not the answer. He is the father to four US citizens, with a fifth child on the way. He is a hard worker and volunteer in the Ithaca community. The Department of Homeland Security seems to be pushing his deportation to Jamaica with unabashed vigor and unusual aggression. But, we can all help by writing letters to the US government letting them know that the Ithaca community stands behind Bruce and that we will not benefit from his deportation. Letters can be sent to:

Chief Counsel James W. Grable
Department of Homeland Security
130 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, NY. 14202

Letters should request that the DHS exercise its prosecutorial discretion and stop litigating this case. Talking points for the letter can include: Bruce is an asset to our community and deserves to stay in the US where he has lived for thirty years; Bruce has not had any problems with the law since 1999; It is not in society's best interest to
separate children from their father.

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Ithaca Health Alliance BOARD MEMBERS NEEDED!Don't miss this golden opportunity to help determine the course of an exciting local organization. Board members come from a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives, from health to photography to education. The board meets monthly to discuss new and expanded benefits for members, and deals with legal issues and public relations. It also speaks to the media and listens to members' concerns. Each board member is asked to attend a monthly committee meeting. More info: http://www.ithacahealth.org, office@ithacahealth.org, or (607) 330-1253.

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April 17, Grand Re-Opening of Bookery II, with a special celebration between 5:00-7:00 pm. Ithaca is fortunate to have this lovely, downtown, independent bookstore. Please support local businesses by patronizing them as often as possible. And check out the newly remodeled store on April 17!

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Study recently published on work-life imbalance of parents who make hourly wages: "One Sick Child Away from Being Fired: When Opting Out is not an Option," by Joan Williams, Professor of Law and fouding Director of Work Life Law:
http://www.uchastings.edu/site_files/WLL/onesickchild.pdf.

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ITHACA SUSTAINABILITY
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For teens: Environmental Summer Camps:
http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/education/edcamps.html.

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The People's Garden Project will be co-hosting a work and learning opportunity aimed at strengthening community bonds and growing great organic foods on April 15 from
9:00 am-4:00 pm. They will be hosting a workday at the First Baptist Church of Jesus Christ on the 400 block of First Street across from P&C. Help get the garden in shape for the growing season and do some planting of spring crops. Contact Josh Dolan: rainbowwarrior14874@yahoo.com.

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Buy Local Food Campaign for Tompkins County, next meeting  April 19, 6:30-8:30 pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension. 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 272-2292 or lsg8@cornell.edu.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 22. Earth Day at the MUSEUM OF THE EARTH. http://www.museumoftheearth.org.

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The 9th Annual Ithaca Earth Day Celebration will be held on Sunday April 23, from 12:00 to 5:00 pm at the Ithaca Farmer's Market Pavilion off of Route 13. This year's festival features over 40 exhibitors, musicians and artists providing insights, inspirations and how-to's for environmentally sustainable lifestyles. The week leading up to Earth Day will kick off with the City of Ithaca flying the Earth Flag on top of City Hall.

Educational activities and fun for the whole family include a talk on children's gardens by Lynne Cherry, a popular children's book author and conservationist. Also, the ReImagine Fashion Show is at 2:00, displaying the winners of the eco-chic fashion contest. By encouraging the creation of new, original, and fashionable apparel made from re-used garments or other materials, the contest promotes earth-friendly alternatives to the more negative aspects of the conventional fashion industry, http://www.reimaginestyle.com.

Also this year, the annual Compost Fair will be held in conjunction with the Ithaca Earth Day. For the 12th year in a row, Master Composters will be sponsoring the Compost Fair to demonstrate how to compost and answer questions. In addition to free information, brochures and demonstrations, the Compost Fair will feature games, displays, and contests for kids. For more info about the Compost Fair or about composting, contact Adam Michaelides at the "Rotline" (607) 272-2292, acm1@cornell.edu or http://www.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins/compost.

Music will include Crow Weaver, Jalamyst, the One Heart Community Drum Circle and local belly dancers.

The entire event is free and open to the public. More info: Joey Diana Gates at 607-351-0664 or earthdayithaca@yahoo.com.

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ITHACA WAR AND PEACE REPORT
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Ithaca group of Amnesty International meets third Tuesday of every month. Next meeting: April 18, 7:30 pm at Cornell’s Kahin Center, 640 Stewart Ave. Everyone is welcome to come and find out they we do for human rights. Info: 273-3009, 227-3471, or cba9@cornell.edu.

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ON VOTING ISSUES: The Ithaca Town Board has adopted a resolution supporting use of optical scan voting machines, in part because they leave an auditable paper trail.
Meanwhile, Common Cause has come up with a plan to secure all voting machines, and MoveOn is asking for help to fund this effort.

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Dan Berrigan on the lack of fairness in the trial of the Saint Patrick's Four, while speaking at Cornell: "You cannnot have a system upholding justice when you're killing
people in other parts of the world."

Berrigan also said, on war, "Uncle Sam wants you: your money, your son, your daughter, or at least your silence."

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FEATURED EVENTS
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Panel discussion on premiere screening of THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN, Cinemapolis, Friday April 14, 7:15 pm, to benefit low-income CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares. The event is sponsored by NWAEG (New World
Agriculture and Ecology Group), Seventh Art and the Full Plate Farm Collective. There will be an open panel discussion with farmers and others after the movie. All donations from this event will go directly to subsidizing low income CSA shares to families in need. Good Food for All! More info:
http://www.cinemapolis.com/home.asp?thisdate=4/17/2006#328.

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Jalamyst to play at the Finger Lakes School of Massage, April 14, 8:00pm to midnight. Trumansburg Road, Rt. 96 (before the Hospital if you're coming from Ithaca) $4.00 donation, Free for FLSM Students, Staff, Faculty, Alumni.

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Next Bound for Glory concerts: DANA "SHORT ORDER" COOKE AND HIS BAND JOE April 16, and HOWIE BURSEN, JEFF DAVIS, MARTIN GROSSWENDT AND JOHN BAILEY, April 23. 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 pds10@cornell.edu.

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LATIN DANCE PARTIES: April 13 and 18. Common Ground, 1230 Danby Road (Rt. 96B), 9:00 pm. 18 and up, $5 cover on the 13th, no cover on the 18th.

ALSO, Saturday, April 22, "Latin Night at the Barn" is a benefit for Ithaca’s Sister Community in Cajibio, Colombia. Big Red Barn (Cornell campus) 9:00 pm-1:00 am, with a free dance lesson at 9:00. Donations warmly accepted to support the community of Cajibio. More info: Michael Ristorucci, 227-8959, mlr24@cornell.edu, or http://www.salsaamigos.com.

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Ecovillage Community Concert Series: Acoustic duo Littlewheel. Friday, April 14, 7:30 pm at EcoVillage Common House. Requested Donation: Adults $10, Children 12-16, $5, Under 12 Free. More info: Jody, 272-0968 or wildwmn@lightlink.com.

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Good Friday Fish Fry at the Newfield United Methodist ChurchFriday, April 14, 5:00-7:00 pm. (or until sold out) $9.00, Seniors $8.00, Children $5.00. Also, bake sale same day at Tioga State Bank on Main Street in Newfield. 9-2:00.

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RAW FOOD POTLUCK Sunday, April 16 (third Sunday every month) 5:30 pm at the Wabasabi Palace-Beach Level Suite (213 First Street, first floor, side entrance). Bring a "Raw/Vegan" dish to pass (enough for your party and to share). Need ideas? Go to http://www.rawfoods.com/recipes. Contact: Robert, 277-1755, or robertanthonyhubbell@hotmail.com.

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Cornell Cinema presents 'Performing Race on Screen' on Mondays in April, with five films from the 1920s and 1930s featuring internationally famous performers of color Paul Robeson, Anna May Wong and Josephine Baker. Full schedule: http://cinema.cornell.edu/series/raceonscreen.html.

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The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art Presents: Afterburn-Willie Cole: Selected Works 1997-2004 April 8-May 28. African-American artist Willie Cole transforms
discarded domestic items and electronic gadgets into sculptures that refer to African art and mythology. As an artist who works in industrial New Jersey, he finds
his battered materials, with their obvious traces of use, close by. He adds to these objects the legacy of his African ancestry and his knowledge of African art and world religions.Thursday, April 20 Willie Cole will speak about his work at 5:15 pm. More info: http://www.museum.cornell.edu.

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STORYTIME PRESENTED BY PANHELLENIC WOMEN’S ASSOCIATIONThe Panhellenic Association will be hosting a storytime for all ages at the Tompkins County Public Library, Borg Warner Room, on April 20th at 11:00 am to 12:00. There will be a corresponding craft to tie in with the program theme.

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Benefit event for low-income CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares will be at the Lost Dog Lounge on Thursday, April 20 8:30 pm, featuring Kevin Kinsella of John Browns Body and Five2, with Top Rank Sound System.More info on the Full Plate Farm Collective and helping low income households with CSA shares: http://www.fullplatefarms.org

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INTER ACT ION an Exhibition of Interactive Art curated by Pete Rush will be on display at Tompkins County Public Library April 4-June 30. An Opening Reception featuring a special workshop with expressive artist Armelle LeFebvretakes place from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday April 20. More info: http://www.tcpl.org/exhibits/index.html, or Sally Grubb at
272-4557 ext 232.

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CSMA offers ARTSBREAK, a week of art, music, dance and theatre activities from 9:00-3:00 April 17-21. For children ages 6-10. CSMA is located at 330 E. State St, Ithaca.

Ithaca Community Poets Reading, April 22, 3:30-5:00 pm:Join area writers for readings of poetry and fiction in CSMA's first floor gallery. There are opportunities to share brief selections of your own work. Free and open to the public.

More info on ARTSBREAK or poetry reading: 272-1474 or http://www.csma-ithaca.org/.

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Legacy of Activism at Cornell: Photography exhibit in the Willard Straight Hall Browsing Library, April 10-22, and an Activist Film Night, April 17, with three films by Cornell students and faculty members: "Straight '69," "Guantanamo" and "Showdown at Redbud Woods," followed by a panel with the filmmakers and James Turner, Africana studies professor.

Also, on April 22, a conference in Lewis Auditorium, Goldwin Smith Hall, will offer panel discussions on the divestment movement of the 1980s and the future of activism. The
conference will be followed by and will include an evening concert with local jazz, rock, gospel, hip-hop and folk artists.

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‘Crossing Borders’ Live Radio broadcast April 22. Crossing Borders is a multi-cultural concert series broadcast live on WVBR, 93.5FM, 8:00 to 10:00 pm every Saturday, from the Carriage House Cafe at 305 Stewart Avenue, Ithaca. Fee. For more info:
http://www.Crossingborderslive.org or Crossingborderslive@yahoo.com.

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THE ISRAELI/PALESTINIAN CONFLICT IN PERSPECTIVE, April 23 4:00 pm. Join Prof. Ross Brann, Chair of Cornell's Department of Near East Studies in this important discussion. The Israeli election and the success of Hamas in the Palestinian election leave many of us wondering, "What next? What are the prospects for peace given these recent developments?" The Social Action Committee of Congregation Tikkun V'Or is sponsoring the event at the temple, Triphammer Rd. at Burdick Hill Road, Lansing.

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Ithaca Hunger Banquet: April 24 6:30 pm in the Terrace Restaurant in the Statler Hotel. Tickets are $8 each and will benefit the Tompkins County WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program. Tickets can be purchased at the Willard Straight Box Office on Cornell's campus and also can be purchased the night of the event.

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Ithaca Health Alliance Wellness Workshop: Acupressure and Health with Cat Berry. April 25, 7:00-9:00 pm at the Ithaca Free Clinic, 225 S. Fulton Street, Suite B, Ithaca.

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Dances of peace for families: May 6, Foundation of Light, 6:00-6:45 pm. At least 12 participants are needed for this to happen, so at least 4-5 families. Please RSVP Dalya Tamir 272-0367. Suggested donation for the family dances is $10-15 per family.

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CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Are you interested in taking a stand against accepting donations from the tobacco industry? The Advisory Board of the Health Planning Council (HPC) adopted a policy stating that they will not accept any funding or donations from the tobacco industry, including for example, Marlboro maker, Altria and Skoal maker, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco.

Why say “No Thanks”? Any philanthropic activities undertaken by the tobacco industry are dependent on the sale and use of tobacco products; this is contrary both to the mission of the Health Planning Council and to the social and economic health of our community. In adopting this policy the HPC Board is recognizing the burden of tobacco use on public health, and that every step taken to diminish the presence of tobacco in the social environment will contribute to long term public health benefits.

The policy to decline tobacco industry charity adopted by the HPC board was introduced through an initiative of Tobacco Free Tompkins (TFT), a partnership of community organizations and individuals of which HPC is a member. The TFT initiative is the “No Thanks” campaign, by which nonprofits say “no thanks” to tobacco industry involvement in the community. Family & Children’s Services of Ithaca adopted a No Thanks policy in December 2005.

The HPC invites all Tompkins County nonprofits involved in human services, health care, or activities for children to learn about and become involved in the No Thanks campaign. More info: http://www.tompkins-co.org/wellness/tobaccofree/asp/ntc.htm.

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Anti-gay groups are reigniting the battle in the Senate over the so-called Marriage Protection Amendment. The amendment should be moving through the Senate in May and could go up for a vote in early June. The Human Rights Campaign is asking fair-minded Americans everywhere to speak out against this blatant attempt to restrict the rights and liberties of GLBT Americans. Take action today to let your Senators know that you oppose any attempts to use Congress and the Constitution to harm same-sex couples and their children. Click here to take action now:
http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/mpa4061?rk=9dwfMtK1OzrpW

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Medicare Part D Enrollment Deadline is a month away. If you have questions about Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), or if you need help choosing a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, or if you are wondering whether you even need one, come to a MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG CLINIC at Lifelong, 119 West Court Street, Ithaca. Trained volunteer Counselors will provide you with one-on-one assistance. These clinics are offered on a first come, first serve basis. No appointments. PLEASE bring
the following information with you to the Clinic: A complete list of the drugs you take, with exact dose amounts and frequency; What you pay now for your drugs; The name of your pharmacy; Your Medicare Card; and Information about any health insurance plans you have now, including premium and deductible amounts. If someone assists you with your health care decisions, you may want to ask them to come with you. The next clinics are scheduled for: Thursday, April 13, 2:00-4:00 pm; Thursday, April 20, 2:00-4:00 pm; Friday, April 28, 10 to noon; Friday, May 5, 10 to noon; Friday, May 12, 10 to noon; Friday, May 19, 10 to noon. Questions? Call Lifelong, 273-1511.

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Send your spring cleaning to FreebayForUs.org. Freebay is a web site where ICSD employees can request items they want and community members can offer items they no longer need. While doing your spring cleaning, remember that some school district employee may want what you are throwing away! To donate your items, please go to
http://www.freebayforus.org and hit the “offer” icon. While you are at the site, take a look at the “requests” and see if there is something a teacher wants that you may have.

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Nominations for the 2006 Senior Citizen of the Year Award and Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen Award are due April 20. The Senior Citizen of the Year Award is granted to a senior citizen who has tirelessly advocated
on behalf of seniors within their communities. The Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen Award is presented to a senior citizen who has made a distinctive
contribution to the community. Winners of both awards will be honored at the Office for the Aging’s Annual Luncheon on May 22. Nominations should be in the form of a letter, including contact information for both the nominator and the nominee, and should include activities, achievements, and the reasons that the senior should receive the award. Nominations should be sent to the Tompkins County Office for the Aging, 320 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850, fax, 274-5495, or kschickel@tompkins-co.org. More info: Tompkins County Office for the Aging, 274-5482.

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Call for Performers: Performers needed for a 4 minute music piece that includes dance, large puppets, and costumes. Performance will take place at the East Haven High School in East Haven, CT on May 7. Two rehearsals in downtown Ithaca at 213 First St: April 30, 6:00-8:00 pm and May 2 6:00-8:00 pm. The performance will be part of a regional variety show to benefit St Jude Children’s Hospital.

Performers will receive travel expenses for carpooling to Connecticut and lunch upon arrival in Connecticut. Basic accommodations can be provided if an overnight is desired. Also, a show wide pizza party will be provided for after the show. Contact Robert: 277-1755, or robertanthonyhubbell@hotmail.com.

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OAR Volunteer Training Rescheduled for April 29 & May 6. OAR is seeking applicants for one-on-one mentors for inmates at the Tompkins County Jail. Mentors serve as
sounding boards for inmates, helping them set realistic educational, career, or other goals, encouraging exploration of options, and providing positive reinforcement. The required 12-hour training will be held April 29, 9:00 am-3:00 pm and May 6, 9:00 am-3:00 pm at the OAR office, 518 West Seneca St, 2nd Floor. Please bring a picture ID to the first session. After attending the jail's "Professional Vistors' Orientation,"
mentors will be paired with an inmate at the Tompkins County Jail for one one-hour visit per week. Interested parties must contact the OAR Outreach Coordinator ASAP at 272-7885 or oarvolunteer@hotmail.com.

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The Ithaca Community Orchestra is seeking more string players, especially violinists, and a bassoonist. No auditions. The orchestra rehearses every Wednesday evening, except during summer months, at 7:30 pm at the Lakeside Nursing Home, near the Hospital. Two downtown concerts are planned for May and early June. For information, contact Cayenna Ponchione, music director, cayenna@ConnecticutHillMusic.com or 594-4981 or Janet Wagner at JanetRwagner@MSN.com or 257-4616.

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Volunteer Tutors Needed. Tompkins Learning Partners, Inc. (formerly Literacy Volunteers) is seeking volunteer tutors to provide support to adults who want to improve basic reading, writing, or math skills, English language acquisition skills, or
learning for U.S. citizenship. A Volunteer Orientation Session will be held Saturday, April 29 from 9:00 am-12:00 pm at Lifelong, 119 W. Court St. Walk-ins are
welcome, although pre-registration is suggested. Participants will be presented with an overview of both Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and will have an opportunity to define their volunteer commitment.
ABE and ESL new tutor training will be offered in early May to prospective tutors who attend orientation.Tutors generally commit to at least two meeting hours per week for one academic year. Volunteers may also provide computer lab coverage, be telephone conversation partners with people from other countries, or assist with special events. To pre-register, call 277-6442.

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Significant Elements will revive its popular "FREE FRIDAY" on April 21, a monthly event during nice weather in which various items are selected from stock to be given away at no charge. Due to the amount of donations flowing in, the program will be giving away a selection of doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, lighting, hardware, furniture, etc. Help us make room for more: bring your truck! More info: 277-3450 or http://www.significantelements.org.

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ITHACA HIGH SCHOOL PTSA SPECIAL PROGRAM, April 24:"Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Your Teen AND Drugs and Alcohol...but were afraid to ask." IHS library, 7:15 pm. Hear from experienced professionals at a panel discussion with speakers from the Ithaca Police Department, Cayuga Addiction Recovery Service, Ithaca High School, The Alcohol and Drug Council of Tompkins County, and Cayuga Medical Center Emergency Department. A question and answer session will follow
the presentation.

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The Community Coalition for Healthy Youth, coordinated by the Tompkins County Youth Services Dept., invites Tompkins County community members to a Town Hall Meeting: Underage Drinking: What's Our Community to Do? April 27,7:00-8:30 pm, Women's Community Building, 100 W. Seneca St, Ithaca. More info: Tompkins County Youth Services.

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6th Annual 4-H Rubber Duck Race & 5K Run, April 30.Proceeds benefit 4-H activities in Tompkins County. You can support 4-H by sponsoring a duck for $5 each (or "a flock" of 5 for $20) and have a chance at winning some great prizes. More info Kendy Gable or Megan Tifft at 4-H, 272-2292 or kbg22@cornell.edu, met38@cornell.edu, or:
http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins/4h/duckrace/index.htm.

To download a form to purchase chances or enter the associated 5K race, visit:
http://www.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins/4h/duckrace/entryform.htm.

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CLASSES, LECTURES, SUPPORT GROUPS
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Sciencenter offering special vacation week classes for kids: See http://www.sciencenter.org or call 607-272-0600.

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The April 17 Monday Night Seminar at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is called “Perspectives on Function, Evolution, and Ecology of Flight Calls.” Andrew Farnsworth of Cornell University will be making the presentation at 7:30 pm. Many species of birds produce distinctive flight calls, especially during nocturnal migration. Andrew will discuss flight call research in the past and at present, highlighting his own research on flight calls in wood-warblers. Monday Night Seminars are free and open to the public. The Lab is located on Sapsucker Woods Road, off Route 13, north of Ithaca.

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Children of Aging Parents to meet April 19. Children caring for aging parents or other elderly relatives are invited to a monthly support group sponsored by the Tompkins County Office for the Aging, April 19 from 7:00-8:30 pm at Lifelong, 119 W. Court Street, Ithaca. Whether caring for a loved one from a distance or nearby, those providing emotional/physical support for elderly parents or other older relatives or friends are invited to come and share their experiences and concerns, and learn from others. More info: Jane Baker Segelken 274-5488, or jsegelken@tompkins-co.org.

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Prostate Cancer Group to Meet. American Cancer Society’s Ithaca prostate cancer education and support group, Man to Man, will meet from 5:00 to 6:30 pm, Wednesday April 19 at “Lifelong” 119 West Court Street, Ithaca. This month's program will be a general exchange of information and experiences among men with prostate cancer on such topics as prostate cancer, its treatment options, side-effects of treatment and coping with the disease. Those concerned with prostate cancer, including wives and partners are encouraged to attend. Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the same time and place.All Meetings are free. More info, call Towhee Shutka (607) 786-0820 Ext 306 at The American Cancer Society.

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Community School of Music and Arts Spring Term Begins Monday, April 24. The complete catalog and registration forms for classes, workshops, and programs can be found on the Community School's web site: http://www.csma-ithaca.org.

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Creative Herb Gardening Class. Learn how to plan and set up an herb garden and how to select, harvest, and store herbs. Fragrant herbs, culinary herbs, medicinal herbs, and herbs for gracious gifts will be discussed. These disease and pest-resistant plants can be grown in dooryard or patio gardens or containers. Taught by Master Gardener Barbara Schramm RN, CHTP, Mind/Body Health Care Therapist, and Auraca Herbarist member. Class will be held April 25, 6:30-8:30 pm, at the Tompkins County Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca. Fee $5; preregistration preferred. Please call 272-2292 for more information or registration.

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Register Now: Coping With the Loss of Your Pet. People that have experienced the loss of a pet are invited to come and share their stories through writing and reading, April 25 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Sponsored by the Wellness Center of the Colonial Veterinary Hospital, the session is designed to encourage participants to pay tribute to their pets and provide support to each other. There is no charge for the April 25 group, but registration is required. For more information and to sign up call Colonial Veterinary Hospital at 607-257-3650.

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Parents Apart Class meets April 29. Class teaches separating or divorcing parents to help their child/ren deal with the emotional experience of separation. Saturday, April 29, 2006, 9:00 am-4:00 pm (with a lunch break from 12:00-1:00 pm). Call Community Dispute Resolution Center at 273-9347 to register.

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Saltonstall Seminar: Visual Artists: Making a Living, Making a Life. Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30, 10:00 am-5:30 pm. Saltonstall Arts Colony, Ithaca. An intensive hands-on result-oriented weekend workshop for emerging or mid-career artists who want the information and have the incentive to move themselves and their work to the next level. Gather strategies for working smarter, gain important survival skills and knowledge. $100 includes materials, snacks and lunches. Size limited to 25, Reserve your space now by calling Laurel Guy at 607-539-3146 or info@saltonstall.org. More info:http://www.saltonstall.org/whatsnew/seminars.php.

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YOUR LETTERS
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Dear Elizabeth, I love being on "The List". I agree it takes over $92,000 for a couple to live well in Ithaca. And $42,000 of that is Taxes! --Cande Carroll.
---[REPLY]: Thanks for writing Cande. I guess we have different ideas about what it means to "live well." $92 K seems like an awful lot of money for two adults who aren't raising children or otherwise caring for any other dependents.

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