ICN Newsletter Archive

In this issue:

*Not Officially News
*ICN News
*Editorial
*Ithaca Labor News
*Ithaca Sustainability
*Ithaca War and Peace Report
*Featured Events
*Calls for Submissions/Announcements
*Classes, Lectures, Support Groups
*Your Letters

Ithaca Community News is a free, bi-weekly newsletter that zooms to your inbox every other Wednesday. To unsubscribe, send a blank email to Elizabeth with "Unsubscribe ICN" in the subject heading. Editor and Publisher: Elizabeth Bauchner. Founded by Paul Glover.

DEADLINE for event submissions: Monday, May 8.

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NOT OFFICIALLY NEWS
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ICN web site welcomes visitors from over 60 countries. Some of the top countries to surf the site: the Netherlands, Germany and Saudi Arabia.

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ICN NEWS
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Help save the Internet and small Internet businesses like Ithaca Community News! From MoveOn.org:

"Internet providers like AT&T and Verizon are lobbying Congress hard to gut Network Neutrality, the Internet's First Amendment." Net Neutrality prevents AT&T from choosing which websites open most easily for you based on which site pays AT&T more. For example, Amazon.com doesn't have to outbid Barnes & Noble for the right to work more properly on your computer (or, to give a more accurate example, Ithaca Community News doesn't have to outbid Google or Amazon to open just as easily in your web browser)."

Politicians don't think we are paying attention to this issue. Many of them take campaign checks from big telecom companies and are on the verge of selling out to people like AT&T's CEO, who openly says, "The Internet can't be free."

The free and open Internet is under seige--PLEASE sign MoveOn's petition letting your member of Congress know you support preserving Network Neutrality:
http://www.civic.moveon.org/save_the_internet

A list of all the ways you might be affected by Net Neutrality is at the end of the link.

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Last issue's poll: Should Ithaca have allowed Starbucks to
open downtown? As of Tuesday, April 25, 128 results:
Of course! 47 votes
No Way! 45 votes
Who cares! I won't go there anyway: 36 votes

This issue's poll: How often do you intentionally shop local?
Everyday
Couple times a week
Once in a while
Never

Vote at http://www.ithacanews.org.

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What's new on the ICN web site:
Hillary has progressive challenger in Sander Hicks:
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=70

Ithaca Classifieds returning soon. FREE classifieds from ICN will be returning to http://www.IthacaClassifieds.com. Check it later this week!

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ICN is need of freelance writers! Please see our guidelines:
http://www.ithacanews.org/guidelines.htm.

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EDITORIAL: Remember the Saint Patrick's Four
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Today marks just beyond the halfway point of two of the Saint Patrick's Four--Clare Grady and Danny Burns--jail sentences. Teresa Grady and Peter DeMott are scheduled to get out next month. I think about them everyday, sitting in jail, while the war in Iraq rages on with no end in sight.

Since they've been in prison for pouring blood on the walls of a recruiting center, a freelance journalist in Iraq has been freed from captivity, a peacemaker has been killed and three others rescued, investigations have continued into abuses at Abu Graib and Guantanamo, and into numerous accounts of civilian murders in places like Haditha, where nine-year-old Eman witnessed the murder of seven family members by U.S. marines. Six generals have come out publicly against Rumsfeld and, in some cases, against the war. And perhaps the biggest news of all: it looks like Bush has his heart set on destroying nuclear sites in Iran, causing irreparabale harm to the people of the Middle East and to the larger environment.

I think we all need to take a step back and look at what's going on, in our name and with our dollars, while four of our fellow citizens sit in federal prison for trying to warn others of war's bloody and destructive ends. While they sit in jail and our community is robbed of Clare, who feeds us, Danny, who walks dogs and paints houses, Teresa, a massage therapist, and Peter, a chimney sweep, officers in the army are literally getting away with murder in Iraq. We need to remember how the Saint Patrick's Four risked their own personal freedoms and time with their families to say something radical, startling, disturbing and controversial: war spills a lot of blood. Look at what it looks like.

The worst of the worst may be occurring half a world away, but we can't pretend like it doesn't affect us. In fact, what's going on over there affects us more than just about anything else going on in the world.

Part of what's affecting us is how we're not really succeeding in creating a democracy in Iraq so much as a civil war. Putting aside the question of whether we even had the right to "bring" democracy to the Iraqi people, which on one hand can be argued that many Iraqis wanted that, but Iraq is now filled with "insurgents" from all over the Middle East who believe we have waged zionist war against all of Islam. So are we going to confirm that assumption by nuking Iran, effectively creating more enemies as time goes by? Or are we going to collectively stand up against it? The fact is, we have no idea how these actions, so tremendous in scope, will ripple out.

At this point, it almost doesn't matter where the tension began, who is to blame or who is right; the violence just needs to stop and we need to find a way to get our troops home now. Plans have been put on the table by senators and other legislators, and scrapped. President Bush is simply bent on war.

The smallest acts of courage can make a difference, however. It's because of the Saint Patrick's Four that I became more involved in direct political protest against the war, and in writing about Iraq, while dedicating myself to creating more nonviolence in my life. So, much thanks and lots of love goes out to them.

If you've been similarly moved, why not take a little while to write them a note (you must include inmate name and number):

Daniel Burns - 13182052  (release date July 17)
MDC BROOKLYN
METROPOLITAN DETENTION CENTER
P.O. BOX 329002
BROOKLYN, NY  11232

Peter DeMott - 10891-083  (release date May 18)
MDC BROOKLYN
METROPOLITAN DETENTION CENTER
P.O. BOX 329002
BROOKLYN, NY  11232

Clare Grady - 01264-052  (release date July 17)
FEDERAL DETENTION CENTER
P.O. BOX 562
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

TERESA GRADY - 13183-052  (release date May 21)
FCI DANBURY
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
ROUTE 37
DANBURY, CT  06811

St. Pat's 4 web site: http://www.stpatricksfour.org

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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. Ithacaís diverse, fluid population ó folks from all over America and the world beyond ó stops by at our counters. Our six locations serve all kinds of customers ó our favorite people! ó 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. See 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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The Living Wage Coalition has two new Coalition partners:
Partner #50 is Sustainable Tompkins:
http://www.sustainabletompkins.org
Partner #51 is the MLK Scholars at Ithaca College:
http://www.ithaca.edu/mlk/index.php

The Living Wage Coalition/Workers' Rights Center/Immigrant Rights Center believes that we can only hope to bring about a more economically just world by working together collaboratively with as many different players as possible in achieving those ends. If you know of or are part of an organization that would like to be a Living Wage Coalition partner, check out http://www.TCLivingWage.org.

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Paul Glover has finished his book "Health Democracy." It's
available through his web site, http://healthdemocracy.org.

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Ithaca Health Alliance Annual Meeting May 9, 7:00-9:00 pm at GIAC. All welcome. To join the IHA and become part of the nation's first coop health care initiative, as well as gain access to health care grants, check out http://www.ithacahealth.org. It only costs $100 per year, $75 for a spouse or partner, and $50 for children.  

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ITHACA SUSTAINABILITY
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Critical Mass April 28. Bicyclists aren't blocking traffic we ARE traffic. Meet at the Cayuga Street entrance to Commons, 5:00 and ride at 5:30.

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Ithaca CarShare needs a Logo! Calling all artists and graphic designers: Would you like to see your design featured on a fleet of vehicles traveling the streets of Ithaca? Would you like your design to be seen on television, on the web, designated parking spaces, posters, press releases, and more? This is your chance for fame and...a very small fortune. Winner will receive $100. To enter the competition: send your artwork in pdf format by email to: Marian Brown by May 12. Artwork should be in both B&W and color, and able to be reproduced for multiple media formats. Please include complete contact details. More info about Ithaca Car Share: http://www.ithacacarshare.org. You can also join the CarShareFriends List Serve. By joining the list, you will receive updates about upcoming meetings and events. Send an email to majordomo@lists.ithaca.edu with the following text in the body of the message: subscribe carsharefriends. Contact: Stephanie Greenwood (Outreach Coordinator) 272-5149.

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DISCUSSION OF NATURAL FEATURES AND WORKING LANDSCAPES IN TOMPKINS COUNTY. The Tompkins County Planning Department will hold a series of public meetings to discuss stewardship of natural features, working landscapes, and outdoor recreation in Tompkins County. The first three of these meetings will focus on the eastern portion of the County and will be held Tuesday, May 2, 7:00-8:30 pm at the Lansing Town Hall (29 Auburn Rd., Lansing). Future meetings will be held May 22 and 23. More info: http://www.tompkins-co.org/NFFA/project.htm or contact the Tompkins County Planning Department, 274- 5560.

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The Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute presents a mushroom workshop, May 7, 9:00-4:00 pm. Learn to inoculate mushroom logs with shitake spores and spend an afternoon discussing woodland ecology and permaculture. Local artist Steve Sierigk of Acorn Designs will show participants how to drill logs and discuss the ups and downs of mushroom cultivation. A forest walk and discussion of permaculture will also be included in the afternoon. Class will be outside, please come prepared. Cost: $25 dollars includes take home materials and one oak log! Additional logs with spores can be purchased for $15. See FLPCI web site for info: http://www.flpci.org.

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Green Investing Seminar: Environmentally and Socially Responsible Choices, sponsored by Money With A Mission. Wednesday May 10 at noon. No fee-RSVP required. 257-8042 or info@moneywithamission.com.

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ITHACA WAR AND PEACE REPORT
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President Bush is considering use of weapons against Iran's nuclear complexes.

The Union of Concerned Scientists offers a flash animation of what the fallout plume from a strike on the Iranian nuclear complex at Esfahan might look like.

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UNRAVELING RACISM. Weekly discussion group forming on race relations. Every Tuesday, 6:00 for soup, 6:30 discussion. All welcome! Call Sareanda or Caleb at 277-1799 for more info.

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FEATURED EVENTS
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GIAC Annual Meeting, April 26, 5:30-7:30 pm, Hilton Garden Inn. Keynote speaker, Dr. Larry Shinagawa on "The Changing Face of Ithaca and Tompkins County." $7 suggested donation.

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Film: Aristide and the Endless Revolution April 26, 7:00 pm, Uris Auditorium, Cornell. Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the former president of Haiti, was twice removed from office with the complicity of the international community. A rigorous investigation into the events that led to his ouster, ARISTIDE AND THE ENDLESS REVOLUTION exposes the geopolitical intrigue, the economic alliances between the Haitian and U.S. elite, the armed criminals posing as freedom fighters and other factors that have consistently threatened this young democracy.

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Also tonight, April 26, SalsaAmigos will be kicking off Wednesday night "Noches de Verano" at Collegetown Bagels across from the Schwartz Performing Arts Center. Enjoy the Spring weather and CTB's great food and beverages on the patio of CTB with the best of Latin, Brazilian, Caribbean, and African rhythms. 9:00 pm, no cover, all ages. More info: 273-7110, http://www.salsaamigos.com.

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Ithaca College to Host Daylong Series of Public Educational Events on HIV/AIDS, Thursday, April 27. The 2006 "Road to Hope Tour" will visit Ithaca College to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. The tour will feature five HIV-positive speakers, all under the age of 30, conducting a daylong series of training, planning, and educational events. Highlighting the visit will be a panel discussion that will take place at 7:00 pm in Clark Lounge, Egbert Hall. All events are free and open to the public. Information on Hope's Voice is available at http://www.hopesvoice.org.

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The Lehman Alternative Community Schoolís Washington DC trip group is presenting a benefit dinner: FOOD FOR THOUGHT. John Turenne,the founder of Sustainable Food Systems will be the featured speaker, discussing ways to transform school lunches with a focus on using local foods. The dinner will be held in the BJM Gymnasium, Thursday, April 27, at 6:30. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. To  order in advance call LACS at 274-2183 or Karen Adams at 351-1577.

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The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art Presents: Afterburn-- Willie Cole: Selected Works 1997-2004. African-American artist Willie Cole (born 1955) transforms discarded domestic items and electronic gadgets into sculptures that refer to African art and mythology. A free tour of the exhibition will be offered as part of the Museum's "Art for Lunch" series on Thursday, April 27 at 12:00 noon, led by Andrea Inselmann, the Museum's curator of modern and contemporary art. The artist will give a free talk at the Museum on April 27 at 5:15 p.m.. More info: http://www.museum.cornell.edu.

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ITHACA ASIAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION Presents Pre-Screening of Spilled (Soy) Milk, A feature length documentary of the rich diversity of Asians & Asian Americans in Ithaca, their families and friends, and the personal journey of a girl who realizes her identity is not all itís made out to be. April 27, 7:00 pm, Borg Warner Room, Tompkins County Public Library. Official release is Monday May 1 at Fall Creek Pictures.

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Join Back to Democracy April 28, 7:00 pm at the Trumansburg Fire Hall, Route 96/Main St, Trumansburg, to meet Les Roberts, the 24th congressional district democratic candidate, who is running for retiring Shwerwood Boehlert's seat. Roberts will speak about his background and platform and take questions. More info: burganderfarm@yahoo.com or Margo, 387-5080.

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POETRY SLAM FUNDRAISER to benefit Tompkins County youth involved in the Independent Living Skills Program. April 28, 7:00-9:00 pm at BJM Elementary school. Live entertainment provided by MBUSI(BOO-SIE).

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I-Town music showcase, April 28, Castaways. With Thousands of One, JSan and the Analogue Sons, and more. 6:00 pm.

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Rock the Arts! Saturday April 29 on the Commons. Free. Music and art by teens.

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Crossing Borders Presents Marassa Duo, 8:00 pm, April 29, Carriage House Cafe, 305 Stewart Ave and is simultaneously broadcast live on 93.5FM or can be accessed on http://www.wvbr.com. The Marassa Duo is a unique percussion ensemble. Crossing Borders is a two-hour multi-cultural concert series, broadcast live from the Carriage House CafÈ every Saturday night. For info about upcoming shows: http://www.crossingborderslive.org.

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Architectural Salvage Clearance Sale Friday and Saturday, April 28 & 29, 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Significant Elements, 212 Center Street (corner S. Plain St), Ithaca Supporting Significant Elements helps the community prevent quality items from being lost forever to our landfills.

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Christopher Morgan Loy, composer/pianist, will present a concert featuring new works on Sunday April 30 at 4:00 pm, at the First Unitarian Church, corner of Buffalo and Aurora. This concert is entitled Secrets and Revelations and will include the premieres of Scenes From a Secret Reality (cello/piano) and Songs on Words of William Blake (baritone and piano). Guest Artists are: Sera Smolen, cello, David Neal, baritone, and Rebekah Miller, piano. Admission $10 at the door. Students to age 17, free.

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Dream Factory Day and Cornell Men's Lacrosse, April 29, 1:00 pm, Schoellkopf Field, Cornell. Help Save the Day and support the Cornell Men's Lacrosse Team as they face the Brown Bears in an important Ivy League contest. Cheer the Red on toward victory while boosting their efforts to help grant the dreams of critically and chronically ill children in Tompkins County and Central New York. volunteers from the Dream Factory will sell raffle tickets for this great cause. Half of the proceeds will go to the Dream Factory and the other half COULD BE YOURS!!! More info: Suzanne at centralnewyork@dreamfactoryinc.com To reach the Dream Factory Office, 266-3284 or visit http://www.dreamfactoryinc.com.

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2nd Annual "21 Run" Set for Sunday, April 30, Cornell Plantations. In memory of George Boiardi to benefit the Family Reading Partnership. Students and other individuals collect pledges and then participate in a 5K run. Families with young children can enjoy the day by walking along a 1K path lined with storybook stations where they can engage in book making activities, hear books read aloud, and try on costumes of book characters. Local businesses donate food and prizes. Registration starts at 11:00am, and the race starts at 12:21pm. More info: Ethan Vedder ehv4@cornell.edu, or by phone at (914)589-7015, or Becky Hollenback, the21Run@netscape.net, or 255-0330. http://www.familyreading.org/21run.htm.

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6th Annual 4-H Duck Race & 5K Run, April 30, 12:00 pm. To benefit 4-H. Race is a flat, fast and fun run past beautiful Cayuga Lake, starting at Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Avenue Ithaca. Free t-shirts to the 1st fifty registrants. Register until 11:30 am race day. DUCK LAUNCH - 2:00 pm at Cascadilla Gorge Park just above University Avenue bridge. Come see up to 3400 rubber ducks tumble wildly down the falls. Follow the ducks as they "race" down Cascadilla Creek to the finish line at Cooperative Extension, located off Rt. 13, just north of the Sciencenter. Prize winners will be announced by Casey Stevens of WHCU from 3-4 PM. To download a form to purchase chances or enter the associated 5K race:
http://www.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins/4h/duckrace/entryform.htm

To find out more about the 2006 event, or see all the 2006 prizes:
http://www.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins/4h/duckrace/index.htm

More info: Kendy Gable or Megan Tifft at 4-H, 272-2292, or kbg22@cornell.edu, met38@cornell.edu.

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The teachings of Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti (Sufi Sam): The Dervish Center is pleased to announce an afternoon gathering which will include the teachings of Murshid Samuel Lewis, the originator of the Dances of Universal Peace, the Sufi Choir, astrological and tassawuf walks and the Sufi Ruhaniat order of sufis. It will include dances, whirling, walks, drumming, zikr, meditation, sohbet (spiritual discussion), stories, singing and music. Diane Olden, Mahbud Burton, and Malika Cheryl Botts will join Khadija Marcia Radin who is a Sheikha in the Sufi Ruhaniat. $5 donation, April 30, 3:30-5:00 pm, The Dervish Center 272-0694, or khadija@whirlingdervish.org

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Activist Film Night, Monday May 1. Free showing of Michael Franti film "I Know I'm Not Alone" with discussion. Space is limited. Call 280-1960 for more info.

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May 1st Immigrant Rights Rally (11:30 am to 1:30 pm) on The Commons: No Human Is Illegal! This is a broad coalition of immigrant, community, labor, and student groups joining together, in coordination with millions around the nation, for a rally on The Commons (Bernie Milton Pavilion) to declare that "no human is illegal". Everyone in support of this sentiment is asked to wear a white T-shirt on May 1 whether able to attend the rally or not.

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FREE TASTING NIGHT: The Ithaca Bakery offers free samples of featured dishes from its Theme of the Month, May 4, 5:30-7:30, for Italian Month. Ithaca Bakery Route 13 location. Everyone is welcome!

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"CELEBRATING DEDICATION TO OTHERS" Family & Children's Service of Ithaca's Community Celebration & 2006 Annual Meeting with special remarks by Gwen Wilkinson, Tompkins County District Attorney. MAY 4, 5:00-7:00 pm, Holiday Inn of Ithaca. $10 Donation at the door requested, includes refreshments. Please RSVP jryan@fcsith.org or 273-7494 by April 27. Ithaca Hours accepted.

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Gallery Night May 5, downtown Ithaca:
http://www.ink-shop.org

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"Members' Show," a State of the Art group show, opening May 5. Show will feature the paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, giclees, assemblages and sculpture of gallery members. Reception for the artists Friday, May 5 from 5:00-8:00 pm. State of the Art is located at 120 W. State Street. Information:  277-1626 and http://www.soag.org.

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CSMA Gallery presents, "Rock the Arts" featuring art made by teens for teens in collaboration with the annual ìRock the Artsî festival. Opening reception during Gallery Night of Ithaca, May 5, 5:00-8:00 pm. Community School of Music and Arts, 330 E. State Street, Ithaca. 607-272-1474; info@csma-ithaca.org; http://www.csma-ithaca.org.

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The Reluctant Raw Foodist Workshop, May 6, 3:00-4:30 pm, Everything Wellness Bookstore, Dewitt Mall, Ithaca. Learn 5 raw food changes in your diet that will easily promote health without making major changes in your diet. Taste samples included, $3.00 in advance, by 1 week before workshop, $5 at the door. Please pre-register 254-6074.

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Museum of the Earth offers Fourth annual Community Day in conjunction with Discovery Month, Saturday, May 6. Free Admission all day http://www.museumoftheearth.org. Refreshments, tours.  

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Dances of Universal Peace, held on the first Saturday of every month. Next dance: May 6, WITH FAMILY-FRIENDLY DANCES 6:00-6:45 pm. Meditation starts at 7:15, dancing begins at 7:30. All Dances held at Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Rd. The Dances are simple Circle Dances and Chants sung in various languages which honor different Spiritual Traditions in the World. All Chants and Dances are taught and are accompanied by live music. No experience is necessary. $5.00 donation is requested. Diane Olden, 272-7582, dianeolden@hotmail.com.

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Youth in Leadership: Combating Racial Bias Workshop, May 6, 11:00 am-4:00 pm, GIAC, 318 N. Albany Street, Ithaca. For high school aged youth in the ICSD. Come and interact with other youth and learn leadership skills to combat racial bias, play games, eat and have fun! Free! Registration forms can be picked up from GIAC and the Ithaca City Youth Bureau, LACS and IHS Offices. More info call Multicutlural Resource Center, 272-2292

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The Ithaca Swing Dance Network and Cornell Swing Dance Club present the John Cole Blues Band, one of Rochesterís best-loved and best-known bands, for a swing dance at Willard Straight Hall, Cornell, May 6. Introductory swing lesson at 7:30, dance 8:30- midnight. Admission $10 for adults and $8 for students/seniors. More info: http://www.ithaca-dance.org or 277-4513.

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Next Bound for Glory concerts: ERIK BALKEY April 30, and STOUT, May 7. WVBRís Bound for Glory is North Americaís 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. Admission in the live audience is free and is open to everyone in the area.† Refreshments are available.†More info: Phil Shapiro, 844-4535, or pds10@cornell.edu.
 
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The Finger Lakes Womenís Chorale will present ìWomen and William: Settings of Shakespeareî on Sunday, May 7, at 7:30 pm, First Congregational Church, 309 Highland Road in Cayuga Heights. Advance tickets are available at the Clinton House Ticket center, 273-4497 or http://www.ithacaevents.com.

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Edie Carey to play a free concert at Felicia's Atomic Lounge May 7, 7:00 pm. 508 West State Street, Ithaca. More info, 273-2219, http://www.atomicloungeithaca.com, http://www.ediecarey.com.

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The Ithaca Children's Choir of the Community School of Music and Arts will present ì\"Stand Together" on Tuesday, May 9 in Ford Hall of Ithaca College. Tickets for the concert are $5 and will be available at the door. The concert will be dedicated to the memory of Erin Aljoe Schlathe, who sang with ICC in the early 1990s and died unexpectedly in July of 2004. More info: 274-1474.

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Planned Parenthood Presents: CELEBRATION 2006! Planned Parenthood annual celebration event May 11, 7:00 pm at Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Event will feature the annual presentation of the Constance E. Cook Award for excellence in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, Susan Robinson. Special guest speaker Shelby Knox, known advocate for sex education. SIGNATURE DESSERT SAMPLING compliments of Sarahís Patisserie. Admission $10. Reservations requested. More info: Sara Palmer at: 796-0220, ext. 301 sara.palmer@ppsfl.org

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Ultimate Latin Dance Party--TUMBAO!--at The Haunt May 12. Free Salsa dance lessons at 9:00 pm with SalsaAmigos.

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CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Special offer: The Kitchen Theatre would like to honor the activists in the Ithaca community. PLEASE PASS THIS ON! $5 off your ticket to any Wednesday 7:30 pm performance of THE ACCIDENTAL ACTIVIST when you purchase your ticket through the Ticket Center in the Historic Clinton House, 116 N. Cayuga St, Ithaca, 607. 273-4497 and mention the code word: "LYSISTRATA".

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Survey on low-oncome women: La Berta Mc Gruder is doing a survey on single women who are in substandard housing or are no longer able to live in the apartment they are in because their children are over the age of 18. This leaves many women without a place to live because they are on a fixed income or they are the working poor and cannot afford the first and last months rent plus the security deposit. We need more affordable housing to assist those who are affected by this situation. Please e-mail La Berta at msbird4@juno.com to particiapte in the survey, or call 273-5415.

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The Tompkins County Office for the Aging needs volunteers to assist homebound senior citizens through the Project CARE Program. Volunteers typically visit an individual once a week for about 1-2 hours, depending upon need. Seniors may have one or more of the following types of needs: companionship, assistance with laundry or light housekeeping, errands, grocery shopping, light yard work or respite for a caregiver. Respite might involve staying with the senior in order that the caregiver might go out or have some time off from the responsibilities of caregiving. Volunteers should be good listeners and enjoy the company of seniors. More info: Trina Schickel at the Office for the Aging, 274-5491.

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Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services Residential program is in need of bicycles, bicycle parts and also could use any volunteer(s) who would like to come up and work with CARS community members to service the bikes. Members of CARS love to ride. They currently have 12 bikes for 60 clients and actually only 6 working bikes. Please help them out. Email cemmons@carsny.org, or call 387-6118, extension 20.

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Ten Thousand Villages is looking for volunteers over the summer (2 hours a week). People can just stop in the store, on the Commons, if they want to volunteer.

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Gorges Web Sites - http://www.GorgesWebSites.com

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The UPSTAIRS GALLERY will hold an art sale for the benefit of the Gallery through May 6. Paintings, prints, drawings, art supplies, art books, and more. Located in the DeWitt Mall.

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CLASSES, LECTURES, SUPPORT GROUPS
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African American Women & Breast Cancer. The Women's Ministry of the Calvary Baptist Church and the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance (IBCA) invite you to a roundtable discussion and free luncheon April 29, 11:00 am- 1:30 pm, Calvary Baptist Church, 507 N. Albany St. The meeting will address how breast cancer affects African American women, in particular, and what can be done both individually and as a group to ensure greater survival of this devastating disease. All women are invited to attend and share their stories, get information, and find hope. To RSVP please call IBCA at 277-0960.

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Parents Apart Class to meet April 29 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with lunch break from 12:00-1:00. Parents Apart is a program for parents wanting to promote a healthy adjustment for their child during separation and divorce.†Parents Apart offers tools for parents to help their children cope with separation and divorce and adjust to a changing family structure. More info: Community Dispute Resolution Center 273-9347.

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Community School of Music and Arts to offer Storytelling Workshop and Classes: "One-Two-Three Storytelling", an opportunity to learn to tell folktales in a fun, non- threatening afternoon workshop taught by Lee-Ellen Marvin at the Community School of Music and Arts, 330 E. State Street, Ithaca, on Sunday, April 30, from 1 to 4 pm. Also, ìStorytelling Basicsî, an introduction to autobiographical storytelling with Lee-Ellen Marvin, will begin on Monday, May 8 at the Community School of Music and Arts. The class will meet for three sessions from 10:30 am-12:00 pm. Fee for both classes. More info: 272-1474, or online at http://www.csma-ithaca.org.

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Writing From Experience, a creative writing workshop for high school students at the Tompkins County Public Library. May 4, 11, 18, & 25, 4:30 -5:45 pm. Award-winning novelist Ernesto Quinones will teach a free, four-part creative writing workshop for teens at 4:30 every Thursday in May at the Tompkins County Public library's Thaler/Howell room. All interested teens in grades 9-12 are welcome. Space is limited and registration is required. To register contact Adelle Leise, 272-4557 ext 277.

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Monday Night Seminar at Lab of Ornithology: "In Search of King Solomon's Ring: Studies on the Cognitive and Communicative Abilities of Gray Parrots." The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is hosting Dr. Irene Pepperberg at it's Monday Night Seminar on May 1, 7:30 p.m. Dr. Pepperburg was one of the first to study language learning in animals other than humans. Monday Night Seminars are free and open to the public. The Lab is located on Sapsucker Woods Road, just off Route 13, north of Ithaca.

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New Class for Seniors 55 and up at Wisdom's Goldenrod in Hector: "Opening to the Light, a Journey into Conscious Aging" will be held each Monday morning at 9:45 AM starting May 2. Together around the Center kitchen table we will share the pros and cons of the aging process and explore how we can orient our lives to it in a comfortable, positive and nurturing way. More info: 546-8205, and leave your name and phone number, indicating your interest in this class.

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Lead Paint: Health Risks, Safety Measures, and Removal Techniques May 2, 7:00-9:00 pm at Significant Elements, 212 Center Street, Ithaca. Co-sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County and Significant Elements. Free and open to the public. Pre-registration is appreciated; call Significant Elements, 277-3450.

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Lincolnís Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness, by author and historian Joshua Wolfe Shenk. May 3, 12:00-2:00 pm, Ithaca College Clark Lounge Student Union. The event is free and open to the community. RSVPs are appreciated by calling the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County at 273-9250.

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Decision Making Day / Advance Planning, May 4, 2:30 pm, McGraw House, 221 South Geneva St, Ithaca. The issue of advance planning for health care decision making has become a much discussed topic in our nation and in our County. McGraw House is pleased to offer this annual opportunity to those who wish to learn more about legal documents that every New Yorker should know about, including the NYS health care proxy, powers of attorney, wills, and more. Persons of all ages are most welcome to this free presentation by Attorney Marcie Finlay. Contact: Elizabeth Schneider, McGraw House, 272-7054.

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Breast Cancer 101, a two-session educational program of the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance, will be held on May 10 and 17. The program is designed for people diagnosed with breast cancer and/or those who support and assist them. Classes meet from 5-6:30 pm at the Women's Community Building. Registration is required. Please register by noon on Monday, May 8: IBCA at 277-0960.

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Saltonstall Seminar: NYFA Source Training. May 13, 11-2 pm. Where can you go to find grants, residencies, space awards, equipment access, professional development programs, legal, financial, and business resources available to independent artists in all disciplines across the U.S.A.? Come to a free NYFA Source Artist Training Session and find out! Free, but must RSVP: Reserve your space by calling Laurel Guy 539.3146 or mailto:info@saltonstall.org. Clinton House (Mural Lounge) 116 N. Cayuga, Ithaca.

Also a VERY COOL RESOURCE for ARTISTS: Access NYFA Source www.nyfa.org/source free of charge for information ranging from cash grants and artist-in-residence programs, to marketing and opportunity listings. This resource covers the range of support available to U.S. artists on the local, state, national, and international level, and allows specific queries based on discipline, location, gender, ethnicity, career point, application deadline, and many other criteria. Find out how to make this tool work for you! Thanks to Saltonstall for the link!

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YOUR LETTERS
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More on living well in Ithaca (letter was edited for space):

"Hi Elizabeth, $92k annually seems like a lot of money to you onlybecause you're not yet making it. It would beinteresting to include in ICN national, state, county and Ithaca annual income averages, and what's considered poverty level.

Cande's figures are exaggerated for effect but she makes an excellent point. Local taxes have increased at least 60% over the last five years. Most landlords can absorb only so much; after that, rents have to rise.

There is much more than enough money in this country for ALL of us to live a comfortable, middle-class way of life, it's just concentrated in the hands of a few. Do you believe you have the power to manifest most/all of what you want?"

Blessings, David

---[REPLY]: Hi David, Cande was responding to a link I had posted two issues ago saying that Ithaca was one of the most expensive cities to live in for a couple who wants to "live well." The article claimed that a couple with no kids in Ithaca needs to make at least $92,000 to live well.

I stand by my original question of what it means to "live well." Honestly, I feel I am living very well on a lot less money. I do not feel deprived at all. I feel pretty good about my lifestyle, my life's work, and my family situation.

We may, as a culture, have enough money to allow everyone a comfortable middle class lifestyle, but we certainly do not have enough natural resources, and there does not exist enough oil on the planet to sustain our middle class lifestyles. We simply cannot continue to consume in the manner we do. A middle class lifestyle is not a sustainable lifestyle for even a portion of the world's population, let alone for all of us forevermore. So, I think it's time to question what it means to "live well" and perhaps not define it by how much we can consume of the world's resources.  

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Finger Lakes Progressives want to Impeach Bush:

To ICN, I am a proud member of the Finger Lakes Progressives, a loose coalition of concerned citizens and groups from a multicounty region of New York State and the northern tier of Pennsylvania. We come from a variety of backgrounds and have no political affiliation. We have been unanimously dismayed and frightened at the direction in which the current administration is taking our country, eroding our democracy and making a sham of our Constitution, our liberties, and our reputation around the world. At our March 2006 meeting we unanimously passed a resolution to impeach George W. Bush and Dick Cheney for numerous offenses against the American people. I strongly support this resolution. We are circulating this resolution widely, on the regional and national levels of government as well as to local, regional, and national media. Iím enclosing it, and I hope that you will print it in its entirety.

We also encourage other groups of citizens who are concerned at the direction this country is heading and desirous of pressuring Congress to impeach Mssrs. Bush and Cheney to borrow from our resolution and create your own. We are happy to have anyone use the language and the format.

Sincerely, Jeanne Fudala

You can read the resolution here: 
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=71

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Missing Ithaca:

Hi Elizabeth, Iím lagging answering or responding to e-mails, but thanks for sending and please continue. I miss Ithaca so much; itís so special. I came down here for the year to be closer in proximity to my daughter Ariel who attends U.D.C. law in D.C. Charlottesville, VA is very much like Ithaca. We have an info forum thatís really cool called "Better than TV." Offers space, storage, and lots of programs, including Yoga and meditation. They have an action against the war action here each Thursday, sometimes not very well attended, I know I didnít go, but seriously they had a significant one several weeks ago. Traffic here is very bad. It pains me to think the same might happen to Ithaca some day. Lots of cars, not pedestrian friendly the further out you go from downtown, but cars do stop for people here regularly, thatís nice. I think the students at Cornell, etc would benefit by a yearly orientation about driving in a small city, and it occurred to me that they are from Suburbs in many instances, they arenít the whole problem, but it would certainly help if they were sensitized to city. Take care, be well. --Pat Shea

---[REPLY]: Hi Pat, Ithaca just plain has some funky intersections. It took me quite a while after moving here to get used to some of them. So multimply that by thousands of new people moving here every August and it just becomes a mass confusion as they all try to learn the streets. Ithaca COULD simplify many of our intersections.

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On the editorial "Forget the Bling":

"I liked the editorial 'Forget the Bling.' Though I might not agree with everything said--I think parents should spend whatever they please on their children--I found her tone refreshing. Having moved here from the northern edge of the state (between the Adirondacks and the Quebec border) I've grown tired of "Mythica's" penchant for the rabidly conservative view on one side and the terminally tree-hugging view on the other. It's nice to have someone even hint that 'sustainable' doesn't mean eating twigs and roots and powering your 1970-sumptin Volvo on organic sesame seed oil, if your "life"style still makes it impossible for children on the other side of the world to eat the equivalent of a dry bowl of wheaties every three days. It will be interesting to see if the 10% of the world that is Euro-centric in culture and habits (no matter what color they are) concedes even one megawatt of energy so that the other 90% might live." --Keith D. Smith, Enfield

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"martial" vs. "Marshall" law:

Hi there--I am pretty sure it is "Martial" and not
"Marshall" Law--great newsletter!" --Maria

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from your editorial: "Forget the Bling"

"...or the institution of Marshall Law..."

One might imagine a breakdown in the social order that would necessitate the implementation of martial law, or an economic devastation so severe that it requires a new Marshall Plan to get us back on our feet, but from Marshall Law, whatever that may be, I think we are probably quite safe." --Mark G. Simon

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Sorry to nitpick...but I believe it is "martial law."--David

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Elizabeth,
In your essay I noticed a typo: It's "martial law," not "Marshall Law."
Great essay! Cheers, Maura Stephens

---[REPLY]: Thanks to all who pointed out my mistake.