ICN Newsletter Archive

May 10, 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. 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 22, noon.

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NOT OFFICIALLY NEWS
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"TURN LEFT" is "Cornell's Liberal Voice:" http://turnleft.theworldoutthere.com

Beautiful sepia photo of Buttermilk Falls by Doug McFarland:
http://www.finalimpressions.com/printindex/fiPrint-i02084.htm

Another beauty of Buttermilk by James Burlitch:
http://www.arttrail.com/artists/burlitch/slide003.html#

Vladimir Nabokov's (gorges) Ithaca homes:
http://www10.plala.or.jp/transparentt/homes.html

Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart visited Cass Park when it was an airport:
http://www.airfields-freeman.com/NY/Airfields_NY_Centr.htm

Ithaca College "BOMBERS" were once known as the "Ispies," then as the Cayugas:
http://www.ithaca.edu/library/archives/bombers.php

A review of books by Lansing authors:
http://www.lansingstar.com/content/view/622/131/

Time for rubber sidewalks according to Ithaca's Groovy Green:
http://groovy.movingtonz.com/type/?p=486

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ICN NEWS
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Latest news on the ICN web site:

Last Chance to see Accidental Activist:
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=80

Nearly 400 participate in Ithaca Immigrant Rights Rally:
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=77

Profile of a Yogi: David Corson:
http://ithacanews.org/profiles.htm?newsID=78

ICSD Board of Education candidates' UNCUT responses to PTA Council questionnaire:
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=79

Last issue there had been a bug in the system preventing me from posting new articles. That was finally resolved, so you can see the previous news as well:

Hillary has progressive challenger in Sander Hicks:
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=70

Finger Lakes Progressives' Resolution to Impeach George Bush:
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=71

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WE STILL NEED TO SAVE THE INTERNET! Senate will vote next week on Network Neutrality: http://www.savetheinternet.com. Call your congressperson today!

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ICN is going to publish a well-being directory in August. This summer, ICN is branching out beyond the Internet to publish the print "Ithaca Well-Being Directory." It will be a small booklet with information on where to find alternative and holistic health care practitioners, healers, herbalists, good, healthy food and more. Advertising costs less than other regional directories and offers more for those who pick it up. Look for copies distributed around town in August! For advertising rates, please email me.

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ICN is looking for advisory board members. Want to support ICN and help it grow? Have expertise with money management, marketing, and/or publicity and support ICN's editorial mission to promote peace, human rights, sustainability? For position requirements/list of expected duties/benefits, please email Elizabeth.

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EDITORIAL
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This week, I ran out of time to write the editorial that's been on my mind all week: something about how mothers play a crucial role in the anti-war movement, the fight against global warming, and the continuing advocacy for a healthy future for our children. After all, the original mother's day was a day for PEACE.

Instead, I'm offering this link to a truly splendid and moving article posted on Common Dreams and passed on to me by Gold Star Families for Peace: http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0507-26.htm

Also, check out the Party for Mother Earth on mother's day this year: a benefit for Ithaca Biodiesel (details under Ithaca Sustainability). Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! Keep on working for a greater future for us all.

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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 enjoan 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. Visit artist Mary Michael Shelley at the Ithaca Farmers' Market, where she carves on Saturdays, May through September, 9 AM to 3 PM. Mary's low relief carved and then painted artwork has been described as self-taught or folk in style. Another way to see Mary's work is at http://www.maryshelleyfolkart.com where you can sign up to get her email newsletter. Perhaps you might travel to Fenimore House (Cooperstown, NY) or Women's Rights National Historical Park (Seneca Falls, NY), each of which has one of her diner carvings on display this summer. Thirty-four years of making art and still going strong!

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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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Living Wage Coalition/Workers' Rights Center needs our Support! Living Wage Coalition & Workers' Rights Center is active on many fronts helping those members of our community treated unfairly in the workplace - either because they are not paid
a living wage or their workplace rights are violated. But they need our help to continue doing this. Expected grants have not come through and they have had to cut staff hours and may be facing a layoff. Please support their work with a donation today. You can do this online through PayPal at http://www.tclivingwage.org, or send a check (payable to "TC Living Wage Coalition") to 115 The Commons, Ithaca NY 14850. They are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization through affiliation with CRESP. More info: Carl Feur, or Pete Meyers, or call 269-0409.

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Why is there still such an economic chasm between whites and people of color? Meizhu Lui, the Executive Director of United for a Fair Economy, will be in Ithaca May 18 and 19 to talk about her new book, "The Color of Wealth: The Story Behind the U.S. Racial Wealth Divide." http://www.racialwealthdivide.org. Meizhu Lui will be appearing at the following events:

As Guest Speaker at Alternatives Federal Credit Union's Annual Meeting on May 18 at the Woman's Community Building, 110 W. Seneca St. Free dinner 5:30; program 6:00.
At an afternoon workshop/lunch at GIAC (corner of Court and Albany St's) May 19, 12:00-2:00 pm. Free pizza, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, "The Color of Wealth" book signing/availability, and a lively interactive discussion will be had by all.

The Color of Wealth spotlights the government's astonishingly decisive historic role in putting white families on an escalator to asset ownership, while keeping African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans stuck on an economic
treadmill. The afternoon workshop is sponsored by:

Tompkins County Living Wage Coalition
Village at Ithaca
Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County
Ithaca Asian-American Association
Tompkins County Human Rights Commission
Multicultural Resource Center
Greater Ithaca Activities Center
Alternatives Federal Credit Union

Copies of the book are available, in advance, at the Living Wage Center, 115 E. State Street.

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Stel Walton Whitehead for SCHOOL BOARD Campaign Meeting May 12, 5:00 pm. 114 E Spencer #4 (the one block, one way street by the police station). Come for information, to support Stel. Contact Sareanda or Caleb 277-1799.

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Postal Service food drive Saturday, May 13. Set out non-perishable food items by the mailbox. The donated canned and dry goods will be donated to local food pantries and community organizations for distribution in Tompkins County. Donations can be dropped off in advance at the U.S. Post Office located at 757 Warren Road, Ithaca.

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ITHACA SUSTAINABILITY
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How Local Can We Get? Sustainable Tompkins Monthly Gathering Thursday May 11 6:00-8:30 pm Unitarian Church, Parlor Room, Aurora and Buffalo Streets, Ithaca. The event will begin with a potluck dinner - including many locally grown and produced foods. People will have a chance to share their interest in and involvement with personal and/or community sustainability.

Jon Bosak, an organizer of TCLocal (formerly the Tompkins County Relocalization Plan) will talk about what he sees as the most important challenges that will face Tompkins County: the maintenance of personal transportation, heating, food production, and food distribution in an environment of rising unemployment and a rising cost of living driven by rising costs of oil and natural gas. The key to answering these challenges is the local production of goods and services, including food, and the local production of electricity from renewable sources. The process of developing the ability of a region to provide its own goods, services, and energy is what is meant by relocalization.

Following Jon's presentation there will be ample time for questions and comments. More info: Elan Shapiro, Sustainable Tompkins Program Co-Chair, 275-0249, or elansla@ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us.

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Community-wide Stream Cleanup planned for Fall Creek. Volunteers needed at designated sites from Fall Creek's source at Lake Como to its outlet at Stewart Park, on May 13, 9:00-11:00 am. Individuals and organizations that wish to participate should contact Ruthanna Hawkins at the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network office, 532-4104 or George Patte of Fall Creek Watershed Committee, george.patte@verizon.net. Participants will be provided with trash bags, work gloves, and snacks.

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Ithaca Biodiesel Fundraiser Sunday, May 14 at the Haunt, 12:30-5:30pm, suggested donation $10. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Please come out to support alternative fuel in the Ithaca community. Their goal is to raise $10,000 to move into
their new space and provide biodiesel to Ithaca. There will be music, a biodiesel presentation, food, silent auction and raffle, face painting and kids' activities, a PARTY FOR MOTHER EARTH!

Schedule as follows:

12:30-5:30 Sustainability Tabling (and alternative media, too)
12:30-1:15 Sitar and Digeridoo
1:30-2:00 Peak Oil vs. Ithaca Biodiesel presentation by Meghan Murphy, editor of Biodiesel America
2:30-3:15 Question and Answer
3:15-4:00 DJ Sofi
4:00-5:00 THOUSANDS OF ONE
5:00-5:30 Silent Auction and Raffle

For more information on Ithaca Biodiesel or the fundraiser, please contact Micaela Cook, micaela@spiralupworks.com

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On the land, the wild ramps are rampant, and the humans of White Hawk eco village are ramping up too. Would living in community comfort you? Do visions of sustainability sustain you? Then Danby's up-and-coming ecological village might be
for you. Come to a meeting, call or e-mail White Hawk to learn more. Meetings: Sunday, May 14, 12-4; Sunday, May 28, Time TBD. More info: Henry Peterson (Beauty): 273 5879, beauty77@lightlink.com; or Seph: 277-5283 pdoliner@twcny.rr.com.

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Buy Local Food Campaign for Tompkins County, next meeting May 17, 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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Renewable Energy Benefits and Incentives Discussed May 18. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Cornell Cooperative Extension will host the third in a series of Energy Town Meetings on "Renewable Energy" in Ithaca on May 18, 10:00-11:30 am. Pre-registration is necessary. Call 272-2292.

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The People's Garden Project will be following up from their work party that was held on April 15 at the First Baptist Church of Jesus Christ on the 400 block of First Street across from P&C. On May 20 people can go back to pick up some plants, bring some to share, or simply hang out and meet some other folks. 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Contact Josh Dolan, rainbowwarrior14874@yahoo.com.

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Grand opening for New York's first Green Burial Site: Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve of Newfield is the state's first natural cemetery, and the fifth in the nation. Grand opening and dedication, May 21, 2:00 pm. The cemetery will be maintained to provide the look and feel of a nature preserve, with no pesticides, artificial fertilizers, or closely mown lawns. Trails will lead through the meadows, woods, and burial areas.

Most of the property is former pasture and cropland bounded by Arnot Forest and Newfield State Forest. The 100-acre cemetery preserve is located at 293 Irish Hill Road, about 16 miles southwest of Ithaca. More info: http://www.naturalburial.org.

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The Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute presents Permaculture Basics, May 28, 9:00-5:00. Steve Gabriel will lead this day long workshop on permaculture ethics and principles as a toolbox for sustainable living. Participants will take an in-depth look at ecosystem pattern and discuss how we can learn good design from natural systems. Class includes a one hour break period and a hands-on design project at East Hill Farm. Cost: $45 includes take home materials FLPCI Certificate credit: FO1. Location: Rochester Folk Art Guild: http://www.rfag.org Registration Required. Visit http://www.flpci.org for contact information.

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ITHACA WAR AND PEACE REPORT
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ZaZa's Cucina Restaurant will host a special event TONIGHT, May 10, to help the crisis situation in the Darfur region of Sudan, Africa, the first genocide of the twenty-first century. All proceeds from the evening sales will be donated to help the persecuted people of Darfur. The proceeds will be equally divided between Unicef and The World Food Programme. For reservations: ZaZa's Cucina at 273-9292.

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Local middle schoolers start Doves For Peace magnet campaign

From website: "Doves for Peace is a new organization dedicated to encouraging peace, whether it be world peace, peace in the home, internal peace or any other peace. Doves for Peace was born out of the sadness and frustration that our families felt in response to unjustified warfare and its consequent human suffering. We often see yellow ribbon magnets on passing cars and trucks, which say, "Support our Troops." All Americans are proud of their military men and women, including us. We found that the magnets were often interpreted as meaning, "Support our Wars." We believe warfare is so horrible that it should only be used as a last resort, and this has not been the case recently.

"We want to support our troops by bringing them home, and we further want America to be one of the last countries to engage in needless and destructive war, not one of the first. We propose a quiet campaign of simply putting these Doves for Peace magnets on our cars and trucks, first as a counterweight to the ubiquitous yellow ribbons, second to show other people who see our magnets and share our opposition to wars that they are not alone, and third, we hope to help in our own small way to grow the opposition to war. We hope our magnets will bring awareness that peace is an option in our world. All of our products are made in the USA and all employees (including the founding four middle school girls) are true American Patriots."

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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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Let's send two Ithacans to the World Peace Forum.

From Positive News newspaper: "Hi. We are hoping to send two people from Positive News US to the World Peace Forum in Vancouver, Canada this June. The World Peace Forum 2006 is an international gathering of individuals, groups and local governments from cities and communities around the world committed to building a living culture of peace and sustainability in our lifetimes. What we find especially inspiring about this event is that the entire city of Vancouver is sponsoring it, its location so close to the US and that many less developed countries will be represented there. Positive News is a thriving addition to the alternative media committed to a peaceful, just world. We plan to focus our fall issue on peace, with this global conference as a centerpiece. As part of the Positive News International network, our reports will be made available to
hundreds of thousands of readers around the world as well as to our local community.

We hope to raise $2,400 to make this exciting world-changing venture a reality for us. Can You help? Your tax-deductible contribution made out to Positive News/
CRESP will be well used and much appreciated. You can also donate online.

Thank You, thank You, thank You! :-) In peace and friendship, Ilonka Wloch and Marty Luster, Editors, Positive News"

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FEATURED EVENTS
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"Meet the Candidates Night" for this year's ICSD Board of Education, May 11, 7:00pm, Ithaca High School Cafeteria, 1401 N. Cayuga Street. The Ithaca Council of PTAs, League of Women Voters of Tompkins County, and the American Association of
University Women-Ithaca Branch are sponsoring the forum. Members of the audience may submit written questions for candidates to answer after each candidate makes an opening statement. Questions can also be submitted before the forum to the LWVTC web site: http://www.lwvtompkins.14850.com.

Elections for the Board of Education and the budget: May 16.

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The award-winning documentary "The Witness," produced by James LaVeck and directed by Jenny Stein of Tribe of Heart, will be shown at the Tompkins County SPCA, May 12, 7:30 pm. Mr. LaVeck and Ms. Stein will be joined by the film's subject, animal
welfare pioneer Eddie Lama, to introduce the film and field questions after its conclusion. Reception to follow. Tickets are $5.00 and may be purchased in advance, 257-1822 ext. 232 or in person at the Dorothy & Roy Park Pet Adoption Center,
1640 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca during regular business hours (Sunday-Saturday, 12:00-5:30pm).

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Middle-Eastern music group from NY specializing in traditional Arabic Percussion join forces with local Belly-Dancers for show May 12, 9:30 pm, ABC Cafe 308 Stewart Avenue. Admission: $5 at the door. Raquy and the Cavemen play traditional and original music influenced by traditions from Egypt, Turkey, Iran and the Balkans, including electrifying percussion compositions, performed by a band of Arab, Israeli and American musicians.

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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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Benefit concert May 13 for the Akwesasne Freedom School. 2:00 pm at Lehman Alternative Community School, 111 Chestnut Street, Ithaca. Enjoy the lovely harmonies of Five 2. In addition, there will be:

fry bread
a raffle
childcare and crafts
information on Native issues

The Akwesasne Freedom School (located near Massena, NY) teaches in Mohawk in order to sustain the language and culture; both were decimated by the boarding school system and other oppressive factors. Since the Freedom School teaches in Mohawk and focuses on their own culture, they do not receive NY state funding. LACS has had a cultural exchange with the Freedome School for the last eight years. All the funds from the concert will go to the building projects LACS is working on with the FS in late May. If you can't make, please donate! Send to: Jon Raimon, ACS 111 Chestnut St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Make checks out to "ACS Trips" -- all the money will go to the Freedom School. More info, Jon 274-2126 or jraimon@twcny.rr.com.
More about Five2: http://www.five2.net
Positive News article about the Freedom School.

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Dinner and a Movie (Free*), Greens Could Save your Life, May 13, 3:00-7:00 pm, with a 3-hour lecture, including a meal break and periodic discussion breaks. Everything Wellness Bookstore, DeWitt Mall, Ithaca. *Bring a Rawfoods dish to pass for free admission, otherwise $5.00 For ideas about a dish, stop by the EWB. If we are not open, look on the table outside the store for the information on possible recipe ideas (you can also go on the web, search for Rawfood Recipes). More info: 254-6074.

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Asian American Heritage Month Dinner Celebration, May 13, 5:30 pm. Women's Community Building. The Ithaca Asian American Association invites you for the annual tribute to local and national figures that contribute positively to their communities. Asian cuisines, cultural performances, and traditional fashion show are a few highlights of the evening. For tickets, contact Kuei-Chiu Chen, kc373@cornell.edu

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The 14th annual Plant Exchange, May 13, 12:00 to 3:00, Danby Fire Station on route 96B. This free event is an opportunity to swap, donate, and try new perennials, houseplants, seeds, and anything else garden-related. It is not necessary to bring a plant in order to get a plant. More info Dan Klein 272-7582, or danbydan@hotmail.com.

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Skaneateles Garden Event, A Garden Luncheon: Roses Amongst Antiques with Leon Ginenthal. This is a special event to benefit the restoration of Borodino (Grange) Hall, a National Register landmark, May 13, 12:30 pm at Borodino Hall (Corner of Rt. 41 & 174), 10 miles south of Skaneateles and 15 miles north of Homer. The $20 ticket includes buffet luncheon with speaker and an exclusive Rose and Heirloom Plant Sale. Tickets are limited; call 315-673-9161 for reservations or send $20/person to Garden Luncheon, PO Box 250, Marietta, NY. 13110; make checks payable to
Spafford Area Historical Society. Proceeds will benefit the Society's projects including restoration of the Historic Register Federal Style Borodino Hall built circa 1835.

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VOICES MULTICULTURAL CHORUS, directed by Dr. Baruch Whitehead and assisted by Katie Howell, will present their spring concert, A PROGRAM DEDICATED TO WORLD PEACE, May 13, First Presbyterian Church, 315 N. Cayuga Street 7:30 pm. Concert prices from chorus members are $8 adults, $3 children 12 and under. Tickets may also be purchased at the concert. VOICES is an ensemble of Ithaca Community Choruses.

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Second Sunday Celebration Circle, led by Jody Kessler, May 14, 7:00 pm at the Santosha Yoga Center in Ithaca. This month's theme will be "Honoring Our Mother: Ancestral, Spiritual, and Earth Connections." Everyone is encouraged to bring a photo or object that represents your mother, or any woman who you consider to be your spiritual mother. Best of all, bring your mother, if you can! Jody Kessler is a performing songwriter, recording artist, educator, and ordained Interfaith Minister http://www.jodykessler.com.

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FREE concerts at Felicia's Atomic Lounge May 14, 20 and 21 7:00 pm. 508 West State Street, Ithaca. More info, 273-2219, http://www.atomicloungeithaca.com

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May events at the Museum of the Earth, 1259 Trumansburg Rd:

May 13- Happy Mother’s Day! Moms play free all day.
May 13- Opening reception of Art/Soul/Africa: A Photographer’s Journey, by Sheryl Sinkow. 5:00-7:00pm, Borg Warner Gallery.
May 18- Dinosaur Tales Reading Time for pre-k explorers, with activity to follow, 11:00am. Every third Thursday of the month. Kids under 4 are free.
May 20- Natural History at Noon. A Lecture Series. “The Feathered Virtuoso: How One Species of Bird has Evolved Violining Wings to Attract Females” with Dr. Kimberly Bostwick of Cornell University. Noon, included with admission.
May 20- Field Trip to the American Museum of Natural History. There's still time to sign up and join PRI staff paleontologists on a tour of the current Darwin exhibit and the Dinosaur Halls of the world-famous New York City museum. Call 273-6623 ext. 22 to reserve seats!

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WVBR’s live radio concert broadcast Crossing Borders presents local musician Regina O’Brien with Peter Glanville, May 13, 8:00 pm at the Red Door Coffeehouse, 111 Main Street, Groton. Then, on May 20, Crossing Borders presentsCharming Hostess at the Carriage House Cafe, 305 Stewart Ave, 8:00 pm. The two hour performance is simultaneously broadcast on 93.5FM or can be accessed on http://www.wvbr.com. The vocal trio Charming Hostess from the California Bay area sing with a pan-Diaspora sensibility, inspired by doo-wop, Pygmy counterpoint, Torah chanting, Balkan harmony and Sufi melody.

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ITHACA COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA CONCERT, May 19, 8:00 pm. First Baptist Church, DeWitt Park, Ithaca. Come and check out Ithaca's new, intergenerational orchestra as they play Hayden's Symphony no. 35 in B-flat major, the overture to Rossini's L'italiana in Algeri, Tschaikowsky's Sleeping Beauty, and present an invited soloist. Admission is free, but donations at the door are appreciated.

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KITCHEN COUNTER CULTURE series at the Kitchen Theatre: "Labor" written & performed by Michelle Courtney Berry, May 19 & 20; June 16 & 17. Kitchen Theatre is located in the Historic Clinton House, 116 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca. More info: 273-4497, http://www.kitchentheatre.org.

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WHITE HAWK ECO-VILLAGE and MONTAIN GIRL MUSIC PRESENT: PEGGY ATWOOD and JALAMYST at the Rongo, May 19, 9:00 pm. http://www.rongo.com. Veteran folk-rocker singer-songwriter PEGGY ATWOOD will be performing, as well as Jalamyst, an Ithaca-based band performing heart-filled grooves and ethereal tribal rock.

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Significant Elements will be hosting its popular "FREE FRIDAY" May 19, a monthly event in which various items are selected from stock to be given away at no charge. Significant Elements Warehouse, 212 Center Street (corner S. Plain St), Ithaca. Project of Historic Ithaca.

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OAR (Offender Aid and Resotration) Annual Meeting May 20, 2:30-4:00 pm. Town of Ithaca Hall, 215 N. Tioga St, Ithaca. Keynote Speaker: U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey. Reception before and after formal program OAR’s 30th Anniversary Meeting will highlight the agency’s 30 years of working with a truly underserved population – the incarcerated and their families – and review the prospects for a community re-entry program serving the jail population.

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Annual Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale, Ithaca High School, May 20 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm. The event traditionally has the best selection of plants in central New York. Over 40 area growers and gardeners have annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetable transplants, hanging baskets, flower shrubs, and berry bushes for sale. Plants for all kinds of conditions, tastes, including rare plants for rock gardeners, native plants and organic transplants. Don't miss this premier plant event.

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Taoist Tai Chi Open House Saturday, May 20 from 1-4 p.m. at the Fall Creek Studios 1201 North Tioga Street (behind Fall Creek Cinema). Come watch demonstrations, register for new spring classes and have some refreshments. Taoist Tai Chi is an effective tool in restoring and maintaining natural health, emphasizing the cultivation of both mind and body. Some classes are especially geared for older people or for health recovery. Call 277-5491 for further information or go to http://www.taoist.org and follow
the links to the website.

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Discover Your Family at the Library: Local history and genealogy research at the Library, May 20, 10:00 am-4:30 pm. The Tomkins County Public Library will partner with the History Center for a day of related activities at both locations, as a part of Discovery Trail Month. The day's events include Ask-a-Librarian service to help people research their ancestors, Family Story Time, 11:30 to noon in the Thaler Howell Room, and more.

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Family Mindfulness Day: Join other families for a day of meditation, story-telling, singing, and dances of universal peace. Sunday May 21, 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Foundation of Light, 391 Turkey Hill Road, Ithaca. All ages welcome, childcare provided. Adults $15, children $7 each. More info and to register, Sherri Ellis sherri@ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us

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RAW FOOD POTLUCK, May 21 (third Sunday every month) 5:30 pm, 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. More info: Robert, 277-1755, robertanthonyhubbell@hotmail.com

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The Ithaca Festival will take place June 1-4! http://www.ithacafestival.org, or pick up an official Festival program starting TODAY.

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CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
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HONOR MOMS WORLDWIDE THIS MOTHER'S DAY. Looking for a creative gift for Mom? Want to honor your Mother, while giving to a greater community? Cornell Senior Emily Comley has a mission this Mother's Day - to provide Tibetan women essentials that we take for granted in our ordinary lives. Emily, together with the Public Service Center and Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes is conducting a campaign for Mother's Day to promote the sale of birthing kits for Tibetan mothers through the One H.E.A.R.T. Organization.

These kits are a way to give a unique Mother's Day gift while providing a pregnant Tibetan woman with life-saving tools and medication for a healthy pregnancy and a safe and clean delivery. Emily's goal is to raise funds for the purchase of 50 birthing kits ($2,500). Kits can be purchased in honor of a mother or special someone who has touched your life. A complete kits costs $50.00, and if purchased in full, a Mother's Day card can be sent to the woman you are purchasing the kit in honor of.

Tibet is one of the few societies in the world that lacks a skilled birth attendant tradition, causing 95% of Tibetan women to deliver alone in rural areas under unsanitary conditions. One out of every 33 Tibetan women dies during childbirth and one out of every 20 babies dies within their first hour of life. Partial or full donations towards birthing kits can be made by sending a check made out to "One H.E.A.R.T" to: Emily Comley, c/o Public Service Center 200 Barnes Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853. More info: http://onehearttibet.org/ or eec33@cornell.edu

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BJM 5th Grade Rummage Sale is looking for donations. The 5th Grades at BJM are planning an end of the year field trip to Old Fort Niagara and Niagara Falls. To raise money for this fantastic trip, they are having a rummage sale on May 13, 8:00 am -2:00 pm. They will be selling all sorts of household items: books, toys, bikes, furniture, clothing. If you have things you're clearing out of the house, please donate them to this fundraiser. Please make sure any clothes are clean & all electronic items work. BJM will accept donations from 8:00 am -4:00 pm at BJM, 302 W. Buffalo St., from now until
the sale. More info: Adam Bauchner: abauchne@icsd.k12.ny.us.

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Chicken Barbecue & Bake Sale to benefit ITHACA ACADEMY of DANCE COMPETITION TEAM, May 13 noon till gone NEXT TO NEW IMAGES, ACROSS FROM AGWAY. Carry outs available / halves & full dinners, seniors discount. Rosalie - 273-0521.

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Family & Children's Service of Ithaca is sponsoring Mental Health Awareness Day, as part of Mental Health Month, May 18, 11:30 am-2:30 pm at Bernie Milton Pavilion on The Ithaca Commons (right outside of Center Ithaca). F&CS will be distributing literature on mental health issues as well as offering complimentary popcorn, fruit and dessert to
the public.

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The Sciencenter is welcoming new volunteers. Opportunities include: Front desk greeters, tide pool docents, and museum docents. Sciencenter volunteers enjoy working flexible hours in an energetic, family-friendly environment. Volunteers receive full orientation and training and have opportunities to grow with the organization. TheSciencenter welcomes volunteers regardless of whether they’re science aficionados or not. More info: Robyne Hamme, Museum Services Coordinator,
272-0600 ext. 10 or rhamme@sciencenter.org. The Sciencenter is located at 601 First Street in Ithaca.

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Help the Garden Grow: Ithaca Children's Garden Volunteer Orientation May 11. Looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity? Check out all the ways to get involved at the Ithaca Children’s Garden (ICG) Spring Volunteer Orientation May 11, 6:30-8pm at the Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Ave. Contact Leigh MacDonald, 272-2292 or lam26@cornell.edu for more information or to RSVP.

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Volunteers Help PROP Up the Hangar Theatre. The Hangar Theatre's popular volunteer program, also known as PROPS, is accepting applications from members of the public interested in ushering for the summer season. Members of the PROPS crew have the opportunity to see a whole season of thrilling professional theatre for only $10. After attending a one-hour orientation session, ushers will be prepared to assist the Hangar's staff at any of the 25 shows being presented throughout the summer, including the Mainstage and Kiddstuff seasons, as well as the cutting-edge Lab Company performances in the Wedge. PROPS members simply arrive 45 minutes before a performance to help, and then they can enjoy the show with the rest of the audience! The Hangar has scheduled three usher orientation sessions: May 27, 29 and 30. Contact Audience Services Manager, Michael Schmidt, 273-8588 x412, or audience@hangartheatre.org, or http://www.hangartheatre.org.

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CLASSES, LECTURES, SUPPORT GROUPS
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NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION: How to Communicate Compassionately taught by Becca Harber. A series of 8 classes starting TONIGHT May 10, 6:30-8:30 pm in the GreenStar Coop Warehouse Meeting Room. Classes will be held through May, June 7 & 14, and July 12 and 19. Sliding scale of $80-120 with Ithaca Hours and people who need to pay less welcome. Class limited to 20 people. Sign up at GreenStar's Customer Service Desk in main store or call 273-9392. More info: Becca 272-4034 or
272-0510. More info on NVC: http://www.cnvc.org/

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Youth can grow "Ugly Vegetables" with the Ithaca Children's Garden this summer! Youth ages 6 and up and their families are invited to participate in the Ugly Vegetable Garden, part of the ICG's Growing Gardens Program. Based on the book The Ugly Vegetables by Grace Lin, participants work in pairs or small groups to design, plant, and care for their own Asian vegetable gardens at the Ithaca Children's Garden Saturdays throughout the summer with a harvest and soup-making party in September. Space is limited and registration is required. Cost of the program is $12. Scholarships available. More info: Leigh MacDonald, 272-2292, LAM26@cornell.edu.

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Hangar Theatre's Next Generation School of Theatre, July 10-August 20. For kids and young adults grades 3 through 12. Work side by side with professional actors, directors, playwrights and designers, this year's Next Generation participants will
take part in one of three separate, day-long programs specially crafted for Elementary, Middle, and High School students. Registration forms at the Hangar's administrative offices, Clinton House 116 North Cayuga Street in Downtown Ithaca, or by downloading a copy from http://www.hangartheatre.org. The registration deadline is June 1.

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SUMMER TIME FUN WITH ART. Elisabeth Gross-Marks, member of the State of the Art Gallery makes painting come alive. She is an experienced teacher. Individuals and small groups are welcome! 277-2419 or egmcolors@clarityconnect.com

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The Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance presents a DAY OF RENEWAL May 13, 9:00 am-4:30 pm, Light on the Hill Retreat Center Van Etten, New York. IBCA is offering a Day of Renewal for all women who have experienced breast or gynecologic
cancers. This is a time to nourish your body and spirit through professionally led activities such as art, writing, yoga, theater, massage, and drumming, or simply by resting in a beautiful environment that affords quiet spaces and trails for hiking. Transportation to and from Light on the Hill can be arranged and a delicious vegetarian meal will be provided. The cost of the retreat is $20 with scholarships available. Participants may stay overnight at Light on the Hill before and/or after the retreat at their own expense. To register, call 277-0960.

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Prostate Cancer Group, Man to Man, will meet May 17, 5:00-6:30 pm at Lifelong, 119 West Court Street, Ithaca.Those concerned with prostate cancer, including wives and
partners are encouraged to attend. All Meetings are free. More info: Towhee Shutka (607) 786-0820 Ext 306.

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NEW DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integrates visualization and data analysis tools in order to represent real world issues in a virtual medium. This new online course provides an introduction to both the
tools and techniques used to create thematic maps using local economic and demographic data. Students can take this course as part of a degree program or as continuing education. Students of all ages are invited to register. More info:
http://www.sce.cornell.edu/ss/courses/dl/gis.php

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YOUR LETTERS
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A Vote For Stel:

"Please vote for Stel Walton Whitehead for school board on Tuesday, May 16! Stel is a powerful, genuinely caring woman with an equity action plan, twenty years of multicultural experience, and a committment to racial and economic justice for our school district. Stel supports our children as the Program Director at Southside Community Center, and as a volunteer of the Tompkins County Human Rights Coalition. For the love, respect, and excellent education all our children deserve, we cast our vote for Stel Walton Whitehead." --Sareanda Lourdes, Caleb Russell Thomas

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A Vote for Tasini:

"The members of Ithaca Progressive Democrats of America enthusiastically endorse Jonathan Tasini for U.S. Senate. Tasini, former President of the National Writers Union, is running on a platform supporting universal health care ("Medicare for All"); immediate withdrawal of US forces from Iraq; a Fair Trade policy that ensures environmental protections and workers' rights; and a massive national effort to invest in alternative energy.

In June, Tasini supporters will be petitioning to ensure him a place on the ballot in the September Democratic primary vote for U.S. Senate. Not a single member of Ithaca PDA voted for incumbent Sen. Hillary Clinton. Her record of enabling the war policies of the Bush/Cheney administration has been deeply disappointing to those of us who had hoped she might be a progressive Senator. PDA members are very pleased to be able to support Jonathan Tasini, who stands for the values and policies that most
New Yorkers want to see advocated for in the U.S. Senate. Members of our group spoke highly of Jonathan's gifts, from his ability to think on his feet when being questioned at a public town hall meeting, to his personal warmth in one-on-one encounters with people, to his courage in speaking out for a more effective approach to resolving the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

Jonathan Tasini has the qualities it will take to be effective in challenging the incumbent junior Senator in the September primary, and to lead the US Senate and our country in a more progressive direction. Tasini's campaign slogan is one that former Senator Paul Wellstone used: Vote for what you believe in. Please go to http://www.tasinifornewyork.org for more information."

--Ithaca Progressive Democrats of America
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Ithaca Freecycle?

"Hi, do you happen to know the Ithaca freerecycle/reuse/people give stuff away info?"

Thanks, Jenny

---[REPLY]: Yep, it's http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IthacaFreecycle/

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May 10, 2006