ICN Newsletter Archive

In this issue:

• Not Officially News
• ICN News
• 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 toyour inbox every other Wednesday. To unsubscribe, send a blank email to ebauchne@twcny.rr.com with "Unsubscribe ICN" in the subject heading. Editor and Publisher: Elizabeth Bauchner. Founded by Paul Glover.

Deadline for event submissions: Monday, June 5.

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NOT OFFICIALLY NEWS
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Ithaca celebrates its 100th birthday by inaugurating MANDATORY CURBSIDE RECYCLING 6/1/1988.

GUIDE TO ITHACA by Ithaca College Information Desk:
http://www.ithaca.edu/ithacaguide

PREDICTING THE PAST: old Ithaca weather forecasts summarized:
http://cleardarksky.com/clmt/c/IthacaNYct.html

LICK BROOK: stroll this webpage, then take the hike.

ITHACA SUCKS http://www.ithacasucks.blogspot.com/ has been lampooning left and right for the past three years.

COOK LIKE AN ITHAKAN Greek recipes from our namesake:
http://www.ithacagreece.com/Recipes/recipes.html

http://ithacalibertarians.org, Still available: ithacaliberals.org

See the Whole Earth in REAL TIME:
http://www.fourmilab.to/cgi-bin/uncgi/Earth/action?opt=-p

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ICN NEWS
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What's New on the ICN web site:

Ithaca Biodiesel fundraiser deemed a success:
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=88

Paul Glover's Giro dell'Italia (Tour of Italy):
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=83

"Labor" to open with only four shows:
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=84

Greensprings Natural Cemetery Opens for Business:
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=90

Update on the Saint Patrick's Four:
http://ithacanews.org/news.htm?newsID=89

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Last month's poll: How often do you intentionally shop local? As of May 23, 63 results: Everyday (33); Couple times a week (20); Once in a while (8); Never (2).

New Poll: Is Ithaca still an enlightened city? Cast your vote at http://www.ithacanews.org

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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 Elizabeth

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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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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. Do you like receiving ICN? Please consider making a donation. Ithaca Community News accepts donations in cash or 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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Comunity Roundtable on Diversity issues, June 1. The Tompkins County Diversity Consortium will host a Community Roundtable at the Hilton Garden Inn in Ithaca. The Roundtable will include: discussions about the diversity issues affecting small communities; a panel discussion with community leaders who are currently leading successful diversity efforts; promoting diversity within our schools; and the media's
effect on inclusion in the community. National and local leaders to participate. Community members with an interest in furthering inclusion in our community are encouraged to participate in this groundbreaking roundtable. The roundtable cost is $20 and pre-registration is encouraged due to a limited space available. Those interested in registration may contact Judy Drake, JDrake@town.ithaca.ny.us, or 273-1721. More info: http://www.tompkins-co.org/consortium/.

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Celebration & Screening/Discussion of "Don't Be a Chicken" About Healthcare, June 7, First Unitarian Church Annex, Buffalo and Aurora Streets, Ithaca, 5:30-7:30 pm. Sponsored by Healthcare-NOW, an expanding coalition of organization and individuals made up of medical, labor, business, activist and faith communities supporting HR676 "Medicare for ALL." Also, as part of a nationwide celebration in support of HR676
Healthcare-NOW will be petitioning on The Commons during the day. Meet at the Unitarian Church at 5:00 pm for refreshments and viewing of the video and walk to Common Council meeting at 7:00 pm for the presentation of a resolution to the city
asking for their support of HR676.

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ITHACA SUSTAINABILITY
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Planning meeting for Ithaca CarShare TONIGHT May 24, 7:00-8:30 pm, City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room. Come and find out, support, add your $.02 to the development of a carshare service for Ithaca. Bring friends and colleagues. Everyone
welcome.

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Short and sweet Earth Day video on the Groovy Green website: http://groovy.movingtonz.com/type/?p=799

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There are still some spots left in the White Hawk Eco Village. To find out about joining this adventure in sustainable cohousing, come to a general business meeting May 28 at 3:00, or a potluck lunch and business meeting June 11 at 12:30.  More info: Henry Peterson (Beauty) 273-5879, beauty77@lightlink.com, or Persephone 277-5283, pdoliner@twcny.rr.com.

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Sustainability Fair Returns to Ithaca Festival. The theme of this year's Sustainability Fair, held 12:00-6:00 pm, June 4 at Stewart Park, is "The Sustainable House." Learn all about sustainable living! Lots of activities within! Take the TCAT shuttle bus, which will be running every ten minutes to and from The Ithaca Commons and Stewart Park from 12:00-8:00 pm. Riding the bus or riding a bike are the two best ways to get to the festival on Sunday. Curb Your Car is offering their  "bike valet" service again, for safe and secure bicycle parking at Stewart Park.

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ITHACA WAR AND PEACE REPORT
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JONATHAN TASINI's bicycle Ride for Peace, support and rally TODAY May 24, Dewitt Park 3:00-4:00 pm. Jonathan Tasini, Progressive Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, is biking 600 miles across New York state, from Manhatten to Buffalo, gathering support for his proposal that the Democratic Party of New York state support an immediate safe withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. (He will present this proposal to the state Democratic convention in Buffalo May 30-31). TASINI is challenging incumbent Senator Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary next September. Ms. Clinton voted to enable the Bush/Cheney administration to go to war, and
continues to vote for war and militarism. TASINI asks "where is the soul of the Democratic party if we can't oppose an illegal and immoral war?" Endorsed by Ithaca Progressive Democrats of America, Tasini also favors universal health care
(Medicare for All), Fair trade practices, Alternative energy initiatives, and enjoying a good bike ride. Co-sponsored by Ithaca Progressive Democrats of America and Tompkins County Health Care Task Force. Also, SEND-OFF GATHERING May 25, 9:30
am, Dewitt Park. Tasini, along with several local riders, will bike north up the lake to Geneva, where he will continue to meet with community activists and people committed to peace and justice. More info: wfudeman@lightlink.com.

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REALLY COOL FLASH ANIMATION: "Punk Ass Crusade." Check it out!  The hardworking hellraisers at the Ruckus Society are proud to unveil the world premier of an amazing new Flash animation. It's packed with mind-bending anti-war images and an hot new song from The Coup. http://notyoursoldier.org/sns
 
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Gold Star Families for Peace, an organization co-founded by Cindy Sheehan and several other family members of fallen soldiers, has put together a 2006 election scorecard: http://www.gsfp.org/article.php?id=176&preview=1.

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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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Roast for Casey Stevens who is retiring as WHCU radio talk host after nearly 20 years in broadcasting. Roasters include: Michelle Berry, Barbara Blanchard, Mark Finkelstein, Alan Cohen, Steve Whicher, Jean McPheeters, many more, plus emcee
Gary Stewart and some special guests. 7:00 pm TONIGHT (May 24) at the Women's Community Building.

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KITCHEN SINK series presents a New Play Festival with T. Paul McCabe, Marie Sirakos, George Sapio. May 25-June 11. Performances are Wed-Sat at 8pm/Sun at 4pm) at the Kitchen Theatre, Clinton House, 116 N. Cayuga St, Ithaca. More info:
273-4497 or http://www.kitchentheatre.org.

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Events at Museum of the Earth:

• May 26 Fossil Fridays. Explore the history of life through fossils, artwork, videos and other activities. Especially appropriate for children ages 7-11, offered bi-weekly on Fridays. 3:30pm-4:30pm. Included with admission.
• May 28 Mineral ID Day with volunteer Eniko Farkas of the Cayuga Gem and Mineral Club. Let her ID your new find. Noon -1:30pm

MOTE is located at 1259 Trumansburg Rd. Ithaca. More info: 273-6623, or http://www.museumoftheearth.org

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Crossing Borders Wraps the Spring Tour with the Burns Sisters at Castaways. WVBR's radio concert series Crossing Borders completes the First Annual 'Spring Tour' with The Burns Sisters New CD Preview, May 27, 9:00 pm at Castaways, 413
Taughannock Blvd. Admission $10 at the door.
 
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Hangar Theatre Opens Season with World Premiere of "Sammy & Me." Sammy & Me is one-man musical featuring 20 great songs, 30 characters, dazzling dance, and one dynamic Broadway performer. May 31 to June 17. More info: http://www.hangartheatre.org.

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Dance Event: Contact Improvisation Jam. June 2, Tiamat Studio, 136 The Commons, 7:30-9:00 pm. This is a fun and playfully dynamic interactive dance form. No experience needed. More info: Doug, 339-7085.

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"Recent Works", a two-person show of work by State of the Art Gallery members Elisabeth Gross-Marks and Stan Bowman. June 1-25.  Opening reception for the artists: June 2, 5:00-8:00 pm. More info: 277-1626, http://www.soag.org

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"The Places We Call Home," a reading by Irene Zahava and friends, June 2, 7:00 pm at Bookery II in DeWitt Mall.

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The Ithaca Swing Dance Network presents the Romantics for the Ithaca Festival dance on June 3 at the Women's Community Building, 100 West Seneca Street. Introductory swing lesson 7:00—8:00 pm and open dancing 8:00-10:00. Admission $5 or $3 with an Ithaca Festival button. More info: http://www.Dance-Ithaca.org

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Dances of Universal Peace June 4, noonish at Ithaca Festival, Stewart Park. The Dances are participatory, joyous, multi-cultural events in which people join in singing and dancing in a simple, profound way. Musicians often accompany the dances, and leaders give instructions before dancing and singing. No previous experience is necessary. Bring an open heart and the desire to deepen and join hands with others.

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New children's story hour at the Bookery II, June 4, 1:00 pm and every Sunday after. Come and enjoy old favorites and new friends as Bookery II Staff read from some of the best loved children's literature around. June 4 listen as June Locke treats us all to some Trickster Culture! Bookery II at 215 Cayuga Street in the DeWitt Mall.

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Trumansburg Skate Park Benefit concert: Seth Feldman, Barretta, and Fairway perform at the Rongovian Embassy in Trumansburg, June 4, 2:00-7:00 pm, for the benefit of the Mack Zaharis Memorial Skate Park in Trumansburg. Suggested donation: $10. All proceeds go toward skate park design and construction.

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ACTIVIST FILM NIGHT. Free public showing of Michael Franti film "I Know I'm not Alone: A Musician's Journey through War in the Middle East." June 6, Lehman Alternative Community School (LACS), 111 Chestnut St., Ithaca. Free film, popcorn, and discussion. 7:00 pm. More info: jeci@negaverse.org, or Elizabeth, 280-1960. More about the film: http://www.iknowimnotalone.com/.

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Brooklynites-in-Ithaca reunion. June 8, large pavillion at Stewart Park 5:30-8:30 pm. This year's theme is amusement and amusement parks, and there will be a talent show. More info: http://www.marcelletoordesigns.com/Brooklynites.html.

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SPIRITDANCE AND BODYPRAYER: A Retreat for Men and Women. June 9-11. More info: http://www.instituteforcirclework.org/icw_events.htm

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June 9-24 CSMA Gallery presents "Portraits in Transition: Nature and nurture, culture and consciousness," an exhibit of provocative self-portraits by young art students from Ithaca High School. Opening reception on June 9, 5:00-7:00 pm. Community School of Music and Arts, 330 E. State Street, Ithaca. More info: info@csma-ithaca.org; http://www.csma-ithaca.org.

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CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
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OAR (Offender Aid and Restoration) Annual Meeting rescheduled from May 20 to June 17, 2:00-3:30 pm. Town of Ithaca Hall, 215 N. Tioga St, Ithaca. Keynote Speaker: U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey.

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Volunteers Needed at the SPCA. Their success depends on the commitment of a dedicated and well-trained volunteer base. Whether it's cat or dog socializing, dog walking, adoption counseling, fostering, assisting at special events, or general
office support, the TC SPCA has a volunteer opportunity that's just right for you! If you love animals and are 18 years or over, you can pick up an application at the Dorothy & Roy Park Pet Adoption Center, located at 1640 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, or call 257-1822 ext. 232.

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Volunteer Crisisline Counselors Needed. Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service offers a way for you to help your community, while gaining valuable skills which will help you in all aspects of your life. Volunteer Crisisline counselors are open minded, compassionate individuals who are trained to be skilled, effective crisis counselors. The Crisisline is presently seeking trainees for the next daytime training, which begins July 5. For more information please contact Paul or Judy at 272-1505, or spcscrisisline@verizon.net.

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Did you miss Dan Berrigan's visit to Ithaca? Catch it on Channel 13, May 25 1:00 pm, or May 28 8:30 pm. Dan Berrigan visited Cornell April 10 to talk about war resistance from Vietnam to Iraq.

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New York's rape laws challenged: check out this article from Women's eNews (another fine source of Internet media activism): http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=2746. New York's five-year statute of limitations on rape is one of the shortest in the country and political momentum is building in New York to strike it down. Some see the law as a remnant of a legal tradition that did not take rape seriously.

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LAWN AND YARD WORK VOLUNTEERS. The Tompkins County Office for the Aging maintains a list of individuals who would be willing to do yard work for senior citizens in the spring and summer months. The office is currently updating its list, and is in need
of more workers, particularly in the outlying areas of the county. If you might be interested in assisting seniors with yard work on either a volunteer or paid basis, please contact the Office for the Aging at 274-5482 or kschickel@tompkins-co.org.

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Jolie Rickman’s SPANISH FOR ACTIVISTS CAMP! Fifth annual camp to be held July 1-3 in Truxton, NY (on a beautiful land trust 30 mi. from Ithaca). Escape the red, white and blue and get out into the green to declare INDEPENDENCE FOR ALL OF THE AMERICAS! Space is limited. To sign up, 646-245-9931, or s4a@riseup.net.

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ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE CLEARANCE SALE: Friday and Saturday, May 26 & 27. Significant Elements Warehouse, 212 Center Street (corner S. Plain St), Ithaca.

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CLASSES, LECTURES, SUPPORT GROUPS
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Natural History at Noon lecture at the Museum of the Earth Mark Twain, the Scientist, with Dr. Michael Pratt of Elmira College. May 27. Mark Twain spent much of his time fossil collecting when he lived in Elmira, and even amassed a substantial collection from a quarry near his Elmira study. Dr. Pratt will discuss Twain's interest in paleontology and science and explore Twain's essay entitled "Was the World
Made for Man?" written in 1903, in which Twain satirizes the belief that the universe, the Earth, and all its flora and fauna (extinct and living) had been created by design for humankind's benefit. MOTE is located at 1259 Trumansburg Rd. Ithaca. More info: 273.6623, or http://www.museumoftheearth.org

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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. More info: http://www.flpci.org.

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The Finger Lakes Land Trust's 2006 Talk and Treks series, June 3, 9:00 am with a canoe and/or kayak trip on the Owasco Lake Inlet. Join naturalists Karen Edelstein, Meena Haribal, and Mark Whitmore for a gentle paddle on the Owasco Inlet
at the south end of Owasco Lake. Group size limited to 15, call (607) 275-9487 to reserve a spot. More info: http://www.fllt.org, or call 607-275-9487.

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Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute Workshop: BUILD AN URBAN ECOSYSTEM. Sunday, June 11, 9:00-4:00 Workshop; 6:00-9:30 Potluck and Town Hall meeting. Workshop will take place in the Northside neighborhood of Ithaca with demonstrations on quick and easy ways to transform urban lots into healthy, yielding ecosystems.
Includes a discussion of design strategies as well as plenty of hands-on activities. All are welcome. Cost: $25 for workshop, Northside residents FREE! Potluck and Meeting FREE! Specific locations TBA; pre-registration required. Send contact info to flpcipermaculture@yahoo.com, or visit http://www.flpci.org.

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Ecovillage Experience Weekends: An Immersion in Sustainable Community Living, June 9-11. Come experience a more richly connected way of life in our world-renowned ecovillage and co-housing community in Ithaca. More info: 256-0000, 272-5149,
http://www.ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us/EcoVillagePrograms/weekends.htm or ecovillage@cornell.edu

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16th annual Ithaca Dance Camp, June 22-25. The Ithaca Dance Camp is an annual weekend retreat in the beautiful Arnot Forest. Each year, about 80 people gather to dance, sing, cook, eat and live together in community. Children's activities as well. More info: Saoirse McClory, 272-9088, saoirsem@hotmail.com. Deadline for registration is June 9.

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YOUR LETTERS
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On the Akwesasne Freedom School:

"Your newsletter contains the following from Jon Raimon: '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 Freedom 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.'

I worked at Akwesane as tutor when I attended Potsdam State and I have had several student from there attend college through a program I headed at SUNY Plattsburgh. I fully support the Freedom School, but your piece spreads innacurate information. The Freedom School does not receive some New York State funding because it is not an accredited public school, NOT because it teaches the Mohawk language or that it focuses on Mohawk culture. Any accredited public school in New York can teach any language it desires as part of its curriculum. As a local newsletter, I think you owe it to your readers to disseminate accurate information."
 
Keith D. Smith

---[REPLY]: Thanks for the clarification. You're right, the Akwesasne Freedom School does not receive funding because it is a private school. However, I do not believe they could be a public school and teach solely in a language other than English. The purpose of the Freedom School is to preserve the Mohawk language, which was nearly decimated by the forced assimilation of Native people into white culture, so they are bringing the language back by teaching only in Mohawk at the school to give their students a full immersion program in their own history, culture, and language.

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Hello,

I read the notice about the People's Garden Project in the Ithaca Community News: May 10, 2006 e-mail. Just thought that you might want to have the official name of the church at 410-412 First Street so that it's not confused with the First Baptist Church. The name is Baptized Church of Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. Most people refer to the church as the Baptized Church.

Mary De Souza
---[REPLY]: Thanks Mary.

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Hi Elizabeth, I am a happy reader of your ICN news. However, I was distressed to see your mention of the "unedited" versions of the PTA Council questionnaires being available thru your ICN website. Did the District edit them, before posting? Other than typos? If so, that's important news. I did note that there was no mention of PTA Council providing the questioinnaires on the website entry page. Many thanks for all you do.

Pam Hanna--IHS PTSA Co-president
 
---[REPLY]: Hi Pam, I actually wrote that they were "uncut" responses, which was more accurate than "unedited." I edited typos, but didn't cut anything in the responses. And, on the web site page, it does say that these were the responses to a PTA Council questionnaire. Thanks!