*** NEWS, EVENTS, COMMENT, TRADING, FUN STUFF ***
ATTACK IN AMERICA: Many Ithacans have lost family members, friends, or associates in an attack that Americans can only compare to movies. Greatest priorities are to save the wounded, share the grief, and find out who caused this. To be sure we prevent further attacks, we need to consider the full list of suspects likely to seek revenge against the Pentagon and world trade organizations:
The media have called this an "Attack On America," and some commentators have called for restriction of civil liberties to "protect" us. The attack, however, was specifically an attack against global corporate power, and many Americans have died. Restricting civil liberties in the name of security would weaken America. Share your thoughts
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TIME TO ENJOY SOME FOLK MUSIC: FOLKSTUFF newsletter features calendar of Tompkins County folk scene.
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AND TIME FOR ANOTHER HIKE IN THE WOODS: Cascadilla Creek seen 135 years ago, by Spence Spencer. *************************************************************************
FULL TEXT of 18th annual LABOR DAY AWARDS presented at the LABOR DAY PICNIC Sept 3"
"Two Tompkins County unions received the Mother Jones Award, recognizing successful workplace organizing. Teamsters Local 317 was recognized for gaining union recognition at the Cayuga Heights Highway Department, as were the United Moose Workers, the independent union recently formed to represent service employees at the Moosewood Restaurant. "Leadership, courage, and personal sacrifice are recognized with the JOE HILL AWARD, named for the famous labor activist and balladeer executed in 1915. This year's recipients included John Tottey, the Teamster activist fired from the Dryden Town Highway Department on May 9, 2001. Also honored were Ron Powell and Mark Keith, leaders of United Auto Workers Local 802 at Monarch Machine Tool in Cortland. Keith and Powell were fired by Monarch's new owners on February 11, 2000 and have only recently won a new contract for their membership and reached a "mutually satisfactory resolution of all legal disputes."
"The Coalition also recognizes the Goat of Labor. This year the award was again shared. Dryden Town Board members Ron Beck, Tom Hatfield, and Charles Hatfield were named for their party-line vote that cost Teamster John Tottey his job last May. Although Tottey has been cleared of wrongdoing, the Dryden Town Board continues to spend tax dollars fighting John's effort to regain the job he lost because of that fateful 3 to 2 vote on May 9.
"A second Goat Award went to the Board of Education of the Ithaca City School District, recognizing their resistance to paying school Paraprofessionals a living wage. As our children return to school this week, the hard working Paraprofessionals carry on their duties without a contract and without the guarantee of earning a wage necessary to provide their families the barest measure of support.
"Finally, President Debbie Minnick of the Ithaca Paraprofessionals Association, NEA, presented the Friend of Labor Award to the Tompkins County Living Wage Coalition. The Living Wage Coalitionhas worked closely with the IPA to publicize the plight of full time workers in our communities struggling to survive with substandard income. More than a dozen community organizations make up the Living Wage Coalition. During presentation of the award, both Minnick and the recipients urged the audience to pressure the Ithaca City School District to resolve the contract dispute with IPA and commit to paying all their workers a living wage.
"The LABOR COALITION represents some sixty unions and over 8,000 working men and women in Cortland and Tompkins Counties. Labor Coalition: Ithaca 277-5670 Cortland 756-5582"
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CRAYON CARNIVAL on the Cornell Arts Quad, Sept 22, 10am-4pm. "Education/info featuring local nonprofits, student groups and community performers, for families w/children K-8th.
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SEE-SPOT GALLERY (108 The Commons) hosts an artists' reception Sept 15, 4-6pm. They're installing a five-color silk screen press for t-shirts, made of bicycle parts. HOURS will be accepted. Show your art by becoming a gallery member ($20/yr) and paying $10 per month of show.
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CORNELL CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION invitation: "Interested in personal freedom? Do you care about free speech, privacy, religious freedom, women's rights, and gay rights? Do you want to stop things like racial profiling, the death penalty, police brutality, and unjust drug laws? Do you want to fight for your right to say what you want and live your life as you see fit?" Adam Crouch [email protected]
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Ilonka says: "LETS CREATE POSITIVE ENERGY. Inspired by Positive News, an international newspaper, I am harvesting positive news here in Ithaca and beyond. I am inviting You to share a positive story/ries of Your own experience or those of others which You felt to be inspiring. Some ideas: Happiness, Trust, Unconditional love, Environmental issues, Local incentives Grass roots activist Peace, Education, Playfulness, and fun, fun, fun). It is my vision to set up a display of stories such as Yours in the center of town as well as to publish them locally as an addition to the international "Positive News" soon to be distributed around town." [email protected]
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The SIX- POINT TRAFFIC PLAN COMMITTEE plans a public information meeting to report and to gather public input, Sept 13, 7-9pm @ Women's Community Building. Road widening to handle increased traffic caused by Southwest chain stores will affect everyone in the Ithaca area.
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SHARE FARM hosts PEACHTOWN NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL Saturday Sept. 22 from 10-5, Wells College Campus, featuring food, dancing, presentations. If anyone would like to assist, have a booth, call Ernie at 315-364-9652 [email protected]
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DRUM CIRCLE every Saturday at Stewart Park 5pm till dark. All welcome.
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Next General Meeting of the TOMPKINS COUNTY LIVING WAGE COALITION is
Thursday, September 20th from 7 to 9 p.m. at Catholic Charities, 324 W.
Buffalo St. **CHILD CARE WILL BE AVAILABLE!! [email protected] The
campaign has a table at Alternatives Federal Credit Union.
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"The average annual compensation of a CEO of a large company in 1998 was
$10.6 million, 419 times what the average worker makes, according to the
organization United for a Fair Economy. That ratio has risen from 49 times
to 1 in 1980. Had workers' pay risen at the same rate, the average worker
would earn $110,000 today, not the $29,000 that an average worker makes.
Had the minimum wage increased at the same rate as CEO pay, it would be
$22.08 today, according to the Institute for Policy Studies." --Washington
Post, 8/30/99
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THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF TOMPKINS COUNTY (CFTC) presents its Fall Grant Guidelines and Applications. "This is the initial round of grantmaking for the new organization. A pool of up to $50,000 will be available for grants this Fall (another round will take place in the Spring, 2002). Grants will be awarded to not for profit organizations (not individuals), generally for programs and not for operating expenses, will be for one year only (no multi year funding), and must serve residents of Tompkins County. Deadline for completed applications is October 15. Notification of applicants status by mid-December." CFTC Grant Guidelines & Application via email (send complete mailing address & telephone) [email protected] or 272-933. Questions should be directed to Jeffrey True, Executive Director.
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ORGANIC FARMLAND TO RENT: 20 acres at 1607 Route 96: low rates: Contact: James Curran 272-3611 Ithaca HOURS accepted.
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ITHACA HISTORY NOTES:
* Sept 12, 1907: GARMENT WORKERS ORGANIZE in City. "The UNION LABEL
demonstrates that the article upon which it is placed has been produced by
fairly paid labor."
* Sept 13, 1862: FIFTY CATTLE fall into the Inlet when the Old Seneca
Street bridge collapses under them.
* Sept 14, 1956: City DEBT IS LOWER per capita than all but 19 of 248 U.S.
cities in the 25,000-50,000 range.
* Sept 15, 1877: DOZENS OF TRAMPS are noted wandering and doing odd jobs,
during Depression.
* Sept 16, 1880: First issue of CORNELL DALY SUN, then called the Cornell Sun.
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ORGANIC FOOD ON CORNELL CAMPUS: Dilmun Hill sells student-grown veggies on Thursdays through October, in Ho Plaza.
RECYCLING RE-USEABLES AT CORNELL: The Student Recycling Project was featured in the latest Cornell Magazine.
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CORNELL CO-OPERATIVE EXTENSION offers a lively group of events. HOURS accepted. See details.
SMALL SCALE COMMERCIAL ORGANIC FRUIT PRODUCTION Is it feasible to produce
apples and strawberries crops organically in our area?
EXPLORE THE WORLD OF VINING PLANTS Come find out more about the different
vines we can grow. We will start with a look at the annual vines grown from
seed.
EXPLORING CREDIT ISSUES Wed, Sept. 12, 7-9 pm
Topics to be discussed include ways to establish good credit, how to make
credit work for you, understanding your credit repot, common pitfalls to
avoid, and strategies for paying down debt.
LANDLORD/TENANT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES, Wed. Sept. 19, 11 am
Following the presentation a NYS Assistant Attorney General will be
available until 1 pm to consult with individuals regarding consumer
problems they have been unable to resolve locally.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COALITION FOR FAMILIES Thurs, Sept. 20, 8:30-10:30 am
Join us this month for a dialog with Suan Antos of the Greater Upstate Law
Project on Policy Issues of Medicaid Confinement Costs for Families.
EFFECTIVE BLACK PARENTING Thursdays, starting Sept. 20, 6:30-8:30 pm
This nationally acclaimed parenting skill-building program teaches parents
and others how to raise African American children to become healthy, proud
and capable people.
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UPSTATE PRISON RESPONSE: new locally-based newspaper welcomes letters, articles, artwork: [email protected] Box 144, Ithaca, NY 14851
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PAGAN PRIDE DAY - ITHACA Sat. Sept. 22, 10am-4pm, The Commons, Ithaca All Pagans, and all curious about Neo-Paganism, in the Ithaca, Binghamton, Owego, Elmira and Watkins Glen areas are invited to a celebration of Pagan Pride Day and the Autumnal Equinox. Free to attend, the sponsors ask that all comers bring a non-perishable food item for the Share the Harvest Food Drive to benefit the American Red Cross. Clean Up The Planet Walk, 10:00-11:30; labyrinth, art (your own) & general information, 10:00-2:30; Introduction to Wiccan Ritual, Noon-1:00; Creating a Personal Altar, 1:30-2:30; Harvest Ritual, 3:00-4:00. Fern deLise (CallingCrow) 607-539-6393
"A Harvest Ritual will be celebrated, which the public is invited to join and welcomed to watch. The Autumnal Equinox (also known as Mabon, Harvest Home, or Winters Finding) is considered one of the 8 holy days of the year for many modern Pagans, who use ritual and celebration to give thanks for the year's harvest and to prepare for the coming winter.
"Modern Paganism, or Neo-Paganism, is a growing religious/spiritual movement based on combinations of ancient polytheistic religions, modern eco-spirituality, and reverence for the Divine as both masculine and feminine. Some of the more common traditions include Wicca, Asatru, Shamanism, Feri (or Faery) and Druidic spiritual paths. For many it is a Mystic's path and there is a great deal of diversity of belief and practice within the movement. Misconceptions about these religions range from the belief that they practice devil-worship to concerns about casting 'black magic'. In reality, most practitioners do not believe in an entity of all evil, are found in all walks of life from professionals to homemakers, and celebrate a religion that emphasizes respect for nature, humanity, diversity and oneself." http://www.paganpride.org
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FIRST FRIDAYS: "a nationally recognized networking event for professionals of color. It begins as an after-work social hour where venders and entrepreneurs interact informally over cocktails and live jazz. The evening then progresses to a cultural awareness component that may include guest speakers, panel discussions or fashion shows. A typical First Fridays affair culminates into a thumping upscale dance party. The organization seeks to establish a network of progressive people of color throughout the Central New York region. The supportive relationships and alliances initiated at First Fridays help strengthen our communities and addresses the quality of life, and retention problems that many CNY businesses face.
"This Month's highlights will include: live Latin jazz by Urbano Latin Jazz Sextet featuring the explosive and versatile Juan Carlos Colon AKA "El Nino." Also, don't miss the FFCNY after party with the Notorious DJ BIG HYPE !! Bring business cards and dancing shoes!
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LETTERS TO EDITOR:
"Thanks so much for taking the time to organize this information. I really
appreciate it." --Kim Niewolny
----------------
"My wife and I own a home on South Hill. Although we are only here during
the summer, I enjoy reading your semi-monthly newsletter. I hope after
reading this message you will still keep me on your mailing list.
"May I respectfully take a stand against the following article in
your latest newsletter which I now quote:
"'WIDEWATERS... has sent out a slick mailing to a large selected list
urging them to attend this and other meetings and to contact city officials
urging them to approve this project.'"
"What I object to is the word "slick". I feel that this is a catch
word on your part. As one who would like to have Target in Ithaca, how
about using the phrase "informative" instead of "slick". Since "slick"
bothers me and "informative" probably bothers you, how about a neutral word
or phrase. You're the editor. You chose the word.
"I know the reasons for keeping big box stores out of Ithaca. Members
of my family want to keep them out and we've had lively discussions on the
subject. Fortunately, we are willing to see and hear each others views.
My reasons for wanting to see Target in Ithaca is twofold. First, it would
give poor people a place to shop at lower prices. Second it would help
lower the tax base for residents.
"I am not against your comments on the subject. Surely you have the
right and indeed the obligation to state your opinion, but shouldn't it be
in the editorial section rather than in the news section?
"Thank you for taking the time to read my comments. I look forward to
receiving your interesting, informative newsletter. My wife says this is
a slick letter." --Respectfully, Bill Baum
[Bill, I'll try to contain explicit editorializing within the
editorial. However, all printed matter, from "news" to comics, is
deliberate or subconscious editorializing, reflecting the values of writers
and editors. For information about Target Stores
--------------
"The local history bits are WONDERFUL. What is your source? (Thanks for
sending out more current good info on a regular basis, too!)" --Tracey
Craig
[Tracey, the local history is from my Amazing Ithaca History
Calendars, 1976 & 1978.]
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EDITORIAL
The Ithaca Journal begins this election year's Attack Season with an editorial (8/31/01) suggesting that Ithacans against chain stores scare 'normal' people away from public hearings, that opponents of chains offer nothing constructive, and that citizens favoring chain stores are too cowardly to say so.
The Journal again insists that the only way to meet shopping needs and raise sufficient taxes is to yield to multinationals and corporate government. This is expected, since the Journal is owned by Target Stores (through Vanguard Group) and other heavyweights like Philip Morris, Monsanto, Exxon Mobil, Wal-Mart, McDonald's, Chevron and Citicorp. http://www.nasdaq.com search GCI
Ithaca's daily paper has since 1815 promoted domination by centralized financial interests and domination of workers, having editorially endorsed fascism, the Ku Klux Klan, McCarthyism, multinationals, superhighways, the nuclear weapons race, and every single war engaged; while ridiculing women's rights, unions, protest, blacks and environmentalists. For details: Journalisms
Today the overwhelming majority of Ithaca's economic development leaders favor creative locally-based business or co-op development, rather than dull and costly chain stores. These include nearly all Commons merchants, who petitioned against Wal-Mart in 1995; and affilates of many nonprofits and environmental groups which foster the social cohesion and natural beauty that make Ithaca famously attractive to newcomers and tourists.
The Journal's repeated attacks on such voices disparage the capacity of creative grassroots economic initiatives like the Farmer's Market, the Sciencenter, Alternatives Credit Union, the Ithaca Festival, neighborhood centers, and even the musicians and artists who contribute to economic vitality.
There are dozens more proven practical ways to fix our economy to directly meet basic needs of lower-income residents (for low-cost food, fuel, housing, mobility, health care, etc) which transfer real power to the poor, with less reliance on City Hall's ever-expanding tax treadmill, or Target's aisles.
However the Journal has one thing right-- shopping is not a sin. Shopping
is voting. We can choose products that damage our environment or repair
it; products which exploit labor or respect it.
Target Stores damages what many of us value:
There's a bigger world beyond the Journal
Journal & Living Wages
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GRANTS OF ITHACA HOURS have been made to over 60 community groups. Here's
how three recent grants have been spent:
* WOMEN'S WORKS 2001 Concert: 10 HRS for recording dress rehearsal, 10 HRS
to 6 performers.
* Black Umbrella's "SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK": 5 HRS to artistic director, 5
HRS to stage manager, 10 HRS toward theatre clinician.
* The ARCH (Action Responsibility Creativity Home): 2 HRS for computer
repair, 6 HRS to summer interns, 2.5 HRS to Race Office Supply, 2 HRS to
Bookery, 4 HRS to technical crew, 3.5 misc.
To get a grant: http://www.ithacahours.org/grantloan.htm
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NOW HIRING: Silver Thread Vineyard needs grapepickers: 582-6116; Blue Heron Farm wants workers Sept-Nov part-time: 582-6336 [email protected]
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WATER BEAR performs at ABCafe Saturday night September 15, 10pm $5 or 1/2 HOUR. "This unique ensemble (Mer Boel, Tim Reppert, Hank Roberts, and Ruth Roland) plays original music (for strings and voices) based on names (of people . . . and one place we all know and love). Not to be missed."
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MORE ITHACA HOURS ACCEPTED:
ITHACA HOURS ONLY: PSYCHOTHERAPY serving ONLY current members of the Ithaca Health Fund. Fee One HOUR per hour session. Dollars not accepted. David Galezo, M.A. Phil., C.S.W. w/ 10 yrs exp mental health counseling. NYS lic R-034547-1. [email protected] (607) 897-1705.
RENT: 3-bedroom at 1049 Coddington Rd: $750/month. Bob Orshalom [email protected]
CONVERSATIONAL LANGUAGE CLASSES: JOIN ANYTIME
* PORTUGUESE Beginning - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 PM
Intermediate - Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 PM Cost is $80/month
* SPANISH Beginning - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 PM Intermediate -
Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00 PM $90/month CUSLAR: [email protected]
or 255-7293 Ithaca HOURS accepted.
THE ICEBREAKERS: 3-part a capella harmony for studio, events, parties, clubs, etc: (315) 364-7841 Gena, Phil, Joe: [email protected]
CLOWN/MAGIC SHOW: Hilby the Magnificent & The Great Zucchini: 9/16 at Fall Creek Pictures: fundraiser for visit to Tibetan resettlement villages in India & Nepal: suggested donation $4.00, HOURS accepted.
MASSAGE THERAPY TIME SHARE: Birdie McGruder [email protected] 272-5424 Mon - Wed. Great spot right on the Inlet, fair rent! We also take 100% Ithaca HOURS!
ENERGY GATES CH'I GUNG & WU T'AI CHI SHORT FORM: Don Myers, Certified Instructor: [email protected] 277.1768: 2 HRS max/class, 5 HRS max/both
ITHACA T'AI CHI GROUP classes: September 10 to December 6. One World Room, Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell. Mondays 5 pm T'ai Chi Chi Kung - any level 5:45 pm Beginners. Thursdays 5 pm T'ai Chi Chi Kung - any level. 5:45 pm Advanced. Fees: $150 for new students, $120 for continuing students. "These very special Chinese arts are done for health, exercise, & well-being as well as martial self-defense. A moving meditation. A practice in mindfulness. A means of learning balance & grounding. And having fun practicing with a group!" Kati Hanna, has been practicing T'ai Chi Ch'uan for over 25 years. 272-3972 [email protected] Ithaca HOURS accepted.
THE ITHACA BIRTH GROUP has a new website. Contact [email protected] link your organization to their site or visa versa. Voluntary $25.00 lifetime membership, Ithaca HOURS accepted. They also teach childbirth education classes: $40 for four weeks. 10% discount for Health Fund members.
WOMEN'S MOVEMENT CIRCLE: "women-centered movements from world traditions: Sept 17- Dec 17 Cindy Overstreet 277-9219 [email protected]
WORKSHOPS FOR BOARD MEMBERS OF NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS in and near Tompkins County. "The participatory and fun workshops emphasize insight and skill-building for experienced board members as well as inexperienced new board members." WORKSHOP TITLES: Leading Effective Meetings, Conflict prevention and communication styles, Dealing with Difficult Board Members, Board & Staff, Policy & Micromanagement. Registration fees: $20 per person per workshop, $65 per person pre-register for full series. To reserve space send contact information: [email protected] Eric Lerner 273-1154 http://www.ericlerner.net
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Professor Elia Kacapyr of Ithaca College says, "The economy today is very similar to 1985. See how and get the scoop on the local economy." His new ECONOMIC DATA ON TOMPKINS COUNTY are now available at http://www.ithaca.edu/economics/tcdex.htm
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Congratulations to Ithacan Mary Woodsen for her New York Times article (9/4), Science Times section: "If anyone wants more details on sudden oak death, just ask me!" [email protected]
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ITHACA'S INTEGRATIVE COMMUNITY WELLNESS CENTER sponsors lectures, demonstrations and retreats throughout the fall:
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JoAnn Kingsley-Wells, co-owner of SALT OF THE EARTH GALLERY, Watkins Glen's Contemporary Variety Store and Gallery, intends to form a cooperative. "Now it will take a community to grow the Salt of the Earth and the Center for Creativity and Wellness (next door) into the kind of art, craft, educational and healing center many Schuyler County residents have expressed interest in." Call her at 535-5000 [email protected]
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ITHACA HEALTH FUND keeps growing:
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ITHACA COMMUNITY NEWS ARCHIVES since October 2000.
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