6A the university daily kansan
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wednesday, september 3, 2003
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"...At the top of the Hill"
1420 Crescent Rd., Lawrence, KS 785.843.383
Group promotes cooperation,peace
By Johanna M. Maska
jmaska@kansan.com
kansas staff writer
A new organization is promoting an old ideal.
The KU Israel Alliance, a campus group formed last year, met last night to promote culture, activism, and above all, peace.
More than 30 students gathered at Naismith Hall at 8:30 p.m. to hear from Rebecca Gellar, American Israeli Political Action Committee national field organizer. The committee is a Washington, D.C.-based lobby organization that promotes the Israeli state. The alliance hosted Gellar to promote activism in voting and politics.
Mike Khadavi, Overland Park junior and alliance treasurer, said he hoped the meeting would acquaint students with the organization and encourage their involvement in political activism. During the next year, one of its big goals is a voter registration drive.
"The higher the percentage of the population that votes, the more accurate the representation the public will get," said Khadavi.
Khadavi said he wanted to increase voter registration, and more specifically, the group would aim to register those who support an independent Israeli state. Although students typically move yearly and might have to enter an address change next year, he said he hoped this would at least spark interest.
That is where Gellar comes in. She supports the political aspirations of the alliance.
"Yes, it is the Jewish homeland, but it's more than that," Gellar said.
Sam Hopkins, liaison between Gellar's organization and alliance, was a founder of the campus organization. Hopkins, whose interest arose after a trip to Israel, said the organization would raise awareness across campus. With education, he said he hoped everyone will take on the issue.
During the last year, Hopkins has worked to create an overall awareness that Israel is bigger than a culture within borders and the crisis that faces the Middle East is one that affects all.
"I think it would be oxymoronic to say that Israel can have peace without Palestine," Hopkins said. "Its unfortunate that when some people see prosomething they think anti-something else."
Hopkins said the aim of the organization is united.
— Edited by Dave Nobles
"I think the only true peace that will come will be a cooperative one," Hopkins said.
City commission discusses library
By Amanda Kim Stairrett
astairrett@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
For almost 100 years, pedestrians and drivers on the northwest corner of Ninth and Vermont streets have passed by a pivotal landmark.
The Carnegie Library building, 901 Vermont St., has long been a beacon for literature and the arts in Lawrence.
Last night the city commission decided to refer the matter to a study session to discuss financial and legal issues. Members will also compile a broad outline of goals they hope to achieve with the facility. The session will meet Sept. 24 to decide the building's future.
Commissioner Mike Rundle said the building and its prior uses brought a cross section of
the community together.
"I would like to see the facility go to maximum community use and maximum public use," he said.
The city commission also announced that Penny Construction had been selected to stabilize the building. The company will repair the roof, windows and weatherproof the facility.
The library housed the Lawrence Arts Center since 1975. In early 2002, a new arts center was constructed at 940 New Hampshire St., and the library was vacated.
Anne Evans, Lawrence Arts Center Executive Director, said the center had outgrown the library and she was sad to leave it.
In October 2002, the city conducted an evaluation of the facility. Officials determined it had no serious structural issues. On Jan
22. the city announced it was seeking proposals for use of the Carnegie Library. Public and private groups were allowed to submit proposals until March 17.
Nine organizations proposed uses for the building. Those included Agape Corporation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County, Langston Hughes Center for Community Enrichment, Lawrence Carnegie Arts Commons, Lawrence Children's Library and Museum, Lawrence Coalition on Homeless Concerns, Lawrence Electronic Access Provider, Lawrence Junior Wrestling Club and Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department.
At last night's meeting, City Commissioner David Schauer said the landmark was an anchor in the community and deserved a "Solomon-like decision."
The Carnegie Library was the site of the City of Lawrence's library from 1904 to 1972. Andrew Carnegie, a wealthy businessman, provided grants to libraries for the purpose of providing free access to books. In May 1902, Carnegie donated $27,500 for the city to establish the library. It was completed in December 1904 for a total of $27,412. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on Feb. 18, 1975.
Evans hoped the building would continue to be important to the city.
"I would like to see it go to some other new community use that will continue the mission and view of Andrew Carnegie," she said.
Get Involved
Edited by Mike Owells
American Red Cross JOIN THE KU RED CROSS CLUB
or become a Red Cross instructor if interested,please call 843.3550 or email redcrossdgco@sunflower.com
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
Contact the Roger Hill Volunteer Center at 865-5030 or check out the website at www.rhvc.org and start helping in the community today! United Way
The Volunteer Center is a service of the United Way of Douglas County
KU Crew
Do you love competition?
Do you love competition?
Would you like to compete at a collegiate level?
Would you like to get in shape?
Do you enjoy meeting people?
To find out more about KU Crew, contact Brad at bseaman@ku.edu or call 785-218-3745.
STUDENT
ACADEMIC ENTRY FOR RANCH
SENATE
First Southern Baptist Church
Missing Your Family? Come Join Ours!
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
We Are Committed to College Students!
College College Students!
Sunday Bible Study ~ 9:15
Sunday Worship ~ 10:30
4300 W. 6th St.
Church Office: 843-8167
KU Ki Aikido Club
Practice Aikido With Mind and Body Coordination
Develop Breathing Meditation and Throwing Arts
Starts September 15
Tues. & Thurs. 7-9 pm
Sat. 10 am-12 pm
Student Recreation Fitness Center Room 212 & 213
Contact Jason Ziegler 843-4732
Relcusin@hotmail.com
kansan.com
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County
To Do List:
Take a Study Break
Add something to my resume.
Be someone's friend.
Make a difference.
Mentor a child for one hour a week.
Stop by or call today!
8th and Rhode Island
Manpower
785-843-7359
1-800-488-2545
KU Lacrosse
Come by, signup or visit with the University of Kansas
Men's and Women's Lacrosse Clubs
Wednesday, September 3
through Friday, September 5
10am to 2pm
Wescoe Beach
For contact information, please visit: www.ku.edu/~kulax for Men's Club www.ku.edu/~lax for the Women's Club