Dear Editor

The rumbling echo of empty stomachs will soon end in the halls of IVCC, at least for a day. River Currents is hosting a new fundraiser on Nov. 16 from noon to 1 p.m.

In light of recent tragic developments, i.e. the loss of our cafeteria, we will be delivering pizza to those interested faculty and staff members who order it. Orders will be taken in advance and may be sent to river_currents@hotmail.com. The pizza will be delivered by members of the River Currents staff to the office doors of the people who order it.

The reaction among faculty and staff has been enthusiastic.

"I love it ... I like anything delivered to me personally," said Teresa Carranco, secretary for Academic Enrichment.

Some people pointed out that this would address a campus wide problem.

Pat Cole, sociology instructor, said, "It is good to know that this organization is doing its part to end 'campus' starvation."

Always concerened with the fate of minority populations, she added, "I hope they count carefully so all of the pizza's are evenly distributed, so the entire campus population gets fed...and no one goes hungry. I also hope they get our office numbers recorded accurately so so all of the hungry get fed."

Bob Hunter, IVCC's Webmaster pointed out that the starvation problem is really a world-wide issue. Hunter said, "There wouldn't be so many hungry people if they all had food. I'm sure I heard Bush say that."

Philosophy instructor Robert Abele observed that there was a connection between starvation and classical philosophy, mentioning that Socrates make a comment in the Gorgias that, when it comes to people choosing between pastry and good eating (i.e., between a cook and a doctor), the pastry/cook will always win in the normal scheme of things, with those who do not know better. So perhaps when it comes to pizza versus salad..."

He then added, "When did you say you would deliver the pizza to my office?" He later commented, "Would I get breaksticks with my order?"

Not every IVCC employee responded favorably, however. When Geology professor Mike Phillips was asked about the group's plans, he said that he is actually eatting better, without the cafeteria, and eating less french fries. And while he liked the catering part, the pizza component he could do without.

Though the fundraiser will initially be limited faculty and staff , (althought extra slices might be available for students to buy that day,) there will be benefits for students, too. After all, a hungry instructor is grumpy instructor.

"When we start grazing, we're all happy," Carranco said.

Specifics about prices and the deadline for orders will be announced later. If the first try is successful, River Currents will do this again throughout the year. Questions can be addressed to Sharon Trotter-Martin or Kimberly M. Radek, River Currents' faculty advisors.

Sharron Trotter-Martin
Kimberly M. Radek