ACTIVIST CALENDAR, Oct. 19 2009, Issue #150B
Of the Hudson Valley Activist Newsletter
Current and back copies of the Activist Newsletter as well as the Activist Calendar are at http://activistnewsletter.blogspot.com. Send event announcements to jacdon@earthlink.net.
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Monday, Oct. 19, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): “Confronting the Climate Crisis: Challenges and Solutions” is the topic of a 7-9 p.m. presentation by Professor Steven A. Leibo of the Sage Colleges. It’s billed as “A Live and Updated Presentation of Al Gore’s ‘An Inconvenient Truth.’” This free public lecture will take place in the auditorium of the Coykendall Science Building on campus, sponsored by SUNY New Paltz Environmental Task Force.
Information, obachb@newpaltz.edu, (845) 257-3447. Campus map, http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/.
Tuesday, Oct. 20, NEW PALTZ: A pubic forum on Community-based Climate Change Strategies will be held 7-9 p.m. at Ulster BOCES, 175 Rt. 32N. This discussion will address how the region is being affected by climate change, and how local governments can be more effective in reducing its effects. Speakers include Mark Lowery, Climate Change Coordinator, NYS DEC; Betsy Blair, Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve; Melissa Everett, Sustainable Hudson Valley; Julie Noble, Conservation Advisory Council, Kingston; and Mayor Leo Wiegman, of Croton-on-Hudson. Co-sponsored by Mid-Hudson League of Women Voters, Nature Conservancy, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Sustainable Hudson Valley, and other environmental advocates. Information, (845) 340-2003, http://midhudson.ny.lwvnet.org.
Tuesday, Oct. 20, NEW PALTZ (SUNY Campus): Anne Rochelle will give a talk titled "Homeless Under the Golden Gate: Marriage and Mothering Among Chicanas" from 4:30-6 p.m. at Jacobson Faculty Tower 1010. This event is part of the Women's Studies Colloquium Series Fall 2009 and is co-sponsored by the Sociology Department. Campus map, http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/.
Tuesday, Oct. 20, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): The New Paltz Feminist Collective and the Women's Studies Program will present The Coat Hanger Project, a video about the struggle for women's reproductive rights, 7:30 p.m. in Lecture Center 104. A discussion will follow. Information, kesselma@newpaltz.edu, campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, ROSENDALE: The area premiere of the film "Coal Country" will be screened at the Rosendale Theater on Main St. at 7:30 p.m. This documentary shows the struggle between the people of West Virginia and other Appalachian communities and mountain-top removal mining companies, and their effects on climate change. A discussion with the filmmakers, several people featured in the film, and a Saugerties resident (recently arrested at a nonviolent civil disobedience action) will follow. Cost, $5 donation. This is a fundraiser for Coal River Mountain Watch of West Virginia. Information, Sue Rosenberg (845) 246-3449, sue_rosenbers@hotmail.com.
Thursday, Oct. 22, WOODSTOCK: The Middle East Crisis Response group of Hudson Valley residents opposed to Israeli and U.S. policies toward the Palestinians meets 7-8:30 p.m. at the Library, 5 Library Lane, just off Tinker St. All welcome. Information, (845) 876-7906, http://www.mideastcrisis.org , gale@mideastcrisis.org.
Thursday, Oct. 22, WHITE PLAINS: Ron Chisom will speak on “ending of racism” at the WESPAC loft, 255 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 2nd floor, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Chisom is the co-founder of The People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, and senior fellow of Ashoka's Global Academy. Sponsored by Alliance for Just Solutions, YWCA Taking a Stand Against Racism, Anti-Racist Alliance, Center for Racial Justice, Memorial United Methodist Church White Plains, WESPAC Foundation, and Westchester Martin Luther King Jr. Institute for Nonviolence. Information, sandy.bernabei@gmail.com.
Saturday, Oct. 24, U.S. AND WORLD: This is the International Day of Climate Action. So far, about 1,600 actions, at minimum, are taking place in some 120 countries, and the list is growing by the day. Many actions are taking place in the Hudson Valley as well as the rest of the country. The worldwide climate change movement 350.org is organizing this international campaign. The number 350 is used, because it is the "safe upper limit," of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, in parts per million (ppm), to preserve the current climate conditions, and stabilize the planetary environment. Current climate treaty proposals act too slowly to get to this level, and it is often cited that 350 ppm is a turning point, where more than this number would make the effects of climate change irreversible. (One reason there are objections to the recently passed climate bill in the House is that it's aiming, at best, for 450 ppm.) Scores of actions are planned for this day within the circulation area of this calendar. To find one near you, access http://350.org, then click on "find an action." A list of all the protests in the U.S., including in our district, is at http://www.350.org/action-list?country=us&city=.
Saturday, Oct. 24, POUGHKEEPSIE to HIGHLAND: The Second Annual 350.org Rally for a Green New Deal will take place at Holy Light Pentecostal Church, 33 Clover St. starting at 2 p.m. Speakers include Melissa Everett (Sustainable Hudson Valley), Ned Sullivan (Scenic Hudson), Bishop Debra Gause (Holy Light Pentecostal Church), Pete Seeger, and many others. Sponsored by Sustainable Hudson Valley, Scenic Hudson, NYPIRG, Arlington and Rhinebeck High School Environmental Club students, Vassar Greens, New Paltz Greenworks, Bard Environmental Collective, Hudson Valley Network Spiritual Progressives, and Real Majority Project. Information, Joel Tyner (845) 489-4579, joeltyner@earthlink.net, http://www.350.org/pt/node/5369
Saturday, Oct. 24, ROSENDALE: A community tree planting begins at 11 a.m. at the Recreation Center on Rt. 32., just south of the bridge, to commemorate the International Day of Climate Action. Bring a shovel, plant a tree.
Saturday, Oct. 24, ROSENDALE: "Stories 350: Climate Change in Your Life," an interactive, improvisational performance featuring Hudson River Playback Theater will be held at Canaltown Alley, 402 Main St. at 8 p.m. Admission by donation. Information, (845) 255-7716, http://www.hudsonriverplayback.org.
Saturday, Oct. 24, N EW PALTZ: There will be a 350 Climate Action Fair starting at 1 p.m. at Hasbrouck Park, just west of the of the north side of SUNY campus, a block south of New Paltz Village Hall, near Main St. This event is part of today's international protest (above). It is sponsored by the Climate Action Coalition of New Paltz and the SUNY NYPIRG. Say the organizers: "Come to the fair. Experience your green future: cool cars; solar-powered, energy-saving stuff; windmills, etc. Enjoy the outrageous climate change fashion show. Watch children make animal costumes, play games and use the 2,000-plastic-bag rope, listen to music from Mid-Hudson bands, talk with local scientists about the ways climate change might affect our region, and taste local food and beverages. The final event is a group photo of hundreds of people spelling out "350" on the field. Information, Ann Guenther, woodchuck@hvi.net, or call (845) 626-2847 or (845) 255-9297 or Ariana Bosco, abasco@nypirg.org. Also, http://www.350.org.
Saturday, Oct. 24, MIDDLETOWN: Orange County Peace and Justice will be hosting a 350.org action on climate change at North Galleria Drive (off Rt. 233, near the entrance to the Galleria Mall) from 1-3 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24 WHITE PLAINS: "Earthcare Vigil to Witness For Our Earth" will take place at the fountain at Main and Mamaroneck Sts. 3-4 p.m. This 350.org Climate Action Day Silent vigil will feature posters and informational handouts, and craft activities for children. Sponsored by Purchase Friends Peace and Social Witness Committee. Information, http://www.350.org.
Saturday, Oct. 24, ALBANY: A Climate Action rally begins at 2 p.m. at Capitol West Park (West side of Capitol building), Washington Ave. and Swan St. Speakers include Steven Leibo, who attended Al Gore's Climate Change training workshop; Ward Stone, NYS wildlife pathologist; Susan Lawrence of the Sierra Club; and Barbara Warren of Citizens Environmental coalition. Dan Berggren will provide some topical music. Information, http://www.350.org/node/5704.
Saturday, Oct. 24, ALBANY: The U.S. antiwar movement has become weaker this last year, so it’s a good time to check out the 1979 documentary “The War At Home,” which will be shown tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, 405 Washington Ave. The film, according to program notes, was “nominated for an Academy Award and is widely considered one of the most important political films ever made. It chronicles the anti-Vietnam War movement of the 1960s and early 1970s. Through a powerful combination of rare archival footage and interviews with students, community leaders, Vietnam veterans, and participants from all points of view, this film shows how the movement for peace grew into a genuine people's revolt. The sponsors are Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, and Upper Hudson Peace Action. Information, (518) 426-0883, dbull@capital.net, http://www.jflan.net/solidarity.
Sunday, Oct. 25, ROSENDALE: A concert to benefit "Save the Lakes" will be conducted at the Rosendale Community Center on Rt. 32 from 2-4 p.m. The concert will feature the bands Dog on Fleas and Amadou Diallo. The group works to preserve the natural resources on the Williams Lake property, and protect it from predatory development. Admission: $5 children, $10 adults. Sponsored by Save the Lakes. Information, Mourka Meyendorff (845) 658-7102.
Tuesday, Oct. 27, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): Progressive activist, author and commentator Richard Becker will give a talk on “Palestine, Israel and the U.S. Empire,” and also sign copies of his new book of the same title at 7 p.m. in Lecture Center 104. The event is being sponsored on campus by the Muslim Student Association and is organized by the community group Peace & Social Progress Now! and endorsed by Middle East Crisis Response. Becker will analyze the struggle for Palestine — from the division of the Middle East by Western powers and the Zionist settler movement to the founding of Israel and its present role as a U.S. surrogate in the region.
The book may be purchased at the meeting, through Amazon.com or from (415) 821-6171. Information, jacdon@earthlink.net.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): A lecture on "Bordering on War: Pat Nixon and Richard Nixon, and the Barricading of the U.S.-Mexico Boundary" will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Coykendall Science Building, room 132. Vassar Earth Science and Geography Professor Joseph Nevins, will speak. Sponsored by SUNY New Paltz Geography Dept. Information, engeldis@newpaltz.edu. Campus map, http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, TROY (Russell Sage College campus): Fabien Cousteau presents "An Insider’s Look at our Planet's Ocean" at Bush Memorial Hall, 7:30-9:30 p.m. The grandson of Jacques-Yves Cousteau has been continuing the oceanographic work of this legendary environmentalist. Sponsored by the Save Climate Project and The Climate Project. Information, (518) 244-2330 leibos@sage.edu, http://www.sage.edu.
Thursday, Oct. 29, PURCHASE (Manhattanville College campus): The 11th Annual Schwarzschild Lecture Against the Death Penalty will be delivered at 7 p.m. at The Castle, 2900 Purchase Ave. featuring author Thomas Cahill. Sponsored by the Lower Hudson Chapter of the N.Y. Civil Liberties Union and the Connie Hogarth Center for Social Action. Information, (914) 997-7479, conart@optonline.net.
Thursday, Oct. 29, NEW PALTZ (SUNY Campus): A lecture titled "Gendered Environmental Practices and Soil Quality,” featuring Salvatore Engel-Di Mauro, will take place 3:30-5 p.m. at the Honors Center. The presentation is part of the Women's Studies Colloquium Series Fall 2009 and is co-sponsored by the Sociology Department. Campus map, http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/.
Sunday, Nov. 1, NEW PALTZ: A report on the history and current situation in Colombia will be given at 6 p.m. by John Lugo of the Colombian Action Network and Unidad Latina en Accion. Recently returned from Colombia, he will discuss the U.S. funding of the Colombian military and the social movements for change. The event, sponsored by the Caribbean and Latin America Support Project, takes place at New Paltz Village Hall, 25 Plattekill Ave., a block south of Main St. A potluck begins at 5 p.m. Information, (845) 255-0113, (845) 542-0481.
Sunday, Nov. 1, WOODSTOCK: The film "Waiting for Mercy" will be screened at Woodstock Town Hall, 76 Tinker St., 2-3:30 p.m. Filmmaker Ellie Bernstein tells the story of a 2003 FBI action that took place in Albany. This film shows that the Justice Department and FBI had a policy of harassing and isolating some American Muslims after 9/11. The film won the Best Documentary at the Ballston Spa Film Festival, and was in the ISNA film Festival and Radical Frame Film Festival. Sponsored by Middle East Crisis Response. Information, http://www.mideastcrisis.org., waitingformercy11@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, Nov. 4, ANNANDALE (Bard College campus): Norman Finkelstein will speak on the roots of conflict and the prospects for peace between Israel and Palestine starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of Bertlesmann Student Center. Sponsored by Middle East Crisis Response and Bard Students for a Just Peace in Israel/Palestine. Information, http://www.mideastcrisis.org
Thursday, Nov. 5 ANNANDALE (Bard College campus): Anna Baltzer, a volunteer with the International Women's Peace Service, will discuss her work in Palestine starting at 7 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of Bertlesmann Student Center. Her book, "Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories," has been praised by Noam Chomsky. Joining her will be Paula Silbey, a local activist who has completed several trips to the occupied West Bank. There will be a question and answer session after the presentation. Sponsored by Middle East Crisis Response and Bard Students for a Just Peace in Israel/Palestine. Information, http://www.mideastcrisis.org.
Saturday, Nov. 7, RHINEBECK: The Mid-Hudson Larreynaga Sister City Dance takes place tonight at 8 p.m. at Church of the Messiah Parish Hall, 6436 Montgomery St. So Ando will provide the dance music for this annual event to raise money for the schoolchildren of Larreynaga, Nicaragua. The Sister City Project has been in existence since 1988, sending delegations from the Hudson Valley to provide this small village with medical, school and financial support. Cost to attend: $20 person/$35 couples. Information, 845-876-3779,http://www.mhsistercity.org.
Sunday, Nov. 8, KINGSTON: A distinctive Arabic meal, prepared by distinguished Palestinian chefs, will be served at La Florentina Restaurant, 604 Ulster Ave., from 1-4 p.m. This unique culinary event will raise funds to help send 12 Hudson Valley residents to Gaza in December, where they will take part in the Gaza Freedom March as part of the International Coalition to end the Illegal Siege of Gaza. Marchers will be bringing supplies for children and families. Cost, $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Information and tickets/donations: http://www.hudsontogaza.blogspot.com, (845) 246-8414, ext. 3.
Monday, Nov. 9, NEW PALTZ: The next regular meeting of the peace and justice group Hudson Valley Pax Christi will begin at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Parish Center, 34 South Chestnut Street (Rt. 208). The meeting takes place here every 2nd Monday of the month.
Tuesday, Nov. 10, TROY (Russell Sage Campus): Sage College President Susan Scrimshaw will lecture on "Public Health and the Climate Crisis" starting at 7:30 p.m. in Bush Memorial Hall on campus at First St. (Ferry St.) and Congress St. The sponsors are the Sage Climate Project and the Climate Project. Information, Leibos@sage.edu, (518) 244-2330, http://www.sage.edu. Campus map, http://www.sage.edu/aboutsage/location/troy/
Saturday, Nov. 14, POUGHKEEPSIE: the film, "What Would Jesus Buy" will be screened for free at Poughkeepsie Friends Meeting, 249 Hooker Ave. from 7-8:30 p.m. followed by an audience discussion. The film follows Reverend Billy, and the Church of Stop the Shopocalypse. Part of the "Give Peace a Film" series, sponsored by Dutchess Peace Coalition and Poughkeepsie Friends Meeting. For more info (845) 454-6431 or (845) 454-2870.
Thursday, Nov. 19, NEW PALTZ (SUNY Campus): "A History of Women's Economic Writing" is the title of a talk by Edith Kuiper that will be given at the Honors Center from 3:30-5 p.m. The lecture is part of the Women's Studies Colloquium Series Fall 2009 and is co-sponsored by the Sociology Department. Campus map, http://www.newpaltz.edu/map.
