HUDSON VALLEY ACTIVIST CALENDAR
Feb. 23, 2011, Issue #658
Send event announcements to jacdon@earthlink.net
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Dedicated to Helping Build Activist
Movements in the Hudson Valley
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[Editor's Note:
1. Rallies in support of the Wisconsin public workers are going on all over the country this week and probably next. We counted about 40 of them and that's probably just a small part. This fightback is amazing and a hopeful sign for the future. There are three events tomorrow in the Hudson Valley that we know of, and an Albany action Saturday. Some progressive groups, such as People for the American Way, have just called for protests in every state capital for Saturday, Feb. 26. The AFL-CIO is circulating a petition of solidarity with the Wisconsin workers. It is at http://act.aflcio.org/c/18/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1551.]
2. We invite you to attend our March 15 public meeting sponsored by the Hudson Valley Activist Newsletter/Calendar. It's on the anniversary of the Iraq war and concerns Washington's ongoing wars in the Middle East/Central Asia and the impact of uprisings and revolutions taking place in the Arab world. The topic is "What Next for the Middle East — Peace or War, Democracy or Dictatorship?" So come and meet us at SUNY New Paltz Lecture Center 102. Information, map and directions below.
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ACTIVIST EVENTS
Thursday, Feb. 24, SARATOGA SPRINGS: Demonstrators will gather at 12 noon outside the offices of Republican Rep. Gibson, 513 Broadway, to protest "the extreme proposed cuts to social programs in health care, education and science, and in solidarity with Wisconsin public workers, who are being scapegoated for budget deficits caused by corporate welfare and giveaways to the rich." The nationwide action is sponsored by local supporters of MoveOn. Information, (518) 505-0309, sbrowne2@nycap.rr.com.
Thursday, Feb. 24, ALBANY: Demonstrators will gather at 12 noon outside the offices of Rep. Tonko's office, North Pearl and Columbia Sts., at 12 noon to thank the Democratic lawmaker for voting against the Republican budget cuts. They also call for investments in creating jobs, and stand in solidarity with the Wisconsin public workers. The nationwide action is sponsored by local supporters of MoveOn. Information, (518) 436-8638, lbarron36@nycap.rr.com.
Thursday, Feb. 24, KINGSTON: Demonstrators will gather at 12 noon outside the offices of Rep. Maurice Hinchey, 291 Wall Street, to thank him for opposing the draconian Republican budget cuts and to stand in solidarity with Wisconsin public workers. This rally is being organized by the Ulster County MoveOn Council. Information, linabbott@gmail.com.
Thursday, Feb. 24, NEW YORK CITY: A labor rally in support of Wisconsin public workers takes place City Hall in Manhattan 12 Noon to 2 p.m. Information, (212) 815-1375.
Thursday, Feb. 24, KINGSTON: Famed civil liberties attorney Martin Stolar will address the Ulster County Bar Association dinner and music event at Savona’s Trattoria, 11 Broadway. The event is open to the public. The cabaret jazz group of Nancy Tierney and The Boys will perform from 5:30-7 p.m., followed by Stolar. The cost, including dinner, is $25 per person plus tax and gratuity. Stolar is a long-time fighter for progressive causes and people's rights who served many years as the president of the New York City chapter of the National Lawyers Guild. "As a criminal defense attorney," we're informed, he "has represented hundreds of demonstrators, including Black Panthers, civil rights activists, anti-Vietnam war protesters, Young Lords, welfare mothers, student activists, Diallo protesters, anti-Iraq war demonstrators, WEF demonstrators and protesters against the bombing of Vieques in Puerto Rico, and more recently, demonstrators at the Republican National Convention." If you wish to attend, RSVP to the law office of Eric Schneider, (845) 339-6733, or KFisher@Ulsterlawyer.com.
Friday, Feb. 25, RHINEBECK: Mid-Hudson peace activist Jay Wenk will read his WWII infantry memoir, "Study War No More: A Jewish Kid from Brooklyn Fights the Nazis," 7:30-9 p.m. at Oblong Books, 6422 Montgomery St. Information, (845) 679-6970, jaywenk@verizon.net, http://jaywenk.com.
Friday, Feb. 25, MILLBROOK: The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies will be screening the documentary "Food, Inc." at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30) at their auditorium, 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Rt. 44). The film explores the environmental, health, and economic problems caused by factory farms. Free and public. Information, (845) 677-7600, ext. 121, freemanp@caryinstitute.org.
Saturday, Feb. 26, ALBANY: The Capital District Area Labor Federation and MoveOn are calling for a demonstration to support Wisconsin public workers at the State Capitol at 12 noon. In
formation, Kathleen Scales, (518) 452-0404, kathleen@cdalf.org.
Saturday, Feb. 26, POUGHKEEPSIE: The Real Majority Project is sponsoring a vigil with signs in front of the Bank of America, 11 Raymond Ave., 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. We're told, "the bank got $45 billion from the federal bailout — while funneling its tax dollars into 115 offshore tax havens — while we in the middle class and the poor pay for it all with property tax hikes and less funding for crucial services." Information, joeltyner@earthlink.net or (845) 444-0599.
Saturday, Feb. 26, CATSKILL: A launch party for the new local community radio station WGXC will be held at the Catskill Community Center, 344 Main St., 2-6 p.m. The station, 90.7 FM, will serve Columbia and Green Counties with a 3300 watt transmitter, and non-commercial community-oriented programming. Information, (518) 828-0290, info@wgxc.org, http://www.wgxc.org.
Sunday, Feb. 27, MILLBROOK: The Cary Institute will conduct its 2011 free public Winter Ecology Walk at 2 p.m. Meet at 2801 Sharon Tpk. (Rt. 44) and have an interpretive stroll along the snow covered trails, discovering the signs of life in Winter. RSVP required. Please specify adult or family walk at (845) 677-7600, ext. 121, or freemanp@caryinstitute.org.
Monday, Feb. 28, WHITE PLAINS: Peace activist and retired long time CIA officer Ray McGovern will be speaking 7-9 p.m. at the Mapleton Conference Center, 52 North Broadway, sponsored by WESPAC. His topic is "Crunch Time in the Middle East." McGovern is a very informed speaker with occasional flashes of warm humor. For his background, http://wespac.org/index.php/middle-east/710-ray-mcgovern-in-white-plains. Information, http://www.wespac.org.
Tuesday March 1, SAUGERTIES: "Gasland," the documentary that exposed fracking, will be screened free at the public library, 4 High St., at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 1, ROSENDALE: The new documentary, "Gerrymandering," will be screened at the Rosendale Theater, 408 Main St. at 7 p.m. A dinner at the Rosendale Cafe, 343 Main St., will precede the film at 5 p.m. The documentary outlines the practice, without public scrutiny, of dividing a geographical area into voting districts to give unfair advantage to one party. The movie is free, dinner is "Dutch treat" (even split of the bill). Sponsored by League of Women Voters of the Mid-Hudson Region. Information, (845) 658-9048, mcsellers@aol.com, http://lwvmidhuson.org.
Thursday, March 3, ROCK TAVERN: The Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation and Teamster Local 445 are calling for an event to support Wisconsin public workers at 4:30 p.m. at 15 Stone Castle Rd. Information, (845) 567-7760, esoto@hvalf.org.
Thursday, March 3, WOODSTOCK: A fundraiser titled, "Two Peoples, One Future — If not Now, When?" will be held at the Community Center, 56 Rock City Rd., 7-9 p.m. The captain and passengers of the "Jewish boat to Gaza" that was interdicted last year will be present and discuss their experiences. Free and public, donations requested. Sponsored by Middle East Crisis Response, and U.S. Boat to Gaza. Information, (845) 679-3299, takauff@gmail.com, http://www.ustogaza.org.
Thursday, March 3, ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON (Bard Campus): Eric Keeling will lecture on "Carbon and Climate: An Essential Focus of Environmental Literacy," at Reem-Kayden Center, Laszlo Z. Bito '60 Auditorium at 12 noon. Sponsored by Bard Biology Department. Information, (845) 752-2332, oreilly@bard.edu. Campus map: http://www.bard.edu/campus/maps/pdfs/campusmap.pdf
Thursday, March 3, DELMAR: A public panel discussion entitled, "Revolution in Egypt" will be held at Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., 6:45-8:45 p.m. Panelists include Mai El Bibary, Joe Lombardo and Steve Breyman. Sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Information, (518) 466-1192, jlombard@nycap.rr.com, http://www.bethlehemforpeace.org.
Friday, March 4, ALBANY: Community members and elected officials will be staying at least one hour in the park to raise money to house homeless people and to help the Homeless Action Committee's "Outreach Van." Funds are raised by participants obtaining sponsors for their time in the park. For pledge sheets or to donate, contact the organizer or visit the web site. The event will last from Friday at 7 p.m., through to 5 a.m. the next morning (Saturday the 5th)." Sponsored by Homeless Action Committee, seeking to "end homelessness in Albany by focusing on its root causes, and providing services to people who are homeless. Information, homelessaction@verizon.net, 518 426-0554, http://www.homelessaction.com.
Saturday, March 5, HUDSON: Join the "Gathering for Peace, Justice and a Reverence for Life" at 7th St. Park, 7th and Warren Sts., 2-3:30 p.m. From the organizers: "We gather in vigil for all victims around the world and engage in dialogue around Peace and Justice issues. As people struggle to improve their lives, freedom will overcome oppression." This group has been meeting each Saturday after 9/11/2001. Information, (518) 929-1726, amblemartin@yahoo.com.
Saturday, March 5, STONY POINT: The Community of Living Traditions at Stony Point Center presents a workshop with an award-winning journalist from Gaza. He is Mohammed Omer, a witness to revolution in Egypt and the struggle for freedom in Gaza. Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb is coordinating this event. Omer grew up under occupation and promotes and teaches nonviolent activism for social change. The event takes place 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Allison House, 142 West Main St. The cost of $35 ($25 for students) for the day includes lunch. RSVP to Karen at (845) 786-5674, ext. 107, or programs@stonypoint.org. Information, Rabbi Gottlieb, rabbilynn@earthlink.net.
Sunday, March 6, NEW PALTZ: Author Marina Sitrin, a visiting professor at SUNY Old Westbury, will deliver a talk on Argentina at a 6 p.m. public meeting at New Paltz Village Hall, 25 Plattekill Ave., a block south of Main St. (Rt. 299). She will discuss the 2001 popular rebellion that sparked a process of revolutionary creativity that continues to this day. Sitrin, who is also a lawyer, has lived in Argentina documenting various social and political movements, and has written two books about her studies: "Horizontalism: Voices of Popular Power in Argentina (2006), and "Revolutions of Everyday Life: Horizontalism & Autonomy in Argentina," to be published next year. The free event sponsored by the Caribbean and Latin America Support Project (CLASP) begins after an optional potluck starting at 5 p.m. Information, (845) 255-0113.
Monday, March 7, NEW PALTZ: The local Pax Christi Chapter meets from 7-9 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 34 S. Chestnut St. Join inter-religious dialogue focusing on human rights, woman's issues, and immigration. Sponsored by Pax Christi of the Hudson Valley. Information, (845) 691-8015, http://www.paxchristiusa.org.
Monday, March 7, POUGHKEEPSIE: Help form strategy for antiwar and anti-recruitment activities at the meeting of Dutchess Peace, to be held at Unitarian Fellowship, 67 S. Randolph Ave. Information, (845) 876-7906, http://www.dutchesspeace.org.
Monday, March 7, OLD CHATHAM: The film, "The 800 Mile Wall" will be screened at the Powell House Quaker Conference and Retreat Center, 524 Pitt Hall Rd. (off County Rt. 13) at 7 p.m. The film highlights the construction of a separation wall dividing the U.S./Mexico border, Washington's failed border strategy, and possible alternatives. Free and public, refreshments. Information, (518) 766-2992, http://www.oldchathamquakers.org.
Tuesday, March 8, NEW YORK CITY (Hunter College Campus): This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire — "The Fire that Ignited a Movement of Women Workers." The death of 146 garment workers, many of them still in their teens, highlighted the plight of immigrant women. The devastating blaze exposed employer disregard for worker safety. A 5:30-7:30 p.m. discussion of the event will be held at Hunter West Bldg., 1st floor lobby, Lexington Ave. and 68th St. (southwest corner). Speakers include Hasia Diner, NYU Professor of American Jewish History; May Y. Chen, unionist and CCNY Adjunct Professor; Priscilla Gonzalez, director of Domestic Workers United; and Kate Kelly, author and historian. Sponsored by Woman's eNews and the Hunter Women and Gender Studies program. Information, events@womensenews.org, (212) 244-1720, http://www.womensenews.org/events-at-womens-enews.
Thursday, March 10, WOODSTOCK: The Middle East Crisis Response group of Hudson Valley residents opposed to Israeli and U.S. policies toward the Palestinians meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month 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.
Monday, March 14, ALBANY: The faith-based New Sanctuary Movement group gathers on the 2nd Monday of each month in support of local immigrants who are at risk of deportation, and generally assisting families affected by immigration laws. Forms of assistance include distributing groceries, visiting the incarcerated, accompanying immigrants to court, and seeking fair treatment from employers and landlords, among other tasks. From the organizers: "We are people of faith and labor folks who are grateful for the contributions of immigrants." The location is Emmaus House, 45 Trinity Place. Sponsored by New Sanctuary Movement and Albany Catholic Worker. Information, (518) 482-4966, fred.acw@gmail.com, http://NewSanctuaryMovement.org/.
Tuesday, March 15, NEW PALTZ (SUNY Campus): A regional public meeting will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. to discuss Washington ongoing wars in the Middle East/Central Asia and the impact of uprisings and revolutions taking place in the Arab world. Several speakers will address the topic, "What next for the Middle East — Peace or War, Democracy or Dictatorship?" The organizers are the Activist Newsletter/Calendar and Peace and Social Progress Now. This free public meeting, which coincides with demonstrations during the week marking the eighth anniversary of the Iraq war, will be located in the Lecture Center on campus, Room 102. For information or if you wish to volunteer (leafleting, postering, other tasks) or if your organization wishes to become one of the endorsers of this important gathering, contact us at jacdon@earthlink.net. http://activistnewsletter.blogspot.com/. For a campus map and directions, http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/, http://www.newpaltz.edu/about/directions_text.html.
Tuesday, March 15, ALBANY: The Capital District Transition Network meets at Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave., 7-8:45 p.m. All are invited. "Transition Towns" are locally organized efforts around the world that seek sustainable living methods at the government, business, and citizen level. The Transition group hopes to network with existing and new sustainability groups from Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Saratoga Counties. Information, (848) 391-9103, dhochfelder@albany.edu.
Thursday, March 17, ALBANY: The weekly meeting of Capital District Against Fracking is held at The Woman's Building, 373 Central Ave., 9-11 p.m. Help organize against hydraulic fracturing in the Capital District. Information, antifrack@gmail.com.
Friday-Sunday March 18-20, NEW YORK CITY (Pace University Campus): This year's popular Left Forum Conference at Pace University, 1 Pace Plaza (next to City Hall) begins Friday night and continues throughout Saturday and Sunday. More than 200 workshops and plenary sessions and 600 speakers will focus this year's theme: "Towards a Politics of Solidarity." Registration $20-$65. This is one of the most informative and educational meetings of the year for those with progressive or left politics. Much more information including panel schedules and registration is at http://leftforum.mayfirst.org/conference/2011.
Saturday, March 19, NATIONWIDE: Today — the eighth anniversary of the unjust and illegal invasion of Iraq by the United States — is also this year an International Day of Action Against War and Occupation. Actions are taking place in dozens of locations in the U.S. called by the ANSWER Coalition. The Hudson Valley commemoration will be held March 15 in New Paltz (see above). Today, Iraq remains occupied by tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers and foreign mercenaries as the war in Afghanistan is raging and spreading to western Pakistan. The demonstrations will demand an end to all the wars. On the East Coast, the major protest is set for Washington on the 19th where there will be an massive veterans-led civil resistance at the White House initiated by Veterans for Peace. People from all over the country are joining together for a 12 Noon rally at Lafayette Park, followed by a march on the White House where the resistance will take place. Many people coming to Washington will be also participating in the Sunday, March 20, demonstration at the Quantico Marine Base in Virginia to support PFC Bradley Manning. Quantico is one hour from D.C. Manning is suspected of leaking Iraq and Afghan war logs to WikiLeaks. (PLEASE NOTE: To our knowledge there are no Hudson Valley special buses to this rally, but if you can get there by other means it should be dramatic and worthwhile.) Information, http://www.answercoalition.org/national/news/march-19-day-of-action.html.
Thursday, March 24, WOODSTOCK: The Middle East Crisis Response group of Hudson Valley residents opposed to Israeli and U.S. policies toward the Palestinians meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month 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, March 31, TROY (Russell Sage Campus): "Saving Civilization: The Global Fight Against Devastating Climate Change" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. at 45 Ferry St (and Congress St.) in Bush Memorial Hall. The speaker is Steven A. Leibo, professor of international history and politics at the Sage Colleges. Sponsored by Sage Climate Crisis Center. Information, (518) 244-2330, leibos@sage.edu, http://www.sage.edu/centers/climate.
