HUDSON VALLEY ACTIVIST CALENDAR
June 21, 2011, Issue #667
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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TONIGHT: Tuesday, June 21, SAUGERTIES: A free showing of the film "Fragments of a Lost Palestine" will take place at the Saugerties Library, 91 Washington Ave., at 7:30 p.m. In this 75-minute 2010 documentary, filmmaker Norma Marcos returns home to Palestine to show her friend Stefan how people try to live normal lives despite the occupation. Through a series of conversations with friends, family and strangers, she shows that despite the tense political environment, "life goes on." The event is sponsored by the Middle East Crisis Response, as part of its free educational film series. Information, (518) 678-2076, jane.toby7@gmail.com, http://mideastcrisis.org.
Saturday, June 25, NEW YORK STATE: Various statewide and local environmental groups will conducting actions from vigils to picnics, public meetings and rallies today in opposition to the dangerous practice of hydraulic fracking for natural gas. The state's moratorium on fracking ends July 1 and a growing anti-fracking movement is proliferating throughout the region. All are welcome to show their support for this movement — so join in. We have information on 13 such events taking place on Saturday in Afton, Ancram, Andes, Albany, Buffalo, High Falls, Hudson River Park (NYC), Huntington, Ithaca, New Paltz, New York City (Foley Sq.), Sidney, and Upper Nyack. Below is information on Albany, High Falls, New Paltz and Upper Nyack. The website http://gasmain.org/weblog has information about all 13 events.
Saturday, June 25, ALBANY: "Beyond Fossil Fuel — New York Against Fracking" is the title given this 12 noon-5 p.m. "day of information and movement-building, addressing the issues of hydraulic fracturing, climate change, peak oil/gas/uranium/water, and economic instability." There will be a march, speakers, a poetry reading, live music, and tables available for local groups. Food will be provided by Gatherer's Granola and Food Not Bombs. "Attendees are invited to bring a sign expressing support for renewable energy, opposition to fossil fuel." This event takes place at Wallenburg Park, across from 677 Broadway, between Broadway and N. Pearl St., near the Palace Theater. Sponsored by Capital District Against Fracking. Information, (617) 894-5041.
CORRECTED: Saturday, June 25, HIGH FALLS: The anti-fracking event here begins with music at 2 p.m. with Harvey Kaiser and The Kansas City Sound. At 5 p.m. the public will be invited to join in a Global Water Dance ceremony on the Village Green, near the 5 Locks Walk entrance to the Delaware and Hudson Canal. The danger of hydrofracking to the state's water supply is of particular poignancy to residents of High Falls. The tiny hamlet — declared an EPA Superfund site in the 21st century because its ground water and residential wells were contaminated with industrial VOCs -- now has its own water district and shares its tap water with New York City. Information and directions, http://www.nywater.org, aboutvision@gmail.com.
Saturday, June 25, NEW PALTZ: Anti-fracking demonstrators will gather 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in front of Elting Library, 93 Main St., across from Starbucks. Sponsored by New Paltz Climate Action Coalition to “slay the Dragon of Fracking" that is threatening New York, the group says: "This action is to prevent the devastating effects of industrial hydro-fracking for natural gas on our fresh water resources, the economy (especially tourism and agriculture), our communities and the environment." Signs will be provided. The weekly Women in Black peace vigil will take place right after the fracking event — come for both! Information, (845) 255-9297.
Saturday, June 25, UPPER NYACK: This Rockland County anti-fracking picnic/rally takes place along the Hudson River in the upper meadow at Hook Mountain (technically Nyack Beach State Park), north of Upper Nyack, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Speakers include Jim Walsh of Food and Water Watch, activist Judith Karpova of Kerhonkson, and South Nyack Mayor Patricia DuBow. The event is free but it's $6 for the park parking lot, although free parking may be available on the road leading to park. Information, http://letstalkaboutfracking.com/county-wide-solstice-picnic/.
Sunday, June 26, SYRACUSE (Syracuse University campus): Former Democratic Rep. Cynthia McKinney recently returned from Libya and will discuss what it's like living in Tripoli while U.S./NATO bombs are falling to bring about regime change. Other speakers at the meeting include Brian Becker, National Coordinator of the ANSWER Coalition, and Akbar Muhammad of the Nation of Islam. This antiwar event begins at 5 p.m. at St. Thomas More Campus Ministry, Alibrandi Center, 110 Walnut Place. McKinney, who was the Green Party candidate for president in 2008, is on a nationwide speaking tour organized by the ANSWER Coalition. Her Syracuse appearance is co-sponsored by Pan African Community of Central New York. Information, (315) 491-6987.
Monday, June 27, ALBANY: Protest the unjust U.S.-NATO war for regime change against Libya. Join Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace to protest the continued bombing of Libya at 12:30 p.m. at the Leo W. O'Brien Federal Building, 1 Clinton Ave. The United National Antiwar Committee has called for emergency nationally coordinated local actions on this day. Bring your own signs if possible. Information, (518) 439-1968.
Wednesday, June 29, SCOHARIE: The well known progressive journalist Chris Hedges will discuss the "Death of the Liberal Class" at a free public meeting beginning at 7 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church, 248 Main St., sponsored by Peacemakers of Schoharie County. Refreshments, and Hedges' books will be on sale. Information, (518) 287-1771, kchawk@midtel.net.
