HUDSON VALLEY ACTIVIST CALENDAR
Feb. 1, 2012, Issue #676
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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NOTE: THE FULL FEBRUARY CALENDAR WILL BE EMAILED FEB. 5
NEW ACTIVIST EVENTS
Thursday, Feb. 2, POUGHKEEPSIE: "The Corporation," a dynamite documentary-critique of the influence of U.S. corporations, will be screened at 7 p.m. at Crafted Kup, 44 Raymond Ave., near Vassar College. This free public showing of a 145-minute Sundance Film Festival winner is sponsored by Dutchess Peace. Information, (845) 876-7906, http://www.dutchesspeace.org.
Thursday, Feb. 2, MIDDLETOWN: Occupy Orange, a new group, will hold its first organizational meeting at the Mulberry House, 62-70 West Main St., 6:30 p.m. Organizers say the meeting "will be a celebration of the huge [Occupy] successes of the past year, a pep rally to keep our spirits high for the challenges that lie ahead, and an opportunity to learn first hand from experienced Occupiers what it's like on the ground (sometimes literally) at an Occupy site. There will be great food, music, and speakers from unions and community groups." Local sponsoring organizations so far include the Democratic Alliance, Community Voices Heard of Newburgh, Orange County Peace and Justice and the Hudson Valley Activist Newsletter. Information, 914-213-9783.
Thursday, Feb. 2, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): A community film showing and group discussion about "Transition Towns" will begin at 7 p.m. in the Coykendall Science Building Auditorium in New Paltz. A screening of the 50-minute film "In Transition 1.0" will open the free public meeting, focusing "on how our community can adapt to a lower energy future." A group discussion follows on environmental sustainability, local agriculture, transportation and energy independence. Free parking in campus visitor lots. Campus map, http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/. Information, nptransition@gmail.com, http://www.thetransitionnetwork.info/index.php.
Friday-Monday, Feb. 3-6, ALBANY: Occupy Albany will be joined by members of Occupy Wall Street for four days of public activities that should attract supporters from around the region. Friday 2-2:45 p.m., public event at new Occupy headquarters, 472 Madison Ave., stressing the importance of solidarity between occupations; 5-8 p.m., "grand opening" of new Madison Ave. indoor space. Saturday, 1-2 p.m., antiwar action at Colonie Center (corner of Wolf and Central); 3-5 p.m., large general assembly at the Empire State Plaza Concourse where Working Groups will give brief report backs on their recent activity and what is planned for the future; 5:30 p.m., 472 Madison Ave., "Workshop on Privilege"; 8 p.m.-1 a.m., "Occupy the Red Square — party with the 99%," live music, art, film and revelry at the Red Square, 388 Broadway ($5 suggested cover). Sunday, 10 a.m. — coffee, bagels and park-like activities (kickball, chatting, etc.) at Academy Park (Concourse in inclement weather); 11 a.m., "Peoples' History Walking Tour of Albany" beginning at Academy Park; 12 noon-6 p.m. Workshops on political strategy and action, Occupy skill sharing, and community building and solidarity, at Service Employees International Union, 155 Washington Ave. Monday, 9:15 a. m. meet at State Capitol Bldg., State St. entrance, for a joint action. Information, http://www.occupyalbany.org/.
Friday, Feb. 3, NEW PALTZ: A Benefit Concert for the Freedom Theatre of Palestine begins at 8 p.m. at Cabaloosa, 58 Main St. The theater is located in the Jenin Refugee Camp in the West Bank — a region under Israeli military occupation. Musical guests at this event will be:
8 p.m., En Full Circle; 9 p.m., The Sweet Clementines; 10 p.m., The Gremlins; 11 p.m., The Lunch; 12 midnight, We Must Be; 1 a.m. It's Not Night, It's Space. There is a $5 suggested cover for the evening, which includes a raffle and a silent auction. Presented by Radio Active Lunch and Los Doggies. Information, (917) 991-5653, http://www.thefreedomtheatre.org.
Friday, Feb. 3, GLENS FALLS: There will be a free public screening of the documentary "The One Percent" starting at 7 p.m. at Rock Hill house, 19 Exchange St. This 80-minute film focuses on the growing wealth gap in America. Information, (518) 615-0777, http://www.RockHillBakeHouse.com.
Saturday, Feb. 4, NORTH AMERICA: "No War Against Iran!, No Sanctions, No Intervention, No Assassinations" will be the demand in scores of cities in the U.S. and Canada today. Washington's war drums against Iran are beating ever louder these days, prompting dozens of peace, justice and anti-imperialist organizations to call for this united day of action. The New York State events take place Feb. 4 in: Albany, at 1 p.m., Wolf Road & Central Ave. Buffalo, at 3 p.m., Niagara Square. New York City, at 1 p.m. Duffy Square, 47th St. and 7th Ave. Rochester, at 11 a.m., Public Market, 280 N. Union St. Saratoga Springs, 12 noon, 475 Broadway. Syracuse, 1:30 p.m., Fayette St. and Salina St. Information, including a listing of nearly all the North American protests, is at, http://www.answercoalition.org/national/index.html, info@answercoalition.org.
Here is a partial alphabetical list of the endorsers:
American Iranian Friendship Committee • American Muslim Alliance • ANSWER Coalition • Antiwar.com • Bail Out The People Movement (BOPM) • Cindy Sheehan, national coordinator of Peace of the Action • CODEPINK Women for Peace • ComeHomeAmerica.us • David Swanson, Author, “When the World Outlawed War” • Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality-Virginia • George Phillies, Liberty for America • Granny Peace Brigade • International Action Center (IAC) • Karla Hansen, Producer/Director “Silent Screams” • Malcolm X Center for Self Determination • Minnesota Peace Action Coalition • Movement for a Democratic Society (MDS) • Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) • Peace of the Action • Phil Wilayto, Author, “In Defense of Iran" • Ramsey Clark, Former U.S. Attorney General, awarded UN Human Rights Award • Ray McGovern, Veterans for Peace • Refugee Apostolic Catholic Church • SI! Solidarity with Iran • St. Pete for Peace • Twin Cities Peace Campaign • United National Anti-War Committee (UNAC) • Veterans for Peace – NYC Chapter 034 • Waco Friends of Peace • WAMM, Women Against Military Madness • We Won’t Fly • WESPAC Foundation • Workers World Party • World Can’t Wait.
Saturday, Feb. 4, POUGHKEEPSIE: A BDS action will take place at 1 p.m. at the CVS chain pharmacy, 722 Dutchess Turnpike, opposite the Adam's Store. "BDS" stands for boycott, divest and sanction — in this case a protest against a the sale of Dead Sea products (largely cosmetics) "manufactured in Israel's illegal West Bank settlement of Mitzepe Shalem and made with minerals literally stolen from the Palestinian people." Sponsored by Dutchess Peace. Information, (845) 876-7906, http://www.dutchesspeace.org.
