HUDSON VALLEY ACTIVIST CALENDAR
April 4, 2012, Issue #679
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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•This calendar incorporates a few items from the previous calendar.
•The next Activist Newsletter will be published next week.
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ACTIVIST EVENTS
Wednesday, April 4, ALBANY: An anti-fracking demonstration begins at 11 a.m. by the state Capital building on the West Capitol Lawn. Buses will bring people from several cities to the protest, which is supposed to last into April 5 at 11 p.m. The sponsor is Frack Free New York. Information, info@frackfreenation.org.
Wednesday, April 4, POUGHKEEPSIE: A "Rally to Divest Dutchess County from Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo" begins at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Dutchess County Office Building, at 22 Market St.
Wednesday, April 4, POUGHKEEPSIE (Marist campus): A free showing of the anti-fracking documentary "Gasland," followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Josh Fox, will start at 7 p.m. at the Nelly Goletti Theatre. The event is sponsored by a number of college departments and student groups. (At 6 p.m. an anti-fracking picket is set for the main campus entrance.) Campus map http://www.marist.edu/about/map.html.
Thursday to Tuesday, April 5-17, NEW PALTZ: Occupy New Paltz is organizing the distribution of "peace not war taxes" leaflets outside the Post Office at various times until income tax payment day April 17. If you care to join for a couple of hours or more during the campaign, call Michele at (845) 255-5482.
Thursday, April 5, POUGHKEEPSIE: What are the motivations for war, imperialism, militarism, hyper-patriotism, and jingoism? The 2004 documentary "Why We Fight," screening at 7 p.m. at the Crafted Kup, 44 Raymond Ave., seeks to provide some answers, followed by an audience discussion. We're told, "The film humorously takes its name from a series of propaganda films made by Frank Capra during World War II." This free event is sponsored by Dutchess Peace. Information, (845) 452-4013, patla@hvc.rr.com.
Thursday, April 5, DELMAR: The Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., is the venue for the discussion of a book about the integration of Delmar, a town just south of Albany, in the 1950s. The title is “Integrating Delmar 1957, the Story of a Friendship,” written by Margaret B. Cunningham of Schenectady and Arlen Westbrook of Delmar. We're informed: "This book is a unique personal account told by the wives of two couples (one Black and one White) of their experiences integrating Delmar and the lasting friendship that developed. It also records the reactions of neighbors and others in the community to a Black family living in their neighborhood for the first time, including incidents of people who made the situation difficult and those who were helpful." Author Westbrook and Miki Conn discuss the book. The meeting is sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Information, (518) 466-1192, jlombard@nycap.rr.com.
Monday, April 9 (and throughout the month), U.S.: Here is information about Occupy events in April:
•April 9-15, 2012, The 99% Spring, http://www.the99spring.com/.
•April 17, 2012, Global Day of Action on Military Spending, http://demilitarize.org/.
•April 25, 2012, Global Teach In, http://www.globalteachin.com/.
•May 1, 2012, General Strike, http://www.occupymay1st.org/.
Monday, April 9, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): The college Center for Middle Eastern Dialogue has organized a program titled "Voices from Iran: Contemporary Literature and Music" that will take place 7-9 p.m. in the Parker Theater on campus. It's free, the public is invited, and given the hastening tattoo of war drums directed at Iran it seems like a good idea to have a program like this. We're told: "The program will focus on the ways in which recent scholarship, works of fiction, and memoirs from or about Iran (written in English or translated from Persian) are enhancing cultural dialogue between Americans and Iranians. It aims to help students, faculty, and community members learn about Iranian people, their experiences, their culture, and their aspirations. Manijeh Nasrabadi, co-director of the Association of Iranian-American Writers, will read from her memoir, "A Far Corner of the Revolution." Professor Ahmad Karimi-Hakkak will follow with a lecture titled, "In Search of Responsive Understanding: Iranians Bring their Story to the World." Celebrated pianist Ariana Barkeshli will perform number of piano pieces from Iranian composers. Information, Suzanne Grady (845) 257-3245. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/.
Tuesday, April 10, NEW ROCHELLE: "Reconnecting with nature" is the topic a talk by author and journalist Richard Louv at 7 p.m.. in Romita Auditorium of the College of New Rochelle, 29 Castle Place. This free public event is sponsored by the Environmental Studies and Education Programs of the School of Arts & Sciences. Information, http://www.cnr.edu/NewsItem/764.
Wednesday, April 11, POUGHKEEPSIE: "The War on Drugs: A Casualty Report," with speakers Quincy Mills, community advocate, and Joe Nevins, associate professor of geography and Latino studies at Vassar, begins at 6 p.m. at the Family Partnership Center, 29 North Hamilton St., room 218. This lecture is presented by the Sadie Paterson Delaney African Roots Library, and Occupy Poughkeepsie. It is a community outgrowth of Michelle Alexander's recent best-selling book "The New Jim Crow," about how the prison system has become a means of propagating racial injustice. Public and free. Information, Odell Winfield, (845) 452-6088, ext. 3343.
Thursday, April 12, New Paltz (SUNY campus): "The Occupy Movement: Feminist Perspectives" is the subject of a public forum starting at 5 p.m. in Lecture Center 104. Speakers include Noël Sturgeon chair of Women’s Studies, Washington State Univ. on "The Feminist Roots of Occupy;" Amy Kesselman, professor of Women's Studies at SUNY New Paltz, on "Learning From the Experience of Women in the Radical Movements of the 1960s;" and Ashley Dryzmala, SUNY New Paltz student and Occupy activist, on "Sexism in the Occupy Movement." Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/.
Thursday, April 12, EAST CHATHAM: A public training in nonviolent action will be held 6-9 p.m. at 235 Bradley's Crossing Rd. To sign up for this event, http://civic.moveon.org/event/events/index.html?action_id=268&rc=99USAction. Information, (518) 766-2992.
Thursday, April 12, WOODSTOCK: Middle East Crisis Response — a group of Hudson Valley residents joined together to promote peace and human rights in Palestine — meets 7-8:30 p.m. to discuss issues and plan activities at Woodstock Public Library, 5 Library Lane. Information, (845) 876-7906.
Friday, April 13, STONE RIDGE: "Make hydro-fracking a crime in all New York State" is the topic of a public meeting beginning 7:30 p.m. at the Marbletown Community Center, Rt. 209 (across from Mobil station). Speaking will be activists Jack Ossont and Richard "Spike" Jones. This free public event is sponsored by SPAN, (Sovereign People’s Action Network). Information, (845) 706-7571, info.span.ny@gmail.com, http://www.sovereignpeople.net.
Saturday, April 14, TROY: Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Gospel Choir will stage a special "Declaration of the Occupation" at 8 p.m. at The Sanctuary for Independent Media, 3361 6th Avenue (at 101st Street) in North Troy. Admission to the all-ages show is $10. Information, (518) 272-2390, http://www.mediasanctuary.org.
Saturday, April 14, SCHENECTADY: Topical comedian Roy Zimmerman will appear at 7:30 p.m. with his show, "Funny Songs About Ignorance — war & greed, class warfare, creationism, same-sex marriage, guns, marijuana, abstinence, Republicans - a lot about Republicans." It's at 8th Step at Proctors, 432 State St., and admission is $20. Information, (518) 434-1703, eighthstep@aol.com, http://www.eighthstep.org/.
Sunday, April 15, ROSENDALE: The liberal group MoveOn is providing "99% Spring Action Training" in nonviolent action in hundreds of locations across America, including in the Rosendale Community Center, 1055 Route 32, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Information, http://moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=127567&id=38145-1477714-hxnOXrx&t=2.
Tuesday, April 17, STONE RIDGE (UCCC campus): A public hearing on the Hydraulic Fracturing Brine Prohibition Act will be held at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Ulster County Community College. We're told, "Passing this ordinance would prohibit the radioactive and toxic wastewater by-product of hydraulic fracturing to be spread on county roads to de-ice in the winter and keep the dust down in the summer. Contact your legislator, please ask her/him to attend the hearing." Information, rosalyn@clutterkit.com.
Friday, April 20, BEACON: A free public lecture begins at 7 p.m. on the topic of "Understanding Past Native American Cultures in the Hudson Valley Through Archaeology." The speaker will be Eugene J. Boesch, a senior archaeologist specializing in Native American cultures. He will examine cultures and adaptations in southeastern New York from the area's earliest occupation by humans at least 13,000 years ago to the period of initial European exploration. This event will be held at the Beacon Sloop Club, located by the Hudson River across from the Metro North station. Information, (914) 879-1082, (845) 463-4660, http://www.beaconsloopclub.org.
Friday-Saturday, April 20-21, NEWBURGH: The folk quartet, Work o' The Weavers, will perform both nights at the Railroad Playhouse, 27 S. Water St. Pete Seeger says of the group: "Four wonderful people who've picked up where the Weavers left off. Fantastic." The show starts Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m. Cost: Adults $25 at door, $20 in advance. Students and children, $15 door, $12 advance. Information, for tickets and details, http://www.rrplayhouse.org, (845) 565-3791.
Sunday, April 22, WORLDWIDE: Today is Earth Day. The Earth Day Network reports: "More than one billion people around the globe will participate in Earth Day 2012 and help Mobilize the Earth. People of all nationalities and backgrounds will voice their appreciation for the planet and demand its protection. Together we will stand united for a sustainable future and call upon individuals, organizations, and governments to do their part." In the United States the principal action will be a rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Tens of thousands of environmentally-conscious people from all walks of life and all parts of the country will be joined by civic leaders and celebrities for this special event to galvanize the environmental movement. The celebration will last from 12 noon to 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 22, NEW PALTZ: This year marks the Tenth Annual Earth Day Fair at the Reformed Church of New Paltz, 92 Huguenot St., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. We're told: "It is a community wide gathering and celebration of sustainability and earth wise practice. This free, rain-or-shine festivity will include displays, demonstrations, conversation, healthy food and some earth friendly shopping. Musicians include vocalist Vickie Russell, Hudson Valley singers Betty and the Baby Boomers, and the contemporary sounds of Tulula!" At 3 p.m., the Historical Huguenot Society will host a performance of Renaissance period flute music performed by Eric Roth at the French Church a short stroll away on Huguenot Street. Information, (845) 255-6340, npreformedchurch@hvc.rr.com.
Monday, April 23, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): "Extreme Energy and the Fight for Our Future" is the topic of an environmental film and panel discussion beginning at 6 p.m. on campus at Lecture Center 100. There will be a Screening of the documentary “Dirty Business” (about polluting coal), with filmmaker Peter Bull, and a panel consisting of Manna Jo Greene of Clearwater, Wes Gillingham of Catskill Mountainkeeper, Donna Branham — an organizer from West Virginia representing Keeper of the Mountains Foundation — and others fighting hydrofracking in New York, mountaintop removal in W.V., nuclear power plants in N.Y., and climate change. Information, Sue Rosenberg (Frack Free Catskills) (845) 246-3449, or Beth Scullion (Catskill Mountainkeeper) (845) 482-5400. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/.
Monday, April 23, POUGHKEEPSIE: The documentary "Steadfast Hope" — said to be "An inspiring view of the activities of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian peacemakers working for justice and reconciliation in Israel/Palestine" — will be screened at 7:30 p.m., followed by a discussion. This free public event takes place at Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll St.. Co-sponsored by the church and Dutchess Peace. Information, http://www.dutchesspeace.org.
Tuesday, April 24, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): A full day — 12:30-9 p.m. — environmental event is scheduled to take place in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Student Union Building. It is sponsored by NYPIRG. We will send more details on this free public gathering when they become available. Information, ewood@nypirg.org.
Wednesday, April 25, U.S.: Today, the national student debt is due to reach $1 trillion — more than all the credit card debt in America. The National Occupy Student Debt campaign is organizing a National Day of Action on April 25. We don't have details yet, but many actions are anticipated — on campuses and other venues throughout the U.S. Hudson Valley campuses are expected to take part. Information, http://www.occupystudentdebtcampaign.org/.
Thursday, April 26, POUGHKEEPSIE (VASSAR campus): Activist and progressive left scholar and writer Frances Fox Piven will be speaking at Vassar College in Taylor Hall 102 at 8 p.m. We don't know the topic yet, but she's always interesting. Public and free. Vassar map: http://www.vassar.edu/visitors/map.html. Information, spresnick@vassar.edu.
Saturday April 28, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): The popular annual Rock Against Racism concert at SUNY New Paltz begins at 12 noon. Community members are invited to join students in this free event. This concert is sponsored by Students for Sensible Drug Policy to promote public awareness of the connection between the so-called War on Drugs and policies that target people of color in the U.S. The afternoon will include a headlining artist TBA, local artists and musicians, guest speakers, and local food vendors. For information about attending (or vending or reserving table space for your organization), contact Wendy at Cohenwendyb@gmail.com or search "Rock Against Racism 2012" on Facebook. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/.
