Saturday, November 30, 2013

11-30-13 Activist Calendar


HUDSON VALLEY ACTIVIST CALENDAR
November 30, 2013, Issue #677
Send event announcements to jacdon@earthlink.net
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Sunday, Dec. 1, WHITE PLAINS: Protests are taking place in a number of cities in opposition to the sale of SodaStream carbonation products which are produced in an illegal Israeli settlement through the exploitation of Palestinian land, labor, and resources. In White Plains, demonstrators will gather at 2 p.m. at the kitchenware entrance to Macy’s, 100 Main St. and Court.  “We will hold posters outside the store and give handouts to shoppers. Some of us will go into the store to distribute handouts and ask to meet with the manager. After meeting with the manager, depending on time, we will walk to Target and/or Walmart to repeat our action. We will sing carols with SodaStream lyrics as part of the holiday shopping event.”

For more than a year, Palestine solidarity organizations have been challenging Target and other U.S. vendors asking them to stop selling SodaStream. Activities are taking place between Nov. 29 (the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People) and Dec. 10 (Human Rights Day). A two-minute video explaining the action is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVNR2gxfhrk&feature=youtu.be. A petition is at http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/641/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=12341. Sponsored by the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, http://www.endtheoccupation.org/section.php?id=456.


Post Civil War slavery by another name.
Monday, Dec. 2, KINGSTON: The free, public documentary “Slavery By Another Name (part 1)” will be screened at 7 p.m. at the new Progressive Baptist Church, 8 Hone St. This 90-minute 2012 film describes “the era of the Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II.” We’re told: “A huge system of forced, unpaid labor, mostly affecting Southern black men, lasted until the beginning of the 1940s in America. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning book by Douglas Blackman, the film tells the story of men unjustly charged with crimes like vagrancy who were bought and sold, abused and subject to sometimes deadly working conditions as unpaid convict labor.” A discussion will be led by Odell Winfield, founder of ENJAN (End the New Jim Crow Action Network) and Rev. G. Modele Clarke, Pastor of New Progressive Baptist Church. This film, which is recommended for adults and high school students, is part of the “Who Is Jim Crow?” Film Series. The next showing — part 2 of “Slavery By Another Name,” is Monday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m., same location. The series is sponsored by ENJAN, New Progressive Baptist Church, Move To Amend, Unitarian Universalist Congregation (Kingston), Social Justice Committee Woodstock Jewish Congregation, Task Force to End the New Jim Crow, N.Y. Citizen Action (Hudson Valley), Sadie Peterson Delaney African Roots Library (Family Services, Poughkeepsie N.Y.), American Association of University Women (Kingston). Information, Odell Winfield, (914) 388-3092.

Monday, Dec. 2, OLD CHATHAM: The Quaker Meetinghouse at 539 County Rt. 13 is the venue for a 6 p.m. potluck and 7 p.m. showing of “In the Family” — a documentary about “Chip, a precocious six year old, who has only known life with his two dads, Cody and Joey. And a good life it is. When Cody dies suddenly in a car accident, Joey and Chip struggle to find their footing again. Just as they begin to, Cody's will reveals that he named his sister as Chip's guardian. The years of Joey's acceptance into the family unravel as Chip is taken away from him. In his now solitary home life, Joey searches for a solution. The law is not on his side, but friends are. Armed with their comfort and inspired by memories of Cody, Joey finds a path to peace with the family and closer to his son. Free and public. A moderated discussion will follow. Information, (518) 766-2992. Directions, http://www.oldchathamquakers.org.




Tuesday, Dec. 3, NEW PALTZ TO NYC: Many environmental organization are organizing an anti-fracking demonstration outside the Roseland Ball Room 5:30-7 p.m., just before Gov. Cuomo's birthday fundraiser inside the famous hall at 239 W. 52nd St. in Manhattan. NYPIRG is organizing transportation from SUNY New Paltz (leaving campus at 4 p.m., returning at 9 p.m.). For bus information contact Eric Wood immediately at ewood@nypirg.org. We’re informed: “Cuomo will make a decision on fracking before elections next year. That means it's time to come out in force to show the Governor what he'll be seeing at every one of his campaign events over the next year: droves of concerned citizens telling him to protect their water and ban fracking.” Co-sponsored by United for Action, Food & Water Watch, Sierra Club, NYPIRG, New Yorkers Against Fracking, Environment New York, Catskill Mountainkeeper, Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy, Frack Action, CREDO Action, Progressive Democrats of America, Green Party of New York State, Three Parks Independent Democrats, Citizen Action of New York, Brooklyn Food Coalition, MoveOn.org, Sane Energy Project, Brooklyn College Democrats, Occupy the Pipelines, Brooklyn For Peace, Coalition Against the Rockaway Pipeline (CARP), Center for Health, Environment, and Justice, John Jay College Democrats, NYH2O, 350.org, System Change-Not Climate Change, Surfrider, Clean Ocean Action. Facebook information, http://www.facebook.com/events/552255824848585/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming.

Tuesday and Friday, Dec. 3 & 6, ROSENDALE: In recognition of International Human Rights Week, the Amnesty International USA Mid Hudson Valley Chapter is organizing two events. On Tuesday, Amnesty’s 3rd Annual Human Rights Film showing starts at 7:15pm, at the Rosendale Theater (408 Main St.). “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide” is a documentary film inspired by the widely acclaimed book of the same name by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. (Contributions requested.) On Friday at 8 p.m. in the Rosendale Café, 434 Main St., DJ Michael Wilcock will be spinning a mix of funk, soul, top 40 and classics. Information, group1003@aiusa.org.




Tuesday, Dec. 3, ALBANY: Opposition to Washington’s Trans Pacific Partnership (TTP) and the demand for “Fair Trade not Free trade” will be articulated during a demonstration starting at 12 noon at State and Pearl Sts. The event is sponsored by Occupy Albany, which declares: “The TPP is a major so-called  'free trade' agreement that’s
 currently being negotiated in secrecy among the U.S. and 11 other countries.
It has been called ‘NAFTA on steroids’ because it is in the mold of the
North American Free Trade Agreement but is expected to be even worse. Most of TPP’s chapters don’t even deal with trade, but would create
new privileges and immunities for corporations and investors.” Information, pr@occupyalbany.org, http://www.occupyalbany.org.



Wednesday, Dec. 4, ROSENDALE: “The Wisdom to Survive: Climate Change, Capitalism and Community,” a new 56-minute documentary, will premiere at 7:15 p.m. at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St. Present for the screening will be the filmmakers, Anne Macksoud and Ulster County local John Ankele. We’re told: “In discussions with thought leaders and activists, the film explores how unlimited growth lies behind climate disruption, and is devastating the planet’s life support system, the social fabric, and the lives of billions of people. The film features Bill McKibben (350.org); author Joanna Macy, whale scientist Roger Payne, Herschelle Milford (Surplus People Project), Quincy Saul (Ecosocialist Horizons), and more. They provide insights, answers, and hope. What becomes clear is, we already have the tools we need to change our economy and lifestyle. Our attention must focus on taking action and building community.” Tickets are $7 general admission, $5 for members. A trailer for the film is at http://olddogdocumentaries.org.

Friday, Dec. 6, MILLBROOK: Writer Verlyn Klinkenborg will talk about his new book, a collection of pieces from his New York Times column The Rural Life. Klinkenborg writes eloquently of life on his upstate New York farm, including his animals, the weather and landscape, as well as broader issues about our agricultural system and the disconnect from our food sources. The free public event starts at 7 p.m. at the Cary Institute auditorium
2801 Sharon Turnpike (Rt. 44). Information, (845) 677-5343.

West Bank: Attacked while being interrogated.
Friday, Dec. 6, KINGSTON: Media critic and journalism professor Jeff Cohen will discuss his Inspiring Trip to the Occupied West Bank at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills, 320 Sawkill Rd. The program will also include "My Neighborhood," a 25-minute film about a Palestinian teenager, Mohammed El Kurd, whose home in East Jerusalem is taken over by Israeli settlers.Information, Jane Toby Jane.toby7@gmail.com,
http:// www.mideastcrisis.org.




Wednesday, Dec. 11, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): Fukushima and You — a community dialogue to learn about the ongoing dangers of the widespread radiation from the meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear facility. Sponsored by Cancer Awareness Coalition and Occupy New Paltz.  The free public  event begins at 7 p.m. at the Coykendahl Science Building Auditorium. Information, Michele Riddell, (845) 255–5482


Tuesday, Dec. 17, NEW PALTZ: The MidHudson Valley Chapter of Amnesty International holds its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. at New Paltz Village Hall, 25 Plattekill Ave. (a block south of Main St., Rt. 299). “We welcome new members.” Information, group1003@aiusa.org.


Thursday, Dec. 19, MILLBROOK: A Scientific seminar, featuring
Brian Lutz of Kent State University, will compare the impacts on water resources of mountaintop removal, coal mining and hydraulic fracturing (fracking). It takes place at 11 a.m. at the Cary Institute auditorium
2801 Sharon Turnpike (Rt. 44). Information, (845) 677-5343.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

11-20-13 Activist Calendar


HUDSON VALLEY ACTIVIST CALENDAR
November 20, 2013, Issue #676
Send event announcements to jacdon@earthlink.net

11-12-13 ACTIVIST NEWSLETTER IS JUST BELOW THIS ARTICLE

Editor’s note: 1. In mid-December activism subsides until the end of January, unless there are emergencies. Happy holidays. 2. We unavoidably missed a few events last week, sorry.
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Thursday, Nov. 21, ALBANY: Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said Professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University, will discuss his new book, “Brokers of Deceit: How the U.S. Has Undermined Peace in the Middle East,” at 7 p.m., Albany Law School, 80 New Scotland Ave. He will be welcomed by school Dean Penny Andrews, and introduced by Rabbi David Gordis, past president of Hebrew College. This free public event is sponsored by the Palestinian Rights Committee of Upper Hudson Peace Action, Albany N.Y. Chapter, National Lawyers Guild, The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Women Against War, Muslim Solidarity Committee, and Project Salam. Information, (518) 465-5425, gdamm@nycap.rr.com.

Thursday, Nov. 21, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): A rally for women's equality will take place on campus at 12:15 p.m. outside the Student Union Building. (In case of rain, indoors at SUB room 100.) The keynote speaker will be Tracey Brooks, President and CEO of Family Planning Advocates of N.Y. State. The rally was organized by Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley, Family Planning Advocates, the SUNY NP Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and the Feminist Collective, in support of passage of the Women's Equality Agenda.

This is the 10-point program for women's rights that the Cuomo administration, backed by a statewide coalition of women's rights activists, tried to get passed in the spring 2013 session of the state legislature. The Assembly passed all 10 points, but the Senate refused to pass the part of the bill that would have codified into state law provisions of Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion and would have strengthened the reproductive rights laws that are now on the state’s books. Since this was an all-or-nothing piece of legislation, the 10-point Women's Equality Agenda was not passed in 2013. The NY Women's Equality Coalition -- of over 850 organizations -- is gearing up to get this passed in 2014. Information, Tiffany.Card@ppmhv.org, http://www.nywomensequality.org.

Sunday, Nov. 24: WOODSTOCK: In recognition of the Nov. 29 International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, activists here will demonstrate against the illegal Israeli occupation, 12 noon -1 p.m. at the Village Green, 6 Tinker St. The Day of Solidarity is a UN-organized observance. Events are held at UN offices in New York, Geneva and Vienna, as well as observances by solidarity groups around the world. The sponsor is Middle East Crisis Response and Hudson Valley BDS. Information, (845) 876-7906.

Monday, Nov. 25, POUGHKEEPSIE (Vassar Campus): The extraordinary 2011 award-winning documentary “Miss Representation” will be screened 5-6:30 p.m. at the College Center Bookstore.
We’re told: “The film examines the powerful influence of mainstream media in our contemporary culture... showing how it creates a generation of women defined by beauty and sexuality and not by their capacity as leaders." The campus main entrance is at 124 Raymond Ave. As you enter, the Main Building is straight ahead. The Campus Center is in the back of Main. The bookstore is hosting this free, public event. A campus map is at http://www.vassar.edu/visitors/pdfs/map.pdf. Information, Susan Vinett, suvinett@vassar.edu, (845) 437-5870. A film trailer is at


Thursday, Nov. 28, AMERICA: We don’t proselytize much for animal rights and vegan/vegetarianism in the calendar, except around Thanksgiving, which is today. We’d like to talk turkey about turkeys. All told throughout the year, about 300 million turkeys are raised for slaughter, nearly 47 million for this single day of gluttony. Their lives are short and brutal. Many never leave the cruel factory “farm” until they are about to be killed. “The symbolism surrounding the Thanksgiving turkey, much like the modern domestic turkey itself, has been largely manufactured by cynical commercial interests. There is neither compelling historical precedent nor meaningful rationale for associating the butchered carcass of a turkey with our national day of thanksgiving.” This information comes from a brief article titled “The History of Thanksgiving” on the Farm Sanctuary website, http://www.farmsanctuary.org/giving/adopt-a-turkey/adopt-a-turkey-history-of-thanksgiving/. The Catskill Animal Sanctuary has a new and disturbing piece about raising turkeys for slaughter at http://casanctuary.org. Google “Vegetarian and vegan recipes for Thanksgiving” and you will find some very delicious recipes.

Sunday, Dec. 1, WHITE PLAINS: Protests are taking place in a number of cities in opposition to the sale of SodaStream carbonation products which are produced in an illegal Israeli settlement through the exploitation of Palestinian land, labor, and resources. In White Plains, demonstrators will gather at 2 p.m. at the kitchenware entrance to Macy’s, 100 Main St. and Court.  “We will hold posters outside the store and give handouts to shoppers. Some of us will go into the store to distribute handouts and ask to meet with the manager. Afterward, depending on time, we will walk to Target and/or Walmart to repeat our action. We will sing carols with SodaStream lyrics as part of the holiday shopping event.”

For more than a year, Palestine solidarity organizations have been challenging Target and other U.S. vendors asking them to stop selling SodaStream. Activities are taking place between Nov. 29 (the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People) and Dec. 10 (Human Rights Day). A two-minute video explaining the action is at http://www.youtube.com/watchv=SVNR2gxfhrk&feature=youtu.be. A petition is at http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/641/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=12341. Sponsored by the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, http://www.endtheoccupation.org/section.php?id=456.

Monday, Dec. 2, OLD CHATHAM: The Quaker Meetinghouse at 539 County Rt. 13 is the venue for a 6 p.m. potluck and 7 p.m. showing of “In the Family” — a documentary about “Chip, a precocious six year old, who has only known life with his two dads, Cody and Joey. And a good life it is. When Cody dies suddenly in a car accident, Joey and Chip struggle to find their footing again. Just as they begin to, Cody's will reveals that he named his sister as Chip's guardian. The years of Joey's acceptance into the family unravel as Chip is taken away from him. In his now solitary home life, Joey searches for a solution. The law is not on his side, but friends are. Armed with their comfort and inspired by memories of Cody, Joey finds a path to peace with the family and closer to his son. Free and public. A moderated discussion will follow. Information, (518) 766-2992. Directions, http://www.oldchathamquakers.org.

Tuesday and Friday, Dec. 3 & 6, ROSENDALE: In recognition of International Human Rights Week, the Amnesty International USA Mid Hudson Valley Chapter is organizing two events. On Tuesday, Amnesty’s 3rd Annual Human Rights Film showing starts at 7:15pm, at the Rosendale Theater (408 Main St.). “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide” is a documentary film inspired by the widely acclaimed book of the same name by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. (Contributions requested.) On Friday at 8 p.m. in the Rosendale Café, 434 Main St., DJ Michael Wilcock will be spinning a mix of funk, soul, top 40 and classics. Information, group1003@aiusa.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 4, ROSENDALE: “The Wisdom to Survive: Climate Change, Capitalism and Community,” a new 56-minute documentary, will premiere at 7:15 p.m. at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St. Present for the screening will be the filmmakers, Anne Macksoud and Ulster County local John Ankele. We’re told: “In discussions with thought leaders and activists, the film explores how unlimited growth lies behind climate disruption, and is devastating the planet’s life support system, the social fabric, and the lives of billions of people. The film features Bill McKibbin (350.org), author Joanna Macy, whale scientist Roger Payne, Herschelle Milford (Surplus People Project), Quincy Saul (Ecosocialist Horizons), and more. They provide insights, answers, and hope. What becomes clear is, we already have the tools we need to change our economy and lifestyle. Our attention must focus on taking action and building community.” Tickets are $7 general admission, $5 for members. A trailer for the film is at http://olddogdocumentaries.org.

Friday, Dec. 6, KINGSTON: Media critic and journalism professor Jeff Cohen will discuss “My Inspiring Trip to the Occupied West Bank” at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills, 320 Sawkill Rd. The program will also include "My Neighborhood," a 25-minute film about a Palestinian teenager, Mohammed El Kurd, whose home in East Jerusalem is taken over by Israeli settlers.Information, Jane Toby, Jane.toby7@gmail.com, http:// www.mideastcrisis.org.

Thursday, Dec. 17, NEW PALTZ: The Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter of Amnesty International holds its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. at New Paltz Village Hall, 25 Plattekill Ave. (a block south of Main St., Rt. 299). “We welcome new members.” Information, group1003@aiusa.org.