4-27-14 MAY Calendar

HUDSON VALLEY ACTIVIST CALENDAR

MAY EDITION, April 27, 2014, Issue #682

Send event announcements to jacdon@earthlink.net

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Attention Readers: We now update each monthly calendar online as new events are announced. During April we more than doubled the events we began with. Check us out once or twice more during May for all the events, particularly the second half of May. The additional items will begin with this mark: √.

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URGENT NOTICE, from Food and Water Watch: 

On national TV May 5, Sen. Schumer shocked millions of New Yorkers by taking the side of the oil and gas industry, saying "most Democrats" support fracking and that the practice has worked "quite well." This is an insult to all of us who have worked to keep fracking out of the Empire State. Can you call Schumer's office right now at (866) 581-3558 to tell him you and millions of New Yorkers want a ban on fracking?

 Schumer's comments damaging to the movement against fracking — they're also flat out wrong, as polling both in New York and nationally clearly shows.

Welcome to the Merry Month of May!

Sunday, April 27, NEW PALTZ: Rain or shine, 11 a.m-3 p.m, come to the 2014 Annual New Paltz Earth Day Fair and   Festival on Huguenot St. (just east of the Wallkill bridge, then turn north for a couple of blocks). The gathering and celebration will honor sustainability and earth wise practices. There will be “Displays, demos, children's activities, healthy food, thoughtful fun, inspiring music and more — free.” The event is sponsored by the Caring for Creation Committee of the Reformed Church and the New Paltz Climate Action Coalition. Information, (845) 255-9297.

Sunday, April 27, SAUGERTIES: The new documentary “Groundswell Rising: Protecting Our Children’s Air And Water” will be screened at 1 p.m., Atonement Lutheran Church, 100 Market St. This film discusses the dangers of fracking to public health and looks into what it is like to live in a town with fracking in the backyard. Free and public. Information, (518) 965-2935, Mary Finneran, msfinn123@yahoo.com.

Sunday, April 27, HIGH FALLS: An art show and auction are being held this weekend to benefit Women In Black member Monika Kretschmar, who is facing the challenge of cancer and the high costs of treatment. The 1-6 p.m. event is being held at The Wired Gallery, 1415 Rt. 213. We’re told “the real action is happening 4-6 p.m. when we will have music by Joakim and Chris and many delectables to nosh on. Bidding will end at 6. All funds raised will go directly to Monika. Information, Barbara Upton AnahataSun@aol.com.

Ali Abunimah.

Wednesday, April 30, POUGHKEEPSIE (Vassar Campus): The well-known Palestinian-American journalist and author Ali Abunimah will speak at 6 p.m. at room 203 of Taylor Hall, just to the right of the Main Gate at 124 Raymond Ave. This free public event is sponsored by Students for Justice in Palestine (Vassar) and co-sponsored by Jewish Studies, GAAP, Feminist Alliance, International Studies, the departments of English, Political Science, Religion, Geography, and Sociology, Middle East Crisis Response, Mid-Hudson International Socialist Organization (ISO), and Hudson Valley Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions. Abunimah, a leading exponent of a one-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is the author of several books on the situation, including his latest — "The Battle for Justice in Palestine." A campus map is at http://www.vassar.edu/visitors/pdfs/map.pdf. Information, SJP Vassar sjpvassar@gmail.com.

Wednesday, April 30, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): The documentary “Life And Debt,” about the negative impact economic globalization can have on a developing country, will be screened at 5 p.m. in Lecture Center 108. A panel discussion follows, led by Dr. La Tasha Brown. The panelists are

Drs. Ligia Aldana, Latin American & Caribbean Studies; Sarah Wyman, English, and Zelbert Moore, Black Studies. Public and free. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/. Information, Doris Butterfield, (845) 257-2760, butterfd@zmail.newpaltz.edu.

Wednesday, April 30, KINGSTON: A free screening on the subject of “the truth about the health, safety and privacy issues of smart meters,” is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Kingston Library, 55 Franklin St. The film is the award winning Josh del Sol documentary, “Take Back Your Power.” A moderated discussion and a Q & A will follow this free public showing. Information, giftofhealth9@gmail.com.

Wednesday, April 30, ALBANY: The local chapter of Amnesty International is sponsorimng a 7 p.m. screening  of the Academy Award-nominated documentary about immigration, “Which Way Home?” A discussion will follow. This free public event takes place at The Linda, WAMC’s performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Ave. Information, www.ai361.org.

Thursday, May 1, WORLDWIDE: May 1^st  is International Workers Day, also known as May Day. Since 1886, it has been celebrated with demonstrations demanding justice and freedom for all oppressed people. In the United States, the tradition of May Day was revived by the immigrant rights movement, which brought millions of people into the streets in 2006 demanding legalization and full rights for all immigrants. In recent years, May Day is once again a day of social protest. 

Thursday, May 1, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): A 12 noon to 1 p.m. May Day Rally will be held at the Academic Concourse outside the Humanities building. A main issue is to raise the pay of exploited adjuncts and lecturers to $5,000 a course. Local residents are invited. Other issues include improving job security, campus policies on family leave and student loan debt. The event is sponsored by United University Professions, Civil Service Employees Assn., NYPIRG, New York Students Rising,  and the Hudson Valley Activist Newsletter.

Thursday, May 1, FORT MEADE, MARYLAND: A major demonstration against the Obama Administratiion’s drone warfare will take place in front of the infamous National Security Administration facility (Edward Snowden’s alma mater).  The protest is part of the “Spring Days of Action” against the killer drones called by the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance and backed by many groups. For additional information contact Joy First at joyfirst5@gmail.com or Malachy Kilbride malachykilbride@yahoo.com.

Thursday, May 1, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus):  The Global Assault on Women’s Rights is the topic of a free public lecture at 4:30 p.m. in LC 104. The speaker is Widney Brown. She is director of programs at Physicians for Human Rights, a former senior director at Amnesty International’s Secretariat in London, and a deputy program diredctor at Human Rights Watch. This free public event is sponsored by Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Honors Center, Career Resource Center, CAS, Queer Student Union and Sojourner Truth library. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/.

Jeff Cohen.

Friday, May 2, KINGSTON: The Films of Palestine Series presents "My Neighbourhood," 7-8:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills, 320 Sawkill Rd. This short film is seen from the perspective of the Palestinian teenager, Mohammed El Kurd, whose home in the neighborhood is taken over by Israeli settlers. Jeff Cohen, the acclaimed media critic and founder of FAIR, will then speak about his recent trip to Palestine. Highlighted will be personal visits with the El Kurd family in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarah which is featured in the film. Sponsored by Middle East Crisis Response (www.mideastcrisis.org) and Hudson Valley Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (www.hudsonvalleybds.org). Information Jane.toby7@gmail.com, (845) 678-2076.

√ Friday, May 2, NEW PALTZ: The award winning environmental documentary “Chasing Ice” will be screened at 8:15 p.m. at Elting Library, 93 Main St. Using time-lapse cameras, nature photographer James Balog captured the dramatic effects of climate change by recording melting glacier ice in arctic locations. This free public showing is hosted by Dr. Alvin Konigsberg, Associate Professor of Geological Sciences. Sponsored by New Paltz Neighbors For Peace. Information, Teresa Dixon tellallwtc7@gmail.com.

√ Saturday, May 3, POUGHKEEPSIE: There will be a birthday memorial 12 noon-2 p.m. for the late Pete Seeger at “Peace Corner” where he often joined the weekly peace vigil. It's at the grass mini-peace park at the corner of Rt. 9/9D (near South Hills Mall/Staples). Please join us and let others know. Information, mscw12@aol.com.

Saturday, May 3, CHATHAM: There will be a meeting today of the Citizen’s Climate Lobby, Columbia County Chapter, 12:45 p.m., at Chatham Real Food Market Co-op, 15 Church St. “We are a new local chapter of a national non-partisan grass roots effort dedicated to building political will for Congress to take meaningful action for a sustainable climate.   All are welcome.” Information, ccl.columbiacounty@gmail.com, About the  group, http://www.citizensclimatelobby.org.

Sunday, May 4, POUGHKEEPSIE: A Celebration of World Fair Trade Day will take place 1-5 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 67 South Randolph Ave. This free public event is sponsored by the Dutchess County Interfaith Council and the U.U. Fellowship. The fairly-traded products that will be sold include beautiful handicrafts from many countries, suitable for Mother’s Day gifts, as well as coffee, tea, and chocolate. There will also be “ethical” (to the extent possible, fairly-traded, organic, and/or local) refreshments for sale, as well as free coffee tastings and pairings with other fairly-traded foods.  Special activities for children are planned. Three documentary films will be shown that highlight the differences between fair trade and free trade: “The Dark Side of Chocolate,” “Life and Debt,” and “What is Fair Trade?”  Cecilia Dinio Durkin, proprietor of Women’s Work, a fair trade retailer and former board member of the Fair Trade Federation, will speak on her experiences importing and selling fair-trade goods. Information, Pat Lamanna, patla42@gmail.com or (845)452-4013.

Monday, May 5, ALBANY: A rally and march against prison injustice and mass incarceration will begin at 12:30 p.m. in East Capitol Park (Eagle St. between Washington Ave. and State St. The demnds are: “Stop Solitary, Reform Parole, Release Elders, and Create Truth and Justice Commission.” The keynote speaker will be Cornel West, a leading African-American public intellectual, activist, academic and author. There will be free buses from NYC and Hudson Valley locations. Many participants will also lobby state legislators, calling for a halt to solitary confinement in New York State. At 2:30 p.m. there will be a Parole Reform Speakout. Gather at the Million Dollar Staircase, 4th floor west side Capitol Building. Sponsors include New York Against Prison Injustice and Riverside Church Parole Reform Campaign. Information about buses and other matters, (518) 434-4037, nysprisonerjustice@gmail.com, http://www.nysprisonerjustice.org/.

Cheryl Clarke.

Monday, May 5, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): “Black Lesbian Talking” is the title of a lecture by Dr. Cheryl Clarke who will “discuss responsibilities of college students taking on the challenges facing them: racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, xenophobia. In the lecture she will draw from her many years as a college administrator at Rutgers University and will read from her various works.”
 Clarke has published four books of poetry including “Living as a Lesbian.” This free public meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Coykendall Science Bldg. Auditorium. It is sponsored by the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, Honors Center, Career Resource Center, CAS, Queer Student Union, United University Professions (AFL-CIO), African Women’s Alliance, and Sojourner Truth Library. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/. Information, Doris Butterfield, (845) 257-2760, butterfd@zmail.newpaltz.edu.

√ Monday, May 5, NEWBURGH: Scenic Hudson and Riverkeeper will discuss the rise in Hudson Valley crude oil transportation by rail, barge and ship starting at 6 p.m. in the Newburgh Board of Education Auditorium, Newburgh Free Library, 124 Grand St.

√ Wednesday, May 7, NEWBURGH: The 4 Women's Justice Coalition is sponsoring an evening titled, "Celebrate Women: Sisterhood is Justice," featuring  journalist and media critic Jennifer L. Pozner, founding director of the media justice organization Women in Media & News (WIMN). She will present a multimedia exposé of the editing tricks and ideological agendas of corporate broadcasting and advertising titled, "Project Brainwash: Why Reality TV is Bad for Women (and everyone else)." The 6-830 p.m. event takes place at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 105 Grand St., beginning with a reception. The sponsoring coalition includes Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Mental Health Assn. of Orange County Inc.-Rape Crisis, Safe Homes of Orange County and the the county YWCA. To register, contact PublicAffairs@ppmhv.org. Suggested donation is $10 ($5 for students).

Thursday, May 8, WOODSTOCK: Middle East Crisis Response, a group of Hudson Valley residents joined together to promote peace and human rights in Palestine and the Middle East, will hold  its regular meeting tonight, 7-8:30 p.m. at Woodstock Public Library, 5 Library Lane. The next meeting is Thursday May 22.) Information, (845) 876-7906, http://www.mideastcrisis.org.

√ Thursday, May 8, NEW PALTZ: Hudson Valley Regional New Yorkers Against Fracking will discuss “how to keep building the movement for a statewide ban in our region and getting your town to pass a resolution supporting a Renewable Energy Economy.” The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at New Paltz Village Hall, 5 Plattekill Ave. Information, https://www.facebook.com/events/695882840470306

√ Friday, May 9, DELMAR: A public meeting will begin at 7 p.m. to address issues related to the potentially dangerous "oil trains," rolling through Albany every day carrying Bakken crude oil.  Concern about the issue follows a recent series of derailments and explosions, including one that killed 47 people in Quebec last July and another in Lynchburg, VA, on April 30. We’re told: “The crude coming out of the Bakken contains particularly high levels of propane and methane, making it far more flammable than typical blends of oil.” A panel discussion includes Sandy Steubing of PAUSE,( People of Albany United for Safe Energy);  Vivian Kornegay an activist and member of the Albany Common Council; and Jon Flanders, a local activist, union organizer, and retired CSX railroad worker. Mary Finneran will be the moderator. Information,   or (518) 965-2935 or tquaif@yahoo.com.

√ Saturday, May 10, ALBANY: The Tulip Festival at Washington Park is the venue of a 1-2 p.m. vigil by Women Against War. The theme is "Protecting Mother Earth from Military Climate Change." Information, info@womenagainstwar.org.

√ Saturday, May 10, TROY: A screening of a new documentary about the homeless and poor in the local area titled “The Throwaways” will take place at 7 p.m. at The Sanctuary for Independent Media, located at 3361 6th Ave. (at the corner of 101st St.) in North Troy. Filmmakers Bhawin Suchak and Ira McKinley will be present for the post-film discussion. A $10 donation is suggested, $5 student/low income. Information, (518) 207-6264, pierce@nymediaalliance.org

√ Sunday, May 11, BEACON: Singer Holly Near and Emma's Revolution will appear today (Mother’s Day) at Towne Crier, 379 Main St., at 7:30. p.m. Holly Near has worked for over 40 years as a singer, songwriter and teacher. We’re told, “She presents an uplifting evening of song. Holly is joined by pianist, Jan Martinelli and special guests — Pat Humphries and Sandy O of Emma’s Revolution.” For information about costs and information, http://www.townecrier.com.

Tuesday, May 13, KINGSTON: The End the New Jim Crow Action Network! (ENJAN), a Hudson Valley network dedicated to fighting racist policies of racial profiling, police brutality, and mass incarceration (the "new Jim Crow"), meets 6-7:30 p.m. at the New Progressive Baptist Church, 8 Hone St. (Also meets here Tuesday, May 27.) Information, (845) 475-8781,  http://www.enjan.org.

Wednesday, May 14, POUGHKEEPSIE: The End the New Jim Crow Action network will meet 6-7:30 p.m. at the Sadie Peterson Delaney African Roots Library, Family Partnership Center, 29 N. Hamilton St. (NOTE: Also meets here Wednesday, May 28.) Information, (845) 475-8781, http://www.enjan.org.

Saturday, May 17, OLD CHATHAM: “The Last Minute Jazz Ensemble” will perform  a benefit concert 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Old Chatham Quaker Meetinghouse, 539 County Rt. 13 (across from Pitt Hall Road and Powell House). This group has played together for 10 years and offers jazz: standards, latin, bebop and blues. Admission: $12 in advance, $15 at the door.  Advance tickets available at these Main St. businesses: Chatham Bookstore, Main Street Grainery, Chatham Wine and Liquor, and Chatham Real Food Coop. There will be a bake sale during the intermission. This event, organized by the Old Chatham Quaker Meeting, “will benefit our new meetinghouse.”  Information, Bob Elmendorf,  (518) 766-2992.

√ Sunday, May 18, POUGHKEEPSIE & HIGHLAND: A local 350.com anti-fracking demonstration will take place on the Walkway Over the Hudson. Participants will gather on both sides of the Walkway  at 1:30 p.m. and combine in the center at 2 p.m. for a rally. The event calls for a “Green New Deal for New York,” including a 100% renewables future, and no facking, among other demands. It is sponsored by  Dutchess County Democratic Legislator Joel Tyner, the Real Majority Project and Thomas Brown of the Sullivan Young Democrats. Information, (845) 423-0044 and https://www.facebook.com/events/1442802459295396/

Rick Nestler. 

Sunday, May 18, SAUGERTIES: 
Heritage Folk Music presents Rick Nestler in a concert of “Songs of the Hudson River School of Folk Music” at 3 p.m. at the Kiersted House, 119 Main Street. Admission is $10.  Refreshments will be served. Just as there is a “Hudson River School of Painting,” there is an unofficial “Hudson River School of Folk Music.” There are lyrics and melodies that capture the lives and stories of the people who settled and dwelled in our region long ago. Rick will offer a panorama of such songs. Information, patla42@gmail.com or call (845) 452-4013.

√ Sunday, May 18, WARWICK: “Gasland II” will be screened at 1:30 p.m. at the Albert Wisner Library, 1 McFarland Drive. This free showing is sponsored by Sustainable Warwick. Information, https://www.facebook.com/OccupyOrangeNY

√ Tuesday, May 20, SAUGERTIES:“Re-visioning Local Housing” is the topic of a public meeting at the public library community room, 91 Washington Ave. sponsored by Transition Town/ Sustainable Saugerties. The panel includes Deep Energy Retrofitting (Gregory A. Pedrick, NYSERDA Project Manager); Earthships Rising-(Django Houston, Earthship Contracting and Construction); Less House, More Home (Chase Randell and Frank X. O’Leary), Community Catalysts, Tiny Home Builders. Information, 845-883-5766. 

Long Islanders in recent  rally against fracking. Join them 5/22.

√ Thursday, May 22, MELVILLE: [Melville is on Long Island, but there are buses from Hudson Join us on a bus to Long Island to urge Cuomo to lead a transition to a renewable energy future!”


Valley Locations.] A 2 p.m. Rally to Ban Fracking, will take place at the Democratic State Convention in Melville at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington Hotel, 598 Broad Hollow Rd. About 40 New York State environmental and activist groups are sponsoring the action. We’re told: “This is a very important event for Cuomo, and we will be there calling on him to ban fracking and oppose fracking infrastructure. At the convention, Cuomo will describe his vision for New York's future — and we must show him the power of our movement demanding a frack-free future.

·      For bus transportation from Catskill, New Paltz and Newburgh, contact http://act.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=112941&autologin=true

·      From Rockland/Westchester, http://act.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Calendar?id=112962&view=Detail

·      From NYC,  http://act.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Calendar?id=112901&view=Detail

√ Saturday, May 24, NEW PALTZ: Memoriam — “Day of the (Droned) Dead.” Meet at Peace Park behind Village Hall, at 2:45 p.m., and march to Water St. Market area. There will be memorial activities at a nearby public location to be announced. “Artists, musicians, and all caring people welcome.” Rain date, Sunday, May 25, same time. Information, Andrew, (845) 699 3051.

√ Tuesday, May, 27, ALBANY: Award winning journalist and N.Y. Times best selling author Max Blumenthal will lecture twice in Albany today. His 2013 book, “Goliath: Life and Loathing in Greater Israel,” is a scathing critique of Israel’s mistreatment of the Palestinians and of Washington’s economic, political and military support of the State of Israel. The first talk will be 12 noon at the Albany Public Library, Washington Ave. Main Branch, 161 Washington Ave. The second will be at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, 405 Washington Ave., at 7 p.m. The afternoon event is sponsored by Friends of the Albany Public Library. The evening event is sponsored by the Palestinian Rights Committee of Upper Hudson Peace Action, Jewish Voice for Peace, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Social Responsibilities Council at First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, and the Solidarity Committee of the Capital District. Information, Gene Damm, gdamm@nycap.rr.com.

√ Wednesday, May 28, HIGHLAND FALLS (where West Point is located): Peace, justice and anti-drone demonstrators will show up at gates to the U.S. military Academy at West Point at 7 a.m. today before President Obama arrives deliver a major speech at this year’s commencement ceremonies. According to the organizers, “We'll be on public roads at two West Point gates as cars enter the campus for the ceremony.  We will gather at near the Stoney Lonesome Gate of West Point just off Route 9W, one exit north of the exit leading to Highland Falls. The protest will end at 9:30 a.m. when the commencement is scheduled to begin. Those attending the action will be seen by the large number of people attending the graduation. The protest is sponsored by KnowDrones.com, World Can't Wait, WESPAC Foundation and Code Pink.Information, Nick Mottern, nickmottern@earthlink.net, http://www.knowdrones.com. See map:
https://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&pc=FACEBK&mid=8100&rtp=adr.%7Epos.41.380401813449_73.980931807273_Stony+Lonesome+Gate+West+Point%2C+Ny_Highland+Falls%2C+New+York+10996&cp=41.380401813449%7E73.980931807273&lvl=16&sty=r&rtop=0%7E0%7E0%7E&mode=D&FORM=FBKPL2&mkt=en-US

√ Friday, May 30, NEW PALTZ:  If you haven’t seen "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," here’s your chance, and it’s free, starting at 8:35 p.m. at Elting Library, 93 Main St. It’s one more entertaining film brought to the community by Teresa Dixon and New Paltz Neighbors for Peace. Here’s the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDY89LYxK0w.

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