Wednesday, April 2, 2014

04-03-14 APRIL CALENDAR

HUDSON VALLEY ACTIVIST CALENDAR
April 2, 2014, Issue #681
Send event announcements to jacdon@earthlink.net
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Attention Reader: The calendar is a monthly. We are now inserting additional items into the current month’s calendar as new events are announced after initial publication. In our March calendar we doubled the number of the events we started with. So check us out after a while in case there are new events. When you do, the additional items will begin with  check mark: √.

Militarized cops: The drug war weapon of choice.
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Wednesday, April 2, Poughkeepsie: At 7 p.m. there will be a free public screenning of the important 2012 docucmentary “The House I Live In,” an exposé of America’s near tragic and counterproductive “War on Drugs.” It takes place at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, 67 South Randolph Ave., and is spoonsored by the The Social Justice Committee. “Are drug laws fair? Should a drug sentence be a life sentence? This film examines the case from the perspective of the dealers, the jailers, the grieving mothers and journalists like David Simon (creator, The Wire). Directed by Eugene Jarecki, this documentary film "makes a shattering case against the War on Drugs," says Roger Ebert. Information, Pat Lamanna, (845) 452-4013 or patla42@gmail.com.

Thursday, April 3, TARRYTOWN: A Rally Against Fracking starts at 5 p.m. at the Doubletree Hilton hotel, 455 South Broadway, and Governor Andrew Cuomo — who just can’t make up his mind — will be there. Actually he’ll be inside the hotel at a fundraiser. According to Food & Water Watch organizer Eric Weltman, “we're going to be there too, to send him a message urging him to ban fracking.” Information, (718) 943-9085, eweltman@fwwatch.org.

Thursday & Friday, April 3 & 4, NEW PALTZ: A film about the dangers of genetic modification of the food supply is the topic of a new documentary that will have two showings at different locations in New  Paltz today and tomorrow. The film is “Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives,” produced by Jeffery Smith, a well known critical expert in this field.• On Thursday, April 3, it will  be screened at 7 p.m. in Lecture Center 100 ON THE SU. • On Friday, April 4, it will be screened at 8:15 p.m. in Elting Library, 93 Main St. Both are free. The events are sponsored by Hudson Valley for No GMOs, Hudson Valley for NO GMO, and New Paltz Women in Black. Information, hvnogmos@gmail.com,   http://www.hvnogmos.org, and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gmo-omg-Hudson-Valley-for-No-GMO/131115900297761.

Friday, April 4, KINGSTON: Here’s another important free film: “The Great Book Robbery” begins at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills, 320 Sawkill Road This offering “describes the theft of Palestinian culture — a multi-layered story that includes dramatic location filming, eyewitness accounts, archival footage, pictorial material, C.G.I. (computer generated images), documents and culture critiques.” Guest speaker Hannah Mermelstein is a school librarian and Palestine solidarity activist based in Brooklyn. She has led more than 25 delegations in Palestine. This film showing is sponsored  by  Middle East Crisis Response (www.mideastcrisis.org) and Hudson Valley Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (www.hudsonvalleybds.org). Information, Jane.toby7@gmail.com, ot (518) 678 2076.


Hiroshima — never forget, never again.
Friday, April 4, ROCK TAVERN: A meeting titled “Nuclear Disarmament now — A Call to Action” opens at 7 p.m. at  the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, 9 Vance Rd. (off Rt. 207). A  Forum discussion on this vital topic take place after brief service in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was assaddinated on this date in 1968. Speakling will be Larry Wittner, a U.S. historian who has written extensively on peace movements and foreign policy, and Guy Quinlan, president of the Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy. A discussion will follow. “A $5-$10 donation  welcomed to defray expenses, but no one  turned away for lack of funds.” The sponsor is the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern, http://www.uucrt.org. Information, Rev. Chris Antal, (845) 297-2792.

Friday, April 4, ALL OVER: Were told by a couple of Occupy groups “The Worldwide Wave of Action begins April 4 and runs through July 4. During this three-month cycle, people throughout the world will be protesting corruption, rallying around solutions and taking part in alternative systems.” We don’t know of events in the Hudson Valley yet but there will be a demonstration beginning at 3 p.m. today at Zuccotti Park  (Broadway and Liberty St.) in Manhattan. Information is at #WaveOfAction #OWS April 4th Launch Celebration, https://www.facebook.com/events/1431836847059773/#

Saturday, April 5, 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.” The group will also meet Tuesday, April 21, same time/place. Information, ccl.columbiacounty@gmail.com, About the  group, http://www.citizensclimatelobby.org 

Monday, April 7, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): “The Dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms in Our Food,” is the topic of a 7 p.m. talk by Jeffrey Smith (who produced the GMO films above) in Lecture Centere 100. It is sponsored by SUNY New Paltz Office of Academic Affairs, Environmental Task Force, NYPIRG and Hudson Valley for No GMOs. We are told by the sponsors that “Smith is the author of the international bestseller, ‘Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies about the Safety of the Genetically Modified Foods You Are Eating’ and ‘Genetic Roulette:The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods’, and director of the award-winning film of the same name. He is one of the leading critics in the world of the controversial practice of genetically modifying plants and animals.” Information, hvnogmos@gmail.com,  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gmo-omg-Hudson-Valley-for-No-GMO/131115900297761.

Tuesday, April 8, 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 at 6 p.m. at the New Progressive Baptist Church, 8 Hone St. (NOTE: Also meets here Tuesday, April 22.) Information, (845) 475-8781,  http://www.enjan.org.

Wednesday, April 9, POUGHKEEPSIE: The End the New Jim Crow Action network will meet at 6 p.m. at the Sadie Peterson Delaney African Roots Library, Family Partnership Center, 29 N Hamilton St. (NOTE: Also meets here Wednesday, April  23.) Information, (845) 475-8781, http://www.enjan.org.

Thursday, April 10, 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 p.m. at Woodstock Public Library, 5 Library Lane. Information, (845) 876-7906, http://www.mideastcrisis.org.

Friday to Sunday, April 11-13, OLD CHATHAM: “Transitioning: A Workshop for Change Agents” is the title of three days of workshops to be held at Powell House Quaker Conference & Retreat Center, 524 Pitt Hall Road. We are told: “Quaker Earthcare Witness, Transition Towns, and the Pachamama Alliance are all working to unite people who are determined to heal the Earth in a purposeful, living web of relationship.  This workshop will empower participants to become change agents within their communities, using the practical methods of the Transition Town resiliency model. Transition Towns provides a framework for creating the changes needed within each community to deal with climate change, economic instability, and the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The weekend will combine the best of the Pachamama Alliance's Awakening the Dreamer Symposium with Transition Town training.” For Information about registering, fees, and workshop details, contact Sharon@powellhouse.org, and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Powell-House/147908958630304.

√ Saturday, April 12, TROY (Sage Colleges campus): The Sage Climate Crisis Center, headed by Dr. Steven Leibo, will sponsor an introduction to a national non-partisan grass roots organization, Citizen’s Climate Lobby, 1 p.m. at the Mueller Science Hall, Room 101, next to the Sage Library. Presenters will be active CCL volunteers starting a new group in Albany. Leibo will provide an update on the climate crisis. CCL is working to enact legislation that will put a direct and steadily-increasing fee on carbon-based fuels that will wean our nation off of fossil fuels and move us toward greater use of clean energy sources such as solar and wind. Information or to RSVP for the meeting, contact Iona Lutey at ccl.columbiacounty@gmail.com, http://citizensclimatelobby.org


√ Saturday
April 12, MILLBROOK: “Maintaining Value in Hudson Valley Landscapes” is the topic of a 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. forum on exploring how science-based stewardship on private land can protect and promote healthy forests and open spaces.  The Dutchess Land Conservancy in partnership with the Cary Institute has organized the free public event that will be held at Institute auditorium,
2801 Sharon Turnpike (Rt. 44). For list of presenters visit In http://www.caryinstitute.org/discover-ecology/science-management-forums/sustainable-stewardship-maintaining-value-hudson-valley. Information, (845) 677-7600, ext. 325, tumbletyl@caryinstitute.org.


√ Saturday, April 12, HIGHLAND/POUGHKEEPSIE: The Walkway Over the Hudson is the venue for a "Fly Kites, Not Drones!" demonstration beginning 2:45 p.m. on “your” side of the bridge and converging at the flag poll at 3 p.m. for a rally. Since no signs are permitted to be carried on the walkway, wear pinned/taped signs on clothing. Information, Andrew, (845) 699 3051.

Sunday, April 13, ALBANY: The Palestinian Rights Committee of Upper Hudson Peace Action is sponsoring The Grace B. White award dinner beginning at 3 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Society. 405 Washington Ave. The award's namesake is an iconic local advocate for peace and justice. It will be presented Barbara Dworkin for reaching out to local Palestinian families, and enhancing relationships between residents of the capital district Jewish and Palestinian communities. Her efforts have thus helped the local Jewish community achieve a better understanding of the peaceful aspirations of Palestinians. The cost is $15 per person  (paid by April 6,) $20, at the door. Under 12 free with adult. A portion of proceeds will benefit Palestinian refugees in Syria. Make check payable to Palestinian Rights Committee and send to Tom Ellis, 43 N. Pine Ave, Albany NY 12203. Information, mfolsom@aol.com.


Sunday, April 13, KINGSTON: The Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center invites activist groups who want to coordinate activities with us to come to the center 3-5 p.m. The Center’s at the corner of Wall and John Sts. We have already met with representatives of ENJAN and other groups. The theme for the Center this year is Justice. Members of the Center and everyone else are  invited to join us.

√ Tuesday to Friday, April  15-18, BEACON: From Senic Hudson — “Make learning a family affair during spring break. Join us for a series of art and educational programming dedicated to acknowledging — and building — the Hudson Valley’s diverse communities. We’re located just by the river at 8 Long Dock Rd. Drop in anytime (10 a..m.-1 p.m.) to make a Hudson River rock pendant and paint a quilt square.Wear clothes you won’t mind getting dirty, including long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.” Information, Scenic Hudson Education Coordinator Kate Brill: kbrill@scenichudson.org, (845)473-4440, ext. 238, http://www.scenichudson.org.


√ Wednesday, April 16, NEW PALTZ: The first Hudson Valley Regional Meeting of New Yorkers Against Fracking will take place 7-9 p.m.
 in the Town of New Paltz Community Center, 1 Veterans Drive. A workshop for a statewide ban on fracking will focus on continuing to advance the movement in the Hudson Valley, on building the pressure on Gov. Cuomo and on “how everyone can effectively get the facts out about fracking far and wide in the media.”
 Information, Julia Walsh, Frack Action, info@frackaction.com .
 
√ Saturday, April 19, NEW PALTZ: The extreme extent of solitary confinment in the U.S., including in the New York prison system, is cruel and vindictive. A Hudson Valley Workshop on Solitary confinement will be held 2-4:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 25 Plattekill Ave. All are invited. The discussion will include how the Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement (CAIC) can collaborate with people and groups in the Hudson Valley, including to support new legislation challenging the odeous practice. People in isolated confinement are held in a small cell for 22 to 24 hours a day without meaningful human contact, programming, or therapy. New York prisons and jails currently subject far too many people (thousands on any given day), including particularly vulnerable groups like young people and those with mental health needs, to isolated confinement for months, years, and decades in conditions that cause deep and permanent psychological damage. Information, or to RSVP, Alexandra Cox, coxa@newpaltz.edu, (845) 257-3756, www.nycaic.org. Sign up for CAIC’s monthly email newsletter at http://eepurl.com/CjxOv.

√ Saturday, Aug. 26, ALBANY: “Groundswell Rising,” a new documentary about the struggle against fracking, will be screened at 7:30 p.m. in Channing Hall of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, 405 Washington Ave. (across from the downtown SUNY/Albany campus). A post-film discussion will be led by associate producer Dave Walczak. This free public event is sponsored by the Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action. Information, Lawrence Wittner <lwittner@albany.edu>.

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 hood, thoughtful tun, 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 Committee. Information, (845) 255-5779.

√ 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, 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


√  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.




NOTE: MORE ITEMS WILL BE ADDED FOR APRIL AS THEY ARRIVE. LOOK FOR THE √.