12-02-12 Activist Calendar

HUDSON VALLEY ACTIVIST CALENDAR

December 2, 2012, Issue #664

Send event announcements to jacdon@earthlink.net

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Editor’s note:

1    If you haven’t seen Part 1 of Oliver Stone’s magnificent Untold History of the United States on Showtime you can view it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5-veAiYgAY. We consider it one of the very most important video documentaries about modern U.S. history. It’s produced from a progressive point of view, which is virtually unique in terms of the mass media. We don’t know yet if subsequent chapters will appear on YouTube.

2    Activism begins to drop off in mid-December through January, picking up again in February. Enjoy the holidays.

Monday, Dec. 3, OLD CHATHAM: This is a real treat— a free showing of  the moving 116-minute 2005 docudrama "Joyeux Noel," followed by a discussion. Based on a real event, the film tells the story of a temporary battlefield truce declared by the French, Scottish and German troops in the trenches of World War I, and not by their officers, beginning on Christmas Eve 1914. The 7-9 p.m. gathering will be held at Powell House Quaker Conference & Retreat Center, 524 Pitt Hall Rd. It’s sponsored by the Quaker Meeting. Information, 518 766-2992, poetapoetus@taconic.net.

Tuesday, Dec. 4, ROSENDALE: Mid-Hudson Amnesty International is sponsoring the documentary "You Don't Like the Truth: 4 Days in Guantanamo."  This 99-minute 2010 film is based on security camera footage from the Guantánamo Bay prison, showing the interrogation of a 15-year-old Canadian citizen accused of killing an American soldier in Afghanistan. The video footage of this award-winning documentary was recently declassified by the Canadian courts. It has never been shown before in the U.S. The Guardian (UK) calls it “a gut-wrenching film.” There will be a Q&A after the screening with Zeke Johnson of Amnesty's Human Rights campaign from Guantanamo. Participants are asked to bring a stamped, hand-written letter protesting human rights violations. This free event begins at 7:15 p.m. at the Rosendale Theater, 408 Main St. Information, ilgu_ozler@yahoo.com, http://www.amnestyusa.org/writeathon.

Tuesday, Dec. 4, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): The SUNY N.P. chapter of Oxfam America and the Student Alliance for Social Services is conducting a public “Hunger Banquet” in the Student Union’s multi-purpose room, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The purpose is to raise funds for and awareness of the international hunger crisis. To enter the banquet students and community people are requested to bring food items for Family of New Paltz or a contribution for Oxfam, an international coalition of 17 organizations working in 90 countries against hunger, poverty and injustice. According to Oxfam, “At this interactive event, the place where you sit, and the meal that you eat, are determined by the luck of the draw—just as in real life some of us are born into relative prosperity and others into poverty.” Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/. 

Wednesday, Dec. 5, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): A public Symposium on racial profiling and ‘stop and frisk’ policing will start at 4.30 p.m. in the CSB Auditorium. A reception will follow in CSB. The Sociology Department is hosting the symposium in order to discuss the ramifications of this issue for New Paltz students and the community around us. Speakers will include: Gabriel Sayegh, the State Director of Drug Policy Alliance; Chino Hardin, a community organizer from the Institute for Juvenile Justice Reform and Alternatives, in Brooklyn; Alfredo Carrasquillo, an organizer from VOCAL-NY, a statewide grassroots organization which builds power among low-income people affected by HIV/AIDS, the drug war and mass incarceration to create healthy and just communities. Andrew Kossover, the head of the Ulster County Public Defender’s Office, will speak about the local implications of stop and frisk. This event is co-sponsored by the Black Studies department, the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Department, the Student Association, the Black Student Union, the SUNY New Paltz Amnesty International chapter, and Students for a Sensible Drug Policy. http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/. Information (845) 257-3756.

Wednesday, Dec. 5, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): "Dear Governor Cuomo: A Live Concert and Rally to Protect New York State" will be screened at 8 p.m. in Lecture Center 100. This is a 70-minute documentary on fracking based on an event  last May 15 when a diverse group of N.Y. scientists, musicians and activists gathered in Albany on the governor's doorstep to convince him to join the anti-fracking majority. Following the film there will be a panel discussion led by filmmaker Jon Bowermaster, who directed this documentary. The screening will be preceded by some musical numbers by students . This public event is free “with a $10 donation welcomed.” It’s sponsored by the SUNY New Paltz Environmental Task Force & NYPIRG. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/.Information, lipsond@newpaltz.edu, http://nyagainstfracking.org/dear-governor-cuomo/.

Thursday, Dec. 6, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): “Challenges facing students, labor and the public education system” is the topic of a free public 6:30 p.m. panel discussion at the CSB Auditorium. Speakers include Brian Obach, chair of the Sociology Dept.; Peter Brown, president of the SUNY NP chapter of United University Professions; Ezekiel Perkins, head of Student Labor Dialogue at Bard College; and Barbara Cvenic and Kevin Rodriguez of NYPIRG, which is hosting the event. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/.

Thursday, Dec. 6, MILLBROOK: A free public showing of the newly released 70-minute documentary "Chasing Ice" will take place at 7 p.m. the Cary Institute auditorium (2801 Sharon Turnpike/Rt. 44). This is the story of National Geographic's James Balog’s mission to photograph disappearing Arctic glaciers. Using time-lapse recorders set up across the brutal Arctic landscape, he has created a visually-stunning record of climate change impacts. "In the first few months, he said, we were seeing mind-boggling change, and as years went on we realized this is a powerful piece of history. We've got monumental change happening in front of our eyes." Space is limited for this free event  and you may wish to arrive a bit early; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Information, freemanp@caryinstitute.org.

Friday, Dec. 7, TROY: "Building Independent Working Class Politics: The Labor Party and Lessons for Today" is the topic of a 7:30 p.m. talk by Mark Dudzic, a labor activist for over 30 years. Dudzic currently serves as the national coordinator of the Labor Campaign for Single-payer Healthcare. The talk will be at the Oakwood Community Center (former Presbyterian church), 313 10th St. Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace is the sponsor. A donation of $5 is requested, $2 unemployed and students. Information,  (518) 505-0948, jonathan.flanders@verizon.net.

Saturday, Dec. 8, HIGH FALLS: A concert fundraiser for Amnesty International will begin at 9 p.m. at the High Falls Café, 12 Stone Dock Rd. Music will be provided by "Questionable Authorities," a band of SUNY New Paltz professors playing classic rock hits. The event is sponsored by Mid-Hudson Amnesty and the band for the purpose of “working to end inhumane treatment of political prisoners.“ Say the organizers: "the band will bring their brand of loud noise — with many special guests— to help the cause! Come hear live music and support this important work of the local chapter." The event is free but donations are welcome, with the band donating their $250 fee to the chapter. Information (845) 687-2699, highfallscafe@earthlink.net.

Sunday, Dec. 9, ALBANY: Scott Kellogg, author of “Toolbox for Sustainable City Living,” and founder of the Radix Ecological Sustainability Center, will be presenting an overview of environmentally sustainable, community-based city living. His 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. talk will be at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany's Green Sanctuary Forum, 405 Washington Ave. It’s sponsored by the society and is free. Information, ssteub@gmail.com.

Monday, Dec. 10,  MT. KISCO: “Exploring The Palestinian Territories” is the topic to be addressed by three Westchester women recently returned from the West Bank who will offer personal accounts of daily life under occupation and nonviolent resistance. Jewish Voice for Peace is sponsoring the event that begins at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Mt. Kisco, 605 Millwood Rd. Speaking will be (1) Nada Khader on a bicycle tour and return to her family’s village of Zababdeh with The Siraj Center; (2) Priscilla Read on a Sabeel Witness Tour of the Holy Land with a contemporary focus; and (3) Felice Gelman on a bus tour with the Jenin Freedom Theatre as it gives voice to Palestinian aspirations. Hand embroidery by Palestinian women will be available for sale to benefit the Sulafa Women’s Cooperative in Gaza. Information, (914) 449-6514, westchester@jewishvoiceforpeace.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 12, POUGHKEEPSIE: Take part in a free reading group focusing on Michelle Alexander's controversial and best-selling 2010 book "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness." The group meets  6-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Sadie Peterson Delaney African Roots Library, Family Partnership Center, Suite 218, 29 North Hamilton St. The readings are organized by the End the New Jim Crow Action Network. An extensive outline of the book is available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_Jim_Crow. Information, (845) 452-6088, ext. 3343, odell_winfield@yahoo.com.

Saturday, Dec. 22, ALBANY: Are you interested in a film that "reveals how U.S. corporations have been able to hide over a trillion dollars and how a grassroots movement has arisen to make corporations pay their fair share.?” If so, don’t miss the 98-minute 2012 documentary "We're Not Broke," which will be shown at 7:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, 405 Washington Ave. We’re informed: “The film exposes how the U.S. government has allowed corporations to avoid paying taxes, its economic impact on individual Americans, and the growing wave of discontent that it has fostered. The film follows seven angry citizens as they take their frustration to the streets … and vow to make the corporations pay their fair share.” This free public screening is backed by the Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, and Upper Hudson Peace Action. Information, (518) 426-0883, dbull34@verizon.net.

11-14-12 Activist Calendar

HUDSON VALLEY ACTIVIST CALENDAR

November 15, 2012, Issue #663

Send event announcements to jacdon@earthlink.net

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Thursday, Nov. 15, NEW YORK STATE: Today is the “Call-In Day to Ban Fracking” by sending a message to Gov. Cuomo in Albany — (866) 584-6799. The sponsor is New Yorkers Against Fracking, a leading anti-fracking group. The group says: “Fracking is inherently dangerous and threatens our water, health, communities, and environment. The evidence is in, and the scientists and experts have spoken. Instead of whitewashing fracking with a sham health study, Cuomo should ban it.” The group says: Fracking is inherently dangerous and threatens water, health, communities, and environment. Information, david@nyagainstfracking.com, (917) 514-0700, http://www.NYAgainstFracking.org.

Thursday, Nov. 15 , POUGHKEEPSIE: “Hip Hop is Bigger Than the (Palestine) Occupation”— free film showing — starts at 7 p.m. in  Spitzer Auditorium, Sanders Hall, at Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave. We’re told this “documentary is about a 10-day journey of artists traveling through the West Bank, teaching and performing nonviolent resistance. The tour included M1 of Dead Prez, Shadia Mansour, Lowkey, Marcel Cartier, Mazzi of Soul Purpose, DJ Vega Benetton, as well as many others. The group stayed at Bulata Refugee Camp in Nablus and experienced first hand what it felt like living under occupation. Both films will include some live performances. Organized by The New Jim Crow Action Committee. Endorsed by Middle East Crisis Response, Dutchess Peace, Peace Action NY, Vassar Grassroots Alliance for Alternative Politics, the Vassar Prison Initiative, Hip Hop 101, and the Young Democratic Socialists. Information, http://endthenewjimcrow.blogspot.com.

Friday, Nov. 16, POUGHKEEPSIE: A program similar  to the above — “Hip Hop is Bigger Than the Occupation (Palestine)” — will be repeated tonight at 6 p.m. in Lateef Islam Auditorium, Family Partnership Center, 29 N Hamilton St.

Friday, Nov. 16, ALBANY: The Catholic Worker Community is organizing a 12:30-1:30 p.m. vigil in front of the Armory (at 195 Washington Ave.) demanding the closure of the Pentagon's "Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation," formerly known as the "School of the Americas." The Fort Benning, GA, school is a training base for political-military personnel of other countries, and has been implicated as the catalyst for many assassinations and human rights violations in these countries The vigil is in solidarity with thousands risking arrest in the Nov. 16-18 national protest in Fort Benning. Information, (518) 482-4966, fred.acw@gmail.com, http://www.soaw.org.

Friday, Nov. 16, MILLBROOK: “The Seed Underground; A Growing Revolution to Save Food” is the topic of a 7 p.m. lecture by Janisse Ray, environmental activist, naturalist, and award-winning author. The venue is the Cary Institute auditorium, 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Rte. 44). Known for her books “The Ecology of a Cracker Childhood,” and “Wild Card Quilt,” Ray will discuss her newest publication, “The Seed Underground.” We’re told, “In the age of genetically-modified seeds, Ray takes us on a journey across the country to farms and neighborhoods to witness a growing revolution. People saving seeds, sharing them, and preserving the rich diversity of our food heritage—one seed at a time.” The event is public and free but seating is limited, so take heed that doors open at 6:30 p.m. Information, freemanp@caryinstitute.org.

Saturday, Nov. 17, ALBANY: "One Bright Shining Moment" — the very worthwhile 2005 documentary on the life of Sen. George McGovern — will be screened at 7:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany (FUUSA), 405 Washington Ave. McGovern was the Democratic Party’s final center left presidential candidate. His defeat by Richard Nixon in the 1972 contest was among the factors that gradually propelled the party over the decades to its contemporary resting place on the center right of the political spectrum. We’re told: “The 123-minute film is narrated by Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, along with a wealth of archival materials, and interviews with prominent progressives like McGovern himself, Gore Vidal, Gloria Steinem, Warren Beatty, Howard Zinn, Dick Gregory, Gary Hart, Frank Mankiewicz, Jim Bouton, Sen. Jim Abourezk, Rev. Malcolm Boyd, Ron Kovic, Thomas Knock, Harvey Kornberg, Chip Berlet, Rick Stearns, and JC Svec; and features music from Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson, Donovan, Leon Russell, and Elvis Costello.” This free, public event is sponsored by the Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, and Upper Hudson Peace Action.. Information, dbull34@verizon.net, (518) 426-0883.

Saturday, Nov. 17, POUGHKEEPSIE:  "Mass Incarceration, Shame of the Nation” — panel discussions on racism and the criminal justice system — will take place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Family Partnership Center, 29 N. Hamilton St. A complimentary lunch will be served. Topics include the contemporary U.S. prison system and the gross disproportion of black and poor people who are locked up, with reference to Michelle Alexander's 2010 book "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness." The panel, featuring Dr. Alice Greene, Theo Harris, and Ernest Henry, lasts 10-11:30 a.m. Lunch is 12-1 p.m. including a workshop by the National Lawyers Guild. The Juvenile Justice System is  from 1-2 p.m. The event is public and free but reservations are advised to guarantee a seat. The event is sponsored by End The New Jim Crow Action Network and endorsed by Middle East Crisis Response, Dutchess Peace, Peace Action NY, Vassar Grassroots Alliance for Alternative Politics, the Vassar Prison Initiative, Hip Hop 101, and the Young Democratic Socialists (YDS). Information, jeschneider@vassar.edu. Reservations and info, (845) 475-8781, http://www.endthenewjimcrow.blogspot.com.

Reminding: Sunday, Nov. 18, DELMAR: The superb 2011 documentary "5 Broken Cameras," concerning nonviolent resistance in West Bank, will be screened free at 4 p.m. at Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave. A discussion will follow. We’re informed this film is “a Palestinian farmer's chronicle of his nonviolent resistance to the actions of the Israeli army. The film was shot almost entirely by Emad Burnat, who bought his first camera in 2005 to record the birth of his youngest son. Over the years the Israeli authorities broke five of his cameras as he sought to film their oppressive activities. The footage was given to Israeli co-director Guy Davidi, who edited it to be structured around the violent destruction of the cameras. The filmmakers' collaboration follows one family's evolution over five years of village turmoil. Burnat watches from behind the lens as olive trees are bulldozed, protests intensify, and lives are lost.” The event is sponsored Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Information, jlombard@nycap.rr.com, (518) 466-1192

Reminding: Monday, Nov. 19, ALBANY: Iranian American  author Trita Parsi speaks on "U.S. and Iran — Between War and Diplomacy" at 8 p.m. in the SUNY Uptown campus center, Room 375, 1400 Washington Ave. Parsi, who is President of the National Iranian-American Council, is an advocate of diplomatic approaches to conflicts in the Middle East, and will be speaking on using diplomacy in the growing crisis between the U.S.-Iran. The free meeting is sponsored are New York State Writer's Institute, Women Against War and Fellowship of Reconciliation. Information, easter@nycap.rr.com, http://www.WomenAgainstWar.org.

Thursday, Nov. 22, AMERICA:  “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/. Google “Vegetarian or vegan recipes for Thanksgiving” and you will find some very delicious recipes. [All told throughout the year, about 300 million turkeys are raised for slaughter, nearly 47 million for this single day of gluttony.]

Reminding: Sunday, Nov. 25, STONE RIDGE: A Community Forum Against Fracking will take place at Marbletown Community Center, 3564 Main St. This free public event will focus on using Community Bill of Rights Ordinances (CBROs) as well as land-use municipal ordinances to ensure against local fracking. We’re told, “speakers will explain why a CBRO is effective as well as representatives from towns that  have passed ordinances. The free public event begins with a showing of the new documentary by Josh Fox “The Sky is Pink” (“his first film was Gasland”). The film starts at 1 p.m. The forum follows at 2 p.m. The sponsor is the town of Rochester Defense Against Fracking (Ulster County). Information, (845) 626-7355 or (845) 687-0692.

11-06-12 Activist Calendar

HUDSON VALLEY ACTIVIST CALENDAR

November 6, 2012, Issue #662

Send event announcements to jacdon@earthlink.net

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Wednesday, Nov. 7, ALBANY: The 90-minute documentary "Rachel: An American Conscience," will be screened at 6:30 p.m. at the Albany Public Library, Delaware branch, 331 Delaware Ave. This film is about Rachel Corrie, the 23-year-old American peace activist and International Solidarity Movement volunteer who was slain in Israel in 2003. She died when an Israeli Defense Force armored bulldozer crushed her to death as she attempted to block the demolition of a Palestinian home in the Gaza Strip. Those with her in the demonstration said Rachel, a native of Olympia, WA, was in effect murdered. Her story was in the news this summer, when Israeli courts rejected an unlawful death suit filed by her parents. The film was produced 2005, directed by Yahya Barakat. This free public event is sponsored by the Palestinian Rights Committee of Upper Hudson Peace Action, and we certainly recommend it. Information, (518) 928-7822.

Thursday, Nov. 8, NEW PALTZ (SUNY campus): The recent strike  by public school teachers in Chicago is the topic of a free public meeting at today at 4:30 p.m. in the Coykendall Science Building Auditorium on campus. The speaker is University of Illinois Professor Pauline Lipman. Her talk, titled “The Chicago Teachers Strike: Reframing Education Reform and Teacher Unions” will focus on the national significance of the recent strike and its potential for the future of education reform and teacher unions in the U.S. The event is co-sponsored by the Progressive Academic Network (PAN) and by the Labor Education Committee, which has just been formed by the New Paltz chapter of United University Professions (UUP), along with the Upper Hudson Central Labor Council and New Paltz United Teachers. The committee’s purpose is to educate public school and college students, as well as their own members, about the long labor history dating back to the nineteenth century; about the value of collective bargaining in improving the terms and conditions of employment; and about the contributions of unions to our general quality of life. Campus map: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/. Information about the meeting, Nancy Schniedewind, (845) 257-2827.

Thursday, Nov. 8, HUDSON: A panel discussion on “The Impact of the War on Drugs on our Community and Across the USA” begins at 6:30 p.m. at Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia St. The panel includes Alice Green, Executive Director of Albany's Center for Law and Justice. Additional panelists include Derek Anderson and Cedrick Fulton, who spent 30 years and 17 years, respectively, in prison for drug related crimes. Both have recently been released and are eager to talk about their experiences before, during, and after incarceration. The moderator is Linda Mussmann. The discussion will be followed by a screening of "The House I Live In," a documentary analyzing the War on Drugs from the perspective of several different states. This public event is free though donations are appreciated. Information, (518) 822-8100.

Thursday, Nov. 8, WOODSTOCK: The Middle East Crisis Response is a group of Hudson Valley residents who united to promote peace and human rights in Palestine and the Middle East. It meets tonight 7-8:30  p.m. and welcomes new members. The next meeting is Thursday, Nov. 22, same time and place. Information, (845) 876-7906  or http://www.mideastcrisis.org.

Friday, Nov. 9, DELMAR: Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace is sponsoring a pot luck dinner (bring a dish), an auction and the play "Voices of a People's History of the United States" beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Delmar Reformed Church, 386 Delaware Ave. We’re told: “Anthony Arnove's book of the same name examines America's struggles with war, class, race and women's rights. It is a companion volume to Howard Zinn’s ‘A People's History of the United States.’ The production will be directed by Dan Kelly, and include both actors and activists. There will be dramatizations from such historic figures as Frederick Douglass, Tecumseh, Cindy Sheehan and other rebels, dissenters, and visionaries from our past and present.” The play begins at 7:30 p.m. Cost, a $10 donation is requested, $2 for students. Information, tquaif@yahoo.com, (518) 466-1192.

Friday, Nov. 9, POUGHKEEPSIE: The First Human Services Resource Fair for Latinos will take place 3-7 p.m. at Family Partnership Center at 29 North Hamilton St. Information, Mariel Fiori, (845) 594-8598, fiori@bard.edu.

Saturday, Nov. 10, RHINEBECK: Live Latino Dance Music provided by "Cuboricua," live dance demonstrations, door prizes, and light refreshments will be provided at the Mid-Hudson Larreynaga Sister City Benefit Dance. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. at Church of the Messiah Parish Hall, 6436 Montgomery St. The cost is $20 per person. Proceeds are dedicated to the needy children of our sister city, Larreynaga, Nicaragua. Anyone who brings a nonperishable food item to donate to the church food pantry will get a free door prize ticket. Reservations are suggested. Sponsors include Mid-Hudson Larreynaga Sister City; Dutchess Peace; The Church of the Messiah. Information, (845) 876-3779.

Thursday, Nov. 15, NEW YORK STATE: Today is the “Call-In Day to Ban Fracking” by sending a message to Gov. Cuomo in Albany — (866) 584-6799. The sponsor is New Yorkers Against Fracking, a leading anti-fracking group. The group says: “Fracking is inherently dangerous and threatens our water, health, communities, and environment. The evidence is in, and the scientists and experts have spoken. Instead of whitewashing fracking with a sham health study, Cuomo should ban it.” The group says: Fracking is inherently dangerous and threatens water, health, communities, and environment. Information, david@nyagainstfracking.com, (917) 514-0700, http://www.NYAgainstFracking.org.

Sunday, Nov. 18, DELMAR: The superb 2011 documentary "5 Broken Cameras," concerning nonviolent resistance in West Bank, will be screened free at 4 p.m. at Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave. A discussion will follow. We’re informed this film is “a Palestinian farmer's chronicle of his nonviolent resistance to the actions of the Israeli army. The film was shot almost entirely by Emad Burnat, who bought his first camera in 2005 to record the birth of his youngest son. Over the years the Israeli authorities broke five of his cameras as he sought to film their oppressive activities. The footage was given to Israeli co-director Guy Davidi, who edited it to be structured around the violent destruction of the cameras. The filmmakers' collaboration follows one family's evolution over five years of village turmoil. Burnat watches from behind the lens as olive trees are bulldozed, protests intensify, and lives are lost.” The event is sponsored Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Information, jlombard@nycap.rr.com, (518) 466-1192

Monday, Nov. 19, ALBANY: Iranian American  author Trita Parsi speaks on "U.S. and Iran — Between War and Diplomacy" at 8 p.m. in the SUNY Uptown campus center, Room 375, 1400 Washington Ave. Parsi, who is President of the National Iranian-American Council, is an advocate of diplomatic approaches to conflicts in the Middle East, and will be speaking on using diplomacy in the growing crisis between the U.S.-Iran. The free meeting is sponsored are New York State Writer's Institute, Women Against War and Fellowship of Reconciliation. Information, easter@nycap.rr.com, http://www.WomenAgainstWar.org.

Thursday, Nov. 22, AMERICA: Today is Thanksgiving, a traditional day for family and friends to get together and consume a turkey. It is our tradition to suggest an untraditional Thanksgiving instead: how about a vegetarian or vegan meal for the holidays? There are endless entries under "vegetarian thanksgiving dinner" on Google with thousands of recipes. Why a meatless Thanksgiving? Aside from health and environmental reasons, we'll quote Farm Sanctuary, an organization for the protection of farmed animals: "Dark, dirty warehouses. Crowds of animals in distress. Mutilated beaks and toes. Sick, injured birds left to suffer and die without anyone to help them. These are not the kinds of images we tend to conjure when we think about Thanksgiving, yet they are indicative of the reality faced by more than 46 million turkeys slaughtered every year in the U.S. for this holiday alone [all told throughout the year, about 300 million turkeys are raised for slaughter annually in our country].... The more our fellow citizens learn about the cruelty that goes on behind the closed doors of factory farms, the less sense it makes that we feast on these maligned birds as symbols of gratitude, and the more natural it becomes to spare a life in the spirit of thankfulness that shines this time of year."

Sunday, Nov. 25, STONE RIDGE: A Community Forum Against Fracking will take place at Marbletown Community Center, 3564 Main St. This free public event will focus on using Community Bill of Rights Ordinances (CBROs) as well as land-use municipal ordinances to ensure against local fracking. We’re told, “speakers will explain why a CBRO is effective as well as representatives from towns that  have passed ordinances. The free public event begins with a showing of the new documentary by Josh Fox “The Sky is Pink” (“his first film was Gasland”). The film starts at 1 p.m. The forum follows at 2 p.m. The sponsor is the town of Rochester Defense Against Fracking (Ulster County). Information, (845) 626-7355 or (845) 687-0692.