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Past Events 2010: 

Anti-war Activist Stephanie Weiner,Target of FBI Raids
Sunday, December 19, 2:00 PM
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington, Ave., Albany, NY

Stephanie Weiner, one of the antiwar activists targeted by the FBI  and  called before the federal grand jury in Chicago, will speak. Stephanie was  also subject to a 12 hour search of her home by the FBI.  Weiner has taught English in Chicago City Colleges for 25 years.  In 2007-2008, she was honored as Wright College Adult Educator of the Year.  Stephanie is active with the Palestine Solidarity Group.  One of their campaigns is to end the Chicago Sister City relationship with Petach Tikva, a city near Tel Aviv.  Stephanie is also the advisor to Wright College Students for a Democratic Society and had been the advisor to the Peace and Justice club since 2002. Stephanie is a founding member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3506.  She had previously served on the executive board and on the bargaining committee.  Stephanie was active in the struggle in her community in opposition to police brutality and wrongful convictions.  Her work in the Committee Exigimos Justicia helped win freedom for a number of people.  Stephanie has been active in the peace and justice movement since childhood, when her parents took her to anti-war marches.  She is married to Joe Losbaker, and is the mother of two sons.  She also enjoys making art based on social justice issues. This event is co-sponsored by   Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Tom Paine Chapter of Veterans for Peace, Women Against War, The Social Responsibilities Council of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany,  United National Antiwar Committee (UNAC) and Upper Hudson Peace Action. Donations to the Committee to Stop FBI Repression.  For more information, please Joe Lombardo at 439-1968.

Solidarity Committee- Film: "Joyeux Noel"
Saturday, December 18, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany 
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)

The Solidarity Committee continues its film series with the screening of "Joyeux Noel" (2005, 116 minutes).  A dramatized version of an event that occurred in 1914, "Joyeux Noel" depicts the spontaneous Christmas Eve truce declared by Scottish, French, and German troops in the blood-stained trenches of World War I.  As these wartime enemies left their hatreds and weapons behind, they met in No Man's Land and traded chocolates and champagne, played soccer together, compared pictures of their wives, and celebrated their common humanity.  But higher-level officials, horrified by this breakdown in military discipline and national policy, ordered a resumption of the carnage.  Thought-provoking and moving, "Joyeux Noel" was an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and British Academy of Film & Television Arts nominee for the best foreign film of the year.  The film showing -- co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action -- will take place in Room B-8 of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located across the street from the downtown SUNY campus, on Washington Avenue.  Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided by the Honest Weight Food Co-op.

Freeing Sylvia Baraldini w/ filmmakers Margo Pelletier and Lisa Thomas
Saturday, December 11,  8:00 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
 3361 6th Avenue, Troy  NY

The award-winning documentary "Freeing Silvia Baraldini" is a profound inquiry into the life of an Italian woman who became an American radical.  Silvia spent 24 years in prison following her conviction of helping to free Black Panther, Assata Shakur from prison.  Filmmakers Margo Pelletier and Lisa Thomas unlock a chapter in U.S. radical politics that has been until now, sequestered by the U.S. government. One country's terrorist is another country's revolutionary.  Admission: by donation ($10 suggested, $5 student/low-income)   Co-sponsored by BNP.  More Information:  Sanctuary for Independent Media website.

Film:  "Salud!"...BNP Store Clearance Sale..Potluck Snacks...
Discussion with Dr. Andy Coates
Sunday, December 5, 5:00 - 8:00 pm 
Bethlehem Town Hall
445 Delaware Ave, Delmar

This event will include our  annual store clearance, a wonderful film and discussion, plus "pot luck" snacks.  "Salud!" (2007, 93 minutes) is powerful and  hopeful film.  Against the alarming backdrop of the deteriorating public health systems in even the richest nations, "Salud!" tells the little-known story of how Cuba, a poor country with few resources, provides universal health care to its citizens and helps other developing nations do the same. Directed by Academy Award nominee Connie Field ("Rosie the Riveter"), the film examines the philosophy and activities of health professionals working to make health care a global birthright.  According to former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, "Salud!" provides a "deeply moving portrayal of a healthcare system designed to keep people healthy rather than the `sickcare' system that currently exists in the United States."   After the film, Dr. Andy Coates,   Chair of Capital District Chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program, will talk with us about Single Payer Healthcare,  and lead a discussion.

  The BNP store sale will include many  historic  buttons, books, shirts, and stickers as well as newer items. This is your chance to stock up on peace paraphernalia before the holidays! Please bring a snack to share and join us!   Information:  466-1192

BNP Film:  "The End of Poverty" 
Thursday, December 2,  6:45 - 8:45 pm 
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

The End of Poverty (2008, 106 minutes)  With so much wealth in the world, why is there so much poverty? This film explains the history of poverty in developing countries.  This is a hard hitting look at the realities of how  wealthier nations got wealthy by taking the resources of the  poorer nations.  Narrated by Martin Sheen, this compelling documentary includes interviews with  historians, economists and sociologists, including John Perkins and Chalmers Johnson,  who shed light on the ongoing conditions that contribute to poverty.  Can we end poverty with our current economic system?  A discussion will follow the film.   Information on the film showing: 466-1192. 

Solidarity Committee- Film: "The 800 Mile Wall"
Saturday, November 20 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany 
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)

The Solidarity Committee continues its film series with the screening of a powerful documentary, "The 800 Mile Wall" (2009, 90 minutes).  This film highlights the construction of new walls along the U.S.-Mexican border, and particularly their horrendous effect on migrants trying to reach the United States.  Taking an unflinching look at a failed U.S. border strategy that many believe violates fundamental human rights and has caused thousands of deaths, "The 800 Mile Wall" also offers some ideas on how the current situation might be resolved.  According to U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva (Arizona), this film "sounds the alarm on the neglected human rights crisis on our nation's Southwestern border and puts on the table the life-and-death questions we must address in comprehensive immigration reform."  A post-film discussion will be led by Guillermo Perez, of the Albany/Capital District Chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA).  The film showing -- co-sponsored by LCLAA, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, and Upper Hudson Peace Action -- will take place in Room B-8 of the
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located across the street from the downtown SUNY campus, on Washington Avenue.  Admission is free,  and free refreshments will be provided by the Honest Weight Food Co-op.

Anti-nuclear activist Helen Caldicott
Saturday, November 13,  8:00 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
 3361 6th Avenue, Troy  NY

Author and activist Dr. Helen Caldicott will  talk about the past, present and future of anti-nuclear activism.  She is a pediatrician and an anti-nuclear activist, who opposes both nuclear weapons and nuclear power. 
According to Caldicott, "Ninety-five percent of the approximately 23,000 nuclear weapons in the world are owned by the United States and Russia. The stark truth is that one single failure of nuclear deterrence could end human history. The operational and deployed nuclear arsenals of Russia and the U.S. hold the human race and all other species captive and at nuclear ransom. I am sickened that we still play this deadly game of nuclear risk with our fragile planet. There are no national or political goals that justify a war that could terminate human existence. What terrifying accident or act of aggression must happen to wake people and our leaders to this reality? This cannot be how we learn if we wish to avoid nuclear Armageddon, and nuclear winter."    Admission: by donation ($10 suggested, $5 student/low-income)   Co-sponsored by BNP.  More Information:  Sanctuary for Independent Media website.

Tom Ellis:  Book Review of  Shamshad Ahmad's book, Rounded Up: Artificial Terrorists and Muslim Entrapment After 9/11

Monday, November 15 ,  7:00 - 8:45 pm 
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

Tom Ellis, who early in 2009, presented a well-received book reivew of Yassin Aref's autobiography, Son Of Mountains, will discuss Masjid As-Salam mosque founder and president Shamshad Ahmad's book, Rounded Up: Artificial Terrorists and Muslim Entrapment After 9/11, which carefully details the 'terrorism" case of Albany immigrants/residents Yassin Aref and Mohammed Hossain.    Tom, a member of the regional Palestinian Rights Committee, has been involved in many peace, labor, environmental health, and civil liberties campaigns during the past thirty years.   Information on the film showing: 466-1192.

Jimmy Massey will join us at this Potluck Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser  in Support of Accused WikiLeaks Whistle Blower PFC Bradley Manning 
Wednesday, November 10, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Delmar Reformed Church
386 Delaware Ave, Delmar, NY 

Please join us  for a very special pot-luck dinner and fundraiser for the defense of Bradley Manning.

  We had originally planned to have Ethan McCord join us. Ethan McCord may not be with us after all, but a video of his remarks at the July UNAC conference, along with excerpts from Wikileaks will be shown.  Ethan McCord spoke out  about the civilian massacre documented in WikiLeaks April 2010 video disclosure of Apache helicopter footage of a New Baghdad attack that  took place in 2007, allegedly released by PFC Brad Manning.  McCord's story was delivered to attendees of the  United National Peace Conference, which took place in Albany NY the weekend of July 23-25, 2010.

 Jimmy Massey, founding member of Iraq Veterans Against the War , will be our presenter at this fundraiser.  A 12-year Marine and former recruiter, Massey transformed his view of the Iraq occupation and began to speak out against the war while he was still in Iraq, after witnessing the brutal treatment and killing of innocent Iraqi civilians by the US military. Labeled as a conscientious objector by his commanding officers, Massey sought legal counsel and won an honorable discharge in December 2003.

Please bring a dish to share. There will be a suggested donation of $10.00 per person (more if you can, less if you cannot) and we will be having a silent auction as well. If you have a book, CD, DVD, baked goods or services you would like to donate for the silent auction, they will be greatly appreciated. A number of local merchants are donating gift certificates for this event. This will be a an informative, hopeful and interesting evening as we raise money for legal defense fees that are mounting daily.  Co-sponsored by Tom Paine Chapter of Veterans for Peace and Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace.   Information:  Leslie Hudson 768-4676 or cats.hudson@gmail.com .  There is no need to pre-register for this event if you have not all ready done so.  Everyone is welcome!

If you decide not to attend this event,  but would like to send a donation, send your check to:  "BNP", PO Box 473, Delmar, NY 12054,  and please write "Bradley Manning Fundraiser"   on the check.  

Sign the "We Stand With Brad"  petition.  This event is cosponsored by Guilderland Neighbors for Peace and Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace.

Scott Christianson, “The Last Gasp: The Rise and Fall of the American Gas Chamber”
Friday, November 5,  7:00 - 9:00 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
 3361 6th Avenue, Troy  NY

The Last Gasp takes us to the dark side of human history in the first full chronicle of the gas chamber in the United States.  Award-winning writer Scott Christianson tells a dreadful story that is full of surprising and provocative new findings. First constructed in Nevada in 1924, the gas chamber, a method of killing sealed off and removed from the sight and hearing of witnesses, was originally touted as a "humane" method of execution. Delving into science, war, industry, medicine, law, and politics, Christianson overturns this mythology for good. He exposes the sinister links between corporations looking for profit, the military, and the first uses of the gas chamber after World War I. He explores little-known connections between the gas chamber and the eugenics movement. Perhaps most controversially, he has unearthed new evidence about American and German collaboration in the production and lethal use of hydrogen cyanide and about Hitler's adoption of gas chamber technology developed in the United States. More than a book about the death penalty, this compelling history ultimately reveals much about America's values and power structures in the twentieth century.    Admission: by donation ($10 suggested, $5 student/low-income)   Co-sponsored by BNP.  More Information:  Sanctuary for Independent Media website.

Saturday,  November 6,  12 NOON to 4 pm,  St Mark’s Church on the Bowery k 10th St & 2nd Ave, New York City, AFTER THE ELECTIONS: Join us for a discussion of a NEW kind of UNIFIED & INCLUSIVE antiwar movement that can challenge the wars abroad AND AT HOME.  Then... From 6:30 to 8:30 pm, A National meeting to STOP FBI Repression.   Meet with antiwar activists targeted by FBI raids & Grand Jury subpeonas.  DISCUSS:  * Making it real — a massive movement to bring the war $$, troops, and mercenaries home now, rebuilding our cities, providing jobs, schools and health care that we all have a right to * Inclusion and solidarity with the targets of war demonization — building solidarity and confronting anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant bigotry and racism; combating FBI raids and other repression of antiwar and international solidarity activists * Incorporating the war on Palestine into the antiwar movement’s demands and actions.  Hear concrete plans for the coming months and be part of planning for a giant April 9th NYC antiwar demonstration. Your input is welcome and essential. Join a working group or regional committee. It’s all happening at St.Mark’s Church along with literature tables, displays, art, and delicious snacks. Information:  Joe Lombardo 439-1968.   Email Joe at:  jlombard@nycap.rr.com if you would like to be included in a car pool to this event.

Solidarity Committee- Film: "Mean Things Happening"
Saturday, October 23, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany 
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)

The Solidarity Committee continues its film series with the screening of another powerful documentary, "Mean Things Happening" (1993, 53 minutes).  Originally part of "The Great Depression," a film series produced for PBS, "Mean Things Happening" tells the dramatic story of two workers' uprisings of that era:  the struggle of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union to organize sharecroppers and of the new Congress of Industrial Organizations to organize steel workers.  Through interviews with participants and their descendants, as well as through rarely-seen film footage, "Mean Things Happening" recreates the epic battles of farm and factory workers who -- in the face of poverty, massive intimidation, and violence -- led the fight for social justice. The film showing -- co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action -- will take place in Channing Hall of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located across the street from the downtown SUNY campus, on Washington Avenue.  Free refreshments will be provided by the Honest Weight Food Co-op. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.

David Rovics In a Benefit Concert for Women Against War's Afghan Well Project
Friday, October 22
5:30 PM, Potluck Dinner, with Music by the Solidarity Singers and Sybil Allyson & Dave Pallas
7:00 PM, David Rovics in Concert
Delmar Reformed Church
386 Delaware Ave, Delmar, NY 

David is an internationally known performer of socially conscious music who has been featured on Democracy Now!, the BBC, Al-Jazzeera, and other networks.  The 200+ songs that he makes available on his website (http://www.davidrovics.com) have been downloaded more than a million times.  David has performed in two dozen countries and on four continents.  His essays are published regularly on CounterPunch and Truthout, and he has been interviewed for The Progressive and other progressive publications.  The Afghan Well Project raises money to benefit the people of the village of Mir Taqi Shah, south of Kabul.  Please bring a dish to share for the potluck. There will be a suggested donation of $10 per person (more if you can, less if you can't).  Sponsored by Women Against War.  For more information or to reserve a ticket, email simaada@yahoo.com.

Christopher Hedges
Friday, October 15,  7:00 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
 3361 6th Avenue, Troy  NY

Christopher Hedges, whose forthcoming book is "Death of the Liberal Class" (Perseus), is also the best-selling author of "War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning" (2003), which was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction. A quote from the book was used as the opening title quotation in the critically-acclaimed and Academy Award-winning 2009 film, The Hurt Locker.  The quote reads: "The rush of battle is often a potent and lethal addiction, for war is a drug."  Admission: by donation ($10 suggested, $5 student/low-income)   Co-sponsored by BNP.  More Information:  Sanctuary for Independent Media website.

 

 

BNP Film:  William Kunstler:  Disturbing the Universe

Thursday, October 7,  6:45 - 8:45 pm 
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

William Kunstler:  Disturbing the Universe (2009, 85 minutes) . William Kunstler's daughters Sarah and Emily Kunstler chronicle the life of their father, William Kunstler. The documentary captures the daughters personal journey as well as much of the political climate of the US in the 60's through the 90's. Kunstler represented the "Chicago 8", who protested the Vietnam War, inmates at Attica, and the American Indian Movement when they stood up to the US government at Wounded Knee. Co-sponsored by BNP and American Documentary P.O.V. He also represented accused rapists and assassins.   Information on the film showing: 466-1192.

“A wonderful, inspiring film.”
- Howard Zinn

Saturday, October 2,  Washington, DC, Please signup for what will be the largest demonstration in decades.  The leading forces in the labor movement have united with the NAACP to organize a massive rally in Washington , DC on October 2, 2010 called "One Nation."  Buses leaving from Madison and Eagle are full. The rally is being called around the issue of jobs, but peace and other issues will be included. The buses will leave Albany at MIDNIGHT on Oct 2nd from the Eagle & Madison Avenue parking garage (plan to be there Friday, Oct 1 by 11:30PM). As the bus staging for rally will be JFK Stadium, we will most likely return in the "wee hours" of Sunday, Oct 3.” 

BNP Discussion Group
Monday, September 13, 6:15 - 7:30 pm
Java Jazz
318 Delaware, Avenue,  Delmar, NY

Our gatherings here are are always lively and interesting, with many good ideas discussed among neighbors and friends.  Contact: 439-8262 for further information. New members always welcome!

Colonel Ann Wright (Ret.) Upstate NY Tour!!  "The struggle for Peace from Afghanistan to Gaza"  
Monday, September 20, 7:30 PM
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington, Ave., Albany, NY

 Colonel Ann Wright (Ret.) is one of the highest ranking officers and diplomats to have resigned from government service in protest of the Iraq war.  Recently Wright was with the Freedom Flotilla that was overtaken by Israeli troops when bringing supplies to Gaza and was subsequently detained. The Voices of Conscience Upstate NY Tour is sponsored by Military Families Speak Out; Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans For Peace, SUNY Albany  Justice and Peace in Palestine Alliance (JAPPA), Women Against War,  Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace.  For more information, please contact Marilyn Lambert-Fisher, mfso_upstate_ny@hotmail.com, (585) 749-7121 or Joe Lombardo at 439-1968.

September 11, 2010,  The Muslim Solidarity Committee of Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Project SALAM and the Masjid As Salaam have chartered a bus to take people to the ground zero counter rally on Saturday, September 11, 2010 in New York City.  The bus is scheduled to leave from the Masjid As Salaam on 276-278 Central Ave at 8 AM on Saturday September 11, 2010 and the round trip fare will be $25.  (If people want to make an additional contribution it would allow someone who cannot afford the price to go for less.)  The bus should return before 7 PM that evening. If you want to reserve a seat on the bus send a check to Lynne Jackson at 223 South Swan Street, Albany, NY. 12202.  (Early checks would be appreciated.)  Lynne's email:   lynnejackson@mac.com 

 

Solidarity Committee- Film: Taking Root:  "The Vision of Wangari Maathai"
Saturday, September 11, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany 
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)

The Solidarity Committee kicks off its 2010-11 film series with a showing of the documentary, "Taking Root:  The Vision of Wangari Maathai" (2008, 80 minutes).  The film provides the dramatic story of the 70-year-old Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner, whose act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, empower poor women, and defend democracy.  Maathai links the problems in her local community to dictatorship, the ommoditization of natural resources, and the colonial legacy in Kenya that eroded traditional values which had protected the environment.  Author and activist Frances Moore Lappé wrote: "Taking Root ... captures the transformative potential of regular people finding their voices" and "will inspire untold, endless acts of courage."    The film showing -- co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action -- will take place in Channing Hall of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located across the street from the downtown SUNY campus, on Washington Avenue.  Free refreshments will be provided by the Honest Weight Food Co-op. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Friday and Saturday, August 20 -21,The 12th Anniversary, Kateri Tekakwitha Peace Conference, National Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine, Route 5, Fonda,   NY.  Presenters will include: Diane Reiner, Joyce Reeves, Rich Goodhart,  Ed  Kinane, Elliott Adams, Rudyard Edick, and Fr. Jerry Zawada.   Friday Schedule:  6:00 - 7:00 PM Potluck Supper,  7:10 - Opening Remarks, 7:15 - 8:45 PM  A Council of All Beings,   Diane Reiner and Joyce Reeves, The “COUNCIL OF ALL BEINGS”, is a colorful, communal ritual which allows us to shift perspectives and speak restore our relationship with nature. This will be a fully participatory event that promises to offer fresh opportunities to speak out about our world today.  Saturday Schedule: 8:45 - 9:15 AM Registration & Coffee,  9:30 - 10:30 AM Opening remarks: John Amidon & Maureen Aumand,  9:30 - 10:30 Drones, Blowback and Domestic Surveillance by Ed Kinane, 10:30 - 11:30 Workshops- for workshop descriptions and presenter's biographies visit "Workshops & Presenters", 11:30 - 12:30  Lunch, 12:30 - 1:30  "Shaman Mirror Medicine Tree: A World Music solo performance with Rich Goodhart",  1:30 - 2:30 We Are All One! by Fr. Jerry Zawada,  2:30 - 3:30 Community Talk Back- information on our Talk Back may be found with our workshop descriptions, 3:30 Closing Remarks   See the Conference Website for details including  workshops topics.  Information:  jajaja1234@aol.com

 BNP Film:  The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers

Thursday, August 5,  6:45 - 8:45 pm 
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

TheMost Dangerous Man in America (2009, 93 minutes)  chronicles Pentagon insider Daniel Ellsberg's leaking of top-secret government papers that disclosed shocking truths about the Vietnam War and Nixon's presidency. Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith directed this Oscar-nominated account that features compelling interviews with Ellsberg, and retired New York Times editor Max Frankel. Information on the film showing: 466-1192.

“The most exciting thriller I’ve seen in a while – as powerful as anything Hollywood can throw at us.”
- V.A. Musetto, New York Post

BNP Film:  The People Speak, Narrated by Howard Zinn
Thursday, July 1,  6:45 - 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

The People Speak  ( 2009, 113 minutes) was  inspired by historian Howard Zinn's,  "A People's History of the United States".   Actors  recreate the voices of American history's most eloquent dissenters, many of whom are excluded from traditional history books. The words of slaves, authors, politicians, poets, protesters and others come to life.   A discussion will follow.    Information on the film showing: 466-1192.

                   

Solidarity Committee- Film:  "Crude:  The Real Price of Oil"
Saturday, June 19, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany 
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)

The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District concludes its 2009-2010 film series with the screening of an impassioned documentary, "Crude:  The Real Price of Oil" (2009, 100 minutes).  In this epic account of one of the largest and most controversial environmental lawsuits on the planet, 30,000 residents of Ecuador's Amazon jungle are pitted against the powerful oil giant Chevron.  The Ecuadorians claim that Texaco -- which merged with Chevron in 2001 -- spent three decades systematically exploiting and contaminating their homeland, resulting in increased rates of cancer, leukemia, birth defects, and other health ailments, as well as in the destruction of the indigenous people and their traditional way of life.  According to a review in the "New York Times," this powerful indictment of multinational corporate practices provides "a forceful, often infuriating story about Big Oil and little people."       The film-showing -- co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action -- will take place in spacious Emerson Hall at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located at 405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus).  Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided by the Honest Weight Food Coop.  Everyone is welcome to attend. . Information at 466-1192

BNP Film:  Coal Country
Thursday, June 3,  6:45 - 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

Coal Country ( 2009, 85 minutes) What is the price for cheap energy?  We get to know working  miners along with activists who are battling coal companies in Appalachia. We hear from miners and coal company officials, who are concerned about jobs and the economy and believe they are acting responsibly in bringing power to the American people. Both sides  in this conflict claim that history is on their side. Families have lived in the region for  generations, and most have ancestors who worked in the mines. Everyone shares a  deep love for the land, but MTR (Mountain Top Removal mining which has leveled over  500 Appalachian mountains) is tearing them apart. We need to understand the meaning  behind promises of “cheap energy” and “clean coal.” Are they achievable? At whatcost? Are there alternatives to our energy future?  A discussion will follow.    Information on the film showing: 466-1192.

                   

Solidarity Committee- Film:  "THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD"
Saturday, May 22, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany 
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)

The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District continues its 2009-2010 film series with the screening of an uproariously humorous documentary, "The Yes Men Fix the World" (2009, 87 minutes).  In this screwball true story, two gonzo political activists, posing as top executives of giant corporations, lie their way into big business conferences and pull off the world's most outrageous pranks.  From New Orleans to India to New York City, armed with little more than cheap thrift-store suits, the Yes Men apply raucous comedy to a multitude of ways that corporate greed is destroying the planet.  According to journalist Naomi Klein, the resulting film is "hilarious, therapeutic, inspiring."  Don't miss it! The Yes Men Fix the World Challenge. The film-showing -- co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action -- will take place in spacious Emerson Hall at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located at 405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus).  Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided by the Honest Weight Food Coop.  Everyone is welcome to attend. Information at 466-1192

Blue Gold: World Water Wars
Thursday, May 13, 6:45-8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

Blue Gold:  World Water Wars (2009, 90 minutes)  explores another potential source of future wars: control of water.  As the population increases, governments become increasingly corrupt,  and corporations gain control,   water will be increasingly  expensive and difficult to obtain.   A discussion will follow.  More information on "peak water".  Information on the film showing: 466-1192.

Hudson Mohawk May Day 2010 Celebration: International Labor Day
Friday, April 30 - Saturday, May 1
Friday, April 30, 7:30 pm--The Eighth Step presents a spectacularly irreverent, powerful and hilarious concert of political commentary with ANNE FEENEY, ROY ZIMMERMAN & EVAN GREER, three of our very best political singer-songwriters: 8th Step at Proctors (440 Thr), 440 State Street, Schenectady. Doors open at 7.  Feeney: union maid, hellraiser & labor singer; Zimmerman: funny songs about ignorance, war & greed; Greer: high-energy, very radical acoustic music. Tix $22, $5 discount for union & CW members; Student Rush $10 at 7:25 pm. For information, advance tickets & info about tabling space ($30) during the concert, call (518) 434-1703/Email/eighthstep@aol.com or visit eighthstep.org. Free parking, accessible; unsold tickets available at the door.   

Saturday, May 1, 1-4 pm, West Capital Park, Albany . The 12th Annual May Day Celebration will be held at West Capital Park in Albany.  There will be Music, poetry, food and  tables for literature.  Speakers will focus on more jobs, less war, better healthcare and fairer trade, support for public education and the right for every one to marry, no to state layoffs and yes to union organizing, support for fair taxation and for immigrant rights.  More Information:  call (518) 273-2759 or see the Hudson-Mohawk May Day website.

                   

Solidarity Committee- Film:  "Trumbo"
Saturday,  April 10, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany 
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)

The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District continues its 2009-2010 film series with a screening of the powerful documentary, Trumbo (2007, 96 minutes).  Although Dalton Trumbo was Hollywood's most successful screen writer, he fell afoul of the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1947, when he refused to cooperate with it.  Imprisoned, blacklisted, and brought to the edge of financial ruin thereafter, he fought back tenaciously and, ultimately, prevailed.  This film, recounting Trumbo's life through personal letters, interviews and archival footage, provides a testament to the courage it takes to stand up for principle against overwhelming odds.  In a rave review, the New York Times called Trumbo a "stirring documentary."   The film-showing -- co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action.  Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided by the Honest Weight Food Coop.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  Information:  466-1192  

BNP  Film-  Capitalism:  A Love Story
Thursday, April 1,  6:30 -8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

Capitalism :  A Love Story (2009), runs 127 minutes.  Michael Moore takes on capitalism's roots, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008's global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this  documentary.  Michael Morre interviews those who have suffered most from the  Wall Street bailout. Discussion to follow.  Please arrive early as  this is a long film and we need to start  promptly.  Information:  466-1192

BNP Film and Discussion:  Blind Spot - - a documentary film on peak oil and sustainability

Sunday, March 28, 5:00 - 7:30 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445 Delaware Ave, Delmar