Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace
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Past Events 2011:
Film: "What Would Jesus Buy?"
Thursday, December 15, 7:00 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445
Delaware Ave, Delmar
"What Would Jesus Buy?" (2007, 91 minutes) is funny and poignant.This comic documentary follows the Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir as they go on a cross-country mission to save Christmas from the Shopocalypse: the destruction of the world through consumerism and the fires of eternal debt! Engaging in retail interventions, corporate exorcisms, and good old-fashioned preaching, the Reverend Billy takes us into the heart of America—exorcising the demons at the Wal-Mart headquarters, seizing the center stage at the Mall of America, and heading to the Promised Land (Disneyland). Don't miss this hilarious critique of corporate culture and globalization! Admission is free. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome. More information: 466-1192
Solidarity Film: "The One Percent"
Saturday, December 17, 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 film series with a showing of the documentary, “The One Percent” (2007, 80 minutes). Filmmaker Jamie Johnson examines the gap that exists between America's poor and the 1% of the population that controls over half the country's wealth. Johnson, himself an heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune, interviews Milton Friedman, Bill Gates Sr., Steve Forbes and other members of the 1%, revealing the enormous social and political effect financial disparity has on our country. "We are the 99%..." The film showing -- co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action -- will take place in B8 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. Information: 466-1192.
BNP Holiday Event...BNP Store Clearance Sale..... .Social Gathering
Thursday, December 8, 6:30 -9:00 pm
Elm Avenue Park, 261 Elm Avenue, Town Park, Town Park Office Building
Elm Avenue, Delmar, NY
Come sing songs, play music, eat, socialize! This will be a pot luck event: food, snacks,
desserts and non-alcohol beverages. Please bring a snack, dish or beverage to share.
The BNP store will offer a holiday sale and clearance. The 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!
Bring your voices and your musical instruments. If you have a favorite peace song, please bring the
lyrics/music so we can sing along with you.
Stop the War! Change the
World! Bring a dish/beverage/snack to share. Directions to Elm Avenue Park.
Go through the main entrance to the park and bear left. You will
drive through the parking lot for the pool. Go beyond the parking
lot and make a right, then bear left. The park office building
sits off by itself and has a parking lot in front. Join us!
Information 466-1192.
Tom Ellis on: Climate Change, Atomic Power and Safe Energy Alternatives Tom Ellis will discuss climate change, nuclear energy
and alternative energy sources. Tom Ellis, an educator, lives in Albany
and is a long-time anti-nuclear power activist. During the 1980s,
representing the Albany Peace & Energy Council, he opposed annual
Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. electric rate hike requests at the state
Public Service Commission, and helped forge and guide Don't Waste New
York, a statewide group that twenty years ago blocked the siting of a
"Low-level" radioactive waste disposal facility in rural upstate.
Free. Everyone is
welcome. Information: 466-1192.
Thursday, December 1, 7:00 - 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
Solidarity Film: The Forgotten Bomb
Saturday, November 26, 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 film series with a showing of the new documentary, “The Forgotten Bomb” (2011, 94 minutes). When the Cold War ended, worry about nuclear weapons receded. But has the nuclear threat really diminished? “The Forgotten Bomb” shows that it has not. Not only do more than 20,000 nuclear weapons exist in national arsenals, with thousands of them on high alert, but radioactivity from nuclear weapons production and testing continues to pollute the planet, sickening community residents and workers. Through rarely-seen film footage and interviews with authors Jonathan Schell and Gar Alperovitz, former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz, scientists, activists, survivors of the Hiroshima bombing, military officers, religious leaders, and many others, “The Forgotten Bomb” explores the bizarre history, vast cost, and continuing menace of nuclear weapons. It also looks at the current opportunities for creating a nuclear weapons-free world. The film showing -- co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action -- will take place in B8 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. Information: 466-1192.
Friday,
November 11, 7:00pm - 9:00pm Sanctuary for Independent Media,
3361 6th Avenue (below 101st Street), Troy. "Blood On The Tracks"
with author S. Brian Willson. Talk and book signing of
famed activist S. Brian Willson. ALSO, VETERANS' DAY COMMUNITY POTLUCK at 6 pm.
Vietnam
war veteran and anti-war/anti-imperialism activist S. Brian Willson,
who lost his legs while blocking a munitions train in 1987, will give a
Veterans Day talk and book signing at The Sanctuary for Independent
Media. Willson’s appearance is part of a national tour he is conducting
on two prosthetic legs and a three-wheeled handcycle, to promote the
ideas of a right livelihood and a simpler lifestyle that are set forth
in his recently published book, "Blood on the Tracks." by
donation ($10 suggested, $5 student/low-income) This is also a
pot luck dinner, so come at 6:00 pm and bring a dish to share.
Map and directions: http://www.MediaSanctuary.org/directions
Contact: 518 272-2390 Co-sponsored by: Tom Paine Chapter of
Veterans for Peace, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Troy Bike Rescue.
BNP Film: "Hidden Battles" Hidden Battles (65 minutes, 2011) follows a
female Sandinista rebel, an Israeli officer, a Palestinian member of Al
Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, a Vietnam vet, and a U.S. veteran of Somalia, as
they come to terms with their combat experiences. The film offers
unique insight and hope into the internal conflicts that human beings
around the world continue to face long after they have left the
battlefield. “Hidden Battles is a timely and evocative
documentary that looks beyond political rhetoric and polemics to focus
on the very real human cost of war; any war. Poignant, engaging and
disturbing, director Victoria Mills posits an important message about
the real cost of killing another human being. Brilliant and highly
recommended.” George T. Marshall, Rhode Island International Film
Festival. John R. Ostwald will lead a discussion after the film. John
is an educator, author and therapist whose work has been presented at
national conferences, numerous health care facilities, and on radio and
television. Currently, he teaches Psychology full time at a Hudson
Valley Community College in Troy, New York and is a columnist for The
Record newspaper. John is a Vietnam era veteran who studied PTSD with
Dr. Edward Tick, internationally known for his work with traumatized
veterans. This study included a recent trip to Vietnam.
Free. Co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neigbhors for Peace and The Peace Team
of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany. Everyone
is welcome. Information on the film showing:
466-1192.
Thursday, November 3, 7:00 - 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
Friday, October 21, 7:30 pm, 8th Step at Capital Repertory Company, 111 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY, Holly Near in Concert with John Bucchino, piano & Laura Love, guitar/vocals. Tickets $28/$35 Gold Circle (front of house). Co-sponsored by Women Against War, & Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace For Information: http://www.eighthstep.org/
Music for Peace: In Memory of Paul Richter
Thursday, October 20, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, Channing Hall, 405 Washington Avenue
(across the street from the downtown SUNY
campus) , Albany, NY
Paul Richter passed away unexpectedly, on October 4, 2011 and we would like to have a gathering to remember him, and pay tribute to his peace and justice work. Paul was a "regular" at the Delmar Peace vigil for years, and was active on many fronts of the peace and justice movement in the Capital Region. Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace has had several gatherings where we come together to play/sing our favorite peace music. We would like to get together and play/sing some music and dedicate this gathering to Paul and his work as a peace activist and union leader. We will also invite people to share memories about Paul. Bring your voice, guitar or other musical instrument,and maybe a snack to share. If you have a favorite peace song, please bring the lyrics/music so we can play/sing along with you. Join us. No amplifiers please. Information Trudy @ 466-1192 or tquaif@yahoo.com.
Saturday, October 15, 12 noon - 2:00 pm, Peace March and Rally, 10th Anniversary of US War in Afghanistan.
How is the War Economy Working for You?
Townsend Park, Albany.
Townsend Park is the triangle where Central Ave. converges with
Washington Ave. adjacent to Henry Johnson Blvd. (across from the Social
Justice Center).
Speakers, Live Music. Peace and Justice Organizations welcome to table at this event. Grannies for Peace will be are convening at the Bridge on Henry Johnson Blvd (near the corner with Central ave-across the street from Townsend park) at 11:30-they will be carrying a coffin with Afghanistan on the side and carrying signs that read DEATH,DESTRUCTION AND DEBT. The Grannies will also be carrying a debt box to symbolizing the debt burden. At 11:45, they will march across the street and march around the perimeter of Townsend Park until the rally begins at noon.
Congressman Paul Tonko plans to join us. A representative of each of the co-sponsoring organizations has been invited to speak briefly.
Co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Center-For-Hope And Alternative, Food Not Bombs, Grannies for Peace, Guilderland Neighbors for Peace, Muslim Solidarity Committee, NOW NY, Project SALAM, Saratoga Peace Alliance, Schenectady Neighbors for Peace,Solidarity Committee of the Capital Region, the Peace Team of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, the Peace Team of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, Tom Paine Chapter of Veterans for Peace, Troy Area Labor Council, Women Against War, World Can't Wait and the Local Council of MoveOn.org. Live music by Terri Roben and Sybil Allyson. Send an email to: BethlehemNeighborsForPeace@yahoo.com to add your organization as a co-sponsor. Call Trudy at 466-1192 or email tquaif@yahoo.com to volunteer to work on set up, organizing during th event and/or cleanup. Thanks.
Thursday, October 13, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue, Troy NY
October 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the Patriot Act. In the days following 9/11, fear and shock dominated the public and domestic security issues rose to the top of our agenda. The state of emergency that began during the Bush administration has continued into the Obama administration. But how many of actions taken to keep Americans safe are effective and worthwhile? Are we, as Americans, giving up too much to employ many of the antiterrorism tactics in use? In TAKING LIBERTIES: The War on Terror and the Erosion of Democracy author Susan Herman, president of the American Civil Liberties Union, examines the human and social costs of the War on Terror. “This book is about us and it is about now,” Herman writes, “A decade is long enough time to allow us to step back and try to look at the whole picture of the costs and benefits of strategies that were forged during the panicky days right after 9/11.” Should we be willing to tolerate the current level of surveillance, intrusion, and potential error because these efforts are helping to keep us safe? Admission: by donation ($10 suggested, $5 student/low-income) Co-sponsored by BNP. More Information: Sanctuary for Independent Media website.
BNP Film: "The U.S. vs John Lennon"
Thursday,October 6, 7:00 - 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
The U.S. Versus John Lennon (96 minutes, 2006) is David Leaf's provocative documentary of John Lennon's evolution from beloved Beatle to peace activist. The film examines John Lennon's growing involvement in antiwar efforts from 1966 to 1976 and the U.S. government's attempts to silence him. The film features interviews with Carl Bernstein, Walter Cronkite, Mario Cuomo and Angela Davis, among others. Free. Everyone is welcome. Information on the film showing: 466-1192.
October 2011, Washington DC
Solidarity Committee- Film: "Locked Out"
Saturday, September 24, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany 405 Washington
Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)
BNP
Film: "Budrus"
Thursday,September 1, 7:00
- 8:45 pm
Bethlehem
Public Library
451
Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
Budrus, (2009,82
minutes)
is a riveting documentary about a group of activists in the
Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. Documentarian Julia Bacha
delves into the fraught world of Palestinian-Israeli relations in this
amazing account of one family's leadership of a movement to prevent
Israel's Separation Barrier from slicing the Palestinian village of
Budrus in half. Ayed Morrar inspires nonviolent protests of the giant
barrier by numerous factions, and his 15-year-old daughter, Iltezam,
leads a women's group. A discussion, lead by Michael Rice, will
follow the film. Free. Everyone is welcome.
Information on the film showing: 466-1192.
Friday and Saturday, August 19-20, The 13th Anniversary, Kateri Tekakwitha Peace Conference, National Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine, Route 5, Fonda, NY. Awakening to the “Circle of Life” Speakers include: Johnnie Bobb, Chief of the Western Shoshone National Council and Western Shoshone Spiritual Person Randy Kehler- peace activist and community organizer. Dr. Bonnie E. Bobb - cross cultural psychologist & environmental consultant. Website: www.kateripeaceconference.org Flyer Information. Information: jajaja1234@aol.com
r-old daughter, Iltezam, leads a women's group. A discussion, lead by Michael Rice, will follow the film. Free. Everyone is welcome. Information on the film showing: 466-1192.
Film: Tapped
Thursday, August 18, 7:00 -8:45 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445
Delaware Ave, Delmar
Stephanie Soechtig's debut feature, Tapped (2009, 75 minutes) is a timely documentary, revealing the high cost of bottled water to our environment and to our health. Is access to clean drinking water a basic human right, or a commodity that should be bought and sold like any other article of commerce? This film is a behind-the-scenes look into the unregulated and unseen world of an industry that aims to privatize and sell back the one resource that ought never to become a commodity: our water. From the plastic production to the ocean in which so many of these bottles end up, this inspiring documentary trails the path of the bottled water industry and the communities which were the unwitting chips on the table. A powerful portrait of the lives affected by the bottled water industry, this revelatory film features those caught at the intersection of big business and the public's right to water. A discussion will follow the film. Information 466-1192.
Wednesday, August 10, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Meet at Parking Lot, Five Rivers Conservation Center
56 Game Farm Road
Delmar, NY
A walk at Five Rivers Conservation Center? Let's go for an hour walk at Five Rivers. We can scuss current events, plan an action, or none of these things. This is a chance to de-stress and enjoy the nice weather. We will try to walk regularly, until it snows! Meet in the Parking Lot. Contact: 466-1192 for further information. New members always welcome.
Saturday, August 6, 11:00 - 3:00 pm, Townsend Park, Albany. Reading of John Hersey's book "Hiroshima" As always we will need folks to take turns reading the text. Townsend Park is the triangle where Central Ave. converges with Washington Ave. adjacent to Henry Johnson Blvd. (across from the Social Justice Center). Contact Dan Wilcox if your organization would like to be listed as a co-sponsor of the reading. Information: Dan Wilcox at: dwlcx@earthlink.net
Friday, August 5, 5:30 - 10:00 pm, 7th Anniversary Commemoration of the Arrests of YASSIN AREF & MOHAMMED HOSSAIN. In Solidarity with all Victims of Preemptive Prosecution, The Muslim Solidarity Committee Presents ARTS AGAINST REPRESSION. GATHER 5:30 pm Masjid As-Salam Mosque, 278 Central Avenue, Albany. MARCH 6:15pm to Grand Street Community Arts (GSCA) 68 Grand Street. PERFORMANCES 7-10 PM at GSCA featuring: TAINA ASILI & GAETANO VACCARO of the BANDA REBELDE; TONY DELDOW, NYC jazz musician and brother of prisoner Tarik Shah; SYBIL ALLYSON & ROOTS of CHANGE with Roger Mock; POETRY from those affected by preemptive prosecution and DISPLAY OF BEAUTIFUL SOLIDARITY BANNERS By Artist Max Grieshaber, who will be present. There will be an Iftar meal served during intermission at sundown. For more information: Kathy Manley, mkathy1@hotmail.com, 596-3851 Co-Sponsors: Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Dr. Dhafir Support Committee, Grand Street Community Arts, Masjid As-Salam, NYCLU – CRC, Peace and Justice Commission of the Albany Catholic Diocese, Peace Team and Social Responsibilities Committee of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, Pine Hills Neighbors for Peace, Project Salam, Save the Pine Bush, Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Upper Hudson Peace Action, Veterans for Peace, Thomas Paine Chapter.
BNP
Film: "The China Syndrome"
Thursday, August 4, 6:30
- 8:45 pm
Bethlehem
Public Library
451
Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
The
China Syndrome, (1979, 122
minutes),
is a fictional account of a nuclear power plant meltdown. This film was
made prior to the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island and long
before the accidents at Chernobyl or Fukashima occurred. In the
film, a TV reporter and cameraman are covering a routine story at the
local nuclear plant. As they're escorted through the power station,
they observe (and covertly film) a near-meltdown. Working with a
whistleblower they try to get the truth out, but corporate interests
behind the scenes have other ideas. The film stars Jane Fonda,
Michael Douglas and Jack Lemmon. Free. Everyone is
welcome. Information
on the
film
showing: 466-1192.
BNP-GNP
Annual Summer Pot Luck Picnic
for Peace
Wednesday, August 3, 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Elm
Avenue Park Pavilion A, 261 Elm
Avenue, Delmar
This will be our long awaited chance to socialize and have fun! This year we are again joining with Guilderland Neighbors for Peace in a celebration of summer! Please bring a dish to share and if possible, your own plate and utensils. Bring musical instruments to make music, good stories, games etc., and lawn chairs or blankets. Join us for the social event of the summer! For more information or to volunteer for set up or clean up, call Trudy 466-1192 or email tquaif@yahoo.com
BNP: Making Music for Peace
Thursday, July 21, 7:00 -8:30 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445
Delaware Ave, Delmar
Thursday, July 21, 7:00 p.m., SEIU 1199, 155 Washington Ave., Albany, NY. VERMONT’S CAMPAIGN FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE, Hear the inspiring story of the Vermont Workers’ Center Healthcare is a Human Right campaign’s grassroots effort to make Vermont the first state in the country to pass a universal healthcare system. What lessons can we learn from Vermont in building a movement for Single Payer Healthcare in New York State? The state of Vermont has just signed into law a universal health care bill (H.202 of 2011), which creates the FRAMEWORK for a publicly financed health care system that will provide universal, comprehensive coverage to all residents, regardless of employment, income, assets or health status. Speaker Kate Kanelstein . Lead organizer on the Healthcare is a Human Rights Campaign. Donations appreciated. Initial Co-sponsors: Albany Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and the Capital District Solidarity Committee. To become a co-sponsor contact Doug Bullock at dbull4@Verizon.net or Alice Brody at abrody07@verizon.net.
Cynthia McKinney: Talk on Bombing of
Libya
Sunday, July 10, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, Channing Hall
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY
campus) , Albany, NY
Cynthia McKinney is just back from Libya and will report on her trip and the massive bombing of Tripoli. The presentation will be in Channing Hall of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located across the street from the downtown SUNY campus, on Washington Avenue. Co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Tom Paine Chapter of Veterans for Peace, Women Against War, Upper Hudson Peace Action, The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Guilderland Neighbors for Peace. Donation of $10 requested, $5 unemployed and students. Information: 518-466-1192
BNP Film: "South of the Border"
Thursday, July 7, 7:00 - 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
South of the Border, directed by Oliver Stone, South of the Border (2009, 78 minutes),
is a compelling film. There’s a revolution underway in South
America, but most of the world doesn’t know it. Oliver Stone
explores the social and political movements as well as the mainstream
media’s misperception of South America while interviewing seven
of its elected presidents. Includes interviews with Presidents Hugo
Chávez (Venezuela), Evo Morales (Bolivia), Lula da Silva
(Brazil), Cristina Kirchner (Argentina), as well as her husband
and ex-President Nėstor Kirchner, Fernando Lugo (Paraguay),
Rafael Correa (Ecuador), and Raúl Castro (Cuba). Teresa Meade, Latin American History professor at Union College, will
lead the discussion following the film. Information on the
film
showing: 466-1192.
An American Union Organizer in China – Tales from Five Years in the Chinese Labor “Movement” with Ellen David Friedman.
Thursday, June 30, 7:30 pm, Oakwood Community Center, 313 10th St., Troy, NY.
Ellen David Friedman was a union organizer in Vermont for about 30 years. She was a founder and longtime leader of the Vermont Workers Center and the Vermont Progressive Party, and is a member of the Labor Notes Policy Committee. She now spends half of each year working within the Chinese labor movement at different levels. Her talk will focus on the actual experience of Chinese workers, their forms of organization and resistance, the role of the Chinese Trade Union, and the surprising convergences between labor struggles emerging in China and other parts of the world. The James Connolly Forum. Co-sponsored by: The Solidarity committee of the Capital District, Troy Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Located left off 787 Collar City Bridge, Rte 7, at 2nd light. Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building left on 10th S. Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed and students more information: 518 505 0948
Tuesday, June 28, 6:00 - 7:00 pm NOTE DATE CHANGE
Meet at Parking Lot, Five Rivers Conservation Center
56 Game Farm Road
Delmar, NY
A walk at Five Rivers Conservation Center? Let's go for an hour walk at Five Rivers. We can discuss current events, plan an action, or none of these things. This is a chance to de-stress and enjoy the nice weather. We will try to walk regularly, until it snows! Meet in the Parking Lot. Contact: 466-1192 for further information. New members always welcome.
From Fukushima to Solartopia: Winning a GreenPowered Earth, Harvey Wasserman
Friday, June 17, 7:00 pm
Oakwood Community Center, 313 10th St., Troy, NY.
Harvey Wasserman has helped spark the global grassroots "No Nukes" movement since 1973, and has appeared on DemocracyNow!, National Public Radio and many other major media. He is author or coauthor of a dozen books including SOLARTOPIA! OUR REENPOWERED EARTH; KILLING OUR OWN: THE DISASTER OF AMERICA'S EXPERIENCE WITH ATOMIC RADIATION; and HARVEY WASSERMAN'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. He is senior adviser to Greenpeace USA and edits the www.nukefree.org website. In 1979 he helped organize the legendary MUSE/No Nukes Concerts in Madison Square Garden. In 1994 he spoke to 350,000 semiconscious rock fans at Woodstock 2. He teaches history &cultural/ethnic diversity at two central Ohio colleges, and his articles appear at HuffPost, CommonDreams, CounterPunch, AlterNet, etc. The James Connolly Forum Co-sponsored by: Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Troy Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO Location: left off 787 Collar City Bridge, Rte 7, at 2nd light. Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building left on 10th S Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed and students more information: 518 505 0948
Peak Oil Presentation by Sandy Steubing
Thursday, June 16, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445
Delaware Ave, Delmar
Sandy Steubing and Dave Hochfelder of Capital District Transition Network will speak on the topic of peak oil, with a discussion to follow. Twilight in the Desert, The Last Hours of the Ancient Sunlight, The Party's Over, The Long Emergency. What are these books about? Why is another book titled The Final Energy Crisis? This is the crisis that no government official or national media person will touch. The man on the street can tell you what 'environment' means. Who can define peak oil? And yet this issue will shape the rest of our lives. We will also speak about the Transition initiative and how you can prepare yourselves and your families. Please join us for this very important topic. Sandy Steubing is a retired music teacher, social worker, and international sales manager whose passion is to educate people about peak oil. David Hochfelder teaches history at University at Albany. Before that, he worked for several years as an engineer in the nuclear power industry. Information 466-1192.
Friday, June 3, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Meet at Parking Lot, Five Rivers Conservation Center
56 Game Farm Road
Delmar, NY
A walk at Five Rivers Conservation Center? Let's go for an hour walk at Five Rivers. We can discuss current events, plan an action, or none of these things. This is a chance to de-stress and enjoy the nice weather. Maybe we can do this the first Friday of every month, until it snows! Meet in the Parking Lot. Contact: 466-1192 for further information. New members always welcome!
BNP Film:
"Gasland"
Thursday, June 2, 6:30 - 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
In this Oscar-nominated documentary Gasland (2009, 107 minutes), director Josh Fox journeys across
America to examine the negative effects of natural-gas drilling, from
poisoned water sources to kitchen sinks that burst into flame to
unhealthy animals and people. "The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept
across the United States. The Halliburton-developed drilling technology
of "fracking" or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a "Saudia Arabia of
natural gas" just beneath us. But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh
Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a
cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and
contamination. A recently drilled nearby Pennsylvania town reports that
residents are able to light their drinking water on fire. This is just
one of the many absurd and astonishing revelations of a new country
called GASLAND."
Tom Pritchard, a local anti-fracking activist and
co-chairman of CREF (Capital Region Energy Forum), will lead a
discussion following the film. Information on the film
showing: 466-1192.
Solidarity Committee- Film:
"Battlefront Wisconsin" and presentation by Dr. Andy Coates: "Behind the 2011 Assault Upon Public Health and Safety"
Saturday, May 21, 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 will screen the film "Battle Front Wisconsin" (30 minutes, 2011), a documentary on the intense days of mass protest at the capitol building in Madison against the attempts of that state's governor to strip public sector unions of their collective bargaining rights. In the film, Labor Beat producer Andrew Friend speaks with union activists, University of Wisconsin students, and others who are showing their solidarity in the opening battle of a nationwide struggle for workers' rights. Following the film, Dr. Andy Coates will discuss the new offensive against teachers and other public employees, as well as its consequences for public safety and health. Dr. Coates is secretary of the capital district chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program (http://pnhp.org), teaches medical students and residents at Albany Medical College, and practices internal medicine in Albany. 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. Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided by the Honest Weight Food Co-op. Information: 518-466-1192
Film: "Raid on a Nation" and BNP meeting
Thursday, May 19, 7:00 -8:30 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445
Delaware Ave, Delmar
BNP Film: "Inside Job"
Thursday, May 5, 6:45 - 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
Inside
Job (2010, 109 minutes) is an Oscar-winning documentary
from filmmaker Charles Ferguson. The film presents in
detail, the pervasive and deep-rooted corruption that led to the global
economic meltdown of 2008. Through unflinching interviews with key
financial insiders, politicos, journalists and academics, Ferguson
shows an unfettered financial system run amok -- without
accountability. A major theme is the pressure from the financial
industry on the political process to avoid regulation, and the ways
that it is exerted. One conflict discussed is the prevalence of the
revolving door, whereby financial regulators can be hired within the
financial sector upon leaving government and make millions. Actor
Matt Damon narrates.
A discussion will follow the film. Information on the film
showing: 466-1192.
Sunday,
May 1, The Hudson Mohawk May Day Committee is planning a bus trip to
New York City on Sunday, to attend the International Workers May
Day celebrations to be held in Union Square and in Foley Square. The bus will leave from the corner of Madison Ave. and Eagle Street, Albany, at 8:00 AM. The cost is $20.00 round trip, includes refreshments and entertainment. Reservations can be made by contacting Art Fleischner, 518- 273-2759, email: alad8@verizon.net. The rallies in New York City will be held at Union Square, 14th St. and Broadway, starting at 12:00 Noon, to stop the attacks on immigrants and working families, the rally in Foley Square starts at 1:00 PM and is being sponsored by a coalition of labor organizations. Keep the spirit of Wisconsin alive! The Hudson-Mohawk May Day Committee includes members from the Troy Area Labor Council, Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, The Eighth Step, Media Alliance, New York Labor History Association, the Albany Chapter of United University Professors, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Veterans For Peace, the Upstate New York International Workers of the World, area labor unions and other activists. The Committee has planned educational and entertaining events on Labor history and current social justice issues held on May 1 throughout the Capital District for the last thirteen years. May Day is the International Workers’ Holiday celebrated in most industrial countries in the world. It began in the United States in the 19th Century, growing out of the struggle for the 8-hour work day and the Chicago Haymarket Massacre in 1886. For more information about the May Day 2011 Bus to the NYC Rallies contact Art Fleischner, 518- 273-2759, email: alad8@verizon.net. Or visit the Committee’s website at: www.hudsonmohawkmayday.org.
Solidarity Committee- Film:
"Made in Dagenham"
FRIDAY, April 29, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY
campus)
In 1968 “women machinists” who sewed upholstery at a Ford factory in Dagenham, England fought back in response to an attempt to downgrade their job title and pay because it was “women’s work”. This inspiring and engaging film tells the true story of “ordinary” factory workers who are transformed into courageous activists and leaders. They convincingly made the case against sex discrimination in pay, went on strike and won a change in England’s labor laws. Film features: Sally Hawkins, Andrea Riseborough, Bob Hoskins and Daniel Mays. Following the film join in a discussion about how we can get Pay Equity in NY State! (No, we don’t have it.) Supported by LWVNY, AAUW, YWCA, PEF, NOW-NYS, NYSUT, New York Women’s Inc., the Women’s Building, the Woman’s Club, the Legal Project, Capital District Women’s Bar Association and many other NYS organizations. Co-sponsored by the New York State Pay Equity Coalition (NYSPEC), the Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action. Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided by the Honest Weight Food Co-op. Information: 518-466-1192
BNP Forum: Behind the 2011 Assault Upon Public Health and Safety
Thursday, April 21, 7:00 -8:30 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445
Delaware Ave, Delmar
teachers, its causes and its consequences for public safety and health. Information 466-1192.
April 9, 2011,
New York City, United
National Antiwar Committee (UNAC) call for
Action: Back to the Streets! Get on the
BUS! Bus Information
THE BUS IS NOW FULL. Call to see if we have any cancellations. The
buses will be leaving from the corner of Madison and Eagle Streets,
Albany, at 8:00 am sharp! For information about the
buses
from Albany, call Trudy at 518-466-1192. More
information on location the rally, on bus drop-off and pick up in
NYC. We will be leaving from NYC to return back to Albany at 5 PM. We will try to meet up with other people from the Capital Region in the Northwest corner of Union Square at about noon !
BNP Forum: Civil
Liberties in Peril
Wednesday, April 6, 7:00 - 8:45 pm
Bethlehem
Public Library
451
Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
Andrea Callan, attorney and statewide advocacy coordinator of the New York Civil Liberties Union will be our speaker. Andrea will discuss the effects of government surveillance, restrictions and other actions since 9/11 in the name of "National Security" as they impinge upon civil liberties. A questions and answer period will be included. More information: 439-4673
Solidarity Committee- Film:
"Chisholm `72: Unbought & Unbossed"
Saturday, March 26, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY
campus)
As part of Women's History Month, the Solidarity Committee of the Capital District will screen the film "Chisholm `72: Unbought & Unbossed" (2004, 76 minutes). Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, this documentary follows the career of Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to run for President of the United States. As a teacher in Harlem, Chisholm had a passion for progress that moved her to enter local politics and, subsequently, win a seat in Congress. Ultimately, she threw herself into the 1972 campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. This provocative film about a woman who demonstrated "the sheer will and refusal to accept the status quo," also covers the responses of numerous prominent figures, including Ron Dellums, Betty Friedan, George McGovern, and George Wallace. 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. Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided by the Honest Weight Food Co-op. Information: 518-466-1192
8North East Peace and Justice Action Coalition
(NEPAJAC) Meeting
Sunday,
March 20, 2:00 - 4:30 pm
Albany Public Library- Conference Room #1
161 Washington Ave., Albany New York
Agenda items submitted so far include: --April 9, Rally in NYC...Stop the Wars, Stop the War on Muslims, Stop the War on Unions! --WAW Project that will be in the Capital Region for 2 months next fall for groups to display. It's AFSC's new Windows and Mirrors exhibit. See the project website for more information: Windows and Mirrors Reflections on the War in Afghanistan-227-6947
Crisis in Egypt: Its Meaning for the World with Author and Professor
Vijay PrashadFriday, March 11, 7:00 pm
Oakwood Community Center, 313 10th St., Troy
Vijay Prashad is the author of eleven books, most recently, The Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World (The New Press, paperback 2008), which was picked by the Asian American Writers' Workshop as the nonfiction book of 2008. Prashad writes regularly in the media: as a columnist for Frontline magazine (Chennai, India), a contributing editor for Himal South Asia(Kathmandu, Nepal) and a contributing editor for Naked Punch Asia (Lahore, Pakistan). His web dispatches can be read at Counterpunch(counterpunch.org), at ZNET (zmag.org/znet) and at Pragoti (www.pragoti.org The James Connolly Forum. Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed and students. Information: jonathan.flanders@verizon.net
BNP Forum: Revolution in
Egypt
Thursday, March 3, 6:45 - 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
Join us for a panel discussion with local scholars, activists and representatives of the local Egyptian community to discuss the call for democracy in Egypt. Will the demands of the people be met? Is democracy possible in Egypt? Will this call for democracy spread throughout the Middle East? How will the balance of power in the Middle East be affected? How will politics in the US be affected? Our panel will include: Mai ElBibary, Joe Lombardo and Dr. Steve Breyman. Our panel: Mai ElBibary moved to the Capital Region from Cairo, Egypt 7 years ago. She most recently returned to Egypt in December, 2010. Joe Lombardo is a life long peace activist, a member of Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, and currently co-cordinator of the national peace organization: United National Antiwar Committee (UNAC). Dr. Steve Breyman is an Associate Professor of Science and Technology Studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy. He is a contributor to Counterpunch and The Palestine Chronicle. Join us for this important discussion! Information: 466-1192.
Solidarity Committee- Film:
"Leadbelly"
Saturday, February 12,, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)
Thursday, February 3, 6:45 - 8:45 pm, Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar, "9/11- Questions Remain: A reexamination of the tragedy at the World Trade Center". Speakers: Raymond Aumond, Steve Wickham and Michael Rice. Moderator: Mary Finneran. Sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Veterans For Peace. For information call 439-4673.
Rally Against FBI Repression
Monday, January 24, 4:30
pm
200 McCarty Ave. Albany
Albany, (kitty-corner from the remote State Parking Lot on Southern Blvd.)
Solidarity Committee- Film: "Apartheid
and the Club of the West"
Saturday, January 22, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist
Society of Albany
405 Washington Avenue (across
the street from the downtown SUNY campus)
BNP Film: "Plunder: The Crime of Our Time"
Thursday, January 6, 6:45 - 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054
Plunder: The Crime of Our Time (2010, 100 minutes) Filmmaker Danny Schechter explores how the financial crisis was built on a foundation of criminal activity, uncovering the connection between the collapse of the housing market and the economic catastrophe that followed. "Fully living up to his reputation as the News Dissector, Danny Schechter goes right for the jugular in this rich and informative analysis of the financial crisis and its roots. Not errors, accident, market uncertainty and so on, but crime: major and serious crime. A harsh judgment, but it is not easy to dismiss the case he constructs." - Noam Chomsky. A discussion will follow the film. Information on the film showing: 466-1192.