Past Events 2004:
BNP Proudly Presents
Nobel Peace Prize Nominee
Kathy Kelly!
Saturday, December 11, 7 p.m.
Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave, Delmar NY
She has stood in front of tanks and armies throughout the world to witness the innocent victims and to remind the world of the true face of war and the need for social justice. Kelly, one of the founders of the organization called Voices in the Wilderness, has been to Iraq twenty times since January 1996. In October 2002, she joined others in Baghdad to maintain a presence throughout the US bombardment and invasion. Kelly left Iraq on April 19, 2003 and has returned twice since then. In 2000, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Click here for her full biography.
A Day in Afghanistan
A slide presentation with Connie Houde
Thursday, December 2, 6:45 p.m.
Bethlehem Public Library, Community Room
Join photographer Connie Houde for a fascinating slide presentation on present-day Afghanistan, including such photos as the one at left! Connie has traveled several times to Afghanistan with her camera, and with her exquisite sensibilities.
Singing for Our Lives
Saturday, November 6 at 7:00 pm; FREE!
Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave, Delmar NY
BNP presents a post election-day concert featuring local progressive musicians: Roger and Me (Terri Roben & Roger Allen), Cavanaugh and Kavanaugh, The Solidarity Singers and others. Join in songs of peace and social change and keep the spirit of hope alive!
Will There Be a New Military Draft?
Thursday, October 14, 7:00 pm
Bethlehem Central High School (Note: new location!)
700 Delaware Ave., Delmar
Will the continuing war in Iraq cause a reinstatement of a military draft? That’s what some members of Congress are proposing! A new military draft would change our lives. Will America’s young people soon face conscription? Now is the time to get informed.
Presenters: Jacob Levich, One of the founders of People Against the Draft. He will discuss the potential for reinstatement of the Military draft and how we can respond to this possibility now. Levich is a founding member of People Against the Draft, a nationwide non-partisan, grassroots organization of concerned parents, students, educators, and others. A longtime antiwar activist and freelance journalist, he was contributing editor of Research Unit for Political Economy’s Behind the Invasion of Iraq (Monthly Review Press 2003), described by Nelson Mandela as “a significant contribution to the debate” on the Iraq War. He is an administrator at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, Long Island.
Dr. Michael Tebbano, Principal of Bethlehem Central High School. Dr. Tebbano will discuss the No Child Left Behind Act and how Bethlehem Central School District is implementing the current law’s provisions regarding military recruitment in the high school.
WAR IN IRAQ:
A presentation by Scott Ritter
Saturday, October 16, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave., Delmar
Why did the US go to war? What will be the outcome? Bethlehem resident Scott Ritter is a former U.S. Marine Intelligence Officer and lead weapons inspector with the United Nations until he resigned in 1998. He will reflect on the war in Iraq, discuss how the U.S. got into this debacle and what we can expect in the future. There will be a question and answer period at the end of the presentation.
Scott is the author of: Frontier Justice: Weapons of Mass Destruction and the Bushwhacking of America and Endgame: Solving the Iraq Crisis.
Confronting the Age of Oil Scarcity:
How Sustainable Energy Alternatives Can Work for You.
Saturday October 2, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave, Delmar
Join us for an important discussion of peak oil and sustainable energy alternatives. For those of you who attended The End of Suburbia, we will pick up where that event left off. This forum will cover the global depletion of oil as an energy source, rising energy prices, realistic energy conservation solutions you can take, renewable energy solutions available to all of us, fuel efficiency and more. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Featured Speakers:
Dave Borton (PhD and adjunct professor at RPI),
Jeff Peterson and Bill Reinhardt (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority)
Marion Trieste (Community Energy)
Sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, The Better Bethlehem Community Coalition (BBCC), Community Energy, Sierra Club Hudson/Mohawk Group, Environmental Advocates of NY, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Social Responsibility Council of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of
Northeastern NY. For more information 
download the flyer or call 439-8262.
Premier Film Showing – Hijacking Catastrophe
Saturday, September 11, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Bethlehem Town Hall
Join BNP on September 11 to view this brand new documentary film entitled Hijacking Catastrophe: 9/11, Fear & the Selling of American Empire (2004; 68 min.). It examines how the Bush Administration has used 9/11 and the war on terrorism to sell the American people on a radical and controversial neo-conservative agenda. This is an exciting chance to see this film on the anniversary of 9/11; it is not yet available in any area theaters. Read a review of the film.
The film showing will be followed by a candlelight vigil to commemorate those who died on 9/11 and in the wars which have followed.
8/29, THE WORLD SAYS NO TO THE BUSH AGENDA!
Massive Protest at the Republican National Convention, New York City
Buses leave at 7:00 AM, CDTA park and ride, Delaware Ave.
Buses from Delmar for the August 29, Rally for Peace and Justice at the Republican National Convention in N.Y.C. If you missed coming with us to the last NYC demonstration, you won’t want to miss this historic event! Tickets are $25. Call Joe at 439-1968 or e-mail Paul Tick for tickets or more info. Buses will leave at 7:OO AM from the park and ride. If you can’t afford the full price of the ticket, you may pay what you can afford
BNP Summer Picnic and Fundraiser
4:00 PM – Dusk, Saturday, August 21
Bethlehem Town Park Pavilion, Elm Avenue
GET ACQUAINTED…SUMMER FUN… POTLUCK PICNIC AND SILENT AUCTION
We are now over 500 members strong. So come one, come all. The time is
right to become better acquainted, reconnect and support each other. A date
is reserved for just this purpose. Bring the family, some food for
sharing and plan to bid at the silent auction.
Non Violence training for Demonstrators and Vigilers
with Geralyn McDowell
Tuesday, August 24, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
67 Nine Mile Lane, New Scotland.
Call 475-1929, or email [email protected] for directions, information
This BNP workshop will include a variety of exercises, information and discussion toward developing a common understanding of nonviolence; personal response to violence; personal and communal strategies for nonviolent action/response; travel considerations that build nonviolent community and more. Plus we will have fun! This will be a three hour workshop that will address nonviolence and safety needs and concerns re BNP’s weekly vigils, and plans to travel to NYC for the Republican National Convention.
Geralyn is an organizer with extensive experience in direct action and extensive training and research in nonviolent actions. She is currently the director/organizer at Rosa House in Troy. For more information about Geralyn, her email address is: [email protected] .
Outfoxed film showing! (FREE)
7 – 9 PM, Tuesday, July 20
Bethlehem Town Hall
Join us for what looks to be a great new film, Outfoxed. This film, created by MoveOn.org members, exposes the manipulation of the news by the Fox organization and how this impacts on national and international politics. Don’t miss it. This film will be shown at thousands of house parties around the country this week. (Read more about the film)
NOTE: If you plan to attend, please register on MoveOn.org so we know how many people to expect (it also streamlines things at the door). Click here to register to attend.
Film Screening and Discussion
The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream
7:00 – 9:00 PM, June 29
Bethlehem Town Hall
The Bethlehem Better Community Coalition and Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace invite you to a community discussion. We will view the documentary film: The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream, which features local author James Howard Kunstler. Following the documentary, James Howard Kunstler will give a brief presentation, with time for discussion.
Visioning ‘Another World is Possible’
with Sondra Sprinkling and Michael Rice of Interhelp and BNP
7:00 PM, Monday, June 28 (Pizza at 6:15)
67 Nine Mile Lane, Delmar
Note: The workshop will be limited to 10 participants and pre-registration is required by June 27th with payment (or commitment to pay) of $10, which includes the food; checks made out to Interhelp. Since space is limited, you are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible, by phone to 439-6065 or 475-1929 or email [email protected], or mail to: Sprinkling Rice, 67 Nine Mile Lane, Delmar, NY 12054.
The mantra of the social justice movement is “Another World Is Possible” or AWIS. This contrasts sharply with the mantra of the publicists for corporate capitalism that “There Is No Alternative” or TINA. Unfortunately, the political adherents to these opposing paradigms often talk right past each other and have a hard time finding common ground. The workshop is designed to do two things: first, to clarify for ourselves and together just what heart-felt values we wish the alternative world to incarnate and, second, to seek the common ground we almost certainly share with most of the people who have been taught that there is no alternative (and whom, too often, we have given up on).
p.s. You are encouraged to participate in the weekly Peace Vigil at the four Corners from 5-6 preceding the workshop, and on all other Mondays!
BNP Public Forum
Muslims under attack in the Capital Region
and around the Country
7:00 PM, Thursday, July 1
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar
Speakers:
Imam Warith-Deen Umar
Shokriea Yaghi (wife of imprisoned and deported Ali Yaghi)
In the Capital Region, attacks on Muslims like Imam Umar, Ali Yaghi, and Ansar Mahmood have had serious consequences, ranging from the loss of a job to deportation to imprisonment. We are now learning of additional attacks against Muslims in this region. These attacks are a part of the general campaign of intimidation against Muslims that has been going on in this country since 9/11.All of these attacks have put a chill on freedom of speech and other democratic rights, especially among Muslims.
Such attacks are designed to intimidate Muslims in the United States and everyone else who has spoken out against U.S. government policy. Today more than ever, it is essential that we stand behind our most vulnerable citizens and oppose attacks against Muslims and others.
On May 23, 2004, BNP sponsored a 2-hour forum entitled “Countdown to Sovereignty: How Iraq’s Past May Shape Its Future” (More than 100 people came to listen to two professors and an Iraqi feminist/activist present their views of Iraq’s past, present and future. Sobering, informative, thoughtful, necessary, enriching — these were some of the adjectives listeners used to describe the forum afterwards.
Photo left to right: Peg Clement (moderator), Dr. Michele Angrist, Ms. May Khemili, Dr. Don Birn.
The World Still Says ‘No’ to War!
Saturday, March 20, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
New York City
Join your neighbors as we travel by bus from Delmar to N.Y.C. on the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. “The World Still Says No to War” will be the theme as simultaneous demonstrations go on around the world. Tickets are only $20 round trip and we will have a blast together with singing, games and prizes along the way. Bus leaves Delmar at 7 AM and returns at 9 PM.
Afghanistan: A Fragile Peace
Sunday, Feb 29, 4:30 – 6:30 PM,
Town Hall, Bethlehem
Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace hosts this multimedia presentation of Connie Frisbee Houde’s trip to Afghanistan in 2003. Using music, slides and voice she describes what she experienced and what she has learned about this country which is struggling to recover from years of war.
She presents many images of the people of Afghanistan giving a touching connection to a far away land. Connie has also traveled to Bosnia, Mexico, Jordan, Peru, Vietnam and Cambodia. One week after the presentation, Connie will be going again to Afghanistan. We hope you will join us for this very special event.
Anniversary Vigil For Peace
Sunday, February 15
12 – 1pm, 4-Corners, Delmar
Take a stand for peace on February 15, the one-year anniversary of the historic day when more than 15 million people around the world took to the streets to protest the Iraq War. Vigils are planned for cities across the United States and around the world. Refreshments will be served and the conversation promises to be inspirational and informative. See you there!
A Modern Day David and Goliath Story: Who Owns Life? An Evening with Percy Schmeiser. Monday, January 26, 7 – 9 PM. “If you can patent a plant, what about birds, bees and animals – and ultimately humans? Where does it stop?” First Lutheran Church of Albany, 181 Western Avenue between Quail and North Lake, Albany, NY. (Please use the 646 State St. entrance). Percy Schmeiser, a life-long farmer and seed saver from Bruno, Saskatchewan, Canada, and former mayor and member of the provincial legislature, has spent the last five years embroiled in a battle with Monsanto after the its patent-protected Roundup Ready canola contaminated his fields. This 73-year-old has become an international folk hero in the struggle against genetically engineered crops and global domination of our food supply by a handful of corporations. His landmark case against Monsanto will be heard by the Supreme Court of Canada, just 6 days before his Albany appearance. Mr. Schmeiser will be available for interviews during his visit to Albany.
Organized by the Regional Farm & Food Project. Co-sponsors include Honest Weight Food Coop, Siena Program for Sustainable Land Use, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, The Nature Institute, Save the Pine Bush, and Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Free and open to the public. A 5-$10 donation at the event is suggested to help defray Percy Schmeiser’s legal expenses. Contact Tracy Frisch, Regional Farm & Food Project, 518/271-0744, [email protected]
Precarious Peace: God and Guatemala
72-Minute Documentary Film, with the writers/producers!
Sunday, January 25, 3 – 5 PM
Delmar Presbyterian Church Meeting Room
585 Delaware Ave, Delmar
The first part of the film focuses first on the brutal violence of the 36-year war in Guatemala, seen through the eyes of a rural Guatemalan family, and then explores the peace process that finally silenced the guns in 1996. The second part looks at more insidious levels of violence, still operative today-in particular the economic, racial, and religious marginalization of Guatemala’s Mayan Indian population. This film was funded in part by the United States Institute of Peace. The film’s producers and writers, Rudy and Shirley Nelson of Albany, will attend this presentation and will be available afterward for discussion. Presented by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace.
BNP 1st Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, January 18
Candlelight Peace Vigil: 5-6 PM, Meet at 4 Corners
Celebration Dinner: 6:15, Hidden Cafe (details below)
Peace Vigil: Everyone is invited to join fellow members of the local community in a Candlelight Vigil for Peace starting at 5 PM on Sunday, Jan. 18. The vigil will commemorate our first vigil at 4 Corners in Delmar one year ago, where over 100 people helped begin our ongoing weekly vigil for peace (usually Mondays from 5-6 PM). The candlelight vigil will meet at 4 Corners, with a short procession to Veteran’s Park and back. Please bring candles/holders or flashlights, etc, and park at the Municipal Lot on Kenwood Avenue (or walk to the event). As always, please consider carpooling to this event.
Celebration Dinner: 6:15 – on, Sunday January 18, Hidden Cafe, Delaware Plaza, Delmar. This is a fun, private event open to BNP members and family to help celebrate our first year as an organization! Buffet Dinner (Chicken, Fish, Pasta, Pita and Salad, Soda, Coffee). Adults: $20, Children $6.95 (separate kids menu of chicken fingers, fries and soda). Cash bar: beer-$3, wine-$4. There is a minimum of 35 people, with a maximum of 65 allowed, so please register right away! If you wish to attend the dinner you must send a check made out to “BNP.” You may send the checks to Sondra Sprinkling at 67 Nine Mile La., Delmar, 12054. The checks must be received by Sat., Jan.10th in order to hold a reservation and there will be no refunds. The first 55 people to send checks will have a confirmed reservation. You may call Sondra at 475-1929 if you have any questions. Sorry, no refunds possible.
Action Alert: Preserving Our Civil Liberties
A FORUM ON THE USA PATRIOT ACT AND
CIVIL LIBERTIES POST SEPTEMBER 11
Sunday, January 11, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave., Delmar
Speakers:
Diane Berry, American Library Association, Intellectual Freedom Committee
Nancy Ota, Albany Law School, Professor, Immigrant’s Rights
Dominick Calsolaro, Albany Common Council, Ward 1
Marggie Skinner, The Book House, Community Liaison, representing views of American Booksellers Association.
Melanie Trimble, New York Civil Liberties Union, Executive Director, Capital District Chapter
Sponsored by: Bethlehem Bill of Rights Defense Committee, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, New York Civil Liberties Union-Capital Region Chapter, League of Women Voters, Veterans for Peace-Albany Chapter, and Center for Law and Justice.