Past Events 2007

Past Events 2007:

Annual Crossgates Mall Walk
Thursday , December 20, 5:15 pm -7:00 pm
Crossgates Mall, Albany

Please join us all are invited …WEAR YOUR PEACE TEE SHIRTS !!!Let’s strollthrough the mall. We will sing holiday carols ( popular songsre-created by the Raging Grannies) and share our hopes for peace withthe holiday shoppers at Crossgates! Our first Crossgates MallPeace walk was in 2002 when a group of folks from Peace Action, WomenAgainst War and other groups entered the mall wearing shirts that said:Drop Toys Not Bombs, Don’t Attack Iraq and Peace on Earth! Wewere rounded up and escorted off the property under threat of arrest.Steve and Roger Downs heard about this and went ito the mall to see ifit could possibly be true. The rest is history. This annual event islisted by Wikipedia: “At the dawn of the Iraq War in March 2003, themall (Crossgates) became the center of a free speech controversy whenSelkirk resident Stephen Downs was arrested refusing to take off ananti-war t-shirt that he had purchased in the mall. After manyobjections, the mall dropped the charges. Shortly thereafter, a largeprotest was held at the mall where many people came wearing anti-warattire.” We will gather ahead of time at 5:15 ( Cinema 18entrance, outside) and gather in the mall at 5:45 in the Food Courtarea to meander and “shop”, then will gather again at the foodcourt to sing at 6:15. Please plan to join us as celebrate the seasonof Peace and Hope.

 

Poetry Night: Special Guest Larry Winters and An Open Mike
Thursday, December 6, 7:00 pm
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

Larry Winters, a former US Marine, willl read from his poetry. Some of you may remember Larry from the 9th Annual Kateri Tekakwitha Peace Conference this past summer. Larry did a workshop at the Conference on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dan Wilcox will host this event and will give us all a chance to read our own poetry with an open mike session. Refreshments provided. Co-sponsored by Bethlehem NEighbors for PEace and Veterans for Peace. Join us. Information: 518 391-2830.

 

Film: Everything’s Cool
Monday, November 19, 7:00 pm
Friends Meeting House
727 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY
Everything’s Cool is a “toxic comedy” about the most dangerous chasm ever to emerge between scientific understanding and political action – Global Warming. The good news: America finally gets global warming; the chasm is closing and the debate is over. The bad news: the United States, the country that will determine the fate of the globe, must transform its fossil fuel based economy fast (like in a minute). While the industry funded naysayers sing what just might be their swan song of scientific doubt and deception, a group of self-appointed global warming messengers are on a life or death quest to find the iconic image, proper language, and points of leverage that will help the public go from understanding the urgency of the problem to creating the political will necessary to push for a new energy economy. Hold on — this is bigger than changing your light bulbs. Co-sponsored by Pine Hills Neighbors for Peace and BNP.

 

 

 

War Crimes (Part of the Great Decisions series of international presentations)
Tuesday, November 20, 6:00 pm
Albany Law School , West Wing Classroom (W212)
80 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY

The speaker will be Maria Grahn-Farley, an expert in international law with a specialty in war crimes, especially as they involve children and especially child soldiers both as perpetrators and as victims. Refreshments will be served. This program co-sponsored by the International Center of the Capital Region and Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Donations accepted.

 

 

 

Film: Meeting Resistance
Friday, November 16, 7:00 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue, Troy NY

“Meeting Resistance” is set in the streets, alleyways and ubiquitous teashops of the Adhamiya neighborhood of Baghdad. It enters the physical and psychological heart of the “insurgency” against the American occupation. Photojournalists/directors Steve Connors and Molly Bingham spent ten-months among the insurgents there to create this exclusive, unique, and at once horrifying, compelling and insightful film about their lives, motivation, and goals. “Meeting Resistance” focuses on eight “insurgents,” each with his or her own tale and reasons for opposing the American-led occupation, yet all people who within days of the fall of Baghdad were arranging themselves into resistance cells, finding the money and weapons to fight against the American military. The film witnesses how they began to organize themselves, reveals why they have decided to violently oppose the occupation of the country, and hears in their words the underlying ideological foundations to their fight and how and why those have changed over time. “Meeting Resistance” is a fascinating journey through a tumultuous period with diverse members of the Iraqi resistance. Their personal stories as well as their ideological ones are at once dramatic, eye-opening, and concerning – and they challenge the notion that those opposing the occupation are simply “dead enders,” “common criminals,” “Al-Qaeda operatives” and “die-hard Ba’athis.” The directors’ unsurpassed access and visually stunning cinematography makes this film a one-of-a-kind; essential viewing for audiences around the world concerned with a deeper understanding of the current situation in Iraq, and with the human condition of resistance. Co-sponsored by BNP, Woman Against War and Sanctuary for Independent Media.

 

UFPJ March: END THE WAR NOW
Saturday, October 27, 2007
New York City

National mobilization to end the War in Iraq. 2 buses are reserved for Albany area activists. Bus leaving East Garage (Madison and Eagle Street) in Albany at 7:30 am. Join thousands from all over New York and northern New Jersey in a massive march and rally to end the war! Assemble at 12 noon on Broadway, south of 23rd Street . March at 1:00pm down Broadway to Foley Square . We will leave NYC for the return to Albany at about 5 pm. OUR 2 RESERVED BUSES ARE NOW FULL

 

 

Dahr Jamail
Saturday, October 20, 7:00 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue, Troy

Dahr Jamail is an independent journalist who has covered the Middle East for more than four years. He has reported extensively from inside Iraq for eight months, and has also has reported from Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. Jamail writes for the Inter Press Service, The Asia Times, and many other outlets. His reports have been published in The Nation, The Sunday Herald, The Guardian, Foreign Policy in Focus, and The Independent, among other publications. On radio as well as television, Jamail has reported for Democracy Now!, and numerous other stations around the globe. Jamail is also special correspondent for “Flashpoints” (KPFK Radio/Pacifica). He lives in California. Co-sponsored by Sanctuary for Independent Media, BNP and Women Against War. Information: (518) 272-2390.

Army of None Project
Wednesday, October 17, 7:00 – 9:30 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue, Troy

The Army of None Project to counter military recruitment, end war and build a better world features Aimee Allison and David Solnit. They are traveling across the United States to share their knowledge and experience with the counter recruitment movement, one of the fastest growing, most strategic forms of community organizing. The military recruitment complex insinuates itself into the daily lives of children and youth in ways of which most people are not aware. Millions of dollars are poured into advanced marketing strategies; recruiters walk freely into classrooms with false promises of a way out of poverty. The Army of None Project argues that childhood should be free of military influence and the constant pressure to enlist. This is not just a way to protect our most valuable national resource–children; it is an effective way to take local action to provide equal opportunity and youth leadership training for those who bear the burden of fighting in Iraq and beyond. Co-sponsored by Sanctuary for Independent Media. BNP and Women Against War.

Reese Erlich – Author of The Iran Agenda: The Real Story of U.S. Policy and the Middle East Crisis”
Thursday, October 11, 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue, Troy

Will the United States and Iran find themselves at war? In “The Iran Agenda: The Real Story of U.S. Policy and the Middle East Crisis” (PoliPointPress, 2007), author and journalist Reese Erlich shows how the U.S. government is planning to subvert the Iranian government and lie about it to the American people. He traces the troubled history between the two countries that has led to the current showdown over nuclear technology and he reports from Iran and northern Iraq to uncover details of how the U.S. has funded ethnic minorities to carry out guerrilla raids and terrorist bombings inside Iran. In his previous book, the best-selling “Target Iraq: What the News Media Didn”t Tell You” (co-authored with Norman Solomon), Erlich presciently exposed the harsh realities and consequences of the run-up to the Iraq War and the media’s failure to present the full spectrum of facts to the public. Reese Erlic has been a working journalist for 40 years–starting as a staff writer and research editor for Ramparts, an investigative reporting magazine published in San Francisco from 1963 to 1975. Today he works as a freelance reporter, regularly filing print and broadcast stories for the Canadian and Australian Broadcasting Corporations, Radio Deutche Welle and National Public Radio. His articles appear in the San Francisco Chronicle, St. Petersburg Times and the Dallas Morning News. His television documentaries have aired on PBS stations nationwide. Produced by the Iran Working Group of Upper Hudson Peace Action and co-sponsored by Sanctuary for Independent Media, Women Against War amd BNP. 6 PM potluck, 7 PM talk. For more information: (518) 272-2390 or [email protected]

BNP Discussion
Monday, October 15, 6:00 pm
Java Jazz Cafe, 318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY

Join friends and neighbors for a discussion of current events.

Dahlia Wasfi and Jimmy Massey
Monday, October 1 , 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany

Dahlia Wasfi, a physician and activist who has returned to Iraq several times and Jimmy Massey a founding member of Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) will speak on the war in Iraq.. Sponsored by BNP, Physicians for Social Responsibility( Capital District), Upper Hudson Peace Action For more information: 518-391-2830

BNP Film Night- Meeting Face to Face – the Iraq-US Labor Solidarity Tour
Thursday, October 4 , 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

Meeting Face to Face (27 minute documentary) chronicles the 2005 Iraq-U.S. Labor Solidarity Tour sponsored by U.S. Labor Against the War. The tour follows six Iraqi labor leaders as they meet with union members and other Americans in twenty-five cities throughout the United States. Speaking to American audiences for the first time, Iraqis explain why the primary condition for a peaceful resolution in Iraq is ending the U.S. occupation and why an independent labor movement is crucial in creating a democratic society.The film was produced by Jonathan Levin and Michael Zweig of the Center for the Study of Working Class Life. After the film, local labor leaders Jon Flanders and Doug Bullock will lead us in a discussion. Doug and Jon will talk with us about recent events in Iraq and the current role of labor. For more information: 518-439-1968.

Bring the Troops Home Now:Rally and March, Syracuse, NY
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Syracuse, NY
11:30 am – 7:00 pm

Unconditional Withdrawal
Full Health Benefits For Returning Veterans Reparations to the Iraqi people
Money for Community Jobs, Education and Needs, Not Occupation.
Official Event Website

Presented by: Iraq Veterans Against the War-Ft. Drum, Syracuse Peace Council, and The Upstate NY Antiwar Network.

 

BNP Film Night- A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash Thursday, September 6, 6:45 – 9:00 pm
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

This 90 minute documentary was produced and directed by award-winning European journalists and filmmakers Basil Gelpke and Ray McCormack. It tells the story of how our addiction to oil puts us on a collision course with geology. Compelling, intelligent, and highly entertaining, the film visits with the world’s top experts and comes to a startling, but logical conclusion – our industrial society, built on cheap and readily available oil, must be completely redesigned. Join us for a discussion after the film. For more information: 518-391-2830

 

Muslim Solidarity March Wednesday, August 15, 4:00- 6:00
from the Mosque on Central Avenue (starting at 4:30 ) to a rally at the Armory

This event commemorates the third anniversary of the arrests of Yussin Aref and Mohammed Hossain who were entrapped by an FBI sting and persecuted in the terrorist scare emanating from the highest levels of our government. The March and Vigil will start at 275 Central Ave, the Masjid As-Salam mosque, at 4pm. We will march down Central Ave to the corner of Lark St at the old Washington Avenue Armory where a Vigil will take place until 6 pm.

Hope and Resistance Transforming the Course of History
Friday evening, August 17 and Saturday, August 18, 2007 at the National Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine in Fonda, NY.

Website for the Conference . The 9th annual Kateri Tekakwitha Peace Conference, “Hope and Resistance – Transforming the Course of History”. Please join us in this Interfaith conference, featuring Stephen Eric Bronner and Fr. Louis Vitale OFM at the National Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine in Fonda, NY. All are welcome!

4th Annual BNP Picnic Sunday, August 12, 3 pm till Dusk
Elm Avenue Park , Delmar, NY

Join us again this year for lots of conversation, great food, volley ball and a walk in the park.This will be a pot luck so please bring a dish to share and you own place settings if possible. We will have some extra place settings but would like to keep the garbage to a minimum. Thanks. See you there. Call or email Trudy if you are willing to help set up or clean up for this event. 391-2830 or [email protected]. Thanks. New members always welcome.

Ralph Nader: An Unreasonable Man Thursday , August 2, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

This is a biographical documentary film ( 2hours, 1 min) about the life of the legendary consumer advocate and political activist, Ralph Nader. Join us for the film, followed by a discussion. “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” -George Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman (1903) “Maxims for Revolutionists”. 391-2830 for more information. New members always welcome.

Lorna Tychostup: Photo Journalist to Display Iraq Photos and Speak
Thursday, July 19, 7pm
318 Delaware Ave. (rear of Exposed Gallery and Java Jazz Café)

Ms. Tychostup has made many trips to Iraq to document the ravages of war on women and children. Her work will be displayed at the Gallery beginning July 19th, and will be presented to the public at an open house. Exposed Gallery and Java Jazz Cafe are collaborating to help Ms. Tychostup raise the funds to return to Iraq and continue her work. Email for more information: [email protected]

I Know I’m Not Alone
A Musician’s Search For the Human Cost of War Thursday, July 5, 6:45 – 8:30 pm
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

This is documentary film by Michael Franti, a well know musician and human rights worker who traveled to Iraq, Palestine, and Israel to explore the human cost of war. “I Know I’m Not Alone (2006) is an antidote to despair. With soulful music and boyish charm, Michael Franti sings his way through two brutal occupations–Iraq and Palestine, breaking through the hate and revealing the oneness of our human family.” –Medea Benjamin. Contact: 391-2830 for further information. Join us!

2nd Annual Capital Region Grafton Picnic for Peace
Saturday, July 14, 9 am till Dusk
Grafton State Park

July 14, 2007, we will have a wonderful gathering for all the PEACE loving/desiring people at Grafton State Park. We have rented the Rabbit Run Pavillion again, right near the water, for a day of fun, swimming, boating, hiking, horseshoes, volleyball and community building. Bring your kayak, your kids, your sun screen, your poetry, your instruments, your voice to SING, your favorite dish to share, we will provide a sound system! Please bring Your Own PLACE Setting and “cutlery” to be taken Home to wash (We are also saving the planet from plastic..a petroleum product!) Last year we had minimal waste …this year none! We had a great time last year and plan to again this year….recharge your battery to stand up for PEACE! Any musician who will play for us may have their cd’s etc for sale and all leaflets and educatonal materials will be welcomed on the info table! Save the date to celebrate our community..our work…our future as we work for change….car pool to save gas and $ entrance fee 7$ per car load…JULY 14 more to come: wendy 781-0071 or 542-4194 or Trudy : [email protected] for info. Be there, bring sun and good spirits!

BNP COMMUNITY SERVICE
SATURDAY JUNE 30TH 9:30 – 11:30 am
STEWARTS 9-W , Delmar, NY BNP was invited by Town Supervisor Jack Cunningham to be among a number of community organizations to participate in a Town clean-up project. Each organization will be asked to work a two hour period on a Saturday to clean up a prime section of a Bethlehem road. BNP is scheduled for June 30th from 9:30 to 11:30 to be minimally disruptive of our busy weekends. . The Town will provide water and orange visibility vests. We should wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt and bring gloves, a hat and comfortable shoes. For a minimum investment this gives us a chance to become more of a recognized part of the Town activities. . Let me know if you can make it (Bruce Bushart at 439-6719) or show up on the 30th. Thanks – Supervisor Cunningham plans to be there to get us started – hope to see you there – this is an important event in the growth of BNP. LOCATION: AREA NEAR STEWARTS ROUTE 9-W – PARKING – GEIST BROTHERS AUTO BODY – please do not block their entrance.

WATER FIRST: LIVING DROP BY DROP
A Documentary Film by Amy Hart Monday, June 11, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY

6,000 children die every day from drinking dirty water. Water First reveals the magnitude of the global water crisis, and follows one man’s journey to create solutions. Join us for a special screening followed by a discussion with Charles Banda, Founder of Freshwater Project Malawi, and subject of the film. Introduced by Oliver Holmes, Town of Bethlehem, Commissioner of Public Works. This event is free and open to the public. It is also a fundraiser for Freshwater Project in Malawi. All funds collected will be used to build wells in Africa.
Contact: 391-2830 for further information. www.WaterDoc.org. Co-sponsored by the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Northeast NY and Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace.

Nuclear: Weapons , Waste and War Forum
Thursday, June 7, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

John Amidon has recently returned from the Nevada Test Site and participated in a weeklong protest against nuclear weapons. This event focused on protesting the proposed “Complex 2030” plan, the “Reliable Replacement Warhead”, and the occupation of Iraq. John will be joined by Joan Walker and local physician Dr. Andy Coates. Joan will speak about aspects of the NY Military Toxins Law passed in 2006 including development of a post deployment NYS Health Registry for NY Army and Air Force National Guard members. Dr. Coates will represent Physicians for Social Responsibility. There will be a general discussion on Nuclear issues related to war, public health, global warming and the future of our planet. Contact: 391-2830 for further information. Co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Physicians for Social Responsibility and Veterans for Peace.

Rally: Stop the violence…Stop the humiliation…Start to make a change Against the illegal 40-year occupation
Friday, June 8, 4:30 – 5:30 PM Washington Ave. Armory (Corner of Lark St & Central Ave. Albany)

Calling for an end to the 40-year-old US supported military occupation of Palestinian lands. Co-Sponsored by: Upper Hudson Peace Action, The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Albany County Greens, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Schenectady Neighbors for Peace & Friends Meeting of Albany.

TAKE CONTROL OF OUR ELECTIONS …GOT PAPER? GOT DEMOCRACY Saturday, June 2nd, 5:00 PM (Film: “Truth in the Booth” will be shown from 4: 15 – 5pm)
Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave , Delmar , NY

Steve Freeman- author, Was the 2004 Presidential Election Stolen?, Jonathan Simon- Election Defense Alliance, Bo Lipari- New Yorkers for Verified Voting, Sally Castleman, Election Defense Alliance. Come hear the evidence not being reported. New York, the only state that hasn?t yet bought into electronic voting machines, needs our help to get it right the first time, on the first count, on paper we can see with our own eyes. Just Say No to E-Counting and Yes to See-Counting. Brought to you by Northeast Citizens for Responsible Media (Re-Media) www.Re-Media.org, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace www.BethlehemForPeace.org , ARISE www.ARISEorg.net

For the Sake of the Peace, Stability and Security of our Country and the World Monday, May 14, 12:00 noon
West Park Capitol Steps, Albany, NY

Concerned citizens will gather at the West Steps of the State Capitol in Albany to publicly demand our state and federal elected representatives take resolute steps to implement: The TEN COMMANDMENTS of the People …We the people . . . for the sake of World Peace, Stability and Security. Take the lunch hour off and come down to the State Capitol and be a peaceful counter point to the event on the east side where Hillary Clinton will be speaking. Signs and banners without sticks are welcome. Speakers at the rally will include: Elliot Adams, National President of Veterans for Peace, Yonatan Shapira, former Israeli Air Force Blackhawk pilot, now a Combatant for Peace, Dr. Stephen Larsen, biographer of Joseph Campbell, Nathen Alft – Lafond – student activist on the situation in New Orleans and Government complicity, Andor Skotnes – Professor of History at Sage Colleges and former Co-chair of Historians Against War, Michael Rice of BNP, Jay Wenk, World War II veteran and peace activist hero, Joan Walker, activist against the use of Depleted Uranium.Sponsored by Woodstock Peace Affinity, BNP, Veterans for Peace, Middle East Crisis Response, Dutchess Greens, Peacemakers of Schoharie County, First Unitrian Society of Schenectady. For more information contact: Tarak at 845 679-3299 or [email protected]

Ed Kinane: His Recent Trip to Iran
Thursday, May 3, 7:00 – 8:45 PM
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

Ed Kinane will speak about his recent trip to Iran with a fellowship of reconciliation “civilian diplomacy” delegation. Ed also spent 5 months in Iraq in 2003 with Voices in the Wilderness. He has been an outspoken critic of the US Army’s School of the Americas at Fort Benning Georgia. He has twice served time in Federal Prison for his non violent protests against the School of the Americas. Carole Ferraro, who also recently visited Iran, will introduce Ed. Call 391-2830 for further information.

The Eighth Step presents Anne Feeney
Saturday, May 5, 8:00 PM
Sanctuary for Independent Media, Troy, NY

IThe Eighth Step presents an evening of intelligent often irreverent & sometimes raucous muscial commentary. Anne Feeney, Union Maid, Labor Activist, Performer with Evan Greer, Riotfolk at the Sanctuary for Independent Media, Troy, NY . Info and Tix 518-434-1703

May Day Festival and Free Speech Event
Tuesday, May 1, 5:00 – 10:00PM
South Troy’s Open Marketplace (Under a Tent in case of inclement weather)

May Day Festival and Free Speech Event featuring the regional premiere of Peter Miller’s film Sacco and Vanzetti, The story of the persecution of two immigrant workers in the early 20th century. With Food, Entertainment, Children’s Activities, Storytelling, Literature Tables, Maria Zemantauski, Flamenco Guitar, Barbara Chepaitis, Story Teller, Solidarity Singers. For more information, go to the May Day 2007 website.

Inside Iraq: What Really Happens?
Wednesday, May 2, 7:00 pm
SUNY Albany, Main Campus, Lecture Center 23

A FORUM on The Human Costs of the War and how to bring PEACE. Speakers:May Saffar, native of Baghdad; Michael Blake, American veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom; Joe Lombardo, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace;David Eisenstein, U Albany Class of 2006; Sean Muniz, 911 Truth. Sponsors: U-Albany 911 Truth, Campus Greens, SUNYA Peace and Justice, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Call 439-8262 for more information. Map of SUNY Campus.

Communities Uniting for Climate Action Now: Step It Up 2007
Saturday, April 14, 11 AM – 3:00 PM
Lake House at Washington Park, Albany

Step it Up Congress! Cut Carbon 80% by 2050! Join the Honest Weight Food Coop and other local environmental organizations to call for action on climate change.The Honest Weight Food Co-op will host a local foods picnic at the Lake House in Washington Park. Speakers and musical performers include: David Yarrow, Hakim Steward, Fred Braglia, and Byran Thomas. Walk from Washington Park to the Capital steps at 2:00 pm. Judith Enck (Deputy Secretary for the Environment), Sandy Gordon (Albany County Legislature), Steve Gilman (NOFA-NY Policy Coordinator), Edward Bennett (President, NY Interfaith Power & Light), Michael Rice (BNP) will speak from the Capital steps. This is a national effort, with 902 events planned in 50 states, organized by environmentalist Bill McKibben, author of “The End of Nature” .

Reflections on South Africa Since 1994
Thursday, April 5, 7 – 8:30 PM
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

Andor Skotnes, professor of history at the Sage Colleges, Delmar resident and BNP member, first returned to South Africa in 1994, the year usually marked as the official end to apartheid with the election of Nelson Mandela to the presidency and the triumph of the ANC at the polls. Born in Johannesburg, Skotnes emigrated with his family to southern California in the 1950s. When he returned in 1994 he found South Africa in the first, heady days of the post-apartheid era. In December-January 2006-07 Skotnes returned along with his family, Teresa Meade, Darren and Claire Skotnes, to reconnect with his South African relatives and to witness how much has changed in the 12 years since his last visit.Teresa Meade, professor of history at Union College, Delmar resident and BNP member, directed a 3-week-long public history study tour of Cape Town with 22 students from Union College. Under the auspices of the University of Cape Town, the Union College students learned the history of South Africa, especially the Cape peninsula, by viewing monuments, visiting museums, meeting with members of township-based organizations, and through lectures with professors from the history department at UCT.

Teresa and Andor will discuss their impressions of South Africa, shows slides, and answer questions about the world they visited. Although neither is an expert in South African history and politics, they look forward to engaging in a conversation with BNP supporters about the changes underway in the “new South Africa.”

Kathy Kelly: Eyewitness to War, Witness for Peace
Saturday, March 24, 6:30 PM
Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY

Spend an inspiring evening with international peace activist, author and three time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Kathy Kelly. When the first American Marines battled their way into Baghdad in March of 2003 they were met by Kathy Kelly and a small band of peace witnesses. From Baghdad to Beirut, Haiti to Ft Benning, from a maximum security prison cell to the Washington DC office of Hilary Clinton, Kathy Kelly has courageously put her life on the line to serve as a witness for peace in a war-ravaged world. Join Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Women Against War, Veterans for Peace and the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady Social Action Council as we welcome Kathy back from her recent stay in Jordan, documenting the plight of Iraqi war refugees stranded there, abandoned by their own country and the Jordanian government as well. Her moving accounts of ordinary people caught up in violent conflict will sometimes shock , but will also leave you in awe of the power of human compassion. More information: Bob Alft [email protected], 518-765-4386 or Elaine: 518.439.8262 .

4th Anniversary of the War in Iraq: March & Rally in Albany to Protest!
Sunday , March 18, 2:00 PM
Capital East Park (on the east side of the Capital), Albany

The Northeast Peace and Justice Action Coalition is planning a massive march and rally in Albany on Sunday, March 18. The rally will start atCapital Park East in Albany at 2 PM and will march to the Federal Building. We will carry signs with the names of US GIs who have died and remember the 650,000 Iraqis who have died. You can register to participate and get the name of a GI who you will represent at www.RememberingTheFallen.org . In November, we voted to end the war but instead we got an escalation. Now is the time for all who oppose the war to stand up and say, “Enough!”. For more information call Joe at 439-1968 or [email protected]

Steve Breyman on “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” by Jimmy Carter Thursday, March 1, 7:00 – 8:30 PM Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President, Jimmy Carter, has been involved in Middle East policies for the last three decades. His new book on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid”, will be reviewed for us by Steve Breyman. A discussion will follow. Join us! 518 391-2830 for further information.

“The Enemy Within: A case study of America’s response to the threat of homegrown terrorism” Thursday, February 1, 6:30 – 8:30 PM Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

We will view this FRONTLINE documentary, and follow-up with a discussion. “Critics of the U.S. war on terror, both in and out of government, fear that cases like Lodi demonstrate that the Bush administration, the Justice Department and the FBI have exaggerated the terrorist threat inside America. “Terrorism itself can be a rallying cry for political purposes,” says John Brennan, founder of the National Counterterrorism Center and 23-year veteran of the CIA. “There is a legitimate concern about terrorism. However, you don’t want to overhype it, and I think there has been some of that over the past couple of years.” A discussion about how events in this film parallel the Albany case (led by Steve Downs who worked as a lawyer for the State Commission on Judicial Conduct and was also the hero of the Crossgates Mall T-shirt free speech case in 2003) will follow the movie.

Contact: 391-2830 for further information. New members always welcome!

United for Peace and Justice: March on Washington, D.C. Saturday, January 27, Leaving Albany about Midnight Friday (1/26), arriving back in Albany about 1:00 AM Sunday(1/28)
Departure from: Eagle Street Garage, Albany (Madison Ave. between Eagle and Philip)

2 buses have been reserved for this event. Buses will be leaving from the Eagle St. Garage, Albany (Madison Ave. between Eagle and Philip) on Friday, January 26 at midnight. (Please arrive by 11:30 PM.)The buses will arrive in Washington about 9 AM. The return buses will leave Washington at 5 PM on Saturday and arrive back in Albany about 1 AM Sunday. Complete the Bus Registration form and return with $65 ($40 for Students) for each ticket to: BNP, PO Box 473, Delmar, NY 12054. Checks made out to “BNP”. We have reserved 2 buses and expect them to fill up fast, so send in your $ today! All payments must be received by January 12. If you would like to request a scholarship or need further information, call Joe at 439-1968. If you would like to get on the bus at the Catskill Thruway exit, call Wendy Dwyer at: (518) 781- 0071.

Combatants for Peace Saturday, January 20, 4:00 – 5:30 PM Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY

Combatants for Peace, a Palestinian ex- prisoner and Israeli ex-combatant will speak on how they gave up violence and came together to form a vision for peace. They are on a 22 city tour of the U.S. and we are honored to have them in the Capital District. This event is hosted by Brit Tzedek v’Shalom (Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace) and Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Don’t miss it, doors will open at 3:45 PM.

Combatants for Peace
The “Combatants for Peace” movement was started jointly by Palestinians and Israelis, who have taken an active part in the cycle of violence; Israelis as soldiers in the Israeli army and Palestinians as part of the violent struggle for Palestinian freedom. After brandishing weapons for so many years, and having seen one another only through weapon sights, we have decided to put down our guns, and to fight for peace.

Sulaiman Al Hamri spent four-and-a-half years in Israeli prison for his involvement in anti-occupation protests. He is the Palestinian coordinator for Combatants for Peace.
Elik Elhanan was in an Israeli combat unit for three years. His sister was killed by a Palestinian suicide bomber. He is the Israeli coordinator for Combatants for Peace. For mor information, contact Paul Tick at: [email protected]

Press Conference with Congressman Michael McNulty Sunday, January 21,11:00 AM
Four Corners ( Intersection of Delaware and Kenwood Avenues), Delmar, NY

Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace will hold a peace movement Press Conference with Congressman Michael McNulty. All welcome! We will call for public protest in Washington on January 27th and initiate our fifth year of activism with a call to redouble efforts to stop the Iraq War. Details to follow next week!

NO!.. No More Troops …No More Money … No Torture…No Guantanamo Thursday, January 11, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm
Sears corner of Wolf Road and Central Avenue in Colonie

Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace invites all persons concerned about the President’s call for a “surge” of troops to Iraq to join in a Vigil. The people have spoken on November 7, 2006: End the War in Iraq.

The Baker-Hamilton Commission (Iraq Study Group) appointed by the President has reported that the war cannot be won, that it has evoked a civil war in Iraq.

The Generals have advised the President that an escalation has been tried before and will not work. (The President replaced them with men who will do his incomprehensible bidding.)

January 11 also marks the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Naval base at Guantanamo Bay to imprison and torture so-called “enemy combatants” – many of them turned in by neighbors in Afghanistan in order to collect up to $5000 in rewards. In recognition of that shameful anniversary, the Inter-Faith Alliance is holding a press conference at 11 am on January 11 at 40 North Main Street in Albany, and the Catholic Worker is calling for a 24-hour fast from 6 pm January 10 to 6 pm January 11, and is holding a vigil in front of the Armory on Washington Avenue from 12 to 1 pm.

Battered Women, Abused Children, and Child Custody: A National Crisis January 12th, 13th, & 14th, 2007 , (Friday, 6 p.m. – Sunday, 6 p.m.)
Albany Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, Albany, NY

The Fourth Annual Battered Mothers Custody Conference: Keynote Addresses by: Actress Angela Shelton (“Searching for Angela Shelton”) and Phyllis Chesler, Ph.D., Author, “Mothers on Trial” , Lenore Walker, Ph.D., Domestic Violence Expert , Patricia Evans, Author, “The Verbally Abusive Relationship”, Lundy Bancroft, Author, “The Batterer as Parent”, and Sol Gothard, Retired Judge, LA 5th Circuit Court of Appeal

Visit www.batteredmotherscustodyconference.org for registration, brochure, schedule, topics, fees, fee waiver, hotel, and other details.
For additional information, contact: Mo Hannah, Ph.D., Chair, [email protected] , 518-210-2487 Liliane Heller Miller, Vice Chair, [email protected] 704-777-1803

Out of Balance: Exxon Mobil’s Impact on Climate Change Thursday, January 4, 6:30 – 8:30 PM Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

This is Joe Public Films’ fourth documentary, produced by Tom Jackson who will be at this event to lead a disucssion after the film. The documentary is an expose´ of the oil giant, with a primary focus on ExxonMobil’s funding of PR firms out of which climate change “skeptics” have worked for years. The so-called skeptics have fostered confusion in the public about the human impact on climate, and dragged out any significant action against climate change, while EM continues to make record profits. JPF also shows the ongoing Exxon Valdez case, and traces the history of what we now know as ExxonMobil back to the days of Standard Oil. The result is a clear picture of a company with one clear objective, letting nothing stand in its way – not even the destruction of the climate. Join us for this event and let’s discuss what we can do now! More information: 518 391-2830. Admission to this event is FREE. Download the publicity flyer in PDF format.

NATIONWIDE EVENTS COMMEMORATE 3,000 U.S.
MILITARY DEATHS IN IRAQ 5 p.m.-6 p.m. on the day after the 3,000th U.S. military death in Iraq (Click on photo at left)
Four Corners (intersection of Delaware and Kenwood Avenue) . A vigil will also be held in Saratoga in front of the post office Saratoga Springs Broadway and Church streets, sponsored by the Saratoga Peace Alliance

Not One More Death, Not One More Dollar events in more than 100 communities nationwide will commemorate those lost in Iraq both military and civilian on the day following the sad announcement that the 3,000th U.S. service person has died. Coordinated nationally by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker peace and social justice organization and co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, the war memorial events will mourn the human cost of war, call for the troops to come home, and support funding an Iraqi-led reconstruction of the war-torn country.
More U.S. lives have been lost in Iraq than in the first four years of the Vietnam War. In addition, more than 20,000 U.S. service persons have been seriously injured in Iraq. Estimates of Iraqi casualties vary widely, but a recent Johns Hopkins study published in The Lancet put the figure as high as 600,000 Iraqis killed. For more information about this event, see the AFSC Not One More Death, Not One More Dollar. Further information, call Joe at 439-1968.

: 466-1192.