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Past Events 2011

Past Events 2011:

No LogoFilm: “What Would Jesus Buy?”
Thursday, December 15, 7:00 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445Delaware 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

The One Percent

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, 80minutes). 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.
Peace

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 willdrive through the parking lot for the pool. Go beyond the parking lot and make a right, then bear left. The park office buildingsits off by itself and has a parking lot in front. Join us! Information 466-1192.

Tom Ellis

Tom Ellis on: Climate Change, Atomic Power and Safe Energy Alternatives
Thursday, December 1, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

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.

The Forgotten Bomb

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.

Blood on the Tracks
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 hand cycle, 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.

Hidden Battles

BNP Film: “Hidden Battles”
Thursday, November 3, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

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 Neighbors for Peace and The Peace Team of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany. Everyone is welcome. Information on the film showing:466-1192.

Holly Near

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/

 

Paul Richter

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 [email protected].

Afghanistan

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:Bethlehem [email protected] to add your organization as a co-sponsor. Call Trudy at 466-1192 or email [email protected] tov olunteer to work on set up, organizing during the event and/or cleanup. Thanks.

“Taking Liberties” w/ author Susan Herman, president of the ACLU
Thursday, October 13, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue, Troy NY

October2011 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 SusanHerman, president of the American Civil Liberties Union, examines the human and social costs of the War on Terror. “This book is about  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.

US vs John Lennon

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
October 2011, Washington DC

Locked OutSolidarity 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)

The Solidarity Committee Film series starts the fall 2011 season with Locked Out (2010, 60 minutes). This is “A documentary about a fight to save the middle class.” This is a compelling story of 560 unionized borax miners in the desert town of Boron, California who faced off against Rio Tinto, a British-Australian multi-billion dollar global corporation, which is the 3rd largest mining company in the world. Boron, population 2000, is home to many miners and their families, and is a close knit community of small businesses, churches, the boy scouts, the little league and many single family homes where workers have lived stable middle class lives for many generations. But their jobs and way of life were threatened when Rio Tinto locked them out of work on January 31st, 2010 and replaced them with scabs. Will the workers’ middle class way of life be destroyed? Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided by the Honest Weight Food Co-op. Information: 518-466-1192

 

Bradley Manning

Fundraiser in Support of Accused WikiLeaks Whistle Blower
PFC Bradley Manning

EthanMcCord, Kevin Zeese, and James Spione will join us at this PotluckDinner, Silent Auction, and Screening of the Documentary Short: “Incident in New Bagdhad”.


Friday, September 16, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Delmar Reformed Church
386 Delaware Ave, Delmar, NY

Ethan McCord Ethan McCord spoke out about the civilian massacre documented in WikiLeaks April 2010 video disclosure of Apach ehelicopter footage of a New Baghdad attack that took place in2007, allegedly released by PFC Brad Manning. He served on the ground in Iraq during an attack on civilians by a U.S. military helicopter and was pictured removing an injured Iraqi child from a vehicle in a film circulated by Wikileaks. He is an active member of the Bradley manning Support Committee.

McCord’s story was delivered to attendees of the United National Peace Conference,which took place in Albany NY in July 2010. See WikiLeaks’ Collateral Murder: U.S. Soldier Ethan McCord’s Eyewitness Story produced by the United National Peace Conference Media Project, powered by The Sanctuary for Independent Media and the Hudson Mohawk Independent Media Center. Ethan’s experience, is the subject of a new documentary titled: “Incident in New Baghdad” 2011, which recently won Best Documentary Short at the Rhode Island Film Festival. We will screen this short film. James Spione, Director of the film, will join us and speak about the film.

Long time peace and justice activist, Kevin Zeese, will also join us. He is a Bradley Manning Quantico ProtestSupport Network Steering Committee member and director of Come Home America. Zeese is also one of the organizers of the October 2011protest coming up in the fall in Washington, DC.

Please join us for a very special pot-luck dinner and fundraiser for Bradley Manning. The Manning Support movement has had a significant success in having Bradley removed from a degrading, torturous solitary confinement to a more normal military confinement while awaiting a Court Martial. But we are now confronted, after a year and a half of pre-trial confinement, by the prospect of a court martial before the end of the year in a case where the commander-in-chief of the members-to-be of the jury has already declared the defendant guilty! The civilian defense of Bradley Manning will be extremely costly. A year ago BNP raised more than $1,000 for the defense; we hope to improve significantly on this record.

Any contributions to this event, in excess of the cost, will go to the the Defense Committee. Please bring a pot luck dish to share. Food Not Bombs will also provide some food. Donation of $5 requested, $2 for students, but no one turned away. Individual contributions of items or services to the Silent Auction, or direct monetary contribution to the Bradley Manning Defense Fund would also be welcome. Co-sponsored by BNP, Tom Paine Chapter of Veterans for Peace and other local peace groups. Information: 466-1192.
Budrus

BNPFilm: “Budrus”
Thursday,September 1, 7:00- 8:45 pm
BethlehemPublic Library
451Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

Budrus, (2009,82minutes)is a riveting documentary about a group of activists in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. Documentarian Julia Bachadelves 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.

Kateri 2011

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 RandyKehler- peace activist and community organizer. Dr. Bonnie E. Bobb – cross cultural psychologist & environmental consultant. Website: www.kateripeaceconference.org Flyer Information. Information: [email protected]

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.

Tapped

Film: Tapped
Thursday, August 18, 7:00 -8:45 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445Delaware 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.

 

Five Rivers

BNP”Walk for Peace and Health”
Wednesday, August 10, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Meet at Parking Lot, Five Rivers Conservation Center
56Game 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.


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: [email protected]

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. GATHER5:30 pm Masjid As-Salam Mosque, 278 Central Avenue, Albany. MARCH6:15pm to Grand Street Community Arts (GSCA) 68 Grand Street.PERFORMANCES 7-10 PM at GSCA featuring: TAINA ASILI & GAETANOVACCARO of the BAND  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, [email protected], 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.

China Syndrome

BNPFilm: “The China Syndrome”
Thursday, August 4, 6:30- 8:45 pm
BethlehemPublic Library
451Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

The China Syndrome, (1979, 122minutes),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.

Bethlehem

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 f 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 cleanup, call Trudy 466-1192 or email [email protected]

Joe Lombardo

BNP: Making Music for Peace
Thursday, July 21, 7:00 -8:30 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445Delaware Ave, Delmar

Bring your voices, your musical instruments and maybe a lawn chair. If the weather is nice, we will go outside on the lawn. Joe Lombardo will bring his guitar and we can sing and play along to some of the wonderful peace songs we all know and love. If you have a favorite peace song, please bring the lyrics/music so we can sing along with you. Consider bringing a snack to share. Let’s sing/play some songs, and enjoy the nice weather.Information 466-1192.

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 Health care 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 [email protected] or Alice Brody at [email protected].

Cynthia McKinney

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 SUNYcampus) , 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 ofVeterans for Peace, Women Against War, Upper Hudson Peace Action, The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Guilderland Neighbors for Peace. Donation of $10requested, $5 unemployed and students. Information: 518-466-1192

South of the Border

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 main stream 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  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 esistance, 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 5050948


Five Rivers

BNP “Walk for Peace and Health”
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.

Harvey Wasserman
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” movementsince 1973, and has appeared on DemocracyNow!, National Public Radioand many other major media. He is author or coauthor of a dozen booksincluding SOLARTOPIA! OUR REENPOWERED EARTH; KILLING OUROWN: THE DISASTER OF AMERICA’S EXPERIENCE WITH ATOMIC RADIATION; andHARVEY WASSERMAN’S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. He is senior adviserto Greenpeace USA and edits the www.nukefree.org website. In 1979 hehelped organize the legendary MUSE/No Nukes Concerts in Madison SquareGarden. In 1994 he spoke to 350,000 semiconscious rock fans atWoodstock 2. He teaches history &cultural/ethnic diversity at twocentral Ohio colleges, and his articles appear at HuffPost,CommonDreams, CounterPunch, AlterNet, etc. The James Connolly ForumCo-sponsored by: Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, The SolidarityCommittee of the Capital District, Troy Area Labor Council, AFL-CIOLocation: left off 787 Collar City Bridge, Rte 7, at 2nd light.Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building left on 10th SDonation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed and students more information:518 505 0948

Oil

Peak Oil Presentation by Sandy Steubing
Thursday, June 16, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445Delaware Ave, Delmar


Sandy Steubing and Dave Hochfelder of Capital District TransitionNetwork 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 personwill touch. The man on the street can tell you what ‘environment’means. Who can define peak oil? And yet this issue will shape the restof our lives. We will also speak about the Transition initiativeand how you can prepare yourselves and your families. Please join usfor this very important topic. Sandy Steubing is a retired musicteacher, social worker, and international sales manager whose passionis to educate people about peak oil. David Hochfelder teaches historyat University at Albany. Before that, he worked for several years as anengineer in the nuclear power industry. Information 466-1192.


Five Rivers

BBNP “Walk for Peace and Health”NP “Walk for Peace and Health”
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!

Gasland

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 andco-chairman of CREF (Capital Region Energy Forum), will lead adiscussion following the film. Information on the filmshowing: 466-1192.

Battlefront WisconsinSolidarity 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 SUNYcampus)

The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District will screen the film”Battle Front Wisconsin” (30 minutes, 2011), a documentary on theintense days of mass protest at the capitol building in Madison againstthe attempts of that state’s governor to strip public sector unions oftheir collective bargaining rights. In the film, Labor Beatproducer Andrew Friend speaks with union activists, University ofWisconsin students, and others will discuss the new offensive against teachers and other public employees, as well as itsconsequences for public safety and health. Dr. Coates issecretary of the capital district chapter of Physicians for a NationalHealth Program (http://pnhp.org), teaches medical students andresidents at Albany Medical College, and practices internal medicine inAlbany. The film showing — co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors forPeace and Upper Hudson Peace Action — will take place in Channing Hallof the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located acrossthe 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
445Delaware Ave, Delmar

We will show a short film and have a short BNP general meeting after the film. Raid on a Nation(30 minute film by Labor Beat). After September 2010, FBI raidson Chicago anti-war activists, solidarity networks springup. Scenes, speeches from 9/27 protest in front of Chicago FBIheadquarters. Also, mass anti-war protest at 2008 RNC, where Joe Iosbaker spoke. The 3rd International Video Festival Against Warand Poverty. Information 466-1192.

Inside Job

BNP Film: “Inside Job”
Thursday, May 5, 6:45 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

InsideJob (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 globaleconomic meltdown of 2008. Through unflinching interviews with keyfinancial insiders, politicos, journalists and academics, Ferguson shows an unfettered financial system run amok — withoutaccountability. A major theme is the pressure from the financialindustry on the political process to avoid regulation, and the waysthat it is exerted. One conflict discussed is the prevalence of therevolving door, whereby financial regulators can be hired within thefinancial sector upon leaving government and make millions. ActorMatt Damon narrates. A discussion will follow the film. Information on the filmshowing: 466-1192.

May Day 2011Sunday,May 1, The Hudson Mohawk May Day Committee is planning a bus trip toNew York City on Sunday, to attend the International Workers MayDay 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. Thecost is $20.00 round trip, includes refreshments andentertainment. Reservations can be made by contacting ArtFleischner, 518- 273-2759, email: [email protected]. The rallies in NewYork City will be held at Union Square, 14th St. and Broadway, startingat 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 acoalition of labor organizations. Keep the spirit of Wisconsinalive! The Hudson-Mohawk May Day Committee includes membersfrom the Troy Area Labor Council, Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, The Eighth Step, Media Alliance, New York Labor HistoryAssociation, 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 otheractivists. The Committee has planned educational and entertainingevents on Labor history and current social justice issues held on May 1throughout the Capital District for the last thirteen years. MayDay is the International Workers’ Holiday celebrated in mostindustrial countries in the world. It began in the United Statesin the 19th Century, growing out of the struggle for the 8-hour workday and the Chicago Haymarket Massacre in 1886. For more informationabout the May Day 2011 Bus to the NYC Rallies contact Art Fleischner,518- 273-2759, email: [email protected]. Or visit theCommittee’s website at: www.hudsonmohawkmayday.org.

Made in DagenhamSolidarity 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 SUNYcampus)

In1968 “women machinists” who sewed upholstery at a Fordfactory in Dagenham, England fought back in response to an attempt todowngrade their job title and pay because it was “women’swork”. This inspiring and engaging film tells the true story of“ordinary” factory workers who are transformed intocourageous activists and leaders. They convincingly made the caseagainst sex discrimination in pay, went on strike and won a change inEngland’s labor laws. Film features: Sally Hawkins, AndreaRiseborough, Bob Hoskins and Daniel Mays. Following the film join in adiscussion about how we can get Pay Equity in NY State! (No, wedon’t have it.) Supported by LWVNY, AAUW, YWCA, PEF,NOW-NYS, NYSUT, New York Women’s Inc., the Women’sBuilding, the Woman’s Club, the Legal Project, Capital DistrictWomen’s Bar Association and many other NYS organizations. Co-sponsored by the New York State Pay EquityCoalition (NYSPEC), the Solidarity Committee of the Capital District,Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action. Admission is free, and free refreshments willbe provided by the Honest Weight Food Co-op. Information: 518-466-1192

 

Dr. Andy CoatesBNP Forum: Behind the 2011 Assault Upon Public Health and Safety
Thursday, April 21, 7:00 -8:30 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445Delaware Ave, Delmar

Dr. Andy Coates will lead an evidence-based discussion of the political offensive against public employees and
teachers, its causes and its consequences for public safety and health. Information 466-1192.

April 9, UNAC

April 9, 2011, New York City, UnitedNational Antiwar Committee (UNAC) call forAction: Back to the Streets! Get on theBUS! Bus Information
THE BUS IS NOW FULL. Call to see if we have any cancellations. Thebuses will be leaving from the corner of Madison and Eagle Streets,Albany, at 8:00 am sharp! For information about thebusesfrom Albany, call Trudy at 518-466-1192. Moreinformation on location the rally, on bus drop-off and pick up inNYC. 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 !

WHO ARE THE WAR MAKERS? They are the government, corporate, andfinancial powers that wage war, ravage the environment and the economyand trample on our democratic rights and liberties. WHO ARE THEPEACEMAKERS? We are the vast majority of humanity who wantpeace,a healthy planet and a society that prioritizes human needs, democracyand civil liberties for all. If you are going down early or can stay after the event is over, pleaseconsider volunteering for one of the volunteer crews being organized byUNAC. UNITED ANTIWAR CONFERENCE (UNAC) For further information, go to the website:http://www.nationalpeaceconference.org Or write UNAC, P.O.Box123, Delmar, NY 12054; phone 51

NYCLU

BNP Forum: Civil Liberties in Peril
Wednesday, April 6, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

Andrea Callan, attorney and statewide advocacy coordinator of the NewYork Civil Liberties Union will be our speaker. Andrea willdiscuss the effects of government surveillance, restrictionsand 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

Chisholm '72Solidarity 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 SUNYcampus)

Aspart of Women’s History Month, the Solidarity Committee of the CapitalDistrict will screen the film “Chisholm `72: Unbought & Unbossed”(2004, 76 minutes). Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at theSundance Film Festival, this documentary follows the career of ShirleyChisholm, the first black woman to run for President of the UnitedStates. As a teacher in Harlem, Chisholm had a passion forprogress that moved her to enter local politics and, subsequently, win a seat in Congress. Ultimately, she threw herself into the 1972campaign 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 ofnumerous prominent figures, including Ron Dellums, Betty Friedan,George McGovern, and George Wallace. The film showing — co-sponsoredby Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action — willtake place in Channing Hall of the First Unitarian Universalist Societyof Albany, located across the street from the downtown SUNY campus, onWashington Avenue. Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided by the Honest Weight Food Co-op. Information: 518-466-1192

North 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
On the 8th Anniversary of the US Invasions of Iraq, NEPAJAC invites localpeace and justice activists and organizations to discuss: the wars, theeconomy, the current situation in the Middle East, and the future of our country. We will have a “speak out” and give every person or organization, a chance tovoice their concerns and ideas for future NEPAJAC coordinated events in the Capital Region. We willalso discuss plans for the April 9 Peace March in NYC, sponsored byUNAC. Please join us! For more information, pleasecontact: Trudy at 466-1192 or [email protected]
Agenda items submitted so far include: –April 9, Rally in NYC…Stop the Wars, Stop the War on Muslims, Stop the War on Unions! –WAWProject that will be in the Capital Region for 2 months next fall forgroups 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

Vijay PrashadCrisis in Egypt: Its Meaning for the World with Author and ProfessorVijay Prashad
Friday,March 11, 7:00 pm
Oakwood Community Center, 313 10th St., Troy

Vijay Prashad is the author of eleven books, most recently, The DarkerNations: 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 regularlyin the media: as a columnist for Frontline magazine (Chennai, India), acontributing editor for Himal South Asia(Kathmandu, Nepal) and acontributing editor for Naked Punch Asia (Lahore, Pakistan). His webdispatches can be read at Counterpunch(counterpunch.org), at ZNET(zmag.org/znet) and at Pragoti (www.pragoti.org The James ConnollyForum. Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed and students.Information: [email protected]

Overcome

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 fordemocracy in Egypt. Will the demands of the people be met? Is democracy possible inEgypt? Will this call for democracy spread throughout theMiddleEast? How will the balance of power in the Middle East beaffected? How will politics in the US be affected? Our panelwillinclude: Mai ElBibary,Joe Lombardo and Dr. Steve Breyman. Our panel: Mai ElBibarymoved to the Capital Region from Cairo, Egypt 7 years ago. Shemost recently returned to Egypt in December, 2010. Joe Lombardois a life long peace activist, a member of Bethlehem Neighbors forPeace, 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)

The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District — in celebration of BlackHistory Month — will screen the film “Leadbelly” (1976, 126minutes). Directed by famed black photographer and filmmaker Gordon Parks, the film is a dramatized version of the life ofHuddie Ledbetter (better known as “Leadbelly”), one of the greatestAmerican folksingers. Born in the late nineteenth century into animpoverished sharecropping family in the Deep South, Leadbelly lived ahard and brutal life, with two stints on Southern chain gangs andanother in a Northern prison. Even so, in this elegiacal film,with its beautiful, dreamlike images, Leadbelly emerges larger thanlife. His remarkable story becomes one of human triumph overadversity. The film showing — co-sponsored by BethlehemNeighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action — will take place in Room B-8 of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany,located across the street from the downtown SUNY campus, on WashingtonAvenue. Admission is free, and free refreshments will be providedby the Honest Weight Food Co-op. Information: 518-466-1192

Thursday, February 3, 6:45 – 8:45 pm, Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar, “9/11- Questions Remain: A reexamination ofthe 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.

Stop FBI Repression

Rally Against FBI Repression
Monday, January 24, 4:30pm
200 McCarty Ave. Albany
Albany, (kitty-corner from the remote State Parking Lot on Southern Blvd.)

Therally will begin promptly at 4:30 and will feature a pressconference. Please come early; the presstends to be very punctual and often takes pictures long before the fullcrowd has assembled. On January 25 a Grand Jury in Chicago will beginto question 23 peace and justice activists in an investigation of“material aid to foreign terroristorganization.” The first 14 of these activists weresubpoenaed and had their homes invaded in September by numerous FBIagents, who took their computers, files, and even children’sbelongings. All have indicated an unwillingness to answerquestions (on 5th Amendment grounds); they will be given limitedimmunity and forced to “name names” (as in McCarthyhearings in the ‘50s) or sent to jail for the balance of thegrand jury term. If they did testify, they would be putting the livesand freedom of their contacts at risk. This is pure politicalrepression of peaceful protest and of solidarity with people inPalestine or in Colombia. Please come out in their support!This “investigation” and the selective use of thematerial aid statute are the first extension of Department of Justiceand FBI repression beyond Muslims. The Rally will: (1) Demandcancellation of the grand jury subpoenas (2) Welcome the new chief ofthe local FBI and ask him to: *Stop FBI harassment of Muslims *Stopusing concocted “terrorist plots” to entrap Muslimsinto actions the FBI then characterizes as“terrorism” *End the selective use of thematerial aid statute *Avoid extending FBI harassment to peace activistsand other dissenters. Information: [email protected] [email protected]

ApartheidSolidarity 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)

The Solidarity Committee continues its film series with a free showing of”Apartheid and the Club of the West” (2006, 89 minutes). Thisstirring documentary traces the complex and fascinating drama of theanti-apartheid struggle in the United States, where a people’s movementbattled against U.S. corporate and government support for whitesupremacist South Africa. Here, in this key battleground forracial justice, the movement emerged in local communities,universities, unions, boardrooms, city councils, state legislaturesand, finally, in the U.S. Congress itself. Ultimately, it wona stunning victory against the formidable opposition of PresidentRonald Reagan and helped bring down the apartheid regime. The filmshowing — co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and UpperHudson Peace Action — will take place in Channing Hall of the FirstUnitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located across the streetfrom the downtown SUNY campus, on Washington Avenue. Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided bythe Honest Weight Food Co-op.

PlunderBNP 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 crisiswas built on a foundation of criminal activity, uncovering theconnection between the collapse of the housing market and the economiccatastrophe that followed. “Fully living up to hisreputation as the News Dissector, Danny Schechter goes right for thejugular in this rich and informative analysis of the financial crisisand its roots. Not errors, accident, market uncertainty and soon, but crime: major and serious crime. A harsh judgment, but it is noteasy to dismiss the case he constructs.” – Noam Chomsky. A discussion will follow the film. Information on the filmshowing: 466-1192.