Past Events 2014

Past Events 2014:

Talk by Vijay Prashad: The War Against the Planet
Tuesday, December 16, 7:00 pm (NOTE: change in Date from 12/9)
Oakwood Community Center
313 10th St., Troy, N.Y.

Vijay Prashad is George and Martha Kellner Chair in South Asian History and Professor of International Studies at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Vijay Prashad is the author of sixteen books, including:The Poorer Nations: A Possible History of the Global South (Verso and Left Word, 2013). A columnist for Frontline
(India), a regular contributor to The Hindu (India) and a contributing editor for Himal South Asia (Nepal) and for Bol (Pakistan). His is a regular contributor to the US website Counterpunch. He is currently writing No Free Left:The Futures of Indian Communism (out in late 2014 from Left Word Books)and Dispatches from Greater Arabia, based on his reporting from Greater Arabia from 2003 to 2014. He has just returned from a year teaching at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, where he had a close up view of the war in Syria. Located Exit 9Eoff 787 Collar City Bridge for Rte 7: on left at 2nd light between 9th and 10th Sts. Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building parking lot left on 10th Use the door facing Hoosick St. Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed and students more information: 518 505 0948 labor donated Located Exit 9E off 787Collar City Bridge for Rte 7: on left at 2nd light between 9th and 10thSts. Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building parking lot left on 10th Use the door facing Hoosick St. Donation of $5 requested,$2 unemployed and students :more information: 518 505 0948 James Connolly Forum web page

 

Tom Ellis: Depleted Uranium Weapons
Thursday, December 4, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

Tom Ellis will be discussing the health impacts of the US government’s use of depleted uranium (DU) weapons on US soldiers and veterans.Tom Ellis has been a member of the Community Concerned about NL (CCNL)for more than 30 years. Tom advocates for a complete clean-up of the former NL Industries factory property at 1130 Central Avenue in Colonie, poisoned with tons of radioactive fallout from NL’s manufacturing operations in the 1960s and 1970s. Tom is also along time peace activist and opponent of nuclear power. Free.Everyone is welcome. Information:466-1192.

Film:”Cesar Chavez”
Saturday, November 22, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)

The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District continues its 2014-2015film series with the capital district premiere of “Cesar Chavez” (2014,102 minutes). This dramatization of the life of the famed American labor leader focuses on the organizing of the United Farm Workers, especially the UFW’s struggles in the 1960s and early 1970sfor union recognition and, more broadly, social justice. Embracing an array of daring tactics-including strikes, boycotts,fasts, and nonviolent resistance-Chavez not only mobilized tens ofthousands of poor, exploited Mexican-American and Filipino farm workers ,but millions of other people in a dramatic campaign against corporate greed and racial prejudice. According to the film’s director,Diego Luna, “Cesar Chavez” shows us that “change is in our hands.” This film-showing-co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, the Social Justice Center, and Upper Hudson Peace Action-will take place in Channing Hall of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany,located at 405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus). Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome to attend. Information: 466-1192

Film: “My So-Called Enemy”
Tuesday, November 11, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY

Join us for the screening of: My So-Called Enemy ( 89 minutes, 2010). “Spanning seven years, My So-Called Enemy follows six Palestinian and Israeli teenage girls committed to justice and mutual understanding after participating in a women’s leadership program called Building Bridges for Peace. This heart and mind-opening film, from Emmy® Award-winning director Lisa Gossels, documents how the young women’s transformative experience of knowing their “enemies” as human beings in the United States meets with the realities of their lives back home in the Middle East. Through the coming-of-age narratives of Adi, Gal, Hanin, Inas, Rawan and Rezan, audiences see how creating relationships across emotional, ideological, religious and physical borders are first steps towards resolving conflict. My So-Called Enemy presents the complexities of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict through a human lens – and the possibility and hope that come from listening to each other’s stories.” A discussion led by Michael Rice, will follow the film. Free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace,Jewish Voice for Peace- Albany Chapter, Women Against War, Muslim Solidarity Committee, Project SALAM, and the Capital Region chapter of National Coalition to Protect Civil Freedoms (NCPCF) Information 466-1192. More information about the film: www.mysocalledenemy.com

A Talk by Leslie Pickering- “US Out of My Living Room: The Case of Leslie James Pickering, the Earth Liberation Front Press Office & Burning Books”
Thursday, October 23, 7:00 PM.
Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue, Troy NY

A decade after being under heavy federal surveillance for exercising free speech in support of the underground Earth Liberation Front, Leslie James Pickering discovered that his associates are being questioned by the FBI, the US Post Office is copying his incoming mail, he was put on a secret list for maximum security screening at airports and a federal grand jury subpoena was issued for records on him, his family and his bookstore, Burning Books. Leslie has launched an extensive legal and public campaign to resist this surveillance, which he believes i aimed to repress Burning Books and the surge of activism and awareness hat the bookstore generates, as well as harass and intimidate the radical environmental movement. This multimedia presentation will open eyes to methods used by the federal government to repres  sactivists and freedom struggles, and how they can be resisted.Admission: by donation ($10 suggested, $5student/low-income) Co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. More Information: Sanctuary for Independent Media website.

Film:”Bidder 70″
Saturday, October 18, 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 opens its 2014-2015 film series with a screening of “Bidder 70” (73 minutes, 2012). This award-winning documentary tells the remarkable story of Tim DeChristopher, a University of Utah student who safeguarded 22,000acres of pristine public land that oil gas companies were planning to lease by bidding $1.8 million for the land at a public auction. As this bid was backed up by nothing but courage, DeChristopher was indicted on two felony counts and sentenced to two years in prison. Meanwhile, he emerged as a charismatic student leader in the battle to save the planet from environmental destruction. The National Catholic Reporter praised “Bidder 70” as a “moving film with an inspiring message, calling us to work on behalf of the environment and humanity.” This film-showing – co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, the Social Justice Center, and Upper Hudson Peace Action –will take place in Room B8 of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, located at 405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus). Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome to attend.Information: 466-1192

 

Talk by Stephanie Luce on the Struggle for Minimum Wage
Tuesday, October 14, 7:00 pm
Oakwood Community Center
313 10th St., Troy, N.Y.

Stephanie Luce on the struggle for a living wage and the $15 per hour campaign for low wage workers. Stephanie Luce, best known for her research on living wage campaigns and movements, is the author of Fighting for a Living Wage, and co-author of The Living Wage: Building a Fair Economy,and The Measure of Fairness. Her current research focuses on globalization and labor standards, labor-community coalitions, and regional labor markets. Her latest book, Labor Movements: Global Perspectives, came out this year. She teaches the Murphy Institute/CUNY School of Professional Studies in New York City. Located Exit 9Eoff 787 Collar City Bridge for Rte 7: on left at2nd light between 9th and 10th Sts. Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building parking lot left on 10th Use the door facing Hoosick St. Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed and students more information: 518 505 0948 labor donated Located Exit 9E off 787Collar City Bridge for Rte 7: on left at 2nd light between 9th and 10thSts. Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building parking lot left on 10th Use the door facing Hoosick St. Donation of $5 requested,$2 unemployed and students :more information: 518 505 0948 James Connolly Forum web page

3 Short Films: “Taking the Future Into Account”, “World Peace is a Local Issue” and “Seeds of Freedom”
Thursday, October 2, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY

Join us for the screening of three short documentary films: Taking the Future Into Account (30 minutes, 2014), World Peace is a Local Issue,(28 minutes, 2013) and Seeds of Freedom (30 minutes, 2012). “Taking the Future into Account” attempts to convey how human behavior and the threat of climate change and environmental problems are strongly interlinked. ” World Peace is a Local Issue” documents a Palo Alto City Council meeting where 300 people showed up to speak their minds about the issue of the city passing a nuclear free resolution. During the meeting, the Council shifted from tabling the issue indefinitely to voting in support of a Nuclear Freeze Resolution. “Seeds of Freedom” charts the story of seed from its roots at the heart of traditional, diversity-rich farming systems across the world, to being transformed into a powerful commodity, used to monopolize the global food system. Information 466-1192.

Sunday September 21, 2:00 pm, Second Annual North Star Peace Walk, Starting at Masjid As-Salaam 276 Central Ave.. Albany, NY. This will be a multi-generational inclusive family, NON-POLITICAL EVENT and we welcome your group/congregational banners and non-political signs of peace. Join other community members to reaffirm common roots. Starting at Masjid As-Salaam 276 Central Ave., Albany, NY. Ending at Sr Maureen Joyce Center (soup kitchen) 369 Livingston Ave. Albany. Suggested Attire: White clothing. COST: FREE! Sponsors include over 30 local peace promoting organizations Webpage Facebook page. For more info or for questions or concerns, please call Barbara at 370-5823. Contact: Barbara Dworkin [email protected]

Film- American Empire: An Act of Collective Madness
Friday, September 5, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY

The documentary , American Empire: An Act of Collective Madness (2012,96 minutes), directed by Patrea Patrick, covers a lot of ground, including: the Federal Reserve, U.S. foreign policy, corporate collusion and destructive agriculture. Included in the film, are interviews with Tariq Ali, G. Edward Griffin, Vandana Shiva, Gerald Celente, John Perkins and Frances Morre Lappe. “American Empire: An Act of Collective Madness” sheds light on the manner that the corporate controlled nation is holding out the genetically modified carrot to the masses rather than the flame of truth. ~ Huffington Post. Join us. Information 466-1192.

Roving Grannies Drone Vigil
Four Corners, intersection of Kenwood and Delaware Avenues
Delmar,NY

On August 25, the roving Grannies for Peace will join Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace for a vigil with an anti-drone theme. The Grannies will be bringing a banner, and they will need help holding it during the vigil. They will also be bringing some anti-drone sign and could use your help holding those as well. Bring your sign or use one of ours.Stay for a few minutes or an hour. Let’s stand together for peace. Join Us! (518) 466-1192 for further information.

BNP Discussion
Future Dates TBA
Meet at Four Corners, after vigil to determine location
Delmar,NY

Our gatherings here are are always lively and interesting, with many good ideas discussed among neighbors and friends. Contact: 466-1192 for further information. New members always welcome!

Talk by Judy Bello & Scott Williams: Gaza, Syria and Iraq, Wars Made in the USA – connecting the dots –
Thursday, August 7, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY

Israel’s brutal assault on the people of Gaza, targeting mostly children and civilians while destroying hospitals, schools, infrastructure and mosques, has been built and paid for by the US. On July 18, every single US Senator voted to support Israel’s attacks and increase funding to the Israeli army, now over $3.5 billion yearly. US and Israel’s goal is clear, defeat the Palestinians and weaken Gaza’ selected leadership, Hamas. Yet the Palestinian people, strengthened by a massive worldwide solidarity movement, have continued to fight back.Meanwhile, the US has been supporting armed right-wing militants in Syria to overthrow Syria’s elected President Bashar Al-Assad. For the past three years these insurgents, in coordination with the Pentagon,with unconditional political support from the US State Department, have wrought destruction and violence across the land, leading to the death of over 160,000 people in Syria. Yet the people of Syria are winning.The Presidential election on June 3, which led to the re-election of President Assad, highlighted the Syrians steadfast determination to defeat the insurgents and maintain their sovereignty. After political and military defeat in Syria, the most violent factions have moved into Iraq. Over the past two decades, the US has destroyed Iraq with sanctions and war which have lead to 1.5 million deaths. Through divide and conquer tactics, the US has spread sectarian religious violence to weaken the fabric of society. Now the US has its hands on both sides of a new confrontation between ISIS and the Iraqi government. As these crises deepen, we need to build a movement at home to end US support for regime change and military domination. US war only creates more violence and devastation in Palestine, Syria, Iraq and beyond.

JUDY BELLO is a member of the Administrative Committee of the United National Antiwar Committee (UNAC), and a leader of the Upstate Coalition to Ground the Drones and End the Wars. Judy Bello’s blog

SCOTT WILLIAMS is a national coordinator of FIST, Fight Imperialism, Stand Together, an anti-imperialist youth organization. He is an activist with the International Action Center in Philadelphia. Scott blogs at: http://fightimperialism.org For additional information call (518) 466-1192.


Monday,August 4, 4:30 pm, begins at Washington Avenue Armory, corner of LarkStreet and Washington Avenue 10th Anniversary Commemoration of Arrestsof Mohammed Hossain and Yassin Aref. The Muslim Solidarity Committee, founded in 2006 to advocate for Yassin Aref and Mohammed Hossain, two local Muslims entrapped in an FBI sting operation, will mark the tenth anniversary of their arrests with a rally, march, and staged reading of a short play. Media and supporters are invited to attend. At 4:30 p.m., supporters will rally at the Washington Avenue Armory, corner of Lark Street and Washington Avenue, then march at 5p.m. up Central Avenue to the Masjid As-Salam (280 Central Avenue),which was raided on August 4, 2004 as part of the sting that ultimately convicted the two men in 2006. Yassin Aref was imam of the mosque and Mohammed Hossain was a senior member. At 5:30 p.m. at the mosque, the Muslim Solidarity Players will perform a staged reading of a short play, “To Catch a Muslim,” written by area attorney and Aref defense lawyer Stephen Downs. The play dramatizes, with some dark humor, the entrapment scheme scripted by the FBI that targeted Hossain, a pizzeria owner, and Aref, the government’s main focus. Dinner will be served at the Masjid As-Salam after the reading. The Muslim Solidarity Committee has held a commemoration event each year since 2006 to remember the men and show support for their families, and will continue to mark the anniversary of their arrests annually until Aref and Hossain a rereleased, in 2018 and 2020 respectively. Area peace and justice groups co-sponsoring the August 4 events are Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace,Dr. Dhafir Support Committee, Masjid As-Salam, NYCLU – CRC, ProjectS aratoga Chapters, and Women Against War. For info: Kathy Manley,(518) 596-3851, [email protected]

Talk by Dahlia Wasfi
Tuesday, July 22, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Social Justice Center
33 Central Ave, Albany, NY.

Dalia Wasfi will give a talk on the current situation in Iraq, and discuss why there should be no more U.S. Wars on Iraq. Dr. Dahlia Wasfiis an internationally known speaker and activist. Born in the United States to an American Jewish mother and an Iraqi Muslim father, she lived in Iraq as a child, returning to the U.S. at age 5. After graduating from Swarthmore College with a B.A. in Biology in 1993, she earned her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997.Dr. Wasfi has made two trips to Iraq to visit her extended family since the 2003 “Shock and Awe” invasion, including a three month stay in Basrah in the spring of 2006. Sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace Veterans for Peace – Tom Paine chapter and Women Against War Information: call Joe at 281-1968

Tuesday,July 15, 7:00 pm – 8:45 pm, Albany Social Justice Center, 33 Central Ave, Albany, NY. A Conversation About: Building a People Powered Movement for Transformation with Margaret Flowers, M.D. and KevinZeese, J.D. of POPULAR RESISTANCE.ORG, Sponsored byCaptial District Organization for A Free Society (OFS)afreesociety.org and co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Information: Alice Brody at [email protected]

Albany Rally & March for Peace: “Hands Off Iraq”
Thursday, July 10
4:30 PM Gather at Townsend Park, 201 Washington Ave, Albany, NY
5:00 PM March to the Federal Building, 1 Clinton Ave., Albany, NY

Peace and anti-war activists will mobilize to let the Obama administration know that the people of this country oppose any military action in Iraq. The U.S. government has threatened to militarily intervene in a religious civil war that instead requires a diplomatic solution. Join us as we gather to demand “Hands Off Iraq”. Other signs suggestions: NO NEW WAR ON IRAQ! NO BOMBING, NO INTERVENTION IN IRAQ. STOP THE KILLING. We need jobs,education,housing, healthcare and infrastructure — not another war on Iraq. Sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Citizen Action, Muslim Solidarity Committee, Project SALAM, Schenectady Neighbors for Peace, Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Upper Hudson Peace Action and Women Against War. We will rally at 4:30 in Townsend Park and at 5:00PM, we will march down Washington Ave to State Street, then down Pearl to the intersection of Clinton Ave., ending up near the787 off ramp near the Leo O’Brien Federal Building. (This is a 25 minute, 1.2 mile walk.) Call Joe at 281-1968 for further information.

4 Facts that You Need to Know (Following from ANSWER Coalition, www.ANSWERCoalition.org):

• The Iraq war killed millions — the politicians responsible are still walking free. From 1991 to 2003, U.S. bombing and sanctions took 1million Iraqi lives, including 500,000 children. Nearly a decade of war took another 1 million Iraqi lives. 5 million were made refugees. Tensof thousands of U.S. soldiers were killed or wounded. The U.S.policymakers — the war criminals — who carried out this human atrocity are still walking free, giving speeches and raking in millions of dollars in book deals.
• The U.S. invasion and occupation is what caused the present situation. The present civil conflict in Iraq is a result of the U.S. war and occupation, which destroyed the Iraqi government and divided the country along sectarian lines in order to conquer it. This reversed Iraq’s long history of secularism, and the coexistence and intermarrying among its diverse communities. Islamic extremist forces were practically non-existent in Iraq until the Pentagon invaded.
• The Iraqi people OPPOSE U.S. intervention. Huge numbers of Iraqis fought the U.S. occupation. While the sectarian Iraqi government led by Maliki has requested U.S. intervention, that is the last thing that the majority of Iraqi people want.
• The Pentagon and Wall St. want to control Iraq, not help it. Millions of people protested Bush’s war. It was built on lies. Iraq was no hreat and had no connection to the 9/11 attacks. It was a war for oil,profit and control. The same war criminals are now alling for new U.S.attacks in Iraq and escalating the war against the independent government of Syria.

BNP Film: On The Bridge
Tuesday, July 1, 6:30 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY

On The Bridge(96 minutes, 2010) is an award winning documentary by Olivier Morel. The film follow veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars,and their struggles with PTSD, after returning home. The film reveals the disturbing aspects of the current wars and the true price that our veterans pay. The film’s attempts to break down stereotypes and stigmas related to PTSD and the representations, or rather misrepresentations, of Iraq War veterans through raising awareness about what being a veteran means today. “American veterans are living on the edge of the cliff, in a society where their suicide rate has reached an unprecedented level in what I still see as a relative indifference if we consider the magnitude ofthe epidemic…When these U.S. soldiers left home, their patriotism was irm, their convictions intense. As they return from Iraq, nothing is clear. They are in-between, they are on the bridge. Their bodies and souls have been wounded or broken. How can they re-learn what it means to be human and stay in the world of the living? “— Oliver Morel,Director After the film, local Veteran for Peace, Jason Peterson, will lead us in a discussion of this issue. For additional information call (518) 466-1192. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday June 25, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Citizen Action Office, 94 Central Avenue,Albany. Strategy Meeting to plan action(s) opposing new U.S.intervention in Iraq. Planning meeting for local peace groups to get together to organize local actions opposing further US intervention in Iraq. From Joe Lombardo: “The American people do not want to see another Iraq war. The polls show overwhelming sentiment against any new intervention by the U.S. in any country. This was shown by the overwhelming opposition to the announcement by Obama that he would bomb Syria last fall. That opposition helped stay his hand and he backed down. The antiwar movement in the US is starting to mobilize against the recent steps towards a repeat of the failed US policy in Iraq and the announced re-intervention of the US military there. There have been several actions around the country and many more planned. I attended one in New York City on Tuesday where President Obama came to deliver a fundraising speech. UNAC has drafted a simple statement that we are now getting all national anti war leaders and organizations to sign to show a united face against these recent moves. The statement calls for continued action in local areas, and calls for day-after actions if there is any major escalation of the intervention in Iraq…. I urge everyone to attend this meeting.” If you have any questions, call Joe Lombardo at 518-281-1968.

BNP Film: Bidder 70
Friday, June 20, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., DelmarNY

Bidder 70 (2013, 73 minutes) is the story of University of Utah economics student Tim DeChristopher. In 2008, he committed an act which would redefine patriotism in an age of corporate controlled government. He spent 2 years in federal prison for his “crime”. This simple act, bidding $1.7 million for drilling rights to22,000acres, with no intention of drilling, ignited the climate justice movement. Join us for a screening of this award winning film,produced and directed by Beth and George Gage. The choice you are making today is what side are you on. -Tim DeChristopher A discussion will follow the film. Free and everyone is welcome. For additional information call (518) 466-1192.

Talk by Steve Early
Monday, June 9, 7:00 pm
Oakwood Community Center
313 10th St., Troy, N.Y.

Steve Early is a labor journalist and lawyer who has written for numerous publications. He is the author of Embedded With Organized Labor:Journalistic Reflections on the Class War at Home and The Civil Wars inU.S. Labor. His latest book is “Save Our Unions: Dispatches From a Movement in Distress. Early was a Boston-based international representative or organizer for the Communications Workers of America for 27 years. “This book shows what it takes to defend democracy,workers rights, and social justice unionism.” DOLORES HUERTA ,co-founder, United Farm Workers The James Connolly ForumCo-sponsored by: Monthly Review, Troy Area Labor Council: AFL-CIO,Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, Bethlehem Neighbors for  Peace. Located Exit 9E off 787 Collar City Bridge for Rte 7: on left at2nd light between 9th and 10th Sts. Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building parking lot left on 10th Use the door facing Hoosick St. Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed and students more information: 518 505 0948 labor donated Located Exit 9E off 787Collar City Bridge for Rte 7: on left at 2nd light between 9th and 10thSts. Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building parking lot left on 10th Use the door facing Hoosick St. Donation of $5 requested,$2 unemployed and students :more information: 518 505 0948

Max Blumenthal, NY Times Best-Selling Author, Israel: Where it is and Where it is Going
Tuesday, May 27, Noon
Albany Public Library, 1Washington Avenue, Albany Tuesday, May 27, 7:00 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)

Award-winning journalist and NY Times best-selling author, Max Blumenthal, will speak. Max Blumenthal Award Winning Journalist Filmmaker, NY Times Best-Selling Author, Israel: Where it is and Where it is Going Blumenthal’s latest book: Goliath: Life and Loathing in Israel, which is based on years spent in Israel andIsraeli society, was by described by James Fallows in The Atlantic as”a book that should be discussed and read”, but there are many who have taken steps to denigrate and censor Blumenthal and his writing. Blumenthal will talk at the Main Branch of the Albany Public Library as part of its weekly book review. Sponsored by: Palestinian Rights Committee of Upper Hudson Peace Action Jewish Voice for Peace, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace Social Responsibilities Council at First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany Solidarity Committee of the Capital District. Information: [email protected]

BNP Forum: Avoiding War in Ukraine
Thursday, May 22, 7:00 -9:00 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445Delaware Ave, Delmar

This forum will focus on the developing crisis in Ukraine. There is major resistance in the East and South of Ukraine against the right-wing coup government in Kiev. The US has been deeply involved in this crisis including supporting and encouraging the coup,giving billions of dollars to the right-wing opposition to the elected government that was overthrown and helping to develop tens of thousands of pro-US and EU NGOs in the country. As many in the Ukrainian military have refused to attacks the resistance in the East and South and many have joined the resistance, the Kiev government has built a National Guard comprised of brutal right-wing forces many from the pro-fascist Right Sector group. These along with around 400mercenaries from the US have been brutalizing the people in the East and South. Follow these link to find out more about what the mainstream US media will not show: Preparing For War With Russia by Bruce Gagnon , U.S. Prepares to Gas Russia Into Submission by Glen Ford, German paper says Blackwater in Ukraine, David Swanson’s Talk Radio with Rick Rozoff on Ukraine . The panel members of this forum will include: Kristin Y. Christman, a local author with degrees in Russian and public administration, whowrote “The Taxonomy of Peace”, and is also a home schooling mother; Joe Lombardo, BNP member and UNAC co-cordinator; and Andor Skotnes, Professor of History and Chair, Department of History & Society, The Sage Colleges. For more information, call Joe at 281-1968. Sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace.

Monday, May 19, 5:00 – 6:00 pm, U.S./NATO HANDS OFF UKRAINE!, at the Four Corners, intersection of Kenwood and Delaware Aves. in Delmar. Stay for a few minutes or an hour. Let’s stand together for peace. Please bring a sign. Some suggestions: Wars Not The Answer… No U.S. Intervention in Ukraine or Russia…No new U.S. war! Stop media lies about Ukraine.. Foster Peace, Not War…. Not Another War. Recent articles on this topic: Preparing For War With Russia by Bruce Gagnon, U.S. Prepares to Gas Russia Into Submission by Glen Ford. German paper says Blackwater in Ukraine, David Swanson’s Talk Radio with Rick Rozoff on Ukraine 518-466-1192 for further information. Join us!

BNP Forum: Derailing a Disaster in Albany
Friday, May 9, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY

Thisforum will address the issues related to the “oil trains”, now rollingthrough Albany every day carrying Bakken crude oil. Localcommunity residents are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers ofoil trains after a recent series of derailments and explosions,including one that killed 47 people in Quebec last July. Thetrains can be seen every day, along Interstate 787 highway, while theyidle, waiting to get into the port’s rail yards. In addition to currently railactivity, Global Partners has proposed an expansion of their operationsat the Port of Albany by building boilers to heat an unknown ‘petroleumproduct’. GlobalPartners currently has storage and loading capabilitiesat its Port of Albany terminal, where the company handles overone billion gallons of highly explosive Bakken crude oil from rail carsevery year. Wewill have a panel of presenters, followed by questions and answers. The panel will include Sandy Steubing from PAUSE,( People ofAlbany United for Safe Energy); Vivian Kornegay an activistandmember of the Albany Common Council from Albany’s South End;and Jon Flanders, a local activist, union organizer, and retired CSXrailroad worker. Mary Finneran will be themoderator for the panel. Free and opentothe public. (Photo by Jay Wilcox) Bakken Crude, Rolling Through Albany ( New York Times article from2/7/2014) Albany Places Moratorium On Crude Oil Port Expansion (Joanna M. Foster, March 13, 2014) Link to PAUSE on Facebook. PAUSE website. Viviam Kornegay was recently interviewed on the CBS evening News (May 1, 2014) with Scott Pelley for a story about the “bomb” trains, that are now a constant, in downtown Albany. Foradditional informationcall (518) 466-1192.

Film:”Groundswell Rising”
Saturday, April26, 7:30 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)

On Saturday, April 26,at 7:30 PM, the Solidarity Committee of the Capital District continuesits film series with a showing of “Groundswell Rising” (2014, 80minutes). This new documentary, from Emmy award-winningResolution Pictures, captures the passion of people engaged in a Davidand Goliath struggle against hydraulic fracturing (better known asfracking), especially in the Northeast. Challenging a systemthat promotes profits over health, this people’s movement is shown inthe process of taking on the giant oil and gas corporations, oftensuccessfully. The story is told by those who are living it,with honesty and a fierce determination. A post-filmscreening discussion will be led by Dave Walczak, the associateproducer of “Groundswell Rising.” This event –co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson PeaceAction will take place in Channing Hall of the First UnitarianUniversalist Society of Albany, located at 405 Washington Avenue(across the street from the downtown SUNY campus). Everyone iswelcome to attend. Information: 466-1192

Spring Days of Action to End Drone Killing, Drone Surveillance, GlobalMilitarization
Wednesday, April 23, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Intersection of Wolf Road & Central Avenue
Albany, NY

At the strategy meeting that was held on March 8, where local activistsmet with Kathy Kelly, we decided hold a “Spring Days of Drone Action” . Spring Days of Action to End Drone Killing,Drone Surveillance, Global Militarization – 2014, is a coordinated campaign in April and May to EndDrone Killing, Drone Surveillance and Global Militarization.The campaign focuses on dronebases, drone research facilities and test sites and drone manufacturers.Bring signs if you have them. Thisevent is sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Women Against War,Vets for Peace and other local peace and justice organizations. For additional informationcall (518) 466-1192 or Joe at 281-1968. (Photo byJon Flanders at the 3/8 antiwar protest with Kathy Kelly.)

BNP Film: Dirty Wars
Thursday, April 3, 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY

Dirty Wars (86 minutes, 2013) is an award winning, Oscar nominated documentary, by Richard Rowley. Th film follows investigative reporter Jeremy Scahill, author of the international bestseller “Blackwater”, into the heart of America’s covert wars, from Afghanistan to Yemen, Somalia and beyond. This film is part political thriller and part detective story. Dirty Wars tells the story one of the most important and under reported stories of our time. What began as a report into a U.S. night raid gone terribly wrong in a remote corner of Afghanistan quickly turned into a global investigation of the secretive and powerful Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). In military jargon, JSOC teams “find, fix, and finish” their targets, who are selected through a secret process. No target is off limits for the “kill list,” including U.S. citizens. For additional information call (518) 466-1192. A discussion will follow the film. Free and open to the public.

BNP Film: Gasland II
Wednesday, March 19, 6:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY

“Gasland II” (125 minutes, 2013) is a documentary film by Josh Fox. In this followup to the Oscar nominated Gasland film, Josh Fox uses his typical dark humor to take a broader look at the dangers of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, the controversial method of extracting natural gas and oil, now occurring on a global level (in 32 countries worldwide). A discussion, led by anti-fracking activist Mary Finneran, will follow the film. Mary Finneral is also a member of Sovereign People’s Action Network (SPAN) Frackbustersny, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and the United National Antiwar Coalition. For additional information call (518) 466-1192. Free and open to the public.

BNP Potluck/Fundraiser with with Local Organizer/Activists & Glen Ford
Friday, March 21
Pot luck dinner at 6:00 pm
Program begins at 7:00 pm
Delmar Reformed Church, 386 Delaware Ave, Delmar, NY

We will begin the evening with a pot luck dinner and silent auction, starting at 6:00 pm. Please bring a pot luck dish to share. If possible, RSVP to [email protected], if you are planning to attend.

Local Organizers/Activists:
Jessie Ashley, an organizer of Citizens United for Justice in Troy, will join us to talk about the organizing against police brutality that has taken place in Troy, as a result of a history of police misconduct. Recent article from Times Union.

We will also have a local activist who will discuss the “oil trains” rolling through Albany every day, bringing crude oil from the Bakken oil shale fields in North Dakota. A recent proposal to expand oil processing facilities at the Port of Albany, could make Albany an oil hub and will have significant impact on local residents.

Keynote Address: Our keynote speaker this year will be Glen Ford, activist, journalist, and executive editor of the Black Agenda Report. The topic for Glen Ford’s talk will be: “The US War on Africa”.

Entertainment: Laura Baboulis will sing for us and she will be accompanied by Kevin Sullivan on guitar.

Silent Auction: We will have donations from local business and more. Join us. Individual contributions of items or services to the Silent Auction, or direct monetary contribution would also be welcome. (Checks should be made out the “Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace”.)


A donation of $10 (or more) is suggested. $2 for students. If you would like to volunteer to help with setup or cleanup, donate silent auction items ahead of time, or would like further information, please email Trudy at [email protected] or call 466-1192.

Kathy Kelly will give a talk:
Drones and 21st Century Warfare: Afghanistan and Beyond
Thursday, March 6, 7:00 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, Emerson Hall
405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)

Kathy Kelly, co-coordinator of Voices for Creative Non- Violence, will bringher first hand witness to the effects of America’s longest war on thepeople of Afghanistan. She will raise her voice against the horrorswhich drone warfare, the new and evolving face of US war andmilitarism, represents. During each of nine recent trips toAfghanistan, Kathy Kelly, as an invited guest of the Afghan PeaceVolunteers, has lived alongside ordinary Afghan people in a workingclass neighborhood in Kabul. She and her companions in Voices forCreative Nonviolence believe that “where you stand determines what yousee.” They are resolved not to let war sever the bonds of friendshipbetween them and Afghan people whom they’ve grown to know throughsuccessive delegations. Kelly and her companions insist that the U.S.is not waging a “humanitarian war” in Afghanistan. Kelly has alsojoined with activists in various regions of the country to protestdrone warfare by holding demonstrations outside of U.S. military basesin Nevada, upstate New York, and, most recently, at Whiteman Air Forcebase in Missouri. This presentation is being co-sponsored byWomen Against War’s ” Beyond Afghanistan/ No Drones Project Committee”,the Social Responsibilities Committee Peace Team of the First UnitedUnitarian Society of Albany and Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. For moreinformation, please contact Maureen Aumand at aumandmaureen@ gmail.com; Barbara Cooley at [email protected] or [email protected]. By special arrangement, free parking will be available in the UAlbany Hawley lot, across Washington Ave from the First UnitarianUniversalist Society of Albany, for this event only. The Hawley Lot is located directly across the street from FUUSA. Near thecorner of Washington Avenue and Robin Street. Parking is available therebetween 6 PM and 10 PM on March 6.

Join Kathy Kelly for a Rally Against War & Strategy Session
Saturday, March 8, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Townsend Park, 201 Washington Avenue, Albany & Citizen Action Office, 94 Central Avenue, Albany
Join Kathy Kelly and other peace activist in a rally at Townsend Park, Albany, followed by a strategy session at the Citizen Action office, 94 Central Ave., Albany.
1:30 – 2:30 pm Rally at Townsend Park, Speakers and March
2:30 – 4:30 pm Strategy Meeting, Citizen Action Office

On March 20, 2003, the day after the invasion of Iraq had begun, protests were held in cities around the world. (At that time, we had beenprotesting the war in Afghanistan, since October 2001.) The warshave continued for the past 13 years. The protests have continuedas well. Let’s get together, with Kathy Kelly, to show ourcontinued support for PEACE.

We have the opportunity to workwith international peace activist, author and three time NobelPeace Prize nominee Kathy Kelly. When the first American Marinesbattled their way into Baghdad in March of 2003 they were met by KathyKelly and a small band of peace witnesses. From Baghdad to Beirut,Haiti to Ft Benning, from a maximum security prison cell to Washington DC, Kathy Kelly has courageously put her life on the line toserve as a witness for peace in a war-ravaged world.

At the 5th anniversary of the War in Iraq, antiwar event in Albany (inMarch 2008), these were our demands: 1. Support the Troops, BringThem Home Now 2. Reparations for the Iraqi People 3. Money forJobs, Health Care, Education, Community Needs, Not Occupation 4. Full Benefits for Returning Veterans 5. RestoreConstitutional Government 6. Stop the Torture 7. No War with Iran

Since that time, we have added new demands to the list, including: stopusing predator and reaper (weaponized) drones, as well as Bring the Troops Home fromAfghanistan, and no new wars. Let’s gather again on this 11thanniversary of the Iraq war, to discuss how far we havecome, to consider the future of the antiwar movement, consider our demands, and to share our ideas for how we can worktogether to end the wars. Join us! Information: [email protected] or 518-466-1192 or Joe 518-281-1968

Film- Pete Seeger: The Power of Song
Thursday, February 27, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445Delaware Ave, Delmar

The film, PETE SEEGER: THE POWER OF SONG (2007, 93 minutes), directedby Jim Brown, documents the life of Pete Seeger. The filmwon an Emmy Award and was executive produced by Seeger’s wife,filmmaker Toshi Seeger. The film also includes interviews with ArloGuthrie, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Tom Paxton, MaryTravers , Natalie Maines, and numerous Seeger family members. One ofits associate producers was Kitama Jackson, a grandson of Seeger. “Forme, Pete Seeger has been one of the most important voices andinfluential musicians in America. He got a whole generation interestedin playing guitar and banjo, got them singing together, and helpedintroduce America to its own folk heritage, while using music as aninstrument for social change.” ~Jim Brown, Director of the film. Adiscussion will follow the film unless we decide to sing some PeteSeeger songs… and maybe someone will bring a guitar. Join us. Information 466-1192.

Film: “Farewell to Factory Towns?”
Saturday, March 1, 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 filmseries with a showing of “Farewell to Factory Towns?” (2012, 61minutes). This award-winning documentary explores the future offormer factory towns as they cope with the devastation ofdeindustrialization during this time of austerity measures, wars, andattacks on the labor movement. The focus is on North Adams,Massachusetts, a typical New England mill town where a majorelectronics company shut down its factories, leaving masses ofresidents without gainful employment. Suggesting new directionsfor labor and other social movements, “Farewell to Factory Towns?”received a Special Jury Award at the 2013 Workers Unite Film Festivalin New York City. Thepost-film discussion will be led by Maynard Seider (the maker of thisfilm, who is also an author, sociologist, and union activist) and DickDassatti (one of the labor activists shown in the film).This event –co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and Upper Hudson PeaceAction – will take place in Channing Hall of the First UnitarianUniversalist Society of Albany, located at 405 Washington Avenue(across the street from the downtown SUNY campus). Everyone is welcome to attend. Information: 466-1192

Songs of Freedom with Mat Callahan
Friday, February 7, 7:00 pm
Oakwood Community Center
313 10th St., Troy, N.Y.

Songs of Freedom is a celebration of the life and work of James Connolly, theIrish revolutionary socialist martyred by the British for his role inthe Easter Rising of 1916. Mat Callahan will be performing and talkingabout these works here at the James Connolly Forum as part of a US tourto bring attention to the new CD he and others have created with thesesongs. The presentation will be Mat Callahan on guitar and voiceaccompanied by Yvonne Moore. The evening will include a briefdiscussion about the project followed by a selection of the songs fromthe CD. Mat Callahan is a musician, composer, producer, author andcommunity activist. Born in San Francisco, he began composing andperforming with the duo Prairie Fire, recording several records andtouring the US. Upon his return to San Francisco he formed the Looters.They made several albums, toured the US, Canada, Nicaragua and Europe.He has produced albums for numerous artists and authored the book TheTrouble With Music, which was published in spring 2005. Today he livesin Bern, Switzerland. Co-Sponsored by: Bethlehem Neighbors forPeace. Located Exit 9E off 787 Collar City Bridge for Rte 7: on left at2nd light between 9th and 10th Sts. Parking on left on 9th St., OldFire station building parking lot left on 10th Use the door facingHoosick St. Donation of $5 requested, $2 unemployed and studentsmore information: 518 505 0948 labor donatedLocated Exit 9E off 787Collar City Bridge for Rte 7: on left at 2nd light between 9th and 10thSts. Parking on left on 9th St., Old Fire station building parking lotleft on 10th Use the door facing Hoosick St. Donation of $5 requested,$2 unemployed and students :more information: 518 505 0948

Computer Skills for Peace Activists
Thursday, February 6 , 7:00 – 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

Would you like to know more about your computer? Would you like to knowhow to use social media such as Twitter and Facebook, as a way toconnect with other activists? Would you like to learn more about how tocreate a newsletter or send out information to a mailing list? Join us for this skills discussion/workshop. Local activist Mari Matsuo will talk with us about how to use social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Charles Ehly will talk with us about operating systems, and navigating through Windows. He will also beavailable to answer questions about Macs, and more. Steve Wickhamwill discuss webpages, email newsletters and more. Mark Roberts willdiscuss open source software, including Linux. All four membersof our panel will beavailable to answer your questions and help you become more proficientat using your computer. Join us and email your computerquestions now,so we can have answers for you on February 6. (If we can identify specific requirements for additional training at thismeeting, we will schedule future sessions to address specificcomputer skills requests.) [email protected] Sponsored by BethlehemNeighbors for Peace. For additional information call (518)466-1192. Free and open tothe public .

Lynne Jackson’s Journey for Justice
Thursday, January 9, 6:30 – 8:45 pm.
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar NY 12054

Lynne Jackson will speak about her Journey for Justice, a 133-mile walkfor Yassin Aref in July 2013. Last summer, Lynne Jackson fromProject SALAM organized a 133-mile walk from Albany to Binghamton toadvocate for a new appeal by Yassin Aref, a Kurdish imam who wasentrapped by a criminal con artist hired by the FBI. Despite noevidence that Yassin supported any terrorist activity, the post-9/11climate made the jury afraid to acquit him or his co-defendant,Mohammed Hossain. But two years ago, new evidence came to light thatthe FBI originally thought Yassin was a Pakistani Al-Qaeda operative(who was killed in 2010). In spring 2013, the defense prepared anappeal motion to reopen the case based on this dramatic new evidence ofmistaken identity.

To bring attention to Yassin’s newappeal, Lynne undertook citizen action: she organized the Journey forJustice in Albany to carry petition signatures in support of the appealto the Binghamton judge who will hear it. Lynne will describe Yassin’scase, speak about how she organized the walk, and talk about theadventures she had along the way, including July’s heat wave, theresponses of people she met, and what it was like to stay in adifferent stranger’s home each evening, get dunked in the SusquehannaRiver, and finally arrive at the courthouse in Binghamton in awheelchair. Sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Project SALAM,Muslim Solidarity Committee, and the Aref/Hossain Chapter of theNational Coalition to Protect Civil Freedoms (NCPCF). (For moreinformation on Yassin and his case, see this article in New YorkMagazine, ‘Little Gitmo.’ ) For additional information call (518)466-1192. Free and open to the public.