March 30, 2010     Alert #249    
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Dear Peace Activists,

Change is happening. Last Friday, President Obama and Russian President Medvedev unveiled their plans for a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). The original treaty between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, known as START I, was signed in 1991 but expired in December of last year. START II was signed in 1993 and ratified but later annulled due to disagreements over the missile defense system. Efforts to put together START III during the Clinton administration ended in a fizz.

Given this contentious history, President Obama deserves our applause for having reached this far. But this is only a small piece of the disarmament puzzle. First, the Senate must ratify the Treaty with 67 votes. The Republicans, led by Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, have already stated that they will block its ratification unless it includes modernization of our nuclear weapons. Moreover, the new Treaty will cap each side to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads-a substantial cut, but not enough to ensure our safety in the future.

To push forward on achieving nuclear abolition, we must intensify our organizing efforts and grab every opportunity. One such opportunity is the 2010 UN Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference that starts on May 3rd in New York City. All signatories of the NPT meet every 5 years to review, renew, and revise their agreements. To influence the proceedings of this year's Conference, a committee of hundreds of peace and disarmament groups has organized an international peace conference, as well as a rally, march and festival April 30 - May 2 in New York City.

Peace Action New York State is one of the initiators of this peace conference and has been working with the national Peace Action to make it a success. As a PANYS member, you can take pride in this event and join the thousands of peace activists from around the world to promote a nuclear-free world.

Here is what you can do:

  1. Sign and circulate the online petition or download the paper petition calling on President Obama to initiate good faith multilateral negotiations on an international agreement to abolish nuclear weapons, within our lifetimes!
  2. Stay informed about the NPT process and the International Conference by visiting www.peaceandjusticenow.org.
  3. Add the "Disarm Now" button to your website, blogs, or Facebook page to spread the word.

In Peace,

Grace Pok
Peace Action of New York State
info@panys.org

  Featured Event
Thursday, April 8, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Doors open 6:30 p.m.
UPPER WEST SIDE.
Society for Ethical Culture, 64th Street and Central Park West.
A WORLD WITHOUT NUCLEAR WEAPONS
OBAMA'S VISION, OUR MISSION
A Doris Shaffer Memorial Lecture
with
DANIEL ELLSBERG, whistleblower and subject of The Most Dangerous Man in America;
JONATHAN SCHELL, bestselling author of The Fate of the Earth and Doris Shaffer Fellow at The Nation Institute;
KENNETTE BENEDICT, publisher of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.
Moderated by PHIL DONAHUE, legendary multiple-Emmy- winning talk-show innovator.

"The United States will take concrete steps towards a world without nuclear weapons."
       - President Barack Obama, April 5, 2009.

Join our panel of leading experts in a wide-ranging and incisive conversation on the ongoing international struggle for the containment and eventual reduction of the nuclear threat, and how President Obama and the U.S. Senate can be pushed to fulfill the promise of a world without nuclear weapons. This important public conversation is occurring in the run-up to the UN’s regular review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that will take place on May 1, 2010. Audience questions will be taken. Co-hosted by the Peace Action Fund and The Nation Institute and co-sponsored by The New Society for Ethical Culture, Public Concern Foundation, The Nation, Democrats.com, Haymarket Books, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation NY, Peace Action Education Fund, Brooklyn For Peace and United for Peace and Justice (NYC). Download flyer.

 
Wednesday, March 31, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
UNION SQUARE EAST.
AFSC Regional Office, 15 Rutherford Place
NPT ORGANIZING MEETING
Music to organizers ears: leaflets, posters and buttons will be available for pickup at this NPT organizers' meeting. Share what you are doing to mobilize for the April 30- May 2 activities. For those who cannot come, a conference call number will be made available. Please invite organizations who have not participated previously! Goals of the meeting:
1) Updates on outreach and agreement on next steps
2) Set commitments for volunteer support for April 30 - May 2 activities
If you need leaflets now, please download the English/Spanish May 2 leaflet from www.peaceandjusticenow.org. Please save the date for the next mass meeting on April 14: speaker and location to be announced.

Wednesday, April 7, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
FLATIRON DISTRICT.
Fifth Floor conference room, Demos, 220 Fifth Avenue btw. 26th and 27th Sts.
TALK ON QUEBEC WITH YOLANDE JAMES
The Québec Government Office in New York and the World Policy Institute present A discussion and reception with Yolande James, Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities, Government of Québec. Moderated by Michele Wucker, Executive Director, World Policy Institute. Canada has long taken pride in its reputation for successfully welcoming immigrants. Nevertheless, like other immigrant destinations, it has faced challenges like combating racism, matching immigrants' skills with appropriate jobs, and ensuring that immigrants have the language skills they need. Under a bilateral agreement with the Canadian federal government, Québec is able to make its own policies on the immigrants it selects, and to design and implement its own policies on integration and diversity - that is, "immigrant" policies, and not just "immigration" policies. Québec's Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities Yolande James, the daughter of Canadian citizens who emigrated from St. Lucia and St. Vincent, will talk with WPI Executive Director Michele Wucker about Québec's successes and the lessons that it has learned. Minister James also will talk about how Québec has used immigration policies to support Haiti following the January 12 earthquake.
The event includes a wine and cheese reception, generously provided by the Québec Government Office in New York. Free and open to the public, but advance registration is required to reserve a seat and help us minimize waste when ordering. RSVP by e-mailing events@worldpolicy.org or calling 212.481.5005 option 2.

Thursday, April 8, 7:00 p.m.
MANHASSETT.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, 48 Shelter Rock Road
LONG ISLAND RALLY FOR THE MARCH FOR A NUCLEAR-FREE WORLD IN NYC, MAY 2
For Peace and Human Needs: Disarmament Now!
Sunday, May 2 will be the International Day of Action for a Nuclear Free World. Thousands will march in NYC to demand that the nuclear powers fulfill their Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Article VI obligation and commence negotiations to completely eliminate their nuclear arsenals. They can mark the 40th Anniversary of the NPT by starting negotiations to ban nuclear weapons, and to turn away from militarism and toward human and environmental security. This rally will prepare Long Islanders to participate in this historic event.
Speakers:
• Ray Acheson, the Director of Reaching Critical Will, a project of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. She monitors and reports on meetings of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and other international disarmament conferences and acts as UN-NGO liaison. Acheson is the editor of a new book, Beyond Arms Control: Challenges and Choices for Nuclear Disarmament.
• Sister Jeanne Clark, O.P., Pax Christi LI
• Sister Mary Beth Moore, SC, LI Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives
Sponsored by The Shelter Rock Forum, LI Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives, Great Neck Peace Action and Pax Christi LI. Directions: From LIE, exit 35 north (from east) or 36 (from west.) North 1 ½ miles on Shelter Rock Rd. Entrance on left by white fence. From Northern Blvd., Go South 1/2 mile on Shelter Rock Rd. Entrance on right. For more information: LI Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives, 516-741-4360, www.longislandpeace.org. Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, 516-627-6560 ext. 122, www.uucsr.org.

Friday, April 9, 8:00 p.m.
HEWLETT.
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, 1125 Broadway
NUCLEAR RENAISSANCE OR A NEW DARK AGE?
Nuclear Power, Disarmament and Security in the 21st Century. Speaker: Andrew S. Kanter, MD MHP , Director of Health Information Systems/Medical Informatics for the Millennium Villages Project and is Assistant Professor of Clinical Biomedical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology at the Earth Institute, Columbia University. He received both his MD and MPH from Harvard University in 1991. Dr. Kanter is on the National Board of Physicians for Social Responsibility which is the American affiliate of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. Sponsored by Five Towns Forum. Contact Rachel Dorfman, (516) 623-5689

Sunday April 11, 1:00 p.m.
UPPER EAST SIDE.
Reidy Friendship Hall, The Unitarian Church of All Souls, 1157 Lexington Avenue at 80th Street (take #6 train to 77 St.)
"DOES TORTURE WORK?" A BENEFIT SCREENING WITH CO-DIRECTOR JEFFERY STEPHENS.
Since 9/11 our country has faced a constitutional and moral crisis: a pervasive fear of another 9/11-type attack has been used to justify interrogations that are viewed around the world as constituting torture. How did we get here? "Does Torture Work?" explores the Philippine-American relationship and how it intersects in crucial ways with the here and now. America's first colonial endeavor provides context for a look at many issues surrounding the use of torture: What is torture? What is the history of torture in the Western Democracies? How does this history intersect with our current situation? Does torture work? "Does Torture Work?" is brought to you by Pushback Partners. Our core mission is to produce educational videos about subjects that have been little explored by most media outlets. Co-Directors Jeffery Stephens, Jay Boekelheide, and Rachel Silverman have many years of experience and awards (including an Oscar) in radio and television, as well as feature and documentary film. For more information: www.pushbackpartners.org. Free event - Donations will contribute to the completion of "Does Torture Work?" Presented by The Peace and Justice Task Force.

Sunday April 11, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
MANHATTANVILLE.
At the home of Maiko Gordon & Hugh Casman, 128 Manhattan Avenue (between 105th & 106rh)
COCKTAIL PARTY FOR PEACE ACTION FUND OF NEW YORK STATE.
Speaker: John Nichols: OBAMA AT YEAR ONE - WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?.
Tickets only by RSVP to PANYS office, 646-723-1749.
Presented by Manhattan Peace Action.
A Doris Shaffer Memorial Lecture Series event.

Sunday April 11, 2:00 -5:00 p.m.
PURCHASE.
At the home of Polly Rothstein, 140 Lincoln Avenue
COCKTAIL PARTY FOR PEACE ACTION FUND OF NEW YORK STATE.
Speaker: Katrina vanden Heuvel: OBAMA AT YEAR ONE.
Tickets only by RSVP to Joanne Robinson, 914-963-1456
or Iris Freed, 914-834-1581.
Presented by No War Westchester.
A Doris Shaffer Memorial Lecture Series event.

Tuesday, April 13, 12:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
FLATIRON DISTRICT.
 Fifth Floor Conference Room, DEMOS, 220 Fifth Avenue
(between 26th and 27th streets)
WATER WARS: BEYOND THE BLUE REVOLUTION
A lunch discussion with Alun Anderson and Steven Solomon, moderated by David A. Andelman.
The world's great conflicts of the future will revolve around what is now and will increasingly become the most valuable and vital commodity to the preservation and sustainability of life on earth - not oil or gas, neither gold nor diamonds, but water. From the arid reaches of the Middle East to African rivers being dammed by a generation of ill-considered moves by larcenous potentates to the rapidly melting Arctic icecap, the Winter 2009/2010 issue of World Policy Journal  examines the most critical issues confronting the ecologists and statesmen assembled just three months ago in Copenhagen, including the one most likely to be ignored: what lies beyond the blue revolution? This lunch discussion brings together Alun Anderson, author of After the Ice:  Life, Death and Geopolitics in the New Arctic and "Water Wars" contributor, and Steven Solomon, author of WATER: The Epic Struggle for Wealth, Power and Civilization.  World Policy Journal Editor David A. Andelman will moderate.   Admission:  Free for WPI Members.  Non-members receive free admission with the purchase of a subscription to World Policy Journal. RSVP: WPI Members:  RSVP to events@worldpolicy.org or 212.481.5005, Option 2. Non-Members:  Register and pay online.  Advance registration is required to help us plan and order appropriately and minimize waste. All reservations must be paid in advance. Please RSVP by noon on Monday, April 12. Cancellations received more than 24 hours prior to the event will receive credit towards future events.

Tuesday, April 13, 7:00 p.m.
BROOKLYN.
Brooklyn Technical High School, corner of DeKalb and South Elliott Place
JO COMERFORD OF THE NATIONAL PRIORITIES PROJECT ON BUDGET CUTS: CAN THEY BE STOPPED?
The politicians are slashing budgets for things we urgently need likes jobs, health care, schools and mass transit. Can we cut spending for war and the Pentagon budget and use it to stop these cuts? Come to a forum to ask questions and get some answers. Jo Comerford is the Executive Director of the National Priorities Projects. With Letitia James, City Council Member and representatives from community groups fighting the cuts and layoffs. Hosted by Brooklyn Tech Progressive Student Awareness Club and Brooklyn for Peace. For more information email bfp@brooklynpeace.org or call 718-624-5921.

Wednesday, April 14, 11:15 a.m.. - 12:30 p.m.
HEMPSTEAD.
Hofstra University, Leo A. Guthart Theater, Axinn Library
THE FEDERAL BUDGET IN CRISIS: CHOICES WE FACE
Part of the International Scene Lecture Series entitled A Citizen’s Guide to U.S. Foreign and Economic Policies. Includes commentary by Jo Comerford, Executive Director of the National Priorities Project. Presented by Hofstra’s Departments of Economics, History, and Sociology, in cooperation with The Center for Civic Engagement, Long Island Teachers for Human Rights, and the Long Island Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives. Admission is free. For more information, please contact Hofstra’s Department of Economics at (516) 463-5595, or the Long Island Alliance at (516) 741-4360.

Saturday, April 24th, 8:00 p.m.
TARRYTOWN.
Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 West Main Street
THE KLEZMATICS, WORK O’ THE WEAVERS, PETE SEEGER AND FRED HELLERMAN
IN “KISSES SWEETER THAN WINE: THE GUTHRIE LEGACY CONCERT"

A benefit concert for the Woody Guthrie Foundation and The Sloop Woody Guthrie. The Klezmatics, Work o’ the Weavers, Pete Seeger and Fred Hellerman will pay tribute to trailblazing American singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie and others that followed in his wake with musical performances throughout the evening.  Actor/singer Rob Tepper will perform a scene from When the Curfew Blows, his one-man-show about Guthrie’s life and times and Toronto’s Theresa Tova will join Frank London for some contemporary Yiddish jazz.  Tickets are $85, $65 and $45 and available at www.tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org.  For more information, artist photos or press passes to the concert, please contact Eva Dilmanian at 646.654.9324 or eva@buzzwordpr.com.

Thursday, April 29, 7:30 p.m.
BAY RIDGE.
The Soul Café, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7420 4th (74th St. \ 77th St. stop on R)
RICK STEVES' IRAN: YESTERDAY AND TODAY
Rick Steves' travels have taught him the power of people-to-people diplomacy. Now as tensions rise between the United States and Iran, he has taken action. "Rick Steves' Iran: Yesterday and Today" is a one-hour documentary on Iran's people and culture. Presented by Peace Action Bay Ridge (646) 824-5506 / bklynpeaceaction@yahoo.com and Interfaith Peace Coalition (718) 680-2981 / infaithpeace@yahoo.com.

April 30 – May 1
NEW YORK CITY.
Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR A NUCLEAR-FREE,
PEACEFUL, JUST AND SUSTAINABLE WORLD

The 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review International Planning Committee, comprised of NGO’s from the United States, Europe and Asia is organizing a day and a half long international conference on Nuclear Abolition, Peace and Disarmament on May 1, 2010, the eve of the NPT Review Conference at the United Nations. The conference will be held in the Riverside Church in New York City and will include between 800 and 1,000 participants. Representatives of the world’s nations will gather at the U.N. for the 5-year NPT Review, which is widely considered to be a make it or break it point for the nuclear non-proliferation regime. NGOs from six continents will send representatives and activists to New York to influence the outcome of the NPT Review. On the eve of the Review Conference, the International Planning Committee’s conference will provide a forum to share analyses, to coordinate activities during the month-long Review Conference, and to better integrate campaigns for nuclear weapons abolition, peace, economic justice and human needs and environmental sustainability. List of speakers
Tadatoshi Akiba – Mayor of Hiroshima, President, Mayors for Peace
Daniel Ellsberg – invited
Socorro Gomes – Bebrapaz & World Peace Council
Hisako Kimura – Hiroshima Hibakusha
Tomas Magnussen – International Peace Bureau
Zia Mian – Princeton University, Program on Science and Global Security
Natalia Mironova, Institute for Public Policy and Law, President of the Movement for Nuclear Safety – former Member of the High Ecological Council of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
Ban Ki Moon* – Secretary General of the United Nations
Nadine Padilla, - Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment - MASE a New Mexico Native American opposing uranium mining
Terumi Tanaka – Nihon Hidankyo (Japan Confederation of A- & H Bomb Sufferers’ Organizations
The conference will consist of three plenaries and numerous workshops. Plenary and workshop speakers will include leading experts on the issues addressed by the conference. Workshops are being organized internationally along four tracks: abolition, peace, economic justice/human needs, and environmental sustainability. To find housing in Manhattan, go to Reaching Critical Will’s website for a list of low cost hotels and hostels. More info at www.peaceandjusticenow.org

Sunday, May 2, 2:00 - 5:30 p.m.
NEW YORK CITY.

Times Square area to Dag Hammarskjold Plaza (47th St. between First and Second Aves.)

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION: RALLY - MARCH - PEACE FESTIVAL
Join people from around the world for an afternoon of action!
  • 2:00 PM – Rally near Times Square (exact location tba)
  • 3:30 PM – March across 42nd Street to the United Nations
  • 4:00 – 5:30 PM – International Peace & Music Festival in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza.
In the coming weeks, we will be confirming a line-up of rally speakers and performers to both inform and inspire us in addition to greetings from delegations from our international partners who are helping to organize this International Day of Action. At the Peace Festival, there will be tents and tables that will provide information and organizing resources so that we can continue our work for a safe, nuclear-free, peaceful and just world for all! There will be a tent with the Japanese delegation including Hibakusha (survivors of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki) as well as many other issue based tents and tables.
Help us spread the word! Download Fliers Here. Sign up to volunteer. To find housing in Manhattan, go to Reaching Critical Will’s website for a list of low cost hotels and hostels. More info at www.peaceandjusticenow.org.

Saturday, May 15, 12:00 -5:00 p.m.
BROOKLYN.
Brooklyn College, 2900 Bedford Avenue.
BROOKLYN PEACE FAIR
Keynote Speaker: Father Roy Bourgeois, Founder of School of the Americas Watch, Nominee for Nobel Peace Prize. Workshops and discussions, information on peace and justice, kids' activities. Performances by Rude Mechanical Orchestra, Spiritchild, Ill-Literacy, Metro Sonics, Stephanie Rooker, and more. Sponsor: Brooklyn For Peace. Co-Sponsors: Brooklyn College Community Partnership & Brooklyn College Student Center. Plan now for your organization to participate! Endorse, register for a table, place an ad in the program. If you would like to present a proposal for a workshop, activity, or performance, e-mail peacefair@brooklynpeace.org.

Now through Sunday, May 2
FROM STEAMBURG NY THROUGH SIX NATIONS TO NYC
PEACE WALK FOR A NUCLEAR-FREE FUTURE
Led by June-San Yasoda, Japanese Buddhist nun and leader of the Grafton Peace Pagoda, the 700-mile, two-month Walk will start in Steamburg on March 6, and progress through New York State's Six Nations Native American territories to arrive in New York City (converging with at least three other feeder marches from Oak Ridge TN, Maine, and DC) on May 2, the eve of the UN’s review of the U.N. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Conference.
For full information, including a schedule, map, and resources on how to join or help out, see the PDF at www.dharmawalk.org or contact Jules Orkin, organizer/walker at julesorkin@yahoo.com. Wednesday, March 31, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
BUFFALO.
La Tee Da Restaurant, 206 Allen Street
DINE OUT FOR PEACE
10% of the day’s revenue goes to the Western New York Peace Center. Please call 716-881-4500 for more information.                                                                                          

Wednesday, March 31, 8:00 p.m.
GENESEO.
Room 214, Newton Hall, SUNY Geneseo, 1 College Circle
DEBATE: COLLEGE DEMOCRATS VS COLLEGE REPUBLICANS
The College Democrats and the College Republicans will debate the following issues: Future US foreign policy in Iran, Jobs bill, Cap and trade, and Health care reform. There is a question and answer session after the actual debate as well. Free and open to the public. (585) 245-5211 · web@geneseo.edu.

Thursday, April 1, 6:30 -8:45 p.m.
DELMAR.
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave.
SCREENING OF “CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY”
Hosted by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Michael Moore takes on capitalism, the floundering U.S. economy, and 2008's global financial meltdown and subsequent bank bailout in this documentary.  Michael Moore interviews those who have suffered most from the Wall Street bailout. Discussion to follow.  Please arrive early as this is a long film and we need to start promptly.  Information:  466-1192

Monday, April 5,  6:00 -7:30 p.m.
DELMAR.
Perfect Blend, 376 Delaware Ave (Four Corners)
BETHLEHEM NEIGHBORS FOR PEACE MONTHLY DISCUSSION GROUP
Our gatherings are always lively and interesting, with many good ideas discussed among neighbors and friends.  Contact: 439-8262 for further information. New members always welcome!

Tuesday, April 6, 4:15 – 5:00 p.m.
SYRACUSE.
In front of Hancock Air Force Base
VIGIL AGAINST THE DRONES
Sponsored by Syracuse Peace Council and Peace Action CNY. For more information contact Jerry Lotierzo, Peace Action of Central New York, 315-243-9823, glotierz@twcny.rr.com .

Tuesday, April 6. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
SYRACUSE.
St. Lucy's Church, 326 Gifford St.
POTLUCK DINNER AND "INTERFAITH GATHERING FOR A NUCLEAR-FREE FUTURE"
WITH THE PEACE WALKERS
Peace Action of Central New York invites you to join us in welcoming the Peace Walkers to our community by participating in a Potluck Dinner and “Interfaith Gathering for a Nuclear-Free Future” at St. Lucy's Church. The Potluck dinner will be held from 5:30 – 6:30 PM and will be followed by the "Interfaith Gathering for a Nuclear-Free Future.” RSVP via Facebook invitation or contact Jerry Lotierzo, 315-243-9823, glotierz@twcny.rr.com .

Wednesday, April 7, 7:00 p.m.
ROCHESTER.
Downtown Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh Street.
Parking across the street in the City Hall lot.

DEATHS ALONG THE ARIZONA-MEXICO BORDER: A TALK AND DISCUSSIONBY GEORGE DARDESS
Join us at ROCLA's next meeting on Wednesday, April 7, to hear George Dardess who, with his wife Peggy, has just returned from a visit to both sides of the border. They witnessed the work of the program, No More Deaths; visited a migrant center in Naco, Mexico; and interviewed officers of the Border Patrol. They report an "unprecedented buildup of agents and border fences" this year and a related increase in deaths. Wheelchair-accessible and Looped. Free and open to the public.

Thursday, April 8
CINDY SHEEHAN EVENTS IN BINGHAMTON AREA
HILLCREST.
St. Francis of Assisi Church - Chenango St.
10:30 a.m. PRESS CONFERENCE
12:00 noon POTLUCK LUNCHEON
BINGHAMTON. River Read Book Store, Court St.
3:00 5:00 p.m. BOOK SIGNING
BINGHAMTON. Binghamton University, Lecture Hall 8
7:00 - 9:00 SPEECH

Friday April 9, 7:00 p.m.
ENDICOTT.
First United Methodist Church, McKinley Ave,
WORDS AND MUSIC FOR PEACE WITH CINDY SHEEHAN
Cindy will speak, Janet Burgan will sing, Expressive Drumming will perform a song written just for this occasion. Hope you will turn out to see Cindy and learn about her Peace of the Action Campaign in Washington, D.C.

Thursday, April 22, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
GENESEO.
Interfaith Center located at 11 Franklin Street, adjacent to the SUNY Geneseo Campus.
POTLUCK DINNER - FUNDRAISER FOR "HOPE HAITI" FAMILY
100% of the proceeds from this potluci will go to Rose-Marie Chierici's fabulous charity Hope Haiti to help resettle one family that has been displaced by the earthquake. There will be a presentation about the family we will be working to resettle. Vegan and vegetarian options, as well as some authentic Haitian dishes. Students $5, faculty and community members $6 at the door. Additional places to donate inside.

Saturday, April 24 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
ROCHESTER.
Downtown Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St.
span class=eventbig>CELEBRATE WORLD PEACE! THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ACHIEVEMENT OF WORLD PEACE!
Susan Ware's Moving Experience Dancers will perform! Gloria Osborne will lead us in a Spiral Dance! Oliver Haynes and his two bands will bring us music for listening and dancing! We will have light refreshments. If you would like to contribute, please RSVP to Carole Hoffman: choffman002@rochester.rr.com, 585-678-4525. Information: Hank Stone, hstone@rochester.rr.com, 585-624-3673

Sunday, April 25, 6:00 p.m.
DELMAR.
Delmar Reformed Church. 386 Delaware Ave (Parking beside & behind church
PEACE ACTION THROUGH MUSIC - UPPER HUDSON
PEACE ACTION'S 28TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Singing: Kim and Reggie Harris , dynamic and superbly talented traditional folk performers, whose captivating stage presence and unique harmonies have earned the respect and love of audiences throughout the US. Guest Speakers: Sonny Ochs and Wanda Fisher will speak of their work for peace and justice while promoting the Folk Music Tradition. Sonny Ochs produces Phil Ochs song nights and hosts Mostly Folk on WRPI. Wanda Fisher has hosted the Hudson River Sampler on WAMC since 1982. This is a potluck dinner. Please bring a dish to share. Suggested donation: $25 (More if you can afford it, less if you can’t.) RSVP 518-463-5907, info@peaceact.net

Sunday, April 25, 6:00 p.m.
MATTYDALE/SYRACUSE.
March begins at Northern Lights Mall, ends at Hancock AFB.
After-march get-together at ArtRage Gallery, 505 Hawley in Syracuse

MARCH/RALLY AGAINST PREDATOR/RAPTOR DRONES.
Peace Action of Central New York and the Syracuse Peace Council have joined forces to coordinate this march/rally to protest the use of Predator/Raptor Drones. The walk is 2.8 miles one way. We are trying to work out transportation from the base back to the mall where there is plenty of room for parking. After-march get-together with finger foods and discussion of what else we should do. ArtRage Gallery is a marvelous place dedicated to the art of peace and social justice. See Ongoing Events for vigils at the Base the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 4:30 until 5:30 and everyone is invited to participate. We did write a second letter to the Colonel in charge of the drones at Hancock but have received no reply. The letter was in response to a story in the Syracuse Post Standard quoting the Colonel who said he was concerned about the safety of his men. We reminded him that we were peace activists therefore his men were in no danger from us contrary to the innocent civilians in Pakistan and Afghanistan who were being murdered by the drones his men were operating. We have a Drones Committee that meets regularly. For more information contact Jerry Lotierzo, Peace Action of Central New York, 315-243-9823, glotierz@twcny.rr.com .

Thursday, April 29, 6:00 p.m.
WHITE PLAINS.
Location TBA.
WESPAC’S ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER
Keynote Speaker: Honorable Cynthia McKinney speaking on
"Reflections on How We Move Forward"
This year WESPAC is recognizing:
* Ted DeSoyza, lifelong work advocating for children, people with disabilities and a more peaceful world
* Felice Gelman, for the WESPAC Middle East Committee and her Palestine Solidarity work
* Mirene Ghossein, for tirelessly bringing people together through culture
* Jackie Mann, The Elias Foundation, and their funding of local, progressive community organizing
* Mary Williams, one of the founders of WestCOP, lifelong anti-poverty work
WESPAC will be saying farewell to Rev. Joe Agne at the awards dinner. Piano selections offered by Margot Dilmaghani http://celebration1.org. $100 per person. Purchase your ticket through PAYPAL today at www.wespac.org.


Many local peace groups hold regular events, vigils, "Honk for Peace" actions, etc. 
See our list: www.panys.org/ongoing.htm




Wednesday, April 14, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
WASHINGTON, D.C
. The National Press Club
SAVE THE DATE: THE 2010 RIDENHOUR PRIZES
“Fostering the Spirit of Courage and Truth.” These prizes memorialize the spirit of fearless truth-telling that whistleblower and investigative journalist Ron Ridenhour reflected in his exposure of the My Lai massacre and throughout his extraordinary life and career. Please join for a ceremony and luncheon. 2010 Honorees: Courage Prize:Howard Zinn. Book Prize: Joe Sacco. Truth-Telling Prize: Matthew Hoh. For more information please visit ridenhour.org or call 212-822-0252. Co-sponsored by The Nation Institute and The Fertel Foundation, with partners The Fund for Constitutional Government, Project on Government Oversight, and Government Accountability Project.

Sunday, April 25, 12:00 -4:00 p.m. (meal at 1:00 p.m.)
NORTH POMPTOM PLAINS, NJ.
Regency House, 140 Route 23.
NJ PEACE ACTION'S ANNUAL DINNER.
With Phil Donahue, Executive Producer of the film, Body of War, and Honored Guest and Recipient of a Peacemaker Award Tickets: www.njpeaceaction.org or call 973-259-1126.

Sunday, April 25, 7:00 p.m.
LEONIA, NJ.
Leonia United Methodist Church, Broad Ave. and Woodridge Pl
ENDING THE U.S. WAR IN AFGHANISTAN
With David Wildman, Co-author (with Phyllis Bennis) of Ending the US War in Afghanistan, a Primer, Hope to see you at the vigil this week. The weather is expected to be sunny and warm.

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