NEW YORK PEACE NETWORK Alert #246

Friday, March 5, 7 p.m.
UPPER EAST SIDE. Chapel, All Souls Unitarian Church, 1157 Lexington Ave. at 80th St.
FILM: AN UNREASONABLE MAN
In advance of the Ralph Nader speaking event, see the widely acclaimed documentary film about the life and career of Ralph Nader. This film asks, "How do you define a legacy? Hero or villain? Crusader or spoiler?" It weighs in on both sides of the controversies that follow one who takes on corporate power and the electoral system. "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man." -George Bernard Shaw

Friday, March 5, 8:00 p.m.
PARK SLOPE. Park Slope United Methodist Church, 410 8th Street at the corner of 6th Ave.
FILM SCREENING OF “THE GREENING OF SOUTHIE”
Part of the Environmental Action Film Series at Park Slope United Methodist Church, “The Greening of Southie” tells the story of the ways in which building Boston's first LEED Gold-Certified building turns out to be harder than anyone thought. Yet among the I-beams and brickwork emerges a small cadre of unlikely environmentalists who come to connect their work with the future of their children. There will be a potluck dinner at 7:00 pm, preceding the film screening. If you have questions or would like further information, please call 718-624-5921, or e-mail bfp@brooklynpeace.org

Saturday, March 6, 10:30 a.m.
CHELSEA. Norman Thomas High School, 111 East 33rd Street
CORNEL WEST LIVE
Come hear Cornel West speak about the problems and solutions we face in the United States today. Admission is $10, $5 with student ID. Reserve tickets at www.dsausa.org/yds/Feb2010/confreg.html. For more information, please e-mail yds@dsausa.org, call 212-727-8610, or visit www.ydsusa.org. Sponsored by the Young Democratic Socialists.

Saturday, March 6, 7:00 p.m.
UPPER EAST SIDE. All Souls Unitarian Church, 1157 Lexington Ave @ 80th St.
Reidy Friendship Hall, Lower Level
ROCK IT OUT: A NIGHT TO BENEFIT NEW YORK'S FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARIES

Sponsored by the Ethical Eating Group at All Souls Church. Produced by Lindsay Wolf. Come out to support and celebrate two of New York's Farm Animal Sanctuaries - The Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary in Woodstock, NY and Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY. With live performances by Jay Stolar (of Julius C.), Cristin Milioti (of Broadway's Lieutenant of Inishmore and Coram Boy). Kaylin Lee Clinton, Whitney Wolf, Melissa Lusk and Matt Roi Berger, Grace McLean, Shaina Taub, Lindsay Wolf and Neimah Djourabchi. With special guest Jenny Brown, co-founder of the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, and Samantha Ragsdale, Farm Sanctuary's Development Director. Enjoy wine, refreshments, a chance to win one of our many raffle prizes, as well as homemade baked goods from our in-house bake sale! Great raffle prizes available. $10 pre-sale, $15 at the door (cash only). Ticket includes one free raffle ticket, and all proceeds will be directly donated to these two amazing organizations.

Tuesday, March 9, 5:00 p.m.
UPPER EAST SIDE. Meet at 53rd St. and Lexington Ave.
MOVING PROTEST AGAINST THE 2010 ANNUAL NEW YORK GALA DINNER OF THE FRIENDS OF THE ISRAELI DEFENSE FORCES
Israeli war criminals feast at the Waldorf while Palestinians hunger for justice. We will not be silent. Say no to Israeli military brutality. Say no to the occupation and siege of Gaza. Say yes to the Goldstone Report. Say yes to justice for the Palestinian people. Please, allow us to provide the signs in order to create a powerful and unified message. Please wear black. For updates, please e-mail ewssayno@gmail.com. Co-sponsored by Jews Say No!, Adalah-NY, Gaza Freedom March, Judson Church, Women In Black Union Square, Committee for Open Discussion of Zionism, CODEPINK, Brooklyn For Peace, Women of a Certain Age, Center for Immigrant Families, Wespac, Middle East Crisis Response, Regeneración Childcare NYC, National Lawyers Guild—NY Chapter, Post Road, American Jews for a Just Peace, Jewish Voice For Peace, Woodstock Veterans For Peace, A.R.T. (Activist Response Team)

Friday, March 12, 7:00 p.m.
UPPER EAST SIDE. Sanctuary, The Unitarian Church of All Souls, 1157 Lexington Ave. at 80th St.
RALPH NADER SPEAKS: PEACE AND JUSTICE STRATEGIES –

CAN SOME SUPER-RICH SAVE US?
All Souls Adult Education, along with co-sponsorship of The Peace and Justice Task Force present "Ralph Nader Speaks: Peace and Justice Strategies—Can Some Super-Rich Save Us?" The world's most famous consumer advocate, the singular embodiment of what it's supposed to mean to be a citizen in a democracy, Ralph Nader, will talk about current events and his provocative new book Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us! Called political science fiction and "As inspirited a work of the political imagination as Tom Paine's Common Sense..." by Lewis Lapham, Nader himself says it's "a practical utopia." Find out what he really has in mind and where he's going with this idea. Activist and author, political dissident par excellence, Ralph Nader has never indulged in mere social criticism. The list of his successes over four decades is so long that The Atlantic magazine named him as one of the hundred most influential figures in American history, and Time and Life magazines one of the hundred most influential Americans in the twentieth century.

Saturday March 13, 7:00 to 9 p.m.
WHITE PLAINS. Wespac’s White Plains Office, 255 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd (corner E. Post Road)
SCREENING OF “SILENT SCREAMS” WITH PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR

Hosted by the American Iranian Friendship Committee and Wespac. Silent Screams echoes the desperation around the globe of victims without a voice. Come to view this gripping story and meet this remarkable filmmaker. Karla Hansen, a Des Moines area activist and social worker, made "Silent Screams" after she and her husband visited Iran in spring of 2009. She made the film to document the effects of the drones through the eyes of innocent children and families with no place left to run. Director Karla Hansen and her husband, Professor Ismael Hossein Zadeh, Ph.D., will host a question-answer period on the film, on Iran and U.S. foreign policy in that region. Contact: ellieomm@optonline.net 914-273-8852. Donation at Door – No One Turned Away

Saturday, March 13, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
UPPER WEST SIDE. Advent Lutheran Church, 2504 Broadway at 93rd Street.
METROPOLITAN NEW YORK’S BREAD FOR THE WORLD GATHERING

Bread for the World continues to work closely with congregations and parishes through out the metropolitan area. We are coming together once again to renew our commitment to justice and get the advocacy tools we need to make a difference in ending hunger and poverty! We are calling on old and new congregational partners to come, join us and spread the word about this exciting event, with keynote speaker Art Simon, founder of Bread for the World! Refreshments will be provided. Registration begins at 9:30am. Questions? Contact Samantha McLane at smclane@bread.org or call (212) 665-2504. RSVP and more info at www.bread.org/rsvp.

Sunday, March 14 - 1:00 p.m.
UPPER EAST SIDE. Chapel, Unitarian Church of All Souls, 1157 Lexington Avenue at 80th Street.
SCREENING OF “SILENT SCREAMS” WITH PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR

Wednesday, March 17 - 7TH ANNIVERSARY OF IRAQ WAR
CHRIS HEDGES LECTURES
Chris Hedges is a Pulitzer Prize-winner reporter, and author of Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle. He will be speaking at two events today. Admission is free.

11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
HEMPSTEAD. Hofstra University, Leo A. Guthart Theater, Axinn Library
RESPONDING TO TERRORISM: SHOULD THE WAR ON TERROR BE A WAR?

Part of the International Scene Lecture Series entitled A Citizen’s Guide to U.S. Forgeign and Economic Policies. Includes commentary by 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. For more information, please contact Hofstra’s Department of Economics at (516) 463-5595, or the Long Island Alliance at (516) 741-4360.

7:30 p.m.
MANHASSET. Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock,
48 Shelter Rock Road.
EMPIRE OF ILLUSION: THE END OF LITERACY AND THE TRIUMPH OF SPECTACLE. Directions: From LIE: Exit 35 North (from east) or 36 (from west.) Go north 1 1/2 miles on Shelter Rock Rd. Entrance on left by white fensed. From Northern Blvd: Go south 1/2 mile on Shelter Rock Rd. Entrance on right. For more information, contact UUCSR, 516-677-8520, ext 122. or LIAPA, 516-741-4360.

Friday, March 19, 9:00-10:45 a.m.
BROOKLYN. Congressman McMahon's Office, 8505 4th Ave, Bay Ridge.
PROTEST 7 YEARS IN IRAQ
Peace Action Bay Ridge and the Interfaith Peace Coalition ask you to tell Congressman Michael E. McMahon and President Obama that 7 years of death, debt, and destruction is 7 years too many. Bring the troops home! 7 years, over 4,000 American lives, and no end in sight, with a cost of $707,000,000 and counting. Contacts: Peace Action Bay Ridge, 917-579-6860, bklynpeaceaction@yahoo.com or www.infaithpeace.com; Contact Bay Ridge Interfaith Peace Coalition, 718-680-2981, infaithpeace@yahoo.com, or www.panys.org/BR.

Sunday, March 21, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
UPPER WEST SIDE. Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive
PUBLIC HEARING: TRUTH COMMISSION FON CONSCIENCE IN WAR

The Truth Commission on Conscience in War, a national gathering of community and religious leaders, advocacy groups, and artists, will receive personal testimony from veterans and briefings from expert witnesses about moral and religious questions facing soldiers both before and during combat, moral and religious criteria of just war, international agreements governing the justification and conduct of war, and limits of military regulations on Conscientious Objection. Truth Commission proceedings will launch conversations about just war, international law, and greater freedom of conscience for our nation's service members, conversations led by the Commissioners. The Public Hearing will be followed by a Private Session for Commissioners on Monday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riverside Church and Union Theological Seminary. For more information see www.conscienceinwar.org.

Wednesday, March 24, 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
HEMPSTEAD. Hofstra University, Leo A. Guthart Theater, Axinn Library

WHO DECIDES ABOUT WAR AND PEACE?
HOW DOES THE PUBLIC INFLUENCE FOREIGN POLICY?
Part of the International Scene Lecture Series entitled A Citizen’s Guide to U.S. Forgeign and Economic Policies. Includes commentary by Howard Dean, former presidential candidate, and Carolyn Eisenberg, Professor of History at Hofstra University. 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.

Sunday, March 28, 1:00-4:30 p.m.
UPPER WEST SIDE. Riverside Church Assembly Hall, 120th Street and Claremont Ave.
A GRANNY PEACE BRIGADE FORUM:
THE U.S. AND THE ABOLITION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS

The African continent and islands within its African Union have signed the Pelindaba Treaty designating their countries as a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone. Other nations in South America, Asia, the South Pacific, the Caribbean and Antarctic have also signed similar treaties. They were all commended by the United Nations for contributing to a world free from nuclear weapons, the ultimate goal for the world’s survival as President Obama stated in Prague last April. However, an impediment to that goal is the Island of Diego Garcia within the African Union, the site of one of the most valuable and secretive U.S. military bases overseas. The U.S. signed the Pelindaba Treaty’s protocols in 1996 but after a heated debate did not ratify them. Learn more at our Forum, a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as the United Nations begins its review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in May 2010. Free and open to the public. Co-sponsors include The Mission and Social Justice Ministry of the Riverside Church and the Black Radical Congress, New York Chapter. Endorsers include Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom; Grandmothers Against the War; NYC Metro Raging Grannies, Peace Action Manhattan, Peace Action NYS.

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. Forgeign 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.

Monday, March 8, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
DELMAR. Perfect Blend, 376 Delaware Ave
BETHLEHEM NEIGHOBORS FOR PEACE DISCUSSION GROUP
Our gatherings here are always lively and interesting, with many good ideas discussed among neighbors and friends. Contact: 439-8262 for further information. New members always welcome!

Monday, March 15, 6:00 p.m.
BUFFALO. Network of Religious Communities, 1272 Delaware Ave
NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT: MARCH TO THE U.N. DISCUSSION & POTLUCK
Join Marchers – Striving for Nuclear Disarmament –on their Journey across the State. (Also seeking food and water donations for the marchers.)

Friday, March 19th, 5:30 p.m.
ROCHESTER. Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 North Fitzhugh Street.
ROCLA’S ANNUAL RICE AND BEANS DINNER AND WHITE DOVE AWARDS.

Food, fun and a silent auction. Honoring Sr. Dianna Ortiz & Dr. John (Lory) Ghertner. Cost $15-$25, but no one will be turned away. The recipient of the International White Dove Award is Sister Dianna Ortiz, author of “The Blindfold’s Eyes: My Journey from Torture to Truth,” founder of Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC). TASSC is the only organization in the United States made up of survivors of torture. Sister Dianna is currently Director of the Washington Office of Pax Christi International. The local White Dove Award winner is Dr. John (Lory) Ghertner who started Church Watch to protect the migrant Hispanic community so that they could attend Mass; Migrant Support Services to advocate for and support the emergency needs of local neighbors; and Kids for College, which is actively supporting 12-15 migrant children yearly to help them gain entrance into college. He also is a member of the board of the Rural and Migrant Ministry. Catered by Savory Thyme. Call Marilyn Kaiser at 585-293-3194 or Gail Mott at 585-381-5606 or email RKaiser3@rochester.rr.com

Saturday, March 20, 12:00 p.m.
BUFFALO. Bidwell and Elmwood.
JOIN WOMEN IN BLACK – ANNIVERSARY OF IRAQ WAR

Saturday, March 20, 1 a.m.
ALBANY. East Garage. Bus to Washington, DC
BUS TO SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY IRAQ MARCH ON WASHINGTON
March 20 is the seventh anniversary of the criminal war of aggression launched against Iraq. The demonstration will demand the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan and Iraq. Instead of war, we will demand funds so that every person can have a job, free and universal health care, decent schools, and affordable housing. The 7th Anniversary of the war in Iraq is the time to make our voices heard. A bus will be leaving from the East Garage in Albany at 1 AM on March 20 and return to Albany after the demonstration on March 21 around 1:00 AM. Seats are $60 each. There will be partial scholarships available. Reserve a bus seat today. Reservations must be received by March 10. Checks made out to "BNP", can be sent to, BNP, PO Box 473, Delmar, NY 12054 (please include name(s) of bus riders , phone and e-mail address with check). Donations also accepted. Additional Bus Information. Sponsored by several national anti-war groups and coalitions, including the National Assembly. More Information: Joe Lombardo at 439-1968

Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.
AMHERST. Daemen College, 4380 Main Street
HOPE & RESISTANCE: INDIGENOUS WOMEN OF HIGHLAND CHIAPAS
29th Annual Father Bissonette Latin American Event featuring Christine Eber. For more information or to purchase tickets: Call 716-332-3904 or visit http://www.lascwny.org/

Thursday, March 25, 5:30 p.m.
GENESEO. The Main Street Fountain
VIGIL AND WALK FOR THE 7TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. INVASION OF IRAQ
Sponsored by Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace and the Geneseo Ecumenical Coalition for Peace. Co-sponsored by SUNY Geneseo College Democrats

Sunday, March 28, 5:00-7:30 p.m.
DELMAR. Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave.

BETHLEHEM NEIGHBORS FOR PEACE FILM AND DISCUSSION: BLIND SPOT – A DOCUMENTARY FILM ON PEAK OIL AND SUSTAINABILITY
Blind Spot was directed by, Adolfo Doring, released ion 2008 ( Running time 1:28). Blind Spot is a documentary that illustrates the current energy crisis that our way of life is facing. Whatever the measures of greed, wishful thinking, neglect or ignorance, we have put ourselves at a crossroad which offers two paths, both with dire consequences. If we continue to burn fossil fuels we will choke the life out of the planet and if we don't, will our way of life will collapse? “Blind Spot” was an Official Selection at the Woodstock Film Festival 2008. Rudyard Edick will lead us in a discussion following the film. For more information please call 466-1192. This will be a mini-pot luck, so please bring snacks to share. Join us!

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.

Thursday, April 29, 6:00 p.m.
WHITE PLAINS. Location TBA.
WESPAC’S ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER
Save the date! We will be honoring our own Ted de Soyza, Felice Gelman, and Mirene Ghossein, among others. For more info, please visit www.wespac.org.

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

Friday, March 19, 7:00 p.m.
TEANECK, NJ. St. Anastasia Church. The Redmond Center, 1095 Teaneck Rd, just north of Route 4
LIFT YOUR VOICES AGAINST THE WARS ON IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN: AN EVENING OF POETRY AND SONG ON THE 7TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR ON IRAQ.
Includes an open mic. Children, teens - all the way through seniors are invited to read a poem or other short piece, sing a song, or play music related to the wars. Active duty troops, veterans, military families – it’s YOUR chance to be heard, too. Plenty of parking. Near bus routes. Refreshments, literature table, sign up for future actions Sponsored by Military Families Speak Out, Bergen County Chapter , Veterans for Peace, Chapter 21 NJ, NJ Peace Action, Bergen County Green Party, Leonia Vigil Group and the Teaneck Peace and Justice Coalition.

Saturday, March 20
Washington DC
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY IRAQ MARCH ON WASHINGTON
March 20 is the seventh anniversary of the criminal war of aggression launched against Iraq. The demonstration will demand the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan and Iraq. Instead of war, we will demand funds so that every person can have a job, free and universal health care, decent schools, and affordable housing. The 7th Anniversary of the war in Iraq is the time to make our voices heard. Sponsored by several national anti-war groups and coalitions, including the National Assembly.

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.” Please join for a ceremony and luncheon. 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.

Going out of state? Check UFPJ's national Events Calendar: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/calendar.php .