June 15, 2010     Alert #260 Images/links not showing up? View online.

Dear Peace Activists and Friends,

We are excited to announce that the Army has decided to close the $12 million dollar Army Experience Center (AEC) at Franklin Mills Mall in Philadelphia.

The Army Experience Center is a 14,500 square foot high-tech recruiting center designed to glamorize war and to recruit people as young as fourteen. To appeal to young people, the AEC includes computer and video game consoles that simulate military invasions and the killing of Arabs and Afghans. The center teaches dangerous lessons. Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Rob Watson compared the AEC to “a heavy dose of candy cigarettes.”

When the center opened in August 2008, the Army announced that it was designed as a pilot program and it would decide whether to launch more centers nationally later. In two years, the AEC was only able to recruit 236 young people. Therefore, no more centers have been planned, and the original center is closing thanks to Peace Action members and other protestors.

The Philadelphia Inquirer announced on June 10th that the AEC will be completely closed by July 31, 2010.

“The protest vigils and marches, the civil disobedience and arrests, and the refusing to shop the Mall, to demand the closing of the AEC all made a difference - as did every young person who refused to be recruited into the Army by the AEC,” said Bob Smith of the Brandywine Peace Community.

Let’s keep up this momentum and continue to work towards moving militarism away from our communities.

Peace,

Brooke Callahan
Peace Action of New York State
info@panys.org

Featured Event
Thursday, June 24, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
MURRAY HILL.
Gallery Room, Community Church of New York, 28 East 35th Street
ANNUAL PANYS FILM FESTIVAL
"CONFLICTS IN LATIN AMERICA"
FILM #1: "TRADE"
Based on a New York Times Magazine story, this crime drama starring Kevin Kline delves into a sordid world of international sex trafficking that leads from Mexico City to a New Jersey stash house. In a bid to save kidnapped 13-year-old Adriana (Paulina Gaitan) before she's sold into sexual slavery, her desperate brother (Cesar Ramos) teams with a Texas cop (Kline). Can they find her before she vanishes into a hellish underworld? RSVP on Facebook.
New York Metro Area Events
Wednesday, June 16, 7:00 p.m.(must catch 6:00 p.m. ferry from Manhattan)
NEW DORP, STATEN ISLAND.
265 New Dorp Lane, between Hylan Boulevard and New Dorp Plaza.
RALLY/PROTEST RE: GAZA FLOTILLA REMARKS
AT CONGRESSMAN MICHAEL MCMAHON'S OFFICE

On Wednesday June 2, outside Rep. McMahon's SI district office, we held a peaceful vigil in tribute to the nine brave activists who were senselessly murdered by Israeli commandos delivering much needed aid to the suffering people of Gaza. Now the Congressman wishes to characterize us, and anyone who believes in the humanitarian mission of the Gaza Flotilla, as "Hamas supporters"?? Join SI/Bklyn constituents and community activists, including members of the Muslim community, as we demand a meeting -- and an apology. Background story: "McMahon calls peace activists "supporters of Hamas." Map; SIR train schedule. Contacts: Hesham El-Meligy: 917-214 - 6245; Sally Jones: 917-362-0897; Devra Morice: 347-647-1541

Thursday, June 17, 7:30 p.m. SUNNYSIDE. All Saints Church Hall, 43-12 46 Street
FORUM ON MTA'S WAR ON RIDERS & WORKERS
Join with your neighbors in a discussion of the MTA cuts that are in store for us. Find out how the banks (the ones who got all our "bailout" money) are actually behind the cuts.

Thursday, June 17, 7:00 p.m.
BROOKLYN.
House of the Lord Church, 415 Atlantic Avenue, (btw Bond & Nevins)
SURVIVORS OF ISRAELI RAID ON FREE GAZA FLOTILLA SPEAK OUT
Eye-witness accounts and background on the event.

Thursday, June 17, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
MIDTOWN.
Musician’s Local 802, 332 West 48th Street
57TH ANNUAL MEETING, NCRRC
The National Committee to Reopen the Rosenberg Case will be holding its 57th annual meeting to correct the unfair Rosenberg-Sobell trial.

Friday, June 18, 6:30 p.m.
UPPER WEST SIDE.
St. Mary’s Church, 521 W. 126th Street
THE PEOPLE'S JOURNEY
Join Salam Talib, Josh Stieber, Conor Curran & People From Gaza and Afghanistan Via Skype

Saturday, June 19, 1:00 p.m.
STATEN ISLAND.
The Cup Café, 388 Van Duzer Street
THE PEOPLE'S JOURNEY
Join Salam Talib, Josh Stieber, Conor Curran & People From Gaza and Afghanistan Via Skype. Brings together citizens from IRAQ, GAZA, AFGHANISTAN (via skype), and VETERANS of the GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR to share their experiences, moving beyond the political rhetoric as we seek to converse with people of the U.S. of all persuasions. Event Sponsored by:  World Can’t Wait, Peace Action NYS.

Saturday, June 19, 1:00 p.m.
CONEY ISLAND.
Meet outside the Mermaid Deli, 2028 Mermaid Avenue (corner West 21st Street and Mermaid Avenue)
BE A MERMAID FOR PEACE IN THE CONEY ISLAND MERMAID PARADE
Join the Anti-Militarism Committee of Brooklyn For Peace as we bring our message of getting the troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan to the thousands of pumped-up but unsuspecting spectators at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. We'll have costumes and sunscreen for all participants. Time: 1:00 pm sharp; we need to register with the Parade which begins at 2 pm one block away. Fee: $10 registration for adults, $5 for children (we'll assist you in paying the fee if necessary.) Questions? E-mail nowar@brooklynpeace.org or call 718-624-5921.

Sunday June 20th, 1:15 p.m.
MURRAY HILL.
Gallery Room, Community Church of New York, 28 East 35th st. at Park Ave.
RESISTANCE CINEMA PRESENTS "CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY"
Capitalism: A Love Story examines the impact of corporate dominance on the everyday lives of Americans (and by default, the rest of the world). With both humor and outrage, the film explores the question: What is the price that America pays for its love of capitalism? Admission free, donations appreciated

Wednesday, June 23, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
MIDTOWN.
Goldfarb Abrandt Salzman & Kutzin Conference Room, The Empire State Building,
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1100 at 35th Street
FREE ESTATE PLANNING TEA
With Elder Law Experts of Goldfarb Abrandt Salzman & Kutzin LLP. RSVP: 646-723-1749. Directions: 1, 2, or 3 (Seventh Avenue Lines), A, C or E (Eighth Avenue Subway) to 34th Street/Penn Station. Also B, D, F, N, Q, R or Path to 34th Street/Avenue of the Americas .

Thursday, June 24, 1:00 p.m.
TIMES SQUARE.

FLASH RUNWAY.
Catch the PANYS staff at our first Flash Runway. We'll spontaneously roll out our red carpet and model the peace sign, reminding people to think of the sign not only as a fashion statement, but also as a symbol with an important history and meaning. If you are interested about getting involved either as a model or in some other capacity, please call Linda at 646-723-1749. See you at the runway!

Thursday, June 24, 6:30 p.m.
UPPER EAST SIDE.
Reidy Friendship Hall, All Souls Unitarian Church, Lexington Avenue at 80th St.
FIRST DO NO HARM: THE ROLE OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IN U.S.-SPONSORED TORTURE
Light refreshments will be served.

Saturday, June 26, 11:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m.
BAY RIDGE.
Bay Ridge Public Library, 1223 Ridge Boulevard
FILM SCREENING: "PEACE THROUGH EDUCATION"
Bill Moyers interview with Greg Mortensen, whose life work is to build schools in the border areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Followed by:
"PEACE IS PATRIOTIC" MARCH
AND 4TH OF JULY GIVEAWAY

We will march on 86th Street between 4th and 5th Avenues in front of Century 21. We will be giving away 100 "Peace is Patriotic" buttons. Further information: 718-680-2981, 917-579-6860, peacactionbayridge@yahoo.com.

Saturday, June 26, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
NEW ROCHELLE.
Main St. & Memorial Hwy.
WOMEN IN BLACK WESTCHESTER: PALESTINE SOLIDARITY VIGIL
The Clearwater Festival is the third weekend of June. We will be at the Festival with information, petitions, and post cards to END U.S. Military Aid to Israel & the Occupation of Palestine. Please join us if you can. There's no plan for Sunday, so if you'd like to do it, and/or can get others to cover Sunday that would be great.

Thursday, July 1, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
MURRAY HILL.
Gallery Room, Community Church of New York, 28 East 35th Street
ANNUAL PANYS FILM FESTIVAL: "CONFLICTS IN LATIN AMERICA"
FILM #2: "THE FALL OF FUJIMORI"
Ellen Perry's true-life political thriller documents the reign of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori, a man who ran on a ticket to fight poverty but whose rule was ultimately marked by violence, corruption and controversy. With promises to restore stability and crush terrorist insurgents, Fujimori won popular support -- and the 1990 election -- but his administration eventually dissolved under the weight of political abuses and scandal. RSVP on Facebook.

Thursday, July 8, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
MURRAY HILL.
Gallery Room, Community Church of New York, 28 East 35th Street
ANNUAL PANYS FILM FESTIVAL: "CONFLICTS IN LATIN AMERICA"
FILM #3: "FIDEL"
This documentary by director Estela Bravo takes a look at the political and social impact the immensely powerful Cuban dictator Fidel Castro has had on the world during the 40-plus years he's been in power. Through interviews with politicians (Nelson Mandela, Arthur Schlesinger), friends (Gabriel Garcia Marquez), and other cultural experts (Alice Walker), Fidel's personality and work are explored and discussed. RSVP on Facebook.

Thursday, July 15, 9:00 a.m.
LOWER MANHATTAN.
Federal District Court, 500 Pearl Street
RE-SENTENCING OF LYNNE STEWART
Let’s not forget Lynne Stewart. Be in Judge Koeltl’s courtroom when she is re-sentenced. Show your solidarity by attending.

Thursday, July 15, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
MURRAY HILL.
Gallery Room, 28 East 35th Street
ANNUAL PANYS FILM FESTIVAL: "CONFLICTS IN LATIN AMERICA"
FILM #4: "PLAN COLUMBIA - CASHING ON ON THE DRUG WAR FAILURE"
Ed Asner narrates this documentary about U.S. involvement in Colombia's drug trafficking and civil unrest. The film examines the impact of chemical spraying and military funding and reveals alternate U.S. interests. Features interviews with Noam Chomsky, the late Senator Paul Wellstone, Colombian Presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, Congressmen John Conyers and Jim McGovern, U.S. State Department officials, guerilla leaders and others. RSVP on Facebook.

Sunday, July 18 – Monday, July 19, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
GREENWICH VILLAGE.
New York University Furman Hall Room 216, 245 Sullivan Street,
between Washington Square South and West Third Street
BORN INTO WAR: AN EXHIBIT OF PHOTOS BY FORMER CHILD SOLDIERS IN COLUMBIA
Exhibit and silent auction of photographs by former child soldiers. Short video of former child soldiers and MADRE’s project to support their recovery. Reception to launch report by MADRE and our partners to the UN Human Rights Committee. Admission: $20.00 to attend the event, Wine and Refreshments will be served. More Info: www.madre.org/index.php?s=4&news=397

Upstate Events
Monday, Jun 14, 8:30 a.m.
WHITE PLAINS.
Federal Court House, 300 Quarropas Street
INTERFAITH PRAYER VIGIL FOR JUSTICE FOR NEWBURGH FOUR TRIAL.
Sponsor: WESPAC Foundation

Thursday, June 17, 7:00 p.m.
PURCHASE.
Connie Hogarth Center for Social Action, Manhattanville College.
JAMES BONNER AT THE BEADON INST: VISUALIZING THE SMART RIVER
A nationally recognized expert in oil spill remediation, dispersant technology and its ecological effects, Dr. Bonner is leading Beacon Institute's REON initiative for real-time monitoring of rivers and estuaries. Register online today! Don’t miss out on this timely and FREE event—register online today.

Saturday, June 19, 11:OO a.m.
SARATOGA SPRINGS.
Meet at the downtown Saratoga Springs Post Office
PEACE VIGIL TO SUPPORT SARATOGA SPRINGS VETERANS FOR PEACE.
Peace vigil in support of Saratoga Springs chapter 147 Veterans For Peace. This chapter of Veterans For Peace is being denied participation in the Flag Day parade by the organizers, Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge. The parade starts at 12:00 noon. Peace is patriotic!

Saturday, June 19, 7:30 p.m.
ALBANY.
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany , 405 Washington Avenue
(across the street from the downtown SUNY campus)

FILM - CRUDE: THE REAL PRICE OF OIL.

Sunday, June 20, 4:00 p.m.
GRAND ISLAND.
Riverside-Salem UCC/DC, "The Cottage," 3449 West River Road
FILM: THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD

Monday, June 21, 7:00 p.m.
BUFFALO.
Network of Religious Communities, 1272 Delaware Ave
LASC COFFEEHOUSE ON PASTORS FOR PEACE FRIENSHIPMENTS TO CUBA
Featuring a film and a guest speaker who has been a caravanista.

Sunday, June 27, 4:00 p.m.
GRAND ISLAND.
Riverside-Salem UCC/DC, "The Cottage," 3449 West River Road
MUSIC IN THE WOODS
With Nan Hoffman, Joe Tumino, Tom & Kathy DeLoughry, Mary Bieger Bring chairs and blankets, if you can. Potluck following.

Thursday, July 1, 6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
DELMAR.
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave.
FILM: THE PEOPLE SPEAK
Narrated by Howard Zinn.

Sunday, July 4, 6:30 p.m.
BUFFALO/FORT ERIE.
Americans meet at Front Park, Buffalo.
Canadians meet at Mather Arch, Friendship Festival, Fort Erie, Ontario

ACROSS THE BORDER
Hands Across the Border is a Peace Initiative started in 2009 by the Binational Friendship Festival of Fort Erie and Buffalo. The action is establishing a pattern to be followed into 2012 - 2014: The Bicentennial in which we celebrate 200 Years of Peace between our Countries.

Wednesday, July 7, 5 p.m.
BUFFALO.
Maxine's house, 74 Wellington Ave. (near Hertel)
SEND-OFF BBQ FOR THE IFCO/PASTORS FOR PEACE CARAVAN

Saturday, July 10, 1 p.m.
BUFFALO.
Ephesus Ministries, 341 Grider St. (next to the Bissonette House)
ANNUAL DAY OF PLEDGING AND REMEMBRANCE
Day of Pledging Our Oath to Peace and Remembering the Buffalo area Homicide Victims of the past year. This is an annual event and many attend to hear the names of the victims read and to renew their oath to non-violence.

July 23 – 25
ALBANY.
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 10 Eyck Plaza, State and Lodge Streets
NATIONAL PEACE CONFERENCE: BRING THE TROOPS HOME
SCHEDULE:
Friday evening, July 23: Panel discussion on “Strategies & Tactics in the Struggle to End the Empire’s Wars and Occupations”; Presentation of Action Proposal
Saturday, July 24: Keynote Speakers; Workshops; Lunch panel on Government Repression, Defense of Political Prisoners, and Guantanamo Detainees; Plenary Discussion of Action Proposal, Amendments & Resolutions
Saturday evening, July 24: Public Forum with speakers & cultural performances
Sunday, July 25: Plenary Discussion and Vote on Action Proposal; Workshops
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: NOAM CHOMSKY, DONNA DEWITT
ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS: Joel Kovel, Dahlia Wasfi, Leila Zand, Cheri Honkala, Medea Benjamin, Kathy Kelly, Michael Ferner, Kevin Martin, Michael McPhearson, Nada Khader, Larry Holmes, David Swanson, Glen Ford, Blanca Missé, Pam Africa, Cindy Sheehan, Fahima Vorgetts (partial list)
Get more info and register at www.nationalpeaceconference.org.


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

Out of State and National Events
All Summer
NEW MEXICO and other locations.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOMB's DISARMAMENT SUMMER.
Think Outside the Bomb, the largest youth-led anti-nuclear network in the US, is organizing Disarmament Summer near Los Alamos, New Mexico, in partnership with the Tribal Environmental Watch Alliance, TEWA Women United, the Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment, Products of Atzlan youth group, and the Southwest Indigenous Uranium Forum. For further information please check out www.thinkoutsidethebomb.org, call (408) 676-TOTB (8682), or email Rebecca Riley, totbchicago@gmail.com or Lisa Putkey, lisaputkey@gmail.com.

Tuesday, June 22 - Saturday, June 26
DETROIT.

U.S. SOCIAL FORUM
"Not a conference but a space to come up with the peoples’ solutions to the economic and ecological crisis." Self-Organized Workshops; People's Movement Assemblies; Plenaries; Work Projects & Work Brigades; Detroit Expanded (DEX); USSF Village & Canopies; Arts & Culture - Performances, Exhibitions, Film Festival; Children's Social forum & Youth Camp; Detroit Local Organizing; International Participation; Direct Action; Open Space; Tours; Grassroots Fundraising.

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