Baltimore Activist Alert - Part 2

32] Book talk on toxic chemicals – Apr. 28

33] Palestine Film Festival – Apr. 28 & 29

34] European socialism – Apr. 29

35] Town Hall on obesity -- Apr. 28

36] Spiritual elevation -- Apr. 28 – May 1

37] Film OCCUPATION HAS NO FUTURE -- Apr. 28

38] Palestinian author has new book -- Apr. 29

39] White House vigil – Apr. 29

40] WIB Inner Harbor vigil – Apr. 29

41] WIB Roland Park vigil – Apr. 29

42] Justice for Palestine/Israel vigil – Apr. 29

43] Chavez's Venezuela – Apr. 29

44] Film IMPUNITY – Apr. 29

45] Silent vigil at Homewood Friends – Apr. 29

46] Vigil to End Wars – Apr. 29

47] Workers' Day Celebration – Apr. 29-30

48] MUPJ conference – Apr. 29-30

49] Book release MARSHALL'S LAW – Apr. 29-30

50] Walter Reed vigil – Apr. 29

51] Ballroom dancing – Apr. 29

52] Farmers Market – Apr. 30

53] Volunteer at Citizenship Workshop – Apr. 30

54] Olney vigil to end the war – Apr. 30

55] Peace vigil in Chester, PA – Apr. 30

56] Peace vigil at Capitol – Apr. 30

57] Protest Syrian government -- Apr. 30

58] Benefit for cats – Apr. 30

59] Meditate for peace – Apr. 30

60] The Great Debate – Apr. 30

61] Walk for Hope – May 1

62] Hope & Courage – May 1

63] Get on the bridge for peace – May 1

64] Relief Work in Japan – May 1

65] May Day in NYC – May 1

66] Film SOUTH OF THE BORDER – May 1

67] May Day in Baltimore – May 1

68] Philadelphia Peace Vigil – May 1

69] Pentagon Vigil – May 2

70] Sign up with Washington Peace Center

71] Fund Our Communities campaign

72] Submit articles to Indypendent Reader 

73] Skippy and Jordy need homes 

74] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

75] Support Haiti

76] Buy a red maple tree

77] Join Global Zero campaign

78] War Is Not the Answer signs for sale

79] Publish your peace article

80] Click on The Hunger Site 

81] Fire & Faith  

82] Join Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

 

32] – Baltimore author McKay Jenkins will do a book signing on Thurs., Apr. 28 at 6:30 PM at the Ivy Bookshop, 6080 Falls Road. His book, "What's Gotten Into Us: Staying Healthy in a Toxic World," also deals with his personal tragedy. Call 410-377-2966.

 

33] – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) continues to host the First Annual DC Palestine Film Festival at its office, 1732 Wisconsin Ave., NW, WDC 20007.  This FREE event will showcase films that highlight the situation in Palestine, the experiences of the Palestinian people and U.S. responses to the situation in Palestine.  On Thurs., Apr. 28 at 6:30 PM, see WITH GOD ON OUR SIDE, a look at what Christian Zionism teaches and more importantly, the real implications it has on the people of the Middle East. On Fri., Apr. 29 at 6:30 PM, see ARNA'S CHILDREN, a documentary made by the late Jewish-Palestinian actor/director Juliano Mer-Khamis about his mother, Arna, an activist against the Israeli occupation who founded an alternative education system for Palestinian children.  Go to http://www.aaper.org/site/c.quIXL8MPJpE/b.4862861/k.AA1D/Copy_of_Home_Pa...

34  – On Thurs., Apr. 28 from 6:30 to 8 PM at the Cleveland Park Public Library, First Floor Auditorium, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW, Dr. Norman Birnbaum will discuss "European Socialism And the Global Crisis" in a presentation hosted by the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America.  In the wake of the financial crisis, democratic socialist and social democratic movements across Europe have been under a great deal of pressure. Germany, France, Italy, and the UK are all governed by right-wing governments, and austerity programs are being implemented across the continent.  There are signs of hope, however. London recently saw massive protests against... budget cuts, and the Greens have taken power for the first time in a German state, substantially weakening the Christian Democrats. How is the European Left dealing with the crisis, and where does it go from here? 

Dr. Norman Birnbaum is professor emeritus at Georgetown Law Center and serves on the editorial boards of The Nation and Dissent. He has written widely on European politics and sociology and is author or editor of 8 books. His latest book is "After Progress: American Social Reform and European Socialism in the Twentieth Century."

35] – There is a town hall meeting on Thurs., Apr, 28 from 7 to 9 PM in the Wheeler Auditorium at the Central Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library! The focus is on childhood obesity and the health of children. There will be free giveaways and raffle items including a 3-month Family Membership to the YMCA! The town hall is presented in partnership with the Center for Emerging Media, University of Maryland Medical Center and Morgan State University School of Community Health & Policy. Call 410-396-5430.

 

36] – Sri Karunamayi has a mission of universal peace and the spiritual elevation of humanity. Join her for four days of uplifting programs starting Thurs., Apr. 28 through Sun., May 1. On the first three days, the events will take place at The Hindu Temple of Metropolitan Washington, 10001 Riggs Road, Adelphi MD 20783. 

 

On Apr. 28 from 7 to 9 PM, there will be a Spiritual Discourse/Darshan.  On Apr. 29 from 10 AM to 2 PM, there will be Individual Blessings & Saraswati Diksha. On Apr. 30 from 8 AM to 6 PM, join a Silent Meditation Retreat. There is a fee required for the retreat, and registration is necessary--call 301-515-7363. 

 

Finally on May 1 from  9 AM to 1 PM, there will be a Homa/Sacred Fire Ceremony at The Hare Krishna Temple, 10310 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac MD 20854.  All programs are free of charge except the retreat. Go to http://www.karunamayi.org/tour/2011WashingtonDC.html or call 301-515-7363.

 

37] – A number of groups, including Baltimore Tikkun/Jewish Voice for Peace, is sponsoring OCCUPATION HAS NO FUTURE: Militarism & Resistance in Israel/Palestine, a new documentary by UPHEAVAL PRODUCTIONS that studies Israeli militarism, examines the occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, explores the work of Israelis and Palestinians organizing against militarism and occupation and features interviews with former IDF soldiers, Israeli conscientious objectors, and Palestinian grassroots organizers. The film showing and photography exhibit from ACTIVE STILLS will be followed by a discussion of future events concerning Israel/Palestine on Thurs., Apr. 28 at 7 PM at 2640 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218.  There is no charge.  Call Mark at 443-955-8444.

 

38] – On Thurs., Apr. 28 at 7:30 PM in the Great Hall,  St. Columba's Peace Fellowship, 42nd and Albemarle Streets, NW, WDC (one block west of the Tenleytown Metro stop), Raja Shehadeh, a Palestinian Anglican, founder of the human rights organization Al-Haq and author of a new book, "A Rift in Time: Travels with My Ottoman Uncle, will speak.  In 2008, he was awarded the Orwell Prize, Britain's most prestigious prize for political writing, for his book PALESTINIAN WALKS.  His latest book was inspired by the story his grandmother told him about a journey taken by his great-uncle to escape the Ottomans. He decided to follow his great-uncle's path and write about the trip. Determining the route was complicated by Israel's erasure from all maps of the Palestinian names for the villages and other places his great-uncle had visited. Go to http://www.orbooks.com/our-books/rift-in-time/

 

39] – A peace vigil takes place every Friday from noon to 1 PM at Lafayette Park facing the White House.  Join the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker and friends. Contact Art Laffin: artlaffin@hotmail.com.   

 

40] – Every Friday from noon to 1 PM, Women in Black, Baltimore, host a vigil at Pratt and Light Sts. in the Inner Harbor. Peace signs will be available. See http://www.peacepath911.com/ or write wibbaltimore@hotmail.com or call 410-467-9114.

 

41] – There is also a noon vigil, weather permitting, on Fri., Apr. 29 at Roland Park Place at 830 W. 40th St.  Call 410-467-9114.

42] – A vigil for Justice in Palestine/Israel (now in its 8th year) takes place every Friday from noon to 1 PM at 19th & JFK Blvd., Philadelphia (across from Israeli Consulate.  It is sponsored by Bubbies & Zaydes (Grandparents) for Peace in the Middle East. Email cswartz@pil.net. Go to http://phillyjewishpeace.org/.

43] – The Program in Latin American Studies presents Michael McCarthy, PHD candidate, Department of Political Science, Johns Hopkins U., will talk about "Seeding Mobilization, Harvesting Support: Polarization, Competition and Political Participation in Chavez's Venezuela" on Fri., Apr, 29 from 12:30 to 2:30 PM in Greenhouse 113.  Email mmccarthy@jhu.edu.

 

44] – On Fri., Apr. 29 at 5 PM, there will be a showing of "IMPUNITY:  What Kind of War for Colombia?" The film by Hollman Morris and Juan Jose Lozano can be seen in Reiss 112, Georgetown U.  There will be a discussion with Morris from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, followed by a reception in the McGhee Library. It is a free event. 

 

45] –  There is a silent vigil on Fri., Apr. 29 from 5 to 6 PM outside of Homewood Friends Meeting, 3107 N. Charles St., in opposition to war in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. Placards say: "War Is Not the Answer." The silent vigil is sponsored by AFSC, Homewood Friends and Stony Run Meetings. 

 

46] – On the last Friday of the month, join a vigil, Apr. 29, from 5 to 6 PM at Broad & Arch Sts., Philadelphia. It is a Vigil to End the Wars, with a Gold Star Mother for Peace, Celeste Zappala.  Email czappala1@yahoo.com.

 

47] – An INTERNATIONAL WORKERS' DAY CELEBRATION is happening Fri., Apr. 29 and Sat., Apr. 30 at the National Labor College,  10000 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring 20903. On Apr. 29, from 6 to 8:30 PM, enjoy cultural and educational exhibits, music and updates on movements of Egyptian, Colombian and Central American workers.  On Apr. 30, from noon to 3 PM, there will be several discussions about problems facing labor. Call Kim Tucker to RSVP at 410-318-8537 or email ktucker@mddcaflcio.org. The celebration is sponsored by the MARYLAND STATE & D.C. AFL-CIO, along with AFSCME Council 67, Baltimore Teachers Union and 1199 SEIU Healthcare Workers East.

 

48] – The 26th Annual Peace, Justice, & Environment Conference at St. Camillus Roman Catholic Church, 1600 Saint Camillus Dr., Silver Spring 20903-2598, has the theme Encouraging the Language and Practice of Peace & Justice.  On Fri., Apr. 29 there will be a potluck dinner from 6:30 to 7:30 PM followed by a Maryland United for Peace and Justice business meeting.

 

On Sat., Apr. 30 registration will begin at 8 AM, and the closing will be at 5 PM. A number of legislators will speak, at 9:35 AM, the keynote will be delivered by The Right Rev. Eugene Sutton, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, and there are numerous workshops.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided. To most, the cost is $30, but retirees and students can participate for $10. RSVP to phamm001@verizon.net.  

49] – On Fri., Apr. 29 at 7 PM @ 2640, 27th & St. Paul Sts, Eddie Conway's Autobiography Book Release will be happening.  In 1970, Conway was convicted of the murder of a Baltimore City Police officer. He has remained in prison since, and now his autobiography is available--MARSHALL LAW: The Life and Times of a Baltimore Black Panther! The evening will feature readings from the book by Bashi Rose and WombWorks Productions, a talk by Pam Africa on the Mumia Abu-Jamal case, and a performance by Lafayette Gilchrist! Catering will be provided by Neutral Grounds. A $5-10 sliding scale donation is requested.  Go to www.redemmas.org/2640.

 

50] – The Walter Reed Vigil continues on Fridays from 7 to 9 PM at the Hospital, 7150 Georgia Ave., NW (at Horseshoe, between Dahlia and Elder), WDC. The vigil calls for peace, care for the wounded, and full benefits for all veterans.  Contact DC CODEPINK at dc@codepinkalert.org or 202-290-1301.

 

51] –  There is an opportunity to participate in ballroom dancing, usually every Friday of the month, in the JHU ROTC Bldg. at 8 PM.  Turn south on San Martin Dr. from the intersection of Univ. Parkway and 39th St.  Drive on campus by taking the third left turn. The next dance will be Apr. 29. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

52] – Go to the West Baltimore Farmer's Market for fresh fruits, vegetables, breads and other treats every Saturday from 8 to noon.  CPHA has worked with the West Baltimore Marc TOD and Transit Inc. (WBMTTI) to establish a Farmer's Market at the West Baltimore Marc Train stop at Smallwood Road at Franklin and Mulberry Sts.  Since opening in June, over 300 people buy fresh groceries there every Saturday morning. WBMTTI will continue to include the community in the transit-oriented developments on the west side and continue to improve the area around "the highway to nowhere" until it becomes the highway to somewhere. Go to www.cphabaltimore.org.

 

53] – Human Rights Campaign is seeking volunteers for a Citizenship Workshop on Sat., Apr. 30.  Volunteers needed from 9 AM to 2 PM, but the public will only participate from 10 AM to 1 PM.  The workshop takes place at the Arlington County Department of Human Services, 2100 Washington Blvd. (Sequoia Plaza), Arlington, VA 22204!  To volunteer, contact HRC National Capital Area Diversity Co-Chair Vanessa Watson at vrenee26@gmail.com.

 

54] – Friends House, 17715 Meeting House Rd., Sandy Spring, MD 20860, hosts a peace vigil every Saturday, 10:30 to 11:30 AM, on the corner of Rt. 108 and Georgia Ave. in Olney, MD.  The next vigil is Apr. 30. Call Chuck Harker at 301-570-7167. 

 

55] –  Each Saturday, 11 AM – 1 PM, Chester County Peace Movement holds a peace vigil in West Chester in front of the Chester County Courthouse, High & Market Sts. Go to www.ccpeace.org. Email ccpeacemovement@aol.com.

 

56] – There will be a peace vigil on the West Lawn of the Capitol at noon on Apr. 30. Look for the blue banner with the message, "Seek Peace and Pursue It.--Psalms 34:14." The vigil lasts one hour and is silent except when one responds to the occasional questions. Go to http://www.quaker.org/langleyhill/seekpeace.htm or email seekpeacevigil@yahoo.com.

 

57] –  Amnesty International is hosting an Urgent Rally for Human Rights in Syria on Sat., Apr. 30 at noon in front of the White House in Lafayette Square.  Call on the Syrian government to allow for peaceful protest and pressure the US government to support human rights in Syria. Use the Metro at McPherson Square (Blue Line toward Franconia-Springfield, Orange Line Vienna). Call 202-509-8181.

 

58] – The Feline Rescue Association's Bingo Hall INVASION is happening on Sat., Apr. 30 from noon to 4:30 PM at the Pikesville Vol. Fire Co., 40 E. Sudbrook Lane, Pikesville, MD.  This is a benefit for homeless cats. Go to http://www.baltimorecats.org/bingo.  There will be cash bingo - 50/50 raffle - silent auction - food!

 

59] – Every Saturday after the Satsang - Meditation for World Peace, 5 to 6 PM and the chanting and prayers, 6 to 7 PM, there will a film shown about the history of Sathya Sai Baba and his mission at 4209 East West Hwy., Chevy Chase, MD 20815.   RSVP to Victor (Vyasa) Landa at 301-654 6759.  Go to www.globalcoalitionforpeace.net.

 

60] – The Great Debate Comes to D.C. on Sat., Apr. 30 at 7:30 PM.  Join the NAACP and Starbucks for the third Annual "Great Debate" competition between two legendary debate schools. Get your tickets at http://www.naacp.org/GreatDebate.  Since 2008, the Connecticut State Conference of the NAACP has hosted the Great Debate exhibition between Yale U. and Howard U. in New Haven, Connecticut. This year, the debate moves to Howard's Cramton Auditorium.

 

61] – There's a Walk of Hope on Sun., May 1 going from 8 AM to noon at Druid Hill Park's Reservoir, Madison Ave. Baltimore, MD 21217.  This Walk-A-Thon/Food Drive is in essence a Homelessness Awareness Walk.  The cost is $12.  Contact Imam Hassan A. Amin at 443 519-7413 or imamhassanamin@verizon.net.  The walk is sponsored by the Muslim Social Service Organization

 

62] – On Sun., May 1 at 10:30 AM, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W. Franklin St., Suite 102, Baltimore 21201, welcomes Hugh Taft-Morales, leader of the Ethical Society, who will address "Hope, Courage and Leadership." He will argue the rampant growth of inequality over the past thirty five years played a major role in the Great Recession. The decline in the real wages of working people contributed to a global crisis of overproduction. Call 410-581-2322 or visit www.baltimoreethicalsociety.org.

 

63] – Maryland Bridges for Peace welcomes you to stand for peace Sundays from noon (or thereabouts) to 1 PM on the Spa Creek Bridge in Annapolis.  Contact Lucy at 410-263-7271 or mdbridgesforpeace@toadmail.com. Signs are not allowed to be on a stick or pole.   If there is interest, people will be standing on the Stoney Creek Bridge on Fort Smallwood Road in Pasadena [410-437-5379 or magicalgodmom@aol.com]. Go to http://BridgePeace.blogspot.com/.

 

64] – Relief Work in Japan is a talk about the human need and what relief agencies are doing to help after the earthquake and the nuclear terror.  This will be presented by Lutheran World Relief at non on Sun., May 1 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1025 S. Potomac Ave. Call 410-935-3696 or go to www.messiahodsq.com.

 

65] – The Bail Out the People Movement [mailto:bailoutpeople@organizerweb.org] is asking you to come to New York City to celebrate May Day at noon in Union Square, 14th & Broadway Sts. Go to www.BailoutPeople.org. This is International Workers Day, and there is a need to protect both immigrant and non-immigrant workers. March to FOLEY SQUARE for an UNITY RALLY. Call 410-218-4835. 

 

66] – See a screening of "SOUTH OF THE BORDER" with special guest Modesto Ruiz, deputy in Venezuela's National Assembly, on Sun., May 1 at 2:30 PM for refreshments; 3 to 5 PM for film and discussion.  The afternoon event is at the Owen Brown Community Center, 6800 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045.  "There's a revolution underway in South America, but most of the world doesn't know it. Oliver Stone sets out on a road trip across five countries to explore the social and political movements as well as the mainstream media's misperception of South America while interviewing seven of its elected presidents. In casual conversations with Presidents Hugo Chávez (Venezuela), Evo Morales (Bolivia), Lula da Silva (Brazil), Cristina Kirchner (Argentina), as well as her husband and ex-President Nėstor Kirchner, Fernando Lugo (Paraguay), Rafael Correa (Ecuador), and Raúl Castro (Cuba), Stone gains unprecedented access and sheds new light upon the exciting transformations in the region."  Go to http://southoftheborderdoc.com/.

 

Modesto Ruiz in 2009 became the president of the Subcommittee on Legislation, Participation, Warranties, Duties and Rights of African descendants. Most recently in that capacity, he was responsible for drafting a national law against racial discrimination and intolerance that is expected to be passed this May.

This event is sponsored by Howard County Friends of Latin America. Go to www.friendsoflatinamerica.org. Call Leslie at 410-381-4899.

 

67] – The public is invited to participate in a May Day rally on Sun., May 1 from 3 to 5 PM at McKeldin Square, Light and Pratt Sts. The theme is Jobs for all; no cuts to social security and other social programs; solidarity with Maryland public workers; solidarity with workers around the world; yes to immigrant rights, no to U. S. wars.  Bring a sign with your own issue and help celebrate this workers' holiday. Call 410 433-3269 or email may1baltimore2011 @ gmail.com.

 

68] – Every Sunday, 4 to 5 PM, there is a Quaker Peace Vigil at Independence Mall, N. side of Market between 5th and 6th Sts., Philadelphia. Call 215-421-5811.

 

69] – There is a weekly Pentagon Peace Vigil from 7 to 8 AM on Mondays, since 1987, outside the Pentagon Metro stop.  The next vigil is Mon., May 2, and it is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker.  Call 202-882-9649.

 

70] – The Washington Peace Center has a progressive calendar & activist alert! Consider signing up to receive its weekly email: info@washingtonpeacecenter.org.

71] – Fund Our Communities campaign – is a new grass roots movement to get support from local organizations and communities to work together with their local and state elected officials to pressure Congresspersons and senators to join with Congresspersons Barney Frank and Ron Paul, who have endorsed a 25% cut to the federal military budget.  Bring home the savings to state and county governments to meet the local needs which are under tremendous budget pressures.  Go to www.OurFunds.org.      

 

72] – The new Indypendent Reader is seeking articles for its web site at http://www.indyreader.org.  Submit an article.  

 

73] – Skippy and Jordy are cats who need homes.  A mother of too many cats writes "Skippy is a doll. He's a great guy and would be a good companion for someone. Jordy needs a special person who is experienced with cats and is willing to take the time to develop a bond with him.  He's close to his mother, his rescuer, but no one else.  He is gorgeous, with a beautiful long black silky coat. Let Max know if you might be interested in one of the cats—410-366-1637.

 

74] – If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs or records, contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net. 

 

75] – There is a project to assist young refugees from Haiti, now residing in the Dominican Republic.  The founder of the project needs funding to providing education to the youth as a way out of desperate poverty.  Try to imagine the poverty in Haiti, and then realize that these young refugees are considered low caste in the Dominican Republic. We are talking about the poorest of the poor.  Consider making a small donation, and realize that most pledges to Haiti to assist hurricane victims have not been sent.  To maintain a web site presence at Global Giving, there must be traffic.  So help out with this extremely worthy cause. Go to https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/scholarships-for-dominican-and-haitian-youth/.

 

76] – I have one red maple tree for $5 from the Trees for Baltimore program.  Buy a tree, plant it and contribute to saving the planet.  Call Max at 410-366-1637

 

77] – Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees.  This is an historic window of opportunity.  With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.  

 

78] – WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER signs from Friends Committee on National Legislation are again for sale at $5.  To purchase a sign, call Max at 410-366-1637.

 

79] – Publish Your Peace Article. Daniel Frasier is soliciting peace articles for the biweekly series of commentaries Paths to Peace in the Frederick News Post Religion and Ethics section. For details, email path2peace07@yahoo.com.

 

80] – The Hunger Site was initiated by Mercy Corps and Second Harvest, and is funded entirely by advertisers.  You can go there every day and click the big yellow "Give Food for Free" button near the top of the page; you do not have to look at the ads. Each click generates funding for about 1.1 cups of food.  So consider clicking.  

 

81] – Go online for FIRE AND FAITH: The Catonsville Nine File. On May 17, 1968, nine people entered the Selective Service Offices in Catonsville, Maryland, and burned draft records in protest against the war in Vietnam. View http://www.prattlibrary.org/digital/.

 

82] – Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981.  Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

 

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-366-1637; Email: mobuszewski [at] verizon.net

 

"One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan