Baltimore Activist Alert - March 15-17, 2014

37] "From Ground to Grounds" – Mar. 15
38] SOA Watch workshop – Mar. 15
39] Demonstration Garden – Mar. 15
40] Olney Peace vigil – Mar. 15
41] West Chester, PA demo – Mar. 15
42] Silent peace vigil – Mar. 15
43] Support Obamacare – Mar. 15
44] Baltimore Says No U.S Intervention – Mar. 15
45] Current Feminist Issues in Maryland – Mar. 16
46] Peace and Pancakes -- Mar. 16
47] Film "Blue Gold: World Water Wars" – Mar. 16
48] Film on drones and a discussion – Mar. 16
49] Heather in Baltimore – Mar. 16
50] Prayers for Peace in Palestine -- Mar. 16
51] "Strike For America: Chicago Teachers Against Austerity"-- Mar. 16
52] Get out the vote for Andy Shallal -- Mar. 16
53] Mayoral Un-Forum -- Mar. 16
54] Pentagon Vigil -- Mar. 17
55] Max is seeking a place to live
56] Ronda Cooperstein on social media
57] Sign up with Washington Peace Center
58] Join Fund Our Communities
59] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records
60] Do you need any book shelves or file cabinets?
61] Join Global Zero campaign
62] War Is Not the Answer signs for sale
63] Join Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

37] – On Sat., Mar. 15 from 9 AM to 8 PM, enjoy "From Ground to Grounds:" A Day Long Celebration of Coffee at Busboys and Poets, 5th & K Sts./1025 5th St. NW, WDC 20001. It starts with a public coffee tasting of Busboys and Poets' new coffee blend (available for purchase in 1/2 lb. bags beginning that day.

From 3:30 to 5:30 PM, WRC-TV/NBC news anchor Wendy Rieger will moderate two presentations: "Feed the Cup" by Jeff Taylor, founding CEO of PT's Coffee Roasting Company (the roaster that supplies Busboys and Poets with our delicious direct trade coffee) and "Dos Locos Gringos in Potenciana, Costa Rica," by coffee farmer Michael Pannell. From 6 to 8 PM, Rachel Northrop, author of “When Coffee Speaks: Stories from and of Latin American Coffeepeople,” will reveal what she learned during her nine-month investigative journey through Central America and Colombia and sign her book. Go to http://www.busboysandpoets.com/about/5th-k.

38] – Get over to a SOA Watch Teach-In at Red Emma's Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, on Sat., Mar. 15 from 10 AM to noon. Join School of the Americas Watch staff collective members Maria Luisa and Hendrik Voss for a teach-in regarding militarism and imperialism in Latin America. With SOA Watch's Spring Days of Action in DC just weeks away, this is an awesome opportunity to plug into a grassroots movement that has demanded justice in the Americas for more than two decades. Call 443-602-7585.

39] – Global Coalition for Peace will be planting a demonstration garden on Sat., Mar. 15 at 10 AM at the Shanti Yoga Ashram, 4217 East-West Highway, Bethesda 20814. Growing your own vegetables and herbs is an exciting and rewarding endeavor that will enhance your physical and spiritual health as well as helping to protect and preserve the environment. To be planted are the cooler weather-loving vegetables such as cabbage, peas, radishes, spinach and turnips. In addition to planting technique, you can get guidance on soil preparation, use of biodynamic preparations, watering, mulching, pest control, composting, etc. Email shantiyoga2@earthlink.net or call 301-654-4899. Visit www.spiritualfoodcsa.org.

It's time to order seeds. Seeds for broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, collards, head lettuce and tomatoes should be planted inside in early March. Consider ordering from Turtle Tree Seed, the main supplier of biodynamic seeds in the U.S. at www.turtletreeseed.org.

40] – 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. [Route 97] in Olney, MD. The next vigil is Mar. 15. Call Chuck Harker at 301-570-7167.

41] – 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.

42] – There will be a peace vigil on the West Lawn of the Capitol at noon on Sat., Mar. 15. 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.

43] – More than 4.2 million citizens have already signed up for private health insurance plans on the marketplace. There are people working hard to make sure everyone who's uninsured knows they need to sign up before this year's March 31st deadline. On Sat., Mar. 15 at noon, there's an event to help spread the word at 320 West Lexington St., Baltimore 21201. RSVP at https://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs8kqd.

44] – Baltimore Says No U.S Intervention in Ukraine and Venezuela on Sat., Mar. 15 from noon to 1:30 PM at McKeldin Square, Pratt and Light Sts. This is part of an urgent call for anti-war actions during the week of March 10 to March 17. Actions large and small are needed -- informational picket lines, visits to congressional offices, protests at media centers against war propaganda, vigils, and challenges to government officials. Call 443-221-3775.

45] -- Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W. Franklin St., Suite 102, Baltimore 21201-4661, meets on Sundays, and generally there is a speaker and discussion from 10:30 AM to noon. On Sun., Mar. 16, the platform address is “Current Feminist Issues in Maryland,” which will be discussed by Sara Wilkinson, president of Maryland NOW. The Maryland Chapter of the National Organization for Women is always seeking ways to improve women’s lives. Issues such as raising the minimum wage, eliminating discrimination against transgender people, and making sure workers can take time off to care for their families are some current legislative aims of the progressive feminist community. Learn how you can get involved in making positive change in Maryland--MarylandNOW.org.

She previously led and helped reinvigorate the newly reestablished Baltimore NOW chapter by increasing its presence in Baltimore and helping to organize several events. Sara is leading Maryland NOW around feminist issues such as reproductive justice and human rights, and is working to bring the chapter into the digital age. She works for Maryland Legal Aid, where she represents low-income people, especially seniors, with civil legal problems. Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org.

46] -- Join the Kadampa Meditation Center for Peace and Pancakes on Sundays at 10:30 AM at KMC Maryland, 2937 North Charles St. All are invited to participate in guided meditation and chant praying for world peace. There will be a talk based on Buddhist thought followed by brunch. Call 410- 243-3837. Brunch is $5.

47] – See the film "Blue Gold: World Water Wars" on Sun., Mar. 16 from 3 to 5 PM at the Peace House, 1233 12th St. NW. Wars of the future will be fought over water as they are over oil today, as the source of human survival enters the global marketplace and political arena. Corporate giants, private investors, and corrupt governments vie for control of our dwindling supply, prompting protests, lawsuits, and revolutions from citizens fighting for the right to survive. Past civilizations have collapsed from poor water management. Can the human race survive?

The Green and Dirty Project (GDP) - through a partnership with the DC free school--will lead workshops in DIY (Do It Yourself) sustainability. Examples include making your own dynamo out of scrap electronics, composting and urban farming. One goal of the project is to reach out to the community, in order to share ideas, and create a grassroots network for front line disaster relief. In order to further this goal outreach within the community will place via re-psych, and free meals. Re-psych is a side project devoted to uncovering the truth about DC’s recycling program, or lack there https://www.facebook.com/events/594218380672168/.

48] – On Sun., Mar. 16, 2014 at 3:30 PM, see a screening of a documentary film "Unmanned: America's Drone Wars" by Robert Greenwald of Brave New Films on armed drones. It features interviews of US officials, international legal experts and testimonies from families of drone victims. Afterwards, there will be a panel discussion and Q & A.

The event is at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., 2nd Floor Meeting Room. Use the free parking available on the parking lot or inside the parking structure. There are many sponsoring groups, including CODEPINK: WOMEN FOR PEACE. Contact Malachy Kilbride, Northern Virginians for Peace and Justice, 571-501-3729 or malachykilbride@gmail.com.

49] –Join Heather in Baltimore at 100 Days to the Primary Election on Sun., Mar. 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at the Olive Room Rooftop Restaurant, the Inn at The Black Olive, 803 S. Caroline St., Baltimore 21231. This fundraiser seeks $100 from individuals, $150 per couple and $250 for champions. Go to www.MizeurCoates.com/March16BlackOlive. Enjoy complimentary traditional Greek food and a cash bar. RSVP to Aaron Jarboe at 301-328-5841 or ajarboe@heathermizeur.com.

50] – On Sun., Mar. 16 at 5 PM, participate in Prayers for Peace in Palestine, followed by a reception with Palestinian & Spanish food at the Calvary Baptist Church, 755 8th St. NW, WDC. Exit at the Gallery Place Metro Stop. Hear about injustices in Palestine and Israel and the Palestinians’ plea through the Kairos Document. Email phverduin@gmail.com.

51] – On Sun., Mar. 16 at 6 PM, Micah Uetricht presents "Strike For America: Chicago Teachers Against Austerity" at Red Emma's, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21201. The 2012 Chicago Teachers Union strike was America's most important domestic labor struggle in decades. The teachers took on the bipartisan, free market school reform agenda that is currently exacerbating inequality in education and waging war on teachers' livelihoods. In the age of austerity, when the public sector is under attack, Chicago teachers fought back — and won. The strike was years in the making. Chicago teachers spent a long time building a grassroots movement to educate and organize the entire union membership. They stood up against hostile mayors, billionaire -backed reformers out to destroy unions, and even their own intransigent union leadership, to take militant action. The Chicago protest has become a model for how reforms to the school system can be led by teachers and communities. It offers inspiration for workers looking to create democratic, fighting unions. Strike for America is the story of this movement and how it triumphed in the defining struggle for workers today. Call 443-602-7585.

52] – Andy Shallal, owner of Busboys and Poets restaurants, is running for Mayor of DC in the Democratic primary on April 1. Andy has been a major supporter of PDA over the years, serving on its national Advisory Board, providing a place for monthly meetings in Virginia and many, many events in his D.C. restaurants, and making personal financial contributions. He is the most progressive candidate for Mayor of D.C. and will provide great leadership with his balance of business acumen and his great passion for policies and programs that help ordinary people and fight discrimination of all sorts. Join a phone banking party at the home of Sarah Stott and Howard Jennings on Sun., Mar. 16 from 6:30 to 9 PM, followed by pizza (Dutch treat). The address will be provided to all who RSVP. Bring your cell phone and a laptop if you have one for direct data entry. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CGBqR_UBim0UZTWROGvIYa-UbGInhirxndhNy8OiWwo/viewform. Come to a fundraiser at the home of Mar and Lynn Raskin. RSVP at http://www.andy4dc.com/marc_raskin_s_event_for_andy_shallal. Go to www.Andy4DC.com for other volunteer activities.

53] – There is a D.C. Mayoral "Un-Forum" on Sun., Mar. 16 from 7 to 9 PM at the University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW. The intent is to feature in depth conversations about income inequality in the city with Mayoral candidates--Andy Shallal and Vincent Gray. Contact Allison Carney at acarney@nonprofitroundtable.org.

54] -- 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., Mar. 17, and it is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker. Email artlaffin@hotmail.com or call 202-882-9649.

The vigil will be outside the Pentagon's south Metro entrance and in the designated "protest zone" behind bicycle fences across from the entrance to the Metro. By Metro, take Yellow Line and get out at the "Pentagon" stop. Do not go to the Pentagon City stop! Go up south escalators and turn left and walk across to protest area.

By car from D.C. area, take 395 South and get off at Exit 8A-Pentagon South Parking. Take slight right onto S. Rotary Rd. at end of ramp and right on S. Fern St. Then take left onto Army Navy Dr. You can "pay to park" on Army Navy Dr., and there is meter parking one block on right on Eads St. Payment for both of these spots begin at 8 AM. No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. Restrooms are located inside Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.

55] -- Max is seeking a place to live. Let him know of any possibilities. He can be reached at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.dot net.

56] -- Ronda Cooperstein has taken to social media, and is recording her opinion pieces on You Tube. Check out her essay at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lzB6eRhces.

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

58] -- Fund Our Communities campaign is a 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.

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

60] -- Can you use any book shelves? Can you use any file cabinets? Contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.

61] -- 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.

62] -- 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.

63] – A 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. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

"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