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THE WESTERN NEW YORK PEACE CENTER'S WEEKLY UPDATES

November 19 to 25, 2014 A Compilation of News and Upcoming Events of Interest to the Local Progressive Community

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Peacemakers,

Please send all notices you want publicized to: weeklynews@wnypeace.org

Send them in by Tuesday, November 25th to ensure their inclusion in the November 26th to December 2nd Weekly Updates.

Also, many apologies for some typographical errors in last week's edition. We were rushing to catch up after theactivity in organizing the Annual Dinner on Saturday.

Your comments and suggestions to make the Updates more useful are VERY much appreciated. Thank you!

- Jeff O'Connell

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PLEASE CONTACT OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, ACTIVISM IDEAS, AND/OR WISH TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE WESTERN NEW YORK PEACE CENTER! WE WILL PURSUE MANY ACTIVITIES FOR 2015! :-)

The Rev. Justo Gonzalez IIPhone: (716) 989-9207Email: jgonzo2@gmail.com

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THANK YOU FOR ALL WHO ATTENDED OUR ANNUAL DINNER ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8!!!

We will be fully thanking everyone who participated and organized in a separate email soon (with a PDF attached of the dinner program).

Dinner Photos:ht tp://tinyurl.com/o2odtdh

Unedited livestream of the dinner (an edited higher-quality version will be available in the near-future on the Peace Center's YouTube channel):http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/55148628

Photos from workshops Anthony held during his stay in Buffalo from Friday to Sunday:

"Save The Kids Workshop" (PUSH-Buffalo: Friday, November 7)http://tinyurl.com/l4u83yn

http://tinyurl.com/nngqyr6

"Organize Against The School To Prison Pipeline: Youth Justice To Transformative Justice" (Burning Books: Sunday, November 9)http://tinyurl.com/mg5frt8http://tinyurl.com/m2h6sd2

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

I. WNY Peace Center Special Announcements, Board Meetings, Websites, Videos, Etc.II. Notable Events This WeekIII. Keep The Date OpenIV. Task Force News & EventsV. Allied Organizations News & EventsVI. Other Items Of Note

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I. WNY PEACE CENTER SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS, BOARD MEETINGS, WEBSITES, VIDEOS, ETC.

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The next WNY Peace Center Coordinating Board Meeting will be held next month on Monday, December 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.., at the Network of Religious Communities (1272 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209). All are welcome!

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CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE!!!

On the International Day Of Non-Violence ( http://www.un.org/en/events/nonviolenceday/), Michael Zak, a board member of the WNY Peace Center, took part in a panel discussion moderated by the Association For India's Development (AID) – Buffalo Chapter at the University at Buffalo Law School on October 2, 2014. Thetopic was “Martin Luther King and Gandhi: Are They Still Relevant?”

The other panel members were Barry Gan, a professor of philosophy at St. Bonaventure University; Juhi Roy, a member of the Graduate Student Employee Union in UB; and Durgham Alyasiri, a senior biology and health and human services major and president of the Organization of Arab Students.

“UB Panel Applies Teachings Of Gandhi And King To Today” (UB Spectrum, Aylin Erdogan: October 5 2014)http://www.ubspectrum.com/news/view.php/850406/UB-panel-applies-teachings-of-Ghandi-and

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/310091859175190/ Photos From AID-Buffalo's Twitter: https://twitter.com/AID_BUFFALO/media

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WNY PEACE CENTER WEBSITES (Check For Updates!):

Main Website: http://wnypeace.org/new/Blog: http://wnypeacecenter.blogspot.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WesternNewYorkPeaceCenter/Twitter: https://twitter.com/WNYPeaceCenter/Vimeo Channel: http://vimeo.com/user22770463/YouTube Channel: http://tinyurl.com/kzlf2ac/

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II. NOTABLE EVENTS THIS WEEK (Listed in order of date):

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1. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

“Covering Up The Iran Contra Affair”

7:00 p.m.Burning Books420 Connecticut StreetBuffalo, NY 14213

A tangled tale of politics, drugs, hostages, weapons, assassinations, covert operations and the ultimate plan to suspend the constitution of the United States. Presented by the Buffalo chapter of the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee.

Event Page: http://burningbooksbuffalo.com/ai1ec_event/covering-up-the-iran-contra-affair?instance_id=357 Event Poster: http://burningbooksbuffalo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/11-19-2014LPDOC1.jpg

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2. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

“Let's Funk Not Frack Open Mic Night”

6:00 to 8:00 p.m.The Gypsy Parlor376 Grant StreetBuffalo, NY

Join us at the Gypsy Parlor (minutes away on Grant St.) for a night of awareness including fracking facts and stories about the threats hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, poses to New Yorkers, communities, human health, environmental stability, and our future energy reliance.

Sponsored by NYPIRG and Tha Ink Club.

Facebook Event Page: http://tinyurl.com/nhtts9j

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3. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

“Pack The Boardroom!”

5:30 p.m.Buffalo City HallRoom 80165 Niagara SquareBuffalo, NY

Join us to demand that the Board of Education make EVERY school a GREAT community school.

This event is sponsored by Citizen Action-WNY, Alliance For Quality Education, The Alliance To Reclaim Our Schools (AROS), PUSH Buffalo, and Buffalo Schools Believe. Part of the AROS Week Of Action (http://www.reclaimourschools.org/sites/default/files/AROS-Nov20-Week-of-Action-press-release.pdf).

For more information:

Phone: (716) 855-1522Email: canywny@citizenactionny.org

Event Poster: http://tinyurl.com/p95ktv3

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4. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20

"Anti-Drone Vigil At Niagara Air Force Base"

3:30 to 4:30 p.m.Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station2026 Lockport Road (outside the main gate) Niagara Falls, NY 14304

Carpooling for the vigils begin at 2:30 p.m. as the University at Buffalo South Campus Park and Ride (Main Street, Buffalo, NY), and leaves at 2:45 p.m. sharp. Signs and musical instruments are welcome.

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5. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21

"' 'Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain' Movie Screening & Discussion"

7:00 to 10:00 p.m.UB North Campus206 Furnas HallBuffalo, NY 14260

You are invited to meet and watch the movie "Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain" (Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO6xCAsv4s4), and have a discussion after the movie to discuss the status of the survivors' struggle, the regulatory framework necessary to prevent another such disaster, chemical toxicity

in our local communities, and what each one of us can do to help.

Sponsored by the Association For India's Development (AID)-Buffalo Chapter.

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/839973982714428/

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6. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22

“Genesee Valley Citizens For Peace (GVCP) Meeting”

1:00 p.m. (Lunch) / 1:30 p.m. (Meeting)Omega Restauarant4182 Lakeville Road (Route 20-A)Geneseo, NY

THIS IS A PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT MEETING BECAUSE WE WILL WELCOME LIZ TURCHI, THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PEACE ACTION NEW YORK STATE. Liz wil give us a brief presentation about the work that she did for the U.N. in The Hague, where she worked on the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Liz has also traveled to some of the most dangerous hotspots in the world. Please attend this important event!

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7. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23

"Rev. Gerard Williams – Presentation: 'Sexuality & Spirituality: Creating a Sexual Ethic of Liberation' ”

4:00 to 6:00 p.m. (Program) / 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. (Potluck)Riverside-Salem Environmental Cottage3449 West River RoadGrand Island, NY 14072

Rev. Gerard Williams, board member of the WNY Peace Center and pastor of Unity Fellowship Church (UFC)-Buffalo, invites all to a discussion on reconciling one's spiritual identity and sexual identity in a way conducive with substantive liberation theology, a progressive method of freeing oneself from all forms of oppression, including those that are self-imposed.

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8. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24

“LASC Coffeehouse: 'Understanding Honduras and Venezuela' ”

7 to 9 p.m.Canisius CollegeScience Hall2001 Main StreetBuffalo NY 14208-1517

This program features Raul Burbano, the program director at Common Frontiers, a multi-sectional NGO that undertakes research and political action with a focus on Latin America. He has travelled extensively through theregion, most recently to Honduras and Venezuela, where he met with various social movement leaders and communities in resistance.

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9. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24

"Prisoners Are People Too, Inc. Monthly Meeting"

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.Pratt-Willert Community Center422 Pratt StreetBuffalo, NY 14204

At this month's meeting, we will re-screen “Prison Song,” a 2001 film, produced by B.E.T. (Black Entertainment Television), starring Mary J. Blige (R&B diva) and Q-Tip (rapper from “A Tribe Called Quest). Upon viewing, our follow-up discussion will upon the factors that promote juvenile incarceration, and by extension, mass incarceration.

PLEASE NOTE: This film is rated R for violence and language.

This program is supported by The Circle of Supporters for Reformed Offenders and Friends of BaBa Eng.

For more information, contact:

Karima AminPhone: (716) 834-8438Email: karima@prisonersarepeopletoo.org

George BaBa EngEmail: g.babaeng@yahoo.com

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10. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25

“Ban Fracking Community Meeting: Amherst”

6:00 to 7:00 p.m.Williamsville Public Library5571 Main StreetWilliamsville, New York 14221

To find out more or get involved, contact Rita at ryelda@fwwatch.org.

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/838779589476493/?ref=br_tf

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11. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25

"U.S. Friends Of Soviet People Screening: 'Reds' (1981)"

7:00 p.m. El Buen Amigo114 Elmwood AvenueBuffalo, NY

The Buffalo branch of U.S. Friends Of Soviet People (http://usfriendsofthesovietpeople.org/) will be hosting a FREE screening of the 1981 Academy Award-winning film "Reds," directed by and starring Warren Beatty.

“Reds” is a dramatic portrayal of the life and times of JOHN REED, the celebrated US journalist who gave the world the gripping historical report, “Ten Days that Shook the World,” covering the immediate events of the October 1917 Russian Revolution. The all-star cast includes Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, and Warren Beatty himself as Jack Reed.

Free popcorn and refreshments will be served.

Film Websites:

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reds_%28film%29IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082979/ Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjjRDJ039FI

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III. KEEP THE DATE OPEN (Events are listed in order of date):

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1. ANYTIME BETWEEN WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 AND SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30

"Day After Demonstration: Turn Up For Mike Brown"

5:00 p.m.To be held on the day the Ferguson Grand Jury Decison is announcedBailey Avenue and Millicent AvenueBuffalo, NY

An announcement will soon be made about the grand jury's decision in the case of Darren Wilson. Preliminary leaks appear to indicate that Wilson will not be charged by the grand jury with the murder of Mike Brown. Planning is ongoing for a nationwide response. We want to see Buffalo act alongside other cities across the country in solidarity with Ferguson and against racist state sanctioned harassment and brutality in our own city.

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1499900210294598/

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2. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3

“ 'Shoe Thief' Screening & Shoe Drive”

6:30 p.m.Islamic Society Of Niagara Frontier (ISNF) Banquet HallMasjid An-Noor745 Heim RoadGetzville, NY 14068

WNY Muslims will be hosting the premiere screening of Akram Shibly's short film, "Shoe Thief.”

There will be also be a shoe drive (gently used or new) in conjunction with the screening the week before. All collected shoes will be donated to Hearts for the Homeless (http://heartsforthehomeless.org/).

For more information:

Phone: (716) 923-4386Facebook Event Page: http://tinyurl.com/krjad9o WNY Muslims Event Page: http://wnymuslims.org/event/shoe-thief-screening-and-shoe-drive/ ISNF/Masjid An-Noor Website: http://isnf.org/masjid-an-noor.html

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3. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4

“Dr. Fred Millar: 'Hazardous Cargo: Shipping Bakken Crude Oil ByRail' ”

Crane Branch Library633 Elmwood AvenueBuffalo, NY 14222

We will have a special guest calling in to our monthly Western NY Drilling Defense meeting: Dr. Fred Millar who will speak on "Hazardous Cargo: Shipping Bakken Crude Oil by Rail."

Find out more about the dangers associated with Bakken oil trains and how to fight them! Join us for our next community meeting where we will be discussing oil trains with Dr. Millar and then strategizing ways to contribute to the campaign to ban fracking in New York State! The meeting is open to all.

Facebook Event Page: http://tinyurl.com/ppsaef5

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4. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10

“Burning Books 2014 Annual Winter Open House”

6:00 to 9:00 p.m.Burning Books420 Connecticut StreetBuffalo, NY 14213

Radical Holiday Gifts at 10% Off Storewide! Special Sales! Good Food & Holiday Cheer!

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/720374421365113/?ref=70

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IV. WNY PEACE CENTER TASK FORCE NEWS AND EVENTS

Anti-Fracking (AF)Community Economic Empowerment (CEE)Global Economic Justice (GEJ)Latin American Solidarity Committee (LASC)Middle East (ME)Peaceful Conflict Resolution (PCR)Prisoners' Rights (PR)Renewable Energy (RE)Resist Militarism (RM)

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ANTI-FRACKING (AF)

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

“Let's Funk Not Frack Open Mic Night”

6:00 to 8:00 p.m.The Gypsy Parlor376 Grant StreetBuffalo, NY

Join us at the Gypsy Parlor for a night of awareness including fracking facts and stories about the threats hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, poses to New Yorkers, communities, human health, environmental stability, and our future energy reliance.

Speakers will include Rita Yelda (Food and Water Watch), John Rath and Robert Ciesielski (Sierra Club Niagara Group), Megan Swanson (Global Frackdown, Hamburg), Charley Bowman (WNY Peace Center), andMike Prinzi (Solar Liberty).

Performers will include Tha Ink Club, Buffalo State Guitar Club, Marcus Roper, Micheal Charle Swagner, and Alex Bornemisza.

We will have the event snow or shine! Be sure to RSVP and invite your friends!

Sponsored by NYPIRG and Tha Ink Club.

Visit the link below for a better overview of fracking. http://www.dangersoffracking.com/

Facebook Event Page: http://tinyurl.com/nhtts9j

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25

“Ban Fracking Community Meeting: Amherst”

6:00 to 7:00 p.m.Williamsville Public Library5571 Main StreetWilliamsville, New York 14221

Fracking is a natural gas drilling technique that goes miles underground to break up shale rock using water, sand, and toxic chemicals. In Pennsylvania residents living in areas with fracking have reported flammable tap water, unexplained health problems, increased municipal costs, degradation of air quality, huge increases in truck traffic, and the list goes on. New Yorkers must not sacrifice our state to the gas & oil industry for corporateprofits!

With fracking posed to happen in New York State if we don't stop it - now is the time to act. WNY Drilling Defense are community members united to prevent fracking through education, action, and policy. We are a group of water defenders, gas and oil resisters, environmental justice activists – and a front against fracking! Join the next open community meeting and help ensure that New York stays frack-free!

To find out more or get involved, contact Rita at ryelda@fwwatch.org.

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/838779589476493/?ref=br_tf

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4

“Dr. Fred Millar: 'Hazardous Cargo: Shipping Bakken Crude Oil By Rail' ”

Crane Branch Library633 Elmwood AvenueBuffalo, NY 14222

We will have a special guest calling in to our monthly Western NY Drilling Defense meeting: Dr. Fred Millar, who will speak on "Hazardous Cargo: Shipping Bakken Crude Oil by Rail."

Dr. Millar is a Washington, D.C.-based public interest and environmental safety advocate, national policy analyst and lobbyist, trade union strategic researcher, educator and consultant. He is a recognized international analyst in nuclear waste storage and transportation and industrial chemical use, transportation and accident prevention, and emergency planning and homeland security.

With very little public awareness and no study of environmental impacts, the oil industry has made New York a dangerous pipeline for crude oil that snakes thousands of miles by rail, barge and ship from oil fields in North Dakota and elsewhere, to refineries on both coasts. Bakken oil trains from North Dakota are traveling across New York State and through the city of Buffalo.

New York has already had three near misses with oil trains:

* In December 2013, a train carrying empty oil tanker cars collided with a truck at an at-grade crossing in West Nyack, Rockland County.* In December 2013, a train carrying crude oil derailed in Cheektowaga, near Buffalo.* In February 2014, a train with 97 empty oil cars derailed just north of Kingston, NY, near populated areas, a business district, and not far from the Esopus Creek.

Find out more about the dangers associated with Bakken oil trains and how to fight them! Join us for our next community meeting where we will be discussing oil trains with Dr. Millar and then strategizing ways to contribute to the campaign to ban fracking in New York State! The meeting is open to all. For more information on oil trains:http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2014/02/13/Danger-on-the-rails/stories/201402130140http://www.riverkeeper.org/campaigns/river-ecology/crude-oil-transport/http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/eij/article/warning_highly_flammable/

Facebook Event Page: http://tinyurl.com/ppsaef5

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“Scenes & News From The Jack Hubbard Talk/IOGA Meeting Outside The Hyatt Regency”

On November 12, 2014, Western NY residents protested outside of the Independent Oil & Gas Association of NY (IOGA) annual meeting, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Buffalo. IOGA is the chief oil and gas lobbying organization in New York, spending millions backing fracking and natural gas development in the state and opposing environmental safe-guards (see: http://www.iogany.org/ )

IOGA hosted controversial and manipulative D.C. lobbyist Jack Hubbard, vice-president of the Washington D.C. law firm Berman & Company (see: http://www.bermanco.com/ ), which specializes in PR propaganda that attacks and undermines the work of environmentalists. Hubbard's talk was called "Big Green Radicals: WinningPublic Opinion, Undermining the Activist's Credibility and Changing the Debate.”

Protestors told Hubbard to go back to Washington, D.C., and for gas industry lobbyists to stop denying the science showing the significant dangers that fracking poses to public health and the environment.

Participants and sponsors included members of the Western New York Peace Center's Anti-Fracking and Renewable Energy Task Forces, Western NY Drilling Defense, PUSH Buffalo, PAUSE, Food & Water Watch, and the New Yorkers Against Fracking coalition.

PHOTOS FROM THE DEMONSTRATION OUTSIDE:http://tinyurl.com/m5tgldg

Many more photos available on the wall of the Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/486799784794821/

“Natural Gas Now” Propaganda Article defaming the protest, written by a paid PR staff writer:http://naturalgasnow.org/another-day-another-failed-fractivist-protest/#more-7026

Both Hubbard and Richard Berman (founder and CEO of Berman & Co.) are staunchly anti-enviroment and anti-union. They gave the “Big Green Radicals” talk at the Western Energy Alliance conference in Colorado Springs in June 2014, lecturing privately to representatives from Halliburton, Devon Energy, Halliburton and

Anadarko Petroleum (which specializes in fracking). News broke on Friday, October 31 that revealed the contents of recording, made by a PR executive (who remains anonymous) attending the conference, who was offended by the tactics Berman endorsed.

The transcript of Berman's talk is here:http://tinyurl.com/BermanTalk

The NY Times article from October 31, 2014 is here:http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/31/us/politics/pr-executives-western-energy-alliance-speech-taped.html

More articles on Jack Hubbard and Richard Berman:

"Why Dr. Evil Is Targeting Anti-Fracking Activists As ‘Big Green Radicals’ " (November 1, 2014)http://ecowatch.com/2014/11/01/richard-berman-big-green-radicals/

“PR Firm To Advise New York Oil & Gas Group To 'Win Ugly' ” (Earth Island Journal: November 12, 2014)http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/elist/eListRead/pr_firm_to_advise_new_york_oil_gas_group_to_win_ugly/

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RECENT FRACKING NEWS ARTICLES:

“Are Fracking Workers Being Poisoned On The Job?” (The Nation: November 10, 2014)http://m.thenation.com/blog/190025-are-fracking-workers-being-poisoned-job

“DEC Issues Permit For Finger Lakes Gas Storage Project” (Capital NY: November 10, 2014)http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/11/8556440/dec-issues-permit-finger-lakes-gas-storage-project'

“Fracking Linked To Alberta Earthquakes, Study Indicates” (CBC News: November 10, 2014)http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/fracking-linked-to-alberta-earthquakes-study-indicates-1.2829484

“Standing By Those Who Stand In the Way Of Fracking Infrastructure” (Food & Water Watch: November 10, 2014)http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/blogs/standing-by-those-who-stand-in-the-way-of-fracking-infrastructure/

************************************"Petition To Ban Fracking In Amherst, NY"

It is time for Amherst, NY to protect our health and safety by passing a ban on fracking and its toxic waste.

Fracking for oil and natural gas has led to drinking water contamination, public health problems and dangerous explosions in states across the country. The toxic waste it produces is often radioactive, and it contains an array of cancer-causing chemicals. Yet due to oversight, it's mishandled at municipal treatment plants and has even been spread on local roadways as an ice-melting agent. There is no safe way to treat this toxic waste — which iswhy we need to keep it from being disposed of here in Amherst.

Now is the time to tell the Amherst Town Board to protect us from fracking!

Please sign the petition below. We'll deliver your signature and additional message directly to your elected

officials.

http://tinyurl.com/kghqsxv/

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WNY Drilling Defense / Anti-Fracking Task Force

Rita YeldaPhone: (716) 507-2077Email: ryelda@gmail.com and wnydrillingdefense@gmail.com

Frank GagePhone: (716)893-5584Email: s nowbird1967@roadrunner.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WNYDrillingDefense/

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COMMUNITY ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT (CEE)

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“The Responsible Banking Ordinance”

Make banks invest in our communities! Support the Responsible Banking Ordinance!

Responsible Banking has brought BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to communities around the country. Buffalo currently has its money invested in 3 major banks, one of which has no branches and doesn't give out any loans in the City of Buffalo. Why are we investing our money in a bank that gives nothing back to our community?

What does a Responsible Banking Ordinance (or RBO) do?

* Forces banks to make 2 YEAR COMMUNITY INVESTMENT plans to show how they will invest in our communities and make all of Buffalo a better place.* Review all lending and Banking practices in the area to show people what they are doing for community, and how they could do it better.* Gives the Community a voice when it comes to banking so we can hold banks accountable for Racial Discrimination and Financial Abuse* Use the people's money to PUSH banks to start getting our money's worth for our City Deposits by telling banks we don't invest in them unless they INVEST IN US.

GET INVOLVED IN SUPPORT THE RESPONSIBLE BANKING ACT FOR THE CITY OF BUFFALO!

For more information, contact John Washington (Community Economic Empowerment Task Force co-ordinator for the WNY Peace Center, and Community Organizer for PUSH-Buffalo) at:

Phone: (716) 884-0356 (ext. 111)Email: john@pushbuffalo.org

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“Workers Rights / Jobs + Training Drop-In Sessions @ PUSH Buffalo”

Need a job? Training? Know your rights at work?

For those looking at improving their work/employment opportunities, we've teamed up with BETC for a series of bi-monthly, neighborhood employment drop in sessions at 271 Grant St, and 460 Massachusetts Ave. We alsobelieve in promoting workplace equity and we will have a lawyer on hand to answer any employment related questions you might have.

Attend our drop-in hours held twice each month at the following locations and times:

JOBS + TRAINING

First Thursday Of The Month3:00 to 6:00 p.m.PUSH Buffalo Main Office271 Grant StreetBuffalo, NY

JOBS + TRAINING + WORKERS RIGHTS

Third Thursday Of The Month3:00 to 6:00 p.m.PUSH Buffalo Satellite Office460 Massachusetts AvenueBuffalo, NY

Sponsored by PUSH Buffalo, the Buffalo Employment & Training Center (BETC), and the WNY Worker Center.

Contact us for more information:Phone: (716) 884-0356Website: http://pushbuffalo.org/

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WNY Peace Center Community Economic Empowerment Task Force

John WashingtonPhone: (716) 860-2848Email: johnarchiewashington@gmail.com PUSH Buffalo Phone: (716) 884-0356 (ext. 111)PUSH Buffalo Email: john@pushbuffalo.org

Michael ZakPhone: (716) 868-2927Email: michael.james.zak@gmail.com

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GLOBAL ECONOMIC JUSTICE (GEJ)

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Global Economic Justice Task Force

Eric GallionPhone: (716) 310-4292Email: egallion@verizon.net

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LATIN AMERICAN SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE (LASC)

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24

“LASC Coffeehouse: 'Understanding Honduras And Venezuela' ”

7 to 9 p.m.Canisius CollegeScience Hall2001 Main StreetBuffalo, NY 14208-1517

This program features Raul Burbano, the program director at Common Frontiers, a multi-sectional NGO that undertakes research and political action with a focus on Latin America. He has travelled extensively through theregion, most recently to Honduras and Venezuela, where he met with various social movement leaders and communities in resistance.

A convenient parking lot is located on Main Street, near Delevan Avenue.

This event is sponsored by LASC and Canisius College (Campus Ministry, the Department of Latin American Studies, and the Department of Modern Languages, Literature, and Cultures).

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 15

“LASC Holiday Party”

7:00 p.m.El Buen Amigo114 Elmwood AvneueBuffalo, NY

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Latin American Solidarity Committee (LASC)

Phone: (716) 876-3872Main Website: http://www.lascwny.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LASC-wny/143873822377380/WNY Peace Center Page: http://wnypeace.org/program/lasc.php/

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MIDDLE EAST (ME)

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“Vitamin Channel”

The Vitamin Channel, started in Gaza, Palestine in 2012, is a health program (Arabic language) that cares about spreading awareness of health issues and life extension, spreading pure information and serving people by presenting health and medical consultations. In addition, the program, which has weekly installments on YouTube, provides the latest news about health conferences and world health centers.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/1Vitaminchannel

Keep in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vitaminchannel Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vitaminchannel

For information about how you can financially support our program, please contact us at:

Phone: +972 59-736-6888Email: vitamin.channel2012@gmail.com

Sample Video: “Healthy Feeding, Good School Day”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6N6WfMwu-0&list=UUx_VVGZ2i6WnxdphXN4jpOw

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"Compassionate Vigil For Peace In Israel & Palestine"

Every Sunday2:00 to 3:00 p.m.Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell ParkwayBuffalo, NY

An otherwise unaffiliated group of WNY Muslims, Jews, Christians and supporting friends will be holding a Compassionate Vigil for Peace in Israel and Palestine every Sunday from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at Bidwell and Elmwood.

Our intention is to avoid any traces of bias or blame and to bear witness to empathy, compassion and love. We believe that in spite of all the arguments, diplomacy and military efforts, there cannot ever be a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine until we can all sit at the same table together, look into each other's eyes and see ourselves in whoever the "other" might be for us.

With that spirit in mind, and with the sad presumption that it will likely still be a long time until a just and lasting peace is realized, we plan to continue these vigils for some time. We will fly four flags: an apolitical peace flag, a Palestinian Flag, an Israeli flag and a Multi-Faith COEXIST flag.

Signs are welcome, but only those that speak clearly for solidarity and peace between Israel and Palestine without a trace of bias or blame.

Samples of signs that will be welcomed:

Peace for the People of Israel and PalestinePeace for the People of Palestine and IsraelPeace for the Lands of Palestine and IsraelPeace for the Lands of Israel and PalestinePeace For All War for NoneWe Shall Never Be Enemies

For more information, contact:

Jim Whitlock: jowhitlock@gmail.comFaizan Haq: haq@faizanhaq.netCynthia Lehman: cynthia.lehman@gmail.comRabbi Drorah Setel: dsetel@gmail.com

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1459090427692759/

Photos and Documents from previous vigils: http://tinyurl.com/lbc4swu/

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PEACEFUL CONFLICT RESOLUTION (PCR)

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Victoria RossPeaceful Conflict Resolution CoordinatorPhone: (716) 884-0582Email: victoryross9@gmail.com

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PRISONERS' RIGHTS (PR)

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"Weekly Vigil At Erie County Holding Center (ECHC)"

Every Wednesday4:00 to 5:00 p.m.ECHC40 Delaware Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14202

In light of a recent spate of suspicious deaths at the Holding Center (specifically, Rosie Mendez, aged 26, and David C. Liddick, aged 41), the Prisoner Support Vigil will resume on a weekly basis. We will stand in front of the Holding Center every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. until justice is done.

Our presence tells staff and community that there is still work to be done. It also tells inmates that we are trying to keep hope alive. All are invited to join.

This vigil is being presented by the Erie County Prisoners' Rights Coalition and the WNY Peace Center.

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Prisoners' Rights Task Force

Chuck CulhanePhone: (716) 228-2076Email: culhane9@gmail.comWebsite: http://wnypeace.org/program/Prison%20Action%20Committee.php/

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RENEWABLE ENERGY (AE)

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Renewable Energy Task Force

Charley BowmanPhone: (716) 688-2374Email: CandABowman@verzion.netWebsite: http://wnypeace.org/new/projects.html

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RESIST MILITARISM (RM)

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“Niagara Falls AFB Drone Protests: Pro-Drone & Anti-Drone Sides Face Off”

Reporting by Phillip Gambini of the Niagara Gazette covering both the biweekly Anti-Drone vigils held by the WNY Peace Center, and the Pro-Drone, Pro-Military opposition that has sprung up to counter our efforts in opposing the arbitrary killing machines.

POINT:

ARTICLE: “Drone Supporters, Opponents Gather Outside Air Base On Saturday” (October 11, 2014)http://tinyurl.com/oyxtx7t COUNTERPOINT:

ARTICLE: “Drone Protestors Make A Stand At The Air Base” (October 24, 2014)http://tinyurl.com/mdom6v4 VIDEO: “Drone Protest (with Victoria Ross)”http://www.niagara-gazette.com/video_0b78cb1c-d2c9-5187-b63b-fd7e2ee6c491.html

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"Anti-Drone Vigil At Niagara Air Force Base"

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., outside the main gate at the Niagara Falls AirReserve Station (2026 Lockport Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304). The next vigils will happen on November 20 and December 11.

Carpooling for the vigils begin at 2:30 p.m. as the University at Buffalo South Campus Park and Ride (Main Street, Buffalo, NY), and leaves at 2:45 p.m. sharp. Signs and musical instruments are welcome.

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“War Comes Home: The Excessive Militarization Of American Policing” (ACLU Report)https://www.aclu.org/war-comes-home-excessive-militarization-american-policing/

PDF of the Main Report: https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/assets/jus14-warcomeshome-report-web-rel1.pdf

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“Search Engine Of National Records Of Military Equipment Purchases By Domestic Law Enforcement”

Search by State and County: http://bridge.caspio.net/dp.asp?AppKey=36701000b255adcfe6ca4b13a8a4/

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Resist Militarism Task Force

Russell BrownPhone: (716) 570-5200Email: hobadoxa@me.comWebsite: http://wnypeace.org/program/ResistMilitarism.php/

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V. ALLIED ORGANIZATIONS NEWS AND EVENTS

Association For India's Development (AID)-Buffalo (AB)Buffalo Adjunct Movement (BAM)Buffalo Barn Raisers (BBR)Burning Books (BB)Citizen Action (CA)Clean Air Coalition Of WNY (CACWNY)

Coalition For Economic Justice (CEJ)Food Not Bombs (FNB)Genesee Valley Citizens For Peace (GVCP)Indigenous Women's Initiatives (IWI)International Action Center Buffalo (IAC)Network Of Religious Communities (NRC)Partnership For The Public Good (PPG)Peace Action NYS (PA)Peace Education Fund (PEF)Prisoners Are People, Too, Inc. (PAPT)Re-Energize Buffalo (REB)Riverside-Salem Environmental Cottage (RS)Sierra Club-Niagara (SC)Subversive Theatre (ST)Syracuse Peace Council (SPC)Talking Leaves (TL)VOICE-Buffalo (VB)WNY Muslims (WNYM)Women In Black (WIB)

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ASSOCIATION FOR INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT (AID)-BUFFALO (AB)

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21

"' 'Bhopal: A Prayer For Rain' Movie Screening & Discussion"

7:00 to 10:00 p.m.UB North Campus206 Furnas HallBuffalo, NY 14260

Almost 30 years after the world's worst industrial disaster at the Dow Chemical plant in Bhopal, India, millions of people are still suffering from long-term effects. Survivors are still fighting an uphill battle for justice.

You are invited to meet and watch the movie "Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain" (Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO6xCAsv4s4), and have a discussion after the movie to discuss the status of the survivors' struggle, the regulatory framework necessary to prevent another such disaster, chemical toxicityin our local communities, and what each one of us can do to help.

We will be having a representative from Clean Air Coalition of WNY at the event leading the discussion!

Sponsored by the Association For India's Development (AID)-Buffalo Chapter.

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/839973982714428/

Movie Websites:

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0839742/ Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhopal:_A_Prayer_for_RainFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/APrayerForRain

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ARTICLE: “UB Panel Applies Teachings Of Gandhi And King To Today” (UB Spectrum, Aylin Erdogan: October 5, 2014)http://www.ubspectrum.com/news/view.php/850406/UB-panel-applies-teachings-of-Ghandi-and

On the International Day Of Non-Violence ( http://www.un.org/en/events/nonviolenceday/), AID–Buffalo moderated a panel discussion at the University at Buffalo Law School on October 2, 2014. The topic was “Martin Luther King and Gandhi: Are They Still Relevant?”

The four panelists of the event were Barry Gan, a professor of philosophy at St. Bonaventure University; Juhi Roy, a member of the Graduate Student Employee Union in UB; Michael Zak, a board member of the WNY Peace Center; and Durgham Alyasiri, a senior biology and health and human services major and president of the Organization of Arab Students.

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/310091859175190/ Photos From AID-Buffalo's Twitter: https://twitter.com/AID_BUFFALO/media

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OUR MISSION:

Compassion wherever there is suffering.Conviction that the compassion is strong enough to eliminate suffering.Courage to make this conviction a reality.This is AID.

DESCRIPTION:

Association for India's Development is a volunteer movement promoting sustainable, equitable and just development. AID supports grassroots organizations in India and initiates efforts in various interconnected spheres such as education, livelihoods, natural resources including land, water and energy, agriculture, health, women's empowerment and social justice. The AID Buffalo chapter was started by professionals and students from Buffalo, NY.

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Main Website: https://sites.google.com/site/aidbuffalochapter/homeFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Buffalo.AIDTwitter: https://twitter.com/AID_BUFFALOAID Worldwide: http://www.aidindia.org/main/

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BUFFALO ADJUNCT MOVEMENT (BAM!)

Buffalo Adjunct Movement (BAM), a coalition of adjunct professors and graduate students working in various colleges in Western New York (including the University At Buffalo, Canisius College, Buffalo State College, D'Youville College, and many more) advocating for fair pay and working conditions for all teachers in higher education, regardless of status.

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“Buffalo Adjunct Movement (BAM!) Grade-In For Action: Articles & Photos”

On Friday, October 24 at 3 p.m., members of Buffalo Adjuncts gathered together in Lafayette Square in downtown Buffalo, NY to speak out and protest against unfair working conditions being fostered upon adjunct professors and graduate student teaching assistants by institutions of higher learning in the WNY area.

From the Facebook event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/839875526057954/):

“No office space? Nowhere on campus to grade? No place to host office hours? On Friday, October 24th, BAM!is organizing a GRADE-IN at the downtown library! We are aiming to get 100 adjuncts and allies to meet at Lafayette Square at 3p.m. and march to the library, where we will grade our students' work in public in order to highlight issues adjuncts face such as lack of office space, job insecurity, low pay, and much more. We encourage participants to be use their creativity, bring signs that express their grievances, and invite students. We will invite the media so that all of Buffalo hears what we have to say! “

Coverage of the Event:

ARTICLE: “UB Adjunct Professors Stage Rally Downtown; BAM! Pushes For Better Treatment & Higher Salaries” (UB Spectrum; October 26, 2014)http://www.ubspectrum.com/news/view.php/852539/UB-Adjunct-professors-stage-rally-downto

ARTICLE: “Adjunct Professors Protest Unfair Treatment By Colleges” (YNN Buffalo: October 25, 2014)http://buffalo.twcnews.com/content/news/780069/adjunct-professors-protest-unfair-treatment-by-colleges/

ARTICLE: “Buffalo Adjuncts To Gather Friday For Fair Wages, Benefits” (Canisius Griffin: October 25, 2014)http://canisiusgriffin.com/?p=9833

Photos From BAM!'s Twitter Account:https://twitter.com/BuffaloAdjuncts/media http://tinyurl.com/q7js79q

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For more info about BAM!:

Phone: (716) 725-2193Email: buffaloadjunctmovement@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004142538281&fref=ts Twitter: https://twitter.com/BuffaloAdjuncts

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BUFFALO BARN RAISERS (BBR)

"People who do stuff."

MISSION:

Do stuff. Host stuff. Learn stuff. Teach Stuff. Most importantly, have fun.

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

The Buffalo Barn Raisers are, in short, people who do stuff. By creating a monthly calendar of events, most of which are not advertised elsewhere, we hope to bring people together, strengthen our community, and have fun.

DESCRIPTION:

All events listed are officially FREE, but some may come with a suggested donation to help the host cover the cost of materials provided. Some of these events are a one time deal, and some will occur weekly -- make sure to read the description carefully. Each event has a host who can be contacted directly if you would like to RSVP,need more information, or just want to send some love.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The Buffalo Barn Raisers are dedicated to building a culture of cooperation, collectivity, and autonomy in Buffalo. We do this by creating and distributing a monthly calendar of events. On this calendar, you will find information for events, workshops, skill shares, and work holidays going on in your community!

Do you just want to get out of the house once in a while and do stuff? Maybe learn how to knit, juggle, speak Spanish, bake bread or fix your plumbing? How 'bout sharing delicious potluck meals while building new and meaningful friendships with your community members? And maybe, while you're at it, build the amazing solidarity and supportive energy that makes Buffalo great? Sweet. See you there.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE (featuring November 2014 Calendar Of Events): http://www.buffalobarnraisers.com/FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloBarnRaisers/BARN RAISER PHOTOS (2013 & Earlier): http://www.buffalobarnraisers.com/2013-and-earlier/SUBMIT AN EVENT: http://www.buffalobarnraisers.com/event-form/REQUEST AN EVENT: http://www.buffalobarnraisers.com/request-an-event/CONTACT EMAIL: buffalobarnraisers@gmail.com

Links To Other Community Calendars, Activities, & Organizations (Newspapers, Non-Profits, Workshops, Etc.): http://www.buffalobarnraisers.com/links/

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BURNING BOOKS (BB)

Upcoming Events listed in order of date.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

“Covering Up The Iran Contra Affair”

7:00 p.m.

A tangled tale of politics, drugs, hostages, weapons, assassinations, covert operations and the ultimate plan to suspend the constitution of the United States. Presented by the Buffalo chapter of the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee.

Event Page: http://burningbooksbuffalo.com/ai1ec_event/covering-up-the-iran-contra-affair?instance_id=357 Event Poster: http://burningbooksbuffalo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/11-19-2014LPDOC1.jpg

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10

“Burning Books 2014 Annual Winter Open House”

6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Radical Holiday Gifts at 10% Off Storewide! Special Sales! Good Food & Holiday Cheer!

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/720374421365113/?ref=70

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“The Theft Of A Nation: The Fake Annexation And Illegal Occupation Of The Hawaiian Kingdom – Thoughts By John Kane”

On Tuesday, November 11, John Kane, host of "Let's Talk Native...with John Kane" (WWKB 1520-AM, Buffalo) and guest host for “First Voices Indigenous Radio” (WBAI-FM, NYC) gave a lecture at Burning Booksdiscussing the brutal colonization of Hawaii by the United States.

From the Facebook Event Page ( https://www.facebook.com/events/371596589665314/ ):

“For over a hundred years the Hawaiian People have been fighting an illegal Occupation and Colonial relationship. Please come out on Canandaigua treaty day to hear John Kane talk about the history and current events of the resilient spirit of resistance of the Hawaiian People and how it relates to the struggle for cultural, economic, social and political sovereignty here on Turtle Island.”

Full Audio of John's lecture:http://audiohosting.eccentriccat.com/ltn/ontheroad/high_quality/JohnKane_BurningBooks_11.11.2014.mp3

“Let's Talk Native...With John Kane”http://audiohosting.eccentriccat.com/ltn/http://www.letstalknativepride.blogspot.com/https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalknative/

“First Voices Indigenous Radio”http://www.firstvoicesindigenousradio.org/http://firstvoices.typepad.com/http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2014/09/listen-first-voices-indigenous-radio.html

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Photos from Anthony J. Nocella II's workshop "Organize Against The School To Prison Pipeline: Youth Justice To Transformative Justice" held at Burning Books on Sunday, November 9:

http://tinyurl.com/mg5frt8http://tinyurl.com/m2h6sd2

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"U.S. Out Of My Living Room - European Tour"

We're at the very beginning stages of booking dates throughout several non-Commonwealth European countries for a US Out Of My Living Room European tour! We're gathering together a great group of local organizers andare looking for more to get on board. If you know of anyone in Europe, please encourage them to get in touch with us about it.

Even if you don't know anyone in Europe, you can help spread the word by "sharing" and "liking" this Facebookpage: https://www.facebook.com/lesliejamespickeringeurope/

With your help we will be bringing word of Burning Books and our fight against federal surveillance and state repression across the Atlantic!

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"Become A Friend Of Burning Books!"

If you'd like to help ensure that the kind of crucial, radical and empowering ideas that Burning Books has fostered remain alive and kicking, please take a moment to sign up for Friends of Burning Books at: http://burningbooksbuffalo.com/become-a-friend-of-burning-books/

Burning Books420 Connecticut StreetBuffalo, NY 14213Phone: (716) 881-0791Main Website: http://www.burningbooksbuffalo.com/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Burning-Books/263128823706195/

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CITIZEN ACTION (CA)

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

“Pack The Boardroom!”

5:30 p.m.Buffalo City HallRoom 801

65 Niagara SquareBuffalo, NY

Join us to demand that the Board of Education make EVERY school a GREAT community school.

Here are our Demands:

1) Make every school a great community school2) Let the community make decisions for our schools3) Adopt the plans that Lafayette, East, MLK, and Bennett have for their future

Stay at the Buffalo Board of Education meeting to take part in the action.

This event is sponsored by Citizen Action-WNY, Alliance For Quality Education, The Alliance To Reclaim Our Schools (AROS), PUSH Buffalo, and Buffalo Schools Believe. Part of the AROS Week Of Action (http://www.reclaimourschools.org/sites/default/files/AROS-Nov20-Week-of-Action-press-release.pdf).

For more information:

Phone: (716) 855-1522Email: canywny@citizenactionny.org

Event Poster: http://tinyurl.com/p95ktv3

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Citizen Action WNY49 Virginia PlaceBuffalo, NY 14202Phone: (716) 855-1522Fax: (716) 855-1521Main Website: http://citizenactionny.org/category/regions/western-new-york/Brian Trzeciak (Community Organizer): btrzeciak@citizenactionny.orgPaul Perez (Community Organizer): pperez@citizenactionny.org

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CLEAN AIR COALITION OF WESTERN NEW YORK (CACNYC)

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Our Mission:

The Clean Air Coalition of Western New York (CACWNYC) is a community-based organization that informs and organizes residents to prevent and reduce pollution. Our members envision a WNY where residents have theinformation, skills and desire to make their communities healthy, sustainable and green. CAC is creating a constituency of citizens that hold leaders accountable for our communities health and creates a political cost for those who fail to take necessary action.

Western New York is one of the most heavily polluted communities in the nation. In the past, we have allowed high levels of pollution because of a lack of political will among our elected officials and among our citizens.

There have been no consequences for the leaders who fail to protect our communities.

CAC belives that a large and diverse group of Western New York citizens do care deeply about the levels of pollution in our communities. If we come together, we know we can make Western New York cleaner.

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The Clean Air Coalition of W.N.Y.52 Linwood AvenueBuffalo, NY 14209Phone: (716) 852-3813Fax: (716) 852-2741Email: info@cacwny.orgMain Website: http://www.cacwny.org/Blog: http://www.cacwny.org/press/blog-2/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Clean-Air-Coalition-of-WNY/125963472695

Press inquiries about the Clean Air Coalition should be directed to:

Erin HeaneyExecutive DirectorPhone: (716) 852-3813 Email: erin@cacwny.org

Complaints about smells, smogs and other concerning indicators can be sent to the DEC. Contact:

NYSDEC270 Michigan AvenueBuffalo, NY 14203Phone: (716) 851-7130

Please let us know you've sent in a complaint. We want to know what's happening in your neighborhood!

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COALITION FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE (CEJ)

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Coalition For Economic Justice237 Main Street, Suite 1200Buffalo, NY 14203

Contact Andy Reynolds and Rev. Kirk Laubenstein at:

Phone: (716) 892-5877Fax: (716) 852-3802Email: info@cejbuffalo.orgMain Website: http://www.cejbuffalo.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coalition-for-Economic-Justice-Buffalo-NY/228202110526262Twitter: https://twitter.com/cejbuffalo/

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FOOD NOT BOMBS (FNB)

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Cook For Peace!

Buffalo Food Not Bombs shares free vegetarian meals twice weekly: Mondays and Saturdays at Lafayette Square at 1 p.m., as a protest the amount of money wasted on the military while so many people are hungry.

Volunteers to help cook and share are always welcome and needed. Rain or shine!

Cooking occurs on Mondays and Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Also, FNB is always looking for donations. Please email if you would like to donate non-perishables or anything else.

Contact BuffaloFNB@gmail.com or visit:http://www.facebook.com/BuffaloFNB/

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GENESEE VALLEY CITIZENS FOR PEACE (GVCP)

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22

“Genesee Valley Citizens For Peace (GVCP) Meeting”

1:00 p.m. (Lunch) / 1:30 p.m. (Meeting)Omega Restauarant4182 Lakeville Road (Route 20-A)Geneseo, NY

THIS IS A PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT MEETING BECAUSE WE WILL WELCOME LIZ TURCHI, THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PEACE ACTION NEW YORK STATE. Liz wil give us a brief presentation about the work that she did for the U.N. in The Hague, where she worked on the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Liz has also traveled to some of the most dangerous hotspots in the world. Please attend this important event!

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

“GVCP's Annual Demonstration Against War Toys”

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Wegman Plaza

Route 20-AGeneseo, NY

PLEASE BRING PEACEFUL TOYS. DRESS WARMLY!!!

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“This Month's Letters & Calls: IRAQ”

CBS News reported, on November 8, 2014, that “New deployment to Iraq nearly doubles U.S. Presence.”

When Barack Obama was elected President in 2008, he told us that he would end our active war in Iraq, which he did – more or less – accomplish.

Now, after six years, he is leading us back into the war in Iraq. Also, he's bombing Syria and wherever else he chooses (I think the Nobel Peace Prize Committee should have been a little more careful in their selection process). With both houses of Congress soon to be in Republican hands, you'd think that would slow him down.Unfortunately, the Republicans have shown themselves to always ready to support Obama's wars.

The peace movement is being pushed aside as the war machine rolls forward. WE HAVE TO MAKE OUR ANTIWAR PRESENCE KNOWN IN EVERY WAY WE CAN!

SUGGESTED ACTION: E-mail, write, or call the White House right away!MESSAGE: “I oppose U.S. Military action in Iraq.”

Contact the White House at:

Comments Line: (202) 456-1111Email: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments

President Barack ObamaThe White HouseWashington, D.C. 20500

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Genesee Valley Citizens For Peace (GVCP)P.O. Box 363Geneseo, NY 14554Phone: (585) 624-3673Website: http://www.gvcp.org/

Founded 1972: "Human Race, Not Arms Race"

GVCP is proud to be affiliated with PANYS.

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INDIGENOUS WOMEN'S INITIATIVES (IWI)

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“Talking Circles”

Second Thursdays of Every Month12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Network of Religious Communities 1272 Delaware AvenueBuffalo, NY 14209

The next Talking Circle will be held this week on Thursday, December 11.

Please bring an organic snack to share at noon and the Circle will open at 12:30 p.m. Parking and entrance in therear of the building. Come on out to join us!

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For More Information about IWI events and activities, contact:

Agnes WilliamsIndigenous Women's Initiatives1272 Delaware AvenueBuffalo, NY 14209Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons or by appointmentEmail: info@iwinitiatives.orgPhone: (716) 332-6988Fax: (716) 332-6998Main Website: http://www.iwinitiatives.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousWomensInitiatives/

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INTERNATIONAL ACTION CENTER BUFFALO (IAC)

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ATTENTION: BUFFALO IAC OFFICE HAS MOVED!!!

Our new location is:

712 Main Street (neat Tupper Avenue)Room 113-BBuffalo, NY

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“Workers World Monday Nights”

First and Third Monday of each month, at 7 p.m.

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“Ukraine Anti-War Alert – Stop Odessa Massacre Cover-Up And NATO Expansion” (I.A.C.: October 24, 2014)http://no2nato.org/ukraine/odessanov2/

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"Day After Demonstration: Turn Up For Mike Brown"

5:00 p.m.Anytime Between November 19 and 30 (on the day after the Ferguson Grand Jury Decison)Bailey Avenue and Millicent AvenueBuffalo, NY

An announcement will soon be made about the grand jury's decision in the case of Darren Wilson. Preliminary leaks appear to indicate that Wilson will not be charged by the grand jury with the murder of Mike Brown. Planning is ongoing for a nationwide response. We want to see Buffalo act alongside other cities across the country in solidarity with Ferguson and against racist state sanctioned harassment and brutality in our own city.

An indictment is not a conviction, and a conviction does not mean a sentence! For killer cops, a sentence does not even mean serving time! Oscar Grant's killer only served 11 months for a supposedly involuntary manslaughter. We will keep the pressure up to let it be known that we will fight systematic racial violence against black and brown people. We will not rest until it ends!

We demand real justice!We demand an end to the violence!We will #turnupformikebrown !

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1499900210294598/

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Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/buffalo.iac?fref=ts/) or subscribe to our Western NY listserv for event notices by emailing us at iacbuffalo@peoplesmail.net

IAC Buffalo712 Main Street (neat Tupper Avenue)Room 113-BBuffalo, NYPhone: (716) 604-9515

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NETWORK OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES (NRC)

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"Kaleidoscope"

Programs about the religious communities of Western NY. Broadcasts 5:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday on WKBW-TV 7. This program rebroadcasts each 6:30 p.m. Friday over Time Warner Cable Network 20, and 8:00 p.m. each Sunday over Time Warner 6 in Olean, NY.

For information or to comment, call (716) 882-4793 (ext. 201)

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"Help Combat Hunger In WNY"

Donate food or volunteer at the NRC Food Pantry (1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209). Call 716-882-4793.

The Pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Wednesdays from 2 to 6 p.m.

Decrease in Food Stamp benefits will increase demand on pantries. Please support your local pantry and the Network of Religious Communities Pantry. Host a Food Stamp event at your congregation.

Call 716-882-7705. We service Erie and Genesee Counties.

http://www.foodpantries.org/li/network_of_religious_communities_14209/

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Network Of Religious Communities1272 Delaware AvenueBuffalo, NY 14209Open Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Phone: (716)882-4793Main Website: http://www.religiousnet.org/Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/mvhrz87/

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PARTNERSHIP FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD (PPG)

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Sam MagavernCo-Director, Partnership For The Public Good237 Main Street, Suite 1200Buffalo, NY 14203Phone: (716) 852-4191, Ext. 117Email: sam@ppgbuffalo.orgWebsite: http://www.ppgbuffalo.org/

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PEACE ACTION NEW YORK STATE (PA)

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“Rochester Peace Vigil”

Every Sunday12:00 to 1:00 p.m.Corner of South Goodman Street and East AvenueRochester, NY

Hi WNY Peace Center friends,

Do you think peace activists should get to know each other and have more fun?

Join a small group of Peace Action members and ecumenical folks at our weekly Rochester Peace Vigil at SouthGoodman Street and East Avenue, lcoated at the corner nearest the Rochester Museum & Science Center (657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY).

The exact location is here: http://tinyurl.com/nqt5zj2

We have been holding this weekly vigil for a decade, starting before the 2003 Iraq Invasion, and continue to getcommunity support. We use temporary signage, and have signs to share.

Include the Rochester Peace Vigil in your personal travel. We also encourage you to visit our walkable local nearby museums before and after the vigil, such as the Rochester Museum and Science Center (http://www.rmsc.org/), the George Eastman House (http://www.eastmanhouse.org/), and the Memorial Art Gallery of the University at Rochester (http://mag.rochester.edu/).

Hope to see you soon, and look forward to your WNY news, as well as your Elmwood Avenue vigils (Women InBlack and Compassionate Vigil For Peace In Israel & Palestine) in Buffalo.

Best wishes,

Hal BauerTown of Sparta, NY

The contact information for the Rochester affiliate of PANYS is here:

Peace Action & EducationMike Connelly, Member151 Cypress StreetRochester, NY 14620Phone: (585) 271-2678Email: mconnel5@rochester.rr.com

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Alicia GodsbergExecutive DirectorPeace Action Fund of New York State (PANYS)Phone: 646-723-1749Email: alicia@panys.orgMain Website: http://panys.org/NYS Chapters: http://panys.org/WordPress/about-us/chapters-and-affiliated-allies/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/15446992366/

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PEACE EDUCATION FUND (PEF)

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Dear Friends,

We would like to let you know about an opportunity to help fund people and projects promoting peace educationin Western New York. For the past 10 years the Peace Education Fund (PEF) has been providing small grants and awards to local peace people and projects; now we need a boost to maintain our level of giving.

Some of the projects we have helped to fund include:

Journeys of Solutions (4 Walls Project in El Sauce, Nicaragua)Latin American Solidarity Committee (LASC)NETO for Healing at the Heart of NiagaraPeaceJamPrisoners Are People, Too, Inc."Reaching Out To Africa" (medical supplies to Sudan)Support for travel to Nevada Desert ExperienceTom Potts' dental clinicTrips to Washington D.C. for environmental witnessVoices for Creative NonViolence walk in Iowa

Please visit PEF's website (http://www.fundpeace.org/) to learn more.

Thank you & Peace,The PEF Committee

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PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE, TOO, INC. (PAPT)

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“Taking Another Look: Through A Restorative Justice Lens”By Karima Amin Several years ago at one of our monthly meetings, we screened the film “Prison Song,” a 2001 film, produced by B.E.T. (Black Entertainment Television), starring Mary J. Blige (R&B diva) and Q-Tip (rapper from “A TribeCalled Quest). Upon viewing, our follow-up discussion centered upon the factors that promoted juvenile incarceration, and by extension, mass incarceration. The film’s prologue states these undeniable facts that have only been exacerbated over the years:

* 7 million children have a parent in prison or jail or recently released on probation or parole;* Black children are 46 times more likely than whites to be sentenced to juvenile prison;* 4.6 million Black men out of a voting population of 10.4 million have lost their voting rights due to felony convictions;* Newborn Black males have greater than 1 in 4 chance of going to prison during their lifetimes.

Although this film is not a classic and may not receive a 5-star rating from everyone, it does a very good job of describing a community that is struggling with multiple social ills on a daily basis. Miseducation, weak community relations, poor health care, inadequate youth intervention, disrespectful and inhumane community policing, drug abuse and a criminal justice system that ignores the fact that victim and offender my both be victims.

Our most recent meetings have viewed Restorative Justice as an “umbrella theme,” directly and/or indirectly related to community policing, reintegration following incarceration, and community building. Since BaBa and I have had the opportunity to train core teams at various community spaces, I thought it would be interesting to view this film again now that Restorative Justice and Restorative Justice practices have been introduced.

The dysfunction and sadness depicted in “Prison Song” might have been avoided if the community had been strengthened through peace circles and community conferencing, leading to community empowerment. In this film, locking up people is the ultimate solution to everything. The main characters are institutionalized in the mental hospital…. juvenile detention…the group home… and finally, the state prison. This film offers a clear description of what can go wrong when criminalization trumps restoration.

PLEASE NOTE: This film is rated R for violence and language.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 24, 2014 from 7:00 – 9:00pm at the Pratt-Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt Street in Buffalo. This is our final meeting for 2014. We will reconvene on January 26, 2015. Happy Holidays!

Visit our website for more information about Restorative Justice. Go to the “Brother BaBa Speaks” page: http://www.prp2.org/Brother-BaBa-Speaks.html

This program is supported by The Circle of Supporters for Reformed Offenders and Friends of BaBa Eng.

Film Websites:

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prison_SongIMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0216982/Rotten Tomatoes: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/prison_song/

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For more information, contact:

Karima AminPhone: 716-834-8438Email: karima@prisonersarepeopletoo.org

George BaBa EngEmail: g.babaeng@yahoo.com

Prisoners Are People Too, Inc. Main Website: http://www.prp2.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrisonersArePeopleTooInc/

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RE-ENERGIZE BUFFALO (REB)

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Main Website: http://renewnrg.blogspot.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReEnergizeBuffalo/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReEnergizeBflo/

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RIVERSIDE-SALEM ENVIRONMENTAL COTTAGE (RS)

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All programs will be held on Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m. (with a potluck to follow) at the Riverside-Salem Environmental Cottage (3449 West River Road, Grand Island, NY 14072), unless otherwise indicated.

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NOVEMBER 23: Rev. Gerard Williams - “Sexuality & Spirituality: Creating a Sexual Ethic of Liberation”

Rev. T. Gerard Williams, board member of the WNY Peace Center, invites all to a discussion on reconciling one's spiritual identity and sexual identity in a way conducive with substantive liberation theology, a progressivemethod of freeing oneself from all forms of oppression, including those that are self-imposed.

Rev. Williams is pastor of Unity Fellowship Church (UFC) in the city of Buffalo. UFC-Buffalo is part of a national movement of LGBT people of faith who identify with the black church tradition. Unity Fellowship Church Movement has been a social justice fellowship for more than 30 years.

When asked if he had any reading suggestions for those interested, Rev. Williams replied: "A book I would recommend to prepare for our discussion on Nov. 23 is 'Living In Sin? A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality' by John Shelby Spong. It is a great read and should thoroughly provoke thought for our meeting."

Link about the book: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Sin-Bishop-Rethinks-Sexuality/dp/0060675071

NOVEMBER 30: Rev. Kirk Laubenstein, newly ordained UCC minister installed as the Director of the Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ)

DECEMBER 7: Nehzat Goshtasb on her path from Iran to the US

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14: Lauren Becker, former Center For Inquiry staffer, speaks on Darwinism and evolution.

DECEMBER 16: "Christmas In The Woods" choral sing with Nan Hoffman and all in the Cottage!

DECEMBER 25: Christmas Day; No Service

DECEMBER 31: New Year's Celebration at Dave Baker's house (21 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo, NY)

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Riverside-Salem Environmental Cottage (UCC/DC)3449 West River RoadGrand Island, NY 14072Phone: (716) 773-1426Email: cathy@riversidesalem.orgMain Website: http://riversidesalem.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Riverside-Salem-Environmental-Cottage/77651998977/

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SIERRA CLUB-NIAGARA (SC)

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“Climate & Clean Energy Writers Group”

Monday, December 16:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Unitarian Universalist Church Of BuffaloAlliance Room (2nd Floor)695 Elmwood AvenueBuffalo, NY

As part of a public education and outreach project of the Sierra Club Niagara Group Energy Committee, we have set up a Climate and Clean Energy Writers Group to encourage a stronger voice for local advocates in the regional dialogue on climate change and renewable energy. We meet monthly to hear a short presentation on a relevant topic, discuss energy related news, letters and articles, and encourage each other to write for publicationon topics of interest.

We are seeking writers of all ages and are very interested in getting the word out via various media, including print and the internet.

You are encouraged at any time to write letters to the editor, op eds, blogs – any way to express your opinion about climate and clean energy issues.

There is no process required. If you would like us to help you with fact checking or editing, or any form of encouragement, please contact billnowa@gmail.com.

We meet the first Monday of each month. The monthly meetings are meant to provide stimulating information and a chance to talk together, but if you can’t make a given meeting, don’t let that stop you from expressing yourself.

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Sierra Club Niagara GroupMain Website: http://niagarasierraclub.wordpress.com/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/190113647727688/Newsletter: http://niagarasierraclub.com/newsletter/

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SUBVERSIVE THEATRE (ST)

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The Subversive Theatre CollectiveManny Fried PlayhouseGreat Arrow Building (3rd Floor)255 Great Arrow AvenueBuffalo, NYDirections: http://www.subversivetheatre.org/directions/index.htmPhone: (716) 408-0499Email: info@subversivetheatre.orgWebsite: http://www.subversivetheatre.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sub versive-Theatre-Collective/57600382770/

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SYRACUSE PEACE COUNCIL (SPC)

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Syracuse Peace Council2013 East Genesee Street (2nd Floor)Syracuse, NY 13210Phone:(315) 472-5478Summer Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: http://www.peacecouncil.net/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Syracuse-Peace-Council/19823264540/Recent Newsletters (HTML and PDF formats): http://www.peacecouncil.net/pnl/

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TALKING LEAVES (TL)

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Talking Leaves Books3158 Main StreetBuffalo, NY 14214Phone: (716) 837-8554Fax: (716) 837-3861Email: tleaves@tleavesbooks.comWebsite: http://www.tleavesbooks.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingleavesbooks/

"Independent and idiosyncratic since 1971"

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VOICE-BUFFALO (VB)

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VOICE Buffalo-Gamaliel345 Franklin StreetBuffalo, NY 14202Phone: (716) 842-6571Main Website: http://www.voice-buffalo.org/VOICE Buffalo-Gamaliel Website: http://www.voice-buffalo.org/_spotlight_VB_PM_2013.html

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WNY MUSLIMS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3

“ 'Shoe Thief' Screening & Shoe Drive”

6:30 p.m.Islamic Society Of Niagara Frontier (ISNF) Banquet HallMasjid An-Noor745 Heim RoadGetzville, NY 14068

WNY Muslims will be hosting the premiere screening of Akram Shibly's short film, "Shoe Thief.”

There will be also be a shoe drive (gently used or new) in conjunction with the screening the week before (see list of drop-off locations below).

All collected shoes will be donated to Hearts for the Homeless (http://heartsforthehomeless.org/). We will have free snacks and lots of fun activities centered around poverty and homelessness. We will also have a Hearts For The Homeless representative to talk about poverty in our community. This event is completely free - please join us in supporting local talent while also contributing towards a good cause!

For more information:

Phone: (716) 923-4386Facebook Event Page: http://tinyurl.com/krjad9o WNY Muslims Event Page: http://wnymuslims.org/event/shoe-thief-screening-and-shoe-drive/ ISNF/Masjid An-Noor Website: http://isnf.org/masjid-an-noor.html

Gently-Used or New Shoe Donation Drop Off Locations:

University At Buffalo North CampusStudent Union (Room 320)Amherst, NY

Masjid An-Noor745 Heim RoadGetzville, NY 14068

WNY Muslims4011 Bailey AvenueBuffalo, NY 14226

Film Poster: http://tinyurl.com/noufbf4 Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL7697Diopo&feature=youtu.be

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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: “Non-Profit Looking For A Dynamic Outreach Representative”

“WNY Muslims is looking for a dynamic person with qualified organizational and communication skills to join our team. The current position is part-time (25-30 hours week) for a Community Outreach Representative and isavailable immediately.

“WNY Muslims is a community-based organization that serves Western New York by creating awareness, encouraging diversity, and providing service. Our mission is to empower Muslims and non-Muslims to voice, connect, and contribute by utilizing creative media...”

For more information about the position, visit: http://buffalo.craigslist.org/npo/4663001985.html

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WNY Muslims4011 Bailey AvenueBuffalo, NY 14226Phone: (716) 923-4386Email: wnym@wnymuslims.org Main Website: http://wnymuslims.org/ WNY Muslims Blogs: http://wnymuslims.org/all-blogs/“The Echo” Newsletter: http://wnymuslims.org/newsletter/Facebook: http://facebook.com/wnymuslims Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/wnymuslims YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/wnymuslims Vimeo Channel: http://vimeo.com/wnymuslims

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WOMEN IN BLACK (WIB)

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Every Saturday from 12 to 1 p.m.Bidwell Parkway at Elmwood AvenueBuffalo, NY

This silent vigil for peace is held regardless of weather. All are invited.

Wear black if you can, stand silently, and make a public statement in support of peace.

Women in Black Buffalo stand in weekly silent vigils for peace, with a focus on war perpetrated by the USA andsolidarity with women around the world. We first gathered to oppose the US bombing of Afghanistan in 2001. We have stood vigil every week but one (when a snowstorm shut down the city) since October 13, 2001.

Some of our signs:

STUDY PEACEWILL WORK FOR PEACEPEACE ALSO TAKES COURAGEBUCKS FOR BOOKS NOT BOMBSSUPPORT HEALTHCARE NOT WARFARETHIS IS MY HOMELAND SECURITY ACTEDUCATION NOT DEVASTATION

... plus various signs on Iraq, WMDs, Uranium in weapons, no war with Iran, Afghanistan escalation, a running tally of US soldiers and Iraqis killed, et cetera.

Pete Seeger at the Women In Black vigil on November 9, 2013:http://www.wnypeace.org/new/Images/PeteSeegerWIB11-09-13_1718.JPG

Email: wibbuffalo@ymail.comWebsite: http://www.womeninblack.org/en/buffalo

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VI. OTHER ITEMS OF NOTE

Anima FoundationBecause, I Love Peace Breaking The SilenceFree Jalil MuntaqimHelping HandsLaura Aiisha: “We Stand Strong” - Official Music VideoNo/Know Drones NetworkThe Public Rainbow Fridays At Fililgree's GalleryThe Safe and Fair Evaluation (S.A.F.E.) Parole ActThis & That (Erie, PA)Update From Gaza: Noor HarazeenUpstate Coalition To Ground The Drones & End The Wars U.S. Friends Of Soviet People (Buffalo Chapter) Free Bi-Monthly Screenings

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ANIMA FOUNDATION

Amina Foundation is a small organization making a big difference in the lives of the needy.

Our Mission:

* Provide for the needs of distressed women and children in Afghanistan, especially widows and orphans.* Ensure that goods (FOOD, blankets, clothing) get to those in need.

Our Goals:

* To start small, but serve as many families as possible. Donations will be combined when less thank $100 so that a significant donation of goods can be made to the families in need. * To grow a reliable team of donors in the US, Canada, and Europe and a reliable team of aid distributors in Afghanistan.

Our Process:

* Funds will be sent through Western Union or method of choice to reliable persons in Afghanistan. * Funds could be sent directly to reliable persons in Afghanistan or to Project Amina's treasurer (Anne McCune) in United States.* Funds will be used and goods delivered or money will be returned to donors withing 4 weeks. * Pictures and videos of goods being delivered with personal thank you videos and pictures will be sent to donors via internet.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Founder: Zubair Trabzada

Board of Directors:

Jay Durah (Co-Founder) (London,UK & New Delhi, India)Anne McCune (Orchard Park, NY)Najib Amiri (San Francisco, CA)Basir Ahmad (Toronto, Canada)Bashir Ahmad (Kabul Afghanistan)

Email: animafoundation.usa@gmail.comFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Project.Amina/timeline?ref=page_internal

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BECAUSE, I LOVE PEACE

Please support Dr. Sarah AK Ahmed, of Baghdad, Iraq, and her project "Because, I Love Peace," founded in April 2013 to promote reconciliation and understanding between Americans and Iraqis through letter exchanges!

Official Website: http://becauseilovepeace.org/

Please "LIKE" Because, I Love Peace on Facebook, and ask what you can do to support Sarah's project!https://www.facebook.com/Becauseilovepeace/

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VIDEOS:

Sarah discussing "Because, I Love Peace" at the Peace Action NYS conference in Syracuse, NY on April 28, 2013:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzd0vdlUK-A/

Sarah interviewed by Judy Bello about her life and work on May 9, 2013:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8oV4-aZypQ

"The Human Face Of War" - Workshop (with Sarah reading a poem written by her at 19:00) at the "Resisting Drones, Global War & Empire Convergence" in Syracuse, NY on April 27, 2013:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu_yfOym3eQ/

Sarah being interviewed about the horrific violence being inflicted upon the Iraqi Christian minority (and other groups) by ISIS:http://tinyurl.com/pfm3w8y/

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PHOTOS AND TEXTS:

Sarah is also doing amazing work assisting Iraqi refugees who have been displaced due to the current fighting and destruction happening in the country right now, working with the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (FRRME).

Here are posts and photo albums:

July 9: http://tinyurl.com/pd6ykx9/ and http://tinyurl.com/pqpphf5/July 10: http://tinyurl.com/prmbkq7/ and http://tinyurl.com/moz9xq7/July 11: http://tinyurl.com/n27d7ly/July 14: http://tinyurl.com/pc95fmz/July 19: http://tinyurl.com/mscw2ax/August 7: http://tinyurl.com/pu5o3vk/August 8: http://tinyurl.com/m48spg3/August 9: http://tinyurl.com/kj7uv2t/August 10: http://tinyurl.com/ohnyfce/August 11: http://tinyurl.com/n6jrluc/August 13: http://tinyurl.com/l7buk3e/August 18: http://tinyurl.com/q57zppx/August 19: http://tinyurl.com/m3y7ep2/ August 20: http://tinyurl.com/lfwpruk/ August 21: http://tinyurl.com/od4mnos/ August 22: http://tinyurl.com/n29bcgy/ September 1: http://tinyurl.com/llq2ebb/ September 4: http://tinyurl.com/m998ejp/ September 5: http://tinyurl.com/lsl6orb/ September 27: http://tinyurl.com/k9jls6j and http://tinyurl.com/olbg7bw October 6: http://tinyurl.com/phznxmh October 14: http://tinyurl.com/o9t98zp November 7: http://tinyurl.com/lc6f7xt

FFRME Websites:http://frrme.org/https://www.facebook.com/FRRME http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundation_for_Relief_and_Reconciliation_in_the_Middle_East

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BREAKING THE SILENCE

"Breaking The Silence"

Description from the official Facebook page (English) (https://www.facebook.com/BreakingTheSilenceIsrael/):

"Breaking the Silence is an organization of veteran combatants who served in the Israeli military since the start of the Second Intifada and have taken it upon themselves to expose the Israeli public to the routine situations of everyday life in the Occupied Territories.

"The organization endeavors to stimulate public debate about the price paid for a reality in which young soldiersface a civilian population on a daily basis, and are engaged in the control of that population’s everyday life.

"Soldiers who serve in the Territories witness and participate in military actions which change them immensely. Cases of abuse towards Palestinians, looting, and destruction of property have been the norm for years, but are still explained as extreme and unique cases.

"Our testimonies portray a different, and much grimmer picture in which deterioration of moral standards finds expression in the character of orders and the rules of engagement, and are justified in the name of security. While this reality is known to Israeli soldiers and commanders, Israeli society continues to turn a blind eye, and to deny that which happens in its name. Discharged soldiers who return to civilian life discover the gap between the reality which they encountered in the Territories, and the silence which they encounter at home.

"In order to become civilians again, soldiers are forced to ignore what they have seen and done.

"Breaking the Silence voices the experiences of these soldiers, forcing Israeli society to address the reality which it has helped to create."

Official Website: http://www.breakingthesilence.org.il/Email: info@breakingthesilence.org.ilDatabase: http://www.breakingthesilence.org.il/testimonies/database/Videos: http://www.breakingthesilence.org.il/testimonies/videos/Publications: http://www.breakingthesilence.org.il/testimonies/publications/Twitter: https://twitter.com/btsisrael/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/shovrim/

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FREE JALIL MUNTAQIM

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BIOGRAPHY

Jalil Abdul Muntaqim (formerly Anthony Bottom) was 19 years old when he was arrested. He is a former member of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army, and is one of the longest held political prisoners in the world.

Jalil was born October 18, 1951, in Oakland, CA. His early years were spent in San Francisco, where he activelyparticipated in NAACP youth organizing during the civil rights movement.

After the assassination of Dr. King, Jalil began to believe a more militant response to racism and injustice was necessary. He began to look towards the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense for leadership and was recruited into the BPP by school friends who had since become Panthers.

Two months shy of his 20th birthday, Jalil was captured along with Albert “Nuh” Washington in a midnight shoot-out with San Francisco police. When Jalil was arrested, he was a high school graduate and employed as a social worker.

Later, it was uncovered that Jalil was a victim of the FBI’s illegal COINTELPRO program designed specifically to neutralize and disrupt social movements working for racial and economic justice. Jalil was named specificallyas a person to be targeted, and was subsequently charged with the murder of two NYC police officers. His conviction rested upon false evidence and perjured testimony.

Jalil is currently incarcerated at Attica Correctional Facility outside Buffalo, NY. He is 60 years old, and has been behind bars for 40 years. Despite an exemplary prison record and a continued commitment to the struggle for racial justice, Jalil is consistently a victim of harassment and targeting at Attica. He is up for parole for the 5th time this June.

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WHY PAROLE JALIL?

While in San Quentin prison in California in 1976, Jalil launched the National Prisoners Campaign to Petition the United Nations to recognize the existence of political prisoners in the United States.

Progressives nationwide joined this effort, and the petition was submitted in Geneva, Switzerland. As a result, the International Commission of Jurists then reported that political prisoners do in fact exist in the United States.

Jalil was one of the founders of the Jericho Movement in 1997. Over 6,000 supporters gathered at the Jericho 1998 march in Washington DC and thousands more at a rally in the Bay Area to demand amnesty for US political prisoners on the basis of international law. The Jericho Amnesty Movement aims to gain recognition bythe U.S. government and the United Nations that political prisoners exist in this country, and that on the basis of international law, they should be granted amnesty because of the political nature of their cases.

Jalil has filed numerous lawsuits on behalf of prisoners. After many years of being denied the opportunity to attend college, Jalil graduated with a BS in Psychology and a BA in Sociology in 1994.

During his imprisonment, Jalil has become a father and a grandfather. Jalil has worked as an educator of other inmates and practices organizing and advocacy whenever possible to ensure the most adequate, humane treatment for all people. He has been repeatedly punished for these activities, through physical abuse, formal discipline, and numerous prison transfers.

Jalil is up for parole for the 5th time this June. After 40 years of incarceration, it is time for him to be free!

Jalil is one of us.

This is not a history lesson. The same struggles continue today.

Buffalo’s progressive community continues the fight for food, housing, protection from police violence, racial and economic justice, and a self-determined community.

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HELP RELEASE JALIL SO THAT HE CAN CONTINUE TO FIGHT ALONGSIDE US FOR JUSTICE AND EQUALITY.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1. Send a personal letter in support of Jalil’s release to:

Andrea W. EvansChairwoman of ParoleNew York State Division of Parole97 Central AveAlbany, NY 12206

Commissioner Brian FischerNew York State Division of Parole97 Central AveAlbany, NY 12206

Please include Jalil’s DIN number 77A-4283, and refer to him by his given name, Anthony Bottom. If possible, a copy of this letter should also be sent to freejalilmuntaqim@gmail.com to be kept on file.

Letters of support can be as in-depth as you like, and should clearly express support for his release on parole to Buffalo.

2. Spread the word! Tell others about Jalil’s case, and educate them about the importance of releasing him this June.

3. Write Jalil to express your support, and ask him directly how you can help.

Anthony J. Bottom#77A4283Attica Correctional FacilityP.O. Box 149Attica, NY 14011-0149

For More Information About Jalil and How You Can Support Him, email: freejalilmuntaqim@gmail.com , or Visit His Website: www.freejalil.com

To download a brochure about Jalil, click here: http://www.jerichony.org/images21/FREE_JALIL_TRIFOLD.pdf

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HELPING HANDS

Helping Hands events are held at St. Lawrence Church, 1520 East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo NY 14219

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"Children's Clinic at St. Lawrence"

Quality health care for children. Uninsured are seen for low fees but no child refused due to inability to pay. Call 716-308-6302 with questions.

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"Food Stamp Enrollment And Financial Education"

Courtesy of Catholic Charities. Held Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 pm. Any questions, call (716) 856-4494.

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"Medicaid, Child and Family Health Plus, NY Health Exchange Facilitated Health Insurance Enrollments"

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Any questions, call (716) 564-3630 (ext. 22509).

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"Samaritan Counseling"

Do you need someone to listen? A Samaritan Counselor is available on Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. If you have questions, or to schedule an appointment, call (716) 743-9117.

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"Vaccines for Uninsured Children"

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call (716)308-6302 with questions.

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"WIC Outreach"

The Children's Clinic does WIC referrals and prescriptions from 9 a.m. to Noon on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. If you have questions, call (716)597-0509

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Events List in PDF format: http://tinyurl.com/mqroha4/

All Services located in the Franciscan Guest House (behind the church / school buildings). There is off-street parking behind the church and on Roma Avenue.

If coming by bus, use the #26 line (Erb Street stop if eastbound, Wright Avenue stop if westbound).

Peace,

Luke R. DyerPractice ManagerSt. Lawrence Pediatrics1520 East Delavan AvenueBuffalo, NY 14215Office Phone: (716) 308-6302Voice Mail: (716) 894-3090Fax: (877) 815-9267

"Always be a little kinder than necessary." - James M. Barrie

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LAURA AIISHA : “WE STAND STRONG” - OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

https://vimeo.com/104307433

Blessings in Love Worldwide Family!

It is an HONOR to share my first music video with you!!! This song, “We Stand Strong,” came through me during a writing session with my good friend, the amazingly talented Mike Corey. This song was inspired by a conflict that was happening at that time between Israel and Palestine.

Check it out, share it and spread the peace forward vibrations! I desire for this song and video to be an inspiration to YOU to trust and know that World Peace IS possible in our lifetime.

Big UP the refugees, all those affected on any level by war/violence, and ALL who are taking a stand for peace.

This video is Livicated to:

Our Ancestors, The EldersAll of the lives lost & affected by war & violenceAnd all Prisoners of WarThose living in warThose taking a stand for Peace and Justice on the dailyAnd for all Refugees Worldwide!!!

Big up to River Nile Media in Buffalo, NY (https://www.facebook.com/RNM.INC) for putting together this powerful video!

Highly BLESS!!

Your Sistar,

Laura Aiisha

http://LauraAiisha.com

http://LauraAiisha.com/LAH-Musiquehttps://www.facebook.com/laura.aiisha?fref=ts

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NO/KNOW DRONES NETWORK

The No/Know Drones Network is made up of Military Vets, Citizen Activists and Non-profit NGOs, all with a shared interest concerning drone killing and spying and military actions in countries we are not at war with.

http://www.knowdrones.com/https://twitter.com/KnowDrones/http://nodronesnetwork.blogspot.com/http://droneswatch.org/http://www.veteransforpeace.org/https://www.facebook.com/groups/NoDronesNetwork/https://www.facebook.com/KnowDronesUsa/http://www.youtube.com/user/KnowDronesNow/

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THE PUBLIC

WNY’s true alternative media source, offering an honest and entertaining look at a fast-changing region and the whole spectrum of its culture.

Offical Website: http://www.dailypublic.com/ Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Public/547945485335903

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RAINBOW FRIDAYS AT FILIGREE'S GALLERY

Every Friday In November 2014 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.Filigree's Gallery & Boutique1121 Elmwood AvenueBuffalo, NY 14222

Forget Black Friday and celebrate Rainbow Friday every Friday in November at Filigrees Gallery from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.! Support the unique items made by local artists and entrepreneurs at a locally owned and operated boutique at the gateway to the Elmwood Village.

Why shop local?

* Creates more local jobs * Keeps money in the local community* Local taxes support local public services and facilities* Benefit people without transportation

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“Blue Friday: November 21”

Ultra Hoops (25% Off)

Owned and operated by Melissa Campbell, a culture cultivator/localist and owner of Filigrees, who is promotinghealth and fitness benefits through her hand made hula-hoops.

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“Rainbow Friday: November 28”

10% off all locally made items, featuring products created by David Derner, Sare Howard, Tamora Lee, David Licht, Melscamp, Rebel Behavior, Lightnings Native Crafts, Kates Camp and Nicole D. Brown.

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For More Information, Contact:

Melissa CampbellPhone: (716) 400-3144Email: camp716@gmail.comOfficial Website: www.filigreesgallery.comFiligree's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FiligreesGallery UltraHoops Website:www.ultrahoops.com

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THE SAFE AND FAIR EVALUATION (S.A.F.E.) PAROLE ACT

THE PURPOSE OF PAROLE BOARD HEARINGS SHOULD BE EVALUATION NOT PUNISHMENT

The S.A.F.E. Parole Act calls for :

FACE-TO-FACE VIDEOTAPED PAROLE HEARINGS

• In-person interviews , which ncreases the person applying for parole’s trust in the process and in the goal of reintegration, and creates an environment in which the parole board can more fully and fairly evaluate applicants* Videotaping interviews ensures that the final record is accurate and detailed, which allows for a more effective review of the hearing, and holds everyone accountable for their conduct* The cost of videotaping hearings are offset by saving the cost of stenographers and the cost of transcripts

NO SECRETS; PAROLE APPLICANT SEES EVERYTHING IN THE FOLDER THAT THE PAROLE BOARD SEES

* Results in greater transparency, fairness and trust in the parole process* The applicant can address errors or other information* Ensures a more accurate portrayal of the applicant on which the parole board can base its decision

RELEASE DECISIONS BASED ON REHABILITATION AND PREPAREDNESS FOR RE-ENTRY AND REINTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY

* The parole board is given specific, workable criteria by which to determine the probability that the applicant, if released, will live and remain at liberty without violating the law.* The NYS Transitional Accountability Plan (TAP) provides a meaningful process by which the Parole Board can make decisions regarding rehabilitation and release to parole supervision.

CLEAR AND COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS SPELLING OUT WHAT THE PERSON MUST DO TO BE RELEASED

* Alleviates the frustration and confusion experienced by parole applicants when they are not told what they can do in order to be released to parole supervision* This change holds everyone accountable — the applicant, the Department of Correctional Services & Community Supervision and the Parole Board.

More information on the S.A.F.E. Parole Act:

http://www.parolereform.org/http://www.parolereformnow.org/safe/http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S5374-2011/

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THIS AND THAT

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"This & That" is published now and then for the Erie area progressive community. Always good to double-checkdates and times. View online at http://www.nwpapeace.org/

Event submissions should have "T&T" in subject line. Send to: moonkat2014@gmail.com

In-Depth Calendar posted online at http://eriebluegreen.blogspot.com/

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EVENTS CALENDAR:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28

"Made In Erie Marketplace"

5:00 to 8:00 p.m.Masonic TempleCamelog Room32 West 8th StreetErie, PA

Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/574741102655343/

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 TO TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16

"Dramashop Staged Reading Series: 'Clybourne Park' "

Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize and the 2012 Tony Award, features two intriguing acts set in the same house, but fifty years apart. Act One takes place in 1959, as neighbors are trying to stop an African-American family from moving to their quiet, suburban street. Act Two is present-day, and the now predominantly African-American neighborhood battles to hold its ground in the face of gentrification. Funny, witty, challenging andtimely, it’s a perfect fit for Dramashop.

For more information about times and location: http://dramashop.org/2014-15-season/

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UPDATE FROM GAZA: NOOR HARAZEEN

Noor Harazeen is a Palestinian journalist based in Gaza, who has been giving many up-to-date, on the ground reports about the destruction and aftermath of the Israeli attacks against Gaza.

https://www.facebook.com/updatefromgaza/https://www.youtube.com/user/Updatefromgaza/

Noor's bio (from http://muckrack.com/Noor_Harazeen/bio/):

"I was born in Cairo, Egypt and brought up in the United Arab Emirates. In 2004 I moved to my parents homeland – Gaza, Palestine.

"I am currently a TV English reporter working for Al-Etejah channel and an English education student in Al-azher University, and I also worked as an English Teacher for the British Academy of Languages (BAL) for 2 years.

"I started as an activist, dedicated my time in helping people and children around the Gaza strip, and also worked as a volunteer teaching children and running youth camps.

"In 2009, after the war on Gaza, I worked as a fixer and translator for international delegations that visited the Gaza strip working for a conflict peace process and in solidarity with the Palestinian people like Codepink, VivaPalestina, and Freedom March To Gaza.

"Late in 2009, I started taking small parts in media, such as working for the EU as a media coordinator in the Gaza Strip, and then I took parts as an English video reporter in many projects for Palestine (TJP Project - GazaReport).

"Shortly after one of the projects ended I started my own Facebook news and reports page from Gaza to keep the outside world updated with the news from Gaza-Palestine (see above link). During the last war 'Operation Pillar Of Cloud' on Gaza I worked as a producer, fixer, and translator for GazaReport (http://harryfear.co.uk/blog/gaza-report/)

"I participated in several courses about The Rights of Journalists in War and Armed conflicts; Journalism and Child Rights in different countries (UAE-Egypt-Jordan-Palestine-Lebanon); and also received the ICRC International Humanitarian Law diploma.

"I speak fluent English, Arabic and some French. I also got the talent for painting and poetry."

More links for Noor Harazeen:

Email: noorharazeen@icloud.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/Noor_Harazeen/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/noor-harazeen/97/461/b46/Crowdfunding Page: https://www.igiveonline.com/campaigns/make-palestinian-english-channel-for-gaza/

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UPSTATE COALITION TO GROUND THE DRONES AND THE END THE WARS

Hancock Air National Guard Base, home of the 174th Attack Wing, is a domestic hub for drone assassinations, support and operation, particularly in Afghanistan. The Niagara Falls Air Base is also embarking on a mission tooperate weaponized drones. The Hancock efforts emerged following arrests at Creech Airforce Base in Nevada,and the Gandhian Wave of protest there has spearheaded national and international movements against the use of drones for assassination in countries we are not at war with and wars of occupation.

The Upstate Coalition to Ground the Drones and End the Wars, supported by local organizations such as the WNY Peace Center, works nonviolently to stop the scourge of assassination and community terror perpetrated by weaponized drones. The Upstate Coalition to Ground the Drones is in coalition with the global movement toend the drone assassinations and to stop US imperialism and militarization.

Official Website: http://upstatedroneaction.org/Links To Anti-Drone Activist Sites and Drone Info Sites: http://upstatedroneaction.org/links.html/

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U.S. FRIENDS OF SOVIET PEOPLE (BUFFALO BRANCH) FREE BI-MONTHLY SCREENINGS

Second & Fourth Tuesdays Of The Month7:00 p.m.

El Buen Amigo114 Elmwood AvenueBuffalo, NY

The Buffalo branch of U.S. Friends Of Soviet People (http://usfriendsofthesovietpeople.org/) will be hosting FREE bi-monthly screenings of various films every second and fourth Tuesday of the month (except for December) at El Buen Amigo on Elmwood Avenue. Refreshments will be served.

UPCOMING TUESDAY SCREENINGS:

2014

November 25: “Reds” (1981)

“Reds” is a dramatic portrayal of the life and times of JOHN REED, the celebrated US journalist who gave the world the gripping historical report, “Ten Days that Shook the World,” covering the immediate events of the October 1917 Russian Revolution. The all-star cast includes Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, and Warren Beatty himself as Jack Reed.

Film Websites:

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reds_%28film%29IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082979/ Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjjRDJ039FI

2015

January 13: “October (10 Days That Shook The World)” (1928)January 27: “Mission To Moscow” (1943)February 10: “Volga-Volga” (1938)February 24: “Why We Fight, Part 1: Prelude To War” (1942)March 10: “Why We Fight, Part 2: The Nazis Strike” (1943)March 24: “Why We Fight, Part 3: Divide & Conquer” (1943)April 14: “Why We Fight, Part 4: The Battle Of Britain” (1943)April 28: “Why We Fight, Part 5: The Battle Of Russia” (1943)May 12: “Why We Fight, Part 6: The Battle Of China” (1944)May 26: “Why We Fight, Part 7: War Comes To America” (1945)