Schenectady Neighbors for Peace

Minutes  January 8, 07   
14 members present

 

Anita Paul led the meeting. Introductions and "words of wisdom"

Welcome to new folks, Elaine and Mark Klein, who have been active in Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace

 

Events of the past month

 

- Members continue to participate in the Good Friday Vigil, 11:00, corner of Jay and Liberty, Schenectady, and the 5:00 Tues. vigil in front of the 1st Methodist Church on State St.

 

-There was a joint candlelight vigil with staff and students on December 23rd at Schenectady Community College, after which Mary Clare hosted an open house party.  More than 40 participants were present

 

-There was a vigil of 25 held on New Year's Day to mark 3000 U.S. military dead in the Iraq War

 

-Following the vigil, a presentation of Mark Twain's War Prayer by Anita, Helga, and Maxine was held at Arthur's Market, a local cafe that was giving a New Year's Day brunch. Another vigil marking the 3000 U.S. war dead, was done at the usual Tuesday evening vigil held in front of the 1st United Methodist Church on State St., Schenectady

 

-The 3rd Truth in Recruitment leafleting was held in front of Schenectady High School.  This is generally held on the 2nd Mon. at 2:00 pm.

 

-Our monthly steering committee meeting was held at Elizabeth's on December 18th.  Elizabeth and Anita reported that during the steering committee meeting, David composed a letter to be sent to the Superintendent of Schenectady schools, requesting a meeting to discuss our purpose, desire to work cooperatively, and to discuss setting up a table for leafleting in the school.  That and an informal conciliatory letter written by Elizabeth to Mr. Spedafore, Associate Superintendent at Schenectady H.S., were mailed out. 

 

Elizabeth reported her January 7th discussion re: leafleting with Paul Frazier, Catholic Workers expert in these matters.  Members who participated in the leafleting which occurred on January 8th, reported their experiences.  See the SNP website for further details.  Because of their efforts, the right was won to leaflet on the sidewalk in front of the school instead of across the street.  The action was well covered by the Schenectady Gazette. 

 

Lisa reported that a student told her a JROTC instructor told the kids that the peace activists would be IN the school, they would try to get ROTC out of the school, to expect trouble, and to not get in fights with the activists. This is hearsay.  Lisa reported that there is a non-violence program in the elementary school we might be able to build on.

 

Anita volunteered to report the bus drivers' hostile and aggressive behavior to the proper authorities.  It was discussed that new fliers were needed for leafleting, and Elizabeth stated that fliers could be downloaded from the Upper Hudson Peace Action web page.  Linda requested that the chosen flier be forwarded to Cary, and he would have them printed up.  It was discussed that the leafleters needed an identifying visual, and Pete stated he would bring 8 Declare Peace buttons to the next leafleting, which will be held on January 22nd.  Leafleters will meet in front of the high school main door.

 

It was reported that Bonnie Koshofer volunteered to participate in a multi-peace group press conference with Mr. McNaulty, who has promised to vote against funding the war.

 

The Mark Twain War Prayer group reported on their presentation at the cafe, and that they will be presenting on the Elmer Bertsch show on Channel 16, the public access TV channel.

 

Several members stated that they plan to go to the January 11th vigil against torture to be held in Colonie.  There will be buses to Washington to demand the closing of Guantanamo Prison.  Mabel stated she would arrange a car pool for people wanting to get to the buses.  There will be a least two people going from SNP.

 

Pat requested a list of names and contact information of SNP members.  Elizabeth promised she would get that to her.

 

Maxine stated that she would contact the Schenectady H.S. newspaper re: their interest in doing an article about the Truth in Recruitment group.  She also requested that members call their house members at 202-224-3121 and 202-456-1111 to request that they vote to stop funding the war.

 

Several members stated that they planned to participate in the Grannies meeting with Mr. Shumer on 1/8.  The group contact for that event is Mabel Leon, 372-1531.

 

The meeting closed and the next meeting will be held on February 12th, at the usual time of 7:00 p.m., and the usual place, 1st United Methodist Church, 603 State St., Schenectady.

 

 

                                                                       Respectfully Submitted by:

 

                                                                        Elizabeth Villalobos