MINUTES SCHENECTADY NEIGHBORS FOR PEACE, JULY 10, 2007  

Maxine Borom chaired the meeting.

Members present: Linda M., Lisa, Elaine, Elizabeth, Pete, Anita, Dave, Malcolm, Bertha, Mabel, Maxine 

Report and discussion on plans for Hiroshima/Nagasaki memorial – Malcolm

        Discussed reaching out to other groups, like Pax Christi, Veterans, U.N.                  Association,  Amnesty, colleges, etc. 

            Unanimous vote regarding place: 

            Place: Central Park by pond
            Date: Aug. 9
            Time: 6:30-8 PM 

            Activities will include respectful memorial – silent vigil, possible readings, peace             cranes, signs, etc. Bertha has Japanese book that we can copy art from. 

            Discussion of media attention, focus on nuclear disarmament, etc.

            Discussion of doing publicity for event and sharing resources.  Need to             coordinate. Malcolm, Pete, Elizabeth, group at large helping to publicize. 

Report on Mabel and Bertha’s trip with Code Pink to DC
            Gained unusual access to legislators due to leaders familiarity with DC

            Met with staff of Schumer, Clinton, McNulty, Bailey, Hutchinson, Gillibrand

            Theme: “Take Back America.” Participated in street type theater with serious             message- Attended hearings on Guantannimo – attempted to attend Judicial Hearings

Report on Anti-torture vigil: Anita – about 15 people. High visibility in Scotia.

            Handed out cards with information 5 reasons torture is wrong

 Report on Pastors for Peace – Mabel and Martin collected monetary donations, and collected and  packed medical supplies for Cuba.  Also hosted a dinner and speaker before bus left for next stop.

 Report by Dave & Anita from conference they attended: call for Canadians to let             American war deserters of conscience stay in Canada – passed out postcards to petition Canada’s government.

Upcoming events in community of interest:

 Bowman lecture at Unitarian Church “Patriotism Redefined.” 7/18 7 pm

Aug 8 Silent Dem. on avoiding war with Iran 11:3- at the International Food Fest

Peace Crane origami making at Elaine and Mark’s – date undetermined

Grafton Peace Picnic

Next roving vigil discussed and decided: “Summer Night” downtown Schenectady 7: 15             Friday July 20   Flyers, signs, etc.

Moon & River showing films of interest

Hiroshima/Nagasaki vigil in Albany 11-12 at Capitol –

            Possibly borrow materials from them – Eliz will check w/ David E.

2 Upcoming large nation wide vigils in DC in Sept – impeachment, end the war

 Ongoing events:

Tues and Fri vigils – steady, small attendance

 Counter-recruitment activities – meeting with Superintendent at Schenectady?

 Twain’s “War Prayer” readings currently inactive

 Film Committee – Dave has a DVD “War Made Easy” – Terri will arrange next film.

            Discussion of film sharing, sites, etc. Possible collaboration with other groups?

            Peace Library ??

Request received by Elizabeth from Dave Capone (?) Muslim Solidarity Committee, requesting so-sponsorship for event Aug 15 at First Methodist Church 4-6

Unanimous vote: yes.

Treasurer’s Report: Dave -  $250

 Elizabeth suggested donation to church for hosting us. Unanimous vote to give - $25.

 Respectfully submitted,

 Elaine K.