Green Notes Week of June 15, 2008

LARRICK INVITED TO DEBATE . . . US Senate candidate Steve Larrick has been invited to participate in two future debates following a Green Party protest of his exclusion from the American Legion Boys State debate on Thursday, June 5, 2008. Larrick will join Republican Mike Johanns and Democrat Scott Kleeb on Saturday, August 23, at a State Fair debate sponsored by Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Rural Radio Network, KRVN. On Tuesday, August 12, Larrick will participate in a South Platte United Chambers of Commerce Meet-the-Candidates-Bar-B-Q at Fort Kearney State Park in Hastings.

NEBRASKA GREENS 2008 CONVENTION . . . Saturday, June 7, 2008 the Nebraska Green Party Convention was held at the PS Collective, 6056 Maple Street, in Benson, Nebraska’s emerging sustainable community neighborhood. National Green Party Steering Committee member Marc Sanson gave the keynote address. Delegates to the National Convention, July 10-13, 2008 at the Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago, and new NGP Executive Committee members were elected. See ’08 Convention on the Menu bar.

WEDNESDAY PEACE VIGILS . . . Join weekly peace vigils at the Federal Building, 15th and O streets in Lincoln, every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00pm. Contact Mark at 402-499-6672 or mark at weddleton dot com for more information.

NEBRASKANS UNITED DECLINE TO SIGN . . . Nebraska has been targeted by a California based “Civil Rights Initiative” that would deny equal opportunities in this state and change the Nebraskan constitution.  Well-financed out-of-state political groups are paying petition circulators to gather signatures using misleading language with the intent of eliminating affirmative action and its principles of equity and fairness. Nebraskans United is taking a stand against this petition initiative. DECLINE TO SIGN this petition, and spread the word to others. Background information here. http://www.NebraskansUnited.org Just say no to local signature gatherers when “Civil Rights” means ending Affirmative Action. To set up training for volunteers, make a donation, report sites where signatures are being gathered, or add your group to a growing list of campaign supporters, call Danielle at 402-432-3394 or email D_Nantkes at yahoo.com.

FOSTERING PEACE IN THE FAMILY . . . Iowa Psychologists Kristie and Paul Conditt will give practical tips on how to build an environment of respect, nurture, and peace in the home at two workshops on Saturday, June 21, 2008, North Star High School, 5801 North 33rd Street, Lincoln.
A 1:30pm workshop will repeat at 4:30pm. Themes will include how to be peaceful in relationships, promoting respect, nurturing an appreciative family, raising children and grandchildren to be instruments of peace. The workshop is offered in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Central Plains Mennonite Conference. The public is invited. Donations accepted. Contact David Orr, 402-467-1526, for further information.

NEBRASKA PRIDE WEEKEND . . . Friday, June 20, through Sunday, June 22, 2008, Nebraska’s GLBT communities in Lincoln and Omaha will join for Rainbow Celebrations affirming, strengthening, and celebrating inclusiveness for all. Click here www.rainbowcelebrations.org for schedules, affiliated events, and contact information.

WHOOPING CRANE TRUST OPEN HOUSE . . . Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, 2008, the Platte River Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust will celebrate its 30th anniversary with an open house at the headquarters building, 6611 West Whooping Crane Drive near Wood River, Nebraska.  Saturday events begin at 6:00am with bird banding, followed by bird watching, a prairie walk, children’s activities and games, youth fishing, arts and photography and a video presentation from 1:30 to 3:00pm. For more information and directions from Interstate 80, phone 308-384-4633, extensions 201 and 208.

NEBRASKA GREEN PARTY CANDIDATES . . . Green Party candidates for 2008 in Partisan elections are: U.S. Senate; Steven R. Larrick Douglas County Board, District 1: Scott Hoffman Douglas County Board District 3: Derek Glaser Douglas County Board District 5: Susan Koneck Laverne Thraen has filed for the Non-Partisan OPPD Board of Directors Metro District, and Doug Paterson is a write-in candidate for Public Service Commission District 2 in Omaha.