NEBRASKA GREEN PARTY CANDIDATES . . . Green Party candidates for 2008 in Partisan elections are Steven R. Larrick, U.S. Senate; and for Douglas County Board, District 1: Scott Hoffman; District 3: Derek Glaser; District 5: Susan Koneck. Laverne Thraen has filed for the Non-Partisan OPPD Board of Directors Metro District, and Doug Paterson is a candidate for Public Service Commission District 2 in Omaha.
MONDAY ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY VIGILS . . . Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty have vigiled continuously in front of the governor’s mansion (and inside the state capitol during winter) every Monday for years. The steadfast group has grown small with moves away from Lincoln, and the effort needs new energy, particular in August when regular vigilers are also out of town. Meet in front of the governor’s mansion, 1425 H Street, Lincoln, Mondays from noon to 1:00pm. You may be one of only a few people, or you may be alone, but your presence will continue a long tradition of protest against state killings in Nebraska. Someone will be there with signs, if possible; but to be sure your presence is noticed, wear an ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY t-shirt or make a simple sign to hold while you vigil. For more information contact NADP at 402.477.7787.
GREENS SUPPORT RENEWABLE ENERGY . . . There will be a public meeting on a proposed Lincoln Electric System rate hike Tuesday, August 5, 2008, 7:00pm at the Walter A. Canney Service Center, 2620 Fairfield Drive, Lincoln. The LES Administrative Board will act on August 8th. The Tuesday hearing offers an opportunity to raise the issue of renewable energy in Nebraska. The Nebraska League of Conservation Voters joins Greens in wanting to pack the room with local supporters of a clean energy investment. Contact Eva Sohl, Global Warming Project Coordinator, by e-mail at esohl at nlcv dot org, or by phone at 402.326.1375, for more information.
TOOLS FOR EDUCATION . . . The Center for People in Need “Tools for Education Back-to-School Program” is a cost-effective way to help meet the educational needs of Lincoln’s low-income children who receive new backpacks filled with essential school supplies. Each also receives new clothing from the Truckloads of Help program. Support and participation of the public makes a difference in the life of each child which, ultimately, brings many returns to the community. This year’s Annual Tools for Education distribution is Friday, August 8, and Saturday, August 9, 2008. Volunteers are needed for two hour shifts from 8:30am to 4:30pm on August 8, and 7:30am to 2:30pm August 9. Contact Susan Hale, shale at centerforpeopleinneed dot org, or phone 402.476.4357 for further details and to schedule a shift.
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.
NAGASAKI LANTERN FLOAT . . . In Japan, lantern floats are used to guide the souls of the dead to their rest; in recent times they have been used in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to commemorate the people destroyed by the first atomic bombs. In Lincoln, the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Lantern Float will be Saturday, August 9, 2008, 6:30-9:30pm at Holmes Park on the northeast side of the Lake. All are invited to this moving remembrance of the horror of nuclear weapons and expression of hope sponsored by Nebraskans for Peace. Use the Normal Blvd. park entrance and follow Holmes North Shore Rd. Materials for lanterns and plans for making them will be provided at the site, or see how to make a shade and base at http://www.progressiveportal.org/lanterns/shademaking.html.
HIROSHIMA-NAGASAKI EXHIBIT . . . A 30 piece Hiroshima-Nagasaki Exhibit is on display at First United Methodist Church, 2723 North 50th Street, Lincoln. Monday through Friday, enter through the north side door. The exhibit is in the basement.
LARRICK FOR SENATE AT COLUMBUS DAYS . . . Columbus Days are Friday, August 8, 2008 through Sunday, August 10. Contact Green Party US Senate candidate Steve Larrick at 402.435.5612, or e-mail slarrick1 at msn dot com to carpool from Lincoln or volunteer support at events during the weekend.
GREENS SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC, COMMUNITY RADIO, AND LOCAL TALENT . . . Friday, August 8, 2008, join Greens at either of two great opportunities to support local music and Lincoln’s commuity radio station, KZUM, 89.3fm. Country blues artist John Walker will perform at 7:30pm, opening for local folk singer/songwriter Laurie McClain, now living and recording in Nashville, at a back yard house party, 6115 Huntington, Lincoln. From 9:00pm to close, join KZUM supporters at a benefit performance by Levi William at The Sidetrack, 935 O Street, celebrating 30 years of local community radio excellence.
NORTH STAR NEIGHBORS FARM TOUR . . . North Star Neighbors Farm produces organically grown crops and natural meat products with no antibiotics. They invite the public to the farm on Saturday, August 9, 2008 for hay rack ride tours, demonstrations and displays, hay stacking, pasture walks, and a noon dinner. Registration begins at 9:00am with fresh rolls and coffee. A free will basket will be available to help cover costs. Contact Jim Knopik by phone at 1.877.617.2333, or e-mail jknopik at hamilton dot net for more information and directions from Fullerton, Nebraska.
GROW AND SHARE FRESH PRODUCE . . . Area gardeners are invited to take excess fruits and vegetables to Campbell’s Nurseries, 2342 South 40th Street and 7000 South 56th Street, Lincoln, where it will be collected by the Food Bank and distributed to 100 agencies in Southeast Nebraska that serve low-income individuals and families. Produce may also be dropped off at the Food Bank, 4840 Doris Bair Circle (three blocks north of 48th & Superior Streets), 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Do not pre-wash or refrigerate produce, and transport it in paper sacks rather than plastic bags to avoid spoilage.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE TUTORS NEEDED . . . The Lincoln Literacy Council needs volunteer tutors to teach English as a Second Language and basic English literacy to adults in Lincoln. No teaching experience is necessary. The next training session begins Tuesday, August 19, 2008. Registration is required. Phone 402.476.7323, or click on Tutors at www.lincolnliteracy.org for more information.
FAREWELL TO BETTY PRATT . . . Early in the history of Nebraska Green Party, Betty Miles Pratt served as the NGP volunteer Database Keeper. Her dedicated commitment to Green Party Values and growing a grassroots alternative to corporate business-as-usual in the world of politics was key to building the foundation of current NGP membership. After a long, courageous battle with cancer, Betty died in Tacoma, Washington on Saturday, July 19, 2008. She was a Southern woman of grace and dignity who will be missed by many friends, former colleagues at the University of Nebraska, and Green Party members. Click here for her family’s loving obituary.
We are not the alternative; we are the imperative. ReShape ’08. Register Green. Vote Green.