PEACEWEEK . . . PeaceWeek, a Global Telesummit for Building a Culture of Peace, will be Tuesday, September 14 through Tuesday, September 21, 2010. From the website: The broad trend of human evolution is to move beyond violence. Given the scale of global crises, we must accelerate that evolution and learn to live, collaborate, and create in a more harmonious way. PeaceWeek will unite pioneers from around the world together for the largest virtual peace summit ever created, culminating with the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21st. Engage in creating a shift to a world at peace by registering for this free virtual event here.

WE THE PEOPLE . . . The U.S. Constitution says “We the People,” not “We the Corporations.” Nowhere are corporations mentioned, let alone protected. Constitution Day, Friday, September 17, 2010, is an opportunity to take this message to your school, neighborhood, city, town, or your elected officials. Educate, advocate or organize on that date to proclaim that constitutional rights belong to human beings, not corporations. Publicly funded schools and colleges must set aside time on September 17 for lessons or programs on the Constitution and its history. This is a prime opportunity for students or teachers to educate on behalf of ending corporate personhood. Everyone should know how our rights have been handed over by the courts to the corporate elite, and that we all need to be part of the movement to get those rights back for people alone. The recent Citizens United v FEC Supreme Court decision granting corporations greater First Amendment free speech rights is an example of the decline of real democracy and self-governance. Move to Amend has many suggestions for raising the issue of corporate personhood—from model letters to the editor, to street theater, to fliers and other resources for tabling events or house parties. Take a look at the list here and get involved.

KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE UPDATE . . . On Monday of this week, TransCanada Corp. and Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer plan an official announcement to kick off a so-called “open season” to solicit interest in the pipeline’s capacity from companies in Montana and North Dakota.  On Thursday of last week, the EPA announced a new pipeline leak near Chicago.
Green Notes have been updating the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline proposal since May 30, 2010. Click here and scroll down the Index to learn about tar sands and TransCanada if you are new to this website. The Natural Resources Defense Council calls tar sands “the dirtiest, most destructive oil on the face of the Earth.”   To see photos of what tar sands have done to the Alberta, Canada environment, click here.  The Keystone XL pipeline would threaten Nebraska’s underground source of fresh water, the 175,000-square-mile High Plains Aquifer, that provides water to 1.9 million people and irrigation for thousands of square miles of farmland throughout eight states. Nebraska’s geologically unique Sand Hills, where many bird species rest during migration, would also be threatened.  See CD 2 Green Notes below for details of Thursday’s Omaha demonstration against the pipeline.
Nebraska has no legislation on the books for regulating the current Keystone I pipeline, nor the proposed XL sand tars pipeline. Nebraska’s Congressional delegation and the governor need to receive letters, e-mails and phone calls from constituents demanding regulation on the existing pipeline, expressing concern about more TransCanada construction in our state. Contact information for Nebraska Congressional Representatives is as follows: Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, CD-1, 1517 Longworth House Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515, 202.225.4806, 402.438.1598 (Lincoln); Rep. Lee Terry, CD-2, 1524 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515, 202.225.4155, 402.397.9944 (Omaha); Rep. Adrian Smith, CD-3, 503 Cannon House Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20515, 202.225.6435, 888.ADRIAN7 (Toll Free); and Governor Dave Heineman, PO Box 94848, State Capitol Bldg., Lincoln, NE 68509, 402.471.2244. Senator Mike Johanns is at 202.224.4224, 402.476.1400 in Lincoln; and Senator Ben Nelson is at 202.224.6551, 402.441.4600 in Lincoln. Please tell them all that oil pipeline regulations need to be in place, not only to govern the existing pipeline, but also any future pipeline proposed by TransCanada or other environmental exploiters.
Click here to tell Secretary Clinton NOT to grant a permit to TransCanda, tell Gov. Heineman to put forth laws that protect our resources and economic activity and tell President Obama to live up to his promise of clean energy and energy independence. Click here for a Bold Nebraska XL Pipeline Action page with resources and background information. E-mail actions [at] boldnebraska [dot] org to get yard signs, bumper stickers and “Windmills Not Oil Spills” t-shirts, or stop by the Bold Nebraska office at 1141 H Street, 3rd Floor, Lincoln, 10:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday.
Remember, every man-made by-product of the petroleum industry could be replaced by hemp. “Help Save the Earth, Time to Subsitute Hemp for Oil.”

Lincoln area: Congressional District 1

MARY RIEPMA ROSS 100TH BIRTHDAY . . . In 1993, Mary Riepma Ross gave the University of Nebraska Foundation $3,600,000 to support the construction of a new Media Arts Center. Mrs. Ross, an alumna of UN-L, was on hand for the 2002 dedication of The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, and continues to support the activities of The Ross, even today. On October 1, 2010, she will turn 100 years old. To help celebrate this milestone in her life, The Ross would like to surprise her with birthday wishes on behalf of the many friends and supporters who enjoy the films shown at the Ross. The goal is to present her with 100 birthday greetings. To participate in the birthday surprise, write a note to Mrs. Ross expressing the impact the film theater has had on you personally, on the University of Nebraska, and on the community. The birthday greeting parameters are one page only, 8 ½ X 11, written legibly. Phone The Ross office, 472.9100, if you have questions.  Deadline is September 15, 2010.  Return your letter to Danny Ladely, MRRMAC, PO Box 880253, Lincoln, NE 68588-0253, or e-mail the letter as an attachment to dladely1 [at] unl [dot] edu

VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY . . . Every Monday, from noon to 1:00pm, Nebraskans for abolition of the death penalty meet in front of the governor’s mansion, 1425 H Street, Lincoln. The lunch-hour presence reminds the governor of a constituency that does not want state killings. Weekly vigils have taken place year-round since July, 1991. All abolitionists are welcome to participate for a few minutes, or the hour. For information about Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty, click here.

PLANNING FOR 10/10/10 . . . Tuesday, August 31, 2010, Bill McKibben was on Late Night with David Letterman talking about 350.org’s Global Work Party on 10/10/10, and his plan to put solar panels back on the roof of the White House, among other things of interest to sustainability activists and environmentalists. Click here for a short list of Lincoln actions. Others include a neighborhood CFL distribution, prairie plantings in the new Union Plaza, and a 10/10/10 Celebration with food and music at 5:00pm. The LincolnBioneers will host Bike Power for Community at 10:10am at Peter Pan Park, 32nd and W Street, one block north of Vine and one block west of 33rd Street. The next planning meeting for 10/10/10 activities in Lincoln will be Wednesday, September 15th, 5:00pm, at the 5th floor meeting room, Lincoln Community Foundation Building, 15th & N Street. Click here to e-mail an organizer with questions about how to get involved. Click here for a message from Bill, “Disappointment at the White House, Pride in the Movement,” written after his meeting at the White House: they refused to accept the Carter solar panel he and Unity College students delivered saying they would continue their “deliberative process” to discuss putting solar panels back on the White House roof. He continues, “Well, we’re done deliberating. When Pakistan is under water, Russia is on fire, and millions of people are ready for clean energy jobs, it’s not time to deliberate: it’s time to get to work.”

LINCOLN PEACE VIGILS . . . Lincoln peace vigils continue at the Federal Building, 15th and O streets, every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00pm. Contact Mark at 402.499.6672 or e-mail mark [at] weddleton [dot] com for more information.

WORLD DAY ON THE MALL . . . This year’s “A World of Difference,” Day on the Mall will be Thursday, September 16, 2010, 10:00am to 2:30pm, on Centennial Mall, 15th and M Street, east of the State Office Building. The emphasis will be on “going green.” There will be educational and informative presentations on multicultural topics, live entertainment, art activities, ethnic food and information vendors. For more details, phone Roxanne at 471.6042.

ANOTHER NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN NEBRASKA? . . . Senator Kent Rogert wants third nuke power plant in Nebraska. Construction would take five to six years and cost between $6 billion and $10 billion. The possibility will be discussed at a public hearing Friday, September 17, 2010, 1:30pm, in the City Council Chambers, 218 South 16th Street, Blair, Nebraska.

NEBRASKA STUDENT ORGANIZING CONFERENCE . . . The third annual Nebraska Student Organizing Conference will take place Saturday and Sunday, September 18 and 19, 2010, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The conference will bring together progressive-minded students from a variety of backgrounds to learn the skills and expertise necessary for making positive, lasting change in their communities. The purpose of this free annual event is to make stronger leaders through networking, interactive skill-building workshops, and strategic planning. Register here.

PRAIRIE FESTIVAL . . . This year’s Twilight on the Tallgrass Prairie Festival, “A Trail in Time,” is from 5:00 to 10:00pm, Saturday, Steptember 18, 2010, at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, 11700 SW 100th Street, three miles south of Denton, Nebraska. Click here for a schedule of the evening’s activities. Bring a picnic and enjoy the music, hiking, an 8:00pm program, “The Great Unknown,” and late-night stargazing. There is a small suggested donation, and children under 12 are admitted free. For more information, phone 402.797.2301.

HIKE WILDERNESS PARK . . . Friends of Wilderness Park are hosting weekly hikes through different parts of the Park, every Saturday at 3:00pm. The casual strolls will highlight the diversity of life in the Park. All ages are welcome.

GROW AND SHARE . . . Local gardeners can take excess fruits and vegetables to Campbell’s Nurseries, 2342 South 40th and 7000 South 56th Street, Lincoln, every Monday and Tuesday during summer. Food will be collected for the Food Bank of Lincoln, and distributed to 65 Southeast Nebraska agencies serving low-income people and families. Gardeners can also drop off produce at the Food Bank, 4840 Doris Bair Circle–about three blocks north of 48th and Superior, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Click here for tips on how to process produce for sharing. For more information, contact Cory Priefert at Campbell’s, 402.423.4556, ext. 233; or Cheri Lawrence at the Food Bank, 402.466.8170, ext. 106.

LINCOLN FARMERS MARKETS . . . Locally grown produce and baked goods are available at Lincoln Farmers Markets five of the seven week days. Saturdays through October 9th, the Haymarket Farmers Market is open from 8:00am to noon. The Old Cheney Road Garden Market at 55th Street and Old Cheney Road (behind the Lincoln Racquet Club) is open from 10:00am to 2:00pm every Sunday through November 7th. Other Lincoln Markets include:
— Havelock Farmers Market, behind the businesses at 62nd and 63rd Streets and Havelock Avenue, Wednesdays 3:00 to 6:30pm, May 5 to October 27th.
— Piedmont Farmers Market, 1265 South Cotner Blvd. Saturdays 8:00am to noon, May 15 to September 18. Vendor spots available. Call Randy Nelsen at 467-2777.
— Community Crops Farmers Market, Pentzer Park, 27th and Potter (2 blocks north of 27th and Holdrege), Thursdays, 4:30-7:30pm, June 3 through September 30, 2010.
— Backyard Farmer’s Market and Exchange, Tuesdays, 4:30 to 7:30pm, in the St. Paul United Church of Christ parking lot at 1302 “F” Street, June 1st through September 28, 2010.

Omaha area: Congressional District 2

OMAHA PEACE & JUSTICE EXPO . . . The 5th Omaha Peace & Justice Expo will be Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 5:00 to 8:30pm, at the UN-O Ballroom, Milo Bail Student Center. MIT Linguistics professor and author Noam Chomsky will present the Keynote Address via live exclusive videoconferencing followed by Q & A with the audience. Admission is Free. Click here for photos on Facebook. E-mail PeaceExpo [at] gmail [dot] com for more information. “In this possibly terminal phase of human existence, democracy and freedom are more than just ideals to be valued – they may be essential to survival.” –Noam Chomsky

BLACK-WHITE DIALOGUES . . . The fall Black-White Dialogues public series, where people of the different races meet, watch and listen to a short presentation, and then discuss the topic and other concerns, building connections in order to address and eliminate racism, continues Tuesday, September 14, 2010 with Dee Kinder, Master Trainer, speaking on “8 to Great: 8 High-ways to Success,” from 7:00 to 9:00pm at First Central Congregational Church, 421 South 36th Street, in Omaha. Gather at 6:45pm. To get involved, phone Elaine Wells, 573-1720, or click here for information and registration.

OMAHA PEACE VIGILS . . . Omaha peacemakers vigil every Wednesday, 4:30-5:30pm, at StratCom/UN-O, 6801 Pine Street, east of the Scott Technology Center on the Un-O campus. Free parking is available at the NE Corner of 67th Street and Pine in a student lot. For more information, phone Jerry Ebner, 402.502.5887. Every Saturday, 1:00-2:00pm, there is an Anti-War and Peace Vigil at 72nd and Dodge Streets. Contact Steve Horn at 402.426.9068.

OMAHA PEOPLE’S FILM FESTIVAL . . . There is a People’s Film Festival every Wednesday evening, 7:00pm, at McFoster’s Natural Kind Cafe, 38th and Harney in Omaha. The event is always free and open to the public. This week’s film is “Sin Nombre,” an epic dramatic thriller in the tradition of film noir, set on the Mexican border. Watch the trailer here.  For more information, click here.  The People’s Film Festival – Expanding Political Consciousness Since 2004.

PROTEST KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE . . .  Guardians of the Good Life will rally to protest the XL tar sands pipeline on Thursday, September 16, 2010, 5:00 to 7:00pm, at 90th & Maple, in Omaha.  Walk, bike, or carpool to the rally if possible.  If you drive, try parking in the southwest corner lot of Westlake Hardware.  Help educate and raise awareness of the proposed Keystone XL tar sands pipeline threat to the fragile ecosystem of the entire region.  For more information, e-mail japlapoo [at] netzero [dot] net

COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOL SEMINAR . . . Communities In School of Nebraska has developed a series of topical-based seminars, designed to supply local service providers and other interested stakeholders with information on the latest research-based practices and their implementation. “Race Equity Issues” will be presented Friday, September 17, 2010, 11:00am to 12:30pm, at Turning Point Training Building, 2nd Floor, 3223 North 45th Street (off of 45th and Bedford), in Omaha. The cost is free. Bring your own lunch. Dessert and drinks will be provided. Click here to register.

BENSON UNITY PARADE . . . There will be a Benson Unity Parade starting at 11:00am on Maple Street in Downtown Benson on Saturday, September 18, 2010.

BENSON FARMERS MARKET . . . The Benson Farmers Market will be on Military Avenue from Maple to Binney Streets, Saturday, September 18, 2010, 8:00am to noon.

FORT OMAHA INTERTRIBAL POWWOW . . . Saturday, September 18, 2010, there will be Native American music, dance, food and arts at the 19th Annual Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow, Fort Omaha Campus Parade Ground, North 30th and Fort Streets, 1:00 to 7:30pm. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, e-mail bvelazquez [at] mccneb [dot] edu or phone 402.457.2253.

WORLD O! WATER FESTIVAL . . . Sunday, September 19, 2010, rain or shine, Omaha’s World O! Water Festival will take place from noon to 4:00pm at the Papio-Missouri NRD Wehrspann Lake, 8901 South 154th Street, Omaha. World O! Water is a free annual event, aimed at educating the public about water conservation, quality and recreation.   Click here for a list of some of the day’s activities, a map link, and more information.

CONCERT FOR WHITECLAY . . . Sunday, September 19, 2010, doors open at 5:00, music starts at 6:00pm, Countryside Community Church, 8989 Pacific, Omaha, for a Concert for Whiteclay featuring singer/songwriter Michael Bucher, Michael Murphy, and special guest Cante Tenza.  Admission is two letters to close Whiteclay, or $20. Paper, pens and addresses for government officials will be provided. The concert is sponsored by The Whiteclay Awareness Committee. For more information, e-mail murphy_music [at] yahoo [dot] com

OMAHA FARMERS MARKETS . . .Global research confirms food choices contribute the highest percentage to our carbon footprint; even more than transportation.  The advantages of shopping locally go far beyond environmental impact. Farmers markets are the best way to choose local. Click here for a list of Omaha area Farmers Markets including Benson, Bellevue, Papillion, Auburn, Beemer, Bennington, Falls City, Plattsmouth, and Wayne, Nebraska; Glenwood, Council Bluffs, and Griswold, Iowa.

Greater Nebraska: Congressional District 3

BUY FRESH. BUY LOCAL . . . . Farmers, gardeners, and craftspeople meet through The Nebraska Food Cooperative, an on-line, year-round farmers’ market and local food distribution service offering the best in local freshness. For ordering and pickup schedules, refer to the calendar here.  Click here for products and prices from North Star Neighbors, a Cooperative member that doesn’t therapeutically medicate or unduly confine animals. Click here for Tomato Tomäto, Omaha’s year-round indoor Farmer’s Market at 156th & West Center. Shop for fresh foods grown in or very near your own community at Open Harvest, Lincoln’s member-owned natural foods retail cooperative in expanded space at 1618 South Street. Buying local grows family farming, grows the local economy, and is thousands of miles fresher.

HELP NEBRASKA GREENS WITH GOODSEARCH . . . Each time you search the Internet (or shop online at a participating store), a donation can be made to Nebraska Green Party at no cost to you! To help NGP in this way, enter Nebraska Green Party where it says WHO DO YOU GOODSEARCH FOR? here.  Bookmark the GoodSearch Homepage, or make it your own Home Page. Enter the url you want in the GoodSearch search box. Each time you do, one penny will be donated to Nebraska Greens. THANK YOU for your support!

We are no longer the alternative; we are the imperative. –Rosa Clemente