A COMMUNITY DISCUSSION . . . “Is health care reform within our reach?” is the topic of discussion at a community conversation on Monday, December 15, 2008, 7:00pm, at the UN-L Student Union, 14th & R Streets, in Lincoln. Questions such as Why is reform critical to our national economy and health care? and What potential solutions might be pursued? will be addressed by a panel including Dr. Richard O’Brien, Creighton University; Jennifer Carter, Nebraska Appleseed; Jon Bailey, the Center for Rural Affairs; and Dr. Thomas Tonniges, Medical Director, Boys Town Pediatrics. Free and open to the public. For more information e-mail Jennifer Piatt, jpiatt [at] neappleseed [dot] org or phone 402.438.8853 extension 114.

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING ON GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION . . . A public information meeting on groundwater contamination originally scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2008 was rescheduled for Tuesday, December 16, 7:00pm, at the VFW Hall, 102 S. 24th Street in Ashland, Nebraska. Nebraska Senator Don Preister will host the meeting in cooperation with the Restoration Advisory Board for Former Ordnance Plan Superfund site near Mead, Nebraska. Toxic groundwater contamination at Mead may be pulled into Omaha’s drinking water. The open meeting agenda includes a presentation on Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment including recent site-related findings, and public comments. Persons who reside within two miles of the contamination may sign up to have residential water supplies tested, free of charge, at the meeting. To carpool from Omaha, phone Mark Welsch, 402.558.0463. For more information, e-mail Melissa Konecky, melissakonecky [at] yahoo [dot] com, or phone 402.624.5580.

LINCOLN GREEN DRINKS . . . Green Drinks is an “organic, self organizing” social network for people interested in environmentalism and sustainability. Groups are active in 443 cities worldwide. Lincoln Green Drinks is Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 5:30pm to close, at Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill in the Haymarlket at 210 North 7th Street. The 2nd floor conference room has been reserved. Contact Tyler Mainquist, tmain [at] inebraska [dot] com for more information.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS‘ LUNCH AND LEARN . . . Thursday, December 18, 2008, Ed Zimmer, the City of Lincoln’s Historic Preservation Planner, will speak about religious and ethnic diversity at the LWV Lunch and Learn event, 12:00 noon on the 20th floor of the US Bank Building, 13th & M Streets. “Lincoln in Black and White: Our Community’s Early Diversity,” is open to the public. Reservations are required by noon, Monday, December 15. E-mail the LWV office, lwv-ne [at] inebraska [dot] com, or phone 402.475.1411. Include your name, contact information (phone or e-mail), and number of reservations requested.

LINCOLN 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 e-mail mark [at] weddleton [dot] com for more information.

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE . . . Clocktower Merchants in Lincoln are working with the People’s City Mission to prepare 2,000 holiday meals. They will match all food donations, which are being accepted until Monday, December 15, 2008. Non-perishable items needed include instant mashed potatoes, stuffing, cans of cranberry, cans of pumpkin, pie crust (boxes, packages), and canned vegetables. Drop off items at Edward Jones, Lott Chiropractic, or Fernando’s Salon in the 70th & A Street Clocktower Shopping Center.

We are not the alternative; we are the imperative.