Lincoln area: Congressional District 1

2010 EARTH DAY WEEK . . . Lincoln will celebrate 40 years of Earth Day Saturday, April 24, 2010, 2:00 to 6:00pm at Antelope Park, with evening activities in the Haymarket. Every day of this week there will be an Earth Day Event. Click here for a full schedule, and check Green Notes below.

THE NEW ARENA QUESTION . . . No2Arena informational materials will be ready for Saturday morning’s 10:00am meeting at Gere Library, 56th and Normal Blvd., April 24, 2010. (Due to road construction, enter on 56th Street.) See Green Notes below about how to help with distribution, about this week’s Neighborhood Association meetings, about Saturday night’s potluck fundraiser at the Unitarian Church, and other opportunities to learn *the facts* about a proposed arena in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District. A significant Local View in Lincoln Journal-star, Sunday, April 18, 2010, by Brian Chilcott is here.  It states: “Lincoln, if you will ever stop the “brain drain,” if you will ever be attractive to smart young professionals and the companies that employ them, you’ll have to be more visionary than your silly arena plan would suggest. Every well-educated Nebraskan I know lives elsewhere, and it is a sad condition. I wish you luck, but I certainly wouldn’t return to foot the bill for such nonsense.”
A series of live chats at www.journalstar.com will begin Monday, April 19th, at 10:00am. Arena related questions from readers will be fielded live online, starting with Pershing Center General Manager Tom Lorenz. This week’s Neighborhood Association meetings are listed in separate Green Notes below. An April 17, 2010 letter to the editor, “Get all arena facts first,” is here.
The proposed arena site is highly contaminated with toxic railyard waste. The City of Lincoln will be assuming liability for cleaning up ground contaminated with 130 years of toxins. The railroads will have no clean-up responsibility after this proposed deal. It is very unlikely that $7.5 million allotted for cleanup will be adequate. The City will owe $20
million per year in interest on the bond for 30 years. This raises the cost to $755 million with interest, without added contamination clean-up costs. Click here for a list of toxic contaminants at the Haymarket location site.
Phone Kathy at 402.202.8153, or e-mail KathyKBD [at] aol [dot] com to learn more and volunteer. No2Arena yard signs and bumper stickers are available at Saturday morning meetings, or by phoning 488.8519. Click here to become a “Vote NO to Lincoln’s Haymarket Arena” Facebook fan.     SAVE THE HAYMARKET.

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 senators and 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.

NO IMPACT MAN . . . Lincoln Earth Day 2010 and Cleaner Greener Lincoln will present a screening of ‘No Impact Man‘ on Monday, April 19, 2010, 7:00pm, at The Grand Theatre, 1101 P Street. The documentary follows the life of Colin Beavan and his family, who abandoned a high consumption 5th Avenue lifestyle for a year of making no net environmental impact. Scroll down to view the trailer here. The free film is open to the public.

CIVIL RIGHTS PANEL . . The Dan Williams Civil Rights Lecture, honoring the founder of CARD, Citizens Against Racism and Discrimination, will be Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 5:15pm. A Panel discussing civil rights issues in Lincoln will be at The Cornhusker Hotel, 333 South 13th Street, Lincoln, timed in conjunction with the 2010 Civil Rights Conference, April 20 and 21, focusing on fair housing and employment discrimination. Hosted by Jose Soto, Southeast Community College vice president of diversity, multicultural education and affirmative action, the panel will include local Civil Rights Icon Lela Knox Shanks.  For more information, e-mail lwilliams [at] lincoln [dot] ne [dot] gov or phone 402.441.8691.

SOULFORCE IN LINCOLN . . . Soulforce will be visiting Lincoln on Tuesday, April 20 and Wednesday, April 21, 2010. Founded in 1998, Soulforce is based on the principles of relentless nonviolent resistance as taught and practiced by Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. Tuesday, April 20, 2010, Plymouth Pride Fellowship will host a 5:00pm potluck at First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street, in Pilgrim Hall, with a 5:30 panel of clergy. GLBTQs, Allies, and Equality (bus) Riders from different parts of the nation will share food, meaningful dialoge and support with local community activists and friends as part of work to end religious and political oppression. Soulforce will visit the Union College campus on Wednesday, April 21, 2010. There will be an open mic night at Meadowlark Coffeehouse, 1624 South Street, from 7:00 to 9:00pm. For more information, e-mail robin [at] outlinc [dot] org or click here.

SUPPORT NO2ARENA AT NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS . . . No2Arena spokespeople will meet with Lincoln Neighborhood Associations this week. Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 7:00pm, Kandra Hahn will be at the Meadowlane Neighborhood Association, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 1015 Lancaster Lane. Also on Tuesday, Scott Wendt will be at the Country Club Neighborhood Association meeting, Irving Rec Center, 2010 Van Dorn, at 7:00pm. From 11:00pm to midnight on Tuesday, Brad Carper will answer call-in questions at KZUM Community Radio, 89.3fm. Call 474.5086 with questions and comments.

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.

RECYCLED PLASTIC BAG PROJECT . . . There will be a discussion, open to the public, about the Doane College Plastic Bag Project, Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 6:15 to 7:15pm, in Courtyard Lounge, First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street, Lincoln. Doane Professor Brad Elder will lead a conversation about reusing plastic bags in Kenya.

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION . . . Friday, April 23, 2010, 9:00am to 1:00pm, Lincoln residents may bring household hazardous waste items for recycle or safe disposal to the 87th and Highway 2 Walmart. Click here for a list of accepted items. For more information, phone 402.44.8021.

LOCAL-LICIOUS DINNER . . . Nebraska farmers and gardeners of the Nebraska Food Cooperative will provide locally grown and raised foods for a Local-Licious dinner at the Country Club of Lincoln Ballroom, 3200 South 24th Street, Lincoln, on Friday, April 23, 2010, 6:00pm. Learn about statewide efforts to develop a local food system, have a great meal, and support the local food movement.  Reserve tickets online through PayPal here.

SAVE THE HAYMARKET . . . No2Arena will meet Saturday, April 24, 2010, 10:00am, at Gere Library, 56th and Normal. (Due to road construction, enter on 56th Street.) Volunteers are need to help distribute fliers with *the facts* from house to house in Lincoln. Packets and precinct maps will be available at this meeting. If you can’t be there, please phone Kathy at 202.8153 to volunteer help walking neighborhoods or making phone calls.

EARTH DAY WILDERNESS PARK CLEAN-UP . . . As part of Earth Day, Friends of Wilderness Park will meet in the Day Camp parking lot at 8:30am, Saturday, April 24, 2010, to pick up trash and litter along Park trails. Children are welcome. Adults only will form an additional group to gather litter along roadsides and possibly under bridges. The parking lot can be reached by turning south onto Park Boulevard from Van Dorn, then going south to 1st Street. Call 441.7895 before April 21st if you plan to help, and qualify for free pizza and soda after the clean-up is finished at noon.

BIRD FEEDING WORKSHOP . . . Pre-registration is required for an Earth Day Backyard Bird Feeding Workshop, Saturday, April 24, 2010, 10:00 to 11:30am, at Pioneers Park Nature Center in the Prairie Building Auditorium. Presented by the Wild Bird Habitat Store, the workshop will teach how to set up a sumer bird feeding program at home. There will be refreshments and door prizes. For more information, and to register, phone 441.7895.

PARTY FOR THE PLANET . . . Earth Day will be celebrated at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo from 10:00am to 3:00pm, Saturday, April 24, 2010. The Zoo is located on 27th Street between Capital Parkway and A Street at 27th & B Street.

WORLD TAI CHI AND QIGONG DAY . . . The 12th Annual World Tai Chi and Qigong Day will be observed in Lincoln Saturday, April 24, 2010, from 9:00am to noon, at the Antelope Park enclosed shelter. Beginning in the earliest time zones of New Zealand, Tai Chi and Qigong will be practiced at 10:00am worldwide. As Earth turns, a wave of positive Qi energy will be spread around the planet. All are invited to participate. For more information, phone Chris at 402.310.5990 or e-mail headlee1 [at] juno [dot] com

EARTH DAY ELECTRONIC RECYCLING EVENT . . . Saturday April, 24, 2010, noon to 5:00pm, Open Harvest will host a free Earth Day Electronics Recycling event in the store’s parking lot at 1618 South Street, Lincoln. Recycle anything with a plug or batteries for free with these exceptions: CRT TV’s and monitors under 21” will cost $10 per unit; those larger than 21” will cost $35 per unit. Phone Secure Recyclers, 402.420.1515, with any questions.

EARTH DAY TRAIL RUNS . . . Registration begins at 8:00am, Saturday, April 24, 2010, for 5K, 2 mile, and a 1 mile kid’s run (12 and under) starting at the Mopac East Trailhead on 84th Street near State Farm. All races will be run simultaneously. There will be a limited number of Open Harvest water bottles with early registrations. Register here.

EARTH DAY AT ANTELOPE PARK . . . From the Mopac Trail, Lincoln Earth Day Events will move to Antelope Park, 2:00 to 6:00pm, for a Celebration Festival. The community-wide zero-waste Event will include main stage entertainment (powered by solar power) from local bands and dance troupes, family activities, a kid’s Big Wheel race, an Alternative Transportation Expo, and an educational exhibitor booth fair. Artists for the Earth will present a Green Poster display, and the 4th “Style Your Sole” TOMS shoe decorating event will be hosted by local shoe store The Public. At 4:00pm, celebrated Lincoln photographer Michael Forsberg will present a keynote speech on how we can best conserve local natural resources, with photos, in the Auld Pavilion. There will be a Post Celebration Bike Ride to the Haymarket for a Green Meals tour. A variety of Haymarket restaurants will participate, offering featured sustainable menu items and drinks. Click here for a full schedule of Earth Day events.

SAVE THE HAYMARKET . . . A potluck fundraiser to benefit the No2Arena campaign will start at 6:00pm Saturday evening, April 24, 2010, at the Unitarian Church, 6300 A Street in Lincoln. There will be a Cash Bar, Live Music, Door Prizes, and Community Spirit for educating Lincoln about *the facts* before a May 11th vote on the arena project.

OPEN HOUSE AT SPRING CREEK . . . Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, 11700 SW 100th Street, Denton, will host an open house from 1:00 to 5:00pm, Sunday, April 25, 2010. The 808-acre tallgrass prairie nature preserve is located 20 minutes southwest of Lincoln. Click here for directions. Guided walks will begin at 2:00 and 3:30pm, and light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.

COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOTS AVAILABLE . . . Community CROPS has garden plots available all over Lincoln for those interested in growing their own food locally. CROPS has a Community Supported Agriculture program offering subscriptions to boxes of locally-grown food, and also offers gardening classes. Click here to find links for applications to all CROPS programs.

ORDER NATIVE PLANTS TO SUPPORT FRIENDS OF WILDERNESS PARK . . . Orders for plants being grown by Finke Gardens and Nursery for this year’s Wilderness Park native plant catalogue must be placed by May 4, 2010. Native plants are naturally adapted to the local environment and native soil, naturally tolerant of pests, and require little water. Catalogues and order forms are available at Finke Gardens, Meadowlark Coffee & Expresso, The Mill, and Lincoln Parks and Recreation Center office at 27th & A Streets. Call 477.8282 and leave a message to place a phone order for a 2010 catalogue.

Omaha area: Congressional District 2

Monday, April 17, 2010, 7:00pm, Great Escape Theatre, 7440 Crown Pointe Avenue, will premiere Wigger, a film written and directed by Omowale Akintunde, head of the UN-O Black Studies Department. The film, shot on location in Omaha, has to do with racial issues that exist across the country. Three of the film’s stars, Ana Maria Horsford, Meschach Taylor and David Oakes, will be present. The film is being shown as part of Omaha’s annual Malcolm X Festival and Conference, [pdf] April 18 through April 20, 2010. Call the black studies office, 554.2412, for more information.

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 “Food Beware: French Organic Revolution.”  Food and drink is available. A lively discussion follows each showing. For more information, click here.  The People’s Film Festival – Expanding Political Consciousness Since 2004.

OMAHA SIERRA CLUB MEETING . . . “Environment Omaha: Creating a More Sustainable City” is the focus of this months’ Omaha Sierra Club program, Thursday, April 22, 2010, 7:00pm, at First United Methodist Church, 69th & Cass Street (Enter north door education wing). Speakers will be Connie Spellman, Mick McMeekin, and Steve Jensen.  All are welcome.

UN-O EARTH DAY EVENT . . . The UN-O Ecology Club will host an Earth Day event on Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 10:00am to 2:00pm, in the Pep Bowl area behind Eppley Administration Building. There will be a live band from noon to 1:00. Stop by the Nebraska Green Party table and meet Omaha Greens.

NW-U EARTH DAY EVENT . . . Visit the Green Party table at Nebraska Wesleyan’s Earth Day event, Thursday, April 22, 2010, along the walkway between the Student Center and Smith-Curtis, from after 11:00am to 2:00pm.

WILDFLOWER HIKE . . . There will be a Wildflower Hike around the Great Marsh, Fontenelle Forest Wetlands Education Center, Bellevue, April 24th, 2010, at 10:00am. Meet at Wetland Education trail head by 8:15 to 8:30pm. For directions, more information, and to rsvp, e-mail bobbygoetschkes [at] hotmail [dot] com or phone 402.614.4788.

ACLU-NEBRASKA ANNUAL . . . The 2010 ACLU Nebraska Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet will be Saturday, April 24, 2010, at Cascio’s Steak House, 1620 South 10th Street, Omaha. A 6:00pm reception will be followed by dinner at 7:15. The Keynote Speaker, Ellery Schempp, will focus on “The Constitution, the Bible and the ACLU.”

IBRAHIM SBAIHAT PERFORMANCE . . . Saturday, April 24, 2010, 5:00pm, Palestinian Folksinger Ibrahim Sbaihat and his band will perform at a night of traditional Palestinian music and culture at First United Methodist Church’s Cary Hall, 7020 Cass Street (east entrance). The event will include a potluck dinner and Arabic food. Phone Musa al-Hindi at 402.708.9605 for more information.

HEALTH, WELLNESS & FITNESS EXPO . . . The 2010 Mind, Body, & Spirit Fair will be at Omaha Civic Auditorium, 17th and Capitol, Saturday, April 24, 11:00am to 6:00pm, and April 25, 11:00am to 4:00pm. The interactive community event will have seminars on various topics both days. For more information, phone Bob Mancuso, Jr. at 402.346.8003, or click here.

THEATER OF THE OPPRESSED WORKSHOP . . . There will be another Theater of the Oppressed  Workshop Sunday, April 25, 2010, 1:00-5:00pm, at the UN-O Student Center, 6001 Dodge, in the Nebraska Room.  The Facebook site is here.  Contact Colleen, codoherty [at] unomaha [dot] edu with any questions.

Greater Nebraska: Congressional District 3

PUBLIC NIGHT AT BEHLEN . . . The UN-L Behlen Observatory near Mead in Saunders County will be open for public viewing from 7:30 to 10:00pm, Friday, April 23, 2010. At 8:00pm there will be a presentation on Saturn. There is no charge for the public night. For more information, click here or phone UN-L astronomer Edward Schmidt at 402.472.2788.

GOING GREEN SUNDAY . . . Trinity United Methodist Church, 511 North Elm Street, Grand Island, will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day Sunday, April 25, 2010. Change the World Sunday is an invitation to Rethink Church: Go Green as an act of renewing creation in your life this spring. There will be a seed exchange, and seed packets for local gardens will be available free of charge. Phone Trinity UMC offices, Monday through Friday, 308.382.1952, for more information, or e-mail Maureen Vetter, mvetter [at] charter [dot] net.

PEACE WORKERS MEET . . . Central Nebraska Peace Workers will meet Sunday, April 25, 2010, 3:00 to 5:00pm, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 511 North Elm Street, Grand Island. EveryOne is welcome.

BUY FRESH. BUY LOCAL . . . . Until local markets begin again, 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.  Every time you use the GoodSearch toolbar, one penny will be donated to Nebraska Greens. Download the GoodSearch Toolbar here.  THANK YOU for supporting Nebraska Greens.

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

THE NEW ARENA QUESTION . . . The fake democracy of a May 11, 2010 vote on a $25 million bond–only a small part of the “$344 million” project–is one of many reasons more people are getting involved with the No2Arena campaign. Other clearly documented reasons include concerns for lack of fiscal responsibility–the City of Lincoln will increase it’s debt burden tremendously; destruction of the historic Landmark District environment–a vibrant, creative mix of residential and commercial in cooperative neighborhood; disregard for the designated flood plain of Salt Creek; and lack of environmental vision for a more sustainable urban development.  The proposed site is highly contaminated with toxic railyard waste. The City of Lincoln will be assuming liability for cleaning up ground contaminated with 130 years of toxins. The railroads will have no clean-up responsibility after this proposed deal. It is very unlikely that $7.5 million allotted for cleanup will be adequate, not to mention $20 million per year in interest the City will owe on the bond for 30 years. This raises the cost to $755 million with interest, without added contamination clean-up costs. Click here  for a list of toxic contaminants at the Haymarket location site.
The first No2Arena billboard is up at 12th and K Street. The website has been updated to include a link for registering to vote. A potluck fundraiser at the Unitarian Church, 6300 A Street, is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, 2010, starting at 6:00pm (after Earth Day activities at Antelope Park). Some of this week’s letters to the Lincoln Journal Star editor are here,  here, here, and “Self serving vision” is here.  No2Arena spokespeople will present the opposition opinion at South Salt Creek and Hartley Neighborhood Association meetings listed in separate Green Notes below. A Sunday, April 11th LJS front page feature story “Calculating the costs and benefits of the arena project” is here.  Click here, phone Kathy at 402.202.8153, or e-mail KathyKBD [at] aol [dot] com to learn more and volunteer. No2Arena yard signs and bumper stickers are now available at Saturday morning meetings, or by phoning 488.8519. The 10:00am, April 17th opposition meeting will be at the Huntington Day Center, 4701 Huntington. Click here to become a “Vote NO to Lincoln’s Haymarket Arena” Facebook fan. SAVE THE HAYMARKET.

LUNCH AND LEARN . . . Reservations are due by noon Monday, April 12, 2010, for this month’s League of Women Voters “Lunch and Learn” presentation by Tom Davlin, project engineering manager at Lincoln Electric, Thursday, April 15, 2010. Davlin will give an overview of sustainable energy resource options in Nebraska, including wind, solar, geothermal and bio-mass. The event, open to the public, is at the 20th floor US Bank Building, 13th and M Streets, Lincoln. Phone 475.1411 to make reservations, or e-mail lwv-ne [at] inebraska [dot] com.

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 senators and 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.

BROWN BAG LUNCHEON LECTURE . . . Lincoln historian Jim McKee will present “Normal Nebraska and a Peek at College View” during the Preservation Association of Lincoln (PAL) Brown Bag Luncheon from noon to 1:00pm, Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at the Museum of Nebraska History, 15th and P streets in Lincoln.

SUPPORT NO2ARENA AT NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS . . . Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 7:00pm, No2Arena Spokesperson Brad Carper will represent the opposition group at a South Salt Creek Neighborhood Association meeting, Park Middle School, 855 South 8th Street, Lincoln.

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.

DEAD SEA SCROLLS LECTURE . . . Thursday, April 15, 2010, 3:30pm, UN-L professor Sidnie White Crawford will present “The Dead Sea Scrolls After 60 Years:  What Have We Learned?” in the Nebraska Union auditorium, 1400 R Street, Lincoln. Discovery, study, pulication, controversies and rumors surrounding the manuscripts will be discussed.

SUPPORT NO2ARENA AT HARTLEY NEIGHBORHOOD . . . The Hartley Neighborhood Association will hear both sides of the proposed Haymarket Arena issue at its 7:00pm meeting, Thursday, April 15, 2010, in the Hartley Elementary School gym, 33rd and Vine streets. You don’t need to be a resident of the neighborhood to learn more about the proposed arena project at neighborhood association meetings.

THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN AMERICA . . . The Most Dangerous Man in America opens at The Ross, 313 North 13th Street, Lincoln, on Friday, April 16, 2010. The story of how one man’s profound change of heart created a landmark struggle involving America’s newspapers, its president, and the Supreme Court, the film documents Daniel Ellsberg, a high-level Pentagon official and Vietnam War strategist, who concluded that the war was based on decades of lies and leaked 7,000 pages of top secret documents to The New York Times, making headlines around the world. Watch the trailer here.  Show times are available at The Ross film information line, 402.472.5353.

LEED BUILDING TOUR IV . . . Lincoln Green by Design will host a LEED building tour Friday, April 16, 2010, at the Meridian Park Office Building, 70th and “O” Street, 5:30 to 8:00pm. Businesses involved with Meridian Park’s operations and management will be present throughout the building to educate on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design on Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, LEED EB O&M, an internationally-recognized green operating performance verification. The free event is open to the public. E-mail info [at] lincolnearthday [dot] org for more information.

DAY OF SERVICE . . . Preliminary to week-long Earth Day activities Monday through Friday next week, the City of Lincoln will participate in “Global Day of Service” on Saturday, April 17, 2010. There will be three community-wide service activities: cleaning up a stream at Antelope Park, planting trees at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, and collecting items for recycling at Memorial Stadium during the Spring game. Click here to learn more, or e-mail info [at] lincolnearthday [dot] org.

NATURE’S MARKET . . . The third annual Nature’s Market will be Saturday, April 17, 2010, 9:00am to 1:00pm, rain or shine, at Pioneers Park Nature Center, located at the west end of Lincoln’s Pioneers Park. The free event will feature art, music, local food, children’s activities and a silent auction in a farmer’s market atmosphere.  Twenty-five artistic rain barrels will be auctioned at 9:30am.

NO2ARENA MEETING . . . Saturday, April 17, 2010, 10:00am, the No2Arena group will meet be at the Huntington Day Center, 4701 Huntington, in northeast Lincoln. Volunteers will soon be needed to walk neighborhoods with fliers presenting the facts, and to make pre-election phone calls. If a Saturday morning meeting doesn’t fit your schedule, phone 402.202.8153, or e-mail KathyKBD [at] aol [dot] com to volunteer.

COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOTS AVAILABLE . . . Community CROPS has garden plots available all over Lincoln for those interested in growing their own food locally. CROPS has a Community Supported Agriculture program offering subscriptions to boxes of locally-grown food, and also offers gardening classes. Click here to find links for applications to all CROPS programs.

ORDER NATIVE PLANTS TO SUPPORT FRIENDS OF WILDERNESS PARK . . . Orders for plants being grown by Finke Gardens and Nursery for this year’s Wilderness Park native plant catalogue must be placed by May 4, 2010. Native plants are naturally adapted to the local environment and native soil, naturally tolerant of pests, and require little water. Catalogues and order forms are available at Finke Gardens, Meadowlark Coffee & Expresso, The Mill, and Lincoln Parks and Recreation Center office at 27th & A Streets. Call 477.8282 and leave a message to place a phone order for a 2010 catalogue.

Omaha area: Congressional District 2

OMAHA PEACE VIGILS . . . Omaha peacemakers vigil every Wednesday, 4:30-5:30pm, atStratCom/UN-O, 6801 Pine Street, east of the Scott Technology Center on the UN-O campus. Freeparking 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 anAnti-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. Theevent is always free and open to the public. This week’s film is “The Warning.” It examines the aftermath of the economic meltdown, looking back to discover early warning signs. For more information, click here. The People’s Film Festival – Expanding Political Consciousness Since 2004.

WORK IN AFRICA . . . Fr. Peter Henriot, internationally recognized for many years of work in Africa, will speak at Creighton University April 14th and 15th, discussing the political and economic reasons why Africa is becoming increasingly important in the world, and about the strong faith reasons why Africa’s future is a critical issue for all of us. A lack of jobs, education hampered by poverty, the ongoing battle with HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, food shortages and the realities of life in Africa will be discussed Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 7:00pm, at St. John’s Parish Church, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha. Thursday, April 15, 2010, Henriot wil speak at a “Spirituality Plus” lunch, 11:30am to 12:30pm, at Skutt Student Center in the Ballroom. Both community events are free and open to the public. Click here for more information.

GANDHI SYMPOSIUM . . . The president of Family and Friends of Inmates in Omaha, Mel Beckman, will be honored during the 13th annual Gandhi Symposium, Friday, April 16, 2010, 9:00 am to 3:00pm at the Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine Street. Retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, a San Antonio native, is keynote speaker for the 2010 Award Luncheon honoring those who exemplify Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence. For more information, phone 402.554.2793 or 402.554.3057.

EARTH DAY OMAHA . . . Earth Day Omaha 2010 will be Saturday, April 17th, 12:00 noon to 8:00pm, at Elmwood Park, 802 South 60th Street. Click here for a schedule of the day’s events.

DAY HIKE AT PLATTE RIVER STATE PARK . . . Rain or shine, hikers will meet at the Lincoln Journal lookout tower by the Walter Scott Jr. Lodge at Platte River State Park, Sunday, April 18, 2010, 1:00pm, to hike 4-5 miles including Owen Crossing and Ruthie’s Point Overlook. Hikers will return to the trailhead by around 4:00pm. RSVP to jamesphernetton [at] me [dot] com or phone 402.319.2322. Participants interested in carpooling should meet at the Super Saver Millard parking lot, 144th and Stony Brook Boulevard, at 12:30pm.

DUNDEE URBAN HIKE . . . There will be a two to five mile Historical and Architectural walking tour through the Dundee
Neighborhood on Sunday, April 18, 2010, leaving from the Dundee Dell, Underwood and 52nd Street, at 2:00pm. The tour will be led by Cate Kratville, of the Dundee Neighborhood Association. For more information, e-mail bobbygoetschkes [at] hotmail [dot] com or phone 402.614.4788.

ACLU NEBRASKA ANNUAL DINNER . . . RSVP by Monday, April 19th, for the 2010 ACLU Nebraska Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet.The event will be Saturday, April 24, 2010, at Cascio’s Steak House, 1620 South 10th Street, Omaha. A 6:00pm reception will be followed by dinner at 7:15. The Keynote Speaker, Ellery Schempp, will focus on “The Constitution, the Bible and the ACLU.”

Greater Nebraska: Congressional District 3

MEET THE CANDIDATES . . . Citizens wishing to be informed voters in the May 11, 2010 Primary election can meet candidates on Sunday, April 18, 2010, 1:00 to 3:00pm, at the Community Room, 1405 Koenig Street in Grand Island. Rebekah Davis (Congress), Janet Stewart (Secretary of State), Annette Dubas (State Senator), Jane Kleeb, and other candidates, will be available for conversation from 1:00 to 3:00pm, with prepared remarks beginning at 2:30. There will be light refreshments and a free will offering. For more information, phone 308.381.6092.

SANDHILL CRANES ON THE PLATTE . . . Nebraska’s annual phenomenon of nature, the arrival of Sandhill Cranes in spectacular numbers, is in progress. The Nebraska Nature and Visitor Center, at the Alda exit 305 on Interstate 80, is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm, with exhibits, art displays, and two types of guided crane viewing tours. Tour reservations may be made by phone at 308.382.1820. Click here for “Taking Flight,” a Lincoln Journal Star feature story on Nebraska’s Sandhill Cranes.

BUY FRESH. BUY LOCAL . . . . Local markets are over for now, but farmers, gardeners, and craftspeople still 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 StarNeighbors, a Cooperative member that doesn’t therapeutically medicate or unduly confineanimals. 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. Every time you use the GoodSearch toolbar, one penny will be donated to Nebraska Greens. Download the GoodSearch Toolbar here. THANK YOU for supporting Nebraska Greens.

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

NOW IS THE TIME TO DOWNLOAD THE GOODSEARCH TOOLBAR FOR NEBRASKA GREEN PARTY . . . For each toolbar that is downloaded between April 6, 8:00am and April 9, 2010, 8:00am CST, GoodSearch will donate $1 to Nebraska Green Party. The NGP toolbar is free and allows you to raise money for Greens every time you search or shop online at more than 1,300 stores, from Amazon to Zazzle. You may even save money, as the toolbar provides coupons and special deals. Each time you search the Internet, about one penny is donated to Nebraska Greens. The new custom toolbar will provide quick, one-click access to each week’s Green Notes. To help NGP in this way, enter Nebraska Green Party where it says WHO DO YOU GOODSEARCH FOR? here.  Download the Toolbar here. THANK YOU for supporting Nebraska Greens.

Lincoln area: Congressional District 1

NEW ARENA OR NO NEW ARENA IN PROPOSED LOCATION? . . . Opponents of a proposed $344 million arena plan subsidized by Lincoln taxpayers will meet Saturday, April 10, 2010, at the Huntington Day Center, 4701 Huntington, on the southeast corner of 47th and Huntington, 10:00am. Opponents object to the proposed location for clearly documented reasons: Lack of fiscal responsibility–The City of Lincoln will increase it’s debt burden tremendously; destruction of the historic Landmark District environment, a vibrant creative downtown mixed residential/commercial neighborhood; disregard for the designated flood plain of the Salt Creek area; lack of environmental vision for more sustainable/green urban development; and the false sense of democracy being promoted with a May 11, 2010 vote on a $25 million bond–only a small part of the “$344 million” project.
The proposed site is highly contaminated with toxic railyard waste. The City of Lincoln will be assuming liability for cleaning up ground contaminated with 130 years of toxins. The railroads will have no clean-up responsibility after this proposed deal. It is very unlikely that $7.5 million allotted for cleanup will be adequate, to mention nothing of $20 million per year in interest the City will owe on the bond for 30 years. This raises the cost to $755 million with interest, without added contamination clean costs.      Listen to Scott Wendt and Brad Carper, No2Arena spokespeople, in a radio interview here.  Click here for the names of past and present City Council members who endorse this project.  Click here for “Grass-roots group opposes downtown Lincoln arena.” There is no Plan B. Cindy Lange-Kubick’s column addressed to the Mayor, “What’s your Plan B?” is here.  Click here for Deena Winter’s coverage of “Who’s who in the downtown Lincoln arena plan,” and here, for “Is arena vote a one-shot deal or not?”
Readers are invited to send questions about the arena to citydesk [at] journalstar [dot] com. Click here,  phone Kathy at 402.202.8153, or e-mail KathyKBD [at] aol [dot] com to learn more and volunteer help. No2Arena yard signs and bumper stickers are now available at Saturday morning meetings, or by phoning 488.8519. Click here to become a “Vote NO to Lincoln’s Haymarket Arena” Facebook fan.     SAVE THE HAYMARKET.

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 senators and 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.

SUPPORT SAVE THE HAYMARKET . . . Monday, April 5, 2010, 7:00pm, No2Arena spokesperson Brad Carper and a pro-arena person will be featured at the Clinton Neighborhood Association meeting, Cedars Place, at 27th & Holdrege Street, in Lincoln. You don’t need to live in the neighborhood to attend this public forum on the proposed arena project.

EARTH DAY 2010 . . . The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day will be celebrated in Lincoln on Saturday, April 24, 2010, 2:00 to 6:00pm at Antelope Park, with evening activities in the Haymarket. Earth Day planning meetings are every Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:00pm, at the Community Foundation Building, 215 Centennial Mall South, in the fifth flood conference room. To host a booth or exhibit, join a committee and help plan the event, or get involved in any other way, e-mail emilymckeone [at] yahoo [dot] com or phone 402.250.4100. Or just go to a Tuesday night meeting and get involved.

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.

GUANTANAMO AND THE RULE OF LAW . . . Wednesday, April 7, 2010, nationally known trial attorney Emmet Bondurant will speak at the University of Nebraska College of Law, 103 Ross McCollum Hall on UN-L East Campus, 12:00 noon, in the auditorium. That evening, 7:00pm at the Unitarian Church, 6300 A Street, he will discuss Guantanamo, American practices there and elsewhere, and their ramifications for our legal system, our society and our country’s place in the world. Both talks are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 402.310.8525.

AI ANNUAL BANQUET . . . The annual Amnesty International banquet will be Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 6:30 to 9:00pm, City Campus Union at UN-L. There will be a 6:30 showing of the latest Invisible Children documentary, “GO,” in the Union auditorium, followed by a discussion with a scholar from Uganda featured in the film, Pepito. The banquet, catered by Vincenzo’s and The Coffee House, will feature a silent auction of art by students and local artists. Purchase tickets at the door, or on campus Monday and Tuesday at the City Campus Union AI booth.

TOM ROBBINS AT DOANE . . . Legendary novelist Tom Robbins, author of “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues,” “Still Life With Woodpecker,” and “Another Roadside Attraction,” will speak and answer questions Thursday, April 8, 2010, 7:30pm, at Heckman Auditorium on the Doane College Crete campus. “Language is not the Frosting, It’s the Cake,” is the title of his Lucille Cobb Lecture, which is free, and open to the public.

ETHICS LECTURE AT NWU . . . Princeton University Professor Kwame Anthony Appiah will present a free public lecture “Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Stranges,” Thursday, April 8, 2010, 1:00pm, in Olin B Lecture Hall, 5000 Saint Paul Avenue, at Nebraska Wesleyan, Lincoln. Sometimes called a postmodern Socrates, he will explore central ethical questions of our time including race, ethnicity, religion and nationalism.

OPEN BOOKS OPEN DOORS . . . Friday, April 9, 2010, 5:00 TO 8:00pm, there will be a reception and book auction at Chez Hay, 210 North 14th Street, Lincoln, to benefit the Lincoln Literacy Council.  UN-L College of Journalism Professor Joe Starita will speak, the silent and live auction will feature autographed books by Joyce Carol Oates, Isabel Allende, Alice Hoffman and others, and there will be music, hors d’ oeuvres and a cash bar. For more information, phone 402.476.7323 or e-mail info [at] lincolnliteracy [dot] org.

NEBRASKANS FOR PEACE CELEBRATION . . . Sunday April 11, 2010, 1:00pm to 5:00pm, Nebraskans for Peace will celebrate their 40th Birthday and the launch of a new website at Meadowlark Coffee and Espresso, 16th & South Street, Lincoln. Local musicians joining the celebration in performance will be Gwen Meister and Bill Behmer; Dr. Diva aka Annette Murrell; Dr. John Walker and Jim Pipher; Dave Marsh and Terry Keefe; and The Wee Brazen Hussies. All proceeds will go to Nebraskans for Peace. A Sponsoring Partner is KZUM Community Radio, 89.3fm.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER MEDIATOR . . . Help bring about reconciliation, healing, and restoration. Lancaster County Juvenile Offender and Victim Mediation needs volunteer mediators. The program conducts face-to-face dialogues between juvenile offenders and their victims. Volunteers will receive Nebraska Office of Dispute Resolution approved basic mediation training, regularly an $850 course, free of charge. For more information, phone Juvenile Justice Coordinator Sara Hoyle at 402.441.8495.

CAMPUS WALKING TOURS . . . UN-L Lincoln Gardens will sponsor informal spring walking tours in the Earl G. Maxwell Arboretum on East Campus from noon to 1:00pm, every Tuesday through May 11, 2010. The tours, led by Emily Levine, research horticulturist with the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, will follow the progression of spring blooms. Meet at the Karl Loerch Gazebo, (pdf) one block east of the UN-L Dairy Store just off Holdrege Street. For more information, phone 742.6274, or click here.

Omaha area: Congressional District 2

WHITECLAY PANEL . . . Wednesday, April 7, 2010, there will be a panel discussion on the alcohol sales issue at Whiteclay, 11:00am, in the Hitchcock Humanities Center on the Bellevue University main campus, 1000 Galvin Road South, in Bellevue. A tribal president, a religious leader, an author and a filmmaker are among those invited to discuss “Whiteclay: The Next Generation.” Folk musician Michael Murphy will start the event, and Creighton Prep and Red Cloud Indian School students will contribute short videos on the theme of the next generation. Click here for a complete list of panelists. The event is free and open to the public.

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 moreinformation, 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 “Medieval Lives (the Knight, The Outlaw).” Terry Jones, best known as an alum of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, mixes goofy humor and scholarly inquisitiveness, bringing characters of antiquity to life in “Medieval Lives.” For more information, click here.  The People’s Film Festival – Expanding Political Consciousness Since 2004.

ENVIRONMENTAL COLLABORATION . . . Friday, April 9, 2010, The Center for Collaboration Science Distinguished Lecture Series & The School of Public Administration Lecture on Community Engagement will present Dr. Connie Ozawa, from the Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning at Portland State University. “Working with Science and Politics: Collaboration in Environmental Decision Making,” begins at 11:30am, followed by a panel discussion, in the CPACS Collaborative Commons. Free pizza will be available. RSVP to Ross Rippe by phone at 554.3010, or e-mail rrippe [at] unomaha [dot] edu.

PROGRESSIVE OMAHA MEETING . . . All are welcome at the next Progressive Omaha meeting, Saturday, April 10, 2010, 6:00 to 9:00pm, at 4924 Chicago Street in Dundee. Jo Peterson, Associate Professor of Social Work at Dana College, will present “Systems Theory & Organizing, Part 2: Self-Organized Systems.” Peterson worked for the women’s rights movement in the 1970s, and has challenged the United States government on nuclear policy, working with other social workers toward the successful ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention Treaty. There will be a potluck dinner, 6:00 to 7:00, followed by the speaker from 7:00 to 8:00, business items and social time from 8:00 to 9:00pm. E-mail kabrams123 [at] cox [dot] net for more information.

Greater Nebraska: Congressional District 3

RETREAT AND LEARN ABOUT DOROTHY DAY . . . “Haunted by God – The Life of Dorothy Day,” will be Saturday, April 10, 2010, at the Saint Benedict Center, Schuyler, Nebraska. Dorothy Day was one of the most outspoken and influential Americans of the 20th century. The retreat starts at 10:00am; registration begins at 8:30am. An inspiring one-woman dramatic portrait performance by Lisa Wagner, founder and director of Still Point Theatre Collective in Chicago, is at 7:00pm. E-mail Retreats [at] StBenedictCenter [dot] com for more information, and to make reservations, or phone 402.352.8819.

SANDHILL CRANES ON THE PLATTE . . . Nebraska’s annual phenomenon of nature, the arrival of Sandhill Cranes in spectacular numbers, has begun. The Nebraska Nature and Visitor Center, at the Alda exit 305 on Interstate 80, is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm, with exhibits, art displays, and two types of guided crane viewing tours. Tour reservations may be made by phone at 308.382.1820. Click here for “Taking Flight,” a Lincoln Journal Star feature story on Nebraska’s Sandhill Cranes.

BUY FRESH. BUY LOCAL . . . . Local markets are over for now, but farmers, gardeners, and craftspeople still 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 StarNeighbors, 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.

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

EARTH CIRCLE . . . On the first day of each month, people around the world stop for five minutes to visualize peace and focus on new levels of kindness, understanding, and compassion necessary for collectively facing the challenges of the 21st century. NewDimensions invites peacemakers everywhere to join at 4:00pm Greenwich Mean Time, 10:00am in Lincoln and Omaha, 9:00am in District 3 where Mountain Time begins, Thursday, April 1, 2010, with the intention of deep healing for the Planet and all its people. Click here for more information about Earth Circle. Shared intention is a powerful force.

Lincoln area: Congressional District 1

NEW ARENA OR NO NEW ARENA IN PROPOSED LOCATION? . . . Opponents of a proposed $344 million arena plan subsidized by Lincoln taxpayers will meet Saturday, April 3, 2010, 10:00am, at Bess Dodson Walt Branch City Library, 6701 South 14th Street. Opponents object to the proposed location for clearly documented reasons: Lack of fiscal responsibility–The City of Lincoln will increase it’s debt burden tremendously; destruction of the historic Landmark District environment, a vibrant creative downtown mixed residential/commercial neighborhood; disregard for the designated flood plain of the Salt Creek area; lack of environmental vision for more sustainable/green urban development; and the false sense of democracy being promoted with a May 11, 2010 vote on a $25 million bond–only a small part of the $344 million project.
The proposed site is highly contaminated with toxic railyard waste. The City of Lincoln will be assuming liability for cleaning up ground contaminated with 130 years of toxins. The railroads will have no clean-up responsibility after this proposed deal. It is very unlikely that $7.5 million allotted for cleanup will be adequate, to mention nothing of $20 million per year in interest the City will owe on the bond for 30 years. This raises the cost to $755 million with interest, without added contamination clean-up costs.
Speakers on both sides of the issue will answer questions Thursday, April 1, on 1400AM radio, between 4:30 and 6:00pm. No2Arena spokespeople will be on 1240AM at 11:00am, Friday, April 2, 2010. Click here  for the most recent Lincoln Journal Star article, “Grass-roots group opposes downtown Lincoln arena.” There is no Plan B. Cindy Lange-Kubick’s column addressed to the Mayor, “What’s your Plan B?” is here.  Click here for Deena Winter’s coverage of “Who’s who in the downtown Lincoln arena plan.”  Readers are invited to send questions about the arena to citydesk [at] journalstar [dot] com. Click here, phone Kathy at 402.202.8153, or e-mail KathyKBD [at] aol [dot] com to learn more and volunteer help. No2Arena yard signs and bumper stickers are now available, at Saturday morning meetings, or by phoning 488.8519. Click here to become a “Vote NO to Lincoln’s Haymarket Arena” Facebook fan. SAVE THE HAYMARKET.

VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY . . . Every Monday, noon to 1:00pm, Nebraskans for abolition of the death penalty meet in front of the governor’s mansion, 1425 H Street, Lincoln, from noon to 1:00pm. The lunch-hour presence reminds senators and 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 more information about Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty, click here.

PUBLIC MEETING ON 14TH & SUPERIOR PLANS . . . Lincoln residents are invited to a public meeting on the proposed design of the North 14th and Superior Street intersection, Monday, March 29, 2010, from 5:30-7:30pm, at Lincoln North Star High School, 5801 North 33rd Street. A presentation will begin at 6:00pm. Two design options exist — expand the intersection by adding lanes in all directions, or construct a multi-lane roundabout. Comments, questions and opinions from the public will be addressed at the meeting, and also may be shared here.  If you have questions but are unable to attend, contact John Olsson at 402.458.5614.

EARTH DAY 2010 . . . Lincoln Earth Day planning meetings are every Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:00pm, at the Community Foundation Building, 215 Centennial Mall South, in the fifth flood conference room. The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day will be celebrated in Lincoln on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at Antelope Park, with evening activities in the Haymarket. To host a booth or exhibit, join a committee, or volunteer in any way, e-mail emilymckeone [at] yahoo [dot] com or phone 402.250.4100. OR just go to a Tuesday night meeting and get involved.

THE SACRED PLANET . . . Internationally recognized professor Joseph Runzo, will visit UN-L Wednesday, March 31, through Friday, April 2, 2010, for a series of talks on human rights. The North American premiere showing of his documentary “The Sacred Planet,” will be at The Ross, 313 North 13th Street, Wednesday, 7:00pm, followed by a discussion. Other Lincoln speaking appearances include a Wednesday discussion, 4:00pm, at the Nebraska Union, 1400 R Street; and a Friday, 12:10pm, presentation on his global project “Revising Just War Theory for the 21st Century,” at the College of Law Room 111, Ross McCollum Hall, East Campus Loop and Fair Street. All appearances, including the film screening, are open to the public free of charge.

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.

NPR’S ROB GIFFORD AT LIED . . . “China Road: A Journey into the Future of a Rising Power” is the title of the final E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues by National Public Radio correspondent Rob Gifford, Thursday, April 1, 2010, 7:00pm, at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 North 12th Street, Lincoln. In his recently published book, “China Road,” he records a two-month journey along Route 312, the Chinese equivalent of Route 66. The 3,000 mile highway witnesses every part of China’s social and economic revolution. The book is based upon a seven-part radio series Gifford filed. Tickets are free, but guarantee a reserved seat. Call 402.472.4747 or 800.432.3231 to reserve a seat, pick up tickets in person, or order here.

THINK SPRING GARDENING WORKSHOP . . . Hawley Area Association in the Malone Neighborhood presents a spring gardening workshop “From Mowing to Growing: Starting a Garden at Home” with Amy Brt, Community Garden Program Manager, Saturday, April 3, 2010, 10:00am to noon, at the Malone Community Center, 2032 U Street, in Lincoln. There will be a Free Rain Barrel Give-away to the first 50 Hawley/Malone Neighborhood homeowners, plus a “Building your own rain barrel workshop.” Cake and coffee will be served. For more information, contact Tim Rinne, 730.6675, or walterinne [at] gmail [dot] com.

Omaha area: Congressional District 2

SAVE THE DATE . . . Earth Day Omaha 2010 will be April 17th, 12:00 noon to 8:00pm, at Elmwood Park, 802 South 60th Street. Learn more about exhibiting efforts to advocate sustainable environmental practices and lifestyles, or register to exhibit online here.  Reach thousands of consumers interested in learning about ways to work toward a more sustainable planet as an Earth Day sponsor. Sponsorship information here.  A volunteer application is here.  Interested in performing? Online band sign-up is here.  Know a person or organization making extraordinary strides in protecting the environment? Make nominations for this year’s Friend of the Environment Award here.

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 “Hidden in Plain Sight: Prostitution in Nebraska.” A timely documentary produced locally, Hidden in Plain Sight offers insight into an invisible community. Food and drink is available. A lively discussion follows each showing. For more information, click here.  The People’s Film Festival – Expanding Political Consciousness Since 2004.

TAPPED . . . Friday, April 2, 2010, The Environmental Club of UNO (EC UNO) and Repower Nebraska are hosting a free public screening of the film TAPPED, a documentary examining the big business of bottled water.  From the producers of Who Killed the Electric Car and I.O.U.S.A., this timely film is a behind-the-scenes look into the unregulated and unseen world of an industry that aims to privatize and sell back the one resource that ought never become a commodity: our water. The screening is at UNO’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) Auditorium, Room 101, 6:30pm. TAPPED’s Producer Sarah Olson, and Director Stephanie Soechtig, will collect pledges to reduce bottled water use and trade empty plastic water bottles for reusable stainless steel Klean Kanteens. The bottle exchange will begin at 5:00pm. For more information, contact Eric Williams, Repower Nebraska, eric.williams [at] climateprotect [dot] org, 415.7933; or Patrick Wheeler, GreenUNO Task Force, pwheeler [at] unomaha [dot] edu, 554.3921.

Greater Nebraska: Congressional District 3

SANDHILL CRANES ARRIVE ON THE PLATTE . . . Nebraska’s annual phenomenon of nature, the arrival of Sandhill Cranes in spectacular numbers, has begun. The Nebraska Nature and Visitor Center, at the Alda exit 305 on Interstate 80, is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm, with exhibits, art displays, and two types of guided crane viewing tours. Tour reservations may be made by phone at 308.382.1820. Click here for “Taking Flight,” a Sunday, March 28, 2010 Lincoln Journal Star feature story on Nebraska’s Sandhill Cranes.

LOCAL FARMING DISCUSSION . . . Over the last several years, there has been a major change in the demand for local foods. Tuesday, March 30, 2010, beginning at 6:00pm, central and western Nebraskans are invited to The Wolbach Community Center in Wolbach to learn about and discuss ways small farmers can fill this new demand. Roy Guisinger will describe how the Nebraska Food Coop works, Lori Fisher will show a Mobile Meat Harvester Unit, Kevin Fulton and Jim Knopik will introduce an internship program being developed, and there will be time for discussion and networking. EveryOne interested in alternatives to factory farming and industrialized food is welcome. For more information, phone Jim Knopik, 308.536.2023, or Kevin Fulton, 308.446.2520.

QUESTION SENATOR JOHANNS . . . Senator Mike Johanns will be hold public meetings and open events across the state according to the following schedule. Tuesday, March 30, 2010: 7:30am MDT, Emporium Coffee House and Cafe, 1818 1st Avenue, Scottsbluff; 10:00am MDT, Alliance Knight Museum, 908 Yellowstone Avenue, Alliance; 2:30pm MDT, Buffalo Point Restaurant, 638 Cabela Drive, Sidney; 4:45pm MDT, Chappell Fire Hall , East Highway 30, Chappell; 7:00 pm MDT, Valentino’s, 55 River Road, Ogallala. Wednesday, March 31, 2010: 8:00am MDT, Bunkhouse Bar and Grill, 306 Fir Street, Arthur; 10:00am MDT, Hyannis High School, 203 Grant Avenue, Hyannis; 12:00pm MDT, Red’s Cafe, 404 NW First Street, Mullen; 6:00pm CDT, Tumbleweed Cafe, 850 East South East Street, Broken Bow. Thursday, April 1, 2010: 8:00am CDT, Business Roundtable at Xpanxion Office, 652 N Street, Loup City; 11:00am CDT, The Sweet Shoppe, 605 Howard Avenue, St. Paul; 12:30pm CDT, Fullerton High School, 606 4th Street, Fullerton; 2:30 pm CDT, Dusters Restaurant, 2804 13th Street, Columbus.

BUY FRESH. BUY LOCAL . . . . Local markets are over for now, but farmers, gardeners, and craftspeople still 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. Every time you use the GoodSearch toolbar, one penny will be donated to Nebraska Greens. Download the GoodSearch Toolbar here. THANK YOU for supporting Nebraska Greens.

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

Lincoln area: Congressional District 1

WORLD WATER WEEK . . . World Water Week will be celebrated at Nebraska Wesleyan University with the following activities. Monday, March 22nd, pledges to save water will be made and free water bottles will be distributed at a booth in Smith Curtis, 51st and Madison Avenue, 9:00am to 3:00pm. Tuesday, March 23rd, FLOW, a documentary on water issues, will show in Olin B Lecture Hall, one block east of 50th Street and St. Paul Avenue, at NWU, 7:00pm, followed by a discussion. Sunday, March 28th, there will be a Peace Meal, noon to 2:00pm, at First United Methodist Church, 2723 North 50th Street, Lincoln. See PEACEMAKING WORKSHOP XXIII below for related “Caring for Your Local Planet” events.

NEW ARENA OR NO NEW ARENA IN PROPOSED LOCATION? . . . Opponents of a proposed $344 million arena plan subsidized by Lincoln taxpayers will meet Saturday, March 27, 2010, 10:00am, at Bess Dodson Walt Branch City Library, 6701 South 14th Street. Opponents object to the proposed location for clearly documented reasons: Lack of fiscal responsibility–The City of Lincoln will increase it’s debt burden tremendously; destruction of the historic Landmark District environment, a vibrant creative downtown mixed residential/commercial neighborhood; disregard for the designated flood plain of the Salt Creek area; lack of environmental vision for more sustainable/green urban development; and the false sense of democracy being promoted with a May 11, 2010 vote on a $25 million bond–only a small part of the $344 million project.  “Arena financing 101” Q & A is here.  “Where the Devaney fits into arena plans” is here.  Click here, phone Lynn Darling at 402.438.5005, or e-mail KathyKBD [at] aol [dot] com to learn more and volunteer help. Click here to become a “Vote NO to Lincoln’s Haymarket Arena” Facebook fan. See March 24th 7:00pm PUBLIC FORUM information below. SAVE THE HAYMARKET.

VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY . . . Every Monday, from noon to 1:00pm, Nebraskans for abolition of the death penalty meet at the information desk on the lower level of the State Capitol. The lunch-hour presence reminds senators 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.

EARTH DAY 2010 . . . The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day will be celebrated in Lincoln on Saturday, April 24, 2010, 2:00 to 6:00pm at Antelope Park, with evening activities in the Haymarket. Earth Day planning meetings are every Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:00pm, at the Community Foundation Building, 215 Centennial Mall South, in the fifth flood conference room. To host a booth or exhibit, join a committee and help plan the event, or get involved in any other way, e-mail emilymckeone [at] yahoo [dot] com or phone 402.250.4100. Or just go to a Tuesday night meeting and get involved.

LEARN THE FACTS . . . A spokesperson from No2Arena will answer call-in questions Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 11:00pm to midnight, on Lincoln’s community radion station, KZUM, 89.3fm. Call 402.474.5086 with comments or questions.

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.

PUBLIC FORUM ON NEW ARENA . . . Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 7:00pm, the League of Women Voters Lincoln-Lancaster County will hold a public forum about the arena election. “Haymarket Arena: Yes or No?” will be at the Unitarian Church, 6300 A Street. Speaking in support of the arena will be Jennifer Brinkman, a consultant from the pro-arena campaign. Speaking against the project will be Kandra Hahn, an administrator at UN-L. They will answer questions from the League, and written questions from the audience. The forum will be moderated by former City Library Director Carol Connor.

EARTH HOUR … During Earth Hour, Saturday, March 27, 2010, at 8:30pm local time, hundreds of millions of people around the world will unite in solidarity to call for action on climate change by simply turning off their lights for one hour. The movement symbolizes that by working together, each of us can make a positive impact, protecting our future and that of the next generations. Sign up to join the global action here.  Watch the official Earth Hour Video here.

SAVE THE HAYMARKET . . . No2Arena will meet Saturday, March 27, 2010, 10:00am, at Bess Dodson Walt Branch City Library, 6701 South 14th Street.

PEACEMAKING WORKSHOP XXIII . . . “Caring for Your Local Planet” will be the focus of this year’s Peacemaking Workshop XXIII, Friday, March 26, and Saturday, March 27, 2010, in Lincoln. Internationally-renowned wildlife photographer and conservationist Joel Sartore will be the featured speaker, sharing photographs and experiences that direct attention to what we all can do, both locally and globally, to care for the Earth and its resources. Schedule of Events:  Friday, March 26, 2:00pm, Olin B Lecture Hall, one block east of 50th Street and St. Paul Avenue, at Nebraska Wesleyan University, “Witnessing Change: A Call for Action.” This Sartore presentation includes images and discussion of some of North America’s most endangered species. Friday, March 26, 7:00pm, First United Methodist Church, 2723 North 50th Street,  “Grounded: A Reflection on the Use of Life and Land.” Wild places and Earth’s creatures need and deserve protection. Saturday, March 27, 8:30 to 11:30am, East Lincoln Christian Church, 7001 Edenton Road, “Community Discussion,” including a panel from several denominations, focusing on specific actions to protect and sustain the environment. Panelists include Barbara Hipple, Mission & Outreach Coordinator for Homestead Presbytery, Carol Windrum, Director of Risk-taking Mission & Justice of the NE United Methodist Conference, Chris Blake, Associate Professor of English and Sponsor of the Union College Chapter of Amnesty International, Mitch Paine, Sustainability Policy Intern “Cleaner Greener Lincoln.” Click here for a Workshop Brochure.

Omaha area: Congressional District 2

TEEN JOB FAIR . . . The Omaha Public Library’s Fifth Annual Teen Job Fair for ages 16 to 19 will be Monday, March 22, 2010, noon to 4:00pm, at the Swanson Branch Library, 9101 West Dodge Road. Employers will be hiring teens for both part-time and summer jobs. The event is free, and registration is not required. Swanson Branch is normally closed on Mondays, but will be open March 22nd to host the Fair. Contact Linda Trout, 402.444.4838, ltrout [at] omahalibrary [dot] org or Mary Henriksen, 402.444.6284, mhenriksen [at] omahalibrary [dot] org.

BENSON SUSTAINABILITY . . . February 10, 2010, sixteen community leaders gathered at the PS Collective for a discussion about how to make Benson Omaha’s most sustainable neighborhood. After a two-hour workshop, they voted on which projects are most immediately feasible deciding on 1) Creating a nonprofit arts center in the old theatre; 2) Bolstering a nonprofit farmers market to be supported by the local community; 3) Training Benson High School students to conduct energy audits of neighborhood homes; and 4) Building a community greenhouse. Tuesday, March 23, 2010, from 6:30 to 8:00pm, Benson residents and supporters are invited to share input and feedback on the community vision at an open house discussion at the PS Collective, 6056 Maple Street. If the neighborhood feels these projects are worth pursuing, an implementation plan will be developed.

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 GREEN DRINKS . . . Wednesday, March 24, 2010, Omaha Green Drinks will meet at Whole Foods Market, 10020 Regency Circle, 5:30pm until close, in the education room across from the coffee bar. The informal, self-organizing network of environmentally interested activists and friends is now meeting regularly in 622 cities worldwide. Click here for the Facebook group listing.

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 “Concerning Democracy,” a short film by a young woman who traveled the world asking people what they thought of Americans. Food and drink is available. A lively discussion follows each showing. For more information, click here. The People’s Film Festival – Expanding Political Consciousness Since 2004.

BLACK FAMILY HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR . . . The 12th Annual Black Family Health & Wellness Fair will be Saturday, March 27, 2010, 8:00am to 1:00pm, at North High Magnet School, 4410 North 36th Street, in Omaha. There will be free blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, prostate and breast cancer screenings, eye exams, and more.

SAVE THE DATE . . . Earth Day Omaha 2010 will be April 17th, 12:00 noon to 8:00pm, at Elmwood Park, 802 South 60th Street. Learn more about exhibiting efforts to advocate sustainable environmental practices and lifestyles, or register to exhibit online here.  Reach thousands of consumers interested in learning about ways to work toward a more sustainable planet as an Earth Day sponsor. Sponsorship information here. A volunteer application is here. Interested in performing? Online band sign-up is here.  Know a person or organization making extraordinary strides in protecting the environment? Make nominations for this year’s Friend of the Environment Award here.

Greater Nebraska: Congressional District 3

SANDHILL CRANES ARRIVE ON THE PLATTE . . . Nebraska’s annual phenomenon of nature, the arrival of Sandhill Cranes in spectacular numbers, has begun. The Nebraska Nature and Visitor Center, at the Alda exit 305 on Interstate 80, is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm, with exhibits, art displays, and two types of guided crane viewing tours. Tour reservations may be made by phone at 308.382.1820.

BUY FRESH. BUY LOCAL . . . . Local markets are over for now, but farmers, gardeners, and craftspeople still 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.  Every time you use the GoodSearch toolbar, one penny will be donated to Nebraska Greens.  Download the GoodSearch Toolbar here. THANK YOU for supporting Nebraska Greens.

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

March 20, 2010 is the seventh anniversary of the criminal war of aggression launched by Bush and Cheney against Iraq. One million or more Iraqis have died. Tens of thousands of U.S. troops have lost their lives or been maimed, and continue to suffer enduring related problems. People from all over the country are organizing to converge on Washington, D.C. for a National March & Rally to protest the ongoing wars and occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Click here for coverage from TruthOut. Click here for an Endorsers List. Click here for more information. There will be coinciding mass marches on March 20 in San Francisco and Los Angeles.  Details about Omaha’s Rally are below in Congressional District 2 Green Notes.

Lincoln area: Congressional District 1

NEW ARENA OR NO NEW ARENA IN PROPOSED LOCATION? . . . Opponents of a proposed $344 million arena plan subsidized by Lincoln taxpayers will meet Saturday, March 20, 2010, 10:00am, at the Charles H. Gere Branch City Library, 2400 South 56th Street. Opponents object to the proposed location for many clearly documented reasons: Lack of fiscal responsibility–The City of Lincoln will increase it’s debt burden tremendously; destruction of the historic Landmark District environment, a vibrant creative downtown mixed residential/commercial neighborhood; disregard for the designated flood plain of the Salt Creek area; lack of environmental vision for more sustainable/green urban development; and the false sense of democracy being promoted with a May 11, 2010 vote on a $25 million bond–only a small part of the $344 million project. “Arena financing 101” Q & A is here.  “Where the Devaney fits into arena plans” is here.  Listen to an interview with Jane Kinsey of the No2Arena campaign on KZUM, 89.3 FM, Tuesday, March 16, from 6:00 to 7:30pm. No2Arena speakers will also be on KZUM from 11:00pm to midnight on Tuesdays, March 16 and 23rd. Phone 474.5086 during those call-in shows to comment or ask questions. Click here to become a “Vote NO to Lincoln’s Haymarket Arena” Facebook fan. SAVE THE HAYMARKET.

WOMEN’S WELLNESS WORKSHOP . . . “Women’s Wellness Jumpstart: A Path to Holistic Health,” will be held at Pioneers Park Nature Center, Saturday, March 20, 2010, 8:30am to 3:30pm. Activities including yoga, nature walks, presentations on medicinal herbs and reducing stress, plus a vegetarian lunch, are designed to refresh women’s physical, emotional and spiritual well being. The registration deadline is Monday, March 15, 2010. Phone 441.7895 for more information, and to register.

LUNCH AND LEARN . . . Reservations are due by noon Monday, March 15, 2010, for this month’s League of Women Voters “Lunch and Learn” presentation by Andrew Hove, Jr., acting Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, speaking about the current “financial mess” in this country. The event, open to the public, is at the 20th floor US Bank Building, 13th and M Streets, Lincoln. Phone 475.1411 to make reservations, or e-mail lwv-e [at] inebraska [dot] com.

VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY . . . Every Monday, from noon to 1:00pm, Nebraskans for abolition of the death penalty meet at the information desk on the lower level of the State Capitol. The lunch-hour presence reminds senators 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.

EARTH DAY 2010 . . . The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day will be celebrated in Lincoln on Saturday, April 24, 2010, 2:00 to 6:00pm at Antelope Park, with evening activities in the Haymarket. Earth Day planning meetings are every Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:00pm, at the Community Foundation Building, 215 Centennial Mall South, in the fifth flood conference room. To host a booth or exhibit, join a committee and help plan the event, or get involved in any other way, e-mail emilymckeone [at] yahoo [dot] com or phone 402.250.4100. Or just go to a Tuesday night meeting and get involved.

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.

SHRINE CIRCUS PROTEST . . . Wednesday, March 17, 2010, there will be a protest of the Shrine Circus. ARAN, Animal Rights Advocates of Nebraska, and other friends of animals, will meet at Pershing Center, 226 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, from 5:45 to 7:30pm. To see more details and RSVP, follow the Facebook link here.

GARDENING LECTURES . . . Best-selling writer Amy Stewart, author of four books on botany and nature, will give two public lectures Thursday, March 18, 2010, at Southeast Community College Continuing Education Center, 301 South 68th Street Place, in Lincoln. “Wicked Plants: The Deliciously Dark Side of the Plant Kingdom,” will be at 4:00pm, and “The Global Garden: Connecting the World of Horticulture to Your Own Backyard,” will be at 7:00pm. Phone 437.2700 to register. Registration is encouraged. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

REOPENING EVENT . . . The Nebraska League of Conservation Voters will host a reopening event Friday, March 19, 2010, 5:00 to 8:00pm, at Zen’s Lounge, 122 North 11 Street, Lincoln.  All are welcome to meet the new Executive Director, and help support the reopened office with a suggested donation of $20, $10 for students.

SPRING CREEK PRAIRIE EVENT . . . “In Search of a Season: A Spring Treasure Hunt,” will be Saturday, March 20, 2010, 9:00am to noon, at Spring Creek Prairie, a 808-acre tallgrass nature preserve located 20 minutes southwest of Lincoln. The event is designed for teams of two to ten, outfitted with a map and clues for finding treasures hidden along the trail. Starting times for teams are every 20 minutes. Pre-register for a starting time schedule by Thursday, March 18, and learn more by calling 402.797.2301.

FRIENDS OF WILDERNESS PARK MEETING . . . “The Native Plants of Wilderness Park” will be presented by writers Kay Young and Robert Klein, “Farmer Bill” Hawkins, and Amy Brt, of Community CROPS, Sunday, March 21, 2010, 3:00pm, at the Unitarian Church, 6300 A Street in Lincoln. Leadplant Tea will be served. The presentation is free and open to the public. Contact Rosina Paolini with any questions at 402.423.1260.

THE VISION OF HOPE . . . Is excessive military force the answer, or can love play a part? “The Vision of Hope,” a thirty-four panel art exhibit, is on display in the 2nd floor hallway at First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D St Lincoln, NE. The free exhibit is open to the public and sponsored by the First-Plymouth Peace and Justice Team.

Omaha area: Congressional District 2

FINDING OUR VOICE AS PROGRESSIVES . . . An organizing meeting for those interested in helping set up venues to present “Finding Our Voice as Progressives,” workshops based on the book “Don’t Think of an Elephant” by George Lakoff, or helping develop a more general workshop for the public, will be Monday, March 15, 2010, 7:00 pm, 1214 North 34th Street, in Omaha. Click here to learn more. All are welcome.

LEAD AND HEALTHY HOMES CONFERENCE . . . Monday & Tuesday, March 15 & 16, 2010, the Omaha Lead and Healthy Homes Conference will be at the UN-O Milo Bail Student Center, 6001 Dodge Street, beginning at 8:30am both days. Topics include environmental health, resources in the community, and potential problems in the home. For more information, click here to visit the Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance website.

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 “The Democratic Promise: Saul Alinsky & His Legacy.” Alec Baldwin narrates this documentary on the legendary community organizer and his modern-day legacy. For more information, click here. The People’s Film Festival – Expanding Political Consciousness Since 2004.

MEL CHIN LECTURE AND COMMUNITY WORKSHOP . . . The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in Omaha will host internationally recognized artist Mel Chin for a lecture and community workshop this weekend. Omaha has one of the largest residential Superfund sites in the nation registered by the EPA for contamination from lead. Through his projects, Chin aims to raise awareness, collect funds, and find solutions for the environmental threat of lead-poisoning in cities throughout the United States. His Omaha lecture, “What Mattered THEN, Matters NOW: Part II Projects compelled by Crisis and Dreams Reframed,” will be Friday, March 19, 2010, at 7:00pm. The Community Workshop, “Engaging in a 300 Million Dollar Difference Operation Paydirt and the Fundred Dollar Bill, will be Saturday, March 20, 2010, at 11:00am. Both events are free, open to the public, and will take place at the Omaha Public Schools Teacher Administration Center, 3215 Cuming Street.

WITHDRAW OUR TROOPS SOLIDARITY RALLY . . . Omaha’s “Withdraw Our Overseas Troops Rally” will be from 1:00 to 2:00pm, at 72nd and Dodge Streets, Saturday, March 20, 2010. Join with people across the country rallying to Bring The Troops Home Now! Bring Signs, Drums, Kazoos, and other Methods of Mass Instruction. Click here for more information about the national rally.

Greater Nebraska: Congressional District 3

SANDHILL CRANES ARRIVE ON THE PLATTE . . . Nebraska’s annual phenomenon of nature, the arrival of Sandhill Cranes in spectacular numbers, has begun. The Nebraska Nature and Visitor Center, at the Alda exit 305 on Interstate 80, is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm, with exhibits, art displays, and two types of guided crane viewing tours. Tour reservations may be made by phone at 308.382.1820.

BUY FRESH. BUY LOCAL . . . . Local markets are over for now, but farmers, gardeners, and craftspeople still 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 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. Every time you use GoodSearch, one penny will be donated to Nebraska Greens. Download the GoodSearch Toolbar here. THANK YOU for supporting Nebraska Greens.

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

PEACEMAKING WORKSHOP XXIII . . . Amateur photographers of all ages are invited to enter an environmental photo contest as part of the Peacemaking Workshop XXIII March 26 and 27, 2010. Deadline for submissions is 4:00pm, Friday, March 12th. Photos should communicate environmental awareness in either of two categories: environmental protection or threats to the environment. Renowned National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore will select the winners. For details, and to submit photos, click here.

Lincoln area: Congressional District 1

NEW ARENA OR NO ARENA IN PROPOSED LOCATION? . . . Opponents of a proposed $344 million arena plan subsidized by Lincoln taxpayers will meet Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:30am, at Bess Dodson Walt Branch City Library, 6701 South 14th Street. Opponents object to the proposed location for many clearly documented reasons: Lack of fiscal responsibility–The City of Lincoln will increase it’s debt burden tremendously; destruction of the historic Landmark District environment, a vibrant creative downtown mixed residential/commercial neighborhood; disregard for the designated flood plain of the Salt Creek area; lack of environmental vision for more sustainable/green urban development; and the false sense of democracy being promoted with a May 11, 2010 vote on a $25 million bond–only a small part of the $344 million project. “Arena financing 101” Q & A is here.  “Where the Devaney fits into arena plans” is here.  To learn more, and volunteer help educating Lincoln voters, Click here, phone Lynn Darling at 402.438.5005, or e-mail KathyKBD [at] aol [dot] com. Click here to become a “Vote NO to Lincoln’s Haymarket Arena” Facebook fan. SAVE THE HAYMARKET.

VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY . . . Every Monday, noon to 1:00pm, Nebraskans for abolition of the death penalty meet at the information desk on the lower level of the State Capitol. The lunch-hour presence reminds senators 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.

EARTH DAY 2010 . . . The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day will be celebrated in Lincoln on Saturday, April 24, 2010, 2:00 to 6:00pm at Antelope Park, with evening activities in the Haymarket. Earth Day planning meetings are every Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:00pm, at the Community Foundation Building, 215 Centennial Mall South, in the fifth flood conference room. To host a booth or exhibit, join a committee and help plan the event, or get involved in any other way, e-mail emilymckeone [at] yahoo [dot] com or phone 402.250.4100. Or just go to a Tuesday night meeting and get involved!

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.

DINNER FUNDRAISER FOR MATT TALBOT . . . “Feeding the Soul of the City,” the annual fundraising dinner for Matt Talbot Kitchen, will be Thursday, March 11, 2010, starting at 6:00 with social hour, followed by 7:00pm dinner and program, at Embassy Suites, 1040 P Street, Lincoln. Last year Matt Talbot provided 107,272 meals, and staff worked to help more than 2,500 clients receive 17,362 services. For more information and reservations, contact Susie Wilson at 402 477.4116 or susiemtko [at] windstream [dot] net.

PUBLIC MEETING ON ALTERNATIVES TO THE MILITARY . . . Sunday, March 14, 2010, there will be a public meeting in the Chapel at First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street, Lincoln, 7:00pm, to discuss various visions of security. The forum, sponsored by the Peace and Justice Team, takes place in conjunction with a thirty-four panel art exhibit on display in the second floor hallway of the church. “Is excessive U.S. military force the answer, or does love work?” will be discussed by Chris Hove, a former Navy Pilot, Bill Plock, who experienced the 1960’s in the Missile Unit at Strategic Air Command, and Nebraskans For Peace President Paul Olson, offering “The Vision of Hope, Another way to meet the security need.” The exhibit and event are open to the public without charge. For more information, phone Julie Fischer at 489.7803.

Omaha area: Congressional District 2

OMAHA PEACE VIGILS . . . Omaha peacemakers vigil every Wednesday, 4:30-5:30pm, atStratCom/UN-O, 6801 Pine Street, east of the Scott Technology Center on the Un-O campus. Freeparking is available at the NE Corner of 67th Street and Pine in a student lot. For moreinformation, 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 Palestine Blues. The documentary follows repercussions of the Israeli “Security Wall” and Settlement expansion in Palestinian farming communities of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Food and drink is available. This week’s Discussion Leader is Safana Makhdoom, M.D., member of Nebraskans for Peace Palestine Task Force. For more information, click here. The People’s Film Festival – Expanding Political Consciousness Since 2004.

PROGRESSIVE OMAHA MEETING . . . Progressive Omaha will meet Saturday, March 13, 2010, 6:00 to 9:00pm at 4924 Chicago, on the northeast corner of 5Oth Street and Chicago, in Dundee. The speaker will be Jo Peterson, Associate Professor of Social Work at Dana College, talking about “Applying Systems Theory to Organizing.” Peterson worked for the women’s rights movement in the 1970’s. She has challenged the United States government on nuclear policy, and worked toward successful ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention Treaty. There will be a potluck from 6:00 to 7:00. Peterson will speak from 7:00 to 8:00pm. A brief business meeting and social time will follow the presentation.

Greater Nebraska: Congressional District 3

SANDHILL CRANES ARRIVE ON THE PLATTE . . . Nebraska’s annual phenomenon of nature, the arrival of Sandhill Cranes in spectacular numbers, has begun. The Nebraska Nature and Visitor Center, at the Alda exit 305 on Interstate 80, is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm, with exhibits, art displays, and two types of guided crane viewing tours. Tour reservations may be made by phone at 308.382.1820.

BUY FRESH. BUY LOCAL . . . . Local markets will resume, but during winter months, farmers, gardeners, and craftspeople meet through The Nebraska Food Cooperative, an on-line, year-round farmers’ market and local food distribution service. 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 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. Every time you use GoodSearch, one penny will be donated to Nebraska Greens. Download the GoodSearch Toolbar here.  THANK YOU for supporting Nebraska Greens.

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

EARTH CIRCLE . . . Shared intention is a powerful force. On the first day of each month, people around the world stop for five minutes to visualize peace and focus on new levels of kindness, understanding, and compassion necessary for collectively facing the challenges of the 21st century. NewDimensions invites peacemakers everywhere to join at 4:00pm Greenwich Mean Time, 10:00am in Lincoln and Omaha, 9:00am in District 3 where Mountain Time begins, every first day of the month, with the intention of deep healing for the Planet and all its people. Click here for more information about Earth Circle.

PEACEMAKING WORKSHOP XXIII . . . Amateur photographers of all ages are invited to enter an environmental photo contest as part of the Peacemaking Workshop XXIII March 26 and 27, 2010. Deadline for submissions is 4:00pm March 12th. Photos should communicate environmental awareness in either of two categories: environmental protection or threats to the environment.  Renowned National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore will select the winners. For details, and to submit photos, click here.

Lincoln area: Congressional District 1

NEW ARENA OR NO NEW ARENA IN PROPOSED LOCATION? . . . Opponents of a proposed $344 million arena plan subsidized by Lincoln taxpayers will meet Saturday, March 6, 2010, 10:30am, at Bess Dodson Walt Branch City Library, 6701 South 14th Street. Click here for blogged comments from Lincolnites. “Arena financing 101” Q & A is here.  “Where the Devaney fits into arena plans” is here.  Supporters are working an aggressive campaign before a May 11th City vote on the issue. Arena Project Manager Dan Marvin will field questions at a Witherbee Neighborhood Association meeting, 7:00pm, Thursday, March 4, 2010, at the Tabitha Lifequest Center, 48th & Randolph Streets. You don’t have to live in Witherbee to attend. Opponents have started a grassroots-style campaign against the plan, objecting to the proposed location for many reasons. Click here, phone Lynn Darling at 402.438.5005, or e-mail KathyKBD [at] aol [dot] com to learn more and volunteer help. SAVE THE HAYMARKET.

VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY . . . Every Monday, noon to 1:00pm, Nebraskans for abolition of the death penalty meet at the information desk on the lower level of the State Capitol.  The lunch-hour presence reminds senators 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.

EARTH DAY 2010 . . . Earth Day planning meetings are every Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:00pm, at the Community Foundation Building, 215 Centennial Mall South, in the fifth floor conference room. The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day will be celebrated in Lincoln on Saturday, April 24,2010, at Antelope Park in the afternoon, with evening activities in the Haymarket. To host a booth or exhibit, join a committee, or volunteer in any way, e-mail emilymckeone [at] yahoo[dot] com or phone 402.250.4100. OR just go to a Tuesday night meeting and get involved.

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.

FEMINISTING.COM EDITOR AT NWU FORUM . . . Thursday, March 4, 2010, Feministing.com editor Jessica Valenti will present  “Feminism: Alive & Well?” at a 1:00pm Forum in Olin B Hall, one block east of 50th Street and St. Paul Avenue, at Nebraska Wesleyan University.  A reception and book signing will follow the free public lecture.

PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN LECTURE SERIES . . . This weekly Lecture Series continues Sunday, March 7, 2010, 7:00pm, at the Unitarian Church, 6300 A Street in Lincoln.   A U.S. State Department Representative is expected to speak. This lecture is not confirmed yet. If not held, then the Dinner and Final Panel Discussion scheduled for Sunday, March 14th, will advance to March 7th.  For more information, e-mail Unitarian [at] inebraska [dot] com or phone 483.2213.

Omaha area: Congressional District 2

LEARN ABOUT THE GAZA OCCUPATION . . . Occupation 101, a documentary about the realities of oppressive occupation in Palestine, will play on loop in the Fireside Lounge at the UN-O Milo Bail Student Center, 6001 Dodge Street, Monday, March 1 and Wednesday, March 3, 2010, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The film will also be shown March 1 at 7:00pm on the third floor of the Student Center. The event is open to the public free of charge.

REBUILD NORTH OMAHA . . . Help develop the North Omaha Village Zone Action Plan, Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 6:00 to 9:00pm, at Omaha North High School Viking Center, 4410 North 36th Street. This will be an interactive meeting with the goal of identifying specific projects, block by block, for 24th and Lake, the 24th Street Corridor, the 30th and Parker area, Adams Park, Malcolm X and Miami Heights areas. For more information, phone 502.5153, or click here.

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 Poisoned Waters.  “…pollution is a ticking time bomb… a chronic cancer that is slowly eating away the natural resources that are vital to our very lives” according to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Hedrick Smith, who examines the growing hazards to human health in this documentary.  For more information, click here.  The People’s Film Festival – Expanding Political Consciousness Since 2004.

“COURAGE AND KINDNESS ON DEATH ROW” . . . Thomas Cahill, author of A Saint on Death Row, will share his story of forming a life-changing friendship with Dominique Green, a prisoner on Death Row in Texas. This story of affirmation, grace, and change, part of the 2009-2010 Center for Faith Studies Annual Lecture Series at Countryside Community Church, 8787 Pacific Street, Omaha, will be presented Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 7:00pm. The event is co-sponsored by Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty.  For more information, and to reserve tickets in advance, e-mail cyndik [at] countrysideucc [dot] org or phone 402.391.0350 x 121.

SAVE THE DATE . . . Earth Day Omaha 2010 will be April 17th, 12:00 noon to 8:00pm, at Elmwood Park, 802 South 60th Street. Learn more about exhibiting efforts to advocate sustainable environmental practices and lifestyles, or register to exhibit online here.  Sponsorship information is here. A volunteer application is here.  Interested in performing? Online band sign-up is here.  Know a person or organization making extraordinary strides in protecting the environment? Make nominations for this year’s Friend of the Environment Award here.

Greater Nebraska: Congressional District 3

BUY FRESH. BUY LOCAL . . . . Local markets are over for the year, but farmers, gardeners, and craftspeople still 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 onlineat 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.  Every time you use GoodSearch, one penny will be donated to Nebraska Greens. THANK YOU for supporting Nebraska Greens.

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

More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the 4th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Geneva, Switzerland, February 24-26, 2010. Click here for a TruthOut report.  NBC Nightly News recently featured “States Weigh Staggering Cost of the Death Penalty,” a report on the high cost of capital punishment, and how that financial burden is forcing many states to consider drafting death penalty repeal legislation. Watch the video here.

Public testimony on LB1105, a Nebraska bill to compare costs of administering death penalty and non-death-penalty sentences resulting from murder in first degree convictions, will be heard by the Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at the State Capitol Building, Room 1113. This bill represents another opportunity to move forward in the campaign to end the death penalty in Nebraska. Read the bill here [pdf]. Click here for a Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty Action Alert including Judiciary Committee contact information. Contact members asking them to support LB1105. Taxpayers deserve to have a clear picture of how and where their money is being spent. It is time to know the true costs of state killing. Judiciary Committee members need to hear from you on this issue.

Lincoln area: Congressional District 1

VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY . . . Nebraskans for abolition of the death penalty meet at the information desk on the lower level of the State Capitol every Monday, noon to 1:00pm. The lunch-hour presence will be especially important this Monday before Judiciary hears testimony on LB1105 Wednesday.  Remind senators there is a constituency that does not want state killings. All abolitionists are welcome to participate for a few minutes, or the hour. For more information about NADP, click here.

BOARD OF EDUCATION FORUMS . . . This week’s hour-long Forums with candidates for Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools will be held in the LPS District Offices board room, 5901 O Street, according to the following schedule. Monday: Marilyn Moore, 5:30pm; Charles Hopson, 6:45pm. Tuesday: Dennis Van Horn, 5:30pm; Norman Ridder, 6:45pm. Thursday: Steve Joel, 4:15pm; Ranelle Lang, 5:30pm; Cole Pugh, 6:45pm. Forums are open to the public for meeting and questioning candidates.

GANDHI SPEAKING AT DOANE . . . Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mohandas Gandhi, will bring his message of nonviolence to the Doane College Heckman Auditorium in Crete on Monday, February 22, 2010, 7:00pm. Founder of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence in Memphis, Arun Gandhi launched the Gandhi Worldwide Education Instute in the U.S. to promote community building in economically depressed areas of the world. Open to the public, this event offers an opportunity to learn how the principles of nonviolence and social justice have continued through efforts of the Gandhi family.

EARTH DAY 2010 . . . Earth Day planning meetings are every Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:00pm, at the Community Foundation Building, 215 Centennial Mall South, in the fifth flood conference room. The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day will be celebrated in Lincoln on Saturday afrternoon, April 24, 2010, at Antelope Park, with evening activities in the Haymarket. To host a booth or exhibit, join a committee, or volunteer in any way, e-mail emilymckeone [at] yahoo [dot] com or phone 402.250.4100. OR just go to a Tuesday night meeting and get involved!

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.

LINCOLN GREEN DRINKS . . . Lincoln Green Drinks will meet Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill in the Haymarket, 210 North 7th Street, starting at 5:30pm. These informal environmental networking groups now meet in 596 cities worldwide. E-mail ryoder [at] mail [dot] unomaha [dot] edu for more information.

NEW ARENA OR NO NEW ARENA? . . . Opponents of a proposed $344 million arena plan subsidized by Lincoln taxpayers will meet Saturday, February 27, 2010, 9:00am, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1434 K Street. (Use west entrance.) Click here for coverage of the first organizing meeting. Click here for blogged comments from Lincolnites. Supporters have money for an aggressive campaign before the May 11th City vote on the issue. Opponents are now starting a grassroots-style campaign against the plan. To learn more, volunteer help, and get involved, phone Lynn Darling, 438.5005.

BIRDING AT DESOTO . . . Sunday, February 28, 2010, Lincoln birder John Carlini will lead a Wachiska Audubon field trip to DeSoto Natinal Wildlife Refuge, 20 miles north of Omaha on Highway 30, several miles east of Blair, Nebraska. Migrating waterfowl have traveled this Missouri River flyway each spring and fall since the end of the last Ice Age. To carpool from Lincoln, meet in the east parking lot of Oak Lake at Charleston Street and Sun Valley Boulevard, 9:45am. Phone 475.7275 for more information.

GARDENING AS SPIRITUAL EXERCISE . . . “Gardens, no matter how small, can serve as “sacred texts.” Daniel Deffenbaugh, author of Learning the Language of the Fields, will speak at First Mennonite Church, 7300 Holdrege Street, Lincoln, Sunday, February 28, 2010, 1:30pm. His talk, hosted by Common Good Farm, is free and open to the public. Complete information is available here.

PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN LECTURE SERIES . . . Sunday, February 28, 2010, 7:00pm, the Pakistan And Afghanistan Lecture Series continues with Shahid Kamal. Dr. Kamal is a native of Pakistan who has lived and worked in 7 countries. He will discuss the history of Indian-Pakistan relationships and the Kashmir dispute. This weekly series is at the Unitarian Church, 6300 A Street, Lincoln. For more information, e-mail Unitarian [at] inebraska [dot] com or phone 483.2213.

Omaha area: Congressional District 2

SAVE THE DATE . . . Earth Day Omaha 2010 will be April 17th, 12:00 noon to 8:00pm, at Elmwood Park, 802 South 60th Street. Learn more about exhibiting efforts to advocate sustainable environmental practices and lifestyles, or register to exhibit online here.  Reach thousands of consumers interested in learning about ways to work toward a more sustainable planet as an Earth Day sponsor. Sponsorship information here. A volunteer application is here.  Interested in performing? Online band sign-up is here.  Know a person or organization making extraordinary strides in protecting the environment? Make nominations for this year’s Friend of the Environment Award here.

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.

THE HUNGRY CLUB . . . Black History Month will be celebrated at Big Mama’s Kitchen, 3223 North 45th Street, Omaha, Wednesday, February 24, 2010, noon to 1:00pm, with a presentation of Preston Love Jr.’s One Man Performance: Adam Clayton Powell. For more information, phone Love at 812.3324.

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 the Academy Award-nominated ADAM CLAYTON POWELL. Narrated by Julian Bond, with rich archival footage and candid interviews, this is a tell-all documentary of Powell’s illustrious but controversial career. Food and drink is available. A lively discussion follows each showing. For more information, click here. The People’s Film Festival – Expanding Political Consciousness Since 2004.

MAJORA CARTER IN OMAHA . . . Design Alliance OMAha, in partnership with Joslyn Art Museum and Metropolitan Community College, presents Environmental Advocate Majora Carter, Thursday, February 25, 2010, at Joslyn, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha. A reception begins at 6:00pm. The program starts at 7:00pm. Carter has been instrumental in creating riverfront parks, building green roofs, working to remove poorly planned highways in favor of positive economic development, and successfully implementing the Bronx Environmental Stewardship Training a pioneering green-collar job training and placement program. For more details and ticket information, phone 980.9850 or click here.

OMAHA TABLE TALK . . . Omaha Table Talk will hold an Ethnic Potluck Dinner and Discussion Night on Thursday, February 25, 2010, 6:00 to 9:00pm, at West Hills Church, 3015 South 82nd Avenue. The topic for discussion following a 30 minute clip from “Hotel Rwanda” will be the genocide there. There will also be a 60 minute viewing of “As We Forgive: Stories of Reconciliation from Rwanda.” For more information about OTT, phone 402.561.7594, or click here.

OMAHA SOCIAL IMPACT FORUM . . . Challenge Yourself. Change Your World. Friday, February 26, 2010, there will be a Social Impact Forum at Creighton University Harper Center, 602 North 20th Street, Omaha. (Click here for [pdf] Map.) The forum is for leaders, doers and risk takers who are passionate about impacting their community. Sessions include Creating a Culture of Prosperity, Moving the Mind: How the Arts and Culture Change the Community, Thinking Globally, Eating Locally: Effecting Change One Bite at A Time, and Empowering Youth Organizations Leading the Charge. For more information, and to register, click here or phone 402.960.5689.

NO MORE EMPTY POTS FOOD SUMMIT . . . Saturday, February 27, 2010, 8:00am to 4:00pm, Family Housing Advisory Services will present a Food Summit at 2401 Lake Street in Omaha. For more information, and to register, e-mail nomoreemptypots [at] gmail [dot] com or phone 402.320.5349.

BIRDING AT DESOTO . . . Sunday, February 28, 2010, Lincoln birder John Carlini will lead a Wachiska Audubon field trip to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. Omaha birders are invited to meet the Lincoln group at DeSoto Visitor Center, 11:30am, for a short winter hike.

THEATER OF THE OPPRESSED WORKSHOP . . . Theater of the Oppressed is theater with the purpose of engaging the audience and creating change in your community. For background on TO, click here and here. The next Omaha Workshop is Sunday, February 28, 2010, 1:00 to 5:00pm, in the UN-O Milo BailStudent Center,6001 Dodge street. E-mail Colleen O’Doherty, codoherty [at] unomaha [dot] edu for more information.

Greater Nebraska: Congressional District 3

IRRIGATION CONFERENCE IN KEARNEY . . . The Central Plains Irrigation Conference and Expo will be February 23rd and 24th, 2010, at the Kearney Holiday Inn. Water management, irrigation systems and equipment are the featured focus. Click here for conference agenda, and to register.

MARKETPLACE CONFERENCE . . . The Fourth Annual Market Place Conference will be February 23 and 24, 2010 at the Ramada Inn, Kearney, Nebraska. Teach-ins will feature inspiring presenters and exhibits lead by staff from the Center for Rural Affairs. There will be abundant networking opportunities with people from around the state and region interested in growing the rural economy. The “Opening Doors to Success” agenda-at-a-glance is here.  MarketPlace Registration Information is here.

CONFERENCE ON WOMEN IN FARMING . . . “Empowerment of Women in Agriculture” is the theme of this year’s two-day Women in Agriculture Conference Febuary 25 and 26, 2010 at Kearney Holiday Inn. For more information, click here.

BUY FRESH. BUY LOCAL . . . . Local markets are over for the year, but farmers, gardeners, and craftspeople still 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.  Every time you use GoodSearch, one penny will be donated to Nebraska Greens. Download the GoodSearch Toolbar here.  THANK YOU for supporting Nebraska Greens.

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