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Green Notes Week of February 8, 2009

Green Notes

The legislature’s Natural Resources Committee Hearing on Net Metering will be Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 1:30pm, in Room 1525, at the State Capitol Building, Lincoln. view LB 436 in pdf here.

EARTH DAY 2009 . . . Coalition for the Environment and Earth Day (CEED) will host “A Time for Action,” Lincoln’s Earth Day Celebration, on Sunday, April 19, 2009. The next planning meeting is Tuesday, February 10, 5:30pm, at the Community Foundation Building, South 15 & N Streets, in the 5th floor conference room. Join one of the Committees listed in meeting notes here. Get involved. For more information, e-mail Eva Sohl, esohl [at] nlcv [dot] org or phone 402.438.9341.

F.W. DE KLERK AT THE LIED . . . Nobel Peace Prize winner F.W. De Klerk, former president of South Africa, will give the EN Thompson Forum Lecture on Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 7:00pm, at the Lied Center on UN-L campus, 301 North 12th Street. De Klerk released Nelson Mandela from prison and presided over the dismantling of apartheid. His speech will focus on “Bridging the Gap: Globalization Without Isolation.” Free tickets are available at The Lied box office.

RAIN GARDEN WORKSHOP . . . A half-day technical training session on rain garden design will address rain garden basics from 8:30am to 12:30pm, Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at the Lancaster County Extention Office, 444 Cherry Creek Road, in Lincoln. Information will be presented on how to design, install, and plant residential rain gardens. Organized by the City of Lincoln Watershed Management and UN-L Cooperative Extention, there is a registration fee. For more information, phone Steven Rodie, 402-554-3752. For website information and a registration form in pdf, click here.  Registration closes on Wednesday, February 11, 2009.

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

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. Food and drink is available. A lively discussion follows each showing. This week’s film is Born Rich.  For more information, click here.  The People’s Film Festival – Expanding Political Consciousness Since 2004.

WACHISKA AUDUBON MONTHLY MEETING . . . Gordon Warrick, Habitat Program Manager at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center , will present “New Mexico’s Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge” on Thursday, February 12, 2009, 7:00pm, at the Wachiska Audubon  general meeting. Click here for program details, and directions to the Union College Dick Administration Building, 3800 South 48th Street, Lincoln. The meeting is in the lower level Room 03.

NEBRASKA SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE SOCIETY (NSAS) CONFERENCE . . . Learn about sustainable agriculture from the fields to your fork at The Rural Advantage/Healthy Farms Conference, Midtown Holiday Inn, 2503 South Locust, in Grand Island. Keynote speaker Melinda Hemmelgarn, M.S., R.D. Nutrition and Health Communication Consultant, will present “Feast or Famine: A Fork in the Road and the Crucial Farmer-Consumer Connection.” Sessions include workshops on beekeeping, organics, and food entrepreneurship. Click here  for Conference Brochure, including registration fees, in pdf. The Conference begins Friday, February 13, 2009, with 8:00am registration. An “All Nebraska Dinner” is at 6:30pm. Continuing Saturday, February 14, there is 8:00am registration with workshops until 4:00pm. Phone Gary Lesoing, 402-274-4755, for more information.

LINCOLN ELECTRIC SYSTEM SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PROGRAM . . . LES customers may offset the cost of making homes and businesses more energy efficient by applying for incentive payments to replace existing heating and cooling systems with more efficient pumps. Under the program, insulation, caulking materials, and pre-season cooling maintenance also may be subsidized. Click here for details of the program, application forms, terms and conditions.

LANCASTER COUNTY TOWN HALL MEETING . . . Friday, February 13, 2009, from noon to 1:00pm, join Mayor Chris Beutler and Senators Bill Avery, Kathy Campbell, Colby Coash, Tony Fulton, Ken Haar, Amanda McGill, Danielle Nantkes, and Norm Wallman for a Town Hall Meeting in room 1023 at the state capitol building. For more information, phone 402.471.2633, or e-mail nkanne [at] leg [dot] ne [dot] gov.

WEBCAST: SMALL TURBINES 101 . . . For an overview of small wind turbines, “Basics of Farm/Residential Small Wind Turbines” will air Friday, February 13, 2009, 11:30am to 12:30pm, at connect/extension.iastate/edu/nebraska. When logging on the webscast, click “click to enter,” under “Enter as Guest.” Enter your name to gain access to the meeting space. Further instructions will be on screen when you join the meeting. Topics will include applications, estimating wind turbine production, policies and economics, installation, components and technology. For more information contact John Hay, jhay2 [at] unl [dot] edu or phone 402.472.0408.

DARWIN RECOGNIZED . . . The scientific methods developed by Charles Darwin will be examined as part of UN-L activities marking his 200th birthday. On Friday, February 13, 2009, 7:30pm, George Levine, professor emeritus of English at Rutgers University, will lecture on “Darwin’s Prophetic Apprenticeship” in the Nebraska Union Auditorium, 1400 R Street, Lincoln. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information on events recognizing Darwin’s birth, click here to visit the Center for Great Plains Studies website.

GREAT PLAINS TRAILS NETWORK ANNUAL MEETING . . . The GPTN is a nonprofit group that advocates and supports trails networks in Lancaster County and Nebraska. The public is invited to their 2009 annual meeting on Sunday, February 15, 2009, 1:00pm, at the BryanLGH College of Health Sciences, Room 204, 5035 Everett Street, Lincoln.  Featured speakers Lynn Johnson, director of Lincoln Parks and Recreation, Susan Larson Rodenburg, former GPTN board member, and Terry Genrich, natural resources & greenways manager for Parks and Recreation, will provide details about Antelope Valley Trails, Union Plaza, the proposed Active Living Center, and the existing Lincoln trails system. Refreshments will follow presentations, awards and elections.

WINTER BIRDING FIELD TRIP . . . On Sunday, February 15, 2009, John Carlini and Shari Schwartz will lead a birding trip to Oak Lake, Branched Oak Lake, and Jack Sinn Wildlife Management Area beginning at 3:30pm. To carpool, meet in the east parking lot of Oak Lake located at Sun Valley Blvd. and Charleston Street. Although much of the trip will be done by car, wear warm clothing. For more information phone 402.475.7275.

LEARN MORE: CUBA AND LINCOLN . . . The Lincoln Unitarian Church Winter Lecture Series will focus on “Cuba from Slavery to Sanction and Beyond,” 7:00 to 9:00pm each Sunday through March 8, 2009. Sunday, February 15, Bryon Barksdale, a North Platte physician who leads the Cuba AIDS Project, will discuss Cuban health care, medical training and AIDS policies. The church is located at 6300 A Street. Lectures are free and open to the public. For more information, phone Dick or Karen Dienstbier, 402.489.7545 or e-mail rdien [at] neb [dot] rr [dot] com.

We are no longer the alternative; we are the imperative.

Green Notes Week of February 1, 2009

Green Notes

THE BATTLE FOR WHITECLAY . . . “An inside look at an important contemporary conflict pitting American Indian rights against state and local governments in the United States,” The Battle for Whiteclay will show at The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, North 13th Street, Lincoln, through February 5, 2009. “See this film. And if you can’t see it in Lincoln, or somewhere near you, buy it.” –Ed Howard, Nebraska StatePaper News.

SOLDIERS OF CONSCIENCE . . . The documentary “Soldiers of Conscience” will be shown by UN-O Nebraskans for Peace, The People’s Film Festival, the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, and the UN-O Student Government Association at UN-O Milo Bail Student Center in the Fireside Lounge on Monday February 2, Tuesday, February 3, and Wednesday, February 4, 2009, 10:00am to 2:30pm. “To kill or NOT to kill?” Click here to see the trailer.

VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY . . . During winter months, every Monday from noon to 1:00pm, supporters of abolition in Nebraska vigil inside the State Capitol Building by the information desk on the ground floor, Lincoln. Join them for a few minutes, or the hour. For more information, contact Fran Kaye, fkaye1949 [at] yahoo [dot] com, or Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty,  402.477.7787.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: ON RACIAL JUSTICE . . . The NAACP Lincoln Branch, Nebraska Appleseed, African American Studies UNL, and Lincoln Public Schools will host a free Community Conversation Monday, February 2, 2009, 7:00pm at the Malone Center, 2032 U Street, Lincoln.  The topic will be “The Obama Presidency: Is it the end of Black History Month?” For further information contact Rebecca Gonzales, rgonzales [at] neappleseed [dot] org.

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

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. This event is always free and open to the public. Food and drink are available. A lively discussion follows each showing.  This week the film is “The Time is Now.”  For more information, click here.  The People’s Film Festival – Expanding Political Consciousness Since 2004.

KZUM BOOK AND RECORD SALE . . . Nebraska’s only independent community radio station, KZUM, 89.3fm, will hold a book and record sale on Friday, February 6, 2009, 9:00am to 5:00pm, in the lobby of the Terminal Building, 10th & O Streets in downtown Lincoln.  Paperbacks are priced at fifty cents each.  Hardbound books are one dollar; VHS tapes are fifty cents; vinyl albums are one dollar and up.

SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE IN LINCOLN . . . Friday, February 6, 2009, 1:00 TO 6:00pm, there will be a “Building Sustainable Partnerships Workshop” at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Hardin Hall, 33rd & Holdrege Streets. The gathering is to foster awareness and networking among those interested in sustainability issues. Speakers include representatives from UN-L and the community. For free registration, click here. For more information, phone organizer Donna Woudenberg at 402.472.8287.

HELP PLAN A POWERFUL EVENT FOR LINCOLN . . . The Lincoln Chapter of Nebraskans for Peace will hold a first planning meeting for an event around the ominous 6th anniversary of the start of occupation in Iraq.  The meeting will be Saturday, February 7, 2009, 3:00pm, at the Anti-Oppression Art Gallery, 1416 O Street, above Duffy’s.  For further information, e-mail Jill Francke, jill [dot] francke [at] gmail [dot] com.

WACHISKAFEST . . .  Wachiska Audubon Society will hold the 5th annual Wachiskafest on Sunday, February 8. 2009, 3:00 to 5:00pm at Prairie Building Auditorium in Pioneers Park Nature Center. This year’s event features photographer and writer Michael Forsberg, poet Roy Scheele, and author John Price. For more information e-mail wachiskaoffice [at] cornhusker [dot] net, or phone 402.486-4846.

LEARN MORE: CUBA AND LINCOLN . . . The Lincoln Unitarian Church Winter Lecture Series will focus on “Cuba from Slavery to Sanction and Beyond,” 7:00 to 9:00pm each Sunday beginning February 8 through March 8, 2009. Sunday, February 8, Joe Starita, journalism professor at UN-L, will discuss Cuban culture based on a project that led to the book “Cuba: An Elusive Truth,” and the movie “Cuba: Illogical Temple.” The church is located at 6300 A Street. Lectures are free and open to the public. For more information, phone Dick or Karen Dienstbier, 402.489.7545 or e-mail rdien [at] neb [dot] rr [dot] com.

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

Green Notes Week of January 25, 2009

Green Notes

Judiciary Committe Hearings on Death Penalty bills, LB 306 for Abolition, and LB 36 for lethal injection, will begin at 1:30pm on Thursday January 29, 2009, room 1113, at the state capitol building. “We should not rush towards a new method of execution when the death penalty is so clearly flawed.” –Jill Francke, NADP State Coordinator.

THE DEATH PENALTY IN NEBRASKA . . . Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty and others will host an Omaha discussion of why the only acceptable alternative to electrocution, now unconstitutional, is abolition–not lethal injection. Focus of the informational meeting will be the legislature’s death penalty related bills on lethal injection and abolition. The meeting is Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 7:00 to 8:00pm at Pius X O’Brien Parish Center, 70th & Blondo, Omaha. For more information, contact Jill Francke, NAPD statewide Coordinator, jill [dot] francke [at] gmail [dot] com or phone 402.477.7787. Vigil against the death penalty in Lincoln every Monday, noon to 1:00pm at the State Capitol Building by the information desk on ground floor.

“AT THE DEATH HOUSE DOOR” . . . A free showing of “At the Death House Door,” a film about Texas death row Chaplain Carroll Pickett, will be hosted by Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Nebraskans for Peace Chapter on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 7:00pm, in the Olin B lecture hall at the northern edge of campus near 52nd & Madison Streets, Lincoln. After witnessing 95 executions, Pickett’s message is clear: the death penalty is an irreversible mistake that must end. For more information, or to set up a showing in your area, contact Jake Hoy-Elswick, jake [dot] hoyelswick [at] gmail [dot] com, or call Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty, 402.477.7787.

LINCOLN EARTH DAY 2009 PLANNING MEETING . . . Nebraska Greens initiated 2008 Lincoln Earth Day planning and coordination. In 2009, Planning Committee Co-Chairs have scheduled a first meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 6:00pm, at the Lincoln Community Foundation 5th Floor Conference Room, 215 Centennial Mall South. Agenda items include Purpose & Theme, Date/Time, Venue, subcommittees & chairs, initial timeline calendar, and future meeting dates/location. For more information contact Eva Sohl, esohl [at] nlcv [dot] org, or Julie Diegel, info [at] nlcv [dot] org.

“AT THE DEATH HOUSE DOOR” . . . ACLU Nebraska Legal Director and NADP Board Chair Amy Miller will host a free showing of “At the Death House Door” on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 6:00pm, at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, in Copeland room 142. Questions and answers will follow.

CONVICTED. SENTENCED TO DEATH. INNOCENT. . . . Randy Steidl became the 18th person to be freed from Illinois’ Death Row for a wrongful conviction, after spending over 17 years in prison. He will speak Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 5:00pm, at Creighton University Skutt Student Center, Room 104. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Rebecca Murray of the Nebraska Innocence Project, (402) 280-3062.

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

CENTRAL NEBRASKA PEACEWORKERS VIGIL . . . Greens and Central Nebraska Peaceworkers will vigil for peace on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, from 5:00 to 6:00pm at Webb and State Streets in Grand Island, Nebraska. Peace signs will be available, or bring your own.

OMAHA GREEN DRINKS . . . Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 5:30pm to close, Omaha Green Drinks will meet at Whole Foods Market, 10020 Regency Circle, in the education room by the restaurant seating, cross from the coffee bar. Everyone interested in environmental issues is welcome. Green Drinks now meet in 461 cities worldwide. For questions or further information, phone Jean Waters at 402.554.6259, or e-mail jwaters [at] mail [dot] unomaha [dot] edu.

WEEKLY 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.  This week’s film is Strange Culture, about an artist accused of bioterrorism.  The event is always free and open to the public. 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.

THE BATTLE FOR WHITECLAY . . . “An inside look at an important contemporary conflict pitting American Indian rights against state and local governments in the United States,” The Battle for Whiteclay will show at The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, 313 North 13th Street, Lincoln, from January 30, to February 5, 2009. There will be questions and answers following the 7:00pm showing on Friday, January 30. “Movie Talk” with Director Mark Vasina, Frank LaMere and others will be Sunday, February 1, 2009, after the 1:00pm showing.

LINCOLN NEBRASKANS FOR PEACE MEETING . . . The new Lincoln Chapter of NFP will meet Sunday, February 1, 2009, 4:30pm, at the Anti-Oppression Art Gallery, 1416 O Street, above Duffy’s. For specific meeting information, e-mail Josh Cramer, jrcramer [at] gmail [dot] com.

We are no longer the alternative; we are the imperative.

Green Notes Week of January 18, 2009

Green Notes

2009 NEBRASKA ENERGY PLAN . . . Text of the draft 2009 Nebraska Energy Plan is available in pdf here.  Website information can be found here.  The plan encourages renewable energy projects, and support for nuclear power. The public is invited to comment on the proposal through January 23, 2009. Click here for a list of six reasons why nuclear power is not a reasonable, realistic solution to the world’s energy problem. Click here to comment, or submit e-mail comments to energy [at] nebraska [dot] gov.  Click here (.pdf) to read a Green Party statement of opposition to the use of nuclear power.

“A TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR” . . . Founder and Artistic Director of the American Negro Playwright Theatre Barry Scott will present an hour-long tribute to Dr. King on Monday, January 19, 2009, 11:00am, in Heckman Auditorium at Doane College Crete campus. The free event is open to the public. Segments of King’s speeches will be performed, and a question/answer session will follow the presentation. Click here for a map of the Doane campus.

WINTER GREEN DRINKS IN NEBRASKA CITY . . . Monday, January 19, 2008, 4:30 to 6:30pm, all those interested in Green practices and initiatives for Nebraska City, Otoe County, and the surrounding area are invited to Green Drinks at the Lied Lodge and Conference Center. Priority choices for 2009 projects will be discussed. For more information, phone 402.209.0559. To rsvp, e-mail LeadershipNC [at] windstream [dot] net. Rethink. Reuse. Reduce. Recycle.

WILDERNESS PARK PRESERVATION . . . Tuesday, January 20, 2009, Friends of Wilderness Park will meet from 7:00 to 9:00pm at the Lincoln Public Schools Administration Building, 5901 O Street, Room E-111. (Use main front door.) Dennis Ferraro, Herpetologist at the UN-L School of Natural Resources, will bring samples of reptiles from the Salt Creek area. Children who may enjoy seeing snakes and rare, threatened species up close are welcome. The presentation is free and open to the public.

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

THE DEATH PENALTY IN NEBRASKA . . . Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty will host a Lincoln discussion of why the only acceptable alternative to electrocution, now unconstitutional, is abolition–not lethal injection. Focus of the informational meeting will be the 2009 legislature’s bills on lethal injection and abolition, and strategies for next steps in the campaign to end state killing. The meeting is Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 7:00 to 8:00pm at the Clyde Malone Community Center, 2032 U Street, Lincoln. For more information, contact Jill Francke, NAPD statewide Coordinator, jill [dot] francke [at] gmail [dot] com or 402.477.7787.  Vigil against the death penalty every Monday from noon to 1:00pm inside the State Capitol Building by the information desk on ground floor, Lincoln.

LINCOLN GREEN DRINKS . . . Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 5:30pm to close, Lincoln Green Drinks will will meet at Lazlo’s South, 5900 Old Cheney Road, in the boardroom off the bar area–to the left as you enter. There are Happy Hour specials on food and drinks in the bar until 6:00pm. Green Drinks is an international social network now active in 463 cities worldwide. E-mail Tyler Mainquist, tmain [at] inebraska [dot] com, for more information.

RENEWABLE ENERGY . . . Wind, Solar and Geothermal renewable energy will be the focus of the Omaha Sierra Club Program Thursday, January 22, 2009, 7:00 to 8:30pm, at First United Methodist Church, 69th & Cass Streets. (Enter through the north door.)

CENTRAL NEBRASKA PEACEWORKERS MONTHLY MEETING . . . Many Central Nebraska Peaceworkers are Green Party members and supporters. This month’s regular meeting is Sunday, January 25, 2009, 3:00pm, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Island, Nebraska. Nebraskans in Congressional District 3 are invited to CNPW meetings, and encouraged to get involved in local peace activism.

ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COUNCIL VACANCIES . . . Nominations are being considered for 1) Representatives from each Congressional District for Environmental Trust vacancies; and 2) Environmental Quality Council seats for Ag Crop Production, Auto/Petroleum Industry, Biologist, Food Products Manufacturing,Labor, Livestock Industry, Minority Populations, Municipal Government, and the Power Generating Industry. To apply online, click here.  The Governor will send nominations to the Natural Resources Committee for confirmation hearings in January or February.

LIBRARY BOARD VACANCY . . . January 31, 2009 is the deadline for Lincoln residents to apply for a vacancy on the Lincoln City Libraries Board of Trustees. This is a six-year appointment (2009-2015) to a seven-member board. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest including a statement outlining their philosophy and goals for providing public library services, plus a brief bio resume, to library [at] lincolnlibraries [dot] org. Applications will be forwarded, with recommendations, to the Lincoln City Council.

We are no longer the alternative; we are the imperative.

Green Notes Week of January 11, 2009

Green Notes

2009 NEBRASKA ENERGY PLAN . . . Text of the draft 2009 Nebraska Energy Plan is available in pdf here. Website information can be found here. The plan encourages renewable energy projects, and support for nuclear power. The public is invited to comment on the proposal through January 23, 2009. Click here for a list of six reasons why nuclear power is not a reasonable, realistic solution to the world’s energy problem. For a Green Party statement of opposition to the use of nuclear power, click here.  Click here to comment, or submit e-mail comments to energy [at] nebraska [dot] gov.

VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY . . . During winter months, every Monday from noon to 1:00pm, supporters of abolition in Nebraska vigil inside the State Capitol Building by the information desk on the ground floor, Lincoln. Join them for a few minutes, or the hour. For more information, contact Fran Kaye, fkaye1949 [at] yahoo [dot] com, or Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty, 402.477.7787.

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

ENERGY/ENVIRONMENTAL BILLS ON SIERRA PROGRAM . . . The focus of this months’ Lincoln Sierra Club meeting will be Energy and Environmental Bills before the 2009 Legislature. The Thursday, January 15, 2009 7:00pm meeting is at the Unitarian Church, 6300 A Street.

ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COUNCIL VACANCIES . . . Nominations are being considered for 1) Representatives from each Congressional District for Environmental Trust vacancies; and 2) Environmental Quality Council seats for Ag Crop Production, Auto/Petroleum Industry, Biologist, Food Products Manufacturing,Labor, Livestock Industry, Minority Populations, Municipal Government, and the Power Generating Industry. To apply online, click here.  The Governor will send nominations to the Natural Resources Committee for confirmation hearings in January or February.

LIBRARY BOARD VACANCY . . . January 31, 2009 is the deadline for Lincoln residents to apply for a vacancy on the Lincoln City Libraries Board of Trustees. This is a six-year appointment (2009-2015) to a seven-member board. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest including a statement outlining their philosophy and goals for providing public library services, plus a brief bio resume, to library [at] lincolnlibraries [dot] org. Applications will be forwarded, with recommendations, to the Lincoln City Council.

LGBTQ RIGHTS SUMMIT . . . A Nebraska Summit for LGBTQ Equality will be Saturday, January 17, 2009, at First Plymouth Congregational Church, Lincoln. Sponsored by Nebraska Citizens for Equal Protection, the Summit includes a light breakfast and lunch with pre-registration.  Presenters include Sarah Kennedy, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation; Ryan Sallans, Planned Parenthood of Nebraska and Council Bluffs; Larry Williams, City of Lincoln Commission on Human Rights; Amy Miller, ACLU-Nebraska; Meredith Bacon, National Center for Transgender Equality; and Georgia Feiste, Collaborative Transitions Coaching. For more information, click here. Register safely and securely here.

We are no longer the alternative; we are the imperative.

Green Notes Week of January 4, 2009

Green Notes

2009 NEBRASKA ENERGY PLAN . . . Text of the draft 2009 Nebraska Energy Plan is available in pdf here. Website information can be found here. The plan encourages renewable energy projects, and support for nuclear power. The public is invited to comment on the proposal through January 23, 2009. Click here for a list of six reasons why nuclear power is not a reasonable, realistic solution to the world’s energy problem. Click here to comment, or submit e-mail comments to energy [at] nebraska [dot] gov.

VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY . . . During winter months, every Monday from noon to 1:00pm, supporters of abolition in Nebraska vigil inside the State Capitol Building by the information desk on the ground floor, Lincoln. Join them for a few minutes, or the hour. For more information, contact Fran Kaye, fkaye1949 [at] yahoo [dot] com, or Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty, 402.477.7787.

OPENING DAY: 101st LEGISLATIVE SESSION . . . Following Opening Day of the 2009 Nebraska Legislature, Wednesday, January 7, 2009, 10:00am, the public is invited to an Annual Reception with the senators, 5:00 to 7:00pm, at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel’s Lancaster Room, 333 South 13th Street, Lincoln.

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

NEBRASKA WETLANDS CONSERVATION . . . Thursday, January 8, 2009, 7:00pm, Nebraska Game and Parks Wetland Program Manager Ted LaGrange will present “Wetlands of Nebraska and their Conservation Needs” at the Wachiska Audubon General Meeting at Union College Dick Administration Building lower level Room 03, 3800 South 48th Street, Lincoln. For directions, click here.

SPRING CREEK PRAIRIE CHAPTER RETREAT . . . A Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center Retreat and Potluck will be Saturday, January 10, 2009, 9:00am to 2:00pm at the Center. There will be a business meeting to discuss possible priority programs and projects for 2009, and potluck food. Bring a favorite dish to share. For directions, click here.

ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COUNCIL VACANCIES . . . Nominations are being considered for 1) Representatives from each Congressional District for Environmental Trust vacancies; and 2) Environmental Quality Council seats for Ag Crop Production, Auto/Petroleum Industry, Biologist, Food Products Manufacturing,Labor, Livestock Industry, Minority Populations, Municipal Government, and the Power Generating Industry. To apply online, click here.  The Governor will send nominations to the Natural Resources Committee for confirmation hearings in January or February.

We are no longer the alternative; we are the imperative.

Green Notes Week of December 28, 2008

Green Notes

NEW YEAR’S EVE VIGIL FOR PEACE . . . Peace activists will vigil at the Federal Building, 15th and O Streets in Lincoln, Wednesday evening, December 31, 2008, from 5:00 to 6:00pm. Contact Mark at 402-499-6672 or e-mail mark [at] weddleton [dot] com for more information.

FIRST NIGHT LIGHTS VIGIL FOR PEACE . . . There will be a New Year’s Day candlelight vigil for peace on Thursday, January 1, 2009, 5:00 to 6:00pm, on the corner of 33rd and O Streets at Woods Park in Lincoln. Everyone is invited to begin 2009 with Hope. Vigil for Peace in Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, Darfur, Sudan, Congo, India, Pakistan, Somalia and throughout the world in the New Year. E-mail David Orr, david [at] fmclincoln [dot] org for more information.

CLARIFICATION OF THOUGHT ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION. . . Nonviolent conflict resolution in the Middle East will be the topic of a Community Discussion on Friday, January 2, 2009, 7:00pm, at the Omaha Catholic Worker House, 1104 North 24th Street, in Omaha. (Parking in back of the 2 houses, and on Indiana Ave.) Sr. Marian Klosterman will present her personal story about the experience of working with Iraqi refugees in Amman, Jordan for the last three months. Hot soup, coffee and tea will be provided. For more information contact Jerry Ebner: E-mail cwomaha [at] gmail [dot]com or phone 402.502.5887.

NEW YEAR’S WINTER WALKABOUT . . . Saturday, January 3, 2009, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center is offering a chance to learn about winter wildlife and explore remote parts of the prairie in two guided tours with staff. The prairie preserve is 20 minutes southwest of Lincoln–following Southwest 98th Street south out of Denton for three miles. To register for either tour, 10:00am to noon, or 1:00 to 3:00pm, or for more information, phone 402.797.2301.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! E Glecklichs Nej Johr! Goyosa Añada Benién! Nava Varsha Aasamsakal! Bon An Gnôf! Blian Nua Faoi Mhaise Duit! Kung Ho Hsin Hsi! Naway Kaal De Umbarak Shaa! Zbozhowne Nowe Leto! Es Guets Neus Johr! Asuggas Asa’di! Yvää Uutta Vootta! Ni Ti Yuun! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We are no longer the alternative; we are the imperative.

Green Notes Week of December 21, 2008

Green Notes

WINTER SOLSTICE . . . Sunday, December 21, 2008, 7:04AM EST marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Celebrations of this seasonal passage are traditional in many cultures.

HANUKKAH . . . In 2008, the festival of Hanukkah begins at sundown on Sunday, December 21.  Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday celebrating Jewish national survival and religious freedom.

CHRISTMAS IN PALESTINE . . . As people celebrate Christmas, and Bethlehem is mentioned in countless Nativity plays and sermons around the world, there is tremendous suffering in that city. Surrounded by illegal Israeli settlements, Bethlehem lies captive to abusive Apartheid policies of occupation. There is no freedom of movement–there are checkpoints, curfews and constant invasions by the military. In this season of joy and goodwill to our fellow human beings, please remember the struggle for human rights, freedom and justice in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

CHRISTMAS EVE PEACE VIGIL . . . Peace activists will vigil at the Federal Building, 15th and O Streets in Lincoln, Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 6:00pm. Vigil for Peace in Iraq, Afghanistan, Darfur, Sudan, Congo, India, Somalia and throughout the world. Contact Mark at 402-499-6672 or e-mail mark [at] weddleton [dot] com for more information. Click here for an update on weekly peace vigils published in the December 19, 2008 Lincoln Journal Star.

CHRISTMAS . . . Thursday, December 25, 2008.

ANNUAL PEACE VIGIL: FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS RETREAT, WITNESS AND LINE CROSSING . . . The Des Moines and Omaha Catholic Worker communities offer an opportunity to deepen the Christmas observance by examining parallels between King Herod’s first-century killing of innocent children in Bethlehem and acts currently being committed by a Global US Military presence and Offutt’s Nuclear and Space Commands. The Feast of the Holy Innocents Retreat, Witness and Line Crossing begins Friday, December 26, 2008, 7:00pm, at St. John’s Church on the Creighton University campus, 2500 California Plaza, in Omaha. The retreat will end on Sunday, December 28, with a 10:00am Mass at St. John’s, followed by a Witness and Line Crossing at Offutt Air Force Base.  For more information contact Frank Cordaro, The Phil Berrigan Catholic Worker House: phone 515.282.4781, or e-mail frank [dot] cordaro [at] gmail [dot] com.

KWANZAA . . . Kwanzaa, a celebration of family, community and culture, begins on Friday, December 26, 2008 and continues through January 1, 2009. The 2008 Theme is “Repairing and Renewing the World.”

Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Boas Festas! Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan! Glædelig Jul! Hyvää Joulua! Joyeux Noël! Froehliche Weihnachten! Shub Naya Baras! Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah! Buone Feste Natalizie! Shinnen omedeto! Sung Tan Chuk Ha! Merry Keshmish! Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia! Boas Festas! Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom! God Jul! Chung Mung Giang Sinh! Cestitamo Bozic! Happy Solstice!
We are no longer the alternative; we are the imperative.

Green Notes Week of December 14, 2008

Green Notes

Are you in Senator Avery’s District 28?

The death penalty will again be a topic of debate in the new legislative session. Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty from LD 28 will meet with Senator Avery on Tuesday, December 16, 2008, at 2:00pm. If you reside in District 28, join with others to tell your senator why you are for abolition of the death penalty in Nebraska, and ask for his support in the Unicameral. Meet at his office, Room 1016, State Capitol Building, on Tuesday. Phone NADP, 402.477.7787, for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are not the alternative; we are the imperative.

Green Notes Week of December 7, 2008

Green Notes

VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY . . . During winter months, every Monday from noon to 1:00pm, supporters of abolition in Nebraska vigil inside the State Capitol Building by the information desk on the ground floor, Lincoln. Join them for a few minutes, or the hour. For more information, contact Fran Kaye, fkaye1949 [at] yahoo [dot] com, or Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty, 402.477.7787.

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

CENTRAL NEBRASKA PEACEWORKERS VIGIL . . . Greens and Central Nebraska Peaceworkers will vigil for peace on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, from 5:00 to 6:00pm at Webb and State Streets in Grand Island, Nebraska. Peace signs will be available, or bring your own.

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

GLOBAL WRITE-A-THON . . . There will be an Amnesty International letter writing party on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 7:00 to 9:00pm, at Jones Coffee, 11th Street between G and H, in Lincoln. Join the human rights awareness effort for a short time, or the entire two hours. For more information, e-mail Matt Gregory, phylas [at] hotmail [dot] com or phone 402.570.7840.

WACHISKA AUDUBON HOLIDAY POTLUCK . . . Joel Sartore, Nebraska’s renowned National Geographic photojournalist, will be featured speaker at the 2008 Wachiska Audubon Holiday Potluck, Thursday, December 11, 2008, starting 6:15pm at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3825 Wildbriar Lane, Lincoln. Sartore will speak on his work photographing and documenting the global decline of endangered species. The church is located one block north of 40th & Old Cheney Road in south Lincoln. EveryOne is invited to bring a favorite dish (and table service) to this free annual event.

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

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

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

We are not the alternative; we are the imperative.