SEPTEMBERFEST PARADE . . . Monday, September 1, 2008, join Larrick for Senate at the Labor Day Septemberfest Parade in downtown Omaha. NGP Representative Frances Mendenhall will be at 16th & Cass Street by 8:30am wearing an eight foot tall image of Steve Larrick that you won’t be able to miss. Call her cel at 402.208.3717 to meet up with her Monday morning and help distribute campaign materials before the parade. There will be a “thank you” party for those who help after the parade. Look for Frances, and ask her for 1:00pm party details.

PUBLIC MEETING ON NEW ARENA DEVELOPMENT . . . Wednesday, September 3, 2008, the public is invited to Memorial Stadium’s West Clubhouse to see how a proposed new arena and its surrounding amenities might look. The open house, from 5:00 to 7:30pm, will have eight information stations where people can comment on the project. Enter Memorial Stadium through glass dorrs on 10th Street and take the elevator to third floor. Free parking in the Champions Club lot west of the stadium, and in the lot just north of the stadium. The public may also provide input here.

GRAND ISLAND GATHERING FOR PEACE . . . Central Nebraska Peaceworkers and CD 3 Greens meet on the first Wednesday after the fourth Sunday of each month to Vigil for Peace, however, the August gathering was moved back one week. Join them from 5:30 to 6:30pm, Wednesday September 3, 2008, at the corner of State Street and Webb Road in Grand Island. Parking is located in the lot one block west and across State Street. Peace signs are provided.

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 mark at weddleton dot com for more information.

GROW AND SHARE FRESH PRODUCE . . . Area gardeners are invited to take excess fruits and vegetables to Campbell’s Nurseries, 2342 South 40th Street and 7000 South 56th Street, Lincoln, where it will be collected by the Food Bank and distributed to 100 agencies in Southeast Nebraska that serve low-income individuals and families. Produce may also be dropped off at the Food Bank, 4840 Doris Bair Circle (three blocks north of 48th & Superior Streets), 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Do not pre-wash or refrigerate produce, and transport it in paper sacks rather than plastic bags to avoid spoilage.

GREEN PARTY COUNCIL MEETING . . . The September Nebraska Green Party Council meeting will be at the home of US Senate candidate Steve Larrick, 920 South 8th Street, Lincoln, Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 12:30pm.

U.S. SENATE CANDIDATES’ FORUM . . . Sunday, September 7, 2008, 5:00pm, Green Party candidate Steve Larrick will debate Republican Mike Johanns and Democrat Scott Kleeb at the Midwest Theater, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, sponsored by the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce.

LOCAL DELEGATES REPORT ON PALESTINE AND COLUMBIA . . . Lincoln Chrisian Peacemaker Team Delegates Hannah Breckbill and Amanda Balzer will report on their first-hand experiences and observations after returning from Palestine and Columbia. Three local presentations will be made: Sunday, September 7, 2008, 10:45am, First Mennonite Church, 7300 Holdrege Street; Sunday, September 7, 7:00pm, Unitarian Church of Lincoln, 6300 A Street; and Monday, September 8, 7:00pm, at UN-L Nebraska Union. A brownbag lunch for clergy and those interested in learning more about the Christian Peacemaker Teams will be Friday, September 12, noon, First Presbyterian Church, 840 South 17th Street, all in Lincoln. A flier is available here. (.pdf)

ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE . . . A 30-minute interview with Cynthia McKinney will be broadcast twice on C-SPAN 1, Sunday, September 7, 2008 at 6:30pm and 9:30pm.

NEBRASKA GREEN PARTY CANDIDATES . . . Green Party candidates for 2008 in Partisan elections are Steven R. Larrick, U.S. Senate; and for Douglas County Board, District 1: Scott Hoffman. LaVerne Thraen has filed for the Non-Partisan OPPD Board of Directors Metro District, and Doug Paterson is a candidate for Public Service Commission District 2 in Omaha.

We are not the alternative; we are the imperative. ReShape ’08. Register Green. Vote Green.

CD 1 GREEN PARTY CHAPTER MEETING . . . Tuesday, August 26, 2008, CD 1 Greens will meet at the home of US Senate candidate Steve Larrick, 920 South 8th Street, Lincoln, 8:00pm. Greens will debrief Saturday’s US Senate debate at the State Fair, and discuss bringing presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney to Nebraska. Stop by to pick up campaign materials and help spread the word about Larrick for Senate in 2008.

NEBRASKA WOMEN WORK! . . . “Nebraska Women: How’s your work life?” is the premiere informational presentation of statewide survey results questioning over 1000 working women in Nebraska. The Women Work! event is Tuesday, August 26, 2008, 10:45 to 11:30am, at the Downtown ActivAge Senior Center, 1005 “O” Street, Lincoln. For more information, contact Lisa Good by phone at 402.489.0869.

GRAND ISLAND GATHERING FOR PEACE . . . Central Nebraska Peaceworkers and CD 3 Greens meet on the first Wednesday after the fourth Sunday of each month to Vigil for Peace. Join them from 5:30 to 6:30pm, Wednesday August 27, 2008, at the corner of State Street and Webb Road in Grand Island.  Parking is located in the lot one block west and across State Street.

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 mark at weddleton dot com for more information.

NEW FARMERS MARKET OPENS . . . Lincoln’s Community CROPS has started a new farmers market open 4:30pm to 7:30pm on Thursdays at Pentzer Park, 27th and Potter Streets. Vine-ripened tomatoes, squash, peppers, eggplant, herbs and flowers are grown seven miles from the market and picked fresh each week for sale by local vendors. Community CROPS works with farmers to develop small businesses that sell produce and eggs direct to consumers in the Lincoln area.

GROW AND SHARE FRESH PRODUCE . . . Area gardeners are invited to take excess fruits and vegetables to Campbell’s Nurseries, 2342 South 40th Street and 7000 South 56th Street, Lincoln, where it will be collected by the Food Bank and distributed to 100 agencies in Southeast Nebraska that serve low-income individuals and families. Produce may also be dropped off at the Food Bank, 4840 Doris Bair Circle (three blocks north of 48th & Superior Streets), 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Do not pre-wash or refrigerate produce, and transport it in paper sacks rather than plastic bags to avoid spoilage.

LINCOLN GREEN DRINKS . . . Every fourth Wednesday on even months, the international environmental networking event Green Drinks meets in Lincoln at Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill in the Haymarket at 210 North 7th Street. On odd months Green Drinks meets in Omaha. There are now 402 cities participating in these monthly informal sessions worldwide. Lincoln Green Drinks will meet Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 5:30pm to close at Lazlo’s. For more information, e-mail Rick Yoder, bounce dash envneb dash 26471 at p2ric dot org.

HIROSHIMA ATOMIC BOMB SURVIVOR IN LINCOLN AND OMAHA . . . Kaz Suyeishi, president of the American Society of Hiroshima-Nagasaki A- bomb Survivors, will speak in Lincoln on Thursday, August 28, 2008, 7:00pm at First United Methodist Church, 2723 North 50th Street, in the Black Fellowship Hall, lower level of the church (enter east doors off 50th Street). In Omaha, she will speak on Friday, August 29, at First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass Street, in Mead Hall, 6:30 to 8:30pm. (Enter west doors.) In Lincoln, Ms. Suyeishi will also meet UN-L students at the Nebraska Union Georgian Suite on Thursday, 3:30 to 5:00pm. For further information, phone Paul Olson, President of Nebraskans for Peace, at 402.475.1318.

HIROSHIMA-NAGASAKI EXHIBIT . . . During the month of August, a 30 piece Hiroshima-Nagasaki Exhibit is on display at First United Methodist Church, 2723 North 50th Street, Lincoln. Monday through Friday, enter through the north side door. The exhibit is in the basement.

DAVID ROVICS AND PEGGY LANG IN CONCERT . . . Friday, August 29, 2008, 7:30pm, David Rovics and Peggy Lang will perform a free original music concert at Hastings College, the French Memorial Chapel, 710 North Turner Street in Hastings. Amy Goodman called Rovics “the musical version of Democracy Now!” and Lang is a local Nebraska singer/songwriter from Dannebrog. For more information phone Mena at 308.754.4901.

NEBRASKA GREEN PARTY CANDIDATES . . . Green Party candidates for 2008 in Partisan elections are Steven R. Larrick, U.S. Senate; and for Douglas County Board, District 1: Scott Hoffman. LaVerne Thraen has filed for the Non-Partisan OPPD Board of Directors Metro District, and Doug Paterson is a candidate for Public Service Commission District 2 in Omaha.

NEBRASKA GREEN PARTY CANDIDATES . . . Green Party candidates for 2008 in Partisan elections are Steven R. Larrick, U.S. Senate; and for Douglas County Board, District 1: Scott Hoffman; District 3: Derek Glaser; District 5: Susan Koneck. Laverne Thraen has filed for the Non-Partisan OPPD Board of Directors Metro District, and Doug Paterson is a candidate for Public Service Commission District 2 in Omaha.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BUDGET CUTS . . . Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler has proposed cutting StarTran bus service between 10:00am and 2:00pm daily. At a time when mass transit is needed more than ever, instead of leading the effort to use fewer fossil fuels and promote cleaner air by offering bus ride incentives, the Mayor wants to cut service. The City Council appears ready to recommend that StarTran fares be increased to avoid dramatic reductions in midday service. Students, senior citizens, low-income workers and families, the blind and their supporters are urged to attend a public City Council Hearing on the budget, including the StarTran issue, scheduled from 2:30 to 6:00pm and 6:30 to 10:30pm, Monday, August 11, 2008, at the first floor Council chamber, County-City Building, 555 South 10th Street, Lincoln.

MEET U.S. SENATE CANDIDATES . . . On Tuesday, August 12, 2008, Green Party candidate Steve Larrick will participate in a South Platte United Chambers of Commerce Meet-the-Candidates-Bar-B-Q from 5:00 to 7:30pm at Fort Kearney State Park, just south of the Kearney exit off Interstate 80. Larrick was invited to the event following a Green Party protest of his exclusion at the June 5th Senate candidates debate at Boys State. Supporters are invited to meet up in Kearney, or carpool from Lincoln with Steve. Phone Steve at 402.435.5612, or e-mail slarrick1 at msn dot com.

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

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL LETTER-WRITING GROUP . . . Join human rights activists and local Greens at Jones Coffee, 727 South 11th, Lincoln, between 7:00 and 9:00pm, Wednesday, August 13, 2008. The group meets every second Wednesday on the month for fair trade coffee to learn about human rights violations around the world, what is being done to address them, and letter-writing. Contact Matt Gregory for more information, by phone at 402.570.7840, or e-mail plylas at hotmail dot com.

“EDUCATING CHILDREN IN NATURE” . . . The Education Committee will host the August meeting of Wachiska Audubon Society, Thursday, August 14, 2008, 7:00pm at Dick Administration Building on the Union College campus, 3800 South 48th Street, Lincoln. Shelly Smith, an Omaha Public Schools music teacher, will show excerpts from a DVD featuring a student performance with a migration montage; and Nancy Furman, of the Pioneers Park Nature Center, will speak about The Healthy Families Play Outside partners program. Wachiska is celebrating 35 years of sharing “the experience and love of nature–that life may flourish in all its natural diversity.”

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TUTORS NEEDED . . . The Lincoln Literacy Council needs volunteer tutors to teach English as a Second Language and basic English literacy to adults in Lincoln. No teaching experience is necessary. The next training session begins Tuesday, August 19, 2008. Registration is required. Phone 402.476.7323, or click here for more information.

GROW AND SHARE FRESH PRODUCE . . . Area gardeners are invited to take excess fruits and vegetables to Campbell’s Nurseries, 2342 South 40th Street and 7000 South 56th Street, Lincoln, where it will be collected by the Lincoln Food Bank and distributed to 100 agencies in Southeast Nebraska that serve low-income individuals and families. Produce may also be dropped off at the Food Bank, 4840 Doris Bair Circle (three blocks north of 48th & Superior Streets), 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Do not pre-wash or refrigerate produce, and transport it in paper sacks rather than plastic bags to avoid spoilage.

HIROSHIMA-NAGASAKI EXHIBIT . . . During the month of August, a 30 piece Hiroshima-Nagasaki Exhibit is on display at First United Methodist Church, 2723 North 50th Street, Lincoln. Monday through Friday, enter through the north side door. The exhibit is in the basement.

We are not the alternative; we are the imperative. ReShape ’08. Register Green. Vote Green.

NEBRASKA GREEN PARTY CANDIDATES . . . Green Party candidates for 2008 in Partisan elections are Steven R. Larrick, U.S. Senate; and for Douglas County Board, District 1: Scott Hoffman; District 3: Derek Glaser; District 5: Susan Koneck. Laverne Thraen has filed for the Non-Partisan OPPD Board of Directors Metro District, and Doug Paterson is a candidate for Public Service Commission District 2 in Omaha.

MONDAY ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY VIGILS . . . Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty have vigiled continuously in front of the governor’s mansion (and inside the state capitol during winter) every Monday for years. The steadfast group has grown small with moves away from Lincoln, and the effort needs new energy, particular in August when regular vigilers are also out of town. Meet in front of the governor’s mansion, 1425 H Street, Lincoln, Mondays from noon to 1:00pm. You may be one of only a few people, or you may be alone, but your presence will continue a long tradition of protest against state killings in Nebraska. Someone will be there with signs, if possible; but to be sure your presence is noticed, wear an ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY t-shirt or make a simple sign to hold while you vigil. For more information contact NADP at 402.477.7787.

GREENS SUPPORT RENEWABLE ENERGY . . . There will be a public meeting on a proposed Lincoln Electric System rate hike Tuesday, August 5, 2008, 7:00pm at the Walter A. Canney Service Center, 2620 Fairfield Drive, Lincoln. The LES Administrative Board will act on August 8th. The Tuesday hearing offers an opportunity to raise the issue of renewable energy in Nebraska. The Nebraska League of Conservation Voters joins Greens in wanting to pack the room with local supporters of a clean energy investment. Contact Eva Sohl, Global Warming Project Coordinator, by e-mail at esohl at nlcv dot org, or by phone at 402.326.1375, for more information.

TOOLS FOR EDUCATION . . . The Center for People in Need “Tools for Education Back-to-School Program” is a cost-effective way to help meet the educational needs of Lincoln’s low-income children who receive new backpacks filled with essential school supplies. Each also receives new clothing from the Truckloads of Help program. Support and participation of the public makes a difference in the life of each child which, ultimately, brings many returns to the community. This year’s Annual Tools for Education distribution is Friday, August 8, and Saturday, August 9, 2008. Volunteers are needed for two hour shifts from 8:30am to 4:30pm on August 8, and 7:30am to 2:30pm August 9. Contact Susan Hale, shale at centerforpeopleinneed dot org, or phone 402.476.4357 for further details and to schedule a shift.

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

NAGASAKI LANTERN FLOAT . . . In Japan, lantern floats are used to guide the souls of the dead to their rest; in recent times they have been used in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to commemorate the people destroyed by the first atomic bombs. In Lincoln, the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Lantern Float will be Saturday, August 9, 2008, 6:30-9:30pm at Holmes Park on the northeast side of the Lake. All are invited to this moving remembrance of the horror of nuclear weapons and expression of hope sponsored by Nebraskans for Peace. Use the Normal Blvd. park entrance and follow Holmes North Shore Rd. Materials for lanterns and plans for making them will be provided at the site, or see how to make a shade and base at http://www.progressiveportal.org/lanterns/shademaking.html.

HIROSHIMA-NAGASAKI EXHIBIT . . . A 30 piece Hiroshima-Nagasaki Exhibit is on display at First United Methodist Church, 2723 North 50th Street, Lincoln. Monday through Friday, enter through the north side door. The exhibit is in the basement.

LARRICK FOR SENATE AT COLUMBUS DAYS . . . Columbus Days are Friday, August 8, 2008 through Sunday, August 10. Contact Green Party US Senate candidate Steve Larrick at 402.435.5612, or e-mail slarrick1 at msn dot com to carpool from Lincoln or volunteer support at events during the weekend.

GREENS SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC, COMMUNITY RADIO, AND LOCAL TALENT . . . Friday, August 8, 2008, join Greens at either of two great opportunities to support local music and Lincoln’s commuity radio station, KZUM, 89.3fm. Country blues artist John Walker will perform at 7:30pm, opening for local folk singer/songwriter Laurie McClain, now living and recording in Nashville, at a back yard house party, 6115 Huntington, Lincoln. From 9:00pm to close, join KZUM supporters at a benefit performance by Levi William at The Sidetrack, 935 O Street, celebrating 30 years of local community radio excellence.

NORTH STAR NEIGHBORS FARM TOUR . . . North Star Neighbors Farm produces organically grown crops and natural meat products with no antibiotics. They invite the public to the farm on Saturday, August 9, 2008 for hay rack ride tours, demonstrations and displays, hay stacking, pasture walks, and a noon dinner. Registration begins at 9:00am with fresh rolls and coffee. A free will basket will be available to help cover costs. Contact Jim Knopik by phone at 1.877.617.2333, or e-mail jknopik at hamilton dot net for more information and directions from Fullerton, Nebraska.

GROW AND SHARE FRESH PRODUCE . . . Area gardeners are invited to take excess fruits and vegetables to Campbell’s Nurseries, 2342 South 40th Street and 7000 South 56th Street, Lincoln, where it will be collected by the Food Bank and distributed to 100 agencies in Southeast Nebraska that serve low-income individuals and families. Produce may also be dropped off at the Food Bank, 4840 Doris Bair Circle (three blocks north of 48th & Superior Streets), 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Do not pre-wash or refrigerate produce, and transport it in paper sacks rather than plastic bags to avoid spoilage.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TUTORS NEEDED . . . The Lincoln Literacy Council  needs volunteer tutors to teach English as a Second Language and basic English literacy to adults in Lincoln. No teaching experience is necessary. The next training session begins Tuesday, August 19, 2008. Registration is required. Phone 402.476.7323, or click on Tutors at www.lincolnliteracy.org for more information.

FAREWELL TO BETTY PRATT . . . Early in the history of Nebraska Green Party, Betty Miles Pratt served as the NGP volunteer Database Keeper. Her dedicated commitment to Green Party Values and growing a grassroots alternative to corporate business-as-usual in the world of politics was key to building the foundation of current NGP membership. After a long, courageous battle with cancer, Betty died in Tacoma, Washington on Saturday, July 19, 2008. She was a Southern woman of grace and dignity who will be missed by many friends, former colleagues at the University of Nebraska, and Green Party members. Click here for her family’s loving obituary.

We are not the alternative; we are the imperative. ReShape ’08. Register Green. Vote Green.

FAREWELL TO BETTY PRATT . . . Early in the history of Nebraska Green Party, Betty Miles Pratt served as the NGP volunteer Database Keeper. Her dedicated commitment to Green Party Values and growing a grassroots alternative to corporate business-as-usual in the world of politics was key to building the foundation of current NGP membership. After a long, courageous battle with cancer, Betty died in Tacoma, Washington on Saturday, July 19, 2008. She was a Southern woman of grace and dignity who will be missed by many friends, former colleagues at the University of Nebraska, and Green Party members. Click here for her family’s loving obituary.

CD 1 GREEN PARTY CHAPTER MEETING . . . Lincoln area Greens will move the July Chapter meeting to a new part of town: Meet at The Mill South, 4736 Prescott Avenue in College View, 7:00pm, Tuesday July 29, 2008. Steve Larrick will update his US Senate campaign.

MONDAY ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY VIGILS . . . Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty have vigiled continuously in front of the governor’s mansion (and inside the state capitol during winter) every Monday for years. The steadfast group has grown small with moves away from Lincoln, and the effort needs new energy, particularly in August when regular vigilers are also out of town. Meet in front of the governor’s mansion, 1425 H Street, Lincoln, Mondays from noon to 1:00pm. You may be one of only a few people, or you may be alone, but your presence will continue a long tradition of protest against state killings in Nebraska. Someone will be there with signs, if possible; but to be sure your presence is noticed, wear an ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY t-shirt or make a simple sign to hold while you vigil.  For more information contact NADP at 402.477.7787.

THE EXONERATED . . . Nebraska Repertory Theatre‘s Destinations Series presents “The Exonerated” for one performance only, Tuesday, July 29, 2008, 7:30pm in the Studio Theater, Temple Building, 12th & R Streets, Lincoln. The docudrama uses actual words of six real people to tell the true story of death row inmates found innocent. The script will be presented in a stage reading. A post-show discussion will be moderated by Stephen Griffith. No reservations are required, tickets are $7 at the door or free to NRT season pass holders, and coffee will be provided by The Coffee House.

FOOD ENTREPRENEUR WORKSHOP . . . The registration deadline is Monday, July 28, 2008, for a one-day seminar sponsored by the UN-L Food Processing Center for individuals interested in exploring the idea of starting a food manufacturing business. The “From Recipe to Reality” seminar is Friday, August 8th. Pre-registration is required, there is a fee, and space is limited. Phone 402.472.2819, or e-mail jgifford1 at unl dot edu for an information packet.

GROW AND SHARE FRESH PRODUCE . . . Area gardeners are invited to take excess fruits and vegetables to Campbell’s Nurseries, 2342 South 40th Street and 7000 South 56th Street, Lincoln, where it will be collected by the Food Bank and distributed to 100 agencies in Southeast Nebraska that serve low-income individuals and families. Produce may also be dropped off at the Food Bank, 4840 Doris Bair Circle (three blocks north of 48th & Superior Streets), 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Do not pre-wash or refrigerate produce, and transport it in paper sacks rather than plastic bags to avoid spoilage.

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

HIROSHIMA-NAGASAKI EXHIBIT . . . A 30 piece Hiroshima-Nagasaki Exhibit is on display at First United Methodist Church, 2723 North 50th Street, Lincoln.  Monday through Friday, enter through the north side door. The exhibit is in the basement. It prepares the way for a Nagasaki Lantern Float on Saturday,August 9, 2008, 6:30-9:30pm at Holmes Park.

GROW YOUR OWN FALL GARDEN . . . Many garden crops planted in mid-August thrive in the cooler days of fall. Saturday, August 2, 2008, 9:30am to 11:30am, there will be a free workshop co-sponsored by Lincoln’s Cooperative Grocery Open Harvest and Community CROPS on how to Grow Your Own Fall Garden. This class will be at the First Presbyterian Church 18th & F Street Community Garden. It is part of a From Garden to Table grant. For more information, or to pre-register, phone 402.474.9802, or visit the Community CROPS website linked here.

COMMUNITY ARTS CELEBRATION . . . Sunday, August 3, 2008, from 1:00 to 4:00pm, visit the Lux Center for the Arts, 2601 North 48th Street, Lincoln, for a free celebration of art including demonstrations, hands-on projects, painting on an outdoor mural, and dancing to reggae music by RC Dub. There will be face painting and free popcorn from Colby Ridge. Bring your own t-shirt to tie-dye at a booth hosted by Blick Art Materials. For more information, phone 402.466.8692.

NEBRASKA GREEN PARTY CANDIDATES . . . Green Party candidates for 2008 in Partisan elections are Steven R. Larrick, U.S. Senate; and for Douglas County Board, District 1: Scott Hoffman; District 3: Derek Glaser; District 5: Susan Koneck. Laverne Thraen has filed for the Non-Partisan OPPD Board of Directors Metro District, and Doug Paterson is a candidate for Public Service Commission District 2 in Omaha.

We are not the alternative; we are the imperative. ReShape ’08. Register Green. Vote Green.

NEBRASKA GREEN PARTY CANDIDATES . . . Green Party candidates for 2008 in Partisan elections are Steven R. Larrick, U.S. Senate; and for Douglas County Board, District 1: Scott Hoffman; District 3: Derek Glaser; District 5: Susan Koneck. Laverne Thraen has filed for the Non-Partisan OPPD Board of Directors Metro District, and Doug Paterson is a candidate for Public Service Commission District 2 in Omaha.

GROW AND SHARE FRESH PRODUCE . . . Beginning Monday, July 14, 2008, area gardeners are invited to take excess fruits and vegetables to Campbell’s Nurseries, 2342 South 40th Street and 7000 South 56th Street, Lincoln, where it will be collected by the Food Bank and distributed to 100 agencies in Southeast Nebraska that serve low-income individuals and families. Produce may also be dropped off at the Food Bank, 4840 Doris Bair Circle (three blocks north of 48th & Superior Streets), 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Do not pre-wash or refrigerate produce, and transport it in paper sacks rather than plastic bags to avoid spoilage.

VOTE FOR KIDS . . . Organizational meetings to help raise childrens’ issues in Nebraska are scheduled for Monday, July 14, 2008, in Omaha at the UN-O Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom, 11:00am to noon; in Lincoln, Tuesday, July 15th, 11:00am to noon at the Lincoln Community Foundation, 215 Centennial Mall South 5th Floor Conference Room; and in Grand Island, Wednesday, July 16, 11:00am to noon at the Saint Francis Memorial Health Center. For additional information, call Sarah Ann at 402-597-3100 or Terry at 402-477-7344. Online, visit http://www.everychildmatters.org/Nebraska.

LINCOLN CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT FOR ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN . . . Should seated City Council members be allowed to continue making money for themselves by contracting with the City? With 4,712 valid signatures of Lincoln residents, this question can be added to the November 4, 2008 ballot. Help gather signatures by circulating petitions available from organizers Patte Newman, former City Councilperson, and Vic Covalt. Signatures are needed by Wednesday, July 16, 2008. Petitions are available at Covalt’s office at 1045 Lincoln Mall, Suite 200 (free parking in the back), and a notary is available there when forms are returned. For more information, contact Covalt by phone at 402.436.3030, or e-mail vcovalt at ballewcovalt dot com.

FELLING OF LINCOLN HIGH TREES A DISGRACE . . . The Lincoln Journal Star Local View linked here provides background information about the destruction of numerous mature trees at Lincoln High School, some of which were planted as memorials to former principals, to honor Vietnam POWs and those missing in action, and to commemorate Lincoln High’s Centennial. In addition to sentimental, visual, and aesthetic value of the trees, there are other issues: the cost to maintain new vegetation, the ecological impact of removing trees that provided oxygen and shade, the fact that they also provided a noise barrier between traffic on Capitol Parkway and the school, the fact that removal of the trees west of the building will now expose it to afternoon sun requiring more of the cooling system, and the cost of uprooting these trees, buying new ones, and planting them. ACTION: Communicate opposition to a variety of people in an effort to persuade the Board of Education to discontinue this tree removal plan in favor of a more reasonable compromise. Write letters to the editor of the Lincoln Journal Star: oped at journalstar dot com. Call or write: Michael Wortman, Principal of Lincoln High School, 402.436.1301 or e-mail mwortman at lps dot org; Susan Gourley, Superintendent of Schools, 402.4361000, sgourley at lps dot org, and e-mail your School Board representative at http://www.lps.org/about/board/#members.

GREENING YOUR OFFICE 101: LUNCH AND LEARN . . . The Green Office will present a webinar on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, 11:45am to 1:15pm, at the Lancaster County Extension Office, 444 Cherry Creek Road, in Lincoln. The cost includes lunch. For more information, contact April Hilpert-Whitney, by phone at 402.434.7376, or e-mail ahilpert at wastecapne dot org.

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

ALTERNATIVES TO THE MILITARY . . . Thursday, July 17, 2008, join Greens and Peacemakers from Alternatives to the Military for the annual ATM pot luck dinner to award Peacemaker of the Year. This year’s Honoree is longtime Lincoln activist Nan Graf, key advocate of Nebraskans for Justice for political prisoners Ed Poindexter and Mondo we Langa. Gather at Christ United Methodist Church, 45th & A Streets, Lincoln, 5:30pm. Bring a dish to share. Or, if you support alternatives to the military, just show up and meet Lincoln area Peacemakers. There is always enough food. RSVP: ruththone at msn dot com.

WACO WESTERN DAYS PARADE . . . Larrick for Senate will join the Waco Parade on Saturday, July 19, 2008, at 4:00 pm. Waco is west of Seward, about six miles east of York. To let Steve know you would like to support his campaign by joining him in the Parade, contact him at slarrick1 at msn dot com, phone him at 402.435.5612, or e-mail anthony.dicostanzo at gmail dot com.

SLOW FOOD NEBRASKA . . . The public is invited to attend a free “100-mile potluck” on Sunday, June 29, 2008, 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Holmes Lake, Shelter Number 1. Bring a dish made with ingredients that come from within 100 miles, table service and cups. Food sources included backyard gardens, farmers markets, food co-ops that carry local produce and local commercial growers.

LARRICK ON NEBRASKA PUBLIC RADIO . . . US Senate Candidates, including Steve Larrick, will be interviewed about their ENERGY positions during the Morning News, Tuesday, July 1, 2008, between 6:00 and 7:00am on KUCV, 91.1fm.

LINCOLN CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT FOR ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN . . . Should seated City Council members be allowed to continue making money for themselves by contracting with the City? With 4,712 valid signatures of Lincoln residents, this question can be added to the November 4, 2008 ballot. Help gather signatures by circulating petitions available from organizers Patte Newman, former City Councilperson, and Vic Covalt. Signatures are needed by Wednesday, July 16, 2008. Petitions are available at Covalt’s office at 1045 Lincoln Mall, Suite 200 (free parking in the back), and a notary is available there when forms are returned. For more information, contact Covalt by phone at 402.436.3030, or e-mail vcovalt at ballewcovalt dot com.

FELLING OF LINCOLN HIGH TREES A DISGRACE . . . The letter to Lincoln Journal Star editor linked here provides background information about the destruction of numerous mature trees at Lincoln High School, some of which were planted as memorials to former principals, to honor Vietnam POWs and those missing in action, and to commemorate Lincoln High’s Centennial. In addition to sentimental, visual, and aesthetic value of the trees, there are other issues: the cost to maintain new vegetation, the ecological impact of removing trees that provided oxygen and shade, the fact that they also provided a noise barrier between traffic on Capitol Parkway and the school, the fact that removal of the trees west of the building will now expose it to afternoon sun requiring more of the cooling system, and the cost of uprooting these trees, buying new ones, and planting them. ACTION: Communicate opposition to a variety of people in an effort to persuade the Board of Education to discontinue this tree removal plan in favor of a more reasonable compromise. Write letters to the editor of the Lincoln Journal Star: oped at journalstar dot com. Call or write: Michael Wortman, Principal of Lincoln High School, 402.436.1301 or e-mail mwortman at lps dot org; Susan Gourley, Superintendent of Schools, 402.4361000, sgourley at lps dot org, and e-mail your School Board representative at http://www.lps.org/about/board/#members.

PUBLIC HEARING ON TIGER BEETLE HABITAT . . . Tuesday, July 1, 2008, 6:00 to 8:00pm, there will be a public hearing on a proposal to designate 1,795 acres in Lancaster and Saunders counties as critical habitat for the endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle. Considered one of the rarest insects in the US, it lives in saline wetlands found in eastern Nebraska. The hearing will take place at the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District office, 3125 Portia Street, in Lincoln. There will be an information open house from 4:00 to 6:00pm before the hearing.

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

NEBRASKANS UNITED DECLINE TO SIGN . . . Nebraska has been targeted by a California based “Civil Rights Initiative” that would deny equal opportunities in this state and change the Nebraskan constitution. Well-financed out-of-state political groups are paying petition circulators to gather signatures using misleading language with the intent of eliminating affirmative action and its principles of equity and fairness. Nebraskans United is taking a stand against this petition initiative. DECLINE TO SIGN this petition, and spread the word to others. Background information here.  Just say no to local signature gatherers when “Civil Rights” means ending Affirmative Action. To set up training for volunteers, make a donation, report sites where signatures are being gathered, or add your group to a growing list of campaign supporters, call Danielle at 402-432-3394 or email D_Nantkes at yahoo.com.

NEBRASKA GREEN PARTY CANDIDATES . . . Green Party candidates for 2008 in Partisan elections are Steven R. Larrick, U.S. Senate; and for Douglas County Board, District 1: Scott Hoffman; District 3: Derek Glaser; District 5: Susan Koneck. Laverne Thraen has filed for the Non-Partisan OPPD Board of Directors Metro District, and Doug Paterson is a write-in candidate for Public Service Commission District 2 in Omaha.