par-newhaven.org

Progressive Action Roundtable: A forum for progressive groups in the Greater New Haven Area where actions and ideas may be publicized so that others are aware of peace, health, justice, energy, environmental and other issues for the common good.

PAR Articles and Calendar Items Due Friday, Jan. 19, 2012

Dear PAR contributors and progressive community members,

Readers want to know: What is the purpose of your organization? How are you building your group? What campaigns are you organizing? What events are you planning?

The deadline for the February issue of the Progressive Action Roundtable Newsletter is Friday, January 20. Please send in to this e-mail address – parnewhaven@hotmail.com – articles about your group’s recent and current activities and upcoming actions and events.

We are asking everyone to limit her/his article to 350 words. Be sure to indicate your name and organization as they should appear in your byline.

If you haven’t written recent articles for PAR, please include information about your group’s purpose. Do not use different fonts or sizes in your article. List either a phone, e-mail address or website so that readers will have a way to get further information.

About calendar items:
If you mention an event in an article, please also send a SEPARATE calendar announcement.
Please give street addresses for any events or meetings–even for “well-known” public buildings.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please indicate whether your event location is wheelchair accessible.
You can also send us SAVE THE DATE items about future events, even if you do not yet have all the details in place.

The Newsletter will come out approximately January 31; please consider this when submitting calendar items.

Here are other suggestions about submitting copy to the PAR Newsletter:
1. If you ask or encourage new groups to submit articles or calendar items to PAR, please give them a copy of these tips.
2. Submit copy by e-mail, either as regular e-mail text or as an MS Word attachment (.doc).
3. If you are a first-time author in the PAR Newsletter, thank you! We hope you will also subscribe and encourage others in your organization to do so.
4. If someone else from your organization who doesn’t have e-mail is going to write an article, we can arrange to receive a disk or a paper copy. Send an e-mail to us and include the name and phone number of the person who needs help, or call Paula at (203) 562-2798.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT INSERTS:
We prefer to carry articles & calendar listings rather than inserts. But if you have an insert to include in the Newsletter, we ask you to send the information contained in the flyer to this e-mail address as well so that it can be easily added to the PAR Calendar.

Your organization must make and pay for the copies of the insert, and you must call Mary Johnson (203) 387-7858 in advance to see if there is room for it. There is a fee of $7 for an insert, which we hope will offset the extra postage.

We will be able to handle only those inserts that are a full (8.5×11) or half (5.5×8.5) sheet of paper (not postcard).

It would be very helpful if groups that submit an insert could send someone to help with the mailing. Call Mary (203) 387-7858 to volunteer.

We always welcome more helpers and new ideas!

If you would consider attending the monthly planning meeting or helping with the Newsletter mailing, please call Mary Johnson at (203) 387-7858.

Many thanks! We’re looking forward to your articles!

Thank you for your help in creating this community newsletter.

– PAR Planning Committee

Jan 9

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in General | No Comments

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice 2012 Jan. 15-16

– Josue Irizarry, Peabody Museum Events Coordinator

The Yale Peabody Museum will open its doors for a FREE, two-day festival in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his efforts to ensure environmental and social justice for all people. The Museum, 170 Whitney Avenue, will host its sixteenth annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice on Sunday, Jan. 15, 12 to 4:30 p.m., and Monday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In his tireless efforts to work toward equality for, and harmony between, all people, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. strove to raise awareness about public health concerns and urban environmental issues that disproportionately affect minority and low-income communities. We now refer to this as environmental justice, a term coined long after Dr. King’s death. In recognition of the progress that has been achieved in these areas, and with optimism for the future, we will celebrate with music, dance, children’s storytelling, teen summit, an open mic and our annual poetry slams.

On Sunday, Jan. 15, 12:30 to 5 p.m. teens from the Yale Peabody Museum’s EVOLUTIONS After School Program will host their third annual event celebrating the legacy of Dr. King. This year, they are bringing together high school students from across greater New Haven to explore the themes of “Unity & Community.” The event will feature exciting interactive sessions led by a variety of teen-centered organizations from the area. All students who participate in the full event are invited to an after party from 5 to 7 p.m, where there will be free food, good music, and much dancing. Come explore your community!

An important component of this celebration is our Zannette Lewis Environmental and Social Justice Community Open Mic and Poetry Slam, on Monday, Jan. 16, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Community Open Mic is an exciting aspect of our festival that gives people a unique opportunity to honor the spoken word legacy of Dr. King by sharing original poetry and rap or speaking their mind about issues of environmental and social justice our society faces today. The Poetry Slam includes well-known poets from around the United States.

Every poet who registers for the Community Open Mic by Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, will have at least three minutes at the mic to speak his or her truth and will receive an MLK Day T-shirt. Space is limited! To register, contact peabody.events@yale.edu. For more information on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. festival, visit www.peabody.yale.edu/events/mlkday.html

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Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Events | No Comments

Labor community mourns the passing of Professor David Montgomery

– GNH Labor History Association (Administrator)

Professor David Montgomery passed away on Dec. 2, 2011 at the age of 84. He was a life member of the Greater New Haven Labor History Association and one of its earliest members and biggest boosters. We are shocked and saddened at the news of his leaving us. Truly, his like will not come again.

David began his career as a union organizer while working as a machinist in various shops in Minnesota and New York. He was fired from a number of jobs because of his activism and turned to academia, earning his master’s and doctoral degrees in history from the University of Minnesota. His dissertation, Beyond Equality: Labor and the Radical Republicans 1862-1872, was published as a book in 1967. Several other books followed, including the highly influential Workers’ Control in America and The Fall of the House of Labor: The Workplace, the State and American Labor Activism. 1865-1925. In his writing and his teaching, he not only told the story of labor struggles, he painted vivid pictures of workers’ lives on the job.

David taught first at the University of Pittsburgh and then at Yale University, where he became Farnam Professor of History. At both universities, he earned teaching awards. He began at Yale in the late 1970’s and with his wife Martel, became part of the fabric of life at Yale and in the broader New Haven community. Known as a rigorous proponent of the “new labor history,” David remained an advocate for the struggles and aspirations of workers, supporting Yale’s clerical workers in their 1984 strike and the effort of the Graduate Employee Student Organization at Yale to achieve recognition as a graduate student workers union.

The Executive Board and staff of the Greater New Haven Labor History Association extend our deepest sympathy to David’s widow, Martel Montgomery, and to his sons and their families.

There will be a public memorial service for David Montgomery on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Battell Chapel, New Haven, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Frederick J Streets officiating.

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Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Memorial | No Comments

Call Gov. Malloy to support energy efficiency programs

– Roger Smith, CT Clean Water Action

For years we battled just to protect the Energy Efficiency Funds from ending up in the state budget.  Thanks to your support, we won, and now we have an opportunity to help more people save energy. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is deliberating on whether to increase our state’s energy efficiency programs and is poised to make a decision shortly. We need your help to show Gov. Dannel Malloy and DEEP Commissioner Dan Esty strong public support for efficiency rather than freezing funding for programs like Home Energy Solutions at current levels.

Inaction would hand $1 billion in consumer savings to unregulated, for-profit power plant owners to buy more electricity and generate more pollution. Our governor has a choice of whether to send more of our money out of state for natural gas, oil and coal or to help residents make their homes and businesses more energy efficient. Not only would increased energy efficiency help more people cut their electric bills, but it would also create local jobs, help address Connecticut’s summer ozone smog problem and achieve our state’s global warming pollution limits.

Call Gov. Malloy or email him. Tell him state law requires that our energy needs be met first through cost-effective energy efficiency investments as they are cheaper and less polluting than generating more electricity. The last state energy plan has found that helping homes, municipalities and businesses increase their energy efficiency is the most effective way to reduce energy costs and comply with our 2007 energy law.

Have you used the state’s energy efficiency programs for your home or business?  If so, tell your story in your email. If not, after you send your email, get started with a Home Energy Solutions assessment of your own home!

Take Action: support help for consumers rather than power plant owners. Thanks for supporting energy efficiency as the foundation of a clean energy future. Gov. Malloy’s phone number: (860) 566-4840!

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Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Energy | No Comments

African American History Month High School Arts and Writing Competition

– Joelle Fishman, People’s World

The annual People’s World African American History Month Arts and Writing Competition for High School Students is open for entries in artwork, essay poem or song.

This year’s theme is: “What is your vision for the future? How can being involved in the struggle for freedom and equality bring positive change to your life and the larger community?” The theme reflects on the historic struggle for African American freedom and resistance to oppression through the decades, and the fact that today’s youth movement is joining the struggle to combat racism, poverty and social injustice.

Entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2012 and should include name, address, phone, e-mail, age and school. Paper size for artwork should be no larger than 12″ x 15″. Essay, poem or song should be no longer than two pages. Entries should be mailed to People’s World, 37 Howe St., New Haven CT 06511,  or call (203) 624-4254.

Gift certificates will be awarded on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 4 pm at the New Haven Peoples Center, 37 Howe Street, during the 38th Annual African American History Month Celebration.  All entries will be recognized. This competition is sponsored annually by the People’s World in Connecticut to remember the lives and work of Dalzenia Henry and Virginia Henry who devoted themselves to the young people of New Haven and to making a better future.

Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Events | No Comments

‘Breach of Peace’ march in New Haven goes off without a hitch

– Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor, New Haven Register

NEW HAVEN ? Communities came together Saturday afternoon under the banner of a “Breach of Peace” march against police brutality. Members of Occupy New Haven met with representatives from People Against Police Brutality, Blacks and Latinos United, Unidad Latina en Accion and Frontline Soldiers at Chapel and Day streets and then moved the protest to the detention center on Whalley Avenue. About 50 people participated, according to Jewu Richardson of New Haven, a speaker against brutality.

While the relationship between New Haven police and occupiers on the Green has been positive, Occupy movements across the country have experienced mistreatment from police, “so we’re standing in solidarity with them,” and other local issues, Richardson said.

“We’re standing strong with the     community. We’re standing up for people’s rights,” said Jennifer, a part-time occupier from Hamden.

Read the complete article online at:

http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2011/12/17/news/new_haven/doc4eed5bd8a7b47596766917.txt

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Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Environment, General, Human Rights | No Comments

Possibly wrongful conviction of Ronald Taylor will never be overturned

– Gregory B. Hladky, CT.com/news/advocates

Even if it’s eventually proven that Ronald Taylor never took part in the 1993 New Haven murder of Eugenio Deleon Vega, he will never be vindicated in Connecticut courts because he died too soon. That was the ruling last week by state Superior Court Judge Samuel J. Sferrazza, who told Taylor’s wife and lawyer that the only way to overturn Taylor’s conviction was a new trial and that’s impossible now. Taylor, 52, succumbed to colon cancer in late October.

He and George Gould spent nearly 16 years in state prison for the killing of that New Haven bodega owner. Read the complete article at:

http://www.ct.com/news/advocates/latest-news/nm-ff52upfront-briefgouldtaylor-20111221,0,7486059.story

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Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Human Rights | No Comments

New Haven/Leon Sister City Project for 2012: An Invitation to Make a Difference

– Chris Schweitzer, NHLSCP

New Haven/Leon Sister City Project is launching a new campaign in 2012…WalkBikeTransit…which will educate people about the links between food insecurity in rural communities around the world, climate change and their transportation choices, in particular, car use. Go to www.newhavenleon.org to learn more or get involved, or to take the WalkBikeTransit pledge to help create a healthier world in 2012.

Support Food Security work in Goyena, Nicaragua, including pilot projects and community education led by the Environmental Youth Brigade. Make a year-end tax deductible donation to expand this important work. Volun-teer with these or other efforts at New Haven/Leon SCP.

New Haven/Leon Sister City Project works to promote social justice in Nicaragua and Connecticut.  For more information call (203) 562-1607 or see: www.newhavenleon.org;  nh@newhavenleon.org;  www.facebook.com/newhavenleon.

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Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Events, Human Rights | No Comments

Peace and Social Justice Martin Luther King Event at the Peabody Jan. 15-16

== Mary Compton, GNH Peace Council

Every January, the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History holds the “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Legacy of Environment and Social Justice Event.” It takes place on Sunday, January 15 from noon to 4 p.m. and on Monday, January 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Greater New Haven Peace Council will be there on both days to host an activity on making peace activists kits with children ages 3-12 years. We need volunteers especially those who enjoy working with children. If you would like to help, please call (203) 230-1312.  (See p. 1)

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Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Events | No Comments

New Haven Bioregional Group Events

– Maria Tupper, NH Bioregional Group

Turning of the Year is a time to reflect on the year that has gone by and to contemplate the year that is coming. We gather promptly on Saturday, Dec. 31, at 10 a.m.at the First Unitarian Universalist Society, 608 Whitney Ave., drop off food, and walk to one of New Haven’s traditional sacred sites. There we will take time to experience the spirit of the land and assess the times. We return to the FUUS for a potluck lunch at noon. This will be a relatively short walk. People can also just join us for the end of the year luncheon.

On Monday, January 9, there will be a Full Moon Walk at Sandy Point, West Haven.  At 5 :30 p.m. we meet at 608 Whitney Avenue, for a carpool ride to Sandy Point. Or meet us at 6 p.m. in Captain’s Galley parking lot, 19 Beach Street, West Haven.

There will be a potluck at 6 p.m. and the movie, “Ciclovida: Lifecycle,” at 7 p.m., followed by a Seed Exchange on Saturday, January 14 at 608 Whitney Avenue. Bring seeds you have saved. “Ciclovida” follows a group of subsistence farmers as they traverse the South American continent by bicycle on a mission to rescue natural seeds.  The travelers document how agrofuels are taking over the countryside and displacing millions of small farmers ad indigenous communities.

For more information: http://newhavenbioregionalgroup.org/

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Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Events | No Comments

Crewel Linen: Remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

– Stephen Kobasa, West Cove Studio Collective

At the end of last year, marking the centennial of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in which 146 workers died, a commemorative installation went on view at the A-Space Gallery of the West Cove Studio Collective in West Haven.

Created by the Connecticut artist Cate Bourke, the work entitled “Crewel Linen: Unfinished Business” is made up of an eight foot length of white cotton shirtwaist cloth for every one of the women who was killed. Each is embroidered with the name of an individual victim. According to Bourke, each hanging “takes on a figurative quality; light (natural and directed) picks up movement as shadows, and the collective effect …is like ghostly apparitions in quiet but moving solidarity.”

Each panel marked with a name is, Bourke says, “an invitation to a local artisan/stitcher to research more deeply the person whose signature panel he or she takes in hand in…The local stitcher may fill a signature outline, add images, words/numbers to the panel, draw threads” to illuminate the life that was lost. Background information available at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire archives includes names, countries of origin, dates of immigration, as well as more moving details such as one victim’s life savings of $800 being found stuffed into her sock.

The installation will be on view in West Haven through February 29. After that, Bourke hopes that it will travel to other venues where it will extend the collaboration with local needle workers through such groups as the Embroidery Guild of America (EGA), the American Needlepoint Guild (ANG) and the Sampler Guilds, as well as with the support of labor organizations such as Unite Here! which has already helped to underwrite the project.

Stephen Kobasa coordinates the A-Space Gallery for  the West Cove Studio Collective at 33 Elm Street in West Haven. For information about membership and print-making workshops contact Roy Smith at (609) 638-8501.

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Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Workers | No Comments

New Haven Worker’s Association/ULA celebrates its 2011 victories for worker’s rights

– Megan Fountain, ULA

Downtown the Taft Restaurant is paying a $50,000 settlement to six former kitchen workers, who led a boycott against the restaurant for failure to pay minimum wage and overtime. The cook staff worked more than 70 hours per week but received only $4 – $6 per hour and some weeks were not paid at all.

In 2011, more than 70 workers have received assistance from New Haven Worker’s Association / Unidad Latina en Acción to recover stolen wages in restaurants, retail, construction, landscaping and agriculture. The workers have been white, Latino and African American, both citizens and immigrants. Through boycotts, direct actions, and complaints to the Department of Labor, the association has helped workers recover more than $80,000 in unpaid minimum wage and overtime this year.

A press conference Tuesday, Dec. 27, took place outside Lisy’s Discount Furniture, formerly called Mario’s Discount Furniture, where a former worker is suing for more than $5,000 in unpaid wages and damages. Ana Aranda was paid less than $2 per hour, and when she delivered a lawsuit to Mario’s Discount Furniture in West Haven last Tuesday, Dec. 20, the manager told us that the owners could be found every day at the Ella Grasso Blvd. location.

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Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Workers | No Comments