Week of Thursday May 19, 2005



The complete East End Report is now at www.eastendrep.blogspot.com

Also see
Suffolk Progressive Vision Web Site
for links to the
Suffolk Peace Network Counter Military Recruiting Committee
and much more.

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The East End Report is heard on Bill McNulty's"Lunch on Thursday" 12N, Thursday WUSB
Stony Brook 90.1 FM and WUSB.org

East End Report excerpts on Jim Krivo's Long Island Report Thursday 6:45am on 'Wake Up Call' WBAI 99.5 FM NYC and WBAI.org

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The East End Report is compiled by Tony Ernst.
Comments and corrections should be sent to eastendreport@optonline.net

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East End Women in Black

New Vigil Schedule Starting June

East End Women in Black Continue the third year of this vigil for Peace in Israel, Palestine and Iraq. The vigils will start at 5 pm for the summer months.

1st Sunday in Bridgehampton at Monument at 5pm (next on June 5)
3rd Sunday in Sag Harbor at Wharf 5pm ( next June 19)

More Info at www.eewib.blogspot.com or contact at eewib@optonline.net or 631-831-4966

WPKM and WPKN: Alternative Radio News

Recently community radio station WPKN of Bridgeport at 89.5 FM added a new transmitter broadcasting from Montauk at 88.7 with call sign WPKM. The station is a source for alternative international and national news and decidedly non-commercial music. It is entirely funded by listener contributions and staffed by a group of volunteers. WPKM will serve East Hampton and points in eastern Connecticut. WPKN covers central and eastern Long Island to Southampton.

The Local Slant on News and Public Affairs:

A group of East Enders active in peace and social justice organizations met with WPKN Program Director Luis Pomales, News Director Ebong Udoma, Sandy Sandbank LI coordinator for WPKN and programmer Doug Echols last week. The East Enders discussed how to get local LI news on the stations that reflects the concerns of peace and justice groups. A local 'news team' is being formed for this purpose. Items for WPKM/N local news will be forwarded to the station by the news team. The news group also is planning a local public affairs program which will include news and commentary about local Long Island issues and national and international issues of concern to local activists. Those wishing to be a part of the news team should contact Tony Ernst at eastendreport@optonline.net.

Alternative News of the World:

WPKM and WPKN originate a weekly syndicated news magazine called "Between the Lines" heard Tuesday at 5:30pm, Wednesday at 8 am and Saturday at 2pm. The program "Counterpoint" heard Monday evening at 8pm features interviews with experts on international issues. Both programs cover news from a perspective not heard on the corporate media. Recent guests have included Phyllis Bennis, Naum Chomsky and Robert McChesney. The programs are produced by a team headed by Scott Harris.

In addition a daily (Mon-Fri) news cast "Free Speech Radio News", distributed by Pacifica Radio is heard at 6pm.

New Immigration Law is Needed - Locals Know Why

At a recent meeting in East Hampton called in suport of bias - crime victim Luis Ochoa several speakers talked about the problem of drivers' licenses for local immigrant workers.

One young woman reported being caught in a 'dragnet' in Wainscott where (only) Latinos/Latinas were pulled over for a license check. Another speaker who conducts ESL classes said although there are many eager students for these classes, lately some students are unable to get to classes due lack of transportation.

The "Real ID" legislation apparently being passed in Congress may make it harder than ever for immigrants to get on the road legally and recent New York State legislation requires several IDs be submitted for those without green cards and has caused concern in the immigrant community.

But there may be good news! New legislation has been introduced in Congress by Senators McCain and Kennedy. The Long Island Immigrant Alliance called a news conference this week to publicize the legislation and called for support of the bill while asking for certain improvements to protect the rights of workers.

The McCain/Kennedy bill has provisions that allow employers to get the workers they legitimately need by allowing more workers to come to the U.S. legally to work, and at the same time, it gives immigrants a chance to gain permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

more info: New York Immigrant Coalition 212-627-2227

UPDATE ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR SOUTHAMPTON

UPDATED 5/18

Housing advocates in Southampton are asking you to sign a petition in support of legislation for affordable housing. Go to the Town's web site (look for Contact Us on the left) and write a message to the town board or sign the petition (see HOUSING PETITION on this site).

From conversations with housing advocates and from public statements it appears that Town Supervison Heaney supports the legislation before the Town Board which would promote affordable housing - both multi-family and single family units. Heaney needs our support because there are many in the town, who are campaigning against this legislation. A final hearing is set for May 24 at the Board Meeting starting at 7 pm.

Housing advocates have issued the following statement:

We support the town board’s proposed legislation “To Create New Special Exception Standards to Allow Multi-Family Residential Development within the Town of Southampton and its companion law To Permit Cottage Housing Developments within the Town of Southampton”, (referred to as Multi-family and Cottage legislation) as well as expanded accessory apartments for the following reasons:

· We need affordable housing; the real estate market is out of reach for 96% of the people who make less than $100,000. annual income living in Southampton.

· Working families who have built our beautiful town, protected its environment and natural resources, conserved its cultural legacy should not be forced to abandon their town they love so well.

· We have seen too many of our best neighbors move out because of affordability or they did not want to abandon their children raising their families, who could not live here.

· We are tired of seeing only seeing only the privileged can buy a house that allows them to remain here.

· Long time residents and their ancestors who built this town have always welcomed newcomers, but are tired of watching their heritage lost or trashed by those who treat our town as if it were only their summer playground to play in.

· Supporters of affordable housing want to strengthen the traditions of the East End by permitting the middle class to remain, to keep good paying jobs in the construction industry and all its ancillary services, and not be forced to commute for low-paying service jobs because we are proud of the craftsmen traditions handed down through generations.

· Opponents of affordable housing want to shut down building sites; turn the clock backwards and stop growth. We’re tired of their avowals of “We support affordable housing, BUT…”

· Opponents who say they’ve got theirs and now don’t care where we go will ruin our town..

· We don’t want to see the East End become a giant gated community. We don’t want a free hand-out; we work hard, we want a fair chance for our families, especially for our kids.

· We respectfully request that you vote for this legislation without delay. We support the town board in their creative strategy to provide affordable housing in Southampton Town.

Sign the petition (look for a copy on this site).

Also, come to the next Town Board Hearing (the last on the housing legislation) on May 24 at 7pm to say you support affordable housing. The board meets on the 2nd Floor at Southampton Town Hall.

For more information contact Michael O'Neill at leoneill@optonline.net

Peace & Justice Calendar - Starting May 19

* May 20(Friday): Demonstration at Patchogue Recruiting Station 5 to 7 pm

* May 22 (Sunday): Film and Discussion about Iraq War Vets in Sag Harbor 7:30 pm

* May 23(Monday): Film "The End of Suburbia-Oil Depletion and The Collapse of the American Dream" in Amagansett 7pm

* May 23(Monday): UU Film Series on Media "Uncovered: the Truth about War on Iraq" in Bridgehampton a t 6:30pm

* May 25(Wednesday): Honor the Fallen Exhibit at Mattituck High School 3 to 9 pm

* May 25(Wednesday): South Fork Bill of Rights Defense Committee Meets in Southampton

* May 28(Saturday): Mourn the War Victims at Jones Beach 10am

* May 31(Tuesday): UU Film Series on Media "The Corporation" in Bridgehampton at 6:30pm

* Repeating Events: "Herstory" Writing Workshops in English and Spanish: Thursdays in East Hampton at 7 pm

Details follow:

May 20(Friday): Demonstration at Patchogue Recruiting Station 5 to 7pm

In solidarity with counter recruiters nationwide the Suffolk Peace Network Counter
Military Recruitment Committe will conduct a demonstration at the Army/Navy/Air Force
Recruiting Offices on Main Street in Patchogue.

Last week, the U.S. Army announced suspension of all recruiting this Friday, May 20 to conduct an unprecedented "values stand-down" for the 7,500 senior officers and recruiters nationwide.

This comes at a time when military recruitment is down nationally and the common knowledge is that recruiters lie and manipulate people in order to fill their ranks. While the military takes the day to "stand-down," join us on May 20 to STAND UP!

Contact: Karen at 631-875-8647 or email spncr@active.ws for more info.
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May 21 (Saturday): Draft Counseling Sessions - Bellport UU - 12:30-3:30 PM

Draft Counseling will be conducted by Paul Frazier of the Syracuse Peace Council at the Bellport UU. $25.00 fee. This session is booked but you may contact Sheila Croke at scroke@verizon.net for information on future sessions.
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May 22 (Sunday): Film and Discussion about Iraq War Vets in Sag Harbor 7:30pm

The film "Combat Vets" about the mental problems of returning Iraq War veterans will be shown followed by a discussion at St. Andrews Parish Hall 122 Division St. (Rte 114) in Sag Harbor. The program starts at 7:30 pm.

more info: Larry Darcey at 631-725-9006.
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May 23(Monday): Film "The End of Suburbia-Oil Depletion and The Collapse of the American Dream" in Amagansett 7pm

This film will be shown at the American Legion Hall on Montauk Highway in Amagansett at 7pm Monday May 23. "The End of Suburbia" explores the American Way of Life and its prospects as global demand for fossil fuels begins to surpass supply.

This screening is sponsored by the East End Chapter of the American Institute of Architechts (AIA)

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May 23(Monday): UU Film Series on Media"Uncovered: the Truth about War on Iraq" in Bridgehampton at 6:30pm

One of the films in the series Media for the Powerful will be shown at the Community Room of the Bridgehampton National Bank at 6:30 pm.

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May 25(Wednesday): Honor the Fallen Exhibit at Mattituck High School 3 to 9 pm

On May 25th the Honor the Fallen exhibit, with photos of dead GIs will be displayed at the Mattituck High School in Mattituck from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. This will be a memorial for the soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan and will be open to the public. The exhibit is sponsored by the North Fork People of Conscience.

Contact: Pat Hovey at(631)765-4612 or hovey@optonline.net

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May 25(Wednesday): South Fork Bill of Rights Defense Committee Meets in Southampton

The meeting is at the Undited Methodist Church in Southampton, Main St at Post Crossing.

more info: leoneill@optonline.net
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May 28(Saturday): Mourn the War Victims at Jones Beach 10am

The American people dedicated Memorial Day as a time to mourn the victims of war. In that spirit, Pax Christi Long Island invites you to gather with us at Jones Beach on Saturday, May 28, for a recitation of the names of Americans and Iraqis who have been killed in the war.

At 10 AM, we will meet at the western end of Parking Field 2, which faces the ocean. As this is a solemn memorial procession, no signs or banners will be used.

Co-sponsors include School of the Americas Watch, South Country Peace Group, Suffolk Peace Network Counter Recruitment Committee, Long Island Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives, NYC War Resisters League and September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows.

contact Sheila Croke scroke@verizon.net
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May 31(Tuesday): UU Film Series on Media "The Corporation" in Bridgehampton at 6:30pm

One of the films in the series Media for the Powerful will be shown at the Community Room of the Bridgehampton National Bank at 6:30 pm.

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Repeating Events:

"Herstory" Writing Workshops in Spanish and English: Thursdays in East Hampton

Every Thursday women come together to share their writing with one
another and receive feedback on how to structure and shape their life
writing.

The East Hampton workshop is open to East Hampton Town residents. It
meets every Thursday, 7-9 p.m., at the Senior Citizens Center, 128
Springs-Fireplace Road.
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Send event listings for next week's report to eastendreport@optonline.net by 5 pm next Tuesday. Plain old text would be appreciated!

Southampton Affordable Housing Petition

Fax petitions to Town at 287-4507.


PETITION to Supervisor Patrick (Skip) Heaney and Town Board members:

We, the undersigned, representing ourselves and the majority of Southampton’s
working residents, support your proposed legislation “To Create New Special
Exception Standards to Allow Multi-Family Residential Development within the
Town of Southampton” and its companion law “To Permit Cottage Housing
Developments within the Town of Southampton”, (Multi-family and Cottage
legislation) as well as expanded accessory apartments:



NAME(PLEASE BLOCK PRINT) EMAIL MAILING ADDRESS ZIP PHONE


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