St. Pete for Peace Home

The following writeup is from Pax Christi Tampa Bay

Pax Christi Tampa Bay E-mail Newsletter

Sept. 4, 2011
Good folks,
 
The execution for Manuel Valle, originally set for Tuesday, has been stayed again.   The stay will be in effect until at least next Thursday at 7:00 PM.  We will reschedule our vigil for the execution date and time.  Information on the vigil follows the update from Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP).   The ACLU is now listing the Pinellas County vigil in statewide alerts.
 
For immediate updates on executions, join the mailing list at www.fadp.org/esubscribe.html.  Executive Director Mark Elliot issues immediate bulletins on executions.  The FADP website at http://www.fadp.org/ is an excellent source for death penalty information.
 
Also below is information on an interfaith worship sevice on September 11, the new Peace First site for September, and a bulletin from Jeju Island, where police have arrested activists trying to stop a naval base in a “preemptive strike” against a huge protest this weekend.  The Jeju Island struggle has attracted attention from CNN and the New York Times.
 
Pax Christi Tampa Bay
 
PEACE FIRST LOCATION FOR SEPTEMBER: Peace First will gather at the corner of 38th Avenue and 34th Street N. in St. Petersburg (map) every Wednesday in September to oppose U.S. wars, foreign policy and spending priorities.  For map, click here.  This is same as their July location.  To escape the summer heat, the group will continue to meet from 5:00-6:00 PM.   Participants gather afterward at a nearby restaurant afterward for a meal. For more information (FMI): SMcCown@tampabay.rr.com
 
9/11 WORSHIP SERVICES: Good Samaritan Church (Presbyterian Church USA/United Church of Christ) is presenting a Sacred Conversation during worship on Sunday, September 11 at 10:30 AM with Imam Askia Muhammad Aquil and Rev. Sue Sherwood.  The service will feature readings and prayers from both the Muslim and Christian traditions.  Good Samaritan Church is located at 6085 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park.  FMI: http://www.goodsam-church.org/ or (727) 544-8558
 

From: Mark Elliot [mailto:mark@fadp.org]
Subject: FADPUpdate: STAY!
 
FADP Update
 
STAY!!!

Friends,

The U.S. Court of Appeals in Atlanta has granted a stay for Manuel Valle.  Valle was scheduled to be executed on Sept. 6, but the stay will be in effect at least until Thursday, Sept. 8 at 7pm.  Valle’s attorneys will be given some time to introduce documentation that he was improperly denied a clemency hearing.  His attorneys also have other appeals pending in federal court and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Traditionally, if a stay is lifted, Gov. Scott will send a “Letter of Transmittal” to the warden of the Florida State Prison requesting a new execution date be set within a given range of dates, usually a one week block of days.  The warden will then select a date and time within the specified date range.  Although the Governor Scott and the FSP warden can select any date and time, in recent years, execution dates have consistently been on Tuesdays at 6pm.

If a new execution date for Manuel Valle is authorized, FADP will send out a notice ASAP.

Manuel Valle’s attorneys are to be congratulated for doing a valiant job defending him.  Too many times, the dedicated and selfless legal professionals who do noble and tireless work for those whose need is the greatest…get the least accolades.  Their efforts remind us all that an imperfect justice system should never demand an irreversible permanent punishment.  Where there is life…there is hope.

Please TAKE ACTION to prevent more needless killings.

Shine the light,
---Mark

Sent by:
Mark Elliott
Executive Director

Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
P.O. Box 82943
Tampa, FL 33682

Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty is a coalition of individuals and organizations united to abolish the death penalty in Florida.

FADP works to build a strong, diverse, statewide, grassroots movement which:
Opposes executions
Supports reforms aimed at reducing the application of the death penalty until it is ultimately abolished
Protects the humanity of all persons impacted by the death penalty
Educates Floridians about the death penalty
Provides concrete action steps for individuals and groups
 
Click here to visit our website!
 
 


DEATH PENALTY VIGIL INFORMATION: Join Pax Christi Tampa Bay, Peace First, Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and other death penalty opponents at an anti-death penalty vigil from 5:00-6:30 PM on the day for the execution at the intersection of Ulmerton Road and 49th Street N. in mid-Pinellas County (map).  This is the site of past vigils.  Park in the lot next to Checkers on the northwest corner of the intersection.  Signs will be provided, or you can bring your own.  FMI: sjstew@gte.net or (727) 894-2832.
 
Here are three actions to take now:
---Contact Gov. Rick Scott
---If you live outside Tampa Bay, find a vigil/protest in your area
---Help FADP (Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty)
 
 
Jeju Island news sent Thursday night from the Global Network:
 
Gangjeong Village Raided - Many Arrests
 The latest news is that this morning at 4:00 AM the South Korean police and military staged a massive raid of the Gangjeong village on Jeju Island. Sirens blared and villagers ran to the two construction gates to set up non-violent blockades. Many college students have come to join the villagers. By 9:00 am some number of Catholic Priests and 20 villagers and supporters have been arrested in Gangjeong village. More are likely to be taken to jail before this is all over.

It appears this raid was timed to try to "preempt" the major protest festival planned in the village this weekend where more than 1,000 are supposed to come including many from the mainland. The right-wing government is obviously going after as many of the leadership as possible in order to create organizational confusion and a sense of despair. But in times like this new leadership will emerge to keep things going.

Writing from South Korea Global Network board member Sung-Hee Choi, recently released after three months in prison for holding a banner, said, "We need international solidarity. Please protest against the South Korean authorities with letters, press interviews and others."

Follow breaking news on Twitter #Gangjung and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/SaveJeju

Please contact the South Korean embassy in Washington DC directly:
Phone: 202-939-5660/5663
Fax: +1-202-7970595
Email:  information_usa@mofat.go.kr
Help spread the word.
 
Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
PO Box 652
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 443-9502
globalnet@mindspring.com
www.space4peace.org
http://space4peace.blogspot.com/  (blog)




Aug. 29, 2011

NEWSLETTER ITEMS:
 
CALENDAR OF WEEKLY EVENTS
 
NEW EVENTS
1.  ASAP Holiday Hope correction
2.  Execution date changed to Tuesday, September 6
3.  200 Miles to Publix
4.  Café Bohemia films
5.  9/11 peace services
6. International Day of Peace observance
7. PC Florida Assembly: God, Country and the Common Good
 
PREVIOUSLY LISTED EVENTS
 
8.  “Dare to Act for Peace”: Family Peace Camp with Peggy Gish
9.  Nonviolent Communication workshop
10.  Restorative Circles conflict transformation workshop
11. Keep Space for Peace Week
12. Nonviolent occupation of Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C.
13. Close down Southern Command
14. Training for Transition
15. Awakening the Dreamer
16. Circus McGurkis
17. ASAP Holiday Hope, Christmas Caroling
 
Good folks,
 
Saturday night at the WMNF Peace Awards dinner, historian and Freedom Riders author Dr. Ray Arsenault and three Freedom Riders spoke on the historic Freedom Rides that moved the U.S. closer to justice.  Today the struggle to create a just society continues, and two justice events occur on September 6.
 
Last Saturday, August 26, a delegation of farmworkers from Immokalee set out for the Publix headquarters in Lakeland.  On Tuesday, September 6, the day after Labor Day, they will arrive at the headquarters of Florida’s largest corporation after pedaling their bicycles more than 200 miles.  They will personally invite Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw to visit Immokalee and learn about the Campaign for Fair Food. For more than two years Publix has refused to meet with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) to discuss participating in the Campaign.  The CIW is asking for support of their campaign; details are below.
 
Also, the date of Manuel Valle’s execution has changed to September 6.  This means the execution vigil in Pinellas County has also been changed.  More information is below.
 
Also below is information on 9/11 worship services, a date correction, and more.  Items from the previous e-mail newsletter that are still current will follow the new items. 
 
Pax Christi Tampa Bay
 
NEW ITEMS
 
1. CORRECTION: The Holiday Hope Fund-Raising Gala is the largest fundraiser of the year for ASAP Homeless Services.  The gala features live music, a silent auction, complimentary cocktails, and dinner.  It is scheduled for Saturday, November 5th at the St Petersburg Country Club, at 2000 Country Club Way.  FMI and tickets: (727) 823-5665.

2. EXECUTION DATE CHANGED: The Florida Supreme Court has lifted the stay of execution for Manuel Valle.  Gov. Rick Scott has set a new execution date: Tuesday, Sept. 6th at 6 PM. Attorneys for Valle were unable to persuade the Florida Supreme Court that the new execution drug, pentobarbital, increases the risk of pain and suffering.  The drug’s manufacturer was also unsuccessful in efforts to convince Gov. Scott not to use their medicinal drug to kill people.  Valle’s attorneys are expected to appeal to federal court and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Here are three actions to take now:
---Contact Gov. Rick Scott
---If you live outside Tampa Bay, find a vigil/protest in your area
---Help FADP (Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty)

Join Pax Christi Tampa Bay, Peace First, Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and other death penalty opponents at an anti-death penalty vigil from 5:00-6:30 PM on Tuesday, September 6 at the intersection of Ulmerton Road and 49th Street N. in mid-Pinellas County (map).  This is the site of past vigils.  Park in the lot next to Checkers on the northwest corner of the intersection.  Signs will be provided, or you can bring your own.  FMI: sjstew@gte.net or (727) 894-2832.
 
In case of another postponement, the vigil will also be postponed.  Please check local media for updates.

3. 200 MILES TO PUBLIX: For more than two years, Publix has ignored requests to meet with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) to discuss Publix's participation in the Fair Food accords.  On Tuesday, September 6, the first workday after the holiday honoring labor, a CIW delegation that has pedaled more than 200 miles from Immokalee will meet for brunch at 10:00 AM with CIW members and supporters at Barnett Family Park, 730 E Orange Street in Lakeland (information here).  Following brunch, the delegation will complete the final stretch of their journey to Publix headquarters to extend a personal invitation to Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw to visit Immokalee so that he can learn firsthand about the Campaign for Fair Food. Christian author Brian McLaren and others will also lead prayers for Publix to do the right thing.  Shuttles will run between the park and Publix headquarters; participants can also bring their bikes to join the riders on the last part of their journey.
Oddly, CEO Crenshaw supports Fair Trade coffee and proclaims that a guiding maxim for running his business stems from the advice of his grandfather, Publix founder George Jenkins: "Don't let making a profit get in the way of doing the right thing."  Publix is increasingly isolated in its refusal to cooperate with farmworkers.  This past year--in an accord the New York Times called the “possibly the most successful labor action in the United States in 20 years”--the CIW and 90% of Florida’s tomato farms agreed to a new code of conduct that ensures increased wages and workplace protections that have never before existed in the industry. 
The CIW and religious leaders are also kneeling to pray in Publix produce sections around the state.  For a video of a prayer service, information and videos on their Trader Joe’s campaign, and more, go to http://www.ciw-online.org/  
4. CAFÉ BOHEMIA FILMS: St. Pete for Peace features free films on peace and justice themes at 8:30 PM on Wednesdays at Cafe Bohemia (click for address and map) in downtown St. Petersburg.  Films are shown in the outdoor courtyard, so dress accordingly.  Click on the underlined date and running time for more information on each film.  FMI on the series, including future films, click http://www.stpeteforpeace.org/
 
Wednesday, September 7: Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space examines the reality of Earth being ruled from space that began with the Nazi rocket scientist who became a NASA director, Wernher von Braun.  This plan to rule space has survived every US administration since WW2.  Today the technology exists to weaponize space, a massive American industry thrives, and nations are maneuvering for advantage.  Pax Americana examines the machines already orbiting the Earth, treaties designed to keep space weapons-free, and whether the world must capitulate to a space-based global super-cop. (2009, 85 mins.) 
 
Wednesday, September 14: Consuming Kids - The Commercialization of Childhood reveals the practices of a multi-billion dollar marketing industry that sells children and their parents everything from junk food and violent video games to bogus educational products and the family car. Drawing on the insights of health care professionals, children's advocates, and industry insiders, the film focuses on the explosive growth of child marketing in the wake of deregulation, showing how youth marketers have used the latest advances in psychology, anthropology, and neuroscience to transform American children into one of the most powerful and profitable consumer demographics in the world (2008, 67 mins.)
 
5. 9/11 WORSHIP SERVICES: Two local churches are offering worship services for the tenth anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001:
 
Imam Wilmore Sadiki, head of the St. Petersburg Islamic Center, will be preaching at 10:30 AM on Sunday, September 11 at the Lakewood United Church of Christ, 2601 54th Ave. South in
St. Petersburg.  Everyone is welcome.  FMI: http://lakewooducc.org/ or (727) 867-7961
 
The Second Annual Interfaith Worship Service for Peace and Understanding will take place at 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 11 at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street in Sarasota.  FMI: (941) 955-8119.
 
6. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE OBSERVANCE: Join the Tampa Friends/Quakers’ observance of the International Day of Peace from 7:00–8:30 PM on Wednesday, September 21 at the Tampa Friends Meeting House, 1502 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa.  The observance will feature music, peace stories, snacks, and a candlelight vigil.  FMI: (813) 253-3244 or
http://www.tampafriends.org/
 
7. GOD, COUNTRY AND THE COMMON GOOD: Jean Sammon, the Field Coordinator of the NETWORK Catholic Social Justice Lobby in Washington, DC, will present the 2011 Pax Christi Assembly, October 15 and 16, 2011 at the Life Enrichment Center in Fruitland Park, Florida (near Leesburg).  Sammon will examine military spending in the context of the current federal budget/deficit issue, effectively communicating with and influencing the people who make national government decisions, narrowing the spending gap, and how the gap relates to the 2012 elections.  Prior to the Assembly, a group who attended the American Catholic Council gathering in Detroit will show a video and report on this movement to revive the promise and spirit of Pope John XXIII's Second Vatican Council.  The Assembly included talks by Catholic authors James Carroll, Matthew Fox, Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister, and theologians Hans Kung and Anthony Padavano.
 
For information on God, Country and the Common Good, go the Pax Christi Florida website: http://paxchristiflorida.org/
 
PREVIOUSLY LISTED ITEMS
 
8.  FAMILY PEACE CAMP: Peggy Gish has been involved in peace and justice work for 45 years.  She first went to Iraq in 2002 and has spent half of the last eight years there with Christian Peacemaker Teams.  This past March she went to Afghanistan with a two-week delegation then stayed in northern Iraq for three months.  Gish’s book Iraq: A Journey of Hope and Peace describes her involvement with Christian Peacemaker Teams and their work there before, during and after the 2003 September invasion.

Gish will lead “Dare to Act for Peace,” the fifth annual Family Peace Camp from Friday, September 2-Sunday, September 4 at Camp Ithiel, a Church of the Brethren camp near Orlando (http://www.cob-net.org/camp/ithiel/)  The weekend will include games, worship, discussions, swimming and free time.  Children will have special programs and activities.  Lodging options include dorms and camping.  FMI: Contact Phil Lersch at PhilLersch@verizon.net or (727) 544-2911.

 
9.  UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF THE HEART: Nonviolent Communication is a communication practice that builds trust, transforms conflict, and supports deep and authentic relationships through a concrete set of learnable skills and a spiritual practice that leads to inner and outer harmony.  The practices include expressing honestly, listening empathetically, and developing more inner compassion.  It was created by clinical psychologist and international peacemaker Dr. Marshall B. Rosenberg.  In an interactive workshop, Mercedes Frace will guide participants through this work she has shared in schools, communities, nonprofit organizations throughout Florida for over six years. 
 
The workshop will be on Saturday September 17 from 10:00 AM- 4:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 719 Arlington Ave. N.   St. Petersburg (map)  Cost is sliding scale $45-115.  FMI: (941) 492-9279
 

10.  RESTORATIVE CIRCLES AND CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION: Restorative Circles is a nonviolent problem-solving and restoration method that enables community members to resolve conflicts.  A restorative system empowers communities to choose responses to conflict before it occurs - a proactive, preventative conflict transformation that involves the whole community. Restorative Circles (RC) are being used with long-term success in schools, justice systems and communities in this country and around the world.

 

RC Facilitator Duke Duchscherer is a Certified Trainer with the International Center for Nonviolent Communication and has facilitated trainings in Restorative Circles and Nonviolent Communication in India, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Croatia, Canada and the United States.  

 

The Restorative Circles Southeastern US Training will be Friday September 30-Sunday, October 2 at Rising Tide International, 5102 Swift Road in Sarasota (www.risingtideinternational.org) Cost is sliding scale $75-300.  FMI on Restorative Circles click here; FMI on the training click here or call (941) 492-9279.
 
11.  KEEP SPACE FOR PEACE WEEK: The annual Keep Space for Peace Week sponsored by the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space’s will be from October 1-8 in 2011.  During this week, peace groups around the world stage protests, show films, sponsor speakers and organize other activities to oppose the U. S. plans for global domination from space.  FMI on the militarization of space, go to http://www.space4peace.org/

12.  NONVIOLENT RALLY IN WASHINGTON D.C.: Inspired by the nonviolent uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen, Greece, Spain, and elsewhere, people in the United States will observe the tenth anniversary of the war in Afghanistan by occupying Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, October 6 and the following days.  The agenda of the rally will include increased taxes on the rich and corporations; ending the wars and spending the money domestically; protecting the social safety net; reversing environmental degradation; and protecting workers.  Speakers include Ann Wright, Bill Moyers, Bill Quigley, Bruce Wright, Chris Hedges, Cornel West, John Dear, S.J., Rabbi Michael Lerner and Ray McGovern.  FMI: http://october2011.org/welcome FMI on a group going from the Tampa Bay area, click  here

13.  CLOSE DOWN SOUTHERN COMMAND: U.S. Southern Command, located in Doral Florida, just west of Miami, has been key to U.S. intervention, militarism, and economic domination in Latin America.  On October 8-9 (Columbus/Invasion Day weekend), SOA Watch South Florida/SouthCom Watch will hold a weekend of education, entertainment and protest to shut down U.S. Southern Command.  FMI and to co-sponsor the weekend, click here.

14.  TRAINING FOR TRANSITION: The Transition movement works to decrease oil dependency and build local community resilience through creative actions in the face of economic instability, worsening social inequity and the environmental crisis.  The movement uses processes of regeneration that communities can adopt to promote resilience for food, energy, and economy as industrial culture declines. 
 
Transition facilitator Don Hall has a Master’s in Environmental Leadership at Naropa University and co-founded Transition Naropa, one of the first Transition University Initiatives. Tina Clarke has been an educator, consultant, and director of nonprofit programs since 1985. She has provided professional training and support for community leaders, campaigns and NGO’s including Greenpeace USA and Clean Water.   Tina has an M.A. in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, a B.A. in urban studies from Macalester College.
 

Training for Transition is an in depth two-day training introduction to the ideas and practices of the Transition movement.  It will be 9:00 AM-5:00 PM on Saturday, October 15 and 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 16 at The Roosevelt 2.0, 1812 N. 15th Street in Ybor City in Tampa.  Cost is $170 by October 1; $190 thereafter.  FMI, click here  A free Friday night conversation about the Transition movement will be from 7:00-9:00 PM on Friday, October 14.  More information is at www.thebridgetampa.com

 
15.  AWAKENING THE DREAMER: Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream is a movement to change the dream of the modern world from consumption, competition, and acquisition to a dream of sustainability, justice, and peace.  Awakening the Dreamer uses trained facilitators, videos and group interaction to promote an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on the Earth. 

An Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream symposium will be Saturday, October 22 from 8:30 AM-3:30 PM at the “City of Imagination” Building, 2726 54th St. S. in Gulfport.  Cost is $10.  FMI on Awakening the Dreamer: http://awakeningthedreamer.org/about-atd/   FMI on the Pachamama Institute: http://www.pachamama.org/ FMI on the local symposium: dsinclair47@hotmail.com   To register, click here and scroll down to the map.

16. CIRCUS McGURKIS: Since 1971 Circus McGurkis, “The People’s Fair,” has featured activism, arts, crafts, music, games and ideas with a special focus on activities for children and families of all types.  The 2011 Circus will be from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM on Saturday, October 29 at Lake Vista Park, 1401 62nd Avenue South in St. Petersburg.  FMI: http://www.circusmcgurkis.org/index.htm; (727) 346-8598 or QuakerCircusMcGurkis@Gmail.com  Advocacy and service groups, performers, and craftspeople can find information on registration by contacting organizers at the addresses above. 
17.  ASAP ACTIVITIES: Dates have been set for two annual ASAP Homeless Services events.  Details on both events will follow.

- The Holiday Hope Fund-Raising Gala is the largest fundraiser of the year for ASAP Homeless Services.  The gala features live music, a silent auction, complimentary cocktails, and dinner.  It is scheduled for Saturday, November 5th at the St Petersburg Country Club, at 2000 Country Club Way.  FMI and tickets: (727) 823-5665.
-The annual "Still... No Room at the Inn" Carol Sing with ASAP Homeless Services will be from 7:00-9:00 P.M. on Friday, December 9, beginning at the ASAP Drop-in Center, 423 11th Avenue South in St. Petersburg.  FMI: (727) 823-5665 or http://www.asaphomeless.org/

Contact Pax Christi:
sjstew@gte.net
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