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Sunday, January 2: Channel NBC29 airs special interview with Jim Heilman about his electoral activites at 7:30 a.m. Monday, January 3: Charlottesville City Council will receive the Council Elections Task Force Report. Tuesday, January 4: Dimpled Chad Day Thursday, January 6: Interfaith Gay/Straight Alliance meeting at St. Paul's Memorial Church, 1700 University Avenue, Charlottesville. 6:00 pm, committee meetings (Media, Outreach and Legislative). 7:00 pm viewing the DVD, "Same-Sex Marriage: A Civil Debate." Feel free to bring brown-bag dinner. Thursday, January 6: 6:30 pm at Dickinson Theatre, PVCC, a Chesapeake Bay Foundation presentation on the proposed "Flush Fee" to help fulfill Virginia's committment to clean up Chesapeake Bay. Information: Kay Slaughter, (434) 977-4090 or visit www.southernenvironment.org. Friday, January 7: The Office of State Governmental Relations sponsors a Legislative Forum at the Newcomb Hall Ballroom at noon. Many local legislators as well as UVa President John Casteen will discuss issues facing the general assembly in the next session, and questions from the audience will be taken. Friday, January 7: 5:00 to 9:00 pm at the Community Design Center, 101 East Main Street (on the Downtown Mall) Creating Local and Distant Landscapes, an exhibit sponsored by the Graduate Landscape Architecture Program at the UVa School of Architecture, of the work of Alumni and local practitioners. (434) 984-2232 for more information. Saturday, January 8: Rivanna Trails work party, held the second Saturday of each month. Meet at 8:55 am at the Melbourne Road trailhead, just downhill from the CHS playing fields. Further information: John Holden, 973 9179 or john@brms.com. Saturday, January 8: Virginia Anti-War Network gathering 10:00 am - 9:00 pm, Asbury United Methodist Church, 324 N. 29th St., Richmond. Lunch and dinner will be provided for this event. A donation of $10.00 is requested to help pay for the cost of the conference. Also, limited housing and childcare will be provided. For car-pool information from Charlottesville contact: Shelly Stern (434) 295-1388. Note: Car-pools from Charlottesville will be leaving at 8:30 am from the Catholic Worker House, 615 Bailey Rd., off of 5th St. (near Tonsler Park). For conference information: Organizing Committee for the Anti-War Network: richmond-j20@riseup.net. Saturday, January 8: 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Opening reception, "Thirty-Six Small Pictures of Fluvanna County" by regular contributor to the Loper website Dave Sagarin. Part of a two-man show with artist and illustrator Ed Newman. Fork Union Community Center, a mile north of the village of Fork Union on Rte 15. The exhibit continues through February. Monday, January 10: 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Reception honoring State Senator Creigh Deeds to further his campaign for Attorney General, at Second Street Gallery, on Water Street, Charlottesville. Minimum contribution per person, $75. Monday, January 10: 5:30 - 7:00 Friends of State Senator John Edwards sponsor a Cocktail Reception at the Berkley Hotel, 1200 East Cary Street, Richmond, to further his campaign for Attorney General. RSVP by January 7 to Joan Baker Washburn, (540) 989-6127. Suggested contributions range from $250 to $1500 per person. Host committee includes: Senator Benjamin Lambert, III; Senator Henry Marsh, III; Senator Mary Margaret Whipple; Senator Patricia Ticer; Senator Roscoe Reynolds; Delegate Dwight Jones; R.S. 'Major' Reynolds, III; McLain O'Ferrall; David Craig Landin. Tuesday, January 11: Adam Clymer, Political Director of the National Annenberg Election Survey, will discuss "Truth in Politics: The 2004 Election Made Simple" at 5:30 p.m. at the Miller Center. Wednesday, January 12: A PLANNING MEETING FOR SUMMIT ON MILITARY DRAFT, SELECTIVE SERVICE and RECRUITMENT 6:00 pm at Charlottesville Friends Meeting, 1104 Forest St. We are planning a summit in March for people interested in learning about how the Selective Service system works. We also intend to offer information on draft counseling. resisting military recruitment, and what conscientious objection is all about. Please join us to help plan this event! Frances Racette 295-2754 frances@spandrel.net Thursday, January 13: NOTE CHANGE Charlottesville Democratic Committee Meeting moved to January 25. Thursday, January 13: GLBT Lobby Day 2005 in Richmond, sponsored by the Virginia Partisans. 9:00 am at the Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel, 901 Bank Street, at the bottom of Capitol Square, Richmond. Gather for materials and refreshments. 9:30 Training. During the day: Walk the halls of the General Assembly. 5:30 - 7:30 pm Legislative Reception, Old City Hall. Or join the protest electronically. Further info on the website, http://www.vapartisans.org Thursday, January 13: Monthly membership meeting (open to the public) of ASAP, 7:30 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church Library, 190 Rugby Road. Topic: Exploring the No Growth Option with Chris Williamson, AICP, author of an article by the same title published in the November 2004 issue of the American Planning Association’s Planning magazine. Last month ASAP distributed the article by e-mail. Williamson is a planner with the City of Oxnard, CA. He has worked as a planner for several other communities, taught at the University of Southern California, and conducted research on land use, housing, and growth management policies. All members of the community are welcome to attend the meeting. Info: Jack 974-6390 or Andy 244-0793. NOTE the public is also invited to an afternoon presentation by Dr. Williamson on his book at Campbell Hall at 3:30 pm Saturday, January 15: Andy Thomson will address the Albemarle/Charlottesville Democratic breakfast at JABA on Hillsdale Drive at 9:30 a.m. The breakfast is free and open to the public. The title of the talk is "Killer Apes on American Airlines, or How Religion is the Real Hijacker of September 11th." Here is a web address with my recent article that summarizes some of what would be in the talk. http://readthehook.com/stories/2004/09/30/coverWhyTheyKillMaleBondin.html In essence the argument is that to understand Sept 11th and terrorism one must face two facts: male bonded coalitionary violence with lethal raiding is embedded in the male of our species and its origin dates to our common ancestor with chimpanzees and secondly that religion is a cultural construct of man one whose very design features is to hijack this capacity for male bonded violence. Saturday, January 15: Politics on your mind? Ever think you'd like to be more active? SAVE THIS DATE.....January 15th from 9 am to 1 pm in Charlottesville (exact location to be determined). The Democratic Road Back PAC is planning a training session for potential candidates, campaign managers, and anyone interested in working for Democratic candidates in the Fall 05 elections (or any election)! Co-sponsors: The Democratic Parties of Charlottesville City, Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna & Orange Counties. Scheduled speakers include: Lisa A. Turner, President of Turner & Associates - a political consulting firm located in Richmond Doug Gray, Health Care lobbyist and former staff member at the Sorensen Institute Delegate Ken Plum, Veteran Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Reston Topics to be covered include: Campaign management; Fundraising; Campaign ethics; The reality of being a candidate; And more!! SO YOU WANT TO BE IN POLITICS...coming January 15th. Questions? Want to register early? Contact Connie Jorgensen at roadback@mitchvanyahres.com or 293-3733. Sunday, January 16: Appreciate a Dragon Day. Sunday, January 16: 4:00 p.m. Presentation on the Health and Safety Impacts Expected from the Proposed New Nuclear Reactors Lou Zeller, with twenty years experience on nuclear energy matters, will be presenting recent CDC statistics showing dramatic cancer increases in the region since the start-up of the North Anna nuclear reactors in Louisa County. He will also give an update on Dominion’s plans for building two new reactors. Details about the January 19th official public hearing on the new nuclear reactors - sponsored by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission - will also be covered. Location: 106 Goodman Street, Charlottesville (in the Belmont neighborhood) Directions: From Market, cross over the bridge, right at Graves St. (Spudnuts), and right onto Goodman. For more information: 409-6392 or 295-0872 Monday, January 17: Juvenile Death Penalty Awareness Day. 8:00 am briefing at Richmond City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, 2nd Floor Council Chambers. 9:00 am meetings with your legislators. 11:00 am Press Conference. 11:30 am Action Event & Gallery introductions. 12:30 lunch and debriefing. Tuesday, January 18: 7:00 pm Offstage Theater production of The Bush Monologues: Performers on Politics at the Gravity Lounge, Downtown Mall, Charlottesville. Info: Jennifer (434) 825-0879 jennifer@turnyourbackonbush.org Wednesday, January 19: Rally against new licensing for nukes at North Anna 6:00 pm, Louisa County Middle School, 1009 Davis Highway, Mineral, VA This rally precedes the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) hearing [see below] scheduled for 7:00 pm concerning a site permit for two new reactors at North Anna nuclear power station in Louisa County in Central VA. If you cannot attend the hearing, send written comments to Chief, Rules and Directives Branch, Division of Administrative Services, Office of Administration, Mailstop T-6D59, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C.2055-001, or email (no later than March 1) to NorthAnna_ESP@nrc.gov. One can also sign a petition against new nukes at North Anna at Further information: Elena Day (434) 296-2494, elenaday@aol.com Wednesday, January 19: 7:00 pm NRC public hearing on North Anna early site permit. Louisa County Middle School, 1009 Davis Highway, Mineral, VA. Alicia Williamson, (800) 368-5642 x1878, NorthAnna_ ESP@nrc.gov. Local contact: Elena Day (434) 296-2494, elenaday@aol.com. Thursday, January 20: Inauguration of President Bush for a second term. Thursday, January 20: 7:00 pm to midnight, Americans for Democratic Action Counter Inaugural Gala at the Washington Court Hotel, 525 New Jersey Ave., Washington DC. $50 per person. Info/tix at www.adaction.org/counterinaugural.pdf or by phone to (202) 785-5980 -- ask for Andrea. Thursday, January 20: CounterInaugural Ball sponsored by ReDeafeatBush beginning at 7 p.m. at Dream, 1350 Oakie Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. (accessible by shuttle from NY Avenue Metro Stop). Thursday, January 20: "Not One Damn Dime Day" - Jan 20, 2005 - Inauguration Day Since our religious leaders will not speak out against the war in Iraq, since our political leaders don't have the moral courage to oppose it, Inauguration Day, Thursday, January 20th, 2005 is "Not One Damn Dime Day" in America. On "Not One Damn Dime Day" those who oppose what is happening in our name in Iraq can speak up with a 24-hour national boycott of all forms of consumer spending. During "Not One Damn Dime Day" please don't spend money. Not one damn dime for gasoline. Not one damn dime for necessities or for impulse purchases. Not one damn dime for anything for 24 hours. On "Not One Damn Dime Day," please boycott Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target . . . Please don't go to the mall or the local convenience store. Please don't buy any fast food (or any groceries at all for that matter). For 24 hours, please do what you can to shut the retail economy down. The object is simple. Remind the people in power that the war in Iraq is immoral and illegal; that they are responsible for starting it and that it is their responsibility to stop it. "Not One Damn Dime Day" is to remind them, too, that they work for the people of the United States of America, not for the international corporations and K Street lobbyists who represent the corporations and funnel cash into American politics. "Not One Damn Dime Day" is about supporting the troops. The politicians put the troops in harm's way. Now that over 1,300 brave young Americans and (some estimate) 100,000 Iraqis have died, the politicians owe our troops a plan - a way to come home. There's no rally to attend. No marching to do. No left or right wing agenda to rant about. On "Not One Damn Dime Day" you take action by doing nothing. You open your mouth by keeping your wallet closed. For 24 hours, nothing gets spent, not one damn dime, to remind our religious leaders and our politicians of their moral responsibility to end the war in Iraq and give America back to the people. Thursday, January 20: 5:30 pm Become a light in the darkness at the West end of the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville (near the Ice Park), while others celebrate in Washington D.C. Sponsored by Democracy for America. Information: vawineman@earthlink.net. Thursday, January 20: 7:00 to 8:30, Read-in of the Constitution of the United States in the McIntire Room at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library on East Market Street, Charlottesville.Sponsored by CCPJ: for further information contact Susan Oberman, (434) 244-0374 oberman@esinet.net; Franny Nudelman, (434) 245-0307 fn6c@virginia.edu or Sue Chase, (540) 456-8176 schase@cstone.net. Friday, January 21: Donovan Webster will speak on "The Man in the Hood: New Accounts of Prisoner Abuse in Iraq" at 11 a.m. at the Miller Center. Friday, January 21: Last date that bills can be filed with the Virginia General Assembly. Saturday, January 22: Anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Saturday, January 22: Atlantic Weekly Part I, heard on Saturday mornings on WTJU 91.1 FM from 8:00 to 10:00 AM, will mark the conclusion of the 2004 presidential campaign, election, and inauguration with a reading from George Orwell's 1984. This special Atlantic Weekly will depart from its normal presentation of folk and acoustic music to intertwine music with selections from Orwell's novel. 1984 describes a fictitious modern totalitarian empire where reason and civility are undermined by a campaign of endless propaganda and carefully crafted psychological manipulation. In the place of reason and civility Orwell's "Oceania" is instilled with a more easily manipulated all-pervasive climate of fear and loathing. Selections will be chosen and read by Atlantic Weekly listeners and featured performing artists. Listeners and community members are encouraged to lend their voices to this event. Selections may be recorded in the WTJU production studio, or at other convenient locations using a portable digital recorder, during the week prior to broadcast. To make arrangements to join in this broadcast contact Atlantic Weekly host Mark Haskins at mh.atlanticweekly@earthlink.net or call (434) 245-8584. Sunday, January 23: 21st ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMUNITY CELEBRATION at 5:00 pm at MLK Performing Arts Center (at Charlottesville High School) The theme for this year's celebration is: BUILDING THE "BELOVED COMMUNITY" Included in the program will be: Keynote speaker: Mary T. Christian, Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates. Community Mass Choir, Directed by Jonathan Spivey Awards and recognitions There will be a "Social Justice Fair" in the lobby so that attendees can learn about and participate in the work of these groups. Please come out for this celebratory annual event honoring the work of Dr. King. For further information: Susan Oberman 244-0374 oberman@esinet.net Tuesday, January 25: Robert Burns birthday. Tuesday, January 25: 7:00 pm. Meeting of the Charlottesville Democratic Committee in the Cafeteria of Buford Middle School. (This is a change from the earlier date of January 13). Comments/Questions to Lloyd Snook, cvllelaw@ntelos.net. Tuesday, January 25: The Center for Politics has finalized details to host four of the media's preeminent political cartoonists in the UVA Special Collections Library on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 7pm. The event, titled "Win, Lose, or Draw: Political Cartoons and the 2004 Election" features Pulitzer Prize winner Ann Telnaes, AOL/Time Warner's Bob Gorrell, the Baltimore Sun's Kevin "Kal" Kallaugher, and the Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star's own Clay Jones. "With the election well behind us, there's no better time to look at the role of political humor--especially political cartoons--in our nation's electoral process," said Molly Clancy, deputy director for programs and the event's organizer. Following the successes of previous events designed to engage students, faculty, and local citizens alike, "Win, Lose, or Draw" will not only serve as an academic analysis of the relationship between the media and the candidates they choose to lampoon, but it will also offer an opportunity to interact with the panel members. "This event is primarily a dialogue with political cartoonists and will explore another side of reporting and commenting on the news," added Clancy. In addition to discussing the role of a political cartoonist, panelists will display samples of their work from the past year. The University of Virginia Center for Politics is a non-profit, non-partisan institute whose mission is to promote the value of politics and seeks to improve civic education and increase civic participation through comprehensive research, pragmatic analysis, and innovative educational programs. Founded in 1998 by political analyst and Professor Larry J. Sabato, the Center is committed to the proposition that government works better when politics works better, and its corollary that politics works better when citizens are informed and active participants. For more information please visit http://www.centerforpolitics.org. Wednesday, January 26: Ron Suskind will speak on "Faith, Certainty, and the Presidency of George W. Bush" at 5:30 p.m. at the Miller Center. Wednesday, January 26: Susan Tyler Hitchcock will be interviewed on Charlottsville's WINA AM 1070, approaching 9 am, about her new book Mad Mary Lamb. Thursday, January 27: Susan Tyler Hitchcock reads from and talks about her new book, Mad Mary Lamb, at New Dominion Bookshop on the Downtown Mall, Charlottesville, at 5:30 pm. Saturday, January 29: Democracy in Action?: The Law and Politics of Local Governance". Sponsored by the Journal of Law & Politics. Caplin Pavilion at the University of Virginia School of Law. Have you ever wondered about the origins of your neighborhood? Have you ever been concerned for the direction of development in a community you care about? Have you ever wondered about the future of our cities, our suburbs and how they will be governed? The Journal of Law & Politics invites all faculty, staff, students and local citizens to join the leading scholars in local government law from across the country for a day long symposium exploring the ideas and forces affecting the communities we live in. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, see http://www.law.virginia.edu/home2002/html/news/2005_spr/politicsconf.htm or www.student.virginia.edu/~jalopy Monday, January 31: Calling All Belmont Residents Bring your neighbors and come to a Personal & Neighborhood Safety Meeting Monday, January 31st • 7-8:30pm Speakers & Topics Sexual Assault Resource Agency: Sexual Assault Facts & Myths Be Safe: Get Informed & Meet Your Neighbors! For Meeting Info: 760.3330 Please help spread the word. Share the attached flyer with your neighbors! February Ongoing and Month-long:
Tuesday, February 1: Jim Heilman will speak on the international elections field and the fairness of the Ukraine Presidential Election at 5:30 p.m. at the Miller Center. Wednesday, February 2: Democracy for America Meetup. 6:45 PM. New Albemarle County Office Building on Fifth Street Extended (formerly Wachovia Operations Center). Discussion of Social Security and proposed changes led by Don Wells. Thursday, February 3: Pro-Choice Lobby Day at the Virginia General Assembly. Reproductive healthcare and education services are still
under attack here in Charlottesville with continued efforts to shut
down the new medical and education center on Hydraulic Road (see recent
article in The Daily Progress). These critical services are also being threatened
throughout the state of Virginia and we need you to take action again when
the General Assembly session starts. The Virginia Pro-Choice Coalition Pro-Choice
Lobby Day is on Thursday, February 3rd and we need you and every pro-choice
supporter you know to attend! Learn about important legislation, meet with
your legislator, attend key committee meetings on these pieces of legislation
and enjoy a luncheon with other pro-choice Virginians and a keynote speaker.
Thursday, February 3: African-American History Month at Monticello. Stephanie J. Shaw discusses her upcoming book on enslaved women. 4:00 pm, at Kenwood, free and open to the public. Thursday, February 3: Day of All People of Faith at the Virginia
General Assembly, sponsored by the Virginia Interfaith Center. Time: 8 am
to 3:30 pm. Location: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 815 E. Grace Street,
Richmond. Registration must be received by January 31st. There are three
ways to register: Please note: The Interfaith Center staff will make all legislative appointments. This is a change from previous years. For more information, please contact the office. Phone: 804-643-2474 E-mail: office@vicpp.org Thursday, February 3: Mark Halperin, political director of ABC News, will speak on the President's State of the Union message and the voting in Iraq at 5:30 p.m. at the Miller Center. Thursday, February 3: Interfaith Gay/Straight Alliance meeting 6:00 pm at St. Paul’s Memorial Church, 1700 University Ave, Charlottesville. We will gather at 6:00, separate into subcommittees for a combination brown-bag dinner and planning session, then reconvene for the regular general meeting at 7:00 pm. The Interfaith Gay/Straight Alliance may be contacted by email at igsa@avenue.org or by phone at (434) 220-0970. Friday, February 4: Ambassador Dennis Ross will speak on "The Missing Peace: The Inside Story of the Fight for Middle East Peace" at 11:00 a.m. at the Miller Center. A book signing will follow. Saturday, February 5: State Democratic Party Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner, Richmond. Tickets are $150/person, $65 for students. See http://www.vademocrats.org/JJ2005/Main.asp for details. Tuesday, February 8: 6:00 - 8:00 pm Beer Tasting and Fundraiser for the Road Back Pack at Starr Hill Restaurant & Brewery, 709 West Main Street (Across from the Amtrak Station parking lot) Tickets ($25 in advance, $30 at the door) at http://www.cvilleroadback.org. Tuesday, February 8: Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy Longo will speak on "Homeland Security Brought Home:Are We Any Safer Now Than We Were on 9/11?" at 5:30 p.m. at the Miller Center. Wednesday, February 9: An Evening with Jonathan Haidt, social and cultural psychologist at UVA. "It IS About Moral Values (and Democrats can win!)". 7 PM. Terrace Room, Charlottesville Ice Park. Professor Haidt will share the latest research in moral psychology that can help Democrats persuade, inspire and lead. A discussion will follow led by Professor Haidt and Al Weed, Chairman, Public Policy Virginia. Free, but RSVP info@ppvir.org or phone Donna Goings @ 980-0857. Space is limited. Sponsored by Public Policy Virginia and Democracy for America, Charlottesville. Friday, February 11: Pollster John Zogby will speak on the November 2 Presidential Election as the "Armageddon Election" at 11:00 a.m. at the Miller Center. Saturday, February 12: Rivanna Trails work party. Meet at 8:55 am at the Melbourne Road trailhead, just downhill from the CHS playing fields. Further information: Bob Stroh, 295-0534 or cpinc8@aol.com. Saturday, February 12: African-American History Month at Monticello.Archaeology morning for Children, 10:00 to noon. Reservations are required for this hands-on workshop for kids in grades 4 to 7 who are accompanied by an adult. Info 984 9853. Wednesday, February 16: Susan Tyler Hitchcock reads from and talks about her two new books, Mad Mary Lamb and Geography of Religion, at the Virginia Writers Club, Barnes & Noble, Barracks Road Shopping Center, Charlottesville, at 7 pm. Thursday, February 17: Mary Buford Hitz will speak about her new book Never Ask Permission, which chronicles the life of her legendary mother, Elizabeth Scott Bocock, at 5:30 p.m. at the Miller Center. A book signing will follow. Saturday, February 19: Al Weed, Nelson County vintner and recent candidate for Congress, will address the Albemarle/Charlottesville Democratic breakfast at JABA on Hillsdale Drive at 9:30 a.m. The breakfast is free and open to the public. Al will talk about his new initiative, "Public Policy Virginia," an organization intended to frame issues in new ways for better communication by Democrats in the Fifth Congressional District of Virginia. Sunday, February 20: Northern Hemisphere Hoodie Hoo Day. Wednesday, February 23: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nick Kotz will speak on "Why Not Now: How Martin Luther King, Jr. and Lyndon Baines Johnson Changed America" at 11:00 a.m. at the Miller Center. Thursday, February 24: African-American History Month at Monticello. Todd Savitt will discuss elements of slave health 4:00 pm at Kenwood. Friday, February 25: John M Bridgeland, former assistant to President Bush and director of USA Freedom Corps, will speak on "Is Civic Renewal Possible?" at 11:00 a.m. at the Miller Center. March Tuesday, March 1: Pig Day Wednesday, March 2: Texas Independence Day Saturday, March 5: The world-famous Democratic Spaghetti Dinner at the Monticello Events and Conference Center -- 6:00 PM to 9:00 or so. All the statewide candidates, from Tim Kaine through the four Lieutenant Governor candidates to the two Attorney General candidates have been invited. Come meet whichever of them are present, and support the local party. Saturday, March 12: Rivanna Trails work party. Meet at 8:55 am at the Melbourne Road trailhead, just downhill from the CHS playing fields. Further information: Garnett Mellen, 295-0309 or garnett@argon.org. Saturday, March 19: Author and Historian Donovan Webster will address the Albemarle/Charlottesville Democratic breakfast at JABA on Hillsdale Drive at 9:30 a.m. The breakfast is open to the public. Webster is recently returned from Iraq and will talk about his time in the Middle East. Donovan Webster is a former senior editor for Outside magazine, and has written for such publications as Smithsonian, the New Yorker, the New York Times Magazine, National Geographic and Wired. He is also the author of several books of military history. April Saturday, April 2: Equality Virginia Announces Annual Award Recipients: Dr. Julian Bond, Chairman of the NAACP, to accept award and give keynote address Equality Virginia proudly announces the following recipients of its annual Equality Awards, to be presented at Equality Virginia’s Second Annual Commonwealth Dinner in Richmond April 2, 2005: Equality Commonwealth Award: Dr. Julian Bond, Chairman of the NAACP; Equality Public Servant Award: Senator John S. Edwards, Virginia's 21st District; Equality Community Award: Hon. William G. Kocol, Administrative Law Judge. Dr. Julian Bond, Chairman of the NAACP, will accept the Equality Commonwealth Award, the evening’s most prestigious award, and give the keynote address. Dr. Bond, an icon in the civil rights movements of the past half century, insists that gay rights are civil rights and publicly supports gay civil marriage. With clarity and courage, Dr. Bond leads the African-American community and America at large to embrace equality and justice for gay men and lesbians. “Dr. Bond is no less than a civil rights legend. His life’s work has been enlightened political activism in pursuit of justice for all Americans. His name, like those of King, Marshall and Kennedy, will forever be synonymous with that most cherished American ideal: that we are all created equal,” said Joseph R. Price, an attorney and Chair of Equality Virginia’s Board of Directors. Other award recipients for the evening are Senator John S. Edwards of Virginia’s 21st District (Roanoke), who will accept the Equality Public Servant Award for his enduring work as a public servant to protect and advance the rights of LGBT Virginians, and Hon. William G. Kocol, Administrative Law Judge, who will accept the Equality Community Award for his years of bipartisan leadership in advancing the rights of gay and lesbian Virginians in his community and across the Commonwealth. The Second Annual Commonwealth Dinner takes place Saturday, April 2, 2005 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. It’s annual gala event, the largest gathering of its kind for the gay, lesbian and bisexual community of Virginia, is expected to attract more than 1,000 supporters. More information can be found at www.EqualityVirginia.org/Commonwealth_Dinner Wednesday, April 13: Birthday of Thomas Jefferson. Announcement of 2005 Jefferson Muzzles. Saturday, April 16: National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day Saturday, April 16: Renowned ethicist William May will address the Albemarle/Charlottesville Democratic breakfast at JABA on Hillsdale Drive at 9:30 a.m. The breakfast is free and open to the public. Prof. May was the founding director of SMU's Cary M. Maguire Center for
Ethics and Public Responsibility, and has recently retired to this area.
He served on the 1994 Task Force on Health Care Reform, and more recently
on the Bush Administration's Presidential Council on Bioethics. His most
recent book, is the 2001 study of ethics in eight professions, entitled
“The Beleaguered Rulers: The Public Obligation of the Professional.”
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