FARM WORKDAY at the LICKING CREEK BEND FARM Sunday, July 24

Sent on behalf of: LICKING CREEK BEND FARM a sustainably-grown fruit and vegetable farm since 1972

SUMMER, 2011                                    All the news that’s fit to eat

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FARM WORKDAY at the LICKING CREEK BEND FARM

On Sunday, July 24th, we are having a volunteer workday.  It’s a great opportunity to see what and how we grow our veggies and fruit and to lend us a hand.  We offer the option of coming up on Friday or Saturday evening, camp out and work with us on Saturday and Sunday.  We also have limited beds.  Get there by 7 AM!

Our farm is 2 hours from DC near Berkeley Springs, W. VA.  Bring swim suits and towels to swim in the creek.  We’ll feed you.  If interested and for directions, contact esiegel2@igc.org

A few considerations:

1.  You must be in good shape;  bring sunscreen, a large hat, bug spray (although there are no mosquitoes on the farm!); and a water bottle.

2.  The work day starts at 9:00am, so you will need to leave by 7:00am (no later than 7:30am) on Sunday.  If you have room for others, let us know so we can help arrange for carpools.

3.  Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate or be responsible for small children.  

CSA – COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE – JOIN OUR CSA…
And receive weekly fresh vegetables and fruits straight from our farm.  Our vegetables and fruits are grown to organic standards and are certified.  We also provide some fruits from a local orchard that are IPM raised (minimal pesticide use).  

The concept of a CSA is a partnership between a small local farm and people in a near-by city. It offers an interaction with the farm and we sponsor a visiting day to meet the farm workers and in turn allow the farm workers, who work insanely long hours, to meet the folks who are on the receiving end.  It makes quite a difference – for both the consumer and farmer.  

The CSA offers the weekly seasonal pick from the fields.  The attached calendar approximates what should be available in which months, but it is not always exact as we are dependent on the whim of Mother Nature.  We don't know how much of what will be ready at a given time.  Our membership form is also attached.  Visit our website for a brief history of CSAs and more details about ours.     www.lickingcreekbendfarm.com

Our CSA is divided into 4 sessions.  The next session is August-September, the most plentiful. Right our CSA includes peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, Swiss chard, turnips, cucumbers, squash, basil and our tomatoes (including heirloom varieties) are almost ready.

CSA pick up locations:
Saturdays:      18th and Columbia Rds, NW 9:30am – 1:30pm at our Adams Morgan Farm Market
        14th and Park Rds, NW, 9:30am – 1:30pm at our Columbia Heights Farm Market
        Takoma Park, Maryland,  4:30pm - 9:30pm, address provided with sign up

Tuesdays:    Brookland Metro Station, 4:00pm – 7:00pm Brookland Farmers Market
        Takoma Park, Maryland,  8:30pm - 9:30pm, address provided with sign up

Thursdays:      16th and Q Streets, NW, DCJCC 5:00pm – 6:30pm

For further information contact esiegel2@igc.org ASAP to sign up for Session 2: August – September.

Thanks for your interest and support.  Please let us know ASAP

Save Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security

Proposed cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security benefits would hurt tens millions of Americans. It would also devastate countless hospitals, medical practices, retirement communities, clinics, and the people they serve. All will endure hardship and pain if the cuts happen. We're fighting back with our Emergency Coalition to Save Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. We've created the website KeepOurPromise.org to empower this critically important effort. We demand that our politicians keep our promise between generations and among all Americans to preserve, protect--and even expand and improve--Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Please contribute whatever you can to help. (Contributions to Keep Our Promise are not tax deductible) 

We're setting up a media strategy to inform and mobilize the general public on these issues, and planning call-in days to jam the White House and Congressional switchboards with calls.

We're explaining that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are not "broke," and do not add to the debt or deficit. We should cut corruption and corporate profiteering--not benefits. To control costs and provide the best outcomes, need Expanded, Improved Medicare for All (single payer healthcare).

 We're working with members of Congress and staffers, the Black, Progressive and Hispanic Caucus, as well as progressive, faith, patients' rights and civil rights leaders and organizations, unions, and more. We convene weekly action meetings to plan lobby days, call-in days, Congressional hearings, town hall meetings, a media strategy and special events. Contribute now to Save Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. (Contributions to Keep Our Promise are not tax deductible).



We're holding a massive citizen's lobby day July 20th. We're meeting with 85 members of Congress with a simple message: No cuts to Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security. Let Medicare negotiate with big drug companies on prices. Improve and expand Medicare--don't cut it! We're holding events nation-wide with our allies to commemorate the anniversary of Medicare at the end of this month, as well as Vigils at Congressional offices. The first hearing in the series is scheduled for July 19 in the Rayburn House Office Building. It will focus on the impact of proposed cuts on people in need--and what the American People don't know about proposed cuts.

 Please contribute now to help us Save Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. (Contributions to Keep Our Promise are not tax deductible).

Save the Dream / Save Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid

1. TONIGHT Friday July 15th and ONGOING: Help us Save the Dream in Langley Park
2. Wednesday, July 20th lobby day to Save Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid in Washington, DC
3. Progressive Coalition Meeting 7:30 PM Tuesday, August 9th in Wheaton
4. Support the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, working for you: http://bit.ly/mocoprogress

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1. TONIGHT Friday July 15 and ONGOING: Help us Save the Dream

It was a proud day last Spring when the Maryland Legislature passed the Dream Act, a terrific bill to extend in-state tuition to deserving young people. These are kids who've lived in our state, studied hard at our schools, and want nothing more than a chance to contribute to Maryland's economy as college graduates. With the high costs of college, the Dream Act is often their only chance at the American Dream.

There's been a great deal of confusion and misinformation about the Dream Act. It will not cost the state a lot of money. In fact, it would more than pay for itself as our young people learn, work, and contribute in our state. It will not deprive any child of documented parents a spot in our excellent Maryland State Universities. The Dream Act guarantees preference for the children of documented parents.

So why is the Dream Act at risk? A well-funded, largely out-of-state operation is spreading misinformation. They're trying to exploit the Dream Act as a wedge issue for political purposes. They used new, high-tech methods and a huge war chest to generate countless petitions to overturn the Dream Act. It seems the anti-Dreamers have the signatures they need to put this on the ballot, but not so fast! They didn't count on us!

You can help! Volunteers are working together to Defend the Dream. We need you to check the signatures to make sure they're valid. Early indications are that many of them may be questionable at best.

We'll meet this Friday, July 15th from 5 pm to 9 pm at CASA de Maryland 's offices:
8151 15th Avenue, Langley Park, MD 20783
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=8151+15th+Avenue,+Langley+Park,+MD+20783

If you want to live in a Maryland that honors the hard work of all our young people with the opportunity for higher education, please join us!

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2. Join the Progressive Democrats of America's Wednesday, July 20th lobby day in Washington, DC.

Save Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid Lobby Day

Progressive Democrats of America and allies will bring a simple message to Congress:
Don't cut Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. Let's Medicare negotiate prescription drug prices. Lift the cap so millionaires pay their fair share. End the wars, redirect funds to meet human needs. In honor of Medicare's Anniversary, we want to improve and expand the program, not cut it!

When: Wednesday, July 20. Meet at 10am or 2pm
Where: United Methodist Building,
100 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=100+Maryland+Ave+NE+Washington+DC+20002
(Metro: Union Station, Red line)

For more info/RSVP: http://bit.ly/lobby-7-20-11
Download the lobby day flyer , post on bulletin boards and hand out at meetings and events!

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3. Progressive Coalition Meeting 7:30 PM Tuesday, August 9th in Wheaton

Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, PDA, and more.
Progressive Coalition Meeting to plan future events and actions.

Saigonese Restaurant, 11232 Grandview Ave
Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902
Public Transportation: Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line)
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902

Report on progress in our county and state on Healthcare, the Environment, Education, Labor, Transportation, Energy and other issues. We're building up our coalition and lobby efforts on the state and national level, planning special events, forming a steering committee, and working on meetings with legislators, and other organizations.

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4. Support the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance; keep us working for you: http://bit.ly/mocoprogress

We're organizing efforts to help achieve progress on the issues you care about.

We're working with members of Congress and the Maryland General Assembly every day.

We're building coalitions to save Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security, hold events, lobby, and more.

All this takes time and resources. We cannot continue to succeed without your generous support.

Please contribute whatever you can to keep making progress in Montgomery County, Maryland, and the USA.

Support the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance; keep us working for you: http://bit.ly/mocoprogress

Save Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid Lobby Day

Please support the Progressive Democrats of America's upcoming lobby day in Washington, DC.

Save Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid Lobby Day

Progressive Democrats of America and allies will bring a simple message to Congress:
Don't cut Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. Let's Medicare negotiate prescription drug prices. Lift the cap so millionaires pay their fair share. End the wars, redirect funds to meet human needs. In honor of Medicare's Anniversary, we want to improve and expand the program, not cut it!

When: Wednesday, July 20. Meet at 10am or 2pm
Where: United Methodist Building,
100 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, DC 20510
(Metro: Union Station, Red line)

For more info/RSVP: http://bit.ly/lobby-7-20-11
Download the lobby day flyer and post on bulletin boards and hand out at meetings and events!

Join us TODAY to plan our next steps

Reminder: Monthly Progressive Action Meeting
Join us to plan our next steps today,
Tuesday July 5th, 7:30 - 9 PM.
Let's make our own fireworks for progress after the 4th!

We've been working with members of Congress and the Maryland General Assembly to achieve Progress.

Our insiders report Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are facing deep cuts and radical changes. We need to strengthen and expand these programs, not cut them. We're building a coalition working for the People's Budget, progressive revenues, cuts to corporate loopholes, and protecting programs people need. We're working to wrap up the wars, and shift resources to better use: creating jobs, providing healthcare, and more. Also: report on our US Senate lobbying efforts for equality.

Saigonese Restaurant -- 11232 Grandview Ave Wheaton, MD
Short walk from the Wheaton Metro Stop (red line)
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring%2C+MD

RSVP via Email: mocoprogressives@gmail.com / mike@mikehersh.com
RSVP on: MeetUp: http://www.meetup.com/progressive-victory/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=205997409446232

See you there!

Mike

Reminder: Make Fireworks for Progress on the 5th!

Reminder: Monthly Progressive Action Meeting tomorrow, Tuesday July 5th, 7:30 to 9:00 PM
Saigonese Restaurant, 11232 Grandview Ave Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902
Public Transportation: Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line)
Google Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902

We've been working with members of Congress and the Maryland General Assembly to achieve Progress.

Our insiders report Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are facing deep cuts and radical changes. We need to strengthen and expand these programs, not cut them. We're building a coalition to work for progressive revenues and cuts to corporate loopholes, not programs people need. We're working to wrap up the wars, and shift those resources to creating jobs, providing healthcare, and more. Also: report on our US Senate lobbying efforts for equality.

Join us to plan our next steps tomorrow, Tuesday July 5th. Let's make our own fireworks for progress after the 4th!

Please RSVP to me, or just show up if you decide late.

I hope to see you there!

Thanks,

Mike

Tell Our Senators: We All Deserve Full Equality

Tell Our Senators: We All Deserve Full Equality	Take Action!
Help Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment by 2015
Tell Our Senators to Lift the Time Limit from the ERA   Please join our call for equality! PDA members will be lobbying with our sister United for Equality coalition members in the Senate Wednesday and Thursday this week. We need your support! Your calls will help raise awareness for the visits. See below for background information, a call-in script, and tips for a successful call.   PDA stood up for equality with our allies   National Director Tim Carpenter said, "We strongly endorse Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin's Resolution [HJ Res 47] to 'remove the deadline for ratification and clarify that upon ratification by three additional states, the Equal Rights Amendment will be added to the United States Constitution.'" PDA National Board Member Rep. Woolsey said: "It is with great pride that I stand with this bipartisan group in support of the long-overdue Equal Rights Amendment..... Here’s the text of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment, 'Section 1: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.' Replace the word 'sex' with 'race', and there would not be a single dissenting vote in the entire United States Congress."   Please call during working hours through July 1st. You can follow up in about a week, and ask if your Senators have made any decision yet. For a direct line to your Senators, use this action alert. Tips for a Successful Call   Ask to speak with the Senator's staffer working on constitutional and/or women's issues. If that person is unavailable, ask to leave a message on their voice-mail. Note: It's critically important to stress that you're calling to support a resolution removing the time limit from the ERA, not the "start over" new ERA legislation. Please limit your remarks to this issue only. Include your own experiences which pertain to the ERA. MORE INFORMATION: See: United4Equality.com and U4E's Facebook page.

Making History! ERA Lobby Days--this Weds. and Thurs.

Please join us in the Senate office buildings this Wednesday and
Thursday to lobby for quick ratification of the ERA.

We'll meet in the Dirksen Senate Office Building Basement Cafeteria at
10 AM
(Closest Metro Stop: Union Station on the Red Line)

Even if you can't make it, please share this email with all your
progressive local lists, contacts, feminists and ERA supporters.

United for Equality (U4E) is organizing meetings with Senators and their
staffers this week to gain a sponsor and cosponsors for HJ Res 47, the
measure to lift the time limit from the ERA. 47 would allow ratification
of the ERA upon the votes of three state legislatures.

38 states are required, and 35 have already voted to ratify. Rep. Tammy
Baldwin 47, and there are currently about 2 dozen cosponsors in the
House. U4E and coalition member Progressive Democrats of America set up
a national call-in effort this week, with people from all around the
country calling their Senators to express support for 47. We'll cover
all the key Senators' offices.

Even if you didn't make the training session, you can still join the
effort! No one will be thrown in over their head!

We'll meet ahead of time to prepare. By the time we start lobbying,
we'll all be ready to make history.

We'll have talking points, and folders to give Senators and staffers.
We'll work in teams of 3 or more.

People lobbying for the first time will be teamed with experienced
lobbyists.

Please contact Carolyn Cook: ccook@united4equality.com to RSVP for one
or both days. Even if you can't RSVP, please show up!

Senator Kerry wants to hear from YOU!

Senator Kerry wants to hear from YOU!

Comment on this post and forward this link far and wide...thank you!

http://www.pdamerica.org/blog/view/from-senator-john-f-kerry/

We really need to step up comments...Senator Kerry and his staff are
watching this closely.

http://www.pdamerica.org/blog/view/from-senator-john-f-kerry/

SENATE LOBBY DAY Thursday, June 30

United 4 Equality coalition to host SENATE LOBBY DAY for HJ Res. 47

Capitol Hill, Thursday, June 30, 2011 from 10am - 5pm.

Training offered. Paired up in teams. Interested in joining us?

Email info@united4equality.com with your name, # in group, lobbying
experience if any, and phone #.

No experience necessary. Feminist Passion and purpose highly desirable!

We'll have ERA cheat sheets for volunteers and materials packets for
distribution to Senators!

Come on out and join history-in-the-making! Goal: Senate introduction of
our bill a.s.a.p!

Please share with ALL your feminist, equality-loving contacts!

Healthcare NOT Warfare in the Senate.

Healthcare NOT Warfare in the Senate.

Last Push--Deadline 5 PM ET Monday!

Dear Friend,

On Tuesday, June 7, PDA joined our friends, National Nurses United/California Nurses Association (NNNU/CNA) in a hugely successful rally and lobby day in Washington. Over 2,000 people attended the rally in the morning, before dozens of citizen lobbyists headed to the Hill to meet with Democratic senators or their aides.

We delivered our letter, asking for a significant troop withdrawal from Afghanistan beginning in July and to support Sanders' single-payer bill (S. 915)—signed by more than 16,000 peace advocates—to all the members of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

Although we fell short of our goal to collect 25,000 signatures by June 7, the Senate is still considering the Defense Authorization Act, and we're still actively seeking more signers. At our meeting with Sen. John Kerry, we promised to deliver 10,000 more signatures on June 21. We're close to reaching that goal, but your signature can put us over the top and beyond. Click here to help us surpass our goal.

Thank you to our friends at NNU/CNA, U.S. Labor Against the War, Labor Campaign for Single Payer Healthcare, Healthcare-NOW!, CODEPINK, RootsAction, and United for Peace and Justice, who also circulated the letter among their members.

A special thank you to PDA Advisory Board member Thom Hartmann, who featured Healthcare NOT Warfare co-chairs Donna Smith and Norman Solomon on his June 8 program. Watch it here!

If you have already signed the letter, thank you. Please ask your like-minded friends and family members to sign it, too. If you haven't signed it yet, please sign here and pass this along. (Remember to delete the "unsubscribe" link at the very bottom of your forward before sending.)

We're closer than we've ever been to ending the war in Afghanistan, and the issue of spiraling healthcare costs is still unaddressed. The time is ripe for Healthcare NOT Warfare. Please help us top our goal.

In solidarity,

Tim Carpenter for PDA

Help bring our message of Healthcare NOT Warfare to the Senate

Help bring our message of Healthcare NOT Warfare to the Senate
Sign the Letter PDA is bringing to the Senate Democratic Caucus

Prominent peace and justice advocates have signed this letter. Please add your signature by completing the form below. The letter was delivered to the Senate as part of the June 7 Rally with the Nurses and Citizens Lobby Day with over 16,000 signatures. We will continue to gather even more signatures as the Senate debate continues.

To: The Honorable Senators of the Democratic Caucus
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Democratic Senators,

We, the undersigned, express our support for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Afghanistan Withdrawal Resolution, introduced by Rep. Barbara Lee and passed on February 26, 2011.

We support the American Health Security Act of 2011 (S.915), sponsored by Sen. Bernie Sanders, which will move us to a single-payer healthcare system.....

To read more and sign, please click this link: http://bit.ly/senate-letter

Then, please send this email to all your contacts, friends and lists.

To go the extra mile, post the following on your Facebook page:

Still going! Sign the Letter to Senators for Healthcare NOT Warfare! PDA will keep taking your signatures to the Hill to demonstrate strong support for our values--peace and expanded, improved Medicare for all.  Share this with all your Facebook friends, on email, etc. Thank you! http://bit.ly/senate-letter