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Mole's Progressive Democrat

The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).

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Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States

I am a research biologist in NYC. Married with two kids living in Brooklyn.

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  • Saturday, December 18, 2010

    VIRGINIA FOCUS: Blogs, Food Co-ops, Energy and Agriculture, NAACP, Groups and Events

    VIRGINIA NEWS:

    Watch out for robo call Lies about Uranium Mining in VA

    Peter Galuszka on "The New Geography of Racism"

    What Energy Sources Do Your Tax Dollars Subsidize?

    Chap Petersen on Republican Bob McDonnell's Lies

    Republicans Cantor and Cooch Declare Solidarity With Hate Group...more: Ken Cuccinelli, Eric Cantor and Greedy Oil Party Congressmen Support Hate Groups

    The Virginia Court Decision about the New Health Care Law: What Women Need to Know

    Democratic Paryt of VA Chair, Brian Moran Responds to Fiscally “Irresponsible” McDonnell/GOP Transportation Plan

    Virginia Democrat Bobby Scott Standing Up For Fiscal Sanity and Working Americans

    News from Delegate Kory

    News from Delegate Herring

    Virginia Farmers Get Behind Plastic Bag Ban or Fee

    Will GOP Highway Funding Plan Kill South Hampton Roads Economically?

    Stupid and un-American GOP Fighting to Kill Jobs, Keep Us Addicted to Oil


    BLOGGING VIRGINIA:

    LeftyBlogs Virginia is the place to find out what's happening in the progressive blogosphere across Virginia.

    The Virginia Public Access Project is a non profit group that demonstrates how technology can improve public understanding of money's role in Virginia politics. This is one of the best resources to use to find out who takes money from whom in Virginia politics.

    The Virginia Organizing Project is a statewide, multi-issue citizens' organization committed to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives.

    The Virginia Young Democrats blog has links to local Young Democrat groups and college clubs, and has information of interest to young voters in Virginia. This is Virginia's political future!

    Loudoun Progress: A community for Democrats, progressives and other open minded neighbors in Loudoun County, Virginia.

    Virginia Coalition for Open Government: formed to promote expanded access to government records, meetings and other proceedings at the state and local level. Our efforts are focused solely on local/state information access. While we do some lobbying (within limits imposed by IRS rules), our primary work is educational. The Coalition was formed in 1996, after a year-long organizing effort. Our 23-member board of directors represents the state's access activists and friends of open government, including Virginia's librarians, genealogists, broadcasters, newspapers and the public at large. Also check out their blog for recent news.

    Ox Road South: Chap Peterson's website

    Blue Commonwealth is a community forum for the discussion of political issues of interest to Virginians.


    Democracy for Virginia:
    Here are the local Democracy for America chapters in Virginia. Click on the link for more info:

    * Arlington for Democracy (may be dormant...you can go here to contact the organizers and get more up to date info)

    * Roanoke DFA

    * Tidewater for Democracy

    * Virginia Grassroots Coalition (may be dormant...you can contact them here for more info: info@vagrassroots.org)


    Drinking Liberally:
    For the more social and fun-oriented (and booze oriented), there's Drinking Liberally. Here are the Virginia Drinking Liberally Chapters:

    Alexandria/Springfield, Virginia
    * Second Thursday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
    * King Street Blues, 5810 Kingstowne Center Drive, Alexandria (Corner of Kingstowne Blvd and Van Dorn Street)
    * Hosted by Brian Murray and Mike Sizemore, alexandria (at) drinkingliberally.org

    * Arlington
    o When? Every Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm
    o Where? Ruby Tuesday Restaurant, 5880 Leesburg Pike
    o Hosted by Bev Wright | Quinn Jones | Michelle Elliott

    * Charlottesville
    o When? Every Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm
    o Where? South Street Brewery, 106 W South St
    o Hosted by Chris Dumler

    *Fredericksburg
    o When? Every Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm
    o Where? Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd.
    o Hosted by Amy LaMarca | William Salinger

    * Harrisonburg
    o When? Second Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm
    o Where? Clementine Cafe, 153 South Main Street
    o Hosted by Daniel Chavez | Rachel Fulk

    *Lorton
    o When? First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm
    o Where? Glory Days Grill, 9459 Lorton Market St (To the right or outside)
    o Hosted by Alan Salisbury | Chris Ambrose

    * Norfolk
    o When? First and Third Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm
    o Where? The New Belmont, 2117 Colonial Ave (upstairs at the bar, or outside if the weather is nice)
    o Hosted by Patrick Hester | Clint Dalton

    *Roanoke
    o When? First Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm
    o Where? Flanary's Irish Pub, Jefferson Street (Downtown)
    o When? of each month, 6:30 pm
    o Hosted by Hank Bostwick | Tom McKinnon

    *Staunton
    o When? First Tuesday of each month, 6:00 pm
    o Where? Irish Alley Restaurant & Pub, 19 West Johnson St
    o Hosted by Riley Murray | Mai-Linh Hong

    Virginia Beach
    * When? Fourth Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm
    * Where? "CROC's" 19th Street Bistro, 620 19th St & Cypress Ave, (One block from the VA Beach Convention Center)
    * Hosted by Chris Jaramillo | Josh Bolotsky


    NAACP IN VIRGINIA: The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.

    Visit the Virginia NAACP website

    Or hook up with one of the local NAACP chapters:

    Alexandria Branch
    Phone: (703)566-1575
    Address: P.O. Box 1740
    Alexandria 22313
    Web Site: www.naacpalexandria.org

    Arlington Branch
    President: Elmer Lowe
    1645 S. 16th St.
    Arlington, Va 22204
    (703) 685-0888

    Area II Network Branch
    Phone: (757)627-1096
    Albermarle-Charlottesville Branch
    703 Concord Ave.
    P.O. Box 3382
    Charlottesville, VA. 22903
    Phone 434 220-1493
    E-Mail: mrickturner@hotmail.com

    Chesapeake Branch
    Phone: (757)485-8916
    President: John Hines
    P. O. Box 1531
    Chesapeake, Va. 23320

    NAACP Fairfax County Branch
    7066 P.O. Box 2363
    Falls Church, VA 22042
    Phone number: 703-591-4488
    Web Site:www.fairfaxnaacp.org

    Floyd County Branch
    Phone: (540)382-6751
    Address: P.O. Box 6044
    Christiansburg, VA 24068
    Web Site: www.naacpnrv.org

    Hanover County Branch
    Phone: (804)798-9798
    Address: P.O. Box 2112
    Mechanicsville, VA 23116
    Web Site: www.hcbnaacp.org

    Loudoun County Branch
    Phone: (703-779-2990
    Fax: (703)777-1041
    Address: P.O. Box 2439
    Leesburg, VA 20177
    Web Site: www.naacploudoun.org

    Newport News Branch
    President: Rasheed Wyatt
    (757) 597-1218
    P. O. Box 12971
    Newport News, Va. 23612
    Web Site: www.nnbnaacp.org

    Portsmouth Youth Branch
    Phone: (757)488-4776
    Address: 1106 Roosevelt Blvd.
    Portsmouth, VA 23701

    Sussex Branch
    Phone: (804)834-8881
    Address: P.O. Box 199
    Waverly, VA 23890
    Web Site: sussexnaacpbranch.org

    Stafford Branch
    President: Mike Lovitt
    P. O. Box 160
    Stafford, Va. 22555
    Phone: (540) 657-7493

    Suffork Branch
    President: Charles Gates
    P. O. Box 1547
    Suffolk, Va. 23434
    Phone: (757) 657-6489

    Roanoke Branch
    Post Office Box 12362
    Roanoke, Virginia 24025
    Office Phone (540) 344-2424
    Web Site: roanokenaacp.org

    Vienna Branch
    Phone: (703)938-8525

    Virginia Beach Branch
    Phone: (757)490-7799
    Address: P.O. Box 6114
    Virginia Beach, VA 23466

    Washington & Lee University Branch
    Address: P.O. Box 5122
    Lexington, VA 24450
    Web Site: naacp.wlu.edu

    Williamsburg Branch
    Phone: (757)253-0841
    Address: 479 McLaws Circle Suite 3
    Williamsburg, VA 23185

    Winchester Branch
    President: Eastern McDonald
    P. O. bOX 2365
    Winchester, VA. 22604
    (540) 327-6322


    VIRGINIA FOOD CO-OPS

    It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. So I will list some local food co-ops in Virginia:

    Eats Natural Foods Co-op
    708 North Main Street in Blacksburg (new location)
    Phone: (540) 552-2279
    info@eatsnaturalfoods.com
    http://www.eatsnaturalfoods.com/

    (email doesn't work? If anyone has any info on this co-op, let me know)

    Crozet Natural Foods
    PO Box 634
    Crozet, Virginia 22932
    Phone: (434) 823-5583
    keptfreeinhim@yahoo.com

    Healthy Foods Co-op
    110 W Washington Street
    Lexington, Virginia 24450
    Phone: (540) 463-6954
    FAX: (540) 463-7213
    hfoods@rockbridge.net
    http://healthyfoodscoop.org/

    (email doesn't work?)

    We are a community-based cooperative, dedicated to offering products, services and leadership which reflects our membership's commitment to healthy living, nutritional awareness and environmental responsibility.

    Healthy Foods Market is a cooperative business, meaning that we are owned and democratically controlled by our members. We are proud of our experienced and knowledgeable staff that can assist you with your regular purchases, as well as with special inquires and needs.

    They also have a cafe, something I wish my local food co-op would do.

    Fare Share Cooperative
    2132 W. Main Street
    Richmond, Virginia 23220
    Phone: (804) 355-5919

    Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op
    1319 Grandin Road SW
    Roanoke, Virginia 24015
    Phone: (540) 343-5652
    FAX: (540) 343-5711
    info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop
    http://www.roanokenaturalfoods.coop/

    Incorporated in 1975, Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op– or the Co-op as it is more commonly known – provides our community with nutritious food choices and earth-friendly products. Operating from cooperative principles, we support sustainable environmental practices, local organic farmers, local businesses, and our community.

    We are the largest cooperatively owned natural foods grocery store in Virginia, and though we're member owned, ownership is not required to shop. Our products are many, our selection diverse, and our promise unwavering – that you will find quality items for sale in our store with no artificial colorants, preservatives, or additives.

    In addition to providing families with high-quality organic and natural products, the Co-op supports local efforts to preserve the integrity and health of our natural resources and community.


    Alternative Energy and Sustainable Agriculture in Virginia:

    Some stats from Repower America:

    * The recently passed Virginia Energy Plan will aim to reduce Virginia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2025 through energy efficiency education and investment in state renewable energy projects.

    * A 39-megawatt wind farm recently gained approval in Highland County and is expected to power 15,000 homes with clean energy

    * Virginia's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) enourages public utilities to generate 12% of their electricity sales from renewable energy sources by 2022.


    Alternative energy and YOUR energy bill: YOU can be part of the solution for America by signing up to purchase your energy through a Green Power Provider. My wife and I have been doing this in NYC for years. All our energy usage is provided through wind energy generation on American farms. So we use clean energy AND help American farmers. It costs us three cents per kilowatt-hour more per month, but we feel great about it. Although our actual energy may come from anywhere, we are paying to purchase wind energy for the energy grid. Each state has different programs available, usually through yuor existing energy provider right on your existing energy bill. To find such options in Virginia, go here and pick your energy provider from the list. If you need help, you can email me and tell me who you get your bill from (don't give me any other info!) and I can tell you who to contact to go green through that energy provider. Or you can do the same thing using Renewable Energy Certificates through an organization that works with utility companies, though in this case it is a separate bill. One off the cheapest (.4-1 cent per kilowatt-hour), but still e-Green certified, ways to do this is through Good Energy. Or, for about half a cent per kilowatt-hour you can purchase renewable energy certificates through Carbonfund.org. ANY of these ways you do it, you are helping the environment, helping America, and helping cut carbon emissions.

    Living Green DC/MD/VA:
    LIVING GREEN DC/MD/VA works to send a message to the community and influence small changes in everyday actions that can have a big impact on our world. As a group we look for ways to make small changes in the way we live, enjoying the support and friendship of other like-minded people. This meetup can only grow if lots of members become Assistant Organizers and provide fun and creative ways to socialize, learn, spread the word, volunteer, network, do fun things. Suggestions are seeing films with environmental themes, dining where organic and locally purchased produce is promoted, visiting farmers markets and socializing afterwards, volunteering for Earth Day activities, meeting in cafes to discuss books and articles, etc.. Whether it's a movie screening or eating a meal with freinds at an environmentally friendly restaurant, you are sure to make an impact, so join the group and volunteer. Go here for more information.

    Alternative Energy Resources in Virginia: a short summary of alternative energy resources for Virginia. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.

    Virginia Sustainable Agriculture Organizations and Publications: Whether you're a beginning farmer, or an experienced agricultural producer interested in transitioning to more sustainable practices, you may want to start by learning more about the principles of sustainable agriculture and some of the "systems" approaches associated with it.


    Now some other groups and events:

    Arlington Democrats Meetup Group
    Meet other local Dems! Sponsored by the Arlington Democratic Committee, about 60 attendees meet to discuss local/national politics, listen to guest speakers and receive news on getting involved. Email jamesemcb_at_yahoo.com to join the ACDC listserv or sign up at www.arlingtonyoungdems.org.

    Monthly Charlottesville Democratic Breakfast
    This gathering takes place on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30a.m. and is usually held at the JABA building on Hillsdale Drive. Pay what you can.

    Virginia Beach Democratic Committee Monthly Meeting
    Held the First Wednesday of every month, 7 PM, location switches between the Bayside Area Library and the Greak Neck area Library. Those interested should check the VBDC website for the location.

    The VBDC also hosts a Third Thursday Dinner at Kelly's Hilltop Tavern at 7:00 PM every third Thursday of the month.

    There's also a VBDC Breakfast every fourth Saturday of the month at Bubba's Deli & BBQ.

    Those interested in these, and other, events hosted by the VBDC should check out the upcoming events on the VBDC website

    Monthly Interfaith Pray for Peace Gathering
    Final Thursday of evern month, 7:15pm

    Location: Sojourners UCC Church, 1017 Elliott Ave, Charlottesville
    Sponser: Interfaith Cooperation Circle of Central Virginia-URI; Gesher Center; Unity Church

    Description:
    On the final Thursday of every month, the Interfaith Pray for Peace Gathering welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs to an inspired and inspiring flow of prayers, meditations and songs for peace.

    Contact Name: Heena Reiter
    Contact email: gesher_at_mindspring.com
    Contact Phone: 434-970-7836

    Equality Loudoun has been working since 2003 to make Loudoun County, Virginia a welcoming place for all its residents - gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight.

    Vienna Hispanic Democrats:
    Meet with local Hispanic Democrats. To learn more, join here.

    Fauquier Democrats Monthly Meeting
    Third Tuesday of Each Month, 7:30 pm
    Warren Green Building
    10 Hotel Street
    Old Town, Warrenton

    Blue Mondays With the Stafford County Democrats
    Every Monday evening at 5 PM
    location in transition...email for more info
    Casual get-together of like minded Democratic Activist
    For more info contact: jac_at_j2power.com

    Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, Virginia Chapter: Keeping America Free, Secular and Jeffersonian. Church-state separation stands as one of the foundations of our nation. Because of it, Americans enjoy unparalleled religious liberty and nurture one of the most vital religious communities in the world. Separation guarantees the freedom to worship or not to worship as you choose. Northern Virginia Chapter and Southern Virginia Chapter.


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