At its annual conference February 5th, 2011, the Abortion Care Network gave three awards to those who have shown exemplary and outstanding service to the abortion care community and to the women it serves. The David Gunn Lifetime Achievement honoree this year is Peg Johnston, a clinic director, long-time leader in the abortion care community, and author of many patient self help materials. The Vision Award, given to “person or persons who challenge the stigma of abortion in every day practice,” was awarded to Advancing New Standards In Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), with Director Tracy Weitz accepting the award. Shelley Oram was honored as “ACN Person of the Year” for her “above and beyond” service to the members of the Abortion Care Network, especially in her work as meeting planner.

Peg Johnston has been director of an abortion facility in Binghamton, NY since 1981 and has been active on the national stage in her efforts to provide compassionate abortion care for women. She is a past president of the Abortion Care Network, the Abortion Conversation Project, and the National Coalition of Abortion Providers and the primary author of several patient aides, notably the Pregnancy Options Workbooks, Healthy Coping, Mom, Dad, I’m Pregnant, and Especially for Men.” She has also written several influential essays, including, “Opting Out of the Abortion Wars,” “We Have Met the Enemy and S/he is Us,” and “Lose the Adjective.”

A locally developed website, teachpeacenow.org, has for over three years offered educators, parents and students resources for them to create peace at school and in the community. The site provides lesson plans, activities, discussion forums and editorial pieces that encourage hope and social justice. Veteran educators Dr. Joan Koster and Tim Wolcott currently support social action projects in five educational districts. The mission of the website includes the distribution of anti-bias, anti-bullying and muti-cultural messages through the use of childrens’ literature and action projects. The following revised video introduces the site. They welcome your comments and questions.

Why are they not using the term terrorist in the Tucson assassinations?

Jared Lee Loughner allegedly tried to assassinate Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords at a meeting with constituents in Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday. In the wake of the attack, the 22-year-old Loughner has been called everything from “crazed” to “unhinged.” What he’s not been called, however, at least by the media, is a terrorist. Continue reading this story at this link:

http://www.good.is/post/why-is-nobody-calling-jared-loughner-a-terrorist/

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW OPENING FIRST FRIDAY; WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Bob Johnston Photography Show and Competition, January 7th to January 29th, 2011, is being sponsored by the Cooperative Gallery 213 on State St. in Binghamton as a tribute to the late Johnston who was a founding member of the gallery. “We are delighted that thirty five photographers submitted some great images,” said Bill Gorman, a gallery member. “It shows great interest in photography as an art form.”

The open themed, non-juried show was judged by Dave Williams of Beyond the Print, a photo store. Cash prizes and a supporting membership will be awarded to the Judge’s Choices. The photograph chosen as Best in Show is “Singin’ the Blues: Railroad Depot” by Mike Ricciardi. Two Judge’s Choices are “Dawn at Kastro Church” by Greg Chianis and “Gas Tank” by John Normile. Two honorable mentions were also selected: “Shadows on the Snow” by Geoffrey Gould and “Winter Sunset” by Larry Lefferts. Cash prizes and supporting memberships will be awarded to the Judge’s Choices.

There is a closing reception for photographers, members and their friends at 3 pm on Saturday January 29th, 2011. Dave Williams, of Beyond the Print, a photo store in Vestal, the judge for the Competition will be on hand to discuss photography.