News and Events from around the County

Community members are invited to a fundraiser on Sunday, November 2, from 2 to 4 p.m., benefiting the people of Ukraine and local refugees. The event will take place in Madison Hall on Route 20 at the north end of the Morrisville State College campus.

As Ukraine marks over three years of resisting Russia's full-scale invasion, the gathering highlights the tremendous sacrifices made by Ukrainians in defense of democracy, free speech, and national sovereignty – principles that echo the founding ideals of the United States 250 years ago. Russia's aggression, led by Vladimir Putin, aims not only to subjugate Ukraine but to erase its cultural identity, plunder its resources, and impose a vision of a "greater Russia" through violence and intimidation.

The event features compelling presentations by two distinguished scholars, offering insights into the human and historical costs of unchecked authoritarianism. Nancy Ries, emerita professor of anthropology and peace and conflict studies at Colgate University, will speak on "Destroying the World: Russia's Cruel War on Ukraine and Escalating Atrocities at Home." Professor Ries refers to Russia as a "thugocracy," where cruelty and intimidation maintain domestic control, while state resources fuel criminal enterprises worldwide.

The keynote address will be delivered by Tetiana Hranchak, a visiting research scholar at Syracuse University's Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs of Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Her talk, "Russia’s War in Ukraine: Historical Background and Uncertain Future," contextualizes the current war against the background of Russia's long-standing pattern of territorial aggression and genocidal policies. She frames the Russian full-scaled invasion as a broader westward expansion aimed at Russian political dominance and emphasizes Ukraine's key role in deterring aggression. A 20-year researcher at the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine and a board member of the Ukrainian Library Association, Hranchak has personally lost her home to the war and now resides in the U.S.

There is no admission fee but attendees are encouraged to donate to three key organizations:

· Razom for Ukraine: A New York City-based nonprofit providing humanitarian aid, training for first responders, and advocacy for Ukrainian causes.

· Ukraine Library Relief Fund (via the American Library Association): Supporting the Ukrainian Library Association in reconstructing libraries damaged by Russian aggression.

· Resource Center for Refugees in the Mohawk Valley (The Center): Assisting immigrants from diverse backgrounds, including many Ukrainian refugees, amid funding cuts to essential programs. At this time there are no new refugee admissions to the U.S.. The Center continues to support those already settled.

The war's toll has been staggering: Russia has suffered approximately 1 million casualties, including 250,000 deaths, while Ukraine reports 300,000 casualties with 60,000 to 80,000 killed (per U.K. and U.S. government estimates). Civilian casualties stand at 49,000, with 16,000 deaths (UN data).

This event serves as a call to action, reminding us of the dangers when absolute power corrupts a nation and its media. For more details, contact eatondems@gmail.com, call or text (315) 750-6963. Please join us in solidarity with Ukraine and our local refugee community.