‘Making Peace Week’ to kickoff at Pfiffner Park
City Times Staff
STEVENS POINT — A local group inspired by the value of peacemaking is offering six community events in Stevens Point September 16-23. A range of activities will nurture a culture of peace for all ages. All events are free and open to the public.
The first event is Democracy in the Park, Sunday, September 16, 4PM at the Pfiffner Park Bandshell. The hour program will include reading sections of the Constitution followed by an open mic. Citizens may share insights about keeping civil discourse civil and seeking common ground. Displays will include information on voter registration and activities for children.
“Making peace is about getting along with each other and the Constitution provides a blueprint for our civil relationships,” said DAR member, Beverly West. “This is the second year Daughters of the American Revolution is cosponsoring this public celebration of our founding document.”
Another event geared for all ages is Singing for Peace on Friday, September 21, 6:30 p.m. at the bandshell.
“We invite members of school, church and community choirs to lead singing of three peace songs on International Peace Day. Soloists, ensembles and choirs may contact me to present additional ‘peace offerings’,” said Larry Hansen who will wield a baton for the occasion.
Plans are to end the half-hour choral gathering near sundown with “Taps.”
The following morning, September 22, take a meditative walk at Schmeekle Reserve anytime between 10am and noon. “The family-friendly Saturday morning walk around Lake Joanis will include pauses to read quotations about peace and nonviolence and to add to a group ‘peace of art,’” explained Walking for Peace planner Julie Meadows.
“Making peace is not one day a year, or even one week a year,” said Lois Lawler. “Our goal is for community members, including older students, to meet one another, share notes, and to set up channels to maintain an ongoing, community peace calendar.”
Lawler will facilitate Networking for Peace on Thursday, September 20, 6:30 p.m. at the public library.
Franciscans Downtown, the primary sponsor of Making Peace Week, will host two other events at 1000 Main Street: Peace in Film, a midweek viewing and discussion of Mystic River on Wednesday, September 19, 1PM; and to close the week Making Peace with the Planet, a discussion about stewardship and care of the earth on Sunday, September 23 at 4PM.
“Anyone who values making peace and has a voice to promote these events can identify as a cosponsor on our Facebook Page, where you can like, comment, share and download a poster,” said event planner Mary Ann Krems.
Go to https://www.facebook.com/vvcwi/ for details and updates on all events, or email Leo Jacoby at [email protected]. Individuals and groups may also add their own initiatives to the Making Peace Week calendar.