Ten Days for Peace
"Ten Days for Peace" Taking Shape
By Jana Chiavetta and Mike ChiavettaWhat was an idea is now shaping into a reality. “10 Days for Peace” is moving along as the coordinating committee continues to meet and put together a wonderful, diverse and thought-provoking list of activities for the 10 days following the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th tragedy. There is still plenty of time for you to have input into this dynamic event. The following “calendar” is shaping up.
On Sunday, September 11th we are planning a solemn, interdenominational commemoration of the 9/11 tragedy. The focus of this event is on peace, understanding, tolerance and reconciliation. The person who has taken the leadership role on this event is the pastor of the Modesto Church of the Brethren, Russ Matteson. He is working to get several leaders of different denominations to contribute to this endeavor. Initial planning of this is calling for a communitywide meeting on Sunday afternoon.
The second community event is be- ing planned for Wednesday or Thursday, September 14 or 15th. Tentatively scheduled is a “Peace Art Structure” to be constructed at Modesto Junior College. This “structure” is the brainchild of Dan Onorato (who saw a similar structure while vacationing in Italy). We are hoping to coordinate this with either a “Civic Engagement Film” on Peace or the College Poetry Slam. Assisting Dan as the head of this committee is Norma Ovrahim.
Saturday, September 17th is shaping up to be wonderful day of peace and community involvement. In the morning we are hoping to coordinate with Tuolumne River Trust and have a “Community River Clean-up Day.” One of the ideas that have been floated is the possibility of planting a “Peace Grove” on this day. In the evening we are hoping to put together the first LBGT/ Straight Unity Dance for high school-aged students. Both of these endeavors are still seeking committee heads to lead the effort.
The final community activity is being planned for the final day of the “10 Days for Peace” on Wednesday, Sept 21st. by the able team of Shelly Scribner, John Lucas, and Mikes Killingsworth. Wednesday, Sept. 21st is the International Day of Peace and the plan is for a community “Song-Circle and Peace-nic (picnic)”. Included in this event would be music, food, peace poetry and (maybe) the commemoration of a community peace pole.
So as one can see, the “10 Days for Peace” is making serious progress! Some other “big” events that are being considered are a community “teach-in” about the current wars that the US is involved in. Stan Cunningham is looking into this worthy pursuit. Peggy Castaneda is investigating the possibility of a “Peace Poster Presentation” that would be displayed at the community Song Circle and Peace-nic. Another idea that has been discussed is to bring in a Peace Activist to come and speak.
The interceding days of the 10 Days will have suggestions for individual commit- ment and reflection, such as a day of fasting etc. The “final” calendar (hopefully) will be posted in Connections next month. We have other dedicated committee members working on such aspects as publicity (John Frailing). If you are interested in helping and planning this momentous event come to our next meet- ing. It is on Thursday, April 7th from 6 to 7 PM. (It is prior to the monthly PLC Board meeting for April). The meeting will only be an hour, promise! If you want to volunteer for one of the activities listed above contact us at chiavetta.mi@monet.k12.ca.us or call 527-7530. PEACE!
This article appears in the April 2011, edition of Stanislaus Connections. More information on the Ten Days for Peace will appear on this page in the future.
