October 5, 2008 RPG-I - The first Peace Garden, 9/11/03
September 29, 2008 RPG-V: Part 1 - the first hour, condensed into a few minutes.
September 29, 2008
Road trip to RPG-V
September 11, 2008
(Got a bunch of video from the RPG-V, and it will be available soon.)
Four years ago today we had our first Rico Peace Garden. We were
absolutely clear then that our mission to share ideas for cultivating
peace must begin within our selves, and that we must avoid political
ideology. We continue that tradition in the present.
Here we are again
in an election year, and the forces of polarization continue
their siren
call...
but we
resist.
It's
getting
easier with practice, and with a strengthening conviction of
the necessity of not taking sides in battles that simply cannot be
won. They can only be fought, over and over again, until peace
becomes
only a dream. But to those who walk in peace, it is not a dream.
It is real, it is a way of life, of being that, through example,
can
be taught and transmitted.
It was
very humbling to be with so many individuals last Saturday who
have been walking in peace for
decades.
I felt like such a novice, being in the company of such dedicated
souls. And it was also very moving to see the sweetness of
younger people raised within peace-intentioned communities.
I've
always felt uneasy about celebrating disasters, particularly those
anniversaries that foment discord, distrust, fear, and anger.
So let us at least, this day, strengthen our resolve to walk in peace,
that those who perished may not have done so in vain. May the way
be prepared for peace to all nations and to all living beings. - Steve
S.
September 6, 2008
9am
and we're gathering at the park for today's event. Laurie and I
were having breakfast a while ago and the thought came up of 'respect'.
Respect for others in general, respect for others beliefs. May the
way be open for peace. C'mon down to Town Park in Rico today and
join the fun!
September 4, 2008
RPG-V is here. Last night we hosted a couple of films, courtesy
Peter Kenworthy of MountainFilm. The Rico Theater Cafe provided the
venue and a handful of supporters and community folk shared two brilliant
pieces: "Red Gold," a documentary by Telluride's Ben Knight and Travis
Rummel; and "I Met the Walrus," a charming animated short by Josh
Raskin. In 1969, 14 year old Jerry Levitan snuck into John Lennon's
hotel room and recorded a brief conversation. Lennon's words of wisdom
ring truer now than ever in this ingenious work.
"Red Gold" explores the life and heritage of the fishing communities
in Bristol Bay, Alaska, home to the largest sockeye salmon run on
the planet, and the potential for their destruction at the hands
of a mining industry hungry for 300 billion dollars worth
of gold, copper, and molybdenum. This strikes a particular chord
with Rico residents who are facing the prospect of mining industry's
interest in molybdenum deposits in their backyard. The concept of
a disappearing "West" has been around for ages, and with cell phone
service finally arriving in Rico for the first time, the issues of
solitude and preservation are very near the surface of local concerns.
The
patter from the stage, and our program events, stay clear of politics
and contention, but it will be interesting to hear the buzz on
Saturday during this first week of a non-cell-free Rico. - Steve
S.
August 9, 2008
The
RPG is officially a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. This means
your donations to help produce this event are tax deductible.
The RPG
is funded
by the contributions of our participants, and by the generousity
of local groups and organizations. This year we have again been blessed
by the generous support of the Rico Women's Club, whose enthusiasm
for this event continues to warm the day and the hearts of all who
join in. Thank you!
On a more sober note, today marks the 63rd anniversary of the atomic
bombing of Nagasaki, Japan on August 9, 1945. Whatever your thoughts
are of the reasons, rationale, or strategies of this act, please
take a moment to reflect, and imagine a world without war, without
bombs - a world at peace with itself. - Steve S.
Laurie is working full-speed on this year's program, and we've got
a couple of great treats already lined up: the return of perennial
favorites, Kulu and Lori Sadira; and a return performance by Trillium
Marimba Ensemble. Dancers, musicians, food and more are on the bill.
Sign
up for the newsletter to get the latest info. If you have a great
idea for the work, you can help us keep on track by dropping
us an email.
Just getting this up for now. See you in September! - Steve
