Home    Happenings   July 2003

Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula July 30, 2003 Text and Photos © 2003 Marquette Citizens for Peace and Justice. Reprinted with permission.

Marquette group to hold U.P. peace gathering Aug. 2 in Champion

MARQUETTE -- "Connecting for Peace," a gathering in the Upper Peninsula for anyone interested in peace in our communities and our world, will be held on Saturday, August 2, at Van Riper State Park, Champion, Mich.

Join Marquette's Citizens for Peace and Justice for a rousing, inspiring day of round table discussions, educational presentations, strategizing, music, rambling in the woods and connecting with one another. Participants may attend the Saturday event only or spend a camping weekend (Friday - Sunday) in the Park.

Members of Marquette Citizens for Peace and Justice demonstrate in downtown Marquette. The group rallies at 11:30 a.m. every Saturday in front of the Marquette Post Office. Their meetings are at 7 p.m. every 2nd and 4th Wednesday in Room 202, Messiah Lutheran Church. All are welcome to attend.

Children are welcome, and there will be some activities planned for them throughout the day.

August 2 will be a day of conversations, round table discussions, sharing ideas, communing over food, swatting bugs and connecting with people working on issues of peace and educating on non-violence in their communities.

Citizens for Peace and Justice has reserved the Park's pavilion, where we will meet Saturday for discussions and meals rain or shine.

Lunch on Saturday will be potluck style. Dinner, brown-bag or cook it up yourself. Please remember dishes and utensils! Don't forget lawn chairs, musical instruments, sunscreen (and raincoats) and, of course, insect repellent. Sunday there will be continued round table talks, hikes and swimming for those who are interested.

Discussion topics will include, but not be limited to: Iraq and the Middle East, local actions for peace, how to be a Peace Presence in a small town, strategizing: What's next?, depleted uranium, parenting for peace, re-building a peace camp, European activist experiences, long- term visions for our world and/or others that will be decided on Saturday morning.

For more information contact Linda Cree at creelinda@hotmail.com.

Connecting for Peace Vision

In the past year, the Marquette Area peace movement has experienced a rebirth and gained momentum as a result of the war on Iraq. During the last year, our group has had the opportunity to correspond with other members of the Peace Community in Northern Michigan and surrounding areas. We would like to meet you all and fortify our ties as human beings and workers for Peace and Justice. Citizens for Peace and Justice believe in the principles of non-violence and reject war, terrorism and all forms of violence as responses to conflict.

Musicians of Logjam perform at a Teach-In sponsored by Citizens for Peace and Justice in Marquette.

We challenge the growth of militarism in the world and work towards a transfer of world resources from military to basic human needs. We educate, organize and build coalitions locally, nationally and globally in order to create a more peaceful and just world.

Schedule of Activities for Sat., August 2:

11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Keynote Speaker - Father John Grathwohl from Kalamazoo, Mich., will talk of his pre-war travels to Iraq and the U. S. military use of depleted uranium.

Kids' time I. Peaceful playground play and music.

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Potluck lunch and relaxing in the North Woods. Musical performance to follow lunch.

3 p.m. - 4 p.m. 1st Round Table discussions.

4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Round Table sharing session.

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 2nd Round Table discussions.

Kids Time II. Age-appropriate art.

5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. Round Table sharing and Wrap-up.

Brown-bag dinner, re-apply bug repellant and a dip in the lake.

8 p.m. Campfire, songs, dancing, skits. Bring instruments and your voice!

Please call if you are interested in attending so we have an idea of how many of us will be gathering! RSVP especially for children so we can plan appropriate activities. Contact dardreis@yahoo.com, (906) 226-3445 or email kimbo989@aol.com.

Park and Camping Information

The park has beach and playground areas for kids as well as hiking trails for your enjoyment. Park phone: (906) 339-4461.

Directions: Take US 41 West of Marquette 35 miles and follow the signs.

"Connecting for Peace" is brought to you free of charge, but donations will be accepted to cover Citizens for Peace and Justice's expenses. Hope to see you all there!

Marquette Citizens Opposed to the War on Iraq rally every Saturday in front of the Marquette Post Office. Visit their Web site. 

Visit the Keweenaw Now discussion forums to comment on this article.