On December 17, 1971, 47 Catholic Sisters from many orders and all over the country gathered for a weekend meeting in Washington, DC, to explore how women religious might speak out as one voice to our federal government on behalf of "justice for all." Many of them had spent decades working with people in need. They had come to believe that providing for the immediate needs of people living in poverty is not enough, that faithfulness to the Gospel demands that we also work to change unjust systems that perpetuate economic inequity.
The Peace and Justice Center invites you to meet a young talented magician. He is a peacemaker and is available to amaze your friends and family at any event or fundraiser. He will also do church picnics, civic events, fairs and carnivals. Mr. Jay is available to dazzle you with a wide variety of magic tricks and sleight of hand that will delight your group, party or event.
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Organizing Center is a resident-led organization dedicated to providing our community the means to develop long-term solutions to human rights issues. We combine organizing support, outreach/intake, and media programs through issue based Campaigns in order to bring community voices to the forefront of policy discussion.
It is my mission to empower individuals to create a thriving life -- one which supports a thriving world that works for all... a world where each individual embraces his/her journey and utilizes each “learning experience” as a stepping-stone to more fully realize their life's purpose. Call today for a free introductory session: (570) 357-5824
Fertile Grounds is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm with land and members in Luzerne and Wyoming Counties of Northeastern Pennsylvania. We grow our crops using environmentally friendly, non-certified organic methods.
Community Supported Agriculture, also known as “subscription farming,” is a food system in which people pay to become members of a farm. In exchange for annual subscription fees, members receive a weekly share of fresh, locally grown produce all season long. Members share the rewards and the risks of their farmers.
Once a week from the beginning of June to the end of October, members come to pick up a share, either at The Lands at Hillside Farms in Shavertown, or in Downtown Wilkes-Barre. Every week, each share includes 5-8 different crops, which vary depending on what’s in season. Interested in becoming a member of Fertile Grounds for 2011? Please see our website for details! www.fertilegroundscsa.com
"If we are to teach peace, we need to learn to practice love, not only within intimate circles of family and friends, but in schools and in society and in the world at large." ~Ron Miller
The above is a blog for people interested in issues of peace -- beautifully done by Kathy.
Feel free to link up!
The Interfaith Center for Peace and Justice, of Gettysburg, PA, is a non-profit organization that seeks to nurture dialogue on peace, social justice and environmental balance and to enrich our community by inspiring individuals to work nonviolently toward the realization of those values in human society. The Center is not only an educational institution but also a catalyst for action and a source of support for individuals and groups responding to community needs and to threats which may arise to just and peaceful community life. Committed to advancing the well-being of all, we act non-violently, with respect for truth and one another as our guiding values.
I’m a writer, commentator, speaker, and women’s advocate. I’ve been fortunate to work around the world, including an extensive assignment in England, a speaking tour in Australia, and two trips to Afghanistan.
A native Pennsylvanian, born and raised in rural Haycock Township, I had a childhood that I often compare to that of Tom Sawyer, or as my father used to say, "like a wild Indian"…endless hours spent in the woods with my friends and my dog.
I currently live in Allentown with my husband and three very spoiled cats, and spend as much time as I can communicating with the outside world through this blog, my freelance writing, and my speaking engagements. My website is http://www.pamelavarkony.com
Thank you for being interested enough in my background to have read these few paragraphs. I hope you enjoy the blog and come back often.
13 E Ross St Wilkes Barre, PA 18701-1512 (570) 822-5012
Near the intersection of West Ross and South Main is the Book and Spy Shop. Filled with used books, thrift store furniture, antiques, family heirlooms and family pets, this downtown gem fits the bill of the quaint, friendly shops from days past.
Art lover and Dallas native Georgann Thompson, known to her friends as Jody, runs the store with a little help from the store cat and dog, Simon and Molly. Thompson's husband opened the shop last October, but passed away unexpectedly only a month later. The shop closed temporarily, but in early 2005, Thompson reopened the shop, keeping her husband's dream alive.
Patrons can figure out the book portion of the title, but many are curious about the 'spy.' Thompson explained that the name is derived from her husband's interest in becoming a private investigator, mixed with his love of books.
And P.I. or not, customers can do a little sleuthing of their own to uncover hard-to-find titles, old favorites and a lot of randomness.
"We have books on lie detection and that kind of thing, as well as a lot of mystery, sci-fi and suspense," she said. "We really have a little bit of everything- some philosophy, a lot of religion, some on counseling, psychology, textbooks, you know, a little of this a little of that."
Make that a lot of that. Thompson said she is not even close to completing the inventory for her collection in the tens of thousands of books. When Thompson purchased the building however, it was not specifically to open a bookstore.
"We bought the building thinking it would be an investment property. But my son's friend had a bookstore at one time and had a storage locker filled to the ceiling with books. He hem-hawed around a bit, and we decided to take them," she said.
Thompson says that the basement is filled floor to ceiling with books, far too many to fit on the shelves.
"We have so many, it's not funny. It's just an eclectic mix of things," she said. "We rotate the books to keep the selection fresh. So people who come a lot, they see different things each time."
People of all walks visit the Book and Spy Shop, says Thompson who enjoys seeing what they will pick off the shelves.
"It's funny how people like a host of different things. I never know what someone will buy," she said. "We had a couple come in yesterday and bought five or six books, and they were back again to buy more."
With such a selection and low prices, it could be hard for a book lover not to become a regular. Most of the books at the shop are old, but there are also new and nearly new titles. Many are first editions of classics.
Most paperback books sell for $.50 and hardcover for $2.00. Additionally, she has buy-one-get-one-free deals. Thompson has unearthed treasures too, books that are worth over $100. She can special order any book, as well as search for hard to find titles. And, if foot traffic is low, Thompson still actively sells books online through abebooks.com. If a book sells online, she removes it from the store shelf.
For Thompson, running a bookstore is more like a hobby. But technically, it's her third job. She is also a full-time social worker and provides supportive living for two mentally handicapped men.
And local residents may recognize Thompson from walking Molly on the streets around campus or from being in the audience at a Wilkes event.
"I try to go to all the college cultural events in the area. My kids grew up going to things at Misericordia, King's and Wilkes- so many that I got to the point where I didn't know where I graduated from," she said.
In fact, if something really catches her interest and it's during store hours, she'll close.
"I'll hang a sign on the door though, saying 'Please join us at....'"
Please visit our friends at the Wyoming Valley Interfaith Council.
The National Economic and Social Rights Initiative (NESRI) promotes human rights in the United States to advance the principle that fundamental human needs, such as health care, housing, food, education, and work with dignity, give rise to human rights obligations on the part of government and the private sector.
Because we believe that social movements are the foundation for creating a culture that protects these economic and social rights, we work in partnership with affected communities to build local projects and national coalitions that advocate for universal, equitable, comprehensive and sustainable public policies.
The following comes from our friends at LWR.
Please take a moment to review these links to important advocacy work.
Each month Lutheran World Relief provides our advocates with the tools they need to take action on behalf of peace and justice issues that affect millions around the world. Use this month's issue to lead your LWR Advocacy Group meeting, share it in another peace and justice group meeting, post it in your church narthex or send this email to your friends and family. Click the image on the right to download March's LEARN. PRAY. ACT with Lutheran World Relief. lwr.org
