June 22 through September 21, 2012
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  • News Flash
    • Closing Ceremonies
    • Peace Talk Radio
    • Peace Meal and Hootenanny
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Ebay Counter
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FOR UPDATED INFORMATION THROUGHOUT WEBSITE!  REFRESH - REFRESH - REFRESH!

LAKE COUNTY BIRTH 2012 EVENT AND CELEBRATION/DANCE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 5:30 TO 10 PM, LAKEPORT SENIOR CENTER, 527 KONOCTI AVE. LAKEPORT, CA - FOR MORE INFO CALL 707 262-0400

Birth 2012 offers possibilities for new growth, management, creativity and freedom in all areas of our lives.  
As Shift Network Founder and CEO Stephen Dinan has said,
“The  impulse toward evolution, freedom and higher possibility runs deeply in each of us.  We all want an expanded life, a wider heart, more wholeness, a freer future...The systems of life maintenance on which we depend as a species sit at a critical crossroads; we must turn immediately toward their resolution or face irreversible decline...Humanity is on the precipice of a new era of peace, sustainability, health and prosperity – if enough of us dare to declare it and decline and shed the beliefs and behaviors that have governed us for millennia. We have the opportunity now to bring to fruition the longest-held dreams of our world: the end of war, democracy for all, eradication of hunger, and education for everyone.
“These dreams are at our fingertips now...Individual  leadership is crucial, but real change flows from a collective wave of new consciousness."

Where do your talents and interests lie? You may be interested in more than one spoke of the wheel of co-creation from and to all areas of our lives: health, energy, new media, business, technology, relationship, science, spirituality, arts economics, education, environment, government.  Think about your strengths and how you may interface with the new paradigm, so that you can manifest and inspire others with your creative ideas and actions both now and throughout the years to come. 

Bring your appetite, your ideas and your dancing feet!...See you at Birth 2012!

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LAKE COUNTY SUMMER OF PEACE ENDED SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

More Closing Ceremonies Pictures and Videos
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Claudia Listman and the Diva's
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Lake County Summer of Peace 2012
Closing Ceremonies Program September 21
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Lake County Record-Bee - Thursday, September 6 - Page A2

The Final month of the 90-day Lake County Summer of Peace 2012
is dedicated to forgiveness.
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Fambul Tok Documentary Screened at Soper-Reese Community Theatre in Lakeport, Friday, September 14, 2012 7:00 pm
ONE PERFORMANCE  ONLY! 

Thank you to all who did email blasts or helped in other ways to get the word out about this unusual event, including the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, the Clearlake Chamber of Commerce, Lake Family Resource Center, Shirley Howland's Peace News, Transition Lake County, KPFZ 88.1 fm, Lake County Arts Council, OutlookLakeCounty.com, ArtNews by Xian Yeagan, Artists' Newsletter, Wanda Harris and others.
Buy Soper-Reese Tickets Online
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Print photo below in black and white and pass around your community, many Thanks!
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FAMBUL TOK PROGRAM, SEPTEMBER 14,  2012
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The Lake County Summer of Peace is honored to have presented:

Fambul Tok (family talk)


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 - 7:00 pm

This remarkable documentary is a contemporary true story on radical forgiveness and ultimate wholeness resulting from courageous truth tellings and community acceptance around village bonfires. The multi award-winning film, shot in Sierra Leone, was introduced by an extraordinary talent and guest artist, 

Operatic Soprano
Denyce (Hicks) Santos

from New York City and Napa, CA in her Lake County debut. 


Note:  Several organizations in Lake and Napa County have expressed an interest in screening the documentary Fambul Tok for their members and guests, and may schedule dates for these events in October and November.  Announcements will be made of dates and places when available.  
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The Triumph of the Clearlake Peace Pole:  A Redwood Reborn

Lake County Record-Bee - Letter to the Editor -

The Outlook Launches New Website Focused on the 
Lake County Summer of Peace 2012

Vol 15 No 3 September 2, 2012 issue Cover Page.
Go to The Outlook website at 
http://www.outlooklakecounty.com/index.html

The Outlook also dedicated the August Issue to the Summer of Peace, with comprehensive background pieces on the 90-day celebration and other articles and ideas about peace. Under the new management of Publisher/Editor Julie Lewis, the new publication shows promise of a rich contribution of news and views of Lake County, with a close look at many people, organizations and perspectives about the area. To contact, e-mail: TheOutlook@juno.com; or call: 707 701-6002.
The Outlook Website
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SEPTEMBER ISSUE
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AUGUST ISSUE
To read full current and archival issues of The Outlook issue go to:
Current Issue of The Outlook

Clearlake Meditation Course, Wed. Sept. 12, 2012 - 6:30-8:00 pm

This is a four-week series of presentations. It provides an introduction to the practice and benefits of the eight-point program of passage meditation, as well as information about free resources to help you get started in this practice. This method of meditation, developed by Eknath Easwaran, can be followed equally well in any religion or in none. It belongs to no movement, and asks for no change of beliefs. 
 
All are welcome: there are no prerequisites, no preparation is needed, and you can just show up on the day. See Summer of Peace calendar for more information -

Contact: Marion Kaiser 994-9099

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Tai Chi led by Arch Cottler

August 25, 2012, 9:30 am – 10:30 am – In back of the Sutter Wellness Center on the lawn above the Wellness House (see Calendar). Free Event (donations accepted).
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10 am - 3pm Saturday, August 25th, 2012. Mark your Calendar!
Claim Your Voice. Tell Your Story. St. John's Episcopal Church, 1190 N. Forbes Street, Lakeport. A much anticipated event for women.

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PEACE MEAL and HOOTENANNY - Saturday 8-18-12 - 5-9 pm

Saturday 5 pm Potluck followed by folk music sing-alongs that continue 'til 9 pm.
Everyone is invited for an evening of food, fun, friendly folks and memorable music by 10 musical groups throughout Lake County, all in support of the Summer of Peace 2012.  Grab your chair or blanket, pot luck dish and drinks, and we'll see you there! Nostalgic fun with Lake County neighbors.

Editorial Comment (8-19-12):  This event, organized and hosted by Linda Guebert for the Unitarian Universalist Community of Kelseyville, was one of the most enjoyable events of the summer!  So much fun, gentle breezes, a grove of gigantic oak trees circling the stage, fabulous healthy and beautiful food, quiet conversation, flashing tiny LED lights in the dusk to a musical banquet from the spheres of the 60s.  Thanks to all who participated (so many talents -- see article below!), to the Unitarian Church and to Linda for all her excellent planning and execution of a perfect evening.

Taira and Bob
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RECORD-BEE Opinion Page

Letter to the Editor Page A4
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The OUTLOOK: Lake County's Independent Media
Vol 15 No2 August, 2012

Dedicates August issue to Lake County Summer of Peace 2012! 
What a nice surprise! Many thanks to Lake County's newest journalist!
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OUTLOOK AUGUST 2012 - Page 14
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9:00 am - 5:30 pm - Saturday, August 11, 2012 - Clearlake
Mother-Wise Holding One-day Volunteer Training Seminar

Mother-Wise is holding a Volunteer Training Seminar on Saturday, August 11. The one-day training is packed with information to help support moms in our community, and prepares our volunteers for home visits.  Much of the content pertains to active listening, a skill that can help with all of our  relationships.
 
Lunch is provided, so please let me know if you can attend ASAP, but no later than Thursday.

The training will be held at Lake Family Resource Center in Clearlake, from 9:00 am until 5:30pm.

We hope you will join us!

Jaclyn Ley
Mother-Wise Program Coordinator
(707) 349-1210
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mother-Wise/156878824324503

Mother-Wise is funded by Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act, Lake County Children's Council and Jenny's Light

Successful Celebration of Juried Art Show Entries Yields Winners! 

August 3, 2012

The winners were:

         1st Prize: Xian Yeagan                     2nd Place: Ray Farrow      3rd Place: Janet Taylor  

First Friday Fling Winners Award Reception – August 3, 2012

Paintings will hang during the months of August and September, 2012.
 
Announcement of winners were announced and celebrated at the First Friday Fling on August 3, 2012 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm, the winners will be announced at 6:30 pm...plan on visiting our local Juried Peace Art Show, dedicated to the Lake County Summer of Peace 2012. The show was organized by Judy Cardinale with the support of the Arts Council Executive Director Shelby Posada.

Main Street Gallery
Lake County Arts Council
325 North Main Street
Lakeport, CA 95453

The public is invited: Homemade pastries and other refreshments: $10.00
No admission charge otherwise.

The Public is also invited to come in anytime during opening hours between now and September 23 to vote for the Peoples Choice Winners (1st thru 3rd places). 
The Peoples Choice Winners will be announced at the First Friday Fling on October 5, 2012 at 6:30 pm. 
 
For more information, contact: Judy Cardinale, Peace Art Competition Director, Lake County Arts Council, 707 263-6658.  

Summer of Peace in Woodstock and Philadelphia are Joining our Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 Celebration!
We are celebrating the Summer of Peace in Woodstock, NY with several events; we have an open mic at our Community center this Friday from 7-10 as does The Summer of Peace Group in Philadelphia--we'll be doing a Thich Nhat Hanh walking meditation together...perhaps you have an event and would like to join us in this? We are interested in synchronizing some events--we are walking for peace on the 5th, and have a peace meditation on the 19th--let us know what we can join you in, and thank you for being peace. One Love!
Sylvia Bullett (845) 554-2619


THE CLEARLAKE OAKS THREE PLAYS WERE A GRAND SLAM, PEOPLE ARE RAVING ABOUT THIS LOCAL MUSICAL PLAY! 

The final three plays were staged at the local Lakeport Senior Center. Hope you didn't miss this, a top 2012 theatre plays written and directed locally.

Lake County Theatre Company (LCTC) Presents:

CONGRESS, YOU'RE FIRED!
An Original Musical Comedy
Written and Directed by Suna Flores
Clearlake Oaks Moose Lodge/Corner Hwy 53/20
Friday, July 27 – 7:00 pm $12
Saturday, July 28 – 5:30 pm Dinner Show $20
Sunday, July 29 – 2:00 pm Matinee $12


Dinner Reservations Call: Suna Flores 998-3740
Lakeport Senior Activity Center – 527 Konocti Ave
Friday, Aug 3 - 7:00 pm $12
Saturday, Aug 4 - 5:30 pm Dinner Show $20 - Show Only $12
Sunday, Aug 5 - 2:00 pm – Matinee $12


Dinner Reservations Call: Suna Flores 998-3740
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ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEALS ON WHEELS!

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012 . . .

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Lake County Summer of Peace 2012
Lakeport, CA - Opening Ceremony

Lake County Summer of Peace 2012
Clearlake, CA Opening Ceremony


Clearlake and Lakeport Peace Markers June-22-2012

Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 Ceremonies Friday June 22, 2012, Lakeport 4 pm and Clearlake 7 pm both are preceded by drums, guitar and church bells.

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Opening ceremonies commence in less then 40 hours. 6-20-12

Summer of Peace celebration kicks off June 22, 2012, public, government, and tourist are invited!
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Opening Ceremonies and Dedication for Peace Markers 
4 Days to the Celebration! 6-18-12

For Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 Friday, June 22, 2012,
Lakeport Library Park 4 pm and Clearlake Austin Park 7 pm
Less then 4 days to celebration!
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Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 Opening Ceremony Front Cover
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Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 Opening Ceremony Program Inside
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Brochure 5-23-12

Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 Brochure! 
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Brochure Front
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Brochure Back

Joint Fundraiser MAY 18 Dance Handouts (5-15-12)
We need your help!) 

Save the picture below to your computer, print, cut into handouts then pass them around to any and all local events or gatherings, this fundraiser will help KPFZ 88.1 fm and Lake County Summer of Peace 2012!
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Joint Fundraiser Dance/Silent Auction with KPFZ 88.1 fm
4-15-12

800 Dancing Feet anticipated at Gala Dance Fundraiser benefitting KPFZ 88.1 fm and Lake County Summer of Peace at Konocti Vista Casino's Club Konocti on Friday May 18, 2012!

If you want to print out your own poster, right click on the poster of your choice and save and print an 8 x11" poster on glossy paper...then ask permission to post it in any great and visible location.
You are our Ticketmaster to help make this a great success.  For more information, please call the Peace Center 262-0400.  Thanks!
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Double Click any picture large are small to view in large format
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TOP POSTER
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    Vote for the Best Poster  Your pick:  Top or Bottom!
     Print the one you choose!

Submit
BOTTOM POSTER
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Organizers of the Lake County Summer of Peace Seek Volunteers and Workshop Proposals 
03-03-12
The Summer of Peace proponents are looking for experienced volunteer managers and other staff members to assist the effort part-time or full-time. Available positions include office manager, bookkeeper, volunteer coordinators, publicist, social network manager, fundraising event assistant and various office workers, plus 12 area or city overseers to focus on individual cities and towns in Lake County.  
 
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Clearlake Proclaims a "Summer of Peace" 03-1-12
Clearlake City Council expressed enthusiastic interest in working with St. John in installing a Peace Pole in Austin Park, and have offered assistance for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Lake County Summer of Peace 2012.
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Lake County Summer of Peace Opens Website  2-26-12   
Seeks Dedicated Volunteer Staff - If interested, please complete Volunteer Application Form online under Contacts.

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Lake County Summer of Peace Launches Website
Calendar 02-26-12
Open for Workshops and Events - Sign up online under Contacts

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The City of Clearlake Declared a Proclamation on 02-23-12
The Third Proclamation since August 23, 2011 Declared for the  Lake County Summer of Peace Project!

The City of Clearlake declared a Proclamation for the Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 and International Day of Peace in Lake County signed by Mayor Joey Luiz on February 23, 2012, urging our community to observe and participate in  the activities in accord with the universal wish for peace within and among all nations and peoples. Visit the proclamation tab.

Positive Response from Peace Pole Inquiry on 02-13-12
References for Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 to International Peace Community! 

Hi Taira,
Congratulations on your Summer of Peace!  I looked briefly at the Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 website and was very impressed and happy with Lake County's Peace efforts. Ninety intentional days of peace will be a powerful force!  Thanks for encouraging and inviting other towns, cities, counties, and countries
"to activate the largest global commitment to Peace and Prosperity in one season in the history of humankind."  
 
Regarding the Peace Poles, all your questions can be answered by the Peace Pole Makers (PPM).  Their website is
www.peacepoles.com.  I am copying Kim, she will be happy to  assist in ordering the Peace Poles. You have time to order and receive the two 8-sided Peace Poles before June.  The 8-sided Peace Poles take about 6-8 weeks  to be crafted.  A price sheet and ordering form are on the PPM website, as well  as information on the material and languages (choosing the language is a great  way to engage individuals and groups to participate and take ownership in creating peace locally). 
PPM number is 231 326-4567.  They will love to hear from you.

I am also copying World Citizen Inc (WCI), a local group with a purpose of peace education and establishing Peace Sites (
www.peacesites.org). Dick Bernard is a WCI member and is also  a member of the Minnesota Alliance of Peace Makers (MAP). He is also a member of the planning team for the Nobel Peace Prize Festival (www.nobelpeaceprizeforum.org). He is a champion for Peace!  His mentor (my mentor), Lynn Elling is also being copied. Mr. Elling is our Godfather, Grandfather, Father, Brother, and Son of Peace and Justice. 

I have a good feeling that you will hear from them.    
 
Finally, I hope you are already in touch with World Peace Prayer Society (WPPS). They have the universal energy, human resources, and the global network to take Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 on a quantum leap in fulfilling its vision. I am copying Ms. Fumi, the Director of WPPS.  She holds and keeps the vision of world peace in the light for all to see. I am also copying Ann Marie.  She is my WPPS contact person and motivator.
WPPS also crafts Peace Poles and peace accessories.  

I trust this information will be helpful, however, please feel comfortable emailing and/or calling for additional information or for clarity. Your project is very exciting and carry seeds with much potential.  My group, the Community Peace Builders (formerly, the Peace Love Warriors) is sponsoring our 15th Annual  Peace Community Celebration on June 15.  We would be honored to promote Lake  County Summer of Peace 2012. I look forward to communicating with your group and supporting
"THE CAMPAIGN OF MILLIONS, MODELING FOR THE NATION AND WORLD A GRASSROOTS CELEBRATION THAT ANY COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR RURAL AREA CAN USE  AS A TEMPLATE FOR THEIR OWN CELEBRATION OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY AND THE SHIFT OF  THE PLANET’S POPULATION TOWARD A CULTURE OF PEACE."  
 
Thank you.  Have a  wonderful day.
May Peace Prevail On Earth (MPPOE)!
Peaceful Thoughts,
Melvin
651-792-6963 
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From: "Taira St. John, Ph.D., M.F.T." <stjphnt@mchsi.com>
To: 
peacebubbles@q.com
Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 4:30:40 PM
Subject: PEACE POLES

We are creating a Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 for this summer our lake is about a 100 miles around the lake. So we will be starting off  our event with two ceremonies one on the north side and one on the south side at different times to start 90 days of peace with over 250 events throughout the Lake County Summer of Peace. In both ceremonies we will have a Peace Pole which will be the focal point of each ceremony.

We are looking to acquire two Peace Poles with 8 sides with 16 languages of "May Peace Prevail on Earth". We need to know how long it takes to create them, how much they will cost and the cost of shipping. What are the materials: cedar, aluminum, plastic, engraved, plaques, etc.? Can you send us a price sheet on the costs involved in a Peace Pole? 

Website:
LakeCountySummerofPeace.com

Taira St. John Ph.D., M.F.T.
Executive Director
Lake County Summer of Peace 2012
P. O. Box 716 
Lakeport, CA 95453   
stjohnt@mchsi.com

Peace Center News on 1-20-12
Former Lake County Supervisor Ed Robey Joins Lake County Summer of Peace Team
 
Former Lake County Supervisor Ed Robey, who retired from his post in 2007 to enjoy retirement and take on new interests, kindly agreed to assist the Peace Center as a Database Consultant and Designer, and will meet with staff as soon as all database fields are determined, so that he may begin his design while volunteers organize data from researched information and inquiries of people interested in participating in the Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 project.
 

Peace Center News on 1-19-12
Twelve New Volunteers Emerge from the Stakeholders Meeting of the Lake County Summer of Peace at the Lake County Board of Supervisors Chambers

The meeting, held to introduce the Summer of Peace to the public and begin to organize volunteers on 1-19-12.  With 12 new volunteers emerging from the Stakeholders Introductory Meeting, new directions were set for data gathering, management, maintenance, scheduling and publication, and event scheduling for the summer. 

The next meeting will be held on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 4:00 pm prior to the introduction and opening meeting of STRIVE, a new Lake County organization coordinated by Lake County Supervisor Denise Rushing.  STRIVE is designed to assist non-profits, businesses and other entities to meet their social and fiscal goals.  The STRIVE meeting will be held at the Featherbed Railroad Bed and Breakfast in Nice at 6 pm on November 30. 

Lake County Record-Bee/Page A3/on Jan 18, 2012 

Staff Reports
LAKEPORT
-
Supporters of Lake County Summer of Peace Hold Meeting Thursday at the Lake County Courthouse    

Organizer Taira St. John said she envisions 250 workshops and events on the subject of peace and prosperity occurring throughout the county from June 22 to Sept. 21 as part of the 90-day celebration from June 22 through September 21, 2012.

She said interested people, businesses, churches, military, veterans, government employees, wineries and the casinos, artists and writers and the general public can attend a "collaborative planning meeting with stakeholders" Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at the Lake County Courthouse located at 255 N. Forbes St. in Lakeport.   

For more information, contact St. John, Ph.D., M.F.T. phone: 707 262-0400 or
stjohnt@mchsi.com
 

LAKE COUNTY SUMMER OF PEACE NEWS RELEASE on 1-18-12
Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 is the First Region in California to Join Global Peace Vision

For: Immediate Release
Date: January 18, 2012
Contact: Taira St. John, Ph.D., M.F.T.

LAKE COUNTY SUMMER OF PEACE 2012 EMERGES AND JOINS GLOBAL EFFORT OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY

Lake County has the honor of being the first county in California and the first region of its kind in the world to join the Global Summer of Peace, a 3-month celebration and sharing of ideas and programs dedicated to peace and prosperity in the upcoming summer from June 22 through September 21, 2012.  
 
A stakeholders meeting will be held on Thursday, January 19, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Lake County Board of Supervisors Chambers in Lakeport. The public is invited to participate, provide ideas, volunteer or otherwise contribute to the Lake  County Summer of Peace.
 Contributions will be tax deductible through the fiscal agency of the Lake Family Resource Center, North Main Street, Kelseyville, CA 95451 Attention: Peace. Please write checks payable to Lake County Summer of Peace 2012, and send directly to the Lake Family Resource Center, see contact page for address.  

Lake County is honored to represent the Global Summer of Peace as an International City of Peace (See http://www.InternationalCitiesofPeace.com), with such American cities as Dayton, Dallas, Atlanta, Eugene, San Francisco and New York City; and metropolitan cities abroad that include Rome Beijing, New Delhi, Toronto, Tokyo, Alexandria, Mexico City, Barcelona and Beijing, in a collaborative goal to unite the largest group of people in the history of the world to seek peaceful means of communicating, mediating, negotiating, listening and sharing, with special attention to learning new techniques of dialog during times of high conflict. 

In addition, the Lake County Summer of Peace(see 
http://www.LakeCountySummerofPeace.com) provides a template for a rural experiment by our community to discover, encourage and explore together an emergent common concept of developing as a culture of peace and prosperity for an entire region that can relate to country towns or major cities.

The unusual 90-day event combines our economic development needs to develop and expand business in Lake County through tourism and other commercial goals with spiritual aspirations that are non-denominational, ecumenical, and fundamental to all religions and spiritual practices, such as faith, trust, compassion, tolerance, listening, safety, security, respect, healthy living habits, good will, fair play, reconciliation, arbitration, justice, spiritual generosity, sacrifice, forgiveness and love, even amnesty and spiritual transcendence. Paired with tact, diplomacy and attention to the needs of all parties, the largest international and most conflict-ridden international peace negotiations have been dependent upon these types of characteristics, including the dispute between England and China over the jurisdiction of Hong Kong; the Dayton Accords that President Clinton introduced for Bosnia and Herzegovina through U.S. Emissaries Richard Holbrooke and then Secretary of State Warren Christopher in 1995; the work of Nelson Mandela and Bishop Tutu in South Africa not only for launching new racial policies and laws, but for settling economic and business differences between the everyday Africaners and native South African residents who had been raped, pillaged and killed during the Boer Wars after the discovery of gold created further competition for economic 
domination. 
 
The Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 is our own celebration, associated with the worldwide event. We can make of it what we want and provide a model for other cities, counties, rural areas throughout the U.S. and world. Many people have called or emailed from other areas of the U.S. seeking guidance about how to create a community event for peace, and we have struggled through some ideas together. Everything is open. The only boundaries are to keep events civil, respectful and kind, free from rudeness, blame or other verbal or physical violence, no matter how much anyone may disagree with another’s ideas or proposals.  We also hope to keep events substance free from alcohol and drugs, so that potential elements of conflict are reduced.
The collaborative Lake County Summer of Peace has the potential  to model for ourselves and other locations a way to converse, speak and listen civilly, in a way we don’t always see on television, so that all may express their views and hear the ideas of others in a safe space. The miracle of dialog cannot happen without a community consensus of peace, respect and acceptance of the idea of allowance for all to be heard. Differences of opinion will surface, and all deserve a fair hearing. Dominance, however, is unlikely to be unpopular at meetings where everyone is eager to put out his or her two cents and even strong ideas and opinions.

Among the major events under consideration are over 200 symposiums and forums in various venues and locations throughout the lake area. The grand opening ceremony of the Summer of Peace will be sponsored by the city of Lakeport at Library Park, where a large peace pole will be planted in a new circular garden near the gazebo. Introductions by our own county and city leaders of speakers such as Roberto Dansie, Ph.D., an international expert  on the Mayan Culture and Culture Diversity and Dr. Eugene Tazo, a renowned spiritual teacher, writer, award-winning flutest and composer with over 1,000 cds of his lectures on line at
http://www.therki.com/index.php?categoryID=575. It is anticipated that another simultaneous opening ceremony will open in Austin Park, Clearlake, to be further introduced to the city of Clearlake Council in February.  Arfun Gandi, grandson of Mahatma Gandi is also anticipated to attend and speak at the event, but the date(s) have not yet been confirmed.
Events now under consideration include an original play at the Soper-Reese or the Weaver Theatre on the topic of peace; a juried art show by the Lake County Arts Council (LCAC); possibly a Joan Baez concert; a concert by the new teen band, “Cheating Daylight” (featuring young Lake County and other musicians under the auspices of former Konocti Harbor Resort Manager Greg Bennett. Many other smaller events, all at low or no cost, are anticipated to take part in the 3-month event, with several or more offerings daily in various cities and towns that include, for example: Indian dances to the poems of Thich Nhat Hanh in Library Park in September by Barbara Christwitz, an  instructor at Yuba College and a principle in the Lake County Community Co-op, with drumming to follow; three outstanding movies and documentaries movies highlighting peace topics by Shannon Tolson’s Second Sunday Cinema in Clearlake; management opportunities through courses at Mendocino or Yuba College business classes; environmental sustainability, churches ringing their bells on September 21, 2012 and providing services on Sundays and other days and nights, bands, concerts, singing groups, body-mind massage demonstrations, spiral dynamics,  Alternatives to Violence programs, spiritual groups, including the Vedippasana silent meditation classes, teaching meditation and prayer activities, theatrical events, sports programs and events. The list of our offerings is endless.  Mental Health and Social Services programs, the Farmers Markets on three or four sides of the lake; art classes and demonstrations; any business or non-profit event already scheduled that wants to link up its theme with peace topics; all are welcome to be on the calendar and provide sustenance and potential economic growth through their creativity and services.

The picture is not acceptable that we sometimes glimpse of a small remote rural county in northern California with unprecedented beauty, clean air and one of the largest clear water lakes in the western hemisphere struggling for survival. Is it the state, the federal government, the times we are living in? Probably a little of all of this, but the one thing we do know is there is no one to fix us but us. 

Lake County is so magnetizing in its romantic terrain, its cost of living and its independent country charm --  some 35 new wineries are morphing the former pear and walnut region into the new wine country of northern California.  New families are moving in from Marin County and other high ticket Bay area and Los Angeles communities because of  reasonable property values, convenience, charm of the lake and its diversified culture. Yet, Lake County is biting at the bit to restore its jobs and once thriving community, a county where movie stars used to hang out. A balance between its rural culture and the need to expand the economy dictate a moderate approach to developmental needs for ecologically low impact businesses and service organizations. People in and beyond the Bay Area are likely to want to explore this unusual county that offers low-cost living and property availability and combine it with their wish to travel this summer.  We can make them especially welcome with additional events to attend and enjoy through the Lake County Summer of Peace. 

With no current deep state or federal pockets to spell our difficulties, and conversely to have some anticipated state funding removed, imaginations throughout the county are flipping through the facts before of us to provide for new streets, heftier (at least moderate) public school budgets, more ticket sales to the Fairgrounds, the Soper-Reese and the Weaver theatres, more symphony and community radio underwriters, the excitement and promise of a new college campus in the area, and more respect from our bright, but sometimes increasingly aggressive and removed young people to come home to tryed and true principles.  It is hoped that Lake County Youth will become even more joined with service projects and ways to create and build the world they wish to have as they graduate, continue with school, get jobs and develop their own families.
Whether we are rich, poor, hanging on to public assistance or living off our parents, we yearn for the peace of mind afforded by a growing economy, higher employment, respectable public education salaries and facilities, health policies that work for all, and broad new ways of seeing ourselves and our neighborhood/nation both economically and environmentally. We value honest public servants who are balanced and forthright, and want a moderate to large voice ourselves to express our needs, wishes and solutions. We want the powerful technological equipment (including computers, GPS equipment and and cell phones),  toys to help us in our lives, and we don’t mind some sacrifice, but wonder what our sacrifices mean if we are sinking too fast.  We want our kids back, happy and productive free from cyber or any other kind of bullying, but with their own dreams for the future. And we want to find the peace within and without for ourselves and our families that says we are okay, and our efforts are worth the time and energy we put forth for the fuller life.  
 
In short, we want good news to reduce our fears and increase our faith.  We want our creativity to flourish and our minds and hearts to soar with our love of nature and appreciation for each other and our and the beauty of our surroundings. We have the ability and the will to change our lives into a successful community that still yields the deep charm of our wineries, with little bistros around our lake to offer music and wine with cultural conversations and entertainment and arts events to match our developing environment as a writers and artists colony. 

The Lake County Summer of Peace is designed to fulfill many of these needs, and your contributions of ideas and projects will bring the vision of Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 full circle to include the thoughts and ideas of whoever chooses to share.    
 
For further information or input, please call the Peace Center,
 707-262-0400, email
stjohnt@mchsi.com, or send by snail mail to P. O. Box 716, Lakeport, CA.  Also, please go to the http://www.lakecountysummerofpeace.com and leave your ideas and comments on the Blog page.    

LAKEPORT CITY COUNCIL OFFICIALLY PROCLAIMS LAKE COUNTY SUMMER OF PEACE 2012 ON 12-6-11
Lakeport Mayor Stacey Mattina Presents Proclamation to Taira St. John, Founder and Executive Director of Upcoming Lake County Summer of Peace 2012 

LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PRESENTS ALL-COUNTY PROCLAMATION FOR LAKE COUNTY SUMMER OF PEACE 2012 ON 8-23-11
Lake County Supervisor Anthony Farrington Presents Proclamation to Taira St. John, Founder and Executive Director of Upcoming Lake County Summer of Peace 2012

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