NEIDEEP

Friday, October 17, 2008

"Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights." Bob Marley

Today starts the International Celebration of Eradicating Poverty. During the next few days, we Stand Up for our rights and the rights of 1.4 billion people who live on less than $1.25 a day. As we gather in our large or small groups to celebrate this event by Standing Up to Take Action, I find myself exhausted due to the change of venue from Colby College to the Fairfield Community Center.

It has been quite a week. And, when I called Jan Schrock of Heifer the other day - something that I had put off - I figured she would be disappointed in the change of venue, since her focus is on education and youth... Jan was supportive and positive. She thanked me for not giving up and working with the community to pull off the change.

Then I told her I was afraid the change may mean smaller numbers. This was of no concern to her - she said the right people would show up. We discussed that to end poverty, we need to take the focus off of money. "It's a no-brainer," she said.

However, most people still believe that we need more money to end poverty...

Next, I spoke with Rev. Marcelle Dotson, of the United Methodist Conference, who is representing the Nothing But Nets Campaign and gave her the same news. She was thrilled that the community pulled together to change the venue. After all, building our communities is how we can change the course of the future - locally, nationally and globally... She also told me the right people would show up, and not to worry about the numbers...

Not worry? But do I set up tables for 20 or 200? How much coffee should I make? Food is not the issue - if there is too much, it will all go to the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter. If there is not enough, well - it is a potluck, too, so... Besides, people can send out for pizza, if needed...

Today, as we make soups; print out & copy materials; make last minute phone calls & lists; send out e-mails; and more, it is also the time to remember that this event reminds us to work together and

Live Simply, So Others May Simply Live.

Okay - off the soup box - ahh, I mean soap box - and back down to earth!'

Directions:
Southbound on I-95 (from Bangor)
Take Exit 132 for Fairfield. At the end of the exit, turn left towards Fairfield on Rt. 139 – Western Ave. You will come to a “T” (1.1 miles). Turn right onto Rt. 201 South. Turn left on Water Street between the Post Office and Big Apple Mobil station (0.3 miles). Fairfield Community Center is the last brick building on the right, just after the Fairfield Police Station. Parking is straight ahead, next to the river.

Northbound on I-95 (from Augusta)
Take Exit 132 for Fairfield. At the end of the exit, turn right towards Fairfield on Rt. 139 – Western Ave. You will come to a “T” (1 mile). Turn right onto Rt. 201 South. Turn left on Water Street between the Post Office and Big Apple Mobil station (0.3 miles). Fairfield Community Center is the last brick building on the right, just after the Fairfield Police Station. Parking is straight ahead, next to the river.

From Skowhegan - local
Take Route 201 South into ‘downtown’ Fairfield. Turn left on Water Street between the Post Office and Big Apple Mobil station. Fairfield Community Center is the last brick building on the right, just after the Fairfield Police Station. Parking is straight ahead, next to the river.

From Waterville - local
Take Route 201 North into ‘downtown’ Fairfield. Turn right on Water Street between the Big Apple Mobil station and the Post Office. Fairfield Community Center is the last brick building on the right, just after the Fairfield Police Station. Parking is straight ahead, next to the river.

From Norridgewock - local
Take Route 139 South to Western Ave, just past Damon’s. When you come to a “T,” turn right onto Rt. 201 South. Turn left on Water Street between the Big Apple Mobil station and the Post Office. Fairfield Community Center is the last brick building on the right, just after the Fairfield Police Station. Parking is straight ahead, next to the river.

From Benton/Unity - local
Take Route 11 South, across the bridges into ‘downtown’ Fairfield. Turn left onto Rt. 201 South. Turn right on Water Street between the Big Apple Mobil station and the Post Office. Fairfield Community Center is the last brick building on the right, just after the Fairfield Police Station. Parking is straight ahead, next to the river.

Now, back to tweaking that agenda! I will post it later, with a list of the panel participants.

Although we want you to RSVP, you can just show up... If we need to set up more chairs, you can help us do that - after all it is a community event! Bring a potluck in a disposable pan, so we can share with the Shelter! Or, bring a yummy dessert - I could use the chocolate! We have Fair Trade Organic coffee and tea - donated by Somerset Coffee & Tea Company (part of the Skowhegan & Augusta Farmer's Markets). We have soups, with products of the Skowhegan, Waterville & Fairfield Markets & additional bread donated by Borealis Bakery.

We have great panels, with very informed, dynamic people, locally, regionally and globally. Jan Schrock - Heifer International - will be at both of the events, on the farming panel and give her keynote speech at 6pm. Her new children's book will be on sale as community fundraisers. What a great holiday gift - and signed by one of the world's most awesome, down-to-earth humanitarians!

See you tomorrow - at the Market and/or the center! If we have large amounts of people, we just might need you to pitch in!

Remember - the conference fee is a non-perishable food item for one of our local food pantries.

Peace -

Bonnie

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NEIDEEP at 5:42 AM