A beautiful sunrise over Clarksville Lake, the largest lake in Virginia.
Councilman Alexander Rawls was so enthusiastic to participate in the Peace Run as we started our day running over the Julien Wilson Bridge. He wore the Peace Run t-shirt proudly.
Mayor Bruce Woerner warmly welcomed the Peace Run team to Clarksville.
Mayor Woerner conferred our Peace Run team with a Proclamation that declared April 29, 2024 as a Sri Chinmoy Peace Run Day in the town of Clarksville, VA.
An excerpt from this Proclamation:
SRI CHINMOY ONENESS-HOME PEACE RUN PROCLAMATION:
Whereas, peace and harmony have always been the desired longing and goal of humanity, ever more so in our present age: and
Whereas, the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run exemplifies and promotes this ideal by carrying and sharing the light of the Peace Torch on its journey with individuals and communities globally; and
Whereas, we, the people of Clarksville, VA, view this auspicious undertaking as a renewed dedication to humanity's loftiest goal of oneness and peace, both within our own communities and throughout the world at large; and
NOW THEREFORE, I, Bruce Woerner, the Mayor of the Town of Clarksville by the powers vested in me, do hereby commend the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run and proclaim Monday April 29th, 2024 to be named:
Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run Day.
Salil presented an artwork by Sri Chinmoy and a certificate of appreciation to the Mayor.
We were all given very prestigious memorial coins with the Bicentennial mark of Clarksville, Virginia.
On the left is Jeff Jones, Town Manager. He arranged a lot of our visit here today.
Here we are with members from Clarksville City Council who kindly came to meet with us. From left to right, Mecklenburg County Economic Development Director Angie Kellett, Mecklenburg County Tourism Coordinator Tina Morga, Clarksville Town Clerk Tara Murphy, Clarksville accounting clerk Donna Garland, Clarksville Town Manager Jeff Jones, Clarksville Council member Alexander Rawles and Clarksville Mayor Bruce Woerner (holding the torch).
Today we truly experienced 'Southern Hospitality'. After just having had such a warm greeting from Mayor Woerner, we were then approached by Jennifer and her dog Louise as she spotted the RV while running by. She was so happy to hear about the Peace Run.
We told her we were heading for a swim in the lake before running our miles and she invited us to swim at a private jetty her friends owned just down the road.
They both joined us in the RV and we headed for the lake, full of joy.
It was a very hot day here in Clarksville..
Swimming with Jennifer, we all jumped in in our running clothes.
The water was so refreshing.
The owner of the house was also extremely friendly and invited us back to stay any time, as did Jennifer! We were simply blown away by the warmhearted hospitality of our new friends and we left with heart's full of gratitude.
Uuganaa speeds off to our next ceremony. She is our fastest runner on this section.
Sweta from Nepal is a strong runner for the team, covering many miles each day.
Crossing the border to North Carolina.
The lunch that the women's team made in the RV was very nutritious and super delicious.
Trisha stopped as she was driving by and felt she wanted to offer her support for peace so she very kindly gave us a donation. Thank you Trisha.
This man's wife saw one of us running along the road and called her husband to tell him there is an Olympic torch running past their house and he should come out with the kids to see!!
Another friendly Southerner.
Preetidutta from New Zealand is loving her first experience in this part of America.
The runners were welcomed by Mayor Guillermo Nurse outside the City Hall in Oxford.
Mayor Guillermo Nurse remarked; "I am thrilled to welcome Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run to Oxford. Your mission to spread peace through the symbolic Peace Torch is inspiring. We are honored to be part of this global event".
Mayor Guillermo Nurse and town commissioner John Tovey made their wish for peace.
We presented the Mayor and the Commissioner a Peace Run t-shirt and a hat.
John and his wife Nancy invited our peace run team to meet Nancy's mother, Maryanne, who is 103 years old! We were all so inspired by her good health, and strength of character. She shared her secret to a long life - love of family and goodwill to all.
Maryanne was so happy to meet the Peace Run team.
We met Rebecca today when we stopped in her driveway. She came out and happily greeted us.
This is Nastya's last day on the run.
A brief shopping stop to find Nastya a farewell present. it's always sad to say goodbye to our team members.
Iceceam for everyone as a farewell party for Nastya. The very friendly and super cute staff members, Rachel and Mason joined the celebration.
