Joe Fenburt (center) and his friend Vincent Perez (left) came and joined with us as we started the day in Winlock, WA. Joe is a former student of our dear friend and collaborator Cathy Oerter who has worked with us on many Peace Run projects.
We made the most of the gorgeous morning.
Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby took time out of her busy schedule to meet the team.
Jumping forward to our evening events we were delighted to join our friends from the Seattle Sri Chinmoy Centre at their wonderful vegetarian restaurant, Silence-Heart-Nest in Fremont, affectionately referred to as the center of the universe.
Our team was honored to be able to present Torch-Bearer-Awards to a number of Seattle's remarkable citizens.
Nayak began by read a proclamation from the Mayor of Seattle, Jenny Durkan.
We then enjoyed a delicious meal.
We were very happy to have Suzie Burke, a dear friend, join us for the evening.
Our first Torch-Bearer recipient was Laurel James. She is a pioneer in running and fitness, affectionately referred to as the "Grandmother of Green Lake"
Laurel is a fitness pioneer par excellence. She started Super Jock 'n Jill, the Northwest region's premier running store, in 1975. She has given support and encouragement to running and fitness both individually to countless thousands and through ever-creative and joyful races.
Garth Stein is an internationally best-selling author and creative genius whose book "The Art of Racing in the Rain" has sold more than 4 million copies in 35 languages, and spent more than three years on the New York Times bestseller list. His latest novel "A Sudden Light" combines his literary mastery with and ever-unfolding dramatic tension with profound spiritual discovery.
Lyanda Lynn Haupt is an award-winning author, naturalist, eco-philosopher, and speaker. Her charming and nature-based writings connect countless of us with our living environment. Her newest book is the magical "Mozart's Starling" which takes us into the magic of nature, history and interconnectedness with all life.
Mr. Raj Manhas is former Superintendent of Seattle Schools as well as a community organizer who has been instrumental in building communities of compassion in the north west region. Raj is the embodiment of kindness and clarity, bringing a sense of deep peace to all those who have the good fortune to come across him in their life's journey.
Lama Choyin Rangdrol is the first and only African American Buddhist lama invited to teach 1,000 miles into the heart of Dalit Buddhist communities in India and has been the stellar activist in America to draw attention to their plight. He was invited by the Indian Government to lecture on African American Buddhism. He has been a pioneer helping coordinate in LA the celebration of Mandela's release and also assisted Michael Jackson's Heal the World presentation at the Super Bowl.
Tetsuzen Jason Wirth was ordained in Japan in 2010 as a Soto Zen priest and he founded and co-directs the Seattle University EcoSangha. He strives in his every action, in his ministry, teaching and research to work for a more peaceful and just world. He is Professor of Philosophy at Seattle University and a widely published writer, author and guest lecturer.
Also in attendance was Bill & Ruthie Burton, previous Torch-Bearer recipients who were instrumental in re-building the Boys and Girls club in Rainier Vista.
The staff of the Silence-Heart-Nest.
Mr. Bill MacMurchy a renowned bagpiper led us to our short ceremony at the peace statue of Sri Chinmoy. Bill has performed for Queen Elizabeth and for several United States Presidents - and came up all the way from Oregon just for our programme.
Earlier in the day we visited the Rainier-Vista Boys and Girls Club that Bill Burton had been instrumental in rebuilding.
The members were very enthusiastic and gave us a tremendous amount of encouragement.
Thank you to Denise Lewis and all the staff at Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club. We run for people like you!
