SSTAR plants Peace Pole-Fall River, MA, USA

June 30th, 2010

One of more than forty-five Peace Poles crafted by 25 local organizations was “planted” at Stanley Street Treatment and Resources (SSTAR) on June 30, 2010. The Peace Pole plantings work to create a more peaceful community by raising awareness and promoting empowerment, collaboration and connection to reduce and prevent violence. This Peace Pole planting was organized by members of the GLBTQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning) group that is working with the BOLD Coalition to bring about a non-violent, drug-free community. Other plantings are being organized by United Neighbors Director Wendy Garf-Lipp in cooperation with The World Peace Prayer Society, Assistant Director Ann Marie Robustelli. For more information, contact Lance Tehan at SSTAR at 508-679-5222 or Wendy Garf-Lipp at United Neighbors at 508-324-7900.

Top row) Ryan Kennedy and Jesse Brown read a statement dedicating the Peace Pole to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people who may be the object of discrimination or violence. (Middle row), unveiling the Peace Pole that has “May Peace Prevail On Earth” written in English, Russian, Portuguese and Arabic, languages to represent groups connected to SSTAR, as Ray Gordon, Chris Parayno and Susan Wolfson applaud. (Bottom row, left) Ryan “hi-fives” Karen Fischer as Jasiel Correia II and Jesse look on. (Bottom row, center) group pose for a photograph behind the Peace Pole.