PERSONAL NEWS #78
[Duchess Note - Sincere and humble apologies to all for the long delay in getting this section of my blog updated and posted. When work, holidays and outside activities become abit hectic, it’s not easy staying ahead of ones game. Without further ado … drum roll please … here is the latest news.]

Saturday, October 22nd, was the third annual Brooklyn Peace Fair. Some of the board members [ie: Carol, Liz, Rob, Kevin, Joe & I] from NYC Chapter Dept of Peace were on hand to table, plus give a presentation. We sold t-shirts, buttons, bookmarkers and gave away pamphlets et al. I very much enjoyed speaking to individuals about Dept of Peace [DoP] and other issues.
[Duchess at left with Kevin & his daughters]

Hopefully I inspired some with my enthusiasm about DoP & activism. A major highlight for me, and I’m sure many others in attendance, was a 30-minute talk given by Cindy Sheehan. [The auditorium was full!] The right-wing conservative liars and pundits don’t like this lady. Why? Sheehan speaks the truth from her caring, compassionate heart. Sometimes her language can be abit rough, but overall she is definitely an inspiration to many of us in the peace movement. Throughout the afternoon, in the auditorium at the YMCA, several musical acts were on display and also some progressive political speakers. I also visited other groups tabling at the event, picked up literature, plus chat with a few acquaintances [ie: Linda, Max & Sally]. The event and free refreshment was sponsored by Brooklyn Parents for Peace.

Thursday, October 27th, was NYC Chapter Dept of Peace [DoP] monthly meeting held at Kevin's [vice chair] office in midtown Manhattan. Cool, funky conference room [known as “the garage”] and very spacious. From now on this monthly gathering is no longer a “board” meeting [though original members will be in attendance]. It’s now an “open” meeting to NY State DoP District Team Leaders [DTLs] who wish to become more involved. Our chairperson, Carol, initiated this terrific idea of bringing in DTL folk. NYC members that attended … Joe, Kevin, Liz, Carol, Maria and I … the NY DoP DTLs in attendance that evening … Priscilla, Norma, Hector, Carly, Janet, Marni, John, Eileen, Brian M and David H. [I’m so blessed to be in the presence and working with all these wonderful people. Can you believe it; I’ve been involved with Dept of Peace campaign for a year now. Right-on!] It was a great meeting with alot of positive vibes, ideas, thoughts, suggestions and delicious goodies. Nothing is turned away and all is embraced.


On Saturday, October 29th, the NYC DoP core group gathered at free space provided by Coco [DoP member] to hold our 2006 Planning/Event meeting. [As with many DoP meetings and conference calls I’m usually in charge of notes or minutes.] We started congregating between 10:15am to 11am. As with all of our get-togethers, events and meetings we give each other warm hugs. [I contributed some of my homemade cookies, as did Karen. Others brought fruit & mixed nuts.] The productive meeting, with Coco as moderator, ran until 4pm with a brief lunch break. One of many accomplishments at the meeting was we consolidated our committees from 10 down to 3. Plus, we also set three very important goals for 2006. I’m now part of the Steering Committee; as is Karen, Carol and Hector. Though more may join us and it’s all so exciting. [Duchess Note – May I suggest to those who read my blog, check around in your city or state for a Dept of Peace group or chapter. Become a part of this important campaign. Google “Peace Alliance” on the Net and they can further help you. There are also some links posted in the lefthand column of this blog. Peace & Justice!]

On Sunday, October 30th, I had a one-hour session with my personal trainer [Marie] at the gym. It was a good workout and I know some of my muscles will be sore next day or so. Over the last two weeks my friend Cielito [fellow NYC Kucitizen] was staying at my abode. Cielito’s apartment situation isn’t very stable at the moment and until things get straightened out, she’s living the nomad life through helpful friends like me. [Her next port of call is Jessica’s abode in Riverdale.] Good thing I have the sofa bed in my living room, which has been utilized by friends and family in the past. At first it all seemed abit odd having someone live in my home. Over a short span I adjusted nicely and was happy to help out a friend. [Around this time, my landlady had some much needed work done on bathroom plumbing. As I type this the situation isn’t fully resolved.] Our schedules varied over the two weeks and the occasions we sat down over dinner et al, we’d get to chatting on numerous topics. [Thanks dudette, I really enjoyed those conversations, laughs and the Al Franken book.]