Peace, Love and Warmth in Perry Square

About 35 to 40 people attended the Peace, Love and Warmth event at Perry Square on November 16. The event was organized by Char Newport Michalek. "I named the event Peace, Love and Warmth, because everything we do has to be from a place of peace and love," said Michalak. "Sometimes it might be necessary to mobilize and do what we need to do. Peace and love doesn't make us doormats."

Building community is the first step of any movement. I wanted to first of all develop a foundation of like-minded people who are willing to do something. I asked people to bring something warm to donate to Community Shelter Services because we need to begin making an impact in multiple ways.

I hope to be able to get togethers on a consistent basis, and each time I would like to have people pick a different charity for us to donate to.

Char says she hopes to have get-togethers on a consistent basis. "Each time I would like to have people pick a different charity for us to donate to." she said. People attending this event donated warm clothing items to Community Shelter Services. Char says she became complacent after the 2020 election, but after the 2024 election, she felt the need to do something. She took the contact information from the attendees so they could stay in touch. "I intend to meet with leaders in the various affected communities so that we can be part of the solution, said Char. "Building community is the first step of any movement. Any population or community that needs our help, needs our voices, needs us to mobilize - I want to be able to be there for them."

"And I very much needed hugs and support and to know that other people are thinking the same way I am. We can't be complacent this time."