WILPF MEETING
WILPF will meet Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence, 1584 N. Van Ness Ave. This meeting is open to all.
STIR IT UP–WILPF ON KFCF 88.1 FM
Listener-supported free speech radio for Central California
April 24, 3 p.m. (4th Wednesday of each month). Jean Hays does outstanding interviews on subjects involving WILPF interests and activities. Tune in to 88.1!
WOMEN IN BLACK
First Wednesday of each month, noon–1 p.m. Silent, ongoing vigil in the breezeway at the Fresno County Courthouse, 1100 Van Ness Ave. Wear black and bring a sign.
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Meets monthly. Contact Jean Hays for time and place at skyhorse3593@sbcglobal.net.
RAGING GRANNIES
Meetings on selected Mondays at 7 p.m. Call Patty at 559-999-9709 for details.
MEMBERSHIP
Send dues to WILPF Fresno, P.O. Box 5114, Fresno, CA 93755
For inquiries and information updates, contact Evonne Waldo at evonnewaldo@yahoo.com.
Find us on Facebook!
WILPF Fresno
WILPF Fresno Earth Democracy
WILPF Fresno Library Committee
Fresno WILPF Cuba Solidarity Committee (and there’s now a blog at https://cuba-part-time.blogspot.com)
*Save the Date*
CRAFTS FAIRE DATE CHANGE
Saturday, November 23, 2019, at Fresno City College. For info, contact Beverly Fitzpatrick at dfitzpatrick29@comcast.net.
Membership Brunch
On March 10, we gathered for a brunch and a discussion on Empowering the Feminine, with a special panel who used their past experiences to express their connection to this theme, and enjoyed the Raging Grannies sing. Sandra Iyall, as a past Fresno WILPF president, spoke about the presence our branch had during the draft for the Vietnam War.
Kyla Mitchell represented the younger voice within our branch; she began her WILPF involvement at 15 years old with her mother Gail. Dr. Mary Husain, professor of CineCulture at Fresno State, spoke intimately of her hurdles along her journey to come to begin this special film course.
Dr. Francine Oputa broke down the theme, sharing her thoughts, feelings and experiences. She brought up important factors regarding our personal and collective perceptions and attitudes about the theme.
We thank all who attended. And to our brunch coordinators, Evonne Waldo, Donna Salwasser, Ann Carruthers, Jean Hays and Joyce Kauder, thank you for your attention to every detail, which created the opportunity for intimate sharing and togetherness with old and new friends.
—Teresa Castillo
Library Committee Book Donation Event
Last month, we donated a set of the Jane Addams Peace Association awarded books to the Doris Gates Room of the FCPL! Ann spoke about Jane. Donna helped with a fun peace dove/hand craft program. We had a read-aloud story of “Dangerous Jane” by Cheryl and a song of peace led by Jean. The children got to play instruments too. And Sandra took photos of it all! Thanks to Ann, Donna, Jean, Cheryl, Sandra and Penny from the FCPL! A great time!
—Sandra Rios Baldarama
Earth Democracy Field Trip
Friday, March 15, was an exciting one for WILPF’s Earth Democracy group and the Sustainable Action Club of Fresno City College. The two groups and friends gathered at the Visitors Center at the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, north of Los Banos, at 8 a.m. for a tour organized by Earth Democracy Co-Chair Catherine Fowler.
The Center, a new structure, is packed with information on the wildlife living in the refuge. The SLNWR has 26,800 acres of wetlands, riparian forests and grasslands. It is an important stop in the Pacific flyway. We were impressed, to say the least, and eager to see as much as we could see!
We were very, very fortunate to have expert local birder Penny Stewart with us to point out various birds along the mile-long walking path and on the driving trails. We saw cormorants, blue herons, white pelicans, at least three different kinds of hawks, cinnamon teals and a great-horned owl sitting on a nest as she bid us farewell when we departed. Besides the birds, we saw many fat, contented Tule elk basking in the sun.
Being in the SLNWR was an awesome experience and a humbling reminder that we humans are only a part of this refuge we call Earth. John Muir said, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.”
Earth Democracy plans to explore more places around California. You are invited to come with us as we get better acquainted with all life with which we share this place called Earth. A real-life picture is worth a thousand words. Stay tuned for more info on our next outing. You can find it on WILPF’s Facebook pages: WILPF Earth Democracy and/or FresnoWILPF.
—Jean Hays
Upcoming Events
- The Old Fig area-wide yard sale day is April 6. Your donations of discards can help us make some money for the Dakota EcoGarden (2231 W. Dakota Ave.); Gerry B’s home at N. Wishon Ave. and Beverly Way (SE corner) will be the site. Contact Gerry (gerry.bill@gmail.com) or Nancy.
- Earth Day, April 20, at Radio Park, next to the Fresno Art Museum.
- Bev Fitzpatrick is organizing a game night (Bunco) to which WILPF is invited, March 31, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
- We will do a presentation to the Reedley Peace group as part of their study of Mike Rhodes’ book, Dispatches from the War Zone.
