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The Neighborhood Files North Hills Residents Come Together for a Day of Peace at North Park
The Pittsburgh North People for Peace and the North Hills Anti-Racism Coalition sponsor the event planned by several area organizations. By Kristy Snyder Email the author September 20, 2011 Email Print Comment Related Topics: International Day Of Peace, North Hills Anti-Racism Coalition, North Park, Pittsburgh North People for Peace, and Salem United Methodist Church Even the Pittsburgh Steelers game could not pull peace lovers away from the sixth observance of the North Hills International Day of Peace Picnic. The Sunday afternoon event at the Point Grove in North Park drew more than 100 people of various ages, ethnicities and hometowns. The theme of the pacifist festival was Make the World Smile." The Pittsburgh North People for Peace and the North Hills Anti-Racism Coalition sponsored the event, which was planned by several area organizations. Though the official International Day of Peace is observed on Sept. 21, the groups that organize the event for North Hills prefer the weekend before so that more people can attend. This is the third year weve done it in the park, said Mary Sheehan, 71, of Ross. She is the co-founder of the Pittsburgh North People for Peace. Its a much better format. Its fun and all ages come. It really fits more with what a peace day should be. Attendees were given the challenge of finding people among the crowd who had performed specific green actions, such as having a compost pile or using energy-efficient light bulbs. The exercise allowed people to mix and talk about issues of environmental safety. Participants planted basil in recycled cups at a green-activity table. Several members of the community performed, and attendees joined hands in recognition of the recent death of a homeless woman. Its nice to see other people that are also interested in promoting peace, said Rachael Smart, 37, of Sewickley. I realize that coming here together is just people meeting, but you never know what could come of it," she said. "You might meet somebody who you find out is involved in a specific activity that youre interested in. The keystone of the event was the presentation of 194 flags of the countries composing the United Nations. The Venture Crew 344 from Salem United Methodist Church in Wexford handled the flags. I think its a wonderful thing that they do, said Nick Navarro, 59, of Wexford, and member of the Venture Crew. I dont think it can hurt. The more you bring people together, I think, the better opportunity you have to make something happen. In between events, the song One World by Celtic Woman played in the background. Home News Events Places Traffic & Gas Gallery Elections 2011 Holiday Guide Editor Cindy Cusic Micco: Heard some news you want us to check out? Let me know: cindy.micco@patch.com 36 F HI:47 LO:44 Nearby Kristy Snyder

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2 of 3 I dont think theres enough respect for each other like we should, said Brenda Davis, 71, of Ross. A member of the North Hills Anti-Racism Coalition, she has been participating in the picnic for several years. I dont have to agree with everybody, because I dont agree with my sisters and they dont agree with me. We all have an opinion but we have to respect each others opinion," she said. "Its the 21st century we can definitely do better than were doing. Email me updates about this story. Keep me posted Email Print Leave a comment READ MORE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES Lt. Gov. Cawley: Natural Gas Is 'Game Changer' in Western PA

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