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Past events we have participated in or sponsored:
(These are copies of text used here and elsewhere that were
used to promote
the activity.
Even though you may see things written in the present/future tense,
these events are now past us.)
Veterans for Peace will be hosting their 15th Annual Concert for Peace and
Justice Saturday March 30th 2019 from 6:30pm till 9:30p.m. at the Sheboygan Beer
Company Taproom, 1124 North 8th Street Sheboygan. Come hear Whiskey Water
Rebellion, singer songwriter John Higgins, the awesome a cappella harmonies of
VOX, and the outrageous political parodies of the Raging Grannies. Besides the
fine food and artisan beers of Sheboygan Brewing Company, snacks and soft drinks
will be available from the vets. The fun begins at 6:30, a free will donation
accepted at the door, $8 suggested. A silent auction will raise funds for
veterans’ projects such as landline removal, agent orange, and PTSD recovery
retreats. First door south of the 8th Street Ale House, near the corner of North
8th and St Clair Avenue. With the support of Veterans for Peace Sheboygan, Friends
of Peace Park Sheboygan are participating in the 13th biannual Global Art
Project for Peace exchange. At their April 13th 2018 general meeting, Sheboygan Mayor Mike Vandersteen accepted an invitation to add his name, along with others of the
community, by signing the back of a banner made for the exchange. See the
photos here.
The partnered recipient for the exchange is the WHAM
Community Art Gallery in Sun City, Arizona. 92 countries are participating
during the week of April 23 - 30th, 2018. People, groups, and organizations
will create art expressions of peace and love to touch the hearts and
consciousness of the thousands of people who will experience them.
Visit their website:
peaceparksheboygan.org Or Contact them:
peaceparksheboygan@gmail.com
Concert for Peace and Justice, Saturday March 24 2018 6:00pm-9pm at Paradigm
Coffee and Music, 1202 N. 8th Street, Sheboygan.
Featured Musicians: Whiskey Water Rebellion, Ragin' Grannies of Sheboygan,
Lil' Rev, Jon Doll. Suggested donation at the door for adults, $10 or as
you're able. Students Free! (donations accepted! :-) ) Silent
auction to benefit Friends of Peace Park Sheboygan. Come join us for our
14th Annual concert!
Following a likely gathering of students and student supporters at Fountain
Park that day, we will sponsor Open Stage 4pm till 6pm for students or anyone
wanting to comment on school/gun safety. Perhaps we will hear musical
solos or group(s), poetry, videos, its and open stage.
Concert for Peace and Justice, Saturday April 8 2017 6:30pm-9pm at Paradigm
Coffee & Music 1202 N. 8th Street, Sheboygan.
Featured Musicians: Jason Moon,
George Posley, and Whiskey Water Rebellion. Poet Lisa Vihos. Comic
Edward Castillo. Advance tickets $8, at the door $10.
Get your 'wall' poster here,
or your basic poster here.
Armistice Day Event Nov 11, 2016, 10:30am till 11:15am
310 Bluff Avenue, Sheboygan WI
We will be recognizing the end of 'the war
to end all wars', World War I; which ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of
the 11th month.
Friday, October 14th, 2016 was our Annual
Chapter Dinner, hope you were there!
Saturday, March 12th, 2016 Veterans for
Peace Chapter 114 will host its 12th Annual Concert for Peace and
Justice
This year a benefit for Peace Park Sheboygan
design and construction. To be held at Paradigm Coffee and Music, 1202 N.
8th St., Sheboygan, WI 7:00 to 9:30 PM
Come for an evening of music with John Higgins,
Bill Weidner, Sheboygan Light Rail and Craig Wayh, with poetry by Lisa Vihos and
Gerry Bertsch.
Ticket sales and a silent auction will help
raise funds for development of Peace Park Sheboygan, located along the lakeshore
at 3rd Street and Michigan Ave.
Tickets $10.00 at the door. Advance tickets,
$8.00 available in person at Paradigm, or from VFP members by phone or email.
For information or tickets, call 920-208-9427 or
email chris (at) vetsforpeacesheboygan.org
Saturday October 17 2015. Join us for our Veterans for Peace Sheboygan Chapter
Dinner.
Keynote speaker will be member John Koehler who will speak about his VFP
connected trip to Cuba on 'opening day', as well as a brief report on his
attendance at the national VFP Convention this past summer.
Social time at 5:30pm, dinner 6pm, Lucas Hall of First Congregational Church
UCC, 310 Bluff Avenue, Sheboygan WI
Menu will include Latin American cuisine, tacos, enchiladas, rice and beans.
Please RSVP to Tom by phone (920.208.9427), or Craig by email (lakefire1
(at) gmail.com) so we can be sure to be prepared for you! :-)
Helpers appreciated for setup or cleanup, please also contact Tom or Craig.
Join us for our 11th Annual Anti-War Concert, now titled as our Concert
for Peace and Justice!
Saturday March 21, 2015, 7pm till 9:30 p.m.
At: Paradigm Coffee and Music, 1202 North 8th Street, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Come hear great musical acts, poets, and others, as they sing out and speak
out against America's wars that never end, sponsored by Sheboygan Veterans for
Peace Chapter #114.
Tickets go on sale March 8, get them early! $6 in advance, $8 day of
show and at the door, includes $1 off your first beverage or eats.
Venue phone: 920.457.5277
Questions phone: 920.208.9427
Tickets from members; by phone to Tom 920.208.9427; or here in our
shop cart.
Buy your tickets early, we usually sell out! :-)
Join us in Sheboygan to experience the longest running such concert in the
Midwest, as we express our outrage to those in power who created and now
perpetrate these costly, limb, and life-taking "non-wars".
Participate in our drawings for door prizes, we'll also have a silent auction
for a hand embroidered peace quilt, and we'll have lots of anti-war type
merchandise available.
View or print your own concert poster1 by clicking here
or poster2 by clicking here.
| Talents: (not in order of appearance) Sheboygan Light Rail
Lisa Vihos
Jon Doll
John P. Higgins
Bill Weidner
Wildflower (sorry, cancelled due to health)
Peggy Rozga
|
Copyright 2009, VFP Sheboygan |
All ages welcome! Great non-alcohol drinks and award winning bakery and
sandwiches available.
Additional donations encouraged and appreciated.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Walking and driving directions and map click here.
|
2014 Speaker Series.
August, September and October-
Veterans for Peace Sheboygan,
Chapter #114 opened its 2014 Speaker Series at Mead Library on August
6th. To inform and stimulate discussion, the series will
bring interesting and knowledgeable people to Sheboygan to address
historic and current topics of interest to the peace and justice
community.
The first speaker was Ms. Mary Diamond,
educator, army veteran, world traveler and human rights advocate. Her
topic; “The Influx of Child Refugees to the US, Causes, Effects, and
Possible Solutions” was well received and followed with breakout action
discussion groups.
In September
Rev. Joseph Ellwanger, author of
Strength for the Struggle will present “Courage for the Struggle”;
speaking on his years of human rights activism in Birmingham Alabama in
the early 1960’s with his wife Joyce, their work in civil rights issues
in Milwaukee, and more recently the
Sanctuary Movement. Mrs. Ellwanger will provide highlights of her
involvement with Father Roy Bourgeois and the
School of the Americas
Watch, an annual protest of what many see as our government’s
domestic terrorist training base at Ft. Benning, Georgia, and the price
she paid for her convictions. Join them Wednesday September 24th,
at 6pm in the Rocca Room at Mead Public Library.
This October, Navy veteran Ms.
Alyssa Holschbach offers: "Burn Pits: What are they? What are the risks?
What should be done?" She will briefly discuss her recent tour of duty
in Afghanistan and then the very real effect these burn pits had on her
while deployed there. Learn what burn pits are, the potential health
risks, the environmental effects, and the politics behind the
Dept. of Veterans Affair’s Open Burn Pit Registry; along with
research into and current recognition of deployment-related diseases. At
the Rocca Room at Mead Public Library, Thursday October 23, at 6pm.
For more information on the series or
individual events, please contact Craig Wayh at
lakefire@gmail.com, or Tom Contrestan at 920-208-9427. Download
this
press release here.
Wednesday Sept 24
and Thursday Oct 23 6pm at the Mead Public Library Rocca Room- the
next dates for our monthly fall lecture and discussion series. Reserve
those dates and times on your calendar! :-) Intro above, more info here
soon.... |
Join us for our 10th Annual Anti-War Concert, now titled as our Concert
for Peace and Justice
Saturday March 22, 2014, 7pm till 9:30 p.m.
At: Paradigm Coffee and Music, 1202 North 8th Street, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Come hear great musical acts, poets, and others, as they sing out and speak
out against America's wars that never end, sponsored by Sheboygan Veterans for
Peace Chapter #114. Tickets go on sale March 8, get them early! $6 in advance, $8 day of
show and at the door, includes $1 off your first beverage or eats.
Venue phone: 920.457.5277
Questions phone: 920.208.9427
Tickets from members or by phone to Tom 920.208.9427.
Buy your tickets early, we usually sell out! :-)
Join us in Sheboygan to experience the longest running such concert in the
Midwest, as we express our outrage to those in power who created and now
perpetrate these costly, limb, and life-taking "non-wars".
View or print your own
concert poster by clicking here.
All ages welcome! Great non-alcohol drinks and award winning bakery and
sandwiches available. Additional donations encouraged and appreciated.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Walking and driving directions and map click here.
Madison Aug 7 - 11 2013 VFP National Convention.
Concourse Hotel. There will be a lot of good stuff
going on, you won't want to miss this gathering!
Info at
http://www.vfpnationalconvention.org/
Member Tom Contrestan has been invited to participate in
a panel on Thursday Aug 8th- 1 pm, for 'Educating Your
Community on Peace'....talking about our annual antiwar
concerts, our meetings with speakers, etc.. Also
he (and you? he could use a few helpers!) on Thursday
evening - 7 pm in the Concourse Hotel Ballroom -
"Activists Speaking Out" event - is for everyone - this
is a FREE and open to the public meeting. This is
a good tabling opportunity, on a first-come basis -
shared space. Those who are tabling will have a chance
to speak as part of the program. Help represent
our Chapter as well as sell some of our merchandise!
2013 Sheboygan Memorial Day Parade! We hope you can join us Monday May 27!
Meet us at City Hall in downtown Sheboygan at 8am to help with preparations,
roads start getting blocked at 8:00, please be there by 8:30 at the latest.
Parade starts at 9am. If you have a VFP shirt, please wear it. We will
have VFP vests for those wanting to wear them. The parade is about a mile
long, our car at capacity, plan to walk the length. Questions? Contact Tom
Contrestan phone 920.208.9427.
Join us for our 9th annual Anti-War Concert, Saturday March 23, 2013, 7 to
10:30 P.M.
At: Paradigm Coffee and Music, 1202 North 8th Street, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Come hear great musical acts, poets, and others, as they sing out and speak
out against America's war that never ends, sponsored by Sheboygan Veterans for
Peace Chapter #114. Tickets go on sale March 8, get them early! $6 in advance, $8 day of
show and at the door, includes $1 off your first beverage or eats.
Venue phone: 920.457.5277 Questions phone: 920.208.9427
Tickets from members, maybe on-line, or by phone to Tom 920.208.9427.
Join us in Sheboygan to experience the longest running such concert in the
Midwest, as we express our outrage to those in power who created and now
perpetrate these costly, limb, and life-taking "non-wars".
All ages welcome! Great non-alcohol drinks and award winning bakery and
sandwiches available. Additional donations encouraged and appreciated.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Walking and driving directions and map click here.
Download your own printable poster
right now!
Heck, it would be even better if you could help us out by printing a few
and then putting them up in your neighborhood?
Armistice Day Gathering, Sunday Nov. 11th 2012 at 2pm
Where: Traffic Triangle 3rd & Michigan Avenue, Sheboygan WI. To
consecrate one day for peace. Sponsored by Veterans for Peace Chapter
#114 & Sheboygan People of Peace.
School of the Americas Watch- Nov 16th to 18th, 2012, the weekend before
Thanksgiving. Want more facts for yourself or to share with others? For your
very own large printable
poster/flier/newsletter
click here.
Our Chapter #114 continues
to offer our travel and expense scholarship of $50 for those making the trip,
and this year an additional $50 token of support for anyone that chooses
non-violent civil disobedience.
Join a group on the bus, prices
can include transport and housing. With enough "locals" participating we
should be able to consider a
rental van or RV, if you might be interested in going via any mode of transport, please contact Tom
today at 920.208.9427.
On Tuesday Oct. 16th 2012 at 7PM, Tom Contrestan and special guest speaker Joyce Ellwanger (SOA-Watch Prisoner of Conscience 2003 and Wisconsin Network for
Peace & Justice’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner) will be giving a public
presentation with slides on the School of the Americas, its impact on the
people of Latin American countries, and the heroic efforts of Father Roy
Bourgeois to shut down this school of assassins. Location for this event
will be: The Northshore Gathering at 3821 Kohler Memorial Drive in
Sheboygan. (Frontage road west of the Mall, the D.O.T. bldg. and Kiku
Japanese restaurant).
We will be holding our annual Veterans for Peace Sheboygan Chapter Dinner
on Friday, October 19th 2012 at 6:30PM, and you and your guest(s) are
invited! The location will be First Congregational Church at 4th and Bluff
Avenue in Sheboygan. Once again we offer members and friends of the Peace &
Justice community a chance to get together for an evening. We are working
to have a speaker to discuss our new “Peace Park” idea and our progress
toward it becoming a reality.
On the menu will be: spaghetti (meat balls or veggie), toss green salad,
garlic bread, cake, ice cream, coffee, milk or iced tea. Donations
accepted. Please RSVP to Craig Wayh at 920 452-3805 or e-mail
lakefire1@gmail.com.
September 23rd 2012 Sunday we will travel to West Bend WI for their 2pm first ever
Peace Parade. Sponsored by
West Bend Peace
Seekers.
Saturday Sept 22nd statewide VFP and IVAW meeting at The Highground near
Neillsville WI.
Check out the latest details:
http://www.facebook.com/events/121959454611210/ From that site
as of mid-July, here is what we know:
VFP Milwaukee Chapter 102 would like to
invite all the members of Veterans for Peace
and Iraq Veterans Against the War in the
State of Wisconsin to a statewide gathering
at
The Highground in Neillsville, WI on
Saturday, September 22nd.
Gathering together would allow all of us to
become familiar with the work we are doing
around the state, as well as the possibility
of coordinating future actions together.
Initial ideas for an agenda and time lines
are below, beginning with a meet and greet
lunch at 12pm and ending with a dinner
around 5pm.
Agenda
items might include
1) 12pm social/meet ‘n greet
2) Get to know what we are doing around the
state.
3) Create a way to coordinate actions
4) Collective action—“Armistice Day”,
“Drones in WI"
5) Create a possible statewide structure for
communication.
We welcome all of
your ideas for agenda items. We want all
members attending to have input on shaping
our discussions together.
The Highground will be providing space
free of charge but will accept any donations
we can provide.
Please RSVP or send
questions to:
http://www.facebook.com/events/121959454611210/
L.D. Rockwell
262-742-4306,
ld.jarockwell@elknet.net
Paul Moriarity,
414-332-0923
freepj@gmail.com (e-mail preferred) "We must
humanize the world so that it becomes impossible
to pull the trigger."
We will be tabling
Earthfest in
Sheboygan August 17, 18 and 19 of 2012 Looking for members and friends to
help staff it, we'd like to be there each day but that takes some people, help
us out? Call Tom at 920.208.9427.
We are planning for our 8th Annual Anti-War Concert for Friday March 16th
2012 in Sheboygan Wisconsin.
Join us and support us and our musical and poetic talents, 7pm till 11pm.
6 Musicians, 2 Poets, 1 Humorist. In advance $6, or at the door $8 both of
which include a $1 coupon good towards your first beverage or great snack.
The Paradigm Coffee and Music Venue will host us, 1202 N. 8th Street Sheboygan
WI. Venue phone: 920.457.5277.
This years talents include:
 | Kathy Alby |
| Gerry Bertsch |
| Don Burhop |
| Anthony Deutsch |
| John Heckinlively as Billy Bob Far Right |
| Eric Hening |
| Alan 'the Doc' Mock |
| Carol Rittenhouse |
| Lisa Vihos |
As well as a few surprises and special guests!
Tickets available
on-line, at the Paradigm, from members, or via phone to Tom at 920.208.9427.
Download your own printable poster
right now! Heck, help us out by printing a few
and then putting them up in your neighborhood?
Winter/spring 2011. Join many of us in Madison as we demonstrate the idea that wars are
costly and breaking us as a State and as a Union. "Bring Our Money
Home!" "Fund Books Not Bombs!". By picketing and lobbying on
behalf of our union brothers and sisters we hope to help voters and
legislators with ideas like that the amount we send to the Pentagon from Wisconsin
taxpayers, would entirely pay our state annual deficit with plenty to spare,
let's eliminate our deficit!
The "Midwest's biggest, best, and boldest Anti-War Concert" was Friday March 18th, 2011 from 7pm till 10:30pm or
thereabouts at the
Paradigm Music and Coffee Venue in Sheboygan WI.
Musicians, poets, and a humorist will gather to mark our nine years of
the Oil War in Iraq and the apparent permanent Occupation of Afghanistan.
Join us in Sheboygan to experience the longest running such concert in the
Midwest, as we express our outrage to those in power who created and now
perpetrate these costly, limb and life-taking non-wars.
With the on-going fight for justice in Madison Wisconsin, expect commentary
and music related to many broad areas of our military oriented budget and how it
and its wars affect all of our community right here in Wisconsin socially,
politically, and financially.
|
Copyright 2009, VFP Sheboygan |
Friday March 18, 2011, musicians, poets,
and peace (or anti-war?) activists will gather to raise their voices in resistance
of the war and occupation, and to appeal for peace and justice in a war-torn
world.
<Click here for a few photos
of the 2008 concert> Our 7th Annual
Anti-War Event: KNOW PEACE, NO WAR CONCERT
will feature many
great talents with national and regional recognition from all around
the Midwest. Singer songwriters, poets, and speakers will give
their stories and insights about many aspects of war and militarism,
as well as their feelings of what this thing called peace means to
them. This will be a fun and energizing all-ages event and we hope you
can join us! This year we will be at the new Paradigm, 1202
North 8th Street, in
downtown Sheboygan WI, venue phone 920.457.5277.
<Click here for map and directions
to Paradigm> |
|
As we start our
9th year of the Iraq War and Occupation, the event starts with doors opening at
6:30pm, with music promptly at 7pm, going till 10:30 or
closing.
Purchase on-line or from members;
advance $6; or on the day of concert and at the door till they're
gone, $8. Tickets include a $1 house beverage
or eats coupon. Great non-alcohol drinks and award winning
bakery and sandwiches available. Additional donations encouraged and appreciated.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds. All ages welcome!
We expect again to sell out so get your tickets early!
Questions?
Venue, ticket, or web questions please call Chris at 920.693.3141. Concert
sponsored by your own Veterans for Peace Chapter #114.
<Click
here for your very own downloadable and printable 2011 event poster>.
<Click here
for 2010 program download>. |
As of March 8th these great talents are planning to join us (check back
for updated info!):
|
Jason Moon |
Milwaukee |
Musician |
| Eric Cox |
Sheboygan |
Musician |
| Gerry Bertsch |
Sheboygan |
Poet |
|
Don
Burhop |
Sheboygan |
Musician & Sound Engineer |
|
Anthony Deutsch |
Port Washington |
Musician |
| Kris Klemme |
Plymouth |
Musician |
John Heckinlively
as Billy Bob Far Right |
Racine |
Humorist |
| Pat Zyduck |
Fond du Lac |
Musician |
| Lisa Vihos |
Sheboygan |
Poetry reading |
Musicians, poets, artists and other extreme performers as well as members of the media can contact Tom Contrestan for more
details: 920.208.9427
After The Concert, our next public event will be the 2011 Sheboygan Memorial Day Parade.
We have been advised by the organizers that we "can participate, but don't
bring your flag draped casket, that is too depressing". To us Memorial
Day is a bit depressing, and is all about acknowledging and honoring those
that have given their lives in pursuit of some often very nebulous national
goals. We look to participate, and we hope you will be there to
support us with whatever statements we choose to make about war and peace
during that focusing day. More news and plans to be found here as
things develop.......
The "Midwest's biggest, best, and boldest Anti-War
Concert" will be Saturday March 20, 2010 from 7pm till 11pm at the
"New" Paradigm in Sheboygan WI.
Musicians, poets, and a humorist will gather to mark our eight years of
the Oil War in Iraq and the apparent permanent Occupation of Afghanistan.
Join us in Sheboygan to experience the longest running such concert in the
Midwest, as we express our outrage to those in power who created and now
perpetrate these non-wars.
|
Copyright 2009, VFP Sheboygan |
Saturday, March 20, 2010, musicians, poets, dancers,
and peace activists will gather to raise their voices in resistance
of the war and occupation, and to appeal for peace and justice in a war-torn
world.
<Click here for a few photos
of the 2008 concert> Our 6th Annual
Anti-War Event: KNOW PEACE, NO WAR CONCERT
will feature many
great talents with national and regional recognition from all around
the Midwest. Singer/songwriters, poets, and dancers will give
their stories and insights about many aspects of war and militarism,
as well as their feelings of what this thing called peace means to
them. This will be a fun and energizing all-ages event and we hope you
can join us! This year we will be at the new Paradigm, 1202
North 8th Street (note new address!), in
Sheboygan WI, venue phone 920.457.5277.
<Click here for map and directions
to Paradigm> |
|
As we start our
8th year of the Iraq War and Occupation, the event starts with doors opening at
6:30pm, with music promptly at 7pm, going till 11pm.
Purchase on-line or from members;
advance $6; day of concert and at the door till
they're gone, $8. Tickets include a $1 off house beverage
coupon. Additional donations encouraged and appreciated.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds. All ages welcome!
We expect again to sell out so get your tickets early!
Questions?
Venue, ticket, or web questions please call Chris at 920.693.3141. Concert
sponsored by your own Veterans for Peace Chapter 114.
<Click
here for your very own downloadable and printable 2010 event poster>.
<Click here
for 2010 program download>. |
As of March 10th these talents are planning to join us (check back
for updated info!):
Musicians, poets, artists and other extreme performers as well as the media can contact Tom Contrestan for more
details: 920.208.9427
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 "Bring the
Guard Home" Forum, Public Invited!
6:00 pm potluck, 7:00 pm presentation
Ben Manski, a lawyer in Madison, WI, will discuss the
effort to return Wisconsin Guard troops to Wisconsin from foreign deployment.
Mr. Manski is national coordinator of
"Bring the Guard Home"
and is the
principal contributor to Wisconsin Assembly Bill 203 that requires the Governor
to determine the legality of activation of Wisconsin Guard troops before
deployment outside the US.
The Forum will develop a comprehensive understanding of
both the national movement to "Bring the Guard Home" and the pending Wisconsin
Assembly Bill 203.
Potluck supper will be followed by a presentation from
Mr. Manski and an open discussion, questions, and answers. If you cannot join
us for the meal, feel free to attend the forum. Location:
First Congregational UCC Church in Sheboygan,
WI at 310 Bluff Avenue (across from Vollrath Park)
Sponsors:
Lakeshore Pax Christi,
Between the Lakes Green
Party, and Veterans for Peace Sheboygan.
Friday, October 16, 2009 VFP Sheboygan Chapter Dinner. First
Congregational Church UCC in Sheboygan WI. Social hour starts 6 or 6:30,
dinner served 6:30 or 7, to be determined soon! All members and their
guests encouraged and invited. Serving spaghetti with Grandma Contrestan's
recipe, salad, sheet cake, ice cream, coffee, tea, milk, lemonade if hot
outside! Jason Moon invited to talk about
Soldiers Heart Retreat Center
in Racine WI. Donations for the meal, separate for donations for Soldiers
Heart.
|
Copyright 2009, VFP Sheboygan |
Saturday, March 21, 2009, musicians, poets, dancers,
and peace activists will gather to raise their voices in resistance
of the war and occupation, and to appeal for peace and justice in a war-torn
world.
<Click here for a few photos
of the 2008 concert> Our 5th Annual
Anti-War Event: KNOW PEACE, NO WAR CONCERT
will feature several nationally known performers including folk singer and
veteran Peter Tracy coming from California, along with many other
great talents with national and regional recognition from all around
the Midwest. Singer/songwriters, poets, and dancers will give
their stories and insights about many aspects of war and militarism,
as well as their feelings of what this thing called peace means to
them. This will be a fun and energizing event and we hope you
can join us! This year we will be at EBCO Artworks, 1201 Erie Avenue, in
Sheboygan WI.
<Click here for map and directions> |
|
As we start our
7th year of the Iraq War and Occupation, this event starts with doors opening at
6:30pm, with music promptly at 7pm, going till 11pm.
Advance
purchase on-line or from members $6; day of concert and at the door till they're gone, $8. All ages welcome!
We expect again to sell out so get your tickets early!
Questions?
Call Chris at 920.693.3141. Concert
sponsored by your own Veterans for Peace Chapter 114.
<Click
here for your own downloadable and printable event poster>. |
As of March 15th these talents are planning to join us (check back
for updated info!):
November 1, 2008. Annual Chapter Dinner. Our theme this year
is Solidarity with the Families of Iraq. 6pm Social Hour, 6:30 Iraqi
Family Type Dinner. Members and their guests and special friends are
invited to join in on a chance to spend time together, and to consider the
hundreds of thousands of families the war has affected in Iraq and the Middle
East. Several of us will be learning together in the kitchen that
afternoon with our friend and food aficionado Ali Burhani who will be teaching
us several Arab style dishes that he grew up with. Later hear about family
life, religion, children, food, labor unions, table etiquette, school, and
anything in between that interests you! Short video and presentation
followed by discussion. Donations gladly accepted.
Saturday August 16, 2008.
EarthFest 2008
at Fountain Park in Sheboygan. 10am till 10pm, a day filled with music,
educational events, local crafts and foods. Celebrating the Earth and
encouraging our care of it, we of VFP Sheboygan will have an educational table
there from 10am till 4pm+, hope you can join us! We'll be there with lots
of educational materials, our new "resource packs", showing and selling the
latest video from Snowshoe Films on the recent Winter Soldier hearings, and
showing, reading, and signing of " the Land, War and Peace" by Gerry
Bertsch.
Wednesday August 6, 2008 Lantern Float. Join us in
the evening at the Sheboygan River as we recognize the destruction and suffering
caused at Hiroshima and Nagasaki Japan. During Japan's Hiroshima Lantern
Floating Memorial, thousands of cube-shaped paper lights float along the
Motoyasu River to bring peace to the souls of the victims who died in the 1945
atomic bombing. The
annual ritual in Japan promotes world peace.
We extend the event to our own traditional lantern float at the
Sheboygan River Rotary Park (east end of the boardwalk near
Pennsylvania and Fifth). It is a chance for group and solo
meditation with our member and poet Gerry Bertsch, and
Sheboygan's Mayor Juan Perez. Join us at 7pm for
Lantern making workshop, 7:15 Live music by Karen Howland.
7:30 Welcome and introductions by VFP Chapter President Ed
Filemyr, meditation and contemplation. 7:45pm Poet and VFP
member Gerry Bertsch offers selected readings of his peace
poetry and others read from "Hiroshima" book. 8:15pm
Moment of silence and launching of the lanterns. You are
welcome to stay as long as you wish. Signed copies of
Bertsch's just published booklet "In This Land, Poetic
Reflections War and Peace" will be available for sale and meet
the poet till 8:30pm.
Saturday, March 22nd, 2008, musicians, poets, dancers,
and peace activists gathered at the
Paradigm Coffee House,
1022 Michigan Avenue in Sheboygan, to raise their voices in resistance
of the war and occupation, and to appeal for peace and justice in a war-torn
world. <Click here for a few photos> The ONE WORLD ... ONE PEOPLE CONCERT
will feature nationally known folk singer Peter Tracy, and nine very
talented "local" musicians as well as some poetry readings including Lisa
Vihos. As we start our 6th year of the Iraq War and Occupation, this
4th Annual event starts at 7PM, going till 11PM. Tickets $5; advance
purchase includes $1 beverage coupon. All ages welcome! Concert
sponsored by Veterans for Peace Chapter 114.
These talents joined us:
March 2008...
with 3996 GI's killed
(officially) in Iraq as of March 22, we will car pool to Milwaukee to
participate in a casket carry on the day after the 4000th death is reported
in the print media. On the Friday after that we will meet at Fountain
Park in Sheboygan WI from 4:00pm till 5:30 for a similar event.
Please join us on this sad but solidifying event. Emails will be sent
to members and active friends, or call Chris at 920-693-3141 for Milwaukee
car pool or Sheboygan plan questions.
March 20th, 2008. The names of Americans
killed in Iraq will be solemnly read in Sheboygan's Fountain Park from 1 to 4PM by
members and friends of Veterans for Peace Chapter 114. We invite people in
the community to join us as we mourn the dead and question the need for this
war.
<Click here for Sheboygan Press article>
March 13-16, 2008. Winter Soldier Iraq and
Afghanistan Eyewitness Accounts of the Occupations, in Washington D.C.,
sponsored by our friends at Iraq Veterans Against War. Our own
Josh Harvey will be in attendance as our Video Field Reporter, collecting
first hand video and audio information for our members and friends.
Learn more at
http://ivaw.org/wintersoldier, see the event with live streaming video.
Check
out the schedule. Video and audio
archives of Winter Soldier will be available after the event.
November 9, 2007. Veterans Day Assembly. High
School Assembly to be held at Sheboygan’s North High School, gathering at
9am on Friday at the west door of the new gym.
Members are asked to dress conservatively for this occasion (dress shirt and
slacks, sport coat and tie
OK for the guys, skirt or business suit for ladies, VFP caps OK too). Ed will represent our
chapter with a wreath.
November 18th, 2007
SOA-Watch Ft.
Benning GA. Motor coaches will leave Milwaukee at 7PM Thursday
evening Nov 15th from Cross Church, returning Monday November
19th. Contact
Peace Action
Wisconsin for reservations at 414-933-6157 by Nov. 6th to
secure a seat on the bus and your motel accommodations, combined cost
will be $195. Sheboygan County agitators may receive a $50 scholarship
from our VFP chapter, call Tom at 920-208-9427 for more information.
October 27th 2007
Chicago Antiwar
Mobilization…. We had heard about this over the summer, a large
regional gathering of anti-war activists meeting in Chi-town with over 200
groups involved. A large handful of locals and not so locals booked
passage filling a coach originating from Green Bay, coordinated by VFP
members Ron Kossik and Chris Kuehnel in cooperation with
Lakeshore Peace
Makers. This rally was set to coincide with anti-war protests in a
dozen major cities across the U.S. including New York, L,A., Boston and
Seattle. Our friend Cindy Sheehan spoke to a crowd of 35,000 in San
Francisco. Six members of our chapter joined a crowd of some 30,000 fairly
angry, yet non-violent protestors who listened to speakers at Union Park in
the morning, then marched several miles up Jackson Blvd. into the Loop to
hear more speakers at Federal Plaza. In all, over 100,000 people across the
country spoke loudly to the Bush Neo-Con Regime…”SUPPORT THE TROOPS…BRING
THEM HOME NOW.” Click
here to view photo gallery.
October 16th, 2007 3rd
Annual Chapter Dinner. This year we picked a theme of Latin American
Solidarity and invited our friend Sister Caryl Hartjes to speak about the
School of the Americas,
and her experiences as a “prisoner of conscience” after crossing the line at
Ft. Benning several years ago. Our chapter was proud to present the
Sisters of St. Agnes
with a check for over $1,200 collected in the Sheboygan area to assist in
the rebuilding of their schools in Nicaragua that were damaged by hurricane
Felix in September. In keeping with the theme, we dined on tacos,
enchiladas, salad, beans and rice.
THE
SHADOW PROJECT
August 6th, ’07. Instead of our usual Peace Lantern float
our friend David Mitchell told us about an idea that is very popular on the
West Coast. On the night of the 5th, three teams assembled at
Fountain Park, VFP members Tom, Chris, Mary and David led them to various
areas of Sheboygan to trace templates of human body “shadows” in chalk.
Just as the flash of those first weapons of mass destruction left only
ghostly shadows behind, our shadows asked passersby to remember those who
were killed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki 62 years ago. We approached the mayor
a month earlier in order to get his endorsement, but failed, perhaps next
year.
Early August ’07
SAGBRAW
Fundraiser, . Not even a
horrendous five alarm fire in Cleveland could put a damper on our 2nd
annual bicycle tour rest stop money maker. Ed, Craig, Mary, Tom and Chris
fed the masses of bikers fruit, sandwiches, granola, iced tea and lemonade.
Money from this will help us fund projects like SOA-Watch scholarships for
local protestors later this year.
July 2007
Earthfest.
Not only did we staff our information table at Sheboygan’s number one
alternative tribal gathering, but this year member Mary Diamond managed to
bring the “Bush Chain Gang” to town. Peace activists from VFP and Peace
Action donned the huge puppetista cartoon heads of Bush, Chenney, Rice and
Wolfawitz, as they were led around in prison uniforms and chains. The lead
cop (in Keystone helmet) announced over a bullhorn…. “Keep back folks, these
are very dangerous criminals, found guilty of murder, grand theft, treason,
and lying to Congress. Keep your children back lady, that one is
responsible for the deaths of over 3,000 American kids and God knows how
many Iraqis.” The chain gang could be seen at our “Free Speech Corner” at 9th
and Erie, and parading through Fountain Park during Earthfest. We last saw
them at the Oct. 27th Chicago Rally in a crowd of over 20,000
anti-war demonstrators.
Memorial Day 2007 Our members joined VFW and
American Legion vets at Wildwood Cemetery two weeks prior to the holiday to
mark military graves with flags. Eight of us marched behind the VFP colors
in the parade, followed by a new Chrysler roadster for those who couldn’t
walk the ten or twelve blocks. Thanks to Sheboygan Chrysler-Plymouth and
our driver Fred Depies.
March 24th 2007 Saturday afternoon event at the Fountain Park in
Sheboygan WI, mark your calendar, details to be announced. Evening AntiWar Concert at the Paradigm Coffeehouse, 7pm. Regional
songwriters, storytellers, musicians, singers, and even a band!!
January 27-29, 2007. March on Washington. We will join Peace
Action Milwaukee and thousands of others from across the country to express
our support for those members of Congress who are prepared to take immediate
action against the war; to pressure those who are hesitant to act; and to
speak out against those who remain tied to a failed policy. Going by
plane, bus, and car. Contact us if interested
November 17 thru 19,
2006
SOA Watch Demonstration
at Fort Benning, GA, charter coach buses from Milwaukee and 2 nights
hotel costs $185. First four requests receive $50 subsidy from the
chapter. Car pool from Sheboygan. Please let Ed or Tom know if
you or someone you know is interested. This year will have extra
demonstrations against the
recently admitted FBI domestic spying on the peaceful organizing group
as a ‘counter terrorism’ activity, whilst overlooking the atrocities
committed by the US tax funded graduates. November 10th
2006 Friday 10:30am Veterans Day Assembly
at South High School. All members are encouraged to attend.
November 4th 2006 Saturday arrive Milwaukee
10am via member’s car pool and join in solidarity with Milwaukee Veterans
for Peace at their version of Arlington Cemetery along the route of the
Veterans Day Parade. The organizers of the main parade are apparently
again not allowing VFP members to join the parade (“too political” the
organizers said). Let’s show the people of Milwaukee the perspectives we
have on war and the Iraq War in particular while supporting our friends at
Milwaukee Vets for Peace!!
Click here to view the photo gallery.
October 20th 2006, Friday Social hour 6pm, dinner 7pm. 2nd Annual VFP Chapter
Dinner will feature the Contrestan family meatball and sauce recipes!
Featuring George Martin from Milwaukee Veterans for Peace and
Peace Action Wisconsin. Live entertainment including a few
sing-a-longs, limber up those voices! Donations accepted! Bring your
family and friends! Please RSVP Ed or Tom by Oct 14th.
October 12th, 2006 Thursday 7pm Movies with a Message.
Join us for
“Salvadore” at
Franklin Haus on the big screen followed by discussion of central
American revolution and the SOA connections. This 1986 film written and
directed by Oliver Stone based on a true story about a journalist down on
his luck in the US drives to El Salvador to chronicle the events of the 1980
military dictatorship. Including the assassination of Archbishop Oscar
Romero. He forms an uneasy alliance with both guerillas in the countryside
who want him to get pictures out to the US press, and the right-wing
military, who want him to bring them photographs of the rebels. Meanwhile
he has to find a way of protecting his Salvadorean girlfriend and getting
her out of the country.
View trailer.
September 24 Sunday 2006 Milwaukee Non-Violent Civil
Disobedience Training via
Peace Action Wisconsin, followed by Sept 25 Monday Antiwar Direct
Action, Non-Violent, Sept 24 Training is required for this event, Call
414-964-5158. Car pool with
Chris Kuehnel?
September 23rd Saturday 2006 Milwaukee at high noon, Pere Marquette Park.
Anti war demonstration and Rally, followed by Peace Festival with
booths on issues and organizations working for Peace and Justice, sponsored
by Peace Action Milwaukee/Wisconsin. Car pool departing Sheboygan Park and
Ride (Home Depot, Hwy 28) at 10am please contact
Josh Harvey.
Memorial Day 2006.
Click here for mini photo
gallery.
April 29th 2006, massive antiwar rally in New York City, attended by many
from Sheboygan and Wisconsin!
PEACE DEMONSTRATION ON SATURDAY MARCH 18, 2006.
[Ed: Check out link to Sheboygan Press coverage of this event]
Tom Contrestan writes that there will be a peace demonstration at Fountain
Park, on Sheboygan’s 8th Street, Saturday March 18th, from 4 to 6:00PM. It
will mark the beginning of our fourth year of war in Iraq. Names of
American dead will be read aloud as hand-lettered wooden tags with their
names are attached to our ‘Wall of Remembrance’. The 200,000 Iraqi men,
women and children killed will also be remembered and mourned.
See our event photo album.
There will be an ANTI-WAR Benefit Concert afterward at
the Frankin Haus Ballroom from 7:30 to 10:30pm. Franklin is off County ‘A’,
about one mile south of Lakeland College. Informational table material
available. The concert will feature some great regional and local
musicians, as well as tea, coffee, and baked goods! All ages event,
non-smoking, adult beverages in the adjacent historic tavern. $5.00
donation at door goes toward bringing speakers to our area.
See our event photo album.
Both events sponsored by Sheboygan Area Peace Seekers,
Vets for Peace Sheboygan, and the Between the Lakes Green Party.
Thursday January 26th 2006 Many of us attended the showing of "The
End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream"
"Oil is the single most important resource upon which our global economy
depends. What happens when we reach the peak of global oil production, and
supplies go into permanent decline? What if we do not have the time for a
smooth transition to another energy economy? What are the implications for
ourselves, our children, and our civilization? How do we confront such a
challenge? This 78-minute documentary introduces viewers to this
vital topic, and shows how industrial civilization is about to undergo
enormous, unprecedented change. The film encourages us to work together to
create a meaningful future in the face of great difficulty."
In the light of the oil connection to war today and probably throughout our
future, I thought you would be interested in the topic. Ford’s recent
layoffs have added even more public attention to this upcoming set of
issues.
Saturday December 10th 2005 was
International Human Rights Day. In
recognition of that, we will join Sheboygan Area Peace Seekers in a theatrical demonstration against the United
States' use of torture and other human rights violations. Noon till 1pm at the corner of
Taylor and Erie in Sheboygan WI. That is the high visibility corner at the
Mall with Taco Bell, WalMart plaza, Kohl's and the Sheboygan County Museum.
We will be graphically demonstrating against US endorsed torture around the
globe, and against indefinite incarceration. Signage will draw attention
to other human rights abuses such as decreases in funding for health care and
education, and our current challenges with hunger and housing. We hope you can join us,
please wear dark colors or black.
Wednesday December 7 2005 "Christian Perspectives on War- 0 A.D. to Today"
A
presentation by author Michael Slattery on his upcoming book "War from a
Christian Perspective". A discussion of the ethics and appropriateness of
the "Just War Theory" in contemporary society. Did the early Christian
Church allow participation in War? Hear and discuss with the author 7pm Rocca Room at the Mead Public Library, Sheboygan, WI. Sponsored by
Veterans for Peace Sheboygan, and the
Between the Lakes Green Party.
Click here for
a downloadable poster.
SOA Watch November 19 2005, Ft. Benning in Columbus Georgia.
Home of the infamous School of the Americas (now titled Western Hemisphere
School of Strategic Studies). Join us in protest of the US training
facility for assassination and torture, the 12th year. See our
Letters to the Editor Page.
Friday November 11 2005 VFP we participated in the Veterans Day ceremonies
and recognition in Sheboygan at North High School, 9:50am till 10:40am.
All VFP members invited, meet at 9:30am in the front of the building and we'll sit in
a group.
October 15 2005 First Anniversary Dinner 7pm to 9pm. This will be the Dedication of
our Chapter Name after veteran Soxy Baughman 1945-1971. All members and
their guests are invited. Spaghetti dinner to be held at First Congregational United Church
of Christ, Sheboygan, WI. Freewill donations.
September 24-26 2005 3 Massive Days of Action at D.C. Mobilization in
Washington, DC. Help end the war on Iraq! Hold President Bush
accountable for the Deaths, the Lies, the Destruction, and the toll on our
communities! Rally, March, Concert, AntiWar Festival featuring 14 theme
tents on Iraq, Real Support for the Troops, Counter-Recruitment, Global Justice,
the Wars at Home, Nuclear Disarmament, Direct Action, etc..
Roundtrip buses departing from Milwaukee Friday Sept 23 about 4pm,
returning Sunday Sept 25 afternoon or Tuesday Sept 27 if you prefer.
Car pool with us from Sheboygan to Milwaukee-920-693-3141. Short on funds
but want to go? We have funding available to assist if you can't otherwise
afford the trip.
Saturday: March on Washington to End the War, Rally, Antiwar Festival w/
Information Tents
Sunday: Interfaith Service, Grassroots Training
Monday: Lobby Day, Nonviolent Direct Action and Civil Disobedience
Want national event plans and hourly schedules? Get details at
www.unitedforpeace.org.
A great turnout of Sheboygan and Wisconsin folks were in attendance, and we
accumulated lots of excellent photos available in our
photo album section. Watch for our locally produced video on
activities to be available soon.
Saturday August 6th 2005 we mark the 60th anniversary of the Hiroshima
bombing by participating in a floating candle display on the Sheboygan River at
the foot of the Sheboygan Rotary Riverfront Park. View the artwork and meet the
artists of all ages at 7:30pm, event and Memorial comments 8pm till 9pm.
Bring the family!
Sunday July 24th 2005 Brat-fry Fundraiser. First Congregational UCC,
10am
till 4pm, stop in and get your sandwiches! Beefalo burgers, bratwurst,
hot chicken sandwiches, soft drinks and fresh squeezed lemonade! Dine in with
a vet or take-out. Walk-up is great, advance tickets preferred and
available from members.
May 29, 2005. Carrying a flag draped casket, and carrying a
Veterans for Peace Sheboygan banner, 10 of us marched in our first Sheboygan
Memorial Day Parade. It was a somber presentation that was well received
by the community. We lead with a letter to the Editor at the Sheboygan
Press on the Saturday of Memorial weekend, and got a great follow-up article and
picture on the front page of the Sheboygan Press. Eric LaRose did a great
job in capturing the essence of the event. Thank you Member Harvey Weber
for a great interview primarily about his experiences in and since the Korean War.
See original article while it lasts at the Press site or in
our article details.
March 16, 2005. UW Sheboygan, Peace and Justice Event, featuring
Laramie Crocker from Berkley CA performing his very timely multimedia antiwar
songs. 7pm to 10pm, suggested donation $5 or non-perishable food for Food
Pantry. Joined by Holly Haebig and Dena Aronson of DevaNation. Jason
Moon of Oshkosh will share some of his experiences while serving in Iraq with
the Army National Guard. Student poetry, essays, and short plays are being
requested about war, peace, justice and freedom. Come listen to local
students' feelings about this war, war in general, peace, justice and freedom.
Potent music presented in a powerful setting, please join us!
Details at
www.sheboyganareapeaceseekers.org View/print your own
color poster or 'take-along' for the event.
Preview Laramie's songs and multi-media at
http://provisionalauthority.us.
March 15 thru 19 2005 Laramie Crocker will be in Wisconsin performing a
selection of his antiwar music, and will meet with several local groups about
his songs, his goals, and in workshops on writing music and prose for peace
activism. Trip and March 16th event jointly sponsored by Sheboygan Area
Peace Seekers and Veterans for Peace Sheboygan. Saturday March 19 2005 he
will perform at a 2nd anniversary anti-war demonstration in Milwaukee at the
"Sunburst" at the east end of Wisconsin Avenue near the War Memorial.
January 20th 2005, the anti-inauguration event, (or "inauguraction") in
Washington, DC, several or our members will be traveling by bus to show their
dissatisfaction both of the President's war/military policies, and concerns over
whether or not he even is the election victor.
November 19 to 21 2004.
School of the Americas Watch. Join our bus/plane
trip Nov. 19 to 21 to protest the assassination and covert operations school
that trains Central and South American nationals from the Army's Fort Benning,
in Columbus, Georgia. More details for the event soon.
From their website: For over a decade, students,
religious, labor, veterans, human rights, and social/global justice groups have
been converging every November at the gates of Fort Benning, GA to speak out in
solidarity with the people of the Americas and to engage in nonviolent direct
action. We will gather again this year on November 20 and 21 to continue
together in the struggle until the School of the Americas is closed and the
policies it represents are changed forever!
September 2004 was a busy month for protesting, we had
representatives at Cheney's Johnsonville appearance Sept 10, Bush in Milwaukee
Sept 3, and attended the Fighting BobFest on Sept 18.
September 23rd, 2004.
Wheels of Justice
comes to Sheboygan with appearances at Plymouth High School, Sheboygan North
High School, UW Sheboygan, and Mead Public Library. Read more details at
www.sheboyganareapeaceseekers.org.
September 11, 2004. In memory of those killed and affected
by the September 11th bombing, and recognizing the innocent that have been
killed and affected since that famous date.
August 14, 2004. Earthfest. A great Sheboygan event for sharing information
where we set up an informational table. Speakers, music, arts and ideas on
sustainable activities around the globe. Fountain Park Sheboygan between
8th and 9th and Erie, downtown Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
August 7, 2004. Our friends with Vets for Kerry marched in the BratDays Parade,
assembling at 8:30am on N. 7th St. between Center and Pennsylvania. While
we do not endorse Kerry, we do support all political activism!
Click here to view/print a parade
poster.
August 6, 2004. Hiroshima Day, 7pm. Deland Park
and then walking together to Riverfront Park for a short memorial recognizing
those who died or were sickened by the Hiroshima or Nagasaki nuclear blasts 49
years ago.
July 6th 2004. Don Richards, a member of the Milwaukee Common Council, will
address a Committee of the Sheboygan Common Council on their experiences in
drafting and accepting resolutions against components of the USA Patriot
Act. Attend and show your support for the discussion and consideration of
this topic! Sheboygan City Hall, 3rd floor, 6pm. [Ed: the
presentation was well received and Council decided to draft a resolution
identical to Milwaukee's passed ordinance for further discussion, a big thanks
to Don Richards!]
June 23rd 2004, Wednesday. "Federal Surveillance after Sept 11th".
Athan Theoharis, Marquette Professor of History discusses the USA Patriot Act
and Wisconsin and US Constitutional issues. Sponsored by the American
Civil Liberties Union and Sheboygan Human Rights Association. Mead Public Library, Sheboygan
7pm.
June 20, 2004. Our friend Phyllis Bergquist will be presenting
the sermon and also a short multi-media about her recent middle east trip with
the Christian Peacemaker Teams.
She will speak about "Palestine, Israel, and the Wall" for both the 8:00am and
9:30am services at Saron United Church of Christ.
May 31, 2004 Sheboygan Memorial Day Parade. Vets for
Peace will be "Marching" as
a unit, meet at 7:45am in the Center Street assembly area in front of the
Sheboygan Press Building. Wear your baseball caps with Vets for Peace
buttons. [Ed: the parade was cancelled due to weather, too bad, we were all
looking forward to it!]
May 22, 2004 Vets for Peace members will be placing
flags on military graves at Wildwood Cemetery with the Retired Enlisted
Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars. 8am to 10am or 10am till noon.
8am west end of cemetary. 10am meet at the
Mausoleum at the east end of the cemetery off New Jersey Avenue.
March 20, 2004 in Sheboygan, at Fountain Park. Sheboygan Veterans for
Peace will sponsor a "Time to Reflect on the Effects of War" from 6:30pm till
9:30pm. Join us for a Memorial of Luminaries for those Americans
and Iraqis that have lost their lives in Iraq.
See photos of event.
Some of our historical background as a local chapter will be here soon,
please stop back!
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