As explained by Chris Tinney, SPR co-founder, at Facebook before today’s Day After Christmas event at the Record St. homeless complex and overflow tent city, “boxing day” refers to sharing one’s leftovers from a Christmas feast (by boxing it up and bringing it to those without).
To see many more pictures, and video clips, from today, see this photo set:
I have opened up a YouTube account in order to more easily post video clips that I have made of a wide variety of happenings here in Reno. Right now, I am using a Kodak Zi8 that I recently purchased.
Here’s the very first video I uploaded and posted there (username MikeJamieson1950):
All video clips that have been and will be posted by me can be found here:
Spread Peace Reno volunteers arrive in parking lot of Record St homeless complex, just beyond the gate to overflow tent city
A line forms rapidly with Willie Puchert setting up the food
SPR volunteers hand out donated clothing items also, as Willie serves soup and foods to long line
Meanwhile, Kathleen Eagan and daughter begin rounds in tent city to learn of residents' needs.
SPR co founder Chris Tinney carefully takes Gail Dietrich's hand on the ice trail path in tent city; he takes her down to meet the three people now warming up in tent she donated.
The community keeps Christmas alive.
To see more pictures and also video clips, go to this developing photo set:
It sounded familiar. New arrivals to Reno, with roots elsewhere, falling in love with this place and feeling moved to jump right into the scene here and find a vehicle to express that newfound love. Except when Chris and Tysha Tinney came to town, they hooked up with a local guy, Pastor Ron Sapp and created their own vehicle, something called Spread Peace Reno, which you can learn more about here:
At that site you can see the full range of their activities. It turns out that Facebook has been a valuable tool for this couple in spreading the word about the vehicle they set up. And, many responded, with a large group of people now regularly involved in SPR activities.
They started out by making sandwiches from their home just west of downtown and by the river) and then giving them out to the homeless gathered at the river side park between Arlington and Ralston. Then it got cold. And, the homeless cleared out of that area (and Barbara Bennett park) and the Tinney’s and their friends began going over to the homeless complex on Record Street, feeding people and distributing donated tents, jackets, gloves, etc.
With the assistance of Randy and Roberta Tams, and a growing number of people signing on to become Peace Pals (with contributions of at least $14/month), a Peace Cafe and Center will be opening up in a few months at a spot overlooking the river (50 N. Sierra Street).
Go to http://www.spreadpeacereno.org to keep abreast of developments regarding the Peace Cafe. Lots of exciting features planned for that place!
Here are some photos from last night down on Record Street, showing the SPR folks providing a variety of hot cooked foods to the people living outside the shelter in the overflow tent city:
SPR's Chris Tinney, SPR volunteer Kathleen Trask Eagan
NOTE: I can’t figure out why my face is seen as start of Billy’s movie (before play button is clicked); I just posted the youtube link in the way wordpress set up.
And, I created a photo set of the event that was organized and staged by local activist and Green Party leader Billy Howard:
This blog has largely been inactive lately simply because I’m focused on the Democratic primary in the Assembly race for District 27.
In fact, already a large group of volunteers have walked and knocked on doors on behalf of Byllie Andrews. The other two candidates, Teresa Benitez-Thompson and Jade Zahreddine are also being very active, making the rounds where party activists gather.
Here is my “A Campaign Diary” photo set covering this race (and also NOW including snapshots relevant to Xiomara Rodriguez’s campaign, Jessica Sferrazza’s campaign, photos of Lauren Scott and Robert “Tuna” Townsend—-both Assembly contenders in AD 25, and others to be included over time).
When I came back to Reno on November 1st, I rapidly learned of all the things I had missed while gone (some of which was kinda broadcasted via Facebook). I will try to update on all the things I learned AFTER the June primary. Let’s just say for now that I am learning more and more how akin politics is with show business!!!!! I’m beginning to look at political parties as something very much like the old movie studio system, where the studio heads hire on very promising looking actors and actresses who show great potential for future box office successes. (Don’t get me wrong here; given what Chris Dodd said to MY candidate back at that Silver Peak gathering in 07, I can confidently represent Byllie as Academy Award material.) And, that’s all fine by me.
The main event so far has been the Oz Farm harvest festival party this past Saturday from noon to five pm.
Most days, up to now, have been hot. There are three days of anticipated coolness with fog and wind. Then, supposedly, hot again (and all the watering that goes with it). But, we’re getting a taste of autumn chill today.
