Peace Village Celebrates 20th Anniversary and the “Peace Village Within,” Receives Proclamation from New York Assemblyman

New York ( USA ): Peace Village Retreat Center 20th Anniversary Celebration was a delightful experience of what the upcoming Golden Age celebrations would be like, a grand event, colorful, musical, happy, entertaining and educational; so well organized, creative, filled with smiles and loving Godly vibrations.

It has been 20 years since Peace Village opened on Hunter Mountain, reminding us all of the peace we hold within, by offering a peaceful setting for spiritual learning and retreats to the public.  Peace Village has served thousands who are searching for ways to quiet their minds and bring peace to their lives.

Celebrating the Peace Village Within”
Individuals and families from the communities surrounding were warmly invited to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Peace Village Learning and Retreat Center, in Haines Falls, Hunter, upstate New York, and welcomed to an inspiring, active and attractive program in which about 450 people participated.                     

The Celebration Fair started with Pop-Up Talks, Meditation and Yoga exercises, a Creative Art Shop, a Virtue Experience in the Peace Park, crafts for children and parents, a spiritual art exhibit, a Virtue Reality Wheel of Fortune, music, sacred circle dancing, games, snack tents, tours and walks, and more.  Each person received a PEACE PASSPORT used to travel to and participate in each activity, wherein they would receive a sticker for each activity completed.

The Pop-Up Talk topics included “The Emergency Optimist” and “Self-Care … Is it Selfish?”  There was standing-room-only for “An Encounter with Three Wise Men” answering “your one burning question,” downstairs was “Exploring Inner Space: Awakening the Secret Treasure Within,” and the front porch was full of engaging BK booths: BKs at the UN – Return to One, the Point of Life Foundation, and Acts of Goodness.

The Celebration Program was organized in Inspiration Hall where local leaders welcomed and shared greetings followed by a meditation experience, presentations, inspirations, candle lighting, and a peace movement dance.

Assemblyman Chris Tague gave a Proclamation to BK Sister Kala, Director of Peace Village Learning and Retreat Center, honoring and appreciating Peace Village for being “dedicated to personal transformation and World renewal,” supporting “the cultivation of deep collective consciousness of peace and of the individual dignity of each human being,” and for serving “thousands through public retreats on calming the mind, self-care for caregivers, leading from within, empowerment for women and creating inner peace.”

In addition, a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for twenty years of “outstanding and invaluable service to the community” was sent from United States Congressman Antonio DelgadoNew York State Governor Andrew Cuomo sent greetings and “applauded the Center for its commitment to promoting peace and strength within the community.”  New York State Senator George Amedore, Jr., sent a Proclamation honoring Peace Village for 20 years of service to the community, and recognizing the Brahma Kumaris 30 plus year relationship as a non-governmental organization in general consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), in consultative status with UNICEF.

BK Gayatri, Brahma Kumaris representative at the United Nations, based in New York, was present on the occasion and shared about BKs at the UN and a message for the International Day of Peace.

MC BK Judy Rodgers and BK Sister Kala presented awards of heartfelt appreciation on behalf of Peace Village and the extended community.  Ed Ullmann, local amazing wellness person and pharmacist, received a “Light of the Mountaintop Community Award” as did local Mayor Dr. Lee and wife Doria, and Maureen, Administrator at the local library.

“On behalf of the residents, servers and extended community of friends of Peace Village, on this our 20th anniversary celebration, we are pleased to acknowledge you, Mayor Dr. Lee and Doria, as “Lights of the Community”.   You are two souls who ignite a sense of hope and fan the flames of community connection.  Over the years, you have extended yourself beyond the limits of your role as hotel proprietors and Mayor of Tannersville to provide opportunities for our community to connect with one another in celebration and friendship.  Peace Village honors you with this Award of Appreciation for brightening the lives of our community” were the words spoken on the occasion.

More than 30 members of the community were given one of three appreciation awards along with a gift, toli and a blessing.  Those receiving the “Light of the Community Award” were called to the  stage and decorated.

The three appreciation awards were the “Light of the Community Award,” “Spirit-of-Service Award” and  the “Legacy Award”.

All present enjoyed and participated in an “Om Shanti … I am Light” peace movement dance, followed by a beautiful candle lighting by one of the founders and original trustees of Peace Village, BK Mohini, and members of the community.

BK Mohini, President of the Brahma Kumaris in the USA and zone-in-charge for the Americas and the Caribbean, then shared Inspirations on the theme “Celebrating the Peace Village Within.”  She shared with all present the magic mantra of “Om Shanti,” meaning “I am peace-full,” and with her divine presence, encouraged all to remember, emerge, and move through life full of the original peace, divinity, dignity, joy and stability that is within.

Each received a toli (a sweet), a personal blessing card, gift and memento.  Dinner followed, and a time for personal heartfelt sharing.

The Peace Passport has a beautiful, joyful reminder and invitation to return to Peace Village and the peace village within … your Peace Passport is renewable.

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