Hello, I’m Breanna Quigley, newly minted senior at Mill Friends Academy in Goldman Mill, the greatest country in the world! (Sorry, Donald Trump. And America, I am sorry you have to suffer Donald Trump. You deserve better, so vote!) I am The Mill’s new social media intern and I’ve been given the job of managing the blog (which as you can see has been used only sporadically). Along with short pieces on all things Miller, I’ll try to provide a weekly roundup of what’s doing in the Microstate of Peace.
The big news after a hot summer in Goldman Mill is that school is in session for MFA and Pax University. That means the young people are hard at work with studies and getting back into the routine of juggling school with citizen service. It’s hard work, but that is what life is about, right? Plus, we love the feeling of making a contribution to the collective.
The new State Council youth member is in place, which was announced on Founders Day, Aug. 13: DN “Cloosie” Connell was sworn in, and he will serve the next year alongside adult memers Cleo Davenport, Cyrus Gaines, Preston James, Lorna Korner, Fiona Nichols, August Nacero, Ellie Rannells, Siobhan Ruiz, Rev. Harrison Sims, and Ralph Wen. Cloosie, a freshman at Pax University, will continue his work as youth manager at Big Air Skate Shop. That boy has a work ethic like I don’t know what — he is going places!
The Peace Scouts are planning a fall campout at Assissi Lodge in early October; this will be their last campout until spring. Any parents interested in registering their kids 6-18 for Scouts should contact Luther Greenberg at scouts@gdreadradio.net by Oct. 1.
Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tate Leeves is in Canada right now, accompanying England’s Prince William and Duchess Catherine on their trip through our northern neighbor. She reports back that the couple is lovely and committed to peace, which is great to hear. Ambassador Leeves adds that the tiny prince and princess, George and Charlotte, are too adorable for words.
Mayor Regina Glass has been busy traveling to the US and taking part in peaceful Black Lives Matter protests in Milwaukee, Tulsa, OK, and Charlotte, NC. She reports that her heart was broken by the violence that erupted in Charlotte, but notes that those committing the violence are interlopers and not actual BLM members, who are standing strong in the face of unfair and bigoted characterizations of their activism. She sends thanks to the Miller contingents who are turning out for these actions and to those who are now standing with those opposing the Dakota Pipeline. The mayor and her activism team expect to return to Goldman Mill on Sept. 29.
A humanitarian effort is underway to bring more Syrian refugees to The Mill. If you are interested in helping with donations of money, clothing, toys, and personal care items, please contact Altruism Minister Daisy Eve Davenport at State Hall. If you are interested in adopting a refugee family, please contact Citizenship, Immigration and Refugees Minister Jonatha Valenzuela at State Hall. Housing throughout The Mill will be made available for them as needed, however, we would like to integrate our visitors in need into our community. By having their first experiences here within a Miller family until they are prepared to live on their own, we can expedite that process. It’s all about kindness and loving our neighbors as ourselves. The date of the next influx will be announced within the next two weeks.
On the entertainment front, Dead and Company featuring Bob Weir and John Mayer will make a stop at Deadhead Cove on Oct. 10. Tickets are available (and going fast) via PaxShow. Grayling Green features Melanie Martinez with Brenda Towne (10/12), 3 Doors Down (10/13), Yusuf/Cat Stevens (10/14), John Prine (10/16), and, in the last Green show until spring, Kendrick Lamar and Pranxter (10/18).
Grand Hall Theater presents the Miller Symphony performing works by John Adams on Oct. 15. The musical “The Color Purple,” featuring the touring company of the Broadway smash, will have a week-long run Nov. 1-7.
Speaking of Broadway, we hear the Grand Hall is in negotiations to get the touring company of Hamilton The Musical here. We’re not throwing away our shot: Cross your fingers! But until then, the Oct. 20 Miller Fall Pax Vobiscum Ball at Goldman Mill Hotel will feature the OBC’s Aaron Burr himself, Tony winner Mr. Leslie Odom Jr. The Tony winner will perform selections from his wonderful new eponymous jazz and standards disc (and maybe “Wait For It”?). For tickets, contact the Goldman Mill Peace Society.
Corrie Lecture Hall has its own hot ticket: Peace activist and Talk Nation Radio host David Swanson will be on hand Sept. 30 at 7 PM to discuss his new book, No War Is Just. It’s a benefit for WGPM Radio, which airs two episodes of David’s show Wednesdays at noon and Saturdays at 9PM Central Time. Admission is $10 or a donation to the station’s canned-food drive. Refreshments from Peace Kitchen and Scone Bakery will be available for sale.
That’s it for this week — see you next time! Pax Vobiscum!
Goldman Mill 