Peace Week, a series of free events and activities to promote peace and unity, will begin Monday and continue through Saturday in Santa Maria.

Peace Week began 12 years ago under the direction of Sister Janet Corcoran, Marian Medical Center's vice president for Mission Services, who believed there was a need for leaders to develop a community-wide commitment to unity and peace.

Corcoran said this year's theme, “Peace by Peace: Building a Community of Peacemakers,” is a reminder to be “ambassadors of peace” in the spirit of St. Francis who called on everyone to be peacemakers. She said Peace Week is also an opportunity for personal reflection on making a difference in the world.

Sponsored by The People for Nonviolence Committee of Marian Medical Center, festivities for the 12th annual event will begin Monday with “Peace in the Community Day” at the Veterans' Memorial Community Center, 313 W. Tunnell St. An opening ceremony and community breakfast are scheduled from 7:30 to 9 a.m. with a free continental breakfast, musical performances, a presentation of flags and a release of doves. Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rogelio Flores will be the keynote speaker and the seventh annual Community Peace Builder Award will be presented.

Tuesday is “Inner Reflection Day.” A free ecumenical service is scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 908 E. Sierra Madre Road. This year's reflection is “Peace Starts at Home,” and the service will include musicians, vocalists and a local choir.

Wednesday is “If You Want Justice, Work for Peace Day.” The Santa Maria Valley Restorative Justice Task Force will hold its fifth annual countywide symposium titled “A Community Voice: Building for the Future” from

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1309 N. Bradley Road. Speakers will talk about how to rehabilitate young offenders, reduce repeat offenses and promote community healing. The event is free. RSVP to kstaples@verizon.net or 934-0743 or 963-6765, Ext. 3. Lunch will be provided.

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Thursday is “Respect for Mother Earth Day.” A tree planting will take place at Jim May Park, 809 Stanford Drive, by Taylor School students with help from the city's Recreation and Parks Department. A short program at 12:30 p.m. will focus on respect and renewal of the Earth. Students at several schools in Santa Maria and Orcutt will pick up trash on their campuses and neighborhoods at various times throughout the day.

Saturday is “Respect for and Celebrating Cultural Diversity Day.” A Cultural Diversity Neighborhood Fiesta is scheduled from 11 a.m. to

3 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Maria Valley, 901 N. Railroad Ave. The event will include children's games and activities, a classic car show, information booths, bounce houses, entertainment, books and other giveaways, face painting, a salsa-tasting contest and more. Food sales will support local nonprofit groups.

Also on Saturday, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley is scheduled to host “Free 4 The Weekend” from 7 to 11 p.m. at Saturn of Santa Maria, 2175 S. Bradley Road. The event is for seventh- and eighth-grade students who pledge to stay drug and alcohol free for the weekend and will include food, games, activities, entertainment, music, prizes and more. Sponsoring businesses will give discounts to participating students. Students can register at school or at Saturn of Santa Maria on the night of the event. For more information, call 346-1774.

October 11, 2008