Category: News

Pagan Union Steward Reaction to Wi Senate Action

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At approximately 4pm yesterday, March 9th, notice was given of an impending “special committee” hearing, by Republican Senators in Madison, of a bill to separate state worker collective bargaining rights from budget issues. A budget issue needs a 2/3 quorum where non fiscal issues only require a majority in the Wisconsin senate. The 19 Republicans met at 6pm, and by 6.45 the vote had been taken, eighteen to one, to approve the ‘plan’.

I called Dennis, a Madison Pagan and state employee, and AFT union steward, for his thoughts.

What is your reaction to tonight’s Republican action eliminating collective bargaining for State workers?

” The Republicans admitted tonight that was their goal. They clothed real intent in their budget repair bill, but it is pretty obvious what they were after from the beginning. I can’t say I am surprised. I am surprised it took them this long to do something. They were using the budget bill to provide themselves with cover, but it was pretty transparent. ”

View to Speaker Podium - file photo

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30-40k Keep Pressure on Wisconsin Governor – Editorial

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View from Speakers Podium

I had no idea what to expect at the Madison Capitol square on  Saturday.  There was so little Twin Cities media coverage after last weeks massive rally that I thought protests might all be over.  Wrong!   Somehow ‘only’ 30 -40k citizens converging on the State Capitol in brisk winter conditions to  speak out against Governor Scott Walker’s plan to curtail collective bargaining  has become ‘ordinary’, and not significantly newsworthy.

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Every out-state protester, marching with a sign identifying their home town, got a cheer from the sidewalk.  Continue reading →

Sacred Paths Center Reopens Today

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Just two days after having their front door smashed and boarded up due to a break in, Sacred Paths Center reopened today at 11am.  The community center was closed on Monday and Tuesday to replace the front door, repair the damage caused during the break in, and to clean up the fingerprinting dust used by police.

Sacred Paths Center issued this statement Tuesday evening, “We believe that one of the people who broke into the SPC last night may have been injured in doing so. We would like to ask anyone doing healing circles to please include this person in your prayers and thoughts. We sincerely hope that they find a more peaceful and healthy path.”

 

UMPA Annual Meeting and Anniversary Celebration

The Upper Midwest Pagan Alliance celebrated it’s fourth anniversary Saturday evening with a capacity crowd at the Sacred Paths Center.  Not only was the event packed with people, it was packed with activities.  Attendees were treated to entertainment by the ever popular Murphey’s Midnight Rounders and tribal dancing by Kamala Chaand.  UMPA held it’s annual meeting, where they ratified new by-laws and elected their officers for the next two years.  New officers are Bonnie Hanna-Powers, Gary Lingen, Bress Nicneven, Grace Morgan. and Joshua Adam Blesi.

The community also settled a long simmering dispute – who makes the best red sauce, Don from the Coven of the Standing Stones or Mistress Judy Olson?  Don won the competition handily, but many at the event said if you mix the two, it was better than each sauce alone.

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SPC Annual Meeting – Elections and Bread and Brew

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New SPC Board Members - photos by Jenna Touchette

The first Sacred Path Center (SPC)  board of director’s election took place Sat, Feb. 12th.
The SPC board had four open positions  up for election. The five candidates were Ci Benson, Jim Mosser, Mary Oczak, John Stitely and CJ Stone.

The newly elected board members are: Ci Benson, Jim Mosser, Mary Oczak, and CJ Stone.

SPC Board of Directors for 2011

Board of Directors for 2011: Keith Vorderbruggen, Mark Digatano, Cindy Miller, George Edgar, Carol Haselmann, Mary Oczak, Jim Mosser, CJ Stone, Ci Benso, and Teisha Magee

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