WALK FOR HEALTH CARE PHOTOS

August 29, 2009

As people of faith, we are called to care for the less fortunate, those in need or who are down on their luck. Therefore, the Forum of the First Congregational Church of Sonoma is wholeheartedly supporting efforts to bring awareness to the community about the need to make changes in the health care system in this country.

Health Care For All Reform is critical for all of us and right now the issue is at the top of the nation's agenda. The Forum of the First Congregational Church of Sonoma, Peace and Justice, Organizing for America, Congregation Shir Shalom, the Democratic Club, Veterans for Peace, and other groups organized a 'Walk for Health Care For All' Saturday August 29th at 10 a.m. People gathered in the parking lot of the First Congregational Church, walked peaceable to the Plaza, circled the Plaza a couple times, and then adjorned to the amphitheatre for a picnic/potluck. There, a fundraiser for the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center.

Rep. Lynn Woolsey, State Senator Mark Leno, a representative, Mike Allen for Pat Wiggins spoke and the band, Simka played beautiful music before and after the program. Kathleen and Gerald Hill were there to answer questions about Health Care For All Reform. And there was lots of good food to eat courtesy of the Sonoma Democratic Club.

It is estimated that about 250-300 people participated in the day's event! 206 people left the church and others joined in along the route to the Plaza's Amphitheater. People who were unable to walk met the group at the Ampitheater to listen to speeches, listen to music. and participate in a community picnic/potluck sponsored by the Sonoma Democratic Club.

See the report in our local newspaper, The Sonoma Index Tribune.

 

PHOTOS

Click on any image to see larger photo.

Gathering at the First Congregational Church of Sonoma, CA	Gathering at the First Congregational Church of Sonoma, CA
Gathering at the First Congregational Church of Sonoma, CA	Gathering at the First Congregational Church of Sonoma, CA
Dr. Ned Hoke and Joan Huguenard	Church member, Florence Porter
Marge talking to a protester	Gathering at the Ampitheater
Gathering at the Ampitheater	The band, Simka, playing
Lilla Weinberger welcoming everyone	Kit Conforti telling about her family's medical crisis
	Mayor Ken Brown
Audience listening	Senator Mark Leno
Audience listening	Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey
Sen. Mark Leno	Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey
Rep. Pat Wiggins' representative, Mike Allen	Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey receiving 8,000+ signatures
Terry Elverum, Sonoma Democratic Club President	Lilla with the band, Simka in the background
Kathy waiving	Bob and Helen Rowntree
Kathy Aanestad  with a moment of silence in honor of Sen. Ted Kennedy	Sen. Mark Leno, Kathy Aanestad, Veda Lewis
Singer, Amazing Grace	Some organizers: Helen Rowntree, Ted Sexauer, Kathy Aanestad, Lilla Weinberger, Terry Elverum
Ted, Kathy Lilla, Terry	Picnic/potluck
People gathering for the Walk for Health Care for All event Photos by: Veda Lewis
Co-sponsors of the event: Organizing for America Peace and Justice Forum, First Congregational Church of Sonoma Veterans for Peace Congregation Shir Shalom Sonoma Democratic Club Sixth A.D. Democratic Committee Nor. Cal. Labor Council

 

252 West Spain Street, Sonoma, CA 95476 • 707.996.1328
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