The tables and chairs are put away, tablecloths and and tableware cleaned and returned to the cupboards and platters and serving bowls empty. Our 46th Annual meeting came at a sobering time but was filled with the comradery, good food, and serious discussion as usual. We shared our experiences in small groups and noted what keeps us going, what challenges us, what gives us hope and what more WCPJE can do for our working groups, their causes, and the larger community.
A common theme in the discussions was the comfort from working with people with whom we share geography as well as values, the friendships and deep personal connections that result, and a tangible sense building a village. Oft repeated in themes was the desire to work across age groups and the younger generation, coupling with arts and music, the desire to work across working groups and gathering in person. All challenges given how much the working groups are already doing.
It was fitting that the evening ended with a fun musical presentation by Raid At Dawn, a band of Watertown High School students, who had prepared a series of musical hits that many of us remembered from own youth.