Annual peace event returns

TIFFIN --- Peace will be the guest of honor at the third annual Cherry Blossoms Speak Peace event in April. The gathering, hosted by Pax Christi, Nonviolent Tiffin and Project Peace, will take place at 6 p.m. April 12, at The Chandelier, 151 S. Washington St., Tiffin. Sr. Paulette Schroeder, a Tiffin Franciscan sister and advocate for the peace movement, said the idea for the event grew from the story behind the cherry blossom trees that line Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. That collection of cherry trees, she said, began as a gift from Japan after World War II, as a "symbol of peace against bombs." Three years ago, when planning began for an event to replace the peace fair that took place on the grounds of the Seneca County Joint Justice Center in Tiffin, Schroeder said she chose the cherry trees as a beautiful symbol of peacemaking. This year's event, she said, is all about "building relationships," both locally and abroad, that practice and prioritize peace. The evening, Schroder said, will feature four local students who were chosen as Peacemakers of the Year by their teachers, as each is recognized for his/her work for peace. Other brief peace presentations also will take place during the evening, she said. Guests of the event will enjoy a pasta bar prepared by Sentinel Career and Technology Center students, she said, and raffle items and a 50/50 will be offered. Money raised by Cherry Blossoms Speak Peace, Schroeder said, will be donated to the children of Gaza who are being impacted by the violence there. Tickets to the event are $30, and the deadline to purchase tickets is April 5. Seats can be reserved by calling 567-230-0220, and organizers are also welcoming sponsorships for the evening. Schroeder said she would "love to see the event filled to capacity." In previous years, the evening of peace welcomed 100-125 guests, she said.