Special events to highlight YMCA Peace Week The YMCA of Oakville is asking residents to consider their actions next week as it will be Peace Week. The local Y, along with those across the country, is hosting a week full of events to commemorate Nov. 17-24 as Peace Week. "YMCA Peace Week provides an opportunity for our community to be actively engaged in creating a peaceful world. We welcome all members of our community to share their unique expressions of peace building," said Darryl McKenzie, president and CEO of YMCA of Oakville. The Y strives to build peace year round. However, its Peace Week highlights the many dimensions of peace. The program has an emphasis on empowering young people by encouraging them to discuss peace issues and to connect with others who can support their desire to work for positive change. The YMCA hopes to strengthen the foundation of the community through peace building, the press release said. YMCA Peace Week is focused on how individuals, working together, can make the communities and world healthier, safer, more equitable and sustainable. "Everyone can play a role in contributing to a peaceful society, using their skills, talents and personal areas of interest as a starting point for ideas," McKenzie said. "Peace building starts with the thoughts be handed out hot chocolate and 50 wish lanterns will be released into the night sky. · Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30-11:15 a.m., there will be Yoga for Peace event. The Y will host free, drop-in yoga classes, where participants can try some basic yoga postures with a focus on peaceful movements and creating positive energy. No experience is required. · On Thursday, from 7-9:30 a.m., the Y is holding its Community Breakfast for Peace. The event will take place at the Oakville Conference Centre located at 2515 Wyecroft Rd. The breakfast will honour one youth, one adult and one group with a YMCA Peace Medallion along with several more nominees for each award, to recognize them for their contributions to peace building. Featured at the breakfast will be a keynote address from Me to We's Spencer West, who, without legs, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Tickets to this event are almost sold out. After the breakfast, there will be a community expo that showcases the work of the Y's community partners. West will also travel to two local high school where he will speak. For more information and tickets to Breakfast for Peace, visit www.ymcaofoakville. com. 15 · Friday, November 16, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com PHOTO COURTESY PAUL DEANGELIS REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: Oakville business owner Paul DeAngelis (far right) with the entourage that accompanied Spencer West (in front), who lost his legs as a child, as West climbed to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in June. West will be the keynote speaker at the YMCA of Oakville's Community Breakfast for Peace Thursday. and actions of individuals. Together we can make a big difference." The Y has a number of activities planned for the week at its facility located at 410 Rebecca St. · Monday from 6:45-8 p.m., the Y will host the Candlelight Walk for Peace with special guests, Olympian Diana Matheson and Olympic commentator Tino Dossantos. After making a pledge for peace, people will YMCA of Oakville YMCA Peace Week Events We invite you to Join the Peace Movement! Candlelight Walk for Peace Monday, November 19, 6:45-8:00 p.m. Peter Gilgan Family YMCA Reflect on what peace means to you and our community, warm up with some hot chocolate, take a peace pledge and release wish lanterns into the night sky. Yoga for Peace November 20 & 22, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Peter Gilgan Family YMCA Join us for a special free yoga class focused on peace for your spirit, mind, and body. YMCA Community Breakfast for Peace Thursday, November 22, 2012 7:00-9:30 a.m. Oakville Conference Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville Keynote speaker: Local volunteers will be awarded YMCA Peace Medallions Spencer West for their commitment to building a stronger, healthier The Power of We: community through their peace-building activities. Overcoming Obstacles Sponsored by: to Make a Difference TY ymcaofoakville.com 905-845-3417