“Conversations with Women Peacemakers”
Tuesday, Oct. 13; Thursday, Oct. 15; Tuesday, Oct. 20 and Tuesday, Oct. 27

Following a “Women Peacemakers” panel that took place on Oct. 7, four women peacemakers will participate in these sessions to share stories and encourage others to join the efforts for peace and justice.

The four women are:

• Judge Najla Ayoubi of Afghanistan: Ayoubi was forced out of her profession during Taliban rule. After the Taliban’s fall in 2001, Ayoubi has been active in the country’s recovery efforts. She is an outspoken proponent of women’s rights and education. (Oct. 13)
• Pauline Dempers of Namibia: As a member of the South West Africa People’s Organization liberation movement, Dempers fled to Angola in 1983 but was later arrested, along with other recruits, and held and tortured. She is a human rights activist and co-founder of Breaking the Wall of Silence, which advocates for those affected by imprisonment, torture and forced disappearances during Namibia’s war of independence. Dempers has made it her mission to fight for peace, justice and freedom. (Oct. 15)
• Galia Golan of Israel: Golan is an internationally known expert on Israeli-Palestinian politics and an activist focused on women’s roles in peacebuilding and parliamentary activism. A member of the Peace Now movement, Golan is also the founder of the Jerusalem Link (Bat Shalom) and the International Women’s Commission for a Just and Sustainable Palestinian-Israeli Peace. (Oct. 20)
• Glenda Wildschut of South Africa: She is a human rights activist and peacebuilder who grew up amidst violence and human rights abuses. Harassed and arrested by police, Wildschut was determined to overcome the oppression she experienced. Becoming a registered nurse, midwife, and psychiatric nurse, Wildschut has collaborated with health care workers on the establishment of trauma centers. A recipient of the Health and Human Rights Award, Wildschut was appointed by Nelson Mandela as commissioner on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. (Oct. 27)

Each talk will take place from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at University of San Diego. Visit Peace.SanDiego.edu/WPM for more information.

“Fall container gardens” class
Saturday, Oct. 17

For this gardening class, Armstrong Garden Centers will guide attendees through the assembly of a unique make and take item. A carved out pumpkin will be used as a planter – perfect for patios and porches – and filled with attractive succulents. A fee and registration for this class will be required. The Mission Valley/Grantville store is located at 10320 Friars Road; there are several other San Diego Armstrong locations. This session starts at 9 a.m. Visit ArmstrongGarden.com for more information.

Pitties in the Park
Sunday, Oct. 25

In honor of National Pitbull Awareness day, members of San Diego Pittie Parents are organizing this family friendly event for dogs and humans. Proceeds will benefit the group’s nonprofit organization. The free festivities will include an adoption area, vendors, treats, a “Kids Korner,” “HOWLaween Costume Contest” and more. The event will be held in Ingram Plaza (260 Cushing Road, Liberty Station) from noon – 4 p.m. Visit SDPittieParents.wix.com/pittiesinthepark for details.

“Kids Halloween Make and Take” gardening class
Saturday, Oct. 31

For this gardening class, Armstrong Garden Centers will teach youngsters how to transplant a colorful flowering plant into a Halloween-themed container. Basic gardening principles will be introduced as well. Registration required. The Mission Valley store is located at 10320 Friars Road; there are several other San Diego Armstrong locations. This session starts at 9 a.m. Visit ArmstrongGarden.com for more information.