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 PICA StaffYou Can’t Push a Rope: A Look at a Few Threads of Jon
Jon has had multifarious interests over his life span. He is now in a raspberry stage of life, giving time not spent at PICA to cultivating berries and creating delicious goods from them.If you want Jon to laugh, say glockenspiel. If you want Jon to delightedly meet you, help you find your niche in PICA, and teach you the new member dance, become a member of PICA.
Hannah Pennington, Americorps Volunteer
Until that happens we can tell you that Hannah loves teaching, and has been devoting much of her time to Global Literacy workshops with area high schools. We have been relying on her fluency in Spanish in the office and in workshops. Hannah also starred recently in the role of "Vanna" at the PICA Auction.
When she is an elder, retired from the bookkeeping life, Ellen may travel about the globe. She does some of this now, when not working, with her best friend in “her convertible with big sunglasses on and [her] purple scarf blowing in the breeze.” And when she is not clad in big sunglasses, she happily spends her time with her siblings, sons, and grandchildren. Like the beginning of a day, when the world is quiet and new, Ellen approaches life with a sense of hope, as though each day held endless possibilities. It is in this spirit, that Ellen will do the “dance of joy” if one were to join the PICA community. Written by Rebekah Green |
PICA is a grassroots organization in Bangor, Maine. For nearly 25 years we have been building grassroots community alliances that address global problems of economic justice, human and worker rights. Our work is grounded in careful listening, telling and sharing stories. Our goal is to transform both individuals and institutions. We have helped make Maine a leader among all states in addressing the effects of the global economy on our own lives.
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Jon says that if PICA had a motto, it might be: “It all starts and ends with people.” As director of PICA, he helps maintain the organizational supports of PICA that let all members carry out PICA’s work for justice. Though this may seem like a daunting task, Jon has never been one to shy away from the challenge, as is evidenced by his childhood dreams of being a scientist and a fireman.
Hannah Pennington , AmeriCorps (Community Resource Corps) volunteer, began her work with PICA in September, 2009. She has been trying, so far without success, to get one of her friends to write a blurb about her for this Web page.
“You get what you give,” says PICA bookkeeper Ellen, who gives time, love, and candy to PICA. Upon beginning work at PICA, Ellen learned much about community; seeing and loving that “folks are so eager to help and are really invested in PICA as a group” reinforced her belief.