Get involved!

HW’s Finance Committee meets at 6pm on the last Tuesday of each month. Meetings are open to all members.

For more information, email:

What could be fresher than all of your favorite produce arriving daily from local farms? (could we include a couple of relevant farm names here?It’s growing season and we’ve got farm-fresh fruits and veggies from all over the area. So, whether you’re looking for nNon-GMO sweet corn, crisp cucumbers, or super juicy, tiny strawberries, we’ve got you covered! Be sure to check out all the beautiful new arrivals next time you’re here.

By Natalie Criscione

Peace Pagodas are symbols of non-violence; they bring together people from all creeds and nationalities to promulgate unity and peace. Throughout the world, there are currently around 80 Peace Pagodas, two of which are in the United States. One of those is in the Capital Region—right in our own backyard!

You may have heard of the Grafton Peace Pagoda, and even seen its brilliant white dome rising above the surrounding woodlands. Although it has been a sanctuary and retreat for nearly 30 years, recent efforts to develop the surrounding habitat have threatened the future tranquility of the area.

“Friends of the Peace Pagoda” recently began a grassroots movement to generate the funds needed to purchase and preserve nearly 250 acres of threatened land around the Grafton Peace Pagoda. Besides being a unique natural space for thriving plant and animal life, the land holds Mohican sacred sites and is rich with Native American history, which is woven into the story of the Pagoda’s beginnings.

It was Hank Hazelton (an activist for Native Americans) who first approached Jun Yasuda (a Japanese Buddhist Nun from the Nipponzan Myohoji order) in 1983, with an offer of land for the purpose of building a “Monument for Peace.” Jun was on the steps of the NY State Capitol at the time, where she had again been fasting for a cause. This time, her fast was an effort to raise awareness, support, and freedom for the Native American activist Dennis Banks.

In October of 1985, work began on what would eventually become the Grafton Peace Pagoda. Since the Nipponzan Myohoji order cannot solicit money for any reason, the structure was built entirely through donations which included labor, funds, and materials (new and recycled).

Finally, in the fall of 1993, the Pagoda was dedicated. It is a place of welcome and retreat for visitors throughout the world. As the website (http://www.graftonpeacepagoda.org/) attests, “Representatives of many faiths: Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Native Americans, Baha'is, Sufis, Buddhists, Spirituals and Agnostics have all been drawn to this special place.” It is surrounded by trees, forests, and easy hiking trails where, according to an AllTrails review, “it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring.” Yet the solitude that draws so many visitors to the Peace Pagoda throughout the year is not to be taken for granted.

“Friends of the Peace Pagoda,” like so many small grassroots groups, is passionate and committed. Their dedication to land preservation is not only crucial for the environment but is also an historical and spiritual imperative for future generations.

During the month of March, while you are at the checkout line at Honest Weight, you will be asked if you’d like to round up for the Grafton Peace Pagoda. The answer is “YES!” to land preservation. And, if you’d like to become even more involved in the effort, send an email to: hricks09@gmail.com. Peace!