Beauty And Peace On The East River

We really lucked out. Given the incessant and daily rain we've been subjected to, providence shined on Wednesday night for Brooklyn Parents For Peace and its friends, members and supporters. Hundreds gathered for our annual Summer Sunset on the Barge fundraiser. The "barge" refers to the lovely home of Barge Music which is anchored on the Brooklyn shore, next to the Brooklyn Bridge - the fabulous lower-Manhattan skyline providing an extraordinary view.

And what a night it was - the sun shone through puffy clouds as thick, warm breezes wafted off the river and beautiful boats floated by framed by the magnificent and massive Brooklyn Bridge. Inside the barge a fabulous array of food and drink (donated by local Brooklyn restaurants and merchants) was spread in welcome to the arriving crowd who came to support Brooklyn's leading peace and justice organization. Dozens of volunteers, led by Eleanor Preiss and Nora Gordon, had worked with great energy to make this event the smashing success that it turned out to be.


Arriving for Summer Sunset on the Barge.


A festive occasion - great food and drink galore!


Lots of good people and conversation.

Besides the food, drink and fabulous views, the committee had prepared a program. Speeches were kept to a minimum (this was a night for fun and socializing). A string quartet played lovely and lyrical music and the sun began to set on the river, providing a spectaular light show.


The rhapsodic Strings For Peace provided lovely music.


A fantastic vantage point to watch the river, boats and sunset.

Each year at this event, Brooklyn Parents For Peace (BPFP)honors outstanding persons who are leaders in the ongoing fight for peace and justice. This year was no exception and the honor was extended to Charles Horowitz, labor attorney, a member of the BPFP Executive Board and a long-time fighter for civil rights. Unable to speak due to a long illness, Horowitz was surrounded by loving friends and family as tribute was paid to a long life of struggle. It was quite a moving salute.

Later the crowd thrilled to more music from the Strings For Peace and then the stirring poetry of one of Brooklyn's great writers, Sapphire, who kept the audience spellbound with her dramatic imagery.


Introducing the award given to labor attorney and civil rights activist, Charles Horowitz.


The Horowitz daughters,Allison and Rebecca, pay tribute to their dad.


Thanks to Dr. Oliver Fein who offered invaluable help during Charley's illness.


BPFP Co-chair David Tykulsker with Carol Horowitz, bestowing the honor on Charles Horowitz.


Carol and husband and BPFP honoree, Charles Horowitz.


Poet Sapphire emotes as the sun sets on the East River -- fabulous!


To the woman who made it all possible: Eleanor Preiss. Thanks!


The evening ended with this very beautiful view.

The evening was a very enjoyable night out. And it proved that our organization, which works hard, year round, advancing the cause of peace, fairness and justice, knows how to party and have fun as well. If you didn't make it this year, put it on your calendar for next summer. Meanwhile, check out the website at www.brooklynpeace.org to see how you can work with us to make the fight for peace even more effective. I'm sure you'll agree -- there's a lot of work to be done. Let's go!