It was a rainy day on June 3 but that didn’t dampen the spirits of CONA members who came out to celebrate the organization’s 30th year. The main event, held at the 1812 
Farm in Bristol, was a conversation amongst past and some founding board members. Julia Myers, a founder with her husband Edward in 1982, was there, as was Jean Harris, another early activist. Others included Suzanne Hedrick, Paul Kando, Lee Rushmore, Mike Stevens and Wendy Eichler. They shared what CONA meant to them, and fond memories of events and activities, such as an essay contest organized in the 1980s with Lincoln Academy students on the topic of the danger of nuclear arms (this when CONA stood for Citizens Opposing Nuclear Arms). Some reminisced about the Bridges for Peace movement, which began in this era but was resurrected during the Iraq War years. Paul Kando talked about how he admired Ed Myers as a model citizen, acting on his beliefs, and how CONA stood for this encouragement of citizens to make a difference in their society. Mike Stevens spoke movingly about how the CONA board meetings were wonderful times for him to share ideas amongst people who have similar concerns an
d how this made him feel a little less lonely in this world of constant problems and media negativity.
After a potluck dinner, the evening concluded most appropriately with 60s folk music provided by the local group Greenfields. Many enjoyed singing along with songs
such as “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” and “This Land is Your Land.”
