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40 °F Forecast | Road Cams Friday, April 23, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend March 8, 2004 Four honored for peacemaking By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune At an award ceremony for Rogue Valley residents who promote peace Sunday, an Ashland Muslim under investigation by the federal government was notably missing. "Pete Seda will not be with us," announced Jeff Golden before about 300 community leaders at the second annual Imagine Awards ceremony at the Rogue Valley Country Club. Seda was one of five people scheduled to receive an award from Mediation Works because of their pursuit of peace. However, he is under investigation by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for transferring $130,000 in 2000 to Muslims in Chechnya. Seda, who is out of the country, has denied any wrongdoing and any suggestions by the federal government that he was aiding terrorists. Advertisement In Jackson County, he has frequently urged his fellow Muslims to end the violence and seek a peaceful alternative to their conflicts. Golden, who services on the Mediation Works board of directors, said the award will be deferred until the U.S. Department of Treasury concludes its investigation. "I have been struck with his long record of contributions and generosity to the community," said Golden. "We want to honor Pete Seda in a way that the committee thought he deserved." Golden said the committee wrestled with whether it would give the award to Seda. "There was frustration behind not being able to get the information we needed to make a knowledgeable decision, he said. But for the four remaining award recipients, it was an emotional moment as they received their awards. "There are many individuals who could have been in my place because of their achievements," said 52-year-old Ike Apodaca of Medford, who was chosen as an honored peacemaker. "I truly think I am in excellent company." Instrumental in creating programs for the Latino community, he thanked other members of the community for their support. "Your generosity for the disadvantaged has never ceased to amaze me," he said. Another honored peacemaker, John Statler, said his idealism was inspired as a child by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. But when traveling through Texas with his family, he saw a drinking fountain with a sign that said "colored only," which revealed the true nature of the country’s founding documents. "The things I fell in love with were just words, and I was devastated," remembered 56-year-old Statler of Medford. Until 15 years ago, Statler was a homeless alcoholic, but he pulled himself out of it. "I’ve gone from being homeless to owning a home," he said. Noticeably moved by the award for volunteer work, he told the audience, "I am a dreamer and today I’m not a loner." Kari Bassett, a 16-year-old junior at Crater High School, was given the award for young peacemaker. "I’ve learned so much from the people in my life," she said Overcome with emotion, Kari was unable to continue her speech. She received the award partly for organizing PRIDE (People Relating in a Diverse Environment). Kari has spearheaded a fund-raising effort to help free slaves in the Sudan. Recipient of the lifetime achievement award, 80-year-old Marjorie Kellogg of Gold Hill helped start Peace House. Through the years, she has worked with UNICEF and the League of Women Voters, and she and her husband helped young people by running the Hillside Farm School at their home. Author and scholar Jean Houston of Ashland said the search for peaceful resolutions typified by these people offers "a rich and evocative alternative" to a century of conflict. Golden, noting that 35 nominations had been submitted to the committee, said, "Every single day those people are working for a better community." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! 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