On Sunday Dec. 7, 2014, Hopewell Centre Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) will welcome American Friend and founder of the Center for Amazon Community Ecology (CACE), Campbell Plowden, for a slide presentation, followed by a holiday sale of unique crafts hand made by native Peruvian artisans. The public is invited to attend the presentation from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Centre Meeting House, 203 North Washington St (corner of Piccadilly) in Winchester. Mr. Plowden will share how CACE is finding positive alternatives to deforestation in the Amazon rainforest — and how his relationship with the native communities has affected his spiritual journey as a Friend. The Craft Sale, from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., will include hand-woven and hand-carved baskets, belts, guitar straps, tree ornaments, jewelry, maracas, head bands, dog leashes, essential oils, and more — made from palm fiber, roots, fruits, barks, leaves and other native materials. All proceeds go directly to the individual artisans and to improve health, education and conservation in their communities. It’s a great opportunity to buy gifts that give back!

Campbell Plowden has worked for tropical forests for 26 years with groups including Greenpeace, the Humane Society, Amazon Watch and the Environmental Investigation Agency. He earned a PhD in Ecology based on his studies with the Tembé Indians in Brazil and founded the Center for Amazon Community Ecology in 2006 to create positive alternatives to deforestation.

Centre Meetinghouse is open for visitors to attend the presentation and/or the sale. All are also welcome to share Silent Worship with us at 10 a.m. at the same location. For more information, call 540-667-9114 or go to www.AmazonEcology.org.