On June 21st our community lost a longtime Peace Center supporter and friend to many, the Peace Baker (Shannon Pinkston). Shannon was called the Peace Baker for her years of baking for our events, awardees, and programs. From what I have learned her kindness and peace spreading spirit was in service to the Missoula community and beyond.

Twenty years ago this coming Saturday, May 8 the iconic Missoula Peace Sign that adorned our North Hills on a former US West (then Qwest) microwave reflector between 1983 and 2001, came down to the valley floor. Thanks to Bob Oakes, the North Missoula Community Development Center and nine volunteers, the pieces were safeguarded in the hopes of reuniting them one day.

The Missoula Peace Sign is on the path to reunification. It will become permanently installed at the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center, at last giving substance to the legend and the long-held community vision that all nine pieces will be reassembled. Once unified, the Missoula Peace Sign will become a monument to resilience and a gathering place for people seeking a reflective moment.