Running to the state Capital of Albany today brought back fond memories of a very good friend and humanitarian who had supported us many times in the past, but who unfortunately passed away a few years ago. Tom Whalen III, former Mayor of Albany, was a world-server and wonderful person who had a long career in private law and public service as well. He served the community for 25 long years with service to the American Red Cross, the Albany Urban League, the Untied Fund, Legal Aid Services and other local organizations.

In 1983 Tom Whalen became the Mayor of Albany and was outstanding in improving the quality of life to his native city. He was also cited for many personal accomplishments and honorary degrees and humanitarian awards. His efforts led to profound economic, social and cultural revitalization throughout Albany as he launched the city’s seven year renaissance and revival. Among some of the awards he received were the 1988 Mayor’s Financial Leadership Award for restoring Albany to financial prosperity. He also received the Kennedy Center Alliance Award for distinguished government leadership in Arts-in Education, among others.

Some of our runners today were able to get to the place where we last met with Mr. Whalen four years ago. He was so proud of a special path along the river. As we offered a moment of silence with the Torch in this very special place, I felt a tremendous amount of gratitude in my heart for this very special man who offered so much of his life to the betterment of all those around him and in other parts of the world as well. The sadness I felt in knowing he is not physically with us anymore was replaced by the joy in knowing that Tom Whalen has had a profound and lasting effect on the world, especially in his beloved city of Albany, and that all of his efforts will keep bearing fruit for many generations to come. Thank you, dear Tom Whalen.

After our very touching experience at the riverfront, my team of runners met with two other teams at the Atria Crossgate Retirement Living Center. We had a wonderful meeting with many of the residents there, discussing many valuable experiences on the road to a better world of harmony and understanding. These delightful senior citizens inspired us with their appreciation and understanding of what we doing and why. We are grateful to all the staff who invited us in to share these precious moments with such wonderful residents. We are also grateful to LuAnn and Patrick from the Albany Times-Union News for coming out to cover the story.

Entering into the picturesque town of Bennington, we were greeted by our good friend Akankha, who organized the events in Vermont for us, as well as the state representative who offered his kind words as well. We were pleasantly surprised when we saw Chandika and Chetana (old friends of ours) who drove up all the way from NYC to greet us. We took a tour of the Old First Congregational Church of Bennington which was built 200 years ago. It is a fine example of post-colonial church architecture in New England, resembling the First Church of Christ in Philadelphia where Thomas Jefferson and George Washington both attended more than two centuries ago. The motto which was offered there to all who enter is, “Wherever you’ve come from in the world, please take from here a message of hope and peace.”

Behind the church was the gravestone of the great poet-laureate Robert Frost, on whose gravestone read, “I Had a Lover’s Quarrel with the World.”

Later in the evening we were welcomed by Mary Lee-Clark and about 25 members of the United Methodist Church in Bennington, Vermont. There were people of all ages up to 93 years old including ministers, social workers, artists, nurses and environmental educators all of who delighted us with their hospitality, understanding and concern for our efforts. They also cooked plenty of delicious food for us and we had a feast, sharing with them our stories, as they were able to share with us some of their views on harmony and goodwill in the world.

Our accommodations were at a farm in nearby Shaftsbury called ‘Miles To Go’ Farm. The name was certainly indicative of our status as we have about 500 miles to go on our long and rewarding journey.

Our good friends Julie, Arun and their children Matthew and Benjamin were so hospitable to us, opening their home to all of us and giving us great snacks and meals. They even had a swimming pool waiting for us to enjoy with the kids. After our ceremony in town, we came back to the farm and young Matthew hosted us to a ‘Willie Wonka’ movie.

The children, the dog and cats and horses, of course our kind hosts Arun and Julie, and their helper Courtney, all have made us feel relaxed and ready to launch into our final week with enthusiasm and joy.

Finally, we wish to offer gratitude to our friends who drove up yesterday from New York City to join us for a day and run some hard, hilly miles for us. Vilupti, Adarini, Chidrupa and Rupasi all braved many hours in a car for a few hours of running and ceremonies, packing many valuable experiences into one short day.

Gratefully with only 500 Miles to Go,

Arpan and Team Harmony

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