PEOPLES TEMPLE ORAL HISTORY
Yesterday, (5/25/13) Johnny, Jordan, Teresa, Gary Maynard, and I met with Vera at Vera's house (with Leslie on the phone) to plan and move forward on the PT Oral History Project. I'm on the road and can't upload some of the photos - but they are forthcoming! WE had a great, intimate time. I love spending time with these wonderful friends - really family. I've known Vera since 1970 - 43 years!
» continue readingJONESTOWN SURVIVOR ON THE MOVE
JONESTOWN SURVIVOR will be traveling to exciting places these next six months. I'll be spending time in San Diego - at libraries, historical societies, and local universities and colleges. But, I'll also fly off to the East Coast and visit Pennsylvania for a Communal Studies Conference, and visit York University. My biggest trip will be to Mexico City to present my Spiritual Journey. The two other things are in the works. A Peoples Temple Oral History Project is starting, which will likely consume the rest of my summer, and will be an ongoing effort. ...
» continue readingJONESTOWN SURVIVOR Responses to Family Inquiries
I always have at least three family members or friends of survivors or of those who died in Jonestown who correspond with me and ask questions about Peoples Temple, life in Jonestown, and their loved one. Recently, I responded with one who lost her sister, and her sister's family. Each survivor you speak with will have different points of view on most of the things in Jonestown - except we universally hate what Jim ultimately did. I don't like to get into in-depth discussion on email - it is too frustrating. But, here are my thoughts ...
» continue readingJONESTOWN SURVIVOR – Scheduling for the next six months!
During the first three months of 2013, I traveled to Washington State and all over Northern California. I have future trips to Mexico City over the summer and Pennsylvania in early October. Now, I'm working on some more local Book Talks. My favorite venues are universities and libraries. This month, I'll be presenting at Dr. Quinney's History of Religion in America class at Cal State San Marcos, and at the Borrego Springs Library. Also this month, I'll appear on the Ricki Lake Show.
» continue readingJONESTOWN SURVIVOR Welcomes American Theater Company Actors
Hello everyone, Last week, I got this email from PJ Paparelli at the Chicago American Theater Company. Several years ago, Claire and I flew out to Chicago, and Nell came over from Indianapolis, to see the play. We were able to support Leigh and the American Theater Company by attending the play. PJ hosted us and has become a good friend. Here is PJ's email: American Theater Company has grown so much since you were here in 2008. Besides are productions, we have an amazing education program in the Chicago Public Schools. Last year we started a Youth Ensemble ...
» continue readingJONESTOWN SURVIVOR Will Appear on Ricki Lake Show April 12
Hi all, Leslie Wagner Wilson and I will appear on the Ricki Lake Show on Friday, April 12. Times vary in different cities. In peace, Laura
» continue readingJONESTOWN SURVIVOR program on Ricki Lake Show Delayed
Hi all, A friend of mine looked up the Ricki Lake schedule for next week and noticed we were not listed. Our show has been pre-empted. The folks at the show were not able to tell when it will be rescheduled. We will let you know! In peace, Laura
» continue readingJONESTOWN SURVIVOR Book News
As I approach my THREE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY of publishing my book, I am excited to share that I'm about 97,000 on the amazon authors' list, and Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,069 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store) #10 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Biographies & Memoirs > Professionals & Academics > Social Scientists & Psychologists #48 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Professionals & Academics > Social Scientists & Psychologists. Exciting!
» continue readingJonestown Survivor Jordan Vilchez spoke at Bucknell University
In an article in the Bucknellian on March 6, 2013, Kerong Kelly's article appeared here: http://bucknellian.blogs.bucknell.edu/2013/03/06/jonestown-survivor-discusses-her-experience-as-part-of-the-peoples-temple/ My good friend spoke at Bucknell at a class studying Peoples Temple and the events of Jonestown thirty-five years ago. Jordan Vilchez, one of the survivors of the tragedy at Jonestown, spoke to the University community on March 6, about her experiences as a young member of the People’s Temple. At age 12, Vilchez became a member of the People’s Temple and subsequently relocated to Redwood Valley with her older sister. Just eight years later, they moved to Guyana. Vilchez left Jonestown the day ...
» continue readingJONESTOWN SURVIVOR is a Proud Member of the Occupy Movement
I am a proud member of the Occupy Movement. Why? This vignette tells it all. I have a friend who has spent her life caretaking – AIDS patients, her daughter, many others during her lifetime. We sit at different activist events and I am delighted to share the table/bench/banner with her. Last week, she attended an event in our local park – a green park with swings and kids’ climbing equipment, a railroad museum, and multitudes of homeless men and women. The event was to bring attention to some of the voiceless in our society – ...
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