Just in case anyone missed it last night when NBC 2 covered our story at 11.

I wonder though who their source was, or who they contacted for their information, because, there are quite a few inaccuracies that I didn't catch while I was watching, but since the transcript is online, there's more that I notice.

1. It's not a war protest, and I don't call it a war protest, and they have nothing to quote me from.
2. The website's the Iraq Names Project Southeast.
3. The names I'm writing are the last names of soldiers killed in Iraq, in chronological order. Yes, they are vets, but, I haven't written the names of all vets.

'SOLDIER CHALK GRAFFITI-COPY'


NEW AT 11----

A 15 YEAR OLD CALLS IT A WAR PROTEST.

FORT MYERS POLICE SAY IT'S ILLEGAL.

WILLIE FILKOWSKI RUNS A WEBSITE CALLED "THE IRAQ NAME PROJECT".

HE'S BEEN WRITING THE NAMES OF EVERY IRAQ WAR VET ON DOWNTOWN SIDES WALKS IN CHALK.

NOT ANYMORE.

POLICE GAVE HIM A WARNING AND SAY HE NEEDS A SPECIAL PERMIT FROM THE CITY.

FILKOWSKI SAYS POLICE TOLD HIM IF HE CONTINUES HE'LL GET ARRESTED.

THE TEEN PLANS TO BRING THIS UP TO CITY COUNCIL.

Inaccuracies aside, I appreciate the coverage.
Maybe people were interested enough to come and check out for themselves, and see what was really up.

Today I had my picture taken at some of the chalk that is still left downtown by a News-Press photographer.

They wrote this story.

The Reporter called the interim City Manager and told her about the story.
He says that he won't allow them to award us a permit even if I ask.

It seems like the issue isn't so much about graffiti, it's more bout what's deemed an appropriate memorial.

"Al Abdo, acting city manager, said even if Filkowski applies for a permit, he won't be granted one. He said because Filkowski’s memorial consists only of chalked names, and is not immediately recognized as a memorial, it won’t be allowed to continue."

I wonder what this could mean..

I think that's not all of what the paper is going to say tomorrow, because, the reporter told me a few sentences of her story, so, maybe it may be a little more in depth in the paper tomorrow.

Some News.

I have some news, kind of bad, kind of good.

Bad, or good first?

The bad is this:
The next City Council meeting is August 6 at 4:30, and the agenda for that meeting is already set.
Mike Flanders' assistant says that there is really no way to get 'green sheeted' in order to be on that agenda.
Who's creative enough to tell me, that there is a way?

The good news is:
I have a meeting with Councilman Flanders on Monday at 3:00, the day of the meeting.
Whether or not that will help us get on that night's agenda, I have no idea, but at least it's progress.
Maybe we can have some sort of emergency green sheet, or something.

I wish there was a way to get on that agenda, get our permission, and keep on chalking.
It's too bad that someone finds issue with our project.
I just hope that there are people who don't, and who are willing to help out, and get this done with us.
Thanks, guys.

Willie.




One of the few unfinished names from last night.

I just called City Hall to talk to someone about how to get in to the City Council meetings, and how to get to speak.
I got transferred to the Office of the Clerk where an extremely nice woman is calling over to the Community Development Board to talk to someone about filing a "Green Sheet" which gives me a spot on the agenda. She told me, that I would have to get a department 'head' to file one for me.
Maybe that's what she's doing?

I'm waiting for her to return my call and let me know how things went.

I will keep you posted and let you know how things go.

Look below to see the letter I wrote to Councilman Michael Flanders.

As for the City Council meeting, the information i have so far is that the next meeting August 6, at 4:30. That's next monday.


Thanks for the support,
Willie

Letter to Michael Flanders, Ft. Myers City Councilman, Regarding the Chalk Project

To: councilmanflanders@cityfm.com
Subject: The Iraq Names Project Southeast


Good morning, Mr. Flanders.

My name is Willie Filkowski, and I just called your office a few minutes ago.
I though I'd put a request in, in writing as well as one on the phone.

I'm contacting you to find out some information about the process of
getting permission for community art projects from the city council.

I have started a project called The Iraq Names Project Southeast,
which came to a screeching halt yesterday.

The project is designed to honor the fallen troops of our war in Iraq.
In chalk, on the sidewalks I've been writing the last names of the
fallen, in chronological order of their date of death, beginning with
the first day of the war. I started a few weeks ago under the flagpole
in Centennial Park, and have worked my way to the Federal Building,
downtown.

Yesterday, someone called the police on us, ten minutes into the day's
work on the project, and we were very respectfully asked to leave by
the police.

Given the meaning of the project, before I started, the thought of
having to get permission was not one that crossed my mind. I was
expressing myself in a way, but more importantly, bringing attention,
honor, and a memorial to over 3,800 Coalition casualties. I feel as
though they are done no justice on the news when you hear a quick
sound bit of what the casualty count is up to. I want people to walk
by the project and realize that behind that collective number, "over
3,800" there are names, real people. There are people with families,
kids, a husband, a wife, mom, dad, and a community that felt the loss
with their passing.

I wonder if you could help me figure out the correct way to gain
permission from City Council to continue with my project, and keep
honoring those who risked their lives at the request of their
government, and paid the ultimate price.

I've been given suggestions to go a council meeting, and request
permission to continue. As I'm 15, and am not so well versed in local
civics, I wonder if you, my city council representative could point me
in the right direction.

Thank you for your help,


Willie Filkowski
7.31.07

Halted.

Last night, I'm sad to inform you, the project hit a bump in the road.
We were working on the project in front of the Federal Building, and someone called the police on us.

The police were very respectful in asking us not to continue, and informed us that there is a proper way to go about gaining permission from the city to continue.

The bad part of it, though, is that my friend Bonita and I, and possibly Nancy were put into the graffiti watch list, or something like that

So, today starts the process by which we start to get the project back on track.
We're going to write letters, and make phone calls, and do what needs to be done in order to be allowed to continue to honor those who payed the ultimate price when asked by their government to risk their lives.

If anyone has any ideas, or has dealt with something like this before, and can offer advice, I'm all ears.
Or, if you just want to send me an e-mail and let me know you're out there, pulling for the project, that would be nice to get as well.

E-mail me for more information..
hamintheturlet@gmail.com

Thank you for your support,
I'll keep you posted on my progress..
Willie.

First and foremost, a BIG thanks to Nancy.
Over the past two days she's been there, her and her peace pup, to help me out, which is great.
Maybe the rest of you can get down there sometime? Just kdding, any sort of support is great.

I don't have any pictures becuause, I just have been forgetting my camera, but, what we've been back to is great.
Yesterday's work was washed away when I got out of work this afternoon.
But wait- It didn't rain!

Before work, I saw the chalk there, during my lunch break, I saw the chalk there, but, during my sister's break, she saw them washing it away.
And so did the people in Starbucks.

So, tonight, we finished up the names and went back to the part where they washed it away, and wrote them a note.
"YOU may say I'm a DREAMER.. ..but I'm not the only one. -JOHN LENNON [AND THE REST OF US!] And I drew a picture of John.

(I'll write a letter or two to see what happened.. .. And of course I'll keep you posted.)

Maybe, if you can beat the CITY street cleaners out tomorrow, you can catch a glimps of that.
And, the people at the Morgan House were great, as well. Very supportive.

Thanks to everyone,
Willie

I know, I know, I know, it's been a whil and I'm slacking.
Sorry.
That's what vacation does to you.

I'm writing this really qucik before work. (I'm running late.)

Last night i haad help from Nancy which went well, we got a lot done and she wants to come back tonight.
I should be there tonight, weather permitting, at about 6:00.

Right across from starbucks.
see you there.

I'm back from Boston!
We had a really good time, but, right now it's raining, and, I can hear thunder.
So, on top of the week long delay because of my vacation, we've got a rain delay today.

Maybe tomorrow.

But, in the mean time, we've been thinking of other projects to tie into this, the Iraq Names Project.
Since not very many people see the project, we were thinking of putting together another sort of memorial that we can put up once in a while, and have an event.
We've had a lot of ideas, to show people the reality, and the weight of all of the sacrifice.
Sometimes I have a feeling that the chalk project isn't making a huge impact on a lot of people, or, even showing people how huge of a deal war is.
So, that's why we're thinking of another sort of memorial.

Thanks.
Willie

Off to Boston

Off to Boston.
I bought a load of chalk last night. A lot of good chalk for pretty cheap, that was fun.
Today seems like a great day to go chalking, weather and everything, but, I'm at the airport right now.
I wonder if they'll let me bust out and go do some drawing on the tarmac.
My meeting at EPEC last night, made me think about this project a little more.

Arlyne, who is organizing a commemoration of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August told me about a similar project she did in Ft. Lauderdale.

The tension and scariness of the Cold War left a lot of people privately worrying about the issue, and taking no public action, forcing people to live in the shadows, almost. Since everything was so tense, her and her friends snuck out in the middle of the night and drew shadows of people on the sides of buildings in chalk, representing the shadows of people that the Cold War created.

It made me think of maybe changing the style of the project.
Let me know if you have any ideas, but I was thinking of a stencil-ish project.
Maybe the outline of a combat boot that we trace, and write the name underneath.
That makes the project a little simpler, and easier to do, if the person who's drawing the names can't get down there.
I'll put some thought into it while I'm away.
I've got my computer with me so, I'll update, but, e-mail, e-mail, e-mail and let me know what you think about a new direction or style or tracing.
Thanks,
Happy Summer,
Willie

The rain needs to stop.
It's not funny any more.

Two days ago I guess it is now, that I was out last.
That's pretty sad,
And, this week I'm going to Boston for a little while.

So, the sidewalks of Ft. Myers won't see me for a bit.

Adios,
Willie

Post Office.

Today went phenomenally, just plain awesome.
I scraped my knuckles, but, I got a lot done, that's for sure.

I started from right where we left off when we got rained out in front of the post office. I went along, it was pretty hot, but I'll take heat over rain. Any day.

A few police stopped me today., to figure out what I was up to, I don't think I've seen anyone more disinterested, but, that's fine.

A few people told me I was doing a great job, and one woman promised me that someone somewhere reallyappreciates what I'm doing. That was nice to hear.

People who were going to the post office it seems went in and told the manger or whoever what was kind of going on. He came out and threw his hands in the air asking me what I was doing.. Well, I told him, and he was clearly annoyed but realized that it wasn't worth it to try to make me go. Really, what could he have done? I'm doing no damage at all, causing a few people to do a double take maybe, but, it washes away.







Then, after I cooked in the sun in front of the post office, I went to the parking garage.. The sidewalk there is covered, which is great.. The people who walked by seemed to think it was pretty cool, but it's interesting, I have to say.. that people take notice more of the style of writing I'm using as opposed to the meaning of it, or what is written in the fancy writing.

That's that, no rain so far.. Just clouds that are cooling things down a bit.
Stop by and see it, if you're down town.

And one last thing, pardon the pictures. I took them, our Designated Photographer didn't get a chance to work her magic, but, I hope I did a good job.

Thanks,
willie.

Downtown FM or bust!

This morning I thought maybe I could pry myself out of bed before eight to get down and do some chalking but, that obviously didn't happen. But, here I come.
After a little bit of a late start, I'm gonna ride my bike down and get some chalking done.
We will see how it goes.

I will probably end up downtown by the post office around 11:00, so, come help out.

Awesome,
Willie

P.S. Today, is a pretty cloudless day, so I'm going to try and chalk up quite a bit.

Rain, rain, go away,
Come again another day,
If you don't, I will say,
Rain, rain go away.
Rain, rain, go away,
Come again some other day,
We want to go outside and play,
Come again some other day.
Rain, rain, go away,
Come again some other day,
If you don't, I don't care,
I'll pull down your underwear!

Goodness, this is a little much, I swear.
No chalking today either, I'm sad to report.
Hopefully things will look up tomorrow...
Hopefully..

'WINK SkyTracker' says tomorrow won't be much better.
A high of ninety degrees and scattered storms and rain anytime.

I'll do my best, and hope for the best.
So, is there an anti-rain dance?

Willie.

Happy Fourth

Happy Fourth of July.

I hope everyone is well, and celebrating the holiday with some hot dogs and fireworks. (If you're into that sort of thing.)

Today there is no chalking, due to rain. It's been on and off all day, but hopefully done in time for the fireworks tonight.
Thanks to all of you who are visiting the site and are supporting what we're doing.
Have a happy holiday, and check back tomorrow.
Depending on weather of course, we'll be back at it tomorrow.

Thanks much,
willie

A short movie I made.
Comments with thoughts would be nice.
I'm sure there will be more to come as we get more photos, and more photos and material from the project.
Thanks.

Rained Out.

Today we got rained out, and that's okay.

We finally got out of Centennial Park and made it over to the Post Office where I got a pat on the back from a guy, and a handshake.
It's nice to know people are supporting what we are doing.

The rain is always going to be a factor it seems.. and we can deal with that. As long as it doesn't monsoon, it's fine. When it rained today I was still able to see what I had done yesterday even though it was a little faded. I'm sure though, there's not much left besides purple water to what we did today. The curb we were working on in front of the post office was right over a storm drain, so, all of the water that was finding a place to go got kicked up onto our art by cars that were parking there, or driving by.
Oh well, I say to that, oh well.

Today, my mom and two sisters, (the most lovely women in the world) helped me which was awesome! Thanks guys! Er, I mean, girls!

My older sister Kyla is now the project's Designated Photographer, for sure.
She took the most awesome photos of the day, which have blown me away. Thank you SO much!












Thanks, Kyla.

Peace.
Willie

Back at It.

Day three, would kind of bring us to today.

I decided today to get back at it. I'm going to have to deal with the rain, and just let whoever sees it see it and not worry about how long it's there.

So, back at it.

I underestimated how much work I could get done before the rain came, or it got dark, or I ran out of chalk.
It went well, and I got some encouraging comments from most of the people that stopped to take a look, and also made a new friend.
Friends are always good.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to be there around 9:30. (On the third of July, that is..)
We need to get some more chalk tomorrow morning, and then back to the park. We're across from Harborside Convention Center so far, and about to hop the street and head toward the Post Office. That gives us a little cover from the rain, and a little more traffic.

Some pictures of today..

The final product.


The simple title. Not too descriptive or obtrusive. Simple, and the same text that Nancy in Portland uses.

Day Two.

Day two.
We went back the next morning and were happy to see that our work from the night before was still there, intact. We got to work, after we got some more chalk and did less names, but, still progress.




That day, it poured, which was really discouraging.

Chalk, for this project, is very symbolic and relevant. Everything is temporary, and in the case of those who knew these fallen soldiers, what you have one day may not be there the next.

The next day, between work, and traveling, I couldn't get back down there, so, we took a break.
We needed to regroup and maybe come up with a plan of attack for dealing with the rain, or something like that.
We came up with not staying in the wide open park for a while, and getting close to buildings which might block out some of the rain. Darn rainy season.

Day One.

A few nights ago we started the project.
I decided that waiting around for friends to help me, or this or that, was just plain lazy. I'm not going to let any grass grow under my feet.
So, with our first purchase of two crayola boxes of chalk, we took to the streets.
We were so surprised with our work.
It turned out nicely.
My dad and little sister helped a whole lot, and were awesome to help bend their backs a little, and help out.





The most appropriate place I figured to start was under the American Flag. We went until we couldn't see what we were writing any longer.