urvival. Teach it to your children. Pass it on to your neighbor."
Mark Robinson (photo, right), community leader and Chairman of Ridgefielders Organized for Understanding and Diversity (ROUND) once again officiated at the event. Mark, who is also a member of Ridgefield's Democratic Town Committee, has worked for several years to make the King holiday a celebration of diversity and tolerance in Ridgefield. In his opening remarks, he noted that recent incidents of anti-Semitism in Ridgefield remind us that intolerance and bigotry are problems here, too.
Kimberly Wilson lifted spirits with a beautiful rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Ms. Wilson is a Redding resident who serves on the board of A Better Chance (ABC) in Ridgefield.
Rain and fog marked the day. Organizers wisely decided to move the event from the small park in front of the Community Center to the covered porch.
Rabbi Jon Haddon of Temple Shearith Israel also spoke. He reminded everyone that Martin Luther King had been, and continues to be an inspiration to all, not just to African Americans. "I am a better Jew because of Dr. King," he said. In addition to Rabbi Haddon from Temple Sheareth Israel
and Rev. Gilchrist from St. Stephens Episcopal, attendees representing St. Mary's Roman Catholic, Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist, First Congregational, St. Andrew's Lutheran, and Ridgefield's Baha'i Faith and many others were on hand.
Democratic State Representative Lew Wallace of Danbury delivered the keynote address. Rep. Wallace celebrated the many area groups which promote diversity and understanding, singling out Ridgefield's ROUND for its successful efforts in our community. He summed up Dr. King's accomplishments by saying, "He helped us resolve America's longest-standing issue, the issue of race."
Rep. Wallace, ROUND Chairman Mark Robinson, and Selectman Manners chatted after the ceremony. Many of the particpants stayed on after the formal program to socialize and enjoy hot cider, an innovation at this Third Anuual King Birthday celebration.
Ridgefield High School student Phil Mandelbaum spoke to today's gathering, reciting an upbeat poem he wrote about the impact of Dr. King's works on us all.
The crowd of several dozen filled the porch of the Community Center.
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