From the Mayor’s Office – Early June

From the Mayor’s Office – June 12, 2023

Early June

A community photo, a health fair, a concert on the Green, a Pride Parade and event and a Girl Scout Gold Award Ceremony all in a weekend! The common thread woven is community and lessons of sharing, giving back and celebration.

The Pride Parade was kaleidoscope of color – bigger and bolder. The move to Memorial Park for the after-hour event made logistical sense and the entire day was a success. Like all activities in the community, it takes planning, preparation and faith that all will be ok. I want to thank the Community Center for the role they play and also understanding that their event had grown and that safety issues were key for the expected turn out.  The clear understanding of what was entailed to create a safe environment was through the leadership of Warwick Police Chief John Rader. The coordination with other police forces as well as our Department of Public Works were all part of the foundation of safety.  Thank you as well to the Village Board of Trustees who had to make important decisions on the venue change and who remained supportive throughout.

The event is formally called A Day of Acceptance. For all its robust colors and costumes, the event focuses on a serious issue. It is not just safety during an event but even more importantly safety at all times, and that as part of the LGBTQ+ community you can feel comfortable in your own skin. Some of us may never know the feelings of fear attached to being or feeling different, sometimes we get a glimpse through a friend, a family member, a son or a daughter who may be trying to understand themselves and struggling with their identity. This is where compassion and support are primary to building a better place, a protective home, a nurturing and accepting community. That takes work and doesn’t happen overnight but the support at this event was an extraordinary outpouring of good energy going in the right direction.

“Eve Starr” aka Chuck Ragsdale was the MC for the after-parade event. A consummate performer and comedian, Eve sang and introduced wonderful local talent such as the Acting Out Playhouse, the acting workshop from the Warwick Center for the Performing Arts – Broadway Collective and individual musicians. The power was the message and the music, and Eve was the humor and creative force that gave it life. To be surrounded by folks who are not judging and are accepting and having fun and laughing together is the best place to be and I’m glad it’s here.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Verboys for receiving her Girl Scout Gold Award. Quite an accomplishment. Elizabeth has organized the Project Clean Sweep program sponsored by the Warwick Chamber. For her Gold Award she created a children’s book on the serious topic of childhood abuse. She also created comfort bags for the police to give to possible victims. Elizabeth is wise beyond her years and her focus on giving back is an extraordinary attribute that will serve her and her community as she finds her way. She is off to SUNY Cortland this fall pursuing a degree in Phycology.

Photo credit: Mary Collura, Community Photo Event, June 9, 2023