Wonderful turnout for Common Ground picnic

Warwick — Sunday, Aug. 26, turned out to be a lovely, sunny day overall but a spectacular day here in Warwick. That was the evening when Common Ground, a coalition of religious and community leaders looking to build on the foundation of compassion and mutual respect in our town, held its first covered dish picnic. “The turnout was more than our expectations,” said Barbara Priestner-Werte, one of the original members of Common Ground. “The Bellvale Community sang, the Bahai’ chanted, the Vision Community Church band played and the Jubilate Choir (from Christ Church) was great. It really was a wonderful night.” The picnic was a kick-off event for the group, which was formed earlier this year, the brain child of both Priestner-Werte and Village of Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard. The coalition grew to include leaders in the religious community of Warwick, including Rev. Don Heatley, Rev. Michael McLoughlin, Rabbi Rebecca Shinder, Rev. Ken Susskraut, Rev. Scott Barker and William Wiser of the Bellvale Community. Community and business leaders, too, joined. Warwick, said Priestner-Werte, already is an extraordinary community filled with individuals with a deep commitment to caring for and preserving the environment and enhancing the well-being of their neighbors. “Common Ground is an initiative that seeks to build on this strong foundation and engage our community leaders in examining our shared values as a community: creating a common vision towards respectful and compassionate action, developing a safe environment for dialogue that appreciates differences and diversity, building a model for compassionate conflict resolution that reflects mutual appreciation and respectful exchange of opinions, and appreciates the contribution of all members of the community,” said Priestner-Werte in a release from the group. What was very pleasing to the group at the picnic was that many of those in attendance were community members, not people associated directly with the group. “The ministers talked about it in their churches,” said Priestner-Werte, which is what she believes brought so many people out to share the meal last month. Now, the group is reaching out to business leaders and leaders of the athletic groups here in Warwick to bring them into the coalition. Newhard is looking to have political leaders involved as well. “The idea is to strengthen and build the community,” said Priestner-Werte. “We have a wonderful group of people thus far. We want to demonstrate unity, create a different model.” Especially in young people. Priestner-Werte said the group has reached out to Warwick schools superintendent Dr. Frank Greenhall, who is a member of the coalition. “We want to reach out to adolescents and get their ideas,” she said. “The issue for everyone is to build and strengthen our community for our children. We want to create options for kids, to be part of the community, to be partners with us. We need adolescents in this coalition.” Many Common Ground events are scheduled for the fall including candlelight vigils at each of the faith communities involved. “All faith communities will be sponsoring suppers and candlelight vigils,” said Priestner-Werte. “All are welcome at each event.” Soon, Common Ground will be kicking off a campaign called “Wishes for Warwick.” It is open to kids and adults. Priestner-Werte will be meeting with the various school principals later this month. Participants will be asked to name one thing that is special in Warwick, then give one wish for what they would like to see in Warwick. Anyone wishing to become part of Common Ground or who would like more information is encouraged to call Priestner-Werte at 845-986-1179. “Like one minister said to the group,” said Priestner-Werte, “’In the end, we are all one anyway.’”