This past weekend, many people from many walks of Ridgewood life came together for one compelling reason: to promote disability awareness.
In its third year, "Access Ridgewood" involved a broad spectrum of our community and offered something for practically everyone. Films and discussions in the schools. Musical performances at the library. Religious services in our houses of worship.
Together, we focused on the challenges faced by people with disabilities – the physical, social and spiritual barriers that too often preclude people from realizing their potential or fully enjoying their life. Equally important, we also acknowledged and celebrated people's abilities – physical, artistic, intellectual and otherwise. In fact, "Access Ridgewood" is premised on the understanding that while many people have special needs, all people have special gifts.
Suffice it to say, it literally takes a village to organize such a comprehensive program – to organize all of the people, ideas, schedules and publicity involved – and while there are many individuals and organizations that made this possible, I would like to express my personal gratitude to a "handful" of them.
Residents: Ridgewood CAN members Inez Bunza, Janet Fricke, Debi Glennon, Barbara Hand, Elizabeth Lanza, Guy Margolin, Caroline Meier, Tricia Mueller, Jody Schleicher, Lauren Schechter, Karen Sheehy, Dianne Simmons Grab, Joanne Stolfo and Laura Wigginton.
Performers: Melissa Baney, Elizabeth Daly, Caroline Dowden, Lara Grabois, Judy Kessler, Tanni Wheeler, Fragment, Mark Rivera Project, RHS Pearls Project, Sharing the Arts Club/RHS Musical Theatre, Take4 and a host of wonderful, inspiring models.
Clergy: The Interreligious Leaders of Ridgewood, particularly Rabbi David Fine and Pastor Judy Broeker.
Businesses: Araya Rebirth, Bamboo House, BB Clover, Best of Everything, Clearview Cinema, Custom Cuts Salon, Daily Treat, Delia's, Fairway, Hot Jewelry Box, It's Greek to Me, JoDay Café @ The Library, Kids Stuff, Lisa DeMarco-Montagna, Leapin Lizards, Marchell McQueen Boutique, Marcia's Attic, Natalie's Restaurant, Pink Bungalow, The Ridgewood News, Salon Elisabeth, TD Bank, The Ivy Shop, Tito's Burritos, Town & Country Apothecary, and Wendy Columbus Knitwear.
Schools: Ridgewood's principals and RHS's Project Interact.
Officials: The Ridgewood Mayor and Council, State Sen. Kevin O'Toole, County Executive Kathleen Donovan and Bergen County Disability Director James Thebery.
Again, it takes a village to put something like this together, but it takes a village like Ridgewood to get it right.
Thank you.
Councilman Paul Aronsohn is chair of Ridgewood's Community Access Network.
