HUNTINGTON — Ten leaders from the faith community spoke at the Third Annual Interfaith Vigil on Domestic Violence in Huntington, reaffirming that there is never any religious reason, justification or excuse to abuse or harm another.
Dozens attended the May 9 evening candlelight vigil sponsored by the Hilltown Domestic Violence Interfaith Initiative with support from the Southern Hilltown Domestic Violence Task Force.
Organizers of the event said they wanted to make it clear that faith organizations not only abhor domestic violence in all of its forms, but also support, and are ready to assist anyone who is facing abuse or violence at home.
“Domestic violence is a social justice issue. Historically, churches have been critical to the success of the social justice movements and the same is true for domestic violence,” Monica Moran said. “We are asking faith leaders to help us, to stand up and be clear about what their faith says about how people can treat each other.
And their message was clear. In an alternating group address, clergy members strongly stated that there is nothing in their collective faith teachings that justifies abuse, and that those teachings do not blame individuals who leave abusive relationships.
“We want people to know that it is not the person who leaves that is breaking a marriage covenant, it is the abuser who has broken that covenant,” Moran said.
According to organizers, during a traumatic situation, people are five times more likely to seek the aid of clergy than any other professional.
Last year, advocates from Hilltown Safety at Home worked with more than 75 victims and survivors of domestic violence.
The speakers noted that an estimated 60 percent of these individuals draw on their faith for strength in living with, or leaving an abusive situation. Thirty-five to 40 percent attend church in the hilltowns.
Melissa Reid, 44 of Huntington who also spoke at the event, said she was thankful for the help that was available to her when she needed it.
“I am one of the statistics. The Southern Hilltown Domestic Violence helped me get away from my abuser and now I volunteer for them,” Reid said adding that she has been working on the vigil since the first year it began.
Reid said that while she believes that more attention is being given to the issue of domestic violence, the downside is that this is likely motivated by an increase in incidents of domestic violence.
“Unfortunately, I think there has been more domestic violence in the area,” she said. “People don’t like to think of it here in their backyard, but it’s here.”
In their remarks, clergy members remembered some of those who had been slain in domestic violence incidents. These included Karen Hart of Blandford, killed in 2002, Jessica Dana killed in Huntington in 2012, Joanne Ringer of Clarksburg, killed in 2017, Christa Leigh Steele-Knudslien of North Adams, killed Jan. 8, 2018, and most recently, Kassedi Klark of Hinsdale killed on April 14.
Religious leaders said that domestic violence is an assault on the spirit and soul, and they emphasized the role of the faith community in ending this violence, saying that faith instructs that we love and care for each other.
Speaking at the event were the Rev. Carol Smith, First Church, Huntington; the Rev. Stephen Philbrick, West Cummington Congregational Church; the Rev. Ron Sadlowski, Holy Family Parish, Russell; Pastor Charles Cinelli, Huntington Evangelical Church; Pastor Chuck Vanasse, Pioneer Valley Assembly of God, Huntington; the Rev. Nick Toroni, Chester Church; the Rev. Tadd Allman-Morton, Westhampton Congregational Church; the Rev. Patrick McMahon, Granville Federated Church, the Rev. Richard Bondi, Our Lady of the Hills, Haydenville; and hilltown resident the Rev. Marisa Brown-Ludwig.
WILLIAMSBURG — Williamsburg fire and police departments now have new semi-automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) thanks to the 166 people who participated in the First Annual Police and Fire 5K run, raising over $9,000.
On April 14, the two departments hosted a 5K run and one-mile fun walk, to raise money for the equipment and promote healthy physical activity. The proceeds allowed the departments to replace seven outdated AED units with brand new Lifepak CR Plus Semi-Automatic AEDs, a model that offers a much longer operational lifespan.
The Williamsburg Firefighters Association and the Williamsburg Police Relief Association provided additional support and contributions.
AEDs are used to diagnose life-threatening cardiac conditions and treat them through defibrillation. First responders are generally on scene with the defibrillators before an ambulance arrives and early CPR with access to an AED dramatically increases survival rates.
I think this is fantastic,” Select Board member Denise Banister said. “I am very proud of our police and fire departments for committing to do this so that they can have the equipment to do their jobs and save lives.”
Police Chief Denise Wickland and Fire Chief Jason Connell say they are extremely grateful to everyone who supported the event and have already set a date of April 26, 2020, for the next Police and Fire 5k fundraiser.
CUMMINGTON — The eighth annual Hilltown Spring Plant Swap will take place this Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Everyone is invited to come and bring extra seeds, seedlings and perennial plant divisions to swap and share. However, you do not have to bring plants to participate in the event.
There will be dozens of home-grown varieties of tomatoes, beans, kale, and many other crops, as well as wildflowers and perennial plant divisions, including pollinator-friendly and medicinal plants.
The suggested donation for this event is a sliding scale of $5 to $15. For more information, contact Sadie at 475-2692.
Ideas for this column on life in the hilltowns can be sent to Fran Ryan at: Fryan.gazette@gmail.com