6th Annual “Access Ridgewood” Disability Awareness Program
6th Annual Access For All Weekend – October 17 – 19
Ridgewood CAN !!!
Ridgewood Community Access Network
Three-Day Program to Feature Education, Entertainment, Religious Services
The Ridgewood Community Access Network (CAN) will be hosting the 6th annual “Access Ridgewood” disability awareness program October 17-19.
“The purpose of this three-day program will be to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the special needs and special gifts of people with disabilities,” explained Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn. “In so doing, it will provide a great opportunity for our entire community to come together to learn, to share and to embrace an issue — disability — that affects every person and every family … either directly or indirectly.”
Among our special guests for the weekend will be U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan and Bergen County Director of Disability Services James Thebery.
“I look forward to joining Mayor Aronsohn at this year’s ‘Access Ridgewood’ disability awareness program,” said Senator Booker. “This annual event is made possible by the generosity of so many, and it is a wonderful showing of how communities can come together to raise awareness and appreciation for people with disabilities.”
Below is the program for the weekend:
Friday, October 17
– Schools Program: All of our public schools will address the topic of disability through film, discussion or other means. The format for each school will vary, but most programming is expected to take place in the morning.
– Seniors Program: Seniors will be invited to a special program entitled, “When Clutter Becomes a Problem.” This event will take place in Village Hall at 10:00am.
– Family Party: Young children and their parents will be invited to a fun party at which they can create a mask with special art instructor Marcia Matthews, listen to music by Marlene Pillow and eat lots of fun food. This event will take place in the Library auditorium at 5:00pm.
– Teen Dance Party: Students – middle school and older – will be invited to a “Twilight” dance party with DJ and refreshments. This event will take place in Village Hall at 7:30pm.
Saturday, October 18
– Community Fair: The entire community will be invited to enjoy performances and a fashion show including children of different abilities. Local organizations will also be on hand to share information about programs and services. Food and refreshments will be served. This event will take place in the Village Hall courtyard and Library auditorium from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
At 1:00pm, Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan will kick-off the performances in the library, and Bergen County Disability Services Director James Thebery will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
At 1:40pm, U.S. Senator Cory Booker will kick-off the fashion show in the library, and NJTV’s Marie DeNoia Aronsohn will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Sunday, October 19
– Interfaith Service: The entire community will be invited to an interfaith service at the First Reformed Church in Ridgewood. Led by Pastor Judy Broeker, the service will include clergy from various local houses of worship. This event will take place at 303 Prospect Street at 7:00pm.
Throughout the weekend, some of the other houses of worship will include a discussion of disability issues in their respective services.