UNITY - An event titled “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” was held in the Legion Hall in Unity March 29. Twenty-two people were in attendance.
Rev. George Ward initiated the idea, and was endorsed by the Unity town council, Unity Legion Branch No. 90 and the Unity Ministerial Association. The purpose was to help people cope with stress, or deal with conflict between family, friends or neighbours over current events, the pandemic and restrictions related to the pandemic.
The theme was conveyed with the contrast between pictures of wrestlers (anger, physical violence and one-upmanship) and the song, "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" by Simon and Garfunkel. Ward led the first part of the workshop, and after an intermission, there was a brief skit. Jim Sego and another thespian presented a play (written by Ward) about a wresting troupe where one wrestler had become too aggressive and needed to reconsider his attitude and moves, so that no one got hurt and team relationships were preserved.
The workshop included an exercise where participants were asked to name (just to themselves) others who had hurt them, or others whom they might have hurt, in disagreements over restrictions or political actions or medical recommendations. They were also asked to consider how they might bridge the disagreement, reaching out by apologizing or making other reconciliatory moves. The evening concluded with the singing of “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace.”
Ward thanked all those who had helped him arrange the evening, including Eric Hanson, Fr. Greg Roth and local merchants who had donated refreshments.
