By Marian Dennismdennis@pottsmerc.com @MarianDennis1 on Twitter
POTTSTOWN >> The people of Pottstown are making a statement about drugs and violence.
Harris Family Ministries hosted its 8th “Stop the Drugs, Stop the Violence” crusade in Riverfront Park on Saturday.
The group of more than 40 people gathered together at around 11 a.m. Saturday to pray for, discuss and educate people about ending the problems of addiction and violence in Pottstown. In addition, attendees could enjoy food, art and good company.
The event began with opening prayers by Rev. Georgiana Harris and Pastor Charles Cedeno and continued with an introduction to the various information tables and a song selection by New Life for Girls. By 12:15, a roundtable discussion was opened for the main purpose of the event.
“When the panel was put together we had no idea that anyone had any connections to anyone,” said Valerie Jackson of the discussion. “We focused on how Judge Kropp worked up from being a cop to being a detective to judge and it was due to his integrity and fairness that he made it that far. Even the people he arrested spoke highly of him.”
Jackson could not have been more right.
Accompanying District Court Judge Edward Kropp Sr. at the discussion table were Pastor Charles Cedeno of New Life Assembly of God and Kareese Foster, a former member of New Life Assembly. Upon discussion of police relations, Foster explained that Cedeno had been his pastor at New Life Assembly of God before he went astray and that Kropp was the first officer who arrested him, a connection that Jackson said emphasized the theme of this year’s event, “Love Can Build a Bridge.”
“He remembered Kropp and looked at him and thanked him. Here he is seated at a table with a judge and a pastor he started out with as a child. It was a really profound moment for everyone involved,” said Jackson.
Other participants in the roundtable discussion included Jane Bennett of Pottstown School District, Pastor Kenneth Butler of Victory Christian Life Center, Lynnette Flagler of New Life For Girls, Kathleen McLaughlin of Montgomery County District Attorney’s Drug Force and Dr. Rocio Nell of Montgomery County Emergency Services.
The event didn’t end with the discussion panel, however.
Keynote speaker Pastor Luis Sanchez addressed the attendees with a translation by Alberto Cosme. They were followed by musical selections and closing remarks and prayer.
“It went very well,” said Rev. Georgiana Harris. “We had quite a few presenters there and a lot of information that was shared with the community. Most of all we want to eradicate the addiction over the greater Pottstown area and end the violence.”
Attendees were brought together by several organizations that showed up for support. Among those present were Big Brothers Big Sisters of Montgomery County, Community Gardens, Community Health and Dental, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Montgomery County Emergency Services, Operation Inspiration, New Life Assembly of God, Pottstown School District and the Women’s Center of Montgomery County. The event also included Pottstown artist Jim Enders and Masonic Stitcher Lodge No. 254 F&AM for a child ID safety program.
Officer Anthony Fischer of Pottstown Police also made an appearance at Saturday’s event, socializing with attendees and putting on a siren and light show with the police cars for the children.
“We need to know that they are there to protect and serve just like the motto says,” said Harris. “I feel it was very successful. We just want to reach out to the community and make Pottstown a good place to live, work and educate our children.”
