By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Not In Our Town has held several vigils in Bowling Green in the wake of tragedies across the nation. But Sunday afternoon was intended to be just a picnic in City Park. No deep meaning, just a chance to gather for hot dogs, chips and snow cones.
But then on Saturday, the mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, killed 20. Then Sunday morning, another mass shooting closer to home, in Dayton, killed nine.
Those tragedies shadowed the multi-faith gathering in City Park hosted by Not In Our Town Bowling Green.
Many who gathered in the park were glad to be meeting as a community hours after both shootings.
“For me, it’s important given what happened in El Paso and Dayton yesterday,” Rev. Matt Every said. “It’s important to connect with people, crossing barriers.”
Every said he has friends in the El Paso area, so the tragedy felt more personal.
“My heart hurts today,” he said. “This is an event that helps heal those wounds, so maybe we don’t experience what they have here.”
As Emily Dunipace, chairperson of Not In Our Town Bowling Green, spoke to those gathered, she referenced the shootings.
“The violence that has occurred in our country,” makes events like Sunday’s picnic even more important, she said. “We need to recognize that every human being has a sense of purpose.”
This was the first multi-faith picnic in City Park, bringing together all ages and denominations.
“This is the community connecting, which is what we need more of,” Dunipace said.
There was free food, music, face painting, snow cones, bubbles and a scavenger hunt. And more important, Dunipace said, there was a chance to break bread together and chat with people of different backgrounds.
She conceded that the talk about the gun violence was a “broken record.” But it bears repeating, she added.
“In the climate we are in, we need to be human. Everybody needs to be treated with dignity and respect.”
As she served up hot dogs, Gloria Enriquez Pizana said she makes an effort to help with Not In Our Town events when possible.
“It’s important to know how this community is doing,” she said. “Thoughts and prayers are nice – but we need action. I want to know that what I’m doing is going to make a difference in someone’s life.”
Bowling Green City Council President Mike Aspacher said the shootings added to the significance of Sunday’s picnic.
“Today more than ever it feels important and meaningful to meet in a casual setting, and look at all we have in common,” Aspacher said.
Council member John Zanfardino agreed. “We’re a very divided country,” he said. “This is important in our tribal country.”
Heather Sayler, a member of Not In Our Town, who was making snow cones, noted the latest mass shootings occurred barely 14 hours apart. The picnic in Bowling Green celebrated the differences that are tearing apart other areas.
“It’s about getting together and getting to know each other,” Sayler said.
Some citizens saw the picnic as an extension of the Interfaith Breakfast held every spring in Bowling Green. Among them was Lyn Long, who was sharing a picnic table with some new and old friends.
“I just find the breakfasts have been so worthwhile,” Long said.
“I like getting to know people of other religions,” said Lynn Wineland. “It’s part of our cultural diversity. Everybody’s different, but we’re all the same – we’re all human.”
And some just came to support the mission of Not In Our Town.
“I came out to support them and what they are trying to do,” said Dana Nemeth, who brought her two sons to the picnic.
