Press Release Courtesy Of Nancy Rubenstein —
The Annual Tiffin-Seneca Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Community Celebration is returning to an in-person event on January 16, 2023 starting at 7:00 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church Sanctuary, 75 N. Sandusky Street, Tiffin. Virtual streaming access will also be available on the Faith United Methodist Church Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/TiffinFaithUMC .
Nadia Lewis, the keynote speaker, is known for her presentations at MLK events. She serves on the President’s Cabinet at Tiffin University and is Vice President for Human Resources and the Center for InterculTUral Excellence at the local university. A native of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, she received her BA in International Business at the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s of Science in organizational Leadership from University of Colorado Global Campus. She has served as a Human Resources business partner to a number of industries and is a certified facilitator in Bridges out of Poverty, Fierce Conversations, the Color Code and CQ (Cultural Intelligence). In addition to her extensive professional human resources activities, Lewis, a Maumee resident, has served on the Lucas County Mental Health Board and for NAMI as an advocate for creating opportunity and equitable access for the underrepresented population. Lewis’ goal is to have her two sons of color grow up in a world that welcomes everyone and celebrates their differences.
Since 2000, it has been a tradition for the Tiffin-Seneca MLK Day event committee to present the Peacemaker Award to an individual or individuals who have directed their efforts toward building a better community in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s recipient, Reverend Aaron Gerlach, more than exemplifies that spirit. As Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Tiffin, he proposed a plan to incorporate a Community Kitchen as an extension of the historic church building. Consequently, the Tiffin Community Kitchen is becoming a reality with widespread community support. Gerlach created a ministry for CROSSWAEH clients including Bible studies, opportunities to worship with local congregations, and providing ongoing support after their residential treatment is completed. Under his leadership Old Trinity began a ministry for immigrants detained in the Seneca County Jail by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Gerlach’s other community activities include serving as President of Seneca County Common Ground and as facilitator of Seneca County CEO, a program that develops entrepreneurial skills of high school students throughout the county.
The Mayors of Tiffin and Fostoria add to the celebration by reading the MLK Day proclamation and remarking on the significance of the national holiday. Heidelberg and Tiffin University students serve as emcees. Heidelberg student Zaria Keys is the vocalist and will lead the congregation in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “We Shall Overcome.” Reverend Marilyn Coney, Pastor of Faith United Methodist Church, welcomes the community to attend the free event and join in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sponsors of the event include the Sisters of Saint Francis, Heidelberg University, Tiffin University, Robert Huntington – Susan McCafferty Family, with in-kind support of The Advertiser-Tribune, Seneca News Daily, and Faith United Methodist Church.
