Healing the divide

By Vera Moret
MILFORD — Kevin and Debra Holian hosted a meet-and-greet upstairs at the Dimmick Inn on March 9 to bring together a community recently divided over national politics.
Holian is best known as the originator of the lively Facebook group Milford Boro." His event saw businesses, elected officials, local non profit leaders, and local residents join together.
"The catalyst for this gathering is the recent divide in America that filtered down to our great community," said Holihan. "As a community advocate, I saw it my civic responsibility to bring folks together to break bread as a community and learn face to face from each other. We need all to get from behind the keyboards and regain our social gatherings like this one at the Dimmick."
Eleven local businesses contributed gifts ranging from T-shirts to jam, and given to participants throughout the night. Milford Mayor Sean Strub said he thoroughly enjoyed the food provided by the Dimmick. Auditor Jane Neufeld of Delaware Township and Councilman Kevin Rose of Matamoras Borough were also having fun.
Also present were nonprofit leaders Jody Welsh and her team from the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. Father Al Vito of Saint Patrick's Church participated, and local attorney and community leader Kelly Gaughan mingled with the crowd.
Erik Oliva of the Chinese Cultural Center was at the party with his wife and son. Local filmmaker, actor and director David Madison also attended.
Holly Stoll talked about the Honor Flights, a program that promotes veteran advocacy by sending veterans to Washington, D.C., where they received a personal thanks for their contribution to the nation.
More than 28 local residents attended the celebration at the Dimmick. The event and venue were as warm and inviting as the Holins were themselves.
Future events are being discussed to continue to honor community in Milford and the tristate area.