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The United Methodist Church of Danbury has been active in the movement to stop the spread of casino gambling in our region and the State of Connecticut. Pastor Rick Edwards was a founding member of a Danbury organization of concerned citizens, the Coalition Against Gambling Expansion (CAGE), following his participation on a panel on the subject, hosted by Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton in March 2002. Congregation members Bob and Valerie Bose and Jeff and Mandy Jurgensmier have also been very active in this movement. CAGE has sponsored three forums in Danbury to help citizens become more aware of the broad impacts of casinos on individuals and their communities. Rick has served as spokesperson for CAGE, which is chaired by Dessain Terry, spiritual leader of the Danbury Church of Christ. Bob Bose is secretary and treasurer. |
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Rick Edwards and Bob Bose have also helped to form a state-wide organization called the Connecticut Alliance Against Casino Expansion (CAACE). Bishop Ernest Lyght, resident bishop of New York Area United Methodists, is one of the twelve current board members for this new organization, with Rick as his representative on most occasions. Bob serves this board as co-chair, along with Mary Beth Gorke- Felice of Citizens Against Casino Expansion in Woodstock, Connecticut. Jeff Jurgensmier is assisting by providing extensive information on the whole subject. This organization is developing rapidly after being launched in October 2002. Other board members include representatives from other grass-roots organizations, local chambers of commerce, and the Connecticut League of Women Voters. We are grateful for the congregation’s prayers and practical support, including the time and talents of our members and pastor. Respectfully submitted,
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