January 3, 2000
Middlebury College Celebrates the Life of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Middlebury College will join the rest of the nation this month to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a series of events and activities that will evoke the enduring spirit of the civil rights leader. All events are free and open to the public.
Inspired by Dr. King’s dream for a better nation, Middlebury College students will take part in the Martin Luther King Day of Service by organizing volunteer service projects in the community from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15. Although the King Day of Service, signed into law by President Clinton in 1994, is nationally observed on Monday, Jan. 17, Middlebury student leaders hope that choosing Saturday for the day of activities will allow more people to participate in the service projects for local not-for-profit organizations.
A variety of activities, from serving meals to painting, are planned with groups such as the Addison County Community Action Group, Addison County Humane Society Shelter, Project Independence Elderly Services, Porter Medical Center’s Round Robin Thrift Shop, and St. Mary’s Outreach Ministry. Anyone interested in joining the students on a project or scheduling an additional project may contact student organizer Randi Cofield at 443-3581.
On Sunday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m., there will be a service at Mead Chapel, featuring several members of the PALANA Kids, a group of elementary and junior high school students of multi-racial families in the greater Middlebury area who interact throughout the year with Middlebury College’s PALANA (Pan African Latino Asian Native American) Center. During the service, students, alumni, and the PALANA kids will offer songs and readings to commemorate King’s life. Mead Chapel is located on Hepburn Road off College Street (Route 125).
From 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 17, a prayer breakfast will take place in Ross Lounge of the Ross Dormitory off College Street (Route 125). The program will include an invocation from the College chaplain, student readings of King’s work, and a short presentation on his work in the arts by Middlebury College Assistant Professor of American Literature and Civilization William Nash. Twilight Artist-in-Residence François Clemmons and the Middlebury College Choir will perform a selection of gospel hymns, including “Precious Lord Take My Hand.” A versatile performer, Clemmons is the founder of the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble, and the creator and performer of the role of the friendly police officer, Officer Clemmons, on the Emmy Award-winning television show, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
A complimentary breakfast will follow the Monday morning program.
For more information about the breakfast, contact organizer Peter Nilsson of Middlebury College at 802-443-3346.
Schedule
SATURDAY, JAN. 15
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Martin Luther King Day of Service, Addison County. A variety of activities, from serving meals to painting, are planned for organizations such as the Addison County Community Action Group, Addison County Humane Society Shelter, Project Independence Elderly Services, Porter Medical Center’s Round Robin Thrift Shop, and St. Mary’s Outreach Ministry. Anyone interested in joining Middlebury College students on a project or scheduling an additional project may contact student organizer Randy Cofield at 443-3581.
SUNDAY, JAN. 16
11 a.m. Chapel Service celebrating the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. will feature readings and songs by students, alumni, and members of the PALANA Kids-a group of elementary and junior high school students of multi-racial families in the greater Middlebury area who interact throughout the year with Middlebury College’s PALANA (Pan African Latino Asian Native American) Center. Location: Mead Memorial Chapel, Hepburn Road off College Street (Route 125).
MONDAY, JAN. 17
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. King Day of Service Prayer Breakfast: The program will include an invocation from the College chaplain, student readings of King’s work, and a short presentation on his work in the arts by Middlebury College Assistant Professor of American Literature and Civilization William Nash. Twilight Artist-in-Residence François Clemmons will perform a selection of gospel hymns, including “Precious Lord Take My Hand.” A versatile performer, Clemmons is the founder of the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble, and the creator and performer of the role of the friendly police officer, Officer Clemmons, on the Emmy Award-winning television show, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” A complimentary breakfast will follow the program. Location: Ross Lounge in Ross Dormitory off College Street (Route 125).