CLIFTON — Clifton was the site of a gathering of faith leaders recently, and the man who helped put the event together was honored by the community.
Dr. Jeff Gaskin, DDS, was given the key to the town by Clifton Mayor Luis Montoya “in recognition and tribute to outstanding citizenship and his many years of humanitarian work around the world.” Montoya said Gaskin was the first-ever recipient of the key to the town.
Gaskin hosted a trio of Buddhist monks for a day of sharing information and learning. Participating were Ven. Bhante Seelawimala Jamd, the head monk and Dharma master; Ven. Mayakadawara Sarada, monk and Dharma masterat; and Ven. Siyambalagoda Ananda, monk and Dharma master; all from the American Buddhist Seminary Temple and Meditation Center in Sacramento.
Also participating was Jonathan Sanders, representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who opened the event with a prayer and blessing.
Awards were given to the following persons for recognition in humanitarian service, commitment to making the world a better place, and participation in the Universal Interfaith Blessing Ceremony. They were Gaskin; Dr. Janaka Edirisinghe; Alissa Stockton, DOM; Shirani Kaushalya; Marissa M. Polen, BS; and David W. Stockton, a Safford High School student. The event took place at the Gaskin’s building, the Union Hall in Clifton on May 25.
