Compassion and Creativity Conference

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said Friday in Danbury the country is at a key point right now with three opportunities to show genuine compassion by working toward gun control legislation, immigration law reform and helping veterans.

"It's been a very encouraging and exciting time for me," Blumenthal said. He told the audience of more than 200 people the families of Newtown who visited Washington D.C. this week helped turn the tide toward a common sense approach to reasonable steps to stop gun violence.

"You are owed a debt of gratitude by the state and by the nation," Blumenthal said. A threatened Senate filibuster failed because of a bipartisan agreement to move the gun control legislation to a vote. "Newtown changed America. We are different now. The most powerful and impactful factor was the families from Newtown."

The Compassion and Creativity in the Community symposium takes place at the Portuguese Cultural Center, 65 Sand Pit Road again on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is focusing on how community leaders and organizations, including those in education and business, can develop an understanding of people’s need for compassion and kindness in today’s busy world.

Dr. Bernie Siegel — physician, speaker and author of many books on holistic healing — will be the keynote speaker Saturday.