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Neighborhood Expo Explores RootsBy Jen Thomas - November 13, 2007
NORTH ADAMS - Like the roots of the banyan tree, each community member of Northern Berkshire is an integral part of the larger organism, an individual story intertwined with the history of the whole.
It is the image of the banyan tree - a sacred plant in Pakistan and India - that the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition will use to symbolize community this weekend during the 10th annual Neighborhood Expo. Following a theme of "Spreading the Roots of Our Community," the Saturday event will bring neighbors together in celebration of a rich local history.
"It's a way to bring the community together," said Sister Natalie Cain, who helped organize the event. "I liken it to a big family reunion. It's a festive event that brings together a cross-section of the community to focus on their roots."
With a particular focus on South Asians, the Expo will feature music and special events geared toward educating residents on an underrecognized segment of the Berkshire population.
"We've really been thinking about newcomers. We're interested in bringing in different stories of a culture that maybe no one knows much about," said Cain.
The Expo which Cain said will run from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Anthony's Parish Center, will feature two "storytelling community conversation sessions" in the morning. One, run by writer Joe Manning, will concentrate on engaging residents by appealing to their senses and is called "Memories through the Senses."
"I think, by focusing on the sensory perceptions of our hometowns, we will be able to recognize what makes the area unique and special. It also helps to clear away our perceptions of our hometowns based entirely on personal relationships and life experiences that could happen anywhere," said Manning in a statement.
"The Roots and Roles of Faith Communities in the Northern Berkshires" will explore the roots of the steeples in the region, the roles of community faith-based organizations on area history and the outreach efforts of those same organizations today. As part of that discussion several former St. Joseph's High School teachers will offer their perspectives.
Other events scheduled include a "Taste of Northern Berkshire" luncheon that will offer foods from area restaurants for free and an awards ceremony to recognize outstanding community leaders.
This year, the Martin Luther King Jr. Peacemaker Award will go to Diane Bleau, a city foster parent and church volunteer. Additionally, three area youths will be honored for their work to better the community. Christopher LaPine and Ed Horsfall, Church Outreach to Youth Center Inc. volunteers, and Kyla Major, an Adams resident who works at United Cerebral Palsy, will be awarded "Say It Proud Recognition Awards" for their positive contributions.
With about 300 people expected to attend, the Expo is a way for neighbors to make connections in an open and inviting format.
"As a community, we have roots but it's not just about the past; it's about how we're growing from our roots," said Cain. "There's a spirit that's alive here and I just can't wait to watch it grow."
Highlights:
●"A Taste of Northern Berkshire" will begin at 12:15.
●Special awards include the MLK Peacemaker Award, which will be presented to Diane Bleau, and Youth Say It Proud Recognition Awards to Christopher LaPine, Ed Horsfall of North Adams and Kyla Major of Adams.
●Entertainment will include Tthe Williams College Bhangra Dance Troupe and local talent |
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