Neighbors Come Together at Annual Expo
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| Tarun and Simmi NarulaView Slide Show |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Tarun and Simmi Narula came to the United States from India 11 years ago; they've been in the Berkshires five years. What the couple have found, they said, is a friendly and supportive community in which they would like to spend the rest of their lives.
"When I came here I always wanted to reach out to people in the community in different ways," said Simmi Narula, who taught at Hoosac Valley High School and is now a registered nurse at Sweet Brook Care Centers. "I always was looking for ways to help the community, and Kathy Keeser and Natalie Cain gave me a wonderful platform, a channel to reach out to people."
That platform was Saturday's annual Neighborhood Expo and the Narulas — who own Spice Root Indian Restaurant in Williamstown — provided food as well as an introduction to their culture and heritage.
Kayla Field of North Adams was willing to learn about different cultures, but was hesitant to try food more exotic than pasta and broasted chicken. "Mmmmm, no," said the shy 11-year-old, when asked if she would sample some of the Indian fare provided by Spice Root.
Kayla may not have been adventurous, but plenty of other area residents were — as could be seen at the long line of people waiting to fill their plates Saturday at St. Anthony's Parish Center. Volunteers, including state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, ladled and scooped basmati rice, chicken tikka masala and vegetable korma, along with quiche, grape leaves, pasta and old-fashioned shepherd's pie.
"I passed on the pasta so I could try something different," said Tony Pisano, holding a full plate. The North Adams resident sat down at a table as videos and music from some of India's famed Bollywood productions (put together by Simmi Narula) played in the background. Pisano said he enjoys attending the annual event. "I find the sessions they have interesting and I like listening to the music."
Now in its 10th year, the expo is meant to bring area residents together to celebrate heritage and community. Over the years, the event, organized by the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, has focused on neighborhoods, the region's rural heritage, the growing arts community and the region's wide range of ethnic backgrounds. Last year, the expo's focus was on East Asia; this year, neighbors from South Asia were celebrated, with the banyan tree of that region symbolizing the theme of "Spreading the Roots of Our Community."
During the morning, groups gathered to talk about "Memories Through Our Senses," facilitated by Joe Manning and meant to elicit unique memories of the city's history; the roles and roots of faith here, facilitated by Mark Rondeau and Cain; and "A Glimpse of South Asia" facilitated by Lily Li, Komal Shah and Narula.
To one side of the hall, some of the 17 students in the Program of Academic Exchange were eager to talk about their homelands of India and Afghanistan. Most of them are attending schools in Southern Vermont for a year.
"That would be a great appreciation to show others about our country," said Meena, who hails from Kabul, Afghanistan. Himaannii Gangakhedka of India, agreed. "We love giving presentations about our countries," she said. Despite differences in culture and religion, "we are all very similar, we are all humans," said Zeba Amir of India.
The girls said they had given presentations in several schools over the past week, International Education Week, as had several of the boys in the program. All of them said they were enjoying their time in the United States and that their hosts have been treating them like family. Program coordinator Kara Lozier said host families are always needed.
The event also featured the presentation of one of the two Martin Luther King Jr. Peacemaker Awards given annually to members of the community who follow the principles of Dr. King in community building. This year's recipient was Diane Bleau, who was honored for her long commitment to the community. Bleau has organized the Thanksgiving dinners delivered for many years from St. John's Episcopal Church, where she is leader of the Outreach Committee, was coordinator of volunteers for the former Help Line, and organizes the delivery a hot meal once a month for seniors and shut-ins. She also runs a day care center for many years and has fostered teen mothers and children.
"You exemplify all that's good not only about this city but about the entire Northern Berkshire area," said Mayor John Barrett III, who presented Bleau with the award.
"I want to thank all my volunteers as well because this program would not be successful without the volunteers," said Bleau, referring to the Thanksgiving program. "I'm quite honored to have this. Thank you."
SAY It Proud Youth Awards were given to Ed Horsfall and Chris LaPine for their volunteer work with the Church Outreach to Youth (COTY) Center. Both were recognized for the mentoring of younger children and their leadership in the community.
"You two are examples to the community that not only do young people care but that young people can make a difference," said Downing.
Kyra Major received a Youth Award for her volunteer work with United Cerebral Palsy. Barrett, who presented the award, read from its last paragraph, saying that it said it all: "For being a young lady of character and very sensitive to other people's needs and for the good she has done and the lives she has touched."
Keeser, the longtime organizer of the expo, was taken by surprise when she, too, was recognized for her 10 years with the Community Coalition.
"I don't think we've ever done this before," said Alan Bashevkin, coalition executive director. "Kathy's always on the other end. Kathy's a great one for honoring and recognizing people and for acknowledging folks for the things they do. And we just want to spend a few minutes acknowledging the things you've done here."
Keeser was given citations from both the state House and Senate, presented by Barrett and Downing, respectively, and from the City Council, presented by Council President Gailanne Cariddi.
"Kathy is a pain," said Barrett as the crowd broke into laughter. "But she's our pain and she does a good job about it."
He commended her for work with both old and young, her commitment to the area, and her understanding of the importance of strong neighborhoods.
Keeser recalled how she came for an interview nearly 11 years ago because she wanted to visit friends. Now, she said, "I really love the area and the people I've met here. The Berkshires is my home."
The expo continued with dancing by the NBN Envision Step Dance Team and the Williams College Dance Dhamaka Troupe, a performance by magician Johnny Mystic and speakers.
Arlene Ballou, Mary LeBeau and another friend were having a good time. Ballou hadn't been to an expo in awhile and was enjoying this one. "The food was delicious," said Ballou. "They're putting on a good show."
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