IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Summer 2017 | Page 14

INEVENTS
WE’RE ALL NEIGHBORS! A COMMUNITY
CULTURE FESTIVAL AT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY
The Brentwood Library hosted a cultural festival that celebrated differences
and brought people together in the spirit of community with We’re All
Neighbors, sponsored by the Baldwin, Brentwood and Whitehall Public
Libraries.
The free event showcased family-friendly entertainment, music and foods
native to the people of the nations and ethnic groups that make up the region.
Attendees learned about culture and traditions, spoke with area service
providers about their specific roles in support of local diversity, and tasted
traditional foods from different nations at a multi-cultural potluck.
Khara Timsina, a member of the local Bhutanese Community Association
and Baldwin resident, helped plan the event.
“It was an opportunity to meet your neighbors and experience cross-cultural
festivities and conversations.”
Nancy Musser, librarian at Baldwin Library, was also excited about the
festival.
“I love to learn about different cultures, whether through travel, reading or
talking to the people right in my backyard. The more we know, the more we
grow.”
A wide variety of multicultural entertainment was offered including
performances by:
· Burke-Conroy Irish Dancers
· Latino Productions Dance Group
· Local Bhutanese Dancers
· Jemiriye, Nigerian singer and performer
· Bagpiper, Sarah Giliberto
· and a Multicultural Fashion Show
In addition, the festival featured a henna artist, face-painting, a bouncy castle,
outdoor games and chance to win door prizes.
“It was an opportunity to build bridges, dispel misinformation, and learn
more about our communities,” says Paula Kelly director of Whitehall Library.
Dennis Luther, director of Brentwood Library agrees. “We want people to not
only learn more about their neighbors, but also what free resources exist in their
community.”
The Multicultural Community Celebration was funded by a Jefferson
Regional Foundation community grant given the Allegheny County Library
Association.
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