Diversity celebrated in Haverstraw

Paul G · 09-27-2005, 12:23 PM

HAVERSTRAW — Dance, song and food of various cultures gave Bowline Park visitors a glimpse of the town's diversity.

It was the Town of Haverstraw Multicultural Diversity Committee's fifth year hosting its Multicultural Festival.

"It brings the community together using a multicultural tool," said master of ceremonies Ray Apicella. "There's something for everyone."

Sam Micalizzi stood by the stage waiting for his 11-year-old daughter, Marina, to perform a tap-dance routine with her teacher, Anthony Morigerato.

The duo took the stage, Marina in a pink lacy top tapped along with Morigerato dressed all in black. Her solo was abbreviated, though, when it was discovered music tapes had been forgotten.

Also featured at the multicultural festival was Ricky Powell and his band performing tribal drum beats representative of the Ramapough Lenape Nation. The six-man group sat around a large drum used at powwows, "a gathering of nations where you meet old friends and make new friends," he explained.

The Ramapough Lenape Nation now consists of three clans located on the border of New York and New Jersey.

The audience swayed as the drummers chanted along to the beats, one a Ramapough Lenape song, the other a traditional song performed by men from northern tribes.

Haverstraw resident Tommy Polanco came with his daughter, Ariana, when they saw the banners around town. They stayed for the entertainment and food.

"It's great because it brings people together," said Polanco as he watched Carlos Barrett sing a Spanish-English medley.

Barrett later came off the stage and engaged audience members in singing Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now," letting them sing into the microphone with him.

Carmen Reid, president of the Jerk Pit Jamaican-American restaurant in Spring Valley, was a food vendor, serving her specialty: jerk chicken.

"It is slowly smoked in a drum pan," said Reid, who served the dish in spicy or mild variations with rice and beans.

Elaine Cuff, co-chairwoman of the committee and one of the original founders, said one of the main functions of the event was to transcend differences by focusing on the similarities. "Everybody understands it's fun, it's universal," said Cuff, pointing out the cotton candy, clowns and inflatable rock climbing tower for the children.

"We should have it more often," said Beverly Broussard of West Haverstraw, swaying and clapping to the beats of many performers. "Once a year is not enough."

http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/p...509260306/1019

09-27-2005, 12:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
Paul G Webmaster Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 14,248 Blog Entries: 1	Diversity celebrated in Haverstraw HAVERSTRAW — Dance, song and food of various cultures gave Bowline Park visitors a glimpse of the town's diversity. It was the Town of Haverstraw Multicultural Diversity Committee's fifth year hosting its Multicultural Festival. "It brings the community together using a multicultural tool," said master of ceremonies Ray Apicella. "There's something for everyone." Sam Micalizzi stood by the stage waiting for his 11-year-old daughter, Marina, to perform a tap-dance routine with her teacher, Anthony Morigerato. The duo took the stage, Marina in a pink lacy top tapped along with Morigerato dressed all in black. Her solo was abbreviated, though, when it was discovered music tapes had been forgotten. Also featured at the multicultural festival was Ricky Powell and his band performing tribal drum beats representative of the Ramapough Lenape Nation. The six-man group sat around a large drum used at powwows, "a gathering of nations where you meet old friends and make new friends," he explained. The Ramapough Lenape Nation now consists of three clans located on the border of New York and New Jersey. The audience swayed as the drummers chanted along to the beats, one a Ramapough Lenape song, the other a traditional song performed by men from northern tribes. Haverstraw resident Tommy Polanco came with his daughter, Ariana, when they saw the banners around town. They stayed for the entertainment and food. "It's great because it brings people together," said Polanco as he watched Carlos Barrett sing a Spanish-English medley. Barrett later came off the stage and engaged audience members in singing Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now," letting them sing into the microphone with him. Carmen Reid, president of the Jerk Pit Jamaican-American restaurant in Spring Valley, was a food vendor, serving her specialty: jerk chicken. "It is slowly smoked in a drum pan," said Reid, who served the dish in spicy or mild variations with rice and beans. Elaine Cuff, co-chairwoman of the committee and one of the original founders, said one of the main functions of the event was to transcend differences by focusing on the similarities. "Everybody understands it's fun, it's universal," said Cuff, pointing out the cotton candy, clowns and inflatable rock climbing tower for the children. "We should have it more often," said Beverly Broussard of West Haverstraw, swaying and clapping to the beats of many performers. "Once a year is not enough." http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/p...509260306/1019 __________________ New to the site--Introduce Yourself Need Help--FAQ--Search Feedback--Post your suggestions MyTribalSpace.com \| NativeGatherings.com \| PowWows.com Podcast \| Indigitunes.com NativeSeek.com \| Pow Wow TV \| Pow Wow Radio \| NativeMusicSource.com Radio \| NDN411.com \| eSnag Online Dating

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