Observing International Day

Several years ago our Diversity and Inclusiveness Committee added to our annual observance of International Day a program emphasis on our heritage from a particular country or culture.  Our committee, made up of both residents and staff, plans this event each year for residents, staff, and board members.

 The first year we did this our Polish heritage was presented by Tony Liska, a retired professor from Denison University whose family came to the United States from Poland.  The following year our presentation focused on our Welsh heritage because the first settlers in this area were from Wales.  This year our Committee chose to feature Scotland. Luckily we discovered that the chief of our maintenance staff, Bob Doherty, spent his boyhood in Scotland.

We were most fortunate that Bob not only agreed to make a presentation but joined our committee to help with the overall planning of this event.  The program on Friday, October Fourth turned out to be a huge success opening with a presentation by a genuine Scottish bagpiper dressed in full regalia.  He not only played but he explained the history of the   bagpipes, how they were made, how they worked, the meaning of each of the numbers he played and each piece of the outfit he wore.  Bob presented us with beautiful pictures of Scotland as he talked about Scottish history and people mixed in with memories of his youthful days living there. 

 Following Bob's presentation we had the opportunity to enjoy the refreshments provided by our dining staff which included Scottish eggs, shortbread, salmon and other delicacies.

Just one more example of life at Kendal exemplifying the way staff and residents join together to make possible an enjoyable and educational  afternoon in our celebration of International Day.

 

Originally published 10/14/13