GREENFIELD — The Trial Court at the Franklin County Justice Center will celebrate the cultural diversity of the area on Thursday, Sept. 26, and its staff hopes the public will join in.
The courthouse will host Cultural Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 43 Hope St. The day will consist of food, entertainment and speakers, all under a tent on the front lawn. Art will also be on display at Eaglebrook School in Deerfield.
Cultural Appreciation Day got its start throughout the state in July 2016 thanks to more than 120 probation staff volunteers across the state called cultural proficiency champions. Over the past few years, the event has grown to include more than 30 courts across the state. The courts, guests and the public celebrate cultural, racial, ethnic and gender diversity of court users, staff and the communities where they live.
The goal of the day is to unite to educate everyone, including court employees, about the issues of diversity and inclusiveness and to enhance services for court users, according to Massachusetts Probation Services. Volunteers attend regular diversity training and serve as ambassadors throughout the state.
Cultural Appreciation Committee Chair Elisha East said the Trial Court finds it important to bring people together to make sure everyone in the community knows the courthouse can be used by all as a resource, not just for court-related activities.
“It’s a nice celebration of diversity,” East said. “It’s a way for all of us to embrace our differences. As chair I want to make the event fun and inspiring. We try to have different speakers and entertainers each year, as well.”
She said she hopes people see the event as being not just about diversity, but about recognizing a community that cares so much about the area and its residents.
Sheila Schick, a judicial assistant who is helping with the event, said the local Trial Court has been holding the celebration for the past two years.
“We’re going all out for our third year,” Schick said. “We’ve invited community partners, like Community Action Pioneer Valley and the Center for New Americans, to set up tables, as well. We’ve also invited every middle school and high school in the county. It’s going to be a great day of celebration.”
Schick said lunch will be served (not a sit-down meal) by Stone Soup Cafe, with much of the food being donated by local farms. She said other businesses have donated money to pay for the rest.
“We want people to feel more included,” she said. “The Trial Court wants people to see that it looks like them, understands and is welcoming. We want to celebrate all of our differences, because diversity is wonderful. Diversity brings strength.
There will be opening remarks by Judge William Mazanec III at 10 a.m., followed by a presentation by Greenfield Community College President Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernandez at 10:30.
Both Rosemary Caine on harp and Michael Morgan on guitar will perform at 11, and there will be tai chi with Deb Yaffee at 11:30.
David Brule of the Nolumbeka Project will give a presentation at noon, followed by music by Joy of Song with Sara Snyder at 12:30.
There will be presentation at 1 p.m. by Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Diana Szynal and Traprock Center for Peace and Justice Chair Pat Hynes.
The day will end with music by Charlie King.
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-0261, ext. 269 or afritz@recorder.com.