Winchester Multicultural Network

In December 2011, Caroline Krantz, local photographer and member of the Multicultural Network, will present "From Despair to Possibility", a photographic exhibit, at the Winchester Public Library. The exhibit will feature photos of the beautiful country of Sri Lanka, and the damage done to its people and the countryside during the 30-year war in the North. Look for announcements and an opening reception in December.

Monday, January 16, 2012 from 3-5 PM, Winchester Unitarian Church, Metcalf Hall (entrance off Mystic Valley Parkway at the corner of Main Street), Winchester

The Winchester Multicultural Network and the Family Action Network (FAN) invite all members of our community—and particularly families with children—to join in a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday on Monday, January 16th. The free event will feature a musical performance by Guy Mendilow, whose band was voted Boston's Best World Music Act for the second time in the Boston Phoenix Best Music Poll 2011.

An accomplished educator deeply committed to teaching leadership and communication skills through music, Mendilow leads workshops, teacher trainings and residencies at schools across the United States and Brazil. He also collaborates with international mediation organizations like Seeds of Peace, which works with Israeli and Palestinian youth, teen leadership projects like the Breakthrough Collaborative, and social justice efforts like Jaymes Fund for Social Justice. Mendilow holds a Masters in Music and international Dalcroze Eurhythmics certification from the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA.

Growing up in Israel, South Africa, and the United States, Mendilow is committed to cross-cultural understanding through his music which incorporates influences from across the Middle East, South America and beyond. The Chicago Tribune is quoted on Mendilow’s website: “It’s a folk music of hope and affirmation, sophisticated in its delivery, but easily accessible to listeners everywhere.”

Don’t miss this wonderful event, which will also feature a display of art and writing by Winchester school children, a book fair, craft activities, and refreshments. Doors open at 3 PM. The concert begins at 4 PM.

January 25, 2012, 6 to 9 PM, Winchester Unitarian Church, 478 Mystic Valley Parkway, Winchester

Is racism over now that we have a black President? This session is designed to provide an examination of race, privilege and systemic racism and their implications for all of our lives. Participants will deepen their competency for addressing racism by looking at it in the context of individual interactions, within organizations and communities, and in our nation. The workshop will be interactive and include a variety of activities and a 25-minute film clip.

Workshop Leader: Paul Marcus is a white anti-racist activist, educator and consultant. He is the Executive Director of Community Change, Inc in Boston, MA. Founded in 1968, Community Change’s mission is to promote racial justice and equity by challenging systemic racism and acting as a catalyst for anti-racist action and learning. Paul taught “History and Development in the U.S.” at Boston College for over 30 semesters.

Suggested donation: $5-10 includes a light supper from 6 to 6:30 PM. R.S.V.P. is appreciated by January 20th but not required. Please email or call 781-729-7100.

The workshop is co-sponsored by the Winchester Unitarian Church and the Multicultural Network.

Winchester Reads presents author Scott Seider who will discuss his book Shelter: Where Harvard Meets the Homeless. Seider is Assistant Professor of Education at Boston University School of Education and his book tells the story of the only student-run homeless shelter in the United States. The book both inspires possibility— that this model can be replicated in other major cities—and stimulates thinking about the issues of homelessness. All of the royalties from Seider’s book are donated to the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter.

An Evening with Marina Endicott, author of this year’s Winchester Reads selection

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 7:30 PM, McCall Middle School auditorium, 458 Main St., Winchester

Spend an evening with Canadian writer Marina Endicott who will discuss her book Good to a Fault. Endicott, who was an actor and director for many years before beginning her career as a fiction writer, won the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book for this novel. The story begins when Clara, the central character, leaves to do an errand on her lunch break from a dull job, and her car collides with one occupied by a family who is homeless. The novel unfolds as the author rotates from one character’s point of view to another.

Sunday, November 6, 2011 from 3:00-5:00 PM, Unitarian Church, 478 Main St., Winchester

The Multicultural Network and the Winchester Unitarian Society invite you to a screening of the film Mirrors of Privilege, featuring the experiences of white men and women who have worked to gain insight into what it means to challenge racism. As those of us who are white view this film, we may be better able to understand our own experience by listening to the voices of Peggy McIntosh, Tim Wise, Joe Fahey, Marguerite Parks, Gary Howard, and others. All are welcome to this free program.

Sunday, November 6th, 2011 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, First Congregational Church, 21 Church Street, Winchester

The International Connections Committee invites you to its 12th annual International Pot Luck Supper. Bring a dish of food from your culture to share and enjoy a delightful evening with Winchester neighbors from other countries. This event has become a Winchester tradition and is a wonderful way to celebrate Winchester’s growing diversity. Call 781-729-7100 to sign up or email WMCN.

EnKa Parade, Saturday morning, May 21st.

WMCN needs about 20 people to hold placards. If people would like to march, it’s about an hour commitment. Parade starts at nine. Marchers get to wear a t-shirt with a cool logo!

Town Day, Saturday, June 4th. WMCN will have a table at Town Day so stop by and learn about the Network. Tote bags will be available to those who give a donation.

Join us for a free screening of excerpts from this thought-provoking documentary series and panel discussion moderated by Dr. Richard Weiner, Medical Director of Surgical Services, Winchester Hospital. The panel will include:

Sunday, April 10 at 3 PM at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester

Celebrate the Multicultural Network’s 20th year at this wonderful family concert. The Halalisa Singers is the greater Boston area’s premier world music ensemble. Halalisa is the Zulu word for “celebration”, and in that spirit, the Halalisa repertoire includes African, Latin, American Spiritual, Gospel, Jewish, Folk and Jazz music. A diverse group of thirty men and women, The Halalisa Singers are inspired by the belief that music is a universal language with the power to uplift and unite us all. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mary Cunningham Neumann, this Lexington-based vocal ensemble is now in its twenty-first year offering performances in the Boston area. The Halalisa Singers have been featured performers at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and at the Revel's RiverSing.

Second Mondays in January, February, March and April at 6:00 PM. All films will be shown in the Library Meeting Room at the Winchester Public Library.

This film series is free and open to the public; seating is limited. We hope you will mark your calendars for the entire series and join us for thought-provoking films and lively discussion with your neighbors. For further information, check the library's website, www.winpublib.org, or contact Janet Nelson, Community Services Librarian, by email or at 781-721-7171, x 20.

This film series is presented by One Winchester, Many Traditions, a project of the Library in conjunction with the Multicultural Network created to welcome the town's residents from other countries and to celebrate the varied cultural heritages of all of Winchester's residents. Made possible by the generosity of the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation.

Friday evening, March 11 from 7:00-9:00 PM, continuing Saturday, March 12 from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The workshop is offered free of charge, thanks to support from the Cummings Foundation and the generosity of Network contributors.

Sunday, March 6 at 3:00 PM in the sanctuary of the First Congregational Church on the Common in Winchester Center

The concert ushers in the Multicultural Network's 20th year and honors both

Black History and Women's History Month, and features Winchester's own Marion Dry, contralto; pianist Leslie Amper; and baritone Robert Honeysucker. The Jubilee Trio, founded in 1995, "was inspired by the Biblical tradition of regularly celebrating a Jubilee year during which all slaves were freed, amnesty was granted and wrongs were redressed" (from the Trio's website). The concert is free and all are welcome. For more information, call the Multicultural Network at 781-729-7100 or email us.

Sunday, February 13th at 2 PM, St. Mary’s Church Hall, 162 Washington Street, Winchester

The Winchester Multicultural Network and St. Mary’s Peace and Justice Committee invite members of the community to view excerpts from the documentary Race, the Power of an Illusion on Sunday afternoon, February 13th at 2 PM in St. Mary’s Church Hall in Winchester. The documentary is divided into three distinct sections. The first segment informs us as to why the peoples of the world cannot be divided into distinct biological groups. The second traces the origins of racism in this country, and the third documents institutional racism and its effect on housing.

Also, available from WMCN is the Viewing Guide for Race and Place: The Power of An Illusion.

The program is free and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Sandy Thompson at 781-729-8063, Anna Buxton at 781-729-4784, or email office@wmcn.org.

MLK Day Celebration: West African Drumming & Dance, Art Display, Crafts & More

Monday, January 17 at 3 to 5 PM, Metcalf Hall of the Winchester Unitarian Church
The Winchester Multicultural Network and the Family Action Network (FAN) invite all members of our community--and particularly families with children--to join in a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday on Monday, January 17. This free event will take place from 3-5pm in Metcalf Hall at the Unitarian Church, corner of Main St. and Mystic Valley Parkway. Craft activities begin at 3:00 and a performance by Teranga Freedom Dance & Drumming will start at 4:00. The event will also feature a display of art and writing by Winchester students, a book fair, and refreshments. For information email Susan Lewis at or call 781-729-3785, or contact WMCN.

Second Mondays in January, February, March and April at 6:30 PM. All films will be shown in the Library Meeting Room at the Winchester Public Library.

Monday, Jan. 10: Outsourced (India/US; 103 min., PG-13) After his entire department is outsourced, an American novelty products salesman heads to India to train his replacement in this romantic comedy.

Monday, Feb. 14: I Not Stupid (Singapore; 105 min., PG) This satirical comedy portrays the lives, struggles and adventures of three Singapore pupils who are placed in the academically inferior EM3 stream.

Monday, March 14: Viva Cuba (Spain; 84 min., NR) In a tale akin to Romeo and Juliet, the friendship between two children is threatened by their parents' social and political differences.

Saturday, September 18th between 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM on the Winchester Common
Look for the table we will share with the Winchester Public Library and learn about the Multicultural Network and International Connections.

Hope's Boy is a memoir of a childhood spent in foster care. The author spent his first few years with his mother, Hope. Those early years with his mother were filled with chaos. Hope's mental health issues eventually landed her in an institution when Andy was seven. He was placed in a juvenile facility then placed with a family as a foster child. He stayed there for the rest of his childhood.

Thursday, September 30th at 7:30 PM at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester

Jack Williams anchors WBZ-TV News. Williams has been recognized by numerous organizations for his reporting skills, commitment to the community and for his work on behalf of his weekly news series "Wednesday's Child," which he created in 1981. Each Wednesday on WBZ-TV News at 6PM, "Wednesday's Child" features a special needs child who is in search of a permanent home. Over the years the segment has helped more than 525 special needs children find loving homes. Williams is responsible for raising more than $5,000,000 for special needs adoption. In April 2000, Williams created the Jack Williams Endowment for Wednesday's Child to ensure continued financial support for special needs adoption.

Andrew Bridge is the author of Hope's Boy and an advocate for the rights of children in foster care.

Bridge lives in Los Angeles, and is currently the Director of the Child Welfare Initiative. He has devoted his career to the "harsh realities of a broken system." He continues "to fight for the rights of children who, like him, live in silent, desperate hope."

Winchester Reads is sponsored by the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation and supported by the Friends of the Winchester Public Library, the Winchester Schools, the Multicultural Network, Book Ends and many enthusiastic volunteers.

Sunday, November 7th at 5:30 PM at the First Congregational Church, Winchester

Entertainment will be provided by Boston Sevdah, a folk dancing group created to help foster and nurture traditions and culture from Eastern Europe, and Bosnia in particular ("sevdah" is a Bosnian word for love and longing). The Folk dance group was established three years ago and it, in fact, started from our Domestic Violence initiative program, a program serving women and girls who have been victims of domestic or war violence directly or indirectly. From a small group of 10 this program now has grown to have 60 active dancers and a music group which has performed over 15 times for both community events and wider audiences. Watch a video of Boston Sevdah here.

Second Monday evenings at 6:30 PM
As part of One Winchester, Many Traditions , International Connections and the Winchester Public Library are collaborating on a Monday evening international film series starting in January. Join us on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 PM in the Winchester Public Library Meeting Room. This year's films are:

January 11--Eat Drink Man Woman (Taiwan)
February 8--Monsoon Wedding (India)
March 8--Keys to the House(Italy)
April 12--Chocolat (France)

One Winchester, Many Traditions is a collaborative project of the Winchester Public Library and the Multicultural Network, funded by the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation. The project's purpose is to welcome new residents from other countries and to celebrate the varied cultural heritages of all of Winchester's inhabitants.

Three Sunday afternoons, March 7, 14, and 21, from 2:30 to 4:30 PM in the Meeting Room of the Winchester Public Library
Sponsored by the Winchester Multicultural Network, the Winchester Public Library, Parent to Parent, Winchester Seniors Association, and the League of Women Voters.

The goal of this dialogue series with community leaders, residents, and workers is an increased awareness of the historic relationship between race, place, and current economic prosperity. The shared experience of viewing and discussing "Race: The Power of an Illusion" provides a stimulating and challenging opportunity as we work to shape our community's future. Participants will view selected excerpts from the documentary and discuss each with the guidance of a professional facilitator, Angela Giudice of North Star.

For information or to sign up, email or call the WMCN office, 781 729-7100.

Winchester is a community that is grounded in respect for every individual and, therefore, protects all residents, employees, business owners, students and visitors in the enjoyment and exercise of human and civil rights. It is town policy to ensure equal treatment and opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, ideology, socio-economic status, health, sexual orientation, age, military status, or disability. --Adopted by the Town Selectmen on September 24, 2009

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010, 7:30 PM, at the Next Door Theater, 40 Cross Street, Winchester

On April 10, 1888, Lucy Stone attended the second meeting of the Winchester Equal Suffrage Club. Now, in celebration of the League's 90th birthday and in honor of Women's History Month, the Winchester League of Women Voters brings you Judith Black as suffragist Lucy Stone on March 9, 2010, 7:30 PM. To standing ovations at the Smithsonian Institution, the National Storytelling Festival, the Montreal Comedy Festival, colleges and schools throughout the country, the artist Judith Black shapes and tells the stories of Lucy Stone and others who have guided our fates and shaped our national history.

As this event is at no charge and seating is limited (first come, first served), the Winchester League suggests you arrive early.

Building a Strong and Welcoming Winchester Through the Creative Use of Fair Housing Principles

This event will feature a presentation and discussion led by Barbara Chandler, who has a background in civil rights, fair housing, and accessibility and specializes in policy, technical assistance, and training. She currently is Fair Housing Manager for the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, and previously has worked with the City of Boston, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, and a nationwide non-profit corporation.

The workshop will demonstrate the economic advantages that diversity brings to a community. Topics will include planning, development, housing, the role of town boards and departments, inclusion of disability and elderly populations, and other topics raised by participants. Barbara Chandler

"The most welcoming attribute to any community is for everyone to have their fair housing needs acknowledged and provided as a standard procedure. Members of all protected classes want and must be able to participate to an equitable degree in all the facets of a community." --Barbara Chandler, presenter and facilitator

Friday evening, April 9 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., continuing Saturday, April 10 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The workshop is offered free of charge, thanks to support from the Cummings Foundation and the generosity of Network contributors.

Who should come?
Anyone interested in fostering multiculturalism--the ongoing process of recognizing, understanding, and appreciating differences--in your family, community, in schools and workplaces.

What will I get out of it?
You will come away with a framework and language, now shared by more than 150 others, for understanding and talking about multicultural issues of all kinds--racism, heterosexism, classism, anti-Semitism, ageism, and other "-isms." You'll feel more confident having conversations across differences of all kinds--more comfortable with differences in general. And you'll learn guidelines for discussion that will serve you well in every phase of your life!

Have you ever had a question: What do I say when I hear a racist, sexist, homophobic, or other troubling remark or joke?
Bring your question or concern to this workshop!

Do we expect you to do anything after you have participated?
No! But we know that you will bring new perspectives and ideas to your family, workplace, community organization, and faith community.

I did a workshop five years ago. Will this be the same thing?
Every workshop includes the basic framework, but each workshop is tailored to the needs and goals of participants. Those who have participated in more than one workshop find their initial learning reinforced and refreshed, with new understandings added.

What does it cost?
The workshop is free, thanks to the generosity of contributors to the Network, but we welcome contributions of any amount to defray our expenses.

Who gives this workshop?
Angela Giudice, an independent multicultural consultant, educator VISIONS logo

and community activist, will facilitate the workshop using the VISIONS model for looking at multicultural issues. This model is the basis of the Network's philosophy and approach to addressing issues of difference.

How do I sign up?
Workshop space is limited so call the Multicultural Network office at 781-729-7100 or email.

Wednesday evenings January 20, January 27, and February 3 at 7 PM in the Meeting Room of the Winchester Public Library
Sometimes our implicit understandings of cultural norms, rules of behavior, and expectations become barriers to the inclusion of those who come with alternative cultural norms. What happens when cultures collide? How does a community maintain its boundaries and open itself to "outsiders"? Over the course of three meetings, participants will look at culture, boundaries, and specific ways a community can become more inclusive. Rev. Dupee will draw from resources both within the Christian tradition and secular culture. The workshop is open to anyone with a heart for building inclusive community in any context.

The workshop is sponsored by the Winchester Multicultural Network and is free. For more information or to register call the Multicultural Network (781-729-7100) or email office@wmcn.org.

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 6:30 PM at the Griffin Museum, 67 Shore Road
Our program will begin with viewing portions of the film, "Traces of the Trade, a Story From the Deep North", where filmmaker Katrina Browne discovers that her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S history. We will then hear from our three panelists: Reverend David Pettee, a Winchester native, will share his research into his family's involvement with the New England slave trade and how he traced and met the descendents of his family's slaves; Dee Morris, a Medford historian and author, will share her research into Medford's involvement in the slave trade; and Reverend Neal Pearson, of the St. John's Baptist Church in Woburn, will share his reflections. Afterwards, Reverend Eric Dupee of Crawford Memorial Methodist Church and the Winchester Multicultural Network will facilitate a discussion.

The program is free of charge--all are welcome!

Saturday, February 27th, 4 PM at St. Mary's Church, 158 Washington Street, Winchester
The Archdiocese of Boston Black Catholic Choir will sing at the 4 PM Mass on Saturday, February 27, 2010. All are welcome to see and hear this accomplished choir.

Monday, January 18 at 3 to 5PM at Metcalf Hall of the Winchester Unitarian Church
The Winchester Multicultural Network and the Family Action Network (FAN) invite all members of our community--and particularly families with children--to join in a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday on Monday, January 18. This free event will take place from 3 to 5 PM in Metcalf Hall at the Unitarian Church, at the corner of Main Street and Mystic Valley Parkway. Craft activities beginning at 3:00 and a performance by acclaimed storyteller and musician Doug Lipman will start at 4:00. The event will also feature a display of art and writing by Winchester students, a book fair, and refreshments. For information email Susan Lewis at sklfree2be@yahoo.com or call 781-729-3785.

Saturday, January 9th, 5:30-10 PM
The community organizations that brought you the two great evenings in years past, "Murder at the Library" and "Common Threads" are once again collaborating to present a festive evening of music, food, and entertainment to Winchester.

Continuing the progressive dinner theme of previous productions, the Winchester Public Library, Griffin Museum of Photography, Winchester Community Music School, Jenks Center, and Multicultural Network have planned an evening of movie going fun that's sure to please you as it brings back memories of Winchester's past.

Following a scrumptious dinner at the Jenks, re-live the 1930's and the debate that ensued as playwright Ellen Knight and Robert Hallisey from the Winchester Players take to the stage to present "Say 'NO' to Movies." Cap off the evening with an after-theater party at the Griffin Museum, where you'll have delectable desserts and coffee, and view movie clips. Buses will shuttle movie goers from one venue to another, so don't miss this unique and entertaining community event. Get your tickets early.
For more information, click here.

Sunday, November 8th, 5:30-8:00 PM
Our annual pot luck supper will be held at the First Congregational Church, 21 Church Street.

Share food from your country and enjoy a delightful evening with entertainment provided by Mavi Dance. Mavi Dance brings the ancient dance traditions of various regions of Anatolia and Central Asia into the 21st century. According to Pinar Zengingonul, the founder of Mavi Dance, "Dance is a universal language that brings the world together." Call 781-729-7100 to sign up or office@wmcn.org .

Including Samuel, a documentary by Dan Habib

Tuesday, October, 27th, 6:30 PM; panel discussion with Dan Habib to follow screening

Before his son Samuel was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, photojournalist Dan Habib rarely thought about the inclusion of people with disabilities. Now he thinks about inclusion every day. Shot and produced over four years, Habib's award-winning documentary film, Including Samuel, honestly chronicles the Habib family's efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives. The film also features four other families with varied inclusion experiences, plus interviews with dozens of teachers, young people, parents and disability rights experts. Including Samuel is a highly personal, passionately photographed film that captures the cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion. In addition, Including Samuel has been recognized by several national and international media awards, and was featured on NPR and Good Morning America.

The Winchester Multicultural Network and co-sponsors Winchester Hospital, the Winchester Disabilities Access Commission and Winchester's Parent Advisory Council is proud to bring this film and its film-maker, Dan Habib, to Winchester on Tuesday, October, 27th, 2009 at 6:30 PM. The free screening will be held in the accessible McCall Middle School Auditorium. Following the film, there will be a panel discussion with Dan and other people whose lives are affected by disabilities. Children, elementary aged and up, are welcome. This program is also supported by Winchester Savings Bank, the Family Action Network, and the Winchester Public Schools .

Author, musician and screenwriter James McBride's landmark memoir, The Color of Water, is considered an American classic and read in schools and universities across the United States. His debut novel, Miracle at St. Anna was translated into a major motion picture directed by American film icon Spike Lee. His newest novel, Song Yet Sung, was released in paperback in January 2009. James McBride's website

* Winchester resident, Kate Clifford Larson, author of Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman: Portrait of an American Hero
Monday, September 21, 7:30 PM, Jenks Senior Center, 109 Skillings Road.
Historian Kate Clifford Larson discusses her book, Bound for the Promised Land, which draws on a trove of new documents and sources as well as extensive genealogical research and reveals Harriet Tubman as a complex woman who was brilliant, shrewd, deeply religious, and passionate in her pursuit of freedom. A finalist for the 2004 Lerner-Scott Dissertation Award from the Organization of American Historians for the best dissertation in Women's History, Larson is also the recipient of numerous awards, fellowships and grants in support of her work on Harriet Tubman.

* "Ellen Craft: Running 1,000 Miles to Freedom"
Tuesday, October 6, 7 PM, Next Door Theater, 40 Cross Street.
In 1848, Ellen Craft, a light-skinned Georgia slave, dressed herself as a man and boarded a train bound for Savannah. Her husband, William, posed as her slave. Follow their journey to freedom through Boston, Nova Scotia, and England as acclaimed performer Marcia Estabrook reenacts this powerful story filled with danger, narrow escapes, victory and the love between a man and a woman united in their determination to be free. In historically accurate costumes and with a thorough knowledge of the life and times of the characters she portrays, Ms. Estabrook's performances throughout the US have won her nominations for the prestigious "Performer of the Year Award" from National Young Audiences.

* "Create Your Own Show Way"
Sunday, October 18, 2:30PM, Winchester Public Library Meeting Room.
A family craft workshop inspired by the Lynch School 2nd and 3rd grade quilting project and by Jacqueline Woodson's "Show Way", a picture book of one African American family's journey from slavery to the 21st century.

* An evening with James McBride, author of The New York Times bestselling memoir, The Color of Water
Wednesday, October 21, 7 PM at McCall Middle School, 458 Main Street
From the publisher of Song Yet Sung:
Nowhere has the drama of American slavery played itself out with more tension than in the dripping swamps of Maryland's eastern shore, where abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, born less than thirty miles apart, faced off against nefarious slave traders in a catch-me-if-you-can game that fueled fear and brought economic hardship to both white and black families...

The powerful web of relationships in a small Chesapeake Bay town collapses as two souls face off in a gripping page-turner. Liz Spocott, a young runaway who has odd dreams about the future of the colored race, mistakenly inspires a breakout from the prison attic of a notorious slave thief named Patty Cannon. As Cannon stokes revenge, Liz flees into the nefarious world of the underground railroad with its double meanings and unspoken clues to freedom known to the slaves of Dorchester County as "The Code." Denwood Long, a troubled slave catcher and eastern shore waterman, is coaxed out of retirement to break "The Code" and track down Liz.

Filled with rich history --- much of the story is drawn from historical events --- and told in McBride's signature lyrical storytelling style, Song Yet Sung brings into full view a world long misunderstood in American fiction: how slavery worked, and the haunting, moral choices that lived beneath the surface, pressing both whites and blacks to search for relief in a world where both seemed to lose their moral compass. This is a story of tragic triumph, violent decisions, and unexpected kindness.

Sunday, October 4th at 1 PM
The Middlesex Fells Reservation is a beautiful wooded area with lovely trails. Meet members of International Connections for a hike around Long pond. Meet at the Long Pond parking lot, the first parking area on South Border Road from Winchester Center. The hike will last about one and a half hours. Call Christa at 781-729-7047 for more information and to sign up.

On Monday, May 11 the film "My Beijing Birthday" will be shown in the Library Meeting Room at 7:00 PM. Filmmaker Howie Snyder will be on hand to discuss the film following the 53-minute documentary which takes a heart-felt and humorous look

at the rapidly changing lives of a group of young Beijingers through the eyes of a New Yorker. Snyder has spent the last 25 years living and working in China and Japan and several other Asian countries. For more information about the film, go to My Beijing Birthday.

If you would like to attend, please go to the library webpage www.winpublib.org, click on calendar, find the May 11 program and register for Howie's program. Seating at the library is limited.

The film is a presentation of One Winchester, Many Traditions, a collaborative project of the Winchester Public Library and the Winchester Multicultural Network, funded by the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation. The project's purpose is to welcome residents from other countries and to celebrate the varied cultural heritages of all of Winchester's residents.

Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. on January 12, February 9, March 9, and April 13.
As part of One Winchester, Many Traditions , International Connections and the Winchester Public Library are collaborating on a Monday evening international film series starting Monday, January 12 and continuing February 9, March 9, and April 13. On January 12 the series will begin with the film The Visitor and on February 9 the feature will be Golden Door, also known as Nuovomondo. The series continues on March 9, with Hero and on April 13 with Caramel, also known as Sukkar Banat. The series is free and all are welcome.

One Winchester, Many Traditions is a collaborative project of the Winchester Public Library and the Multicultural Network, funded by the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation. The project's purpose is to welcome new residents from other countries and to celebrate the varied cultural heritages of all of Winchester's inhabitants.

To learn more about the films, visit www.winpublib.org/1winchester.htm, or contact Yvonne Coleman at vcoleman@minlib.net or call 781-721-7171, ext 26.

A Storytelling Event: Not Just for Kids: True Stories You Won't Believe, featuring Motoko and Eshu, award-winning storytellers

Wednesday evening, April 15th from 7:00-9:00 PM at the Winchester Public Library

One Winchester, Many Traditions is proud to present Not Just for Kids: True Stories You Won't Believe, a multicultural storytelling program for adults and children in the Library Meeting Room on Wednesday, April 15 at 7 PM This program is free and open to the public.

Motoko and Eshu, two award-winning, nationally known storytellers, blend ancient lore and original tales with traditional music and eloquent physical characterization. Their tales are at once comical and wise, earthly and sublime. It's a journey beyond your imagination!

Motoko and Eshu have been telling stories together and separately for over 15 years. They have appeared at storytelling festivals, schools, colleges and libraries throughout the eastern United States. They each have appeared at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Motoko's CD, "The Promise of Chrysanthemums," has won both a Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award and a Storytelling World Award.

Peg O'Sullivan of the Connecticut Storytelling Center said of their performance, "Eshu and Motoko shine up a storytelling event wherever they appear. Though diverse in style and culture, they blend and tell as one. Absolutely charming, they bring humor, a sense of drama, a talent for singing, and present a seamless performance. At the Connecticut Storytelling Festival where they recently appeared you could have heard a pin drop!"

For more information, contact Yvonne Coleman at ycoleman@minlib.net or 781-721-7171 x26.

Friday evening, March 27 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., continuing Saturday, March 28 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 29 at 6:00 PM at the Next Door Theater, 40 Cross Street, Winchester
Celebrate Women's History Month by joining us for the screening of Winchester resident Pamela Boll's latest film, Who Does She Think She Is? This powerful documentary focuses on the lives of five women artists of varied backgrounds--an actor, two sculptors, a painter and a printmaker - who are also mothers. Each of them experiences the competing and often conflicting demands of pursuing their art, making a living, and parenting. The film also highlights the sexism that still exists in the art world.

Interviews with such experts as Riane Eisler (The Chalice and the Blade), Maura Reilly (Sackler Center for Feminist Art-Brooklyn Museum), Courtney E. Martin (Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters), Tiffany Shlain (The Webby Awards) and the Guerrilla Girls add a cultural context for these women's uplifting journeys.

Pamela Tanner Boll, who produced and directed Who Does She Think She Is?, also produced the Academy award-winning film Born into Brothels: The Kids of Calcutta's Red Light District. She is currently working on these film projects: Global Moms; Life on the Edge: True Stories of Doctors Without Borders; 9/12: From Chaos to Community; Kashmir; and In a Dream.

A question and answer period with director Pamela Tanner Boll will follow the screening. On the panel with Pamela will be Angela Williams, vocalist, one of the five artists featured in the film, and former Winchester resident, internationally-known quilter/artist, Ruth McDowell.

Admission to the film is free but seats must be reserved by emailing office@wmcn.org.

February 10, 2009 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Griffin Museum, 65 Shore Road, Winchester
Join us for this program that uses the Timeline as a way of enriching understanding of the Black American experience and to gain a deeper appreciation of the contributions of African Americans to America since her founding. With a 15-foot-long Timeline, playing pieces and active audience participation, significant events in Black American life are explored, highlighted and placed in context against 400 years of history. Trainers: Vincent Licenziato and Andy Towlen, Culture Coach International, Inc.
All are welcome. This is a free event.

For those of you who were able to attend this exciting evening, Culture Coach has provided a list of the books they discussed.

The Winchester Multicultural Network is hosting two special events on Monday, January 19 to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Both will take place in Metcalf Hall in the Winchester Unitarian Church, corner of Main St. and Mystic Valley Parkway.

Kim McLarin

From 3:00-5:00 PM families can enjoy a display of art and writing from Winchester students, craft activities, refreshments, and the music and storytelling of Kemp Harris, teacher, musician, author and actor. Born in North Carolina, Mr. Kemp taught himself piano and was writing songs at age 14. As a musician and composer, Kemp has shared the stage with Taj Mahal, Gil Scott-Heron, and Koko Taylor. He has written and performed original compositions in the United States and Europe for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and WGBH public television. He currently maintains a songwriting residency at the Wang Center for the Performing Arts in Boston in conjunction with Berklee College of Music, assisting talented young artists with composition and performance.

At 6:30 PM there will be an informal reception followed

by remarks by Kim McLarin, currently writer-in-residence at Emerson College in Boston and host of WGBH's Basic Black, Boston's longest-running weekly television program devoted exclusively to African American themes.

Ms. McLarin is also an award-winning novelist, whose books include Taming it Down, Meeting of the Waters and Jump at the Sun, and a former staff writer for The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Greensboro News & Record and the Associated Press.

Please come and celebrate King's birthday and the election of our country's first African-American president.

For more information, email office@wmcn.org or call 781-729-7100.

Tuesday evenings from 7-8 PM in the McCall Middle School Library on October 7th, November 4th cancelled, and December 2nd.
Come and meet other parents, share your concerns and questions about Winchester schools. "Helping Your Child Be Successful in Winchester Schools" is the theme for our meetings.

Sunday, November 2nd, 5:30-8:00 PM
Our annual pot luck supper will be held at the First Congregational Church, 21 Church Street. Share food from your country and enjoy a delightful evening. Call 781-729-7100 to sign up or office@wmcn.org .

Social Capital Inc. will present a screening of Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North on Thursday, November 13th at 7 PM in the Woburn Memorial High School Auditorium. The program is being co-sponsored by St. John's Baptist Church and WMCN. Traces of the Trade Producer/Director Katrina Browne offers a new and provocative perspective on the slave trade by telling the story of her family's role as the largest slave trading family in United States history. The film follows ten descendants as they journey along the Triangle Trade route. Following the screening, there will be a discussion about the film and how the legacy of slavery affects our community and the nation today.

For more information, go to SCIWoburn.org.
To view a trailer of the film, please visit Traces of the Trade.

This is the seventh year of Winchester Reads, a collaboration of the Winchester Public Library, the Multicultural Network, and the Winchester Public Schools with support from Book Ends. It is sponsored by the John and Mary Murphy Education Foundation. Each event, listed below, is free and open to the public.

Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao: "Transition and Change in Today's Families"
Tuesday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Pond Room, Jenks Senior Center, 109 Skillings Road
Dr. Pavao is the CEO and founder of The Center for Family Connections, a non-profit organization whose goal is to serve individuals and families touched by adoption, foster care, kinship, and guardianship, as well as other blended family constructions. She has worked with many families who have adopted across race and ethnicity. As many of us remember from her previous appearances, Dr. Pavao weaves stories from her own experience into her talks. We look forward to her return to Winchester this fall.

Bill O'Connor: "The Irish in Boston"
Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Pond Room, Jenks Senior Center, 109 Skillings Road
Former head of the Winchester High School Social Studies Department and locally well-known historian, Bill will give us some fascinating background on the history of the Irish living in Boston.

Family Fun Run
Saturday, October 25 at 1:00 p.m., Winchester High School, Skillings Field on Skillings Road.
Also sponsored by the Winchester Recreation Department.

An Evening With Ann Patchett, prize-winning author of Run and Bel Canto
Wednesday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the McCall School Auditorium, 458 Main St. Ann Patchett is coming to Winchester! She will be talking about her latest book, Run, this year's Winchester Reads selection. Many of our readers know Patchett from her novel Bel Canto, which won the Pen/Faulkner prize, sold over a million copies in the U.S., and was translated into 30 languages. Patchett also has written The Patron Saint of Liars, The Magician's Assistant, Truth and Beauty, and numerous magazine and newspaper articles.

Saturday, October 4th at 10 AM
The Middlesex Fells Reservation is a beautiful wooded area with lovely trails. Meet members of International Connections for a hike around Long pond. Meet at the Long Pond parking lot, the first parking area on South Border Road from Winchester Center. The hike will last about one and a half hours. Call Anna at 781-729-4784 for more information and to sign up.

Saturday, September 20 between 11 AM and 2:30 PM in Town Hall and the Library's Meeting Room.

Join us for the Winchester Public Library's celebration of International Peace Day. We will have representatives from the International Connections Committee and information about English conversation groups, fall activities, and our annual International Pot Luck Supper.

* From 11 AM to 1:15 PM there will be Chinese and Indian dancers, Indian food, and Chinese crafts in the Town Hall auditorium:

*From 11-11:45 AM the Triveni Dancers--Neena Gulati, acclaimed dancer from New Delhi, and her professional students--will perform classical dances ofIndiadressed in traditional costumes. A sampling of Indian snacks and an array of hands-on Chinese crafts will follow this performance, giving all ages a chance to become directly involved with these vibrant cultures.

*At 12:30 PM, the Traditional Chinese Dance Troupe of the American Chinese Art Society under the direction of Jade Lin will present a 45-minute program of traditional Chinese folk dance.

* From 1:30 to 2:30 PM there will be a Chinese craft demonstration, community resources information, library catalog demonstrations, and a raffle in the Library Meeting Room.

If you have friends or neighbors from other countries, be sure to bring them. This is part of our library's welcoming outreach to international families and we are happy to be part of this wonderful event. Events are free and all are welcome!

Four Sundays, 2:30-4:45 PM: March 16, March 30, April 6 & April 13
Meeting Room of the Winchester Public Library
Sponsored by the Winchester Multicultural Network and the Winchester Public Library in conjunction with the Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston and based on the documentary Race, the Power of an Illusion.

The goal of this dialogue series with community leaders and residents is an increased awareness of the historic relationship between race, place, and current economic prosperity. A further goal is to have the discussion lead to possible community action; participants, however, have no obligation to anything further than consistent participation in the dialogue.Participants will view the documentary in one-hour segments and discuss each with the guidance of a professional facilitator.

The first three segments are titled:
The Difference Between Us: understanding why the peoples of the world cannot be divided into distinct biological groups (March 16)

The Story We Tell: tracing the origins of the racial idea to the European conquest of the New World and the American slave system (March 30)

The House We Live In: dealing with institutional racism and its affect on neighborhoods and communities in this country because of its impact on housing.

The final session on April 13 will be devoted to bringing the issues down to the local level; what have we learned from this series that has impact and relevance for our town of Winchester?

For information or to sign up email office@wmcn.org or call Sandy Thompson at 781-729-8063.
Also, available from WMCN is the Viewing Guide for Race and Place: The Power of An Illusion."

Tuesday, April 15, 2008 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Social Studies Open Area, Winchester High School

Would you like to know more about the Winchester Multicultural Network? We are planning an information session and invite anyone interested in learning more about the Network to join us on Tuesday, April 15 from 7:30-9:00 in the Social Studies Open Area at Winchester High School.

For the past fifteen years we have been actively involved in multiculturalism--a process of recognizing, understanding and appreciating differences of all kinds as well as the impact those differences have in our lives. We are anxious to share the mission and philosophy that grounds and guides our work and look forward to talking with you about the broad scope of issues that we have been concerned with for well over a decade.

"This is an opportunity," says Robin Smith, co-chair of the Multicultural Network Board, "for people to explore what the Network does and how they can become involved." For more information on the evening, contact the office at 781-729-7100 or email office@wmcn.org.

Friday evening, March 14 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., continuing Saturday, March 15 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

This community collaborative event involving the Winchester Multicultural Network, Winchester Community Music School, the Griffin Museum of Photography , Winchester Public Library, and the Winchester Senior Association honors the heritage of Winchester families, old and new. In recognition of Winchester's growing diversity, we extend a warm welcome to our newest residents, embrace people who have immigrated and now live in Winchester as well as introduce old and new residents to our town's cultural institutions.

The "dine-around" begins with international music and hors d'oeuvres at the Music School, progressing to dinner and international story telling at the Jenks Center, and ending with dessert, coffee, and the Ellis Island: Ghosts of Freedom photography exhibit at the Griffin Museum.
Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at the Music School, the Jenks Center, Winchester Library, Griffin Museum, and Bookends.

This event is sponsored by the Winchester Rotary, EnKa Society with support from area businesses and individuals.

International Parents meeting: Helping Your Child Feel Successful in Winchester Schools

The third in our series of meetings for international parents will explore questions that parents have about school policies and practices. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with other parents with similar questions and concerns. Parents with children at all levels--pre-school, elementary, middle, and high school--are welcome. Carla McCoy, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Instructor will attend.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 7:30 PM, Winchester Unitarian Society, 478 Main Street, Winchester

This panel discussion will include Jessica Masse, Interfaith Coordinator of the Islamic Society of Boston and Sahar Ahmed Awerbuch, Winchester resident and WMCN board member.

Thursday, January 24, 2008, 7:30 PM at the Jenks Senior Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester

Presentations by Hassan Abbas, author of Pakistan's Drift into Extremism: Allah, the Army, and America's War on Terror; Tareq Kahn, Afshan Kirmani, and Seeme Moreira. The public is invited to arrive at 7 p.m. to enjoy Pakistani music, artifacts, and a sampling of Pakistani sweets and tea; the panel discussion begins at 7:30.

Monday, February 25, 2008 at 7 PM in the McCall Middle School auditorium, 458 Main Street, Winchester

Greg Mortenson, author (with David Oliver Relin) of Three Cups of Tea, One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time" will be the featured speaker. The event is free, but a ticket is necessary to attend.

Tickets for Greg Mortenson's appearance in Winchester will only be available on Saturday, February 2nd starting at 10 a.m. at the Jenks Senior Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester.The limit will be two tickets per person. We encourage you to get there on time, as there has been so much excitement about his visit.

Thursday, January 10, 2008
Jenks Senior Center
109 Skillings Road
Winchester
7:30 p.m.

Bol Riiny, one of the "Lost Boys of Sudan" (young men orphaned and driven out of their homeland, later rescued and settled in the U.S.) lived in Winchester and attended Winchester High School. He will speak about his experiences since he arrived in this country. Now a senior in college, he has spoken at the United Nations as well at many local venues near his college.
This event is co-sponsored with the Winchester Seniors Association.

This year's event will feature storyteller and singer Valerie Stephens, art and writing from Winchester students, craft activities, and refreshments.
This event is supported in part by a grant from the EnKa Society.

Have you considered living or working abroad and wondered how your children would be affected? Come learn why a cross-cultural childhood matters. Tina Quick, Founder of International Families in Transition, will take you into the world of these global nomads and discover what makes them tick. Hear about the challenges, benefits and practical skills Third Culture Kids (TCK's) inherit from their intellectual mobility.

International Parents Meeting: Helping Your Children Feel Successful in Winchester Schools

Tuesday, November 27
McCall Middle School Library
458 Main Street, Winchester
7 PM

Our discussion leader for the evening will be Gloria Dove, the high school instructor for students learning English. Parents are invited to bring their questions and concerns. The meeting is planned by the International Connections Committee of the Multicultural Network. The idea for this meeting originated when parents who came to hear Dr. Anne Copeland in September had questions that were particular to Winchester schools, according to Liz Sayre. Sayre recently met with all the instructors of English Language Learners (ELL, also known as ESL) who were enthusiastic about offering parents an opportunity to get together and discuss questions and concerns.
For more information call Liz Sayre at 781-729-9242 or email office@wmcn.org.

Understanding Your Child’s Experience in an American School with Dr. Anne Copeland

Monday, October 1
The Meeting Room of the Winchester Public Library
7:00-8:30 p.m.

Dr. Anne Copeland, founder of the Interchange Institute and editor of the Newcomers Almanac, will help international parents understand how American schools work. She’ll answer common questions such as "Why does my child's teacher write great on the top of papers that have mistakes?" and "Why does the school hold fund-raising events or ask for parents to help in the classroom?" Dr. Copeland will help parents understand the core values underlying these, and other, educational practices in the United States. Using examples, parents’ essays, international comparative data, and plenty of time for questions, she will explore how American teachers, like teachers everywhere, prepare students for success in their educational system and culture at large.

Join us as we celebrate the richness of the increasing diverse Woburn Community! On June 23, Woburn residents will come to Downtown Woburn to learn about, taste and appreciate the many cultures that comprise our community. For more information: Contact 781-935-2244 or e-mail jjones@sciwoburn.org

Sunday, June 17, 2007 (rain or shine) 3:00-5:00 p.m.
First Congregational Church, 21 Church St., Winchester

Come and enjoy a traditional American gathering of friends with ice cream, strawberries, and other toppings. Please call Nancy Dahm at 781-729-9387 for more information or to sign up, email office@wmcn.org

Nancy McCardle, past research director of the Metro Boston Equity Initiative at the Civil Rights Project at Harvard University, will discuss the findings in the report she and David Harris wrote: "More Than Money: The Spatial Mismatch Between Between Where Homeowners of Color in Metro Boston Can Afford to Live and Where They Actually Reside." An excerpt from the report: While African American and Latino homebuyers in metro Boston do, on the average, face greater affordability constraints than whites, affordability alone does a poor job in explaining residential segregation." Come and find out the details behind this report! This program is co-sponsored by the Multicultural Network with the Belmont Human Rights Commission, the Belmont Housing Trust, Belmont Against Racism and other organizations.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Social Studies Open Area, Winchester High School

Would you like to know more about the Winchester Multicultural Network? We are planning an information session and invite anyone interested in learning more about the Network to join us on Tuesday, April 24 from 7:30-9:00 in the Social Studies Open Area at Winchester High School.
For the past fifteen years we have been actively involved in multiculturalism – a process of recognizing, understanding and appreciating differences of all kinds as well as the impact those differences have in our lives. We are anxious to share the mission and philosophy that grounds and guides our work and look forward to talking with you about the broad scope of issues that we have been concerned with for well over a decade.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore what the Network does by talking to current members. “Last year,” says Gloria Legvold, a member new to the Network, “the information session was very helpful in setting out the What, Why, and How of the organization. The goals of the Network and the people I met motivated me to become involved.” For more information call Kaye Nash at 781-721-5752 or Email office@wmcn.org

The Multicultural Network, the Second Congregational Church, the First Congregational Church, Temple Shir Tikvah, and the Unitarian Church co-sponsored a panel discussion on the crisis in Darfur: “Making a Difference: Justice in Darfur.” The speakers included Karen Hirschfeld, Sudan Coordinator for Physicians for Human Rights; Panther Alier, one of the “Lost Boys” of Sudan; Katie Fallon, a nurse who spent six months in Darfur setting up a mobile health unit; and Omer Ismael, a refugee from Darfur and a Fellow at the Carr Center for Human Rights at Harvard.

The panelists spoke of the horrific situation there, ongoing since February of 2003. More than 400,000 people have died and over 2.5 million have been displaced. At the conclusion of the program, audience members were urged to take action, whether it is making calls, writing letters, working to raise awareness about this genocide, and/or donating money or time to the effort. You can make a difference! For information, background, and news, the following websites are helpful:




	ABOUT US What We Do Response Committee School Impact Committee International Connections Our Guidelines for Discussion History of the Network CALENDAR Upcoming Previous Programs NEWSLETTERS Current Issue Past Issues Subscribe for Free RESOURCES Web Links Available from Us CONTACT US Online Form Donation Form DONATE Donation Form

	The Mission of the Winchester Multicultural Network is to: Promote the recognition, understanding, and appreciation of diversity; Advocate for each and every person’s civil rights; Confront intolerance.		From Despair to Possibility: Winchester Library Photography Exhibit December, 2011, Winchester Public Library, 80 Washington St., Winchester In December 2011, Caroline Krantz, local photographer and member of the Multicultural Network, will present "From Despair to Possibility", a photographic exhibit, at the Winchester Public Library. The exhibit will feature photos of the beautiful country of Sri Lanka, and the damage done to its people and the countryside during the 30-year war in the North. Look for announcements and an opening reception in December. Family Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday Monday, January 16, 2012 from 3-5 PM, Winchester Unitarian Church, Metcalf Hall (entrance off Mystic Valley Parkway at the corner of Main Street), Winchester The Winchester Multicultural Network and the Family Action Network (FAN) invite all members of our community—and particularly families with children—to join in a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday on Monday, January 16th. The free event will feature a musical performance by Guy Mendilow, whose band was voted Boston's Best World Music Act for the second time in the Boston Phoenix Best Music Poll 2011. An accomplished educator deeply committed to teaching leadership and communication skills through music, Mendilow leads workshops, teacher trainings and residencies at schools across the United States and Brazil. He also collaborates with international mediation organizations like Seeds of Peace, which works with Israeli and Palestinian youth, teen leadership projects like the Breakthrough Collaborative, and social justice efforts like Jaymes Fund for Social Justice. Mendilow holds a Masters in Music and international Dalcroze Eurhythmics certification from the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA. Growing up in Israel, South Africa, and the United States, Mendilow is committed to cross-cultural understanding through his music which incorporates influences from across the Middle East, South America and beyond. The Chicago Tribune is quoted on Mendilow’s website: “It’s a folk music of hope and affirmation, sophisticated in its delivery, but easily accessible to listeners everywhere.” Don’t miss this wonderful event, which will also feature a display of art and writing by Winchester school children, a book fair, craft activities, and refreshments. Doors open at 3 PM. The concert begins at 4 PM. *Are we now living in a Post-racial America?* Combatting Racism: A Workshop with Paul Marcus of Community Change January 25, 2012, 6 to 9 PM, Winchester Unitarian Church, 478 Mystic Valley Parkway, Winchester Is racism over now that we have a black President? This session is designed to provide an examination of race, privilege and systemic racism and their implications for all of our lives. Participants will deepen their competency for addressing racism by looking at it in the context of individual interactions, within organizations and communities, and in our nation. The workshop will be interactive and include a variety of activities and a 25-minute film clip. Workshop Leader: Paul Marcus is a white anti-racist activist, educator and consultant. He is the Executive Director of Community Change, Inc in Boston, MA. Founded in 1968, Community Change’s mission is to promote racial justice and equity by challenging systemic racism and acting as a catalyst for anti-racist action and learning. Paul taught “History and Development in the U.S.” at Boston College for over 30 semesters. Suggested donation: $5-10 includes a light supper from 6 to 6:30 PM. R.S.V.P. is appreciated by January 20th but not required. Please email or call 781-729-7100. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Winchester Unitarian Church and the Multicultural Network. Where Harvard Meets the Homeless: An Evening with Author Scott Seider Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 7:30 PM, Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road Winchester Reads presents author Scott Seider who will discuss his book Shelter: Where Harvard Meets the Homeless. Seider is Assistant Professor of Education at Boston University School of Education and his book tells the story of the only student-run homeless shelter in the United States. The book both inspires possibility— that this model can be replicated in other major cities—and stimulates thinking about the issues of homelessness. All of the royalties from Seider’s book are donated to the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter. An Evening with Marina Endicott, author of this year’s Winchester Reads selection Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 7:30 PM, McCall Middle School auditorium, 458 Main St., Winchester Spend an evening with Canadian writer Marina Endicott who will discuss her book Good to a Fault. Endicott, who was an actor and director for many years before beginning her career as a fiction writer, won the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book for this novel. The story begins when Clara, the central character, leaves to do an errand on her lunch break from a dull job, and her car collides with one occupied by a family who is homeless. The novel unfolds as the author rotates from one character’s point of view to another. Mirrors of Privilege: Making Whiteness Visible Sunday, November 6, 2011 from 3:00-5:00 PM, Unitarian Church, 478 Main St., Winchester The Multicultural Network and the Winchester Unitarian Society invite you to a screening of the film Mirrors of Privilege, featuring the experiences of white men and women who have worked to gain insight into what it means to challenge racism. As those of us who are white view this film, we may be better able to understand our own experience by listening to the voices of Peggy McIntosh, Tim Wise, Joe Fahey, Marguerite Parks, Gary Howard, and others. All are welcome to this free program. International Pot Luck Supper Sunday, November 6th, 2011 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, First Congregational Church, 21 Church Street, Winchester The International Connections Committee invites you to its 12th annual International Pot Luck Supper. Bring a dish of food from your culture to share and enjoy a delightful evening with Winchester neighbors from other countries. This event has become a Winchester tradition and is a wonderful way to celebrate Winchester’s growing diversity. Call 781-729-7100 to sign up or email WMCN. Read, Meet, Eat: an International Book Group Monday, November 14th, 2011 at 7 PM, Winchester Public Library We will be discussing Unaccustomed Earth, a book of short stories by Pulitzer Prize-winner Jhumpa Lahiri. We will focus our discussion on the first two stories, and anyone is welcome to attend. Copies of the book will be available on loan through the Library; ask at the Circulation Desk for book club books. For more information, please contact Janet Nelson or call 721-7171 x20. EnKa Parade, Saturday morning, May 21st. WMCN needs about 20 people to hold placards. If people would like to march, it’s about an hour commitment. Parade starts at nine. Marchers get to wear a t-shirt with a cool logo! Town Day, Saturday, June 4th. WMCN will have a table at Town Day so stop by and learn about the Network. Tote bags will be available to those who give a donation. Unnatural Causes…is inequality making us sick? Sunday, April 3 at 2 PM at the Jenks Center,109 Skillings Road, Winchester Join us for a free screening of excerpts from this thought-provoking documentary series and panel discussion moderated by Dr. Richard Weiner, Medical Director of Surgical Services, Winchester Hospital. The panel will include: Judith Ellen – Community outreach educator working to eradicate health disparities, particularly with underserved urban adolescents Harris Gibson, M.D. – Thoracic surgeon affiliated with Winchester Hospital and Winchester Multicultural Network Community Advisor Nancy Oriol, M.D. – Dean of Students at Harvard Medical School and Associate Professor of Anesthesia and Critical Care at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Discussion Guide for Unnatural Causes The Halalisa Singers: Celebrate Sunday, April 10 at 3 PM at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester Celebrate the Multicultural Network’s 20th year at this wonderful family concert. The Halalisa Singers is the greater Boston area’s premier world music ensemble. Halalisa is the Zulu word for “celebration”, and in that spirit, the Halalisa repertoire includes African, Latin, American Spiritual, Gospel, Jewish, Folk and Jazz music. A diverse group of thirty men and women, The Halalisa Singers are inspired by the belief that music is a universal language with the power to uplift and unite us all. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mary Cunningham Neumann, this Lexington-based vocal ensemble is now in its twenty-first year offering performances in the Boston area. The Halalisa Singers have been featured performers at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and at the Revel's RiverSing. The Network offers this special event as a gift to our community. Third Annual Winter International Film Series Second Mondays in January, February, March and April at 6:00 PM. All films will be shown in the Library Meeting Room at the Winchester Public Library. This film series is free and open to the public; seating is limited. We hope you will mark your calendars for the entire series and join us for thought-provoking films and lively discussion with your neighbors. For further information, check the library's website, www.winpublib.org, or contact Janet Nelson, Community Services Librarian, by email or at 781-721-7171, x 20. This film series is presented by One Winchester, Many Traditions, a project of the Library in conjunction with the Multicultural Network created to welcome the town's residents from other countries and to celebrate the varied cultural heritages of all of Winchester's residents. Made possible by the generosity of the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation. WMCN Yearly Community Workshop Friday evening, March 11 from 7:00-9:00 PM, continuing Saturday, March 12 from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM The workshop is offered free of charge, thanks to support from the Cummings Foundation and the generosity of Network contributors. Giving Voice: the Jubilee Trio Sunday, March 6 at 3:00 PM in the sanctuary of the First Congregational Church on the Common in Winchester Center The concert ushers in the Multicultural Network's 20th year and honors both Black History and Women's History Month, and features Winchester's own Marion Dry, contralto; pianist Leslie Amper; and baritone Robert Honeysucker. The Jubilee Trio, founded in 1995, "was inspired by the Biblical tradition of regularly celebrating a Jubilee year during which all slaves were freed, amnesty was granted and wrongs were redressed" (from the Trio's website). The concert is free and all are welcome. For more information, call the Multicultural Network at 781-729-7100 or email us. Marking Black History Month: Race, the Power of an Illusion Sunday, February 13th at 2 PM, St. Mary’s Church Hall, 162 Washington Street, Winchester The Winchester Multicultural Network and St. Mary’s Peace and Justice Committee invite members of the community to view excerpts from the documentary Race, the Power of an Illusion on Sunday afternoon, February 13th at 2 PM in St. Mary’s Church Hall in Winchester. The documentary is divided into three distinct sections. The first segment informs us as to why the peoples of the world cannot be divided into distinct biological groups. The second traces the origins of racism in this country, and the third documents institutional racism and its effect on housing. Also, available from WMCN is the Viewing Guide for Race and Place: The Power of An Illusion. The program is free and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Sandy Thompson at 781-729-8063, Anna Buxton at 781-729-4784, or email office@wmcn.org. MLK Day Celebration: West African Drumming & Dance, Art Display, Crafts & More Monday, January 17 at 3 to 5 PM, Metcalf Hall of the Winchester Unitarian Church The Winchester Multicultural Network and the Family Action Network (FAN) invite all members of our community--and particularly families with children--to join in a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday on Monday, January 17. This free event will take place from 3-5pm in Metcalf Hall at the Unitarian Church, corner of Main St. and Mystic Valley Parkway. Craft activities begin at 3:00 and a performance by Teranga Freedom Dance & Drumming will start at 4:00. The event will also feature a display of art and writing by Winchester students, a book fair, and refreshments. For information email Susan Lewis at or call 781-729-3785, or contact WMCN. Third Annual Winter International Film Series Second Mondays in January, February, March and April at 6:30 PM. All films will be shown in the Library Meeting Room at the Winchester Public Library. This film series is free and open to the public; seating is limited. We hope you will mark your calendars for the entire series and join us for thought-provoking films and lively discussion with your neighbors. For further information, check the library's website, www.winpublib.org, or contact Janet Nelson, Community Services Librarian, by email or at 781-721-7171, x 20. Monday, Jan. 10: Outsourced (India/US; 103 min., PG-13) After his entire department is outsourced, an American novelty products salesman heads to India to train his replacement in this romantic comedy. Monday, Feb. 14: I Not Stupid (Singapore; 105 min., PG) This satirical comedy portrays the lives, struggles and adventures of three Singapore pupils who are placed in the academically inferior EM3 stream. Monday, March 14: Viva Cuba (Spain; 84 min., NR) In a tale akin to Romeo and Juliet, the friendship between two children is threatened by their parents' social and political differences. International Connections at the Winchester Farmer's Market Saturday, September 18th between 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM on the Winchester Common Look for the table we will share with the Winchester Public Library and learn about the Multicultural Network and International Connections. *Winchester Reads 2010: Hope's Boy* by Andrew Bridge** Hope's Boy is a memoir of a childhood spent in foster care. The author spent his first few years with his mother, Hope. Those early years with his mother were filled with chaos. Hope's mental health issues eventually landed her in an institution when Andy was seven. He was placed in a juvenile facility then placed with a family as a foster child. He stayed there for the rest of his childhood. "Wednesday's Child: An Evening With Jack Williams" Thursday, September 30th at 7:30 PM at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester Jack Williams anchors WBZ-TV News. Williams has been recognized by numerous organizations for his reporting skills, commitment to the community and for his work on behalf of his weekly news series "Wednesday's Child," which he created in 1981. Each Wednesday on WBZ-TV News at 6PM, "Wednesday's Child" features a special needs child who is in search of a permanent home. Over the years the segment has helped more than 525 special needs children find loving homes. Williams is responsible for raising more than $5,000,000 for special needs adoption. In April 2000, Williams created the Jack Williams Endowment for Wednesday's Child to ensure continued financial support for special needs adoption. An Evening with Andrew Bridge Thursday, October 21st at 7:00 PM at McCall Middle School Andrew Bridge is the author of Hope's Boy and an advocate for the rights of children in foster care. Bridge lives in Los Angeles, and is currently the Director of the Child Welfare Initiative. He has devoted his career to the "harsh realities of a broken system." He continues "to fight for the rights of children who, like him, live in silent, desperate hope." Winchester Reads is sponsored by the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation and supported by the Friends of the Winchester Public Library, the Winchester Schools, the Multicultural Network, Book Ends and many enthusiastic volunteers. International Pot Luck Supper Sunday, November 7th at 5:30 PM at the First Congregational Church, Winchester Entertainment will be provided by Boston Sevdah, a folk dancing group created to help foster and nurture traditions and culture from Eastern Europe, and Bosnia in particular ("sevdah" is a Bosnian word for love and longing). The Folk dance group was established three years ago and it, in fact, started from our Domestic Violence initiative program, a program serving women and girls who have been victims of domestic or war violence directly or indirectly. From a small group of 10 this program now has grown to have 60 active dancers and a music group which has performed over 15 times for both community events and wider audiences. Watch a video of Boston Sevdah here. International Film Series Second Monday evenings at 6:30 PM As part of One Winchester, Many Traditions , International Connections and the Winchester Public Library are collaborating on a Monday evening international film series starting in January. Join us on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 PM in the Winchester Public Library Meeting Room. This year's films are: January 11--Eat Drink Man Woman (Taiwan) February 8--Monsoon Wedding (India) March 8--Keys to the House(Italy) April 12--Chocolat (France) One Winchester, Many Traditions is a collaborative project of the Winchester Public Library and the Multicultural Network, funded by the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation. The project's purpose is to welcome new residents from other countries and to celebrate the varied cultural heritages of all of Winchester's inhabitants. Race and Place: A Community Discussion Series Three Sunday afternoons, March 7, 14, and 21, from 2:30 to 4:30 PM in the Meeting Room of the Winchester Public Library Sponsored by the Winchester Multicultural Network, the Winchester Public Library, Parent to Parent, Winchester Seniors Association, and the League of Women Voters. The goal of this dialogue series with community leaders, residents, and workers is an increased awareness of the historic relationship between race, place, and current economic prosperity. The shared experience of viewing and discussing "Race: The Power of an Illusion" provides a stimulating and challenging opportunity as we work to shape our community's future. Participants will view selected excerpts from the documentary and discuss each with the guidance of a professional facilitator, Angela Giudice of North Star. *The Difference Between Us:* Understanding why the peoples of the world cannot be divided into distinct biological groups (March 7) *The Story We Tell:* Tracing the origins of the racial idea to the European conquest of the New World and the American slave system (March 14) The House We Live In: Dealing with institutional racism and its effect on neighborhoods and communities in this country because of its impact on housing (March 21) For information or to sign up, email or call the WMCN office, 781 729-7100. Winchester is a community that is grounded in respect for every individual and, therefore, protects all residents, employees, business owners, students and visitors in the enjoyment and exercise of human and civil rights. It is town policy to ensure equal treatment and opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, ideology, socio-economic status, health, sexual orientation, age, military status, or disability. --Adopted by the Town Selectmen on September 24, 2009 Suffragist Lucy Stone Returns to Winchester--122 Years Later! Tuesday, March 9th, 2010, 7:30 PM, at the Next Door Theater, 40 Cross Street, Winchester On April 10, 1888, Lucy Stone attended the second meeting of the Winchester Equal Suffrage Club. Now, in celebration of the League's 90th birthday and in honor of Women's History Month, the Winchester League of Women Voters brings you Judith Black as suffragist Lucy Stone on March 9, 2010, 7:30 PM. To standing ovations at the Smithsonian Institution, the National Storytelling Festival, the Montreal Comedy Festival, colleges and schools throughout the country, the artist Judith Black shapes and tells the stories of Lucy Stone and others who have guided our fates and shaped our national history. As this event is at no charge and seating is limited (first come, first served), the Winchester League suggests you arrive early. Building a Strong and Welcoming Winchester Through the Creative Use of Fair Housing Principles Wendesday, March 31st, 2010, 12 to 2:30 PM, at Winchester Town Hall This event will feature a presentation and discussion led by Barbara Chandler, who has a background in civil rights, fair housing, and accessibility and specializes in policy, technical assistance, and training. She currently is Fair Housing Manager for the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, and previously has worked with the City of Boston, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, and a nationwide non-profit corporation. The workshop will demonstrate the economic advantages that diversity brings to a community. Topics will include planning, development, housing, the role of town boards and departments, inclusion of disability and elderly populations, and other topics raised by participants. "The most welcoming attribute to any community is for everyone to have their fair housing needs acknowledged and provided as a standard procedure. Members of all protected classes want and must be able to participate to an equitable degree in all the facets of a community." --Barbara Chandler, presenter and facilitator For information or to sign up, email WMCN or call us at 781-729-7100. WMCN Yearly Community Workshop Friday evening, April 9 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., continuing Saturday, April 10 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The workshop is offered free of charge, thanks to support from the Cummings Foundation and the generosity of Network contributors. Who should come? Anyone interested in fostering multiculturalism--the ongoing process of recognizing, understanding, and appreciating differences--in your family, community, in schools and workplaces. What will I get out of it? You will come away with a framework and language, now shared by more than 150 others, for understanding and talking about multicultural issues of all kinds--racism, heterosexism, classism, anti-Semitism, ageism, and other "-isms." You'll feel more confident having conversations across differences of all kinds--more comfortable with differences in general. And you'll learn guidelines for discussion that will serve you well in every phase of your life! Have you ever had a question: What do I say when I hear a racist, sexist, homophobic, or other troubling remark or joke? Bring your question or concern to this workshop! Do we expect you to do anything after you have participated? No! But we know that you will bring new perspectives and ideas to your family, workplace, community organization, and faith community. I did a workshop five years ago. Will this be the same thing? Every workshop includes the basic framework, but each workshop is tailored to the needs and goals of participants. Those who have participated in more than one workshop find their initial learning reinforced and refreshed, with new understandings added. What does it cost? The workshop is free, thanks to the generosity of contributors to the Network, but we welcome contributions of any amount to defray our expenses. Who gives this workshop? Angela Giudice, an independent multicultural consultant, educator and community activist, will facilitate the workshop using the VISIONS model for looking at multicultural issues. This model is the basis of the Network's philosophy and approach to addressing issues of difference. How do I sign up? Workshop space is limited so call the Multicultural Network office at 781-729-7100 or email. "Building Inclusive Community", a three part workshop with Rev. Eric Dupee Wednesday evenings January 20, January 27, and February 3 at 7 PM in the Meeting Room of the Winchester Public Library Sometimes our implicit understandings of cultural norms, rules of behavior, and expectations become barriers to the inclusion of those who come with alternative cultural norms. What happens when cultures collide? How does a community maintain its boundaries and open itself to "outsiders"? Over the course of three meetings, participants will look at culture, boundaries, and specific ways a community can become more inclusive. Rev. Dupee will draw from resources both within the Christian tradition and secular culture. The workshop is open to anyone with a heart for building inclusive community in any context. The workshop is sponsored by the Winchester Multicultural Network and is free. For more information or to register call the Multicultural Network (781-729-7100) or email office@wmcn.org. "Claiming ALL Our History: Mystic Valley Slave Trade Revealed" Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 6:30 PM at the Griffin Museum, 67 Shore Road Our program will begin with viewing portions of the film, "Traces of the Trade, a Story From the Deep North", where filmmaker Katrina Browne discovers that her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S history. We will then hear from our three panelists: Reverend David Pettee, a Winchester native, will share his research into his family's involvement with the New England slave trade and how he traced and met the descendents of his family's slaves; Dee Morris, a Medford historian and author, will share her research into Medford's involvement in the slave trade; and Reverend Neal Pearson, of the St. John's Baptist Church in Woburn, will share his reflections. Afterwards, Reverend Eric Dupee of Crawford Memorial Methodist Church and the Winchester Multicultural Network will facilitate a discussion. The program is free of charge--all are welcome! Winchester's 18th Annual Black History Month Celebration Saturday, February 27th, 4 PM at St. Mary's Church, 158 Washington Street, Winchester The Archdiocese of Boston Black Catholic Choir will sing at the 4 PM Mass on Saturday, February 27, 2010. All are welcome to see and hear this accomplished choir. Reception to follow in Parish Hall with light refreshments, punch and coffee Award ceremony - Winchester High School "Connect and Commit" Video presentation "Voices of Civil Rights" - personal narratives of everyday people who lived through the transformative era, from bus boycotts to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. MLK Day Celebration: Storytelling, Art Display, Crafts & More Monday, January 18 at 3 to 5PM at Metcalf Hall of the Winchester Unitarian Church The Winchester Multicultural Network and the Family Action Network (FAN) invite all members of our community--and particularly families with children--to join in a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday on Monday, January 18. This free event will take place from 3 to 5 PM in Metcalf Hall at the Unitarian Church, at the corner of Main Street and Mystic Valley Parkway. Craft activities beginning at 3:00 and a performance by acclaimed storyteller and musician Doug Lipman will start at 4:00. The event will also feature a display of art and writing by Winchester students, a book fair, and refreshments. For information email Susan Lewis at sklfree2be@yahoo.com or call 781-729-3785. Saturday Nite at the Movies Saturday, January 9th, 5:30-10 PM The community organizations that brought you the two great evenings in years past, "Murder at the Library" and "Common Threads" are once again collaborating to present a festive evening of music, food, and entertainment to Winchester. Continuing the progressive dinner theme of previous productions, the Winchester Public Library, Griffin Museum of Photography, Winchester Community Music School, Jenks Center, and Multicultural Network have planned an evening of movie going fun that's sure to please you as it brings back memories of Winchester's past. Following a scrumptious dinner at the Jenks, re-live the 1930's and the debate that ensued as playwright Ellen Knight and Robert Hallisey from the Winchester Players take to the stage to present "Say 'NO' to Movies." Cap off the evening with an after-theater party at the Griffin Museum, where you'll have delectable desserts and coffee, and view movie clips. Buses will shuttle movie goers from one venue to another, so don't miss this unique and entertaining community event. Get your tickets early. For more information, click here. International Pot Luck Supper Sunday, November 8th, 5:30-8:00 PM Our annual pot luck supper will be held at the First Congregational Church, 21 Church Street. Share food from your country and enjoy a delightful evening with entertainment provided by Mavi Dance. Mavi Dance brings the ancient dance traditions of various regions of Anatolia and Central Asia into the 21st century. According to Pinar Zengingonul, the founder of Mavi Dance, "Dance is a universal language that brings the world together." Call 781-729-7100 to sign up or office@wmcn.org . Including Samuel, a documentary by Dan Habib Tuesday, October, 27th, 6:30 PM; panel discussion with Dan Habib to follow screening Before his son Samuel was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, photojournalist Dan Habib rarely thought about the inclusion of people with disabilities. Now he thinks about inclusion every day. Shot and produced over four years, Habib's award-winning documentary film, Including Samuel, honestly chronicles the Habib family's efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives. The film also features four other families with varied inclusion experiences, plus interviews with dozens of teachers, young people, parents and disability rights experts. Including Samuel is a highly personal, passionately photographed film that captures the cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion. In addition, Including Samuel has been recognized by several national and international media awards, and was featured on NPR and Good Morning America. The Winchester Multicultural Network and co-sponsors Winchester Hospital, the Winchester Disabilities Access Commission and Winchester's Parent Advisory Council is proud to bring this film and its film-maker, Dan Habib, to Winchester on Tuesday, October, 27th, 2009 at 6:30 PM. The free screening will be held in the accessible McCall Middle School Auditorium. Following the film, there will be a panel discussion with Dan and other people whose lives are affected by disabilities. Children, elementary aged and up, are welcome. This program is also supported by Winchester Savings Bank, the Family Action Network, and the Winchester Public Schools . Winchester Reads 2009 Author, musician and screenwriter James McBride's landmark memoir, The Color of Water, is considered an American classic and read in schools and universities across the United States. His debut novel, Miracle at St. Anna was translated into a major motion picture directed by American film icon Spike Lee. His newest novel, Song Yet Sung, was released in paperback in January 2009. James McBride's website * Winchester resident, Kate Clifford Larson, author of Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman: Portrait of an American Hero Monday, September 21, 7:30 PM, Jenks Senior Center, 109 Skillings Road. Historian Kate Clifford Larson discusses her book, Bound for the Promised Land, which draws on a trove of new documents and sources as well as extensive genealogical research and reveals Harriet Tubman as a complex woman who was brilliant, shrewd, deeply religious, and passionate in her pursuit of freedom. A finalist for the 2004 Lerner-Scott Dissertation Award from the Organization of American Historians for the best dissertation in Women's History, Larson is also the recipient of numerous awards, fellowships and grants in support of her work on Harriet Tubman. * "Ellen Craft: Running 1,000 Miles to Freedom" Tuesday, October 6, 7 PM, Next Door Theater, 40 Cross Street. In 1848, Ellen Craft, a light-skinned Georgia slave, dressed herself as a man and boarded a train bound for Savannah. Her husband, William, posed as her slave. Follow their journey to freedom through Boston, Nova Scotia, and England as acclaimed performer Marcia Estabrook reenacts this powerful story filled with danger, narrow escapes, victory and the love between a man and a woman united in their determination to be free. In historically accurate costumes and with a thorough knowledge of the life and times of the characters she portrays, Ms. Estabrook's performances throughout the US have won her nominations for the prestigious "Performer of the Year Award" from National Young Audiences. * "Create Your Own Show Way" Sunday, October 18, 2:30PM, Winchester Public Library Meeting Room. A family craft workshop inspired by the Lynch School 2nd and 3rd grade quilting project and by Jacqueline Woodson's "Show Way", a picture book of one African American family's journey from slavery to the 21st century. * An evening with James McBride, author of The New York Times bestselling memoir, The Color of Water Wednesday, October 21, 7 PM at McCall Middle School, 458 Main Street From the publisher of Song Yet Sung: Nowhere has the drama of American slavery played itself out with more tension than in the dripping swamps of Maryland's eastern shore, where abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, born less than thirty miles apart, faced off against nefarious slave traders in a catch-me-if-you-can game that fueled fear and brought economic hardship to both white and black families... The powerful web of relationships in a small Chesapeake Bay town collapses as two souls face off in a gripping page-turner. Liz Spocott, a young runaway who has odd dreams about the future of the colored race, mistakenly inspires a breakout from the prison attic of a notorious slave thief named Patty Cannon. As Cannon stokes revenge, Liz flees into the nefarious world of the underground railroad with its double meanings and unspoken clues to freedom known to the slaves of Dorchester County as "The Code." Denwood Long, a troubled slave catcher and eastern shore waterman, is coaxed out of retirement to break "The Code" and track down Liz. Filled with rich history --- much of the story is drawn from historical events --- and told in McBride's signature lyrical storytelling style, Song Yet Sung brings into full view a world long misunderstood in American fiction: how slavery worked, and the haunting, moral choices that lived beneath the surface, pressing both whites and blacks to search for relief in a world where both seemed to lose their moral compass. This is a story of tragic triumph, violent decisions, and unexpected kindness. Fall Foliage Hike in the Fells Sunday, October 4th at 1 PM The Middlesex Fells Reservation is a beautiful wooded area with lovely trails. Meet members of International Connections for a hike around Long pond. Meet at the Long Pond parking lot, the first parking area on South Border Road from Winchester Center. The hike will last about one and a half hours. Call Christa at 781-729-7047 for more information and to sign up. "My Beijing Birthday", a film by Howie Snyder. Monday, May 11th at 7 PM at the Winchester Public Library On Monday, May 11 the film "My Beijing Birthday" will be shown in the Library Meeting Room at 7:00 PM. Filmmaker Howie Snyder will be on hand to discuss the film following the 53-minute documentary which takes a heart-felt and humorous look at the rapidly changing lives of a group of young Beijingers through the eyes of a New Yorker. Snyder has spent the last 25 years living and working in China and Japan and several other Asian countries. For more information about the film, go to My Beijing Birthday. If you would like to attend, please go to the library webpage www.winpublib.org, click on calendar, find the May 11 program and register for Howie's program. Seating at the library is limited. The film is a presentation of One Winchester, Many Traditions, a collaborative project of the Winchester Public Library and the Winchester Multicultural Network, funded by the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation. The project's purpose is to welcome residents from other countries and to celebrate the varied cultural heritages of all of Winchester's residents. International Film Series Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. on January 12, February 9, March 9, and April 13. As part of One Winchester, Many Traditions , International Connections and the Winchester Public Library are collaborating on a Monday evening international film series starting Monday, January 12 and continuing February 9, March 9, and April 13. On January 12 the series will begin with the film The Visitor and on February 9 the feature will be Golden Door, also known as Nuovomondo. The series continues on March 9, with Hero and on April 13 with Caramel, also known as Sukkar Banat. The series is free and all are welcome. One Winchester, Many Traditions is a collaborative project of the Winchester Public Library and the Multicultural Network, funded by the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation. The project's purpose is to welcome new residents from other countries and to celebrate the varied cultural heritages of all of Winchester's inhabitants. To learn more about the films, visit www.winpublib.org/1winchester.htm, or contact Yvonne Coleman at vcoleman@minlib.net or call 781-721-7171, ext 26. *A Storytelling Event: Not Just for Kids: True Stories You Won't Believe, featuring Motoko and Eshu, award-winning storytellers* Wednesday evening, April 15th from 7:00-9:00 PM at the Winchester Public Library One Winchester, Many Traditions is proud to present Not Just for Kids: True Stories You Won't Believe, a multicultural storytelling program for adults and children in the Library Meeting Room on Wednesday, April 15 at 7 PM This program is free and open to the public. Motoko and Eshu, two award-winning, nationally known storytellers, blend ancient lore and original tales with traditional music and eloquent physical characterization. Their tales are at once comical and wise, earthly and sublime. It's a journey beyond your imagination! Motoko and Eshu have been telling stories together and separately for over 15 years. They have appeared at storytelling festivals, schools, colleges and libraries throughout the eastern United States. They each have appeared at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Motoko's CD, "The Promise of Chrysanthemums," has won both a Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award and a Storytelling World Award. Peg O'Sullivan of the Connecticut Storytelling Center said of their performance, "Eshu and Motoko shine up a storytelling event wherever they appear. Though diverse in style and culture, they blend and tell as one. Absolutely charming, they bring humor, a sense of drama, a talent for singing, and present a seamless performance. At the Connecticut Storytelling Festival where they recently appeared you could have heard a pin drop!" For more information, contact Yvonne Coleman at ycoleman@minlib.net or 781-721-7171 x26. One Winchester, Many Traditions is a collaborative project of the Library and the Winchester Multicultural Network, funded by the John and Mary Murphy Educational Foundation. The project's purpose is to welcome residents from other countries and to celebrate the varied cultural heritages of all of Winchester's residents. WMCN Yearly Community Workshop Friday evening, March 27 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., continuing Saturday, March 28 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Who should come? Anyone interested in fostering multiculturalism--the ongoing process of recognizing, understanding, and appreciating differences--in your family, community, in schools and workplaces. What will I get out of it? You will come away with a framework and language, now shared by more than 150 others, for understanding and talking about multicultural issues of all kinds--racism, heterosexism, classism, anti-Semitism, ageism, and other "-isms." You'll feel more confident having conversations across differences of all kinds--more comfortable with differences in general. And you'll learn guidelines for discussion that will serve you well in every phase of your life! Have you ever had a question: What do I say when I hear a racist, sexist, homophobic, or other troubling remark or joke? Bring your question or concern to this workshop! Do we expect you to do anything after you have participated? No! But we know that you will bring new perspectives and ideas to your family, workplace, community organization, and faith community. I did a workshop five years ago. Will this be the same thing? Every workshop includes the basic framework, but each workshop is tailored to the needs and goals of participants. Those who have participated in more than one workshop find their initial learning reinforced and refreshed, with new understandings added. What does it cost? The workshop is free, thanks to the generosity of contributors to the Network, but we welcome contributions of any amount to defray our expenses. Who gives this workshop? Angela Giudice, an independent multicultural consultant, educator and community activist, will facilitate the workshop using the VISIONS model for looking at multicultural issues. This model is the basis of the Network's philosophy and approach to addressing issues of difference. How do I sign up? Workshop space is limited so call the Multicultural Network office at 781-729-7100 or email office@wmcn.org. *Who Does She Think She Is?* A film by Pamela Boll Sunday, March 29 at 6:00 PM at the Next Door Theater, 40 Cross Street, Winchester Celebrate Women's History Month by joining us for the screening of Winchester resident Pamela Boll's latest film, Who Does She Think She Is? This powerful documentary focuses on the lives of five women artists of varied backgrounds--an actor, two sculptors, a painter and a printmaker - who are also mothers. Each of them experiences the competing and often conflicting demands of pursuing their art, making a living, and parenting. The film also highlights the sexism that still exists in the art world. Interviews with such experts as Riane Eisler (The Chalice and the Blade), Maura Reilly (Sackler Center for Feminist Art-Brooklyn Museum), Courtney E. Martin (Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters), Tiffany Shlain (The Webby Awards) and the Guerrilla Girls add a cultural context for these women's uplifting journeys. For more information about the film, go to Who Does She Think She Is? Pamela Tanner Boll, who produced and directed Who Does She Think She Is?, also produced the Academy award-winning film Born into Brothels: The Kids of Calcutta's Red Light District. She is currently working on these film projects: Global Moms; Life on the Edge: True Stories of Doctors Without Borders; 9/12: From Chaos to Community; Kashmir; and In a Dream. A question and answer period with director Pamela Tanner Boll will follow the screening. On the panel with Pamela will be Angela Williams, vocalist, one of the five artists featured in the film, and former Winchester resident, internationally-known quilter/artist, Ruth McDowell. Admission to the film is free but seats must be reserved by emailing office@wmcn.org. The Multicultural Network is grateful for generous grants from the EnKa Society, the Griffin Museum of Photography, and the Winchester Cultural Council which have made this program possible. The African American Experience: an engaging, hands-on, interactive Timeline February 10, 2009 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Griffin Museum, 65 Shore Road, Winchester Join us for this program that uses the Timeline as a way of enriching understanding of the Black American experience and to gain a deeper appreciation of the contributions of African Americans to America since her founding. With a 15-foot-long Timeline, playing pieces and active audience participation, significant events in Black American life are explored, highlighted and placed in context against 400 years of history. Trainers: Vincent Licenziato and Andy Towlen, Culture Coach International, Inc. All are welcome. This is a free event. For those of you who were able to attend this exciting evening, Culture Coach has provided a list of the books they discussed. Save the Date! MLK Celebration Events The Winchester Multicultural Network is hosting two special events on Monday, January 19 to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Both will take place in Metcalf Hall in the Winchester Unitarian Church, corner of Main St. and Mystic Valley Parkway. From 3:00-5:00 PM families can enjoy a display of art and writing from Winchester students, craft activities, refreshments, and the music and storytelling of Kemp Harris, teacher, musician, author and actor. Born in North Carolina, Mr. Kemp taught himself piano and was writing songs at age 14. As a musician and composer, Kemp has shared the stage with Taj Mahal, Gil Scott-Heron, and Koko Taylor. He has written and performed original compositions in the United States and Europe for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and WGBH public television. He currently maintains a songwriting residency at the Wang Center for the Performing Arts in Boston in conjunction with Berklee College of Music, assisting talented young artists with composition and performance. At 6:30 PM there will be an informal reception followed by remarks by Kim McLarin, currently writer-in-residence at Emerson College in Boston and host of WGBH's Basic Black, Boston's longest-running weekly television program devoted exclusively to African American themes. Ms. McLarin is also an award-winning novelist, whose books include Taming it Down, Meeting of the Waters and Jump at the Sun, and a former staff writer for The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Greensboro News & Record and the Associated Press. Please come and celebrate King's birthday and the election of our country's first African-American president. For more information, email office@wmcn.org or call 781-729-7100. International Parents Meetings Tuesday evenings from 7-8 PM in the McCall Middle School Library on October 7th, November 4th cancelled, and December 2nd. Come and meet other parents, share your concerns and questions about Winchester schools. "Helping Your Child Be Successful in Winchester Schools" is the theme for our meetings. International Pot Luck Supper Sunday, November 2nd, 5:30-8:00 PM Our annual pot luck supper will be held at the First Congregational Church, 21 Church Street. Share food from your country and enjoy a delightful evening. Call 781-729-7100 to sign up or office@wmcn.org . Screening of Traces of the Trade : A Story from the Deep North Social Capital Inc. will present a screening of Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North on Thursday, November 13th at 7 PM in the Woburn Memorial High School Auditorium. The program is being co-sponsored by St. John's Baptist Church and WMCN. Traces of the Trade Producer/Director Katrina Browne offers a new and provocative perspective on the slave trade by telling the story of her family's role as the largest slave trading family in United States history. The film follows ten descendants as they journey along the Triangle Trade route. Following the screening, there will be a discussion about the film and how the legacy of slavery affects our community and the nation today. For more information, go to SCIWoburn.org. To view a trailer of the film, please visit Traces of the Trade. Winchester Reads Events This is the seventh year of Winchester Reads, a collaboration of the Winchester Public Library, the Multicultural Network, and the Winchester Public Schools with support from Book Ends. It is sponsored by the John and Mary Murphy Education Foundation. Each event, listed below, is free and open to the public. Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao: "Transition and Change in Today's Families" Tuesday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Pond Room, Jenks Senior Center, 109 Skillings Road Dr. Pavao is the CEO and founder of The Center for Family Connections, a non-profit organization whose goal is to serve individuals and families touched by adoption, foster care, kinship, and guardianship, as well as other blended family constructions. She has worked with many families who have adopted across race and ethnicity. As many of us remember from her previous appearances, Dr. Pavao weaves stories from her own experience into her talks. We look forward to her return to Winchester this fall. Bill O'Connor: "The Irish in Boston" Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Pond Room, Jenks Senior Center, 109 Skillings Road Former head of the Winchester High School Social Studies Department and locally well-known historian, Bill will give us some fascinating background on the history of the Irish living in Boston. Family Fun Run Saturday, October 25 at 1:00 p.m., Winchester High School, Skillings Field on Skillings Road. Also sponsored by the Winchester Recreation Department. An Evening With Ann Patchett, prize-winning author of Run and Bel Canto Wednesday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the McCall School Auditorium, 458 Main St. Ann Patchett is coming to Winchester! She will be talking about her latest book, Run, this year's Winchester Reads selection. Many of our readers know Patchett from her novel Bel Canto, which won the Pen/Faulkner prize, sold over a million copies in the U.S., and was translated into 30 languages. Patchett also has written The Patron Saint of Liars, The Magician's Assistant, Truth and Beauty, and numerous magazine and newspaper articles. Fall Hike in the Fells Saturday, October 4th at 10 AM The Middlesex Fells Reservation is a beautiful wooded area with lovely trails. Meet members of International Connections for a hike around Long pond. Meet at the Long Pond parking lot, the first parking area on South Border Road from Winchester Center. The hike will last about one and a half hours. Call Anna at 781-729-4784 for more information and to sign up. International Peace Day Celebration Saturday, September 20 between 11 AM and 2:30 PM in Town Hall and the Library's Meeting Room. Join us for the Winchester Public Library's celebration of International Peace Day. We will have representatives from the International Connections Committee and information about English conversation groups, fall activities, and our annual International Pot Luck Supper. * From 11 AM to 1:15 PM there will be Chinese and Indian dancers, Indian food, and Chinese crafts in the Town Hall auditorium: From 11-11:45 AM the Triveni Dancers--Neena Gulati, acclaimed dancer from New Delhi, and her professional students--will perform classical dances ofIndiadressed in traditional costumes. A sampling of Indian snacks and an array of hands-on Chinese crafts will follow this performance, giving all ages a chance to become directly involved with these vibrant cultures. At 12:30 PM, the Traditional Chinese Dance Troupe of the American Chinese Art Society under the direction of Jade Lin will present a 45-minute program of traditional Chinese folk dance. * From 1:30 to 2:30 PM there will be a Chinese craft demonstration, community resources information, library catalog demonstrations, and a raffle in the Library Meeting Room. If you have friends or neighbors from other countries, be sure to bring them. This is part of our library's welcoming outreach to international families and we are happy to be part of this wonderful event. Events are free and all are welcome! Race and Place: A Discussion Series Four Sundays, 2:30-4:45 PM: March 16, March 30, April 6 & April 13 Meeting Room of the Winchester Public Library Sponsored by the Winchester Multicultural Network and the Winchester Public Library in conjunction with the Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston and based on the documentary Race, the Power of an Illusion. The goal of this dialogue series with community leaders and residents is an increased awareness of the historic relationship between race, place, and current economic prosperity. A further goal is to have the discussion lead to possible community action; participants, however, have no obligation to anything further than consistent participation in the dialogue.Participants will view the documentary in one-hour segments and discuss each with the guidance of a professional facilitator. The first three segments are titled: The Difference Between Us: understanding why the peoples of the world cannot be divided into distinct biological groups (March 16) The Story We Tell: tracing the origins of the racial idea to the European conquest of the New World and the American slave system (March 30) The House We Live In: dealing with institutional racism and its affect on neighborhoods and communities in this country because of its impact on housing. The final session on April 13 will be devoted to bringing the issues down to the local level; what have we learned from this series that has impact and relevance for our town of Winchester? For information or to sign up email office@wmcn.org or call Sandy Thompson at 781-729-8063. Also, available from WMCN is the Viewing Guide for Race and Place: The Power of An Illusion." WMCN Information Session Tuesday, April 15, 2008 7:30-9:00 p.m. Social Studies Open Area, Winchester High School Would you like to know more about the Winchester Multicultural Network? We are planning an information session and invite anyone interested in learning more about the Network to join us on Tuesday, April 15 from 7:30-9:00 in the Social Studies Open Area at Winchester High School. For the past fifteen years we have been actively involved in multiculturalism--a process of recognizing, understanding and appreciating differences of all kinds as well as the impact those differences have in our lives. We are anxious to share the mission and philosophy that grounds and guides our work and look forward to talking with you about the broad scope of issues that we have been concerned with for well over a decade. "This is an opportunity," says Robin Smith, co-chair of the Multicultural Network Board, "for people to explore what the Network does and how they can become involved." For more information on the evening, contact the office at 781-729-7100 or email office@wmcn.org. WMCN Yearly Community Workshop Friday evening, March 14 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., continuing Saturday, March 15 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Who should come? Anyone interested in fostering multiculturalism--the ongoing process of recognizing, understanding, and appreciating differences--in your family, community, in schools and workplaces. What will I get out of it? You will come away with a framework and language, now shared by more than 150 others, for understanding and talking about multicultural issues of all kinds--racism, heterosexism, classism, anti-Semitism, ageism, and other "-isms." You'll feel more confident having conversations across differences of all kinds--more comfortable with differences in general. And you'll learn guidelines for discussion that will serve you well in every phase of your life! Have you ever had a question: What do I say when I hear a racist, sexist, homophobic, or other troubling remark or joke? Bring your question or concern to this workshop! Do we expect you to do anything after you have participated? No! But we know that you will bring new perspectives and ideas to your family, workplace, community organization, and faith community. I did a workshop five years ago. Will this be the same thing? Every workshop includes the basic framework, but each workshop is tailored to the needs and goals of participants. Those who have participated in more than one workshop find their initial learning reinforced and refreshed, with new understandings added. What does it cost? The workshop is free, thanks to the generosity of contributors to the Network, but we welcome contributions of any amount to defray our expenses. Who gives this workshop? Angela Giudice, an independent multicultural consultant, educator and community activist, will facilitate the workshop using the VISIONS model for looking at multicultural issues. This model is the basis of the Network's philosophy and approach to addressing issues of difference. How do I sign up? Workshop space is limited so call the Multicultural Network office at 781-729-7100 or email office@wmcn.org. Our Common Threads: A Cultural Dine-around Celebrating our Immigration Heritage Saturday, March 1, 2008, 5-9 PM This community collaborative event involving the Winchester Multicultural Network, Winchester Community Music School, the Griffin Museum of Photography , Winchester Public Library, and the Winchester Senior Association honors the heritage of Winchester families, old and new. In recognition of Winchester's growing diversity, we extend a warm welcome to our newest residents, embrace people who have immigrated and now live in Winchester as well as introduce old and new residents to our town's cultural institutions. The "dine-around" begins with international music and hors d'oeuvres at the Music School, progressing to dinner and international story telling at the Jenks Center, and ending with dessert, coffee, and the Ellis Island: Ghosts of Freedom photography exhibit at the Griffin Museum. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at the Music School, the Jenks Center, Winchester Library, Griffin Museum, and Bookends. This event is sponsored by the Winchester Rotary, EnKa Society with support from area businesses and individuals. International Parents meeting: Helping Your Child Feel Successful in Winchester Schools Tuesday, March 4th, 7 PM in the McCall Middle School Library, Winchester The third in our series of meetings for international parents will explore questions that parents have about school policies and practices. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with other parents with similar questions and concerns. Parents with children at all levels--pre-school, elementary, middle, and high school--are welcome. Carla McCoy, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Instructor will attend. Community Reads Events 2007-08 "Perspectives on Islam" Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 7:30 PM, Winchester Unitarian Society, 478 Main Street, Winchester This panel discussion will include Jessica Masse, Interfaith Coordinator of the Islamic Society of Boston and Sahar Ahmed Awerbuch, Winchester resident and WMCN board member. "Pakistan: a Glimpse into Its History and Culture" Thursday, January 24, 2008, 7:30 PM at the Jenks Senior Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester Presentations by Hassan Abbas, author of Pakistan's Drift into Extremism: Allah, the Army, and America's War on Terror; Tareq Kahn, Afshan Kirmani, and Seeme Moreira. The public is invited to arrive at 7 p.m. to enjoy Pakistani music, artifacts, and a sampling of Pakistani sweets and tea; the panel discussion begins at 7:30. "An Evening with Greg Mortenson" Monday, February 25, 2008 at 7 PM in the McCall Middle School auditorium, 458 Main Street, Winchester Greg Mortenson, author (with David Oliver Relin) of Three Cups of Tea, One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time" will be the featured speaker. The event is free, but a ticket is necessary to attend. Tickets for Greg Mortenson's appearance in Winchester will only be available on Saturday, February 2nd starting at 10 a.m. at the Jenks Senior Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester.The limit will be two tickets per person. We encourage you to get there on time, as there has been so much excitement about his visit. Lost Boys of Sudan Thursday, January 10, 2008 Jenks Senior Center 109 Skillings Road Winchester 7:30 p.m. Bol Riiny, one of the "Lost Boys of Sudan" (young men orphaned and driven out of their homeland, later rescued and settled in the U.S.) lived in Winchester and attended Winchester High School. He will speak about his experiences since he arrived in this country. Now a senior in college, he has spoken at the United Nations as well at many local venues near his college. This event is co-sponsored with the Winchester Seniors Association. Family Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Monday, January 21, 2008 Metcalf Hall, Winchester Unitarian Church 3:00-5:00 PM This year's event will feature storyteller and singer Valerie Stephens, art and writing from Winchester students, craft activities, and refreshments. This event is supported in part by a grant from the EnKa Society. International Families: Supporting our "Third Culture Kids" Wednesday, January 30, 2008 Winchester Public Library 7:00 p.m. Have you considered living or working abroad and wondered how your children would be affected? Come learn why a cross-cultural childhood matters. Tina Quick, Founder of International Families in Transition, will take you into the world of these global nomads and discover what makes them tick. Hear about the challenges, benefits and practical skills Third Culture Kids (TCK's) inherit from their intellectual mobility. International Parents Meeting: Helping Your Children Feel Successful in Winchester Schools Tuesday, November 27 McCall Middle School Library 458 Main Street, Winchester 7 PM Our discussion leader for the evening will be Gloria Dove, the high school instructor for students learning English. Parents are invited to bring their questions and concerns. The meeting is planned by the International Connections Committee of the Multicultural Network. The idea for this meeting originated when parents who came to hear Dr. Anne Copeland in September had questions that were particular to Winchester schools, according to Liz Sayre. Sayre recently met with all the instructors of English Language Learners (ELL, also known as ESL) who were enthusiastic about offering parents an opportunity to get together and discuss questions and concerns. For more information call Liz Sayre at 781-729-9242 or email office@wmcn.org. Understanding Your Child’s Experience in an American School with Dr. Anne Copeland Monday, October 1 The Meeting Room of the Winchester Public Library 7:00-8:30 p.m. Dr. Anne Copeland, founder of the Interchange Institute and editor of the Newcomers Almanac, will help international parents understand how American schools work. She’ll answer common questions such as "Why does my child's teacher write great on the top of papers that have mistakes?" and "Why does the school hold fund-raising events or ask for parents to help in the classroom?" Dr. Copeland will help parents understand the core values underlying these, and other, educational practices in the United States. Using examples, parents’ essays, international comparative data, and plenty of time for questions, she will explore how American teachers, like teachers everywhere, prepare students for success in their educational system and culture at large. First Ever WorldFest Woburn! Saturday, June 23, 2007 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Woburn Center Join us as we celebrate the richness of the increasing diverse Woburn Community! On June 23, Woburn residents will come to Downtown Woburn to learn about, taste and appreciate the many cultures that comprise our community. For more information: Contact 781-935-2244 or e-mail jjones@sciwoburn.org Ice Cream Social for International Families Sunday, June 17, 2007 (rain or shine) 3:00-5:00 p.m. First Congregational Church, 21 Church St., Winchester Come and enjoy a traditional American gathering of friends with ice cream, strawberries, and other toppings. Please call Nancy Dahm at 781-729-9387 for more information or to sign up, email office@wmcn.org More Than Money: A Talk by Nancy McCardle Thursday, April 26, 2007 from 7-9:00 p.m. Belmont Town Hall Nancy McCardle, past research director of the Metro Boston Equity Initiative at the Civil Rights Project at Harvard University, will discuss the findings in the report she and David Harris wrote: "More Than Money: The Spatial Mismatch Between Between Where Homeowners of Color in Metro Boston Can Afford to Live and Where They Actually Reside." An excerpt from the report: While African American and Latino homebuyers in metro Boston do, on the average, face greater affordability constraints than whites, affordability alone does a poor job in explaining residential segregation." Come and find out the details behind this report! This program is co-sponsored by the Multicultural Network with the Belmont Human Rights Commission, the Belmont Housing Trust, Belmont Against Racism and other organizations. Information Session Tuesday, April 24, 2007 7:30-9:00 p.m. Social Studies Open Area, Winchester High School Would you like to know more about the Winchester Multicultural Network? We are planning an information session and invite anyone interested in learning more about the Network to join us on Tuesday, April 24 from 7:30-9:00 in the Social Studies Open Area at Winchester High School. For the past fifteen years we have been actively involved in multiculturalism – a process of recognizing, understanding and appreciating differences of all kinds as well as the impact those differences have in our lives. We are anxious to share the mission and philosophy that grounds and guides our work and look forward to talking with you about the broad scope of issues that we have been concerned with for well over a decade. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore what the Network does by talking to current members. “Last year,” says Gloria Legvold, a member new to the Network, “the information session was very helpful in setting out the What, Why, and How of the organization. The goals of the Network and the people I met motivated me to become involved.” For more information call Kaye Nash at 781-721-5752 or Email office@wmcn.org Making a Difference: Justice in Darfur Sunday, December 3, 2006 3:30 p.m. The Multicultural Network, the Second Congregational Church, the First Congregational Church, Temple Shir Tikvah, and the Unitarian Church co-sponsored a panel discussion on the crisis in Darfur: “Making a Difference: Justice in Darfur.” The speakers included Karen Hirschfeld, Sudan Coordinator for Physicians for Human Rights; Panther Alier, one of the “Lost Boys” of Sudan; Katie Fallon, a nurse who spent six months in Darfur setting up a mobile health unit; and Omer Ismael, a refugee from Darfur and a Fellow at the Carr Center for Human Rights at Harvard. The panelists spoke of the horrific situation there, ongoing since February of 2003. More than 400,000 people have died and over 2.5 million have been displaced. At the conclusion of the program, audience members were urged to take action, whether it is making calls, writing letters, working to raise awareness about this genocide, and/or donating money or time to the effort. You can make a difference! For information, background, and news, the following websites are helpful: www.savedarfuma.org www.SaveDarfur.org www.CrisisGroup.org www.hrw.org (Human Rights Watch) The Weeping Camel Thursday, October 19, 2006 6:30 p.m The Arthur Griffin Center for Photographic Art, 67 Shore Road, Winchester The Griffin Museum of Photography and the Multicultural Network invite you to a special evening — a visit to Mongolia through photographs, music, and film. Nomadic Mongolia is the title of an exhibition of images of the Gobi desert, the Nomads, the Ancient Deer Stones and Nomadic families by Elaine Ling which will be on display at the museum from August 29-November 12, 2006. The International Connections committee of the Multicultural Network has chosen The Weeping Camel for the next in its film series and has planned a wonderful evening. Come at 6:30 p.m. to view the stunning photographs while you enjoy refreshments, then listen to Mongolian music performed by Tibetan Penpa Tsering from 7:00-7:30 p.m. followed by the movie. Tibetan born Penpa Tsering is an accomplished musician and singer who will perform on an authentic Mongolian instrument. He may treat us to some Mongolian songs as well. The movie follows a family of herders in Mongolia’s Gobi region. A crisis occurs when the mother camel rejects her newborn calf after its difficult birth. Notice where music plays an important role! This captivating film offers a window into a way of life most of us can’t even imagine. The Griffin exhibit provides an opportunity to peek into another world through three different medium. Focus Group for People of Color (people of African descent, Asians, and Latino/Latinas) Wednesday, October 18, 2006 Location to be announced What has been your experience living in Winchester? What do you like about living and/or working here? What concerns you? What has been challenging and what would you like to see changed? The Winchester Multicultural Network, founded 15 years ago, promotes the recognition, understanding, and appreciation of diversity. We need your help to enhance our effectiveness in carrying out this mission. You can inform and impact our future planning and strengthen our ability to be effective allies to all People Of Color (people of African descent, Latino, and Asian) in our community. If you live or work in Winchester, we hope you will be willing to participate in an upcoming focus group on Wednesday, October 18. In an effort to accommodate different schedules, we are offering a choice of two time frames that evening for the discussion: 4:00-5:30 p.m. or 6:30-8:00 p.m. with dinner provided from 5:30-6:30 p.m. We’ll provide child care in a nearby room, along with food for children. Please let us know which time period works best for you. We are delighted to welcome Valerie Batts, Ph.D., Executive Director of VISIONS, Inc. who will facilitate. Valerie, an African-American woman, is the author of Modern Racism: New Melody for the Same Old Tune, and is the originator of the VISIONS training model and experiential workshops. Sarita Bhalotra, a VISIONS consultant, born in India, will co-facilitate with Valerie. Valerie and Sarita will share your perspectives and experiences with us and we will bring this information to the leaders of our community. Please plan to come on October 18. Your contribution will mean a lot to our work. Let us know by emailing office@wmcn.org or calling Sandy Thompson at 781-729-8063. Raising Young Children to Appreciate Differences Tuesday, October 17, 2006 7:00-8:30 p.m. Social Studies Open Area, Winchester High School, 80 Skillings Road, Winchester Pre-school teachers, parents of young children, caregivers, and grandparents will want to attend this interactive evening designed to give us all tools for helping young children prepare for our diverse world. Heidi Given, who teaches as the Eliot- Pearson School at Tufts, will facilitate. Heidi is the Head teacher and an adjunct faculty member at Lesley University School of Education. Her scholarship and research has included diversity and equity in education and bias/anti-bias curriculum development. The Eliot Pearson Department of Child Development is well-known throughout the country in child development circles, and Heidi teaches in the laboratory school. According to the Eliot-Pearson website, “it has made diversity a central focus, in both its teaching and scholarship. This focus expressed the Department’s mission, which is to contribute to a more just, caring, and inclusive society.” It is increasingly important to bring our children up to be comfortable with differences of all kinds. Sooner or later they will observe or interact with someone in a wheelchair, someone whose parents are of a different racial background than theirs, someone with two moms or dads — the possibilities are endless! Helping your child to be comfortable and accepting of differences is as important as making sure he/she has other skills such as reading or writing. It’s about getting along in the world! Roland Merullo Wednesday, October 11, 2006 7:00 p.m., Jenks Senior Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester As one of the sponsors of Winchester’s annual Community Read, the Network invites you to hear Roland Merullo, author of this year’s selection, In Revere in Those Days. Roland Merullo grew up in Revere, graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and Brown University. His other books include Revere Beach Elegy which won the 2003 Massachusetts Book award for non-fiction and Revere Beach Boulevard, a finalist for the PEN New England/L.L. Winship Award. Don’t miss a delightful evening with this engaging speaker! Open House The Winchester Public Library for international residents Saturday, September 23, 2006 between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by the International Connections Committee of the Multicultural Network International residents are invited to find out what kinds of activities are available this fall and to sign up for interest groups including: English conversation, town-wide book discussion (In Those Days in Revere by Roland Merullo), a dining-around group, a movie and discussion group, and a question and answer session on American schools. International Connections Events English Conversation Groups English conversation groups are offered on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings with priority given to Winchester residents. Come to the Open House to sign up. For questions or more information call Liz Sayre at 781-729-9242. Annual Pot Luck Supper Sunday, November 4, 5:30 p.m. Our annual pot luck supper will be held at the First Congregational Church, 21 Church Street. Share food from your country and enjoy a delightful evening. Call Nancy Dahm at 781-729-9387 to sign up or email office@wmcn.org Family Walk in the Fells Saturday morning, October 14, 2006 10:00 a.m. The Middlesex Fells Reservation is a beautiful wooded area with lovely trails. Meet Christa Bennett at the first parking area on South Border Road from Winchester Center and enjoy an hour’s walk. Call Christa at 781-729-7047 for more information and to sign up. Tour of Winchester Center Sunday afternoon, October 1, 2006, 1:00 p.m. Meet in the Jenks Senior Center parking lot, 109 Skillings Rd. (across from the High School) and enjoy an hour-long walk around Winchester Center while you learn about the town, its history and architecture. Call Virginia Klisiewicz at 781-729-7344 for more information or to sign up.

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