COMMACK — CSEA’s diversity is one of its greatest assets. We pride ourselves in our ability to be all inclusive, which is why the Long Island Region holds our annual Festivals of Light ceremony.
Our region’s Human Rights Committee works very hard to create a program for the event that includes all of the religious and cultural observances that take place during the holiday season. The hope is that members develop a better understanding of each other’s customs.
Eileen Moskowitz tells the story of Hanukkah before she lights the menorah.
As always, there were special presentations about Christmas, Hanukkah, Islam and Kwanzaa as well as dance and musical performances.
This year, the Festivals of Light ceremony fell on the first day of Hanukkah. To commemorate the occasion, Human Rights Committee Chair Eileen Moskowitz lit the first candle on the menorah.
The committee’s next big event will be the International Day, which usually takes place at the end of the summer. It is a great way for attendees to further celebrate the cultural differences of our membership.
— Wendi Bowie
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- Retiree member Mary Ledger plays a holiday song on her accordion, to the delight of Kiaira Spriggs.
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- Emcee Kelly Brown introduces the next presenter.
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- Guest presenter Summan Gullo gives a moving presentation on Muslim holiday traditions.
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- Guest Dr. Pamela Robinson explains what the colors of the Kwanzaa candles represent.
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- Eileen Moskowitz tells the story of Hanukkah before she lights the menorah.
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- Deborah McMaster enjoys listening to “The Story of Hanukkah” presentation.
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- Guest Sterling “Sax” Bailey serenades Suffolk Retiree Local members Hattie B. Sims, Margie Mitchell and Katie Magee.
