COMMACK — CSEA is proud of our diversity, and that is why we celebrate our members’ many cultural backgrounds at the annual International Day Festival.
Members from across the Long Island Region recently gathered at region headquarters for the event to enjoy a fun-filled day of diverse ethnic cuisine and camaraderie.
“It’s important for members to know that CSEA embraces everyone,” said Eileen Moskowitz, chair of the region’s Human Rights Committee, which organized the event. “I’m a lesbian and I was introduced to CSEA’s diversity when I saw a pride flag on a table at an event.”
“When I saw that flag, I felt like in CSEA I can be who I am,” she said. “I want everyone of all races, creeds and cultures to feel that way as well.”
Also part of the festivities was the drawing of 10 recipients of the “Send Your Kid to Camp” scholarship. Each of the recipients received $500 toward summer camp fees. Vendors also sponsored four additional scholarship recipients.
In addition to International Day, the Human Rights Committee also plans the annual Festival of Lights event that celebrates various religious observances during the holiday season.
— Wendi Bowie
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- Human Rights Committee Chair Eileen Moskowitz joins Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte in welcoming the crowd to the event.
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- Flag dancers from Wyandanch Middle School entertain attendees.
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- Local 880 member Michael James, winner of the day’s rib cooking contest, and Long Island Region President, Nick LaMorte.
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- Richard “Ritchie” Acevedo, left, chats with Capital Region President Ron Briggs, who made a special trip to Long Island to enjoy the festivities.
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- Theresa Carroll-Kohutka and Steve Abramson — Wendi Bowie barbecue hot dogs and hamburgers for International Day.
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- Rib cooking contest judges Sandra Lavenziano, Thomas Kropp and Jennifer Colon sample the entries.
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- Phil Abbondondolo Jr. prepares some ribs for Janice Duvall.
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- Ana O’Gorman, right, picks the name of one of the 10 recipients of the region summer camp scholarship as region President Nick LaMorte looks on.
