Diversity Day comes to the Square on Sunday
WOODSTOCK – Diversity Day comes to the Woodstock Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The free event is organized by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock and is open to the public. The 13th annual festival is entitled “We’re in this together.”
“The tough economic times have taken a devastating toll on our community and nation while the world remains in turmoil,” festival Executive Director Patrick Murfin stated in a press release. “Sometimes fear and anxiety cause groups to turn on each other and bigots to seek to exploit those fears. But in times like these we need each other more than ever.”
Murfin said the festival is meant to rally the community regardless of race, religion, national origin, language, gender, sexual orientation, age or ability.
The festival will feature live entertainment and inspiring messages. The musical acts include “The Frothy Boys,” a cappella ensemble, singer and guitarist Pierre Berube, pianist Matt Chopin, the Bolivian folk dancing of Corazon Boliviano Grupo de Danza Folkloria, and folk music by Keith Johnson and Judy Matzen.
Also in attendance will be McHenry County story teller Jim May.
Co-hosting the festival with Murfin will be Gloria Urch. Some of the featured speakers at the festival will be Joe Blanco, coordinator of the Woodstock PADS site, Suzanne Hoban of the Family Health Partnership Clinic and Julie Biel-Claussen of the McHenry County Housing Authority.
The annual Peace and Justice Award also will be presented during the festical to Thomas Dincecco, the coordinator of the Direct Assistance Program of the Woodstock Community Ministry.
Carlos Acosta of the McHenry County Latino Coalition will present this year’s recipients of the organization’s scholarships, sponsored by State Farm Insurance. The festival also will include table displays from various organizations, government agencies and businesses.
– Northwest Herald
