Yesterday KMHC tenants were invited to a “Sharing Circle” introduction in the community room. Elizabeth Potskin is the new Cultural Resource worker for UNH’s. My plan was to be a fly on the wall and listen. Even though I and fellow tenant Joanie arrived late we were still included in the native smudge ritual. During the presentation Elizabeth came up with some interesting and fun ideas for the tenant elders to participate and she’s very knowledgeable in native traditions. From native arts & crafts to physical activity the young lady knows her stuff. I could see the tenant elders took a liking to her. I was impressed with her confidence, likeable personality and humor, I wish her well in her new job position. :)
It’s unlikely I’ll attend many of her programs due to an active lifestyle and involved in other community activities in Hamilton plus tenant Dean is most annoying person at KMHC programs to the
level of village idiot. I smirked when
tenant Dave told Dean to stop interrupting while he spoke during the introductions. Whenever
Dean’s tectonic plate in his head begins to shift I assume he sees the world upside-down. :D
I finally had the opportunity to chat on a social level with
new tenant Bernadina she’s my next door neighbor. What a delight she is in conversation and
laughs. :)
Honorable mention goes to tenants who attended the
presentation – Robby the Robot, Gladys Kravitz, Super Dave, Salty Sandy, Linda
Loveless, Uncle Albert and last but not least Joan of Arc. :)
Now for the critique – Traditionally when Native organizations
in the city have a presentation or a meeting they first offer food and
refreshments to their guests/tenants then move on to business. UNH’s use to do it but yesterday I notice it
changed, staff lay out wrapped snack
platters and sealed refreshments on the table and tenants are not invited to
eat until after the presentation. Meanwhile lets look at the hungry native elders staring at the food it’s only been two hours. :P I find it interesting HOW Lynda Jones never
made an appearance at the community room and when cabinets and drawers needed
to be open she sent the administration staff in with the keys. Here’s the big question…why is she here! Come on UNH’s board members it’s time to
vote.
Other news! A big “Thumbs
up” to the tenant ladies who tirelessly cooked a feast in honor and memory of
those who passed on to the other side. Tenants
and UNH’s staff were included to a plate of cabbage rolls, mashed potatoes, roast
beef and veggies all cooked to perfection. Personally it’s a shame the ladies were not
allowed/invited to use the community room to distribute the food. It would have been icing on the cake if we
sat together as a group, enjoy the feast and speak fondly of the tenants who left this
world.
Tk
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