celebratingour 2 0 thyear - The Parklander Magazine

By Jack BloomfieldAll People’s DayWhen it comes to holiday celebrations, the list we currentlyparticipate in is quite extensive. We celebrate St. Patrick’s Dayand Valentine’s Day, and many major religious holidays thatinclude Christmas, Easter, Hanukkah and Ramadan. Wecelebrate a holiday in honor of the birth of the U.S.A on the fourth of Julywith fireworks displays that often take our breath away. In each holidaycelebration, there is one thing missing. Someone is usually left out. Not onpurpose. It’s just because the occasion doesn’t fit.Of course, not everyone is Irish (St. Patrick’s Day) or in a love relationship(Valentine’s Day). Some folks don’t practice a particular religion or are notpatriots or even Americans for that matter. But all people on the planetshare two things in common: that everyone can celebrate and that we areall human beings. What if there was a holiday honoring all people whereno one could be excluded?Well, it’s not official yet, but we are getting closer. Actually, it is official forthose who attended the recent All People’s Day Diversity Festival in DelrayBeach. In attendance were more than 300 people representing all ages, assortedcultures, races and religions.The event was held to provide creative and funavenues of understanding and connections among the many ethnic and issuebased groups in South Florida. Festival exhibitors provided workshops,entertainment, display information, cultural craft making and ethnic foods.The festival is the brainchild of a woman who, a few years ago, beganlobbying for All People’s Day to become a national holiday. Her name isSusan Berkowitz–Schwartz, and she says she won’t quit until she sees herdream come true. Susan created the All People’s Day holiday inspired byher own feelings of being different. While developing the traditionsthrough the creative process, she came to appreciate the universal qualitiesat our core and the differences that help make us individuals. Creativitybridged the gap for Susan. She became a master’s level, board-certified,creative arts therapist and licensed professional counselor helping others touse the arts to connect, discover, and heal. All People’s Day helped her toexpress her values, and it expanded from a personal annual event toembrace many individuals and organizations. She has presented the AllPeople’s Day program in more than 50 towns with a variety of differentcultural mixes. A chapter about Susan’s work was published in the book ArtTherapy & Social Action. Her goal is for the ideals of All People’s Day tospread through a national holiday.I have truly embraced one of Susan’s favorite sayings and I believe the fewsimple words contained in the phrase could help us all come to a higherconsciousness when it comes to interacting with others. She is oftenheard saying, “We are all made from the same stuff.” Let us rememberthese profound words as we continue to help bring Susan’s dream intoreality. Peace out.ParklandChamber of CommerceAt its March meeting, the Parkland Chamber of Commerce presented checks to the Parkland public schoolsrepresenting the proceeds from the annual Taste of Parkland. Throughout the year, the PCC plans numeroussocial and business get-togethers. Its members network in a relaxed environment, and socialize with friends,neighbors and local politicians. Meeting times are the first Thursday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. andthe third Thursday from 7:30-9:00 a.m. The meeting locations vary from month to month, so please visit theChamber’s website: www.parklandchamber.com. If you would like to sponsor a meeting or make use of atable top display, please telephone the Chamber’s Executive Assistant Dana Josephson at 954-340-0005.54 MAY 2010