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After several-year hiatus, Schoolcraft College

bringing back Multicultural Fair March 28

A beloved tradition at Schoolcraft College is making a comeback this month after a multi-year break.

The 19th Annual Multicultural Fair is set to take place on March 28 at the newly refurbished Vistatech Center. This global festivity, marking its in-person return since 2019, will showcase cultural exhibits from numerous countries, along with demonstrations, diverse cuisines, and much more.

The Multicultural Fair, which celebrates the diverse cultures represented at Schoolcraft College, offers a unique opportunity to experience the world without leaving the campus. The event consistently draws thousands of attendees, ranging from students to members of the community. 

"The return of the Multicultural Fair is highly anticipated. The excitement it adds to the Vistatech Center each year has been greatly missed," expressed Dr. Anna Maheshwari, a member of the Fair's planning committee and Chair of the College’s English Department. "It's an excellent opportunity to explore a variety of global cultures, including their food, traditions, and customs."

The fair will feature booths from countries like Albania, India, Peru, Turkey, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additionally, organizations such as the Arab American National Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will provide informational tables. A 'passport' will be available for visitors to get stamped as they visit different country tables.

The event will showcase performances from mariachi bands, Filipino dancers, and the Marcus Garvey Academy African Drum & Dance Ensemble, among others.

The brand-new Collaborative Learning Studio at Schoolcraft College will host a series of international food demonstrations. The college's award-winning culinary arts student Sous Chefs, including Mia Johnson pictured here, will present a variety of dishes from across the world, such as those from South America, Greece, Korea, and the Philippines.

The Fair is organized by the Schoolcraft College International Institute and the Student Activities Office, with substantial support from the Liberal Arts and Science Office and the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

This event is complimentary and open to all. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 28 in the DiPonio Room of the esteemed Vistatech Center. Additional details are available on the International Institute's website at schoolcraft.edu/international-institute.. 

On the Road Again-the typewriter is heading south

Berea Kentucky, Canton, Decatur, Stone Mountain Georgia

With a new car, a full tank, maps at the ready, and Sirius XM channels queued up with classic rock, folk, and MSNBC, I'm all set. Don't forget the apothecary jar. Time to hit the road again.

My first stop is Berea, Kentucky, home of Berea College, which features a restaurant that's a bit of a splurge. However, I'm attracted to this school that has tackled the issue of student debt for economically disadvantaged families by offering tuition-free education for almost 130 years.

Then, it's off to Canton, Georgia, where I'll spend a day and a half to accompany the bodyguard for a family reunion with her sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and nieces.

Next, I'll head to Decatur, where I attended Claremont Elementary for my first five years of education, the same school once attended by Livonia Mayor Jack Kirksey. I plan to spend a day downtown, savoring the ambiance of an outdoor cafe, engrossed in reading, writing, and observing the passersby. This is set to be the pinnacle of my trip.

I'll make my way to the First United Methodist Church, the first church I remember. Afterward, I'll stop by the house where we lived before relocating to Livonia. On that street, I discovered that Canada is south of the United States, hockey reigns supreme, and the novel white substance called snow would become a familiar sight. Before our move to Livonia, I had never encountered snow.

Once the nostalgia fades, Stone Mountain is merely a brief drive away, now with a $20 park entry fee. In the past when living in Georgia in the 1950's, a visit to the mountain was a simple affair: free parking in a gravel lot and a lone shack offering souvenirs.

Stone Mountain, made up of quartz monzonite, granite, and granodiorite, stretches more than 5 miles around at its base. Visitors can ascend to the summit via a walking trail or the Skyride aerial tram.

Indeed, stopping for a hotdog at The Varsity in downtown Atlanta on the way back to Canton is essential. The warm greeting of "What’ll ya have… What’ll ya have?" awaits as you approach the counter. Yet, this is merely the beginning of The Varsity's allure. A dining experience that's quicker, fresher, or more delightful is hard to find elsewhere! An Atlanta icon since 1928, The Varsity proudly claims the title of The World's Largest Drive-in Restaurant.

After savoring this experience, it's a return to Canton for Easter dinner, then a day of relaxation before embarking on the road once more.

More of the community joins in with March as Reading Month. Readers range from elected to business leaders

Reading month continues as after all March is designated reading month. This past week Botsford Elementary School hosted Veronica Cruz, Director of Livonia Kids & Family, and Chuck Dardas of AlphaUSA as they read to 70 students.

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

The typewriter is not available for phone calls or emails Saturday and Sunday. Mental health and rehabilitation time. Out and about enjoying life.

What motivates FridayMusings:

We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.