strong welcome Although some farmworkers are not feeling so welcomed, after shots were fired at them on a farm in Orleans County recently, the hospitality of the Brockport community sent a very different message. One farmworker, who arrived in the area for the first time last week, summed up his Bienvenida experience by saying, "I never expected to find anyone who even cared that I am here, but here was the whole community greeting us." Smiling faces, polite nods, handshaking and hugs prevailed as the greater Brockport community welcomed migrant farmworkers at the 23rd annual Bienvenida, sponsored by the Brockport Ecumenical Outreach Committee, on Sunday, June 22. Over 600 people participated in the day's events that began with a bilingual Mass at Nativity Church. At the Mass, Brockport Mayor Josephine Matela and Austin Warner III, Hamlin town supervisor, greeted the farmworkers, recognizing their contributions to our economy. Brockport Police Chief Daniel Varrenti's words of welcome in Spanish, and "police badges" for the children, were also well received. The newly formed covenant between Rural & Migrant Ministry and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, enhancing both in fulfilling their mission to assist farmworkers, was also honored during the service. Rev. Laurence Tracy was the celebrant and Rev. Enyan-Boader, rector of Nativity, provided a welcome. Rev. S. Thevanesan of the United Methodist, also participated in the service. In a show of hospitality, community residents lined the sidewalk and enthusiastically clapped, as farmworkers and friends led by members of Corazon Mexicano, in representative garb, led the procession into the First Baptist Church for a traditional Mexican meal. Rosa Rivera, a former farmworker, prepared the meal with the help of many women from area churches. Meal preparations began on Saturday and started again on Sunday, hours before the over 375 guests arrived. A couple of long-time area residents, but both originally from South America, declared the meal the best Mexican food they had had in years. "It was more authentic and tastier than the one we paid $80 for two weeks ago," declared the husband. Rev. Joy Bergfalk, York Baptist Church, provided a musical background at the dinner with guitar and singing. Reverends Ken McCarthy and Jimmy Reader, of the First Baptist and First Presbyterian of Brockport, respectively, were also on hand to make all feel welcome. A traditional breaking of the piñatas, created by the Nativity youth group under the direction of Sherri Bryant, began the day's dance segment held at SUNY Brockport. Supervised activities, with materials donated from the community, were offered for all of the children while their parents enjoyed dancing to the music of El Grupo Diamente. Also performing at the dance were the Rosario family dance group, Alma Latina, from Albion. More than 100 community volunteers participated and contributed their skills, time and presence to making the Bienvenida such a success. Participating churches from Brockport were First Baptist, First Presbyterian, Newman Catholic Center, St. Luke's Episcopal and United Methodist. Organizations providing volunteers were Boy Scout Troop 86, under the leadership of Gary and Annita Mault, Lynn Gardner, and Steve Locke, Oak Orchard Community Health Center, Rural and Migrant Ministry and University of Rochester students under the direction of James Witulski. Local businesses donating to the celebration were Brockport Burger King, Lorenzo's Mexican Store, Ryan's Big M, and Wegman's. Donations were also provided by Martin Farms and Lamont Farms. |
