“Isaacs UN” Brings Members, Staff Together to Share Cultures
“Donde comen dos, comen tres,” is a popular saying in Mexico that translates to: “Where two can eat, so can three.” Mexico Day, this month’s installment of the “Isaacs UN” series, began with that sentiment as staff handed out Pulparindos tamarind candy and laid out the colors of the Mexican flag everywhere in the dining hall of the Older Adult Center.
Staffers Michelle Lorenzo and Karina Tlatenchi, both from the Mexican state of Puebla, hosted the event. They gave a quick presentation about Mexico, from its wide-ranging climates, to its history, cultures, and food. “I didn’t know that” was murmured by both members and staff alike as they learned things about our neighboring country, like the story of Mexican Independence Day (September 16th), and the traditions around Dia De Muertos, the Day of the Dead.
As one legendary taqueria in Tamaulipas has painted on its wall: “If you’re eating, eat happy.” Tamales and Jamaica water were served while attendees packed the room for a game of Loteria. Members who were used to Bingo learned that Loteria went by the same rules, but at a much more colorful rhythm. When Loteria cards ran low, participants eagerly shared theirs, because where one plays, two can play too.
Almost five months since its inception, Isaacs UN is going strong. The series was inspired by a Lunar New Year event hosted by NORC Program Manager Vincent Cheng, where attendees learned about Chinese culture and practiced calligraphy while enjoying dumplings. Members began to ask about more events that taught them about other cultures, and the Isaacs Center quickly realized that they had the staff to properly do so. Since then, they’ve had a Passover dinner teaching Judaism, learned about Korean culture over kimchi, and made masks while sharing arroz con pollo from Puerto Rico. Every event is hosted by staff eager to share their cultures.
New York is not the capital of the world because of what happens here, it is the capital of the world because of who comes here. And Goddard Riverside, in the settlement houses tradition, is a place where people from all over the world work, learn and have fun together, knowing that there is no wrong door, and there is always room for one more.