PICEI 2020 Update to the Community

 


Submitted by Florence Patterson

PICEI was among the first to introduce a free Summer Outdoor Program from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm to this community. This program covered many areas of interest. There were: cosmetology taught by Inez Cook and her family for the children, modeling by the late Antoine Domino, which involved all ages which built self-esteem. We taught culinary art which the students ate dinner when in that class. Many of our children looked forward to that since some did not have dinner as soon as they got home. Chrysetta Patterson taught photography and gave a camera to each of the children. This was their first introduction to that art. Nina of Madrid, New York, taught dance. Diversity of culture was my job which I felt was very important to have them learn and respect other cultures. We had a Japanese person from the same area to teach Origami. They were all volunteers then and we do not have any paid staff to this very day. However, we do have fundraisers in order to pay for their transportation and food.


There were so many workshops for the children to have them have pride in their culture, no matter what the culture; whether it is Mohawk, Irish, Spanish, African, etc. We found out that travel was another way for people to appreciate and to have respect for other cultures.

As a group, we traveled to so many countries, too many to mention all at this time. They included at least four continents and islands from around the world. One of our first trips was to the United Nations with students and teachers from Salmon River Central Schools and Parishville-Hopkinton schools.


PICEI also continues to bring people together with our community events, which we truly feel that when we come together and break bread together “Fear of the Other” reduces.

In my opinion, we must not stop providing these services. Unfortunately, our Executive Project and Program Director is unable to serve in his capacity as a result of not following the law of the land.

When a person is 60 years old, they do NOT have to listen to their mothers or any family, not even his caring daughter, sister, aunt, or other family members and dear friends who help raise them by law.

Personally, I truly believe those that feel they must disobey the law must get help with their rationalization of society norms, especially if they have had mental issues in their past.

By no means do I think of myself as perfect, but in my entire life, I have never ever dreamed of doing anything that would bring pain to my family, friends and those who love me as my son has done to me. I say all of this so that hopefully this may awaken young and old to think about others when doing things for those who may be in high places, not willing to take the risk themselves. I remember telling my son before, if anyone threatened to kill me if he did not commit a crime, to tell that person to go ahead and kill me, “for I am ready to die”, because such pain to the very people who love you is not worth it.

I’ve never smoked anything, drank, or took drugs of any kind that were illegal. I really hate the medicine for the diabetes that incurred when returning from the PEACE CORPS in 2004 where the food was pure and natural for four years in a so-called 3rd world country. The food here at home contributed to my illness. I tried to share this information upon my return with those at the Peace Corps at that time, but those in charge blocked my radio interviews among other things, so that the truth did not reach the public. On my return I did write an article for my local newspaper as requested by the Peace Corps homecoming article, but they used an article from another Peace Corp volunteer from Vermont instead.

I believe even locally, here in Massena, those that did not want to see diversity come about in this area, sabotaged a PICEI event and for the Mohawk Nation to thrive years ago, and today. This very nation provides jobs for many in the area. (Let me be clear this was not done by Supervisor Hazelton, as a matter of fact he was very supportive of the event and participated). I believe a reporter might have been reassigned or worse, lost her job for her excellent reporting.

You may be wondering why I am telling you all of this at this time. It is to let you understand that life is not always fair, but you must not ever let it cause you to do things that are wrong. For those who fall into the trap set for you by those who profit off of your mistakes are in a sense laughing at you because they think you will feel dishonored or that you need extra money. I want all of you to know, it is better to allow our Creator to provide our needs. You may not have the biggest car, etc. but you will survive, and your family and friends will love you for it. The pain caused by your poor judgment that we go thru will cease to be. “PLEASE BELIEVE, HAVE FAITH.”

On the brighter side, let me share with you the fact that our latest “PICEI Connection” publication Vol. 2 Issue 2 (2018-2019) has been being distributed since October 2019. If you have not received your copy or supply, please call the office at 1 866 660 5116, or leave a message on the PICEI website http://www.picei.org

This latest issue has not yet been placed on our home page, but we are hoping that it will soon be done. In the meantime, you can still download the prior 3 issues for free, located on the home page. And, if you shop on Amazon, you can support us by simply clicking on their Logo to get to their official website with no additional cost to you.

Remember that you are free to submit your articles, recipes, poems and other cultural information for possible print. PICEI is a charitable organization and so, our house is in order.

 

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