Neighborhood news: A celebration of cultural awareness

It was color, food, music and dancing when Bristow's Victory Elementary held its second annual heritage night, an evening celebrating the cultures of the children at Victory.

"I believe that it is necessary that our children learn to appreciate, respect and love their roots in order for them not to lose their identity," said Yenori Edwards, the event coordinator. "This will enable them to stand assured that wherever they go, they should not be ashamed of who they are."

But Edwards also said, "They must learn that just as they'd love to be respected and accepted by society, they should also respect their fellow men and women and interact with everyone despite their physical appearance, accent or their roots. Otherwise, the world will continue to be in total chaos due to intolerance."

Maria Daza, mother of fifth-grader Alyssa, said heritage night "was a good thing for her to do in her last year here ... to remember Victory."

Daza is from Peru and her husband is from Bolivia. Their table represented both cultures.

In traditional dress, representing Pakistan and painting students' palms with henna were Sumaiora Saleem and Munazza Shah. Saleem's children are Hira and Saad; Shah's child is Talha. The children were among those who sang a Muslim prayer.

Other countries represented through food, dress and cultural displays were Hong Kong, China, Ecuador, Scotland, Korea, India, Palestine and Laos.

The event included a presentation on Costa Rica, voted "the happiest country" in 2009.

Representatives from the Bolivian and Jamaican embassies also attended.

Dances included those celebrating China and Bolivia. In addition, Principal Donna Cude, Vice Principal Sue Gross and faculty and staff represented the United States with a line dance. They called their group "The Westie Stompers."

"There is so much I could say about the participants, but it would not be fair not to mention every single one," Edwards said.

Although many talk about the person who organizes an event, without the rest at Edwards' side, the evening would not have been a success. "I would not have been able to pull it off without the support of administration, staff and parents," Edwards said.

Greenwich Presbyterian celebrates the season

Greenwich Presbyterian Church, 5305 Vint Hill Road, Nokesville, has some festive holiday programs scheduled for December.

The Chancel and Handbell Choirs will play Sunday at the 8:15 and 11 a.m. services.

On Dec. 20 at the 11 a.m. service, celebrate with the "Children of Faith Village" play.

The Woodbridge Flute Choir will give an annual holiday concert Dec.19 to benefit Farthest Corners, a non-profit organization based in Nokesville and operating in Thailand.

Admission to the concert is free, but an offering will be taken for Farthest Corners to purchase medical kits, rice and other necessities for groups in Burma and in refugee camps along the Thai/Burma border.

More information about Farthest Corners can be found at www.farthestcorners.org.

Katherine Gotthardt reports your neighborhood news from the Nokesville, Bristow and Brentsville areas every Friday in the News & Messenger. If you have news about birthdays, your family, your club or your HOA activities, please send it to Katherine at kgotthardt @comcast.net.