Rochester Public Library would like to create a collaborative work that will recognize Rochester’s diversity, celebrate the needlework skills that reflect our different cultures and backgrounds, and promote harmony and awareness among our community. Once completed, the quilt will hang in the library as a commemoration of the skills, talent, and heritage found here in our very own city.

Pick up an instruction packet from the Administration Office (2nd floor) during office hours or contact via phone or email:

Gail Harris (507) 328-2341
Purna Gurung (507) 328-2320

Completed quilt blocks and application form must be returned to the library by December 1 for consideration. A panel of judges will select representative samples.

This quilt will be a community art project that shows there is place for all in the fabric of society.

We are pleased to announce that Terri Allred has accepted a role of Children’s Area Chairperson for the upcoming World Festival. As you know, last year the World Festival was successful in attracting many children to learn about the many diverse cultures that this area has to offer.

Sadiya (Terri Allred) has been an middle eastern dance instructor and owner of Sadiya Belly Dance for the last 5 years. Prior to that, she served as the executive director of several nonprofit organizations focusing on women’s rights in Ohio and North Carolina. She will be opening Rochester International Dance studio in Rochester this fall. Please email her if you are interested in teaching international dances. She performed with her dance group in World Fest last year and is very excited to participate in the planning this year.

Rochester International Association will be one of the arts and cultural organization participants at the first annual ARTigras as sponsored by the Rochester Arts Council.

There will be many activities/food/entertainment for families/kids/adults including a Musical Strollathon Walk. If you wish to participate in the walk to raise money for your favorite local arts or cultural organization (Rochester International Association)…

1. Register. Download the ARTigras brochure and send in the included form along with the fee. Alternatively, you may also register online. Deadline for registration is August 20.
2. Gather pledges (optional but recommended). Download the Pledge Sheet, list the pledge amount, list the cultural organization you wish to give the proceeds (hint. Rochester International Association), and send it in along with the pledge check.
3. Show up on Saturday, August 22. Run times are 10AM-11AM, 11AM-12PM, and 12PM-1PM. Check in, registration and the starting line will be at Soldier’s Field. The finish line and program will be at Government Center. The one-mile route will run along the Zumbro River, with various performances and entertainment along the route.

We will also have a RIA Membership booth setup at Mayo Park during the event. We will have prize drawings for any paid memberships. If you wish to volunteer part of your time at the booth, let Herta know (507-280-8319). We would also like to provide some interesting cultural items for display or for sale. Let us know if any are interested.

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Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki Aug. 1945

• WHERE: East picnic shelter at Silver Lake
• WHEN: Thursday, August 6th, 7pm If heavy rain, Sunday, Aug. 9th
• What: Gather to make lanterns. kits and instructions for making lanterns will be provided.
• 7:45pm: Ceremony and lantern floating at sunset
• SPEAKERS: Mayor Ardell Brede & Richard Van Dellen, M.D.
• MUSIC: Campfire II & Omni Drummers, Molly Kiley reading “Thousand Cranes”

As it enters Hiroshima, the Ohta River splits into six fingers. It was to these waters that tens of thousands fled seeking shelter from the flames of the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. It is here each August that people gather, as they do in Nagasaki three days later, to float lanterns and to remember: never again.

In Rochester we remember those days to remind ourselves of what we are capable of doing. Nuclear weapons are capable of destroying the world’s civilization. We are capable of preventing that destruction. We gather to remind ourselves that the choice is ours.

Download and print the flyer.

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