
Clemi Bushiri, Bezabeh Mendelsohn (sporting a new jacket), and Nana Batumike, proprietor of NanuSka Style.
New Mainer entrepreneurs presented their wares at a well-attended Multicultural Fair hosted by the Welcome, New Mainers outreach program of the Episcopal Church of Saint Mary’s in Falmouth on November 24. The event featured lunch food, sweets, and coffee as well as artisanal products made by immigrants from Bolivia, Ethiopia, Mexico, Rwanda, Columbia, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, and more.
Anne LaFond, member of the Outreach committee and organizer of the fair, described the genesis of the Multicultural Fair: “About two years ago, as a church, we felt it was important to reach out to our “new neighbors” (the immigrant community) to learn more about them and discuss ways through which we at S. Mary’s might help them transition into their new life. We started by hosting several events that would help our parish, town and surrounding communities understand their challenges, their needs, their hopes, and how we could help. After several informational forums with leaders from the immigrant community and a concert with Pihcintu, we decided a Multicultural Fair would not only be a great way to bring people together, but also a way to help entrepreneurial New Mainers build their businesses.”

Women United Around the World

Ebenezer Akakpo of Akakpo Designs and friend.

In Her Presence