PICEI group bridging the gap between generations

A few members of Pamoja International Cultural Exchange, Inc. (PICEI), met with New York Governor’s field Agent Ms. Jessica Bassett of Plattsburg on February 28, 2008, to share the history of the organization, recent events and forecasted projects of the future, both short and long term, at the Senior Center in Hogansburg. It was a very informative meeting for Ms. Bassett as many of the past newspaper articles and publications were made available for her to see. The purpose of this meeting was to give the Governor’s office more insight into the wonderful work that PICEI has been doing in the North Country since 1988, in order to fully support their efforts. Present at the meeting was Betty Swamp a recent member who experienced the culture of the people of St. John, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and a variety of cultures aboard ship, which included Senegalese, Spanish, East Indian and many others, along with the PICEI group in August 2007. The Mosaic Family Reunion Cruise Project took place with 64 members signed up for the cultural trip with the theme being, “Bridging the gap between the Elderly and the Youth,” Also present at the meeting were long time members Carl Patterson, Jr., Executive Project Director; Jean Herne, Mohawk Cultural Director; and the Founder and Volunteer CEO Florence Patterson. Betty said she was grateful to be there as she learned even more about the organization from reviewing the many accomplishments and challenges of PICEI’s existence over the past 25 years.

Ms. Bassett was given a copy of the PICEI publication “PICEI CONNECTED” The 25th Anniversary Issue that featured The Mohawk Culture (First Nation) which was shared at “The Gathering” aboard ship with the other cultures in attendance. All of the projects were made possible through the support of these community businesses such as; Bon-Ton, Bear’s Den, CKON, St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, Mohawk Bingo Palace, Akwesasne Museum, Wal-Mart, Pizza-Hut, P&C, Hannaford, Office Max, Yankee Dollars, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, Speedway and the many other local businesses in the area that assisted with the youth and seniors expenses for their trip and community events through monetary and in-kind donations.

The sustainability of the organization is based on community support, not tax dollars. Therefore, it needs volunteers to work on the various committees. All are welcome. Feel free to join them and to call the Project Director at 518 358 4878 and ask for Carl. The youth that attended the workshops, tours and other events should contact the Project director as well, as the 2008 Publication will highlight where and what they are doing today as young adults. Our Alumni youth members who are now young adults express that being involved with PICEI motivated them to travel the world visiting such far reaching places as Thailand, Australia, China, Europe and Africa. This experience has helped to broaden their view of life and possibilities. Many of our young people have a deepened sense of concern for mankind and have gone on to become counselors, teachers and medical doctors. PICEI would like to include Alumni member stories in the next issue of our publication, so if you know someone or you yourself were involved with PICEI get in touch, the deadline is in June 2008.

The organization continues to present interesting and affordable tours that will enrich the lives of many. Each and every event adds to the broadening of cultural understanding and the bringing together of mankind said the founder. Next project scheduled is for this August 2008 to take in the many cultures of New York City. Theme: “HISTORY IN THE MAKING” (Bridging the gap between generations). This trip is projected to include: Museums, Circle Line, Cultural Dining and a Broadway play. The project for 2009 is a trip to Africa. PICEI is available for seminars and workshops throughout the year. Schools and individuals should contact PICEI (518-358-9942/95I7) regarding the Scholarship/ Award program, with this year’s deadline slated for April 5, 2008. Please visit the PICEI Web-Site at http://www.picei.org or write PICEI at its E-mail address culturepiceiorg@yahoo .com