Greater Somerset County YMCA Somerville MLK Event

By Donna Nejad

Chair, Somerville/Bridgewater Y Branch Board

Somerville/Bridgewater & Supports Local Schools in Celebrating Diversity

In observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, Somerville YMCA, a branch Greater Somerset County YMCA, organized a multi-part community service book drive event to promote diversity and inclusion, which culminated in a virtual read aloud and bookmark making project on Monday, Jan. 18.

The idea was originated by three students, Miguel Aguirre, Josie Ricci and Natalie Cicale, each juniors at Somerville HS and Bridgewater HS, respectively. Miguel, Josie and Natalie were instrumental in the planning and promotion of the events, along with two dedicated volunteers from the Y’s Togetherhood Committee – Lisa Denzin and Jessica Dale.

Leading up to the virtual event, Somerville YMCA collected new books from the community celebrating all forms of diversity to donate to Bridgewater and Somerville school districts through an online wish list. A total of 674 books were collected over a five week period.

“Education is the foundation of society, and this drive to provide books that promote diversity and inclusion to the schools in Bridgewater and Somerville is a key part of making our local education system better,” said Lisa Denzin, a Y volunteer. “Being part of this drive has allowed me to see the generosity and commitment of the community to promote a more diverse education for our children.”

The volunteers also assembled bookmark making kits for contactless pickup, which contained supplies needed to decorate bookmarks during the live event. Participants were asked to add inspirational quotes that celebrate diversity. Seventy-eight bookmark kits were picked up from the Y, and 96 completed bookmarks were delivered to the Y to include with the books. In addition to the handmade bookmarks, a community member purchased 140 bookmarks for distribution to the Bridgewater and Somerville Middle and High schools with quotes promoting diversity and civil rights by noted activists including Martin Luther King Jr. The books were delivered to each school district in mid-February.

For the virtual zoom event on Jan. 18, 20 community members attended including twenty children, to listen to three teachers, Lindsay Frevert and Samantha Ackerman from Vanderveer Elementary and Olivia Edelman from Somerville Middle School, read about and discuss Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and teachings.

“MLK Day of Service allowed us to highlight the impact that Martin Luther King, Jr. has had on our country, and what students can do to continue his legacy. It was a great way for the students to immediately apply the importance of giving and doing for others,” Frevert said.

Kate Russo, Branch Executive Director states, ‘the GSCYMCA branches continue to serve our community, embrace diversity and provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.’