Diversity Celebration Plans Expand For Chatham, Madison

CHATHAM, NJ - Multi-cultural musical and dance performances, poetry readings, a martial arts demonstration and speeches and remarks from various community representatives, are planned to make up the Diversity Celebration on Wednesday starting at 6 p.m., jointly-hosted by The Chathams and Madison.

The celebration will be on the Lum Lawn next to the Chatham Train Station’s south parking lot. People who are going to attend can also park at the ECLC School.

“We’re beginning to emerge from a uniquely tough time in our lives,” said Irene Treloar, one of the event organizers and Chatham Borough Council Member.

Treloar said the event is intended to “bring joy to our residents,” after so many watched the economy and their social and emotional well-being become so fragile in the midst of the pandemic.

“We saw our differences being treated with distrust,” Treloar continued. “The Chathams and Madison were not immune from the pandemic hardships, but we are strong and we remain resilient and that calls for a celebration.”

“At the same time, we hope this event serves as a reminder that American culture is an amalgam of many different cultures and it enriches us,” Treloar said, adding the country’s motto, “E Pluribus Unum.”

Attendees are asked to bring their own bottles of water and lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, plus can wear “traditional clothing” to the event.

Anyone planning to go should stay tuned to Chatham Borough’s website at www.chathamborough.org, in the event of rain, where there will be an alternate indoor location. All attendees will need to wear masks if the event becomes an indoor one.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at jennifer.miller@patch.com.