Ethnic Cleveland eNews
November 15, 2022
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Kasturi Kannada Cultural Association Deepavali |
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Kasturi Kannada Cultural Association is a non-profit, social, linguistic and cultural non-profit organization established to integrate, coordinate, network and unite the activities of all Kannadigas, to preserve and promote the Kannada language and culture in Northeast Ohio; celebrate, experience and enjoy authentic cuisine from various parts of Karnataka.
Karnataka is in the southwestern region of India. You may not know about this state but I am sure you have heard of its capital and largest city – Bangalore.
They hosted a Deepavali celebration in Strongsville last Saturday that attracted over 500 people. I was very honored to be invited as the Special Guest. From what I understand, the fundamental distinction between Deepavali and Diwali is that Diwali is primarily observed in northern India, while Deepavali is observed in southern India.
Deepa Rao (3rd from right above) is the current president of the KKCA. She is also a terrific Indian Ambassador to ClevelandPeople.com. She and her husband Arun Rao, who is also on the Executive Committee explained that the group was founded in 1984 and they meet to celebrate the three major festivals of Karnataka namely Ugadi, to welcome the New Year, Ganesha Pooje, to pray the Lord of learning and Deepavali the festival of lights. They also have an annual picnic.
It was a fun, very colorful event with dancing, singing, cultural performances, health resources and more. And the delicious food! My lunch mates asked if it was too spicy for me. I replied “no” as I wiped my brow.
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No, I didn’t misspell the name of Canada, our neighbor to the north.
Kannada is a language spoken predominantly by the people from Karnataka. I was surprised to hear from Dr. Naveen Uli who said that while some think of the Indian diaspora as monolithic, in reality it is very diverse linguistically and, of course, in other ways. He said that there are dialects of his own home language spoken in Karnataka that even he cannot understand.
He said that Hindi serves as the Lingua Franca of India but even Indian currency has 15 other languages listed. Watch the video.
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It was impressive to hear from students and teachers of Kasturi Kannada Shaale, a Kannada Language School in Cleveland. There are more than 45 students and 16 volunteers (teachers) teaching kids the Kannada Language.
You can watch the video below of the students and teachers in colorful garb at the celebration but be aware it is in Kannada. Sometimes I can get the gist of a conversation or at least pull out some words when attending an event not in English but I was lost listening to the Kannada presentations.
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The Tiger and the Cows – Punya Koti
I didn’t need to understand Kannada to follow this performance by children based on a celebrated folk tale of Karnataka. A mother cow, Punya Koti, is confronted by a tiger in the woods who is going to eat her. She tells the tiger that she has to feed her calf and promises to return to him after she feeds her. The tiger doesn’t believe she will return but lets her go.
The mother cow feeds her calf and then goes back to the tiger as she promised. The tiger is very surprised and appreciates her motherly actions and realizes that God will never forgive him if he eats this honest soul so he lets her go. The tiger bows down to all 3 gods, jumps up high in the air, falls flat on the ground and dies. Children are told this tale to teach truth, honesty and keeping promises. The kids are very cute in their costumes.
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South Asian Cardiac and other Disease
At the Deepavali event there were also informational resources including Cleveland Clinic doctors doing health tests. It was interesting to learn of the prevalence of diabetes and heart disease among the South Asian population considering the perception of the Indian diet being more healthy than Western diets.
We were fortunate to speak with two renowned cardiologists who explained this. Dr. Aravinda Nanjundappa is a cardiology specialist at Cleveland Clinic's main campus. He said that despite the seemingly healthier diet, the Indian population actually suffers from heart disease earlier in life than Caucasians. In addition, life expectancy is lower for this group. Dr. Nanjundappa gives his recommendations (for us all) to get and stay healthy.
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We then spoke to another interventional cardiologist, Dr. Deepakraj Gajanana. He said that when he sees the disease burden of someone he wishes the patient could go back in time 5-10 years and make lifestyle changes so they would not be on his table.
He said that people from India, Pakistan, China, Nepal, etc. generally have smaller size of arteries which leads to problems.
While geared toward the South Asian population, the doctors’ advice is important for us all. Pass the salad please!
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Fun with Maps – Greenland
We don’t have a Greenland section on ClevelandPeople.com because of the 120 or so ethnic groups represented in Cleveland I have yet to meet someone from Greenland, let alone a community. It’s the largest island in the world and fairly close to us but sparsely populated. The story of the name is classic. Legend has it that Erik the Red named the ice covered land Greenland and the green covered land Iceland to attract settlers to Greenland and dissuade them from coming to Iceland.
In this episode of Fun with Maps we look at that story about naming the largest island in the world, Greenland. (Isn’t Australia bigger? Watch and find out). Many are surprised that Greenland is part of North America and part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland is 80% covered with ice and has historically, and currently, been affected by changes to the climate.
Did you know that after the US bought Alaska from Russia in the 1860’s, Secretary of State William Seward tried to buy Greenland and Iceland? Congress voted it down. Other attempts by the US to buy Greenland have also been rejected. It’s a fascinating map. Watch below.
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12 Laws of Peace
Lenape Nation Chief Quiet Wolf
To continue the celebration of Native American Heritage Month, we share this video we did years ago with Chief Quiet Wolf from the United Eastern Lenape Nation.
Chief Quiet Wolf explained the drum they use and the 12 Laws of Peace inscribed on the drum. The laws are Respect, Harmony, Patience, Honor, Courage, Oneness and so on and each has a negative attribute counterpart (such as impatience) to be used as a teaching tool. Some great wisdom.
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Cleveland Hungarian Museum Collection Online |
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The ongoing project is two years in the making. After acquiring software and hardware, the long process of systematically photographing, measuring, and describing every single item began.
When two-thirds of the cataloging was done, about 1,000 items,
it was time to create the online database.
Fast Forward to Today and they report “We are excited to share, in digital format, over 700 items to date, making our Museum collections accessible to anyone, anywhere!” Items include Paintings of idyllic Hungarian life and intricate scenes of Budapest; thumb sized dolls in folk costumes; a richly embroidered Matyo apron and the photo of the man wearing it while a Quaker missionary in Hungary in 1947; carved cooking utensils; spurs made in the 1930s by a Hungarian to go with his harvest festival costume.... just to name a few.
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With the Thanksgiving holiday next week there are not a lot of ethnic events scheduled. So we will probably skip next week’s eNews unless new items appear. You can always get the latest information (with links) on the Calendar of Events. (Image below is "The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth" (1914) By Jennie A. Brownscombe)
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FACC Beaujolais Nouveau
Thursday November 17
6 - 9 PM
Seven Hills Rec Center
7777 Summit View Dr.
Join the millions of people worldwide who celebrate the global release of the Beaujolais Nouveau (or "Bojo") wine each year on the third Thursday of November. This year, "Bojo 2022" will take place on Thursday, November 17th, and we would like you to join us at Seven Hills Rec Center at 6 pm for some food, wine, and fun. As you tour the various culinary treats, please visit the display of the French Garden project and meet architects Jayme Schwartzburg and Richard Levitz.
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Czech Apricot, Nut, or Poppy Seed rolls
Thursday November 17
DTJ Taborville
The corner of Quinn and Bartholomew in Auburn Township.
Apricot, Nut, or Poppy Seed rolls for sale. DTJ Bakers will be selling these rolls again by order only. Cost is $12.00 each. Orders must be in by November 17th and can be picked up November 20th. Call 440-543-8494 to place orders and more information about D.T.J. Events call (440) 543-8494
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Pat and Norm Hanson
Friday November 18
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Mom, November 18 is one year since you left us for Heaven. This Thanksgiving will be 30 years since Dad passed. Have a great celebration with all the family up there and know how much we miss you both.
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British American Chamber of Commerce
Friday November 18
11:30 - 1:30
The Aviator, next to Cleveland Hopkins Airport
The BACC's Link Club Luncheon's provide a great opportunity to connect with the international business community here in Ohio. Our events allow both our members and their guests to meet new friends and colleagues whilst sharing knowledge, perspectives, and opportunities both here and abroad.
This event is open to both members & non-members of the BACC and the British-American Business Council Network. This Friday we welcome John Hogan, Deputy Chief of Cleveland Airports.
What potential does the new international direct route between Cleveland and Dublin have to offer you and your business? Come and find out and learn more how this superb new route starting in May of 2023 will strengthen ties, build business, and benefit our local economy.
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Hungarian Nut Roll Sale
Friday November 18
St Emeric Church
1851 West 23rd. St
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11th Annual Lebanon Day in Cleveland
Friday November 18
6 - 9 PM
Cleveland City Hall Rotunda.
This is always a fun and festive event. With great people and great food! Look for a special announcement to be made at the event.
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Music at the Cozad Bates House |
Saturday November 19
Noon – 4
Cozad Bates House
11508 Mayfield Road, Cleveland
Linda Harris and David Cole are visiting from the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center in Cambridge, Maryland. They are both musicians playing the banjo and singing songs relating to the Underground Railroad. They will perform at the house that day.
In Maryland Linda Harris leads tours following Harriet Tubman's known routes, when she led freedom seekers to safety.
The Cozad Bates House will be open as they are each Saturday, with free tours. Each Saturday at the historic Cozad Bates House volunteers from Restore Cleveland Hope guide visitors through the colorful and inspiring local history of the UGRR.
This is a history that was mostly lost because of the secrecy needed to protect the freedom seekers and those who took the risk to help them. RCH continues to do research and is reclaiming the stories of the heroism and bravery of the participants in the UGRR as they made their way to HOPE --the code name for Cleveland.
The mural pictured above is on the outside of the building in Cambridge Maryland which houses the Harriet Tubman Museum.
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Irish Dreams of Freedom
Saturday November 19
7:30 PM
IACES
22770 Lake Shore Blvd, Euclid
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Ukrainian Poetic Cinema
Sunday November 20
2 PM
Lakewood Public Library
15425 Detroit Ave.
Part of the Dear Ukraine series. The Lakewood Public Library has some great events.
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Teatime for Peace
1:30 PM
Southwest Unitarian Universalist Church
6320 Royalton Rd.North Royalton
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Treasures of Hungarian Drama
Friday November 25
7 PM
Crowne Plaza Cleveland Airport
7230 Engle Rd.
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58th Thanksgiving Polka Weekend
November 25-27
Holiday Inn Cleveland South
Rockside Road, Independence.
The Polka Hall of Fame Awards Show returns in 2022 to pay tribute to well-known polka achievers with three days of dancing and a gala, big-band stage show. Hosted by the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame, the country’s only polka museum, the Awards Show is the highlight of the 58th Thanksgiving Polka Weekend.
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The Polka Music Awards spectacular is a grand salute to the newest names entering the Polka Hall of Fame. Enjoy three days of music and dancing with top Cleveland-Style and Slovenian polka bands and performers. Featured entertainers include Grammy-winners Walter Ostanek and Joey Miskulin, plus Hall of Famers Del Sinchak and Jeff and John Pecon, along with Garrett Tatano (pictured above), Bob Zolka, Klancnik and Friends, and Linda Lee Brown.
Highlights include the Polka Mass with Kathy Hlad, a hop down memory lane with the Vadnal polka family, and the Button Box Jam Session. More jamming goes into the wee hours. For details, contact the Polka Hall of Fame at (216) 261-3263 or PolkaShop@aol.com.
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Cleveland Polka Association Turkey Trot Dance
Saturday November 26
5 - 10 PM
Holy Spirit Party Center
5500 West 54th Street Parma.
Cleveland Polka Association Toys-For-Tots/Turkey Trot Dance. Music by Polka Family from PA. If possible please bring a new unwrapped toy for Toy-For-Tots ~ the Marines will be there to collect all the donations! Donation $15.00, 18 yrs. and under are Free! Public Welcome! For more information please call (216) 496-0223 Elaine.
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Pundemics - Thanksgiving Edition |
Why did the policeman crash Thanksgiving dinner?
To stop people from going over the feed limit.
What do sweet potatoes wear to bed?
Yammies.
What did the turkey say to the hunter on Thanksgiving?
"Quack."
What does a turkey eat for dessert?
Peach Gobbler.
How does a limping turkey walk?
It wobble wobbles.
What made the cranberries go red?
Seeing the turkey dressing.
Why didn't the Thanksgiving band get to perform?
Someone ate the drumsticks.
What did the pilgrims use to bake their Thanksgiving desserts?
May-flour.
Ba da dum
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Postscript: We have a lot to be thankful for in our diverse and welcoming city. Enjoy the holiday. Please continue to submit your holiday and other events. The earlier the better. Thanks.
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