Charlotte in words & moving pictures - Discussion & Thoughts 2009
Terry Morrone and I have been working together for years interviewing people for his public access T.V. shows. Sometimes he sponsors as many as 4 time slots, so when I suggested we document a LIFNB food share at Huntington Station, he was raring to go.
We decided to record the whole process, from the collection of the food to its distribution. Off we went to Whole Foods, parked the car around back, figuring the FNB gang would get the produce and other food stuffs from the loading dock. We waited and waited- no show! We even circled around the front of the shopping center several times. On our last circle, before heading back to Huntington Station, I spot Jon coming out of the front of the store, with a cart chuck full of bananas, fresh produce, breads, and other good eats. Then along came the others, right out the front doors, loaded down with food that otherwise would be 'dumpstered'
Back at the Huntington location, Terry and I set up across the street, careful to protect the identities and dignity of the people coming to pick up the food. It was a lovely early autumn evening, and there were kids and families galore milling about. Turned out, it was mostly the kids that wanted to be on t.v., and there were some lively spots with suddenly shy moppets.
I soon learned it is the children who act as interpreters for their families. Oh! how beautifully bilingual, inquisitive, and lively they were.
I think I can speak for Terry as well, saying we both felt a new sense of hope. Those kids are the rainbow bridge to a new time of understanding and tolerance.
Charlotte & Terry's Video:
A Poem by Charlotte:
And the Springtime of the year,
Of a newly balmy evening,
We'd ride out east to the farms,
where planting had begun.
In the back of the car,
clothing, towels, toiletries
we'd collected from friends.
Veering off
to where back roads end,
To a migrant camp, mighty
well-hidden from the tourist.
Like thieves in the night,
we'd throw the stuff over the fence,
then make a dog-like howl,
to signal our drop-off and
silently steal away.
I will not steal away!
Though still howling in grief,
I will take my stand,
And speak
as part of a greater whole.
On yet another cold and blustery winter evening,
YOU, have a chance to save
nothing less than Suffolk's soul.
To listen, and to brave
the forces that fuel
"The Climate of Fear"
That has been with us
for all too many years.
Our recommendations,
That can help turn us around
So Suffolk County can become
A model for our Nation
with new, and humane,
policies
On immigration.
Charlotte Koons
1/9/10
Posted Feb 20 2010 - 3:02pm by LongIslandFNB
