The Moab Valley Multicultural has two new Americorps VISTA volunteers: Alice Verney and Katlyn Keane.
Verney will also be providing service for the Arches Adult Education Center. Verney is the English as a Second Language (ESL) coordinator. She recently graduated with a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Keane studied Spanish and environmental studies at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. She is excited to be be working with the multicultural center and using her Spanish everyday.
“I am especially looking forward to the Day of the Dead celebration,” Keane said.
The multicultural center’s annual Day of the Dead Festival will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 3.
“The event will include live music, traditional dancing, kid’s activities, delicious food and more,” Keane said.
The holiday is celebrated from Mexico to Patagonia and focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember the loved ones who have died. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars decorated with favorite foods, beverages and possessions of the departed.
This year the multicultural center is accepting donations for the creation and decoration of tombs or altars as a way for community members to commemorate lost family members, friends or beloved pets.
“Anyone who is interested in creating their own tomb or altar is encouraged to learn,” Keane said. “We hope that everyone, particularly those who have lost a loved one will come participate in this beautiful celebration. All proceeds generated from food sales, altars, tombs and activities will go to the center and its programs.”
