PARKVILLE, MD---With its mountains in the west, major metropolitan areas in its center and the beautiful coastal offerings of the Eastern Shore, Maryland is often described as "America in Miniature."
On Friday, July 11th, Oak Crest took the comparison a step further as the "World in Miniature" by hosting its 2nd Annual Multicultural Expo for residents and employees.
Sponsored by the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Erickson Living retirement community, the interactive event highlighted the cultural diversity found at Oak Crest.
All told, fourteen exhibits showcased an array of cultural, religious, musical, ethnic and culinary contributions from residents and employees. The 370 in attendance were able to meet employees like LPN/Charge Nurse Miatta Moses, who featured a vibrant display about Liberia. And they talked with Ms. Nadia Dimitry, an Oak Crest resident who told the history of Egypt through photos and other personal mementos.
Additionally, residents and employees dined at four food stations filled with delicious Caribbean, French-Canadian, Columbian and Asian cuisine prepared by the Dining Services Department of Oak Crest.
Visitors were also entertained by the music of Lenny "The Pan Man" Rogers.
Edda Rosskopf is a resident of Oak Crest who proudly displayed family photographs and artwork from her German and Austrian heritage.
"The Multicultural Expo provided us with a wonderful opportunity to meet so many incredible people. Visiting each table was like taking a mini-history lesson of the country represented. To sample different foods, view pictures and most importantly talk with fellow residents and employees about their respective backgrounds made the day very interesting and fun," described Ms. Rosskopf.
Dante Taylor, Dining Services Manager at Garden Terrace, agreed. He served as the Event Chairman for the Multicultural Expo.
"As a community, we have to embrace our differences to create the Erickson Way. It was once said that 'in diversity there is beauty and strength.' At the Expo, we celebrated diversity by bringing people together to show art, music, religion, heritage and food. By residents and staff highlighting these five senses of diversity, our community is closer," stated Mr. Taylor.
The mission of the Committee is "to celebrate Oak Crest Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, by stimulating knowledge and learning, to encourage understanding that enriches our lives".
About Oak Crest: Oak Crest is one of eighteen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living. Located in Parkville, Maryland the scenic 87-acre campus is home to more than 2,100 residents. Oak Crest is the ideal greater Baltimore retirement destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.
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