No Somali refugees attend farewell dinner Saturday
By Bobbi Mlynar
Originally published 02:00 p.m., February 18, 2008
Updated 02:00 p.m., February 18, 2008
City Manager Matt Zimmerman became the impromptu speaker Saturday evening at a farewell dinner planned for Tyson workers who would be leaving town because of the company’s decision to downsize its operation here.
The dinner, held at Sacred Heart Church, was to have featured Somali dancers and drummers after the meal. Organizers thought perhaps the job/community fair that afternoon, rain, and the sickness of a leader organizing the Somalis had combined to keep any of them from coming.
A group of about 30 Emporians took part in the goodwill event that had come during an introductory gathering of local and young Somali women. They talked about common topics at the meeting — where the refugees purchased the traditional long swatches of fabric they wrap and tie into long dresses and whether or whom they were dating, according to one of the organizers, Jackie Burns.
Later, after the Tyson announcement, the group decided to have a special get-together for the workers.
“It kind of evolved we’d have a good-bye party,” Burns said.
Tables full of hot food and desserts brought in by organizers and friends lined tables outside the church kitchen, while hosts waited for the guests to arrive. Eventually, the call came that the Somali organizer was too sick to come to Sacred Heart.
Zimmerman, then, became the after-dinner entertainment.
He told the group that the job/community fair had been “a smashing success. I have to say it went better than any of us who were organizing it ever dreamed.”
He said that at least seven Somalis had attended the fair.
Zimmerman said that one goal of the city-led group is to find jobs for the Tyson workers that will help them stay in the community to work, or stay and commute to other jobs within reasonable proximity.
Zimmerman and Emporians were to be at the governor’s office in Topeka on Monday to talk about what could be done by state government to help this area cope with the Tyson aftermath.
A one-stop hub for information needed about unemployment and a variety of agencies that can provide assistance is being planned for the Tyson workers. Donations from funds to food are expected to be needed by several of the direct-aid agencies.
The Salvation Army has reorganized its food pantry and found a storage area, and money also is being accepted.
“Whatever money or whatever food comes in, it’s going to stay in Emporia,” Zimmerman said.
LCAT transportation will be available at no charge for Tyson workers to attend smaller job fairs and informational sessions scheduled Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
June Hubert of the Lyon County Restricted Emergency Fund told the group that her organization now is accepting donations that can be earmarked specifically for the displaced Tyson workers. She reminded the audience that, in addition to the Tyson workers, other Emporians also have needs.
“If your churches regularly give to Lyon County Restricted Emergency, please continue to give, because local people will still need help,” Hubert said.
Assistance provided goes directly where it is needed, she said: rent money goes to the landlord, aid to pay electricity and natural gas bills goes directly to the utility companies.
Burns mentioned that commodities that once were distributed regularly seem no longer plentiful, and suggested that option be investigated to see if more is available.
Zimmerman agreed all possible options need to be considered as area residents try to help the Tyson workers get through their shared crisis.
“Tyson isn’t going to come in and save the day,” he said.
Pru Schmidt, one of several who helped in the planning, said that Emporians are needed to help Somalis pack and clean apartments when they begin to move on to other jobs. The city has agreed to put out Dumpsters to ease the clean-up, she said.
Volunteers will be needed, and may register by calling Schmidt, 340-1008, or Paula Sauder, 342-4939.
mythoughts (anonymous) says...
How sad no Somalians showed up--it would have been nice for them to have a few good experiences before leaving town.
February 18, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tosie (anonymous) says...
Are you serious? People are needed to help the Somalians pack up? They got here easy enough didn't they? They can pack up and leave just the same. I don't see anyone saying, "Hey, Emporias, let's pitch in and help EVERYONE that is going to have to leave Emporia to get another job pack up and clean." Once again, poor Somalians, let's give them special treatment. No thanks.....
February 18, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
etown (anonymous) says...
Tosie - Are you serious? Really? Job Fair, Friends in Faith, the ESU and FHTC retraining efforts, etc...hmm, guess those were just for the Somalians then. I didn't realize that. Someone should have told those non-somalians they couldn't attend. Sounds like everyone, key word there is everyone, is getting assistance during this difficult time. Yet, you want to continue to make this an us against them issue. Nice. Hey maybe you'll get some assistance someday...hopefully packing up because you need to go.
February 18, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tosie (anonymous) says...
I already left this town because there was nothing to offer.....my point was that I disagree with the 2nd to the last paragraph in this article that talks about helping the Somalians pack up and clean....it needs to be for everyone, not just them. Get over it - I am allowed to have an opinion same as you.
February 18, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rdgrey (anonymous) says...
Tosie, what about your heritage? Are you Irish or something too? Did your family pack up and come here at some point? I am sure that you are not a perfect specimen of the human race to put others down and put yourself on top. EOE means EOE, that stands for all even if you just came here legally yesterday. Reading these comments sometimes makes me think we are back in the 50's and 60's mississippi trying to allow blcks back to school. Stuns me on the bigotry that still lingers here. What a discrace to the community
February 18, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nks (anonymous) says...
I truly am a caring person and give to charity often, but this was kind of a slap in the face to the people of Sacred Heart. My wife was laid off last year with many others in her facility and no one came running to our aid. We fought through it because we had children to care for. We did not qualify for any aid other than unemployment becuause somehow my income was too high. I find this aggravating because my tax money is used to support food and health programs handed out to non citizens when a family of lifelong citizens was told we did not qualify.
It is hard for me to feel any sympathy for these refugees or non residents. They are being offered employment, financial assistance and the good citizens of Emporia even developed a huge job fair for these employees.
I give every two weeks when my pay check is dwindled by all the taxes I pay. Then I can go buy groceries watch my tax dollars at work watching illegals use their govt assistance cards or vouchers, while I am standing in line hoping I can afford my generic groceries.
February 18, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gogreen (anonymous) says...
I'm with you nks...where was everyone when Menu laid off people?
February 18, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Violets (anonymous) says...
The residents of Emporia are good people and the blame game should stop. The story here is that there are alot of people laid off. Tyson has done so in many towns. We have lost alot of businesses: Didde's, Modine's, Lenze, Tyson and the Bakery is in bankruptcy court. The town has to hold together and find a way to turn things around.
February 18, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
olddog (anonymous) says...
This must have been an "invitation only" event because I know alot of tyson workers and they weren't aware of the farewell dinner on saturday.
February 18, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gabby (anonymous) says...
The article about why the somali's weren't there, made sense. But the headline of this article, made it sound like it was a dinner specifically for them and they didn't show up.
@nks - I agree with you. I think the job fair, the dinners, and the counsellors, and, any help available for unemployed workers should be for just that - the unemployed workers. ALL unemployed workers..not just for those that recently lost their job with Tyson.
February 18, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hottopics (anonymous) says...
I felt that ANY one in this community who were looking for jobs should be at any job fair. I know I would have if I was looking for a job, not just for Tyson. I agree that more should have been done when Menu, Modine and the rest but maybe because all of those places did close or laid off it made the Tyson shut down the final straw and more help is needed at a faster pace.
As for the Somali's not showing up, are they just thinking that if they just sit here the government will step in and do the relocating for them again????????
February 18, 2008 at 10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sciguy (anonymous) says...
Did you all miss the announcement just after the layoffs, that the Somali COMMUNITY decided to look elsewhere for jobs and a place to live?
And who can blame them--look at the reception they received in the Emporia community!
February 19, 2008 at 1:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zukepr (anonymous) says...
I am with olddog on this. Who knew about this dinner? I know alot of people from Tyson and none of them knew anything about this dinner.
I am disgusted by this article! I have bit my tongue for awhile on this and I cant do it anymore. How many times in this article were the Somalis mentioned? Was this dinner just for the Somalis? It sure seems that way since no one else knew about the dinner and no one else was mentioned. I am so sick and tired about hearing about the poor pitiful Somalis. Over 2000 people of all difirent cultures were affected by the tyson layoffs and yet all this paper can seem to talk about is the poor pitiful Somalies. Its no wonder Emporia didnt offer them such a warm reception and most of Emporia is glad to see them leaving. Every time we turn around these people are in the spotlight getting special attention. Wake up news people! Pull your heads out! These Somalies arent special. You want people in this community to accept them or feel comfortable with them being here or even feel sorry for them because of their loss of job then stop spotlighting as if they are they only ones affected by Tyson layoffs.
February 19, 2008 at 6:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
siamesefred (anonymous) says...
This dinner was just for Somalis. See the announcement The Gazette ran last week:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/20...
February 19, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
this is what was posted in the gazette on Feb 13...
Friendship farewell to Somalis
"A farewell celebration of friendship potluck dinner will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Church Parish Hall for the Somalians who are leaving. Those attending are invited to bring a dish of their choice in a disposable container.
Parishioners and members of the community are encouraged to attend."
Now for you who wondered now you know, JMO, but i think it is funny all those nice people bringing food and the somalians just screwed them off, because one guy was sick???? what a joke, oh well thank God that they had goofy there for the entertainment
When I moved here from Chicago, I never has a bunch of middle age white women who probably own a bunch of apartment houses form a posse to help me pack and clean my apartment. But guess that is a good way to get them cleaned up and save money not paying someone to clean the filth and get them rented fast. No thanks, but I am not volunteering, just to busy tryinjg to make a living and pay my taxes
February 19, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zukepr (anonymous) says...
See now that is what irritates alot of people! All the special treatment the Somalis get. They are not the only people that are relocating because of the tyson layoffs. ever since they came to town it has been all about them and what we can do for them. meanwhile everyone else that lives in this town is pushed to the sidelines and get jack when they have the same problems as the Somalis. This community should not revolve around the Somalis. They can be a part of this community and get the same treatment as everyone else in the community. But that is not what the authority figures have done. They have given them special treatment leaving lifelong citizens of this community out on the curb like last weeks garbage. I personally am so sick of hearing about the Somalis and their problems. Like I said before, over 2000 people have been affected by the tyson layoffs. Not JUST the Somalis!!!!
February 19, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
The city has agreed to put out Dumpsters to ease the clean-up, she said.
Doesn't the city charge to place those dumpsters out for construction sites? Why would they need those dumpsters anyway, were they really that filthy and never cleaned after themselves. They must of been! maybe those who praised them for their clean living may of been a little wrong? I find it rather difficult to believe that the city would place the dumpsters around the city for them, BUT if I or anyone else who wants to clean up around our homes has to PAY to take my trash to the dump.
February 19, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Good point, justaflushaway. This past January, after the tenant from Hell moved out of my apartment and left a ton of damage and a bunch of stuff that needed to be tossed away, I called the city about a dumpster. They wanted me to sign an agreement for one before they would drop one by. Then when they pick it up and take it away, it is weighed. You are billed $66 a ton for mixed trash. Mine was a mix of old clothes, junk, and some sheetrock.
Nobody eased my clean up with a free dumpster, and the tenant was a Tyson employee. And I certainly don't recall anybody knocking on my door to come help with the clean up either. This entire thing reeks!!!
February 19, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lightenup (anonymous) says...
MOMMMM! Janie got an ice cream cone and I didn't!!!
Why does there have to be an enemy here?
February 19, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hillbilly (anonymous) says...
lightenup... what the hell are you talking about?
February 19, 2008 at 7:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lightenup (anonymous) says...
The whining! The Somalis get dumpsters! And we didn't!!! A dinner! And we didn't! People are going to help them move! No one helped me!
February 19, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AreYouHappyNow (anonymous) says...
Why on earth would they show up? I don't blame them. They have been attacked since they've been here.
February 19, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
playbook (anonymous) says...
They were never wanted here and they knew that , so they did not want attend a Dinner.
February 21, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
for someone that was treated as bad as you all say they were, why are they in no hurry to leave Emporia??? .
February 21, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CassieJo (anonymous) says...
Why should they want to leave ....
I heard last week there were a couple at the post office trying to get passports to go home but they had no identification .... so no passport. Makes you wonder how they get assistance if they dont have identification .... Surely the government isnt paying and supplying undocummented immigrants and refugees with social services, food stamps etc ... Only Tyson would do something like that? hmm Sounds shady to me!
February 21, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CassieJo (anonymous) says...
They get too many free handouts to pack up and leave!
February 21, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
playbook (anonymous) says...
They have to have Documentations to receive any benefits fro SRS.
most of them worked hard everyday .
February 21, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
who organized this going away thing?
February 21, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )