BY MERLE MONAHAN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
merlemonah@aol.com

ZUNI
The 41st annual “Day in the Country” went off as scheduled despite a cold drizzle that lasted almost all day, said program director Juliette Whyte.

“Attendance was not as large as in years past, of course, but we estimate 350 people attended during the day, which isn’t bad,” she said.

Whyte said all events, including the Kirkwood Praise Team, a live auction, Harmony on the James and the Peanut City Cloggers, as well as two acts, Bruce Barlow and Teddy, Tony and Diane were done in the cafeteria.

“Then there were 12 to 14 booths outside, with everything from handmade flowers, a game to guess the contents of several jars, cookware, jewelry, homemade baked goods and beverages, and of course burgers and hot dogs.

“We also had the Zuni Hunt Club with their famous pork chop sandwiches,” she added. “They are here every year and we appreciate their help.”

The event, held this year at HumanKind, the former Zuni Presbyterian Homes and Family Services and Family Alliance, was initiated more than 40 years ago by former director, Robert Bishop.

It takes place every year to give families and friends a chance to tour the campus and visit the residents, who are mildly-handicapped adults learning to eventually live on their own with little assistance.

Bishop said the school, which has members from several neighboring states, has made great progress with the students, adding that one — Scotty Blue, who opened the program with his rendition of the National Anthem — now lives and works in Richmond.

The name change came about, according to PHFS officials, when its Board of Directors recognized the need for a shorter, more all-inclusive name. HumanKind was the result of staff, volunteers and broader market research.

Bob Dendy, president and CEO of PHFS, stated that although the name had changed, the home’s mission has not.

“We continue to build stronger bodies, minds and spirits and ultimately encourage, enrich and empower lives and the communities we serve.

“We believe the transition to HumanKind is a more approachable name that will help us reach more people in more places,” he said.

Dendy added that HumanKind would not be possible without the generous support of individuals, churches, foundations, corporations and the community, “for which we are grateful.”

Whyte noted that a number of the Kuwaye Steering Committee members, which is a part of HumanKind, were there. The Kuwaye’s mission is to promote good will and educate the community about the exciting ministry opportunities available in Zuni.