After I Pick the Fruit

Late afternoon on Sunday February 19th Women of the Northeastern Partnership in Episcopal Ministry from Sodus, Newark and Lyons hosted the Women who participated in the making of the documentary film – “After I Pick the Fruit” –  at the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sodus, New York. The event began with the screening of the film, which had not been seen previously by the majority of the 50 people in attendance. The audience included women from the three congregations, women from the local Hispanic community and women from the Wayne County community who had assisted in the making of the film.  The Rev. Carmen Seufert introduced the Film’s Director and local resident, Nancy Ghertner giving her background as an artist, film maker and local activist.  The film, an hour and a half feature, captivated the local audience. The film was simultaneously translated into Spanish by Sally Howe, a  bilingual Migrant Outreach Educator. Following the screening, event organizer, Becky McKee and Nancy introduced six of the women from the film’s stories who were in attendance.  At that point, the Director spoke about the making of the film, and thanked the participants present for their long ten year dedication to the film’s production and filming. Several teachers and administrators from Sodus Central schools who had been primary supporters during this time period also were in attendance. Following this discussion, a pot luck supper was enjoyed with dishes from the Dutch, Hispanic, and American cuisine. The food and the conversation made a rich atmosphere. A local farm worker, said of her feelings, “I couldn’t believe it, a woman I never met before, thanked me for working in the orchards. She said she had no idea of the work that we as women did to harvest and care for the apple trees.”