Puerto Rico is Feature of Country Feast

Puerto Rico native Raul Blasini was the guest speaker at the Biannual Country Feast held November 20 in the Randolph County Development Center on BRTC’s Pocahontas campus.  His native country was featured at the event, which is hosted each year by Dr. Sandy Baltz’ World Civilization class.

“The event was established several years ago as a way to provide an educational experience for students in my World Civilization and art classes,” explained Baltz.  “The event, held both fall and spring semesters,  focuses on different cultures, and art students produce related pieces of art while history students present reports related to the featured country.

Dietetics students, led by instructor Kathy Murdock, prepare a feast of foods with authentic recipes, and the Kimbrough Choir, under the direction of Joniece Trammel, provides entertainment through songs, each relevant to the culture of the chosen country.

Blasini, who is originally from Auayanilla, a small town in Puerto Rico, shared with the audience some of his life experiences from his native country.  He came to America in 1979 and joined the U.S. Army where he served 20 years.  He resides in Pocahontas with his wife, Glenda, and is an active volunteer in the community.  In 2010, he was chosen by the Governor’s Office and the DHS Department of Volunteerism to receive the Arkansas Volunteer of the Year Award.