Manchester talks to each other on Flag Day
There were multiple informational tables at the Manchester Talks Community Kitchen Table on Saturday, June 14, 2025 like the Dementia Friendly Services table. Photo by Sara Swanson.
by Sara Swanson
Many events were held all over our area on Saturday, June 14 including here in Manchester. A relatively new organization, Manchester Voices Indivisible held a Flag Day “Manchester Talks” Community Kitchen Table in Wurster Park.
Representatives from community organizations were present at tables, there was cake, duffins, coffee, tea, kids craft activities, a large Community Flag that attendees helped paint over the course of day, an interactive “handy” flag, and a bald eagle mascot. Along with the Manchester area residents who stopped by and participated in the event elected officials including County Commissioner Shanon Beeman, State Representative Carrie Rheingans, and US Representative Debbie Dingell attended. Organizers report a good all-ages turnout.
Two of the organizers were Linda and Peter Knox. Peter stated, “There is hope that we can build on this first ‘Manchester Talks!’ to sponsor more frequent community conversations. My personal hope is that by keeping conversation alive, we can keep democracy alive, we can keep our community healthy. Talking together, sharing our resources, telling our stories, binds us together and allows us to be a little less afraid to be seen together.”
Linda added, “With all the tension around us in the world on Flag Day, it was a pleasure to be in Wurster Park with the featured presenters, who contribute so much to the Manchester area. Our goal was to offer a quiet place for people of all stripes to talk with knowledgable neighbors about resources we can depend on as government funding changes, and about strategies for navigating gaps that may emerge. We hope conversations, especially across differences, will help build a better community and a better democracy.”
Linda also thanked those who contributed to the “handy flag” and the hand-painted Community Flag. The colors of the flag stand for valor (red), purity (white), and vigilance/justice (blue). The handy flag was an American flag made up of red, white, and blue hand prints that attendees could write on silver or gold where they find these qualities in our community. Answers varied but many people answered neighbors looking out for neighbors, teachers, fire fighters, people helping each other, their families, volunteers, nature, and the library. Other answers included: our kids, church groups, pulling garlic mustard, the military, caring for veterans, alcoholics anonymous/ 12 step programs, native habitat restoration, senior groups, the hospital, city council, coming together for justice, Riverfolk, and the canoe race among others. The hand-painted “Community Flag” will be on display at the Manchester District Library.
Margaret Bialecki, who also helped organize the event stated, “I think it is important to recognize that we could have gone to a protest or created a protest here in town, but what we tried to do, was to organize an event that would build unity in the community.”
If you are interested in joining Manchester Voices Indivisible, you are invited to attend their next general meeting this coming Thursday, June 19 at 6:30pm at the KJ House, 302 East Main Street. General meetings are monthly and begin with an introduction to Indivisible and the local group’s goals and strategies.
Linda Knox (left) and US Rep Debbie Dingell (right) with the event’s eagle mascot. Photo courtesy of Lisa Mussio.
Manchester Voices Indivisible members hold up the completed Community Flag which was painted by attendees over the course of the Flag Day event. It will be on display at the Manchester District Library. Photo by Fritz Swanson.
Photo courtesy of Peter Knox.
Photo courtesy of Peter Knox.
County Commissioner, Shannon Beeman tries a “duffin”. Photo by Sara Swanson.
The “handy” flag. Photo by Sara Swanson.
The Flag Day event from across the flag-lined street. Photo by Sara Swanson.
State Rep Rheingans (right) paints the Community Flag. Photo by Sara Swanson.
Painting the Community Flag. Photo courtesy of Carol Kahn.
US Rep Dingell and younger attendee paint the Community Flag. Photo courtesy of Carol Kahn.
Margaret Bialecki holds up the nearly completed Community Flag. Photo courtesy of Carol Kahn.
Photo by Sara Swanson.
Carrie Rheingans (left) with the event’s eagle mascot. Photo courtesy of Carol Kahn.
The hand-painted Community Flag, under an American Flag that hung for the event, with the “handy” flag in the background. Photo courtesy of Linda Mussio.
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