Dear Readers,
This month, we're talking about how important community and inspiring people are. These are folks who make a real difference right where they live. One such person is Lorena Bin, who is making a big impact in her town, Sacile, Italy, through her volunteer work with "Pro Sacile."
Sacile is a small, beautiful town known for its Venetian-style buildings and peaceful canals, similar to Venice but quieter. Lorena and her team are working hard to make Sacile even better, showing that when you care about something, you can really make things happen.
Lorena's work, especially with the Bird Festival (Sagra dei Osei), is a great example of this. The Bird Festival is a big deal in Sacile and all over Europe. It started way back in 1274, making it one of the oldest festivals around. It began as a market but has grown into a much-loved event where birds' singing is celebrated, and it attracts people from all over.
In talking with Lorena, it's clear she's passionate about her town and her work. She's been involved in many projects and events that bring people together and celebrate Sacile's culture. Making the Bird Festival free to enter was a big win, allowing more families to enjoy it without worrying about cost.
Lorena's story is not just about leading and organizing; it's about the power of giving your time and energy to make your community a better place. It shows us that anyone can make a positive impact in their own way.
Her story is a reminder to all of us that we can be "inspiring neighbors" too. It's about getting involved, doing kind things, and helping out where we can. Let's think about how we can make a difference in our own communities.
I hope Lorena's story motivates you to take action and do something good in your area, reminding us that making a difference knows no boundaries. No matter where you are, even if this is not the place you grew up in, even if the language spoken is not your birth language, you have the power to impact your community positively. We'd love to hear about inspiring people in your life and share these stories in our "Women Rising Strong” community.
With love and encouragement,
S.A. Sterling
Interview with Lorena Bin
Lorena at the Pro Sacile office
As soon as I entered the Pro Sacile office, I was warmly welcomed by Lorena Bin, a central figure in Sacile known for her unstoppable commitment to this charming town. Sacile captivates with its rich history and stunning Venetian-style architecture, and Lorena is at the heart of its vibrant community.
The Two Moors, symbols of the city of Sacile and of its deep ties to Venice
What role does Pro Sacile play in Sacile's cultural scene?
Pro Sacile plays a crucial role in our community. We organize all the major events, such as the Bird Festival (Sagra dei Osei) in September, the Spring Fair (Fiera Primaverile) in April, the Christmas Markets (Mercatini di Natale) in December, the Carnival parade in February and Sacellum, the antique market, which happens every fourth Sunday of the month. These events bring together people of all ages, celebrating the unique culture and community spirit of Sacile. From our rich history to our vibrant present, we're dedicated to making Sacile a special place for everyone.
“I believe Pro Sacile plays a crucial role in the city as it spans all the main events of the city... That’s why I always say we are ‘a seaport’.”
Which project or event has filled you with pride?
Making the Bird Festival free was a big deal for us. Before, people had to pay to get in, which made it hard for some families. We changed that because we wanted everyone to enjoy it and feel part of our community. It was a risk, but seeing the town come alive for the festival made it all worth it.
“Every project I’ve worked on has been filled with enthusiasm and truly put me in the game 100%... making our Bird Festival entrance-free... was a big win.”
How do you overcome the challenges that come with running Pro Sacile?
We've faced tough times, especially with money. But our commitment to Sacile pushes us to find solutions, like offering free events to make sure everyone can join in. For example, we managed to bring a top-notch Italian dance group here and made the show free. It's hard work, but making Sacile a vibrant place is our goal.
“Despite such a precarious situation, we never backed down... This shows the enthusiasm with which I faced this challenge.”
Mosaic Laboratory
What impact has volunteering had on you and the town?
Volunteering is a big part of my life. It's not always easy, especially when you have to balance it with family and work. But seeing how our efforts bring the community closer is incredibly rewarding. It's about doing something meaningful for the place and people you love.
“Volunteering brings us all closer. It’s rewarding, though it means sacrificing personal time. The community’s response makes every effort worth it.”
At the Carnival in February
What advice would you give to someone looking to make a difference in their community?
The most important thing is to really believe in what you're doing. If you're passionate and committed, you can face any challenge and make a positive impact. It's about putting your heart into it and not just going through the motions.
Pro Sacile is looking for volunteers for the 2024 Bird Festival.
segreteria@prosacile.com
“If you want to commit, you must fully believe in everything you do. Then you can also overcome tiredness and everything else.”
Can you tell us about Pro Sacile's future plans?
We're always thinking about how to keep Sacile's traditions alive while bringing in new ideas. Our town has a rich history, and we want to honor that while also making sure we're moving forward. It's a delicate balance, but we're excited about the future.
“We always have to propose something innovative... So the big challenge is to always present ourselves with something that is traditional yet profoundly innovative.”
How do you define a sense of community?
To me, community means knowing you're not alone. It's about feeling connected to the people around you, sharing both the good times and the challenges. It's this sense of togetherness that makes Sacile such a special place.
“We share joys and sorrows really daily... So, when you are part of these worlds, they become your family and your whole inspiration.”
Has Pro Sacile inspired other communities?
Yes, we've seen our ideas and projects inspire other towns. We exchange experiences and learn from each other, which is really fulfilling. It's great to see our work sparking positive changes in other places too.
How do you balance your responsibilities with your personal and professional life?
It's definitely a challenge. Being a mom, a teacher, and leading Pro Sacile means I'm always busy. But I get so much support from my daughters and see the positive impact of our work on the community. That makes it easier to keep going, even when it's hard.
How involved is the American community in Sacile?
The American community has become more active in our events, which brings us great joy. They appreciate and engage with our culture deeply, often more enthusiastically than many locals. Their involvement helps make our events richer and more inclusive.
“The Americans had been missing for a few years. But now they are strongly and happily returning to all the events... it’s really rewarding because they always appreciate everything.”
Does the American community's participation influence Pro Sacile's activities?
Absolutely. Their feedback and participation inspire us to be more inclusive and adaptable. It's a beautiful example of how diverse cultures can enrich a community, making Sacile a welcoming place for everyone.
What does community mean to you on a personal level?
For me, community is about connection and support. Knowing that we're all in this together, helping each other out, and making Sacile a better place is what drives me. It's the feeling of never being alone, no matter what.
“It’s this: I never feel alone. And the greatest joy is that, if for some years people looked at Pro Sacile with suspicion, the fact that we’ve managed to draw so many people close is a wonderful thing.”
CHIOCCOLO is the art of imitating bird calls or bird songs.
Watch a live ‘chioccolo’ performance here.