Celebrate 'Song and Spirit' at Garden Party in Berkley

The Song and Spirit Institute for Peace in Berkley will host a free party this weekend to introduce its inclusive community garden to the public.

"Everyone’s Garden," which provides the opportunity for people with disabilities to join in the fun of community gardening, is a partnership between The Neighborhood Garden Coalition and Song and Spirit. 

The garden party starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at 2599 Harvard and will feature cooking demonstrations, food tastings, music, a keynote address by Mayor Phil O'Dwyer and more.

In addition to the garden, Song and Spirit also offers classes, musical and story-telling events led by Jewish troubador Maggid Steve Klaper and Franciscan minstrel Brother Al Mascia, volunteer opportunities, an Art-in-Action Mosaic Studio and more; it also is home to a Franciscan friary.

"The Song and Spirit Institute for Peace promotes greater understanding among people of diverse religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds through music, art, cultural programs, dialogue and study," according to its website. "The Institute offers programming focused on faith-in-action and adult faith formation, and serves as a community cultural and retreat center committed to better understanding and appreciation of diverse faith traditions among neighbors and throughout the world."

Contact Jim Greenwood at jimg3641@gmail.com for information on how to get involved with the garden. "Like" the Song and Spirit Institute for Peace on Facebook for updates.