Turkish Cultural Center New Hampshire Turkish Cultural Center New Hampshire
Senator Jeanne Shaheen attends the New Hampshire Turkish Cultural Center’s Mother’s Day celebration – May 11, 2013
On May 11, 2013, the Turkish Cultural Center’s branch based in Manchester, New Hampshire, sponsored a special Mother’s Day celebration. The celebration brought members of the Turkish American community together, as well as guest of honor, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
Senator Shaheen expressed her delight at being invited to participate in this special celebration and was presented with a bouquet of flowers by the TCC Weekend School students. Later, the senator chatted with some of the students, and made sure to pose for photos with the rest of the guests.
Speaking on behalf of the TCC Women’s Clubs, Ms. Gul Ayyildiz introduced a second guest of honor, Consul Ms. Derya Kara, who attended on behalf of the Republic of Turkey’s Consulate General in Boston. Consul Kara touched on the importance of mothers in everyone’s lives, and expressed her gratitude to the Turkish community of New Hampshire.
Those in attendance enjoyed listening to the Weekend School students sing “My One and Only Mom” and awards were presented to those students who placed in the “Letter to my Mom” competition.
In the final portion of the program, Ms. Ferruhiye Yilmaz , having been chosen as deserving of the honor, was presented with the Mother of the Year award; her acceptance speech caused many in the audience to tear up with emotion.
Years ago, Ms. Yilmaz was left with three children to take care of when her husband succumbed to cancer, only to receive the same diagnosis herself later on. She credited her faith and patience with helping her overcome her illness, and enabling her to do her best raising her children in spite of her challenges.
Once the raffle tickets were drawn, prizes awarded to the winners and closing remarks made, the Mother’s Day celebration at Turkish Cultural Center New Hampshire came to a close.
