Hunt Library hears stories, sounds from Afghanistan

Zarifa Adiba is a violist, composer and conductor from Afghanistan who now lives in Flushing, Queens.

Patrick L. Sullivan

Hunt Library hears stories, sounds from Afghanistan

FALLS VILLAGE — Zarifa Adiba, a musician from Kabul, Afghanistan, and the author of “Playing for Freedom: The Journey of a Young Afghan Girl” described her journey from the dangerous streets of Kabul to Flushing, New York, at the David M. Hunt Library Saturday, March 22.

After being fortified with a bowl of homemade corn chowder, which she was very enthusiastic about, Adiba read a short story she wrote about a 2022 bomb blast at a college.

As she read, music that she and three of her musician friends created played in the background.

“I have lost three of my close friends in explosions” she said after the reading.

Adiba is a violist, composer and conductor, and currently works on Broadway. She and her family live in Flushing.

After the reading and music, Adiba took questions.

Asked about her background, Adiba said her family moved back and forth between Afghanistan and Pakistan when she was a child.

She said her family is part of the Hazara ethnic minority group, which has been targeted by Islamist groups such as Islamic State and the Taliban.

Asked about how she stays positive against a background of negativity, Adiba, who has been in the United States for two years and eight months, said “The first year was difficult.”

She didn’t realize she had “survivor’s guilt.”

“I didn’t know about depression and anxiety. I had panic attacks.”

She was able to get help and things have improved considerably.

One person commented on her excellent English.

Adiba smiled and told a story of how, as a little girl, she saw a woman on television speaking in English and talking about Harvard.

This made a lasting impression.

“I have to go there to learn to speak like this lady.”

Adiba said she is determined to promote the positive side of Afghanistan in the West. To that end, she is setting up a foundation to bring exiled Afghan artists together.

“There is so much endurance and bravery,” she said. “Here only the ugly is shown.”

Latest News

Housatonic alumni take down varsity teams
Pete Foley, Class of 1988, extends for the ball as Chris Race, Class of 2027, slides into third base.
Photo by Riley Klein

FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic varsity baseball and softball teams hosted Mountaineers of years past for alumni games Saturday, May 17.

Grads ranged from the Class of 1988 to the Class of 2024. Alumni teams won both games, 17-3 in baseball and 7-4 in softball.

Keep ReadingShow less
Health dept. clears BD to reopen facility after hazmat scare
Cones and warning signs remain present at Grace Way in North Canaan Saturday, May 17, but as of 3 p.m. the facility was cleared to resume normal operations.
Photo by Riley Klein

Updated Saturday, May 17.

Following two days of closure due to a hazmat incident, the BD facility in North Canaan was cleared to resume normal operations on Saturday, May 17.

North Canaan First Selectman Brian Ohler provided an update at 3 p.m. stating day two culture tests of the substance that was sent to BD showed "no growth." Lab tests yesterday were negative for Anthrax, Burkholderia Species, Plague, Tularemia, Smallpox and Ricin.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sunset gazing on Tory Hill
Photo by Nathan Miller

Anna Amachowski and Steve Wilcox of Canaan enjoyed the sunset and some grilled chicken from the top of Tory Hill outside Sharon on Thursday, May 1. They were welcoming in the warm breezes of spring with some fishing and some ridgeline views at the end of a warm evening.

Amachowski and Wilcox's dog, Chuy, enjoyed a soft spot of cool grass and the view over the ridge.Photo by Nathan Miller

Celebration of Life: Michael R. Tesoro, M.D.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life to honor Michael R. Tesoro M.D. (May 20, 1941-—Dec. 25, 2024) whose vibrant spirit touched so many. We will gather on May 17 at 11:30 a.,m. at Trinity Lime Rock to remember Michael’s life with love and laughter.

A light fare reception to immediately follow at the church’s Walker Hall.

Keep ReadingShow less