When we found our seats in Theatre Tallahassee’s auditorium on the last Friday of September, the conversation surrounding us was understandably on the topic: “Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001?”
It was the next-to-last performance of Theatre Tallahassee’s presentation of the musical, “Come From Away,” and I am so grateful that we went. The book, music, and lyrics were written by Canadian wife and husband, Irene Sankoff and David Hein. It tells the true story of the passengers of one of the 38 international incoming flights to America that, on September 11, 2001, were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland.
In 2011, the authors, who had been doing interviews with and curating stories about the 9,000 people of Gander who graciously hosted the nearly 7,000 passengers who landed at their airport, created a musical to tell the story in honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Their goal was to capture what this unexpected meeting meant to the Canadians and to the stranded passengers and crew.
Theatre Tallahassee is presenting “Come From Away” Sept. 10-27, 2026.
Twelve actors, each playing a number of different parts, sang the story in 18 songs. Theatre Tallahassee’s rendition was remarkable! Director Jessy Reaves, who jumped at the chance to do this play when the rights were being released for the recent 25th anniversary of 9/11, writes, “It is a show about strangers and friendships…compassion in the face of tragedy…about looking for the light and offering a helping hand…about being a neighbor.”
While I am sure the Broadway production that has won numerous awards is breathtaking, there was something deeply moving about telling the story of a community coming together in Newfoundland in the context of a community theater.
I felt a sense of deep pride in the local cast, musicians, stagehands and director, and loved that we were invited to donate to our Refuge House as a way to lend a helping hand to those in need in our own community, as the “Ganderites” did so generously during the five days that thousands of travelers were stranded in their town.
Tour the new Second Harvest of the Big Bend facility
1 of 24
Second Harvest of the Big Bend opened its doors to the community to highlight the expansion of the facility and held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. (Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat)
Ribbon cutting at Second Harvest
Just the day before witnessing this touching performance, my husband and I went to the ribbon-cutting and tour of the new Impact Center for Second Harvest of the Big Bend. It was a remarkable experience of community and what we can accomplish together. Hundreds of our neighbors were present to give witness to the amazing feat of not only raising the $10 million that were set as a goal in January of 2023, but $3 million more.
The campaign chairpersons, Jeremey and Tracey Cohen, talked about both the naysayers and the yay-sayers, and the firm belief they held in their hearts from the beginning that it was possible for our community to do this hard thing that was needed to feed the 16 counties Second Harvest serves.
After profusely thanking the community and crediting us with all that had happened, the chairpersons were told that the Impact Center would be named after them.
Jeremy and Tracey Cohen react to being honored with a space named after them inside the newly renovated Second Harvest of the Big Bend facility on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.
My husband, who could see above the crowd to their faces, noted that Tracey in particular seemed so overwhelmed by this much deserved kindness for all that they had done to make the day possible. There truly was joy all around.That evening, we returned to the Impact Center to join with other volunteers to take the last shift of an all-day blitz to pack food boxes for seniors and snacks for children.
As usual, even on such a busy day, everything was well-organized by the friendly, energetic Second Harvest Staff and Volunteer Leads, who must have been weary, so that we all could be as productive as possible. After working on the line to pack the remaining needed Senior Boxes, we moved to the snack line where members of the FSU Swim and Dive Team warmly invited us to join them.
Community members gathered to celebrate and see inside the renovated Second Harvest of the Big Bend facility on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.
We met an Irish swimmer who was particularly personable, and we hope to go and watch him and his mates at an upcoming meet. Volunteering at Second Harvest is not only a great and efficient way to help those who need food, but to meet people of all ages and form lasting relationships.
The staff even curates the music to match the population so that everyone is feeling their best. Building community is what Second Harvest is all about.
24th annual Walk to Remember
Prayers, awe-inspiring music from the FAMU Concert Choir, and words of hope will be part of the 24th Annual Walk to Remember for Pregnancy and Infant Loss from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 8 at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church.
On Thursday evening, Oct. 8, there will be yet another opportunity as community to extend compassion in the face of sorrow and look for light in the darkness, as did the Ganderites 25 years ago.
The Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition (CAHSC) will be offering its 24th annual Walk to Remember for Pregnancy and Infant Loss from 5-8PM at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church. It is dedicated to grieving families, no matter how recent or long ago the loss occurred.
According to Chris Szorsik, Executive Director of CAHSC, “The goal is to reflect not only on the profound sense of loss, but also to embrace the love and resilience of our families. The event is a tribute to every child who has touched our lives, no matter how briefly.”
Orchestrated by the CAHSC Staff and Board, the event involves many community groups who work together to create a safe and meaningful experience for those who attend. During the dinner and table fellowship time in Sanders Hall at Saint Paul’s, community groups share resources to support participants.
Second Harvest of the Big Bend opened its doors to the community to highlight the expansion of the facility and held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.
Grief counselors offer grief materials, quilters offer an opportunity to sign a quilt square in memory of a beloved child or longed-for pregnancy and to view beautiful quilts from prior years that are on display. Children are afforded the opportunity to create a memory item. Sharing a free meal and interacting with others who have known the same loss is an opportunity to feel companionship and belonging while grieving a loss that can feel so lonely
Attending the nondenominational service of remembrance in the sanctuary, with free childcare (as needed), can be meaningful. CAHSC staff and those who are fellow veterans of this grief share their stories. Prayers, awe-inspiring music from the FAMU Concert Choir, and words of hope soothe the soul, and the ritual of speaking the names of those being remembered is a powerful litany of love.
Walking by candlelight in community around Lake Ella represents the light held forever in our hearts for the babies or pregnancies lost. Attending the evening in support of someone you know who has experienced this grief is a kindness. Coming as one who knows this grief all too well, we pray will be healing. Learn more at: capitalareahealthystart.org.
Kindness is exactly what the Newfoundlanders showed to frightened and concerned passengers the week of 9/11. It is what donors showed as together we raised 13 million dollars for Second Harvest to better create food security in the Big Bend. It is what the CAHSC does annually in offering the Walk to Remember for those who have known pregnancy and infant loss and those who love them.
In a world of enormous challenges, we need kindness and community. We are so fortunate in our lovely corner of the Big Bend to have so many opportunities to experience it. And I pray that we will.
The Rev. Candace McKibben
The Rev. Candace McKibben is an ordained minister and pastor of Tallahassee Fellowship.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee community events bring sense of belonging, purpose