Living Vicariously - Museum Visit

With our cold winters, Calgary travellers frequently choose warm weather beach vacations for a good reason. Workers in the north, wearing boots fitted to minus 70 try to escape the cold somehow.  And though Calgary has its frequent phenomenal chinook days, when the minus 20 Celsius winter cold changes in a day to plus 20, it is a brief respite.  The "snow eater" sucks up the humidity from the melting snow, and quickly disappears, followed by more winter.

You can, though take a trip to visit the world online.  And the riches of the world's museums are often a click away. It wasn't always so, and Ukraine's museums were notoriously difficult to access when you considered roads, travel time, inconvenience and a lack of tourist amenities. Not so any more.

Not sure who is the brain child behind the new virtual museums on-line in Ukraine, but kudos to you!  And thanks!

http://incognita.day.kiev.ua/exposition

The Happy Magpie

Kaniv amk2013

My daughter recently laughed while calling me a "hobby Ukrainian".  I instantly got the impression she was humouring me for the intense delight Ukrainian stuff gives me.  I get the impression she thinks I am like a magpie, gleefully picking out the sparkly bits from a pile of refuse - but I am a happy magpie.

Kaniv amk2013

Sparkly things call out to me.  I get such a kick out of the simple reminders of happy times, call it a nostalgia for the romantic things that tug at my heart strings.  Old friends,  comfortable with a soft reference to a common experience that forever changed our life path.  We could have been "other", but for some reason, over wide distances and across time, we carry a bond, a love of ancestral things, maybe it is simply love? Family isn't just who you grew up with, for me at least.  Family is the people who have contributed to my world view - to my romantic, rose-coloured lens view of Ukrainian stuff.

Living the diaspora experience is living "without" - hopefully living with economic opportunity, but sadly having to leave the ancestral places, the soil in which great-great-great grandparents stepped, living with a snapshot picture of the ideal past, the ideal present, the ideal future.  Really, it is living in a time warp.  A person living away from the ancestral homeland cannot possibly live in one reality while living completely in another place, but for Ukrainians world-wide, ancestry is like a gift of time - time in a bottle.

Kaniv amk2013

So in my private life I enjoy the "hobby Ukrainian" things, stuff like reading the runes in an embroidered scarf - trying to figure out the magic in the message.  Sometimes I look at Ukrainian ceramics, pysanky or other art and try to understand the symbols, the birds, the ram, the colours.  It is like I am trying to figure out what the person creating the art work was thinking, because I know artists think differently.  Some artists think in words, some think in art, some think with their hands, their bodies, their voices, others pass on a phrase or idea that has been passed on for generations.  Other boldly try to shape the world to match their vision of how it should look! How to enjoy the small things, within the big things, and still understand the huge things? How it all connects?  Try to soar above it all, and pick up the sparkly bits! You never know what you might find?  Maybe, like me, you might want to take some of the sparkly stuff into your everyday life just for fun!

Why do Western Canadians make such Tiny Pyrohy(varenyky)?



Calgary Ukrainian Festival 2012
 amk2013

Pyrohy are a phenomenon - and may be the essential National food of Canadians, and not only Ukrainian Canadians!  You can walk into any grocer these days and select from a growing variety of pyrogies, but as every Ukrainian cook knows, imitation is the highest form of compliment.  There is nothing like home cooked food! And anything that resembles it capitalizes on the powerful memory trigger of taste!  Nobody forgets the smells, and tastes of home.  And pyrogy - varenyky are passionately intertwined between food, culture, and memory! 

Cultural maven that I am, did you know that the term pyr- actually means baked?  And varennyk actually means boiled?  Nonetheless, pyrogies-varenyky are slow food.  It can be a process, unless you are efficient with your time, like the baba's of my youth who could process 12 dozen or more in one short afternoon by themselves!  Freshly made, soft, not frozen, pyrogies-varenyky are simple, comfort food designed to erase all memory of painful times, relationships or worries.  They are homely, honest and absolutely essential!  They are the reason family comes home for Ukrainian Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and every other weekend! 

Pyrogies, varenyky or however they are labeled can trace their presence in Canada to the arrival of people from Eastern Europe - those who came to settle the prairies with Vasyl Eleniak and others from Western Ukraine in 1891 and onward. A culinary classic largely representative of Ukrainian culture, varenyky or pyrogies are favorites at family gatherings, potlucks and family restaurants across the Canadian prairies.  But do not be fooled into believing it is peasant food!  Handmade, and filled with a variety of traditional or non traditional delicious tastes, everyone has their own preference - sauerkraut, saskatoons, prunes, sour cherries, wild mushrooms, potato, with cheese, sour cream or fresh dill, with sauteed onions - they are the best! They are simply the best evidence of the tenacious hold of culture on the palate - and the extensive and rich diversity of Ukrainian heritage across Canada's Ukrainian historical sites, architecture, landmarks, cultural events and festivals. 

But why the tiny morsels?  Experts say the smallest ones are the most work, and of course they come from experienced hands, not a machine!  Although pyrogy eating championships may appeal to some, they have an esteemed culinary history.  The soft pliable dough depends upon the gluten properties in the wheat which gained Ukraine the reputation for being the breadbasket of Europe. Whether thrifty, or simply elegant, the varennyk-pyrogy is always most appreciated when made with nimble, tidy fingers - and how best to demonstrate potential and talent to a potential partner, nurturer, mate/lover than to serve up a plate of deliciously tiny home-made varenyky? 

So from tiny pyrohy to the giant pyrohy, or pierogy, or varenyk, it is time to think about how this delicious morsel of food is being celebrated in Alberta!  Did you know that Glendon, Alberta has a Pyrogy Festival showcasing Ukrainian culture and cuisine every September long weekend?  Come to see the giant pyrogy that stands 27 feet tall, deliciously waiting for  hungry passer-by, tantelizing the senses, on a fork. Built in 1991 of fiberglass with a metal frame, it is a two hour drive north east of Edmonton into Alberta's Lakeland Kalyna Country, well worth the trip! Looking at it on the fork, it doesn't seem too big!  A fun weekend of great music, beautiful Ukrainian dancing, and a Pyrogy eating contest!  If you are intrigued by this amazing village, make time to visit - remember to make reservations to stay at the Glendon Pyrogy Motel on Railway Avenue, and then head to the Pyrogy Restaurant too.  Call  Mayor Johnnie Doonanco at 780-635-3807 for more information!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0ZfeClBk-Q

Personally, I think their monument looks much like the Varenyk monument in Synky village, Ukraine. Пам'ятник варенику при в'їзді в Кіровоградську область (біля села Синьки) з боку Черкаської області.  What do you think? 

 

Every Mother was Once a Daughter

IlmarinenKowal

Every mother who ever experienced birthgiving, knows in her heart that the entire process is a miracle.  Perhaps it was chosen, perhaps not, but the experience itself is almost impossible to encapsulate in words.  Between nurturer and child the first embrace is flooded with emotions, fear, release, capture, awe and amazement!  Nobody truly believes their capacity to feel that kind of love, until it happens - and then you continue to be amazed at its resilient tenacity in the presence of conflicting emotions. 

As is the tradition in many countries, the second Sunday in May is Mother's Day! It is a time to recognize "mother" for her most important nurturing role in society.  "Mother" is an expression of wisdom, valuing,  caring and compassion, listening and help, comfort and imspiration, and peace from generation to generation.

Each of us has unique bonding memories. Infancy, childhood, the growing years, young adulthood, maturity and beyond are touched with the influence of the female nurturer.  Of course, the journey through life is complex, but "Mother-nurturer" determines the degree of culture in a society.  Caring for the welfare of one child determines the welfare of the entire society. Over time, "mother" is wisdom.  Her patience, vision, perceptive tutelage shapes all of us. She is the keeper of the hearth, who "nurses" her offspring with the milk of human kindness.

If we are truly honest about Mother's Day, a Mother's Day card or a bouquet of flowers is really festive, but perhaps superficial in its celebratory tone. No matter how hard we try to express our appreciation, praise, flowers or gifts, there is always more that avoids capture.  Words fail us, and actions rarely speak all the truth. 

Mothers live every moment agonizing over their shortcomings, both imagined and real.  The truth is, mothers mostly feel humbled by the magnititude of their experience.  But every mother was once a daughter.  Every daughter looked to her mother in awe of her experience.  And the ancestral maternal line miraculously takes us back to the first Eve.  Happy Mother's Day to Eve, to all her daughters, all the ancestral mothers!  Luv ya!

 

Paska, A Break-the-Fast Feast

Paska, Babka, Cheese and Butter, Ham, and Horseradish, and Kovbasa, Green Onions, and Beet-Horseradish, Eggs and Krashanky, and Pysanky!

s.l. 2013

Calgary's Orthodox Christians of Ukrainian ancestry, celebrated the miracle of Easter on May 5, 2013.  It is a most important church event.  After the ritual preparations, fasting and cleaning house, both internally and externally, bringing pussy willows to be sprinkled with Holy Water is a step towards the renewal of Easter.   The Easter Sunday Breakfast Feast is brought to church to be blessed in a basket, breads, cheese, meat, eggs, butter, salt and other items such as pysanky.  Each food item at the Breakfast Feast has layers of meaning. Enjoying this blessed meal is a way of perpetuating the family story, greeting those that came before us, and those that have yet to come, with the news that Christ has Risen.  Visiting the graves to sing the hymns of Easter reminds us that we are all facing the end of our lives. What next?  Is that all there is?  What on earth am I here for? 

d.s.2013

I remember my grandmother making a very strange statement to me on the day I was married.  She said I had written myself into the family book.  Of course I had no clue what she meant.  After all these years, I am beginning to have an idea. But it takes a while for it all to sink in!

Maybe it takes repetition, repeated traditions, uncovering layer upon layer of meaning to figure out life?  And lots of moments of personal famine, periods of fasting, waiting, anticipation before the "what next" happens.  It is a wheel, and the journey takes many turns of the wheel - the uphill push and the downhill ease. 

The egg game is always fun,
the egg that stays whole wins,
and so does the person whose egg
is so tough enough to
win the day.  amk2013

The Easter message this spring is all about pruning, trimming off the parts that don't bear fruit, and hoping the new growth will prosper.  Surviving a long life without being pruned or trimmed off the tree of life must mean that the branch has born a lot of fruit - and prospered. And Calgary's Ukrainian community is just like that, too.  The branches that produce fruitful crops continue to take sustenance from the community that has ancestral connections.  And new arrivals to Calgary who want to retain connections with their ancestral roots cluster around the Ukrainian idea.  The idea that one can continue to have a toe-hold in Ukrainian things, worldwide, and live a life of economic prosperity elsewhere is unique. We are here, we are a force for good, our hopes are one.

A lot of Ukrainian Calgarians celebrated Easter today.







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Pussy Willow Sunday

Alberta roadsides, the low wet ones, are home to many different species of wild pussy willows (almost 40 sorts).  Beautiful pussy willows are the flowers of willow bushes, and among the most eager blossoms on the prairies.  Anxious for insect pollinators, the fuzzy pussy willows are impervious to frost damage, pushing roots, and moving water and nutrients even in cold weather.  Good thing, considering the snow and bluster of Alberta's "spring" this year. 

Coloured twigs of moose willows are popular here in Alberta.  Early February pussy willows can be found in wet areas, and have branchy red stems with very white flowers.  March varieties are mostly brown with grey or silver grey flowers.  Early April varieties have rusty brown stems with large white flowers, and wolf willows (a neighborhood variety) host their small grey flowers on green, yellow and red stems.  You can find pussy willows in open areas and need not cross fences or hazards to reach them. The male pussy willows will be the first to blossom, while the female will bear seeds much later in the season.

Willow twigs play a rather important role in the Ukrainian tradition at this season.  The Sunday before Easter is called Palm Sunday, but where do palms grow in Canada?  Resourceful Ukrainian pioneers buried knee deep in snow and yearning for the end of winter, would see the willows as the harbinger of spring. A short walk into the wild wood could find you knee deep in swamp and rewarded with  a few bundles of furry catkins to treasure in anticipation of better weather to come.

The Ukrainian tradition is to bring willows to Palm Sunday services to have them blessed, a beautiful symbol of greeting Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem on the Sunday before the crucifixion.  Enjoy this youtube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWMhNiNZFJI . After services, one can then decorate the home, placing the pussy willows around holy pictures and ikons. 

A bundle of nicely coloured and shaped willow twigs will dry into a very elegant arrangement over time. Some people make willow furniture, willow baskets, wreaths and walking sticks.

My dad, a child of the Alberta prairies, used to love working with wood.  Gently peeling off the bark, polishing off the chaff, and working it gently with a soft cloth to bring out the wood's sheen.  His walking sticks are such a lovely reminder of his youth - and times past.  Diamond willows make particularly beautiful walking sticks!  A diamond willow walking stick, complete with autographs of "best" and "forever" friends, has always been a part of the Alberta Ukrainian summer camp experience.

 

Ukrainian Dancing Has Come a Long Way!

amk2012

For a lot of Ukrainian Canadians, the experience of Ukrainian dancing has no equal.  It is an expression of childhood.  Memorable hours of driving to and fro through the prairie winter, to learn to dance, countless trips to the gas bar and coffee stops, certainly crowd the memories of many adults, that's true.  But any activity that is so thoroughly championed by parents, aunties and uncles, grandparents, and the entire community is bound to have meaning for a small child. Learning to have stage presence, poise, artistry, perform in great venues, travel to entertain and be cheered, all while involved in activity that conveys respect and admiration for ancestors of yore - not to mention the great sinew that binds all Ukrainian dancers of all generations and ages - what can compare! 

Some people probably take some of this opportunity for granted, but of course Ukrainian dancing is also work.  At least this is the kind of work that comes of passion, of vocation, of a deeply held dream to change the world.  Years of preparation, years of sweaty clothing, torn slippers, richly rewarded by momentary applause and accolades. And yet it is work. Work that has power and impact.   Such is the life of a Ukrainian dancing teacher.  For the love of Ukrainian dancing!

amk 2012

Today there are Ukrainian dancing schools in most Canadian provinces! And there are very talented, professionally trained teachers bringing more talented youngsters into the embrace of culture, tradition, and dreams. And the best of them have the opportunity to move their part time living into a professional career. 

Congratulations to organizations like Shumka, Cheremosh, Tryzub, and many others across the Canadian steppes for taking Ukrainian Dance to the next level, over and over again! Congratulations for making real careers possible for Ukrainian dancers here in Canada. 

The Ukrainian Shumka Dancers are looking for a full time Principal for the Shumka School of Dance. A two year contract position at the Shumka Studios in Edmonton, Alberta is a dream job. Providing artistic, managerial, instructional, budgeting and administrative services, this is a really important arts position. Excellence in dance, thorough understanding of Ukrainian dance, music, culture and folklore, while thoroughly capable of leadership in both the craft of dance and its business in today's marketplace, this is a job for an innovative and strategic leader.

For more information check the website at http://www.shumka.com/ . 

But more than that, remember to say a quiet thanks for the persons who put your first dance slippers on! Good job!

Chester Kuc has Passed

When the Edmonton Ukrainian community thinks of Ukrainian dancing, a giant of a man rises in the memory. With a passion for everything Ukrainian, and a talent for community involvement nurtured by thoughtful and future's oriented parents, it is so hard to say Vichna Pamyat' (Eternal Memory) for Chester Kuc, who fell asleep in the Lord in the early morning hours of February 16, 2013.

A huge love of everything Ukrainian, with musical talent, drama skills, artistic hands and eyes, the Ukrainian community will probably mention the power of his impact on Ukrainian dancing on the prairies first. The formation of one of the largest dance schools in Edmonton, and the founding and artistic direction of both the Shumka Dancers and Cheremosh are just the most visible reminders of his work. Recognized over the years for his dedication to community, artistic work, and numerous high level ethno-cultural activities over his lifetime, Chester also received prestigious awards and accolades internationally. A gift of time, talent and treasure, Chester himself was a treasure. Highly knowledgeable in the arts, he was particular and conducted extensive research to assure authenticity in both stage representation of culture and materials, amassing a huge collection of artifacts in a variety of genres. His talent for always finding time for the important things in life allowed him to develop close ties, and influence the level of expertise across the arts spectrum, but especially so in the Ukrainian community. A father, a husband, a person of great vision and faith in the Ukrainian Canadian community has passed.
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Prayers for Chester Kuc will be served on Thursday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. at St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 10951 - 107 Street. The Funeral Rite will be served on Friday, February 22 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral with Right Reverend Stephan Semotiuk officiating with interment in St. Michael's Cemetery.
In typical fashion, the family has requested that any donations made in Chester's memory be made to Kule Chair for Ukrainian Ethnography or to the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko, 202, 952 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB R2W 3P4.
To send condolences, visit
www.parkmemorial.com

Eternal Memory!  Vichna Pamyat'!

Ukrainian Christmas Carol Concert - Edmonton

The Ukrainian Music Society of Alberta Українське Музичне Товариство Альберти has been active in areas related to arts and culture since 1984.

The Ukrainian Music Society of Alberta is again inviting the community to a celebration of Ukrainian Carols and Schedrivky -Вечір Колядок і Щедрівок  a Ukrainian Christmas Carol Concert on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 3:00 PM at St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, in Edmonton, Alberta.

This is always great event that embraces all the Ukrainian community in prayerful song in celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ! Come, bring your children, and seniors - sing in harmony with the many voiced choir of angels - the Ukrainian Music Society of Alberta invites everyone to attend!

Admission is by donation to "Orphanage Project in Ukraine, care of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Western Eparchy". This year's event will be hosted by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Western Eparchy. Remember to stay for the fellowship and post concert refreshments at St. John's Cultural Centre (10951-107 Street Edmonton).

For more information contact Luba Boyko-Bell at 780-469-4890

Keeping Track of Time

Memorable events, times of regret, happy days, but none like the present!  How to be "present", stay in moment, and yet understand it is "just" a moment?  Seize the day! Carpe diem! 

So many events happen on a regular cycle - birthdays, anniversaries, weekends, feast days, holidays - why is it that we still need to mark them on the calendar? 

If we were just a bit more attentive to the rhythms of nature perhaps the blooming crocus, the first tulips, the first buds of spring, a whiff of ancient smoke might creep deep into our psyche and refresh the spirit! Keeping pace with the fluff of daily living, are we missing the eternal heartbeat of home?

Visual reminders everywhere, lists of duties and responsibilities, all prioritized, externally driven.  Time is so fleeting, there comes a time when the imposing clamour of contemporary living gets to be oppressive! But soft, tender as a fleeting memory, in an instant, an image can remind us to breathe.  All the whispered endearments in the "forever memories" of our lineage patiently wait to be heard.  Time to "keep with the culture".  And recently this beautiful one appeared in my collection!

Beautifully photographed exponents from the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, bearing tons of cultural insight, now grace the pages of a new calendar.  The only place in southern Alberta to get this beautifully photographed calendar of edifying wisdom is from the kiosk at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada - Calgary Collection at 403-264-3437.  A sister museum in Toronto has just released this beautifully photographed calendar - I am sure that Darcia Moskaluk-Rutkay the UWAC Provincial President for Eastern Canada must be thrilled with the new release.  Just lovely.

For more information contact 
The Ukrainian Museum of Canada - Ontario Branch
621 Spadina Ace., Toronto, Ontario  M5S 2H4
Telephone:416-923-3318 ext. 105 Fax: 416-923-8266
Email: museum@stvladimir.ca  Web site: www.umcontario.com

"Medove Pyvo" - Медове Пиво - Malanka Song

wikipedia

Collecting honey and honeycomb in their natural habitat can be risky but rewarding business.  A treasured sweetener, the ancients celebrated honey in many ways including song! A gift from nature, a medicinal, a food, a preservative, for embalming, it's wax for writing pysanky, honey has it all.  And it makes for the most delicious flavourful mead to drink - honey beer!!

Honey hunters have sweetened the Ukrainian historic tradition for at least 8,000 years. Besides its ritual importance in so many areas of Ukrainian culture and traditional life, it is easy to find archeological records from Ukraine's borderlands in Georgia and this depiction of honey seekers from Spain. 

The traditional Ukrainian folk song-incantation - "Medove Pyvo" Медове пиво is Tyt i Tam Ukrainian "goodtimes polka brigade zabava system" from Saskatoon's most recently released new video for this traditional Ukrainian New Years Malanka song. It's a great piece full of good wishes and perfect for a exciting kolomeyka circle dance. This old style dance for a circle of villagers and friends accompanied by such a traditional folk song set in a Canadian rockin' style will bring everyone to their feet! This, and other songs from their collection is available for purchase on Itunes but you can watch it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us-0b5zeqPk&list=PLl9fMq2gXMUmnb2ryFHgtfor3m9vjFeTn  If you are already there, I suggest another song, Ostafie's Odyssey, perfect little solo accordian piece!

Tyt i Tam performs a unique and progressive style of Ukrainian folk music. Their extensive professional breadth of musical experience is tremendous. Playing at events across the prairies and into the foothills, TytiTam is the 5 piece band playing at this winter's 2013 Malanka in the Mountains in Jasper. What a fabulous evening! Time to get tickets!

Calgary Christmas Carolling - Koliada

Christmas carolling on the prairies - fond reminiscences.

Наталія та Роман Юсипчук

Uncles and aunties, piling up in the ice-covered truck, jovial and amused.  Driving through snowdrifts, and icy popsickle toes from the bitter arctic cold.  Daring to venture out in these conditions was a purpose driven mission in those days! 

Stopping in one farmhouse after the other, booming voices in loud fanfares of mirth, traditional greetings followed by ancient sacred hymns, blissfully sharing the Good News!  Tables heavily laden with a big-hearted spread of seasonal goodies, food and drink to warm the spirit, and ruddy red, frost bitten faces of old and young, such a warm embrace of appreciation!

Stranded on the Canadian prairies quarter sections distance from each other,  Ukrainian pioneers thirsted for companionship.  Who are we kidding?  We all thirst for companionship, especially through these dark cold winter days.  Retail therapy only goes so far to fill the void. 

Perhaps it is your turn this season to fill someone else's bucket with a drop of human kindness.  Grab the Christmas carol book, two or three people who can hold a tune -or not, and venture out - your purpose driven mission calls!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyETGQDKP7c&list=PLDFC01BBDE0C8681E&playnext=2&feature=autoplay

Ой Коляда! Колядниця!

Добра, з медом паляниця!

А без меду не така!

Дайте, Дядьку, п'ятака!

Зі Святами Різдва, та з Новим Роком!

Христос ся Рождає!

Rejoice O Earth! The Son of God is born!

Rejoice!  On January 13, 2013 at 12.30 pm in the hall at the Church of St. Stephen's, a Christmas Concert will be held!

 "O Earth Rejoice the Son of God was born", with the 

participation of Merited Artist of Ukraine, Ihor Bohdan with 

Stephania Romaniuk, Iryna Kalinovych and  Roksolana Bohdan. 

The ticket price is $20.00.

Funds collected will go to the needs of the Catholic University in Lviv, Ukraine 

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13 січня 2013 року о 12.30 год. в залі при церкві Святого Стефана відбудеться Різдвяний концерт 

ОЙ РАДУЙСЯ ЗЕМЛЕ СИН БОЖИЙ НАРОДИВСЯ, за участю Заслуженого артиста України ІГОРЯ БОГДАНА та Стефанії Романюк, Ірини Калинович і Роксоляни Богдан. 

Ціна квитків 20.00

Зібрані кошти підуть на потреби Католицького Університету у Львові. 

Thanks to Halia Wilson for the post. 

Faith, Love, and Generosity

Welcoming the patron Saint of children!   Today's program for Святий Миколай St. Nicholas was a bundle of lessons about the Saint, child centered verses about good behavior spoken with clear Ukrainian diction, cheerful seasonal songs, traditional Ukrainian carols and the traditional hymn of welcome for Sviatey Mikolay!  Such lovely little people, and such lovely little voices, bursting full of love for learning.

The stage at St. Vlad's Cultural Center at 404 Meredith  Road NE Calgary was full of children from three years up to early teens. Children from Sadochok (Calgary's only Ukrainian language bilingual preschool program), Ukrainian Saturday School, and Church school were excited to perform for the guests!  Smiling faces, beautiful embroideries, and sparkling voices brought huge grins of pride from parents, grandparents, teachers and guests.  These enthusiastic Садочок Sadochok, Рідна Школа Ridna Shkola, and Church School children make us all proud!

We all loved the show! Special thanks to Olena Kanevska, Zennovia Haydey and Pani Valia - the teachers whose preparation and care made a visit from the Generous Saint himself, Святий Миколай so welcome!  A gift of faith, love and generosity!

And thanks to St. Nicholas the Wonder Worker who must be very busy tending the hearts of many vulnerable children the world-over during this season of peace, love and hope!

ST. VLAD's MALANKA 2013

Another fabulous Ukrainian New Years' MALANKA to celebrate! Маланка! It is time to book tickets soon to the St. Vladimir's MALANKA taking place this January 25th, 2012.  With Roma catering providing the festive meal, and Absolute Dance Band absolutedanceband.com for a polka stepping evening, this should be a fun MALANKA.  There are many special parts of this event including a champagne toast and of course, many friends to welcome the new year!

For more information and tickets contact Michelle at 403-264-3437 at St. Vladimir's Cultural Center 404-Meredith Road NE- tickets are $75 per person.  Follow the links at www.stvlads.com.

Ukrainian Children's Theatre Studio - Dzerelo

The Ukrainian National Federation is celebrating its 80th anniversary of service to the Ukrainian Canadian community this year, and its Edmonton women's association - the The Ukrainian Women's Organization of Canada chose to name their organization in honor of Olha Basarab.  Olha Basarab was a women of Western Ukraine at a time when Poland was "in charge".  Olha joined a freedom movement, and actually served as a sharpshooter in the Sich Riflemen for a period of time. She received honors for this, it seems, posthumously because she was "eliminated" by the authorities of the time.  Ukrainian women in Canada consider her a hero, and there are many women's groups across Canada, including the UWAC of Calgary, who chose Olha Basarab as their patron in her honor.  Fighting for freedom, it seems, has many friends in Canada.

The UNO  Women's group has been supporting and promoting a very special children's theatre-studio called Dzerelo Джерело (The Well) for many years now.  The group produces Ukrainian plays and skit, concerts and performances in the Ukrainian National Federation Hall in Edmonton.  In their 20th anniversary year, the Dzerelo group is again hosting a unique collective experience - the children's theatre studio performance - on December 9th, 2012 at 1:30 pm at the UNO Hall.  

For more information and tickets please call Alla Semenko at 780-479-7616

Kerby Center's Ukrainian Malanka 2013

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Calgary's Kerby Centre is hosting a Ukrainian Malanka event on Tuesday, January 22, 2013! This wonderful initiative is designed to enhance the lives of older adults in Calgary.  And with Ukrainian music, dancing, cultural presentations, and delicious Ukrainian food this is an event to put on the calendar.

The Kerby Centre strives to assist older people in their journey through their elder years, helping them reside in the community, and providing programming, services and information for their needs.

As the poster indicates, the tickets for this event are already available, and there is sure to be a rush.  Make sure to book a Malanka event for the special person in your family circle - it is sure to make their hearts warm with delight!

Call the Ed. and Rec. department  at 403-705-3233  or contact Jennifer Furke at 403-473-1311!!

Another Great Ukrainian Cookbook!

Another great Ukrainian Cookbook to tell you about!

amk2012

This is the most recent publication of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada, Hanka Romanchych Branch in Saskatoon!  This is the home organization of the Savella Stechishin of Traditional Ukrainian Cookery fame.  And now the ladies have continued in the fine tradition, and published a beautiful, new collection entitled From Baba, With Love.

From Baba,With Love is truly a lovely recipe book.  With full colour pictures, and ethno-cultural background, it is full of newly adapted recipes that use contemporary methods and technologies.

Because I know you will want to get yours quickly, here is the contact information to the only store in Calgary that carries the book! You may want to order several to have as gifts to share the whole year long!!

Contact the lovely ladies at - The Ukrainian Museum of Canada - Calgary Collection -

St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cultural Centre

404 Meredith Road NE

Calgary, Alberta T2E 5A6

For more Information, phone 403 264 3437.