Joy in any language
Those three eager teenagers taking in the sights at Jack London Park over the weekend were not your average tourists. Nastya Delikatna, Anastasiya Rozvadovskaya and Carolina Gaiduk are cultural exchange students visiting from Kaniv, Sonoma’s Sister City in the Ukraine.
It’s a busy two-week stay for the girls, who received “an extraordinary” greeting at a public reception on April 1, according to trip coordinator Tarney Baldinger. This week, they are attending high school, “and they love it (well, maybe not chemistry) and are having a fabulous time,” she said. “The administration, teachers, and students are all being very welcoming, and the host families are being so generous and loving.”
As for the girls, who appeared at a City Council meeting and danced at a school rally this week, “We are very grateful for the invitation and for all good things that Americans have done for us,” said one. Added another, “All of us are so excited to meet so many kind, sincere, well wishing people, who are ready to make our stay here enjoyable and unforgettable.”
Ukrainian Easter egg workshop. Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Workshops on making Ukrainian Easter eggs (pysanky) at the Sister Cities’ headquarters, 205 First Street West. Please bring 4 blown, other materials provided. Donation: $5 for ages 6 to 10, $7.50 youth and adults. Pysanky books and supplies available for purchase courtesy of Fine Line Arts. Ukrainian snacks, music, crafts, and recipes will be also be available. Space limited; RSVP requested at 935.1225 or [email protected]
Ukrainian dance and cultural exhibition, Sunday, April 10, 6 p.m. Sonoma Ballet Conservatory, 561-B Broadway. The exchange students will present a modern version of traditional Ukrainian dances and modern aerobic dance, and also lead singing, share their culture, and display photos, craft and art. $5 suggested donation. Ukrainian snacks, music, crafts, and recipes will also be available.
For more information contact Laurie Langton at [email protected] or Tarney Baldinger at 935-1225.
