Upcoming Events

Join us at the Redwood Library at 6pm on Wednesday, November 12 for a special presentation by Dr. Marika Kuzma about the tradition of Ukrainian winter carols.  Reserve your seat by clicking here: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E120885&id=328

Marika Kuzma, Conductor and Professor Emerita of University of California Berkeley, will talk about the unique qualities and history of Ukrainian

winter carols in the context of her recently published book, Carols of Birds, Bells and Sacred Hymns from Ukraine: An Anthology and Cultural Companion (Cambridge Scholars Printing, 2024).

Of Ukrainian heritage, Dr. Kuzma is in a unique position to talk about Ukraine's music within world culture. She grew up in a close-knit diaspora community in New England before her love of music led her to study at the Vienna Conservatory, Indiana  University--far and wide. Her work as a conductor and chorusmaster included concerts at Carnegie Hall, Disney

Hall, Kennedy Center, Place des Arts, Zellerbach Hall, and others. She has collaborated with Gustavo Dudamel, Nicholas McGegan, Kent Nagano, and others. Her work as a scholar of Ukrainian music has led to various publications and recordings and talks at major American universities and music schools including the Kyiv and Moscow conservatories. 

Her new book on carols has received enthusiastic reviews.  Harvard historian Serhii Plokhy calls it "groundbreaking," and acclaimed choral director/composer Craig Hella Johnson writes that the book and its music "deeply moved me."

Dr. Kuzma will be conducting concerts of that very music in major US venues in December. Come hear recordings of Ukraine's varied, vibrant carols and the stories behind them. These very carols and their composers have played a vital role during Ukraine's struggles for cultural preservation and political independence for centuries and offer timely messages of hope and resilience for us all.

Join us for a festive Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop!

This event not only sweetens your holiday season but also strengthens our effort to deliver much-needed aid to those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

Spend a Saturday morning learning to beautifully decorate home-baked cookies with Ukrainian American Christine Teper Charest. We will meet at St. Peter's Lutheran Church (525 Broadway, Newport) for this fun event. Each participant will take home 6 cookies they have decorated through guided instruction. Cost is $35 per person. Register below.

Details:

• What: Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop
• Why: Proceeds aid the Ukraine Relief Project's mission of humanitarian support and raising awareness.
• Community Impact: Every cookie decorated contributes to hope and help overseas.

Let’s come together, share joy, and extend our community’s helping hand this holiday season.

We host a variety of events throughout the year, including fundraisers, community outreach events, and educational seminars. Check out our calendar to see what's coming up.