the ukrainian lunch

Very sorry there are no pics! We remembered to bring the camera, but I totally forgot to take it out and actually use it...
We did have a lovely time though! Here is a recap that Mike posted on facebook:

***We put on an "open house" for anyone who wanted to know more about what Annie Hallenback and I will be doing when we move to Ukraine next January. We laid out displays of photos from past trips to Ukraine, along with all kinds of "artifacts" related to Ukraine, and particularly, Zakarpattya. (I even brought my portable phonograph to play an old LP of the Carpathian Folk Choir & Orchestra, recorded in Uzhhorod back in the '60s). We brought in 150 varenyky and 50 holubtsi from Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen on E 7th in NYC. The Ukrainian "babusi" outdid themselves; the food was great and well-received. Then, our good friends Richard and Anya spoke about life in Ukraine, including history, present social and economic conditions, etc. (Anya's a native of Irshava and Richard lived in Uzhhorod for 6 years). They explained what sort of work we'll be doing with Hope & Life Ukraine (working with orphans, Roma and elderly). People had lots of good questions...my mom came, my first-grade teacher, Cathy Seehase, came (!), as well as my "brother from another mother", Patrick Gallagher. It was a blessing and a blast. We even got some new partners who have signed up by pledging monthly financial support!***

More details:

• About 50 people came
• We ate this:



Stuffed cabbage leaves (rice & beef)



Potato & onion filled dumplings

 *in addition to pizza 'Ukrainian' style (with corn kernals and dipping ketchup)

• Solomiya slept through most of it

The only picture. Taken by my talented sister: Chrissy Solanky





Thank you to everyone who came!
Thank you to Fred & Carmella Savignano (my parents) for helping with cooking, picking up pizza, and cleaning up like crazy!
Thank you to Chrissy Solanky (my sister) for diaper changes (for little S of course), setting up, and cleaning up... again like crazy!
Thank you to Steph Schorno (my sister from another mother) for baby whispering, setting up, cleaning up, and general entertainment while I was cooking!