’06 Sedeljka sets record

A hundred people filled what one dubbed “a rustic barn cathedral” for the April 29 Sedeljka and helped raise close to $3500. Contributions are flowing in and will be gratefully received. After party donations payable to Susq. Int'l Dancers may be mailed to Anne Wilson 1996 Millville Rd. Bloomsburg, Pa. 17815.

“We hope to top $3500 by the end of the week,” said Oli Larmi. All funds will aid women victims of war and ethnic cleansing in the middle east, Africa, and the Balkans through Women for Women Int’l.

“We have enjoyed music, dance, and cuisine borrowed from many of these peoples,” said Anne Wilson, another Susquehanna Int’l Dancers’ organizer. “Now our contributions will aid them in their time of need.”

See www.womenforwomen.org for details about how their dignity is being restored, vocational training, and microlending programs.

Over a glass of wine and ethnic hors d’ourves, many enjoyed a set of folk dances performed by Renee’s Greenwood Friend’s School students to violin and tupan played by Jeanie Masich and Oli Larmi, who were all illuminated by the golden light of the late afternoon sun beaming through the western side of the barn, opened up by sliding six barn doors off to the side.



Next came a special world class quality performance of Belo Platno (White Linen) by the Bucknell University Folk Dancers, choreographed by Paula Davis-Larson. In the Balkans, as in many parts of the world, marriage was a bittersweet event; young women were often married through arrangement and would have to leave their villages, friends and family. Music for the performance included: Zar and Belo Platno (Serbia), Rományi Rotá (Hungary), and Lado (Croatia.)

After breathlessly changing out of her colorfully embroidered costume, Kristen Schibener then played a number of Scottish highland tunes on her bagpipes.

Through all of this, Anne Wilson, while reclining on a sofa in the salon created off on one side of the dance floor, received a steady stream of well wishers.

As early evening arrived John Matulis began to play for dancing. Dottie Yaceck joined in from time to time with her tambura as did Oli on the tupan and Jeanie on her violin.


BIG TURN OUT FOR COOKING PARTY

Over twenty guest-workers partied, did prep work, baked, and cooked for the busy groaning board for the Sedeljka the Thursday before. They made kebobcheta (Bulgarian meatballs), tyropita (Greek feta cheese philo dough pastries), and stuffed grape leaves. Meanwhile baklava and other delicacies were being prepared in different kitchens around the county. Many enjoyed toasted Balkan “tacos” made from excess tyropita filling and salsa near the end.

Getting caught up in the work party, 9 year old Josh Masich asked, “ Can I chop up something too?” “Of course,” Oli replied, as he handed over the food chopper. “But we don’t want your finger tips in the food.” So he showed him how to curl his fingers while holding down the produce as he diced it to pieces.