2006

Jan 1 – Sun – Russian Holiday: New Year / Новый Год (day off)
Holiday greetings and songs

Jan 7 – Russian Holiday: (Orthodox) Christmas / Рождество (day off)
Holiday greetings and songs

Jan 7 – Sat – 12:30 pm – Russian Children's Center New Year's Party
Stone Creek Church, 17844 N. 7th. Ave.(1.5 mile south of 101-Loop Freeway, or 1/2 mile north of Bell, at Grovers), Phoenix, AZ 85023 — The Russian Children’s Center “Golden Key” invites children of all ages (up to 100 years old) and their parents to a Russian Holiday:

"New Year Adventures"— performance for the children
Ded Moroz and Snegurochka (Grandfather Frost and Snow Girl)
Singing and dancing around the New Year’s tree
Refreshments
Cost: $10 for children, which includes a traditional Russian New Year's present, and $2 for adults.
Contact us to reserve your present no later than December 30th as the number of presents will be limited to the number of reservations. Nbor@cox.net, or phone: 480-699-8796, or 602-315-7722

Jan 15 – Sun – 3 - 5:30 pm – Tucson – Soccer – Футбол
Snova igraem v football (soccer) kazhdoe voskresenen's s January, 15 2006, s 3:00 - 5:30 PM na Udall Park (see map on my site) — Just for Fun! Zakupil miachi i mini-vorota dlia nebol'shih komand. Everybody's Welcome!!! — Po vsem voprosam zvonite mne (520) 990-3062, E-mail: DJ Tolik

Feb 2 thru 25 – Daily Closed Sun & Mon – Russian Artists Photo Exhibit
Lisa Sette Gallery, 4142 N. Marshall Way (1 block West of Scottsdale Road, North of Indian School Road, 1 block East of Goldwater Blvd), Scottsdale, 85251 —- Contemporary photographic work by Russian artists Valeriy Gerlovin and Rimma Gerlovina. — Phone: (480) 990-7342 — Gallery Open: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday evening; noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Closed Sunday and Monday. — Free event.

Feb 4 – Sat – 7:30 pm – Tucson – Russian Winter Festival
Feb 5 – Sun – 2 pm – Repeat
The largest Russian music concert and dance performance in Arizona featuring the Arizona Balalaika Orchestra, Kalinka Russian Dancers, Sons of Orpheus Men's Chorus — at Pima Community College, Center for the Arts Proscenium Theater, 2202 W. Anklam Road, Tucson, Arizona — Tickets $15 adults, $10 students. Available now at: West Side: Pima College Center for the Arts Box Office, 520-206-6986; University Area: The Folk Shop, 2525 N. Campbell Ave, 520-881-7147; Eastside: Instrumental Music, 7063 E. Speedway, 520-733-7334 — For more information call 520-743-2347

Photos of 2005 Concert (CLICK to ENLARGE):

Feb 5 – Sun – 5 pm – The Art and Music of Eastern Europe
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 100 West Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 — Concert and lecture on art and music of Eastern Europe featuring Estonian painter, Associate Professor and Art Department Head at Tartu University, Anne Parmasto along with music provided by the Trinity Cathedral Choir and the Great Cathedral Organ. Discussion will focus on art in the University setting of Estonia and works of other Eastern European composers.— Tickets: $15 Adults, $10 Seniors, Students and Groups of 10 or more.

Feb 10 to 12 — Rusyn Dance Workshop
St. Melany Byzantine Catholic Church 1212 N. Sahuara Ave, Tucson, AZ 85712 — Father Robert Rankin (520) 886-4225 — Workshop will be taught by Jack Poloka and Dean Poloka, director and co-director of Slavjane Folk Ensemble and teachers of Slavic-style dance for over 40 years combined in McKees Rock, Pennsylvania. Rusyn dance is a folk dance that originates from the transcarpathian area of Eastern Europe, mainly Eastern Slovakia and Western Ukraine. — Class for all ages, beginners through advanced are welcome. Cost $20 a day per individual, $25 per day for a family and $25 a weekend for an individual or $50 a weekend for a family. — On Saturday February 11 from 7-9pm, Dean Poloka, Vice President of the National Carpatho-Rusyn Society will be presenting a lecture, "Fr. Alexander Duchnovich, Rusyn National Awakener" The lecture will also be at St. Melany's and is free. Please contact Leslie Kurtak at deserttea@yahoo.com if you would like to registar.

Feb 11 – Sat – 1 pm – Germans from Russia Meeting
AZ Sun Chapter at the Glendale Foothills Library, 19055 N 57th Avenue (north of Union Hills Drive), Glendale, AZ . — There will be some light refreshments (not a meal).

Speaker: Professor Seigmund Ziebart (cousin of Elvera Reuer). He will be sharing about his work with the Bessarabien Haus in Stuttgart, Germany where he now lives. He was born in South Russia and ended up in Germany after WW II.

If you are on the mailing list, be sure to look at the label and if you are NOT a current 2005 member, be sure to pay at the meeting. If you are not on the Newsletter mailing list we would love to have you join our organization. National dues are $50 and local dues are $10. E-mail: Larry Haas

Feb 16 – Thur – 9 pm – Phoenix TV Channel 8 – Royal Family: Love and Revolution
Feb 17 – Fri – 12 am (midnight)
A profile of Dagmar, who wed Russian prince Alexander III. — Part 4 of this Danish-made 6-part series tells the history of a royal family that has links all over Europe. This episode begins in 1864 when Christian IX and Queen Louise's second-eldest daughter, Dagmar met her dream prince, Nicholas (Nixa), after he arrived in Denmark from Russia. When they got engaged they scratched their names on a windowpane at Fredensborg Palace in Denmark, and Dagmar became accustomed to a completely new life as the future Czarina of Russia. But that very year Nixa died of meningitis and Dagmar was passed on to his brother, Alexander (III). The couple had five children, of whom the eldest, Nicholas (II), married the German Princess Alix of Hessen-Darmstadt, against his parents' will. She bore him four daughters and finally a son. The royal family realized in horror that the son was a haemophiliac and in despair at her son's ill health, Alix sent for "the holy man", Rasputin. When the long-haired, shabby man appeared in the elegant apartments he left behind him a life of drink and women and when he repeatedly succeeded in stopping the boy's haemorrhaging, he completely won Alix's confidence. Revolution was smouldering and Nicholas II was taken to Siberia with his family, and he, Alexandra and their five children were shot in the "House of Special Purpose". Two of the children, Maria and Alexei, are still missing. Dagmar spent two years under house arrest in the Crimea before being rescued by the HMS Marlborough, a British warship. Until the day she died in 1928, she refused to believe that Nicholas II and his wife and children had been assassinated. Xenia and Olga, Dagmar's two daughters, also escaped from Russia and settled in English and Denmark, respectively. Both have numerous descendants including Princess Olga Romanoff, Xenia Kulikovsky and Paul Kulikovsky.

Feb 23 – Mon – Russian holiday: Protector of Motherland Day (literal: Defender of the Fatherland)
День защитника отечесва — Den' zashchitnika otechestva — Known until recently as Soviet Army Day, popularly viewed as holiday for all men. It's a day off over there. And treated like the male equivalent of Women's Day (March 8).

Feb 23-25 – Sedona Film Festival – 2 New Russian films
All films shown at Harkins Sedona 6, 2081 West Highway 89A (at Coffee Pot Drive), Sedona — Phone: 928-282-2221 — Theater Express Code: 226

Frida vs. Frida (Also Shown at the 2005 Moscow film festival.)
Director: Natalia Nazarova — Documentary Short, Russia, 2005, 39 minutes
This is a portrait of Frida Kahlo, the painter, against the backdrop of a simmering Mexico and in the company of men and women of outstanding personalities — Diego Rivera, Leon Trotsky, Tina Modotti and Andre Breton. It shows the inner dispute of the creative artist, with commentaries from her contemporaries — art critic Rachel Tibol and Diego Rivera's daughter Guadalupe Rivera-Marin.
SCREENING: In Shorts Program 3

Feb. 24 — Fri — 8:05 am — Harkins Theatre 2
Feb. 25 — Sat — 1 pm — Harkins Theatre 5

Twilight : Сумерки (Russian with English subtitles)
Director: Victoria Gamburg — Dramatic Short, USA, 2005, 21 minutes
In Russia, a beloved child lost, and found, and lost again. It is the white nights of the northern Russian summer, a time of neither night nor day. A woman searches the streets of St. Petersburg for her missing daughter while coping with the indifference and ineptitude of a destitute bureaucracy. Another child appears, providing her with a fleeting moment of emotional respite. A second tragedy emboldens the woman to make a critical choice. Shot on location in St. Petersburg, Russia.
SCREENING: Screens with Visioning Tibet and My Backyard Was a Mountain

Feb. 23 — Thurs — 3:30 p.m. — Harkins Theatre 5
Feb. 25 — Sat — 8 a.m. — Harkins Theatre 1

Feb 25 — Sat — 9 pm — 2 am — TUCSON: Прздничная Русская Дисктека
k 23 февралая — Дню Защитгника Отечесв — Посетителяам в любой военной форме — бесплатний вход! -- Вход$ 5 (at DJ's table) — "EAST SIDE GRILL" Bar, Tucson, 9403 E.Golf Links Rd (at Harrison Rd), Tucson — Подробности на www.djtolik.com — A "Holiday Disco" celebrating Feb 23. Admission $5, free if you wear any military uniform. More information at www.djtolik.com

Mar 8 – Wed – Russian holiday: International Womens' Day
Women receive flowers, presents and are toasted by men.

Mar 11 – Sat – 9 pm to 2 am – Tucson: Diskoteka k 8 Marta
Midway Business Park, 4500 E. Speedway #19 (1 block west of Swan) — Vhod (admission) $ 5 — тел. (520) 512-0206 — www.djtolik.com : playing today's Russian hits — This is a dance party celebrating International Womens' Day which occured Wednesday March 8.

Mar 14 – Tues – 9-10 pm – KPHO TV Channel 5: Amazing Race 9
I Am in Russia Playing with the Dolls (New) — The teams take a ride across a 300-foot zip line in Brazil to receive a clue that instructs them to fly to Moscow, where they search through thousands of Russian nesting dolls for another clue.

Mar 18 – Sat – 7 pm – European Night
The Garvin School of International Management (T-bird), 15249 N. 59th Ave (at Greenway), hosts their annual European Night — live Russian guitar music, entertainment and food from Italy, Russia, Germany and France. All friends invited. No cost. — See map of campus showing free parking and event location. — For more information contact T-Bird Russian Club president Ulviyya Abdullayeva

Mar 23 — 30 — Ukrainian Film: Flowers Don’t Grow Here
2006 Phoenix Film Festival Short Film Selections, World Cinema Documentary Competition — "Flowers Don’t Grow Here," filmed undercover over four months and told through the eyes of a gang of Kiev’s street kids, offers an intimate and uncompromising portrayal of the young individuals paying the ultimate price for political reform. The Film offers a unique window into the stark realities of life in a country in crisis, illuminating a nation seemingly paralysed between 'old' and 'new' Europe. Young mothers, united siblings, close friends and sworn enemies form an unusual underworld of society, governed by their own rules, haunted by prostitution, substance abuse, crime, violence, child abduction, and even murder.

Mar 25 — Sat — 7:30 pm — Tucson: Ukrainian and Eastern European Festival
Pima Community College (CFA on map), Center for the Arts Proscenium Theater, 2202 W. Anklam Road (at Greasewood Road), Tucson, Arizona — Barvinok Ensemble of Tucson presents Ukrainian and Eastern European Festival, Featuring Rusyny folk dance Ensemble, Mzekala Bulgarian singer’s ensemble— Nina Tritenichenko, artistic director. Special Guest Artists: Ola Herasimenko (Oliynyk, bandura), Daniel Nicolini (balalaika).— Tickets $15 ($10 for students) from Pima Community College by phone: 520-206-6986 — For information, call (520) 591-2266.

Apr 1 – Tucson: Arizona AATSEEL Conference: CALL for PAPERS DEADLINE
For the April 22 AATSEEL Conference (below), we are seeking papers on Slavic literature, linguistics, or culture. All faculty and graduate students are invited to present. — If you are interested in presenting, please contact Meghan Murphy-Lee (phone 520-626-1404) no later than April 1st.

Apr 1 – Sat – 1 to 3 pm – Meet an Adoptive Mother
Glendale Public Library Foothills Branch, 19055 N. 57th Ave.19055 N 57th Avenue (1/4 mile north of Union Hills Drive), Glendale, AZ —- International Family Services, a licensed, non-profit adoption agency which has found loving homes for over 200 children in metro Phoenix since 2001, invites the public to a free information meeting on opportunities to adopt from well-established programs in Russia, China, India and Guatemala. Meet families who adopted kids To register, call Susan at 480-832-4428 or e-mail Elizabeth at liz@ifservices.org.

Apr 3 & 4 – Mon & Tue – "Beyond Flight" : Arizona Refugee Resettlement Program

Annual Conference at the Black Canyon Conference Center: 9440 N. 25th Ave (at Dunlap), Phoenix, AZ. — An opportunity for refugees, refugee service organizations and members of the general public to learn and share about the changing dynamics of refugee resettlement, and best practices that are helping refugees to successfully transition to life in Arizona. Program:

Jeanne A. Butterfield, executive director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, will speak about immigration reform, cutting immigration resources, and providing legal services.
Mark Franken, executive director of the Migration and Refugee Services division of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), will be speaking on "Partnering to Support a Humane and Robust US Refugee Resettlement Program," as well as "The Underutilization of Refugee Resettlement as a Tool of Protection."
3 Roundtables and 26 Breakout sessions (5 tracks): Education, Employment, Health, MAA Development, Refugee Services and Trafficking.

Apr 8 – Sat – 1 pm – Germans from Russia Meeting
AZ Sun Chapter at the Glendale Foothills Library, 19055 N 57th Avenue (1/4 mile north of Union Hills Drive), Glendale, AZ . — There will be some light refreshments (not a meal).

Speaker: Mr. Ed Babitzke will present a workshop on tips of German-Russian genealogy and research.

If you are on the mailing list, be sure to look at the label and if you are NOT a current 2005 member, be sure to pay at the meeting. If you are not on the Newsletter mailing list we would love to have you join our organization. National dues are $50 and local dues are $10. E-mail: Larry Haas

Apr 8-29 – Sat – 9-11 am – Stay Healthy and Happy in Life
4 Saturday morning classes by Russian Dr. Saida Isabekova at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Pecos Campus, 2626 E. Pecos Rd., Room B160 (Click on brown building "B" to see room map.)

Stay Healthy and Happy in Life (p.13 of Spring 2006 Non-Credit class Schedule)
Spring 2006 Non-Credit Class: NC 500 9587 — Fee $39 — S. Isabekova — Saturday
You can be register online at www.cgc.edu/cont_ed or call 480.732.7320
See much more information.

Apr 15 – Sat – 9 pm – 2 am – Tucson: Русская Дискотека
Russkaia Diskoteka в Midway Business Park, 4500 E. Speedway #19 (1 block west of Swan), Tucson — Vhod (admission) $ 5 — тел. (520) 512-0206 — www.djtolik.com : playing today's Russian hits — Остальное вы знаете, все как обычно :o)) — просто приходите потанцевать...

Apr 22 – Sat – 9 am to 1 pm – UA Tucson: Arizona AATSEEL Conference
Arizona Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Slavic and Eastern European Languages — Manuel Pacheco Integrated Learning Center, Room 130 (University Blvd. at Vine Ave. West of "Old Main", across Main Mall), University of Arizona, Tucson — A variety of topics on Slavic literature, linguistics, and culture. Contact Meghan Murphy-Lee (phone 520-626-1404) — Program to be posted.

Time	Program
9:00- 9:30	Refreshments
9:30-10:15	Play: “The Bear” by Anton Chekhov Performed by Suzanne Stringfield, Justin Hines and Kenneth Cargill. Directed by Roza Simkovich.
10:15-10:40	Dobro Slovo Initiations (the Slavic honor society)
10:40-11:00	Dorothy Massalsky, University of Arizona “Restoring Voice, Securing Self-Identity: Russian Fine Arts in the Classroom.”
11:00-11:20	Lee Croft and Shamella Tribble, Arizona State University "Russians and Rapa Nui Hieroglyphics."
11:20-11:40	Natalya Samokhina, University of Arizona "Vibrants in Russian: Taps or Trills?"
11:40-12:00	Elaine Enriquez, University of Arizona “Culture or Corruption?: Motivations and Mechanisms of Informal Payments for Education in Kazakhstan.”
12:00-12:20	Olga Butyrskaya, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia "The Sociocultural Component of the Content of Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language.”
12:20-12:40	Jonathan Rigg, University of Arizona “Spatial Constructions and Ideology in Early St. Petersburg.”
12:40-1:00	Discussion of October meeting.

Apr 23 – Sun – Orthodox Easter / Православная Пасха
Celebrated with church attendance, incense, and traditional foods such as cirniky and bliny. People great each other with “Khristos voskres” (Christ is risen), to which the reply is “Voistine voskres” (Truly risen).

May 1 – Mon – Russian Holiday: Spring and Labor Day

May — all month — Images in My Mind
May 5 — Fri — 6 to 9 pm — "First Fridays"
May 11 — Thur — 6 to 9 pm — "Meet the Artist"
ASU Downtown Center Mercado Galleria, 502 East Monroe St (2nd floor), Downtown Phoenix. — Map and directions — Elena's Art on display, Elena Thornton phone: 602-263-5373, is fromMoldova. — See her Current Exhibits: Vintage Market, Biltmore Fashion Park, 2442 East Camelback Rd., Phoenix (602-955-4444); Scottsdale Design Center, 15125 N. Hayden Rd. Suite 111, Scottsdale (480-998-4875) — An exhibit of watercolors and acrylics by Elena Thornton, a poet and painter from Phoenix but born in Moldova. The artist says she has been inspired by the work of Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler, Willem de Kooning and Robert Motherwell

May 3 – Wed – 8 pm – Rachmaninoff Rocks
Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave., Tucson — Generals, lock up your daughters! The Tucson Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its Sweet 77th tomorrow. And the guest of honor is the dopest pimp in the hood: the late Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. Watch him spin some sexy beats. — Tickets: $15.75 to $43.

May 9 – Tue – Russian Holiday: Victory Day
The President of Russia sends congratulatory letters to all the veterans. There are parades, feasts, presents and flowers to give thanks to the people who fought for the defense of Russia. In all the cities there are meetings in which a leader or the mayor of the city gives speeches about the achievement of people in the war and veterans tell about their adventures in the war. Also see: "Women, War and Memory"

May 14 — Sun — 12:05 am to 2:05 pm — TV Channel 5 Movie: The Taxman
Late-night Saturday (Sunday Morning) — Action/Drama, Rated R, English with some Russian, 1999 — A New York State Tax Investigator infiltrates the Russian immigrant community in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. He teams up with an eager cop to pursue a series of bloody murders and a multi-million dollar gasoline tax fraud scam by gas stations and the American-Russian Mafia.

May 18 – Thur – 9 to 11 pm – TV PBS Channel 8 – Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great was an obscure German princess who became perhaps the most influential ruler in Russian history This 14-year-old Prussian-born Sophie Fredericke Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst was summoned by Empress Elizabeth to marry her idiot nephew Peter III. That never quite worked out because Peter was an idiot. She ruled for 34-years bringing enlightenment in education, medicine, arts and culture, and using her military might to conquer territory. She's been the subject of debate, controversy, admiration and contempt, as well as wild and unfounded rumors about her personal life, but the real story of Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, is far more compelling than any fiction.

May 24 – Wed – 9 to 10 pm – TV PBS Channel 8 – Frontline: “Sex Slaves”
May 25 – Thur –12:30 to 2:30 am
Lots of Russan language dialoge — “Sex Slaves” is a disturbing episode focusing (with a hidden camera) on the trafficking of women for prostitution in Moldova, Ukraine and Turkey; and one man's search for his wife, who was sold by an acquaintance. —- How five women from the struggling countries of Eastern Europe were tricked into sexual slavery, beaten by traffickers and pimps, forced to work to turn a profit -- and finally escaped. Plus, a convicted Ukrainian sex trafficker talks about the multibillion dollar sex trade business, and why he sold an acquaintance for $1,000.

May 25 – Thur – 7:30 pm – Tamburitzans of Duquesne University
At: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W Congress, Downtown Tucson — Tickets $25 to $50 — For tickets: 520-547-3040, or 520-321-1000 (www.ticketmaster.com). Tickets also available at the Fox Theatre Box Office, 17 W Congress, Tucson, M-F, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Tickets also available at: The Folk Shop, 2525 N Campbell, AV, Tucson, AZ 85719
520-881-7147, Tues - F,10 AM to 6 PM, Sat 10:30 AM to 5 PM — Discount prices available for groups of 10 or more.— America's longest-running multicultural song and dance company (69 years!), the Duquesne University TAMBURITZANS is a unique ensemble of 40 talented young folk artists dedicated to the performance and preservation of the music, songs, and dances of Eastern Europe and neighboring folk cultures. Each number has its own orchestra, arranged by an expert in that region. Each number has its own costume (over 500 costumes used in the concert) Each dance has its own choreographer, usually from the country being represented. They sing in at least 12 European languages and dialects. The performers are full-time students who receive substantial scholarship awards from Duquesne University, with additional financial aid provided by Tamburitzans Scholarship Endowment Funds. They traveled from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. — Download the program (PDF file), which includes 19 dances and songs from Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Rumania, Bulgaria, Macedonia Republic, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. This event is hosted by the Arizona Slavic Association.

May 26 – Fri – 7:30 pm – Tamburitzans of Duquesne University
At: Moon Valley High School Auditorium, 3625 W. Cactus Road, Phoenix — Tickets $25 from Diana Lubich 602-380-5268

Russia — Russkyl Prazdnovanie
“Today’s the Day for Celebration”, A playful village celebration sets the scene in Northern Russia.

Ukraine — Hopak
The national dance of Ukraine displays the ultimate celebration of the Ukrainian spirit.

Jun 1 – Thur – DJ Vadim
Hollywood Alley, Mesa — The legendary DJ Vadim has been gaining accolades in the underground hip-hop community for ages now, working with a who's who of MCs and holding his own as an instrumental sonic architect. Across the Atlantic pond, where the Russian-born DJ holds down a residency in London called Loose Change, Vadim has reached an echelon all its own when it comes to beats.

June 2 — Fri — 8 pm — Агутин и Варум / Agutin and Varum Concert
Леонид Агутин и Анжелика Варум в новой концертной программе "Ты и Я" — New Russian pop concert music with Leonid Agutin and Anzhelika Barum: "You and Me" — The concert will be on
Thunderbird High School Auditorium, 1750 W. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix — Tickets $35 to $65 at both Russian grocery stores or call Ana 480-820-0285 — No Smoking in School Zone! ! — Блин...

June 12 – Mon – Russia's newest holiday: Russia Day
For the adoption in 1991 of the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian Federation, after Yeltsyn's victory over Communists' putch in 1993. Formerly Independence Day

Jun 28 — Wed — 7 pm — The Russian Debutante's Handbook
Free event at the Foothills Branch Library, Hummingbird Room, 19055 N. 57th Ave.(1/4 mile north of Union Hills, south of 101 Loop) Glendale — Diverse Verse, a multicultural book discussion group, discusses The Russian Debutante's Handbook, a novel by Gary Shetyngart. — More information phone Cyndee (623) 930-3843 — A Russian-born nebbish joins the mafiya and finds success swindling gullible young American tourists in Eastern Europe. Vladimir Girshkin, a likeable Russian immigrant, searches for love, a decent job, and a credible self-identity.

Aug 27 – Sun – 4pm – Tucson: Ukrainian Independence Day Concert

Arizona Ballroom Company, 5536 E. Grant Road (East of Craycroft, Safeway Plaza), Tucson — Sweets and refreshments will be served. — The Ukrainian Club will ask for donation $5 at the door, which will give you the opportunity to win some door prizes. — Bring your family and friends! — Program:

Speaker: Randy Graf, Republican Candidate for Congress
Barvinok Ukrainian Ensemble with Rusyny Dancers.

Sept 5 – Tues – 5-7 pm – TV Channel 12: Immigration Law Free
Watch Phoenix TV Channel 12 and get a phone number to speak with a volunteer lawyer about immigration for free for 2 hours. For more free legal advice about immigration contact: Friendly House (Immigration), 802 S. First Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85003, Phone: 602-257-1870; or the Asylum Program of Southern Arizona (Immigration), 2221 E. Broadway, Ste. 211, Tucson, AZ 85719, Phone: 520-623-4555

Beginning Sept 10 – Sun – 11 am – Russian Children’s Center School Starts

For the development of children — Russian Language and Culture for 3 age groups, professional teachers, monthly fee. — The Russian Children’s Center “Golden Key” is glad to announce the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year. — Meet at the "Community Center" Room at 2701 W Belmont (same place as last year, south side of the Fire Station, on 27th Ave, 1/4 mile south of Glendale Ave, 1/4 mile west of I-17 Freeway). We will continue having Russian language and Drama classes for various age groups. — CONTACT: E-mail: Natallia: E-mail: NBor@cox.net, Phone: 602-315-7722 — Website: www. AZ Russian Kids.org

Sept 23 – Sat – 9 pm – Tucson: Russian Party
4500 E Speedway Blvd Tucson, AZ — Drive behind the European Market all the way back — If you have problems with directions call 520-331-1050 — e-mail: partyrussian@gmail.com — Vhod/To Enter $10

Sept 30 – Sat – 11:30 am to 3:30 pm – Tucson: Nina Tritenichenko Concert
17th Street Farmers' Market, 840 E 17TH Street, Tucson — International Music by Nina Tritenichenko, a professionally trained bayan accordion performer and conductor from Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine. Nina is the founder and artistic director of the Barvinok Ukrainian Ensemble. She also performs with the Arizona Balalaikas, teaches music to kids, and entertains at private gatherings.

Oct 5 – Thur – 8 pm – Kristina Orbakaite – Кристина Орбакайте
New show: "My Life", Моя жизнь — at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7380 E 2nd Street, Scottsdale. — Kristina is bringing her new show to 11 cities across the US and Canada. The performance will include her top hits and incredible choreography supported by 12 dancers. The princess of the Russian stage, Kristina Orbakaite has been recognized as one of the top selling artists by the World Music Awards and MTV Europe. For the very first time in Arizona, Kristina is bringing her highly successful tour to Scottsdale. Titled "My Life", the show will be an extravaganza of Kristina's top hits and breathtaking choreography. The tour was kicked off in Moscow and received rave reviews in Russia and Europe. Tickets: $50, $65, $70, $80. We have reserved a number of special seats for friends and supporters of the Russian community and culture in Arizona. In addition, VIP packages are offered on a limited basis for $150. The package includes preferred seating, a photo opportunity with the star, and an autographed memorabilia. To reserve tickets prior to general sale, please call 480-820-0285. For VIP packages and sponsorship opportunities, contact Brosseau PR at 602-317-0622 or by email at dmitri@brosseaupr.com — For Americans: Kristina is the daughter of the most famous contempory Russian female singer, Alla Pugacheva.

Oct 6, 7 – Fri, Sat – 4-9 PM – Tucson Slavic Festival
The 5th Annual Festival — “Celebrating the food, music, and dance of our Slavic heritage.” — St. Melany Byzantine Catholic Church, 1212 North Sahuara Ave (North of Speedway between Craycroft and Wilmot, behind Speedway Gold’s Gym), Tucson — $1,000 Grand Prize Raffle — Food, dance, music, folklore and crafts highlighted various Eastern cultures including the Carpatho-Rusyn and countries of Russia, Poland, Ukraine and Croatia. Slavic beers and homemade pyrohy, halupki, keilbasa, lamb and desserts will be available. Basil Bea’rs Play land and Kids Games — Admission: $3 adults, free for children 12 and under. — Contact: Nina Tritenichenko, Leslie Kurtak Director of Entertainment, Bernadette Maskarenic, or phone St Melany’s: 520-886-4225 — The first week in October is officially Tucson Slavic Festival week, and this event is held on the first weekend in October. — Do you perform music or dance from Eastern-Central Europe. Contact Leslie Kurtak 520-904-2211 (cell phone) or to get into the show. — Partial entertainment schedule:

Sat 6 PM — Barvinok Ensemble with Rusyny Dancers
Sat 8 PM — Arizona Balalaika Orchestra

Oct 7 – Sat – 8 pm - 2 am – Tucson: Russian Disco
"East Side Grill" Bar, 9403 E. Golf Links Rd, Tucson, — Privet vsem !!! Nachinaem osenn'iy sezon RUSSKIH DISKOTEK!!! — Vse hity proshedego leta i samoe novoe ot DJ TOLIKA! — Работает бар, бильярд и дискотека — $5 @ DJ's table — New MP3z this time:

Oct 14, 15 – Sat, Sun – All Day – Tucson Meet Yourself Festival
31rd annual festival, always on the second weekend of October in downtown El Presidio Plaza Park, 115 North Church Ave. (West of Pima County Courthouse, between the Old County Courthouse and City Hall), Tucson — A free event sponsored by the Cultural Exchange Council of Tucson, Inc. — Ethnic food sales, stage performances, and folk arts demonstrations. — Performances by:

Oct 14 – Sat – 9 am to Noon – Diabetes: Managing stress, fear, anxiety, negative feelings
Non-credit continuing education class by Dr. Saida B. Isabekova, D.Sc., Ph.D. held one day only at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, 2626 E. Pecos Rd. Room B160, Chandler.— Course Number: NC 500 9045, Fee: $34 — Stress and other negative feelings increase the level of glucose in blood. Students will learn several approaches and master some psychological techniques that will help in keeping glucose levels under the control. In addition to the scheduled class, each student will be invited to have an iris and sclera examination that is helpful to prevent possible complications of diabetes.— Iris and sclera examinations on October 12 or October 13. $30 is payable to the instructor. More information.

Oct 16 – Mon – 10 to 11 am – Newly Opened Russian Archives on World War II
Arizona State University, ASU Campus, Coor Hall, Room 4411 (north of Gammage Auditorium), Tempe — Professor Steve Miner, Director, Contemporary History Institute, History Department, Ohio University.

Oct 21 – Sat – 1 pm – Germans from Russia Oktoberfest
AZ Sun Chapter at the Leisure World, Recreation Center II Promenade, Pool side Patio, 908 South Power Road, Mesa — Pastor Ted Rath will present his work with the churches in Russia and countries of the Former Soviet Union. This is to include the financial difficulties as well as their difficulties with the Russian government. — The Chapter will provide brats (sausage), rolls, condiments and beverages, but you bring a salad or dessert to share and your own table service (fork, spoon, plate, napkins). A donation of $5 each will be expected from all. — If you plan to attend, you must contact Herb Babitzke at: 480-641-3711. This is a gated community so the only way you can get in is if you contact Herb and he gives your name to the gate keepers. — Directions from the West side to Leisure World is: Take US 60 east until you reach Power Road. Exit here and turn left (north) over the freeway. Go north 1/2 mile to Southern and turn left (west) past the shopping center. Go for about 1/2 mile to the first traffic light, Leisure World Blvd. Turn right (north) to a security kiosk. Give the security person your name and tell him that you are going to the Germans from Russia Picnic at the promenade behind Rec 2. Drive 1/2 north to Rec 2 parking and walk to the rear of the building around the left side. About this time you should see us in the promenade area. — If you are coming from anywhere else, go to Power Road and head south to Southern Ave. Go west on Southern until you come to the first opening into Leisure World Blvd. In any case you should enter at the south gate on Southern Ave across from the shopping center, then go north 1/2 mile to the swimming pool recreation center area parking lot.

To get the newsletter for the Arizona Sun Chapter of the AHSGR, pay $10 local dues by October 23 to: Ed Bischoff, 6318 E. Portia St, Mesa, AZ 85215, or at the meeting. To join the American Historical Society of Germans From Russia, pay $60 which includes the local membership and newsletter. E-mail: Larry Haas

Oct 28 – Sat – 9 am to Noon – Diabetes: How to prevent it
Non-credit continuing education class by Dr. Saida B. Isabekova, D.Sc., Ph.D. held one day only at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, 2626 E. Pecos Rd. Room B160, Chandler.— Course Number: NC 500 9587, Fee: $34 — Diabetes Mellitus is an increase worldwide. While genetic components certainly exist, the principle risk factors for type II diabetes are preventable. The earlier you are examined, the more preventive, low cost measures can be taken to keep the body healthy. Each student is invited to have an iris and sclera examination for evaluation of whether predictable signs of diabetes exist. In class you will learn how to prevent the development of diabetes. — Iris and sclera examinations on October 26 or October 27. $30 is payable to the instructor. More information.

Oct 28 – Sat – 7 pm – Holloween Costumed Dinner-Dance Party
Hosted by the Ukrainian Women's Association at the Ukrainian American Youth Association, 730 West Elm St. (from 7th Street, go 3 blocks south of Camelback, then west), Phoenix — Admission: Adults — $10 with buffet dinner, free for children 12 and under — Dance the night away to the frightful music of our famous DJ Vic Voo Doo Daddy. Wear your scariest costumes. Contact: Oksana, 602-740-2466, or the Association 602-230-8970. Russians invited too. — Click on photo to see winners of last year's "Best Costume" award.

Oct 28 – Sat – 8 pm – Russian Seasons Dance Company
Orpheum Theatre, 203 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85003 — Tickets $12 to $28 — The name "Russians Seasons" is a metaphor evoking the many facets of this dance company. From the traditional Kalinka to cutting edge modern dance – tango to the Torah, from Irish to New Age – , Russian Seasons Dance Company gives an overview of the richly textured Russian culture. The traditional dances take us back to a time when men demonstrated their athletic abilities through physically demanding steps on complex rhythms, and women projected an ethereal quality in highly structured dances. The company also performs a breathtaking modern piece with two dancers on skis. The music and the costumes are as varied as the dances. This dynamic and energetic company inspires everyone! Let the Russian Seasons Dance Company take you on a breathtaking journey through the Folk dances of many nations. Under the artistic direction of Nikolai Androsov, the Russian Seasons Dance Company is dynamic and energetic, exploring the world of dance in an exhilarating and imaginative production. Experience the athletic Hopek of Russia; the wild energy of Gypsy dance; the passion of Spanish Flamenco; and the Tangos of Argentina. This is a dazzling display of dance pyrotechnics by the Moeseyev-trained company – the only one of its kind in the world.

Oct 29 – Sun – 2:30 to 4 pm – Tucson: Arts in the Park Oro Valley Festival (Free) Cañada del Oro Riverfront Park, 551 West Lambert Lane (between North La Cañada Drive and North First Avenue), Oro Valley, North Tucson — Barvinok Ukrainian Ensemble performs — The Festival is all day Saturday & Sunday, October 28 and 29, 10 am to 5 pm. — Free Admission, donations suggested. — Barvinok Ensemble is a nonprofit community based organization that has been performing in the Tucson and Phoenix for over four years. We are currently affiliated with the Ukrainian –American Society of Tucson. Our founder and artistic director is Nina Tritenichenko (in photo). Nina is a professionally trained bayan accordion performer and conductor from Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine. Our ensemble is instrumental and vocal group. Barvinok performs Ukrainian and Eastern European traditional music. We perform at festivals, churches, clubs and other events, providing high quality entertainment and introducing the community to Eastern European cultural diversity.

Nov 2,3,4 – Thu to Sat –Tucson: CIS and Eastern Europe Business Forum

The 13th annual University of Arizona CIS Business Forum at the Tucson Hilton East, 7600 East Broadway (east of Kolb Road), Tucson – An up-to-date analysis of political, economic, and legal aspects of business ventures in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, with case studies of successful American businesses and strategies for success. Government representatives, scholars, professionals, and business leaders will present slide-show reports and answer questions. For more information call Roza at 520-298-6599. If you would like to be a presenter, e-mail or fax (520-298-6599) Roza Simkhovich. – Registration $135 (students $25) + $15 luncheon. Early registration ends Friday, Oct. 12.– Thursday evening reception at hotel.– See press release: "UA Russian, Slavic Languages Dept. to Host Business Forum" by University Communications, Sept. 11, 2006. — Download Registration forms and brochure – Of 28 technical presentations, half are about Russia:

US Department of Commerce, SABIT and BISNIS Programs
US Trade and Development Agency
US Industry Coalition
“Current Political and Economic Dynamics in Russia and Other CIS Countries.”
“The Current Status and the Future of Russian-American Relations.”
“RF CCI’s Role in Promoting the Development of Economic Ties Between the RF and the US.”
“Doing the Right Things vs. Doing Things Right: How to Survive and Profit.” (Russian food processing case studies.)
“Making Profits Using Russian Scientists to Solve Real World Problems.”
“Methods for Building Effective Software Development Teams in Russia and Comparing Russia and Indian Developers.”
“Making Investments and Developing a Private Equity Investment Fund in the Former Soviet Union.”
“Developments in Venture Capital Financing in Russia”
“Comparing Countries as Places to Do Business”
“New Opportunities for Project Finance in Russia.”
“Technology Transfer, Research Collaborations, and Related Economic Benefits.”
“Environmental Challenges and Progress in Russia and the CIS.”

Friday Sessions – 7:30 AM to 6 PM	Saturday Sessions – 8:30 AM to 2 PM
US Government support CIS and Eastern Europe: The Political and Economic Scene and Business Opportunities. Technology Transfer Case Studies. Investment and Finance.	Legal reforms and challenges in CIS and Eastern Europe. Case Studies. Discussion and Marketing. A general meeting of all participants.

Nov 3 – Fri – 8 pm – Russian Seasons Dance Company
Yavapai College, Performing Arts Center, 1100 E Sheldon, Prescott — Tickets & Info: $18, $23, $72. Phones: 928-776-2000, 877-928-4253 (toll free) — The name "Russians Seasons" is a metaphor evoking the many facets of this dance company. From the traditional Kalinka to cutting edge modern dance – tango to the Torah, from Irish to New Age – , Russian Seasons Dance Company gives an overview of the richly textured Russian culture. The traditional dances take us back to a time when men demonstrated their athletic abilities through physically demanding steps on complex rhythms, and women projected an ethereal quality in highly structured dances. The company also performs a breathtaking modern piece with two dancers on skis. The music and the costumes are as varied as the dances. This dynamic and energetic company inspires everyone! Let the Russian Seasons Dance Company take you on a breathtaking journey through the Folk dances of many nations. Under the artistic direction of Nikolai Androsov, the Russian Seasons Dance Company is dynamic and energetic, exploring the world of dance in an exhilarating and imaginative production. Experience the athletic Hopek of Russia; the wild energy of Gypsy dance; the passion of Spanish Flamenco; and the Tangos of Argentina. This is a dazzling display of dance pyrotechnics by the Moeseyev-trained company – the only one of its kind in the world.

Nov 3 – Fri – 10 am – Moscow Nights: An Exhilarating Trio from Russia
Free event on Friday only, plus free coffee! May reserve up to 2 seats. — On Friday Coffee Service Begins at 10 am, Concerts begin at 10:30 am — Required reservations begin Oct 19 by phone: 480-596-2660 — This is a shorter sample of the Saturday evening show.

Nov 4 – Sat – 7 pm – Repeat – Russian music, song, dance and comedy
ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N. Scottsdale Rd., (take Rose Lane west, past Renaissance Resort, turn south-west past the Borgata, turn south to ASU Kerr. See a Google aerial map). — These classically trained artists first took Western Europe by storm and now have brought their dazzling, toe-tapping music to North America. They present a diverse authentic picture of Russian folk traditions and culture in folk music, song and dance; with balalaikas, dynamic bayan accordion, and the folk treshotky and loshky. — Tickets: General: $16, Reserved: $19, $20. Group discounts available. Reservations begin Oct 19 by phone: 480-596-2660 —— The photo shows: Vitaliy Bezrodnov on bayon accordion, Oleg Kruglyakov on prima balalaika, and Makar Goldish on contra-bass balalaika. Several studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. See: Who's Who in Moscow Nights?

Nov 3 – Fri – 8 pm – Ballet Arizona: Swan Lake
Nov 4 – Sat – 2 pm & 8 pm – Repeats
Nov 5 – Sun – 2 pm – Repeat
Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St. (at Adams, north of Washington), Downtown Phoenix — Performed by Ballet Arizona with the Phoenix Symphony orchestra. — Regarded as the greatest of all classical ballets, Swan Lake is the ultimate fairy tale portraying the tragic romance between the Swan Queen and Prince Siegfried. This popular ballet is complete with a moonlit lake, swan maidens, and mysterious wizardry. Danced to one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous scores (performed by The Phoenix Symphony) and staged by Olga Evreinoff, this powerful production unites pure romantic music with brilliant choreography. — Tickets: $10 to $57

November 4 — Sat — Russian Holiday: День народного единства
Day of People’s Unity, or Day of National Unity – The newest official Russian holiday first celebrated in on Nov. 4, 2005. This "Unity Day" replaces the former "Day of Accord and Reconciliation" (Nov. 7) which had already replaced the Soviet "October Revolution Day". The anniversary of the socialist revolution of October 1917, which established communist power, still survives. The system is gone, but many still cling to the custom. Also translated: "Civil Unity Day:, and "Peace and Harmony Day": Radio Free Europe: New Russian Holiday Has More Behind It Than National Unity

Nov 4 — Sat — Arizona AATSEEL Conference (Free) — POSTPONED
Arizona chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Slavic and Eastern European Languages
To be held at Arizona State University (ASU) Tempe.

Due to the CIS Business Forum in Tucson, AATSEEL will re-schedule on Fri. Nov. 17 or Sat. Nov. 25.
Please let me know your preference.
If you want to be on the program, submit the topic of your presentation and time needed
Reply to: Tatyana.Dhaliwal@asu.edu, love_prague@yahoo.com

Nov 4 — Sat — 10 am & 11:30 am — Nutcracker Sweet Tea
The Wright House, 636 W. University Dr. (2 blocks west of Country Club), Mesa — Presented by the Ballet Etudes Guild, the 11th annual Nutcracker Sweet Tea Party program includes a light luncheon buffet, a performance by Ballet Etudes, story time and unique boutique gift items. — Tickets from JoDee Gorrie: (480) 507-6029

Nov 4 & 18 — Sat — 6:30 pm — Flagstaff – NAU Russian Dinner & Show
14th annual Russian Dinner and East European Cultural Evening at Federated Church (Sitgreaves and Aspen) downtown, next to the main Public Library — Traditional Russian foods and a cultural program (music, dance, play performance, singing, slide show, displays). – Prices: $23/adult, $40/couple; $8/student or children ages 5-12, children under 5 free. Prices at the door: $25/adult, $45/couple, $10/student.– See pictures, menu, program from 1998 More information: Anne Slobodchikoff, office phone: 928-523-6223. Click on picture to enlarge.

Nov 18 — Sat — 6:30 pm — Repeat NAU Russian Dinner & Show

Nov 4 to 19 — Vilna's Got a Golem
Thur-Sat: 8pm — Sun: 2 pm & 7 pm
The Playhouse on the Park, first floor inside the Viad Corporate Center, 1850 N Central Avenue (southwest corner of Central Ave. and Palm Lane) Phoenix. — Tickets: $7 to $33. Phone: 602-264-0402, or e-mail — The Arizona Jewish Theatre Company presents a translated bilingual play-within-a-play. It's the story of a Jewish theater troupe in Imperial Russia in the 1890s that is performing a version of the golem tale set in 16th century Vilna, now Vilnius, capital of Lithuania. "According to Jewish legend, a golem is a creature made from mud and clay, created to protect the Jews from their enemies. In this clever play, a traveling Jewish theatrical troupe encounters a government emissary when they perform their original play based on the classic story of the golem. Their play is performed in Yiddish (though the audience hears English), so the Russian official must rely on an actor to translate for him. He is fed a humorously softened version of what is really being said. Winner of Philadelphia’s Barrymore Award for Best New Play." — See story in The Arizona Republic: 'Golem' wraps deeper issues in merriment

Nov 5 – Sun – 5 pm – Moscow State Symphony Orchestra
Yavapai College, Performing Arts Center, 1100 E Sheldon — Tickets & Info: $61, $63, $65. Phones: 928-776-2000, 877-928-4253 (toll free) — Under the direction of Pavel Kogan, the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra has met with absolute praise. The symphony celebrates its 63rd anniversary this year. Whether performing Prokofiev or Shostakovich, it is truly a world-class ensemble. Said the New York Times of the orchestra, the sound is "grand ... flexible ... powerful." The Deseret News called the group "stellar." A natural virtuoso hailed for her impassioned musicianship and expressive range, cellist Alisa Weilerstein is internationally renowned as one of the premiere soloists and chamber musicians of her generation. The program includes Smetana's Ultava, Schumann's Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129 and Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27. — Sponsored by The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott, adn cosponsored by The Daily Courier and PACE.

Nov 6 – Mon – 6:30 pm – St. Petersburg String Quartet
Faith Presbyterian Church, 16000 N. Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City (located 1/2 mile south of Bell Road on Dell Webb Blvd. at Burns, on the west side of Sun City) — Hosted by Chamber Music West (for 30 years the Sun Cities Chamber Music Society) — Tickets $24. Students $15 (under 18 and with current Student ID.) Phone: 623-974-3611— "Speaking of chamber music ..." lecture at 6:30 PM. Performance at 7:30 PM — Program:

Shostakovich — Quartet No. 7
Borodin — Quartet No. 2
Beethoven — Quartet in F Major, Op. 59, No. 1

One of the world's leading string quartets, the St. Petersburg String Quartet was founded as the Leningrad Quartet. When the city resumed its historic name, the quartet changed its name to the St. Petersburg String Quartet. They have won "Best Record" honors in both Stereo Review and Gramophone magazines.

vNov 7 – Tue – Noon – Russian Migration and Demography
ASU Campus, Coor Hall, Room 4411 (north of Gammage Auditorium), Tempe — Presentation: "Introducing Two New CLAS Sister Centers Relating to Migration and Demography" by Dirk Hoerder, Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Universitaet Bremen, Germany; Distinguished Visiting Professor, ASU North American Center for Transborder Studies; and Victor Agadjanian, Director, Center for Population Dynamics (CePoD); Associate Professor, ASU School of Social and Family Dynamics (formerly at University of Moscow). — For information and directions call: (480) 965-4188, (480) 965-7706.

Nov 7 & 8 – Tue & Wed – 3 Korkyt Ata Concerts (Free)
Click on picture to see poster: The Cultural Project: "Kazakhstan is Crossroads of Europe and Asia" — Sounds of the Kazakh steppe, Free entrance

Nov 7 — Tue — 1:30 pm — Mesa Community College, Southern & Dobson, Kirk Student Center, Navajo Room (300 seats)
Nov 8 — Wed — 10:30 am — South Mountain Community College, 24th St north of Baseline, Phoenix, on "The Patio" just inside the front entrance.
Nov 8 — Wed — 4 pm — Chandler-Gilbert Community College, 2626 East Pecos Road, Room C-110, Chandler.

Performers from Kazakhstan represent the crossroads of Europe and Asia — All 3 music and dance concerts are free and open to the public. — A delegation of 23 performers, academicians and business people will visit three campuses Nov. 7 and 8 to acquaint Americans with their culture and to see American life for themselves. Mrs. Guldana Zholymbetova, a professor of classical music and jazz at the Kazakh National Academy of Music, is presenting "Korkyt Ata," a sextet of musicians who sing and play traditional music of the steppes on ancient Central Asian stringed instruments. A young woman will perform Kazakh, Uzbek and East Asian dances. All will be attired in beautiful costumes of the region. With them will be the president and several faculty of Kokshetau University in north central Kazakhstan, who will show a DVD about their large but not yet well known country.— Kazakhstan was a republic of the former Soviet Union, but the breakup of the USSR in 1991 made newly independent Kazakhstan the ninth largest country on earth — bigger than Saudi Arabia. Like the Arabian Peninsula, Kazakhstan is blessed with world-class oil and natural gas reserves. It also boasts large-scale agriculture and major deposits of chromium, gold and rare earth metals. The population of 15 million is a mix of Kazakhs (a Turkic people), Russians and Ukrainians whose families moved there during the Czarist and Soviet periods, Koreans exiled there from the Far East by Stalin, and smaller numbers of other ethnic groups of the region. — Their coordinator is Susan Weidner, a former U.S. diplomat in Kazakhstan, will translate and take questions for the group, phone 480-832-4428. The group arrives late Nov. 6 and leaves early Nov. 8.

Nov 7, 8 – Tue, Wed – 7 pm – Moscow Ballet: Nutcracker
Buena Performing Arts Center, 5225 Buena School Blvd., Sierra Vista, AZ (80 miles south of Tucson) — Tickets: $25-$65 from Dillards, Sierra Vista Mall: 520-515-0151 — Information: PAC Events Hotline 520.515.2821, PAC Office 520.515.2820 — See the Moscow Ballet Nutcracker web site. — The Nutcracker Ballet was first performed in Russia, on December 5th or December 1st in 1882, almost 100 yrs. ago. It was written by Peter Tchaikovsky who lived between the years 1840 and 1893 and wrote many famous scores for ballets including Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. This piece of music was his 1st Opus or work. During the tirme that the Nutcracker was performed, Russia was not a communist country. They were ruled by a Tsar, the Russian word for Caesar, and Russia was not just a country, but an Empire. The Tsars were very wealthy, although their country and their people were not. Ballet was mainly meant to be entertainment for the wealthy. However. many ordinary people also saw the Imperial Ballet, and were inspired to become dancers, like Anna Pavlova. This time in ballet history is called the Classical Period. Many famous ballets were performed during this age. It was a very exciting time to live in. The man who made up most of these famous dances was named Petida, but he was growing old. He needed help with the Nutcracker Ballet. From a projected plan, Petipa guided his assistant, Lev Ivanov (Johnson or Jones in English), In the choreography, or the actual making up of the steps. The story of the ballet is based on one of the Tales of Hoffman called The Nutcracker and the Kid of Nice This story was changed some when they made it into a ballet, just like Walt Disney sometimes changes his fairy tales.

Nov 9 – Thur – 12 Noon – Fighting Terrorism and Human Rights in Uzbekistan: A Look at Contemporary Uzbek Leadership? (Free)
ASU Campus, Coor Hall, Room 4411 (north of Gammage Auditorium), Tempe — Speaker: Professor Galina Bityukova, Political Science Coordinator, Central Asian Resource Center, Almaty — Prof. Bityukova received her undergraduate degree from the Contemporary and Modern History Department at Saint Petersburg State University and her kandidat nauk degree from the Philosophy Department at Kiev State University. She specializes in political science and political philosophy and most recently has taught courses on political institutions, comparative politics in Central Asia, and contemporary political analysis. Prof. Bityukova currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in the Political Science Department at the Kazakh University of World Politics and Languages in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and also serves as the Political Science Coordinator for the Central Asian Resource Center in Almaty. Her article, "Political Science in Kazakhstan in the Last Ten Years", was published in 2004 by Moscow State University in a monograph devoted to status analysis of political science as an academic discipline in post-Soviet states.

Nov 9 – Thur – Noon to 2 pm – Five for Five Celebration of Thanksgiving
Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 East Main Street (at Goldwater Blvd), Scottsdale, AZ — "Post-Communist Russia's Open Door to Finding Authentic Relationships with God, Self and Others" A luncheon for clergy, church leaders, and other interested persons, featuring Vladimir Radzhabov, Pastor, Faculty, Biblical Leadership Training Institute, Krasnodar, Russian Federation — Registration 11:45 a.m. Cost $50; Seating Limited — Reservations required by November 3. Contact Ken Wells: 602-629-5385 — Co-sponsored by Health Restoration International, Ltd. and New Hope Education Foundation. — Download invitation and "Russian Journal Two" — Also see free lecture Nov 12. — See Nov. 6 Arizona Republic article and announcement: "Soviet survivors to tell their tales of healing"

Nov 9 – Thur – 7 to 8:30 pm – Tales from the Fiddle Tree: Michi Regier
Glendale Main Public Library Auditorium, 5959 W. Brown (59 Ave, 1/4 mile south of Peoria Ave) Glendale — Arizona classiclaly trained violinist blends folk and traditional music of Ukraine. — In 2003, Michi Regier went to Ukraine the first time for private tutoring at the folklore department of Lysenko Conservatory; up the worn stone stairs that Hapsburgs trod; down the hall, past the accordions and banduras. She admits to some preparation through a summer of Wednesdays with Oksana Moshinsky and a friend in the Peace Corps. At first, she was looking for gypsies. Not finding any, she came home with other treasures; an education in folklore and a passion for Ukraine. "Tales from the Fiddle Tree," came from this adventure and was first performed in the L'viv Philharmonic, and is published as a children's book and CD, with a curriculum for classrooms to study classical and folk music and the people of Ukraine. — Call Anne Owens at the Library for more info: 623-930-3573 — Free event.

Nov 10 – Fri – 3:30 pm – When Oil Brings an Illusion of Prosperity: Leadership in Kazakhstan (Free)
University of Arizona, Marshall Building (Second & Park), Room 490, Tucson — by Dr. Galina Bityukova — According to official propaganda, Kazakhstan is a democratic state with a presidential form of power. In fact we can see a benevolent autocracy, which power prolonged for an additional seven years in 2005. Oil business brings an illusion of prosperity and support for the incumbent president, but it does not solve real problems of ordinary citizens. Poverty, corruption, lack of freedom, violence and political murders are hidden under the official facade. According to the Freedom House report 2006, powerful financial groups and members of the presidential family fully control the parliament and top political offices and continue to intimidate, buy off, co-opt, and even accuse as criminals their business and political opponents, critics, and independent media. The minimum subsistence wage is still only $46.53 per month, and 18.8% of the population receives income below that level. Kazakhstan is among the top 10 countries with the highest suicide rate in the world, and the highest prison population rate. Real problems are not in the focus of public attention, official propaganda concerns, successful development and reforms in Kazakhstan. — Galina Bityukova is an academic leader-coordinator in Political Science at Central Asian Resource Center, BILIM – Central Asia. She is also Director of the ReSET Political Philosophy project and the author of two books on leadership in Kazakhstan. — Cosponsors:The University of Arizona History and Philosophy Departments — Contact the UA Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) with questions: (520)621-5450.

Nov 10 – Fri – daytime – Moscow Nights: An Exhilarating Trio from Russia
Educational shows at schools in Camp Verde and Cottonwood, AZ (About 1 hour drive north of Phoenix on I-17.)

Nov 11 – Sat – evening – Repeat – Russian music, song, dance and comedy
Mingus Union High School, 1801 E. Fir Avenue, Cottonwood, AZ — Verde Valley Concert Series and Residency. Tickets: $18 adults; $5 students. Phone: 928-639-0636 (Fax: 928-639-2185) — These classically trained artists first took Western Europe by storm and now have brought their dazzling, toe-tapping music to North America. They present a diverse authentic picture of Russian folk traditions and culture in folk music, song and dance; with balalaikas, dynamic bayan accordion, and the folk treshotky and loshky. — Photo shows: Vitaliy Bezrodnov on bayon accordion, Oleg Kruglyakov on prima balalaika, and Makar Goldish on contra-bass balalaika. Several studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. See: Who's Who in Moscow Nights?

Nov 10 – Fri – 7 pm – Tucson: Valaam Monastery Ensemble – Free
Rincon/University High School Auditorium, 421 N. Arcadia Blvd (5th St and Swan), Tucson — Free, donations — Valaam Choral Ensemble from the ancient Valaam Monastery near St. Petersurg, Russia, composed of five male singers, will present a program of sacred monastic chant, followed by selections of Russian folk music. Their magical voices and harmonies reach the depths of one’s soul and beckon you to fly with the angels….

Folk songs and carols in Russian, Ukrainian, English and French
Sacred Orthodox Chants of the Kievan, Greek, Bulgarian, and Serbian traditions
Also performances by the Rincon/University High School Choirs and the Choir of Holy Resurrection Antiochian Orthodox Church, co-sponsors of this event.

Nov 11 – Sat – 8:30 to 1 pm – Five for Five Celebration of Thanksgiving
Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 East Main Street (at Goldwater Blvd), Scottsdale, AZ — "Post-Communist Russia's Open Door to Finding Authentic Relationships with God, Self and Others" — A lecture for mental health professionals and other interested persons featuring all five guests and the theraphy approach and methods.— Registration 8:30 am, program 9 am. Cost $50. Seating Limited — Contact KenWells: 602-629-5385 — Co-sponsored by Health Restoration International, Ltd. and New Hope Education Foundation. — Download invitation and "Russian Journal Two" — Also see free lecture Nov 12. — See Nov. 6 Arizona Republic article and announcement: "Soviet survivors to tell their tales of healing"

Nov 11 – Sat – 9 am to Noon – Cardiovascular System: How To Keep it Healthy
Non-credit continuing education class by Dr. Saida B. Isabekova, D.Sc., Ph.D. held one day only at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, 2626 E. Pecos Rd. Room B160, Chandler.— Course Number: NC 500 9108, Fee: $34 — Each student is invited to have an iris and sclera examination for evaluation of cardiovascular system condition. During class, students will gain a thorough understanding of how to prevent cardiovascular diseases. — Iris and sclera examinations on November 8 or November 9. $30 is payable to the instructor. More information.

Nov 11 – Sat – 7:30 pm – Valaam Monastery Ensemble (Free)
ASU Danforth Chapel (center of campus next to entrance to the Hayden Library), Arizona State University, Tempe — The Valaam Monastery Ensemble will present a program of sacred monastic chant, followed by selections of Russian folk music. Based in St. Petersburg and representing the ancient, sacred Valaam island monastery located on Russia's Lake Ladoga, the Valaam Monastery Ensemble features renowned and astounding a cappella harmonies and vocal control. — Co-sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), an on-campus organization comprised of ASU students belonging to the Eastern Orthodox Church, and a local Eastern Orthodox mission parish, St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Mission (Orthodox Church in America) which is near the ASU campus in Tempe. Admission: Free, donations accepted.

Nov 11 – Sat – 7:30 pm – Moscow Ballet: Great Russian Nutcracker
Dodge Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Downtown Phoenix — Parking lot is under the theatre.— Tickets: $63 to $26 — See the Moscow Ballet Nutcracker web site. — The Nutcracker Ballet was first performed in Russia, on December 5th or December 1st in 1882, almost 100 yrs. ago. It was written by Peter Tchaikovsky who lived between the years 1840 and l893 and wrote many famous scores for ballets including Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. This piece of music was his 1st Opus or work. During the tirme that the Nutcracker was performed, Russia was not a communist country. They were ruled by a Tsar, the Russian word for Caesar, and Russia was not just a country, but an Empire. The Tsars were very wealthy, although their country and their people were not. Ballet was mainly meant to be entertainment for the wealthy. However. many ordinary people also saw the Imperial Ballet, and were inspired to become dancers, like Anna Pavlova. This time in ballet history is called the Classical Period. Many famous ballets were performed during this age. It was a very exciting time to live in. The man who made up most of these famous dances was named Petida, but he was growing old. He needed help with the Nutcracker Ballet. From a projected plan, Petipa guided his assistant, Lev Ivanov (Johnson or Jones in English), In the choreography, or the actual making up of the steps. The story of the ballet is based on one of the Tales of Hoffman called The Nutcracker and the Kid of Nice This story was changed some when they made it into a ballet, just like Walt Disney sometimes changes his fairy tales.

Nov 11 — Sat — 9 pm to 2 am — Tucson: Russian Disko Party
Midway Business Park, 4500 E.Speedway #19 (between Colombus and Swan, за русским магазином) Tucson. Go behind the European Market to the far back of the parking lot. — Today's music by DJ Tolik — Admission: $10 cover — Ни пропустите! 100 came last time. — No alcohol for sale at the Disko, but Olga's Russian-European Market will stay open to 1 am.

Nov 12 – Sun – 6 to 8 pm – Five for Five Celebration of Thanksgiving: From Russia with Love… Reconnecting with God in the Former Soviet Union

Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 East McDonald Drive, Landes Center -Building 500, Paradise Valley — Free. Reception in courtyard following with refreshments — Five Russians are coming to thank Americans who have prayed for them and graciously contributed to Project: Restoration Russia; and to tell of the marvelous miracles that are occurring as multitudes are discovering who God created them to be, and are living healthy new lives — personally, professionally and relationally. — Download invitation and "Russian Journal Two" — Presenters:

Vladimir Radzhabov, Pastor, Faculty, Biblical Leadership Training Institute, Krasnodar, Russia
Victoria Bartsalkina, Ph.D., Psychologist, Professor, Head of Counseling Psychology Dept. Moscow State University of Psychology and Education

Tatiana Grechayana, M.D., Ph.D., Trainer, Transatlantic Partners Against AIDS, Senior Researcher, Department of Medical Psychological Rehabilitation, Russian-American Research Partner for Prevention with University of Minnesota, Professor, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education

Natasha Dmitrieva M.A., Psychologist, Director Center for Children, Teens and Their Families, The City of Moscow Department of Education

Yelena Serebrennikova, Translator and Murray Method Staff Member

Moderator: Marilyn Murray, M.A., President, Health Restoration International, Ltd., Founder The Murray Method, Professor, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education

See Nov. 6 Arizona Republic article and announcement: "Soviet survivors to tell their tales of healing"

Nov 12 to 17 — 2:30 pm each day — Russia Festival Week
Tucson Children's Museum, 200 South 6th Avenue (at 12th St.), Downtown Tucson — Create a mural of Russian immigrant history in Tucson. — Admission: $3.50 ages 2-16, $5.50 adults, $4.50 seniors — Information: (520) 792-9985

Nov 18 — Sat — 11 am to 3 pm — Russian Name Days Festival
Explore the name days celebration. Learn about Russia and this festival with music, dance, and other folk art traditions. — Admission: $3.50 ages 2-16, $5.50 adults, $4.50 seniors — Information: (520) 792-9985

Nov 13 — Mon — 7 pm — Valaam Ensemble Concert
Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, 1614 E. Monte Vista Rd.(between Thomas and McDowell), Phoenix — Liturgical music of Kievan chants and Russian church music. After intermission the performance will move into the church hall next door for a collection of Russian folk songs. — The Valaam Ensemble is a group of five professional male singers from the Valaam Monastery, Valaam Island, Russia. Some of these melodies are well known and others are not. The repertoire includes ancient Valaam chants, Kievan as well as Russian polyphonic of the 17th and 18th century, and masterpieces of Greek, Serbian, and Georgian church music. This style of singing has been handed down from generation to generation by oral tradition and has been a feature of the Russian Orthodox Church since the 12th century. This will certainly be an unusual opportunity to hear a Russian monastic choir currently touring the United States. — Contributions: Adults $10, youth $5. Familes are $25. Information: 602-432-7473

Nov 15 — Wed — ? pm — Reception, Free
Meet the actors at Riva Yares’ Gallery, 3625 Bishop Lane, Scottsdale. Refreshments. Translators available. Free event.— RSVP for reception from Anne Wise at 480-965-2176.

Invite the actors and crew to speak at your school or organization. See Russian Arizona NEWS: 13 Russian Actors to Visit and Perform

Nov 16 — Thur — ? pm — Russian Class Presentation, Free
The actors will visit a college Russian class to discuss their work and answer any questions. Public invited. Translator available.

Nov 17 — Fri — Noon to 1 pm — Open Rehearsal, Free
ASU Gammage Auditorium, Mill Ave and Apache Blvd, Arizona State University, Tempe —
Designed to break down the formalities of theater-going and give audience members a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse at the artistic and technical process of preparing for performance. All Open Rehearsals are free and include Q and A.(Questions and Answers) — Bring your lunch.

Nov 18 — Sat — 7 pm — Двенадцатая ночь — 12th Night
ASU Gammage Auditorium, Mill Ave and Apache Blvd, Arizona State University, Tempe — Tickets from Anne Wise 480-965-2176 — Двенадцатая ночь, или Как вам угодно [The Twelfth Night, or "As You Wish"] is a new interpretation of Shakespeare's comedy play about the obsessiveness of romantic love, performed by at cast of 13 Russian actors, an all-male ensemble of Russian stage, film, and television stars. — In Russian with with English surtitles, 2.5-hours. — Produced by the Chekhov International Theatre Festival in May 2003, in association with Cheek by Jowl which is described by Time Magazine as “one of the ten best theatre companies in the world”, this show has toured the world and is coming to Arizona for 1 performance. — Music is played by a line of courtiers standing at attention awaiting signals to begin. The audience is seated on tiers that rise steeply from the very front of the stage. Black banners hang behind the actors for the first half, white following in the second, and costumes similarly change from funeral garb to the pristine clarity of a new day. — Двенадцатая ночь, The Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare's most effervescent and mutable comedies. Twelfth Night undergoes a delightful, gender-bent makeover by the Award-winning director. It's a Twelfth Night operating at full comedic throttle, designed with elegant economy. — Summary: Olivia longs for Orsino's attendant Cesario, actually a woman named Viola, who in turn is madly in love with Orsino. Further convolutions occur when the lovelorn Olivia falls for Sebastian, twin of Cesario (Viola). Male? Female? Who can tell, and does it really matter? What results is one of the funniest and most physical stagings of Twelfth Night you've ever seen. The fact that the cast performs in their native Russian (titles are in the Bard's English) adds yet another layer of magic to this incandescent production. — Read the complete play in English — See reviews at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, in British news: Sunday Times (4/5-star), The Guardian (5-star), The British Theatre Guide, The Independent, and a press release for the Australian Royal Theatre. — Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium is among the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world, a historic hall designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This auditorium was originally designed to be an opera house in Baghdad, Iraq. — The Russian Club may meet the actors and get groups rates. More information later.

Nov 18 — Sat — 9 am — AATSEEL Conference (Free)
Arizona chapter bi-annual meeting of the American Association of Teachers of Slavic and Eastern European Languages to be held at Arizona State University (ASU) Languages and Literatures Building, Tempe.

(A series of "hlebnye kroshki" will lead from Lee's door "vdol' kisel'noi reki (s molochnymi beregami; mimo pechki)" and "naiskosok" to the conference room)
Chestnoye "kapitalisticheskoye", the directions to the room will be posted on Prof. Croft's door.
At 9:00am we will have zavtrak, after the conference we can have poldnik! at a Tempe venue of your choice.
For those of you that have not done so already, (dzen'kuye Danko), please send me your presentation topic and the length of your presentation to Tatyana.Dhaliwal@asu.edu, love_prague@yahoo.com by noon on Fri, Nov 17.

Nov 18 — Sat — 11 am to 3 pm — Russian Name Days Festival
Tucson Children's Museum, 200 South 6th Avenue (at 12th St.), Downtown Tucson — Explore the name days celebration. Learn about Russia and this festival with music, dance, and other folk art traditions. — Admission: $3.50 ages 2-16, $5.50 adults, $4.50 seniors — Information: (520) 792-9985

Nov 18 – Sat – 6:30 pm – Flagstaff – NAU Russian Dinner & Show
14th annual Russian Dinner and East European Cultural Evening at Federated Church (Sitgreaves and Aspen) downtown, next to the main Public Library — Traditional Russian foods and a cultural program (music, dance, play performance, singing, slide show, displays). – Prices: $23/adult, $40/couple; $8/student or children ages 5-12, children under 5 free. Prices at the door: $25/adult, $45/couple, $10/student.– See pictures, menu, program from 1998 More information: Anne Slobodchikoff, office phone: 928-523-6223. Click on picture to enlarge.

Nov 18-19 – Sat-Sun – 1 & 4 pm – Moscow Cats Theatre
4 shows at the Mesa Arts Center, Piper Repertory Theater, 1 E. Main Street (at Center Street), Downtown Mesa — 30 cats, 2 dogs, and 6 clowns. The famous Russian clown, Yuri Kuklachev, formerly with the Moscow circus, returns to Arizona for the 4th time with his wife Elena, a dancer and clown. He started working with cats more than 30 years ago after adopting a stray kitten and working it into his act, and eventually he discovered that cats could help him separate his act from the other clowns. "How do you train a cat?" he is often asked. His answer is: "You don't. The cat trains you." Each cat has its own traits which are used in the act so well, it looks like they are trained. Most important is that all his 140 cats and dogs get lots of love, an excellent diet, exercise, and a full-time veterinarian. Since perestroika he has taken his show on the road around the world many times. The Moscow Cats Theatre is the only entertainment of its kind in the world with non-stop action by a group of talented felines performing original and astounding acrobatic feats, integrated into a non-verbal, colorful and fun-filled family show. Kucklachev has been on TV: Good Morning Arizona, Good Morning America, Good Day, CBS Early Show, Inside Edition, Live with Regis and Kelly and the critics raved the show "Roll over, 'Cats'. — Tickets: $54, $46. See seating chart. Phone Ana: 480-820-0285.

Nov 20 to Dec 10 — Tucson: Forbidden: The legacy of Chernobyl, 1986-2006
Free — Mon thru Thur: 10 am to 5 pm — Fri & Sat: 10 am to 4 pm
Union Gallery, 3rd Floor, Student Union Memorial Center, 1303 E University Blvd, University of Arizona. — Vistor parking in the Second Street Garage (SE corner, 2nd St. and Mountain Ave.) — Photo exhibit commemorating the 20th anniversary of the worst disaster in nuclear history. — Presented by The University of Arizona and the Ukrainian American Society of Tucson.

Nov 24-26 & Dec 1-3 — The Nutcracker
Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 North Arizona Ave. (at Chandler Blvd.), Chandler — Ballet Etudes presents the 20th year of their magical holiday production, “The Nutcracker”, Tchaikovsky's holiday classic.. This family favorite will fill your hearts with holiday cheer. Come and see Clara’s mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer escort her and her Nutcracker prince through the beautiful land of snow to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s enchanting land of sweets. — Tickets: $12, $19, $28. Phones: (480)497-4646, (480)985-0423. Group rates: 20 tickets or more, $3 off each ticket.

Nov 28 – Tue – Noon? –Teaching Tatar in Tatarstan CANCELLED
ASU Campus, Coor Hall, Room 4411 (north of Gammage Auditorium), Tempe — Presentation: "Teaching Tatar in Tatarstan: The Problem of National Language Policy in the Russian Federation" by Aigoul Fatykhova, Fulbright Fellow, Kazan State University, Tatarstan, Russian Federation. — For information and directions call: (480) 965-4188, (480) 965-7706

Dec 2 – Sat – 11 am to 8 pm – Armenian Festival (Free)
Armenian Cultural Center, 8849 E. Cholla Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 — Directions: From the Loop 101, take Shea Blvd East to 92nd St., turn North to Cholla St., turn West on Cholla, go to the end of the street, and turn left into the parking lot. — Free Admission and Free Parking — Armenian Food, Cooking demos, Cash Raffle ($2000, $1000, $500), Auction, Holiday gifts, Kid games, Santa, Live entertainment and dancing. — For more info, call 480-451-8171, or www.armenianchurchaz.org

Dec 2 – Sat – 11 am to 3 pm – Christmas Celebration and Potluck (Free, bring food)
East Mesa Christian Church, 706 South Greenfield Road, Mesa, AZ — Directions: 1 mile north of I-60 (Superstition Highway) on Greenfield, 9 miles east of 101-Loop. The church is on the west side of Greenfield half way between Southern and Broadway — Speaker: Marilyn Murray, a former member of our Germans from Russia Arizona Sun Chapter and a national member will be speaking on "Leaving A Legacy of Love". She basically tells about what she is doing in Russia and then challenges and encourages the audience to see what God still has planned for them-no matter what their age. See announcements about her presentations on Nov 2, Nov 9 and Nov 11. — We will also elect new officers for 2007. If you have any questions you may contact Herbert Babitzke at 480-641-3711 or e-mail him at babithr@amug.org — Bring your own utensils and napkins. For potluck:

Surnames beginning with A-K bring deserts
Surnames beginning with L-Z bring a main dish

Dec 1 – Fri – 7 pm – Yuma: The Nutcracker
Dec 2 – Sat – 2 pm & 7 pm
Dec 3 – Sun – 2 pm
Snider Auditorium, Yuma High School, 400 S. 6th Ave, Yuma — Ballet Yuma presents Yuma's traditional and enchanting holiday treasure. Tchaikovsky's music along with exceptional dance and choreography create a magical holiday wonderland filled with dancing snowflakes, enchanting characters, and the exquisite touch of Christmas spirit that only the story of the Nutcracker can invoke. -- Tickets: Dillard's, Yuma Palms Center, the exclusive ticket outlet for Ballet Yuma.— Tickets for all performances are $10, $15, $20. —- Contact by email, or phone: 928-314-4762. — See article in The Sun: Ballet Yuma alumni back for 'Nutcracker'

Dec 2 – Sat – 7 pm – The Nutcracker
Dec 3 – Sun – 3 pm – Repeat
Buena Performing Arts Center, 5225 Buena School Blvd., Sierra Vista, AZ (80 miles south of Tucson) — Sierra Vista Ballet’s 20th “The Nutcracker” Ballet. — This delightful pre-holiday event has become a tradition with Sierra Vista. Talented beginning and experienced ballet dancers from the local area bring enchantment and pride to the stage. — Tickets: Adults $12, children (12 and under) $ 8. Phone: (520) 458-1560 e-mail: p.bergsneider@cox.net

December 7 – Thur – Russian not official holiday: Constitution Day
This was instituted in memory of the nation-wide referendum held on December 12, 1993, which resulted in the adoption of the first Constitution of the Russian Federation. The original Soviet Constitution was first observed on December 5th, and then changed to October 7th in 1977. In today's Russia, Constitution Day (December 12) is not considered a popular holiday, for many people Constitution Day is simply an additional day off.

Dec 9 – Sat – 2 pm & 7 pm – San Luis: The Nutcracker
San Luis Cesar E. Chavez Cultural Center, 1015 N. Main Street, San Luis (Yuma County) — Ballet Yuma presents Yuma's traditional and enchanting holiday treasure. Tchaikovsky's music along with exceptional dance and choreography create a magical holiday wonderland filled with dancing snowflakes, enchanting characters, and the exquisite touch of Christmas spirit that only the story of the Nutcracker can invoke. -- Tickets: $10, $15, $20. Dillard's, Yuma Palms Center, the exclusive ticket outlet for Ballet Yuma. —- Contact by email, or phone: 928-314-4762. — See article in The Sun: Ballet Yuma alumni back for 'Nutcracker'

Dec 8-10 — The Nutcracker
Mesa Arts Center, 1 East Main Street, Mesa — Ballet Etudes presents the 20th year of their magical holiday production, “The Nutcracker”, Tchaikovsky's holiday classic.. This family favorite will fill your hearts with holiday cheer. Come and see Clara’s mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer escort her and her Nutcracker prince through the beautiful land of snow to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s enchanting land of sweets. — Tickets: $16, $24 and $32. Phone: (480) 644-6500, or email: boxoffice@mesaartscenter.com. Group rates: 20 tickets or more, $3 off each ticket.

Dec 9 – Sat – 2 pm & 7 pm – San Luis: The Nutcracker
San Luis Cesar E. Chavez Cultural Center, 1015 N. Main Street, San Luis (Yuma County) — Ballet Yuma presents Yuma's traditional and enchanting holiday treasure. Tchaikovsky's music along with exceptional dance and choreography create a magical holiday wonderland filled with dancing snowflakes, enchanting characters, and the exquisite touch of Christmas spirit that only the story of the Nutcracker can invoke. — Tickets: $10, $15, $20. Dillard's, Yuma Palms Center, the exclusive ticket outlet for Ballet Yuma. —- Contact by email, or phone: 928-314-4762. — See article in The Sun: Ballet Yuma alumni back for 'Nutcracker'

Dec 9-27 — The Nutcracker - all new
Symphony Hall, 75 N 2nd Street, Downtown Phoenix — Ballet Arizona's new production of the Tchaikovsky holiday classic is performed with The Phoenix Symphony. "The most lavish new holiday production ever created for an Arizona stage!" Experience a never-before-seen production of THE NUTCRACKER. Andersen's holiday extravaganza features new scenery, new costumes, and new choreography are being created to enhance the magic and fun of this classic holiday ballet. This special story about a little girl, dancing snowflakes, a handsome prince, and beauty beyond imagination will feature over 150 local children and The Phoenix Symphony performing Tchaikovsky’s famous musical score. — Tickets: $10 to $104 at Ballet Arizona Box Office 602-381-1096, or TicketMaster 480-784-4444 — See big articles in The Arizona Republic.

Dec 14 — Fri — 7 pm — Buckeye: The Nutcracker
Dec 15 — Sat — 2 pm & 7 pm
Buckeye Union High School, 902 Eason Ave — Arizona Youth Ballet & Jazz Ensemble's production. Admission: $10; $8 for students; $5 for children ages 10 and younger. —
Information: (623) 547-0423. — See: Children to dance 'Nutcracker', The Arizona Republic

Dec 15 — Sat — 7:30 pm — Tucson: The Nutcracker
Dec 16 — Sun — 2 pm
Berger Performing Arts Center, ASDB Campus, 1200 W. Speedway (1 mile west of I-10), Tucson — A Time to Dance Youth Ballet presents this holiday favorite, which features local young talent from the Youth Ballet at A Time to Dance. See new, innovative and creative choreography and lavish costumes. The talented intergenerational, volunteer cast and crew ranges in age from 3 to 70+ — All tickets are $7.50 in advance, $10 at the door on showdays. Both shows are almost sold out. Reservations: call Dee Dee Doell at 520-320-1566, 520-327-5137, 520-272-3400, or www.atimetodancetucson.com. We will have beautiful roses and little Nutcrackers for sale before each performance. The profits go to the studio!

Dec 15-16 — Prescott: The Nutcracker
Yavapai College, 1100 E Sheldon, Prescott — Ballet Etudes presents the 20th year of their magical holiday production, “The Nutcracker”, Tchaikovsky's holiday classic. This family favorite will fill your hearts with holiday cheer. Come and see Clara’s mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer escort her and her Nutcracker prince through the beautiful land of snow to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s enchanting land of sweets. — Tickets & Info: 928-776-2000, 877-928-4253 (toll free) — See photos of a babushka taking her vnuchka.

Dec 16 – Sat – 9 am to Noon – Understanding Thyroid Function
Non-credit continuing education class by Dr. Saida B. Isabekova, D.Sc., Ph.D. held one day only at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, 2626 E. Pecos Rd. Room B160, Chandler.— Course Number: NC 500 9109, Fee: $34 — This class is designed to present the physiology of the thyroid, proper nutrition and preventive measures to stay healthy. Each student is invited to have an iris and sclera examination for an evaluation of the condition of thyroid. — Iris and sclera examinations on December 14 or December 15. $30 is payable to the instructor. More information.

Dec 16 — Sat – 8 pm to 2 am — Russian Holiday Party
Vintage Market, Biltmore Fashion Mall, 2442 E. Camelback Road # B, Phoenix — Admission $10 — FREE cocktails 9-10 pm only! Hosted appetizers all night. Midnight fashion show. Diskotek by DJ Tolik. — RSVP to Mark Bobrov by e-mail: MBobrov@aol.com, or phone: 602-741-9770 — See photos at www.DJTolik.com

Dec 17 – Sun – 4 pm – New Year's Party for Kids up to age 6 with parents
Community Room, 2701 W. Belmont Ave. (1/4 mile south of Northern Ave.), Phoenix, AZ 85051— Russian Children’s Center “Golden Key” Invites children of up to 6 years old and their parents to a New Year's Party — Admission: Children $15 (includes a traditional Russian New Year present), Adults $5. Contact us to get an invitation ticket, as the number of presents will be limited to the number of reservations. 602-617-7593 Anna Gass, 602-315-7722 Natallia Bor <Nbor@cox.net> — Program:

New Year Adventures — performance for the children
Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden)
Singing and dancing around the New Year’s tree

Dec 21 — Thur — 1 pm — Ukrainian-American Social Club Meeting
Menke's Sun City Community Room, 12420 N 103 Ave (1 block south of Grand Ave, then west on on Coggins Drive, long building in the back parking lot), Sun City — The club is 23 years old. This meeting is called to decide whether to continue the club due to dwindling membership or not. All Ukrainians and people interested in the Ukraine are invited. — Call 623-214-6327, 623-583-3156, or 623-972-2318.

Dec 23 — Sat — 9 pm to 2 am — Tucson: Novogodniaia Diskoteka with DJ Tolik

Midway Business Park, 4500 E.Speedway #19 (between Colombus and Swan, за русским магазином) Tucson. Go behind the European Market to the far back of the parking lot. — Today's music by DJ Tolik — Admission: $7 cover. No age restriction. — Ни пропустите! 100 came last time. — No alcohol for sale at the Disko, but Olga's Russian-European Market will stay open to 1 am. — Ded Moroz! — Ne Propustite! — Phoenix Welcome!!! — More info http://www.djtolik.com

Dec 31 — Sun — 10 pm to 2 am — Новый 2007 Год — Russian New Year's Party
Ресторан Medizona, 7217 E 4th Ave, (2 blocks north of Indian Schoool Road), Old Town Scottsdale — Russian Disco with Dj Phill from Los Angeles — Приглашает всех желающих встретить вместе с родными, близкими и друзьями. А также отведать изысканные блюда кухни, признаной одной из лучших в Аризоне — $55 per person. Champagne toast, Vodka Nazarov. — Konstantin: 480-947-9500 : Константин — www.MedizonaRestaurant.com

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