Ballroom Dancing - Russian Style
Friday, January 12th, 2018, 8:00pm-11:00pm
Members from the Bardonia Fred Astaire Dance Studio and ARAA-Otrada showed off their dance moves choreographed just for this night - followed by a Master Class and open dancing!
Patronal Feast Day at Otrada
Saturday, February 3rd, 2018, 10:00am-1:00pm
On Saturday, February 3, 2018 on the day of the commemoration of the Icon of the Virgin called “Comfort and Consolation,” Holy Liturgy will be celebrated in our Otrada Chapel. Although the chapel is regularly used by Otrada’s residents for reading of the “hours” and prayers, as well as other periodic services, we are glad that our Patronal Feast Day is being celebrated for the third year in a row.
Priest George Temidis officiated the service after which the attendees attended a lunch in the banquet hall prepared by Otrada’s ladies committee.
Spiritual Discussion
Sunday, March 18th, 2018, 12:30pm-3:00pm
As we rapidly approach Pascha, we were pleased to offer a Spiritual Discussion at the ARAA-Otrada Cultural Center. The topic was Тайный Вечер and we were fortunate to have Fr Yaroslav Belikow share what is known and written in the Gospels. Some questions also led to a short history of the 4 Gospels and when they were written.
Thank you to Fr Belikow and to the Ladies Committee who prepared a tasty Lenten meal for the participants.
Egg Decorating for Kids
Sunday, March 25th, 2018, 1:00pm-5:00pm
Otrada is once again pleased to have hosted an egg decorating event for children of all ages as we prepare ourselves for the Feast of Feasts - Pascha! Light refreshments were served at this free event.
50th Anniversary BBQ
Sunday, May 19th, 2018, 1:00pm-6:00pm
In 1968, a group of forward thinking Russian Americans joined together to form The Russian American Society Otrada - a membership corporation to erect, maintain, and operate a non-profit Cultural Center in Rockland County, NY. Fast forward 50 years and on May 19th, current members and their families gathered to celebrate Otrada's Golden Anniversary with a Picnic BBQ. Unfortunately, the rain chased us indoors but it didn't dampen our celebration. We look forward to celebrating our emerald anniversary in five years.... Join us!
Ballroom Dancing
Sunday, May 19th, 2018, 6:00pm-9:00pm
On May 19th, to celebrate Otrada's golden anniversary, the Cultural Center opened its Belosselsky Hall doors and hosted a evening of Ballroom Dancing. MC Victor Russu of the Bardonia Fred Astaire Dance Studio kept the atmosphere light and cheerful as the attendees were treated to numerous dance showcases and then invited to the dance floor to learn a few new steps. Thank you to the Ladies Committee for hosting and organizing this wonderful event.
Tiny Theater - "Tepemok" - Puppet Theater
Saturday, June 9th, 2018, 11:00am-12:00pm
Sunday, June 10th, 2018, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Otrada's Tiny Theater showed an amazing performance of a Russian tale, Tepemok, all in the Russian language. Welcoming children of all ages, there was an amazing showing both performances and loved by all! ​
Rummage Sale
Friday, June 22nd and 23rd, 2018
​The American Russian Aid Assn - Otrada held its second annual Rummage Sale to benefit the Charitable work of our St Elizabeth Fund. Last year the funds we made from the sale helped special needs adults / children and rehabilitation centers in Belarus.
Thank you to all of the volunteers and those who donated. The benefits of this event would not have been possible without any of you.
Annual Russian Festival
Sunday, September 9th, 2018, 12:00pm-7:00pm
ARAA-Otrada welcomed hundreds of people to our property to enjoy a day full of Russian heritage. There was Russian food catered by Taste of Home. There was Russian music, dancing, and live entertainment, including Otrada's Tiny Puppet Theater, the Youth Ensemble Troika, and Youth Ensemble Kaleidoscope. There was a ballroom showcase followed by a ballroom masterclass, along with a raffle, lottery baskets, and vendor tables. Activities included face painting, a jumping castle, and various filed games.