Elections to local authorities - to the City Council, in which Russian-speaking candidates also took part, took place against the backdrop of difficult times in our country, and in our city as well. Many people know Ari Kagan, whom his friends call “our Danko, who gives his heart to people,” whom people value, respect and love. It’s a pity, but he loses his seat in the City Council, although, despite the low voter turnout in the elections, more than 8,000 people from different communities voted for him. He and under his leadership did a lot of good things for people, and a lot of money was allocated for the area he represents. New York City Council Finance Committee Representative Justin Brannan was running against Ari Kagan, and no one else would have ever beaten Ari Kagan. According to many, this is not a failure for Ari, but only a step towards new achievements, yes, yes, this is not a defeat! Ari on his Facebook page thanked everyone who voted for him and wrote that he was not leaving, but would continue to help people. This is his distinctive feature - he loves to help people and does it from the heart. Many people remember: when he didn’t win the elections, he still continued to help people. You could approach him on the street and, by asking a question, get the right advice. For many, he and his office staff served as free lawyers. Congratulations to Inna Vernikova, who won the election. This brave woman came to the rally to protect our children, the students of Brooklyn College. Unfortunately, when her blouse lifted a little, they saw the pistol for which she had permission. I hope her lawyer can help her since she didn't pick up a gun. Be kinder! Please hug and smile at each other, together we are strong!!! Marina Lagunova
Date Added: 11/16/2023 |
Last Updated: 12/28/2023 |
Page Views: 155
Silk Road Festival in New York - a triumph of culture and unity For several years now, like many others, I have been looking forward to the Silk Road Festival with particular anticipation. It is organized by a tireless, bright female leader, an outstanding teacher, Alena Badalova, who heads the My Way children's cultural and educational center. This is not just an event - it is a real spiritual holiday that promotes mutual enrichment, spiritual unity and reveals the dazzling palette of cultures of our multinational New York - a beacon of multiculturalism and creativity. The festival reflects the essence of My Way Center's mission - to provide an opportunity for self-expression, creativity, intercultural dialogue - and is a beacon of humanism, respect and cooperation. Despite the serious challenges that preceded the festival, it still took place with triumph. Several months before the event, a building next to the center caught fire, classes were cancelled, and one of the invited groups from California got into a car accident and ended up in the hospital. However, having overcome all the difficulties, the artists took to the stage and amazed the audience with their heartfelt number dedicated to Azerbaijan, causing a storm of applause at the Oceana Theatre. And against all odds, on June 1, 2025, Center My Way organized a grand festival "Silk Road", which became a real ode to the historical and cultural greatness of the ancient trade route that connected East and West, and the route served for centuries for exchange - not only of goods, but also of ideas, art, beliefs, philosophy. An impressive mosaic of national cultures unfolded on the theater stage. Cultural gems from countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kalmykia, Buryatia, India, Mongolia, Turkey and others were presented - all those whose history is intertwined with the history of the legendary Silk Road. Showing mutual respect and pride in their heritage, the festival encourages the younger generation to explore the world through the lens of art, history and universal human values. I would like to express special gratitude to the director Alena Badalova and the art director, the famous artist and sculptor Emin Guliyev. Their inexhaustible energy, professionalism and love for children fill this project with life. The creativity and success of the students of Emin Guliyev's art studio have been followed with admiration on social networks for many years. Together with dedicated employees, volunteers and leaders of musical and dance groups, they created a truly magical atmosphere, giving children a chance to perform on the professional stage of the American theater Oceana. I would also like to mention many other leaders of musical groups. These are professional dancers, ballerinas and just beauties, for example, Irina, the head of Irina Dancing Studia and others, from whom it was impossible to take your eyes off. And the way the children performed, there are simply no words! And can you imagine what it is like to bring dozens of child dancers on stage who danced together with professionals? Many children have grown up before my eyes, and I rejoice in their successes as in the victories of my child. I often see the performance of children from the My Way center at various events in the city, and this is always the highlight of the event. And it is not surprising that the efforts of Alena Badalova and the center's staff were recognized with honorary certificates and gratitude from public and political figures: from Assemblymen William Colton, Alec Brooke-Krasny, Senator Stephen Chen, which was presented by the Senator's chief adviser Ari Kagan, on behalf of the Mayor of New York Eric L. Adams, which was presented by the Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Arts and Culture of New York Kendal Henry, and from other government representatives who honored the organizers for their contribution to the development of culture and the education of the younger generation - and, believe me, each certificate is recognition of service to people. Also, the famous lawyer Eva Rakhamimova was awarded an honorary certificate for charitable activities, and it is worth noting that many city events took place thanks to her support. In an interview, Alena Badalova said: “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the New York City Department of Cultural Afairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and New York State Legislature, New York City Mayor Eric L. Adams, The State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, Diana Bagrationi Foundation, Buryad Mongol United Association, Darina Sanzhieva, Law Office of Yeva Rakhamimov and Oceana Theater. It is their generous support and grant that have made this event possible, enabling us to continue this cherished tradition." Marina Lagunova
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