by Janet Kakaty George
A publicly advertised Syrian Braided Cheese Sale held on the weekend of July 16 and 17, 2016 was the culmination of three days of cheese braiding and making by St. Basil parish women. Pre-orders were taken for this delicacy and 136 pounds sold immediately. Pictured below are the ladies (Allahyurhumrun) in previous years who busily prepared for hafleh and community event, The Celebration of Nations of the 1980s in Utica NY.
Fellowship and spirit were captured and revived for this event by Chairwomann, Janet Kakaty George, and Committee, Carol Chanatry and MaryAnn Astour. Other helpers were Christina Marrero, Sandy Showa, Nadia Casab, Virginia Reesh Lynch, Michelle Roth, and Diane Kakaty. The enthusiastic cooperation and support of our pastor, Fr. Saba Shofany was much appreciated.
Vintage photos were donated by Rosanne Chanatry Fallon, featuring Mary Kakaty and Jeanette Ajaeb; Julia Narson, Julia Zaloom, and Nellie Chanatry. New photos featuring Nadia Casab, Sandy Showa, and Janet George; Carol Chanatry, MaryAnn Astour and Virginia Reesh Lynch. A great time was had by all!!!
With all the enthusiasm this project created, our sister parish St. Louis Gonzaga Church has invited us to participate, for the first time, in their upcoming “Taste of Lebanon” to sell our Syrian braided cheese.
