SSCA Updates
Sister Libraries Photo Contest Celebrates Everyday Beauty
The Community Library Sedona and the Canmore Public Library are delighted to announce the winners of the first-ever Capture the Moment: A Sister Libraries Photo Contest, a cultural exchange created through the Sedona–Canmore Sister Cities partnership.
The contest invited adult photographers to submit a single image and short reflection capturing everyday life in their community —from quiet moments to scenes of natural wonder.
Sedona Winners:
1st – Tom White
2nd – Christel Veraart
3rd – Roger May
Photo: 1st Place winning photo - Tom White
Canmore Winners:
1st – Barbara Jouanin Cárcamo
2nd – Kael Johnston
3rd – Chiara Loewen
Photo: 1st place winning photo, Barbara Jouanin Cárcamo
Winning images and the photographer’s
reflections will be exhibited at both libraries, featured online, and shared through Sister Cities and library communications.
This creative collaboration highlights the shared mission of Sister Cities: celebrating connection, culture, and community — one moment, one photo, and one friendship at a time.
This shared celebration of place and perspective reflects the mission of Sister Cities partnerships—to build community connection, deepen understanding, and create peace
through personal relationships and cultural exchange.
Winning photographs and photographer’s reflections will be showcased in both communities and featured in the Community Library Sedona newsletter and social media platforms.
For more information, visit sedonasistercities.org, communitylibrarysedona.org or
canmorelibrary.ab.ca/
Sedona Sister Cities Hosts Successful Polish Picnic
Sedona, AZ – The Posse Grounds Park was transformed into a lively “Polish Park” this past weekend as more than 700 Poles and friends of Poland from across Northern Arizona and Phoenix gathered to celebrate Polish heritage at Sedona’s first authentic
Polish Picnic.
Guests enjoyed traditional favorites including pierogi, sausage, beer, and pączki, while families took part in face painting, volleyball tournaments, and cultural activities. The
celebration was a joint endeavor of the Sedona Sister Cities Association (SSCA) and its Polish friendship city, Jasło, in partnership with the Polish American Congress of Arizona.
A highlight of the day was a performance by the 19-member Polish Highlanders youth group, who captivated the audience with vibrant songs and dances from the Tatra Mountains region.
Edyta Wieczorek, Chair of the SSCA Jasło Committee, remarked on the strong interest shown in Sister Cities membership and future Polish cultural exchanges.
Photo credit: Larry Kane
Rising Stars Shine in Sedona
Sedona Sister Cities launched its first
artistic exchange with Sister City
Canmore, Alberta, through the Rising
Stars Concert on September 17 at the
Sedona Performing Arts Center.
Four outstanding young musicians—two from
Arizona and two from Canmore—
delighted the audience, reflecting the
mission of fostering peace through
cultural exchange.
Photo credit: Larry Kane
Canmore Pianist Vasylisa Nikolenko Receives Standing Ovations at Sedona Debut
Sedona, Arizona — Sixteen-year-old pianist Vasylisa Nikolenko, a Canmore resident who fled Ukraine with her family, received thunderous standing ovations at her U.S. concert debut in Sedona earlier this month.
As part of the inaugural Canmore–Sedona Sister Cities Arts Exchange, Vasylisa performed at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, where audiences were deeply moved by both her artistry and her story. Of particular note was her exceptional interpretation of Edvard Grieg’s Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16 — Allegro, Volta Moderato, performed with extraordinary poise and passion. She was accompanied on stage by acclaimed pianist Susanne Ruberg-Gordon, her longtime mentor and one of Alberta’s most respected musicians.
Members’ International Days Dinner
Members and guests of the Sedona Sister Cities
Association gathered at the Hilton Resort at Bell Rock for the
annual International Days Dinner.
Attendees enjoyed a message from Canmore, Canada’s
Mayor Sean Krausert and witnessed the recent virtual signing
ceremony of Sedona’s Friendship Agreement with Jasło, Poland.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the
Ambassador’s Award to Edyta Wieczorek, Chair of the Jasło
Committee. Living part-time in Poland, she also serves as Sister
Cities International’s representative to Poland.
Sister Cities.
Emcee Linda Goldenstein noted that in just
four short years, the Association has built strong relationships
with Canmore and Jasło, further strengthening Sedona’s global
ties.
Many thanks to Northern Arizona Healthcare and Hilton
Resort at Bell Rock presenting sponsors.
Photo credit: Larry Kane
A HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON SHARED VALUES AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT
June 28, 2025 marked a historic day for the communities of Sedona, Arizona and Canmore, Alberta as they officially became Sister Cities, solidifying nearly two years of growing friendship and collaboration.
Photo: Mayor Sean Krausert, Town of Canmore, Alberta and Mayor Scott Jablow, Sedona, Arizona
Sedona City Council Approves Friendship Cities Agreement with Jasło, Poland
SEDONA, AZ — July 8, 2025
In a unanimous vote, the Sedona City Council has approved a Friendship Cities Agreement between Sedona and Jasło, Poland—marking a significant step forward in an international relationship built on mutual cultural, educational, and community interests.
Picture: Jaslo's Mascot
