SSCA Updates
Capture the Moment: A Sister Cities Libraries Photo Contest
Community Library Sedona and Canmore Public Library are launching Capture the Moment: A Sister Libraries Photo Contest. This fall, adult photographers of all skill levels are invited to
submit a single photo and a brief reflection (100 words or less) that captures the spirit of everyday life in their community. From quiet moments to joyful celebrations, each image will
tell a story of place and connection.
This is an opportunity to share a snapshot of life in your community. A quiet observation, a shared laugh, or the fading light of day—each photo whispers a story. This Sister Cities Libraries
project is about connecting Sedona and Canmore through everyday moments that matter.
Contest Timeline
Submissions Open: October 1, 2025
Deadline: October 18, 2025
Winners Announced: October 29, 2025
Sedona Prizes:
1st Place – $100 gift card + photography book
2nd Place – $75 gift card + photography book
3rd Place – $60 gift card + photography book
Winning entries will be displayed internationally at both libraries, featured online, in social media and highlighted in the Community Library Sedona Newsletter.
The Sedona Sister Cities Association and the Community Library Sedona strive for connection. This collaboration is part of a global initiative designed to promote peace, understanding, and
connection between communities worldwide. And communities are about people, places, and stories. This project between two city libraries is a sincere effort to bring people, and our
bordering countries a little closer, one shared moment at a time.
To submit your entry go to www.communitylibrarysedona.org
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
