Talk About Woodville: Lutheran parsonage a stopping point for Ukranian families

Over the last two years, Solomon Lutheran Church has offered housing to several Ukrainian families fleeing the war in their home country. The previously empty parsonage was cleaned up and furnished in preparation for the new inhabitants who had recently traveled from so far away, leaving behind everything familiar they’ve known.

New Ukranian visitors move into parsonage

Working at the library, I have had the opportunity to meet a few of the travelers when they stop in to use the computers to communicate with family and friends still in Ukraine, and to deal with applications and other government “paperwork” required to remain in the states. Translation apps on cell phones help to facilitate conversation between the families and those who are assisting them while they become acquainted with their new, and possibly, temporary community. A friend who frequents the library will often ask how to say something in Ukranian, and that effort to make a connection always brings a smile.

Several of the families who have stayed in Woodville have already moved on to homes and jobs in other areas of the country. Rostyslav and Lesia Maruniak and their young son, Andrii, are the latest arrivals to stay at the parsonage and have been here for only a couple months. The community is invited to a “meet and greet” potluck at Woodville at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug 5 at the shelter house at Trail Marker Park.

If you should attend the potluck and wish to welcome the family to town, the Ukranian word for “hello” is “pryvit”, and “welcome” is “laskavo prosymo.” I will admit, I will need one of those translation apps to help me with the correct pronunciation.

Workshop for Middle School Girls

Laura Hilkirk, intuitive healer and podcast host from Woodville, will host a workshop geared toward empowering and educating middle school girls on ways to handle big emotions and to learn how words can impact others.

“I'm excited to have Pastor Dee Baker from Woodville United Methodist Church and Leslie Baker of Holistic Hands Wellness Gallery bring their gifts and knowledge to this workshop, as well,” Hilkirk said. The workshop is designed to help girls navigate things like friendships and fitting in.

Attendees will gather together to begin the program then will split into smaller groups to learn breath work, meditation, identifying emotions and how to cope, and using art as a creative outlet. The workshop will wrap up with a discussion about words, and how they have a lasting effect on both ourselves and others.

Registration is required for the event which will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14 at Woodville United Methodist Church and is open to girls entering fifth to eighth grade in any local school district . There is a $25 fee which will cover the cost of supplies with all remaining money being donated to the church.

Hilkirk is tentatively planning a similar workshop in the future for middle school boys.

Red Cross Blood Drive

The next Red Cross blood drive is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m., Aug. 16 at the Woodville Township Fire Station. As often happens during the summer months, there is a critical need for donors. Appointments may be made at www.redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Mermaid Pool Party

The Woodville Public Library is hosting a Mermaid Pool Party, featuring special guest, Mermaid Alexea, before the pool closes for the season. The party will include crafts and a snack and will take place 1 to 3 p.m. Aug.17 at the Woodville Pool, 205 Erie St.

Admission is free but does require a ticket good for one child and one adult. Registration is required and tickets will be sent via email a few days before the party. Take note that the free admission is only valid during the mermaid party. Anyone who wishes to stay later to swim will need to pay the pool's regular admission price. Contact the library at 419-849-2744 with any questions.

Contact Rene Dix at 419-307-0914 or via email at rene.dix@email.com .

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Talk About Woodville: Lutheran parsonage a stopping point for Ukranian families