Every edition of our newsletter is a new chapter in our shared story. We aim to bring you closer to the heart of our community with enriching content, celebrate our achievements, and look ahead to the future with anticipation.
From in-depth features on cultural events to highlights of community milestones, each newsletter is crafted to inspire, inform, and involve you in the vibrant life of our Romanian Community Center.
Keep an eye on your inbox for these monthly updates that promise to keep the Romanian spirit alive and thriving in Reading, Pennsylvania.
The Romanian Community Center organization is also yours.
We are happy to reconnect now at the beginning of 2024. Along with the traditional New Year’s greeting of Happy New Year, we send you our thanks for the trust you have placed in us and wish you a good year, with wonderful projects and events, alongside people dear to your heart!
With love and gratitude, the team at RCC!
Programs at RCC ~ A new year, a new beginning!
The seminars are offered free of charge to members, but we suggest that participants who wish to do so, make a donation to the RCC organization
Thank you: Adriana, Corina, Cristina, Doina, Georgiana, Nicoleta, dna Maria Tomoiaga, Sofi, Romana, Cornel, Gabi, Laurentiu, Nicu, Giani, Cristi, Cristian, Doru, Toma, Mircea si Jason for you help. Thank you and your families for their understanding! The New Year’s Eve celebration happened mostly thanks to you. We appreciate your contribution. Nino, molto grazie, amico! Thank you DJAlex for great music and atmosphere!
“The hall was wonderfully arranged, with taste, the food was excellent, the music was carefully selected, and we danced all night.”
Anonymous
“It was one of the most successful New Year’s Eve parties in the Reading area,” I liked it so much that I would come anytime to events organized by RCC.
Whether you have participated or not in one of our events, we would love to hear
more from you!
Your feedback is invaluable to us and helps us make future events better and more enjoyable. We invite you to fill out our short survey.
Your thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated and will be taken into consideration.
Charity Event at RCC – Mary’s shelter
December 21st, 2023 we had the privilege of meeting the incredible individuals at Mary’s Shelter and playing Santa for a Day, bringing a touch of Santa’s magic to the children of Berks County.
A symbol of renewal and hope, we offer you a “Mărțișor” that will bring luck to its wearer, continuing the traditions that define us.
All activities organized by the Romanian Community Center are made possible with the help of members and volunteers from the community, with financial support from sponsors and donors in Pennsylvania and Romania. We aim to continue supporting a wide variety of projects, and therefore we invite you to join us as a member.
For those interested in sponsoring our event, we offer five attractive levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.
Your contribution will help us organize this event that will delight and unite our community.
For those with businesses who wish to showcase their products or services in a vibrant setting, this festival offers the perfect opportunity to promote and attract new customers.
Additionally, we invite vendors to showcase their products and services in a vibrant and energetic setting, with the opportunity to meet a growing community.
This is the perfect time to promote your business and attract new customers.
At any time and for any event, we need dedicated volunteers, the heart of our organization.
Without their support and tireless efforts, we wouldn’t have been able to get here. Our volunteers are the ones who make this festival possible, and we are extremely grateful for their invaluable work.
Come and join us, support, promote, and celebrate with us at the Romanian Festival!
RCC Collaborations
Annual Competition
ROMANIAN AMERICAN NATIONAL HERITAGE AWARD
The Romanian-American National Heritage Awards 🥇 (applications open until August 25) aim to recognize young individuals of Romanian descent who have positively contributed to their communities and enhanced the image of what it means to be Romanian.
Previous winners have strengthened their college applications, leading to admission into prestigious institutions.
All teenagers are encouraged to apply to be recognized.
For more information about the selection criteria, please click the button below.
Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse – excerpt from the speech given at the Capitol Building in Harrisburg:
"Since the founding of our nation, immigrants have played an essential role in the development and success of our country. For this reason, it is important to understand, appreciate, and recognize the culture and traditions of our immigrant communities, including the Romanian community."
Pennsylvania June 24, 2024:
The Romanian blouse, or "IA," is the most recognized and important piece of traditional female attire in Romania.
Initiated and coordinated by the online community La Blouse Roumaine, the first Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse was celebrated on June 24, 2013.
The earliest type of Romanian blouse is believed to be part of the Cucuteni culture around the 6th century BC.
Recognized as a symbol of the country’s folk culture, the IA represents an ancient tradition, artistically capturing a part of Romanian identity. The Romanian IA was added to the UNESCO cultural heritage list in 2022.
Every "ia" tells a story; over time, the IA has absorbed numerous artistic influences. Wearing an "ie" means donning a piece of Romanian history and embracing its cultural essence.
The artisans who have kept this tradition alive are the guardians of a legacy – with each blouse they create, they build a bridge between the ancient and the modern.
The "IA" is more than a fashion statement. It is about embracing a heritage, understanding its history, and honoring the craftsmanship that transcends beyond fabric and embroidery.
The colors, patterns, and symbols have their own stories, offering a rare insight into the psyche of the Romanian people, a people who have refused to let their cultural identity be erased.
The "ia" is a journey – it transports us from ancient times through the modern world and makes a stop here, today, June 24, at the Capitol Building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. As Romanians, we are honored to be recognized by the officials of the state of Pennsylvania.
Registration for the RCC College Scholarship begins on July 1, 2024, and ends on July 31, 2024. It is open to students who meet the following eligibility requirements:
Are members or have a parent who is a member of RCC
Are currently enrolled in an accredited college or university
Write an essay (without the use of artificial intelligence) that is around 500 words
The essay topic is:If you had the opportunity to help develop youth involvement at the Romanian Community Center, what would you do?
Essay Submission:
All essays must be uploaded to the website using a simple, anonymous form in PDF format and must not exceed 5 MB in size.
Essays should be uploaded between August 7, 12:00 am, and August 8, 12:00 am, within a 24-hour period.
To ensure anonymity throughout the process, students will select a fictional name or the name of a character when submitting their essay.
All essays will be sent directly to the judges. The judges will email the entire Board of Directors with the names of the three winners.
The three winners will be announced on the day of the festival (August 24).
RCC –
Back to School – Collecting Supplies for Kids
If you can’t donate, please share this message and encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to help us send 25 children to school with a new backpack!
Choose any of the available backpacks through Amazon.
FeeBite is a merchant services advisory company dedicated to helping businesses Prevent, Reduce, and Optimize ongoing credit card transaction fees. Our mission is to empower businesses with transparent, efficient, and cost-effective fee merchant solutions. By leveraging advanced technology and data analytics, FeeBite aims to become the go-to partner for businesses seeking to monitor and optimize their credit card processing fee costs..
Do you want to build a center with us and be proud of your community? Together, with you, we are looking for opportunities to organize for the common good.
The power of Romanian Community Center – we believe in our community!
It’s wonderful to see how the Romanian community’s involvement in our area has grown over the last few months and the positive impact it has had on its members. Everybody who’s come in contact with the Romanian Community Center knows that RCC is built with and for the Romanians in our community.
So, why would anyone become part of Romanian Community Center?
Sense of belonging and support: Being part of the Romanian community provides a sense of belonging, identity, and support. Connecting with others who share similar experiences is vital for our psychological well-being.
Connection and belonging: Getting involved in the community help us feel connected to others and part of something larger than ourselves. We’re not alone in our struggles and there are people we can turn to for support.
Learning: RCC allows us to learn about shared values, beliefs, history, and culture.
Having a place in the world: Anyone can now be part of a community that gives us a sense of purpose and importance. It reinforces that we are contributing to something meaningful.
Connecting with the RCC community: consider attending monthly Romanian nights, participating in chess and backgammon sessions, IT classes and career coaching, or learning Romanian language through
the Circle of Excellence. Volunteering your time is another great way to engage and contribute.
Thank you for your interest in the Romanian community.
With gratitude,
Your friends at RCC
VENDORS
We encourage local and nearby merchants to showcase their products and services in a dynamic and energetic environment, offering them the opportunity to connect with a growing community.
Now is the perfect time to promote your company and attract new customers
At any time and for any event, we need dedicated volunteers… the heart of our organization.
Without their tireless support and effort, we would not have achieved this success. Our volunteers are the ones who make this festival possible, and we are extremely grateful for their invaluable work.
Come and join us, support, promote, and celebrate with us at the Romanian Festival!
For those interested in sponsoring, we offer five attractive levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.
Your contribution will help us organize this event that will delight and unite our community.
For those with businesses who wish to showcase their products or services in an energetic environment, this festival offers the perfect opportunity to promote and attract new customers.
In 2022, I had the privilege of becoming part of the Reading Romanian community through my boyfriend, Robert. I found myself immersed in a world that resonated with echoes of the past and promises of newfound belonging. Buni Doina, Robert’s grandmother, became the unexpected anchor in my life—a connection to a heritage I had longed for but never fully experienced.
My grandmother was also an immigrant and spoke very broken English.
Growing up, I can recall being curious about her upbringing in Japan and through all of my childhood, I clung to this heritage that I still cherish to this day. About two years ago, she passed away and almost simultaneously, I met Buni Doina. It wasn’t until I met this kind spirit, a beacon of Romanian warmth and resilience, that I truly understood what cultural communities look and feel like.
Some of our time together spent making Sarmale (stuffed cabbage)—a cherished Romanian dish—was more than culinary artistry; it was a tapestry woven with stories of Buni’s life. I listened attentively, grateful for the opportunity to hear these tales firsthand. Buni spoke in Romanian, her voice animated with memories, while Robert translated. Even in translation, Buni’s spirit shone through, proud and resilient. Incredibly grateful to be able to experience and listen to her stories about almost her entire life while she was teaching us how to wrap the meat into the cabbage leaves.
The first large gathering I spent with the Romanian community was a watershed moment. Strangers welcomed me with open arms, eager to share their culture and stories. Towards the end of the night, friends and family gathered for a group photo. Buni, recognizing the significance of this moment, pulled me to her side—a gesture that spoke volumes of acceptance and inclusion.
I felt so welcomed by everyone, I was greeted with kindness. People I’d never met were introducing themselves to be so warmly, placing their hands on my shoulders. I was offered food and asked how it tasted, I was offered drinks and was even asked to play in a volleyball game.
Though I cannot speak Romanian, through the 2 years of knowing her, I can understand how she’s feeling through her speech patterns and gestures. And in those 2 years, many times she would knock at the door asking, “Hailey! Hungry?” and I’d reply with, “No, Mulţumesc” or “Yes! Mulţumesc!”. Sometimes, she shouts it from the deck through the window. It would always make me smile. On the times I’d say yes, we’d enjoy a mostly silent morning eating breakfast or an afternoon eating lunch. Through Buni’s stories and the warmth of newfound friends, I’ve discovered a sense of belonging that has enriched my life in ways I never imagined possible.
As I continue on this journey, I carry with me not just memories, but a profound gratitude for the family I’ve found within this vibrant community.
In case you missed our previous events…
Universal Blouse Day
We are still thrilled about our recent event, Universal Blouse Day, which took place on June 30th. If you couldn’t attend, don’t worry! You now have another opportunity to discover our cultural heritage and indulge in our traditional delicacies.
Mark your calendars and make time for August 24, 2024, to join us at our first Romanian Festival, which will be held at Reading Liederkranz.
We look forward to welcoming you!
June 24, 2024, has been recognized by the House of Representatives as ‘Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse’ in Pennsylvania.
RCC –Back to School – Collecting Supplies for Kids
If you can’t donate, please share this message and encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to help us send 25 children to school with a new backpack!
Choose any of the available backpacks through Amazon.
Are you looking for reliable services or products within our community? Visit our Business Directory, where you’ll find a wide range of local Romanian-owned companies ready to offer you top-quality services. Whether you’re in search of professional services, traditional Romanian cuisine, or unique handcrafted items, our directory has it all.
Support our community by choosing businesses that value our local heritage and traditions. Check out our directory today to explore what local entrepreneurs have to offer!
Do you own a service-oriented company or a business with consumer products? Register today to be included in our Business Directory!
If you are a business owner looking to establish your presence in the community, we invite you to register your business in our directory. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with other community members and attract new customers.
Click the link below to sign up and become part of our network of local Romanian businesses!
In the digital world of today, it is crucial to stay vigilant and recognize potential threats that could impact our security and well-being. Recently, more and more people have received fraudulent emails pretending to offer attractive financial opportunities, but these are, in fact, traps designed to exploit the trust and naivety of
those who respond. A common example of such emails includes stories about large sums of money found
under dubious circumstances, such as a supposed member of the Ukrainian army claiming to have found funds in a military base. These emails ask the recipient to keep the matter secret and promise a "100% legal and safe" collaboration. In reality, these are tactics used by criminals to lure you into a fraud scheme.
It is important not to respond to such emails and not to provide any personal or financial information. If you receive such a message, the best course of action is to report it as spam or phishing and delete it immediately. Remember, no legitimate transaction will ask you to keep it secret or act quickly without giving you time to think carefully about the situation.
Protect yourself and your loved ones by constantly informing yourself about these dangers and ensuring that you are always skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
Your security is a priority, and the better informed we are, the less vulnerable we become to these attacks.
Dear volunteers, thank you for your work and time! You have all been wonderful!
Romanian Festival 2024
How did the Romanian Community Center manage to organize the first Romanian festival in our area?
It was a long-awaited event: this festival brought together Romanian families from Pennsylvania, officials from New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania, as well as folk music and dance artists from Illinois, Utah, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Many other Romanians and Americans drove for hours to taste sarmale and enjoy a glass of Borsec mineral water.
Over 1,200 guests attended, intrigued by the novelty of a Romanian festival, the first of its kind in Pennsylvania in decades.
From detailed planning led by dedicated individuals to sleepless nights wondering, "Will the weather hold?"
The rush among the organizers was at its peak by mid-August, with concerns like "Will the cabbage for sarmale be ready by the 24th?" Volunteers offered their time and expertise, while skilled bakers mentally calculated the right quantities of flavors. The organizing committee visited every ethnic festival in the area, including 17.5 visits to Reading Liederkranz for experience exchange.
In the end, no one remembers how we ended up ordering five times more pies than needed, how 6,000 mici traveled from Georgia, or how the last pot of sarmale disappeared before the festival ended.
How were the 130 tasks accomplished? Only with the help of you, the 89 volunteers!
The role of RCC was to create a space for celebration and connection.
The success of this event not only demonstrated impressive organizational skills but also the spirit of a Romanian community eager to be together.
What does the success of the August 24th festival mean for our community?
Through teamwork, RCC has shown that we can unite diverse Romanian communities and that every volunteer, sponsor, and visitor who participated in the August 24th event had the desire to celebrate Romanian culture.
At this event, four students received scholarships, and we successfully raised funds and gathered backpacks for the new school year.
The sense of achievement and the shared joy of all those involved already fuels our enthusiasm for the next event.
With gratitude,
Your friends at RCC
Extract from the speech given at the 2024 RCC scholarship awards ceremony.
Congratulations to Cristina Burz, Mara Roman, Alex Goncea, and Teddy Necula, the 2024 RCC scholarship winners!
You were asked to write an essay on developing the youth branch at the Romanian Community Center, and you all did an outstanding job. Today, you are recognized for your strengths in winning these scholarships.
This means you have the ability to bring about change. And we need that.
RCC needs that.
We sincerely hope you will join the RCC community!
To read the candidates’ essays, please click one of the buttons below.
Romania’s National Day and One Year Anniversary of the Romanian Community Center
We will celebrate Romania’s National Day, as well as the first anniversary of the founding of the Romanian Community Center (RCC). This past year has been one of achievements and growth for our community, with RCC becoming a gathering place and a source of support for Romanians in the area.
Join us as we celebrate these important events and reflect on the progress we’ve made together.
Date: November 30, 2024
Location: Kraras Hall,
1001 East Wyomissing Blvd, Reading PA
Happy National Day, Romania!
Happy 1 Year Anniversary, RCC!
Romanian Community Center – Throughout the neighborhood
This year, RCC will join with children and youth from the Romanian community to decorate a Christmas tree in traditional Romanian style at the "Yuletide Around the World" event.
Every holiday season, the Museum transforms with decorations from various community organizations and cultures, represented by decorated trees throughout the gallery.
Visitors can pick up a map at the reception to explore the decorated trees and learn about the traditions and cultures celebrated in our neighborhood.
The Yuletide Trees will be on display during regular Museum hours from Sunday, November 19, 2023, until Sunday, January 7, 2024.
In collaboration with the Dominican Association of Pennsylvania, the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks, Centro Hispano, CICOP Ministry, and the NAACP Reading Branch, Bring The Change brings you a vibrant celebration of culture.
RCC will be present as a vendor at this event, so we invite you to stop by and visit us!
Get ready for a ghoulishly good time at the Romanian Community Center’s Halloween Kids Party! Join us on October 26th from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at 51 West Lawn Ave, West Lawn, PA. This family-friendly event promises an afternoon filled with delightful tricks and tasty treats. Kids can enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed games, crafts, and activities. Come dressed in your best costume and be prepared for a spook-tacular time. It’s the perfect opportunity for children to celebrate Halloween in a fun and safe environment. Don’t miss out on the fun!
The Romanian Community Center (RCC) is excited to announce the start of Romanian language classes at the RCC Excellent Center, tailored for young learners aged 6-14 years. Starting in October 2024, these classes will run for 20 weeks, with sessions lasting between 1 to 2 hours per week. This educational program is designed to enhance language skills and cultural knowledge, and is free of charge for RCC members. This is a great opportunity for children to engage in a new language and connect with their heritage.
The Romanian Community Center in West Lawn, PA, is hosting a series of arts and crafts events designed to spark creativity and a sense of adventure. These special sessions are scheduled for November 2nd, 9th, and 16th, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at 51 West Lawn Ave. Participants are encouraged to bring their curiosity and explore various artistic activities. For more details, interested individuals can contact the center at 610.781.6488. This is a wonderful opportunity for community members to engage in creative expression and meet other like-minded individuals.
The Yuletide Around the World
Holiday tree display is an annual activity at The Museum. This year, the trees
will be decorated and on display from November 24th until January 4th.
The Romanian Community Center is proud to serve as a voting center for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. For more information about voting dates and requirements, please visit our website.
A Year of Celebrations
Save the
Date: Celebrate with us on November 30, 2024!
Join us for a
cheerful celebration of Romania’s National Day and RCC’s 1st Anniversary at
Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Church in Reading, PA.
The Romanian Community Center in West Lawn, PA, is thrilled to announce a special raffle event where participants have the chance to win a car valued at $14,000!
Each raffle ticket is available for $100, and a portion of the proceeds will directly benefit our charity efforts and programs.
Raffle tickets are readily available for purchase at all in-person events. Alternatively, you can also obtain them by directly contacting any member of the RCC Board.
The drawing is scheduled for December 31, 2024, at 23:00, contingent upon the sale of a minimum of 100 tickets. The winner will be announced on the RCC website.
Remember, the winner will be responsible for title transfer, registration, and insurance. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to make a difference and possibly win big!
Join us at the Romanian Community Center on December 14th for a festive celebration where you can meet Santa Claus! From 2:00 to 4:00 PM, bring the family to 51 West Lawn Ave, West Lawn, PA, for an afternoon filled with music, delicious festive food, and engaging crafts. This joyful event promises to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on the magic of the holiday season—come and share in the spirit and excitement with your community!
Ring in
the New Year with us on December 31st at Sts.
Constantine & Helen Greek Church! Enjoy an evening filled with music,
dancing, delicious food, and great company as we countdown to 2025.
RCC Choir – Celebrate the Season with Christmas Caroling!
Join the Romanian Community Center every Saturday at 2:30 PM for a cozy choir session suitable for all ages. Come to 51 West Lawn Avenue, West Lawn, PA, and enjoy the classic tradition of Christmas carols. Under the winter sky, our community choir will share beloved holiday tunes that bring a sense of cheer and warmth. Whether you’d like to sing along or just enjoy the music, this event is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.
For more details, contact Magda at 484.638.0430.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season with song!
Even though I was born in the United States, I would always call Romania home. Every
summer ever since I was little I would ask my mom “When are we going home?” When
summer came around the corner I was always looking forward to going to Romania.
Every time we would go to Romania I would go to the supermarket, Unicarm, and look
around at all the snacks and desserts that I’ve missed eating since you can’t find them
in the U.S. I haven’t been to Romania in 3 years, so this year when I heard my aunt
wanted to go I took the opportunity and saved up my money and booked my first flight. I
was so excited to arrive and hear the flight attendant say “ Welcome to Cluj Napoca”
Once we got off the plane we were greeted with the 87-degree hot weather. All I
could think of was getting home to my grandparent’s house where I knew my grandma
was waiting for us with some delicious food. In the next 3 days, we rented a car and
went and explored different cities like Baia Mare and Sighet. Every time I go there I like
to go shopping and try on clothes. We went on a Sunday to the Monastery Barsana. It
was absolutely beautiful. I really loved the way they preserved Romanian culture and
religion.
One of the many things I love to
do when visiting Romania is to enjoy
the beautiful views. Romania is
surrounded by beautiful mountains. On
every car ride I always open the
window and take in the beautiful views
and fresh air. There are moments
where you need to leave the city life
and relax in the country. I enjoy
hearing the roosters in the morning
and seeing men and women taking
care of their animals and especially, I
enjoy listening to the older women
sharing the latest gossip every night. It
truly is better than listening to the
news.
Before we knew it, it was time to go back home. 4 weeks really just come and go. Before leaving we took a bunch of snacks and cheese, it got to the point where I had to pay for another checked bag because I didn’t have enough space. If you ask me, leaving is the hardest thing to do. I left my grandparents not knowing when the next time we would see each other. All I can do is look forward to the next time.
Romania will
always be a home to me.
Romania – Romanian version
autor Isabela Hrazdac
Chiar dacă m-am născut în Statele Unite, întotdeauna chemam România casa
mea. În fiecare vară, de când eram mică, o întrebam pe mami „Când mergem acasă?”
Când venea vara, așteptam mereu cu nerăbdare să plec în România. De fiecare dată
când mergeam în România, mergeam la supermarket, Unicarm, și mă uitam în jur la
toate gustările și deserturile pe care mi-a fost dor să le mănânc pentru că nu le găsești
în S.U.A. Nu am fost în România de 3. ani, așa că anul acesta, când am auzit că
mătușa mea vrea să meargă, am profitat de ocazie și mi-am economisit banii și mi-am
rezervat primul zbor. Am fost atât de fericită să ajung și să aud însoțitorul de bord
spunând „Bine ați venit la Cluj Napoca”
Cand am coborât din avion am fost întâmpinați de o căldura mare, era vreo 25
de grade. T ot la ce mă puteam gândi era să ajung acasă la bunicii mei, unde știam că
bunica mea ne așteaptă cu niște mâncare delicioasă. În următoarele 3 zile, am închiriat
o mașină și am mers și am explorat diferite orașe precum Baia Mare și Sighet. De
fiecare dată când merg acolo îmi place să merg la cumpărături și să încerc haine. Am
fost într-o duminică la Mănăstirea Bârsana. A fost absolut frumos. Mi-a plăcut foarte
mult felul în care au păstrat cultura și religia românească.
Unul dintre lucrurile mele preferate pe
care îmi place să le fac când vizitez
România este să mă bucur de priveliștile
frumoase. România este înconjurată de
munți frumoși. De fiecare data cand merg cu
mașina deschid mereu geamul și admir
priveliștile frumoase și aerul curat. Sunt
momente în care trebuie să pleci din viața
de la oraș și să te relaxezi la țară. Îmi face
plăcere să aud cocoșii dimineața și să văd
bărbați și femei având grijă de animalele lor
și, mai ales, îmi place să le ascult pe femeile
în vârstă povestind cele mai recente bârfe în
fiecare seară. Este cu adevărat mai bine
decât să asculți știrile
Înainte să ne dăm seama, era timpul să ne întoarcem acasă. 4 săptămâni chiar
vin și pleacă. Înainte de a pleca am luat o grămadă de gustări și brânză, încât a trebuit
să plătesc pentru o alta valiză pentru că nu aveam suficient spațiu. Dacă mă întrebi pe
mine, să pleci este cel mai greu lucru de făcut. I-am lăsat pe bunicii mei fără să știm
când o sa ne mai vedem. Tot ce pot face este să aștept cu nerăbdare pentru ziua acea.
RCC to Serve as a Voting Center for the 2024 Romanian Elections
We are honored to announce that we have been designated as an official voting center for the upcoming 2024 Romanian elections. This is a significant milestone for our community, as we open our doors to all eligible Romanian citizens in the U.S. to participate in the democratic process. Whether it’s the parliamentary or presidential elections, we are committed to providing a convenient and accessible location for voters to cast their ballots. We look forward to supporting the electoral process and ensuring that every voice is heard.
Celebrate Romania’s National Day & RCC One Year Anniversary
Join us for a special evening as we celebrate Romania’s National Day and the 1-Year Anniversary of the Romanian Community Center! This exciting cocktail party will feature traditional Romanian dishes, vibrant music by DJ Snake, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Kraras Hall, Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Church (1001 E Wyomissing Blvd, Reading, PA 19611). Don’t miss out—RSVP by November 25th to secure your spot! Tickets can be purchased below. We look forward to celebrating together!
Don’t miss your chance to win a 2009 BMW 650i in our exclusive RCC Car Raffle! This sleek, 2-door coupe comes packed with features including a 4.4L V8 engine, 365 horsepower, sport mode, navigation, sunroof, heated seats, and more! Raffle tickets are just $100 each, and to increase your odds, buy 5 tickets and get 1 free! All proceeds benefit the Romanian Community Center. For tickets, click the button below or visit our website to purchase. Get your tickets now and drive away in style!
Raffle tickets are readily available for purchase at all in-person events. Alternatively, you can also obtain them by directly contacting any member of the RCC Board.
The drawing is scheduled for December 31, 2024, at 23:00, contingent upon the sale of a minimum of 100 tickets. The winner will be announced on the RCC website.
Remember, the winner will be responsible for title transfer, registration, and insurance. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to make a difference and possibly win big!
Keep in Touch with Our Roots: Romanian Language Classes Have Begun on October 19, 2024!
Why it’s important to teach our kids the Romanian language:
· It helps them stay connected and understand their cultural roots
better
· It allows them to communicate with extended family members
· Knowing multiple languages can open more career and travel
opportunities
· It can instill a sense of pride in their identity and background
·
It helps foster a sense
of belonging, as though they have some form of ‘home’.
·
It allows them to
understand and appreciate the history of their parents’ upbringing.
For children of immigrants, it’s increasingly important to keep
some form of connection to serve as a continuous reminder of the hardships and
challenges that had been overcome to sustain the immigrant lifestyle.
Our fellow Romanians asked, and Romanian Community Center delivered!
Many Romanians in our area found themselves in need of renewing their travel documents, obtaining citizenships for their children born in the USA, obtaining power of attorneys, and other documents needed for legal transactions.
Romanian Community Center developed a robust partnership with the Romanian Consulate in New York and through impressive coordination efforts and sustained communication, RCC hosted the first ever Consulate Itinerant (Consulatul Itinerant) in Berks county.
What that meant? Out of 109 appointments scheduled over the October 4th weekend, majority were able to have their problems solved. RCC’s board members were present along with the Consulate officers and for three days, they helped ensure a smooth operation. Romanians from our area and neighboring states traveled to Reading, PA and left feeling grateful and appreciative for RCC’s endeavors to bring the Romanian Consulate of New Youk to YOU.
Testimonials:
"At my age, I
would have never traveled to NYC to get my passport renewed"
"It’s
incredible that RCC managed to bring consular services in our area"
Even more impressive,
within 10 days, the Consulate issued over 40 passports for the Romanians in the
area. That is quite an accomplishment
for consular services by any bureaucracy standards.
At RCC, we are incredibly proud to support our community and look forward to doing so again in the near future!
The Romanian Community Center in West Lawn, PA, is hosting a series of arts and crafts events designed to spark creativity and a sense of adventure. These special sessions are scheduled for November 2nd, 9th, and 16th, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at 51 West Lawn Ave. Participants are encouraged to bring their curiosity and explore various artistic activities. For more details, interested individuals can contact the center at 610.781.6488. This is a wonderful opportunity for community members to engage in creative expression and meet other like-minded individuals.
Have You Ever Participated in a Clothing Drive Before?
"It was a rewarding experience,‘ said one of our volunteers who helped orchestrate the drop off on October 23rd.
Although many of you choose to partake in this initiative that brings communities together to raise awareness about poverty in our area, there have been voices wondering why we do that.
"Who are these people who live in shelters?"
"They look capable of holding a job, they seem healthy and able"
"Why would I help them?"
These are all legitimate questions. People end up in shelters for a variety of reasons…it could be loss of a job, insufficient income…
Particularly women and children seek refuge in shelters to escape abusive relationships and unsafe living conditions.
"Hello
RCC,
Thank
you so much! Your drive will bless many
at the Mission and LightHouse and we so appreciate all of your support! Thank
you again!
Thank
you,
Hope
Rescue Mission"
Addiction, physical or
mental health problems, especially if medical bills become overwhelming or if
the individual is unable to work pushing individuals into homelessness.
Each
person’s situation is unique, and there are many negative stereotypes,
assumptions that individuals are lazy or responsible for their situation. Judgment towards those who live in
shelters often stems from a lack of understanding.
RCC took the initiative to help out by
collecting new or slightly used household items and clothing and also by
purchasing some specific items that are important for those people in need to
restore their dignity.
We know we are not in the business of social work, and
we don’t want to pass judgement either.
Therefore educating ourselves and others about the realities of
homelessness can help reduce stigma and promote more compassionate attitudes.
Are you ready to join RCC
for another clothing drive? Please reach
out to us.
How to Subscribe to the Romanian Community Center Events Calendar
Stay updated with the Romanian Community Center’s events and never miss an important gathering! You can easily sync our events with your own calendar using these simple steps:
You can view events in different formats to suit your preferences:
List View: Shows a simple, detailed list of events.
Month View: Displays events in a traditional monthly calendar format.
Day View: Shows events for a specific day.
Summary View: A brief overview of all events.
3. Subscribe to the Calendar
To keep track of all RCC events on your personal calendar:
Google Calendar: Click the "Google Calendar" option to add the events directly to your Google Calendar.
iCalendar: Use the iCalendar option to sync with any calendar service that supports the .ics format.
Outlook: There are two options for Outlook users: Outlook 365 and Outlook Live.
You can also download the .ics file to manually add the events to your calendar.
4. Stay Connected
By subscribing, you’ll automatically receive updates and additions to the event schedule. Make sure you never miss a fun, cultural, or community activity again!
Because by participating in
elections, diaspora members can influence policies that affect their lives. Because
voting is a fundamental civic duty. Because for many of us in the
diaspora, voting is a way to stay connected to our homeland and influence its
future. It can be a powerful expression of identity and commitment to Romania,
our country of origin. Because voting ensures that the interests and
needs of diaspora communities are represented in government. Because
voting gives a voice to marginalized and underrepresented groups, and it helps
ensure that diverse perspectives are included in the decision-making process. Because many people have fought and
sacrificed for the right to vote. Because every vote counts, and
collectively, they shape the future of our community.
Voting dates for the Romanian president & the Romanian parliament:
November 22, 23, 24 (Presidential – First Round)
November 29, 30 & December 1 (Parliamentary elections)
December 6, 7, 8 (Presidential – Second Round)
Make sure you bring a valid Romanian passport or ID.
Meet Santa at RCC
Join us at the Romanian Community Center on December 14th for a festive celebration where you can meet Santa Claus! From 2:00 to 4:00 PM, bring the family to 51 West Lawn Ave, West Lawn, PA, for an afternoon filled with music, delicious festive food, and engaging crafts. This joyful event promises to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on the magic of the holiday season—come and share in the spirit and excitement with your community!
Ring in
the New Year with us on December 31st at Sts.
Constantine & Helen Greek Church! Enjoy an evening filled with music,
dancing, delicious food, and great company as we countdown to 2025.
Join the Romanian Community Center every Saturday at 2:30 PM for a cozy choir session suitable for all ages. Come to 51 West Lawn Avenue, West Lawn, PA, and enjoy the classic tradition of Christmas carols. Under the winter sky, our community choir will share beloved holiday tunes that bring a sense of cheer and warmth. Whether you’d like to sing along or just enjoy the music, this event is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.
For more details, contact Magda at 484.638.0430.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season with song!
We’re always looking for ways to improve and serve our community better. Here’s how you can get more involved:
Share Your Thoughts! Have suggestions or ideas on how we can improve? We’d love to hear from you! Check out our Suggestion Box on the website and let us know your thoughts. Submit Your Suggestion
Become a Paid Member Join us as a paid member and enjoy exclusive benefits while supporting the growth of our community! Your membership helps us continue organizing events and building a vibrant, united space. Become a Member
Get Listed in Our Business Directory Are you a business owner? Register your business in our Business Directory to increase visibility and connect with other community members. It’s free and easy! Register Your Business
Thank you for being part of our community – your participation makes us stronger!
We’re overjoyed to welcome you to our family at the Romanian Community Center!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to each of you for your enthusiasm and commitment to our community’s growth.
Discover more about our mission and how you can get involved at romaniansofpa.org.
With joy and gratitude
On behalf of all the RCC members, we thank you for taking this step to ensure our community continues to build and strengthen what every community deserves: a Legacy
Many of us have been dreaming for a long time how we can make the biggest impact. So, in the summer of 2023, we’ve managed to lay down the foundation of a Romanian Community Center in Reading, Pennsylvania.
What we’ve accomplished:
We are now a registered nonprofit organization established with the primary objective of enhancing the cultural, educational, and charitable purposes for the Romanian Community, including the language, traditions, culture and societal value of the Romanian Community.
This Organization is firmly committed to a non-political and non-religious stance and operates with the overarching goal of promoting the rich heritage of Romanian culture and spirituality while aligning with the values inherent to American society and culture as well as educational and social purposes.
Our Focus:
Our focus is to create educational programs for our youth, for the elderly and for everyone in between!
RCC is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and social purposes.
Because we’re stronger together, we need you involved and ready to unlock your discretionary energy, time and skills! Your generosity makes a difference!
Upcoming Events: Keep an eye on our calendar! RCC Events
RCC Newsletter Uniting Romanians in Reading, Pennsylvania
December 2023
Message from Mr. Cornel Costea
President of the Romanian Community Center
Dear friends,
On the occasion of Romania’s National Day, I extend my warmest regards. This year marks 105 years since the Great Union of December 1, 1918.
Happy National Day, ROMANIA!
At the same time, I want to thank those who participated in the Inauguration of the Romanian Community Center on December 1, 2023, at Kraras Hall in Reading. In this issue of the RCC newsletter, you will find the speech presented in front of a group of people who came to get to know us better and support us.
On December 1st, 2023, we also had the honor of being recognized by:
Step into the world of our recent events on our Gallery page! Explore the latest photos capturing the essence of our gatherings and celebrations. Discover the moments that make our community special and revisit your favorite memories. Visit our updated gallery today!
To our sponsors,
Petre Husti
World Electronics
Borsec
Domain Technology Group
Classic Harley Davidson
Costea Construction
Stony Creek
Lexmar
Andrew’s Transportation
Club Pilates
Hague Water Treatment
Vally’s electric
We thank you for your support.
We thank our volunteers, without whom we would not have achieved such a successful event.
Adriana Spirache
Anca Necula
Andreea Kelemen
Andrei Costea
Bogdan Curca
Carmen Serban
Caitlyn Tague
Christine Manga
Corina Burz
Cristina Burz
Cornel Costea
Cristi Farcas
Cristian Roman
Dana Badea
Daniel Burz
Doina Farcas
Eveleen Oros
Gabriel Dumitrescu
Gabriela Budurlean
Georgiana Cristea
Gianini Spirache
Hailey Trimbur
Isabella Goncea
Julian Manga
Kassia Oros
Larry Goncea
Laura Budurlean
Lucia Pancu
Lulu Budurlean
Magdalena Costea
Mara Roman
Maria Tomoiaga
Mihai Oros
Mircea Manga
Nelu Craciun
Nicoleta Spirache
Nicu Niculoiu
Orlando Spirache
Robert Farcas
Sarah Marina
Serban Roman
Silviu Povoroznic
Silviu Burz
Simona Goncea
Sofi Dumitrescu
Teddy Necula
President’s speech at the Inauguration of the Romanian Community Center
December 1, 2023
“A short while ago, we established a non-profit, non-governmental, non-political, and non-religious organization, a center built on principles of volunteerism and financial self-sustainability, with the concrete goal of promoting Romanian culture and traditions aligned with the inherent values of American society.
But I want to revisit with you the moment when this desire to have a center for our community began. We have always felt that we could be much stronger together if we could promote and solidify the values we brought with us, whether it’s been many or just a few years since our arrival. Without delving into too many details, I will start with a shared reality for many of us here who have had the opportunity to raise our families in the United States. As immigrants, we’ve overcome many obstacles and had a strong motivation to rebuild our lives and create a better future for our children and loved ones. This starting point connects us all on a deep, visceral level.
I am just one of the many Romanians here who have aspired to build a community center with a significant impact, not only for the locals but also for those from other communities.
I am not the first one to wonder how we could make a difference, how to build bridges between us, how to give back to others who are in financial, emotional, or health crises, and who would need information, expertise, services, or a place where they can share new ideas. A place where they can feel as ‘at home’ as possible, where their language is understood, and where they don’t often sigh for ‘home’… a place where they wouldn’t feel compelled to justify why they eat bread with lard for breakfast.
So, after many, many conversations and long days of planning, in the summer of 2023, a group of those dreamers and visionaries laid the foundation for the Romanian Community Center in Reading, Pennsylvania. Why now or why only now? Honestly, I don’t think we would have succeeded 20 years ago – the capacity to understand American culture was very limited and overwhelming for a freshly arrived immigrant. Before we could put our vision into action, we had to grow, mature, and carefully listen to the need to connect, a real need that grows in each of us over the years, with varying intensities.
I like to believe that the desire to feel close and connected to one another is present in the people we choose to spend special moments with. Yes, I’m referring to all of you gathered here in this room, for whom this community center aims to create a unique experience.
As time goes by and as we get to know each other, you will discover exactly how we do what we do and why it is so important – and most importantly, how each of you can contribute! Here’s another thing to which all members of the executive committee and the director have wholeheartedly subscribed, because it is through community that we can build a solid foundation for the younger generation to carry forward our culture.
Our mission is to assist, educate, and inform those who want to grow and contribute.
Today is just the beginning. On behalf of the Center, I thank you for taking this step with us to build and strengthen what every community deserves: a legacy for future generations.”
Cornel Costea, Inauguration Speech (Romanian Community Center – December 1, 2023)
Have you ever wondered why it’s necessary for children in the diaspora to learn Romanian language within an organized framework?
We also wondered about this when we started the Romanian language program at RCC. In addition to emotional motivation and our roots, which should never be lost, there’s also the aspect of equal opportunities. In the current context of globalization and an almost universal job market, our children need to have the ability to choose. They are at an age where learning a language is easier than it is for adults, and that’s why we need to support them in getting to know, understanding themselves, their origins, their history, and being able to choose. Our experience so far demonstrates the most favorable results, and the consolidation and development of a teaching methodology applicable to all children in the Anglophone world who want to learn Romanian, the language of their ancestors, is necessary. This is what we focus on within the Romanian Language Program.
Tips from a specialist: three simple things to help your child learn and maintain the Romanian language:
Use the Romanian language at home – your child needs to hear the language at least 20-30% of the time in order to use it.
Consider enrolling your child in Romanian language courses, either online or in person – passive exposure alone is not sufficient.
Visit communities and places where Romanian is spoken (cultural events, informal family gatherings, church, etc.) – to expose children to a language and culture different from American, providing them with opportunities to explore new places and meet new friends.
To register: Please check our event calendar regularly, as programs receive frequent additions and updates.
Be Santa Claus for a day – choose to donate $20 to underprivileged children at Mary’s Shelter and Opportunity House or to the elderly and lonely residents at Green Hills Nursing Home.
Career Coaching – How to Develop Professionally – January 2024
Business Field
About Entrepreneurship – January 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – January 2024
IT Classes
The Tradition of Caroling – December 2023
Arts & Crafts (Preparing Martisor)
Romanian Movie Night – Monthly Program
If you specialize in a particular field and would like to present a seminar, program, or class, we invite you to contact us at contactus@romaniansofpa.org.
Seminars are offered for free to members, but we suggest that participants who wish to do so, make a donation to the RCC organization.
The Romanian Community Center organization is yours too!
All activities organized by the Romanian Community Center are made possible with the help of our community members and volunteers, as well as the financial support of sponsors and donors from Pennsylvania and Romania.
We aim to continue our involvement in a variety of projects, and that’s why we invite you to become members of our organization.
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