Ukrainian dinner at the Milners

It was a unique evening devoted to Ukraine, its people, culture, geography, and battle against Russia.

George and Karen Milner, two Burke County residents who have invested time, treasure, and talent into assisting Ukrainians with humanitarian, logistical, and battlefield support, held a dinner recently for like-minded friends who have traveled with them.

The dinner at the Milner’s Lake James home was a testament to what a small, largely unheralded group of North Carolinians can do to help Ukrainians preserve their country, culture, and heritage.

Attending the event were:

• Neale Bayly — British motorcycle enthusiast and founder of Wellspring International Foundation, a nonprofit that supports humanitarian work in Ukraine.
• Olga — Ukrainian guest who prepared authentic Ukrainian food for the gathering.
• Oleksandr and Yulia — Ukrainian guests hosted through Neale Bayly’s nonprofit during a two-week visit to the United States. Oleksandr, an engineer, lost his right leg and an arm to land-mine injuries and later became a competitive cyclist in Europe. They were honored guests at the Milner dinner.
• Jeff Keverline, M.D., and Heather Keverline — Keverline participated in a motorcycle tour of Ukraine.
• Richard and Lynn Sanders — Local residents; Richard participated in the Ukraine motorcycle trip.
• Mick Lewis, M.D., and Ashley Lewis — Lewis drove from London to Ukraine and also participated in the motorcycle tour.
• T.C. Irons and Adri Irons — T.C., George and Karen Milner’s grandson and Christy Irons’ adopted son, drove Land Rovers from London to Ukraine for donation to the Ukrainian military and also participated in the motorcycle tour.
• Christy Irons — Daughter of George and Karen Milner and mother of 10 children, including four adopted from Ukraine who have special needs.
• Frank Dean and his son — Dean is a former Rotary district governor who has been involved in providing wheelchairs in Ukraine. His son is also a Rotarian.
• Mark Burton, M.D., and Vickey Burton — Burton participated in wheelchair distribution efforts in Ukraine.
• Dennis Meyer — Has traveled to Ukraine several times. A former U.S. Special Forces member, he also donated a vehicle for use in Ukraine.
• George and Karen Milner — Hosts of the gathering and participants in humanitarian efforts benefiting Ukrainians.
• Chip and Penny Cross — Chip Cross is the current Rotary district governor.
• Issac Hoff — Adventurer and frequent traveler with Milner.

Olga’s dinner was superbly authentic Ukrainian specialties. It included:

• Borscht
• Stuffed mini peppers with meat, rice, and vegetables
• Cabbage rolls with mushrooms and rice
• Stuffed pancakes, with:
• Chicken and mushrooms
• Brynza cheese and herbs
• Cottage cheese and cherries
• Barbecue
• Margaritas
• Desserts
• Basque Burnt Cheesecake — San Sebastián style
• Choux pastries with vanilla ice cream and berry flavors
• Chocolate and cherry truffle dessert