UNA Seniors Association convenes 24th conference at Soyuzivka (08/02/98)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

UNA Seniors Association convenes 24th conference at Soyuzivka

by Anne Chopek

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - The 24th Conference of UNA Seniors was held at Soyuzivka on June 14-19 with all the programs proceeding as planned, despite torrential rains throughout the week.

A welcoming wine and cheese party was held along with registration in the lobby of the Main House. The Soyuzivka management transformed the lobby into a beautiful lounge; dancing, music and socializing made for a pleasant evening.

On Monday morning, members participated in a liturgy and panakhyda (requiem service) in memory of deceased UNA Seniors at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church.

The conference was opened by President Anna Chopek. Attendees sang the American and Ukrainian anthems, led by Eugene Moroz, and "The Pledge of Allegiance" was recited. The business session of the UNA Seniors Conference was then called to order.

Dr. Chopek was elected conference chairman, Olga Liteplo as English-language secretary and Dr. Jurij Swyschuk as Ukrainian-language secretary. The following committees were appointed: Donations - Eugene Woloshyn, Irene Russnak and Mary Bobeczko; Nominating - Helen Trenkler, chairman: Controllers, Estelle Woloshyn, Olga Shatynsky and John Lapic; Verification - Olga Paproski.

A moment of silence was held in memory of deceased UNA seniors, including Mary Bednarczyk, a UNA branch secretary, a member of the Elections Committee at various conventions, and a longtime member of the UNA Seniors Association.

Minutes of the 1997 Seniors Conference, as read by Mrs. Liteplo and Dr. Swyschuk, were accepted.

Reports were given by Dr. Chopek, president; Ms. Paproski, treasurer; and Sam Liteplo, vice-president; Alice Orlan, vice-president, was not present to give a report; however, it was reported that she had been active in preparing the program.

Reports were also given by regional representatives: Connecticut - Mrs. Paproski; New Jersey - Maria Mandzij; Rochester, N.Y. - Mrs. Russnak; New York City - Mrs. Liteplo; Massachusetts - Anne Remick; Ohio - Mrs. Bobeczko; Kerhonkson, N.Y. - Dr. Stefania Baranowskyj; Pennsylvania - Mr. Lapic.

Controllers reported that the treasurer's books were in order and a vote of confidence was passed. The Verification committee reported on conference registration.

The Nominating Committee proposed re-electing the current slate of officers for 1998-1999. The officers were elected unanimously.

Honorary Past Presidents Stefan Kuropas and Mr. Woloshyn continue to be members of the executive board. Dr. Chopek was elected English publicity chairman, while Dr. Roman Baranowskyj Ukrainian publicity chairman.

The highlight of the week was a trip to the UNA Home Office in Parsippany, N.J. The seniors were cordially welcomed by President Ulana Diachuk, as well as by National Secretary Martha Lysko and Treasurer Stefan Kaczaraj. All had an opportunity to meet with Roma Hadzewycz, editor-in-chief of The Ukrainian Weekly, and her staff, with the staff of Svoboda and various employees of the UNA. Lunch, provided by Soyuzivka, was served in the large lunch room. All were impressed with the new building and with the dedication of all who work there. Arrangements for the bus trip were made by Anna Slobodian and UNA Advisor Stefania Hawryluk.

Back at Soyuzivka, the annual review of current events in Ukraine, as well as of the recent elections there, was given by Dr. Baranowskyj in Ukrainian, while Dr. Roman Procyk of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, commented in English. The latter also provided an overview of current projects of the Ukrainian studies chairs at Harvard and noted how contributions can be made to specific projects.

Probate Court Judge Chopek gave a talk on ways available to dispose of property after death: wills, trusts, bank accounts (jointly owned and payable on death) and stocks (jointly owned and transferable on death). She also advised what records should be kept to help spouses, children, executors (now called personal representatives) and trustees in settling estates. She answered many questions from seniors, who found the talk to be instructive and helpful.

The conference participants took a closer look at the beautiful art works in the Veselka pavilion by the famous Ukrainian painter Edward Kozak. Mrs. Russnak spoke of the meaning of each painting as her audience looked at the young Hutsuls, the weaving, the sheep, the trembita, the fires and the escape to America depicted in the murals. Her talk gave the audience a new appreciation for this outstanding art work that has long adorned the Soyuzivka auditorium. Not only was Kozak a painter, but he was also a humorist. Dr. Baranowskyj read excerpts from his writings with great fervor. It was an enjoyable presentation.

Bingo night was well-attended and enjoyed by all. It was very efficiently conducted by Nicholas and Mary Bobeczko, Mr. Liteplo, and John and Helen Laba.

The weather cleared enough to make it possible to have square dancing on the Veselka deck. While the senior dancers may never win prizes for their dancing skills, they, as well as the non-dancers had an enjoyable evening.

There was time for seniors to indulge in a favorite activity: singing old Ukrainian folk songs, as Mrs. Liteplo and Mr. Moroz furnished the music and the words, and led the singing.

Over the last 24 years the UNA Seniors Association has raised a great deal of money for Ukrainian charities by holding auctions and raffles. For example, during the years 1995-1997, they raised a total of $3,900 - which was divided between the Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund and the Ukrainian National Women's League of America Babusia Fund. An additional $595 was sent to the Chornobyl Memorial Forest program.

This year, as usual, Messrs. Woloshyn and Moroz auctioned off the articles brought by the seniors, and Nellie Yavarrow and Marie Prucknicki conducted a raffle of items contributed by individuals - all of which raised $1,000. The donations committee recommended that this sum be sent to the UNA's foundation earmarked for Soyuzivka projects. After all, Soyuzivka is the seat of the UNA's fraternal and cultural activities; at present it is in need of financial help to carry out these activities.

A cocktail party and banquet, as only John A. Flis, Soyuzivka manager, and his staff can prepare, ended the UNA Seniors Conference. Seniors came dressed in traditional Ukrainian blouses and shirts, and pictures were taken by their own photographer, Omelan Jurchynskyj. The blessing of the food was given by the Rev. Szuter, pastor of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kerhonkson, N.Y.; members of St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Boston, directed by Mr. Moroz, sang the "Otche Nash."

Taped music throughout the evening was provided by Yuri Trenkler.

The principal speaker at the banquet was Oksana Trytjak, special projects coordinator at the UNA Home Office. Sending teachers to Ukraine to teach English is one of her very successful projects. Teachers pay for their own transportation; the UNA makes arrangements with local officials to provide board and room; the UNA provides the necessary teaching materials. Her talk was punctuated by tales of the experiences of volunteer teachers, and it inspired some members to express a desire to become English teachers in Ukraine.

Mr. Woloshyn, honorary president of the UNA Seniors Association and chairman of the Committee on Donations, made a ceremonial presentation of a $1,000 check payable to the Ukrainian National Foundation to President Ulana Diachuk. He expressed hope that other organizations will follow this example. President Diachuk thanked the seniors for their generous contribution and wished them well. Dancing followed the formal part of the banquet, which ended with a prayer.

On Friday morning, the sun was shining brightly as the seniors were leaving a rainy week at Soyuzivka. They said their good-byes, while looking forward to next year when the UNA Seniors Association will celebrate its 25th anniversary.