THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (11/22/98)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

Soyuzivka continues its role as year-round gathering place

by Oksana Trytjak

Summertime is the busiest time of all at Soyuzivka. Camps abound for both girls and boys, including tennis and dance camps. For little tots there is Plast's Ukrainian-language "Tabir Ptashat," as well as an English-language day camp called "Chemney's Camp." Also, the young can enjoy swimming lessons during the hot summer months.

Where else can a young family spend quality time together? Where else can our children learn about their ethnicity and meet other children who share the same cultural background?

Soyuzivka also offers functions for our younger adults, including tennis and volleyball tournaments, swimming meets and dances. Both the young and young at heart can meet every weekend during the summer at our specially planned weekend bashes. Memorial Day Weekend at Soyuzivka starts off the summer. The "Miss Soyuzivka Contest" weekend, July 4 weekend, and of course the grand finale of the summer, Labor Day weekend, give hundreds of our college students a fun place to get together. How lucky we are that there is a place like Soyuzivka, offering our children an opportunity to meet one another and make long-lasting friendships.

But not only the very young take advantage of what Soyuzivka has to offer. Many enjoy returning to Soyuzivka - the resort of their youth, the place where they first met that special person, or started those long-lasting friendships, a place where they came with their children and now enjoy bringing their grandchildren. Many of our seniors enjoy the traditional music that echoes through the woods, while many of our youths anticipate the newest Ukrainian rock group's performance.

While our youth may lay claim to the volleyball and tennis courts, they aren't the only ones who enjoy these amenities. Our seniors are often seen jogging, playing tennis or just strolling on the grounds, taking in the Soyuzivka scenery. Seniors also enjoy the luxuries of the senior citizens' home - the Halych building.

This 400-acre resort brings the family and the community together. Soyuzivka caters traditional Ukrainian weddings, and the magical "chapel in the woods" is a perfect setting for any wedding ceremony. Your family is welcome to celebrate christenings, birthdays, graduations and any other special occasion.

Artists display works of various genres at Soyuzivka. Young aspiring talents, be they local or from Ukraine, have the opportunity to perform before audiences that are well attuned to a variety of performances, from classical to folk or pop rock. Soyuzivka hosts and promotes art exhibits, conferences, seminars and courses. Consider Soyuzivka for your next banquet, reunion or private party.

Soyuzivka strives to accommodate all of our community's needs. It aims to foster those Ukrainian traditions and customs that all of us hold dear.

Soyuzivka remains one of the most central places for our youth. It is a place where they meet friends, grow and learn from one another; a place they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Soyuzivka has proven to be one of the most important links to our collective memory and heritage.

But we must remember, Soyuzivka relies on the community to continue being what it is for each and every one of us. Whether it is our haven for solitude and relaxation, or sports and competition; whether we look forward to meeting our friends on the dance floor or our fiancé(e) at the chapel altar; whether it be for the young or the old, the toddlers or the seniors, Soyuzivka depends on our financial support.

It is, first and foremost, a resort that must be profitable in order to function successfully. Without the consistent financial support of paying guests, Soyuzivka will not be able to exist at the heart of our community. Unfortunately, limiting our participation only to Soyuzivka's summer events and special weekends is not enough of a commitment.

During the fall and winter months, Soyuzivka offers a variety of activities and hosts several exciting events. Soyuzivka kicks off the autumn season with the popular Halloween masquerade. Amidst the colorful foliage of the Catskill Mountains, friends enjoy an entire weekend full of ghoulish festivities and spectacular accommodations. Thanksgiving offers families a chance to get together, in the celebration of community and life, at a place many have called their "second home."

Those interested in hiking, hang-gliding, rock-climbing, bike-riding, antiquing, apple-picking, hot air ballooning, golfing, horseback riding, hunting, fishing or visiting some of New York's finest wineries will be amazed at how close these activities are to the Soyuzivka resort.

And then there is the unparalleled view of the Catskill valley from Soyuzivka's Veselka pavilion. Could you ask for anything more?

Once the snow hits the peaks, guests can enjoy the warmth and comfort provided by a number of fireplaces throughout the resort. After a long day of skiing at nearby slopes, this is truly a treat.

Then, on Christmas Eve, the resort's chef, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, prepares a traditional Ukrainian 12-course dinner for guests and their families - an experience that is the envy of homemakers who wish they had more time to spend with family during the holidays, instead of with their ovens and cooking supplies.

The New Year's Eve Party tops the list with the young crowd. There can be no safer or better place to bring in the New Year. At Soyuzivka you are surrounded by friends and family, and free of the hazards of late-night driving.

Soyuzivka aims to provide its members and guests with a traditional, yet modern experience. Its rustic Hutsul architecture is reminiscent of traditional Ukrainian dwellings found in the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine. And yet, the jacuzzi suite and complimentary maid service reflect Soyuzivka's changing atmosphere.

A word of advice: a trip to the boutique may prove fruitful for even the least likely visitor. Our shop is full of Ukrainian crafts and imports, including the latest CDs and tapes, hand-embroidered shirts, pysanky, jewelry and books galore.

Only a couple of steps away, visitors are welcomed to sit back, relax and enjoy a variety of beverages at the Trembita Lounge. Live music, provided by the resort's very own "Midnight Bigus," is the perfect capper to an evening shared with friends.

* * *

Soyuzivka is not looking for contributions. However, saving Soyuzivka for future generations will require some effort from all of us. Soyuzivka needs our participation during the summer, fall, winter and spring. We urge you to bring your family and friends to the grounds and to share what Soyuzivka has to offer year-round. Every guests helps keep Soyuzivka a part of our growing community. So, become a guest for a weekend, and a part of our family for the rest of your life.

Please make Soyuzivka a part of your family and personal life, take advantage of its amenities and activities. Urge your friends to include Soyuzivka in their plans for the holidays and vacations.

Soyuzivka will be closed for two and a half months during the year, from February 1 to April 15 (during the resort's slowest season). During the remaining nine and a half months, Soyuzivka will welcome guests.

Remember, if we do not use it, we will lose it. Only community involvement and interest will save our Soyuzivka.

| Home Page |