THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (08/22/99)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

UNA Executive Committee holds quarterly meeting

by Martha Lysko
UNA National Secretary

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - The Executive Committee of the Ukrainian National Association met on Saturday, August 7, here at the UNA Corporate Headquarters. In attendance at the quarterly meeting were: Ulana Diachuk, president; Stefko Kuropas, first vice-president; the Rev. Myron Stasiw, director for Canada; Anya Dydyk-Petrenko, second-vice president; Stefan Kaczaraj, treasurer; Martha Lysko, national secretary; and William J. Pastuszek, chairman of the Auditing Committee.

The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Diachuk. After the opening remarks, the Executive Committee honored the memory of Walter J. Korchynsky, UNA advisor, with a moment of silence. Mr. Korchynsky passed away on July 26, after a brief illness.

At the meeting the executives delivered reports for the first half of 1999. Primary topics of discussion were: the reduction in the UNA's deficit, the need to increase subscribers to UNA publications, and the need to increase UNA income through more insurance sales.

The following information was reported at the meeting.

The UNA reduced net losses for the first six months by $439,989.
The UNA has prepared a new rate book with lower insurance premiums. The rates will officially go into effect in September.
The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance completed its triennial examination of the UNA and will issue a report on the financial condition of UNA.
Soyuzivka has had a successful summer camp season this year.
The UNA is readying its computer and other systems to be Y2K compliant. All UNA members can be assured that come January 2000 the UNA will be prepared to conduct business as usual.
Due to the death of Mr. Korchynsky, who was on the board of directors of Ukrainian National Urban Renewal Corp., the Executive Committee nominated UNA Advisor Eugene Oscislawski to serve on the board.
The UNA once again reviewed its investment policy and will continue to seek advice on any changes in the future.
The entire first floor of the UNA Corporate Headquarters building at 2200 Route 10 is fully rented.
The UNA received a $5,000 donation from attorney Arthur Belendiuk.
This summer the UNA is continuing its English Teachers for Ukraine Program; there are 16 participants this year.
The Executive Committee voted to donate this year's net profit from the sale of UNA Christmas cards to benefit Soyuzivka's cultural and educational programs.
The UNA Executive Committee approved the rental of rooms at the senior citizens' home at Soyuzivka to any Ukrainian regardless of membership in the UNA. Non-members will be charged a higher percentage rate than what UNA members are paying.
Svoboda continues to gain subscribers and to reduce its operating deficit.

At the meeting the Executive Committee also discussed proposed changes to the UNA By-Laws. President Diachuk invited UNA Advisor Taras Szmagala Jr., an attorney, to address the meeting.

In accordance with a vote at the last UNA Convention, the UNA is to hold a referendum via mail of delegates to the 34th Convention (convened in May 1998) on establishing an 11-member board of directors to replace the UNA's current governing bodies. If the referendum approves it, delegates to the 35th UNA Convention in the year 2002 will vote to elect the UNA leadership in accordance with the new corporate structure.

Mr. Szmagala tried to present to the Executive Committee a proposal of these changes and to guide the committee on how best to proceed in implementing the mandate of the convention. The proposed referendum has to be prepared and adopted by the General Assembly at its next annual meeting on December 3-5 at Soyuzivka.

DISPATCH FROM SOYUZIVKA: Teachers, Club Suzy-Q'ers, dancers take over resort

by Tanya Singura

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - The annual seminar for teachers of schools of Ukrainian studies, took place on July 25-August 8 here at Soyuzivka, thanks to the sponsorship of the resort's owner, the Ukrainian National Association.

Twelve teachers were here for two weeks studying for their exams in Ukrainian literature, history, culture and other courses to expand their knowledge in order to continue teaching Saturday schools across the U.S. and Canada. The program is monitored by the Educational Council that functions under the aegis of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. The head of the program is Dr. Eugene Fedorenko; Stefania Kwasovska is the administrative director. Profs. Anatolii Pohribnyi of Ukraine, George Gajeckyj, Ihor Huryn, Orest Pavliw and Yasia Tsiovch were the teachers for the teachers.

On Saturday night, August 7, the Veselka hall was once again full for the Ukrainian Family ensemble, directed by Oksana Lykhovyd. The ensemble performed a variety of Ukrainian folk and period pieces, interspersing its group singing with solo performances of poetry and song. Afterwards, the Luna band kept everyone dancing on the Veselka patio.

Sunday, August 8, brought the return of Roma Pryma Bohachevsky's popular Ukrainian Folk Dance Workshop to Soyuzivka. Over 60 dancers checked in and headed to their camp to unpack, meet up with old and new friends, and get ready to dance away the next two weeks.

Club Suzy-Q return returned on August 7-13 for its 16th year at Soyuzivka, and enthusiastic participants kept busy with various activities and tours in the area.

Soyuzivka got a bit of rain on Tuesday, August 10, but not enough to make a real difference for our water situation. However, it did force our "drive-in" movie night to move indoors. The next day another brief rainstorm delayed Hutsul Night and the wet ground caused our dancers to cancel their outdoor show. However, John A. Flis waved his manager's "bulava" and chased the clouds away, so dinner continued outside as usual.

On Thursday evening it was Ukrainian Karaoke time again. Let's admit that most of the participants were employees of Soyuzivka and their performances, well .... that's why they are not part of a Saturday evening concert. Another fun evening at "The Q."

Friday, August 13, finally brought substantial rain to the area. Odesa Nights, seafood buffet was served outside before the rains. But later the Vidlunnia band had to move inside the Veselka hall for the "zabava." Midnight Bigus - Suzy-Q's home-grown rock band - made a return appearance in the Trembita Lounge. The bands kept everyone dancing and singing along into the wee hours of the morning.

Another week is over and it's closer to Labor Day - the official end of the summer season at the UNA resort.

NEXT WEEK: a report on the annual selection of Miss Soyuzivka.

Tanya Singura is activities director at Soyuzivka.

Weekly editor speaks in NYC

The New York District Committee of the Ukrainian National Association recently sponsored a talk by Roma Hadzewycz, editor-in-chief of The Ukrainian Weekly, at the Shevchenko Scientific Society. Speaking before a full house on Sunday afternoon, May 23, Ms. Hadzewycz addressed the topic "The Ukrainian American Press: Do We Need It?" She underlined that "the press is key to the survival of our diaspora, of our Ukrainian American community - especially now that we are more scattered that ever." Ms. Hadzewycz added, " The Ukrainian press can be and should be the network that keeps us all in touch." Barbara Bachynsky, district chair, introduced the guest speaker and moderated the program. Ms. Hadzewycz's presentation was very well received, with many questions and comments from the audience. Above the editor-in-chief (second from right) is seen with a group of community members in attendance.

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