Warren's Ukrainian Village Corp. marks 15 years of achievements (01/16/00)

Warren's Ukrainian Village Corp. marks 15 years of achievements

WARREN, Mich. - For 15 consecutive years, the Ukrainian Village Corporation's positive achievements have been recognized by the Ukrainian community in Detroit.

"Our commitment to housing for elderly Ukrainians has been legendary in many Ukrainian communities, even in Ukraine," said Stephen Wichar, president since 1986. "In tandem with senior housing," he continued, "we have also enjoyed 15 seasons of successful activities. Not a single flop in this incredible continuity," he added.

On November 21, 1999, an enthusiastic group of more than 200 people attended a gala celebration here the Village Banquet Center marking the success of the organization since its founding in 1984.

Olga Dubrivny-Solovey provided musical entertainment on her keyboard. Guests were treated to a "hospitality table" prepared by the Olena Teliha Chapter of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America.

A majority of attendees wore Ukrainian attire, adding to the atmosphere created by the surroundings of Ukrainian music and art.

In the packed banquet hall, Justine Malaniak-Nelligan, first vice-president of the committee, called the assembly to order and offered welcoming remarks. Her successor, Stefania Dub, followed with a welcoming speech in Ukrainian.

Mr. Wichar was then called upon to assume the duties of master of ceremonies. After thanking the audience for a wonderful turnout, Mr. Wichar spoke briefly of the numerous accomplishments of the Village residents, as well as the ways in which they distinguished themselves within the community.

The Lviv Oblast Clinical Hospital (LOCH) Project was recognized as the charity that benefited most from the Village residents' generous donations. The Village has been the only Ukrainian organization in Michigan to furnish financial grants for the LOCH endeavor. Mr. Wichar honored Dr. Sudhakar Ezhutachan, divisional head of neonatology at Henry Ford Hospital, and Christine Newman, a neonatal specialist also practicing at Henry Ford, who both have made numerous visits to Lviv, as those responsible for the finest and most productive neonatal clinic (currently Ukraine's referral center) in Ukraine.

In their remarks, the two specialists profiled a problem of salmonella infection which had been rampant in Ukraine. One of the most immediate needs for the LOCH appeared to be the acquisition of steam sterilizers to control such infections. In view of the urgency of the matter. UVCorp. officials purchased two sterilizers. A $6,000 check was formally presented to Dr. Ezhutachan and Ms. Newman.

The Very Rev. Roberto Lukavei OSBM was invited to deliver the invocation. Then, as the popular Ukrainian song ensemble Zoloti Dzvony (Golden Bells) sang a Thanksgiving hymn, toasts were offered to all guests and dinner was served.

After dinner, introductions and acknowledgments were made by the master of ceremonies. Mary V. Beck, former Detroit councilwoman, and newly re-elected Warren Councilman Michael Chupa were recognized along with Dr. William Dowhan, a noted oncology researcher and professor from Houston.

Officials representing the Future Credit Union were on hand to celebrate and to accept recognition of the credit union's unrelenting support of the Ukrainian Village Corp.

A Special Recognition Award was bestowed on residents who became Villagers in 1984, 15 years ago, including Mary Iwasiuk, Olga Kinal, Iwanna Kuczer, Eva Lechno, Roma Niedzwiecki and Anna Terleski.

John Stoiko was invited to speak about the Anastasia Volker Remembrance Project. Mr. Stoiko recalled briefly that Ms. Volker, who served as UVCorp. president until 1986, was a key component and leader of the "Residency for Elderly Ukrainians" movement in Detroit in the early 1950s and '60s. Her persistent concern for this mission yielded support and endorsements from the community, which ultimately resulted in a federal loan.

After her death on December 23, 1997, the board of directors decided to honor Ms. Volker. Mr. Stoiko, a UVCorp. director, was appointed to head the coordination of the Volker Remembrance Project.

In an intensive search for an artist who could develop a portrait from photographs, Mr. Stoiko found Andrij Pikush, renowned in Ukraine and currently living in Canada. Mr. Stoiko commissioned him to do the portrait that was unveiled for the audience by Messrs. Stoiko and Wichar.

A mission statement for the Immaculate Conception School System states that its purpose is to provide students with the highest academic education, Ukrainian religious instruction and instruction in Ukrainian language, history and culture. IC High School was cited in 1999 as an outstanding American high school by U.S. News & World Report.

The Very Rev. Lukavei, pastor of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church, was called to the rostrum to expound on education in Ukrainian schools. "I am proud and happy to have initiated a revival of the IC school board, the basic administrative arm," began the Rev. Lukavei. He went on to review 40 years of academic excellence, outstanding faculty, scholarships and parental involvement in both the elementary and secondary schools. The audience applauded heartily as Mr. Wichar presented a UVCorp. check for $6,000 to the Immaculate Conception schools.

The concluding act for the afternoon was a 15th anniversary musical special by the Zoloti Dzvony under the direction of Ms. Dubrivny-Solovey. Founded more than five years ago under the aegis of the Ukrainian Village, this song ensemble has carved a musical niche in Detroit, and is noted for its camaraderie and spirited American-Ukrainian music.

After a benediction offered by the Rev. Lukavei, the Zoloti Dzvony closed another Ukrainian Village event with a performance of "Mnohaya Lita."

| Home Page |