FACES AND PLACES: Get lost! Vacation at Soyuzivka! (07/23/00)

FACES AND PLACES

by Myron B. Kuropas

Get lost! Vacation at Soyuzivka!

Soyuzivka, the Ukrainian National Association estate in the Catskill Mountains of New York state, has been a part of our family for years.

Some 40 years ago I worked there as a bartender. My specialty was the notorious "Purple Passion" (gin and Mogen David), guaranteed to weaken even the tightest Kozak knees.

During my courting years I recall having to perfect my Ukrainian and my tango dancing in order to compete with the many European-born Casanovas who inhabited the dance floors on Friday and Saturday nights. Their "approach" fascinated me. I watched as they boldly walked up to the girls on the sidelines and, bowing politely, asked "mozhna?" (may I?). Women invariably accepted, and off they went to dance the night away. Piece of cake, I thought. Walking up to one prospective dance partner I followed the routine. "Mozhna?" I asked ever so politely. "Mozhna shcho?" ("may you what?") came the reply.

Later I taught Ukrainian history at the Ukrainian cultural courses, once offered every August for non-Ukrainian-speaking teenagers. It was there I met Lesia Waskiw, a former Miss Soyuzivka and music teacher at the courses, who later became Mrs. Lesia Kuropas. We were married at Soyuzivka in 1964.

When my in-laws, the Waskiws, retired, they built a home about a mile from Soyuzivka. It was here that we spent some 14 summers visiting Soyuzivka as often as we could, which was pretty often. All winter long we looked forward to the 900-mile trip to New York state.

My sister Vera worked at Soyuzivka and met her husband there. Our two sons, Stefko and Michael, attended the cultural courses which, during Walter Kwas' time was a kind of "prep school" for future employment. Both my boys passed muster with Mr. Kwas and eventually worked at Soyuzivka. Stefko met his Lesia there and she, too, became Mrs. Lesia Kuropas at Soyuzivka.

For years UNA Supreme Assembly meetings were held at the UNA estate during the third week of May, when the weather was usually warm and pleasant, and our sessions were generally up-beat and interesting. Today, our meetings are held in December.

A few weeks ago, Stefko informed us that our granddaughter Marianka would be attending day camp called Chemney's Fun Center and that he and his Lesia would spend the week. He convinced us to tag along.

The few days we spent at Soyuzivka were glorious. The weather was perfect, literally. The food was not only good, it was outstanding, much improved over previous years. And Chemney camp? What merriment! It was obvious that the counselors are professionals who love children and are happy in their work. I'll never forget some 20 4-, 5-, and 6-year-olds singing and marching across the grounds joyfully banging away on their newly constructed "tambourines." The counselors seemed to be having as much fun as the kids.

Although all of the children were there with their parents, there were a few grandparents as well. Everyone, it seemed to me, was having a grand time, especially during meals when all three generations were at the table.

Visiting with some of the parents I learned that their association with Soyuzivka also spanned a generation or two. "My parents brought me here for years," one father told me. "Now it's my turn to bring my kids here. There's so much to do. The new playground, the swimming pool. It's a great place for kids."

His response to my questions about the facilities was surprising. "Oh well," he said. "This place has always been rustic. You don't come here for luxury accommodations. You come here because this is the one place you can meet other Ukrainians of your generation with their kids and have a vacation at the same time. And besides, the price is right."

Ukrainian summer resorts were a big fraternal benefit during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. The UNA purchased Soyuzivka in Kerhonkson, N.Y., the Ukrainian Fraternal Association (UFA) bought Verkhovyna in Glen Spey, N.Y., the Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine acquired the Olzych estate in Lehighton, Pa. The Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM) established resorts in Ellenville, N.Y., and Baraboo, Wis.

For years, reservations at Ukrainian resorts were at a premium. People often reserved their rooms a year in advance to assure themselves of accommodations. The more affluent, especially those in the New York area, even reserved rooms for the whole summer.

All of this has changed. The Ukrainian Weekly readers have no doubt noticed that Verkhovyna is for sale. It is tragic that the site of so many successful and productive youth festivals could someday be no more. Soyuzivka also is perched on shaky ground. Recent visitors can't help but notice a huge sign on the outside of Veselka which reads: "Help save Soyuzivka - it's now or never."

So what happened? Why the downturn in interest?

Some argue that the older generation, those people who have traditionally supported community institutions, are passing from the scene and their offspring are not replacing them. This makes sense until we realize that SUM resorts in both Ellenville and Baraboo appear to be thriving.

Another reason offered for the decline in interest is that Ukrainian resorts have not kept up with the times. Such commonly accepted amenities as air-conditioned rooms, telephone service and television are lacking. That may turn some people away, but I don't believe that's the main reason. The rustic nature of Soyuzivka appeals to many people. There is a certain allure to being cut off from the world with no telephones, no television and no newspapers. Get lost! Go to Soyuzivka!

A third reason is Ukrainian independence. More people are spending their vacations in Ukraine, traveling and visiting family. This was probably true in the early 1990s, but if the people I talk with are any indication, this, too, is changing. The attitude seems to be: "been there, done that." Disillusionment with corruption, the slow pace of democratic change and the lack of the most primitive of hygienic facilities (the Soviets never did learn to build adequate flush toilets) are factors.

Ukrainians in North America are looking for reasonably priced family vacation retreats. With a dynamic marketing campaign featuring Dido, Baba, Tato, Mama and the kids, Soyuzivka could easily recapture its earlier glory days. So, get lost! Go to Soyuzivka!

Myron Kuropas' e-mail address is: mbkuropas@compuserve.com

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