THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

Meeting at 28th annual conference, UNA Seniors focus on saving Soyuzivka

by Anna Chopek

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - Save our Soyuzivka. We are in danger of losing Soyuzivka. Let's not just talk about it, let's do something! That was the focus of the Ukrainian National Association Seniors at their 28th annual conference held at Soyuzivka on June 9-14.

The seniors spent a great deal of time discussing the fate of Soyuzivka, and they were pleased that the UNA's newly elected president, Stefan Kaczaraj, met with them at a session and shared with the UNA Seniors his goals for the future of the Ukrainian National Association and Soyuzivka.

A committee has been appointed by the UNA Executive Board to search for a solution to Soyuzivka's problems and to find a way to maintain the resort in the future. The conference participants believe that a UNA senior would be an asset to the committee and therefore voted that Eugene Woloshyn, former president of the seniors, and Ihor Hayda, member, as an alternate, represent the UNA Seniors on this committee if the UNA Executive Committee deems it advisable.

While the seniors were contemplating how to distribute the $1,500 they had raised from an auction and raffle, voices were heard suggesting a fund called "Save our Soyuzivka." Then a motion was passed that the entire $1,500 be set aside by the seniors' treasurer and sent to the UNA as soon as a fund is set up by the UNA for raising money to save Soyuzivka. They know that their contribution will be just a drop in the bucket. But they expressed hope that all the branches of the UNA, all those who participated in programs at Soyuzivka, those who were guests, were married there, and worked there, as well as Ukrainian commercial enterprises, credit unions and professionals, will come to the aid of Soyuzivka in its hour of need.

On Sunday evening, as the seniors sat on Veselka deck, watching the setting sun, singing their favorite Ukrainian folk songs and kolomyiky, listening to Eugene Moroz singing operatic solos and other Ukrainian songs, they mused: how glad we are to be at Soyuzivka.

On Monday morning, members participated in a divine liturgy and panakhyda at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kerhonkson in memory of deceased UNA seniors.

With 88 seniors registered, the conference was opened by UNA Seniors President Anna Chopek. The American and Ukrainian anthems were sung, the "Pledge of Allegiance" was recited, and the business session began.

"Mnohaya Lita" was sung for Dr. Roman Baranowskyj's 97th birthday and Sam Liteplo's 88th. Ms. Chopek was elected conference chairman and Mr. Hayda as Ukrainian secretary.

Appointments to committees were made: nominations - Eva Uzych and Dr. Mary Dycio; donations - Estelle Woloshyn, Myron Sederowicz and Anne Slobodian; auditing - Olga Shatynsky and Anne Turchyn, seating for the banquet - Mary Bobeczko and Alice Orlan.

The following officers were elected for the year 2002-2003: Ms. Chopek, president; Ms. Orlan, vice-president; Cornelia Yavarow, English secretary; Olga Paproski, treasurer.

Regional representatives are: Connecticut - Yaroslawa Kovach; Massachusetts - Eugene Moroz; New Jersey - Maria Mandzij; New York, Kerhonkson area - Dr. Stefania Baranowskyj; Rochester area - Chrystina Dziuba; New York City - Vera Shul; Ohio - Mary Bobeczko; Pennsylvania - Ms. Uzych; Philadelphia area - John R. Lapic; Rhode Island - Stefi Katamay and Helen Trenkler.

Social activities included a welcoming wine and canapé party held in the Main House lobby. Dr. Stefania Baranowsky entertained with readings from the works of Edward Kozak. Honored guests for the evening were, UNA President-elect Stefan Kaczaraj and his wife. Mr. Kaczaraj mingled with the seniors, giving everyone an opportunity to talk with him individually.

One afternoon, Mr. Moroz showed slides of his trip to Cambodia, which were enjoyed by all. A bingo night was conducted by Nicholas and Mary Bobeczko and Mr. Liteplo. Videos showing celebrations of the 10th anniversary of Ukraine's independence were shown by Mr. Trenkler. An auction of Ukrainian-style artifacts brought by the seniors was conducted by Eugene Woloshyn and Mr. Moroz. A raffle was conducted by Marie Prucknicki, Ms. Yavarow and Ms. Uzych. The total collected from the auction, raffle and donations amounted to $1,500.

An Odesa Night dinner was served one evening with various kinds of seafood, as well a meat course.

The serious side of the conference included the annual review of current events in Ukraine given by Dr. Roman Baranowskyj and in English by Dr. Roman Procyk, the executive director of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute. The seniors learned that the most important event of the year was the papal visit to Ukraine and that, as a result, there was much media coverage and many dignitaries visiting from all over the world were present. The papal visit put Ukraine on the map, so to speak. Other events of importance were the agreement with Russia regarding the pipeline from Russia across Ukraine to transport oil and gas, as well as the agreement with Russia regarding borders.

Dr. Procyk also spoke of the many books that have been published by HURI as a result of generous donations by many Ukrainians, especially of the large donation of $200,000 given by the Sklar family. The Sklar donation, which will be available during the next 20 years, will make various new programs possible.

Dr. Hayda, who has spent many years on the study of allergies and nutrition, gave a very interesting talk. He spoke about the ordinary peanut and its products, which the airlines and public schools have stopped serving because of possible fatal consequences to those allergic to peanuts. The seniors were pleased to learn that among healthful foods are Ukrainian favorites such as garlic, beets and carrots.

Dr. Dycio gave a very informative talk on osteoporosis and what doctors have available to help those suffering from this disease. A bone density test is advisable, drugs such as Fosamax can be prescribed to strengthen bones, and medicines are available to alleviate pain. Regular exercise is important.

All the talks were followed by lively question and answer periods.

The conference ended with an elegant cocktail party and banquet. Seniors dressed in traditional Ukrainian blouses and shirts added to the atmosphere. The speaker was Dr. Osyp Moroz. He spoke of the difficulties Ukraine faces today because of its economic and management problems. Dr. Moroz has spent a great deal of time in Ukraine. He has been a consultant to the Cabinet of Ministers of the Parliament of Ukraine and has given lectures on the concepts of management at various universities in Ukraine. At the invitation of the Kyiv Polytechnical Institute, he worked on several projects on the American system of self-study at universities throughout Ukraine. In the United States he has served as assistant and as dean of administrative services in several state colleges. It was apparent from his talk that Ukraine has a long way to go to improve its economic status.

The seniors were honored by the presence of UNA President Ulana Diachuk and her husband, Volodymyr, at the banquet. Tributes were given to "Mrs. Diachuk" on behalf of the employees of Soyuzivka by Ms. Orlan and on behalf of the UNA Seniors by Ms. Chopek. A bouquet of flowers from the UNA Seniors was presented by Ms. Paproski.

The attendees listened to President Diachuk's warm words of thanks and were sad to think that after the many years she had spent with the seniors this was the last time she would greet them as president of the UNA. After the ceremonial cutting of a beautiful cake presented by the management of Soyuzivka, the conference was over.

The UNA Seniors left the resort with the hope that Soyuzivka, so dear to them, can be saved - and that the organization can meet here next year.

Ukrainian Club hosts scholarship dinner

by Christine Matiash

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. - The Aliquippa Ukrainian Club, St. Nicholas Branch 120 of the Ukrainian National Association, on July 21 hosted its second annual Scholarship Dinner, during which $2,400 in scholarships was awarded.

Mark Komichak of the Ukrainian Radio Program presided over the event as the master of ceremonies. The keynote address was given by Dr. Jim Showrank, the director of government and community relations for Manchester-Bidwell Corp.

The recipients of the awards were Renee Campbell, majoring in business at the Community College of Beaver County; Christopher Holland, majoring in theater and design at the University of Kentucky; Jennifer Refice, majoring in business at Slippery Rock University; and Melissa Reft, majoring in business at the University of Pittsburgh. In order to be eligible for a scholarship, students must have a parent or guardian who is an active member of the Ukrainian Club with a UNA insurance policy.

The executive board of the Ukrainian Club also honored John "Zeke" Fechushak, the oldest living member of the club, as well as the senior affiliate with over 50 years of service as a member, employee and officer. Mr. Fechushak was presented with a plaque honoring his dedication to the club.

Eli Matiash, club treasurer, was acknowledged as the recipient of the Beaver County Federation of Fraternal and Social Clubs Man of the Year for 2002. Mr. Matiash was presented with a plaque honoring his dedication to the Ukrainian Club and acknowledging his achievements.

Mark Szedny, club secretary, was reacknowledged with a certificate as the recipient of the Beaver County Federation of Fraternal and Social Clubs Man of the Year for 2000.

Wolodymyr (Walter) Zacerkowny

Born February 24, 1922, in Yaseniv, Ukraine
Died July 23, 2002, Sudbury, Ontario

The Executive Committee of the Ukrainian National Association regrets to announce to the members of the General Assembly, to members of Branch 439 in Sudbury, Ontario, and to the UNA membership at large that Wolodymyr (Walter) Zacerkowny, secretary of Branch 439, who served our organization for 46 years, died on Tuesday, July 23, at age 80.

Funeral services were held at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Sudbury on Friday, July 26.

The Executive Committee and the UNA membership wish to express their sincerest sympathy to his wife of 50 years, Anne, his children and grandchildren. Mr. Zacerkowny will be remembered as a dedicated and hard-working member of the UNA.

Vichna Yomu Pamiat!

Correction

In Young UNA'ers (July 28), the names of the parents of Zoryana Isabella Zura should have appeared as Peter Zura and Tanya Koslenko-Zura.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, August 11, 2002, No. 32, Vol. LXX

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