EDITORIAL: Come home to Soyuzivka (05/25/03)

EDITORIAL

Come home to Soyuzivka

"Come home to Soyuzivka!" That's one of the slogans being used to entice those familiar with the estate of the Ukrainian National Association, as well as those who have not yet had the opportunity to visit, to vacation at Soyuzivka.

Readers of this paper, we trust, have been following the announcements related to Soyuzivka Project Renaissance beginning last November at the resort's 50th anniversary gala. The latest news came at the beginning of May, when The Weekly published a special four-page centerfold pullout that contained the details about the Soyuzivka Renaissance Fund and marked the kick-off of the campaign to raise funds for the development of Soyuzivka and increase revenue at the resort. (An updated version of that pullout appears in this week's issue.) Readers were advised that they could participate in this rebirth of Soyuzivka in various ways, whether by making smaller donations as "Friends of Soyuzivka"; sponsoring a brick on Soyuzivka's memory lane, a nameplate at a recreational venue, a bench or a game table set; or by making a more substantial contribution and earning the distinction of membership in the Hetman Circle of Donors. These are just some of the ways that those who appreciate Soyuzivka - all that it stands for and all that it has to offer our community - can become partners with the UNA in the rebirth of our beloved resort.

Perhaps some of our readers missed it, but there was a reference to a definite deadline for this project to revitalize Soyuzivka. The crucial date to keep in mind is September 30, 2003. By that date, Soyuzivka must demonstrate a financial turnaround. As September 30 is soon after the close of the summer season, it is bookings this summer, as well as advance bookings for the subsequent fall, winter and spring months, that are the most important to secure the future of the resort. That is why the UNA is now promoting its "Book a Room Campaign," encouraging guests to come vacation at Soyuzivka during this summer or enjoy a getaway in the off-season.

According to the latest reports from Soyuzivka, Phase I of the Project Renaissance - whose budget is $1 million - is well under way. Perhaps the most obvious proof of that is the fact that the Main House dining room has been gutted in preparation for a complete makeover of this most important facility. Not only will the dining room continue to serve as, well, a dining facility, but once its transformation is completed by the Fourth of July holiday weekend it will be wired to meet the needs of today's business meetings, providing Internet access, a modern sound system, variable lighting for different types of gatherings and events, etc. This first phase of the resort's development also includes a facelift for the Main House, room upgrades and renovations to the Veselka cultural/recreational complex.

In Phase II of Soyuzivka Project Renaissance the resort will be revived as a true center for our heritage programs and recreational activities, and accommodations and business facilities will be added and enhanced to make the resort even more attractive and user-friendly for diverse groups. To be sure, Phase II will occur only once Phase I is implemented and its goals realized. The key: guests, guests and more guests - guests who stay the week, guests who make reservations for the non-peak periods, guests who bring along other guests. In short, utilization of the resort will prove it is wanted and needed by our community. And it will demonstrate that there is indeed a bright future for our Soyuzivka.

So, the time to act is now. If you love this little piece of Ukraine in the mountains of upstate New York, or want to fall in love with it, come home to Soyuzivka.

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