THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (08/14/05)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

Soyuzivka resort hosts 31st annual UNA Seniors' Conference

by Oksana Trytjak
UNA National Organizer

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - On Sunday, June 12, registration for the 31st annual UNA Seniors' Conference began in the Main House Lobby at Soyuzivka. Registration was handled by Olha Paprocki and Oksana Trytjak. Upon registering, each participant received a kit containing information on UNA insurance, the Soyuzivka resort and its ongoing activities, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly and other pamphlets of interest to seniors.

The festivities began on Sunday evening with everybody taking part in a banquet to celebrate Dr. Roman Baranowsky's 100th birthday. Soyuzivka's dining room was filled to capacity with his friends and family members, community members and conference participants. Dr. Baranowsky has been a long time member of the UNA Seniors. His consistent and unwavering support of the UNA and its seniors' club has only been matched by his strong concern for Ukrainian issues, which has been reflected time and again in his many lively talks and lectures throughout the history of UNA Seniors' Conferences.

On Monday morning, the official portion of the conference began with 59 seniors, hailing from near and far, from various walks of life, some speaking only Ukrainian and others fluent in both Ukrainian and English, assembling in the Veselka Hall.

After introductions, the official portion of the conference began. The UNA Seniors unanimously elected the following officers: Ms. Trytjak, president; Ihor Hayda, vice-president; Bozhena Olshaniwsky, secretary; and Ms. Paprocki, treasurer.

The following day the floor was opened to the first of a varied line-up of speakers. Dr. Ada Helbig, who holds a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from Columbia University, spoke about the Roma people, or Gypsies, living in Ukraine and about the Orange Revolution.

She was followed by Dr. Roman Procyk,who spoke on behalf of the Ukrainian Studies Fund. Dr. Procyk's lecture was titled "Gained or Lost Momentum in Ukrainian Studies - A Survey of Current Events."

Next, Osyp Moroz, who holds a Ph.D. in economics, a cyberneticist, author and former advisor to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, spoke about the Orange Revolution and about the Ukrainian psyche.

Dr. Bohdar Woroch, who is both a cardiologist and internist, spoke about the aging process and general medical pathology as it relates to elderly patients.

Rostyslav Wasylenko, who has received numerous awards for his many talents, including most recently recognition from the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, entertained all with a humorous recitation on food, health and aging.

He was followed by Ihor Hayda, a chemical engineer and food scientist, who gave another talk about nutrition and how it relates to a person's general well-being.

Nestor Olesnycky, former UNA vice-president and a New Jersey lawyer who had a private practice for many years, spoke about the many aspects of financial and other planning for the future as it affects senior citizens in particular.

Soyuzivka Manager Nestor Paslawsky welcomed the participants and answered an array of questions pertaining to the UNA resort.

Christine Kozak, UNA national secretary, shared information on the many new and updated UNA products and fraternal benefits relating to seniors.

Oksana Sokolyk, former president of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations, author and commentator on CBC, spoke at the banquet about the 100th anniversary of the birth of prominent Ukrainian author and chronicler of Ukrainian life Ulas Samchuk.

And, last but certainly not least, UNA President Stefan Kaczaraj welcomed and thanked all participants for their attendance and wished them a very good time.

At mid-week 15 conference attendees took part in an excursion to New York City to visit the new Ukrainian Museum. Everybody enjoyed the inaugural exhibit featuring over 60 works by one of the 20th century's most innovative sculptors, Alexander Archipenko. The group was met by Olha Hnateyko, the president of the museum's board of trustees, and Maria Shust, the director of the museum, who gave a private tour of the exhibit.

During the week there was an exhibit of Andriy Khomyk's work in the genre of easel painting on glass. His work can be found in private collections all over the world including the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.

The UNA Seniors' Conference was a success by everyone's standards. Although there were several new attendees, many of the participants already knew each other from previous conferences and were delighted to have the opportunity to see each other again and to enjoy the activities and relaxing atmosphere of Soyuzivka.

The week's activities included an auction, a lottery, a movie night, an art exhibit, sing-alongs and dancing to live music during the banquet.

Where else can you get a 5-day vacation for a mere $75 a day (or $63 a day, double occupancy) which includes entertainment, interesting speakers, excursions, three delicious meals a day (prepared by Soyuzivka's very own Culinary Institute of America graduate, Andrij Sonevytsky), and great company?

At the end of the week, when it came time to leave and say good-bye, everybody made plans to see each other again next year, promising to bring along more friends and relatives!

If you have a group of friends, or a local seniors' club and you'd like to take advantage of Soyuzivka's charming atmosphere and facilities, call us and we'll help you with the arrangements. (Ms. Trytjak may be reached at 973-292-9800, ext. 3071.)

Oksana Trytjak is president of the UNA Seniors.

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