2005: THE YEAR IN REVIEW: The UNA: looking ahead to its 36th Convention (01/15/06)

2005: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

The UNA: looking ahead to its 36th Convention

Like other Ukrainian community organizations in early 2005, the Ukrainian National Association was thrilled with the results of the Orange Revolution. In the January 9 issue of The Ukrainian Weekly and the January 7 issue of Svoboda, the UNA took out full-page announcements greeting the newly elected president of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, and congratulating the people of Ukraine on their victory. "The people of Ukraine were finally heard, and the demand for democracy and a fair election process was realized. The people prevailed," wrote UNA President Stefan Kaczaraj on behalf of the UNA Executive Committee.

The message also noted: "The Ukrainian National Association is proud that we were able to make a contribution, albeit small, to this valiant effort. Many of our members, including the UNA president, traveled to Ukraine to participate as official election observers. We also assisted in financially supporting our young diaspora Ukrainians who took part as election monitors."

Several weeks later, The Weekly congratulated the Ukrainian National Association on its 111th anniversary, pointing to the fraternal society's "long and illustrious history" that "encompasses well over a century of service to its members and, indeed, to all Ukrainians."

An anniversary of another sort was marked by the Almanac of the Ukrainian National Association for 2005, which was dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. The 272-page almanac was released at the beginning of the year by the Svoboda Press; its editor was Petro Chasto, a member of the editorial staff of the Svoboda weekly.

Patriarch Filaret, leader of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Kyiv Patriarchate, visited the Ukrainian National Association's Corporate Headquarters on November 10 and was welcomed with a traditional Ukrainian greeting at the entrance to the UNA headquarters by officers and employees of the Ukrainian National Association. Also present were representatives of the Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union, which has a branch office in the building.

During his visit to the UNA, Patriarch Filaret addressed an assembly of Home Office employees, among them editors of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, the UNA's two newspapers. He spoke of efforts aimed at the unification of Ukrainian Orthodox Churches in Ukraine, noting that obstacles are continually being set up by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Moscow Patriarchate, which is part of the Russian Orthodox Church. Patriarch Filaret emphasized that Ukraine needs a truly Ukrainian Church.

The memory of the late Rev. Nestor Dmytriw, one of the founders of Svoboda and the second supreme secretary of the Ukrainian National Association, was honored on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of his death on October 23 in Hillside, N.J. In 1897 the Rev. Dmytriw was sent to serve the spiritual needs of Ukrainian immigrants in Canada. Much of Father Dmytriw's personal experiences and reflections were published in Svoboda in various articles and newspaper entries. A prolific writer, he also authored a history of the founding of the UNA.

A monument to the peripatetic priest, the work of sculptor Leo Mol, was unveiled in Dauphin, Manitoba, in 1977 next to the Cross of Freedom built 80 years earlier near the little house where the Rev. Dmytriw offered the first Ukrainian liturgy in Canada in April of 1897. When Father Dmytriw died in 1925 he was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Hillside, N.J. - and almost forgotten in history. However, through the efforts of one Hillside parishioner, Olga Shatynski, and members of her family, his memory was rediscovered.

Continuing its proud tradition of educating the public, the Ukrainian National Association made available copies of the curriculum guide on the Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933 prepared by Dr. Myron B. Kuropas, an educator and historian. The guide, which includes a section for teachers and another geared for students, was prepared in 2003 on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Great Famine; it was published and funded by the UNA. The 29-page teachers' guide includes information on: "Soviet Policy and the Forced Famine," "The Organized Preparation of the Famine," "The Terror-Famine in Perspective," "Was the Famine Really a Genocide?" and "Food as a Political Weapon." Also discussed are the press cover-up of the Famine, the Soviets' direct responsibility for the Famine and Soviet denials that the Famine took place.

The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) was the subject of an exhibit on view during the fall of 2005 at the Ukrainian National Association's Corporate Headquarters. The exhibit, the property of the Ukrainian Canadian Research and Documentation Center, had been developed and mounted in Toronto in October 2002 by the World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations in close cooperation with the UCRDC. The exhibit is based on the authoritative Chronicles of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (Litopys UPA); it encompasses historic photographs, archival documents, maps and various artifacts related to the UPA's fight for the freedom of Ukraine.

The official opening of the exhibit at the UNA headquarters on October 16 was scheduled to coincide with the Feast Day of the Protection of the Mother of God (Sviato Pokrovy), which is considered to be the day in 1942 when the Ukrainian Insurgent Army was founded. Opening remarks were given by UNA Treasurer Roma Lisovich, who noted the importance of passing information about Ukraine's history on to the next generation. An introduction to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army was provided by Dr. Taras Hunczak, Rutgers University professor emeritus of history, who spoke of the UPA's battle for Ukraine's freedom as it was caught between two powers: the Soviets and the Nazis.

A showing of the documentary "A Daughter's Journey" by Christina Kotlar, who holds a master's degree in production for film and video from American University in Washington, was a highlight of the program. The filmmaker noted that she had read the memoirs of her father, Julian Kotlar, in Litopys UPA and realized "it was time to tell his story."

Among those who came to the UNA building to see the exhibit and Ms. Kotlar's work in progress were the Newark, N.J., branch of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and the Whippany, N.J., branch of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM).

The same exhibit had been on display at Soyuzivka, the Ukrainian National Association's estate in Kerhonkson, N.Y., over the weekend of July 29-31 as part of a broader conference titled "A Day in the Life of the UPA - Ukrainian Insurgent Army."

The UNA also assisted a young film-maker, Damian Kolodiy, by donating $1,000 for his documentary on the Orange Revolution. Mr. Kolodiy filmed events of the Orange Revolution as they were unfolding, both on Independence Square in Kyiv and during the "Friendship Train" that drove through Ukraine's southern and eastern regions between the first and second run-off elections of Ukraine's presidential race in 2004.

Among the many activities benefiting from UNA support during 2005 was a special concert featuring Myroslav Skoryk, composer and pianist, and Oleh Chmyr, baritone, that presented arias from the opera "Moisei," other original compositions by Maestro Skoryk, as well as video excerpts from the opera. The event took place at the UNA Corporate Headquarters on February 20, with nearly 100 people in attendance. The concert was organized by the Morris County Branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, and was sponsored by the UNA and Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union.

A completely different type of event that enjoyed UNA sponsorship was the first ever Ukrainian Festival at New Jersey's Giants Stadium on September 17. The daylong event included performances, vendors and sports, including a special soccer match between the Metrostars Reserves and the Ukrainian American All-Stars, a combined squad that featured players from various teams. The UNA had an information table - featuring information about the UNA and its insurance plans, plus its publications and Soyuzivka - set up in the parking area where the Ukrainian program was held. Two lucky children won bicycles in a drawing sponsored by the UNA, and an adult festival-goer won a mini iPod.

A UNA district chairpersons' meeting and secretaries' course was held at Soyuzivka on April 1-3. Eight districts were represented, with 16 branch secretaries and eight members of the General Assembly attending the meeting, whose primary organizers were UNA National Secretary Christine Kozak and UNA First Vice-President Martha Lysko. Speakers presented talks on UNA insurance products and annuities, the organization's history and community involvement, and innovations at the UNA Home Office. Also on the agenda were tips on how to promote the UNA and enroll members.

During the weekend meeting, the UNA presented award certificates to: Lubov Streletsky, secretary of Branch 10, for the highest number of policies sold in 2004; Osyp Hawryluk, advisor and branch secretary, for having a high level of activity as an advisor, branch secretary and district chairman; Alexander Serafyn for long and dedicated services as district chairman and auditor; and Ms. Lysko, first vice-president, for her work on the Executive Committee and continued close cooperation with her fellow execs.

Advisor Stefan Hawrysz was not only recognized as a certificate recipient, but also as being the longest-serving district chairman and a former very successful supreme organizer whose service to the UNA spans over half a century. For many years he was also a champion organizer of the UNA. He served as UNA auditor and continues serving as UNA advisor and district chairman.

Another annual UNA gathering was the 31st annual UNA Seniors' Conference held at Soyuzivka during the week beginning June 12. The conference events included a special celebration of the 100th birthday of Dr. Roman Baranowsky, a longtime member of the UNA Seniors. It was noted that his consistent and unwavering support of the UNA and its seniors' club has only been matched by his strong concern for Ukrainian issues.

The UNA Seniors unanimously elected the following officers: Oksana Trytjak, president; Ihor Hayda, vice-president; Bozhena Olshaniwsky, secretary; and Olga Paprocki, treasurer.

The UNA marked the 100th birthday of a dedicated branch secretary, Stefania Kochey. At the annual meeting of the UNA District Committee of Chicago on Saturday, March 5, Mrs. Kochey received a bronze plaque recognizing her 48 years of service as secretary of UNA Branch 472 in Chicago. Making the presentation was Honorary Member of the UNA General Assembly Myron B. Kuropas, who commented on the dedication and hard work of those of Mrs. Kochey's generation: "Your willingness to sacrifice and your enthusiasm for the UNA serve as an example for all of us." He told Mrs. Kochey that, "As of right now, you hold the record for longevity in the ranks of distinguished UNA secretaries."

Unfortunately, the UNA also lost a number of dedicated activists during 2005, among them, Barbara Bachynsky, former supreme advisor, who died on May 10 at age 71; and Tekla Moroz, honorary member of the General Assembly and former supreme advisor, who died on December 6 at age 78.

The UNA General Assembly held its annual meeting on September 23-25 at Soyuzivka. The business sessions focused on the UNA's operating results and adopted a new budget for the coming year, discussed a strategic direction for the fraternal organization and addressed various organizational issues. The annual meeting also provided an opportunity for advisors, auditors and honorary members to report on activities of their local community and UNA branches.

Prior to the General Assembly meeting, the UNA Auditing Committee on September 20-22 conducted a review of the operations of the Ukrainian National Association for 2004 and the first six months of 2005. The auditors' report noted: for the first six months of 2005 the UNA had operating losses of $504,874, or $487,000 less than in the first six months of 2004; for the same time period the UNA Corporate Headquarters building had a profit of $98,000; and the UNA's reserves as of mid-2005 stood at $4,854,000.

Meanwhile, at Soyuzivka, the UNA's estate in the Catskill region of New York, the summertime was filled with an array of camps and events. Among the camps offered in 2005 were: Tennis Camp, Tabir Ptashat (a day camp for Ukrainian-speaking pre-schoolers organized by Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization), Children's Day Camp (a bilingual, English-Ukrainian camp), Discovery Camp (for children age 8-13) and Adventure Camp (for teens 13-16).

During the summer Soyuzivka also hosted two tennis tournaments, the eastern and national championships, as well as the 49th annual national swim meet held over Labor Day weekend. The 2005 meet set a record for the number of competitors - 72. Organized by the Sports Federation of the U.S.A. and Canada (USCAK), the national tennis tournament was held on September 3-5. The 2005 tournament celebrated 50 years of consecutive play.

For the record, Labor Day weekend continued to be far and away the most popular weekend at the estate.

The annual crowning of Miss Soyuzivka took place on August 13-14, and the winner was Ksenya Hentisz, a sophomore at New York University studying international politics and history, a member of Plast and its Verkhovynky sorority, and a member of the Syzokryli dance ensemble.

The biggest news of 2005 regarding Soyuzivka was the establishment of the Soyuzivka Heritage Foundation a non-profit charitable entity that will operate Soyuzivka as a cultural and educational venue. The foundation, which was incorporated in July and now awaits Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approval as a 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation, will be supported in part by donations, grants and annual membership fees.

UNA Treasurer Lisovich wrote: "Transferring Soyuzivka to a non-profit foundation will ensure that our Ukrainian American heritage continues to be promoted and recognized and that the foundation will continue in perpetuity. This should help reduce some of the tax burden and allow Soyuzivka to borrow independently without impacting the UNA's financial position for capital improvements. When these improvements are completed, Soyuzivka should become a full-season facility with a steady stream of income throughout the year."

During the year, the UNA continued to provide many fraternal benefits to its members. Among the most popular, of course, is the UNA scholarship program. The April 17 issue of The Ukrainian Weekly featured a special section about the 105 students who received $20,850 in scholarships and awards for the 2004-2005 academic year.

Among the new benefits announced by the UNA during 2005 was Print Pal, a child identification and safety promotion program whose objectives are to increase awareness of the issue of missing and exploited children, and to educate both parents and children about prevention. The UNA began including a special fingerprinting booklet with every new insurance policy purchased for a child. The booklet is filled with comprehensive information describing the child, including everything from physical descriptions and locations of birthmarks, scars, etc., to detailed information on the parents, school and personal physician.

At year's end, the UNA's district committees held annual organizing meetings, whose principal topics were enrollment of new members. Speaking at one such meeting, which brought together the New York, Northern New Jersey and Central New Jersey Districts, UNA Treasurer Roma Lisovich cited organizing statistics for the first nine months of 2005: the UNA enrolled 238 new members for $5.86 million of insurance coverage, meeting 28 percent of the membership quota set for the year. Ms. Lisovich noted that poor organizing activity strongly affects the UNA's bottom line. She pointed out that most sales these days can be attributed to the work of the UNA Home Office staff, and she emphasized that the UNA needs others besides Home Office staff to enroll members.

The UNA treasurer also commented that "we need a different approach to sell to today's potential members," adding that playing up the UNA's community involvement is crucial. That involvement, she said, takes many forms, including publishing two newspapers, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, which receive a subsidy of approximately $250,000 from the UNA; and operating Soyuzivka, a cultural-educational venue for Ukrainian Americans. She underscored that commercial life insurance companies, unlike fraternal associations, do not support such community endeavors

In late December the UNA created a new position, that of director of publications, and tapped Dr. Walter Prochorenko for the job. He was introduced to readers in our December 25 issue via an announcement from the UNA Executive Committee that cited his extensive expertise in the field of business management and finance, his Ph.D. in international business management, and his international experience (including in Ukraine and the United States).

As the year drew to a close, activity at the UNA Home Office was geared toward preparations for its next quadrennial convention, which is scheduled to take place over Memorial Day weekend, May 26-29, 2006, at Soyuzivka - marking the first time a UNA convention will be held at the UNA estate.

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