L.A. activists cite atmosphere of cooperation, involvement (01/28/96)

L.A. activists cite atmosphere of cooperation, involvement

by Oksana Piaseckyj

LOS ANGELES - "If you build it, they will come." This familiar line from the movie " A Field of Dreams" captures the spirit of the Los Angeles Ukrainian community. Unlike some other Ukrainian American centers experiencing a significant loss of active membership and continuing erosion of cooperative organizational endeavors, L.A. thrives in an atmosphere of cooperation and involvement

At a time when much is written about the negative aspects of Ukrainian community life, perhaps a focus on what is positive in our 'hromadas" could help in reversing the trend. When I visited the West Coast recently, and spoke with some members of the community, both young and slightly older, I was impressed with their genuine love for the Ukrainian heritage and their community involvement,

According to Luba Keske, a multi-talented and very charming lady who seems to be the dynamic and cohesive force that brings everyone together in L.A., "The various organizations here are very cooperative. Over the years the groups have jointly commemorated the significant milestones of Ukraine's history and held social and special events at one of the three Ukrainian churches (two Orthodox, one Catholic). The Ukrainian Women's League and Plast have jointly sponsored events such as a recent art exhibit. SUM-A and Plast were on the fund-raising committee in 1993 for improving the Olympic ice skating facilities in Ukraine, raising $20,000 and hosting Oksana Baiul and Victor Petrenko as guests of honor."

Another example of cooperative efforts cited by Ms. Keske was the fund-raiser organized by the Ladies Sodality of the Ukrainian Catholic Church for St. Josaphat's Monastery and Orphanage in Lviv. "The luncheon and fashion show was attended by members of all our churches. We have a very rich community in L.A. made up of several generations. Each one brings to the table experiences and talents from which we can all learn and benefit," she added.

Ms. Keske has served the L.A. community for over 25 years in leadership positions. She is loved and respected by the old and young alike. She and her husband, Wally, have become surrogate parents on many occasions to fledgling artists and newcomers to the area.

She is a member of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, choir director and former head of SUM-A, president of the Ukrainian National Association's John Hodiak Branch 257 and the administrative support of the Ukrainian Dance Company of Los Angeles. In addition, Ms. Keske holds the position of vice-president, Business Affairs Administration, at MGM.

"How do you retain such enthusiasm after all these years?" I asked. "Working with young people - I love it!" Ms. Keske replied. "There are always new experiences and opportunities in our midst, if we just reach out to them. L.A. attracts a lot of diversity and talent of Ukrainian heritage. We need to bring them into our community, give them support and provide a warm environment in which they will want to spend their time and talents. These challenges create an exciting environment. I want other young people who live in the sprawling L.A. region, who are disenfranchised from their Ukrainian community or harbor bad memories from their experiences to come to us, and see for themselves that we are a vibrant, future-oriented community."

This activist believes it is imperative that if our Ukrainian communities are to survive, we have to attract the younger generation as well as the new immigrants from Ukraine. "We have to open the door for them, just as the door was opened for those who emigrated in the '40s and '50s. As we bring everyone together, the young, the older and newly arrived, we build bridges. We learn from each other's talents and experiences. We come to understand generational differences or philosophical ones in an atmosphere of openness and relaxation. In our community we don't want to support an environment of one-upmanship, or where only one person can do the job because they have been doing it for years."

She continued: "Recently we have been experiencing a new surge of energy, brought in by some great young people. For example, two years ago two young Plast leaders, Levko Rakowsky and Peter Piaseckyj, decided that it was time for SUM-A and Plast to work cooperatively and plan some hiking expeditions together. We said, 'Why not?' They did it and had a great time."

"Shortly thereafter, they had another inspiration, to put together an event that would attract literally everyone with any Ukrainian ties in the L.A. area. Their idea was to have a masquerade ball. It was quite an undertaking, but what a wonderful experience for us all! The success of the ball has inspired us to pull together another masquerade this New Year's Eve."

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So, who are some of these young people in the L.A. region who are stirring things up and making a difference in this Ukrainian community? I decided to speak with some members of the committee coordinating this year's masquerade ball.

Levko Rakowsky is employed as a graphic designer in visual communications at AMGEN Inc. He is a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. He is actively involved in the L.A. Plast Branch, and now serves as recording secretary of the senior division. He is always ready to assist all Ukrainian organizations with their graphic art promotional noted.

Asked to comment on his participation in the Ukrainian community, Mr. Rakowsky replied, "I am really happy to be involved in any way I can. Unfortunately, my professional life limits how much time can devote. There is a lot of support in this community. For our masquerade we have four sponsors, the Ukrainian Dance Group of Los Angeles, SUM-A, Plast and the Ukrainian National Women's League of America."

Zoryana Keske, Luba's daughter, just like her mother can be seen helping out at every event. She is assistant secretary of UNA Branch 257 and a dancer with the Ukrainian Dance Company of L.A.

As a student of fashion merchandise marketing, Zoryana has contributed her creative talents in providing the theme and decorations for the ball. "We have such a great group of enthusiasts, students and professionals who really enjoy being together and working on projects, such as this ball."

Katya Borza works as a theatrical business affairs assistant at MGM/United Artists while studying political science towards a law degree. In the Ukrainian community she serves on the Ukrainian Art Center's executive board, dances with the L.A. Ukrainian Dance Company and is a member of SUM-A.

"Last year was the first time that the youth of this community put together such a grand successful event. The masquerade ball brought together all generations, from babas to grandchildren. We saw people who had not attended anything for a long time. That gave us a wonderful sense of accomplishment,'' she noted.

Peter N. Piaseckyj, who holds a degree in arts management and is a former clown with the Ringling Brother Barnum and Bailey Circus, is pursuing an acting career. He is a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and "oseredkovyi" (group leader) in Plast. "When I came to the Ukrainian hromada here, I was welcomed very warmly, especially by the Keske family. Very quickly I felt very much a part of this community, and became involved," he explained.

"When you feel the genuine warmth and encouragement, you just naturally want to be part of the group. We arc determined to reach out to all the people out there in the L.A. region who have Ukrainian ties," he noted, citing the masquerade ball as a "non-threatening attraction."

Natalia Dudynsky works for MGM/UA as theatrical business affairs assistant, is a member of the Nativity B.V.M. Church, serves on the board of directors of the Ukrainian Art Center and dances with the Ukrainian Dance Company of L.A. She recently moved back to L.A. to be closer to her family. This was a fortuitous decision. "My parents convinced me to attend the masquerade ball, so that I could meet other members of this community. Two years ago, I met Zennon Keske very briefly. Meeting again at the ball, we really hit it off. Things fell into place, and Zennon and I have been together ever since."

(According to Luba Keske, the Natalia and Zennon romance is not the only one that blossomed that evening. It seems that this masquerade ball brought seven other couples together, at least in dating relationships.)

Zennon Keske, Zoryana's brother, does the spectacular leaps in the repertoire of the Ukrainian Dance Company of L.A. He is a student at California State University, majoring in history. He devotes a lot of time to perfecting his dancing skills with the dance group, which receives rave reviews wherever it goes. After performing for the largest craftspersons union in the movie industry. the troupe was featured in a three-page article of the union magazine.

Zennon has a special interest in the masquerade ball. Last year he met a very special young lady, Natalia Dudynsky, and his life took on a totally different dimension. Thus, he views the masquerade ball, "as an opportunity to meet new people, have a great time, and perhaps find that special someone. This event also proves that young people do take an active part in the multi-generational community. Most importantly, if you do a great job in preparing and creating a wonderful evening, people will come and spread the word."

Two other members of the masquerade ball committee who contribute greatly to the Ukrainian community are Slavko Dolyniuk and Kalyna Snylyk. Mr. Dolyniuk is the current head of SUM-A and a working university student.

Ms. Snylyk is a very dynamic young woman. As a wife and mother with a high-visibility career, she makes the time to head the Ukrainian Women's League in L.A., serve as vice-president of UNA Branch 257, head special projects for the California Association to Aid Ukraine, and be active in Plast and Ridna Shkola.

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There are many others from all generations who contribute their energies to keep the Ukrainian heritage alive and well in L.A. They have realized that only through cooperation and extending the traditional warmth and hospitality of our Ukrainian culture can a community prosper and grow.

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