Journalist Olha Kuzmowycz feted on occasion of 1,000th article (04/20/97)

Journalist Olha Kuzmowycz feted on occasion of 1,000th article

by Olenka Yurchuk
Special to The Ukrainian Weekly

PHILADELPHIA - For more than 750 consecutive Saturdays, Svoboda readers have begun the perusal of their copy of the daily newspaper by taking a peek at the top of the second page near the crease to see the latest topic of a column by "O-KA" called "Pro Tse i Te" (About This and That).

In an ongoing view of experiences in the Ukrainian community, Olha "O-KA" Kuzmowycz has touched upon many aspects of community members' daily lives, their leaders, foibles and, most recently, their relationship with newly independent Ukraine.

So it was fitting that an evening of tribute to the author of these feuilletons be titled "Pro Tse i Te." The evening was hosted by Branch 43 of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America on a very rainy Saturday, April 12, at Philadelphia's Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center.

A large audience of "O-KA's" avid fans attended from near and far. Anna Maksymowych opened the program that was led by Ludmilla Chajkiwska. Ludmilla Wolansky, Prof. Leonid Rudnytzky and Dora Horbachevsky affectionately told colorful anecdotes about Mrs. Kuzmowycz's varied talents, encompassing her work as an editor, reporter and writer at Svoboda, her long-standing activities in the Shevchenko Scientific Society and the Ukrainian Journalists Association, and her lifelong commitment to the ideals of Plast. Each emphasized Mrs. Kuzmowycz's untiring energy, industriousness, skill, diligence, willingness to speak her mind, and readiness to offer her assistance whenever requested.

Interspersed were musical interludes by operatic singer Bohdan Chaplynsky with piano accompaniment by Roksolana Harasymowych, and readings of "O-KA's" essays and "Pro Tse i Te" columns by Maria Lysiak and the author.

Expressing gratitude for the tribute, Mrs. Kuzmowycz also cited her indebtedness to her mentor, the late editor Ivan Kedryn Rudnytsky, for inspiring her at age 65, the age at which people usually retire, to embark on a new career as a Svoboda editor and reporter.

That career has enabled Mrs. Kuzmowycz to stay active and productive in the field of journalism to the present day. In addition to her weekly column, Mrs. Kuzmowycz has written numerous articles and interviews, all told more than 1,000 in the past 15 years.

Prof. Rudnytzky closed his remarks with a quote from Friedrich Schiller: "So jung komnenb wir nicht zusammen" (When we meet again, we will never be as youthful as were are now). However, Mrs. Kuzmowycz disparages the German writer's promise, he added, because to be in her company is to be perpetually young with her. He extended his wishes for many future jubilees.

The audience gave Mrs. Kuzmowycz a standing ovation of recognition and thanks, and in honor of her upcoming 80th birthday (in November), serenaded her with a heartfelt rendition of "Mnohaya lita."

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