THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (12/20/98)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

New York District Committee holds fall organizing meeting

by Mary Dushnyck

NEW YORK - The fall organizing meeting of the New York District Committee was held at the Selfreliance Hall here with several branches represented by secretaries, officers and members.

Present also were: Martha Lysko, UNA national secretary; Stefan Kaczaraj, treasurer; Barbara Bachynsky, advisor, and Mary Dushnyck, honorary member of the UNA General Assembly.

Mrs. Bachynsky, district chairperson, welcomed all and reported that the district had gained 48 members (56 percent of its quota) through August. She thanked the following organizers: George Yurkiw and Dawn Pryhoda, six members each; Olga Liteplo, Walter Szpaczynsky and Olena Goy, four each; Zenobia Zarycky and Gloria Tolopko, three each; Maria Kulczycky and Oksana Lopatynsky, two each; Mychajlo Spontak, Halyna Kolessa, Maria Rejnarowycz, Bohdan Pylypiw, Iwanna Maczaj, Cyril Bezkorowajny and Mrs. Dushnyck, one each.

In her presentation Mrs. Lysko reported that the UNA had enrolled 528 new members (42 percent of the annual quota). She explained the reasons for fewer members and the urgent need for all branches to enroll new members to attain the 1998 quota of 1,250 new members.

Mrs. Lysko then proceeded to distribute leaflets outlining the new "Blue and Gold" membership program and discount cards that enable members to save on travel, lodging, prescriptions, dental and eye care, and more. She also reported on the new computer system, new premium notices (there will be no longer dues payment books) and suspension rules, as well as new insurance policies and fraternal dues being raised to $3 annually.

Also noted were changes in awarding scholarships, the continuation of secretaries' courses at Soyuzivka and refresher courses to be held for veteran secretaries. Organizing members is the most critical element in the growth of the UNA, the speaker stressed.

UNA Treasurer Kaczaraj presented each attendee with his fully itemized financial report concerning every facet of UNA operations from January through June 1998. He stated that Soyuzivka will be closed only from February through April 15, 1999, and that there will be only four full-time employees in the off-season.

He also noted the necessity for new salespeople and new secretaries. The Canadian office will be closed at the end of this year, and there will be a reduction of the staff at the Home Office, which will effectuate further savings, he added.

Both reports elicited a spirited discussion period. Among questions raised were: Svoboda personnel, a new actuary, the reserve falling over the years, reserve policies of large insurance companies, status of the dividend, merger with the Ukrainian National Aid Association, reducing the deficit, and more open communication between the top echelons and the membership.

Mrs. Lysko and Mr. Kaczaraj answered the queries put forth.

One participant summarized, "We must all project a positive image of the UNA."

Finally, it was underlined that all can do their part by organizing members, by visiting and staying at Soyuzivka, and by supporting the UNA's publications, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, thus ensuring the UNA's continued expansion and development in the new millennium.

The UNA and you
Mortgage rates drop as the Dow rises

by Stephan Welhasch

Cautiously optimistic, after the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut of another quarter percent, investors pushed the Dow Jones industrial average above 9,000 again. As most financial analysts predicted mortgage rates have dropped.

When mortgage rates fell below 7 percent more than five years ago, it set off a wave of refinancing nationally. By mid 1994 rates jumped back up to nearly 10 percent, and many home buyers decided to wait it out. Over the last six month mortgage rates have dropped to an average of 6.5 percent on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, the lowest rate in 30 years, setting off a new wave of refinancing.

Economists are once again predicting that these lower interest rates will bring many more home buyers into the housing market. Seasoned real estate agents feel that mortgage rates may not move much lower.

Those home buyers who missed out on the low mortgage rates of a few years ago now have a wonderful opportunity to save themselves tens of thousands of dollars. A home owner who borrows $150,000 at 6.5 percent instead of 8 percent can save well over $125 a month from his mortgage payment. Over 30 years this would amount to a savings of $45,000.

Without a doubt, it is a very good time to get a first mortgage loan on your dream home or to refinance your existing home loan, consolidate some bills and do a little work on the house that you've been meaning to do for the last few years but couldn't afford.

As a member of the Ukrainian National Association you are entitled to a special mortgage rate that also includes better insurance coverage for you and your family. If you've been considering looking into a mortgage loan, now is a great time to call UNA and comparison shop. You never know, rates may jump back up again as happened a few years ago.

The UNA offers its members financing for one-, two- and three-family homes, and UNA's First Mortgage Loan Program is specially designed to meet the financial needs of its members. The UNA offers an interest rate that is competitive with the prevailing rates in your area. The UNA also continues to provide jumbo mortgage loans to Ukrainian churches and organizations.

To find out more about the UNA's First Mortgage Loan Program, Jumbo Loan Program, refinancing or about becoming a member and sharing in the many other benefits the UNA has to offer, call 1 (800) 253-9862.

Young UNA'ers

Anna Christine Hlushko, daughter of Andrew and Maria Hlushko, is a new member of UNA Branch 8 in Yonkers, N.Y. She was enrolled by her grandmother Rose M. Hlushko.
Elizabeth Frances Peleschak, daughter of Jacqueline A. and Eli Peleschak, is a new member of UNA Branch 382. She was enrolled by her parents.
Nicholas David Griffiths, son of David W. Griffiths and Dr. Maria Martyniuk Griffiths, was enrolled by his parents into UNA Branch 180 in Akron, Ohio.
Zachary Wayne Elliot, son of Debbie and Wayne Elliot, is a new member of UNA Branch 382 in Frackville, Pa. He was enrolled in September by his great-grandmother Anna Halupa (now deceased).
Laryssa Amanda Belanger, daughter of Katherina and Roland Belanger, is a new member of UNA Branch 465 in Lachine, Quebec. She was enrolled by her grandparents John and Mary Zayats. Laryssa is seen above with her mother and brother, Michael William.

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