Detroit Regional Council holds first celebration of UNWLA's 75th anniversary (05/21/00)

Detroit Regional Council holds first celebration of UNWLA's 75th anniversary

by Lydia Kachan Jachnyckyj

WARREN, Mich. - The first gala jubilee celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Ukrainian National Women's League (UNWLA) was held by its Detroit Regional Council on Saturday, March 18, here at the St. Josaphat banquet center.

Regional Council President Lida Kolodchin, who has served as a model worthy of special recognition for the exemplary leadership she provided during her tenure as president, presented her opening remarks and welcomed the festive crowd to the sold-out event.

Ms. Kolodchin introduced Natalie Hewko, the mistress of ceremonies, who very aptly led the program in a professional manner. Ms. Hewko, who served as the jubilee committee chairperson and was the guiding force behind the organization of this most successful celebration, was chosen as the new president of the Detroit Regional Council at the annual meeting held the following day. She indicated that her projected goals as president include closer cooperation with English-speaking branches, increasing membership, and organizing a local fund-raiser for the UNWLA action "Milk and Buns" for schoolchildren in Ukraine.

At the banquet guests sang the UNWLA anthem and observed a moment of silence in memory of deceased UNWLA members, or "Soyuzianky." Dr. Mary Beck, one of the pioneer members, along with keynote speaker UNWLA President Iryna Kurowyckyj and Ms. Kolodchin lit the ceremonial three candles. Dr. Beck, a well-known Soyuzianka who was inaugurated into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame, lit a candle representing the UNWLA's pioneers. Ms. Kurowyckyj lit a candle representing all of the current members nationwide, while Ms. Kolodchin's candle represented the Detroit area members.

President Kurowyckyj presented congratulatory remarks and a brief history of the myriad activities undertaken and completed by the UNWLA. Her dynamic speech highlighted the organization's plans for the new millennium, including actively recruiting new members - especially the fourth wave of Ukrainian immigrant women.

She also inspired the Soyuzianky at their annual meeting on the following day to continue with their hard work and determination to achieve their projected goals. Natalia Danylenko, vice-president of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations, presented warm greetings and best wishes for the future on behalf of her organization and also addressed the Soyuzianky at their annual meeting.

The following women celebrating over 50 years of membership in the UNLWA were recognized at the banquet and received certificates from Ms. Kurowyckyj and Ms. Kolodchin: Josephine Popowich Bobowsky, Maria Cisaruk, Maria Diakiw, Elsie Kozachenko Dodson, Stanislava Haida, Sonia Malaniak Hayes (Hawaii), Olena Hewko, Tekla Hrynczuk, Sophie Hudzinski, Irena Iwanyckyj, Ann Kibzey, Evdokia Klymyshyn, Kateryna Kobasa, Joanna Draginda Kulchesky, Aleksandra Latyszewsky, Olha Makar, Mary Popowich Maliszewski, Mychajlina Maslowsky, Justine Malaniak Nelligan, Olha Sawczuk, Ann Sedorak, Helen Sedorak, Rose Slupecki, Anastasia Sedorak Sosnowsky, Maria Sywak and Anna Zajac. Pauline Budzol, the Detroit Regional Councils honorary president, Zenovia Kaminsky and Olga Kachner O'Neill were recognized posthumously.

Special recognition was given to Orysia Lonchyna as honorary president and Daria Koniuch as honorary member of the Detroit Regional Council for their invaluable efforts on behalf of the organization through the years.

Acknowledgments were also given to the following women for their dedication and hard work: Ksenia Antypiw, Myroslava Baranyk, Myroslava Capp, Myroslava Chomiak, Roma Dyhdalo, Natalia Hewko, Olha Hyszczak, Kwitka Iwanycky, Marta Jovanovic, Aleksandra Latyszewsky, Olena Liskiwsky, Maria Lisowsky, Anna Macielinski, Stephania Ohlabiak, Emilia Onyskiw, Irene Pryjma, Marta Szechowycz, Olga Solovey, Irena Tarnavsky, Marta Wasylkewych and Maria Zarycky-Cherviovsky.

Children from the local "svitlychky" (preschools) sponsored by UNWLA Branches 53 and 76 performed a medley of songs and recitations. The guests, as evidenced by their smiles and endearing expressions of approval, enjoyed the special performance prepared by teachers Oleksandra Gedson, Lesia Perchyk and Lesia Sherstylo.

Local singers presented an entertaining program. Mezzo-sopano Christina Romana Lypecky received a special honorary tribute for the many performances she has given through the years on behalf of the UNWLA. She sang severals elections, including one from the operetta "Natalka Potavka" by Mykola Lysenko. Soprano Maria Nazarenko also sang solos and tenor Dr. Jurij Rozhi joined the two women to perform "Ey, Natalko." The singers were accompanied by the well-known local pianist Maria Lonchyna-Lisowsky, who also played "Entr' act" from the operetta.

Bishop Oleksander Bykovetz of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church gave the invocation in Ukrainian, and the Very Rev. Basil Salkovski OSBM, pastor of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church, gave one in English. Olga Solovey provided a wonderful ambiance with her music while guests enjoyed a delicious four-course dinner.

Afterwards, Reps. Jennifer M. Faunce and Paul Wojno presented a tribute to the UNWLA members in honor of their 75th anniversary. Olha Liskiwsky-Morgan's presentation provided an interesting historical overview of the Detroit Regional Council, emphasizing the spirit of community and friendship among the women as they shared 75 years of humanitarian endeavors.

A delightful original poem "U 75 Littia SUA" (on the 75th anniversary of the UNWLA) was written and recited by Marta Szechowycz. In verse Ms. Szechowycz recognized the 75 years of charitable activities performed by many Soyuzianky and fondly remembered those who are no longer with us. She emphasized their legacy with the hope that the younger generation will follow in their footsteps.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Hewko thanked everyone who participated in this historic celebration. The Very Rev. Roberto Lucavei OSBM, pastor of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church, gave the benediction.

The culmination of the evening was a commemorative photograph taken of members spanning four generations of women. This indeed was a reflective moment for the attending Soyuzianky.

It was a celebration of the hard work and dedication of Ukrainian women who have every reason to be proud of their past achievements. To ensure the continuity of the goals of their organizations, they have committed themselves to carry on the charitable, educational and social activities initiated by their predecessors of 75 years ago.

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