EDITORIAL: Our Soyuzivka (06/04/00)

EDITORIAL

Our Soyuzivka

Lately there has been much news about the ongoing resurgence of the Catskills region of New York state. The news media have been focusing on all the area has to offer, whether that is its natural beauty, such as scenic mountains and valleys, or tourist attractions, like trails for the growing sport of mountain biking and lush golf courses.

Located in this very region is our Soyuzivka. As the resort's manager is proud to point out: Soyuzivka is the Ukrainian American community's very own jewel in the Catskill Mountains (or more precisely the Shawangunk mountain range).

For years, Soyuzivka, resort of the Ukrainian National Association, was billed among our community as "a bit of Ukraine in the United States." The resort enjoyed great popularity and its rooms were filled throughout the summer - with weekends drawing great crowds for the evening entertainment programs and dances. During the off-season Soyuzivka did a brisk business in hosting conferences, reunions, weddings and other special affairs.

It was, simply put, THE place to be.

But then something in our community changed. Perhaps it was the opportunity and ability to travel far and wide, even to Ukraine; perhaps it was the need to search for something new and different. Whatever the reasons, Soyuzivka was not attracting the business it once did. Today Soyuzivka is not self-supporting. As a result, the UNA General Assembly decided at its 1999 annual meeting to support and to seek funding for Soyuzivka's continued development.

But the real solution is no mystery: Soyuzivka needs more guests. Without guests, there is no need for this unique resort. Do we want to lose this beautiful center of our community life? And with it a huge portion of our community activities for Ukrainians of all ages? What would we do without Soyuzivka?

Soyuzivka today remains a Ukrainian cultural center, located in close proximity to major Ukrainian communities. It showcases the best performers and spotlights the most interesting artists - both from the Western diaspora and Ukraine. It continues to host myriad camps, from day camps for preschoolers to tennis camps, as well Ukrainian folk dance workshops and seminars for teachers of schools of Ukrainian studies. It still is the venue of choice for weddings - there's just nothing like a Soyuzivka wedding! And, it accommodates conferences and events of all kinds, from intimate family gatherings to Plast's annual "Orlykiada" competition for youths, not to mention corporate functions of all kinds.

Today there is even more reason to visit the resort. A quick look at the Catskills Region Travel Guide - which bills the area as "where the Catskills meet the Hudson" - reveals that the area framed by the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River has much to offer: from antiquing and arts and crafts to wineries and farmers' markets; from bicycling and rock climbing to skiing, archery, horseback riding, canoeing and fishing; from diverse museums to historic sites.

So, enough said. Isn't it time you came home to Soyuzivka?

(For further information call Soyuzivka at (914) 626-5641; fax (914) 626-4638; e-mail [email protected]; or check out the resort's website at www.soyuzivka.com. Additional information about the area around Soyuzivka may be found in the Ulster County Travel Guide, 1-800-DIAL-UCO; and on the tourism website at http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/.)

| Home Page |