Branch 18 of UNWLA elects a founder as new president (03/04/01)

Branch 18 of UNWLA elects a founder as new president

CLIFTON, N.J. - Branch 18 of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America came full circle on February 2 when after over 25 years of community service, the presidency of the branch was turned over to its founder and first president, Camilla Huk of Rutherford, N.J.

Throughout the years, this group of professional Ukrainian American women has supported numerous charitable functions, including local services such as sponsorship of a nursery school, helping senior citizens and promoting Ukrainian culture by preparing exhibits and programs for schools and libraries.

The branch was honored by the presence of the UNWLA's past national president, Anna Krawczuk, and Maria Polanskyj, president of the UNWLA's New Jersey Regional Council.

In her acceptance speech, Ms. Huk thanked the outgoing president, Ulana Kobzar of Rutherford, for her deep devotion and dedication, and in particular for her efforts with respect to fund-raising for The Ukrainian Museum. Ms. Kobzar accepted the branch's museum chair for the coming year. Ms. Huk also pointed out that many women often find themselves alone in their 50s, which is the average age of the membership, and that the organization acts as a sisterhood to support women through lifestyle changes such as divorce and widowhood, and serves as an extended family for those women who remained single, while allowing each one to make a contribution in her primary area of interest. With the departure of children and facing the "empty nest" syndrome, Ms. Huk urged women to focus their energies on helping senior citizens who often are totally alone.

"Let us also not forget to enjoy our friendship, to have fun as well," the new president urged. A theater evening was proposed for the branch members' enjoyment.

Ms. Huk also said that with her recent appointment to the directorship of the Children of Hope Foundation, which addresses the needs of the homeless children of Ukraine, she would strive to integrate the foundation's activity with the work of the UNWLA to the benefit of both organizations.

The newly elected vice-president and secretary of the branch, Lidia Kramarchuk, who is involved in overseeing local environmental protection and occupational health issues, explained that the UNWLA also offers her a venue to learn more about her heritage and events in Ukraine - often a much-needed change from her work. She also stressed the need to help recent immigrants to the United States with understanding American culture and solving immigration dilemmas, and she suggested that the branch involve itself in helping immigrants complete documentation and applications whenever possible. To this end, she said she would explore ways this could most readily be done.

Sonya Capar, who is a member of the Clifton library board and the Passaic County Education Association's board, accepted the membership chair, citing the fact that the UNWLA is a good place to meet interesting people both at the branch level and during regional and national conferences and events.

Ms. Capar pointed out that the UNWLA is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs and the National Council of Women, conduits for women to expand their leadership roles.

Christina Blazenko, whose role changed significantly in recent years from librarian to single mother, when she adopted two children from Ukraine, was named treasurer. She will also head the scholarship fund.

Christina Holowchak Debarry, an artist who is past president of the Pastel Society of America, a board member of Allied Artists of America and an elected member of the prestigious Salmagundi Club, was named to the branch's cultural chair. She spoke about future fine art exhibits such as a possible exhibit of Byzantine icons.

Eugenia Cikalo, who now resides outside the branch's immediate area, felt such a bond with the branch that she continues to attend the meetings and remains an active member despite her need to commute. In fact, she assumed the social services chair.

Irene Bendrych Wirszczuk agreed to serve on the Auditing Committee and to assist with social service projects. Joining her are Lida Celuch, who is active in The Ukrainian Museum fund-raising, and Marusia Durbak, who is active in local church affairs.

The branch will hold its annual Easter Bazaar the week before Easter, at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church on President Street (between Lexington and Hope avenues) in Passaic, N.J. It will feature such typical Ukrainian Easter items as pysanky, as well as Ukrainian folk art and fine art.

The branch has invited senior citizens who would like to be on its call list to receive daily free telephone calls from members to make sure they are well, to call Ms. Huk at (201) 933-2580 to register.

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