THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (05/13/01)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

UNA execs hold quarterly meeting Soyuzivka and investments among topics

by Martha Lysko
National Secretary

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - The first quarterly meeting in 2001 of the Executive Committee of the Ukrainian National Association was held at the UNA Corporate Headquarters on Saturday, March 24. The meeting was chaired by UNA President Ulana Diachuk.

In attendance were members of the Executive Committee: Vice-Presidents Stefko Kuropas and Anya Dydyk-Petrenko, National Secretary Martha Lysko and treasurer Stefan Kaczaraj. The Rev. Myron Stasiw, director for Canada, could not attend due to his pastoral duties and sent his regrets. Bill Pastuszek, the chairman of the Auditing Committee, was present.

The agenda included reports of the executives encompassing closing statements for the year 2000, an amendment to the UNA's investment policy and a discussion on the report of the Standing Committee on Soyuzivka. Also discussed were summer camps at Soyuzivka and the feasibility of holding a summer festival at the resort.

It was reported by Mr. Kaczaraj that the UNA ended the year 2000 with the lowest deficit in over 10 years. The greatly improved financial status of the UNA was mainly due to the reduction in the deficits of its publications and a reduction in operating expenses. The publications had an overall deficit of $175,000 for the year 2000, while the deficit in 1999 was $246,000.

The Ukrainian National Urban Renewal Corp. showed a profit for year 2000 in the amount of $107,000. The UNA had unrealized losses of $383,000 due to the weakness in the Canadian dollar. Soyuzivka remains the UNA's biggest financial burden; the deficit from Soyuzivka was $579,000 for the year 2000. Mr. Kaczaraj concluded by reporting that the overall decrease in surplus for 2000 was $188,000.

National Secretary Lysko reported that total UNA membership for the year 2000 stands at 50,689 members: 25,685 premium-paying members and 25,004 paid-up members. The UNA achieved 42 percent of the organizing quota for the year, enrolling 526 new members for a total amount of $7,903,549 in insurance coverage.

In January of this year all UNA branches went on direct billing, Mrs. Lysko noted. New insurance applications compliant with current regulations were introduced to the association also in January.

Although he was not present, the Rev Stasiw, director for Canada, presented a written report, in which he discussed his Toronto District, his branch and the proposed changes to the By-Laws of UNA.

First Vice-President Kuropas reported on his activities. The Dial All Day for the UNA fund-raiser generated about $2,000 in revenue, which was donated to The Ukrainian Weekly. He said this program should be made available to the Home Office and the UNA's publications immediately because the UNA can profit from this. Mr. Kuropas also reported on the his involvement in the Standing Committee on Soyuzivka.

Second Vice-President Dydyk-Petrenko reported that she once again has agreed to undertake the organization of summer entertainment programs at Soyuzivka. She noted that once she has received a schedule from Soyuzivka she will proceed with scheduling concerts.

President Diachuk summarized all aspects of UNA operations. In regard to the Organizing Department she underscored the need for younger branch secretaries to exert greater effort in organizing. Canada had particularly disappointing organizing results, with only 20 new members enrolled for the year. Canadian members now make up only 6.5 percent of all UNA membership. With the introduction of direct billing it is hoped secretaries will devote more time to organizing new members.

As regards the UNA's publications, Mrs. Diachuk reported that during 2000 Svoboda lost 21 subscribers and now has 7,428 subscribers, while The Ukrainian Weekly lost 47 subscribers and has 6,812 subscribers.

The president underscored that, even though there were decreases in overall losses and some areas showed a profit, the UNA must continue to be very careful with its expenses. Soyuzivka continues to be a major drain on the association and we must devote our energies to solve this ongoing problem. For the summer of 2001 the UNA will try to accommodate all camps that could not be held at Verkhovyna due to the upcoming sale of that resort, Mrs. Diachuk explained. She also noted that camp fees were increased to reflect the expenses of running the camps.

The UNURC has leased all available space except for 2,070 square feet. As already reported by the treasurer, the building generated a profit for year 2000 and will continue to do so in 2001. The president further reported that the sale of Christmas cards generated a net profit (including donations) of $39,431. Net income at Soyuzivka was $26,632. Donations to the Svoboda Press Fund were $4,557; to The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund - $4,412 and to the Ukrainian National Foundation - $3,830.

Mrs. Diachuk also informed the Executive Committee that Canadian insurance authorities had conducted an examination of the Canadian business and stressed the need to keep all Canadian business and records at the office of the UNA's chief agent in Canada, Bohdan Mocherniak. Canadian officials also are concerned by the UNA's lack of growth in Canada and are demanding that the UNA prepare a strategic plan for the next five years for Canadian business.

The Executive Committee reviewed the report of the Standing Committee on Soyuzivka presented by Mr. Kuropas. The committee which includes UNA Advisors: Alexander Chudolij, Wasyl Szeremeta, Taras Szmagala Jr. and Roma Hadzewycz, is chaired by Mr. Kuropas. Since the UNA General Assembly meeting in December the committee has been studying various options, to solve the financial problems of Soyuzivka and find outside funding. These options while not yet fully developed, were presented to the Executive Committee at the quarterly meeting.

The options all revolve around the concept that the UNA might create a wholly-owned for-profit or non-profit subsidiary and transfer Soyuzivka into that company. With such a transfer the UNA could retain ownership but look for an operating partnership from the private sector or a non-profit organization. Soyuzivka would get its funding from two sources: donations from the community and from an operating company. As these options are further explored, the Standing Committee will be reporting to the Executive Committee. (At the General Assembly meeting in December 2000 a deadline of May 1, 2001, was given to the Standing Committee for formulating a working plan.)

The Executive Committee members discussed Soyuzivka's summer programs. Due to poor attendance at the concerts at Soyuzivka in the past few years, it was decided not to arrange concerts for each weekend, but only on selected dates. Weekend dances will continue to have live bands. The proposed Ukrainian Youth Festival at Soyuzivka was discussed by the Executive Committee. The idea was to fill the void if that festival was not to be held at Verkhovyna. After considering all factors, the plans for a festival at Soyuzivka this summer were dropped because of the uncertainty of the situation. Soyuzivka will accept all camps formerly held at Verkhovyna but will also hold its own previously scheduled camps.

As in previous years, this summer teachers of Ukrainian studies schools will hold their seminars at Soyuzivka. The UNA will continue its established practice in paying only for teachers who are UNA members. All other teachers will have to find other sponsors or pay for their stay at Soyuzivka.

Finally the Executive Committee adopted an amendment to the UNA Investment Policy regarding investments in Canada; this change was mandated by Canadian authorities.

Auditors count by-laws ballots, conduct review of UNA operations

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - Members of the Ukrainian National Association's Auditing Committee are seen above on May 8 counting the ballots on the proposed changes to the UNA By-Laws. The ballot count was the first item on the agenda of the auditors' review of UNA operations. Seen above (from left) are: Myron Groch, Stefan Hawrysz (vice-chairman), William Pastuszek (chairman) and Alexander J. Serafyn (secretary). Auditor Zaviysky's absence that day was excused. (See story about the by-laws on page 1.)

Seniors conference slated for June

by Anna Chopek
President, UNA Seniors

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. - Are you a regular or social senior member of the UNA? It is time for you to call Soyuzivka, (845) 626-5641, or write to the Ukrainian National Association Estate, P.O. Box 529, Kerhonkson, NY 12446 for a reservation.

Also, if you are a member of the Ukrainian Fraternal Association, you are hereby invited to participate in the UNA Senior Conference on June 10-15.

To get a special rate for your stay at the conference, seniors should bring a card or letter from their UNA or UFA branch secretary verifying their membership. The registration fee is $5.

The conference will begin with a divine liturgy at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kerhonkson for deceased members. The program includes a few brief sessions, discussion of current events in Ukraine by Dr. Roman Baranowsky and Dr. Roman Procyk, as well as a talk on new publications issued by the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, a talk on legal matters of interest to seniors by Attorney Anna Chopek, a Ukrainian sing-along, a welcoming party, a free Bingo night, an auction of Ukrainian items, an Odesa Night dinner (featuring various seafood dishes), card games and Ukrainian videos, and a cocktail party on the Veselka deck prior to an elegant banquet with dancing to taped music.

Seniors are asked to bring Ukrainian items to the auction; all proceeds from the auction go to Ukrainian charities. Also, seniors are asked to wear a Ukrainian blouse, shirt or tie to the banquet.

UNA President Ulana Diachuk is expected at the conference, giving the seniors an opportunity for questions relating to UNA matters.

The members of the Kerhonkson Branch of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America are planning a trip to a casino in Connecticut on Wednesday of UNA Senior Week and have invited the UNA Seniors to join them.

Interested? Please make your reservation with Sonya at Soyuzivka.

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