Jersey's Ukrainian activists meet to draw up plans for independence celebrations (06/03/01)

Jersey's Ukrainian activists meet to draw up plans for independence celebrations

by Walter Bodnar

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - Plans for celebrating the 10th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, which falls on August 24, were initiated on May 17 here at the offices of Halibej Realty located in the Ukrainian National Association Corporate Headquarters building. Thirteen representatives from Ukrainian American organizations in New Jersey discussed methods of organizing a non-partisan working committee to set the wheels in motion.

Attorney Jerry Kuzemczak chaired the meeting, and Bozhena Olshaniwsky was recording secretary. After introductions, a lively discussion ensued and the purpose of the anniversary celebration was addressed with such questions as: What approach should we use? For whom is the program intended? How do we implement our idea? The affair could be internal for the edification of Ukrainian Americans, or perhaps it should reach out to include public officials and involve representatives of the government of Ukraine.

A variety of suggestions were made such as: a banquet with children's groups participating, speeches and participation of local and state American politicians, speeches and participation of members of Ukraine's government and Parliament, bilingual (Ukrainian and English) press releases and paid ads, a special section in the Star-Ledger's "World of Wonders" page regarding Ukraine's independence for the August 23 edition, a blood drive, funding by credit unions, use of the Internet, cooperation with the "Fourth Wave" of immigrants from Ukraine, coordination with the Ukrainian Embassy and Consulate, etc. Several individuals promised to survey the availability of facilities, hotels, dates, performers and prices and to attempt to co-opt as many helpers as possible.

The following executive working committee was chosen: Michael Koziupa (Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union and Whippany Branch of the Ukrainian American Youth Association), chairman; Martha Lysko (UNA), vice chairman; Jaroslawa Mulyk (UNWLA), treasurer; Ms. Olshaniwsky (AHRU), secretary; John Burtyk (UCCA), Ukrainian press; Walter Bodnar (UNCHAIN), English press; Mr. Kuzemczak (UCCA), member at large.

In addition to the members of the executive committee, also attending were: Hryhorij Dobusz (Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine), Michael Halibej (UCCA), Alex Pidwerbetsky (Ukrainian American Professionals and Businesspersons of New York and New Jersey), Roman Pyndus (Chornomorska Sitch and Plast), Kvitka Semanyshyn (UCCA, Newark) and Andre Worobec (UNA, Northern New Jersey District).

Meeting participants decided to include as many organizations in New Jersey as possible on the committee. The next meeting of the 10th anniversary committee will be held on Thursday, June 7, at 7 p.m., Suite 206, Halibej Realty, UNA Corporate Headquarters 2200 Route 10, Parsipany, N.J.

Working from a list supplied by the UCCA and the by UNA, Mr. Kuzemczak apologized for any organization that might have been overlooked and invited inquiries via phone at (973) 644-4920.

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