Virginia Ukrainians celebrate fifth anniversary of association (10/28/01)

Virginia Ukrainians celebrate fifth anniversary of association

by Tom Krop

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - On the first day of fall, September 22, more than 80 people gathered at Broad Bay Country Club to celebrate the 10th anniversary of independent Ukraine and the fifth anniversary of the Tidewater Ukrainian Cultural Association (TUCA).

Olena Boyko, former president of TUCA, conceived the idea for the gala. TUCA Secretary Andy Grynewytsch and numerous other contributors ensured the success of the party.

The evening began with the procession of the American and Ukrainian flags, the singing of the national anthems of both countries, and the traditional bread and salt welcoming ceremony. Dr. Thomas M. Krop, current TUCA president, then gave a brief welcoming address that included a slide show covering the five years of TUCA's existence, as he highlighted the many accomplishments of the fledgling organization.

Capt. Serhii Nechyporenko, naval attaché at the Embassy of Ukraine, and Anna Makhorkina, a graduate student at Old Dominion University, gave additional addresses. They both discussed the struggles Ukraine has experienced in following a path to independence and democracy, and stressed the importance of continuing strong cooperation between America and Ukraine.

The keynote speaker was Marta Zielyk, senior diplomatic interpreter from the U.S. State Department, who spoke about the role of an interpreter in international affairs at the highest levels of state. She related several humorous and stressful experiences she had while acting as an interpreter for President Bill Clinton in his conversations with various Ukrainian diplomats, including President Leonid Kuchma.

Petro Vashchyk, the famed "Kozak" from the schooner Batkivschyna also attended the gala and performed various instrumental and vocal numbers throughout the evening. In addition, award-winning modern religious icons created by TUCA member Elaine Hampton were on display.

TUCA was founded in 1996 by eight Tidewater and Richmond residents who met when the first ships from independent Ukraine docked in Norfolk harbor. The association has now grown to more than 70 members and their families who share the goals of educating the general public about the country and culture of Ukraine; providing a friendly port for Ukrainian sailors, diplomats and students; and collecting money, medical supplies and clothing for shipment to orphans in Ukraine.

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