Plast's Khmelnychenky honor Jakiw Shegryn on his 90th birthday

by Yaroslav I. Stanchak

WALTHAM, Mass. - On a spring-like day on Saturday, March 9, the Plast Fraternity of Khmelnychenky threw a surprise 90th birthday party for their longtime Plast mentor and Kozak brother, Jakiw Shegryn.

More than 30 members of the Sichovyi brotherhood travelled from near and far for this unique tribute and celebration hosted by the Boston "stezha" (branch) of the Khmelnychenky at the home of Evhen and Fran Muzyka. The arrival of Mr. Shegryn, known as "Druh" Jakiw, at the supposed meeting started the formal opening of activities.

Initially, Mr. Shegryn was somewhat perplexed as to the large number of members attending this particular meeting; this question was rapidly clarified after the opening formalities when the members burst out singing "Mnohaya Lita" in their inimitable fashion followed by laughter and much shouting of greetings.

Throughout the birthday song, Druh Jakiw's expression displayed a wide range of emotions before finally settling into a beaming smile of delight and pleasure. This happiness continued throughout the course of the festivities that included presentations and greetings from near and far.

Mr. Shegryn, known as "Bratchyk" to his many friends, has been a key low-profile player in the Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization for the majority of his long life. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of many programs for beginning and young members of Plast known as "novaky." This was exemplified by his yearly commitment to running summertime Plast camps at both the Vovcha Tropa and Bobrivka campgrounds. In the off-season he continued his efforts in the Plast branch of Boston.

This selfless service of over 50 years has positively influenced and shaped countless numbers of young people and adults. Mr. Shegryn has continued this commitment during his retirement by traveling to Ukraine for the past decade and taking part in its Plast camps.

In the words of Khmelnychenky member Borys Pawluk, "Druh Jakiw has always been the doer, with initiative and action creating the reality and always taking precedence over garrulous words and lofty inaction. In a world of decorated generals, he is the master sergeant."

Mr. Shegryn is planning to continue his activities and will be traveling to Ukraine this summer to attend the Plast Jamboree 2002 that will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the youth organization's founding in Lviv.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, March 17, 2002, No. 11, Vol. LXX

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