Revisit an old favorite: Soyuzivka resort invites all for its 50th anniversary (05/05/02)

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do...

Revisit an old favorite: Soyuzivka resort invites all for its 50th anniversary

by Sonia Semanyshyn

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - From the very beginning, back in 1952 when the Ukrainian National Association purchased an estate in the Catskill region of New York state, Soyuzivka's main goal was to bring together as many young people as possible, to keep them within the Ukrainian community.

Soyuzivka gave the young people a place to learn about their culture, religion and heritage, to work, to expand their social graces. Besides working at Soyuzivka a young Ukrainian could attend one of the myriad camps and courses available during the summer months.

Through its 50 years Soyuzivka has always pulsed with life. And the beauty here is undeniable - just look out over the Veselka Terrace onto the mountain ledge, watch the setting sun or wake to a glorious day. In the spring visitors see everything budding, in the summer they smell the flowers, in the fall they see the leaves change color from yellow to deep red, and in winter they enjoy the serenity of Soyuzivka covered in pure white snow. Those are the simple pleasures that we often overlook in this busy world.

Soyuzivka has become a part of us - and all these gifts should be remembered and experienced by future generations. Bring your children or grandchildren to Soyuzivka - enjoy relaxation and nature's beauty. If you need to have an active time, we can steer you to a variety of activities available in the general area, from rock-climbing and mountain biking to antiquing.

To quote Daniel Slobodian, a former manager of Soyuzivka, "With some optimism we feel certain that anyone, young or old, will find a vacation spent at the Ukrainian National Association Estate an experience they will enjoy and return to this spot to enjoy the company of other Americans of Ukrainian origin." This statement is as true now as it was when Mr. Slobodian first made it, 49 years ago.

Experience our valley, our lovely estate and the bounty with which Mother Nature has endowed Soyuzivka. Send your children to our camps of which there is a nice selection, from "Tabir Ptashat" for Ukrainian-speaking preschoolers and the Chemney "heritage" camp conducted in English, to the children's sleep-away camp, sports camp, tennis camp, scuba courses and the ever popular dance camp.

Come to the Trembita Lounge and meet other Ukrainians whether fourth-generation Ukrainian Canadians or Ukrainian Americans or those straight from Ukraine. Experience some of our shows, or enjoy a pysanka-making lesson in the lobby or a gerdan-stringing session by the pool. Enjoy the bountiful feasts of Steak Night, Hutsul Night or Odesa Night. Enter the Miss Soyuzivka contest. Get pleasure from the entertainment on the weekends.

There is a lot to enjoy about Soyuzivka - come and visit even if its only overnight. We will try our best to make you feel at home; our staff is waiting to greet you.

For more information contact: Soyuzivka, P.O. Box 529, Kerhonkson, NY 12446; website, www.Soyuzivka.com. telephone, (845) 626-5641 ext. 141, e-mail, [email protected].

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