THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (05/19/02)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

CONVENTION PREPARATIONS: District offers proposals for deliberation

The Northern New Jersey District Committee of the UNA on May 8 convened a special preconvention meeting of its members and delegates to the 35th Convention of the Ukrainian National Association. At the meeting, held at the UNA Corporate Headquarters in Parsippany, N.J., participants discussed a number of issues facing convention delegates and the UNA.

The meeting participants voted to present the following proposals to the 35th Convention.

1. The district agrees that the size of the General Assembly should be reduced. However, it suggests that the UNA By-Laws be amended to provide for five executive officers (president, two vice-presidents, national secretary and treasurer); three auditors and 11 advisors. In addition, advisors should have specified duties, especially focused on assisting with fraternal activities which, in turn, will help promote membership in the UNA.

2. The duration of UNA conventions should be shortened from five days to three days. In addition, conventions should not be held on holiday weekends, such as Memorial Day weekend, or on holidays, such as Mother's Day.

3. The newly elected General Assembly should be given at least two years to resolve the Soyuzivka dilemma.

4. UNA publications should publish the names of candidates for the UNA Executive Committee and their credentials at least six weeks prior to the UNA Convention.

* * *

As well, Northern New Jersey District members' discussions yielded the following: suggestions General Assembly members should enroll at least five members per year; the UNA must undertake a serious marketing campaign for its products, services and subsidiaries, including its two newspapers and Soyuzivka; detailed organizing reports must be published and should include the names of organizers, plus results on the branch and district levels; the UNA must not turn its back on Canada where there is a large Ukrainian population, plus many new immigrants; and the General Assembly must be reactivated to make use of all its members, from executive officers, to auditors and advisors.

28th conference of UNA Seniors: Have you made your reservation?

by Anna Chopek

Have you made your reservation for the 28th annual conference of UNA Seniors to be held at Soyuzivka on June 11 to 15? To be sure that you will get accommodations, call (845) 626 5641 or write to Ukrainian National Association Estate, P.O. Box 529, Kerhonkson, NY 12446.

Soyuzivka is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. As you recall all the vacations and weekends you spent at the Ukrainian National Association's resort, the friends you met, the good times you had, wouldn't you like to repeat the experience? Since many of the friends you met are now seniors, the place to meet them is at the UNA Senior Conference.

We promise you a good time.

The conference begins with a divine liturgy at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kerhonkson for our deceased members. The program includes a few brief sessions, a discussion of current events in Ukraine, a talk on new publications issued by the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institution, talks on medical matters of interest to seniors, (e.g., osteoporosis, food and allergies), a discussion of the UNA Convention, a Ukrainian sing-along, a welcoming party, a free bingo night, an auction of Ukrainian items, an Odesa Night seafood dinner. Ukrainian videos, slides of visits to foreign lands, card games, and a cocktail party on the Veselka deck followed by an elegant anniversary banquet with a keynote speaker.

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

The Kerhonkson Branch of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America is planning a trip to Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut on Wednesday of Senior Week, and have invited the seniors to join them. If you are interested in this event, make your reservation with Sonya Semanyshyn at Soyuzivka.

To get a special rate for your stay at Soyuzivka, seniors should bring a card or letter from their UNA branch secretary verifying their membership.

Anna Chopek is president of the Ukrainian National Association Seniors.

UNWLA executive officers support Weekly's "Copies for Congress" project

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - Having received The Ukrainian Weekly's appeal for support of its "Copies for Congress" project, the Ukrainian National Women's League of America has asked its members to make individual donations.

First to respond were two top officers of the UNWLA. Thus, President Kurowyckyj and her husband, Jaroslaw, donated $300 to the project, while Vice-President Maria Tomorug and her husband, Jaroslaw, donated $100. The donations were received at The Weekly's editorial offices in early May.

In a letter accompanying the donations enabling members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to continue receiving The Weekly, Mrs. Kurowyckyj noted: "On behalf of the UNWLA I wish to express to you our appreciation for publishing articles about our events. We wish you success in all your future endeavors. Keep up the good work."

Thus far, The Ukrainian Weekly has received $9,000 in donations in response to its letter of November 16, 2001, soliciting support for the "Copies for Congress" project.

Young UNA'ers

Seen above are the 12 grandchildren of John and Alice Olenchuk. All of the children are members of Branch 112, the newest member being Blake Andrew Robinson. Mrs. Olenchuk, financial secretary of Branch 112, has insured all of the children. Mr. Olenchuk is a member of Branch 102. Pictured are: (front row, from left) Grace Makenna Robinson, Blake Robinson, Rebecca Poston, Carolyn Poston; (second row) Michelle Henderson, Adam Hipp, Katherine Sterba, Rachel

Hipp; (third row) Luke Poston, Sarah Henderson, Alex Sterba and Bethany Hipp.

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