UCCA dedicates information center for new immigrants (05/26/02)

UCCA dedicates information center for new immigrants

by Tamara Gallo
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America

NEW YORK - After nearly three years of planning, debating and renovating, the decision of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America to open an information center for the newest Ukrainian immigrants in New York City became a reality on Saturday, May 11. On that day, clergy from the Ukrainian Catholic Church, members of the UCCA executive and national boards, representatives from various Ukrainian organizations and financial institutions, as well as many of Ukraine's newest immigrants gathered at the entrance of the UCCA's building in lower Manhattan to dedicate the UCCA Informational Center for New Immigrants.

As in traditional Ukrainian ceremonies, members of the ensemble Ukrainian Family, under the direction of Oksana Lykhovyd, welcomed the public to the new premises with bread and salt, followed by the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem.

UCCA President Michael Sawkiw Jr. opened the events by remarking: "Though this center is dedicated to Ukraine's newest immigrants, it is to be used by everyone who desires to build a strong, united, and vibrant Ukrainian community."

Following the opening remarks, the Rev. Izydor Ilnycky from St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church in Manhattan and the Rev. Deacon Yury Malachowsky from Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church in Astoria accompanied the UCCA president in officially opening the new center by ceremoniously cutting a ribbon. The clergy then performed the religious rite of blessing the new premises.

The UCCA president welcomed the guests and commented that the opening of the center comes at a unique time for the Ukrainian American community, which is commemorating the 125th anniversary of the first Ukrainian immigration to the United States.

Mr. Sawkiw then introduced Ms. Lykhovyd, director of the UCCA's Informational Center for New Immigrants, who described the opening of the center as a truly "historic and timely event for Ukrainians in the United States" as it gives new immigrants the means to use the services available at the center such as English-as-a-Second Language (ESL), computer training, and even citizenship courses. "This will help the new immigrants integrate themselves into American society and be a part of the greater Ukrainian community," she added.

On behalf of the UCCA executive board, Mr. Sawkiw presented Ms. Lykhovyd with two gifts for the center: an engraved cross and a bulava, both from Ukraine.

Following the opening remarks, the Ukrainian Family ensemble performed a brief concert of various songs, incorporating both its youngest and oldest artists. Halfway through the performance, representatives from various financial institutions and organizations delivered brief remarks welcoming the opening of the UCCA Information Center for New Immigrants.

Vsevolod Salenko, representing the Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union, praised the UCCA for its foresight in creating the center and spoke of the necessity to incorporate Ukraine's newest immigrants into the ever-expanding Ukrainian American community. In concluding his comments, Mr. Salenko declared a $1,000 donation from the credit union to the UCCA for the new center.

Bohdan Kekish, representing the Self Reliance (NY) Federal Credit Union also extended his greetings and well wishes to those assembled. Recognizing the significant contributions that the newest immigrants can and will give to the revitalization of the Ukrainian community in the United States, Mr. Kekish presented a check for $2,000 to the UCCA for its efforts in establishing the center.

Other greetings were presented by Nadia Sawchuk from the Ukrainian National Women's League of America; Myroslaw Shmigel from the UCCA branch in New York; and the Rev. Deacon Malachowsky.

Following the conclusion of the program, the participants were invited to tour the newly inaugurated room, where a small reception was held with toasts of Crimean champagne.

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