Interviews show interest but little knowledge of UNA resort's current financial standing (09/15/02)

Interviews show interest but little knowledge of UNA resort's current financial standing

by Peter Steciuk, Andrew Olesnycky and Andrew Nynka

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - As Ukrainians, and some non-Ukrainians, descended on the Ukrainian National Association's Soyuzivka resort during the long Labor Day weekend for a traditional parting-with-summer festivity, The Ukrainian Weekly wanted to know what people knew about Soyuzivka's current situation and their views about the resort's future.

Were they aware, for instance, that the 35th UNA Convention held in Chicago in May of this past year made clear that Soyuzivka's current deficit of more than $500,000 was sufficiently serious enough to be a danger to the UNA's well-being? (It is important to note, however, that in a statement printed on September 8 in The Ukrainian Weekly, UNA President Stefan Kaczaraj made clear that the organization has no intent to sell the resort. As a matter of fact, Mr. Kaczaraj highlighted the new administration's resolve to keep Soyuzivka.)

Did they know that delegates at that convention decided that an authoritative decision must be made, within one year, on whether it would be viable to save the resort and how that could be done?

The Weekly also wanted to know how people valued the resort and what they thought could be done in order to improve upon the half-century-old Soyuzivka.

Here are their answers. (In the case of persons interviewed as a group, the answers published reflect the input of the entire group.)

Christian and Andrew Kulba, 31, Philadelphia:

Are you aware of the new developments regarding Soyuzivka's financial situation?

We had no idea.

What are your reactions to news that the UNA might be forced to consider selling Soyuzivka?

It would be devastating. We worked here for five years in the summer as waiters and bartenders, and believe me if we didn't love it we wouldn't have worked here for five years. It's a place for all to go. Where would the kids go? Where would the young people meet? Our parents got married here in 1967, we want to get married here also.

What needs to be done to help Soyuzivka get on its feet financially?

Ukrainians need to get more involved. People can't just say things need to be done but need to actually take pride in it, act and give back. A lot just come for the weekend, but it's time for some action.

What would be the effect on the Ukrainian American community if the UNA were forced to sell Soyuzivka?

It's a great place to meet, so without Soyuzivka a big part of the summer would be lost. And things like "Tabir Ptashat" and dance camp would no longer have a place to be held.

Lubko and Darka Luzniak, in their 50s:

Have you heard about the recent developments regarding Soyuzivka's financial troubles?

Yes. It's sad after 50 years for them to be in such dire straits, considering all the Ukrainian American professionals and millionaires.

What needs to be done for Soyuzivka to turn things around?

First of all, renovations are needed. Some of the place is in ill repair, but we overlook it. There's no TV and there are no phones in [some of] the rooms. Even though we're used to it, they need to update the facilities. We've been coming here since 1956, and in all the years not much has changed. Now there's only so much time to do it. One year and then a decision. To non-Ukrainians it's not bad, but you won't have many non-Ukrainians at Soyuzivka because there are better places to go. They need conference facilities for instance. We're at an age where we want first class.

What would be the effect on the Ukrainian American community if Soyuzivka were sold?

It would be sad, but I think people would find other places to stay in touch. The SUM resort is one place. Plus, Verkhovyna was just renovated.

Orysia Zobniv and Ulana Luciw:

Have you heard about Soyuzivka's recent financial troubles?

No.

What's your reaction to the news that Soyuzivka might need to be sold?

It would be a tragedy if there was nowhere for people from around the country to get together. We'd miss Labor Day since it's the big bash before school starts.

What needs to be done to turn things around?

They need to update the rooms and facilities, and maybe step up their marketing. And they could use a health spa. They need people to want to stay there because it's nice. Maybe there could be conferences and banquets during off-times. They might be able to establish some kind of partnerships with local businesses and set up some tours in the area for guests - maybe something with the wine trail. Besides that, they could look into corporate sponsorship.

Paul Hlynsky, 48, Akron, Ohio:

Have you heard about Soyuzivka's financial troubles?

I've heard about the financial problems but not about the recent developments.

What would be the impact on the Ukrainian American community if Soyuzivka were sold?

It would have a tremendous impact if it were sold. It's the flagpole of the Ukrainian community. It's a rallying center. I hope every effort is made to hold on to it.

What needs to be done to turn things around?

Prices on everything need to be raised. Plus, there should be an extra dues fee for UNA members in return for using the resort. Also, conferences would be a definite attraction. Maybe some Ukrainian corporate sponsors could be found. I'm sure they're thinking of alternatives. No one wants to lose this place.

What would be the effect on the Ukrainian community if Soyuzivka were sold?

It would decentralize the Ukrainian community. But I think there's hope of saving Soyuzivka because Ukrainians will always rally around other Ukrainians. It's just a beautiful place to hear the Ukrainian language and see Ukrainian tradition. It hasn't changed much over the years. There are a lot of young people ready to take on the tradition.

Olexa Casanova, 17, New Jersey; Mark Babiak, 16, Washington; Yaroslav Vynnytsky, 17, New York; Deanna Kochan, 16, New Jersey:

Have you heard about Soyuzivka's recent financial troubles?

No.

How can Soyuzivka improve its financial situation?

They should have more Labor Days. A few more big events would be great for Soyuzivka. Besides that, they need to charge more at the gate per person, and they have to make it harder for people to sneak through without paying. A raffle would probably be a good way to raise money. And maybe they could do more to make things interesting for teenagers, like if they made one of the buildings a hotel for teenagers for Labor Day weekend. Or if they had a party with a D.J. and some newer music somewhere. It could have a fee for unlimited food and drinks, and I think people wouldn't mind paying more. Soyuzivka could have an end-of-tabir-party for kids. Besides all that, they need to make the rooms more appealing.

Do you think people would lose touch if Soyuzivka were sold?

Yaroslav: Lose touch? I wouldn't even make touch.

What would you be willing to do to help Soyuzivka?

We'd be willing to pay more for things.

Roma Klymkovych, 28, Chicago:

What does Soyuzivka mean to you?

Soyuzivka means home. It's a place we can always go to see friends and family whether next year or in 10 years.

Orest Zakydalsky, 20, Toronto:

What are your thoughts about Soyuzivka?

This is my third or fourth Labor Day. I love it because I see a bunch of people I only see here and at Malanka. My favorite part though is that it's a cultural mosaic.

Adrian Kutko, 37:

What makes Soyuzivka so special?

I come here to see friends I first made 10, 20 years ago. You can come here and pretty much pick up where you left off.

What are your thoughts on a struggling Soyuzivka?

It's a shame that they are really talking about closing Suzy-Q. It really wouldn't be the same to spend Labor Day anywhere else. It's hard to understand how Q isn't making money. There are weddings every weekend and other events like Labor Day should be bringing in money.

Bohdan Pechenyak, 20, formerly of Lviv, now of New Haven, Conn.:

What does Soyuzivka mean to you?

Suzy-Q is a great place to relax and get together with friends. It's very important to have a cultural center like Suzy-Q. It's such a great place to have camps, to speak Ukrainian and to keep up customs and traditions.

Christina Popovich, 17, New Jersey:

What do you find special about Soyuzivka?

It's a great meeting place. There's a lot of history here. My grandparents came here and my parents worked here.

What is your favorite aspect of Soyuzivka?

My favorite part is the freedom and relaxation, and that you feel like you're among your own people.

What are good ways for young people to help Soyuzivka?

Coming up as much as possible is a good way to help. Also little things like buying something at the gift shop.

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