NOTES ON PEOPLE (08/31/03)

NOTES ON PEOPLE

Miami community gather to celebrate couple's 60th wedding anniversary

by Donna Maksymowich-Waskiewicz

MIAMI - Members of the Miami Ukrainian community gathered to celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of Nicholas and Irene Rakush on Sunday, July 13. The festivities followed Sunday divine liturgy at the Assumption-Dormition Ukrainian Catholic Church.

More than $1,700 was donated to the church in the Rakushes' name in celebration of this momentous occasion - very fitting for a couple who have spearheaded so many fund-raising campaigns for Ukrainian organizations here in the United States and, most dear to them, in Ukraine.

Mr. and Mrs. Rakush arrived in Miami in 1968 and immediately became involved in the local Ukrainian National Association Branch 368, Ukrainian National Women's League of America Branch 17, the Ukrainian American Club of Miami and the Assumption-Dormition Ukrainian Catholic Church. They have served as officers of these organizations during the past 35 years and continue to mentor their current officers.

They helped found the Ukrainian American Senior Society in 1975 where Mr. Rakush served as president for 20 years and led the way for countless donations to the Catholic Church and countless other causes, including the Shevchenko Scientific Society. The Rakushes also continue to support other local organizations like the Ukrainian Dancers of Miami. Their involvement in each of these groups has been instrumental in keeping the organizations strong and vital to Ukrainian life in Miami.

Kind words and well wishes for "many years" were expressed by many community members, most notably Father Ivan Chirovsky, Miroslava Tershakovec, Maria Wenglowskyj and Michael Kowalchuk. Representing the younger generation, Donna Maksymowich-Waskiewicz ex-pressed sincere appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Rakush for their years of hard work and for the fine example they have been to all Ukrainians who know them.

From the champagne toast and "Mnohaya Lita" to the beef stroganoff and torte, Miami Ukrainians paid tribute to two pillars of the Ukrainian community, Nicholas and Irene Rakush.

Notes on people is a feature geared toward reporting on the achievements of members of the Ukrainian National Association. All submissions should be concise due to space limitations and must include the person's UNA branch number. Items will be published as soon as possible after their receipt, when space permits.

| Home Page |