Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization is reborn in central New York state (11/16/03)

Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization is reborn in central New York state

by Borys Buniak

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - After nine years of dormancy, Plast has reorganized and rekindled an active association in the city of Syracuse, N.Y. An initiative to consolidate a group of individual members scattered throughout Central New York resulted in an enthusiastic rebirth of the Syracuse Branch of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization.

After the difficult task of restructuring was completed earlier this year, Syracuse has become an official group under the auspices of Plast-U.S.A.

On September 21, a merger of individual groups from Binghamton, Syracuse and Utica celebrated their joint venture with a successful opening day ceremony at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Syracuse, followed by a picnic organized by Lida Buniak at Pratt's Falls Park in Manlius, N.Y.

The protocol for the event was read by lawyer John I. Hvozda, and implemented by Dr. George Temnycky. Blessings and a prayer were led by Father Wasyl Kadylo.

Children and adults alike enjoyed food, nature walks to the scenic water falls, organized games, sports, Plast songs and pleasant conversation. Plans for continued growth and activity within our community were a topic of great discussion. With kind support from Father Ivan Kaszczak, Plast will hold regular meetings in the undercross of the church with periodic relocation to either Binghamton or Utica to reduce travel burden on individuals living outside of Syracuse. Such camaraderie is reminiscent of the early organizational cooperation in the early 1960s when these same three cities worked together to raise their children in the spirit of Ukrainian Scouting.

Under the leadership of Dr. Borys Buniak, Plast in Syracuse intends to grow with assistance from its additional members. A total of 14 children gathered at the picnic in order to begin the year of preparation for promotions, activities and friendly sports competition. Counselors for the group's young members are currently attending local universities and are prepared to conduct regular meetings and organize field trips with their assigned groups. Among them is Orest Mykyta, a student at Syracuse University, who has been a counselor in Syracuse since March.

Plast-Pryiat, a parental support organization for Plast, will be under the direction of Martha Salenko of Binghamton. This post was previously held by Roma Temnycky, who has now assumed the role of treasurer. It is the commitment of such talented parent and student volunteers that ensures the bright future of Plast in upstate New York.

The local community has always been enthusiastic about its Ukrainian scouts and has wholeheartedly welcomed the reappearance of an organized Plast group in Central New York - an important event for this tri-city Ukrainian population.

With Plast's rebirth in Syracuse, there is anticipation that this group will enhance participation in organized social and community events between former, current and future scouts to strengthen our Ukrainian character and tradition.

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