Turning the pages back... December 1, 2002 (11/30/03)

Turning the pages back...

December 1, 2002

Last year at this time we reported on the kick-off to the renaissance of Soyuzivka, the beloved resort owned by the Ukrainian National Association that has hosted countless Ukrainians from all parts of North America and, indeed, all parts of the globe.

Hundreds of guests accepted the UNA's invitation to "come home to Soyuzivka" for the estate's 50th anniversary gala on Saturday, November 23, 2002. They learned that there is a promising plan for Soyuzivka's future as a four-season resort serving the Ukrainian community. The theme for the celebration was "I Love Suzy-Q," and that message was evident throughout: on balloons, on programs, on wine glasses; it was even spelled out in lights.

The resort was booked solid (and many stayed at nearby hotels). Cocktail hour in the Main House lobby and library was jam-packed with guests, as they mingled with old friends and enjoyed the photo display of people and events from years past at Soyuzivka. Present at the filled-to-capacity banquet in the Veselka auditorium were: Soyuzivka regulars, former employees, UNA officials, participants of Soyuzivka's sports competitions, leaders of Soyuzivka camps and many others who have come to love this unique resort.

UNA President Stefan Kaczaraj noted that "Soyuzivka holds a very special place in our hearts." After giving a capsule history of the significance of Soyuzivka for Ukrainian children, youths and parents, for campers, athletes and devotees of Ukrainian culture, he vowed: "We must and we will do all in our power, with God's help and the community's support, to rebuild Soyuzivka, to make sure that it is secure for our children and grandchildren." Presentations were also made by UNA National Secretary Christine E. Kozak and UNA Treasurer Roma Lisovich. The keynote address was by Roman Kyzyk, a Soyuzivka devotee who grew up at the resort and today brings his children there, who reflected on the meaning of Soyuzivka and the connections it has engendered through the years.

A high point of the evening came when it was announced that the Self Reliance (New York) Federal Credit Union was donating $50,000 to Soyuzivka - the first donation to what was later dubbed "Soyuzivka Project Renaissance."

Source: "Soyuzivka celebrates 50th anniversary as plan for its renaissance is announced," by Roma Hadzewycz, The Ukrainian Weekly, December 1, 2002, Vol. LXX, No. 48.

| Home Page |