UKRAINIAN DEBUTANTE BALLS

Washington's annual Malanka continues regional tradition

by Chrystia Shashkewych-Oryshkevych

WASHINGTON - On Saturday, January 10, the Ukrainian Association of Washington again hosted a formal New Year's Malanka. The elegant happening took place in the Grand Ballroom of the Georgetown University Conference Center.

Though there were no debutantes at this year's ball (organizers expect a group of debutantes next year), it was refreshing to see many new faces, as well as familiar attendees at the gala. During the cocktail reception Mykhailo Reznik, Ukraine's new ambassador to the U.S., and his wife, Iryna, had an opportunity to mingle and chat with Ukrainians living in the Washington area.

Afterwards the co-presidents of the association, Sophika Nakonechny Smith and Halyna Breslawec, gave welcoming remarks and introduced the board, who helped in planning this event: Iryna Kost, Rick Smith, John Kun, Chrystia and Yaromyr Oryshkevych, and Slavko and Oleh Voloshyn.

Also in attendance were the Revs. Taras Lonchyna, Volodymyr Steliak and Wasyl Charuk. The Rev. Dr. Petro Galadza, a visiting professor from the Sheptytsky Institute in Ottawa, gave the benediction.

Ms. Nakonechny-Smith introduced Ambassador Reznik, who greeted all and expressed best wishes for the New Year.

After dinner, music was provided by Chicago's Veseli Chasy. There was a champagne toast at midnight to welcome the New Year. The band played many favorites to everyone's enjoyment.

The association's next Malanka Debutante Ball is slated for January 15, 2005.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, March 28, 2004, No. 13, Vol. LXXII

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