THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (08/08/04)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

On our 110th anniversary

Spotlight on UNA branches

Branch 112, Sisterhood of St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Cleveland

At the turn of the century, as more Ukrainians were arriving in this country and settling in the Cleveland area, an organization was needed to provide for financial, spiritual and social well-being. The Ukrainian National Association fulfilled this need, offering insurance as security and the opportunity to socialize. Men already had their own UNA branch, so on May 2, 1910, nine women met and elected Mary Herron as president, Katherine Wolansky as financial secretary and Pauline Wolansky as treasurer. They called themselves the Sisterhood of St. Mary's Immaculate Conception, or St. Mary's Lodge, Branch 112 of the UNA.

Years passed and the membership grew slowly but steadily. The women sponsored picnics, dances, card parties and Mother's Day communion breakfasts to raise funds. They elected representatives to the Ukrainian United Organizations of Cleveland and the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, and every four years sent delegates to the UNA convention to voice their opinions.

Over $400 was sent to Ridna Shkola in Lviv, over $300 to other Ukrainian causes. Shares were purchased from the Ukrainian bank in Lviv. Shares were also purchased from the Ukrainian National Home in Cleveland. Donations to Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church and its parochial school were over $1,100, $1,000 was given to various Ukrainian projects in America. A stained glass was pledged to St. Andrew's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Parma, Ohio.

The sisterhood gave generously toward an ambulance for the Red Cross during World War II. It actively participated in soliciting pledges for the erection of a monument to Lesia Ukrainka in the Cultural Gardens in Cleveland.

Members participated in the funerals of deceased members, offering prayers at the parastas, standing with their banners in church and in other functions. When fellow Ukrainians arrived in America after the end of World War II, they welcomed them with shelter, clothes, food and funds.

A fourth generation of leaders is now continuing the work of this great organization.

The 2004 officers of Branch 112 are Secretary Alice Olenchuk and President Nancy Fedak.

Branch 120 hosts annual golf outing

by Eli Matiash

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. - The ninth annual golf outing sponsored by UNA Branch 120 of Aliquippa, Pa., was held on Saturday, July 17, with 98 golfers, including eight golfers from Branch 161.

Also participating were 11 volunteers, as well as guests from UNA Branches 120 and 16. The annual event was a huge success.

The outing, which has become a branch tradition, was held at the Beaver Creek Meadows Country Club, followed by a picnic that was enjoyed by all.

The goal of the outing is to promote fraternity among club members, UNA branches and the Ukrainian community.

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