THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (06/05/05)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

UNA Home Office representatives visit with Connecticut community

by Oksana Trytjak
UNA National Organizer

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - UNA National Secretary Christine Kozak and UNA National Organizer Oksana Trytjak on Sunday, April 14, drove from New Jersey to New Haven, Conn., to meet with UNA members of the Connecticut District. They brought with them an array of UNA informational materials, books, current issues of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, and an extensive photograph exhibit that illustrates the history and development of the UNA and along with it the Ukrainian community in the diaspora.

The Connecticut UNA District comprises eight branches - the first of which was organized in New Britain back in 1907. Other branches include those in Hartford, founded in 1910 (a second Hartford branch was established in 1950); Stamford, 1913; Ansonia and Bridgeport, 1916; and New Haven in 1938.

The district meeting was held at St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Haven and was organized by UNA Advisor Gloria Horbaty, who also is financial secretary of Branch 414, and Branch President Maria Antonyshyn. There were many UNA'ers present, including Ihor Hayda, chairman of the Connecticut District; Taras Slevinsky, district treasurer; Myroslav Trojan, district auditor; Bohdan Doboszczak, secretary of Branch 59; Taras Slevinsky, district treasurer; Myroslav Trojan, district auditor; Frank Stuban, secretary of Branch 67; Adam Platosz, financial secretary of Branch 254; and Dionizia Brochinsky, secretary of Branch 414.

Close to 80 people came to the parish hall to view the archival photo exhibit after the conclusion of the 11:30 a.m. liturgy. There was also a delicious buffet prepared by Donald and Gloria Horbaty.

Ms. Antonyshyn welcomed everyone and then introduced Ms. Horbaty, who, in turn, introduced Ms. Kozak. The national secretary began by greeting all attendees and briefly explained the products that the UNA offers to members.

More specifically, Ms. Kozak described UNA life insurance products, the many fraternal benefits available to members and the new annuities offered at interest rates as high as 5.5 percent per year. She encouraged everyone to check the interest rates on their IRA accounts, underscoring that the rates available from the UNA are very competitive and often are better than what others offer.

Ms. Kozak informed everyone that the UNA's representatives were at the gathering to meet with the community and to answer any questions they might have about the UNA, Soyuzivka and the UNA's publications, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly.

Later, Ms. Trytjak briefly reminded the attendees of the great investment the UNA has made in the diaspora over the last 111 years. She described the many projects sponsored by the UNA and the millions of dollars invested in the community, as well as the fraternal benefits that are a plus to members and the community at large.

Most importantly, the national organizer reiterated the importance of reviewing personal financial portfolios, which she said should include UNA policies. She mentioned that old $500 and $1,000 paid-up insurance policies are of little value today and that everyone should re-evaluate their insurance policies and upgrade to those that are more in tune with their particular financial needs.

Ms. Trytjak also reported on recent improvements at the UNA resort and its focus on the younger generation, especially all the camps and fun weekends geared toward younger adults. Last but not least, she invited everyone present to the upcoming Seniors Week scheduled to take place at Soyuzivka on June 12-17.

Discussions about UNA matters continued over lunch, with the Home Office representatives addressing a variety of concerns expressed by members. Mmes. Kozak and Trytjak took advantage of the opportunity to explain what constitutes membership in the UNA (some thought that subscribing to one of the UNA's newspapers makes them members) and why the UNA is an institution worthy of individual and community support.

During the gathering, attendees also had an opportunity to view the photo exhibit and to purchase books related to the UNA and its history. At the end of the afternoon, door prizes for weekends at Soyuzivka were won by Mr. Stuban and Stefan Tarasiuk.

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