"Spartanky" sorority of Plast meets at Soyuzivka estate (12/25/05)

"Spartanky" sorority of Plast meets at Soyuzivka estate

by Lida Chernichenko

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - The Plast sorority "Spartanky" descended upon the beautiful Soyuzivka estate in the Catskill region of upstate New York on September 30 for its annual two-day conference (rada).

With over 60 associates spanning two separate age groups - seniors and young adults - the mission of Spartanky is to mentor the youth of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization in nature-based activities, as well as in celebrating their Ukrainian cultural roots.

The actual conference was preceded by several informal events. First on the agenda was a wine-tasting seminar conducted by Bill Guilfoyle from the Culinary Institute of America. The group was introduced to a number of varietals from across the globe and learned the art of assessing wine quality through proven sensory methods. This was followed by a delicious upscale buffet dinner, prepared by Soyuzivka's master chef, Andrij "Snake" Sonevytsky.

After dinner, the Spartanky proceeded to the Soyuzivka library for game night, where, amid much laughter, they learned intimate - and often hilarious - facts about each other, well into the wee hours.

Growing up with the discipline instilled by Plast, the Spartanky were up bright and early on Saturday morning and gathered on the Veselka patio to greet personnel of the Ellenville Moo Duk Kwan academy who conducted a seminar on women's safety. The group was given extremely valuable tips on how to avoid potentially dangerous situations. All agreed to look into conducting similar sessions for Plast's teenage girls at various Plast forums.

After fun and games, it was time to kick off the formal conference. As they do every year, the Spartanky rolled up their collective sleeves and established an annual plan focused on events for Plast youths. On the schedule for the Spartanky this year are: running the annual "Pochatkovyi Tabir," an introductory summer camp for 6- and 7-year-olds at the Vovcha Tropa Plast campground in East Chatham, N.Y.; conducting testing for the Plast physical fitness badge for teenagers, also at Vovcha Tropa; and organizing locally based activities and Plast fund-raisers in the New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Boston areas. Also on tap is the creation of a custom-made flag for the seniors' sub-group of the sorority.

The conference ended with the ceremonial induction of three new senior members and the election of a new leadership. Dr. Irka Sawchyn-Doll of Convent Station, N.J., was voted as the sorority's "kurinna" (leader) and Lesia Sikorska of Union, N.J., was elected as her assistant. Maintaining their positions and rounding out the Spartanky leadership are: Chrystia Demidowich of Livingston, N.J., as secretary; Chrystia Kozak of Canton, Mass., as treasurer; and Zezya Zawadiwsky of Mendham, N.J., as chronicler. Local chapter leaders include Lesia Kozicky for the New York/New England chapter, Darka Halaburda-Patti for New Jersey and Irtsia Zwarych for Philadelphia.

The Spartanky sorority has been active in the United States for many years. The group's ranks continue to increase. Both the seniors' and young adults' sub-groups actively encourage new membership. Readers interested in learning more about Spartanky may contact Ms. Sikorskyj at (908) 686-0426.

Special thanks were extended to Chrystia Gnoy-Stasiuk of Rockaway, N.J., and the conference committee for planning a wonderfully memorable event.

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