Soyuzivka, landmark estate in upstate New York, welcomes young and old (05/07/06)

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do...

Soyuzivka, landmark estate in upstate New York, welcomes young and old

by Roma Hadzewycz

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - Things are hopping at Soyuzivka in preparation not only for the summer season that will soon be here, but also for the first convention of the Ukrainian National Association ever to be held at the estate.

Guests arriving at Soyuzivka's Main House, the focal point of the estate, will immediately notice the newly constructed fountain featuring a Hutsul playing his trembita. In other words, they will be greeted at this mountaintop estate by a Ukrainian highlander, a Hutsul from Ukraine's Carpathian Mountains. General Manager Nestor Paslawsky says he's very pleased with the new fountain and the impression it presents, adding that it is just one of many "cool things" new at the estate.

Soyuzivka, of course, is owned and operated by the UNA. So, it wants to make a great impression on the fraternal organization's delegates from across North America who will arrive here for the 36th Regular Convention that is being held on May 26-29, over the Memorial Day weekend.

In between then and the traditional start of the summer season, Soyuzivka will play host to a variety of groups and events, among them the Mother's Day brunch (May 14), UNA Seniors' Conference (June 11-16) and the Father's Day luncheon and program (June 17).

Come late June, Soyuzivka begins to welcome campers of all ages, from preschoolers to teens. The estate's regular complement of popular summer camps - Tennis Camp, Exploration Day Camp, Discovery Camp and Ukrainian Heritage Day Camp - has been enhanced this year with the addition of the Sitch Sports Camp and the expansion of the Ukrainian Folk Dance camp, which will offer two additional weeks of instruction. Not to be forgotten is the annual "Tabir Ptashat," a day camp for preschoolers organized by the Pershi Stezhi Sorority of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization.

Even adults can be campers at Soyuzivka as the estate this year has added a Golf Day Camp and Beach Volleyball Day Camp for anyone age 8 through adults. In addition, anyone age 12 and up, including adults, can enroll in the Scuba Diving Course.

The Soyuzivka Heritage Foundation Sports Jamboree in early August will feature a golf tournament, an invitational beach volleyball competition, soccer matches, plus plenty of entertainment for children and adults. Among these offerings are Soyuzivka's famous dances to the music of top Ukrainian bands.

Other things to look for as the 2006 season begins are a new commemorative wall built with bricks purchased by Soyuzivka supporters that will grace the verdant area near the Main House; an upgraded summer dining room in the Main House that will enrich the dining experience at the estate; and a new outdoor sound system that will enhance guests' enjoyment of their leisure time in the estate's stunning natural environment.

Mr. Paslawsky says there are other upgrades that might not be as noticeable, at least not at first glance, including freshly painted exteriors on nearly half of Soyuzivka's buildings and many refurbished rooms.

Not to be forgotten is the Soyuzivka kitchen, which pleases all palates thanks to the talented chef de cuisine Andrij Sonevytsky, a graduate of the renowned Culinary Institute of America. From gourmet selections to Ukrainian favorites, Chef Andrij and his staff deliver it all.

Mr. Paslawsky advises readers to call Soyuzivka at 845-626-5641 to say hello and speak to the front office staff to get additional information about any of Soyuzivka's diverse programs. Readers may also log on to www.soyuzivka.com.

Naturally, news about Soyuzivka's summertime doings will appear on the pages of this newspaper. Look for advertisements about exciting new events for 2006 in our upcoming issues.

A Ukrainian Summer (main page)

| Home Page |