National Home in Hartford purchases adjacent property (11/19/06)

National Home in Hartford purchases adjacent property

by Petro Gluch

HARTFORD, Conn. - Lifetime members of the Ukrainian National Home of Hartford (UNHH) took a historic step on October 21, deciding to invest in its future growth and expansion by purchasing an adjoining property.

Prior to the annual dinner/concert, UNHH members toured the adjacent office building and land, attended a special meeting for final review of the purchase proposal, and voted to purchase the property.

"This an investment in the future," said Walter Kebalo, UNHH president. "The land has potential to be developed as additional income-producing property and expansion of the UNHH."

Joseph Luczka presented the plan at the special meeting and emphasized that the initial goal is to rent the existing office building. The building can accommodate one office of approximately 2,000 square feet or two offices of approximately 1,000 square feet each with separate entrances and utilities, and off-street parking. The building is in move-in condition and available for lease; a phone system and office furniture can be made available with the rental agreement.

The building is ideal for an attorney's office, travel agency, daycare or any start-up business that can benefit from adjacent Ukrainian National Home rental halls and meeting rooms, its Cooperative SUMA - Ukrainian Gift Shop. The Ukrainian Selfreliance New England Federal Credit Union is located within one city block.

The Ukrainian National Home of Hartford continues to be New England's premier Ukrainian cultural center. It provides meeting space for dozens of Ukrainian organizations and their functions.

Most notably it supports the Zolotyj Promin Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and Yevshan Ukrainian vocal ensemble - honorary ambassadors to the American public at international and Slavic festivals throughout New England and New York. Zolotyj Promin has reached its highest enrollment of 68 dancers, and the Yevshan Ukrainian vocal ensemble has 30 choir members and three bandurists. Both organizations pool talents from Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox parishes from all corners of Connecticut.

Spirited dinner festivities were led by Ivan Kebalo, who emphasized the importance and pride in what the National Home has to offer children. Performances by Zolotyj Promin led to standing ovations as guest were entertained with newly choreographed dances. "Oh, how our children have mastered the art of Ukrainian dance," said Mr. Kebalo. Dinner music was provided by Bohdan Zaets.

Polo shirts with the new UNHH logo, designed by Bohdan Oshur, a local artist, were available for sale throughout the night. Shirts were provided by Peter Fil of Bulava Productions, a small Ukrainian business in the community.

The result of the vote was announced after dinner by Vice-President Stephan Maksymiuk, the youngest member on the board of directors. "The motion passed with an 82 percent favorable approval. With spirit and a sense of community on our side, we can make this possible as did your parents and grandparents," he said.

Inquiries about renting office space or questions about the development can be forwarded to: Ukrainian National Home of Hartford, 961 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford, CT 06114, Att'n Walter Kebalo, president. Telephone inquiries may be made to Joseph Luczka at 860-432-1228.

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