WHIPPANY, N.J. – Elections were held on Monday, June 22, for the upcoming 2015-2016 season of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (UAYA) Whippany branch, which is named in honor of August 24, 1991. The meeting was held at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, and UAYA National President Yurij Mykytyn was present as reports from the various chairpersons/directors were read.
This past year was a very busy one for the Whippany branch, led by President Myron Bytz. Some of the activities included collecting money to purchase desperately needed items for Ukrainian soldiers, collecting clothing and toys for the troops and their families, the annual varenyky dinner, a tricky tray, “Yalynka,” “Zlet,” trips to The Ukrainian Museum in New York and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as well as a fun outing to see “Frozen on Ice.”
As noted in reports delivered at the meeting, the counselors, UAYA board and Parents’ Committee all went above and beyond to make sure the membership was busy and satisfied that their children’s peripheral Ukrainian education was fulfilled.
Mr. Bytz was re-elected as president; also elected were Larissa Hrycyk Dannenberg and Luba Mikula, co-vice-presidents; Solomia Pylypiw, secretary; Walter Honcharyk, treasurer; Ivan Leshchuk, “bulavnyi” (activities director); Roksolana Leshchuk, head counselor, and Christina Bytz, organizing director.
Mr. Mykytyn greeted all of the newly elected board members and wished them success in the coming year, which will include hosting the World Conference of the Ukrainian Youth Association and celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Whippany branch, both to take place in June 2016 at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey.
The meeting was followed by refreshments and a chance to chat with Mr. Mykytyn and the members of the board.