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THEPublished U byKRAINIAN the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profitW associationEEKLY Vol. LXXVII No.18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 $1/$2 in Ukraine Stefanyshyn-Piper welcomed in Philadelphia Poltava residents prepare to mark 300th anniversary of historic battle of 1709 by Zenon Zawada Kyiv Press Bureau KYIV – Obstructed by the city’s pro-Russian leadership, Poltava residents are struggling to ensure that the 300th anniversary of the Battle of Poltava is commemorated in a proper manner that brings dignity to Ukraine. The 1709 battle was fought by Sweden, with its allies the Ukrainian Zaporozhian Kozaks, against Russia. The City Council led by Mayor Andrii Matkovskyi, an opponent of Ukrainian culture, has denied financing for a short film sympathetic to the Kozak’s leader, Hetman Ivan Mazepa, and has placed hurdles in the way of erecting a monument to the legendary Kozak leader in the city center at Sobornyi Maidan (Cathedral Square). As a result, film director Oleg Mingalev said he needs $3,000 to complete production of his 15-minute film, while National Deputy Mykola Kulchynskyi has launched a fund- raising drive for the 20-foot monument, telling The Weekly that he has raised about two-thirds of the $187,500 needed. Andrea Zharovsky “It’s very painful when we have to pressure the govern- Capt. Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper with children of the Ukrainian Heritage School’s morning program. ment, look for inroads and raise our own funds to honor Mazepa,” said Mr. Kulchynskyi, chair of Poltava’s Prosvita by Tamara Stadnychenko Cornelison Founded in 1980, the UECC is a non-profit organization branch and an Our Ukraine national deputy. Special to The Ukrainian Weekly located in the Philadelphia suburbs. The organization resides Preparations for the tercentenary of the Battle of Poltava in an old school building that was purchased for $375,000 were initiated by an October 2007 decree issued by President JENKINTOWN, Pa. – Like most U.S. cities with a large and has since become home base to an eclectic mix of other Viktor Yushchenko, which listed among its numerous community of Ukrainian Americans, Philadelphia has organizations, each of which contributes to the life of the requirements producing a film and erecting a monument. numerous organizations and institutions dedicated to pre- community by offering something of value. Since then, Mr. Kulchynskyi has wrestled with city lead- serving and promoting a rich cultural heritage. This is a pro- The banquet, held in the center’s auditorium and attended ers to ensure that, at a minimum, a Mazepa monument cess that has evolved over many decades and has been by more than 200 guests, was a celebration of these contri- would be unveiled on June 27, the day recognized as the shaped by people from different waves of immigration. It is butions and of the people whose vision has made the UECC 300th anniversary of the Battle of Poltava, according to the also a process that has been fine-tuned by strong leaders a hub of activity for Ukrainians from the entire Delaware Gregorian calendar. (The date is July 8, according to the with the vision to build and expand in ways that improve Valley. Julian calendar.) and enhance community life. Among those attending the banquet were representatives At least 3,000 Russian visitors and thousands of other In Philadelphia, one of the manifestations of this vision is of the 30 or so organizations that currently use the facility foreign tourists will descend upon Poltava that weekend for the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center (UECC), for meetings, exhibits, social events and educational purpos- a historical re-enactment of the battle that gave rise to the which celebrated 29 years of community service at a gala es. A short list includes the Cheremosh Hutsul Society, the banquet on April 25 featuring a special guest: astronaut modern Russian Empire and its subsequent domination of Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper. (Continued on page 4) the Baltic Sea. Although Ukrainians are known throughout the world for their exceptional hospitality, Poltava City Council officials have demonstrated exceptional deference and accommoda- tion to their Russian visitors – more than to their own Ukraine remembers Mykola Hohol Ukrainian residents. by Yuriy Borysov At an April 15 organizing committee meeting, Mr. Matkovskyi opposed unveiling the Mazepa monument on Special to The Ukrainian Weekly June 27, agreeing with Oblast State Administration Chair HOHOLEVE, Ukraine – As horned dev- Valerii Asadchev, who represents the Presidential Secretariat ils danced and skipped over bonfires, black- in Poltava, to postpone it until August 24, Ukrainian robed monks raised torches upon rafts in the Independence Day. nearby pond. “Establishing the monument at that time will become an A screen projecting the black-and-white impulse for a second battle of Poltava,” Mr. Matkovskyi images and mystical melodies of pagan folk explained. “Radical Russians, Ukrainians and others could singers floated on a raft, while the live voic- arrive here. The monument needs to be established either es of the eight-member Dakhabrakha folk now, before the 300th anniversary, or afterwards.” ensemble sang from another. The City Council made the postponement official the At the intricate one-hour performance’s next day by voting to cancel its January decision allotting crescendo, a five-meter cardboard sculpture space on the Sobornyi Maidan for the Mazepa monument, of Mykola Hohol – known to the world as promising to re-designate the space at its July 10 session. Nikolai Gogol – was set ablaze and cast Had the City Council not reneged on the space designa- from the shore, 200 years after his birth in tion, Mr. Kulchynskyi said the Mazepa monument would Velyki Sorochyntsi in the neighboring have been erected by June 27. Myrhorod district of the Poltava oblast. Sculptor Mykola Bilyk is currently building the 10-foot Yevhen Nosko To witness this homage, more than 300 bronze statue and 10-foot, 22-ton pedestal made of red gran- Among the art displays at the 10th annual Hoholfest in Hoholeve, enthusiasts and 200 media gathered at the ite from the Kapustianskyi quarry in the neighboring Ukraine, on April 1 were eight-foot-tall overcoats made of carpet, in (Continued on page 3) tribute to Mykola Hohol’s/Nikolai Gogol’s novel “The Overcoat.” (Continued on page 8) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 No. 18 ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFS Medvedev tells the West Deputy secretary of state in Ukraine Governor general remembers Holodomor KYIV – U.S. Deputy Secretary of State KYIV – Ukrainian President Viktor to keep out of Georgia James Steinberg arrived in Kyiv on April Yushchenko and Governor General of 27. Mr. Steinberg said upon his arrival in Canada Michaelle Jean on April 23 honored by Pavel Felgenhauer Sergei Kislyak, expressed regret that the Kyiv that the goal of his visit is to confirm the memory of the victims of the Famine- West “has not learned the lessons of events Eurasia Daily Monitor the importance of U.S. relations with Genocide of 1932-1933 in Ukraine. The in August.” According to Mr. Kislyak, “The officials placed bowls with wheatears and lit Russia has reacted angrily to the forth- exercises strengthen the belief of the Ukraine for the new U.S. administration. candles at the memorial to Famine victims coming NATO-led Partnership for Peace Georgian government that no matter what “[The goal of my visit is] to emphasize the in Kyiv. Ms. Jean also planted a kalyna near (PfP) exercises in Georgia. President Dmitry they do to Russia, they will still become a intentions of President Barack Obama to the monument. Canada officially recognized Medvedev called the decision to hold the NATO member.” If Georgia was already a support and develop the current level of the Holodomor as genocide against the exercises “shortsighted and not worthy of NATO member, noted Mr. Kislyak, Russia our cooperation,” he said. “I will try to Ukrainian people on May 29, 2008. This true partnership.” He warned that tensions in and the U.S. would almost surely have gone pass the firm intention of the United States happened after Governor General Jean the region will rise, saying, “these actions to war in August 2008 (RIA Novosti, April to continue maintaining the development signed a law passed by the Canadian are a clear military demonstration, a build- 21). of democracy in Ukraine, and continue Parliament’s House of Commons on May up of military muscle,” and that Russia Russian Ambassador to NATO Dmitry supporting Ukraine’s security in this 27, 2008. In 2003 the Senate of the Canadian “shall be following everything that will be Rogozin announced that, in response to the important region in the world.” President Parliament asked the government to recog- happening there in the most attentive way, exercises, the chief of the General Staff, Viktor Yushchenko met with Deputy nize the Famine of 1932-1933 as genocide and, if need be, take this or that decision” Army Gen. Nikolai Makarov, will not attend Secretary Steinberg on April 27. They two against the Ukrainian people. Canada, in (ITAR-TASS, April 17). a pre-planned meeting with NATO’s mili- men discussed the organization of bilateral which over 1 million Ukrainians live, now The PfP exercises “Cooperative tary chiefs on May 7. Mr. Rogozin told jour- relations in the context of work launched annually marks Ukrainian Famine and Longbow-Cooperative Lancer 2009,” sched- nalists that President Mikhail Saakashvili by the new U.S. administration and urgent Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day on uled to be held in Georgia from May 6 to will “take the presence of NATO troops and issues of international and regional poli- the fourth Saturday in November. June 1, are strictly peacekeeping in nature, military hardware in Georgia as another per- cies. Mr. Yushchenko made an assessment (Ukrinform) aimed at achieving inter-operability of mit to resume an attack on Abkhazia and of the domestic political and economic sit- NATO and non-NATO militaries in future South Ossetia.” Mr. Rogozin said that uation in Ukraine. “Our relations are cur- Jean meets with Tymoshenko peacekeeping or humanitarian missions. The NATO will be responsible for the security of rently strategic and very important to exercises in Georgia will not be military its soldiers during the exercises and that Ukraine,” he said. Mr. Steinberg said, “our KYIV – Canada’s Governor General maneuvers per se, but staff training without Russia has “warned about possible provoca- joint values and joint aspirations are creat- Michaelle Jean said she appreciates the the deployment or use of heavy weapons tions.” Since anti-government demonstra- ing a strong basis for our relations.” He work of the Ukrainian government and and away from the conflict zone. tions have been held in Tbilisi, Mr. Rogozin also noted that Ukraine is conducting seri- Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko Neutral European nations, Russia and accused NATO of interfering in Georgia’s ous democratic reforms. The U.S. official for the success achieved in talks with the other former Soviet republics are part of the domestic affairs, by staging the exercises also planned to meet with Prime Minister International Monetary Fund (IMF) with PfP program. Russia’s close ally Armenia (www.echo.msk.ru, April 21). Yulia Tymoshenko, Verkhovna Rada regard to the extension of a second tranche announced it will take part in the exercise, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn and mem- of the IMF stand-by arrangement. During as will the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, accused the U.S. of rearming the Georgian bers of the Party of Regions of Ukraine. their meeting on April 23, Mmes. Jean and Azerbaijan, Britain, the U.S., Canada –18 military, “supporting the aggressor” and (Ukrinform) Tymoshenko discussed the possibility of countries in all (Interfax, April 18). destabilizing the situation. Mr. Ryabkov intensifying bilateral cooperation between Canada’s governor general in Kyiv Gen. Alexander Sinaysky, the Russian called Western arguments that the PFP exer- Ukraine and Canada in all areas. cises in Georgia were pre-planned and are a (Ukrinform) secretary of the CIS Council of Defense KYIV – Canada supports Ukraine’s aspi- staff drill “cheap and unimpressive.” Ministers, told Ekho Moskvy radio that “the rations to join the European Union and Russia’s leadership believes that the exercis- Yanukovych: no YTB-PRU coalition exercises are perhaps untimely,” but they NATO, Governor General of Canada were planned long before the war between es will strengthen Georgia’s combat capabil- KYIV – There is “practically no hope” ities. Michaelle Jean said. “Our presence in Russia and Georgia in August 2008, they are Ukraine is evidence of our support for that the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc (YTB) not military maneuvers and “there will be Mr. Ryabkov added that Washington is and the Party of Regions of Ukraine (PRU) still intent on proceeding with plans to Ukraine’s integration with NATO,” she told nothing dangerous happening” (www.echo. journalists after Ukrainian-Canadian talks in will form a coalition, PRU leader Viktor msk.ru, April 20). His seems to have been deploy ballistic missile defenses in Europe Yanukovych said on the Channel 5 on and that Moscow is tired of hearing about Kyiv on April 23. Ms. Jean said that Canada the sole voice of reason coming from supports the independence of Ukraine, its April 9. “We are meeting [with Prime Russian officials. The secretary general of the “reset” in bilateral relations (Interfax, Minister Yulia Tymoshenko] regularly and April 21). sovereignty and territorial integrity. the Russian-dominated seven-member for a long time. And there are many dis- In a feeble attempt to quell the outburst of Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko Collective Security Treaty Organization, agreements that are impossible to remove. Russian anger, NATO headquarters indicat- noted that Canada has a clear position on Nikolai Bordyuzha, called the exercise a I don’t see any chance to overcome these ed that Russia as a PfP member could take Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and that provocation and “support of aggression” disagreements. Our discussions being held part in the exercises or send observers. this issue “concerns Ukraine’s future.” (RIA Novosti, April 20). (Ukrinform) (Continued on page 8) The Russian ambassador in Washington, (Continued on page 10)

Ukraine arrests three attempting THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY FOUNDED 1933 An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. to sell radioactive material Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. RFE/RL chemical called americium, a common, Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. less-radioactive substance used in smoke (ISSN — 0273-9348) PRAGUE – The Security Service of detectors, industrial gauges and other Ukraine (SBU) arrested three men, The Weekly: UNA: commercial uses. Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 including a regional lawmaker, who alleg- As such, it is useless for nuclear bomb- edly tried to sell a radioactive substance making. But if it fell into the wrong hands Postmaster, send address changes to: suitable for use in a terror attack. it could still make a very effective terror- The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz An SBU spokeswoman said on April ist weapon – a so-called dirty bomb. 2200 Route 10 Editors: Matthew Dubas 14 that the lawmaker from the Ternopil In this scenario, the americium could P.O. Box 280 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv) region and two businessmen were be attached to a quantity of a common Parsippany, NJ 07054 detained for trying to sell the substance to explosive, such as dynamite. When an undercover agent. The trio wanted $10 exploded, radioactive material would be The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] million for what was purportedly plutoni- spread over an area of some 10 city um-239, a highly radioactive material that blocks. The Ukrainian Weekly, May 3, 2009, No. 18, Vol. LXXVII can be used to make a nuclear bomb. The SBU service said in a statement Copyright © 2009 The Ukrainian Weekly SBU spokeswoman Marina Ostapenko that it believes the radioactive material did not name the legislator or the busi- was produced in Russia during the Soviet nessmen alleged to be involved, nor did era and smuggled into Ukraine. she say where the incident took place. The fall of the Soviet Union led to a ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Ms. Ostapenko did say the trio was loss of official control of nuclear materi- Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 arrested on April 9 as they attempted to als of all sorts, and the last decade has e-mail: [email protected] sell 3.7 kilograms of the substance to an seen hundreds of attempts to sell stolen Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 undercover Ukrainian agent who had set and smuggled materials to the highest fax: (973) 644-9510 up a meeting with them. bidder on the black market. Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] In fact, the material the suspects were The Ukrainians in the latest case face (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 selling was not plutonium at all. Tests by between eight and 15 years in jail for ille- e-mail: [email protected] experts indicate it is probably a metallic gally handling radioactive material. No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 3 NEWS ANALYSIS: EU foreign ministers discuss eastern neighbors by Ahto Lobjakas brutal crackdown on mass public protests But, Mr. Schwarzenberg stressed, the there has been no public unrest but where RFE/RL in the capital, Chisinau, following a land- Eastern Partnership initiative remains “no mounting political and economic paraly- slide win for the ruling Communists in doubt the right tool” to bolster reforms in sis increasingly threatens the country’s Keeping its eastern neighbors on the parliamentary elections. In the wake of Moldova. viability. path to stability and prosperity has the violence, the country’s increasingly Again, Germany and Poland appear to Cutting some slack become a formidable test for European Russian-leaning president, Vladimir be closely coordinating policy, with the Union foreign policy in recent months. Voronin, pointedly accused neighboring Czech Prime Minister Miroslav two countries’ foreign ministers reported As she unveiled an annual review of Romania – an EU member – of foment- Topolanek, who was in Chisinau recently to have addressed a joint letter to the the bloc’s European Neighborhood Policy, ing the unrest. representing the EU presidency, reported EU’s Czech presidency last week express- EU External Relations Commissioner Moldova then expelled the ambassador that neither the government nor the oppo- ing concern at the economic and political Benita Ferrero Waldner told the 27 EU to Romania and imposed a summary visa sition appears to have the political will to situation in Ukraine. foreign ministers it has been a “difficult regime on Romanian visitors. And sourc- meet the other side for talks – a key wish The two ministers are said to have year” – particularly in the east. es in Brussels say Mr. Voronin told of the European Union. floated the idea of an EU assistance mis- But Czech Foreign Minister Karel Kalman Miszei, the EU special envoy, The Netherlands is the lone advocate sion to Ukraine to facilitate dialogue Schwarzenberg, who chaired the meeting, that Moldova has “friends elsewhere.” of a tougher EU stance on Moldova (and among all political leaders. However, it is said the EU is resolved to push on with Now, at Romania’s request, EU foreign another problematic partnership member, generally feared that a resolution to the its Eastern Partnership initiative, which is ministers meeting in Luxembourg dis- Belarus). But Germany and Poland head political crisis in Ukraine is improbable designed to forge closer ties between the cussed Moldova during talks over lunch – the EU’s mainstream in arguing that before the 2010 presidential elections. bloc and six eastern neighbors. a setting usually reserved for issues of Moldova must not be isolated and needs The EU’s foreign-policy chief, Javier “We believe that sending a strong mes- particular concern. greater EU support. Solana, said after the meeting that the EU sage to the six partnership countries – The EU adopted a declaration saying it The country’s economy is seen by would now study ways of stabilizing the Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, has “serious concerns” about develop- many in the EU to be on the brink of col- country. “After the discussion today we Armenia and Azerbaijan – is very impor- ments in the country, and Czech Foreign lapse. will see how we can help prior to the tant in the light of the recent develop- Minister Schwarzenberg said Moldova Moldova’s decision to slap visas on elections and after the elections, the presi- ments in the region, and that we need to “poses a challenge” for the EU. Romanians is, however, likely to have dential elections, to see how we can engage with our neighbors more closely “The current tensions in the country repercussions. The European Commission arrange the economic situation and the in order to promote good governance, the pose a challenge for the European Union. has called the measure unacceptable in political situation,” he said. rule of law, and transparency,” he said. Our task is now to find a proper way to light of EU-Moldova visa facilitation strengthen our policy of bringing talks and is likely to raise it at an Is Lukashenka coming? Brutal crackdown Moldova closer to our standard,” he said. EU-Moldova meeting in a few days. The EU foreign ministers on April 27 One need look no further than this “We expect Moldova to behave in a Political paralysis also discussed the agendas and guest lists month’s unrest in Moldova to know that European way, not only vis-à-vis the of two important upcoming summits. this will not be easy. European Union and its members, but Moldova’s partner on the EU lunch That country is still recovering from a first of all, of course, internally.” agenda was neighboring Ukraine, where (Continued on page 9)

I’m saying – world [writer],” Mr. “Mertvi Dushi” (Dead Souls). Maryna Yurchenko, a 21-year-old Ukraine remembers... Troyitskyi said. “No one writer had such Soon after, performers from the Dakh Poltava student enjoying the performance (Continued from page 1) delicious language.” Center of Modern Art, founded in 1995 by with a bottle of Obolon beer, said she Hohol family manor on April 1, now a In Mr. Utkin’s view, Gogol had “some Mr. Troyitskyi as a non-commercial theater, considers Gogol a Ukrainian writer since museum in the village of Hoholeve, to kind of a Russian-Ukrainian language.” offered a mystical artistic interpretation of he was born in Ukraine and wrote based honor one of Ukraine’s most famous writ- Indeed, Gogol is emblematic of Ukraine’s Gogol’s works that involved rafts, a floating on the letters his mother sent him, ers, who documented the trials, tragedies inextricable relationship with Russia. screen, burning straw crosses and sculptures, describing the conflicts, events and cus- and follies of peasant life in his native About 40 percent of Ukrainians consider and pagan songs. toms of his native land. Ukraine. Gogol both a Ukrainian and Russian writer, Dakhabrakha, a folk ensemble that Writing in the Russian language doesn’t Gogol’s legacy is as enigmatic as Ukraine as opposed to 30 percent who consider him embraces Ukrainian pagan themes in its lyr- make him a Russian writer, in her view. itself, as it remains unclear to this day only Russian and 23 percent as strictly ics about the land, nature and family, pro- “Although schoolchildren study him as a whether Gogol considered Russian or Ukrainian, according to a survey by the vided the performance’s musical soundtrack Russian writer, he had a Ukrainian mental- Ukrainian his native language. Research and Branding Group. with its drums, flutes and guitars, all per- ity,” said Ms. Yurchenko, a proud native of Likewise, Ukrainians themselves are About 59 percent of Ukrainians support a formed from a floating raft. Hoholeve. “He plays a great role in divided as to whether they consider him mutual commemoration of the 200th anni- Ukrainians are truly torn as to whether Ukrainian culture.” their own. Gogol was a contemporary of versary of Gogol’s birth by the Russian and they consider Gogol one of their own. Another Hoholeve native, Roman Ukrainian national icon Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian governments. Politicians avoid the subject altogether. Yarmak, 17, shared that view because he born only five years earlier, but their careers The Research and Branding poll sur- When potential presidential candidate wrote about the Ukrainian peasantry and took starkly different paths. veyed 2,067 respondents between February Arseniy Yatsenyuk was asked on April 5 “used many Ukrainian terms,” adding that While Gogol decided to move to St. 17 and 27. whether he considered Gogol Ukrainian or his favorite work is the very funny comedy Petersburg and write in Russian, realizing Among those enjoying the festivities Russian, his careful response was: “nash” “Revizor” (“Inspector General”). that was necessary to achieve any fame or were Hoholeve’s close to 1,000 residents, (ours). Gogol’s genius is revealed in novels like financial success, Shevchenko decided to excited that their village would finally That view was shared by Svitlana “Vechory na Khutori bilia Dykanky” fight Russian imperialism, embracing the host such an event – 25 years after the Kyrnos, the education manager at (Evenings on a Farmstead near Dykanka), Ukrainian language and immortalizing the museum was founded at the manor of the Hoholeve’s museum, who offered the view said Yevhen Nosko, a 32-year-old photogra- Ukrainian ethnic identity and consciousness Kozak family. that “Gogol is a genius, and geniuses belong pher from Myrhorod. through his writings. Indeed, “Taras Bulba” was based on the to the whole of mankind.” Its themes are relevant today, he said, Observing Ukraine from St. Petersburg, writer’s Kozak ancestor, Ostap Hohol, who On the other hand, Iryna Romenska, a for example, artfully illustrating the dif- having received news and tales from his served as a colonel in Hetman Bohdan 25-year-old lawyer from the nearby town of ferent personality types in any society – mother back home, Gogol depicted his Khmelnytsky’s army. Shyshaky, said she views Gogol as a the honest, the deceivers, the exploiters native land with curiosity and amusement, The performances were delayed by an Russian writer because he had all opportuni- and the suck-ups. in contrast to the pain and anger evoked by hour because the Poltava Oblast has two vil- ties to write in Ukrainian, but didn’t. “He was a prophet,” Mr. Nosko said. Shevchenko. lages named Hoholeve, confusing the This year’s 200th year anniversary com- approximately 200 members of the Kyiv memoration marked the 10th Hoholfest media who traveled to the wrong destination organized by Vladyslav Troyitskyi, director instead of the Shyshaky district, where the of the Dakh drama theater in Kyiv and presi- writer grew up in the village of Vasylivka dent of the Hoholfest International Festival before it adopted his name. of Modern Art, and Yehven Utkin, founder Upon their arrival at sunset, youths of the Ukrainian international technology dressed in folk costumes and singing tradi- firm Kvazar who has sponsored Hoholfest tional songs greeted the tardy guests, who since its inception. were treated to cabbage and potato “vare- With a $1.25 million budget, on April 11 nyky” (dumplings), thick Ukrainian bread, they held an alternative music concert, and slices of “salo” (pork fat) with horse- “Ukraine Without Locusts,” and plan a radish, all of which was chased with shots series of musical and theatrical events in of vodka or “samohon” (homemade liquor.) Kyiv between September 5 and 27, inviting After being fed, they were led to the mod- Europeans to participate. est, middle-class Hohol family manor for a Both men are admirers of Gogol, speak- 30-minute tour and biographical discussion. ing exclusively in the Russian language and At the entrance, the startled visitors were professing that Gogol was the only greeted by actors wearing white masks Ukrainian to rank among the world’s great- depicting Gogol’s visage, each gripping a Yevhen Nosko est figures. book which they set afire with a candle in Musicians from the Dakhabrakha folk ensemble dance with festival organizer “There is much speculation on whether the other hand, a an ode to Gogol’s decision Vladyslav Troyitskyi (center) at the 10th annual Hoholfest in Hoholeve in the Gogol was a Ukrainian or Russian writer. to burn the second volume of his novel, Poltava Oblast on April 1. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 No. 18

about the long and distinguished history of Stefanyshyn-Piper... the UECC, punctuating the recital with per- (Continued from page 1) sonal anecdotes. Prometheus Ukrainian American Male Ms. Zacharczuk mentioned her childhood Chorus of Philadelphia, the Voloshky experiences at the UECC, an association Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, the Ukrainian that has been passed down to her own chil- American Youth Association (UAYA), Plast dren. She joked about “the good old days” Ukrainian Scouting Organization, the when being a member of the Ukrainian Ukrainian National Women’s League of community meant walking or driving from America, the Ukrainian Engineers Society one location to another and another to par- of America, the Ukrainian Medical ticipate in various activities, noting how Association, the Ukrainian Music Institute much easier life in the “hromada” had and the Ukrainian Senior Citizens become since the UECC was founded. Association. The center is also home to Ms. Husar spoke of past events, as well investment clubs, human rights groups, a as recent innovations at the UECC, which library, a nursery school, the Ukrainian now boasts a radio program, a website and Heritage School, a gift shop, and (as of something akin to an Internet café. She also January of this year) the local branch of the paid tribute to the center’s past presidents: Dr. Alexander Chernyk (1980-1989), Borys Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Andrea Zharovsky Union. Voloshky dancers greet Capt. Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper with the traditional Zacharczuk (1989-1997; 2001-2006), The banquet’s special guest was a woman Ukrainian welcome of bread and salt. Seated is Borys Pawluk, president of the Mykola Luty 1997-1999), interim president whose stunning achievements have their Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Cener. Oleksander Mychaluk (1999) and Patricia roots in a community far removed from Sawchak (1999-2001). Philadelphia and whose career has taken her on the day of the UECC’s banquet, she The questions posed about space travel A musical interlude followed, with sever- far from the gravitational pull of the planet exuded confidence tempered with a modest- ranged from personal to technical. al songs performed by the Prometheus Male we inhabit – Capt. Stefanyshyn-Piper. ly sincere presence – someone clearly as Commenting on her feelings about being in Chorus, whose Ukrainian repertoire for the In 1980, the year the UECC was estab- comfortable with her feet on the ground as space, Capt. Stefanyshyn-Piper observed, event was punctuated by a rendition of “God lished, she had just graduated from Derham in space and someone who views her celeb- “It’s almost like a dream... it’s beautiful. I Bless America,” with guests joining in with Hall High School in St. Paul, Minn., and rity status a “part of the job.” look one way and I see Earth ... the colors, gusto. On behalf of the choir and the UECC, was beginning her studies at the The captain’s day began with morning even cities. I look the other way, and it’s Bohdan Mizak invited Capt. Stefanyshyn- Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Over photo ops with UECC Executive Director black, empty.” Piper to join chorus members on stage, the next five years she earned a B.S. and an Orysia Hewka, board members and staffers, She also discussed space experiments, where she was saluted with a resounding M.S. in mechanical engineering. She followed by a meeting with Ukrainian describing a recent project to study the effect “Mnohaya Lita.” The musical program con- received a commission from the Navy Heritage School (UHS) administrators and a of gravity (or lack thereof) on Salmonella, tinued with works by Vasyl Barvinsky and ROTC Program at MIT in 1985, and moved two-hour session with children from the part of a broader project aimed at develop- Mykola Fomenko performed on piano by from an academic environment into a train- Svitlychka and the UHS, during which Capt. ing a vaccine. Irena Pelech-Zwarych. ing program at the Naval Diving and Stefanyshyn-Piper answered numerous She spoke briefly about other things – the Following the musical interlude, the MCs Salvage Training Center in Panama City, questions, and shared photographs and a oddity of working in space with instruments honored the current board of directors by Fla., emerging from the program as a Navy video shot in space. During lunch, she met that might or might not be designed to asking that they stand and be recognized for basic diving officer and salvage officer. with Plast and UAYA leaders and then trav- accommodate the metric system, the dispar- their respective contributions to the UECC. After several tours of duty as an engineer eled up the road to St. Michael the ity in compensation for astronauts and cos- Dignitaries representing other organizations duty officer whose work comprised ship Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church for a monauts, her belief that space exploration is were also recognized, and pledges or dona- maintenance and repair, she qualified as sur- personal meeting with members of the UHS a natural extension of human curiosity that tions to the UECC’s building, renovation face warfare officer. In 1994 she reported 2009 graduating class. once manifested itself as the desire to dis- and expansion fund were gratefully for duty to the Naval Sea Systems Command After a short break at her hotel, Capt. cover “what’s on the other side of the river, acknowledged, including a $5,000 donation as underwater ship husbandry operations Stefanyshyn Piper returned to the center for on the other side of those mountains.” from the Chicago-based Heritage officer for the supervision of salvage and a 4:30 p.m. press conference. Elegantly When asked about space tourism, Capt. Foundation, forwarded by its president, diving. Her new position entailed advising attired in a red dress and simple gold chain, Stefanyshyn-Piper joked about the first tick- Julian Kulas, and a $1,000 donation from fleet diving activities in the repair of naval the astronaut was introduced by Andrea et costing $20 million and that inflation had the Philadelphia branch of the Ukrainian vessels while waterborne, and participation Zharovsky, the UECC’s vice-president of raised that price to $35 million. She Engineers’ Society of America. in numerous salvage projects. Among the communication, and proceeded to answer acknowledged that American astronauts Guests applauded enthusiastically as the most notable of these were developing plans (in Ukrainian) numerous questions about were, at first, skeptical about space tourism current president and chairman of the board for the Peruvian Navy salvage of a subma- her work in salvage and space, her future and that the attitude had changed because of Philadelphia’s Ukrainian Selfreliance rine and de-stranding an oil tanker off the plans and other matters. the first space tourists were themselves engi- Federal Credit Union formally presented the UECC President Pawluk with a check in the coast of Hawaii. In fielding these questions, she spoke in neers, serious people interested in serious amount of $20,000, part of the credit union’s A career change came in 1996 when then some detail about working with other astro- projects rather than merely an exotic vaca- matching funds incentive donation in Lt. Cmdr. Stefanyshyn-Piper was selected nauts and her previous work in underwater tion. response to the UECC’s phonothon. by NASA as an astronaut candidate and salvage, gently deflecting questions about She then paid solemn tribute to the astro- At this juncture, the evening’s honored reported to the Johnson Space Center in Ukrainian politics but willingly sharing per- nauts who died in the Colombia shuttle acci- guest and featured speaker, Capt. Texas. After two years of training, she quali- sonal information about her feelings while dent, reminding those present about the Stefanyshyn-Piper, was formally introduced fied for flight assignment as a mission spe- traveling in space, her childhood in inherent dangers of space travel. “It was and took the podium. Speaking alternately cialist. Since then she has logged 27 days in Minnesota and her thoughts on space explo- very hard for us. I knew these people. They in Ukrainian and in English, the astronaut space, including nearly 34 hours of space- ration. were friends. When we get into a rocket, we thanked the center’s administrators for the walks in connection with two space flights, Asked why she had taken Plast’s insignia all know there’s a risk.” opportunity to visit the UECC and partici- STS-115 Atlantis in 2006 and STS-126 with her during a space flight, she respond- A cocktail reception in the UECC’s pate in its anniversary celebration. She then Endeavor in 2008. ed, “They let us take small things that are Alexander B. Chernyk Gallery followed, spoke of the people and events that had pro- The first mission involved delivering and important or inspirational to us. Plast was a and the guest of honor graciously signed pelled her toward a career as an astronaut. installing equipment for the International part of my life, and it was there that my autographs and posed for photographs. Brief “I grew up in Minnesota,” she began, Space Station, a complex operation that journey to space began.” Answering related remarks were offered by Israel Colon, direc- with a Ukrainian father and a German moth- included robotic work, spacewalking, and questions, she spoke about meeting Plast tor of the Mayor’s Office of Multicultural er, immigrants from post-war Europe who replacing a signal processor and transporter members in Lviv, meeting Ukraine’s Affairs, who represented Philadelphia’s arrived in the United States in 1947. “We that transmits voice and data to Earth. The President Viktor Yushchenko and communi- Mayor Michael Nutter and the City of didn’t know any astronauts,” she continued, Endeavor mission, launched from Kennedy cating in Ukrainian with Ukrainian cosmo- Philadelphia at the event. “but I was a good Ukrainian daughter and Space Center in Florida, was NASA’s 27th nauts. The banquet, held in the center’s main listened to my father who taught me three shuttle/station assembly mission and When queried about how other NASA hall, was opened by the UECC’s current very important things. The first was to involved expanding the space station’s liv- astronauts react to her celebrity status among president, Borys Pawluk, who introduced believe in God. The second was to study. Ukrainians, she responded, “It’s not so the guest of honor and the MCs for evening, ing quarters, delivering (among other things) And the third was to never give up.” unusual. There are similar reactions from Tetyana Husar and Xenia Zacharczuk. a new bathroom and exercise equipment, She said that taking all three lessons to other ethnic groups. This is, after all, Opening prayers were offered by and spacewalks for repairs and for installa- heart had made the achievements in her life America, and we’re a land of immigrants ... Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka of tion of an external camera group and a GPS possible. She noted that the third lesson was Just the idea that an immigrant’s child can the Ukrainian Catholic Church, who led antenna. The lead spacewalker on this mis- also a lesson learned by example – a lesson achieve just about anything is important.” those assembled in an Easter hymn and sion, Capt. Stefanyshyn-Piper performed personified by the Ukrainian people who three of the five spacewalks. Asked whether her childhood had includ- asked God’s blessing for the UECC, its had endured much and had overcome. “And Capt. Stefanyshyn-Piper’s illustrious ed learning and reciting the poems of Taras guests, Capt. Stefanyshyn-Piper and the vic- this,” she concluded, “is what helped me to career has earned her a Meritorious Service Shevchenko, she laughingly responded, “I tims of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. become and astronaut. I tell young Medal, two Navy Commendation think every Ukrainian child does that.” On behalf of the UECC and the commu- Ukrainians to study and learn – not just sci- Medalsand two Navy Achievement Medals. Commenting on her morning meetings nity, members of the Voloshky Dance ence and math but also language ... How to She has also earned a considerable amount with the children, the astronaut observed Ensemble welcomed Capt. Stefanyshyn- become an astronaut is to be a good of celebrity that comes from pursuing two that their questions to her were typical of Piper to the center with the traditional bread Ukrainian.” careers in which women are still relatively those asked by children worldwide and cited and salt greeting. While dinner was being The closing line of Capt. Stefanyshyn- rare – underwater salvage and space travel. a previous experience with Kyrgyz children served, the two MCs conducting the banquet Piper’s speech evoked appreciative laughter The accomplishments and accolades, who also wanted to know “what we eat, program worked as a well-coordinated tag- and applause and was followed by an however, seem almost irrelevant to her; dur- what we have to learn to be astronauts, and team, delivering information and making ing each of her many scheduled appearances how we go to the bathroom.” introductions bilingually. The MCs spoke (Continued on page 10) No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

UNA Auditing Committee Executive Committee meets, reviews announces new member the “good news” about UNA activity PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The Auditing by Christine E. Kozak Another contributing factor to the Committee of the Ukrainian National National Secretary decrease in the surplus was the loss on the Association announced that Eugene Serba rate of exchange of the Canadian dollar. The is joining its efforts to provide oversight PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The Executive UNA is required by law to maintain assets and guidance to UNA finances and opera- Committee of the Ukrainian National in the amount of $10 million (Canadian) in tions. Association Inc. met for the first time this order to be able to continue serving its Mr. Serba is treasurer and assistant year on March 30. Present at the meeting Canadian policyholders. secretary of UNA Branch 173 in were Stefan Kaczaraj, president; Michael The UNA balance sheet is affected nega- Wilmington, Del. Upon the recommen- Koziupa, second vice-president; Christine E. tively if the Canadian dollar goes down in dation of Auditing Committee Kozak, national secretary; Roma Lisovich, relationship to the U.S. dollar. Conversely, Chairperson Slavko Tysiak, Mr. Serba treasurer; and Slavko Tysiak, auditor. Zenon the balance sheet is affected positively when agreed to join the UNA Auditing Holubec, first vice-president, and Myron the Canadian dollar goes up. Thus, the UNA Committee. Groch, director for Canada, were unable to is vulnerable to market value fluctuations Mr. Serba has served as a UNA advisor attend. against the U.S. dollar. prior to his recent appointment by the Mr. Kaczaraj opened the meeting by In 2007 the Canadian dollar was almost Executive Committee. Mr. Serba has remembering Dr. Vasyl Luchkiw, auditor on par with the U.S. dollar. However, in the stepped down as an advisor to avoid any and longtime advisor of the UNA General last quarter of 2008 the Canadian dollar perception of impropriety so that he can Assembly, who passed away on March 18. plummeted to a low of .72 cents to one U.S. focus on UNA accountability and over- A moment of silence was observed. dollar, as the uncertainty in the world’s sight. He will serve as auditor until the Mr. Kaczaraj began the meeting with economies played havoc with the financial next Regular Convention of the UNA “good news”: the UNA’s annuity business markets. This drop in the value against the scheduled for May 2010. for the year 2008 was up by $8.5 million U.S. dollar required that an adjustment be Mr. Tysiak joined fellow auditor Dr. Eugene Serba over 2007. The UNA continues to move in a made to the balance sheet, reflecting the cur- Wasyl Szeremeta in welcoming Mr. Serba positive direction and we are being optimis- rency market value of the Canadian dollar to continue the work of the Audit His sage advice and fiscal acumen have tically cautious for year 2009, said the presi- on the close of business on December 31, Committee. Mr. Serba was appointed helped guide the UNA through stormy dent. 2008, a time of great market uncertainty and upon the recent passing of UNA Auditor waters.” Total premium and investment income market fluctuations. Dr. Vasyl Luchkiw. Mr. Serba is employed as administrator for 2008 was $12,741,000 and $4,009,000, The result of this adjustment was an Mr. Tysiak stated: “Eugene Serba is a for the University of Medicine and respectively, as compared to 2007, with increase in total liabilities. As of December consummate business professional and Dentistry of New Jersey in Stratford, N.J. $4,318,000 in premium income and 31, 2008, the net adjustment in assets and true UNA activist who has been an He was responsible for having the $3,474,000 in investment income. liabilities due to foreign exchange rates was invaluable adviser to the UNA during a Ukrainian flag permanently fly at the Liabilities increased mainly due to two $1,043,000. At year’s end the UNA’s surplus time of transition and structural changes. Island of Flags in North Wildwood, N.J. factors. With the increase in annuity revenue stood at $4,454,135. Analysts, however, from $2,868,999 in 2007 to $11,430,000 in project that the Canadian dollar will recover in 2009, and already there are signs of slow 2008, there was an increase in the reserve as improvement. required by law. This requirement, however, The president reported that another posi- To subscribe to The Ukrainian Weekly, provides our members with the additional tive for the UNA is that the net loss from confidence and knowledge that their annui- operations has been trending downward call 973-292-9800, ext. 3042 ties are protected and secure, Mr. Kaczaraj noted. (Continued on page 10)

UNA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2006-2010 Executive Committee – Екзекутивний Комітет Auditing Committee – Контрольна Комісія Olya Czerkas – Оля Черкас 565 Riviera Bay Dr NE President – Президент Gerald Tysiak – Славко Тисяк St Petersburg, FL 33702 Stefan Kaczaraj – Стефан Качарай 38 Providence Dr Ukrainian National Association W Sand Lake, NY 12196 Al Kachkowski – Альберт Качковський 2200 Route 10 126 Simon Fraser Cres. Parsippany, NJ 07054 Wasyl Szeremeta – Василь Шеремета Saskatoon, SK S7H 3T1 CANADA 1510 Hilltop Ter First Vice-President – Перший Заступник Предсідника Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 Bohdan Kukuruza – Богдан Кукуруза Zenon Holubec – Зенон Голубець 5441 N Neva Ave 5566 Pearl Rd Eugene Serba – Евген Щерба Chicago, IL 60638 Parma, Oh 44129 233 Belaire Dr Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 Lubov Streletsky – Любов Стрілецька Second Vice-President – Другий Заступник 9804 Hardy Rd Предсідника Advisors - Радні Philadelphia, PA 19115 Michael Koziupa – Михайло Козюпа 26 Summit Ave Maya Lew – Мая Лев Honorary Members – Почесні Члени Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 245 E 25th St Apt 8-G New York, NY 10010 Anna Chopek – Анна Чопик Director for Canada – Директор для Канади 1001 Oppenheimer Dr #101 Myron Groch – Мuрон Ґрох Gloria Horbaty – Ґлорія Горбатий Los Alamos, NM 87544 16 Kevin Dr 3 Pequot Rd Fonthill, ON L0S 1E4 CANADA Wallingford, CT 06492 Myron Kuropas – Мирон Куропась 107 Ilehamwood Drive National Secretary – Головний Секретар Nicholas Fil – Микола Філь DeKalb, IL 60115 Christine E. Kozak – Христина Е. Козак 105 Latham Ridge Rd Ukrainian National Association Latham, NY 12110 Taras Szmagala Sr. – Тарас Шмаґала Cт. 2200 Route 10 10976 Tanager Trail Parsippany, NJ 07054 Eugene Oscislawski – Евген Осціславський Brecksville, OH 44141 5 Stable Lane Treasurer – Касир Flemington, NJ 08822 Anatole Doroshenko – Анатолій Дорошенко Roma Lisovich – Рома Лісович 16955 Sycamore Court Ukrainian National Association Myron Pylypiak – Мирон Пилипяк Northville, MI 48168 2200 Route 10 11204 SE 234th St Parsippany, NJ 07054 Kent, WA 98031 THE UNA: 115 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 No. 18

COMMENTARY THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Ah, summertime Is Ukraine a “failed state”? by Roman Kupchinsky which promised that independence would It’s already May, so summer is not far behind. Ergo, our annual section called guarantee prosperity and the survival of our “A Ukrainian Summer.” And you know what that means for us Ukrainians. There’s “Who are we as a nation? We walked and national identity. Furthermore, we knew that just no rest! wandered – beginning with Volodymyr the history was on our side. While for most Americans it seems that summer is a time to just sit back and Great and ending with Volodymyr I vividly recall the day Ukraine declared relax – as the song goes, “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy…” – that doesn’t Vasyliovych [Scherbytsky].” its intention to secede from the Soviet Union seem to be the case for Ukrainians. Oh sure, our summertime activities are fun and – Ukrainian writer Volodymr Yavorivsky and the emotions that overwhelmed me. We they are restful in the sense that any change of pace after nine months of an at the Rukh Congress in 1989. finally won! Everything seemed simple extremely busy school, extracurricular, community and social calendar is a break. from now on. The main task was relatively But does the pace for us Ukrainians get any easier during the summer? It depends. This, without a doubt, is a provocative easy in our minds. All we had to do was to For many of our community members, particularly, our younger generations, question for all Ukrainians – those living in build Ukraine into a modern prosperous summer is a time to focus on different facets of our Ukrainian life. There may be Ukraine and for the generations of émigrés state, have it join the western world and no classes of the Ukrainian studies school, but there are Ukrainian courses in living in the West. Nonetheless, it needs to make Kyiv into the Paris of Eastern Europe. Ukraine. And for college students, there is the Harvard Ukrainian Summer be explored in order to dissolve any myths Then reality slowly crept in. As my gen- Institute. There may be no weekly dance lessons, but there are dance camps (sever- we might still hold about who we are as a eration was coming of age, we never imag- al to choose from) and dance workshops. Likewise, there may be no regular ban- nation and what is our destiny. ined that the prime ministers of an indepen- dura lessons, but there is, of course, bandura camp. Are we a nation of suffering patriots, who dent Ukraine could turn out to be gangsters There may be no meetings of our youth organizations, but their work contin- for some 70 years waited, silently resisted and swindlers; that Ukrainian girls would ues at their respective summer camps. In fact, the summer camps for Plast and prayed in the catacombs and forests ask- become prostitutes servicing sex tourists in Ukrainian Scouting Organization and the Ukrainian American Youth Association ing the Good Lord to help us achieve unity Kyiv and working in brothels in Hamburg are key components of their educational programs. There sure are a lot of camps and our independence – as our upbringing while others, to our joy, would star in James to choose from whether you’re an outdoorsy type or artsy, a youngster or a young conditioned us to believe? Or are we as Bond movies. We never figured that a large adult. nation being held hostage by a murky gag- part of the population would refuse to learn Even for the older adults among us there is just so much to do. It begins, of gle of cynical, quarrelsome, greedy, rent- to speak Ukrainian and that the presidents of course, with simply getting the kids to where they need to be – oftentimes across seeking businessmen and corrupt officials – an independent Ukraine would turn out to the country. And then parents have to do the return trip at least once to pick the kids who grabbed an opportune moment to join be spineless, incompetent knaves and possi- up. In between, there may be performances to attend or visits. As for actual activi- the rebellion against Moscow without shed- ble murderers. ties geared to adults, there is much to choose from: music workshops, cultural pro- ding any blood? We prayed that, with the collapse of the grams at various venues, including the famous Grazhda in Jewett, N.Y. (near Did the new oligarchs of Ukraine – USSR, Russia would come to its senses and Hunter), sports competitions such as the tennis and golf tournaments at Soyuzivka, Viktor Pinchuk, Rinat Akhmetov, Igor its citizens would be interested in building a and even a language immersion course way out in Saskatchewan. There are also all Kolomoysky, Dmytro Firtash and others – modern democratic state. How mistaken we sorts of presentations at Harvard, a film festival at Soyuzivka, and special events at were on all counts. various Ukrainian resorts, campgrounds and what we like to call “oseli.” support the liberation movement and cast their vote for Ukrainian independence? Or What went wrong? And don’t forget the festivals – only some of which are highlighted in our spe- Today there are numerous theories cial section (look for more information about those as we get closer to the dates). did they sneak in after the fact in order to enrich themselves and then get the hell out attempting to explain why Ukraine is rapidly One thing is for certain though, it all begins in New York City with the Ukrainian going to hell in a hand basket. Some believe, Festival in May. A huge highlight is sure to be the Ukrainian Cultural Festival at of Ukraine in order to relocate into their multi-million-dollar mansions on the as I do during weaker moments, that inde- Soyuzivka, thanks to the headliner, Ruslana. And, fans of the versatile George pendence was handed to the former repub- Dzundza will be pleased to hear that, yes, he will indeed be the master of cere- Spanish coast, Vienna and London, taking their billions with them? lics of the USSR on a silver platter and monies for the Soyuzivka bash. The festival season ends with the grand Toronto nobody, except a handful of dissidents in the Ukrainian Festival in mid-September – the largest Ukrainian street festival in Let me go back in time 60 years. My family arrived in the United States in 1949 1980s and 1990s, spilled any blood to North America. achieve the victory. This is not to say that Wow, after all this, we’ll need the fall to rest. (But only briefly. There’s no rest from a DP (displaced persons) camp in earlier generations did not fight for this goal, for the weary.) Austria. They were in their late 20s and early 40s and came to the United States but they lost and this, along with time and seeking to make a better life. brutal repressions by the Kremlin of those I grew up in Brooklyn in the 1950s and who chose to remain faithful to the goal of May 1960s and my life revolved around Plast Ukrainian independence, took the fighting Turning the pages back... Ukrainian Scouting Organization and my spirit out of believers. Some simply chose to close comrades. We shared the same set of travel the well-known path of survival; oth- values and dreams – for ourselves and for ers believed that the USSR was where 6 that somewhat mythical, understandable Ukraine belonged. Seventeen years ago, on May 6, 1992, the last of Ukraine’s country our parents fled and which we knew I don’t know what path I would have tactical nuclear weapons were removed from its territory to chosen had I been living in Lviv and not in 1992 the Russian Federation, where they were to be destroyed, so little about, yet sang beautifully melodic patriotic songs to honor it at campfires in Brooklyn. according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. Some argue that had the European Union In a statement issued on May 5, 1992, the Defense Ministry East Chatham, N.Y., and North Colebrook, Conn., and Bobrivka. They were often sung admitted Ukraine into the EU, the country noted that “Ukraine has fulfilled its responsibilities earlier than the designated deadline would have been forced to adopt more sen- of July 1, [1992].” at times for our parents’ sake and to keep their and our dreams alive. We honestly sible laws – not those passed by a quasi-Par- The transport of the nuclear weapons from Ukraine to Russia began on February 1, liament (the Verkhovna Rada) that com- 1992, but in mid-March 1992, President Leonid Kravchuk halted the transfer. Mr. believed that Ukraine was destined to join the so-called “Free World.” prised far too many crooked deputies, Kravchuk noted that Ukraine did not have sufficient evidence that the weapons would among them bodyguards for oligarchs, be quickly destroyed by Russia. In the 1950s we, along with the children of other émigrés, Poles, Czechs, Hungarians, chauffeurs for former prime ministers, bas- “We want these weapons to be destroyed in a country with the proper facilities. We ketball team trainers for clubs owned by gas want guarantees that they can’t be used anywhere. I don’t want to make anybody else Lithuanians, Belarusians and others were forced to march in the annual “Loyalty Day” traders and so forth. It was not in the inter- stronger,” he said at a press conference on March 12, 1992. ests of these elected legislators and their However, on April 14, 1992, his decision was reversed and the shipment of tactical parade down Fifth Avenue trying to con- vince the almost native American spectators sponsors to have Brussels-based legislators weapons to Russia resumed. Anatoliy Zlenko, Ukraine’s foreign affairs minister, probing into their extremities and exposing denied reports that this step was taken due to pressure from the West and the impeding that, although our parents came from “Communist countries,” we were just as them for what they really were. deadline. An agreement on the mechanism used to destroy the weapons had been The results of the fabled Orange reached by Ukraine and Russia. loyal to the U.S.A. as the spectators suppos- edly were. Revolution turned out to be a nightmare. Its “Ukraine is very happy that its own representative and its own experts will accom- leaders are now by and large discredited, pany the transported weapons and will monitor their destruction in Russia,” said Mr. What did we expect in return for this cir- cus act of loyalty? A pat on the back and slugging it out amongst themselves on live Zlenko. television broadcasts and exposing the coun- Following the transfer of Ukraine’s tactical arsenal, Ukraine would deliver its stra- back room assurances that the U.S. govern- ment would support our dream of an inde- try’s rotting political system for all the tegic weapons from its territory to Russia. The process began after the ratification of world to see. Their endless maneuverings of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) by the United States and four former pendent Ukraine in a meaningful manner? Or was the Captive Nations Law by who will form a coalition with former oppo- Soviet republics: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan. nents against a third party is a circus act and Unofficial estimates indicated Ukraine had 2,390 tactical warheads and 2,605 actual Congress the best we could expect? Ukrainian independence was a dream a feeding trough for the Ukrainian “free weapons. Due to the nature of the weapons, which varied from short- to long-range, media,” touted to be the best result of the including land mines and hand-held weapons, it was difficult to confirm the exact shared by hundreds of thousands of DPs scattered throughout the world, and the Orange Revolution. number of these weapons. Unfortunately, many of these media out- It was confirmed, however, that Ukraine had 1,420 ICBMs (Intercontinental dream grew over time despite the lack of knowledge about that country and what was lets are owned by those very powerful, cyni- Ballistic Missiles) on its territory and 46 missiles that did not fall under the provisions cal and rich people who exercise ultimate of the START agreement. and what wasn’t possible. But we all lived the dream nonetheless in a romantic bubble control of what goes on the air. Articles and Ukraine’s Defense Ministry officials underscored that Ukraine was continuing its blogs on the Internet and in the press are policy of becoming a non-aligned, nuclear-free and neutral state by 1994. often commissioned by competing parties Roman Kupchinsky is a partner at and their sponsors who pay substantial sums Source: “Tactical nukes all removed from Ukraine,” by Marta Kolomayets, The AZEast Group. He can be contacted at Ukrainian Weekly, May 10, 1992. [email protected]. (Continued on page 10) Summer Supplement THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 1 A Ukrainian Summer Supplement to The Ukrainian Weekly, May 3, 2009 Here it is: our 13th annual edition of our special section titled “A Perusing this section, readers will: find out where they can learn Ukrainian Summer.” Yes, that’s right. We began this tradition of letting Ukrainian folk dance; learn about Poltava, which this year marks readers know how to put Ukrainian content into their summers way back the 300th anniversary of the Battle of Poltava; get information on in 1997. (This section is published each year in the first issue of May.) how to sign up their kids for various summer camps; and read about The 2009 release of “A Ukrainian Summer” is larger than ever at the latest developments at Soyuzivka and its highly successful 20 pages. As usual, it gives readers useful information about sum- Ukrainian Cultural Festival. mertime events here in the United States, in Canada and in Ukraine A special thank-you goes out to those individuals and organizations that can be a source of enjoyment, education and /or relaxation for that submitted materials for the 2009 edition of “A Ukrainian Summer.” our readers and their families. And, to our dear readers, we say: Enjoy! The Weekly asks: What are Come see Ruslana in concert you doing this summer? at Ukrainian Cultural Festival Mykola Lucak, 22, Syracuse, N.Y.: summer, which will be a fun way to end the PARSIPPANY, N.J. – season. Approximately 1.5 billion I will be attending the Ukrainian viewers worldwide saw American Youth Association’s Kholodnyi Zdan Korduba, 18, Oakland, N.J.: Ruslana achieve a spectacu- Yar campground in Fillmore, N.Y., as “kom- This July I am traveling to Ukraine with lar victory when she was mandant,” UAYA Oselia in Ellenville, N.Y., voted the winner of the as “bunchuzhnyi” for “tabir druzhynykiv,” a couple of friends. We will spend time in Lviv, Kyiv and Yalta. Also, I will also be at 2004 Eurovision Song pub nights in May and June at the Syracuse Contest held in Istanbul. Ukrainian National Home (UNH), Ukrainian Soyuzivka on Labor Day and the St. George Festival in New York. This summer, thousands of festivals in Yonkers and Rochester, N.Y., the visitors to Soyuzivka will Bloor Street festival in Toronto, performanc- Paul Hadzewycz, 17, Morristown, N.J.: have the opportunity to see es with the Surma choir and various other Ruslana live at the 2009 zabavas (dances) throughout the summer. I am planning on being a counselor at Ukrainian Cultural Festival These events are important to me because Vovcha Tropa for Plast summer camps. I to be held July 17-19. it is good to show our Ukrainian pride by might also attend the Morskyi camp in Five years ago, Ruslana’s going to these events. Without a strong sense August. I will be at the St. George Festival winning single and subse- of pride, we put our heritage at risk. It is also in New York and other events as the sum- quent album “Wild Dances” good for the youth to experience other mer goes on. were heard in over 25 coun- Ukrainian events outside their community to Marta Nalysnyk, 23, Jersey City, N.J.: tries; for 97 weeks Ruslana get new ideas as well as to see what other dominated 14 different Ukrainians are doing to keep their culture I am getting married this July, so my charts throughout Europe. alive. It is also a way to show support from summer is pretty much planned out. I will In Ukraine alone, the album our Home. As president of the Syracuse definately be at the St. George Festival, and UNH, I feel that showing our support is a Labor Day at Soyuzivka is a natural. achieved quintuple plati- way that people can look highly onto our num status, making her the Katria Harasewych, 52, Flourtown, Pa.: UNH and community. first recording artist to domestically sell 500,000 I have quite the busy and fun summer Matthew Dmyterko, 28, Naugatuck, copies of an album. ahead of me. I will have many trips to the Conn.: Shortly thereafter, Ruslana Plast camp Vovcha Tropa, both in June and received the prestigious July. In August I plan to be in Wildwood This summer, I plan on attending Plast World Music Award in Las events, including a camp at Novyi Sokil, (N.J.) for Ukrainian Week and enjoy the Ruslana will be the headliner at the 2009 Ukrainian ocean water, warm sand and, most impor- Vegas as the top-selling Cultural Festival at Soyuzivka. and regular visits to Soyuzivka, including Ukrainian artist in the world. the dance camp and workshop performanc- tant, all the friends. At the end of the sum- Gold Record awards and more chart suc- summer 2007. es, as well as the festival. For me, these mer my daughter will be getting married. cesses followed in Belgium, the Czech Ruslana has always managed to find events are important to maintain ties with Very exciting! Republic, Greece and many other countries. time to support those less fortunate. She the Ukrainian community. Greg Serba, 19, Mount Laurel, N.J.: The singer expanded her stage across has staged many charity concerts benefit- the globe, from Canada and Iceland to ing children’s hospitals in Kyiv, Lviv and Maryana Olenczyn, 23, Clifton, N.J.: I just finished my freshman year at Turkey and China, performing at the 2008 Dnipropetrovsk. In the spring of 2007 Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. This sum- I hope to attend as many Ukrainian events Olympic Games in Beijing. Ruslana joined artists from 14 different as I can this summer. Nothing specific yet, mer: I will be a tennis counselor at Tennis countries in a major charity tour across Camp at Soyuzivka in late June/early July. I Music industry powerhouse Warner but it’s important to attend these events Music took notice and signed Ruslana to a Germany, performing in 15 cities to raise because it helps me to stay in touch with my have been a counselor for four years and funds needed to address urgent social prior to that a tennis camp participant. I will contract as a worldwide recording artist. roots and enables me to keep Ukrainian tra- In the autumn of last year, Ruslana issues. ditions and a Ukrainian mindset. stay at Soyuzivka for the Fourth of July Ruslana began working with the weekend celebration. I will return there for released her new album “Wild Energy.” Produced in the U.S. by Ego Works at the Organization for Security and Cooperation Andrew Melnyk, 17, Long Valley, N.J.: the Ukrainian Festival on July 17-19 – I’ve in Europe on the global issue of human attended it in every year. Unfortunately, legendary Hit Factory Criteria Studios in In July I am going to Europe. I will be Miami, “Wild Energy” maintains trafficking back in 2006. Shortly thereafter because school starts August 24, I will miss UNICEF appointed her Good Will traveling in Italy and to Paris. I might attend “Ukie Week” in Wildwood and Labor Day Ruslana’s unique musical components the Plast Morskyi camp in August. I will blended with modern urban influences. Ambassador of Ukraine. at Soyuzivka – both times to meet new Last year, when a series of devastating definately be at the Seventh Street festival in friends and say hello to old friends. This release contains a first for Ruslana – New York City. the incorporation of guest artists. Featured floods hit western Ukraine, causing monu- Lesia Lebed, “ageless mother of two,” on two tracks are American Urban super- mental damage to life, property and the Christine Syzonenko, 51, Randolph, N.J.: Mount Tabor, N.J.: stars T-Pain and Missy Elliott. infrastructure, Ruslana and the Klitschko brothers formed a charitable foundation to Two of my three children are involved in Right after the Fourth of July we’ll start * * * supply substantial aid to the flood victims. Ukrainian dancing. Whether they are work- the drives to Plast Camp in East Chatham, ing as instructors or counselors, studying or N.Y.: the first weekend will be to drop off Ruslana is not only a vocalist, but also a * * * performing, a good part of the summer is conductor, pianist, composer and producer. my daughter, two weeks later will be to Her press releases describe the taken up with dance-related activities. There She began her classical musical training at visit, and the week after that to pick her Ukrainian star as “exotically unique, con- is a weeklong dance day camp in Whippany the age of 4, when she became a partici- up. The one free weekend in July will be stantly setting new trends using original, (N.J.) in late June, a week in Lehighton (Pa.) pant of an experimental music school; at 7 spent at Soyuzivka during the Ukrainian unusual and rarely heard ethnic sounds, in early July, and a two-week dance inten- she went on tour with a children’s ensem- Cultural Festival. We’ll also close the sum- blending the ancient styles and singing tra- sive at Verkhovyna in August. Of course ble; and later she graduated from the music mer at Soyuzivka during Labor Day week- ditions of the Carpathian mountain people Conservatory in Lviv as a pianist and Soyuzivka’s Festival on July 17-19 is on end. with modern pop music.” orchestra conductor. our calendar. We are particularly looking For those fortunate enough to attend a Andrew Fedynsky, 61, Cleveland: Social commitment has always been an forward to it this year because our dance live show by Ruslana, the experience is school, Iskra, has been invited to perform as Just as we have for many years, my affair of the heart for Ruslana. In autumn unique. Together with a team of artists, part of the Sunday program. The August wife and I will be visiting the Pysanyi 2004 she actively supported the democrat- designers, dancers and musicians, Ruslana Independence Day Festival at Tryzubivka is Kamin (Painted Rock) Plast scout Camp ic processes of the Orange Revolution. She creates a mythical atmosphere in which also not to be missed. A good friend is get- was an outspoken member of the ting married at Soyuzivka at the end of the (Continued on page 17) Ukrainian Parliament from spring 2006 to (Continued on page 16) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 Summer Supplement Summer Supplement THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 3

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Bring the whole family to the Soyuzivka Heritage Center KERHONKSON, N.Y. – The 2009 Soyuzivka also invites parents and summer season is rapidly approaching, other adults to participate in the auxiliary and Soyuzivka is preparing a memorable activities that the Soyuzivka location has season that will be long remembered. to offer, such as golf, hiking and tennis. The good news for guests is that – for Then again, guests can simply relax with the fifth consecutive year – there will be a cool drink at the pool during the time no price increases on rooms and meals. their children are enjoying themselves. Some additional discounts will also be It’s the best deal around. available. This is intended to ensure that Among the other wonderful events everyone has an opportunity to come and planned during the season is the enjoy the events that will be occurring at Soyuzivka Heritage Foundation Golf the Soyuzivka Heritage Center. Tournament, a fund-raiser for the This season, Soyuzivka remains a Ukrainian Heritage Center. All are invited bargain and is an excellent vacation to play in the tournament and/or donate to destination for the entire family. Members the foundation. of the Ukrainian National Association The third annual Ukrainian Film receive a discount for their stay as one of Festival will be held in August and this their fraternal benefits. In addition, keep year will be hosted by Dr. Yuri Shevchuk your eye out for an additional savings and the Columbia University Ukrainian coupon in The Ukrainian Weekly and Film Club. Stay tuned for more Svoboda for all of our guests. information about this festival, which Russ Chelak The official re-opening date is highlights Ukrainian-made films, films A view of the audience at last year’s Ukrainian Cultural Festival. Memorial Day weekend. The event by filmmakers of Ukrainian descent or on features the band Svitanok and Ukrainian topics. The selection of films appearances by two popular musical duos should be fascinating and this is definitely on the popular Tiki Deck: Pete and Vlod, a weekend not to be missed. as well as Zuki and Mike. The rest of August will feature three In June Soyuzivka hosts UNA Seniors separate dance recital weekends, the Week, an ever-growing and popular event crowning of Miss Soyuzivka and several with over 100 attendees in recent years. other entertaining performances and Interesting speakers, programs and cultural programs. lectures, and an opportunity to socialize Still not convinced? Soyuzivka’s all make for a fun-filled week. delectable cuisine is yet another This is followed by the first big attraction. Once again there will be summer week with the commencement of various theme nights at dinnertime. Odesa “Tabir Ptashat,” the Ukrainian-language night, with selections from Ukraine’s pre-school day camp, run by Plast Black Sea coast, will be brought back by Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Tennis popular demand. There will be several Camp, Soyuzivka’s unique “zabavy,” other culinary surprises during the season (dances), cultural theme dinners and a – all under the watchful eye of multitude of wonderful entertainment and Soyuzivka’s masterful chef, Andriy performances. (A piece of advice: don’t Sonevytsky. forget to bring your Ukrainian blouses For additional information visit the and shirts for Hutsul evenings.) website at www.soyuzivka.com, call Fourth of July weekend has the popular 845-626-5641 or just get in the car and take a scenic day or weekend trip. band Hrim appearing on the Tiki Deck and a lively zabava. At the same time, – Soyuzivka management Soyuzivka campers in 2008 on a hike to the waterfalls. Soyuzivka kicks off its Ukrainian folk dance camp season with the start of the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Dance Workshop. Send your 4- to 6-year-olds to ‘Tabir Ptashat’ Once the workshop begins, everyone knows that not far behind is the Ukrainian Cultural Festival, organized by the Ukrainian National Foundation for the benefit of Soyuzivka and its many activities. Not only will attendees be treated to performances by dancers, singers and musicians, but the headliner this year is one of the biggest pop stars in Europe – Ruslana, a Eurovision song contest winner who combines traditional folk melodies and dances with contemporary music. The appearance of Ruslana and her entire ensemble in their own spectacular and breathtaking show will make the 2009 festival one not to be missed. After the festival, the ever-popular Soyuzivka children’s camp season begins. There is sure to be a camp that will interest you, whether you’re a dance enthusiast (five weeks of various dance camps, from traditional Ukrainian folk to Andrij Wojtowycz Campers and counselors of Week 1 of the 2008 “Tabir Ptashat” at Soyuzivka. ballroom dance are available) or a sports enthusiast (Ukrainian Sitch Sports School, KERHONSKON, N.Y. – For the 21st Organization that has organized each ing to conduct activities, including games, a two-week, all-around sports camp has year in a row, the very popular “Tabir “Tabir Ptashat” held at the Soyuzivka arts and crafts, nature hikes, sing-alongs, excellent instruction in soccer, tennis, Ptashat” day camp for Ukrainian- Heritage Center since then. puppet shows and campfires. volleyball and swimming). speaking children age 4-6 will be held at The camp is an opportunity for This year’s head counselors for Tabir Also offered are: Heritage Camp (for Soyuzivka. There will be two tours: June young children to enjoy summertime Ptashat are Anya Tershakovec Tomko children age 4-8), at which campers 28-July 5 and July 5-12. fun in a nurturing Ukrainian environ- of Short Hills, N.J., for Week 1, and receive excellent instruction in their 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of ment surrounded by Soyuzivka’s beau- Roman Ponos of Vienna, Va., for Week Ukrainian heritage, and Discovery Camp, the camp, as the first “Tabir Ptashat” ty. Campers arrive at Soyuzivka with 2. For information about the camp or to which gives kids an opportunity to meet was held in 1989 at Soyuzivka. It was their parents from all parts of the enroll a child, readers may call Mrs. other Ukrainian American kids, experience the initiative of Neonila Sochan, a United States, as well as from abroad. Sochan at 973-984-7456. activities such as hiking and rappelling, member of “Pershi Stezhi,” the sorority Parents are key to the camp’s success and learn a bit about the traditions and of Plast Ukrainian Scouting as they participate in organizing and help- – Andrea Roman customs of their ancestral homeland. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 Summer Supplement Summer Supplement THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 5

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Hear Ukraine’s Kozak rock band, Haydamaky, in Toronto

by Olya Grod experience Ukrainian culture and hospi- tality at its best. TORONTO – Now in its 13th year, the As always, there will be non-stop enter- Toronto Ukrainian Festival continues to tainment with Ukrainian performers from be one of the most anticipated events of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, the the season, and especially this year as it United States and Ukraine, including danc- presents Ukraine’s Kozak rock band, ers, vocalists and musicians. The youth seg- Haydamaky, in the Bloor West Village on ment is presented on the grand stage at Jane Saturday night, September 19. Street. And, for those so inclined, there is “Thanks to the large financial support of dancing at the “zabava”/street dance on the Ministry of Tourism ‘Celebrate Ontario both Friday and Saturday evenings. 2009 Program’ we are delighted to present Vendor kiosks will offer delicious authen- one of Europe’s most popular bands,” said tic Ukrainian food and beverages, beautiful Jurij Klufas, festival president. souvenirs, interactive pavilions, and more. According to Oleksandr Yarmola, There will be sidewalk sale shopping at the Haydamaky band leader, “Our mission is local Bloor West Village businesses. Plus, to make contemporary Ukrainian culture there is a midway for kids and youth. cool, trendy, fashionable, adopted into A colorful parade takes place on other world cultures and to gain for young Saturday morning at 11 a.m. A new attrac- Ukraine the widest possible recognition tion this year is the art show and sale throughout the world.” The Haydamaky organized by the Collective of Canadian are currently working on their fifth CD. Ukrainian Artists. The Haydamaky, Ukraine’s Kozak rock band. Visitors can discover Ukrainian culture CFRB Radio 1010 who will be broad- in Canada and share the Ukrainian spirit casting live from the Festival. Runnymede Street. at 416-410-9965. at North America’s largest Ukrainian To get to the festival take the TTC sub- For more information log on to www. For a list of host hotels see www.ukrai- street festival. This is an opportunity to way and exit at either Jane Street or ukrainianfestival.com or leave a message nianfestival.com. Appreciate music and the arts at the Grazhda in upstate N.Y. by Natalka Sonevytsky Mendelssohn, Lysenko and Gershwin. The August 3-14 – a two-week course in 212-674-6569 or 518-989-6479; for folk art audience’s favorite ensemble, the Music at Ukrainian folk-singing for children age 4-9 courses, call Sofika Zielyk at 212-533-6419 JEWETT, N.Y. – Founded in 1983 by the the Grazhda Chamber Music Society – Mr. (instructor Anna Bachynsky) and culminat- or 518-989-6218. noted Ukrainian American composer and Brussilovsky, Anna Rabinova (violin), ing in a children’s recital on Friday, August The Music and Art Center is a non-profit musicologist Ihor Sonevytsky, the Music Borys Deviatov (viola), Ms. Khoma and Mr. 14, at 7 p.m. organization supported in part by the and Art Center of Greene County has since Vynnytsky – will play works by Handel- General information, updates and mem- Cultural fund of the Greene County Council been recognized in the Catskill region, as Halvarsen, Haydn and Franck on August 8. bership information are available online at on the Arts, Self Reliance New York Federal well as on the Ukrainian cultural scene, as The Alexander Slobodyanik Memorial www.GrazhdaMusicandArt.org. For concert Credit Union, private donations and mem- the foremost organization featuring classical Concert, dedicated to the memory of the information call Natalka Sonevytsky at berships. chamber music concerts performed by internationally renowned pianist who died nationally and internationally renowned art- ists. in October 2008, will close the season on Music at the Grazhda launches its 27th August 29. The featured artists at this con- season on Saturday, July 4, with a jubilee cert will be Larysa Krupa, Ms. Khoma, Mr. concert celebrating the 70th birthday of the Vynnytsky and the Leontovych String distinguished contemporary composer Quartet – Yuri Mazurkevych, Yuri Myroslav Skoryk and the 60th birthday of Kharenko, Volodymyr Panteleiev and Mr. the Kyiv Opera soloist Maria Stefiuk. The Deviatov. honorees will perform Mr. Skoryk’s works A theater event on August 15 will feature as well as operatic arias from the interna- members of the Lidia Krushelnytsky Stage tional repertoire. Ensemble, who will pay tribute to their late The July 11th Concert will feature the founder and director with a presentation of legendary American violinist Eugene Fodor classical, dramatic and humorous works. with Volodymyr Vynnytsky, the director of All programs begin at 8 p.m. at the the Grazhda concert series, at the piano per- Grazhda Concert Hall, an architectural land- forming works by Brahms, Lalo, Ravel, mark and part of the complex of St. John the Paganini, Sonevytsky and Wieniavsky. Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church. French violinist Alexander Brussilovsky, The Music and Art Center also organizes cellist Natalia Khoma and pianist Volodymyr workshops in Ukrainian folk arts as follows: Vynnytsky will play works by Tchaikovsky • August 3-7 – two one-week courses in and Schonfied at the Fund-raising Concert Ukrainian Easter-egg making (pysanky) and on July 25. A festive reception will follow ceramics (instructor Sofika Zielyk); this concert. • August 10-14 –two one-week courses in The noted Ukrainian American pianist embroidery (instructor Lubov Wolynec) and Juliana Osinchuk will give a recital on gerdany (bead stringing) (instructor August 1, playing works by Mozart, Anastasia Berezovsky);

Cellist Natalia Khoma, violinist Yuri Kharenko and pianist Volodymyr Vynnytsky perform at Grazhda Concert Hall. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 Summer Supplement

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Benefi t from recreation and enrichment at UAYA’s camps

by Oksana Charuk-Bodnar NEW YORK – As the tempera- ture rises, buds and leaves appear, and summer vacation beckons, children and parents start antici- pating where to spend their sum- mer months. The children hope to maximize their fun, while parents seek a safe, enriching environment for their precious charges, filled with the values they have tried to instill throughout the year. Ready to satisfy both requirements are the Ukrainian American Youth Association campgrounds. Over the years UAYA camps have brought long-lasting friendships and fond memories to campers enveloped in a thoroughly profes- sional physical environment, with experienced counselors, knowl- edgeable teachers and dedicated caregivers. The camps offer a vari- ety of camping adventures, aug- mented by the elegant and unique Ukrainian heritage. The season opens early, on June 21, at UAYA’s campground (“oselia”) in Baraboo, Wis. Baraboo offers six camps for Participants of a camp run by the Ukrainian American Youth Association. children of all ages, starting with our youngest “sumeniata” at age 4. Also four-day traditional camp for children of selor-in-training camp). There follow express themselves through dance, art, offered is a soccer camp for those who all ages. Oselia Kholodnyi Yar in “Huseniata” camp for tots ages 2-4, with handcrafts and music. love soccer and can’t live without it. Filmore, N.Y., will offer a camp from a concurrent program of activities for par- Give your children a summer vacation to Oselia Khortytsia in Hungtington, July through early August in an enjoyable ents during and after camp hours; remember. Check out our UAYA summer Ohio, will host a recreational camp dur- and caring environment. “Praktychnyi” (River camp); Sports; rec- camp programs on the website at www. ing July at which campers can enjoy fun At UAYA’s Ellenville, N.Y., camp- reational camp for younger and older cym.org/us/ellenville, call 845-647-7230, or and camaraderie. At the Kyiv resort near ground, the season starts off with youth; “Mysteskyi/Kobzarski” (Arts and e-mail [email protected] for more Detroit, this summer program includes a “Vyshkilnyi” camp on June 28th (a coun- Bandura camps), at which the children information.

UKRAINIAN AMERICAN YOUTH ASSOCIATION OSELYA CYM RT 209 ELLENVILLE, NY COME CELEBRATE OUR 60TH YEAR OF CYM IN THE USA OSELYA CYM WISHES TO WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE NEW 2009 SUMMER SEASON. OUR SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR THIS SUMMER IS LISTED BELOW. COME RELAX, ENJOY AND PLAN FOR FUN FILLED WEEKENDS IN THE BEAUTIFUL SCENIC CATSKILL MOUNTAINS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. CALENDAR OF EVENTS-2009 SUMMER SEASON

MAY 23, & MAY 24 ZLET YUNATSTVA CYM 2009 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2009 JULY 4, & JULY 5 LEMKO VATRA 2009 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND 2009 JULY 5 SVYATO HEROYIV 2009 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND 2009 JULY 11 60TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET UKRAINIAN AMERICAN YOUTH ASSOCIATION - CYM INCLUDING STARSHE YUNATSTVO SOCCER TOURNAMENT QUAD VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT AUGUST 1-2 TABIR REUNION 2009 INCLUDING GOLF TOURNAMENT & ZABAVA AUGUST 7 UKRAINIAN SPORTS FEDERATION OF THE USA & CANADA (USCAK) SPORTS COMPETITIONS SEPTEMBER 4-6 ZDVYH CYM AMERICA - LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2009 INCLUDING CABARET SHOW FEATURING: “SPALENY TEATER” FROM CHICAGO, STAGE SHOWS, SPORTING EVENTS, AND MUCH MORE !!

PLEASE CONTACT OSELYA CYM DIRECTLY AT 845-647-7230 OR FOR MORE INFORMATION AND EXCITING NEW EVENTS VISIT US AT WWW.CYM.ORG/US/ELLENVILLE.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THIS SUMMER! Summer Supplement THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 7

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Sign up your athletes for Chornomorska Sitch Sports School

by Matthew Dubas Sitch Sports School has worked with many renowned trainers, including Eugene PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The Chornomorska Chyzhowych, Dr. Ostap Stromecky, Walter Sitch Sports School will be celebrating its Leoniv, Bohdan Hayduchok, Orest Fedash 40th anniversary in the athletic training of and tens of others, including trainers from Ukrainian youth. In the last four decades the Ukraine such as Ihor Chupenko, Volodymyr school has educated thousands of boys and Kovalov, Ivan Rudavsky and the brothers girls, not only from America, but parts of Albert and Yuriy Kolb. Each of them dili- Canada and Ukraine, since it gained inde- gently carried out the school’s agenda, pro- pendence in 1991. viding one-on-one attention. Later, these The knowledge gained by graduates of same instructors became certified trainers, the Sports School has been used in sports earned trainers’ licenses and continued their programs in various Ukrainian sports clubs in the diaspora; many participants have gone work with Ukrainian youth. on to accomplished sports careers, and many Trainers and staff returning to this year’s have taken leadership positions in sports Sports School include Andrew Panas, clubs. Andrew Kudryk, Greg Serheev, Jerry For the Ukrainian Athletic Educational Twardowsky, George Humeniuk, Dr. Zenon Association (UAEA) Chornomorska Sitch, Matkiwsky, Zenia Matkiwsky-Olesnycky, the Sports School has become a strong foun- Roman Hirniak, Luba Humeniuk and dation to build up the younger ranks’ athletic Marika Bokalo. careers in various disciplines, including soc- The Chornomorska Sitch Sports School Chornomorska Sitch Sports School participants in the pool... cer, volleyball, swimming and tennis. The will be held at Soyuzivka in two sessions: Sports School remains among the few plac- from July 26 to August 1 and August 2 to es where Ukrainian youths have the oppor- August 8. At the conclusion of the second tunity to develop and refine their skills in a session on August 8, a luncheon will take variety of sports and take that knowledge place to mark the 40th anniversary of the back to their schools. Sports School, with an awards ceremony The Chornomorska Sitch Sports School and recognition of the school’s past instruc- is open not only to members of the UAEA tors and staff. Details have yet to be final- Chornomorska Sitch, but to any member of ized about tournaments in soccer, volleyball a Ukrainian sports club. Authorized and and tennis. sanctioned by the highest authority in The executive board of the UAEA Ukrainian sports in North America, the Chornomorska Sitch sincerely invites all for- Ukrainian Sports Federation of the U.S.A. mer attendees, supervisors and instructors to and Canada (USCAK), and American orga- the 40th anniversary events. For room reser- nizations of physical fitness, Chornomorska vations, contact Soyuzivka, 845-626-5641; Sitch is pleased to provide sports training to for more information about the Sports School all young Ukrainian athletes and members and the 40th anniversary celebrations, con- of Ukrainian sports clubs. tact UAEA Chornomorska Sitch, 60-C N. In the last decade, the Chornomorska Jefferson Road, Whippany, NJ 07981. ... and on the tennis courts at Soyuzivka.

UNA SENIORS’ WEEK AT SOYUZIVKA JUNE 14-19, 2009

Make your reservations for the UNA Seniors’ Conference which will be held at Soyuzivka Heritage Center from Sunday, June 14, starting with wine and cheese in the evening, through Friday, June 19, including brunch.

All inclusive 5 nights, all meals beginning with breakfast Monday, ban- quet, taxes and gratuities included, entertainment and special speakers.

UNA members - single occupancy $440 – double occupancy $370 pp Per night - Single $110 – double $87 pp

Non UNA members - single occupancy $490 – double occupancy $385 pp Per night - Single $115 – double $95 pp

BANQUET & ENTERTAINMENT only $35 pp

Call Soyuzivka, tel: 845-626-5641 and register early. Space is limited - Organize a bus from your area, contact local senior clubs! For information please call Oksana Trytjak, tel: 973-292-9800 ext. 3071

Senior Citizens’ Week is FUN – AFFORDABLE – INTERESTING WE WELCOME GUESTS! COME ONE, COME ALL! 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 Summer Supplement

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Choose a Plast camp that fi ts your children’s or teens’ interests by Danylo Peleschuk A specialized, coed camp for teens age June 27-July 8, in Hunter, N.Y. danty” (camp directors): Alex Knihnicky 15-16 (Tabir Starshoho Yunatstva) will be The U.S. National Plast Command had for boys age 6-11; Lida Mulyk for girls age BOSTON – Hundreds of Ukrainian held on July 11-25 at Vocha Tropa. invited eight Plast counselors from 6-11; Stefan Stawnychy for boys age 12-15; American youths will descend once again A series of counselor training camps Ukraine to visit and participate as counsel- and Roxanna Kobziar for girls age 12-15. upon various campgrounds across the (“vyshkoly”) will be aimed at molding ors at various camps this summer in an At Pysannyi Kamin’, Damian United States this summer, as part of Plast young Plast members into camp and year- exchange program that has been main- Hruszkewycz will lead boys age 6-11; Ukrainian Scouting Organization’s sum- round counselors, teaching them to guide tained in recent years. Natalie Bellkarious will lead girls age mer camp programs. groups of young girls and boys (“novatst- Additionally, the Plast fraternity 6-11; Antin Durbakwill head boys age Standard, three-week camps for youths vo”) and teens (“yunatstvo”). Training for Chornomortsi will hold its annual water 12-15; and Roxanne Zalucky will lead age 7-15 will be held at Vovcha Tropa, in counselors of novatstvo will take place on sports camp, “Morskyi Tabir,” on August girls age 12-15. East Chatham, N.Y.; Pysannyi Kamin, in June 27-July 8, while “Shkola 15-22 at Richmond Pond in Pittsfield, Details about other camps, the training Middlefield, Ohio; and Novyi Sokil, in Bulavnykh” (for female scouts age 17 Mass., not far from Vovcha Tropa. course for counselors of yunatstvo will be North Collins, N.Y. They’ll be held from and up who want to become camp coun- The three-week camps at Vovcha Tropa available shortly on the Plast U.S.A. web- July 11 to August 1. selors of yunatstvo) will take place on will be headed by the following “komen- site: www.plastusa.org.

Participants of the Plast camp for older teens during the annual “Den Plastuna” Plast “novaky” at the Vovcha Tropa campground in East Chatham, N.Y. festivities at Vovcha Tropa. 2009 Summer Camp Dates and Information Ukrainian Heritage Day Camp Session 1: July 19 to 24 $160 per week per child staying on premises Session 2: July 26 to 31 $200 per week per child staying off premises A returning favorite for children age 4 to 7. Campers will be exposed to the Tennis Camp Ukrainian heritage through daily activities such as dance, song, storytelling, June 21 to July 2 $675 UNA member $725 non-member crafts and games. Children will walk away with an expanded knowledge of Kicks off the summer with 2 weeks of intensive tennis instruction and com- Ukrainian folk culture and language, as well as new and lasting friendships petitive play, for boys and girls age 10-18, under the direction of Mr. George with other children of Ukrainian heritage. Sawchak. Attendance will be limited to 45 students. Discovery Camp Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Workshop July 19 to 25 $400 UNA member $450 non-member July 5 to July 18 $950 UNA member $1,000 non-member Sleep-away camp for children age 8-15 filled with outdoor activities, sports, Vigorous 2-week dance training for intermediate and advanced dancers age and arts and crafts designed to enhance the Ukrainian cultural experience. 16 and up under the direction of the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Foundation, culminating with performances on stage at our Ukrainian Ukrainian Chornomorska Sitch Sports Camp Cultural Festival. (Additional information http://www.syzokryli.com) Session 1: July 26 to August 1 $395 per week Session 2: August 2 to 8 Tabir Ptashat 40th annual sports camp run by the Ukrainian Athletic-Educational Session 1: June 28 to July 5 Association Chornomorska Sitch for campers age 6- 17. The camp will Session 2: July 5 to July 11 focus on soccer, tennis, volleyball and swimming, and is perfect for any Ukrainian Plast camp (tabir) for children age 4-7 accompanied by their par- sports enthusiast. Please contact Mrs. Marika Bokalo at 908-851-0617 or ents. To register child please watch for registration form appearing February e-mail [email protected] for application and additional 27, March 6, April 3 in Svoboda, March 1, March 8, April 5 in The Ukrainian information. Weekly. For further information please contact Mrs. Neonila Sochan at 973-984-7456. Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Camp Session 1: July 26 to August 8 $950 UNA member Exploration Day Camp Session 2: August 9 to 22 $1,000 non-member Session 1: June 29 to July 3 $150 per week per child or $35 per day per child Directed by Ania Bohachevsky-Lonkevych (daughter of Roma Pryma Session 2: July 6 to 10 Bohachevsky), this camp is for children and teens age 8-16, and offers A day camp for boys and girls age 7-10, with five hours of supervised fun expert instruction for beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Each daily. session ends with a grand recital. Attendance will be limited to 60 students.

Summer Supplement THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 9

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Enroll in Ukrainian Summer Institute at Harvard University by Peter T. Woloschuk CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Dr. Patrice Marie Dabrowski, who was recently appointed the new director of the Harvard Ukrainian Summer Institute (HUSI) by the executive committee of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute (HURI), has been working intensively with Tamara Nary, HURI’s programs administrator, to round out the schedule for the 39th annual summer session which will run from Monday, June 22, through Friday, August 7. “Although intensive Ukrainian language training is a focus of our program,” Dr. Dabrowski pointed out, “we are also offer- ing a number of courses that are particularly relevant in light of current ongoing develop- ments in Ukraine.” “Internationally noted Holodomor schol- ar and professor of contemporary history Dr. Patrice Marie Dabrowski Andrea Graziosi of the University of Naples, have already demonstrated that they will be Italy, ‘Federico II’ will teach a course on Soviet Ukrainian History, 1914-1991 and the leaders of tomorrow.” will highlight the impact of the Holodomor “The Summer Institute,” Dr. Dabrowski 2008 HUSI students speak with Summer Institute Director Steven Seegel (right) in as a central feature of this history. This is emphasized, “offers its participants the front of the building that used to house the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute. particularly appropriate because this year opportunity to make new friends from all Dr. Dabrowski is a native of southern scholar as well as a postdoctoral fellow at marks the 75th anniversary of the Great over the world and to network with some California. She received her bachelor’s Brown University. She is currently con- Famine in Ukraine. Prof. Tamara Hundorova amazing fellow students as well as interna- ducting major research on the Hutsuls of of the Institute of Literature at the National tionally known professors and professional degree in Slavic languages and literatures the Carpathian region of southwestern Academy of sciences of Ukraine will lecture leaders and government officials. We inten- from Harvard University in 1984 and Ukraine between the two world wars. Dr. on Ukrainian Literature and Popular Culture, tionally keep our class size small so that holds a master’s degree in law and diplo- everyone has a chance to interact with their macy from the Fletcher School of Law Dabrowski resides in Natick, Mass. and Michael S. Flier, Oleksandr Potebnja The Summer Institute’s program with an Professor of Ukrainian Philology at Harvard professors and to get to know them really and Diplomacy, as well as a doctorate in well,” she added. history from Harvard University. intensive seven-week curriculum of accred- University and director of HURI will look at ited university instruction in Ukrainian stud- Ukraine as a linguistic battleground,” Dr. “I was a student at HUSI over the sum- A noted author and speaker, Dr. mer of 2002 and I am still in contact with Dabrowski has also served as tutor, lec- ies is the only one of its kind in North Dabrowski said. America. The program is run jointly by the a number of my former classmates,” Dr. turer, and teaching assistant for the histo- “In addition to our academic offerings,” Harvard University Summer School and Dabrowski said. “I found the experience to ry department at Harvard. She held a Dr. Dabrowski said, “we have put together a HURI. full schedule of extracurricular activities that be challenging, fun, and fulfilling. Shklar Fellowship at HURI in the fall of range from trips to museums and historic Although I had limited exposure to 2008 and has been a Fulbright and IREX (Continued on page 18) sites of the greater Boston area, to guest Ukrainian, I was put into the advanced speakers, cultural events and a mini-festival language course because I was fluent in of Ukrainian films. With luck, we will also both Polish and Russian. It was either sink be co-sponsoring a concert with the Harvard or swim for me and because of the Summer School featuring an internationally approach that the instructor, Mr. Dibrova, known Ukrainian pop artist.” took, by the end of the course I was fairly “So far, we have received applications fluent in the language.” from students in almost every oblast in “My ties with HURI go back to my Ukraine, from Poland, Russia and several undergraduate days at Harvard, when I other European countries, as well as from worked in its publications office as an edito- the United States and Canada.” Dr. rial assistant and when I took a number of Dabrowski said. “Most of our Ukrainian courses with Profs. Himka and Szporluk,” applicants are graduate students, and they Dr. Dabrowski concluded. Immerse yourself in study of the Ukrainian language

by Tony Harras www.aulic.ca. The registration fee for the four-day REGINA, Saskatchewan – The Adult weekend (August 13-16) is $185 per partici- Ukrainian Language Immersion Course pant if received prior to July 9, and $200 (AULIC) will be offered again in 2009. In thereafter. The fee for the entire nine-day addition to the weekend program running extended program is $310 if received by from August 13 to 16, an extended program July 7, $325 thereafter. Room, board and all will follow until August 21. printed materials are included in the fee. During the first four days, three levels of Those interested in learning more about instruction will be offered: beginner, inter- AULIC 2009 may contact members of the mediate and advanced. The extended five- Organizing Committee: Ed Lysyk, day program will allow for a more intense 306-789-6622, Wayne Hydeman, Ukrainian language immersion environment 306-545-2003; Ken Mazur, 306-789-4062; and is dedicated to intermediate and Katerina Oleski, 306-585-7054; or Tony advanced-level participants who wish to Harras, 306-586-6805 or 585-7945 (fax), or build on their knowledge of the Ukrainian send an e-mail to [email protected]. language. AULIC is sponsored by the Ukrainian AULIC’s success is based primarily on Canadian Professional and Business the quality of language instruction, which is Association of Regina and the Ukrainian supplemented with a culturally enriched Orthodox Men’s Association of Regina. program. The organizing committee ensures Financial assistance is provided by that the instructors selected for the camp are Ukrainian Canadian Congress, skilled Ukrainian teachers. Saskatchewan Provincial Council and AULIC is held at Trident Camp, 25 kilo- Regina Branch, Saskatchewan Lotteries, meters north of Canora, Saskatchewan, at Saskatchewan Organization of Heritage the Crystal Lake resort. Further information Languages and The Ukrainian Canadian about the venue and facilities is available at Foundation of Taras Shevchenko. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 Summer Supplement

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Learn to dance or perfect your Ukrainian dance skills by Chryzanta Hentisz their permanent repertory. Ms. Izak, the artistic director of the two NEW YORK – More than 30 years ago, dance camps, earned her B.A. in dance, Roma Pryma Bohachevsky fulfilled her majoring in performance and choreography, dream and established a unique dance pro- and has been teaching at private dance gram to preserve and advance the art of schools in the Philadelphia area since 1991. Ukrainian dance in the diaspora. Her She worked closely with Mrs. Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Workshop and Ukrainian for more than 20 years, both at the work- Dance Camps have since been attended by shop and the dance camps. Ms. Izak uses countless dancers from all corners of the her extraordinary talents not only to create globe. magical stories which the children perform Last year the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky at the final recital of the dance camps, but Workshop and Dance Camps, now run by also design the costumes and scenery which her daughter, Ania Bohachevsky enhance the performance. Lonkevych, joined forces with the The Ukrainian Dance Workshop will run Soyuzivka Heritage Center and the from July 5 though 18. The workshop is Ukrainian National Association to form the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian intended for advanced dancers at least 16 Dance Academy at Soyuzivka. The acade- years of age. These dancers participate in a my encompasses not only the workshop rigorous and exacting program, taking class- and two two-week camps, but is also the es in ballet, character, Ukrainian dance and summer home of the Syzokryli Ukrainian repertory. Dance Ensemble. Workshop participants will exhibit the Ms. Lonkevych, director of the Roma skills they have acquired or honed during Irena Halatyn Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance the two-week program with performances at Workshop dancers perform the “Pryvit” at the 2008 Ukrainian Cultural Festival Academy, is well-qualified to continue her the Soyuzivka Ukrainian Cultural Festival mother’s work, having been at her side as a July 17-19. dancer and instructor from an early age. At Beginning to advanced dancers age 8-16 this year’s workshop she will be joined by will have the opportunity to attend either Orlando Pagan, Stefan Calka and special one, or both, of the camps being offered in guest instructor Roman Lewkowicz, all of two sessions: Dance Camp I from July 26 to whom were trained by Mrs. Bohachevsky to August 8 and Dance Camp II from August 9 carry on her work. Kristine Izak will return to August 22. as artistic director at the dance camps. Nina Kobryn will be on hand as “komen- Mr. Pagan is the artistic director of the dantka” (director) for both camps, along Syzokryli as well as the Roma Pryma with a large group of counselors to ensure Bohachevsky School of Ukrainian Dance in 24-hour supervision of the campers. New York and schools in Hartford, Conn., Dancers at these camps, no matter what and Astoria, Yonkers and Hempstead, N.Y. their level, will work on developing their He is also a dance instructor for the Dance technique and dancing ability while taking Theater of Harlem with which he performed classes in ballet, character, Ukrainian dance for many years, playing leading roles all and repertory. The counselors are hand- over the world. picked by Ms. Lonkevych, to be ready to Mr. Calka, principal dancer with the help students on a one-on-one basis, enhanc- Sacramento Ballet, has danced professional- ing the dancer’s learning experience. Each ly with such groups as the Les Grands camp will present a final program that will Ballets Canadiens de Montreal and the Los highlight not only the dancers’ achievements Angeles Ballet. He has choreographed in Ukrainian dance but also character and numerous works for the Sacramento Ballet, ballet. as well as assisted in the staging of the While all of the participants in the “Zaporizka Sich” as performed by 2008 workshop participants at Soyuzivka festival. works of George Balanchine for the Bolshoi dance programs work intensively, danc- and Kirov ballets. ing long hours every day, there are also outrageous outfits for rehearsal; and a The academy and Soyuzivka offer sever- Mr. Lewkowicz will join the workshop as many opportunities for enjoying the facil- farewell banquet. Soyuzivka also hosts a al scholarships to dancers based on merit a guest instructor and choreographer. Mr. ities at Soyuzivka and socializing with “luau” for the dancers. and need. Lewkowicz, a former member of the their fellow campers. Campers get to The dancers also show off their new- Those wishing to participate in the pro- Syzokryli, has studied with, among others, enjoy a bonfire with skits prepared by the found skills and tricks at Soyuzivka dances grams may get further information regarding the Tamburitzans and the Dukla Ukrainian dancers and the counselors; “clash” day, – making the traditional Kolomyika fun and registration and requirements at www. Folk Company in Slovakia, for whom he when everyone, including counselors, exciting not only for the participants but for syzokryli.com or www.soyuzivka.com has choreographed works which are part of instructors and the director, dresses in the crowds of onlookers. (under camps). Stop by the 34th annual Ukrainian Festival in New York City by Andrij Stasiw • Saturday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (main stage): duo sensation Lidia and Gabriella Oros; soloists Maryna Skliarova and NEW YORK – St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church Ms. Hordyeyeva; violinist and EMI recording artist Inessa will host its 34th annual Ukrainian Festival from Friday, Tymochko-Dekajlo; well-known opera tenor Roman May 15, through Sunday, May 17, in New York City. Tsymbala; Syzokryli Dance Ensemble of New York under Located on Seventh Street between Second and Third the direction of Orlando Pagan; renowned soloist and avenues off the corner of Taras Shevchenko Place, this composer Liliya Ostapenko; annual street fair will feature over 100 performers, as well as many vendors selling Ukrainian arts and crafts, foods, • Saturday, 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m.: “zabava”/dance (St. and music/video products. George School auditorium) featuring the Halychany The festival program includes: Orchestra; • Friday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (main stage): St. George • Sunday, 1-2 p.m. (St. George Church): special concert Academy Ukrainian Dancers under the direction of Daria by the Dumka Chorus directed by Vasyl Hrechynsky; and Genza; St. George Academy Chorus under the direction • Sunday, 2-5 p.m. (main stage): St. George Academy of Anna Bachynska; soloists Zoryanna Zarycka, Nataliya Dancers and School Chorus; Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Krutovska and Chrystyna Shafranska; School of Ballroom School of Dance in New York City; Zorepad of Albany, Dance under the direction of Natalia Lemishka; and solo- N.Y., under the direction of Peter and Adrienne Fil; solo- ist superstar Viktoria Hordyeyeva; ists Zoryanna Zarycka, Anna Smith, Ms. Hordyeyeva and • Saturday, 2-4 p.m. (main stage): Iskra Ukrainian Ms. Skliarova; Ukrainian Dance Ensemble Mriya under Dance Ensemble of Whippany, N.J., under the direction the direction of Mr. Pagan; Syzokryli Dance Ensemble; of Andriy Cybyk; Barvinok Dance Ensemble from South Mr. Tsymbala. Bound Brook, N.J., under the direction of Gregory More performers will be announced at a later date. One Momot; bandurist and soloist Kalyna Leshchuk; St. and all are invited to come out and enjoy a beautiful and Soloist Vika Hordyeyeva performs at the Ukrainian George Elementary School of ATA Elite Martial Arts (spe- historic festival in the heart of the Ukrainian Village in Festival in New York City. cial presentation) under the direction of Jose Munoz; New York City. Summer Supplement THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 11

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Journey to the site of the historic Battle of Poltava of 1709 by Yuriy Borysov city’s outskirts will unveil a new museum Special to The Ukrainian Weekly hall, Kozatska Derzhava (The Kozak State). At the same site on June 13, city POLTAVA, Ukraine – This year marks officials will open a renovated model of the 300th anniversary of the Battle of the system of sconces, or protective earth- Poltava, the decisive engagement in the en fortifications, that were used through- Great Northern War in which Tsar Peter out the Great Northern War. the Great led the Russians in defeating Poltava will host an international clas- the Swedes and Ukrainians, giving rise to sic music festival, “Music Unites,” on the modern Russian Empire. June 20 at the Marusia Churai Spivoche For the Ukrainians, led by Hetman Pole, named after the 17th century folk Ivan Mazepa, the battle was a tragic mile- singer and Poltava native. stone in their history because it marked Beer lovers can indulge their passion the beginning of the end of the Ukrainian at the Day of Poltava Beer on June 21 at Kozak era and a half century of autonomy the city’s Peremoha (Victory) Park, about established by the Pereyaslav Treaty of a mile from the city center. The same 1654. park will host an ice cream holiday on Thousands of history buffs, tourists July 11, and the next day soccer teams and nationalists of all stripes are expected will compete in “The Battle of Poltava to descend upon Poltava this summer to Footballers.” participate in the commemorations and Among the biggest events is the histor- learn more about the battle, regarded as ical re-enactment of the Battle of Poltava, among the most decisive in European his- scheduled for June 27. An Orthodox tory. Christian panakhyda will be held the Yuriy Borysov The Poltava City Council has created same morning for all the fallen soldiers. The Poltava Ethnography Museum is among the oldest and most famous in Ukraine. an organizational committee that has Historians recognize June 28 as the scheduled a series of festivals, historical day of the Battle of Poltava, based on the Sobornyi Maidan from June 27 to Its carpeted rooms are fully renovated conferences, sporting events, art exhibi- Gregorian calendar (July 8 according to Ukrainian Independence Day, August 24. and equipped with a safe, thermostat, tions and theatre performances between the Julian calendar.) As many as 3,000 Russians are expect- mini-bar and complimentary mineral May 1 and July 21. The list can be viewed The organizational committee has yet ed to visit Poltava for the 300th anniver- water, tea and coffee. Among its ameni- at: http://www.battle-poltava.org. to officially select the site, but stated that sary weekend and battle re-enactment, ties are a sauna, gym with exercise Numerous festivals involve competi- it will probably be a field on the banks of and local officials said they wanted to machines and free weights, and car rent- tions, drawing upon the battle theme. the Vorskla River, near the village of avoid potential conflicts with Ukrainian al. On May 1 city officials will launch the Patlayivka, several kilometers from nationalists that the statue’s presentation An average meal at its Ukrainian and “Poltava Turystychna” bus tour, which Poltava. could provoke. European cuisine restaurant costs $19. will visit 10 sites that played a role in the Historical re-enactment clubs, military For those planning a trip from Kyiv, The hotel website is http://www.palazzo. Battle of Poltava. enthusiasts and patriots from Ukraine, traveling to Poltava won’t require sleep- com.ua; its telephone numbers are Runners can join the “We Choose Russia, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Great ing in an overnight train. (80532) 61-12-05, 61-12-08 and Health” one-kilometer jog starting at the Britain and the United States have regis- The daily, Kyiv-Kharkiv express train 61-12-10. Vorskla soccer stadium on May 14. tered their participation, the committee is the quickest trip, departing Kyiv at The Halereya Hotel in the city center A June 6 festival will celebrate the reported. 6:33 a.m. and arriving in Poltava at 10:17 at 7 Frunze St. offers 23 rooms, priced at Poltava “halushka,” the region’s unique The festivities will conclude on July a.m. On the way back, the express train between $59 and $183 for a single bed traditional food that looks just like a 21 with the Poltava Ring international leaves Poltava at 6:40 p.m. and arrives in and between $85 and $190 for a double “varenyk,” but is made entirely of boiled boxing competition at the Spivoche Pole. Kyiv at 10:17 p.m. A one-way ticket costs bed, including breakfast. The rooms are dough. On May 24 a documentary film that $10.50 for second class, $11.25 for first fully renovated and equipped with satel- In their own battle, local cooks will was required by a 2007 presidential class. lite television, WiFi Internet and a ther- square off to determine who makes the decree, “The Battle of Poltava: Ukrainian Driving to Poltava along the Kyiv- mostat. best halushky, as well as other Ukrainian Territory,” is to be screened (the organiz- Kharkiv route won’t save any time, as An average meal at its Ukrainian and treats. ing committee did not disclose a venue). this takes an average of four hours. European cuisine restaurant costs $12.50. Both events will take place on Ivanova There are hints that it’s a pro-Russian Poltava is a compact city, and it’s pos- Amenities are largely lacking, with the Hora (Hill), a few blocks from the film commissioned by the pro-Russian sible to drive from one end to the other in exception of a small sauna that requires Sobornyi Maidan (Cathedral Square) in Mayor Andrii Matkovskyi, who denied 30 minutes. Therefore, all the hotels are reservations ahead of time. The hotel the city center. That same day, local offi- financing for the completion of a situated within walking distance of major website is http://www.hotel.poltava.ua, cials plan to unveil a 26-foot Podil Tower Ukrainian film, “On the Wings of events; they report that few rooms have and rooms can be reserved by e-mailing replica, which had been part of the ruined Memory,” produced by Poltava film been booked thus far for the summer [email protected]. Its telephone numbers Poltava Fortress that formed the city cen- director Oleh Minhaliov. commemorations. are (80532) 56-16-66 and 56-16-97. ter during medieval times. Poltava officials rescheduled the sum- Poltava’s best hotel is the Palazzo Poltava’s largest hotel is the Hotel On June 9 the Battle of Poltava Field mer’s biggest event, the dedication of the complex at 33 Gogol St. in the heart of Kyiv at 2/49 Sinna St., within walking state historical park and museum on the monument to Hetman Mazepa at the city, which consists of 23 rooms, with distance from the city center. Its 61 single single-bed rooms ranging between $62 rooms cost between $29 and $39 a night and $150 per night, and double-bed and its nine double-bed rooms cost $54, rooms priced at between $87 and $158, including breakfast. (Continued on page 16)

Among the best views of Poltava is the one from the Bila Altanka colonnade on On Ivanova Hora (Hill), tourists can visit Poltava’s tribute to its favorite dish, the Ivanova Hora (Hill) in the city center. dumplings of boiled dough called “halushky.” 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 Summer Supplement

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... someone to speak Ukrainian to you, a ges- means to be a Ukrainian – a mutated, Soviet- ture that will be perceived as downright based identity that relates to “shanson” pris- offensive. on songs and Moscow pop hits more than Remember, you’re no longer cute. In the Kvitka Cisyk or Oleh Skrypka. easterners’ view, you staged a “revolution” They also won’t feel any ethnic kinship to change the way of life. So asking some- or bond if you speak Ukrainian. You’re bet- one to speak Ukrainian violates the local ter off speaking English if you want to order language etiquette and is perceived as a sub- food in a restaurant or make new friends. It’s tle attempt to impose on their way of life, no a sad state of affairs, but your options are Ukrainian speakers, beware matter how benign the intention or how adjusting to reality, or waging a crusade and incurring the wrath of the “malorosy.” politely the request is phrased. If you’re a staunch crusader, speak with If you’re planning to revive your the status quo. They realized that knowledge They want the right to speak Russian, and Ukrainian language skills on your summer and use of the Ukrainian language would be confidence. They may or may not like you, they want to feel comfortable doing it. They but they will respect you. And more than trip to Ukraine, then be warned that you’re necessary to gain entrance into the best uni- certainly don’t want someone they perceive in for a rough experience once you venture versities and qualify for government jobs (at politeness or kindness, Russians and “mal- as an arrogant foreigner dictating to them orosy” respect strength and confidence. anywhere east of Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia. least in theory). what language to speak or not speak. In post-Orange Ukraine, the politics of Suddenly, Russophiles realized they They have their own idea of what it (Continued on page 13) language is more complex and delicate than could become second-class citizens because at any point in independent Ukraine’s histo- they didn’t want to speak the official state ry. language. In many cases, neither they nor Challenges of communication Things were simpler in the Kuchma their parents ever spoke a word of Ukrainian. years. Keeping the Soviet tradition in place, For many eastern and southern Ukrainians, by Zenon Zawada know for themselves which words are the Ukrainian language had a specific, maybe a grandfather or grandmother spoke Kyiv Press Bureau actually Russian and which are reserved role in society, limited to villagers, it a long time ago before they became “civi- Ukrainian! poets, activists and western Ukrainians. It lized” and moved to the city. By now, diaspora Ukrainians are quite And, when you do find the handful of maintained its subservient status to Russian. Rather than learning Ukrainian, a lan- aware that the Ukrainian they learned folks who actually speak the standard, So, when folks from the diaspora visited guage they have no emotional attachment to from their parents and grandparents isn’t legitimate Ukrainian, it turns out they are and began speaking Ukrainian, many in or sympathy for, many Russian speakers enough to get by in contemporary speaking the contemporary, post-Soviet Ukraine thought it was amusing and cute, figured it’s easier to fight and resist it. After Ukraine, at least beyond the Halychyna form, which is inundated with adapted patting us on the head and politely apologiz- all, learning a second language is difficult region. Russian and English words and phrases. ing for not being able to speak the language even for educated people. The challenges of communicating in Particularly deceptive are the “false fluently. For those adventurous diaspora Ukraine are multifold for any foreigner, friends,” or English words that have an We weren’t the enemy, because we Ukrainians who will venture to the Russian- even those with a background in the entirely different meaning in Ukrainian. weren’t a threat to the status quo and the speaking “milionyky” of Kharkiv, Donetsk, Ukrainian language. The obstacles are The following are some of the most com- order of things. Dnipropetrovsk or Odesa, your attempts at big, particularly when a majority of mon false friends that have become The ascendancy of Viktor Yushchenko speaking Ukrainian will find little to no Ukrainians prefer to speak Russian, and imbedded in the Ukrainian language: (and his Ukrainian-speaking, American moral support. many don’t want to switch to Ukrainian, “Aktualne” doesn’t mean actual. It is an adjective describing something that is wife) to the presidency significantly shifted If you’re fortunate, these efforts will be even if you say pretty please. relevant. language politics in Ukraine, which had politely tolerated. You might find the occa- Then, many of those who think they’re An “apartament” isn’t a standard apart- been stable for more than 70 years. sional cab driver who enjoys speaking speaking Ukrainian are actually speaking Suddenly, the funny-sounding peasant Ukrainian. “surzhyk,” which is a mix of Russian and language that big city residents heard mostly Various degrees of disinterest and rude- Ukrainian. Indeed, these people don’t (Continued on page 18) in folk songs became a legitimate threat to ness are more likely, particularly if you ask Summer Supplement THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 13

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Study language, icon-painting at Lviv’s Ukrainian Catholic U. by Matthew Matuszak LVIV – This year a program devoted to Lviv is the the study of churches and sacred art in Lviv, called “Twilight of the Empire,” joins the largest city in the established summer offerings of the world in which Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU). The university’s School of Ukrainian Language Ukrainian is and Culture is now in its seventh year and the Icon-Painting School in its fifth. spoken. Offered in English, “Twilight of the Empire” runs from July 16 to 25. The ico- styles, the Armenian cathedral in Lviv, the nography course, which runs from July 5 to Lviv National Museum, which has one of 25, is offered in either Ukrainian or English. the richest icon collections in the world, The Ukrainian language and culture courses national shrines of Ukraine, Pochayiv and accept beginners, intermediate and advanced the Kyivan Monastery of the Caves, and students, and run from June 22 to July 10 or more,” noted Dr. Luka. July 13 to July 31, or six weeks without a “But, though there are numerous routes break. taking people to various holy places of “Twilight of the Empire” combines tours Eastern Christendom, they’re usually orga- Hryhoriy Prystay of sacred sites and monuments of Christian nized as tourist trips or religious pilgrimag- Natalia Yakimiuk and Alexander Oryshkevych, participants of the Ukrainian art and architecture with intellectual study of es. During such excursions people often lack Catholic University’s School of Ukrainian Language and Culture, enjoy a break the basics of the theology, history and most a deeper familiarity with the themes of from the summer sun. important features of Ukrainian Christian art Eastern Christian religious art and an under- from the times of Kyivan Rus’ to today. standing of the basics of its history and theo- a very pleasant time at your leisure: you available to assist program participants and “Ukraine, in particular western Ukraine ry. So an integral part of our program is to have at your disposal numerous museums, guide them through a variety of planned (Halychyna), has wonderful, world-class provide the participants with a knowledge of theaters, restaurants, coffeehouses, and the activities. monuments and museum collections of these elements through a short series of lec- simply charming streets of our medieval Each three-week session can be audited Eastern Christian art that remain almost tures, illustrative material and general infor- downtown,” concluded Dr. Luka. or can be taken for university credit (each unknown to the Western public,” noted Dr. mation,” Dr. Luka added. In 2008 students from the United States, session is equivalent to a four-credit semes- Victoria Luka, director of “Twilight of the “And, the program is based in Lviv, one Canada and even the Philippines participat- ter course in North American colleges). Empire.” of the most beautiful towns on earth – come ed in the workshops of the Icon-Painting Participants can enroll in one, or both, sum- “These include church buildings dating see for yourself. So, besides learning and Summer School, getting acquainted with the mer sessions. Upon arrival at UCU for the from as early as the 12th – 13th centuries, seeing many interesting things during the ancient Ukrainian technique of iconography. summer program, students will be tested for placement in the appropriate level of lan- superb examples of various architectural lectures and study trips, you are guaranteed “We are one of the very few icon-paint- ing programs taking part in a traditionally guage instruction. No prior knowledge of Eastern Christian country but offered in Ukrainian is required. English and attuned to the needs of the inter- The full-day language program is provid- national audience,” noted the school’s direc- ed at the beginning, intermediate and tor, Solomiya Tymo. advanced levels. Intensive language classes This summer two new courses are being normally meet for four to five hours per day offered: “Eastern Christian Theology of in the morning and afternoon during the Icons: An Introduction” and “Selected week. Work outside the classroom usually Topics in Eastern Christian and Ukrainian requires between two and three hours per Sacred Art: Advanced Seminar.” day. Besides class instruction, participants Building on the success of previous years, will have time for conversational practice UCU’s School of Ukrainian Language and with tutorial staff. Culture has once again developed a summer The summer program has always attract- program that provides an intensive course of ed a lively and interesting group of students from North America, Europe and Ukraine. daily Ukrainian-language instruction with a To accommodate students, a Western-style complementary schedule of activities to dormitory is available. However, choosing offer students full immersion into Ukrainian to live with a host family can enhance a stu- culture. dent’s experience of Ukraine. Participants in An international faculty of native speak- previous summer programs have included ers, experienced as teachers of Ukrainian as university students, professionals improving Petro Didula a foreign language, expertly pace Ukrainian- their language skills, as well as adults who Laryssa Borkowsky from the U.S., a 2008 participant of the Ukrainian Catholic language instruction in the classroom. want to learn, or re-learn, their native lan- University’s Icon-Painting Summer School, proudly displays her first icon, Old Outside the classroom, a key element of the Testament patriarch Jacob. program is the staff of tutors who are always (Continued on page 16)

walked in and asked for his pants to be speak Ukrainian. I don’t speak Russian. Can dirty look, pretend they don’t understand Ukrainian speakers... ironed, only he used the Russian word, you please speak to me in Ukrainian?” what you’re saying or (get this!) tell you to (Continued from page 12) “gladit,” which the attendant understood These are central Ukrainians, not mal- “say it in Russian.” perfectly. orosy, so you can say this with a smile and Although such situations will get your If they detect a hint of weakness in your In a single moment, the effects of Russian attempt some degree of politeness. They blood boiling, I recommend backing off and Ukrainian skills, they’ll claim they don’t imperialism and Soviet genocide became might actually respond to it. moving on to avoid any conflict, verbal or understand you. Worse, they’ll request that starkly apparent to me – an African was able When I posed such a request to an elec- otherwise. The Ukrainian language will con- you switch to English because they don’t to communicate better in Russian with a tronics salesman in Kyiv, he responded tinue to thrive without you getting a broken understand what they could allege are your “fellow Ukrainian” than an ethnic Ukrainian enthusiastically, “Yes,” before continuing to nose over it. attempts at Polish, or your feeble attempts at speaking the Ukrainian language. speak in Russian. Diaspora folks tell me this As for the Russian speakers in Lviv and Russian. For the most part, the residents of cities happens very often. Perhaps he was too other western Ukrainian cities, diaspora Crusaders will have more success in cen- like Poltava and Kyiv will respect your embarrassed to admit that he was uncom- tourists ought to tolerate them. We can’t dic- tral Ukraine, which is still Russian-speaking, attempts to speak the Ukrainian language. In fortable speaking Ukrainian, or perhaps sim- tate what language anyone should speak in but at least is open to change. My advice for most situations, however, they will respond ply didn’t want to. the private realm. speaking Ukrainian in central Ukraine is to in Russian. If your interlocutor keeps speaking in Americans ought to be an example of assume firmness and confidence, and pro- There are two reasons for this: either they Russian, you can repeat firmly, “I am reasonable levels of tolerance and respect nounce your words slowly, loudly and clear- are uncomfortable in using the Ukrainian sorry. I don’t speak Russian. I speak for individual rights. Let’s not sink to the ly. Otherwise, you might not be taken seri- language, or in their limited consciousness Ukrainian. Can you speak in Ukrainian?” level of some of those in Donetsk and ously, or simply be ignored. and understanding of the world, they believe You might need to repeat this four or five Odesa. Everyone from the diaspora has his or her that anyone capable of speaking Ukrainian times before it sinks in. But, trust me – it For the flexible-minded, learn some basic own tales of attempting the Ukrainian lan- is at least capable of understanding Russian. may never sink in. words and phrases in Russian, and practice guage in Kyiv. The majority of Ukrainians can’t fathom a Cities like Kyiv and Poltava have signifi- some of them on the flight to Ukraine or I went into a dry cleaner and asked person knowing the Ukrainian language but cant minorities of Russsophiles who are with your Ukrainian relatives. It’ll make whether they iron clothes. The verb in not the Russian language. hostile to the Ukrainian language. your life easier. Ukrainian is “prasuvaty,” and the service In these situations, I suggest being very Having someone ignore your requests to For the crusader – onward, soldier! Just attendant looked at me as though I was clear and direct, something along the lines speak Ukrainian isn’t unusual in central try to keep the peace as much as possible … speaking Zulu. Just then an African fellow of, “I am from the United States. I only Ukraine. But the hostile ones will give you a and make it back in one piece. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 Summer Supplement Summer Supplement THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 15

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Play Ukraine’s national instrument at Kobzarska Sich

by Anatoli W. Murha playing and singing, music lectures, ele- mentary music theory (as needed). This DETROIT – Founded in 1979, workshop is designed for children age Kobzarska Sich Bandura Camp was 9-11. designed to bring together bandura play- • Ukrainian Sacred Music Workshop, ers from all over North America to learn August 12-16: The newest program intro- more about the bandura and its unique art duced at Kobzarska Sich began two years form. Over the years, Kobzarska Sich has ago with great success. This workshop diversified its programming to encompass provides an opportunity to sing sacred the rich traditions and sounds of works by Ukrainian master composers Ukrainian choral music. and provides practical pointers for church Kobzarska Sich offers two bandura singers, cantors and conductors alike rela- programs and the Ukrainian Sacred Music Workshop. All three programs will be tive to common areas of church singing. held between August 9 and 22, though Listening lectures will open up many hid- each program has its own schedule. In den aspects of the sacred music tradition. addition to the programs offered, there This course is designed for older teenag- will be free time for sports, swimming ers (age 15 and older) and adults of all ages. and relaxation. Participants of the 2008 Kobzarska Sich Bandura Camp after the final concert. The 2009 music program will feature Kobzarska Sich is held at All Saints instructors from North America and Ukrainian Orthodox Camp in Emlenton, Ukraine. Past instructors have included: Pa. All Saints offers over 90 acres of pris- Hryhory Kytasty, Oleh Mahlay, Julian tine beauty in the Allegheny Mountains. Kytasty, Yurij Petlura, Roman Hurko, The camp’s facilities include volleyball Adrian Bryttan, Oleh Sozansky and Taras courts, a swimming pool, 10 cabins for Lazurkevych. participants, a Millennium Cultural Scholarships are available for first- Center with housing and classrooms, an time participants, and for returning par- activities pavilion, tennis and basketball ticipants for the bandura programs only. courts, an infirmary and nature trails. The 2009 programs are as follows. All Kobzarska Sich participants are • Bandura Course, August 9-22: Over housed on the grounds of All Saints Camp seven hours of daily instruction in the in either cabins or in the Millennium technique of playing bandura, bandura Cultural Center. history, solo and ensemble playing and A final concert for the Bandura Course singing, music lectures, elementary music will be held on Saturday, August 22, at 4 theory (as needed). This course is p.m. designed for teenage children (age 12 and For more information, contact older) and adults of all ages. Kobzarska Sich Administrator Anatoli W. Participants of the 2008 Sacred Music Workshop in front of the All Saints Camp • Bandura Workshop, August 9-16: Murha at 734-658-6452 or ks@bandura. chapel. This workshop covers the basics of play- org. To download a registration form ing bandura and bandura history. online visit: www.bandura.org/bandura_ Participants are introduced to ensemble school.htm. Pay a visit to Pennsylvania’s Participate in a workshop Ukrainian Homestead by Ihor J. Czenstuch of ODVU, the 50th anniversary and reunion in Ukrainian folk dance of the Ukrainian Gold Cross Camps and the LEHIGHTON, Pa. – Located in the 20th Anniversary of the Kazka Dance by Paula Holoviak direction of Andrij Dobriansky, assisted southern foothills of the Pocono Mountains Ensemble. by Yurij Dobriansky. Special activities for in northeastern Pennsylvania, five miles The highlight of the summer is the LEHIGHTON, Pa. – 2009 marks the this year’s camp include bandura, embroi- from the Mahoning Valley exit of the 20th anniversary of the Ukrainian annual Ukrainian Independence Day dery, pysanky and gerdany instruction. Pennsylvania Turnpike (Northeast Festival held on the third weekend in American Heritage Foundation (UAHF) Extension), is The Ukrainian Homestead, a Adult workshops in various Ukrainian August. Spectators come from many folk dance workshop and camp for chil- piece of Ukraine on 200 acres owned by the folk arts will also be available for parents regions of Pennsylvania, New York, New dren and young adults. and the general public during this week. Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine Jersey, Delaware and Maryland come to The workshop will be held daily from The camp will conclude with a perfor- (ODVU). experience traditional songs and dance as 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, June 29, mance on Saturday, July 4, at 7 p.m. The For over 50 years, this resort in performed by groups from the U.S. and through Friday, July 3, at the Ukrainian performance is open to the public, free of Lehighton, Pa. – 75 miles north of Canada. Guests feast on Ukrainian foods, Homestead in Lehighton, Pa. Instruction charge. Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New view arts and crafts presented by many is offered to children age 5 and up, with The UAHF will host a “zabava” York City – has been the summer home for vendors, and enjoy the “zabava” (dance) advanced workshop instruction for expe- (dance) in celebration of the 20th anni- Ukrainians of all ages from various states and countries. on Saturday night. This year’s festival rienced dancers. will take place on August 15-16 and will The workshop is under the artistic (Continued on page 18) In recent years, this Ukrainian resort has experienced a resurgence of visitors. Adults feature Barvinok Dance Troupe (Canada), who spent many summers at the Homestead the Kazka Ensemble, violinist Inessa are now bringing their children; third-and Tymochko-Dekailo and many more. fourth-generation Ukrainians from the coal The summer season at the Homestead mining regions of Pennsylvania are revisit- ends in September with the traditional ing their roots; and the new wave of “Pechennia Baraboli” (potato bake and pig Ukrainians is finding a haven at the “ose- roast) and dance. lia.” For more information, or to make reser- The Ukrainian Homestead offers motel vations, call The Ukrainian Homestead at rooms, bungalows, barbeque areas, a swim- 610-377-4621 or visit www.ukrhomestead. ming pool, two dance halls and a social com for a complete schedule of events. club. A traditional open-air chapel also *** graces the grounds. Occupied throughout the year by skiers, As a special attraction this coming Fall, bikers, rafters, hunting and fishing enthusi- on the weekend of October 3-4, a re-enact- asts, conventioneers and vacationers, the ment of the 1659 Battle of Konotop will Homestead is near attractions such as the take place. This was the battle where for quaint town of Jim Thorpe and many ski the first time the Ukrainian and Polish resorts. nations united in battle against the In the summer the Homestead hosts two Muscovites. Cannons, sabers and other camps: Ukrainian Gold Cross Children’s period arms will be used on the “field of Camp and the Kazka Dance Camp. During battle.” Living history demonstrations and the summer of 2009, the “oselia” will host hands-on-activities are sure to keep the fam- A performance by students of the dance workshop and camp in Lehighton, Pa. several anniversaries: the 80th Anniversary ily engaged. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 Summer Supplement

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... not included on the menu. Management nobody has claimed to have witnessed the Journey to... recommends reserving a table two days in feat. Study language... (Continued from page 11) advance. An average meal costs between In the evenings, Poltava residents and (Continued from page 13) including breakfast. An average meal is $12.50 and $18.75. The telephone num- guests enjoy visiting the Bila Altanka, a guage and become more aware of their $6 at its restaurant. bers are (80532) 61-26-96 and 61-26-97. simple Roman colonnade of eight col- Ukrainian heritage. The prices reveal that the Hotel Kyiv is Café Apelsyn (Orange) is an all-night umns that overlooks the city from “Of course, as a university, we are Ivanova Hora and offers a panoramic indeed a Soviet relic, with no Internet hangout offering Ukrainian and European focused on students who will be taking our dishes in addition to its bar. Among its view of the city, including the field where service or indoor carpeting. Rooms are course for class credit,” noted Roman renowned specialties are boiled ostrich the Battle of Poltava was fought. equipped with a television, simple furni- Vaskiv, director of the language school. meat with grapefruit and mayonnaise. An The Poltava Ethnography Museum at 2 ture and hardwood floors. Its telephone “Nonetheless, we sincerely encourage peo- average meal costs between $12.50 and Konstytutsiya St. is among the oldest and number is (80532) 22-42-86. ple of all ages and backgrounds to partici- $18.75. It is located on Kalinina Street in most famous museums in Ukraine, found- A fourth option is Hotel Ukrayina at pate in the intensive language and culture an outlying district, and its telephone ed in 1889 by Dr. Vasyl Dokuchayev, a 41A Zhovtneva St., located less than a program, which is also designed to be acces- number is (80532) 68-25-29. respected professor of geology, and mile from the city center. Its 28 standard sible to busy professionals and adults with Besides participating in the 300th anni- designed by Ukrainian architect Vasyl responsibilities who cannot take more than a rooms rent for at $31.50 a night per single versary events, Poltava offers much for Krychevsky in the Ukrainian modern bed, and $40.50 per double bed, and few weeks to participate in a summer tourists to enjoy, including two drama style. course.” $49.50 per single luxury room and $52.50 theaters and a philharmonic. Its collection includes nearly 3,000 per double bed in a luxury room. Lviv, a UNESCO cultural heritage center, The Sobornyi Maidan is home to the artifacts that represent the historical and is the largest city in the world in which Rooms are fully renovated with a Ivan Kotliarevsky Farmstead Museum, a cultural heritage of the Poltava region, refrigerator, carpeting and standard Ukrainian is spoken. Evening activities and replica of the boyhood home of the author including folk embroidery, weaving, car- weekend field trips include the cultural Internet service. Its café offers meals that of “Eneida,” a Ukrainian interpretation of pet-making, archeological finds, numis- start at $3.75. The telephone number is events and museums of Lviv, expeditions to the Odyssey and the first work published matic matrials and natural collections. monasteries, castles and villages in the coun- (80532) 80-53-22. in the vernacular Ukrainian language. The However, tourists will be most inter- Among the top restaurants in Poltava tryside, as well as the possibility of travel to Kotliarevsky Literary-Memorial Museum ested in visiting the Battle of Poltava Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv, as well as other is Ivanova Hora at Sobornyi Maidan 2, is located at 18 Pershotravnevyi Blvd. Field state historical park and museum at which features Ukrainian and Armenian nearby cities. The city’s most popular outdoor area is 32 Shvedska Mohyla St., situated on the Deadlines are fast approaching. For more cuisine. Its specialty dishes are its unique the circular Korpusnyi Sad park in the city’s northwest outskirts and a 20-minute information visit http://www.os.ucu.edu.ua meat-stuffed halushky and grilled mutton. very heart of the city. At the park’s center bus ride from the city center. Its telephone Guests can enjoy billiards, its outdoor is the Monument of Glory, built in 1811 number is (80532) 22-27-48. beer court and reserve its indoor banquet on the 102nd anniversary of the Russian Among its monuments are those estab- hall for social occasions. An English- Army’s victory against the Swedes and lished by both the Russians for the Come see Ruslana... language menu is provided. An average Ukrainians. Swedes and the Swedes for the Russians meal costs between $18.75 and $25, and The monument consists of a cube- in 1909, 10 granite obelisks marking (Continued from page 1) reserving the elegant banquet hall requires shaped pedestal with 18 rifles pointing where sconces stood, the Peter the Great melodies, dynamic rhythms, colors and $31.25 per person. The telephone number out from all sides. A golden eagle holding statue in front of the museum and a mon- movement collide to create something wild. is (80532) 56-00-03. a wreath in its beak is perched atop the ument marking where the Russians This summer, Ruslana and company The Zefir restaurant at 24 Zhovtneva 33-foot column that emerges from the crossed the Vorskla River. will present this extraordinary show at St. offers Ukrainian and Russian cuisine. pedestal. The complex also includes the Soyuzivka. Ruslana’s first U.S. festival Designed in the Russian style of the 19th Local legend stipulates that graduates Khrestovozdvyzhenskyi Cathedral, which performance is sure to be an experience century, its top dishes are caviar-stuffed of the local military institute climb the was built in 1650 and served as the head- not to be missed. pancakes, halushky and grilled trout with column and place their caps on the eagle’s quarters for Swedish King Charles XII, lemon. An English-language menu is head after receiving their diplomas, but the Spasky Church built in 1706 and a – compiled from materials on available, and chefs can prepares dishes it’s more myth than tradition since Russian soldiers’ grave. www.ruslana.ua Summer Supplement THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 17

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Send your high school students to Kyiv Mohyla Academy NEW YORK – Since 2005 the Ukrainian Kyiv’s many interesting historical, cultural American Youth Association’s New York or natural sites. Students were given branch, in conjunction with New York City’s opportunities to explore art, enjoy music, School of Ukrainian Studies (Ridna Shkola), relive some of Ukraine’s history, and mar- has organized a summer studies program in vel at the splendor of this 1,000-year old Ukraine at the National University of Kyiv- city – the cradle of Ukrainian civilization. Mohyla Academy (NUKMA). The annual Each excursion was led by an experienced program, established for students interested student guide who was kowledgeable and in enhancing their Ukrainian language and attentive to the interests and needs of the cultural knowledge, has provided a top- students. notch educational experience as well as a In the words of Nataliya Surmachevska, unique opportunity for students to immerse a student participant: “The excursions all themselves in the myriad historical, cultural around Kyiv to all of the various landmarks and social offerings of the capital city and of were informative and fun. Finally, every- Ukraine. thing I had been learning about for years As the adult guides for the program, the was right there, in front of my eyes!” authors of this article experienced first-hand Evenings were mostly free and students the intensity and diversity of the program. could explore both the well-known and hid- The program was characterized by academic den corners of the city – its cafes and restau- scholarship and achievement, hard work and rants, shops, parks and public squares. It the experience of student life in a leading was a time to socialize with friends and to Ukrainian university. meet new ones. To supplement classroom learning, the On weekends, the students split into program also included numerous field trips groups to pursue their various interests. and excursions to the many historical and One group enjoyed the beach and related cultural sites in Kyiv and environs. activities at HydroPark along the banks of On a daily basis, the students had oppor- the Dnipro River. Another went shopping tunities to observe and participate in con- or to rummage through books and CDs at temporary life in Kyiv – the good, the inter- the Petrivka market. Still another went to Summer program participants during a visit to Yaremche in the Carpathians. esting and the problematic. Ample free time explore and experience different parts of Much credit is due to the New York City project which deserves the highest level of was available to explore and socialize, and the city. Summer music concerts were organizers of this enriching program, includ- community and parental support. to form new and lasting friendships. The abundant. It was possible to observe and ing Bohdanna Wolansky, Peter Sabat, For further information about the 2009 beauty of the city, with its wide boulevards, enjoy the various political discussions Mykola Hryckowian, Zhdan Lasowsky and summer program readers may log on to parks, gardens and architectural gems, and debates that are a staple of city life especially the President of the Social www.sdinstitute.org or call 718-372-0235. proved to be a perfect backdrop for the sum- on Independence Square. Sidewalk cafes Development Institute, Mykhaylo mer immersion program. were filled and people-watching is a legit- Kazarenko. – Halia Hlushko, Stefania Kernytsky, The uniqueness of the program lies in its imate weekend activity. Mr. Kazarenko is the inspiration, imple- Nataliya Lopatsky, Myron Melnyk and diversity. Students from different cities, The final week week of the program was mentor, and champion of this exceptional Ivanka Zajac countries and backgrounds, with varied tal- intended to be equally exhilirating yet com- ents and interests, gathered each morning pletely different. It consisted of a whirlwind for four hours of Ukrainian-language based trip to a more remote area of Ukraine – far instruction, covering topics including lan- from the capital. Choices included western guage, history, culture, mythology and con- Ukraine, the Zakarpattia Region or Crimea. temporary political affairs. The students had an opportunity to experi- The instructors also had diverse back- ence a different Ukraine – more rural and grounds – some were professors of less cosmopolitan. NUKMA; others were distinguished guests It is difficult to imagine a more interest- and subject matter experts. Students were ing and satisfying student program – one assigned to either intermediate or advanced that is lived as a participant and temporary classes, according to age and language abili- citizen of a great city in a young and dynam- ties. ic country. The professors, under the direction of Simon Kazarenko summarized his recent Larissa Kadurina, the Kyiv-based NUKMA experiences: “I believe this program is ‘one summer program director closely monitored of a kind,’ unique in its liberal way of pre- the progress of their students. There was senting the information, which was new to Western-style interaction and discussion in many of us. A combinaton of rigorous study, class. Homework consisted of writing informative trips and freedom of choice for assignments, and final exams were adminis- rest from the voluminous amounts of infor- tered. mation gained each day is ideal for those Each weekday afternoon was organized seeking to know more about Ukrainian life around a different “excursion” to one of and history.” Students in class at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy.

The Weekly asks... (Continued from page 1) on weekends to visit our daughter, Olesia, re-connect with longtime friends and see how much their children have changed since last year. In August, we’ll spend a week at Soyuzivka along with aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins for the annual family get-together where we relax and rejuvenate. In the expectation that we’ll be getting regular reports, we’ll also get to vicariously enjoy the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv where our son, Mykhas, will be attending classes in June and July.

LvivRentals.com from $59 per night 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 Summer Supplement

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state employing the Ukrainian word for basket, Participate... agency, through its regional arts funding Challenges... by the diaspora. And you play “basketbol” (Continued from page 15) partnership, Pennsylvania Partners in the (Continued from page 12) wearing “krosivky,” the Ukrainian word for versary of the camp immediately follow- Arts (PPA). State government funding for ment, the Ukrainian word being “kvartyra.” sneakers, not “tenysivky.” ing the performance. the arts depends upon an annual appropri- It’s a term, used widely in Crimea, to When you need to use the bathroom, ation by the Commonwealth of For more information on the camp or the describe luxury apartments. it’s the “tualet,” not any “laznychka” or Pennsylvania and support from the “kliozet.” I imagine the latter word is adult craft workshops, contact Paula At the dinner table, Ukrainians love to National Endowment for the Arts, a fed- derived from the British term, “water Holoviak at 570-708-1992, Sandra Duda at speculate on all the chemicals and additives eral agency. PPA is administered in this in their foods. But when joining the discus- closet,” for which you’ll see references 610-377-7750, or Joseph Zucofski at region by the Lehigh Valley Arts Council. throughout Ukraine with the pervasive 570-622-8056, or e-mail holoviak@kutz- sion, don’t complain about the “prezer- Additional funding comes from the vatyvy,” which in fact is the Ukrainian term WC signs. town.edu. Forms and information are also Schuylkill County Commissioners for condom. “Konservanty” is the Ukrainian Your audio and video recordings are available online at www.kazkaensemble.org. through the Schuylkill County Council term for food preservatives. stored on a “plivka,” not a “tasma.” Neither The camp is supported by the for the Arts. When someone tells you they’re going is “tasma” the word for Scotch tape, which to the “mahazyn,” they’re referring to a is simply “skoch” in Ukrainian. store, not the newspaper kiosk to buy a If you can’t find a washing machine magazine. And shut away “sklep” from (there’s not a single laundromat in Ukraine) your vocabulary because that’s strictly and run out of underwear, please ask for the Polish word for store. In western “trusy,” not “pidshtantsi.” And your trip to Ukraine the proper word for store is Ukraine is a “vidpustka,” not “vakatsiyi,” “kramnytsia.” another word that likely emerged in the Your laptop is a “noutbuk,” and your diaspora. notebook is either a “zoshyt” or “bloknot.” Although diaspora Ukrainians love Attention U.S. Veterans of Ukrainian Heritage! No one will understand your references to “lescheta” and “leschetarstvo” as much as Come to the First Veterans’ Reunion your laptop. any other sport, skis are “lyzhi” and skiing “Miting” has indeed found its way into is “lyzhnyi sport.” (Although the Karpatskyi to be held at Soyuzivka Heritage Center, Leschetarskyi Kliub [Carpathian Ski Club] 216 Foordmore Rd., Kerhonkson, NY the Ukrainian language, but it strictly refers to a street demonstration or protest, not a is active in Ukraine.) business meeting or flirtatious rendezvous. “Bronzovyi” is the Ukrainian adjective Arrival: Friday Evening, 29 May 2009 If nephew or niece asks for an American for bronze, not brown, which is “korych- Program and Banquet: Saturday, 30 May 2009 “futbolka” as a gift, it’s a T-shirt, not the nevyi.” And cleaning up a mess or stain Divine Liturgies and Panakhyda: Sunday, 31 May 2009 prolate spheroid ball made of pigskin. requires a “hanchirka,” not a “shmata,” a A “test” refers strictly to standardized, diasporism which will certainly draw curi- Sponsored by Ukrainian American Veterans, Inc. multiple-choice tests, not an “ispyt” or ous looks. “ekzamen,” which are the standard verbal William Taylor Jr. is the American U.S. active duty, Reserve and National Guard personnel, merchant and written tests. “posol” to Ukraine, not the “ambasador.” mariners, members of all uniformed services and veterans of When informing your relatives of your Pronouncing an English word with a Canadian armed forces are welcome. upcoming “vizyt,” they might think you are Ukrainian accent does not magically make a bit pretentious because that strictly refers it Ukrainian. Bring your families with you, your photos and memorabilia and to an official or state visit by a government Finally, “sklep” and “gratyiuyu” are socialize. leader. It’s a “vidviduvannia” when travel to strictly Polish words. “Vitaty” is to congrat- see your friends or family. ulate someone in Ukrainian. “Ya vitayu Make reservations at Soyuzivka at 845-626-5641 ext. 141 Batteries are “batereiky.” A “batereya” is vas” if you can remember this all. www.soyuzivka.com a radiator. Once you’ve mastered the false friends A “kostium” can be a costume, but more and eliminated your diasporisms, you will often than not, they’re referring to your have to cope with the Ukrainians who have business suit. succumbed to Russisms, or strictly Russian An “interviu” is strictly a question and words that have infested the Ukrainian lan- answer with a journalist, whereas a job guage. interview is strictly called a “spivbesida.” Many Ukrainians don’t even know Pasta is not “pasta,” which is the they’re using Russian words, so be patient Ukrainian word for paste. Instead with them, just as they’re patient with Ukrainians refer to pasta as “makarony,” or you. After all, we’re an oppressed people by the slang term “vermisheli.” who have had to master other languages A “sympatychna” person is attractive before our very own. We’re bound to mix and likable, not necessarily sympathetic. things up. The “militsiya” is simply the police, not While hundreds, if not thousands, of some kind of citizens’ militia. Russian words plague the present-day Another challenge for diaspora tourists vocabulary of Ukrainians, here are 12 to involves filtering out all those look out for: diasporisms, or words that exist exclu- (1) tapochky – kaptsi – slippers sively in the universe known as the North (2) klubnika – polunytsia – strawberry American Ukrainian diaspora, and (3) butylka – pliashka – bottle nowhere else. (4) roza – troianda – rose If you utter these words in Ukraine, even (5) polotyentse – rushnyk – towel in the Halychyna region, you will receive (6) konky – kovzany – skates facial expressions that express puzzlement, (7) gruzovik – vantazhivka – truck bewilderment and perhaps laughter, depend- (8) vilka – vydelka – fork ing on the temperament of the person (9) triapka – hanchirka – rag you’re addressing: (10) zakaz – zamovlennia – order Basketball is simply “basketbol,” not (11) spravka – dovidka – certificate “koshykivka,” a well-meaning invention, (12) myeshat – zavazhaty – interfere

School courses is $4,950. Being subsidized Enroll in... by the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, (Continued from page 9) HUSI is able to offer its program for a To apply, students must be at least 19 reduced fee of $2,970 for eight units of years old or have completed one year of credit. Admission is based on the applicant’s academic record letter of recommendation, college. Exceptional high school students and an essay. may be considered through Harvard’s The deadline for applying is May 26. Secondary School Program. They must However, students can apply as late as the submit the Harvard Summer School reg- middle of June if they are willing to pay istration form and the non-refundable $50 Harvard Summer School’s late fees. registration to: Tamara Nary, Program For more information and application Administrator, Harvard Ukrainian materials, call the Harvard Ukrainian Summer Institute, 34 Kirkland St., Summer Institute, 617-495-3549, e-mail Cambridge, MA, 02138. [email protected]/husi.html, or Full tuition for the Harvard Summer fax 617-495-8097. Summer Supplement THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 19

Under the patronage of the July Embassy of Ukraine, Primary Sponsor 17-19 Primary the Ukrainian National Foundation Sponsor 2009 invites you to the Ukrainian Cultural Festival at Soyuzivka

Spectacular Saturday evening show with RUSLANA, Eurovision winner

Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Dance Workshop dancers • violinist Oleh Kulchytsky, Lviv • ANICHKA • bandurist Victor Mishalow • DUMKA chorus, N.Y. • singer Tania Kobelak • folk dance groups ISKRA, Whippany, and Zolotyj Promin, Hartford •

MCs: George Dzundza, of Grey’s anatomy and Law & Order fame, and Lydia Kulbida, popular newscaster • and much more ... fun activities all day • stage shows every day • zabavas with Zahrava and Hrim • delicious ethnic cuisine • vendor market • varenyky-eating championship

For more information, call 845-626-5641 In the event Soyuzivka has no vacancies, or visit www.soyuzivka.com contact the nearby Hudson Valley Resort at 888-9-HUDSON Shuttle service will operate beteen Soyuzivka and the Hudson Soyuzivka Heritage Center Valley Resort Saturday throughout the day until 1 A.M. 216 Foordmore Rd PO Box 529 For bus service from Brighton Beach to Soyuzivka, contact New Kerhonson, NY 12446 Tours Agency at 718-943-6400 Email: [email protected] 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 Summer Supplement

2009 Summer Calendar of events

May 22 Memorial Day weekend July 31 Friday Evening Tiki Party with Kagero Friday Evening Tiki Party with Pete & Vlod Saturday zabava with Svitanok, 10 pm August 1 Film Festival, hosted by Dr. Yuri Shevchuk and the Sunday evening Tiki Party with Zuki & Mike Columbia Film Club; Zabava with Na Zdorovya, 10 pm; Sitch Sports Camp Session 2 June 14 UNA Seniors Week August 2 Adoptive Parents Ukrainian Heritage Days June 21 UNA Father’s Day; Tennis Camp August 7 Friday Evening Tiki Party with Pete & Vlod June 27 USCAK Tennis Tournament Weekend August 8 Soyuzivka Heritage Foundation Golf Tournament / June 28 Tabir Ptashat 1st session; Exploration Day Camp 1 Fund-Raiser; Dance Camp 1 Recital, 3 pm; Sitch Sports School 40th Anniversary July 3 Friday Evening Tiki Party with Hrim Unplugged Commemoration; Zabava with Svitanok, 10 pm

July 4 Saturday Zabava with Hrim, 10 pm August 9 Dance Camp session 2

July 5 Tabir Ptashat 2nd session; Exploration Day Camp 2; August 14 Friday Evening Tiki Party with Slavko Halatyn Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Dance Workshop August 15 Miss Soyuzivka Pageant July 10 Friday Evening Tiki Party and zabava with Tempo, 10 pm

July 11 Saturday zabava with Fata Morgana, 10 pm August 21 Friday Evening Tiki Party with Hrim unplugged

July 17 Ukrainian Cultural Festival with Ruslana and August 22 Dance Camp Recital, 3 pm; Zabava with Hrim, George Dzundza as MC 10 pm

July 19 Heritage Camp session 1; Discovery Camp August 23 Joseph’s School of Dance (ballroom dance)

July 24 Friday Evening Tiki Party August 28 Recital of Joseph’s School of Dance, 8 pm

July 25 Saturday zabava with Oberehy, 10 pm; August 31-September 7 Labor Day week Sitch Sports Camp Session 1 Weekend entertainment to be announced

July 26 Heritage Camp session 2; Dance Camp session 1

For Additional information please or call us at (845) 626 -5641 or check the Soyuzivka website @ www.Soyuzivka.com No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 7 FOLLOW-UP: President Barack Obama’s statement on Armenian Remembrance Day PERSPECTIVES Following is the statement by President painful history in a way that is honest, BY ANDREW FEDYNSKY Barack Obama on Armenian open and constructive. To that end, there Remembrance Day released on April 24 by has been courageous and important dia- the White House, Office of the Press logue among Armenians and Turks, and Secretary. We publish this as a follow-up within Turkey itself. I also strongly sup- Two sons of Ukraine to last week’s commentary on the Armenian port the efforts by Turkey and Armenia to Genocide by Dr. Jean-Pierre Cap. normalize their bilateral relations. Under We all reflect a point in time and circum- eration, he exhorted them: “rend your chains Ninety-four years ago, one of the great Swiss auspices, the two governments have stance, and so it is with two of Ukraine’s and bless liberty with the vile, evil blood of atrocities of the 20th century began. Each agreed on a framework and roadmap for greatest sons: writers Mykola Hohol and your enemies!” In 1847, Tsar Nicholas’s year, we pause to remember the 1.5 mil- normalization. I commend this progress, Taras Shevchenko. Born five years apart, secret police uncovered Shevchenko’s poet- lion Armenians who were subsequently and urge them to fulfill its promise. they grew up within 150 miles of each other ry, arrested and exiled him to the most massacred or marched to their death in the Together, Armenia and Turkey can forge a generation and a half after Empress remote corners of the empire to serve as a final days of the Ottoman Empire. The a relationship that is peaceful, productive Catherine II’s armies destroyed the lowly private in the imperial army. Meds Yeghern must live on in our memo- and prosperous. And together, the Zaporozhian Sich in 1775. With that, Gogol moved in the opposite direction: ries, just as it lives on in the hearts of the Armenian and Turkish people will be Ukraine lost its last vestiges of freedom and as his fame grew, he shifted from Ukrainian Armenian people. stronger as they acknowledge their com- independence. Like everyone else, themes to Russian. His 1842 play, the History, unresolved, can be a heavy mon history and recognize their common Shevchenko and Hohol heard the story from “Inspector General” – based on his unhappy weight. Just as the terrible events of 1915 humanity. blind kobzars who wandered the country- experience as a bureaucrat – ridiculed gov- remind us of the dark prospect of man’s Nothing can bring back those who were side singing about Ukraine’s heroic past to a ernment officials as corrupt, lazy and dis- inhumanity to man, reckoning with the lost in the Meds Yeghern. But the contri- people mired in abject serfdom. functional. In constant repertory on the past holds out the powerful promise of butions that Armenians have made over Mykola Hohol, whose 200th anniversary Russian stage ever since, audiences univer- reconciliation. I have consistently stated the last 94 years stand as a testament to the we celebrate this year, was born in sally recognize the types that Gogol satirizes my own view of what occurred in 1915, talent, dynamism and resilience of the Sorochyntsi, a village in the Poltava region. so effectively. In 1842 Gogol also published and my view of that history has not Armenian people, and as the ultimate His father, Vasyl, owned a modest estate “Dead Souls,” where a smooth-talking changed. My interest remains the achieve- rebuke to those who tried to destroy them. with the usual complement of serfs. All of swindler buys title to serfs who died but are ment of a full, frank and just acknowledg- The United States of America is a far rich- them, as well as their master, were descend- still listed on official census rolls. He uses ment of the facts. er country because of the many Americans ed from Kozaks. When his father died in them as collateral for a loan, which gives The best way to advance that goal right of Armenian descent who have contributed 1825, Mykola was 16. Three years later, he him entry to aristocratic circles so he can now is for the Armenian and Turkish peo- to our society, many of whom immigrated left for St. Petersburg, aspiring to enter into cut further deals. Here, Gogol lampoons ple to address the facts of the past as a part to this country in the aftermath of 1915. government service. Russian society as morally rotten, greedy of their efforts to move forward. I strongly Today, I stand with them and with In Russia’s capital, Hohol became Nikolai and paranoid. support efforts by the Turkish and Armenians everywhere with a sense of Gogol. Eventually, he did get a job as a gov- In 1842, Gogol also redid “Taras Bulba.” Armenian people to work through this friendship, solidarity and deep respect. ernment official, but after 15 months he quit, The original version has a strong Ukrainian disillusioned and cynical. Gogol’s real call- context; the revised one a Russian national- ing was literature and he began writing the ist orientation, reflecting the tsarist line and LETTER TO THE EDITOR stories he had heard growing up, elaborating Gogol’s growing identification with the and adding twists that made them his own. empire. We need people in cities throughout the With a healthy market for books about the Although they never met, Shevchenko Holodomor study state of New York who will mobilize these region the empire called “Little Russia,” and Gogol were well aware of each other. In efforts. We need to set up a network of key Gogol in 1831 and 1832 published two vol- 1844 Shevchenko dedicated a clandestine in state of New York contact people so that we can keep each umes of “Village Evenings near Dykanka,” poem to Gogol, comparing himself to his other updated and offer suggestions on how featuring stories based on Ukrainian history famous countryman: “While you laugh, I Dear Editor: to get this passed. For more information and folklore. The 23-year-old author became cry…” Gogol was also familiar with The New York State Education Law, readers may contact me at 914-965-6467 a sensation, winning prominent new friends, Shevchenko – he was “enchanted by Article17, Section 801, mandates the study or [email protected]. including Alexander Pushkin. (It would not Shevchenko’s ‘Kobzar’ and ‘Haidamaky’...” of the Holocaust and the mass starvation in have been lost on Gogol that Pushkin had and following Shevchenko’s arrest, said Oksana Kulynych recently published “Poltava,” celebrating “the personal fate of the poet is worthy of Ireland, but not the Ukrainian Famine Yonkers, N.Y. Genocide, or Holodomor, of 1932-1933. Tsar Peter’s victory over Ukraine’s Hetman every sympathy and sorrow.” We can have the Holodomor included in the Ivan Mazepa, someone Russians considered Following the triumphant year of 1842, New York State education curriculum, but We welcome your opinion an arch-traitor – many still do.) Gogol became increasingly eccentric, going we need the public’s help. In 1835 Gogol published “Mirgorod,” into voluntary exile, wandering around Currently, Senator Andrea Stewart- The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters another collection based on Ukraine, includ- Europe and Russia. He died in 1852, delib- to the editor and commentaries on a vari- ing “Taras Bulba,” about the Kozak who erately starving himself in the midst of Cousins has introduced Bill S3356 in the ety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian New York State Senate and Assemblyman leads a revolt against Poland. When his son depression and despair. Days before he died, American and Ukrainian Canadian com- he burned the long-awaited manuscript of Mike Spano has introduced Bill A6690 in munities. Opinions expressed by colum- betrays his nation for the love of a Polish the New York State Assembly that would nists, commentators and letter-writers are noble woman, his father executes him with the second part of “Dead Souls.” require the study of the Holodomor. Sixty- their own and do not necessarily reflect his own hand. Mindful of his audience, On the 200th anniversary of his birth on two senators and 150 assemblypersons the opinions of either The Weekly edito- Gogol wrote in Russian. April Fool’s Day, both Russians and throughout New York State will be voting rial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian In February 1831, months before Gogol’s Ukrainians claimed Gogol’s legacy, reflect- on this in May or June. It is particularly National Association. “Dykanka” appeared, another Ukrainian – ing our own time, when Russia is working important that we get the support of the Letters should be typed and signed (anon- Taras Shevchenko, a 16-year-old slave and to maintain its centuries-old dominance members of the Senate and Assembly edu- ymous letters are not published). Letters are valet to his master, Pavel Engelhardt – over Ukraine, even as the newly indepen- accepted also via e-mail at staff@ukrweek- cation committees. arrived in St. Petersburg. Before long, he dent country aggressively asserts its identity ly.com. The daytime phone number and by reclaiming its history and legacy. We need to flood members of the address of the letter-writer must be given too made a name for himself, following a Senate and Assembly with phone calls, for verification purposes. Please note that a parallel but far different path than Hohol. It’s not scientific research but, for what letters and e-mails asking them to support daytime phone number is essential in order Because of his intelligence and talent as an it’s worth, I went to a few bookstores in these bills and sign on as co-sponsors. for editors to contact letter-writers regarding artist, Shevchenko came to the attention of Cleveland to check on Gogol and sure Readers can find their legislators by log- clarifications or questions. cultural activists who bought him his free- enough, he’s still in print, just as he was ging on to www.senate.state.ny.us and Please note: THE LENGTH OF LETTERS dom in 1838. Unwittingly, they changed the when I first read him in English 45 years www.assembly.state.ny.us. CANNOT EXCEED 500 WORDS. course of history. ago. I still have those books, which unam- Like Gogol, the young Shevchenko was biguously identify him as a Russian author. a literary genius who drew inspiration from Today’s editions unmistakably describe him Ukraine’s history and culture. Unlike his as Ukrainian – a different time, different cir- countryman, Shevchenko wrote poetry cumstance. Yet, there’s no denying that MAY WE HELP YOU? instead of prose and, mindful of his audi- Gogol, winning fame by tapping into his ence – illiterate, disenfranchised serfs – he Ukrainian identity, ended up as one of the wrote in Ukrainian. Critics lambasted him principal architects of Russian literature. To reach The Ukrainian Weekly call (973) 292-9800, for writing in a language that few people And yes, I also checked on Shevchenko read, but millions of Ukrainians took and confirmed that bookstores are not stock- and dial the appropriate extension (as listed below). Shevchenko’s “Kobzar” to heart and recited ing his books. We’re not there yet. Still, his verse from memory. judging by the map of the world today, com- Embittered and radicalized by the con- pared to what it looked like when he was Editorial – 3049, 3088 • Production – 3063, 3069 trast between his own emancipation and the alive, you might be justified in concluding bondage of his people, Shevchenko began that Shevchenko, humbler but far bolder Administration – 3041 • Advertising – 3040 writing revolutionary verse, initially for the than his more famous brother, may well over drawer but ultimately for a far wider audi- time have made a far greater difference. Subscriptions – 3042 ence: “to the dead, the living and those yet unborn, to my countrymen who live in Andrew Fedynsky’s e-mail address is Ukraine and outside…” Fight for your lib- [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 No. 18

Yushchenko would once again take up the NEWSBRIEFS question of the Ukrainian Parliament’s dis- CLACLASSSSIFIEDIFIEDSS (Continued from page 2) solution, as he would face threats to his occasionally, not on a permanent basis, interests. (Ukrinform) TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI (973) 292-9800 x 3040 persuaded me that there is practically no Plane detained at Boryspil OR E-MAIL [email protected] hope,” he said. Mr. Yanukovych said that the PRU is ready to support the govern- KYIV – A plane from New York was ment’s program of activities on condition detained at Boryspil Airport on April 29 due SERVICES that the “Party of Regions would form the to suspicion that one of passengers was skeleton of the government” if the Cabinet infected with swine flu. One of the passen- of Ministers is fully reformatted. He also gers, a U.S. citizen, felt ill and pilots said that after the presidential election no informed Boryspil Airport services about it. president would wish to work with the cur- There were 184 passengers and nine crew- rent government. Speaking about the pos- members aboard the plane. Doctors exam- sible creation of a new coalition in the near ined the passenger but failed to detect any future, Mr. Yanukovych said that the for- symptoms of swine flu. Passengers were mation of such a coalition “is theoretically then allowed to leave the plane. Sanitary possible, if there is an understanding control over citizens arriving from abroad [between the PRU and the YTB].” has been set up at all Ukrainian airports with PROFESSIONALS Ukrainian political experts described the the aim of stopping the swine flu from enter- chances of forming a coalition between the ing the country’s territory. (Ukrinform) YTB and the PRU as realistic. The presi- dent of the Open Policy Analytical Center, Embassies monitor swine flu Ihor Zhdanov, said that the two parties had KYIV – The Foreign Affairs Ministry made serious progress in agreeing on the ordered Ukraine’s embassies abroad to keep draft of a new Constitution and in forming track of the situation regarding the spread of a new government. The director of the swine flu and the measures taken in the Penta Center for Political Studies, countries of their mission, MFA press secre- Volodymyr Fesenko, predicted that if this agreement is reached, President Viktor (Continued on page 29)

Ukrainian view, as a leader of a nation. Poltava residents... Mazepa left behind poems, and I used one (Continued from page 1) of them in the film.” Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. He submitted a raw version of “On the Poltava patriots allege postponing the Wings of Memory” for Mr. Matkovskyi’s unveiling is part of a larger, ongoing cam- review in September. The mayor wasn’t par- paign to subvert any homage to the Kozak ticularly impressed. leader. “First they read the screenplay, approving its Ukrainian theme,” he said. “It’s possible GEORGE B. KORDUBA In the fall, a majority in the Poltava Oblast Council consisting of the afterwards they became concerned that it Counsellor at Law Tymoshenko Bloc, Party of Regions and was too much about Mazepa, as opposed to [Russian Tsar] Peter the Great. To this day, Emphasis on Real Estate, Wills, Trusts and Elder Law Communist Party voted to deny state subsi- Ward Witty Drive, P.O. Box 249 Mazepa is not perceived as a hero, which dies for the Mazepa monument. MONTVILLE, NJ 07045 should be the appropriate view. I suppose Mr. Kulchynskyi officially launched his Hours by Appointment Tel.: (973) 335-4555 it’s because they were raised Soviet.” fund-raising drive on February 12; he told In the highly politicized Ukrainian soci- The Weekly he secured $7,500 from Our ety, officials representing Mayor Matkovskyi Ukraine, $20,000 from Presidential suggested to Mr. Mingalev that he finance Secretariat Chair Viktor Baloha, and $15 the film’s remaining production expenses on and $20 contributions from average his own, making a largely incredulous offer Ukrainians, who sent donations to an of reimbursing him afterwards. UkrSotsBank bank account. Mr. Matkovskyi was elected to the City The brisk fund-raising success led the Council in 2006 with the Yulia Tymoshenko City Council to vote on April 16 to cancel Bloc, which depicts itself as a political force the land designation and postpone the FOR SALE that fights for Ukrainian language and cul- unveiling, he alleged. ture but often fails to deliver. While the Oblast Council wasn’t able to When he was elected as council chair in MERCHANDISE find funding for a monument, it did find November 2006, Mr. Matkovskyi drew sup- After over 50 years of collecting money to renovate the system of renovated port from the Tymoshenko Bloc and the Ukrainian memorabilia I have decided sconces, or protective earthen fortifications, Communist Party of Ukraine. to sell my collection. There are old at the Battle of Poltava Field state historical Our Ukraine has only three deputies on and valuable brochures, documents, park and museum. the Poltava City Council, Mr. Kulchynskyi prints and graphics, also maps of It’s at this site that Russian visitors, said – not enough to combat the anti-Ukrai- Hondius’ and Boplan’s from including hundreds of members of an orga- nian policies of the Communist Party, the 1600-1841. nization called “Descendants of the Victory,” Party of Regions of Ukraine and the Please call 416-769-9990 are expected to participate in a “Glory of Tymoshenko Bloc. Russian Weaponry” celebration. Meanwhile, the organizing committee Mr. Kulchynskyi was also offended has announced that another film, “The Battle FOR RENT when the anniversary organizing committee of Poltava: Ukrainian Territory,” described denied organizers of MazepaFest the chance only as “academic, popular,” will be to host the annual Ukrainian pop and folk screened on May 24 (http://www.battle-pol- music concert over the June 27 weekend, “Retire in the country!” tava.org). which would have given the Russians a A woman at the tourism and cultural heri- House for rent, well kept 3 bedroom, glimpse of Ukrainian culture. tage division of the city’s cultural adminis- 1 bath, enclosed porch. 1055sq/ft. “They’ve taken a marked anti-Ukrainian tration, who declined to give her name, said Walking distance to Oselya CYM position, denying a Ukrainian accent to the the film was being directed by Anatolii and close to Soyuzivka. $850/ events and keeping them in the Soviet spir- Mishen at the oblast’s Ltava TV network. it,” said Mr. Kulchynskyi, who has spon- mo+security+deposit. Call Andy She declined to offer any other details, sored MazepaFest for six years. Kebalo @ 1-860-883-1391 including the screening’s location, and Monuments aren’t the only thing irking Poltava patriots have begun expressing con- local politicians. cern about its content. Last year the City Council gave Meanwhile, Mr. Mingalev said if he finds OPPORTUNITIES Poltava film director Oleg Mingalev the necessary funds soon, he could complete $3,375 to produce a 10-minute advertise- his film in time for the June 27 anniversary ment for the festival, but he instead pro- weekend. $125 reward offered for gravesite infor- duced a 15-minute documentary about “Mazepa lost the battle, but he won a lot mation at Glastonbury St. Michael’s/St. Mazepa, shot with theatrical and operatic for Ukraine,” he said. “He not only built Run your advertisement here, John’s Ukrainian Cemetery - a small elements, as he described it. churches and schools, he built the Ukrainian in The Ukrainian Weekly’s project. Should be a resident of “It’s about Mazepa’s internal condition state. But a part of Ukrainians betrayed CLASSIFIEDS section. Hartford, CT area. Email me for details: before the battle – he sings and calls the Mazepa nevertheless.” [email protected] people to war,” Mr. Mingalev said. “It’s not And history has proven it has a tendency a dry film. It’s historically true from a to repeat itself. No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 9

Rada has called presidential elections for today there is no parliamentary majority. 14 adopted a bill of amendments to NEWSBRIEFS October 25, however, the legality of this “No politician in this country saw a list Article 25 of the law on the legal status of (Continued from page 8) date is currently being considered by the that would have been signed by 226 dep- foreigners and non-citizens. The bill tary Vasyl Kyrylych said on Aril 27. The Constitutional Court. (Ukrinform) uties saying that we are a group of nation- orders foreigners and non-citizens to pro- al deputies in that composition, we under- vide their biometric data for registration Foreign Affairs Ministry also expressed the Koran translated into Ukraine need for timely notification of Ukrainian cit- take – as the Constitution envisages – a during the issuance of entry visas at dip- izens staying abroad about safety measures. OSTROH, Ukraine – A scholar at the political responsibility for the economic lomatic and consular offices of Ukraine The ministry had no information at the time National University of Ostroh Academy in and social course of the country,” the abroad, as well as during customs control about Ukrainians who might have contract- Ukraine’s Rivne Oblast has completed the president emphasized. “I will do my best at state border checkpoints (if another is ed swine flu in the United States or Mexico, first-ever full translation of the Koran into so that the Parliament starts working effi- not stipulated by law). Determination of Mr. Kyrylych said. (Ukrinform) Ukrainian. The author of the translation, ciently. If this does not happen, there is the list of this data and the procedure for Mykhailo Yakubovych, told RFE/RL that another way – pre-term parliamentary its submission is to be decided by the Ukraine bans some pork imports the translation of all 114 Surahs of the Koran elections,” Mr. Yushchenko said. He said Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. The bill is only one part of a bigger project. the presidential election of October 25 goes into effect on January 1, 2010. KYIV – Ukraine has banned the import must be held simultaneously with snap of live pigs, pork and pork products from According to him, classics of Arabic and (Ukrinform) Persian literature that have never been trans- parliamentary elections, adding that a Mexico, the United States, Canada and New Number of jobless down by 30,000 lated into any European languages will be major prerequisite is that the elections Zealand due to outbreaks of swine flu in should be held only after the election law translated into Ukrainian in the future. He KYIV – According to the State these countries, the press service of the State is amended and deputies’ immunity from also said that experts at the Saudi periodical Statistics Committee, in March the offi- Committee for Veterinary Service said. The prosecution is restricted. (Ukrinform) ban also applies to products sent after April Journal of Qur’anic Research and Studies cial unemployment rate in Ukraine 21. The import of live pigs and pork from had given him high marks for his transla- Nemyria addresses Brookings Institution dropped by 0.1 points to 3.1 percent. As the mentioned countries has been banned tion. (RFE/RL Ukrainian Service) of April 1, some 879,000 million jobless KYIV – Within the framework of his due to the worsening of the epidemiological Piskun sacking is voided were registered at the State Employment situation with swine influenza A (H1N1). official visit to the United States, Service, while as of March 1 there were (Ukrinform) KYIV – Kyiv’s district court of appeal Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister for 906,000. The number of unemployed who on April 23 cancelled the presidential European and International Integration received state assistance in March made Tyhypko plans to run for president decree of May 24, 2007, relieving Hryhoriy Nemyria on April 22 delivered up 627,400 persons, and the average a report at the Brookings Institution. KYIV – Another banker, Swedbank CEO Sviatoslav Piskun of his duties as procura- amount of assistance received was 604.16 tor general. Commenting on the court ver- Speaking on “Current Political and hrv. (Ukrinform) Serhii Tyhypko, has expressed his intention Economic Developments in Ukraine,” of running in the upcoming presidential dict, Mr. Piskun said that the decree was ruled invalid because the prosecutor gen- Mr. Nemyria focused on the burning Ukraine considers Canadian technologies election. The announcement came after issues of relations between Ukraine and Arseniy Yatsenyuk, former chairman of the eral was discharged without the Verkhovna KYIV – Presidential Secretariat Rada’s consent. He said he was not sure Russia, the political situation in Ukraine Verkhova Rada and also a banker, declared in the run-up to the presidential election, Deputy Chief Andrii Honcharuk and himself a candidate. Mr. Tyhypko, co-chair- what he should do next. Mr. Piskun is a Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Daniel national deputy, and Oleksander Medvedko and government measures to overcome man of the Council of Investors at the the effects of the global financial and eco- Caron have discussed the implementation Cabinet of Ministers and an adviser to the heads the Procurator General’s Office. Mr. of a memorandum of mutual understand- Piskun voiced his hope that the Presidential nomic turmoil. He also held meetings prime minister, said he would resign and run with representatives of the U.S. National ing and cooperation in the field of nuclear for president. He said he wanted to return to Secretariat would challenge his reinstate- energy that was signed by Ukraine’s ment, which did not bring him joy. Security Council and the co-chairman of politics to influence the situation in Ukraine national nuclear energy generating com- (Ukrinform) the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, since, in his opinion, the country is entering Sen. Richard Lugar, to discuss implemen- pany Energoatom and Canada’s AECL a “zone of turbulence, including political Questions about constitutional majority tation of the Ukraine-U.S. Charter on (Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.) in May turbulence.” Mr. Tyhypko predicted that the Strategic Partnership and the develop- 2008. The Ukrainian official confirmed authorities and the opposition would lose KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada must ment of bilateral relations for 2009. The that a joint group is continuing to study their popularity. He noted that 30 to 40 per- prove the existence of a constitutional parties also discussed support for Ukraine the possible development in Ukraine of cent of voters currently do not want to sup- majority that is capable of working effec- in the context of the fulfillment of its the nuclear fuel cycle based on the port so-called “old” politicians, adding that tively, President Viktor Yushchenko reit- commitments made in the agreements CANDU nuclear power reactors and the the number of these voters will grow. Mr. erated at a press conference on April 22. with the International Monetary Fund and drafting of a respective feasibility study. Tyhypko headed the headquarters of presi- “This coalition must provide evidence of ways to overcome the global economic Mr. Honcharuk said that these technolo- dential candidate Viktor Yanukovych during its existence, it must be shaped, it must downturn. Mr. Nemyria began his work- gies are special, because nuclear reactors the presidential election campaign in 2004, present the government and so on. A sec- ing visit to the United States on April 21. operate on ordinary, rather than enriched but in November 2004 he left the post and ond option is enlargement of the coali- He led the Ukrainian delegation to the uranium. Ambassador Caron, in turn, said resigned as chairman of the National Bank tion,” Mr. Yushchenko added. Referring spring meeting of the boards of the IMF that in this connection, he had held talks of Ukraine. At that time he said he was not to the situation in the Ukrainian and the World Bank. (Ukrinform) with Ukrainian Fuel and Energy Minister planning to return to politics. The Verkhovna Parliament, the head of state noted that Yurii Prodan. He also said that Canada is Captain rescues 75 in Indian Ocean planning to participate in the Ukrainian KYIV – Mykola Chernikov, the project on the building of a satellite, and cant amounts of natural gas deliveries Ukrainian captain of the German freighter called for the construction of this satellite Medvedev tells... without resorting to Russian supplies or Dorian, rescued 75 persons in the Indian in Canada. (Ukrinform) mediation. (Continued from page 3) Ocean near Tanzanian shores. Despite a Six “observers” have also been invited Poland to open Consulate in Vinnytsia On May 7 representatives of Belarus, storm and strong winds, he ordered the – Iraq, Egypt and Uzbekistan as potential Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and freighter to turn back to rescue the pas- supplier countries; and Russia, Ukraine KYIV – Poland’s Consulate General in Azerbaijan have been invited to attend a sengers and crew of the sinking ship. The and the United States as other major inter- Vinnytsia will start working on September summit in Prague on its Eastern 42-meter Etoile d’Anjouan carried 47 ested parties. 1, said Vladyslav Mormytko, head of the Partnership, which is meant to extend spe- passengers (including four children) and The presence of the last three has been International Cooperation and European cial benefits to the EU’s eastern neighbors. 28 crewmembers. One sailor died. It was the subject of some controversy within Integration Department at the Vinnytsia Much speculation is circulating over impossible to save the ship. (Ukrinform) the EU. Germany led a long-established Oblast State Administration. Consulates whether Belarus’s authoritarian president, group of countries – including France, General of Poland are already functioning Alyaksandr Lukashenka, will attend. The Foreigners must provide biometric data Italy and Spain, among others – which in the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, invitations to the summit are not personal, overcame resistance from others and KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada on April Kharkiv and Luhansk. (Ukrinform). giving every country’s leader the choice secured an invitation for Russia. of whether to turn up in Prague in person. The Southern Corridor is explicitly Many EU nations expect Mr. Lukashenka defined by the EU as a direct link to ener- to send a stand-in. gy resources in the Caspian Sea region A joint declaration signed by the 27 bypassing Russia. The Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists EU member-states and the six partner A draft summit declaration, seen by regrets to announce that countries is planned for the summit. The RFE/RL, breaks new ground for the EU text of the document is still being dis- by saying the bloc intends to “give strong cussed with the partners and was expect- political support” to the construction of VASYL LUCHKIW ed to be finalized a week in advance of the Southern Corridor – including the the summit. “trans-Caspian link.” This is a planned passed away on March 18, 2009 On May 8 the EU will hold another gas pipeline running from Turkmenistan summit in Prague, dedicated to what has to Azerbaijan which would link Central Mr. Luchkiw was an exemplary member of the Ukrainian community become known as the Southern Corridor Asia directly with the Nabucco pipeline. and active in many facets of the Ukrainian community life in the of energy provision. It is projected to run from Baku to United States. His loyalty and dedication will be sorely missed. This meeting will be conducted under Europe, circumventing Russia. the auspices of the EU “troika” of Mr. Topolanek, Mr. Solana and European Copyright 2008, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Mary, sons Michael, Commission President Jose Manuel with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ William, John, and their families and the entire Luchkiw family in the Barroso. The three will face officials rep- Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, US and Ukraine. resenting Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. (See http://www.rferl.org/content/EU_ Together, the five countries represent Foreign_Ministers_Discussing_Growing_ May he rest in peace! the EU’s main hope of securing signifi- Eastern_Instability/1616710.html.) 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 No. 18

interest rate if a member rolls over a short- reliance on mortgages and stocks. ble, to send a branch representative. Executive... term annuity into another one. The stocks held by the UNA are common Representing the Home Office were (Continued from page 5) So far year, 2009 has also begun on a stocks that were inherited from previous President Kaczaraj and Auditor Tysiak, who over the past three years: in 2006 it was very good note, the national secretary con- administrations and no new investments walked the participants through the statisti- $1,903,000; in 2007 – $1,206,000; and in tinued. The new rate books have been print- were made in the last two terms of the pres- cal information in insurance sales by secre- 2008 – 677,000. ed and distributed among branch secretaries, ent Executive Committee, she explained. taries in Canada since 1998 and briefed National Secretary Kozak, national secre- and the feedback has been very positive. The investment portfolio holds no direct them on a proposal to convert current tary reported on the very positive direction The newest product offered is the 20-Year exposure to sub-prime mortgages, collateral- Canadian insurance policies from Canadian ized debt obligations, or credit default the UNA has taken in terms of the sales of Term, which has excellent rates and was a dollars to U.S. dollars. swaps. The UNA’s portfolio yield average in Mr. Kaczaraj and Director for Canada its products. Total premium income for 2008 very much requested type of plan. Currently, 2008 was 6.25 percent. This, however, will Groch provided additional information relat- was $12,741,403 – an increase of 195 per- the UNA has four types of term life insur- be more and more difficult to sustain as rates ed to the work of the Canadian Committee cent over 2007 income of $4,317,784. New ance plans available: five-, 10- and 20-year go down. over the past 14 months. A strong emphasis business in life insurance resulted in the term, as well as Term to Age 30, a juvenile Preparations for the Ukrainian Cultural was placed, first and foremost, preserving issuance of 200 policies for $2,523,000 in term policy. In general, the premium rates Festival to be held July 17-19, at the the secretarial network and keeping the total face amount with total annual premi- on most of the products have decreased, Ukrainian Heritage Center at Soyuzivka are UNA in Canada. The meeting minutes and ums of $146,879. The 20-Payment Life and making the cost of the products much more in full swing. As in previous years, the summary of the meeting will be presented to Single-Premium Life Insurance plans con- competitive. Ukrainian National Foundation is running the General Assembly, which will meet dur- tinue to dominate the types of plans sold. Treasurer Lisovich reported that the UNA the festival. This year the festival promises to ing the third quarter of 2009. The year 2008 saw an increase in annuity has been fortunate that the current financial be bigger and better than in previous years as Other matters discussed included the ren- sales of 337 percent over 2007. New busi- crisis has not had a significant impact on the Ruslana, the Eurovision 2004 winner, is ovation of the UNA Home Office, including ness in annuity premium income for 2008 yield of its investment portfolio and there is noticeable progress in investment income headlining the event. The advertising cam- offices of Svoboda and The Ukrainian was $11,151,076 in comparison to paign has started – flyers and posters will be Weekly, which has been completed. performance. The net investment income as $2,551,821 in 2007. It is a variety of key ready for distribution in the near future. The meeting closed on a very positive of the year ending December 31, 2008, factors coming together along with the very At the request of the UNA General note as the UNA executives anticipate a suc- stood at $4,009,000 in comparison with the competitive rates the UNA is offering that Assembly, a meeting was held in Toronto in cessful summer at the Ukrainian Heritage $3,474,000 and $3,052,000 recorded at the are increasing the UNA’s annuity business, October 2008 requesting all Canadian Center at Soyuzivka and a great year for the end of 2007 and 2006, respectively. Ms. Kozak explained. branch secretaries to attend or, if not possi- UNA’s life insurance and annuity business. The UNA continues a strong recruitment The UNA was fortunate not to be signifi- effort to contract independent agents and is cantly impaired by the tumultuous credit making a concerted effort in the form of markets, of the last quarter of 2008. The newsletters, flyers and direct contact to keep emphasis on credit risk management has Medvedev tells... April 16). The EU mission monitoring the the UNA name in the forefront. been paramount and the exposure to credit ceasefire said it had registered Russian rein- The UNA introduced the “Loyal Member risk was limited by the UNA’s policy of (Continued from page 2) forcements at the line separating Georgian- Program,” a new incentive program for broad diversification, Ms. Lisovich noted. Moscow showed no interest, however, and it controlled territory and South Ossetia and short-term annuity holders which pays a .25 The emphasis continues on bonds as the is unlikely that the authorities in Tbilisi Abkhazia, but had not monitored any signif- point more interest then the than current prime investment vehicle with a decreased would have allowed Russian military per- icant Georgian build-up (Reuters, April 16). sonnel to participate while they occupy The situation on the border remains tense. Georgian territory. Two OSCE observers were briefly The announced desire by the U.S. and detained in the second half of April by the NATO to “reset” relations seems to have authorities in South Ossetia, accused of been interpreted in Moscow as a vindication “using bandit methods and provocations” of the invasion of Georgia last August and a (Interfax, April 21). Both Georgia and South tacit recognition of Russia’s special rights Ossetia reported a shooting incident near and interests within the South Caucasus. In Tskhinvali (Interfax, April 22). this context, the NATO exercises were The presence of a contingent of foreign apparently interpreted as Western double- military personnel in Georgia for most of crossing, or as an attempt to redress the facts May could interfere with prepared plans for on the ground after the Russian invasion. possible Russian action, if the situation in After the exercises, if the West keeps out Georgia further worsens. This might explain and gives Moscow a free hand in the South the fury behind Moscow’s reaction. Caucasus, the row might end. Russian naval and land forces have The article above is reprinted from recently been maneuvering near Georgia in Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from what could be interpreted as a preparation of its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, a new invasion (Eurasia Daily Monitor, www.jamestown.org.

cell with former Yukos president Mikhail Is Ukraine... Khodorkovsky in some inclement region in (Continued from page 6) the Russian Far East. Their hopeless dilem- of money for articles that slander their oppo- ma and endless bickering could ultimately nents and keep the truth buried far from the bring Ukraine to its knees, and the country eyes of the information-consuming public. might be described in future history texts as Unbridled avarice and ruthless ambitions the first, and only, failed state in Europe. explain the behavior of Ukraine’s erstwhile Are we prepared to deal with this possi- political elite. The fate and independence of bility? If Ukraine goes down the drain, will the country, contrary to their eloquent proc- a new Ukrainian pro-independence lobby be lamations, seems to play a secondary role created to convince Congress that Ukraine for them. However, they certainly do not deserves the right to once again become an want to be Vladimir Putin’s bitches and independent state? I think not. Nobody will most definitely do not want to share a prison take us very seriously anymore.

dering through the hall, they savored the Stefanyshyn-Piper... moment and let it wind down slowly rather (Continued from page 4) than with abrupt departures. exchange of interesting gifts. The guest of The UECC board of directors gratefully honor presented the UECC with a photo- acknowledged the generous sponsors who graph of herself at the International Space made the event possible: MB Financial Station, a Ukrainian flag clearly visible in Bank, the Plast Foundation, Providence one corner. The UECC, in turn, presented Association of Ukrainian Catholics in the astronaut with a basketful of Philadelphia America, the Tkachenko family (Bell’s goodies. Florist), the Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Closing prayers were offered by the Credit Union, and James, Marta and Rev. Frank Estocin of the Ukrainian Christina Vosbikian. Orthodox Church, but guests lingered long Special credit for the success of the event after the formalities, enjoying private con- must also be accorded to the Banquet versations with friends and personal Committee members: Mr. Pawluk, Anna moments with the Ukrainian American Makuch (committee chair), Ihor Bilinsky, woman who has made all Ukrainians Natalka Firko, Ms. Husar, Lubomyra proud. Seated at tables, each of which fea- Kalyta, Laryssa Krywusha, Ms. Mizak, tured an intriguing space-themed center- Maria Panczak, Larysa Stebly, Ms. piece created by Halyna Mizak, or mean- Zacharczuk and Ms. Zharovsky. No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 11 OUT AND ABOUT

May 7 Lecture by Hiroaki Kuromiya, “The Enigma of the May 16 “A Traditional Ukrainian Dinner,” Presentation of Stanford, CA Great Famine of 1932-1933,” Stanford University, Lansdale, PA Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church, 650-723-3562 215-368-3365

May 9 “Selo Fest” Ukrainian Village festival, Ukrainian Chicago American Youth Association - Chicago, Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to 773-486-4204 events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions from all our readers. Items will be published at the discre- May 9 Three-on-three basketball tournament, Ukrainian tion of the editors and as space allows. Please send e-mail to mdubas@ Newark, NJ American Youth Association, St. John Ukrainian ukrweekly.com. Catholic School gymnasium, [email protected] May 9 Book presentation and discussion, “Toward a Campground at Round Lake, Ill., New York History of the Ukrainian Patriarchal Movement,” Ukrainian Patriarchal Society in the U.S.A., The Ukrainian Museum, 203-261-4530 seeks volunteers for clean-up by Natalie Mirutenko the Lions and Ukrainian Connections soc- May 9 Cinco de Mayo party, Ukrainian American Cultural cer clubs. Whippany, NJ Center of New Jersey, Hoverlia Social Club, ROUND LAKE, Ill. – Last fall, Donating the oselia to the UYCO 973-585-7175 Ukrainian American Association ensures the campgound’s future growth, Cooperative (UAAC) members donated retention and further integration into the May 10 Mother’s Day brunch, featuring the Cheremosh the campground commonly known as “the fabric of the Ukrainian community. This Minneapolis, MN Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble and music by the oselia” at Round Lake, Ill., to the open waterfront property has sufficient Ukrainian Village Band, Ukrainian Event Center, Ukrainian Youth Camping Organization land to sustain various sports events, pic- 612-379-1956 (UYCO), a non-profit organization. The nics, day camp initiatives, as well as social transition was finalized in March. or special events. Interested organizations May 10 Lecture by George Gajecky, “Roxolana Khurrem: A secluded lakefront beach property, the may call directly or e-mail their inquiries New York The Ukrainian Wife of Sultan Suleyman the oselia was founded in February 1951 as a for reservations for the oselia directly to Magnificent,” Ukrainian National Women’s League recreational retreat for Ukrainians and has Marko Pilecky at [email protected]. of America Branch 64, UNWLA Art Gallery, a long history of community service. The UYCO will hold its first organized 212-260-4490 During the 1950s and 1960s the camp- event at Round Lake on Saturday, May 16. ground flourished as a weekly retreat for This will be a day dedicated to spring May 13 Book presentation and discussion, “Toward a many Ukrainians. During the 1970s and cleaning. Organizers are soliciting the help Silver Spring, MD History of the Ukrainian Patriarchal Movement,” 1980s, it became a sports mecca for vol- of all Ukrainians, young and old, to help Shevchenko Scientific Society, Holy Trinity leyball players and water sports enthusiasts with the clean-up. This will be a work day Particular Ukrainian Catholic Church, alike. By the 1990s the camp served as a that will include painting, chopping wood 240-205-1889 weekend retreat for new immigrants seek- and organizing the grounds. ing a private facility nearby. Recently a Mr. Pilecky will be leading this effort May 15-17 Ukrainian Festival, St. George Ukrainian Catholic soccer field was added which allowed the and organizing the event. Volunteers are New York Church, 212-674-1615 oselia to become the home field for both asked to e-mail Mr. Pilecky. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009 No. 18 PREVIEW OF EVENTS Saturday, May 9 also be on view. For more information, Soyuzivka’s Datebook call 212-260-4490; log on to http://www. NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific geocities.com/ukrastlitclub or http://www. Society (NTSh-A) invites all to a presenta- unwla.org; or e-mail ukrartlitclub@yahoo. May 2 – Soyuzivka Clean-Up May 22-25 – Memorial Day weekend tion of the Encyclopedia of Ukrainian com. Weekend; Plast Seniors Meeting; Friday evening: Pete & Vlod on Diaspora, Volume 1, United States of Hudson Valley Writing Project the Tiki Deck America, Book 1, edited by Vasyl Markus Saturday, May 16 and Daria Markus, and published by Saturday: Zabava with Svitanok, WHIPPANY, N.J.: The annual meeting May 10 – Mother’s Day Luncheon 10 pm NTSh-A (New York-Chicago, 2009). After an introduction by Dr. Orest Popovych, the with the community convened by Sunday evening: Zuki & Mike on Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal May 16 – Journalists’ Association the Tiki Deck presentation will adopt a roundtable for- mat, with the participation of EUD admin- Credit Union, will be held at 2 p.m. at the convention; UNA Secretaries’ istrator Nadia Zajac, Wolodymyr Ukrainian American Cultural Center of Course May 30-31 – Ukrainian American Baranetsky, Mykola Haliv, Dr. Alexander New Jersey located at 60 N. Jefferson Veterans Reunion Lushnycky, Dr. Wolodymyr Vasilaky and Road, Whippany, NJ 07981. We invite the Dr. Jaroslaw Zalipsky. The program will Ukrainian community to attend. take place at the society’s building, 63 Refreshments will be served after the Fourth Avenue (between Ninth and 10th meeting. streets) at 5 p.m. For additional informa- tion call 212-254-5130. LANSDALE, Pa.: The Presentation of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church will Sunday, May 10 host “A Traditional Ukrainian Dinner.” ALEXANDRIA, Va.: The piano duo of Enjoy generous portions of tasty home- Oksana Skidan and Dmitri Nazarenko, made Ukrainian ethnic foods and baked will appear in a festive Mother’s Day con- goods: pyrohy, holubtsi, kovbasa, sauer- cert featuring works for four-hands by kraut, breads, beverages and desserts. Ravel, Poulenc, Shubert and Skoryk. The Also, listen to traditional and contempo- To book a room or event call: (845) 626-5641, ext. 140 rary Ukrainian folk and pop music. This 216 Foordmore Road P.O. Box 529 concert is at 3 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Seating is unreserved; sug- family friendly event will be held at 3-6 Kerhonkson, NY 12446 gested donation, $20, free for students. For p.m. at the church’s social hall, 1564 E-mail: [email protected] information call 301-229-2615. Allentown Road, Lansdale (Towamencin Website: www.Soyuzivka.com Township). Dinner tickets are $10 per per- NEW YORK: Ukrainian National son at the door with seating. For advance Women’s League of America Branch 64 tickets, reservations or more information presents “Roxolana Khurrem,” a program call 215-368-3365. Take-outs will be avail- featuring a lecture by Prof. George able. Gajeckyj, who will talk about the Wednesday, May 20 Ukrainian wife of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. The lecture will include a WASHINGTON: Pianist Valentina Lisitsa slide presentation. Lavrentia Turkewicz performs works by Beethoven, will perform the traditional koliadka Rachmaninoff, Schubert and Shostakovich “There was a widow” to the accompani- at the National Museum of Women in the ment of the bandura. The program will Arts, Shenson Chamber Music Concerts take place at 2 p.m. at the UNWLA Art series, at 7:30 p.m., 1250 New York Ave. Gallery, 203 Second Ave., fourth floor, NW, Washington, DC 20005, two blocks New York, NY 10003. Donation: $5. The north of Metro Center. Reservations are “Bird Kingdom” exhibit, featuring ritual required. Call 202-783-7370 or e-mail res- creations by “Workshop-64” and folk artist [email protected]. Reservations are Maria Pryimachenko (reproductions) will held until 7:20 p.m. The concert is free.

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