www.ukrweekly.com

Inside: l Tymoshenko’s tweets now part of case records – page 3 l Soyuzivka visitors comment on 2011 festival – page 5 l Photo follow-up: Ukrainian Cultural Festival – centerfold

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXIX No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 $1/$2 in Ukraine Yurii Lutsenko is indicted Oral history project website Case seen as politically motivated focuses on independent Ukraine by Mark Raczkiewycz magazine and the Kyiv Post. “This cam- paign serves two purposes: first, to demon- Special to The Ukrainian Weekly strate that cooperation with [former Prime] KYIV – Law enforcement officials took Minister Yulia Tymoshenko virtually equals former Internal Affairs Minister Yurii arrest and, therefore, they want to ‘scorch Lutsenko into custody on a cold winter eve- the earth’ around the main opponents of the ning on December 26, 2010, as he was regime; second, to intimidate society and walking his dog in Kyiv. The next day he establish a climate of fear.” was arrested and has been incarcerated ever A strongly worded June 9 European since. Parliamentary resolution on Mr. Lutsenko’s Authorities claimed Mr. Lutsenko wasn’t and Ms. Tymoshenko’s cases called on cooperating on a pending case against him authorities not to use criminal prosecution of for allegedly abusing his office as Ukraine’s opposition leaders for political ends and to top cop in 2005-2009. ensure their free participation in political life. The former leader of the Ukraine Without Ukraine will hold parliamentary elections Kuchma movement in 2000 and a key next year, and the next presidential election Orange Revolution figure is facing up to 10 is slated for 2015. years in jail for each charge of: misspending “The European Parliament is concerned Instrumental in the design and interview process at the beginning of the oral history taxpayer money to celebrate Police Day, about the increase in selective prosecution project were (from left) John Hewko, Prof. Marta Dyczok, journalist Mykola sanctioning unlawful surveillance in ex- of figures from the political opposition in Veresen and Margarita Hewko. President Viktor Yushchenko’s poisoning Ukraine, as well as the disproportionality of case and awarding his former driver a favor- measures applied, particularly in the cases by Marta Kolomayets the collapse of the Soviet Union. able pension. Investigators allege the charis- of… Mr. Lutsenko, former interior [internal Special to The Ukrainian Weekly “The Oral History Project of Independent matic Mr. Lutsenko cost the state 700,000 affairs] minister,” reads the Ukraine, 1988-1991” is the brainchild of hrv in damages. EuroParliament’s resolution. KYIV – As Ukraine approaches the 20th Margarita Hewko and Sara Sievers, who The formal indictment was read on July 28 On July 28, prosecutors finished reading anniversary of its independence next lived in Ukraine and worked, respectively, before a panel of three judges presiding over the 340-page indictment against Mr. month, many people who have tracked its as a journalist and diplomat in the early the case in Kyiv’s Pechersk District Court. Lutsenko on all three charges before a panel arduous birth as a nation-state, will wel- 1990s and who wanted to preserve the mem- Mr. Lutsenko denies the allegations and of three judges presiding over the case in come a newly launched website www.oral- ory of the direct participants in the events says they are politically motivated. He even Kyiv’s Pechersk District Court. history.org.ua, that hosts 72 interviews with that led up to Ukrainian independence. went on a hunger strike for one month start- Jury trials are rarely used in Ukraine political leaders, dissidents, diplomats, “As time passes, memories fade and ing on April 22 to protest his detention. although they are provided for in the journalists, religious figures, businessmen, people pass away. Therefore, we felt it was “My arrest is part of the campaign to Constitution. scholars and military leaders from six important to carry out the project in 1995- intimidate the opposition,” said Mr. countries who witnessed the changes that Lutsenko in a recent interview with Glavred (Continued on page 20) came with glasnost and eventually led to (Continued on page 15)

Edmonton’s Cheremosh wins top prize at folklore championship in Bulgaria

by Zorya Bociurkiw NESSEBAR, Bulgaria – Edmonton’s internationally acclaimed Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company traveled to Nessebar, Bulgaria, to participate in the European Championship of Folklore, winning the competition’s gold medal, the “Golden Orpheus,” and a diploma as Absolute European Champion of Folklore for 2011. The troupe is the first group from North America to ever win the competi- tion. The festival ran from July 8 to 18 and was broadcast on 50 cable outlets in Bulgaria and live via the Internet to the rest of the world. In addition to the live Internet broad- casts, Cheremosh dancers added their own social media perspective to the event by blogging from the festival. Dance enthusiasts are invited to check out the blog at: http://www.cheremosh.ca/news. Dancers detailed their travels as they experienced a new country and shared Cheremosh The Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company in Nessebar, Bulgaria, site of the European Championship of Folklore. (Continued on page 3) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 No. 31

ANALYSIS Time for Kyiv to choose Ukraine affected if U.S. defaults the absence of Cabinet of Ministers’ directives during the conclusion of gas between East and West KYIV – The pegging of the hryvnia to supply contracts with Russia. At the same the U.S. dollar and the large share of pay- time, she said that it was unclear which by Pavel Korduban and other producers, if the political associ- ments in dollars in Ukraine’s foreign normative act should be used to issue trade may have grave consequences for Eurasia Daily Monitor ation and free trade talks with the EU – such directives. Ms. Tymoshenko also which Kyiv hopes to complete this year – Ukraine if U.S. politicians fail to reach an demanded that she be given explanations Although Ukraine has mended fences prove to be successful. Ukraine and the agreement on raising the country’s debt regarding the losses caused to Naftohaz with Russia and made progress in the polit- EU have solved almost all the difficult ceiling, as the United States will have to Ukrainy due to the transportation of gas. ical association and free trade talks with the economic issues, so the free trade talks default on its obligations, Ukraine’s Vice Ms. Tymoshenko is accused of abuse of European Union since Viktor should be completed this year, Ukrainian Prime Minister and Social Policy office during the signing of gas contracts Yanukovych’s election as president in First Vice Prime Minister Andriy Kliuyev Minister Sergey Tigipko said. “If the with Russia in 2009, and it is alleged that February 2010, additional movement in told visiting Polish Foreign Minister Republicans and Democrats fail to agree, she caused over 1.5 billion hrv in losses both directions simultaneously is hardly Radoslaw Sikorski, last month (UNIAN, it will affect Ukraine: Half of the foreign to the state. Hearings in the case contin- possible. June 23). However, there are signs that currency reserves of the NBU in the ued during the week of July 25. The multivector policy, which was cho- Ukraine’s failure to adopt EU democratic country are in dollars, half of [Ukraine’s] (Ukrinform) sen by President Leonid Kuchma (1994- standards will slow the whole process – if foreign trade is in dollars,” he told report- 2004) and resumed by President not derail it. ers in Kyiv on July 27. “If a compromise MPs want ombudsperson at trial Yanukovych, has exhausted its potential. is not found, Ukraine will feel it the next The EU, along with the U.S., is con- KYIV – According to July 20 news The time has come for Mr. Yanukovych to day already: we have the hryvnia virtual- cerned about a lack of democratic prog- reports, members of Parliament from the choose between Russia and the EU. While ly pegged to the dollar, we may find our- ress in Ukraine, in particular the ongoing Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc-Batkivschyna more progress in the Russian direction is selves in a very hard situation,” said Mr. trials of former Prime Minister Yulia faction sent a letter to Ombudsperson apparently impossible without accepting Tigipko, who once headed the National Tymoshenko and former Internal Affairs Nina Karpachova, asking her to partici- Russia’s economic domination in the form Bank of Ukraine (NBU) and led the larg- Minister Yurii Lutsenko. There are also pate in the trial of former Prime Minister of the Customs Union, integration with the est commercial bank of Ukraine. “But I suspicions in the West that the changes to and Batkivschyna Party leader Yulia EU requires adopting Western democratic believe that a compromise will be electoral legislation, which have been Tymoshenko. The national deputies asked standards. reached,” he said. The U.S. Congress has drafted by the government, are aimed at Ms. Karpachova “to take comprehensive This is a tough choice for Mr. to raise the limit on U.S. borrowing by diminishing the role of the opposition in measures regarding the defense and Yanukovych, who tends to favor the free society. August 2 otherwise the federal govern- market, but is in essence a post-Soviet ment will run out of money to pay its resumption of Tymoshenko’s rights for defense, free movement, as well as to authoritarian leader. debts. (Interfax-Ukraine) Formally, Ukraine has made its choice. Yanukovych, who prevent the violation of applicable law in Although Mr. Yanukovych abandoned his Tymoshenko: ‘I plead not guilty’ the future.” The ombudsperson who, predecessors’ NATO membership plans, tends to favor the according to the criminal procedure law, KYIV – Former Ukrainian Prime has the right to enter into any case in Ukraine closely cooperates with NATO and Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said she does the European choice is embedded in free market, but is order to control the observance of human not see any crime in her actions during rights and freedoms during the trial, was Ukrainian legislation. Last May, Parliament in essence a post- the signing of contracts with Russia on instructed the government to prioritize the asked to participate in the Tymoshenko natural gas supplies in 2009. She case, which is being considered by the association and free trade talks with the EU Soviet authoritar- announced this on July 22 in the over relations with the Customs Union (see Pechersky District Court of Kyiv. Pechersky District Court of Kyiv, which (Ukrinform) Eurasia Daily Monitor, May 25). ian leader, faces a is considering a criminal case opened At the same time, Ukraine continues to against her in this respect. “I plead not Herman dismisses Western criticism view Russia as its priority economic part- tough choice. guilty. This case is trumped-up,” she said, KYIV – An address by Freedom ner, and Mr. Yanukovych said during a when asked by the presiding judge, House and the Atlantic Council to recent press conference that the Customs Rodion Kireyev, whether she understood Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych Union (Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan) U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State the essence of the indictment. “I don’t suggesting that democratic freedoms in should give some special status to Ukraine Thomas Melia warned in a recent inter- understand the essence of the indictment, the country are being rolled back does not under a 3 + 1 formula (Channel 5, July 8). view that the discussion of a new draft because the indictment itself is just a dis- require an answer, said presidential advi- This hardly satisfies Moscow, which had election law does not correspond to demo- grace, in which dates and figures don’t sor Hanna Herman. “The question asked hoped for much more, offering Ukraine full cratic norms as the government did not coincide, and one part of the indictment by Freedom House is rhetorical and does mergers of such key sectors as oil and gas, involve the opposition in the process from doesn’t correspond to another. Nobody not call for an answer, as we have said nuclear energy and aerospace immediately the start (www.zn.ua, July 15). The will manage to understand this, because it repeatedly that there is no political perse- after Mr. Yanukovych’s election, taking Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of was all done in haste,” Ms. Tymoshenko Ukraine’s membership in the Customs Europe rapporteurs voiced similar con- said. She noted that she was accused of (Continued on page 14) Union for granted. cerns earlier (www.pravda.com.ua, June 2). Russia has made it clear in the difficult European Parliament President Jerzy gas price talks, which resumed this past Buzek, commenting recently on the spring, that if Ukraine wants cheaper gas, it Ukraine-EU association talks, said that will have to either join the Customs Union, although stability in Ukraine under Mr. The Ukrainian Weekly FOUNDED 1933 abandoning its EU integration plans, or Yanukovych is a positive factor, the EU agree to the oil and gas industry’s takeover leadership had doubts about Kyiv’s An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., by Gazprom (Kommersant-Ukraine, adherence to democratic principles, in a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Interfax, June 7). particular as far as the court system and Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin media freedoms are concerned Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. told his visiting Ukrainian counterpart, (Ukrayinska Pravda quoting Deutsche (ISSN — 0273-9348) Mykola Azarov, that the Customs Union Welle, June 28). Mr. Sikorski, speaking would erect barriers against Ukrainian after his visit to Ukraine, admitted that The Weekly: UNA: Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 imports if Moscow’s conditions are not the domestic situation in Ukraine could accepted (Interfax, June 7). affect Kyiv’s EU prospects (Interfax- Postmaster, send address changes to: Ukraine, July 1). Moscow moved from words to actions The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz in July. Russia reintroduced restrictions on More recently, European Commission 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas meat and dairy imports from Ukraine spokesman Michael Karnitschnig said P.O. Box 280 (Interfax-Ukraine, July 13). This is viewed that, as the free trade talks were part of Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] in Kyiv as a symbolic step. Russia restrict- the wider association talks, the EU want- ed meat and dairy imports from Ukraine for ed to see more progress in political The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com the first time in early 2006, when bilateral reforms in Ukraine (UNIAN, July 12). relations were at their nadir under the then The daily newspaper Kommersant- pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko. Ukraine on July 14 quoted unnamed dip- The Ukrainian Weekly, July 31, 2011, No. 31, Vol. LXXIX Mr. Putin on his recent visit to the lomats from EU countries as saying that Copyright © 2011 The Ukrainian Weekly Magnitogorsk steel plant reiterated that the even if the talks were completed success- Customs Union would protect its market fully, there would be problems with rati- from Ukraine if it refused to join. He fication of political association with ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA threatened Ukrainian steelmakers with anti- Ukraine in national parliaments if demo- cratic standards were violated in Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 dumping investigations (www.premier.gov. e-mail: [email protected] ru, July 15). Such measures would be a Ukraine. Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 serious blow to Ukraine, as metallurgy is fax: (973) 644-9510 the country’s key industry, accounting for The article above is reprinted from e-mail: [email protected] more than one-third of its national exports. Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 EU markets could provide alternatives from its publisher, the Jamestown e-mail: [email protected] to Russia for Ukraine’s steel, meat, dairy Foundation, www.jamestown.org. No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 3 RFE/RL BLOG: Tweets made evidence in Tymoshenko trial by Irena Chalupa much for gas? Putin: 450. I: that’s settled. ;))) Joke. RFE/RL • Kireyev has announced a legal masterpiece: the absence of a crime is no reason for closing a case. They Beleaguered former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia say that Yanukovych sleeps with a stuffed Kireyev doll. Tymoshenko has embraced new media with a passion. • July 18: This marionette in judge’s robes has given Armed with her iPad, she keeps all of her 27,328 Twitter my new lawyers 3 days to acquaint themselves with followers well abreast of the shenanigans that take place 5,000 pages of prosecution materials :))) in the Pechersky District Court of Kyiv, where she is on • July 2: I understand from this show that they want trial for abuse of power and corruption. me to stand before this “court” and call this “judge” Yes, Yulia tweets; regularly and often with great “Your honor.” Makes me think of Paul Sheuring’s film humor. “The Experiment.” And that does not sit well with the authorities, partic- ularly the young presiding judge, Rodion Kireyev, who • June 30: The Procurator’s Office announced that all doesn’t seem to get much respect in his courtroom. my property is arrested. Does this apply to dogs? Can Yesterday, he admitted Ms. Tymoshenko’s tweets as evi- they be walked or are they, like me, not allowed to go dence in the case. The reason: inappropriate language anywhere? with respect to the court. • May 24: Today was a very difficult day. In the The gallery regularly breaks out in applause or shouts morning I was arrested, in the evening, after great pres- of “shame” or “lies,” with judge Kireyev seemingly sure, I was released. Thank you for your support :) powerless to stop them. That’s why he’s got a special Tomorrow I’ll tell you everything. forces outfit called Gryphon helping him out. Yesterday Not all of Ms. Tymoshenko’s tweets are about her (July 25), they physically forced out some of Ms. battles with the Ukrainian judiciary. She tweets a con- Tymoshenko’s ardent supporters, MPs who are part of gratulatory note to Christine Legarde on her to lead the her faction in Parliament. Their approach is the ancient International Monetary Fund confirmation, or to Roman legionnaire’s wall; they surrounded the group of Portuguese Social Democratic Party leader Pedro Passos www.tymoshenko.ua undesirables and literally pushed them out. Coelho on the “excellent result in Portugal’s elections. Yulia Tymoshenko in the courtroom. Here’s a quick sampling of Ms. Tymoshenko’s recent EPP family getting stronger.” She remembers the death tweets: of a promising politician a year ago, reacts to the death account of the court’s proceedings. • July 25: The judge, like a wounded bird, is shouting of Yelena Bonner. Ms. Tymoshenko fully understands the power of new at people in the courtroom for applauding the statement She finds time to go to concerts: media, and she uses it effectively. about his removal. He is threatening to have everyone • June 3: I’m going to concert by the legendary Braty “Soon they’ll open a criminal case against Twitter. removed :))) [Tymoshenko’s lawyers presented a motion Hadiukiny. In the 1990s they were a breakthrough to They’ll put the iPad under a travel ban. They know that for Kireyev’s removal from the case for incompetence.] freedom, their music was the pulse of a young indepen- 140 symbols are more powerful than 140 Gryphon offi- • July 25: I have confirmed that all the tweets are dent nation. cers,” she tweeted yesterday. mine and that they should absolutely be part of the case. • May 26: I just went to the Alessandro Safina con- This case was already comical, now our ancestors will cert. What a beautiful voice!!! Everyone should go hear The article above is from the blog called have something to laugh about too. him. I took a small break from the prosecutors. “Transmission,” which is written by RFE/RL editors • July 25: They are asking in Russian Twitter if there Since she launched her Twitter account five months and correspondents. Copyright 2011, RFE/RL Inc. is a Yanukovych personality cult. There is a cult. But ago, Ms. Tymoshenko has become one of the most Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ there is no personality. active tweeters in the country. Twitter provides her with Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington • July 25: Soon they’ll be looking for evidence in this a platform to get her message out, and it allows her to DC 20036; www.rferl.org (http://www.rferl.org/archive/ gas case on Twitter. Something like this: I to Putin: How give her nearly 30,000 followers a blow-by-blow Transmission/latest/648/648.html).

the most exciting part of dancing. This man probably Moscow. “Although there is a large age gap and we Edmonton’s Cheremosh... didn’t expect to see anything like that on his vacation to don’t speak the same language, we still had fun interact- Nessebar, but we took him to a whole new place.” ing with them on our bus rides together and during (Continued from page 1) A dancer on his first tour with Cheremosh explained, breaks backstage. They are very curious of who we are and it’s touching,” said one Cheremosh dancer. “We their thoughts and feelings about performing for audi- “There is nothing more exhilarating or meaningful to a Canadian Ukrainian dancer than sharing your passion have been able to see them perform several times and it ences in an unfamiliar land. is inspiring because they are so genuinely happy and with people on the other side of the world. Down on one One dancer wrote: “I have to admit dancing in 30+ they dance from the heart.” knee, striking a pose with your arms stretched out and Celsius weather is taxing, no doubt, but the audience has When not performing or warming up in the hotel’s made it an absolute pleasure. We are not only dancing for head tilted effortless up towards the audience shouting basement, the 29 dancers on the tour found ample ways the locals, but for people who have come here from many that last ‘Hey!’ beside your best friends… there is no to enjoy the sun and Bulgarian culture, from shopping different countries for vacation and to take in the folk fes- greater feeling in the world that could compare.” trips to Old Town Nessebar to banana boating on the tival. One man in particular, from Ukraine, couldn’t show As part of the Euro Folk Festival, Cheremosh dancers Black Sea. Those with knowledge of the Ukrainian lan- his gratitude enough. He had tears in his eyes, for how were able to meet folk groups from other parts of the guage found it very beneficial in reading signs, restau- grateful he was to have stumbled upon us. For me, that is world, particularly a children’s dance group from rant menus and receipts, and even Bulgarian karaoke, as the country uses the Cyrillic alphabet. The similarity in the languages made communication with locals manage- able and some dancers have found it very enjoyable when the locals actually were led to believe they can speak Bulgarian. As the only representative from North America, the Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company was honored and proud to represent Canada, Alberta and Edmonton at this international event. Cheremosh was formed by Chester and Luba Kuc in 1969. In 2007 Cheremosh paired with the aboriginal troupe Blackfoot Medicine Speaks on a 20-day tour of China. The company’s current artistic director, Ukrainian-born Mykola Kanevets, has worked with Cheremosh since 1991. The organization has a dance school in Edmonton and annual festival in May. Cheremosh departed Edmonton on July 6 and returned home on July 19. The troupe’s next performance is quite a bit closer to home: on Sunday, August 7, Cheremosh will dance at the Ukrainian Village, located outside of Edmonton, as part of the celebrations of the 120th anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada.

Zorya Bociurkiw has been a member of the Ukrainian Cheremosh Society for 15 years, and a member of the Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company for the past eight years. She graduated with a degree in materials engineering from the University of Alberta in 2009 and is now working full-time in her field. (She notes that all Cheremosh dancers in the company are volunteers and either attend Cheremosh dancers perform during the competition. school or work full-time in addition to dancing.) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 No. 31

Ukrainian issues raised by UCCA in series of Washington meetings Ukrainian National Information Service the event on how best to address these Commission, the current backsliding of statement about the archaic nature of the gross abuses and violations. democracy in Ukraine, as well as pros- 1959 Captive Nations law. The statement WASHIINGTON – Members of the The following day, UCCA President pects for enhancing Ukraine’s integration noted: “The document [Captive Nations executive board of the Ukrainian Tamara Olexy, accompanied by Michael into Euro-Atlantic structures. Week law] contains criticism of our coun- Congress Committee of America Sawkiw Jr., director of the Ukrainian While in Washington, both Ms. Olexy try for allegedly being responsible for the (UCCA), the leading organization repre- National Information Service (UNIS), the and Mr. Sawkiw participated in the 52nd ‘enslavement’ of more than 20 states, this senting the concerns of the Ukrainian Washington public affairs bureau of the annual commemoration of National despite the fact that many of them American community, met with various UCCA, attended several meetings with Captive Nations Week. Co-sponsored by (Poland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, governmental and non-governmental offi- U.S. and Ukrainian government officials. the Captive Nations Committee and the Estonia and others) have long since not cials in Washington in mid-July to discuss The day began with a breakfast meeting Victims of Communism Memorial only become sovereign and independent, issues of importance to the community. at the Embassy of Ukraine with Foundation, the event was held at the but have also acquired full membership in On the evening of July 19, the UCCA, Ambassador Olexander Motsyk, during Heritage Foundation. such structures as the United Nations, the together with the Center for U.S.-Ukraine which the discussion centered on the Participants at this year’s commemora- European Union and NATO... Given the Relations and the American Foreign Holodomor Memorial in Washington, the tion included the president of the Heritage current nature and momentum of the Policy Council, co-sponsored a U.S.- upcoming Ukrainian disapora forum in Foundation, Dr. Edwin Feulner (a former Russian-American dialogue, we find it Ukraine Working Group dinner at the Ukraine and the current status of U.S.- student of Dr. Lev Dobriansky’s at very hard to explain the retention of such University Club to confer about the dire Ukraine relations. Georgetown University); Julia an anachronism, which is a direct legacy situation of the nearly 10-million-strong During the meeting, the Ambassador Dobriansky, widow of Dr. Dobriansky, of the bygone Cold War.” Ukrainian diaspora in the Russian informed the UCCA that the first tranche the late Chairman of the National Captive Commenting on the two-day visit to Federation. The symposium included pre- of Ukrainian government funds appropri- Nations Committee and former president Washington, UCCA President Olexy sentations by Askold Lozynskyj, former ated for the building of the Holodomor of the UCCA; Paula Dobriansky, former noted: “Our community’s concerns have president of both the Ukrainian World Memorial had been received and was now undersecretary of state for global affairs; been heard in Washington, and we’ve Congress and the UCCA, and the Rev. available to begin the necessary govern- and many representatives of ethnic com- received support. Most notably, our advo- Leo Goldade, OSBM, during which they mental procedures in Washington. munities, as well as former governmental cacy of issues such as the Holodomor highlighted the alarming lack of human, U.S.-Ukraine relations were the focus officials who closely follow events in cur- memorial has resulted in the transfer of cultural and religious rights of Ukrainians of discussions at the Department of State rent communist countries. funds to start the process in Washington, residing in Russia. during a meeting with Bob Simmons, act- Mr. Sawkiw, who is a board member of for which we are very grateful. We are Following their presentations, Kyle ing director of the Ukraine, Belarus and the NCNC, read the text of this year’s fortunate to have a strong, active and Parker, policy advisor for Eurasia at the Moldova Bureau. Having recently proclamation of Captive Nations Week by vocal community, whose voice has been Commission on Security and Cooperation returned from a trip to Ukraine, Mr. President Barack Obama. heard. However, much work remains to in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), Simmons answered some of the UCCA Mr. Sawkiw informed the audience be done to assist our brethren in Ukraine provided insight to the government offi- delegation’s concerns regarding the U.S.- that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the in attaining a truly vibrant and prosperous cials and NGO representatives present at Ukraine Strategic Partnership Russian Federation issued an official Ukrainian nation.”

UCC to present Shevchenko Medal to Prime Minister Stephen Harper Canada names OTTAWA – The Ukrainian Canadian as an act of genocide. for international assistance through the Congress has announced that Prime The establishment by Prime Minister Canadian International Development Minister Stephen Harper of Canada will Harper of the Canadian First World War Agency. new ambassador be awarded the Shevchenko Medal in Internment Recognition Fund in 2008 The first prime minister to receive the Toronto on October 14. was the culmination of many years of Shevchenko Medal was John to Ukraine The Shevchenko Medal is the highest effort to secure the recognition of the Diefenbaker, who was recognized for his form of recognition that can be granted unjust internment of Ukrainian Canadians outstanding contributions to the cause of OTTAWA – Canadian Foreign by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. It and others in 1914-1920. Ukraine and other nations in their strug- Affairs Minister John Baird on July recognizes individuals for their outstand- Prime Minister Harper also has been gle for human dignity and liberty. 22 announced the appointment of a ing national contribution towards the an active proponent of democratic The Ukrainian Canadian Congress will new Canadian ambassador to development of the Ukrainian Canadian reforms in Ukraine as evidenced by his present the Shevchenko Medal to Prime Ukraine: Troy Lulashnyk. community. recent trip to Ukraine in October 2010 Minister Harper on Friday, October 14, at Mr. Lulashnyk joined the Prime Minister Harper and his govern- where he publicly expressed Canada’s a tribute event to be held at the Liberty Department of Foreign Affairs and ment have made many contributions to commitment to human rights, democratic Grand, 25 British Columbia Road, International Trade in 1999 after the Ukrainian Canadian community, both development, and free and fair elections Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario. working with the Canadian Nuclear at home and abroad, including the pas- in Ukraine, the UCC noted. He has also The event was originally scheduled for Safety Commission as a nuclear sage of “An Act to Establish a Ukrainian been an active proponent of Ukraine’s March 25, and was postponed due to the non-proliferation officer and with Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) accession to NATO and in 2009 his gov- federal election. the Nuclear and Chemical Memorial Day,” making Canada one of ernment entered into free trade negotia- For information on the event or to Disarmament Implementation the first countries to adopt legislation to tions with Ukraine and renewed obtain tickets readers may visit www.ucc. Agency as senior policy adviser. recognize the Holodomor of 1932-1933 Ukraine’s status as a country of priority ca or call 866-942-4627. In 2002, he became director of the department’s Global Partnership Program and, in 2006, director general of its Major New motion filed by Demjanjuk defense Programs Bureau. Mr. Lulashnyk succeeds Daniel Caron, who has been Canada’s seeks to overturn U.S. deportation order ambassador to Ukraine since July PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Public defenders exonerated Mr. Demjanjuk, according to to attend a Ukrainian Catholic liturgy in 2008. for John Demjanjuk on July 19 filed a his lawyers Michael Tigar and Dennis Munich. He holds a B.A. Honors in politi- motion in U.S. District Court in Terez. cal science (1992) from the New charges possible Cleveland, asking a federal judge to over- The motion cites a 1985 FBI field office University of Winnipeg and an turn the ruling that led to his deportation report uncovered by the Associated Press In other developments, there was news M.A. in political studies (1995) in 2009 to Germany, where he was tried that questions a key piece of evidence used that Mr. Demjanjuk could face more Nazi from the University of Manitoba. and found guilty earlier this year of Nazi against Mr. Demjanjuk in legal proceed- war crimes charges. Reuters reported on Mr. Lulashnyk is a native war crimes. ings in the United States, Israel and July 16 that he could be prosecuted for Manitoban whose family came to The Associated Press reported that Germany. The so-called Trawniki identity crimes at the Flossenberg camp between Canada from the Ternopil area of Federal Judge Dan Polster on July 21 card was considered proof that the defen- October 1943 and December 1944. Ukraine in 1899. directed the U.S. government to submit dant, after training at the Trawniki camp, “There is initial suspicion based on a The Ukrainian Canadian legal briefs by August 19 in the served as a guard at the Sobibor death report,” Gerhard Heindl, state prosecutor Congress (UCC) on July 28 con- Demjanjuk case. His attorneys will then camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. for the prosecution office in Bavaria’s gratulated Mr. Lulashnyk on his have until September 2 to respond. WKYC.com also reported: “Mr. Weiden was quoted as saying in the news- appointment. UCC National Mr. Demjanjuk, 91, formerly of Seven Demjanjuk’s attorneys say other critical paper Der Tagesspiegel. President Paul Grod said, “During a Hills, Ohio, was convicted on May 12 of evidence was deliberately withheld by the Reuters reported that the allegations recent telephone conversation I being an accessory to the murder of U.S. government, including information refer to his time as a guard at the conveyed to him best wishes on 28,060 people at the Nazi death camp in about a second ‘Ivan Demjanjuk,’ born a Flossenberg concentration camp during a behalf of the Ukrainian Canadian Sobibor, Poland, after an 18-month trial in year earlier and in the same town in period when 4,974 people were killed. community. We had a very pleasant Munich. He was released pending appeal, Ukraine as John Demjanjuk. The second The Associated Press noted that conversation and I expressed to Mr. which could take as long as two years. Demjanjuk is said to have killed himself Bavarian prosecutors opened a new inves- Lulashnyk that the Ukrainian WKYC.com reported that the motion in 1970 or 1971 when he found out that tigation of Mr. Demjanjuk after a German Canadian Congress and our mem- filed in U.S. District Court accuses U.S. the KGB was coming to interrogate him.” attorney, Cornelius Nestler, filed a com- ber-organizations are eager to work government prosecutors of deliberately Mr. Demjanjuk is currently in a nursing plaint accusing him of additional war with him in his new role.” withholding evidence that could have home in Germany. Recently he was able crimes. No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 5 Selo dancers rock the stage at Soyuzivka festival

regions of Ukraine. They first presented their “Pryvit,” which was followed by Lemko and Volynian dances. Selo also performed a bell dance and sailor dance, but the dance that had the crowd clapping the most was the popular “Disco” piece. This dance tells the story about young boys who try to learn the basic steps of Ukrainian dancing from their uncle and his friends. The music is from the Barabolya CD and gives a detailed description of what each Ukrainian dance step consists of. “It is a dance filled with character and we find that that’s what the crowd likes,” stated Ms. Picklyk, choreographer and instructor. The dancing did not stop once the performance ended. After Saturday night’s show, the Selo dancers were sure to make an appearance at the “zabava.” Their new and exciting dance moves made an impact on the audience, especially during the “kolomyika.” Selo dancer Nicholas Skromeda noted: “I found it a Christine Syzonenko beautiful thing to see Ukrainians from across the conti- The girls from the Selo Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in their “Pryvit.” nent gathering to celebrate their culture. It gave me assurance that my beloved Ukrainian culture is alive and by Taissa Hamulak nity that united thousands of people from a variety of well in North America. I gotta give all fellow perform- different countries to celebrate being Ukrainian. I feel ers, instructors and planners of the festival credit for put- KERHONKSON, N.Y. – At Soyuzivka’s 2011 blessed to have been able to contribute to this year’s fes- ting on a great weekend, and by all means I hope to Ukrainian Cultural Festival, the Selo Ukrainian dancers tival. The emotion I felt while dancing on the New York return in the future.” from Canada gained many fans as they brought original stage will live within me forever. It was worth the trip to Selo performs at many local festivals in Manitoba, and exciting dances to the stage on Friday and Saturday say the very least,” stated Selo dancer Brittney Taylor. one of which is Folklorama, a multicultural festival in nights. For many of the dancers’ parents also, the Soyuzivka Winnipeg. This festival features pavilions dedicated to The Selo Ukrainian Dance Ensemble consists of festival was a wonderful experience. Julia Skromeda, a different countries, with Selo performing at the Kyiv young dancers who are based in Anola, Manitoba, which parent of one of the dancers, noted that “the experience Pavilion. is 25 miles east of Winnipeg. A majority of the dancers of watching the children perform at the Soyuzivka festi- In 2009, Selo won the talent search competition at are from Oakbank, a small community that offers a val was one of excitement and pride. It felt wonderful to Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Ukrainian bilingual program. Kids from the surrounding be representing Canada and to watch Selo perform with Manitoba. In 2010, the dancers performed on the Main communities also come to join the dance group. such professionalism and passion. We were very well Stage as a featured act of the festival. This year, the Selo Ukrainian dancers are celebrating received by the audience and were pleased and proud to The 2011 Soyuzivka Cultural Festival was yet another the 25th anniversary of their school’s establishment. The receive so many positive comments. I am sure that success for the Selo Ukrainian Dancers who gave an group originally started with nine dancers and since then everyone left Soyuzivka with the feeling that we ‘left outstanding performance. has grown to 90. The dance group is led by instructors our mark’ and that we were able to share our love for “Dancing in New York was an unforgettable experi- and choreographers Bonnie and Rod Picklyk, who have our Ukrainian culture with our American neighbors.” ence for Selo. We thank the festival committee for giv- been the instructors since the school’s founding. At Soyuzivka, only 23 dancers from the senior group ing us the opportunity to share our passion for Ukrainian The Soyuzivka festival was Selo’s debut outside of of the school performed. The dancers who performed dance and culture on the Soyuzivka stage. This first Canada; the Selo dancers turned in an exceptional per- ranged in age from 11 to 20, with the majority of them international performance for our group was more than formance. being 15 or 16. worth the 34-hour bus ride because it gave us a lifetime “The Soyuzivka festival was an outstanding opportu- Selo presented a variety of dances from different of memories,” stated Selo dancer Danika Picklyk. VOX POPULI: Visitors comment on festival at Soyuzivka

The 2011 Ukrainian Cultural Festival of Soyuzivka Mike Olshansky, 17, of Nick Kulas, 21, of Chicago, turned out to be another success. Soyuzivka was filled Chicago: “I decided to drive to guitarist for the band Klopit: with Ukrainians. Many different vendors offered foods, Soyuzivka from Chicago because “Well, I know for a lot of us it was crafts, clothing and much more. There were performances not only was the one and only our first time at Soyuzivka, so we by a variety of singers, dancers, musicians and choirs Maria Burmaka, the love of my life, didn’t know what to expect, but we from United States, Canada and Ukraine. Here’s what the performing my favorite song, but all were most definitely pleasantly people who came to Soyuzivka for the weekend had to say all of my friends were there and I surprised. I think the thing that was about this year’s festival when queried by The Ukrainian wanted to see them because they most obvious was how welcoming Weekly’s summer intern, Taissa Hamulak. are like family to me. Driving 15 everybody was to us and how pas- Q: Why do you like going to the Soyuzivka Cultural hours was well worth it, because I sionate everyone was about being Festival, and what was your favorite part of this created so many new memories and got to meet a few Ukrainian. It was very easy to feel year’s? more Ukrainian friends.” welcome. It was unbelievable to find such a tight-knit community and the environment was always full of ener- Natalka Lyszyk, 22, of Ostap Sayko, 21, of Norwalk, gy. We definitely had an unforgettable experience and Bridgewater, N.J.: “I love going to Conn.: “This was my first time want to come back as soon as possible” Soyuzivka because every year you going to Soyuzivka for the festival get to enjoy so many things. There and it was very interesting. I liked it Mariana Pylypiw, 14, of is the concert which includes the a lot. The way everything was set Randolph, N.J.: “What I like about workshop dancers, different dance up was great. My favorite part of going to the Soyuzivka festival is groups from different parts of the weekend was the zabava. In seeing all my Ukrainian friends and America (or like this year, Canada), general, the festival was very orga- being surrounded by all the beauti- and there is always a guest perform- nized; I think that’s what made it ful things and activities in our cul- er. The zabavas always have amaz- amazing. My friends and I played ture. My favorite part of this year’s ing bands that keep you dancing till early in the morning. volleyball and hung out. Overall I really enjoyed this festival was watching the show, the But most of all, you are able to get together with friends year’s festival.” dancers, singers and all the other and family that you only see a few times a year and get to performers. They did an amazing Ksenya Hentisz, 25, of Astoria, job.” create great memories at Soyuzivka.” N.Y., dancer from Roma Pryma Anastasiya Kaspruk, 15, of Bohachevsky Workshop: “I like Darka Mosuriak, 51, of Morris Colonia, N.J., dancer from Roma coming to Soyuzivka’s Cultural Plains, N.J., parent of a dancer Pryma Bohachevsky Workshop: Festival because, for those few days, from Roma Pryma Bohachevsky “This was my first year being a part Soyuzivka becomes the U.S. epicen- Workshop: “This year’s festival of the Soyuzivka Roma Pryma ter for various elements of Ukrainian was so well organized, everything Bohachevsky Workshop. I enjoyed culture whether it be in the perform- was on time. The festival was so the choreography I’ve learned, the ing arts, crafts or cuisine! This year I nice, everything just turned out so bonds I created with my new had the pleasure of seeing the musi- well. It had a nice flow to it and I friends and the pain that went with cal group Harmonia of Cleveland perform at the festival. really enjoyed it. My favorite part, all the hard work. I like coming to As a dancer accustomed to pre-recorded or synthesized besides watching my daughter per- this festival because it is full of music, it was such a pleasure to hear live traditional music form, was definitely the zabava. Ukrainian entertainment. My favorite part of this year played on authentic ethnic instruments. The musicians’ Klopit had a nice debut at Soyuzivka, and I really liked was definitely being able to perform on stage in front of stellar performance had me dancing backstage despite my how they were new – we need new blood here and there. such a wonderful and cheerful crowd.” fatigue upon having performed with the workshop.” The festival was phenomenal.” 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 No. 31

COMMENTARY The Ukrainian Weekly The centennial of Plast Ukrainian 3-B politics: A week from the date of this issue, Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization will hold the opening ceremonies of its International Plast Jamboree at the Vovcha Blackmail, bullying and bluff Tropa campground in East Chatham, N.Y. The weeklong jamboree, which will bring together Plast members of all ages from the United States and Canada, by Mykola Riabchuk And finally, there are more and more marks the beginning of centennial celebrations for this venerable organization. unidentified “hooligans” and Zimbabwe- For at least a decade, I have been hear- The jubilee will be marked in nine countries on four continents – wherever Plast style paramilitary gangs that intimidate, members reside. ing from my Polish friends – journalists, assault and destroy property of anyone Plast was founded in 1911 in Lviv, Ukraine, by Dr. Oleksander Tysovsky scholars, and politicians – a recurrent who openly supports the opposition, (known as “Drot”), with the assistance of Petro Franko and Ivan Chmola, who phrase: “You know, we cannot care more especially in the provincial areas of cen- organized the first groups of Ukrainian scouts. On April 12, 1912, a group of for Ukraine than Ukrainians themselves.” tral and southeastern Ukraine. Even “plastuny” at the First Academic Gymnasium (secondary school) took the Plast Yet, they still try. Ukrainian priests and believers are target- oath, and that is considered as the official date of Plast’s establishment. When Poland assumed its six-month ed in order to “persuade” them to join the Plast sought to educate youths in keeping with the principles of scouting – presidency of the European Union on Ukrainian Orthodox Church — Moscow delineated only three years earlier by Robert Baden-Powell in his “Scouting for July 1, its leaders declared candidly that Patriarchate, favored by President Viktor Boys” – and in a patriotic Ukrainian spirit with the goal of nurturing future lead- one of their priorities was the promotion Yanukovych. ers. In short: it was scouting filled with Ukrainian content and designed to meet of Ukraine to associate membership in So, why the rush? Why should a coun- the needs of the Ukrainian nation. The organization’s three main obligations the EU and finalizing, by the end of the try that is steadily sliding down to were articulated as: “To be faithful to God and Ukraine, to help others, and to year, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Russian-style or even Belarusian-style live by the Plast Code and obey the Plast leadership.” The Plast emblem accu- Trade Agreement (DCFTA) as part of it. authoritarianism be embraced by a rately depicts its ideals, as the scouting emblem – the fleur de lis – is interlaced The desire seems to be so strong that European Union that presents itself as a with the national emblem of Ukraine – the tryzub, or trident. Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski community of values? Why should a Our colleague Illya M. Labunka, reporting on an event held in Kyiv this past did not hesitate, back in June at the regime that violates national laws and the April to mark the 99th anniversary of the historic Plast oath, provided a succinct Global Forum in Wroclaw, to praise Constitution on a daily basis, emasculates description of Plast’s history from a presentation made by Chief Scout Lubomyr Ukraine’s democratization and European the courts and renders them a mere Romankiw: “Despite a century of harsh challenges marked by two world wars, integration efforts. appendage of the executive, rigs elections persecutions and the banning of Plast’s activity on Ukrainian soil by foreign It is very unlikely that the Polish presi- and extinguishes opposition, be encour- occupants [though it continued to function in secret under both the Polish and dent or any other European leader has aged in this activity and rewarded by the German occupations in the 1930s-1940s], followed by executions, deportations been unaware of what is really going on EU with an association agreement? and the forced political emigration of many of its members, Plast’s ideals and in Ukraine. No doubt they have good Alexander Motyl gives a good, though goals remain steadfast and unwavering.” It must be added that, through the advisers, savvy regional experts and com- hardly definitive, explanation for the decades, Plast members fought and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for petent staff in their embassies. They have EU’s pending appeasement of President Ukraine’s independence, including soldiers of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen certainly noticed that in the 18 months of Yanukovych (http://www.worldaffairs- (1914-1920) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (1942-1949). Viktor Yankovych’s rule all civic free- journal.org/new/blogs/motyl/Integrating_ The organization was transferred from Ukraine to the countries where doms in Ukraine have shrunk, corruption an_Authoritarian_Ukraine_into_ Ukrainians settled in the aftermath of World War II, and it flourished in the dias- has skyrocketed, and justice has descend- Democratic_Europe). The major rationale pora, from Europe to the Americas and Australia. In the process, it educated ed from low to zero. for this policy, shared, inter alia, by many countless youths who are now leaders of their communities in various spheres. Actually, all these processes are aptly pro-Western Ukrainians and pro-Ukraini- Plast was reborn in Ukraine in 1990-1991. It now has over 30,000 members who reflected in the annual reports of reputable an Westerners, including Prof. Motyl reside in every oblast of Ukraine, eclipsing the number of Plast members in international organizations like Freedom himself, is the strategic importance of countries outside of Ukraine. House, Reporters without Borders, pulling Ukraine into the Western orbit On August 6-13 Plast members from the United States and Canada will gather Transparency International and others. All and preventing it from sinking further in upstate New York under the motto “Honor the past – embrace the future” to of them have significantly downgraded into the Russian sphere of influence. celebrate a century of Plast activity and contributions to the Ukrainian nation. Ukraine’s score in every area. The first option means that even Next year in August, Plast members worldwide will gather in Ukraine for the The political trials with absurd crimi- though “Ukraine won’t become fully Jubilee International Plast Jamboree for the culmination of their beloved organi- nal accusations against the leaders of the democratic and market-oriented over- zation’s 100th birthday. (The first International Plast Jamboree to be held in opposition and members of the former night… it will creep in that direction, as Ukraine was in 2002 – you can read about it in our online archives by clicking government are only the tip of the ice- Ukrainians travel to Europe, as European on the issue dated September 1, 2002.) The forward-looking motto for 2012: berg, even though they seem to have economic ties with Ukraine are strength- “Bud iskroyu” – “Be the spark.” caught most of the attention in Europe. ened, as Ukrainian elites are forced to As Plast starts its 100th anniversary festivities, we wish all Plast members There are much more worrisome walk and talk like Europeans, as Ukraine around the globe “Mnohaya lita” – many years. developments in Ukraine that remain slowly enters the European vocabulary much less discernible and are virtually and consciousness, and as European val- unaddressed by the country’s European ues slowly enter the Ukrainian vocabu- partners. lary and consciousness.” First of all, there is a very high number The second option, Prof. Motyl argues, Aug. of people from the Donbas, very often means “an authoritarian and oligarchic Turning the pages back... with criminal records or facing allega- Ukraine will only become more authori- tions, placed in various leading positions tarian and more oligarchic as part of any all over Ukraine, primarily in Kyiv and economic and political association led by 3 Two years ago, on August 3, 2009, as he began his five- especially in the courts, the police, the today’s authoritarian and oligarchic 2009 year term, NATO’s new secretary-general, former Danish taxation administration and prosecutors’ Russia. Indeed, such an outcome would Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, told reporters in offices. condemn Ukraine to economic backward- Brussels that NATO’s core mission remained unchanged. Secondly, the number of tax police and ness for decades to come, as Ukraine Mr. Rasmussen replaced former Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Jaap de Hoop Security Service raids against disloyal would be transformed into Russia’s hin- Scheffer as NATO’s new chief. businesses, including mass media compa- terland. And since Russia is the hinter- NATO, Mr. Rasmussen said, would act as “the ultimate security policy” for nearly a nies, has escalated dramatically. People land of the West, that would make billion people in 28 member-states in defense of the basic values of freedom, peace are often searched, detained and interro- Ukraine the hinterland of a hinterland.” and security. To remain a “pillar of global security,” he said, NATO must transform. gated without any legal grounds or docu- The alternative is clear-cut and hardly Regarding Russia, NATO’s new secretary-general said the alliance is looking for a mentation. debatable. The first option is apparently “strategic partnership,” despite some recent “fundamental” disagreements. “It is obvi- The Kharkiv Human Rights Group, preferable for both Ukrainians and ous that there will be fundamental issues on which we disagree. We have to insist, for which tries to monitor all violations of Europeans and, ultimately, as Prof. Motyl example, that Russia fully complies with its international obligations, including this kind, has recorded a significant argues, for Russians. So, he concludes, respecting the territorial integrity and political freedom of its neighbors,” Mr. increase in the number of cases of torture “strategic goals should guide strategic Rasmussen said. “But we cannot let those areas of disagreement poison the whole and unexplained deaths in custody (http:// choices,” which means “even an authori- relationship.” www.khpg.org/en/). tarian Ukraine should be integrated into Russia’s leadership, he said, and people “must understand NATO is not an enemy or European institutions.” against Russia.” NATO and Russia, he said, have “shared interests” that must prevail, “If [Ukraine] signs a free-trade agree- including counterterrorism, Afghanistan, non-proliferation and the fight against piracy Mykola Riabchuk is an author and ment with the EU and moves toward as major points of mutual concern. journalist from Ukraine, and a leading associate membership, its chances of Without naming Georgia or Ukraine by name, Mr. Rasmussen also promised NATO intellectual who is affiliated with the jour- becoming democratic, market-oriented, would not shelve its policy of expansion. nal Krytyka. modern and Western will grow. If it does “I am fully committed to the principle of NATO’s open door,” he said. The article above is reprinted from the not move toward Europe, Ukraine will “Membership is not a right. Countries must be ready. But NATO enlargement already blog “Current Politics in Ukraine” (http:// either remain isolated in that no-man’s- demonstrated its power to spread stability and promise reforms. I expect that will con- ukraineanalysis.wordpress.com/) created land [between Russia and the EU] or, far tinue during my tenure.” by the Stasiuk Program for the Study of more likely, move toward the Russia-led Contemporary Ukraine, a program of the Customs Union, membership in which Source: “NATO’s new chief outlines priorities in Afghanistan and Russia,” by Ahto Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at Lobjakas (RFE/RL), The Ukrainian Weekly, August 9, 2009. the University of Alberta. (Continued on page 16) No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 7

NEWS AND VIEWS From a Canadian Angle Government budget cuts by Oksana Bashuk Hepburn target Kyiv Mohyla Academy

by Marta Farion Interestingly, appropriations for some universities actually increased. For exam- On July 8, Ukraine’s Ministry of ple, the National Aviation University and On diplomacy and politics Education, Science, Youth and Sports Donetsk National University enjoy an launched its most recent action aimed at the increase in government support. The unveiling of Leo Mol’s Taras her official capacity as prime minister, National University of Kyiv Mohyla A discriminatory approach of funding Shevchenko monument in Ottawa on is accused of inappropriate energy Academy and at selected Ukrainian univer- changes was instituted last year and reduc- June 26, with Ukraine’s much-loved deals with Russia. In democracies, sities, when it announced its budget for the tions were significantly increased for the Nina Matvienko and the excellent ban- “wrong” decisions by predecessors are coming year. upcoming academic year. durist capella from Toronto, was a “corrected” by changing laws or poli- The proposed budget slashes funding For example, the law department budget wonderful event. cies – not by prosecuting previous between 43 percent and 50 percent for sev- of Ivan Franko University of Lviv was Buses of celebrants arrived from incumbents. Here, even the lowest eral Kyiv Mohyla departments, including reduced by 29 percent, of Ternopil and there and Montreal. The parish ladies criminal – never mind leaders of politi- Philosophy, economic theory, finance and Carpathian Universities by 25 percent; of made a small fortune feeding the mass- cal parties – are made aware of their the Law School. It also terminates stipends Volyn Lesia Ukrainka University by 20 es at the St. John the Baptist Shrine, charges. for KMA students in the master’s programs percent; National University of Ostroh the venue for the monument and cele- Canadians of Ukrainian descent in journalism and social work. While a Academy by 14 percent and Zakarpattia brations. About 1,000 attendees went understand these well-established prin- number of Ukraine’s other national univer- State University by 13 percent. At the same away satisfied that the future of ciples and are troubled that the value sities experienced budget cuts, KMA was time, budgets for law departments of both Ukrainians is alive and well in Canada. of an independent media, freedom of singled out for particularly harsh treatment. universities in the Donetsk region rose sig- Attending politicians – mostly sec- assembly, an impartial judicial system, Immediate and strong reaction followed nificantly: Mariupol State Humanitarian ond-stringers comprising the deputy to cite just a few examples, are dis- the proposed budget cuts at KMA. Kyiv University increased by 28 percent and mayor and junior members of missed, with ever growing speed, by Mohyla Academy President Dr. Serhiy Kvit Donetsk National University’s law budget Parliament – were convinced that the Ukraine’s government. said, “The university will continue its increased by 12 percent. By contrast, Kyiv Ukrainian electorate in Canada is They’re appalled by disrespectful ongoing discussions and dialogue with the Mohyla Law School’s budget for the worth reckoning with. The performers, treatments of Ukraine’s language, Ministry of Education, but we are troubled upcoming academic year was reduced by always looking for gigs, were pleased. national symbols and culture by the by the actions of the ministry and their 50 percent. Certainly the songs, especially odious Minister of Education Dmytro impact on the education of our country’s Shevchenko’s political messages, were Tabachnyk, or the undermining of the young generation.” Indications of a larger agenda uplifting. Ukrainian Churches. Other anti-Ukrai- NaUKMA’s Alumni Association In 2010, the country witnessed the But there were questions. nian tendencies – especially the fabu- declared support for its Alma Mater imme- introduction of a controversial “Draft Law Ukraine was represented by several lous riches of off-shore account-hold- diately after news of the cuts surfaced. It on Reform of Higher Education.” If opposition members of Parliament. ing oligarchs and the give-aways like announced a stipend program and scholar- passed, this law would have rolled back Was their presence meant to placate the Kharkiv agreements with Russia, – ships for the master’s programs. Other the sentiments of the predominantly raise their ire, as well as that of most donors in Ukraine also announced support. advances in higher education made since Ukraine’s 1991 independence, returning to anti-Yanukovych crowd? Verkhovna Canadians and other sane people Disproportionate budget cuts a discredited Soviet-era model of central Rada Vice-Chairman Mykola around the globe. Tomenko’s strongly pro-Ukraine words Dr. Ostash was spared harsh criti- The proposed budget cuts in higher edu- government control. The proposed draft law presented a – he’s from Yulia Tymoshenko’s party cisms of his governments’ politics. cation are controversial in several respects: – left one wondering why the politi- Appointed in a previous era, he had their relationship to other parts of Ukraine’s threat to the gradual gains forged in the essential areas of autonomy and academic cians were devoting several weeks to time to build relationships. His succes- national budget and their selective distribu- crisscrossing Canada on a train follow- sor will not. Canadians will criticize a tion among the country’s universities. freedom since the nation’s independence. Eventually, the proposed “reform” law was ing the pioneers’ trail of 120 years ago, government that undermines the well- First, higher education appears singled while their leaders are illegally con- being of the people in pursuit of its out for the lion’s share of government defeated at the parliamentary committee level and did not reach a general fined or undergoing Soviet-style politi- members’ own wealth or in the interest spending cuts. While Ukraine’s govern- cal inquisition back home? of a foreign power. ment announced reductions to its national Parliamentary vote. But that victory may be short-lived. New proposals to erode Also, why was the 120th anniversa- However, this can be fixed. For budget for education, it increased expendi- ry of the settlement of Ukrainians in good relations with Canada, more than tures for government officials dramatically, these fundamental rights in education may be forthcoming. Canada orchestrated by the Embassy just with the Ukrainian community, to especially in law enforcement, security ser- of Ukraine rather than Canadians of thrive, President Yanukovych needs to vice and public prosecutions. Recent budget proposals signal govern- ment attempts to regain control of higher Ukrainian descent? set a new direction. His saying “ni” Second, the proposed cuts have not been There is no doubt that Dr. Ihor (no) to Russia’s free trade union and uniformly applied to all of the country’s education under the guise of economic necessity. Ostash, Ukraine’s ambassador to “ni” to the sale of energy pipelines is a universities. Although most Ukrainian uni- Canada, has been well received here. solid step forward. Bravo! versities had their budgets reduced, funding Ministry’s deliberate policy Fluent in English and French, an Next, Ukraine’s courts need to free for Kyiv Mohyla Academy and the univer- accomplished guitarist and sportsman, the opposition leaders and pay atten- Dmytro Tabachnyk has a history of sities in western Ukraine was cut back dis- he engaged and charmed – and not just tion to rights that come with that derogatory and prejudicial statements proportionately. the Ukrainian Canadian community, office. Mr. Yanukovych should aim to about Ukraine’s people, language and cul- In addition, deeper budget cuts were tar- but his peers in the diplomatic corps become the first president in Ukraine geted at Kyiv Mohyla Academy’s specific ture, often aimed at western Ukrainians. and Canada’s politicians, giving his to work the in-power and opposition fields of study. Mr. Tabachnyk plays a divisive role in country a good name. His six years in politics as they are worked in other An analysis of law school funding by Ukraine, with a political agenda that disre- Canada were highly inclusive of the democracies. If this two-team approach Dr. Andriy Meleshevych, dean at Kyiv gards Article 24 of the Constitution, which Ukrainian Canadian community which, is misunderstood, and it seems to be, Mohyla Law School, shows that law establishes equal rights of citizens and pro- in turn, supported his initiatives even the opposition is seen as an enemy schools in western Ukraine had dispropor- hibits privileges or restrictions on specific though the government of President rather than an integral part of the polit- tionally high funding reductions, while law population groups regardless of their eth- Viktor Yanukovych, the ambassador’s ical process. Canada, and others, will schools in the Donetsk region had funding nic origin or place of residence. boss, was becoming less and less to be delighted to assist in spelling it out. increases for the same programs. The anal- Minister Tabachnyk’s record speaks for their liking. Following this development, ysis also reveals that funding for law itself. Access to education at top universi- His successor, expected to arrive in President Yanukovych might start a schools elsewhere in Ukraine remained ties and western Ukrainian universities Ottawa in the fall, may expect to face a blitz to dismiss seditious ministers, level from prior years. (See “Government was significantly reduced over the past more hostile Ukrainian community. like Mr. Tabachnyk, and other offi- Funding in Ukraine’s Institutions of Higher year. Government financing of schools The rift with the Embassy, recalling cials. Those who spread hate, includ- Learning: Discrimination, Corruption, with lower admission standards increased. tensions of the Soviet era, has already ing foreigners –Russia’s officials come Negligence?” published in Ukrayinska Violations of citizens’ rights to educational started. Many Ukrainian Canadians to mind – must also be dealt with. Pravda on March 3.) fairness and equal opportunity expanded. who normally would have attended the Such a policy shift would ensure a Corruption is at pandemic levels in higher Shevchenko celebration stayed away. welcome mat for the new ambassador. education throughout Ukraine, and the Seen as an “Embassy” event, their Otherwise, Ukraine can expect a dem- Marta Farion is an attorney living in ministry’s actions only contribute to its stance signaled a criticism of the ocratic response to a representative of Chicago. She is the president of the Kyiv- spread. Ukrainian government’s disdain for a repressive regime: public protests Mohyla Foundation of America, a non- Based on the Education Ministry’s rule of law and human rights. They had and criticism like those seen during the profit organization whose mission is to selective funding choices, it is reasonable a valid point. Soviet era. provide assistance to National University to infer a deliberate policy to weaken the Canadians pride themselves on After all, Shevchenko’s words of Kyiv Mohyla Academy. She served as system of higher education in Ukraine and being strong democrats and assess the “Vstavaite, kaidany porvite” trump chairperson of the Chicago-Kyiv Sister to target certain universities more than oth- situation in Ukraine through that optic. diplomatic niceties. Cities Committee for 13 years and is cur- ers, with particular focus on National For them, it’s reprehensible that Yurii rently a member of the executive commit- University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy and Lutsenko has been in prison for more tee of the Chicago Mayor’s Office of the universities of western Ukraine. International Relations – Sister Cities than a half year without being charged Oksana Bashuk Hepburn may be con- International Program. (Continued on page 10) and that Ms. Tymoshenko, acting in tacted at [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 No. 31 No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 9 Columbia conference analyzes nonconformism and dissent in the Soviet bloc by Konstantin Tchergueiko movement of solidarity that would estab- lish rule of law in Ukraine and restore NEW YORK – Scholars, students and morality in its society. the general public recently participated in Mr. Marynovych responded to ques- a three-day conference presented by the tions about how the dissident movement Ukrainian Studies Program at Columbia is taught in schools in Ukraine, the role University on Soviet-era dissent and non- played by young people and former dissi- conformism in Ukraine, Poland and dents in the country’s direction, and gov- Russia. The program, held on March ernment meddling in language and cul- 30-April 1 and organized in collaboration tural issues. The keynote address was fol- with Columbia’s East Central European lowed by a reception for conference Institute, the Polish Cultural Institute and attendees. The Ukrainian Museum, brought together The next day, the first panel, moderat- academics and prominent figures from ed by Dr. Frank Sysyn, gave a historical national dissident movements that overview of noncomformism and dissent. opposed Communist rule. Christina Isajiw, former director of the The audience also heard from impor- Human Rights Commission of the tant cultural figures, who approached the Ukrainian World Congress, (originally dissident movement from their own per- known as the World Congress of Free spective, and from panelists, who pre- Ukrainians, spoke about historical events sented papers about studies of the dissi- that informed the dissident movements dent movements and their legacies. The conference, held 20 years after the fall of and galvanized the international commu- At the conference on Soviet-era dissent and nonconformism in Ukraine, Poland the Soviet Union, also offered a screening nity around the cause. and Russia (from left) are: Catharine Nepomnyashchy, Pavel Litvinov, Myroslav of a nonconformist Ukrainian film from Ms. Isajiw related how the arrest of Marynovych, Henryk Wujec and John Micgiel. 1965 and concluded with a concert by Valentyn Moroz and others in the 1960s legendary Ukrainian singer-songwriter led to the creation of the Human Rights are difficult to locate. Dr. Kiebuzinski religious freedom as a part of human Victor Morozov. Commission. She went on to describe the suggested that surveying the various rights and Mr. Wujec noted how support Events such as the Columbia confer- lobbying efforts undertaken by the holdings of dissident materials and coor- of the Catholic Church was crucial to ence are crucial to scholarship and the for- Conference on Security and Cooperation dination between collections may Solidarity. mation of new perspectives on a history in Europe (OSCE) to pressure the Soviet improve the situation. The day’s sessions concluded with a that should not be forgotten. The six con- Union to free imprisoned dissidents. Ann Komaromi of the University of presentation of Yuri Ilienko’s 1965 film ference panels gave academics and former Jeri Laber (founder of Human Rights Toronto continued the panel by highlight- “A Well for the Thirsty.” The screening dissidents a chance to exchange views on Watch) continued as second panalist on ing the value of preserving originals. was led by Yuri Shevchuk, lecturer of myriad subjects and discuss the impact of the theme of efforts to free dissidents. Digitization may not always capture all Ukrainian, Columbia University, director the dissident movements on society. After describing the political climate of of the visual information in samizdat of the Ukrainian Film Club. The film fea- The conference began with an evening the time, Ms. Laber highlighted the material, she noted. She discussed the tured elements that Soviet authorities keynote address by Myroslav important roles of several dissidents, problem of creating the definitive archi- deemed culturally subversive. Its sup- Marynovych, founding member of the including Andrei Sakharov and Aleksandr val collection and how to address the pression represented official intolerance Ukrainian Helsinki Group and Soviet Solzhenitsyn. Her fascinating account of myths surrounding documents that often of experimental and avant-garde art. political prisoner for seven years. Frank a meeting with Mr. Sakharov in Moscow are subject to different interpretation. The following day, Timothy Frye, Sysyn of the Canadian Institute of portrayed the challenges that dissidents The final paper, presented by director of the Harriman Institute at Ukrainian Studies, University of Alberta, faced in everyday life. Benjamin Nathans of the University of Columbia University, moderated the panel who is a member of the Ukrainian The final presenter was Anna Procyk of Pennsylvania, described the research on contemporary society and politics. Studies Faculty Advisory Board at the City University of New York, a former methods and archival material he used to Michael Bernhard of the University of Columbia, introduced Mr. Marynovych. activist with Amnesty International. Dr. prepare a book on dissidents as a part of Florida spoke on the legacies of the dissi- After expressing gratitude and admira- Procyk described several reasons for Soviet society. According to Dr. Nathans, dent movement in Poland. Different tion for those who participated in the dis- Amnesty’s involvement in defending dis- some of the most valuable materials are political groups today in Poland perceive sent movement, Mr. Marynovych out- sidents. She also focused on differences held by dissidents or can be found in the the historical roundtable talks in radically lined the dual nature of the Ukrainian between dissent and nonconformism, and extraordinarily detailed records of the different ways, which is evident by the movement. Dissent was meant to provide commented on the image of dissidents security services. disparity in the commemoration of the a serious challenge to the Soviet totalitar- after the fall of the Soviet Union. The third panel drew an especially event’s anniversary. Alexander Motyl of ian system. It was also a movement for During the lively discussion that fol- large audience. It was moderated by Rutgers University spoke about shifting cultural, religious and civil rights, with lowed, participants offered remarks on Catharine Nepomnyashchy, Ann Whitney cultural attitudes in Ukraine and proposed the goal of gaining political independence how dissidents influenced their lives and Olin Professor and chair, Slavic the idea that at the core of dissent is the for Ukraine, he said. their perception of dissidents. Department, Barnard College, and fea- act of saying “no.” Many Ukrainians After the government crackdowns in The second panel, moderated by Tarik tured dissidents who were key partici- have learned to do just that since 1991, 1965, the Ukrainian dissident movement Amar, Columbia University, focused on pants in the Polish, Russian and he said. While Ukraine today is far from went through periods of disorientation. how the dissident movement has been Ukrainian dissident movements. being a democracy, the true legacy of the However, by 1976 it evolved into a documented and studied, and featured Henryk Wujec, one of the founders of Orange Revolution is the changed expec- human rights movement with the forma- experts in archival and library science. the Solidarity movement, spoke about the tations and demands placed on the regime tion of the Ukrainian Helsinki Group. Ksenya Kiebuzinski, Slavic resources formation of the Solidarity movement by the citizenry. Mr. Marynovych spoke at length about coordinator and head, Petro Jacyk Central and the principles that were internalized Peter Reddaway, professor emeritus, the values dissidents held, such as the and East European Resource Center, by its members. He described connec- George Washington University, and for- absolute need for freedom in every sense University of Toronto Libraries, started tions between the Polish and Czech dissi- mer director of the Kennan Institute for and the imperative to support human by reviewing source materials on dissi- dent movements, but also noted that con- Advanced Russian Studies, argued that rights. He also spoke about current chal- dents that are available in North America. tact between different national move- the legacy of Soviet Russian dissidents is lenges to democracy in Ukraine and how She stated that here are many separate ments was rather limited. Nevertheless, minimal in Russia today. However, he corruption and cultural battles are still collections with no single unified portal Mr. Wujec emphasized that the Polish said he believes that there is a prospect for prevalent. He closed by calling for a new to access them and that primary sources movement would try to assist dissidents change because the loss of legitimacy by in neighboring countries out of principal. the current regime can lead to greater rec- Pavel Litvinov, a Russian dissident ognition and interest in dissident studies. who was imprisoned in a labor camp after The next panel, moderated by Anna his protest against the 1968 Soviet inter- Frajlich of Columbia University, debated vention in Czechoslovakia, commented the impact of nonconformist culture. on the nature of the Russian dissident Mark Andryczyk of Columbia movement. Mr. Litvinov noted that the University started the discussion with a 1960s movement for free speech may presentation on Ukrainian cultural non- have been inspired in part by 19th centu- conformists of the 1960s, 1970s and ry Russian literature. He described how 1980s. He stated that individuals from under the Soviet system of censorship that era, such as Hryhorii Chubai, Oleh and repression, personal networks were Lysheha and Mykola Vorobiov, continue crucial. Dissidents frequently relied on to have great influence in contemporary typewriters, Western radio and foreign Ukrainian literature. Dr. Andryczyk also correspondents to spread their message. highlighted Viktor Morozov’s role in Mr. Marynovych spoke about the bridging several generations of Ukrainian importance of Moscow connections that culture through his art of sung-poetry. were maintained by the Ukrainian dissi- Dr. Nepomnyashchy also spoke about dent movement and, like Mr. Litvinov, literature. The recent literature contest emphasized the value of extensive per- “Nos 1973” was won by Andrei Speakers at the conference at Columbia University included (from left): Volodymyr sonal networks. During the discussion, Dibrova, Vitaly Komar, Mykola Riabchuk, Ewa Wojciak and William Risch. Mr. Marynovych spoke on the defense of (Continued on page 16) 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 No. 31

Mykola Darmochwal elected to head The Ukrainian Museum’s board of trustees

by Mykola Haliv reread the minutes of the previous Annual meeting, and affirmed that they had been written carefully and fully NEW YORK – The Sunday, June 26, annual meeting reflected the meeting’s course of events. A motion was of The Ukrainian Museum elected the insititution’s new president, Mykola Darmochwal. made to approve the minutes, which the members did. Mr. Darmochwal is the son of Wolodymyr Regarding a question about whether those present Darmochwal, who was a well-known community figure constituted the required quorum, Prof. Leshko said that, from Ukraine – a distinguished scout leader, founder of according to an accounting by Ms. Bajko, which includ- the Veselka restaurant in New York City (corner of ed proxy votes from branches of the Ukrainian National Second Avenue and Ninth Street), and a Ukrainian patriot. Women’s League of America (UNWLA), there were Mykola Darmochwal followed in his father’s foot- more voters than required for the quorum as prescribed steps as a scout and as a successful professional, who by the museum’s by-laws. worked at Johnson & Johnson for over 30 years as a Afterward there was a brief exchange of views, dur- senior director. He is currently a retired computer spe- ing which financial problems – namely, why the expen- cialist; through his own non-profit computer company, ditures of the museum are so large – were the main he assists several Ukrainian American organizations and topic. The treasurer, Ms. Haftkowycz and the museum’s individual scholars. He has now decided to serve The director, Ms. Shust, responded with comprehensive Ukrainian Museum. answers. The annual meeting was opened by the departing pres- The report of the Nominating Committee, chaired by ident of the museum’s board of trustees, Prof. Jaroslaw Mark Bach, who was unable to attend the meeting, was Leshko. He welcomed the sizeable gathering of museum read by committee member Ms. Karpevych. For the members and proposed an agenda for the meeting, which museum presidency, the committee proposed Mykola was accepted without amendments. The assembly elected Darmochwal, and Andrei Harasymiak, Adrian Hewryk, the presidium, with Prof. Ivan Luchechko as chairman Prof. Renata Holod and Luba Labunka were proposed and Motria Milanytch as secretary. for the available positions on the General Board. Prof. Leshko delivered a well-structured and clearly Because there were no alternate candidates, they were presented report that reached beyond the past year’s elected unanimously. Separately, the proposed president accomplishments. He recalled a few of the more excep- of the museum also was voted in unanimously. tional exhibitions that took place, calling particular Mykola Darmochwal, newly elected president of the The UNWLA candidate for the board of trustees, attention to “Ukraine – Sweden: At the Crossroads of board of trustees of The Ukrainian Museum. Roksolana Misilo, was presented to the annual meeting History (XVII–XVIII Centuries),” also known as the participants (UNWLA-appointed trustees are not voted Mazepa exhibition; the artworks of Opanas Zalyvakha; approved by Drotman & Sawkiw, which was distributed upon). Ms. Karpevych noted that Zirka Voronka, who the unique, fascinating and colorful exhibition of wed- to each meeting participant at the registration desk by the served on the board for six years, most recently as one ding costumes from the past and present; and the retro- museum’s administrative director, Daria Bajko. The of the executive board secretaries, and whose term was spective exhibition of the artistic and literary creations report comprised numbers, numbers and more numbers. ending, was not running again. Her position was accept- titled “The Worlds of Sviatoslav Hordynsky.” He also The artistic mind may not easily comprehend all those ed by Lilia Kalat, who moved from the general to the mentioned the Ukrainian-themed film program. numbers, but the treasurer, a capable professional, pre- executive board. The members at the meeting re-elected Rounding out the list of accomplishments was the sented and explained everything transparently. Ms. the members of the Audit Committee, with Nadia successful luncheon celebrating The Ukrainian Haftkowycz revealed the financial needs of the museum Cwiach as the chairperson. Museum’s 35th anniversary, and its fifth year in the not only to the trustees, but also to museum members and The first vice-president of the board of trustees of The the Ukrainian community. newly built museum building. The Museum expressed Ukrainian Museum, Marianna Zajac, president of the In answer to a spontaneous question about the large sincere gratitude to all members of the committee UNWLA, delivered a litany of thanks to departing board chaired by Oksana Trytjak and Motria Kuzycz, for the sum of $45,000 used for monthly museum expenses, the president Prof. Leshko. She thanked him for his dedicat- carefully planned and successfully executed banquet. treasurer said this amount does not include expenditures ed work for the museum and wished him success in his “Today, The Ukrainian Museum is the most active of for exhibitions, but covers only monthly maintenance and further professional plans. Ms. Shust joined in this Ukrainian community cultural institutions,” said Prof. administrative costs. Paid employees of the museum expression of good wishes with a bouquet of beautiful Leshko, who also noted, the financial difficulties faced account for $24,000 each month, utilities over $10,000, by the museum. $5,000 for insurance and museum maintenance, includ- flowers for Prof. Leshko. The museum’s director, Maria Shust, read an exten- ing repairs, rent, telephones, mail, etc. This amount has The newly elected president, Mr. Darmochwal, sive list of programs, including films, special events, to be covered every month. expressed his election and the show of confidence in concerts, lectures, presentations of new publications, Nadia Cwiach, chairman of the Audit Committee, him, adding that he is aware of significant problems and pysanky courses, traditional baking courses, school and reported that the financial recordkeeping both income that he will try to justify the trust in him. educational programs, exhibitions, etc. At the end, she and expenses, had been verified and that all records were At the same time, he stressed that, “the current eco- thanked the staff members individually for their contri- kept in accordance with the law and accurately reflect the nomic situation has acutely affected nonprofit institu- butions. financial condition of the museum at this time. She added tions, especially the cultural and educational sectors, Ms. Shust also expressed her gratitude to the many that the president of the board of trustees, Prof. Leshko; such as ours... That is why our programs, the plans for volunteers for their invaluable assistance and to the the treasurer, Ms. Haftkowycz; the museum’s director, tomorrow, and the methods for running the museum museum’s most generous donors, underscoring the Ms. Shust; the administrative director, Ms. Bajko; mem- require scrutiny and adjustments going into the future...” unfailing support of Self Reliance New York Federal bers of the board and the Museum staff had invested a lot In addition, Mr. Darmochwal said he would make Credit Union. She gave special thanks to the departing of work toward the success and prosperity of the every effort, together with the museum’s membership, to president of the board, Prof. Leshko, for his loyal, sin- Museum, for which they deserve sincere gratitude. Ms. insure that the museum prospers. The meeting partici- cere and dedicated cooperation, expressing the hope that Cwiach proposed that museum’s board of trustees be pants spontaneously applauded the opinions expressed he will not forget about the museum going into the given a vote of confidence. The proposal was adopted by the newly elected president. future. unanimously. Prof. Leshko thanked presidium members Prof. Treasurer Zorianna Haftkowycz presented a thorough The verification commission, which included Luchechko and Ms. Milanytch for a successfully con- five-page printed financial statement, audited and Christina Karpevych, Jaroslawa Rubel and Mykola Haliv, ducted meeting.

merely a verbal “Potemkin Village”, then there are steps rebuild itself after the fall of the Soviet Union. In spite of Government budget cuts... the President should take to achieve his stated goals. the recent financial pressure, the National University of (Continued from page 7) It is time to heed the call of the recent Freedom House Kyiv Mohyla Academy continues to fulfill its mission and Report, “Sounding the Alarm: Protecting Democracy in educate Ukraine’s future generation of leaders. The recently proposed budget is the government’s Ukraine,” that issued the following recommendation to But to continue to advance it needs equitable treatment attempt to regain control of higher education under the President Yanukovych: “Dismiss Education Minister by the Ministry of Education and increased private fund- guise of economic necessity. A weakened higher educa- Dmytro Tabachnyk, arguably the most polarizing official ing. in the Cabinet, for sowing unnecessary and dangerous tion system reduces Ukraine’s global competitiveness, The current conflict is evidence that Ukraine’s system divisions within Ukraine over issues of identity, language impedes the development of future leaders and puts of education is in transition, and the current process offers and education.” Ukraine within the isolationist, controlled sphere of influ- an opportunity for change nationwide. The conflict, which The question must be asked: Are selective and discrimi- in the past was primarily limited to the academic commu- ence of the country’s neighbor to the east. Although it is natory actions by the education minister part of a general abhorrent to suspect such a goal, after careful analysis and policy aimed at crippling opposition by destroying or nity, has become a topic of national discussion related to consideration, the high probability of a deliberate policy weakening political figures, organizations, journalists and fundamental principles of freedom, equal access to educa- from such a systematic implementation of abusive finan- universities that seek Ukraine’s integration into a global tion and national reform. cial intimidation and control cannot be ignored. community that will accelerate transition into democracy, The people of Ukraine recognize the institutional, polit- ical and social conditions necessary to provide equal President should keep his promises transparency and a participatory civil society? Also, is the current minister of education an asset or a liability to the opportunities and a decent life for their children. The Ironically, it was President Viktor Yanukovych who government and the people of Ukraine? National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy is in a declared 2011 as the “Year of Education,” to “improve the position to continue to provide leadership in this process KMA’s role in education reform functioning and development of innovative education, of transformation. Equitable and transparent reform must improve its quality, accessibility and integration into the With the support of friends, donors and grantors in take place and KMA Academy can play an indispensible European educational space.” If those words were not Ukraine and throughout the world, KMA has been able to role in this process. No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 11 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 No. 31

PHOTO FOLLOW-UP: Ukrainian Cultural Festival at Soyuzivka by Christine Syzonenko and Roma Hadzewycz No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 13

Maria Burmaka poses with “novachky” for a group photo. While visiting Soyuzivka, the campers went on a hike to the waterfall, enjoyed lunch and had a chance to meet with Ms. Burmaka before attending the Saturday afternoon concert. The singer wanted to meet with the Plast members because she is a friend and supporter of Plast in Ukraine. In addition, the novachky heard a talk by Ania Bohachevsky-Lonkevych on Ukrainian folk dance. Dancing is the theme of their camp. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 No. 31

continue to participate in them,” Acting resources on providing assistance to level and the living standard to which we NEWSBRIEFS... Procurator General Renat Kuzmin said. Greece, Portugal and Spain means it is aspire, but it is a solid basis in order for impossible to actively involve Ukraine in new ambitious tasks for the country,” Mr. (Continued from page 2) On September 5, 2004, Mr. Yushchenko, then a presidential candidate, was taken ill European affairs. On the contrary, Mr. Azarov said. (Ukrinform) after having dinner with the leadership of Gryshchenko said, with its resources and cution in Ukraine,” Ms. Herman said on the SBU at the dacha belonging to Mr. capabilities, Ukraine’s integration in the Bleyzer Foundation sees signs of recovery Channel 5 television on July 20. The trials Satsiuk. Mr. Yushchenko was hospitalized EU can help more quickly and systemati- of former Prime Minister Yulia KYIV – Ukraine’s gross domestic in Vienna on September 10. Doctors said cally solve the problems faced by the EU Tymoshenko and former Internal Affairs product in the current year will show he had been poisoned with dioxin. and its member-countries. (Ukrinform) growth of 4.5 percent, predicted Oleg Minister Yurii Lutsenko “should not be Moreover, they said the poison had been over-politicized,” she said. “A lot of high- Ukraine-NATO exercises start Ustenko, executive director of The administered five days before his hospital- Bleyzer Foundation. “This is our conser- ranking officials are being arrested and ization. After that, a number of medical put in jail almost daily. The president is KYIV – The military exercises Rapid vative estimate, and it is not as optimistic tests were conducted. An examination as projections of certain organizations pursuing a course toward fighting corrup- Trident-2011 started at the Yavoriv conducted late in May 2006 confirmed the grounds in the Lviv region as part of the and government forecasts,” he said on tion, and there is no need to make politics presence of dioxin in Mr. Yushchenko’s NATO Partnership for Peace program, the July 1. Mr. Ustenko also noted that the out of this,” she said. “It would make body. In 2005, a criminal case was opened Defense Ministry press service reported Ukrainian economy shows signs of sense to calmly wait for the trials to be against Mr. Satsiuk on charges of unlaw- on July 25. The exercises will be headed improvement and is growing at the completed and sentences handed down fully conferring a military rank, and he by first deputy commander of the 8th expense of industry. “However, Ukraine and to consider these issues from a purely went to Russia, where he has lived in Army Corps of the Ukrainian Armed still remains export-oriented, and the legal perspective,” she said. Freedom recent years. From 2005 until 2007, the Forces, Maj. Gen. Viacheslav Nazarkin, growth that we see occurred in export- House and Atlantic Council had earlier ex-official was on a wanted list, but after and the сoordinator of the international oriented fields: chemistry, metallurgy, forwarded an address to Mr. Yanukovych, receiving Russian citizenship he was cooperation project of the U.S. Army machine building,” the expert stated. warning him that Ukraine is seeing what removed from the list. Last year, Mr. Europe, Kevin Volk. The Defense According to updated information of the they called disturbing trends that could Satsiuk was questioned as a witness in the Ministry noted that the main aim of exer- State Statistics Service, in the first quar- “move Ukraine toward kleptocracy and Yushchenko poisoning case. (Interfax- cises is to prepare national headquarters ter of 2011, GDP growth in Ukraine was authoritarianism.” (Interfax-Ukraine) Ukraine) and units for joint actions within coalition 5.3 percent. Earlier it was reported that Satsiuk cooperating in poisoning case forces in international peacekeeping oper- the World Bank had raised its GDP Gryshchenko: Ukraine will make EU stronger ations. Participating in the exercises will growth forecast for Ukraine in 2011 from KYIV – The former first deputy chief KYIV – The European Union should be over 1,300 military from Ukraine, the 4 percent to 4.5 percent. (Ukrinform) of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), United States, Great Britain, Canada, actively involve Ukraine in European Fifth World Forum of Ukrainians Volodymyr Satsiuk, who is involved in affairs, and thus Ukraine will make it Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, the criminal case of the poisoning of stronger. This opinion was expressed by Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Serbia and KYIV – The fifth World Forum of Viktor Yushchenko, is cooperating with Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Slovenia. Ukraine has been a participant Ukrainians will take place in Kyiv on investigation agencies of the Procurator Kostyantyn Gryshchenko in an interview of the Partnership for Peace program August 19-21 as part of celebrations of General’s Office (PGO), it was reported with the European publication New since February 1994. (Ukrinform) the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s inde- pendence. This was announced on July on July 21. “Satsiuk does visit Ukraine. Europe, the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Lawsuit filed against president It’s not a secret. Satsiuk has been sum- Department of Information Policy report- 14 by the chairman of the Ukrainian moned to the PGO many times. He has ed on July 23. According to the minister, KYIV – The Higher Administrative World Coordinating Council, Dmytro been questioned many times, participated the European Union should not assume Court of Ukraine on July 27 received a Pavlychko, who is deputy chairman of in investigative actions and if need be will that the need to focus attention and lawsuit against President Viktor the forum’s organizing committee. “The Yanukovych on charges of inaction in forum will discuss the most painful prob- implementing his election pledges. lems that today hamper our global fel- According to the Delo newspaper, the lowship, as mainland Ukraine and 20 court will have to assess why it is that million Ukrainians abroad constitute a Ukraine thus far has not introduced the global system – one body,” he stressed. promised five-year tax breaks for small (Ukrinform) TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI (973) 292-9800 x3040 businesses. This initiative was announced NBU issues commemorative coins or e-mail [email protected] in Mr. Yanukovych’s election program back in 2009-2010. The plaintiff also KYIV – The National Bank of Ukraine SERVICES PROFESSIONALS demands that the valued-added tax (VAT) (NBU) in late June put into circulation be reduced to 17 percent and the profit tax coins commemorating the 800th anniver- to 19 percent as of January 1, 2011. These sary of the town of Zbarazh and the НІНА БІЛЬЧУК changes also were envisaged in the presi- Scythian Gold – Deer with face values of Професійний продавець dential candidate’s program. In addition, забезпечення УНС 5 hrv and 2 hrv, respectively. The coin the lawsuit refers to the transition to a con- dedicated to the town of Zbarazh in the NINA BILCHUK tract army as of January 1, 2011, which Licensed Agent Ternopil Oblast, continues the series also was noted in the campaign program. Ukrainian National Ass’n., Inc. “Ancient Cities of Ukraine.” The first The plaintiff demands that, within one written mention about the city was in 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054 month from the date of the court’s ruling, 1211, when Zbarazh was included into Tel.: (973) 292-9800 (Ext. 3025) • Fax: (973) 292-0900 the president must present in Parliament the Halych-Volyn Principality and was e-mail: [email protected] draft laws on the introduction of tax holi- one of its most reinforced centers. The days and reduction of the VAT, as well as jubilee coin is made of German silver: its on contract army service. Ukrayinska mass is 16.5 grams, diameter - 35 milli- Pravda learned that the author of the suit meters. The coin’s circulation is planned against the president is Dmytro Ilchenko, a Karpaty Construction Company at 35,000. The gold memorial coin human rights activist from Kherson and Scythian Gold – Deer (999.9 standard) is All work, large or small: complete home assistant adviser to National Deputy Yurii dedicated to a Scythian jewelry item – a renovations, bathrooms, basements, Odarchenko. According to him, the lawsuit gold plate depicting a deer (7th-6th cen- roofs, masinry work, exterior and was filed in order to determine “whether it tury B.C.). The coin will continue the interior painting. Call Vasili Cholak: is possible in this country to make politi- series called “The Smallest Gold Coin.” 718-392-0138; cell 347-515-5437. cians keep their campaign promises, as The coin’s mass is 1.24 grams; its diame- well as to learn how Yanukovych’s law- ter is 13.92 millimeters. The coin’s circu- yers would justify the direct violation of lation is planned at 10,000. Over the peri- FOR SALE his election pledges.” (Ukrinform) od of 1995-2010 the NBU put into circu- lation over 470 types of memorial and Azarov: GDP growth is 4.4 percent jubilee coins of Ukraine. For 2011 the Ukrainian Village KYIV – According to preliminary data issuance of 35 to 38 memorial and jubilee Center unit #32, 1 bedroom, LR, of the State Statistics Service, the gross coins is planned. (Ukrinform) DR & deck. $80,000.00 or B/O domestic product in Ukraine grew by 4.4 Internet access to grow in 2011 percent in the first half of 2011, Prime Tel. 732-819-0324 OPPORTUNITIES Minister Mykola Azarov said on July 20, KYIV – Access to Internet services in as he opened the government’s meeting. 2011 is expected to reach 37-40 percent He underscored that industrial production of Ukraine’s population. This forecast Old Ukrainian artist Earn extra income! grew by almost 9 percent in January- was given in late June by the CEO of the June. Mr. Azarov noted that construction Internet Association of Ukraine, Tetiana paintings for sale. The Ukrainian Weekly is looking for advertising sales agents. grew by almost 15 percent; machine Popova. The expert said she believes that Tel. 941-504-8949 For additional information contact building by 21.1 percent and chemical the Internet is actively developing in Maria Oscislawski, Advertising Manager, production by 22 percent. He noted that Ukraine, where the Internet audience is Irena The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. the government’s policies had ensured a estimated to be 17 million. According to gradual renewal of economic growth and the InMind company, the number of on this basis budget revenues grew, Ukrainians using the Internet no less than Run your advertisement here, which made it possible to start a stage- once a month has grown to 35 percent, as in The Ukrainian Weekly’s CLASSIFIEDS section. by-stage increase in wages. “We under- compared to 33 percent in late 2010. stand that this is not the needed economy (Ukrinform) No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 15

and other Christian communities that were Oral history... persecuted by the Soviet totalitarian regime after the second world war. This With deep sorrow we announce (Continued from page 15) project was started by the Rev. Dr. Borys the passing into eternity on July 21, 2011, 1996, before too much time passed and Gudziak, when he established the Institute of our beloved while recollections were still fresh,” said Ms. of Church History and, to date, we have HUSBAND, FATHER and GRANDFATHER Hewko, who attended a roundtable in Kyiv over 2,000 audio and close to 200 video to launch the joint project with the Ukrainian interviews with repressed bishops and Catholic University on June 21. priests, monks, nuns and lay people.” ALEXANDER PRYSHLAK Indeed, some of the key figures of that era Mr. Turij continued, “So, when we were have already passed away, including dissi- approached to house the Ukraine indepen- of Wethersfield, CT. Alexander passed away at the age of 86 at Hartford dent and political leader Vyacheslav dence archives, we thought this would be a Hospital. Born on August 30, 1924, in the village of Zastawcze in Chornovil, Solidarity leader and Polish poli- logical, chronological and thematic extension Ternopilska oblast of Ukraine, he was the son of Petro and Olha (Diduryk) tician Jacek Kuron, human rights leader and of the many years of work that UCU has Pryshlak and lived in Ohio for one year, Hartford for 17 years, moving to Russian democratic opposition leader Galina spent on oral sources regarding the dramatic Wethersfield 42 years ago. He was employed as a mechanical engineer at history of our people in the 20th century.” Starovoitova, Ukrainian journalist and Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool Co. in West Hartford and subsequently as The official launch of the website on human rights activist Serhiy Naboka. They chief engineer at Pneumo Precision in Keene, NH, retiring in 1986. He was are all captured on video talking about the June 21 took the form of a two-part round- table in Kyiv, sponsored by the Ukrainian a veteran of the Ukrainian Army, a member of the Ukrainian Engineers events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Society of America, Shevchenko Scientific Society, Ukrainian Patriarchal Union and their role in this historic process. Catholic University, where panel partici- Society, USA, of which he was chairman for 22 years, the World Patriarchal Others, such as former Soviet President pants talked about Ukraine in the retro- Mikhail Gorbachev, former Secretary of spect, looking back to 1991, and Ukraine’s Society, and of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church where he was the State James Baker and former Polish prospects, looking forward to 2021. choir director for 50 years. Alexander was also principal and teacher at the President Lech Walesa no longer walk the John Hewko, whose family foundation St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic School in Hartford for many years and a corridors of power, but their recollections helped fund the project and the new website generous contributor to many community endeavors. and reminiscences are invaluable for future that not only includes audio-visual materials, Alexander is survived by: but transcripts of the interviews, fondly generations to study and review. devoted wife of 63 years - Anna née Greskiw “This is a unique and invaluable source recalled the days prior to Ukraine’s declara- two cherished daughters - Isha Pryshlak of Wethersfield, and for all researchers, journalists, policy-makers tion of independence and how he used his and anyone interested in politics and con- personal portable photocopier to run off the - Marta Mostovych with husband Andrew temporary history. Very often our under- various parliamentary statements on inde- of Silver Spring, MD standing of major political events is based on pendence for each one of the 450 deputies. two beloved grandchildren - Nadia K. Mostovych and documents, which fail to capture the full The big challenge that day was to find paper. Nicholas A. Mostovych story. These interviews provide a selection of “If we had no paper and that Xerox, I don’t He was predeceased by son Andrij and brother Peter. first-person accounts by key actors from a know if the voting would have been possible wide variety of perspectives and capture on August 24,” he said jokingly. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was held on July 28 at St. Michael’s both information and outlooks very close to Additional funding for the oral history Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hartford, CT, followed by burial at St. the time these events occurred,” commented project was also received from the Dutch Michael’s Cemetery, Glastonbury, CT. Dr. Marta Dyczok, a professor of history and Embassy in Ukraine and George political science at the University of Western Chopivsky. Ms. Sievers, who could not Memorial contributions in Mr. Pryshlak’s name may be made to the Ontario, who helped with the design of the attend the roundtable due to prior commit- Ukrainian Catholic University (UCEF, 2247 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, project and was interviewed in 1995. ments, was instrumental in managing the IL 60622) or to the charity of the donor’s choice c/o Marta P. Mostovych, “Although most oral histories tend to be project’s financing and fund-raising, as 14817 Silverstone Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20905-7429. For on-line expres- limited to audio recordings, we consciously well as conducting interviews in the sions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com. chose video in order to provide future gen- United States, while Ms. Hewko served as erations with a more nuanced description executive producer and coordinator for ВІЧНА ЙОМУ ПАМ’ЯТЬ! and understanding of the events and per- the interviews in Ukraine, dealing with sonalities of the country’s founding fathers. transcriptions, coordination and editing. Documents and written archival materials Dr. Yuri Shcherbak, a former Ukrainian are important, but much of the context and ambassador to the United States, Mexico, With deep sorrow ‘color’ of events can only be conveyed Canada and Israel, who has written exten- through oral and visual descriptions,” said sively on Chornobyl and the environment, we announce to family and friends that Ms. Hewko. critically analyzed the past, saying that our beloved Although the interviews with such “what we created in 1991 was a mutant of husband, son, brother and uncle, prominent figures as Ukraine’s first presi- Soviet socialism and wild capitalism with dent, Leonid Kravchuk, businessman and elements of national democracy. Today, we philanthropist George Soros, Patriarch are dealing with a country that is privatized Filaret, Rabbi Yakov Dov Bleich, Vitaliy by an oligarchical group, which makes car- Christopher Paul Baxer Korotich and Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, dinal decisions without taking into consider- among others, were done more than 15 ation the will of the citizens of this country.” died in a tragic fishing accident in Montana on Thursday, June 23, 2011. years ago, it took a bit of time for the archi- He told the audience at the roundtable: “It He was born October 2, 1969, in New Britain, CT. val material to find a permanent home. is now time for someone to get up and pledge Finally, last year, Ms. Hewko $2 million to continue this project. I watched Funeral services were held on July 21, 2011 at St. John the Baptist approached the Ukrainian Catholic the videos with great interest… including the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany, NJ, followed by interment at St. University. “We thought that the 20th anni- four hours of interviews with me. I have Andrew Cemetery in South Bound Brook, NJ. versary of [Ukraine’s] independence looked already forgotten a lot of these events.” like a good time to release the archive. Yevhen Marchuk, who served as chief of Left in profound sorrow: Enough time had passed so that the material the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) dur- wife Martha née Mulyk would become interesting to an audience, ing Ukraine’s first years of independence, mother Wanda Baxer particularly, young people who don’t also spoke at the roundtable, calling the remember Soviet times. Also, for others, it project “fantastic.” “And I, for one, know father Thomas Baxer would be very interesting to see former something about archives and special brother Peter with wife Lisa and her son Alex government officials describe their roles archives,” he said with a knowing smile. uncle Joseph Baxer with wife Barbara during that period,” explained the oral his- Interviewed by Istorychna Pravda his- uncle Paul Baxer with son Andrew tory project’s producer and administrator. torian Volodymyr Viatrovych, who served parents-in-law Jaroslaw and Jaroslawa Mulyk Ms. Hewko knew that UCU has exten- as the director of the State Archives of the brother-in-law Ihor with wife Lisa and sive experience in the area of oral history SBU in 2008-2010, said that in the children Jonathan, Alexander and Gracianne and the Hewko family has a strong connec- archives of the SBU “we have found only sister-in-law Oksana with husband Jim Hurley and tion with the Ukrainian Catholic University a little more than 250 documents which children Monica and Marko through her husband, John, who is a sena- cover those years, 1988-1991.” He said tor on UCU’s governing board. “We were that he has seen directives dating back to Extended family in the U.S. and Ukraine. also very impressed with UCU’s profes- 1990 that order the destruction of audio sionalism and its ability to handle the tech- and video archives from that period. Eternal memory nical aspects of archiving and presenting “I look at this oral history project as a the material on the Internet. From the very challenge. Ukraine has a very rich and com- In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: beginning of our talks, we realized that we plex history. This project is also an invitation Ukrainian Museum of Stamford, 161 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT would have an excellent working relation- to create other oral history archives that will 06902-3092; Sts Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 105 Clifton ship with the university,” she noted. examine a multitude of topics that Ave, Ansonia, CT 06401; UOC of USA Museum Building Fund, PO Box According to the UCU vice-rector in Ukrainians will find of interest. Why not an 495, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880; Plast Camp, c/o Frank Salek, 10 charge of research, Oleh Turij, the oral history on the Orange Revolution, for Ledgerock Ct., Morris Plains, NJ 07950, Make checks payable to Plast Ukrainian Catholic University is a natural example,” said Mr. Hewko, who has just repository for the “Ukraine Independence become Rotary International’s top executive. Camp (memo line: pavilion); St John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic 1988-1991” oral history project. “It is the The newspaper Den has already Church, 60 North Jefferson Rd., Whippany, NJ 07981, make checks home of the oral history project of the expressed an interest in expanding the proj- payable to St. John the Baptist Building Fund. underground Ukrainian Catholic Church ect, according to the Hewkos. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 No. 31 Bandura in the Berkshires: Bobriwka hosts music camp Ukrainian Bandurist Cappella that has gained renown across North America and Western Europe. Last year Ms. Kuzma organized a two-day bandura workshop at Bobriwka. Enlisting the help of other bandura-playing moms, the music and tasks at this year’s camp were easily divided and carried out. The talented instructors included acclaimed recording artist Olya Chodoba Fryz and veteran bandurystky Christine Stasiuk Jamahrian and Joanna Buczko O’Flaherty. Only seven of the campers had previous bandura experience from the annual Kobzarska Sich bandura camp in Emlenton, Pa., while the majority of the stu- dents were all beginners of various ages. Alexander Kuzma, the director of the Hartford-based Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble, ran the group rehearsals and worked to teach the kids not only the music and Ukrainian words, but taught them how to listen to each other in a choir, how to watch the conductor and create a unified sound. The results were amazing. In just five days, the students prepared a full-length concert featuring works by Mykola Leontovych, Hryhory and Julian Kytasty, Ostap Veresai, and an original arrangement of the folk song “Oi Hyllia, Hyllia” by Ms. Fryz. “We are very grateful for the support of Walter and Participants of the music camp and retreat at Bobriwka in North Colebrook, Conn. Andy Kebalo, Paul Czerepacha, Slavko Dubecky and the many volunteers who helped to refurbish the ‘ose- by Christine M. Melnyk The young musicians ages 8-16 came to Bobriwka lia,’ the log house and the washrooms, which made for to sing, to learn how to play the Ukrainian national a very comfortable, fun environment for our students NORTH COLEBROOK, Conn. – On July 1, the instrument, the bandura, and to learn a variety of chal- and for the parents who volunteered to teach and cook Berkshire foothills of northwestern Connecticut were lenging folk songs that are rarely performed by North during the week,” said Ms. Kuzma. alive once again with the sound of music. For the first American ensembles. In addition to music lessons and choral workshops, time in more than 20 years, the former site of Plast The music retreat and reunion were the idea of the children were also able to enjoy many outdoor camps, Bobriwka in North Colebrook, Conn., hosted a Irene Kytasty-Kuzma of Glastonbury, Conn., an activities, including afternoon swims in the famous camp and music retreat for 22 youngsters from New accomplished bandura player and daughter of Petro York State and Connecticut. Kytasty, one of the original 17 members of the (Continued on page 19)

reject their beloved idea of “European integration” (see full well the relative value of Davos versus Minsk. Ukrainian 3-B politics... my earlier article: http://ukraineanalysis.wordpress. Ukraine should not be rejected outright, but the pro- (Continued from page 6) com/2011/06/28/virtual-euro-integration/) for the sake of cess of integration must be more clearly and unambigu- anything Russia-led, and turn their backs on that very ously stated. No final decision on the DCFTA is advis- guarantees that Ukraine will become authoritarian, oli- space in which all their vital interests are located. able until the current negative trends are reversed and garchic, backward and anti-Western. […] So take your So, when Prof. Motyl poses a rhetorical question – clear proof of this is given in the 2012 parliamentary pick – creeping Europeanization or rapid hinterlandiza- “What’s better for Ukraine? That Ukrainian oligarchs elections. This should be the real litmus test: either the tion.” should hobnob with the rich and mighty in Davos, or in Ukrainian authorities are serious about their European The “either/or” approach, however, is the major flaw Minsk? That Regionnaire elites should negotiate with commitments or they consider the Europeans feckless of Prof. Motyl’s otherwise brilliant argument. Such a Brussels, or with Moscow? Where are they more likely idiots who can be easily tricked with bluff and black- tricky alternative is exactly what the regime would like to learn, or be forced to adapt to, democracy and mar- mailed by smart Eurasian guys. to sell to the EU: Either you accept us as ugly (authori- kets?” – he offers a false alternative. In fact, the Even less advisable is ratification of the association tarian and corrupt) as we are, or we move away to Ukrainian oligarchs made their choice long ago. And agreement – preferably it should be delayed until the Russia. First of all, this is a cynical blackmail that none of them is going to switch Davos for Minsk and presidential elections of 2015 that should be recognized Brussels for Moscow – not because they feel it is better indubitably as free and fair. Otherwise, if the Polish plan should be rejected in principle – if principles have any for Ukraine but simply because they know perfectly well and oligarchic dream are accomplished by the end of importance in the EU. And secondly, this is not only what is in their own best interests. 2011, the Ukrainian authorities would receive carte- blackmail but also a bluff. The Ukrainian oligarchs are Hence, we should get rid of these pernicious “either/ blanche to destroy the opposition, to pass a highly per- not going to Russia anyway because they know well – or” arguments and radically change the discourse. The fidious and manipulative election law, to rig elections, and even Mr. Yanukovych seems to have learned this only efficient and viable negotiation paradigm is simple: create a constitutional majority in the Parliament, and already – that Russia would never be satisfied with more for more, and less for less. If Kyiv sticks to the make the future election of any president within this whatever concessions they make, until they are suffocat- rules, it will get more carrots. If it keeps tampering with body a pure formality. ed completely. the rules, it will get more sticks. So far, President Yanukovych and his “Regionnaires” There is no good reason to believe that Mr. There are many ways to hit the corrupted elite where are apparently transforming Ukraine into another Yanukovych and his oligarchs are willing and ready to it really hurts them: by denying hard currency credits, Belarus, albeit with a treacherous pro-European rhetoric. submit themselves to Russian suzerainty or are less able withholding visas, or checking illegal property and bank If the EU accepts this at face value, it may ultimately to withstand Russian pressure than the arguably “pro- accounts. The EU should focus on this. And the face the problem how to impose Lukashenka-style sanc- Russian” to his boots President Alyaksandr Lukashenka Ukrainian oligarchs would certainly be upset if their tions upon leaders who are associate members of the EU of Belarus. Even less likely is it that they would ever focus was limited to the Russian hinterland and know and ostensibly espouse the same values.

ential Teatr Òsmego Dnia (The Theater of the Eight tsia has failed to move Ukraine past the Soviet experi- Columbia conference... Day), spoke about her sense of responsibility to raise ence. Here the speaker said he sees the possibility of a (Continued from page 9) awareness about the repressions of the communist Stockholm syndrome in Ukrainian culture. authoritarian system. The conference concluded with a concert by Mr. Siniavskii’s “Strolls with Pushkin” despite stiff competi- Mykola Riabchuk, Ukrainian author, critic and intel- Morozov, held at The Ukrainian Museum in the East tion from almost 40 years worth of new Russian litera- lectual, also addressed the role of the cultural noncon- Village. In a powerful performance, Mr. Morozov kept ture. The awarding of the prize illustrates the relevance formist. However, for Mr. Riabchuk a cultural dissenter to the conference’s theme and focused on cultural non- of Soviet-era nonconformist literary works for Russian is not necessarily a heroic figure. These individuals conformity in the Soviet period. He performed, almost culture today, she noted. often avoided political confrontation and instead strove in its entirety, his album “Skrynia” (The Chest), inter- Piotr Kosicky of Princeton University read Justyna to participate in global artistic movements. spersing his songs with revealing and often amusing Beinek’s paper on contemporary Polish culture, as Dr. The Russian artist Vitaly Komar commented on how accounts of alternative culture in Soviet Ukraine. The Beinek could not attend the conference. He also spoke artists strive to build a parallel life, as there always concert marked the end of a conference that truly looked about Polish film, specifically Andrzej Wajda’s “Katyn” seems to be a duality within an individual in Eastern at the dissident movements from a breadth of perspec- that provoked controversy in Poland over the commem- European culture. He noted a certain self-destructive tives. oration of legacies. impulse that artists and dissidents seemed to share. A forthcoming special issue of the Harriman Review The final conference panel, moderated by William Volodymyr Dibrova, a Ukrainian author and critic, will feature papers from the conference. Video record- Risch, Georgia College, brought together four important also commented on the motivations of cultural noncon- ings of the conference keynote address and all confer- cultural nonconformists. formism. The humanistic model always serves as a com- ence panels are available at http://www.harrimaninsti- Ewa Wojciak, actress and director of Poland’s influ- pass. However, in many ways the Ukrainian intelligen- tute.org/events/event_videos.html. No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 17 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 No. 31 Hartford parish celebrates 100 years of faith and traditions

by Patricia Mokrycki Bilyk, Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Willimantic; the Rev. Cyril HARTFORD, Conn. – In May of Manolev, St. Mary, Colchester; and the 2010, the pastor of St. Michael Ukrainian Rev. Iura Godenciuc, St. Michael, New Catholic Church, the Very Rev. Pawlo Haven; the Rev. Stephan Yanovski, assis- Martyniuk, announced that a committee tant, Ss. Peter and Paul, Ansonia; and would be formed to prepare for the cen- Deacon Vasyl Behay. tennial of the parish which would be held St. Michael Parish was also honored on Sunday, May 22, of the following by the attendance of Bishop Emeritus year. Losten, the longtime eparch of Stamford. A group of 11 parishioners came to the Altar boys: Andrew Kebalo and initial meeting during which a general Alexander Zelez assisted the clergy at the committee was formed; later, two addi- altar . tional committees — book and banquet Immediately following the liturgy, — were formed. With only twelve over 355 parishioners and guests gathered months until the event there was much for cocktails and dinner at the Villa work to be done to prepare for a book and Louisa in Bolton, Con. The program plan a banquet. The dedication of the began with a welcome address by centen- parishioners was expressed with faith and nial chairperson Natalia Rudko, who love for their parish. introduced the master of ceremonies, Mr. During the preparation year, Kuzma. “Centennial Coffee Hours” were held to Mr. Kuzma proceeded to introduce the help with expenses. Parishioners raised distinguished guests and facilitated the $3,000 by financially supporting and bak- smooth running of the program, which ing for these coffee hours. At the centennial celebration of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in consisted of performance by the com- The months came and went quickly Hartford, Conn. (from left) are: the Rev. Cyril Manolev, the Rev. Stephan Bereza, bined choirs of Yevshan and Dibrova, and soon May 22, 2011, had arrived. A the Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Terlecky, the Very Rev. Pawlo Martyniuk, Bishop Paul students from the local School of noon time divine liturgy of thanksgiving Chomnycky, OSBM, altar boy Andrew Kebalo, Bishop Emeritus Basil Losten, Ukrainian Studies and the Zolotyj Promin for the many blessings of the parish was altar boy Alexander Zelez, the Rev. Ivan Bilyk, Deacon Vasyl Behay. Pictured Dance Ensemble. celebrated. The church was filled to with the clergy are the Connecticut Fourth Degree of Knights of Columbus, who As the evening came to a close, the capacity. served as an honor guard for Bishop Chomnycky. guests were honored with a gift of faith Led by an honor guard of the Fourth and love, the “Centennial Book of St. Degree of Knights of Columbus, Bishop National Home; with Myron Zelez, trust- Dibrova, under the direction of Alexander Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church.” Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, Bishop ee; Liudmilla Galai, Sisterhood president; Kuzma, sang responses to the liturgy. The Even though the centennial celebration Emeritus Basil Losten and clergy walked and students from the Ridna Shkola main celebrant was Bishop Chomnycky, is now over, an addendum to the centen- from the parish house to the church. At greeted the bishop with flowers and the who was assisted by the following area nial book is being prepared. It will the entrance to the church the pastor, the traditional bread and salt. clergy assisting on the altar: the Rt. Rev. include pictures from the liturgy and ban- Very Rev. Martyniuk; Patricia Mokrycki, The procession continued to the altar Msgr. John Terlecky, from Ss. Peter and quet which will be provided at the annual trustee; Walter Kebalo, parish advisory for the divine liturgy, while the Yevshan Paul, Ansonia; the Rev. Stepan Bereza, parish dinner, or “praznyk,” of St. member and president of Ukrainian Choir together with the parish choir, St. Josaphat, New Britain; the Rev. Ivan Michael the Archangel Parish. Hunter-area parish to mark 50th anniversary in 2012

by Deanna Yurchuk Known by many in the area as the “church built with no nails,” the structure JEWETT, N.Y. – The year 2012 will was completed in 1962 and has since mark the 50th anniversary of St. John the served as a spiritual and cultural center Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in for Ukrainians, young and old alike, in Jewett, N.Y., and preparations for next the Catskill Mountain region. year’s celebration have already started. Although the parish is operational The church is a replica of a traditional year-round, most of its activity takes wooden church from the Carpathian place in July and August, when the Mountains of Ukraine – and the vibrant church is filled to capacity with vacation- parish that emerged – was the vision of ers spilling out of the building’s three John Kobziar who, back in the summer of entrances to take part in Sunday liturgy. 1960, initiated a long-range community This summer, in addition to the post- development program. His idea was fer- Sunday-liturgy tradition of strolling vently supported by local and vacationing through the art gallery and enjoying a Ukrainian Americans of the Hunter area. delicious Ukrainian lunch in the parish Consequently, Dr. Ivan Makarewycz hall (Grazhda), visitors to St. John’s are generously donated land for the church, invited to stop by the information kiosk sculptor Jaroslaw Paladij and architect sponsored by the 50th Anniversary Ivan Zhukowsky collaborated to design Committee to learn about the myriad it, and Jurij Kostiw, an expert carpenter projects and events being planned in and builder, led the construction. honor of the parish’s jubilee. Deanna Yurchuk A poster on the outside wall of the Grazhda informs all of the parish anniversary. Featured at the kiosk is a large map of its community, the committee has started the Catskills for residents to mark where a special oral history project, which will they live. There is a weekly raffle with be archived in the Grazhda for years to prizes from individuals, local artists and come. establishments raffled off at 12:30 p.m. Community members are invited to every Sunday. take part in one-on-one interviews recall- Concurrently, the committee is making ing their experiences on the Ukrainian an appeal for past and present enthusiasts mountaintop. Recording sessions will take of the area to share photos and films for place on designated weekends this sum- next year’s photography exhibit. As an mer and throughout next year. Everyone is added attraction this summer, the commit- welcome to participate. tee will be sponsoring a dance on Sunday, The committee has also launched a September 4, at the Grazhda. dual fund-raising campaign: first, to Highlights of the 2012 celebrations finance the upcoming jubilee activities include a festival on June 30, and a pontif- and second, to establish a “golden endow- ical divine liturgy, luncheon and anniver- ment” for future capital needs of the sary program on Sunday, September 2. A church. To support the cause, or for more commemorative 50th anniversary book is information about the 50th anniversary of being planned to mark the jubilee. St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic In an effort to record and further pre- Church, readers may visit the parish web- Motria Makarewycz-Bejger mans the information kiosk at St. John the Baptist Church. serve the vibrant history of the church and site, http://ukrainianmountaintop.org. No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 19 Levko and Marika Babij Memorial Endowment Fund established at CIUS Dear Readers! The Ukrainian Weekly is accepting greetings on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Independence of Ukraine

We invite individuals, organizations and businesses to show their pride and support for those individuals who through personal dedication and sacrifice have secured a free and independent Ukraine. Special Rates 1/8 page – $50 1/2 page – $200 1/4 page – $ 100 1 page – $400 Levko and Marika Babij, in whose memory an endowment fund has been estab- lished at the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies. Please send your greetings, address and EDMONTON – The Levko and commercial development company. He telephone number by August 10, 2011, to: Marika Babij Memorial Endowment was Canadian national president of the Fund was recently established at the Brotherhood of Veterans of the 1st The Ukrainian Weekly Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, Division from 1986 until his death in 20th Anniversary Greetings University of Alberta, by Marko Babij, 2010. He chaired the publication com- Roman Babij and Nadia (née Babij) mittee for the book “Berezhanska 2200 Rt. 10 Gogus in memory of their parents, Zemlia,” Vol. 2 (1998). PO Box 280 Levko and Marika Babij, with a donation Mr. Babij was awarded the Gold Parsippany, NJ 07054 of $50,000. Cross by the Brotherhood of Veterans in The new fund supports programs and 1989, the Shevchenko Medal by the Tel.: 973-292-9800 ext. 3040 grants related to the study of 20th-centu- Ukrainian Canadian Congress in 1995, ry Ukrainian history, especially Ukraine and the Diploma of an Honorary Citizen e-mail: [email protected] during World War II. of Berezhany by the City Council in Levko Babij was born on February 16, 2004. 1927, in Vivsia, Berezhany county, Mr. and Mrs. Babij were active mem- Ukraine. He was educated in Berezhany bers of St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic and Rimini, Italy. In 1944 he joined the Cathedral for many years. Galicia Division, later the 1st Division of Mrs. Babij passed away on May 12, the Ukrainian National Army. He came 2008; Mr. Babij passed away on January to Toronto in 1952. 9, 2010. Marika Babij (née Malinowich) was The co-founders of the Babij Fund say born on October 26, 1928, in Weston, they are proud of their Ukrainian heri- Ontario. She worked as a secretary and tage and that, by establishing the new enjoyed painting landscapes. fund, they believe that they fulfill the a The Babij’s were married in Toronto will of their parents, who wanted to pre- in 1958 and raised three children. serve that heritage and disseminate In partnership with his wife, Mr. Babij knowledge about a unique experience of founded Jessmar Developments Ltd., a their generation.

All three dancers, Anya Melnyk, Maya Bandura... Kuzma and Natalia Fryz, are first-year members of the Zolotyj Promin Dance (Continued from page 16) Ensemble of Hartford, but choreographed their own dance. Andriyko Alekseiko Bobriwka pond, a talent show, group and Stephan Zayets joined the girls to games, a re-enactment of the Kupalo showcase some of the acrobatic Kozak midsummer night’s festival, and multiple dance moves they learned with Zolotyj bird-watching and nature walks that yielded sightings of over 50 species of Promin. birds, a snake and many salamanders. Roksolana Shepko, of the family To our dearest son Yaremij The July 1 concert on the eve of the ensemble Korinya of New Paltz, N.Y., Fourth of July weekend drew a large and improvised a violin solo to compliment and his wonderful ancée diverse crowd to the new performance the rhythmic bandura variations. pavilion at Bobriwka. Among the guests For the concert finale, the children’s were over 50 hikers from the YMCA’s ensemble was joined by adult members Kristina Eckert neighboring Camp Jewell, who came of the Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal especially to hear the youngsters share Ensemble to sing “Dozvol’ Meni Maty,” their musical heritage. a farcical song about a young man who We wish you much happiness! One of the favorite selections for the feigns his own death and funeral to get evening was “Ptashyne Vesillia,” a fanci- his sweetheart to escape the clutches of ful suite of dance tunes describing an her overprotective mother. unlikely marriage between a goldfinch The concert ended with a soulful ren- “ ere is but one happiness in life  and a bluebird. The arrangement by dition of “Vziav by Ya Banduru.” As the Julian Kytasty, (Ms. Kuzma’s brother and last strains of the song drifted into the bandura virtuoso) delighted the crowd, night, the children sang with gusto, and to love and be loved”. especially when three of the youngest the song carried into the green New members of the ensemble donned hand- England hills like a promise that this made face masks depicting different birds would be just the first of many vocal and Mama, Tato and Areta and came forward to mimic the birds bandura workshops and performances to dancing at their wedding. grace the renovated site. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 No. 31

“There are three witnesses who grossly Yurii Lutsenko... misrepresented me, but I hope they will (Continued from page 1) change their testimony during their ques- tioning in court,” Mr. Lutsenko told report- One of the panel’s judges has a pending ers during a break in the hearing of a crimi- criminal case against him that Mr. Lutsenko’s nal case against him on July 19. defense team and human rights activists say Meanwhile, Strasbourg’s European is being used to pressure him. The other two human rights court is reviewing a case filed judges are members of the High Council of by Ms. Telichenko on Mr. Lutsenko’s Justice, a body that has the job of hiring and behalf. The court has given his case top pri- firing the nation’s 8,000 judges, and which is ority and is already mulling a ruling. It will controlled by people who are loyal to decide whether Mr. Lutsenko has been President Viktor Yanukovych, who narrowly improperly detained and whether criminal defeated Ms. Tymoshenko in the 2010 presi- procedures were violated in his case. dential election. “Strasbourg queried Ukraine’s govern- ment,” said Ms. Telichenko. “After they Judge Serhii Vovk is alleged to have received responses from the Ukrainian side, made illegal rulings between September and we had a chance to comment on them… December 2007 that removed 140 hectares now they are in the last stage of coming to a of land from the state forestry reserve in the ruling.” central Cherkasy Oblast and handed them As Ukraine’s top law enforcer, Mr. over to developers for the construction of Lutsenko oversaw 300,000 policemen and summer homes. other units. He had a hand in cases brought The case made it to the Supreme Court in against current Vice Prime Minister Borys June, but it has been collecting dust and is Kolesnikov, who is in charge of getting the not being reviewed. Valentyna Telichenko, a country ready for next year’s European soc- lawyer who is part of Mr. Lutsenko’s cer championship. defense team, said the case against the judge Mr. Kolesnikov spent six months in pre- was deliberately shelved to pressure him. trial detention for alleged extortion in Ms. Telichenko also represents the moth- Donetsk, but he was abruptly released in er of slain muckraking journalist Heorhii August 2005 and charges were dropped. Gongadze, whose body was found behead- Mr. Lutsenko launched investigations ed outside of Kyiv in 2000. against former Kharkiv Oblast State Over the course of Mr. Lutsenko’s illegal Administration Chair Yevhen Kushnariov incarceration, Ms. Telichenko said his and other high-ranking members of human rights have been violated, including President Yanukovych’s circle. The now access to a fair trial; she cited numerous deceased former governor was charged with breaches of Ukraine’s Soviet-era Criminal separatism at the height of the Orange Procedure Code that dates to the 1960s. Revolution for calling on Ukraine’s pre- As has happened at Ms. Tymoshenko’s dominantly Russian-speaking eastern trial, Mr. Lutsenko said he and his lawyers regions to secede from greater Ukraine. haven’t been given adequate time to review Mr. Lutsenko also launched criminal the cases against him to ensure a proper investigations against some of ex-President defense strategy. He has constantly filed Leonid Kuchma’s allies – Ihor Bakai, motions questioning the legality of his Anatolii Zasukha, Ruslan Bodelan and incarceration. Volodymyr Scherban. The first three initial- He also said witnesses gave testimony to ly fled to Russia. All the cases were eventu- investigators under duress. ally closed.

339 No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 21

NOTES ON PEOPLE

Chicago Ukrainian Americans Named top executive honored for work on Chornobyl at Rotary International EVANSTON, Ill. — Rotary International has named John Hewko, an attorney with extensive international experience in both the private and public sectors, to be the global humanitarian service organization’s new top executive, serving as its general secretary and chief executive officer. Mr. Hewko is a Detroit native, a former member of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and currently a member of the board of trustees of the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. He worked in Ukraine from 1992 to 1996 as the managing partner Rotary International of the Kyiv office of the international law John Hewko, the new top executive at firm of Baker & McKenzie. Rotary International. He also assisted the working group that prepared the initial draft of the new post- ernment and business leaders to enhance Soviet Constitution of Ukraine and was a Rotary’s global visibility and forge new charter member of the first Rotary club in strategic partnerships worldwide to achieve Kyiv. His mother, Natalie Hewko, is long- common objectives and maximize the use time member of the Ukrainian National of resources. He also will work to expand Women’s League of America and his father, and strengthen Rotary’s current relationship Lubomyr, was past-president of the Rotary with organizations such as the Bill & club of Clarkston, Mich. Melinda Gates Foundation, World Health Rotary is an organization of business and Organization, U.S. Agency for International professional leaders who provide humani- Development (USAID) and others. tarian service and help to build good will During his 15 years at Baker & Ambassador Olexander Motsyk of Ukraine (center) presents honorary certificates and peace in the world. There are 1.2 mil- McKenzie, Mr. Hewko specialized in inter- of appreciation to Dr. Daniel Hryhorczuk and Lida Truchly. lion Rotary members in 34,000 Rotary national corporate transactions in emerging clubs in more than 200 countries and geo- markets. In addition to running the Baker & CHICAGO – Dr. Daniel Hryhorczuk Dr. Hryhorczuk directs the Global graphical areas. Rotary clubs have been McKenzie office in Kyiv, he participated in and Ms. Lida Truchly received Honorary Environmental Health Program at the serving communities worldwide for more the establishment of the firm’s Moscow certificates of appreciation from Center for Global Health at the than a century. office and was the managing partner of its Ukraine’s Ministry of Emergencies on University of Illinois College of In his new position at Rotary, Mr. offices in Prague. June 29. The certificates were presented Medicine. He began his work in Ukraine Hewko manages more than 600 employees Prior to joining Baker & McKenzie, he to them by Ukraine’s ambassador to the in 1989 investigating the outbreak of alo- of Rotary International and its charitable worked for leading Brazilian and Argentine United States, Olexander Motsyk, at a pecia in children in Chernivtsi at the arm, The Rotary Foundation of Rotary law firms and later with Gibson, Dunn & ceremony held at the Ukrainian National request of the Ukrainian government. International. Headquartered in Evanston, Crutcher in Washington and New York han- Museum in Chicago. With seed funding from the Ukrainian Ill., with regional offices in seven countries, dling Latin American and project finance Ms. Truchly began working on mater- National Credit Union Association, he The Rotary Foundation annually distributes transactions. nal and child health issues in Ukraine in founded the Ukrainian Environmental over $180 million to fund a variety of edu- In 2004 Mr. Hewko entered public ser- 1991 when, together with Dr. Susan Health project at the University of cational programs and humanitarian proj- vice with the Millennium Challenge Corp. Monaghan, she persuaded the Ministry Illinois School of Public Health. The ects throughout the world. (MCC). As vice president for operations of Health to participate in the European mission of the project was to address the Mr. Hewko began work on July 1 at a and compact development, he had primary Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and major environmental health issues in key moment in Rotary’s 106-year history. responsibility for managing MCC’s rela- Childhood (ELSPAC). Ukraine through U.S.-supported He will play a lead role in the implementa- tionship with its 26 partner countries in The Ukrainian component of research, training of Ukrainian scientists tion of the organization’s newly revised Africa, Asia, South America, the Middle ELSPAC, called “Family and Children of and capacity-building of Ukrainian strategic plan that envisions Rotary’s East and the former Soviet Union. During Ukraine (FCOU),” recruited and fol- research institutes. expanded engagement in areas such as his tenure he oversaw the development, lowed a cohort of 8,000 pregnant women In 1992 he was asked by the Ukrainian maternal and child health, water and sanita- negotiation and approval of foreign assis- and their children in five cities in Ministry of Health and by the U.S. tion, disease prevention and treatment, tance agreements with 18 countries totaling Ukraine: Kyiv, Dniprodzerzhynsk, National Cancer Institute to consult on the basic education and literacy, economic and $6.3 billion for projects in infrastructure, Mariupol, Ivano-Frankivsk and Krasny development of research programs to community development, and peace studies agriculture, water, sanitation, health and Luch. This research program was con- study thyroid cancer in children who were and conflict prevention/resolution. His ten- education. ducted in collaboration with the Institute exposed to radiation from the Chornobyl ure could also see the successful conclusion Mr. Hewko is a 1985 graduate of of Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and reactor accident. He is currently the prin- of Rotary’s principal humanitarian initia- Harvard Law School, and holds a master’s Gynecology in Kyiv. cipal investigator on a National Cancer tive: its 25-year campaign to eradicate the degree from Oxford University (where he Ms. Truchly joined the Ukrainian Institute contract to provide data manage- crippling disease polio, a goal that is more studied as a Marshall Scholar) and a bache- Environmental Health Project at the ment support to these studies. than 99 percent complete. lor’s degree from Hamilton College in University of Illinois School of Public For the past 15 years, Dr. Mr. Hewko also will interact with gov- Clinton, N.Y. Health in 1992. Together with Dr. Hryhorczuk’s work in Ukraine has also Hryhorczuk, she succeeded in attracting been supported through a grant for U.S. researchers and U.S. funding agen- “International Training and Research in WEST CHESTER, Pa. – This past cies to study the social, medical and Environmental and Occupational Health” Receives master’s spring, Krystyna Syska graduated from environmental factors that impact the from the Fogarty International Center at the University of St. Andrews (United health of women and children in Ukraine. the U.S. National Institutes of Health. from U. of St. Andrews Kingdom) with honors and an M.A. in In 1998 the U.S. Environmental Dr. Hryhorczuk was previously recog- business management and economics. Protection Agency and U.S. Agency for nized for his work on Chornobyl by the A Pennsylvania native, Ms. Syska International Development (USAID) Clinton White House and by the Chicago graduated from Unionville High School funded studies on environmental expo- Sister Cities International Program. In in Kennet Square, Pa., in 2006. As a sures on the health of FCOU children in 2007 Dr. Hryhorczuk was accepted as an freshman, she attended West Chester Mariupol under the auspices of the international member by the Ukrainian University in West Chester, Pa. For her Kuchma-Gore Commission. The FCOU Academy of Medical Sciences. sophomore year, she transferred to the study, which continues to this day, has He currently serves as the U.S. co- University of St. Andrews, located in published numerous scientific papers on principal investigator of the FCOU Scotland, which is one of the oldest uni- topics ranging from adverse pregnancy research program and is a visiting profes- versities in the world. outcomes among Ukrainian mothers to sor at the National University of Kyiv After graduating, Ms. Syska hopes to risk factors for childhood asthma and Mohyla Academy School of Public work professionally in the field of busi- obesity in their children. Health. ness management and economics. She is also interested in travelling the world and “Notes on people” is a feature geared toward reporting on the achievements of members becoming a passionate equestrian. of the Ukrainian community and the Ukrainian National Association. All submissions She is the daughter of William and should be concise due to space limitations and must include the person’s UNA branch Loressa Syska, and the granddaughter of number (if applicable). Items will be published as soon as possible after their receipt. Eva Uzych and the late Dr. Walter Uzych, Krystyna Syska Otto and Olga Syska. 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 No. 31 Foma and Denisov of Mandry to perform at Soyuzivka

Mandry Foma and Danylo Denisov of Mandry will perform as a duo – their latest musical project.

KERHONKSON, N.Y. – Soyuzivka on involves only two musicians. In addition, Saturday, August 13, will welcome Foma they say it is marked by “a radical stylis- and Danylo Denisov of the well-known tic anarchy that verges on experiment.” folk-rock-blues-ska band group Mandry The duo’s repertoire ranges from ancient from Ukraine, who will perform an eve- folk songs from the Lemko region to ning concert in what will be their first folk-punk and lyrical dumas. U.S. appearance. The performance will take place on the Foma (whose given name is Serhiy day of the annual Miss Soyuzivka event. Fomenko), who sings vocals and plays Also on the schedule is a dance to the guitar, and Mr. Denisov, who plays MIDI music of the Svitanok band of New York. (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) The evening program gets under way at accordion, will perform as part of their approximately 8 p.m. Gate fee of $20 new joint project of “folk-punk-chanson.” includes parking and admission to the The duo says the project differs from the festivities. For more information readers Mandry concept in its minimalism, as it may call Soyuzivka at 845-626-5641.

roads, Horsham, PA 19044. Doors will open at noon. The festival stage show will begin at PREVIEW OF EVENTS 1:30 p.m. with the following headliners: (Continued from page 24) Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (New York); violinist Innesa Tymochko Dekajlo blessing of the newly renovated hall by L.A.’s (Lviv); Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble Ukrainian clergy, followed by a sit-down ban- (Philadelphia); and the Fata Morgana Band quet. Alex Trebek of Jeopardy fame will make (Philadelphia). Guests will be able to enjoy a a special guest appearance. The entertainment special salute to the 20th anniversary of portion of the commemoration will feature the Ukraine’s independence by the legendary Desna Ukrainian Dance Company of Toronto, Fralinger Mummers String Band bandurist Andrij Kytasty, cellist Larissa (Philadelphia), which will present “At the Fedoryka, the Kobzar Ukrainian National Golden Gates of Kyiv.” A zabava-dance to the Choir of L.A. directed by Gregory Hallick, music of Fata Morgana will follow the stage popular Ukrainian singer Anytchka, plus other show at 4:30 p.m. Delicious Ukrainian foods outstanding talent. The keynote speaker will be and baked goods, picnic fare and cool refresh- ments will be plentiful. Vendors are welcome: Greg Buchai, Ukraine’s honorary consul gen- an arts and crafts bazaar and a children’s fun eral in Houston. Tickets are $20 per person; area will be open all day. Admission: $15, $10 free for children 12 and under. For additional for students, free for children under 15; free information call Luba Keske, 818-620-3929. parking. For further information call 267-664- 3857 or log on to www.tryzub.org. The spon- HORSHAM, Pa.: The Ukrainian American sor is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt non-profit Sport Center – Tryzub will host the 20th annu- charitable organization: Proceeds benefit al Ukrainian Independence Folk Festival at youth soccer and cultural and community pro- Tryzubivka, County Line and Lower State grams.

329 No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 23

August 4-5 Ukrainian Youth Games, sponsored by the Ukrainian August 13-21 International Ukrainian Football (Soccer) Tournament, Kerhonkson/ Sports Federation of the U.S.A. and Canada, Ukrainian Toronto Ukrainian World Congress, Centennial Park Stadium, Ellenville, NY American Youth Association resort and Soyuzivka www.iuft.net Heritage Center, www.soyuzivka.com August 17 Ukrainian Independence Day celebration, featuring the August 5 Children‛s concert, featuring students of the Ukrainian folk- Somerset, NJ Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and bandurist Mike Jewett, NY singing course, the Grazhda – Music and Art Center of Andrec, Franklin Township Public Library, 732-873-8700 Greene County, www.grazhdamusicandart.org August 18 Golf tournament, Ukrainian Foundation for College August 6 Concert, featuring soprano Sofia Soloviy and pianist Fort Saskatchewan, Education, Fort-In-View Golf Course, 780-497-4374 Jewett, NY Myroslav Skoryk, the Grazhda – Music and Art Center of AB or 780-497-5494 Greene County, www.grazhdamusicandart.org August 18-21 Ukrainian Festival, St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic August 6 Golf tournament, Ukrainian National Federation, Shanty Rochester, NY Church, 585-266-2255 or Oro Medonte, Bay Golf and Country Club, 416-559-4474 or www.rochesterukrainianfestival.com ON [email protected] August 20 20th anniversary of Ukraine‛s independence celebration, August 6-7 Soccer tournament, hosted by Kryla Sports Club, Camp Etobicoke, ON Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Centennial Park, Baraboo, WI Baraboo - Ukrainian American Youth Association, 416-323-4772 773-486-4204

August 7 Ukrainian Day, “Kanada-Ukraina 120: Groundbreakers – August 20 Ukrainian Fall Fest, Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Edmonton Nation-Builders – Trailblazers,” Ukrainian Canadian Regina, MB Regina Branch, Victoria Park, www.uccruff.ca Congress – Alberta Provincial Council, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, 780-414-1624 or [email protected] August 20-21 Festival, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Ukraine‛s Lehighton, PA independence, Ukrainian Homestead, 610-377-4621 or August 7-13 Folklorama, Ukraine-Kyiv Pavilion, Maples Collegiate, www.ukrhomestead.com Winnipeg, MB 204-942-9348 or www.folklorama.ca August 22 Golf tournament, celebrating Ukraine‛s 20th anniversary of August 9 Golf tournament, BCU Foundation, Dragon‛s Fire Golf Club, Brampton, ON independence, Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce, Carlisle, ON [email protected] Lionhead Golf and Country Club, www.golflionhead.com or 905-825-2877 August 13 Concert, featuring Foma and Denisov from Mandry, Kerhonkson, NY Soyuzivka Heritage Center, 845-626-5641 August 24 Flag-raising ceremony, 20th anniversary of Ukraine‛s Toronto independence, League of Ukrainian Canadians, Queen‛s August 13 Fund-raiser memorial concert, marking the 85th birthday of Park, 416-516-8223 or www.lucorg.com Jewett, NY Ihor Sonevytsky – founder, the Grazhda – Music and Art Center of Greene County, www.grazhdamusicandart.org Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events August 13 Golf tournament, Ukrainian Golf Association of Canada, advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Caledon, ON Osprey Valley Resorts Golf Club, [email protected] from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors or 416-763-7000 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

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5754 Route 209 7770 Main Street www.exitwelchrealty.com Kerhonkson Hunter Mountain 845-626-2635 518-263-5161 845-626-2635

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PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Saturday, August 13 85th birthday of Ihor Sonevytsky, founder of the Music and Art Center of Greene KERHONKSON, N.Y.: Foma (vocals, County, will take place at 8 p.m. guitar) and Danylo Denisov (MIDI accordi- Performers: Sofia Soloviy, soprano; on) of the group Mandry from Ukraine will Natalia Khoma, cello; Myroslav Skoryk, 216 Foordmore Road 1-845-626-5641 perform an evening concert at Soyuzivka. P.O. Box 529 piano; Volodymyr Vynnytsky, piano. [email protected] This will be the first U.S. appearance for Admission of $20 includes post-concert Kerhonkson, NY 12446 the duo, who describe their new joint proj- reception. For more information visit ect as “folk-punk-chanson.” The perfor- www.GrazhdaMusicandArt.org or call July 24 - August 6 August 13, 8 pm mance will take place on the day of the 518-989-6479. Dance Camp session 1 Concert - Foma and Denisov annual Miss Soyuzivka event. Also on the of Mandry; Miss Soyuzivka; Sunday, August 21 July 30, 9:30 pm - Zabava schedule is a dance to the music of the Zabava - Svitanok Svitanok band of New York. The evening LOS ANGELES: The board of the July 31 - August 6 - program gets under way at approximately 8 Ukrainian Cultural Center invites all to a Sports Camp session 2 August 13-21 Club Suzy-Q week p.m. Gate fee of $20 includes parking and gala celebration of the 20th anniversary of admission to the festivities. For information Ukraine’s independence to be held at the August 20, August 6, call Soyuzivka, 845-626-5641. Cultural Center, 4315 Melrose Ave., at 1 3 pm - Dance Camp Recital 3 pm - Dance Camp Recital p.m. The event will commence with the 9:30 pm - Zabava - Fata Morgana JEWETT, N.Y.: An anniversary celebra- 9:30 pm - Zabava - Na Zdorvya tion and fund-raising concert marking the (Continued on page 22) August 26-28 August 7 - August 20 Kozak Family art exhibit Dance Camp session 2 Soyuzivka Library PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community.

To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in English, written in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph that includes the date, place, type of event, sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations involved, and a phone number to be published for readers who may require additional information. Items should be no more than 100 words long.

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