INSIDE: • Schengen-zone chaos on Polish-Ukrainian border — page 3. • The UOL’s unique fund-raising project — page 4. • BUG takes lessons in the “Kolomyika” — page 8. HE KRAINIAN EEKLY T PublishedU by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profitW association Vol. LXXVI No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 $1/$2 in Ukraine Kyiv in the running for inclusion Ukraine presents its case in new worldwide Monopoly game at World Economic Forum PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Kyiv has a chance www.monopoly.com to cast their online by Illya M Labunka During a press conference on January to be included on the new worldwide edi- votes to help create the first-ever worldwide Kyiv Press Bureau 25 Mr. Yushchenko stated that the time tion of the world’s most popular board edition of the game. had come to finalize the various techni- game, Monopoly. Voters can cast their ballots for 10 cities KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko calities surrounding Ukraine’s plan for Parker Brothers, a division of Hasbro each day of the vote, which will be open on January 25, wrapped up his three-day WTO membership. “The 15-year Inc., has launched a worldwide vote to find until February 28. The city that receives the visit to Switzerland, where he took part marathon is over,” declared Mr. the 22 greatest cities in the world that most votes will be placed on the board in the annual World Economic Forum in Yushchenko. Underscoring the WTO’s should be included on the new Monopoly game’s highest rent property (traditionally Davos for the second time since he took significance for Ukraine, he said that Here & Now: World Edition game board. held by Boardwalk on the classic edition of office in January 2005. With a tight membership in the WTO is one of the Sixty-eight cities, including the capital of Monopoly). schedule of high-level meetings and main priorities of Ukraine’s foreign and Ukraine, were nominated for the global A press release on the website explained: speeches, Mr. Yushchenko found time to economic policies. WTO status is a vital vote. “The 20 cities that receive the most votes take part in the forum session titled component for Ukraine’s overall eco- Beginning January 22 at midnight will be part of Monopoly history as the first “Human Rights on the Global Agenda.” nomic stability, development and integra- GMT/Universal Time, people from around cities selected to be on the world edition The main theme of this year’s forum tion into the world economic system. the world were invited to log on to game board. However, two spaces on the revolved around the world’s economic In a much-anticipated event, on board will be reserved for cities that are crises, particularly the fluctuations in the January 23 President Yushchenko also nominated through a wild card vote.” (Any global stock markets and the uncertainty had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Kyiv in 15th city in the world can be nominated for those of the U.S. dollar. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. two property spaces.) As many of the world leaders partici- Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister place in voting “Monopoly is the world’s most popular pating in the forum spent their time dis- Volodymyr Ohryzko also took part in the board game and it transcends cultural barri- cussing the world’s recent economic discussion. One of the main topics on the PARSIPPANY, N.J. – As of ers,” said Helen Martin, global brand direc- woes, President Yushchenko took the agenda for all three leaders was Thursday afternoon, January 31, Kyiv tor for the Monopoly brand. “More than opportunity to meet with Pascal Lami, Ukraine’s drive toward integration with was in 15th place in the international 750 million people have played the game the director general of the World Trade NATO. voting for inclusion in Monopoly’s since it was first introduced nearly 75 years Organization. As a result of their meeting Secretary Rice expressed her support new worldwide edition, garnering 2.1 ago, and its popularity shows no signs of on January 24, Mr. Lami invited the for Ukraine’s aspirations toward NATO percent of the vote. Only two days slowing down.” Ukrainian president to personally take by wishing the Ukrainian leaders further earlier it had been in 22nd place with “The final result of the Monopoly Here part in the WTO’s General Council ses- success in their efforts. During the meet- 1.6 percent of the ballots, while on & Now: World Edition voting may be just sion scheduled for February 5-6 of this ing, Dr. Rice underscored that Ukraine is January 22, just eight hours after the as surprising as the votes conducted in each year in Geneva, at which time it is hoped a “friend and democratic partner” of the that Ukraine’s bid for WTO membership (Continued on page 22) (Continued on page 22) will finally be approved. (Continued on page 15) Devils Alumni face-off against Kozaks in charity hockey game by Matthew Dubas by the Children of Chornobyl Relief and Wolansky, Oksana Bodnar, Teo Bodnar Bytz and his wife, Christina, who are Development Fund (CCRDF) and the and John Lechicky performed the both actively involved with the UACCNJ WEST ORANGE, N.J. – Three gener- Ukrainian American Cultural Center of Ukrainian and American national and the N.J. Devils Alumni Association, ations of the New York Kozaks faced off New Jersey (UACCNJ). anthems. after they read an article in The against the New Jersey Devils Alumni at The program began with welcomes The event also featured Olympic and Ukrainian Weekly about the N.Y. a benefit hockey game at Richard J. and introductions by Myron Bytz, hockey World Figure Skating Champion Viktor Kozaks’ championship win in the Codey Arena on January 19. The event, fund-raiser committee chairman, and the Petrenko, along with his daughter, Chelsea Piers Sky Rink league in 2007. co-sponsored by the Selfreliance master of ceremonies, Paul Speaker, Viktoria, and two other students who per- Though there was a period of just two Ukrainian American Federal Credit president of Time Inc. Studios. The formed separate routines. Union, raised over $22,800 to be shared Promin vocal ensemble of Bohdanna The idea for the event came from Mr. (Continued on page 11)

Paul Mulyk The New York Kozaks...... and the New Jersey Devils at the start of the game. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 No. 5 ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFSNEWSBRIEFS

Moscow to resume May parades Ukrainian PM visits Brussels ate talks on creating a free-trade zone between the European Union and BRUSSELS, Belgium – Ukrainian Ukraine. (RFE/RL Newsline) to demonstrate military strength Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko on by Pavel Felgenhauer afterwards, reportedly will sail to the January 28 began a two-day visit to President comments on collective security Brussels, where she met with European Eurasia Daily Monitor Atlantic to exercise in waters close to KYIV – Ukrainian President Viktor U.S. shores (RIA-Novosti, January 14). Commission President Jose Manuel Full-scale, Soviet-style military Barroso, RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service Yushchenko said on January 24 that Kyiv The naval task force is the biggest that is ready to discuss issues of collective parades – with displays of tanks and has been deployed in the Mediterranean reported. “The European Union hopes security with Russia, but he underlined other military hardware – will return to or the Atlantic since the collapse of the that political stability in Ukraine will be a that Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations Red Square beginning on May 9. The Soviet Union in 1991. Gen. Vladimir reality,” Mr. Barroso said. “Political sta- are exclusively an internal matter, decision to resume this public display of Shamanov, head of the Defense bility, based on democracy and the rule RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service reported. military might was reportedly taken at a Ministry’s Main Directorate for Combat of law, is essential to allow the country to “The issues of what model of national January 12 meeting of top Russian mili- Training, announced that the dispatch of pick up the pace of political and econom- security to choose or what model of tary leaders. The new Topol-M (SS-27) the Kuznetsov carrier group is part of the ic reform,” he said. Mr. Barroso also mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles Russian response to threats coming from praised the progress that had been defense policy to pursue” are exclusively will also roll past the reviewing stands the United States and Washington’s plans achieved in negotiations on a new for Ukraine to decide, Mr. Yushchenko near the Kremlin wall. The parade is to deploy missile-defense components in enhanced agreement between the said. “Ukrainians are able to answer the timed to celebrate VE-Day, the end of the Poland and the Czech Republic. European Union and Ukraine. Ms. questions of how they see the prospects European portion of World War II “Operative and operative-tactical events Tymoshenko said she considers for their security,” he said. President (Interfax, January 15). planned for next year will take place in Ukraine’s upcoming membership in the Yushchenko said that Ukraine will never The planned high-profile parade will the context of appropriate measures,” he World Trade Organization (WTO) as “a provoke a conflict with Russia, and that apparently coincide with the inauguration explained, “taking account of the new path toward Ukraine’s integration into it is possible to reach an agreement with of the next Russian president, presum- realities that others are attempting to cre- the world’s trade space,” and not a tool Russia on issues of collective security. ably Dmitry Medvedev, whom Vladimir ate for us in the Western strategic direc- for exerting pressure on other countries. “We will find dozens of ways to treat our Putin has designated as his successor. Mr. tion, in the form of deploying missile The prime minister said she expects that mutual issues with deference, and to Medvedev’s election on March 2 is a defense elements” (Nezavisimaya Ukraine’s accession to the WTO will respect each country’s decisions,” he near certainty, since elections are a mere Gazeta, December 19, 2007). help the country to make all its trade pro- added. (RFE/RL Newsline) formality in the framework of Russia’s cedures transparent and more attractive The deployment of the Kuznetsov car- WTO OKs Ukraine’s accession package imitation democracy, and the new presi- rier group to the Mediterranean has been to its partners. (RFE/RL Newsline) dent must be inaugurated during the first prominently reported by government- EU urges continuation of reforms GENEVA – Mario Matus, chairman of half of May. A public display of Russian controlled TV as confirmation of the working group on the accession of armor and nuclear might is clearly a Russia’s military revival (Channel 1, BRUSSELS, Belgium – The European Ukraine to the World Trade Organization grand way to welcome Mr. Medvedev January 14, 15). At the same time Mr. Union’s foreign-policy chief, Javier (WTO), said on January 25 in Geneva and to commend Mr. Putin, who has Medvedev, while visiting the Murmansk Solana, on January 29 told Ukrainian that the group has approved Ukraine’s agreed to serve alongside Mr. Medvedev port area, near the main base of the North Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko in “accession package,” and he praised the as prime minister. It’s easy to imagine Sea fleet, announced, “We must revive Brussels that political stability is now commitment of the Ukrainian delegation them both – Prime Minister Putin and the Navy, we need to do this to protect crucial for Ukraine, RFE/RL’s Ukrainian to completing the accession throughout President Medvedev – standing side-by- our fishermen and for Russia to be a full- Service reported. Mr. Solana said that the negotiations, RFE/RL’s Ukrainian side atop the reviewing stand in front of fledged naval power.” At present, howev- “Ukraine should conduct reforms... and Service reported. The WTO’s General Vladimir Lenin’s tomb, as the tanks and er, Mr. Medvedev stated, Russian naval move forward.” EU External Relations ICBMs roll by and jet fighters scream Council is scheduled to consider ships are not deployed in the Barents and Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner Ukraine’s accession on February 5 and, if overhead – symbolizing the restoration of Norwegian seas, where fishing disputes reiterated at a meeting with Prime mighty Russia. approved, Ukraine will have five months with Norway often happen, “because the Minister Tymoshenko the need for politi- to ratify the accession. Ukraine’s WTO In recent months the Russian military ships don’t exist.” Mr. Medvedev added, cal stability in Ukraine and said that has repeatedly made high-profile dis- membership will take effect within 30 “When we had normal naval power, Ukraine should speed up its reforms, plays in an effort to reclaim its lost glory. days after this ratification. “We are now ships were there and everyone respected including reform of the judicial system, Last August Russia resumed regular in a position to have a consensus in the us” (Vedomosti, January 14). as well as fight corruption and make the patrol flights of strategic bombers over WTO on Ukrainian accession at the next Independent defense analysts agree climate for business more attractive. Ms. the Arctic, Pacific and Atlantic oceans. General Council,” the European Union with Mr. Medvedev. Russia still has large Ferrero-Waldner announced that she will At present, a naval task force of ships said in a statement, Reuters reported the stocks of Soviet-made military hardware; visit Ukraine in mid-February to attend a from the North and Black Sea fleets has same day. Ukraine started talks on acces- most of it fully or partially out of order. meeting of ministers of the Black Sea been assembled in the Mediterranean. sion to the World Trade Organization in Only a handful of ships, tanks and jets are region. EU Trade Commissioner Peter The Russian aircraft carrier Admiral 1993. (RFE/RL Newsline) truly operational at any given time. The Mandelson also announced he will visit Kuznetsov, the cruiser Moskva, two naval command managed to put together Ukraine after February 5 in order to initi- (Continued on page 14) frigates and five support ships will per- form exercises in the Mediterranean and, (Continued on page 22) THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY FOUNDED 1933 Russia arrests reputed crime boss An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. believed to have ties to RosUkrEnergo Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. MOSCOW – Semyon Mogilevich, a of Mr. Mogilevich, a Russian citizen who (ISSN — 0273-9348) 61-year-old suspected crime boss who is allegedly has links to RosUkrEnergo, the believed to play a leading role in the murky company that is controlled by The Weekly: UNA: highly lucrative gas trade between Russia’s Gazprom and two Ukrainian Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Ukraine and Russia, was arrested by businessmen. Ms. Tymoshenko has long Postmaster, send address changes to: Russian authorities on January 23, argued that RosUkrEnergo is an unneces- The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz reported various news media. sary, and shadowy, intermediary. 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas Mr. Mogilevich, who is accused of The New York Times reported on P.O. Box 280 large-scale tax evasion, was arrested in January 29 that Prime Minister Parsippany, NJ 07054 Moscow along with Vladimir Nekrasov, Tymoshenko demanded that Gazprom, owner of Arbat Prestige, a major cosmet- Russia’s gas monopoly, deal directly with The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] ics retailer. Ukraine’s state-owned oil and gas com- Mr. Mogilevich is also wanted by the pany, instead of through intermediaries. The Ukrainian Weekly, February 3, 2008 No. 5, Vol. LXXVI FBI for racketeering, money laundering Roman Olearchyk of the Financial Copyright © 2008 The Ukrainian Weekly and wire fraud. The Wall Street Journal Times reported that analysts in Kyiv and reported that U.S. officials say Mr. Moscow “have claimed that his [Mr. Mogilevich built a powerful Eastern Mogilevich’s] arrest signals a shift in ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA European organized crime ring. The Moscow support for gas trading interme- Journal also noted that Russian officials diaries.” Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 have ruled out the extradition of Mr. Mr. Olearchyk also reported that Mr. e-mail: [email protected] Mogilevich, who has been on the wanted Mogilevich’s lawyer denied his involve- Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 list in the U.S. since 2003. ment in RosUkrEnergo and that Dmytro e-mail: [email protected] The Financial Times reported on Firtash, a principal owner of Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 January 28 that Ukrainian Prime Minister RosUkrEnergo, denied having business e-mail: [email protected] Yulia Tymoshenko welcomed the arrest relations with Mr. Mogilevich. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 3 Chaos reported on Ukrainian-Polish border as EU’s Schengen zone expands by Illya M. Labunka Schengen visa regula- “No to a new Berlin Wall” and “It’s time Kyiv Press Bureau tions, in order to travel to respect Ukrainians” and constructed a to Poland after January mock version of the infamous wall. KYIV – The long-anticipated expansion 1 Ukrainian citizens Although their voices were heard and of the European Union’s Schengen zone on were required to pro- some of the visa restrictions were eased, December 21, 2007, has reached Ukraine’s vide proof of employ- Ukrainians are still not satisfied with the western border, but not without chaos in ment, salary amount latest simplified “national” Polish visa Poland and resentment in Ukraine. and a bank receipt cer- requirements because, although the visa As early as October 11, 2007, Polish tifying that a citizen of is valid for a period of 90 days, it allows customs officials on the Polish-Ukrainian Ukraine has at least for only one or two border crossings at border have been engaging in so-called $2,000 on his account. the most. For many of the border area “quiet” strikes by calling in sick and not As a result, many dwellers, such restrictions are detrimen- showing up for work in full force. Ukrainians felt isolated tal to their livelihood. Dissatisfied with low wages, overtime, and left out, and there Commenting on the latest visa minimal labor benefits and the lack of was an overall resent- requirements, Myroslav Senyk, chair of additional manpower, the number of ment over the new the Lviv Oblast Council, said that “it Poland’s customs officials on its border travel restrictions. should be taken into account that for the with Ukraine has periodically dwindled Following massive last 17 years our people have set their from the usual number of 17 to 20 offi- protests, and the cials down to between two and four offi- lives around the border zone and without blocking by Ukrainian trade around the border zone, many peo- cials on all the checkpoints serving the citizens of the main ple may lose their ability to lead their border of the two countries. road leading to livelihood on a daily basis.” As the strikes dragged on into Krakovets on January “At least one or two generations have November and December, massive jam- 15, Ukrainians began grown up on border zone trade and all ups of commercial freight trucks contin- calling for a special ued on Poland’s border with Halychyna “minimal border area they know how to do is acquire liquor and Volyn. movement” permit to and cigarettes and transport it across the In an attempt to deflect criticism for be issued by the Polish border for sale, with an average of two or insufficient service on its eastern border, government to those three border crossings per day. This Poland’s diplomatic officials stated that citizens who live with- translates to about $10 or $20 per day, the recent gridlock is due in part to an in the 35-mile area of and up to $600 a month,” added Petro increase in border security to stem con- the Ukrainian-Polish Oliinyk, head of the Lviv Oblast traband following Poland’s accession to border. Administration. the Schengen zone requirements as stipu- Vitaliy Hrabar/UNIAN Similarly, that day While visiting Ukraine on January 28- lated by the EU. A mock Berlin Wall symbolizing the new barrier between approximately 700 29, and meeting with his counterpart, On the flip side, Poland’s Trade Union Ukraine and the European Union, was erected in front of Ukrainian citizens Volodymyr Ohryzko, Polish Minister of of Customs Officers claimed that its the Polish Consulate in Lviv on January 15. gathered in front of the Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski said workers were understaffed and not ade- Polish consulate in that the border dispute and recent visa quately prepared to handle the heavy Normally, 500 freight trucks pass Lviv, demanding that the Polish govern- problems will be settled as quickly as flow of traffic quickly heading east from through this checkpoint in both direc- ment begin issuing so-called “national” possible based on the revision of appro- its western, German-Polish border, which tions during a 24-hour period. visas, requiring less documentation than is priate bilateral agreements. He expressed no longer requires passports or visas. By January 29 the number of stranded required by the EU Schengen visa. hope that the latest mishaps will not hin- By January 15, according to the trucks along the Polish-Ukrainian border Standing in front of the Consulate, the der the positive relations that Poland and Ukrainian Customs Service, at the had reached approximately 3,000 – the demonstrators waved banners which read, Ukraine have enjoyed thus far. Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint in the largest number of which, 1,700, were on Volyn region of the Polish-Ukrainian the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint. border, only 256 trucks and 1,121 cars The period of January 29-30 saw entered and only 256 trucks and 980 cars approximately 100 trucks cross the bor- Ukrainian Catholic University brings exited Ukraine, which is approximately der in both directions at the Korczowa- one and a half times less than the daily Krakovets checkpoint, and 240 trucks at average for border crossings. the Medyka-Shenyni checkpoint, also in “vertep” to Presidential Secretariat Similarly, on January 24 only 30 to 40 both directions. Under normal condi- percent of the Polish border customs tions, these checkpoints would average officers came to work, and only two of 400 crossings, according to the Polish the four checkpoints for commercial Customs Service. freight transportation were open due to Since January 24 the strikes by lack of personnel. Poland’s border officials have also According to official statements affected rail service between Poland and released by the Polish Customs Service, Ukraine. However, according to Serhii on January 24 the waiting time for trucks Siomka, director of the Logistics on the border heading for Ukraine was Department of Ukraine’s State Customs approximately 30 to 35 hours. By the 24- Service, “passenger rail service has not hour period of January 26-27 the waiting been affected, at least not yet – only time had tripled to an average of 90 to freight rail.” 140 hours at the Korchova-Krakovets checkpoint, where almost 1,000 com- According to Ukraine’s State Customs mercial freight trucks had been standing Service, due to the strikes and gridlock in a line stretching for nine miles. on the Polish-Ukrainian border, Ukraine’s At the Hrebenne-Rava Ruska check- state budget losses are between $8 mil- point the wait was up to 60 hours with lion and $10 million daily. 250 trucks queued up in a line three The strikes have also produced two miles long hoping to eventually arrive in casualties thus far. On January 23 a 50- Lviv. That day the shortest line of two year-old Polish truck driver died of heart and half miles included 140 trucks at the failure after waiting in line for three days Medyka-Shehyni checkpoint with a wait- at the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint. The following day a Ukrainian truck KYIV – The Ukrainian Catholic University on January 15 sent a group of students ing period of 48 hours. For this period, to Kyiv to present a “vertep,” a traditional Ukrainian Christmas season play, at the only four Polish customs officials were driver waiting to enter Poland died after his truck caught fire due to a short cir- Presidential Secretariat. Although the students annually present a vertep, it was on duty at the Yahodyn-Dorohusk check- the first time the UCU group had presented it at the Presidential Secretariat build- point, which experienced a back-up of cuit. ing, an endeavor wholeheartedly supported by Viktor Baloha, chair of President over 1,000 trucks stretching over 18 At the same time, Ukraine’s citizens – Viktor Yushchenko’s Secretariat. The group of actors from UCU is seen above miles and a wait of 60 hours. The and particularly those residents who Hrebenne-Rava Ruska checkpoint was dwell in the vicinity of the Ukrainian- with Vitalii Klitschko, former heavyweight boxing champion and now an elected serviced by only five out of the usual 20 Polish border – have been hit hard eco- deputy of the Kyiv City Council. A series of photos of the vertep was forwarded for customs officials on duty. nomically by the new Schengen visa publication by Olha Bosak, director of the International Affairs Department of the To make matters worse, only one cus- zone regulations, which actually went National Academy of Public Administration, Office of the President of Ukraine. Ms. toms officer at any given checkpoint has into effect on January 1 for Ukrainians Bosak, who is a former student of the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, com- the right to inspect freight trucks. who wish to travel to Poland. mented: “The vertep is a very nice and old Ukrainian tradition, which unfortunately According to Marcin Chaika of the Prior to the new visa regulations, was lost during the Soviet occupation. We can renew our Ukrainian traditions by Biala Podlaska Customs Service, on Ukrainians were able to acquire Polish bringing things like the vertep to other regions of Ukraine. I believe that the vertep January 27 100 freight trucks exited visas much quicker and without overly is an effective instrument for the cohesiveness of people with different back- Poland through the Yahodyn-Dorohusk stringent bureaucratic requirements. grounds, from different regions or political parties.” This year’s UCU vertep was checkpoint, while only six entered. Following the introduction of the written by student Yevhen Khudzyk. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 No. 5 Kennan Institute inaugurates speakers’ series on contemporary Ukrainian literature by Yaro Bihun the Russian Information Ministry asked Special to The Ukrainian Weekly the organizers of the 2005 Paris book fair, at which it was introduced in WASHINGTON — After a period of French, to cancel his presentation. relative inactivity, Ukrainian literature is But all turned out for the better, he alive and well now – thanks to a group of said. This official Russian attempt was young Ukrainian-language authors who leaked to the press, there was a scandal, have a special appeal to the student audi- and the sales of his books in France went ence. up 35 percent. There were problems for a That assessment was presented here time in getting his books favorably recently at the Kennan Institute’s reviewed in Russia and into Russian Woodrow Wilson International Center for bookstores. Scholars by Andrey Kurkov, a popular Since then, things have changed for Ukrainian author whose 13 novels and the better, he added. He has presented his five children’s books, written in Russian, books in Moscow and elsewhere in have been translated into Ukrainian, Russia, his books are selling, and he is on English and some 30 other languages. two Russian literary prize juries. His appearance at the institute on “I hope it’s over, but you can never be January 24 was the first of three discus- sure,” he said. “Unlike Ukraine, in sions in the “Contemporary Ukrainian Russia literature is a state affair.” Literature Series” co-sponsored with the Ukrainian Studies Program at the “I wouldn’t say that I’m accepted in Harriman Institute of Columbia Russia. The paradox is that I have the University. Larysa Denysenko will highest print runs among Russian-lan- Yaro Bihun Ukrainian writer Andrey Kurkov discusses the development of contemporary lit- appear in the series here on March 6 and guage writers in the world. And they erature in Ukraine during a presentation at the Kennan Institute’s Woodrow Taras Chubai on April 10. have to tolerate me,” he added. Wilson Center in Washington. Introducing Mr. Kurkov to the audito- Asked about how he resolves his rium, the director of the Kennan Institute, nationality question, Mr. Kurkov said that until the break-up of the Soviet When the Soviet Union fell apart in “The audience for Ukrainian literature Blair A. Ruble, noted that the event was 1991, he said, “the zoo was opened,” the is growing, and most of it is growing unusual because there are not many Union he thought of himself as being Soviet. After the break-up of the USSR, people were freed, but without the old thanks to students, including students in opportunities in the United States to hear system – the Communist Party, trade Russian-speaking regions (of Ukraine).” contemporary Ukrainian writers. when Russians began attacking unions, etc. – to care for them. They were There is no such young literary develop- “And this is a shame,” he said, Ukrainian independence, he said, he left to survive by themselves. ment in Russia or Poland, he added. “because the literature in Ukraine is very became a Ukrainian – a citizen of the And that was true also about literature As for the prevalence of Russian-lan- vibrant and interesting, as one would country where he grew up and lived. and book publishing in Ukraine and else- guage books in Ukraine, Mr. Kurkov expect from a society undergoing so Although he speaks in Ukrainian with- many changes,” he said. out an accent and considers himself a where in the former Soviet Union. noted that that has begun to change. At Born in what was then Leningrad in Ukrainian writer, he said, he writes in his “Suddenly after nothingness, after a one time 98 percent of books selling in 1961, Mr. Kurkov grew up and lives in mother tongue, which is Russian. He has vacuum, in which only four to five Ukraine came from Russia, he said. Now Ukraine. He writes in his “mother been criticized by some for not writing in names were well-known – like Yuri it is down to about 90 percent. tongue” – Russian – but considers himself Ukrainian, and this moved him to write Andrukhovych and Oksana Zabuzhko, Asked about Western writers he holds a Ukrainian, and not a Russian, writer. A “The Good Angel of Death,” an adven- two more, maybe like Herasymiuk, the in high esteem, surprisingly to many in multicultural society, Ukraine’s literature ture novel dealing with Ukrainian nation- poet – suddenly you have a small army the audience, Mr. Kurkov made it very is created in the Ukrainian, Russian and alism and Russian chauvinism, he said. of 30-some very active, politically disen- clear that that list does not include other languages, he pointed out. It is scheduled to be published in English gaged – very cynical towards politics – Marina Lewycka, the award-winning Mr. Kurkov said he had been writing later this year. Ukrainian-language writers in their 20 author of “The History of Tractors in since the age of 6, but none of his works Mr. Kurkov said that five of his books and 30s, with a high percentage being Ukrainian,” which he panned in his were published until the last years of the were translated into Ukrainian and are women,” said Mr. Kurkov. They work review in the Guardian. Soviet Union, and even then it was read primarily in western Ukraine. hard, tour the country with public read- The novel is full of “cliches” and through his own efforts of having them Indeed, he said, he is now more popular ings and have a strong following among “very misrepresentative of Ukraine,” he published independently. in Lviv than in Donetsk. students. said, suggesting that, for this reason, Ms. His books are known for their black Among his most popular novels, two Sometimes their popularity takes a Lewycka could not find a publisher for humor and surrealism in dealing with the deal with penguins: “Death and the round-about way to reach that Ukrainian her book in Ukraine but readily found post-Soviet society. He read excerpts for Penguin” and “Penguin Lost.” Asked audience, he continued, citing the exam- one in Moscow who was “extremely the English translation of “The why, he noted that all but two of his 14 ple of Natalka Snidanko, a young jour- happy to publish this book in Russian.” President’s Last Love,” in which he novels have animals in them. The first, nalist whose “Collection of Passions” Neither did Mr. Kurkov mince words pokes some fun at Russia’s current presi- he said, had a pro-Soviet rat. As for pen- became a bestseller in Poland before in characterizing some of the older, dent, Vladimir Putin. guins, he explained, they are collective achieving that status in Ukraine. established literary organizations in Asked if he knew whether President animals programmed to act as a group Ms. Denysenko, who is scheduled to Ukraine. He singled out two by name: Putin had read his book, Mr. Kurkov said and not as individuals. They get disori- be the second speaker in the Kennan- the Writers’ Union, “with 1,500 dead he couldn’t say so for sure, but someone ented and do not know what to do when Columbia series here on March 6, was souls,” and the Ukrainian Association of in his administration must have, because alone. They are, he said, “very Soviet.” another example, he said. Writers, “with 500 semi-dead souls.”

N.J. UOL offers custom-designed postage stamps in fund-raiser MAPLEWOOD, N.J. – Members of UOL Convention fund and Zazzle.com the Ukrainian Orthodox League at Holy receives the remaining 22 percent. An Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church additional 7 percent is added to the con- have organized the sale of Ukrainian- vention fund when the asterisk is added themed United States postage stamps, to the web address or if they use the which can be viewed at uolnj.org address. www.zazzle.com/maplewood*. The sale According to Michael Komichak, co- of the stamps will defer associated costs chair for the 63rd annual convention of as part of the parish’s preparation for the the UOL, the customized stamps are cre- 63rd annual UOL convention, scheduled ated by an authorized USPS vendor, such for 2010. as Zazzle.com, and are not offered by the Two of the current offerings feature the USPS to the general public. Zazzle.com artwork of Darya Gapon, 16, an active was chosen because it offered the largest Junior UOL member at Holy Ascension. portion of the total purchase price in Ms. Gapon’s artwork depicts a Christmas return, Mr. Komichak explained. caroling scene, while the other selections The Maplewood branch of the UOL include an icon of the Virgin Mary and a plans to offer new selections to the wood-carved candelabra. online catalogue of Ukrainian-themed The stamps, sold in sheets of 20, are stamps, including Canadian postage available in various denominations Two of the postage stamp designs available. stamps. For more information contact including 41 cents for first-class mail Mr. Komichak, 64 Coleman Ave., and are adjustable from postcard to inter- ($17.80) and large ($20). The price varies lows: the face-value of the stamp is col- Chatham, NJ 07928; phone, 973-635- national postage rates. The stamps – 20 based on the size because the stamps are lected by the United Sates Postal Service, 8124; e-mail, [email protected]; or per sheet – also come in three different being sold as part of a fund-raiser. from the remainder, 28 percent of the net visit www.zazzle.com/maplewood*, or sizes, with small ($15.60), medium The breakdown of the funds is as fol- price of a sheet goes toward the 63rd www.uolnj.org. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM Soyuzivka Heritage Foundation calendar UNA Branch 241 in Rhode Island for 2008 is released as fund-raiser co-sponsors St. Nicholas celebration

WOONSOCKET, R.I. – On December 10, 2007, Ukrainian National Association Branch 241 co-sponsored a St. Nicholas Feast Day celebration for the children of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in Woonsocket, R.I. Pictured with St. Ruta Lew’s (enhanced) photo of the view from Soyuzivka is featured on the Nicholas in the photo (from left) are: Ivan Tkach, Lydia Klufas, Janet Bardell, Soyuzivka Heritage Foundation calendar for the month of September. Alexandra Klufas, Lydia Minyialiuk, Julia Hull, Larissa Klufas, Adrienne Chodnowsky, Stefko Minyialiuk, Marko Tkach, Danylko Karkhut, Lydia Tkach, PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The second Soyuzivka during various seasons, while Allison Klowan, Alex Klowan, Kateryna Klowan, Amy Klowan, Oksana Karkhut, annual Soyuzivka Heritage Foundation the calendar lists, in addition to the usual Marika Hull, and Msgr. Roman Golemba, pastor. Also participating in the program Calendar, released by the Brooklyn holidays and holy days, the dates for were Yuri Minyialiuk and Vira Karkhut. Ukrainian Group (BUG) and the major events at Soyuzivka, including – Janet Bardell Ukrainian National Association, is still camps, festivals, workshops and special available for purchase. events. The 2008 wall calendar features color The calendars are available for $12 photos of Soyuzivka, the UNA’s estate in each (plus $1.48 for shipping) from: the scenic Catskill region of New York Soyuzivka Heritage Foundation Young UNA’ers state, by: (listed in order of appearance) Calendar, Ukrainian National Russ Chelak, Laryssa Czebiniak, Chris Association, Att’n: Marijka Drich, 2200 Vecchio, Paul Mulyk, Maya Lew, Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Please Khristina Lew, Roma Lisovich, Marco make checks payable to: Ukrainian Shmerykowsky, Ruta Lew, Dianna Shmerykowsky, Yurij Trytjak and Francis National Foundation – Soyuzivka Fund. Samu. All proceeds from sales of the calen- Among the key people behind the cal- dar benefit the Soyuzivka Heritage endar is Maya Lew, a UNA advisor and a Foundation. Additional donations toward member of BUG. She and her sister Ruta Soyuzivka are welcomed. came up with the idea of a fund-raising The first Soyuzivka calendar was calendar for Soyuzivka last year. The released in 2007, also as a joint project of 2007 calendar’s edition of 300 sold out, BUG and the UNA. and this year the calendar has been pub- For more information about lished in an edition of 500 copies. Soyuzivka, readers may log on to The photos show the beauty of www.soyuzivka.com.

Ariana Nyzhnykevych, daughter of Olena and Yuriy Nyzhnykevych of Mykola Bykov, son of Olga and Kyiv, is a new member of UNA Branch Eugene of North Brunswick, N.J., is a 171. She was enrolled by her grand- new member of UNA Branch 234. He parents Maria Proskurenko and was enrolled by his parents. Stephen Welhasch.

Do you have a young UNA’er, or potential young UNA’er in your family?

Call the UNA Home Office, 973-292-9800, to find out how to enroll.

Dear Students, UNA Members: Now you can download UNA scholarship applications from our website www.unamember.com Soyuzivka’s famous Hutsul, as captured by Laryssa Czebiniak, is the featured photo for February. under “Membership Benefits.”

THE UNA: 113 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 No. 5

IN THE PRESS THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Vote for Kyiv Newsweek on Bill and Victor “Here an F.O.B., There an F.O.B.” Three years ago, a Ukrainian government It’s not often you get to write an editorial about a game. But then Monopoly is (“Since leaving office, Bill’s gotten by investigation linked Kuchma’s regime to no ordinary game. with a little help from his friends. Now As readers will notice, the front page of this issue carries a story headlined the decapitation in 2000 of dissident jour- he’s re-examining his circle”), by “Kyiv in the running for inclusion in new worldwide Monopoly game.” Why is nalist Georgy [Heorhii] Gongadze. When that worthy of the front page? Well, because Monopoly will soon be released in a Michael Isikoff and Mark Hosenball, Gongadze’s widow, Myroslava, saw a new global version – to be called Monopoly Here & Now: World Edition – that Newsweek, February 4: newspaper photo of Clinton and Kuchma will feature a new game board which will include 22 top cities around the world. at the conference, ‘I wanted to throw up,’ The Ukrainian capital of Kyiv is among the 68 cities nominated for the honor – “Last June, Bill Clinton … jetted off she told Newsweek. Clinton, she says, was and, yes, it truly is an honor. (Read on.) Plus, its name will appear as K-Y-I-V, to the Black Sea resort of Yalta for an being used by Pinchuk ‘to clean up and not K-I-E-V – which in itself is significant. international conference sponsored by legitimize Kuchma’s legacy.’ (A Clinton Which 22 cities make it onto the new game’s board is dependent upon an one of his good friends: Victor Pinchuk, spokesman declined to comment on the international online vote that began on January 22 (let’s hope that date, which a billionaire steel magnate and one of the ex-president’s encounter with Kuchma.) marked the 90th anniversary of Ukraine’s 1918 declaration of independence is a richest men in Ukraine. In recent years, “If Hillary Clinton had been seen with a good omen) and continues through February 28. Twenty of the cities will be cho- Pinchuk has become a fixture in discredited former autocrat, it would have sen from among the 68 nominated; another two slots are reserved for wild card Clinton’s world, in part because Pinchuk made front pages across the country. But cities nominated and voted upon by the public. has contributed millions of dollars to the Bill’s Yalta visit went unnoticed outside OK, you say, so what? Clinton Foundation, the former presi- Ukraine. The trip illustrates the unusual Well, consider the following facts. Monopoly – or Monopolia in Ukrainian – dent’s charity that fights AIDS and position the former president is in. He is is the world’s most popular board game. It has been played by more than 750 poverty. Pinchuk’s generosity paid divi- his wife’s top political adviser, and Hillary million people around the globe. More than 250 million copies of the game have dends. He was a guest at the inauguration does little to downplay the idea that he been sold since 1935. The new world edition will be sold in over 100 countries of Clinton’s presidential library in Little would be a notable, if unofficial, presence and will be released in 37 languages – including Ukrainian. Thus, millions and Rock, and he attended Clinton’s exclu- in her administration. In speeches, she says millions of people will potentially see Kyiv on their game boards. sive 60th birthday bash in New York. that she would deploy her husband as a As of the moment this sentence was being written – with the countdown clock “Pinchuk won an even bigger favor roving ambassador. Yet, unlike Hillary, reading 29 days, five hours, 46 minutes… – Kyiv was in 15th place in the ballot- when Clinton agreed to speak at the Yalta who must report the names of her cam- ing. That’s a good showing, but, remember, only the top 20 cities will make it conference. Clinton dazzled the audience paign contributors and how much they onto the board. And, so much can still change in the next few weeks as votes with a powerful address about the global give, Bill Clinton is a private citizen and pour in daily from every corner of the world. For example, this week, overnight challenges facing Ukraine. But he also does not have to disclose most details between Wednesday and Thursday, three Chinese cities made impressive gains inadvertently caused a stir when he was about his charitable and business ventures. and cracked the top 20, as a result of which Rome was moved down from fourth embraced by Pinchuk’s father-in-law, His private dealings raise inevitable ques- place to seventh and Toronto wound up in the last place that counts. (Remember, Ukraine’s former President Leonid tions about who might come seeking the standings are ever in flux.) Kuchma, whose authoritarian rule had favors if he and Hillary move back into the The people of Ukraine and the very strong Ukrainian diaspora have the power been condemned by the State Department. White House. …” to make sure Kyiv is among the top cities of the world in this balloting. So, Dear Readers, vote, and vote daily. Get the word out to your families, friends and col- leagues. Let’s get Kyiv on the Monopoly board. On the campaign trail Statement from Sen. Hillary Clinton, the Ukrainian people as they emerged candidate for the Democratic nomination from decades of Soviet oppression and as Feb Turning the pages back... for president, on Ukraine’s membership they have experienced both victories and in NATO, released by Hillary Clinton for struggles on the path to democracy and President on January 28. freedom. 7 I have worked for more than 15 years Last year, parliamentary opposition leader Yulia I enthusiastically welcome the January to strengthen the U.S.-Ukraine relation- 2007 Tymoshenko led the vote on February 7, 2007, along with 430 11 letter from Ukrainian President Viktor ship and help improve the lives of national deputies, on the law “On Pipeline Transit.” The law Yushchenko, Prime Minister Yulia Ukrainians. Even before my first visit to aimed to protect Ukraine’s natural gas transit system from for- Tymoshenko and Verkhovna Rada Kyiv in 1995, I supported health care pro- eign interests and, in particular, the Russian Federation and its Chairman Arseniy Yatsenyuk to NATO grams for Ukraine, including partnerships oligarchs. Secretary General Jaap de Hoop between hospitals in the United States and “When issues are raised in the Russian Duma to defend the national interests of the Scheffer, which outlines Ukraine’s desire Ukraine and airlifts of critical pharmaceu- Russian Federation, there is division in Parliament there between pro-Western, pro- for a closer relationship with NATO, ticals and other medical supplies. After Eastern, like we have pro-Russian and pro-Western parts of Parliament,” Ms. including a Membership Action Plan. hearing pleas from Ukrainian women in Tymoshenko said. Like Ukraine’s leaders, I hope that 1997 to help combat human trafficking, “They always vote for their native land and their native country. And I believe we important steps toward reaching these which had become a growing problem in need to start such traditions. And that’s exactly why I would like to announce a law that goals will be made at the NATO summit Ukraine, I helped initiate an international would be a historic step in the history of our Parliament, and which in my view will in Bucharest in early April. I applaud the effort to combat trafficking, including sev- halt encroachments on Ukraine’s energy independence and political independence,” eral programs specifically to help Ukraine. she explained. fact that Ukraine aspires to anchor itself firmly in the trans-Atlantic community In 1996, I organized a 10th anniversary Ms. Tymoshenko accused the coalition government led by Prime Minister Viktor White House commemoration of the Yanukovych, First Vice Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and Minister of the Fuel and through membership in NATO and look forward to working with Ukrainians and Chornobyl disaster and, as honorary chair Energy Complex Yurii Boiko of conspiring with Russians. She quoted Mr. Azarov who of Chornobyl Challenge ‘96, committed to said: “The market price for gas isn’t affordable. Ukraine is interested in managing its Ukrainian Americans to reach that goal. Since the earliest days of Ukrainian continuing support for humanitarian gas transport system together with Russia in order to lower the price for Russian gas.” efforts on behalf of those who suffer After the vote in the Verkhovna Rada, Mr. Azarov accused Ms. Tymoshenko of independence, the strategy of the United States has always been to respect and severe health consequences from the exploiting the issue for political gain, stating that the government never discussed or tragedy. I was honored to receive the had the intention of allowing Russian interests to take control of Ukraine’s natural gas support the Ukrainian people’s democrat- ic choices in shaping their future. Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund’s transit system, adding that Ukrainian law forbids privatization of its natural gas transit Lifetime Humanitarian Achievement system. He said Ms. Tymoshenko’s efforts were a publicity stunt rather than an Ukraine has been and remains an extremely important partner for the Award in 1999 for my work in helping to improvement in Ukraine’s legislation. improve the health of women and children Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin revealed on February 1, 2007, that United States, and I take great pride in Ukraine’s contributions to our common in Ukraine. As senator I traveled to Ukrainian officials had approached his government with proposals of a “revolutionary Ukraine in 2005 and met with President character” to create a natural gas consortium that unifies interests. goal of building a Europe that is whole and free, peaceful and prosperous. Yushchenko and offered the U.S. govern- “Ukrainian partners wanted not only to create a gas transit consortium, but also ment’s support for reform efforts to When I traveled to Ukraine in 1997, I wanted to gain extraction access on the Russian Federeration’s territory,” Mr. Putin strengthen Ukraine’s democracy. visited a memorial to the victims of said. In exchange, the Russians would gain influence on Ukraine’s gas transit system, The United States has always favored Communist repression in Lviv, and made he added. the closest possible ties between NATO a commitment to the Ukrainian people on “We never held discussions with Russia on the existing gas transit system,” Mr. and Ukraine, including the creation of the behalf of the United States: “In your fight Yanukovych said. “We held discussions on creating a consortium around the construc- NATO-Ukraine Council. We have always for freedom, your fight for democracy, tion of the Bohorodchany-Uzhhorod pipeline.” insisted on an open door policy for the American people will stand with Yet, earlier, Mr. Boiko acknowledged that Ukrainian companies had obtained the European democracies that want to join right to extract natural gas in Russia. you.” In recalling that commitment more the alliance. The enlargement of NATO is Oleksii Ivchenko, former chair of Naftohaz, described a possible scenario in which than 10 years later I applaud the immense not directed against any state; NATO Naftohaz and its Ukrainian-owned subsidiaries would be in debt to UkrHazEnerho. contributions that Ukrainian Americans does not see any nation as its enemy. I Russian shareholders would then claim the assets of Ukrainian-owned companies in an have made to our country and the indis- pledge to support Ukraine’s efforts to attempt to recover their debts through the courts, he said. pensable role they have played in broad- meet the criteria for MAP and eventual ening and deepening the bonds between membership. The United States should Source: “Tymoshenko leads the charge to protect gas transit system,” by Zenon the United States and Ukraine. I have Zawada, The Ukrainian Weekly, February 11, 2007. been greatly impressed by the courage of (Continued on page 21) No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 7

TheThe thingsthings wewe do...do... Faces and Places by Myron B. Kuropas by Orysia Paszczak Tracz About those costumes... My guy Huck The Ukrainian folk costume, in its could wear whatever you wish, but if it is He’s a Republican presidential candi- low. “From 2001 to 2005,” he writes, “a almost infinite regional variants, is truly an occasion for which a Ukrainian date who’s been shunned by the total of 56 people donated a total of something exquisite. Both the male and sorochka is appropriate, it should be one. Washington GOP establishment, Fox $2,076.79 to the fund.” Can you believe female, but especially the latter, are so True, traditional folk art and costume news commentators like Fred Barnes and it? rich in symbolism, ornamentation and just do develop and change over time, but we conservative radio talk show hosts Sean Speaking of taxes, Mr. Huckabee is plain beauty, that it is amazing. Throw in are no longer part of anything truly “folk” Hannity and Rush Limbaugh. Mass the only GOP presidential candidate pro- some of the strange and downright weird – no one is, whether in Ukraine or any- media gurus don’t like him much either. posing the controversial “fair tax” elimi- items of clothing and accessories, and where else in the world. Even in the vil- He’s raised little money, some $2.3 nating the Internal Revenue Service and you really have something that means lages there are no real folk anymore. The million thus far, according to the Wall replacing personal income taxes with a much more than simple and practical pro- “babusia” or “dido” (grandmother or Street Journal. Even Ron Paul has raised 30 percent federal sales tax. Many econ- tection from the elements. grandfather) tending the cows in the field more, $8.3 million to be exact. Mitt omists are skeptical, of course, but the Some of us have grown up with the sits there reading a book or the newspaper Romney leads the GOP pack with a plan is worth examining. Kyiv/Poltava “national” folk costume, and talks on a cell phone. The traditional $62.8 million war chest that is growing Did Gov. Huckabee raise taxes in and the Hutsul one (from the Carpathian regional costumes are the ones handed as I write. Arkansas? Yes, to improve public Mountains). The Volyn, Polissia, Boiko, down from the past, or should be. They He’s been denigrated as a tax-and- schools and to upgrade highways. The Podillia, Bukovyna, Zakarpattia, Lemko are a special national treasure. What a spend governor, a liberal Republican, a first increase was the result of a court- and other regional costumes were less shame that some people are abandoning man who would make Jimmy Carter look ordered mandate, the second in compli- familiar to us. Even within each of these their precious “old” valuables and are like Thomas Jefferson. He’s been called a there are many variations. adopting what is popular and in style at bible-thumping preacher who believes ance with a public referendum. Let’s not And we learn more about these cos- the moment. I recently saw photographs our Constitution should be more in tune forget that during his first year in office tumes all the time. Dance ensembles and from a Hutsul village where all the with natural law. Horrors! Gov. Ronald Reagan, contrary to cam- performers appear in newer and newer women were wearing vests and shirts in A close Ukrainian friend of mine has paign promises, signed off on a record costumes, branching out to the lesser- designs, colors and combinations that accused him of wanting to open our tax increase of 18 percent, roughly a $1- known regions. But some of these “new” were completely foreign to any Hutsul doors wide to Mexican illegal aliens and billion hike for the people of California. outfits defy belief and authenticity. tradition. Was this because it’s in style? give their children scholarships to col- What about scholarships for children I can’t help but cringe when I see a sup- Is this, then, the Ukrainian global village? lege. of illegal immigrants? Gov. Huckabee posedly Ukrainian Zakarpattia dance per- With stage costumes for dance ensem- Other detractors have argued that he is proposed state scholarships for all formed with the girls in crinolines and lacy bles, the designers or costume committees weak on foreign policy experience. We Arkansas students, but only if they suc- hats that are so clearly from the Slovak or want their group to be different, to stand need a president, they believe, who can cessfully completed 24 high school core Hungarian side of the border, and not at all out. Well, some of them do – but for the effectively deal with the Muslim Jihad credits, attained a minimum score on the from the Zakarpattia side. And one group wrong reasons. Someone has to know declared against the American people by ACT, and met certain well-defined aca- has the Zakarpattia dancers in mauve or where Volyn ends and Poland begins, or Osama Bin Laden. demic and personal criteria. Of necessity, violet outfits! Some of the Volyn costumes Zakarpattia and Slovakia and/or Hungary The candidate I’m writing about is this included children of illegal immi- have veered onto the Polish side of the do. Serious research needs to be done, Mike Huckabee, a happy warrior with a grants, many of whom were born and boundaries. Of course, there is some and reliable, knowledgeable people need sense of humor. I just finished reading raised in Arkansas. Meeting these blending along borders; this is normal. But to be asked. It is a shame to spend all his fascinating book, “From Hope to requirements, however, only meant that if a dance group is to choose a costume for those hard-earned funds and be stuck with Higher Ground: 12 Stops to Restoring the student could apply for a scholarship; a particular region, surely it should be one a costume that is just not right – and not America’s Greatness.” Call me a dream- there was no guarantee of acceptance. representative of the Ukrainian part of that really know any better. er, hokey if you will, naïve and an old Does Mr. Huckabee want to change region, and not one where the other nation- Then there was the influence of the fogey, but I like Mike. (I admit to being a the Constitution? No, he wants to make it ality from across the line is more obvious Soviet-era Ukraine dance groups – Virsky dreamer and an old fogey, of course, more in line with the ideas of those who in the outfit. and Veryovka, who at one time had some even hokey and naïve at times). Still, I wrote it. He supports two new amend- Don’t even get me started on the awful stage folk costumes. The ensembles believe Gov. Huckabee’s ideas are worth ments, one abolishing abortion on Bukovyna shirts and costumes. Beginning considering. in North America accepted these as demand, the other defining marriage as a in the late 1950s to early 1960s, the I like Mike because, contrary to what authentic and were inspired by some of union between a man and a woman. I Romanian influence on the traditional Mr. Limbaugh wants us to believe, Mike these. The Hutsuls wearing boots started favor both initiatives because I am tired Bukovyna costume grew. It was the local there. Can you imagine any Hutsul climb- is a conservative. He’s also politically of a small band of nihilistic narcissists Ukrainian women who adopted the look ing the mountain trails in boots? How incorrect. He writes: “I am a conserva- who respect neither life nor family slow- from south of their border; they aban- quickly would he slide down the path, all tive, pro-life, pro-family evangelical who ly and slyly pushing their “morality” on doned their elegant, symbolic, truly the way down on those leather soles? I believes in God, lower taxes, less gov- exquisite Bukovynian silhouette. Instead suppose it was easier for costume changes ernment, personal empowerment, person- me, drip by drip. Enough is enough. of the tree of life, the ornamental and backstage, but it certainly deprived the al ownership and personal responsibility. Is Mr. Huckabee weak on foreign poli- abstracted female figures and birds on the Hutsul costume of an integral part. The I believe in the unlimited potential of the cy experience? Yes, but so were Harry shirt sleeves, in the traditional three-part “postoly,” the leather moccasins with the human spirit, a strong national defense, Truman, Mr. Reagan and many other arrangement on the sleeves, there are now turned-up toes, were perfect for climbing and a government that allows the market- great presidents before they took office. fully beaded multicolored flowers all over the mountains – the toes wouldn’t catch place to regulate itself as much as possi- As an educator, I am most impressed the sleeves and bodice. These may be in the roots along the trail. Nowadays, ble to encourage and enhance free enter- with Mr. Huckabee’s commitment to bright, some may even think they are few Ukrainian groups anywhere wear prise.” These are hardly the beliefs of a education, a neglected discussion topic pretty, but they are not true Bukovyna postoly. That’s really too bad. card-carrying Hillary liberal. among all of this year’s presidential can- “sorochky” (shirts) – not even close. In In addition to the traditional and adapt- Nor is it fair to call Mr. Huckabee a didates. He supports President George W. the old sorochky, there are touches of ed folk costume, there are the modern tax-and-spend governor. Among tax Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” initia- beads, sequins and metallic threads, but adaptations of the folk. These would not reform initiatives he instituted during his tive, which, despite opposition from not all-beaded. And yet, these variegated be worn by folk dance ensembles, but more than 10 years as governor of teachers’ unions, is improving American big-flowered shirts are extremely popular more by singers and choirs. There are Arkansas were the elimination of an public education throughout the United – even First Lady Kateryna Yushchenko fine, elegant outfits designed especially income tax for families living below the States. In a chapter titled “Stop Cheating has one. for Nina Matviyenko, Ruslana, Sofia poverty line, the abolishment of the mar- Our Children” he describes two K-8 pro- Then there are the women wearing the Rotaru, Yavir, Haidamaky, Sokoly and so riage tax penalty for married couples fil- grams he initiated in Arkansas called Romanian blouses (on the chiffon-type many other groups. Most of these are so ing jointly, the doubling of child deduc- Smart Start and Smart Step that expand- fabric), with the almost-smocked gath- beautifully designed, taking folk or tions, and the reduction of the capital ed charter schools, improved teacher ered neckline. These are lovely blouses, archaeological (Trypillian) motifs and gains tax for individuals and businesses. education and student test scores, tight- but should not be worn in place of adapting them for the stage. He reduced the state general revenue ened teacher certification standards, and Ukrainian ones, because they are not. Yulia Tymoshenko recently appeared budget by 11 percent and eliminated tax raised teacher salaries to attract the How offended would we be if at a Polish in a beautiful ensemble based on the bracket creep by indexing income taxes brightest and the best. or Romanian event, the women wore to inflation, thereby preventing taxpayers Will Gov. Huckabee become the Ukrainian sorochky? Of course, you (Continued on page 22) from moving into a higher tax bracket Republican nominee for president with a when their paycheck increase was due to inflation or a cost-of-living supplement. politically incorrect agenda, weak finan- The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor and commentaries on a Arkansas had a budget deficit when he cial support thus far and disdain by the variety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian came into office. When he left there was GOP elite? Stranger things have hap- Canadian communities. Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators and a budget surplus. pened. letter-writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of either Gov. Huckabee also established the The Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian National Association. “Tax Me More Fund” for those Myron Kuropas’s e-mail address is Arkansans who believed taxes were too [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 No. 5 GENERATION UKE

Edited and compiled by Matthew Dubas and Yarema Belej Brooklyn Ukrainian Group brings the ‘Kolomyika’ out into the crowd by Yuri Pylyp and Tania Wedmid remained, rediscovered Icy-Hot and the value of prolonged warm-up stretching. NEW YORK – We have all been there. Little by little what started as ambition Standing electrified in a massive circle, began forming into recognizable Ukrainian clapping and cheering while the somehow dance. In a supportive and dedicated envi- superhuman members of our community ronment, our BUG program leaders and dance the “Kolomyika.” The precision of teacher kept us on track. Our desire to their movements often dissuades even the learn escalated the complexity of the pro- more courageous novice from risking gram, and soon we starting to do lifts, embarrassment in the shadow of their skill. jumps and moves we once could only There is something pristine about the expe- gawk at. rience, something untouchable. Often we It appears that the dance is indeed in our feel that as part of the circle around it, we “hromada’s” blood. After six sessions, a are somehow protecting and containing it dress-rehearsal Kolomyika was held, for the next generation; fueling it with our where we emerged in celebration of new- admiration. But no matter how intense the found skills. vicarious enjoyment of watching the scene, “To be able to see non-professional some observers inevitably leave enamored, and perhaps more than a bit envious. dancers getting so into learning Ukrainian Brooklyn Ukrainian Group (BUG) folk dance and actually becoming pretty members Roxy Toporowych, Ruta Lew darn good at it, brings a certain rush and and Yarko Dobriansky saw the separation pride to me as a member of the Syzokryli between trained dancers and spectators as Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble of New York,” noted Mr. Dobriansky. an opportunity to involve the community. Maria Sidlyar Discussing the topic this summer at In addition to the above-mentioned par- Participants of the Brookyn Ukrainian Group’s crash course in the “Kolomyika.” Soyuzivka, the trio decided to expand the ticipants, the following dancers completed Kolomyika experience further into the the crash course: Larissa Czebiniak, Taras audience. This would include those willing Czebiniak, Myra Finn, Lida Kryzaniwd- to brave the training by giving them a ky, Lucyna Kuncik, Jeremy McCarter, crash course in traditional Ukrainian folk Yura Pylyp, Julia Rozar, Victoria dancing. BUG soon sent out a proposal to Semotiuk, Ana Tara, Mariya Tara, Motrya its members. The number of participants Tomycz and Tania Wedmid. Certificates ended up packing the class. A group of 23 of completion were distributed to all of the adults signed up for a six-week training dancers, and some even received special period. To lead the project, BUG hired pro- awards, such as “best posture” and “most fessional Ukrainian dancer and instructor, dedicated.” Orlando Pagan. They also commissioned A party was held at Bar 82 on Second the Ukrainian American Youth Avenue in NYC to commemorate the com- Association’s New York City building as pletion of the program – where we were home to the program, one hour per week assured that there would be a second round on Tuesday evenings. of training in the spring, after “zabava” In what seemed like record time, Mr. season. Pagan showed us the basic steps of “As with any culture, knowing your his- Ukrainian folk dancing to give us the abili- tory and the artistry associated with that ty to merge different steps and form com- history is important,” Mr. Pagan said. binations appropriate to the Kolomyika. “Dance is an expression of celebration and “As a co-founder of the Brooklyn a form of escapism,” he continued, “and Ukrainian Group, to me the course person- when your culture has a dance form that is ified what BUG is really all about – the as extremely exciting and wonderful as sharing of our art and the promotion of Ukrainian folk dance, who wouldn’t want Ukrainian culture and traditions,” Maya to be part of that?” Lew said. “It made me proud to be a part So keep an eye out. If you see a bunch of BUG, and we all made some great new of unlikely young adults on the sidelines at After a few refresher courses, the ladies demonstrate how it’s done. friends as well!” the next zabava, stretching way too much, The classes were challenging. In our and urging each other into the circle – it zation focused on preserving and perpetu- Kolomyika session being planned for early zeal, one of these writers spent two full might just be us. Looks like now the bands ating Ukrainian arts and culture within the 2008, check the website sessions sidelined with injuries. three oth- will have to play just a little longer. community. If you are interested in know- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ ers dropped out completely. We who Brooklyn Ukrainian Group is an organi- ing more about BUG or joining in on the BrooklynUkrainianGroup/. Ukraine’s Bondarenko sisters win Australian Open The Bondarenko sisters of Ukraine, The Bondarenkos won their title in one Alona, 23, and Kateryna, 21, captured the hour and 45 minutes of play. It was their women’s double’s tennis championship at first win in the 39 events that they have the Australian Open in Melbourne on played together. January 25. It was their first Grand Slam Curiously, expert commentator title. Martina Navratilova (who should know They became the first sisters to win the better as a native of Eastern Europe), Australian Open women’s doubles title while commenting on the match on The since the Williams sisters, Venus and Tennis Channel could not seem to recall Serena, did so in 2003, and were hailed by where the Bondarenko sisters were from. the news media as tennis’ new doubles stars. During the women’s doubles final she The duo made a remarkable comeback to waffled, saying that Russia, Ukraine, the win the title after a disastrous first set against Soviet Union – they were all the same to Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and Shahar her. As well, several times she mistakenly Peer of Israel, in which they won only two referred to the sisters as Russians. games, with the final score being 6-2. Ukrainians in Australia, meanwhile, However, in the second set the sisters were ecstatic over the win. Indeed, the from Kharkiv tightened up their serve Australian Federation of Ukrainian and put pressure on their opponents, ulti- Organizations sent out a mass e-mail mately winning 6-1. In the third set the headlined “Congratulations! Ukrainian Getty Images /Official Site of the Australian Open Bondarenkos again emerged victorious Bondarenko Sisters Win Australian Tennis The Bondarenko sisters, Kateryna (left) and Alona, celebrate their win at the with the score of 6-4. Open Women’s Doubles.” Australian Open. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 9

Annual summer study tour scheduled in Ukraine by Yarema Belej Imagine brushing up on your Ukrainian along with other students from North American and international universi- ties among all the historic buildings and monuments of Lviv. This unique experience has been a reality for many students and non-students during the past eight years under the Ukrainian Language and Literature Program at the University of Alberta. “This course was indeed a trip of a lifetime,” said Sonia Korol. “This course was a great way of seeing the country of Ukraine, experiencing its history, ways of life and learn- ing the language first hand.” The official course description reads that this is an inten- sive course designed to enhance practical language skills through a direct experience of current life in Ukraine. The course employs contemporary popular culture and media, taking advantage of the urban Lviv environment to expand vocabulary and comprehension. All instruction is in Ukrainian. Dr. Alla Nedashkivska, associate professor of Slavic applied linguistics at the University of Alberta, is the main instructor of the course. As a native of Ukraine, she offers students a unique look at the historic city and the culture of Ukraine. Participants of the 2006 study tour in Ukraine: (top row, from left) Larissa Paschyn, Oriana Masiuk, Olha Larissa Paschyn commented that, “not only did I get to Stefaniv, Lindsay Borys, Sophia Stefaniv, Bohdan Horich, Prof. Alla Nedashkivska, Paul Grosko, Louis Valente, practice my Ukrainian, but I got to see sites of Lviv that Lada Tsymbala, Valia Svystovych, (bottom row) Andrew Wakefield, Anastasia Baczynskyj and Adrian Domino. foreigners would never get to see.” Furthermore, due to the fact that Dr. Nedashkivska earned her master’s and Ph.D. at Pittsburgh University, she also possesses a keen understanding of the school environ- ments here in North America and the styles and interests of its students. Thus far, there have been no issues with transferability of credits to students’ universities. Therefore students have a very unique opportunity to be immersed in both the lan- guage and culture of Ukraine while chipping away at their degree requirements in a unique and beneficial way. Several non-students have taken part in the course as a structured and established way of getting back to their ancestral roots, as well as gaining better acknowledge of their mother tongue. “The course was well-paced and the weekly field trips made me feel like I truly understand the complex history and culture of this important Ukrainian city,” said Anastasia Baczynskyj. “I suggest to anyone who has interest in Ukrainian language or culture to take the course. You won’t regret it.” With class work focusing on language and academic pursuits taking place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the remainder of the week is left open for organ- ized field trips and general immersion that all blend to cre- ate the fullest experience students could have in their ancestral land. One of these unique trips is to the historic brewery “Lvivska Pyvovarnia,” where participants get a personal tour of the inner workings of a brewery and a crash course on the history of beer. The trip is topped off with a very fes- tive beer tasting of the Ukrainian brewery’s finest products. Furthermore, experience has shown that students take trips on their own in their free time to visit other areas and destinations within Ukraine, including the Carpathian Mountains, Kyiv, Odesa and other Ukrainian cities and regions. “I participated in the Lviv course in the summer of 2005,” said Adriana Tovstiuk. “This six-week course not only allowed me to experience contemporary Ukrainian language and culture, but was also a valuable and fun expe- rience.” This Lviv-based study tour is a great opportunity for stu- dents and those beyond their college years to gain a true handle on the modern Ukrainian language, culture and envi- ronment, while gaining first-hand appreciation and knowl- edge of its history. Such experiences and opportunities sel- dom come along. This year’s course will be held on May 12-June 20; prospective participants should register ASAP as enroll- ment is limited. For the official course description visit http://www.arts.ualberta.ca/~ukraina/LvivCourse.html. To contact the instructor, Dr. Nedashkivska, e-mail [email protected]. (For a description of Dr. Nedashkivska’s qualifications please see: http://www.humanities.ualberta.ca/mlcs/staff-nedashkivs- ka.htm.)

Insure and be sure. Join the UNA! 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 No. 5 NEWS AND VIEWS: Brother, can you spare a book? by Alexander J. Motyl and 54 million in 2006. which correlate with disposable income – are highest in Note three important facts. First, all aspects of culture the Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Kyiv and Good news: Kyiv finally has two real bookstores. suffered body blows: the declines in every category were Luhansk oblasts and in the cities of Kyiv and They’re clean, well-organized and browser-friendly. And spectacular. Second, in all branches of culture, the low Sevastopol. Except for the Kyiv Oblast, the residents of both specialize in Ukrainian-language books. point was 1998-1999: that’s exactly when Ukraine’s all these regions speak mostly Russian. Significantly, the The achievement may sound trivial, especially to economy bottomed out and began to grow. Third, and retail sales of printed publications is highest in the Ukrainian Americans with a plethora of bookstores run most encouraging, all aspects of culture are showing Crimea, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Luhansk, by Barnes and Nobles, Borders and the like, but for Kyiv signs of significant life. In other words, these positive Lviv, Odessa and Kharkiv oblasts and in the city of Kyiv it’s not. Since independence in 1991, Ukraine’s once trends should continue as long as Ukraine’s economy – once again, in mostly Russian-speaking regions. flourishing book-publishing industry – like all other grows – as it is expected to do for the foreseeable future, It should be clear from these points that the best way aspects of culture – went into a tailspin, and the number in the range of 6 percent to 7 percent per year. of increasing sales of Ukrainian-language books in of bookstores servicing a population of 40-plus million Simply put, the greater and the longer the economic Ukraine is, first, to produce books that people want to fell calamitously. growth, the more disposable income Ukrainians will read and, second, to increase the disposable incomes of Until recently, visitors to Ukraine’s capital would have have, and the more likely they’ll be to “consume” cul- those regions of Ukraine that speak primarily Ukrainian had to buy books in three old Soviet-era bookstores: ture. Whether or not they decide to indulge in high cul- – its western and central oblasts. Injunctions to “buy Siayvo at 6 Vasylkivska St., Znannia at 44 Khreshchatyk, ture or mass culture is, of course, another thing altogeth- Ukrainian” are less likely to be effective than popular and Naukova Dumka at 4 Hrushevsky St. er. books and rapid economic growth. Siayvo and Naukova Dumka resemble used-book As I already noted, the good news is that Ukraine is stores, with volumes packed tightly on shelves in the for- Ukrainian book revival? likely to enjoy sustained economic growth for the fore- mer and laid out in boxes on tables in the latter. Znannia As the arrival in Kyiv of Ye and Smoloskyp suggest, seeable future. The challenge for western and central looks most like a modern bookstore, but most of its Ukraine is to parlay their nearness to the European books, as those at Siayvo, are in Russian. Naukova things also may be looking up for Ukrainian book pub- lishing. Union into comparative advantage that helps them out- Dumka’s are largely in Ukrainian, but the store special- strip eastern Ukraine economically. If rural Ireland could izes in scholarly books with a small selection of fiction. Consider the following data, all from 2005. Ukraine produced 15,720 books and brochures that year, of become a Celtic Tiger, so too can Halychyna and Volyn All three bookstores represent Kyiv’s past. – but only if they try. For a look at the present and future visitors should go which 65 percent were in Ukrainian; 61 percent of total to the Smoloskyp bookstore, at 21 Mezhyhirska St., copies were in Ukrainian as well. And although the num- Trying harder down in the Podil area, or to Ye, at 3 Lysenko St., right ber of book copies published in Ukraine is barely a third Despite pervasive laments that Ukraine is becoming a behind the Opera. of what it was in 1990, the number of books and cultural wasteland, the reality is rather more complex. Smoloskyp, established and run by the indomitable brochures has risen steadily – despite economic collapse Ukraine’s book industry will continue to revive if book human-rights activist and publisher Osyp Zinkevych, and and a drastic reduction in buying power in the 1990s – writers, book publishers and book sellers overcome their lodged within a nicely renovated building that belongs to from 5,855 in 1991 to 15,720 in 2005. To be sure, 37 respective surmountable challenges. The writers must the publishing house, is smallish, with a fine, though lim- percent of that number (15,720) appear in editions of write, increasingly if not exclusively, for their audience – ited selection. Located a few blocks from the National fewer than 500 copies, and 32 percent appear in fewer and that means producing the equivalent of cheap paper- University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy, it presumably than 5,000 copies. backs that appeal to mass audiences. hopes to cater to the student population at Ukraine’s pre- In a word, despite a plethora of extremely talented mier higher educational institution. Ukrainian American writers, poets, journalists and scholars, none of them has Language purists will howl in protest, Yuri visitors might want to conclude a walk down the produced anything resembling a bestseller or block- Andrukhovych will seclude himself in Ivano-Frankivsk Andriivskyi Uzviz past Kontraktova Square and along – but Ukrainians, real Ukrainians, will begin reading the Podil’s charmingly Bohemian streets with a visit to books in Ukrainian, even if it’s pop Ukrainian. Thank Mr. Zinkevych’s new shop. As the arrival in Kyiv of two God for the annoyingly introspective prose of Serhii But as welcome an addition as Smoloskyp is to Kyiv’s Zhadan, but what Ukraine really needs is more writers present, the prize must go to Ye, the bookstore of Kyiv’s new bookstores, Ye and like the Ukrainian Marynina, Iren Rozdobudko. And once those writers and those bestsellers exist, the future. Smoloskyp, suggests, things Opened for business in late December 2007, the spa- Andrukhovyches, Zhadans and Oksana Zabuzhkos will cious multi-room store has a terrific selection of just may be looking up for also find larger readerships. about any book published in Ukrainian in Ukraine. Run The publishers must persevere and learn to get their by the dedicated book-publishing professional, Kateryna Ukrainian book publishing. books to their audiences. Krytyka Publishers, for Mykolaivna Fedorenko, Ye has a fantastic location – it’s instance, has somehow managed to produce quality a few minutes away from any major tourist site or hotel books for 10 years – and all on a shoestring budget. in downtown Kyiv and just a few blocks from Kyiv Smoloskyp, meanwhile, has learned how to sell its National University – and, especially indicative of Ms. buster. That may be because, as many frustrated Ukrainian-language books even in Russian-speaking Fedorenko’s commitment to selling Ukrainian books, it Ukrainian writers insist, the public isn’t “educated,” or it Donetsk. Where bookstores exist, fine; where they do also has a website (www.book-ye.com) that even enables may be because, as this New Yorker suspects, Ukrainian not, the publishers must learn to hustle – to innovate and buyers to purchase books online. Ye is also planning to writers are still more concerned about writing for them- to improvise. open a network of stores throughout Ukraine – and if that selves and not for their publics. There is every reason for publishers to insist that works, a turnaround in Ukraine’s publishing industry There’s a third reason for the absence of Ukrainian Ukraine’s government protect the publishing industry, may be in the works. bestsellers – the inundation of Ukraine by Russian-lan- especially at a time of rising urban rents. After all, if guage books from Russia. Estimates of the number of France and Canada can do it, why shouldn’t Ukraine. Cultural collapse copies of such books imported into Ukraine range from But the meager support of a corrupt and incompetent state will never be substitute for, and could even become Not surprisingly, Ukraine’s cultural industry, like 25 million to 70 million, but, whatever the exact number, an obstacle to, the can-do entrepreneurship that makes Ukraine’s economy, collapsed in the aftermath of inde- any visitor to Ukraine’s cities will notice, from even the businesses thrive – and don’t forget that book publishing pendence. Soviet Ukraine had been a constituent part of quickest glance at a bookstore or book stand, that the is above all a business, and not just a cultural mission. the overall Soviet economy; once the Soviet Union fell vast majority of books offered for sale are in Russian The sellers must do what Ye and Smoloskyp have apart and central planning ceased to exist, each newly and from Russia. Unsurprisingly, about 60 percent of the done: establish modern bookstores with a solid financial independent post-Soviet state was bequeathed a truncat- books Ukrainians buy are in Russian, and 38 percent are basis. Smoloskyp rests on the entrepreneurial genius of ed, malfunctioning and dysfunctional economy that had in Ukrainian. Interestingly, some 62 percent of Mr. Zinkevych. Ye is the brainchild of SM MediaGmbH, to be transformed into something resembling a market Ukrainians buy books only in Russian and 37 percent an Austrian-Ukrainian business that also has launched system before it could be expected to work. buy books only in Ukrainian. Ukrainsky Tyzhden (Ukrainian Week), a Ukrainian-lan- As Ukraine suffered several years of severe economic As distressing as these figures may be to us, they depression in the mid-1990s, culture – cinema, theater, reflect not so much low national consciousness as eco- guage weekly news magazine edited by Yuri Zakharov museums, book publishing, etc. – also collapsed. nomic realities. After all, some 78 percent of Ukraine’s that is pitched at the growing Ukrainian middle class. Incomes declined drastically, and the vast majority of population identifies itself as Ukrainian and almost all of Both ventures are likely to survive and do well because Ukrainians had to focus on making ends meet. Culture Ukraine’s inhabitants can easily read Ukrainian. Why they’re based on smart business sense, and not on gov- became a luxury item. they choose to buy Russian-language books is, therefore, ernment handouts. The statistics bear this out. Visits to theaters dropped primarily a function of three factors other than national By the way, diaspora Ukrainians can make a big dif- from 17.6 million in 1990 to 5.6 million in 1997-1999 identity. ference in helping Ukraine’s book writers, book publish- ers and book sellers. Instead of promoting vague notions before rising a bit, to 6.2 million in 2006. Visits to con- First, Russian authors in Russia – such as the widely of democracy or civil society, you can strike a blow for certs fell from 15 million in 1990 to 3.5 million in1998 popular Aleksandra Marynina – do manage to produce Ukrainian culture by spending a hundred bucks on and then rose to 6.6 million in 2002 before falling to 4.1 bestsellers and blockbusters that appeal to mass readers. Ukrainian-language books next time you visit Kyiv – million in 2006. Visits to museums went from 31.8 mil- There’s no reason Ukrainian-language authors shouldn’t $50 in Ye and $50 in Smoloskyp. lion in 1990 to 14.8 million in1998 to 20.2 million in eventually be able to do the same – if they try. 2006. Visits to the cinema plunged from 552 million in Second, Russian books are cheaper than Ukrainian A coming boom? 1990 to a mere 5 million in 1998-1999 before creeping books, because Russian publishers cater to 150 million Let me end by hazarding a prediction: Ukrainian cul- up to 12 million in 2006. The number of copies of books Russians and many millions of Russian speakers in the ture may be on the verge of a boom. Just as post-war published was 170 million in 1990, 22 million in 1999 non-Russian states. That price differential will always Italy, France, Germany and the United Kingdom favor Russian books, but, if Ukrainians’ purchasing required some one to two decades of economic growth power improves, there is no reason that they shouldn’t before they could begin reviving the cultures devastated be willing to buy more Ukrainian books. Alexander J. Motyl is a professor at Rutgers by the Great Depression and World War II, so too University – Newark and author of two novels and sev- Third, the Ukrainians who buy most books happen to Ukraine may have needed some 15 to 20 years to escape eral academic books. His e-mail address is ajmotyl@ have higher incomes and to live in Ukraine’s Russian- andromeda.rutgers.edu. speaking eastern oblasts. Average monthly wages – (Continued on page 22) No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 11

championships in the league in 1999 Devils Alumni... under Mr. Hryhorowych and in 2007, (Continued from page 1) under the guidance of Mr. Howansky. months to plan the inaugural event, over In the pre-game rituals among the 650 Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians were hockey players, the N.Y. Kozaks sur- attracted to the rare spectacle on ice. prised the N.J. Devils by hanging a Three of the Devils Alumni who are of kabanos (a thin Ukrainian smoked Ukrainian ancestry – and were intro- sausage) on each of their lockers. Mr. duced as such – are Ken Daneyko, Bruce Howansky recalled that Mr. Skrlac was Driver and Rob Skrlac. Mr. Driver, act- very thankful and said he would be burp- ing on behalf of the NJ Devils Alumni, ing up garlic during the game. donated $4,500 to CCRDF. In another demonstration of “Kozak N.J. Devils’ commentator Chico spirit,” Mr. Hryhorowych was stitched up Resch dropped the opening puck and was by Dr. Oleh Slupchynskyj, the team’s on hand to sign autographs for fans. physician, missing only one line change During the game a silent auction was after receiving a cut during the game. held of donated sports memorabilia, After the first period, the Kozaks including an autographed hockey stick looked like they had a chance, trailing from Travis Zajac of the N.J. Devils, a just 4-2 with a goal by Jason Taylor and another goal by Mike Kuzmik, assisted pair of autographed boxing gloves from Paul Mulyk the Klitschko brothers, a pair of ice by Alex Lerchen. But by the end of the N.Y. Kozaks mascot Walter Yurcheniuk raises the Ukrainian flag during Promin skates autographed by Mr. Petrenko, and second period it was evident against vocal ensemble’s rendition of the national anthems. an autographed photo of Alexei Poni- whom the Kozaks were playing, with the karovsky of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Devils leading 8-3, with a score by Ken The Devils Alumni participate in fund- Kuzmik for the Kozaks. In the third peri- raising events on a regular basis, with od the Kozaks scored once more, but it their schedule filled by charity hockey wasn’t enough after the Devils netted games. This was the first time that a another five goals to win 13-4. Ukrainian team had faced off against for- Commenting on the Kozaks’ play, Mr. mer NHLers. Howansky said that, after a few legiti- According to Kozaks’ team captain mate goals, it was a humbling experience Mark Howansky, “It was fun playing playing against world-class sportsmen with the older guys from the original like the Devils. Mr. Howansky’s nomina- Kozaks like Taras Odulak, Andy ‘Snake’ tions for Kozaks MVP included the Sonevytsky and Severin Palydowycz, brothers Mike and Ken Kuzmik, who who played their first official Kozaks both scored goals. Mr. Howansky high- game in 1990 as a fund-raiser event for lighted the younger Mike Kuzmik, who the Ukrainian school in Montreal.” scored half of the team’s points. Mr. Howansky added, “From the orig- Among those present at the benefit inal team to the current line-up, these hockey game were Joseph N. guys came together on short notice, and DiVincenzo, Essex County executive, it was nice to have that representation and Roman Pyndus, executive secretary from all the years. It was an opportunity of the Federation of Ukrainian Sports for the new guys to meet the ‘old boys.’” Organizations of the U.S.A. (USCAK), These guys truly embodied the “Kozak and the Ukrainian representative on eth- spirit” for non-Ukrainians to mix with nic relations to the Essex County govern- Devils and Kozaks chase the puck and entertain Ukrainian hockey fans. the old boys, he said. ment. The N.Y. Kozaks Hockey Club was An informal reception was held at the founded in the 1980s by Ukrainian UACCNJ’s social club, with several American hockey players, led by Messrs. Devils making an appearance, including Odulak and Sonevytsky from the Al Loges, Sergei Starikov, Pete Ukrainian neighborhood of New York’s Lamonica, Mr. Driver, Randy Velischek, East Village. The players’ goal at that Sergei Simonov and Mr. Skrlac. Mr. time was to improve to a level at which Driver was sent home with a big bag of they could challenge Ukrainian friends varenyky from the UACCNJ, Mr. from Montreal. In 1991 the Kozaks host- Howansky recalled. ed the Montreal team in the Charity Cup The original Kozaks still compete on that benefited Plast Ukrainian Scouting the “old boys” circuit, playing regular Organization and the Ukrainian pick-up games at Bear Mountain, N.Y., American Youth Association (UAYA). organized by Mr. Palydowycz. The During their early history, the Kozaks Kozaks Old Boys team plays in over-30 played Ukrainian teams from Toronto tournaments and won titles in 2003, 2005 and Detroit. In the fall of 1995 Artie and 2007. Hryhorowych guided the team into the For more information about the N.Y. inaugural season of the Chelsea Piers Kozaks Hockey Club, readers may con- Sky Rink league, located on Manhattan’s tact Mark Howansky at markhowan- West Side. The Kozaks won the division [email protected] or 917-678-4168. The N.J. Devils on the attack and showing the N.Y. Kozaks their pro-level skills.

Ken Daneyko autographs a hockey pucks for a N.J. Devils’ fan during the meet and greet. N.J. Devils pose with the hockey fund-raiser committee members along with rep- resentatives of the Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund. For more photos, please turn to page 13. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 No. 5 No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 13 Devils Alumni face-off against Kozaks in charity hockey game

Paul Mulyk Rob Skrlac waits for the wide one-timer shot while he covers the boards.

Viktor Petrenko strikes a pose and draws applause at the end of his N.J. Devils’ Boris Mironov, with back-up from Randy Velischek, guards the puck from the N.Y. figure-skating routine. Kozaks.

Brian Mullen, Boris Mironov, Rob Skrlac and Bruce Driver stand reverently during the singing of the national anthems. Brian Mullen takes time out to autograph a helmet for a young fan.

Viktoria Petrenko finishes her routine just like her father – arms high and with N.Y. Kozaks and N.J. Devils Alumni, along with hockey fund-raising committee members, pose for a group shot after the game. a nod to the audience. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 No. 5

Yatsenyuk suggested that the Russian NEWSBRIEFS ... statement is interference in Ukraine’s CLACLASSSSIFIEDIFIEDSS (Continued from page 2) internal affairs, and said the two coun- Yatsenyuk: no NATO referendum yet tries’ relations should be “based solely on TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI, (973) 292-9800 x 3040 mutual respect and non-interference in or e-mail: [email protected] KYIV – Verkhovna Rada Chairman our sovereign rights.” Mr. Yatsenyuk, Arseniy Yatsenyuk said on January 25 President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime that “there are no grounds today to con- Minister Yulia Tymoshenko recently sent SERVICES PROFESSIONALS duct a nationwide referendum on a request to NATO Secretary-General Ukraine’s accession to NATO,” the Jaap de Hoop Scheffer for Ukraine to be Ukrayinska Pravda website reported. Mr. given a NATO Membership Action Plan FIRST QUALITY Yatsenyuk was responding to demands at the alliance summit in Bucharest in UKRAINIAN TRADITIONAL-STYLE by the opposition Party of the Regions April. (RFE/RL Newsline) LAW OFFICES OF that a referendum on Ukraine’s NATO MONUMENTS ZENON B. MASNYJ, ESQ. membership be held sooner rather than Russia wants new security system SERVING NY/NJ/CT REGION CEMETERIES later. Disagreement over the issue led the MOSCOW – Russian Foreign Party of the Region’s national deputies OBLAST In the East Village since 1983 Minister Sergei Lavrov said at his annual last week to block the rostrum of the start-of-the-year news conference on MEMORIALS Verkhovna Rada, thus preventing the January 23 that Russia and NATO need a P.O. BOX 746 Serious personal injury, real estate Parliament from working for several new approach to security that offers col- Chester, NY 10918 for personal and business use, rep- days. Mr. Yatsenyuk said that “nobody 845-469-4247 lective security “without detriment to the resentation of small and mid-size expects Ukraine to join NATO either security of others,” mid.ru and Russian BILINGUAL HOME APPOINTMENTS businesses, securities arbitration, today or tomorrow, or the day after news agencies reported. He noted that divorce, wills and probate. tomorrow,” adding that Ukraine’s possi- collective security depends on European ble membership in NATO is “a five- or countries, as well as the United States (By Appointment Only) 10-year prospect.” (RFE/RL Newsline) and Russia. Mr. Lavrov slammed NATO Baloha: referendum to take place later expansion as “a policy inherited from the 157 SECOND AVENUE Cold War” and “not seriously motivated NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003 KYIV – Presidential Secretariat Chair by security concerns.” He added that Viktor Baloha said on January 26 that a (212) 477-3002 “we hear that NATO enlargement is not referendum on Ukraine’s possible acces- directed against Russia... But [imperial sion to NATO should take place only German Chancellor Otto von] Bismarck shortly before the accession itself, said that in politics, especially in mili- RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service reported. tary affairs, you have to judge not inten- Mr. Baloha was responding to demands tions but potential. And the potential, the by the opposition Party of the Regions, military spending, is increasing.” Mr. WEST ARKA whose lawmakers blocked the rostrum of 2282 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ont., Canada M6S 1N9 Lavrov said that “future cooperation the Verkhovna Rada all last week, insist- between Russia and Ukraine depends to Fine Gifts ing on holding a referendum on whether a large extent on how [Ukraine’s move- Authentic Ukrainian Handicrafts Ukraine should seek a NATO ment toward NATO membership] devel- Art, Books, CDs, Ceramics Andrew R. CHORNY Membership Action Plan. Also on ops.” He said, “we have our understand- Embroidered Goods and Supplies Manager January 26, President Viktor Yushchenko able, legitimate, explicit and transparent Gold Jewelery, Icons, Magazines called on the Party of the Regions to be interests in the post-Soviet region, but Newspapers, Pysankas and Supplies more consistent as regards cooperation All Services to Ukraine, Mail-orders we intend to realize these interests Website Design & between Ukraine and NATO. He said that through cooperation based on mutual Tel.: (416) 762-8751 Fax: (416) 767-6839 Development Ukraine’s policy on NATO membership respect and mutual benefit.” He argued e-mail: [email protected] www.westarka.com is based on the law on the fundamentals that “many people assume that Russia Tel: (202) 657-7105 of national security, and that in 2003 the has such a firm position on Kosovo and Email: [email protected] Party of the Regions was among those MERCHANDISE warns that [its declaration of independ- Portfolio: Artdriver.com who adopted the law. (RFE/RL ence] will set a precedent just because it Newsline) [secretly wants this] to happen in order to begin recognizing” other regions BILINGUAL UKRAINIAN-ENGLISH NJ LICENSE S1003562 Prosecutor opens case against Lutsenko declaring independence near Russia. LYDIA (“LESIA”) ZBOROWSKI GOLUB, PH.D CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST KYIV – The Kyiv prosecutor’s office However, he said, “the Russian leader- CLINICAL, ADOLESCENTS, ADULTS, FAMILIES, has opened a criminal case against ship has never said that after Kosovo we TREATMENT OF ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, BEHAVIORALAND INTERPERSONAL PROBLEMS Internal Affairs Minister Yurii Lutsenko, will immediately recognize Abkhazia 51 UPPER MONTCLAIR PLAZA, SUITE 29 RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service reported on UPPER MONTCLAIR, NJ 07043 and South Ossetia.” He said that Russia 973-655-9472 January 25. The prosecutor charges Mr. did not interfere in the recent Georgian Lutsenko with “infliction of slight presidential vote, “unlike others.” OPPORTUNITIES injuries.” Last week at a meeting of the Minister Lavrov also noted that Russia National Security and Defense Council, supports the strengthening of the Mr. Lutsenko scuffled with Kyiv Mayor European Union, especially through its HELP WANTED Leonid Chernovetskyi and said he gave new Treaty of Lisbon, but he objected to NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR him “a slap” for slandering him. The what he called the manipulation of the Party of the Regions announced on European Union’s solidarity by individ- Ukrainian-American credit union has an immediate January 25 that it will create a special ual countries against Russia. In this opening. Responsibilities include: parliamentary commission to investigate respect, he singled out Britain in the - Installation and maintenance of LAN/WAN network the incident between Messrs. Lutsenko hardware and software; ongoing dispute over the right of the and Chernovetskyi, and has demanded British Council to operate in Russia, - Responsible for the daily performance and availabili- the minister’s dismissal. However, Prime along with unnamed “neophytes” in the ty of the organization’s network; Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has bloc. (RFE/RL Newsline) - Coordinates development, implementation and main- described Mr. Lutsenko as “an excellent tenance of the organization’s web environment. internal affairs minister,” adding that she Rice: talk of new Cold War is ‘nonsense’ Monitors web traffic, maintains web server and all wants Mr. Lutsenko to be given the pos- DAVOS, Switzerland – U.S. Secretary related equipment; sibility “to work calmly.” (RFE/RL of State Condoleezza Rice said at the Newsline) - Responds to end-user support calls for trouble-shoot- annual World Economic Forum in Ukrainian Book Store ing, problem solving, and training; NATO bid broadens ‘stability zone’ Davos, Switzerland, on January 23 that Largest selection of Ukrainian books, dance - Performs daily, weekly and monthly system backup, unspecified talk of a new Cold War supplies, Easter egg supplies, music, icons, upgrades, and processing functions. KYIV – The Ukrainian Foreign between Moscow and Washington is greeting cards, giftwear and much more. Affairs Ministry said in a January 23 Position based in New York City. Travel to branch “hyperbolic nonsense,” news agencies 10215-97st locations required. Bachelor’s degree in Computer statement that Ukraine considers its pos- reported. She noted that “there have Edmonton, AB T5J 2N9 Science or related degree from four-year college or sible accession to NATO to be “broaden- been disappointments” in bilateral rela- university with three to five years related experience ing the zone of stability and security in Toll free: 1-866-422-4255 and/or training required. CCNA and MCSA certifica- tions, and called on Russia to work www.ukrainianbookstore.com tions are desirable. Fluency in English is required. Europe to the south and to the east,” toward a “transparent and open global Fluency in Ukrainian is desirable. Ukrainian media reported. The ministry energy economy.” Dr. Rice argued that also stressed that Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic HOUSING We offer a competitive compensation and benefits “Russia’s greatness will ultimately be package. If you qualify please send a resume (no aspirations should not be regarded as an secured best through greater political phone calls, please) with salary requirements to: exclusive alternative to the further devel- freedom for its people – and through the opment of its relations with Russia. The establishment of strong institutions that Self Reliance (NY) Federal Credit Union Russian Foreign Ministry recently stated Attention: Human Resources check the power of the state, rather than LvivRentals.com 108 Second Avenue that Russia will be forced to review its serve the interests of a few.” She also New York, NY 10003 relations with Ukraine and take “ade- met with Ukrainian President Viktor quate steps” if Ukraine joins NATO. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/D/V Verkhovna Rada Chairman Arseniy (Continued on page 15) No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 15 NEWSBRIEFS ... Ukraine presents... (Continued from page 14) (Continued from page 1) Yushchenko in Davos on January 23. United States. Washington’s responsibili- After the meeting, State Department ty is to guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty spokesman Sean Mc-Cormack said that and independence, said Dr. Rice. Secretary Rice “reiterated the U.S. view President Yushchenko and Secretary that NATO should leave the door open Rice reaffirmed the need for regular to those European, democratic states communication between their two coun- [that] meet membership requirements.” tries over the course of 2008. As a result, In Brussels on January 23, a NATO president Yushchenko re-confirmed his spokesman said that the alliance has invitation to President George W. Bush invited President Vladimir Putin to and expressed hope the U.S. leader attend the April NATO summit in would visit Ukraine in the spring of Bucharest, according to the Associated 2008. Were he to accept, it would be Press. The news agency noted that Mr. President Bush’s first visit to Ukraine. Putin last met with NATO leaders out- During the course of his stay in side Rome in 2001. In Moscow on Davos, Switzerland, president January 23, Dmitry Rogozin, the new Yushchenko also met with David Russian ambassador to NATO, said that Cameron, leader of the Conservative “the prospect of holding such a meeting party of Great Britain. The two leaders depends largely on the [state] of our discussed Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic inte- relations on key issues,” Interfax report- gration plans. Mr. Yushchenko expressed ed. (RFE/RL Newsline) hope that his country could count on Britain’s support as Ukraine initiates PM seeks to renegotiate gas transit fees negotiations regarding a free-trade zone KYIV – Ukrainian Prime Minister with the European Union. As an active participant, as well as an Mykhailo Markiv/UNIAN Yulia Tymoshenko said on January 23 President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine and U.S. Secretary of State that Ukraine and Russia should hold observer, at the World Economic Forum, President Yushchenko ensured the world Condoleezza Rice exchange greetings following their discussions at the World talks on the level of transit fees for the Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 23. shipment of Russian natural gas to community that Ukraine is a reliable and Europe via Ukraine, the UNIAN news responsible partner in the energy sector. tation to all interested parties to become 2012 European Football Championships, service reported. Ms. Tymoshenko said As a participant in one of the sessions on potential partners in building Ukraine. citing this massive project as a huge busi- that Russia has increased the price for world energy, Mr. Yushchenko declared Encouraging the world community to ness incentive for investors. The presi- natural gas delivered to Ukraine three- that Ukraine is well aware of its respon- fold since the start of 2006, while the sibility as a guarantor of energy safety in accept Ukraine as a serious world part- dent also noted Ukraine’s aggressive pri- shipment fee has remained unchanged. Europe and strives to maintain its hard- ner, Mr. Yushchenko assured his fellow vatization plans, encouraging worldwide The prime minister also said she has earned status as a stable and reliable participants that Ukraine has a lot to offer interest in Ukraine as a global economic ordered experts to examine fuel transit transit-energy provider. to its assertive world colleagues. partner. pricing schemes in other countries. Mr. Yushchenko added that the mod- “Ukraine did not show up in Davos The World Economic Forum was President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine ernization and further development of empty-handed,” said the president. He established in 1971 and boasts over 1,000 recently urged caution in international Ukraine’s gas transport network is a sys- underscored that today Ukraine is taking participants every year. Close to 30 heads energy policy, claiming that renegotiat- tematic and strategic policy of his coun- an active economic role on the world of state and government, as well as over ing transit fees with Russia might result try’s energy sector. stage. As an example Mr. Yushchenko 100 ministers took part in this year’s in increased prices for Ukrainian gas The topic of energy safety and securi- cited the ongoing preparations for the meeting in Davos. consumers. Ukraine currently pays ty was also one of the points President $179.50 per 1,000 cubic meters of Yushchenko discussed with Azerbaijani Russian gas, while Russia pays Ukraine President Ilham Aliev. The two leaders $1.7 for the transit of 1,000 cubic meters exchanged ideas on the possibility of of gas per 100 kilometers. (RFE/RL cooperating on the revitalization of the Newsline) Odesa-Brody-Plotsk-Gdansk pipeline project. They also shared views on the “Orange” threat to Russia subsides potential of creating a joint transit-ener- gy sphere that could include, in addition MOSCOW – The Russian presidential to Ukraine and Azerbaijan, Georgia, administration plans to scale back dra- Poland, Lithuania, as well as Estonia, matically the scope of the pro-Kremlin Latvia, Turkey, Slovakia, Bulgaria and youth group Nashi, reported Romania. The various suggestions Kommersant daily on January 29. The offered by the two leaders were viewed new leader of the organization, Nikita as a precursor to the upcoming Energy Borovikov, announced at a meeting of Forum scheduled for May of this year in Nashi regional-branch leaders recently Kyiv. that only five of the organization’s 50 In addition, President Yushchenko met local chapters will be maintained. “There with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, is no longer a threat of an ‘Orange Nigerian President Umaru Musa Revolution,’ ” Mr. Borovikov said. “So Yar’Adua and Malaysian Prime Minister we can concentrate on other things. But Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to discuss we will not disappear. We have simply bilateral commerce and trade coopera- outgrown our childish short pants.” tion. Political observer Stanislav Belkovsky In a separate meeting, Mr. told Kommersant that the reason for Yushchenko took advantage of the scaling back Nashi lies in President opportunity to talk to European Bank for Vladimir Putin’s dissatisfaction with the Reconstruction and Development group’s scandalous publicity in the West. President Jean Lemierre and NYSE (RFE/RL Newsline) Euronext Inc. CEO Duncan Niederauer. Ukraine, Europe cooperate in space During their meeting, Ukraine’s presi- dent expressed the hope that this year KYIV – The Ukrainian government Ukraine might for the first time be able has clinched a deal with the European to float 10 of the country’s companies on Space Agency on peaceful cooperation in the New York State Exchange. the space sector, it was reported on On January 24 well-known Ukrainian January 28. The agreement was reached oligarch and philanthropist Victor within the framework of a visit by a Pinchuk organized a roundtable discus- Ukrainian delegation, headed by the sion on philanthropic and charity-related director general of the National Space projects in Ukraine. In addition, in what Agency of Ukraine, Yurii Alekseev, to has already become a tradition at the Paris to meet with a delegation of the World Economic Forum, Mr. Pinchuk European Space Agency. The agreement hosted the fourth annual “Ukrainian will lead to long-term cooperation and Lunch” conference on the topic of partnership between the National Space “Ukraine: What next”? Agency of Ukraine and the European In summarizing his participation at Space Agency in order to launch joint this year’s forum during his final press projects and initiatives of a mutual inter- conference before departing for Kyiv, est for both parties. (Ukrinform) President Yushchenko extended an invi- 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 No. 5 Rudnytsky performs as “cultural ambassador” for U.S. Embassies YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Concert classes organized by the U.S. Embassies pianist Roman Rudnytsky, as part of his in Belgium and Slovenia (late March and performing activities around the world, early April), the Republic of Mali in West acts in the role of a “cultural ambassa- Africa (May), Libya (early July, includ- dor” by playing recitals and conducting ing performing there on the July 4), and master classes organized by U.S. Venezuela (next October, where he will Embassies in different countries. perform as soloist with the orchestras of He has been doing this for 24 years – Maracaibo, Merida and Valencia). A cou- since his first such trip to Guatemala in ple of others are pending at this point. 1984 – and to date has performed this In 2007 his Embassy engagements way in over 30 countries, in some cases, took place in February and March in repeatedly. Tunisia, Libya and Azerbaijan and, in These performances are part of the 2006, in Jordan and Lithuania. In 2004 public diplomacy activities that the these were in Peru, Nicaragua, Barbados Embassies conduct around the world. In (he was also sent from here to play a the years until 1999, these activities were recital in Dominica), Jamaica and under the jurisdiction of the United Macedonia. States Information Service (USIS) and, Among his other recent performances, in those years, Mr. Rudnytsky was in that in mid-December 2007, Mr. Rudnytsky agency’s “Arts America” program. traveled to Ukraine, where he performed His next such engagement will be the Chopin Concerto No. 2 in F minor, February 10-15, when he will be in Op. 21 with the orchestra of the city of Algeria to play recitals in the cities of Donetsk. This was his second appearance Algiers and Constantine and conduct as soloist with this orchestra. three master classes for local piano stu- Mr. Rudnytsky is a member of the dents and teachers. music faculty of the Dana School of For the remainder of 2008, Mr. Music of Youngstown State University in Rudnytsky will have concerts and master Youngstown, Ohio. Roman Rudnytsky at a concert venue in New Zealand.

Dnipro and Kalyna dancers are audience favorites in Wisconsin by Raissa Markiw Horstmeier itage to the adopted children and their dren ranging in age from 4 to 14. The pose of this event is to bring together the parents. adult group, Dnipro, has performed in cultures of many ethnic groups. Among MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Ukrainian The Dnipro and Kalyna dancers are Japan in 1993, Disney World’s EPCOT in the features are an international bazaar, dance ensembles Dnipro and Kalyna daz- under the instruction of Peter Jenkins, 1995 and in Ukraine in 1996. Dnipro’s interactive exhibits, an international zled crowds at a performance on January who is assisted by Amy Galaszewski dance repertoire showcases the kitchen and dance halls. The 13 for the Wisconsin state chapter of Muhall, Russ Bachmaga, Lauren Kohal Bukovyna, Hutsul, Poltava and International Holiday Folk Fair is pro- Families of Russian and Ukrainian and Luke Albricht. The dance groups Zakarpattia regions of Ukraine. duced by the International Institute of Adoptees, or FRUA. have been entertaining Milwaukee since Every November, both groups are an Wisconsin, a non-profit social service FRUA is a national organization that 1964. audience favorite at the Milwaukee organization dedicated to racial, cultural introduces Ukrainian and Russian her- The Kalyna group comprises 20 chil- International Holiday Folk Fair. The pur- and ethnic understanding.

The Dnipro Dance Ensemble of Milwaukee. The young members of the Kalyna Dance Ensemble of Milwaukee. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 17 MUSIC REVIEW: Zuks release “Canadian Music for Two Pianos” by Roman Sawycky in Ukraine’s ancient spiritual heritage. Born in 1922 in Kyiv, Mr. Fiala has emerged as a A CD of modern Canadian music for two pianos has principal Canadian composer. His Ukrainian roots were just been issued by the New Recordings Society in that strengthened early on by his prominent teachers in the country (Societe Nouvelle D’Enregistrement – SNE- Ukrainian capital, although Fiala went for further study 602-CD). The piano duo of Luba and Ireneus Zuk, long- and refinement in such centers as Berlin and Brussels. established both in Canada and beyond its borders, Entering Canada in 1949 as a mature composer, he turned to contemporary composers for an enlightening became a very versatile musician with double allegiance cross-section of modern music in that country in their to both the tonal system and serialism. In time Mr. Fiala new release titled “Canadian Music for Two Pianos.” was honored with numerous awards and distinctions – To be sure, there have been other piano duo teams in among them the prestigious Taras Shevchenko Medal North America, some promising, albeit short-lived due bestowed by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. to the demands of this performing style. The obvious Of his “Second Sonata,” the composer writes simply: difficulty of sustaining a high level of performance for a “It is for performers enjoying what they are doing and piano duo lies in remaining in practice, especially when hoping to infect with their enthusiasm every real music the partners reside some distance from each other. lover... This is exactly why the sonata closes on a happy Born in western Ukraine, brother and sister Luba and note reminiscent of ragtime music... the composer Ireneus Zuk are graduates of McGill University and the wouldn’t mind at all if his ‘Second Sonata’ became Conservatoire de Musique du Quebec in Montreal. Both known as ‘The Ragtime Sonata.’ ” also studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, and Born in England, Clifford Crawley is represented by at the University of Alberta Banff School of Fine Arts. the mysteriously elusive “Three Shades of Black.” The Besides teaching at McGill and Queens universities, composer explains: “The resulting three movements respectively, both perform widely in Europe and North evoke, in turn, the insecurity one feels when surrounded America, as well as on the CBC Radio network. musical Canada). Mr. Keane comments: “In the Fantasy by the dark, the eerie calm of darkness and, finally, the The program of the Zuks’ new recording opens with for Two Pianos I have sought to create the illusion that toccata-like excitement with glimpses of light shining as Clermont Pépin’s “Ronde Villageoise,” the percussively both the simple Ukrainian tune and the pianos them- from the end of a tunnel.” precise drive of which maintains the insistent pulse in a selves undergo the gentle but somewhat magical trans- The keyboard technique of the Zuk duo is extraodinar- rhythmically unified entity throughout the piece. formations that befit a fantasy.” ily clean; as befits a team of much musical experience, Spicy and sultry folk rhythms of Brazil are in the The CD also fittingly includes works by two the performances are both convincing and definitive. forefront of Roger Matton’s “Danse Brésilienne,” Ukrainian Canadians, namely Gary Kulesha’s It must be noted that the liner notes on the performers reflecting the composer’s lifelong attraction to such “Mythologies” and George Fiala’s “Second Sonata,” and their program were prepared with experience as music idioms. Elements of jazz and dissonance likewise both dating from the 1980s. well as expedience; they are presented both in English enter rather naturally into Matton’s musical language of Mr. Kulesha’s creative output is considerable; he is and French. this temperamental dance. widely performed also in Europe, is the recipient of This recording was produced with assistance from the The “Fantasy for Two Pianos” by the American-born prestigious awards and in 1986 was named Canadian Fund for the Support of Artistic Production, Queen’s David Keane was commissioned by Luba and Ireneus composer of the year. “Mythologies” – likewise com- University, Kingston, and was recorded at Pollack Hall, Zuk for a premiere performance in 1982. (It should be missioned by the Zuks, was written in celebration of the McGill University, Montreal. The Zuk duo has noted that over the years the Zuk duo has commissioned Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine and the score expressed its gratitude to Dean John Grew and the a number of new works to benefit not only the immedi- quotes from Ukrainian liturgical music steeped in histo- Faculty of Music at McGill University for the use of this ate composers but also their listeners and, unltimately, ry. Mr. Kulesha probes and seeks the mystical elements facility. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 No. 5 No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 19

Ukrainian pro hockey update by Ihor Stelmach FLASHBACK: Leschyshyn carries Stanley Cup for Colorado Retired Ukrainian defenseman Curtis finding the back of the net was 4:31 of proud Leschyshyn, had finally finished hockey and soccer in the area, and the Leschyshyn was reminiscing about a din- the third overtime period. The Colorado skating circles and circles with the Leschyshyns consider themselves deep- ner he had with longtime buddy and ex- Avalanche became the first-ever Denver- Stanley Cup, posed for pictures, stood for rooted Coloradoans. teammate Joe Sakic on the night of June based professional franchise to win a interviews, celebrated and showered, it Following the 2004-2005 lockout year 9, 1996. Sakic had been drafted by the championship at 1:05 a.m. EDT. was past 2 a.m. Eastern time. At this time Leschyshyn excitedly re-signed with the Quebec Nordiques in 1987, one year “I can remember having a perfect they departed to catch their charter at Avalanche, eager to conclude his playing prior to the Nords’ selecting Leschyshyn. sightline from the bench, right behind Miami International Airport. Upon touch- career in the very arena of his greatest The pair kind of grew up and rose Uwe,” said Leschyshyn, a defenseman ing down at the Denver airport, some 25 achievement. Unfortunately, due to some through the NHL ranks together. who played 16 NHL seasons. “It was a miles away from downtown, it was 8 physical ailments, he was forced to Finally, after making the big move straight line to the net, and I could see a.m. The Colorado travelling party was announce his retirement prior to the with the organization from Quebec to the the puck go in. I had a perfect view of it, astonished to be greeted by several thou- 2005-2006 season. He accepted the new relocated Colorado home in 1995, and that goal will be one I’ll remember sand of their most loyal fans. Only two team’s offer to join its broadcast team. Leschyshyn and Sakic could see the forever.” days later the people of Denver put on a This season he’s assumed full-time duty proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Panthers netminder Vanbiesbrouck gala celebration in honor of their new- as the analyst on the radio side, working Yup, one more victory would bring the would not be nearly so fortunate. He’ll found status as residents of a city of with play-by-play man Norm Jones. Stanley Cup to Denver in the club’s inau- probably never be able to forget the champions. The team’s parade route was “The Avalanche have been great help- gural season there, probably the fran- Krupp goal for another reason, the bad crowded from one end to the other, wind- ing me find something in the game. It’s chise’s last opportunity to survive in the kind. Since Sakic moved to the front of ing through downtown and ending at been a wonderful way to stay in the NHL. the net after winning the draw back to the City Hall. Leschyshyn rode on the back game. Hockey is still part of me,” That’s right, the Avalanche was ahead point, in essence creating a screen in of a fire truck, overwhelmed by the pub- Leschyshyn noted. of the Florida Panthers, 3-0, in their best- front of the goalie, Vanbiesbrouck never lic turnout. Being retired from pro hockey doesn’t of-seven Stanley Cup final series. Sakic got much of a look at the Krupp slapper. “That was probably the most unbeliev- mean Leschyshyn has given up on chal- was exuding loads of confidence about Leschyshyn and his exhausted teammates able feeling of all,” he said of the lenges. The man also happens to be an the chances of a 4-0 sweep. Leschyshyn were skating on air after the goal gave turnout. “You win and you celebrate, and avid cyclist who has a daily training regi- and Sakic had enjoyed countless dinners Colorado a 1-0 win and a 4-0 series then you have a number of parties. But men of some 40 to 50 miles per day. This together throughout the course of their sweep. until we actually saw the number of peo- past year his regimen was significantly lengthy careers. Heck, as NHL rookies “After I saw it go in, I remember get- ple that came out for the parade, we modified due to some special training for back in the late ’80s, they even shared ting on the ice as quickly as I could to get would have never believed it. They say it a triathlon he’s entering next summer in living quarters with the same billet fami- in the middle of a mad celebration with was in excess of 400,000 people. We the western Canadian province of ly in Quebec City. But there was some- sticks flying all over,” Leschyshyn said. made a turn down the street and all of a Saskatchewan, where the Leschyshyns thing very different about this particular “It was the most unbelievable feeling sudden you could just see everyone lin- own a summer home. dinner, on June 9, 1996. Something very I’ve ever had, that’s for sure.” ing the streets. It was an unbelievable The cycling thing got serious when his special. Uh, that unbelievable feeling would event.” wife surprised him with a trip to the Tour This is how Doug Ward of NHL.com soon be eclipsed. When the Stanley Cup first came back de France in honor of his 1,000th NHL reported on that evening and subsequent The Stanley Cup finalists met at center from the engraver, Leschyshyn and his game. In the summer of 2005 developments. ice to share in hockey’s ceremonial post- teammates took the time to double-check Leschyshyn made the trip to France with Sakic looked at his long-time team- series handshakes once some semblance that all of the active players had been former Ottawa teammate Radek Bonk. mate across the dinner table and made of order was reinstated. NHL included and that all of their names were He was fascinated by the love the French him a promise. “When I get that cup Commissioner Gary Bettman presented spelled correctly. Indeed, Leschyshyn’s have for the sport of cycling. tomorrow night,” Sakic told Leschyshyn, the Stanley Cup to Colorado captain name made the Cup and was spelled cor- “If you are an avid cyclist or just “you’ll be the first one I give it to.” Sakic as Leschyshyn stood and watched. rectly. Winger Adam Deadmarsh, howev- someone who loves sports,” he said, “it’s Now over a decade since that very Leschyshyn didn’t watch for long. er, was on the Cup as Adam something to see. The passion that they special dinner, those inspirational words “Sure enough,” Leschyshyn says, “the “Deadmarch.” Oops! have for cycling is amazing, and I had a of an unhesitating teammate (and team first person Joe passed it to was me. You Just like other events in of a profes- new appreciation for the sport after I saw captain) remain one of Leschyshyn’s can’t actually believe that you’re holding sional athlete’s life, the afterglow of the the way people embraced it. You had the most vivid memories of an unbelievable it. It’s the most shiny thing you’ve seen Stanley Cup triumph is temporary. For youth of the country, as well as people playoff run capped off with the game in your life. Even though it has some Leschyshyn, the effect was evanescent. who were 60-70 years old riding their he’ll never forget. weight behind it, it’s weightless when In November of the same year he went bikes up Alpe Duez, which is a killer One night later, at the Miami Arena, you’ve just won it. It’s indescribable.” from Stanley Cup champion to a climb. It was a great experience.” Florida goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck The last word would also be appropri- Washington Capital for two whole It was very similar perhaps to the and his Panthers mates did their very best ate to describe some of the goals scored games, to a Hartford Whaler. Yikes! Talk Avalanche’s noteworthy ascent some 10 to put Sakic’s planned itinerary on ice in Miami during the final round of the about change – or shock. years earlier, back when Leschyshyn and along with any cup-winning champagne. playoffs. In the 1995-1996 regular sea- “Winning the Cup was the highest mates introduced championship hockey After three regulation periods of play in son, the Panthers’ Scott Mellanby had point of my career,” Leschyshyn said. to the Rocky Mountain region. “As play- Game 4 of the Stanley cup finals, killed a rat in the Florida locker room “Then I went to the lowest point, which ers, you always believe you have a Vanbiesbrouck was white-washing the with his hockey stick. After the bizarre was being traded.” chance to win a Stanley Cup when you Avs. Unfortunately for him, a fellow by incident got some media play, South By 1996, Curtis and Laura start the season,” Leschyshyn said. “Still, the name of Patrick Roy was returning Florida hockey fans acknowledged Leschyshyn had grown to love Colorado. I don’t think anyone believed it would the favor at the opposite end of the ice. Mellanby’s deed by throwing plastic rats Being avid lovers of outdoor activities, end as it ended. Once we got in the play- Future Hall of Famer Roy was more than onto the ice whenever a Panthers goal the couple bought a home in the area and offs, you could feel it starting to build. equal to the task at hand, shutting out the was scored at home. never left. The Denver area remained We started to gain momentum as we Panthers in this 0-0 stalemate. “You didn’t want to get hit,” their home even when Curtis was relocat- went along. We really became true “When you’ve got probably the great- Leschyshyn said of the hard plastic ed to Carolina, Minnesota and Ottawa. believers.” est goaltender to play the game on your rodents. “I remember getting hit from Today, their children are active in youth side,” Leschyshyn said in his conversa- behind; coming down from the top of the tion with NHL.com, “it makes things rafters, those things hurt. It was quite a easier, that’s for sure. I also think that sight to see the entire ice littered with series is when everybody really started to those little black plastic rats immediately take notice of Joe Sakic, and really began after they scored a goal.” WWantant toto seesee to understand how good he is. He was Dismayed by their triple overtime loss just outstanding that entire series.” and finals sweep, some frustrated Florida your name in print? Forty additional minutes of play came fans let loose with some plastic rats dur- your name in print? and went in Game 4 – that’s two full ing the Avs’ victory celebration. extra overtime periods. Monday night Leschyshyn managed to collect one for Then why not become a correspondent of rolled over into Tuesday morning. himself as a souvenir, which he still has Sakic’s transformation into a household to this day as part of his personal Stanley The Ukrainian Weekly in your community? name continued as Colorado and Florida Cup memorabilia collection, next to his battled in yet a third overtime session. replica cup and championship ring. It is What would become the game-winning ironic to note how the outcome of the We welcome submissions from all our Ukrainian communi- play began by Sakic winning a face-off. finals and the passage of time have con- ties, no matter where they are located. Let the rest of us know Sakic’s win of the draw culminated with tributed to making those rats into a pleas- the puck ending up on the stick of ant remembrance for the Avs and one of what you’re up to in your corner of the Ukrainian diaspora! Colorado defenseman Uwe Krupp. anguish for the Panthers. Krupp settled the disc before letting fly a Back to the on-ice celebration. When Any questions? Call The Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext. 3049. slap shot. The official time of the puck the Avalanche, including the beyond- 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 No. 5 USA/USA Program organizes holiday get-together for students from Ukraine by Danusia Lukiw any help in this ambition from the Ukrainian community.” NEW YORK – Over the traditional According to its website, the American turkey and mashed potatoes, USA/USA Program’s mission is to help many interesting conversations were float- talented young Ukrainians receive world- ing around the table when young aspiring class education and use it for the better- politicians, scientists and mathematicians ment of Ukraine. Launched in the first from Ukraine gathered for a Thanksgiving year of Ukraine’s independence, the pro- feast at St. Volodymyr Ukrainian gram finds and selects gifted high school Orthodox Cathedral in New York City. students from Ukraine and enables them On November 23, 2007, the to get a first-class education abroad. USA/USA Program, a non-profit organi- zation affiliated with the Coordinating To date, 42 students have earned full Committee to Aid Ukraine, organized its four-year financial aid packages at lead- annual Thanksgiving dinner for its talent- ing Western universities as a direct result ed Ukrainian students currently enrolled of this program, while countless others in U.S. schools. Also attending were have earned additional grants. Students Andriy Nikitov, counselor at Ukraine’s have taken advantage of a broad range of Permanent Mission to the United Nations academic opportunities, internships and and his wife. programs of study around the world. Some of the USA/USA students, alumni and friends of the organization: (top row, The students who came to the dinner This gifted talent pool is developing a from left) Ivan Kozyriev, Michele Hu, Dr. Bohdan Oryshkevich, Iryna Shakhmantsir, this year hail from all over Ukraine. All broad range of professional and academic Oleg Kozachenko, (middle row) Olga Davydenko, Yevheniya Krutko, (bottom row) are full financial aid scholars at colleges skills, the USA/USA Program notes, Tamara Halkina, Anastasiya Solovaniuk, Artem Bochevarov, Yuri Omelchenko, or preparatory schools in the United from international banking to political Yuliya Sychikova and Alina Volobuyeva. States. science and molecular biology. “The program has a proven track USA/USA students and alumni have and universities worldwide that offer full the organization does not require its stu- record of connecting students to educa- excelled academically and are taking on financial assistance to foreign students,” dents to return home after graduation, it tional institutions,” said Yevhenia responsible positions in Ukraine, Europe Ms. Krutko noted. strongly believes that its alumni will Krutko, a 2001 alumna and executive and North America. While the USA/USA Program selects work for the benefit of their home coun- director of the USA/USA Program. This year, the eight students who were students for its seminars, it does not try no matter where they are located. “However, it has enormous potential for admitted to U.S. schools on full scholar- decide who ultimately wins funding to the “The USA/USA Program believes that expansion because Ukrainian students ships attended the University of educational institutions that offer scholar- gathering Ukrainian students for a simple are significantly underrepresented at Pennsylvania, Yale, Sewanee, Franklin ships. The program’s own demanding Thanksgiving meal could potentially lead American universities.” and Marshall, Washington and Lee, and application requirements, objective test- to greater things,” Ms. Krutko said. “One “For example,” Mr. Krutko continued, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; ing, followed by comprehensive assis- never knows if one of these young ones “Bulgaria, with a population one-sixth one student attended a college preparato- tance in the college application process, will be tomorrow’s [pioneering scientist the size of Ukraine, sends four to six ry school. extensive mentoring and leadership Yurii] Kondratiuk or [literary genius times as many students to Harvard and “The program’s initial focus has been development greatly enhance the compet- Ivan] Kotliarevsky. The program aspires Columbia. The USA/USA Program finding talented high-school students in itiveness of the students in winning schol- to keep this talented group closely knit aspires to increase the number of Ukraine and coaching them in the appli- arships available to international students. and interested in the future of Ukraine.” Ukrainian students who come to study at cation process to those independent “Besides teaching Ukrainian students The Thanksgiving event was possible the American universities, and welcomes English-language high schools, colleges how to win scholarships in the West, the because of generous support from the USA/USA Program also networks its Self Reliance (New York) Federal Credit alumni and facilitates alumni’s contacts Union, Veselka Restaurant, East Village Equity Research Analyst, Global Emerging Markets with Ukrainian government, institutions Meat Market and St. Mark’s Market. and businesses,” Ms. Krutko said. “The “The students were very thankful to One of America’s oldest investment managemtn firms located in Boston is look- organization aspires for Ukraine to capi- see the East Village community and some ing to hire an Equity Research Analyst for their Emerging Markets Portfolio. talize on the world-class skills of these of the Ukrainian organizations of New young professionals.” York City being so willing to help,” Ms. The Analyst will work closely with the team leader on the team’s global portfo- Ms. Krutko pointed out that, while Krutko commented. lios and provide research coverage for stocks in Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Analyst may also be involved in client marketing and new product develop- ment. This position will report to the Emerging Market Team Leader and the Director of International Equities. The qualified candidate will possess the following characteristics: • Minimum 3-5 years experience in the investment business (investment management, investment banking or private equity) with specific experience in global emerging markets • Demonstrated interest/passion for EMEA markets • Intensive financial analysis skills • Strong academic credentials, with an MBA/CFA preferred Please e-mail resume to [email protected] or fax 646-557-3099.

Tamara Halkina and Iryna Shakhmantsir bond over canapés.

MAY WE HELP YOU? To reach The Ukrainian Weekly call (973) 292-9800, and dial the appropriate extension (as listed below).

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NOTESNOTES ONON PEOPLEPEOPLE

Judge designated Named Pulaski Parade’s grand marshal to N.Y. Supreme Court SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Judge Michael L. Hanuszczak has been designated to preside as an acting New York State Supreme Court justice in the 5th Judicial District. Judge Hanuszczak has served as an Onondaga County Family Court Judge since 2001. He commented that, “Being able to help families resolve their disputes peacefully and in the best interests of the children is very gratifying personally and professional- ly.” Justice Hanuszczak received his bache- Judge Michael L. Hanuszczak lor’s degree from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School and graduated from the Review. University of Buffalo Law School in 1984. Originally from Buffalo, Justice He began his legal career in private practice Hanuszczak is a member of Branch 127 of and then went on to pursue a career in pub- the Ukrainian National Association and still lic service. has family in the area, including his brother He has held elective office as an Bohdan. Onondaga County legislator and subse- He and his wife Mona reside in Syracuse quently was appointed to positions with and are the parents of four children. They New York State as an assistant attorney are parishioners of St. John the Baptist NEW YORK – Clifton (N.J.) City Councilman Peter Eagler (center), who is of general-in-charge and as special counsel. Ukrainian Catholic Church and the family Polish and Ukrainian ancestry, was “sashed” on January 17 as grand marshal of During his tenure on the bench, a num- is active in the local community. Their the 71st annual Pulaski Day Parade that will take place on October 5 in New York ber of Justice Hanuszczak’s decisions and youngest two children, twins Bridget and City. Seen with him at the Polish Consulate in New York are: (from left) his mother, articles have been featured or appeared in a Laura, are members of the Ukrainian Olga Eagler; his sister, Virginia; Camilla Huk of the New Jersey Governor’s Ethnic variety of legal publications such as the American Youth Association and the Odesa Advisory Council and the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigrant New York Law Journal, Rochester Daily Dance Ensemble, and they attend summer Policy; and Dottie Sawchouk of the Pulaski Association. Mr. Eagler, whose mater- Record and the Syracuse University Law dance camp at Soyuzivka. nal grandfather was Ukrainian, is a former member of the Ukrainian Festival Committee of New Jersey, a former Passaic County freeholder, as well as a for- mer New Jersey state assemblyman. He sponsored a State Assembly resolution supporting Ukraine’s Orange Revolution of 2004 and had the entire legislature Receives master’s wear orange ribbons that December.

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9 University of Georgia (1997) and is listed 9 9 in Who’s Who of Teachers in America. Association, $55 for all others. Please indicate your UNA branch num- 9 Ms. Hallick was a founding member of ber when renewing your subscription. St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Mission Parish for Metropolitan Atlanta, serving as Christine Michelle Hollutiak-Hallick church secretary from 2001 through 2003. She is an avid singer and has traveled to “International Nights” sponsored annually Los Angeles to participate in performances by the school. there with the Kobzar Ukrainian National She is the daughter of Lt. Col. (Ret) Choir. Stephen P. Hallick Jr. and Ann M. Hallick, She enjoys Ukrainian embroidery, writ- and the granddaughter of the late ing pysanky and giving talks on her Protopresbyter Stephen and Hope Hallick- Ukrainian heritage to various elementary Holutiak. Along with her parents, sister school classes, especially with her students and brother, Ms. Hallick is a member of when they represent Ukraine during Ukrainian National Association Branch 25.

“Notes on People” is a feature geared toward reporting on the achievements of members of the Ukrainian National Association and the Ukrainian commu- nity. All submissions should be concise due to space limitations and must include the person’s UNA branch number (if applicable). Items will be pub- lished as soon as possible after their receipt.

wider role in the Euro-Atlantic communi- On the campaign... ty. In the same spirit, I call on the Bush (Continued from page 6) administration to give Ukraine all the actively encourage our NATO allies to support it needs to complete its accession deepen their own ties with Ukraine, a to the World Trade Organization. country that has broken with an authori- As president, I will ensure that the tarian past and pursues good relations United States does everything necessary with all its neighbors. Ukraine deserves a to help Ukraine realize these important chance to pursue its aspirations for a and achievable goals. 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 No. 5

Mariyinsky Palace, the Golden Gate or embroidery. Don’t get me wrong, blue is Kyiv in the running... Kyiv Opera House. About those costumes... a lovely color. But a traditional sorochka (Continued from page 1) “Andrievsky [sic] Uzviz, the tiny street (Continued from page 7) does not come in all blue, from any country” for various country editions of the linking the modern city around the main Yavoriv (Lviv region) folk costume. The region – it never has. There is some very game, added Ms. Martin. “Only time will street Khreshchatik [sic] to the old district colors were muted from the original pale blue embroidery on some Poltava tell how the vote will turn out, and we hope of Podil, has been the home of world bright costume, but the whole ensemble men’s shirts, but I wonder how recent that that fans will vote early and often for their famous artists and writers such as Kyiv- was exquisitely done. Unfortunately, is. The colors blue, mauve and violet are favorite cities.” born Mikhail Bulgakov, author of “Master some information appearing from the regional; they are used in small doses, as and Margarita.” The cities voted onto the final game designers stated that this was based on the special touches in the embroidery design. “It is said that one can walk from one board will be announced in August. The regional costume of Sokal – a few miles They really enliven the whole. But the end of Kyiv to the other in the summertime new Monopoly Here & Now: World away, but very different. Mrs. all-bright-blue or turquoise shirts and Edition will be available in stores around without leaving the shade of its many chest- “rushnyky” are really not right, and have nut trees, another symbol of the city.” Yushchenko has made it a point to wear the world in fall 2008. clothing by Ukrainian designers, especial- come out of nowhere. One year, even St. Since 1935 more than 250 million copies * * * ly on official occasions. In an interview in George Cathedral in Lviv was adorned all of Monopoly have been sold in 103 coun- 2005, Mrs. Yushchenko said that her in blue rushnyky over the icons and on tries and 37 languages. More than 200 dif- Although the above description of Kyiv the “fany” (church flags). contains several errors, it must be noted that clothes should represent Ukraine’s cul- ferent editions of the game have been pub- ture. “If I’m wearing an outfit that’s not So, you can take these comments as lished, but the most popular continues to be Hasbro Games has already made correc- the ravings of a traditionalist crank tions to the text, which originally listed by a Ukrainian designer, I always try to the classic “Number Nine.” Affectionately unwilling to accept the new. Maybe. But Kyiv as “Kiev.” After numerous letters from add something Ukrainian: a pin made by known by its original product number, dance ensembles need to present their the public, the spelling was changed to the a local artist, something historical or at “Number Nine” is based on the streets of regional dances in costumes as authentic correct Ukrainian-based spelling. least a touch of orange.” Her children also Atlantic City and is nearly identical to as possible, while adapting them to the Similarly, other errors will soon be cor- wear adaptations of folk costumes or Charles Darrow’s original submission to stage. And, in the traditional and the rected, Karri Bean of Hasbro Games told original designs influenced by the folk. Parker Brothers. adaptation of the traditional there must be The Ukrainian Weekly. She noted that the Graduates of the many art and design colleges in Ukraine create beautiful some continuity from the foundation. * * * website development team is aware of the People can wear whatever they wish, but mistakes and is working to make the appro- works as their graduate theses. Again, a bit of knowledge about what they select Each of the 68 cities nominated for the priate changes. many of these are based on the folk cos- will ensure that the continuity from old to worldwide vote is described on the monop- Indeed, the original text submitted, tume, and are truly works of wearable art. new keeps some roots. If not, it’s just oly. com website. The description for Kyiv which was replete with errors, has already With these originals, there are no limits, another piece of clothing. currently reads: been altered. because while there is the folk and sym- “Founded more than 1,500 years ago, Dirk Lustig, general manager of TOY- bolic inspiration, it is the designers’ imag- nestled nobly on the banks of the majestic TOY – Accent Toys based in Kyiv, which is ination that creates something unique. Orysia Tracz’s e-mail address is Dnipro River, Kyiv is the bustling capital the exclusive distributor for several toy Then there is the plague of the blue [email protected] of newly independent Ukraine. companies, including Hasbro, wrote: “We “‘The ancient center of Slavic culture,’ managed to get Kyiv on the list of the last ‘the Mother of all Rus cities,’ ‘the City of 68 cities that compete to be on the board Gardens’ – these are but a few names attrib- and now we need to create the biggest pos- Moscow to resume... hardware. The knowledge of how to uted to Kyiv. sible awareness of the event so that people organize Soviet-style military parades “Millennial Orthodox cathedrals, will vote online each day. The voting started (Continued from page 2) has essentially been lost. crowned with golden domes, bear imprints on 22 January 2008, which represents the a carrier group to fly the flag in the The vicinity of the Kremlin has been of the ancient splendor of Kyivan Rus, a 90th anniversary of Ukraine’s first inde- Mediterranean, but there is nothing left to rebuilt. A large semi-underground mall mighty state of the Medieval Europe and at pendence. So it is a symbolic date for the show at home in the Barents Sea. In any and the restored Resurrection gates with the origin of what became Russia [sic]. country!” case, the Kuznetsov task force only pre- an icon of Mother Mary now block the “The art and architecture of Kyiv are Mr. Lustig, who is originally from tends to be a regular carrier group. The customary Soviet approach route of tanks world treasures, from 11th century St. Geneva, Switzerland, has lived and worked Kuznetsov carries only a limited number and ICBMs into Red Square through Sophia Cathedral and Kiev Pechersk [sic] in Ukraine for 15 years. He has been trying of fighter jets and trainer aircraft, but no Manezh Square. The task of reviving Lavra (Monastery of the Caves), which are to promote voting for Kyiv through e-mails attack planes – it cannot project any force defense hardware parades on Red Square UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to to contacts around the globe. on land like Western carriers. After the will face grave technical and logistical current voyage, the Kuznetsov will problems, and in any event will most reportedly go into a shipyard for repairs likely produce only a pathetic imitation KLK invites members, family and friends that may last years (Moskovski Novosti, of Soviet military grandeur – the same as December 15, 2005). the Kuznetsov dispatch to the The May parade itself will reflect the Mediterranean. to our Annual KLK Ski Races changes of recent years. The last massive One can only hope that Russia’s aged Soviet military parade on Red Square ships and the crew on board will all safely with tanks and missiles happened on return to base after the long voyage and November 7, 1990. In 1995 military that no ancient building will collapse as parades on Red Square were resumed to tanks and ICBMs roll into central Moscow When: Saturday, March 8, 2008 commemorate VE-Day, but without any to serve the vanity of Russia’s leaders. Where: Hunter Mountain (please note change) States, Las Vegas was in 27th place with Kyiv in... 1.6 percent of the vote, Los Angeles was (Continued from page 1) 36th with 1.2 percent, Chicago was 42nd Registration: 7:45 am - 8:30 am at the Ski Lodge voting began, Kyiv was in 57th place out with 1.0 percent, Boston was 46th with 0.9 percent and Washington was 48th of 68 countries. with 0.8 percent. Kyiv must be in the top 20 to be Moscow was in 29th place with 1.5 included in Monopoly Here & Now: • Lift Ticket and Races: Adults $55; Youth (13-22) $45; percent of the vote, while St. Petersburg World Edition, which is due to be was 38th with 1.1 percent. Children (7-12) $40; Below age 7 $15 released this fall. To vote, readers may log on daily to: The top five vote-getters as of January http://www.monopolyworldvote.com and • Race Ticket only: Adults and Youth $10; Children $5 31 were: Paris with 4.0 percent of the follow the directions provided. The infor- vote, London with 3.6 percent, and • Lift Ticket only: Adult $50; Youth $40; Below age 7 $10 mation on the website in provided in the Montreal, New York and Hong Kong languages of over 50 countries, including with 3.4 percent each. Ukrainian. For information in Ukrainian Two other Canadian cities cracked the log on to http://www.monopolyworld- Races begin at 9:00 am top 20: Vancouver in 10th with 2.5 per- vote.com/uk_UA/world, or choose cent and Toronto in 20th with 2.0 per- ì͇ªÌ‡ from the “Select Your Country” cent. menu. The voting continues through As regards other cities in the United February 28. Dinner and Awards Ceremony:

Hunter Mountain Ski Lodge less whining and continued economic Book publishing ... growth, the 1920s, when Ukraine last Time: 6:30 pm (Continued from page 10) experienced a cultural renaissance, may roar back to life. Adults $45; Children (5-12) $15; Children (5 and under) Free the devastating legacy of Soviet institu- tional ruin. P.S. All the data in this article may be If I’m right, Ukraine could very well found on the Ukrainian Book Industry be poised to surprise pessimists with Portal, http://uabooks.info, and on the For additional information: [email protected] impressive cultural achievements in film, website of the State Committee of theater and literature. With a little luck, Statistics of Ukraine, www.ukrstat.gov.ua. No. 5 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 23 OUT AND ABOUT

Through March 8 Exhibit, “Transplanting Italy: The Story of Toronto Italian Migration to the Black Sea (1794- February 22-24 Ski and Snowboarding Trip, Ukrainian 1894),” University of Toronto, Lehighton, PA Homestead, 267-357-9114 or 416-978-8669 or 416-978-6934 [email protected]

Through March 11 Art exhibit featuring works by Jurij Chicago Solovij, “Things Greater Than Stars,” February 23 Wladimir Klitschko vs. Sultan Ibragimov Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, New York unification title bout, Madison Square 773-227-5522 Garden, 732-921-8862 or 732-921-3415

February 5-26 Art exhibit featuring works by Taras February 23 Lecture by George Gajecki, “The New York Borovyk, The Agora Gallery, 212-226-4151 New York Historiosophic Views of Ukraine’s Ancient History in the Paintings of Petro Andrusiv,” February 8-9 Fund-raiser dinner and show, Verkhovyna Shevchenko Scientific Society, Edmonton, AB Ukrainian Song and Dance Ensemble, 212-254-5130 Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex, 780-964-3114 February 24 “Nelehalka” by Ukrainian Drama Theater St. Catharines, ON “Zahrava,” Ukrainian Black Sea Hall, February 9 Presentation by George Grabowicz, 416-246-0972 New York “Krytyka,” Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to February 11 Lecture by Alexander Motyl, “Systemic events advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome Washington Transformations and the Drift Toward submissions from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion Fascism in Russia,” Kennan Institute, of the editors and as space allows; photos will be considered. Please note: 202-691-4100 items will be printed a maximum of two times each. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. February 14 Lecture by Vyacheslav Ageyev, Stanford, CA “Globalization Challenges and New Religious Answer,” Stanford University, 650-725-8936 An open invitation to local community activists

February 16 Lecture by Halyna Lemekh, “The New Would you like fellow Ukrainians to know about events in your community? New York Stream of Ukrainian Immigrants to Would you like to become one of The Ukrainian Weekly’s correspondents? America: Theories and Reality,” Then what are you waiting for? Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes submissions from local community activists. You may reach The Weekly by phone, (973) 292-9800; fax, (973) 644-9510; February 19 Lecture by Adriana Helbig, “’Make Me a e-mail, [email protected]; or mail, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Washington Hip, Make Me a Hop:’ Afro-American Music, Parsippany, NJ 07054. African Migration and Class Identity in Ukraine,” Kennan Institute, 202-691-4100 ORTHODONTIST Dr. Daniel A. Kuncio р. анило О. унцьо Specialist in Child and Adult Orthodontics Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics • Certified and Published in Invisalign® • Complimentary Consultation • • Most Insurances Accepted • Three New York City locations • WWW.KUNCIOORTHODONTICS.COM BAYSIDE • UPPER WEST SIDE • TRIBECA 718-352-1361 212-874-0030 212-732-2200

The Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York will hold an organizational meeting to establish a New Jersey branch of the chorus.

Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the Hall of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church in South Bound Brook, N.J.

Everyone who wants to sing with the chorus is invited! For more information please call 201-792-9805. 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2008 No. 5

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Saturday, February 9 brother Yaroslav, young immigrants to Vancouver. They have recently arrived from NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Society invites all to a presentation of the Ukraine where the official version of history Krytyka publishing house and magazine. was for many years at odds with their own. Participating in the presentation will be Struggling to adapt to a new country, the sib- Dr. George Grabowicz, editor-in-chief of lings are trying to make sense of a past that Krytyka magazine, Prof. Vasyl Makhno remains a disturbing mystery. This film and Dr. Alexander Motyl. The program addresses issues that are sure to resonate will take place at the society’s building, 63 with the Ukrainian American community Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 10th and all those who experienced the drama of streets) at 5 p.m. For additional informa- leaving one’s country in search of a better tion call 212-254-5130. life. The screening is at 7:30 p.m. at 516 Hamilton Hall, Columbia University. Dr. Monday, February 11 Yuri Shevchuk, the director of Ukrainian CAMBRIDGE, Mass.: The Harvard Film Club, will introduce the film and medi- Ukrainian Research Institute will host a lec- ate the post-screening discussion. The film ture by Timothy Snyder, professor and direc- will be screened in its original English-lan- tor of graduate studies, department of history, guage version. The event is free and open to Yale University. His lecture, “The Ukrainian the public. Life of an Austrian Archduke: Wilhelm von Habsburg, a.k.a. Vasyl Vyshyvanyi (1895- Sunday, March 30 1948),” will be held in Room S-050 PHILADELPHIA: A presentation and (Concourse level) of CGIS Building South at luncheon for the Ukrainian Catholic 4-6 p.m. The South Building of the Center University will be held at 4 p.m. at the for Government and International Studies Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, (CGIS) is located at 1730 Cambridge St., 700 Cedar Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046. Cambridge, MA 02138. For more informa- Tickets to the event cost $40; donations are tion contact HURI at 617-495-4053 or log on to http://www.huri.harvard.edu/calendar.htm. also welcome. All proceeds from the lunch- eon will go to support the Ukrainian Catholic Thursday February 14 University. To purchase tickets, please send a NEW YORK: Continuing its ongoing series check to: Philadelphia Friends of the “Ukraine: A View from the West,” the Ukrainian Catholic University, P. O. Box 19, Ukrainian Film Club of Columbia Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. For more University will host the New York premier information call 773-235-8462. All friends of the narrative feature film “Acts of and supporters of the Ukrainian Catholic Imagination” (2006, Canada), directed by University and the Ukrainian Catholic Carolyn Combs, written and produced by Education Foundation, along with all other Michael Springate. Is history an act of imag- interested persons, are invited to this event. ination? That question haunts Katya and her Organizations are also most welcome.

PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES: Preview of Events is a listing of Ukrainian community events open to the public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per submission) 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, Being Ukrainian means: 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 addi- tional information. Items should be no more than 100 words long. ❏ Malanka in January. ❏ Information should be sent to: Preview of Events, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Debs in February. Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054; fax, 973-644-9510; e-mail, ❏ Sviato Vesny/Zlet in May. [email protected]. ❏ Wedding of your roommate in June. ❏ Tabir in July. ❏ Volleyball at Wildwood in August. Attention Debutante Ball ❏ Labor Day at Soyuzivka in September. ❏ Koliada in December. Organizers!

If you checked off more than one of the above, As in the past, The Ukrainian Weekly then you know what you’re doing to your brain cells. will publish a special section Now, how about doing something for your mind? devoted to the Ukrainian community’s debutantes. Subscribe to The Ukrainian Weekly. The 2008 debutante ball section will be published in March. The deadline for submission of stories and photos is February 29. SUBSCRIPTION

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