Ukrainian American Club meeting and other activities

     The Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, will hold its monthly membership meeting tonight and Scholarship Awards Luncheon March 31. The meeting will take place at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (known as the “Oseredok”), 4100 S. Biscayne Drive, starting at 6 p.m. The Scholarship Luncheon will take place at noon March 31 at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club, off Sumter Boulevard.

    Tonight’s membership meeting will feature an interesting guest speaker, Halya Klymuk, a Southwest Florida resident, educator and community activist who traveled extensively, including to Ukraine during the past several years. What she’s witnessed in that country has been turbulent and tragic, but also full of heroism and dedication to the ideals of freedom and democracy. She participated in “Euromaidan,” the Ukrainian “Revolution of Dignity” (Nov. 23, 2013-Feb. 22, 2014), which resulted in over 100 deaths caused by Russian sharpshooters and local thugs of former president Yanukovych, who eventually fled to Russia. She also visited the Ukrainian military units who are fighting local terrorists and special units of the armed forces of the Russian Federation, whose presence in Ukraine Russian president Putin continues to deny.

    Ms. Klymuk’s presentation will be preceded by the business meeting, with reports of officers and committee chairs, and will follow the traditional coffee and homebaked pastry reception. All are invited to attend the meeting, Ms. Klymuk’s presentation and reception.

    The traditional Scholarship Awards Luncheon, under the auspices of the club’s Scholarship Committee chaired by professor Victor Lisnychyj of North Port, will include the introduction of this year’s scholarship recipient, a graduating senior of North Port or Port Charlotte high schools, and the presentation of the $1,000 scholarship award. The tasty Heron Creek Golf & Country Club buffet luncheon is $25 per person. Tickets must be ordered in advance.
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    St. Andrew’s is sponsoring another popular event, the Pre-Easter Bazaar and food fest, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. There will be a Ukrainian arts and craft exhibit, demonstration of “writing” Ukrainian Easter eggs known as “pysanky” (from the word “pysaty,” to write), a bake sale including Easter “babka,” and many other items for purchase. Ukrainian food will be available to eat on site or for takeout. To preorder ring kielbasa, babka and “varenyky” (pierogies), call 941-786-5256 or 941-539-1490.

    A special feature at this year’s bazaar will be Ukrainian dancers from St. Petersburg at 2 p.m. There is ample free parking. All are welcome.
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    The monthly meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans will take place at 3 p.m. April 3 at the Oseredok. Finance officer Oleh Sawkiw is reminding all members who have not yet submitted their membership dues of $30 that this meeting will be the last chance to do it. Our share of UAV national dues must be submitted to UAV headquarters by April 15.

    Atanas Kobryn covers the Ukrainian community for the North Port Sun. He can be emailed at atanask@aol.com.

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn