The Ukrainian American community organizations

Last week’s brief coverage of North Port and the Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community is being followed today by a brief description of genesis and description of activities of some nonreligious organizations active in our area. There are now three most active organizations — Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, commonly known as‘Soyuz Ukrayinok” (Union of Ukrainian Ladies), Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida and Ukrainian American Veterans.
The UNWLA, a 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization, is the largest and oldest Ukrainian women’s organization in the United States. It was established in 1925 by five Ukrainian women's associations in New York City and vicinity. The goal of the newly formed organization was to inform the free world about the events in Ukraine, then occupied by Communist Russia, masquerading as the USSR, and to promote the preservation of Ukrainian identity, cultural heritage and ethnic traditions in the United States.
North Port Milena Rudnycka Branch #56 was organized in 1991 mostly through the efforts of Maria Nawarynsky of North Port, who became the first president of the branch. Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood is the current president of North Port’s branch of “Soyuz Ukrayinok.”
North Port UNWLA branch holds monthly meetings of members, sponsors dinner-dances like “Embroidered Ball,” with selection of the nicest traditional Ukrainian embroidered attire, and other social and cultural events.
Fundraising is one of the very popular activities, with funds designated for scholarships, assistance for war widows and orphans in Ukraine and other charitable purposes. Over $200,000 was raised by the Branch during its 25 year existence.
The Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida was organized by the late Irene Petryk, its first president, on Jan. 3, 1995.
The club, now headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, meets on the last Wednesday of the month at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, the “Oseredok” (center) to Ukrainians, sponsors cultural exhibits, fundraising dinner-dances and other activities.
The club awards $1,000 scholarships, plus additional smaller stipends, to graduating North Port High School seniors, and for the past two years, Port Charlotte High School. The club’s annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon at Heron Creek Golf and Country Club is one of the very popular social affairs of the local Ukrainian American Community.
Organized in 1948, the Ukrainian American Veterans, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(19) patriotic organization composed of Honorably Discharged Veterans of the United States Armed Forces who are of Ukrainian heritage or descent. The UAV helps provide veterans assistance through welfare programs, scholarships for children of U.S. veterans, a national monument project and other activities. UAV post #40 is the only UAV post in the State of Florida, now headed by retired Col. Roman Rondiak, USA (Ret.) of Osprey. It was organized, following several informative meetings, April 30, 1999, by yours truly, a Past National Commander and Past Post Commander of Pvt. Nicholas Minue Post in New York City, who was elected the first Post Commander.
The City of North Port was in the process of preparation of celebrating its 40th anniversary, therefore our newly formed post petitioned the UAV National Executive Board to be given number 40 in honor of North Port’s 40th anniversary. Our request was granted.
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