Veterans gather for annual lunch

The traditional Veterans Day luncheon of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, held last Thursday at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club, was another successful affair. After attending the community Veterans Day ceremony at North Port’s Veterans Park on Nov. 11, as is the tradition of the post since its formation, the officers and members of the post and their families and guests gathered to enjoy a delicious buffet luncheon and to review their accomplishments. Welcoming words by Post Commander Col. Roman Rondiak, USA (Ret.), were followed by the posting of colors by the Post 40 Color Guard, playing/ singing the American and Ukrainian national anthems, and invocation by Post 40 chaplain the Rev. Roman Badiak, USMC, a Korean War veteran and pastor of Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church in St. Petersburg. 

Col. Rondiak introduced several guests, including the UAV national officers, heads of the local Ukrainian American organizations, officers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, members of the liaison team with the U.S. Central Command at MacDill U.S. Air Force Base in Tampa, and Do Pataki, president of the Kiwanis Club of North Port, who was accompanied by Kenneth Miller, past commandant of Marine Corps League Detachment 948.
Lunch was enjoyed by all after a brief “in memoriam” ceremony and blessing by the Rev. Badiak. 

UAV National Commander Ihor W. Hron, the keynote speaker, presented a concise history of the participation and role of both native Ukrainians and Ukrainian Americans, in the U.S. Armed Forces from the Civil War until this day, including the number of Congressional Medals of Honor recipients and recipients of other high military awards. 

He also spoke briefly about the recent dedication of the National Monument in South Bound Brook, N.J., to honor all Ukrainian American veterans of all branches of service and all wars.
NC Hron’s address was followed by greetings and brief remarks by Ukrainian Armed Forces Col. Serhii Samborskyi. 

Col. Rondiak, assisted by NC Hron, presented awards to past post commander Eugene A. Tomashosky and past post commander and UAV National Chaplain/ Service Officer Marian Bojsiuk. The successful friendly gathering concluded with closing remarks by Cl. Rondiak.
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The Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community is keenly tuned in to the developments in Ukraine. It raises funds for humanitarian aid to orphaned children, families of soldiers killed in the war against Russian aggressors, wounded soldiers and refugees from Crimea and Donbas. Weekly prayers (rosary) for peace in Ukraine and blessings for the Ukrainian nation are held at 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1078 N.Biscayne Drive, North Port. All are invited to join.
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Several members of our community traveled to Washington, D.C., to witness the unveiling and dedication of the Ukrainian Holodomor Memorial on Nov. 7. A beautiful description of the unveiling and blessing was written by Tanya Petroff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Lisnyczyj of North Port, about “a very special and emotional weekend in Washington.”

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

Thanks for your service, veterans

As has been the practice since the post was organized in the last decade of the previous century, Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans will participate in today’s Veterans Day commemoration, sponsored by the city of North Port and William A. Garvey VFW Post 8203, at 11 a.m. at Veterans Park, next to the North Port Library. Post commander retired Col. Roman Rondiak, USA, is calling on members of the local Ukrainian community to join the post members and other veterans and community organizations at the commemoration.

Because it is a Ukrainian tradition and also the commandment of the Christian faith to pray for the souls of the departed, Post 40 had sponsored and participated in “Panakhyda” (requiem service) for the repose of souls of all departed veterans last Sunday at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy (Mass) at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. Panakhyda was celebrated by the Rev. Vasyl Petriv, pastor.
Post members and the color guard were led by Commander Rondiak. The church choir sang the responses to Panakhyda, and then sang “God Bless America” at the end of the service.
Thursday, there will be the traditional Post 40 Veterans Day luncheon at noon at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club. Over 100 tickets were sold (none available at the door).

Several distinguished members of the North Port community, including Ukrainian clergy, will be attending. This year, however, neither politicians nor members of our city or county “power structure” will be attending. Three Ukrainian Armed Forces colonels, members of the liaison team with the U.S. Central Command at MacDill U.S. Air Force Base in Tampa, will be guests at the luncheon. It is hoped they will be able to brief us on the current military situation in Ukraine.
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The Ukrainian American community of North Port and vicinity is invited to attend the 35th annual Ukrainian AutumnFest, which will be held at Epiphany of our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church at 434 90th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The festival will feature authentic Ukrainian food, which will also be available for take-out, Ukrainian beer, Ukrainian arts and crafts, children’s rides and games, polka lessons, and music for dancing on both days.
There will also be four performances (two each day) of Ukrainian dances by the popular Kalyna Ukrainian Dancers. An auction and raffle will be held Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults; children under 12 admitted free. Free parking onsite.
                                                    •••
The calendar of parish events of North Port’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish announces a festive Thanksgiving dinner at noon Nov. 26 (tickets, at $15, must be purchased in advance), Parish Feast Dinner Dec. 6, and pre-Christmas Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 11.
The Most Rev. Bishop Bohdan Danylo, Ordinary of Ukrainian Catholic Diocese of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio, will visit the parish Dec. 12-13.

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn

Veterans meetings, ‘Soyuz Ukrayinok,’ commemorations

The monthly membership meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, headed by Commander Col. Roman Rondiak, USA (Ret.) of Osprey, will be at 3 p.m. Friday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, known as “the Oseredok.”

Commander Rondiak is asking all members to attend this meeting because the final decisions and arrangements will have to be made for the post’s participation in the community Veterans Day observance at 11 a.m.

Wednesday at Veterans Park (near the North Port Library), and the traditional Veterans Day Luncheon at noon Nov. 12 at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club.

There are very few tickets left for this buffet luncheon at $25 per person, and the final accounting will have to be made at this meeting.

Some Post 40 members will travel to Washington, D.C., to take part in the activities associated with the unveiling and formal dedication of the National Holodomor Memorial, located at North Capitol Street and Northwest Massachusetts Avenue.

The dedication ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Saturday. Other activities include a Holodomor Exhibit running through Nov. 14 at Union Station, commemorative concert at 2 p.m. Sunday at Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University, and church services.

•••

The local Branch 56 of “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (Union of Ukrainian Ladies), headed by Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood, held a very successful picnic last Thursday at Maxine Barritt Park in Venice, and a monthly membership meeting Tuesday at the Oseredok.

The meeting, after a brief business segment with the necessary reports of officers, including Yara Litosch, picnic committee chair, was dedicated to the commemoration of the 1932-1933 Holodomor in Ukraine, perpetrated by Stalin and his personal emissaries, as a result of which close to 10 million people died of starvation.

Past President Oksana Lew was the program coordinator, and professor Vira Bodnaruk delivered a brief but comprehensive and well-documented address about the subject.

•••

The just released Netflix documentary film “Winter on Fire — Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom,” screened at last Wednesday’s meeting of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, at the Oseredok and brought tears to the eyes of many viewers who were impressed with the heroism of Ukrainian youth, including students, and horrified by the brutality, including killings of peaceful demonstrators, by security forces of former Ukrainian President Yanukovych.

The next monthly membership meeting of the club will take place at 6 p.m. Nov. 18, at the Oseredok, instead of the traditional last Wednesday of the month, because of Thanksgiving.
•••
Nov. 1 is a special day for Ukrainians.

On Nov. 1, 1918, the independence of the once mighty Empire of Halych was restored as the West Ukrainian People’s Republic (ZUNR), thanks to the bloodless coup of Ukrainian officers of the crumbling Austro-Hungarian Empire.


Unfortunately, a bloody war followed very soon after because the Poles, who were numerous in the capital city of L’viv, wanted the city and surrounding area to be part of Poland.

The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and an acknowledged moral authority of Ukrainians regardless of their religious convictions, Metropolitan Archbishop Andrey Sheptytskyj, died Nov. 1, 1944, and a military hero and political leader, Col. Andrii Melnyk died Nov. 1, 1964.

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

Documentary film, picnic ... Darth Vader

The main attraction of tonight’s monthly membership meeting of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida will be the screening of the just released Netflix documentary film, ”Winter on Fire” (Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom). The meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at St.Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, 4100 S. Biscayne Drive, North Port (known as “the Oseredok”) is open to all.

Nonmembers, potential members and members of North Port and the vicinity community are welcome to attend the meeting and view the movie. There is no admission charge. The screening of the film will follow a brief business meeting, which is not expected to last longer than 30 minutes. After the meeting and movie, there will be an informal social hour with home-baked pastries and beverages.

Members are being asked to bring to this meeting nonperishable (canned and boxed) food items and unwrapped children’s gifts. As it is the club’s tradition, the food items will be donated to the Salvation Army, and toys to North Port’s annual Toy Chest Program for distribution to local youth ages 14 and under.

•••

The local branch 56 of the Ukrainian NationalWomen’s League of America, headed by Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood, is inviting all to its traditional and very popular picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at Maxine Barritt Park, next to Sharky’s in Venice.

Yara Litosch, chairwoman of the picnic committee, says the traditional buffet luncheon with delicious food and desserts will be followed by bingo, and a short program, all for $8 per person. Door prizes will be awarded.

The monthly membership meeting of branch 56 will take place at 10 a.m. Nov. 3 at the Oseredok.

•••

In addition to the very popular traditional Ukrainian American dinners served Fridays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Parish Center of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1078 N. Biscayne Drive, including takeouts from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (call 941423-2427 or 941-426-7931), affectionados of Ukrainian “varenyky” (pierogies) and “kovbasa” (sausage) can also purchase them at the Oseredok (St. Andrew’s) every Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information and advance orders, call 941-786-5256.

•••

The government of Ukraine recently passed a law finally banning Communist symbols, including statues of Lenin, and changing the names of cities, towns, villages, streets, etc. bearing names of Communists (such as city and oblast of Kirovohrad, which was now changed to its pre-Communist name of Yelysavethrad).

The city of Odesa followed up with the local ordinance, meaning the statue of Lenin needed to go. As a result, the Soviet-era statue ofVladimir Lenin was transformed into a tribute to DarthVader. Lenin’s head was turned into a helmet, and the coattails into a cape. And, according to The New York Times, Darth Vader’s helmet serves as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The “Star Wars” character has also tried to take over the city of Odesa — a candidate named “Darth Vader” was running in the mayoral election last Sunday. He did not win. This was his second try.

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

Ukrainian American Club collecting food, toys for holidays

The monthly membership meeting of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, will take place at 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (known as the “Oseredok”). The meeting is open to all, and there is no admission fee. Visitors and potential members are welcome.

Members are being asked to bring nonperishable (canned and boxed) food items and unwrapped children’s gifts to the meeting.

The food items will be donated to the Salvation Army, as the club has done in previous years, and the toys will be donated to the city of North Port’s annual Toy Chest Program for distribution to local children ages 14 and under. The contribution of members’ food and toys will hopefully make a difference in the lives of children and families living in our community.

Next week’s meeting will be the last before the club’s traditional Christmas party on Dec. 5. Anna Mariani, party chairwoman, would like to welcome several more volunteers to the committee, to ensure that this year’s party is even more successful than last year.

                                                                                ••• 

 Officers and members of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans are busy selling tickets for the traditional Veterans Day buffet luncheon, which will be held at noon Nov. 12 at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club in North Port.

According to the reports, tickets, at $25 per person, are selling well and there are not many left. Tickets won’t be available at the door.

In addition to the tasty food prepared by the Heron Creek staff, there will be an interesting program and surprises.

Three Ukrainian Armed Forces colonels, members of the U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base liaison team are to be guests at the luncheon.

                                                                                    ••• 

 Yara Litosch, chairwoman of the annual picnic of North Port Branch 56 of “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (union of Ukrainian Ladies), wishes to remind and invite everybody to the traditional and very popular picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at Maxine Barritt Park, next to Sharky’s in Venice.

There will be a buffet luncheon with delicious food and desserts, bingo, door prizes and a short program, all for $8 per person.

As reported in last week’s column, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America is celebrating its 90th anniversary. In connection with this observance, an exhibit “Ukrainian Women Artists of the Diaspora,” is taking place in New York City. One of the exhibitors is Branch 56 member Patricia Zalisko.

                                                                                    •••

  News from Ukraine: Ukrainians will go to the polls Sunday to elect officials in all oblasts, counties, cities, towns and villages. Many consider this election to be a referendum on the parties in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s national parliament.

 

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

UNWLA celebrates 90 years; UAV memorial dedicated

Last week’s monthly membership meeting of North Port Branch 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, known as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (union of Ukrainian Ladies), was dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the organization. President Ann-Marie Susla opened the observance after a brief business meeting with the singing of the UNWLA anthem, a moment of silence for departed members and brief remarks. The keynote address was delivered by board member Roxolana Yarymovych, and vice president Lesia Popel recited a poem dedicated to women.

The business meeting, in addition to the mandated reports of officers, dealt with matters related to the traditional annual picnic, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at Maxine Barrett Park (next to Sharky’s) in Venice.

Picnic Committee Chair Yara Litosch states there will be a lunch buffet with delicious food and desserts, bingo, door prizes and a short program, at a cost of $8. All are invited.

The annual national board meeting of UNWLA Inc. will take place Friday through Sunday in New York City. Two national board members, Branch 56 members, will be attending — Lidia Bilous of Osprey, Social Welfare chair, and Orysia Zinych of Venice, co-liaison for Branches at Large. The UNWLA 90th anniversary will be celebrated with a banquet in NYC on Saturday.

Also, in connection with and as part of UNWLA’s 90th anniversary observances, the opening of the “Ukrainian Women Artists of the Diaspora” exhibit will take place Sunday at the Ukrainian Museum in New York City. Works of internationally known artist Patricia Zalisko of Estero, a member of Branch 56, will be included in this exhibit.

                                              ••• 

 The monthly membership meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, held last Friday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (known as the “Oseredok”), was dominated by the reports of officers and delegates to the UAV 68th National Convention and the formal dedication of the Ukrainian American Veterans Memorial at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Memorial Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J.

The brief business meeting, chaired by Post Commander Col. Roman Rondiak, USA (Ret.), included the review of minutes of the last meeting, a comprehensive report by Finance Officer Oleh Sawkiw, and a review of the status of preparations for the Veterans Day observances next month, including the traditional Post 40 Veterans Day fundraiser luncheon, which will take place Nov. 12 at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club.

UAV national officers and Post 40 delegates who attended the national convention and dedication of the UAV monument were unanimous in applauding the superb organization and massive participation in the ceremony masterfully conducted by Brig. Gen.  Leonid Kondratiuk, UAV past national commander. The U.S. Air Force Color Guard from McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey presented the colors, and the Ukrainian Youth Association Choir of Chicago sang the national anthems of the U.S. and Ukraine, and “America the Beautiful” after the blessings. 

The unveiling and blessing of the monument were preceded by remarks of Metropolitans Anthony and Stefan, of the Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic churches, respectively; Bishop Daniel, Raymond L. Zawacki, deputy commissioner of Veterans Affairs, N.J.; Col. Mykhailo Kyrylenko, military representative of Ukraine to the U.N.; UAV National Commander Ihor W. Hron; Oksana Koziak, president of UAV Auxiliary; and Mathew Koziak, PNC, chairman of the UAV Monument Committee.

The Ukrainian American Veterans Memorial was unveiled Oct. 3 at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Memorial Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn (atanask@aol.com)

Club activities and Ukrainian dinners

The monthly membership meeting of the Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, headed by commander Col. Roman Rondiak, USA (Ret.), will take place at 2:30 p.m. Friday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, known as the “Oseredok” (“center” in Ukrainian). The agenda of the meeting will include reports of officers and delegates to the UAV 68th National Convention held Oct. 2-4 in New Jersey, the planning of Veterans Day observances next month, including the traditional UAV Post 40 Veterans Day luncheon at noon Nov.
 
12 at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club, and other matters. The Nov. 12 luncheon tickets, at $25 per person, can be obtained from Post 40 members, including yours truly.
There will be no tickets sold at the door.
                                                            •••
 Last week’s monthly membership meeting of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, held at the Oseredok, was chaired by vice president Lieda Boyko of Port Charlotte.
 
The guest speaker was North Port Police Chef Kevin Vespia, who was introduced by Nancy Wosny. Chief Vespia’s comprehensive and very interesting 20-minute presentation was followed by a lengthy question-and-answer period.
The meeting began with a moment of silence in memory of two members, Walter Shipka and Florence Lysak, who died since the last membership meeting.
 
Following the reports of officers, members approved the date of the traditional Christmas party as Dec. 5 (Anna Mariani “volunteered” to chair the party committee), and the club’s participation, together with the St. Petersburg Ukrainian American community, in the Dec.10 annual Headquarters of the U.S. Central Command International Coalition Night at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.
 
These and other matters will be discussed in more details at the next membership meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 28. Members are being asked to bring to the next meeting nonperishable (canned and boxed) food items, which will be donated, as in the past, to the Salvation Army.
                                                            •••
The new pastor of North Port’s Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church, the Rev. Vasyl Petriv, and his wife Lyubov, are providing leadership and an example to the parishioners by being personally involved in the operation of “Nasha Kukhnya” (our kitchen), including food preparation, which serves the popular traditional Ukrainian American dinners from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Friday.
 
The dinners, at $12 (which includes gratuity) consist of “borsch” (Ukrainian-style beet soup), “varenyky” (pierogies), “holubtsi” (Ukrainian-style cabbage rolls), chicken and home-baked pastries with coffee or tea.
 
Guests who find the full dinner too large may choose individual menu items (price list is available).
 
In addition to the service of dinners, take-outs of borsch, varenyky and holubtsi are available from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays. Large orders, to ensure availability, should be called in in advance at 941-423-2427.
 
St. Mary’s Sisterhood will have a garage sale from 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday at the Parish Center, 1078 N. Biscayne Drive, corner of West Price Boulevard.
 
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