The XXIX UNWLA Convention

Friday, May 27, 2011
Luncheon Program

Sunday’s luncheon program was emceed by Oksana Dats, President of Branch 131, and included a speech by Larysa Darmochval who was attending the convention as a representative of her region’s Soyuz Ukrainok of Ukraine. Ms. Darmochval spoke about the deleterious effects of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, noting that the Chornobyl zone was unofficially called “the place Ukraine died.” She commented on the current state of Ukraine as a country that is suffering from an administration that is intent on the destruction of Ukrainian language, Ukrainian history, and ethics, noting with quiet optimism that within this morass are voices that have not been stilled and signs of life that have not been extinguished. In connection with this, she cited her home town of Bolekhiv, which is the site of a museum dedicated to Natalia Kobrynska. She then read a warm and uplifting letter from the leadership of Soyuz Ukrainok of Ukraine, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, and presented certificates of appreciation to UNWLA President Marianna Zajac and Scholarship Program Chair Maria Polanskyj, thanking them for their dedication.

            Included in the luncheon program was the presentation of certificates of appreciation to branches that had established and conducted UNWLA preschools over the years. Presented by outgoing Education Committee Chair Christine Shwed, the colorful kid-friendly certificates were proudly received by representatives of branches from all regions of the United States where the UNWLA has had a strong presence for many decades. Certificates of appreciation were also presented by Social Welfare Committee Chair Iryna Rudyk, who lauded the exemplary work of members of Branch 95 and Branch 97 and the Chicago and New England Regional Councils in connection the UNWLA’s venture to provide material and moral assistance to geriatric homes in Ukraine. Concluding the award portion of the program, Vice President Anna Macielinski presented certificates of appreciation to branches and branches at large that had taken successful steps to increase membership, those who had reached anniversary milestones within the past three years, and those that had held “special” events within their communities.

Friday, May 27,2011
President’s Welcoming Remarks
National Board Meeting
Seminars
Reception and pre-convention program.

Saturday, May 28, 2011
Opening Ceremony and Plenary Sessions
Luncheon Program
Convention Banquet

Sunday, May 29, 2011
Morning Plenary Session
Luncheon Program
Afternoon Seminars and Evening Program

Monday, May 30, 2011
Morning Plenary Session and Convention Closing

Click here to view the pictures from the ХХІХ Convention