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THOUGHTS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BRANCH 36 IN CHICAGO by Anna Zelisko Here we are — family, friends, sister-members of Soyuz Ukrainok — gathered together at this party. This is a cele bration! We are observing the 50th anniversary of our Branch 36, an achievement of several successive groups of women in Chicago over a period of 50 years. In terms of history and women’s causes, 50 years is a short time. What is interesting about their history is that the Ukrainian people did not subordinate their women to men. On the contrary, in contrast to other countries, the Ukrainian women held a unique position of near-equality with men. With the sense of Ukrainian women’s independence and confidence as a historical background, we can in some measure understand how it happened that 14 women on the southside of Chicago came together to start a new Branch of Soyuz Ukrainok. Fifty years! Fifty years can be translated in terms of its members. Branch 36 was founded on February 25, 1932. Anna Brudny was the fo u n d e r/o rg a n iz e r/p re s id e n t. Helen Brelinska-Krill was secretary; Victoria K. Larson was treasurer; Mary Gizowsky and Anastasia Sagan were auditors. We have the pleasure of having one of these original members, Mrs. Krill, with us today, and we also have with us today the daughters of Anna Brudny: Mary Brudny, Stephanie Ovcharchyn and Helen Malinyshyn. The charter members adopted as their patron the heroine Olha Bassarab,who was tortured and died in prison for their defense of the Ukrainian national cause. It was natural that membership in our Branch would change as time went on. There were active and inactive members. Members joined, moved away, passed away. Younger members organized as a Junior League in the 1940’s. Who were the members? Who are the members? They are women aware of the world; willing to extend themselves outside of the immediate home; willing to take on additional responsibilities; willing to use their energies to demonstrate their caring for others and about causes. Fifty years. Fifty years can be translated in terms of purpose and projects. When Anna Brudny opened the first meeting, she explained that the principal work would be to help our brothers and sisters in their difficult struggle to free Ukraine. Despite the economic situation — this was the time of the Great Depression — this group was thinking of helping others. They gave financial aid to political prisoners, Ridna Shkola, the Ukrainian press, veterans of the ‘Halytska’ army, and monies for the alleviation of hunger during the artificial famine in Ukraine. Their projects also included church and school activities in our Ukrainian community in Chicago. After World War II, money and CARE packages were sent to displaced persons. Some of these funds were raised in home-to-home collections and Christmas caroling. Our Branch was instrumental in having a Ukrainian language course offered to adults at the Central YMCA in Chicago. This was the first time that Ukrainian was taught in the Chicago area on that basis. We have sponsored a scholarship for a Ukrainian student in Brazil and donated Ukrainian Encyclopedias to the school. We have contributed to political prisoners’ causes, also donated clothing and monies for earthquake victims in Yugoslavia, the Cardinal Slipyj Fund and the relief fund in Austria. Because we are so closely associated with the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, we donate to various needs here in our parish. As a Branch of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America — we are but one Branch of a national network — our dues and contributions enhance various UNWLA projects such as scholarships, press and museum funds. We continue in our commitment to helping others and Ukrainian causes. For the most part, we raise funds by having bake sales. Who has not tasted our home-made treats? All calorie-free — almost! (We make delicious varenyky; we make very good breads, pampushky and cakes...) We will not ask why Branch 36 of Soyuz Ukrainok has endured. We will not look for a particular formula or special reasons. It is sufficient to say that, though small in number, our Branch has loyal and enthusiastic participants who cooperate in whatever way they can. Today we have 21 members. Won’t you rise and be recognized? We thank all those who have helped our Branch celebrate its 50th Anniversary, those who are physically present with us at this gathering and those who are here in spirit. And we thank all of those who have given us their kind support throughout the years. П У ПРОДАЖУ Є ПІДРУЧНИК ”ЯК РОБИТИ ПРИКРАСИ
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