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“Prince Volodymyr and Princess Olha greet guests at banquet." podium throughout the show so she would not miss a beat and requested a video of the afternoon, whatever the cost. A local resident (surname of McCarthy) invited her parents (her father is of Ukrainian descent) from Syracuse, 150 miles north of Poughkeepsie, to join her and her daughter at the event. During the silent auction, she purchased a watercolor of St. Sohpia's Cathedral (painted by branch member Marianna Szczawinsky) as a gift to her father. The representative of the Polish American Club shed tears during the dance performance of the Voloshky Dance Ensemble. A local physician and his wife commented on the common threads they saw between the dances performed by the Voloshky and the dances they had seen performed while visiting Israel. Members of the Vassar Brothers Hospital Mothers Club, who support development of infant/childcare programs in the local hospital, were touched by the Chomobyl exhibit and the slide presentation and found we share a goal, fostering children's health. A middle school teacher of Ukrainian descent called the branch president after the event to tell her about the enjoyable afternoon he and his wife had spent and to ask for a contact at the Ukrainian Museum. He had an interest in the history of Ukrainian money and other historic artifacts. Another phone call received after the event was from an elderly gentleman who had seen the articles in the Poughkeepsie Journal after the event. He wanted to make a donation to the Chomobyl Fund in memory and in honor of his deceased parents who had emigrated from Ukraine. He also requested the address of a Ukrainian newspaper which would put him "in touch" with his background. Our newest and very enthusiastic member, Marianna Szczawinsky, who contributed her talents by creating the lifelike backdrop of the Byzantine choir and the painting of St. Sophia, was very personally affected by the event. "It is often ironic," she said, "how one particular event can signal the beginning of a personal journey, yet that is what transpired earlier this year. One simple request took me on a journey that reunited me with my heritage." After her participation in our fundraiser, Marianna was asked to write an article for an IBM publication entitled "Spotlight". She is employed at IBM and was originally asked to give a pysanka demonstration as well as put together a Ukrainian exhibit at the "Cultures and Traditions Booth Day" which is held annually at IBM in East Fishkill, NY. In her article dated December 1997, Marianna wrote, "I felt I did not I have enough information about the Ukrainian culture to do it justice. Where would I find the materials needed?" Marianna was put in touch with Branch 95. "The organization's members allowed me to borrow a fantastic array of regional costumes, examples of needlework, woven goods, pottery, woodcraft and a beautiful collection of pysanky. I was thrilled to actually see all the beautiful; items I had previously only heard about. The Ukrainian cultural booth was a success, but when the event was over, I was not ready to abandon the interest and enthusiasm it generated in me. I wanted to be an integral part of such a proud, dynamic group as the Ukrainian Women's League. I wanted to take advantage of a golden opportunity to learn even more about my heritage and to help the organization bring its unique perspective to the many community events it participates in throughout the year. I joined the UNWLA and my first community event with them was a benefit to help the victims of Chomobyl. The event fulfilled its intended purpose. Money was raised for the Chomobyl victims. But in addition, there was a personal benefit. As a result of my working with the UNWLA on the project, I gained a newfound pride in who I am and where my ancestors originated. It took me on a long journey. A journey from simple awareness of my roots to playing an active role in perpetuating my heritage. It's rather a nice feeling."
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