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“НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, КВІТЕНЬ 2016 WWW.UNWLA.ORG 29 THE SPIRIT OF A CHRISTENING by Valia Dimitri, Branch 136 Press Secretary Scene from UNWLA Branch 136 Christening On January 31, 2016, with great pride and humility, 29 members of the newly formed UNWLA Branch 136 of Naples, Florida, were officially ‘Christened’ by their UNWLA sisters. As I entered the hall to help with preparations for the event, I observed a truly a colorful vision. There were my UNWLA sisters hus- tling about in excitement, adorning tables with sunflowers, hanging embroidery, and arranging beautiful donated gifts for the silent auction that was part of the day’s agenda. Those working in the kitchen were assembling delicious and beautiful tortes for dessert. Absorbed in the hustle and bustle, our smiles re- flected a unity of purpose and the special Ukrainian cultural bond we shared. Leading us in this grand endeavor was our amazing president, Natalie Santarsiero. Our joyful an- ticipation could be felt throughout the hall. Natalie opened the program by welcoming our 128 guests and leading us in the UNWLA prayer and hymn. An overview of UNWLA was presented by Branch 136 members and by co-liaisons for Branches-at-Large Olya Czerkas and Orysia Zinycz. The UNWLA’s Na- tional President, Marianna Zajac, greeted us on behalf of the UNWLA National Board, and the welcom- ing greeting was followed by the ceremonial lighting of candles by Ms. Zajac, Branch 136’s Honorary Godmother Nusha Macielinska, and Natalie Santarsiero. The program continued with formal introductions, the induction of the new members of Branch 136, and the presentation of the UNWLA membership charter and emblem pins. We all took an oath to uphold the goals and principles of the UNWLA. After congratulations, everyone sang, Mnohaya Lita! Our delicious dinner commenced with Fr. Vasyl Petriw of the Most Holy Mother of God Ukraini- an Catholic Church of North Port leading us in prayer. Dessert was enhanced by a medley of Ukrainian songs, performed by Yulia Oparista and Olena Kukushkin, accompanied by Alexander Kukushkin. A very successful silent auction and raffle followed. We were honored by the many distinguished guests that made our christening truly memorable and meaningful. We are most grateful to our dear friends Marianna Zajac, UNWLA National President; Ann-Marie Susla of Branch 56 (Northport); Olya Czerkas of Branch 124 (St. Petersburg); Olga Sperkacz of Branch 17 (Miami); and Vera Andrushkiw, president of the Detroit Regional Council. A special note of thanks goes to Slawko Tysiak and Bohdana Puzyk of the Ukrainian National Association. Their kind greetings and the remarks offered by Mr. Tysiak on behalf of the UNA were much appreciated. We are especially and deeply indebted to Anna Macielinski, formerly UNWLA Vice President for Membership and Organizational Affairs and currently our Honorary Godmother, for bringing us together on March 8, 2014, the day we formally became Branch 136 of Naples, Florida. Our official christening event brought us even closer together in spirit and purpose, and we look forward to sharing new endeav- ors and adventures with our UNWLA sisters in Florida and throughout the country.
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