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“НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, ЛЮ ТИЙ 2019 WWW. UNWLA .ORG 27 who converged at its Zeleny j Yar campgrounds to train, experience, share and grow as individuals amid a nurturing Plast family. No less important was the supporting role of Cher nyk, the Ukrainian Sports Club. All summer long, games and tourna- ments brought hordes of participants, sp ectators and fans. But Dibrova’s story began long before t he land passed into Ukrainian hands when Plast mem bers arrived on the scene and purchased the land with the lake in 1954. In the opening chapter, Ms. Stefaniuk traced the estate’s history to its ea r- liest beginnings, reaching back to Native Ameri - cans, then the first homesteaders in the 1800s, and everyone who followed, including Plast and Cher- nyk, which were instrumental in the development and growth of the estate. The true magic of Dibrova, however , has always centered on its untamed beauty, spring - fed lak e, vegetation, and vast variety of flora and fauna. In her book, the author poetically describes the velvet softness of moss, sand and mud between my toes, the sting of nettles and burrs, itch of p oi - son ivy, the invigorating silk of the lake waters . Drawin gs by Luba Kytasta embellish the text and reflect the charm of Dibrova’s landscapes and creatures, beckoning the viewer to see the fa- miliar in a new light with a heightened sense of awe. The striki ng cover photos and production de- sign are the work of Marta Stefaniuk, the author’s daughter. Ultimately, Myrosia Stefaniuk’s memoir is about the connections between people and their traditions, community and the ties that bind. It is the universal story of refugees and displaced peo- ple who search for stability a nd kinship in a place where they can connect with nature and feel at home although separated from their ancestral land. In the author’s words: “ Whatever roles we played back in the city, our homes, schools or jobs, all these masks were left behind when we stretched out in the sun. Here, nature won out and our personalities became open and unassuming. Here we were truly free . . .” Ms. Stefaniuk concluded her comments by focusing on the fut ure role for Dibrova in the Ukrainian community: “I wrote this book not only to preserve memories of the past but to invite the current Ukrainian community, especially young families, to treasure this legacy and keep it alive for future generations — with th e hope that Dibrova will always be a special place, one where commu- nity, traditions and Ukrainian identity will have a safe harbor and home.” The audience was then treated to a read- ing, followed by a question and answer session, which touched upon future g oals for the estate. The evening officially conclude d with closing remarks by Marta Kwitkowska, Branch 96 co - president. At- tendees lingered long after the formal program ended, to get books signed by the author, to par- take in the delicious treats that were provided by Branch 96 members, and to reminisce abou t good times at Dibrova. Readers can contact the author via email at Myrosia@dibrovadiary.com. Books can be ordered online at www.dibrovadiary.com. ОГОЛОШЕННЯ Союз Українок Америки з вдячністю прийме в дар фортепіяно або піяніно для своєї домівки в Ню Йорку. Транспортування інструменту за кошти СУА. Тел: 212 - 464 - 6533, або 212 - 247 - 4986 Dibrova Diary by Myrosia Stefaniuk. Drawings b y Luba Ky tasta
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