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Northwest Pennsylvania, giving over 1000 people an opportunity to learn something about Ukraine and Ukrainians and to explore their own Ukrainian heritage. For the past fifteen years Branch 116 has sponsored the School of Ukrainian Studies and the Ukrainian dance group “Zolote Kolossya”. The school offers preschool (sadochok) and regular class sessions which meet on Saturday mornings and are taught by mothers, branch members — some of them learning Ukrainian as they teach. The dance group, directed by Marge Corapi in 1990 and by Luba Clark (assisted by Chrystyna Dail) in 1991 and 1992, is often invited to perform for local groups and events. Some of the regular performances include the Erie Arts Festival, the Children’s Peace Festival, the Philharmonic Holiday Marketplace, and the International Ball. The school and dance group also prepare a Taras Shevchenko program, a visit with Saint Nicholas, and visit Ukrainian homes with carols at Christmastime. Throughout the year branch members share their Ukrainian traditions and culture with the Erie community, setting up exhibits in museums, library windows, at the International Ball, and at ethnic festivals. In the Spring we conduct pysanky writing demonstrations and workshops, and set up Easter exhibits. In the Fall we decorate a Ukrainian-theme Christmas tree for the Festival of the Trees and have a booth at the Philharmonic International Holiday Marketplace. On November 19, 1992 the branch sponsored a concert by “Oberehy”, a group of young musi cians from Lviw. When needed we make contacts with schools, the International Institute, the local media and press. For example, many members bombarded legislators and the White House with letters and phone calls at the time when Ukraine was establishing its independence in 1991. In 1990 the branch was awarded a second grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts which enabled three members to continue the study of “nyz” embroidery under master- craftswoman Nadia Wolynec. The project involved a series of lessons, followed by demonstra tions and exhibits of completed work. Another successful venture was a “Traditional Epiphany Eve Dinner” which was held on January 18,1992, which may become an annual event. Since this celebration followed Ukraine’s declaration of independence, the break-up of the Soviet Union, and the Dec. 1st referendum vote, it was a very festive and emotional evening. Branch 116 has also been very busy in the welfare arena. Packages of clothing, food, and needed goods have been sent to Brazil, Poland, Rome, Ternopil, and Kyyiv. In 1990, 749 bars of soap and $149.00 were collected for the soap collection. In 1991, when the call came for the Sabre Foundation book drive, members packaged and shipped 823 pounds of books (many of which came from Edinboro University). In November 1992 Irene Hnizdiuch and her mother (from Ternopil) came to Erie’s Shriners Hospital for corrective hip surgery; branch members are trying to make their stay in Erie as comfortable as possible. Recently the Erie community has had a large influx of new Ukrainian immigrant families. Branch members have helped them get settled, find jobs and housing, get medical care, receive needed tutoring, and adjust to a new life in a strange new world. Perhaps in the future they will feel comfortable enough to become active, contributing members of the Ukrainian community in Erie. The branch continues to raise money for the Children of Chornobyl Fund. The profits from the Heritage Day in 1992 were specifically earmarked for that cause. Through the efforts of Orysia Dail, for three consecutive years, the students of Mercyhurst Preparatory High School earned and donated $1,000 for the Children of Chornobyl (i.e. a total of $3,000). On August 24, 1990 the Branch was saddened by the death of one of its founding members, Mary Pelinsky. She was a tireless worker, always accepting assignments, helping with projects, and helping those in need. Mary loved her Ukrainian heritage and proudly shared it with others. Branch 116 was chaired by Orysia Mochnacz Dail in 1990 and 1991, and by Daria McKay in 1992. Although the branch belongs to the Ohio Region, the distance from Erie to Cleveland (100 miles) and frequent hazardous driving conditions prevent much interaction between us and the other branches. However member Orysia Swystun served as the region chairperson for over two years, and members try to take an active part in annual meetings, board meetings, and other region activities as much as possible. ~ ^ „ * K Dana Turula McKay President 221 www.unwla.org
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