Can't Say Thanks Enough!

I have been marvelling at the tremendous activity in the Ukrainian community lately!  Perhaps it is because I am paying attention, but it is obvious that so many people are sharing the gifts of their time, talents and treasure within the Ukrainian community - and it shows!

Recently, while preparing to blog, I read the Ukie news, heard a radio clip about international relations between Ukraine and the EU, heard about the Ukrainian World Congress and their meeting about Ukraine and the EU.  Then got an email from the Ukrainian women's organization about their convention. Picked up the local newspaper to see a review of Calgary's Ukrainian Festival.  Then I had to go to work. Someone mentioned the CPO Ukrainian program.  At work, preselected some children's reading books, and found 5 really beautiful English publications on Ukrainian themes. Returned home for a Skype meeting with one board executive.  Picked up my email for an invite to another supper meeting in the local Ukrainian community. Set out for a rehearsal of Ukrainian choral music (program being sponsored by another Ukrainian organization).  Returned early to leave the car for husband who volunteered for a Ukrainian organization's casino-fundraiser.  Whew!  Normal day?  Am I just noticing now?

I marvel at the good will, efficiency and passion in the Ukrainian community, because all the little decisions add up!!  Even if the organizations spend half of their time on social gatherings, the tremendous contributions simply have to number in the thousands and thousands of hours of volunteer service!

I have heard the terms "mangers" and "leaders" and organizations really do thrive when they have both types of contributors.  But there must be a colossal team of Hetman quality leaders doing all the right things influencing goals, meetings, agendas, doing the preparation, the documentation, the scheduling, the minutes, the action items, the follow-up and - of course working efficiently, enjoying a happy communal feeling of belonging, and achieving great results.

Of course there are Ukrainian organizations that flounder indecisively, discuss, update, review, inform, report, present, check, dialogue, evaluate, connect, think, consider, educate, as well.  But I sense that busy people are too efficient to waste time, and the calculation of time expenditure is precious.  Effective people waste less time, decide and commit, and effect greater change.  Marvelous!

My grandmother used to say "you have written yourself into the family book", when someone married into the family.  I sense there is a powerful feeling of kinship among the people who give so passionately to the Ukrainian community too.  And congratulations to these amazing HETMAN quality leaders - (youth) Adrian Warchola, Oksana Iwaszko, (Calgarian)  Danylo Moussienko, (adult) Ivanna Szewczuk, Jason Golinowski, (Calgarian) Uliana (Elaine) Holowach-Amiot, (senior) William Dymianiw,
Larry and Donna Sendziak,  Ron Zapisocki, Nettie Kowal, (posthumous) Olga Alexandruk, and UCC-APC Exec. Steven Chwok to be honoured this October 6, 2013 at the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (Alberta Provincial Council) Annual HETMAN AWARDS in Edmonton.  You, indeed, have written yourself into the ancestral legacy of Ukraine and her children in the international diaspora - especially here in CANADA!   A humble thank-you and BRAVO!

Awards, Rewards, Recognition - April 19, 2013

Some people have personal ambition, on the other hand, some people live their lives in service of others, and a greater cause.  So just how does one award, reward or recognize people for their generosity of spirit? We take example from leaders around us.

 

As Canada's Governor General is the representative of the Queen of England on North Amerian soil, the influence of the Queen's 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Award is among the most celebrated awards among Canadian citizens.  Without Royal patronage, Canada may have potentially taken another course through history.  Whether actively, or through her network of agents, the influence of the Monarch with a wholistic vision of the world has indeed shaped our experience here.  Through the effects of a democratic, civil society, we are called to take part, take responsibility, and create a place that is bigger, better and more enriching than ourselves. Some consider Canada among the most respected nations for precise these reasons, for its serious committment to becoming the best "homeland" possible - I among them.  

 

Over Canada's rather short nationhood, Canadian communities have grown, and been shaped the efforts of her citizens.  But "community" doesn't just happen.  Through the contributions of many, we have evolved into a generous, forward thinking, inclusive society that embraces the best parts of its individual components.  Of course that involves grassroots community builders, and community leadership, vision and dogged perseverance in the face of doubters.  Big vision people take pleasure in meeting challenges, making seemingly small gains that accumulate drop by drop, for every droplet eventually meets with others, creating a wave of possibilities.  The individuals being honored at the Diamond Jubilee Awards ceremony to be held in Calgary on April 19, 2013 are examples of just that kind of leadership.  .   

I met Mike Hantzch through my experiece at St. Vladimir's Sadochok, when our children were little and our ambitions for them involved a Ukrainian linguistic enrichment.  A group formed around this idea - Calgary Parents for Ukrainian Education - and we coaslesced around an idea of promoting Ukrainian bilingual schools to our public school boards.  Public schooling took some complicated turns at the time - our proposals were not welcomed.  So Mike threw his considerable passion for youth programming into high gear - through PLAST Ukrainian Scouts here in Calgary.  And of course there are many more accolades for this already recognized UCC Alberta Hetman Award recipient.   

Halia Wilson is another equally committed, soft spoken but stalward community builder.  A communicator, she has developed strong ties in SUM Ukrainian Youth across Canada and in the Ukrainian community abroad.  She is an includer, a communicator, a promoter and widely embraces diversity.  For the entire time I have known her, she has quietly but effectively promoted the Ukrainian idea, graciously welcoming everyone she meets. Her generosity of spirit is felt here among her professional peers, and in Calgary's Ukrainian community.  From promotions for youth programs to bandura, music, film and the arts, Halia's impressive vitae has already gained her the UCC Alberta Hetman Award too.   

Congratulations to these wonderful people on the recognition presented to them this April 19, 2013 through Canada's Diamond Jubilee Award.  From the hand of Queen Elizabth II, through the hands of Canada's Governor General, through the hands of Ukrainian Canadian Congress National President Paul Grod to Calgary, not only are they being recognized individually, but as members of their respective communities here in Calgary as well.  Leadership, community builders, peacemakers, kindlers of the fire at the ancestral hearth, their promotion of and contribution to the culture of our great city, and the Ukrainian idea,  we thank you!! 

The Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Canada (Calgary Branch)graciously invites you to a ceremony and wine and cheese reception in honor of these recipients of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Award on  Friday, April 19, at 7 PM at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church hall.  For further information, tickets and to RSVP contact 403-670-5477  or to admin@ucpbacalgary.org. 

 

 

A Hetman Award Winner- Pauline Lysak

amk2012

It's all about the kids and the future!

Introducing Mrs. Pauline Lysak of Edmonton, one of Ukrainian Alberta's stellar volunteers in service to the community. In 1998, the UCC-Alberta Provincial Council initiated an Annual Hetman Awards to acknowledge significant volunteer achievements of outstanding Ukrainian Albertans. And Pauline Lysak certainly fits the bill. She is a long time member of the Ukrainian Woman's Association of Canada, currently involved at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Ladies Auxiliary-Soyuz Ukrainok Kanadi in Edmonton. (UWAC)

A person of deep spirituality and moral conviction, her employment as a social worker in child protection and adoption for the province was more than a job, it is her mission. It led to her involvement with the Pochaiv Orphanage and helping youth in Ukraine. Seeing the need for child protection, and reading The Natasha's by Victor Malarek, (an important read if you haven't already done so - about the issue of Eastern Bloc human trafficking - including Ukrainian girls and boys) she was drawn to become involved in the Maple Leaf Project of the Nashi organization. Nashi: Our Children is actually helping to divert children at risk from human trafficking. She is also inspired by the important work being done by HART - led by Lloyd Cenaiko - another Ukrainian Canadian activist from la belle province of Saskatchewan!

Pauline says the Maple Leaf Alberta Projects works in conjunction with Nashi of Saskatoon and on October 26, 2012 hosted their 4th annual fundraiser for the Maple Leaf/Klenovi Lyst Safe House in Ukraine. Other events in the past have included presentations by Victor Malarek, Benjamin Perrin, Joy Smith MP and fashion shows which have featured the handiwork of girls who have been rescued from risk and learning a trade - sewing skills.

Congratulations Pauline and thank you for leadership in helping to protect the most vulnerable - our children - combating modern day slavery! Diakuyemo! Mnohaya lita!

In the picture above you will see Pauline with the Speaker of the Alberta Provincial Legislature - her nephew - MLA Gene Zwozdesky, and Genia Leskiw MLA for Bonnyville who is also her neice - close family! Also in the photo is the Provincial President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Daria Luciw.  

For a video of One Pyrogy at a Time - a documentary by Nashi: Our Children - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2bi74rb6ME

and information about the Maple Leaf/Klenovi Lyst Safe House http://mapleleafap.wordpress.com/.

Celebrating our Volunteers- Hetman Awards 2012

Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council

Hosting 2012's ANNUAL HETMAN AWARDS

 

Honouring our Ukrainian Community Volunteers !

Acknowledging our amazing Ukrainian Calgary volunteers, this year's Ukrainian Canadian Congress is celebrating some special people from Calgary! 

Volunteers are the heart of our Ukrainian Calgary community, giving of their time, treasure and talent to create a climate in which the Ukrainian idea can thrive here on the Western Canadian prairies.  They honor us, they treasure their heritage, and give selflessly in service to something greater than one individual.  Often their whole families are dedicated to this idea of "paying it forward" in the hopes that future generations may enjoy the services and community life we cherish so. 

Since 1998, UCC Alberta has celebrated these outstanding Albertans of Ukrainian heritage.  Over the years many Albertans, and many Calgarians have been on the honoree list.  In the 2012 year, there are at least three (I know of personally) who are to be honored at the Hetman Awards Gala in Edmonton this fall.  Julianna Michayluk nominated for (among her other talents) her service to CYMK in the youth category, Lessia Savedchuk who has been nominated for her endless enthusiastic contributions and leadership (among other talents) by PLAST Ukrainian Scouts Calgary, and Shirley Din, in the posthumous category, for her many years of dedication and Presidency of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada- Calgary Branch at St. Vladimir's Congregation, will each be publicly honored. 

Let's publicly recognize those whose long time service has built our community.  If you know the names of other honorees, past or present, you are welcome to comment on this blog, and share the congratulations with all the UkrainianCalgary blog readers.  Congratulations and sincere gratitude to all Hetman Award recipients!!

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