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!

Calgary's Ukrainian Community Volunteers are the Best!

It's great how those in our Ukrainian Community here in Calgary rally together and help each other with their various casinos.  So says the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Award Recipient Halya Wilson, (she's our person at the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Calgary), and she would know!  Championing the Ukrainian idea has been her life's work it seems!  In her "spare time", she finds ways to include, embrace and welcome all sorts of admirers of the Ukrainian idea on the prairies. 

 

So if you are in Calgary on the May long weekend, your "spare time" would be greatly appreciated!  If you can help with the fundraiser efforts for Calgary's Echoes of Ukraine, Ukrainian TV on Shaw 89, on either Saturday or Sunday, please contact Christine Musienko at (403)830-1975.

 

Genuine, and heartfelt appreciation to all those who have volunteered.  And an equally heartfelt to those who wish to support in another way - you choose!  Have a great weekend, and enjoy all the amazing spin-offs that come of our Ukrainian Community! 

 

Hey, and while you are filling your "volunteer calendar", I suspect the Calgary Ukrainian Festival people would love to hear from you too!!http://www.calgaryukrainianfestival.ca/contact-us/volunteer-application-form/

Wouldn't you like a Ukrainian Festival TShirt??

 

 

 

Healthy Transformations

Healthy living is about feeling love, happiness and belonging.  Ukrainian community celebrations in Calgary have traditionally been full of these!  And scientists know that these feelings are related to the good hormone levels, among them, the "mothering hormone" oxytocin.  Of course there are other hormones involved, things like dopamine and serotonin but the point is, these all enhance emotional bonding so necessary for a transformative experience in the world.  Transforming information received from social contact, and converting it into healthy, sustaining energy is that "interior decorating" plan we all undertake over time.

Ukrainian Calgary is more than just an idea for me.  It is a sense of place, of personal relationships, of friendship and family.  Participants in Ukrainian Calgary are processing information all the time. And because everything is new for newcomers, first impressions matter perhaps more than we think!  Aesthetics have a huge impact!  Familiar sights, sounds, smells all give an impression.  We know what we like, love and what attracts us.  We all recognize beauty, skill and craft.  Like connoiseurs, experience has taught us what is good and beneficial for our life journey.  Does Ukrainian Calgary exhude that sense of "home away from home" for newcomers?

Many of Calgary's Ukrainian newcomers and others are quietly visiting "Ukrainian Calgary".  Impressed,  many are taken aback at the organizational vision and personal leadership of the pioneer generations.   Most are astounded at the love, purpose and cultural bonds of Ukrainian Canadians of three and four generations, much less the unity of purpose!  Satisfied with visiting?  Perhaps.  

The linguistic, cultural traditions of the first Ukrainian Canadians has become a small part of the Western Canadian way of life.  "Ukraina" exists here in every pysanka, every "Carol of the Bells", in every braided bread and embroidered sorochka.  "Ukraina" exists here in the dancers, onion domed churches, and pyrohy available in every grocery store.  But newcomers can call home, go on the internet, purchase online - anything they "need" is available for purchase. But can you get "mothering hormones" via email?

What next? Well, relationships have a way of evolving. Transformation is the dance of life. Meditation and spiritual life is but a start; lifestyle changes that stimulate youthful thinking involves having fun together; leading to stress management and positivity, which helps to gain the skill to make new connections. Youthful new Ukrainian Calgarians are looking for these in their new life in the diaspora. 

Is Ukrainian Calgary welcoming new energies, new ideas and lifestyle changes that could transform our dance of life here on the Canadian prairies?  What would a huge embrace of newcomers do for Ukrainian Calgary's future? What are your "interior decorator" plans for Ukrainian Calgary?





  

 

Pysanky in Little Hands

 

amk2013

Working with little ones can be such a joy, especially when they come away happy and fulfilled. The influence of a few well placed words, a few big ideas, and time for a moment of total engagement can be hugely effective.

Energetic 10 year olds, boisterous energy, chatter and then complete silence, if only for a moment, because they were totally immersed in creating something beautiful. Focus, meticulous control, frustrated, learning to use a new tool, a new canvas, these kids scribed a good wish onto a fragile egg in the hope of effecting the future.  They made a Ukrainian pysanka!

I came away from the experience moved and impressed at the depth of feeling and artistry they showed. Whether their lines were straight or wobbly, their soft voices and smiles of pride revealed something of their enthusiasm.  They really believed the sun-god would bring energy and light, the drops would rain moisture over fields and gardens, and that curled horns meant food, and a cure for hunger.  Their hearts were full with feeling! Their minds were filled with the symbolism.

I was touched by the little boy who showed me where his pysanka had a big cross.  Another recognized the pine branches (hey that would make a great tea if a person had scurvy), the pussy willows (don't they use them for Palm Sunday), and another the wheat stalks. Even more, I was moved by the brave faces of those who had to pick up their treasured pysanka shells from the floor.  They all called it a five star activity!  They all want to do it again!

Bees wax, a kistka, colored dyes, and each one, teach one! Ukrainian pysanky!

Shaping Community with the Pysanka







amk2012

Having Ukrainian cultural elements in my life, it is easy to take for granted what others consider absolutely beautiful. Embroideries, ceramics, weavings, but this season is the time for the Ukrainian Easter Egg - the pysanka.



Recently got an invitation to teach pysanky to the children at the community school nearby. Now that Ukraine is a focus in the Alberta Social Studies in both Grades 3 and 5, it is not only an extra to "do Ukrainian things", it is a curricular expectation. But it is assumed that everyone teaching has an expertise in every aspect.....could one conceivably have expertise in everything? Mindful to focus on the curricular expectations, I am glad to accept the invitation.



http://aroundnewyorkin80worlds.wordpress.com/author/emilyparkey/

What an opportunity to shape the minds, hearts and sensibilities of a new generation! I started by telling them when my blonde, blue eyed ancestors came to Canada, and why. A little lesson on the map opens opportunities to so much discussion, about Europe, about neighbors, about the land and its chernozem fertility, the people and the culture, and of course, the economic opportunities or deficits.

Then to tell them about Ukraine's ancestral forests and steppes, rivers and Black sea, the bees, the honey, the beeswax - using every gift nature provides. Followed by terms like "non-text features" - the symbols that convey meaning over time, space, and language. Then expressing the belief that every person's culture has beauty, and reminding the children they have yet to discover their ancestral tree - perhaps a tidbid about geneology. After all, every generous contribution to Canada and her future actually shapes and molds what will come!

There are a large variety of videos online to explain the process of pysanka writing, but I found the children really wanted the basic traditional designs first. But to begin the learning, I teach. The raw egg is life, a seed bearing a life in a shell that breathes. Inscribing onto the shell creates a talisman of good wishes for the future. Their first pysanka will be the traditional 8 pointed star rosette, or sun-god with its rays of yellow, orange and red, blue/green rain drops, decorated with the red curled horns of plenty (plenty of food, prosperity and wealth), all on the black background of eternity. Precious, the pysanka will live, fulfill its mandate in the world, and eventually dry to dust, its shell will return to the earth that brought it life.

Father Paul     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzVicHadJfc

Gentleman - brief comment about the sun god  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6NFtX8XNUY

How to make a Beginner Pysanka (short and concise   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YqkKrbkqf8

A volunteer who generously shares the gifts of their time, treasure and above all their unique talents, is always a welcome guest it seems. Note to self - tell them about the Pysanka in Vegreville, Alberta and remind them that one in 5 Albertans has some Ukrainian ancestry! Maybe they are Ukrainian too!
http://www.vegrevillechamber.com/pysankastory.htm

For more online material about pysanka writing, follow the links at http://www.incredibleart.org/lessons/high/Sue-Pysanky.htm

National Congress of Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada 2013

The fabric of the  Ukrainian Canadian community is a tapestry of many, many special  individuals who generously volunteer their time, talents and treasure in meritorious organizations that benefit all Canadians. One such group is the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada, whose open arms welcome all newcomers!

With a commitment to the Church, nurturing cultural heritage, and providing resources for living an authentic Christian life, the UCWLC does good work.

They will be holding their 2013 National Convention  in Saskatoon this spring on June 27-30, 2013.   For more information contact your local Ukrainian Catholic church.

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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So Proud to be Canadian!

Canada is a great country!  Canada is a welcoming land whose embrace is the envy of so many freedom loving people in the world.  We have freedom to pursue our dreams, with dignity, human rights, and freedom to collaborate with our countrymen in the betterment of society.  When citizens perform public service, whether employed or volunteer, empowered to "be the change we wish to see in the world" (Ghandi), this has an impact on the future. We live in a global village, and we can apply our accumulated assets of time, talent and treasure to raise the children of tomorrow. 

 

Canada's responsive government is committed to helping Ukraine on its journey to a transparent and more accountable government, a strong democratatic government. In response to internal and external voices of concern with regards to the credibility of recent elections in Ukraine, Canada's government is looking for the strategic application of Canada's nation-building assets -its citizenry.

 

Calgary Member of Parliament, Honorable Jason Kenney, on behalf of the Government of Canada,  has just recently (August 9, 2012)  announced that Canada will be sending 500 observers to play a part in monitoring the upcoming Ukrainian parliamentary election (October 28, 2012).  This mission from Canada's Civilian Reserve calls upon us to volunteer wholeheartedly, stand up for freedom, truth and the rule of law.  People who have language competency, knowledge of electoral politics, election systems and international experienced may apply to be an observer.  

CANADEM: International Election Observation Project:

http://www.canadem.ca/home/en/deployment/election-observation.html

CANADEM: Apply to be an International Election Observer:

http://www.canadem.ca/home/en/deployment/election-observation/apply-to-canadems-elections.html

www.JasonKenney.ca

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-08-09.asp

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lois Brown, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation, and Ted Opitz, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre announced today that the Government of Canada is sending 500 observers to help monitor Ukraine's parliamentary elections scheduled to be held in October 2012 – Toronto, Ontario

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/photos/high-res/index.asp

Little Birdie

http://humortrain.com/

We were recently at a resort for a holiday break. The location, the breathtaking views, the perfect combination of sand, water, gentle breeze, the sounds of peaceful rest, I have such appreciation for the Creator!

At the same time, the harmonious combination of services provided at this resort meets every perceived whim or need. Shelter for the frail body that can be harmed through excessive weather, food to shape the body and prime it for service, companionship to feed the social needs, and genial entertainment that soothes the spirit and engages the imagination.

So here at the resort, my main work is to suntan. Between suntanning episodes there are swimming breaks, eating breaks, sleeping breaks, and not doing much but relaxing breaks. It is a hard life, but somehow I got voluntold for this job.

We head to the open air restaurant for mealtime and we notice the place could easily be overcome with wildlife if it didn't have netting on the windows and doors. Low tech solutions include a door monitor person who holds the netting for entries and exits. However, sometimes a keen little bird slips in, hopping sideways between the netting, eager for the feast of corn nibblets or bread crumbs. Interesting choices, but that is what they take. So we watch them in silence.

This makes one think the little prayer "Be still,and know I am God!". I silently thank the Creator for the millions of adventurous creatures of the depths who fulfilled their lives and their legacy is the perfectly soft sand that we walk upon. Whether the wind is more powerful, or the sun, one can't help but notice how every part of creation zealously uplifts its face in the breeze adoring the sun. Every tree, flowering plant, and crawling reptile pursues its mission of purpose, of gratitude, and of service.

It is so in Ukrainian Calgary, too. So many blessings: our amazing location nestled in the pocket of creation rich in resources, the best prairie and mountain vistas, sunshine and chinook reprieves from winter, few mosquitos, the perfect combination of healthy water, clean air, as well as the pleasant tug of economic opportunity.

Is it any wonder this harmonious living has blessed us with such a vibrant Ukrainian community in Calgary as well? Really, so far away from "the mother ship"' Ukraine, we have so many tremendous human services that meet just about every perceived human need or whim. Everything from Ukrainian child services, to Ukrainian language schools, youth activities, opportunities to learn, teach, serve, sing, play, share, revel and worship exists in our Ukrainian Calgary. And the amazing thing new immigrants to Calgary are astounded to realize -  primarily volunteer work!! It's like Ukrainian Calgary attended "self-help" classes for 120 years!! Perhaps in light of all this we could revisit the "self-help" theme. What is it all about?  What for? 

To paraphrase Richard N. Bolles, the writer who has sold over 8 million copies of the series "What Color is Your Parachute?", purpose is threefold.  First, to seek to stand in the presence of the Creator, to know Him as God, and to enjoy Him and see His hand in all things. Second, to do what you can, moment by moment, to make this world a better place, having embraced His wisdom. Third, to employ the unique talents and abilities that He has gifted to you, which you use with immense joy and fulfillment, in the places and services for which He has created the perfect need of you.

Is yours a mission of mind? Are you an optimistic pioneer who sees possibilities where others see problems?  Could your gift of vision and leadership help Ukrainian Calgary?  Perhaps the spirit will move you? 

Is yours a mission of gratitude? Do Ukrainian Canadian arts, symbols, literature, music, dance and history hold a special place in your spirit - and can you convey that to others?   Maybe you are a resource, a helper, a Ukrainian school teacher and nurture a love of Ukrainian ancestry in our children?

Is yours a gift of service? Are you blessed with abundance, and want to "pay it forward"?

Sitting in the resort restaurant, I watched my husband look over my head, raise his eyes, and smile broadly. He had spied a little bird flying to and from the netted window. Watching him smile so sweetly, I couldn't help but ask what was going on behind me. Turning, I watched the little bird pick up little food crumbs and fly to the screen, where the little bird's life partner was singing beautifully in anticipation of the shared crumbs coming to him. Their little beaks opened, their voices chirped happily, they shared the bounty left by the guests.

An astoundingly beautiful metaphor. Don't we all wait for the crumbs to fall upon us fom the Creator's bountiful table? I hope you will share some of your crumbs: time, talent, and treasure. Bud'mo!