Рада 2021

The formal part of the conference began shortly after the hike and was conducted in the main house library. Nineteen members representing New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Philadelphia and Chicago attended the conference in person, and over a dozen additional members participated via Zoom.

Spartanky President Theresa Kuritza formally welcomed all Spartanky and thanked them for their dedication, support and work throughout the year. The Rev. Dr. Ivan Kaczszak led the group in prayer, singing the Plast version of Our Father. He then blessed the members, wishing them a pleasant and fruitful conference. The members then held a candle light ceremony to welcome candidate Zina Zinycz into the Spartanky sorority as a full member.

The Spartanky elected new board members for key posts, which included Vira Myskiw, president; Chrystia Iwanik, vice president; Zezya Zawadiwsky, secretary; Adriana Pidwerbetsky, treasurer; Ale­xandra Odulak Petrenko, chronicler; Marga­reta Nycz, flagbearer; and Roma Temnycky, press correspondent.

Leaders of the local chapters were also announced: Kiki Zinycz, New York/New England; Chrystia Stasiuk (interim), New Jersey; and Marusia Kolodij, Philadelphia.

Although the annual Winter Outing (Zumova Prohulka) and Pochatkoviy Tabir in 2021 were canceled, the Spartanky have been busy working in small groups and locally within their Ukrainian communities.

The New York/New England chapter met multiple times during the year via Zoom to discuss their projects and to plan this year’s conference. Tamara Tershakovec created a “Keep-in-Touch” email to promote camaraderie and stay connected during the pandemic. Christine Kozak worked with the group to manage the “Vmilist in a Box” to create and update merit badges/levels and their requirements. Kiki Zinycz shared with the group a “fan letter” she received in early 2021 from William Burban who participated in Plast camp at Vovcha Tropa as a young scout. He stated that he had fond memories of his time at the East Chatham, N.Y., camp and appreciates the sorority’s time and work sprucing up the facilities.

Ms. Stasiuk discussed how the New Jersey branch is actively working with the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey in Whippany, N.J. – for example, by doing physical and ecological work around the outdoor café where many come to attend events and meetings.

Louisa Kaminskyj gave an overview of plans for a Horseback Riding Camp to occur during in 2023. Committee members plan to travel to Virginia next year to meet with instructors and plan logistics for this camp, which will take place in July-August. The Philadelphia chapter prepared Christmas baskets for the elderly in their community and Zina Zinych organized and ran a Red Cross Blood Drive at the Ukrainian Self-Reliance Federal Credit Union.

The conference ended late afternoon on November 6 with lots of new ideas, enthusiasm, excitement and plans for the upcoming year, as well as gratitude for the opportunity to gather in person. A small group of members stayed for another delicious dinner and more sisterly bonding by the fireplace where they reminisced about their Plast experiences and past conferences. On November 7 the group attended liturgy together at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church.