by UNA | 2024 16, Aug | News
KERHONKSON, N.Y. – Stefan Kaczaraj, a former Ukrainian National Association (UNA) president and longtime Ukrainian-American community leader dedicated to his community and his family, died on August 10. He was 83.
Former Ukrainian National Foundation President Stefan Kaczaraj and his wife, Swiatoslawa (Siania), are pictured in 2016.
Mr. Kaczaraj, who was elected president of the UNA at its 35th Regular Convention in 2002, was remembered by many for his legacy of service, leadership and generosity. He served as the UNA’s president with distinction until his retirement in 2022. Under his leadership, the UNA flourished, and his tenure was marked by a commitment to the preservation and promotion of Ukrainian culture and community in the United States.
Mr. Kaczaraj served as a director of the Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union for more than 30 years, including a period as chairman of the Board of Directors. Since 2004, he was chairman of the National Council (Krayova Rada) of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, where he was instrumental in guiding the organization through critical years.
Mr. Kaczaraj was also an active member of the Ukrainian Museum, the Ukrainian Institute of America, and many other organizations that benefitted from his leadership and dedication. His work within these institutions left an indelible mark on the Ukrainian-American community, ensuring that Ukrainian culture and history remained vibrant and accessible for future generations.
Born on April 11, 1941, in Verbycia, Ukraine, Mr. Kaczaraj spent his early years in Ulm, Germany, before emigrating to the United States in 1955. The journey from war-torn Europe to America shaped his deep appreciation for freedom and hard work, values he would pass on to his children and grandchildren. In 1966, he graduated from City College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, which set the stage for a long and successful career.
After completing his education, Mr. Kaczaraj joined the U.S. Army, where he served with distinction as a specialist fifth class in the Office of the Executive for Requirements in Washington, D.C. His time in the military was marked by his commendable performance, reflecting the discipline and commitment that would define his professional and personal life. He was honorably discharged in 1968, returning to New York where he would soon meet his future wife, Swiatoslawa (Siania), at a Ukrainian dance hosted by the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka. The two married in 1970 and spent the next 54 years together.
Mr. Kaczaraj began his professional career at the accounting firm of David Berdon & Co. in 1968 where he worked as a public accountant. His deep connection to his Ukrainian heritage led him to the in 1993, where he served for nearly 30 years, including over 25 years as an executive officer.
When not engaged in community activities, Mr. Kaczaraj enjoyed spending time at the Soyuzivka Heritage Center and being with his beloved family. He is survived by his wife, Siania, his daughters Adriana (Hal) and Talia (Barry), his grandchildren Alexa, Gregory and Ella, and his sister Maria (Michael). He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna (née Seniw) and Mykhailo.
Funeral services were to be held at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany, N.J., on August 17, followed by burial at Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Campbell Hall, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mr. Kaczaraj’s honor to the Ukrainian Catholic University, the Ukrainian National Foundation, Inc. (Ukrainian Weekly/Svoboda Press Fund), or the Ukrainian Museum.
source: The Ukrainian Weekly
by UNA | 2023 15, Sep | Announcements, News, Social Media
NEW 3-YEAR MYGA RATE AND NEW 5-YEAR MYGA PRODUCT
3-Year MYGA now has a guaranteed rate of 4.75%
5-Year MYGA (new product) has a guaranteed rate of 5.25%
5 YEAR TRADITIONAL ANNUITY
Now has a first year rate of 5.50%*
Now has a second year rate of 5.00%
A full withdrawal (principal and interest) from the account prior to 5 years will incur a surrender charge.
7 YEAR TRADITIONAL ANNUITY
Now has a first year rate of 5.75%*
Now has a second year rate of 5.00%
A full withdrawal (principal and interest) from the account prior to 7 years will incur a surrender charge.
9 YEAR TRADITIONAL ANNUITY
Now has a first year rate of 8.00%*
A full withdrawal (principal and interest) from the account prior to 9 years will incur a surrender charge.
*First Year Rate
Minimum Guaranteed Rate 2%
Rates Subject to Change
Not Available In All States
by UNA | 2023 1, Sep | Announcements, Educational, News, Scholarship
PARSIPPANY, N.J. – After thoroughly reviewing student applications for the 2023-2024 scholarships of the Ukrainian National Association (UNA), the UNA Scholarship Committee met on August 8 here at the Home Office to make its final determinations.
The credentials of the applicants were excellent, and some students applied for more than one scholarship for which they were eligible. Thus, the decisions of the Scholarship Committee were challenging. The criteria used by the committee included academic achievement; community and college activity; awards and honors; and content of essays submitted with the application.
This year, there were 44 applicants from 23 UNA branches throughout the United States and Canada for the scholarships and awards.
Special scholarships awarded by the UNA include the following for undergraduate students, funded by generous benefactors: the Joseph and Dora Galandiuk Scholarship ($2,000) for a student excelling in accounting or the sciences; the newly established Orest and Lidia Bilous Family Foundation Scholarship ($2,000) for a student who is studying political science; the Dmytro and Slava Jarosewycz Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) for a student of Ukrainian heritage excelling in his or her studies; the Maria and Taras Slevinsky Scholarship ($1,000) for a student studying nursing; the Philadelphia UNA District Committee’s Stefan Hawrysz Scholarship ($1,000) for a student from one of the district’s nine branches; and the Danylo Andrii Demidenko Scholarship ($500) for a student studying in the medical field.
The UNA also sponsors five UNA Heritage Scholarships of $1,000 each for undergraduate or graduate students enrolled on either a full- or part-time basis. These scholarships – which focus special attention on community involvement – were established in 2019 to coincide with the UNA’s 125th anniversary.
In addition, all student members of the UNA can receive monetary awards for their college studies. These awards are granted upon completion of the senior year of high school and during the students’ college and post-graduate years. This year’s awards once again ranged from $125 for incoming freshmen to $250 for graduate students.
The following students are recipients of special scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year:
Galandiuk Scholarship – Mark Rokycky, UNA Branch 277, who is entering his sophomore year at the University of Connecti-cut;
Bilous Scholarship – Matthew Manas-terski, UNA Branch 120, who is entering his senior year at the University of Pittsburgh;
Jarosewycz Scholarship – Darij Kulchyc-kyj, UNA Branch 83, who is entering his senior year at Franklin & Marshall College;
Slevinsky Scholarship – Alexandra Soltys, UNA Branch 88, an incoming freshman at Stockton University;
Hawrysz Scholarship – Joseph Stefurak, UNA Branch 501, who is entering his sophomore year at Pennsylvania State University; and
Demidenko Scholarship – Natalia Skyba, Branch 399, who is entering her junior year at Dominican University.
UNA Heritage Scholarship recipients for 2023-2024 are the following:
Sophia Kowal, UNA Branch 27, a junior at Northeastern University;
Maria Kulchyckyj, UNA Branch 83, a graduate student at the Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University;
Kaitlen Telepko, UNA Branch 234, a senior at Seton Hall University;
Paul Williams, UNA Branch 37, a senior at Wake Forest University; and
Adriana Zaviysky, UNA Branch 155, a junior at Rutgers School of Pharmacy.
The UNA is grateful for the continued support of all benefactors who fund scholarships for our community’s students. The UNA processes, evaluates and handles the administration of the scholarships they fund based on criteria they establish. Individuals or organizations interested in sponsoring a scholarship are advised to contact UNA President and CEO Roman B. Hirniak at the UNA Home Office, 800-253-9862, extension 3016.
In order to apply for a UNA scholarship or award, a student must have an active, premium-paying UNA insurance policy during the previous two years, with a minimum value of $5,000 (term life policies excluded). The UNA offers a variety of qualifying policies at competitive rates.
For more information about UNA insurance and endowment policies, as well as annuities, IRAs and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, readers are advised to contact their branch secretary or the UNA directly at 800-253-9862.
To learn more about the UNA’s scholarship program, readers may visit the website https://unainc.org/benefits/scholarships/.
In the more than 129 years of its existence, the Ukrainian National Association has always supported young people in their pursuit of higher education. In fact, the first UNA scholarships were actually small stipends awarded to promising students to help them attain a better future. The formal scholarship program, established in 1964, has awarded scholarships to thousands of young men and women – a legacy of which the UNA is justifiably proud.
by UNA | 2023 28, Jul | Announcements, News, Social Media
Famed Ukrainian folk quarter DakhaBrakha headlines Soyuzivka Ukrainian Festival
Ukrainian National Foundation President Roman Hirniak spoke during the evening gala.
KERHONKSON, N.Y. – The Soyuzivka Ukrainian Festival at the Ukrainian National Foundation’s (UNF) Soyuzivka Heritage Center took place over three days from July 14 to 16 with the famed Ukrainian folk music quartet DakhaBrakha headlining the festival’s Saturday night performance in front of several thousand guests.
The festival attracted visitors from many states to the daily exhibits and events, as well as enthusiastic audiences for the afternoon and evening stage shows. Arts and crafts vendors exhibited their wares on the plaza.
The festival kicked off with an evening concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 14, as individuals gathered in front of the event’s main stage to enjoy performances by Korinya, Roman Karpishka and Irina Petrik, Inessa Tymochko-Dekajlo and Ihor Dekajlo, Christina Yavdoshnyak and the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Workshop. Andrij Dobriansky emceed the evening concert.
Other festival guests took part in a gala and fundraising dinner at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 14, that included performances by Adrian Pysariwksy, Slau Halatyn, Ms. Yavdoshnyak. That gala was emceed by Roman Wasylyk. During the gala dinner, Soyuzivka Managing Director Stephen Barankewicz outlined a vision for a new outdoor dining area.
View: The Ukrainian Weekly: PHOTO REPORT: 2023 Ukrainian Cultural Festival
by UNA | 2023 28, Jul | Announcements, News
The following is the full text of the speech given by Ukrainian National Foundation President Roman Hirniak at the gala dinner on July 14 during the Soyuzivka Ukrainian Festival that was held at the Soyuzivka Heritage Center in Kerhonkson, N.Y., on July 14-16.
It seems that the father of a bright young son went to a wise friend for advice as to what profession the youth would be fit for. The sage was brusque. “Let the boy choose for himself,” he said. “But,” protested the father, “he’s too young.” “Well,” responded the wise man, “put him in a room alone with a book on theology, an apple, a knife and some small change and see what he makes of it. If he chooses the book, make a minister of him. If he takes the knife, make him a surgeon. If the apple, he will make a farmer. And if he chooses the money, a banker.” Much relieved, the father went away but returned in a few days complaining that the plan hadn’t worked at all. “Why not?” demanded the wise man. “What did he do?” “When I went in,” said the father, “he was sitting on the book, with the knife in one hand and the money in his pocket and [he was] eating the apple.” “Ah!” said the sage, “that’s easy. The boy is a natural-born lawyer.”
Всечесніший отче доктор парох [most reverend doctor father], ladies and gentlemen, добрий вечір [good evening]. As Роман [Roman] mentioned, my name is Роман Гірняк [Roman Hirniak] and I have the privilege of being the president of the Ukrainian National Foundation. I’ll be returning to the underlying message buried in the earlier joke in a moment, but first I’d like to answer two questions that many of you may be asking yourselves: What exactly is the foundation and what’s its relationship to Союзівка [Soyuzivka]. As I think you all know, last year [2022], Soyuzivka celebrated 70 years of ownership in the hands of Ukrainians. Now, while it was purchased by the Ukrainian National Association [UNA] in 1952, based upon guidance from its outside professionals, ownership of Soyuzivka was transferred by the UNA to the Ukrainian National Foundation in January of 2015. Incorporated by the UNA in New Jersey in August of 1992, the UNF (i.e., the foundation) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable foundation and can most easily be understood by citing its Certificate of Incorporation: “The objects and purposes of the foundation shall include, but not be limited to, to cultivate, promote, sponsor and encourage appreciation and public interest in the rich cultural heritage of Ukrainian Americans; to produce cultural presentations, including festivals and educational events, relating to Ukrainian cultural heritage; to provide a forum for sharing Ukrainian cultural resources and to provide the Ukrainian-American community and other persons interested in Ukrainian cultural heritage with recreational, sport and cultural facilities.”
Pursuant to its bylaws, the UNF is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors, which I’m honored to chair. I’d like to take a quick moment to introduce my colleagues on the board, all of whom are here this evening. Let’s first start with our treasurer, Slavko Tysiak, moving on to our secretary, Bohdanka Puzyk, and wrapping up with our four directors: Valentyna Tabaka, Andrij Cade, Volodya Krul and our newest director, Ariana Babczenko. Collectively, we provide oversight, advice and guidance to Soyuzivka Managing Director Stephen Barankewicz and his leadership team, on making our оселя [Soyuzivka Heritage Center] bigger, better, stronger and more efficient.
If this all sounds to you like the hallmarks of running a business, then you happen to be correct. However, the business model which we have here in Kerhonkson is not one of selling widgets. Rather, it’s one of providing an experience. One of facilitating, as our Certificate of Incorporation outlines, an appreciation of and public interest in the rich cultural heritage of Ukrainian-Americans.
About a year ago, at roughly the same time, Stephen and I stepped into our respective roles as stewards of Soyuzivka. Not surprisingly, we viewed the proverbial big picture from an identical vantage point, having both worked here as young fellas many years ago. We found ourselves, as well as others who were cut from the same cloth, using a singular catchphrase when referring to our vision of Soyuzivka at that time: 2.0. In other words, the new model. Over time, as with all catchphrases, ours underwent some massaging and is now one that you have begun hearing and seeing more and more of: revival. That concept, which Stephen will be speaking to during his remarks, envisions an improvement in the condition or strength of something. What I mentioned earlier, as making our оселя [Soyuzivka Heritage Center] bigger, better, stronger and more efficient.
Put simply, folks, it’s our turn to shape the legacy of Soyuzivka. It’s our time to take what our predecessors began seven decades ago and steer it on the right path for at least the next 70 years. That, ladies and gentlemen, with respect, is where you come into the equation. Our doctors, our bankers, our theologians, our attorneys, our businessmen and businesswomen, each and every professional community which is represented in this room and in our broader громада [community]. Future generations will judge us on whether we took the baton and ran with it, or let it drop onto the track. My colleagues and I on the UNF Board are solidly in the former category. We plan on running with it. And, in all candor, I absolutely realize that in sharing these words of encouragement with you, I’m preaching to the choir. You are all here for the same reason that the seven of us are. You intend to run with the baton, cement our legacy as one of growth and prosperity and leave our Soyuzivka better than it was when we found it. As the young kids say, you folks “get it,” and for that, ladies and gentlemen, we are deeply and most sincerely grateful.
Along the lines of folks, or better yet, institutions who also “get it”, are our Кредитівки [Ukrainian credit unions], whose leaders for years now have rolled up their sleeves when asked to invest in our оселя [Soyuzivka Heritage Center], by donating funds in recognition of what they, to their absolute credit, understand as their singularly important position. They are givers and we should do our part in supporting each of them and the financial products and unique membership benefits that they offer.
Please join me in taking a moment to recognize some of the individuals who are here with us this evening, as representatives of various credit unions. On behalf of the Selfreliance Chicago Federal Credit Union Foundation, Dr. Andrij Hrechak. Representing the SUMA Federal Credit Union, Treasurer and COO Ihor Makerenko and his lovely wife, Mariola, as well as Board Member Stefan Kapitula and his lovely wife, Teresa. From the Nova UA Federal Credit Union, please join me in welcoming Chief Executive Officer Valeriy Bogattchouk and his lovely wife Ivana Lotoshynski, Supervisory Committee Chair Helen Newmerzyckyj, Supervisory Committee Member Irene Lesiw, and Board Member Pawlo Figol and his lovely wife, Olia. And representing the Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union, Board Vice Chairman Stepan Kaczurak.
In conjunction with this year’s festival and this evening’s gala fundraiser, the foundation has been blessed to receive added and significant financial support from other credit unions and business entities, including Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union, Rochester-headquartered Ukrainian Federal Credit Union and Winner Group Ukraine. Ми всім вам сердечно дякуємо [We sincerely thank all of you].
As was stated by the founders of the UNA nearly 130 years ago, “In unity there is strength and it is not easily defeated.” I invite you to continue exhibiting that unity by joining my colleagues and me in all of our efforts to preserve Soyuzivka’s legacy, to continue making investments in our future and continue advancing the betterment of the lives of our children … who will in their own time take the baton from us and run with it. Let’s fulfill our obligation, meet our responsibility and feel the satisfaction of knowing that the heart of our Ukrainian culture will continue to beat loudly throughout these mountains. Always remember … нема то як на Союзівці [There’s no place like Soyuzivka!].
Thank you for providing me with a brief moment of your attention. May the lord god bless and preserve Ukraine at all times protecting her from malice. Glory to Ukraine! Слава Україні!
Publish: The Ukrainian Weekly
