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On Saturday, November 20, 1999, the New York Oseredok (Branch) of CYM had the joy of celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The
celebrations started with a lively cocktail party during which many reunions occurred. Friends and associates, who have not seen
each other for several years, had the opportunity to visit again, and reminisce about the good old days. The reminiscing was aided
by the wonderful large format photographs of New York CYM’s history throughout its 50 years of existence. A formal banquet
followed. The atmosphere was very cozy and familial.
From the cocktail party, everyone shifted to their tables for the banquet. Participating in the festivities to many representatives
from Ukrainian organizations, from credit unions, and the Ukrainian Consulate. Their presence was impressive and signaled their
support for CYM’s efforts and accomplishments.
The program was officially opened by Ivan Makar, the current Branch Chairman, whose
opening remarks set the tone for the evening's ceremonies.
Mr. Kornel Wasylyk, a long-time member of New York CYM, its Chairman for over 19
years, and current Honorary Chairman, had the keynote speech in which he underscored New York CYM’s work throughout its history.
To complement the formal part of the banquet was the evening’s entertainment. The program included a montage prepared by Oksana
Charuk Bodnar and Ivanka Zajac,
and delivered by the yunatstvo of New York. The montage incorporated and was meant to represent the various
activities, successes and efforts of the New York CYM Oseredok over its 50. Included also in the program were the songs delivered
by two CYM members, Oksana Charuk Bodnar and her husband Teo Bodnar, accompanied by Sonya Szereg Lechitsky, also a New York CYM
member and the long time pianist/accompanist of the former CYM choir “Zhayvoronky”. The current New York CYM female ensemble,
“Prolisok”, under the direction of Andrij Stasiw, added to the festivities. Their songs and youthful energy brought a strong ovation from the
participants of the
banquet.
Following the cultural portion of the banquet, a number of members of New York CYM Oseredok, who have dedicated a large portion of
their lives to the growth and existence of the Oseredok, were awarded special awards and honors. The honorees included those are no
longer with us, but who are sorely missed by the Oseredok, as well as individuals who are living and were present at the banquet.
Without the input of these people, New York CYM would not be what it is today.
Wrapping up the banquet portion of the evening was a slide show, prepared by Irka Pryjmak Tkachenko and
Orysia Woloszyn, the main organizers of the Banquet.
The slides presented brought back many fond memories of years past and the glorious present as well. It showcased the huge
accomplishments of our Oseredok, the many members embraced by our Oseredok, and the wonderful memories created throughout its
history.
A formal dance followed, under the sounds of “Svitanok”, a band made up largely of CYM members who grew up in the New York Oseredok,
and continued well into the night in New York City.
Deep appreciation goes to the Self Reliance Federal Credit Union (Samopomich) in New York, who through their generous financial
donation, helped make this event possible. They have continuously supported the New York Oseredok
financially and morally. In
addition, thanks go out to the Roscishewsky family, whose generous donations also made for the success of the banquet.
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