President's Notes

Time has passed so swiftly since the beginning of the year when we held our elections at our Christmas party. Congratulations to the officers as follows, Nadia Hoots, President; Lucy Halunko, Treasurer; and Andy Grynewytsch, Secretary.   Our board of directors includes Wally Melnitchouk, Immediate Past President; Elaine Hampton Cultural Chair; Nataliya Khomyak, Humanitarian Chair; Stefan Stefaniuk, Communications Chair; and At Large Directors are Myron Bilyj, Tom Krop and Olena Boyko. Thank you all for your willingness to volunteer your time and effort to continue to educate our community with correct and vital information pertaining the Ukraine's History, Culture and Traditions.

Our prayers were with Andy and his family on the one year anniversary of Zina’s passing away an March 24 of last year.  Zina Grynewytsch was a founding member of TUCA. Her generosity and kindness have been missed. Zina was loved by all who knew her. On March 21, at 5 PM there was a commemorative service and Panakhyda in Richmond at the Comboni Sisters Holy Angels Chapel at 1307 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA.   Father Lonchyna officiated.  We had a large group of TUCA members both from the Peninsula and Southside to support Andy and his family.  Thanks to all who came.

The Virginia Beach Central Library Teen Council did their “Annual” Ukrainian Egg Painting this year on March 29, 2009 for the public from 1:30-4:00 PM at the VB Central Library, on Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach.   Once again we had the wonderful opportunity to share a part of our rich Ukrainian culture.   Joanna Griffin and Elaine Hampton were leading the demonstration and hands on activity.   We look forward to this annual event again next year. 

 Submitted by Nadia Hoots