UWO
By Sharyn Selskey
Although the day was
overcast and rainy, the UNF Community Centre on September 24 was like a sunny
garden filled with ladies in their garden-party finery complete with an array
of spectacular hats. On that day, the Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada
(UWO), Toronto Branch, held its annual Indoor Garden Party.
Many
UWO members were joined by friends and family to celebrate the afternoon. A
group from the Crimson Royals of the Red Hat Society; many of who are also
members of the Ukrainian community, joined in the fun. The tables were
decorated with balloons, gerbera daisies and little butterflies and flower
cutouts. The garden party committee did an outstanding job decorating and
giving the hall a real garden look.
The
afternoon began with opening comments and the introduction of dignitaries
present by mistress of ceremonies, Lydia Lelyk. The branch president, Genya
Hunchak, also extended warm greetings to all present.
A
lovely buffet of finger sandwiches and crudities, served along with coffee, tea
and, of course, sweets. Once everyone had nibbled to their heart’s content, the
fun and games began. Our group waited for numbers to be drawn for the door
prizes. Emmy Kachor and Zenon Chwaluk,
in a very dapper black hat, won a door prize.
Keeping
us laughing between segments of the program was our own Jaroslaw Kowal, a
jokester extraordinaire, who wore a very interestingly decorated Hutsul hat.
Announcements
of upcoming events were next on the agenda. Then it was time for the fabulous
“Parade of Hats”. Many of the ladies, along with three adorable children,
paraded the hall before a group of distinguished judges: Jaroslaw Kowal, Zenon
Chwaluk, Marijka Shkambara, Natalka Bundza and Marianne Gross.
Taking
a prize for Most Humorous Hat was Olga Socotsky with her “Vegas Cards” hat. The
prize for the Most Original Hat was won by Rosemary Woloschuk of the Crimson
Royals. Most Elegant Hat was won by Sharyn Selskey also of the Crimson Royals
and the “Grand Slam” hat prize went to Nadia Andrijiw, Queen Mother of the
Crimson Royals and member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada,
St. Mary’s Dormition Branch.
Each
of the children who participated – Olena Klahsen, Isabella Leschuk and Sonya
Pirog – also received a prize for their cute hats and their part in the parade.
It should be noted that Olena designed and created her own stuffed animal hat
with a spectacular veil. Congratulations Olena!
The
afternoon concluded with a 50/25/25 drawing won by UWO-Toronto members Olga
Pylypiuk and Bernice Mokriy. It was a lovely afternoon tea that even the rain
outside couldn’t ruin.
Sincere
thanks are extended to all the ladies who worked in the kitchen preparing the
snacks and decorating the hall as well as to the men who volunteered their
services in the bar. The “Garden Party” committee, headed by Lydia Lelyk and
Irene Boddy, did a fabulous job! Sincere thanks also to Sharyn Selskey for her
wonderful article and to Jaroslaw Kowal for a beautiful poem to mark the
occasion.
Mark
your calendars and come out and enjoy two upcoming UWO events. On October 20
and November 24 there will be a Movie Night with borshch and verennyky at the
UNF Community Centre in