Ten Blessings of 2012

By Volodymyr Kish

Year end is the traditional time for journalists to look back and assess the best and the worst of what has transpired over the preceding 12 months. In my case, I will forego the “worst” part since newspapers tend to overemphasize the bad news anyway, and stick to what I will title my “Ten Blessings of 2012”. In the countdown below, I should caution you that the numerical order, with the exception of my number one pick at the end, does not necessarily reflect the importance or significance of the particular item.

10. I was pleased that Ukraine’s co-hosting of the Euro 2012 soccer tournament proved to be a success despite the almost doom and gloom predictions of most of the world press. Yes, there was no shortage of corruption and boondoggles, but in the end, Ukraine showed that it could indeed organize and run a world class event.

9. A magnificent new church and community centre, St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, was opened in Oakville, Ont., setting a new standard in such complexes and proving that not all Ukrainian parishes are facing a problematic future.

8. The Ukrainian Credit Union, with a strong network of branches throughout Ontario, merged with the United Ukrainian Credit Union of Hamilton, creating the largest Ukrainian credit union in the country. It is now in an even better position to meet the challenges of a tough and competitive financial climate, as well as to expand its coverage, products and services, and further support the development of the Ukrainian community.

7. The Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival once more proved to be an overwhelming success, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, and showing the country that Ukrainians really know how to throw a magnificent and fun weekend party.

6. Rosewood Estates, owned by well-known Ukrainian businessman and entrepreneur Eugene Roman and his wife Renata, shows that Ukrainian talent extends to the making of fine wine as well. I was fortunate to be able to attend a number of events over the past year at the winery and can testify to the excellence of both the wines and the hospitality. Of particular note is the winery’s signature product, Mead Royale, which marries the art of winemaking with the Roman family’s multigenerational dedication to the craft of beekeeping and making honey.

5. The Canada Ukraine Foundation’s “Ukraine at the Crossroads” policy conference held in Ottawa earlier this year, demonstrated a degree of professionalism and impact unequalled in the history of the Ukrainian community in Canada. Well attended by politicians and senior government officials not only from Canada but throughout the world, it significantly strengthened the community’s credibility and stature as a political force.

4. The Ukrainian National Federation (UNF) of Canada celebrated its 80^th anniversary in Edmonton in November. It also showed that it is not standing still and resting on its past laurels, but is in fact growing and expanding, having in recent years resurrected five previously dormant branches. It has done this in large part by shifting its priorities and focus more towards community needs, and in particular, towards attracting and developing the youth sector.

3. In December, I was thrilled to attend a major exhibition of the works of Pavlo Lopata, who continues to prove that he is one of Canada’s foremost Ukrainian artists. His icons are inspiring, his surrealist art is both powerful and disturbing, while his impressionist paintings on Ukrainian themes are simply beautiful.

2. The Shevchenko Foundation’s Kobzar Literary Awards held in the spring testified to the wealth of literary talent that the Ukrainian community in Canada has spawned. What is particularly impressive is that most of these literary works which are in the English language, have made a significant impact and impression in the broader field of Canadian literature as a whole.

1. Lastly, on a more personal level, my greatest blessing was in learning recently that I will shortly be assuming the new role of grandfather, and help usher in a new generation of Kish’s into this world.