(NP) With over 150 in attendance on May 16, Kalyna Myhals 100 birthday was celebrated at the St Demetrius the Martyr Ukrainian Catholic Church in Torontos west end. Though the veteran community activist turned 100 on March 22, celebrations were postponed due to Kalynas recovery from an injury. Bohdanna Rycar acted as mistress of ceremonies at the event, which honoured the life of a well-known community activist, whom Rycar called the heart of every organization she belonged to. The countless awards she has received from numerous organizations testify to her exemplary volunteerism in the Ukrainian community.

Besides the significant number of dignitaries from church, government and community organizations present at the celebration, the numerous birthday greetings displayed at the head table also bear witness to her far-reaching community involvement. Kalyna received letters, birthday cards and diplomas from Allan Rock (MP Etobicoke Centre), Chris Stockwell, (MPP Etobicoke Centre) Michael Harris (Premier of Ontario at the time of Kalynas birthday), Ontario Lieutenant Governor James Bartleman, Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, Bishop, Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto, Cornelius Pasichny, City Councillor Gloria Lindsay Luby, Cardianl Lubomyr Husar, Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth II, the League of Ukrainian Catholic Women and the New Pathway Publishers, Limited.

Following the formal portion of Kalynas birthday celebration, attendees were serenaded by “Willies Strings – The Ukrainian Troubadours” the volunteer orchestra who perform for the seniors at the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre every Wednesday at 2pm.