(UWO) On Sunday, May 12, 2002, the Ukrainian Women’s Organization (UWO), Toronto Branch, held their annual Spilne Sviachene, or communal Easter luncheon in their new hall at 145 Evans Avenue. Everyone was in a good mood and it just kept on getting better during the course of the program. Orysia Sopinka-Chwaluk was the mistress of ceremonies. She adeptly fulfilled her role, presenting a comparison of Easter traditions the way they once were in the selo and the way they are now in Canada.

Three special guests were invited: Roy Kostuk, National President of the Ukrainian National Federation (UNF), Irene Washchuk, UWO National President, and Jaroslaw Kowal, UNF Toronto branch President. All three speakers wished the UWO membership health, happiness and many successes in life and thanked them for their tireless efforts in organising events for the community. The theme of Mother’s Day was delicately interwoven throughout the afternoon with best wishes from the speakers and a beautiful poem read by Irene Waschuk.

The Boyan choir sang beautifully under the direction of Myron Maksymiw. Talk about strong sopranos! There was a tenor solo that had the timbre of velvet. The choir was definitely the highlight of the afternoon.

The night before the event, Mr Kowal and a crew of volunteers decorated the hall with a gigantic pysanka (easter egg), surrounded by pussy willows. A touching poem to mothers, written in gold calligraphy adorned the wall opposite the egg. We thank you for the beautiful decorations.

Many thanks go to the ladies in the kitchen without whom our Easter luncheon would not have been possible. They are Senta Wozniuk, Ann Rebryk, Anne Fedun, Lydia Lelyk, Irene Cord and Stephanie Kolyn. They are our unsung heroes.