On Sunday, December 6, 2002, approximately 40 people gathered to celebrate the upcoming Christmas Season, and to enjoy a festive luncheon. The event was held at Carmen's Square where the ambience was enhanced with Christmas decorations, an exhibit of artwork by a sculptor and painter from Ukraine, and a Christmas gift table, featuring a variety of items for last minute gift ideas.

The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of: The Stephanie Perozak Memorial Educational/Cultural Scholarship Awards. This year, the Scholarship Committee was chaired by Zenon Holadyk, with Dr. Adrian Hornich stepping aside due to a conflict of interest. The committee was comprised of Zenon Holadyk (chair), Dr. Paul Bihun, Steve Luby and Dr. Ihor Chorneyko. The selection was tough because of a large number of applicants, but the committee chose 6 competent and talented recipients.

They are as follows: Roman Dykyj (Hamilton); Iryna Hrytsyk (Hamilton); Krystyna Waler (St. Catharines); Olena Snihur (St. Catharines); Ivanka Slyvynska (Toronto) and Renata Hornich (Ancaster). They each received a cheque for $500 and a copy of Dr. Lubomyr Luciuk's book, Searching For Place. Good luck to all of you, and success in all your endeavours.

The afternoon ended with a thank you, and wishes for a very Merry Christmas by President, George Burtniak. Also, a name was drawn from the paid-up members list to be the winner of a bottle of Ice Wine. This year's winner is Dr. Serge Puksa. Congratulations!

We are trying to create a membership list of email addresses. This way we can send the "Update" by email, as well as inform you of upcoming events much faster. If you would like to creceive UCPBA information by email, please send your email address to: zholadyk@sympatico.ca.

The UCPBA 2003 Golf Tournament and Banquet is quickly approaching. Look for your golf application letter soon. If you can spare some time on the day of the tournament, please call 905-388-1356. There is a lot to do and we can always use extra help. More importantly, if you can help with sponsoring a hole, or can arrange a sponsor, please call and we will forward our sponsorship information.

Proceeds from the tournament go to the Stephanie Perozak Memorial Educational/Cultural Scholarship Fund. The proceeds from the 2002 Golf Tournament of $2,986.00 was added to the fund.

On Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, Hamilton, UCPBA Hamilton held an open forum with speakers, the Honourable Mr. Andrew Telegdi, MP, Kitchener-Waterloo and daughter of Mr. Wasyl Odynsky, Olya Odynsky-Grod.

Over a hundred people came to hear the speakers outline the injustices in the Canadian judicial system when it applies to immigration. The speakers were both informative and upfront when they discussed the scenarios they had either witnessed or endured.

Mr. Odynsky, although found innocent of the war crimes allegations, is still waiting to hear final word on the citizenship issue. If you would like to learn more about Mr. Odynsky's case and Mr. Telegdi's work, you can contact the Ukrainian Civil Liberties Association (UCCLA) National Office, Suite 277, 3044 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario M8X 2Y8 (519) 323-9349 or visit http://www.uccla.ca/.

Guess who was nominated for the prestigious Citizen of the Year Award again this year? Our own Dr. Frank Stechey that's who. Frank was nominated by Crimestoppers, an organization he helped form that is very successful in apprehending countless criminals every year. Frank's work in forensic dentistry, especially his experience in New York City after the disaster of 9/ll were highlighted. Family and many friends joined Frank and Mary for the celebratory dinner at the Hamilton Convention Center in January 2003. Congratulations again Frank. There's always next year.

St. Mary's Church, Burlington is celebrating 50 years of church and community in October 2003. They have planned a variety of events and invite everyone to attend. If you are interested in advertising in their 50th Anniversary Commemorative Booklet, please do so by calling: Olga Delvecchio at 905 335-4788. A business card greeting is $50.

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