Mother’s Day at Toronto OYK

By Genya Hunchak

1 – Lydia Lelyk, President, UWO Toronto2 – Boyan Choir, conductor Natalia Fuchylo (right)Mother’s Day Dinner is always a grand occasion for the Toronto Branch of the Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada. On Wednesday, May 11, 2011 we celebrated our Mothers. Our President, Lydia Lelyk, warmly and graciously welcomed our members and friends. It was so nice to see our UWOC Toronto West members enjoying the evening with us.   Everyone received a carnation from the Ukrainian National Federation, Toronto, and wine to complement our dinner from UNF-Karpaty Sports Club.  The Trident Banquet Hall was full of happy mothers, godmothers and aunts and a sprinkling of gentlemen, who without much introduction burst in to the most glorious rendition of “Mnohaya lita” ever heard in our Hall.

3 – Young dancing “Stars of the Evening”4 – Musician Ron Cahute on accordion pays tribute to MothersOur own Boyan Choir under the direction of Natalia Fuchylo began the evening with a prayer, “Hail Mary” Bohorodytse Divo sung in Ukrainian, and three more songs.  “They sound better each time” one of the guests commented.  Our four young dancers, Sonya Pirog, Claudia Pirog, Jordan Sutherland and Anna Maria Kovaltchouk, performed delicately and beautifully with their instructor Kathy Adamowich looking on with smiles of encouragement. They were our stars of the evening.  Ron Cahute called on our favourite OYK supporter and honorary OYK person, Zenon Chwaluk, who said a few words on behalf of UNF Toronto.  Throughout the evening, an excellent slide presentation well-prepared and designed by Olya Leschuk had our eyes focused on the large screen.  There were pictures from the past, pictures from the present and pictures you wanted to know more about and see again. To our delight, Ron Cahute of Burya fame spoke about Mothers.  As we enjoyed our dinner, dessert and coffee, Ron played his accordion and sang for us, accompanied by David Monis on drums...  Yes, it was a lovely evening!

5 – (L-R) Karol and Mary Pidzamecky, Andrea Hynes enjoy programme from front-row vantage spotPHOTOS

1 – Lydia Lelyk, President, UWO Toronto

2 – Boyan Choir, conductor Natalia Fuchylo (right)

3 – Young dancing “Stars of the Evening”

4 – Musician Ron Cahute on accordion pays tribute to Mothers

5 – (L-R) Karol and Mary Pidzamecky, Andrea Hynes enjoy programme from front-row vantage spot