"The reunion is now but a cherished memory in our past. I hope all who attended in August 2002 enjoyed the festivities, the reminiscing and the meeting of relatives for the first time. We had a wonderful turnout! I wish I had more time to visit with everyone. This site has been designed to focus on the activities of each day. Reunion photos are included. Thanks to all who attended and made the reunion memorable! As an added note: we were all so proud of our banner that was displayed at each and every event." -Marie

Ukrainian Culture

The Hoosli Ukrainian Folk Ensemble; and the Veselka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble from Sydney, Australia. Cultural displays were set up and Ukrainian artisans were on hand. Thank you to Martin Pasieczka, the Pavilion Coordinator for your warm hospitality.

Backyard Party

At the home of Ty and Gail Deise was well attended and great fun! Thank you Gail and Ty for opening up your yard and home to all! I was late in arriving but I heard that cousin John E. made the party fun with his outgoing personality! By the way who was responsible for the tent collapsing???! No one was in it at the time….sure was funny! This party lasted til wee hours of the morning!

Saturday, August 10th

Golf Scramble

First place went to the team of Judy Hillier, Jonathan Poworoznyk, Marshall Sokoliuk, Larry Popoff.
Longest Drive: Judy Hillier and Eugene Skrumeda
Closest to the Pin: Marie Popoff and Jonathan Poworoznyk

"I actually was witness to a team hitting on to a wrong green. The green was hit but lucky the putters on that green were missed. They were good sports about it! I won't say who was on that team but there were 2 men and 2 ladies whose first initials were G, R, V, M. -Marie

Evening Program

• Grace by Nick Andrushko
• Silent Auction coordinated by Mitch Skrumeda
• Children's activities coordinated by Gail Deise, Anna Skrumeda and Denise Skrumeda
• Entertainment by the Romanetz Ukrainian Dance Ensemble
  
• Introductions of the Special Guests and Families

Marie dedicated the evening to our ancestors:

--Today we celebrate the moment, the memories, the accomplishments…and also take time to celebrate the special person in each of us. Firstly, we must pay tribute to our Ancestors:

--We owe everything, our very existence, to our ancestors, and yet we know next to nothing of them because mostly their lives were so humbly recorded. It is good that we seek to expand our knowledge of their lives so that we may better understand our own.

--Remember that we, too, are the ancestors of those yet unborn and we should seek to leave for them a heritage of which they can be as proud as we are of that which our forebears bequeathed to us.

--We bless and thank our ancestors for the legacy of the good things they gave us, and pray that we will endeavour to use wisely the knowledge which they handed down to us.

• Guests, special family members, families of George and Vasylka and also of George and Safta were introduced.
• Birthdays and anniversaries in the month of August were recognized with cards
• The very special 50th Wedding Anniversary of Mike and Elsie Skrumeda was celebrated this evening as well.
• Father Michael Skrumeda sang Happy Birthday in Ukrainian for Domka Chobotar on her 92nd birthday
• A special reunion cake with lit sparklers was wheeled in by Mike Skrumeda of the first generation, much to the delight of the children of future generations.

Photos: Romanetz Dancers

Photos: Introduction of the Special Guests and Families

Photos: Saturday Evening

Sunday, August 11th

St. Elias Greek Orthodox Cemetery, Sirko

A special commemoration service, in both English and Ukrainian, to honour and remember the deceased was held at this Cemetery. It was officiated by the Very Reverend Father Michael Skrumeda, who was assisted by George Simmons. Cantors were Walter Sokoliuk and Mary Sokoliuk. This informal service was performed in front of the crypt which Grandpa Skrumeda built or had built. Also on the same grounds were the Bell Tower and the original Church. For more info on these historical buildings, you may refer to pages 29 to 34 in the history book authored by Marie Popoff.

This was followed by a short informal service dedicated to the health and well-being of the living. This occasion and entire day was very touching for all who attended and will be a precious memory to be carried by everyone who participated in this special day. The attendance exceeded the expectation!

The Sirko Hall

The above services were followed with a lunch in the Sirko Hall. Grandpa Skrumeda was also instrumental in the fundraising for this hall. Also referred to in the above history book. There were games for the children, much socializing and of course group photos. Unfortunately, some people had already left for their destinations prior to the group photos.

We were grateful to have Uncle Mike Skrumeda, Domka Chobotar, Cynthia Sokoliuk, Helen Wepruk with us that day who could help us out with more history. Also Father Michael was very helpful with historical information.

Family Reunion Slideshow