BlueStone Press, March 3, 2023, Page 9
Local Ukrainians and other supporters mark 1-year anniversary of Russian invasion Jeff Slater BSP Reporter It’s been a year since Russia invaded Ukraine, and local Ukrainians are still passionately supporting their country. Local folks had a prayer service for all the victims of the war and the people of Ukraine on the evening of Feb. 24 at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kerhonkson. “The event was co-organized by the parish, the Hudson Valley chapter of the Ukrainian American Youth Association and the Poughkeepsie-Kerhonkson chapter of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America,” said Peter Kosciolek, president of the local UAYA branch. “Several elected officials joined us, including Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa and state Sen. Michelle Hinchey, along with others. Youth from the organization participated in a moving presentation of what Ukrainians need as well as showing photos of residential buildings, schools and hospitals bombed out by the aggressors. “The vigil was attended by over 140 people. A wonderful gathering of love and support for Ukraine as we vowed to remember the 365 days of brutal atrocities,” said Danylo Mykula, Stone Ridge resident and Ukrainian supporter. “We prayed for peace, for continued resolve of all Ukraine’s defenders, helpers and citizens. For light and warmth to return to every home, for reunions, and a final end to Russia’s evils. We expressed our gratitude to all those who continue to care.
A signed flag was a gift from Ukrainian soldiers thanking us for our support and prayers. Children brought it in to display for everyone who has supported Ukraine to see. Photo by Danylo Mykula
Parishioners, friends and the community were thanked for their support. The event was live streamed. Kids from the youth group presented a flag that was signed by Ukrainian soldiers as a thank-you for supporting them, as well as candles placed on a large map signifying where cities were brutalized. The prayer service was followed by refreshments and baked goods in the undercroft where people chatted and enjoy fellowship,” said Mykula. Some local Ukrainians spoke about the year anniversary of the war. Maria Nemelivsky, a counselor for the UAYA, and a dentist and Kerhonkson resident since 2016, said, “I remember the
first few weeks after the invasion we had a closing for our first family home, which should have been one of the happiest days of our lives, on March 1, and my husband and I just sat there like zombies. I came to the U.S. in 1996 when I was 10 years old and grew up in the East Village in Manhattan, and moved to Kerhonkson in 2016. It has been a year long nightmare that I still can’t wake up from. I have been living in a trance and still can not fathom that this is happening in the 21st century. Now I finally believe the abhorrence that my great-grandparents felt after surviving the Soviet regime. I believe, pray and hope that this will end soon, and Ukraine
will thrive once again. For now, I will do everything possible in order to get closer to victory.” Lesya Kotsyumbas, of Kerhonkson, a refugee who left Ukraine three days after the invasion because she wanted to keep her children safe, said, “I perceive this date rather as a full year of the Ukrainian people’s resilience and unprecedented bravery. This is also a full year of a completely new reality to my country and the world. I feel great sorrow for all the lost lives of brave soldiers and innocent people in Ukraine, for broken destinies and separated families, but I am also hopeful that the second year, which just started, will bring us victory and put this war to its end. The one-year anniversary makes us feel homesick and compassionate with all our countrymen. At the same time, we feel extremely grateful to the United States for the safety we found here, as well as for the immense amount of help and support that the American government and people provide to Ukrainians.” Kathy Mykula, Stone Ridge resident and counselor for the UAYA, said, “I have experienced grief like never before because of Russia’s brutal invasion and tactics during this year. Sometimes it’s white-hot anger as I see Ukrainians facing unspeakable tragedies. At the same time, I am inspired by the courage, strength and resilience of the defenders, first responders and everyday Ukrainian citizens. As a family we are compelled to help and remain hopeful that Ukraine will stand free and whole, one day soon.”
Marielena Ferrer’s ‘Broken Monarchs’ art exhibit at Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery SUNY Ulster welcomes Marielena Ferrer as Visiting Artist. Her “Broken Monarchs” exhibit will have its opening reception, 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, March 10, in Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery at SUNY Ulster, 491 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge. Ferrer will present a lecture at the beginning of the event, which is free and open to the public. “Broken Monarchs” is a unique representation of the effects of confining animals that naturally migrate and how there are similar activities in society today. In her art exhibition, Ferrer takes the audience on a trip through her eyes on the “zero tolerance” policy at the U.S.-Mexican border. Ferrer will also host two 45-minute public workshops in collective artmaking, 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, March 21, and 2-4 p.m. Thursday, March 23, in the Gallery. Learn about the monarch butterfly migration quest and its symbolic connection to migrant children at the U.S.-Mexican border. Registration is required at https:// conta.cc/3J79Wo4.
“Broken Monarchs” is a unique representation of the effects of confining animals that naturally migrate and how there are similar activities in society today.
As a socially engaged artist, Ferrer serves as the chair for both Kingston City Arts Commission and the Alianza Cultural de Kingston. The Commission’s purpose is to strengthen the local economy by attracting and promoting artists, arts venues, and arts entrepreneurs and encouraging cultural tourism. The Alianza Cultural de Kingston is a committee that is working on the findings of the Kingston Latino Cultural Study to bring programming and other activities to the Hispanic/Latino community. Additionally, Ferrer sits on
the Family of Woodstock board of directors, Arts Mid-Hudson advisory board, and is a teaching artist at the Department of Regional Art Workers, the D.R.A.W., in Midtown Kingston. Originally studying architecture at Central University of Venezuela, she later earned a certificate of distinction in “Leadership and Empowerment” from Spain’s Polytechnic University of Valencia and a diploma in “Gender Leadership” through the EQUAL Transnational Cooperation Community Initiative of the European Social Fund. Ferrer also earned a Univer-
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sity Expert Diploma in “Mental Health, Cultural Processes and Psychological Interventions with Immigrants, Minorities and the Socially Excluded” from the University of Barcelona. She holds a BFA in sculpture and is currently pursuing her MFA in sculpture from SUNY New Paltz. Gallery hours for “Broken Monarchs” are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and the exhibit will be on display through Friday, April 14. For more information, contact Christopher Seubert at 845-687-5134.
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