Local Monument Receives Special Treatment

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Ray Charuk was busy toiling away Friday afternoon in Pysanka Park.

He was sanding the wooden timbers of a special monument that encases a stained glass piece of art depicting a pioneer man and woman. The monument, which is dedicated to all of the pioneers who settled in the Vegreville area more than a century ago, has been a fixture in the park for 19 years.

Charuk, who was one of six members of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’ (UCC) Vegreville Branch, raised funds to have the monument erected in the Kinsmen/Elks Park back in 1991. He said the committee is very grateful to have received special permission to have the monument located in the park.

It was dedicated on the occasion of the centenary of Ukrainian settlement in Alberta. On the bronze plaque which stands beside the monument, it states: “In tribute to all pioneers who settle and through hard work and determination created a lasting legacy for all.”

Charuk said the monument requires some TLC every four years or so. Several years back he pulled off the plexiglass which protects the stained glass as moisture and insects seep into the gaps between the moulding and the artwork.

This year he leveled the brick pavers that have been installed at the base of the monument. He will be re-staining the timber frame as well as flower boxes that anchor the space. Then he will be planting some showy wave petunias to in the window boxes for visitors to enjoy.

All in all, depending on the weather, it should take about three weeks in total to complete the restoration work. Even though it takes a lot of effort to do the restoration work, Charuk commented, “It’s front and center and I can’t let it fall apart.

Only Charuk and Larissa Bombak are the only remaining members of the UCC Vegreville Branch committee who are still alive. Other committee members had included: Father Jaroslaw Puk, Peter Mykityshyn, John Zaleski, and Simon Sencinyshyn. The artwork was the creation of stain glass artist Rodney Ketsa, who lived in Smoky Lake at the time, he was commissioned to do the artwork.