Boian Ladies Club Celebrate 86th Anniversary

Boian Ladies Club Celebrate 86th Anniversary

Boian Ladies - Club Submitted

On the 23rd of May 1936, an extraordinary general meeting of the Sisters of Boian Church was called by Chairman, Reverend Father Vasile Cohan. The group chose to be called the Sisters of the Orthodox Church of Boian with Reverend Father Cohen explaining the importance of uniting the “sisters” of the Church to set an example for their children in a religious upbringing.

The first ladies club board in 1936: President Veronica Toma, Vice President Raveta Toma, Treasurer Ann Porozni, Secretary Helen Svekla, Controllers Maria Toma, Reveca Chella, Elizabeth Cohan, Chairman Reverend Father Vasile Cohon.

Club members at anniversary celebration.

(Boian Ladies Club/Submitted Photo)

Past Presidents (1936-present): Veronica Toma, Anne Porozni, Mrs. M. Soprovich, Jean Romanko, Ann Mascaluk, Helen Svekla, Katie Toma, Mary Cucheran, Pearl Hauca, Sandra Porozni, Georgina Hauca, Linda Hutsceal, Janet Bezovie, Debbie Bezovie, (current President).

On March 11, 1988, when they registered with the Alberta Societies Act, making the club a nonprofit organization, the Sisters of the Orthodox Church of Boian changed their name to the Boian Ladies Club.

Though the early years were not easy, hard work, perseverance and commitment to one’s church remained a priority. For 86 years, individual members were dedicated to making time to do whatever had to be done for the Church, the priest, club, and later Boin Hall. Catering for baptisms, weddings, reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, funerals, and memorials have kept the ladies busy since 1936, with this vital catering/ hall community service still accessed today!

Newspaper clipping of original members.

(Boian Ladies Club/Submitted Photo)

We are proud that the ladies club is well known for their outstanding food in Boian Hall which has had numerous renovations, improvements and upgrades initiated by the Ladies Club over the years.

In addition to catering, the Boian Ladies Club has an annual perogy supper each fall on the third Friday of October. Kindest appreciation to everyone who supported the October 21 perogy supper, which again was a resounding success! Gratitude to current head cook, Lillian Bezovie, who has donated and volunteered countless hours to the Boian Ladies Club over the past 50 plus years. To ensure tradition continues, Lillian has taught her granddaughter Jamie Lachance how to prepare and cook the traditional dishes that previous Boian Ladies Club mentors taught her!

On June 5, 2022, the Boian Ladies Club celebrated their 86th anniversary. Fourteen members and their spouses attended, enjoying a dinner prepared by the ladies club, with spouses serving and cleaning up. President Debbie Bezovie coordinated a short program with an open mic, during which stories, history and tributes were delivered to remember and honour those past and present who contributed to the success and survival of the Boian Ladies Club.

Today, we have nineteen members with an executive and board of directors: Present Debbie Bezovie, Vice President Jamie Lachance, Secretary Cindy Kotelko, Treasurer Katerina Lutic, Directors Nettie Toma, Peggy Soprovich, Georgina Eccleston, Jocelyn Bezovie, and Celina Woloschuk. Our main goal, as it was in the beginning 86 years ago, is to support our Boian community and our church on the hill, St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church of Boian. With the help of our ladies and those yet to join us, we will continue for many years to serve our Church and community.