As in years past, the New York City Chapter of the Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America, together with the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America and the Ukrainian Institute of America, held the annual New York City “Yalynka.” The event took place on Saturday December 15th in the Ukrainian Institute of America.

The entertainment for the 2005 Yalynka was provided the girls choir of the Ukrainian American Youth Association, “Prolisok.” The choir, whose members range in ages from 13 to 20 years, has been in existence in the New York City area since 1994.

The soloist for “Malvy” by Ivasiuk and the “Little Drummer Boy” was Ms Marianka Zajac. The greeting was given by Ms. Andrea Popovich.

The food was once again catered by Mr. Wasyl Krawec of the Yonkers Miasarnia. Mr. Krawec has been preparing his excellent and varied menu for various New York City UESA Chapter events for many years. As always, his feast was greatly enjoyed by all in attendance.

As the night continued, the Ukrainian Institute’s hall continued to fill up as professionals, young and old, arrived together with their family and friends. New friendships and connections were made and old ones were reinvigorated.

Half way thru the evening the Yalynka guests were entertained by the unexpected arrival of Ukrainian carolers. The group, "Koliada Kaos," is an ongoing project started by Roxy Toporowych together with the Brooklyn Ukrainian Group (BUG). The carolers wear vertep costumes, play instruments, including latin percussion and guitar, and sing their hearts out.

The initial “Koliada Kaos” was held in 2003. It originally began as a fundraiser for the documentary "Folk!" and has continued to raise money each year for the film. The documentary “Folk!” follows the unique world of Ukrainian folk dancing in present day New York City. It takes a look at what it is like to grow up in a Ukrainian-American community while keeping your ties to your heritage and culture in an increasingly modern world.

Those interested in learning more about the “Folk!” documentary film project can refer to the KinoRox web site at www.kinorox.com or you can contact Natalia Labenskyj at natalia@kinorox.com

As always, the die-hard Yalynka attendees had such a good time that it was nearly impossible to convince them that this year’s event had to come to an end. On the bright side, however, the next UESA event is never too far away.