Spindrift July 7, 2022

Secretary Richard Swinney introduced our speakers, Max and Victoria, along with Max’s mother, Marina. Victoria is the family’s sponsor, and has been housing them and providing them with everything that they have needed since their arrival. Max was the primary speaker, and Victoria supplemented with a lot of important information about the trials and tribulations of a family who fled the Ukraine in mid-April, beginning in Romania, and continuing through Bulgaria, Paris, Mexico City, Tijuana, and finally the U.S. border. It took at least a week to make the trip, and they each had only one suitcase of their belongings.

L to R: Marina Medinska, Max Ostafi, Mike Gerner, Victoria Gillis

Max is an only child, and his father still remains in the Ukraine. Max expressed his gratitude for being here, where they feel safe, and they are grateful for the overwhelming support they have received since they have been here. Victoria commented that over 10,000 Ukrainian refugees have crossed the U.S. border, which was closed shortly after they arrived; immigration for more recent refugees is more complicated, requiring sponsors, work permits, and significant delays in the process. We were surprised to learn that Max, who is well over 6 feet in height, will be 15 in mid-July. He is enrolled at University High in Irvine, where he will enter the 10th grade in September, and will be focusing his interest in computer science and math. He has good command of the English language, as his generation of Ukrainians are taught English in school; but earlier generations, like his mother, were not. Because of governmental censorship, Ukrainians have had limited communication with the outside world, although Max stated that he has been communicating with friends and family by video calls. Victoria stated that there is little likelihood that Russia will back off on its aggressive policies, even if something should “happen” to Putin; but Max thinks that the Ukraine will eventually win this war because of the worldwide support that they have been receiving. Member Leo Fracalosy commented that America has been long regarded as a melting pot; our society is always enhanced by adding to our culture; and that 99% of the American people have 100% respect, compassion, and support for the Ukrainians. Following the presentation, Pres. Mike Gertner presented a check for $1,000 on behalf of ECNH to the family to help them along.

RAFFLE – This week’s raffle winners were Ed Romeo (again!!) and John Morgan (George Lesley’s guest), each of whom pocketed $42. Kudos to our raffle ticket czar, Shirley Lashmett, for making our luncheon meetings even more interesting!

EDITOR’S COMMENTS – I’m back, and I sincerely wish to express my gratitude for all your support, flowers, and expressions of sympathy during a very difficult time. Thank you all so much! D.S.