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JOURNALESTABLISHED 1911 www.polamjournal.com DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION AND CONTINUANCE OF POLISH AMERICAN CULTURE HAPPY NEW YEAR! THE ANNIVERSARIES OF 2014 • FOR DISNEY’S JIMMY KIMMEL, A LESSON UNLEARNED • “SAVE OUR STEEPLE” BISHOP PAPROCKI CORRECTS THE MEDIA • EAST GERMANY OR WEST POLAND? • TIMELINES IN GENEALOGY COMFORT FOODS LIKE BABCIA USED TO MAKE • A MEAL FIT FOR A KING • SYMBOLS, GESTURES & SUPERSTITIONS Polish Female NEWSMARK “Wałęsa” Presented at Capitol PHOTO: RICHARD POREMSKI RICHARD PHOTO: Spies Among WARSAW OFFERS INTERCESSION. Poland is offering Immortalized to mediate between the sides of the standoff in Ukraine. Marcin Wojciechowski, a spokesman for Poland’s For- LONDON — Prince eign Ministry, said that the use of force does “not serve Charles was joined by the a peaceful solution of the confl ict” but makes Ukraine Polish ambassador to the UK lose credibility. He said Poland has offered to mediate, if at the unveiling of a monu- Ukraine asked for it. ment to female agents, in- Poland’s former President Aleksander Kwasniewski re- cluding two Poles, who aided cently negotiated on behalf of the EU on an association resistance movements in oc- agreement, which was shelved by Ukraine’s President Vik- cupied Europe. tor Yanukovych under pressure from Russia. Kwasniewski The marble and granite also served as mediator in Ukraine’s 2004 presidential memorial has been erected election dispute. in the village of Tempsford, Bedfordshire, where most of BOMB SCARE PROVES FALSE. Police evacuated 5,000 the 75 female agents set off people from offi ces of fi ve ministries in Warsaw on Dec. 6, on their missions from the after receiving email bomb threats. No bombs were found now defunct RAF airbase. following the evacuations,. The monument includes Police spokesman Krzysztof Hajdas said the threats a mosaic of a dove against a were sent to the infrastructure, defense, economy, health, full moon — the agents were and culture ministries. invariably dropped at night Police experts are trying to identify the authors of the — and eighty villagers, in- emails, who could face up to eight years in prison. cluding children, helped in- sert the 600 pieces. KOSCIUSZKO MONUMENT RESTORED. Milwaukee’s Prince Charles added the newly-restored monument of the Polish-born, American PRESCREENING INTERVIEW. Shown above is Solidarity leader Lech Wałęsa (l.), interpreter fi nal piece, where he was Marcin Zmudzki and former U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd during the more than 45 minutes Revolutionary War hero, General Tadeusz Kosciuszko, joined by Polish ambassador interview and conversations that preceded the screening of the new Wałęsa biopic. Wałęsa was rededicated, November 11. Fittingly, it was Veterans to the UK, Witold Sobkow, had just received a long standing ovation and thunderous applause after 24 years since his Day in the U.S. and Independence Day in Poland. among other dignitaries. The statue of the general upon his horse is located in last visit to the Capitol and Congress. Projected on the movie screen behind and above them is a photo of the two men together in Poland in 1983. Story on page 4. Among those inscribed Kosciuszko Park at West Lincoln Avenue and 9th Place. See “Spies,” page 4 Restore Kosciuszko Monument Committee (RKMC) of Polanki, Inc. Milwaukee County, and the City of Milwau- A TALK WITH ... kee rededicated the monument with a special program. The bronze statue came to be in the early 1900s through Mieczyslaw Biskupski, President of the the private donations of many of Milwaukee’s Polish citi- Polish Institute of Arts & Sciences of America zens. Italian sculptor Gaetano Trentanove was commis- sioned to create the piece, which was cast in Florence, Italy Dr. M.B. (Bolek) Biskupski holds the of monitoring Polish scholarship and have and shipped to Milwaukee. In June 1905 the monument Blejwas Endowed Chair in Polish & Pol- more critical attention in Poland devoted to was dedicated. ish American Studies at Central Connecti- scholarship produced in North America. This To fund the necessary conservation work, RKMC raised cut State University, and is but one example; we over $300,000 through contributions from hundreds of in- is the current President of have also increased greatly dividuals and organizations. Milwaukee County and the the Polish Institute of Arts our cooperation with the City of Milwaukee also contributed a combined $110,000 and Sciences of America Ministry of Culture, the to upgrade the site surrounding the monument. (PIASA), headquartered in University of Warsaw, the For more on the restoration, visit rkmmilwaukee.org. New York. Author of more IPN, and the Ministry of than ten books and recipi- Foreign Affairs. The Poles POLISH TEAM IN TOP 10 DISCOVERIES. A Polish ent of the Offi cer’s Cross are now in a position to be team’s work at a royal tomb in Peru has been counted of the Order of Merit of substantially helpful and among the “Top 10 Discoveries of 2013” by the Archaeo- the Republic of Poland, we wish to work with them logical Institute of America. he holds a doctorate from for our mutual benefi t. The The fi nd is remarkable as it represents the fi rst instance Yale. He has taught at Yale, “changing of the guard” that a royal burial complex that had not previously been St. John Fisher College in aspect is also important. In looted was explored by archaeologists. Copernicus ’s Rochester, and been a visit- passing, it should be noted The tomb contains the remains of four royal women of ing scholar in Warsaw and that Dr. Gromada was born the Wari Empire, which existed prior to the Incas, from “Little Budapest. He spoke about in the United States. Exec- about 500 AD to 1100 AD. PIASA with John Grondel- utive Director Levan and I Commentary” ski: work in close harmony and The project was led by Dr Milosz Giersz from the Uni- share responsibilities. She versity of Warsaw, aided by archaeologists from the Catho- Turns 500 Your election as Presi- has done a splendid job in lic University of Peru. by Ray Cavanaugh dent represents something Dr. M.B. (Bolek) Biskupski managing the fi nancial and 2014 will mark the 500th of a passing of the torch: daily affairs of the Insti- DISHWASHER MANUFACTURERS CLEANING UP. anniversary of Toruń na- after long-serving Polish scholars like Os- tute. She controls the day-to-day running of The production of large appliances is booming in Poland, tive Mikołaj Kopernik a.k.a. kar Halecki and Feliks Gross, you are the the Institute—among other things—and I am with record levels of eighty percent of those appliances Nicolaus Copernicus coming fi rst Polish-American PIASA President and, free to concentrate on fewer but larger matters now being exported. An estimated 20,000 Poles are em- forth with his Commentario- with Dr. Thaddeus Gromada’s retirement and like the Annual Conference. Having all these ployed in the home appliance sector and “Poland is becom- lus (or “Little Commentary”). Dr. Bozena Levan’s accession, there’s been responsibilities concentrated in one person ing the European leader in the production of large home Consisting of some 40 pages, a change of the guard. How do you evaluate proved quite overwhelming. appliances,” said Wojciech Konecki, director of Poland’s this work presented the revo- this moment in PIASA’s history? Association of Manufacturers of Home Appliances. lutionary notion of a helio- This is a critical moment. We must rede- PIASA was founded by émigré scholars in Demand for Polish appliances like dishwashers, wash- centric universe, in which fi ne our relationship with Poland and we have the dark days of World War II, to continue the ing machines and refrigerators has risen dramatically in the earth orbits the sun — as decided to make closer cooperation our goal. work of the Polska Akademia Umiejętności, Eastern Europe. Russia is now the fourth largest importer opposed to a geocentric uni- Recently we have agreed with PAU to assist and was later the voice of free Polish schol- of Polish appliances. Konecki said the Association is work- verse, in which the sun (and us in the publication of The Polish Review arship during Communism. Poland is free to- ing diligently on increasing markets in France, Germany, everything else) orbits the and add their representatives to the editorial day—what is PIASA’s mission now? Britain, and Italy. See “Copernicus ...,” page 4 board. These gives us a much better chance See “A Talk with ...,” page 3 2 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014

ALMANAC VIEWPOINT S DEFAMATION WATCH Follow us on For Disney’s Jimmy Kimmel, Facebook or visit us The Anniversaries of 2014 on the internet at: A Lesson Unlearned polamjournal.com “Those who cannot remember the past are still believes it has hegemon’s rights in East- condemned to repeat it.” ern Europe, but at least Warsaw (and Prague, In the opening monologue of the Dec. 4, 2013 January Q Styczeń Those famous words, from Spanish phi- Bratislava, Budapest, Bucharest, and Sofia) can Jimmy Kimmel Live show, Kimmel told Polish jokes, losopher George Santayana’s book “The Life largely determine their own fates freely. first as examples of their abundance in the 1970s, Dużo szczęścia, zdrowia of Reason,” are especially apropos for Poles History is a strange and dangerous thing. and then following a video recording of failed hand- i powodzenia, and Polish Americans this year, as 2014 marks As Fr. Sławomir Zabraniak points out in an es- glider take off by a Pole. After seeing the video, to tradycyjne, najszczersze życzenia. several anniversaries that are foundational in say in this issue, history can be uncomfortable. Kimmel asked if it was time to start telling Polish Nowy Roku szczęśliwego, jokes again. niech obficie da, co ma najlepszego! twentieth-century Polish history. In Poland, there are some books that suggest One hundred years ago, in 1914, World War our national uprisings were insane. In North To view the show, visit the ABC site, and search Lots of happiness, health I began. When the First World War began, there America, four academic presses in the past for the Kimmel show of Dec. 4. and success, was no Poland—and there had not been since year published books complaining about the In November, Kimmel and ABC were forced to Are wished at New Year meetings, 1795. That war, many battles of which were treatment of Germans (twice), Ukrainians, and apologize after the late night host poked fun at Chi- So let us share with abundace fought on Polish soil, with Polish conscripts Lemko peoples at the hands of Poles during nese people. Kimmel then apologized a second time sincere and generous greetings. shooting at each other in the Russian, Prussian, World War II. Geopolitics on the one hand says for his controversial “Kill Everyone in China” seg- and Austrian occupiers’ armies, would end with “don’t raise the issue of Russian theft of Pol- ment to a group of protesters who set up shop in front 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY Poland’s recovery of independence in 1918. ish soil in World War II,” while being a good of the Hollywood studio where the series is taped. 1467. Birth of , Zygmunt I Stary Seventy-five years ago, in 1939, World War “European” and “EU member” suggests toning Protestors called on ABC to fire the late-night host. Renaissance king of Poland. Frank Milewski, chair of the Polish American 1919. Birth of Polish American II began. A country that had been free for hard- down memories of German barbarism. Back in actress Carol Landis. ly a generation was the target of two genocidal Poland, lots of people — the two million or so Congress Anti-Bigotry Committee, has taken up the 3 1795. Third Partition of Po- totalitarianisms: German Nazism and Russian who collaborated in sustaining communism for issue with the Walt Disney Company, which owns land. Communism. The six long years of war would 50 years —would like us to forget about their ABC. Supporting letters of protest may be mailed to: 5 1173. Death of Bolesław IV end with Poland as “victorious ally” with one- sordid personal histories behind a gruba kreska. Anne Sweeney, President, Disney-ABC Television the Curly. fifth of its people dead (including almost all its Given the abuses of history, a good resolu- Group, 77 West 66th St., New York, NY 10023. 6 FEAST OF THREE KINGS Jewish population), one-third of its territory tion in 2014 would be to remember and recover On this day, the initials K+M+B stolen, and subject to approximately fifty years our history. There’s plenty to remember. And NBC Continues Cheap Shots and the year are inscribed by of alien rule. it’s not just the past: in four short years, we’ll one’s priest above the home’s On the December 14 broadcast of NBC’s Satur- main entry. Twenty-five years ago, in 1989, the -night mark the centennial of Polish independence. In day Night Live, Weekend Update host Seth Meyers 8 1681. The Treaty of Radzin mare of communism officially ended. A gen- 1918, Poland returned to European maps. That asked: ended a five year war between eration has now grown up in a free Poland, and event deserves a real feast … and it’s time for “Why is Santa so dumb? the Turks and the allied coun- Poland is now a member of NATO. Moscow world Polonia to start planning for it now. “Because he is North Polish.” tries of Russia and Poland. This is not the first time Saturday Night Live has 9 1797. Jan Henryk Dabrowski told Polish jokes, nor is it Meyers’ first time telling organizes his legion in Italy, them on the fake news segment of the show. and thus honored by having his Happy New Year! Do siego roku! name included in the Polish Na- Address letters of protest to Steven Burke, CEO, tional Anthem. Celebrating the New Year in Poland is about dry cold weather, with a little powdery snow- NBCUniversal, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, 15 1582. Russia cedes Livonia and spending some time with close friends and fall, many people spend New Year’s Day skiing NY 10112. Estonia to Poland, losing access family members, and spreading happiness and or sledding. Some people plan forest parties, to Baltic. cheer. complete with bonfires, and singing and danc- 11 1953. Death of opera singer While some prefer to celebrate at home, ing around it the whole night. “Save Our Steeple” Marcella Sembrich-Kochan- others plan a party in restaurants, night clubs, Tradition dictates that no one should be owska (b. 1853). dance halls, and neighborhood taverns. New lonely for the day. Another says good luck will DETROIT — The parish that operates St. Jo- 15 1920. The United States ap- Year’s Eve is also a time when our hearty kin be yours throughout the year if the first person saphat Roman Catholic Church is putting out an proved a $150 million loan to attend open air concerts, organized in many to greet you on the New Year is a male. A com- SOS — Save Our Steeple. Poland, Austria and Armenia to places throughout the country. mon New Year greeting is “do siego roku,” or Despite projected costs that church officials aid in their war with the Rus- acknowledge would put repair of the wind-dam- sian communists. A bottle of champagne is a necessity for a “well wishes to you.” aged structure beyond their reach, Mother of Di- 1919. Ignacy Jan Paderewski, midnight toast. Magnificent dishes are also pre- In some parts of rural Poland, windows and 58, pianist, composer, becomes pared, and range from hors d’oeuvres to bigos. doorknobs are smudged with tar or ashes, or to vine Mercy Parish — comprised of St. Josaphat, first premier of the newly- cre There are some who wish to get close to the hide pots that were left drying on a fence. Do- Sweetest Heart of Mary, and St. Joseph parishes ated Republic of Poland. nature. The preferred places are the marvelous ing such things is traditionally believed to sym- — launched a fund-raising campaign to do just 17 1945. Warsaw is cleared of Ger- Tatra Mountains, from where one can see the bolize for driving out the old year, and welcom- that. An 8-foot by 20-foot sign promoting the man resistance by forces of the beautiful sunrise of the first dawns of the New ing the New Year. Some parts of the country Save Our Steeple campaign was placed facing 1st Belorussian Front. A Polish Year rising over the mountains range. Also, have people baking donuts, with a belief that it I-75. unit fighting with the Red Army since it is the time of the year when Poland is in will bring wealth in the coming year. Kevin Piotrowski, parish council president, is involved in the final attacks. said the outpouring of concern from people across 18 1943. Jews in Warsaw Ghetto the region who want to save the iconic 112-year- began an uprising against the old piece of Detroit’s skyline convinced church Nazis. Trzech Króli, The Feast of Three Kings 19 1967. Death of Casimir Funk officials to try to raise money to save the struc- in Albany, N.Y., Polish-born January 6th is an important day, not only in Magi, to church to be blessed. Once at home, ture. biochemist who discovered vi- the Catholic calendar, but on the Polish one as they inscribe the date and “K+M+B” with the The steeple, which is visible from I-75 on De- tamins. well. The Feast Day of Three Kings (Trzech blessed chalk above the main entryway of the troit’s east side, was damaged in November when Bój siê w styczniu wiosny, Króli) finds religious parades organized in home. This is said to provide protection against heavy winds from a severe storm pounded the re- bo marzec zazdrosny many Polish cities, the biggest in illness and misfortune for those gion, cutting power to hundreds of thousands and Beware of spring in January, Krakow and Warsaw. All super- 20 K+M+B 14 within. For 2014, it should be writ- leading to several deaths. for March is jealous. markets are closed, only some ten “20 K+M+B 14.” The letters, Anyone interested in making to donation for 21 1268. Pope Clement IV gave small family-owned shops are open. Restau- with a cross after each one, stand for names the steeple’s repair can send a check payable to permission to Poland’s King rants are usually open but frequently after the of the Three Kings — Kaspar, Melchior and St. Josaphat Church, and mail to: 4440 Russell Premislus II to take over Lithu- parades are over. Museums are usually closed. Balthasar. ania and establish Catholicism. St., Detroit, MI 48207. “Steeple fund” should It is on this day, Poles take small boxes They remain above the doors all year until 22 1863. The January Uprising be written on the check. You can also make a in the former Polish-Lithuanian containing chalk, a gold ring, incense and a they are inadvertently dusted off or replaced by donation on-line at http://motherofdivinemercy. Commonwealth against the Rus- piece of amber, in memory of the gifts of the new markings the next year. com/2013/12/03/save-our-steeples/. sian Empire. It began this day in 1863, and lasted until the last in- SUBSCRIPTIONS surgents were captured in 1865. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL 24 1507. Coronation of Sigismund Dedicated to the Promotion and Continuance of Polish American Culture • Established 1911 UNITED STATES I the Old. Regular First 25 1913. Birth of pianist and com- USPS 437-220 / ISSN 0032-2792 IGNATIUS HAJDUK • Founder 1911-1920 Dvornicky, Anthony Guyda, C. Kanabrodzki, Mail Class poser Witold Lutoslawski. JOHN DENDE • Publisher 1920-1944 Henry J. Kensicki, Jerry Mazuchowski, Walter 1-year $22.00 $35.00 26 1934. Germany signed a 10-year The Polish American Journal is published HENRY J. DENDE • Publisher 1944-1983 Piatek, Edward H. Pietraszek, John Yesh 2-year $40.00 $67.00 monthly in four editions (Buffalo, Editor in Chief Mark A. Kohan Agents Robert Czubakowski 3-year $57.00 $96.00 non-aggression pact with Po- Polish Beneficial Association, Association of [email protected] Proofreader Larry Trojak FOREIGN (except Canada) land, breaking the French alli- Sons of Poland, and National editions) by: ance system. Germany violates Senior Associate Editor Larry Wroblewski Circulation Manager Kathy Bruno 1-year $28.00 $46.00 PANAGRAPHICS, INC. Advertising James Kaczynski 2-year $52.00 $89.00 with pact on Sept. 1, 1939 when Associate Editors Florence Waszkelewicz- P.O. BOX 271 Clowes, Benjamin Fiore, S.J., T. Ron Jasinski- Visit us on Facebook 3-year $75.00 $132.00 it invades Poland. N. 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Request for Newsclippers Edward Dybicz, Mr. & Mrs. Jacob published. subscription cancellations must be made by calling This paper mailed on or before (800) 422-1275. Refunds will be prorated based on The February edi- one-half of the remaining subscription balance January 1. plus a $5.00 cancellation fee. There is no charge tion will be mailed on or before for transferring remaining subscription balances January 30. TOLL-FREE SUBSCRIPTION LINE 1 (800) 422-1275 to new or existing accounts. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 3 Krupa Thanks Polish Military A Talk with Mieczyslaw Biskupski WARSAW— Polish-born super- model and Real Housewives of Mi- continued from cover bia, another at UMich Dearborn. as the Museum of the Warsaw Up- ami star Joanna Krupa sent a letter We have a double mission: to This has—and will have—a stimu- rising; the list is still growing. And to Poland’s Minister of National De- acquaint scholars on Poland in the lating affect, as does the growth of from the American side, the Polish fense Tomasz Siemoniak congratu- United States with Polish research, our sister organization, the Polish American Historical Association, lating him for replacing the use of and to alert Poles in the homeland Studies Association. I am not pess- the Kościuszko Foundation, and animals in all military medical train- to what their colleagues in North the Blejwas Endowed Chair in Pol- ing exercises with modern simula- America are producing. It is frus- “It is frustrating to see ish Studies at Central Connecticut tors after discussions with PETA and trating to see how little Polish schol- State University are all co-sponsors. its international affiliates. ars know about our work. how little Polish scholars We shall have more than 40 pan- The Polish military opted to know about our work.” els stretching three days as well as change its policy after PETA provid- How would you evaluate the a museum day preceding the Con- ed information on the superiority situation of scholars in Poland to- mistic. There is one concern I have, gress. We estimate about 200 par- of human-patient simulators and day, when government subsidies are however, and that is the tendency ticipants, possibly more, as well as nearly 30,000 concerned people disappearing and academic salaries of academic press not to publish attendees not presenting papers — a around the world urged the switch are often low? Once upon a time, high quality manuscripts in Pol- large affair. through PETA’s website. “professor” at least carried social ish studies because they argue they Poland’s decision means that respect. What is the situation of Po- have no extant list in East Central PIASA publishes a quarterly more than 80 percent of NATO na- land’s intelligentsia today? European Studies in general or Po- journal, Polish Review. How is it tions are now training service members without harming any animals, “Professor” is still a very digni- land in particular. Well, if you do doing, and what do you see as its leaving only a handful of countries, including the United States, still us- fied title. It is true that the salaries not publish these books you will mission today? ing animals. of our colleagues are lower than we not have a list! It can be very frus- We have had a rough patch with “The U.S. is so progressive in so many ways, but in this instance, the should like them to be but at least trating and I do not think our col- changes in the editorial staff, but Old Country has it beat,” said Krupa. “I am so proud of my homeland for there are monies to compete for leagues in, say, American History, with the intellectual and financial taking such a strong stand against cruelty to animals.” which are distributed without po- realize that they have such great- support of the PAU we anticipate litical prejudice or at least no more er opportunities for publication. that the Review is just beginning its than in the U.S. great days. The Congress in Warsaw Concert Remembers President Kennedy What are some of the activities of should be a major source of new WARSAW — The young men’s movement Randall Thompson’s Thirty years ago, with the elec- PIASA today? submissions. choir of St. John the Baptist Arch- patriotic cantata, The Testament of tion of a Polish Pope, the rise of Our central activity—and one diocesan Cathedral, better known Freedom. Set to the words of Thom- Solidarity, and the fall of the Iron that has occupied much of our at- Play the prophet: describe what as Cantores Minores, celebrated its as Jefferson, “The God who gave us Curtain, Polish studies had some- tention—is the convening a World you think Polonia will look like in 23rd anniversary, Nov. 22, 2013 life gave us liberty at the same time; thing of a heyday. What is the situ- Congress of the Institute in Warsaw 2038 (25 years down the road), and the feast of St. Cecilia, patroness of the hand of force may destroy, but ation of Polish studies in America in June 2014. This has been in the what do you think PIASA’s role will music and musicians. It was on this cannot disjoin them,” the cantata today? What would you tell a young works for two years and has been be in it? date in 1990 that the choir gave its was composed during World War II. scholar, writing his doctorate and my dream for a decade. We already Obviously a very difficult ques- first concert. In its 23-year-old history, the aspiring to the professoriate, about have the honorary co-sponsorship tion. My hope would be a commu- This year the choir marked its an- choir has played an active roll in specializing in Polish subjects? of the University of Warsaw-where nity conscious of its origins, loyal niversary with Mass followed by a Warsaw’s musical life. Most recent- This is a difficult question. The the Congress will be held and they to its Polish traditions, and in closer concert at the Church of the BVM ly, the choir travelled to Uppsala, standard answer is that the field is are providing all our facilities with- touch with our common homeland. Mother of the Church, in the Mo- Sweden. A week later in Warsaw, in decline: membership in the In- out charge, a great boon; the spon- Even if this number be smaller than kotów district of Warsaw. the choir took first place at the 9th stitute is lower than it was several sorship of the Ministry of Foreign it is today, The Institute will be a The concert also commemorated International Choral Festival Varso- years ago, for example. On the other Affairs, the generous support of the larger and more important focus the 50th anniversary of the assas- via Cantans. The choir also singing hand, chairs in Polish studies have IPN (Instytut Pamięci Narodowej), for the collection and dissemination sination of President John F. Ken- at the funeral mass of former Prime recently opened or are in that pro- and the tremendous cooperation of about the millennial history and cul- nedy with a performance of the first Minister Tadeusz Mazowiecki. cess: two at Illinois, one at Colum- the Polish History Museum, as well ture of our beloved Poland.

FORUM / Rev. Dr. Sławomir Zabraniak Some Reflections on Great Anniversaries 2014 is a year flush with many anniversa- “brotherhood” with the Soviet Union and the content of their lives. They worked for they ceased being valuable? Does an aware- ries important to Poles. Together, they make another wait to recover sovereignty. That oc- her, fought for her, and gave their lives for ness of one’s history marked in blood and sac- up a mosaic we might call “freedom and sov- casion arrived with the gradual dissolution her. Starting with the Bar Confederates and rifice no longer befit today’s “European on the ereignty.” Ever since the Bar Confederation of the Communist Empire. 1989—25 years including: students of the Officers’ School;, Vistula?” Can’t one be a Pole and a European (1768-72)—the first great movement in de- ago—is celebrated as the date of Poland’s lib- participants in the wars in defense of the May at the same time? fense of the country’s sovereignty—as well eration from Soviet domination. There came 3 Constitution, the Kościuszko Insurrection, as the reforms at the end of the 18th century, the June elections and great hopes. The Third the Napoleonic Wars, the November Upris- THESE SAD THOUGHTS manifest them- Poles lived in the hope of recovering their Polish Republic was born. Poland, after sev- ing, the Spring of Nations, the January Upris- selves when we examine the activities of freedom in the ensuing decades. The period eral decades of subjugation behind the Iron ing, and the political activists of the late 19th people responsible for our country’s future of national subjugation was interrupted by Curtain, again became a sovereign state. In and early 20th centuries, the idea of a free Fa- and the education of the next generation. One uprisings in one partition after another which, 1999—15 years ago—it joined NATO and in therland survived and was passed to the next gets the impression that they are distant from while failing to 2004—10 years generations of Poles, even if born as Austrian, the caliber of people who struggled for a free bring the inde- Poles have survived as a nation because ago—the Europe- Prussian, or Russian subjects. Thanks to those Poland during the era of the Partitions. They pendence thirsted there were people ready to sacrifice an Union. Many people—often persecuted, frequently jailed or are far removed from people of the stature of for, nevertheless themselves for Poland. Poles believed exiled to Siberia and elsewhere—the idea of a Józef Piłsudski, Roman Dmowski, and Ignacy kept hope for its that those deci- free Poland never died, and young people felt Paderewski. recovery alive in sions guaranteed themselves Poles. For them, Poland was more important than successive generations. Only gradually did Poland a secure future and full rights in the Polish culture developed, enriched by vari- their private or partisan interests. It seems Poles come to the awareness that war among world’s family of nations. ous artists, during the time of the Partitions. that sense of responsibility for one’s country the partitioning powers could bring them the Today, from the perspective of the years, It attracted many foreigners who assimilated is lacking in contemporary politicians as well freedom they desired. That occasion came we can consider various reflections and pose and felt themselves Poles. We still draw from as many ordinary Poles. Isn’t the reduction 100 years ago, in 1914, with the outbreak of questions about those anniversaries which its riches. But for how long? Is the contempo- of hours for history classes adopted by the World War I. From the ashes of the three parti- fall this year. We hear ever more frequently rary trend towards homogenization, to elimi- Ministry of National Education an example tioning powers, a free Poland arose. After 123 in books and the media that the Poles were nating differences, constitute our loss? Can of this? years of slavery, suffering, and hope, a free and remain a bit too hot-headed. They are too we maintain a Marking an- Polish state returned to the world’s map. The proud and imprudent. They demand and ex- Polish identity in Discussion — even controversy — about niversaries makes cooperation of various groups and politicians pect too much. Some authors have said that a so-called “unit- Polishness, its preservation and identity sense only when bore fruit. The statesmen of that era were able all the uprisings for freedom, the September ed” Europe? — has gone on for years. we are able to to raise themselves above their differences campaign, the struggle against the Nazi and D i s c u s s i o n draw lessons from and fight for the common good, for Poland. Soviet invaders, and the Warsaw Uprising — even controversy — about Polishness, its them that build us up, morals that people to- The new state was able to stand in defense of were all mistakes, which shed blood unneces- preservation and identity — has gone on for day can learn from and try to build a better its borders and its rights. In the course of 21 sarily. We needlessly poured out human life years. There are even voices claiming that future. Let us hope that is what happens in years, it reared the next generations, prepared rather than make some deals and collaborate. “being Polish is abnormal.” Recently, there 2014. Let us hope that people responsible for to give their lives for the defense of their Shouldn’t we recognize those voices as ca- have been voices questioning the sense of leading Poland learn from the events of the country in that tradition of independence. pitulationist? Aren’t they defeatist, even trai- marking certain anniversaries. Most recently, past and draw conclusions for themselves. The Second World War, which began 75 torous? Can one put one’s fate without fear critics have taken aim at our uprisings. Some There does not seem to be a problem with years ago, was a great test of patriotism and into others’ hands? Can we naively believe say they were lunacy. One need only examine caring for the past at the local level: there we love of freedom. Poles stood in defense of that others will defend us when we ourselves the “contributions” of some works deemed see more and more initiatives “from below” their country against both German and Soviet surrender? historical, like “Insanity ’44, or how the Poles intended to deepen awareness of our history invaders. Following the fall of the Septem- gave Stalin a present in starting the Warsaw and roots. Ever more local institutions seek to ber campaign, Poles kept fighting on various INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS frequently Uprising” or “The Ribbentrop-Beck Pact, commemorate the history of their “little Fa- fronts. Although they were sold out by their alter the course of history, crowds less fre- or how the Poles could have conquered the therlands,” a history of which they are proud Allies to Joseph Stalin, they did not give up. quently so. Poles have survived as a nation USSR at the Germans’ side.” and for which for the common good they The Warsaw Uprising (August 1-October 2, because there were people ready to sacrifice show initiative. Let us hope for some similar 1944, 70 years ago) was the last organized up- themselves for Poland. They had a fire within BUT IS A POSITIVE BALANCE — political, and vibrant interest on a national scale. rising for freedom. themselves with which they inflamed others. military, or economic advantage — all that V v v There are people in Poland’s history for whom matters? Have freedom, love of country, hon- The Rev. Dr. Sławomir Zabraniak teaches AFTER WORLD WAR II came the time of sacrifice for their country and its freedom was or, and sacrifice all lost their meanings? Have history at the University of Rzeszów, Poland. 4 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY POLISH CHILDREN’S HEARTLINE (a non-profit corporation, State of New Jersey)begins its 28th year of helping children. An all volunteer non-profit organiza- tion receiving generous donations from Polonia and American supporters makes it possible for over 2000 Polish children to be treated annually by cardiac surgeons and physicians in hospitals in Poland. As requested, equipment critical to pediatric care is provided to six hospitals in Zabrze, Katowice, Lodz, Suwalki, Bialystok and Grajewo. Contributions may be made in memory of and/or honor of family and friends. Each donation is tax exempt and acknowledged. We thank you for your support and ask for your continued support for much help is still needed. “ If we don’t help our Polish children, who will?” —Doreen Patras Cramer, President For information call (732) 680-0680 or write POLISH CHILDREN’S HEARTLINE, INC., 177 BROADWAY, CLARK, NJ 07066. e-mail: [email protected] website: PolishChildrensHeartline.org

Wajda’s “Wałęsa” Presented at U.S. Capitol THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE / Anna Swierczewska by Richard Poremski Former U.S. Senator Christo- imposed communist control by the WASHINGTON, D.C. — As ar- pher Dodd then conducted a pre- Soviet Union. The vehicle of the ranged and promoted by Poland’s movie interview of Wałęsa – past- biopic is Wałęsa’s 1981 interview Diverging Paths on Ambassador Ryszard Schnepf, the President of Poland (1990) and with Italian journalist Oriana Falla- biopic “Wałęsa. Man of Hope” had Nobel Prize Laureate (1983) – with ci, just a few months before Poland the Road to Acculturation its U.S. debut at the U.S. Capitol, the expert assistance of interpreter declared martial law. It recounts in PART I guage with political independence, December 4, 2013. In attendance Marcin Zmudzki. The conversation flashback scenes the previous 15 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE and they are proud of its having were members of Congress, gov- flowed freely since both gentlemen years of Wałęsa and Solidarity ac- POLISH LANGUAGE survived successive attacks over the ernment officials, dignitaries, - Po have been friends since the 1980s tivism. centuries and proud of its cultural lonia, and a coterie of news media Solidarity days. Many interesting “Wałęsa” is Poland’s entry for achievements. – mainly Polish. The movie’s previ- and serious questions were asked, “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Editor’s Note: This series by Along with strong language ous October 6 scheduling had to be and many interesting profound and Academy Awards. Anna Swierczewska, who came to identity, solidarity and nationalism cancelled due to the U.S. govern- frank answers were given at length. Janusz Glowacki wrote the story the United States in 1983 as a polit- are prevalent among Polish people. ment shutdown. Wałęsa proved to be a master of the and screenplay. Robert Wieckiewicz ical refugee, describes the different This is the result of a communist The event is directly related to one-liners with his humorous, wry plays Wałęsa, and Agnieszka Gro- ways Anna and her twin sister came dictatorship that existed in Poland the on-going “Celebrating Poland’s and clever answers, which often had chowska plays his wife, Danuta. to terms with their Polish identities. in the 1980s and was the main rea- Path to Freedom and its Partnership the audience laughing in stitches – Glowacki said he wanted to por- INTRODUCTION. with the United States” campaign. as most worthy of a true raconteur. tray Wałęsa “as a man of flesh and Many The biopic is “an extraordinary When asked about his former blood, a leader of great strength but immigrants face difficulty story about an extraordinary man” nemesis General Jaruzelski — the also someone who had his weak- when it comes to maintain- said Schnepf, who shared opening imposer of martial law in Poland nesses. ing their language and cul- remarks with U.S. Senator Barbara — he said “it’s simple, I won and “It’s not just going to be romanti- ture in a foreign land. They Mikulski (D-Md.), a member of the he lost.” cism. There will be irony, too,” said struggle with finding their Senate Poland Caucus. “Poland and Wałęsa, now 70, reminded the Glowacki. own identity in a bicul- the Polish people will never forget audience his earthy, and sometimes The film is directed by Oscar- tural and bilingual society. the word ‘Solidarity’ and the sup- edgy, philosophy of life came with winning Andrzej Wajda, who said I chose to write about this port we received, particularly from a price, a point underlined in a 1981 he set out to make a film in order to issue because I am one of the United States in our greatest factual interview presented in the “shine a new light on Lech Wałęsa.” those immigrants dealing hour of need,” said Schnepf. movie. As a biopic, Wajda used real news with this very problem. The “When Lech Wałęsa jumped He said he already saw his post- material, as the feature strives to following is a reflective over the wall at the Gdansk Ship- revolutionary life as all downhill, as “give testimony to the truth,” he memoir, which will devel- yard, he took the whole world with often the situation with revolution- said. op the topic of adaptation, him!” said Mikulski. aries. The biographical project was assimilation, and accultura- Both recounted Wałęsa’s trails, “Life creates new heroes,” he condoned by Wałęsa without any tion into American society tribulations, and triumphs, which said, “and new heroes always find personal input. of two twins, my sister and forever changed the face of com- it easiest to beat up on previous Wajda said he considered the I, and the diverging paths munist-dominated Poland and led to heroes. I call them young wolves. making of “Wałęsa” to be his hard- that we ultimately followed the fall of the Berlin Wall. That was They say they would have done it est professional challenge to date. regarding our own cultural The author (right) and her twin, Magdalena. followed by new-found freedom in better, and maybe they’re right. But He consequently quoted the famous identity. son for migration to the United other subjugated counties of Eastern they weren’t there.” and oft-repeated slogan of it’s hero: Maintaining culture and lan- States. Although many did not Europe, and the unbelievable implo- The “Wałęsa” screenplay is 128 “nie chcem, ale muszem” — “I guage loyalty is a constant and on- want to leave, they did so as their sion of the Soviet Union. Wałęsa sat minutes long. It is presented in Pol- don’t want to, but I have to.” going effort, which is only as strong only choice was between leaving in the front row of the audience, lis- ish with English subtitles. It docu- To view a trailer of “Wałęsa. as the resources around you. This and being imprisoned. This was the tening intently with a serious look ments the story of Wałęsa and the Man of Hope,” log onto the web site memoir will explore the question case with my family. When you are on his face when not bowing his Solidarity trade union movement www.youtube.com and enter the of how language and culture are forced to leave your home and live head in modesty. that eventually freed Poland from movie’s title in the search box. retained among immigrants, and at- tempt to analyze my own family’s in a different country where your success of this maintenance (or lack cultural values and language are not Copernicus​’s “Little Commentary” Turns 500 thereof). It will also discuss some of shared or valued, assimilation is met continued from cover he could. threatened the idea that “all knowl- the key factors that have been essen- with resistance. In fact, you do what earth. So, after having long been Despite such antagonism, Co- edge had been forever fixed by tial to my successful and continued you can to hold on to the little that you have left of what you regarded as the center of the uni- pernican ideas would, indeed, alter God,” and that, basically, there was It is important to understand verse, the earth had become a “mere “the entire scheme” in the fullness nothing more to know. This was a remember. speck.” This new status posed a of time, but not before the astrono- perspective left over from medieval that the ties between ethnicity The following account danger to the Scriptures, which as- mer died, largely unappreciated, in Christendom, where the pursuit of and the Polish language is an example of how one sumed that everything had been 1543 in the northern Poland town of discovery – even mere curiosity – are historical and are the twin’s loyalty to her na- created for the use of man. Coper- Frombork. Manchester’s book de- was heretical. This earthly life was, tive culture and language consequence of the persecution challenges her twin’s op- nicus’s ideas were very troubling, scribes Copernicus as having been in a sense, irrelevant – unless, of of language during most of the and in his day thousands had been “excessively cautious” and hesitant course, one engaged in behavior that posing loyalty to her host burned at the stake for far less. to publish his work or declare his jeopardized one’s immortal soul. nineteenth century due to the country, and which raises William Manchester’s A World findings to Church authorities. This How things have changed. Five- partition of Poland. the following question: to Lit Only By Fire tells how in 1514 cautiousness, however, might well hundred years after the “Little Com- what extent has nurture vs. Copernicus circulated his “Little have spared him from the torments mentary,” ongoing scientific inno- culture and language loyalty as well nature played a role in who we are Commentary” among colleagues in of the Inquisition. vation continually changes our way as those factors that have impeded today and the diverging paths that the scientific community. “Little” As long as Copernican astrono- of life. Gone now are the days of on the same success for my twin sis- we took towards building our indi- is, of course, an ironic word given my was presented as a hypothetical the lone wolf scientist rocking the ter, and have, instead, resulted in a vidual cultural identity? the magnitude of its contents; Co- notion, the Vatican was willing to world with an individual discov- certain level of culture and language Next month: The Beginning. pernicus was – literally – about to look the other way. But when the ery. In this 21st century, large teams loss. change the way people view this more brash personality of astrono- of scientists are required to eluci- Anna Swierczewska was born in planet. Like any good scientist, he mer Giordano Bruno wrote that a date even the smallest fragment of LANGUAGE IDENTITY. Before I Warsaw, Poland, and emigrated to backed up his pronouncements with heliocentric universe was undeni- knowledge. And yet there is far, far begin my story, I should first clarify the United States in 1983 as a po- quantitative data. And what did Mr. able fact, the Church gave him a more to know – likely beyond that the importance that the Polish lan- litical refugee with her parents and Copernicus get for such grand con- date with the flaming stake. Later, which even Copernicus could have guage has for its people and the sig- twin sister. Her first two years of tributions? the even more prominent Galileo imagined. nificant role that it has played in the college were spent in France and Scorn. Galilei was induced – under threat shaping of my own cultural identity. Spain. Swierczewska received her At least from many, among of similar immolation – to retract Spies Speaking Polish is more than just a M.A. in Liberal Arts from the Uni- whom were some of the world’s this whole business about the earth continued from cover means of communicating; it is a core versity at Charlotte, N.C., and plans most prominent men, including going around the sun. For many on the memorial is Krystyna Skar- family value and an identity-marker. on pursuing a Ph.D. in Translation Martin Luther, who wrote of Co- years, heliocentricity would remain bek (aka Christine Granville), a Pol- For my family and me it has been Studies in the near future. She cur- pernicus: “People give ear to an a sensitive subject for the Vatican. ish countess dubbed “Churchill’s the focal point of our developing re- rently works as a high school teach- upstart astrologer…this fool wish- In fact, until as recently as 1828, the favorite spy,” who was dropped into lationship and, at times, struggling er of French and Spanish, as well es to reverse the entire scheme of Church forbade the reading of cer- occupied France in July 1944. bilingual and bicultural upbringing. as a freelance translator and proof- astrology.” (In that era, the words tain Copernican excerpts that “as- Also honored was Elzbieta Za- The Polish language has always reader. Most recently, Swierczewska “astrology” and “astronomy” were serted [his findings] to be more than wacka, who — after her parachute been linked to nationalistic feelings has been working on her grammar interchangeable. A widespread dis- a theory.” training in the UK — became the among Poles. It is important to un- book series in French, Spanish, Ital- tinction between the two fields was No matter how much material only woman to join the ranks of the derstand that the ties between eth- ian and Polish, which she hopes to not made until the 1700s). Luther’s the Church sought to forbid, the Co- crack Polish underground formation nicity and the Polish language are publish by next year. position actually went beyond ridi- pernican solar system “would not go “The Unseen and Silent” (Cicho- historical and are the consequence cule and into the arena of sabotage, away.” It was simply too enormous ciemni). of the persecution of language SUBSCRIBE TODAY! as he wielded his mighty influence – both literally and in terms of its All in all, some 13 nationalities during most of the nineteenth cen- 1 (800) 422-1275 to suppress publication of Coperni- impact. However subdued his per- are represented. All of the agents tury due to the partition of Poland. or subscribe on-line at can works whenever and wherever sonality, Copernicus’s new concepts underwent training in the UK. Therefore, Poles associate the lan- www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 5

TRAVELOGUE / Staś Kmieć Polish American Historical Association to Meet in Washington, January 3-4 PAHA to explore social, his- 2014: 5:30 PM at the Marriott Ward- 5 Days in Poland torical, and cultural aspects in the man Park Hotel, Jefferson Room Part V the Soviet Union in 1960s-1970s, Anna Wiktoria Ger- lives of Polish émigrés and exiles in (2660 Woodley Rd NW, Washing- A Fascination with man released over a dozen music albums with songs in America ton, DC 20008, tel. 202.328.2000). Anna German Polish, as well as several albums with Russian reper- LOS ANGELES — On Janu- PAHA Annual Awards for re- toire. She also sang in English, Italian, Spanish, Latin, ary 3 and 4, 2014, one of Polonia’s search in the field of Polish Ameri- From an upper floor of the Sobieski Hotel, my broth- and German. most venerable organizations will can Studies will be announced dur- er-in-law’s niece Daria Stefanik exited the elevator and Surprisingly enough this icon of Polish music was hold its Annual Meeting at the Mar- ing the Annual Awards Banquet on greeted me at the front desk. We exchanged items and of Russian, German, and Dutch origin and her road to riott Wardman Park Hotel in Wash- Friday, January 3, 2014. Conference she invited me for an extended meeting at one of the Poland was a difficult one. Born in northwestern Uz- ington D.C. The conference will registration is open on PAHA Web- hotel’s two restaurants – Trylogia. I explained the short bekistan (then part of the USSR), her parents as well gather over 30 scholars presenting site: www.polishamericanstudies. nature of my visit to Poland and today’s speedy encoun- as other Soviet Germans were banished to this Central their current research during eight org. ter, as I needed to return for a rehearsal for tonight’s Asia province after Nazi Germany had attacked the scholarly sessions dedicated to such Kiepura Award ceremony. From among the crème USSR. topics as: Protest and Exile, Polish ABOUT PAHA. The Polish Ameri- brûlee, tiramisu, chocolate and ice cream desserts, I Anna’s mother was the descendant of a Plautdietsch Immigrant and Ethnic Women, Be- can Historical Association is a non- chose the authentically Polish apple szarlotka with Ad- (Dutch/Low German) speaking Mennonite colony in- tween the Revolutionary War and profit, tax-exempt, interdisciplinary vocat topping. vited to Russia by the Empress Catherine the World War II, Polish Immigrant and organization devoted to the study In a sophisticated atmosphere of stylish red chairs Great. Her father, Eugen (Eugeniusz) Hörmann Ethnic Identities, Religious Leaders of Polish American history and and stately wood, we chatted while sampling the (Герман in Russian, transferred to German and Communities, and Stories of culture. Founded in 1942 as part of warm deliciously-perfect dessert with a fine in Polish) was an accountant of German World War II. Individual present- the Polish Institute of Arts and Sci- cappuccino coffee. The meeting was short, descent – born in Łódz, Poland, who in ers will discuss: Pułaski’s burial, ences in America, PAHA became and with apologies I promised a sub- 1937 during the People’s Commissariat Polish troops in the American Civil an autonomous scholarly society in stantial visit upon the next return for Internal Affairs- NKVD’s anti- War, General Bolesław Wieniawa- 1948. As an affiliate of the Ameri- trip. German operation was arrested on Długoszowski, Pope John Paul II in can Historical Association, PAHA Retracing my steps, false charges of spying, and ex- America, World War II mementos promotes research and dissemina- I hurried along Aleje ecuted. and family histories, Polish chil- tion of scholarly materials focused Jerozolimskie to the The family fled to Tash- dren in exile, Polish-Jewish émigré on Polish American history and train station – with kent, and was composers and their inclusion into culture, and its European origins. just one quick stop to later deported Polish music history, writings by PAHA publishes a newsletter and make at the Empik store to Kyrgyz and women, American support for War- a biannual scholarly peer-reviewed in the luxurious Złote Tara- Kazakh. Her saw in 1944, Polish-American press journal, Polish American Studies sy Mall adjacent and con- mother married in Canada and the U.S., careers of (available from the University of nected to the station. This store a Polish Army second generation émigrés, Polish Illinois Press). The organization and Trafik are like the Barnes & officer and was documents at the Library of Con- sponsors an annual conference, in Noble of Poland. These superstores able to apply for gress, dialects in Polish folk theater, conjunction with the American His- are a welcome change from the Com- repatriation to and much more. torical Association, which serves as munist era, when one would have to Poland. In 1946 A special book forum will be a forum for ethnic studies. search for books and records – then tapes they relocated to dedicated to Mieczysław B.B. Bisk- – later CDs at specialty Warsaw, settling upski’s The United States and the LAPSUS CALAMI. In the Decem- music shops and in Nowa Ruda, Rebirth of Poland, 1914–18 (with ber 2013 PAJ, Gen. Ed Rowny (ret). Antykwariat vin- before moving to comments by noted historians Prof. was identified as a one-star Briga- tage bookstores. Wrocław. Neal Pease, University of Wiscon- dier General. He is a three-star Lieu- S t y l i z e d Anna gradu- sin–Milwaukee and Prof. James tenant General. as empi̓ k, the com- ated from the Pula, Purdue University North Cen- In the review of the book, “The mercial chain sells Geological Insti- tral). The Conference will end with Polish Gang” (December 2013), il- books, international tute and began her music career at the a screening of Mariusz Kotkowski’s legal alcohol, not drugs, were being press, media (films, student Kalambur Theater in 1961. In Pola Negri: Life is a Dream in Cin- smuggled to the United States from music, computer soft- 1963 she was on the stage at the pres- ema held on Saturday, January 4, Canada. ware). The chain also tigious Sopot festival, where she won owns a photo company, second prize. The following year Empik Foto, as well as a she won second prize at the Festival foreign language school, of Polish Songs in Opole, and two Empik School. awards at the Festival in Sopot. In 1965 From its beginnings dur- Anna won first prize at Opole for her song “Zakwitnę ing Communism as Klub M i ę d z y n a ro d o w e j Różą.” Prasy i Książki (International Book and Press Club), She was invited to Italy and signed a multi-record, the store was given its current name when it was taken three-year recording contract with Italian record label over by Jacek Dębski, Janusz Romanowski and Yaron Discografia Italiano. In Italy Anna survived a severe, Bruckner in 1991. EMPiK has over 150 stores in Po- near-fatal car crash; it took her three years to recover land and 22 in Ukraine. from her injuries, during which time she wrote an auto- Prior to my visit, I had read that all of Poland was biography and hosted a radio show. buzzing about the singer Anna German, as a Russian- After a long rehabilitation period, she returned to the Polish miniseries about her life was being watched by stage in 1972 and resumed her career – performing in a weekly audience of over 6 million. In combination France, Belgium, Germany, the United States, Canada with Russia and Ukraine the total viewing public was and Australia, as well as in most countries in the So- SUPPORT THE PAJ PRESS FUND over 20 million. viet Union. She released records in Poland, the Soviet n 1978, a voluntary fund-raising campaign was launched by a group My mission was to buy the DVD of this program. Union and Italy. I had fallen under the spell of this extraordinary artist of loyal readers of the Polish American Journal entitled “We Love the She married Zbigniew Tucholski; their son, Zbig- PAJ Press Fund” in order to help cover rising postage, material many years ago when I saw her perform live at John niew, was born in 1975. Diagnosed with bone cancer, Hancock Hall in Boston. She was part of a variety pro- and production costs. she spent the last years of her life composing spiritual IDonations to the PAJ Press Fund are also used to support our reader gram brought to the United States by Chicago impre- songs, which she recorded on a portable recorder in services (postage, telephone, research, etc.), provide newsclippers with sario Jan Wojewódka. She was the star attraction and bed. She died on August 25, 1982, and was buried in I was transfixed and mesmerized by her statuesque stamps and envelopes, and cover extraordinary expenses in producing Warsaw. the paper. The Polish American Journal is not a profit-making ven- beauty and that amazing voice. Anna German fascinated the public with her beau- Her “Piosenka Moja,” ‘Tańczące Eurdyki,” “Come ture. Thanks to its dedicated staff, the PAJ is pub­lished as a “public tiful, strong, vibrating, clarion voice; with her unique service” for American Polonia. back to Sorrento/Wróć do Sorrento,” a duet “Byle tylko appearance, and her own, very special lyrical style. Her ze mną” sung with Krzysztof Cwynar, along with a ren- Donations to the PAJ Press Fund will be acknowledged in the paper voice was never forgotten, which is obvious by the nu- unless otherwise directed by the contributor. dition of “Sunny Boy” are forever etched in my mem- merous reissues of her albums and documentary films ory. At my young age, I was very aware of her impec- made about her. A sincere “THANK YOU” for their donations to the PAJ PRESS FUND: cable pronunciation of the Polish language – for me a A singer with the divine voice of an angel, she lived Joan Kopko, Lyndhurst, N.J.; Helen Gancarz, Free Soil, Mich.; Rev. lesson on how to maintain all the intricate sounds while a bright but uneasy life. The power of her legend is a James. J. Meszaros, Bayside, N.Y.; Richard and Pearl Wilgosz, singing… something one does not always encounter testament to her immense talent as an artist as she lives Hollywood, Fla.; Regina Wnukowski, Philadelphia; and one Friend of with Polish vocalists. Her version of the Christmas car- on in the hearts of thousands all over the world who the PAJ. Dziękujemy wam wszystkim! The PAJ thanks all who donated ols “Gdy śliczna Panna and Lulajże Jezuniu – originally have loved her for years, and in the hearts of many oth- to the Press Fund. made as “pocztówki” postcard records are indelible for ers who have only just come to know her. their sincerity and interpretation. I knew I would have to revisit what appeared to be MAIL TO: PAJ PRESS FUND Occasionally, a singer captures the hearts of an en- a spectacular mall, but as time was ticking I headed up POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL tire nation. Anna German was one of the most loved the escalators and directly to empik. I was greeted by P.O. BOX 271, NORTH BOSTON, NY 14110-0271 singers not only in her home country, but the entire displays of Anna German CDs and books, but I want- I want to make sure the POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL continues its Soviet Union. So popular that Lucia Thijssen describes ed the DVD. Following that memorable performance service to American Polonia. Enclosed is my contribution of $______her as an “East-European Lady Di.” Tickets to her con- in Boston, during every visit to Poland – in addition certs sold out hours after being released. She was pho- to folk music, I bought recordings of Anna German. I NAME tographed with cosmonauts and an asteroid was named dashed to the film section and inquired… to my dismay after her. it was too soon after the TV premiere and the DVD ver- ADDRESS Anna German’s personal story is tragic but not un- sion had not yet been released. To pacify my interest, I familiar for someone living during that time. Who was bought 3 CDs for my mother, and a biographical book; this beloved star, known all over the world for having then I hurriedly made my way to the train platform to CITY, STATE, ZIP the voice of an angel? head back to Karolin and the Kiepura Awards. Please [ ] include [ ] do not include my name in your list of contributors. A Polish singer immensely popular in Poland and in …to be continued 6 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014

POLISH-JEWISH RELATIONS RELIGION / Benjamin Fiore, S.J.

Holocaust Survivor Reunites with Polish Rescuer NEW YORK — Leon Gersten The Polzieces built an under- Bishop Paprocki Corrects the Media and Politicians survived the Holocaust because of ground bunker that they could con- terized it as “a slap in the face that Youth Day there is ample time to Czeslaw Polzeic and his family. ceal with a grain storage bin in case says ‘to Hell with you!’ to Catho- prepare for such a meeting. Al- He was able to properly express of a search. When their farm was lics and religious freedom.” The though the invitation was issued his gratitude for the first time in raided by Polish Nazi collaborates, refusal could lead to the shutdown through Metropolitan Hilarion, 69 years, as the two men reunited Polziec’s father suffered a severe of Catholic schools in the diocese chairman of the Department of Ex- at John F. Kennedy Airport to cel- beating, but the family continued to since the fines connected with non- ternal Relations for the Russian Or- ebrate Hanukkah and Thanksgiving protect the Gerstens until the area compliance would amount to $2.8 thodox Church, it is not known how together. was liberated in 1944. million a year. A narrow exemp- the patriarch will respond to it. For over two years, Gersten and Though Polziec is Catholic, he tion for some religious organiza- four of his family members stayed and Gersten lit Hanukkah candles tions has been delayed until Jan. 1 POPE’S AIDE TO THE POOR. hidden in the attic of Polziec’s fami- together, then had a formal Thanks- but even this exemption does not Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, ly, who sheltered them from the Na- giving dinner. cover religiously-affiliated organi- the Vatican Almoner, is tasked with zis. Despite the fact that the Polziecs Several generations of Gersten’s zations such as Catholic Charities, carrying out the pope’s personal had barely enough food to feed their family, including a granddaughter, parochial schools, adoption centers, charities among the poor. The cen- five children, they managed to take made the trip from Israel to meet and homeless centers. Litigation be- turies-old position of handing out care of the Gerstens, too. Polziec. fore the courts continues in various alms has been given a new face by “I am alive because of them,” The reunion was made possible BISHOP PAPROCKI states. Pope Francis. The pope told the Gersten told CNN, referring to Pol- by The Jewish Foundation for the After the Illinois legislature Polish almoner “You can sell your ziec and his family. “They are he- Righteous. passed a law redefining marriage to WALKWAY NAMED FOR SEND- desk. You don’t need it. You need to roes.” include same-sex couples, Bishop LER. A walkway in Warsaw has get out of the Vatican. Don’t wait for Thomas Paprocki, RC bishop of been named in honor of Irena people to come ringing. You need to Righteous Among Nations Medal Donated to Museum Springfield, Ill., the state capital, Sendler, the Polish woman who is go out and look for the poor. As a gathered the faithful for prayer in credited with saving 2,5000 Jewish result, he visits homes for the elder- WARSAW, Poland – A Polish The Museum of the History of the diocese’s cathedral to counter children during the Holocaust. ly in the name of the pope, writes man who helped save Jews from Polish Jews opened its doors to the the presence of the devil “not only The walkway is in the former checks to the needy in the name of the Holocaust has donated World public in April 2013. It currently in the tempting or tormenting of Warsaw Ghetto between a monu- the pope, and even gave immigrant War II documents and distinctions functions as a cultural and educa- persons, but in the penetration of ment to the Jews who fought in the survivors of a boat sinking phone he received from Israel to a Jewish tional center with a rich cultural things and places in a certain man- 1943 Warsaw Ghetto uprising and cards so they could call their loved history museum opening in Warsaw. program, including temporary exhi- ner by their activity, and in various the new Museum of the History of ones back home. To raise money for The Museum of the History of bitions, films, debates, workshops, forms of opposition to and persecu- Polish Jews. this charity, Archbishop Krajew- Polish Jews said Wednesday that performances, concerts, lectures tion of the Church. Derided in the Sendler was a social worker who ski sells parchments for weddings, 91-year-old Wladyslaw Bartosze- and more. mainstream media for conducting smuggled Jewish children out of the baptisms or priestly ordinations wski has offered fake documents of The opening of the Core Exhibi- an “exorcism”, bishop Paprocki Warsaw Ghetto during World War with the name of the recipient and Dr. Leon Feiner, a Jewish resistance tion, presenting the thousand-year held his ground both explaining II, when Poland was occupied by an apostolic blessing written in cal- leader, a ring made in the Lodz history of Polish Jews, is scheduled what the meaning of an exorcism is Nazi Germany. The children were ligraphy. Ghetto in 1942, wartime media re- for the beginning of 2014. It will and also correcting misconceptions placed with Christian families and ports about the Warsaw Ghetto up- narrate the 1,000-year story of Pol- in the media about recent papal in convents and given new names. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO … rising, his own medal of the Righ- ish Jews, a history museum officials statements. Against politicians who Sendler died in 2008. The Felician Sisters in North Amer- teous Among Nations and other say is not widely known and is often justified their vote by referring to President Bronislaw Komorows- ica celebrating 140 years of ministry memorabilia. gets lost in Holocaust remembrance. the pope’s statement “Who am I to ki and Warsaw Mayor Hanna which began in 1874 when Blessed Bartoszewski co-founded the Ze- An estimated 3.5 million Jews were judge?” and declaring “As a Catho- Gronkiewicz-Waltz presided over Mary Angela Truszkowska sent gota organization, which gave Jews residing in Poland prior to the Holo- lic follower of Jesus and the pope, the naming ceremony. Sendler’s the first five Felician sisters from fake documents and placed them caust, making it the largest Jewish Pope Francis, I am clear that our daughter Janina Zgrzembska was Poland to minister here. with Polish families. community in the world. Catholic religious doctrine has at its also present. core love, compassion and justice BUFFALO MASS MOB. Buffalo’s Last veteran of Polish-Soviet War Dies for all people” (Re. Linda Chapa KRAKΌW ARCHBISHOP IN- Basilica of St. Adalbert was filled LaVia), bishop Paprocki noted that VITES RUSSIAN PATRIARCH. to capacity with worshipers for TURSK, Poland — The last vet- subsequent victory in the Battle of the pope in 2010 said that “same- Stanisław Cardinal Dziwisz in- a special mass of remembrance. eran of the 1919-1921 Polish-Soviet Warsaw, the so-called “Miracle on sex marriage comes from the devil vited Russian Orthodox Patriarch The numbers of participants in the War has died at a nursing home in the Vistula,” during which the Red and should be condemned as such.” Kirill I to attend the World Youth congregation were swelled by the western Poland. Army was repulsed from the gates Day in Krakόw in 2016. This may Buffalo Mass Mob members. This Captain Jozef Kowalski, who of the Polish capital. BISHOP ZUBIK STANDS FIRM result in a historic meeting between is a nondenominational grassroots was born in 1900, Kowalski later AGAINST HHS MANDATE. Pitts- the Russian patriarch and the pope, network that attends services at re- was due to turn 114 served in the Second burgh’s RC Bishop David Zubik who is also expected to attend the ligious edifices that are architectur- in February. World War, during told a district judge that he would World Youth Day As Cardinal Dzi- ally significant, but rarely visited. As a young cav- which he endured a not comply with the HHS Mandate wisz notes, a meeting between the alryman he fought period of imprison- to provide health care plans that two church leaders would be more THE POLISH ROSARY GUILD of as a lancer against ment in a German cover contraceptives, abortifiacients realistic and less problematic in Holy Cross Church in Minneapolis the Red Army in the forced labor camp. and sterilization at no-copay. Not- Krakόw than it would be in either invites all to come and say the rosa- fabled Battle of Ko- Three years ago, ing that the mandate endangers “the Rome or Moscow. With a little less ry in Polish. The service is held one marow on August on his 110th birth- integrity of our beliefs” he charac- than three years before the World half hour before the Sunday 11:30 31, 1920. day, he was awarded Mass and the Friday 7:00 Mass. Af- The clash, near the Officer’s Cross of ter the Masses, prayers are said for Zamosc in south the Order of Polonia Nativity Plays In Philadelphia and Doylestown the dead. Forms are provided for east Poland, marked Restituta by Presi- PHILADELPHIA — Sun., Jan. Program, “Jaselka,” Shrine of Our people to write down the names of the largest cavalry dent Bronislaw Ko- 5. St. John Cantius Polish Language Lady of Czestochowa, Ferry Road, their deceased friends and family battle in European morowski. School Christmas Program, “Jasel- during the 12:30 p.m. Mass. Info members, or you can put them on warfare since 1813. British Ambas- ka,” St. John Cantius Parish Hall, call the shrine (215) 345-0600. a plain sheet of paper and put the Polish com- sador in Warsaw 4415 Almond Street, Bridesburg PHILADELPHIA — Sun., Jan. sheet in an envelope along with a mander Juliusz Rommel routed the during the Polish-Soviet War section of Philadelphia, follow- 12. St. Adalbert Polish Language donation. Russian forces, providing a crip- Lord’Abernon concluded that the ing the 11:30 a.m. Mass. Everyone School Annual Christmas Program, pling blow to the Red Army’s cav- Polish victory had “saved Central, invited. Info call Beata Zuk (215) “Jaselka,” St. Adalbert Auditorium, alry. and parts of Western Europe from... 788-6122. Thompson Street and Allegheny Within days Poles had won a the fanatical tyranny of the Soviet.” DOYLESTOWN — Sun., Jan. Avenue, Port Richmond section of 5. Our Lady of Czestochowa Pol- Philadelphia. Noon. Free. Info call ish Language School Christmas Danuta Eichler at (267) 251-3776.

MODLITWY

PUBLICATION OF PRAYERS. The Polish American Journal gladly accepts prayers ads for publication. They must be received by the 10th of each month, prior to the month of publication, and must be pre-paid at the cost of $15.00 each, which can be paid by check or charge. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please call 1 (800) 422-1275 or (716) 312-8088. Send to: Polish American Journal, P.O. Box 271, N. Boston, NY 14110. PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN. (Never Known To Fail). Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart and succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you. Grateful thanks, J.K.

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT. Holy Spirit, You who solve all problems, who light all roads so I can attain my goal. You who give me the Divine gift to forgive and to forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life you are with me. I want this short prayer to thank you for all things and to confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you, even and in spite of all material illusion. I wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. Thank you Holy Spirit. That person must say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. After 3 days, the favor re- Please make checks payable to: ACPC, c/o quested will be granted, even if it may appear difficult. This prayer must be published immediately Florence Langridge, Membership Chair, 78 after the favor is granted, without mentioning the favor. Your initials should appear after the thank Meadow Lane, West Hartford, CT 06107 you. Thank You Holy Spirit. J.K.. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 7

CIEKAWOSTKI / Martin Nowak SCHOLARSHIPS

Pulaski Scholarships for Scholarships are renewable an- East Germany or West Poland? Advanced Studies, 2014 nually, with merit and need taken Before the founding of the Polish IMAGES BERRY/GETTY ADAM BY PHOTO into consideration. Candidates not WEBSTER, Mass. — The Pulas- selected can reapply annually. Pref- nation in 966 and for decades after- ki Scholarships for Advanced Stud- ward, Polish Slavic tribes lived west erence shall be given to applicants ies program, which was initially who will be juniors, seniors, or of the Odra River in what is now endowed by the Conrad R. Walas German territory. Germans even- graduate students in the fall term. family, is administered solely by the To obtain an application, send a tually pushed eastward and over- American Council for Polish Cul- whelmed the Slavs even as Poland request by mail to PACCF (address ture (ACPC). above) or an application can be was expanding to its own east. Any applicant must be a U.S. These conquered Slavs were ei- printed from the PACCF website at citizen and of Polish ancestry. He www.paccf.org ther killed, fled east to Poland or or she must be a classified gradu- stayed put and were incorporated Applications must be submitted ate student enrolled at an accredited by March 15, 2014. into the Germanic principalities and university in the U.S. and must have dukedoms, often as slaves. Today completed at least one year of stud- New Officers about 50,000 descendants of these ies at the graduate level. Prior win- Slavs, called Wends or Sorbs, are a ners of an ACPC Pulaski Scholar- Take Over recognized minority group in eastern ship are ineligible. SYRACUSE — The Polish Germany in an area known as Lu- Qualified applicants must send Scholarship Fund, Inc. announced satia, to the immediate west of Po- all of the materials described in its officers for 2014. Mirka Ban- land’s Silesia. the Council’s website www.polish- ach now leads the organization as The Sorbs carry on their culture Sorb egg painter Melanie Baier sends a text message on her mobile cultureacpc.org so that they are re- president. Vice-presidents are Andre through various organizations, active phone at the annual Easter egg market on March 16, 2013 in Schleife, ceived on or before March 15, 2014. Siok and Nancy Cummings. Ivona use of their Slavic language and cer- Germany. Easter is a particularly important time of year for Sorbs, a Slavic Original copies of all materials Popiel is treasurer, and Don Dut- emonial dress. The legacy of these minority in eastern Germany, and the period includes the tradition of must be mailed to the chairman and kowsky is secretary. ancient Slavs also lives on in today’s painting Easter eggs that include visual elements intended to ward off duplicate copies to the other four The Polish Scholarship Fund world in the names of places we all evil. Many Sorbs still speak Sorbian, a language closely related to Polish ACPC Pulaski Scholarship Com- helps talented students of Polish de- recognize as German but which in and Czech. mittee members. scent achieve their academic goals fact have their roots in old Slavic and renamed it Brandenburg. During the Cold War the Five $5,000 scholarship grants by providing them with financial as- proto-Polish languages. Brandenburg Gate in divided Berlin became a symbol are available for the 2014 compe- sistance. The PSF seeks to increase The name Lusatia (Polish: Łużyce), the area of Ger- of that tense stand-off between the East and West. tition. Questions concerning the the number and value of the schol- many where the Sorbs live today, is derived from the Potsdam is the city outside Berlin that gave its name requirements should be directed to arships through organizing public Sorbian word łuzicy, akin to the Polish kałuża, meaning to the Potsdam Conference among Allied leaders fol- Mr. Marion Winters, 51 Camile Rd., events that promote Polish culture, “water hole” or “pool.” lowing Germany’s World War II defeat that affirmed the Webster, MA 01570; (508) 949- heritage, history and traditions. The name of the German city of Chemnitz comes infamous agreements made at Yalta by Churchill, FDR 0160; [email protected]. In its years, it has awarded over from the Sorbian kamenica and means “stony brook.” It and Stalin. It gave control of Poland to Soviet com- All materials submitted by appli- $300,000 in scholarships to deserv- was an early Slavic settlement and even in Polish today munists and shifted its borders. Potsdam was a Slavic cants will become part of the records ing students. it is called Kamienica. town founded in the seventh century and originally of the American Council for Polish The annual Polish Festival in Leipzig, long associated with the composer Johann called Poztupimi, which means “beneath the oaks” in Culture and will not be returned. Syracuse’s Clinton Square is one Sebastian Bach, was also an old Slavic village and its old Slavic. Late, incomplete or unsigned ap- of these events. Next year the PSF name comes from the old Slavic word lipsk, which Finally, the German capital city of Berlin was origi- plications or documents will not be will host its sixtieth annual Pol- means “place of the linden trees.” The modern Polish nally a Slavic fishing village. Its name is derived from accepted or returned for correction. ish Festival on June 20, 21 and 22 word for linden is lipca. The city is called Lipsk in Pol- the old Slavic word meaning “bog” or “marsh,” berl. The decisions of the ACPC Pulaski at Syracuse’s Clinton Square. The ish today. It was apparently founded in the 800s. But it was in Scholarship Committee are final festival will include a variety of en- Around the year 1200 a Slavic settlement formed on 948 that the Germans first took control of Berlin and it and not subject to review. tertainment, including polka bands the site of the modern German city of Dresden. It was took another 200 years before they definitively drove and Polish dancers, as well as Pol- called Drezdany in old Sorbian and it means “riverside the Slavs out. ish foods and beverages. forest.” Another connection between Poland and Dres- Following World War II the Sorbs-Wends of Lusatia The Majer and Lakowski For more information, visit den is the fact that King August II the Strong of Poland pushed to have their entire area included within the bor- Families Memorial www.polishscholarship.org. (1697-1733) was a German from that city who was also ders of the new Poland. But this was rejected. In fact, a Scholarships Available few thousand Sorbs residing in a tiny part of Lusatia in- prince-elector of the German state of Saxony. He was CHICAGO — The Polish Amer- cluded in the new Polish territory were forcibly moved POLISH FOOD is still being succeeded in both positions by his son August III (1733- ican Congress Charitable Founda- westward to be inside the new German borders. served Thursday evenings at Ma- 1763), also a native of Dresden. Both men spent much tion (5711 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chi- Of course, today it would be absurd for Poland to rino’s, 7365 Old Central Avenue of their time and efforts in Dresden, especially August cago, IL 60646 / (773) 763-9942) claim any part of Germany as belonging to it based on NE in Fridley, Minn.. Food ser- III, who was essentially an absentee Polish king. announced the availability of The ancient history. Just as absurd as in the late 1940s, when vice runs from 5:00 until 8:00 and The small city of Brandenburg, from which the Ger- Majer and Lakowski Families Me- millions of Germans and Poles were forcibly removed polka music with Andy Zurbey man state of Brandenburg takes its name, was originally morial Scholarships from their ancestral homelands and resettled within the and Craig Ebel from 6:00 until a Slavic town called Brenna, later Brunabor, and it takes The scholarship is open to full- new borders of Germany and Poland, whose lines had 9:00. “The prices are reasonable its name from the old Slavic word for “swamp.” It was time undergraduate and graduate not until 1157 that the Germans conquered Brunabor been shifted westward by the Allies. and the food pretty authentic,” students majoring in engineering says Judith Blanchard in her Pol- or business administration. The re- POLONIA ON FILM / Joseph W. Zurawski Am newsletter. Take-out is also cipient must attend a public state available if you want to pick up university or college. The amount something on your way home of the scholarship is equal to the an- from work: (763) 786-0920. Tomorrow, the World! (1944) nual state-resident (in-state) tuition. Drama land. He confronts his teacher, Le- a sense of satisfaction as Stan seeks Distributor: United Artists ona — in the most vulgar of ways out Emil after his assault on a girl STERLING SILVER JEWELRY Director: Leslie Fenton — about her being Jewish. Leona who prepared a party for him. In a A Screenplay Writer: Ring Lardner, slaps Emil across the face. That long fight scene, Stan, the Polish B E Jr., Leopold Atlas shocks Emil, who at this point in the American, manages to subdue the C D Featuring: Fredric March, Rudy film is a very self-assured and arro- Nazi who preached world domina- Wissler (as Stan Dombrowski) gant young man, and “Aryan Super- tion. Tomorrow, the World! was man,” who is shocked by not only In the last two minutes of the film awarded the first “Writer’s Award” being whacked by a lowly woman, Emil has a conversion, says he was F by the Hollywood Writer’s Mobili- but a Jewish one at that. G I tortured, he is mixed-up, his father H zation “in recognition of [the film’s] Next, Emil gets into a fight with was really a hero. The Jewish teach- superior merit as dramatic entertain- fellow student Stanley Dombrows- er implores his uncle, to whom she ment, blended with timely and sig- ki. Stanley, being a Polish/Ameri- was engaged, to spare him from jail J K nificant idea content, representative can, is — in Emil’s mind —inferior. or a detention home and keep him of the best in current thought.” Stanley takes him on and gives Emil in his care. Emil, a young teen, comes to the a bloody nose. He later forces Emil, Unfortunately, even though the United States from Germany during with their teacher Miss Richards script strongly implied that Poland World War II to live with his uncle. looking on, to apologize to him in ALL SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE • All items are Sterling Silver. From the moment he arrives he tries front of all his classmates. would be victorious in its conflict All these items are available in 14 kt. gold • Please contact us for pricing. to convince everyone he is a com- Tomorrow, the World! was a pro- with the Nazis, Poles were not able to conquer the Nazis as successfully DESCRIPTION GOLDEN LION JEWELRY mitted Nazi and slashes the picture paganda film, meant to uplift the A. Polish Princess...... $7.00 of his father who, he claims, com- spirits of an American nation three as Stan was able to handle Emil. P.O. BOX 199 v v v B. #1 Babcia (Script)...... $8.00 PORT READING, NJ 07064 mitted suicide. He wears his Nazi years into the war effort. As much as C. #1 Babcia (Block)...... $8.00 uniform to dinner, manipulates all Emil built up the Nazis as superior, Joseph W. Zurawski is author D. Small Eagle...... $12.00 (908) 862-1927 of Poland: The Captive Satellite: A situations, makes enemies in school, expressed his hatred of Jews and E. Medium Eagle...... $14.00 [email protected] and speaks freely about his hatred of Poles, lied, deceived, even became Study in National Psychology; Pol- F. Large Eagle...... $15.00 • Add $5.00 S&H Jews, Poles and Catholics. To him, physically abusive for his cause, it ish American History and Culture: G. Large Heavy Eagle...... $35.00 A Classified Bibliography; Polish H. Extra Heavy Eagle...... $40.00 • Prices subject to change “America is a cesspool.” He wants was the Jewish teacher who showed • Allow 10-14 days for delivery. If not to help the Nazis in any way pos- him compassion and the Polish Chicago: Our History, Our Recipes; I. #1 Mamusia (Block)...... $12.00 J. #1 Tatus (Block)...... $12.00 satisfied, return for refund within six regional histories (Niles, Illinois, 15 days. sible. classmate, Stan, who proved that K. #1 Ciocia (Block)...... $12.00 • N.J. residents must add 7% sales Two things happen that turn Emil truth, integrity and standing up for Door County, Sister Bay, Kewanee Tie Tacks of D, E, ...... $19.00/$21.00 around in his mission, or what he what is right will prevail. County, Liberty Grove, Saukville) tax. N.Y. residents add appropriate Tie Tacks of F, G, ...... $22.00/$42.00 sales tax. thinks it is, in serving his Father- Polish Americans may have felt and Sturgeon Bay Shipbuilding. 8 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014

HAPPENINGS: CHICAGO STYLE / Geraldine Balut Coleman A Meal Fit For A King CHICAGO — It was war, it is important to note what on decrypting ciphers possible. In limped off – stunned. Amy Silver- truly a special treat for British mathematician and cryp- Warsaw, just before the outbreak man, Bryce’s owner, started search- those who placed a res- tologist, John Irving Good (Isador of WWII, the Polish military intel- ing everywhere. She decided to go ervation (limited to 100 Jacob Gudak) and a member of the ligence introduced French and Brit- onto Facebook and ask for help by guests) for the annual Bletchey Park code breaking team, ish agents to their Enigma-decryp- posting her dog’s photo as well as “King’s Thursday Din- had to say about Rejewski. Good tion techniques and equipment. The her phone number. ner.” The event was hosted regarded one of Rejewski’s theo- Polish success enabled Britain to Three days later, about a half by the Warsaw Commit- rems instrumental in the Enigma’s successfully continue the decryption mile away in the town of Deerfield, tee of Chicago Sister Cit- cipher as the “theorem which won efforts and substantially aided the two little girls noticed a tired, hun- ies International (CSCI) in the Second World War.” He further Allies in their military operations. gry, and injured dog in their grandfa- partnership with Poland’s mentioned that Europe needed the Without these techniques and tech- ther’s backyard. Their grandfather, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Poles and how much the Poles were nology, Bletchley Park’s work on Zbigniew Cianciara, just happened Voivodeship, a province underestimated. The Poles did the the decryption would not have been to be on the phone talking to one of in mid-northern Poland in impossible – they deciphered vic- possible. The decryption was based his daughters, Eva Banka, who was which Toruń and Bydgo- tory. on the methods and instruments in- in Poland. He mentioned that he saw szcz are located. The mag- After reading Mavis Batey’s vented and developed by the Polish an injured dog. Cianciara recalled nificent gourmet culinary obituary, Consul General Paulina military intelligence. that his daughter just saw the black event took place on No- Kapuścińska, wishing to supple- These historical facts are a won- dog on her Facebook account. Eva vember 14 at the Sheridan ment the Enigma Machine decryp- derful example of a major Allied said she would call the Silvermans. Shore Yacht Club in Wil- Chefs Moroz, Grosz, and Rybinski. tion story with important facts about success that should never be for- Well, Silverman’s phone rang. The mette, Illinois. This eleven- Elaine Woo wrote Batey’s obituary the crucial contributions made by gotten or passed over for a number voice at the other end said, “Hi, is course Polish-inspired dinner was in the Los Angeles Times, Emily Polish cryptologists, stepped for- of reasons, not least for the sake of this Amy? My name is Eva and I held to celebrate the Independence Langer’s could be read in the Wash- ward with a letter to the Chicago respect for all the heroes and their am calling from Poland and I found Day of the Republic of Poland and ington Post and Michael Smith’s Tribune, which was published by the great contributions to victory in your dog.” featured master chefs Artur Moroz was in the Guardian, and that which newspaper on December 3, 2013. WWII. Silverman says of social media of the acclaimed Bulaj Restaurant appeared in the Chicago Tribune Consul General Kapuścińska’s let- Paulina Kapuścińska now, “I may not want to know what in Sopot, Poland and Mark Grosz was Elaine Woo’s. ter follows: Consul General of the Republic you had for dinner last night, (but) of the award-winning Oceanique What makes this an interesting Dear Chicago Tribune Editor, of Poland in Chicago there are certainly great reasons to

Restaurant in Evanston. Also pro- story was the title of the obituary: Thank you for your interesting PHOTOMADOX PHOTO: viding entrée delights was caterer Mavis Batey dies at 92; renowned article about the late Mavis Batey Tom Rybinski and the Pâtisserie code-breaker for Britain in who helped to break the codes of the Sweet Table was donated by Bogna WWII. “Among Bletchley Park’s German Enigma machine in WWII. Iwanowska-Solak, owner of Oak brilliant decoders, Mavis Batey I was saddened to read the news of Mill Bakery. stood out. Her work led to a British her death and I offer her family and On November 11, prior to his victory over the Italian Navy, and friends my sincere condolences. She visit to Chicago for this culinary she was the first to crack the- Ger was one of Bletchley Park’s bright- event, Artur Moroz presented an man spy service’s code.” est minds and a great hero of WWII. exclusive meal for the President of It is important to note that each It is also well known that Bletch- Poland and his esteemed guests dur- and every obituary had no mention ley Park’s success largely followed ing the Polish Independence Day of the Polish cryptologists and their from the fact that the German celebration at the Royal Castle in crucial involvement in being “code Enigma codes were first broken in Warsaw. breakers.” Perhaps, in light of this 1932 by the Polish military intel- Mark Grosz is owner and ex- ecutive chef of Oceanique, an eclec- Independence Day Celebration at Consulate tic seafood restaurant in the French American style. Since 1993, Ocea- nique has been ranked as the #1 seafood restaurant in the Chicago area by the prestigious Zagat Guide. Oceanique has also won Wine Spec- tator magazine’s coveted “Best of Consul General Kapuścińska, Consular Minister Eriusz Rybacki, and Mrs. Award of Excellence” every year Danuta Wałęsa. since 1994, and is recognized as having one of the 750 best wine lists DANUTA WAŁĘSA VISITS CHI- post and get help.” in the world. CAGO. Danuta Wałęsa, wife of No- Bryce was found, had surgery Poland’s last ruling monarch, bel Peace Prize recipient and former on his broken leg, and is thrilled to King Stanisław Poniatowski (1732- President of Poland Lech Wałęsa, be home with his loving family. He 98), was a patron of the arts and paid a visit to Chicago at the invi- will be fine, thanks to Facebook, famous for hosting “Thursday tation of the Polish Film Festival in Pan Cianciara, and Eva Banka. Dinners,” (obiady czwartkowe) to America. Mrs. Walesa held a press “He’ll have to wear a metal brace which he would invite prominent conference at the Polish Consulate for 12 weeks, but he’ll be fine.” politicians, thinkers, and writers of with the media and representatives his time. The dinners were first held from the Polish American commu- POLISH JAZZMEN PERFORMED in the Royal Castle in Warsaw, then Some of the decorated recipients. nity regarding Andrzej Wajda’s lat- IN CHICAGO. On November 6, the later in the Water Palace. On November 11, representa- of the Republic of Poland, Cross est movie, “Walesa: Man of Hope,” Polish jazz trio, Shofar, performed The evening’s event not only tives from the Polish American of Freedom and Solidarity, Cross and her book “Danuta Wałęsa: at the Chicago Cultural Center. With celebrated the Polish Independence community, the Chicago Con- of the Siberian Exiles, Honorary Dreams and Secrets,” written by Pi- expert improvisational skill, this Day of November 11, but also the sular Corps, Illinois and Chicago Medal of Merit for the Protection otr Adamowicz, who accompanied trio worked to blur the boundaries European celebration of St. Martin’s officials, as well as members of of Children’s Rights, the Pro Pa- her during this Chicago visit. between traditional Hasidic music Day, in which goose dishes are pre- academia and the business world, tria Medal, as well as the promo- While in Chicago, Mrs. Wałęsa and free jazz. The group explicitly pared and is considered the last day participated in Poland’s National tion to the rank of captain, were accepted the Wings Award on behalf embraced the Jewish musical tradi- to celebrate before Advent begins. Independence Day celebration at presented to honorees that eve- of Andrzej Wajda. This award was tion, performing compositions that Some of the courses served at the the Polish Consulate. ning. presented by the 25th Polish Film followed the forms of “nigunim,” event were: wild Maine sea scallops Speaking to the guests, Con- After the official portion of the Festival in America Committee, improvisational religious vocal mu- with watercress and kimchi; boar sul General Paulina Kapuścińska celebration was completed, guests honoring Wajda for his significant sic, and “freylaks,” more rhythmi- terrine with wild berry gelée and stated that Poland had regained were treated to a piano recital by contributions to Polish cinematog- cal pieces derived from Jewish lit- horseradish mousse; beet salad with its independence after 123 years Igor Lipiński, who performed a raphy abroad. The award was an- urgy. The trio features three pillars goat cheese served with borscht and of partitions and oppression by composition by Fryderyk Chopin nounced at the opening gala of the of Polish improvised music, reedist bacon; ginger anise green apple its enemies. Consul Kapuścińska and Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Polish Film Festival on November Mikolaj Trzaska, guitarist Rafael pork belly and dill slaw bruschetta; emphasized the role of modern National Independence Day is 9, 2013 in Chicago. Roginski, and drummer Macio slow-roasted trout with port es- Poland in maintaining excellent a public holiday in Poland and is Moretti. sence; King’s goose three ways: relations with her neighbors and celebrated every year on Novem- WOMAN IN POLAND HELPS This concert was part of the 2013 sous vide, salt baked, and fried with her goal of promoting democracy ber 11 to commemorate the anni- HIGHLAND PARK OWNERS Umbrella Music Festival, which ran red cabbage; and gingerbread sauer- throughout the world. versary of Poland’s resumption of FIND MISSING DOG. It is truly a from November 6-10. The Chicago kraut with wild mushrooms. Wine Polish state medals, Cross of an independent statehood in 1918, small world! A dog lost in Highland Reader lauded it as “the most im- pairings were also included with the War Order of Virtuti Militari, after 123 years of partitioning by Park, Illinois, a northern suburb pressive and adventurous jazz event this gourmet cuisine. Cross of the Order of Polonia Res- Russia, Prussia, and Austria. of Chicago, was found through a of the year.” What made this festi- tituta, Cross of the Order of Merit phone call from a woman in Poland. val more appealing was that it had CONSUL GENERAL WRITES How could this be? two nights of free concerts, notably LETTER TO TRIBUNE. When Ma- being an obituary, it should, right- It appears as though Bryce, a dog the European Jazz Meets Chicago vis Batey died on November 12, fully so, be devoted to Mrs. Batey. ligence cryptologists: Marian Re- owned by the Silverman family of Concerts, co-presented by Umbrella there were many obituaries written Although the importance of Marian jewski, Jerzy Rozycki and Henryk Highland Park, was lost and then Music and eight European consul- of her and her accomplishments. Rejewski, a Polish mathematician, Zygalski, whose role, however, is found in a very special way. Appar- ates and cultural organizations, in- Douglas Martin’s obituary in the and his contributions were finally not mentioned in the text. Their ently Bryce chased a truck down cluding the Consulate General of New York Times was syndicated, recognized several years after the breakthrough made further work the street, was hit, broke his leg and the Republic of Poland in Chicago. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 9

IN TIMES PAST POLONIA OF THE EASTERN GREAT LAKES / Michael Pietruszka Holiday Celebrations BUFFALO, N.Y. — Our Polonia at Arty’s Place in Buffalo’s Historic Maria Raczka and pianist Ivanka organizations celebrated the holiday Polonia District on December 13 ... Driankova in Strong Auditorium

PHOTO: SHORPY ARCHIVES season in a variety of different ways. On December 14, the Polish Heri- on the 8th. Saturdays in December brought the tage Society of Rochester hosted The Polish Arts Club of Buf- traditional Kriskindlemart to Buf- its “Wigilia - Polish Christmas Din- falo held its Annual Meeting at the falo’s historic Broadway Market ner” at St. John Fisher College. Harlem Road Community Center in ... The Ludowa Nuta Choir from On December 15, the Msgr. Ad- Amherst on December 11. After the Hamilton, Ontario performed at amski Polish Saturday School pre- business meeting, Anthony “Antek” Buffalo’s Corpus Christi Church sented its “Jaselka” Christmas play Rudnicki presented on his book, with a typical “Goralska Kapels,” at the St. Stanislaus social center, the “Bipolar Buffalo” ... The WNY and District IX on the Polish Sing- Polish Arts Club of Buffalo held Division of the Polish American ers Alliance of America hosted its its Annual “Wigilia” and “Oplatek” Congress held its quarterly general Annual Festival of Polish Christ- at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens in membership meeting at the Msgr mas Carols featuring the Chopin Depew, and the Syracuse Polish Pitass Center of St. Stanislaus Par- Singing Society, Chopin String En- Home held its “Polish Heritage Wi- ish on December 12. Plans for the semble, Kalina Women’s Chorus gilia” at its Park Avenue clubrooms national organization’s 70th anni- “MRS. BISSIE AND FAMILY (POLISH). July 1909. Bottomley Farm, and Ludowa Nuta at St. Stanislaus ... The Polish Cadets of Buffalo versary meeting in Buffalo May 29 Rock Creek. They all work in the berry fi elds near Baltimore in summer Church in Buffalo, on December 1 held its Annual Holiday Dinner at through May 31 were discussed ... and have worked at Biloxi, Mississippi, for two years.” ... The Polish Student Association their Grant Street clubrooms, and Janusz Zaorski’s fi lm, “Siberian From glass negative by Lewis Wickes Hine. and Polish Department of the Uni- the Adam Mickiewicz Library & Exile,” was screened at the Central To order print, visit www.shorpy.com. versity of Toronto hosted a “Wigil- Dramatic Circle hosted its Christ- Parkway Mall in Mississauga, On- ia” potluck at the Centre for Interna- mas Party at its Fillmore Avenue tario on December 14 and 15. Do you have an old photo you would like to share with our readers? Send photos tional Experience, and the General clubrooms. on December 21. The Polish Arts Club of Buffalo to: “In Times Past,” Polish American Journal, P.O. Box 271, N. Boston, NY 14110. Please provide a brief description. Digital copies — jpg or tif, 300 dpi at 100% Pulaski Association held its Annual The Melody Lane Band provided announced that it will be presented reproduction size (approx. 4 inch width) — with descriptions may be e-mailed Holiday Party at the Polish Villa II the music for the Syracuse Pol- with an award by the Polish Ameri- to [email protected]. All photos will be returned. Restaurant, on December 3. ish Home’s “Oplatek Gala Dinner can Historical Association at the December 7 and 8 brought a Hol- Dance” on December 28 ... “Tru Polish Embassy in Washington, iday Fest, Bake Sale and Craft Show Color” performed at the Msgr. Ad- D.C. on January 3; and that Kyle Engineer Says Education is to St. John Kanty Parish on Buffa- amski Polish Saturday School Baran, a junior theatre major at lo’s East Side ... The Chopin Sing- New Year’s Eve Party at the St. Niagara University, and Mary Jane Key to Preventing Tragedy ing Society held its “Wigilia” at the Stanislaus Social Center in Buffalo. Masiulionis, a graduate student at OAKLAND, Calif. — Imag- refers to as “strikes” — a train hit- Millennium Hotel in Cheektowaga SUNYaB, will be awarded schol- POLONIA TIDBITS. ine being an engineer operating ting either a person trespassing on on December 7 ... Also on the 7th, Bob Krawc- arships at the group’s installation a 6,000-ton train going 55 m.p.h. or near tracks or a vehicle trying to the Pulaski Police Association of zyk recently announced that he will luncheon to be held on January 26 and not being able to stop quickly race through a crossing before the Buffalo and WNY marked the holi- no longer be organizing polka events at Gregor’s Garden Grove in West enough when you see someone on train arrives — are a casualty of the day with its Christmas party and in- at the Lamm Post in Williamsville Seneca. the tracks ahead of you. profession, one that almost every stallation dinner featuring music by ... The churches of WNY’s Polonia January is National Polka Month. This engineer wants to remind engineer has endured. “It only takes Special Delivery at the Polish Fal- were highlighted in Bruce Fisher’s The new polka year begins with the you that there’s somebody behind about 5-10 seconds for a train go- cons Hall in Depew, and the Polka “The Francis Landscape” in the Warm Up Polka Dance featuring those controls. ing 79 m.p.h. to clear a crossing,” Variety Social Club Christmas December 5 issue of the Artvoice PhoCus and the Buffalo Concertina Kevin Gniadek, a 35-year-old he says, adding it’s a common sight Party was held at the Pvt. Leonard weekly newspaper ... As the very All Stars at the Potts Banquet Hall Amtrak engineer from Oakland, to see drivers pull out and around VFW Post in Cheektowaga. successful run of Buffalo playwright in Cheektowaga on January 11.

PHOTO: PAUL CHINN, THE CHRONICLE THE PAUL CHINN, PHOTO: v v v knows the feeling December 8 brought a visit from Tom Dudzick’s comedy “Miracle well. An engineer St. Nicholas and a parish alumni on South Division Street” closed at If you have any item that you for 12 years, he’s luncheon to the St. Casimir Social the Kavinoky Theater, Desiderio’s would like to have included this col- had six or seven Center in Buffalo’s Kaisertown Dinner Theatre in Lancaster opened umn, please send the information by incidents — hit- neighborhood, the Villa Maria Dudzick’s “Greetings,” which will the 6th day of the month preceding ting a person or Chorale’s Advent Concert to St. run through January 25. the month in which you would like a vehicle on the Mary of the Lake Church in Ham- The Niagara Polish Cultural the item to appear (i.e. January 6 for tracks — but his burg, the Kalina Singing Society and Historical Society elected the the February edition) at pietrusz- fi rst fatality hap- “Wigilia” to the Millennium Hotel following leadership for the new [email protected]. in Cheektowaga, the Polish Heri- year: Constance Emmons (presi- pened two years COMPUTER ago shortly after tage Festival to Pines Nursery in dent), Michael Parsnick (vice-presi- West Seneca, the Response to Love dent), Christine Sanborn (secretary), DESIGN leaving the San CDS SOUNDS Jose station. Koledy Party featuring music by Patricia Frederick (treasurer) , Wan- “It was mid- the New Direction Band and the da Slawinska (trustee) and Alfred day, about 3:00, Polish Heritage Dancers of WNY to Karney (trustee) ... The Profession- with Potts Banquet Hall in Cheektowaga, al & Businessmen’s Association D.J.Rob and we were just ENGINEER KEVIN GNIADEK guides an Amtrak train and the SUNYaB Polish Student has expanded its presence on social Music for Any Occasion coming around on the tracks through Richmond, Calif. Gniadek says Association “Wigilia” to the Stu- media by establishing Linkedin and a curve under he’s experienced several collisions in his 12 years as WEDDINGS dent Union. Facebook groups ... The University an overpass,” an engineer. Railway officials from Amtrak and Union ANNIVERSARIES The Professional & Business- of Rochester’s Skalny Lecture and Gniadek recalls. Pacific are beefing up enforcement and launching a HOLIDAY PARTIES men’s Association hosted its Christ- Artist Series presented Dr. Mi- “I wasn’t going public awareness safety campaign after several high INSTALLATIONS mas party and elections at Orazio’s chael Galas’ lecture on “Progressive that fast, maybe profile accidents along Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor. RETIREMENTS Restaurant in Clarence on the 9th ... Synagogues in Poland as Centers of  40 m.p.h., and re- alized there was someone, he might closed gates in a mad dash to beat The Buffalo-Rzeszow Sister Cities Patriotic Teaching” in Goergen Hall Call (716) 570-3611 have been inebriated, lying in the the train. Committee marked the holiday sea- on December 4; and a concert, “Mu- Visit us on Facebook! middle of the track.” Gniadek im- “Their perceptions of trains son with a party and Krupnik Salute sic of Poland,” featuring violinist mediately put the train in emergency coming at them on the ground are mode and saw the man, curled up in skewed. Before you realize how fast a semi-fetal position, his feet hang- it’s coming it’s on top of you and it’s ing over the rails, his face tense with too late. What can be so important shock. He knew hitting the man was to make them not wait 30 seconds? unavoidable. You’re going to risk your life for What happened next is com- that?” mon to most engineers after hitting Education, Gniadek says, is key someone. “Alone in the cab, you to preventing incidents. He warns his three kids that hang- “The railroad tracks and the ing out around trains and surroundings are not a playground; tracks is dangerous, tres- trains are to be respected” passing, not a game. “The railroad tracks may curse or go through emotions: and the surroundings are not a play- fi rst adrenaline, then sadness, and ground; trains are to be respected,” fi nally, anger,” says Gniadek. “You he says. realize you just saw another per- son die, and that you were the last “IT’S A VERY BIG OBJECT mov- person to see them alive. You’re ing fast and can’t stop easily, and exhausted afterwards, you analyze there’s somebody behind those con- everything. The entire crew is trau- trols. We react very fast when we do matized, especially the conductor see something because one second who has to get out and investigate,” can make the difference between said Gniadek. an incident happening or not. It’s “That’s awfully sad; it’s tragic always in the back of your mind: for all of us.” ‘Is this the day I’m going to strike According to Gniadek, what he somebody?’” 10 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014

EVENTS Polish Festival – Alive and Well in Portland, Oregon by Andrew Kozlowski anywhere within the festival grounds LOS ANGELES — Recently yet the festival goers were well be- we have all heard discussion about haved and there was no evidence of the future of Polonia, in particular excessive consumption of brewski. about the demise of Polonia institu- The Festival is run jointly by St. tions such as Polish Homes, picnic Stanislaus Church and Polish Li- grounds, Polish parishes. brary Building Association. The six- A recent Polish American Jour- member committee, with three mem- nal article asked “Is Our Polonia bers from the church and three from Doomed to Extinction?” The article PLBA, jointly administer the festival laments the extinction of many Pol- and share the profits. ish neighborhoods such as Milwau- kee Ave in Chicago, or the once PORTLAND DOES NOT have a mainly Polish city of Hamtramck, large Polish American population, Michigan. nor does it receive any new immi- “In its heyday, you would hear grants from Poland; in this way, it MOST OF THE FESTIVAL ATTENDEES are non- ROMAN SOBOLEWSKI (Festival chair), his wife Polish spoken on the streets and is similar to many other areas of the Poles but they enjoyed Polish food, beer, and music. Dorota, and Liz and Andy Kozlowski could do all your shopping and at- United States. tend all our business in that lan- seeing the blazing of new trails by Polonia A little bit of background on the Street Dance on the main stage with Chervo- guage,” states the article. Today many older in Portland, Oregon, where the annual Polish history of Polish Americans in Portland is in na, an international, East-European flavored Polish Americans see the Polish churches Festival is alive, well, and growing each year. order: Portland’s first Polish families were band. The six-person band played euro-dis- they were married in or the Polish schools I was invited to attend this event by an old predominately from the Carpathian Moun- co type music of mainly Polish and Russian they once attended closing down. The same friend, Roman, who had moved to Portland tains of southern Poland and eastern Poland songs. Chervona’s concert was a huge suc- can be said for the Dom Polski social halls. from California about 25 years ago—and, near present-day Ukraine. The families creat- cess. A crowd of well over a thousand par- Some are still operating today, but it’s a far this year, was in charge of this festival. I had ed a Polish National Alliance chapter in 1892 tied till the end, singing along with the band cry from the days when they were the hubs of wanted to visit the Polish Festival in Portland and dancing in front of and on the local Pol-Am community. for a number of years after hearing that it stage. Even if one was not of Polish I myself experienced this change recently was one of the largest Polish Festivals in the descent, they were invited to have a when I travelled for my high school reunion Northwest. As the invitation came with lodg- wonderful time at the concert. ing and a personal guide, it was dif- The menu was somewhat limited ficult to refuse Roman’s offer, hence but included the traditional Polish my wife and I boarded Southwest one staples: pierogi, potato pancakes, Friday to spend a weekend with Ro- kielbasa, and bigos, along with deli- man and his lovely wife Dorota at the cious paczki and other pastries. Typi- festival. cally 15,000 pierogis are ordered for In previous years as many as this event as are 6,000 bottles of Pol- 15,000 people attended the Festival ish beer and wine. Four bartenders on celebration recognizing Oregon’s duty during the entire festival meant historic Polish neighborhood. “The that the lines, while sometimes long, celebration is the largest Polish fes- were not excessive. One huge plus of tival in the Western United States,” this festival was very convenient free said Roman Sobolewski, who is RAINY WEATHER did not spoil the festive atmo- parking next door, courtesy of a local also the President of Polish Home sphere. medical plaza. Association of Portland. The actual We had a memorable time, rainy attendance figures are approximate and built the historic St. Stanislaus Roman weather notwithstanding, and are very glad LONG LINES right from the opening for placki ziem- since the festival does not charge ad- Catholic Church in 1907 and Polish Library that we had an opportunity to see the 20th an- niaczana (potato pancakes) – probably the most mission. This year’s attendance may Hall in 1911. Both landmarks display Ro- niversary Polish Festival. Perhaps this is what popular entrée. On the right is the Portland Polish have been hampered by rain show- manesque architecture common in southern was meant by the old adage: “Go West, Young Library (Polish Home). ers on Saturday, and rain and strong Poland, and have been officially recognized Man, go West!” winds on Sunday, but nevertheless, as state historic sites. Today, the pastor of St. As was the case for every year of its twen- to Jersey City, N.J. My old church, Our Lady the organizers said the attendance has grown Stanislaus Parish is Fr. Piotr Dzikowski who ty-year existence, the Festival was a huge suc- of Czestochowa, now serves the local inte- steadily over the past 20 years—so much so enthusiastically continues growth of the par- cess, not only financially but also in promot- grated community and hardly mentions the that they do very little advertising and rely ish and the Polish Festival. ing the image of Polonia in Portland. Today, fact that it was a Polish Parish for almost 100 solely on the word of mouth to relay news This year’s festival had a wide variety of the event is so well-known that Portlanders years of its existence, although it does retain about the festival. entertainment. Saturday’s schedule included come every year without invitation. In fact, the Czestochowa name. The same can be said The 2013 Festival, which is also consid- many genres of music such as jazz, modern about 90% of the participants are of non-Pol- for the White Eagle Hall on Newark Ave., ered one of Oregon’s premier ethnic events, dance, and accordion music, with perfor- ish background. where weekly Polish dances were held when celebrated its 20th anniversary and was held mances by Polish folk dance groups from as I was growing up. Polankas that my friends 21-22 September on the on the grounds of the far away as Vancouver, Canada. Between 5:00 PERHAPS THIS IS AN EXAMPLE of the in- and family used to go to each summer—with Polish Library Hall and St. Stanislaus Church. p.m. and 7:30 p.m., the Oregon Polka Beats novative thinking and blazing new trails to Budd Lake, Morskie Oko, and Sommer- The festival ran from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 performed and stirred up the crowds. There redefine ourselves to which the Polish Ameri- ville as the most prominent of these picnic p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on was also a polka dance contest, which was can Journal refers? If we can no longer sus- grounds—have long been closed. Sunday, with a Saturday night street dance a big crowd pleaser. Separate contests were tain ourselves as a strictly Polish-American The Polish American Journal article con- and continuous stage entertainment outside held for children and adults, though children community, do we perhaps need to reach out cludes by stating, ”It appears then that Polo- and inside the Polish Home. The beer garden could dance with adults if they chose to. My to our neighbors and invite them to share our nia will have to think innovatively, blaze new was open through the entire festival, with lovely wife Liz and I represented Los Angeles culture, accomplishments, food, and yes even trails and redefine itself or perish!” long but fast moving lines for Zywiec beer. by winning second place in one such contest. some Zywiec? I am happy to report that perhaps we are Interestingly enough, beer could be taken The evening concluded with a two-hour This is something to think about.

PROMOTION Thinking ahead to Fat Thursday and Tuesday! by Robert Strybel causes. And there’s the important free labor is no longer available, evening dance or even a full-fledged ball. The best-dancing couple be A discussiuon one can occa- element of Polish- heritage promo- outsourcing from a Polish bakery Mardi Gras Ball (see below). What- may be chosen by applause or bal- sionally hear across Polonia at this tion – this will also expose more is the next best thing. With quantity ever the case, it goes without saying lot. Besides a good dance bank or time of year may go as follows. A people to the pre-Lenten delicacies orders, a discount can usually be ex- that pączki should be in good sup- DJ, a Polish folk-dance ensemble 3rd or 4th-generation Polish Ameri- and merriment of Polish-flavored pected. ply. could provide added entertainment. can is convinced that that Pączki pączki events. Here are some things Day is celebrated on Fat Tuesday to consider. PĄCZKI FESTIVAL/CONTEST. WHAT ABOUT CHRUŚCIKI? In SLEIGHING PARTY. Weather per- (Mardi Gras), the day nefore Ash This variation of a Pączki Sale additon to pączki, another Polish mitting, some of the fun of an Old Wednseday (This year, March 5). PĄCZKI DAYS. Rather than a sin- would add an element of rivalry by pre-Lenten treat are faworki (bet- World kulig can be re-enacted in But a more recent arrival from the gle “Pączki Day”, put it in the plu- giving visitors a choice of pączki ter known in Polonia as chrust or an American setting. If you cannot Old Country may insist that it is on ral, kick things off on Fat Thursday produced by various bakeries, par- chruściki). These delicate powder- get a sleighload of live musicians, a Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday), the and continue on over the weekend ish societies, clubs or individual sugar-dusted pastries are also good single musician (accordionist, gui- last Thrusday before Lent. Both are on through Shrove Tuesday. But it homemakers. It could include a sellers, but have one drawback: they tarist) or even recorded music could right, but why argue? is essential to do a lot of advertis- competition with a panel of judges do not stand up well to transport, enhance the occasion. The kulig Instead, why not consider hold- ing beforehand to educate the public evaluating and giving prizes for the handling and other forms of jos- should take participants to a specific ing one ultra-mega-super six-day and stimulate interest. best pączki or even a pączki-eating tling! destination (a cabin in the woods Pączki Weekend in your commu- contest. or a crackling bonfire). In addition nity, starting on Fat Thursday and VOLUNTEERS OR OUTSOURC- POLISH MARDI GRAS BALL. to plernty of pączki, good kulig re- running on through Shrove Tuesday. ING? In old Polonia, it was never a PĄCZKI PARTY/PĄCZKI BALL. Usually a gourmet feast precedes freshments are bigos, kiełbasa roast- There are two main advantages problem to get volunteers to make The above headings could cover the dancing which starts with the ed over a bonfire, rye bread slath- to that approach: six days of fund pierogi or fry pączki. That is a great anything from a pączki and coffee Grade Polonaise. A typical attrac- ered with salt-pork spread (smalec raising can produce considerable cost-saver and fellowship booster gathering with a take-home oppor- tion of a Polish Mardi Gras Ball domowy) and hot tea flavored with proceeds for worthwhile Polonian wherever that is still possible. When tunity, an afternoon tea dance, an is electing a king and queen of the lemon and/or rum. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 11

POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL Guyette Marks 26 Years on Radio WEBSTER, Mass. — He’s 100% French but Bob Guyette has been playing polka music on the ra- dio airwaves for 26 years. After see- ing his fi rst polka band, Al Soyka, at Lakeview Ballroom in Mendon Massachusetts, Guyette fell in love with the music, learned to dance the polka and met his wife at a polka DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION AND CONTINUANCE OF POLISH AMERICAN MUSIC dance. When their son Jeffrey was three years old he started attending his POLKA INSIDER / Steve Litwin fi rst polka dances along with his parents. Jeffrey later started a pol- ka show called “Polka Festival” in If I Had a Wish ... September 1989 at the age of 18. In September 2006, Jeffrey and his Happy New Year 2014. It • clubs, bands and promoters would • the “Chicken Dance” would cease wife relocated and Bob took over doesn’t seem possible that over learn to promote, use public- to exist. the radio show. twenty years have past since the ity properly, and not blame their • circle waltzes, 50-step line dances The “Polka Festival” show can fi rst “Accord-ion To Steve” column problems on everyone but them- and four corner square dances be heard Monday, 6 to 8 p.m. and was penned. Starting further back selves. would not be found on the polka 943-8320 during the live shows. the “Polka -a-Go-Go” show can be All radio shows are also available in 1968, those fi rst news bits were • “Spanish Eyes” would not be dance fl oor. heard on Wednesday 6:00 to 8:00 sent to Stan Saleski’s Polka News played at a polka dance. • January would really be “Nation- on the internet at www.nichols.edu/ p.m. wnrc and www.live365.com/wnrc. in Connecticut and now this year • established festivals would reign al Polka Month” and 2014 would “Polkas in the Morning,” an au- marks the start of my 46th year of supreme and new festivals would be “Polka Year.” Send dedications and informa- tomated playlist system-computer tion on polka related events to Bob writing for polka music. be born. • those people who ask for free generated music program is heard With a dozen new months • concertinas would be elevated to copies of the Polish American Guyette at: 122 Lake Street Apt#1 seven days a week beginning at Webster MA 01570. Email dedi- ahead, this is the perfect time to a new high — perhaps Journal,” would subscribe. 6:30 a.m. All shows are on WNRC plan a path and create a polka wish • former festivals would be rede- • dance confl icts would become a cations can be sent during the live 97.5 FM Nichols College Radio. shows at [email protected]. list. Some people may refer to it as a veloped and be successful. thing of the past, to avoid dances Requests can be phoned in at: 508- dream sheet but dream it or wish it, • Polka DJs would realize that peo- becoming a thing of the past. the results can be the same. ple want music and not endless • Everyone would realize that the So, without further ado, the Pol- ego trips fi lled with constant self- “Electric Slide” is not a polka, POLKA MEMORIES / Steve Litwin ka Insider presents his polka wish praising talk. does not belong at a polka dance list for 2014 or as written by a John- • new bands would develop with and should not be played by a real If you have a special Polka Memory photograph to publish, email : ny Wanderlich, “If I Had A Wish, musicians in their 20s so polkas polka band. [email protected]. What Would It Be?” would have a future. • press releases and promotional • promoters would recognize those information would arrive earlier, IF I HAD WISH... that have supported them, and the so that they can be published on a • not only would dance attendance industry, throughout the years. timely basis. increase but so would the number • fans would realize the expenses • bands would realize that loud is of dances involved in promoting a dance not better. • some of those polka activists, col- and booking a band and accept • and, everyone would promote for umnists and promoters who have that (just like $1/gallon gas) the the good of polka music. left the polka scene, would resur- days of the $3 dollar admission If you had a wish, what would it face again making contributions. are in the past. be? Vitak-Elsnic Celebrates 120 Years of Publishing with New Music Books WHITE STONE, Virg. — The promote and preserve America’s ty Waltz. These old V-E tunes have Vitak-Elsnic (V-E) legacy goes back historical and cultural music. Over been rearranged for today’s modern nearly 120 years to its founding in the next year, MPA intends to con- concert band instrumentation, but 1895 in Cincinnati, Ohio. During tinue to improve the customer buy- can also be scaled down to fi t the the heyday of European ethnic mu- ing experience on the website, and instrumentation of smaller polka RITA on drums with Polka Jambo- VINNY BOZZARELLI. Polka Fire- sic, V-E music was to expand its dis- bands. And a fi rst for V-E: there is a ree. 1983. works Festival, Champion, Pa. 1984. played by bands tribution network full conductor’s score! from the plains of beyond the existing Ernie Broeniman is active in the the Dakotas to the website store. Wisconsin School Music Associa- steel mills of Penn- Persons interest- tion as a clinician and Adjudicator. sylvania to the hill ed in possible com- He is also the conductor and artistic country of Texas. mission arrange- director of the professional Europe- In fact, one of the ments in selling an show band, Dorf Kapelle. most well-known V-E music are in- Visit V-E at www.vitak-elsnic. musical artists of vited to email Steve com/shop or call 855-NUMUSIC the 1930s, Minne- Harris at: steve@ (toll-free in the United States). sotan “Whoopee musicpublisherso- Note that all orders now can only John” Wilfahrt famerica.com. be placed through the website. Pay- (Whoopee John The V-E library ment currently is accepted only was the second of “polka” music through PayPal, although this is an- artist signed by consists of over other area for future development to Decca; Bing Cros- 1,000 publications. improve the customer experience. by was the fi rst), GENERATIONS of polka fans The vast majority Snail mail can be sent to: Steve featured many V-E have danced to the music of this music was Harris, Music Publishers of Ameri- songs when his found in Vitak-Elsnic books. last published over ca, PO Box 696, White Stone, Vir- band played. Many 50 years ago. But ginia 22578. Email inquiries may EDDIE OLINSKI ORCHESTRA, Buff alo, N.Y. circa 1960. (front, l. to r.): things have changed in the music there’s plenty of good new music be sent to steve@musicpublisherso- Carl Suhr, Eddie Olinski, Herky Winkowski; (back, l. to r.): Larry Struzik, industry over the years, but the mel- and arrangements out there, and the famerica.com. Bob Radominski, Wally Pigeon, John Kuzma, Matt Kantor, and Al Carlin. odies, harmonies and countermelo- company is seeking out and wants dies of the “happy music” found in to publish some of the best. Over the V-E library are changeless. time, they plan to not only add new POLKA PATTER / Polonia Media Network In September of 2013, Mu- inventory in the polka genre, but sic Publishers of America, LLC also to add other musical genres to It seems that “It’s Polka Time!” on the website were discounted by work features Christmas music (MPA) acquired the assets of the the business. Persons who have any with Craig Ebel never ceases to add 20% for four days. Sorry if you from all styles and genres of music. Vitak-Elsnic Music Company. The music they may be interested in get- more radio stations to its already missed it; the sale is now long over. Classic artists from Billie Holiday, owners of MPA include Todd Har- ting published, should send details long list. This time it’s more polka The International Polka Asso- Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, ris, who had been the sole owner to Steve Harris. for the Lone Star State. The show is ciation (IPA) and the United States to country treasures from Tanya of V-E since 2009. Joining Todd in If you are looking for new music heard as of December 1, 2013, on Polka Association (USPA) will Tucker, Merle Haggard, Dolly the new venture are Todd’s brother for your band, the fi rst new publi- Sunday afternoons from 2:00-4:00 present a joint dance at the Holiday and today’s Nashville stars, plus Steve Harris and cousin Cal Mass- cation by V-E in over 50 years was p.m. over KCTI (1450 AM) in Gon- Inn, Strongsville, Ohio, in October, the greats of the Classic Rock era mann. These three men all share a this year’s publication from Ernie zales, Texas. In case you’re count- 2014. The Cleveland Polka Associa- love of the music and are committed Broeniman, titled “Ernie’s Old Time ing, it joins 24 other stations across tion (CPA), which made it a three- up to today’s favorites. Log on at to building upon the platform most Band Folio # 1.” This folio contains the United States. some last year, is not planning to the homepage and click on the ing on the tradition of all previous music, ranging from standards such fi eld hasn’t adopted the latest tech- The networks of 247Polka- link for 247ChristmasHeaven. En- owners of the business going back as Beer Barrel Polka to new ar- niques. Bel-Aire Recordings held heaven announced the launch of joy the beautiful sounds of Christ- to Louis Vitak in 1895. rangements of little-known music in an online sale from Black Friday 247ChristmasHeaven starting on mas, without commercials, courtesy MPA was founded to publish, the V-E library, such as the Tea Par- through Cyber Monday. All items November 29, 2013. The new net- of all the IJ’s of 247Polkaheaven. 12 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014

DANCE TIME / Jen Pijanowski A Time for Beginnings BUFFALO, N.Y. — It is the time belted out over and over again. The of year for resolutions, optimism, camaraderie of this band makes it and a fresh perspective as we look a pleasure to watch them. To com- forward to a new beginning — Hap- plete the night, patrons were treated py 2014 everyone! I am thrilled to to a turkey sandwich during one of be starting my year off undertaking the breaks. It was an evening that this new endeavor. Thank you Barb certainly satisfi ed everyone’s taste. Pinkowski for 26 years of loyalty to Old and new members alike polka reporting. Congratulations on fl ocked to the Buffalo Polka Boost- all of your accomplishments and re- er meeting this month to hear the Members of the Third Warders’ Polka Club at the Polish Bryan Kurdziel, Katelyn Slutiak, Lori Urbanczyk, Brian tirement. Knewz. The band members take Nook in Niagara Falls. Urbanczyk, and Cara Pijanowski. Just a brief note about myself to such pride in their music and it get everyone acquainted with me. shows with every note they play. reminiscing about a simpler time CHICAGO My name is Jennifer Pijanowski We don’t get the pleasure of seeing when the hall would host dances Jan. 18. IPA Festival of Bands and I reside in Cheektowaga, N.Y. I them often enough in Buffalo, but and only couples were permitted Warmup Dance featuring Lenny grew up in the small town of Wheel- this month was an exception. They into the dance hall—all the singles Gomulka 6:00-10:00 p.m. ($12.00 ing, W.V. and moved to Western also performed the Pre-Thanksgiv- had to stay in the front bar. /2 day pass $20.00) New York after meeting my hus- ing Party at Polish Villa II. Eddie Jan. 19. IPA 45th Annual Chi- band, Ricky, 15 years ago. Within and Rosie Kutas’ allegiance to Pol- A FEW OTHER TAVERNS have cago Festival of Bands featuring the fi rst few minutes of meeting him ish culture and polka music makes also gotten in on the polka action. Polka Generations, IPA Tribute at a restaurant in Ohio, he told me attending any event there a pleasure. Anchor Inn and Dianeagains in band, Freeze Dried, Jim Polanski that he played drums in a polka band This yearly event always draws Cheektowaga have been having a & Chicago NuTones, Music Com- from Buffalo. With that comment, I scores of polka enthusiasts who en- Sunday polka party once a month. pany, Lenny Gomulka, Bill Gula quickly responded “A polka band?” joy this evening of dancing and so- Anchor has Phocus from 4:00-7:00 & Chicago Image, Lenny Zielinski thinking the usual stereotype of cializing the night before indulging p.m. once a month with Polish food & D Street Band, Eddie Korosa Jr. oompah, tubas, and accordions. He in their Thanksgiving feast. I cannot specials. Phocus draws their own & the Boys from Illinois, and Tony replied, no it is great music, you think of a more fi tting way to spend following but it is fun to watch the Blazonczyk’s New Phaze. 11:30 would love it. time being thankful for the gifts in regulars in the bar start to tap their a.m.-8:30 p.m. ($12.00/ 2 day pass During our conversations over our lives than being surrounding feet along with the music while $20.00) watching the football game. Dur- the next several months, he invited by friendly folks and heartwarming CLEVELAND me to a polka festival about 90 min- polka music. ing the breaks, it is a pretty sure bet that someone will be playing polkas Jan. 11. Hangover Dance fea- utes from my home. It was the Fall The hospitality of the Angola Barb and Al Bakowski celebrating on the jukebox. Dianeagains has re- turing the Knewz. Holiday Inn, Polka Festival in Seven Springs, Pa. VFW was incredible during its re- their 34th wedding anniversary at cently reopened and I admire that Strongsville, Oh. 8:00 p.m.-mid- I told him that I would think about cent Polish night. Patrons delighted Ray’s. this bar owner has embraced polkas. night ($12.00). $62.00 room rate, it and we would Holiday Inn (440) 238-8800. keep in touch. Special Delivery drew a very di- UPCOMING EVENTS Well, I reluc- verse group this month. There was a January is National Polka Month, MARK YOUR CALENDARS tantly drove to young group of twenty-somethings so go out and support a polka dance. Wheeling Polka Festival, Ogle- that festival not in the bar area, sporting Polish t- It is our responsibility to keep this bay Resort, Wheeling, West Virg., knowing exactly shirts and sweatshirts and clinking music alive for generations to come. March 28-30. Call (800) 624-6988 what to expect. I their glasses yelling “na zdrowie” Here are a few opportunities for you for package prices. Bands include can still remem- between songs. While most bands to celebrate National Polka month. Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push, struggle to fi nd a vocalist, Special ber walking into BUFFALO The Knewz, The Boys, Henny & the the dance hall Delivery showcases every band Versa Js and more. member’s vocals. Their transition Jan 1. Phocus, New Year’s and hearing Ed- Hangover Dance, Pott’s Banquet die B wailing from polkas to American music is fl awless. Each musician has their Hall 41 S. Rossler St., Cheektowa- “My Mary Lou” ga—2:00-6:00 p.m. when I entered niche and the band utilizes that to its THE POLKA CAROUSEL full advantage. Jan 11. Phocus and Buffalo Con- and instantly fell Mark Trzepacz, Steve Hayest, and Tommy Wanderlich Lastly, Polish Nook in Niagara certina All-Stars, Winter Warm Up in love with the fi lling in with Tru Heritage at Ray’s in Buff alo. Falls also threw their fi rst Sunday Polka Dance, Potts Banquet Hall, music. That day I 7:00 p.m.-midnight. was transformed thanks to its atmo- in the sounds of the Buffalo Touch Polka party with New Direction. It was there that I got to chat with Jan 12. Special Delivery, Dia- sphere, the people, and the culture as well as a Thanksgiving buffet neagains, 2460 Clinton St., Cheek- surrounding polka music. I consider complete with all the trimmings— Clara (mother of Christine “Potts” Poczciwinski), who was celebrat- towaga (free). the generosity of myhusband tak- and free admission. They invite pol- Jan. 18. New Direction, Broad- ing me to that fi rst festival one of ka supporters to attend these dance/ ing her 90th birthday. When I asked Your Host: Ed Slomkowski how long she had been listening to way Market, Buffalo, Noon-3:00 the greatest gifts he has ever given buffet events a few times each year. p.m. www.polishnewcastleradio.com me. Polka music and the people who polkas, she put her hands up and said “forever.” She wasn’t able to Jan. 19. Phocus, Anchor Inn Pol- Wed. 5:00 to 6:00: p.m. love it have taken me in and made ANOTHER ATTRIBUTE of Buffalo ka Sunday, Anchor Inn, 2437 Wil- Fri. 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. me a part of their family. I have had is that we still have cozy corner tav- dance, but her smile told a story of the memories she has had over the liam St., Cheektowaga 5:30-9:30 more fun over the past 15 years than erns. Lately, these taverns have been p.m. (free) www.radioharborcountry.org I ever thought possible. I am thrilled hosting different bands on Saturday years. Clara bobbed her head and Wed. 11:00 a.m. to noon gave me her recipe for a long happy Jan. 25. New Direction CD Re- to have been given the chance to and Sunday evenings. Making a trip Sun. 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. life. “Good friends, taking care of lease Party, Potts Banquet Hall, share my love and passion for the to see a band in the small taverns is 7:30-10:30 ($7.00) music with all of you. Thank you to an endearing atmosphere. It is just others, laughter, music, and vodka.” Mark Kohan for giving me this op- like a neighborhood gathering with That sounds like a winning combi- portunity. everyone standing at the bar, tak- nation to me! ing a whirl around the dance fl oor, It was a day fi t for a celebration WE ARE VERY LUCKY in the and chatting in between sets. Ray’s and New Direction did an outstand- WNY area to have so many local Lounge was recently fi lled to capac- ing job of providing the backdrop bands. There is at least one occa- ity for a dance with Tru Heritage. for the festivities. sion a week to get out to a venue Eric Bakowski, Mark Trzepacz, If you haven’t gone to any of and hear a polka band—this month Steve Hayest, Chris Bukowski ,Jim- these taverns yet, please attend next was no exception. Buffalo Concer- my Adamczyk, and Tommy Wan- time. We have to embrace the will- tina All-Stars fi lled Potts Banquet derlich kept the dance fl oor hopping ingness of the businesses to support Hall for the Turkey Trot Dance. throughout the evening. It was fun ethnic music. Without them, the The dance fl oor remained lively the to hear people at the bar chatting opportunity would not be there to entire night as everyone enjoyed about their memories of Ray’s years spend an afternoon with friends and dancing to the honky tunes the band ago. It was evident that many were fantastic music. Drivetime Polkas with “RONNIE D” SALT LAMPS ETC. WESTERN NEW YORK’S ONLY SEVEN-DAY-A-WEEK POLKA SHOW 5274 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086 •(716) 564-9286 www.drivetimepolkas.com WXRL 1300AM Can’t sleep? Need relief for asthmas? Allergies? Sinuses? MONDAY-SATURDAY Now available beautiful Polish salt lamps that clean and 5:00-7:00 p.m. ionize air for your health and well-being. WECK 1230AM Laboratory tested for ionization and quality. SUNDAYS 8:00-11:00 a.m. For information and flyers call: FOR INFORMATION or We will ship Joyce (716) 860-0828 • [email protected] ADVERTISING RATES, CALL anywhere in the USA Arlene (716) 649-3188 • [email protected] (716) 683-4357 POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 13

Listen to the TOLEDO POLONIA / Margaret Zotkiewicz-Dramczyk FREE CATALOG! BIG TONY POLKA SHOW HEAR ALL THE POLKA STARS A New Board at TAPS on WJJL 1440 AM SUNSHINE Happy New Year to all of my the re-opened Ohio Theatre on La- Niagara Falls / Buffalo, NY readers. Here’s hoping 2014 brings Grange Street. This is the showcase SUNDAY EVENING SEND FOR A FREE CATALOG plenty of polka opportunities near event for the PAC Band, and being 5:00 p.m. SUNSHINE and far. that it was back at the Ohio made it PO BOX 652 The Toledo Area Polka Society even more memorable. W. SENECA, NY 14224 is ramping up for its 31st year, and Send all promotional material to CDs $12 each The PAC Band these days is $2.00 SHIPPING & HANDLING after the success of the anniversary under the direction of Randy Bial- Tony Rozek dance, the Board hopes to create ecki. This year’s program, the 27th 78 Cochrane St. even more enthusiasm for the local annual, featured two acts and an Buffalo, NY 14206 polka scene with new promotional intermission. The concert opened ideas, new guest bands, a TAPS with “Jeszcze Polska Nie Zginela” For advertising information, call website, and more. and continued with six more pieces. (716) 824-6092 The new slate of TAPS Board A highlight of this first act was the [email protected] members is: David Jackson, presi- Cole Porter tune “Begin the Be- dent; Mike Marek, immediate guine,” which featured a mini band past president; Larry Holt, vice- consisting of trumpet player Stas’ president; Carol Holt, treasurer; Rutkowski’s grandkids under the Margaret Zotkiewicz-Dramczyk, ‘direction’ of band member Rick secretary; Tony Groch, sergeant- Lavoy to give this song an authentic at-arms, and Jean Rybka, Sunshine ROCKIN’ROCKIN’ sound. Another of Stas’ grandchil- lady. dren jumped up to be the guest con- On that note, the Nov 17th TAPS ductor, which has long been a treat POLKASPOLKAS dance was well attended yet bitter- for the audience. with sweet, as Chicago’s Downtown During intermission this year, a Sound made one of its final appear- local group, the Honey Creek Pres- MIKE & GEORGE PASIERB ances. I have enjoyed this band only ervation Jazz Band provided lis- a handful of times in my travels, yet teners with a quite different feel as I felt as if I were saying goodbye to WXRL they played several old time tunes old friends as they played the last that aren’t heard that often these set. And even though they had a gig days, and used traditional instru- or two left in Chicagoland, I knew it 1300 AM ments including a banjo. LANCASTER-BUFFALO was my last time to hear their music. Best of luck to all of the members of The concert continued in the SAT. 2:00-3:00 p.m. DTS in future endeavors. second half with seven additional SUN. 7:00-8:00 p.m. Thanksgiving brought the com- songs, including the Armed Forces pany of my family and friends, and Salute, during which audience mem- also a chance to dance off some of bers who have served in each of the the holiday feast, as The Project U.S. military branches are honored played at the PRCU Hall in Wyan- as the theme songs are played. “The dotte the night after TG. The Proj- Polska Powstaje,” which was ar- ect includes John Zelasko, Jr., Pete ranged by local priest Fr. Przybyls- Dardzinski, John Okrezik, Eddie ki, was a favorite piece as well. Well Siwiec, Frankie Liszka, Mike Ma- done and congratulations to Randy duzia, and Dave “Nigel” Kurdziel, and the band for another successful and wow, did they rock the hall. The performance. power in that group of musicians is infectious, and it certainly didn’t STOP BY. Before I wrap up this col- feel like four hours had passed when umn, I want to mention that a great it was all over. The Project needs to way to keep in touch with the Pol- come around more often! ish community in Toledo is through www.PolishToledo.com. This site CONCERT MUSIC. I always try to lists “all things Polish” and wel- wrap off Thanksgiving weekend by comes visitors. If you happen to be attending the Fall-Winter Concert passing through town or just inter- by the Polish American Concert ested in what’s going on in the Pol- Band, and so I did, making my way ish community in NW Ohio, this is for the first time in several years to the site to visit.

POLISH AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER 308 WALNUT STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 (215) 922-1700 When You’re in Philadelphia’s Historic District, Visit The Polish American Cultural Center Museum Exhibit Hall Featuring Polish History and Culture OPEN 10:00 a.m. TO 4:00 p.m. • FREE ADMISSION January through April • Monday to Friday May through December • Monday to Saturday Gift Shop is Open During Regular Exhibit Hall Hours Closed on Holidays Visit Us on the Internet: www.polishamericancenter.org 14 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014

THE OLD COUNTRY / Richard Poremski THE PONDERING POLE / Edward Poniewaz So Now What? Way back in the January 2013 casual observer will pay respects to experience (though that can be de- edition of the Pondering Pole it was the past and ancestry by occasion- batable) and I don’t want this to mentioned that we are in the last leg ally participating with the commu- sound like joining a cult, but as fast of the hundred-year immigration nity. This is an exercise in fun and as the world is moving, with all of experience. It takes a hundred years reminiscing but the effort is a small the changes we are experiencing, to “complete” the journey from an- part of their lives. They are 10 per with how technical the world is cestral homeland to where the chil- centers at best. The final group, the becoming, with how artificial our dren and grandchildren of the immi- largest, will most likely be mixed- everyday lives are, learning about grants become fully integrated and Polish by parentage, or they might the sights, sounds, and smells of an ingrained in the new country and carry a Polish name, or even be a ethnic culture—our culture—is a society. Well, it’s a year later and it recent immigrant but have no incli- great way to stay in touch with hu- is fitting that, for the 100th edition nation to acknowledge or exist as a manity. We hear about the void that of the Pondering Pole, we discuss Polish person. It is just not impor- lies within the young people in our and “ponder” what is to become of tant to them as it is not important to society. I believe one way that it can the American Polish experience in most Americans. With this kind of be filled is by self-awareness and the remaining 25 years of the jour- mix, what can American Polonia as- meaning that is found through an ney. Since I don’t know about an pire to going forward? Why are we understanding of your Polishness. existing template for this kind of doing this? Ask someone to join you; invite SISTERS OF THE WOODEN NECKLACE. Old Town, Warsaw. May 16, thing, here is an outline: what does somebody into your world. If you 1976. our Polish presence look like today, THE “WHYS” I would summarize can influence one other person, no why are we doing this, and what are with three “Ls”: legacy, livelihood, matter if she or he is 100% or 0% the goals and how do we accom- and love. As mentioned many times Polish to appreciate it as I do, then I BRUSH UP / Distributed by Polonian Media Network plish them? over the years in the Pondering Pole, have hope that Polonia will continue While my rich involvement with Polish does not get the props (prop- and endure. ai is like “eye” the American Polish community has er respect) or the press other ethnic Menu Items A preposition joins with the next word always allowed for variation, the groups do. The awareness of who we kawa (KAH-vah)...... coffee difference was primarily timing: the are and what we have accomplished kawa ze śmietanką (KAH-vah zeh SHMYEH-TAHN-kown)...... immigrants and their children lived is many times diminished. Bolster- coffee with cream from the early and middle part of the ing and promoting our legacy then twentieth century, many Poles came is a worthy and needed reason. And kawa z ekspresu (KAH-vah zek-SPREH-suh)...... espresso after World War II as displaced per- if how we are viewed by others is herbata (hehr-BAH-tah)...... tea sons, they came after the Solidar- less than acceptable, then improving jajka (JAI-kah)...... eggs nosc revolution in the eighties, and the attitude and perception of others jajka sadzone (JAI-kah sahd-ZOH-neh)...... fried eggs they have trickled in as profession- towards us can only help to sweeten jajka na boczku (JAI-kah nah BOHCH-ku)...... eggs with bacon als from modern Poland looking our livelihood such as with our jobs, jajka na szynce (JAI-kah nah SIHN-tseh) ...... eggs with ham for work, opportunity, and afflu- in school, in the community, and in jajka w majonezie (JAI-kah vmai-oh-NEH-zheh)...... ence. While their perspectives were our relationships with friends and hard boiled eggs in majonaise somewhat diverse, the defining family. Finally, if there is a place in jajecznica (jai-ehch-NEE-tsah)...... scrambled eggs and unifying feature of all of these our heart for Polish culture, history, dżem (djehm)...... jam movements was that they are fully and background merely because we Polish. They were totally Polish in love it, shouldn’t that by itself be naleśniki (nah-lehzh-NEE-kee)...... crepes/pancakes JULIETTE BINOCHE, the famous the sense that they understood and enough motivation for promoting naleśniki z dżemem (nah-lehzh-NEE-kee zdjehmehm)...... crepes/ award-winning French actress claimed Polish culture and in many Polonia? And by extension, if you has a partial Polish background pancakes with jam cases, the Polish language, first. love something or someone, don’t and an amazing story. Her mother naleśniki z serem (nah-lehzh-NEE-kee ZEHR-ehm)...... crepes/ The variation is still there but to- you want others to feel the same was born in Częstochowa, and her pancakes with soft, white cheese day’s younger Polonia has taken on way? The truth is, for some of us, Catholic grandparents were im- a different character and approach. we are Polish and we love it and that prisoned at Auschwitz because The new Polish American can be is why we live it, promote it, and SYMBOLS, GESTURES & SUPERSTITIONS / Robert Strybel they were considered to be intel- defined primarily by his or her na- participate in it. lectuals by the Nazi occupiers. ture. It is not so much a question of So we know who the players are Every nation has its own system MONEY. This past Chrsitmas many when or how the person got here; and we know why we do it. Now the POLISH OR NOT? of notions, beliefs, signs, symbols a Pole placed a scale from a Christ- the question is whether they claim big, big question for January (and I A fascinating find on the - Eth and ways of doing things, whose mas Eve carp in their coin purse, as to be Polish, or not. Polish people invite you think long and hard about niCelebs website (ethnicelebs.com: origin is usually buried in the dis- that is said to attract money all year in the United States can be grouped this yourself) is: How can we ac- Juliette Binoche, the famous award- tant past. The Polish people are no long. That is not difficult, because in four categories: they are living complish what we want to see con- winning French actress and star of different in that regard. Some no- carp and herring are the traditonal it, they promote Polish and Poland, tinue and endure? Krzysztof Kieslowski’s Three Col- tions have been borrowed, other fish of Wigilia. they are casual observers and par- A standard answer is we need ors: Blue, has a partial Polish back- are indigenous. Pagan superstitions PEARLS MEAN TEARS. A ticipants, or they are not interested. more of this and more of that and ground and an amazing story. Ac- have intermingled with Christian bride-to-be should never wear a certainly we do. We need more liv- cording to EthnicCelebs: customs, and often the justification string of pearls on her wedding day IT IS TRUE THAT REAL POLISH ers, contributors, promoters, and Juliette’s mother was born in for a certain practice is no longer as tehy symbolize tears and foretell people still live in the United States. more participators. We need to cov- Częstochowa, Poland. Juliette’s ma- widely known – it’s just the way a sad marriage. They assume and claim the culture er the bases like stocking the librar- ternal grandfather was of Belgian things are done. Many old habits NOT OVER THE THRESHOLD. and speak the language. They are ies with Polish-themed books, find- (Walloon) and French descent, and have fallen by the wayside, whilst It is regarded as bad luck to shake Polish first in no uncertain terms, ing folks to take over when we are Juliette’s maternal grandmother was others are limited to a certain region hands or embrace someone over a just like all immigrants throughout gone, and preserving the places we of Polish ancestry. Juliette’s mater- or even a single town or village. threshold. Don’t be surprised if you the twentieth and twenty-first centu- hold dear. Yes, we need people and nal grandparents, who were Catho- Here are some that are encountered hear a Pole say “Nie przez próg!” ries. Promoters like being Polish so covered bases and that is a good out- lic, were imprisoned at Auschwitz with varying frequency. when you offer him your hand over much that they retain a tie to the cul- come. Rather than concentrate on because they were considered to CARP SCALE ATTRACTS a threshold. ture by working at the event, having the numbers though, I feel like we be intellectuals by the Nazi occupi- membership at the church and at- should focus more on the method ers. Juliette’s maternal grandparents tending Mass, making the food, and and approach and the numbers and were active in the theatre. “A tradition of local & long distance service continues!” still have associations with other assurances will come. In all of the As mentioned last month, I am Poles. While Polish is a significant cases where I have observed that a very grateful to all who read the part of their lives, it is not the prima- “new” Polish person has come on Pondering Pole, to those that I have ry focus. America is not their adopt- board, there was a transformation in collaborated and corresponded Stobierski Lucas ed country, it is their country. The their view of Polonia and then they with, and those that have contrib- became transformed. uted in any way toward producing Gardenview the 100 issues I have been blessed to JUREK-PARK SLOPE TO KNOW THYSELF is one of the write. Sto lat to all of you, dziekuje Funeral Home, Ltd. great purposes and experiences for bardzo, and good luck in 2014. Rita A. Lucas 161 Driggs Avenue FUNERAL HOME, INC. a human being, and introducing a If you have a thought about this Jude P. Lucas (Greenpoint) Brooklyn, NY 11222 Polish person to their heritage is a month’s topic, an answer to the (718) 383-7910 • (718) 383-2737 George J. Mueller great way to start. A friend told me question, a question of your own, or she gives the Polish American Jour- have interesting facts to share, con- nal to her nephew each month and tact me at: Edward Poniewaz, 6432  (718) 383-8600 A.K. No. 383-0320 that small bit of information made Marmaduke Avenue, St. Louis, MO  my day. He didn’t have to read it but 63139; eMail alinabrig@yahoo. Peter Rago if it wasn’t given to him, if it wasn’t com. Don’t forget to visit The Pon-  Lic. Mgr. 728 4th Ave., Brooklyn, NY even near him, he wouldn’t have dering Pole blog, ponderingpole. Leslie P. Rago DORIS V. AMEN had the chance to be transformed. I blogspot.com. The blog is a work in LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR F.D. NEWLY DECORATED CHAPEL FACILITIES have seen this over and over again progress and I need to catch up on OUR 24-HOUR PERSONAL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE IN ALL COMMUNITIES with young people introduced to posting current and past articles. AT-HOME ARRANGEMENTS Polish dance, the festival, or cook- N.B. If you send eMail, reference INSURANCE CLAIMS HANDLED SOCIAL SECURITY & VETERAN’S BENEFITS ing the food. The tangible, real, per- the Polish American Journal or the FUNERAL HOME, INC. PROMPTLY EXPEDITED sonal interaction, I believe, makes Pondering Pole in the subject line.  MONUMENT INSCRIPTIONS ASCERTAINED 131 Nassau Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222 the difference. I will not open an eMail if I do not (718) 768-4192 Being Polish is not a religious recognize the subject or the sender. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 15

SURNAME CORNER / Robert Strybel GENEALOGY / Stephen M. Szabados Birth Records in Poland Released by Court Order Timelines in Genealogy Finding one’s of them have found out they were the adoption, fear the child they Timelines have proven to be very will help you view the data as it re- biological family adopted, and some of those want to raised may reject them if he finds helpful in my genealogy research. lates to the family group and give can be traumatizing know who their birth mother or both his real parents. But the partici- I use timelines to help explain the you a better and more complete biological parents were. In recent pant of one Internet forum bluntly information that I include in the picture of the family. This will help ADOPTED FROM POLAND months, I have received a number replied: “Why would you want to summaries for family members. My explain events as they relate to the SEEK BIOLOGICAL PARENTS of inquiries along those lines. The cause those who adopted you heart- summaries focus on the individuals. individual family members. question should be asked not only WARSAW–Back in the 1970s ache and grief after they have given The timelines allow me to capture Timelines can also be used to ex- whether that is possible but also is and ’80s a number of childless Pol- you their love and are emotionally the total picture of the family’s ar- amine your family history in a his- it advisable? Often the interests of ish-American couples made their attached to you. Why should you be rival in America or the migration torical perspective. After entering three separate parties – the adoptive dreams come true by adopting a concerned with your birth mother of some pioneer family branches your family events in your timeline, parents, the adopted child and the Polish orphan. If it was medically who gave you away like a useless across America from the east coast enter various historical events that biological parents – come into con- possible for them to have a family rag-doll?” to the west coast. Timelines are also may have affected your ancestors. flict. At times the child’s biological the natural way, they considered be- Still, there will always be those an important tool to organize and This will help explain the historical siblings also get involved. coming adoptive parents to a baby who want to satisfy their curiosity. assess the tremendous amount of in- context of certain events in the fam- On the one hand, everyone has of their own ancestral heritage to be Attorney Bartosz Majerski of the formation I have uncovered for my ily history and possibly show the the right to know who his or her ac- the next best thing. Iuridica Law Office (http://www.iu- family history. significance of your family events. tual parents were or, if the father is That was relatively easy back ridica.com.pl/en/law-firm-iuridica) The timeline is a visual tool that On my timeline a move to Detroit, unknown, who the biological moth- then. Being of Polish descent and told this reporter that an adopted should show events in chronologi- Michigan was explained by em- er was. But the adoptive parents who affidavits from a parish priest or a person must file a motion for- ac cal order. It can show gaps and in- ployment during World War I at a had showered the orphan with love PolAm organization that a given cess to birth records with the court consistencies in the information war factory. and raised it as their very own may couple cultivated its Polish heritage that handled the adoption process. that you have found for your family The completed timeline will give feel their family will be endangered. induced Polish judges to award cus- Normally that requires engaging a history. Identifying gaps will help a basic outline for your family his- The biological mother, who by now tody. Since then, however, things good lawyer specializing in fam- resolve data conflicts and show you tory and should help add a treasure may be living in a stable family re- have become far more difficult. ily issues. Anna Gutowska (anna. where you should direct your next trove of information. lationship, often resents someone Under more restrictive interna- [email protected]), who herself efforts at gathering information. dredging up her past and revealing tional laws, to which Poland is a learned at the age of 12 she had been A family timeline showing lo- USE TIMELINES. I guarantee that her out-of-wedlock misadventure as party, procedures have been tight- was adopted, did everything in her cations and dates will indicate the they will lead you to be more suc- a teenager. ened. Polish citizens get the first power to track down her birth par- movements of the family and point cessful in your genealogy research One adopted Pole put it this way: crack at adoptable infants, and the ents. Now she is helping others in to possible new locations to look and will make your family history “Ever more often I keep thinking proverbial “blue-eyed baby boys” the same boat to find their biological for documents. More documents research more complete and excit- about finding my biological parents. and “cute blond-haired little girls” roots.. can be found from these clues and ing. I was adopted at the age of 18 months are understandably the first to find thus fill in more of the gaps. Also v v v by a magnificent couple but I would new families. Non-Polish citizens WHAT HAPPENS WHEN an ad- the information found in these new Stephen M. Szabados is the au- like to get to know my real parents.” have to settle for those orphans opted person finally locates his/her documents can point to more areas thor of Finding Grandma’s Euro- Another expressed misgivings over which no Polish couples were inter- birth mother or biological parents? to look for family history. This will pean Ancestors, Find Your Family the situation: “My adoptive parents ested in adopting – youngsters with Often there is surprise, disappoint- help explain the what, where and History, and Polish Genealogy. He never told me about my biological birth defects, older children over 10 ment and regret. Learning that one when of some of the events. is a regular contributor to the Pol- family and I’d really like to know. years of age or two or three siblings was born to a pathological family Timelines should list all direct ish American Journal. Whenever I bring it up, my (adop- which should not be separated. marked by domestic violence and ancestors and their siblings. This tive) mother cries, and I don’t know But time goes on, and the orphans substance abuse can be a traumatiz- what to do.” adopted decades ago have long ing revelation. It may be less of a Need free help researching your Polish ancestors? Want to provide help for those researching their Polish heritage? since reached adulthood and often MANY ADOPTIVE PARENTS, es- shock if a teenaged mother simply set up families of their own. Many pecially those who have concealed lacked the funds to raise a child or POLISH GENIUS was forced to do so against her will Join by her parents.. In some cases, the the Polish genealogy email list. “Return to Your Roots” Tour child and birth mother have been Over 750 members from all over the world. known to establish regular ties. But Our two moderators are from the USA and Poland. ORCHARD LAKE, Mich. — whichever scenario unfolds, finding Check us out and ask the group a question. The Polish Mission, and the Polo- one’s biological parents is always a http://groups.yahoo.com/group/polish_genius/ nia Americana Research Institute major emotional experience for all (PARI), the Polish Mission’s ge- parties involved. nealogy center, announced a new genealogy tour to Poland. This en- FOR A CUSTOM-RESEARCHED gaging tour will allow travelers to analysis of your surname – its ori- focus on the many historical and gin, meaning, number of users, unique sites found in the Krakow where they live and coat of arms and Zakopane area. In addition, one if any, kindly airmail a $19 check day will be devoted to visiting the (adding $10 for each additional National Archives. Here, an oppor- surname you wish researched) to: tunity for personal research with as- Robert Strybel, ul. Kaniowska 24, sistance from local researchers will 01-529 Warsaw, Poland. For more be available. Also, a day has been information please contact: re- set aside for travelers to visit their [email protected]. near village or town where they will have the opportunity to walk in their ancestors’ footsteps, visit family churches, see local sites and perhaps CEIL WENDT JENSEN meet with relatives. Seeking European Ancestry (GAT- Highlights of the trip include vis- SEA); and local, English-speaking its and toursto: the Wieliczka Salt tour escort. Mine, the Royal Castle, Krakow For further information, please Old Town, Auschwitz and Berke- contact Carole Schaffer at carole@ nau, Wadowice (former home to gatsea.com. Pope John Paul II), the Museum- Deposits must be received by Schindler Factory, the Underground January 31, 2014. World of Krakow’s Past, the former Jewish District—Kazimierz, and much more. While most of the time POLISH-ENGLISH will be spent in Krakow, an over- night of the beautiful artist town TRANSLATOR Zakopane has been planned with • Official documents, letters, special events included. e-mails, etc. The tour will be fully escorted by: • Reasonable rates. Ceil Wendt Jensen, Certified Gene- • Fast, reliable service by e- alogist and Director, Polonia Ameri- mail or regular mail. cana Research Institute (PARI), the • Translation to/from other Polish Mission’s genealogy center; languages available as well. Carole Schaffer, Founder and CEO • Over 35 years experience of the Global Alliance of Travelers working with genealogists, attorneys, businesses, film- makers, government, medi- Visit our on-line library at cal professionals, etc. www.polamjournal.com ANDY GOLEBIOWSKI Biographies • Recipes 109 Rosemead Lane Customs and Traditions Cheektowaga, NY 14227 This Month in History (716) 892-5975 and more! [email protected] 16 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014

BOOKS IN BRIEF / Florence Clowes MLIS BOOK REVIEW / John M. Grondelski What You Need to Know, Essentially The Genius of Oskar Halecki THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE Dombrowski’s poetry is some- TO BEING POLISH thing we need in this harried Thaddeus V. Gromada, ed. but because they extracted the abid- sity and himself a long time driving OSKAR HALECKI (1891-1973): 50 Facts & Facets of Nation- world. Some of the poems are ing lessons that could be learned from force (along with his wife, sister, and EULOGIES AND REFLECTIONS hood, by Anna Spysz and pages long, others a paragraph that period and articulated a coherent brother-in-law) in the Polish Institute Hasbrouck Heights, NJ: Marta Turek, New Europe or two. Still another is a lengthy Christian vision of history. Lest any- of Arts and Sciences. Gromada pays Tatra Eagle Press, 2013. pp. 71, Books 2013, 314 pps., photos, single sentence describing the one question the value and relevance tribute to his doctoral mentor with this paperback, $7.95, illustrations. th maps, index, suggested read- chills one receives while lis- of such an approach, consider the little book, published on the 40 anni- To order: 31 Madison Ave., ings, $17.95 tening to good music. Here is controversy that roiled the European versary of Oskar Halecki’s death. The Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 (add This book is chock full of a chance to savor the vivid de- Union at the beginning of the millen- book brings together eulogies deliv- $3/US or $5/intl shipping and han- interesting information for both scriptions of common elements nium when it had to decide whether or ered in Halecki’s honor at a memorial dling); or email Americans and Americans of around us. not to acknowledge in its Constitution service in October 1973, a month after [email protected], Polish descent. It is divided into that Christianity was one of the prima- Halecki died of a stroke. MY MOTHER’S SECRET payment via credit card through five parts, Poland in Context ry formative forces that made Europe The eulogies are not just “nice by J.L. Witterick PayPal (nature, tales, history, war, com- what it is today. things said about a dead guy.” They G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2013 munism, religion), Poles in Po- Halecki strove mightily to show provide a good overview of the Hal- 195 pps., $19.95 by John M. Grondelski land, (Polish mentality, men and that the history of Central Europe, the ecki’s work as well as the esteem Based on a true story, the Postwar American Polonia was en- women, food, drinking, school, lands between the Germany and Rus- in which it was held by his peers, in lives of two Jewish families riched by many giants who found a holidays and traditions), Poles sia, from the Baltic to the Balkans, American, Polonian, and Central Eu- hidden by a Polish mother and new home in the United States as the in the Limelight (writers and was an integral part of larger Euro- ropean scholarly circles. Halecki was her daughter draws the reader Iron Curtain imprisoned Poland. The poets, theater, film, scientists, pean history. That historical amnesia no narrow nationalist, and his respect into their world of fear, famine Polish intelligentsia played a major sports ) Poles Around the World, still afflicts American and Western for the cosmopolitan pluralism of and courage to do what’s right. role in that postwar emigracja polity- (nationhood, exile and emigra- European intellectual life: I remember, medieval/Renaissance Poland is re- Franciska Halamajowa and her czna and, given the genocide suffered tion, new neighbors, Polonia), twenty years ago, visiting an art mu- flected in the tributes by Ukrainian daughter Helena sheltered fif- by intellectuals in Poland at the hands and Poles in a Nutshell ( the Es- seum in a large American city, which and Lithuanian scholars at Halecki’s teen Polish Jews and one Ger- of Nazis as well as Soviets and their sence of Polishness). The book displayed a map of centers of medieval death. Gromada rounds out the book man army defector in tiny nooks “Polish” lackeys, we can be grateful contains many illustrations, culture. The lands east of Berlin were with a general biography of his mentor of her Sokal cottage from the that some of Poland’s great prewar in- suggested further readings, and empty, terra incognita—no Kraków, and reproductions of letters of condo- Nazis, and from one another, for tellectual tradition survived on these the changing borders of Poland. no Prague. The alternate forgetfulness lence from people like Karol Wojtyła, two years! The story is told in shores. The authors are two women (on view during the Yugoslav Wars of Philadelphia’s Cardinal Król, Bishop the voices of four characters. One intellectual giant of that emi- who were both born in Poland, the 1990s) was American ignorance Wesoły (the Polish Episcopate’s rep- All the while the mother and gration was historian Oskar Halecki. emigrated to United States at an wrapped up in the excuse of Cen- resentative to all Poles abroad), et al. daughter posed as Nazi sympa- Earning his habilitation degree in early age and returned to Poland tral Europe as “a confusing bedlam Too bad he didn’t include a bibliogra- thizers and were often granted 1915, he had a distinguished academic in their early 20s. Anna Spysz of cultures, languages, and peoples,” phy of Halecki’s works in English. favors in the form of food or career at the University of Warsaw as earned her MA at Jagiellonian populated by whirling polka dervishes A timely tribute to a great historian leniency. Scarcity of food, cold well as contributing his services to University in Central and East in kerchiefs that nobody could under- and committed Catholic, Halecki’s life harsh winters and the constant Polish diplomacy before World War II. European Studies in Krakow. stand. was perhaps best summed up by Fa- fear of being exposed by the He then led an equally distinguished Marta Turek received her MA But when Halecki was active, there ther Robert Trisco, a long-time Church Nazis, and even neighbors, academic career in America, serving in English Linguistics from the was an even greater threat: an intellec- historian and official in the American challenged their determination as Professor of History at Fordham Adam Mickiewicz University in tual version of FDR’s political betray- Catholic Historical Association: “If to help their fellow man. University in New York, an originating Poznan. al, by subsuming the history of Central we are seeking contemporary Chris- The author and her family spiritus movens of the Institute on East Europe under Russian history, treating tians whose causes might be promoted EARTH AGAIN emigrated to Canada from Tai- Central Europe (now the East Central Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, etc. in order to provide models for living poems by Chris Dombrowski, wan in the late ‘60s with $200 European Center) of Columbia Uni- as mere appendices of a larger Russian in the world but not according to its Wayne State University to their name and only their versity, and a key founder of the Polish story. Halecki trained a whole genera- norms, for raising [its] consciousness 2013, 82 pps. father able to speak English. Institute of Arts and Sciences in New tion of American historians to resist of its true purpose and destiny, for fus- Take a deep breath, as you Today she is president of Sky York. His publications, mostly focused that false paradigm. ing religious, scholarly, and patriotic are transported into the things of Investment Counsel and one of on medieval and early Renaissance One of those whom he trained was ideals in a fruitful life, then perhaps we the earth, the waters, the fruits Canada’s most successful busi- Poland, remain valuable not just for Ted Gromada, now professor emeritus need look no farther than . . .” Oskar and word play of a lovely body. nesswomen. their originality, depth, and erudition, of history at New Jersey City Univer- Halecki.

NEW BOOKS / John M. Grondelski The Women Who Killed for the Führer Wendy Lower Ukraine were Hitler’s “Wild East,” populat- their contemporary Ukrainian or Belarusian come and St. Paul wondered about why it is HITLER’S FURIES: ed by savages who needed to be controlled, names were Polish territory in 1939. She so hard to do the good and so easy to do the GERMAN WOMEN IN THE eliminated, or civilized (p. 35). (One should shows how these women were witnesses, ac- bad. NAZI KILLING FIELDS add that images of the “Wild East” are not that complices, and even perpetrators. Like secre- Boston: Houghton, Mifflin, Harcourt, 2013. alien to Americans, either. Not a few Ameri- tary Ilse Struwe, who witnessed a 4 AM Sun- Lower’s book shows how HB, Pp. 270, $20.80 (web price; e-book can historians have written off the lands east day morning deportation of Jews in Równe genocide knows no gender. available, $26) of Berlin, in blame-the-victim-for-your-igno- (Rivne) from the window of her room. Like To order: www.hmhco.com rance fashion, as a “crazy quilt of incoherent Annette Schücking (the most anti-Nazi of In one place, Lower points out how run- When most people think of Nazi cruelty, national feuds,” with baneful consequences the group), whose routine nursing duties in- of-the-mill these women were: some were they imagine an armed, jackbooted soldier. for both America and the peoples involved.) cluded trips to a Równe warehouse to obtain Catholics, some were Protestants. Although Wendy Lower wants to change that. She wants As if heeding a 20th century Horace Gree- clothing “supplies” that had been confiscated perhaps not directly the subject of this book, you also to imagine the women who killed for ley, German girls responded to the call “Go from Jews. Like secretary Liselotte Meier, the reviewer would welcome a study of what the Führer, “Hitler’s Furies.” “. . . [T]he col- East, young woman!” They went in typical who regularly joined other Germans in Lida perverted notion of Christianity these women lage of stories and memories, of cruelty and female roles: as nurses, secretaries, teachers, (then Poland, now Belarus) in “hunting” ex- held. I suspect their “faith” was either simply courage . . . helps us to see what human be- and wives. But the all-encompassing Nazi peditions—except the targets were people. not there, had been diluted by Nazi attempts ings—not only men, but women as well—are culture of death had already perverted these Like wife Vera Wohlauf, who married up in to revive Nordic mythology and fuse it with capable of believing and doing” (p. 203). professions and roles to total ideological loy- her second nuptial to an SS officer, and whom Christianity, or some version of “cafeteria Lower, professor of history at Claremont alty. Nurses might care for wounded German witnesses say was active (with a whip) during Christianity” (“I personally don’t like the McKenna College, follows the stories of ten soldiers and then administer lethal injections the deportation of Jews in Międzyrzec Pod- Fifth Commandment.”) Christianity should such women before, during, and after World to the handicapped and elderly as part of the laski. Like Erna Petri, a wife who took over not wholly shoulder the burden for the secu- War II. Before the War, most were usually the Nazi euthanasia program. (Lower suggests an old szlachta estate near Łwów. One day, larized who once upon a time had baptismal girl next door (which was, after all, the Nazi that they might also have even killed some riding home, she saw some Jewish children waters poured on them. ideal. “German men should mate with the girl German soldiers, though she admits the evi- hiding in the bushes, so she coaxed them out, Lower carries the stories of these women next door, not the urbanite or the Hollywood- dence for this remains unclear. If Nazi medical brought them home and fed them … and then to the present. Although they are dead, many style vamp.” – p. 25). They were often small ethics were essentially Nietzschean “survival took them into the garden and shot each one died relatively recently. Almost all went on to town girls or working girls in cities like Vi- of the fittest,” is it not plausible to think that in the back of the head with a pistol. live normal lives in West Germany or Austria. enna or Berlin, with limited options. Lower “gravely injured and shell-shocked soldiers” Lower’s book shows how genocide knows To what degree their being women helped calls them the “lost generation” because of the (p. 123) were also not dispatched?) Stenog- no gender. It also shows how, in a society them evade accountability for their actions is radical changes they experienced during their raphers and secretaries take dictation which, which embraces a culture of death and imple- a question Lower explores. In fact only one— youth. Born during or after World War I, they in the Nazi East, included typing orders for ments it in its laws, it is extraordinarily diffi- who settled in East Germany—got prison grew up in the politically and economically street roundups and executions, provision- cult for anybody, no matter how much in con- time. unstable Weimar Republic to come of age just ing for ghetto liquidations, and bills of lading science they dissent, no matter how far they A fascinating look into how women played as Hitler began feeding Germans a steady diet to send der Dreck (“garbage”—p. 104) to be think they are removed, from getting their roles in the Nazi Holocaust, this study re- of racism, nationalism, and imperialism. gassed. Wives might create domestic sanctu- hands dirty. minds us that women’s moral agency can Hitler’s Drang nach Osten was nothing aries for their “overworked” husbands, but The weaker parts of the book are the mus- serve good—and evil. Considering how new: the Teutonic Knights coveted the plains the latter’s stress came from routinely killing ings of why people do these kinds of things. Ukrainian women helped their men perpetrate of Central and Eastern Europe back in the other people. And what happened when the There is some ruminating about the usually- the Volhynia massacres of 1943-44, the re- Middle Ages. But, with the outbreak of the lady of the house got her own taste for blood? cited causes: authoritarian upbringings, per- viewer was not as surprised as perhaps Lower Second World War, the patriotic push East Poland, Ukraine, and Belarus are the pri- vasive anti-Semitism, patriarchal smothering seemed initially to be that mass murder is not resonated with another trope, with German mary places where these crimes occurred. In- of female agency, etc. But the mystery of sin always a sexually segregated act. A good read fascination (starting with Karl May) with the deed, Poland was the primary venue, because has been a human focus ever since Adam and with many illustrations and ample notes. American Wild West. Occupied Poland and many of the places Lower speaks of under Eve discovered what paltry gods they had be- POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 17

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SPORTS / Tom Tarapacki Belinsky and Fidrych: Long Gone but Not Forgotten Part 2 “Bird Watchers.” However, in a Several years after Bo Belinsky game in July he felt his arm “go pitched his final major league game, dead.” He made two more starts, but another Polish American pitcher struggled with control. became a national sensation. Mark In 1978, Fidrych came back to Fidrych had little in common with pitch an Opening Day complete- Belinsky, but he also had a brief but game win, and then managed only brilliant moment in the public spot- one more complete-game win. He light. made only four starts in 1979, as he Mark Fidrych was the biggest tried to regain his control. He had name in baseball in 1976. The nine starts in 1980, winning his final 21-year-old righthander enthralled major league start in the last game fans with his child-like enthusiasm of the 1980 season. After spending and unpretentiousness at a time all of 1981 in the minors, he was when the public was tired of hearing released by Detroit and signed with about baseball’s rising salaries and Boston. After playing in their minor labor strife brought on by the end of league system for a couple of years the reserve clause. MARK FIDRYCH was the biggest Fidrych finally retired in 1983. His STELMASZEK ZBIKOWSKI Fidrych grew up in the central name in baseball in 1976. major league record was 29-19 and consecutive seasons on the Minne- and college much more.’’ Massachusetts town of Northboro. and a very good fastball. However, a 3.10 ERA. In 1985 Fidrych went sota Twins’ coaching staff and was Very proud of his heritage, Tom- His father, Paul, a second genera- what really caught the attention of to famed sports Dr. James Andrews, the longest-tenured coach in the my Z would wear a lucky t-shirt tion Polish American, was a public fans and players alike was his per- who diagnosed the problem as a team’s history. His firing was part under his pads displaying a bald school teacher. Paul had been a very sonality. They had never seen a ma- of a coaching shuffle that followed eagle flanked by a Polish flag and an good all-around athlete, and his son jor league pitcher get down on his consecutive last-place finishes. American flag. followed in his footsteps. In the hands and knees to pat down the The Chicago native was drafted At Notre Dame the two-time excellent biography The Bird: The mound, or shake hands with his in- by Washington in the 11th round captain started all 48 games in his Life and Legacy of Mark Fidrych, fielders after good plays. Fidrych’s of the 1967 draft, and played for career at safety, and was named Author Doug Wilson quoted friend genuine exuberance was refreshing, the Senators and several other ma- a second-team Walter Camp All- Jay Jablonski: “His dad was always especially because of so much of the jor league organizations. After re- American in 2006. Zbikowski was out in the yard with him…not just baseball talk at that time was about tiring as a player at the end of the selected by the Baltimore Ravens playing catch, but Fidrych pitching money issues. Fans started pack- 1978 season, he was hired on as the in the third round of the 2008 NFL to him.” The elder Fidrych taught ing Tiger Stadium when Fidrych manager of Cedar Rapids, and was Draft with the 86th pick overall. his son his old-school work ethic, pitched at home. named Midwest League manager He later signed with Indianapolis but encouraged his individuality. THE BIRD EMERGED as a in 1980. He then joined the Twins’ in 2012 and started at safety in 11 Young Mark wasn’t a trouble- national figure during a Monday major league coaching staff under games. He then signed with Chi- maker but was always active, full Night game on ABC-TV at Tiger another Polish American, Johnny cago in 2013. of energy and a bit eccentric. His Stadium against the Yankees on Goryl. During his coaching tenure To lose weight, Zbikowski be- hyperactivity probably led to his June 28, 1976. More than 47,000 with the Twins, Stelmaszek was a gan taking a diuretic banned by the famous on-field antics. In between fans attended the game, and an- member of two World Series cham- NFL. After he was waived by the pitches, he would do things like other 10,000 were reportedly turned pionship teams in 1987 and 1991. Bears, he got a four-game suspen- grooming the mound and talking to away. When Fidrych shut down the “I’m not going to cry in my beer sion. Zbikowski is embarrassed by the baseball. He said that he was re- first-place Yankees, 5-1, they chant- about what happened,” he said. the perception some might have that ally talking to himself, not the base- ed “We want Bird” and refused to Tall (6-3) and lanky with a headful “That’s just the way the business he’d used a performance-enhancing ball. Fidrych also told The Sporting leave until he came out for a curtain of curly blond hair, Fidrych picked works. I look at the bright side.” drug. “I don’t want that label of a News that his mannerisms were call. TV viewers, most seeing him up the nickname “Bird,” after Big Stelmaszek’s keen sense of hu- guy who took a PED because as “just my way of concentrating and for the first time, were captivated by Bird of TV’s Sesame Street. mor kept the clubhouse loose. At much as I’m a hustler, I don’t like keeping my head in the game.” the charismatic pitcher who seemed one point, he and Polish-American cheating,’’ he said. After playing at Algonquin High to have so much joy for the game. torn rotator cuff. Andrews operated Twins Doug Mientkiewicz, Corey Tommy Z was also known as School, Fidrych was drafted by De- Some of the Yankees thought that successfully, but it was too late for Koskie, A.J. Pierzynski started call- a heavyweight boxer. A Golden troit in the tenth round in 1974. Tall Fidrych was trying to show them up Fidrych’s baseball career. ing themselves “The Pole Patrol.” Gloves boxer since age nine, he had (6-3) and lanky with a headful of with his on-field antics, but Tigers Fidrych went back home to Mas- Stelmaszek and his wife, Kathie, an amateur record of 60-13. As a curly blond hair, he picked up the right fielder Rusty Staub said: “It’s sachusetts, where he became a li- have been married over 40 years Notre Dame senior he made his pro nickname “Bird,” after Big Bird no act. There’s nothing contrived censed commercial truck driver and and have a son, Michael. He lives a boxing debut at Madison Square of TV’s Sesame Street. One of the about him and that’s what makes later purchased a farm. He married block from where he grew up, in the Garden. He was led into the ring coaches who helped Fidrych along him a beautiful person … He’s dif- his wife, Ann, in 1986, and they had Chicago neighborhood now known by Fighting Irish teammates carry- the way was John Grodzicki, a rov- ferent. He’s a 21-year-old kid with a daughter, Jessica. He once told as “Slag Valley.” ing a Polish flag, and then knocked ing hitting instructor for the Tigers a great enthusiasm that everyone the Boston Globe: “I got a family, out his opponent in the first round. farm system. Grodzicki had been a loves. He has an inner youth, an I got a house, I got a dog. I would CHICAGO FIRE He’s 4-0 as a pro, with his last fight top pitching prospect for St. Louis, exuberance.” have liked my career to have been Chicagoland native Tom in 2011, and wants to fight competi- but shrapnel wounds he suffered to Although he had fun, Fidrych longer, but you can’t look back.” He Zbikowski recently announced that tively again both legs while serving in World worked hard and was very serious was still popular with baseball fans, he has given up the NFL—for the “I’ve had an extremely blessed War II as a paratrooper derailed his about his pitching. Despite his an- and spent much time with charitable Chicago Fire Department. He had life and I saved three-quarters of my playing career. As Wilson wrote, tics he also worked very fast on the activities. been released by the Chicago Bears money, so I can do whatever I want Grodzicki convinced the Bird to mound, and had a high percentage FIDRYCH WAS ELECTED in August. and I want to be of service to a com- give up his knuckleball and replace of complete games. to the National Polish American He told the Chicago Tribune’s munity,’’ said Zbikowski. Zbikows- it with a change-up. But Grodzicki A bachelor, Fidrych had a simple Sports Hall of Fame in early 2009, David Haugh that “Football got old ki’s father, Ed, a brother, and grand- provided more than instruction and lifestyle, driving a green subcom- but never made it to his induction. to me. … I enjoyed my first two father have worked as firefighters in advice: “Later Grodzicki would fre- pact car and living in a small Detroit Tragically, on April 13, 2009, he years in the NFL because it was a the Chicago area. quently stop by the players’ trailer to apartment. He once said: “Some- died from accidental asphyxia by challenge…. I enjoyed high school fix up a batch of his famous golabki, times I get lazy and let the dishes suffocation while working under a a cabbage dish stuffed with ground stack up, but they don’t stack too truck. He was 54. Our Hours are: beef, peppers and whatever else he high. I’ve only got four dishes.” Alan Trammell, who was a rook- LOWS KO Ki Lunch felt like throwing in at the time.” Fidrych finished 19-9 for the ie shortstop with Detroit in 1977, O ’S M-F 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Fidrych developed into a top was one of many who mourned his S fifth place Tigers with 24 complete Fri. Night Dinners prospect, but he made the Tigers’ games and a 2.34 ERA — both AL- passing. “He was very genuine. It 5:00-9:00 p.m. 1976 major league roster mainly bests. He was named AL Rookie of was not an act. He never changed. because the team had just lost its the Year and finished second in the He liked to have a good time. You’d Sat. Night Dinners two best pitchers, Mikey Lolich and Cy Young voting. Everyone wanted go over his house and he’d make 4:00-9:00 p.m. Joe Coleman. Fidrych didn’t start to know more about him, and his dinner. That’s the type of guy he Lounge open ‘til 1:00 a game until May 15, pitching a smiling face appeared on numerous was.” a.m. on Fri. and Sat. two-hit complete game victory over national publications from Sports Il- Cleveland’s Premier Cleveland. In his second start play- lustrated to Rolling Stone. STELMASZEK IS HOME Polish American ing in his native Massachusetts, he Unfortunately, the Bird phenom- After more than four decades of UNIVERSITY INN Restaurant held Boston to six hits and two runs enon didn’t last long. During spring living the baseball life, Rick Stel- CLEVELAND, OHIO Now in our 90th year in a 2-0 loss. Asked how he felt giv- training to start the 1977 season, Fi- maszek was back home in South ESTABLISHED IN 1923 in Business ing up a home run to Red Sox leg- drych injured his knee while shag- Chicago this season. He was fired Featured on the Travel end Carl Yastrzemski, the Bird said ging flies. After surgery he returned last year from his position as bull- (216) 771-9236 & Food Network “It blew my mind.” to the mound in May, pitching well pen coach for the major league Min- www.sokolowskis.com Fidrych had outstanding control and again drawing big crowds of nesota Twins. Stelmaszek spent 32 18 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014

POLISH CHEF / Robert Strybel Comfort Foods Like Babcia Used to Make In different Pol-Am families it drippings (in old peasant cookery small, elongated dumplings and thick. Season with salt & pepper, cold-weather breakfast food! may be mamusia (mama), babcia every last drop of drippings was drop into boiling water. Dip spoon 1/2 t sweet paprika, 1/2 t marjoram, (granny) or prababcia (great-grand- used!), 3 eggs, 1-2 grated onions, into boiling water between addi- 1/2 t crushed caraway seeds and 1 PORK HOCKS & SAUERKRAUT mother), maybe even a stray ciocia 2-3 buds crushed garlic, salt & pep- tions. When all dumplings are in bud crushed garlic. Stir ingredients (golonka w kapuście). Wash and (aunt) or two, or even an Uncle per and mix well. Grease baking pot, give it a stir, cover and cook and simmer briefl y. Garnish with rinse 4 pork hocks (allowing 1 per Staś, known for his unmatched pan dish with bacon drippings, add 3-4 min. Remove with slotted spoon chopped parsley if desired. Serve person). Place in pot and scald with home-made kiełbasa. But nearly potato mixture no more than 2 high and drain in colander or sieve. These with dropped dumplings (abpve) or boiling water to cover. Add 1 t salt, all of us occasionally think back and bake in preheated 375° oven 1 dumplings are a meal in them- groats (buckwheat, barley, millet) of bring to boil and skim off scum un- to those Polish treats of our child- hr or until done. Serve hot with sour selves, dotted with butter, drenched choice. til no more forms. Add 1 portion hood. Some call them comfort foods cream and hot tea. with sour cream or garnished with diced soup vegetables (carrot, cel- – dishes that conjure up memories golden-brown pork cracklings HEARTY POTATO SALAD ery, parsley root, onion), 5 pepper- of mouth-watering scents wafting in COUNTRY-STYLE SCRAMBLED (skwarki). Without such toppings (sałatka kartofl ana) Cook 2-1/4 corns, 2 buds garlic and 1 bay leaf, from the kitchen and heart-warming EGGS (jajecznica po wiejsku). Al- they are an accompaniment to stews lbs potatoes (preferably in jackets) reduce heat and cook covered 90 dishes that simply made people feel low half a slice thick-sliced bacon, and gravy-type meat dishes (instead until fully cooked but still fi rm, and min. Separately, cook 1 qt drained, good about themselves, their fami- diced, and 1/2-inch piece smoked of potatoes, rice or pasta). set aside to cool. Peel and dice po- rinsed sauerkraut in 3 c boiling wa- lies and their heritage. Traditional kiełbasa, skinned and diced, and a tatoes. Dice 2 peeled cucumbers ter 1 hr. Transfer half the sauerkraut, comfort foods include not only the diced onion slice for every 2 people. POLISH PORK STEW (gulasz and 1/3 lb skinned smoked kiełbasa drained, to roasting pan or large cas- old standbys such as pierogi and Fry up ingredients, turning with wieprzowy). Rinse and pat dry 1-1/2 and combine with potatoes. Add serole, place the hocks on top of it, gołąbki, but also various regional spatula until lightly browned. Bacon lbs cubed stewing pork. Shake meat 1 bunch chives, chopped, and ½ smother them with remaining sauer- favorites to which families have should be tender, not crisp! Add 2 in fl our-fi lled plastic bag to coat bunch chopped fresh dill. Sprinkle kraut, add 2 c hock stock and bake added their own personal touches eggs per person and cook like sun- evenly. In heavy skillet, brown meat with salt, pepper, marjoram and car- covered in 325° oven 1 hr or until over the years. Here are some of ny-side-up eggs until white is slight- on all sides in 3 T hot fat. Remove away and lace with about 1 c sour hocks are fork tender. Thicken kraut them worth trying. ly set. Break up eggs with spatula meat from skillet with slotted spoon cream. a little fl our if desired. and fry until as soft or fi rm as you and lightly brown 3 sliced onions POTATO BABKA (baba kartofl a- like. Serve with rye bread and un- in the same drippings. Return meat MILK SOUP WITH PINCHED HIGHLANDER TART MUSH- na). Grate 2-1/4 lbs peeled potatoes salted butter for Sunday breakfast. to skillet, add 2 - 3 sliced carrots, 1 NOODLES (zupa mleczna z ROOM SOUP (góralski barszcz into sieve placed over container to small diced turnip (optional), 1 bay zacierką). Bring 1 qt milk to boil. grzybowy). Soak 1 c dried mush- catch drippings. When drippings DROPPED DUMPLINGS (kluski leaf and 1/2 c beer. Reduce heat and Stir a little hot water into 2 heaping rooms (scrubbed well to remove have settled, pour off clear liquid kładzione). Bring a large pot of simmer covered on low heat 45 - 60 T fl our to form a stiff dough. Pinch all grit) in 1 qt boiling water and let and add remaining white sediment lightly salted water to boil. Break 1 min or until meat is tender, stirring off small pieces, rub between fi ngers stand 2-3 hrs. Add another qt water (potato starch) to grated potatoes. egg into bowl, add 1 c fl our, sifted, occasionally. Add a little water if and place on lightly fl oured board to and 1 c sauerkraut juice and cook Dice 3/4-1 lb slab bacon or thick- 1/4 t salt and just enough water to stew begins to sizzle. Drench with dry. Add noodles to boiling milk, covered on low 2 hrs. Whiten with sliced bacon and fry into golden- form a thick batter. Beat with spoon 1/2 c sour cream fork-blended with cook several min and ladle into soup ¾ c sour cream fork-blended with 2 brown nuggets. To grated potatoes until air blisters appear. Scoop up 1 T fl our and simmer briefl y. Di- bowls. Allow diners to season their T fl our. Salt & pepper to taste. add bacon nuggets and some of the portions of batter in the shape of lute with meat stock or water if too soup to taste with salt or sugar. A POLISH COOKBOOKS • INTERNATIONAL COOKBOOKS APRONS • KITCHEN TOWELS • UTENSILS THE POLISH KITCHEN STORE MANY MORE BOOKS ON-LINE AT POLAMJOURNAL.COM

POLISH COOKBOOKS To order, use form on page 19, or order on line TREASURED includes over 100 easy-to-follow reci- POLISH PIEROGI: From the Old at www.polamjournal.com or call (800) 422- POLISH pes, and a detailed bibliography and Country to the Old Neighborhood 1275, Mon.- Fri., 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. RECIPES FOR resource guide. $10.00 by Eva Gerwecki, 48 pp., sc. AMERICANS A collection of “secret” recipes, tips, $14.95 GIFT PACK and more for not only fi llings and top- HANDTOWELS MOLDS Polonie 12 FAVORITE pings, but a variety of dough recipes Publishing GLOSS-COAT as well. Over 150 recipes with regional $8.50 each plus EASTER BUTTERLAMB Easy to use! 170 pp., h.c. POLISH RECIPE variations, from California to New York! $5.95 s&h To make with butter, simply coat the The fi rst com- CARDS Hanging towels. mold with vegetable oil (spray type plete, hard cover $5.00. by Polanie Publishing. POLISH Machine embroi- works best), press in softened butter, collection of Pol ish cookery in the Eng- Appealing red-ribbon cello packet CLASSIC dered designs. clamp halves together, place and re- lish language published in the United of the most popular and treasured rec- DESSERTS Useful and at- frigerator until hardened and you’re States. Researched from old Polish ipes, in cluding Cabbage Rolls, Turkey $16.95 tractive. Red done. For cookbooks and recipes collected from Cutlets with Mush room Sauce, Baked By Laura and with white towel c h o c o - I LOVE POLISH late, just the best Polish American cooks, it also Apples in Red Wine and more. Handy Peter Zeranski (cloth may vary). MUSIC 2-227 contains stories of Polish festivities and for your recipe box— perfect as party 2013. 96 pp. 8½ pour and customs such as Christmas Eve wigilia, favors or hostess gifts! x 8½. Index. 100 let hard- Harvest Festival dożynki and the foods color photos by Bob Rock en. It’s to celebrate them. Perfect for home THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD Organized by type and with titles in that easy! cooks or to give as a special gift. POLISH COOKBOOK: both Polish and English. From mazur- C l e a n Hamtramck, Detroit and Beyond — kas and babas to pastries and bever- with soap THE POLISH $10.00 by Elna Lavine, 44 pp., sc. ages, these recipes are designed for and warm COUNTRY 96 recipes from the famed Polo- the modern kitchen but retain their water. KITCHEN COOK- nia of Detroit. Breakfast, lunch, dinner traditional roots. Each of the forty-fi ve EASTER BUTTER LAMB MOLD CIOCIA’S I LOVE CZARNINA Small 3-1/2” width by 3” tall BOOK pastries, pierogi, kluski, cream chipped desserts are tested to perfection and KITCHEN 2-228 2-229 $16.95 beef, soups, desserts and more. paired with mouthwatering photo- # 1-600 $4.95 by Sophie Knab graphs and notes on Polish history and Large 5” width by 4” tall 337 pp., pb., Ill. POLISH GIRL COOKBOOK customs. # 1-601 $7.95 Hippocrene $10.00 by Eva Gerweck, 44 pp., sc. $4.00 S&H ON ALL MOLDS Books Another cookbook full of recipes POLISH $1.00 each additional mold This popular from Detroit’s Old Polish neighbor- CLASSIC cookbook by be- hoods. Appetizers, entrees, breads, RECIPES loved Polish American author Sophie desserts, and more! Upper Peninsula $16.95 Hodorowicz Knab is now updated with style pastries, potato salad, pastries, by Laura and a new section on Polish Feasts and babka, breads, and more. Peter Zeranski I LOVE KIELBASA POLISH CHEF Festivals! Knab combines recipes for 2011, 96 pp., h.c., 2-212 2-211 favorite Polish foods with the history POLISH RESTAURANT index, 100 color and cultural traditions that created COOKBOOK $10.00 photographs by Matthew Aron Roth OTHER TOWELS them. Arranged according to the cycle by Jonathan Becklar, 44 pp., sc. Designed for the modern kitchen AVAILABLE: of seasons, this cookbook explores life This unique cookbook actually rep- yet retaining traditional roots, each in the Polish countryside through the licates recipes taken from menus of heritage recipe in Polish Classic Recipes POLISH CHICK year, giving readers priceless histori- Motor City and surrounding area res- has been tested to perfection. Accom- 2-213 POLISH / ENGLISH cal information to common questions taurants. It shows you how to make an panied by notes on Polish holiday cus- EASTER WORDS MOLD. $4.95 I LOVE KISZKA 12-coin mold. Each coin is 1-inch asked by descendants of Polish im- entire menu right in your kitchen that toms, history, and menu pairing sug- 2-226 migrants. Lovely illustrations by Elliott tastes and smells just like the restau- gestions, these dishes off er a fl avorful across x 1/4” deep. Includes Polish and Hutten and pearls of practical wisdom rant. Soups, salads, dressings, sand- sample of the Polish dining experi- I LOVE PIEROGI To order, English for: Happy Easter, Easter Mon- from the old Polish kitchen marvel- wiches, stuff ed cabbage, and more. ence, as passed down from generation 2-212 use form on day, Basket Blessing, Butter Lamb, Eas- ously complement this book. This title to generation. page 19 ter Eggs, Sausage, and more! POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 19

TO ORDER ON LINE: TO ORDER BY PHONE, M-F, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: TO ORDER BY MAIL PAJ BOOKSTORE www.polamjournal.com (800) 422-1275 • (716) 312-8088 USE FORM BELOW POLAND: A cil of Polish Cultural Clubs, this is a THE KATYN This lavishly illustrated biography authentic Pol ish lyrics with beautiful HISTORY delightful, captivat ing children’s story ORDER of a major Polish American fi gure of English translations. Ideal for both mu- by Adam about the life of storks and many of by Douglas W. the 19th century, tells the story of a sician and appreciative listener alike. Zamoyski the Polish customs they encounter. Jacobson Polish revolutionary exiled to America $19.95 Beautifully illus trated and educational, $24.95 where he rises from private to general FINDING pb. 426 pp. 5.5 in. it will be thoroughly enjoyed by adults 384 pp. hc., during the Civil War. GRANDMA’S x 8.5 in. as well as children. McBooks Press EUROPEAN A substantial- A m e r i c a n THE EAGLE ANCESTORS ly revised and up- FORGOTTEN Adam Nowak has UNBOWED: by Stephen dated edition of HOLOCAUST: been dropped Poland’ and Poles Szabados the author’s clas- The Poles into Poland by in the Second $14.95 sic 1987 book, Under German British intelli- World War by 128 pp., pb. The Polish Way: A Thousand-Year History Occupation, gence as an assassin and Resistance Halik Kochanska. This is a “must of the Poles and their Culture, which has 1939-45. Third fi ghter. During the Warsaw Uprising $35.00 have” book to been out of print since 2001. No na- edition he meets Natalia, a covert operative Harvard Univ. fi nd your European ancestors. The au- tion’s history has been so distorted as $19.95 who has lost everything. Amid the Al- Press hc., 784 thor uses his experience to help you that of Poland. “..excellent and authori- 358 pp. pb. lied power struggle left by Germany’s pp.; 6.125 x identify the available resources that tative” ... “fresh, diff erent, and brilliantly Hippocrene defeat, Adam and Natalia join in a des- 9.25 inches. 32 you can use to fi nd your own ances- readable” Books. perate hunt for the 1940 Soviet order halftones, 8 maps tors. The book includes many sample Forgotten Holocaust has become authorizing the murders of 20,000 Pol- Halik Kochanski tells, for the fi rst documents, current websites and POLISH a classic of World War II literature. As ish army offi cers and civilians. time, the story of Poland’s war in its books that will be useful for your ge- CUSTOMS, Norman Davies noted, “Dr. Richard Lu- entirety, a story that captures both the nealogical search. Even if you are not a TRADITIONS & kas has rendered a valuable service, by BY WAY OF diversity and the depth of the lives of beginner, this book will give you help- FOLKLORE showing that no one can properly ana- HISTORY: those who endured its horrors. Most ful tips that may be the one you need $16.95 lyze the fate of one ethnic community A Soldier’s histories of the European war focus on to locate that missing relative. by Sophie in occupied Poland without referring Passage from the Allies’ determination to liberate the Hodorowicz to the fates of others. In this sense, The Peace to War, continent from the fascist onslaught. POLISH Knab Forgotten Holocaust is a powerful cor- Glory to Despair Yet the “good war” looks quite diff er- GENEALOGY: 340 pp., pb. rective.” The third edition includes a by Lt. Col. J. ent when viewed from Lodz or Krakow Four Easy Steps Hippocrene new preface by the author, a new fore- Bokota, tr. by than from London or Washington, D.C. to Sucess Books word by Norman Davies, a short his- Stan Bokota The Eagle Unbowed provides in a single by Stephen Polish Cus- tory of ZEGOTA, the underground gov- $13.95, 174 pp. volume the fi rst truly comprehensive Szabados toms, Traditions, & Folklore is organized ernment organization working to save Spiral bound, pb. account of one of the most harrowing $19.95 by month, beginning with December the Jews, and an annotated listing of An eyewitness account of World periods in modern history. 164 pp., pb. and Advent, St. Nicholas Day, the Wi- many Poles executed by the Germans War I and World War II events, last cav- This book is gilia (Christmas Eve) nativity plays, car- for trying to shelter and save Jews. alry charges and the defeat of the Red TREASURED designed to give oling and the New Year celebrations. It Horse Army at Komarow in 1920, the POLISH SONGS the researcher the tools needed to re- proceeds from the Shrovetide period NIGHT OF battle of Bzura and Warszawa in 1939; WITH ENGLISH search their Polish ancestors and fi nd to Ash Wednesday, Lent, the celebra- FLAMES: the AK struggles, fi nally description TRANSLATIONS possible answers to the origins of their tion of spring, Holy Week customs and A Novel of of the moral and physical destruction $24.95 Polish heritage. The book outlines a superstitions, beliefs and rituals associ- World War Two of Poland by the Soviet regime in the 350 pp., hc simple process that will identify where ated with farming, Pentecost, Corpus by Douglas W. years 1945-70. The events so well de- Polonie Publ. your ancestors were born and where Christi, midsummer celebrations, har- Jacobson scribed, although interesting, are not A magnifi cent to fi nd their Polish records. Traditional vest festivities, wedding rites, name- $16.95 as fascinating as the man himself, who collec tion of Pol- sources are covered but it also discuss- day celebrations, and birth and death 384 pp. pb., comes through in these recollections. ish songs with es many new sources for Polish records rituals. Line illustrations enhance this McBooks Press musical scores for voice and piano ac- that have been implemented by ge- rich and varied treasury of folklore. In 1939 the FOR LIBERTY companiment. Included are folk songs, nealogy societies in Poland. The book Germans in vade AND JUSTICE: lullabies, religious, art songs and bal- covers the most up-to-date collection BOCHEK IN Poland, setting A Biography lads, solo and quartet arrangements of sources for Polish genealogy. POLAND off a rising storm of violence and de- of Brig. Gen. and more. Enhanced with colorful MORE BOOKS ON-LINE AT $11.95 struction. For Anna, an assistant pro- Wlodzimierz B. Werten illustra tions, the book features polamjournal.com 54 pp., Polonie fessor at a university in Krakow; and Krzyzanowski, Publishing Jan an offi cer in the Pol ish cavalry, 1824-1887 A First Prize the loss is unimaginable. Separated $29.95 ORDER Send to: POL-AM JOURNAL winner in a lit- by war, they must fi nd their own way by James Pula. P.O. BOX 271 erary contest in a world where everything they ever 335 pp. plus FORM NORTH BOSTON, NY 14110 sponsored by the knew is gone. introduction. American Coun- 112 illustrations, hc. 1978, 2010 ITEM / TITLE PRICE QNTY. TOTAL

JAMES MARTIN TRILOGY PACKAGE

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AMERICAN POLONIA AT A GLANCE Embassy Celebrates CALIFORNIA ancestors footsteps, visit family deductible donations). SAN FRANCISCO — Novem- churches, see local sites and perhaps For more information, write to 95th Independence Day ber 2013 marked the 150th anniver- meet with relatives. Barbara Alex Aleksandrowicz, P.O. sary of the founding of The Polish Highlights of the trip include Box 3163, Wallington, NJ 07057; e- Society of California. The occasion visits and tours, led by local tour mail [email protected]. was marked by a grand celebration guides, to: the Wieliczka Salt Mine, CAMDEN — Sun., Jan. 5. St. at the Fairmont Hotel in San Fran- Wawel (the Royal Castle), Krakow Joseph Church Wafer Luncheon at cisco, a venue chosen in part be- Old Town, Auschwitz and Birke- the Royal Cracovia Restaurant, 510 cause that was where the fi rst meet- nau, Wadowice (former home to S. White Horse Pike, Magnolia, N.J. ing of the United Nations took place Pope John Paul II), the Museum- 12:30 p.m. Info/Reservations call in 1945. Poland had not been invited Schindler Factory, the Underground Pat (856) 310-1783. World of Krakow’s Past, the former to participate, an irony not unno- PENNSYLVANIA ticed by at least one distinguished Jewish District—Kazimierz, and guest who, as will be revealed be- much more. While most of the time PHILADELPHIA — Everyone low, ensured that Poland would not will be spent in Krakow, an over- is invited to attend the annual trib- be entirely forgotten. night of the beautiful artist town of ute ceremony honoring American But this year, the event was not Zakopane has been planned with Revolutionary War hero and free- a meeting but a celebration aptly special events included. dom fi ghter for Poland, General titled “From Pioneers to Silicon Val- The tour will be fully escorted by: Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Sat., Feb. ley,” providing perfect bookends for Ceil Wendt Jensen, certifi ed gene- 1, 2014 at noon. the multi-volume history of Poles alogist and director, Polonia Ameri- The event. sponsored by the ORDERS OF MERIT AWARDED. The highlight of Poland’s inde- in California. Those fi rst pioneers cana Research Institute (PARI), the Polish American Congress Eastern pendence celebration occurred when varying degrees of the Order were talented and exciting people: Polish Mission’s genealogy center; Pennsylvania District, will be held of Merit of the Republic of Poland were bestowed by Ambassador writers, cartographers, physicians, Carole Schaffer, founder and CEO at the Kosciuszko House, 3rd & Ryszard Schnepf upon the three honorees pictured above, from left: lawyers, engineers, businessmen of the Global Alliance of Travelers Pine Streets in historic Philadelphia. U.S. Congressman John Dingell – “The Commander’s Cross,” bestower and, of course, the celebrated ac- Seeking European Ancestry (GAT- A luncheon will follow the cer- Ambassador Schnepf, Multicultural Media Executive Walter Kotaba – tress, Helena Modjeska. SEA); and local, English-speaking emony at the Polish American Cul- “The Offi cer’s Cross,” Director and Conductor of the National Philhar- For more on the Poles who found tour escort. tural Center Museum. monic Orchestra Piotr Gajewski – “The Knight’s Cross.” their way to California, go to www. For further information, please For additional information or pgsa.org and look for this article contact Carole Schaffer at carole@ luncheon reservations call: Polish WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over Zachariasiewicz, the spry 102 on the Home Page under “Did You gatsea.com. American Congress at (215) 739- 250 guests attended the annual years-old living legend of both Know?” Deposits must be received by 3408 or call the Polish American proclaiming of Poland’s Inde- Poland and Polonia, was duly rec- —Cosmopolitan Review January 31, 2014. Cultural Center, Mon.-Fri., 9:00 pendence Day, observed Novem- ognized and appreciated to the au- NEW JERSEY a.m.-5:00 p.m. at (215) 922-1700. ber 15, 2013, at the Embassy of dience, with the favor being grate- This year marks the 268th Anni- the Republic of Poland under the fully returned by him. MICHIGAN WALLINGTON, N.J. — The versary of Kosciuszko’s birth. auspices of Ambassador Ryszard Congressman Dingell, the lon- The Polish Mission, contribu- Polish American Poets Academy PHILADELPHIA — Sun., Jan. Schnepf. The attendees comprised gest serving member of the U.S. tors to the PBS show “Genealogy has announced its latest contest, this 12. Polski Uniwersytet Ludowy a broad cross section of offi cial- Congress, spoke on behalf the Or- Roadshow” is pleased to announce one for a poem dedicated to Blessed Lecture in the Polish Language, Washington, diplomats, interna- der of Merit honorees. As a very a “Return to Your Polish Roots John Paul II. Associated Polish Home, 9150 tional military corps, luminaries proud son of Polonia, he remem- Tour” to Krakow and Zakopane. The Academy was founded in Academy Road, Northeast Phila- and Polonia. And it must be noted bered at length — with examples The tour will allow travelers to June, 2003. Its mission is to support delphia, 3:00 p.m. Speaker: Dr. that everyone partook of the Pol- and vignettes — the courage, focus on the many historical and Polish American poets at all stages ish/European buffets and deserts strength and perseverance of Po- unique sites found in the Krakow of their careers and to foster the ap- Krystyna Berger, sociology expert. Topic: “Assertiveness, the benefi ts created by Chef Andrzej Bielak land: The spirit of its people never and Zakopane area. In addition, one preciation of poetry. after the ceremonies. wavered during the very dark days day will be devoted to visiting the In 2005 the Academy was named of its control in relationships with others.” Info call (215) 624-9954. Remembering the resurrection of World War II or later under National Archives. Here, an oppor- John Paul II Polish American Po- of Poland on November 11, 1918 onerous communist domination. tunity for personal research with as- ets Academy in honor of the Holy All are invited to attend. Free. READING — Sun., Jan. 5. Pol- at the end of World War I, Ambas- But in the end the home-grown sistance from local researchers will Father John Paul II, who was an sador Schnepf stressed during his Solidarity movement triumphed ish American Heritage Associa- be available. Also, a day has been honorary member of the Academy. extensive patriotic remarks and over all, and Poland made its self tion of Berks County Installation set aside for travelers to visit their Located in Wallington, New Jersey, historical references that “the an- a free nation once again. Dinner, Mountain Springs Restau- near village or town where they will it is a literary and educational insti- niversary of Poland’s Indepen- The fi nale of the offi cial pro- rant, 2619 Hill Road. 1:00 p.m. For have the opportunity to walk in their tution with 501 (c) (3) status (tax- dence Day should be a celebratory gram was the audience participat- info call Marilyn (610) 779-5523. occasion, a manifestation of a na- ing in the enthusiastic singing of PHILADELPHIA — Sat., Feb. tional sense of pride and our mu- “My, Pierwsza Brygada” (‘March 8. Polish Police Association of PAJ SUBSCRIPTION FORM tual accomplishments as a nation.” of the First Brigade’) – the iconic Philadelphia Annual Founder’s The ambassador also said this Polish Army song – led by Ambas- Day Banquet. King’s Caterers II, NEW SUBSCRIBER RENEWAL ADDRESS was a good year for Polish-Amer- sador Schnepf himself from the Fill out form. If Please include CHANGE 4010 New Falls Road, Bristol, Pa. ican relations, and cataloged sev- podium. gift subscription, address label Enter new address 6:00 p.m. to midnight. Continuous eral high level bilateral diplomatic “And I anticipate that this song please fi ll out address from paper below. Please include music, cocktail hour, surf and turf exchanges that occurred. In con- will become an annual tradition on of recipient. address label from sit-down dinner and a six-hour open cluding his remarks, the esteemed this day here at our embassy,” he KEEP OUR POLISH HERITAGE ALIVE! paper. bar. Info call Edward McCloskey and highly decorated Wladyslaw said. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PAJ TODAY! (215) 425-4783. 1 YEAR—$22.00 PAYMENT ENCLOSED 2 YEARS—$41.00 PLEASE BILL ME Your subscription will not 3 YEARS—$57.00 begin until your check clears. Another Year, Another Wonderful Polonaise Ball CHARGE TO MY: VISA AMEX PHILADELPHIA — The Polish Heritage Society facy Obst, “The Medal for Long Marital Life,” and to FOREIGN and MASTERCARD DISCOVER of Philadelphia held its annual Polonaise Ball and Joseph Zazyczny, “The Order of Merit of the Republic CANADIAN RATES: Awards Presentations at the Torresdale-Frankford of Poland.” A truly memorable evening, which was See prices printed CARD NO. on page 2. For library, Country Club in Northeast Philadelphia, Nov. 16, cherished by all in attendance and particularly family institution, and bulk 2013. and friends of the honorees. rates, please call EXP. DATE CS CODE The evening was The PKM Danc- 1 (800) 422-1275 enjoyed by over 100 ers entertained, in- guests. cluding a special NAME Marie Hejnosz, dance with audience PHS president, greet- participation to the ed everyone as they Polonaise. NO. STREET APT. NO. arrived. In the Presi- Music was also dent’s Room cocktails provided by the CITY, STATE, ZIP and hor d’oeuvres Dennis Ostopowicz were served. Violin- Band. The dance DIGITAL EDITION. To receive the PAJ as an Adobe PDF fi le, please initial here ______. ist Alice Marie Quirk fl oor was full of a Print your e-mail address below. This replaces your print edition. entertained during the happy crowd. E-MAIL ADDRESS cocktail hour. The evening Brother Michael concluded with an McGinniss, president auction, made up of MOVING? Please note the Post Offi ce will NOT FORWARD of LaSalle University wonderful gifts do- SECOND-CLASS MAIL. If you move, you must notify our offi ce. offered the invoca- nated by members, THREE EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE! tion. After dinner was Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia Annual Polonaise Ball friends and support- served, Edward Tur- and Awards Banquet. (l. to r.): Peter Obst, director; Marie ers. MAIL TO: PAJ SUBSCRIPTION DEPARTMENT zanski, VP & Profes- Hejnosz, president of Polish Heritage Society; and Edward Credit for the suc- P.O. BOX 198, BOWMANSVILLE, NY 14026-0198 sor at LaSalle Univer- Turzanski, award honoree. cessful event was sity — a well known given the Polonaise CALL: 1 (800) 422-1275 or (716) 312-8088 M-F 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. EST leader in the Polonia community — was presented the Ball Committee —Irene Musman, Jim Malinowski, Achievement Award. and Jean Joka; the Executive Board, and members. ON LINE: www.polamjournal.com A representative from the Polish Consulate in New All proceeds from the Ball benefi t the Polish Heri- SECURE SERVER (Amex, Disc., MC, Visa, and PayPal) York, Mateusz Stasiek, bestowed to Mr. & Mrs. Boni- tage Society of Philadelphia Scholarship Fund.