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ESTABLISHED 1911 www.polamjournal.com JAN KIEPURA, JOURNAL THE KING OF THE TENORS DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION AND CONTINUANCE OF POLISH AMERICAN CULTURE PAGE 5 THE CASE AGAINST THE POLISH JOKE • A CALL TO RECOGNIZE LT. COL. MATT URBAN’S GRAVESITE PAHA RECOGNIZES POLONIA’S FINEST • CHICAGO’S POLISH TRIANGLE • THE MYSTERY OF DWÓR CZARNE BRINGING POLISH CULTURE TO AMERICA’S TEACHERS • THE LEAN FARE OF OLD LENT • POLAND’S TRAIL OF TEARS Piast Institute Soaring to New Heights Pianist NEWSMARK Launches New Rafał Blechacz PAC TO OBSERVE JUBILEE. The Polish American Con‑ gress (PAC) will observe its 70th Anniversary with a jubi‑ Polonia Wins $300,000 lee, Fri., May 30, 2014 in Buffalo, N.Y., the city where it Communication Gilmore Award was founded seven decades earlier. KALAMAZOO, Mich. Since its inception, the mission of the Polish American Platform — The Polish pianist Rafał Congress has included goals for bettering the social, eco‑ HAMTRAMCK, Mich. Blechacz has won the nomic, and civic position of the Polish American commu‑ – The Piast Institute has $300,000 Gilmore Artist nity, especially relating to its increased civic and political launched its new Polish Award, a piano competition engagement on all levels of American society. American Communications so secretive that the contes‑ Today’s PAC is comprised of twenty national organiza‑ Initiative (PACI) as it seeks to tants aren’t even aware that tions, more than 300 local Polish American groups/asso‑ expand its mission of service they are in the running. ciations, and thousands of members organized in 28 state to Polonia. The 28‑year‑old Blechacz, divisions in 19 states. Piast was founded more who has performed widely than ten years ago to provide throughout Europe and Japan, WALESA: OBAMA FAILED. Former Polish president Polish American organiza‑ is the seventh recipient of the Lech Walesa said President Barack Obama has failed to tions and institutions with the Gilmore prize, which is given reclaim his country’s “moral leadership” of the world. research, surveys, informa‑ out every four years. He will “When he was elected there was great hope in the tion, and tools they needed to receive $50,000 in cash and world,” Walesa told CNN. “We were hoping that Obama succeed in their own missions $250,000 over the next four would reclaim moral leadership for America, but that of service. In the process, the years in support of his musi‑ failed,” he said. Institute has always sought cal and career goals. “America does not lead the world in the area of moral‑ to employ new social media Unlike most piano compe‑ ity. In terms of the military, yes, no question about it. Eco‑ and electronic venues that titions, Blechacz never knew nomically, it is getting weaker. But in terms of politics and modern technology has made he was a candidate for the morality, America no longer leads the world. available to them. A key proj‑ award or that he was being The former Solidarity leader has shown little enthusi‑ ect to inform and empower critiqued by a panel of judges asm for Obama, turning down an opportunity to meet the our people and help them to MAZOWSZE — the National Song and Dance Ensemble of who traveled anonymously to him when he visited Warsaw in May 2011. Walesa met tell our story is the Polish Poland — has announced plans for a North American tour hear him under actual concert Republican candidate Mitt Romney on his tour of Europe American Communication this Fall. The famed group’s popularity is on the upswing. It conditions. Funded through in the summer of 2013. Last November, the former Polish Initiative (PACI) developed has four new recordings, sang at Midnight Mass at the Vati- the $100 million estate of the president declared his outright support for Romney, saying in 2013 with the assistance of can, and performed for a young audience of over 300,000 at late department store mag‑ that the Republican’s “moral and economic values” would the Congressional Quarterly Poland’s Woodstock Festival this past summer. Story on page 7. See “Blechacz,” page 4 be “good for America.” (Radio Polskie). See “PACI,” page 4 INQUIRY FINDS NO EVIDENCE TO FOUL PLAY. A Polonian Scholars Recognized fi ve‑year investigation into the death of Polish World War The Volhynia Massacres II leader General Wladyslaw Sikorski (inset) has found no With Awards in Washington A CONVERSATION WITH evidence to support conspiracy theo‑ ries that he was murdered. WASHINGTON, D.C. On Poland, concerts, fi lm show‑ DR. JOANNA WIELICZKA-SZARKOWA Friday evening, January 3rd, ings, Biesiada, Wigilia, In‑ The investigation, which was car‑ 2013 marked the 70th an- azdy. Zbrodnie sowieckie ried out by the state‑backed Institute 2014, at the Embassy of the stallation Luncheon, and art Republic of Poland, the annu‑ exhibits. Furthermore, every niversary of the Volhynia na Polakach, 1917‑1956 [In of National Remembrance (IPN), ex‑ Massacres, a series of killings the Shadow of the Red Star: plored the circumstances of Sikorski’s al Polish American Historical year PAC awards one or two Association (PAHA) Awards students with the PAC Schol‑ by the Organization of Ukrai- Soviet Crimes against Poles, doomed fl ight from Gibraltar to Lon‑ nian Nationalists (OUN) and 1917‑1956]. She spoke with don on July 4, 1943. IPN has found Ceremony took place. arship. PAC is also devoted The Awards Reception to preservation of the murals Ukrainian Insurgent Army the Polish American Journal no proof that Poland’s wartime prime (UPA) in Poland’s east- about the “forgotten” Vol- minister was either murdered prior to the fl ight, or that the was hosted by Minister‑ by sgraffi to artist, Jozef Sla‑ Counselor and Deputy Chief winski. For all the hard work ern provinces in the last hynia massacres: plane crash itself was caused by sabotage. two years of the Second IPN concluded that there is “no reasonable doubt” in the of Mission at the Embassy, that the club does to promote Maciej Pisarski. In his wel‑ Polish culture, PAHA de‑ World War, resulting In 2013, we ob- question of his boarding the plane alive. in more than 100,000 served the 70th an- In 2008, at the beginning of the investigation, Sikor‑ coming speech, he stressed cided to award PAC with this the importance of historical prominent award. This award deaths. The events niversary of the ski’s remains were exhumed, but no forensic evidence was largely remain un- massacre of Poles found to suggest he had been murdered prior to the fl ight. research on Polish‑American is very signifi cant because it subjects, reminded all present comes from a national and in‑ known, both in Po- in Volhynia. about important anniversaries ternational organization that land and abroad. It seems that HISTORIC BARRACKS RETURNED. Half of a historic Dr. Joanna Poles in Po- Auschwitz‑Birkenau barracks on loan to the United States in 2014 in regards to Poland, promotes research focused on and congratulated all award‑ Polish American history and Wieliczka-Szar- land know little has been returned to Poland after two decades and long kowa, a historian about those negotiations. ees. culture. PAHA was founded The Polish Arts Club of in 1942 as part of the Pol‑ and popular au- continued The building was one of the main items at the U.S. Ho‑ thor, has writ- locaust Museum in Washington, which wanted the lease Buffalo (PAC) received the ish Institute of Arts and Sci‑ on page 3 prestigious 2014 Skalny ences in America. In 1948 ten a number of extended. works on these Poland asked for it back after adopting new regulations Civic Achievement Award it became an autonomous in recognition of outstand‑ scholarly society. Accepting events, includ- in 2003 that limit the loan of all historical and art works to WIKIPEDIA PHOTO: ing contributions in promot‑ the award on behalf of the ing Wołyń we a maximum of fi ve years. That led to years of negotiations krwi 1943 between the museum and U.S. and Polish governments that ing Polish‑American com‑ Polish Arts Club of Buffalo munity and culture in the from PAHA president, Dr. [Bloody Vol‑ ended in October, when the Holocaust Museum agreed to hynia: 1943], return its portion of the barracks. United States. In May 2013 Thomas Napierkowski were: the PAC helped to organize Thomas Zawadzki (PAC and Czar‑ The barracks will undergo conservation and be joined na księga with its other half in Birkenau. The procedure may take up PAHA’s mid‑year meeting Treasurer), Danuta Nycz‑Na‑ in Buffalo and invited Pro‑ kamura (PAC Director), Fr. kresów [The to three years, according to Rafal Pioro, deputy director of Black Book Poland’s Memorial and Museum Auschwitz‑Birkenau. fessor James Pula to give a Matt Nycz (PAC Member), presentation entitled “Kos‑ and Tomasz Wdowik (PAC of the Kresy], Barracks No. 30 is the only surviving example of the and W cieniu wooden barracks built before September 1943 at the so‑ ciuszko’s Return to Ameri‑ Member). ca” at the monthly meeting. Several other awards were c z e r w o n e j called “family camp,” where the Germans brought Jews g w i ‑ from the Theresienstadt ghetto. It housed hospital wards Every year PAC organizes a presented that evening for THE BULLET-RIDDEN tower of the Podkamień Abbey, for women and children. (The Guardian). variety of events such as: pre‑ scholarship in various fi elds. sentations on topics related to See “PAHA,” page 3 stormed by UPA on March 12, 1944. 2 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014

ALMANAC VIEWPOINTS / Richard A. Pacer SPEAK UP

Follow us on Committee asks for Support Facebook or visit us The Case Against the Polish Joke on the internet at: in Designating Lt. Col. Matt polamjournal.com Beneficial changes in society ger put up with this kind of abuse. nocuous, although the person telling occur slowly, but they do occur. Women (and even some men) are to such jokes may look upon them as Urban’s Gravesite “Notable” February Q Luty Long‑term change is positive, but be commended for speaking out. Yet good‑natured ribbing and nothing Dear Fellow Americans, such change has its peaks and val‑ the effects of such discrimination more. The intention might be to The Matt Urban Memorial Com‑ Both are convinced leys, much like the stock market. still linger, and are only very slowly just “break the ice” by supposedly mittee asks for your support in get‑ that a sudden surge of emotion Thus slavery is no longer accept‑ dying out. Unfortunately, a “glass innocent humor. But again, like ting the name of Lieutenant Colo‑ bound them together. able, as it once was. Many countries ceiling” still exists. the misguided abusive treatment of Beautiful is such a certainty, nel Matt Urban added to the list of in Europe no longer invade one an‑ children in past years (but with the “notable grave sites” at Arlington but uncertainty other, as they did for thousands of YET, ONE SUCH TYPE of abuse best of intentions), the road to hell is is more beautiful. National Cemetery. The list is pro‑ — excerpt from “Love at First years, but have united in mutual still remains and is widely propa‑ paved with good intentions. vided to Arlington visitors so they Sight,” by Wislawa Szymborska defense (NATO) and economy (Eu‑ gated. I’m referring to the Polish may easily locate the gravesite of ropean Union). Years ago, physical joke. Such humor is not innocent. It SOME PEOPLE OF POLISH heri‑ this American Hero and learn about 1 1411. Signing of the First Peace and verbal abuse was commonly is a form of bigotry which results, tage will actually laugh at Polish his remarkable combat service for of Thorn (Toruń) concludes the used in disciplining children, but in most cases, in anger, depression, jokes. They are in denial, much like our country. Polish-Lithuanian-Teutonic War now Society knows that such meth‑ and anguish. We know, for example, the person with chest pains refusing LTC Matt Urban, a recipient of 1733. Death of August II the ods are wrong. (Discipline is still that when children are told that they to believe he could possibly be hav‑ the Medal of Honor, is recognized Strong as important as ever, but it need not are stupid or that they won’t amount ing a heart attack. They may pretend at Arlington as “the World War II 2 CANDLEMAS be abusive.) Society does learn and to much, this verbal abuse truly has that they are totally unaffected by (Święto Matki Boskiej Grom- infantry officer who has earned the does make progress, albeit slowly. a debilitating effect. Obviously, such jokes. They will never admit distinction of being the most deco‑ nicznej), the day all the candles Ethnic, racist, and sexist humor when children of Polish heritage are that such jokes have affected their needed by a parish for the rest rated combat soldier of World War of the year as well as those for is gradually coming to be viewed by bombarded by Polish jokes, it can‑ spirit or sense of well‑being. They II.” An Arlington Committee is cur‑ home liturgical use are blessed the more intelligent segment of soci‑ not help but have negative conse‑ may even go so far as to tell such rently in the process of revising their at church. Officially known as ety as simply wrong. In most cases, quences. jokes themselves. This is sad. list of “notable” graves, so now is an the Feast of the Presentation of such humor is yet another form of At this point the reader may pro‑ Society changes slowly and opportune time to accomplish this the Lord, it marks the end of the abuse. Why is such humor wrong? test, “But I would never tell such moves, in the long run, in a posi‑ mission. LTC Matt Urban is high on Christmas season for another Decisions made about whom to jokes to children.” Granted, but the tive direction. But it can be prod‑ the Committee’s list to be added so year. hire, or promote, or strongly en‑ perpetrator is your timely support is very impor‑ Gdy s³once œwieci jasno na courage, are based on more than helping to dis‑ DECADES OF “POLISH JOKES,” deemed “harm‑ tant and very much appreciated. Gromnicê, to przyjd¹ wiêksze just academic credentials and ex‑ seminate such less,” have created a culture that makes such degrad‑ Please help by sending an email mrozy, œnie¿yce. perience. There is always an intan‑ jokes among ing humor acceptable. Sadly, it takes a toll on the self If sun shines on Candlemas or letter of support to the History gible element which plays a major the population esteem of its victims, sometimes tragically. Office at Arlington National Ceme‑ more frost and To wit: Bart Palosz, the 15-year-old Connecticut snow will this way pass. role. Part of that element is rooted in at large. Cer‑ tery. Their staff will confirm receipt 3 1899. Death of painter Juliusz a general impression, often subcon‑ tainly, children boy who shot and killed himself last August after years of your email, consolidate them Kossak (b. 1824). sciously arrived at, of that person are bound to of being harassed. Palosz, a Polish immigrant, was the with similar emails of support and 4 1745. Birth of Polish and Ameri- simply based on that person’s sex, hear or over‑ target of bullies due to his size (the teen was 6 feet, 3 then forward them to the committee can patriot, freedom fighter and race, or ethnic heritage. How is this hear such inches tall) and Polish accent. which is reviewing all candidates military engineer Thaddeus impression nurtured? Humor, which jokes. Either for the “notable graves list.” There Kosciuszko. may portray the members of a group the people who tell such jokes are ded along by peaceful, nonviolent are three options for contacting the 6 ST. DOROTHY by means of a negative stereotype, ignorant or they have no regard for means. History Office at Arlington National 8 1807. At Iława (Eylau), Poland, unfortunately still plays a role and the consequences of their actions. Do your part to help the process Cemetery. Napoleon’s Marshal Pierre has a crippling effect. How can otherwise decent and intel‑ along. Oppose bigotry wherever it OPTION 1. Log on to www.mat‑ Agureau attacked Russian forc- Here’s an example to consider. ligent people, who tell Polish jokes, exists. Educate the public about the es led by Alexsandr Suvorov, in turbanmemorialcommittee.us/, and a heavy snowstorm. Napoleon’s “Equal pay for equal work” has not realize that they are attacking harmful effects of Polish jokes, and send your comments as an e-mail forces ran low on supplies and long been regarded as a desirable the spirit of an entire group of peo‑ all jokes which portray any group of directly to the History Office at Ar‑ ate their horses. ple? If they do people by means of a negative ste‑ lington National Cemetery. A sug‑ 10 1925. Poland make an accord ABC’S JIMMY KIMMEL introduced a series of Pol‑ realize this, reotype. gested message, which can be modi‑ with the Vatican and the arch- ish jokes on his “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show, and ex‑ how can they fied or personalized, is included. diocese of Vilnius was revived pressed his desire to continue them on future shows. possibly be so DIGITAL DEFAMATION. Am‑ This page will also allow OP- as one of five Polish dioceses. Frank Milewski of the Polish American Congress’ cruel? A lie, azon.com is selling a 1970s-era TION 2, a direct e-mail contact to 11 1945. Yalta Conference. Soviets Anti-Bigotry Committee said he brought this to atten‑ when repeated Polish joke book, both from its the History Office at Arlington Na‑ receive Poland’s Eastern lands. tion of Anne Sweeney, president of the Disney-ABC widely, comes tional Cemetery. 12 1867. Death of George Sokolos- used book section and now mak‑ Television Group, “since we are of the opinion ABC to be accepted ing it available for Kindle read‑ OPTION 3. Letters may be sent ki, first Polish American gradu- by a certain ate of West Point Academy and has not authorized him to set broadcast standards for ers. Larry Wilde’s “The Official to: Historian — ANC Operations segment of the Civil War veteran. your organization.” Polish Jokebook,” first published Arlington National Cemetery Ar‑ 14 ST. VALENTINE Joining Kimmel in a recent swell of Polish jokes population as in 1974, has been re-issued in lington VA, 22211 Valentine’s Day. Walentynki or are NBC’s Seth Meyers and comedian Amy Poehler. true. When the digital format. There will be a commemoration Dzień Świętego Walentego. message is pre‑ For those of you not familiar ceremony for LTC Matt Urban at 1918. Warsaw demonstrators goal for society. Yet when all of the sented in the form of a joke, it still with Wilde (nee Herman Wild‑ 9:30 a.m. near his grave in section protest the transfer of Polish ter- usual factors (academic credentials, has an impact, and some people will man), he is the author of 53 7A of Arlington Cemetery on Aug. ritory to the Ukraine. years of experience, and so forth) believe this message is true. books of “humor,” including a 23, 2014. Your attendance is wel‑ 15 1903. Death of Fr. Jozef Dab- are taken into consideration, women Unfortunately, a few people of number of “official” joke books come. Please share this information rowski, founder of the Orchard still earn less, on the average, than Polish heritage are partly to blame taking shots at doctors, lawyers, with your friends and colleagues for Lake Schools. (b. 1842). men. Why? One of the reasons for for the present state of affairs. They 16 1952. Death of Felix Witkowski, politicians, gays, Italians, Irish, their consideration of support. this lies in the negative stereotypes need to speak out whenever they en‑ and even his those of his own Urban Memorial Committee last Polish American veteran of about women which were propagat‑ counter the abuse of a Polish joke, the Confederacy. Jewish faith. Major Gen. (ret) Marvin G. Back 17 1919. Germany signed an armi- ed in years past by means of cruel and follow the lead of other groups We ask Amazon.com custom‑ Co-chairman stice giving up territory in Po- jokes, jokes in which women were who, by speaking out or working ers to express their disgust with Colonel (ret) Chester Szczotka land. presented (all in supposedly good with anti‑defamation organizations, the renewal of this offensive hu‑ Co-chairman 18 1386. Marriage of Polish Queen fun, mind you!) as inferior to men. have been more effective at combat‑ mor. Washington, D.C. Jadwiga d’Anjou to Wladyslaw Thank goodness women no lon‑ ing abuse. Polish jokes are not in‑ Jagiello of Lithuania. 19 1473. Birth of astronomer Nich- SUBSCRIPTIONS olas Copernicus (Mikolaj Koper- POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL nik) in Torun, Poland. Dedicated to the Promotion and Continuance of Polish American Culture • Established 1911 UNITED STATES 20 1922. Vilnius, Lithuania, agreed Regular First to separate from Poland. USPS 437-220 / ISSN 0032-2792 IGNATIUS HAJDUK • Founder 1911-1920 Dvornicky, Anthony Guyda, C. Kanabrodzki, Mail Class 21 1941. Nazis order that Polish JOHN DENDE • Publisher 1920-1944 Henry J. Kensicki, Jerry Mazuchowski, Walter 1-year $22.00 $35.00 Jews are barred from using 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, public transportation. Editor in Chief Mark A. 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There is no charge will be mailed on or before for transferring remaining subscription balances February 28. TOLL-FREE SUBSCRIPTION LINE 1 (800) 422-1275 to new or existing accounts. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 3 PAHA Recognizes Polonia’s Finest Chesapeake Polish Settlement Gets Marker CHESAPEAKE, Virg. — Sur‑ with the Tidewater office of the Vir‑ rounded by farms, gardens and ginia Department of Historic Re‑ proud residents, a state historical sources, helped with an appeal. marker acknowledging Virginia’s She found that the Polish Em‑ first long-term Polish settlement bassy in Washington sent a telegram was unveiled Dec. 21, 2013. congratulating Sunray on the 25th Residents of the Sunray enclave anniversary of the colony. A similar in the Bowers Hill area celebrated Polish colony founded in Spotsylva‑ with speeches before Mayor Alan nia County lasted just a few years, Krasnoff helped pull the cover‑ she said. In 1944, the Polish Catho‑ ing off the marker. The Rev. Da‑ lic church did a census of dead and vid Cupps of St. Mary’s Catholic wounded soldiers, and Sunray at Church blessed the marker, and the Bowers Hill was the only communi‑ community celebrated with food at ty listed in Virginia. Those pieces of the parish hall. history were among reasons Sunray “This didn’t happen by itself. now has a historical marker. This took a lot of work,” said Gary State Delegate Lionell Spruill Szymanski, the president of the Sr. and Victor Pickett of the Chesa‑ Sunray Farmers Association. peake Historic Preservation Com‑ Most in the community of sev‑ THE POLISH ARTS CLUB OF BUFFALO (PAC) received the prestigious 2014 Skalny Civic Achievement mission also spoke at the ceremony. Award. Pictured above are members (l. to r.): Tomasz Wdowik, Thomas Zawadzki (PACB Treasurer), Dr. Thomas eral hundred people are descendents of Polish immigrants who began ar‑ The marker “helps solidify the Napierkowski (PAHA President), Danuta Nycz-Nakamura (PACB Director), and Fr. Matt Nycz. riving in the early 1900s after seeing togetherness of this community and continued from cover America.” The Amicus Poloniae given to Marta Cieslak (University newspaper advertisements in New how we’ve stuck together all these PAHA presented the Skalny Civ‑ was given to Peter Hetherington, at Buffalo, Transnational Studies York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, years,” said John Skrobiszewski ic Achievement Award to the presi‑ a geologist and author of “Unvan‑ Department) for her paper “Cross‑ Mississippi and Tennessee. They “We’re a proud little community.” dent of the Jan Karski Foundation, quished,” a book about Joseph Pil‑ ing the Boundaries of Modernity: settled and built farms in what was Skrobiszewski, a retired dean at and Wanda Urbanska for promoting sudski. The Haiman Award was giv‑ The Transatlantic Journey of Polish then Norfolk County. Tidewater Community College, is legacy of Jan Karski (Polish World en for sustained scholarly effort in Peasants to the United States” and The marker is located at 621 an ancestor of a Sunray colonist. His War II resistance movement fighter the field of Polish American Studies to Piotr Derengowski (University Homestead Road, across from an grandfather, Jan Zawada, moved to and later professor at Georgetown to Dr. Dominic Pacyga. The annual of Gdansk, Poland, History Depart‑ old schoolhouse, which was built in the community from Pennsylvania’s University). Other awards presented Swastek Prize was presented to Dr. ment) for “Capt. Alexander Rasze‑ 1920 and is now used for ceramics Lehigh Valley around 1910 after that evening were: Halecki Prize Anna Mazurkiewicz for the best ar‑ wski’s Polish Legion and Other classes. seeing a newspaper ad. His grand‑ was given to Dr. Beth Holmgren ticle appearing in the Polish Ameri‑ Less Known Polish Troops in the State officials initially rejected a father helped lead Sunday prayers for her book “Starring Madame can Studies. Two Graduate Stu‑ Union Army During the American request for a highway marker. Pam before the first church was built. Modjeska: On Tour in Poland and dent Research Paper Awards were Civil War.” Schenian, an architectural historian — The Virginian-Pilot The Volhynia Massacres: A Conversation with Dr. Joanna Wieliczka-Szarkowa continued from cover whom we have a bigger common appears the statement: “We know events, and Poles in North America What has been the position of problem vis-à-vis Russia. What is that a Christian evaluation of the nothing. Can you tell us what the Polish governments, past and pres- your position? Volhynia crimes demands of us un‑ Volhynia massacres were? ent, on this matter? Crimes must be condemned in equivocal condemnation and a re‑ In February 1943, Ukrainian na‑ It was only in 2003, on the eve the name of truth, because “recon‑ quest for pardon for them. We judge tionalists in Volhynia began mass of the 60th anniversary of the Vol‑ ciliation” built on lies is meaning‑ that neither force nor ethnic cleans‑ murders of the local Polish popula‑ hynia massacres, that future Prime less. It is our duty to restore the ing can be methods to resolve con‑ tion, which the Polish Underground Minister Jarosław Kaczyński memory of and honor all the victims flicts between neighboring peoples described in its reports as “slaugh‑ branded those events as “geno‑ of the massacres in the kresy. We or nations, nor do political, econom‑ ter.” Both the sheer scale as well cide.” At the same time, then-Polish should do what we can to find un‑ ic or religious reasons justify them. as their unimaginable cruelty led President Aleksander Kwaśniewski marked mass graves and to lay those We desire today to honor the inno‑ to the use of that term. That Ukrai‑ condemned OUN-UPA ideology remains in consecrated ground. cent victims of murder, to ask God’s nian genocide directed against Poles and the crimes committed under Both the Polish and German pardon for the crimes committed, presumed the rapid murder of every it. Likewise, in July 2003 the Pol‑ and to call on all—Ukrainians and one of our people, from the unborn ish and Ukrainian parliaments both Episcopates worked together after Poles living in Ukraine, Poland, or and infants through children, adults, adopted mutually agreed to declara‑ World War II to improve mutual wherever in the world—to a brave and the elderly. Whenever condi‑ tions in connection with the 60th an‑ relations, issuing their common opening of minds and hearts for mu‑ tions allowed, the killings were niversary of the Volhynia “tragedy” declaration “we forgive and ask always joined to barbaric tortures, (a compromise term that replaced forgiveness” in 1965. What are the tual pardon and reconciliation.” DR. JOANNA WIELICZKA-SZAR- ecclesiastical relations between such as: hacking by axe; piercing “genocide”). But just five years lat‑ There are those who say that the KOWA. “We should do what we can Poles and Ukrainians like on the by knives or pitchforks; dismem‑ er, in 2008, the Polish Sejm adopted policies of the interwar Polish gov- to find unmarked mass graves and Volhynia issue? berment; sawing apart; drawing and no resolution on the issue because— ernment towards its former Ukrai- to lay those remains in consecrated A joint pastoral letter of the Ro‑ quartering; being thrown into wells; as its then-Speaker (now Polish ground.” nian minority brought about the or being burned alive, together with President) Bronisław Komorowski man Catholic and Ukrainian Greek Catholic Churches was supposed to hatred which results in the Volhynia the village, to obliterate any trace of explained, a vigorous debate on the Peasants armed with axes, pitch‑ massacres. There is also discussion it. Ukrainian nationalists murdered subject could reflect negatively on forks, and knives formed so-called be appear on the 70th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” [a day of almost of responsibility towards Ukraini- about 60,000 people in Volhynia Polish-Ukrainian relations. In 2009, “self-defense” bands, helping the ans as a result of the resettlement and 70,000 in East Małopolska (the the Sejm unanimously adopted a 150 local massacres of people in UPA in its murders. Women and fre‑ of the Ukrainian population during Stanisławów, Tarnopol and Łwów resolution “regarding the tragic fate churches—ed.], which fell on July quently children took part in pillag‑ Operation Wisła. [Operation Wisła voivodeships) from 1943 to 1945. of Poles in the eastern kresy on the ing, arson, and killing the wounded. 11, 2013. In March 2013, however, 66th anniversary of the anti-Polish the Roman Catholic Archbishop of resulted through 1947 in the forced removal of Ukrainians from Po- We know these events took place. acts of mass murder—having the In your view, can we call the Łwów, Mieczysław Mokrzycki, told land’s new eastern border regions Why, in your opinion, is there such character of ethnic cleansing and of events of Volhynia “genocide?” the Polish bishops that the two bish‑ and their resettlement in northern a lack of knowledge about these genocide—undertaken by the Orga‑ The crimes of Ukrainian nation‑ ops’ conferences could not work out events, both in Poland and abroad? nization of Ukrainian Nationalists alists against Poles can be classified a common position. Almost on the and western Poland—ed.] What is The reason for this silence is, and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.” in international law, in accordance very eve of the 70th anniversary your opinion? in my view, the mistaken convic‑ In 2012, four Parliamentary parties with the 1948 UN Convention, as of the Volhynia crimes, a declara‑ In Western civilization there is tion of Poland’s leaders that, by (the PSL, SP, PiS, and SLD) intro‑ “genocide.” Article 2 of the Con‑ tion was signed by the bishops of neither idea nor value in the name of meeting the expectations of Ukrai‑ duced a bill to declare July 11 as the vention states that “genocide is the Ukrainian Greek Catholic, the which one can deprive innocent and nian nationalists and not “irritating” “Memorial Day for Martyrs of the any of the following acts commit‑ Roman Catholic, and the Ukrai‑ defenseless victims of life. Nothing Ukraine, they can assure good rela‑ Kresy” but the ruling Civic Plat‑ ted with intent to destroy, in whole nian Byzantine Churches, in which justifies those murders. tions with that country and prevent form did not want to call the Ukrai‑ or in part, a national, ethnical, ra‑ it from again becoming dependent nian crimes “genocide.” cial or religious group, as such: on Russia. The dominant opinion (a) Killing members of the group; MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE in eastern Ukraine is that the OUN Poles have always spoken—if (b) Causing serious bodily or men‑ PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S and UPA were fascist organiza‑ sometimes quietly—about Katyń. tal harm to members of the group; tions whose criminal deeds stained What similarities do you see be- (c) Deliberately inflicting on the ASSOCIATION, INC. them and makes them unworthy of tween the Katyń genocide and the group conditions of life calculated 155 Noble Street glorification. However, in western massacres in Volhynia? to bring about its physical destruc‑ Brooklyn, NY 11222 Ukraine—lands which once be‑ Both crimes were genocides. But tion in whole or in part; (d) Impos‑ longed to Poland—the OUN-UPA insofar as Katyń destroyed the coun‑ ing measures intended to prevent tradition was and remains strong (as try’s elite—military officers, offi‑ births within the group; (e) Forcibly The association is solely organized for educational and charitable it also does in Ukrainian émigré cir‑ cials, teachers, policemen, all grown transferring children of the group to purposes. The objectives of the association are: to promote Polish cles in North America). It is on that men (except for one woman, Janina another group.” culture and heritage, as well as the social and economic advance- that a national-state consciousness Lewandowska, a pilot)—in Volhyn‑ ment of its members; to foster patriotism, and to maintain high is being built, one that stresses that ia, Poles were murdered regardless There are those who say that standards of integrity and honor. UPA members were heroes fighting of age or sex. Katyń was perpetrated we should leave the past in peace: for Ukraine’s independence while, by NKVD functionaries on Stalin’s given current realities, when Poles at the same time, censoring the truth orders; in Volhynia, apart from UPA have no chance of returning to the For further information about MSCPWA or our Anthony about the OUN-UPA’s genocide of fighters, local Ukrainians—women kresy, such issues merely complicate and Josephine Chmura Scholarship, visit our website: the Poles. and children, too—also took part. our relations with Ukraine, with www.curiewomen.org 4 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 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 Rafał Blechacz PHOTO © FELIX BROEDE / DG THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE / Anna Swierczewska continued from cover nate, Irving S. Gilmore of Kal‑ amazoo, Mich., the Gilmore Com‑ petition operates silently, like the Diverging Paths on the Road to Acculturation McArthur Foundation or the Pulit‑ Editor’s Note: This series by teresting things she would come to I did not show it, longed to belong. zer Prize committee. Past Gilmore Anna Swierczewska, who came to know. I did not realize it then but The struggle came from wanting recipients include Kirill Gerstein the United States in 1983 as a polit- our diverging views regarding our desperately to belong to one cul‑ (2010), Ingrid Fliter (2006), Piotr ical refugee, describes the different new home, and life in general, were ture, but having to identify with Anderszewski (2002) and Leif Ove ways Anna and her twin sister came slowly starting to develop. another. This struggle caused me to Andsnes (1998). to terms with their Polish identities. From that difference in opinions wallow a bit in the ‘what if’ ques‑ The Polish-trained Blechacz and actions, as you will soon learn, tions. What if I had never come to was the winner of the 2005 Chopin PART II came the labels of optimist and pes‑ America? What if I went to college Competition in Warsaw in all five THE BEGINNING simist. My sister was the happy op‑ in Poland? What I learned is that, by categories and has had an increas‑ 1983 was the year that I first heard timist who looked forward to mak‑ living life through “what if” ques‑ ingly active touring career since. the English language. It was also ing new friends, while I was the tions, life ends up passing you by. His recordings for Deutsche Gram‑ the first time I saw a black person, a pessimist who longed for her fam‑ Having spent all my energy resist‑ mophon encompass much Chopin, BLECHACZ. Recordings for yellow taxi, and a woman with pink ily and old way of life. Where I saw ing my environment had done more along with Haydn and Beethoven Deutsche Grammophon in- hair (all on the same block). I was six fear of the unknown, she saw adven‑ harm than good. sonatas and a CD pairing of De‑ clude works by Chopin, Haydn, years old at the time and was about ture. These labels, despite fighting bussy’s Pour le piano with Szy‑ Beethoven, Debussy’s, and Szy- to learn just how different my new against them, have remained to this ADAPTATION. Our official Ameri‑ manowski’s Preludium. manowski. world would be from the one I had day. Despite this great difference in can education began at St. Luther‑ Blechacz is pursuing a Doctorate known. Growing up in communist our personalities, we have always an’s Catholic School. I will call this at Uniwersytet Mikolaja Kopernika. in philosophy with emphasis in aes‑ Poland, where many things were not been extremely close, and still re‑ the adaptation stage of my new cul‑ — Brian Wise thetics and the philosophy of music available, or allowed, I had learned main so to this day. We do share that tural identity. We were thrown into to appreciate my family and loved “weird” twin thing and know when first grade with only a few words of spending time with them. Everyday something is wrong, despite living English under our belt so we had to Polish American Communication Initiative activities were magical moments for 1400 miles away from one another. make do with a lot of pointing, ges‑ me: making pierogi with my grand‑ turing, and guessing – my father had continued from cover personal messages to members of mother, picking berries on her farm, NATURE VS. NURTURE. I have only taught me to count to 10 in our (CQ) to create a rapid alert, infor‑ Congress and the Senate and a ve‑ attending Sunday mass, and visiting often wondered if our different per‑ hotel room, which was the red light mation and response system. hicle for sending letters to nation‑ with friends. Little did I know that sonalities were the reason behind district of NYC at the time, and the PACI is the most important tool al, regional, and local newspapers those seemingly simple pleasures our diverging cultural identities, or place we called home for the first for developing political effective‑ • Data and analysis on key issues that so many of us take for granted were they simply personality traits six months of our life in the United ness and community building that assisted by the Congressional would soon be taken away from me. with no bearing on our allegiance States. I did not yet understand the has emerged in several decades. Quarterly My pierogi would be replaced with to the country It will allow Polish Americans to • A forum for national dialogue on McDonald’s, the countryside with we came from By having an open and positive attitude communicate with elected officials matters of community concern noisy streets of New York City, and or currently re‑ towards her new culture, my sister was and the general public knowledge‑ • The identification and definition friends…well, I had none. Eventu‑ sided in. Had I able to live the life that I could not. ably and on an almost instantaneous of issues of concern to the Polish ally, Sunday Mass would slowly be been more trust‑ basis. It will also help to establish a community replaced with work. ing and open to people, would I be basics of language acquisition, so strong base of advocates who can be To succeed we need people to Arriving in New York City was more willing to find out about their I learned to listen and imitate what mobilized rapidly on an issue. The join the PACI network, and to sup‑ unlike anything I had ever experi‑ culture and make friends? Or would I heard on the streets and in com‑ PACI advisory committee will draw port the project through participa‑ enced in my short and uneventful I still be homesick, simply with mercials. I still remember learning on political leaders from around the tion and donations, however small. life: large crowds, loud traffic, and more friends? Had my sister been my first American expression, ring- nation. This engagement and support will a language I could not speak or un‑ less adventurous and inquisitive, around-the-collar, from a TIDE give Polonia a new dynamic nation‑ derstand. It was all so different, so would she only vacation in Poland commercial. WHAT IS PACI? The Polish Ameri‑ al presence and help tell our story foreign. We were sponsored by a or would she simply travel less? From what my parents tell me, can Communication Initiative is a more effectively to opinion makers family to come to the United States, By similar logic, one might assume I was able to pick up phrases very national communications and alert as well as our fellow Americans and whom to this day I have never met that all extroverts are automatically quickly and naturally fine-tune my system devised by the Piast Institute to let them know what our interests or learned the reason behind their inclined to assimilate to their new accent. It was not too long before I with the following features: and needs are. Piast President Dr. sponsorship. All I knew was what culture, while the introverts are excelled in spelling and surpassed • An objective non-partisan web‑ Thaddeus Radzilowski invites Pol‑ my mother had told me: “This is bound to suffer inside rejecting the my classmates in reading. My sister site which will regularly trans‑ ish Americans to participate in this our new home. Please stop crying society in which they are forced to did not have the same experience. mit significant or breaking news, unique effort. now.” I remember the loss I felt live. More importantly, these same She found school quite challenging, analysis, data and legislative To visit the PACI portal site and (already at the airport in Warsaw) extroverts are accepted by this new especially reading and spelling. Pol‑ updates on important Polish and tour this new grassroots effort, log when I realized I would no longer culture, while the introverts are not. ish lessons at home were even worse Polish American issues onto www.paciconnect.org. If there see my family with whom I was so Although that was the case with me, due to my mother’s lack of patience • A means for recipients to respond are any questions please call (313) close. Although I was too young to I am not convinced that the answer and my sister’s inability to remem‑ on the spot to issues by sending 733-4535. understand the reasons why we left, is that simple. ber her Polish phonemes. It was an it was enough to feel resentment Needless to say, if I could go back ugly sight. Unfortunately, that in‑ towards my parents for making me in time, I would have done things ability soon turned to unwillingness STERLING SILVER JEWELRY leave. I could not understand why differently. I have always envied my and, ultimately, a lack of interest in they made this choice when it was sister’s ability to befriend people learning Polish all together. As her A so clear that they too were unhappy and fit in so naturally. As a six-year Polish skills started to diminish with B D E and unwilling to go. I would find out old, I always believed it was easier time, mine became stronger. C several years later that they were do‑ for her to assimilate because of her Although I did well in school, the ing it against their will. There was, sunny disposition. However, as a 35 stress of unfamiliar surroundings however, one member of my family year old, I no longer believe that. and being forced to adapt to them F who was excited about the trip. Although being shy and guarded did was unbearable to me. My happi‑ G I not help in socializing, it did not pre‑ ness and relief, when it was time to H MY SISTER’S NAME is Magdalena vent me from assimilating; it was a go home, were unparalleled. I could and she is my twin. She is two min‑ conscious choice I made. I now see finally escape this language, these utes younger than I am, and we are that, by isolating myself in a Polish customs, and these strangers. Home J K worlds apart. Although we grew up culture where there was none, I iso‑ had always been my refuge. There, in the same household, you would lated myself from what could have I could hear my own language and never think that we are even re‑ been a great life with great people. experience what I knew, though that lated. She is a tall blond with blue Unfortunately, hindsight is always would soon change as well. ALL SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE • All items are Sterling Silver. eyes and I am a short brunette with 20/20. Next Month: Conclusion All these items are available in 14 kt. gold • Please contact us for pricing. brown eyes. I have always been By having an open and positive an introvert with loner tendencies, attitude towards her new culture, Anna Swierczewska was born in DESCRIPTION GOLDEN LION JEWELRY and she the opposite. I have always my sister was able to live the life Poland, and emigrated to the Unit- A. Polish Princess...... $7.00 P.O. BOX 199 known we were different but I never that I could not. I sometimes won‑ ed States in 1983 as a political refu- B. #1 Babcia (Script)...... $8.00 PORT READING, NJ 07064 C. #1 Babcia (Block)...... $8.00 really questioned how or why until der if it was a conscious effort on gee with her parents and twin sister. D. Small Eagle...... $12.00 (908) 862-1927 I sat down to write this memoir. My her part (to assimilate) knowing that Her first two years of college were E. Medium Eagle...... $14.00 [email protected] first memory of our differences goes she needed to make friends and ac‑ spent in France and Spain. Swierc- F. Large Eagle...... $15.00 back to the airport in Poland. She cept this new life if she was going zewska received her M.A. in Liberal G. Large Heavy Eagle...... $35.00 • Add $5.00 S&H did not cry when we boarded the to be happy. Then again, not many Arts from the University at Char- H. Extra Heavy Eagle...... $40.00 • Prices subject to change plane for NY, and all the new colors, six-year-olds think about assimila‑ lotte, N.C., and plans on pursuing • Allow 10-14 days for delivery. If not I. #1 Mamusia (Block)...... $12.00 smells, and environment that petri‑ tion as being a contributing factor a Ph.D. in Translation Studies in J. #1 Tatus (Block)...... $12.00 satisfied, return for refund within 15 days. fied me, excited her. She did not to their future. The ironic part in all the near future. She currently works K. #1 Ciocia (Block)...... $12.00 • N.J. residents must add 7% sales show any sadness or regret for leav‑ this is that between the two of us, it as a high school teacher of French Tie Tacks of D, E, ...... $19.00/$21.00 tax. N.Y. residents add appropriate Tie Tacks of F, G, ...... $22.00/$42.00 ing behind the world that she knew, was always I who tried to fit in the and Spanish, as well as a freelance sales tax. she only thought of the new and in‑ most. It was always I who, although translator and proofreader. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 5

TRAVELOGUE / Staś Kmieć Five Days in Poland: Próba, Kiepura and President’s Soup Returning to the Mazowsze com‑ everywhere around the world. He land. matched with a keen sensibility and familiarize myself with the word‑ pound, I rushed to my hotel room, moved on to star roles at La Scala, He and Eggerth were approached intelligence. His golden timbre, ing, so it would bounce trippingly dropped off my packages and head‑ Paris Opera, Teatro Colón and other to star in a new production of The friendliness, and generosity towards off my tongue. ed to the Matecznik Theater to a re‑ major international opera houses. Merry Widow at Broadway’s Ma‑ the public made him immensely Włodek arrived and we headed hearsal for the Kiepura Awards cer‑ It was not long before the cinema jestic Theater in 1943. Kiepura, popular – especially among young the short walking distance to the emony. Próba meaning “rehearsal” – now talking, required his beautiful who had mostly stayed away from women who adored his handsome Karczma restaurant – part of the is a term I have heard and used so voice and classic good looks. After stage operetta, was excited by the face and smile. new hotel accommodations on the often, but as a presenter there would his screen debut in Die Sing­ende offer, but Edward Ziegler, one of the History has not looked favorably Mazowsze compound. We were be no strenuous activity or sweat in‑ Stadt (1930), Kiepura became a Met managers, was not – saying “If on successful opera singers who seated outdoors in front of the old- volved for me. popular leading man in many films, you do The Merry Widow, you can went on to have commercial success style, newly constructed village Walking down the upper level while still maintaining a demanding never enter the Metropolitan Opera through recordings or films. Mario tavern and pondered over the menu. stairs in the theater hall, I was greet‑ concert career. In 1933 when he re‑ again.” Lanza and Kiepura were among For a list of soups ranging from for‑ ed by the strains of fine opera Kiepura chose Broadway. those whose reputations suffered in est mushroom with truffle aroma accompanied by a full onstage The show was a hit, running recent times because of their success to Żurek sour soup, I decided to try orchestra. Organizers were bus‑ for 322 performances, the in reaching beyond the opera world something new – Zupa Prezesa – ily rushing about in preparation two teamed together again on with wider repertoires in different President’s soup. For a main dish I for this evening’s Gala event. Broadway for Polonaise. Kiep‑ media. Kiepura I was introduced to Urszula ura was represented by power‑ was ahead of his Gutowska from the Mazow- house impresario Sol Hurok, time in this re‑ iecki Teatr Muzyczny, who was who sent him off on grueling spect. In the 1930s, coordinating the proceedings. concert tours, which netted far film was the new She briefed me that I would be more lucrative fees than his op‑ cutting-edge me‑ seated in a reserved place in era appearances, and he made dium, and no singer the audience. Upon hearing my additional films. would have passed introduction read and name an‑ The Merry Widow produc‑ up the chance of nounced, I would proceed up the tion toured throughout the screen stardom. stairs onto the stage and go to United States, as well as around Kiepura, in con‑ the center microphone. I would the world for another decade, trast to Lanza – who then be handed an envelope and was performed in four dif‑ hardly set foot on – opening it I would read the ferent languages. The couple an operatic stage, name of the recipient and then had two sons — Jan Sharbek became a screen be handed the award, which I and Marjan (currently a con‑ star as a result of would present to the winner. cert pianist); they re-settled in his successful ca‑ ZUPA PREZESA – President’s soup. Easy enough! From the audi‑ the United States in 1951 and reer in European ence level, I walked with Urszu‑ KIEPURA. Initally studied law before real- Kiepura acquired American opera houses. He was blessed with had the Kotlet Schabowy pork chop la up the stairs and approached izing his true vocation. citizenship shortly afterwards. the full visual package that this new stuffed with mushrooms. the microphone – my próba was He purchased property in Rye, medium needed, and the studios The soup was absolutely deli‑ complete. turned to Poland, with money from New York. Scrupulous in his health could expect considerable benefit cious with a compliment of kiełbasa I returned to Director Izban’s his performances he built the hotel, habits, he insisted on living in West‑ from his stellar reputation. and a sprinkling of fresh dill. It was office to meet him for a late lunch. “Patria” in the Polish border-town chester County rather than Manhat‑ In his native Poland his status is similar to a sour dough soup, like While waiting, I began to draft a few of Krynica-Zdrój, which cost him tan because the air was cleaner. close to that of a national hero, with żurek or biały barszcz, but very dif‑ words to say leading to the winner’s about 3 million U.S. dollars – an un‑ In order to stay in good vocal streets, monuments, stamps, trains, ferent. Conductor Jacek Boniecki name – “and the Best choreogra‑ heard of sum at that time. shape during this draining sched‑ a musical theater company, and now joined us and ordered two soups and pher award goes to…” My thoughts In 1934 on the set of one of his ule, Kiepura began taking Nujol – a this Awards ceremony in his honor. nothing else… it was that good! The then drifted to the legendary man in films, Kiepura played opposite the medication composed principally of proprietor Andrzej Chlebowski an‑ whose name I was presenting this Hungarian-born lyric soprano Mar‑ paraffin oil and often prescribed for rszula brought Joanna Osin‑ swered my inquiries, telling me that award. Who was this great singer ta Eggerth, also a popular screen asthma patients. He took Nujol in ska-Rebosz – the person the name was ornamental and had Jan Kiepura? personality in Europe. On October heavy doses for years. UI had been corresponding nothing to do with any President, I grew up with some knowledge 31, 1936, Kiepura and Eggerth were While performing in the late with regarding this trip to meet me. and the recipe was from his grand‑ of this famous Polish tenor. As a married at City Hall in Katowice. 1950s, he began to notice a short‑ I told her that I was prepared for mother’s kitchen – he made it by dancer at the Metropolitan Opera I World War II caught them in Paris. ness of breath. A leading pulmon‑ tonight and had been jotting down her side to insure that this treasure knew of his stardom in the United When France yielded, they had to ologist in Boston discovered that my announcement of the winner. would be passed down to other gen‑ States with the company, and once flee from the rise of Nazism to the the paraffin oil had not dissolved, She said “Oh no, you have to read erations. Upon finishing, I slipped had a detailed conversation about safety of New York. Kiepura and and the tenor’s lungs were encrusted the officially worded text exactly away to my room for a short power him and Polish operas with Artistic Eggerth both had Jewish mothers. with it. A six-hour operation failed as it appears on the card.” At which nap in preparation for the big Gala Director Maestro James Levine. Fortunately, he had received an to reverse his condition. Kiepura re‑ point I requested that a xerox copy evening. At the time I was at the Met, Pol‑ offer from Metropolitan Opera’s turned to performing, feeling some‑ be made, so I may have a chance to …to be continued ish singers were a rarity in the ranks General Manager to join the roster what better, but still short of breath. with only the glorious mezzo sopra‑ during the 1937–38 season at $500 no Stefania Toczyska representing per performance, for a minimum of HE VISITED POLAND twice in Poland on the roster. Today, there ten performances. The contract stip‑ 1958 – performing in Bydgoszcz, SUPPORT THE PAJ PRESS FUND are several Polish artists attracting ulated that Kiepura be ready with Gdańsk, Łódz, Katowice, Kraków, n 1978, a voluntary fund-raising campaign was launched by a group the attention of critics and audience lead roles in five operas. He made Poznań, Wrocław and Warsaw. of loyal readers of the Polish American Journal entitled “We Love the alike – most notably Piotr Beczała his debut as Rodolfo in La Bohème Kiepura’s arrivals caused a sensa‑ PAJ Press Fund” in order to help cover rising postage, material and Mariusz Kwiecień. on February 10, 1938. His perfor‑ tion in the capital and his shows and production costs. mance of “Che gelida manina” elic‑ evoked huge enthusiasm. Apart IDonations to the PAJ Press Fund are also used to support our reader JAN WIKTOR KIEPURA was ited an ovation so thunderous that from performances in concert halls services (postage, telephone, research, etc.), provide newsclippers with born in the small industrial town of he had to rise from the kneeling po‑ he never refused a request to sing, stamps and envelopes, and cover extraordinary expenses in producing Sosnowiec, Poland (southwestern sition to acknowledge the applause. hence the public remembered him the paper. The Polish American Journal is not a profit-making ven- Śląsk region) in 1902, to a Jewish His reviews were glowing. singing the most beautiful arias in ture. Thanks to its dedicated staff, the PAJ is pub­lished as a “public mother Miriam (a former singer) At the Met, Kiepura’s fee as‑ the most unusual places, such as service” for American Polonia. and a Catholic father Franciszek (a cended to $800 a performance in streets, on top of taxi roofs, balco‑ Donations to the PAJ Press Fund will be acknowledged in the paper baker). In order to get married, his 1938–39. But his appearances there nies, and front steps of opera houses. unless otherwise directed by the contributor. mother was baptized. were sporadic, adding up to only Rare concerts and programs were When he became of age, Kiepura thirty-three performances encom‑ treated with reverence bordering on A sincere “THANK YOU” for their donations to the PAJ PRESS FUND: left his rather gloomy, industrial passing five roles, and four concerts a religious experience. His voice Joseph J. Bien, Rome, N.Y.; Jeanette Buksa, Meride, Conn.; Frank Duma, hometown for Warsaw – where he over three seasons. His final Met captured the imagination of Polish Memphis, Tenn.; Andrzej Gawlik, Poolesville, Md.; Albert Kwiatek, East began studying law. He took voice role was Rodolfo, four years to the and Jewish audiences alike, but his Berlin, Pa,; Joann A. Mazen, Howell, Mich.; Dr. John Niziol, Clifton, lessons and soon realized that sing‑ day after he had made his company career quickly declined. His last ap‑ N.J.; Joseph Ohol, Lockport N.Y.; Marian Pazdalski, Rehoboth Beach, ing was his true vocation. At age 23, debut. pearance was on August 13, 1966 in Del.; Richard and Pearl Wilgosz, Hollywood, Fla.; Regina Wnukowski, he was hired as a replacement in the In 1940, his name was placed in Port Chester for the Polish Ameri‑ Philadelphia; and two Friend of the PAJ. Dziękujemy wam wszystkim! chorus of the Warsaw Opera, but he the Lexicon der Juden in der Musik can community. The PAJ thanks all who donated to the Press Fund. sang with such power that his voice (Lexicon of Jewish Musicians) by Two day later, while at home, dominated over the others, which the Nazis. In Poland, he remained he received unfavorable news from MAIL TO: PAJ PRESS FUND resulted in his being fired. Three a national hero, despite the fact that one of his financial agents over the POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL months later, he found himself on his flight to America had cost him phone, he collapsed and died. Jan P.O. BOX 271, NORTH BOSTON, NY 14110-0271 stage again, but this time as the male much of the property he had pur‑ Kiepura was buried in Powązki I want to make sure the POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL continues its lead in Gounod’s Faust in Lwów. chased, including the Hotel “Patria.” Cemetery in Warsaw. service to American Polonia. Enclosed is my contribution of $______The performance marked the begin‑ Kiepura could see that his days in Despite his enormous mid-centu‑ ning of a rapid rise in his career. Europe were now limited. He pur‑ ry popularity, Kiepura’s career is not NAME Two years later, he sang Calàf in sued his career in the United States widely discussed today. His techni‑ the second performance of the Vien‑ and audiences – particularly in cities cal command was so immense that ADDRESS na premiere run of Turandot. Kiep‑ where European refugees lived such practically nothing posed a prob‑ ura had an unqualified triumph and as New York and Chicago, flocked lem for him vocally. Few tenors was labeled the “king of the tenors” to hear him sing. An ardent patriot, of the time matched his charisma CITY, STATE, ZIP by the Austrian press. From that he generously supported organiza‑ and dramatic imagination. He pos‑ Please [ ] include [ ] do not include my name in your list of contributors. point Jan Kiepura was in demand tions such as the relief fund for Po‑ sessed natural vocal gifts that were 6 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014

RELIGION / Benjamin Fiore, S.J. New Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko Video Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko’s ed and claimed compensation of sity, and Christ the King Seminary, life and ministry as chaplain of the 21,000 Euros for “immaterial dam‑ East Aurora, N.Y. He has served at Solidarity movement in Poland dur‑ ages.” The Supreme Court of Poland vicar for priests, formation director ing the martial law period is cap‑ agreed and a lower court is now de‑ and vicar general, president of the tured on a new video-documentary termining the actual amount of com‑ Catholic Schools’ Board of Educa‑ “Jerzy Popiełuszko Messenger of pensation. The case is considered by tion, faculty member at the dioc‑ Truth.” Written and produced by some to be more evidence of exces‑ esan seminary and coordinator of Paul Hensler the film was awarded sive “political correctness” and even Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Best Documentary at the 28th an‑ hostility to harmless expressions of Scranton. While pastor of St. Ann nual International Catholic Film faith in secular societies. Church in Tobyhanna he oversaw its and Multimedia Festival in Warsaw, consolidation to become Most Holy Poland. Catholic activist and ac‑ CEMETERY RESTORATION Trinity Parish. tor martin Sheen narrates the film. PROJECT. Volunteers have worked Deacon Matthew Wisniewski This year mark the 30th year since regularly at the Holy Mother of and Deacon Marc Rybinski, or‑ Fr. Jerzy’s assassination by agents the Rosary Cemetery on Dale Rd., dained along with Leon Rodgers to of the communist government of Cheektowaga, N.Y. to restore and the permanent diaconate for service Poland in October, 1984. For more preserve the gravesites in the ceme‑ in the RC Archdiocese of Detroit. CENTURIES-OLD TRADITION CONTINUES. Officers of the Polish information go to www.messen‑ tery which is under the care of Holy Deacon Wisniewski will serve at Heritage Club of Uniontown, Pa. share opłatek, the Christmas wafer, at gerOfTheTruth.com. Mother of the Rosary PNCC Cathe‑ St. Paul of Tarsus Parish in Clinton the club’s December Wigilia. Over 125 members and guests were in at- dral in Lancaster, N.Y. Lisa Marie Township and Deacon Rybinski will tendance. Pictured are (seated, l. to r.): Frank Cetera, president; Tammy NEW ELEVATOR INSTALLED/ Anselmi, an anthropology professor be at Christ the Good Shepherd in Rhodes, secretary; Andy Sadowski, vice president; and (standing, l. to r.): BLESSED. Sr. Johnice Rzadkie- at Buffalo State College has helped Lincoln Park, Mich. Curtis Rhodes-Marshal; Rev. Canon Joseph Sredzinski, chaplain; and Rich wicz, CSSF, welcomed Buffalo’s with the project and will bring her Novsek, treasurer. The Club was chartered in 1973 and continues to pro- MOSAIC OF BLESSED JOHN bishop Richard J. Malone at the class along with radar equipment in mote good Polish Culture in the Fayette County area. installation and blessing of a new the spring to help locate gravesites PAUL II DEDICATED. Adam Car- elevator in the Response to Love that are no longer marked. Debbie dinal Maida, retired archbishop pairs before the steeples have to be Steeples campaign, with signs vis‑ Center, where she oversees a wide (Konieczka) Lasik, who heads up of Detroit dedicated a mosaic of dismantled. St. Josaphat’s church is ible from the nearby interstate. Both variety of community outreach ser‑ the project, noted that “a lot of the Blessed John Paul II in the Chapel closed until the storm damaged stee‑ churches are on the National regis‑ vices. The bishop also toured the fa‑ early grave sites were marked with of Our Lady of Częstochowa at ple is repaired and restored. Insur‑ ter of Historic Places. The parishes cility and blessed a new chapel on simple wooden crosses, especially the Basilica of the National Shrine ance for the damage will not cover were founded in 1889. To help con‑ the third floor. The Center is located a group of infants and toddlers who of the Immaculate Conception in all the costs of the work. And so tact Mother of Divine Mercy Parish, in the former St. Adalbert’s school died during a pandemic in the early Washington, D.C. Blessed John the parish has launched a Save the 4440 Russell St., Detroit, MI 48207. building which the diocese sold to 1900s and no longer have any mark‑ Paul II will be canonized in Rome the center for a token price. Dur‑ ers for their graves.” on April 27. He visited the shrine Special Canonization Edition for May ing the ceremony she presented to several times as a cardinal and once the bishop a small statue of “Jesus STO LAT TO ... Michael Wojcicki, as pope in 1979. Cardinal Maida The April and May editions of the Polish American Journal will be the Homeless” and a sculpture titled athletic director and physical educa‑ noted that just as each piece of mo‑ special ones this year. In addition to the April paper being our annual “Lowly But Chosen.” The elevator tion teacher at Mary Queen of An‑ saic is part of a body rather than a Easter edition, the paper will also cover the events in the life of Blessed was made possible by a grant from gels School, Cheektowaga, N.Y., puzzle, so too, as Pope John Paul John Paul II, from his birth in Poland, to his canonization in April. the John R. Oshei foundation of on receiving the 2014 Sr. Lucille II proclaimed, every life is to be Because the ceremony in Rome takes place April 27, the May edi- Western New York. Socciarelli-Fr. John Sturm Making a respected and every piece, every tion will be mailed one week later than usual. Difference Award from the Making person is beautiful and here for a Readers wishing to express their sentiments on this most historic oc‑ POLISH ATHEIST SUES OVER a Difference Foundation of the RC reason. casion can do so in the form of a patron advertisement (see form on page EXTREME UNCTION. Contesting Diocese of Buffalo at their annual 6). Digital editions of the May paper will be emailed to the diocesan that freedom of conscience protects dinner. He has taught at the school REMINDER: SAVING THE STEE- offices of Roman Catholic, Polish National Catholic, and other parishes not only faith but also unbelief, Pol‑ for 23 years. PLES. A steeple at Detroit’s St. in Polish American communities across the United States. ish atheist Jerzy R. sued a hospital Fr. Joseph R. Kopacz on his Josaphat’s Church is leaning while in Szczecin after learning from his installation as bishop of the RC those at Sweetest Heart of Mary medical records that he received the diocese of Jackson, Mississippi on Church are twisted and likewise in MODLITWY Sacrament of the Sick while in a Feb. 6. Fr. Kopacz was a priest of danger of falling. Kevin Piotrows- PUBLICATION OF PRAYERS. The Polish American Journal gladly accepts prayers ads for publication. coma, a routine practice at the hos‑ the diocese of Scranton, Pa. Born ki, president of Divine Mercy par‑ They must be received by the 10th of each month, prior to the month of publication, and must be pital. Despite his recovery, he then in Dunmore, Pa., he graduated from ish which is the name of the merged 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, sued complaining that his freedom Dunmore Central Catholic HS, St. parish including the two historic P.O. Box 271, N. Boston, NY 14110. of conscience has been disrespect‑ Pius X Seminary, Scranton Univer‑ churches, declared the need for re‑ 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 Join the Polish American Journal in 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 commemorating a spectacular April! publish and it will be granted to you. Grateful thanks, J.K. — Easter Sunday, April 20 — — The Canonization of Blessed John Paul II, April 27 — This year is a very special one for Poles and Polish communities across the globe. In addition to Easter observances April 20, our beloved John Paul II will be made a saint the following Sunday, April 27. To commemorate this event, the Polish American Journal is producing a special edition of the newspaper that will outline the events of Blessed John Paul’s life from his birth in Poland, to his rise as Holy Sea of the Roman Catholic Church. The paper will also be our YES! I wish to support the PAJ by placing an ad in the EASTER 2014 ANNUAL EASTER EDITION, EDITION. Please find a contribution in the amount of: which celebrates the treasured [ ] $250 [ ] $100 [ ] $75 [ ] $50 [ ] $25 [ ] $20 [ ] Other ______­­­­­­­­ customs of a Polish Easter, from the Blessing of Baskets on Holy NAME Saturday, to Easter Monday rev- elry. ORGANIZATION We are asking you for your sup‑ port in the production of this special ADDRESS dual celebration edition. In return, we — in the form of CITY, STATE, ZIP a patron advertisement — will print your congratulatory wishes, which TELEPHONE (for our records only unless checked below) will be shared with our readers across the United States, Canada, YOUR MESSAGE (Use additional sheet if necessary) Europe, and other Polish communi‑ ties around the world. We hope you can share your joy PRINT ADDRESS IN AD? PRINT TELEPHONE NUMBER IN AD with Poles and their descendants for [ ] YES [ ] NO [ ] YES [ ] NO this historic time. RETURN BY MARCH 14, 2014 to: If you have any questions, please POL-AM JOURNAL, P.O. BOX 271, N. BOSTON, NY 14110 call 1 (800) 422-1275, M-F, 8:00 We thank you in advance for your support of our efforts to promote our traditions. a.m.-3:00 p.m. Don’t be left out!

RESPONSES RECEIVED AFTER DEADLINE WILL BE PRINTED IN THE MAY 2014, WHICH WILL COVER THE CANONIZATION IN ROME. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 7

CIEKAWOSTKI / Martin Nowak KULTURA / Staś Kmieć Poland’s Trail of Tears Mazowsze – North American Fall Tour The Trail of Tears refers to the Important German cities such as had lived for centuries, as well as Mazowsze is on a roll with much American government’s forced re‑ Breslau and Stettin would become their parish church and cemeteries activity coming from this famed location of American Indians from Polish. where loved ones rested. Polish company over the last year. the southeast to Oklahoma in the Most of the Poles were to be When the “repatriant” families Under the direction of Włodzimierz 1830s. At least 50,000 Indians were moved long distances to the areas reached their final destination they Izban, they are in frequent motion forcibly removed under harsh con‑ to the west being vacated by the waited for days or weeks to be as‑ with exciting performances and ditions and many thousands died of Germans. Many of these new refu‑ signed to former German homes, unique appearances. starvation and disease. In the late gees would spend weeks in transit, most of which were just as damaged Under the auspices of 2Luck Con‑ 1940s, millions of Poles suffered shuttled from initial staging areas as the ones they had left behind. If cepts, the company will commence through their own Trail of Tears. to be loaded onto rail cattle cars they were fortunate they got a fully a North American tour beginning As a result of the Allies’ defeat or trucks, perhaps moving on foot, furnished apartment in good con‑ November 5 in Chicago through of Germany in World War II and spending days in transfer camps. dition. In many cases the German December 21. Additional cities in the Yalta Agreement’s betrayal of The camps lacked proper sanitation, families had to be moved out first. Canada will be included. The 65th Poland, the borders of both Poland were overcrowded and exposed to As the rail cars were emptied of anniversary tour production will in‑ and Germany were shifted west‑ the elements. People were shoved Poles, they were replaced by evict‑ clude new high-tech projections that ward. All German territory east of onto boxcars with no facilities or ed Germans moving westward who will enhance the atmosphere and the Odra and Nyssa Rivers became had to travel on open rail cars. Only faced the same horrible conditions establish the surroundings of each region represented on stage. Several SEVERAL NEW ADDITIONS and Polish, including the southern part the lucky few were sardined into during transit. regional suites will join the classic of East Prussia and the Free City actual passenger trains. Even rarer The numbers involved in this new additions and regional suites will join the classic standards on the standards on Mazowsze’s 65th An- of Danzig. Polish lands east of the were those who could commandeer population transfer are staggering. niversary Tour. Bug River, including almost all the a horse cart or automobile. Many Before the war the population of Po‑ program. The exact schedule is still land confiscated by the USSR when thousands died of disease and ex‑ land’s eastern borderlands, or Kre‑ being finalized. More information tional film award César. it invaded Poland in collusion with posure along the way. Some were sy, was twelve million. About forty will appear in PAJ when available; Francis Ford Coppola is under‑ Nazi Germany, was annexed by the assaulted, robbed or murdered by percent, or five million, were Pol‑ consult www.2Luck.com, www.paj‑ stood to have given Wojciech Kilar Soviet Union. bandits or Soviet soldiers. ish. The population of the so-called today.com, or www.MazowszeOn‑ a free rein to compose the score for FDR and Churchill also agreed Recovered Territories, German land Tour.blogspot.com. Dracula, and it was reported that to Stalin’s demand for population These forced population given to Poland, was eight million, The company performed with when the American director later a selection of Polish kolędy at the asked Kilar what it took to write transfers under the guise of reduc‑ transfers constitute almost all ethnically German. ing ethnic strife, but this was only Vatican’s Basilica of St. Peter dur‑ music like his, Kilar cryptically a justification for the Soviet theft of probably the most OF THE FIVE MILLION POLES in ing Christmas Midnight Mass (Pas- replied: “You need to live in Kato‑ eastern Poland. All Poles living in despicable act of the the Kresy, two million had already terka) as it was celebrated by Pope wice.” areas annexed by the USSR were immediate post-war years. been removed after the Soviet 1939 Francis. Born in 1932 in Lwów, a then- to be moved within the new Polish invasion, to Kazahkstan and Sibe‑ They assumed a new role when Polish city, now in Ukraine, he borders. Germans living in areas Not that these “repatriants” had ria. Most survived, were released they took on the opera Krakowiacy spent his childhood in Rzeszów and awarded to Poland were to be relo‑ much to be stolen. Most could only and settled elsewhere. Some two i Górale this past year – premier‑ Kraków before moving to Katowice cated west of the Odra and Nyssa. take with them what they could million remaining Poles were the ing the new revised work, which in Poland’s Śląsk region, where he So, after enduring the hellish carry. They not only left their homes ones forced to the former German was based on a classic 1794 work lived most of his life and which he nightmare of World War II, the and farms, they had to leave behind areas. Most of the German popula‑ by Wojciech Bogusławski. The op‑ considered his “little homeland”. surviving Poles and Germans who furniture, animals, precious me‑ tion of these Recovered Territories era with a new libretto and lyrics He was also deeply attached to found themselves on the wrong side mentoes and most of their clothes. had already fled westward before was performed at the Grand Theater Częstochowa where he often cel‑ of the new borders were to be forc‑ To many, this did not matter be‑ war’s end to avoid advancing Soviet of the National Opera in Warsaw. ebrated his birthdays. ibly removed from their ancestral cause they had already lost most troops. A million returned only to be With the success of the production, Inspired by the works of Claude homelands and shipped westward of their possessions in the war and forcibly removed along with those Mazowsze discovered in themselves Debussy, Maurice Ravel and fellow like so much livestock. were abandoning burned out shells who hadn’t earlier evacuated. a new potential. The opera – direct‑ countryman Karol Szymanowski Though less than half ethnically they used to call home. But they The forced expulsions began in ed by Andrzej Strzelecki and cho‑ –Kilar co-founded the Karol Szy‑ Polish, the territory taken from were also leaving behind those in‑ 1945 and were mostly complete by reographed by Zofia Rudnicka, was manowski Society in 1977 – his Poland included centuries-old and tangibles of life: relationships with 1948, but some resettlements con‑ presented with a twenty-first century work incorporated Polish folk songs thoroughly Polish cities like Wilno friends and neighbors, local tradi‑ tinued into the 1950s. Some Poles audience in mind. “It is a milestone and Catholic church music. His and Lwów that were slated to be‑ tions, all that was familiar, that place and Germans were able to remain in the development of Mazowsze,” compositions ranged from the avant- come Lithuanian and Ukrainian. called home, where their ancestors in their homes by disguising their said director Izban. garde to soaring choral works. His ethnicities. And many of them were Mazowsze became relevant to fondness for the simple motifs and prohibited from leaving because today’s youth in Poland when they the resonant use of bass and cello they were needed in recovery ef‑ made an auspicious appearance at gave his music a romantic feel, and forts. Small minorities of Poles still the 2013 Woodstock Festival with it was little wonder he came to the live in Belarus, Ukraine and Lithu‑ the contemporary techno band attention of film-makers. Kilar once ania. A hundred thousand Poles live “Gooral” – combining their rep‑ said the three criteria that made him in Lithuanian Wilno (Vilnius), 18% ertoire with new sounds to create write film music were, in this order: of the population. Poles constitute a fusion of old-and new that over the name of the director, the salary 7% of Lithuania. In Belarus they 300,000 outdoor spectators could and the script. are 3% and in Ukraine less than 1%, not get enough of. mostly in the city of Lwów (Lviv). This year the company released Lwów, once a major Polish cultur‑ four discs – an unprecedented al center, was to almost en masse amount. A CD and DVD of the be transferred to German Breslau, “Gooral” – Mazowsze Woodstock which was renamed Wrocław. In collaboration, and two CDs with effect, Wrocław was to become the new selections – “Pieśni Polskie” new Lwów, though not all its reset‑ and “Kolędy i Pastorałki.” tlers came from there. Today, about 1% of Polish citi‑ Famed Composer zens are of German descent with Wojciech Kilar Dies at 81 most living in southwestern Poland. “The power and the message of The former German areas given to his music … will stay in my mem‑ Poland were often referred to as ory forever,” said Jerzy Kornowicz, KILAR. Wrote scores for more than “former German territories under head of the Association of Polish 130 films, including 100 masters of temporary Polish administration.” Composers. “Poland has lost one of world cinema. No such designation was made for the most individual voices in 20th In Poland, he was known for Polish areas taken by the USSR. and 21st-century music.” working with three influential Pol‑ They were outright and permanent‑ Wojciech Kilar, Poland’s re‑ ish film directors: Andrzej Wajda, ly annexed by the Soviets. nowned pianist and composer of Krzysztof Kieslowski, and Krzysz‑ It was not until 1992, after the classical music and scores for many tof Zanussi. In 1991, Zanussi made reunification of Germany, that the films, including Roman Polanski’s a biographical film about the com‑ new borders of Poland were offi‑ Oscar-winning The Pianist and poser. He also worked on three cially recognized by all parties as Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stok- separate occasions for fellow Polish permanent and inviolable. er’s Dracula, died on December 29, native Roman Polanski, beginning These forced population trans‑ 2013 in Katowice at the age of 81. with 1994’s Death and the Maiden. fers constitute probably the most Although he cited his first love He composed repertoire for despicable act of the immediate as writing symphonies and concer‑ The Śląsk Song and Dance Ensem- post-war years. Today, as the num‑ tos, he won worldwide attention ble concentrating on the areas of ber of Polish and German deportees as a film composer, writing scores Górny Śląsk, Zagłębia and Beskid who have first hand memories of for more than 130 films and work‑ Żywiec and including the popular their old homelands dwindles, the ing with celebrity directors. Kilar song “Głęboka Studzienka,” and emotional ties to the old territories composed scores for more than 100 national dances such as Polonez, becomes weaker in both countries. masterpieces of the world cinema. Mazur and Kujawiak. His gradual‑ Yet those places will always retain He won the best score composer ly-building Polonez composed the an important place in the souls and award from the American Society of film Pan Tadeusz will forever be in the national identities of both Composers, Authors and Publishers embedded in memory. Germany and Poland. in 1992, and received the French na‑ 8 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014

HAPPENINGS: CHICAGO STYLE / Geraldine Balut Coleman It’s Official: The Polish Triangle — Trójkąt Polonijny On December 11, the Chicago political-action organization formed City Council made it official: The for the purpose of addressing social, historic West Town District boun‑ civic, and business interests within ded by Ashland, Division, and Mil‑ the Polish American community waukee Avenues will be officially throughout the United States. Its known as the Polish Triangle. By a initiatives are accomplished through unanimous vote of 50 to 0, the City education, issue advocacy, and rep‑ Council recognized the over-150- resentation in local, state, and fed‑ years contributions of Poles and Po‑ eral governmental agencies. lish Americans in the development of Chicago. THE GIFT OF THE PEACE LIGHT. Once the cradle of the Polish On December 19, the Polish Scout‑ community in Chicago, the Polish ing Organization of Chicago pre‑ Triangle area, now quite gentrified, sented the Bethlehem Peace Light still houses the awarding-winning THE TRIANGLE, bordered by West Division (east- to the consulate general of the Re‑ Chopin Theatre, the Smithsonian west), Ashland (north-south), and Milwaukee (diago- public of Poland. Since 1987, the Magazine-designated “Holy Grail” A VIEW OF THE TRIANGLE from August 11, 1953. nal) avenues. Peace Light of Bethlehem has trav‑ Podhadlanka Restaurant, The elled with scouting organizations Polish Museum of America, the initiated Christmas gatherings for the time-honored and, perhaps, the National Headquarters of the Po- single people, the poor and home‑ most important of Polish holidays. lish Roman Catholic Union, Holy less. It drew such interest that the Traditionally a fast day, it is the Trinity Polish Mission Church, then parish pastor of St. Hyacinth, most anticipated as well. So, in the the historic St. Stanislaus Kostka Father Michael Osuch, collaborated elegant setting of the Sabina P. Lo‑ Church, and the popular Polish So- with Arsenowicz to host this special gisz Great Hall, families and friends ciety of the Arts. event for the destitute. gathered to break and share opłatek After a strong community effort Acting as hosts on behalf of Pol‑ and to partake in a delectable, yet which included Polish Americans ish Radio and Polvision were Jacek traditional meatless, Wigilia dinner and many others, Alderman Ray Niemczyk, Serguisz Zgrzębski, and that included barczsz z uszka, along Suarez (3lst District) sponsored this Kamila Dworska, along with Father with special Polish pastries. Once proposal, which was co-sponsored Stanisław Jankowski and Father again, a special dziękuję bardzo to by Aldermen Joe Moreno (1st Michael Osuch, Pastor and Pastor one of the PMA’s most enthusiastic District), Bob Fioretti (2nd Distri‑ Emeritus, respectively. supporters, Kasia Bober of Kasia’s ct), and Scott Waguespack (32nd But many from the Polish radio Catering, for providing those tradi‑ Pukszta, Golebiewska, and Zwieg. District). During public commen‑commen‑ and television media came aboard to tional Polish wigilia delights. The tary, Marta Almodovar, an admin‑ volunteer their time and help. This PMA Staff and volunteers acted as 24th), and Bruce Rauner, spoke to throughout Europe and around the istrative supervisor with the Circuit three-hour Christmas Eve celebra‑ hosts and servers. the guests. Wilmette Village presi‑ world to a variety of institutions. It Court of Cook County, said she “be‑ tion was filled with music and‑ en Additionally, The PMA will host dent, Robert Bielinski, gave non- is during the Christmas season that lieves renaming the area would spur tertainment provided by the Polonia the Museum’s and the Polish Ro‑ candidate remarks. Guests spent the it became a living symbol of peace, tourism from the resurgent Poland, Ensemble, singer and bassist Megit‑ man Catholic Union’s newly-reno‑ remainder of the evening by bidding unity, and hope. This honored tradi‑ which has thrived economically za, also known as Małgorzata Babi‑ vated First Floor and Gift Shop on on items in the Silent Auction, en‑ tion found shelter in private homes, since the fall of the communist bloc arz, and guitarist, Andreas Kapsalis. January 26, 2014. The afternoon’s joying a buffet dinner, tasting the as well as in governmental institu‑ in Europe.” Suarez endorsed her As wigilia ended, the guests re‑ Open House will give PMA patrons heavenly pastry delights provided tions. proposal. ceived gifts of clothing, food, and and the general public the opportu‑ by Oak Mill Bakery, visiting with Accepting the Peace Light on Alderman Moreno suggested sweets. All of this, thanks to the gen‑ nity to view the outstanding reno‑ old friends, conversing with oth‑ behalf of Consul General Paulina that the Chicago Transit Authority erosity of businesses, restaurants, vations. Tours of the new area will ers, being entertained by the Polish Kapuścińska was Vice Consul Kon‑ (CTA) rename its Blue Line stop at be given. This Highlander band, Mountain Eagles, rad Zieliński. This year, the scouts Division, the Polish Triangle. Su‑ event is free, but and dancing to the music of the Dori in Poland gave the Light to the Pol‑ arez mentioned that efforts for this donations to de‑ Koz Band. ish president and the prime minister. renaming are already underway. The fray costs will be In addition, guests had an oppor‑ The Polish Scouting Organization CTA, however, gave a lukewarm re‑ gratefully appre‑ tunity to meet Richard S. Post, au‑ of Chicago, as the Ambassador of sponse to actually renaming the sta‑ ciated. With plen‑ thor of the newly-published “West the Peace Light, also brought the tion. “CTA has discussed this issue ty of free parking, of Goose Island: A Chicago Story” Light to the Polish American Con‑ with Alderman Suarez and is happy the PMA hopes to and Joseph W. Zurawski, author of gress, the Polish Roman Catholic to assist him in pursing his constitu‑ see many. More “Polish Chicago: Our History – Our Union of America, and Polish par‑ ents’ goal of highlighting that area’s about this event Recipes.” Both were on hand to sign ishes throughout Chicago. In 1986, importance in American and Polish to follow in the their books, which were available the transfer of the Peace Light of history,” said CTA spokesman Ste‑ March 2014 is‑ for purchase. Bethlehem was first inaugurated in phen Mayberry. “CTA has suggest‑ sue of the Polish The PACC’s mission is to encour‑ Linz, Austria, as part of a Christ‑ ed a landmark sign at (the) Division American Jour‑ age, support, and promote domestic mas charitable relief mission for station, prominently designating it nal. and international trade among its children in need. Since 1991, the as the station for the ‘Polonia Tri‑ PMA volunteers. members. As a not-for-profit orga‑ Polish Scouting Organization has angle.’ The landmark sign would be and volunteers from various orga‑ PAL-PAC HOLDS CHRISTMAS nization, it wishes to be the voice of taken part in this event. In 2001, highly visible to our customers and nizations and St. Hyacinth Parish. PARTY. The first joint Polish Amer‑ Polish American business men and the Peace Light made its way to the would be in keeping with standard ican Leadership – Political Action women, and to be dedicated to serv‑ United States by way of the Canadi‑ CTA signage policy for such a des‑ PMA HAD BUSY DECEMBER. Committee (PAL- PAC) and Polish ing their best interests through the an scouts who brought it to Ground ignation.” This has yet to be seen. The Polish Museum of America American Chamber of Commerce education on current trends and the Zero in New York. This year’s mes‑ (PMA) was busy (PACC) Holiday Party was held facilitation of commercial contacts. sage “Step out of the shadow. Show during the month Fri., Dec. 6, at the European Crys‑ The Polish American Leadership the good!” calls for working on self- of December, as tal Ballroom in Arlington Heights, - Political Action Committee is a improvement for the benefit of all. it prepared for its Ill. The event’s success, attended annual Wigilia, as by more than 400 guests, was also Repairing Old Photos Topic of Genealogy Meeting well as co-host‑ made possible by the generosity of ing an evening many business and individual spon‑ CHICAGO — “50 Photoshop Speed Techniques” will be the topic at with Bram Bee‑ sors. the Feb. 9, 2014 meeting of the Polish Genealogical Society of America laert, curator of The Masters of Ceremonies (PGSA). the Red Star Line for the evening’s festivities were Eric Basir, owner of Photo Grafix, in Evanston, Ill., will offer ad‑ Museum of Ant‑ PACC executive director, Bogdan vice on using numerous techniques to repair torn, faded, and other werp, Belgium. Pukszta, and PAL-PAC executive photographs in need of repair. He has served hundreds of genealogists On December director, Ela Golebiewska. Guests throughout the United States with high-quality restoration of their pho‑ 6, Beelaert pre‑ were greeted by PAL-PAC’s chair‑ tographic collections since 2001. He also has an extensive portfolio of Niemczyk, Zgrzębski, and Dworska. sented a histori‑ man, Arie Zweig, who summed up work with advertising agencies, book and magazine publishers, and cal overview of the year’s activities of this rapidly professional photographers. Basir serves the genealogical community A WIGILIA SERVED TO THE the Belgium-American Shipping evolving Polish American initia‑ as a teacher and author of two books and a video course about digital HOMELESS. With all that everyone Company, Red Star Line, and the tive and read a letter from Polish photo preservation and restoration. has to do in preparing for Wigilia, role Antwerp played in being the Ambassador, Ryszard Schnepf. This The meeting starts at 2:00 p.m. at the Social Hall, The Polish Mu‑ it was wonderful to see and read departure point, as well as the ship‑ was followed by welcoming re‑ seum of America, 984 N. Milwaukee Ave. what Polish Radio (1030 AM) and ping line used by over 2.5 million marks from Polish Consul General Polvision, along with St. Hyacinth immigrants from Western, Central, Paulina Kapuścińska. Michael MEMBERS of the PGSA are available on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. Parish, did on behalf of the lonely, and Eastern Europe. This event was Krynski, chairman of the PAL- until 1:00 p.m. at the PMA library to help with your research challeng‑ homeless and poor. Several hundred co-hosted by the PMA, Visit Flan‑ PAC’s Junior Board, spoke on the es. However, if you are unable to stop by, you can e-mail an inquiry filled the gym of Świętego Jacka, ders, and the Polish and Belgium importance of active young-adult to [email protected] or go to www.PGSA.org, Click on “How shared opłatek, and sat down to an Consulates. involvement and its effectiveness in To....” in the sidebar and access “Frequently Asked Questions.” outstanding Wigilia dinner. This is The following evening, Decem‑ supporting the PAL-PAC’s mission. Currently, board member and PAJ columnist Steve Szabados is avail‑ perhaps the biggest Wigilia in the ber 7, the PMA held its annual Wi- Illinois gubernatorial candidates, able at the Arlington Heights Library, every Friday morning from 9:00 Chicago area. gilia celebration. This sold-out event Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford, a.m. to noon. To see his schedule of talks around Chicago, go to: http:// It all started 14 years ago, when brought many to the PMA to enjoy State Senator Kirk Dillard (Ill. steveszabados.com/calendar-of-events/ . the late Jurek (George) Arsenowicz POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 9

Humble Roots POLONIA OF THE EASTERN GREAT LAKES / Michael Pietruszka Bear Doctor Polish Collection’s Future in Question BUFFALO, N.Y. — The State POLONIA TIDBITS. The January land, Maureen Gleason, Patricia ret Nowaki presented “Paranienor‑ University of New York at Buffalo’s 2014 edition of “The WholeNote,” Rooney, Walter Kloc, and Pierre malni” at the John Bassett Theatre Lockwood Library is changing its a Toronto music magazine, featured LaLoie ... On January 18, Buffalo’s in Toronto. Polish Room. Mollie Poremski, cu‑ an article by Robert Aiken entitled historic Broadway Market hosted The Professional & Business rator of the library’s Polish Collec‑ “Lutoslawski’s Legacy: A Person‑ “Polka, Piwo And Pierogi” featuring Women of Polonia will host their tion, is in the process of placing a al Reminiscence” ... St. Casimir the music of New Direction, a beer annual scholarship fundraiser, fea‑ special collection of Polish artifacts Parish, in Buffalo’s Kaisertown tasting by members of the Adam turing O’Connell & Co. in the the‑ in the Polish Room while relocating neighborhood, presented a number Mickiewicz Library and Dramatic atrical presentation, “The Lady many of the books currently there of events throughout the month of Circle, and pierogi by Pierogi by With All The Answers,” at the Park into the general circulation stacks. January, celebrating the “40 Days Paula and Keeping Traditions School in Snyder on February 20 ... Local Polonians are split on this is‑ of Christmas.” Events included the Pierogi ... Also on January 18, the The Polish Heritage Dancers of sue. Some see this as a fi rst move to‑ blessing of incense, chalk and gold Bloor Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto WNY will sponsor their 17th An‑ ward the elimination of the library’s on Epiphany, and a Winterfest Heri‑ screened Andrzej Wajda’s “Walesa: nual Paczki Day Celebration at the Polish Collection, others see it as tage Festival held at the Polish Villa Man of Hope,” the Polish Legion Hearthstone Manor in Depew on a way to make the library’s Polish II Restaurant in Cheektowaga. Pho‑ Branch 418 hosted its “Zabawa” March 2 ... The Betty Crockski Pol‑ Collection more accessible to the tos of the events can be viewed at featuring “Polanie” at the Legion ish food truck will start gracing the Public. And no one can seem to lo‑ www.facebook.com/stcasimirbuf‑ Hall in St. Catharines, Ontario, and streets of the WNY in March. More MARIAN AMOS KASPEREK, cate the complete 1955 agreement falo ... Binghamton resident Valen- the Polish Heritage Foundation information will soon be available son of Marian and Jean Kasperek between the university and the Pol‑ tina Kozlowski is offering her CD, held its “Czarno Bialy Karnawal” on the Betty Crockski Facebook of Cole Camp, Missouri, earned ish Arts Club of Buffalo establish‑ “Songs of Poland,” on her website, at the John Paul II Polish Cultural page or at www.bettycrockski.com his doctorate in Spanish Golden ing the Polish Collection to see if it www.ValentinaKozlowski.com Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. ... Remember that Tuesday, March 4 Age Literature from University of addresses this issue. More later as ... Lucyna Dziedzic offered her January 19 brought the Salon of is Paczki Day this year. Oklahoma‑Norman. He is a fi rst events develop. For information on various levels of Polish language Poetry, Music and Theatre of To‑ v v v generation American of Polish de‑ the Polish Room, visit www.library. classes at the Maryvale Binner Edu‑ ronto, under the direction of Jerzy If you have any item that you scent. His father immigrated with buffalo.edu/polish‑room. cational Center in Cheektowaga in Pilitowski’s production of “Nieza‑ would like to have included in fu‑ his parents, Marian and Stanislawa mid‑January. Ms. Dziedzic added an pomniani,” featuring Konstanty ture installments of this column, Kasperek, and his brother Czeslaw PULASKI POLICE NEWS. The Pu‑ online class to her offerings for the Ildefons Galczynski and Julian please send the information to me in 1956 from Marshall Plan‑spon‑ laski Police Association of Buffalo fi rst time this year. Tuwim, to the Maja Prentice The‑ by the 6th day of the month preced‑ sored refugee housing in Ingolstadt, and Western New York recently in‑ The Buffalo Sabres NHL team re‑ atre in Mississauga ... On Janu‑ ing the month in which you would Germany. stalled the following offi cers at the cently picked up ary 21, Jim Serafi n, president of like the item to appear (ie. February Dr. Kasperek’s paternal grand‑ Polish Falcons Hall in Depew: Al 33‑year‑old Ze- the Buffalo-Rzeszow Sister City 6 for the March edition) at pietrusz‑ father was originally from Wola Ziemecki, pres.; Marty Bochinski, non Konopka Committee, met with Peter Eimer, [email protected]. Murowana, Poland, and his pater‑ v.p.; Dave Gorski, 2nd v.p.; Mike (inset, left)a Ni‑ the North American Coordinator of nal grandmother was from Tarnow, Stack, 3rd v,.p.; Darryl Borawski, agara‑On‑The‑ SAGEGlobal at the Buffalo Club to rec. sec.; Ron Skotnicki, treas.; discuss possible areas of increased COMPUTER Poland. They were taken individu‑ Lake, Ontario DESIGN ally to Germany in 1939 as laborers. Paul Manno, fi n. Sec.; and Jerry resident whose cooperation. SAGE’s mission is to CDS SOUNDS After the war, they met in a refugee Imiola, sgt.‑at‑arms. The oath of father was born help create the next generation of staging area in Weiden, Germany, offi ce was administered by the Erie in Poland ... Ralph Baumgartner entrepreneurial leaders whose in‑ where their two sons were born. County Judge Michael Pietruszka. addressed the January meeting of novations and social enterprises ad‑ with D.J.Rob Later they were transferred to Ingol‑ Scholarships were awarded to the Polish Arts Club of Buffalo on dress the major unmet needs of our Music for Any Occasion stadt where they did whatever they Hannah Gnorek and Anthony the topic, “The Black Madonna: global community. could to provide for their family. Buhbwski that evening. Our Lady of Czestochowa,” at the On January 26, Erie County WEDDINGS They kept rabbits and pigs, worked Other awards were given to Paul Harlem Road Community Center in Judge Michael Pietruszka installed ANNIVERSARIES on farms and road construction, Manno (Man of the Year), Steven Amherst on January 15 ... The Polish the following offi cers of the Polish HOLIDAY PARTIES picked apples and mushrooms in the Umstead (Business Person of the Genealogical Society of New York Arts Club of Buffalo: Alfred Kar- INSTALLATIONS woods, collected metal and bricks Year), and Paul Imiola and Ron elected the following leadership for ney, pres.; Elzbieta Grabowska, RETIREMENTS to recycle, made shoes, cut hair, and Mayer (President’s Award) for their 2014: Denise Oliansky, pres.; Da- 2nd v.p.; and Directors Felix Kl-  rented out their only bedroom. They outstanding and dedicated service to vid Newman, v.p.; Dolores Fergu- empka, Danuta Nycz-Nakamura, Call (716) 570-3611 had only an elementary education the association. son, sec.; and Chuck Pyrak, treas., and Anthony Rudncki, at Gregor’s Visit us on Facebook! and had to hire people to tutor their and well as Trustees Patricia Neu- Grove in West Seneca, and Kaba- sons in German for school, and to help them with paperwork for their immigration. Education was im‑ SALT LAMPS ETC. portant to them because they saw the disadvantages of not having it. 5274 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086 •(716) 564-9286 Their sons didn’t realize, when their parents checked their homework, Can’t sleep? Need relief for asthmas? Allergies? Sinuses? that they couldn’t read it. Despite little education, Amos’s grandfather Now available beautiful Polish salt lamps that clean and could speak some Russian, Ukrai‑ ionize air for your health and well-being. nian, and a little English. In addi‑ tion to her native Polish, Amos’s Laboratory tested for ionization and quality. grandmother learned to speak Ger‑ man and, after coming to the United For information and flyers call: States, English and Spanish. We will ship Joyce (716) 860-0828 • [email protected] Dr. Kasperek received his Bach‑ anywhere in the USA Arlene (716) 649-3188 • [email protected] elor’s in education at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, and earned his Master’s from University of St. Louis in Ma‑ drid, Spain. He now teaches at Bob Jones University, and next year will become head of the Spanish depart‑ ment. His grandparents would no Please make checks payable to: ACPC, c/o doubt have been proud of Amos’s Florence Langridge, Membership Chair, 78 accomplishments. Meadow Lane, West Hartford, CT 06107

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 10 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014 Sing-Along Draws Great Crowd 2014 Pilgrimage to Poland with Erika Many of you are familiar with will translate any necessary infor‑ life after his assassination attempt the well‑known polka band, “Pan mation for travelers, although most in 1981. Franek, Zosia and the Polka Town‑ of the main tour stops have English‑ Erika is so anxious to share a ers,” which has been playing on speaking personnel. raft trip down the Dunajec River in the polka circuit with various fam‑ Departing from Chicago, the fi rst Szczawnica with her fellow travel‑ ily members since the mid‑1970’s. couple of days will be spent in War‑ ers. It is one of the most beautiful Family member, 21‑year‑old Erika saw. A tour of the city of Warsaw scenic places in Poland. The next Piotrowski, has been an integral will begin the trip, including a walk day the travelers will move on to part of the band since she was three through Market Square and a visit to visit the oldest salt mine in Europe years old, singing vocals and play‑ New Town Market and a stop at the in Wieliczka. They will experience ing the violin. She partially credits History Museum to view the movie, tunnels, salt lakes, chambers and her great love of her Polish heritage “Warsaw Remains.” other unique discoveries of the un‑ and her lively enthusiasm in pass‑ From Warsaw, the group will derground world there. From there, ing on the polka music tradition that transfer to Niepokalanow Sanctu‑ a visit to the Sanctuary of Divine originates from her mother’s and her ary, former home to St. Maximil‑ Mercy, where Sister Faustina Kow‑ paternal grandparents’ homeland of ian Kolbe, 21st century martyr of alska was given the Divine Mercy Poland to her own familiarity with Auschwitz. From there the group Chaplet. NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — Nearly 200 people attended the second an- the country of Poland. will move on to Torun to spend the Final day includes a visit to the nual Polskie Koledy Sing-Along sponsored by The Polish Heritage Com- Through the years Erika has visit‑ night. Following Torun, the pilgrim‑ Wawel Castle in Krakow, the seat of mittee of Northampton. The afternoon’s event was held January 5 at St. ed relatives in Poland several times, age group will visit Lichen Stary, Polish kings. Time will be spent in Valentine’s Polish National Catholic Church; hosted by the Rev. Adam celebrating Christmas, weddings, the second most famous sanctuary the Main Market Square, the gothic Czarnecki, pastor, and its parishioners. The lead choir was comprised of ordinations, birthdays and just get‑ devoted to Mary in Poland, and then Church of St. Mary’s and taking in choir members from area churches throughout the Pioneer Valley. The ting to know the land of her heritage on to a tour of Wroclaw to visit the the sites. program included eighteen traditional Polish Christmas carols and pas- well. She has come to love Poland site of the Battle of Raclawice, the The cost for this twelve‑day toralki with sing along sheets for the people in attendance. with its rich spiritual offerings and gothic cathedral of St. John the Bap‑ tour is $3,850 per person, including This year’s program included a live Nativity scene portrayed by stu- the mere beauty of its Eastern Euro‑ tist and a short trip to Swidnica, the round trip air from Chicago, based dents from the Polish language class sponsored by St. Valentine’s Church. pean landscape. Because of her love Church of Peace, the largest timber‑ on double occupancy. For more in‑ Rev. Czarnecki opened the event with prayer asking almighty God for her ancestors’ homeland, she framed religious building in Europe. formation, contact Erika Piotrowski to open our hearts to praise Him and give glory by singing Polish car- desires to share this treasure with as Continuing, the group will at (231) 720‑8378, or e‑mail her at ols, which are about His miraculous Birth. During the intermission, Rev. many people as possible. Thus, she visit the most important religious [email protected]. Czarnecki blessed incense and chalk for distribution to the guests and is organizing a pilgrimage tour of site in Poland, the home to the fa‑ provided a brief description of the Polish Three Kings Day tradition of Poland to take place May 23‑June mous Black Madonna, Jasna Gora Genealogists to Meet marking the door entrance and lintels of the house with the initials 20 3, 2014. Monastary. New there is a huge fi ‑ K+M+B 14. Erika hosted a previous pilgrim‑ berglass fi gure of Pope John Paul SALT LAKE CITY — The Visiting priests in attendance included the Very Rev. Fryderyk Ba- age tour to Poland, which was a great II that overlooks the city of Czesto‑ United Polish Genealogical Soci‑ nas, Holy Cross Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC), Ware, Mass., and success. A couple of years ago, she chowa. eties (UPGS) Conference will be Rev. Pawel Lukaszewicz, Holy Mother of the Rosary PNCC, Chicopee, went on a mission trip to the country Following Czestochowa, a visit held May 2‑5, 2014 at the Plaza Mass. Very Rev. Banas off ered a closing prayer and made note that he of India where she worked with the will be made to Auschwitz, the most Hotel, 122 West South Temple. compared the lead choir to the Mazowsze — the world’s best known Missionaries of Charity and stayed infamous former Nazi concentration To reserve a room, call (800) Polish folk group. with the sisters of the Community camp. On to Wadowice from there, 366‑3684. A discounted room Many of those in attendance had tears of joy as they sang — bring- of St. John. She realized after see‑ the birthplace of Blessed Pope John rate is in effect ($85.00) for sin‑ ing back memories of years past with the hope that the event will be ing the rich and beautiful culture of Paul II. The group will retrace steps gle or double rooms, and good continued. Guests as far away as Connecticut attending for the fi rst time India that she wanted to take others of his childhood in this village. for the shoulder dates as well. assured the Committee that they will again return. One woman com- to experience the heritage, traditions In Zakopane they tour will visit Please use the full title “United mented that she had recently recovered from a stroke and just had to and beauty of her own ancestral the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fati‑ Polish Genealogical Societies attend to hear the beautiful Polish carols. The event culminated with a country of Poland. ma in Krzeptowki. Here Pope John Conference” when applying for reception and fellowship in the Church hall. Erika speaks fl uent Polish and Paul II gave thanksgiving for his special rate, no abbreviations. The Polish Heritage Committee said it plants to make the Sing-Along an annual event.

POLISH COMPOSERS. threecomposers.pl is an English‑language site that provides a varied sampling of music of three of Poland’s famous clas‑ sical composers — Górecki, Lutosławski, and Penderecki. It is produced by the Narodowy Instytut Audiowizualny (National Audiovisual Institute).

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POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL Polka Weekenders Last Polka PHOTO: RICHARD P. POREMSKI RICHARD PHOTO:

DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION AND CONTINUANCE OF POLISH AMERICAN MUSIC PAJ Polka Editor to Receive IPA’s Jozwiak Award CHICAGO —Steve Litwin, Polka Editor of the Polish American Journal, was announced as the win‑ ner of the Joe Jozwiak Achievement Award to be awarded by the Inter‑ national Polka Association (IPA) in 2014. The exact place and date of the award presentation has not yet THE LAST AND FIRST PRESIDENTS PRESIDED. Kenneth Adamski (l.) been determined and Joseph Antkowiak (r.), the last and first presidents respectively of Litwin was probably introduced The Polka Weekenders Club, at its final function after almost a half cen- to polka music shortly after his tury of a very active and cheerful existence. birth. Born and raised in a Polish American family in North Tonawa‑ by Richard P. Poremski strongly belting out the polka beat. nda, N.Y., a Buffalo suburb, polka BALTIMORE — Sadly, The Most of the Club’s affairs were held music was part of everyday life, Polka Weekenders Club is no more. locally, but also its members also whether it be on the radio, on televi‑ On Nov. 17, 2013, over 200 pairs traveled to many others in the north‑ sion, or with live bands at weddings of feet danced the Club into the his‑ east United States, frequently with and dances. At the age of seven he tory books after 45 years of longev‑ two full buses of participants. Its started taking accordion lessons ity, to the music of the TKO Vari‑ farthest reach was a trip to Hawaii from his uncle, a local musician ety Band at the Del Capri banquet in 1984. But it wasn’t just “all pol‑ and music teacher. Although for the hall. Presiding over the bittersweet ka-all the time.” It also proudly— most part he followed the lesson event was the current and now last and unselfishly— participated in structure, he preferred playing pol‑ president of the Weekenders, Ken many charitable, community, civic kas, waltzes and obereks. Litwin’s Adamski, as well as its founder and and Polonia events to the benefit of grandfather played harmonica and first president, Joe Antkowiak, both many others. was a big inspiration in his love for pictured above. But now a much different day Polish and polka music. The Polka Weekenders was has dawned: the young people of to‑ In the late ’60s, he began book‑ founded in 1964 and experienced day are not joining or supporting the ing polka bands for club events and STEVE and ADELE LITWIN, with plaque of recognition given to them a temporary three-year hiatus early social or fraternal groups like the spending evenings at polka lounges, by the Blazonczyk family for years of dedication to the promotion polka thereafter. It then roared back to life previous generations of their fami‑ clubs and dances in the Western music. Now, that dedication has been recognized by the IPA. with about 70 members and rapidly lies eagerly did. The lion’s share of New York area. Litwin also began expanded. At its zenith the Club their socializing and networking is submitting articles to The Polka Steel City Brass; and Eddie Blazon‑ sored a Concertina Jam session had approximately 800 dues-paying now done solo in cyberspace where News, a monthly published in Con‑ cyzk’s Versatones. He also wrote the during the July Polka Fireworks members, and was reported to be they communicate instantantly and necticut. liner notes for Polkas for Children, festival at the Seven Springs Resort “The Largest Polka Social Club in constantly via their computers, lap‑ His 1973 marriage relocated him produced by the Polish American in Western Pennsylvania. Each year the USA.” It published a quarterly tops, tablet/pad devices, and smart to Binghamton, N.Y., where he and Journal and A Kolberg Sampler, over 30 concertina players, includ‑ newsletter that publicized and pro‑ phones. his wife, Adele, continued their ac‑ produced by the Polish Community ing some of the top Polish concerti‑ moted upcoming polka events and “In summarizing the history of tivities at polka events throughout Center of Buffalo. He was one of the na players in the country, participate related programs throughout the The Polka Weekenders over the past southern New York State and north‑ photographers for the Dynatones’ in this annual acoustic event, play‑ area, as well as other articles of in‑ forty-five years, we can say with eastern Pennsylvania. Along with Live Wire album of 1982 and his ing tunes from the Polish heritage. terest to the polka and Polonia com‑ pride we have accomplished our teaching polka dance lessons, they photography is featured on Eddie In addition to the print editions, munities. goals,” said the last communiqué started and edited a local polka club Blazoncyzk’s Polka Festival album. Litwin’s writings for the PAJ may Over the years, the Weekend‑ issued by the Club. “(We) brought news bulletin entitled Polka Press. In 1976, he started playing con‑ be found at www.polamjournal. ers sponsored too many dances to pleasure to our membership; assist‑ Nebraska’s Polka World so‑ certina and since 1983, has spon‑ com/polka. count, booking both local and na‑ ed the Polish Community in many licited his work and his “Accor‑ tionally-recognized polka bands at ways; conducted ourselves with dion to Steve” column became a their events. Some of the bands are dignity at every affair; and made regular feature of that publication. Chicago Push Making Plans now defunct, some have undergone every member proud to be a Polka Throughout the next decade, his CHICOPEE, Mass. — Lenny Musicfest in Frankenmuth, Mich. reorganization(s), and some are still Weekender.” columns appeared in various polka Gomulka & Chicago Push an‑ in August; the newly-organized and Polish American newspapers. nounced plans for 2014, which in‑ IPA Labor Day weekend festival in In December, 1989, Mark Kohan, clude a polka cruise, and a trip to Cleveland; and Polkamotion by the Jimmy Sturr to Tape New TV Shows Editor-in-Chief of the Polish Ameri‑ Southern Poland and Vienna. Ocean in Rehoboth Beach, Del., in WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Jimmy will be included. can Journal (PAJ), named Litwin At Easter, the band will be per‑ mid-September. Sturr & His Orchestra will be taping The Mohegan Sun Pocono Ca‑ Polka Editor. His “Polka Insider” forming at the Pvt. Leonard Post in Newly announced is their South‑ new shows for his TV Program fea‑ sino & Hotel (mohegansunpocono. column has been a regular feature the Buffalo, New York. ern Poland and Vienna, Austria Tour tured weekly on RFD-TV. Usually com) is located off Route 81 and ever since. Also on the schedule is Ogleby in September 2014, with Lenny Go‑ taped in Branson, Mo., these will be three miles from the Wilkes Barre/ Since the early ’70s, Litwin has Park, Wheeling, W.V.; the USPA mulka and Mitch Biskup hosting recorded in the Mohegan Sun Po‑ Scranton Airport. written the liner notes for numerous Convention Memorial Weekend in another adventure to Poland, Sep‑ cono Casino/Hotel in Wilkes-Barre. Tickets are on now sale. For polka albums including recordings Cleveland; the 40th Anniversary 4th tember 25 through October 5, 2014. Sturr and the Orchestra will be credit card orders call (800) 724- by: Bay State IV; The Brass Con‑ of July Polka Fireworks weekend at For more information visit chi‑ taping four shows per day starting 0727 or visit jimmysturr.com. Write nection; John Nyschot Orchestra; Seven Springs Resort in Champion, cagopush.com, call (413) 374-7096; Fri., March 28-30 2014. This is the Jimmy Sturr Productions, Box One, Bill Czerniak’s Concertina Band; Pa.; Mark & Val Janson’s Summer e-mail [email protected]. first time dancing by the audience Florida, and NY 10921.

POLKA MEMORIES / Steve Litwin

If you have a special Polka Memory photograph to publish, email it with a short description to: [email protected].

FRANK BORZYMOWSKI. Boys from Baltimore. Polka Holi- AL BRANECKI. Chicagolaires. Polish Home. Binghamton, FRANK LISZKA. The Brass Connection. Fountains Pavilion. day. Elmira, N.Y. 1983. N.Y. 1976. Johnson City, N.Y. 1981. 12 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014

New location for TOLEDO POLONIA / Margaret Zotkiewicz-Dramczyk Bayway “Revival” FLORIDA, N.Y. — Polka danc‑ Czelusta Park All Stars Shine ing is return‑ ing to the New As I sit here writing my column, music. Dozens of door prizes and Jersey area on Northwest Ohio is covered in about the poinsettias were raffl ed off, and Sun., March 23 a foot of snow, and the tempera‑ the fi nal set of music came all too at the former tures are hitting near‑record lows, quickly. Thanks to the many people polish home as they are in much of the country who made the TAPS Christmas in Bloomfi eld. right now. The inclement weather dance a success. Now called the we had in December seems tame Essex Manor by comparison. It didn’t stop the UPCOMING it is located on TAPS membership from enjoying Feb. 23. Duane Malinowski and Broughton Avenue in Bloomfi eld, the Christmas Dance December 15 the Polka Jamboree, TAPS monthly Exit 151 on the Garden State Park‑ by any means. A good two hundred dance, music from 2:00‑6:00 p.m. way. Featured will be The Jimmy polka fans and family members Doors open 12:30 p.m. Sturr Orchestra starting at 2:00 showed up to enjoy the festivities, March 7. Echoes of Poland An‑ p.m. The Essex Manor has been including several new members and nual Pierogi Dinner. 4:00‑8:00 p.m. completely renovated and you’ll en‑ their families. PRCUA Hall 5255 N. Detroit Ave‑ joy a spacious dance fl oor. Food will The hall was decorated with the nue, $8.00 per person, includes four available throughout the day. requisite poinsettias, and the meal pierogi entrée. For more information contact was catered by Malczewski’s. This March 23. John Gora & Gorale. Jimmy Sturr, Box 1, Florida, NY of course means chicken and meat‑ IMA monthly dance. Music from 10921. balls with all of the trimmings, and 2:00‑6:00 p.m. doors open 12:30 as usual these fi ne folks didn’t dis‑ p.m. appoint. Christmas cookies adorned Mar 30. The Diddle Styx from the food tables but only for a short Grand Rapids. TAPS monthly while. dance. Music from 2:00‑6:00 p.m. Drivetime Polkas THE POLKA CAROUSEL Lunch was only the beginning. Doors open 12:30 p.m. The afternoon’s dancing com‑ with “RONNIE D” WESTERN NEW YORK’S ONLY SEVEN-DAY-A-WEEK POLKA SHOW menced with the sounds of the Cze- Tour Germany and Poland lusta Park All Stars. Eddie Biegaj played the drums, as well as Randy with Tish Blazonczyk www.drivetimepolkas.com WXRL 1300AM Krajewski on accordion, with Jim‑ CHICAGO — Tish Blazonczyk MONDAY-SATURDAY my Rutkowski and Jimmy Mackie‑ and family will be touring Germa‑ 5:00-7:00 p.m. Your Host: Ed Slomkowski wicz, Jr. on trumpets/clarinets. As in ny and Poland, July 27 to August past years, the boys in the band were 9, 2013. You can enjoy the culture www.polishnewcastleradio.com joined on stage by Eric Hite and also and history of Berlin, Dresden, WECK 1230AM Wed. 5:00 to 6:00: p.m. Robert McMahon for sets of tradi‑ Wroclaw, Wisla, Zakopane, Kra‑ SUNDAYS Fri. 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. tional kolędy, English carols, and a kow, Wadowice, Czestochowa, and 8:00-11:00 a.m. few Irish songs thrown in for good Warsaw. Arrangements are being www.radioharborcountry.org measure by Robert. handled by travel experts Mary & FOR INFORMATION or Wed. 11:00 a.m. to noon ADVERTISING RATES, CALL What is a Christmas party with‑ Richard Gorecki of PAT Tours. Sun. 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. out a visit from St. Nicholas? All For more information contact (716) 683-4357 registered children received a gift Bel‑Aire at (708) 594‑5182 or via from the old boy in between sets of email at [email protected].

Listen to the ROCKIN’ROCKIN’ BIG TONY POLKA SHOW WJJL 1440 AM POLKASPOLKAS Niagara Falls / Buffalo, NY with SUNDAY EVENING MIKE & GEORGE PASIERB 5:00 p.m. Send all promotional material to WXRL Tony Rozek 78 Cochrane St. 1300 AM Buffalo, NY 14206 LANCASTER-BUFFALO For advertising information, call SAT. 2:00-3:00 p.m. (716) 824-6092 SUN. 7:00-8:00 p.m. [email protected] POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 13

DANCE TIME / Jen Pijanowski A Positive Response for a Favorite Charity BUFFALO, N.Y. — It is still Next time you are in the area, pretty cold in most of the country, stop by and say hello to Mary or so there’s nothing better than a little Paulie and check out the doorway. polka dancing to warm up us. There They live by their motto “It’s all have been so many dances here in about the love,” and I have so much Western New York and many more love and adoration for the family to come. I am looking forward to and their commitment to the Polish the nicer traveling weather so I culture. can to get to Cleveland, Pittsburgh, After a long hiatus of polka mu‑ Youngstown, and beyond to attend sic at a local musician’s icon bar in CANADIAN CONTINGENT. Just a few of the many who traveled south events in other areas. Until then, I Buffalo, the Buffalo Touch returned of the border to enjoy the hospitality of Val Bakowski, the Millenium Ho- will continue to enjoy every mo‑ to their stage. It was literally stand‑ tel, and the music of Polka Country Musicians and Special Delivery. ment of music right here in Buffalo. ing room only in the bar room with‑ in the first 30 minutes of the music unforgettable night of memories. coupon. 4:00-8:00-also enjoy $1.00 ba- POSITIVE RESPONSE. starting. The Sportsmens Tavern is Over 450 people attended the 2nd loney & onion sandwiches and glasses Potts hosted its annual kolędy, a music mecca having live music ev‑ annual sold out event hosted by Val of beer. Potts Banquet, 41 S. Rossler which benefits Buffalo’s Response ery single day of the week. Sports‑ Bakowski. It was impossible not to Ave. Cheektowaga. to Love organization. The hall was mens opens their stage to local, relish in every aspect of this celebra‑ Feb. 15. New Direction. Polish Night Dinner Dance. St. John Vianney Parish. packed to see New Direction, Pol- STEVE BROWN and his grand- national, and international musical tion. The doors opened at 7:00 p.m. 7:00-11:00. For info call Ron 675-6588. ish Heritage Dancers, and St. John mother, ELSIE, matriarch of the acts throughout the year. It prides it‑ with each band playing a short set Feb. 20. Polka Booster Meeting. Kanty Choir led by Sister Johnice. Zielinski family. self on offering the very best in mu‑ during cocktail hour. We were then Concertina All-Stars. $7.00-mem- Sister led everyone in reading the porting this local establishment and sical entertainment in almost every seated for dinner however; it was bers/$10.00 non-members. 8:00-10:30. story of Jesus’ birth with pauses be‑ their continuation of polkas once a genre. The Sunday afternoon event hard to tell by the number of people Polish Falcons, 445 Columbia Ave., De- tween for an accompanying kolędy. month. According to the bartender, with the Touch was no exception. It who continued to dance. This is a pew. After the choir and some enjoyable Polka Sunday is the biggest crowd was obvious that the band was feed‑ testament to the music that filled Feb. 23. Special Delivery. Free. Diane- demonstrative dancing by Polish ing off the electricity of the crowd. this glorious affair. Drinks flowed, again’s, 2460 Clinton, Cheektowaga. Dianeagains sees in its business. (716) 768-3246. 4:30-7:30. Heritage dancers, New Direction A half an hour after the music was Being the Sunday before Christmas, laughter rang through the air, and took the stage for polkas, as well as many out-of- towners showed up to the dance floor was brimming with Feb. 26. Polka Variety Meeting - Knewz. over, there were only a few people $8.00 members/$9.00 non-members. Polish and American Christmas car‑ left in the bar, a testament of why support the band. Both the Druzbik dancers for every single song. It was 7:30-10:00. Pvt. Leonard Post, 2450 ols. My favorite memory of this hol‑ everyone was there. and Wisnewski families had a sort nearly impossible to spot someone Walden Ave., Cheektowaga. iday function was when band leader of reunion there with multi-genera‑ near the back of the hall from the March 1. Mardi Gras Dance. Special Ron Urbanczyk split up the tables to NEIGHBORHOOD ANCHORS. tions of both families being present. front of the stage because the floor Delivery and PhoCus. $10.00. Potts each be one day of Christmas in the Polka music and holiday cheer also There were also many surprises in never cleared. Special Delivery and Banquet, 41 S. Rossler Ave, Cheektow- “Twelve Days of Christmas.” By the filled the air of Anchor Inn when store that day. Before the band start‑ Polka Country Musicians defi‑ aga, N.Y. 7:00-12:00. Call Ted for tickets last few verses of the song, every Phocus had its monthly polka Sun‑ ed, the owner Dwayne announced nitely added the necessary magic (716) 668-9101. table was standing during their turn that a local soldier (grandson of that made this gala flourish. ‑At March. 1. The Knewz. 7:00 p.m.-mid- day. As usual, it was an evening night. AMVETS 13. 25 Review Place, and competing for the loudest table. filled with merriment, music, and Millie Wisnewski) was not able to tendees were from WNY, Canada, The enthusiasm warmed the crowd, make it home for Christmas. They Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Buffalo. Tickets (716) 480-7174. entertainment. The snow was pil‑ March 2. Annual Paczki Day with Spe- and made it into a delightful eve‑ ing up outside and everyone was showed a quick video of the sol‑ beyond. A large group of Canadians cial Delivery and Polish Heritage Danc- ning for all. It was inspiring to see perfectly content to stay as long as dier telling his family that he loved polka lovers including members of ers. $6.00 advance (until 2/28) $8.00 great music and entertainment come they could as to enjoy the music. them and was sorry they couldn’t Polish folk group Ludowa Nuta at door. $2.00 children under 12. 1:00- together to benefit a worthwhile or‑ Three generations of the Zielinski be together for the holiday. As tears seemed to never leave the dance 7:00 Hearthstone Manor, 333 Dick Rd., ganization right here in Buffalo. family overtook the corner of the rolled down the faces of those who floor between songs. Cheektowaga. Call Michelle (716) 983- Please remember the Response bar showing their love and support knew him and those that didn’t, he It may have been cold and snowy 5084 or Debbie (716) 681-3526 for info. to Love needs assistance all year of family member Bob Wroblewski, walked through the front doors of outside but no one cared about March 9. Special Delivery. Free. Dia- long. You can contact Sr. Johnice the bar-room. What a wonderful anything but enjoying the love and neagain’s 2460 Clinton, Cheektowaga. who plays trumpet in the band. This (716) 768-3246. 4:30-7:30. for its needs at (716) 894-7030 or is another fascinating piece of our feeling for his family who undoubt‑ friendship of our Polish community check out the website www.respon‑ edly celebrated the entire day. The on New Year’s Eve. Polka Country WNY polka community, the con‑ Phoenix, Arizona setolovecenter.org for ways you can tinuation of generations that all love band welcomed former member offered their usual repertoire of Pol‑ Feb. 15. Stephanie & Arizona Honky help. and appreciate the music. A perfect Ray Barsukiewicz to the stage to ish, English, and country flavored Polka Band. $10.00. 6:00-9:00 p.m. Pu- dance amid the night between Steve sing his famed “If You See Kay” as polkas and Special Delivery offered laski Club, 4331 E. McDowell Rd. Phoe- WHAT A GREAT PLACE! The very Brown and his grandmother, the well as Richie Kurdziel who was polkas and American music for the nix. Repeat performance Feb. 16. from same Sunday afternoon, I visited a matriarch of the Zielinski family, here visiting family from Florida. perfect compliment. I think Val can noon-5:00 p.m. new tavern in Buffalo. Metzgers’ Elsie truly captured my heart. The Gary Krupski was also treated to a expect another sold out crowd for Feb. 28. Meet and Greet Party with Pub in West Seneca was the spot for love of polka music, respect, and the surprise visit from his brother Ricky next year. Without a second thought, Buffalo Touch. Free. Pulaski Club, 4331 E McDowell Rd., Phoenix. Special Delivery’s performance. importance of family was all encap‑ from Chicago. It wasn’t long after I will be there to bring in 2015! The pub has a charming bar, great his arrival that Ricky “Krew” Krup‑ March 1. Buffalo Touch. $12.00. 6:00- sulated in that three minute dance. 10:00. Pulaski Club, 4331 E. McDowell menu and rather ample back room. The days before Christmas were ski along with local musician Sheila UPCOMING EVENTS Buffalo, New York Rd., Phoenix. The room served impeccably for the very busy on the polka and Polish “Kielbasa” Connors and her wash‑ March 2. Buffalo Touch. $12.00. 2:00- band and the patrons, who came to board took the stage for a few songs. Feb. 2. New Direction. $7.00 includes front. Polka musicians, fans, and Polish sausage. 7:30-10:30. Ray’s 6:00. Pulaski Club, 4331 E. McDowell support this new polka locale. There East side supporters descended on As a final treat, band member Mike Rd. Phoenix. were several tables and a gener‑ Nowakowski, who has been off Lounge, 2070 Clinton St., Buffalo. Arty’s Tavern the Saturday before Feb. 7. Polish Happy Hour. Free. 5:00-?. ous sized dance floor for those who Christmas for their annual kolędy from the band after shoulder sur‑ Polish Cadets, 927 Grant St., Buffalo. Cleveland, Ohio wanted to watch the band, sit, have jam. Musicians from many differ‑ gery, was able to belt out a few of Feb. 8. New Direction. Eddie Kutas’s Feb. 16. CPA President’s Day Dance a bite to eat and dance a few. Even ent bands took turns spreading their his favorite tunes with them as well. Birthday Bash. $5.00. 8:00-11:00 p.m. with Henny & the Versa J’s. $12.00. 3:00-7:00. St. John’s Byzantine, 1900 better is that the bar overlooks the Christmas spirit. Arty’s is like com‑ The afternoon aligned perfectly Polish Villa II, Harlem Rd. Cheektowaga. attached room so you can leisurely as was obvious by the smiles on the Feb. 8. Special Delivery. Free. Metzger’s Carlton Rd., Parma. ing home for Christmas in Buffalo’s March 1. CPA/USPA Joint Dance. ”D” socialize and have a drink, while Polonia. Whether you have known faces of the owners Dwayne and Pub, 4135 Seneca St, West Seneca, N.Y. (716) 674-9897. 7:00-10:00. Street Band. $12.00. 8:00-12:00. Holi- still watching the band. This loca‑ the Kwiatowski family for a few Denise Hall. Dwayne said he was day Inn, 15471 Royalton Rd., Strongs- tion is a successful combination for glad there was such an overwhelm‑ Feb. 9. Hard Times Dance. Buffalo Con- hours, years or decades, they treat certina All-Stars. $10.00 or $5.00 w/ ville. the mingling of both regulars and you as one of their own. With this ing response to this event and he is polka junkies. Judging from the re‑ small East Side corner tavern filled looking forward to more opportu‑ action of the crowd and the sound to capacity, I looked around as to nity for polkas at his establishment. The Rich Bobinski Orchestra of the band, it is a sure wager that absorb every ounce of energy at Metzgers’ will be having this band A PERFECT EVENING. Don’t you Rich Bobinski • 2010 Inductee International Polka As- that moment. My eyes fixed on the sociation Polka Music Hall of Fame back for another date very soon. 20+K+M+B+13 over the front door love it when everything seems to RBO Special Delivery also performed inside the bar. Seeing this reminded work together in unison to create at the Broadway Market twice dur‑ me again that this bar is the epitome the perfect event? Those of us who Florida Tour 2014 ing the Kriskindlemart event. Dur‑ of East Side Buffalo. It is Polonia’s attended New Years’ Eve at the Mil‑ ing a Friday afternoon while shop‑ version of Cheers but even better. lenium were lucky enough to wit‑ Fri., March 21 5:30-8:30 PM / Doors open at 4:00 PM, Food Available ping for my holiday items, I heard I’m not sure, but I am betting it is ness an entire night of absolute per‑ The Polish American Pulaski Club kolędy echo through the market. It one of the only bars with that sym‑ fection. The hotel, staff, décor, food, 3621 West International Speedway Boulevard was then that I took notice of every‑ bol above their door. weather, and music all made for an Daytona Beach / 352-742-2180 one smiling that walked by or heard the band. This band never ceases to Sat., March 22 5:30-8:30 PM / Doors open at 4:00 PM, Food Available FREE CATALOG! The Polish American Pulaski Association amaze me, changing from tradition‑ 4616 Darlington Road al polkas to Zac Brown band, Uncle HEAR ALL THE POLKA STARS Holiday / 727-848-7826 Kracker, Jose Feliciano, then back on to traditional kolędy without miss‑ Sun., March 23 2:00-6:00 PM / Dinner 1:00-2:00 PM ing a beat. The mass of people who SUNSHINE The Polish American Social Club turned out to Dianeagains on Dec 7500 Route 1, Vero Beach / 772-564-2082 29th definitely agreed. Both the bar SEND FOR A FREE CATALOG and backroom were mobbed with SUNSHINE Our new CD will be released during the Florida Tour! fans enjoying the band and exchang‑ PO BOX 652 W. SENECA, NY 14224 June Sherry Ingram, Leader ing holiday wishes to old and new CDs $12 each 860-536-2452 • 860-908-7877 friends alike. The last Bills game $2.00 SHIPPING & HANDLING www.richbobinski.com didn’t keep anyone away from sup‑ 14 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014

THE OLD COUNTRY / Richard Poremski THE PONDERING POLE / Edward Poniewaz Remembering, Forgiving, and Moving On The recent death of Nelson Man‑ dela made me think of Poland, Lech Walesa, and Solidarity. Two places and men worlds apart and yet so similar in many ways. Mandela was central to the struggle to end racism in South Africa and Walesa fought the “Evil Empire” (the Soviet Union). Both efforts had charismatic leaders (two each if you count Winnie Mandela and John Paul II) and the benefit of an exerted worldwide pressure. Both toppled oppressive and domineer‑ ing “systems,” apartheid in South Africa and communism in Poland. Both had opposition that acquiesced rather than was defeated. Both were THE SIMILARITIES shared by Lech Walesa (left) and Nelson Mandela a born out of a longing for freedom. are many. Both fought to end oppression in their countries, and both IT PUT POLAND ON WHEELS. The Maluch (The “Little One”) Polski Fiat While the main protagonists succeeded despite staggering odds against them. 126. Warsaw, Poland. May 16, 1976. were undeniably larger than life and the determination was monumental, cial and how much we regret what 18, 2013. my thoughts keep coming back to was missed in the process. Though he had many interests in BRUSH UP / Distributed by Polonian Media Network the opposition, the individuals on Like de Klerk and Jaruzelski, lat‑ his life, every time we got together the other side that, when all was er is better than never, and perhaps it was a Polish party. He loved base‑ ai is like “eye” said and done, had much more to a good way to start is by forgiving, ball, his religion, his family, his Menu Items A preposition joins with the next word lose and in the end had to make the or asking forgiveness, but most im‑ friends, and his work but when we jadłospis...... (jahd-WHOH-spees) homar...... (HOH-mahr) real gut-wrenching decision on how portantly, by taking the first step by visited, there was at least one Polish menu lobster to react and behave. Not sticking up forgiving oneself. This lesson from circumstance or reference we could karta dań...... (KAHR-tah dain karp...... (kahrp) for the oppressors here, I am just history and life, it seems to me, is share. menu carp always curious about what people well worth noting and doing. Jim told me one time that he and karta win...... (KAHR-tah veen) karp po grecku...... (kahrp poh are thinking and how they behave. I were born in the wrong era. “We There are always two sides to every THE KATYN MONUMENT. wine list GREHTS-kuh) It is should have lived during the same story. 2014 and it might come as a shock time in history as our dads” he gulasz...... (GUH-lahsh) cold carp in onion Mandela and Walesa certainly to some that Stalin was just as much would say. He was right. Although goulash and tomato sauce knew what they wanted and would a psychotic and genocidal maniac we didn’t grow up in the same part indyk...... (EEN-dihk) karp w galarecie...... (kahrp not waver; F.W. de Klerk of South animal as Hitler. Our “ally” hated of the city, it felt like we had be‑ turkey vgah-lah.REH-cheh) Africa and Wojciech Jaruzelski of the Poles as much, maybe more, cause of our Polish roots. He was jagnię...... (JAHG-nyeh) carp in aspic Poland had a number of options. than he hated the Germans. If some‑ a typical neighborhood guy and I lamb karp z wody...... (kahrp ZVOH-dih) They were loyal to their commis‑ one said to Uncle Joe, “you know loved that about him. klopsy...... (KLOHP-sih) boiled carp sion and subservient to the govern‑ Hitler wants to rub out the Poles and Father Bommarito said at Jim’s meatballs jarski...... (JAHR-skee) ing body of their countries. Both of take their land,” it is a good bet his memorial Mass that “Jim was Pol‑ kanapka...... (kah-NAHP-kah) vegetarian them loved their country and did not response would have been, “yeah, ish of course, but his heart was Ital‑ sandwich want to see it perish but could have me too.” ian.” It was cute and funny, and true fought to the bitter end. Yet as the The monument to the Katyn mas‑ in a way. Jim told me he moved to drama played out, it was apparent sacre in Baltimore is warranted and the Italian Hill because he wanted to SYMBOLS, GESTURES & SUPERSTITIONS / Robert Strybel they became increasingly resigned necessary. We should not forget that live in an ethnic neighborhood. The to change and whether theirs was a heinous event and monuments are truth is he had a spot in his heart for Every nation has its own system of notions, beliefs, signs, symbols conversion of the heart or whether good for reminding. My problem is all things ethnic but as far as I was and ways of doing things, whose origin is usually buried in the distant they simply acted pragmatically and that we Poles tend to obsess about concerned he lived the Polish life. past. The Polish people are no different in that regard. Some notions for self-preservation, we will never that one event. The obsession for Living Polish for Jim was saying have been borrowed, other are indigenous. Pagan superstitions have know for sure. Katyn obscures our remembrance it in Polish, enjoying the food, hav‑ intermingled with Christian customs, and often the justification for a As true and great are Mandela about how barbaric the Germans ing a Polish beer on occasion, and certain practice is no longer widely known – it’s just the way things are and Walesa, in a different sort of were to the Poles in World War II. relating to and keeping a connection done. Many old habits have fallen by the wayside, whilst others are lim‑ way so were the two men that they The Russians murdered twenty-five to the Polish community. It was a ited to a certain region or even a single town or village. Here are some faced. At one point, I have to think thousand Polish officers at Katyn. positive attitude and it drew people that are encountered with varying frequency. and I have to hope that they realized For comparison sake, here is a pas‑ to him in a positive way. KNOCK ON UNPAINTED WOOD. The Polish version of this tradi‑ the noble and true intentions of their sage from The Forgotten Holocaust I remember taking a trip with tonal European-wide practice not to tempt fate or prevent something foes and accepted that their point (Hippocrene Books, New York, him to Chicago to take in a White bad from happening is “odpukać w niemalowane drewno.” In America of view was wrong. I also have to Third Edition, 2012) by Richard Sox game (one of the last before it’s just “knock on wood,” the English say “touch wood” and in Italy it’s believe that they took that giant Lukas: they tore down the old Comiskey “tocca ferro” (touch iron).” step at reconciliation and asked for So many Poles were sent to Park) and to catch up with some of PIGEONS BRING BRIDES LUCK. It is considered good luck if a bride- forgiveness. If this is correct, most concentration camps that virtually his journalist friends. He took five to-be sees pigeons or magpies on her way to church. But black-feath‑ probably they began by taking that every Polish family had someone of us out to eat that night and ada‑ ered birds such as ravens and rooks are unlucky. much smaller but equally important close to them who had been tortured mantly announced: “I’m paying for HAIR-DYING A “NO-NO” IN PREGNANCY. It was once held a preg‑ step by forgiving themselves. or murdered there. Over 35,000 the dinner but we are going to eat nant woman should not dye her hair any color because she may end up Who among us in life has been Poles passed through Dachau; ap‑ Polish food!” We ate at the Busy giving birth to a red-haired child. Red hair was once frowned on in Po‑ attached to ideology, behavior, and a proximately 33,000 Polish women Bee restaurant on the old North side land, but today both hair-dying and red hair are simply fashion options. belief about someone or something were imprisoned in Ravenbruck. In and it was a wonderful experience. that in time we came to realize was Sachsenhausen, 20,000 Poles per‑ I will miss his intellect, his con‑ not correct or at the least was not ished; in Mauthausen, 30,000; In cern for others, and his friendship. “A tradition of local & long distance service continues!” worth the strife. Isn’t it amazing the Neuengamme, 17,000. He had many, many friends, gener‑ number of times that an opinion or As we all should know, that is ally cherished all of humanity, and notion about someone or something just the tip of the iceberg for German he loved his people, the Polish peo‑ within Polonia or from outside of atrocity against the Poles. Where is ple, in a special way. Stobierski Lucas Polonia shut us off from what we the monument for all of that? Maybe He was my best friend and I will later learned was a good and benefi‑ there is one (let me know) or maybe miss him so much. We will all miss Gardenview we need one or maybe a monument him. Funeral Home, Ltd. JUREK-PARK SLOPE that encompasses the whole of this v v v Rita A. Lucas 161 Driggs Avenue FUNERAL HOME, INC. unbelievably tragic episode in Pol‑ If you have a thought about this Jude P. Lucas (Greenpoint) Brooklyn, NY 11222 ish history that includes the German month’s topic, an answer to the George J. Mueller (718) 383-7910 • (718) 383-2737 as well as the Russian. question, a question of your own, or have interesting facts to share, con‑ DO WIDZENIA, JAKUB. Jim Ry- tact me at: Edward Poniewaz, 6432 gelski was a well-known writer in Marmaduke Avenue, St. Louis, MO  (718) 383-8600 A.K. No. 383-0320 St. Louis for many years. He was 63139; eMail alinabrig@yahoo.  Peter Rago a reporter for the St. Louis Globe com. Don’t forget to visit The Pon‑  Democrat, the Suburban Journal dering Pole blog, ponderingpole. Lic. Mgr. 728 4th Ave., Brooklyn, NY newspapers, and was editor of the blogspot.com. The blog is a work Leslie P. Rago DORIS V. AMEN St. Louis Review, the Archdiocesan in progress and I need to catch up LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR F.D. NEWLY DECORATED CHAPEL FACILITIES newspaper for six years. He co-au‑ on posting current and past articles. OUR 24-HOUR PERSONAL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE IN ALL COMMUNITIES thored two books, The I-55 Series, N.B. If you send email, refer‑ AT-HOME ARRANGEMENTS INSURANCE CLAIMS HANDLED Cubs vs. Cardinals, and Ten Rings: ence the Polish American Journal SOCIAL SECURITY & VETERAN’S BENEFITS Stories of the St. Louis Cardinals or the Pondering Pole in the subject FUNERAL HOME, INC. PROMPTLY EXPEDITED  MONUMENT INSCRIPTIONS ASCERTAINED World Championships. Fortified line. I will not open an email if I 131 Nassau Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (718) 768-4192 with the sacraments of Holy Mother do not recognize the subject or the Church, Jim passed away December sender. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 15 A Mystery Solved PHOTO: MARCIN OLIVA SOTO How a Polish American the party, which I arranged on the Genealogist Helped to occasion of the 1st anniversary of his transportation business in Jele- Discover the Man who nia Góra. Mr. Firkowski is stand- Saved Jelenia Góra’s 16th ing next to the horse with the raised Century Dwór Czarne head, and I am next to the other. These horses also rode to the wed- by Tim Firkowski ding on Sept. 18, 1948. At the same our family history re‑ time I want to inform you that in search may help more 1945 and early 1946, Black Manor than your family. Nor‑ housed the military veterinary clinic mally history helps ge‑ that treated horses that were injured Ynealogists find their ancestry, but in A photo provided by Zbigniew Tomery’s identi- during the war and after the war. this case genealogy helped a histo‑ fied Stanisław Firkowski. Tomery’s note about the Zbigniew Tomery rian. photo read: Jelenia Góra, 08/18/46, at the gate to the When Ł��������������������������ukasz������������������������� Firkowski and I be‑ DWÓR CZARNE (Black Manor) is today the home of the family house at 4 Szpacza Street (from left to right – o, here is clear evidence gan researching the Firkowski fam‑ Foundation for Ecological Culture, and the site for con- my brother-in-law, Mr. Firkowski, Z.Tomera, Mr. Wlad. that Stanisław Firkowski ily in order to find out how we were certs, theater productions, and other social gatherings. Lasocki, Mr. Weltowski & Tadeusz). was host and manager related, I knew that the information of the property of Black that we put up on my website may married with four children and four dwig Rahm. He met Gertrude, the and others came with unknown in‑ SManor. Jacek contacted me again attract relatives so we could expand grandchildren. younger of the daughters, in 1986 tentions. with a first name “Stanisław.” The our family knowledge, but I had not Here is how the process began when the Manor — a few years Searching for information about photo included the age of Stanisław, anticipated some other benefits that for Jacek in learning more about the earlier — was at risk of demolition his hero, he came across my web but it did not match anyone I had have occurred. unknown Polish manager of Black and renovation had come to an end. page of the Firkowski family. Jacek in my family tree exactly. I looked Our research has helped histori‑ Manor. Since then, he met with Gertrude thought there had had to a connec‑ through my data and found someone ans in Poland. The latest example of and sometimes even her mother. In tion, since a Firkowski family re‑ that closely matched. I sent Jacek this is the inquiry I received the end THE UNKNOWN Firkowski/ 1994, he had met with Vera Ruth union had recently brought together the limited information I had on of the summer last year by the cu‑ Wirkowski took over the manage‑ Rahm (no longer living) in Hanover, over 200 people. my Stanisław in hopes that it would rator of a Museum in Jelenia Góra, ment of not only Germany. Both women said that He email me, asking I might help him. (An unknown person at Poland. the manor, but Mr. Rahm had daily contact with know of someone with the name the 2nd Firkowski family reunion in Jacek Jakubiec, the curator of also, the en‑ the Polish manager for over a year: surname Firkowski/Wirkowski who Poland had added this information.) Dwór Czarne (Black Manor) in Jele‑ tire agricultural up until October of 1946, when he might have been associated with The photo from the magazine article nia Góra, Poland sent me an email in property, which left the Manor and moved to Ha‑ Black Manor. was posted to our family Facebook September of 2013 requesting any until recently nover, Germany. They had nothing While I was able to help him page, hoping someone might recog‑ information I had on someone with was called the but positive comments when they with information about the surname, nize the photo and image. Although the surname Firkowski/Wirkowski “Gut Schwarz‑ talked about the Polish host. He had at the time, I knew nothing of the it was known when he lived (1921- that might have been associated back.” Exactly to be an expert farmer for someone Manor. 1983), it was close to the informa‑ with Black Manor. Since this town what circum‑ to take on the big challenge of man‑ tion already known, but his relation‑ is not known to be the center of stances brought aging 70 hectares of land that was A STROKE OF LUCK. The next ship with Jelenia Góra could not be confirmed. We know about his ancestry of any of the Firkowski him there is not Jakubiec part of the Manor and the complex piece of evidence was found in the family, there was little I could do in known, but he of farm buildings and livestock. The February 1999 issue of the quarterly wife, Irena Wałecki and that he was assisting him with only a surname. filled the role ofłodarz” “W (Ste‑(Ste‑ Polish manager did not live at the Skarbiec Ducha Gór. the father of three daughters: Anna, Jacek was an altar boy, a scout, ward) very well. Where is there Manor every day but he visited by A reader, Zbigniew Tomery, who Magdalena and Ursula. sailor, model airplane hobbyist, an information and what do we know horse and buggy. He immediately is no longer alive, wrote a letter to athlete, and assistant professor at the about the first Polish host of Black reviewed what needed to be done, the quarterly referencing an article I WAS ABLE TO LOCATE the mail‑ Technical University of Wrocław. Manor? Unfortunately little is and even before the first winter he about Black Manor from the De‑ ing address for the nephew of this In 1971, life events brought him known. had made repairs to the roof and cember 1998 issue. Stanisław who just happened to be to Jelenia Góra. Jacek was the lead Jacek became more interested in lightning protection. He had to be Within this letter, was Jacek’s living in Jelenia Góra. Jacek wrote designer of its urban plan. With the this person when writing a history a gentle man, probably gifted with hero: Stanisław Firkowski. No lon‑ to him and they met to discuss the ecological degradation of the local of Black Manor and he came to this a charming personality because the ger was there any doubt about his mystery. It appeared that I had land, he felt the need to get involved place after World War II. He deci‑ Rahm women’s stories had not only name, but he was also shown in found the correct Stanisław and as in the civic environmental move‑ ded to make use of the scarce unre‑ a note of appreciation for what he the picture. Because Tomrey knew the family closest to Stanisław be‑ ment. He had a year internship in liable information, which was at his did, but also admired him. Consid‑ Stanisław personally, he was able to gan talking and digging up more Hanover, Germany and then stud‑ disposal after many years of dealing ering how Polish-German relations provide some interesting details. information, the mystery slowly be‑ ied during a stay in Mexico. He has with the Manor. Even the name of were at that time and how difficult, gan to be solved. One of Stanisław’s been the curator of Black Manor the manager in different relations‑ this was a brave Pole, because the Jacek quotes Zbigniew Tomery living daughters was located. Her since 1977. In addition to his res‑ hips was in question: Wirkowski, others would not have been. He was letter in its entirety: son connected with Jacek and was cue from death, his life achieve‑ Firkowski, Jankowski something special. It turns out that Jelenia Góra able to provide Jacek with photos ments are: He won several awards With the desire to find more re‑ here, in the area called “the wild February 24, 1999 and information about his grandfa‑ and prizes in competitions for ur‑ liable evidence, Jacek started by west,” times were very uncertain: I would like to inform you that ther at Black Manor. ban planning. The readers of the talking with and listening to the post-war chaos, widespread loot‑ the manager of the Black Manor Thanks, due in part to Stanisław Jelenia Góra newspaper “Nowiny stories from some women, the wife ing, deliberate destruction of what was Mr. Stanisław Firkowski, who Firkowski; Black Manor was saved Jeleniogórskie” awarded “Man of and daughters of the last German was formerly German, there were came from Poznan and left there in from oblivion. The importance of the Year” to Jacek in 2006. Jacek is lessee of the property – Eng. Lu‑ those who claimed recovered land, 1949, he got married and ran his his role in the history of Jelenia Góra own farm. Under his management and Black Manor cannot be denied. GENEALOGY / Stephen M. Szabados Black Manor blossomed, cultivated If Jacek had not taken the time to land, raised cows, grew agricultural document the history of Black Man‑ products that provide for the needs or, no one may have known about of the City to the canteen and em- this piece of history. How to Use Online Family Trees ployees. He was efficient with horse Next: A look at the centuries Many researchers begin their work by using one of your family tree online and also allow you to search transportation, including carriage of history of Dwór Czarne the online family trees to chart their family. Ancestry. family trees of others. Here is a link to Cyndi’s List that horses, which he rented for vari- com is a popular starting point for the new researcher gives you a long list of online family trees and a brief ous occasions, including weddings. You can subscribe or renew because of its advertising and their 14-day free trial of‑ summary for each: In the picture — a couple of horses your subscription on-line at fer. Some researchers may start with an online tree and http://www.cyndislist.com/genealogy-website/the- from the property, which on 18 Au- www.polamjournal.com. then convert to using lineage software on their com‑ collaborative-family-tree/ gust 1946, he used to bring guests to puter. Some may maintain only an online tree and some Online family trees are a source of information that may use both. is used by many new genealogy researchers. As long as Need free help researching your Polish ancestors? Whatever the methods used, the presence of an on‑ you are careful and follow the rules listed above online Want to provide help for those researching their Polish heritage? line family tree will give you a chance to make contact family trees can be a very useful tool. Join POLISH GENIUS with people searching for the same ancestors. Making the Polish genealogy email list. these contacts gives you a great opportunity to ex‑ SUMMARY change information to extend your tree, add oral history • Build and maintain online family trees to establish Over 750 members from all over the world. and add pictures. contacts with other researchers that may have infor‑ Our two moderators are from the USA and Poland. Please remember that information you find on oth‑ mation on common ancestors. Check us out and ask the group a question. er family trees may be very exciting but you must do • Be careful to avoid posting information that should http://groups.yahoo.com/group/polish_genius/ the work and verify its accuracy. Use the relationships remain private or that you do not want known out‑ listed in other online trees as clues. These relationships side of the family – such as birth, social security must be verified before adding them to your tree. When number, scandals, etc searching other family trees look for the sources for • Use relationships listed on other family trees as clues information that other researchers post so you can use until you have found documents to verify. this source to get copies of the actual documents. Build • Be as accurate as possible. Try to post only con‑ timelines to make sure dates and places are consistent firmed facts to our online tree. and possible. Contact the author of the trees to get their v v v sources and possibly more information, documents and Stephen M. Szabados, a regular contributor to the pictures that they did not upload to their online trees. Polish American Journal, is a prominent genealogist. Ancestry.com requires a subscription to access their In addition to numerous columns and papers, he is the genealogy databases but building and maintaining a author of three books, “Finding Grandma’s European family tree on the website is free. There are a number Ancestors,” “Find Your Family History,” and “Polish of other websites that offer the opportunity to maintain Genealogy.” 16 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014

BOOKS IN BRIEF / Florence Waszkelewicz Clowes MLIS Bringing Polish Culture to America’s Teachers ST. LOUIS — The American a grant for the NCSS Conference. 1,000 posters, 1,000 Jamestown Council for Polish Culture exhib‑ Additional donations by individual commemorative marker bookmarks. The Hero Rodziewicz ited at the 93rd National Council and business sponsors helped offset With the upcoming canonization POLISH HERO Wankowicz, who wrote a book for Social Studies Conference, the costs, which included Cosby’s of Blessed John Paul II on April 27, ROMAN RODZIEWICZ about his escapades and declared held at the Cervantes Convention speaking fee. 2014, many educators involved in Center Nov. 22-23, 2013. This was Over 400 teachers attended the catholic education welcomed the Fate of a Hubal Soldier in him a hero. the 15th year for the ACPC to spon‑ speech given by Cosby, who talked DVD “Nine Days that changed the Auschwitz, Buchenwald, and Later, living in London, he mar‑ sor a booth called “Polish Perspec‑ about her father’s ordeal, and Po‑ World” The Friends of the John Paul Postwar England ried and had two children. He fre‑ tives” at this conference. land during World War II. Cosby II Foundation made these 40 DVDs by Aleksander Ziolkowska-Boehm quently visited Poland but remained More than 3,500 educators were graciously signed books following available to those who were genu‑ Lexington Books, index, photos, in England for the rest of his life. in attendance. her presentation, with fans waiting inely interested. 134 pp. The ACPC sponsored Rita Cos‑ in line over an hour-and-half to talk Other book sellers and publish‑ Rodziewicz was born in 1910, CRAZY HORSE by’s presence at the conference. An to her. ers provided books and giveaways into a privileged class on the fam‑ The Wild West for Kids investigative reporter for MSNBC, David Bailor, director of the for teachers. ily estate in Manchuria. He spent the by Jon Sterngass, Sky Pony Press CNN and FOX News, she is also NCSS conference, said Cosby was The backdrop of the ACPC booth first ten years there, hearing tales of 2013, illustrations, maps, index, the award-winning and New York by far the most outstanding speaker held three panels: “Days to Fly the Poland and the daring escapades bibliography. Times bestselling author of “Quiet of the National Conference. Polish Flag”; “Important Dates in of past fighters and patriots. Plans Age 8-12, 147 pp. $12.95. Hero,” the story of her father’s role A corner booth allowed the Polish History”; and “Polish Folk‑ to establish Poland’s freedom were This is a great book for young as a Polish freedom fighter during ACPC to engage educators in a vari‑ lore and Traditions.” These were foremost on everyone’s mind. and old alike. It is full of illustra‑ World War II. ety of venues, which included post‑ designed by Carla Tomaszewska. In 1922 Poland was once again a tions and photos of American Indi‑ The Embassy of the Republic ers, a CD on Polish Perspectives, The 2014 conference will be held nation but Japan invaded Manchuria ans, forts, attack maps and how the of Poland, Foreign Ministry Divi‑ and the demonstrations of Polish in Boston, Mass., November 22-23. and Roman and his sister were sent United States decided the fate of the sion awarded the ACPC a project customs. Available to teachers were to his grandmother’s estate in Wil‑ indigenous population. no. This voyage took many months, To honor the brave Crazy Horse stopping at ports around the world. warrior, sculpture Korczak Zi‑ IN MEMORIAM / Geraldine Balut Coleman The rest of the family planned to fol‑ olkowski bought land in the Black low, however, both his mother and Hills of South Dakota and in 1948 father died before they could make began carving a sculpture of Crazy Louis Koncza, Chicago Chief Bridge Engineer the journey. Roman and his sister Horse, a Lakota Sioux warrior, on Louis Koncza, 91, passed away Park Copernicus Polish Culture both attended school, but Roman Thunderhead Mountain. Mt. Rush‑ on December 30, 2013. Born shortly Center and in organizing the Polish- was expelled for causing trouble more, with the heads of the four after the end of World War I, he in‑ American Numismatic Association with his teachers. He decided to en‑ presidents 12 miles away, will be herited the paternal traditions of the medallic art series commemorating list in the Surwalki Calvary Brigade dwarfed by the Crazy Horse Memo‑ Grand Duchy of Lithuania, while the anniversaries of the most impor‑ and served there for two years, be‑ rial when finished. Ziolkowski died his Polish traditions were passed tant events in the history of Poland fore returning to his uncle’s estate, in 1982 but his family continues on down to him by his mother. Af‑ and American Polonia. He was also planning to learn how to manage the with his dream. The face of Crazy ter World War II, he was forced to a member of the Polish National Al‑ large farm. Horse was completed and dedicated leave Poland and lived in Germany liance. In the fall of 1939 at the outbreak in 1998. When finished, it will be as a displaced person. During those In recognition for his various of war he joined his squadron and the world’s largest sculpture. years, Koncza obtained a degree in efforts and accomplishments, he met Major Henryk “Hubal” Do‑ Today the Lakota population, architecture. In 1949, he arrived in received an award from the Chi‑ brzanski. They became famous for which numbers around 153,000, United States and settled in Chicago cago Beautification Committee, fighting the Germans in the forests continue to honor their ancestors where he graduated from the Uni‑ was presented with an honorary of Poland. They marched toward with the Big Foot Memorial Ride, versity of Illinois with an engineer‑ membership in the Polish Ameri‑ Grodno, but had to fall back to the a two-week event that reenacts the ing degree. In 1967, he was appoint‑ can Congress, received an honor‑ Lithuanian border. There they met warriors’ attack before they were ed chief bridge engineer for the City ary decoration from Government with Colonel Jerzy Dabrowski who killed at Wounded Knee. Today the of Chicago, with responsibilities of Poland for his devotion to the ordered the regiment to disband. Memorial Center is open to the pub‑ that included the planning, design‑ engineering profession and civic Hubal refused, declaring he would lic as the Ziolkowski family contin‑ ing, and maintaining of the city’s Association, the Western Society affairs; and was the 2011 Lifetime take charge and continue to fight to ue working on their father’s dream. renowned moveable bridge sys‑ of Engineers and was a member Achievement Award recipient of the return to Warsaw. They were the last tem. He was responsible for more of its Washington Award Selection Polish American Congress-Illinois MY WAR, MY LIFE active unit with no base for supplies bridges than those existing in some Committee. He remained an active Division. and surrounded on all sides by the by K. Sophie Stallman European countries. In 1973, he was member of the Polish American En‑ He is survived by his daughter enemy. The inhabitants of Kielce Mill City Press, 2013 promoted to chief engineer for Chi‑ gineers Association. In the past, he and grandchildren. welcomed them with open arms, photos, 392 pp., $16.95. cago’s Bureau of Engineering. made many presentations on Chi‑ supplying them with ammunition, Sophie tells a heartwarming sto‑ Among Koncza’s accomplish‑ cago’s major public works projects POLISH-ENGLISH food and shelter. Dobrzanski fought ry of her struggles as a young girl ments were the removal of the “Z” and was a well-known and respect‑ on for the next nine months before growing up in a privileged class in curve bottleneck and the reconstruc‑ ed member of the local and national TRANSLATOR being killed in battle. Rodziewicz Poland, her life as a teenage courier tion of North Lake Shore Drive, the engineering community. and finally, becoming an American • Official documents, letters, had kept a diary of their activi‑ erection of the Columbus Bridge Koncza was active in the Polish e-mails, etc. citizen. As one of the thousands of ties during this period, which are (the second longest moveable bridge American community. As co-chair • Reasonable rates. refugees of war, each has a unique provided in this book. For the next in the world), and the engineering of of the Copernicus Monument Com‑ • Fast, reliable service by e- thirty years Roman continued to live and thought-provoking story to tell. the rapid transit extension from the mittee, he obtained the necessary mail or regular mail. out his experiences, feeling he was a Would we, in our pampered Ameri‑ Jefferson Park Station to O’Hare permits to erect this monument on • Translation to/from other patriot, not a hero. can life, have been able to survive? Airport. In 1992, after 24 years of city property, and in 1973 he su‑ languages available as well. The group disbanded and Roman It is a fascinating story of her es‑ outstanding service for the City of pervised its erection at the front • Over 35 years experience was later arrested and imprisoned capades as a courier during the Sec‑ Chicago, he retired from an active entrance of the Adler Planetarium. working with genealogists, in Auschwitz. He saw huge trans‑ ond World War, constantly living engineering practice. He was a guiding force, not only to attorneys, businesses, film- ports of people gassed to death. A in danger through the Uprising, the Koncza was registered both as a restore the Kosciuszko Monument, makers, government, medi- cal professionals, etc. year later, Roman was transferred German occupation and Communist professional and structural engineer. but to relocate this monument from to Buchenwald. In 1945 the area Poland. She soon realizes she has During his engineering career, he Humboldt Park to its present loca‑ ANDY GOLEBIOWSKI was bombed by the Allies and the a guardian angel keeping her from was a member of the Illinois Society tion west of the Copernicus Monu‑ 109 Rosemead Lane inmates were transferred to Czecho‑ danger and is grateful to God for of Professional Engineers, the Na‑ ment. He played a very active role Cheektowaga, NY 14227 slovakia and later Austria. It was protecting her. She is finally able to tional Society of Professional En‑ in the planning and development (716) 892-5975 in Salzburg that the German com‑ escape to America and freedom. In gineers, the American Public Works of the widely-acclaimed Jefferson [email protected] mander allowed them to escape, de‑ her new life, she now resides in Cal‑ claring the war was over. He went ifornia, surrounded by her husband, to Italy where he met Melchior two children and grandchildren. POLISH HERITAGE QUIZ NEW BOOKS Win a Cookbook! The Family Cannon You will be eligible to win one top of a sheet of paper. Take a good THE FAMILY CANNON tries to understand her own relation‑ of two Polish cookbooks if you take look at the drawing of a Polish fam‑ by Halina Duraj ship within the context of what she part in this year’s Polish Heritage ily and answer the following three Augury Books has been taught about marriage. Quiz. “Polish Holiday Cookery” questions: ISBN: 978-0-9887355-3-8 Duraj’s stories have appeared in contains all the favorite old Polish 1. What Polish custom does Paperback; $15.00 The Sun, The Harvard Review, Fic- dishes served on such festive oc‑ this drawing depict? The debut collection by author tion, Witness, and other journals. casions as Easter, Christmas, wed‑ 2. When does it take place? Halina Duraj brings readers an She has an MA in creative writing dings, banquets, festivals and din‑ 3. What’s wrong with this pic‑ American family, strikingly indi‑ from the University of California, ner parties. The other book is titled ture? vidual but recognizable to us all—as Davis, and a Ph.D. in literature and “Culinary Traditions of Mazovia, Airmail your answers to: strange and familiar as home. creative writing from the Univer‑ Kashubia and Silesia” and focuses Polish Heritage Quiz An escalating neighborhood feud sity of Utah. In 2012, Duraj was a on the time-honored delicacies of ul. Kaniowska 24 takes an unanticipated turn. A col‑ writer-in-residence at Hedgebrook, Poland’s major regions 01-529 Warsaw, Poland lege student visiting Poland learns a women’s writing retreat on Whid‑ Unlike previous Heritage Quiz‑ about drinking, dancing, and some bey Island, Wash. She teaches at the zes, which featured multiple-choice Or email them to of the more perplexing mysteries of University of San Diego, where she questions, this year’s edition is a bit [email protected] also directs the Lindsay J. Cropper different. To take part, write you adulthood. A mother opens up about Good luck – Powodzenia! her youth and courtship. A daughter Center for Creative Writing. name and mailing address at the POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014 www.polamjournal.com 17

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SPORTS / Tom Tarapacki Then There Were None The NFL season started with oped the belligerent, enthusiastic, ence than the tri‑ three Polish American head coach‑ win-at-all-costs attitude that would als before the last es, but now there are none. make him so successful—and re‑ Winter Games. The Houston Texans fired Gary viled—in later life.” During a race Cel‑ Kubiak after a 2-11 start. Having Former manager Leo Durocher ski crashed and his gone 12-4 last season, the Houston once said of him: “He can’t hit, right skate sliced Texans were expected to be a cham‑ can’t run, can’t field. He’s no nice his left leg, mak‑ pionship contender in 2013. Hous‑ guy ... all the little SOB can do is ing a huge gash ton’s bad fortune had a lot to do with win.” A three-time All-Star, Stanky and coming within the struggles of veteran QB Matt later managed the Cardinals, White inches of severing Schaub. Kubiak, who coached the Sox and Rangers, and was head his femoral artery. Texans since 2006, publicly thanked baseball coach of the University of Remarkably, he the organization for the opportunity. South Alabama, which he turned came back five J.R. Cielski and his Polish-Filipino tattoo. He also placed a full-page ad in the into a national power. He died in months later to Houston Chronicle thanking fans. 1999 at the age of 82. win a pair of bronzes in Vancouver dumplings, so a chicken paprikash. It was a tough year for the 52-year- In the movie Stanky is played by in 2010. I would have to go with maybe a old Houston native, who suffered Jesse Luken and Chapman is played The third son of a Polish Ameri‑ ham and some pierogi — get a little a mini-stroke in November at half- by Alan Tudyk, a Polish American can father and a Filipino mother, hunky in there, as we call it back in time of a game against the Colts. actor. In addition, former big league J.R. has a large, unique tattoo on his the Pittsburgh area.” Kubiak had a 61-64 regular season pitcher C.J. Nitkowski played the chest that depicts a Polish eagle in‑ — Golfer Jim Furyk, when role of Philadelphia pitcher Dutch asked by golf.com what he would record and a 2-2 playoff record in Michael “The Count” Bisping side of a five-pointed golden yellow his Texans career. Leonard. star found on a Filipino flag. put on the menu for the traditional Mike Munchak was fired by the middleweight division of the Champions Dinner if he won the Tennessee, the franchise in which UFC. He is a former Cage Rage O L Y M P I C HOT STOVE. Pitcher Scott Ka- Masters Tournament. v v v he had spent 31 years as a player Light Heavyweight Champion, GOALS. After zmir came to terms on a two-year, and coach, after three seasons at the and The Ultimate Fighter 3 Light being one of the $22 million deal with Oakland. A “He’s been a great leader and a helm. Sources said that Munchak Heavyweight Tournament winner. top contributors former first round pick, Kazmir great mentor for all of us, setting a could have saved his job but stood As of 2013, Bisping is ranked the for America’s came back from baseball oblivion to great example. This is just unfortu‑ on principle. The Titans reportedly #4 middleweight in the world on the silver medal- start for the Indians last year… Vet‑ nate. You can just look at their last offered him a multiyear extension official UFC rankings. His overall winning ice eran catcher A.J. Pierzynski signed (seven) ballgames and there are at almost double his $3 million sal‑ record is 24-5. hockey squad in a one-year deal worth $8.25 million one-score games everywhere. This ary, if Munchak would make more In his last fight he earned a unan‑ 2010, San Jose with Boston… Soon-to-be 38-year- thing could easily have flipped the than a dozen staff firings and demo‑ imous technical decision over Alan Sharks forward old White Sox first baseman Paul other way.” tions. Munchak declined, and he Belcher at UFC 159 in April 2013, Joe Pavelski Konerko, who has 434 career home — Colts coach Chuck Pagano was gone. The Titans started 2013 but later underwent two surgeries to (right) will play runs, signed a one-year, $2.5-mil‑ on Houston Texans coach Gary Ku- at 3-1 when QB Jake Locker was repair a detached retina in his right for Team USA lion contract with Chicago … Right- biak being fired by the Texans. v v v injured, and finished 7-9. Tennessee eye. Though he intends to fight for a in the 2014 Winter Olympics in So‑ handed pitcher Brett Marshall, was 9-7 and 6-10 in Munchak’s first few more years, Michael has begun chi. In 2010 he tallied three assists 23, was claimed off waivers by the “One of my buddies said, ‘You’re two years. working as an analyst for FUEL TV. in six games for Team USA, which Chicago Cubs. Marshall, a native of going to be playing for free here by In a move that sent shock waves finished with a sil‑ Texas with Polish roots, made his the time you’re done paying for through the league, the Cleve‑ ver medal. major league debut last season with tickets.’ It’s something I want my land Browns fired head coach Rob Pavelski has three relief appearances for the New friends and family to enjoy too.” PHOTO: AP Chudzinski after just one season. been a winner at York Yankees. — Center Zenon Konopka, After searching for a QB, Chudzin‑ every level. He led upon being claimed by the Buffalo ski seemed to find the answer with his Stevens Point THEY SAID IT Sabres. Konopka grew up on a farm Bobby Hoyer. The Browns started HS team to a Wis‑ “Wow, I can pick anything? I’d in nearby Niagara-On-the-Lake. the year 3-2, but declined after Hoy‑ consin state cham‑ have to pick some ethnic food. My His father was born in Poland, and er went down with a knee injury in pionship in 2002. mom’s Czech and Polish and my his mother is from Buffalo. Game 5 against Buffalo. Cleveland He then joined the dad’s Ukrainian and Hungarian. My won just one more game, finishing Waterloo (Iowa) mom’s favorite dish, and my favor‑ Give a gift subscription! 4-12. Chudzinski, who grew up in Black Hawks of ite that she makes, is chicken and www.polamjournal.com Toledo as a rabid Browns fan, had the USHL, and served as the team’s offensive coor‑ that team won the Our Hours are: dinator in 2007 & 2008. He is the league title. At the LOWS KO Ki Lunch first Browns coach fired after one University of Wis‑ O ’S M-F 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. year. His dismissal marked Cleve‑ (l. to r.): Spider Jorgenson, Pee Wee Reese, Eddie consin Pavelski S Fri. Night Dinners land’s fourth head coach firing in “The Brat” Stanky and Jackie Robinson. led the Badgers to the past six seasons. a national champi‑ 5:00-9:00 p.m. All three men were well-com‑ THE BRAT. The recent movie “42” onship during his sophomore cam‑ Sat. Night Dinners pensated and will be able to take ad‑ chronicles the efforts of Jackie Rob‑ paign. He opted to forgo his final 4:00-9:00 p.m. vantage of other high-level coach‑ inson to integrate baseball with the two years of eligibility to join the Lounge open ‘til 1:00 ing opportunities (if they haven’t Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Eddie NHL as San Jose’s 205th overall se‑ a.m. on Fri. and Sat. Stanky, the Dodger second base‑ already), but it’s sad to see these lection in the 2003 NHL entry draft. Cleveland’s Premier talented and highly regarded NFL man, is involved in one of the pivot‑ al moments in the film. In one of the Polish American head coaches let go. CELSKI RETURNS. In a dominat‑ UNIVERSITY INN Restaurant most dramatic scenes, Philadelphia ing performance, J.R. Celski lost CLEVELAND, OHIO Now in our 90th year THE COUNT. Sports nicknames Phillies manager Ben Chapman vi‑ just one race during the US Olym‑ ESTABLISHED IN 1923 in Business have various meanings, but for ciously attacks Robinson with a tor‑ pic short track speed skating trials, mixed martial artist Michael Bisp- rent of racial slurs during a game. qualifying for three events at Sochi Featured on the Travel (216) 771-9236 ing his nickname — “The Count” Robinson knows he can’t respond, — 500, 1,000 and 1,500. & Food Network www.sokolowskis.com — has a unique significance. Bisp‑ but Stanky comes to his support. It was a far different experi‑ ing has an ancestor who was, in fact, Stanky angrily confronts Chapman, a Polish count. telling him to pick on someone who Apparently, back in the Middle is able to fight back. When Robin‑ Ages that ancestor had been con‑ son later asks Stanky why he chal‑ ferred the title and some land for lenged Chapman, Stanky told him it his battlefield heroics. “They were was because a teammate was being living a nice life until the Germans attacked. invaded in World War II,” said Bisp‑ Stanky was a hard-nosed player ing. “They lined the whole family known as “The Brat.” In an article up against the wall, and shot them for sabr.com, Alexander Edelman all dead, and my granddad was the wrote: “He was born Edward Ray‑ only one that made it out alive.” mond Stankiewicz, on September 3, Andrzej, Michael’s grandfather, es‑ 1915, to Frank and Anna Stankie‑ caped to England. Michael’s father, wicz. The family shortened the Jan, later joined the British Army name to Stanky when Eddie was a and Michael was born on a British boy. In his childhood years in the base in Cyprus in 1979. blue-collar Philadelphia neighbor‑ Michael is currently fighting in hood of Kensington, Eddie devel‑ 18 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 2014

POLISH CHEF / Robert Strybel The Lean Fare of Old Polish Lent Old‑style Polish Lenten fare can chopped onions fried in a little oil) or the fried onions may be mashed fi sh fry a Polish fl avor by serving the • Mushroom and rice: Combine mean religious self‑mortifi cation in on the side. Or serve over diced into the potatoes. A plate of any fi sh with boiled potatoes (not fries), 8‑16 oz fresh white or Portobello preparation for Easter while giving cooked potatoes or cubed farmer such potatoes served with a bowl of sauerkraut salad (not cole slaw) and mushrooms fried with 2 chopped your body a six‑week break from cheese in bowl. Note: Imported room‑temperature buttermilk or hot horseradish sauce (not tartar sauce). onions in 3 T oil until tender and 4 c rich, artery‑clogging foods, lower‑ Polish ryemeal sour (żur, żurek) at fresh milk on the side was a typical slightly underdone rice; stir in 1 egg ing cholesterol levels and shedding PolAm delis is the real thing, in case Lenten supper. SAUERKRAUT SALAD (sałatka and 1 T chopped fresh parsley and/ a few unneeded pounds. Some of you don’t fancy souring your own.. z kiszonej kapusty). Drain, lightly or dill, and season with salt and pep‑ these recipes can help add variety HERRING (śledzie). Marinated rinse and press out moisture from 1 per to taste. to the fi sh fries some PolAm groups LENTEN BEER SOUP (postna herring or herring in oil (available qt sauerkraut. Chop coarsely. Add 1 • Mushroom and kasha: Pro‑ hold during Lent. polewka piwna). In Old Poland at Polish delis) are better suited large grated carrot, 1‑2 chopped on‑ ceed as above but substitute 4 c un‑ people gave up wine, mead and for the lean Lenten table than rich ions and 1 peeled, diced cooking ap‑ derdone buckwheat groats for the LENTEN RYEMEAL SOUP (żur gorzałka (vodka) for Lent, but not creamed herring. Serve with plain ple. Toss, season with some pepper, rice. postny). In crock or glass jar com‑ beer, which was considered an or‑ boiled potatoes for a typical Lenten sugar and (optional) caraway seeds • Kasha, potato and cheese: bine 1 c rye fl our or 1 c rolled oats or dinary daily beverage. In fact, this meal. Supermarket marinated her‑ and drizzle with salad oil. Optional: Combine 3 c underdone buckwheat 1 part of each, add several rye‑bread beer soup was a Lenten specialty. In ring (out of a jar) can be used to For best results, refrigerate several groats, 1 c plain mashed potatoes crusts or 1 slice rye bread, 1‑3 buds pot place 1‑1/2 c rye or wholewheat prepare śledzie w oleju (herring in hrs before serving. and 3/4 c crumbled farmer cheese; slivered garlic, a bayleaf and several bread (or some of each) crumbled oil): Drain herring, discard onions stir in 1 egg and season with salt, grains allspice and drench with 4 c or torn into small pieces. Add 1 qt and spices, transfer to clean jar, in‑ HORSERADISH SAUCE (sos chr- pepper and (optional) a pinch of pre‑boiled lukewarm water. Cover beer, 1 c water, 3 T oil, 1/4 t salt, terspersing with layers of chopped zanowy). Fork‑blend equal parts chopped mint leaves. mouth of container with cheese 1 t sugar and 1/2 t bruised caraway. onion. Drench with oil to cover and of prepared, plain (non‑creamed) • Rice and egg: Combine 4 c cloth fastened with rubber‑band and Bring to boil and simmer 2‑3 min. refrigerate overnight. Serve with horseradish, sour cream and may‑ undercooked rice, with 2 fi nely let stand in warm (75°‑ 80°F) place Strain, forcing bread through sieve boiled potatoes or rye bread. onnaise. Season with a bit of lemon chopped onions fried golden ten‑ 3‑5 days, or until liquid becomes into another pot. Bring to boil again juice and sugar to taste. Serve with der in a little oil, 3‑4 chopped hard‑ pleasantly tart. If any mold appears and season additionally to taste with FRIED FISH (ryba smażona). fried fi sh or on hard‑cooked eggs. cooked eggs, 1 raw egg and 2 heap‑ at the top, just remove and discard salt and pepper if desired. Serve Rinse and pat dry 2 lbs fresh or In non‑Lenten cookery this sauce ing T fi nely chopped fresh dill, and it. It is not toxic! To make your over cubed farmer cheese and/ oil‑ thawed frozen fi sh fi llets, salt goes great with ham, pâté and aspic salt and pepper to taste. soup, combine 4 c vegetable stock fried rye‑bread croutons. lightly and refrigerate several hrs dishes. Place cabbage rolls snugly in (traditional or bouillon‑cube‑style) or overnight. Optional: fi llets may baking pan in no more than 2 lay‑ with about 3 c strained ryemeal sour LENTEN POTATOES (postne kar- be drizzled with lemon juice and LENTEN STUFFED CABBAGE ers. Drench with mushroom stock (1 and bring to boil. Simmer briefl y tofl e/ziemniaki). Serve boiled pota‑ smothered in sliced onions. Salt and (postne gołąbki): Cut out core from mushroom bouillon cube dissolved and season with salt, pepper and toes garnished with chopped onions pepper fi llets roll in fl our or a50‑ a head of cabbage and place in pot in 3 c water) and bake in preheated marjoram. Thicken with 1 T fl our fried to a tender golden‑brown in 50 mixture of fl our and plain bread of boiling water cored‑side‑down, 350°oven 2 hrs. After switching off dissolved in a little cold water, if a little oil. Mashed potatoes (sim‑ crumbs. Fry in 1/2” hot oil to a nice remove leaves as they wilt and set heat, leave in oven until cooled to desired. Serve in bowls with dishes ply mashed with no butter o milk golden brown on both sides. Drain aside to dry. Fill with any of the fol‑ room temp. Refrigerate and reheat of mashed potatoes (garnished with added) may be served the same way on paper towel. You can give your lowing and roll up: as needed. 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 Polanie 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 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 COOKBOOK 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 • FEBRUARY 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

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