<<

Newsletter of of the the Polish Polish Cultural Cultural Council Council • Vol. • Vol. 14 •5 Fall• Spring 2016 2007 Revisited He was a little schmaltzy, kitschy of the whole club scene and sentimental in his song selection, in the early 60s and at the top of his but as I was recently watching a game; the ladies adored him while he depiction of Bobby (whose real had the audience in the palm of his name is Stanley Robert Vintula) hand. Score for Vinton in terms in the Scarcese’s classic film of cultural icon being included in , I began to think about Scorcese’s iconic movie. Scorcese his contribution to American music could have chosen anyone, Fabian, as well as his legacy, or how he Sinatra but he chose Bobby Vinton will be remembered. In addition to and as representing an era. his music, he is part of two classic Next, let’s look at the movie classic, American movies. In Goodfellas, Blue Velvet. The great director, David which is an equally directed mob Lynch, created an entire neo-noir film Bobby Vinton movie, is based on the real mob based on Vinton’s song Blue Velvet. informant . The scene The cast includes real Hollywood Back in the early sixties, Bobby opens when stars with Isabella Vinton’s music was heard on every Hill and his Rosselini, Dennis radio station all day long. I especially girlfriend Karen, A Message From Hooper, Dean remember, the Polish Prince’s arrive at the the President Stockwell and Laura songs being played all at the public Copa Cabana Dern in starring swimming pool that we frequented for a night out roles. The movie in New Kensington, Crystal Springs. on the town and are given royal has become a cult classic and is Soaking wet, waiting for French fries treatment by the staff with a table considered one of America’s greatest and listening to Bobby Vinton. for two at the front of the audience. movies of the 80s. Score two for There is no question that Bobby The show at the Copa starts with Vinton in terms as cultural icon. had a tremendous impact on our comedian Henny Youngman and Further, in 2005 rapper “” culture. Prior to , he was the scene progresses to Bobby telephoned Bobby to see if he the man with the number one hit VInton singing to the audience. The could incorporate his recording of before the Beatles took over the actor playing Bobby Vinton (actually Vinton’s Mr. Lonely, into a new rap charts, but he still had more number performed by Bobby Vinton’s son song he was producing and Bobby 1 hits from 1962 to1972 than anyone Robby who lip synced the song) consented. So now Bobby’s music else. These hits included Blue Velvet, is singing Blue on Blue and as the has transcended five decades and , I’m Mr. Lonely and scene progresses, Bobby sends moved into urban legend. Score 3 for There I’ve Said it Again to name over to mobster Henry Hill table a Bobby Vinton. but a few. He was one of the artists bottle of champagne, and, much to Of course we all love this western that headed to Branson Missouri as the amazement of Henry’s girlfriend, Pennsylvania native’s My Melody of he got a little older and opened his gives Henry a sign of greeting. You Love or as we know its lyrics…moja own nightclub and retired in 2012. can watch this scene by searching droga ja cię kocham, means that I My mother and sister saw him there “youtube goodfellas Bobby Vinton.” love you so! about 20 years ago. This scene puts Bobby in the middle —Rick Pierchalski Please Note: Please Renew Your A representative of the Polish Consulate General in New York will visit Membership Today! in the second part of November 2016 (date to be announced), to accept applications for new and renewed Polish Passports. Please call 412- 871-3347 or email [email protected] Just fill in this form and mail it with to schedule an appointment. your dues to the address shown below. Thank You! PAC Corner: CurrentPolish Cultural Information Council Keeping Keeping Polish Polish Culture Alive! As some of you may know, the Polish were discussions about current events Culture Alive! American Congress was established in WE NEEDin Poland, YOU and about the visa waiver 1944 (pac1944.org), as a voice for Polish status for Poland. There were reports AND YOUR Americans to counter propaganda from from the Polish Agenda Committee Polish Cultural Council Communist-controlled Poland, and as INVOLVEMENT!a and the American Agenda Committee. P.O. Box 81054 voice for Polish Americans Financial and fundraising reports were Pittsburgh, PA 15217-0554 www.PolishCulturalCouncil.org and a free Poland. The A growingalso membership made. The is vital Marshall for the Polish of the Polish Congress has been in Cultural CouncilSejm to (Parliament)continue its important addressed work. the continual existence attendees. since that time. It has An increasing andThe involved Polish membership Agenda report permits us Name ______helped Poland’s entry to bring Polish culturalrecounted events that that this add August,quality to the Address ______into NATO. It has your life. WithoutPAC membership held its growth,first ourmeeting various outside ______worked on various programs, suchof as thePolish US, theatre, in Poland, concerts, at thethe ______trade and monetary Bal Polonaise invitationor support of of Polish the citycomposers fathers on of Telephone Number ______arrangements with the Rzeszów in the Podkarpackie region WQED-FM, simply cannot continue. If promoting E-mail Address ______United States after the fall of of southeast Poland. The meeting Polish achievements in the arts and sciences is communism. It is recognized in both the was a rousing success; PAC delegates important to you, then please consider a family Type of one year membership: US and Poland as speaking for Polish received the warmest of Polish (January 1 to December 31) Americans in the US. The Congress or individualwelcome membership. and hospitality. Individual membership They were Ì NEW Ì RENEWAl is organized by state, with some states is $25; families:addressed $35; by businesses high ranking or large members organizations: $125. The PCC seeks members having more than one division. For of the Sejm on the theme of business Ì Student ($10) example, Pennsylvania has two divisionswho wantdevelopment. to help in developing, planning, and Ì Individual ($25) one in the west, of which Tim Kuzma executingis ideas,On a thatfinal make note a difference.the new national Ì Family ($35) President and Maria Staszkiewicz is Vice officers of the PAC include: Ì Business ($125) President, and a division in the east. Our newsletter, the Polish Journey, keeps you Ì Ì During the week of October 14th informed• onFrank the who, Spula, the whPresidentat, the where and the Polish Speaking? Yes No through the 17th, the annual PAC why of Western• Rick PennsylvaniaPierchalski, Polonia.First Vice The Polish I would like to get involved in: meeting was held in Chicago. At this Journey brings President, you interviews from Western with prominent meeting, the bi-annual elections were Pennsylvania western Pennsylvania individuals of Polish heritage, Ì held. In addition to the elections, there • Tim Kuzma, Secretary, also from Ostatki, Winter White Party discussions of events still in the planning stages as Ì Bal Polonaise Western Pennsylvania well as a calendar of events, recipes and a column Ì Film Festival • Debbie Majka, Cultural Vice Ì Performing & Visual Arts Events Polish Journey is a publication of the Polish that deals with the lives of our local members. President Ì Kennywood Day Cultural Council, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) orga- Joining is easy, but getting involved is the fun part. nization. Please address your correspondence • Mark Pienkos, Communications Ì Newsletter to: Polish Cultural Council, P.O. Box 81054, Vice President Ì Fundraising Pittsburgh, PA 15217-0554, tel: 412.871.3347 Please call• Bozena us at 412.871.3347 Kaminska,or Vice send Presidentin the Ì Polish language Classes “The opinions expressed by authors do not membership of application the Polish today. Agenda Please Committee remember, always reflect the views of the PCC.” your contribution• Professor to the Anthony PCC is tax Bidek, deductible Vice and Additionally, I would like to support PCC in the amount of Rick Pierchalski, President; the membership President is valid of for the one American year, from AgendaJanuary $ ______Maria Staszkiewicz, Executive Director, 1 to December Committee 31. [email protected]; Please make your check payable to the Polish Cultural Council Eva Tumiel-Kozak, Editor-in-Chief; or pay online at www.PolishCulturalCouncil.org Rick Pierchalski,If you would President like further information Veronica Wojnarowski, on the PAC and want to get involved Maria Staszkiewicz, Editors; in the future of Poland, please view Support S&D Kasia Goszcz-Bruniany, Graphic Artist; the website at pac1944.org or call the Mary Seamans, Graphic Design; Polishoffices Cultural Council,of Sec. P.O. BOXTimothy 81054, KuzmaPittsburgh, at PA 15217-0554, tel 412.871.3347Polish Delicatessen www.PolishCulturalCouncil.org visit us @ www.PolishCulturalCouncil.org 412-922-2244. under new ownership! —RICK PIERCHALSKI

2 Polish Journey • Fall 2016 Recital—Not to be Missed!

The piano keys are black and white, Performing in various instrumental but they sound like a million colors configurations, the Multi Trio always in your mind. promotes Polish music, captivating en- —Mexican writer, Maria Cristina Mena thusiastic audiences with their musical- ity and unique style. That’s what we hope to evoke during The piano recital on October 21 is the forthcoming piano recital of the presented in partnership with the Polish famous Polish pianist Ewa Pobłocka. Cultural Institute in New York. It is Ms. Pobłocka will perform works of Mo- also supported in part by The Pennsyl- zart, Schubert, Paderewski, and Chopin vania Council on the Arts through the on Friday, October 21, 7:30 PM at Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts It is the Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, the not to be missed! To order tickets University of Pittsburgh, Oakland. Ewa Pobłocka please send your check to: PCC, Box 81054, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, EWA POBŁOCKA is a world-renowned Symphony Orchestra in Katowice, just or buy online: PolishCultural- pianist, and one of Poland’s most distin- to name a few. She has been broadcast Council.org. ­ guished teachers. She is the laureate of widely and has recorded over 40 discs. —Eva Tumiel-Kozak many international piano competitions, One can go on and on describing including the International Fryderyk her many achievements, but her talent Chopin Piano Competition, Warsaw, didn’t just appear in a vacuum. Before Poland; and the International Viotti she graduated from the Music Acade- Competition in Vercelli, Italy. She was the my in Gdańsk and won the laurels of gold medalist of the International Festival the international competitions, Ewa of Young Laureates in Bordeaux, France. Pobłocka appeared in many con- Pobłocka has performed throughout most certs with her mother, soprano Zofia of Europe, as well as in both Americas, Janukowicz-Pobłocka, accompanying in Japan, Singapore, Korea, and Aus- the masterpieces of the European vocal tralia. She has appeared in concert with art. Today, Ewa Pobłocka can often be many prominent orchestras, including heard in a family Trio, with her multi- the London Symphony Orchestra, the talented daughters, Ewa and Maria English Chamber Orchestra, the Orches- Leszczynski: mother is at the piano, the tra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the elder daughter sings soprano and plays the piano, and the younger daughter Polish National Philharmonic Orchestra Multi Trio: Ewa & daughters in Warsaw, the Polish Radio National plays the piano, cello and saxophone.

Three Rivers Film Festival This year, 3 RFF will be markedly differ- painter. Even within the country, few ent from previous festivals. The Festival is people are familiar with the director Jan P. —Polish Films. going through a transformation, and 2016 Matuszyński. Yet for those paying atten- is a “transition year”. 3RFF will open on tion to international arthouse cinema, The November 16th and run for only five days. Last Family should boost name recognition So…all you Film Fans: Mark your calen- for both. The film is not simply recreation, but dars from November 16-20. rather an intimate portrait of three intertwined lives. Each film will have only one screen- (Variety) This past August, The Last Family ing! As always, we try to present the newest made its world premiere, in competition and best of Polish cinema. We do not have at the Locarno Film Festival (Switzerland). a complete lineup yet, but the presentation For his impeccable portrayal of Zdzisław of Polish films will include the hottest titles Beksiński, Andrzej Seweryn, one of the of 2016. most famous Polish actors, won in the Best The Last Family, Ostatnia Rodzina, directed Actor category. by Jan P. Matuszyński, tells the story of The Last Family was also triumphant at the Zdzisław Beksiński and his family. Beksiński 41st Gdynia Film Festival in September. was a Polish surrealist painter who was The film won all the top awards: Grand famous for his eerie post-apocalyptic Prix-Best Film; Best Actor; and Best Actress. works. Most people outside Poland have never heard of this late-20th-century See you at !

Polish Journey • Fall 2016 3 Happy Birthday, Tadeusz!

By Mary Lou Ellena designed and oversaw the building of fortifications to protect Philadelphia. Kosciusko, Mississippi; Kosciusko, Mis- He was commissioned by General souri; Kosciusko County, Indiana; Kos- George Washington to build military ciusko Island, Alaska; Kosciusko, Texas. fortifications at West Point, which was Why do so many places in the United an important defense point along the Sates and the world bear the name of Hudson. He was given the rank of Polish patriot Tadeusz Kościuszko? A Brigadier General in 1783. To this name that is often mispronounced, usu- day, Kościuszko occupies a position of ally misspelled and often unknown! honor on the campus of West Point.

A Special Year To Poland and Back Again This year, 2016, marks a special year for After he spearheaded an unsuccessful both Kościuszko and the United States of revolt in his native Poland against occu- Thaddeus Kościuszko America. Not only is this year the centen- pying Russia and Prussia, Kościuszko nial of the U.S. National Parks, but it is returned to his Philadelphia home tion. Founded in 1925, it is a national also the 270th birthday of Kościuszko. in 1798. Here, he lobbied the new organization with headquarters in New Kościuszko holds a small but prominent Congress for back pay and was a vocal York City. The Kościuszko Foundation place of honor among our vast array supporter of the abolition movement. is dedicated to promoting educational of National Parks. Located in Philadel- Kościuszko was paid in land and and cultural exchanges between the phia, the Thaddeus Kościuszko National owned what is now Columbus, Ohio. United States and Poland, and to Memorial is the smallest space managed Columbus was sold in the 1850s. The increasing American understanding by the National Park System. It is also the proceeds were used for an educa- of Polish culture and history. With least visited. In 2015, only just fewer than tional institute for African Americans. eight regional chapters, including one 1300 guests stopped by the home of this Kościuszko never returned to his in Pittsburgh, this membership-based son of liberty! Many people are unaware beloved Poland. He remained in exile organization promotes Polish art, cul- of its existence. Many others would be in the United States and Switzerland, ture and science throughout the United hard pressed to identify the accomplish- where he died in 1817. States. Every year, one or two scholar- ments of this great man – even if they ships for summer study in Poland are could pronounce his name! Kościuszko’s Will offered per region to eligible college- Provisions of his will named his good age candidates. Check the website for Military Accomplishments friend Thomas Jefferson as execu- specific requirements and deadlines. in America tor. Jefferson was instructed to sell The scholarship covers tuition, room Born in Poland in Mereczowszczyzna Kościuszko’s holdings, and to use the and board and travel once the partici- a town now part of Belarus, Tadeusz proceeds to buy the freedom of slaves pant reaches Poland. Andrzej Bonaventura Kościuszko actu- – including those held by Jefferson ally embodies the ideals put forth by our – and educate them to live indepen- Continuing Influence founding fathers in our Constitution. In dently. Unfortunately, Kościuszko’s Kościuszko quietly continues to influ- fact, Kościuszko was so impressed after final request was never carried out as ence life in the United States today reading our Declaration of Independence stipulated. Jefferson transferred his through our American values of that he initiated a 30-year correspon- responsibilities as an executor to a inclusivity, tolerance and acceptance; dence with its primary author, Thomas friend. The subsequent discovery of through continuing use of his U.S. Jefferson. Thaddeus Kościuszko was an multiple wills lead to law suits. The military strategies in training at West abolitionist, a skilled engineer, a military law suits ended with a Supreme Court Point; and through the work of the genius, who, at the request of General Decision in 1856, which finalized the Kościuszko Foundation in the United Horatio Gates, was the mastermind execution of the will nearly 40 years States and in Poland. Happy 270th behind the British defeat at Saratoga. In after Kościuszko’s death. Birthday, Tadeusz! Thank you for 1776, he offered his military and engi- helping to shape these United States of neering services to the colonial forces The Kościuszko Foundation America! We will honor you again next fighting for independence from Great Today the life and accomplishments year, as we commemorate the anniver- Britain. The Continental Congress ap- of Kościuszko are celebrated and sary of your death in the Bicentennial pointed him a colonel of engineers. He promoted by the Kościuszko Founda- Year of Kościuszko in 2017.

4 Polish Journey • Fall 2016 TheCome to GrandBal Hall on PolonaiseNovember 12th! is Back...and Interactive! After a year’s hiatus the Bal Polonaise is back in full swing. This year’s theme Muzyka! Muzyka! will feature dancing and singing as a focal point of the evening. Muzyka! The night will begin with strolling musi- cians crooning for the crowds with your Muzyka! favorite Polish kolędy for you to sing along, mixed in with popular obereks and polkas. Dinner entertainment will feature the always in demand North Allegheny Stroll- ing Strings, an ensemble of 100 violinists strolling among the tables with violin music from the heavens. They are a Bal tradition you won’t want to miss. Closing the last few hours with a dancing variety for all ages will be a DJ enticing all guests to get out of their seats and join in. And since we are interactive this year, Bal Polonaise joining in is exactly what you can do by learning a dance in advance of the eve- Food glorious Food! Appetizers ning. Log in to our website polishcultural- while you’re shopping, sit-down dinner the ticket price is free parking and an council.org or visit our facebook page after selection of filet mignon or parmesan- open bar. Join us on November 12 at October 16 and watch our dance video to encrusted chicken, scrumptious dessert the lovely venue, The Great Hall, for a the Four Seasons’ get up and dance song, and a special 10 o’clock light buffet fea- night of pure entertainment and fun. December 1963, Oh What a Night. Follow and turing Polish delicacies. Come hungry. As so many of us know, Irene Addams learn the steps then join us one and all on As usual, the highlight of the eve- was the heart and soul of Bal Polonaise. the dance floor the night of the Bal, sing- ning will be the presentation of our This year will be the first annual Bal ing along with the words in the program. Debutantes and Escorts, followed by the in her honor. As she is no longer here Oh What a Night it will be! performance of the Grand Polonaise. to call you in person and invite you to While you enjoy an endless evening of A night filled with something for this beautiful and fun-filled event, the music, you can do your holiday shopping everyone. If you are not on our mailing Polish Cultural Council Board of Direc- at our auction tables. Along with our usual list, invitations will be available online at tors and the Bal Polonaise Committee variety of wonderful gifts, you will find our website. You may also contact us at request the honor of your presence at beautiful heirlooms from the estate of 412-871- 3347, or e-mail us at pccorg. the Bal in her memory. Please come. Merle and Irene Addams. The Addams [email protected] to be added to our list. Donations can be made in her honor as family has lovingly donated hundreds of Tickets are $130 for members and a thank you to her 23 years of passion items from Irene’s fine collectibles. You $135 for non-members. In addition to and commitment to this event. won’t want to miss these. the endless food and music, included in

Polish Journey • Fall 2016 5 NASZA POLSKA PRZYGODA (Our Polish Adventure) By Susan and Matt Mancino

After participating in Polish language classes through the Polish Cultural Council, attending bi-weekly private tutoring lessons, traveling to Poland on a brief trip in the fall of 2014 as part of a conference in Jelenia Góra, we decided to put our Polish language skills to the test on a three and half week long trip this summer. This trip was made possible by our friend and gracious host, Józef, who invited us to stay at his farmhouse in Mała Ka- mienica, a small village near Jelenia Góra. Józef Zaprucki is also a profes- sor at Karkonosze College in Jelenia Susan and Matt at the Hel Penninsula on the Baltic Sea Góra; he hosted the 2014 conference at his institution. Our friendship with often shared the fresh cherries growing often reached 20,000-30,000 steps. Józef continued to grow during a in the yard, accompanied by kielbasa, visiting professor position at Duquesne cheese, fresh bread, and pierogi from Our experience also extended beyond University when he invited us to stay nearby shops. We spent our days the Lower Silesia region. We took a at his farmhouse. visiting many attractions local to the four-day trip to Wadowice, Kraków, Lower Silesia region, such as the Julita and Zakopane. On our way to During our twenty-eight day Polish Crystal Factory, the Gerhard Haupt- Kraków, we toured Pope John Paul II’s adventure, we lived in the farmhouse mann House, the Bolesławiec Pottery childhood home and ate his beloved where Józef was born and where he store, Góry Stołowe, and many local kremówka papieska (cream cake) in still regularly visits to raise his goats, castles. We regularly visited the Jelenia Wadowice, visited the Aushwitz-Birke- sheep, and cows, and grow his pota- Góra rynek, enjoying the restaurants, nau Memorial and Museum, traveled toes and wheat. The farmhouse lies coffee, and even a summer theatri- beneath the ground to the Wieliczka in the picturesque rolling hills of the cal festival. We also enjoyed outdoor Salt Mines, and explored the painted Lower Silesia region, with views of the activities, such as kayaking and hiking. homes of Zalipie. In Kraków, we Karkonosze mountains. Each morn- To some, we are known as notorious bought gifts for our friends and family ing, we woke to the sounds of roost- Fitbit pedometer wearers. Needless in the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), shot ers crowing, cows mooing, and sheep to say, each day we easily surpassed archery outside of Wawel Castle, baaing. As a mid-afternoon snack, we 10,000 steps (approx. 5 miles) and strolled the Vistula River, and climbed to the top of the Trumpeter Tower at St. Mary’s Basilica. In Zakopane, we tasted the oscypek sheep cheese before riding the Mount Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car. Not quite realizing what this journey had in store, we arrived at the 1985m summit in flip flops, a dress (Susan), and short sleeves (Matt) sur- rounded by people dressed in profes- sional hiking attire from their hiking boots to their trekking caps. Although it was cold and we were underdressed, the scenery was breathtaking and a clear highlight of the trip!

On our second trip outside of Mała Kamienica, we ventured to the Baltic Mała Kamienica Sea and Hel Peninsula. Along the way,

6 Polish Journey • Fall 2016 we stopped in Toruń to see Poland’s of the tour. As our trip continued, leaning tower and the boyhood home however, we practiced Polish daily of Nicolaus Copernicus; of course, and found new comfort speaking the we also were sure to buy several of the language. We particularly enjoyed town’s famous gingerbread cookies. speaking Polish in restaurants. We We also toured the famous Malbork found our waiters and waitresses kind Castle (of the Teutonic Knights) and and patient, offering helpful correc- spent a day in Gdańsk, walking along tives such as when we asked for our the Długi Targ, digging for amber check saying “Jesteśmy gotowi płakać near the city’s Amber Museum, tour- (We are ready to cry),” rather than ing the Crane, visiting the Monument “Jesteśmy gotowi płacić.” (We are to the Defenders of the Polish Post Of- ready to pay) We all wound up having fice, and going to see the Monument a good laugh! of the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970. As we arrived in Jastarnia about Yet, by the end of the trip, Józef ’s son halfway along the Hel Peninsula, we Konrad complimented the improve- were met with cold weather, clouds ment of our language skills. For in the sky, and downpours. The next example, Konrad was impressed when day, however, brought sunshine and we purchased a bottle of mead from warmth that allowed us to wade in the Bolesławiec Pottery store. We soon Kraków-Sukiennice the Baltic Sea, and after a short walk, realized that the bottle was leaking. view the windsurfers gliding along the We were able to express the problem Gulf of Gdańsk. This experience was in Polish to our sales associate and suc- generosity and for all of the experi- certainly another highlight to the trip. cessfully obtain a new bottle of mead. ences on Nasza Polska Przygoda. In We also enjoyed listening to Radio our final weeks, we spent our time at However, our journey to Poland was Wawa, a radio station exclusively play- meals discussing the itinerary for our more than just sightseeing—we were ing Polish music. We regularly listen to next trip including all of the places we sure to practice our Polish-speaking Radio Wawa in the United States and need to visit again and those places we competency! Throughout the trip, our were thrilled to sing along with our were not able to see this time. We can- understanding of and comfort with favorite Polish songs by artists such as not wait to return to Poland and are the language drastically increased. Sylwia Grzeszczak and Long & Junior excited to continue our study of the Early on in our trip, we ambitiously on the radio. language and culture. went on a tour, in Polish, of the Julita Crystal Glass Museum and found As we reflect on our journey, we are Susan and Matt Mancino are Rhetoric stu- difficulty understanding the entirety grateful for Józef ’s hospitality and dents in a Ph.D program at Duquesne Uni- versity. Matt serves as the Editorial Assistant for JACA: The Journal of the Association for Communication Administration and as an Assistant Production Editor for Listening: Journal of Communication Ethics, Religion, and Culture. He has presented papers at state, regional, and national academic conferences. Susan is a research and teaching assistant and editorial assistant for the Journal of Communication and Religion. She is the author of a number of essays dealing with communication ethics, philosophy of com- munication, and the intersections of commu- nication and museum practice in national and international venues. Susan and Matt have a strong interest in Polish culture, history, and language; they have been studying the Polish language for over three years. Zakopane

Polish Journey • Fall 2016 7 Speaking Polish – Piece of Cake by Veronica Wojnaroski Miesiące Roku: the Maj – May The flowers of the lipa are picked and Months of the Year Maj is the only month which clearly made into a tea which is used as a rem- derives its name from Latin. It was edy for symptoms of the common cold The Polish names for the months of the and for heart problems. An old linden year are Slavic in origin, with the exception named for Maia, the Roman goddess of growth and fertility. Her name tree, stara lipa, is not to be cut down, of maj, May, and possibly marzec, March. means She Who is Great, and is related lest it bring bad luck to the feller and Their meanings showcase the predominant to Latin maiur, meaning more. A Polish his family. While the tree is a vigorous weather of the months, flora which appear word, majówka, picnic, evolved from and strong tree, its wood is mediocre. (or disappear), or activities or items related the word maj. Thus, something which is described to the farmer’s calendar. Notice that, unlike with the adjective lipny is of low quality. Czerwiec – June in English, the Polish months of the year are Polish Renaissance poet, Jan Kocha- not capitalized, except at the beginning of a Czerwiec comes from the word czerw, a nowski, wrote a poem, Pod Lipą (Under sentence, a title, or a heading. grub or larva. In June, w czerwcu, people the Linden Tree), which begins with gościu, Styczeń – January collected the czerwy of bees or moths, siądź pod mym liściem, a odpoczni sobie dried them in the sun, and made a red (Dear visitor, please sit under my linden The name of this month comes from dye from them. The verb czerwienić się tree and relax). the noun, styk, which means a contact or means to redden, or to turn red. Czerwień is a point of contact. It is the time when the the noun which means red, and czerwony Sierpień - August old year joins the New Year. The verb is the adjective. Czerwony Krzyż is the Sierpień derives from the word sierp, a stykać means to meet, to join, or to connect. Red Cross. Czerwony used as a noun is sickle. The sickle is an ancient symbol The reflexive verb stykać się means to a pejorative for a communist, komunista. of the harvest, and so, it gives its name adjoin, or to adhere. Stykać się z kimś or Lipiec – July to August, when the harvest, żniwa, z czymś, means to encounter someone or begins. The sickle is one of the oldest something. Lipiec is named for lipa, the linden tree agricultural instruments, dating back (Tilia cordata). This tree has fragrant Luty – February to 10,000 BC. Variously made through yellow flowers in July, w lipcu. The lin- the millennia from flint, clay and metal, Luty is an Old Polish adjective which den tree has been beloved from pagan it has a semi-circular-shaped blade with derives from Proto Slavic. It means, times. Gods were though to live in teeth on the inner side, and a wooden not surprisingly, severe and fierce. As a linden trees, w lipach. Later, in Christian or metal handle. Before the mechani- name for a month, it tells you that the times, many legends sprang from the zation of farm equipment, in Poland weather in Poland in February, w lutym, lipa tree, od lipy. Lipa is said to be the wheat (pszenica), hay (siano) and other is most unpleasant. grains (zboża) were harvested primarily Marzec – March by hand (ręcznie) with sickles (sierpami). There are two possible sources for the Sickles are still in use for small name of the month of marzec: Slavic harvesting jobs. and Latin. The argument for the Slavic Wrzesień – September route is that marzec comes from the Wrzesień is the time of the blooming of verb, marznąć, to freeze. Some scholars the heather, wrzos (Calluna vulgaris). believe that marzec comes from the Wrzos is a low-growing, shrubby plant Roman God Martius, the god of war. which blooms in September through- In Polish, his name is Mars. The out the hillsides of southern, sub-alpine Romans resumed their military cam- favorite tree of the Virgin Mary. Many Poland, forming wide and dense mats. paigns in March, using the name of roadside shrines to her are placed Its gray-green, evergreen foliage is at- the god of war to name the month. under linden trees, pod lipami. Prayers offered at these shrines are said to have tractive throughout the year, especially Kwiecień – April a good chance of being answered. during the summertime growth period. Kwiecień is the blooming month, or, at Churches often plant linden trees However, the true glory of this plant least the month in which the earliest on their properties, but only on the appears in September, we wrześniu, flowers appear. The name comes from perimeters because the flowers attract when it explodes in a riot of pink and the Polish word for flower, kwiat. Kwiatek honey bees, pszczoły. Linden honey, miód mauve aromatic flowers. Honeybees, is the diminutive form, a little flower. lipowy, is highly prized. The wax from pszczoły, are fond of the nectar, from The place to buy flowers is the kwiaciar- the hives is used to make candles for which they produce miód wrzosowy, nia, the florist. A kwietnik is a flowerbed. the churches. heather honey. This honey has a strong

8 Polish Journey • Fall 2016 POLISH OLYMPIANS WIN 11 MEDALS; PARALYmPIANS WIN 39 MEDALS aroma of the heather flower, is not overly sweet, and is slightly spicy and bitter. The honey from Dolny Śląsk in the Lower Silesian Voivod- ship, is called Miód Wrzosowy z Borów Dolnośląskich, Its name is protected by the European Union. By EU regula- tions, no other honey may use this name. (There are 57,000 beekeepers, pszczelarzy in Poland, tending to 1.4 million beehives, uli.) In its 21st appearance at the Olympic Games, Poland won big. Poland Październik – October brought 242 athletes, 141 men and 101 women to Rio. There were In October, w październiku, flax and Polish athletes competing in all sports. Eleven of them went home with hemp were harvested and threshed medals. to remove seeds and fiber for food OLYMPIC GOLD and clothing. The woody, waste bits were called paździerze. These bits were Anita Włodarczyk, women’s hammer throw. Coming into the Olym- picked up by the wind and deposited pics, Włodarczyk held the world’s record in this event. She is the first all over the fields. woman in history to have thrown the hammer for more than 80 meters. Besting her own world record, she threw the hammer for a new world’s Listopad – November record of 82.29 meters, more than 6 meters farther than her closest op- The name of this month comes from ponent, and closely approaching the records of some men in this event. the combining of the noun for leaf, and , rowing, liść, and the verb for to fall, padać. In Magdalena Fularczyk-Kozłowska Natalia Madaj Old Polish, it was called liściopad. In women’s double sculls. Fularczyk-Kozłowska and Madaj kept a steady November, w listopadzie, leaves are second place for most of this event. Then, in the last 100 meters of the falling, liście spadają. W listopadzie, the race, they overtook the British rowers in a stunning upset, finishing in a first frosts, mrozy, will have come and little more than 7 minutes and 40 seconds, nearly a full minute before temperatures, temperatury, are steadily the Silver rowers. falling, too. There is a sort of sadness OLYMPIC SILVER or poignancy to this month’s name, because it tells of an event which sig- Piotr Małachowski, discus throw. nals the coming of winter. Maja Włoszczowska, bicycling, women’s cross-country race. Grudzień – December Marta Walczykiewicz, rowing, women’s kayak, 200 meter. If listopad is sad, grudzień is downright OLYMPIC BRONZE miserable. Grudzień comes from gruda, Wojciech Nowicki, men’s hammer throw. an old word of Proto Slavic origin, which means hard clod of earth. Monika Ciaciuch, Agnieszka Kobus, Joanna Leszczyńska, and Maria Nothing grows on the bare and hard Springwald, rowing, women’s quadruple sculls. earth. Last month, leaves fell. This Rafał Majka, cycling, men’s road race. month, snow falls, śnieg pada, and the wind blows, wiatr wieje. The season of Karolina Naja & Beata Mikołajczyk, women’s kayak double, 500 meter. Advent, adwent, is a time of prayer and Monika Michalik, women’s wrestling, 63 kg. category. anticipation, perfect for the atmo- sphere in December, w grudniu. Then, Monika Nowacka, women’s modern pentathlon. near the end of grudzień, we have the PARALYMPIC MEDALS hopeful celebrations of the winter Polish athletes at the Paralympics went home with a record-breaking 39 solstice and Christmas, and then the medals, including 9 gold, far too many for us to name here. Highlights celebration of the New Year. include the setting of two new world records, by Ewa Durska in the women’s shotput, and by Maciej Lepiato, in the men’s high jump. —Veronica Wojnaroski

Polish Journey • Fall 2016 9 sary of this triumphant Polish victory Vienna’s Most Prized that ended the Turkish siege of Vien- Beverage na and saved European civilization from the invading Ottoman Empire. In addition to King Sobieski and his No amount of exaggeration can Hussars, there were other “heroes” overestimate the importance of the of the Battle of Vienna. One was Polish victory at Vienna in 1683. a Polish soldier of fortune, Jerzy For hundreds of years the Turks had Kulczycki, who, during the siege of threatened European civilization; the starving city, volunteered to slip they had already conquered the Bal- behind the enemy lines, dressed as kans and Hungary. Now at the gates a Turk, in order to secure reinforce- of Vienna, they were poised to enter ments. After contacting Austria’s A Sweet History the heart of Europe. An immense allies, Kulczycki returned to the city A Child’s Drawing military and economic powerhouse, with a promise of imminent relief. Evokes Memories the Polish Commonwealth had with- Although the city was close to capitu- stood this Turkish encroachment. lation, because of that information, Strange how things happen. Sobieski’s defeat of the Turks was so the Vienna city council decided not After a couple of years asking my sudden and overwhelming that the to surrender to the Turkish forces. family members, I could not find Poles secured a massive amount of The story goes that, after liberating anyone who would agree to take Turkish arms and other materials, the city and searching the Turkish possession of my maternal babcia’s including the entire Turkish encamp- encampment, the Polish army found old treadle Singer Sewing Machine. ment. The Grand Vizier’s spec- vast sacks of strange beans which Ordinarily, I would have donated it tacular tent is now on display at the they initially thought were camel to Goodwill, but this family heirloom Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków. The feed. They decided to burn the sacks. had survived the 1936 Johnstown victorious Polish King was celebrated As a reward for his heroic service, Flood and was actually the only across Europe as a living legend in Kulczycki was given his choice of possession that our family had after art, music, poetry and literature. His anything he wanted. To the aston- the complete loss of their household great victory was also acclaimed in ishment of King Sobieski and the Vi- during that historic event. But, just food. For certainly, where Poles go, ennese, the Pole asked for the beans. a few days ago, on September 12, food - particularly good food - quickly In some of the fields, the beans had I finally received a phone call from follows! already been set afire and Kulczycki a cousin saying that she would take recognized the tantalizing aroma as the old Singer. Before delivering it, that of the black drink that he had I emptied the various drawers and enjoyed while making his way as a compartments of over eighty years spy through the Turkish camp. King of stuff. Among the various artifacts Sobieski himself presented Kul- I found a curious sketch of a chef czycki with the enormous amounts holding a tray of what looked like of these beans seized from the Turks. croissant pastries. I had drawn the Kulczycki roasted the beans, made chef nearly 40 years ago and had them into a beverage and eventually completely forgotten about that par- opened Vienna’s first coffee house. ticular art project. To please the delicate Viennese After realizing what the drawing taste buds, he blended the coffee represented - and especially the date with honey and cream, creating the of my finding it - September 12 - I famous Viennese version mit schlag. was immediately propelled to the The Viennese soon forgot about year 1683 to stand alongside Polish the great deed done by the Poles in King Jan III Sobieski and his famous saving their city, but they did not winged Polish Hussars at the gates forget Jerzy Kulczycki. Until very recently, every year in October a of Vienna. You see, September 12, King Jan III Sobieski 2016 was actually the 333rd anniver- special “Kolschitzky” Feast was orga-

10 Polish Journey • Fall 2016 nized by the café owners of Vienna, position in the Austrian royal kitchen. Poland from Turkey and the Middle who decorated their shop windows To commemorate the great victory, East. with Kulczycki’s portrait. Although he created crescent-shaped rolls Another piece of gastronomic lore there are no statues of King Jan based on the crescent moon on the associated with the Polish victory in Sobieski in Vienna, Kulczycki is me- Turkish banner. These pastries were Vienna has endured down through morialized with a statue on Vienna’s soon being sold everywhere in the the ages. As the story goes, King Kolschitzky Strasse, the street which city. The Austrians called them kipfel, Sobieski was the first Polish king honors his memory. literally “crescent.” Later, when the not to confirm the royal decree of Austrian princess Marie Antoinette 1496 that mandated that only guild became queen of France, she brought members from Kraków’s baker’s the recipe for the kipfel with her to guild could produce white bread and Paris, where the chefs of the French obwarzanek rolls (whose name derives court added their own touch. Today from a word meaning “to parboil.”) this item is a favorite breakfast food Although Poland was the breadbas- known the world over as the croissant ket of Europe, until Sobieski’s reign, or crescent roll. Jewish bakers were banned from such guilds and hence banned from baking New Shapes for Bread within Kraków’s city limits. With the King’s decision, Jewish bakers could Although the Viennese did not finally bake bread within the con- show tremendous gratitude to King fines of the city walls. When Sobieski Sobieski and the Poles for liberat- saved Europe from the Turkish invad- ing their city (after all, the Austrians ers, to celebrate this great victory participated in the Partitions of and to honor their King, one of the Poland only a short time later), the Jewish bakers created a roll in the rest of Europe did. Sobieski was shape of the king’s stirrup and called celebrated in art and literature as it a beugel (the German word for stir- Polish Postage Stamp honoring Jerzy Kulczycki well as in food. At the time, it was rup), which ultimately evolved into the custom of bakers to commission the modern bagel. Whether or not the specially carved gingerbread molds to story is true, Kraków is actually the A New Pastry commemorate significant occasions historic birthplace of both the bagel and special events such as national and the obwarzanek, which has re- So what about my little pastry chef ? holidays and coronations. Many cently been designated as one of the That is another culinary hero of the prominent bakers in Europe made European Union’s protected regional Battle of Vienna, although his name large commemorative gingerbread foods and can only be produced in has long been lost to history. figures depicting the triumphant Kraków and Wieliczka counties. The story goes that, during the tense Sobieski atop his steed, trampling the It is interesting how conflict often hours of the Turkish siege, during defeated Turks beneath. Fortunately, produces unexpected results. In the wee hours of the morning, a a few of these wooden molds have this case, the clash of Western and baker was preparing bread dough in survived in museum and private col- Eastern civilizations resulted in some a bake shop near the city walls. He lections. In addition, European bak- tasty outcomes. October is Polish noticed that his puffed-up dough ers began using metal molds resem- Heritage Month. So, the next time began to quiver and shake in the bling the Turkish turban. These types you pour yourself a morning cup of bowl. Then, listening intently, he of ornate molds are still used today steamy hot coffee and enjoy a crois- heard the muffled sound of picks and are called “Turk’s heads” and sant, a bagel or even a slice of rich and shovels. Guessing that the Turks they are often used for baking Polish Polish babka, celebrate your heritage had started to mine the city walls, the babka, that sweet Polish pastry/bread by remembering good King Jan and baker alerted the city militia and the which itself has some heavy Eastern the brave Polish Hussars who helped Turkish assault was repulsed. Like influences including the inclusion of bring these culinary classics to your Kulczycki, the Viennese baker was saffron, raisins, exotic nuts, citrus rind table over three hundred years ago. also rewarded for helping to save the and other ingredients which came to Smacznego! —Dave city and was promoted to a coveted

Polish Journey • Fall 2016 11 Polish Cultural Council P.O. BOX 81054 Pittsburgh PA 15217-0554

www.PolishCulturalCouncil.org

Kościuszko Foundation Honors PCC Member

At a luncheon on September 17, at the Doubletree in Greentree, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Kościuszko Foundation honored CMU Professor Krzysztof Matyjaszewski as Out- standing Polonian for his work in the scientific community. Dr. Matyjaszew- ski was presented with a plaque acknowledging his contributions to humanity and his positive impact on the image of Poles throughout the world. The Pittsburgh Chapter also presented him with a painting by artist Jim Sulkowski of the village of Petrykozy, Poland, a place dear to Dr. Matyjaszewski with wife Małgorzata Matyjaszewska flanked by the Krzysztof and his wife Małgorzata. Board and Officers of the Kościuszko Foundation, Pittsburgh Chapter Matyjaszewski received citations from Pittsburgh Councilwoman Natalia Day in Pittsburgh. Flanked by 80 of the Kościuszko Foundation hosted Rudiak, County Executive Rich guests, Dr. Matyjaszewski mesmer- this annual event. Fitzgerald, and other state and local ized the audience with an overview of officials. September 17 was desig- his work with polymers. The Officers —Mary Louise Ellena, President, nated as Krzysztof Matyjaszewski and Board of the Pittsburgh Chapter Pittsburgh Chapter

12 Polish Journey • Fall 2016