commemorating ’s independence day Pg. 2 ■ commemoration of poland's independence in nj Pg. 3 ■ important info from pac – wisconsin division Pg. 4 ■ December 2020 & the ceec Pg. 5 ■ led by god’s providence Pg. 6 ■ polish news bytes Pg. 7 ■ polish american heritage month in erie county Pg. 8 ■ ignacy jan paderewski Pg. 9 ■ explore our polish heritage Pg. 10 ■ the breaking of the oplatek Pg. 13 ■ paaos virtual event Pg. 14 ■ from the bookshelf Pg. 15

Polish American Congress Volume 7, Number 6

Your in America!Voice

DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSIONS

Future PAC Newsletters will be sent out:

Deadline for submission Publication date Friday, February 5, 2021 Friday, February 12, 2021 Friday, April 2, 2021 Friday, April 9, 2021 Friday, June 4, 2021 Friday, June 11, 2021

“Your Voice in America” is a bimonthly newsletter published by the Polish American Congress. The purpose of the newsletter is to offer PAC National Directors and PAC Executive Committee members the opportunity to share Dear Directors of the Polish American Congress, news and information about their state divisions and offices. The newsletter does not receive funds from any external I would like to wish you and your loved ones a Merry and source. The editor is Dr. Mark Pienkos. Healthy Christmas Holiday. This year has given us more challenges than we ever imagined. Let’s hope for a better 2021! Articles should be between 100 and 400 words. Some editing will be done to match our style guidelines and spatial constraints, As part of the New Year, I would like us all to bolster our as well as correcting grammatical errors. We do not send initiatives to increase and sustain political participation within proofs for approval. When sending photos, please include the Polish American Community. When reaching out to your communities, captions with names, official titles. All submitted materials become the property of the Polish American Congress and remind your members of the many ways they can participate in the political may be used to promote the mission of the PAC. Materials process in addition to voting. Things like participating in town hall meetings, will not be returned unless requested. keeping in touch with local representatives, attending community events, and even just having a conversation with your neighbors to build upon community All articles are due according to this schedule. Send your bonds, are just some of the many ways people can have their voices heard in submissions to PAC National VP for Public Relations, Mark . Please be sure to encourage your members to run for office if Pienkos at [email protected]. they are interested in doing so! With the participation of a large and mobilized citizenry, Polish Americans will be able to have a much bigger impact on decisions made in domestic matters. I would like us to increase our focus on Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Polish-American-Congress legislation concerning domestic issues as well.

Continued on next page... Your Voice in America ■ Polish American Congress

Starting in January 2021, we will begin working with the Biden We work tirelessly on behalf of the Polish American communities Administration. As an organization, we need to establish at least that we live in. one political action committee in every state where we have a Polish American Congress Division. Please continue to advocate the need The legacy of this work will remain long after we leave this Earth. I to repeal the NATO- Funding Act, which will permit NATO know that no words can describe how difficult this year has been. to establish permanent bases in Poland. Thank you for all of your hard work. I extend my deepest condolences to those of you who have lost loved ones to this pandemic. A note of appreciation to Mr. Mark Pienkos for his contributions to the Polish American Congress as the National Vice President Once again, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a healthy, Happy of Public Relations, and for publishing a total of 37 editions of the New Year. PAC Newsletter. Sincerely, I welcome your thoughts on all of the above, as well as any other concerns you have. When things get overwhelming, take a moment to remember why you work so hard. Our mission in the Polish Frank J. Spula, President American Congress is to serve something bigger than ourselves.

COMMEMORATING POLAND’S INDEPENDENCE DAY

Independence Day

Written by Bozenna A. Buda, Director

PAC – Washington Metropolitan Area Division Independence Day On November 8, 2020, we commemorated Poland’s Independence Day at Our Lady Queen of Poland (OLQP) Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Polish American Congress Washington Metro IndependenceArea Day Division (PAC-WMAD) requested the Holy Mass which was celebrated by Fr. Jerzy Frydrych, S.Chr., Pastor of OLQP Parish.Independence The OLQP Knights Day of Columbus St. Maximilian Kolbe Council 16634 provided the honor Independence Day guard. Attending this special event were the Deputy Attaché from Independence Day the Embassy of the of Poland and representatives of the

Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV) and the Polish Scouting Organization ZHP USA, as well as PAC-WMAD.

In his homily, Fr. Frydrych talked about Poland’s heritage and history. He noted the struggles and sacrifices of our predecessors. Faith and hope sustained them and now it is our turn to continue their legacy. He recalled Pope St. John Paul II’s first Apostolic visit to Poland in 1979, and quoted from his homilies in both Krakow and , St. John Paull II stated: Some of the representatives who were in attendance at the Holy Mass “My fellow-countrymen, with the greatest warmth I again give thanks, commemorating Poland’s Independence Day on Nov. 8, 2020, at Our together with you, for the gift of having been baptized more than a Lady Queen of Poland Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland. thousand years ago…So, before going away, I beg you once again to (L-R): Thaddeus Mirecki (PAC-WMAD-President), Andy Michaels (K of accept the whole of the spiritual legacy which goes Someby the ofname the of representatives who attended the Holy Mass commemorating Poland’s Some of the representativesC Council 16634), who Dr. Edwardaattended Buda-Okreglak the Holy (PLAV; Mass PAC-WMAD), commemorating Poland’s ‘Poland’, with the faith, hope and charity that ChristIndependence poured into us Day on Nov. 8, 2020, at Our Lady Queen of Poland Parish in Silver Richard Okreglak (PLAV; K of C Council 16634; PAC-WMAD), Stefan at our Holy Baptism.” IndependenceSpring, Maryland Day (Lon-R) Nov.: Thaddeus 8, 2020, Mirecki at (PACOur- WMADLady -President),Queen of Andy Poland Michaels Parish (K in Silver Witczak (K of C Council 16634), OLQP Pastor Fr. Jerzy Frydrych (K Spring,of CMaryland Council 16634),(L-R): ThaddeusDr. Edwarda Mirecki Buda-Okreglak (PAC- WMAD(PLAV; -President),PAC-WMAD), AndyRichard Michaels (K During these challenging Covid-19Some pandemic of the times, representatives we are thankful who ofattended C Council the 16634-Chaplain), Holy Mass commemoratingFranklin Morton (KPoland’s of C Council Okreglak (PLAV; K of C Council 16634; PAC-WMAD), Stefan Witczak (K of C Council for our blessings, including theIndependence gift of Pope ofSt. JohnCDay Council Paulon IINov. and 16634),his8, 2020,16634-DeputyGK), atDr. Our Edwarda Lady Col. Queen PawelBuda of Marzeda -PolandOkreglak (Embassy Parish (PLAV; ofin theSilver Republic PAC - WMAD), Richard 16634), OLQP Pastor Fr. Jerzy Frydrych (K of C Council 16634-Chaplain), Franklin enduring legacy.Some of the representativesSpring, MarylandOkreglak who (L attended-R) (PLAV;: Thaddeus the K Holy of ofMirecki Poland-DeputyC Mass Council (PAC commemorating- WMAD 16634;Attaché),-President), BozennaPAC Poland’s-WMAD), Buda Andy (PAC-WMAD-Director; Michaels Stefan Witczak(K (K of C Council Morton (K of C Council 16634-DeputyGK), Col. Pawel Marzeda (Embassy of the Independence Dayof Con CouncilNov.16634), 8, 16634),2020, OLQP at Dr. Our Edwarda PastorLadyPolish Queen Fr.Buda Scouting Jerzy of-Okreglak Poland Org. Frydrych ZHP Parish(PLAV; USA), Jacek(Kin PAC Silver ofMarczynski -CWMAD), Council (PAC-WMAD-VP; Richard 16634 -Chaplain), Franklin Some of the representatives who attended the Holy MassRepublic commemorating of Poland- DeputyPoland’s Attaché), Bozenna Buda (PAC-WMAD-Director; Polish Spring, MarylandOkreglak (L-R): Thaddeus (PLAV;Morton K Mireckiof(K C ofCouncil (PACC Council -WMAD16634;K of C -Council PACPresident),16634-WMAD), 16634).-DeputyGK), Andy Stefan Michaels Witczak Col. (K (KPawel of C CounciMarzedal (Embassy of the Independence Day on ofNov. C 8,Council 2020, at16634),16634), Our Lady Dr.OLQP EdwardaQueen PastorScoutingSome of BudaPolandFr. Org.of Jerzy -Okreglakthe ParishZHP representativesFrydrych USA in(PLAV; ),Silver Jacek(K of PAC whoMarczynskiC Council-WMAD), attended 16634(PAC Richard the-WMAD- Chaplain),Holy -MassVP; KFranklin commemoratingof C Council 16634). Poland’s [Photo: Bozenna Buda] Spring, Maryland (L-R):Okreglak Thaddeus (PLAV; MireckiMorton K (PACof C (KCouncil-WMAD Republicof C -[Photo16634;President),CouncilIndependence of: BozennaPAC Poland16634 Andy-WMAD), - Buda]DeputyGK), Day-MichaelsDeputy Stefanon Nov. (K Attaché),WitczakCol. 8, 2020,Pawel (K BozennaatofMarzeda COur Counci Lady (EmbassyBudal Queen (PAC ofof Poland the-WMAD Parish-Director; in Silver Polish Spring, Maryland (L-R): Thaddeus Mirecki (PAC-WMAD-President), Andy Michaels (K of C Council2 16634), 16634),Dr. Edwarda OLQP BudaPastorRepublic-Okreglak Fr. ofScoutingJerzy Poland (PLAV; Frydrych- DeputyOrg. PAC (K -ZHP WMAD),Attaché),of C USACouncil RichardBozenna), Jacek 16634 BudaMarczynski-Chaplain), (PAC -FranklinWMAD (PAC- -Director;WMAD -PolishVP; K of C Council 16634). Okreglak (PLAV; K of CMorton Council (K 16634; of CScouting PACCouncil-WMAD), Org.16634[Photo ZHPStefan-DeputyGK),: of BozennaUSA CWitczak ),Council Jacek Col. Buda](K Marczynski of16634),Pawel C Counci MarzedaDr. (PACl Edwarda-WMAD (Embassy Buda-VP; -KOkreglakof of the C Council (PLAV; 16634). PAC -WMAD), Richard 16634), OLQP Pastor Fr.Republic Jerzy Frydrychof Poland[Photo (K-Deputy :of Bozenna C CouncilAttaché), Buda]Okreglak 16634 Bozenna-Chaplain), (PLAV; Buda K Franklinof (PAC C Council-WMAD 16634;-Director; PAC Polish-WMAD), Stefan Witczak (K of C Council Morton (K of C CouncilScouting 16634 -Org.DeputyGK), ZHP USA Col.), JacekPawel Marczynski 16634),Marzeda OLQP (PAC(Embassy -PastorWMAD of -Fr.VP;the Jerzy K of CFrydrych Council (K16634). of C Council 16634-Chaplain), Franklin Republic of Poland-Deputy[Photo Attaché),: Bozenna Bozenna Buda] Buda (PACMorton-WMAD (K -ofDirector; C Council Polish 16634 -DeputyGK), Col. Pawel Marzeda (Embassy of the Scouting Org. ZHP USA), Jacek Marczynski (PAC-WMAD-RepublicVP; K of Cof CouncilPoland 16634).-Deputy Attaché), Bozenna Buda (PAC-WMAD-Director; Polish [Photo: Bozenna Buda] Scouting Org. ZHP USA), Jacek Marczynski (PAC-WMAD-VP; K of C Council 16634). [Photo: Bozenna Buda] Your Voice in America ■ Polish American Congress

COMMEMORATION OF POLAND'S INDEPENDENCE

DAY IN PERTH AMBOY, NEW JERSEY

Submitted by Adam Stepien Expressions of gratitude for honored dead combatants were offered by The Pulaski Cadets, whose Commander is Captain Stanley On Sunday morning, November 8, 2020 the commemoration of the Bankowski. Pupils of the United Poles in America Polish School, 102nd anniversary of Poland's Independence Day took place in Perth and representatives of several other Polish organizations, were Amboy, New Jersey. Though the Polish State was established in 966 among the approximately 70 people who participated in this moving by the first king of the Piast dynasty, , who converted to commemoration. Christianity, Poland's history was marked by discontinuity. After having been partitioned by her three rapacious imperialist neighbors After the commemoration, all enjoyed pączki/doughnuts provided and erased from the map of Europe for 123 years, the Second Polish by United Poles in America.

Republic was established on November 11, 1918, after all three of (Editor’s Note: Mr. Stepien offered the following remarks about this special the empires which occupied Poland were defeated in World War I. day. Adam said, “The event was sponsored by the United Poles in America The commemoration began at 11:00 AM with the celebration of from Perth Amboy. It was a big success. I don't think anyone expected that during these times it could be so successful.”) Holy Mass at St. Stephen’s Church (Saint John Paul II Parish) in Perth Amboy where the faithful prayed for Poland their Homeland at a time of resurgent Kremlin revanchism. After Holy Mass, the commemoration continued with the raising of Poland's flag in the circle at City Hall. The flag raising was organized by the United Poles in America. The President of United Poles in America, Mrs. Katarzyna Kolek delivered welcoming remarks and introduced the three speakers: • Father Slawomir Romanowski, Pastor of St. John Paul II Parish • Mayor of Perth Amboy Mrs. Wilda Diaz, who described both the long history and contributions of Polish-Americans to the City of Perth Amboy and read the Mayor’s Proclamation in Commemoration of Poland's Independence Day • 2020 Grand Marshal of the New York/ New Jersey/Connecticut General Pulaski Memorial Parade, Mrs. Jadwiga Kopala After the speeches, the national anthems of the United States and Poland were sung by two girls who are pupils at the United Poles in America Polish School, the anthems were followed by the Flag Raising, and wreath laying. 3 Your Voice in America ■ Polish American Congress

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE PAC – WISCONSIN DIVISION AND . . . A FUN CONTEST! DO YOU KNOW POLAND?

BOOKS AND INFORMATION ON POLISH HISTORY AND CULTURE

Written by David Rydzewski, President Not only is the material inside a great read, note the image on the PAC – Wisconsin Division front cover, wrapped in a red and white banner forming the outline of Poland. Within the cover image, Irena has blended iconic images “The fall of the Berlin Wall makes for nice pictures. But it all started of some of Poland’s great individuals alongside some of the simple yet in the shipyards” is a quote from Lech Walesa. life affirming elements or histories making up the fabric in the story of Poland and its people. With Irena’s creation, she challenges each and It’s an important point that Walesa makes because it highlights what every one of us on our knowledge of Poland and asks us to identify reflects much of America's lack of understanding of Polish history and the individuals shown or what each of the images means or represents. culture, which too often gets overshadowed by the Anglo-German- French focus on Europe.

Author Michael Crichton wrote, “If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it’s part of a tree.” The Contest! Join in on the fun! In a contest or challenge to you with no prizes other than the pride Well I’m a leaf from a Polish tree with deep Polish roots, and I want to of really knowing Poland, can you identify each of the figures/images know as much as I can about that tree, winter, summer, spring, and fall. shown in the cover image? Starting at the 11 o’clock position and moving Luckily, I crossed paths with Professor Donald Pienkos and Poland clockwise from outer edge to inner, describe what is shown and its native Irena Fraczek, who not only know a lot about Poland, but who meaning or significance. Some of the answers can be answered simply, are uniquely able to share that knowledge. They are the driving force and some have answers on several levels, with the most informed and behind a collection of Books and Information on Polish History and complete answers rating higher points. The more you know and can Culture, assembled in a brochure called: “Do You Know Poland?”. tell us about the image the better your score. Continued on next page... 4 Your Voice in America ■ Polish American Congress

Winners will be announced at the beginning of March 2021 on the PAC – Wisconsin Division website (pacwisconsin.com), as well as reported in a PAC Newsletter story in 2021. Also, a full and complete explanation of each image within the outline of Poland image will be given. Please email your answers by Sunday, January 31, 2021 to David Rydzewski at [email protected]. Plenty of time to get your Christmas shopping done, celebrate the New Year, and submit your answers to participate in the contest. Have fun!

Since our brochure was done initially for the members of the Polish American Congress–Wisconsin Division, one of the sixteen pages covers Polish organizations in Wisconsin. But everything else in the brochure covers a wide range of Polish and Polish-American topics. For members of the PAC, or anyone with Polish heritage, it can help us in our shared understanding of the bigger picture of Poland, its history and culture. That is why the Wisconsin Division is eager to make this available to others. Not as a sole or complete guide to everything Polish, but as a good starting point for a base understanding, which we hope will spark other Polish-Americans to expand and share with their Polish brothers and sisters.

I have found the more I know about Poland and its people, the more respect and admiration I have for them and the greater my yearning of wanting to be more "Polish."

PERMANENT BASES WITH AMERICAN TROOPS IN NATO'S EAST CENTRAL EUROPEAN MEMBER COUNTRIES

Written by John Czop The NATO – Russia Founding Act prohibits the establishment of PAC Director of Policy permanent NATO bases in the former satellite countries of the Soviet Union and in the three Baltic States. At their weekly meeting on 10 December 2020, the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) decided to prepare questions for friendly The NATO – Russia Founding Act is the principal obstacle to the United States Senators to ask Mr. Anthony Blinken at his confirmation establishment of permanent NATO bases garrisoned by American hearings, which will take place early next year. The top question for armed forces in Poland and the other NATO countries in East Central President-Elect Biden's choice as Secretary of State is: “Should the Europe and the Baltic States. Permanent NATO bases will send a United States withdraw from the NATO – Russia Founding Act?” strong message to the Kremlin: NATO with American troops is committed, over the long term, to the defense of this strategic region This agreement was signed by all NATO member countries and the from Kremlin revanchism. Russian Federation on 27 May 1997 at the NATO Paris Summit. At that time, many were persuaded that Russia was on the road to democracy Readers recall that the establishment of permanent NATO bases with and respect for international law. Twenty--three years later, it is clear that American armed forces in Poland has been the top goal of the Polish the Russian Federation has been a serial violator of international law, American Congress. In their greetings to newly elected, or re-elected, because Putin's Kremlin has breached the Organization members of Congress, Polish American Congress officers and members Charter several times by using armed force to change internationally should let their representatives know that Poland helps to protect United recognized borders in Georgia and . Kremlin revanchism makes States national security interests and promotes American values of moot the NATO – Russia Founding Act. This outdated agreement is free enterprise and democracy in East . This is why an impediment to the security of East Central Europe. Poland should have permanent NATO bases. 5 Your Voice in America ■ Polish American Congress

LEDLed BY by GOD’S God’s PROVIDENCEProvidence

InIn His Own Words Words By Bishop Emeritus John W. Yanta Led by God’s Providence

In His Own Words Written by BishopBy Bishop Emeritus Emeritus John JohnW. Yanta W. Yanta I had to have a tracheotomy and now must live life with this condition, The final touches are being made to thebut thanks to the Lord, I am OK and still active. With the faith and The final touches are being made to the Polish commitment of the project’s leaders, staff, and our many generous The finalHeritage touchesPolish Center are beingin HeritagePanna made Maria, to the Center TX, with inits Panna Maria, TX,donors, with we continued. Polish Heritagedoors Center setits to inopendoors Panna to the Maria,set public to TX, openin with the next to thefew public in the next few its doors setmonths. to open Asto theyou public can see in from the next the accompanyingfew I hope that the project always remains faithful to its goal of being a months. Asphotos, you can the months.see Center from the is accompanyingamazinglyAs you canbeautiful see and from the accompanyingfirst class Polish-American endeavor. Our immigrant ancestors gave photos, the aCenter fitting isphotos, amazinglytribute to thebeautiful Polish Center and immigrants a is amazingly who beautiful andus a first class beginning and I, as one of the descendants, realize fitting tributecame to the to TexasfittingPolish in immigrants the tribute mid-1850s. who to Pannacame the PolishMaria is immigrants who camethe debt I owe to them. We must pass on their history of faith, and to Texas in thethe firstmid- 1850s.and oldest Panna permanent Maria is thePolish first settlement devotion to family, community, and their Polishness. To Polonia across and oldest permanent Polish settlement in in America.to TexasAs this decade-long in the mid project-1850s. nears Panna Maria is theAmerica first and our brethren in Poland, I invite you to please come see America. As this decade-long project nears completion, founder Bishop Emeritus John W. what God has enabled us to do, and I thank Him for being with us, completion, founderand Bishop oldest Emeritus permanent John W. Polish settlement in step by step, all along the way. Yanta, in hisYanta, 90th yearin America.his of 90th an yearactive of andanAs active remar this andkable decade remarkable life, reflects-long on projectthis journey nears of faith. life, reflects on this journey of faith. Please be sure to visit our website at polishheritagecentertx.org, or completion, founder Bishop Emeritus John W.contact Development Director John Cebrowski through email at I always knew I was Polish. My parents,th John Andrew Yanta and Mary MagdaleneYanta, Pollok, incould his both 90 trace year their lineageof an back active to the andoriginal remar [email protected] life, reflects to on learn this more journey and to contribute. of I always knew I was Polish. My parents, John Andrew Yanta and Mary Magdalene Pollok, could both traceimmigration their lineagefaith. inback 1854. to the original immigration in 1854. (Editor’s Note: Here are just a few photos providing a glimpse of the Polish I began to embrace my Polishness in the 1970s, as founder of the Texas Heritage Center. Again, visit our website for more information and photos.

I began to embrace my Polishness in the 1970s, as founder of the Texas division of the Polish Spectacular! Also, please contribute to this amazing and wonderful project!) American Congress,division co of-founding the Polish the PolishAmerican American Congress, Priests Associationco-founding, and the accepting Polish a Kościuszko FoundationAmerican Scholarship Priests Association, to study Polish and at accepting the Jagellonian a Kościuszko University. Foundation ScholarshipI always to study knewPolish atI thewas Jagellonian Polish. University. My parents, John Andrew Yanta and Mary Magdalene Pollok, As a Bishop, I received Catholic newspapers from around the country and one told of a diocese in PennsylvaniaAs aconverting Bishop,could I theirreceived both old Catholic Catholictrace schooltheir newspapers intolineage a heritage from back aroundcenter. to the theThat country originalgot me to immigration in 1854. thinking aboutand applying one told that of idea a diocese to Panna in Maria Pennsylvania, using a room converting or two in their the old old public Catholic-school building. school intoI began a heritage to center.embrace That mygot Polishnessme to thinking inabout the applying 1970s, as founder of the Texas division of the Polish that idea to Panna Maria, using a room or two in the old public- American Congress, co-founding the Polish American Priests Association , and accepting a school building. Kościuszko Foundation Scholarship to study Polish at the Jagellonian University.

But then God’s Providence intervened. Shale oil had been discovered

in Karnes and DeWitt counties in Texas where the Polish people had As a Bishop, I received Catholic newspapers from around the country and one told of a diocese settled. I am part of that. So even with eight children in our family, in Pennsylvania converting their old Catholic school into a heritage center. That got me to my 1/8 share helped with the startup costs for this $14M dollar project.

We’re almostthinking at $12M about today. applying Additionally, that while idea servingto Panna with Mariathe , using a room or two in the old public-school Kenedy Foundationbuilding. in the Corpus Christi area, I gained experience in turning their old headquarters into a museum. However, health issues challenged me in December 2016, and I was in the hospital and rehabilitation for over six months.

6

Your Voice in America ■ Polish American Congress

POLISH NEWS BYTES

Compiled by Robert Strybel Warsaw Correspondent Poland Orders 45 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines Update 2020 August The Polish’s government has announced details of its plans to make the Covid-19 available to the country’s population. It will "Biden Presidency not necessarily bad for Poland," be available free of charge and on a voluntary basis. Three weeks Says Ex-Ambassador after being vaccinated a patient will receive a booster dose of the The new administration of Joe Biden will not necessarily be bad vaccine. Healthcare staff on the front-lines of the pandemic war for Poland, a former US ambassador to Poland stated recently. on the Coronavirus, the elderly and uniformed services will be Poland’s place in the Donald Trump’s foreign policy was unique, the first to be vaccinated. Although the procedure will remain acknowledged former US ambassador to Poland Steve Mull, now a voluntary, the authorities hope that 70% to 80% of the population professor at the University of Virginia. At a time of frosty relations will choose to get vaccinated. The immunization campaign is due between the US and the EU, Warsaw and Washington shared a to begin at the end of January. Since the start of the epidemic in deep commitment to America’s increased military presence in Poland on March 4, 2020, by early December the number of Covid-19 Poland and both sides strongly opposed illegal immigration. US- cases had crossed the one million mark. and the overall death toll Polish bonds were strengthened by a shared belief in traditional was approaching 19,000. During that period 647,000 patients had patriotism as well as family and religious values. “Although many recovered. The hardest hit have been populous, urbanized regions aspects of American foreign policy will change, I do not think that including Mazowieckie (Warsaw), Małopolskie (Kraków), Śląsk will occur in Poland’s case," Mull said. There may be differences (Katowice) and Wielkopolskie (Poznań). The fewest cases and deaths in the approach to such things as LGBT minority rights, but both have been recorded in largely rural voivodeships such as Opolskie, countries will continue to support Poland’s role in NATO’s eastern Lubuskie and Podlaskie. flank and share opposition to the controversial Russo-German Nord Stream 2 project. Biden is well-versed in Polish affairs, has New Financial-Aid for Pandemic-Crippled Businesses visited Poland on several occasions and while vice-president was The government continues to introduce successive financial-aid sent as a special envoy to Warsaw following Russia’s 2014 attack programs for business sectors hardest hit by the pandemic. on Ukraine. In fact. he quipped that he would soon be known as Prime Minister has announced another hefty “Joe Bidenski,” Mull added. stimulus package for companies affected by the Covid-19 crisis. He said the package would be worth at least 35 billion złotys or $9.3 billion (at the rate of $1 = 3.68 złotys), including 3 billion złotys for micro-companies, 7 billion for small and medium-sized businesses, and 25 billion for large companies in nearly 40 different fields. The latest assistance package is expected to help 200,000 businesses weather the crisis and save some 372,000 jobs in the restaurant, entertainment, and fitness sectors as well as retail trade.

Polish Economy To Grow 2.9% in 2021 and 3.8% in 2022 – OECD The Organization for Economic Cooperation ad Development recently said it expected the Polish economy to shrink 3.5 percent in 2020, but then rebound and expand by 2.9 percent in 2021. In its latest Economic Survey of Poland, it said it expected Polish GDP to grow 3.8 percent in 2022. “Poland will likely exit the Covid-19 crisis with fewer scars than many other countries thanks to the strength of its economy going into the crisis and its swift response with containment and support measures when the pandemic struck,” OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría said in a statement. “Yet reforms to tackle long-standing challenges are now even more essential if Poland is to get back to the pace of gains in living standards seen in recent years,” he added.

Continued on next page...

7 Your Voice in America ■ Polish American Congress

Poland To Phase Out Coal Industry by 2049 While the remaining rivals do not represent an insurmountable After years of being attacked by the EU and foreign environmentalist challenge, England is a formidable rival that strikes fear into Polish groups for dragging its feet on climate change, for the first time footballers, coaches and fans alike. Since 1938, Poland has qualified Poland has put a timeline on ending coal-mining. Some 80 percent for eight World Cups. It stunned the world at the 1974 event by of Poland’s electricity is still generated by coal-fired powerplants. eliminating World Champion England from the qualifiers. Poland’s Following prolonged and often turbulent negotiations amid an best result so far were the bronze medals it won in 1974 and 1982, underground miners’ occupation strike, the Polish government, a period known as the golden era of Polish international football. miners' unions and the state-owned coal firm, Polish Mining Group Kino Lorber Acquires N.A. Rights To Polish Oscar Hopeful agreed a plan to phase out collieries by 2049. That should enable the country to meet the EU’s climate targets of net-zero carbon Kino Lorber, a leading distributor of art-house and international emissions by 2050. Previously Warsaw had been reluctant to agree to films, has acquired North American distribution rights to “Never a deadline fearing a labor unrest in the Śląsk region where collieries Gonna Snow Again.” The movie by Polish directorial duo, Małgorzata have long been a way of life and family tradition. Szumowska and Michał Englert, is Poland’s candidate for an Academy Award in the best foreign film category. The plot follows the life of Poland – A Leading European Maker of Electric Buses a Ukrainian masseur, played by Alec Utgoff, who enriches the lives In the first nine months of 2020, the share of Polish-made electric of rich, unfulfilled residents living in a walled-off community. The buses amounted to nearly one-third out of all new electric buses cast also includes such leading Polish actors as Maja Ostaszewska, registered in Europe. The largest player is Poland’s own Solaris Bus Agata Kulesza, Łukasz Simlat and Andrzej Chyra. Premiered at the & Coach Co. which manufactures city buses, cross-country coaches, 2020 Venice Festival, the film has also been shown at international trolleybuses, and trams. The Warsaw-based Industrial Development festivals in London, Seville, and Bergen. It is due to go on general Agency is planning to launch the production of electric buses in release in Poland in 2021. 2021. Foreign companies have also set up shop in Poland. Volvo of Sweden operates an electric-bus factory in the southwestern Polish city the central city of Starachowice. Other producers are reportedly considering setting up similar facilities in Poland.

Poland To Face England, Lesser Rivals in Soccer’s 2022 World Cup At a random drawing held recently in Zurich, Switzerland, Poland was drawn against England, Hungary, Albania, Andorra and San Marino in Group I of the 2022 World Cup.

POLISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN ERIE COUNTY

Submitted by PAC – Western New York Division

The Covid-19 pandemic has put a damper on many things…one of which being the chance to present a proclamation designating October 2020 as Polish American Heritage Month in Erie County, but better late than never! Erie County Legislator presented the proclamation to the President of the Polish American Congress WNY Division Jim Lawicki and board member and national director Michael Zachowicz, two champions for the Polish American community on behalf of the entire Erie County Legislature. Mr. Todaro indicated that the Polish American community in the history of our great nation has contributed a large amount of

hard work, a deep commitment to community, faith and family Mr. Todaro, on behalf of the Erie County Legislature thanked values—all of which has helped shape the character of Western everyone in the Polish American community for all it has done New York. He stated that it seems fitting—as Buffalo is the Dyngus for Western New York. Day capitol of America where people gather from all around to The Covid-19 pandemic has put a damper on many things…one of which being the chance to celebrate their roots. present a proclamation designating October 2020 as Polish American Heritage Month in Erie County, but better late than never! 8 Erie County Legislator presented the proclamation to the President of the Polish American Congress WNY Division Jim Lawicki and board member and national director Michael Zachowicz, two champions for the Polish American community on behalf of the entire Erie County Legislature.

Mr. Todaro indicated that the Polish American community in the history of our great nation has contributed a large amount of hard work, a deep commitment to community, faith and family values—all of which has helped shape the character of Western New York.

He stated that it seems fitting—as Buffalo is the Dyngus Day capitol of America where people gather from all around to celebrate their roots.

Mr. Todaro, on behalf of the Erie County Legislature thanked everyone in the Polish American community for all it has done for Western New York.

Your Voice in America ■ Polish American Congress

Life in California

IGNACY JAN PADEREWSKI Written in Polish, a less known story of the famed pianist and .

Written by Małgorzata Schulz Południowa Kalifornia urzekła go do tego stopnia, PAC National Director at Large że postanowił zakupić w Paso Robles rancho.

"Polski Lew" — Ignacy Jan Paderewski, gdyby żył Zbudował tam winnicę, gdzie produkował własne miałby 160 lat. wino. Rancho San Ignacio, znane było z uprawy winogron z gatunku Zinfindel. Ten wielki Polak, pianista i mąż stanu jest nie tylko jednym z ojców niepodległości ale także polskim Przyczynił się do rozwoju tego liczącego obecnie 33 pionierem na zachodzie Ameryki. tysiące mieszkańców miasta. W centrum Paso Robles mieści się pomnik polskiego męża stanu, pianisty Przyczynił się do rozwoju Kalifornijskiego miasteczka i kompozytora, który okazał się być także dobrym Paso Robles, gdzie założył własną winnicę. farmerem. Nigdy jednak nie zbudował domu na terenie swojej winnicy, zawsze zatrzymywał się w hotelu Paso Robles, Do zachodnich stanów Ameryki Paderewski dotarł po koncertach w który niestety spłonął. Został odbudowany a obecnie nazywa się Paso Nowym Jorku i San Francisco. Tam zagrał w Teatrze Operowym Fishera, Robles Inn, czyli lokalny zajazd. który był wtedy jedną z najbardziej nowoczesnych sal koncertowych w Kalifornii. Paderewski jest bardzo ważną postacią dla mieszkańców tej malowniczej okolicy. Wielkie znaczenie ma dla nich to, że premier i minister spraw Podróże i koncerty po Ameryce odbywał na przełomie XVIII i XIX zagranicznych Polski, właśnie w Paso Robles osiedlił się i grał koncerty. wieku, kiedy to San Francisco było największym miastem w Kaliforni Są dumni, że ten wielki Polak był jednym z lokalnych osadników. a San Diego i Los Angeles były niewielkimi miejscowościami. Przejazd Do dzisiaj przechowywane są tutaj przedmioty, które należały do z San Francisco do Los Angeles, pociągiem trwał 12 godzin. Jednak Paderewskiego. odległości i trudy podróży nie przeszkodziły artyście w podróży do Paso Robles, gdzie wielokrotnie przebywał pomiędzy 1914 a 1939 rokiem. Ignacy Jan Paderewski zasłynął w USA ze swojej muzyki i przemówień.

Był przyjacielem prezydenta USA, Woodrow Wilsona i ówczesnym Paderewski był uniwersalnie uwielbianą postacią i robił wielkie celebrytą. Zorganizował w USA ponad 300 spotkań połączonych z wrażenie na publiczności. Amerykańskie media dużo o nim pisały. koncertami, podczas których zachęcał Los Angeles Times poświęcił mu blisko 230 artykułów, w czasie gdy do pomocy Polakom walczącym o grywał koncerty w USA. wolność. Odegrał ogromną rolę w W 1914 roku musiał na jakiś czas zawiesić pozyskiwaniu Polonii do służby koncerty, ponieważ jego prawa ręka stała się w polskiej armii. Przyczynił się praktycznie bezwładna od przepracowania. współtworzenia Błękitnej Armii i To właśnie wtedy wybrał się po raz pierwszy tego, że blisko 30 tysięcy ochotników do Paso Robles, małej wtedy miejscowości w dotarło do Paryża i zasiliło szeregi hrabstwie San Luis Obispo. Szczególną atrakcją Armii generała Hallera. dla nadwyrężonego pracą Paderewskiego okazały Paderewski zmarł w 1941 roku w się źródła siarczanowe oraz łaźnie do kąpieli Nowym Jorku, po tym jak nastała błotnych. Odzyskał tam sprawność ręki w stopniu wojna i Polska ponownie straciła pozwalającym mu grać ponownie koncerty. niepodległość pękło mu serce.

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Your Voice in America ■ Polish American Congress

THE PANDEMIC – AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE OUR POLISH HERITAGE! IN 2021 . . . DO SOMETHING POLISH!

Compiled by Robert Strybel and penance in preparation for Easter. This somber occasion is not a Polish/Polonian Affairs Writer time for merriment but a parish or PolAm club could hold a herring and boiled potato supper after the evening Mass. Some suggestions presented below will have to be Polish News & Entertainment: Keep abreast of what is happening in postponed until after the pandemic subsides. But, considering the wealth of information available on Poland and across Polonia by watching Polish TV news, TV shows and movies on YouTube. the net, everyone can familiarize themselves with their Polish heritage online without leaving home. Some examples: Learn About Poland: During the Middle Ages

Explore Your Heritage: You may still remember some Polish foods and Renaissance, Poland was part of Europe’s and customs of your childhood but maybe you have drifted away from largest land empire, but in the late 1700s became it all. With the Internet, it’s so easy to refresh your memory or learn the biggest country ever to be wiped off the map. new things you never knew before. To learn all about its history, culture, geography, and much more click here. Cultivate Your Heritage: Be sure to help uphold those Polish traditions that have survived within your family Honor Casimir Pułaski: Pulaski Day honoring the circle. But also consider introducing the new ones you American Revolutionary War hero is marked in have read or heard about, especially those you feel early March in some parts of America (including Illinois and Wisconsin),

are interesting, valuable, and adaptable to your family in mid-July in the Buffalo area and elsewhere during October. Read routine and lifestyles. up on him online and share the information with your youngsters.

Share Your Heritage: Whenever possible, share the Easter Cooking Class: With the Eastern season not far away, interest foodways, customs, practices, and folklore of our ancestral in preparing traditional Polish holiday treats (kiełbasa, biały barszcz, legacy with others­—friends, neighbors, fellow parishioners or club babka, etc.) is at an all-time high. A club or parish kitchen, school members and the general community. We cannot enrich America’s cafeteria or even private home could be the ideal place to hold a Polish multi-cultural mosaic if we keep our heritage to ourselves. cooking class. Or find one online via Google.

Learn About Polonia: Learn more about the Polish-American community, Sing “Sto Lat”: This well-known song of well-wishing to honor those also known as Polonia. Polonia is the Latin word for Poland, but it celebrating their namesday, birthday, anniversary, graduation, retirement, has come to mean people of Polish ancestry living outside Poland’s or another occasion is wonderful to learn. It is the equivalent of both

borders. Just Google: Polish Americans. “Happy Birthday” as well as “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow."

Attend a PolAM Event: Whether it is concert, festival, parish supper, Look up a Long-Lost Relative: Many PolAms have an Uncle Staś, Aunt

anniversary celebration, Pączki Day festivities or other event, you Sophie, Cousin Mary or maybe a godchild they have drifted away from will be upholding your heritage, supporting a worthwhile fund-raiser, over the years. The New Year may be a good occasion to renew those Poznań and interacting with fellow-PolAms with similar interests. Be sure ties, learn what is going on in their lives and maybe learn something to encourage others to attend and, by all means, take the kids along about the family’s history you didn’t know before.

when it again becomes safe to do so. Promote PolAm Fraternals: Polish fraternals Expose Your Kids in Things Polish: Most PolAm youngsters nowadays such as the Polish National Alliance, Polish

are bombarded by e-gadgetry and other things that draw them away Roman Catholic Union, Polish Falcons, from their heritage. Only you can help enrich their lives with Polish Polish National Union, and others not only substance by telling them about their ancestral legacy, reading them offer competitive insurance and investment Polish stories (even if only in English), giving them Polish gifts and opportunities. Through their various cultural accustoming them to Polish delicacies. Don’t delay. programs they also promote our Polish cultural heritage as well as wholesome family activities. If you are already a Częstochowa Recall Kopernik’s Birthday: February 9, 2021, marks the 548th birthday member, consider expanding your coverage and signing up a youngster. of Poland’s world-renowned astronomer Mikołaj Kopernik (Nicholas If you are a professional, why not place a recent copy of your PolAm Copernicus). Read to your kids about the Pole fraternals newsletter in your waiting room for others to see. “who stopped the sun and moved the earth.”

Poznań Observe Ash Wednesday: Popielec is the Continued on next page... day when people receive ashes to mark the start of Lent, a seven-week period of prayer

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Częstochowa

Poznań

Częstochowa

Poznań

Częstochowa

Your Voice in America ■ Polish American Congress

PolAm Writers: Many Polonians are unaware of the novels, short These include kiełbasa, ham, and other smoked meats, home-style stories, and books that are written by or are about Polish Americans. soups, pierogi, potato dumplings, gołąbki, Polish-style condiments If you are one of them, check out this site. (horseradish, mustard, dill pickles), assorted breads, cakes, etc. The

perfect surprise for someone’s birthday, anniversary, or other special Learn About Your Polish Last Name: For information on what your occasion. Call (773) 545-4900 or (888)-POLANA-1 (toll-free) or visit Polish last name means, how it came into being, how many people their website. use it, where they are from and whether a coat-of-arms goes with it contact: [email protected]. Polish Naming: Suggest giving a Polish-flavored name to a school, library, new street, subdivision, business or institution. Suggestions First Birthday Custom: When a child turns include: Chopin, Copernicus, John Paul II, Kościuszko, Mickiewicz, one, it is customary to set the youngster down Piłsudski, Pułaski, Sienkiewicz, Skłodowska-Curie and Sobieski. Other on the carpet and surround him with: a book, possibilities: Cracovia, (Kraków), Lublin, Mazovia, Poland, Pomerania, dollar bill, rosary, hammer and shot glass. Resovia (Rzeszów), Silesia, Tarnovia (Tarnów), Tatra, Varsovia, Vistula,

The first thing he or she reaches for is said Warsaw, plus Mazurka, Polonaise, Polonia, to predict what lies ahead. Sarmatia and White Eagle Drive.

Tell Polish Bedtimes Stories: Your youngster will look forward to Polish Easter “Palms”: The Polish palm-making bedtime if you get into the habit of telling or reading him or her a tradition (not to be confused with palm-weaving) Polish fairy tale. Check out these sites for fairy tales and Polish Legends. creates beautiful rod-type bouquets blessed in Poland’s churches on Palm Sunday. They are Learn a Polish Word a Day: An easy way to build your Polish word fashioned from dried herbs, wildflowers and power is to learn a Polish word (or more if you feel up to it) each day. greenery wrapped around a stick. Why not start Divide a hard-copy or online notebook up into categories: greetings, a craft project and sell these palms at Easter colors, days of the week, family members, foods, pets, clothing, buildings, bazaars, crafts fairs and (with the pastor’s sports, vegetables, seasons, etc. and add to the word lists as you go along. permission!) in front of the church on Palm Sunday with proceeds Polish Potluck: For a change of pace suggest a Polish potluck dinner to going to a worthwhile charitable or cultural cause. If unfamiliar with your relatives, friends or fellow-club members in which each participant these, visit this website. prepares and brings a typically Polish dish to the party. A variation A Polish Sister-City: People-to-people contacts including commercial is the Polish progressive dinner. Guests go to the first home for hors ties and youth exchange visits with Polish people are possible if your d’oeuvres and drinks, enjoy a starter course at the next stop and so city has a sister-cities arrangement with Poland. If your city already on for the soup, main course andPozna finallyń dessert and coffee. has such ties with a locality in Poland, check out how you or your Plan a Trip to Poland: That first visit to Poland is usually unforgettable, group can participate. If not, why not propose entering into such an eye-opening experience. Most PolAms return home more aware of arrangement. For more information, please click here. and interested in their ancestral heritage than ever before. Check Explore Your Family History: Learn about your immigrant ancestors, around for tours being planned by PolAm organizations, parishes, or where they came from, where they settled, and consider developing a travel bureaus, or contact Polish-American Tours at 1-800-388-0988 family tree. You can start by reading Sto Lat: A Modern Guide to Polish or visit their website. Genealogy by Ceil Jensen ([email protected]). Also, check out Choose a Polish Subject: Suggest a Polish topic Polish Roots and the Polish Genealogical Society of America. when your youngster has to prepare an essay, Hold a Polish Easter Fair: A Jarmark Wielkanocny can offer assorted composition, presentation, or other project for Easter artifacts such as Polish Easter “palms”, pisanki (real and wooden school.Cz Manyęstochowa interesting suggestions worth Easter eggs), pisanki-making kits, Easter lambs (including lamb butter researching and writing about may be found here. molds and lamb cake pans), wicker Easter baskets, Polish cookbooks Give a Pet a : Got a new kitten or and recorded Easter hymns. Enjoy Polish sausage and ham, roasts, white puppy as a pet? Consider giving them a Polish- Easter barszcz, horseradish, ćwikła (beets & horseradish), rye bread style name such as: Łatek, Kicia, Kotek, Kotka, and holiday cakes: babka, placek, paska, chałka, mazurek and sernik. Kulka, Miluś, Mruczek, Pimpuś, Pusio or Śnieżka. Blessing Easter Baskets: One of the best-loved Polish Easter customs Wedding in the Family: The bride and groom meet at the home of is the blessing of Easter baskets on Holy Saturday (April 3th this year). the girl’s parents before the wedding to receive the parental blessing. PolAms are known to travel some distance to a parish that observes the tradition. If there is grass-roots interest among fellow-parishioners, After the nuptial, they are greeted at the reception by the parents with bread and salt. During the meal guests chant “gorzko, gorzko” (bitter, perhaps the pastor could be persuaded to introduce it. Like the sharing bitter) for the newlyweds to kiss, a money dance is later held and of opłatek on Christmas Eve, this Holy Saturday custom appeals to finally the unveiling/be capping ceremony. Next day, it’s poprawiny Catholics of different ethnic backgrounds, but first they must be (a follow-up celebration). exposed to it. The life-size tableau of Christ’s Tomb is customarily visited after the blessing. Polish Delicacies Online: Chicago-based Polana, Inc., America’s largest Polish food mail-order firm, delivers all kinds of Polish delicacies to Continued on next page... your doorstep.

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Your Voice in America Polish American Congress ■

Poznań Community Easter Breakfast: In areas where Give Polish Gifts: Everyone likes to get a gift, so

people have drifted away from the big Polish that is the prefect occasion to expose the recipient Easter breakfast, this normally family-only meal to something “Polish and beautiful”. This could can be held as a community function. A parish include a Polish “bottle” for Tata or Dziadzio or social hall is the ideal venue for the breakfast wiśniówka (cherry cordial) for Mama or Babcia. held after Easter morning mass. Such a Święcone There are also now plenty of folkcrafts, amber is the perfect opportunity to remind people of jewelry, crystal, books, recordings, DVDs, etc. the Polish Easter foods of their childhood. to choose from. Check out this site for gift ideas. Throw a Polish Dinner-Party: Instead of the Send Your Teen to Poland: That first trip to same old roast beef or fried chicken, next time you have company over Poland makes an even greater impact on young CzPoznaęstochowań for dinner serve something Polish. It can be the old standbys such as people of formative age. They are just beginning Poznań gołąbki, kiełbasa and pierogi or slightly upscale fare such as steak to form their ideas and opinions and are more roll-ups, roast duck stuffed with apples or roast pork loin and prunes. receptive to new sights and experiences than us older folk who are There are plenty of Polish cookbooks on the market and largely set in our ways. The idea of vacationing in Europe will seem loads old recipes online. Just Google “Polish recipes” far preferable to many than just hanging around the neighborhood and you will have plenty to choose from. or going to the same old lake. Check to see whether any big PolAm organizations are organizing summer camps in Poland. Alternatively, Organize a PolAm Bus Trip: In metropolitan areas accompany your teen to Poland yourself or have a Polish relative watch with a sizable PolAm population, there are various over him or her. Częstochowa points of Polish historical interest suited for group sightseeing, An organized bus tour from your club, parish, Święcone: If your parish holds school class, nursing homeCzę orstochowa informal group could the Holy Saturday food blessing, visit old Polish neighborhoods, churches, cemeteries, be sure to popularize the custom monuments, institutions, and businesses. The tour can among relatives and friends. If it include a meal at a Polish restaurant. does not, suggests to your pastor that it be introduced, but first make Polish Constitution Day: The anniversary of Poland’s May 3rd sure a significant number of other

Constitution, Europe’s first modern, written constitution, is a good parishioners support the measure. way to raise your community’s Polish awareness. Support any local activities marking that occasion and consider having your group (Editor’s Note: The websites listed are the suggestions of the writer and not organize its own. Suitable events include: a parade, memorial mass, necessarily endorsed by the PAC.) Polish festival, exhibition, school essay and/or art for youngsters, etc.

12 Your Voice in America ■ Polish American Congress

The Breaking of the Oplatek

A Beautiful Tradition Explained Courtesy of the Polam Journal

The Breaking of the Oplatek

The Breaking of the Oplatek

One of the most beautiful and most revered Then each of them breaks a small part of each other's piece and, Polish customs is the "breaking of the oplatek." after a warm kiss, they wish each other long life, good health, joy The use of the Christmas wafer (oplatek) and happiness, not only for the holiday season, but for the coming is practiced not only by native Poles in year and for many years to come. Poland, but by people all over the world whose ancestors came from Poland. Now the same ceremony is repeated between father and their children, as well as among the children, then, with the relatives The "oplatek" is a thin wafer, made of flour and even strangers, if they happen to be present. The ceremony and water. For table use, it is white. In Poland, over, they all sit down to a tasteful, though meatless supper, after colored wafers are used to make Christmas tree which they sing kolendy (Christmas carols and pastorals) until the decorations. Formerly, these were baked by time for Midnight Mass, also known as "Pasterka." organists or by religious and were distributed from house to house in the parish during Advent. Today, they are Sometimes, the oplatek is sent, in a greeting card, to loved ones produced commercially and sold in religious stores and houses. away from home. On Christmas eve, the whole family gathers and waits impatiently for the appearance of the first star. With its first gleam, they all approach a table covered with hay and a snow-white tablecloth. A vacant chair and a place setting is reserved for the unexpected guest, always provided for in hospitable Polish American homes. The father or eldest member of the family reaches for the wafer, breaks it in half and gives one half to the mother. 13

Your Voice in America ■ Polish American Congress

POLISH-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SARASOTA Keeping Traditions Alive...Virtually!

Written by Ann Pienkos, Second Vice President Prior to the program’s end, President Panek asked all present on ThePolish Polish-American Association-American of Sarasota Associationthe Zoom call, to wish each of other wellSarasota using the opłatek provided to members. On Monday, December 14th, the Polish-American Association of Utilizing Polish and English religious readings, poems and songs, Sarasota (PAAoS) met virtually to continue the Christmas opłatek Keeping Traditions Alivemembers Chris de Janasz, G. Bak, Elizabeth Pulawski, Zosia tradition. Led by PAAoS President, Mitch Panek, twenty-three . . . Virtually! Miroszewska, and Irena Lipinski, shared their talents with those members shared Polish koledy, poems, and opłatek. The gathering present. Two new members, Nancy Saum and Jane Blythe, were was expertly organized by Sue Wardynski who is the association’s introduced to the PAAoS Christmas season tradition. Jane expressed Corresponding Secretary. Due to the pandemic, the PAAoSBy neededAnn Pienkos her appreciation for the efforts of Sue Wardynski in sending opłatek to dispense with the association’s traditional in-personnd Wigilia and via mail to all members. sharing of opłatek. Undaunted, the association forged2 onVice using President Zoom to stay connected.The Polish-American Association of Sarasota

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On Monday, December 14th, the Polish-American Association of Sarasota (PAAoS) met virtually to continue the Christmas opłatek tradition.

Led by PAAoS President, Mitch Panek, twenty-three members shared Polish koledy, poems, and opłatek. The gathering was expertly organized by Sue Wardynski who is the association’s Corresponding Secretary.

Due to the pandemic, the PAAoS needed to dispense with the association’s traditional in-person Wigilia and sharing of opłatek. Undaunted, the association forged on using Zoom to stay connected. Prior to the program’s end, President Your Voice in America ■ Polish American Congress

From the Bookshelf

Poland: A History – Illustrated By Adam Zamoyski

(Information courtesy of Amazon Books) As Adam Zamoyski set out to update The Polish Way, his bestselling Other Books about Poland written by Zamoyski: first , he realized the task required not so much • Holy Madness: Romantics, Patriots, re-writing as re-thinking the known facts well as the assumptions and Revolutionaries, 1776-1871 of the past. The events of the last twenty years and the growth of • Forgotten Few: The in World War II the independent Polish state allowed him to look at Poland's past with a fresh eye. Tracing Poland's complex development from the • The Last King of Poland Middle Ages to present day, Zamoyski examines the country's • Warsaw 1920 political, economic, and military struggles, as well as its culture, • Chopin: Prince of the Romantics art, and richly varied society through the ages, bringing the major • The Polish Way: A Thousand-Year History events and characters in Poland's history to life. of the Poles and Their Culture (Editor's Note: Please visit pacwisconsin.com for excellent suggestions • The Land of the Winged Horsemen: contained in their "Do You Know Poland? pamphlet. Author Zomoyski's Art in Poland 1572-1764 book is listed there. Please refer to page 4 in this newsletter for more information from the PAC-Wisconsin Division.)

PAC NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE LAYOUT AND DESIGN BY POLISH FALCONS OF AMERICA: Anita Jedwabski (Massachusetts) Tim Kuzma (Pennsylvania) [email protected] [email protected] Courtney Caughey-Stambul, Ania Karwan (California) Mark Pienkos, Editor (Florida) Communications Director [email protected] PAC National VP for Public Relations [email protected] Tiarra McGinnis Zbigniew Koralewski (New York) Communications Assistant [email protected] 15 Polish American Congress

Founded in May, 1944, the Polish American Congress is a National Umbrella Organization, representing at least 10 million Americans of Polish descent and origin. Its membership is comprised of fraternal, educational, veteran, religious, cultural, social, business, political organizations and individual membership. The Polish American community prides itself on its deeply rooted commitment to the values of family, faith, democracy, hard work and fulfillment of the American dream. We are present in every state and virtually every community in America, on various social, business and economic levels.

The Polish American Congress, an “umbrella” organization, is a federation of over 3000 Polish American organizations and clubs, ranging from national fraternal benefit societies, such as the Polish National Alliance, Polish Women’s Alliance, Polish Roman Catholic Union, Polish Falcons and others, including veteran, cultural, professional, religious and social associations, with aggregate membership of over one million. The PAC by-laws also provide for individual membership, as well as associate membership.

The PAC promotes civic, educational and cultural programs designed to further not only the knowledge of Polish history, language and culture, but to stimulate Polish American involvement and accomplishments.

The governing body of the PAC is the Council of National Directors, consisting of directors elected by their respective State Divisions or National Organizations and up to 10 at-large directors elected by the Council. Day-to-day operations are conducted by the Executive Committee elected by the Council of National Directors for a two year term.

Contact Us National Office

1612 K Street NW, Suite 1200 Washington, DC 20006 Tel.: (202) 296-6955 Fax: (202) 835-1565

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