FREE CHRISTMAS CARDS WITH NEW GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONSPOLISH AMERICAN — PAGEJOURNAL 27 • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 1 POLISH AMERICAN POSTAGEPERIODICAL PAID AT BOSTON, NEW YORK AND ADDITIONAL ENTRY OFFICES

JOURNALDEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION AND CONTINUANCE OF POLISH AMERICAN CULTURE WIGILIA PEASANT STYLE ESTABLISHED 1911 DECEMBER 2014 • VOL. 103, NO. 12 | $2.00 www.polamjournal.com PAGE 6

Christ the King is Born Zielinski Named NEWSMARK Bishop, Will Head COUNCIL TO MEET AT YALE. The American Polish Ad- visory Council will hold its annual conference at Yale Uni- Fairbanks Diocese versity in New Haven, Conn., December 7. Entitled “Poland’s Emerging Role in Shaping Global Security & the U.S.-Polish Partnership,” the half day con- ference will focus on Poland’s role in addressing new se- curity challenges including the confl ict in Ukraine as well as how the strategic relationship between Poland and the United States has enabled both nations to effectively ad- dress common threats. The Council will also present a re- port on its efforts to include Poland in the U.S. Visa Waiver program, an issue on which it has lobbied extensively. The APAC, headquartered in Washington, D.C., has held previous conferences and political workshops in Washington and the Chicago area. FAIRBANKS, Alaska Keynote speakers include Poland’s Ambassador to the (KNOM) — Pope Francis has United Nations and national security expert Boguslaw Wi- named a new bishop for the nid, and Poland’s Defense Attaché in Washington Briga- Fairbanks diocese, appointing dier General Jaroslaw Srozyk. a new leader for the 46 parishes Preregistration is required and can be completed at and roughly 18,000 Catholics www.apacouncil.info. in northern Alaska. Pope Francis asked Chad EXTRADITION WRANGLE. The United States has re- O COME LET US ADORE HIM. A nativity scene takes its inspiration from the accounts of Zielinski an active military quested Roman Polanski’s arrest to await possible extradi- the birth of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Luke’s narrative describes an angel chaplain at Eielson Air Force tion proceedings. The Polish fi lm director fl ed the United announcing the birth of Jesus to shepherds, who then visit the humble site where Jesus is Base near Fairbanks, to lead States in 1977 while awaiting trial over the alleged rape of found lying in a manger, a trough for cattle feed. Although there is no scriptural basis for the nation’s northernmost a thirteen-year-old girl. Since that time, Polanski has lived their presence, the Three Kings and the angels are often displayed in a nativity scene with diocese. Zielinski was or- in France, Switzerland and, has recently stated that he may the Holy Family and the shepherds. dained a priest in Gaylord, be residing soon in Poland. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the fi rst nativity scene in 1223 at Greccio, Michigan, in 1996. He was an Rafal Trzaskowski, Poland’s deputy head of the Pol- Italy, to place the emphasis of Christmas upon the worship of Christ, rather than upon secu- active duty Air Force service- ish foreign Ministry said the U.S. attorney is “very deter- lar materialism and gift giving. man for four years, and has mined” to prosecute Polanski. While common in most Catholic homes, the manger display is especially near and dear served as a military chaplain The fi lm director remains the subject of an international to the hearts of Poles. This one, photographed by Marian Dzwinel, was on display last year for several years, including search warrant and is wanted by Interpol. Swiss authorities at at one of the Polish minority churches in Vilnius (Wilno), Lithuania, where Poles and their assignments in Iraq and Af- refused to extradite Polanski in 2010. descendents maintain the Christmas traditions of their native homeland, decades after the ghanistan. He moved into his A representative of Poland’s Attorney General’s of- city became part of Lithuania. For more on Christmas in the Vilnius region, see page 10. current position in 2012. fi ce said Polanski is free to move around the country for now, and added that if a formal request for extradition is received from the U.S. authorities, it will be referred to the Settlement Reach in Krakow prosecutor. Hej Kolęda! An East Baltimore Tradition Statutory rape is also a crime in Poland, but Poland’s Wielinski Suit POREMSKI RICHARD PHOTO: statute of limitations means he could no longer face trial. It is unlikely therefore, that Poland’s court would agree to Against Continental extradite Polanski. BUFFALO, N.Y. — The fam- ily of Douglas Wielinski, who died GRATITUDE FOR DIGITAL REPOSITY. The Polish town when Continental Connection Flight of Slubice will erect a statue honoring Wikipedia, the on- 3407 crashed into his Clarence Cen- line encyclopedia, which provides free information to any- ter home the night of Feb. 12, 2009, one with access to a computer. reached a settlement in New York Poland is Wikipedia’s 12th largest user, currently pro- State Supreme Court before it went viding over a million articles. to trial. The statue will be constructed of a laminate having the Karen Wielinski and her daugh- appearance of brass, and will consist of four fi gures hold- ters sued the airlines for the wrongful ing up the Wikipedia symbol. death of her 61-year-old husband, his Piotr Luczynski, the deputy mayor of the town of 18,000 pain, and suffering; and for the fam- near the German border, said the monument would be “a ily’s injuries, pain, and suffering. tribute to an entire community working selfl essly for the Wielinski, 63, and her youngest benefi t of others.” He hopes the statue becomes a tourist daughter, Jill Hohl, 27, were at home attraction that refl ects the town’s ideals and aspirations. the night of the crash but were able to escape. Karen Wielinski suffered a NEW TREATMENT BRINGS HOPE, CONTROVERSY. A broken collarbone, and Hohl escaped Polish man who was paralyzed from the chest down after with minor injuries. a knife attack several years ago is now able to get around Another daughter, Kimberly Lipi- MAKING LOTS OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC. Musicians, mainly from various Baltimore using a walker and has recovered some sensation in his arz, who lived at home — was at her area polka bands, are shown banded together belting out Polish kolędy, along with legs after receiving a novel nerve-regeneration treatment, boyfriend’s at the time of the crash. the usual Christmas carol music during the annual promenading event in 2013. according to a new report that has generated both hope and Two other daughters – Lori Tiede and by Richard Poremski custom for family, friends and neighbors controversy. Jessica Krill – did not live at home. BALTIMORE — It’s always on the in their villages of eastern Poland. The “It is premature at best, and at worst inappropriate, to The Wielinskis’ lawsuit was the Eve of Christmas Eve. They come from tradition here was begun in 1971 by the draw any conclusions from a single patient,” said Dr. Mark fi rst of the more than 40 fi led by the near and far — even from the close border Polish National Alliance (PNA) – Coun- H. Tuszynski, director of the translational neuroscience families of the 49 other crash victims areas of neighboring states — every year cil 21, and now organized, promoted and unit at the medical school of the University of California, who were on the plane. The other to Baltimore on December 23rd to par- funded by the Polish Community Asso- San Diego. suits also ended in confi dential settle- ticipate in the annual tradition of Polish ciation of Maryland. That patient — identifi ed as Darek Fidyka, 40 — is the ments. Wielinski’s suit against Col- kolędy and English Christmas caroling. On the big day, at 7:00 p.m., the Po- fi rst to recover feeling and mobility after getting the thera- gan Air; its parent, Pinnacle Airlines; Why December 23rd? Because some old- lonia, Polish groups, and other eager par- py, which involves injections of cultured cells at the site of and Continental, was the only one to timers here said that this particular day ticipants congregate at the Polish Home the injury and tissue grafts, the report said. go the trial. was remembered as a treasured Christmas See “Hej Kolęda,” page 8 2 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014

VIEWPOINT / Rev. Charles Jan DiMascola ALMANAC

Follow us on “God is With Us” Facebook or visit us on the internet at: I remember reading about a mish, he found a piece of broken After he explained that child- humble and small to show us that polamjournal.com lecture given at Harvard by a vis- mirror. There being very little to hood game he said, “That is the love and kindness can conquer iting Polish professor. The report play with in those days, he took purpose of existence! To reflect the ... that love is stronger than hate Q focused on a question asked by the mirror and slowly ground the light of the sun into the dark cor- and that gentleness is more effec- December Grudzieñ a student and the response given rough edges on bricks and stones ners of the world!” And he added, tive than force! He came to show Wesołych Świąt bez zmartwień, by the professor. The student, at that littered the “What I really us how to make a dark and cold Z barszczem, z grzybami, the question and answer period bombed out city, mean is that the world warm and bright! i karpiem. asked, “What is the purpose of ex- until the mir- purpose of exis- The Polish professor taught a istence?” The professor answered ror was round tence is to reflect marvelous Christmas message. Je- 1 1939. Reichsfuhrer-SS Heinrich the question in a very odd way. He and the edges the light of the sus, who is Love... is the light that Himmler orders the deportation pulled out his wallet and then from smooth. Son of God into you and I must reflect to change of Polish Jews. his wallet he pulled out a small In those dark the dark corners ourselves! We are the mirrors 3 1857. Birth of Joseph Conrad. round mirror about the size of a and danger- of the world!” that must reflect the Son of God 4 ST. BARBARA half dollar. ous days, he I liked that and make His light and love, His Niechaj ka¿dy pamiêta, jaka Then he told this story. He was would play with explanation be- gentleness and warmth, His good- Barbara, takie œwiêta. Let everyone remember: as only about five or six when the that mirror. It became a game for cause that is why Jesus came to ness and laughter, His openness (the weather on) St. Barbara’s Nazis invaded Poland. He was in him to reflect the light into the Bethlehem as a little child: to tell and healing! That is the meaning Day, so the holidays. Warsaw during the bombing and dark corners of his surroundings. us how to bring light into the dark of life and the meaning of Christ- 5 1925. Death of Nobel laureate the terrible days of occupation al- Sometimes he would amuse him- corners of the world. He came as mas! Reflect His light! Wladyslaw S. Reymont. most to the end of the war. self for hours trying to coax the a little child to show us a gentler, v v v 6 ST. NICHOLAS A few days after the occupation sun of the candlelight into some kinder and more loving way of life. The Rev. Charles Jan DiMas- Today is traditionally reserved of Warsaw he witnessed mem- almost inaccessible dark corner. He could have come as a mighty cola, a man with “an Italian name for gift-giving in Poland. bers of the Polish Underground To his childish mind it was his king and conqueror, but He came but a Polish heart,” is pastor of 7 1279. Death of Bolesław V the attack a motorcycle squadron way of pushing back the darkness as a baby. He could have come and Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish Chaste and blow them up. After the skir- and cruelty of the war. forced obedience, instead he came in Turners Falls, Massachusetts. 8 1990. Shipyard electrician and Solidarity Trade Union leader Lech Walesa elected president of Poland. 12 1501. Coronation of Alexander I. 13 1570. Signing of the Treaty of Stettin concludes the Northern “I want a health plan that covers me...and my family.” Seven Years’ War 15 1575. Election of Stefan Bátory (1533–1586). Batory was Voivode of Transylvania (1571–76), Prince of Transylvania (1576–86), and from 1576 Queen Anna Jagiel- lon’s husband and jure uxoris King of Poland. Many historians consider him to be one of the greatest of the elected Kings. 16 1922. Death by assissination of Poland’s first president Gabriel Narutowicz. 18 1929. Birth of Archbishop of Warsaw (1981-2006) Cardinal Jozef Glemp. 21 ST. THOMAS Winszujemy Œwiêty Tomy, ¿eby nie by³ ¿aden œlepy ani chromy. Wishing you, on St. Thomas Day, that no one be blind or ill. 22 1959. Death of actress Gilda Grey (Maryanna Michalska), popular ac- tress of the 1920s. 23 ST. JOHN KANTY 24 DZIEN WIGILIJNY Na szczęście, na zdrowie ze świętą Wiliją” Health and good fortune this Vigil! 1854. About 100 families from Upper Silesia arrive in Panna Maria, Texas with Fr. Leopold Quality health coverage. It’s Our Mission. Moczygemba to establish the first permanent Polish settle- ment in the United States. 25 BOZE NARODZENIE Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable New York State- Save the Dates for Open Enrollment! 1076. Coronation of Bolesław II sponsored health insurance for children and adults of all the Bold ages and at all stages of life. Product: Enroll From: 26 ST. STEPHEN 1655. Swedes withdraw from Poland. From NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Market- • Metal-Level Products November 15, 2014 - in NY State of Health February 15, 2015 27 ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST place, to Child Health Plus, Medicaid Managed Care, 1918. Powstanie Wielkopolskie Medicare Advantage, Managed Long Term Care and (Greater Poland Insurrection) • Child Health Plus more, we have a program that meets your needs. All Year Long! begins. • Medicaid Managed Care 30 1977. President Jimmy Carter visits Poland. And, with our growing provider network, you can see Products not available in all counties. 31 ST. SYLVESTER a Fidelis Care doctor almost anywhere you go in New To learn more about applying for health insurance including Child Health Niech już wystrzelą York State! Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, the Official Health Plan korki szampana, Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777. A ty baw się świetnie do białego rana! We have a health insurance program that's right for you – Let the champagne corks and the ones you love. become airborne, and you will play ‘til early morn! 1989. The People’s Republic of Poland becomes the Republic of Poland.

1-888-FIDELIS | fideliscare.org This paper mailed on or before (1-888-343-3547) • To renew your coverage each year, call 1-866-435-9521 November 28. The January edi- H3328_FC 14160 CMS Accepted tion will be mailed on or before December 30. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 3

FORUM / Robert Strybel Examining Our Heritage Can Help us Understand the True Meaning of Christmas To today’s merchandising establishment mas dinner, which is often little more than pany of loved ones. The extent to which traditional Polish cus- and to the masses that have fallen for its hard- a re-run of Thanksgiving. When the table is Why not suggest singing kolędy together, toms are revived and the actual form they sell propaganda, Christmas has largely de- cleared away, many stay glued to the TV, or recall old legends, telling stories, and sharing take is something everyone must decide for generated into one, long, high-powered, sales play cards or computer games. In many cases, your childhood Christmas recollections with himself. Some customs can actually be in- promotion. Its main purpose is to earn maxi- there truly is “no room at the inn” for the One members of the younger generation? Being corporated into our families’ existing holiday mum profi ts by getting people to squander whose birthday was the reason for the cele- extra kind to others on Christmas Eve, the routines. Others – especially those requiring hard-earned money on many things nobody bration in the fi rst place. fi rst star of the evening, hay under the table- costumes, props and special talents – can really needs. To many American kids these Fortunately, our Polish heritage can come cloth, the extra place-setting at table, sharing best be re-enacted in auditoriums at opłatek- days – those of Polish extraction included – to the rescue. Polish-style Christmas has re- opłatek, the odd number of often once-a-year dinners and other community affairs. But all Christmas has become mainly about “getting mained close to the roots. It is more symbolic, meatless dishes, Pasterka (Midnight Mass) at of them can be recalled, talked about and presents from Santa.” meaningful and beautiful than all the com- a Polish parish – that is what it’s all about. shared in the family circle, especially with the To the adult half of the population it often mercial hoopla. It centers on Wigilia (Christ- These slower-paced, more symbolic and inquisitive younger folk who are just starting centers on shopping, home-decorating, and mas Eve), the single most important day of people-friendly traditions may be a refresh- to learn about the world. Make sure you also partying. In many homes, the main attrac- the year. Maybe this is the year to give all the ing change of pace from the aggressive style have some input, so that Hollywood, TV, rock tion is that mad rush to the tree on Christmas electronic gadgetry a rest and relearn how to Christmas being peddled by the powers out stars and the Internet are not their only source morning. Later in the day it’s the big Christ- enjoy the pleasures of Christmas in the com- after our wallets and credit cards. of inspiration.

Let Us Be Peaceful REV. CANON PHILIP S. MAJKA Duszpasterz Polski, Metro Washington, D.C. 4597 Ravensworth Rd., #5, Annandale, VA 22003 Call (703) 403-3723

Orchard Lake Schools

From our heart to yours Z serdecznym błogosławienstwem Blessed Christmas and na Święta Bożego Narodzenia Happy New Year! i na Nowy Rok.

St. Mary’s Preparatory 550 students enrolled A four year pre-college secondary Catholic school

SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary The Polish Mission 21 Seminarians enrolled Preservation & promotion of in preparation for the Polish & Polish-American culture, Roman Catholic priesthood tradition and history

Rev. Msgr. Thomas C. Machaski, Jr. Chancellor-Rector PPreservingreserving FFaithaith andand ttraditionradition 4 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 The Opłatek Wigilia Ritual Pokój i Dobro Serdeczne ¿yczenia z okazji Bo¿ego Narodzenia, du¿o The traditional opłatek (Christ- ST. STANISLAUS CHOIR zdrowia, radoœci i h mas wafer) ritual at the Christmas Buff alo, N.Y. h Wesołych Œwi¹t! Eve (Wigilia) table usually involves pomyœlnoœci three steps. For those new to the Frank and Stella Sincere wishes for health, RAYMOND BULWICZ practice, here they are: Jaworski Barnashuk May the joyful spirit of the happiness, and prosper- Former President Proud to Be season unite us all with ity this Christmas Hudson County PRAYER Polish Americans Peace and Good Will! RICHARD and General Pulaski Committee 19 White Cap Way • Our Father 66 Cheryl Dr. ANTHONY C. PAKULA PEARL WILGOSZ Brick, NJ 08723 • Hail Mary Lackawanna, NY 14218 • Glory Be to the Father Hollywood, Florida (732) 864-9222 • The Apostles’ Creed

READING OF SCRIPTURE ON THE BIRTH OF CHRIST Hej Kolêda, Kolêda Niechaj długo œpiewa Polonia (pick one): CD ... Echoes of a Polish Christmas • Luke 2: 1-20 (The Journey to Mater Dolorosa Choir sing “like angels from heaven” Bethlehem, the Birth of Christ, the Visit of the Shepherds) • Matthew 2: 1-18 (The Visit of the ONLY $12.99 Magi and the Flight into Egypt) shipping included • John 3:16-21 (Why Jesus Came PA residents add 6% sales tax into the World) Thirteen beautiful Hymns EXCHANGE OF GREETINGS sung in Polish ... While traditions vary on the dis- Wsrod Nocnej Ciszy tribution, everyone receives a wafer Cicha Noc or at least part of one, and goes up to every other person present. In Jezusa Narodzonego some families, a plate fi lled several Gesu Bambino smaller pieces is passed; in others, Lulajze Jezuniu ... and more! the eldest member or head of house- phone: (9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) hold shares with each family. Fol- TO ORDER 1.800.768.6311 mail: Joe Nardone’s Gallery of Sound low your family tradition. REV. CANON JOSEPH 186 Mundy Street, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702 The person presents the wafer, www.galleryofsound.com from which the other then breaks L. SREDZINSKI  a piece off, and each exchanges PFA National Chaplain prayerful wishes for the best in the Jeannette, PA 15644 When contacting our advertisers and sponsors, new year, with special attention to please say you “saw it in the Polish American Journal!” and expression of what that person might need, e.g., success in studies, a good marriage, help in their diffi - Wesołych Świąt Bo¿ego Narodzenia The Officers, Directors, and Members of the culties, as well as words of forgive- ness if there is something between the persons. ASSOCIATION DID YOU KNOW? The sharing of opłatek (Christ- OF THE mas wafer) is Poland’s most widely practiced Christmas custom, culti- vated by more than 95% of all Pol- SONS OF POLAND ish families. Wishes the entire Polish community an Opłatek is also known in Lithu- ania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year! Ukraine and Belarus – countries ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH within the Polish sphere of cultural 1010 LIBERTY ST., CAMDEN, N.J. / (856) 963-1285 333 HACKENSACK STREET infl uence. It is also popular among REV. PAWEL W. KRYSZKIEWICZ, PASTOR CARLSTADT, NJ 07072-1043 Polish Americans and in Polonian Live Broadcast at www.stjosephscamdennj.org communities world-wide. Tel: (201) 935-2807 • Fax: (201) 935-2752 Traditionally, the Christmas Eve MASS SCHEDULE / PLAN MSZY www.SonsOfPoland.org supper does not begin until the eve- Saturday / Sobota ...... 4:00 p.m. ning’s fi rst star appears in the sky. Sunday / Niedziela ...... 9:00 a.m. (Polish)  & 10:30 a.m. Small children were usually given  the task of standing in the window Wednesday / Œroda - Friday / Pi¹tek ...... 9:00 a.m. Vigil of Holy Days / Msza Wigilijna ...... 5:00 p.m.  and watching for the star. Once Holy Days / Dni Œwiête ...... 9:00 a.m.  spotted, the oplatek-sharing can be- gin. Only after all guests share the wafer can the Vigil meal begin. WESOŁYCH ŚWIĄT BOŻEGO NARODZENIA DO MOICH BLISKICH PRZYJACIOŁ MERRY CHRISTMAS AND BEST WISHES TO MY CLOSE FRIENDS Lapsus Calami. In last month’s PAJ, the name of author and histo- rian Thomas Hollowak was mis- spelled.

Chrystus siê rodzi, nas oswobodzi! Christ our Savior, our Redeemer, is born!

REV. CARL A. URBAN CRICKLEWOOD, LLC Schenectady, New York ADORATION BY THE SHEPHERDS KIRTLAND, OHIO • EUGENIUSZ J. TRELA • (440) 256-5024 JOACHIM WTEWAEL. 1625 POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 5

2014 Winner of the James Beard PIASA Foundation Award The Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences of America, Inc. Our Hours are: KOLOWSK Lunch is a 501c (3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization O i’S M-F 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. dedicated to the maintenance of a strong center S of learning and culture. PIASA is concerned Fri. Night Dinners with advancing knowledge about Poland’s 5:00-9:00 p.m. humanistic heritage and about Polish-American Sat. Night Dinners contributions to the life, culture and history of 4:00-9:00 p.m. United States. Wesołych Świąt to Eleanor, the World’s Lounge open ‘til 1:00 a.m. on Fri. and Sat. Weso³ych Œwi¹t! best Busi. Lemont is always a happier Cleveland’s Premier Polish American place when you are out and Some of the PIASA’s activities include: serving as a liaison between Ameri- UNIVERSITY INN Restaurant can and Polish academic circles; publishing The Polish Review; operating The about. CLEVELAND, OHIO Now in our 91st year Alfred Jurzykowski Memorial Library and Archives; organizing annual scholarly With love from all your ESTABLISHED IN 1923 in Business conferences; as well as organizing lectures, symposia, author evenings, and Idaho, California, Alaska, and diverse cultural/scholarly exhibits. Featured on the Travel (216) 771-9236 Illinois Twardowski family ... & Food Network Please note that our next multidisciplinary conference, the 73 Annual and especially from your best www.sokolowskis.com PIASA Meeting will be held in Toronto, Canada, June 11-13, 2015. For further information regarding registration, flight and hotel discounts please see our kid-in-law, whom you taught website www.piasa.org all the secrets of Czarnina, and For membership information write: your famous Cucumbers and PIASA 208 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016 Cream. Tel: (212) 686-4164 • Fax: (212) 545-1130 God Bless You and e-mail: [email protected] Happy New Year!

Weso³ych Œwi¹t Bo¿ego Narodzenia i Szczêœliwego Nowego Roku 2015! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

POLISH BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION Polskie Stowarzyszenie Kasy

THE ONLY POLISH FRATERNAL DOMICILED IN PHILADELPHIA

A Fraternal Life Insurance Association Low Cost Life Insurance for the Entire Family Ages 0 - 95 Fraternal Activities for Members

2595 Orthodox Street Philadelphia, PA 19137-1695 Tel: (215) 535-2626 www.polishbeneficialassoc.com 1899 — 115 YEARS OF SERVICE — 2014

POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Weso³ych Œwi¹t Dedicated to the Promotion and Continuance of Polish American Culture • Established 1911 UNITED STATES i Szczêœliwego Regular First USPS 437-220 / ISSN 0032-2792 IGNATIUS HAJDUK • Founder 1911-1920 Dvornicky, Anthony Guyda, C. Kanabrodzki, Mail Class Nowego Roku! JOHN DENDE • Publisher 1920-1944 Henry J. Kensicki, Walter Piatek, John Yesh 1-year $22.00 $35.00 The Polish American Journal is published HENRY J. DENDE • Publisher 1944-1983 Agents Robert Czubakowski 2-year $40.00 $67.00 monthly in four editions (Buffalo, Editor in Chief Mark A. Kohan Proofreader Larry Trojak 3-year $57.00 $96.00 Polish Beneficial Association, Association of [email protected] Circulation Manager Kathy Bruno FOREIGN (except Canada) Sons of Poland, and National editions) by: Senior Associate Editor Larry Wroblewski Advertising James Kaczynski 1-year $28.00 $46.00 PANAGRAPHICS, INC. 2-year $52.00 $89.00 Associate Editors Benjamin Fiore, S.J., Mary E. Visit us on Facebook P.O. BOX 271 Lanham, Michael Pietruszka, Stas Kmiec, Steve 3-year $75.00 $132.00 N. BOSTON, NY 14110-0271 Litwin, Walter J. Mysliwczyk, Thomas Tarapacki TO ADVERTISE IN THE PAJ CALL CANADA PHONE: (716) 312-8088 Contributing Editors John J. Bukowczyk, Thad 1 (800) 422-1275 1-year NA $46.00 E-MAIL: [email protected] Cooke, John Grondelski, Sophie Hodorowicz- Regular rate: $12.50 per column inch 2-year NA $89.00 www.polamjournal.com Knab, Edward Pinkowski, James Pula, John Non-profit rate: $10.00 per column inch 3-year NA $132.00 Radzilowski PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT BOSTON, NEW The Polish American Journal does not assume BUREAUS. Binghamton Steve Litwin; DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION YORK AND ADDITIONAL ENTRY OFFICES responsibility for advertisements beyond the cost Chicago Geraldine Balut Coleman, Miami SAME AS UNITED STATES REGULAR MAIL of the advertisement itself. We are responsible only POSTMASTER—Send address changes to: Lydia Kordalewski; Toledo Margaret RATE. E-MAILED ON MAILING DATE for the first incorrect insertion of an advertisement. Zotkiewicz-Dramczyk; Warsaw Robert Strybel; POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL Advertisers are advised to check their advertise- Washington Richard Poremski P.O. BOX 198 ment immediately upon publication and report at DISCOUNTS. For non-profit and organization Columnists Mary Ann Marko, Martin Nowak, BOWMANSVILLE, NY 14026-0198 once any errors. Claims for error adjustment must subscription discounts, call 1 (800) 422-1275. Jennifer Pijanowski, Ed Poniewaz, Kasia be made immediately after an advertisement is www.polamjournal.com Romanowska, Stephen Szabados, Greg Witul THE POLISH published. REFUNDS and CANCELLATIONS. Request for Newsclippers Edward Dybicz, Mr. & Mrs. Jacob subscription cancellations must be made by calling (800) 422-1275. Refunds will be prorated based on PEDDLER one-half of the remaining subscription balance plus a $5.00 cancellation fee. There is no charge Chet and Virginia Luty for transferring remaining subscription balances TOLL-FREE SUBSCRIPTION LINE 1 (800) 422-1275 to new or existing accounts. Medina, Ohio 6 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 Wigilia Peasant Style Nobel Prize winner’s briefly because she kept bring- Christmas glimpses ing food to the table. Boryna took the opłatek, made the Sign Being Polish is AWESOME! of the Cross over it, divided it by Robert Strybel Let Everyone Know! amongst those present and all hristmas, the commemora- ate it with great reverence.” tion of Jesus’ humble birth in KERNS FAMILY Reymont continued: “On a stable some two millennia Philadelphia the table there first appeared ago, is experienced at many tart beetroot soup, cooked with Cdifferent levels. To Poles it has long been mushrooms and whole pota- a religious experience, permeated by na- toes. Next came the herring, tional and family traditions. The clas- dipped in flour and fried in sic literary depiction of the Old Country hempseed oil, followed by sau- Christmas of our Polish immigrant ances- erkraut and mushrooms, also tors was created by self-taught Polish au- flavored with oil. At the end thor Właydysław Reymont who won the came a true treat – buckwheat 1924 Nobel Literary Prize for his novel pancakes made with honey and “Chłopi” (“The Peasants”). fried in poppyseed oil. And all One of the best descriptive passages in this they munched down with Reymont’s novel showing the life of Po- plain rye bread, because yeast- land’s peasantry throughout the four sea- raised loaves and cake rolls – sons of the year is devoted to Wigilia, the containing as they do milk and single most sacred and significant occa- butter – would have been out sion for Polish people the world over. For of place on the Wigilia fastday. Reymont’s narration to make any sense, Also invited was impoverished a basic knowledge of the characters is re- old Jagustynka whose own quired. children had not invited her. The main hero was widower Maciej WIGILIA W UBOGIEJ CHACIE. (Christmas Eve in the After supper Roch read aloud Boryna, an elderly, wealthy peasant who cottage). Illustration of Christmas wafer sharing, from excerpts from the Bible per- recently married the young, beautiful but the magazine “Kłosy,” 1878. taining to Jesus’ birth in Beth- none-too-faithful Jagna. Her mother is lehem. Next, Dominikowa sug- Dominikowa, Józka is Boryna’s teenaged so it was at the Boryna home. Józka was gested they all go to the cowshed, where daughter from his previous marriage and snipping out colored paper cut-outs with Jagna divided up the livestock which had Pietrek and Witek are farmhands. Roch is which to decorate the cottage, and Jagna been present at Jesus’ birth. Later they all the somewhat shadowy figure of a former and her mother baked bread and holiday went to Midnight Mass.” Polish freedom-fighter and fugitive being cake rolls… Fasting today is not as stringent as pursued by the Russian occupation forces. “In the evening, a sheaf of grain in the 19th century in which Reymont’s Jagustynka is an impoverished, old wom- was placed in the corner of the room, a novel is set. There is also no mention of an who has nowhere to spend Wigilia. bleached white cloth was spread over the Christmas presents – those didn’t come “Every peasant cottage got a good air- table with hay laid beneath it, and the first about in Poland’s countryside until well ing-out and everything was cleaned and star was watched for through the win- into the 20th century. But the general scrubbed; sand was sprinkled all about dows. When Roch announced it was time, scheme of things has persisted. The first and the fireplace was whitewashed,” Rey- they all sat on the long bench. Boryna was star, the hay, white table-cloth, opłatek, mont wrote. “Bread and holiday cakes the first to sit down, then Dominikowa meatless courses and Midnight Mass are were baked and herring were cleaned. The and her four children. Roch sat at center, the things Polish people mainly associate snow in front of the threshold was sprin- then the farmhands Pietrek and Witek and with Christmas to this day. kled with fresh evergreen needles. And next to him – Józka. Jagna sat down only POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 7

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

CHRISTMAS STORIES / Prof. Jerzy Gałkowski Christmas in Poland During and After World War II remember him being dressed in a winter coat of stories and memories (and we had lots of that custom quickly disappeared, because Christmas tied with a wire (which was very suspicious to them after the War). Everybody readily made their behavior could be tough, especially to- in Wartime me) and sounding like my uncle, but I dared chains out of colored and crepe paper, hay, wards the girls. not say anything. and other items. Some made them simple; At midnight, we went to Midnight Mass I remember him being dressed The first two Christmases that stick in my others, endowed with an artistic spirit, did (Pasterka) in the church on the other side of in a winter coat tied with a wire mind I remember from the presents I received. more refined work. Little figures were made the square. Quiet, aided by the hiss of the gas (which was very suspicious to The first was a mechanical toy—a bellboy from shells and wire and painted gold. Angels lamps, the crunch of snow falling in big flakes me) and sounding like my uncle, who pushed a heavy trunk and then jumped arose from hay and cotton. There were many and making a deep carpet, the trees capped atop it. Beautiful! I also remember the orange, different stars and colorful chains. And we in white—a magical time. Because there was but I dared not say anything. perhaps not so much as a present as part of had to be sure there were enough glass orna- no electricity in the town, gas provided light- The holidays were on the calendar but not the Wigilia menu. My cousin (who was raised ments left, because they most often broke. ing and heating. The church was illumined by in my memories, for two reasons. One was be- with me) and I got one orange to share. It was hundreds of candles. cause I was too small to remember them, the gotten from some Ger- The parish church (because other was because they had been preceded by man soldier who came there was an older one, at the cem- tragedy. It was 1939, and I was two. Poland from Greece and wanted etery) had been built in the early had fallen a few months earlier, attacked from to make some money. 20th century and paid for by the two sides by two military powers. We lived in The adults were pleased local aristocracy. Because of that a small town in southern Wielkopolska [Great that they could give the fact, the best artists in Poland had Poland], right near the border with then-Ger- children such a delicacy. been invited to decorate it. The man Wrocław. My father worked for the post Then, for many years walls were covered from top to office and just before the War broke out was even after the War, I nev- bottom in frescoes of the Młoda armed … just in case. Families of government er saw another orange. At Polska style (usually extended workers like ours were told that, in the event the time, I didn’t like its angels in prayerful positions), ex- of the danger of war, we were to evacuate to taste: it was dried out and ecuted by artists like Wyśpianski, the county seat and await removal to central I couldn’t understand the Styka, and Falat. A huge picture Poland. War approached so, on the signal, adults’ fascination, which of St. Isidore the Farmer, also by my mom went obediently with me to Rawicz they likewise expected Falat, was on the side wall of the where, of course, there was no removal. from me. nave, obviously because of the “Go, they’ll catch up to you.” I remember no other agricultural nature of the place. So she went with a whole group of refu- dishes except the fried The stained glass windows, full of gees, carrying a sick me on her back. It’s bet- fish (where did they find stunning colors, were by Mehof- ter not to imagine what she went through. it?) and some horrible fer. (Similar windows by that artist Happily—if one can speak of luck—she met grits, but we sang carols for a long time, be- AFTER THE BUSTLE of December 24, eve- supposedly exist only in the largest churches her brother/my godfather, along the way. He cause my family was very musical. There was ning at last fell, as the children watched for of Switzerland, e.g., St. Nicholas Cathedral in was in the artillery, so he took us part of the a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with the first star. First came prayer, then reading Fribourg). way on an artillery vehicle carrying ammuni- prewar decorations, because our relatives had of an appropriate excerpt from Scripture. Fol- Just entering the church on that magical tion. Dad stayed at the post office but noth- lived in Kraków for many years. The windows lowing this was the sharing of opłatek and and holy night lifted the soul to heavenly ing came of their defense, because a couple were tightly sealed with black shades so that greetings, followed by the traditional twelve heights. One has to be mature to grasp that of people with pistols could not stop tank col- the “Allied enemies” (what enemies? They dishes. beauty. And then there was the organ, blasting umns driving through the town, where they were our friends, maybe even our relatives, The foods changed, depending on whom out carols sung wholeheartedly by everybody didn’t even stop. but the police enforced the blackout strictly) in the family had the deciding voice that there, expressing the mystery of God’s en- Dad therefore followed in my mom’s foot- could not see Kraków from the air. The tradi- year—family members lived in and had hus- counter with earth, the Creator with the crea- steps where, strangely, they met. They later tional Polish Pasterka took place, of course, in bands and wives from different parts of Po- ture. There is a carol full of the paradoxes of went home but didn’t stay there for long be- the afternoon due to curfew. Such was life at land, so there were lots of traditions. The only that encounter: cause, on December 13 at 4:00 a.m. the Ge- the time, such were the holidays. unchanging items were herring, fried carp, and cabbage with mushrooms. There was no Bóg się rodzi, moc truchleje, stapo came for us. With a previously prepared Pan niebiosów obnażony. letter in their hands, they escorted local Ger- problem with carp because there was a huge Christmas After fish pond nearby, established already in the Ogień krzepnie, blask ciemnieje, mans in. I can therefore say that I had two Ma granice Nieskończony. such December 13s in my life, because later the War Middle Ages by some monks. Even the war there was Jaruzelski’s War, as we call martial and, later, socialism didn’t manage to destroy Wzgardzony, okryty chwałą, law imposed December 13, 1981. These are mysteries the human the fish. There were lots different kinds there, Śmiertelny król nad wiekami, mind cannot penetrate but all tasty, but grandma wouldn’t tolerate any A Słowo ciałem się stało OUR TENDER GERMAN neighbors gave my which go to the core of man, changes: carp. After the appetizers and soup I mieszkało między nami. family fifteen minutes to get dressed (taking came the tray with fried fish. There were sev- giving endless possibilities to These are mysteries the human mind can- my mom’s fur in which she had dressed, be- eral soups and they changed annually. My not penetrate but which go to the core of man, cause the temperature was - 40°) and, along reflect on God, human fate, and bane was sweet soup (made from pierniki) giving endless possibilities to reflect on God, with a couple dozen people from our little their interrelationship. but, happily, it was rarely made. There had human fate, and their interrelationship. The town (the local administration, government to be ground poppy seed with raisins, kompot When you get older, it’s harder to remem- poet who wrote those words was certainly a workers, doctors, pharmacists, lawyers, etc.) from dried fruit, and pastries like poppy seed ber what happened yesterday as opposed to great theologian, an intellectual full of faith. and a few hundred from the surrounding area, rolls and pierniki. Fruit and nuts followed. what took place in childhood. That’s well and The children could still admire the crèche packed us all into cattle wagons and took us a Chocolate treats were rare, if they appeared good, because the mind readily stores happy with its figures of actual height. After Mass, few hundred kilometers east, to the so-called at all, because obtaining them was difficult. memories while discarding the bad ones. everybody extended greetings to everybody General Governement, someplace around Rz- Other products, produced locally, were easier That’s why I remember better the Christmases else. Then, some returned home to receive eszów. Wielkopolska was incorporated into to get because the area was agricultural. right after the War than the ones later on. guests while others went to visit family and the German Reich and thus so dangerous an Something more about the opłatek. During After our wartime sojourns, we returned friends. Once again there were carols and element as the Polish intelligentsia had to be our exchange of greetings, we broke a beau- to our little family town in Wielkopolska exchange of greetings. One could now eat thrown out! My grandmother hid me and per- tiful white opłatek. There were also colored near Wrocław, to which we later moved. Part meat, because the fast was over. Everyone haps because of that I am alive, because travel opłatki (pink, green) for the animals, which of our family, however, stayed in the town: loved each other. It was hoped that such love in such train cars in bitter cold without food or the area farmers shared with the cattle, horses, grandmother, grandfather, some of my moth- might suffice for a long time. In any event, drink for several days, followed by everybody chickens, and dogs. My dog had been brought er’s brothers, cousins. Thus, we spent Christ- the thread of hate was broken, something was being thrown out in an open field would have from Kraków, where he had wandered from mas mostly at the grandparents’, which was reborn in us, something started anew. been a difficult experience. house to house which the fleeing Germans especially happy because many other aunts, How much of these are the memories of Eventually, following various adventures, had abandoned. He ate all kinds of opłatki. uncles, and cousins spread throughout Poland youth, how much the reflections of age, I my teenage aunt brought me and my younger The children went around midnight to listen would gather there. It was cramped, loud, and know not. cousin, who was similarly situated, back to happy. But first things first. to the animals, who spoke at that hour with my parents. Thus we survived physically, human voices, but I never managed to hear The Christmas season really began in my Prof. Jerzy Gałkowski but the psychological wounds didn’t heal for them. home in early December, because that’s when (b. 1937) is emeritus years. But that is another story. mom baked her magical pierniki. At first, they professor of philosophy The earliest wartime Christmas that I re- AFTER SUPPER, we sang kolędy and pasto- were hard as rocks, but those that were stored in the Chair of Ethics at member was in Kraków. I don’t know the ralki, the former hymns of a theological and in a big metal box for Christmas (if they sur- the Catholic University date, but it was sometime in the middle of doctrinal character, the latter folk songs with vived till then) were soft but still crunchy. of Lublin, Poland, and a the War. It has stuck in my mind because of references to a given area and its customs but In the week before Christmas, typically on student of St. John Paul the presents: such is the memory of a child. always connected to the birth of Jesus. Sing- Sunday, a box full of Christmas ornaments II. Wojtyła had presided Wigilia took place according to Wielkopol- ing was long, because my family was musical. was brought down from the attic and every- in 1964 at his marriage ska ritual, hence presents came not from St. At that time, presents were also distributed, body sat down at the largest table. The orna- to Maria Braun-Gałkowska, emeritus profes- Nicholas but Gwiazdor [the figure who -dis which is what most pleased the children. Car- ments all had to be inspected, broken ones sor of psychology at the Catholic University tributes Christmas presents in the areas that olers, called Gwiazdorzy, used to visit houses mended and new ones made. It was hard to of Lublin. had been part of the Prussian Partition—ed.] I call that work: it was rather a happy game, full on Christmas Eve to distribute presents, but 8 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 Christmas in the Shadow of Martial Law Hej Kolęda! by Aleksander Łasik My father-in-law, also a teacher, land”) —thundered the loudest with continued from cover rustic conveyances were operated Back in 1981, I was an assistant was actively involved in Solidar- a unity of voices. Here and there, Club, 512 S. Broadway, to form by street hucksters known locally professor at the provincial Higher ity and later in the Solidarity un- congregants also raised their hands up. The musicians – with accordi- as “a-rabers,” who all used to sing- School of Education in Bydgoszcz. derground in nearby Nakło-nad- with the famous “V” symbol. Peo- ons, trumpets, saxophones, guitars, song their various offerings, mainly Common opinion held that we were Notecią, being hidden during the ple went home after church in total drums, etc., mount-up on a pickup produce, to the public. Once ubiqui- a “red school,” i.e., Communist- latter phase by various clergy. silence. It struck me then: in earlier truck’s sound-trailer, or stroll along tous to the streets of old Baltimore, leaning. Despite that, already back All this happened hardly two times, during the Partitions or the behind it. Song booklets with Polish they are now very rarely seen or in September 1980 a group was weeks before Christmas. This all brutal and criminal occupation and and English carols are distributed to heard anymore. And one particular organized to form our own Solidar- impacted our preparations. There terror to which Poland was subject, all. Then the cheerful procession — year it was so bitterly cold and blus- ity cell. That fact was a denial of was literally nothing available in the did Poles feel the same way as to- with music playing and everyone tery that the wagon ponies had to be the standard viewpoint about our stores. Our thoughts were focused night? Without that special Christ- singing — merrily winds its way sheltered in the hallway of the PNA school’s ideological character. on tomorrow and on those suffering mas in 1981, there are lots of events through the old Polish neighbor- building during the post-kolędy re- Along with the imposition of repression. in Polish history that I would not un- hoods, escorted by traffic police. ception there. martial law, a catastrophe befell us Christmas 1981 took place on the derstand properly even today. That An average of 300 carolers glee- Fast Forward: Today, when the on Sunday, December 13, 1981. At surface. Today it’s worth recalling holiday helped me to understand the fully shows up every year; that num- revelers go full circle and arrive the time, I was living in a neigh- that from a culinary perspective, the sense behind our Uprisings and our ber can balloon either way, depend- back at the Polish Home they are boring town, not in Bydgoszcz. We holidays had been prepared weeks resistance, the sacrifices we bore, as ing on the weather. Stops are made graciously treated to Polish food, gathered spontaneously on Monday ahead of time by collecting ration well as the unity of Poles to main- along the zigzagged two- to three- beer and deserts all compliments of (after all, the telephones were all cards for the necessary products. tain hope for an independent coun- mile route at key locations/land- host Polish Community Association disconnected) at the school. It was Luckily, my late father was an en- try. marks: Polish churches (open and of Maryland in the large upstairs important for us to get a count of thusiastic hunter. closed); at Polish businesses (where hall kindly provided by the Home. just how many of us hadn’t been Aleksander Łasik is a sociologist “refreshments” are provided to the In short order, the polka band fires interned. Many were already behind ON CHRISTMAS EVE, the “Pol- and professor of adults); and at homes of personages. up and everyone dances the rest of the camp wires, arrested on the basis ish” government graciously al- history in what One such stop used to be serenading the night away, with an ear cocked of previously prepared lists. Luck- lowed the celebration of Midnight is now the Ka- U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski outside for Christmas knocking on the door. ily, only one of our colleagues and Mass. The lyrics and music of the zimierz Wielki of her residence when she lived in So come one, come all to Hej one of the female students from the carols built up our spirits, but this University in Fells Point. Kolędy! in Baltimore. What better Independent Student Union had time we could not forget a second Bydgoszcz, Po- With a tip of the hat to “old coun- way to prepare for Christmas Eve been arrested. We decided quickly to Polish hymn, which we sang regu- land. His exper- try” nostalgia: During the earlier (Wigilia) and Christmas Day (Boże gather financial help for them and to larly at Mass in 1980-81: “Boże coś tise is in Nazi years of the kolędy happening wag- Narodzenie) with family and friends link up with previously met contacts Polskę.” Its last verse — “Ojczyżnę concentration ons bedded with straw and drawn than by participating in this beauti- from other Solidarity locals. Each of wolną racz nam wrócić Panie” (“O camps and the by ponies were used by the musi- ful and grand Polish tradition. us was to decide individually what Lord, give us back a free home- SS. cians, elderly and children. These we would do, the only logical so- lution given our limited numbers. Now we know that we were not then We wish all our members, an object of interest to the Commu- STERLING SILVER JEWELRY nist security services. As a cell, we friends, donors and sponsors A were just too small. The repression A Blessed Christmas and a B D E primarily affected the Mikołaj Ko- C pernik University in Toruń, where Healthy ad Happy New Year several of our colleagues had been SAVE A CHILD’S HEART arrested and a commission, which The best gift one can receive is the smile on a child’s face that F threw people out of work, was es- was given a second chance to a normal and healthy life. Thank G I tablished. You for your support. — Doreen Patras Kramer, President H During the so-called “Solidarity Carnival” period of 1980-81, one could see that people also joined Polish J K the union out of religious motives. Over the years, it became evident that the majority of us had married Children’s in the Church, perhaps not publicly, ALL SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE • All items are Sterling Silver. perhaps quietly, in small parishes Heartline All these items are available in 14 kt. gold • Please contact us for pricing. where priests known to us didn’t 177 Broadway even publish the banns, and who DESCRIPTION GOLDEN LION JEWELRY demanded only the documentation Clark, NJ 07066 A. Polish Princess...... $7.00 P.O. BOX 199 needed for a wedding. That’s how (732) 680-0680 B. #1 Babcia (Script)...... $8.00 PORT READING, NJ 07064 it was with me. (State employees, (732) 914-0019 C. #1 Babcia (Block)...... $8.00 (908) 862-1927 like professors, who married in the D. Small Eagle...... $12.00 Church could be dismissed—ed.) E. Medium Eagle...... $14.00 [email protected] F. Large Eagle...... $15.00 • Add $5.00 S&H G. Large Heavy Eagle...... $35.00 SAVE THE DATE! February 1, 2015. • Prices subject to change H. Extra Heavy Eagle...... $40.00 • Allow 10-14 days for delivery. If not Weso³ych Œwi¹t ANNUAL CHAMPAGNE GALA I. #1 Mamusia (Block)...... $12.00 satisfied, return for refund within Bo¿ego Narodzenia i at the Polish Consulate, New York City J. #1 Tatus (Block)...... $12.00 15 days. Szczêœliwego Nowego K. #1 Ciocia (Block)...... $12.00 • N.J. residents must add 7% sales for information, please call (732) 680-0680 Tie Tacks of D, E, ...... $19.00/$21.00 tax. N.Y. residents add appropriate Roku 2015! Tie Tacks of F, G, ...... $22.00/$42.00 sales tax. MICHALINA CAHILL Phippsburg, Maine

I enjoy receiving my monthly copy of the Journal. There are so many things I woudn’t know about if I didn’t subscribe.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the staff and publishers of the PAJ! MARY PIZZATO

a Radosnych Œwi¹t Narodzenia pomyœlnego Nowego Roku HELEN NOWAKOWSKA Philadelphia POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 9

POLISH CHEF / Robert Strybel Homemade Krupnik to Chase the Chills Away Easiest Polish Wigilia St. Casimir’s parish in Buffalo, POLONIAMUSIC.COM / JOHNSON BOB PHOTO: Preparing a big Wigilia spread variety. Serve over cooked store- late-covered gingerbread cookies). N.Y., holds several fundraising for just a few people may not make bought egg noodles. events throughout the year. Among much sense. But families of only Readers living in areas where the most popular are pastor Rev. STORE-BOUGHT PIEROGI two or even those living alone may Polish-style delicacies and other Czesław Michal Krysa’s classes for ( want to relive old times on this spe- kupne pierogi): Fresh and frozen products are hard to find can check holiday cordials. cial night of the year. The following pierogi, now more widely available out: Based on an old Krysa family hints, including considerable “out- than ever before, are the ideal solu- specialty, his krupnik (honey cor- tion for small families, couples and SweetPoland.com. You will sourcing,” may be the answer. find here: Polish kielbasa, hams and dial) recipe is generations old, and singles. Recommended for Wigilia has been “perfected over the years,” CHRISTMAS WAFER many other traditional cold cuts. (opłatek). are the sauerkraut & mushroom says Fr. Krysa. An absolute Wigilia “must” is shar- cheese & potato and potato & onion Offers a variety of pierogi. Polish candies and sweets including Wedel First published in his book A Pol- ing the opłatek with loved ones. varieties. ish Christmas Eve, this holiday treat Those spending the occasion alone chocolates. Polish bread and cakes, STEWED FRUIT COMPOTE wild mushrooms, relishes, soups will chase away the chills, warm may break off and eat a piece while your heart, and the the hearts of thinking of and maybe saying a little (kompot z suszu). Place 1 pkg and many other delights of the Old mixed dried fruit in bowl. Add 2 Country. your guests. prayer for those who have gone on To learn more about St. Casimir’s to their reward. cloves and a small piece of cinna- mon bark and drench with boiling Pierogies Plus.“If you want more Parish, visit its Facebook page. HERRING (śledzie). Serve store- water to cover by 1 inch. Cover and authentic pierogies, you’ll have to You can order A Polish Christ- bought herring just as they come in let stand until cooled to room temp. fly to Warsaw or Krakow. They just mas Eve from the Polish American the jar. Choose marinated, creamed If all the liquid has been absorbed, don’t come any tastier than ours.” Journal on line or by calling (800) pierogiesplus.com. (412) 331- or in oil as per preference. Serve add 1-2 c cool, pre-boiled water, 422-1275. FR. KRYSA with rye bread or boiled potatoes as Refrigerate over night. Serve in des- 2224. HONEY CORDIAL – KRUPNIK desired. serts dishes for Wigilia. You can get your Christmas stove. Away from the stove, care- Krysa Family Recipe wafers (opłatki) from the Polish fully pour vodka into honey mixture EASIEST BEETROOT BARSZCZ CHRISTMAS CAKES (ciasta (the mixture will foam violently). (najłatwiejszy czysty barszcz). świąteczne). Polish delis and baker- American Journal by calling (800) 2 cups buckwheat or 422-1275 or visiting our on-line Immediately cover tightly. Cool to The Polish deli, grocery of import ies stock all the typical cakes tradi- wild flower honey room temperature. Book and Christmas Store at www. ½ cup water shop near you may stock Polish tionally served at Christmas. These When at room temperature, pour brands (Hortex, Krakus, Fortuna) of include makowiec (poppyseed roll), polamjournal.com. 3 tablespoons bitters* 1 lemon rind, pith removed, mixture into gallon bottle and al- heat-and-eat clear beetroot barszcz piernik (gingerbread), keks (fruit- low to settle for at least one week. that comes in a carton like juice. It cake) and babka (raised egg-bread). sliced into thin strips 1 vanilla bean Carefully pour off or siphon clear may be “doctored up” to taste with CHRISTMAS CONFECTIONS ½ nutmeg or 1 teaspoon liquid into bottles, leaving the dregs a little garlic powder, dry red wine, f ground nutmeg (cloudy mixture of spices) behind. lemon juice or marjoram if desired, (słodycze świąteczne). Polish gro- ceries, delis, bakers and import Pe³nych radoœci, 6 whole cloves or 1 tea- The dregs may be slowly filtered but many feel it is just right as it spoon ground cloves through a paper coffee filter folded comes. shops stock delicious sweets from pokoju i szczêœcia 3 cinnamon sticks or 1 table- Poland. Among the most popular Œwi¹t Bo¿ego Narodzenia into a cone and placed in a funnel. spoon ground cinnamon Filtering takes some time and the EASIEST MUSHROOM SOUP are; Śliwki w czekoladzie (choco- oraz wszelkiej pomyœlnoœci w 5 juniper berries filters need to be changed each time (najłatwiejsza zupa grzybowa). late-covered plums), Krówki (Polish nadchodz¹cym Nowym Roku 2 quarts 100 proof vodka Your nearest Polish deli stocks ex- fudge), Ptasie Mleczko (chocolate- more of the dregs are added. WALLY & MARTHA Another way of creatively using cellent imported Polish mushroom covered marshmallow chiffon) and Break cinnamon sticks and va- PIATEK the dregs is to add a tablespoon to soup in cartons of the heat & eat Pierniczki w Czekoladzie (choco- nilla bean into 2 to 3 pieces. Grind freshly brewed coffee for a tasty Berlin, New Jersey all whole spices (in a spice mill, Polish coffee treat! hand held coffee grinder or food processor). Bring water (or prepared * Bitters may be substituted with wormwood tea*) to a boil. Add hon- wormwood (piołun) herbal tea. ey, spices, bitters (if wormwood is Prepare the tea the night be- e not used) and bring to a boil. Add fore by pouring ½ cup boiling Radosnych Œwi¹t Bo¿ego lemon rind. Let simmer for at least water over 3 tablespoons of the ½ hour. Remove from heat and cool. herb. Let it brew overnight or Narodzenia pomyœlnego Strain cold mixture into a 2-gallon until it cools to room tempera- Nowego Roku pot with a tight fitting cover. Bring ture. Strain. Discard herbs and to a boil and simmer. Bring vodka to use wormwood tea for making POLISH AMERICAN a slow boil in a separate pot. After the initial mixture of honey and CITIZENS CLUB both the honey mixture and vodka spices. Wormwood is available Camden County, N.J. are gently boiling, turn burner off at specialty spice/health food and remove both mixtures from stores.

PLACE YOUR ORDERS TODAY FOR CHRISTMAS — THEY WILL LOVE IT! 10 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 Christmas in the Vilnius Region by Andrej Askelowic School in Wesołówki. and decorate their rooms. The lady Photographs by Marian Dzwinel Crèches are set up in Vilnius of the house prepares the Wigilia Vilnius (Wilno) is a multina- churches in December. Each is table. tional, multicultural city, in which unique. A particularly beautiful one Wigilia is the most anticipated Poles, Jews, Lithuanians, and other is at the Church of Ss. Peter & Paul, supper of the year. The Lithuanian nationalities have lived for centu- the pearl of the Vilnius Baroque name for Wigilia — kuczios — ries. Amidst that multicultural di- style, whose crèche figures are mov- probably derives from kutia, an versity, many traditions intermixed. able. An original manger scene is at extremely sweet dish made with The traditions of Christmas are the Bernadine Church of Ss. Fran- wheat, poppy seed, honey, nuts, and very beautiful, and the wait for that cis and Bernard, where live animals raisins and very popular in the East. holiday provides an amazing atmo- (usually donkeys and sheep) are Kutia is not, however, the most sphere. found to the delight of all, especial- characteristic holiday dish in Lithu- The people of Vilnius and the ly children. The central crèche, with ania today. surrounding region begin their wait its life-size figures, is on Cathedral for Christmas already in November, Square. THE WIGILIA SUPPER is unique. when they gather at the Shrine of Charitable activities are another Only here are found śliżyki (kucziu- Our Lady of Ostrabrama for the an- beautiful aspect of the Christmas kai in Lithuanian) — small, baked nual patronal feast of Our Lady of preparatory period. Special tele- leavened cakes with poppy seed, a Divine Mercy. The Feast of Christ phone numbers are established to sign of prosperity. It is served with the King, which ends the Church’s receive calls and SMS messages, the “poppy seed milk,” known in the STÓŁ WIGILIJNY. With the exception of soup, the Christmas Eve table liturgical year, is also a great local money going to the needy. “Caritas” Vilnius region as podsyta or simply in Lithuania is set almost the same as in every Polish and Polonian home celebration. candles are sold in churches, where “sweet water.” It consists of shred- — rich in fish, pierogi, mushrooms, grains, and other meatless dishes. food products are also collected. ded poppy seed on which honey and remain on the plate for those who and strong winds, a bounty of nuts. The Lithuanian name Missions and retreats occur in water are poured. have gone home to the Lord. Vil- The traditional Wigilia evening for Wigilia — kuczios — Vilnius churches throughout Advent In contrast to the Wigilia supper nius opłatki are pretty, baked by ends with the exchange of presents, to prepare people spiritually for in Poland, in the Vilnius region no the Benedictine Sisters of St. Cath- singing of carols, and going to Mid- probably derives from Christ’s coming. Opłatek social din- soup is served. In lieu of soup red erine’s Abbey in Vilnius’s Zwier- night Mass (Pasterka). kutia, an extremely sweet ners are organized in anticipation of (from cranberries) or white (from zyniec District. Images of Our Lady Numerous beautiful and colorful dish made with wheat, Christmas. The biggest such gather- oats) kisiel is served. In some of Ostrabrama frequently adorn events and activities are organized poppy seed, honey, nuts, ings are those at the Union of Poles homes, the kisiel is so thick one does them. One place at table is empty, during Christmastide. A Christmas set aside for travelers. It is left there train travels through Vilnius’s Old and raisins and very after the supper is cleared, because Town, Christmas trees appear in popular in the East. at night the angels and the souls of squares, and a big skating rink is the faithful departed “sit” at it. formed at City Hall Square. Advent is a joyful waiting for the It should be added that Orthodox birth of Christ. Slowly, Vilnius starts In contrast to the Wigilia Christians live alongside Catholics changing; the streets and squares supper in Poland, in the in Vilnius. Following the Julian become even more beautiful with Calendar, they observe Christmas Christmas signs and ornaments. Vilnius region no soup on January 6, when the faithful Commerce, too, plays a role in the is served. In lieu of soup gather for soczelnik (Wigilia) at the wait for Christmas. Store windows red (from cranberries) or Holy Spirit Orthodox Church. That are decked with Christmas trees and church is famous because, near its garlands. The city begins to light white (from oats) kisiel iconostasis (the wall of images en- up. The city’s main Christmas tree is served. closing the altar), lie under glass the is erected in the Ss. Stanisław and remains of three Orthodox saints Władysław Square in front of the PREDICTING THE FUTURE is — Eustachy, John, and Antonij — Cathedral. Christmas trees are also an important element of Christmas whose bodies are 667 years old. put up on City Hall Square and in Eve. It is said they can foretell, for They were martyred by pagans in various Vilnius neighborhoods. example, what next year’s weather Lithuania in 1347. The Vilnius Television Tower is OPŁATKI are central to the Christmas celebration. and harvest will be like. A most The Vilnius region — with its tra- transformed with garlands, from its visible point at 165 meters all the in Lithuania, organized at the Polish way up to its antenna at 326 meters Cultural Home in Vilnius, and the (about 1000 feet). one at the Ethnographic Museum The spiritual side of the holi- in Niemenczyn for residents of the day is, of course, the most impor- Vilnius region. And don’t forget the tant, something to which priests of Polish schools! the Archdiocese of Vilnius attend. Nativity plays, carol singing, There is the beautiful tradition of and sharing the opłatek occur in Roraty Masses, which are celebrated all the Polish schools. Fr. Marek at dawn, to the praise of Our Lady. Gładki, pastor of Most Sacred Heart (Unfortunately, not all the churches of Jesus Parish in Podbrzezie and of Vilnius cultivate that tradition but of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in the Dominicans in Vilnius pay spe- Jęczmieniszki takes part in eight cial attention to it.) In the Church such gatherings! We also recall the of Ss. Philip & James, for example, assistance from our fellow Poles in “Ears” (left), a pierogi-type dough filled with mushrooms (pierożki drozdzowe), and miniature cakes of dough the People of God participate in this Poland for the Polish minority in (śliżyki, right), are a distinctive and integral part of the Christmas table in Lithuania. The śliżyki (kucziukai in devotion, holding lighted Marian Vilnius. Caravans full of presents Lithuanian), are small, baked leavened cakes with poppy seed, a sign of prosperity. candles (roratki) in their hands. The and other assistance for Vilnius chil- Dominican friars invite them after- dren arrive throughout the season. not drink it; it is eaten with a spoon. popular tradition to this day is tak- ditions, with children going house wards to breakfast. Christmas Eve (Wigilia) is beau- Of course, there can be no lack of ing some hay from beneath the ta- to house caroling, with the smell of Advent candles, symbolizing tiful. December 24 is a strict fast kompot, made from dried fruit. blecloth. An even number of blades Christmas dishes, with the crunch of the coming of Christ, are lit every day, but there’s no time to eat any- Wigilia is unimaginable without denotes quick marriages. Long and snow — is beautiful at Christmas- Sunday in Vilnius’s churches. That way because everybody’s so busy pierogi: mushroom, poppy seed, or even blades foretell long life with- time. Many Poles — usually those tradition has also been imported by getting ready for the Feast! uszki. Everybody loves them. They out need. Broken blades augur a who were forced to abandon their various Polish schools in the Vilnius Christmas is the biggest family are made from raised dough, stuffed lack of success. Young women lis- native place — recall Christmas region, e.g., the Polish St. Stanisław feast in the Vilnius region. People with shredded poppy seed and hon- ten for the barking of dogs because, with nostalgia in our city. But we Kostka Gymnasium in Podbrzezie clean their houses thoroughly, put ey or sugar or with mushrooms that from the direction from which it are all joined by Polish language … and the Polish Multifunctional up their Christmas trees (choinki) are ground and fried with onions. comes will also come their suitors. and Polish carols. Sometimes, apple jam or soft cheese A starry heaven denotes fertile crops with raisins are also used as a stuff- ing. Pierogi are fried in oil. Below is a recipe for mushroom pierogi — of LITHUANIAN MUSHROOM PIEROGI course, every woman has her own recipe, often passed down for gen- Dough: Pour boiling water (best at erations. 3 oz. yeast night) on the mushrooms, then ½ glass milk wash and cook. Add milk and fried, THE NUMBER OF DISHES should 14 oz. flour chopped onions, salt, and pepper. be an even number and no less than Water (enough so that Prepare dough: dissolve about 3 twelve, symbolizing the months dough does not cling to one’s fingers or dishes) ounces of yeast in warm water and of the year. They are served atop a let stand for a while to allow it to white tablecloth, beneath which is wade. Add poppy seed and water. Filling: some hay, to symbolize the man- Let dough stand in a warm place ger in which Christ was born. Cari- Poppy seed Dried mushrooms to rise, then take portions of it, roll tas candles are lit. The main place Onions it out, and make circular portions at table is occupied by the opłatek Salt using a glass. Place a spoonful of which, after prayer and reading of Pepper filling in the center of each, then the Gospel of the Nativity, is broken Oil for frying fold up with ends with your fingers A CHRISTMAS TRAIN makes it way through the streets of Vilnius, wel- and shared together with greetings and fry in hot oil. comed by young and old alike. by all present. One or more opłatki POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 11

SPEAK UP / Letters to the Editor Support the Polish American String Band Dear Editor: for-profi t organization. As such, the Orthodox monopoly. are still continued through your hard everyone enjoyed Since 1933, the Polish American your purchase is tax-deductible. Progressive Judaism in Poland is work and efforts.You even kindly Marge Machay and family pro- String Band (PASB) has been a vital Whether you use the tile as an ad- a continuation of the diverse non- remember the beginning of the pa- vided a delicious dinner of Polish part of the Polish community. We vertisement, in memory of a loved Orthodox Jewish communities that per on your website. sausage and sauerkraut, along with are very proud of our roots. We are one, or just as a sign of support for formed as early as 1803 in Poland The PAJ reminds me of a saying stuffed cabbage and the famous Po- also proud of providing entertain- PASB, you will help to ensure that and numbered over forty syna- I heard that I try to live every day: lonia dumplings. ment at many social and charitable the Polish American String Band gogues and some 200,000 members “You can’t know where you’re go- Sunday was no different, with functions, grand openings, and all represents Polonia proudly. When before World War II. ing unless you know where you’ve music alternating between Tony types of community celebrations you purchase a tile, you will receive One of the largest synagogues in been.” May God Bless you and the B & New Phase, and The Music including our special bond with St. an acknowledgement of the tile pur- all of Europe was a Reform congre- paper with continued success. Company. Both bands where out- Adalbert’s Parish. chase, notifi cation of tax deductible gation in Lodz. Conrad Dende standing, and the crowds were just For the fi rst seventy-six years, amount, and an invitation to the Progressive Judaism in Poland Detroit as wild as on Saturday. This was a we have rented our meeting and Grand Unveiling of the completed historically expressed a diverse fi tting tribute from the Polish com- rehearsal space, whether it be the mural of tiles. range of Jewish non-Orthodox A FITTING TRIBUTE. The fi rst munity to the Machay Family for Polish American Association Club, To donate, visit our website views roughly equivalent to the Re- weekend of November, Chicago all their hard work sponsoring and the Polish Eagles Sports Club or the at www.polarengraving.com/pol- form and Conservative movements Polonia celebrated one of its most promoting polka music for fi ve de- Columbia Social Club. Our dream ishamericanstringband, or call me at in America. venerated families, and the estab- cades. has always been to own and operate (267) 608-7969. Rabbi Allen Maller lishment they have operated for the It was great to see the old pictures our own clubhouse with a commit- Walter Wojcik Culver City, California past fi fty years: The Machays and of the Machay’s Polonia Grove in ment and pledge to remain in and PASB Tile Campaign Polonia Banquets. the many albums and posters. What proudly represent the people of Port Philadelphia FAMILY TRADITION CONTIN- Entering the doors on Saturday memories it brought back! It was Richmond and Polonia. UES. Today (October 30) would just blew me away. The hall was good to renew those friendships of In 2009 part of that dream was re- RULING OPENS DOORS. Sha- have been my father’s 98th birthday. overfl owing with people. Every ta- years gone by. It was equally nice alized as we purchased an unmain- lom, I thought your readers might He was Edward Dende, the son of ble was fi lled, the dance fl oor was to see folks we haven’t seen for all tained property at Westmoreland enjoy reading about the advance of John Dende, the founder of the Pol- fi lled, and they were six deep at the those years. and Salmon Streets. Using much of religious pluralism in Poland. ish American Journal. bar. Lenny Gomulka & the Chicago Thank you Marge Machay and our own members’ labor, we have In a historic expression of sup- I just wanted to thank you for Push provided the evening’s enter- family for all those great memories, tried to make the PASB club an as- port for religious freedom in Po- keeping this paper alive. It is a great tainment. The band was spectacular, and we hope you have another 50 set to the neighborhood. We have land, a Polish appeals court re- avenue for the Polish people, and and people lined the stage front and years of success. renovated the outside structure to jected the attempt of the Orthodox a testimony of what hard work can packed the dance fl oor. Gomulka Rich “Polka Suds” Cerajewski blend in with and refl ect the care religious establishment to deregister do. The efforts of my father’s family gave them an hour overtime, which Chicago and maintenance that our neighbors three existing Progressive Jewish put into their homes. We’ve opened communities (and an additional fi ve our doors to the community to use in formation), and impose a legal for civic meetings. Our neighbors requirement that only the Ortho- are utilizing our facility for various dox establishment can approve any functions at a very reasonable fee in other Jewish group that is seeking to comparison to other local venues. organize themselves as a religious We are now in the fi nal stages community in Poland. of our internal renovations. We are On October 14, 2014 a three- asking businesses, organizations member panel of the Polish Su- and individuals to be part of our per- preme Administrative Court in- manent foundation by purchasing a structed lower courts to reverse their customized commemorative tile to decisions on technical issues that be displayed on a prominent wall in would have led to the deregistra- our club in perpetuity. tion of all Progressive Communities The wording of your tile may be in Poland, and abridged the right in Polish or English. It should be of Jews to independently organize, noted that PASB is a 501C(3) not- worship, and develop alternatives to POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL FOUNDATION

e invite you to become a member of the ate a ballot of the most-requested causes/recipients, MEMBERSHIP LEVELS Polish American Journal Foundation. which will then be voted on by current members. [ ] Friend of the PAJF Any amount up to $49.99 Established this year, the PAJF is a (Membership is yearly, starting with the date of your non-profi t 501c3 organization. Our most recent donation). All members reserve the right [ ] Individual $50.00 missionW is to promote Polish and Polish American to abstain from being a voting member. [ ]Family $100.00 culture and traditions among members of the public [ ]Sustaining $250.00 and other Polish and Polish American groups. This MEMBERSHIP will be done by organizing special events, networking, Donations are accepted in any amount. All dona- [ ]Patron $500.00 consultation, and gatherings. tions will be acknowledged and may be used as chari- [ ]Benefactor $1,000.00 As a national newspaper serving Polish American table contributions on your tax return. [ ]Chairman’s Circle $2,500.00 or more communities, the Polish American Journal has a unique perspective on the shortfalls — primarily funding — “KEEP ALIVE THIS HERITAGE” NAME that have prevented many great projects from getting — Saint John Paul II, off the ground. We also have grown increasingly Gniezno, Poland, June 3, 1979. frustrated to see students, future leaders, who are ADDRESS APT. passionate about Polonia, seek other areas of study Please help us help our own community. Since 1911, because they could not secure something as simple as the Polish American Journal has been an advocate for CITY airfare to study in Poland or abroad. Likewise, we see Poles and their descendants in the United States. Help so many talented academicians, scholars, artists, folk us utilize over 100 years of the Polish American expe- STATE, ZIP groups — the list goes on — whose special projects or rience to support those who share our core values of areas of study have been dropped for lack of funds. strong family, faith, and community. Preferred method of contact: In many cases, state or federal arts or cultural funding We would be happy to discuss all the various op- [ ] USPS First Class Mail is available, but these groups cannot aff ord processing tions available to you so that you can make a dona- [ ] E-mail (please print E-mail address below) fees to meet application requirements. It is time to tion in a way that corresponds exactly to your own start helping our own. personal situation. Please [ ] do [ ] do not include my name on your An- OUR INITIATIVE OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS nual Report to Donors, which will be mailed to all In this, our initial year of operation, we will solicit Eugene Trela, Cleveland, Ohio members at the end of the PAJF’s calendar year. funds for our fi rst funding project. In Ben Stefanski II, Cleveland, Ohio June 2015, we will ask our members MaryLou Wyrobek, Buffalo, New York Donations of $50.00 or more entitle the member for a how the PAJF’s proceeds should be Mark A. Kohan, President — Buffalo, New York courtesy subscription to the Polish American Journal. used. As a member, you can suggest Kathleen Bruno, Secretary — Buffalo, New York If you wish to give this as a gift, please provide recipi- any worthwhile cause: a donation ent’s name and address on a separate piece of paper. to a local Polish American museum; Privacy disclosure: The PAJF is the sole owner of the in- veteran’s group; scholarship fund; formation provided by its members. The PAJF will not sell, Complete and return to: dance group, etc. Our board will share, or rent this information to others. It will be used The Polish American Journal Foundation review these suggestions and cre- solely for record-keeping and correspondence. P.O. Box 198, Bowmansville, NY 14026 12 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014

RELIGION / Benjamin Fiore, S.J. Best Wishes for a Blessed and Joyous Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year! Religious Pressure Continues in Crimea Two Catholic priests have been chael Marie Jordan, Sr. Judith Bishop Zubik closed the church forced into exile, one, a Dominican Elaine Salzman ... Rev. Łukasz after the councils of the new parish who was expelled after he refused Kopala, ordained along Thomas (merged with Transfiguration Par- to collaborate with the Russian gov- Mahoney and Daniel Obeifun as ish) could not give a recommenda- POLISH WOMEN’S ernment. Visas are not being permit- tranisional deacons for service in tion for the buildings. Bishop Zubik ted for Polish priests to work with the RC Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y. chose Transfiguration because of its ALLIANCE OF AMERICA Roman Catholics in Crimea, recent- central location and better physical ly seized from Ukraine and occu- SECRETARY VISITS NATIONAL condition. The petitioners claim that DELPHINE HUNEYCUTT SHARON ZAGO pied by Russia. Bishop Bronisław SHRINE. Archbishop Mieczysław they could raise the funds neces- National President Vice President Bernacki admits “We can’t actually Mokrzycki of Lviv, Ukraine, found sary for the maintenance of St. An- prepare for the future now; we don’t that the exhibit of St. John Paul II’s thony’s. ANTOINETTE L. TRELA know what will come next.” life at the national shrine in Wash- Secretary-Treasurer Also under pressure is the Greek ington, D.C. brought back memo- GAY TEACHER FIRED AT CATH- Catholic community facing increas- ries of the years that he served a St. OLIC HS. After nine years as a Serving the Polish American community since 1898 ing hostility from the Russian Or- John Paul II’s private secretary from chemistry teacher and volleyball POLISH WOMEN’S ALLIANCE OF AMERICA thodox leadership in Moscow cari- 1996-2005. He noted that he encour- coach at Marian HS in Madison 6643 N. NORTHWEST HWY, 2ND FL., CHICAGO, IL 60631 caturing the Greek Catholics as a ages young people from the United Heights, Mich., Barbara Webb, www.pwaa.org traitorous church seeking to under- States to visit the shrine to “learn who is gay, said that she was fired mine Russian Orthodoxy. about the teaching of john Paul II when she became pregnant. She 1-888-522-1898 The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, … Walking through the different has been with her partner, Kristen Kyiv Patriarchate, also has suffered galleries, you can learn a lot about Lasecki, for 5½ years. The school’s the loss of six of its 15 parishes. The him as a person and about what he’s president, Sr. Lenore Pochelski, bishop’s home was burned down. done, what his accomplishments confirmed that Webb’s employment This church was formed in 1995 were and all the aspects of his pa- ended but declined to comment on to separate from the influence of pacy.” He commented on the signif- that or her work as a teacher, citing Moscow. A parallel church ex- icance of the former pope’s canon- confidentiality of personnel matters. ists and experiences no persecu- ization by explaining “As John Paul Webb noted that her pregnancy tion since it is fully aligned with II once said, ‘Saints are not there to was “nontraditional” and appears to Moscow. Muslims too, specifically cherish them, but to follow them’ be what mattered to school officials. ethnic Tartars continue to suffer … From John Paul II what we can The Marian HS mission is to persecution, with young Muslims learn is this responsibility for our endure an education in a Christian disappearing, tortured and killed, own vocation and realization of this environment built on “strong aca- and homes and mosques raided on vocation for what we do and who demic curriculum, which will en- the pretext of searching for forbid- we are.” Bishop Mokrzycki recalled able young women to value human den religious books. the pope’s nighttime ritual. “By the diversity and live responsible lives end of each day, around 10:30 P.M., of leadership and action based on HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ... Sr. he would go to the chapel, he would Gospel values.” Webb stated that Mary Crescenta Zalewski, CSSF, pray for a short period of time, then she was trying to call attention to is- celebrating her 100th birthday at the he would go back to his bedroom … sues of social justice. Heart of Mary Convent in Cheek- (and) dim the lights … .He would towaga, NY. She taught primary open the window and then he would POLAND CONDEMNS SYNA- school for 56 years in Syracuse, Ni- bless the world.” GOGUE SLAUGHTER. Poland’s agara Falls, Buffalo, Ogdensburg, foreign ministry has condemned N.Y. and Erie, Pa., and Canada. She POSSIBLE MIRACLE IN KNOX- the killings of four rabbis by two then worked as a remedial reading VILLE. Knoxville, Tenn. Bishop Palestinian assailants in Jerusa- teacher in Syracuse before moving Richard F. Stika has begun the pro- lem on November 18. to the provincial house in Cheek- cess on inquiry into a miracle attrib- “Poland condemns all acts of towaga. uted to Fr. Isaac Hecker, a Paulist violence which could permanent- Father who died in 1988. His cause ly block the Middle East peace HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ... Fr. for sainthood was opened in 2008. talks,’’ a statement released by Richard Jędrzejewski, pastor of the ministry affirmed. Assumption Church in Black Rock, BISHOP ZUBIK’S CHURCH “We call on the Palestinian Buffalo, N.Y., celebrating 40 years CLOSINGS CHALLENGED. Af- side ... to refrain from further at- as a priest. ter the RC Diocese of Pittsburgh tacks.’’ announced the closing of three Two young Palestinian men STO LAT TO ... Franciscan Sisters churches in parish mergers, parish- entered the house of worship, of St. Joseph on their installation in ioners from the former St. Anthony carrying guns and meat cleavers. the leadership team: Sr. Ann Marie Parish in Monongahela filed a -for Of the four murdered rabbis, Hudzina, Sr. Marcia Ann Fiutko, mal petition with the Vatican seek- three had joint U.S. citizenship, Sr. Sharon Goodremote, Sr. Mi- ing to reopen the church building. and one had dual British citizen- A Blessed and Joyous Holiday Season ship. Police stormed the synagogue, and a Year of Happiness and the two assailants were shot SUPPORT THE PAJ PRESS FUND and Peace to All dead. One officer died later from n 1978, a voluntary fund-raising campaign was launched by a group Wesołych Świąt injuries sustained in the clash. of loyal readers of the Polish American Journal entitled “We Love the Bożego Narodzenia! Israel’s prime minister, Bin- PAJ Press Fund” in order to help cover rising postage, material Gora Piesn yamin Netanyahu, said that Is- and production costs. Polska! rael would “settle the score with IDonations to the PAJ Press Fund are also used to support our reader CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION every terrorist,” adding that ‘’we services (postage, telephone, research, etc.), provide newsclippers with of the are in a battle over Jerusalem, stamps and envelopes, and cover extraordinary expenses in producing our eternal capital.” the paper. The Polish American Journal is not a profit-making ven- POLISH SINGERS ALLIANCE Poland has appealed for re- ture. Thanks to its dedicated staff, the PAJ is published­ as a “public straint on both sides. OF AMERICA “We trust that both parties in service” for American Polonia. Donations to the PAJ Press Fund will be acknowledged in the paper the conflict will make all neces- Mary Lou T. Wyrobek, President — Central Administration unless otherwise directed by the contributor. sary efforts to deescalate vio- Adrianne Kusmierczyk, President District IX lence,’’ Poland’s foreign ministry A sincere “THANK YOU” for your donations to the PAJ PRESS FUND: Izabella Kobus Salkin, General Choral Director stressed. In Memory of Irene Hudacki of Bayonne, N.J.; Anthony Grzebyk, Visit: www.polishsingersallianceofamerica.org — Polskie Radio Toms River, N.J.: Richard and Pearl Wilgosz, Hollywood, Fla.; Regina Wnukowski, Philadelphia; and two Friends of the PAJ. Dziękujemy wam wszystkim! The PAJ thanks all who donated to the Press Fund. MODLITWY

MAIL TO: PAJ PRESS FUND PUBLICATION OF PRAYERS. The Polish American Journal gladly accepts ST. JUDE NOVENA. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL prayers ads for publication. They must be received by the 10th of each loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart P.O. BOX 271, NORTH BOSTON, NY 14110-0271 month, prior to the month of publication, and must be pre-paid at the of Jesus have mercy on us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, cost of $15.00 each, which can be paid by check or charge. If you have any helper of the helpless, pray for us. Recite nine times a day. By the 8th day, I want to make sure the POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL continues its questions regarding this policy, please call 1 (800) 422-1275 or (716) 312- your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication service to American Polonia. Enclosed is my contribution of $______8088. Send to: Polish American Journal, P.O. Box 271, N. Boston, NY 14110. must be promised. Thank you St. Jude and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A.D. PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN. (Never Known To Fail). Oh, most beautiful PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN. (Never Known To Fail). Oh, most beautiful NAME flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, ADDRESS Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart and succor me in my necessity (make request). There are bottom of my heart and succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray CITY, STATE, ZIP for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary, I place this cause for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and in your hands (three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and Please [ ] include [ ] do not include my name in your list of contributors. then you must publish and it will be granted to you. With loving thanks, A.D. then you must publish and it will be granted to you. With loving thanks, W.S.L. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 13 PAJBOOKSTORE TO ORDER BY MAIL TO ORDER BY PHONE TO ORDER ON LINE: Use form on page 16 (800) 422-1275 • (716) 312-8088 polamjournal.com CHRISTMAS for all items on pages 13, 14, 15, and 16 MON.-FRI., 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. SECURE SERVER

OPLATEK Polish Christmas Wafers POLISH-ENGLISH CHRISTMAS CARDS KEEP THIS BEAUTIFUL CARDS BY STACEY OLEXY TRADITION ALIVE Description / explanation of each tradition depicted printed on back of card IN YOUR FAMILY! Practice the ancient Polish custom of sharing actualShown size 75¢ each the Christmas wafer with family and guests. 50 or Many people place a more piece of opłatek— a 50¢ each A MUST FOR YOUR thin wafer, made of flour and water—in CHRISTMAS TABLE Wesolych Swiat / 10-pack each Christmas cards to $6.00 family members and friends. Each Polish Christmas Wafer is Merry Christmas embossed with religious scene. Sticker Proceeds to benefi t Catho- CARD 305 CARD 306 SMALL (2 x 3½ in.) LARGE (6¼ x 3½ in.) lic Orphanage in Bialoleka, Jaselka characters: Angel, Goral and his dog beneath individual wafer Three white and one pink near Warsaw, Poland and Św. Mikołaj, and the Devil the Christmas Star w/glassine envelope oplatki. Comes with Polish American Journal 5/$3.00 decorative envelope Press Fund. 1” x 2”. 20 deco- (shown above) depicting IF ORDERING OPŁATEK rative stickers/stamps to a wigilia with history on ONLY, SHIPPING sheet. Perfect for presents, back CHARGE IS $3.00. Christmas cards, etc. 4 /$5.00 SEE FORM ON PAGE 14 $5.00 per sheet. Learn more about this tradition from our website: (If ordering stamps only, www.polamjournal.com shipping is $1.00 per Follow Library Holidays link to the Christmas Listings every four sheets). POLISH CHRISTMAS HANDPAINTED 3-DIMENSIONAL CAROLS AND MORE WOOD EASTER EGG BRASS POLISH EAGLE ON CLASSICAL ORNAMENT ORNAMENT GUITAR CD CARD 307 CARD 308 CARD 309 Holy Family and Angel Św. Mikołaj at Manager Angel blessing Wigilia

SAVE BIG ON OUR ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS CARDS! 50¢ each 50 or more - 30¢ each 10-pack - $4.00

Produced by the Polanie CARD 302 Society — $10.00 • Chica Noc Envelopes included with ALL card orders! CARD 304 • Dzisiaj w Betlejem • Do Szopy Hej Pasterze • Gdy sie Chrystus Rodzi Hand-decorated Designed to hand fl at iin • Lulajze Jezuniu Birchwood Polish a window or twisted into • Gdy Sliczna Panna Easter Egg a 3-dimensional orna- • Hej w Dzien Narodzenia $5.95 each ment as shown, it can be • Wsrod Nocnej Ciszy Imported from Poland twisted many times if • Pojdzmy Wszycy do Stajenki care if taken to reverse Styles vary. Will not • Oj Maluski the twists when closing. • Przybiezeli Do Betlejam ship identical eggs if $7.95 each • We Three Kings buying more than one. • What Child is This? Made in the United States. SOLD • O Come Emmanuel A great stocking-stuff er! Item 1-1501 OUT Item 1-1502 • The First Noel 3 1/2” high x 3” wide CARD 301 CARD 206 CARD 205 CARD 203 • Joy to the World POLISH VILLAGE KOLĘDY SING-ALONG CHRISTMAS CDs BOOK With Music and Lyrics VOLUME in Polish and English I or II — Published by the Fr. Justin Rosary Hour $12.00 Sing-along to 37 of the most popular each Polish Christmas Carols. This 90-page spiral-bound book contains the words and music plus English translations. Published in 2003, the book also contains a message CARD 202 CARD 201 CARD 103 CARD 102 from the Rosary Hour director, an explanation (in Polish and PREVIEW SAMPLES English) of Polish Carols by the late Msgr. John R. Gabalski CARD ASSORTMENT 1 CARD ASSORTMENT 2 ON OUR of St. Stanislaus Parish in Buff alo, N.Y., plus Pope John Paul II Five each cards 305, 306, 307, Two each cards 102, 103, 201, 202, 203, 205, 206, 301, WEBSITE words about the importance of koledy to the Polish nation. 308, and 309 (25 cards total) 302, and 304 plus extras. (24 cards total) plus extras Published at $7.00, available now for only $5.00 $11.95 + $5.00 s&h $9.95 + $4.00 s&h ($20.00 WITH S&H ($18.00 WITH S&H IF PURCHASED SEPARATELY) A POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE IF PURCHASED SEPARATELY) MORE BOOKS AND A POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT ITEMS ON FREE CHRISTMAS CARDS — SPECIAL FOR 2014! Give a gift subscription and get 10 Christmas Cards and envelopes shipped to you Traditions and Recipes, PAGES 14, 15, FREE. Random assortment unless otherwise specifi ed. See page 27! Decorations and Song AND 16 by Rev. Czesław Michal Krysa, S.L.D. Everything you need for Wigilia or Christmas Eve Vigil Supper! Bi- POLISH / ENGLISH lingual carols with musical notation, Wafer sharing messages, heritage CHRISTMAS WORDS MOLD. $8.95 photos, ornaments, and ritual decorations, the origins of Wigilia, po- 12-coin mold. Each coin is 1-inch across x 1/4” deep. etry, literature, etc. Includes Polish and English for : Merry Christmas, Christ- This book is a quick and easy reference, step-by-step guide and in- mas Eve, St. Nicholas, Christmas Tree, Manger, Star, Mid- night Mass, Wafer, Christmas Play, and more! ternational collection of folklore, stories, recipes, carols and decorations with never before Easy to use! To make with butter, simply coat the mold published photos and black and white illustrations, glossary, pronunciation guide, and a with vegetable oil (spray type works best), press in softened regional map of Poland. This is a wonderful book and a must for every Polish-American fam- butter, clamp halves together, place and refrigerator until ily. hardened and you’re done. For chocolate, just pour and 300 pp., sc., illustrated, 8.25 x 10.75. $26.95 let harden. It’s that easy! Clean with soap and warm water. 14 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 PAJBOOKSTORE TO ORDER BY MAIL TO ORDER BY PHONE TO ORDER ON LINE: AND Use form on page 16 (800) 422-1275 • (716) 312-8088 polamjournal.com BOOKS CARDS for all items on pages 13, 14, 15, and 16 MON.-FRI., 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. SECURE SERVER NEW! MEMORIES OF DZIADKA tions, acronyms, and proper nouns. gilia (Christmas Eve) nativity plays, car- BY WAY OF well-written book? Be Not Afraid is an Rural life in the Kingdom of Poland oling and the New Year celebrations. It HISTORY: introduction to the Polish non-violent 1880-1912 and Immigration to FINDING proceeds from the Shrovetide period A Soldier’s resistance movement, “Solidarity.” It America GRANDMA’S to Ash Wednesday, Lent, the celebra- Passage from involved ten million people over a by Stephen EUROPEAN tion of spring, Holy Week customs and Peace to War, period of ten years, freed Poland from Szabados ANCESTORS superstitions, beliefs and rituals associ- Glory to Despair Soviet domination, and contributed to $14.95 by Stephen ated with farming, Pentecost, Corpus by Lt. Col. J. the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. It pb. 134 pp. Szabados Christi, midsummer celebrations, har- Bokota, tr. by killed no one. 6 x 9 inches $14.95 vest festivities, wedding rites, name- Stan Bokota This book is 128 pp., pb. day celebrations, and birth and death $13.95, 174 pp. FOR LIBERTY about the life of a This is a “must rituals. Line illustrations enhance this Spiral bound, pb. AND JUSTICE: Polish immigrant, have” book to rich and varied treasury of folklore. An eyewitness account of World A Biography from his birth in fi nd your European ancestors. The au- War I and World War II events, last cav- of Brig. Gen. the Russian par- thor uses his experience to help you BOCHEK IN alry charges and the defeat of the Red Wlodzimierz B. tition of Poland: identify the available resources that POLAND Horse Army at Komarow in 1920, the Krzyzanowski, the customs and traditions he grew you can use to fi nd your own ances- $11.95 battle of Bzura and Warszawa in 1939; 1824-1887 up with; his decision to leave his fam- tors. The book includes many sample 54 pp., Polonie the AK struggles, fi nally description $29.95 ily and the land of his birth; the trek documents, current websites and Publishing of the moral and physical destruction by James Pula. across Poland to the port of Bremer- books that will be useful for your ge- A First Prize of Poland by the Soviet regime in the 335 pp. plus haven; his voyage across the North nealogical search. Even if you are not a winner in a lit- years 1945-70. The events so well de- introduction. 112 Atlantic Ocean; arrival in America; and beginner, this book will give you help- erary contest scribed, although interesting, are not illustrations, hc. 1978, 2010 his life in America. Through the story ful tips that may be the one you need sponsored by as fascinating as the man himself, who This lavishly illustrated biography of one man, you will learn and under- to locate that missing relative. the American comes through in these recollections. of a major Polish American fi gure of stand the hardships of a typical Polish Council of Polish Cultural Clubs, this the 19th century, tells the story of a immigrant in the early 1900s. POLISH is a delightful, captivat ing children’s TREASURED Polish revolutionary exiled to America GENEALOGY: story about the life of storks and many POLISH SONGS where he rises from private to general HITLER’S Four Easy Steps of the Polish customs they encounter. WITH ENGLISH during the Civil War. FURIES to Sucess Beautifully illus trated and educational, TRANSLATIONS German Women by Stephen it will be thoroughly enjoyed by adults $24.95 TRICK A in the Nazi Killing Szabados as well as children. 350 pp., hc WITCH, WED Fields $19.95 Polonie Publ. A HEDGEHOG, $21.95 164 pp., pb. FORGOTTEN A magnifi cent SAVE YOUR 288 pp., hc. This book is HOLOCAUST: collec tion of Pol- SOUL: An Wendy Low- designed to give The Poles ish songs with American Artist er’s stunning the researcher the tools needed to re- Under German musical scores for voice and piano ac- Encounters account of the search their Polish ancestors and fi nd Occupation, companiment. Included are folk songs, Poland by role of German possible answers to the origins of their 1939-45. Third lullabies, religious, art songs and bal- Darlene women on the Polish heritage. The book outlines a edition lads, solo and quartet arrangements Wesenberg Rzezotarski. Wecker Press, World War II Nazi eastern front power- simple process that will identify where $19.95 and more. Enhanced with colorful 2012. 88 pp., pb. $19.95 fully revises history, proving that we your ancestors were born and where 358 pp. pb. Werten illustra tions, the book features After the fall of Communism, Rzezo- have ignored the reality of women’s to fi nd their Polish records. Traditional Hippocrene authentic Pol ish lyrics with beautiful tarski’s husband had an amazing fi rst participation in the Holocaust, includ- sources are covered but it also discuss- Books. English translations. Ideal for both mu- meeting with Polish cousins, introduc- ing as brutal killers. The long-held pic- es many new sources for Polish records Forgotten Holocaust has become sician and appreciative listener alike. ing the couple to the rich world of Pol- ture of German women holding down that have been implemented by ge- a classic of World War II literature. As ish and familial history, so intertwined the home front during the war, as loyal nealogy societies in Poland. The book Norman Davies noted, “Dr. Richard Lu- BE NOT AFRAID as to become a microcosm. Rzezotar- wives and cheerleaders for the Führer, covers the most up-to-date collection kas has rendered a valuable service, by by Heather Kirk ski brings an outsider’s appreciation pales in comparison to Lower’s incisive of sources for Polish genealogy. showing that no one can properly ana- $19.95 and an artist’s intuition through tales case for the massive complicity, and lyze the fate of one ethnic community Borealis Press, of family, of national identity, and of worse, of the 500,000 young German POLAND: A in occupied Poland without referring 276 pp., pb. the enchanted world of fairy tale and women she places, for the fi rst time, HISTORY to the fates of others. In this sense, The Want to learn myth. Profusely illustrated in color. directly in the killing fi elds of the ex- by Adam Forgotten Holocaust is a powerful cor- something about panding Reich. Zamoyski rective.” The third edition includes a Poland and the MORE BOOKS AND GIFT ITEMS “A fascinating look into how wom- $19.95 new preface by the author, a new fore- movement that ON-LINE AT en played roles in the Nazi Holocaust, pb. 426 pp. 5.5 in. word by Norman Davies, a short his- started the end polamjournal.com this study reminds us that women’s x 8.5 in. tory of ZEGOTA, the underground gov- of the Cold War in an easy-to-read, moral agency can serve good—and A substan- ernment organization working to save evil.” John Grondelski, Polish American tially revised and the Jews, and an annotated listing of Journal, January 2014. updated edition many Poles executed by the Germans BY FLORENCE WASKIELEWICZ CLOWES of the author’s for trying to shelter and save Jews. LAROUSSE POCKET POLISH- classic 1987 book, The Polish Way: A POLISH FOLK LEGENDS — $14.95 ENGLISH/ENGLISH-POLISH Thousand-Year History of the Poles and THE KATYN In– nity Pub., 2010, 208 pp, pb. DICTIONARY their Culture, which has been out of ORDER Forty legends collected in Poland or researched in by Larousse print since 2001. No nation’s history by Douglas W. many books and periodi cals, including Poland’s fi rst Published at has been so distorted as that of Poland. Jacobson written history by Muenster in 895 that states King Pop- $6.95 “..excellent and authoritative” ... “fresh, $24.95 iel reigned in Polonia 246 years before Christ. PAJ Bookstore diff erent, and brilliantly readable” 384 pp. hc., OLD SECRETS NEVER DIE — A Bashia Gordon Price: $5.50 McBooks Press Mystery — $8.95 / with Lois J. Blackburn In– nity 608 pp. pb. POLISH A m e r i c a n Publishing, 2007, 220 pp, pb. For anyone CUSTOMS, Adam Nowak has Bashia Gordon, semi-retired interior decorator and speaking, read- TRADITIONS & been dropped amateur sleuth, is at it again. When she learns her friend ing, or studying, FOLKLORE into Poland by Connecticut State Trooper Mark Jankowski, is investigating the death of one the Larousse $16.95 British intelligence as an assassin and of her clients, Gladys Goodell, her curiosity takes over. Soon a mummifi ed Pocket Diction- by Sophie Resistance fi ghter. During the Warsaw baby is found in the old Goodell home. None of the Goodell sisters ever mar- ary is the ideal Hodorowicz Uprising he meets Natalia, a covert ried. Whose baby could this be? dictionary for everyday use. With its Knab operative who has lost everything. handy, portable, paperback format, 340 pp., pb. Amid the Allied power struggle left by BONES IN THE BACKYARD — A Bashia Gordon Mystery —$8.95 great price and clear, easy-to-use lay- Hippocrene Germany’s defeat, Adam and Natalia with Lois J. Blackburn In– nity Publishing / 2001, 198 pp, pb. out it’s fi lled with up-to-date vocabu- Books join in a desperate hunt for the 1940 In the quiet corner of northeastern Connecticut, semi-retired interior dec- lary in all subject areas. Polish Cus- Soviet order authorizing the murders orator, Bashia Gordon, turns amateur sleuth when she and her Peace Corps 55,000 words and phrases and toms, Traditions, & Folklore is organized of 20,000 Polish army offi cers and civil- friend, Dottie Weeks, uncover a fragmented skeleton in a septic tank. How did more than 80,000 translations; hun- by month, beginning with December ians. it get there? Who is it? Could the bones be the wealthy eccentric who disap- dreds of usage examples; abbrevia- and Advent, St. Nicholas Day, the Wi- peared years ago? A HISTORY OF POLISH AMERICANS IN PITTSFIELD, MASS., 1862-1945 $8.95 Palmetto Press 2004. 152 pp., 5.5” x 8.25,” photographs, pb. JAMES MARTIN TRILOGY Using church records, organization brochures and oral histories, the au- thor has compiled a valued history of the Polish community in Pittsfi eld, PUSH NOT AGAINST A THE WARSAW originally formed when nineteenth and twentieth century Polish immigrants THE RIVER CRIMSON SKY CONSPIRACY came to the area seeking work in the wool mills. $15.95 $15.95 Hussar Quill St. Martin’s St. Martin’s 369 Press, 508 pp., Press. 496 pp.pb. Map pb. pp.pb. Maps & wycinanki $17.99 & wycinanki illust. Reading Po r t ray i n g BIRTHDAY CARD BLOWOUT! illust. Reading Group Guide two brothers in CARD 400 (“Sto lat” Group Guide “You don’t love and war, - left). 4¼¨x5½¨ with en- This book have to read The Warsaw velope Full color. Polish club favorite is Push Not the Conspiracy com- based on the River to get pletes the trilo- and English greeting real diary of a Polish countess who the most from this sequel,” says Su- gy. You need not have read the others inside. lived through the rise and fall of the zanne Strempek Shea. The award- to enjoy this family saga set against Third of May Constitution years, a winning author picks up where Push the November Rising (1830-1831). CARD 401 (“Candles” time of great turmoil. Vivid, romantic, Not the River leaves off , tak ing the With Siberia or emigration heart- - right) 5½¨x4¼¨ with envelope with and thrillingly paced, the novel has characters 20 years into the fascinat- rending contingencies, matriarchs Polish and English greeting inside been called “Poland’s Gone with the ing Napoléonic era, highlighting the Anna and Zofi a attempt to steer the Wind.” exploits of the glorious Polish lancers. clan through ever-muddying waters. An ideal “money card” for birthdays! PAJ BOOKSTORE TRILOGY PACKAGE. Purchase all three of James Conroyd If purchased separately: ...... $49.89 $.50 each — 10 or more cards: $.30 each Martin’s award-winning novels in a package and save almost $10.00! PAJ Bookstore Trilogy Price: $39.95 S&H: 1-5 cards: $1.00 — 6-10 cards: $2.00 — 11 + cards: $4.00 POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 15 PAJBOOKSTORE TO ORDER BY MAIL TO ORDER BY PHONE TO ORDER ON LINE: Use form on page 16 (800) 422-1275 • (716) 312-8088 polamjournal.com IMPORTS for all items on pages 13, 14, 15, and 16 MON.-FRI., 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. SECURE SERVER Ornaments Great Gift Ideas Featured Item! Poland Coat-of-Arms Brass Door Knocker As the focal point of the entry way, the first thing a guest of your house will see is your front door. What better way to demonstrate your Polish household heritage, and welcome your guests, than with an attractively crafted brass doorknocker of the National Coat of Arms of Poland? Made in limited quantities, this ornately detailed functional brass doorknocker is hand-molded with precision by an accomplished metal smith.

A B C D E F G H Includes a reversible brass plate that has the Polish greeting “Witamy” on one side, Handblown Glass Folk Ornaments - $39.95 each and “Welcome” on the other so you can Dressed in traditional folk garments from different Polish regions. Measures 5.5”H decide for yourself which greeting you want A. Cracovian Male - #570502 E. Lowicz Male - #570513 to display on your brass doorknocker. B. Cracovian Female - #570503 F. Lowicz Female - #570514 C. Highlander Male - #570511 G. Kashubian Male - #570515 Measures 4.25” W. x 10” H. D. Highlander Female - #570512 H. Kashubian Female - #570516 Mounting screws are included. #435909 - $199.95

Christmas Carols on CD “It Takes Two To Tango” Mazowsze Harfa Mens Short Sleeve Tee Ensemble on Choir - Printed using Direct To Garment CD- Kolędy Najpiękniejsze “green ink” technology. This technology lowers environmental Polskie Kolędy Polskie carbon impact while printing These 18 Polish 19 of the most well on 90-100% cotton fabric. known Christmas Christmas songs Carols performed by were preformed Poland’s most popular folk music group by the Harfa Men’s Choir directed by Available Colors: Songs include: Bóg się rodzi, Gdy się Jan Węcowski. Recorded in the PWSM Chrystus rodzi, Wśród nocnej ciszy, Concert Hall in Warsaw, February 1997. Pójdźmy wszyscy do stajenki, Jezus Songs include: Wśród nocnej ciszy, Dzisiaj white, ash, red, navy, green, black, brown, sand, malusieńki, Dzisiaj w Betlejem, & more. w Betlejem, Gdy się Chrystus rodzi, & more charcoal #MAZCD003 - $24.95 #MTJ10046 - $19.95 #9311USS Bayer Full - Ida Piech & Sinski- Small - XL: $19.95 XXL: $21.95 Swieta, The Wesolych XXXL: $22.95 Holidays Are Swiat koledy Coming tradycyjne 9 Polish Carols 12 Traditional Cookbook - performed by Polish Christmas Polish Culinary the Bayer Full Carols performed group. Songs by Anna Piech & Włodzimierz Siński. Delights include: Świąteczny remix, Idą Święta, Songs Include: Anioł pasterzom By Ania Zaremba Wspaniała matko, Zimowa miłość, & more mówił, Cicha noc & more. Polish Culinary #GM16021 - $19.95 #NSM011 - $19.95 Delights was written to bring authentic Polish recipes of the past few Christmas Greeting Cards generations to the Each set of cards displays a Polish sentiment on the inside. Designs vary, North American so you may not get exactly what is shown. Envelopes included. kitchen. Besides finding the usual “traditional Polish” fare, this book includes unique recipes created by Ania and others in her family. Soft Cover. Measures 6.5” x 9.25”. 224 pages. English Language version. #BK2572 - $24.95

Clear Crystal Eagle Polish Eagle Spatula Candy Jar This heavy-duty stainless steel grilling The upper part of the eagle utensil, features a laser-cut image of the is a lid while the lower half national emblem of Poland. It also has is the container. 24% Lead a bottle opener at the top of the hard Crystal, Measures 9.25” H. maple wooden handle and the Polish Religious Christmas Cards, Set of 5 Cards with 3-D pop- Made in Poland word “Smacznego” in the center. Cards Measure: 4.7” x 6.5” up pictures, Set of 2 #670201 - $49.95 18.5” x 4” x 1”. Made in the USA #PCS722 - $13.95 #PCS703 - $11.95 #SP100 - $29.95 Christmas Butter Mold Christmas Books Polish Holidays: Polish Carols Foldable Christmas An Introduction Songbook with Square This handy CD This beautiful mold features introductory guide Holding on to the popular Christmas motifs on to Polish holidays beautiful tradition each side: a Christmas tree, provides factual of singing Polish a shooting star, a candle with information in an Christmas carols, holly, and a fish. Measures easy to digest packet. we give you a large 2.7” L x 2.7” W x 2.8” H Contained within is collection of the #KOR110 - $49.95 information, recipes, most beautiful Polish and/or songs for the carols. You will find in Harvest Festival, it lyrics and musical notes to 51 compositions. All Saints’ Day, St. Nicholas’ Day, Christmas Songs include: Wśród nocnej ciszy, Dzisiaj Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Three w Betlejem, Gdy się Chrystus rodzi, W żłobie Kings, Carnival, Fat Thursday, and Easter. leży, Anioł pasterzom mówił, Bracia patrzcie SoftCover. 8.5” x 5.5”, 28 pages. English. jeno, Hej, w dzień Narodzenia, & more. #BK2573 - $9.95 #BK2706 - $19.95 16 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 PAJBOOKSTORE TO ORDER BY MAIL TO ORDER BY PHONE TO ORDER ON LINE: Use form below (800) 422-1275 • (716) 312-8088 polamjournal.com KITCHEN for all items on pages 13, 14, 15, and 16 MON.-FRI., 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. SECURE SERVER traditional roots. Each of the forty-fi ve THE POLISH COOKBOOKS desserts are tested to perfection and COUNTRY APRONS HANDTOWELS paired with mouthwatering photo- KITCHEN THE ART graphs and notes on Polish history and COOKBOOK $20.00 each plus $5.95 s&h $8.50 each plus OF POLISH customs. $16.95. by So- Proclaim your Polish heritage with $5.95 s&h COOKING phie Knab. this lovely restaurant-style apron. H a n g i n g By Alina POLISH 337 pp., pb., Ill. 100% Cotton Apron featuring two towels. Machine Zeranska CLASSIC This popular generous pockets. Quality red cloth embroidered de- Pub. at $22.95 RECIPES cookbook by with machine-embroidered lettering signs. Useful and PAJ Bookstore $16.95 beloved Polish and design. One size fi ts all! attractive. Red Price: $17.95 by Laura and Pe- American au- with white towel WESOLYCH Ethnic / Polish ter Zeranski thor Sophie Hodorowicz Knab is now (cloth may vary). SWIAT (Merry 384 pp. 8 1/4 x 2011, 96 pp., h.c., updated with a new section on Polish Christmas) index, 100 color Feasts and Festivals! Knab combines WITH TREE 5 1/2 2-270 12 b/w illus. Index 2nd ptg. photographs by Matthew Aron Roth recipes for favorite Polish foods with Designed for the modern kitchen the history and cultural traditions that Reissued by Pelican Publ., The Art of ALSO AVAILABLE Polish Cooking, contains 500 authentic yet retaining traditional roots, each created them. Arranged according to (not shown) recipes, complete with recipes for hors heritage recipe in Polish Classic Recipes the cycle of seasons, this cookbook WESOLYCH d’oeuvres, soups, entrees, vegetables, has been tested to perfection. Accom- explores life in the Polish countryside WESOLYCH SWIAT / Tree SWIAT (Merry pastries, desserts, and beverages. Spe- panied by notes on Polish holiday cus- through the year, giving readers price- (Merry Christmas in Polish) 2-269 Christmas) cial holiday menus are also presented, toms, history, and menu pairing sug- less historical information to common POLISH CHEF WITH ST. NICK along with charming descriptions of gestions, these dishes off er a fl avorful questions asked by descendants of 2-211 2-273 traditional Polish feasts and celebra- sample of the Polish dining experi- Polish immigrants. Lovely illustrations tions. Author Alina Zeranska provides ence, as passed down from generation by Elliott Hutten and pearls of practi- easy-to-follow recipes for favorites like to generation. cal wisdom from the old Polish kitchen marvelously complement this book. Cabbage Rolls, Chicken in Dill Sauce, POLISH This title includes over 100 easy-to- Meat Pierogis, and Fruit Mazurka. CHICAGO: follow recipes, and a detailed bibliog- Zeranska has translated these Polish OUR HISTORY, raphy and resource guide. WESOLYCH SWIAT / St. Nicholas recipes perfectly using exact American OUR RECIPES (Merry Christmas in Polish) 2-272 measurements. $29.95 POLISH PIEROGI: From the Old by Joseph W. POLISH CHICK CIOCIA’S Country to the Old Neighborhood POLISH Zurawski 2-213 KITCHEN 2-228 $10.00 by Eva Gerwecki, 48 pp., sc. HERITAGE 240 pp., hc., 720 photographs A collection of COOKERY G. Bradley Publishing “secret” recipes, by Robert Strybel Since the 1830s millions of Poles tips, and more for $49.95 have come to Chicago. This work re- not only fi llings POLISH CHEF I LOVE PIEROGI h.c. 900 p.m. counts by vivid prose, rare photo- and toppings, 2-220 2-225 7.25 x 9.50 in. graphs and poignant anecdote the but a variety of Expanded amazing story of these indomitable dough recipes Edition, ill. people. The volume turns a spotlight as well. Over 150 and full color on 36 Polish American restaurants and I LOVE KIELBASA I LOVE PIEROGI recipes with re- photographs families who opened up their kitchens 2-212 2-210 gional variations, “Polish Heritage Cookery is the best to share time-tested, delectable Polish from California to Polish cookbook printed in English on recipes. the market. ” — Polish Cultural News New York! WHO STOLE THE CIOCIA’S KISZKA? 2-201 KITCHEN 2-202 A perennial bestseller, Polish Heri- POLISH THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD tage Cookery is the most extensive HOLIDAY POLISH COOKBOOK: and varied Polish cookbook ever pub- COOKERY Hamtramck, Detroit and Beyond — lished. More than 2,200 recipes use $24.95 $10.00 by Elna Lavine, 44 pp., sc. easily available American ingredients by Robert Strybel 96 recipes from the famed Polo- and measurements. Modern Polish 248 pp., hc. I LOVE KISZKA I LOVE POLISH nia of Detroit. Breakfast, lunch, dinner 2-226 MUSIC 2-227 cuisine is a blend of hearty peasant Hippocrene Bks. pastries, pierogi, kluski, cream chipped dishes and more elegant gourmet fare, Polish Holi- POLISH CHICK I LOVE CZARNINA beef, soups, desserts and more. incorporating a broad cross-section of day Cookery ac- 2-224 2-223 cultural infl uences. The book includes quaints readers POLISH GIRL COOKBOOK numerous cultural notes, historical with traditional $10.00 by Eva Gerweck, 44 pp., sc. accounts of Polish culinary traditions, Polish foods as- Another cookbook full of recipes and descriptive line drawings. Its ex- sociated with various occasions and from Detroit’s Old Polish neighbor- panded edition includes information furnishes countless cooking tips and hoods. Appetizers, entrees, breads, on Polish products available in the serving suggestions. This “instruction desserts, and more! Upper Peninsula I LOVE CZARNINA - 2-229 United States, such as plum butter, manual for the culturally aware Polish style pastries, potato salad, pastries, DRINKING TEAM FOREVER POLISH Top of “I Love Czarnina” towel honey mushrooms, and kielbasa, and American” off ers more than 400 reci- babka, breads, and more. 2-271 2-222 features yellow duckies. their culinary uses. pes, along with a lexicon of basic foods and culinary concepts, ingredients POLISH RESTAURANT POLISH and procedures, and sample menus. COOKBOOK $10.00 GLOSS-COATED POLISH RECIPE CARDS CLASSIC The clearly-written recipes facilitate DESSERTS by Jonathan Becklar, 44 pp., sc. the preparation of the dishes and their $5.00. by Polanie Publishing. $16.95 This unique cookbook actually rep- incorporation in the Polish American Twelve of the most popular By Laura and licates recipes taken from menus of mainstream culture. and treasured recipes, in cluding Peter Zeranski Motor City and surrounding area res- Polish Holiday Cookery covers holi- Cabbage Rolls, Turkey Cutlets with 2013. 96 pp. 8½ taurants. It shows you how to make an days such as Christmas and Easter, as Mush room Sauce, Baked Apples in x 8½. Index. 100 entire menu right in your kitchen that well as celebrations year-round. Ideas Red Wine and more. color photos tastes and smells just like the restau- for banquets, picnics, dinners, and Handy for your recipe box — Organized by type and with titles in rant. Soups, salads, dressings, sand- family favorites abound throughout, perfect as party favors or hostess both Polish and English. From mazur- wiches, stuff ed cabbage, and more. ensuring that cooks have a selection of gifts, and — as a stocking stuff er kas and babas to pastries and bever- dishes for any occasion. — an ideal way to introduce Polish ages, these recipes are designed for VISIT OUR WEB SITE FOR cooking to family and friends! the modern kitchen but retain their INTERNATIONAL COOKBOOKS! ORDER FORM USE THIS FORM FOR ALL ITEMS ON THIS PAGE and PAGES 13, 14, and 15

ITEM / TITLE PAGE # PRICE QNTY. TOTAL QUESTIONS [ ] CHECK or M.O. ENCLOSED ABOUT CHARGE TO MY: [ ] AMEX [ ] DISC [ ] MC [ ] VISA YOUR ORDER? Call 1 (800) CARD NO. 422-1275 EXP. DATE SECURITY CODE MON.-FRI. 8:00 a.m. DAYTIME PHONE ( ) -9:00 p.m.

Send to: POL-AM JOURNAL, P.O. BOX 271, N. BOSTON, NY 14110

PRINT CLEARLY OR ATTACH ADDRESS LABEL. THIS IS YOUR SHIPPING LABEL. From: POL-AM JOURNAL SHIPPING: SHIPPING: SUBTOTAL (all boxes)  P.O. BOX 271, NORTH BOSTON, NY 14110-0271 $.001-$20.00 ...... $6.95 CHRISTMAS CARDS $20.01-$35.00 ...... $8.95 ONLY NY residents - add sales tax  $35.01-$65.00 ...... $9.95 1-5 cards ...... $3.00 To: NAME $65.01-$95.00 ...... $12.95 6-10 cards ...... $4.00 S&H (See charts at left) $95.01-$125.00 ...... $14.95 11-25 cards ...... $5.00 ADDRESS APT. $125.01-$200.00 ..$18.95 25-49 cards ...... $6.00 TOTAL TO SUBMIT TO PAJ  Over $200.00 ...... Call 50 or more cards ...... $7.00 CITY SHIPPING: OPLATKI (Wafers) ONLY PLEASE NOTE: Items may be delivered in two STATE ZIP 1-5 packages ...... $3.00 or more shipments. You will not be charged for 6-10 packages: $6.00 — 11-15 packages: $9.00 etc. separate packages. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 17

HAPPENINGS: CHICAGO STYLE / Geraldine Balut Coleman “Forbidden Art” at PMA CHICAGO — at North Carolina Federal Credit Union, as its master On October 19, State University. of ceremonies. 2014, well over The Legion of 100 guests at- Young Polish PMA ANNOUNCES NEW OFFI- tended The Pol- Women and the CERS. On October 29, 2014, The ish Museum of University Li- Polish Museum of America held its America (PMA) braries of Loyola 2015 board elections. Elected to the opening of per- University Chi- following offi ces were: president- haps its most sig- cago provided Richard Owsiany, vce-presidents- nifi cant exhibit, funding. Andy Pawlowski and Paul Odro- Forbidden Art, The Legion bina, treasurer-Maria Ciesla, and an exhibition fea- was thrilled and recording secretary-Victoria Gra- turing reproduc- excited to have nacki. New board members include tions of World (l. to r.): Maria Ciesla, Robert Rusiecki, Jan Krawiec, PAST PRESIDENTS HONORED (l. to r.): Theresa its history made John J. Chitkowski, Robert Gro- War II concen- Stanley Łyskanowski, and Małgorzata Kot. Sinkowski, Barbara Ciepiela, Mary Anselmo, Lucie available for all szek, and James Robaczewski. All tration camp art. centration camps. Bucki, Maria Chudzinski (seated), Maria Ciesla, Shirley to visit and to will take offi ce on January 28, 2015. From over 2,000 pieces of such Dudzinski, and Lucille Gutowski. be linked to the LYPW’S NEW OFFICERS. Con- artwork, these 20 were chosen to Eisenhower Presidential Museum WLA via www. gratulations are in order for the show, not only the horrors of con- (Abilene, Kansas), and the Univer- lib.luc.edu/specialcollections/ex- 2014 - 2015 offi cers of the Legion centration camp life, but also the sity of Wisconsin (Madison). The hibits/show/lypw. The LYPW also of Young Polish Women. At its an- emotional and idealized visions of exhibit remains at the PMA until reminded everyone that the 2015 nual meeting on October 21, the fol- the prisoners. In some cases, the January 11, 2015. From then, it will White and Red Ball will be held lowing Legion members were elect- art was, perhaps, a way for prison- most likely move to the United Na- on March 7, 2015, at the Chicago ed: president-Mary Anselmo, 1st ers to hold onto their sanity and tions in New York. Hilton, with Bogdan Chmielewski, vice president-Bozenna Haszlakie- their humanity. The names of sev- president of the Polish & Slavic wicz, 2nd vice en of the artists are unknown, for, 75 YEARS OF SERVICE AND president-Kathy as concentration camp prisoners, PHILANTHROPY PERMANENT- Boyle, treasur- producing art could put their lives LY ARCHIVED. This past Octo- er-Kathy Le- in jeopardy. Some of the artists ber 5, the Legion of Young Polish sny, recording whose identities are known include Women (Legion Młodych Polek) secretary-Kinga Franciszek Jaźwiecki, Halina (LYPW) celebrated its 75th an- Rzyska, fi nancial Ołomucka, Kazimierz Tymiński, niversary of philanthropy and ser- secretary-Ann Maria Hiszpańska, Zofi a Stępień, vice to the Polish community in the Nannini, English and Josef Sapcaru. Because the United States and aboard, and was corresponding originals are very fragile, the draw- offi cially inaugurated into Loyola secretary-Cathy Maria Hiszpańska, Women with ings and paintings in this exhibit are University Chicago’s Women and Domagalski, Pol- Wheelbarrows, Ravensbrück, 1943. reproductions. However, the three- Leadership Archives (WLA). The ish corresponding dimensional works are originals. Legion’s historical materials are secretary-Ewa Just to be able to collect art sup- the second largest collection in the Inglot, historian- plies was a miracle in itself, since WLA. This celebration was held on NEW LEGION LEADERSHIP. (l. to r.): Maria Sniegzek, Christina Jasin- art materials were virtually nonex- the top fl oor of Loyola University Ewa Inglot, Kathy Boyle, Mary Sendra Anselmo, Bo- ski, and directors- istent. Some artists were able to get Chicago’s Klarchek Information zenna Haszlakiewicz, Kinga Rzyska, Cathy Domagal- Maria Smiezek paper from “good kommandos.” Commons Building overlooking ski, Christina Jasinski, Kathy Lesny, Marianne Kobos and Marianne Cigarette papers were used. In one Lake Michigan. Kozelka, and Theresa Sinkowski, Nomination Chair. Kobos Kozelka. case, an artist used a sharpened nail Established in 1994, the WLA to carve a statue. collects, preserves, and provides Ministry Hosts Innovation Week Kazimierz Tymiński, A Diary of a Honored guests at the opening materials of enduring value to re- Prisoner, Buchenwald, 1943-45. were Jan F. Krawiec, Auschwitz- searchers studying women’s contri- LOS ANGELES — On Nov. 16- Environment). Birkenau and Buchenwald concen- butions to society. The WLA pos- 21, 2014, the Ministry of Foreign The project is aimed at sharing Małgorzata Kot, PMA managing tration camp survivor, former editor- sesses the records of many women’s Affairs hosted the Polish-Ameri- Polish achievements and innova- director, and Maria Ciesla, presi- in-chief of the Polish Daily News, organizations, mainly from Chicago can Innovation Week (PAIW). The tions in the area of information dent of the PMA, welcomed guests Dziennik Zwiazkowy, and a frequent and the Midwest. Now, the phil- event was organized in cooperation technology, clean tech, fi nancial ser- and remarks were given by the Hon- speaker at the Illinois Holocaust anthropic and social history of the with a group of Polish institutional vices, life science and health. orable Robert Rusiecki, Poland’s Museum & Educational Center; Legion of Young Polish Women has partners (Ministry of Science and The conference was one of the deputy consul general in Chicago; Stanley (Stanisław) Łyskanowski, been added to its collection. Higher Education, National Re- fi rst events organized under the Joseph A. Drobot, Jr., PMA chair- Auschwitz and Mauthausen-Gusen A recent exhibit traced the Le- search and Development Center, Polish-US Innovation Program that man of the board and president of concentration camp survivor and gion of Young Polish Women’s his- Polish Agency for Enterprise De- Polish and U.S. governments signed the Polish Roman Catholic Union of retired electronic engineer; Jacek tory through three thematic sections velopment, Polish Patent Offi ce, in June 2014 to foster R&D coop- America; and Marcin Chumięcki, Nowakowski, former managing di- that explore the Legion’s founding Ministry of Economy, Ministry of eration between the two countries. director of The Polish Mission of rector of the PMA and senior curator and early years (1939-1950), the Orchard Lake Schools in Michigan. for research and acquisitions at the organization’s activities and causes, POLISH LEGION OF AMERICAN VETERANS This exhibit was conceived by United States Holocaust Memorial and its iconic events. Using audio PLAV AN AMERICAN VETERANS ORGANIZATION Piotr Cywiński, director of the Aus- Museum; and Vincent Slatt, refer- and video interviews, the fourth and chwitz-Birkenau State Museum, and ence librarian of the United States fi nal section explores how the Le- Open to all Honorably Discharged American Veterans Marcin Chumięcki. Elżbieta Cajz- Holocaust Memorial Museum. gion has continued to remain a vital Organized in 1920 to serve American Veterans of Polish Descent er, head of the Auschwitz-Birkenau For the past three years, this ex- part of Chicago’s Polish American Chartered by and Act of Congress collections department, created and hibit has been touring the United community and what the Legion organized it. The exhibit offers the States. It has been exhibited at means to its members. Members and Posts in 14 States with large membership in many viewer 20 drawings, paintings, and The Polish Mission, Wayne State Historian Laura Pearce cre- more. Contact Deputy Membership Director Fred Thomas sculptures created by Jewish and University (Detroit), Northeastern ated the exhibit with support and on how you can become part of the larg- Christian concentration camp pris- Illinois University, Temple Beth additional assistance from Kahlee est ethnic veterans organiztion in the United oners of the Auschwitz-Birkenau, Sholom (Las Vegas), Park East Syn- Leingang, a graduate student in States or how to form a Post in your area. Buchenwald, and Ravensbrück con- agogue (Manhattan, New York), the Public History and Library Science Visit the National website www.plav.org The PLAV, USA is among the leaders Senator McCain Receives Spirit of Jan Karski Award in service to the veteran and family. NEW YORK — The Jan Kar- Cain’s leadership and lifetime of ski Educational Foundation chose achievements on behalf of human- Senator John McCain (right) as ity — in the spirit of Jan Karski.” POLISH AMERICAN the 2014 recipient of the Spirit of The award was presented No- Jan Karski Award. vember 20 at the annual foundation CULTURAL CENTER This award —the foundation’s gala event at the Polish Consulate highest honor — is presented an- in New York City. 308 WALNUT STREET nually to an individual who has The mission of the Foundation PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 distinguished himself in defending is to instill in the people of the human rights, speaking out against United States — and especially its (215) 922-1700 aggression, and on behalf of the youth —the values of leadership, When You’re in Philadelphia’s Historic integrity of ethnic and religious courage, integrity and humanitar- District, Visit The Polish American groups and sovereign nations. ian action, as exemplifi ed by the Cultural Center Museum Exhibit Hall “The Board of Directors of the life of Jan Karski. Featuring Polish History and Culture Jan Karski Educational Founda- Previous award recipients have OPEN 10:00 a.m. TO 4:00 p.m. • FREE ADMISSION tion voted unanimously to honor included Samantha Power, U.S. January through April • Monday to Friday Senator McCain for his courageous Permanent Representative to the May through December • Monday to Saturday leadership and willingness to speak Rojek, chairman of the board of United Nations, and Polish Consul Gift Shop is Open During Regular Exhibit Hall Hours truth to power about international directors of the Foundation. “This General in New York Ewa Junc- Closed on Holidays acts of aggression,” said Andrzej award recognizes Senator Mc- zyk-Ziomecka. Visit Us on the Internet: www.polishamericancenter.org 18 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014

POLONIA OF THE EASTERN GREAT LAKES / Michael Pietruszka Polish Americans Fare Well in New York Elections BUFFALO, N.Y. — WNY’s Po- Cheektowaga. Cassidie Pasek was took place at St. Casimir Church, critic and director of the Film Fes- WNY’s Polonia in Buffalo’s His- lonia was rather successful in the selected as Princess Pulaski, and Nov. 2. A dinner dance at the Mil- tival in Gdynia, were interviewed toric Polonia District,, Dec. 7th ... November 4 elections. WNY native Maya Karmilowicz will serve as lennium Hotel in Cheektowaga on Rochester’s Fox affi liate Chan- The Professional & Businessmen’s Kathy Hochul, wife of U.S. Attor- Countess Pulaski ... Polish fi lms followed the concert ... The Sarah nel 7 as part of the Rochester Pol- Association will hold its Christmas ney William Hochul, was elected fi lled the screens of theaters across and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust ish Film Festival ... Also on the Party and Elections at Rizotto Ris- Lieutenant Governor of the State of WNY and Southern Ontario as part Education Centre of the UJA Fed- 6th, the newly reconstructed cupola torante in Williamsville, Dec. 8th ... New York. Donna Siwek and Paul of the Polish Film Festivals held in eration of Greater Toronto observed was returned to the top of the north The Polish Arts Club of Buffalo Wojtaszek were elected to 14 year Buffalo by the Permanent Chair of “Holocaust Education Week” with a tower of Buffalo’s Corpus Christi will vote on bylaw changes at its terms in the NYS Supreme Court in Polish Culture at Canisius College, variety of events from November 2 Church ... WNY Polish veterans Annual Meeting at the Harlem Road the Eighth Judicial District. Cheek- Rochester by the Skalny Center for through 9. The events included the marked Polish Independence Day Community Center in Amherst, towaga Council Member Angela Polish and Central European Stud- exhibition “The World Knew: Jan at St. Stanislaus Church, Nov. 8. Dec. 10th ... The Polish Heritage Wozniak was successful in her run ies at the University of Rochester, Karski’s Mission for Humanity” The WNY Division of the Pol- Society of Rochester will hold its for the 143rd District NYS Assem- and Toronto by Ekran during No- ... On the 3rd, the Polish Heritage ish American Congress hosted its “Wigilia” in the Cleary Auditorium bly seat. Erie County Family Court vember ... The Polish Legacy Proj- Society of Rochester presented 1st Annual “Zupapalooza: Polish of St. John Fisher College, and the Judge Margaret Szczur was re- ect of Buffalo, Corpus Christi Choir “Rock-n-Roll and the Cold War in Soup Festival” at the Pvt. Leonard Buffalo Polka Boosters will hold elected for another term. and Polish Genealogical Society of Central and Eastern Europe” by Dr. VFW Post in Cheektowaga. their Christmas Party,, Dec. 13th On the local level, Christine Ad- NYS marked “Polish Ancestors’ Tamas Stark and Zbigniew Granat ... Forgotten Buffalo will offer its amczyk was elected to the Cheek- Day” at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in at Nazareth College. UPCOMING. Our Lady of Czesto- “Polish Tavern Christmas” tour, towaga Town Council and former Cheektowaga with a Mass celebrat- The Skalny Center for Polish chowa Parish in North Tonawanda Dec. 19th and 20th ... The Syra- Erie County Executive Dennis ed by Rev. Czeslaw Krysa, Nov. 1 ... and Central European Studies of the will host its 25th annual “Wigilia,” cuse Polish Home’s “Oplatek” is Gorski was successful in his bid Also on the 1st, the Adam Mickie- University of Rochester presented and the Pulaski Police Association scheduled for December 29th ... to sit on the Cheektowaga Town wicz Library and Dramatic Circle Professor Andrzej Mania, Vice- of Buffalo and WNY will hold its The Polka Country Musicians and Justice Court. John Jendrowski performed part of Mickiewicz’s Rector of the Jagiellonian Univer- Christmas Party and Installation of Special Delivery will perform at the was elected to the Newstead Town “Forefathers’ Eve,” a celebration sity, on “European Security from Offi cers at the Polish Falcons Hall “Polka New Year’s Eve at the Mil- Council and Edmund Maziarz, Jr. of “Dzien Zaduszny,” at its Historic the Polish Perspective in 2014” in Depew, Dec. 6 ... The Chopin lennium Hotel” in Cheektowaga on took the Town of Pendleton Justice Polonia District clubrooms; and St. as part of its Watson Seminar Se- Singing Society “Wigilia” will take the 31st of December ... The “God Court seat. Casimir Parish in Buffalo’s Kaiser- ries, Nov. 4 ... The Association of place at the Millennium Hotel in is Born, Bog Sie Rodzi” Christmas town neighborhood held a “Wypo- Priests for Polish Affairs held its Cheektowaga, and the Polka Variety concert featuring the Novi Singers, POLONIA TIDBITS. The Gen- minki” (Remembrance Roll Call). annual Mass for Deceased Polish Social Club Christmas Party will be Our Lady of Sorrows Choir and Ma- eral Pulaski Association held its The Chopin Singing Society’s Clergy and Religious at St, Luke’s held on the 6th as well ... District ciej Jaskiewicz’s Toronto Sinfoniet- Pulaski Pageant recently at the 115th annual concert, entitled “The Mission of Mercy in Buffalo, Nov. 5 IX of the Polish Singers Alliance ta will take place at Toronto’s Our Creekside Banquet Facility in Best of Polish Music and Song,” ..., Nov. 6, Agata Trzebuchowska, of America will hold its “Annual Lady of Sorrows Church, January the lead actress in the fi lm, “Ida,” Festival of Carols” at St. Stanislaus 4 ... The Buffalo Philharmonic Weso³ych Œwi¹t and Dr. Michal Oleszczyk, fi lm Church, the Mother Church of Orchestra (BPO) is sponsoring an Bo¿ego Narodzenia i eight day VIP tour of Warsaw and Szczêœliwego Nowego Roku! Weso³ych Œwi¹t! Merry Christmas! Krakow with Maestro JoAnn Fal- Merry Christmas and letta and BPO First French Horn Happy New Year! Jacek Muzyk during May of 2015. More information is available from TILE PHARMACY the website bop.org. DAVID 1029-31 Cleveland Drive v v v Cheektowaga, NY 14225 If you have an item for this col- FRANCZYK J. Rutowski umn, please send the information by  the 6th day of the month preceding  publication month (i.e. December 6 for the January edition) to pietrusz- [email protected]. “Over . . . 54 Years of Quality Service”

Wishing All a Merry Christmas

Congressman Roofi ng • Siding Gutters • Trim Overhang Vinyl Replacement Windows BRIAN HIGGINS Maintenance Free Decks & Railings 26th-New York MICHAEL C. HOINSKI 5434 Genesee St., PO Box 716-684-0355 202 Bowmansville, NY 14026 FAX: 716-684-0751 POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 19

POLAND AND WORLD WAR I / Martin Nowak The Destruction of Kalisz In any area in which a war is by civilians, no such proof exists. was destroyed and its population re- fought the civilian population suf- Rather, the incident apparently be- duced to 5,000 as the residents scat- fers greatly. Such was the case with gan with drunken German soldiers tered. The number of civilian deaths the Polish people during World wildly fi ring off their weapons. is undetermined but accounts seem War One. Hundreds of miles of the to indicate several hundred. Eastern Front ran through the Pol- ORDERED TO DESTROY. The Just like Kalisz, Częstochowa ish provinces of belligerents Rus- commanding offi cer ordered retalia- was abandoned by the Russians and sia, Germany and Austria-Hungary tory attacks against the civilian pop- the Germans entered the city on the and at least ten million Poles lived ulation and soldiers began raking same day, August 3. Some drunken in areas directly in the path of the buildings with rifl e fi re and dragging German soldiers fi red at one anoth- confl ict. residents out into the streets, beating er, civilians were blamed and a few Typically, civilians evacuate and killing some of them. The may- executed in retaliation. But unlike their homes ahead of an advancing or and other offi cials were forced to Kalisz, there was no wholesale vio- army or hunker down hoping to sur- lie face down on the pavement with lence. The Germans closed factories vive the onslaught. The invaders, ei- pistols to their heads. Doctors were and “urged” men to go to Germany ther purposely or as a result of “col- prohibited from treating the injured. for work. Some 20,000 ultimately lateral damage,” cause great loss In certain instances Jews, thirty per- took up the “offer.” of civilian lives and property. Food cent of the population, were singled Jasna Góra monastery’s chapel and other goods are often stolen and out, but the devastation knew no holding the Black Madonna paint- buildings damaged. THE MARKET ON MARIAŃSKA STREET in Kalisz, following devasta- ethnic bounds. Panicked residents ing suffered some damage and the Retreating armies often force ci- tion by the Germans. fl ed the city despite German threats icon itself may have been slightly vilian evacuations ahead of them, Farther south in eastern Galicia, Russian forces. to shoot anyone attempting to leave. damaged. After accusations that the take all the civilian property they Austria’s Polish province, Russia For the next two weeks the city On August 7, with the city cen- Germans were misbehaving at Jasna can carry, then destroy what they invaded and took the Polish cities was subject to horrible events. In ter still smoldering, a spooked Góra, in 1915 the monastery was cannot take, to include homes, ve- of Lwów and Przemysł, then later short, civilians were chased from horse startled some soldiers into put under control of their Austrian hicles, crops, even churches. This were chased back out. their homes, shot in the streets, their fi ring their weapons wildly. The allies who were Catholic and more is so they cannot be used by the ad- In the center, Germany was de- homes burned down, and rabbis and situation quickly deteriorated into respectful toward it. That same year vancing army. Both rural areas and termined to invade and capture Rus- priests held hostage. Most of Kalisz a repeat of the brutality of August Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany vis- cities suffer. sian Poland, offi cially called the was shelled and burned by the Ger- 3. City Hall was burned down and ited the shrine. He fancied himself a The Eastern Front battles that Congress Kingdom of Poland, and mans. the entire center of the Kalisz was devout Christian and donated a large were fought on Polish territory oc- which included the major Polish cit- When the Germans fi rst entered set afl ame. Thousands of residents sum to the restoration and preserva- curred mainly in three areas. In the ies of Łódź and Warsaw. the city, the residents and city of- fl ed the city and mass arrests were tion of the painting. north, Russia and Germany fought fi cials greeted then with friendly made. Many men were shipped off Conditions in Częstochowa de- in East Prussia and Russian Lithu- AT THE START OF THE WAR, Ka- gestures. Ethnic Poles within the to a POW camp in Germany. Those teriorated as the German occupa- ania. East Prussia was almost ex- lisz was a Polish city of 65,000 in German ranks even sought out and residents who later returned found tion continued and just as in other clusively German, but in Lithuania, the Russian partition of Poland. It engaged residents in conversation. their homes and stores looted if they cities captured by them, the popu- long part of the old Polish Com- was a rail center very near the bor- But within a few hours the Ger- stood at all. The pillaging and arson lation suffered from a lack of ser- monwealth, Poles lived in the cities, ders of Germany and Austria-Hun- mans began drinking, breaking into continued by the German troops un- vices, unemployment, and food and especially Wilno (Vilnius), where gary and as such was a prime target homes and shops and stealing and til August 22 when the commander fuel shortages. Hunger, disease and they were a majority. The area to the for those countries. Indeed, just af- mistreating people. By the next day fi nally imposed order. poverty became widespread due in immediate south of East Prussia was ter the war began, on August 2 Ger- the soldiers began to bombard the The destruction of Kalisz was large part to the Germans conscript- heavily Polish and was affected by many crossed the border and seized city center. Though the Germans one of the signal atrocities of the ing most goods for the war effort the battles. Kalisz, which had been deserted by claimed they were fi rst fi red on war. Ninety-fi ve percent of the city and the German economy itself.

POLONIA PLACES / Greg Witul Wesołych Œwi¹t Bo¿ego Narodzenia i Szczêœliwego Nowego Roku! St. Hedwig, Trenton, N.J. Merry Christmas and St. Hedwig R.C. Church formed the Cas- Happy New Year! 872 Brunswick Ave mir Pulaski Soci- Trenton, New Jersey ety. The Society Status: Open existed for one There is nothing more beautiful reason: to estab- than a historic Polish church during lish and maintain a Midnight Mass. With the Christ- a Polish school mas decorations, a slight chill in the in northern Tren- air and standing room only, it is one ton. Within a of the few times that many Polish- year a location Americans celebrate the traditions was secured, a THE UNION OF POLES IN AMERICA of their ancestors. A fi ne example school house DISTRICT 17 • POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE of these magnifi cent parishes is St. was erected, school overfl owing with children, Hedwig Roman Catholic Church in Ms. Helen Klaniecki was hired as a Masses with standing room only 9999 GRANGER ROAD Trenton, N.J., and the unique cir- teacher, and by September of 1903, and the need for a parish hall. For Garfi eld Heights, OH 44125 cumstance of the church’s founding. 72 children were enrolled. With the seven years Zelinski raised funds The Oldest Polish American Poles started arriving in Trenton success of the school another com- and laid the ground work for his Fraternal Organization in the in the latter half of the 1800s. By the mittee appealed to the Bishop about building projects. In 1922, the priest State of Ohio turn of the century, they had estab- establishing a Polish parish in north hired architect George C. Dietrich FOUNDED IN 1894 lished two Roman Catholic parishes Trenton. With the evidence of a and construction of a new school — Holy Cross in the Chambersburg strong community that could sup- began. When the school with rooms neighborhood and St. Stanislaus in port a parish, the Bishop agreed to to serve as a parish hall, Zelinski South Trenton. In early 1900, a del- the application and on July 16, 1904 began working with Dietrich on his egation of Poles, which settled in St. Hedwig was established. next project, a new church. the Top Road area of northern Tren- With the establishment of the For his new building, Father Ju- ton, approached Bishop McFaul parish, the Polish school became a lian envisioned a cruciform brick about starting their own church. The church on Sundays with Father John church with soaring towers, stained reasoning behind the plea was the Supinski as pastor. Within the fi rst glass by Joseph Mazur, and seat- distance the faithful had to travel for year Supinski acquired land for his ing for over 1,000 parishioners. Mass and the safety of the children parish and oversaw the construc- Sadly the priest would never see who had to walk to school. When the tion of a combination church/school his church completed. On Nov. 25, Bishop turned down the plea, many building. In the following years the 1924 Fr. Zelinski perished in a car of the families in the area banded parish saw steady growth; a gallery accident. The contractors quickly together and on November 1, 1900 had to be added to the church for ad- installed plank fl ooring, an altar ditional seating, was built, and Fr. Zelinski’s funeral Felician Sisters was conducted in the half-fi nished took over teach- church. ing at school, After the building was fi nished, Wesołych Œwi¹t Bo¿ego Narodzenia and a cemetery the parish of St. Hedwig continued was established. to thrive. Today the parish still holds CLEVELAND SOCIETY OF POLES In 1915 Rev. Ju- onto it Polish roots. It is now over- 6966 Broadway Ave. lian Zelinski was seen by Rev. Dr. Jacek W. Labinski transferred to and Polish Masses are offered ev- Cleveland, Ohio 44105 the parish. When ery Sunday at 8:00 and 11:00 a.m., (216) 556-0302 the experienced while this year’s Midnight Mass www.clevelandsociety.com priest looked will be performed in both Polish and around, he saw a English. Wesołych Świąt 20 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014

THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY For information about our Fraternal, its history, and the Our plans of insurance include: Endowments, Single Premium kinds of plans that we offer, visit our website at The Association of the Sons of Poland Life, Five- and Twenty-Payment Life, Five-year Benefactor Plan www.SonsofPoland.com with Beneficiary as a charity, and Children’s Term. Benefits 333 CARLSTADT include scholarships for HS Seniors planning to go to college, or call us at (201) 935-2807 HACKENSACK NEW JERSEY the free ScriptSave Prescription card; Dental and wellness/health Celebrating Our 2nd Century of Fraternalism STREET 07072 plans including LifeLine Screening.

SPORTS / Tom Tarapacki Poland Shocks the World Poland recently shocked Ger- of the NLCS against the San Fran- many —and the soccer world — cisco Giants … In Jacksonsville’s by defeating World Cup champion first victory of 2014 over Cleveland Germany 2-0 in a European Cham- they lost middle linebacker Paul pionship qualifier in Warsaw. It was Posluszny for the season with a torn Poland’s first win over Germany in pectoral muscle. He was the Jag- 19 tries over 81 years. uars’ leading tackler (69) and has Arkadiusz Milik scored with recorded at least 110 tackles every Poland’s first shot on goal in the 51st season from 2008 to 2013. minute, heading Lukasz Piszczek’s floated cross to the empty net after LOOKING BACK: 1964. Fifty Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer years ago —back in 1964 —Cleve- missed it. Robert Lewandowski land and Buffalo were at the top of then set up Sebastian Mila to score the pro football world. In a pair of inside the far post in the 88th. The upsets, the Browns won the NFL best shot for Germany came when crown while the Bills captured the Polish-born Lukas Podolski hit the championship of the rival AFL. crossbar in the 80th. DOMBROWSKI The day after Christmas, 1964, Poland handed Germany its first from 1977-1996. He was he team’s the Bills hosted the high-powered defeat after 18 competitive games, hitting coach in 1999 and managed San Diego Chargers. As expected Goalkeeper WOJCIECH SZCZESNY was named “Man of the Match.” and its first loss in qualifying after the Tigers from 2003-2005. the Chargers jumped to an early 7-0 33 matches since a 3-0 loss at home events. Dombrowski had dismissed lead. It was all Buffalo after that, as to the Czech Republic in October According to the economist.com, Trammell as manager following the Bills stout defense dominated. 2007. While Germany won the 2014 those sports successes are reflec- a 71-91 record in 2005, a season Buffalo scored on short runs by World Cup in Brazil, Poland didn’t tive of Poland’s broader economic which capped a dreary three years, Wray Carlton and Jack Kemp, and even qualify. Michal Pol of the Pol- and political advancements over but he continued to have a friendly a pair of field goals by Pete Gogo- ish sports daily Przegląd Sportowy the last 25 years. “In 1989 Poland relationship with him. lak. Cookie Gilchrist rushed for 122 wrote that Poland’s win was “a was a bankrupt, hyper-inflationary, Trammell had a chance to remain yards. miracle, something that shouldn’t communist basket case occupied with the team as a special assistant The Bills roster included All happen according to nature, physics by Soviet troops.” It stated. “It is in 2006, but opted to sit out the sea- AFL defensive lineman Tom Ses- and Murphy’s law.” Gazeta Polska, now one of Europe’s most success- son. In 2007, he was hired as the tak. Sestak, a 2007 inductee into the a nationalist daily, referred to the ful economies, after more than two Chicago Cubs’ bench coach, then National Polish American Sports Battle of Grunwald (or First Battle decades without a recession, and a became the bench coach in 2010 for Hall of Fame, anchored Buffalo’s of Tannenberg) in 1410, when Pol- member of NATO.” It quoted Mar- the Arizona Diamondbacks under stalwart defense. Others included ish-led forces crushed the Teutonic cin Piatkowski, a World Bank econ- manager Kirk Gibson, his longtime the versatile Ed Rutkowski and knights. omist, as stating: “Poland is going friend and teammate. center Walt Cudzik. John Ma- Germany maintained its number through its best time ever in history, zur coached the offense. Eddie one FIFA ranking despite the loss, a new Golden Age. Wins in sports BACK IN THE NFL. The three Pol- Abramowski was the Bills’ trainer. though Poland moved up from 70th are symbolic of this remarkable suc- MADDON ish American NFL head coaches who The following day the Cleveland to 44th in the world. cess.” created “Thanksmas,” a charity that were fired last season are all are do- Browns won the NFL title in Cleve- Poland won despite having had The strong economy and domes- provides free meals and gifts be- ing well in their assistant positions. land Municipal Stadium , shutting just four shots and allowing 22 at- tic political stability seem to be pay- tween Thanksgiving and Christmas Former Houston head coach Gary down the Baltimore Colts, 27-0. tempts on their own goal. Polish ing international dividends, such as in the Tampa area. Every Thanks- Kubiak, now the offensive coordi- The Browns rugged defense stopped goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was former Polish Prime Minister Don- mas, Maddon prepared a traditional nator of the Baltimore Ravens, has Johnny Unitas, Lenny Moore and named “Man of the Match.” How- ald Tusk becoming president of the Italian/Polish holiday feast — with been called a “godsend” for Ravens the rest of the Colts’ offense. After ever, Rzeczpospolita, the Polish European Council. “Despite being pierogi and meatballs — for hun- QB Joe Flacco by si.com. Despite a scoreless first half, Frank Ryan national daily newspaper, said that buffeted by the war in Ukraine and dreds of the needy. suffering an on-field mini-stroke passed to Gary Collins for three the day’s best player was 26-year- the Russian embargo in the east and An unconventional manager as last year, Kubiak’s health has been touchdowns, and Lou “the Toe” old Robert Lewandowski, “himself the slowing Euro zone in the west, well as a charismatic personality, good. The Pittsburgh offensive line Groza added two field goals. Jim showing what to do, which others Poland’s economy is expected to Maddon is considered a little crazy has made remarkable progress un- Brown rushed for 124 yards.Cleve- followed.” “Lewa,” a striker who grow by about 3% this year. The by some. His response? “You have der new line coach Mike Munchak, land’s defense was led by their great plays for Bayern Munich, is consid- IMF, meanwhile, cut its prediction to have a little bit of crazy to be suc- former head coach of the Tennessee tackle, Dick Modzelewski. Jim ered Poland’s best player and one of for this year’s German growth to cessful,’’ Maddon said. “I want cra- Titans. The Steelers have improved Kanicki, a second-year defensive the few with any international expe- only 1.4%.” zy in the clubhouse every day. You their rushing and pass protection tackle, had a breakout game against rience. Still, Poland is significantly poor- need to be crazy to be great.’’ significantly. Rob Chudzinski, All-Pro Jim Parker. Jim Ninowski In its next match against Scot- er than Germany; the Polish gross fired as head coach of the Cleveland was the backup QB, and Stan Sczu- land, Poland pulled out a 2-2 draw domestic product in current dollars Browns after just one season, was rek was a reserve linebacker. Dick when Milik scored in the 76th min- is less than a third of the Germans’. hired to be Colts’ head coach Chuck Szymanski started at center for the ute. Polish coach Adam Nawalka Poland’s challenge, said economist. Pagano’s special assistant. Despite Colts, and Lou (Majka) Michaels wanted a win but was glad to see his com, includes investing more in in- the rather vague job title, accord- played defensive end. The Browns team even the score. “We are satis- novation, reducing red tape and im- ing to Indianapolis media Chud has were coached by Blanton Collier fied with a point considering we proving its universities. However, been a valuable asset on both sides who had replaced the Paul Brown were one goal down. It is good that those challenges are not dampening of the ball. the previous season. His staff in- we managed to recover,” Nawalka the excitement Poles feel about their cluded linebackers coach Ed Ulin- said. recent athletic achievements. PERKOSKI’S NOTEBOOK. Dan- ski, who spent over 30 years as a Poland is in Group D (with Ger- ish-born tennis star Caroline Woz- Browns’ player and coach. many, Scotland, Ireland, Georgia MADDON TO CHICAGO. In an niacki ran her first marathon, finish- and Gibraltar) in the qualifying effort to break its 106-year champi- ing the NYC Marathon in just under Fans from both cities wondered competition for UEFA Euro 2016. onship drought, the Chicago Cubs 3 hours, 27 minutes … Patriots TE who would win a Cleveland-Buf- Play will continue through Novem- gave Joe Maddon a five-year, $25 Rob Gronkowski caught his 50th falo matchup, but a NFL-AFL ber 2015 to determine the 23 teams million deal to manage the team. touchdown pass in his 59th career “Super Bowl” was still a couple of to join France, who has an automat- The former Tampa manager, Mad- game. That tied him with Randy years away. The AFL title was the ic qualification as host of the 2016 don quickly gave Chicagoland a Moss for the second fastest player first major sports championship for European championship. taste of his unique persona at his COMING HOME. Alan Trammell in history to hit that mark (Lance Buffalo. The Bills won again the Interestingly, it was just the lat- initial press conference, offering to (above) has returned to the Detroit Alworth did it in 54 games) … following year, but not since then. est in a number of key Polish sports buy a round for everyone in atten- Tigers, where he was an All-Star Denny Biodrowski, a son of Polish Cleveland made it to the NFL cham- victories over Germany of late. dance. “The Hazelton way,” Mad- shortstop, a World Series MVP, a immigrants who played guard for pionship game the following sea- Polish teams this year defeated the don said, referring to his Pennsylva- coach and their manager. Tram has the Kansas City Chiefs from 1963 son, but lost to Green Bay. Cleve- German national team in basketball, nia hometown. been named special assistant to Ti- to 1967, died recently at 74 … Nor- land has not won a major title in any handball and volleyball. Poles went The 60-year-old son of an Ital- gers’ president, general manager bert “Nobby” Wirkowski, a Chi- pro sports since winning that NFL on to win the world championship ian father, Joe (who shortened the and chief executive officer Dave cago native who quarterbacked the title in 1964. in volleyball. family name from Maddonini), and Dombrowski, Toronto Argonauts to the 1952 Grey a Polish mother, Albina (Beanie) The Tigers announced that the Cup, died at 88 … Even though POLONIAN INK. I’m looking for GETTING BETTER. Sports in Po- Klocek, Maddon grew up in an 1998 inductee into the Polish Amer- 37-year-old catcher A.J. Pierzynski athletes who have Polish-themed land seem to be on the upswing, and apartment over his father’s plumb- ican Sports Hall of Fame will assist was left off the Division Series ros- tattoos. If you know of any, please not just in soccer and volleyball. ing shop. His mother is still a wait- with on-field duties at both the ma- ter and had caught just nine innings email me at [email protected]. Poland also did unexpectedly well ress at the Third Base Luncheonette jor and minor-league levels. since Aug. 30, he started at catcher Also, if you have any other items of at the winter Olympics, as well as restaurant in Hazleton. Trammell, 56, was a six-time in place of injured Yadier Molina for interest for this column, please send in some of the cycling world’s elite While with the Rays, Maddon All-Star who played for the Tigers the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 them as well. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 21

CHRISTMAS EDITION GENEALOGY / Stephen M. Szabados THE OLD COUNTRY / Richard Poremski Did You Know? Once very popular were Christ- Oral History – Fact or Fiction? mas Eve fortune-telling games meant to predict the martial pros- Your family’s oral history may photo albums yielded pictures of involve stories of the immigration him in uniform and gave me clues pects of a household’s eligible of the family to America or it may of the various airfields where he maidens; a ripe golden blade of hay be as simple as saving a family was stationed before his discharge. pulled from beneath the table-cloth recipe. The information we obtain I also found information on unit indicated a rapid marriage, a green through conversations with rela- morning reports that listed some one meant the girl would still have tives must be taken at face value. of his activities and medical prob- to wait a while and a dry and with- But remember that memories of- lems. Although my research has ered blade foretold lifelong spin- ten fade and facts get confused not given me the complete picture sterhood. with other facts. Some of the in- of his military service, it has iden- Polish youngsters do not have formation may not seem accurate tified some parts of the oral history to wait until the morning of De- but remember that some parts are that may be fiction. Also my search cember 25th to get their gifts. These probably true. You should include is not over because I continue to are passed out on Christmas Eve the entire story in the family his- identify sources of information between the Wiglia supper and the tory and add your concerns. You that may give me the details to fill family’s departure for Midnight or future researchers should try to in more of missing pieces. Mass. sort out your concerns and resolve It takes practice to recognize Poland’s beautiful, hand-made the problem. what parts of oral history should glass Christmas tree ornaments are To identify what is fact or fic- be believed, but in most cases all mostly exported to other countries; tion in our family stories can be a portions of the stories should be Polish families are increasingly true challenge of our researching researched to confirm their - va setting up artificial trees and deco- skills. Sometimes confirmation lidity. The fictional parts should rating them with blinking lights, can be found in easily located doc- be included in your family story plastic Santas, snowmen and other uments such as birth or marriage along with an explanation of why “Made in China” trinkets. records, but many times written it is fictional. In the olden days, it was re- documentation is very hard to find. Remember that we may never garded as a lucky sign if a male visi- Also, hearing the story from mul- find the complete story because tor was the first the cross a family’s tiple people may not be proof be- some information simply isn’t threshold on Christmas Eve. A fe- cause they may have all heard the available. Also be patient and re- male as the first outside visitor was story from the same source. search the facts thoroughly. Writ- thought to bring misfortune. Trying to find the details of my ing our family history sometimes COBBLESTONED STREETS OF OLD TOWN. Warsaw. May 19, 1976. Before the advent of the Christ- father’s military service proved requires us to take things with a mas tree, Polish peasant cottages difficult for me because his records grain of salt until they can be veri- were decorated with hanging mo- were destroyed in a 1973 fire at fied. biles known as “pająki” (spiders or the Military Service Records Cen- v v v SURNAME CORNER / Robert Strybel chandeliers). They were fashioned ter. I started with what he told me Stephen M. Szabados is a prom- while he was alive and added to it inent genealogist, and the author from straw and paper flowers or the information from his youngest of four books, “Finding Grand- What Does Your Last Name Mean? made from strung peas that resem- brother. However, the discharge ma’s European Ancestors,” “Find Have you ever wondered what your Polish last name means, how bled pearls. A decorated evergreen papers that I was able to obtain Your Family History,” “Polish your Polish last name means? it came about, how many people branch known as a “podłaźniczka” contradicted some of this infor- Genealogy,” and “Memories of Many started out as toponymic use it, where they live and whether was common in southern Poland. mation. Combing through family Dziadka.” nicknames to indicate the locality a coat of arms goes with it, please Poland’s two most popular someone called home. The original airmail a $19 personal or bank (ca- Wigilia fish are herring (usually Kozłowski came from Kozłowo shier’s) check or money order to: marinated in vinegar, in oil or sour POLISH CAN BE FUN! / Robert Strybel (Buckton), Lipiński was from Lip- Robert Strybel, ul. Kaniowska 24, cream) and pond-bred carp, usually iny (Lindenville) and the firstZales - 01-529 Warsaw, Poland. Included fried, baked or served cold in aspic ki hailed from Zalesie (Overwood). with the analysis will be a useful ge- (jelly). Some of them made their way into nealogical contact chart which can The Polish St. Nicholas is of- Kto co robi? - Who Does What? the ranks of the szlachta (gentry) help you track down your family ten accompanied by an angel helper The last time, you were asked to How many could you understand and received coats of arms to prove records in Poland and possibly even and sometimes a little devil sidekick write 10 simple sentences using the right off the bat? Did some of them it. turn up long-lost relations. who passes out switches to naughty various family members provided. give you only a rough idea at first, For a custom-researched sur- For more information contact: youngsters. Was that too tough an assignment? and then come into sharper focus name analysis explaining what [email protected] In the peasant cottages of yes- Of course, it all depends on how after you had re-read them? Were teryear, not only was hay placed much Polish you already know or there any that were totally incom- Need free help researching your Polish ancestors? under the table-cloth on Christmas are able to recall. People who knew prehensible? Whatever the case, Want to provide help for those researching their Polish heritage? Eve, but straw was strewn about the floor and tied to the table’s legs and some Polish back in the day but here are the translations: Join POLISH GENIUS haven’t used it in years often say sheaves of grain were placed in all the Polish genealogy email list. it starts coming back to them when 1. Mum was in Philadelphia yester- four corners of the room. they’re exposed to the language day and today she’ll be in New Over 750 members from all over the world. The oldest Polish “kolęda” again. What about you? York. Our two moderators are from the USA and Poland. (carol) still widely sung today is How many of the following sen- 2. Grandpa is reading a newspaper Check us out and ask the group a question. “Anioł pasterzom mówił”; it goes tences can you understand? First in the kitchen – naturally the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/polish_genius/ back to the 15th century. read each sentence through, prefer- “Polish American Journal.” ably out loud, see how much of it 3. My son-in-law never has any you understand and then check that time, he’s always busy. against the translation provided at 4. Uncle Adam is my mum’s broth- the bottom of the column. er. He lives in Cheektowaga. 5. All day long dad sits and types NOTE. In daily colloquial speech on the computer. it would be more common to refer 6. My sister works in an office, and to matka as mama, ojciec as tata, my brother is a dentist. dziadek as dziadzio and ciotka as 7. What are you doing? - I’m ciocia. (These are the Polish equiva- watching TV but there’s nothing lents of mum, dad, grandpa and aun- interesting. tie). 8. My cousin Tom has a big phar- macy and is very wealthy. 1. Mama była wczoraj w Filadelfii, 9. Tomorrow my sister-in-law is a dzisiaj będzie w Nowym Jorku. going to cook our dinner. She’s a 2. Dziadzio w kuchni czyta gazetę, very good cook. naturalnie “PolAm Journal.” 10. Aunt Wanda has a cute, new, 3. Mój zięć nigdy nie ma czasu, little car – a Ford Fiesta. ciągle jest zajęty. 4. Wujek Adam to brat mojej For next time, write down any mamy. Mieszka w Cheektowaga. Polish words, phrases, greetings, 5. Tata cały dzień siedzi i pisze na etc. that you recall from before you komputerze. started reading this column – the 6. Siostra pracuje w biurze, a brat typical kind of family and Polish jest dentystą. neighborhood things. 7. Co robisz? - Oglądam telewizję, WORDS OF WISDOM ale nie ma nic ciekawego. Co nagle, to po diable! 8. Mój kuzyn Tomek ma dużą aptekę i jest bardzo bogaty. READER INPUT is most appreci- 9. Jutro bratowa ma nam ugotować ated. If you have any questions, obiad. Barzdo dobrze gotuje. remarks or suggestions, please feel 10. Ciocia Wanda ma piękne, nowe free to email them to: strybel@inte- autko – Forda Fiestę. ria.pl 22 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014

BOOKS IN BRIEF / Mary Lanham NEW BOOKS Perfect for the Budding Genealogist Learning About Polonia from One POLISH ROOTS was able to piece together his biog- ters in Polish to Poland to obtain re- By Rosemary A. Chorzempa raphy, including when and where he cords and common Polish words in of its Most Important Scholars Genealogical Publishing was born, where he moved to, who vital records. Part Two also contains MY YEARS IN AND OUT lander folk culture as well as author Co., Inc, 2014, 270 pps. he married, and his children’s names lists of common Polish, Ukrainian, OF “THE IVORY TOWER” of numerous articles in scholarly and dates of birth. Chorzempa ex- and German names with their Eng- Chronological Review of journals. Governor Thomas H. Kean Are you interested in investi- plains that anyone can learn these lish equivalents. Noteworthy Events and Deeds appointed Gromada chairman of his gating your Polish heritage but are types of things about their family In Part Three, Chorzempa de- with Selected Public Statements Commission on Eastern European not sure how to get started? Polish history. scribes how to use online genealogi- By Thaddeus V. Gromada History which in 1989 issued an ac- Roots is the book for you. Polish Among the diverse resources cal sources in both America and Po- ISBN 978-0-9849187-2-0 claimed report on the status of East Roots originally written in 1993 by she suggests in Part One are Polish land such as government websites, $14.95 European studies in the second- Rosemary Chorzempa is now in its genealogical societies in America, subscription websites, military re- 236 pages ary schools of New Jersey. He also second edition with many additions a list and description of research cords, and ships’ passenger lists. served as consultant to the Federal including tips on how to research libraries with Polish materials in Polish Roots is not only great for This book is a chronological re- Department of Education, National using online resources and a list of America and Canada, cemetery re- beginner and intermediate genealo- view of the career of Dr. Thaddeus Education Association, Smithsonian helpful books that were published cords, church records, funeral home gists; it’s also a must-have for ex- V. Gromada, Professor Emeritus of Institution, New Jersey Department after 1993. records, obituaries, church anniver- perts and organizations concerned Eastern European History at New of Higher Education, Polish Ameri- Chorzempa writes in an un- sary books, U.S. Census records, with Polish genealogy. Jersey City University and past can Congress, as well as educa- complicated way that is perfect for and your own relatives. president and executive director of tional consultant on the production both the beginner and intermediate In Part Two: Research in Po- ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Rosemary the Polish Institute of Arts & Sci- the educational film The Immigrant genealogists. She begins the book land, Rosemary gives a brief sum- Chorzempa has been a genealogist ences of America (PIASA). Grom- Experience and to PBS television with information that she unearthed mary of Poland’s complex history. for almost 50 years. She has re- ada traces in detail his record of ac- on the production of a documentary about her own great-grandfather, a She covers different regions such searched her own family tree back tivities and achievements since 1959 The Polish Americans. Gromada Polish peasant farmer. She gathered as Podhale, Podlasie, and Kashubia. to the 1700s and has been awarded as a scholar, teacher, administrator, had a long association with the Pol- information about him and his fam- She also describes the other ethnic a medal by the Polish Genealogical organizer of academic and cultural ish Institute of Arts & Sciences of ily using his death certificate, vari- groups in Poland, social classes, and Society of America for her contribu- events and activist. As an advocate America, where he served as execu- ous church records, passenger lists, heraldry. Chorzempa suggests using tions to Polish genealogy. Chorzem- he promoted the improvement of tive director (1991-2011) and presi- city directories, U.S. Census re- historical maps, geographical dic- pa’s other books include My Fam- history/social studies instruction in dent (2008-2011) He also served in cords, police blotters, among other tionaries, church and civil records. ily Tree Workbook and Design Your our schools, championed cultural various capacities at the Kosciuszko sources. From these resources she She also has a guide on writing let- Own Coat-of-Arms. pluralism and inter-ethnic coopera- Foundation, Polish American His- tion in our society, advanced knowl- torical Association (PAHA), Polish edge about Poland’s history, culture American Congress, and the Polish and the contributions of the Polish Tatra Highlanders Alliance. New Book Explains Life in the Russian Partition American group (Polonia); also In 1984 he was awarded the CHICAGO — Genealogist and immigrants together in one place to encouraged scholarly and cultural “Haiman Medal” by PAHA and the author Steve Szabados has written a make it easy for other people to read exchanges between Poland and the “Distinguished Service Award” in new book about the life of a Polish and understand their hardships,” United States. The book also con- 2000 by the American Council for immigrant from the Russian parti- said Szabados, who has written five tains a collection of selected state- Polish Culture and the “Command- tion of Poland. print and several digital books on ments and articles by Gromada er’s Cross of Merit” from the presi- “Memories of Dziadka” de- genealogy and history. “My hope which reflect his concerns and the dent of Poland in Kraków. A native scribes the area where Szabados’ in writing this book is to share the issues he encountered. They in- of Passaic, New Jersey he now lives grandfather was born, lists many information about the daily lives of clude: “Poland and Eastern Europe with his wife Theresa in Bermuda facts and activities of his early life the Polish people living in the rural in the Secondary Schools of New Run, North Carolina. in rural Polish Russia, and describes areas of Poland. I used my grandfa- Jersey,” “The Mythical Melting Pot: The book is available from Tatra the customs and traditions that his ther as the central figure in this book The Place of Ethnic and Immigrant Eagle Press, 31 Madison Ave. Has- family celebrated as he grew to but this is not his biography.” Studies in the School Curriculum,” brouck Heights, NJ 07604; (336) manhood. Szabados said his grandfather “PIASA During the Cold War,” 940-5656 or (201) 288-3815 or Other topics include the possible was not a person whose accomplish- “Polish Americans and Poland; Past email [email protected]. reasons for his decision to leave his ments would be in history books, and Present,” “My Reminiscences Add $3.00 for postage. Make checks family and the land of his birth; his but his life “is an example of a typi- of Pope John Paul II,” “Collapse of payable to “Tatra Eagle Press.” trek across Poland and Germany to cal Polish immigrant in the early the Berlin Wall: A Polish Perspec- the port of Bremerhaven, and his ex- 1900s.” tive,” and many others. perience in the port and his voyage v v v POLISH-ENGLISH across the North Atlantic Ocean; his The book is $14.95 plus $5.95 ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Thaddeus TRANSLATOR arrival in America and the process shipping, and will be available from V. Gromada received his MA and for admittance to the United States America. the Polish American Journal Book- • Official documents, letters, Ph.D. in East Central European His- e-mails, etc. after leaving the ship. There is also “I wanted to put some of the in- store (800) 422-1275; www.polam- tory from Fordham University un- teresting stories that I had of Polish • Reasonable rates. a chapter on the details of his life in journal.com. der the mentorship of the Polish his- • Fast, reliable service by e-mail torian Oskar Halecki. Currently he or regular mail. is Professor Emeritus of European • Translation to/from other Lost Zeromski Manuscript Unearthed BABY BOOM? Poland’s birth- History at New Jersey City Univer- languages available as well. rate is on the rise, according to • Over 40 years experience WARSAW — A lost manuscript The priest was arrested by the Ger- sity, where he organized Multi-Eth- figures published by the- Cen working with genealogists, attor- of a novel by revered Polish author mans in World War II, and died at nic and Immigrant Studies, which tral Statistical Office. A total of neys, businesses, film-makers, Stefan Zeromski has been revealed the Dachau Nazi death camp, July included Polish studies. government, medical profes- 186,000 babies were born during to public. Since many of the au- 8, 1942. Gromada is author, editor, con- sionals, etc. the first half of 2014 — a figure thor’s manuscripts were destroyed The manuscript survived, and tributor of several books dealing that tops by 5500 the same peri- ANDY GOLEBIOWSKI during World War II, the discovery found its way to an auction House in with Polish foreign policy in the in- od last year. The length of mater- 109 Rosemead Lane of a copy of The Faithful River (Wi- Warsaw, where it was recently sold terwar period, Polish-Czech-Slovak Cheektowaga, NY 14227 nity leave offered to new parents erna Rzeka) has delighted the liter- to an unnamed buyer. relations, American immigration (716) 892-5975 may be helping the new figures. ary world. The novel has been adapted for and ethnic history and Polish high- [email protected] Zeromski (1864-1925) has been the silver screen three times. called “the conscience of Polish literature.” The January Uprising NEW: MY YEARS IN AND OUT “THE IVORY TOWER” of 1863 against Tsarist Russia is A Chronological Review of Noteworthy Events and Deeds with Selected Public Statements the subject of The Faithful River. Professor Emeritus of Eastern European History at New Jersey City Univer- The novel has been adapted for the by Dr. Thaddeus V. Gromada, sity and past President and Executive Director of the Polish Institute of Arts & Sciences of America (PIASA). movie screen three times. The most recent was in 1983 in which Olgi- Dr. Gromada traces in detail his record of activities and achievements since 1959 erd Lukaszewicz played the leading as a scholar, teacher, administrator, organizer of academic and cultural events and role of a wounded Polish insurgent. activist. He promoted the improvement of history/social studies instruction in our The history of the novel’s where- schools, championed cultural pluralism and inter-ethnic cooperation in our society, abouts and ultimate discovery is a advanced knowledge about Poland’s history, culture and the contributions of the noteworthy and fascinating one. Polish American group (Polonia); and encouraged scholarly and cultural exchang- The writer’s daughter Monika es between Poland and the United States. Gromada Zeromska had combed Warsaw is author, editor, contributor of several books deal- looking for her father’s manuscripts ing with Polish foreign policy in the interwar period, following the war. She managed to Polish-Czech-Slovak relations, American Immigration find some, including remnants of a and Ethnic history and Polish Highlander folk culture copy of The Faithful River. How- as well as author of numerous articles in scholarly ever, as Zeromska recounted in her journals. memoir, the manuscript was so de- stroyed by the Warsaw Rising, that $14.95 plus $3.00 postage • 236 pages she decided to burn what remained available from of it. However, it has now emerged TATRA EAGLE PRESS 31 Madison Ave. Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 Call (336) 940-5656 or (201) 288-3815 that Father Jozef Niedziela, a Polish Please make checks payable to: ACPC, c/o clergyman and collector from the or email [email protected] or [email protected] Florence Langridge, Membership Chair, 78 Make checks payable TATRA EAGLE PRESS • PayPal accepted with email address Silesia region, owned another copy. Meadow Lane, West Hartford, CT 06107 POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 23

OBITUARIES Pronouncing the Polish Christmas Alphabet Brigadier General Walter Jajko, USAF, Ret. by Robert Strybel Kings, with the Holy Family as their Longtime Institute of World intelligence policy official in the Since many readers have only a centerpiece. Politics (IWP) professor Brigadier DoD); and as Manager of a Presi- rudimentary knowledge of spoken KOLĘDNIK: Pronounced General Walter Jajko USAF, Ret., dential program. While occupying Polish but cannot read it fluently, for “kaw-LEND-neek, caroler; tra- a statesman, strategist, and scholar, these positions, he was in charge of their benefit in addition to listing the ditionally a caroler-masquerader died after a long illness. DoD covert action and DoD support various customs, their pronuncia- dressed as a shepherd, King Herod, Born the first son of a Polish of CIA covert action, wrote DoD’s tion has also been provided. Death, Devil, Angel, Gypsy, Soldier, immigrant family, Jajko served his first public diplomacy doctrine, and ADWENT: Pronounced: “AHD- etc., forming part of a caroling party country in a distinguished 29-year rewrote DoD’s psychological op- vent,” Advent, the nearly four-week making house-to-house rounds. career in the United States Air Force, erations doctrine. He was one of the period of spiritual preparation for KULIG: Pronounced: “KOO- as well as for over two decades as a very rare officials to have worked at Christmas. It is the time to build a leek,” sleighing party with torch-lit civilian official at the highest levels the nexus of military strategy, diplo- Christmas crib, welcome Święty horse-.drawn sleighs and musicians of government. At IWP, he taught a macy, public diplomacy, strategic Mikołaj, prepare home-made tree for entertainment. course entitled “Military Strategy: communications, counterpropa- ornaments, light successive candles NOWY ROK: Pronounced: An Overview of the Theorists of ganda, psychological strategy, and of the Advent Wreath, pray and NAW-vih RAWK,” New Year’s Warfare,” which serves as a critical political warfare. mediate a bit more and think of the Day, Jan. 1, a time for visiting, component of the school’s programs Prior to his retirement from gov- needy. feasting and celebrating. in national security affairs. ernment service, Jajko was the De- ANIOŁ: Pronounced: “AH- OPŁATEK: Pronounced: “aw- Jajko graduated with honors from fense Advanced Research Projects nyo,” the Polish word for angel, a PWAH-tek,” this white unleavened the University of Pennsylvania and Agency Fellow at IWP. figure who recurs throughout the wafer, imprinted with nativity mo- later earned a graduate degree and Jajko wrote and lectured on nu- season in Christmas carols, nativity tifs, is sometimes referred to as “an- certificate from the East European merous topics related to such arts plays and holiday decorations. gel bread” or “the bread of love”. and Russian Institutes at Columbia of statecraft as intelligence and ANIOŁEK: Pronounced: “ah- The single most important artifact University. He did additional post- counterintelligence, deception, co- NYO-wek,” diminutive of “anioł” of Polish-style Christmas, it is tra- graduate study at Harvard Univer- of Soviet Affairs and a Warsaw Pact vert action, psychological opera- meaning little angel, the Christmas ditionally it is broken and shared at sity’s Kennedy School of Govern- analyst in the Estimates Director- tions, and strategic surprise, as well Eve gift-giver in some parts of Po- the start of the Wigilia supper. ment, the Massachusetts Institute of ate, Assistant Chief of Staff, Intel- as various topics on East Central land, St. Nick’s helper in others and OPŁATEK: Pronounced: “aw- Technology, and George Washing- ligence, HQ USAF; as a long range Europe, including the Polish RAF a favorite Christmas tree peak orna- PWAH-tek,” this is also the name of ton University’s Elliott School of planner for the Secretary of the Air fighter squadrons in the Battle of ment. a Christmas get-together which in- International Affairs. He was also a Force; and as Assistant to the Depu- Britain and the Warsaw Uprising. BARSZCZ: Pronounced: volves breaking and sharing opłatek graduate of the Armed Forces Staff ty Chief of Staff, Programs and Re- He wrote and lectured on such stra- “barshch,” a clear beetroot soup at church, work or some organiza- College and the Industrial College sources, HQ USAF. tegic regions as the Balkans, Poland, made with vegetable and mush- tion. Often carols are sung and light of the Armed Forces. Following his retirement from Ukraine, and Russia, at such institu- rooms stock usually including “usz- refreshments may be served, but During Jajko’s Air Force career, active duty, Jajko served as Director tions as the National War College, ka” (bite-sized mushroom-filled usually not a full meal. he served in fighter, reconnaissance, of the Special Advisory Staff in the the Joint Military Intelligence Col- dumplings), traditionally served at PASTERKA: Pronounced: bomber, airlift, special operations, Office of the Secretary of Defense; lege, the Smithsonian Institution, the Wigilia supper. “pah-STAIR-kah,” Shepherd’s and intelligence units in Southeast as Assistant to the Secretary of De- and the Hoover Institution. BOŻE NARODZENIE: Pro- Mass celebrated at midnight on Asia, North Africa, and elsewhere. fense for Intelligence Oversight Most recently, he was the author nounced: “BAW-zheh nah-raw- Christmas Eve. His staff appointments included (where he was in charge of over- of Military Strategy: Thoughts To- DZEH-nyeh,” literally God’s birth PIERNIK: Pronounced: service as a strategic planner in the sight of all the intelligence services ward a Critique. or divine birth, this is the standard “PIERRE-neek,” honey-spice cake, Concepts, Strategy, Doctrine Branch within the Department of Defense); v v v Polish word for Christmas. Polish gingerbread, one of Poland’s of the DeÍputy Chief of Staff, Plans as Acting Deputy Under Secre- Funeral arrangements are being CHOINKA: Pronounced: “haw- typical Christmas cakes. and Operations, HQ USAF; as a tary of Defense for Policy Support planned for Arlington Cemetery in EEN-kah,” this can be any ever- PIEROGI: Pronounced: “pierre- strategy analyst in the Directorate (where he served as the most senior early 2015. green in general or a Christmas tree. UGH-ee,” filled dough pockets or The fir and spruce are preferred in dumplings, whose meatless ver- Polish Christmas tradition. It is set sions are a typical Wigilia dish. Sculptor Igor Mitoraj up and trimmed on Dec. 24 and kept RYBA: Pronounced: “RIB-ah,” PARIS — silica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in up till at least Jan. 6 or even Feb 2. fish, a Wigilia culinary mainstay in- Sculptor Igor Mi- Rome and the “Angelic Doors” for CHOINKA: Pronounced “haw- cluding herring, fresh-water and sea toraj, recipient of the Jesuit Church in Warsaw. EEN-kah”; a secondary meaning of species, fried, baked, poached and the high Polish An exhibition of Mitoraj’s work “choinka” is a Christmas party, not in aspic. state distinction is currently on show close to the on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, SIANO: Pronounced: “SHAH- – the Command- Leaning Tower in Pisa. usually organized for community naw,” hay, a symbol of Christ’s er’s Cross of the residents, club members, employees humble birth in a stable, is strewn Order of Reborn JUREK-PARK SLOPE and their families, etc. on the table beneath the table-cloth Poland — died in FUNERAL HOME, INC. GODNE ŚWIĘTA: Pro- and forms a bed on the plate or tray Paris. He was 70. nounced: “GAWD-neh SHFYEN- containing the opłatek. A graduate of tah,” an old-fashion name for SZOPKA: Pronounced: the department Christmas, especially the entire 12 “SHAWP-ah,” Christmas crib, of painting at the days from Christmas Eve till the Nativity set, sometimes a portable Fine Arts Acad- Three Kings. puppet theater carried by carolers emy in Kraków, GODY: Pronounced: “GAW- house-to-house “SHAWP-kah,” Mitoraj contin- dih,” same as “Godne Święta”; apart ŚLEDZIE: Pronounced: “SH- ued his studies Igor Mitoraj’s sculpture “Eros Bendato” (“Eros Tied”) at from Christmas, the term “Gody” LEDGE-eh,” herring, one of the cu- in Paris where he marketplace in Kraków. 728 4th Ave., Brooklyn, NY has also been applied to other fes- linary “musts” on the Wigilia table lived for many studio. DORIS V. AMEN tive celebrations, e.g. “Złote Gody” served pickled, creamed, in oil, in years, taking up sculpture as his pri- Mitoraj used marble and bronze LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR = Golden Wedding Anniversary. salads, etc. NEWLY DECORATED CHAPEL FACILITIES mary field of artistic activity. as his materials. OUR 24-HOUR PERSONAL SERVICES ARE GWIAZDA BETLEJEMSKA: ŚWIĘTO TRZECH KRÓ- AVAILABLE IN ALL COMMUNITIES In 1983 he moved to the Tuscan His sculptures can be found in AT-HOME ARRANGEMENTS Pronounced: “GVYAHZ-dah bet- LI: Pronounced: “SHFYEN-taw many Italian cities, in Paris, London, INSURANCE CLAIMS HANDLED lay-EM-skah, the Star of Bethle- TCHEKH KROO-lee,” liter- coastal town of Pietrasanta, where SOCIAL SECURITY & VETERAN’S BENEFITS he established a second home and a Japan, the United States and Poland PROMPTLY EXPEDITED hem, a name also given to the poin- ally Feast of the Three Kings, the and include the bronze doors and a MONUMENT INSCRIPTIONS ASCERTAINED settia (red Christmas flower). Epiphany (Jan. 6); chalk is blessed statue of John the Baptist for the Ba- (718) 768-4192 GWIAZDKA: Pronounced: at church with which the formula “GVYAST-kah,” diminutive of K+M+B 2008 is inscribed over “gwiazda,” literally meaning little doorways in honor of the Magi. star, one of the names of Christmas ŚWIĘTY MIKOŁAJ: Pro- Merry Christmas! in Polish. nounced: “SHFYEN-tih mee-KAW- JASEŁKA: Pronounced: “yah- why,” St, Nicholas, the kindly SEW-kah,” nativity play, usually bishop who visits kids on his feast- staged by children who re-enact the day (Dec. 6), quizzes them on their story of shepherds going to Bethle- prayers and good deeds and rewards hem to honor Baby Jesus. them with treats and toys. JEDLINA: Pronounced: “yed- WIECZERZA WIGILIJNA: LEE-nah,” natural evergreen Pronounced: “vyeh-CHEH-zhah branches, tucked behind pictures vee-ghee-LEEY-nah,” Christmas and mirrors, displayed in vases and Eve supper, to Poles the single most elsewhere permeates the home with important family meal of the year. a genuine Christmassy scent. WIGILIA: Pronounced: “vee- Your “Greenpoint” KLUSKI Z MAKIEM: Pro- GHEEL-yah,” Christmas Eve, lit- Family Funeral Home nounced: “KLOOSS-kee z MAK- erally: the Vigil, to Poles the single STOBIERSKI LUCAS kyem,” noodles and poppyseeds – most important day of the year. GARDENVIEW a typical sweet dish of the Wigilia WILIA: Pronounced: “VEEL- FUNERAL HOME, LTD. supper. ” yah,” an older name for Wigilia 161 DRIGGS AVENUE KOLĘDA: Pronounced: “kaw- (see preceding entry). EVERGREEN FUNERAL HOME, INC. LEN-dah,” Christmas carol, tradi- ŻŁÓBEK: Pronounced: “ZH- BROOKLYN, NY 11222 Leslie P. Rago Gigante PHONE: (718) 383-7910 tional songs honoring the nativity, WOO-bek,” Christmas crib or Na- 131 Nassau Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11222 FAX: (718) 383-2737 populated by angels, shepherds and tivity set. (718) 383-8600 their flocks as well as the Three 24 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014

CULTURAL TELEGRAM / Kasia Romanowska PONDERING POLE / Ed Poniewaz New Novel by Olga Tokarczuk Talking Polski I was tryin’ to find my way home, tiful Slavic football eras from Don Faurot to and the History of Polish Cabaret but all I heard was a drone. but non-Polish Gary Pinkel. The St. Louis native A new epic novel by one of the ing the movie – “a revelation of the Bouncing off a satellite; young lady with was an all-conference lineman most critically acclaimed authors European cinema.” crushin’ the last lone personality and for Faurot in the 1940s; an as- of contemporary Polish literature – Joanna by Aneta Kopacz and American night. smarts to match. sistant under Faurot, Frank Bro- Olga Tokarczuk – is now in book- Nasza klątwa (Our curse) by To- This is radio nowhere, She appears yles, Dan Devine and Al Onofrio stores. masz Sliwinski are among the eight is there anybody alive out there? frequently as through the 1977 season; an ath- Almost a thousand pages with documents with a chance to be the — from Radio Nowhere a contributing letic administrator at MU begin- dozens of themes and characters, Best Short Documentary. by Bruce Springsteen guest analyst on ning in the 1980s; and the ana- Księgi Jakubowe (Jacob’s Books) Dedicated to Joanna Sałyga, the Hannity and The Five. She is a jour- lyst for football radio broadcasts impresses with literary panache, the author of the blog “Chustka” who Talk radio and talk television nalist and is the author of a couple for 16 years beginning in 1995. multiplicity of levels and possible died of cancer in 2012, Joanna is are big. There is news and news books, all this before the ripe old “He was an ambassador for interpretations. one of the most award-winning Pol- analysis, television entertainment age of 27. We need to clone Pavlich the University of Missouri his Tokarczuk, with great attention, ish documentaries of the last year. magazines, social commentary, and a thousand times across the Ameri- whole life and certainly his last shows the reality of the era, its ar- The document is an intimate story political potpourri daily. We are in- can Eastern European spectrum. years,” Pinkel (Current Tiger chitecture, clothing, scents. Among about the simplest feelings of being undated with it. If you are a junkie, coach Gary Pinkel) said. “I was noble mansions, Catholic rectories here and now and living in the shad- it can overwhelm your rehab and re- ELIZABETH HASSELBECK. Nee fortunate to be around him. He and Jewish homes, she presents the ow of the disease. Whereas, Nasza sistance. For all the criticism of the Filarski (father), sat in the conser- had a huge influence on all his image of the former Poland — a klątwa is a director’s personal state- shouting, debating, and fighting, we vative seat alongside a whole lot players. Thousands of players, home for Christianity, Judaism and ment of dealing with a very rare, really are lucky to have so much in- of liberal chairs I’ve seen them at reunions, these Islam. Księgi Jakubowe is also a re- incurable disease of the newborn formation freely available. For me, on The View. A guys just embrace him. I feel so flection about history as such. child. TV and radio talk fits nicely into my feisty debater fortunate and blessed to have a For those interested in lighter The complete list of submitted regimen for keeping up on current and a fighter guy like that in my life. We’re go- books, there is a new release by movies will be announced on Janu- affairs and it actually provides a for her beliefs ing to miss him dearly.” Izolda Kiec — a first biography of ary 15. good dose of relaxation and revelry. in The View Polish cabaret. The 87th Academy Awards cer- It is a drone, but I like it. crowd, she has The testimonials about him are From cabarets such as “Zielony emony will take place on February Since I have so many hours and moved up to be high and heartfelt and he will be Blonik” (The Green Balloon) to 22, 2015. so much intellectual stock invested a co-host on Fox missed. Whether he would have “Mumio,” this book is a story of in listening to and watching talk & Friends. To her credit, Hassel- realized it or not and for all of the laughter, humor and irony. Beautiful- 131 TITLES OF POLISH AND shows — and since everything I do beck is a survivor. I hope we have people John Kadlec helped, simply ly illustrated, enriched with archival WORLD CLASSICS IN WEB. morphs into an ethnic face — I am her presence on television for a long by his life and example he did so photographs, witty graphics, it will 131 books from the 20th century continually listening and watching time to come. much on behalf of the Polish people. deliver a lot of fun while reading. are going to be soon available on- for Polish participation in this great Again, I wish there were more Dziękuje bardzo “Mr. Mizzou,” and line, thanks to the project entitled American phenomenon. If it is im- Eastern Europeans in the game. Let rest in peace. IDA AND TWO POLISH DOCU- “Udostępnianie piśmiennicta” portant and popular, I am hoping me know if I have missed anyone. MENTARIES — OSCAR FAVOR- (Sharing literature). (or expecting) someone of the Pol- FOR THE SECRET SANTA. Here is ITES? Paweł Pawlikowski’s Ida is The list includes, among others, ish or Slavic race to be part of it. In MR. MIZZOU. Last year Missouri a fun gift for the outdoors person in among the favorites in this year’s “Diaries” by Witold Gombrowicz, this case, I wish there were more lost a favored son when Stan Mu- your life, especially one with a Pol- Academy Awards for Best Foreign “Solaris” by Stanislaw Lem, poetry skis, ichs, and wiczs. Here are a few sial went to the great Sportsman’s ish pedigree: The longtime cartoon- Language Film. by Wisława Szymborska, Czesław names to start you wishing: Park in the sky. ist for the Missouri Conservationist Not only well-acted, but also a Miłosz and Stanislaw Mrożek’s This year, the Missouri Tiger magazine is Betty Chmelniak Grace telling story of people grappling plays. LAURA INGRAHAM. Former con- football program lost its beloved (a Buffalo, New York girl for your with a serious matter, Ida has all the The first titles are likely -to ap servative talk show host and fre- coach, known affectionately as information!) has a new book out, features to please the Academy’s pear on the web yet this year. Insty- quent contrib- “Mr. Mizzou,” with the loss of John a collection of over 200 of her car- members. According to a survey of tut Ksiazki allocated a budget of one uting guest on Kadlec. I know John was Polish be- toons called Outside Jokes. $8.75 film critics, Ida is a favorite in its million zloty for the project. many network cause he told me he was. and you can order it toll free (877) category, with the New York Times For the complete list of books political shows, I was introduced to him during a 521-8632 or visit the e-commerce and Wall Street Journal critics call- visit: www.instytutksiazki.pl I n g r a h a m ’ s visit to my high school after I had site at mdcnatureshop.com. mother is Pol- expressed interest in playing foot- ish. I once heard ball for Mizzou. After he viewed POLISH OR NOT? Elise Stefanik, British Poles Among Top Employed her talk about my game films and we talked, he newly elected congresswomen from it and she indi- asked, “What kind of name is that?” the 21st district in the state of New LONDON — Polish people countries. cated she was “proud” to be Polish. “Yeah,” he said, “I’m Polish too.” York. She is the youngest women living in Britain are almost 20 per Overall, 81.2 per cent of work- A graduate of Dartmouth College, It ended up all I was offered was a elected to congress at 30 years old. cent more likely to have a job than ing-age Polish born residents of a lawyer, and the author of many walk-on slip but that little exchange, Is Stefanik a Polish name? those born in the UK, a study of England and Wales on census day books, Ingraham is tough and out- small talk, and gentle manner made Wesołych świąt to all Polish official figures shows. were working, compared with spoken. me like him. American Journal friends and sub- New analysis of findings from only 69 per cent of their UK-born Except for hearing him as a com- scribers. I truly hope you have a the 2011 Census by the Office for counterparts and only 59 per cent MIKA BRZEZINSKI. Daughter mentator on the Tiger broadcasts joyful, holy, family-oriented, and National Statistics shows that Pol- of those from outside the Euro- of the former and an occasional interview, I did Polish-filled Christmas and holiday ish-born residents of England and pean Union. National Secu- not know that much about him. Ap- season. Wales have the highest employ- Although employment levels rity Advisor and parently my impression was multi- If you have a thought about this ment rate of any other group when among migrants were lower over- scholar Zbig- plied a million times over by play- month’s topic, an answer to the analyzed by birth. all than the British born population niew Brzezin- ers, students, friends, and fans. Here question, a question of your own, or It also shows that migrants (63.2 per cent), the ONS said over- ski and co-host is an excerpt from the Columbia, have interesting facts to share, con- from EU countries have dramati- seas students largely accounted for of MSNBC’s Missouri, Daily Tribune that speaks tact me at: Edward Poniewaz, 6432 cally higher levels of employment the difference. Morning Joe. to his legacy: Marmaduke Ave., St. Louis , MO than those from non-European She has au- 63139; email: alinabrig@yahoo. thored a number of books and is “What you saw is what you com. N.B. If you send email, ref- generally left-leaning in her politi- got. Just a genuine good, good erence the Polish American Journal Website-maker, 14, Wins World Acclaim cal views. man.” or the Pondering Pole in the subject VANCOUVER, B.C., Canada of Website com- Kadlec, who usually wore a line. I will not open an email if I ADAM ANDRZEJEWSKI. — He barely made it through high panies and with Adam smile, was a beloved figure in the do not recognize the subject or the school and never attended college, Harbottle creat- “Angie-f-ski” (yes, that was at least state. He connected the Missouri sender. but at 14, Matt Mickiewicz (inset, ed Flippa.com, one translation found) appeared in right) had already designed his first the world’s a John Stossel website (Webmaster-Resources. largest online feature about com). Two years later he teamed up website mar- g o v e r n m e n t with Australian Mark Harbottle to ketplace. Born “Overlords,” create an upgraded version called in Kraków, he politicians who SitePoint. Not much into book- has lived in Germany and currently d e m o n s t r a t e learning, as a teenager between resides in Vancouver, Canada. He privilege by be- classes he was clinching $10,000 has numerous “young entrepreneur ing excessive advertising deals. Through a Site- of the year” titles to his name and spenders of tax Point spin-off, in 2008 the young frequently addresses conferences funds for themselves. (Some would Pole raised $35 million from a string and seminars. call this stealing.) Besides own- ing a business, he is the founder of the government watchdog website Toronto’s Newest Pierogery www.openthebooks.com. Andrze- jewski is a well-spoken individual TORONTO — At Loaded Piero- The Eastern European dumplings and presents himself nicely on cam- gi, a newly-opened open snack shop are piled high with all kinds of pe- era. Keep your eye on him. I hope near Church and Front streets, all culiar toppings, like lobster chunks he gets many more contributing plates start with a base of traditional and hollandaise sauce, or an entire guest (or better) opportunities in the potato pierogi, either boiled or fried. confit duck leg with gravy. future. But that’s where tradition ends and Loaded Pierogi, 9 1/2 Church St., innovation begins. (647) 503-3338; loadedpierogi.com KATIE PAVLICH. Katie is a beau- POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 25

THE POLKA CAROUSEL POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL

Your Host: Ed Slomkowski DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION AND CONTINUANCE OF POLISH AMERICAN MUSIC www.polishnewcastleradio.com Wed. 5:00 to 6:00: p.m. Fri. 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. POLKA INSIDER / Steve Litwin www.radioharborcountry.org Wed. 11:00 a.m. to noon ROCKIN’ROCKIN’ A Time for Giving Sun. 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. A Polka Christmas — what other • To Polka Fans: no Polka Mooch- • To our polka legends: continued POLKASPOLKAS kind of holiday would “The Polka es. health and our deepest gratitude. Insider” have? • To Roman Travers and the Am- FREE CATALOG! with • To Molly B: continued success It’s a time for giving and a time polaires: thanks for “Idzie Lala.” • To all Nickel City bands: thanks HEAR ALL THE POLKA STARS MIKE & GEORGE PASIERB for sharing, and if the Insider could, • To the New Brass Express: an- for all the great polka music and on he’d sneak into polka houses every- other “After Dark.” memories. SUNSHINE where and leave special gifts under • To the International Polka As- • To Ted Kiewicz: a cigar and a WXRL the trees of polka people. sociation: continued success and concertina. So, here are The Polka Insider’s promotional excellence. SEND FOR A FREE CATALOG • ... and to all polka people ev- SUNSHINE 1300 AM gifts to the polka world: • To Johnny Wanderlich, Sr.: a erywhere, a holiday fi lled with PO BOX 652 LANCASTER-BUFFALO • To Happy Louie and Julie: box fi lled with 500 live tapes. joy, health, goodness, family and W. SENECA, NY 14224 SAT. 2:00-3:00 p.m. family, friends, joy and “Jabłka.” • To Matt and Vi Wasielewski: polkas. CDs $12 each • To Lenny Gomulka: another endless thanks for endless hours Wesołych Świąt i Bożego Nar- $2.00 SHIPPING & HANDLING SUN. 7:00-8:00 p.m. pair of “Rose Colored Glasses.” devoted to polkas. odzenia! • To Capt. Hrukus: a permanent • To The Boys: may you forever Hrukus Shrine. be young. • To Frank Borzymowski: the • To Rosalinda Polkadancer: Checkalski a polka crooner award and another thanks for your patience and un- Hall of Famer recording derstanding. • To the Tunatones: a paying gig. • To Rich Suckiel: a never-ending by Steve Litwin • To Big Stas: a hat without an ani- supply of old polka vinyl. Arnold “Arnie” Checkalski mal. • To The Maestro’s Men: is a friend, musician, concertina • To Todd Zaganiacz: fewer hours “thanks” for keeping the music player and now an inductee into at work, and that “perfect” car. of Ray Henry alive and vibrant. the World Concertina Congress • To Jimmy Sturr: a Sturr-rifi c • To Mark Kohan: longer dead- Hall of Fame. The youngest performance always. lines, shorter phone calls, and of six boys, his love for music • To Johnny Karas: thanks for more days with the rod and reel. began with the piano and later that trademark “Hey!” • To Kenny Olowin: a never-end- saxophone. Graduating with a • To the Buffalo Concertina All- ing Red Room. music degree from Winona State Stars: a Squeezin’ good time. • To the IPA Tribute Band: thanks College in Minnesota, Checkal- • To Rich Benkowski: a vocal. for music above and beyond. ski fi rst picked up the concertina • To the Polka Jammer: 36-hour • To the Blazonczyk family: in 1955 and made music with days. thanks for the “Fireworks,” “Bel- it. It wasn’t long before he was • To Jim “Chainsaw” Kuchar- Aire,” and being the very best in hooked on the concertina. ski: never-ending “thanks.” everything they do. Checkalski went on to play • To Polka Mooches: a change in • To concertina players: happy in a number of bands and, from spending habits. squeezin’ 1964-1972, led a trio and after that was with a polka band until 2000. He played with the Polka Promoter, Musician Tom Uzarski Dead Pals and recorded two CDs, GRAND RAPIDS — Thomas throughout the years and any polka “Grampa’s Having Fun” and James “Tom” Uzarski passed away jam session that came up. “Concertina Polka Party.” Checkalski retired in 1993 unexpectedly, Nov., 18, 2014. He was a member of the Polish but has always remained con- Uzarski was the proprietor of Falcons Hall, Pulaski Days Com- Tempo Printing, where he used his nected to the music, performing mittee, and Polish Heritage Society. and promoting the concertina. exceptional talents in promoting Uzarski was also the founder of Pol- and supporting his love of polka He approaches his music from ka and Pops in the Park. music and Polish Heritage. the heart and has always given A celebration of his life was held He performed on the tenor sax the listener a true variety. for over 45 years almost exclusively on Nov. 23. A long-time friend, Checkal- in the polka industry and is prob- Contributions in Uzarski’s ski and I have never met in per- ably best remembered for his days memory to Polish Heritage Society, son but have known each other for a decades via letters, phone with the Triple-Aires. Uzarski was P.O. Box 1844, Grand Rapids, MI calls and the internet. He truly is always ready to pull out the sax and 49501-1844, or Pulaski Days Com- a Concertina Hall of Famer. play along at numerous celebrations mittee, www.pulaskidays.org.

POLKA MEMORIES / Steve Litwin

If you have a special Polka Memory photograph to publish, email it with a short description to: pajpolka@ verizon.net. Drivetime Polkas with “RONNIE D” WESTERN NEW YORK’S ONLY SEVEN-DAY-A-WEEK POLKA SHOW www.drivetimepolkas.com WXRL 1300AM MONDAY-SATURDAY 5:00-7:00 p.m. WECK 1230AM SUNDAYS 8:00-11:00 a.m. FOR INFORMATION or THEY ARE MISSED BY ALL (l. to r.): Jim Chronowski, Michigan musician and teacher; Johnny Libera, Massa- ADVERTISING RATES, CALL chusetts songwriter, whose material was recorded by the nation’s best; and Rick Malkiewicz of the Canadian (716) 683-4357 Fiddlestix, fi ddler from a family of talented musicians. 26 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014

DANCE TIME / Jen Pijanowski ‘Tis the Season BUFFALO, N.Y. — Christmas die Lekki played trumpet with the lights, garland, and gift wrap sur- Retzcek Orchestra after return- round us as we prepare for the holi- ing from his service in World War days. Don’t forget to take time for II. Then in 1950 he began playing yourself and your family to reflect with Wally Kapinos before decid- on the amazing blessings which we ing to start his own band called have all encountered during this the Golden Trio. In 1973 his son year. As I look back, I am thankful Gary was playing trumpet with the for the love that I have been lucky Polka Pals, following in his dad’s enough to find in the most unlikely musical footsteps. Once the Polka place, polka events. Spending time Pals disbanded, this father and son with friends, listening to kolędy and joined forces to begin their own sharing traditions will be at the top band called the Golden Eagles. His of my holiday list this year. Don’t band performed for 20 years at wed- forget to make a stop sometime this dings, dances, and numerous polka month at a polka event to hear some weekends and even recorded an al- kolędy to get you in the holiday bum entitled the Golden Age of Pol- Patty, Ashley, Eddie, and Gary Lekki. Denise and Rich Skorik (Buster the dog.) spirit. Although I did not grow up kas. After his long stint of playing, listening to it, it just doesn’t seem Eddie decided to retire from polka until 4:00 a.m. It is always a sure from anyone who knew him. Un- like Christmas to me until I hear music in 1988, but Gary kept the stop on everyone’s Dyngus Day ex- fortunately, I never met Steve, how- “Dzisiaj w Betlejem,” “Lulajże Je- band alive changing their name to cursion so why wait until next year ever, his memory lives on through zuniu,” and “Cicha Noc.” I wish all The Eagles Polka Band. Eddie still to feel that spirit of Dyngus come the family and friends of a man who of you a blessed holiday season and has spunk, a sense of humor, and the alive. Ed and Rosie provided that was loved by so many. The smile may all of your wishes come true gift for telling stories that need to vibe at the Halfway to Dyngus Day on his face in any picture gives you during this magical time of year. be preserved for future generations. Party with the Buffalo Touch. Pol- the feeling that he was an authentic, According to Eddie, he still plays ish t-shirts and bottles of Zywiec good natured man who left the world a mean harmonica and possesses filled the restaurant for an evening better than he found it. It is hard for a strong fondness for polkas. He of frivolity and lovely music. Carl anyone to believe that on Novem- never misses an opportunity to visit Nowakowski, who has not played ber 6, it had been 15 years since his his granddaughter in Western New much over the past several years, untimely passing. His wife Arlene York. I am thankful for my chance filled in with the band for an added wrote a few words in remembrance to meet this enchanting gentleman enthusiastic flair to the band’s typi- of this anniversary which she would and learn about his story thanks to cal repertoire. “Alice” as always like to share with all of you. the amazing Lekki family. I am hon- CHRIS and Ron Cyrankowski was a big hit of the night, as attend- Steve, ored that they took the time to talk ees shouted for it on several occa- It’s been 15 years since you again invited Special Delivery back sions. Self-proclaimed “Buffalo passed. It broke my heart to lose with me and keep the notable his- to reinstate the polka Sundays after tory of polkas alive. Touch groupies” Mike and Tammy you but you did not go alone. A part a summer break. After a beautiful Soich were on hand with their cus- of me went with you that day God fall day of apple picking, I stopped BOOSTERS’ DOZYNKI. Octo- tomary innovative Touch t-shirts called you home. It’s so lonely here in to this corner tavern to enjoy an dancing every single song in unison. without you, a million times I’ve ber marked a harvest celebration afternoon of music. It was no sur- for Buffalo Polka Boosters where Their infectious spirit lights up any cried. If love could have saved you prise that the bar was filled with pa- room with the love and affection Steve, you never would have died. LEIGHA and Marty Merwin fun and delicious apple cider were trons soaking up the music from this served up to the members. Eddie they share for one another and polka Love always, versatile group of musicians. Cheers music. My longtime friend Marek Arlene and children TOUCHDOWN! Buffalo Bills foot- Guca & his Polish Canadians and “sto lat” were being echoed ball couldn’t hold a candle to the provided the top notch entertain- Kutrowski and his girlfriend Tanya throughout the bar room as Barb were in town shopping from Os- UPCOMING fun that we mustered up with D ment for the evening. Eddie’s voice Godlewski was celebrating her Street Band at Potts Banquet Hall. filled the air commanding the- at hawa, Canada, and just happened • Dec. 6 — Polka Variety Christmas birthday. Cake, best wishes and ad- into the festivities looking for a bite Party, Krew Brothers. Call Bill Janish This lively entertaining band has tention of everyone in attendance. miration were apparent as she was for info (716) 759-8194 become one of my favorites since As I was steadfast working in the to eat before heading home. Many surrounded by loved ones including laughs and good conversations were • Dec. 12 — New Direction, Kolędy seeing them at USPA Convention in kitchen, I could not help but come Party for Response to Love Center. her husband John, sister Sharon conjured up during the revelry of May. The diverse musicianship of out to watch the band as they belted Goldyn, and her sweet mom Irene Millennium Hotel, Walden Ave., this band makes them an absolute out “Ej Mamusiu Moja.” The beau- the night and kept many of us there Cheektowaga. 2:00-6:00. Contact Wrobel. long after the music had stopped. dream to watch, dance, and hear. tiful harmonies in this song pull at Soon after “Sto lat,” was sung, Ron for info (716) 896-9063. D Street is filled with determined my heartstrings every single time I a very special guest took the stage • Dec. 13 — Buffalo Polka Boost- members who are genuine, down to hear it. Watching this band is wit- CONGRATS! I have made many ers Christmas Party. Music by Rare for an impromptu appearance. Kyle polka friends but I have to take a Vintage, members call Chris for earth, and truly love the music they nessing seasoned musicians who Kohan, who is a fixture on our local are playing. On a road trip heading insist on making every note count. moment to congratulate one of my info (716) 892-7977. music scene, has been away from very closest friends. Denise Finan • Dec. 14 — Special Delivery, Pre- back from Albany to Chicago, we After playing polkas, obereks, and playing polkas for the better part of Pre-Christmas Party. Dianeagains, were fortunate that they stopped in waltzes the band decided to mix it finally tied the knot to Richard the past 10 years. It was a blessing to Skorik in mid-October. Denise is 2460 Clinton St., Cheektowaga. to entertain us on this Sunday after- up with a few rhumbas, disco, and catch her playing a few songs with 4:30-7:30. Free. noon. If you haven’t heard the band, classics. The crowd really enjoyed the New York director for the USPA • Dec. 20 — Buffalo Touch, Kolędy at the band and she sounded spectacu- and has been a mainstay at polka you should definitely pick up a CD the multifaceted genres as the band lar. It was if she had never taken a Arty’s Bar. 508 Peckham St., Buffalo. or make it a point to catch them. performed to a jam-packed dance events for most of her life. I wish • Dec. 23 — Buffalo Concertina All break from playing alongside these her and Rich all the love, peace, and Leigha Merwin joined her parents floor the entire night. Buffalo Polka fellow musicians, which include her Stars, Kolędy Night. Details to be on their trip from Rochester to en- Boosters feels very grateful that happiness in their new life as hus- announced on band’s Facebook husband Mark. The dance floor bus- band and wife. Congratulations Mr. page. counter her first true polka dance. Eddie and his band have made per- tled as everyone enjoyed the added She had such a great time that she forming for the club a worthwhile and Mrs. Richard Skorik! • Dec. 31 — Polka New Year’s Eve, sound of Kyle on clarinet. If you Polka Country Musicians and Spe- will be spending New Year’s Eve trip from Toronto for a few hours of have never been here, it is worth a cial Delivery. Millennium Hotel, polka style this year. I am looking great music. LEGEND FONDLY REMEM- stop for a carefree, laid back Sun- BERED. The name Big Steve Krze- Walden Ave Cheektowaga. Call 1 forward to seeing you again Leigha. An added bonus for the evening (800) 323-3331 for info. day afternoon of music, laughter, minski rustles up fond memories was the announcement that Ron and and conversations. You never know LEKKI LEGACY. I also got a chance Chris Cyrankowski were celebrat- what guest musicians may stop by to visit with Patty and Gary Lekki ing their 50th wedding anniversary. and join the band for a few songs. from Utica who were in Buffalo vis- What a wonderful example of love Weso³ych Œwi¹t iting their daughter Ashley. While and dedication. Congratulations and HALF WAY THERE. Polish Villa II Merry Christmas chatting, a vivacious gentleman best wishes. has been hosting one of the lengthi- chimed in and I found out that he est celebrations for Dyngus Day was Gary’s 92-year-old father, who DIANEAGAIN’S SHENANAG- over the past few years, starting has quite an interesting story. Ed- INS, AGAIN. Dianeagains has once music at 11:00 a.m. and continuing STEVE & ADELE LITWIN SALT LAMPS ETC. Binghamton, New York 5274 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086 •(716) 564-9286 Can’t sleep? Need relief for asthmas? Allergies? Sinuses?

Now available beautiful Polish salt lamps that clean and ionize air for your health and well-being.

Laboratory tested for ionization and quality.

For information and flyers call: We will ship Joyce (716) 860-0828 • [email protected] anywhere in the USA Arlene (716) 649-3188 • [email protected] POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014 www.polamjournal.com 27 TOLEDO POLONIA / Margaret Zotkiewicz-Dramczyk O Happy Holidays from Toledo! Wesołych Œwi¹t Bo¿ego Narodzenia CHET KOWALKOWSKI I am happy to report that during I Get a Witness” is a local writer surer; Judy Kwiatkowski, secretary; and the the important heritage month of Oc- named John Rockwood, and his Michael Marek, trustee; Alan Rut- tober, Toledo Polonia was witness band Voodoo Libido played good kowski, trustee, Kevin Kwiatkows- POLISH CAROLERS to several well-attended events. old-fashioned rock and blues, while ki; membership committee chair; Chicago I have already talked about the Toledo’s own Polka Zone provided David Bezdziecki, promotions com- kielbasa cook-off in a previous the Polish music, in alternating sets. mittee chair; and Tony Groch, ser- column. Well, the craving for good Guests could choose from be- geant-at-arms. food was hard to quell, as a week tween American cafe-style food and Stay tuned for further news about later authentic Polish food was Polish cuisine, with cash-bar drinks TAPS and unfolding events for the served again. Saints Adalbert & to complement the meal club. Have a blessed Christmas and Hedwig Parish held a Polish Heri- A highlight of the evening was New Year! tage Feast, October 12. The event when UT Press Director Barbara included a full Polish meal with all Floyd announced the grand prize COMPUTER of the trimmings, a variety of raffl es winner to be none other than the DESIGN      and prizes, baked goods, a bar, and niece of “American Originals” edi- CDS SOUNDS of course polka music, featuring the tor Timothy Borden, Emily Borden. Czelusta Park All Stars. The weather The prize itself was one copy of ev- with OWL PICNIC COMMITTEE, always helps to bring out the crowd, ery book on the UT list, which were D.J.Rob           and this day delivered. The parish also for sale at a special table at the Music for Any Occasion hall was full as was the dance fl oor. entrance to the library. Thank you to         The new parish priest, Father Jacob, all of my friends who honored me WEDDINGS          ANNIVERSARIES though not of Polish heritage, was and the books by coming out to en-          thrilled to see the parish community joy this affair. Now I guess it’s time HOLIDAY PARTIES pull together for this event. It will be to work on Volume Two! INSTALLATIONS           good to see more events like these As president of Toledo Area RETIREMENTS             get added to the calendar. Polka Society, I would like to wel- Call (716) 570-3611   come the new offi cers: Larry Holt, Visit us on Facebook! A MEMORABLE NIGHT. My vice-president; Carol Holt, trea- Merry Christmas and a readers know that I’ve been talk- Happy and Healthy New Year to All! ing about a book called “Ameri- can Originals,” which was recently      featured in a couple of articles in the Journal. To celebrate the publi- cation of this book and a rock and roll anthology called “Can I get a Witness,” the University of Toledo GIVE held its own kind of festival. On Fri- day, October 17, The Canaday Cen- ter at the UT library was the place A GIFT where “A Little Bit Polka, A Little Bit Rock-n-Roll” took place. This was a free event for the community to celebrate these two books being GET A recently published, and the growing list of local history books that UT has brought to press. GIFT! The author/photographer of “Can

Listen to the Buy a 1-year gift subscription for a friend, fam- ily member, clergy, or library, and receive ten BIG TONY POLKA SHOW (10) free custom-designed Polish-English WJJL 1440 AM Christmas Cards with envelopes. (We’ll even Niagara Falls / Buffalo, NY pay for the shipping). That’s over $30.00 of SUNDAY EVENING goods, all for the price of one-year gift subscrip- 5:00 p.m. tion! In addition to helping spread the news about our wonderful Polish heritage, you will Send all promotional material to get these nifty Christmas cards, and a Gift Subscription Postcard, Tony Rozek which you can mail or give to the recipient. 78 Cochrane St. We’ll select an assortment of cards for you, but if you have a Buffalo, NY 14206 preference, just let us know. (Cards on show on page 13 of this month’s paper). For advertising information, call Christmas is one of the best times of the (716) 824-6092 year to be Polish, and a gift subscription to the PAJ is the best way to reintroduce fam- [email protected] ily and friends to the many treasured cus- toms and traditions of Poland. A Christmas package just for you from World Key Recordings: The Christmas Classic from 1996 [ ] Enclosed is $22.00 for a one-year gift subscription to: A Child is Born NAME The story of Christmas with Narration and Polish Kolendy ADDRESS

Music and Narration by Kevin Adams CITY, STATE, ZIP With Guest Vocalist: Eddie Blazonczyk [ ] Check or Money Order Enclosed & [ ] Charge to my: [ ] VISA [ ] MASTERCARD [ ] AMEX [ ] DISCOVER A New Release from 2014 Lulajze Jezuniu Dzisaij w Betlejem Pasterze Mili CARD NO. EXP. DATE CV CODE Gdy Sie Chrystus Rodzi Love Notes W Zlobie Lezy NAME and 5 more! $15 each or both for ADDRESS All the Flowers $25 You’re Why God Made Me Kwiaty Kocham i Ciebie Includes shipping! CITY, STATE, ZIP and 14 more! Send to: POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL Kevin Adams | 3155 Medina Line Rd | Richfield, OH 44286 P.O. BOX 271, NORTH BOSTON, NY 14110-0271 28 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2014

AMERICAN POLONIA AT A GLANCE Gunshore Crowned the New Miss Polonaise CONNECTICUT pist, and community leader Harry band accompanied by a vocalist, Sitilides. who sang many of the Polish songs. ERIE, Pa. — The East Side HARTFORD, Conn. —Michael Federation of Polish American Guida, whose family turned Gui- To learn more, visit immi- Demonstrations and crafts empha- grantheritage.org. sizing Polish heritage were offered Societies sponsored its 50th da’s Dairy into one of the top milk Polonaise Ball, Sat., Nov. 1, producers in New England, was for children and adults. A traditional JOINS PAJ poster display about Poland, its his- 2014 at the Polish Falcons Club. among those honored at this year’s The golden jubilee marked the Immigrant Heritage Hall Of Fame S T A F F . tory, Polish kings, famous people, Kasia Ro- and more was on display in the li- crowning of the 2014-2015 Miss Induction Ceremony and Gala. Polonaise, Marianna Gunshore. The Guidas were immigrants manowska brary for the month. — a jour- Culminating these special events Gunshore is the daughter of from Poland who started a dairy Paul and Angela Gunshore and farm in Connecticut. It was Alex- nalist from was a fundraiser held on October Warsaw, has 26th at Murzyn Hall in Columbia the late Gregory Pianka. She is ander S. Guida, Jr., and his brother in her senior year at McDowell Frank (two of 13 siblings) who built joined the Heights. All proceeds were desig- Polish Amer- nated for the Children’s Hospital High school with career goal of the business into a modern com- attending college for engineering mercial dairy. They began with a ican Journal in Lomianki, Poland (Columbia as a cultural Heights’ Sister City), which has and international business. single sales route started in 1932, in Gunshore has been a National the midst of the Great Depression. news colum- been the prime benefi ciary of the nist. She is a reporter at the Nor- CH Sister Cities’ humanitarian proj- Honor Society member since her Al Guida had dropped out of school junior year, and has participated in Marianna Gunshore after the sixth grade to go into busi- wood News, has published arti- ects for the past 20 years. cles about Africa and New York, IUP’s Cook’s Honor College and ness. NEW JERSEY Penn State Behrends MCE/WISE She was escorted to the event In 1947, the brothers acquired the and is a co-writer of the guide of by Anthony Jaskiewicz. Rome. She lives in Brooklyn. TRENTON — The Polish Arts summer programs. Seibert Dairy, and later merged with Club of Trenton will hold its Wi- She also is a McDowell Also in attendance were many Radway’s Dairy of New London, previous Ms. Polonaise queens, MINNESOTA gilia, Sun., Dec. 7 at Leonardo’s II, Lacrosse player, who has played Connecticut, in 1966. Radway’s had 2021 Brunswick Pike, Lawrencev- varsity since her sophomore year, including the very fi rst, Regina COLUMBIA HEIGHTS — Pol- been formed in 1918 by Guy F. Rad- ille, N.J., beginning at 2:00 p.m. The helping her team win two district Jaworski, who won the title ish American Heritage Month was way. An associated operation, Gui- price is $50.00 person, and includes 10 championships. Gunshore was in 1966. Many members and observed in Columbia Heights with da’s Bay State Dairy Company was beer, wine, appetizers, a specially- acknowledged as “Defense Player supporters of the Federation also various activities that also received formed through the purchase of the prepared Christmas dinner, kolędy, of the Year,” and team captain in attended the event, with the 2014 cooperation from the City, its public Daylight Dairy and Deary Brothers, and sharing of opłatek. Reservations 2014. contestants and their families. library, and Immaculate Conception both of Massachusetts. are required, and can be obtained by She works at Kmart and is To learn more about this year’s Church. Guida’s was one of the fi rst to called Linda Everett at (609) 588- a proud member of St. Luke’s queen, visit www.facebook.com/ Mayor Gary Peterson read a print pictures of missing children on 5524. parish, where she has volunteered misspolonaise2014. To invite her its milk cartons. Proclamation for Polish American as a religious education assistant to participate in your event, email By the time of Alexander Guida, Heritage Month at the Oct. 13 City PENNSYLVANIA and with the Knights of Columbus’ Gunshore at misspolonaise2014@ Jr.’s, death in August 1990, Guida- Council meeting. The Proclamation UNIONTOWN — The Polish annual Lenten fi sh fry. gmail.com. Seibert Dairy Company had become was presented to Dolores Puente Heritage Club will conduct its an- New England’s largest independent Strand, Sister City Inc. co-chair, nual Polish Christmas Eve dinner um, 308 Walnut Street. Doors will UPCOMING dairy, with revenues of $100 mil- who authored the statement. This (Wigilia), Fri., Dec. 19 at 6:00 p.m. be open from 11:00 a.m. until 2:30 lion a year and a fl eet of roughly has been a tradition in Columbia The Polish Falcons are hav- in the Polish Club Hall on S. Mount p.m. Admission is free. For details, ing their Wigilia Dinner, Dec. 6 200 trucks. It employed 300 people, Heights for the past 15 years or Vernon Ave. This year marks the call (215) 922-1700. and today is owned by a national co- more. at the Sokol Club, 2912 E. Carson twenty-fi fth year for this treasured MANAYUNK — The Polish St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203 … The operative of dairy farmers based in A group of members attended the ethnic event, which attracts between American Heritage Association of Kansas City. play written by Pope St. John Paul Lira performing artists will be in 150 to 200 people. Manayunk-Roxborough will hold it Cleveland Dec. 7 at the Masonic Also honored at the Nov. 8, gala, II entitled “The Jeweler’s Shop” at Reservations are required. Please its Traditional Polish Wigilia Din- held at Central Connecticut State the Open Window Theatre in Min- Auditorium, 3:00 p.m. for their an- call Barbara Novsek at (724) 438- ner, Sun., Dec. 14., at St. Josaphat nual Christmas program. For ticket University Alumni Hall was indus- neapolis. 1036 to make yours. Church Hall, 124 Cotton St., Mana- trialist and entrepreneur Michael The Columbia Heights Public information, call (800) 547-5472 … PHILADELPHIA — Sat., Dec. yunk, at 2:00 p.m. Doors open 1:00 The Lira group will be in Chicago Budney; world renowned pianist Library hosted a Polish Day Oc- 13 is the date for the Polish Christ- p.m. For information, call Helen and educator Luiz De Moura Cas- tober 4, which was highlighted by on Dec. 14, 3:00 p.m. at the Harris mas Open House at the Polish Cyzio (215) 482-3040. Theater in Millennium Park. tro; and entrepreneur, philanthro- “Mosaica,” an eight-piece Polish American Cultural Center Muse-

Merry Christmas

Polishand & Slavic a Happy Federal Credit Union New Year. wishes its Members, Friends, and the entire Polish community a peaceful and joyful Christmas and financial success in the New Year 2015.