No. 12 ◆ April 2013 Excellence “Angels sent from heaven” Recognizes The letter below was recently received from a family Copernicus Lodge caregiver: In February 2013, Copernicus Lodge was selected to “I will never forget the day when my dear parents had receive the 2012 Excellence Canada – Accessibility Award. to leave their beloved home of 40 years and move into their new The award recognizes organizations that have gone above and lodgings at Copernicus Lodge on First Floor South. They looked so beyond the regulatory requirements of existing legislation by sad and forlorn as we made our drive down Roncesvalles Avenue to demonstrating leadership and commitment to providing exemplary their new home. They knew that it was the best decision but it didn’t service and opportunities to people with disabilities. make it any easier. The positive thing was that they were going to a first-class facility run by very caring and devoted staff. Receiving this award is truly an honour for Copernicus Lodge, as it underscores the exceptional talent within our medical, Mother settled into life at Copernicus very well, attending clinical and administrative teams. mass on Sundays at the chapel which she loved, and continued to Their continued efforts to create a enjoy her walks on Roncesvalles and even doing a bit of shopping. culture of excellence enable us to Father, on the other hand, did not adapt so well. He missed his home be a recognized leader in the field where he was master of his domain. Dad was a very territorial and of long-term care for our aging independent man who would try anyone’s patience. But the staff at population. Copernicus was very tolerant and patient with Dad and got used to his stubbornness and demanding ways, always treating him with The award reads: “Copernicus Lodge has shown how it has kindness and respect. met its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with nd Disabilities Act, 2005, and then gone above and beyond basic Unfortunately, mother died on July 22 , 2006, two years compliance to demonstrate leadership in organizational after moving into Copernicus Lodge. Our Mum was a delightful lady accessibility. and was loved by all. She had nothing but praise for the PSWs and nursing staff on First Floor South. They did everything they could to Through its role-model behaviour, Copernicus Lodge has make Mum’s stay as safe and comfortable as possible. reached out into the communities in which it serves to reinforce the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of Dad lived at Copernicus for eight years. All throughout his opportunity for people with disabilities. This has been accomplished residency, the staff was the most professional, caring and tolerant by actively raising awareness about accessibility, implementing its that I have ever encountered. Their compassion and sense of humour own initiatives for all to benefit from and inviting feedback to inform knew no bounds, and believe me, when dealing with our Dad, you future planning and continuous improvement. had to possess a sense of humour to get you through all his antics. Dad died on August 2nd, 2012. Congratulations to the entire team at Copernicus Lodge for the good work already done and best wishes for success in all your We cannot thank everyone enough for the genuine comfort, future efforts in this regard. They will surely help us all achieve our care and concern bestowed on our parents, especially our Dad goal of an Ontario that is accessible to people with disabilities by during the last days of his life. The staff at Copernicus Lodge are 2025.” truly angels sent from heaven. It takes special people to be nurses, PSWs and administrative staff. They have a difficult job and go over Congratulations to everyone at the Lodge for giving us yet and beyond their call of duty. Thank you again and many blessings another reason to say Copernicus is the best. to you all.” -Mary-Jeanne Wial WE NEED YOUR HELP TO RAISE $1,000,000! Copernicus Lodge was built in 1979. Times may have changed but our lobby and its surroundings haven’t. Help us make our lobby safer, more accessible and inviting. Please consider making a donation to the Copernicus Lodge Foundation today. All donations over $10 will be receipted. Flag Day Celebration Jesse Flis Honoured On November 21st, 2012, Peggy Nash, MP for Parkdale- High Park, announced that Jesse Flis had been chosen to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The medal was created to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne. It is awarded to distinguished for their contribution or service to their fellow Canadians, to their community and to their country.

As a former MP for Parkdale-High Park, former Director and Chairman of the Copernicus Lodge Board of Directors, principal and teacher, Jessie Flis’ dedication to the betterment of Canadian society has not gone unnoticed. Jesse was one of 30 individuals presented with the award by Peggy Nash on January 20th, 2013. His L-R: Manny Radomski, Barbara Glogowski, Wladyslaw Lizon, contributions to Canada and in particular to the Polish-Canadian Peggy Nash, Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, Tracy Kamino, Ted Opitz community will never be forgotten. In October 1964, after eliminating thousands of Congratulations, Jesse! proposals, the Special Government Committee on a Canadian Flag recommended to the House of Commons that the single-leaf, red and white design be adopted. On January 28th, 1965, the National Flag of Canada was proclaimed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to take effect on February 15th, 1965. This memorable date has been celebrated annually by the residents at Copernicus Lodge.

This year’s celebration of Flag Day at Copernicus Lodge consisted of a historical review of the origin of our new flag and poems written by our residents. Of particular note was a presentation by Barbara Glogowski, a Copernicus Lodge resident, whose late husband was a member of the Special Committee on a Canadian Flag. She shared details of her husband’s involvement and produced an original copy of The Telegram (a now defunct daily newspaper) dated December 15th, 1964, which announced that a new flag had finally been chosen, ‘born in emotional holocaust.’

The event was attended by Peggy Nash, MP for Parkdale- High Park; Ted Optiz, MP for Centre (Ted’s father is a resident of Copernicus Lodge); Wladyslaw Lizon, MP for Peggy Nash and Jesse Flis Mississauga East-Cooksville; a representative of Cheri DiNovo, MPP for Parkdale-High Park; and Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, a former Toronto Councillor. Copernicus Lodge thanks our local politicians for their continued support. Centenarian Club Stefania Psica (104) Tekla Lorentowicz (103) Eugenia Wisniewski (102) Sabina Warshall (101) Weronika Fryz (101) Barbara Braun (100) RIP Eugenia Ojrzynski (109) RIP Stanislawa Samila (101) A resident speaking with Peggy Nash Featured Staff: Aniela Ganczak

As a young woman living in Józefów, Poland, Aniela Ganczak never could have imagined where life would lead her. Growing up, Aniela’s parents stressed the importance of education for their children and Aniela was an enthusiastic student. She obtained a Master of Science degree in Horticulture from Akademia Rolnicza in Lublin before being hired as an urban planner by the city of Zamość. Despite a promising career in Poland, she made the brave but controversial decision to immigrate to Canada in 1992, leaving behind her parents, three brothers and a sister.

After arriving in Toronto, Aniela had several jobs. However, it wasn’t until 2004 that she finally found her niche as a part-time Horticultural Therapist and part-time Volunteer Coordinator at Copernicus Lodge. It quickly became clear to all that Aniela’s genuine desire to help others and her fluency in English and Polish (and Russian!) made her more valuable as aVolunteer Coordinator. Since starting at Copernicus Lodge, Aniela has returned to school three times to obtain certificates in Volunteer Management and Activation Therapy. Aniela works diligently to accommodate volunteers and help with special events. Her door is literally and figuratively always open to anyone in need.

It’s easy for anyone to see that Aniela is a positive person with an engaging personality. She stays active by gardening, singing and spending time with her friends. Aniela lives in Missisauga and attends church in Toronto. She has two daughters, Iwona and Magda, both of who have completed graduate school and started careers of their own. Aniela enjoys travelling and makes regular trips to Poland to see her family. In her spare time, Aniela is a volunteer with several Polish heritage organizations and charitable groups.

According to Aniela, “Dealing with plants and dealing with people are in many ways similar. In order to survive, both plants and people need to be nurtured and provided with tender loving care.” And that is exactly what Aniela does. It’s no wonder Copernicus Lodge has so many volunteers (although Aniela is always on the lookout for more). We’re truly lucky to have Aniela and hope she will be a part of our family for a long time to come. Featured Volunteer: New Acting Director of Tadeusz Koryluk Programs & Services

Tadeusz Koryluk has volunteered at Copernicus Lodge Copernicus Lodge is pleased to since October 2004. He works alongside staff in all departments announce that Natalie Pawlowski has assumed including Program & Services, Activation, Physiotherapy, the role of Acting Director of Programs & Nursing and Dietary. Services while Basia Leja-Plaza, Director of Programs & Services, is away on maternity Every day for the past nine years, Tadeusz has greeted leave. residents, staff and his fellow volunteers with a smile and a positive attitude. He is always punctual, a great communicator, Natalie has a Bachelor of Arts degree responsible and a hard worker. It is a pleasure in Recreation and Leisure Studies with an to work with Tadeusz. emphasis in Inclusive Therapy from Brock University. She is of Ukrainian heritage and Thank you, Tadeusz, for the speaks some Ukrainian. countless hours you have spent volunteering at Copernicus Lodge. You are one of the Managing the Programs & Services department at many who help to make Copernicus Lodge Copernicus Lodge is a natural fit for Natalie, who enjoys keeping feel like home. busy in her spare time with activities such as hockey, soccer and arts and crafts. In the few months Natalie has been here, her warm We couldn’t do it without you! nature and resonant voice have made her a noticeable addition to “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the the Lodge management team. only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Welcome to the Copernicus family, Natalie! We wish you -Albert Schweitzer all the best. Donor Recognition Evening a Great Success On Sunday, December 2nd, 2012, the Copernicus Lodge Foundation held its annual Donor Recognition Evening. Attended by over 200 donors and friends of Copernicus Lodge, the event featured lively entertainment in Polish and English by John Gora & Friends and Radość-Joy Vocal Dance Group. Catering was provided by the Copernicus Lodge Dietary department and complemented by food and beverage donations from Cornerstone Estate Winery, Village Meat Products & Delicatessen, Sweet Temptations Bakery, Barque Smokehouse and European Fine Foods.

The Donor Recognition Evening has become a tradition at Copernicus Lodge. It began as a way for the Foundation to say “thank you” to its donors but quickly evolved into an evening of entertainment for staff, volunteers, residents and donors alike.

Andrew Chomentowski, President of the Copernicus Lodge Foundation Board of Directors, gratefully accepted a cheque for $50,000 from the Copernicus Lodge Auxiliary and a cheque for $10,000 from the Knights of Columbus Cardinal Wyszynski Council 9296. He then presented a donor recognition plaque to the Marie Curie Sklodowska Association in recognition of a prior $30,000 donation.

In total, 17 businesses and 3 individuals donated cash, food and raffle prizes worth $1,662.48 to support this event.At the end of the evening, 19 items including gift certificates and gift baskets were raffled fof to lucky attendees. Thank you to all of our event sponsors.

Andrew Chomentowski presented Aileen Brown, President of the Marie Curie Sklodowska Association, with a donor recognition plaque Event Sponsors Knights of Columbus Cardinal Wyszynski Council 9296 members Cornerstone Estate Winery presented a $10,000 cheque to Andrew Chomentowski and Tracy Kamino Jessica Wroblewski Stan Mamak Barrister & Solicitor Rainbow Songs Café Polonez Evergreen Natural Foods Steve & Teresa Wroblewski Roncesvalles Family Foot Care Kaye’s Hairstyling Gate 403 Bar & Grill Guardian Pharmacy Assist The Westerly Kitchen & Bar Village Meat Products & Delicatessen Starbucks (Dundas & Roncesvalles) Sweet Temptations Bakery Barque Smokehouse Howard Johnson (Toronto Downtown) Copernicus Lodge Auxiliary members presented a $50,000 cheque to European Fine Foods Andrew Chomentowski The Film Buff Christmas Appeal Raises over $140,000

For the past 13 years, the Copernicus Lodge Foundation has mailed a Christmas appeal letter to our donors to raise 2012 Christmas Appeal Stats much needed funds for Copernicus Lodge. In response to our 2012 Christmas appeal letter, we are proud to announce that the Foundation received 411 donations from 409 donors for a total amount raised of $142,132.50. First Gift: November 23, 2012 Final Gift: March 15, 2013 In particular, we would like to thank the Copernicus Lodge Average Gift: $345.82 Auxiliary, Dr. Joseph Bielawski, Philip Stefaniak, Quality Custom Blending (Ed & Lorraine Uba) and Emily Krula for their continued Median Gift: $100.00 generosity. Number of Donors: 409 Total Amount Raised: $142,132.50 To everyone who donated, thank you for your support! Thank you! Dziękujemy! Historian Interviews Residents for Book Over the past few months, Simon Rees, a British journalist and historian, has visited Copernicus Lodge several times to interview residents about their experiences during World War II.

Simon has been writing about Polish history for some time now, primarily about Poland’s role in World War II. He was convinced by one of the curators of the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum in London to start interviewing Polish World War II survivors before there were none left to bear witness. The project quickly became far larger than he thought. Simon completed over 30 interviews in the United Kingdom before relocating to Toronto. So far, he has interviewed three residents at Copernicus Lodge but hopes to increase this number.

Simon is interested in talking to anyone who lived through World War II, both combatants and civilians. He conducts his interviews in English because until very recently, most Polish recollections and memories of the war were recorded only in Polish and therefore inaccessible to English-speaking historians (with the notable exceptions of Norman Davies and Adam Zamoyski). He believes this is a key reason for Poland’s role in World War II being either overlooked or downplayed by many. Simon hopes that his work will help, even if in a small way, to share the Polish story with a wider audience.

For more information on Simon Rees and his research, please visit: www.historicaleye.com. To schedule an interview with Simon, please speak to Beata Krlin, Administrative Supervisor at Copernicus Lodge. Join the Auxiliary Join the Foundation The Copernicus Lodge Auxiliary needs new members. Men Board of Directors and women, both young and old, are welcome to apply. Help is The Copernicus Lodge Foundation is currently seeking qualified needed operating Aggie’s Tuck Shop on Tuesdays or Thursdays or candidates to join the Foundation Board of Directors. Saturdays from 10AM-2PM. Volunteers are also needed to assist with ongoing grocery shopping and sewing. If you’re motivated and willing to invest your time, energy and resources to benefit Copernicus Lodge, please contact The Auxiliary meets one Tuesday per month and organizes Jessica Wroblewski at (416) 536-7122 ext. 252 or bazaars and special events throughout the year. If you’re [email protected]. interested in helping others and enhancing the quality of life for our seniors, please speak with Aniela Ganczak, Volunteer The Board is particularly looking for individuals with business, Coordinator. She can be reached at (416) 536-7122 ext. 269. financial and/or fundraising experience. The Copernican April 2013 Issue Written, edited and produced by: Manny Radomski Jessica Wroblewski Connect with us Online Sponsor the Copernican www.copernicuslodge.com www.copernicuslodgefoundation.com Support Copernicus Lodge

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