POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009 www.polamjournal.com  JUNE 2009 • VOL. 98, NO. 6 $2.00 PERIODICAL POSTAGEPERIODICAL PAID AT BOSTON, YORK NEW

POLISH AMERICAN AND ADDITIONAL ENTRY OFFICES

Anna Paquin as Irena Sendler

DR. RICHARD LUKAS JOURNALEstablished 1911 www.polamjournal.com REVIEWS SENDER TV DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION AND CONTINUANCE OF POLISH AMERICAN CULTURE BIO — PAGE 17 OVERDUE: MATT URBAN USPS STAMP • SUPPORT GABRESKI MEMORIAL • A TALE OF TWO CHURCHES THE MAGIC OF ST. JOHN’S EVE • ALL-TIME POLISH AMERICAN BASEBALL TEAM • ZIMERMAN PROTESTS POLICY A GIFT TO AMERICA • SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE SALUTES PODHALANKA • KUDOS FOR SZAREJKO In Step With Success Note by Polish Catholic Auschwitz NEWSMARK Inmate Discovered 65 Years Later MINISTERS MEET. Poland’s foreign minister arrived in OSWIECIM, Poland — In “We were taught how to be Moscow May 5 for meetings with his Russian counterpart a pure stroke of luck, a bottle masons by engineers and mas- on energy and defense, amid tense relations between the containing the names of World ter masons, primarily French Kremlin and Warsaw. War II death camp prisoners Jews,” said Karol Czekal- One of the aims of the Moscow talks will be setting the was found in April by work- ski, 83, another of the Poles ground for a planned visit of Russian PM Validimir Putin ers demolishing a wall in named on the list, which was to Poland for the 70th anniversary commemorations of the what is now a school, but was formally handed over to the outbreak of World War II. The main event is to be held in part of the Nazi facility Aus- Auschwitz-Birkenau. Gdansk, September 1. chwitz, built by the Germans After news of the bottle’s Foreign Ministers Radek Sikorski of Poland and Sergei in Oswiecim, Poland. discovery spread, a Swedish Lavrov of Russia met for the process of “normalizing rela- The note in the bottle woman identified the man tions,” said the Polish Press Agency. written September 20, 1944 who wrote the list — Broni- The meeting also showed that Russia now sees Warsaw included the names and Aus- slaw Jankowiak, Auschwitz as a serious player in the EU, and not as an “anti-Russian chwitz ID numbers of six Pol- ID number 121213 — as her troublemaker,” the daily Wyborcza commentated. ish Catholics and one French father. The meeting will discuss the so-called Eastern Part- Jew, at the time ages 18 to “I recognized the hand- nership and the United States missile shield to be built in 20. writing. It must be my father’s Poland: both controversial topics that have raised tensions Three of the men on the handwriting,” said Irene between Poland and Russia. Raphaelle Ziemba of the The Lira Dancers twirls in a cos- list are still alive, including Jankowiak, 49, of Uppsala, tume from the southern Rzeszów region. The dance group Waclaw Sobczak, who hid north of Stockholm. SAVE HISTORIC SHIPYARD, SAYS WALESA. Former is part of the Lira Ensemble, which has been entertaining the bottle, a last sign of life as “I’m surprised that these Polish President Lech Walesa asked European politicians and enlightening audiences for 44 years. The nation’s only he prepared to die. Poles put me in this bottle,” to save the struggling Gdansk shipyard, the cradle of the professional performing Polish American arts company, Lira “I put the bottle in the said Albert Veissid, of Lyon, pro-democracy Solidarity movement that he founded. brings the best of Polish Culture into American life through wall,” Sobczak, 84, who France, the only Jew on the The yard has been under pressure for years with the orchestral and vocal music, dance, and informative English survived Auschwitz but list. “I knew their faces, but threat of bankruptcy. The money-losing business has been language narration. Story on page 4. still bears the ID number — didn’t remember the names.” kept alive with state subsidies, putting Poland at odds with 145664 — the Nazis tattooed The Poles — all Chris- the European Union. Arabs to Build New Town in Poland on his forearm, told the AFP tian — spoke simple French, “The Gdansk shipyard is the one where the transforma- Arab company Limitless intends to purchase a tract of land news agency via telephone and worked on building sites tion of Europe started,” Walesa told a congress of the Euro- in Chrzanow, on which they will build a town replete with from his home in Wrabczyn, while Veissid worked beneath pean People’s Party, a grouping of center-right parties that shopping centers, apartments, office buildings and sports fa- western Poland. them, securing a bunker, he is the biggest in the European Parliament. cilities. They are also interested in buying land in Warsaw, “It was an attempt to leave said. “Please take a moment and think what can be done to Katowice, and Wroclaw. The company, a property division of a trace of our existence as They brought him mar- prevent the destruction of this first monument of our vic- investment giant Dubai World, entered Poland in 2007 and we thought we were going malade and other stolen pro- tory in Europe and in the world,” Walesa said, winning ap- intends to complete land purchases by September, 2009. Once to die,” said Sobczak, sent to visions during the day, then plause. the land purchase in Chrzanow is finalized, construction is Auschwitz in 1943 as a slave came at night to retrieve Poles have a strong emotional attachment to the Gdansk anticipated to last about thirty months. laborer. them, he said. shipyard, a symbol of the demise of communism. BODY OF SLAIN POLE LAID TO REST. The remains of The Vanishing Polish Ethnic Parish in America a Polish geologist beheaded by militants in Pakistan were by Rev. Richard in significant numbers, the first - prior parishes founded by either our parents, buried in his hometown of Krosno, in a ceremony attended Philiposki S.Ch. ity was to have a church congregation, grandparents or great grandparents. As a by state and local authorities and city residents. n 1854, the first Polish Roman where the language and many religious priest of the Society of Christ for Polo- Piotr Stanczak, 42, was kidnapped close to the Afghan Catholic Parish in America was traditions from the old country could be nia and as a student of ethnic parochial border on Sept. 28, 2008 while on a project for a Krakow- founded in Panna Maria, Texas. reestablished in the new world. history and geography, I have studied the based geophysics company that surveys oil and gas fields After the Civil War, began the first Also it was important that the new annual Official Kennedy Catholic Direc- for Pakistani authorities. Ilarger waves of immigrants from Prus- generations of children born here be tory as well as diocesan sources to moni- In return for his freedom, the abductors had demanded sian (German) oc- tor the increasing the release of some imprisoned militants, a condition the cupied Poland. disappearance of Pakistani government refused to meet. Before the end of these parishes that Stanczak was held hostage until his captors beheaded the 19th century, is reach ing an ac- him Feb. 7 in a killing they videotaped. waves began also celerated rate. from Russian Po- On March A CHANCE TO PROVE INNOCENCE. If you hold a lead- land (Kingdom 14th, the Bishop ership position in the Polish American Congress and have of Poland) and of Cleveland an- been accused of collaborating with the Secret Services of Galicia (Austrian nounced the clos- the Communist regime, now is your chance to prove your Poland) right up ing (among oth- accusers wrong. to World War I ers) of most of the Following up on an October 2008 By-Law amendment, and then follow- remaining Polish which made former collaborators ineligible to hold office ing the war to the ethnic parishes in within the organization, the PAC recently passed a lustra- mid 1920s, when the city and dio- tion resolution. This urges all persons in leadership posi- restrictive leg- cese (St. Casimir, tions in the PAC — who hold or have held postwar Polish islation greatly St. Hyacinth, St. citizenship — to apply to Poland’s Institute of National Re- reduced the num- Barbara, Sacred membrance (IPN) for disclosure of documents relating to bers of immigrants Heart of Jesus, their involvement with the Security Services of the Polish allowed from Eastern and Southern Eu- taught the catechism and other subjects Corpus Christi, St. Hedwig in Lake- People’s Republic. rope. It is estimated that somewhere in the Polish language to connect with wood, St. Stanislaus in Lorain, Holy The IPN is based in Poland and its mission is to study around 800-860 churches were estab- their parents and their heritage They Cross in Elyria and St. Hedwig in Ak- crimes perpetrated by Nazi Germany and the Communists lished as personal national parishes in often built elaborate churches and par- ron. Earlier Transfiguration, St. Mary of against Poland and the Poles. Current Polish law allows many dioceses of the New England, the ish complexes and expected that many Czestochowa and St. Josaphat in Cleve- for the release of lustration documents only to principals Northeast and Great Lakes area. future generations would be served by land were closed. — only an individual can request vetting by the IPN in Smaller numbers were found far- these structures! Other archdioceses and dioceses such order to determine if, and in what ways, he or she was or ther out in the Midwest and very few in Today there is an alarming accelerat- as Detroit, Boston, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, was not involved with the Security Services of the Polish the West and almost none in the South. ing increase in the suppression (closing), Albany, Scranton, Milwaukee, and People’s Republic. Wherever the Polish immigrants came merging and clustering of these ethnic See “Vanishing ...,” page 4  www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009

ALMANAC JUST BETWEEN US / Mark Kohan

June • Czerwiec “Artistic talent is a gift from God Time to Make Matt Urban Stamp a Priority and whoever discovers it in himself Most of you know the name Lt. Col. Matt nel Command in Service will be reluctant to pay tribute to heroes has a certain obligation: to know Urban. His exploits and heroism throughout his Alexandria, Vir- of World War II. You must contact the Postmaster that he cannot waste this talent, but career as America’s most decorated combat sol- ginia, both Murphy General, the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Commit- must develop it.” dier, have been covered in the Polish American and Urban were tee, your congressmen and your senators. — Pope John Paul II Journal on many occasions. awarded 29 med- Send to: 1 1434. Death of Polish King Unfortunately, it was not until long after als. While it is true Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee Wladyslaw Jagiello (b. 1348). World War II that Urban was finally recognized Urban was never c/o Stamp Development 2 1979. First pilgrimage of Pope for his commitment to freedom, when, in 1980 presented with Dis- U.S. Postal Service John Paul II to Poland, through President Jimmy Carter gave the Buffalo, N.Y. tinguished Service 1735 North Lynn St., Suite 5013 June 10. native the nation’s gratitude he so justly deserved Cross, he does sur- Arlington, VA 22209-6432 1798. Polish playwright and by presenting him with the Medal of Honor. pass Murphy in the author Julian Niemcewicz Urban’s bravery is legendary. He was called number of combat Members of the committee (as of Nov. 2008) visits George Washington at Mt. “The Ghost” by his German foes because he kept awards. include: Benjamin F. Bailar, Cary R. Brick, Don- Vernon. coming back to fight, despite multiple wounds. With all this to na De Varona; Jean Picker Firstenberg; Dr. Henry 1890. Death of folklorist and eth- 3 His Medal of Honor citation referred to ten his credit, you’d Louis Gates, Jr.; Sylvia Harris; Jessica Helfand; nographer Oskar Kolberg (b. Matt Urban separate acts of bravery that spanned almost the think the United Michael I. Heyman; John M. Hotchner; Karl 1814), 76. Malden; Joan A. Mondale; B. Martin Pedersen; 1872. Death of famed Polish entire Normandy campaign. Early in the fighting States Postal Service would have already hon- 4 and Clara E. Rodriguez. composer Stanislaw Moniusz- in northern France, he was wounded twice bat- ored Urban by presenting his image on a stamp. ko, (b. 1819) tling tanks with a bazooka. After shrapnel ripped But you would be wrong. The Honorable John E. Potter 1989. First free elections in Po- his leg, he was shipped back to England to an Since Urban’s death in 1995, scores of Polish Postmaster General and land since World War II. Army hospital, but within six weeks he had made Americans have lobbied the Postal Service and Chief Executive Officer 6 1818. Death of Jan Henryk his way back to the front. Once there, he found his its Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee about a 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW Dabrowski (b. 1755), Polish unit bogged down by German fire. He ran across stamp to honor Urban. The Committee is respon- Washington, DC 20260-0010 general and military hero who open ground to an unmanned American tank, and sible for reviewing proposals and making design organized the Polish Legion in Letters to Senators can be addressed to your Italy in 1797. with machinegun bullets ricocheting around him, suggestions to the Postmaster General. senator’s name, then: 8 ST. HEDWIG mounted the turret, climbed in and returned the Based on his service record alone, Urban U.S. Senate 10 Blessed Bogumil, Archbishop enemy fire, routing the German position. deserves to be on a stamp. The fact he is Pol- Washington, DC 20510 of Gniezno. He fought with 9th Division’s 60th Regiment ish American makes his case more pressing. In (202) 224-3121 12 1915. Death of Jozef Brandt, in North Africa, Sicily, France and in Germany. addition to honoring Urban and the one million painter of portraits and Bible His citations, besides the Medal of Honor, in- Polish Americans who served the United States Letters to congressmen can be addressed to scenes. clude: Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters; during World War II, the Postal Service would your representative’s name, then: U.S. House of Representatives 13 1907. Stanley (Kiecal) Ketch- Silver Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Legion also be paying tribute to all Americans of Polish el wins the middleweight box- Washington, DC 20515 of Merit; Croix-de-Guerre (France); Presiden- descent, who have fought for our country, from (202) 225-3121 ing crown. He holds the title for tial Unit Citation; American Campaign Medal; Kosciuszko and Pulaski to Krzyzanowski and three years. Purple Heart with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters; Combat Haller’s volunteers; from Gabreski and the Rip- To contact the White House directly: 14 Flag Day (U.S.) Infantryman Badge; American Defense Service kowski Brothers to today’s veterans. President Barack Obama 1940. First transport of Polish The White House prisoners arrives at Auschitz Medal; American Theater Medal; European-Af- Milton Berle, Woody Guthrie, Casey Jones, rican-Middle Eastern Theater Medal with four Ethel Merman, Art Carney, Desi Arnaz — they 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Nazi death camp. Washington, DC 20500 17 1696. Death of Jan III Sobies- bronze campaign stars; and the World War II (and hundreds of other entertainers like them) (202) 456-1414 , who defeated the Turks at ki Victory Medal. have all been honored by having their images on e-mail: [email protected] the Battle of Chocom near Vi- Still, outside of the Polish American and U.S. stamps. Where’s the justice; where’s the re- enna, and is credited with sav- military communities, Urban is not well known. spect? To quote President Calvin Coolidge: “A na- ing Europe from being overrun. When asked, most Americans will tell you Audie tion that forgets its heroes is a nation destined to 19 1873. Death of Valerian Sula- Murphy deserves the title of America’s greatest WHAT YOU CAN DO. It is crucial American Po- be forgotten.” It is time the United States remem- kowski, Polish American mili- tary engineer for the Confed- war hero. According to the Total Army Person- lonia gets behind this. As time passes, the Postal bers Matt Urban. eracy. 20 1793. Birth of Aleksander Fredro (d. 1876), Polish drama- EDITOR’S DESK tist noted for his comedies. Announcing New 21 Father’s Day (U.S.) PAJ Blog Site First Day of Summer Wanted: Color to add to our on-line Book- 22 1940. Gen. Wladyslaw Sikor- In an effort to reach Polonia throughout Photo of John Paul store. This is an ideal situ- ski establishes Polish govern- the United States and the World, the Polish II. Joe Brozeski, the man ation to introduce your ment-in-exile in London. American Journal is pleased to offer an ex- behind Oil City, Pa.’s work to a large audience 23 Sobotka citing new internet blogging site — Polish Polish Heritage Proj- of Polish Americans. Call 1 24 1886. Birth of Fr. Justin Figas, American Journal Today (www.pajtoday. ect and the city’s Pol- (800) 422-1275 or write to OFM, founder of the Fr. Justin blogspot.com). On a regular basis, the site will post ish Heritage Park, [email protected] Rosary Hour. items of interest, current events and updated informa- is trying to locate a for details. 1838. Birth of Polish painter tion on happenings throughout Polonia. color version of the Jan Matejko (d. 1893), who is REMINDER. regarded to have been Poland’s The website is a new-age compliment to the monthly image of John Paul II You can greatest. His works are histori- subscription publication with daily entries. shown here. purchase the PAJ in bulk cal in theme. Event news (in a brief format) can be submitted to PAJtoday@yahoo. If you have a copy at discount for your club 25 1807. Napoleon sets up Polish com. Every effort will be made to post events. Check out PAJToday! or know where Broz- Pope John Paul II or organization. Call our “state” of the Duchy of War- Please note: Submission of calendar events to PAJToday does not eski may be able to find one, contact office for details. saw. guarantee placement in the print edition of the newspaper. News on the him at 17 Spring Street, Oil City, PA 1447. Coronation of Kazimierz blog site may or may not appear in the print edition, and the print edition 16301; e-mail pierogi@usachoice. Please continue to pray for Jagiello, son of Wladyslaw Ja- will not appear on this site. Articles from previous issues may appear on net; (877) 727-8359. the beatification of Pope John Paul giello. the site at the discretion of the authors. It is our hope that we will keep II. It is hard to believe it has been 26 1295. White Eagle made sym- ARTISANS WANTED. Do not for- four years since his passing. How bol of Poland. Polonia informed and meet a new audience of internet-savvy readers lucky we were to have known him. 1940. Death of Ralph Modjeski and student researchers. get: we are looking for new items (b. 1861 Rudolf Modrzejewski), famed American Polish-born ar- chitect and bridge builder. 27 1927. Birth in Warsaw, Poland POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL of Gen. John Shalikashvili, Dedicated to the Promotion and Continuance of Polish American Culture • Established 1911 U.S. Chief of Staff in the Clinton USPS 437-220 / ISSN 0032-2792 PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT BOSTON, NEW YORK AND ADDITIONAL ENTRY OFFICES Administration. 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FORUM / Chester Lipinski Support Fund Drive for Gabreski Memorial At the Air Force Academy in ing a bronze bust of him placed in Colorado Springs, Colorado a per- this area of honor, where he can manent gallery honors the heroes serve as a symbol of Polish courage of American aviation. It is a place and unselfish patriotism. where future pilots can gain inspira- We have located a Polish sculp- tion from the exploits of their prede- tor who is eager to make the bust for cessors. Among the honorees are the about $12,000. If we can raise the Wright brothers; Gen. Hap Arnold, funds soon he can get started and the who led the Army Air Corps in the emplacement and dedication could European Theater during World War happen as early as this Summer or II; and Gen. Billy Mitchell, who is Fall. He has just had dedicated a full regarded as the father of the Air size statue of our beloved Polish Force. Pope John Paul II here in Denver. Stamford Couple Honored. The Annual Polish Day at the State There are now also a number of We ask the readers of the Polish Capital in Hartford honored several Connecticut residents for their con- bronze busts and statues of others American Journal for financial sup- tributions to the community and the state. Among those honored were who have played a role in the growth port of this most honorable project Patricia A. Koproski and Alexander R. Koproski of Stamford, Conn. The of the Air Force. An opportunity has to honor our Polish hero. We should Koproskis are the founders of the National Polish Center in Washington, presented itself to add one member FRANCIS GABRESKI take every opportunity to remind the D.C., and are active in the Holy Name of Jesus Church in Stamford and the to this gallery of aviation’s heroes, citizens of this country that Poles Polish American Cultural Society of Stamford. Col. Francis Gabreski. pean theater’s top American Ace. have played a very significant part in The Polish American Cultural Society hosted Polish Constitution Day Gabreski was a Polish-speaking Downed over Germany in 1944, the development the United States. on May 3rd at the Holy Name Athletic Club and Kosciuszko Park. American Pole, whose parents emi- he was imprisoned in a German sta- Gabreski is another in the company Pictured above are Alexander Koproski, Secretary of State Susan grated to the United lag where he endlessly toiled to pre- of Pulaski and Kosciuszko, who Bysiewicz, and Patricia Koproski, in the Hall of Flags at the state capital. States in the early 1900s. Dur- serve the men under his command. have served to preserve the freedom ing World War II he distinguished After World War II, Gabreski re- of the United States. himself as a pilot at Pearl Harbor, joined as the Air Force, which was Please help us to install this very and in 1942 was one of the few se- now a separate branch of the mili- deserving Polish hero in this place lect pilots allowed to join a brigade tary. He went to Korea, where as of honor at the Academy. of volunteers who joined the Brit- a Wing Commander and jet pilot. You can forward your checks to: ish Royal Air Force. Because of his He once again distinguished him- Francis Gabreski Memorial Fund abilities as a pilot and versatility self as an ace, one of the few pilots West Fargo Bank in the Polish language, he was as- that were recognized as aces of both 66 West Springer Drive signed to the Polish 315th Spitfire wars. Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 squadron. During his tenure with After the war he commanded sev- or you can contact me personally the RAF and the Polish Air Force, eral tactical squads and brigades. at (303) 683-1501 to participate in he was able to hone his tactics and The United States Air Force this project. assist the American forces in devel- Academy has recently reserved a v v v oping their tactics, as he rejoined place dedicated to the memory of Chester Lipinski, of Highlands them in 1943. Credited with 33 1/2 Colonel Gabreski. We feel we Poles Ranch, Colorado, is a World War II enemy destroyed, he was the Euro- should properly honor him by hav- Army Air Corps veteran.

QUOTES / compiled from news sources And Why Would That Be a Joke, Mr. Kamen? “NO JOKE. A Clintonite gets an —Jill Lajdziak, general man- reform at the FDA.” embassy! Lee Feinstein, who was ager of GM’s Saturn line, in a video —Rep. John D. Dingell (D- Hillary Rodham Clinton’s national to Saturn dealers. The line asked the Mich.), on the Food and Drug Ad- security director on the campaign dealers to hold on while it shopped ministration’s handling of prescrip- and principal deputy director of the for a potential buyer. tion drugs imported from India’s State Department’s policy planning v v v Ranbaxy Laboratories. The FDA shop in the Clinton administration, “Clearly, our regulatory system reported Ranbaxy did not properly is the pick to be ambassador to Po- … failed miserably, and we must test its drugs, yet for three years land. Okay, it’s Warsaw, but Poland rebuild it now.” “continued to drag their feet while is an important post.” —Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.), American lives were at risk,” said —Washington Post “In the on how the alleged $50 billion fraud Dingell. Loop” columnist Al Kamen. involving Wall Street figure Bernard v v v v v v L. Madoff reflects deep, systemic “The dollar has gained a full 50% “She had a very hard life, so I problems at the Securities and Ex- on Poland’s zloty, meaning that guess that’s how she survived that change Commission. $100 can now get you a $150 hotel long — she was tough.” v v v room in Warsaw.” —Jan Kaminski, 73, on the “The Ranbaxy case is yet another — Forbes Magazine, citing Po- passing of his mother, Eufrozyna example of the need for significant land as a top travel destination. Kaminski, 111, believed to be the second-oldest living person in Can- ada. Eufrozyna survived three years SPEAK UP / Letters to the Editor in a Siberian concentration camp and many years in Tanzania as a No Laughing Matter postwar refugee before settling in 1950, at age 52, in Ottawa. Dear Editor, inserting a photo of Arlan Spector, v v v Please do not refer to anti-Polish or any others who ridicule anything “I think it made him suffer, he slurs as Polish jokes. Polonian! wanted to forget it. We asked our Please , never again waste space Jacob M. Dvornicky parents to write, to leave testimony, in the Polish American Journal by Elmira, New York but they never wanted to.” —Margareta Jankowiak, Margaret Jusko whose father — the late Bronislaw Licensed Sales Associate Jankowiak, a Polish POW — wrote Fluent in Polish the names and numbers of seven 1127 Wehrle Drive Auschwitz prisoners including him- Williamsville, NY 14221 self on a scrap of paper and placed 716-204-2294(office) it in a bottle. The bottle was discov- 716-574-8847(cell) ered this past April. v v v 716-632-7479(fax) [email protected] “I know you’ve been dealing with the emotion of it, the frustra- tion of it, maybe even the anger of it.”  www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009

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Enlightening Audiences: The Lira Ensemble of Chicago by Staś Kmieć at the Washington Journalism Cen- gan moving into traditionally Pol- choreographer and dance director The Polish American popula- ter, she spent 13 years as a writer, re- ish neighborhoods, Lira responded from 1994 through 2003. Iwona tion of the Chicago area has an ac- porter and producer for NBC News, by producing cross-ethnic concerts Puc, who received her certifica- tive and rich cultural life. One of based in Chicago, Cleveland and at churches and schools in such ar- tion as a Dance Instructor from its most successful and enduring Washington, D.C.. Along with other eas. Lira also fostered a dialogue the Rzeszów’s Provincial House ethnic arts organizations, The Lira members of her family, she created between American Jews and Pol- of Culture, is the current chore- Ensemble has been entertaining and WCEV/1450 AM, one of Chicago’s ish Americans, creating concerts ographer. The dancers are either enlightening audiences for 44 years. major multi-ethnic radio stations. of Polish-Jewish music, which it professional dancers or have As the nation’s only professional Ms. Migala is the recipient of an brought to prominent synagogues come out of local groups. performing arts company, their Emmy for her work in television, an in the Chicago area to observe im- • The Children’s Chorus – “Dzie- success lies in bringing the best of award from the Chicago Commis- portant anniversaries of World War ci” was created in 1987 as a com- Polish Culture into American life sion on Human Relations for her II and the Holocaust. The Chamber munity chorus of boys and girls, through orchestral and vocal music, work in radio, and the Cavalier’s Chorus and percussionists were in- ages 7 through 16. dance, and informative English lan- Cross of Merit from the president of vited to perform at the United States • guage narration. Poland. Holocaust Memorial Museum in The Lira Ensemble performs The name of the company, “lira,” “There is so much wonderful Washington D.C. during World War about 80 concerts annually in both is the Polish word for “lyre,” a tra- Polish music yet to perform and so II commemorations. traditional arts venues and neighbor- ditional symbol of music. many terrific folk and historic danc- With Lira, heritage counts less hood sites and has won praise from es that we have not yet presented,” than talent, accomplishment and critics and audiences in both Poland In Response to the Polish said Ms. Migala. “Our work will commitment to the company. Many and the US. Its artistic standards Joke. The company was estab- not be done until every American is Lira artists are not Polish at all. The earned the company the opportunity The ensemble’s driving force is its lished back in 1965, to be a positive aware of the rich thousand-year her- company includes many talented to perform alongside the Sarasota Emmy award-winning artistic direc- response to the then-popular occur- itage that immigrants from Poland African Americans, Latinos, Asian Opera in Florida, the Chicago Sym- tor and general manager, Lucyna rence of the offensive Polish joke. It brought with them to these shores Americans and artists from many phony Chorus, and the Chorus of Migala. was also a way to disseminate that – a culture that they treasure and en- other ethnic groups. the Lyric Opera. Polish musical culture consists of joy and pass on to their children and Lira’s concerts of new music and more than polka music. Lira focuses grandchildren.” Performances. The Lira En- the music of major Polish compos- musical services, and present clas- on artistic achievement with the semble is artist-in-residence at ers provide an opportunity to intro- sical and jazz repertoire, as well as highest quality in its work and cre- Recordings and Cross-Eth- Loyola University Chicago and is duce American audiences to reper- Polish favorites. ates a tradition of professionalism nic Outreach. The ensemble is divided into: toire unknown to them. “Our plans for Zapraszamy! in Polish-American Arts and Polish well-known for its nine recordings • The Lira Singers, the female The distinguished artistic advi- – An American Celebration of Pol- Arts in this country. beginning with records, then tapes, ensemble which is the core of the sors to the Lira Ensemble include ish Song and Dance (a program and now CDs. These collections of company, is made up of eight to composer/conductor Krysztof Pen- originally announced in 2002) are Director Lucyna Migala. folk songs, carols, Marian hymns, fourteen women who perform in derecki, composer/conductor Stefan not dead, but are on hold until the The ensemble’s driving force is its and other Polish songs are a neces- three or four part harmony. Stuligrosz of Poznań, composer/per- economy is much healthier, said artistic director and general manag- sary addition to any Pole’s music • The Chamber Chorus compli- cussionist Marta Ptaszyńska, pianist Ms. Migala. “Meanwhile, Lira is er, Lucyna Migala. The Lira Singers library. The Lira Singers have also ments the Singers with eight to and Chopin specialist Daniel Pol- performing in major theaters and was co-founded by Alice Stephens, recorded a cassette of original songs twelve male vocalists. lack of Los Angeles; and composer concert halls in Chicago and in an a Lithuanian American, and her that teach Polish phrases and Polish • The Symphony is made up of Henryk Górecki. ever-growing number of other cit- student, Ms. Migala as an amateur prayers. 50+ professional instrumental- Performances range from ies.” youth group. Under Migala’s cur- The company’s motto is to per- ists with Paul Dijkstra and Philip 15‑minute presentations to two‑hour Since 1993, the Board of the rent direction the ensemble contin- form the Arts of Poland and Amer- Seward as Co-Conductors. The concerts featuring all five groups. Lira Ensemble has organized annual ues to grow. ica, so naturally American music musicians also appear as the Lira Lira regularly performs at Polish- Born in Poland, she came to is an integral part of its repertoire. Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, American community events, and tours of Poland. Income from the America as a young child with her Bridging the language gap, Lira has String Quartet, Piano Quintet, as a community outreach to the el- tour helps support their work with a family. Her parents, Joseph and commissioned about a dozen bi-lin- Piano Trio, and Woodwind Quar- derly, Lira makes a series of appear- portion of the cost of each tour be- Slawa were prominent in Polish- gual Polish/English arrangements of tet. ances in senior and nursing homes. ing tax deductible. language broadcasting, and Lucyna folk, patriotic and other music from • The Lira Dancers – An addi- Vocalists and instrumentalists For additional information con- followed in their footsteps. With a both cultures which reach beyond tion since 1994, the troupe of 14 perform at wedding ceremonies, tact: 1 (800) 547-LIRA, lira@ degree in journalism from North- those of Polish descent. dancers was co-founded by An- partie, special events, and funeral liraensemble.com or www. liraen- western University and fellowship When other ethnic groups be- thony Dobrzański who served as services offering a wide variety of semble.com. The Vanishing Polish Ethnic Parish in America continued from cover The “de-polonization” process that took San Jose, California (St. Brother Albert) and and Dance after Christmas, “Święcońka” a Toledo, among others, also closed Polish par- place such as: 1) Dropping the teaching of the San Diego (St. Maximilian Kolbe). Also some parish Easter Brunch in the parish. ishes in recent years. More closings will cer- Polish language even when the majority of Parishes that were slated for closing were re- 7. Remember the parish patronal feast day tainly be coming in other dioceses soon. students in the parish parochial school were juvenated such as St. Peter & Paul in Tacoma, with an “Odpust” special Mass and meal of Polish ancestry. 2) Failure to bring Polish Washington, St. Stanislaus in Portland, Or- or mini-festival. Who or what factors are to blame for into the vernacular liturgy (Mass) after the egon and Holy Trinity in Chicago. Many of 8. Organize parish pilgrimages and tours to the vanishing Polonia Parish? Vatican II in some parishes. 3) Not incor- the above places are either in the Sunbelt of Poland. Encourage, and if necessary even The reasons behind the decline and van- porating singing of Polish hymns at English the West or South, or where there has been subsidize some youth to go and discover ishing of Polish ethnic parishes are varied. Masses, 4) Discontinuing Polish religious tra- a significant influx of Polish speaking Catho- the beauty of their ancestral homeland Most often the following factors are the con- ditions, i.e., Corpus Christi Procession, Easter lics such as the Chicago, Brooklyn and New 9. Create an auxiliary association of Friends tributing reasons: 1) decline in membership “Rezurekcja” Jersey. (Koło Przyjacioł) of Former Parishioners, numbers 2) declining neighborhoods that We often would like to blame either the What about those still serving and strug- send them a newsletter, have school re- have undergone racial change –“white flight” bishop or diocesan officials for the closing of gling Polonia Parishes where there is no new unions and picnics. Inform them of what is or influx of other groups such as Hispanics, our parishes, or blame the influx of non Pol- or significant number of Polish speaking going on in the parish. Send them special “Yuppies” and non Polish Catholic residents. ish background people (African-Americans, Catholics? What can be done for them to have offering envelopes (Christmas, Easter). 3) Lack of newer waves of immigrants from Puerto Ricans, Mexicans or other minorities a chance at survival? Poland into the area. 4) Shortage of priests into a Polish parish neighborhood. But the Encourage all Catholics of Polish ances- to staff such parishes. 5) Depleting financial real blame has to also fall on our own people, 1. Keep at least minimal Polish language us- try or heritage to adopt and support a Polish means to maintain aging and now oversized Polish Americans by the tens of thousands age-Mass, even if with English homily on Parish (either the one in which they or their parish buildings. 6) The failure of parishes who abandoned the parishes that their immi- Sunday. family had their origins or another one chosen to relocate their churches to new locations in grant ancestors sacrificed to build! 2. Emphasize the beauty of Polish Hymnol- suburbs to which their members were movin. Even though we think nothing of driving a ogy with the singing of Polish hymn (even by them) by rejoining or at least maintainong 7) Poor emphasis on language retention (Pol- half hour or more to a favorite shopping mall, alternating with stanzas translated into dual membership, and make an effort to come ish in the liturgy and Polish language classes) sports arena, casino etc., it seems we cannot English) at English Masses. at least once a month and give financial sup- and often de-emphasizing Polish traditions make the sacrifice of driving occasionally to 3. Establish Polish Language Classes for port to those parishes now in great need and customs. the ethnic parish to which we owe our faith adults, youth and children on Saturdays or If our so-called Polish ethnic parishes make The decline had its real beginning after formation and heritage. weekday evenings. an effort to reemphasize their ethnic heritage World War II when thousands of men re- 4. Make the parish bulletin more bilingual. and distinctness, and if only a significant mi- turned from the service to establish families Are there exceptions to this negative Putting days of the week in Polish next nority of practicing Roman Catholics of Pol- and look beyond the older ethnic neighbor- process of Polish parish closings? Yes, I’m to the English. Using expressions like ish ancestry would make an effort to reconnect hoods of their childhood. The desire for a new happy to report that there are some. Society “Bóg Zapłać,” (“God Bless”) “Dziękuje” in some way with their roots, then perhaps we home, often in a suburb with more land and of Christ Fathers in the past several years (“Thank you”) or “Sto lat,” (“Happy Birth- would see a halt to the vanishing and disap- green space for their children, was frequently have either opened, purchased or constructed day.”) pearing Polish ethnic parish in America. a factor. Intermarriage outside of the Polish new Polish Parishes or Missions in places like 5. Use often the traditional Christian greeting v v v ethnic group was also a reason to disassociate Phoenix, Arizona (Our Lady of Czestochowa), in Polish of “Niech Będzie Pochwalony Je- Rev. Richard Philiposki S. Ch. is pastor of oneself from the ethnic parish. Demographic Lombard, Illinois (Divine Mercy), Pompano zus Chrystus” between priest and people. the twinned parishes of St. Adalbert and St. changes in Polish ethnic neighborhoods often Beach, Florida (Our Lady of Czestochowa), 6. Celebrate the seasons with traditional so- Hedwig in Toledo, Ohio. For more informa- caused an exodus out of the old parish. Houston, Texas (Our Lady of Czestochowa), cial gatherings such as “Oplatek” Dinner tion, visit www.stadalbertsthedwig.org. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009 www.polamjournal.com  A Tale of Two City Churches “A Gift to America” PHOTO: R PHOTO: by Edward A. Lipka by Richard Poremski Powers (actress/Star), and Andrew There’s an old saying, WASHINGTON, D.C. — It V. Schally (medicine). “You really don’t miss seemed like a good idea at the time, ichard The list goes on. something until it’s truly and turned out to be an excellent one. Included in the hardcover verion P gone.” Counselor Mariusz Brymora, chief oremski is an equally-informative compan- This adage has been uti- of the Culture, Press and Public Re- ion CD titled “Global Jamestown lized in many different situ- lations Office at the Embassy of the and the Poles,” with renowned Po- ations, specifically people, Republic of Poland here, wanted to lonia historian John Radzilowski as places and things. Whether undertake a commemorative proj- an author. Two key artistic contribu- you are a member of a ect to celebrate Polish immigration tors to the project were Rafal Olbin- to America that began with the first church or a particular faith, ski, who designed the book’s front you must have noticed over Poles who arrived in the new Eng- cover, and Marcin Bondarowicz, the past several years, the lish settlement of Jamestown, Vir- who drew the needed portraiture in large number of churches ginia in 1608. being closed and/or consol- Encouraged by Ambassador the absence of any featured persons’ idated in various Catholic Robert Kupiecki, Brymora teamed photograph. Dioceses across the nation, up with Professor James S. Pula, The publication was financed particularly in cities where of Purdue University, to write their by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs many different cultures book “400 Years of Polish Immi- of the Republic of Poland, under and people of ethnic back- grants In America, 1608-2008.” The the patronage of Foreign Minister resulting large format album was Radoslaw Sikorski, who, in its in- grounds are established. I Immigrants Chronicled. published in 2008 to coincide with troduction, penned a familial letter am especially concerned Editor and coauthor Mariusz Brymora the 400th Anniversary of James- about the increasing num- is depicted above holding his book addressed to all Americans of Polish town, whose Polish contingent of bers of Polish RC Churches St. Hedwig, Wilmington, Del. “400 Years Of Polish Immigrants In descent. the settlers represented the vanguard that have closed in the past America, 1608-2008,” amid a related And Mariusz Brymora went one of all the Polonia in America today. also in 1904 and named St. exhibit at the Embassy of Poland step farther: Anyone visiting the The work is divided into three Stanislaus Kostka. These in Washington, D.C. on March 2, Polish Embassy over the past sev- sections: Icons of the Past, Icons of churches are of neo-gothic 2009. eral months would immediately be design, built in the shape Today, and More Icons. One hun- attracted to a group display of five of a cross and have twin dred individuals of Polish blood tion includes: Tadeusz Kosciuszko triangular columns, each seven feet steeples that rise to a height were chosen to appear therein. They tall. Twelve personalities selected were chosen for their outstanding (Polish/American patriot), Hel- of about 135 feet. Although from the book were portrayed on the achievements that brought them ena Modjeska (actress), Ralph the exterior brick colors and three faces of each column. Another the artistic interiors are also fame and the appreciation of their Modjeski (bridge engineer), Joseph beautiful and professionally ex- different, one look at these fellow man. The selection of persons Karge (Civil War general), Florian ecuted compliment was being paid two immense structures presented is by no means complete, Znaniecki (philosopher), Kazimierz and it’s easy to see the Mr. nor was it ever intended to be, as per Funk (scientist), Francis Gabreski by Poland to American Polonia, and Brielmaier was the master the authors’ intent. To be inclusive (World War II flying ace), Stefanie another gift given. designer here. In fact, the of all worthy Poles would be a task Brielmaier family, which is impossible to complete, which, it PLAQUE REMEMBERS FOUNDERS. A focal point for Portland, Maine’s still in business today, pride would seem, is something of a very Polish community is celebrating its place in history. The St. Louis Catholic themselves in designing pleasing conclusion. Church on Danforth Street dedicated a plaque May 3 to honor its founders. some of the most beautiful Basically, almost each featured The church was built by Polish immigrant in 1924. churches, schools, altars person is given a full dedicated It is the only Polish-speaking parish in the northern New England states in the nation. The ornate page with their likeness or photo of Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. detailing that still remains displayed. A small sampling of Maria Dyro unveiled the new plaque. At 96 years old, she the church’s on St. Stan’s spires, was those represented in the publica- oldest living member. also originally part of St. Hedwig, but was removed St. Stanislaus Kostka, Adams, Mass. during renovations in 1960 because the wood behind ten years alone. the copper decorations had rotted. Barbecue 2-200 At the turn of the last century, The third smaller spire located in both of my grandfathers came to the the center of the nave on St. Stan’s ORDER NOW Wilmington, Delaware area for dif- Church was also originally on St. Season IN TIME FOR ferent reasons and from two differ- Hedwig, but was also removed in FATHER’S ent regions of Poland. They chose to 1960, when a new slate roof was 2-211 make Wilmington their new home installed. Even the “gingerbread is Here! DAY! and established themselves in our filigree” style window frames are Polonia and their church was St. identical. Despite some differences Show off your Hedwig. I am third generation pa- in detailing, the basic design and rishioner there and active in many artistic enhancements are breathtak- Polish pride roles, my favorite being “parish his- ingly obvious. with your own torian.” We, here at St. Hedwig, are in In 1900, Pastor John S. Gulcz the process of major restoration of “Polish Chef” formed a committee to erect a big- the total exterior of the building; the Apron and ger church … it was built and they first major exterior work done since came. St. Hedwig R.C. Church was 1960. We are planning for the future Hanging 2-210 designed by Erhard Brielmaier (of of our parish and the preservation 2-212 Milwaukee, Wisc.) and was built of our sacred worship space. On the Kitchen Towels in 1904 by John E. Healy & Sons other hand, our “sister” church (St. ORDER FORM of Wilmington, Del. Local contrac- Stan’s) is fighting to keep its doors tors were employed by Mr. Healy to open as the Diocese of Springfield 100% Cotton Apron ALL ITEMS MUST BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY Each Qnty. total featuring two pockets. Red build this enormous structure, which recently consolidated three regional 2-200 Polish Chef Cotton Apron $20.00 at the time was surrounded by un- churches, which shut the doors of cloth with embroidered developed land and a few houses. St. Stan’s. We all have a unique op- lettering and cooking 2-210 I Love Pierogi Kitchen Hand Towel $8.50 Throughout my research on my own portunity to step up and preserve a utensils design. One size 2-211 Polish Chef Kitchen Hand Towel $8.50 church, I discovered that an exact vital part of our heritage’s past and fits all!$20.00 each replica of our church was built in keep our immigrant forefathers’ 2-212 I Love Kielbasa Kitchen Hand Towel $8.50 the town of Adams, Massachusetts dreams alive. Hanging Kitchen Towel. Available in three Subtotal designs Useful as well as PIEROGI HELP PAY FOR COLLEGE EDUCATION. Scholarships, part- attractive. Red with white NY State Residents must add 8.75% sales tax time jobs, loans, financial aid, and credit are all common ways students pay towel. (Red fabric may Shipping $5.00 for tuition. However, one student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn vary). $8.50 each is paying for her education in an unconventional way: selling pierogi. Total Senior Andrea Dudek is taking her Polish heritage and turning it into something profitable with the help of her mother and grandmother, using Name a recipe that has been passed down over many generations. Her family escaped Communist Poland to come to America before she was born. She Address has attended Polish school for over 16 years where she danced Polish Folk City, State, Zip Dance and took language classes. Dudek is working for a Bachelors of Business and Administration with [ ] Check enclosed | Charge to my [ ] Visa [ ] MasterCard [ ] Discover [ ] Amex a major in Human Resources. If this does well, Dudek is considering open- ing up a kitchen and starting her own business. Card No. exp. Date. CVS (security) code “One thing I’ve always been passionate about is my Polish heritage. If Telephone number (in case we have a question about your order) I could start a little business around a part of that, it would be the best job in the world,” said Dudek. Send to: Polish American Journal Bookstore Aprons and towels will be shipped Anyone interested in purchasing pierogi and helping her finish school P.O. Box 328 directly from the Polish Peddler® can contact Dudek at (734) 516 - 9287 or by e-mailing zybrowka769@ Boston, NY 14025 in Hinckley, Ohio yahoo.com.  www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009

THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY For information about our Fraternal, its history, and the Our plans of insurance include Endowments; Single Payment Life; kinds of plans that we offer, visit our website at The Association of the Sons of Poland Three-, Five-, and Twenty-Payment Life; and Children’s and Adult Term... Our benefits include a subscription to this paper; scholarships for all www.SonsofPoland.com 333 CARLSTADT high school seniors entering college, who have been insured members or call us at (201) 935-2807 HACKENSACK NEW JERSEY for at least two years; a prescription plan, and now ... Long Term Care and Annuities Celebrating Our 2nd Century of Fraternalism STREET 07072 Hot Seller tions,” Knotz writes. RELIGION / Benjamin Fiore, S.J. But Knotz, a Franciscan friar, WARSAW — The Rev. Ksaw- wants to change all that. ery Knotz’s new book is flying off His book aims to sweep away the John Paul II Inspires Rock CD the shelves in Poland. taboos and assure Catholic couples In it, he has a message for all that good sex is part of a good mar- A Canadian Catholic rock band up his television career and devoted Her book explores the ways of find- married Catholic couples out there: riage. came out with an album based on his life to telling people across the ing inner peace or feeling, much of there’s nothing wrong with a steamy John Paul II’s “Theology of the world about how God changed his it through spiritual beliefs. sex life. Body,” which presents an integrated life. A Fourth Degree Knight of In fact, it’s a good thing. In his Going Green vision of the human person as body, Columbus, he founded Gospa Mis- St. Zygmunt Felinski. Pope new book “Sex as you don’t know LIVONIA, Mich. — Madonna soul and spirit as well as his answer sions, a foundation dedicated to Benedict XVI recently canonized it: For married couples who love University, sponsored by the Feli- to society’s trends that have por- evangelization and humanitarian St. Zygmunt Felinski, former arch- God,” the Polish friar provides a cian sisters, is currently building Li- trayed the body as an object of plea- works such as retreats, conferences, bishop of Warsaw and founder of theological and practical guide for vonia’s first certified “green” build- sure or a machine for manipulation. prison ministry, healing ministry the Franciscan Sisters of the Fam- Catholics that has little in common ing. The environmentally friendly The band, Critical Mass, aims to speaking engagements, publishing ily of Mary. Born in Wołynia (cur- with traditional views of the Roman 60,000 sq. ft. building will cost send a message that will influence and humanitarian efforts. His four rently in Ukraine) in 1822, he was Catholic Church. $20M and will host programs in youth in a direction different from last books are “Apostles of the Last deported to Russia and, after being “Some people, when they hear nursing and television production. that intended by popular culture, Days,” “Miracles and How to Work freed, worked among poor farmers about the holiness of married sex, The university hopes to have says lead singer David Wang. “It’s Them,” “Great Divide,” and “My in Ukraine and Poland. He died in immediately imagine that such sex some of the construction costs fund- an album about love, sex, and com- Scriptural Rosary.” 1895. has to be deprived of joy, frivolous ed through the stimulus package an- munion, but from a Catholic view- play, fantasy and attractive posi- nounced by President Obama. point.” Festival of Polish Organ John Paul II Foundation in The album is currently available Music. St. Florian R.C. Church in Rome. The Foundation’s Docu- only as a download on the band’s Hamtramck, Mich., will present the mentation and Research Center, website www.catholicrock.com. third concert of Polish organ music under the leadership of Msgr. Jan on Sunday, June 7, at 4:30 p.m. The Glowczyk and Fr. Andrzej Do- Sto lat to … Msgr. John Kasza, organist will be David Troiano. brzynski marked the 30th anniver- appointed dean of studies at Ss. Cyr- Admission is free; free will offer- sary of the late pope’s election with il & Methodius Seminary, Orchard ings will be accepted. Info: (313) a symposium entitled “John Paul Lake, Mich. 871-2778. II—Vatican Council II.” 760 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY 14203 Cass Jendzurski, a founder and Fr. Ryszard Krupa, SCJ, re- (716) 882-2987 coordinator of Songs for the Jour- Final Installation of ported that the scholarship program ney, a Lancaster-based volunteer or- Church Carving. Fr. Walter for students in West-Central Europe Center for Pastoral Care ganization in Pennsylvania that pro- Madej, a wood carver, has com- provided for 144 students to study at and Wellness vides music at the bedsides of those pleted his installation of carvings at the Catholic University of John Paul passing from life to death. the PNCC Holy Rosary Cathedral in II in Lublin. Scholarship students Fourth grade teacher Cynthia Lancaster, N.Y. He began his work come from Belarus, Kazakhstan, On-Going Events Gotowski at Seven Sorrows of of religious carving for the church Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Russia, Daily Mass. 4:30 p.m. the Blessed Virgin Mary School in in 1992 and put the finishing touches Turkmenistan, and Ukraine. (except Saturday) Middletown, Pa., on receiving the on a side altar at the end of March. Novena to St. Jude “Teacher of the Week” award. Her Happy Anniversary to … Every Wednesday 4:30 p.m. award was a bushel of apples from A Mother’s Sacrifice. Fr. All Saints RC Church, formerly Sunday Mass. 12:30 p.m. Brown’s Orchards, which she shared Maciej Pawlowski, SM, school St. Joseph-St. Benedict’s Church, Bereavement Support Group with her class. chaplain at Notre Dame and Marist in Kansas City, Kansas, on the 25th (Every 1st Tuesday of the month Henry Maziarczyk, Janusz Academy in Pontiac, Mich., is alive anniversary of their Polski Day cel- 2-2:30 p.m.) Nieduzak and Wanda Sławinska today because his mother refused ebration. The celebration commem- on being presented awards by the to abort him when she was diag- orates the signing of the Polish Con- Rev. Richard H. Augustyn, Director Western NY Polish American Con- nosed with liver cancer during her stitution of May 3, 1791. A special gress at the annual święconka at St. pregnancy. She lived for three more Polish Mass was on the program Stanislaus RC Parish in Buffalo, years before her painful death. Fr. along with a parade, Polish dinner, N.Y. Maziarczyk had to dig his own Pawlowski recalls her in a picture and entertainment on the Church grave before he stood before a Ger- of him walking toward her with her grounds. man firing squad in World War II. A arms wide open and smiling, and he soldier friend nicked his shoulder so says he can still see her smiling and Annual Concert Memorial- that he would be able to feign death welcoming me back with her arms izing John Paul II. St. Patrick’s and later escape. wide open. Cathedral in New York City present- Thomas Rutkoski, of Evans ed the annual concert in memory of City, Pa., a Catholic author and Care for the Chronically John Paul II “Do Not Quench the evangelist, on being selected as a Ill and Dying. Dr. Christina Spirit – Ducha nie gaście” in early semi-finalist for Energizer’s Keep Puchalski is the author of “A Time April. Organist Wojciech Różak Going Hall of Fame in recognition for Listening and Caring: Spiritual- played a selection of German and of his charitable work supporting ity and the Care of the Chronically French organ pieces while Paul orphans overseas. Fallen away from Ill and Dying.” Savior spoke words of the former the church for 27 years, Rutkoski, “Many people equate healing pontiff. a photojournalist for a local televi- with cure,” she says. “Healing is sion station, went on assignment to much broader. Even in the face of Corpus Christi Needs a Jerusalem where his conversion be- an incurable illness, or in the face Roof. After a ferocious windstorm gan. After a visit to Lourdes he gave of dying, people can find healing.” tore a good part of the slate tiled roof from Corpus Christi Church in Buffalo, NY, the Pastor Fr. Anzelm MODLITWY Chałupka is working to raise funds to match a grant of $450,000 from Publication of Prayers. The Polish American this short prayer to thank you for all things and to the New York State Environmental Journal gladly accepts prayers ads for publication. confirm once again that I never want to be separated Protection Fund for the roof’s re- They must be received by the 10th of each month, from you, even and in spite of all material illusion. prior to the month of publication, and must be I wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you placement. He hopes that generous pre-paid at the cost of $15.00 each, which can be for your mercy toward me and mine. Thank you donors will bring in the remaining paid by check or charge. If you have any questions Holy Spirit. That person must say this prayer for 3 $130,000 before long. regarding this policy, please call 1 (800) 422-1275 consecutive days. After 3 days, the favor requested or (716) 312-8088. will be granted, even if it may appear difficult. This prayer must be published immediately after the New Church Window Fea- Prayer to the Blessed Virgin. (Never Known favor is granted, without mentioning the favor. Your tures St. Faustina. St. An- To Fail). Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, initials should appear after the thank you. Thank drew’s RC Church in Edmonton, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of You Holy Spirit. A.D. the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my Alberta, Canada, celebrated its 75th necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me THANKSGIVING NOVENA TO ST. JUDE. Holy herein you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of anniversary by installing stained St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech glass windows over the past seven rich in miracles, near the kinsman of Jesus Christ, you from the bottom of my heart and succor me in years. The last window, dedicated my necessity (make request). There are none that faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse on Divine Mercy Sunday and do- without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to nated by the parish’s Divine Mercy (three times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your whom God has given such great power to come to Group, depicts St. Faustina Kowal- hands (three times). Say this prayer for three con- my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent secutive days and then you must publish and it will position. In return I promise to make your name ska. A painting of the Divine Mer- be granted to you. Thank you for your help. A.D. known and cause you to be invoked. (Say three cy image was also blessed at the Our Fathers, Three Hail Marys, Three Glory Be’s). St. church. Prayer to the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, You Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen. who solve all problems, who light all roads so I can Publication must be promised. This prayer is to be attain my goal. You who give me the Divine gift to said for nine consecutive days. This novena has Visit us on the web at forgive and to forget all evil against me and that never been known to fail. My prayers have been www.polamjournal.com in all instances of my life you are with me. I want answered. M.H.R. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009 www.polamjournal.com 

KULTURA / Staś Kmieć ALL photo S: S S:

Travelogue – Adventures in Poland ta ś K ś

Part VI Cross Church (Kościół Św. Krzy- in during World War II. During the mie

On ul. Nowy Świat, a stop at ża). Added to the church in 1882 Warsaw Uprising, the column took a ć Egzotyka, an exotic bird shop that I his heart was sealed in an urn and direct hit from a tank shell and came had visited on my last trip, was all I then placed behind a tablet bearing crashing down. Amazingly Zyg- needed to do before continuing on his likeness specially carved by Le- munt survived intact, losing only his my foot-excursion to the Old Town. onardo Marconi. Designed by the sword, and he was returned to a new The store is filled with a variety of royal architect, Jakub Bellotti, this perch in 1949. parrots and smaller birds, and my astonishing Baroque creation was More a palace than a castle, The intention was to pick up a toy for my completed in 1696, though through Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski) parrot “Patty” back in New York. time would see numerous additions. is the pride of Warsaw, reconstru- Throughout history the cted from a pile of rubble between church has played its role 1971 and 1984 at an incredible cost. in Warsaw’s glories and ca- Much of the funding for rebuilding lamities. Devastated during came from the generous donations the Warsaw Uprising in of exiled Poles. Dating back to the 1944 the church was pain- 14th century, the castle had been the stakingly rebuilt at the end residence of Polish kings, later the of the war and is today a president, and then the seat of par- Architectural delights along Krakowskie Przedmieście. feast for the heart, eyes and liament. soul. My return to the Old Town brou- one of Europe’s last music boxes tund structure that dates from 1548 The Zamoyski Palace, ght me once again to the PolArt shop with a parrot alongside him. and was apparently the work of a designed by Marconi is a to purchase the man’s Łowicz hat I Warsaw’s oldest restaurant, Venetian architect. Today it serves neo-renaissance pearl and had admired and contemplated over which dates back to the beginning of as a bridge between Old and New was the scene of a failed as- at the beginning of my trip. It was the 16th century is U Fukiera at 27 Town. sassination attempt on the beautifully elaborate and expensive, Old Town Market Square. The culi- Leaving the square is the ul. Russian governor in 1863. and now it was a part of my costume nary tradition of the Fukier family Kamienne Schodki. Not only is Infuriated Cossack troops wardrobe. turned this place into Warsaw’s top this the longest stairwell in the Old reacted by hurling a piano, The center of the square was winery. Today the restaurant is in Town, it’s also where Napoleon once played by Chopin, out occupied by a town hall during the the hands of the Gesslers, and their stood in 1806, pensively staring ea- of the window. Today the 15th century. It was pulled down in guest list reads as a “Who’s Who” of stward on the eve of his campaign drama is relegated to danc- 1817 and never replaced. Today in stage, screen and world politics. on the plains of Russia. ing in the basement club Magda Gessler, one of Past the Tomb of the Unknown or dining on the elegant Nicholas Copernicus monument the best known restaura- Soldier, I continued my journey ground floor. teurs in Poland, designs in- to the The State Ethnographic Bierhalle at number 64 teriors and menus, as well as Museum (Państwowe Muzeum Et- Along Krakowskie offers Warsaw’s best beer right from ambiance. She brings back nograficzne at Kredytowa 1). After Przedmieście. Near the Warsaw the tap, and this leads us to a glimpse the oldest, most unusual months of renovating and adapting, University campus and the Coper- of the Old Town. and forgotten Polish tastes. the museum has a new interior ar- nicus monument the street changes Magda spent her childhood rangement. The museum’s perma- into Krakowskie Przedmieście, one Old Town. It’s hard to believe and early youth away from nent exhibitions are devoted to Afri- of the most elegant streets in War- that by the end of 1944, all that was Poland. Upon her return to ca, Australia and Oceania. The top saw, which runs all the way to the left of the Old Town of Warsaw was Warsaw in 1989, she ho- floor provides a good introduction Royal Castle.Some of the houses just a skeletal set of ruins. When ped to find the flavors of into the country’s rural heart, with are former palaces, often occupied U.S. General Dwight Eisenhower her Grandmothers’ kitchen, a fine assembly of Polish costumes, by embassies, the British Embassy visited Warsaw immediately after scents of her old family folk art and crafts. being one of them. the war he was moved to comment, home, and the opulence of The exhibition: Granice (Bor- The Nicholas Copernicus Mo- “I have seen many towns destroyed, true, Polish cuisine. Her ders) was a unique find. A collabo- nument (Pomnik Mikołaja Koper- but nowhere have I been faced with expectations and memories rative photographic project by New nika) honors the founder of modern such destruction.” were confronted with reali- York based Piotr Sikora and Piotr astronomy. The statue itself was The Old Town begins at Plac ty — Poland had forgotten Bondarczyk, in conjunction with built in 1830. During World War Zamkowy, and under the Zygmunt its sophisticated palate. The the Consulate General of the Re- II the Nazi’s placed a bronze pla- Column. There isn’t a more popular rich and full flavors of Po- public of Poland in New York, the que insinuating that the great man meeting spot in the city, and there’s lish cooking had been sub- collection contained portrait shots was, in fact – a German. In 1942, a not a minute of the day when the stituted with bland, simpli- of indigenous people from across boy scout called Alek Dawidowski, steps to the statue is not besieged stic and uninspiring tastes. the globe dressed in Polish folk co- eluded the guards and removed the by dating couples. Erected in 1644 Warsaw’s best loved monument, Syrenka in It was then that Magda de- stumes. Recently Poland has opened plaque. With fury, the Nazis remo- by Zygmunt III’s son, Władysław Warsaw’s Old Town. cided to bring back Poland’s its once closed doors, to many new ved the statue, hid it in the Śląsk IV, the twenty two metre column brilliant cuisine. people, cultures and ethnic groups. territory and dynamited other surro- was originally designed by Italian U Fukiera’s distinguished inte- The fascinating exhibition reflected unding monuments. The statue was architects Augustyn Locci and Con- the center stands a couple of water rior breathes tradition: many Polish this current trend, documents these recovered in the years following stantino Tencalla, and the figure of pumps dating from the 19th centu- paintings on the walls, flickering new residents, and in the process the war, while Dawidowski has en- Zygmunt ranks as Poland’s second ry, and Warsaw’s best loved monu- candles, crystal and silver glitter on makes the viewer aware of the huge tered Polish folklore, as a result of oldest monument – the oldest being ment, Syrenka. Cast in 1855 this the tables, complemented with anti- social changes taking place in Po- his bravery. The plaque at the center the Neptune Fountain in Gdańsk. mermaid’s form graces every bus, que furniture, and from the windows land today. of the controvesy can be viewed in Local legend asserts that Zyg- tram and coat of arms you’ll find in — a classic view of the Old Town. v v v Warsaw’s History Museum. munt rattles his sabre whenever the capital. Crowning the set of defensive Next month: Final night before No Chopinologist can leave War- Warsaw is in trouble, an occurren- Street artists abound in this area, walls which once protected the city the train ride to Kraków, and a Zofia saw without first visiting the final ce that was first reported during the the most famous is Piotr Bol, an is the Barbakan, a fearsome ro- Stryjenska Exhibition. resting place of his heart at the Holy 1794 Kościuszko Uprising and aga- odd, cloaked little man who plays Bruce Willis Endorse Polish Vodka ish audience has ever seen on July 24. Racetrack in Sluzew, a southern district of The tabloid favorite is touring Europe to Warsaw. Visit (Polish Market) promote her sixth and latest studio album —American celebrity “Circus.” Spears’ show in Warsaw will be Weak Economy Helps Travelers actor Bruce Willis is held under a giant circus tent at the Horse to advertise Polish So- Tourists will find traveling to Poland POLAND Racetrack in Sluzew, a southern district of cheaper this year. bieski vodka. Accord- Warsaw. in 2009 ing to the four-year The worldwide economic crisis has left • Experience its rich history and culture contract, the actor will Poland one of the least expensive coun- earn USD $16 million, Spears Poland-bound tries in the world. Services and prices are • Enjoy its art and old world charms Rzeczpospolita daily Pop star and comeback queen Britney 50% lower than a year ago, making Po- • Embrace its indomitable spirit Spears will put on the largest show a Pol- reports. land attractive both to tourists and to in- The ad campaign is ish audience has ever seen on July 24. The WILLIS: Na vestment, says Forbes Magazine. Treasures of Eastern Poland to kick off this month. tabloid favorite is touring Europe to pro- zdrowie! • depart JFK Int’l via LOT Boeing 767 jet The Sobieski vodka mote her ads will appear in sixth and • English speaking guides throughout tour Spain, France, Baltic States, Ukraine and latest stu- • Visit major cities and historical sites dio album China, where the vodka brand is to be sold • Space limited to 25 participants for the first time. Belvedere, the owner of “Circus.” the brand, believes that the product ad- S p e a r s ’ vertised by Willis will become one of the show in September 6th - 19th, 2009 three most popular vodkas in the world Wa r s a w within three years. According to a ranking will be For complete itinerary or more info, contact by Impact magazine, Sobieski is currently held un- the 7th most popular premium vodka in der a gi- PAT TOURS the world, said Gazeta Wyborcza. ant circus 1-800-388-0988 or tent at Pop star and comeback queen Britney Jane Shuback 845-343-6198 Spears will put on the largest show a Pol- the Horse  www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009

Happenings: Chicago Style / Geraldine Balut Coleman Polish Pride Parade Mayor’s Reception at Art Institute PHOTO: © K © PHOTO: PHOTO: ©K PHOTO: com . amil rystyna K rzaczynski T eller marcinphotovideo . www PHOTO: ©

l. to r. George Migala, Lester Surowiec, Mayor Daley, Alan Krashesky, Mayor Daley accepting Papal Bless- l. to r.: Paul Odrobina, Jozef Zawadzki, Senator Roland Burris, Frank Spula, Edward Mika ing from Theresa Buckner Mayor Daley, Bishop Paprocki, Malgorzata Kiesz, Maria Pappas CHICAGO — On April 23, Richard M. Daley, Chi- attendance. Mayor Daley awarded “Certificates of Ap- May 2, such a perfect day for tary by host, Alan Krashesky, and cago’s mayor, hosted a Polish Constitution Day recep- preciation” from the city of Chicago to four individuals a parade! The 118th Annual Pol- Anna Ziolkowski Sobor, an active tion in the School of Art Institute of Chicago Ballroom. for their contributions to the Chicago Polonian com- ish Constitution Day Parade, once member of Chicago Polonia. This Over 450 guests attended this event which was coor- munity. Those individuals were George Migala, civic again, celebrated the first demo- year’s Grand Marshall was Frank dinated by Megan MacDonald, Executive Director of activist and owner of AM Radio MCEV 1450; Lester cratic constitution in Europe and Spula, President of the Polish Special Events for Mayor Daley, and Theresa Buckner, Surowiec, international businessman, social activist second only in the world to the American Congress and the Polish Vice-Chair of the Polish Constitution Day Parade. and philanthropist; Alan Krashesky, popular TV news USA constitution. Chicago’s Co- National Alliance. Vice Marshalls Mistress of Ceremonies was Patricia Jackowiak from reporter/journalist and anchorman for WLS-TV Chi- lumbus Drive was the place to be were Malgorzata Kiesz, Chicago Chicago’s Judiciary Department. cago (ABC TV) and Emmy Award winner; and Edward with four lakefront blocks filled Polonia’s well-known advocate Welcoming all to this event were Zygmunt Matynia, Mika, former president of the Alliance of Polish Clubs. with 133 parade entries including for breast cancer awareness, and Consul General of the Republic of Poland; Thaddeus A special moment transpired when Theresa Buckner Polish schools, not-for-profit -or George Migala. This year’s pa- Czajkowski, President of the Alliance of Polish Clubs presented a gift to an overwhelmed and moved Mayor: ganizations and bands. Approxi- rade queen was Natalia Kukulka, and Chair of the Polish Constitution Day Parade Com- a Papal Blessing from Benedict XVI in honor of the mately 250,000 participants and a senior attending Glenbrook mittee; and Mayor Daley. Representatives from almost Mayor’s birthday and his 20th year anniversary as spectators expressed their Polish South High School, located in every Polish and Polish American organization were in Mayor of the City of Chicago. pride. Those who were unable to Park Ridge, IL. As is the custom, attend were given the opportunity numerous state and city officials, PWCC HOLDS FUNDRAISING to view the parade live via Chi- along with Polish dignitaries, par- LUNCHEON. On April 25, the Pol- cago’s WLS TV, with commen- ticipated in the parade. ish Women’s Civic Club (PWCC) held its annual Palm Sunday Lun- cheon and Scholarship Fundraiser at the Avalon Banquets in Elk Grove Village, IL. More than 300 men, women and children attended this festive celebration. Welcoming all to the luncheon were Alicia Dutka, Chair of the event, and the PWCC’s President, Ann Burzycki. Mariusz Borowicz, a scholarship recipient, gave the invocation. Krystyna Kow- alik, also a scholarship recipient, hosted the children as the “Easter Bunny” and distributed baskets to eagerly awaiting children. Elizabeth Cebula, the third scholarship recipi- ent, promoted the luncheon’s raffle along with Mariusz and Krystyna. Dr. Robert Dutka provided lun- l. to. r: Donald Gutowski, Krystyna Kowalik, Judy Baar Topinka, Maria cheon-time entertainment which Krakowskia included a “sing along” with the luncheon’s guests. Profits from this Over the years, the PWCC has dergraduate or graduate programs at Back row, l. to r.: Pawel Pietrasieński, Frank Spula. Front row, l. to r.: Zygmunt fundraising event are earmarked awarded over $500,000 to deserv- universities/colleges throughout the Matynia, Lidia Filus, Adam Budnikowski, Sharon Hahs, Prof. Marzenna for the PWCC’s Scholarship Fund. ing students enrolled in either un- Chicago area. Weresa of WSE, Janet Fredericks

Smithsonian Magazine — the tastiest food of the trip.” Helena’s masterpiece, according to HONORS POLAND. On April nity and student exchange programs “Salutes” Podhalanka It was Podhalanka, a very plain, Katz, is “zrazy wisprzowe zawijane 28, Northeastern Illinois Univer- between NEIU and the Warsaw much understated Polish restau- – rolled pork stuffed with carrots sity (NEIU) held a special luncheon School of Economic. rant, which one could very easily Chicago’s Polish cuisine takes and celery.” Helena attributes her honoring Deputy Rector Dr. Jacek Dr. Budnikowski’s presentation, pass by. success to using only the freshest center stage. The May issue of Przybylski of the Czestochowa Uni- “Environmental Conflicts in the Smithsonian Magazine has an ex- Nothing inside this restaurant of everything. versity of Technology. Dr. Przybyl- World Economy”, brought atten- tensive article entitled “Chicago has changed, photos of John Paul ski presented an interesting lecture tion to the significant reasons of in- Eats.” II abound, a plain linoleum floor, “Freedom ’89 — on “Creating Entrepreneurship at ternational environmental conflicts The article, written by New and a 1950s style counter, tables Polish Technical Universities.” and listed a review of some of those York-based arts and culture re- and chairs. Located in the historic Born in Poland” Then on May 4, the University conflicts such as, but not limited to, porter, Jamie Katz, gave an inter- “Polish Triangle” (Division/Mil- On Friday, May 29, a special honored Rector Dr. Adam Bud- air, land, water resources and min- esting and historical perspective waukee/Ashland Streets), once a celebration will take place at Chi- nikowski of the Warsaw School of ing issues. Observations on these on numerous Chicago neighbor- bastion for all things Polish, Pod- cago’s famous Pritzker Pavilion Economics (WSE). Sharon Hahs, conflicts are complicated, political, hoods: Maxwell Street, Pilsen, Al- halanka has quietly stood by as at Millennium Park. “Freedom and/or nationalistic, and involve bany Park, Hyde Park, and “Polish the area began its gentrification 89- Born in Poland,” a celebration Ph.D., President of NEIU; Janet Broadway”. Katz explored Chica- process. Helena Madej opened her sponsored by the Consulate Gen- Fredericks, Ph.D, Dean of the Uni- free trade issues and globalization go looking for “authentic old coun- restaurant in 1981, after arriving eral of the Republic of Poland and versity’s Graduate College; Zyg- verses a clean environment. Since try eateries” scattered throughout from Krakow. Katz mentioned that Stołeczna Estrada will commemo- munt Matynia, General Consul of lecture time was limited, guests those ethnic neighborhoods, from her Polish-born grandmother was rate the June 4, 1989 fall of com- the Republic of Poland; and Lidia were unable to actively discuss this an educational stroll through the a wonderful cook, but somehow munism. This 20th anniversary Filus, Ph.D, faculty member of very controversial topic. present-day Maxwell Street to she had “gotten the impression that concert will feature a multimedia NEIU, all of whom were instrumen- Dr. Budnikowski ended his lec- Mexican – orientated Pilsen area Polish cuisine, on the whole, was Chopin concert, which will include tal in the planning of the NEIU and ture on a lighter note. He mentioned and President Obama’s Hyde Park, bland, greasy and heavy. Podhalan- noted classical Polish pianist, Ja- WSE consortium, gave introductory how overwhelmed he was by at- all in Chicago’s South Side, then ka set me straight.” Katz especially nusz Olejniczak and jazz pianist remarks focusing on NEIU connec- tending Chicago’s Polish Constitu- up to the North Side areas of Alba- enjoyed the white borscht – with its Leszek Możdżer, along with other tion to Chicago’s Polonian commu- tion Day Parade. ny Park and Devon Avenue with its lemony taste and slices of smoked noted Polish musicians and vocal- Indian, Jewish, “kosher Chinese”, sausage and hard-boiled egg creat- ists. The guest of honor is to be Unique Polish Folk Art and Crafts Turkish, Bulgarian and Balkan ing a symphony of flavors, and, to Lech Walesa, former president of specialty stores and restaurants. her surprise, the cost was $3.20 with Poland and recipient of the Nobel But Katz “found the Holy Grail fresh rye bread and butter included. Peace Prize. www.polishpeddler.net POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009 www.polamjournal.com 

Szarejko Cited by Poland POLONIA EAGLE OF THE EASTERN GREAT LAKES / Michael Pietruszka NEW YORK — As an American cit- izen, Chet Szarejko Byczkowski Finally Honored (center) has never BUFFALO, N.Y. — After a 65 Kaleidoscope Theatre Productions worn a Polish Army Tadeusz Isakowicz Zaleski’s book year wait, World War II veteran for a run of David Ives’ “Polish uniform. tour in support of “My Illegal Life” John Byczkowski was honored as Joke” in late June ... The 49th In- But what he to Mississauga, Ontario’s John Paul a Knight of the French Legion of ternational Convention of the Pol- is wearing in the II Polish Cultural Centre ... The St. Honor and accepted the U.S. Distin- ish Singers Alliance of America photo above is Catharines, Ontario Canadian Pol- guished Flying Cross for his actions will be held at the Millennium Hotel Poland’s Cross of ish Club held an Open House as part during the D-Day invasion at cer- in Cheektowaga at the end of May Merit awarded in of the Niagara Folk Art Festival on emonies held at VFW Post 6251 in 2010. the past to many May 10 ... Michael Schudrich, the Cheektowaga at the end of April ... Polish war veter- Chief Rabbi of Poland, addressed Lancaster High School sophomore CITIZENS OF THE YEAR. The Am- ans and Holocaust the topic, “The Revival of Jewish Eric Van Pyrz has produced a tribute Pol Eagle, WNY’s weekly Polonia survivors. Life in Poland: Is It Really Happen- film honoring Mark and Thomas newspaper, honored its 2008 Citi- In ceremonies commemorating Poland’s May 3rd, 1791 Constitution, ing?” at Toronto’s Beth Habonim Sokolowski, the twin West Seneca zens of the Year at Kloc’s Grove in Poland’s Consul General Krzysztof Kasprzyk (right) presented Szarejko Congregation on May 11. soccer players who were killed in a West Seneca on May 3. This year’s with the decoration for his efforts to promote the cause of Poland in the The work of Polish cinematog- tragic automobile accident last year, honorees were Anthony Bajdek U.S., particularly New York City. rapher Jolanta Dylewska was pre- to provide funds for the Sokolowski (National Honoree), Chopin Sing- Looking on is Frank Milewski (left), president of the Downstate New York sented in the form of the film “Tul- Scholarship Fund at West Seneca ing Society’s Production of “Flis” Division of the Polish American Congress where Szarejko is vice president pan” as part of the 2009 Rochester East High School. Additional infor- (Art/Drama), Mazurek Bakery and chairman of that organization’s Political Activities Committee. High Falls International Film Festi- mation is available at www.world- (Business), Mary Holland (Non- Szarejko spent nearly three years assisting Consul General Kasprzyk in val ... Greg Kinal spoke to the Pol- 2kids.org/sokolowski ... Marylou Pole Community Leader), Harmony clearing the way for placing a statue of Jan Karski in front of the Consulate ish Genealogical Society of NYS Borowiak has been named presi- Polish Folk Ensemble (Community on Madison Avenue and E. 37th Street in Manhattan. on the topic of early 20th century dent of the Food Bank of WNY ... Organization), Andrzej Golebiowski Earlier last month, New York City designated that intersection “Jan immigration on the 14th ... On May Sr. Marietta Pawlowski and Sr. (Culture), Rev. Charles Jagodzinski Karski Corner,” said Milewski. He also noted that Szarejko is well known 15, the Polish Heritage Society of Joan Marie Wieczorek marked 80 (Education), Hon. Catherine Ryb- and highly regarded in New York for the many years he has devoted to Rochester held its annual meeting at years of religious life in the Felician czynski (Government), Dr. Kevin the advancement of good will and understanding among the ethnic St. John Fisher College and the Uni- Order at a special Mass celebrated Cichocki (Health/Medicine), Flor- groups who live there. versity of Toronto’s Polish Student by Buffalo Bishop Edward Kmiec Association hosted its Formal at the ence Oleszak (Individual in Orga- in St. Joseph Cathedral on May 2. SPK Hall on Beverley Street ... The nization), Hon. Michael Pietruszka Ruminski in “The Barber of Seville” Villa Maria College in Cheek- Kalina Singing Society presented (Law), Chris Byrd (Media), Alfreda BUFFALO, N.Y.— Nickel City great opera companies in the United towaga named John Daly, Sr. its 108th Anniversary Concert in the Miecyjak, Krystyna Pienkowska Opera will be presenting “The Bar- States and abroad including The Mary Angelica Bielski and Wil- Millennium Hotel in Cheektowaga and Jozefa Solecki (Military/Vet- liam Nowakowski to its board of eran), Jerry Darlak & the “Touch” ber of Seville” at the Riviera The- Metropolitan Opera, NYC Opera, on May 16 ... St. Stanislaus Par- ater, Fri., June 26 at 8:00 p.m., and trustees ... Joseph Macielag, Roger ish on Buffalo’s East Side hosted (Music), Hon. Scott Bylewski (Poli- Dallas Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Min- tics), Rev. Anzelm Chalupka (Reli- Sun. June 28 at 2:30 p.m. Puchalski, Richard Solecki and the 5th Annual Service to Honor nesota Opera, Opera de Montreal, Dr. Thomas Witakowski were gion), Jenn Stuczynski (Sports) and This is a co-production with the Pope John Paul II and the Profes- Michigan Opera Theatre, Opera de honored at an event marking the Corrine Lasek (Youth). Ottawa Pocket Operat directed by sional and Businessmen’s Associa- Monte Carlo, Opera Ireland, as well 65th anniversary of the Battle of tion held its Annual Memorial Mass David Macadam and The Eastern as Carnegie Hall. In addition to his Monte Cassino and the 55th anni- at Corpus Christi Church on May SYRACUSE POLISH FESTIVAL. Festive Symphony Orchestra under international performing schedule, versary of the founding of Polish 17 ... The Professional and Busi- The Polish Scholarship Fund of the baton of Zach Kampler. he is an adjunct professor teaching Veterans of World War II (SPK) ness Women of Polonia’s Scholar- Syracuse announced that Lenny Tickets are on sale now at The voice at SUNY-Westchester. In ad- Post #33 at Buffalo’s St. Stanislaus ship Dinner took place at Michael’s Gomulka & the Chicago Push, the Riviera (716) 692-2413, M-F 9:00- dition to the opera at the Riviera, Church on May 2 ... Former Erie Banquet Facility in Hamburg on the Cracovia Dance Group, Lechowia 4:00 and (718) 625-4667 after 4:00 County Legislator and Polonia ac- 21st ... On May 23, the Harmony Dance Company, Salt City Brass, p.m. weekdays and on Saturday. upcoming performances include: June 7 — Abiquiu Festival, New tivist Ray Dusza passed away on Polish Folk Ensemble performed Ashley Cox, Tatry Polish Folk En- “The Barber of Seville” stars John May 3 ... Polish veterans in Buffalo at the Fantasy Island Theme Park in semble, Figiel Brothers Band, Den- Packard, Benjamin Brecher, Valeri- Mexico (Bukowski Song Premiere); Sept. 2009 — “Magic Flute” and Rochester marked Polish Con- Grand Island nis Polisky & the Maestro’s Men, an Ruminski, Nadia Petrella, Rose- stitution Day with commemorative Fritz’s Polka Band, Jerry Darlak & (Sarastro) Ottawa Lyra Opera; Oct. The Polish Army Veterans As- marie Serrano, Christopher Mallory Masses and programs. sociation of America (SWAP) the Touch, Little Poland Dance En- 2009 — Wagner Society of D.C., and more. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer held its 30th National Convention semble and Al Piatkowski will per- Ruminski is a graduate of the ESP Concert Series; Oct.-Nov. 2009 recommended William Hochul to in Grand Island the last weekend form at the 55th Annual Syracuse Academy of Vocal Arts in Phila- — Macbeth (Banquo) Opera Ireland fill the vacancy in the position of U.S. of May ... On May 29 and 30, the Polish Festival in Clinton Square delphia and of SUNY-Buffalo. He (Dublin); and more. For details, visit Attorney for the Western District of 7th Annual Polish Heritage Fes- on June 19-21. More information s has performed with some of the www.valerianruminski.net. New York ... May 8th brought Rev. tival featured performances by the available at www.polishscholarship. John Gora Band, Jerry Darlak & com. the Touch, Mon Valley Push, Anya, v v v SALT LAMPS ETC. Kujawiacy Polish Song and Dance If you have an item for this col- Ensemble, Sugar & Jazz Orchestra umn, please send the information 5274 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086 •(716) 564-9286 and the Ludowa Nuta Polish Choir to me by the 6th day of the month at the Hamburg Fairgrounds ... The preceding the month in which you Can’t sleep? Need relief for asthmas? Allergies? Sinuses? Joseph S. Skalny Welcome Center would like the item to appear (i.e. will be dedicated on the St. John June 6 for the July edition) at: POL Now available beautiful Polish salt lamps that clean and Fisher campus in Rochester on June EGL, P.O. Box 223, Niagara Square ionize air for your health and well-being. 12 ... The WNY Division of the Pol- Station, Buffalo, NY 14201-0223. ish America Congress is hosting a My e-mail address is: pietrusz- Laboratory tested for ionization and quality. bus tour to the Polish Veterans Pil- [email protected]. grimage in Niagara-on-the-Lake, For more information on what’s For information and flyers call: Ontario on June 14. Local attorney going on in the Polonia of the East- Craig Bucki will be the keynote ern Great Lakes, visit my website at: We will ship Joyce (716) 860-0828 • [email protected] speaker at the ceremonies com- http://www.polegl.org. anywhere in the USA Arlene (716) 649-3188 • [email protected] memorating Haller’s “Blue Army” after the parade. For details, please contact Mira Szramel at (716) 681- 6739. WNY Polonians have expressed concern over Canisius College’s rental of its Marie Maday Theatre to Polish-English Commercial Mortgages Translator are also available. Let us help you to • Official documents, letters, e-mails, etc. achieve your • Reasonable rates. dream of • Fast, reliable service by e-mail owning property! or regular mail. • Translation to/from other lan- guages available as well. Membership Benefits • Over 20 years experience work- Financial Products: ing with genealogists, attorneys, life insurance; residential and commercial mortgages; annuities. businesses, film-makers, gov- Fraternal Activities: ernment, medical professionals, Polish Union of America etc. educational, cultural, civic, sporting, religious, and social events. 745 Center Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224 Andy Golebiowski Phone: (716) 677-0220 or (800) 724-2782 College Scholarship: for every year that a student attends college. (89 awarded this year!) 109 Rosemead Lane Fax: (716) 677-0246 Cheektowaga, NY 14227 E-mail: [email protected] It’s here... The Polish Union of America’s (716) 892-5975 Website: www.polishunion.com Collectible Coloring Book! 10 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009

POLISH AMERICAN TRADITIONS CULTURAL CENTER Myth, Mystery and Magic 308 WALNUT STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 Sobótki – St. John’s (215) 922-1700 When You’re in Philadelphia’s Historic Midsummer Night’s Eve District, Visit The Polish American by Staś Kmieć Cultural Center Museum Exhibit Hall Sobótka Święto Jańska (the Midsummer Night’s rit- ual of St. John’s Eve) has its origins in the pagan rites of Featuring Polish History and Culture the sun, fire and water. On the shortest night of the year OPEN 10:00 a.m. TO 4:00 p.m. • FREE ADMISSION (June 23 – the summer solstice) the lighting of bonfires, January through April • Monday to Friday communal games and the burning of herbs foretold the May through December • Monday to Saturday future concerning love and marriage. Gift Shop is Open During Regular Exhibit Hall Hours Maidens dressed in white, with wreaths of yellow Closed on Holidays and white wildflowers upon their heads, set candled Visit Us on the Internet: www.polishamericancenter.org wreaths afloat on lakes and rivers, which later were fished out by young men who followed the wreaths in boats or reached from the shore with poles. The wreath was an omen for the woman, good or bad, depending on who retrieved it, and whether it was caught or sank. If the wreath returned to shore, the girl would never marry; if it sank, she would die young and if it flowed down the river with its candle still burning, she would be married with good fortune and happiness. If the candle stops burning or the wreath drowned, it meant that girl would not find a boyfriend or get married in the coming year. It was the best of luck if the boy who the girl had secretly loved fished-out the wreath from the water. According to Slavonic legends, the Eve is filled with Members of the Lublin Polish Song and Dance myth, mystery and magic. Animals speak in human Ensemble of Haverhill-Boston enact the ancient ritual voices, the earth shimmers in transparency and the bar- of Sobótki. ren fern (kwiat paproci) blooms for one brief moment at midnight with a flaming flower. The bravest individu- St. John’s Eve), and William Shakespeare used it as the als ventured into the forest to seek out this special fern theme of his Midsummer Night’s Dream. flower as it was believed that the flower had magical When Polish territory was annexed by Austria, espe- powers, and anyone who found it would attain immense cially after Kraków was incorporated into Austro-Hun- happiness, wisdom, love, and the ability to find trea- garian state, the ritual became a patriotic manifestation, sures. Before World War I celebrations were organized by in- Certain plants and herbs would take on magical stitutions such as the Polish Gymnastic Society, Sokół. properties, which enabled remedies for illness. Couples After World War II it became a large-scale open-air per- would leap over bonfires, which warded off sickness formance event. and brought about a successful marriage. In Poland Sobótki had been re-enacted in outdoor Before Catholicism, the magical night was called theater spectacles of ancient songs and dances by Ka- Noc Kupały to honor Kupała, a Slavic goddess of love zimiera Walczak (“Mamcia”) at the Course for Instruc- and fertility. After the introduction of Christianity in the tors of Polish Artistic Ensembles in Lublin; however 10th century, this pagan festivity was adapted to Chris- due to age, her contribution to culture is no longer pos- tian feast days, thus it was celebrated on St. John’s Eve. For centuries thereafter, the Church tried to stamp out sible. In performance, the legacy is continued by her the traditions associated with this pagan holiday, but instructor “disciples” of Polonia ensembles around the failed. It is difficult to erase a part of a nation’s culture. world. Garlands would adorn the monstrance at Mass; wreaths After martial law was introduced in 1981, events and herbs were sprinkled with holy water, and later were not officially re-organized until 1992. As a mod- were hung around holy pictures and doors, where they ern day mass cultural event it is now known in Poland remained for the entire year. as Wianki. In Warsaw, small ingenious motor-powered As late as the 16th century, villagers and the nobil- boats with battery-operated wreaths travel down the ity from the manor came together to celebrate Sobótka, Wisła River; there is live music, a fireworks display and emphasizing the communal spirit of the rite. a competition for the most beautiful wreath. Similarly The great poet Jan Kochanowski immortalized this the event takes place annually in Kraków at the bend of custom in his Pieśni Świętojańskiej o Sobótce (Songs of Wisła River, near the Wawel Hill.

Wins Kosciuszko Foundation Piano Competition Writing the Diaspora NEW YORK — Lee Ko-Eun, a old student of Philip Kawin at the CHARLESTON, Ill. — student of Jerome Lowenthal at the Manhattan School of Music. Christina Pacosz and Dr. John Z. Juilliard School, won the $5,000 Third Prize of $1,500 was award- Guzlowski, Professor Emeritus First Prize in the Kosciuszko Foun- ed to Victoria Chan, a 20-year-old at Eastern Illinois University, dation’s 2009 Chopin Piano Compe- student at Columbia University, have edited two issues of the tition. where she is studying sociology and journal Kritya that feature po- Ms. Lee, a 22-year old Master’s is in the pre-med program. etry by Polish, Polish-American, candidate, also won the $500 Jan The Competition was held on and Polish Diaspora poets. The Gorbaty Memorial Prize for the best Fri., April 3, at the Kosciuszko editions are available online at performance of a work by Chopin. www.kritya. while commentary After studies in her native Seoul, Foundation’s Upper East Side head- quarters. on Polish and Polish-American www.polishamericanstudies.org Korea, she continued at the Walnut poets and poetry are available on Hill School and New England Con- The Kosciuszko Foundation Cho- PAHA pin Competition was established in Dr. Guzlowski’s blog, “Writing servatory before entering the gradu- the Polish Diaspora,” at www. 1949, in honor of the hundredth an- The Polish American Histocial Association ate program at Juilliard. writingpolishdiaspora.blogspot. niversary of the death of Frederic was established in December 1942 as a special Second Prize of $2,500 was com. commission of the The Polish Institute of Arts awarded to Yang Song, a 17-year- Chopin. and Sciences in America to collect, compile and publish information about Polish Americans. In October 1944, it was reorganized as a na- tional American society to promote study and How Will You Be Remembered? research in the history and social background of Americans of Polish descent. The Association, Many people talk about leaving gifts to worthy causes, but don’t have a will, and do not realize which was incorporated under the laws of Illi- it requires a will to do so. The laws of most states make it quite clear that personal property goes nois in 1972, strives to assist and cooperate with automatically, by law, to your nearest relatives, even if they are quite distant ones, unless you have all individuals and organizations interested in a legal will that says otherwise. If you have no relatives, it goes to the state. More than half of all Polish American life and history. Contributions in support of the work of the Association adult Americans die without having made their wills. Most of them undoubtedly planned to do so, are tax-exempt. Regular one-year membership to the Association is $30.00. but never got around to it. Some had wills but didn’t keep them current. When you have a will, you should update it every few years as conditions change. Also, always name an executor who will carry ___ I am interested in becoming a member of PAHA. Enclosed is a check or money out your wises. Besides money, non-cash possessions can also be used as contributions and vari- order for $30.00 made payable to the Polish American Historical Association. ous donation plans can be carried out. Be a philanthropist: leave your stocks, bonds, real estate, art, valuable collections or insurance to continue the Polish American traditions. Your will is the most important way of giving. When you are gone, it is a legacy that is not forgotten. In your will, you can NAME specify what you would like your donation to be used for. For help in making your will, contact a competent lawyer. The National Polish Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that needs your help and legacy. ADDRESS The National Polish Center, Inc. CITY, STATE, ZIP 2025 “O” Street NW • Washington, DC 20036

MAIL TO: PAHA, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT 06050 Tel.: (202) 785-2320 • Fax: (202) 785 2159 • www.polishcenterdc.org POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009 www.polamjournal.com 11

POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL Johnny Hyzny Passes by Donald J. Ptak services, local radio personalities CHICAGO — A giant in the did on-air eulogies and announced polka field, Johnny Hyzny, passed details of the final services for away on April 15, 2009. Hyzny. Hyzny, a band leader, radio show Among various fund raisers held host and business proprietor of the Personality Lodge, was honored by Hyzny the current one to erect in his hometown when current and a monument at Resurrection Cem- retired musicians did a live musi- etery dedicated to the musicians and DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION AND CONTINUANCE OF POLISH AMERICAN MUSIC cal tribute to his life at his wake at men and women of polka music was the Richards-Midway funeral home. to be his last prior to retirement. The Over 200 guests attended. A memo- monument which will be erected and POLKA PATTER Centennial Celebrations rial mass at St. Joseph Church in dedicated this summer will bear tes- Summit and interment at resurrec- timony to Hyzny’s untiring efforts Prepared and distributed by the at Five Holy Martyrs tion cemetery was attended by the to honor his followers and fans. Polonia Media Network K PHOTO: most guests ever for a polka celeb- rity. Hyzny would not want anyone An Air Force veteran, he was to be sad but be joyful for a wonder-

There was a rumor that Gene rystyna Mikrut, an accordionist dubbed honored by the Argo-Summit Amer- ful productive life. “The One Man Trio,” had a heart at- ican Legion and Chicago Midway In his own words: “Life is short T tack and it seems that many people eller Airport aviation Police. Prior to the — enjoy yourself!” assumed that his playing days were over. The truth is that he had a can- Polka Fireworks believe him to be an amphibious cerous lymph node in my throat. creature, and he is known to many With the exception of getting two re- Celebrates 35th Year citizens of the Seacoast as simply placements during the week he was CHAMPION, Pa. — The 35th “The Creek Man.” in the hospital, he did not missed a Annual Polka Fireworks will take This original show offered playing engagement, even though place at the Seven Springs Moun- Sredzienski a new stage for his ex- he had daily chemo and radiation tain Resort, Wed. July 1- Sun., traordinary talents as he spun tales treatments from June through De- July 5, 2009 from his vaudeville career (begin- cember. He is doing fine and avail- Featuring 18 of the nation’s ning at age ten), offered hilarious able for engagements. top polka bands under one roof, and up-close portraits of sea crea- this event is often referred to as tures from monkfish to snapping The largest free folk festi- the “queen of festivals,” with live turtles, and shared hair-raising ac- val in the nation is happening once music in several venues, polka counts of his fabled swims. again this summer, from July 24-26, workshops, poolside parties, jam Including original songs such 2009 in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Good Times band at Five Holy Martyrs sessions, and more, all at a 14,000 as “Get Yourself a New Hobby” Lowell Folk Festival has brought an -acre resort that allows you to park and “Tidal River”, Creek Man is international array of folk music, your car and not need it until you CHICAGO — As Five Holy Martyrs begins its 100th anniversary cel- fascinating, and — like its star and ethnic foods, craftspeople and arti- leave for home. ebrations, this soon-to-be century-old parish on Chicago’s South Side held subject — one-of-a-kind. sans to New England every summer Polka Fireworks 35 is a fest for its first Polka Mass. On April 18, approximately 250 parishioners attended for more than 20 years. the entire family. Mass at which polka and waltz music was played by Dennis Motyka and the Al “Jolly Joe” Good Times Band. Five Holy Martyrs will have a series of special events For more information visit The Wisconsin Polka Hall www.polkafireworks.com or Truszkowski Passes of Fame held its Spring Dance at as it approaches its milestone, culminating with a special celebratory Mass on Nov. 1, 2009. (G.C.) www.versatones.com. HANOVER, Pa. — Alexander Bullshooter’s in Weston, Wisc., fea- “Jolly Joe” Truszkowski, 64, of turing Gary’s Ridgeland Dutchmen Cleveland Polka Hanover Township, died Thurs- and the Polish Connection, a com- IPA Hall of Fame and Music Winners day, April 23, 2009. Performing bination of oompah and Polish style CHICAGO An inductee in the Pioneer Cat- Association’s as Jolly Joe and the Bavarians, polkas. There was separate awards (PMN)—The egory will be announced at a later Two Buck Blast! Truszkowski, an accordionist, had ceremony to honor the late Ray International date. PARMA, Ohio — The Two been involved with polka music Rhyner, and Bobby Art, also known Polka Associa- The following will receive a Buck Blast will take place Sat., for over 52 years. as Uncle Otto. tion (IPA) an- 2008 Polka Music Award: June 6, 2009 at St. Sava’s Picnic His band was the first to re- nounced the • Favorite Female Vocalist: Stepha- cord “The Chicken Dance” in the The Polish American Grove, 2300 W. Ridgewood Drive, Citi- names of the nie Pietrzak United States, and also released zens Club (PACC) in Bristol, Con- Parma. persons to be • Favorite Male Vocalist: Lenny Music will be provided by Mon a variety of recordings. Elected necticut, has a new website at www. inducted into Gomulka “Polish Citizen of the Year” by the bristolpacc.com. The latest polka Valley Push from Pennsylvania. the Polka Music • Favorite Instrumental Group: Polish American World in 1983, dance schedule is up and ready to be Doors open at 3:00 p.m. with Hall of Fame Dennis Polisky & the Maestro’s Truszkowski especially enjoyed viewed. The kitchen and full bar are music from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and the winners Men performing at nursing facilities always open on polka dance days, Admission is $2.00 for mem- of the 2008 Pol- • Favorite CD: “4th Edition” by the and spending time with fellow so you can eat, drink, dance and be bers and $10.00 for non-members, ka Awards on POLISKY. Leader Knewz veterans. merry. but this includes a one-year C.P.A. its radio show of top instrumen- • Favorite Song: “Polka Memories” membership! No BYOB, no cool- He was a Polka DJ for over 37 of May 3, 2009. tal group. by Stephanie Pietrzak years at various radio stations in A new release by Danny Mack ers/picnic baskets. Cash bar and The inductions The inductions will occur and Northeastern Pennsylvania, most salutes Li’l Wally (Walter Jagiello), food will be available. $1 beers, and awards will take place at the the awards will be presented at a $1 hot dogs, $1 shots. recently hosting his original “Jolly who passed away in 2006. Mack sa- IPA Festival, August 6-9, 2009. banquet on Saturday, August 8, dur- lutes his old friend with a self penned Joe’s Bavarian Bandstand,” 1340 The following have been elected ing the three-day IPA Festival at the AM WICK, Scranton. tune, “Remember Li’l Wally” and to the Polka Music Hall of Fame: Doubletree Hotel in Independence, The Unbelievable True an endearing special arrangement Truszkowski was a member • Joe Oberaitis – Living Category Ohio, just south of Cleveland. Story of the Accordion- of the Good Shepherd Polish Na- of Wally’s “Memories Waltz.” The • Stas Bulanda – Living Category For details about the festival and limited edition CD single is avail- Playing Merman tional Catholic Church, Plymouth, • Eddie Habat – Deceased Catego- the International Polka Association a member of AMVETS Post 59, able from Danny Mack while sup- ry visit www.internationalpolka.com. EXETER, N.H. — A world pre- plies last. VFW Post 5267, Catholic War miere theatrical adventure by and Veterans Post 274, Vietnam War about Gary Sredzienski premiered Veterans, Pittston, and the D.A.V. Polka Insider / Steve Litwin May 7-17 at the Dinner Theatre at He was laid to rest at St. Mary’s the York Harbor Reading Room, Cemetery with Military funeral one of the most distinctive private services. clubs on the Atlantic Seacoast. If You Want Something Done ... A hilarious and fascinating Surrounded by thousands of internet websites has been a prior- certed effort by the “official” polka evening of storytelling, music, and Just Like Old Times photographs, hundreds of cassette ity. As a parallel effort, hundreds organizations to lead or even join environmental message. Sredzien- FAYETTEVILLE, N.Y. — Al tapes, cabinets of video tapes, files of polka photographs from the past this effort. There are thousands of ski, a 2006 Grammy nominee and Piatkowski says that polka music of documents, folders of flyers, box- 45 years have found their way to recordings that will be lost, tens of popular host of the weekly radio isn’t your grandparents music any- es of T-shirts, stacks of sheet music, the scanner and are now posted on thousands of photographs that will show “Polka Party” since 1987, is more, but many people still like shelves filled with vinyl, I found my polkamemories.com as a combined fade and become brittle with age and acknowledged as one of the Ameri- the style of polka music to which mind drifting back to the polka di- worked effort shared between Jim- collections of memorabilia from the can masters of the accordion. He is they listened and danced. nosaur column published in the PAJ my K and the Polka Insider. glory days of polka music that will also an eco-activist widely known “It was a time when the songs decades past. I’m not sure if I fall Internet sites such as myspace. end up in landfills unless everyone for his “hobby” — heroic mid- were simple and the PA systems into the polka dinosaur category, the com have also become holding bins joins this campaign, including those winter swims of the tidal creeks of were tiny,” said Piatkowski. polka packrat category or the polka for polka videos, photos and history. who were created to promote and the Piscataqua basin, where he has Those who ventured out to the historian category but there is little Preserving these bits and pieces of preserve polka music. excavated objects dating back to Bayway Polish Home in Elizabeth, doubt I live in multiple time zones polka history is being done by many In the meantime we invite you the 17th century. N.J., on May 3, when The Piat- of life. individuals throughout the digital to visit www.myspace.com/concer- He made even bigger waves in kowski Brothers Band made their Yes, I hate to throw anything world. Obviously there are more tinaman and the polkaeditor id on 2007 when he swam seven miles to first New Jersey appearance, heard away so I’ll accept the packrat label. than just a few of us who are cap- youtube.com. These are both works the Isles of Shoals in 9° weather, a that sound of times gone by. In the past six months converting tured by this passion to preserve and in progress but we are making an at- feat that required months of train- For a small sampling of their VHS tape to digital video files and publish what was. tempt to preserve the history of this ing and a self-customized blend sound visit www.Piatkowski- making them available on several What I haven’t seen is a con- music we all love and enjoy. of high-tech swim gear. Some Brothers.com. 12 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009

NOTES / Barb Pinkowski Summer is Around the Corner! BUFFALO, N.Y. — Hi every- Days to Come,” which features a one! It is my favorite part of the balanced mix of tunes sure to please year, a time when we are approach- everyone. ing summer and looking forward Barb Bakowski mentioned to all the events and polka doings that me that thru her job in Washington, are held outdoors. Summer, here we D,C, at Walter Reed Hospital, she come! had the honor of meeting President Well, it was two weeks in a row Obama. It was quite a memorable at the comfortable and spacious Lily moment for her. of the Valley Hall in Cheektowaga, Congratulations to … Eddie Blazonczyk & the Versatones at Lily of LENNY GOMULKA and SCRUBBY SEWERYNIAK N.Y., where Mike Kurdziel is the Di- the Valley Hall. share a vocal at the Leonard Post on Dyngus Day. manager. ane Raczkowski and Jim Rac- On April 25, Eddie Blazonczyk, zkowski on the birth of a new Jr. & the Versatones played to a granddaughter on May 2. This was Meeting at the Polish Falcons Hall, • June 28 – St. Andrew’s Lawn Fete moderate crowd, and treated us to daughter Leanne’s second child. 445 Columbia Ave., Depew, N.Y. –Crocker St., Sloan, N.Y. - Cityside some excellent polka music. It was Their other daughter, Jennifer, is Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Music starts plays the Polka Mass at 11:00 a.m. good to see some out-of-towners in also expecting soon so their family at 8:00 p.m. Everyone welcome! Call and then entertains in the beer tent for this one. Eddie was gracious and is growing … Justin Kohan, who Chris at 892-7977 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. earned the Hamburg High School friendly to all, mixing with the fans • June 25 - Cityside at the Orchard Band’s “Award of Excellence,” for • June 28 – The Knewz plays at St. in between sets. Park Pavilion behind the school his dedication to and achievements Andrew’s Lawn Fete from 6:00 p.m. The Nickel City Band did an from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Bring to 10:00 p.m. outstanding job also and included with the band. your lawn chairs. some English numbers for a nice Get well wishes … for a very • June 28 – OLC Lawn Fete – Clinton • June 27 – Pig Roast at the Lamm St. near the Buffalo – West Seneca variety which the crowd enjoyed. speedy recovery go out to Joey Grove, 962 Wehrle Dr., Williamsville, City Line - Jerry Darlak & the Touch For four guys, they sounded really Kurcz and Emily Janiga. May good NY from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with play in the beer tent from 6:00 p.m. good! Mike Kurdziel, Johnny Ro- health return to them soon. a variety of music by the Bedrock gala, Frank Zeczek and Eddie Sz- to 10:00 p.m. Happy Father’s Day. I’d like Boys. Tickets are $18 adavance or ramka got it all together very well! $20 at the door which includes pig to extend my best wishes to all the • The new date for the the Polka The following week, May 2, we roast dinner, beer, pop and the mu- Boosters Picnic which will will be welcomed a new band called The dads out there for a very Happy Fa- sic. For more info call Dave at 684- ther’s Day. held on Sat. July 11 from 2:00 p.m. to Alliance, which made its debut on JACKIE SCHMID, the lady who runs 7336 7:00 p.m. at the Lamm Grove, food, this evening. Matt Lewandowski You know you are needed and some of the most successful dances loved—enjoy your special day! • June 27 — Cityside at the Lackawa- refreshments, Chinese Auction and (bass and vocals) is the leader. Oth- in Buffalo, including the Dyngus Day nna Centennial Celebration at Vet- music by the Knewz. Members cost er members are: Rich Kois (trumpet UPCOMING EVENTS party at the Leonard Post. erans Stadium, Entertainment Tent, is $15 and non-members cost is and vocals); Joe Dipyatic (trumpet); • June 3 – Polka Variety Meeting at the South Park Ave., Lackawanna, N.Y. $18. For more info, call Chris at 892- Jim Adamczyk (accordion and vo- Lily of the Valley Hall, 2379 Union Music from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 7977. cals); Eric Bakowski (concertina); Rd., Cheektowaga, NY. Doors open and Mike Dipyatic (drums). The at 7:00 p.m. Music starts at 8:00 p.m. band does a variety of old, new and for info call Len at 896-1476 cross-over tunes, and sounded just • June 6 – Opening of Lamm Grove, great. A big crowd was on hand for 962 Wehrle Dr., Williamsville, N.Y. this special occasion. It was nice to with Ray Jay and the Carousels see some new faces including many – Happy Hour from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. young polka fans! The excitement Music from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 was there as witnessed by the many p.m. Food and refreshments avail- fans up in front of the band watch- able at reasonable prices. Call Bob at 837-3582. ing and cheering. This was the day of the Kentucky • June 7 – Polka Sunday at Potts Hall, Derby and, as tradition has it, a cou- 697 South Ogden St., Buffalo, NY ple young ladies showed up wearing with Cityside from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 big hats and they looked so cool and p.m. fashionable. • June 14 – Jerry Darlak & the Touch It certainly is wonderful to have at the Sportsmen Tavern, Grant and EDDIE SZRAMKA, trumpet player a new band especially one with so Amherst Sts., Buffalo. Music from 31st Annual with Nickel City Notes, whips up the many talented musicians. The Alli- 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. crowd at the Lily of the Valley ance has a CD out entitled “Better • June 23 (Tuesday) – Polka Boosters Committee presents Listen to the Committee presents ROCKIN’ROCKIN’ POLKA Big Tony Polka Show 2009 JAMBOREE WJJL 1440 AM JulyJuly17th-19th POLKASPOLKAS with your host Niagara Falls / Buffalo, NY Schedule Subject to Change Without Prior Notice with SUNDAY AFTERNOON Friday, July 17 SCOTT CLEVELAND 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 4:45 p.m. The Knewz Orchestra - Buffalo, NY – in Pavilion MIKE & GEORGE PASIERB 6:00 p.m. Polish Heritage Dancers - Buffalo, NY 7:00 p.m. Polka Family Band - Bloomsburg, PA SUNDAY Send all promotional material to 8:15 p.m. Rick Gazda Band - Voorhees, NJ WXRL NOON ’till 3:00 p.m. Tony Rozek 9:30 p.m. Polka Family Band - Bloomsburg, PA 78 Cochrane St. 10:30 p.m. Rick Gazda Band - Voorhees, NJ 1300 AM Buffalo, NY 14206 Saturday, July 18 2:30 p.m. The Knewz Orchestra - Buffalo, NY – in Pavilion LANCASTER-BUFFALO WXRL 4:30 p.m. Mass Celebrant & Homilist: Rev. David W. For advertising information, call SAT. 2:00-3:00 p.m. Bialkowski, Pastorm St. John Gualbert Parish 1300 AM (716) 824-6092 Guest Choir - Quo Vadis / Honor Guard - St. SUN. 9:00-10:00 p.m. Maximilian Kolbe Assembly LANCASTER-BUFFALO www.wjjl.com 5:30 p.m. The Knewz Orchestra - Buffalo, NY – in Pavilion 6:15 p.m. Harmony Polish Folk Ensemble Cheektowaga, NY 7:15 p.m. Maestro’s Men - Colchester, CT POLKA MUSIC 8:15 p.m. Polish American String Band DON’T MISS (aka “The Mummers”) - Philadelphia, PA UNLIMITED 9:15 p.m. Maestro’s Men - Colchester, CT THIS LIFE-TIME EVENT! 10:30 p.m. Polish American String Band Polka Stony and Sunday, July 19 Polka Happiness Mary Ann 3:00 p.m. Polish American String Band 4:15 p.m. Bud Hundenski & The Corsairs - Coraopolis, PA featuring Joe Macielag 5:30 p.m. Maestro’s Men - Colchester, CT is now on the OBERAMMERGAU 6:45 p.m. Bud Hundenski & The Corsairs - Coraopolis, PA internet! featuring Joe Macielag PASSION PLAY TOUR 8:15 p.m. . . . . Maestro’s Men - Colchester, CT polkasonline.com PLEASE NOTE: All Performances Will Take Place At The Out- door Cultural Center in Town Park on Harlem Road, unless POLKA MUSIC UNLIMITED SEPTEMBER 11 - 19, 2010 noted. Food Will Be Available During The Festival Catered by (315) 374-7148 Alice Nowak, Polish Villa and Ray’s Catering. Demonstrations Polka Music Unlimited FOR A FREE BROCHURE CALL (716) 681-6167 Will Be Featured Throughout The Weekend As Well. The Gen- P.O. Box 1994 eral Pulaski Parade Will Take Place on Sunday, July 19th at 1:30 Cicero, NY 13039 or (716) 683-4357 or TOLL FREE 1 (800) 678-3450 EXT. 3232 p.m. The Parade Will Start At Thruway Mall, Continuing North A “Friend of the Family” escorted with Ron Dombrowski of WECK & WXRL’s DRIVETIME POLKAS on Harlem Road, Ending At Town Park

POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009 www.polamjournal.com 13

IN BRIEF

NEW SHOW. The programming de- COFFEE BREAK. Frank Sumis- • June 21. Father’s Day Dinner & partment at 247PolkaHeaven.com laski’s “Polka Coffee Break” polka Dance. Music provided by Dan & the has assigned “Broad Band Polkas” program returned to Friday morn- General Pulaski Band. to a regular time slot. The show will ings on February 20, 2009, 8:00- • June 28. Audrey and the Polka Clas- sics now be heard every Tuesday at 1:00 10:00 a.m. The show is heard via • On Sat., June 20, a membership p.m. ET. In addition, the program WHUS Radio (91.7 FM) emanating meeting will be followed by a lun- will also air several times through- from Storrs, Connecticut. cheon/social hour from 1:00-3:00 out the week. p.m. FATHER’S DAY DANCE. The Pol- STREAMING ALONG. After 15 ish American Club of Miami (1250 OFF THE AIR. If you were in the years on the air, WUTQ (1500 NW 22nd Ave., (305) 635-2240) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area in mid- AM, Utica, N.Y.) from which Gary will hold its General Club Meeting, April, you would not have been able Sroka broadcasts has finally begun June 21, at 1:30 p.m. followed by to get anything more than static on streaming. Fans can now log onto Father’s Day Dinner Dance at 2:30 your radio when you tune into the www.1550wutq.com to hear the p.m. former frequency of WARM-AM, “Saturday Polka Review” from 9:00 which carries polka programming a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET. KICK UP YOUR HEELS. The Pol- among other things. The Citadel sta- Sroka features push, honky, ish American Pulaski Club (3621 tion went off the air and a message eastern and some Polish folk tunes, International Speedway Blvd-West, on its website simply thanks listen- rounded out with local announce- Daytona Beach, Fla., , (386) 258- ers for their support. Former WARM ments and dedications. 7059) presents the following dinner polka show personality Sam Liguori dances for the month of June. All told the Scranton Times-Leader ON JAMMER. Kenny Konopka’s will be held from 1:00-5:00 p.m.: that “WARM is done. Unless there’s “Polka Café” is now streaming for • June 7. Music provided by Ed Bilinski a miracle, they ain’t coming back.” three hours on Wednesdays from & the Sounds of the South. The station’s backup transmitter 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET on www. • June 14. Ron Luznar and the Polka failed and in would be very expen- polkajammernetwork.org. Pals. sive to repair.

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POLONIA LIFESTYLES / Robert Strybel POLISH CHEF / Robert Strybel The Polish Wedding in a Nutshell The Foods of a Polish Wedding Part 2 of 2 BREAD & SALT WELCOME (WI- traditional as is the menu. It usually Part 2 of 3 ter until tender. After draining well NUPTIAL (ZAŚLUBINY): The TANIE CHLEBEM I SOLĄ). At the includes home-made chicken noo- Here are some more dishes en- and steaming off moisture, mash bride and groom walk up to the altar entrance to the wedding-feast site the dle soup, roast chicken, pork roast, joyed at Polish weddings on both well or run through ricer. Remem- together, preceded by their grooms- bride and groom are greeted with the pork cutlets, side dishes, salads and sides of the Atlantic. ber: Real Polish mashed potatoes men and bridesmaids. The parents traditional bread and salt welcome. desserts. Food and drink are on the are light and fluffy and contain no and other guests are usually already The groom sprinkles the bread with table throughout the wedding, and STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS milk or butter. seated when the bridal party enters salt, the newlyweds kiss the loaf, in addition to all the cold dishes (gołąbki): Combine 1 lb raw ground the church. The father need not each takes and eats a piece of bread. (ham, sausage, jellied pigs feet, her- pork and/or beef with 4- “give away” the bride, because she There is often a single glass of wine ring, deviled eggs, etc.), three or 6 c undercooked rice, 1-3 is not a piece of property, although or vodka on the tray from which they four hot meals may be served in the chopped butter-fried onions that alien custom is observed by both drink and then smash the glass course of the wedding. These often and 1 egg. Add heaping T some Polish Americans. The bride on the floor. The bread symbolizes include clear beetroot barszcz with fresh chopped dill. Mix well and groom kneel on special kneelers prosperity and abundance, the salt is pasty, bigos, tripe soup, gołąbki, and salt & pepper to taste. set up in front of the main altar and to preserve their love, marriage and steak roll-ups and a crack-of-dawn Place oblong portion of fill- sit on chairs directly in back of them family and the drink is a sign of the eye-opener: a steaming bowl or cup ing at base of wilted, par- for the duration of the wedding. good cheer which the newlyweds of żurek (tart, thirst-quenching ry- boiled cabbage leaves with During the double-ring ceremony, will enjoy with their loved ones emeal soup). thick center vein removed, the bride and groom repeat their over the years. roll up and place snugly in vows after the priest and place wed- FIRST DANCE (PIERWSZY TA- roasting pan in no more than ding bands on each others right ring WEDDING ORATION (ORACJA NIEC). After all have eaten and two layers. Drench cabbage fingers. At some Polonian weddings WESELNA). The wedding party, drunk their fill during the first stage rolls in roasting pan with 3 often including the officiating cler- of the feasting, the bride and groom the wedding bands are placed on c boiling water in which a FOR GENERATIONS, gołąbki were standard gyman, is seated at the head table, take to the dance floor for the first the left hand the English way. Some mushroom bouillon cube fare at Polish American wedding receptions. traditionally the middle section time that evening, as guests gather brides place a floral bouquet at the has been dissolved. Bake Today, it may be hard to find a caterer who of a series of rectangular tables, around them and watch. Only after church’s side altar dedicated to the covered at 350° 1 hr. Re- knows how to prepare delicious stuffed joined together horseshoe fashion. the first dance do wedding guests Blessed Virgin. At the back of the duce heat to 325° and cook cabbage rolls, but finding one who does will (This single table symbolizes unity, join in. At Polish-American wed- church, in its vestibule or (in good another 2 hrs. Meanwhile, certainly impress your guests. weather) just outside the newlyweds whereas the round tables of eight so dings, the father sometimes has the wash and slice or dice 16 receive cut flowers from the guests common nowadays represent dis- first dance with the bride. A “Tatusiu oz fresh Portobello mush- along with best wishes. The most persal!) When all have been seated, Waltz” was produced by Michigan’s rooms and simmer in 2-3 T butter VEGETABLES POLONAISE typical goes: “Wszystkiego najlep- the wedding host delivers an oration Big Daddy Lackowski to reflect that with a finely chopped onion until (jarzyny po polsku): Cook veg- szego na nowej drodze życia” (All roughly along these lines: “We have Polonian custom. cooked (about 15 min), stirring fre- etables of choice (cauliflower, wax the best on your new road through gathered here today to celebrate to quently. Fork-blend 1 c sour cream or green beans, Brussels sprouts, UNVEILING CEREMONY (OCZ- life). joining in holy matrimony of ……. with 1 heaping T flour until smooth carrots, peas, peas & carrots, etc.) EPINY). (name) and ……. (name). Dear This is the highpoint of and gradually add 2 c hot water in in lightly salted water until tender, WEDDING HOST AND HOSTESS Newlyweds, your carefree years a traditional Polish wedding, as it which a mushroom cube has been drain well and transfer to serving (STAROSTA I STAROŚCINA). An have come and gone. From today on, marks the bride’s ceremonial tran- dissolved. Simmer 10 min and salt platter. In saucepan heat 3-4 T but- important function at a traditional you will travel through life together, sition for maidenhood to wifehood. & pepper to taste. Serve gołąbki ter until it bubbles, stir in 2-3 T plain Polish wedding is performed by the and side by side you will grapple She sits at the center of the dance drenched with mushroom gravy. (unseasoned) bread crumbs and 1/4 “starosta weselny” (wedding host), with the difficulties and challenges floor as guests gather round, and her t salt and simmer, stirring frequent- a kind of emcee chosen when the it presents. As the wedding host, on bridal veil is removed to the tune of BAKED FRESH KIEŁBASA ly, until it is browned. Spoon the groomsmen and bridesmaids are se- behalf of all your loved ones gath- traditional ditties such as the “Hop (biała kiełbasa pieczona): Arrange browned bread-crumb topping over lected. It should be a jovial, sociable ered here today, let me wish the both Song” (“Piosenka o chmielu”), 3 lbs fresh kiełbasa in a single layer the vegetables. person not afraid to give a speech, of you all the best – a harmonious “The Cherry Has Fallen” (“Spadła in baking pan. Drench with 12 oz wiśnia”) or (especially in Polonia) propose toasts, tell jokes, coordi- marriage, good health, abundance, beer and enough water to barely — DINNER SALADS — nate things and make sure wedding the fulfillment of all your dreams “12 Angels”. The bride is then fitted cover kiełbasa and bake in 375° guests are having a good time. The and many beautiful, healthy chil- with a special wife’s cap or apron. oven. Turn sausage over when half CUCUMBER SALAD (mizeria): “starościna weselna” (wedding host- dren. Let us all now raise a toast to Combine peeled, thinly sliced cu- DANCING WITH THE BRIDE (TA- the water has evaporated. It is ready ess) oversees the wedding, makes the Bride and Groom: Ad multos cumbers with 1 onion (of similar NIEC Z PANNĄ MŁODĄ). Male when all water disappears and sau- sure everything is running smoothly annos!” At that point the guests re- circumference) sliced wafer thin. guests make a donation for the sage begins to brown. and often offers the bread & salt wel- peat “Ad multos annos”, down their Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground privilege of dancing with the bride, come and officiates at the unveiling. drinks and break into a chorus of pepper, 1/2 t sugar and 2 T cider or and the maid of honor collects the KIEŁBASA & SAUERKRAUT This should be a well- organized, “Sto Lat”. more cider vinegar. Lace with 1/2 money in a bowl or basket. The (kiełbasa z kapustą): Drain 2-3 qts quick-thinking person who doesn’t sauerkraut and rinse in cold water. c (more or less) fork-blended sour panic if something goes wrong and WEDDING FEAST (UCZTA WE- guest often gets a shot of vodka to cream. down before giving the bride a twirl Drain, press out moisture, chop, calmly moves on to Plan B. SELNA). Family-style serving is place in pot, scald with boiling wa- round the dance floor. In recent POLISH LETTUCE SALAD times, the custom has expanded to ter to cover, add 1 bay leaf and cook uncovered 45. Drain and transfer (zielona sałata po polsku): Twist enable female guests to dance with off and discard the core (that holds SUPPORT THE PAJ PRESS FUND the groom. That often generates to baking pan. Cut 2 lbs smoked kiełbasa into 2” or 3” pieces and the leaves together) from 2 heads n 1971, a voluntary fund-raising campaign was launched by a group humorous, tongue-in-cheek rivalry mix with sauerkraut. Sprinkle with of Boston or bib lettuce. Separate of loyal readers of the Polish American Journal entitled “We Love the to see who raises the most “cradle caraway seeds and season with sev- the leaves, tear larger ones into 2 PAJ Press Fund” in order to help cover rising postage, material cash” (“na kołyskę”). eral dashes liquid Maggi seasoning. or 3 pieces, wash well, dry, place in and production costs. Bake in 350° oven 90 min or so. serving dish and scatter 8 - 10 thinly IDonations to the PAJ Press Fund are also used to support our reader FOLLOW-UP CELEBRATION Leave in oven 30 min after switch- sliced radishes over it lettuce. Fork- services (postage, telephone, research, etc.), provide newsclippers with (POPRAWINY). The Sunday fol- ing off heat. Taste improves with blend 2/3 - 3/4 c sour cream with stamps and envelopes, and cover extraordinary expenses in producing lowing a Saturday wedding is the each reheating. juice of 1/2 a lemon, 1/4 t salt and the paper. The Polish American Journal is not a profit-making ven- time for a less formal follow-up cel- 1/2 - 1 t sugar and pour over lettuce. ture. Thanks to its dedicated staff, the PAJ is published as a “public ebration. After sleeping of the previ- POLISH MASHED POTATOES Garnish with chopped chives. service” for American Polonia. ous night’s festivities and attending (kartofle tłuczone): Cook 2-1/4 lbs Next month: conclusion, with Donations to the PAJ Press Fund will be acknowledged in the paper Sunday Mass, guests begin trick- peeled potatoes in lightly salted wa- cold side dishes. unless otherwise directed by the contributor. ling back to the wedding site or the bride’s home for more food, drink, A sincere “THANK YOU” for their donations to the PAJ PRESS FUND: music and general merriment. It is Your Polish Last Name Means Something! Anthony Alfano, Scranton, Pa.; Mike & Sally Baran, Berkley, Mass.; considered a sign of respect towards Nowak, which started out as a nickname for “the new guy in town,” is Classic Travel, Wallinigton, N.J.; Joseph Dobek, Bristol, Conn.; Thomas the family and wedding guests for Poland’s most popular last name, shared by more than 200,000 Poles and Hoffman, South Bend, Ind.; Bertha Kuszaj, Dayville, Conn.; Jane the newly weds to attend the event, possibly another 50,000 across North America and around the globe. Machlowski, Cheektowaga, N.Y.; Walter and Martha Piatek, Berlin, as they’ll have plenty of time to To find out how many people in Poland use your Polish surname, how it N.J.; Thaddeus Piwowar, Allegan, Mich.; Frank Pudysz, Woodstock, Ga.; go off on their honeymoon. At one came about and whether a noble coat of arms goes with it, please airmail a Leonard Satola, Depew N.Y.; In Memory of Edward Schilling of Tuscon, time, the poprawiny lasted several $16 check to: Robert Strybel, ul. Kaniowska 24, 01-529 Warsaw, Poland. Ariz.; Thomas Shannon, Saginaw, Mich.; John R. Walendziewicz, days, but that is becoming rare, ex- You will also get a list of root-tracing contacts that can put you in touch Pensacola, Fla.; and one “Friend of the PAJ.” Dziekujemy! The PAJ cept in the Polish countryside. with professional genealogists, genealogical groups and helpful Web sites, thanks all who donated to the Press Fund. data bases, addresses and phone numbers. Speedy service is guaranteed, HONEYMOON (PODRÓŻ and the research is launched the same day an order is received. Mail to: PAJ PRESS FUND POŚLUBNA):. In the peasant cul- Polish American Journal ture of yesteryear, “przenosiny” was P.O. BOX 328, BOSTON, NY 14025-0328 held after the wedding, where by Andzia’s Amber I want to make sure the POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL continues its the bride and her dowry (household service to American Polonia. Enclosed is my contribution of $______goods, bedding, etc.) were trans- Jewelry ported by horse cart to the groom’s P.O. Box 468 home and normal married life be- Chincilla, PA 18410 NAME gan. The honeymoon trip is a rather 877-586-6599 recent innovation, but it has widely always toll free ADDRESS caught in town and country alike. International callers But considerate Polish newlyweds 570-346-4568 CITY, STATE, ZIP still wait until all the festivities, in- INTERNATIONAL AMBER Please [ ] include [ ] do not include my name in your list of contributors. cluding poprawiny, have ended be- amberjewelry.com ASSOCIATION CERTIFIED fore heading off. MEMBER POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009 www.polamjournal.com 15

BOOKS IN BRIEF / Florence Waszkelewicz Clowes, MLIS The Untold Story of Poland’s Forces in World War II NO GREATER ALLY ets stood by while the German swept Force, the many cavalry and infantry a local group. Today there are many POLAND TO AMERICA The Untold Story of Poland’s through Warsaw, destroy everything divisions, their battles in Europe and established groups who provide re- by John Konderia Forces in World War II in its path, and waited at the bridge Africa and a history of the atrocities enactments throughout the country. Rosedog Books, 2008, $14.00 by Kenneth K. Koskordan to come in and take over. against the Polish population as well Jadaszewski’s chapters begin- This family saga begins in Bielitz Osprey/Random House, 2009, When the Polish Air Force re- as testimonials from twelve Polish ning with a history of the Com- Poland, in 1910. What follows is a black and white photos, maps, grouped and trained under the arm people. They were soldiers, school- monwealth Region and the peoples story of their lives in Poland, where index, bibliography, notes, of the Royal Air Force, they aston- girls, boy scouts, farmers, doctors of the 17th century with outstand- Anton learned to become a black- 304 pp., $24.95 ished others with their daredevil and lawyers, determined to aid in ing full color pictures of costumes smith and later a machinist. Anton Koskordan presents a moving feats. They made up 1/3rd of the saving their nation and their lives. and tools. A suggested list of basic made five trips, the first as a stow- history of the long Polish involve- 350 pilots in the RAF. Yet, at war’s All walks of life were involved in equipment, sources of purchase , away, to America and back, in at- ment in World War II, with many de- end they were not allowed to march this war, many deported and never ethics and standards used in starting tempts to get work and bring Filo- tails of brigades, air squadrons, and in Britain’s Victory Parade. Finally, able to return. But the glory of their a group, songs and toasts as well as mena, his wife to America. Finally, infantry divisions under the Home in the Yalta treaty made by Roos- deeds remains forever. a short history of religion. with permanent work and his wife Army or with the Allied Forces. evelt, Churchill and Stalin, Poland One chapter includes a period at his side, they began a new life in For Your Freedom and Ours became a pawn to satisfy others. POLISH RE-ENACTORS glossary, with a Polish word, transla- Dallas, Texas. has been Poland’s motto for centu- The war may have ended in five HANDBOOK tion and phonetic spelling of words John, born in 1926, grew up on ries. But it showed the naivety of and one half years, but it took an- A Guide to 17th Century Living and phrases. Other chapters include Dallas, served in the Navy during the Poles in thinking other nations other forty years for Poland gained History in the Polish-Lithuanian foods and utensils of the time and the war, married and raised children would honor their pacts. It was the total independence. The Polish Gov- Commonwealth mannerisms commonly found with of their own. Before he died he re- Poles that broke the German Enig- ernment in Exile, which had fled to by Eryk Stefan Jadaszewski the noble groups. The remainder of layed the story of his parents, life in ma code even before the war started. Britain after the conquest of Poland, Create Space, Polish Hussar the book includes Poland, and the early days in Texas, They offered it to the British, who continued to operate until 1991, Supply, 2008. $19.95. Many clear pictures of Hussar ar- striving to provide a better life for received most of the credit for it. when Poland and long last, was free The book was designed to expand mor, the Cossacks, the Light Caval- the growing Konderia family. Fam- Repeatedly they were deceived. to hold elections and operate its own the reader’s knowledge in develop- ry, Infantry, Artillery, Polish noble- ily photos are included. The Kon- Both Britain and France, who had government. ing a period persona, historically women, townsfolk and merchants. deria family, in two generations, pledged their support to Poland then Koskordan has shown the brav- accurate costumes, weaponry and Anyone interested in becoming produced engineers, athletes, ser- stalled to honor their pacts with the ery and undaunted spirit of the Pol- tools used in the 16th and 17th cen- a Polish re-enactor and starting a vicemen, a professor, priest, sales- country. And when they did, there ish people. He has provided details turies in central and Eastern Europe group will treasure this trove of in- men, mechanics and business own- was little actual support. The Sovi- of the Home Army, the Polish Air and inspiration in joining or starting formation. ers. From a humble beginning, the family continues on. NEW BOOKS Kudos for Cutietta LOS ANGELES — Bogdan Waitrowski’s Newest Explores Colorado’s Colorful History Zdrojewski, Poland’s minister OSCEOLA, Wisc. — From min- into the mountains themselves. An Colorado since 1975. He is also the of culture and national heritage, ing relics high on Colorado’s moun- old mill perched on a mountainside author of the book Railroads of Col- on his first visit to Los Angeles, tainsides to plush historic hotels in offers self-guided explorations of orado. His knowledge of Colorado decorated USC Thornton School its large cities, author Claude Wiat- its labyrinth of machinery. A boat history is a consequence of his long- of Music Dean Robert A. Cutiet- rowski has selected the best historic trip carries history seekers along the term explorations of the state. His- ta with his country’s Gloria Artis places to visit—locations with the path of a long-gone railroad. His- toric Colorado is 256 pages of en- medal on April 23. most historical significance, in the toric home tours present a variety joyable reading with 13 maps, 125 This prestigious award rec- most wildly beautiful settings, and of experiences from modest cabins color photographs and 41 historic ognizes outstanding individuals with the most to see and do. His of miners to huge mansions of in- black & white photos. An appendix for their contributions to Polish book Historic Colorado uncovers dustrial barons. In fact, the author lists a web site for almost every his- culture. the secret that much of that state’s identifies the best such mansion as toric place mentioned. Published by history can be explored without being in Pueblo, a city not unlike a Voyageur Press, the book is avail- Do you know you can renew miles-long hiking trails or scary petite version of Chicago, Detroit or able in bookstores everywhere as your subscription on line at four-wheel-drive paths. Though the Buffalo. well as online. It is an outstanding www.polamjournal.com? book is enjoyable without visiting Claude Wiatrowski has lived in value at a modest $22.99. Its safe and easy! Colorado, its many maps and travel directions make it the ideal guide- book. In fact, the author’s eye-pop- ping color photos will convince the Polish American Journal BOOKSTORE reader to visit the Centennial State. TWO FRIENDS, THEY WENT A’ DANCING Colorado is littered with thousands by Maria Bielski and Janina Dobkowski reader to buildings in ghost towns of historic places and the book lists Singing games and Children’s Dances from Poland hundreds of the greatest places and that were home to those that lived Includes music CD, lyrics, and sheet music NEW! and worked here. Stories of individ- how to find them. Spiral bound, softcover Though museums chronicling uals important to Colorado’s history $ 00 only Colorado’s history are included, round out the book. A rare historic 20 photo shows “Doc Susie” Anderson The book contains lyrics (in both English and Polish) of ten popular singing there is much more here than mu- games, and a vocal music score with chords. Clear step-by-step movement and seums. The author explores the best who was a pioneer medical provider in this ruggedly beautiful land. One dance instructions are outlined precisely with the text. In addition, a CD of the of the many cliff dwellings once oc- recorded songs with accompaniment is included, so that parents, grandpar- cupied by Ancient Puebloans who surprise is an appearance by Glen ents, teachers, and children can immediately enjoy the songs and games. Each lived here before the arrival of Eu- Miller, the most famous band leader page has an original “wycinanki” (Polish cut-out style) illustration, designed ropeans. Settlers established San of the Big Band era, who grew up in by the artist, Joanna Bielska, which can be reproduced for coloring or craft Luis, Colorado’s oldest town, in Colorado. projects.Both authors are teachers by profession and have an extensive back­ 1851 and the book includes a photo Readers will also find histori- ground in Polish folk art, music and dance. They have danced with the Polish of its Catholic Church. Europeans cal experiences in which they can American Folk Dance Company and organized countless folk dance workshops all over the New York Metropolitan area. brought mining and agriculture as actively participate. Steam trains still haul passengers over one hun- well as railroads. A huge abandoned MY NAME IS Al and Dick A sugar beet plant, mines and mills dred miles of narrow-gauge tracks, Lutz’ TRAVELLER’S remnants of thousands of miles that MILLION: An that processed gold and silver, and Illustrated His- acclaimed HISTORY OF railroad water tanks and round- once crisscrossed Colorado’s high tory of Poles work POLAND houses are just some of the historic country. Mine tours begin high in in America JADWIGA’S by spectacular locations to plunge deep Hardover. Origi- John places listed. The book guides the CROSSING: Radzilowski nal Price: $24.95 a story of $ 95 312 pgs. ill. only 14 the Great maps. pb. From the 17th Migration $ 95 Sophia century to the 348 pp., pb. only 14 present, people A perfect gift of heritage ... The experi- Sophia is Sophia Horbacz’s life story, from of Polish descent have made important ence of late 19th Century immigration, A comprehensive historical survey three years old to the present. She was born in contributions in every area of Ameri- as seen through the eyes of Paul and guides travellers through a general the little village of Ruszelczyce, Poland during can life. Most of their names will not Jadwiga Adamik and what they went history of the people and places of World War II. Her father was killed and her be found in American history books. through to make America their new Poland from pre-history to today. But many of their names and stories home. Appropriate for all ages 12 and Includes a full chronology, a list of mother was left with five small children. Family monarchs and rulers, a gazetteer, his- struggles during that time were tremendous. In are included in this richly illustrated up. $ 95 history. My Name is Million is also the 19 torical maps. 1961 they were lucky to be able to come to the story of those millions of Polish Ameri- United States. LET US SELL YOUR BOOKS! You can reach a target audience of over 12,000 Polish cans whose role in American life have, American homes every month. Call M-F, 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. for details. The toughest time in her life was when she strug- until now, gone unrecognized. gled with her husband’s drinking problem and his bipolar disorder. She thanks God for helping her through that time of Shipping: 1 book: $6.95 • 2 books: $8.95 • 3 books: $10.95 • 4+ books: $12.95 her life. Paperback. 164 pages. ISBN-13: 9780982254080 POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL BOOKSTORE • 1 (800) 422-1275 Available from Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, BookAMillion.com, PeppertreePublishing.com, $12.95 P.O. Box 328 • BOSTON, NY 14025 PLUS S&H VISA MC AMEX DISC ACCEPTED and at Barnes & Noble Book stores. www.polamjournal.com | 16 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009

SPORTS / Tom Tarapacki CHANGING TIMES The Polish American Journal’s What Would King Jan Think? LOS ANGLES—Actress Leelee All-Time Polish American Baseball Team Sobieski is attempting to revive

TIME her career by shedding her threads, I’ve always gotten a great re- batted in and four Gold Gloves. which works well for many female sponse from my readers regarding Catcher actresses. Sobieski plays a porn the All-Time Polish Baseball team, Frankie Pytlak. I chose Pytlak star in her latest so here it is again. over John Grabowski, Stan Lopata flick, “Finding Bliss.” Outfield and Carl Sawatski. Smallish and often injured, Pytlak was a very In the film, Stan Musial, Al Simmons, Carl good hitter (he batted over .300 Sobieski plays Yastrzemski, Barney McCosky an aspiring film- — Of my four outfielders, the first maker who takes three are Hall of Famers: Musial, BILL MAZEROSKI a job at a porn Simmons (Szymanski) and Yaz. studio, planning McCosky (his last name is actually 1928, at age 45, his record was 18-7 to use the com- derived from his Lithuanian Father’s with a 2.90 ERA. pany’s facilities to secretly film her GREAT MOMENTS IN XENOPHO- name — his mother was named Other great righties included Joe own movie after hours. BIA. British National Party anti-im- Magdalena Rutkowski) is right up Niekro (221-204), Steve Gromek This role is a far cry from her migration poster featured a Spitfire there with them. In an 11-season ca- (123-108) and Hank Borowy (108- other roles in such films as Joan of belonging — ironically — to 303 reer, McCosky was a career .312 hit- 82). Arc in “Here on Earth.” The actress Squadron of the Polish Air Force. ter and an excellent outfielder. If he is a distant relative of Poland’s King Lefthander Pitchers hadn’t lost three seasons to military Jan III Sobieski (1629-1696), one of allowing Europeans into Britain. service and suffered serious back Frank Tanana, Eddie STAN “THE MAN” MUSIAL. the most respected monarchs of the But historians noted that the fighter problems, he’d likely be in Cooper- (Lopatynski) Lopat, Johnny Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, (Podrus) Podres was actually part of the RAF 303 stown, too. This is such a great out- from 1674 until his death. Squadron, which was made up of three times) and was a fine fielder Tanana (240-236), Lopat (166- field that outstanding players like expatriate Poles. in the 1930s and 1940s, mostly with 112), and Podres (148-116) all had Tom Paciorek and John Kruk were In the Battle of Britain Poles shot Cleveland. long and impressive careers. Both More to Say left on the bench. down 203 Luftwaffe aircraft which Lopat (4-1, 2.60 ERA) and Podres WASHINGTON, D.C.—Mika Third base stood for 12 per cent of total Ger- Brzezinski doesn’t mince words Whitey Kurowski. The hero of (4-1, 2.11 ERA) also had great suc- man losses in the battle. about what happened when CBS the 1942 World Series was an excel- cess in World Series play. Just miss- A Royal Air Force museum ing out was the underrated Harry dropped her as a correspondent two lent all-around third baseman for the spokesman said told London’s Dai- Coveleski, Stan’s older brother, who years ago. St.Louis Cardinals — despite the ly Mail: “The Spitfire in the poster “Nobody wanted me,” she says. fact that childhood osteomyelitis had an 81-55 record and 2.39 ERA. can be identified as belonging to 303 “I spent a year looking for a job. left him with his right arm shorter Squadron of the Polish Air Force by Bullpen You spend ten years at a place, you than his left. the code letters RF painted in front Casimir “Jim” Konstanty, Ron gave your heart and soul and blood of the RAF roundel.” Utilityman Perranoski, Moe Drabowsky for it, and all of a sudden it’s over? The BNP insisted they knew all Tony Kubek. With Trammell Konstanty was the first relief I was 40 and, quote, fired, and I’m along about the plane’s background, getting short, Kubek gets the nod pitcher to be named MVP. That hap- sure people were thinking, what’s saying the plane is a symbol of Brit- here ahead of Bob (Bialogowicz) pened in 1950, when he led Philadel- wrong with her?” ain’s struggle at the moment. Bailor and Ted Kubiak. The latter phia to the pennant with 16 wins and No one is asking that now. Brzez- “It’s not a question of disliking two were more of the traditional 22 saves, both NL highs. Perranoski inski has parlayed her role as co- the Polish people – it’s just a ques- utilitymen, but Kubek first appeared was one of the premier relief pitch- host of MSNBC’s morning show, tion of economics,” said a BNP on a New York Yankee roster as a ing specialists in the major leagues with Joe Scarborough, into a syn- spokesman. utility ballplayer before replacing from 1961 to 1973, posting a 79-74 dicated radio show with the former CARL YASTRZEMSKI Gil McDougald at shortstop. He also record, 179 saves and a 2.79 ERA in congressman and a brand-new book filled in at several infield positions 737 games covering 1,237 innings. deal. She is, for the first time, burst- Say “Happy Birthday” First base and the outfield during his career. The Polish-born Drabowsky, pitch- ing with opinions. in Polish! Ted Kluszewski. “Big Klu” is He retired prematurely at age 29 due ing mostly in relief, won 88 games “I’ve been in a box as a journal- remembered as the slugger with to serious neck and back problems, and in 1966 and 1970 played a big ist for 20 years,” she says. “That ycinanki-Style the big arms who had five seasons possibly costing him a place in Coo- role in the Baltimore Orioles win is a very safe and lazy place to be. W of 100 RBI or more and led the NL perstown. World Series championships. You can hide behind objectivity. It Birthday Cards with 49 homers and 141 RBI in is much harder to put yourself out 1954. Despite his size and power, he Designated hitter Manager there.” CARD 400 (“Sto lat”) was an excellent hitter who batted Greg Luzinski. “Bull” was cho- Danny Ozark. There weren’t a 4¼¨x5½¨ with envelope .300 or better seven years in a row sen over Richie Zisk by virtue of his great many Polish American man- Oh, That Prawo Jazdy! Full color design with Polish and was difficult to strike out, and a greater home run production. Both agers in the big leagues for me to and English greeting inside very smooth fielding first baseman. played around the same time — 70s choose from — Johnny Goryl and DUBLIN (Reuters) – Irish police Printed Yankee greats Bill “Moose” Skow- and early 80s — and were prototyp- John Lipon come to mind — but have solved the mystery of a Polish ron and Joe (Kollonige) Collins ical DHs: big, powerful guys with Danny Orzechowski was a pretty repeat offender, who clocked up 50 on were runners-up. bad knees. Luzinski hit .276 with good one. He posted a 618-542 re- traffic offenses on different address- Glossy 307 homers. Zisk hit just 207 hom- cord managing Philadelphia and es and who was never caught, after Stock Second base ers, though he batted 11 points bet- San Francisco, and his Phillies won one officer noticed his name meant Bill Mazeroski. A Hall of Fam- ter over his career, .287. three NL Eastern Division titles “driving license” in Polish. er and widely considered the best from 1976 to 1978. An internal police memo cited defensive second baseman ever, Righthander Pitchers by Irish papers said officers taking “Maz” was an easy choice here. Stan Coveleski, Phil Niekro, THEY SAID IT details of Polish traffic offenders Jack (Paykos) Quinn “I remember begging my father had been mistakenly using “Prawo Shortstop Niekro (318-274) and Coveleski to take me to see Fidrych pitch. Jazdy,” printed in the top right cor- Designed by Alan Trammel. Tony Kubek (215-142) were Hall of Famers, but There was a big crowd that day in ner of the driving license, as the Doris Sikorsky held down this position until Tram- Quinn should be. He had a 247-217 Cleveland — well, 37,405, which holder’s name. mell (his mother was Anne Panczak) career, and when he retired in 1933, passed for a big crowd in Cleveland “‘Prawo Jazdy’ is actually the retired with 2,365 hits, 1,231 runs he was the oldest man to win a ML back then — and the only two things Polish for ‘driving license’ and scored, 185 home runs, 1,003 runs game (49) and to hit a HR (47). In I really remember is that we had to not the first and surname on the li- park what seemed like miles away cense,” the police memo said. “It is from the stadium and I got to see quite embarrassing to see the system Farewell to “The Bird” Fidrych get on his hands and knees has created Prawo Jazdy as a person CARD 401 A u t o p s y paign, Fidrych compiled a 19-9 and manicure the pitching mound. with over 50 identities.” results showed record with a 2.34 ERA and had an As it turned out, he did not pitch A police spokesman declined to (“Candles”) that Mark “The amazing 24 complete games. His well that day — the aging Boog comment on the reports. 5½¨x4¼¨ with envelope Bird” Fidrych, fun-loving manner captured the Powell got him for three hits — but About 200,000 Polish people Full color design with Polish who pitched imagination of fans, but injuries I left the stadium feeling like I had flocked to Ireland during the boom and English greeting inside five seasons cut short a promising career. seen a star.” years of its “Celtic Tiger” economy, but a poll in November indicated a $2.50 each in the majors After his baseball career ended — Joe Posnanski, in his online third of them planned to leave due 10 or more cards: with Detroit, in 1983 he settled in Northbor- column for Sports Illustrated. to recession. passed away ough, Mass., close to where he The sports columnist at The Kansas $2.00 each due to acci- grew up. He lived on a 107-acre City Star since 1996, Posnanski has SHIPPING & HANDLING dental asphyxia by suffocation. farm, and owned his own trucking twice been named the best sports Spitfire Backfire 1-5 cards: ...... $1.00 Fidrych, who was 54, was found company for a time. columnist in America by The Asso- LONDON — The British Na- 6-10 cards: ...... $2.00 dead underneath a Mack dump Fidrych’s death came just days ciated Press Sports Editors. tional Party launched an anti-im- 11 or more cards:...... $4.00 truck on his farm. v v v after he learned that he was to be migration campaign harking back to WHOLESALE INQUIRIES WELCOME Fidrych, who pitched for the Ti- “You couldn’t help but love this inducted to the National Polish- the Battle of Britain, but it features POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL gers from 1976-80, was named the guy. The guys on the other teams American Sports Hall of Fame in a Polish Spitfire. The poster, part of P.O. BOX 328 American League Rookie of the loved him.” the European elections campaign, AmEx, a ceremony at the American Polish BOSTON, NY 14025 Year and was a two-time All-Star —Former Detroit Tiger Willie featured the Spitfire and the words Discover, MC, Cultural Center in Troy on June and started the 1976 Midsummer Horton on former teammate Mark “Battle for Britain.” 1 (716) 312-8088 Visa and PayPal ACCEPTED Classic. During his rookie cam- 18. Fidrych. The party is campaigning against 1 (800) 422-1275 POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009 www.polamjournal.com 17 P REVIEW / Dr. Richard Lukas hoto : E : rik H The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler einila Historians have succeeded in saw, where she sided with Jewish role in the film than he did in reality. unearthing the evils of the Holo- students against some anti-Semitic Interviews, reports and testimonies caust era. But they have been far thugs, would have provided the nec- by and about Irena Sendler that I less conscientious and resourceful essary context for her selfless mis- have read do not even mention him. in revealing to us the thousands of sion later in life. One of the worst omissions in the heroes and heroines in all countries Although there are some very film was Irena Schultz, who loyally of German-occupied Europe who riviting and emotionally tense mo- worked side by side with Sendler took enormous risks in helping oth- ments in the film, Harrison and Sp- from the beginning of Polish relief ers during the Nazi era. agnola fail to maintain consistently efforts in the Warsaw Ghetto. Many years ago, Rabbi Harold the level of tension that Sendler’s Ironically, had Harrison and Sp- Schulweis observed that society remarkable story deserves. Anna agnola relied on Sendler’s own ac- needs heroes and heroines — these Paquin, who bears a strong resem- count of the night of her arrest, they exemplars of good — to teach us blance to Sendler as a young wom- would have had an accurate and far and our children about goodness. an, delivers a fine performance. Sea- more dramatic rendition of what We need them as a counterweight to soned actors Marcia Gay Harden, happened than the inaccurate dull the evil of Nazism who plays Send- episode they concocted. In the film, and what it perpe- Sendler Posthumously ler’s mother, and two or three rather diffident Gestapo Irene Sendler (Anna Paquin) grabs the arm of a Jewish child (Rebecca trated upon Jews Goran Visnjic, agents arrive at Sendler’s apartment, Windheim) as the Germans pursue. and gentiles. Granted the Hepburn who plays Send- where Irena, her mother and a col- F i l m m a k - Humanitarian Award ler’s love inter- league in the underground are pres- fact, she recovered the list from her and their escorts through the laby- ers have been NEW YORK — The Audrey est, also deliver ent. Stefan is there, too, but scurries friend and buried it in jars under a rinth of corridors and cellars of two even slower Hepburn Foundation, named in convincing per- into a wardrobe to hide before the tree, where they remained until the of the exits from the ghetto; the than historians honor of the late American ac- formances. Germans enter the apartment. Irena Warsaw Uprising of August-Sep- ambulance, tram and lorry drivers in celebrating tress and UNICEF ambassador, Harrison and is arrested and taken to prison. tember, 1944. She dug up the jars who transported the children to safe the heroes and presents the award to persons and Spagnola should In reality, there was a large num- and held them until the end of the havens; the people who provided heroines of the organizations merited in help- be commended ber of Gestapo agents who banged war, when she gave them to Adolf forged documents and money to en- Holocaust era. ing children. The foundation has for including the so hard on the apartment door that Berman, head of the Jewish Com- able the success of the operation; Finally, almost honored Irena Sendler, recalling poignant com- Irena thought the hinges would mittee. the physicians who helped with seventy years af- her heroic efforts helped save ments of Irena come off. The Germans tore up the These inaccuracies could have passes for Sendler and her co-work- ter the event, a more than 2,500 Jewish children Sendler shortly apartment looking for incriminat- been avoided had the producers and ers to move freely in the ghetto and made-for-televi- during the Nazi German occupa- before her death ing evidence against Sendler. They writers hired qualified historical ad- provided thousands of vaccinations sion drama about tion of Poland in World War II. concerning the even ripped up floor boards. Before visers, who are conspicuously ab- for children and adults; the Polish the extraordinary Irena Sendler saved the future heroism of Jew- this tense and threatening situation sent from the film’s credits. families who gave temporary or per- achievement of of the Jewish nation, said Piotr ish mothers who developed, Sendler had the wit to manent homes to the children; and Irena Sendler was Kadlcik, chairman of the Asso- gave up their throw the list of names of Jewish Viewers unfamiliar with the convents of several religious or- presented by the ciation of Jewish Communities children to save children, who had been saved to her wartime Poland and Polish efforts ders, including the home of Father Hallmark Hall of in Poland. them from cer- colleague, who hid the incriminating to assist Jews through the RADA Gabriel Boduen in Warsaw, who hid Fame on Sunday, The award has been received tain death and the information in her undergarments. (Central Welfare Council) and later the Jewish children. April 19, 2009. in Berlin on behalf of the Sendler torments experi- The film accurately treats Send- Zegota might easily gain the im- None of this detracts from Irena Based on a book family by Poland’s ambassador enced by Polish ler’s confinement and brutal torture pression, as many film critics did, Sendler, who was the heart and soul by Polish actress, to Germany Marek Prawda. mothers who had at Pawiak, the infamous prison in that Sendler and a small group of of the Polish underground con- Anna Mieszkows- to return them to Warsaw where hundreds of Poles colleagues, mostly women, were spiracy to save Jewish children. ka, “The Courageous Heart of Irena Jewish relatives and agencies who died, but fails to entirely respon- Despite some limitations and inac- Sendler,” does a competent job of reclaimed the children at the end of acknowledge the Interfaith Service sible for saving curacies, “The Courageous Heart of informing audiences of the compel- the war. specific role of 2500 Jewish Irena Sendler” is a pioneer film of a ling story of sacrifice and courage of Julian Grobelny, Remembers Heroine children. compelling story of sacrifice, cour- one of the authentic moral giants of It is axiomatic that most film- head of Zegota HAMTRAMCK, Mich. — As Sendler age and goodness. Irena Sendler not our time. makers take substantial liberties (The Council for The Piast Institute, the American herself said, “I only saved Jewish children but also Unfortunately, screenwriters with historical facts. “The Coura- Aid to Jews), who Jewish Committee and the Jew- couldn’t have humanity’s soul. John Kent Harrison and Lawrence geous Heart of Irena Sendler” is no arranged the bribe ish Community Relations Coun- done it alone.” v v v John Spagnola failed to offer any in- exception. Minor departures from that freed Sendler cil sponsored an interfaith prayer Her best estimate Dr. Richard C. Lukas is a retired sights into what motivated Sendler historical accuracy can often be jus- from the clutches service and commemoration of was that it took professor of history. in her mission to save the lives of tified in the making of a film. But of the Gestapo. the first anniversary of the death ten or twelve He has taught at universities in 2500 Jewish children from the major distortions, exaggerations, and The movie has of Irena Sendler on May 12 in the Poles to save the Florida, Ohio and Tennessee. He is Warsaw Ghetto. A few scenes of Ire- omissions are inexcusable. In “The Sendler giv- Pope Park in Hamtramck. life of one Jew- the author of eight books and nu- na’s early life with her father, who Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler,” ing Grobelny The event included prayers ish child. Sendler merous articles and reviews. His practiced social justice in his daily Goran Visnjic, who plays Stefan, a the names of the and brief evocations of her work often mentioned acclaimed books include: The For- life as a physician, and her years as Jew whom Irena loves and marries rescued Jewish and life by Polish and Jewish the janitors who gotten Holocaust, Did the Children a student at the University of War- after the war, has a more prominent children when, in speakers. led the children Cry? and Forgotten Survivors.

ART SCENE / Staś Kmieć 14KT. GOLD JEWELRY A D Pianist Krystian Zimerman Shuns States in Protest B C E Poland’s Krystian Zimerman, New York to give a recital at Carn- widely regarded as one of the fin- egie Hall. Apparently because the est pianists in the world, created a piano’s glue resembled a compound G I furor on April 26 in his recital debut used in explosives, the Transporta- H at Walt Disney Concert Hall when tion Security Administration decid- he announced from the stage that ed to take no chances and destroyed the instrument. this would be his last performance J K In 2006 he tried to travel with in America — in protest of the na- his own piano again, only to have it tion’s military policies overseas and held up in customs for five days and particularly in Poland. disrupt his performance schedule. F He had made a similar same During a recent performance at ALL SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE • All items are 14KT Solid Yellow Gold. threat in 2006, stating he would not Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall, he de- return until George W. Bush was lighted his audience by making sly Description Some items available in sterling silver. out of office. reference to his approval of Barack A. Polish Princess Please write or call for pricing. Approximately three dozen in the Obama in the White House. But Zi- B. #1 Babcia (Script) Golden Lion Jewelry audience walked out, some shout- merman appears to have been upset C. #1 Babcia (Block) ing obscenities. “Yes,” Zimerman by Barack Obama’s decision, an- D. Small Eagle P.O. Box 199 answered, “some people when they nounced this month, to maintain the E. Medium Eagle Port Reading, NJ 07064 hear the word military start march- Bush-era policy of installing a mis- F. Large Eagle (908) 862-1927 Zimerman: not happy with Obama sile defense shield in Poland and the ing.” G. Large Heavy Eagle (Add $6.00 Postage & Handling for each item) decision. Czech Republic. H. Extra Heavy Eagle Prices subject to change Others remained but booed or After his declaration, Zimerman I. #1 Mamusia (Block) Please allow 10-14 days for delivery. If not satis- yelled for him to shut up and play the classical music world thought it turned to the piano and played the fied, return for refund within 15 days. J. #1 Tatus (Block) the piano. But many more cheered. might have been logistical. Zimer- Karol Szymanowski’s “Variations New Jersey residents must add 7% sales tax. K. #1 Ciocia (Block) He responded by saying that Ameri- man travels with his own Steinway on a Polish Folk Theme,” with New York & Mass. residents add appropriate ca has far finer things to export than grand piano, which he custom-al- such passion and intensity that the L. Tie Tacks of D, E, F, G sales tax. the military, and he thanked those tered himself. Shortly after 9/11 stunned audience gave him multiple PASS IT ON! When you finish reading your copy of the Polish who support democracy. attacks, amid heightened security ovations. There was no encore. The American Journal, please pass it on, and ask that person to subscribe. At least some of his reproach ap- his instrument was confiscated at cheers at the conclusion were re- This can be your contribution to keeping alive our Polish heritage. pears to be personal, but many in JFK Airport when he landed in ported as “deafening.” 18 www.polamjournal.com POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009 Visit to Auschwitz Part Jaruzelski, Last Communist HERITAGE / Ellye Slusarczyk TRIVIA TIME of Rehab Program Leader, has Tumor Removed OSWIECIM, Poland — A WARSAW — A hospital spokes- by Ellye Slusarczyk Blessed Michael spokesman for the Auschwitz muse- man says Poland’s last communist 1. Josef Wybicki settled on a farm Blessed Michael Kozal is an ex- for him. Treated um said they had agreed to a request leader, Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski, in the a. Krakow area b. Leszno emplary patron and role model for extremely poor- from the authorities in southern Po- has undergone an operation to re- region c. Krasne slopes priests, prisoners and teachers. ly, he was sent land for prisoners to visit the camp move a malignant tumor from his 2. The Leszczynski Family, in the He was born in Ligota, Poland to the Dachau as “an element of their rehabilita- face. 1600s, bought the town of Ry- in 1893. Raised by very religious Concentration tion program.” Warsaw military hospital spokes- dzyna, and built a a. grand pal- parents, he became a strong and Camp, where his The convicts will get a guided man Wojciech Lubinski said the ace b. cathedral c. guild hall dedicated Catholic. In 1918, Mi- life was one of tour of the camp, in which an esti- procedure was successful and that 3. Glogowko is known as the a. chael entered the priesthood. Like constant ridicule Jaruzelski returned home after six mated 1.5 million people perished, flower district b. land of many his fellow priests, he served in vari- and suffering. days in the hospital. He will have to lakes c. Holy Mountain and attend a course on Auschwitz’s ous parishes, numerous secondary While in return for regular checkups. 4. Poland’s largest hunting mu- history and the crimes the Third schools, and the seminary in his Dachau, he Fr. Kozal Jaruzelski has been in poor health seum is in a. Goluchow b. Lad home diocese. deeply felt the POW photo. Reich perpetrated against millions for years. Last year he underwent a c. Lichen Father Kozal was consecrated plight of his fel- of people across Europe. procedure to stabilize his heartbeat. 5. Konin is called the capitol of a. as auxiliary bishop of Wloclawek. low countrymen and priests. Conse- “It’s going to be shock therapy The 85-year-old former leader is bison forests b. brown coats c. This event in his life occurred just quently, he offered himself for their for them,” said Major Luiza Salapa a divisive figure in Poland because salt mines two weeks before the invasion of freedom while he continued to min- from the prison service, explaining of his 1981 decision to impose mar- 6. Poland’s oldest road sign is a Poland and the beginning of World ister to his fellow prisoners. that by learning in graphic detail tial law to crack down on the fledg- 12th century a. carved linden War II. A lethal injection was adminis- about the horrors of the camp the ling Solidarity movement. tree b. shrine c. pillar A short time later, he was ar- tered to him in 1943. Beatified in convicts might move away from the 7. Baruta is Poland’s most notori- rested by the Nazis. Life now be- 1987, Blessed Michael Kozal lives criminal behavior that brought them Subscribe Today! ous a. devil b. dragon c. thief came very difficult and challenging in the hearts and souls of all of us. to prison. Call 1 (800) 422-1275 8. Maria Walewska was called a. Empress of Poland b. Napo- leon’s Polish wife c. Warsaw’s CIEKAWOSTKI / Martin S. Nowak Guardian Angel 9. The town of Piatek means a. high noon b. rolling hills c. Fri- Lewis Littlepage: American Citizen, Polish Statesman day 10. In Rogow, you will enjoy visit- Lewis Littlepage was a young These assignments were meant In 1794, Kościuszko’s rebellion he could not afford a return trip to ing a. a musical museum b. an American who was a figure in the to ultimately establish alliances be- against foreign occupation began. America. arboretum c. a cave final years of the Kingdom ofPo- tween those countries and Poland Littlepage was witness to the ac- In 1798, still in Warsaw, his land. He was born in Virginia in in order to block the advances of tions in Warsaw that chased out the health starting to deteriorate, he fi- ANSWERS. 1. b Lesno region 2. a 1762 into a well-connected family Russia, Prussia and Austria against Russians, but remained at the king’s nally received his compensation grand palace 3. c Holy Mountain 4. and at seventeen was sent to Madrid it. Poland was in the throes of re- side in the castle. When accused of from Russia. He continued his cor- a Goluchow 5. b brown coats 6. c to live in the household of John Jay, form, that were opposed by factions being a pro-Russian traitor to Poland respondence with the king, now in pillar 7. a devil 8. b Napoleon’s Pol- U.S. Minister to Spain. There, he supporting those three powers. At by the rebels, Littlepage appealed St. Petersburg, and worried about ish wife 9. c Friday 10. b an arbo- furthered his education in politics the same time, Littlepage kept up a directly to Kościuszko, protesting his future. The king’s death on Feb- retum and foreign diplomacy in a hands- correspondence with America, prin- his innocence. ruary 12, 1798 was a heavy blow to on manner. cipally with Jefferson, that kept the He met General Kościuszko and Littlepage, for he had been to him In 1781 he joined the Spanish United States informed about the was offered a position of command. a father figure, his main employer, Wajda Plans Film army and served with distinction situation in Europe. Though he did not formally accept, source of identity and a true friend. About Walesa against the British in Gibraltar. Two The king recalled Littlepage to he joined the insurrection and fought Littlepage remained in Warsaw WARSAW — Poland’s pre- years later the French General La- Warsaw in time to see Poland adopt against the Prussians in northern Po- until 1800, his activities unknown. mier filmmaker, Andrzej Wajda, fayette accompanied him to Paris, the May 3rd Constitution of 1791, land, who had come to aid Russia. Finally, in late 1801 he returned to plans to make a film about 1980’s and Littlepage was introduced to the amidst much celebration. Littlep- When the rebellion began to col- America. He had been gone for six- Solidarity leader Lech Walesa, French royal court where he made a age had nothing to do with its for- lapse in late 1794, Littlepage went teen years, and for much of that time with a script by Agnieszka Hol- favorable impression. mulation and had serious doubts back to Warsaw and took part in the had not written his family, who for land. In 1784, Littlepage traveled about its efficacy. When in 1792 defense of its suburbs. He parted many years had not known if he was Wajda is upset by the way in across Europe with a French prince Russia invaded Poland and occu- forever with the king, who was tak- still alive. Only nine months after which Walesa and his accom- who was married to a Polish wom- pied Warsaw, he remained loyal to en away to Grodno by the Russians. arriving, Littlepage died at age thir- plishments are being treated. an. In Poland, he became acquainted King Stanisław and was given the It is said that only Littlepage’s ser- ty-nine on July 19, 1802. His long “What worries and makes me an- with the leading social and political military rank of major general. Lit- vice with the Russian navy in 1788 illness and cause of death remain a gry today is the situation where families and was personally intro- tlepage, the king and several other saved his neck. mystery, possibly tuberculosis. Thus the hero of Solidarity, Lech Wale- duced to King Stanisław August aides were held under house arrest After six months he left Poland, ended the life of an adventurer, Pol- sa, who played such an important Poniatowski. Littlepage made an in the royal castle. Many of those once he secured enough money ish statesman and American citizen. role in history, is being attacked immediate impression upon the close to the king turned on him and to do so. After a year in Hamburg His gravestone in Fredericksburg, by people who are nobodies in king, for he was charming, witty became informants for the Russians. and Berlin, he returned to Warsaw Virg. includes the following inscrip- comparison with him.” and intelligent bordering on genius. The result was the second partition in early 1796. Poland was no more tion: The 82-year-old Wajda’s last They shared an interest in books and of Poland between Prussia and Rus- on the map of Europe, having been Honored for many years with the film, “Katyn,” which explored liberal ideas. King Stanisław ad- sia. Littlepage was not involved in completely partitioned among Prus- esteem and confidence of the unfor- the massacre of Polish officers mired all things American, and Lit- “negotiations” over this abominable sia, Russia and Austria. Littlepage tunate Stanislaus Augustus, King of and intellectuals by Stalin’s se- tlepage’s friendship with Lafayette event. kept up a correspondence with King Poland, he held under that monarch, cret police in World War II, was and knowledge of France and Spain At this time, he was suffering Stanisław in Grodno and hoped to until he lost his throne, the most in Berlin’s competition last year. appealed to him. The king offered from an illness, possibly malaria, see him again. He was still greatly distinguished offices, among which Littlepage a position in his court and that had him bedridden from time to concerned about money owed him was that of Ambassador to Russia. he enthusiastically accepted. time. A reckless spender, he worried for his services to Poland, which He was by him created Knight of St. Letters from John Paul II He returned to see his family about his debts and payments owed Russia consented to pay via a com- Stanislaus, chamberlain and con- WARSAW — A Polish survivor in Virginia, and met with George him for his services to Poland, for mission assembled in Warsaw. In fidential secretary in his Cabinet, of a Nazi concentration camp has Washington, Thomas Jefferson and which Russia had assumed respon- the meantime, he received a small and acted as his special envoy in the published a book recollecting her Patrick Henry. He sought assuranc- sibility. pension to live on, and fretted that most important negotiations. family’s relationship and vacations es that his position in Poland would with Pope John Paul II, including not affect his American citizenship. letters from the late pontiff. On March 2, 1786, Littlepage Wanda Poltrawska, 87, said the was sworn in as King Stanisław’s relationship started in the 1950s First Confidential Secretary and when she sought out a priest for Chamberlain at the age of twenty- spiritual support so she could over- four. The two men developed a deep come trauma she suffered during al- personal friendship. Language was no barrier, for both spoke French most four years at the Ravensbrueck and English. concentration camp. The king sent Littlepage as envoy That priest was Karol Wojtyla, on missions to Russia and France, who was elected pope in 1978. but Littlepage abruptly left his post Poltrawski’s 570-page book, in Paris to join the Russian navy in “The Beskidy Mountain Recollec- a campaign against Turkey in 1788. tions,” recalls vacations with Woj- He served under the command of tyla and letters of spiritual guidance John Paul Jones, another American he exchanged with her and her fam- who fought for Russia. After a few ily — a correspondence that contin- months Littlepage returned to War- ued after he became pope. saw and King Stanisław forgave him There are no immediate plans for for deserting his post in Paris. He non-Polish language editions of the was sent to Spain in 1790, where he book. successfully established diplomatic relations between Madrid and War- Visit us on the internet at: saw. The king knighted him with the www.polamjournal.com Order of St. Stanislaus. The follow- and our blog at ing year found him back in Paris as [email protected] Poland’s special envoy to France. POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2009 www.polamjournal.com 19

IN MEMORIAM PONDERING POLE / Edward Poniewaz Zygmunt Kordalewski, World War II Slave Laborer Pop Once thing I have heard over and that” was code for not allowing any- Pop told the story of going to The C section of The New York over about the old timers, our par- one to see you at less than your best. Biddle Street with his mom, my Times for Saturday, April 25, 2009, ents and grandparents, is they didn’t Tell me about a guy who thinks Mi- grandma Casimira, every week. “Ev- featured a story about Thomas Sa- like to talk much about their child- chael Jordan or Mickey Mantle or ery week I went with my mother to doski. He is currently starring in hood or families when they first im- Tiger Woods is God. I have a pretty the Biddle market to buy a chicken. the Broadway production of rea- migrated to the United States. One good idea that all of the immigrant Each time mom would pick one out sons to be pretty and in this piece reason is that they were ashamed Polish boys in Walnut Park thought from the same place owned by this he is compared to film and stage about their living conditions and of Musial as the closest thing to Jewish guy. Then they would get in notables such as Jane Fonda, James were so totally immersed in the day God. Next to their moms of course. a big argument over the chicken. He Gandolfini, and Jeremy Irons, also to day business of survival that they would hold it on the scale to weigh performing currently on the Great blocked any memories about grow- Pop would often say to me, it. While he had it on the scale, mom White Way. According to Patrick ing up out of their mind. Soldiers “Stan Musial wouldn’t do would be screaming that he was Healy, “Mr. Sadoski (sah-DAH-ski) are like that. They typically are that,” and he wasn’t talking weighing down the scale. He would has emerged as a classic New York pretty mum about “the war,” espe- yell back at her that if he let go of theater success story: after years of cially if they saw combat. War and about making a pitch or the chicken it would fly away!” My working Off Broadway, he is draw- the ghetto are hell. catching a ball. father would shake his head and say, ing praise not only for reasons to be My father was like this; he didn’t “Every week they would go through pretty but also for his role this win- have a great catalog of impressions Then there is Biddle Street. the same thing.” ter in the Second Stage Theater pro- of growing up in the North side of St. Recently the Hallmark movie It is a funny story but it really is duction of Becky Shaw, for which Louis or if he did he never seemed about Irena Sendler was shown — in my opinion — the essence of he has been nominated for a Lucille Zygmunt Kordalewski, lost his to want to dwell on them too much. about her heroics in World War II in the relationship between the Jew- Lortel Award for featured actor.” battle with congestive heart failure He would however, occasionally saving thousands of lives, in partic- ish and Polish people. The peasant Next month there will be a quiz four days before he was to celebrate ular the lives of the Jewish children thinks the business man and the his 54th wedding anniversary. Born on throw out a line or story about his on Polish-American slang such as January 1, 1921 in Buszkowek, Poland, past that stuck in my memory. All it marked for extermination by the market are trying to cheat her and What is an Uncle Stan? What is the he was 19 years old when he was kid- takes is an article in the paper or an Germans. It has only been a couple the merchant is trying to “hold” on P-word? What is a jab or drive-by? napped off of the streets for execution event on the news that recalls what hundred years after World War II to and deal with his customers with- and sent to a firing line. At the last mo- he said. that a movie has finally been made out making it seem like he is tak- Questions for June: Got any ment, he was saved and sent to a World Another summer and the start of showing how the Poles tried to help ing advantage of them. Both need stories? Got any stories about drive- War II Slave Labor Camp in Germany, baseball season and every summer the Jewish people and “objected” each other to live; both find them- bys? Have you seen The Saragossa where he suffered years of mental and and baseball season here in St.Louie to the Germans trashing and level- selves thrust into unavoidable and Manuscript and how many stars do physical abuse. Released at the end of you find a mention about Stan “the ing their country. This movie is nice unpleasant circumstances at times. you give it? Have you seen the pro- the war, he emigrated to Canada and Man,” Stan Musial. The Man is get- support on behalf of Polish-Jewish Ultimately they work it out because duction of reasons to be pretty and found a job in a gold mine. He met his relations or whatever that is. of the power of the market. Hope- wife Maria at a local dance and later ting way up in years but we love him. what is your opinion of Thomas Sa- moved to Detroit, and then settled in Not long ago, I saw a nice tribute to Pop had a story that I think per- fully the power of God intervenes. doski? Is Thomas a polski? Los Angeles, working as a tool and die his life written by his daughter. As fectly illustrates the long history Ultimately, it all comes back to the Dziękuje bardzo to Mirek De- machinist. The family decided to move many of these sentimental blops as I of the two groups throughout their chicken. nisiewicz and Jack Jackowski on the to North Miami, where he spent his have seen, I never get tired of them. long history together in Poland and information about Thomas Sadoski last 19 years enjoying life with his wife, This one is loaded with glorious how that apparently spilled over in The Saragossa Manuscript and The Saragossa Manuscript. daughter, and grandchildren. characterizations — “Stan the Man the new world, even in the crowded is a Polish film from the 1960s that If you have an answer to this “Standing proud at 6’ 4”, he was could not allow anyone to see him and noisy and smelly streets of the according to Wikipedia is one of month’s question, have a question of always fighting for his rights,” said at less than his best” but they pick Biddle market area in turn of the Scorsese’s, Coppola’s, and Bunuel’s your own, or have interesting facts daughter Lydia Kordalewski. up my spirits. century St. Louis. Biddle stands for favorite films. It is currently in my to share, contact me at: Edward Po- Kordalewski’s viewing and funeral Biddle Street and was like Orchard queue at Netflix. I can’t wait to see were attended by many North Miami Pop would often say to me, “Stan niewaz 6432 Marmaduke, St.Louis, City officials and special condolences Musial wouldn’t do that,” and he Street in the lower East side of Man- what all the hubbub is about. One MO 63139; [email protected]. were sent by Bishop T. Wenski from wasn’t talking about making a pitch hattan. Every major U.S. city and thing I want to pass on to you. The If you e-Mail me, put a reference Florida. or catching a ball. “Stan Musial neighborhood had one: it was near cast is a definitive list of indigenous in the subject line about the Polish wouldn’t do that” applied to school where the immigrant people lived Polish names. From Alina to Zdzis- American Journal or the Pondering REV. WLADYSLAW REKAS, was the work, chores, or how you treated and went to buy things like food, law. If you need a real Polish name, Pole. I cannot open an e-Mail if I Chaplain for the Polish Army Veterans people. “Stan Musial wouldn’t do clothing, and supplies, and many of check the cast list for The Saragossa do not recognize the subject or the Association, Post 1 and SPK Post 33 in the merchants, as in Eastern Europe Manuscript. You will find it. sender. Buffalo, N.Y., as well as a member of and New York, were Jewish. various other Polish veteran and civic Jurek-Park Slope organizations. Funeral Home, Inc. Three Generations of Family The “New” Polonia? Polish Falcons Aid Society Wins “Club of the Year” Honor and Orchestra United in Music More and more Polish Americans SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — When the Orange Coun- can be found networking on today’s GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Polish Falcons ty Mormon Choral Organization needed a great soloist popular social internet sites, such as Aid Society will be awarded Club of the Year hon- on viola for its 2007 Christmas concert at the Orange Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. ors during this year’s Pulaski Days celebration, to County Performing Arts Center, concertmaster Barbara Facebook probably has largest be held Oct. 1-4. Bell approached one of her San Clemente neighbors. number of Polish American polka The group will be recognized for its achievement Weneta Kosmala’s father, Jerzy Kosmala, is one of the 728 4th Ave., Brooklyn, NY fans, using it as a place they can talk during the event, which is held annually during the world’s top violists, a teaching professional who travels about upcoming dances, festivals, DORIS V. AMEN first full weekend of October to honor General Casi- the globe, performing and instructing. Would he agree LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR mir Pulaski, a Polish immigrant who gave his life for and other events. There are also Pol- NEWLY DECORATED CHAPEL FACILITIES to sit in with a 70-piece volunteer orchestra, backing a OUR 24-HOUR PERSONAL SERVICES ARE liberty during the American Revolution. This year’s ish and Polish American groups for AVAILABLE IN ALL COMMUNITIES choir of more than 300 adult and child volunteers? The a variety of interests, from writing AT-HOME ARRANGEMENTS Pulaski Days will be the festival’s 37th year. INSURANCE CLAIMS HANDLED answer was “Absolutely.” This was a chance for him to to sports. One of Facebook’s most SOCIAL SECURITY & VETERAN’S BENEFITS In considering the Falcons for the award, the perform alongside his daughter Weneta and his grand- PROMPTLY EXPEDITED Festival committee recognized the hall’s solid sup- popular applications is “Polish MONUMENT INSCRIPTIONS ASCERTAINED daughter Kasia before an audience of 2,000 in one of port of Pulaski Days with their participation in the Stuff,” which allows members to (718) 768-4192 America’s finest concert halls. send virtual gifts to one another. event each year, their emphasis on maintaining the The three generations of Kosmalas – Polish-born Jer- availability of quality ethnic Polish music and food zy and Weneta and California-born Kasia, 10 – played throughout all four days of the event, and the recent-  (718) 383-8600 in the Mormon Choral Organization’s Easter concert, A.K. No. 383-0320 ly completed remodeling of the group’s facility. “The Lord is My Shepherd,” before a full house at the In addition to their support of the festival, the  Peter Rago Performing Arts Center. Falcons also give scholarships each year to two chil- One day, Kasia’s brother Stefan, 7, may join in. He  Lic. Mgr. dren from Sacred Heart of Jesus School. Leslie P. Rago already plays violin at family gatherings. F.D. BRUSH UP / Prepared and distributed by the Polonia Media Network

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AMERICAN POLONIA AT A GLANCE Ninth Annual Katyn Remembrance in Baltimore CALIFORNIA WASHINGTON, D.C. SAN FRANCISCO — Mayor The Victims of Communism Gavin Newsom joined Poland’s Memorial Foundation (1521 Honorary Consuls in San Francisco, Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, Tad Taube and Christopher Kero- DC 20036) will hold its Wreath sky, in announcing a new sister city Laying Ceremony, June 16, 2009, relationship between San Francisco from 10:30-11:00 a.m. The inter- and Krakow. The announcement national commemoration ceremony was made at the annual Polonaise will feature wreaths and flowers Ball that honors the founding of the from around the world. 1791 Polish Constitution. Following the wreath-laying, the The San Francisco-Krakow re- Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom lationship will help foster business, Ceremony will be held in the U.S. civic and cultural links between the Congress Rayburn Building from two cities. noon until 2:00 p.m. A complimen- An official signing ceremony tary luncheon will follow. between the two cities will be held At 6:30 p.m., a multi-media pre- in Krakow on July 3. The ceremo- sentation and ribbon cutting ceremo- ny will include Mayor Jacek Ma- ny will launch the Global Museum jchrowski of Krakow along with a on Communism at a reception at the Honoring the Martyrs. U.S. Brigadier General James A. Adkins (photo, left) and Polish Consul Michal representative from Mayor New- Romanian Ambassador’s residence, Sikorski, with his wife Krystyna, during the remembrance ceremonies. som’s office and Consuls Taube and with Romanian food, drink and mu- Kerosky. The ceremony is open to sic. Ticket donations are requested by Richard Poremski and several local and visiting Po- Andrzej Gorzynski, with his son the public and members of the San for this event. BALTIMORE —They came un- lonia organizations, all contributed Oskar. Consul Sikorski delivered a Francisco community are invited to For more information or to der a hot April sun to the day-long to the dignity and success of the moving keynote speech at the Me- travel to Krakow to participate. RSVP, please call (202) 536-2373 ceremonies of the Ninth Annual Remembrance. morial site. “The business and cultural op- or send an email to vocmemorial@ Katyn Remembrance that were Participating in the events were In recognition for their Contri- portunities that will come from aol.com. conducted here on Sunday, April Fr. Jan Michalski of Holy Rosary bution of Remembrance and Per- this new relationship are too many 26, 2009. R.C. Church; Father Andrzej Bie- petuation of the Martyrs of Katyn, to count,” said Consul Taube, who U.S. Senator Barbara A. The National Katyn Memorial ganowski of Holy Cross PNCC; Honorary NKMF Membership emigrated to the United States from Mikulski (D-Md.) celebrated the Foundation (NKMF), led by Chair- Anna Yankova-White, Mayor’s Krakow just weeks before Germany Senate’s unanimous passage of a res- man Richard P. Poremski, honored Office of International and - Immi was bestowed upon Ambassador invaded Poland during World War olution to celebrate the ten-year an- the 21,000 Polish Army officers grant Affairs (representing Mayor Robert Kupiecki and Commanding II. “The economic and cultural re- niversary of the accession of Poland, — martyred by the Soviet Union Sheila Dixon); Special Assistant Military Attaché Brigadier General vival that has taken place in Poland the Czech Republic, and Hungary in the Katyn Forrest (and at other Loraine Laszczynski (represent- Leszek Soczewica, both of the Em- over the last 20 years is incredible, as members of the North Atlantic sites) during World War II. The ing U.S. Senator Barbara Mikul- bassy of Poland in Washington, as and San Francisco will now be well Treaty Organization (NATO). Sena- Remembrance included a special ski); and U.S. Brigadier General, well as to Brigadier General/Secre- positioned to take full advantage of tor Mikulski was a vocal proponent Katyn Mass in Polish/English at The Adjutant General, James A. tary Adkins. it.” in the Senate debate of welcoming Holy Rosary Church, formal cer- Adkins, Maryland Military De- On this reverential day, the these former Soviet bloc countries emonies at the National Katyn Me- partment, MDNG – representing Martyrs of Katyn were well re- NEW YORK into NATO. She is an original co- morial site, and a reception/dinner Governor Martin O’Malley. James SYRACUSE — There was plen- sponsor of this resolution. membered and duly honored: The in the Great Hall of PNA Council A. Adkins is also the Secretary of prayerful refrain of noted Polish ty of Polish pride on display May 1 Since joining NATO, Poland, 21. Each event was well attended the Maryland Department of Veter- poet Adam Mickiewicz — “Should in Syracuse. Hungary and the Czech Republic by Polonia, dignitaries, politicians, ans Affairs, as well as a member of I Forget Them, May God In Heaven Mayor Matt Driscoll and County have contributed immensely to the guests and friends of Poland. PLAV General Pulaski Post 209 in Executive Joanie Mahoney both security of the United States and the The local Color Guards of Baltimore. Forget Me” — was solemnly taken took time out to help mark the 90th mission of NATO, Senator Mikulski Stowarzyszenie Polskich Kom- The Embassy of the Republic into everyone’s hearts and minds. anniversary of the Polish Home, lo- said. She added, “As the great-grand- batantow (SPK) Post 32 and Pol- of Poland in Washington, D.C. and Playing “Taps,” U.S. Army cated along Park Avenue. daughter of Polish immigrants, this ish Legion of American Veterans the people of Poland were repre- N.G. Major Jari Villanueva pro- Ceremonies were held at the Pol- resolution holds special resonance (PLAV) Post 209, Magnificat Sing- sented by Consul Michal Sikor- vided the final somber note to the ish Home in the morning, leading up for me. ... That is one reason why I ers, Krakowiaki Dance Ensemble, ski and Military Attaché Colonel ceremonies. to Polish Constitution Day, May 3. have fought so long and so hard for The Polish Home itself serves as Poland and the others to be part of a club and community center, locat- the western family of nations.” Treasures of Polish Culture in Manhattan ed on Syracuse’s west side. 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